WWE SmackDown: Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre, Tag Team Contenders & Rhea Ripley | March 1, 2024

Portland, Oregon’s Moda Center will host tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring a highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. The event, which airs nationally on USA Network and internationally on Netflix, also includes the determination of fresh #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships.

The main event represents a second chance for Rhodes to reclaim the title he lost to McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match on January 9th. The path to this rematch was paved with controversy following McIntyre’s interference in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match last weekend in Chicago. McIntyre targeted Rhodes during the Elimination Chamber, and although his interference initially backfired – with Rhodes hitting a Cross Rhodes – it ultimately led to Randy Orton capitalizing with an RKO to win the championship. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis subsequently sanctioned this title match, giving Rhodes another opportunity ahead of WrestleMania 42.

The dynamic between McIntyre and Rhodes has been particularly fraught in recent weeks. McIntyre has repeatedly targeted Rhodes, even taking the opportunity to taunt both Rhodes and Jacob Fatu from a private suite following the Elimination Chamber event. This animosity stems from a prior encounter where McIntyre interfered in a match between Fatu and Logan Paul, costing Fatu a spot in the Elimination Chamber. The potential for Fatu to return the favor and interfere in tonight’s championship match is a significant storyline heading into SmackDown.

According to reports, a possible outcome of the match could involve Fatu costing McIntyre the championship. This scenario would potentially set up a series of matches for WrestleMania 42, including Orton versus Rhodes and McIntyre versus Fatu. However, it could also lead to a more complex situation, with McIntyre potentially demanding a rematch and Fatu still arguing for a title shot based on the events surrounding the Elimination Chamber qualifier. Some speculation suggests this could even culminate in a Fatal 4-Way match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

While the possibility of interference looms large, a straightforward victory for Rhodes remains a viable, though perhaps less likely, outcome. The decision ultimately rests on which matchup WWE believes will generate the greater attraction for WrestleMania. Reports indicate that an Orton versus Rhodes match is currently the frontrunner for the WrestleMania Night 1 main event, suggesting WWE may be leaning towards a scenario that facilitates that encounter.

Beyond the championship bout, tonight’s SmackDown will also determine the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The specific teams competing for this opportunity have not been publicly announced, but the match promises to add another layer of competition to the tag team division as WrestleMania approaches.

Adding to the intrigue, Rhea Ripley is scheduled to appear on SmackDown for a face-to-face confrontation. The details surrounding this segment remain undisclosed, but Ripley’s presence is expected to generate significant attention and potentially set the stage for future storylines.

The fallout from the Elimination Chamber event will undoubtedly be a central theme throughout tonight’s SmackDown. Randy Orton’s controversial victory and McIntyre’s subsequent actions have created a volatile landscape heading into WrestleMania. The Undisputed WWE Championship match between McIntyre and Rhodes is poised to be a pivotal moment, with the outcome potentially reshaping the main event picture for the biggest event of the year.

Tonight’s show will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, as WWE continues to build towards WrestleMania 42. The combination of championship implications, potential interference, and the looming presence of key figures like Jacob Fatu and Rhea Ripley promises a compelling and unpredictable episode of SmackDown.

Live coverage of tonight’s show will begin at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, offering fans a comprehensive look at all the action as it unfolds from Portland, Oregon.