Drew McIntyre has positioned himself as a significant challenge for Cody Rhodes, continuing to get the best of the WWE champion both physically and mentally on the latest episode of SmackDown. As the two prepare for their title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rhodes has felt the pressure mounting from McIntyre’s psychological tactics, which have forced him into emotional outbursts and questionable decisions.
The closing segment of SmackDown unfolded with a heated contract signing between Rhodes and McIntyre for their upcoming championship contest. McIntyre refused to accept the original terms of the contract, which he deemed unfair, especially following Rhodes’ earlier decision to intentionally disqualify himself. Seeking to avoid a repeat of that scenario, McIntyre insisted on amendments, which Rhodes ultimately agreed to, gaining the approval of SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
During their exchange, McIntyre accused Rhodes of being a corporate figure while declaring himself the genuine embodiment of the “American Dream,” a nod to the late Dusty Rhodes, Cody’s father. This exchange of words highlighted the contrasting paths both men had taken within the wrestling world. While Rhodes left WWE to thrive elsewhere before returning, McIntyre had remained until his departure from the company.
As tensions heightened, Rhodes attempted to assert his dominance, but McIntyre had a surprise prepared. Reminding Rhodes of what he sacrificed on Halloween night by not being with his daughters, McIntyre struck back with a brutal Claymore kick after initially evading an attack. He finished the confrontation with a powerbomb, leaving a significant impression heading into their match.
The segment was well-executed, underscoring McIntyre’s refusal to back down and Rhodes’ resolve as a fighting champion. The stakes have risen with the added stipulation against disqualification, opening the door for McIntyre to potentially manipulate the rules to his favor. Both competitors displayed sharp verbal skills, enhancing anticipation for their clash.
In addition to the main event storyline, SmackDown also showcased Ilja Dragunov’s ongoing U.S. championship open challenge, as well as an intense verbal confrontation between WWE women’s champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill ahead of their title bout. The dynamic flow of the night kept fans engaged, reinforcing the excitement surrounding Saturday Night’s Main Event and the evolving narratives within WWE.
Overall, the show managed to build anticipation for the upcoming matches, demonstrating the compelling nature of the rivalries at play.