Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown serves as the fallout edition following last weekend’s WWE Elimination Chamber, airing live from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
The blue brand moves forward after the events in Chicago, where Randy Orton secured a major victory inside the Elimination Chamber. With that win, Orton earned the right to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
However, the championship picture may be complicated before the event even arrives.
Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is being forced to defend his title tonight against Cody Rhodes. The match was ordered by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis after McIntyre interfered in the Elimination Chamber match. The interference once again prevented Rhodes from earning a rematch opportunity, echoing the controversy from the WWE Royal Rumble.
Earlier today, WWE confirmed via its official website that Carmelo Hayes will defend the WWE United States Championship as part of his weekly Open Challenge.
Additional announcements were later made on social media. Nick Aldis revealed that Randy Orton will kick off tonight’s show live in the ring following his Elimination Chamber victory.
Also scheduled for the show is an in-ring celebration for the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship holders, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, who captured the titles as the duo known as The Irresistible Forces.
The tag team division will also be in focus tonight. Nick Aldis previously announced that he would address the situation involving the top contenders for the men’s tag team titles. WWE has since confirmed that a Tag-Team Turmoil match will take place to determine the next challengers for the reigning The MFTs and their WWE Tag Team Championship.
Another segment set for the show will feature Jade Cargill coming face-to-face with her WrestleMania 42 challenger, Naomi, ahead of their championship clash.
With a world title match, championship defenses, and multiple WrestleMania storylines developing, tonight’s SmackDown is shaping up to play a major role in determining the direction of several key matches for WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Updated Lineup for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown (3/6)
- WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
- United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. TBA
- WrestleMania Face-Off: Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill meet face-to-face
- Tag Team Contention: New number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles will be decided
- Championship Celebration: Nia Jax & Lash Legend celebrate their WWE Women’s Tag Team Title win
Updated Lineup for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown (3/6)
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