WrestleMania 42 heads to New Orleans as The Rock lays down a chilling challenge

Summary

– The Rock announces WrestleMania 42 will take place in New Orleans in 2026

– He tells Cody Rhodes he doesn’t want his championship—he wants his soul

– Cody must respond to The Rock’s challenge at Elimination Chamber on March 1

The Rock sent shockwaves through SmackDown with a major announcement and a personal challenge. He confirmed that WrestleMania 42 will take place in New Orleans in 2026, but that wasn’t his only message of the night.

Calling Cody Rhodes to the ring, The Rock reflected on their unexpected friendship over the past year. He acknowledged Cody’s reign as WWE Champion and offered him something bigger—an alliance that would take Cody’s career to unimaginable heights. As a TKO board member, The Rock promised to use his influence to open doors Cody never knew existed.

Cody, however, made it clear that he is their champion, not The Rock’s. That’s when everything changed. Looking into Cody’s eyes, the Rock revealed that he didn’t care about the championship itself. He wanted something far greater—Cody Rhodes’ soul.

With the WWE Universe stunned, The Rock left Cody with an ultimatum. He demanded an answer at the Elimination Chamber in Toronto on March 1. The challenge has been set, but the question remains—what will Cody decide?