Cody Rhodes‘ recent win for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6 episode of SmackDown has led to significant fan backlash, igniting what could become a major controversy in WWE for 2026. Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre in the main event, setting up a WrestleMania 42 title match against Randy Orton, but the manner of victory brought widespread criticism.
The championship bout, ordered by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis following the WWE Elimination Chamber event the previous Saturday, featured Rhodes overcoming McIntyre in a match marked by chaotic moments and refereeing issues. The match’s outcome has sparked heated discussions among fans on social media and video platforms, creating tension within WWE’s community.
Match Details and Fan Response to the Rhodes vs. McIntyre Bout
The main event between Rhodes, nicknamed “The American Nightmare,” and McIntyre, known as “The Scottish Warrior,” was intense and filled with unpredictable twists. Multiple referees were incapacitated during the match, and wrestler Jacob Fatu intervened to prevent McIntyre from using a steel chair. Count-out sequences further added to viewer frustration rather than excitement.
This chaotic sequence, combined with the overall pacing of the match, contributed to a negative reception from WWE fans. The official full match video uploaded on WWE’s YouTube channel quickly became one of the most disliked clips in recent memory. Despite gathering roughly 25,000 likes, the dislikes surged past 90,000 within a short period, reflecting sharp dissatisfaction among viewers.
As of the latest figures, the clip holds 25,197 likes compared to 96,537 dislikes, resulting in a like-to-dislike ratio of just over 20 percent. Many commenters admitted they purposefully disliked the video, some even threatening to stop watching SmackDown altogether, highlighting the depth of disappointment following the match’s controversial finish.
Historical Context: From #WeWantCody to a Potential Backlash
This backlash contrasts with a similar fan movement from a few years ago, when Cody Rhodes was initially removed from a WrestleMania main event in favor of a storyline involving The Rock and Roman Reigns. At that time, fans responded with the #WeWantCody campaign, pushing WWE to reconsider their plans and restore Rhodes to a prominent position.
Now, some observers wonder if a reverse trend is beginning to emerge, potentially evolving into a #WeDontWantCody movement as discontent with Rhodes’ booking gains momentum. The situation remains fluid, but the intensity of fan reactions suggests WWE may need to address this growing tension carefully.
Upcoming WrestleMania 42 Contract Signing and Event Details
WWE has confirmed a contract signing for the WrestleMania 42 main event between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, scheduled for the March 13 episode of SmackDown. Fan interest in this segment is expected to be high, especially considering the recent backlash surrounding Rhodes’ championship victory.
WrestleMania 42 is planned for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be a critical moment for both wrestlers involved. The event is likely to draw significant attention from fans following the controversies, as expectations build for the outcome of this high-profile clash.
Wider Impact on WWE and Fan Relations
The negative response to Cody Rhodes’ championship win highlights the delicate balance WWE faces when booking major storylines and title changes. Fans’ reactions on platforms like YouTube and social media show that engagement can quickly sour if key segments don’t meet expectations. This situation could influence how WWE manages fan feedback leading into WrestleMania and beyond.
Given the intensity of criticism and the already historic dislike ratio for the match video, WWE’s creative team might reconsider their approach to Rhodes’ character and storyline progression. The forthcoming WrestleMania contract signing and championship match will serve as important tests of fan sentiment moving forward.
