Cody Rhodes’ SmackDown Title Win Faces Backlash from Bot-Driven Dislikes
Cody Rhodes’ recent victory for the Undisputed WWE Championship has sparked significant discussion among fans. The match took place on March 6, 2026, during WWE SmackDown at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, where Rhodes faced off against Drew McIntyre. While the event celebrated Rhodes’ title win, it quickly became controversial following the upload of the match video to YouTube.
Fan Backlash and Dislike Ratio
After the match, the YouTube video garnered a staggering view count of nearly 996,000. However, fan reactions were predominantly negative, with approximately 28,000 likes compared to over 119,000 dislikes. This stark contrast raised eyebrows and initiated discussions on social media regarding community sentiments towards WWE’s booking choices.
Allegations of Bot Activity
A new twist emerged when evidence suggested that the dislike count might not represent genuine fan reactions. A Twitter user, using the handle @rawaftermania40, claimed responsibility for orchestrating a campaign to inflate the video’s dislikes artificially. This user boasted about purchasing tens of thousands of dislikes, sharing a dashboard screenshot as supposed proof of their actions.
- Claimed responsibility for 65,000 purchased dislikes.
- Promised an additional 100,000 dislikes in follow-up messages.
- The Twitter account was deleted shortly after the claims gained attention.
Match Overview and Title Implications
The match itself unfolded dramatically, featuring multiple referee bumps and an attempted steel chair attack by McIntyre. However, Jacob Fatu’s timely intervention allowed Rhodes to secure his victory with his signature moves, the Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes.
Despite the online backlash and the conflicts surrounding the dislike metrics, the outcome of the match solidifies Rhodes’ trajectory heading toward WrestleMania 42. He is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton, who won the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match and subsequently attacked Rhodes with an RKO.
Conclusion
The controversy over the dislike count raises important questions about the nature of fan reactions in today’s digital age. Is the negative feedback truly reflective of fan dissatisfaction, or has manipulative bot activity distorted perceptions? Fans are encouraged to share their views as this situation continues to unfold.
