As expected after recent reports, Cody Rhodes captured the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6 episode of SmackDown. Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre in a chaotic main event that featured multiple near falls, outside interference, and a dramatic finish.

The match quickly turned into a physical fight as both men battled around the ringside area and up the entrance ramp before returning to the ring. Drew McIntyre managed to gain control during several points of the match, but Rhodes continued to fight back and refuse to stay down.

Both competitors came close to victory several times. Rhodes connected with a Cody Cutter during one sequence, but McIntyre managed to avoid the Cross Rhodes that followed. The challenger later regained the advantage by using the ring post to damage Rhodes.

As the match continued, the action spilled outside again when Rhodes introduced a table. McIntyre set the table up at ringside and then drove Rhodes through it with a powerbomb. Despite the impact, the referee did not call for the bell, allowing the match to continue.

McIntyre then shocked the crowd by hitting Rhodes with a Cross Rhodes of his own. Even after the move, Rhodes kicked out and kept the match alive.

The situation became more chaotic when McIntyre pulled the referee into Rhodes’ path, leaving the official down. While the referee was incapacitated, the match continued. A second referee eventually ran down to the ring and counted a near fall.

McIntyre grew frustrated and confronted the official before sending Rhodes into the ring post. He then accidentally headbutted the referee and grabbed a steel chair in an attempt to gain an advantage.

That moment led to the arrival of Jacob Fatu, who ran down and took the chair away before McIntyre could use it. The distraction created another opportunity for Rhodes. Although McIntyre briefly regained momentum with a Future Shock DDT, he missed a Claymore Kick attempt moments later.

Rhodes capitalized on the opening by hitting a Cody Cutter followed by Cross Rhodes to secure the pinfall and regain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The title match was set after SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis booked McIntyre to challenge Rhodes following Elimination Chamber. Aldis made the decision after McIntyre interfered and cost Rhodes a previous main event opportunity.

With the victory, Rhodes now heads toward WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Rhodes will defend the title against Randy Orton on the biggest stage of the year.

Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre appears headed toward a different path, with signs pointing to a potential showdown against Jacob Fatu.

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