The Final Boss makes it clear that his battle with Cody isn’t just about a match
Summary
– The Rock announced WrestleMania 42 will take place in New Orleans
– He told Cody Rhodes he doesn’t need a match, he wants something much bigger
– Cody’s response at Elimination Chamber could change the road to WrestleMania 41
The February 21 episode of WWE SmackDown saw The Rock make two major announcements. First, he confirmed that WrestleMania 42 will be held in New Orleans in 2026. Then, in a heated segment with Cody Rhodes, The Rock took things in a shocking direction by telling Cody he wanted him to be his champion—demanding his title and his very soul.
The tension continued into the post-show press conference, where The Rock clarified his stance. He explained that his rivalry with Cody isn’t necessarily about a match at WrestleMania 41. Instead, he emphasized that this story is driven by something deeper—character and power, not just the WWE Championship.
As everyone knows, it will culminate into a match, The Rock said. What I love about this rare air character of the Final Boss… It’s not about the WWE title; it isn’t about a match, and it isn’t about bleeding. It never has to culminate into a match.
The Rock expects Cody to give his answer at Elimination Chamber, and whatever Rhodes decides could have massive implications for the road to WrestleMania. While many expected The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes to be set in stone, this latest development suggests that WWE might take a different creative approach.
