This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown will feature the fallout of Cody Rhodes‘ Undisputed WWE Championship win over Drew McIntyre. The show will be at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
With a little help from Jacob Fatu, Rhodes was able to overcome McIntyre to become a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. However, fans on social media were not happy with the result. The video of Rhodes winning the title has more than 200,000 dislikes on YouTube.
But regardless of what fans online feel, The American Nightmare is now scheduled to defend his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. Rhodes and Orton are set to face off on Friday’s show for a contract signing.
Rhodes-Orton Contract Signing
To make things official for WrestleMania 42, Rhodes and Orton will put pen to paper in a contract signing arranged by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis. There’s plenty of history between The American Nightmare and The Viper, so it doesn’t lack any drama.
However, the reaction on social media could shift things again. The previously rumored plan for the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 was a multi-man affair, possibly a Six-Pack Challenge.
Aldis might also need to beef up his security due to McIntyre. The former champ might be unable to keep himself quiet or stay backstage to confront him, Rhodes or Orton.
Jelly Roll Returns to SmackDown
In last week’s SmackDown, rapper and singer Jelly Roll announced that he will return to WWE in Portland. He’s a huge fan of pro wrestling and even had a match at last year’s SummerSlam. He teamed up with Orton, but they lost to McIntyre and Logan Paul.
WrestleMania 42 won’t be complete without a celebrity appearance. Jelly Roll fits right into the biggest event of the year since he’s one of the most popular artists in the world today.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, there is already a negotiation between Jelly Roll and WWE regarding a WrestleMania appearance. It’s unclear if it will be a match, a performance, a hosting gig or a backstage segment.
Jade Cargill vs. Michin in a Non-Title Match
The only advertised match for this week’s SmackDown is WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill taking on Michin in a non-title match. There has been tension between Cargill and Michin for months, and they’re finally facing off on Friday’s show.
Cargill gets to warm up ahead of her WrestleMania 42 match against Rhea Ripley, while Michin will look to earn the biggest win of her career. Michin wants a future shot at the WWE Women’s Title, so a victory over Cargill boosts her chances.
Who Else is Scheduled for SmackDown?
In addition to Jelly Roll’s return, a non-title match and a contract signing, several WWE Superstars are advertised to appear on SmackDown. Tiffany Stratton, Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu are also scheduled for the show.
Stratton recently expressed her frustration about not having a story ahead of WrestleMania 42. According to BodySlam+, Stratton is expected to face Guilia for the Women’s United States Champion at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
Zayn has an ongoing issue with Trick Williams, though both stars are entangled in a story with Rhodes and Orton. As for Fatu, he has unfinished business with The Scottish Psychopath.
WWE SmackDown Preview: Huge Return, Contract Signing and More for March 13, 2026