The American Nightmare defeats Drew McIntyre in chaotic main event
Summary
– Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to win the Undisputed WWE Championship
– The title change happened during the March 6 episode of WWE SmackDown
– Interference and referee chaos played a key role late in the match
Cody Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship during the March 6, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown in Portland, Oregon.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis booked the title match following the fallout from Elimination Chamber. Drew McIntyre had interfered during the event and cost Rhodes a major opportunity, which led Aldis to schedule the championship bout for the blue brand’s main event.
Both competitors entered the match with strong support from the crowd at the Moda Center. After a dramatic pre-match introduction, McIntyre handed the championship to the referee, and the contest quickly turned into a physical battle.
The fight spilled outside the ring early as both men brawled around the ringside area and up the entrance ramp before returning to the ring. McIntyre managed to take control for long stretches, but Rhodes continued fighting back with several bursts of offense.
Multiple near falls kept the audience on edge throughout the match. Rhodes connected with a Cody Cutter at one point, but McIntyre avoided the Cross Rhodes and used the ring post to regain momentum.
The action intensified when a table was introduced at ringside. McIntyre eventually powerbombed Rhodes through the table, but the referee did not ring the bell, allowing the match to continue.
Late in the contest, the situation became chaotic after the referee was knocked down. A replacement official rushed to the ring and counted a close near fall before the match spiraled further out of control.
McIntyre grabbed a steel chair in an attempt to gain an advantage, but Jacob Fatu suddenly appeared and removed the weapon from the equation. The distraction opened the door for Rhodes to regain momentum.
After surviving a Future Shock DDT and avoiding a Claymore Kick attempt, Rhodes rallied with a Cody Cutter, followed by Cross Rhodes. The finishing combination secured the three-count and the Undisputed WWE Championship.
With Rhodes once again holding the top prize on SmackDown, the championship picture heading into WrestleMania 42 has dramatically changed.
