Cody Rhodes has been feuding with Drew McIntyre since August of 2025, and last week on Friday Night SmackDown, Drew finally defeated Rhodes to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre had been pushing for the title change. McIntyre was said to be pretty vocal as he felt that it was the best thing for all concerned, and Cody Rhodes agreed. Rhodes reportedly felt that it would be fresher going into WrestleMania season with him chasing the title rather than defending it.
Multiple sources have noted that the title change was decided within 48 hours of the match taking place. It’s being said that Triple H took another look at the planned direction for the Royal Rumble through WrestleMania and thought another Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns match would lead to audience fatigue.
Cody Rhodes brought up Drew McIntyre at the same time, and asked if he would be more valuable chasing the title and eventually it was decided that Cody chasing would be better.
The two ideas being discussed for WrestleMania at this point are a triple threat for the title with Rhodes, McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, or just Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre.