The Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre on SmackDown is generating intense anticipation as fans wonder who will emerge victorious. Scheduled ahead of WrestleMania 42, this title bout promises high stakes, complicated rivalries, and unexpected twists involving key figures like Randy Orton and Jacob Fatu.
Potential interference from Jacob Fatu could change everything
One dramatic possibility involves Jacob Fatu stepping in to influence the match’s outcome. Fatu, known as ‘The Samoan Werewolf,’ has a history with McIntyre following recent tensions. During last week’s SmackDown, McIntyre’s interference cost Fatu a chance in the Elimination Chamber match against Logan Paul, escalating their rivalry.
Given this background, it would be logical for Fatu to seek retaliation by causing McIntyre to lose the championship against Rhodes. This scenario could lead to multiple matchups at WrestleMania, potentially including Orton vs. Rhodes and McIntyre vs. Fatu. Such developments might even pave the way for a Fatal 4-Way match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, giving several contenders a shot at the title on the big stage.
Rhodes might score a decisive clean victory
Though less probable, Rhodes winning outright remains an option worth considering. If Fatu stays out of the picture, the match would likely focus on determining which pairing WWE plans for WrestleMania’s main event—either Orton vs. McIntyre or Orton vs. Rhodes. Recent reports suggest Orton versus Rhodes is shaping up as the favored storyline for WrestleMania Night 1, indicating WWE’s confidence in their drawing power.
The simmering tension between Rhodes and Orton adds depth to this potential outcome, especially after Orton capitalized on McIntyre’s interference in the Elimination Chamber to secure his victory. However, fully sidelining McIntyre might disappoint fans given his recent championship win in January, making this ending somewhat contentious.
McIntyre retains the title amid unexpected twists
Alternatively, McIntyre might hold onto the championship, but this outcome would likely include surprising elements to keep Rhodes in the WrestleMania title picture. Rhodes’ participation in the major event seems assured, though the route to WrestleMania remains uncertain.
Jacob Fatu’s accidental interference cost Rhodes the title previously in the Three Stages of Hell match where McIntyre recaptured the gold. Repeating such a finish could feel redundant since it grants Rhodes another title shot without a definitive victory.
Other unpredictable players like Randy Orton and Sami Zayn could also influence the contest’s result. An incident where Orton unintentionally harms Rhodes might trigger a dramatic fallout for the latter, though justifying Rhodes’ WrestleMania spot under this scenario could prove difficult.
Sami Zayn’s involvement is intriguing following his recent losses to McIntyre and emerging backstage tensions with Rhodes during SmackDown episodes. Zayn could become a pivotal figure, complicating the championship chase further.
If none of these dramatic finishes make sense, WWE might opt for a non-finish where McIntyre retains the title through disqualification or a double count-out. Such an outcome would maintain rivalry intensity and set the stage for clear direction leading into WrestleMania 42.
Regardless of which ending unfolds, the results are expected to deepen the storylines around Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and other key contenders as the WWE Universe moves closer to WrestleMania’s climax.
