Cody Rhodes has once again ascended to the pinnacle of WWE, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a hard-fought victory over Drew McIntyre on the March 7, 2026, edition of “SmackDown.” The win marks Rhodes’ third reign as champion and sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with Randy Orton at WrestleMania.
The path back to the title wasn’t easy for Rhodes. McIntyre had previously dethroned him in January in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match, capitalizing on interference from Jacob Fatu during the decisive Steel Cage portion of the contest. Fatu’s involvement allowed McIntyre to escape although Rhodes was engaged with the disruptive wrestler. The victory solidified McIntyre’s claim to the championship, and he quickly made it clear he believed Rhodes’ path back to contention was limited to winning either the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber, repeatedly interfering in Rhodes’ matches and testing the patience of SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Aldis responded to McIntyre’s actions and the escalating tension by announcing a championship match between the two rivals for this week’s “SmackDown.” The match proved to be a chaotic affair, with multiple near-falls and controversial moments. A referee bump initially appeared to favor McIntyre, preventing Rhodes from securing a pinfall. Rhodes requested a replacement official, but was immediately met with a Claymore kick from McIntyre, though he remarkably kicked out before the count of three.
Frustration mounted for McIntyre, leading him to “Glasgow kiss” the second referee and attempt to end the match with a steel chair. Although, Jacob Fatu intervened, disarming McIntyre and allowing Rhodes to regain control. Rhodes capitalized with a Cody Cutter followed by his signature Cross Rhodes maneuver, securing the pinfall victory and reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship. This win, barring any unforeseen circumstances or additional title matches, confirms Rhodes will defend the title against his longtime friend and colleague, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania.
The victory is a significant moment for Rhodes, who has consistently positioned himself as a top star within WWE. His journey to regain the championship has been a central storyline in recent months, captivating fans and generating considerable buzz. The rematch with McIntyre was a testament to their rivalry, showcasing both wrestlers’ resilience and determination.
The interference of Jacob Fatu throughout this feud has been a recurring theme, adding another layer of complexity to the championship picture. His actions have consistently disrupted the flow of matches and influenced the outcome, raising questions about his motivations and future involvement.
With Rhodes now set to face Orton at WrestleMania, the stage is set for a compelling encounter between two of WWE’s most popular and respected performers. The match promises to be a clash of styles and a test of their long-standing friendship. WWE has consistently highlighted the personal connection between the two, adding emotional weight to the upcoming contest.
The current WWE landscape, as outlined on Wikipedia, features a division between the Raw and SmackDown brands, with the Undisputed WWE Championship being the top prize in the company. The recent events on “SmackDown” demonstrate the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and the constant shifts in power within the organization.
Fans can find highlights from the March 3, 2026, edition of WWE NXT on the official WWE website, and stay up-to-date with the latest news and videos on the WWE YouTube channel. Recent content on the YouTube channel includes playlists of Superstar moments and highlights of attacks involving Paul Heyman.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on WrestleMania to observe how Rhodes and Orton’s story unfolds. The outcome of their match will undoubtedly shape the future of the WWE and determine the next chapter in the Undisputed WWE Championship’s history.
What are your thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ championship win? Share your predictions for his match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania in the comments below!
