WWE SmackDown this week concluded with Cody Rhodes defeating Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber 2026 match. In the ending moments, Drew McIntyre disrupted the triple-threat bout and attacked Rhodes and Jacob.
Despite this, the American Nightmare somehow pinned Sami, who emerged as the victor. Rhodes’s advancing to the Elimination Chamber match is getting mixed reactions from the audience.
Thanks for the submission!
In this article, we will be looking at three reasons why the Prodigal Son won the Chamber qualifying match on Friday Night Show.
#3. WWE could be planning for Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42
If Cody Rhodes wins the Elimination Chamber match, he will earn an Undisputed WWE title match against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. The Scottish Psychopath dethroned Rhodes to become the champion and refused to give him a rematch.
There were already rumors that WWE is planning for a Rhodes vs McIntyre match at this year’s Showcase of Immortals. So, this could be the reason Cody won the qualifying match on SmackDown, as he could be on his way to winning the Chamber bout and going on to WrestleMania to challenge McIntyre for the title
#2. To let Drew McIntyre or Jacob Fatu cost him again
The ending of SmackDown clearly shows that the feud between Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre, and Cody Rhodes is far from over. The reason behind the American Nightmare’s victory on the blue brand could be WWE’s intention to book McIntyre or Jacob in Chicago to cost Rhodes again.
This will escalate the feud between these stars and could lead to a triple-threat match before this year’s Shows of the Shows.
#1. To book Sami Zayn in a losing effort
Before the main event match, Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn were seen in an interesting backstage segment. Here, the Undisputed Champion expressed his desire for Sami to win the match.
Despite being a heel star, the words of Drew surprised the former Honorary Uce. Even at the end, the Scottish star did his best to give Sami a victory, but he ultimately failed.
It seems that the Stamford-based promotion could be building an underdog storyline for Zayn. This may culminate in a World Championship victory for him in the near future.
The reason Jacob Fatu didn’t win the qualifying match is that WWE may be planning for the Samoan Werewolf vs. McIntyre match at Elimination Chamber. This left Cody Rhodes as the only option for the victory.
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Edited by Angana Roy
