WWE SmackDown delivered an action-packed night on March 6, 2026, culminating in a thrilling main event that saw Cody Rhodes capture the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre. The show opened with clips from the Elimination Chamber PLE, setting the stage for the high-stakes encounters that followed.
Randy Orton kicked off the evening in Portland, Oregon, addressing the crowd and reflecting on his illustrious career. He highlighted the significance of WrestleMania, noting that despite having participated in twenty events, he has only main-evented twice. Orton declared that he would be returning to the main event this year, promising to leave Las Vegas as the champion. His comments were interrupted by Trick Williams, who confronted Orton, claiming he deserved the title shot instead. Orton swiftly retaliated with an RKO, sending Williams out of the ring.
As the night progressed, Carmelo Hayes defended his WWE United States Championship in an open challenge against Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr. The match showcased both competitors’ athleticism, with Hayes ultimately retaining his title after a hard-fought battle. The contest concluded when Hayes executed his finisher, “Nothing but Net,” securing the victory. Post-match, both competitors shared a moment of camaraderie, highlighting the sportsmanship within the division.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Scene
In another significant matchup, the newly crowned Women’s Tag Team Champions, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend), celebrated their victory in the ring. Jax called out for challengers, which quickly attracted the attention of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who vowed to reclaim their titles. The situation escalated with Kiana James and Giulia entering the fray, challenging Flair and Bliss to prove themselves. This led to a tag team match that saw Flair and Bliss emerge victorious, positioning them as the number one contenders for the titles.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: Championship Showdown
The main event featured a heated clash between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The action was intense from the outset, with both competitors exchanging powerful strikes and grapples. McIntyre initially gained the upper hand, using his strength to dominate Rhodes. However, Rhodes showcased his resilience, battling back with a series of high-flying maneuvers and counters.
The match reached a turning point when Rhodes executed a superplex from the top rope, followed by a Figure Four Leg Lock. Despite McIntyre’s attempts to escape, Rhodes maintained control. The fight spilled outside the ring, where McIntyre powerbombed Rhodes through a table, further escalating the physicality of their encounter.
As the bout continued, both wrestlers faced a series of near falls, and the referee found himself inadvertently taken out in the chaos. In a pivotal moment, Rhodes managed to hit McIntyre with Cross Rhodes, but the referee was incapacitated and could not develop the count. After a brief distraction from Jacob Fatu, who intervened to thwart McIntyre’s plans, Rhodes seized the moment to secure the win with another Cross Rhodes.
This victory not only crowned Rhodes as the novel champion but also set the stage for his future at WrestleMania 42, where he will likely defend his title against a yet-to-be-determined challenger. The night ended with Rhodes celebrating his hard-fought victory, pointing to the WrestleMania sign as pyro exploded around him.
What’s Next for WWE?
As WWE heads towards WrestleMania 42, fans can expect further developments in the ongoing rivalries as well as new challengers emerging for both the men’s and women’s championships. The stakes have never been higher, and with the momentum from this week’s SmackDown, superstars are poised to make their mark in the lead-up to one of WWE’s biggest events of the year.
Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the matches and outcomes from this week’s SmackDown. What did you think of Cody Rhodes’ championship win? Who do you witness as the next challenger for the Undisputed Championship? Join the conversation!
