Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Official for Wrestlepalooza – American Nightmare Returns to SmackDown
WWE SmackDown closed out in blockbuster fashion as Cody Rhodes made his long-awaited return to set the stage for a marquee main event at Wrestlepalooza. The “American Nightmare,” currently balancing his WWE career with filming commitments for the upcoming Street Fighter movie, stepped back into the spotlight and wasted no time in confronting Drew McIntyre.
The confrontation came after McIntyre’s brutal main-event battle with Randy Orton. The Scottish Warrior had just notched another statement victory when Rhodes stormed the ring, cutting off Drew’s post-match assault. The two brawled before Cody drilled McIntyre with a perfectly executed Cody Cutter, sending the Norfolk crowd into a frenzy.
Rhodes then grabbed the mic and declared:
“The champ is back. I'll see you my friend at Wrestlepalooza!”
With that, the WWE Universe now has its main event locked in: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Wrestlepalooza on September 20 in Indianapolis.
This clash not only continues McIntyre’s reign of dominance but also puts Rhodes back in the world title picture after his brief absence from television. For WWE, it’s the perfect mix of Hollywood spotlight and in-ring storytelling—positioning one of its biggest crossover stars against one of its most ruthless veterans.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Cody’s return couldn’t have come at a more critical time. WWE has been under heavy fan criticism for uneven weekly programming, but Rhodes is a proven ratings draw who delivers both in the ring and on the mic. Adding intrigue is his film work—balancing WWE’s top title feud with Hollywood obligations makes him one of the most high-profile wrestlers in the business right now.
The Cody vs. Drew main event feels like the kind of star-driven showcase Wrestlepalooza desperately needs, especially with competition heating up across the industry. If booked right, this match could not only define Wrestlepalooza 2025 but also set the tone for Cody’s long-term arc as WWE’s top babyface.
