Cody Rhodes Drops a Royal Rumble “Camera Trick” That Could Decide WrestleMania 42
Cody Rhodes may no longer be holding WWE’s top prize, but make no mistake—his eyes are locked firmly on getting it back.
After Drew McIntyre ended The American Nightmare’s reign on January 9, 2026, Rhodes was forced back into the familiar grind. If he wants another shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship, he’ll have to outlast 29 other superstars in the Men’s Royal Rumble match and punch his ticket to WrestleMania 42.
Ahead of the high-stakes event, Rhodes appeared on ESPN’s Get Up, where he casually revealed a little-known strategy that could give him an edge on the grandest Rumble stage.
When asked how he mentally prepares for a match of this magnitude—one that could see him tie Stone Cold Steve Austin’s historic Royal Rumble record—Rhodes didn’t talk about strength or endurance. Instead, he focused on something far more calculated.
According to Rhodes, positioning inside the ring can quietly make or break a Rumble performance.
He explained that staying in the center of the ring, away from the ropes, not only keeps a superstar safer but also keeps them in the spotlight. The idea is simple: when a new entrant hits the ring and the crowd erupts, the cameras naturally follow. That’s the moment, Rhodes says, when smart competitors strike.
Rhodes even referenced wrestling legend Haku, who famously used the same tactic—targeting whoever the audience was reacting to most, knowing the cameras would already be locked in.
The former champion also made it clear that draw position matters more than fans realize. Having gone the distance in the Royal Rumble twice before, Rhodes admitted that entering too early can be a brutal disadvantage. Experience, he believes, is what separates him from much of the field.
With confidence in his mindset and respect for the stacked lineup awaiting him, Rhodes hinted that he already feels one step ahead.
At Royal Rumble 2026, fans won’t just be watching Cody Rhodes fight for survival—they may be watching a masterclass in strategy unfold, one calculated move at a time.
