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Cody Rhodes embraced his role as WWE’s quarterback ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Elimination Chamber event at Chicago’s United Center. The American Nightmare fielded promotions all day, flying between New York and Chicago while prepping for one of the biggest matches of the year.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Date: February 28, 2026, at United Center in Chicago.
- First Event: WWE’s first United Center show since 1994, marking historic return.
- Cody’s Role: Rhodes promoted event across ESPN morning shows before heading to Chicago.
- Match Stakes: Winner faces Drew McIntyre for WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
The Loneliness at the Top
Rhodes has ascended to WWE’s peak since his WrestleMania 40 victory over Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Yet the journey proved lonelier than expected. “I had a lifetime to prepare for being the quarterback, but it doesn’t prepare you for it,” Rhodes told the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’s a little lonely at the top.”
The son of Dusty Rhodes credited key figures like Zach Maxwell, Kristen Bachino, and Matty Cox for supporting his “pursuit of greatness.” Rhodes leaned on trusted advisors to navigate WWE’s new era as the face driving record-breaking business deals.
Cody Rhodes embraces his role as WWE’s quarterback ahead of Chicago Elimination Chamber
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WWE’s Record-Breaking Business Momentum
WWE’s business landscape shifted dramatically under Rhodes’ leadership. In 2025, ESPN signed a historic five-year, $1.6 billion contract for premium live event streaming. Meanwhile, Netflix secured a multiyear agreement to host Monday Night Raw and WWE’s entire premium live event library on its platform.
These massive broadcasts thrust WWE into mainstream consciousness like never before. Rhodes recognized the platform’s power and aimed to showcase fresh talent alongside established veterans, creating programming that appeals to both loyal fans and newcomers discovering wrestling for the first time.
Loading the Varsity Team with Young Talent
Rhodes praised an influx of emerging superstars reshaping WWE’s future. “Some people, I think you will be surprised that we have loaded the crew up with freshmen on the varsity team,” he said. Rising talents like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Kit Wilson bring fresh energy without veteran nerves.
| Competitor | Notable Trait |
| Oba Femi | Powerful emerging threat on SmackDown |
| Trick Williams | Breakout star competing tonight |
| Je’Von Evans | First Elimination Chamber experience |
| Kit Wilson | Freshman on main roster |
“If you’re a fan or if you just like wrestling, you’re looking forward to decades of good wrestling.”
— Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
The Old Guard Refuses to Budge
Despite youth injections, wrestling’s veterans aren’t surrendering their standing. CM Punk, WWE World Heavyweight Champion and Chicago native, shows zero retirement interest. Roman Reigns remains a force despite being away from the title picture. Rhodes himself continues his main-event dominance, creating what he calls “the absolute best television” through generational clash.
“Punk isn’t giving up a spot. Roman’s not moving an inch. I’m not budging,” Rhodes explained. The collision between established main-eventers protecting turf and hungry newcomers creating opportunities produces wrestling at its finest, driving WWE’s current momentum forward.
Will Chicago Stand With or Against Rhodes?
Rhodes expected mixed reactions from Chicago crowds despite his history in the city. He recently self-funded a sold-out pay-per-view at NOW Arena with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. Yet he’s begun receiving divided crowd reactions, hearing “Let’s go Cody, Cody sucks” chants in Germany during a recent tour. “I forgot where I was standing” hearing those dueling reactions for the first time.
Rather than fight fan chaos, Rhodes embraced it. “You can’t try to be smarter than them,” he told the Sun-Times. “If you don’t deliver when you’re on the field, then fans don’t come back.” The United Center represents WWE’s opportunity to prove itself worthy of Chicago’s iconic venue and passionate wrestling community once more.
Sources
- Chicago Sun-Times – Cody Rhodes interview ahead of Elimination Chamber 2026, February 28, 2026
- 411Mania – Cody Rhodes discusses WWE momentum and new talent wave, February 28, 2026
- CBS Sports – WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 live results and match card coverage
