Rhodes vs. Orton for Undisputed Championship Set for WrestleMania 42

Cody Rhodes captured the WWE Championship on Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, defeating Drew McIntyre in a hard-fought battle. 

With this victory, Rhodes is now scheduled to defend the WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 McIntyre’s Cross Rhodes, showing their resilience.

Chaos ensued when referee Charles Robinson was accidentally knocked out, leading to a temporary confusion in the ring. 

McIntyre continued to dominate at times, headbutting a replacement referee and nearly securing the win. 

Interference from Jacob Fatu prevented McIntyre from using a chair against Rhodes, allowing Rhodes to capitalize with a final Super Cutter–Cross Rhodes combo to secure the pinfall and championship victory.

The feud between Rhodes and McIntyre dates back to January, when McIntyre won the title in a controversial Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown, aided by Fatu’s interference. 

Their rivalry intensified after McIntyre disrupted matches involving Rhodes and Orton leading up to the Elimination Chamber event, where Orton won and earned a WrestleMania title shot.

With this win, Rhodes becomes a three-time WWE Champion. While his WrestleMania opponent is currently set as Orton, speculation remains that McIntyre, or other competitors, could still be involved in a potential multi-man title match at the Grandest Stage of Them All.