This week’s WWE SmackDown featured pivotal moments that influenced the upcoming WrestleMania 42 card, but it sparked widespread dissatisfaction among fans online. The most contentious development was Cody Rhodes reclaiming the WWE Championship in the main event, which led to vocal criticism throughout the wrestling community.
Following last weekend’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match, where Drew McIntyre‘s interference cost Cody Rhodes the title, Nick Aldis expressed his anger by arranging a championship match between Drew and Cody on SmackDown.
In the show’s main event, Cody Rhodes became a three-time WWE Champion with unexpected assistance from Jacob Fatu, angering many fans who wanted Drew McIntyre to head into WrestleMania as champion. Supporters ridiculed Rhodes on social media, posting edited images likening him to Hulk Hogan, known for seldom losing high-profile matches. Several viewers even called on Triple H to dismiss the entire creative team.
“Fire the entire creative team,” a fan wrote.
Rumors surfaced questioning if WWE might be quietly changing WrestleMania’s main event plans.
“Trash trash trash!” wrote another fan.
Enthusiasm among fans peaked when Drew McIntyre won the Undisputed WWE Championship earlier in January, making this shift especially unwelcome for some.
Official Main Event for WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Confirmed on SmackDown
Randy Orton secured victory in this year’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match after pinning Cody Rhodes. Orton, nicknamed “The Viper,” capitalized on distractions caused by Drew McIntyre’s interference, and later announced he will headline the first night of WrestleMania 42.
With CM Punk versus Roman Reigns widely expected to close Night 2, Orton’s role as main event competitor for Night 1 is now confirmed. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, having regained the Undisputed WWE Championship, is set to defend the title at WrestleMania against his longtime mentor, Randy Orton.
The clash between Rhodes and Orton at the “Grandest Stage of Them All” will be one of the night’s spotlight matches, leaving fans eager to see who will ultimately hold the championship after WrestleMania 42.
