Drew McIntyre will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on the upcoming episode of SmackDown. This match comes after a heated rivalry that has seen McIntyre consistently thwart Rhodes’ attempts to regain his title since losing it in a Three Stages of Hell Match earlier this year.
In January, McIntyre claimed the championship from Rhodes, aided by a no-rematch clause that he inserted into their contract signed with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. This clause prevented Rhodes from challenging McIntyre again if he lost. Despite this setback, Rhodes has been relentless, trying to secure another opportunity, only to be repeatedly undermined by McIntyre’s interference.
The latest developments unfolded during the Elimination Chamber 2026 event. Chaos erupted as McIntyre’s actions provided an opening for Randy Orton to capitalize. Orton executed a series of RKOs, leading to his victory over Rhodes, who was left frustrated by the turn of events.
After the event, Aldis confronted McIntyre backstage, resulting in a heated exchange that required intervention from security. Aldis announced that McIntyre would face Rhodes this Friday, effectively negating the no-rematch clause that had previously been in place.
According to a report from Pwinsider, there is a strong belief within WWE that a title change could occur during this match. While there is caution about potential changes in plans, insiders have indicated that the focus is on setting up a storyline involving Rhodes and Orton later this year. Orton’s victory at the Elimination Chamber is seen as a pivotal moment in this evolving narrative.
Looking ahead, the path for McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 remains uncertain. Discussions have included the possibility of a Triple Threat match, as well as a program involving Jacob Fatu. Another scenario could see a storyline develop between McIntyre and Aldis, who has yet to make his official in-ring debut with WWE.
As the excitement builds for this week’s SmackDown, fans are eagerly anticipating how the championship landscape will shift and what it means for both McIntyre and Rhodes moving forward. The stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly impact the trajectory of WWE’s storylines in the months to come.
