Cody Rhodes Explains Why He Used the Line About CM Punk & Roman Reigns Being in a ‘Measuring Contest’

Former WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes recently joined Mostly Sports With Mark Titus and Brandon Walker ahead of tonight’s WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 event to discuss his career and more. During the interview, Walker asked Cody Rhodes about his viral line on WWE SmackDown, saying Roman Reigns and CM Punk were in a “**** measuring contest” on WWE Raw.

Rhodes also said during his promo that Punk and Reigns should be glad he wasn’t there because “I didn’t get the nickname ‘Raheem’ for no reason.” The wrestler addressed the comment and why he used it during a promo on WWE SmackDown. Below are some highlights:

Cody Rhodes on Why He Dropped the ‘**** Measuring Contest’ Line

“I can’t really give you the thoughts on the specific, you know what, measuring contest, other than I said what I said. Not taking it back. Said what I said and fully in my belief in what I said. However, that was a day that we have the most hardcore fans who sometimes cannot tell what’s being put up as part of the show and what’s not. And that’s the beauty of what we do. Who when are you in character, when are you out of character, whatever it may be. There was a lot of, ‘Oh, they have to reply to this really great Roman and CM Punk promo. Like, we’ve got a rebuttal. We’ve got to fight back.’ I’m not fighting either of those guys. One I have the utmost respect for, and we hold two company records together. The other, a genuine friend — I’m not fighting you guys. I’m probably going to be wrestling somebody else.”

On Using the Line To Make the Audience Laugh and Move On

“So, what I thought was a little page of I’m just going to do something that hopefully makes this audience laugh, and we’re going to move on. Someone else, who I believe the current champion, Drew McIntyre, took it upon himself to stand up for the WWE Championship, and good for him. I don’t think the guy I beat for the WWE Championship is one of the guys we’re talking about. It’s all on paper. You know my friend, was it Kazeem [Famuyide]? You know Kazeem in the podcast? He had some had said something about protecting my feelings whenever Roman is around. And I thought, I’m — and this is going to sound really, you’re not going to love this, but I don’t need them protected. I’ve seen the balance sheet. I’m good on what the company has done with me and with him. We’re good.”

Cody Rhodes will be competing against Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Trick Williams in the men’s Elimination Chamber match later tonight. The winner of the match will go on to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 takes place later tonight at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. It will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Mostly Sports, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.