The “American Nightmare” is officially headed back to the main event of WrestleMania as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody Rhodes successfully recaptured the title from Drew McIntyre on the March 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, setting the stage for a massive clash against his former mentor, Randy Orton. This historic victory ensures that Rhodes will participate in his fourth consecutive WrestleMania main event, a feat achieved by only a handful of legends in the history of the industry.
Speaking to Complex Graps on March 11, 2026, Rhodes was asked if he had a “Plan B” in place if he hadn’t managed to win the gold back from McIntyre. He admitted that his mindset was entirely focused on the championship, leaving no room for alternative scenarios. For Rhodes, the pressure of the main event has become a primary motivator for his current career path.
“I didn’t have a ‘plan B.’ It becomes champagne problems when you main event WrestleMania,” Rhodes explained. “The first time I did it, I didn’t win, but I got the taste for it, and the goal becomes, ‘I’m gonna main event WrestleMania again, but I’m going to win this time.’”
He reflected on the emotional roller coaster of the past two years, specifically referencing his loss at WrestleMania 39 and his subsequent triumph at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia. He described the drive to return to the top spot as a professional addiction, noting that he viewed anything less than a return to the marquee match in Las Vegas as a personal failure.
“The taste and addiction becomes, ‘I’m going to come right back to this spot’ and we did with John Cena and Vegas,” he continued, referencing his high-profile encounter with the 16-time world champion last year. “In my mind, not to use such a harsh term, I would have considered it a failure, but on my behalf. Maybe a failure on my behalf would have found me inspired or doing something different. I’m not sure. I really felt I needed to get back to Vegas. I didn’t have a Plan B.”
During the conversation, the hosts suggested potential “Plan B” opponents like the dangerous Jacob Fatu or the popular Sami Zayn. Rhodes noted that he liked both of those suggestions, acknowledging the depth of the current roster. Tensions have already been simmering between Rhodes and Zayn on the blue brand, with Zayn recently questioning the “hypocrisy” of Rhodes receiving multiple title opportunities while others are overlooked.
Fatu has also been a constant shadow over the championship scene, having both cost Rhodes the title in January and helped him regain it last week in Portland. As the road to WrestleMania 42 reaches its peak, Rhodes is focused on his upcoming contract signing with Randy Orton this Friday in Phoenix. The “Apex Predator” earned his spot by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, creating a “Legacy” reunion that will headline Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19, 2026. The WWE fans are eager to see if the champion’s singular focus will be enough to overcome the 14-time world champion in the Nevada desert.
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