Drew McIntyre Quits WWE SmackDown
The March 13 episode of WWE SmackDown opened with a dramatic confrontation as Drew McIntyre resigned from the company, just one week after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes.
Frustration Following Championship Loss
McIntyre began the show visibly frustrated with the outcome of his title match against Rhodes. He demanded that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis “fix” the situation, claiming the circumstances surrounding his defeat were unfair. Aldis countered, stating there was nothing to correct, emphasizing that a champion must defend their title and pointing out McIntyre’s prior interference in Rhodes’ matches.
Escalating Confrontation with Nick Aldis
The exchange quickly became heated, with McIntyre accusing Aldis of favoritism towards Rhodes, labeling him the company’s “golden boy” ahead of WrestleMania. McIntyre even threatened Aldis, stating he could “take that contract and shove it up his ass,” insisting the championship had been taken from him. Aldis maintained his position, arguing that Rhodes had been repeatedly denied fair opportunities due to McIntyre’s interference, and that Rhodes won legitimately when given a fair chance.
Jacob Fatu’s Involvement
As the confrontation escalated, Jacob Fatu entered the ring, taking responsibility for the events that led to McIntyre’s title loss. Fatu claimed he “fixed” the situation the previous week and asserted that McIntyre wouldn’t have been champion without his help. He then challenged McIntyre to respond if he felt wronged.
McIntyre’s Departure
After looking at Fatu, Aldis, and the crowd, McIntyre delivered a shocking announcement: “I quit.” He then left the ring and walked through the audience, bringing the segment to a close.
Ongoing Storyline
While the moment was dramatic, it is widely understood to be part of an ongoing storyline. McIntyre is still expected to remain involved in the developing angle and could reappear later as the storyline continues to unfold.
Cody Rhodes Regains Championship
This resignation follows Cody Rhodes regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre on SmackDown on March 6, 2026 [Wrestling Inc.]. Rhodes had previously lost the title to McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match in January, with interference from Jacob Fatu playing a key role in the outcome [YouTube].
Previous Attack
Prior to the championship match, Drew McIntyre attacked Cody Rhodes on a tour bus [WWE].