One Of The Reasons WWE Took Undisputed Title Off Cody Rhodes Was So He Could Be Featured In Royal Rumble & Elimination Chamber Matches

Andrew Thompson,Sean Ross SappMarch 4, 2026, 3:05 pm

Details about why Rhodes dropped the belt.

Sean Ross Sapp posted news about Cody Rhodes on the Fightful Select service. It was noted that one of the reasons Rhodes dropped the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in January was so that WWE could have Rhodes in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches.

One of the reasons the WWE Title was taken off of Cody Rhodes was so that he would be featured in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, adding to the draw of those shows, @FightfulSelect was told.

We have the full details now up for Select subscribers.

One of the reasons the WWE Title was taken off of Cody Rhodes was so that he would be featured in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, adding to the draw of those shows, @FightfulSelect was told.

We have the full details now up for Select subscribers. pic.twitter.com/FPdMq5nkI6

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) March 4, 2026

After McIntyre’s involvement in the men’s Elimination Chamber match ultimately cost Rhodes the bout, it was made official that Rhodes will be challenging McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the 3/6 Friday Night SmackDown.