WWE SmackDown on March 6, 2026, delivered a high-stakes main event as Cody Rhodes challenged Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, while Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley faced off ahead of WrestleMania 42. The show, held at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, drew 5,444 ticket sales, with 2,213 tickets still available at the time of the event.

Controversy and Tension Between Cargill and Ripley

Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley’s anticipated showdown was fueled by a week of controversy following Ripley’s Elimination Chamber victory. Cargill criticized Ripley for spending too much time with WWE’s creative team, sparking a viral feud that involved other members of the women’s locker room. While some media outlets, including the reliable Dave Meltzer, claimed the tension was staged, the real-world impact of such drama has been significant, with fans and critics alike noting that personal issues drive viewership and interest in wrestling.

Cargill’s comments led to a war of words on social media, with both wrestlers defending their positions. The conflict, which blurred the lines between reality and performance, has already impacted WWE’s narrative heading into WrestleMania 42, where the outcome of the SmackDown main event could influence the structure of the upcoming pay-per-view.

Cody Rhodes Challenges Drew McIntyre for WWE Championship

Cody Rhodes’ challenge to Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship marked a rare SmackDown main event featuring the Undisputed Title. This match was particularly significant after McIntyre cost Rhodes the Elimination Chamber match, leading to widespread speculation about a potential title change. The result of this match could determine whether Rhodes faces Randy Orton in a one-on-one match or competes in a multi-man showdown at WrestleMania 42.

SmackDown’s main event not only elevated the stakes for the WWE Championship but also highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre. With names like Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams still without a WrestleMania opponent, the outcome of this match could reshape the landscape of the pay-per-view event.

SmackDown Ratings and Viewership Trends

SmackDown’s ratings have shown a steady increase in the weeks leading up to the March 6 event. The show’s February 27 episode drew 1.379 million viewers, while the February 20 episode reached 1.113 million. The February 6 episode saw a surge with 1.459 million viewers, and the January 30 episode attracted 1.26 million. These figures indicate growing interest in the show, which could be attributed to the buildup of major storylines and high-profile matches.

The March 6 episode was broadcast at 5:00 pm PST (8:00 pm EST) on USA Network, with fans able to watch the event live or stream it online. The combination of high-profile matches and the buildup to WrestleMania 42 contributed to the event’s anticipated viewership numbers.

As the WWE storyline continues to evolve, the impact of these matches will be felt not only in the ring but also in the broader wrestling landscape. The outcomes of Cargill vs. Ripley and Rhodes vs. McIntyre will shape the narrative heading into WrestleMania 42, potentially influencing the structure of the pay-per-view and the direction of WWE’s programming in the coming months.