On the September 19 episode of WWE SmackDown, the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre officially signed the contract for their Wrestlepalooza title match. The event took place in Toledo, Ohio, marking the final televised show before WWE’s first Premium Live Event on ESPN. The segment concluded with McIntyre launching a surprise attack on Rhodes after the contract was signed, intensifying the rivalry ahead of Wrestlepalooza.
During the signing, Rhodes reflected on their shared history, reminding McIntyre that the two had won WWE Tag Team Championships together 15 years ago. Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, accused McIntyre of transforming into more of a “keyboard warrior” than the fighter he once was, suggesting McIntyre’s social media activity was his only strength. McIntyre responded by showing Rhodes a recent social media post that said “Thank You, Cody,” emphasizing his intention to earn a fair shot at the title.
McIntyre verbally attacked Rhodes, calling him a “corporate champion” who prioritizes stock prices over in-ring action. He challenged Rhodes by saying he preferred to fight with words rather than fists, painting Rhodes as out of touch with true wrestling competition.
Thank you Cody!!!— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) September 20, 2025
Rhodes retaliated by warning that McIntyre’s legacy would be remembered for losing to him once again at Wrestlepalooza. After signing the contract, the verbal confrontation escalated into a physical altercation when McIntyre struck Rhodes with a Glasgow Kiss headbutt and dragged him toward the announce table.
Intense Aftermath of the Contract Signing
McIntyre appeared ready to slam Rhodes through the announce table, echoing a previous attack from August 8. However, he suddenly pulled back and declared that he intended to win the WWE Championship fairly at Wrestlepalooza, then began to walk away from ringside. Rhodes recovered quickly and charged after McIntyre, reigniting the conflict as WWE officials rushed to intervene.
Despite efforts to separate them, McIntyre broke free from the officials’ grasp and unleashed another assault on Rhodes, leaving the champion sprawled on the floor. SmackDown ended abruptly with Rhodes down, fueling uncertainty about the match’s outcome.
“I’m taking the one thing that means the most to you…”
This is OUT OF CONTROL! 😱 Who will walk away as the Undisputed WWE Champion at Wrestlepalooza? Stream TOMORROW on the ESPN app!pic.twitter.com/kyDHltKU6I— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
Possible Implications for Wrestlepalooza
The assault on Rhodes during the go-home show sets a tense tone heading into Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for September 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Wrestling fans often see these violent episodes before a Premium Live Event as foreshadowing the eventual winner—commonly, the wrestler who sustained the final beatdown on the last show goes on to win the match.
McIntyre’s brutal attack could therefore hint at Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship, despite the intense rivalry and hostility between the two. The match promises to be closely contested and emotionally charged, reflecting the deep personal animosity between Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, and McIntyre, the Scottish Warrior.
As the title bout approaches, the WWE universe awaits to see whether Rhodes can overcome the violence and tension displayed on SmackDown or if McIntyre will capitalize on the momentum generated by his aggressive actions.
"The Scottish Warrior has just been a keyboard warrior…"@CodyRhodes is fed up with @DMcIntyreWWE 😤 pic.twitter.com/oeN2OqV2kg
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
Thank you Cody!!!
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) September 20, 2025
"I'm taking the one thing that means the most to you…"
This is OUT OF CONTROL! 😱 Who will walk away as the Undisputed WWE Champion at Wrestlepalooza? Stream TOMORROW on the ESPN app!https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/kyDHltKU6I
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
