SAN FRANCISCO – There might be nobody on the planet happier for Matthew Stafford than Puka Nacua.

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback, in his 17th NFL season, won his first MVP Award on Thursday night to all but cement what will likely be a Hall of Fame resume.

“I almost did a backflip,” Stafford’s star wide receiver, Puka Nacua, told Fox News Digital on radio row.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, left, greets quarterback Matthew Stafford before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

An extra celebration, though, came when Stafford officially committed to playing next season.

“I knew he was coming back. I knew it. I was waiting for him to say it at some point. And when he said it, I still wanted to do a backflip. It was the best,” he said.

“Nobody deserves it more than him playing at such a high level in this late stage of his career. And the photo of him and his family, that’s football heaven right there.”

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the New York Jets Dec. 22, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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Nacua would be a stud no matter who was throwing to him, but he definitely has Stafford to thank for his absurd numbers.

“I know I wouldn’t be standing in the place that I am with the opportunities I’ve had to chase records, to break records, to be at a high level and to be up there with the best of them. He’s been right there every step of the way, and I’m glad I get him for one more year.”

One more year? We’ll see.

Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams talk in the first quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium Sept. 7, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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“I won’t put a timeline on his career, but if I can win another Super Bowl, hopefully he won’t hang it up after that.”

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WWE SmackDown after Royal Rumble 2026 concluded with Randy Orton’s victory. The Legend Killer defeated Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black in a Triple Threat Match.

Now, The Viper has become the first star to be officially confirmed as an entrant in the Elimination Chamber match. In this article, we will discuss three reasons why Randy Orton won the Elimination Chamber qualifying match on the blue brand show.

#3. Randy Orton is set to make history

The veteran star previously participated several times in the Men’s Elimination Chamber matches. He was part of some of the most iconic Chamber matches, and this year, Randy Orton is set to make history. It will be Orton’s 10th Elimination Chamber match, thus holding the record for most appearances in the history of Elimination Chamber matches.

So, to hold this major record, Randy Orton qualified for the Men’s Chamber match and secured the victory on this week’s SmackDown.

#2. To add much-needed star power

WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 is set to stream live on February 28, 2026, from the United Center in Chicago. It will be the final PLE stop on the road to WrestleMania 42.

Considering this, WWE needed some star power in the Elimination Chamber traditional match, as it escalates the match hype and generates more buzz. Orton is one of the most popular stars and the only active talent from the generation of John Cena, Triple H, The Rock, Stone Cold, and others. His inclusion could be done to add star power to the showdown.

#1. To set up a match with Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania

Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s feud is still unfinished on SmackDown. During this week’s show, The American Nightmare warned the Undisputed WWE Champion that he will not enter Mania as the titleholder.

This suggests that, despite Rhodes and Jacob being part of the Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match, a title showdown may happen before this year’s Showcase of the Immortals. This scenario sparks the chances of Cody winning the Undisputed Title before Mania.

If that happens, then the sports entertainment juggernaut could be planning for a match between Cody and Orton, which could be the reason behind The Viper’s victory. It’s been a long time since fans have been anticipating a match between these two real-life friends.

If Rhodes wins the Undisputed Championship before Mania and Randy wins the Chamber match, it will finally set up the dream feud at The Grandest Stage of Them All. Rest assured, it will be interesting to see how the storyline will unfold and what plans WWE has in store for us.