Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre in the main event of the March 6, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The match commenced with McIntyre exiting the ring, prompting Rhodes to pursue him and strike him against the ringside video board. The encounter moved into the crowd and eventually back to the ringside area, where Rhodes continued his offensive.
In the ring, McIntyre utilized a double thrust to the throat and a series of overhead belly-to-belly suplexes to gain control, forcing Rhodes to retreat to the floor. The champion countered a suicide dive attempt with a forearm and utilized the ring steps and ring post to inflict further damage. McIntyre maintained the advantage with a deadlift suplex and an arm bar. Rhodes eventually countered with a powerslam, a Cody Cutter, and a running forearm to create momentum.
The middle portion of the match featured McIntyre targeting Rhodes’ arm, using the ropes and ring post for leverage before executing a “Divorce Court” maneuver. Rhodes responded with a superplex from the top turnbuckle and applied a figure-four leg lock. The contest moved back outside the ring, where McIntyre delivered a powerbomb to Rhodes through the announce table. Back in the ring, McIntyre executed his own version of the CrossRhodes, which resulted in a near fall.
The final minutes were marked by official interference after McIntyre pulled the referee into the path of a “Beautiful Disaster” kick. With the referee incapacitated, Rhodes hit the CrossRhodes but could not secure a count. A second referee entered the ring just as McIntyre delivered a Claymore for a near fall. After McIntyre headbutted the second official in frustration, Jacob Fatu intervened at ringside to prevent McIntyre from using a steel chair. Rhodes then executed a double-jump Cody Cutter followed by a CrossRhodes to pin McIntyre for the three-count.
It’s official… it will be Cody Rhodes defending the title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 42 Updated Match Card
The confirmed card for WrestleMania 42 following the events of SmackDown is as follows:
- Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
- World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
- WWE Women’s Championship Match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
- Women’s World Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
- Singles Match (Open Challenge): Brock Lesnar vs. TBD
