On March 6, 2026, WWE SmackDown concluded with a surprising outcome as Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. This upset marks a significant shift on SmackDown during the Road to WrestleMania 42, sparking speculation about Drew McIntyre WWE quit scenarios following his loss.
Reports suggest the Scottish star might take a break from WWE as part of a storyline, potentially stepping away from the ring to film the Highlander reboot slated to begin this year. This possible hiatus could pave the way for McIntyre’s return in a renewed role, with plans reportedly including a confrontation against Jacob Fatu and possibly general manager Nick Aldis ahead of WrestleMania. Fatu’s involvement in McIntyre’s recent defeat hints at a future rivalry between the two competitors.
Potential New Rivalries and Storylines for McIntyre
McIntyre’s time off television may benefit his character development, allowing him to come back as a more formidable competitor leading into WrestleMania. The break could also generate anticipation and social media buzz concerning his status within WWE. While these developments remain speculative, they indicate WWE’s intention to reshape the main event scene after this unexpected title transition.
Cody Rhodes to Defend Title in High-Profile WrestleMania Match
Cody Rhodes secured the Undisputed WWE Championship for the third time, solidifying his position at the top. Following the match, Triple H confirmed that Rhodes will defend his title against Randy Orton, who won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, at WrestleMania 42 next month. This bout between Rhodes and Orton, both former Legacy teammates, has generated excitement among fans anticipating their showdown after Orton’s return to WWE in 2022.
The contract signing for their WrestleMania title match is scheduled for the upcoming Friday Night SmackDown. Meanwhile, WWE’s creative team faces the challenge of redefining McIntyre’s role after he missed the opportunity to headline WrestleMania this year, leaving fans curious about his future storylines.
Implications for WWE’s WrestleMania Lineup and Future
The fallout from McIntyre’s loss and the ensuing story developments could alter WWE’s WrestleMania main event landscape. Whether through a cinematic hiatus or new rivalries, Drew McIntyre’s potential WWE quit angle might heighten intrigue around his character’s trajectory. As Rhodies prepares to defend his championship, the narratives leading into WrestleMania remain dynamic, promising compelling clashes and fresh character arcs for key players including McIntyre, Fatu, and Aldis.
AND NEW!!!@CodyRhodes is heading to WrestleMania as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zM3uz8X6m7
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026
