The WWE universe is still reeling from the shocking events that transpired on the March 6 episode of SmackDown, as Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in a fierce battle to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. While the achievement marked a monumental moment for the ‘American Nightmare,’ it seems the victory has come at a cost. According to Cagematch’s ratings tracker, the latest episode of SmackDown has become the lowest-rated show of 2026, sparking widespread concern within the WWE hierarchy.
The Backlash Begins
The decision to crown Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Champion has been met with a mixture of emotions from fans worldwide. While some celebrated the achievement as a long-overdue moment of justice, others expressed discontent, claiming that Rhodes’ victory came too soon. The online backlash reached fever pitch, with many questioning the WWE’s creative direction and the legitimacy of Rhodes’ title win.
“It’s no secret that Cody Rhodes has been one of the top performers in the WWE for years,” said a WWE insider. “However, some fans feel that he’s been rushed to the top, which has led to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the viewer base. It’s a delicate balance between rewarding the best talent and maintaining a sense of authenticity within the narrative.”
The Ratings Conundrum
The latest episode of SmackDown, which featured Cody Rhodes’ historic title win, drew a meager 1.4 million viewers, marking a significant drop from the previous week’s ratings. This decline has raised eyebrows within the WWE, as the company struggles to recapture the momentum that drove the product to unprecedented heights in 2020.
While the WWE has traditionally been a ratings-driven organization, the rise of the streaming era has blurred the lines between traditional TV viewing and online engagement. The WWE’s digital platforms have become increasingly popular, with millions of fans tuning in to watch exclusive content, including NXT, 205 Live, and WWE Afterburn.
However, the shift in viewer habits has also led to a decrease in traditional TV ratings, forcing the WWE to adapt its creative approach to cater to a changing audience.
A Changing Landscape
The WWE’s creative team is under intense scrutiny, with many questioning the direction of the product. The promotion’s decision to push Cody Rhodes to the top has sparked debate, with some arguing that it’s a long-overdue recognition of his talent, while others believe it’s a premature decision that may have alienated a section of the fanbase.
The WWE’s efforts to evolve and innovate have been hindered by the pandemic, which forced the company to adapt to a new reality of working remotely and creating content in isolation. The lack of in-person interaction and the absence of live events have taken a toll on the product, leading to a sense of stagnation among fans.
As the WWE navigates this uncharted territory, it’s clear that the road ahead will be filled with challenges. The company must find a way to balance the needs of its core audience with the demands of the changing media landscape, all while maintaining the integrity of its product.
The Road Ahead
In the wake of the ratings plunge, the WWE is likely to reassess its creative strategy, taking into account the concerns and criticisms of the fanbase. Cody Rhodes, the new Undisputed WWE Champion, will face an uphill battle to win over the hearts and minds of fans who feel he’s been rushed to the top.
The WWE’s decision to push Rhodes to the top has set the stage for an intriguing narrative arc, one that will test the limits of his character and push him to confront the doubts and fears of his detractors. Will Cody Rhodes be able to silence the critics and prove himself as a worthy champion, or will the backlash continue to simmer, threatening to derail his title reign?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the WWE’s decision to crown Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Champion has opened a Pandora’s box of questions and controversies, forcing the company to confront the changing landscape of the professional wrestling industry.
Sources:
- Cagematch’s ratings tracker
- WWE insider
- Sources close to Cody Rhodes