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Cody Rhodes appeared on ESPN Sportscenter this morning via Zoom from Riyadh to promote the 2026 Royal Rumble.
Rhodes said his goal is to tie Steve Austin and win a third Rumble.
Rhodes was asked if he felt there was a target on his back. He said he's had one since he returned to WWE as there are people who want to prove he didn't have what it took to be the top star and that he went from undesirable to undeniable. Every competitor in the Men and the Women's Rumble all have targets on their back. He said the fans live will be having the time of their lives.
He's of the belief that even if the score is up, you still want to run it up. He wants to tie Austin and match what he did in the Attitude Era. Rhodes joked there is no mercy today.
Rhodes was asked if he was concerned WWE Champion Drew McIntyre could interfere today. He joked he hoped McIntyre doesn't see the interview as it might give him ideas. He said Drew has a lot to deal with vs. Sami Zayn and mentioned Zayn has never lost in Saudi Arabia.
Rhodes was asked who he would throw out if he had his chance. He mentioned Brock Lesnar. He's beaten Lesnar twice in the past, so tossing him over would erase the one loss he has to Brock.
Rhodes said he tries to never appear rattled but there's always surprises and everyone gets nervous for the Rumble. He said the crowd lifts him up. They support him and sing and they get him into the end zone.
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