Huge Championship Match Announced For This Friday’s WWE SmackDown

Submitted by Tom Araya on

During last night’s 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event (PLE), Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre made his presence felt by attempting to take out "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes with his championship belt during the Men's Elimination Chamber Match.

Rhodes managed to fend off McIntyre with assistance from "The Viper" Randy Orton. However, while focusing on McIntyre, Rhodes lost sight of Orton and paid the price. Orton then delivered an RKO to his former Legacy stablemate, securing the decisive pinfall and earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 42 this April.

Following this match, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confronted McIntyre backstage in a heated exchange. Later, during the Elimination Chamber post-show, a furious Aldis expressed his frustrations toward McIntyre and announced that The Scottish Warrior would have to defend his title against Rhodes on this Friday's episode of SmackDown. Shortly after, McIntyre appeared on the scene, leading to a near confrontation with Aldis before security officials intervened to separate them.