At WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 21, 2025, held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a physically punishing singles match. This marked Rhodes’s first title defense since reclaiming the championship from John Cena at SummerSlam 2025.
Cody Rhodes Holds Onto the Undisputed WWE Title Despite Injury Concerns
The match opened with Rhodes taking an aggressive stance, although he showed signs of a possible concussion as the intense battle unfolded. Both competitors exchanged powerful moves while pushing their limits. McIntyre, known as the Scottish Warrior, focused much of his offense on Rhodes’s head, attempting to exploit the injury. Meanwhile, Rhodes demonstrated resilience, countering with impactful moves like the Cody Cutter.
The confrontation was frenetic, with a series of near falls and signature maneuvers keeping the outcome uncertain. McIntyre delivered a devastating Claymore Kick but was able to withstand the Cross Rhodes finishing move. Late in the match, the challenger sustained a foot injury after missing a kick near the announce table. Rhodes immediately capitalized on this vulnerability, executing another Cody Cutter followed by a Cross Rhodes to secure his victory and remain the champion.
The severity of McIntyre’s injury was underscored during the bout, as reported moments later:
“OH NO DREW! 😱 Drew McIntyre might have just DESTROYED his leg!”
— WWE Official Tweet.
Additional Wrestling Highlights from Recent Events
The wrestling world also witnessed several developments across promotions around this time. An injured AEW star made a surprise return to assist Jon Moxley at the All Out event, overcoming a legitimate injury sustained months earlier. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn maintained his winning streak by successfully defending the United States Championship against a former WWE champion on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown.
Elsewhere, Eddie Kingston revealed the emotional and physical struggles he endured following surgery, highlighting the support of a Ring of Honor legend who encouraged him to continue wrestling. Triple H shared his perspective on a WWE personality, noting a striking resemblance between the character portrayed on TV and the individual’s real-life persona.
In other backstage news, Torrie Wilson disclosed that she had refused a controversial NSFW pitch made by Vince McMahon. On the action front, Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena in a brutal confrontation at Wrestlepalooza, adding another intense chapter to their rivalry. The Brons and The Usos exchanged heated warnings on WWE SmackDown ahead of Wrestlepalooza, setting the stage for future clashes. Meanwhile, MJF expressed frustration after losing a major title match, preparing to face Mark Briscoe at AEW All Out.
Implications and What to Expect Next in Wrestling
Cody Rhodes’s ability to defend his championship despite injury raises questions about the physical toll the title defenses are taking on wrestlers, particularly given McIntyre’s alarming leg injury. This match could have lasting effects on both men’s careers and influence future storytelling in WWE. With intense rivalries continuing across multiple promotions, fans can expect more high-stakes encounters, driven by ongoing challenges and comebacks. Rhodes remains a central figure in WWE, and his resilience in this match solidifies his position as a fighting champion in an increasingly competitive landscape.
OH NO DREW! 😱
Drew McIntyre might have just DESTROYED his leg!#Wrestlepalooza pic.twitter.com/j5UIzwiGes
— WWE (@WWE) September 21, 2025
