Cody Rhodes returns and challenges Drew McIntyre to a match at Wrestlepalooza

After several weeks, Cody appeared after the main event, seeking revenge on McIntyre.

Tonight, Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton in a great match

Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Zully Angeles
Zully Angeles
Published 09/13/2025

In the main event of WWE SmackDown, Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton in a great match, where both gave their all, with the action unfolding both inside and outside the ring. However, Drew's big win was overshadowed by the return of Cody Rhodes, who appeared seeking revenge on McIntyre.

The match started methodically, with both wrestlers studying each other in the ring. However, the aggression quickly escalated, taking the action to ringside. Drew McIntyre took advantage of an accidental blow from Randy Orton to his knee to focus his attack on that area, applying a painful Figure Four Lock that tested the resistance of "The Viper."

The fight turned into a back-and-forth battle, with the action returning to the inside of the ring. Both men exchanged their best moves and came very close to victory. Orton managed to hit an RKO out of nowhere, while McIntyre responded with a Claymore, leaving both superstars lying on the mat.

The end of the match came controversially as Orton was preparing to deliver his lethal Punt Kick. McIntyre took advantage of his opponent's distraction with the referee to dodge the attack and hit a decisive Claymore that gave him the victory. However, his triumph was short-lived, as Cody Rhodes returned surprisingly to attack McIntyre and challenge him to a match at Wrestlepalooza.