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Cody Rhodes Survives Brutal WWE Title Defense at WrestlePalooza

Smackdown
Cody Rhodes WWE Championship Defense
Cody Rhodes triumphs again in WWE Championship defense at Wrestlepalooza. [Image Source: WRESTLINGINC]

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At WWE WrestlePalooza on September 21, 2025, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a grueling main event held in Indianapolis. Despite battling lingering effects from a head injury inflicted earlier, Rhodes overcame fierce adversity to retain the title, further solidifying his reign as champion.

Chaos Unleashed in The Vision’s Dominant Victory Over The Usos

The night’s earlier action saw intense rivalry as The Vision, comprised of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, clashed fiercely with The Usos with LA Knight serving as special guest referee. Knight’s unorthodox refereeing approach allowed both teams to utilize weapons freely, escalating the chaos. The tension between Knight and Jey Uso simmered throughout, nearly erupting after a near collision and chair threat. This fracturing moment gave Breakker the chance to spear Jey and subsequently both Usos through a table. The sequence ended with Bronson Reed delivering a Tsunami splash for the decisive pinfall, marking a dominant showing for The Vision.

AJ Lee Returns to the Ring, Teams with CM Punk to Secure Victory

AJ Lee made a dramatic in-ring comeback after a decade-long hiatus, teaming alongside her husband CM Punk in a mixed tag team match. The bout quickly dissolved into chaotic warfare between men and women, with AJ delivering a punishing stomp to Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch applying her signature Sharpshooter hold on Punk. Lynch herself endured a painful submission later in the match. The turning point occurred when Lynch launched AJ across tables, crashing Punk and Rollins through another. Inside the ring, AJ countered Lynch’s Manhandle Slam attempt into the Black Widow submission, forcing Lynch to tap out and clinching victory for her team.

Cody Rhodes
Image of: Cody Rhodes

John Cena Nears End of Retirement Tour with Five Remaining Appearances

Following an intense showdown with Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza, John Cena is approaching the final stretch of his in-ring career. He has announced five scheduled events before retirement, spanning global cities and major WWE shows. These include Crown Jewel in Perth on October 11, two episodes of WWE RAW in Boston and New York on November 10 and 17 respectively, Survivor Series in San Diego on November 29, and his official retirement match in Washington, DC on December 13. Cena’s farewell tour continues to draw significant attention across the wrestling world.

Cody Rhodes Endures Injury, Outlasts Drew McIntyre to Retain Championship

The main event between reigning champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Drew McIntyre was marked by violent exchanges and drama from start to finish. Rhodes appeared hampered by a lingering head injury McIntyre had inflicted previously but showcased remarkable resilience. At one critical moment, McIntyre trapped Rhodes against the announce table, evoking a scenario similar to an earlier encounter five weeks prior. The referee intervened as McIntyre attempted his signature Claymore Kick; Rhodes evaded it, causing McIntyre to reinjure his leg. McIntyre’s compromised condition led him to miss another Claymore attempt in the ring, allowing Rhodes to hit a cutter followed by the Cross Rhodes finisher, securing the victory.

Rhodes has now held the WWE Championship for 48 days in his current reign, which began at Summerslam. This defense at WrestlePalooza further cements his standing as the company’s top champion amid intense competition.

Surprise Appearances and Backstage Buzz at the Event

Adding to the night’s electrifying tone, The Undertaker appeared unexpectedly at WrestlePalooza, surprising Stephanie McMahon with a special announcement, amplifying the event’s intensity. Meanwhile, backstage insights revealed Hangman Page sharing the locker room atmosphere at AEW All Out 2025, including reactions from champion Kris Statlander regarding her Women’s World Title win. The post-event buzz also featured shocking footage of Darby Allin igniting Jon Moxley after their match, along with appearances by Mercedes Mone and other top wrestlers retaining their titles. The presence of the Trailer Park Boys added an unusual twist to the night’s diverse entertainment.

Stephanie Vaquer Claims WWE Women’s World Championship in a Defining Moment

Stephanie Vaquer captured the WWE Women’s World Championship at WrestlePalooza, marking a significant milestone in her career. This title win represents a major shift in the women’s division, showcasing renewed competition and fierce rivalries developing within WWE’s roster.

Brock Lesnar’s Dominant Performance and Reunion with Paul Heyman

Brock Lesnar delivered a crushing defeat to John Cena during the event, demonstrating his ongoing dominance within the WWE landscape. Additionally, Lesnar and Paul Heyman reunited, creating renewed excitement among fans about their future collaborations. The event also debuted a new WWE signature intro titled “Then. Now. Forever. Together,” adding fresh energy to the company’s presentation.

Upcoming Schedule and Future Developments in WWE

The WWE calendar remains packed with high-profile events, including John Cena’s remaining matches on his retirement tour and multiple championship contests expected to unfold in the coming weeks. The WrestlePalooza outcomes set the stage for continued storylines around Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship defense and the evolving women’s division dynamics highlighted by Stephanie Vaquer’s victory. Fans can anticipate intense rivalries and unexpected twists as WWE moves toward Survivor Series and next year’s marquee events.

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Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
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