Drew McIntyre isn’t happy about defending his championship this Friday — and he’s making that crystal clear.
The Undisputed WWE Champion is scheduled to defend his title against Cody Rhodes on the March 6 episode of WWE SmackDown.
The decision came shortly after Elimination Chamber 2026, when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis officially announced the match during the event’s post-show.
The WWE Champion has since publicly disputed the ruling. He argued that the championship bout should not occur in the first place.
According to the champion, the decision contradicts the conditions surrounding Rhodes’ eligibility for another title opportunity.
Drew McIntyre Claims Nick Aldis ‘Breached a Contract’ Over Cody Rhodes Title Match
Speaking to Complex Graps, McIntyre insisted that Rhodes had already lost his chance at a rematch.
“It’s BS… It’s the same old story,” McIntyre said. “Cody gets no rematch — he has to win the Royal Rumble, he has to win the Elimination Chamber, he won neither.”
The champion argued that the original agreement contained no clause allowing a rematch simply because of interference or storyline developments.
“The small print didn’t say if Drew does this or if Drew gets involved in a match,” he added.
The controversy stems from Drew McIntyre’s own actions at Elimination Chamber on February 28. During the men’s Chamber match, the WWE Champion interfered and targeted Rhodes.
However, the moment backfired when Rhodes retaliated with a Cross Rhodes before Randy Orton delivered an RKO and won the match.
According to WWE officials, Aldis later scheduled the title bout as a consequence for McIntyre repeatedly inserting himself into Rhodes’ matches.
The Scotsman, however, believes the ruling violates the existing agreement.
“Nick Aldis, that hooligan, made the match, breached a contract. I’m talking to the lawyers, I’m gonna figure out how this match is even happening,” McIntyre said
Despite his protests, reports indicate that WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H has backed Aldis’ decision.
For now, the match remains scheduled. Whether McIntyre’s legal argument holds up or not, Friday’s SmackDown could become less about contracts and more about consequences.
READ MORE: Drew McIntyre Predicts CM Punk’s Fate After WWE RAW Segment With Roman Reigns
