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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCody Rhodes failed to qualify because Kevin Owens won the final men’s triple-threat qualifier, beating Rhodes and Johnny Gargano for the last ladder-match spot. WWE’s official match page says Randy Orton interfered “to keep The American Nightmare from winning.” Those are the documented reasons for the result; a third independent cause is not established by the available match coverage.
1. Kevin Owens won the final qualifying match
The deciding match was a triple threat between Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano. WWE’s official event page identifies Owens as the final entrant in the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match after his victory over the other two wrestlers: WWE’s 2026 men’s match page. Sports Illustrated’s recap of the October 2, 2026 SmackDown also reports that Owens qualified at Rhodes’s expense: Sports Illustrated’s October 2 recap.
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So the direct answer to “Who beat Cody Rhodes in the qualifier?” is Kevin Owens. Rhodes did not lose a one-on-one match to Owens; Gargano was also in the contest.
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2. Randy Orton’s interference worked against Rhodes
WWE’s event page specifically says Orton interfered “to keep The American Nightmare from winning.” That is WWE’s account of the match circumstance, rather than a quotation attributed to a named wrestler or official. It establishes that Orton’s interference was part of the finish and disadvantaged Rhodes; it does not, by itself, establish a broader backstage motive.
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3. The triple-threat format left Rhodes exposed to more than one opponent
WWE described the qualification process as a series of triple-threat matches, with six men qualifying for the ladder match. In a three-way qualifier, Rhodes had to contend with both Owens and Gargano, and the result depended on the overall match—not a direct one-on-one outcome between Rhodes and Owens. That format is useful context for understanding the loss, but WWE’s cited account does not identify it as a separate cause or give odds for any wrestler.
WWE announced the qualifier series in its September 16, 2026 roundup. The roundup’s list of qualified wrestlers was a snapshot from when it was published, not necessarily the final field.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the result does—and does not—show
The evidence supports a straightforward explanation: Owens took the last spot by winning the qualifier, and WWE says Orton interfered to stop Rhodes from winning. The triple-threat structure explains why the contest involved more than a direct duel, but the available coverage does not establish a third independent reason, a booking rationale, or another unreported factor such as injury or favoritism.
WWE’s event page listed Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the event date. Event schedules and broadcast details can change, so consult WWE’s live event page for current information.
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