At WWE Wrestlepalooza, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, but the match featured an intriguing plan proposed by the two competitors that WWE chose not to implement. The unused idea involved a dramatic twist that could have significantly altered the championship landscape.
In the main event of WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza premium live event (PLE), Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre by executing the Cross Rhodes, thereby retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match saw McIntyre attempt a Claymore Kick through the bottom of the commentary table, a move he had successfully performed weeks earlier, but the referee intervened before he could complete it. This stoppage allowed Rhodes to regain control and secure the victory.
Unrealized Creative Idea From Rhodes and McIntyre
Sources sharing details on Bodyslam.net’s Patreon suggest that Rhodes and McIntyre pitched a different finish involving Randy Orton, which would have resulted in Rhodes inadvertently losing the title. The plan entailed McIntyre capturing the WWE Championship, only for Rhodes to regain it shortly thereafter. Subsequently, Orton would betray Rhodes, setting into motion a high-profile feud between Rhodes and Orton.
Despite this concept, the WWE opted to have Rhodes retain the championship cleanly by pinfall. This decision likely left McIntyre with some dissatisfaction, a common narrative role for heels following title matches.
Prospects for McIntyre’s Next WWE Title Opportunity
The upcoming WWE PLE event is Crown Jewel, scheduled for October 11th in Perth, Australia. It has been officially announced by WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, that Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in a title unification match, similar to Rhodes’ victory over Gunther last year.
With Rhodes’ next PLE opponent confirmed, it appears unlikely that Drew McIntyre will receive an immediate rematch for the WWE Title at a premium event. He may still get the chance on WWE’s weekly shows, SmackDown or Raw, though Rhodes is currently preparing for his Crown Jewel match with Rollins on Raw in Evansville, Indiana.
Additional WWE News Highlights From Wrestlepalooza
The event also spotlighted several major WWE storylines and announcements. The Undertaker returned to make a significant statement about Stephanie McMahon, who was announced as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026. Following this, Shane McMahon’s son reacted publicly on X (formerly Twitter) to Stephanie’s induction news, expressing his thoughts about the honor bestowed on his family member.
Stephanie McMahon herself issued her first public remarks following the announcement of her Hall of Fame induction, marking a reflective moment in her WWE career. Meanwhile, Naomi commented on Stephanie Vaquer’s recent WWE Title win, including a request related to the ongoing women’s division dynamics.
Backstage reactions also came to light regarding AJ Lee’s return to in-ring competition after a decade-long absence, raising questions about how she will fit within today’s female roster. Paul Heyman, reunited with Brock Lesnar, made an ominous statement concerning Lesnar’s dominant destruction of John Cena, further heightening anticipation around Lesnar’s current trajectory.
Additionally, there were reports of a WWE icon making a special, one-time appearance on Monday Night Raw, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere surrounding Wrestlepalooza’s aftermath. Triple H’s backstage response to Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame announcement was also part of the unfolding backstage narrative.
What This Means for WWE’s Future Storylines
The decision to bypass Rhodes and McIntyre’s proposed ending reflects WWE’s careful control over its title picture, especially as Rhodes gears up to face Seth Rollins in a high-profile bout at Crown Jewel. McIntyre’s path back to the WWE Championship is thus delayed, setting up continued tension and potential new rivalries.
Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame induction solidifies her lasting impact on WWE, signaling an era of reflection amid ongoing story arcs involving top stars. The buildup to Crown Jewel, the return of fan-favorite wrestlers, and the evolving championship landscape suggest a period of transition and unpredictability for the promotion in the months ahead.
