Potential Spoiler For WWE Title Match On SmackDown

Drew McIntyre is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown this week. The heel champion might not be walking out of the television broadcast with the title around his waist.

After McIntyre interfered and cost Rhodes the main event at the Elimination Chamber, the landscape of the promotion shifted. He nearly came to blows with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis during the post-show press conference.

Following that physical altercation, WWE quickly made a championship match official for the blue brand. McIntyre will defend the title against Rhodes on the March 6 edition of SmackDown.

But according to a new report, that specific match may simply be a stepping stone toward the upcoming stadium event. Speaking during a Self Made Session on March 2, 2026, Self Made Pro revealed some interesting backstage details.

The outlet noted that as early as February 2, the camp of the popular babyface received news about the spring. They were informed that the WrestleMania 42 plan involved him defending the Undisputed WWE Championship.

He would specifically be defending the gold against his former mentor, Randy Orton. Self Made Pro detailed the timeline of these backstage conversations regarding the main event scene.

“I was told on February 2nd, straight up and explicitly, that the WWE Championship match — according to Cody’s camp — was Cody versus Randy Orton. I was explicitly told that. Cody’s camp was told as of early February that he was going to be getting a Randy Orton match.”

That is a very interesting detail for the WWE fans to consider moving forward. This is especially true considering Orton just won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago.

The veteran competitor is officially locked in as the number one contender for the top prize on the SmackDown brand. Orton outlasted five other men inside the steel structure to earn this incredible opportunity.

It was also added that Rhodes himself is reportedly fully on board with the potential television program. Self Made Pro elaborated on the mindset of the challenger heading into the spring season.

“Cody is a believer in that match and a believer in that program. We’ll see what they end up doing. We’ll see if they stick with that.”

If those early February plans are still intact, it would strongly suggest a title change is coming. Drew McIntyre is likely not walking out of SmackDown as the reigning champion.

Cody Rhodes could be regaining the Undisputed WWE Title just weeks before WrestleMania 42. Of course, the creative team is known for pivoting storylines at the very last minute.

The creative direction remains fluid heading into the biggest show of the entire calendar year. But if this report holds true, Friday’s SmackDown title match may be less unpredictable than it initially seems.

The upcoming WrestleMania 42 event will take place over two nights on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Beyond the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, the card is taking shape with several top matches.

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is officially set to defend his title against Roman Reigns in a main event clash. In the women’s division, Rhea Ripley has secured her spot to challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship.

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