Overview
- Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre in a turbulent Friday Night SmackDown main event to become WWE Champion for the third time.
- SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis sanctioned the title rematch after McIntyre interfered in Rhodes' Elimination Chamber outing.
- Jacob Fatu stopped McIntyre from using a chair during the match, a timely intervention that helped secure Rhodes' victory.
- WWE confirmed Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18–19, with a contract signing announced for the next SmackDown.
- Reporting points to the title match remaining a singles bout, while a McIntyre vs. Fatu program is being positioned for WrestleMania.