Overview
- Rhodes pinned McIntyre on the March 6 SmackDown in Portland to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship after a chaotic finish with multiple referee bumps.
- Jacob Fatu intervened by yanking a steel chair from McIntyre, a moment that preceded Rhodes’ Super Cutter–Cross Rhodes combo for the win.
- Randy Orton, who won the men’s Elimination Chamber, is now set to challenge Rhodes for the title at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18–19.
- McIntyre’s roughly 57-day reign ended with the loss, and Fatu’s involvement has been presented as a potential new feud thread targeting the former champion.
- Several outlets reported the creative pivot came together on short notice, with some commentary linking the change to concerns over WrestleMania build and ticket momentum.