WWE appears to be setting the stage for Cody Rhodes to challenge Drew McIntyre’s Drew McIntyre Title Defense on SmackDown just weeks before WrestleMania 42. Following Randy Orton’s victory in the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber at the United Center last weekend, the focus shifts to whether Rhodes will reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship in the upcoming episode of SmackDown.
Potential Paths for the WWE Championship Before WrestleMania
Randy Orton secured his spot for WrestleMania 42 by pinning Cody Rhodes at the Elimination Chamber event. However, because Drew McIntyre intervened during the match’s conclusion, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis scheduled a title defense featuring McIntyre against Cody Rhodes on March 6. This booking raises speculation about how WWE intends to headline WrestleMania, possibly with two singles championship matches involving these top stars.
WWE insider Sam Roberts discussed this scenario on his podcast Notsam Wrestling, suggesting that WWE might be paving the way for multiple singles contests at the biggest show of the year. Roberts highlighted the likelihood of Cody Rhodes regaining the title from McIntyre during SmackDown, which would then pit Rhodes against Randy Orton on the grandest stage.
How Jacob Fatu’s Involvement Could Shake Up WrestleMania Plans
Roberts also explored the possibility of a Fatal 4-Way match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, involving Rhodes, McIntyre, Orton, and Jacob Fatu, as a way to keep all contenders active heading into WrestleMania. Such a match would allow multiple outcomes without definitively eliminating any one wrestler from the title picture.
Despite the appeal of a four-man bout, Roberts is puzzled by WWE’s choice to book another direct confrontation between Rhodes and McIntyre so close to WrestleMania. He theorized that Jacob Fatu’s interference could be the catalyst for a title change favoring Rhodes, creating two marquee singles matches: Rhodes vs. Orton and McIntyre vs. Fatu.
“A lot of people win with that Fatal 4-Way option, but I can’t get the thought out of my head that if Cody Rhodes were to beat Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, then you go to WrestleMania with Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton,” the WWE analyst said.
“I think that as much sense as that Fatal 4-Way makes, you could similarly tell a story of Jacob Fatu—Jacob Fatu said he didn’t have a problem with Cody Rhodes. Jacob Fatu has even said it is not necessarily about the championship. Jacob Fatu has made it pretty clear it’s about Drew McIntyre. He thinks Drew kicked his teeth down his throat. It’s about Drew McIntyre. So, I think there is a version of this story that you tell, where maybe Jacob Fatu costs Drew McIntyre the title. […] If that happens, then you’ve got Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.” – Sam Roberts, WWE analyst
Building Rivalries Ahead of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas
Though a Drew McIntyre versus Randy Orton match was confirmed following Elimination Chamber, it would be surprising for WWE to diminish Cody Rhodes’ role as a main event competitor. Jacob Fatu’s ongoing enmity with McIntyre, often referred to as The Scottish Warrior, adds further intensity to the storyline. Fatu’s vendetta against McIntyre provides a logical foundation for a heated grudge match on the WrestleMania 42 card in Las Vegas, which WWE can highlight to generate high stakes and audience interest.
As WrestleMania approaches, WWE fans can expect the Drew McIntyre Title Defense on SmackDown to be highly volatile, with Jacob Fatu’s involvement potentially tipping the balance. Should Rhodes regain the championship, it will crystallize a championship showdown with Randy Orton while setting up McIntyre’s personal feud with Fatu, guaranteeing multiple must-see confrontations at The Showcase of the Immortals.
