As noted before, this Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Phoenix, Arizona is currently scheduled to feature an Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that the current belief within WWE is that Rhodes will likely be defeating McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at this Friday’s show. One source spoken to reportedly stated that plans are always subject to change but stressed that the potential title shift has nothing to do with McIntyre’s performance as champion.
Johnson reported that WWE officials priority appears to be delivering a Randy Orton vs. Rhodes match for the title at WrestleMania 42. Orton’s victory in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match reportedly was the first major step of this plan.
In regards to McIntyre, Johnson reported that a Triple Threat match for the title is still on the table, as well as a program with Jacob Fatu has been discussed for plans for McIntyre for WrestleMania 42. Johnson also reported that another but more unlikely scenario would be a match between McIntyre and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis for the event.
Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that his sources confirmed that WWE officials currently have plans for a title change to take place at this Friday’s WWE SmackDown show and Rhodes vs. Orton being the title match for WrestleMania 42.

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