Cody Rhodes Ends Drew McIntyre’s 56-Day WWE Reign

Cody Rhodes WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes wins WWE Championship, ending McIntyre’s reign. [Image Source: OPTIMOLE]
Smackdown

Drew McIntyre‘s tenure as the Undisputed WWE Champion concluded on March 6, 2026, when Cody Rhodes defeated him on the WWE SmackDown stage. McIntyre held the championship for 56 days, having first captured the title on January 9, 2026, becoming a central figure in WWE’s key storylines leading up to WrestleMania 42.

Rhodes’ victory not only ended McIntyre’s reign but also dramatically altered the championship landscape heading into one of WWE’s biggest annual events.

Setting the Stage for the Championship Clash

The title match between McIntyre and Rhodes was arranged following a tumultuous episode at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026. During the men’s Elimination Chamber match, McIntyre interfered and inadvertently denied Rhodes a chance at securing a WrestleMania opportunity.

This interference prompted WWE management to schedule a title bout on SmackDown, with Rhodes aware that this fight represented his final chance to enter WrestleMania 42’s main event picture. Meanwhile, McIntyre aimed to decisively remove Rhodes from championship contention.

A Fierce and Physical Battle on SmackDown

The championship encounter quickly escalated into an intense and emotional contest. Before the official start, McIntyre tried to leave the arena, but Rhodes pursued and launched a series of punches, igniting the fight.

Once underway, McIntyre dominated much of the opening phase, targeting Rhodes’ back relentlessly and unleashing damage both inside and outside the ring. At one point, McIntyre slammed Rhodes through a table with a powerful ringside powerbomb.

Cody Rhodes
Image of: Cody Rhodes

RIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE! 😱@DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/aja8Vm3YgG

Despite taking heavy punishment, Rhodes mounted a comeback using his agility and offense, landing a Cody Cutter and attempting the signature Cross Rhodes.

The match ebbed and flowed with momentum shifts, including a Claymore Kick from McIntyre that nearly ended the contest, but Rhodes remarkably survived the pin attempt. The climax descended into chaos when the referee was accidentally incapacitated.

Before McIntyre could use a chair against Rhodes, Jacob Fatu intervened to stop him, allowing Rhodes to regain control. Capitalizing on the opening, Rhodes executed another Cody Cutter followed by a Cross Rhodes, securing a decisive pinfall victory.

AND NEW!!!@CodyRhodes is heading to WrestleMania as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zM3uz8X6m7

Implications for WrestleMania 42’s Main Event

With this victory, Cody Rhodes claimed the Undisputed WWE Championship and earned a spot in the WrestleMania main event. His next challenge will come from Randy Orton, who won the men’s Elimination Chamber match earlier in the event.

Friends. Rivals. The Main Event.@CodyRhodes vs. @RandyOrton for the Undisputed @WWE Championship at #WrestleMania. @espn in US | @netflix internationally pic.twitter.com/gHozK1fbeo

This setup paves the way for a highly anticipated showdown between longtime rivals at WrestleMania 42, adding depth to the ongoing WWE narrative.

For McIntyre, the end of his 56-day reign raises questions regarding his future plans at WrestleMania but cements his role in intensifying one of WWE’s marquee rivalries heading into the event.

For McIntyre, the defeat ended his 56-day reign and left questions about his WrestleMania direction. Regardless, his brief run as champion helped intensify one of WWE’s biggest rivalries on the road to WrestleMania 42.

Details of McIntyre’s Title Reign and Defeat

Drew McIntyre officially held the Undisputed WWE Championship from January 9 to March 6, 2026, spanning 56 days. Cody Rhodes ended this reign in a hard-fought match on the March 6 episode of WWE SmackDown.

The match’s arrangement followed McIntyre’s interference in the Elimination Chamber match, which jeopardized Rhodes’ WrestleMania prospects and prompted the title bout to be scheduled on SmackDown.

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Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.