The final segment of tonight’s WWE SmackDown featured the official contract signing for the WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, set to take place at Wrestlepalooza. Both men entered the ring, with McIntyre arriving first, followed by the reigning champion, Rhodes. Cody opened the exchange by reflecting on their shared history, noting that exactly 15 years ago, they won the tag team titles together. He acknowledged Drew’s accomplishments and referred to him as “The Scottish Warrior,” but also criticized him for becoming “The Keyboard Warrior,” referencing McIntyre’s recent social media activity.
McIntyre responded by pulling out his phone and showing a tweet that read, “Thank you, Cody.” He explained that all he’s ever wanted was a fair shot at the WWE Championship—one without interference or controversy. Drew said he believes Cody will ensure that doesn’t happen, labeling him a “company guy” and “corporate champion.” He accused Rhodes of no longer thinking for himself and reminded him of the time he kicked Cody’s head into a table, sidelining him for five weeks. McIntyre warned that the fans would eventually turn on Cody and that Rhodes would realize Drew had been right all along.
Cody fired back by saying Drew’s legacy would be defined as the man who lost the main event on WWE’s debut broadcast on ESPN. With tensions rising, both men signed the contract. Drew then stood up and headbutted Cody, sparking a brawl that spilled outside the ring. At one point, McIntyre hesitated to repeat his previous attack by kicking Cody’s head into the table, instead telling him that their match was happening tomorrow and that he planned to take the title.
As McIntyre began to exit the ringside area, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis appeared. Cody took the opportunity to dive over the top rope onto Drew, reigniting the fight. Security rushed in to separate the two, but McIntyre broke free and delivered a Claymore Kick to Cody. He followed up with another kick while Cody was airborne, knocking him out as the show concluded.
Here’s the full match card for WWE Wrestlepalooza, airing tomorrow, September 20th on ESPN:
- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar .
- The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
- CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
- Singles Match for the vacant World Women’s Championship IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer .
- Undisputed WWE Championship Match Cody Rhodes (Champion) vs. Drew McIntyre
Click here for complete WWE SmackDown results
"The Scottish Warrior has just been a keyboard warrior…"@CodyRhodes is fed up with @DMcIntyreWWE 😤 pic.twitter.com/oeN2OqV2kg
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
