Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes faced significant adversity during his intense match against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, where he collapsed briefly mid-fight but still managed to keep the Cody Rhodes WWE Championship. The encounter on the big stage revealed Rhodes struggling with the lingering effects of a previous brutal attack by McIntyre, adding tension to an already fierce contest.
Rhodes had regained the Undisputed WWE Title at SummerSlam before suffering a severe setback just days later when McIntyre struck him with a Claymore Kick through the announcer’s table. This injury forced Rhodes off television temporarily to film the movie Street Fighter, marking a crucial break in his championship reign. He returned to action on the September 12 episode of SmackDown, prepared to defend his title against McIntyre again.
Effects of Previous Assault Visible During High-Stakes Match
The recent contract signing for their Wrestlepalooza rematch ended with McIntyre gaining an advantage by delivering a Glasgow Kiss headbutt followed by a powerful boot, leaving Rhodes clearly affected. Throughout the match, Rhodes appeared slowed and off balance, especially during a moment when he attempted his finisher, the Cody Cutter, but stumbled suddenly. Despite this, Rhodes recovered quickly and landed the move successfully, showing his resilience and determination under pressure.
Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett noted that Rhodes seemed far from his usual self, attributing his impaired performance not only to McIntyre’s relentless attacks but also to the considerable strain of maintaining his role as Undisputed WWE Champion with a demanding schedule.
Climactic Struggle Leads to Rhodes Retaining Championship
The match reached a dramatic peak as the action spilled outside the ring, with McIntyre aiming for another devastating Claymore Kick through the side of the announcer’s table. Referee Ryan Tran intervened just in time to prevent McIntyre from executing the move. Unfazed by the referee’s warning, McIntyre proceeded but missed, crashing through the table and injuring his ankle in the process. This injury compromised McIntyre’s mobility as the match resumed.
Seizing the moment, Rhodes capitalized on McIntyre’s injured foot by hitting an Avalanche Cody Cutter followed by his signature Cross Rhodes, securing a hard-fought victory and maintaining his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion. The outcome leaves open the question of whether McIntyre will blame the referee for interfering in what could have been a match-ending moment.
Significance and Future Implications for Undisputed WWE Title
Cody Rhodes’s ability to overcome physical hardship and still defend the WWE Championship showcases his grit and commitment, heightening anticipation for how future challenges to his title will unfold. Drew McIntyre’s injury and the controversial interference by the referee could fuel further rivalry between the two, possibly leading to more intense encounters or rematches.
Rhodes’s return after filming hiatus and his continued success as champion underscore his pivotal role in WWE storylines, and fans will be watching closely to see whether he can maintain his momentum against such a formidable opponent like McIntyre.
“JP David” – Juan Paolo David, WWE Analyst
Cody Cutter! Something looks a little off with Cody… #WrestlePalooza pic.twitter.com/cx47HeBtHI
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) September 21, 2025
