Drew McIntyre Wants To Face ‘Anyone But Cody Rhodes’ at WrestleMania 42

During a recent interview with Busted Open Radio, WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre was asked by Dave LaGreca who he wants to face at WrestleMania 42. McIntyre’s answer was “Anybody but Cody Rhodes.”

When Bully Ray asked Drew McIntyre why that was the case with Cody Rhodes, McIntyre explained, “I’m concerned considering how the first two matches went and the referees bailing him out, and for the cage match. You know, I won, and obviously people are, ‘Oh, it was because of Jacob [Fatu].’ Was it, though? I’ve not said this because I don’t have to, but Jacob said it himself, ‘Wasn’t Drew in his way out the cage when I got there.’ I didn’t just overcome Cody? I overcame Cody and Jacob.”

McInctyre also noted that he can’t allow the title to return to Cody. He continued, “And I can’t get the title back on Cody where he’s protected again, he’s back in the Golden Boy spot. I liberated this title for everybody, but mostly me, because I believe I’m the man that needs to carry it forward into the future to make SmackDown feel the way it feels right now. Not sunshine lollipops, shaking hands, and kissing babies, unpredictable and dangerous the way it should be.”

Cody Rhodes Must Win the Elimination Chamber To Earn a Shot at Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42

If Cody Rhodes wants a shot at regaining the WWE Undisputed Title from Drew McIntyre, he will have to win the Elimination Chamber match later this month. Cody Rhodes is set to face Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, and two other unnamed competitors to be determined at the premium live event.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 takes place on February 28 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The premium live event will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Busted Open Radio, with a h/t to 411Mania.com for the transcription.