New Undisputed WWE Champion Crowned On WWE Smackdown

Cody Rhodes has re-ascended the mountain, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship on this week’s episode of WWE Smackdown. Rhodes battled Drew McIntyre in the main event of Friday’s show in an attempt at reattaining the title that McIntyre took from him.

The 20 minute match saw both men come close to victory, but the finish ultimately belonged to Rhodes. McIntyre grew frustrated with the referee and headbutted him down, then went outside to get a chair. However, Jacob Fatu showed up when McIntyre got in the ring and took the chair away. Rhodes rolled the champion up for a nearfall, then took Future Shock DDT. McIntyre went for a Claymore but Rhodes dodged, then hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the win and title. You can see highlights from the match below.

The win marks Rhodes’ third reign with the WWE Undisputed Championship. It ends McIntyre’s third reign at 57 days; McIntyre beat Rhodes on the January 9th episode of Smackdown in Germany to for the championship.

Rhodes now has a date with Randy Orton, who is next in line for a shot at the title by virtue of his Elimination Chamber win. The two will compete at WrestleMania 42.

RIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE! 😱@DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/aja8Vm3YgG

— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026

WAIT A MINUTE!!@DMcIntyreWWE is trying to beat @CodyRhodes at his own game 👊 pic.twitter.com/n9uk2xPfgA

— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026

.@jacobfatu_wwe said not today! 😤 pic.twitter.com/9MF8lQcpjH

— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026

AND NEW!!!@CodyRhodes is heading to WrestleMania as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zM3uz8X6m7

— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026

NEXT STOP: WRESTLEMANIA 🔥

Congratulations, @CodyRhodes!! pic.twitter.com/E3brP2p5qn

— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026