Lisbon, Portugal – Cody Rhodes, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, has signaled his intention to conclude his in-ring career with WWE, effectively closing the book on a career marked by both independent success and a celebrated return to the global wrestling giant. The announcement, made during an appearance on ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike” program on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, comes as Rhodes prepares for a challenging match at the Elimination Chamber event this Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Chicago.
Rhodes, whose real name is Cody Runnels, has experienced a remarkable career trajectory. After initially gaining recognition as a member of the WWE roster in 2007, he departed the company in 2016 to forge his own path. This period saw him achieve significant success in other promotions, including All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH), ultimately establishing himself as a major star independent of the WWE umbrella. His highly anticipated return to WWE in 2022 was met with widespread acclaim, culminating in a Wrestlemania main event against Roman Reigns in 2023. He would later become a two-time WWE Champion and a one-time WWE Universal Champion, according to ESPN.
The decision to remain exclusively with WWE for the remainder of his career represents a significant shift for Rhodes, who previously hadn’t ruled out exploring other opportunities. “I don’t have an end date like I used to,” Rhodes stated on the ESPN broadcast. “I do know that whatever the next deal that I sign with WWE, I ain’t going nowhere, that next deal will be the last.” This declaration suggests a deep commitment to the company and a desire to notice his professional story reach its conclusion within the WWE framework.
A Career Defined by Resilience and Reinvention
Rhodes’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. The son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer and half-brother to fellow wrestler Dustin Rhodes, Cody initially struggled to establish his own identity within WWE, often overshadowed by his family’s legacy. His departure in 2016 allowed him to redefine himself as a performer and a promoter, co-founding ROH and becoming a central figure in the burgeoning AEW. This period of independence proved crucial in honing his skills and building a dedicated fanbase.
His return to WWE was widely celebrated as a homecoming, fueled by a compelling narrative of unfinished business and a desire to fulfill his father’s dream of winning the WWE Championship. While he initially fell short of that goal, losing to Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 39, Rhodes’ continued pursuit of the title has solidified his position as one of the company’s top stars. He would later defeat Drew McIntyre by pinfall to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship at Wrestlepalooza 2025, as reported by ESPN.
Facing the Present: The Road to WrestleMania 42
Currently, Rhodes’ focus is firmly fixed on the upcoming Elimination Chamber match. He will face a formidable lineup of opponents – Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso – with the winner earning a guaranteed opportunity to challenge the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. The stakes are high, and Rhodes acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his path to the “Show of Shows.”
The road to this point has been fraught with challenges. Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to McIntyre on January 9, 2026, in Berlin during a “Three Stages of Hell” match, a result complicated by the interference of Jacob Fatu, according to Yahoo Sports. Further frustration came when McIntyre subsequently eliminated Rhodes from the Royal Rumble, despite not being an official participant in the match. This series of setbacks has added a layer of intensity to their rivalry and heightened the importance of Rhodes’ performance at Elimination Chamber.
Age is Just a Number in Modern Wrestling
Despite entering his fifth decade, Rhodes remains confident in his physical abilities and his place among the top performers in the industry. He points to the continued success of veteran wrestlers like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns as evidence that age is no longer a significant barrier to achieving peak performance. “Gaze at what Brock [Lesnar] is doing currently at this level, he’s in peak form. Roman, older, peak form. Punk, Punk is the best he’s ever been. So age is really not what it used to be in the industry,” Rhodes explained.
This shift in the landscape of professional wrestling is attributed to advancements in training, nutrition, and sports medicine, allowing athletes to maintain a high level of athleticism and endurance throughout their careers. The ability to adapt and evolve has become increasingly crucial for longevity in the industry, and Rhodes appears well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level for years to come.
The Future of “The American Nightmare”
Rhodes’ commitment to WWE signifies a desire to solidify his legacy within the company and to contribute to its continued growth. He has already demonstrated his versatility as both a performer and a personality, hosting the TBS competition show “Go-Sizeable Show” and starring in “Rhodes To the Top” on TNT, which documented his journey during his AEW run. His ability to connect with fans and to advise compelling stories has made him a valuable asset to the WWE roster.
The upcoming Elimination Chamber match represents a critical juncture in Rhodes’ career. A victory would not only secure his opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship but also reaffirm his position as a top contender in the industry. With his next contract signaling the end of his career, Rhodes is determined to make the most of every opportunity and to leave a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.
As Rhodes prepares for his match in Chicago, the wrestling world will be watching closely, eager to see what the future holds for “The American Nightmare.” The outcome of Elimination Chamber will undoubtedly shape the landscape of WWE and determine whether Rhodes can finally “close the loop” with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.
The next major event for Cody Rhodes is the Elimination Chamber match this Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Chicago. Fans can follow the action live on Peacock. What are your thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ decision to finish his career with WWE? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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