WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (March 6, 2026): Cody Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre to reclaim WrestleMania main event spot & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
Jade Cargill Rhea Ripley face-off; R-Truth & Damian Priest team up & more!
The March 6 edition of Friday Night SmackDown aired live from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The show served as the fallout show from the 2026 Elimination Chamber and featured the aftermath from the show, where the number one contenders for the Undisputed and the Women’s title were finalized.
An Undisputed title rematch between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, along with a number one contenders match, a fiery face-off, and a title celebration, were announced for the show. Additionally, the show also picked up the build towards WrestleMania 42, with major storylines and feuds taking shape.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 3/6 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown (March 6, 2026) Summary and Highlights
Randy Orton is going to main event WrestleMania
Randy Orton picked up the mic amid loud cheers from the Portland crowd and welcomed the fans to SmackDown. Orton said he had arrived early and noticed the WrestleMania sign already hanging above the ring. Seeing it made him reflect on the 20 different WrestleMania events he had competed in, though he had only main-evented twice.
He noted that no matter who you are or what you have accomplished, there is never a guarantee that you will make it to WrestleMania, let alone headline the event. However, Orton said that this time he was going back to the main event of WrestleMania.
At that point, Trick Williams appeared and said he had a bone to pick with Orton, claiming that he should have been the one in the main event receiving the title opportunity. However, he added that he had an even bigger issue with Orton.
Williams brought up Orton’s comment during the Chamber match about him not being 6’5, saying that now they were standing face-to-face and eye-to-eye in the ring. Before he could continue, Orton suddenly hit him with an RKO to end the segment.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Orton has headlined WrestleMania twice: first in 2009 in a WWE Championship match against Triple H, and again at the 30th edition in 2014 in a triple threat bout for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Daniel Bryan and Batista.
- Backstage, GM Nick Aldis informed Carmelo Hayes that he’s picked someone special for the U.S. Open Challenge tonight.
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. – U.S. Title Open Challenge
In the first match of the show, Carmelo Hayes defended the U.S title in an open challenge, which was answered by AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., who also made his first main roster appearance.
Hayes was able to weather the storm and overcome the size advantage to pin Wagner Jr. and retain the title after delivering nothing but net from the top rope.
Winner & Still: Carmelo Hayes
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. made his first appearance on the main roster after a handful of matches in NXT.
- Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Ilja Dragunov, where he spoke about refusing to face Hayes for the US title. Ilja said he wanted to live up to the example set by the strongest person he had ever known: his mother. He admitted that he was not currently fighting with the same spirit she would have shown, and until he reached that level, he was willing to wait for his moment. The Miz appeared and criticized Dragunov’s approach and questioned his decision to hold himself back. Moments later, Kit Wilson also appeared and accused Dragunov of being overly focused on proving his own toughness. Dragunov floated the idea of settling it inside the ring and left. Miz patted Wilson and told him that Wilson got this one.
- Backstage, R-Truth informed Damian Priest that they would be teaming up to partake in the Tag Team turmoil match to determine the number one contenders for the tag titles.
Contenders spoil the celebration
Mark Nash introduced the Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend), who made their entrance carrying the Women’s Tag Team titles to celebrate their dominance. Jax asked the Portland crowd to take it all in and get a good look at two six-foot powerhouses, adding that the tag division was firmly under their control.
She continued by saying that as generous champions, they welcomed all challengers, while Legend warned anyone brave enough to step up that they would be thoroughly dealt with. Legend then addressed the entire locker room, stating that they were here to stay, and proposed a toast to themselves as the most dominant Tag Team Champions. The two flaunted their titles with champagne in hand as pyros went off behind them.
Their celebration was interrupted by Charlotte Flair, accompanied by Alexa Bliss. Alexa reminded the champions that the only reason she and Flair lost the titles was due to interference from Nia and Legend. Flair added that they were eyeing the next title opportunity.
Giulia and Kiana James then appeared, staking their claim. James noted that she had won the triple threat match involving Flair and Nia and had also pinned Alexa in the Women’s Chamber match, insisting that they would be heading to WrestleMania with the titles one way or another.
Giulia added that they planned to walk into Las Vegas as champions, prompting James to tell Alexa and Flair to step aside. The confrontation escalated into an argument, prompting General Manager Nick Aldis to appear and officially announce a tag team match between Flair & Bliss and James & Giulia.
Grade: C
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage before the segment, Drew McIntyre confronted Nick Aldis and reminded him of their agreement that Cody Rhodes would not receive a rematch unless he won either the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber. Aldis countered, noting that McIntyre had gone back on his promise not to interfere in Rhodes’ matches. Because Drew had broken his word, Aldis said he would no longer honor his own promise and informed McIntyre that he would have to defend or forfeit. McIntyre responded that it was him against the world, asserting the only way he would lose the championship was if Rhodes pried the belt from his “cold, dead hands.”
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Giulia & Kiana James – #1 Contenders match for the Women’s Tag Team titles
The match began right away, with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair in control, but Giulia and Kiana James fought their way in, and both teams tussled to secure the win. In the final moments of the match, Flair countered Giulia with a German Suplex, while Alexa Bliss planted Kiana James with a DDT. Flair then followed up with the Natural Selection on Giulia to secure the victory, earning a title shot against the new champions.
Winner: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- In a video promo, Jelly Roll announced that he will be live next week to see his tag team partner, Randy Orton, as well as Cody Rhodes.
- Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Cody Rhodes, who spoke about regaining the title and securing the WrestleMania spot. Sami Zayn then approached and said that he didn’t want to get in Rhodes’ head before the match and admitted he found the situation “crazy,” as Rhodes had lost in the Elimination Chamber, a match meant to earn a title opportunity. Yet, Rhodes was still getting a title shot, giving him a second chance, while Zayn never received one. Rhodes fired back, accusing Zayn of posturing and scheming for a title opportunity he hadn’t even won yet. Zayn replied that he wasn’t trying to manipulate anything, admitting that, despite his behavior in recent weeks, he genuinely hoped Rhodes would reclaim the WWE Championship.
Tag Team Turmoil match to determine the #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team titles
Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) and Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) started the action first, with Fraxiom scoring the pin to eliminate MCMG. Los Garzas (Berto & Garza) came out next, eliminating Fraxiom, after which Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) arrived.
The MFTs (Tonga Loa & Tama Tonga) interfered, costing Lumis and Gacy as Los Garzas picked up the pin, eliminating the Wyatt Sicks. The newly formed tag team of R-Truth and Damian Priest came out last, picking up the win to secure the Tag title shot.
Winner: R-Truth & Damian Priest
Grade: C+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- The ridiculous amount of commercials, likely to make up for the commercial-free main event, spoiled the momentum of the match.
- R-Truth and Damian Priest teaming up is another fan-favorite pairing that, if done right, can elevate the tag division on SmackDown.
- According to Joe Tessitore, there have been 22 Tag Team Turmoil matches in WWE history.
Rhea Ripley Jade Cargill face-to-face
Rhea Ripley picked up the mic and called out Jade Cargill, who made her entrance shortly after. Cargill offered a handshake, which Ripley accepted, as Cargill expressed respect for Ripley, listing several qualities she admired.
However, Cargill quickly added that she was not impressed, noting that while Ripley’s arms were big, hers were bigger. Cargill declared that she was more deserving of the title and vowed that at WrestleMania, she would defeat Ripley, claiming, “She is that B*TCH.”
Ripley then offered her own handshake, which Cargill accepted. Ripley began by acknowledging the honesty, noting that while Jade wasn’t impressed by her physically, she herself was impressed by Jade. She challenged Cargill, asking if she really thought Ripley would go down and stay down if hit with her best shot.
Ripley continued, asserting that if she struck Cargill with her strongest blow, Jade would not recover because, unlike Jade, her body was built for fighting, while Cargill’s was built for show. Ripley emphasized that while Cargill worked out for aesthetics, she trained so her body could survive and thrive in this business.
She vowed to take the title from Cargill by force and insisted that there was nothing Jade could do to stop her because, in her words, “She is that B*TCH.”
Grade: C
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- The segment didn’t deliver as everyone expected, and Cargill’s lack of on-mic skills was on display. Additionally, the scripting was just odd as the two talked about each other’s bodies and muscles, and not the Twitter beef.
- Backstage, before the face-off, Sami Zayn caught up with Randy Orton and asked how Orton could talk about Cody Rhodes as if he were his best friend one moment and then turn around and treat him like nothing. Orton explained that sometimes you have to be selfish. Zayn asked if that made Orton a bad person, and Orton admitted he wasn’t concerned and only knew it had helped him become a 14-time champion. Sami acknowledged that it was fair, adding that he genuinely wanted to see him capture a 15th title. Orton responded that Sami could reach his goals, though he might need to start listening to the right voices. As Orton left, Aleister Black and Zelina Vega appeared. Black reassured him not to stress over it, saying it was just part of the nature of the business.
Oba Femi vs Johnny Gargano
Backstage, Chris Sabin was furious after seeing Alex Shelley talking with Johnny Gargano following their loss in the Tag Team Turmoil match earlier that night. The two continued arguing as Candice LeRae urged Gargano to reconnect with his “Johnny Wrestling” mindset. Taking her advice to heart, Gargano finally got up and made his way toward the ring.
Johnny Gargano stepped into the ring, accompanied by Candice LeRae. Gargano reminded everyone, including himself, of who he was and emphasized that he needed to become “Johnny Wrestling” again. He then called out anyone willing to step up and face him. Moments later, Oba Femi’s music hit as he answered the challenge. Femi picked up another easy win after delivering the fall from grace.
Winner: Oba Femi
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- It’s baffling that WWE continues to underutilize Johnny Gargano, while Candice LeRae isn’t even getting ring time on SmackDown, appearing only in backstage segments. The situation becomes even more frustrating when you consider the impressive in-ring credentials both have built over the years.
- Backstage, Michin confronted Jade Cargill, insisting she was still coming for her pound of flesh. Cargill asked why she had allowed Rhea Ripley to jump the line, and Michin explained that Ripley had earned it. Cargill then said she would see her next week.
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Cody Rhodes – Undisputed WWE title match
In the main event of the show, Drew McIntyre defended the Undisputed title against Cody Rhodes. McIntyre continued his shenanigans during the match, pulling referee Charles Robinson in front, causing Cody to hit the disaster kick, accidentally taking out the referee.
Referee Dan Engler rushed in later to make the pin as the match continued, but Drew took him out with a Glasgow Kiss and brought in a steel chair to hit Cody, but Jacob Fatu then appeared, snatching the chair away.
In the closing moments, McIntyre lined up for the Claymore, but Cody ducked and delivered the super Cody Cutter, followed by the Cross Rhodes to pin Drew and regain the title, securing the WrestleMania main event spot once again.
Winner & New: Cody Rhodes
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Can’t help but feel bad for McIntyre, but seems like WWE is finally going to pull the trigger on Cody vs Orton, while Drew will likely be booked against Jacob Fatu at Mania.
- Before the main event backstage, Danhausen caught up with General Manager Nick Aldis, listing his DemandHausen about securing a Hall of Fame induction and a mentor who can take him to the top. Aldis replied that it wasn’t exactly his area of responsibility, but then walked down the hall to approach The Miz, praising him and explaining that he had someone for Miz to mentor. Danhausen was thrilled to meet Miz, but the A-Lister made it clear he wasn’t interested in mentoring some goth kid who hadn’t been “invited to the party.” Danhausen told Miz he planned to get him a title shot and even a television show. Miz refused, prompting Danhausen to curse him and reminding him of what had happened to Dominik Mysterio on Monday.
WWE SmackDown 3/6 Results
- Carmelo Hayes (c) pinned El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. – U.S. Title Open Challenge
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss defeated Giulia & Kiana James – Women’s Tag Team titles #1 Contender’s match
- R-Truth & Damian Priest won the Tag Team Turmoil match to determine the #1 contenders for the Tag Team titles
- Oba Femi pinned Johnny Gargano
- Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre (c) – Undisputed WWE title match
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown tonight?
Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to win in the main event of tonight’s show and capture the Undisputed WWE title once again.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Did WWE announce any matches for WrestleMania 42 on tonight’s show?
Yes, after regaining the title from Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes has secured his Mania main event spot where he will defend the title against Randy Orton.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.