Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, broadcasting live from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, promises to deliver intense fallout from the recent Elimination Chamber event. With WrestleMania 42 approaching rapidly, the show aims to shift key storylines and feuds into higher gear, generating high anticipation among wrestling fans. Central to the excitement is the possibility of a pivotal Drew McIntyre title loss that could dramatically alter the road to WrestleMania.
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill Face Off Ahead of WrestleMania Showdown
One of the night’s anticipated segments features Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill coming face-to-face on SmackDown for the first time since their heated rivalry arose. Both are scheduled to clash for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42. Their rivalry, which has been fueled by social media exchanges, is expected to escalate into an intense verbal confrontation during the show.
While a physical fight may be withheld for the big event itself, tonight’s encounter could deepen the personal animosity between the two, setting the stakes even higher for their WrestleMania match. Fans are watching closely to see if WWE subtly shifts the WrestleMania main event plans based on tonight’s developments.
Tag Teams Battle for Number One Contender Spot for WWE Tag Team Championship
Since claiming the WWE Tag Team Championship from The Wyatt Sicks, the Motor City Machine Guns (MFT) have maintained a dominant hold on the titles. However, Solo Sikoa and his allies will finally get their chance to challenge MFT tonight, as Nick Aldis presides over a Number One Contender match. Several tag teams from SmackDown are set to participate, including Fraxiom, Los Garza, and possibly the returning Street Profits after a hiatus.
This contest will determine which team earns the right to face MFT for the tag team titles, adding fresh stakes to the division and giving the champions new challengers to prepare for.
Celebrating the Rise of Nia Jax and Lash Legend as New Women’s Tag Team Champions
Nia Jax and Lash Legend, collectively known as The Irresistible Forces, stunned the WWE universe by defeating Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY last week to win their first Women’s Tag Team Championship. Tonight’s SmackDown includes a special segment celebrating their victory, where the duo is expected to bask in their newfound success and assert dominance over the women’s tag division.
However, their celebration might not go uninterrupted. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair are rumored to be potential challengers who could disrupt the festivities and set up a fresh rivalry for the titles.
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in a Crucial WWE Championship Main Event
The pivotal moment of the evening will be the main event match pitting Cody Rhodes against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This intense rivalry has escalated to a breaking point, with rumors hinting strongly at a major title change tonight that would reshape the path toward WrestleMania 42.
Cody Rhodes could emerge as the new Undisputed WWE Champion in a stunning upset that takes many by surprise. Yet the outcome is not expected to be straightforward, as Jacob Fatu’s potential interference threatens to derail McIntyre’s championship reign. This disruption could lead to McIntyre losing his title in a controversial fashion, dimming his WrestleMania prospects.
Randy Orton’s Potential Heel Turn and WrestleMania Implications
Randy Orton is also gearing up for a role in the WrestleMania 42 Undisputed WWE Championship picture, reportedly set to challenge Cody Rhodes at the marquee event. Following a possible title shift tonight, Orton’s darker side might emerge on SmackDown with a surprising heel turn. If Rhodes secures the championship, Orton may violently attack him with multiple RKOs, signaling a sinister transformation.
This unexpected betrayal would mark a rare and significant character shift for The Apex Predator, adding an edge of unpredictability to the ongoing storyline as WrestleMania 42 draws closer.
What Tonight’s SmackDown Could Mean for WrestleMania 42
With these monumental storylines converging, tonight’s SmackDown is positioned as a crucial turning point ahead of WWE’s flagship event. Drew McIntyre’s possible title loss would shake up the championship landscape, while new rivalries and character shifts could redefine WrestleMania’s biggest matches. Fans can expect the unexpected as alliances shift, champions are challenged, and new conflicts ignite.
The outcomes tonight will likely set the tone for WrestleMania 42, making this SmackDown installment a must-watch for anyone following the road to WWE’s biggest show of the year.
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill exchanged some words on X. @RheaRipley_WWE @Jade_Cargill pic.twitter.com/j9wCvhIpkt
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) March 2, 2026
