Cody Rhodes regained the WWE Undisputed Championship on Friday’s SmackDown, defeating Drew McIntyre, just weeks ahead of WrestleMania 42. While Rhodes’ return to the top spot sets a dramatic tone for the event, the decision highlights ongoing turmoil backstage and raises questions about the clarity of WWE’s creative direction.
McIntyre, who had taken the title from Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match in January in Berlin, has defended the championship sporadically, including a defense at the Royal Rumble against Sami Zayn. Yet his role has recently involved more backstage confrontation with wrestlers like Nick Aldis and Jacob Fatu, rather than consistent in-ring dominance.
Complicated Storylines Undermine WrestleMania Build-Up
Rhodes has faced significant setbacks this year, losing the title, the Royal Rumble, and the Elimination Chamber, yet he still rose to reclaim the WWE title. This reversal confounds many observers, contributing to a perception of chaotic booking.
Some defenders argue the storyline logically led to this moment, citing Aldis’ repeated warnings to McIntyre, which culminated in consequences for the champion. However, off-screen factors appear to have heavily influenced these rapid changes.
Reports indicate WWE executives scrambled as WrestleMania ticket sales lagged, even after discounts, generating panic that has spilled into wrestling storylines and backstage decisions. Rumors of an imposed blackout zone around the arena and strained relations with ESPN add to the sense of desperation enveloping the promotion.
Questioning the Focus on Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for WrestleMania
One central debate is whether Randy Orton is truly a stronger draw than McIntyre, especially given WrestleMania’s typically large expected audience. Some speculate that WWE’s urgent shift is aimed at boosting ticket sales by featuring a Rhodes vs. Orton contest, possibly in a multi-man match. Yet there is skepticism about this approach, and the match card could still evolve before the event.
There is also an internal question of why the Night 1 main event must compete with the highly anticipated Night 2 showdown between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Some fans and insiders suggest placing a women’s match as the Night 1 closer might better preserve balance and excitement.
Mixed Reactions to Recently Altered Championship Plans
In an effort to build McIntyre’s character, WWE highlighted his flaws: a champion who struggles with accountability and self-awareness. Despite this, McIntyre appears to have been sidelined late in the story for Rhodes, who continues to resist adopting a villainous persona across different promotions.
Given Rhodes’ drawing power, many experts argue he should never have lost the title originally. A payoff match against Randy Orton comes with a long shared history that deserved more substantial storytelling than the rushed build currently on display.
Fans increasingly seem indifferent to Rhodes’ role rather than passionately against it, an unusual scenario for a top WWE star. Meanwhile, WWE overlooks rising talents like LA Knight and Oba Femi, opting instead for familiar names, which may undermine interest in fresh storylines and the future of the brand.
Signs of WWE’s Creative Uncertainty and the Risks Ahead
Rhodes risks being perceived as a stopgap figure symbolizing WWE’s reliance on returning veterans over new stars, fueled by the suddenness of his title regain. This approach contrasts sharply with the unpredictability many fans desire from WrestleMania’s biggest matches.
Creative missteps within WWE have become increasingly common, and the current situation seems no different. The leadership under Triple H has yet to inspire confidence that these booking choices will result in a coherent and satisfying WrestleMania narrative.
Rhodes himself may not need to carry the World Title into WrestleMania to remain relevant, yet the chaotic handling of the championship booking risks damaging momentum rather than enhancing it. As WrestleMania approaches, fans and insiders alike remain anxious about whether the product will stabilize or continue its unpredictable course.
Ticket sales for WrestleMania 42 were reportedly worse this week than last week.
Despite the discounted tickets over the past weekend, there appeared to be zero movement at the lower prices.
The show is down 17,252 in total sales + comps or 19.3% behind the pace of last year’s… pic.twitter.com/eS2Xbnw4to
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 20, 2026
