The September 19 episode of WWE SmackDown ended in total chaos as Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre couldnt keep things civil during their final face-to-face before their WWE Undisputed Championship clash.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis kicked things off in the ring by promoting WWEs ESPN pay-per-view debut at WrestlePalooza, reminding fans that Cody vs. Drew will serve as the main event. Drew McIntyre was the first to arrive, but Cody Rhodes quickly interrupted before a word could be spoken.
Cody used the opportunity to bring up their shared historyreminding Drew that exactly fifteen years ago to the day, they won the tag team titles together. But Cody made it clear that their history didnt matter tonight. He said fans arent tuning in for legacy; they just want to see two men fight.
He didnt hold back either, calling Drew out for becoming a keyboard warrior in recent months and sarcastically daring him to post something on social media. Drew smirked and pulled out his phone, posting Thank you Cody.
That set the stage for Drew to unload his real frustrations. He claimed all hes ever wanted was a fair, interference-free title shotsomething Cody would never give him because hes too focused on being the company guy, always worried about sponsors, stock prices, and his name being the brand.
Drew said he kicked Cody through the announce table weeks ago, but Cody just came back and talked him to death. He then warned Cody that just like he sat in Codys spot five years ago, Cody will eventually take hisand when he does, hell be saying, My God, Drew was right.
Cody responded with a contract signature and a warning: if Drew wins, itll be his moment. But if he loses, his legacy becomes the man who lost to Cody at their debut ESPN PLE WrestlePalooza for the WWE Undisputed Championship.
After both men signed, Drew suddenly headbutted Cody, flipping the table. The fight spilled to ringside where Drew smashed Codys face into the announce desk and teased another Claymore Kickbut stopped just short.
Instead, Drew leaned into the moment, stating he wouldnt end the match before it happens. He promised to take what matters most to Codythe title.
Cody responded with a suicide dive, sparking a full-on brawl that security and officials struggled to contain. Despite being separated, Drew landed a vicious boot to Codys head and stomped him out as the show went off the air.
The table is set for one of the most personal WWE title matches in recent memoryand the animosity is boiling over.
Are you siding with the Scottish Warrior or the American Nightmare heading into ESPNs first WWE premium live event WrestlePalooza? Drop your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
