On last night’s SmackDown held in Portland, Oregon, Cody Rhodes captured the Undisputed WWE Championship, marking his third world title reign. However, this win ignited an unprecedented backlash online, with the official WWE YouTube video of the victory amassing over 50,500 dislikes against only 16,000 likes, making it the company’s most disliked clip this year. The controversy surrounding this event stems from widespread fan dissatisfaction with how Rhodes is being booked in recent months.
In-Ring Action Marred by Officiating Disarray and Unexpected Interference
The championship match saw Rhodes face off against Drew McIntyre, also known as “The Scottish Warrior,” in a highly competitive contest. Toward the conclusion, the match descended into chaos when two referees were incapacitated, leaving the bout temporarily unregulated. McIntyre tried to seize an advantage by using a steel chair, but his efforts were thwarted by the surprise arrival of Jacob Fatu. This disruption allowed Rhodes to execute his signature Cody Cutter followed by the Cross Rhodes, ultimately securing the pinfall and the title.
Fan Backlash Fueled by Familiar Criticism and Title Transition Concerns
The volume of negative reactions seems closely tied to viewers’ growing frustration with Rhodes’ “white meat” babyface persona, which many feel has grown stale and predictable. Comparisons to the “Super Cena” era have surfaced, suggesting that Rhodes’ repeated title runs resemble overly rehearsed booking patterns. Additionally, many fans were rooting for McIntyre to carry the championship into WrestleMania 42, believing he deserved a longer reign after emerging victorious in the grueling Three Stages of Hell match earlier in the year.
Critics also highlight the frequent title changes on the SmackDown brand, noting that Rhodes’ recent 159-day championship run ended abruptly at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLI only for him to regain the title within two months. The involvement of Jacob Fatu in the finish—marking his second direct impact on an Undisputed Title change—has amplified fan dissatisfaction and debate online.
Setting the Stage for a High-Stakes WrestleMania Showdown
Despite the intense online negativity, Rhodes’ triumph clarifies the forthcoming main event at WrestleMania 42. Scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the event will feature Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton, the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber winner and former mentor to Rhodes. Orton’s post-Chamber RKO attack on Rhodes has added a layer of personal animosity, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the two at the marquee event.
“The video of Cody Rhodes capturing the Undisputed Title on SmackDown has received significantly more dislikes than likes on WWE’s YouTube channel. This now makes it WWE’s most disliked video of the year.”
– Andrew Ravens, WrestlingNews.co
Additional Wrestling Updates on Key Figures and Health Concerns
Meanwhile, speculation continues around Kevin Owens, who is reportedly nearing a critical re-evaluation concerning a possible return to WWE in 2026. Fans and insiders alike are watching closely for updates on his status. In other news, Lucha Libre legend Konnan was hospitalized in San Diego recently and underwent leg amputation surgery, raising concerns within the wrestling community about his health and future.
The video of Cody Rhodes capturing the Undisputed Title on SmackDown has received significantly more dislikes than likes on WWE’s YouTube channel. This now makes it WWE’s most disliked video of the year.
– Likes: 16K
– Dislikes: 50.5K pic.twitter.com/Y6r7TIOQ4f
— Andrew Ravens l WrestlingNews.co (@Andrew_Ravens) March 7, 2026
