Portland, Oregon played host to a dramatic night of WWE action on SmackDown, March 6th, as Cody Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre in a hard-fought main event. The victory sets the stage for Rhodes’ appearance at WrestleMania 42, where he will defend the title against Randy Orton. Beyond the championship clash, the episode featured a United States Title Open Challenge and a Tag Team Turmoil match to determine new contenders for the tag team titles, delivering a packed night of professional wrestling.
The road to WrestleMania 42 took a significant turn as Cody Rhodes secured his third WWE Championship title, avenging his previous loss to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match earlier this year CBS Sports. The match wasn’t without its interference, as Jacob Fatu once again played a pivotal role, preventing McIntyre from utilizing a steel chair and allowing Rhodes to connect with a top rope Cody Cutter and a Cross Rhodes to secure the win.
The culmination of the match saw Rhodes capitalize on the distraction caused by Fatu, delivering the decisive Cross Rhodes maneuver to regain the championship. This victory marks a significant moment for “The American Nightmare,” solidifying his position as a top contender heading into WrestleMania. The win also sets up a compelling storyline with Randy Orton, his former mentor, who has vowed to win his 15th world championship SI.com.
Rhodes vs. McIntyre: A Championship Reclaimed
The main event between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre was a physical and emotionally charged contest. McIntyre, who had previously held the Undisputed WWE Championship, fought fiercely to retain his title, but the interference of Jacob Fatu proved to be a turning point. The match highlighted the intense rivalry between the two competitors, culminating in Rhodes’ triumphant victory. You can watch the full match highlights here.
AND NEW!!!@CodyRhodes is heading to WrestleMania as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zM3uz8X6m7
&mdash. WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026
Tag Team Turmoil and Championship Contenders
In addition to the championship match, SmackDown featured a Tag Team Turmoil match to determine the next challengers for the Men’s and Women’s WWE Tag Team Championships. The results of these matches will shape the landscape of the tag team divisions as WrestleMania 42 approaches. Details on the winning teams were not immediately available, but the competition promises exciting matchups in the weeks to come.
Other Notable Moments from SmackDown
The March 6th episode of SmackDown also included several other key moments. Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley, the WWE Women’s Champion and a top contender respectively, had their first face-to-face encounter ahead of their title match at WrestleMania 42. Carmelo Hayes issued an open challenge for the Men’s United States Championship, while Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, and Johnny Gargano all faced setbacks on the night. Perhaps the most unusual development was Danhausen finding a new mentor – or, potentially, his next victim for a curse Wrestling Inc.
With Cody Rhodes once again holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, all eyes are now on WrestleMania 42. His upcoming match against Randy Orton promises to be a clash of generations and a test of their long-standing relationship. The event in Las Vegas, Nevada, is shaping up to be a must-see for wrestling fans worldwide.
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