The latest episode of WWE SmackDown kicked off in chaotic fashion as Cody Rhodes launched a surprise attack on WWE Champion Drew McIntyre before he barely finished his entrance. However, what became the major highlight of the segment was Rhodes dropping the “Raheem” meme reference during his promo.
McIntyre controversially eliminated Rhodes from the 2026 Royal Rumble. Rhodes carried that grudge and went straight after The Scottish Warrior. WWE officials had to step in and pull them apart.
After McIntyre managed to get away, Rhodes grabbed the mic and fired up the crowd with an intense promo.
Cody Rhodes Makes Self-Aware ‘Raheem’ Joke on SmackDown
During his promo, Rhodes also referenced the heated face-off between Roman Reigns and CM Punk on Raw, pointing out how both men openly stated their hatred for each other and declared their WrestleMania goals. Rhodes then questioned why McIntyre couldn’t stop bringing up his name.
“But why when this amazing moment has concluded, it’s my name that comes out of your mouth?” Cody asked. “It’s simple, it’s because people know what WrestleMania means to me, what I mean to WrestleMania,” he said.
That line led to the most highlight-worthy moment of the night. The American Nightmare joked that WrestleMania season had become a “measuring contest,” adding that everyone should be glad he wasn’t invited, because he didn’t get the nickname “Raheem” for nothing.
“I heard it was going to be a you-know-what measuring contest. Well, they better be glad I didn’t get the invite, because I didn’t get the nickname Raheem for no reason,” Rhodes said.
The crowd went crazy as soon as the “Raheem” meme reference landed.
The “Raheem” nickname comes from a long-running, borderline NSFW fan meme from Rhodes’ AEW days. It started after a 2021 promo, which was meant to be emotional, where Rhodes talked about being married to a Black woman and having a biracial daughter.
But that moment birthed an iconic meme. Since then, “Cody Raheem Rhodes” has lived on through fan signs and online jokes.
Later backstage, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis told Rhodes that he would compete in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match next week. Aldis also warned him to keep his emotions in check.
Read More: Cody Rhodes Ambushes Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown After Royal Rumble Elimination
