5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (6 March - Results & Review)

1. A PLE Quality Main Event

Some fans won’t mind Cody Rhodes becoming WWE Champion again, and others will hate what happened on Friday, but nobody can deny the quality of the match. Sure, Cody and Drew have been spinning things out a little due to others getting injured (like Jacob Fatu), but they’ve got undeniable chemistry. SmackDown’s main event was another excellent chapter in-ring for these guys.

WWE is going with Cody vs. Randy Orton and Drew vs. Jacob Fatu for ‘Mania 42, which is fair enough. Rhodes probs still needs a refresh and probably a heel turn, but he got a massive pop for winning. On the whole, this headliner worked a treat and is honestly must see. The pair didn’t rush, there was plenty of focus from McIntyre on Cody’s arm throughout, then Rhodes rallied to take home the win. Plus, Drew can point to Fatu’s interference as a turning point that caused him to lose his title.

No, WWE’s path to WrestleMania 42 hasn’t been great. It’s been spotty, if anything, but this was a top match between 2 workers who really know their stuff. Also, a near fall from Drew's flash Claymore Kick when the referee was changing over fooled the live crowd. Some around ringside seemed to believe there was no chance in hell that Rhodes was kicking out of that one.

Bigger challenges are ahead for creative. They need to ramp up the intensity on Cody vs. Randy now, but Rhodes vs. McIntyre was PLE quality and should be enjoyed for what it was even if you're sour on Cody becoming champ all over again.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more wrestling, check out 8 New Directions For WWE After Elimination Chamber 2026 and WWE Gimmicks That FAILED The HARDEST Every Year (1985-2025)!