Rhodes Wins Triple Threat at American Airlines Center
Cody Rhodes qualified for Elimination Chamber after defeating Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match at Dallas's American Airlines Center Friday night.
The world champion faced two formidable challengers in a match that saw significant interference from Drew McIntyre, who had earlier told Zayn he wanted the Canadian wrestler to win because Zayn had “paid his dues” rather than because McIntyre “has his number.”
McIntyre’s interference proved decisive in the match’s climax. After Rhodes hit his signature cutter on Zayn, Fatu appeared ready to capitalize with his pop-up moonsault on the motionless Zayn. McIntyre broke up the pin attempt, put Fatu through the commentators’ desk, and later pulled Zayn on top of Rhodes after landing his Claymore Kick on the champion.
Rhodes managed to kick out of the pin attempt, sending the Dallas crowd into a frenzy. The match concluded when Zayn, refusing McIntyre’s assistance, landed his Helluva Kick on Rhodes. However, Rhodes capitalized on Zayn’s distraction caused by McIntyre’s presence, hitting his cutter on an unsuspecting Zayn for the victory.
The women’s division also featured qualifying action, with Alexa Bliss earning her Chamber spot by defeating Zelina Vega and Giulia in another triple threat match. Bliss secured the victory by pinning U.S. champion Giulia, keeping her WrestleMania aspirations alive after Charlotte Flair accidentally eliminated her from the Royal Rumble.
In women’s tag team action, champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky successfully defended their titles against Nia Jax and Lash Legend, though the match ended in a countout. The bout concluded with high-impact spots outside the ring, including Sky hitting Jax with a crossbody through a table and Legend spearing Ripley through the timekeeper’s barrier.
The Valentine’s Day-themed show also featured Jade Cargill defending her championship in a clean victory, setting up a potential WrestleMania title match between Cargill and Liv Morgan after the two faced off post-match.
The event marked another successful WWE production at the American Airlines Center, with the stakes particularly high as the Elimination Chamber approaches, serving as the final major event before WrestleMania 42.