Cody Rhodes’ recent victory over Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship has unleashed significant backlash among fans, leading to what could become WWE’s most disliked video of 2026. The title match took place on March 10, 2026, during a commercial-free episode of SmackDown, as part of the buildup to WrestleMania 42.
In an intense showdown, Rhodes faced McIntyre’s relentless offense, including multiple Claymore kicks and even a moment where McIntyre utilized Rhodes’ own finishing move, the Cross Rhodes, against him. Ultimately, Rhodes managed to reclaim the championship by delivering his signature move, setting the stage for an upcoming WrestleMania clash with Randy Orton.
Fan Reaction and Dislike Surge
The match’s chaotic nature, which included two referees being incapacitated and a timely intervention from wrestler Jacob Fatu to thwart McIntyre’s chair attack, led to a mixed reception. Instead of excitement, many fans expressed frustration over the match’s conclusion and the overall execution.
The reaction on social media platforms, particularly YouTube, has been stark. The official upload of the full match garnered around 24,000 likes but has rapidly accumulated over 94,000 dislikes, reflecting a significant discontent among viewers. Many users commented that their primary motivation for engaging with the video was to express their disapproval, with some vowing to discontinue watching SmackDown altogether.
Implications for WWE
This level of backlash indicates a potential shift in fan sentiment towards WWE programming, which has historically prided itself on maintaining a strong connection with its audience. As the video continues to draw negative reactions, it may indeed mark a turning point for WWE’s online presence.
With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, the promotion faces the challenge of addressing fan concerns while attempting to maintain the momentum of its storylines. The interplay between audience engagement and storyline direction will be critical as WWE seeks to recover from this incident and restore viewer confidence.
As of now, the outcome of this title match remains a hot topic within the wrestling community, and its implications for future events are yet to be seen. The ongoing dialogue about WWE’s creative decisions could either bolster or hinder viewer interest in the lead-up to the marquee event.
