Cody Rhodes challenges Drew McIntyre as WrestleMania 42 storylines heat up
Summary
– Drew McIntyre will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes
– Rhea Ripley is scheduled to confront Jade Cargill after her Elimination Chamber win
– A WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 contender match and a championship celebration are also planned
The March 6, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown will address the fallout from the Elimination Chamber premium live event while setting the stage for WrestleMania 42.
The night’s biggest match will feature Drew McIntyre defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. Tension between the two escalated after McIntyre interfered in Rhodes’ Elimination Chamber opportunity, prompting SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to make the title match official.
Rhodes now has a chance to settle the score and potentially capture the championship. The outcome could significantly impact the road toward WrestleMania.
Another major segment will feature Rhea Ripley coming face-to-face with Jade Cargill. Ripley recently secured her spot at WrestleMania 42 after winning the Elimination Chamber match. Her confrontation with Cargill could quickly turn physical, given the growing tension between the two stars.
The show will also spotlight the newly crowned WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Nia Jax and Lash Legend are scheduled to hold a championship celebration following their recent victory over Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY.
A tag team competition will also play an important role in the episode. A No. 1 contender’s match will determine the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though the teams involved have not yet been announced.
SmackDown will take place at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The broadcast begins at 8 PM Eastern Time on USA Network, with international viewers able to watch through various streaming platforms.
