Cody Rhodes secured the WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre on the March 6, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, positioning himself as the undisputed WWE Champion heading into WrestleMania 42. The victory took place at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, where Rhodes executed his signature moves, the Cody Cutter and the Cross Rhodes, to pin McIntyre and reclaim the title.
Rivalry Between Rhodes and McIntyre Builds to Climactic Battle
The title match was the culmination of an intense feud, ignited at the Elimination Chamber event, when McIntyre interfered during Rhodes’ attempt to win the championship. During Friday’s contest, Jacob Fatu intervened by removing a chair from McIntyre, preventing its use and affecting the match’s outcome. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis later arranged the title bout, further escalating tensions between McIntyre and Rhodes.
WrestleMania 42 Championship Bout Confirmed Against Randy Orton
Rhodes’ triumph marks his third tenure as the Undisputed WWE Champion and guarantees him a championship match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Orton earned his WrestleMania title opportunity by winning the men’s Elimination Chamber match. Their rivalry traces back to 2008, when Rhodes was part of Orton’s faction, adding a historical dimension to their upcoming showdown.
the grandest stage of them all.
– Randy Orton, WWE Superstar
Other Confirmed WrestleMania Matches
In addition to the Rhodes and Orton clash, four other matches are booked for WrestleMania 42:
- World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk will defend his title against Roman Reigns, the men’s Royal Rumble winner.
- Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer will face Liv Morgan, the women’s Royal Rumble winner.
- Women’s Division Showdown: Rhea Ripley, winner of the women’s Elimination Chamber, is set to compete against Jade Cargill.
- Brock Lesnar’s Open Challenge: Lesnar has issued an open challenge for anyone willing to confront him at the event.
WrestleMania 42 Poised to Be a Major WWE Event
WrestleMania 42 is shaping up to be one of WWE’s most significant events of the year, with headline matches that continue long-running stories and fresh challenges. Cody Rhodes’ return to the championship spotlight adds tension and anticipation, while bouts involving superstars like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar ensure high stakes. Fans will be watching closely as the action unfolds in Las Vegas later this spring.
