WWE fans have been buzzing lately, and for good reason. The ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has taken center stage, with emotions running high and tempers flaring both inside and outside the ring. Add in the latest insights from wrestling legends and the shifting landscape of AEW due to injuries, and it’s clear the world of professional wrestling is anything but dull as February 2026 unfolds.
On February 10, 2026, Bully Ray, a voice respected for his no-nonsense takes on the business, offered a candid assessment of Cody Rhodes’s current persona. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray argued that Rhodes, despite his recent rage-filled performances, hasn’t yet tapped into his deepest, most authentic edge. “What we’re seeing now is still ‘playing angry,’” Bully Ray remarked. “I want to see Cody lean into a more raw, edgy, gritty look.” According to him, the wrestling business can wear on a person, especially after the gauntlet Cody has run since returning to WWE.
Bully Ray didn’t stop there. He pointed specifically to the recent Royal Rumble, where Drew McIntyre—who wasn’t even an official entrant—delivered a devastating Claymore to Rhodes, resulting in his elimination. “The wars he’s been through, who he’s had to face, who’s screwing him over,” Bully Ray noted, clearly referencing the frustration and betrayal that have become hallmarks of Cody’s recent storylines. “Moments like that should spark something deeper.”
For Bully Ray, the current feud with McIntyre is a crucible that could finally push Rhodes to reveal his true anger and vitriol. “He’s on his way there,” Bully Ray insisted. “This thing against Drew can get him there even more.” It’s a tantalizing prospect for fans who have watched Cody’s journey with bated breath, wondering just how far he’ll go to reclaim the WWE Championship and settle old scores.
That journey took a particularly dramatic turn on February 6, 2026, during WWE SmackDown. As Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring, Cody Rhodes launched a surprise attack, blindsiding the champion right on the entrance ramp. Security had to intervene and restrain Rhodes, underscoring just how personal this rivalry has become. Later that night, Rhodes grabbed a microphone and cut a blistering promo, warning McIntyre in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t make it to WrestleMania. The message was clear: Cody’s patience has run out, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to settle the score.
Rhodes’s actions and words have fueled speculation about whether he’s truly ready to embrace the darker, grittier side that Bully Ray and others believe he needs. The WWE Universe has witnessed his transformation from fan favorite to a man on a mission—one who’s been wronged, humiliated, and now, perhaps, finally pushed over the edge. But is this the real Cody, or just another layer of performance? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is palpable.
Adding a lighter note to the otherwise intense proceedings, Cody Rhodes recently appeared on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, co-hosted by Michelle McCool. During his appearance, Rhodes shared a humorous story from his earlier days, recalling how he used to carry the WWE Women’s Championship belt for his then-girlfriend, Layla El, when she forgot it. “Because at the time I was dating Layla. But speaking of titles, so you guys saw the belt in half, correct? Okay. So I often brought the belt to TV because someone would forget the belt. I often brought it… I would have it in my bag. And one title going through TSA is something where it’s a big chunk of metal. Another one that looks like a hatchet,” Rhodes said, drawing laughs. He explained the awkward conversations he’d have with airport security, sometimes resorting to, “I collect these, right? Like the guys who come to the show and they have all the… I collect these.”
Stories like that offer a glimpse into the lighter side of life on the road for WWE superstars, even as the stakes in the ring continue to rise. They also remind fans that behind the intensity and bravado, there’s room for humor and humility—a combination that has endeared Cody Rhodes to so many.
Meanwhile, the world of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has its own challenges and shakeups. Samoa Joe, a cornerstone of AEW’s roster, missed the January 28, 2026, episode of Dynamite due to a non-contact injury. The news, confirmed by Fightful, revealed that Joe is currently in concussion protocol, with no clear timeline for his return. In his absence, Andrade has stepped up to fill top plans, and HOOK is now leading The Opps as of early February 2026. Joe’s absence is a significant blow to AEW’s ongoing storylines, as his physical presence and veteran savvy have long anchored the promotion’s major feuds.
Andrade’s elevation into top-tier plans marks an intriguing development for AEW fans. Known for his athleticism and charisma, Andrade has the potential to inject fresh energy into the main event scene. Meanwhile, HOOK’s leadership of The Opps signals a new direction for one of AEW’s most buzzworthy factions. With Samoa Joe’s return date uncertain, all eyes are on how these shifts will impact the company’s momentum heading into the spring.
The dual drama unfolding in both WWE and AEW highlights just how dynamic the world of professional wrestling remains in 2026. On one side, Cody Rhodes stands at a crossroads—haunted by past betrayals, driven by a burning desire for redemption, and perhaps, on the precipice of unleashing his most dangerous self yet. On the other, AEW is forced to adapt and innovate in response to unforeseen injuries, giving new stars a chance to shine and established names fresh storylines to chase.
For fans, it’s a thrilling time to be invested in both promotions. The Rhodes-McIntyre feud is shaping up to be a classic, with each week bringing new twists, raw emotion, and the promise of unforgettable moments. Bully Ray’s challenge to Cody—urging him to dig deeper and let loose his true anger—has added another layer of intrigue, raising the stakes for whatever comes next.
As the road to WrestleMania heats up and AEW recalibrates its roster, one thing is certain: the world of professional wrestling is as unpredictable and electrifying as ever. Whether you’re rooting for Cody Rhodes to finally claim his destiny or watching to see which AEW star steps up in Samoa Joe’s absence, there’s no shortage of reasons to stay tuned.
With emotions running high and storylines evolving by the week, the only guarantee is that the next chapter will be just as explosive as the last. Wrestling fans wouldn’t have it any other way.