After being sidelined for over a month due to an attack by Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes is set to make a surprising return to WWE SmackDown this Friday. The Cody Rhodes SmackDown return comes as the WWE Champion looks to stop The Scottish Warrior’s recent dominance on the blue brand.
During Rhodes’ absence, Drew McIntyre unleashed chaos on WWE SmackDown, but now The American Nightmare is back to confront him directly. The buildup has included a challenge from Rhodes to McIntyre, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.
WWE Officially Announces Rhodes’ Appearance Ahead of Wrestlepalooza
WWE confirmed on the latest Monday Night RAW that Cody Rhodes will appear on the upcoming episode of SmackDown, which serves as the go-home show before Wrestlepalooza. This announcement makes the championship match between Rhodes and McIntyre official for the premium live event.
The announcement was highlighted by fans and WWE followers on social media, expressing excitement for Rhodes’ return.
🚨CODY RHODES WILL BE ON SMACKDOWN THIS FRIDAY pic.twitter.com/BKyHQbsTTC
@WeWantCody, Fan Account
Expect Drew McIntyre to also feature prominently on this episode. To intensify the storyline, WWE might introduce a special stipulation to their match, increasing the stakes for both wrestlers.
Drew McIntyre Sends a Fierce Warning Before Their Showdown
Before their Wrestlepalooza bout, McIntyre has publicly set a tough tone against Rhodes, contrasting his intentions with those of another WWE legend, The Rock. He took to social media to make his intentions clear.
The Rock wants Cody’s soul. I want his ass.
Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Beyond his focus on Rhodes, McIntyre has also targeted John Cena, expressing his desire to be the one to retire The Champ come December 2025.
Ongoing WWE and AEW Developments
Aside from Rhodes’ storyline, the wrestling world is abuzz with other major changes. Recently released WWE star Andrade is reportedly exploring an opportunity to join Tony Khan’s AEW. Reports suggest Andrade’s shock exit from WWE was unexpected to many within WWE ranks.
Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels has praised an NXT rising star as a future industry leader, hinting at new talent ready to take charge. Additionally, AEW has welcomed two former WWE champions to their roster, signaling a shift in the wrestling landscape.
Notably, Bianca Belair has teased potential future directions for the Street Profits in WWE, adding to speculation about the company’s evolving storylines. On a different note, communication issues have emerged between Tony Khan and a six-time WWE World Champion formerly affiliated with AEW.
WWE’s Adam Pearce has also shaped upcoming episodes by adding new matches to WWE Raw, indicating an ongoing effort to maintain momentum before major events.
What This Means for WWE’s Upcoming Events
Cody Rhodes’ return to SmackDown is a pivotal moment leading into Wrestlepalooza and could significantly alter the WWE Championship landscape. With both Rhodes and McIntyre in the spotlight, fans can anticipate a tense and dramatic build-up that may include new match conditions or surprises.
The intensity surrounding Rhodes and McIntyre’s rivalry, combined with WWE’s broader talent movements and storyline developments, suggests a period of change and high drama within WWE and its competition with AEW. This return will likely set the tone for WWE’s next phase heading into late 2025.
🚨CODY RHODES WILL BE ON SMACKDOWN THIS FRIDAY pic.twitter.com/BKyHQbsTTC
— #WeWantCody (@WeWantCody_) September 16, 2025
