4 Things Cody Rhodes could do on the first SmackDown after WWE Royal Rumble 2026

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In this article, we will take a look at four things Cody could do on the first SmackDown after WWE Royal Rumble 2026.

#4. Cody Rhodes could attack Drew McIntyre backstage

Following his unfortunate elimination from the Men’s Rumble Match, Cody Rhodes might look to get his revenge on the one man who cost him his dream of main-eventing WrestleMania 42: Drew McIntyre.

Considering that The Scottish Warrior has continued to inflict damage on Cody even after taking the Undisputed WWE Championship from him earlier this year, Rhodes might have reached his breaking point. In a shocking turn of events tonight, The American Nightmare could attack McIntyre backstage, intensifying their rivalry.

#3. Could challenge Jacob Fatu to a stipulation match where the winner gets an Undisputed WWE Championship shot

Since Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes are both vying for an Undisputed WWE Championship shot against Drew McIntyre, Cody might decide to end it all by challenging Fatu to a stipulation match. The winner of this bout would then face McIntyre for the big one.

If that happens, it would garner much excitement from the audience, as fans might still want to see the match that the creative team denied them at Saturday Night’s Main Event last January.

#2. Cody Rhodes could announce a match against Jacob Fatu at Elimination Chamber 2026

While the above scenario seems tempting for tonight’s main event, the Stamford-based promotion could decide to schedule the match for a bigger stage like the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event.

If Cody announces a match against Fatu at the Elimination Chamber PLE, it would attract more views for the event and give the duo more time to brawl and hype the upcoming showdown.

#1. The American Nightmare could brawl with Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre

As usual, fans might see a brawl break out among Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes tonight on WWE SmackDown. However, the outcome of this fight could be different from what they expect.

In a shocking twist, Nick Aldis might announce a Triple Threat Match among the trio at Elimination Chamber with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line.