The 2026 Royal Rumble match has officially kicked off, and Cody Rhodes is once again a part of it. However, with his third-year streak on the line, Rhodes faces an uphill battle according to WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. During a recent episode of the January 16 SmackDown at the OVO Arena, Henry expressed his doubts about Rhodes’ chances of winning the highly coveted title.
A Skeptical Mark Henry
In a candid interview with a WWE insider, Mark Henry expressed his thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ chances of winning the Royal Rumble match for a third consecutive year. “I think Cody’s got a tough road ahead of him,” Henry said. “He’s been in this situation before, but with the talent pool we have in the WWE right now, I just don’t see him cutting through like he has in the past. The odds are stacked against him, and I think someone’s going to come out of nowhere and take that title.”
Henry’s comments have sparked a heated debate among WWE fans, with some arguing that Rhodes is due for a win and others believing that the odds are indeed against him. As the Royal Rumble match approaches, it’s clear that Cody Rhodes will face stiff competition from some of the WWE’s top talent.
Backstage Rumors Suggest Cody Rhodes is Focused on the Big Picture
Sources close to Cody Rhodes have revealed that despite Mark Henry’s doubts, Rhodes remains committed to winning the Royal Rumble match. According to a WWE insider who spoke to Ringside News, Rhodes is “more focused than ever” on securing the coveted title. “Cody’s been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for this moment,” the insider said. “He’s got a clear game plan in place, and he’s confident that he can execute it. Mark Henry’s comments might have been a wake-up call, but Cody’s not letting it faze him one bit.”
As the Royal Rumble match approaches, Cody Rhodes will face stiff competition from top WWE talent, including Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins. With the odds stacked against him, can Rhodes pull off the impossible and win the title for the third year in a row?
A Look at Cody Rhodes’ Royal Rumble History
Cody Rhodes has been a part of the Royal Rumble match multiple times in the past, but his streak of three consecutive wins is a unique feat. In 2022, Rhodes won the Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Brock Lesnar. The following year, he repeated the feat, outlasting Drew McIntyre in a thrilling match. This year, Rhodes is looking to make history once again, but with the talent pool he’s up against, it’s clear that he’ll face significant challenges.
The Competitors: Who’s Got What It Takes to Win?
The WWE Royal Rumble match is known for its unpredictability, but some wrestlers are more likely to win than others. Brock Lesnar, the Beast Incarnate, is always a threat due to his incredible power and intensity. Drew McIntyre, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025, and a win in the Royal Rumble match could be just the thing to get his career back on track.
Seth Rollins, meanwhile, is on a hot streak, and his experience in big-match situations makes him a top contender. Other wrestlers, such as Roman Reigns, Finn Bálor, and Kevin Owens, also have a good shot at winning the title.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
As the Royal Rumble match approaches, Cody Rhodes will be faced with a tough decision: focus on himself and try to win the title, or use the match as a springboard to bigger and better things. According to sources close to Rhodes, the wrestler is “keeping his options open” and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
With Mark Henry’s comments adding fuel to the fire, the WWE Universe is eagerly awaiting the 2026 Royal Rumble match. Will Cody Rhodes continue his three-year streak, or will someone new emerge to take the title? One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a wild ride.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Rumble match is always an unpredictable event, and this year’s edition promises to be no exception. With Cody Rhodes facing stiff competition from top WWE talent, it’s clear that he’ll have to dig deep to come out on top. Mark Henry’s comments might have been a wake-up call, but Rhodes is more focused than ever on securing the coveted title.
As the match approaches, WWE fans can expect a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns. Who will emerge victorious in the end? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the 2026 Royal Rumble match will be one for the ages.