This Friday, WWE SmackDown returns following the recent Elimination Chamber Premium Live event, featuring a high-stakes Undisputed WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. The WWE SmackDown title match has fans speculating about potential surprises that could alter the trajectory of WrestleMania 42 and the blue brand’s future storylines.
Cody Rhodes May Claim the Undisputed WWE Title from Drew McIntyre
One possible outcome for this week’s SmackDown is Cody Rhodes dethroning Drew McIntyre to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Despite Rhodes falling short at Elimination Chamber due to an assault from McIntyre, speculation is mounting that WWE could be quietly shifting its WrestleMania plans. Rumors hint at a future rivalry between Rhodes and Randy Orton, which would likely require Rhodes to first secure the championship by defeating McIntyre.
Drew McIntyre Could Retain Title With Unexpected Assistance from Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu remains entrenched in a storyline with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. With Nick Aldis having promised Fatu a shot at the Undisputed WWE Champion, there’s a possibility that Fatu will interfere during the match. His involvement might distract Cody Rhodes, enabling McIntyre to capitalize and successfully defend his title against The Prodigal Son.
Randy Orton Positioned to Make a Fierce Statement Against Cody Rhodes
As the number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Randy Orton is guaranteed a title shot at WrestleMania 42 regardless of who holds the belt. Having already defeated Rhodes at Elimination Chamber, Orton might seize the opportunity to send a powerful warning. If Rhodes wins the title, Orton could end SmackDown by attacking his real-life friend with a signature RKO, setting a tense tone for their upcoming clash.
Potential for a Chaotic Multi-Wrestler Brawl to Close the Show
The path to WrestleMania is expected to feature numerous twists, and WWE might opt to escalate tensions by ending SmackDown with an all-out brawl. Considering the key players—Jacob Fatu, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, and Cody Rhodes—all remain viable contenders for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a chaotic fight involving all four could unfold following the title match. This scenario would fuel speculation about a Fatal Four-Way bout for the championship at WrestleMania, known as The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Implications for WWE’s Upcoming Major Events
Any of these outcomes could redefine the immediate future of WWE SmackDown and WrestleMania 42. A title change or an intense post-match confrontation would heighten anticipation for the season’s biggest events, impacting storylines and rivalries among top stars like McIntyre, Rhodes, Orton, and Fatu. Fans will be watching closely to see how WWE uses this critical episode to shape the championship landscape and ignite fresh excitement heading into WrestleMania.
“Is WWE quietly changing the main event of WrestleMania?” – Anonymous Analyst
“Jacob Fatu is still engaged in a storyline with Drew McIntyre on the blue brand.” – Wrestling Insider
“The Apex Predator already pinned Cody at Elimination Chamber to emerge at the top.” – Sports Commentator
“This angle could be a great way to ignite heat between Rhodes and Orton ahead of WrestleMania.” – Wrestling Expert
🚨MAJOR BREAKING🚨
CODY RHODES VS DREW MCINTYRE THIS FRIDAY ON SMACKDOWN🤯
OH MY GOD WE’RE STILL IN IT pic.twitter.com/Eeo9s6jncG
— #WeWantCody (@WeWantCody_) March 1, 2026
