SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has announced a WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes.
The booking took place during the Elimination Chamber post-show. Aldis confronted WWE Champion Drew McIntyre regarding his interference in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Aldis interrupted a broadcast panel featuring Big E, Joe Tessitore, and Peter Rosenberg to address the titleholder directly.
I’m just gonna make this quick. Drew McIntyre. I’ve told you time and time again to stay out of this and let this happen the right way so that one man could earn the shot to face you at WrestleMania, but you couldn’t do that, could you? Like a little boy, you can’t stand when the attention isn’t all on you.
Well, it’s all on you now, Drew. And now I need your attention to be on me. Because, Drew, you seem to be so hell-bent on preventing Cody Rhodes to get another shot at you.
Well, guess what? This Friday night on SmackDown, it is Drew McIntyre versus Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
.@DMcIntyreWWE vs @CodyRhodes THIS FRIDAY for the Undisputed WWE Championship! 💯@RealNickAldis makes it OFFICIAL! pic.twitter.com/wX9Xne7Sm4
— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026
McIntyre subsequently appeared on the set and initiated a physical confrontation. The General Manager removed his jacket and stood his ground before officials separated the pair.
McIntyre will defend his title against Rhodes on the March 6, 2026, episode of SmackDown. The victor will advance to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
