Drew McIntyre is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on this Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown. This matchup comes after McIntyre’s decision to ambush the men’s Elimination Chamber match, which defied warnings from Nick Aldis and led to Aldis arranging the title contest between McIntyre and Rhodes.
Had McIntyre avoided interfering, he would have secured his spot in WrestleMania 42 to face Randy Orton in one of the event’s main card matches. Instead, the champion must now defend his title earlier than expected, placing his reign in serious jeopardy.
Insights Point to Cody Rhodes as the Title’s Next Holder
On the podcast The Last Word, produced by Behind The Turnbuckle Studios, wrestling analyst Tommy Carlucci discussed the likely outcome of the championship match this Friday. Carlucci noted that WWE appears to be prioritizing a marquee WrestleMania 42 bout between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, a pairing deemed more significant than a McIntyre versus Rhodes contest.
This strategic preference indicates that Drew McIntyre’s hold on the WWE Championship will end on SmackDown, with Cody Rhodes expected to claim the title.
“I know you like the idea of Cody and uh, Cody and Randy going at it. I like the idea too, but it just seems like my own opinion, and me and Coach talked about this in the past that Drew just keeps getting sh*t on. And I hate to say it like that, but he’s not going to be, he’s gonna he’s gonna lose on Friday. There is no way Drew is gonna go over. And my thought process is that Jacob Fatu is going to screw Drew and then we’re going to see Jacob and Drew at WrestleMania. But again, Gabby, as you know, the main event at WrestleMania is the main event. And Drew’s been fighting that for how many years now? He gets the title, and now they’re probably gonna give it away, well, not give it away. He’s [Cody Rhodes] probably gonna win the match, and Cody and Randy. Not that that doesn’t have juice. It probably has more juice than we have Drew and Cody. But it’s just Drew again once again.”
— Tommy Carlucci, Wrestling Analyst
Context Behind the Title Switch and WrestleMania Implications
The shifting storyline underscores WWE’s emphasis on maximizing ticket sales and fan engagement for WrestleMania 42, the company’s flagship event. Booking Cody Rhodes against Randy Orton for WrestleMania aligns with that goal, given their higher drawing power compared to a potential clash between Drew McIntyre and Rhodes on the same stage.
Moreover, the narrative hints at future developments involving Drew McIntyre, as Carlucci speculated that Jacob Fatu may interfere during the SmackDown title match, leading to a confrontation between Fatu and McIntyre at WrestleMania. This angle would continue McIntyre’s storyline while allowing the championship to transition to Rhodes.
WWE’s Broader Roster Developments Amid Title Drama
While the spotlight remains on the Undisputed WWE Championship, other ongoing storylines intensify. Bayley is set to compete in a #1 Contender’s Gauntlet for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship next week, signaling a possible reignition of rivalries. Additionally, tensions are rising as Becky Lynch and top figures from AEW showcase a friendly rapport, adding layers to inter-promotional dynamics.
Elsewhere, speculation surrounds the possible next opponent for the WWE legend Gunther, while CM Punk prepares for his World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. Punk’s recent raw segment sparked controversy with members of the Anoa’i family, highlighting ongoing tensions leading into the event.
Upcoming Matches and Storyline Shifts to Watch
Analysts suggest that Cody Rhodes might soon adopt a heel persona to target WWE veterans, adding further intrigue to his evolving character. Meanwhile, AJ Lee celebrated her arrival on WWE Raw by capturing the new Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Beyond WWE, AEW president Tony Khan recently announced significant changes to Ring of Honor (ROH), influencing the wider professional wrestling landscape as WrestleMania approaches and talent dynamics shift.
Significance of the Championship Change and What Lies Ahead
Drew McIntyre’s impending loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship marks a pivotal moment in WWE’s current narrative arc. The decision to elevate Cody Rhodes as the new champion not only sets the stage for a high-profile WrestleMania showdown against Randy Orton but also suggests fresh storylines and rivalries extending beyond the event itself.
This title transition reflects WWE’s strategic focus on creating high-stakes matches designed to enhance audience investment and drive viewership. For McIntyre, the evolving story hints at continued challenges and renewed feuds, particularly involving Jacob Fatu, providing fans with ongoing reasons to tune in after WrestleMania.
