Drew McIntyre is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown this week but he might not be walking out with the title. After McIntyre screwed Rhodes out of the main event at Elimination Chamber and nearly came to blows with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis during the post-show, WWE quickly made it official: McIntyre will defend the title against Rhodes on the March 6 edition of SmackDown. But according to a new report, that match may simply be a stepping stone toward WrestleMania 42. Speaking during a Self Made Session on March 2, 2026, Self Made Pro revealed that as early as February 2, Cody Rhodes camp noted that the WrestleMania plan involved him defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. Thats a massive detail especially considering Orton won the Mens Elimination Chamber match and is officially locked in as the No. 1 contender. It was added that Rhodes himself is reportedly on board with the potential program. If those early February plans are still intact, it would strongly suggest Drew McIntyre is not walking out of SmackDown as champion so Cody Rhodes could be regaining the Undisputed WWE Title just weeks before WrestleMania 42. Of course, WWE is known for pivoting, and creative remains fluid heading into WrestleMania 42. But if this report holds true, Fridays SmackDown title match may be less unpredictable than it seems. So is WWE setting the stage for Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 and does that mean Drew McIntyres reign is about to end? Sound off below. Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication. G Add as a preferred source on Google
