On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, Drew McIntyre lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, ending his reign as champion. The Scottish Warrior faced Rhodes in the main event, which spiraled into chaos with multiple referee injuries and interference from Jacob Fatu. Ultimately, Rhodes secured victory by hitting McIntyre with a Cross Rhodes following a super Cody Cutter, reclaiming the WWE title.
The match’s controversial finish provoked a strong reaction online, with WWE’s official YouTube video of the title change reportedly becoming the most disliked WWE video of 2026 so far. In response to the backlash and the surprising outcome, McIntyre expressed his frustration through a brief Twitter message, posting only a thumbs-down emoji.
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— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) March 7, 2026
Details Surrounding the Chaotic Championship Match
The battle between McIntyre and Rhodes was marked by unpredictability as outside interference played a significant role in the match’s conclusion. Jacob Fatu’s involvement disrupted the flow, contributing to the confusion inside the ring. Despite McIntyre’s efforts to retain the title, Rhodes capitalized on the distractions, escalating the tension between the two top-tier WWE performers.
McIntyre’s loss is particularly noteworthy given his decorated career, which includes being a three-time WWE Champion, a one-time NXT Champion, a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a two-time WWE Raw Tag Team Champion. The defeat on SmackDown signals a significant shift in WWE’s championship landscape.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Fans have voiced their disappointment and surprise regarding Cody Rhodes’ victory, especially given McIntyre’s solid standing within the company. The outrage is visible across various social media platforms, where the video of Rhodes’ title win has attracted a record number of dislikes. This negative response underscores the deep connection many supporters have with McIntyre as a champion and their skepticism about the title change.
Rising WWE Star Trick Williams Gains Widespread Popularity
Beyond the championship drama, Trick Williams has emerged as one of WWE’s most beloved new main roster stars after his move from NXT earlier this year. Despite his recent arrival, the former NXT World Champion has quickly won over audiences, frequently drawing some of the loudest crowd reactions during live events.
During a recent interview on The Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show, Williams reflected on his rapid rise in popularity and the enthusiastic chants he inspires, such as the iconic “Whoop That Trick!” The chant, which originated organically from fans rather than being scripted, exemplifies his strong connection with the WWE audience and roots in NXT.
Man, I’m grateful, you know what I mean? I thank God every single morning because you never know how people are going to take to you. So, I mean, I had to walk out there with confidence.
— Trick Williams, WWE Wrestler
That’s the special thing about it. People say it’s the entrance song. If you listen to the intro song, it’s the instrumental. That means anybody, anytime you ever heard ‘Whoop that, Trick,’ it’s the crowd doing it. I never told anybody to ‘Whoop that, Trick!’ I never said, ‘Watch Hustle and Flow!’ Shout out to my man, Al Capone. He’s the original songwriter of Whoop that Trick. He gave me the co-sign. It started with the fans, the NXT fans. Shout out to the NXT fans.
— Trick Williams, WWE Wrestler
Context on WWE’s Present and Future Storylines
The recent title change and the rising popularity of new talent like Trick Williams hint at evolving narratives within WWE. McIntyre’s defeat to Rhodes could lead to a heated rivalry as the former champion seeks redemption, while Williams’ momentum positions him as a key player in upcoming events.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how WWE manages these storylines and talent developments, particularly with McIntyre’s reaction and Rhodes’ renewed reign influencing audience expectations and company direction.
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— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) March 7, 2026
