3 Causes Cody Rhodes has been kicked out of the Undisputed WWE Championship image

Cody Rhodes has formally introduced his entrance for the Males’s 2026 WWE Royal Rumble match. Within the opening moments of SmackDown, Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre confirmed that the contract he signed with Rhodes earlier than their match contains that Cody is not going to get a rematch if he suffers the loss.

Contemplating this, The American Nightmare is again in line, which results in his Royal Rumble announcement. On this article, we’ll talk about three the explanation why the Prodigal Son has been kicked out of the Undisputed Championship image.

#3. To guide recent opponents for Drew McIntyre as Champion

One of many key the explanation why Rhodes has been kicked out of the Undisputed Title image is that it’s going to permit WWE to guide recent challengers for the Scottish Warrior. If The American Nightmare will get a rematch, then it could really feel like McIntyre’s title reign is boring, and followers could possible lose curiosity very quickly.

Contemplating this concern, WWE opted to maintain Cody out of the championship image instantly after he suffered a loss final week.

#2. To place a relaxation on Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes feud

By not permitting a rematch to the previous Undisputed Champion, WWE ultimately put an finish to the McIntyre and Rhodes feud. This seems to be a strategic transfer by the Stamford-based promotion as the corporate can revisit this unfinished enterprise later this yr.

Although The American Nightmare has declared his entrance for the Males’s Rumble match, he’s nonetheless unlikely to attain the victory.

#1. WWE desires to guide Cody Rhodes in non-title feuds

Over the previous few months, Cody Rhodes has been persistently booked in Championship feuds. Both he stays the titleholder or continues to chase the World title. He initially suffered the loss towards John Cena finally yr’s WrestleMania however later reclaimed the title at SummerSlam 2025.

With the Triple H inventive staff reserving Rhodes repeatedly within the title feud, it is time to guide the Prodigal son in some non-title rivalries. Already, Cody issued a warning to Jacob Fatu on the blue model for his actions on final week’s SmackDown.

So, the corporate could formally kick off a feud between these two stars. Additionally, if Rhodes didn’t emerge on the high within the Males’s Rumble match, then a non-Championship feud may very well be ready for him.

To guide Cody with out the World title image seems to be another excuse why he received kicked out of the Undisputed WWE Title image.