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I. The “Heist” Analysis: Drew vs. Cody

• The Legal Loophole: Why the officials let a non-entrant determine the match. (Outside interference will never stop, depending on the storyline)
• The Strategy: How Drew successfully “deleted” Cody’s rematch clause.

When will we finally stop feeling frustrated with the booking decisions and angry at Drew, as he continues to pull the rug out from under Cody? Each time this happens, it feels like we’re witnessing a relentless cycle that leaves Cody struggling to regain his footing. Drew isn’t just wrestling Cody; he’s wrestling the concept of Cody’s “Story.” By taking him out of the Rumble, Drew effectively removed Cody’s guaranteed path to WrestleMania 42. Drew been obsessed with making sure Cody never gets a fair shake again. If a non-entrant is allowed to interfeer, there are risks of the fans turning on the Rumble.

They have to break the cycle before the fans revolt. 3 ways they can do it. (1) Nick Aldis has to step in on SmackDown. If Drew isn’t penalised for interfering in a match he wasn’t in, the “rules” of the Rumble mean nothing. (2) Since Cody didn’t win the Rumble, he’s almost certainly headed for the Elimination Chamber. If Drew tries to screw him there, that’s when the fans might actually revolt. (3) The strongest rumour right now is a Triple Threat at WrestleMania 42: Drew vs. Cody vs. Jacob Fatu. Adding the “Samoan Werewolf” to the mix would finally break the 1-on-1 stalemate.

“We’re officially on the Road to Vegas, but is the road blocked by a Scottish wall? Tonight in Riyadh, Drew McIntyre didn’t just win; he committed grand larceny. But there’s a fine line between a great villain and a boring loop. Is WWE pushing Cody fans to the breaking point?”

**”Kabuki Chaos”**

The Kabuki Mistake (Asuka & Kairi)

“Is the bond deeper than the botch?”

The Incident: Kairi Sane (#28) entered with all the fire in the world, but accidentally knocked Asuka off the apron while aiming for Iyo Sky.

The “Mute” Moment: This is where the technical wrestling was at its peak. The sequence between Asuka, Kairi, Iyo, and Giulia was a masterclass—until the accident. Asuka entered at #21, and Guilia was already in the ring, entering at #19. That three-way sequence between the Japanese stars was essentially a “Dream Match” preview, but it set the stage for an event that no one saw coming. Asuka was settling in to look like she would be there in the end when #28 Kairi arrived, trying to help Asuka clear the apron. Iyo had shoved Kairi into Asuka; other angles showed that Kairi simply missed her target, aiming for Iyo. Kairi knocked Auska off the apron, with Iyo eliminating Kairi. If you blinked, you would have missed this exchange.

#21 is usually a good number for Asuka, but on this night, it was the start of a nightmare. I had a feeling for a bit that there was a bit of a falling out between Kairi/Asuka, who was becoming a bully to Kairi after Iyo left the group. What you did get to see of the interaction between Kairi and Asuka was more shock than anything, with Asuka returning to the lockerroom on her own.

“As the lights dim over Riyadh Season Stadium, we’re left with more questions than answers. Whether it’s the cold, calculated ‘Heist’ pulled off by Drew McIntyre or the heartbreaking communication breakdown between Asuka and Kairi Sane, the landscape of WWE has shifted beneath our feet. The Original Tribal Chief has reclaimed his yard, but at what cost to the stories we’ve spent years following? I’ll be breaking down every botch, betrayal, and ‘mute-worthy’ moment on Tuesday’s podcast.

“While we’re left picking up the pieces in Riyadh, Triple H didn’t waste any time during the post-show presser setting the next stage. He called the upcoming return to Chicago ‘interesting,’ and with the United Centre hosting its first major PLE in decades, the atmosphere is already reaching a boiling point. Hunter confirmed the new stakes: the winners of the Elimination Chamber in February will receive the same reward as the Rumble winners—the right to choose any champion they want to challenge in Vegas. This isn’t just a consolation prize for Cody Rhodes; it’s a lifeline. If the ‘Heist’ in Saudi Arabia was meant to bury the American Nightmare, the cage in Chicago might be the only place left where Drew McIntyre can’t pull the strings. The ‘Long Game’ is in play, but as we saw tonight, even the best-laid plans can implode in an instant.”

Until then, keep your hooks busy and your eyes on the road to Vegas—because if tonight was any indication, the road through the Elimination Chamber is going to be a bumpy one. This is Cricket Fox, signing off.”