WWE SmackDown News Roundup: Cody Rhodes becomes new champion, New No.1 contenders crowned and more

Welcome to The Times of India's WWE SmackDown News Roundup. It was a game-changing episode on this week's SmackDown as a blockbuster main event match changed the complexion of WrestleMania 42. On the other hand, an unlikely team emerged to become new No.1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships. In the women's division, several women jockeyed for their position to head to WrestleMania, and two powerhouses faced off against each other for the first time.

Cody Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre to become the new Undisputed WWE champion

Cody Rhodes had one last opportunity to get a major spot at WrestleMania 42. He battled against his arch-nemesis, Drew McIntyre, with the Undisputed WWE title on the line. The main event of the night was a huge blockbuster and had captivated the audience throughout its entire duration. In the final moments, the match saw two referees being knocked out.



McIntyre attempted to take advantage of the situation by bringing a steel chair into the mix. However, Jacob Fatu appeared and stopped him. This led Rhodes to hit a Cody Cutter, followed by a thunderous Cross Rhodes to pick up the win and become the new champion. It marked his third time as the Undisputed WWE Champion in the Stamford-based promotion. With his victory, he will now head to WrestleMania 42 to defend the title against the winner of the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber match, Randy Orton.

New No.1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team titles

A Tag Team turmoil match was scheduled to crown the new No.1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships, currently held by the MFTs. The match featured top teams like the Motor City Machine Guns, Los Garza, and Fraxiom. However, it was the unheard pair of R-Truth and Damian Priest that outlasted the other teams to win the match and get a huge opportunity.

What were the other major highlights from WWE SmackDown this week?

This week's edition of SmackDown saw the intense face-off between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill. The two powerhouses are set to compete against each other for the WWE Women's title at WrestleMania 42. In other matches, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Kiana James and Giulia. The two teams called their shot for an opportunity to battle the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Lash Legend after interupting their championship win celebration. On the other hand, Oba Femi picked up a squash win over Johnny Gargano. Lastly, AAA's Dr Wagner answered Carmelo Hayes' US title open challenge and delivered a major in-ring thriller, despite losing the match.

Also read: Cody Rhodes becomes new Undisputed WWE Champion on SmackDown; will face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42a