Cody Rhodes has a new challenger aiming for his place atop WWE, following a fierce confrontation that has intensified their rivalry. After regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2025, Rhodes faces an aggressive Drew McIntyre who is determined to claim the title for himself.
At the August 3 SummerSlam event, Cody Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, wrestled John Cena to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship in a punishing Street Fight. This victory marked Rhodes’ significant rise back to the top of WWE’s hierarchy.
Just days later, on the August 8 edition of WWE SmackDown, Rhodes paired with Cena in a tag team match against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. Rhodes and Cena worked as a united front, but the contest ended abruptly when Logan Paul’s low blow on Cena caused a disqualification. The situation escalated immediately after, as McIntyre launched a brutal assault on Rhodes.
During the post-match attack, Drew McIntyre used the WWE Championship belt to strike Rhodes repeatedly before delivering a powerful Claymore Kick through the announce table. By raising the championship belt after his attack, McIntyre sent a clear message about his desire to dethrone Rhodes and claim the title.
In the days following this violent encounter, McIntyre made his ambitions unmistakable through a social media post. Sharing a workout video on Instagram, he captioned it with a statement that reflected both confidence and a readiness to lead WWE into the future.
“Building the back that will carry this company (again).” —Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre Reflects on Brock Lesnar’s SummerSlam Comeback
In a recent interview with The West Sport, Drew McIntyre opened up about his reaction to Brock Lesnar’s unexpected return at SummerSlam. Watching the event from his home in Nashville, McIntyre recalled his simple, composed response to Lesnar’s comeback.
He described seeing Lesnar appear with calm acceptance, recognizing him as a significant figure in WWE. McIntyre acknowledged that despite the attention Lesnar commands as “the Beast,” he personally defeated Lesnar for his first WWE Championship in a WrestleMania main event, underscoring his own credentials within WWE.
“I just thought, ‘There’s Brock. There he is.’ I didn’t think anything crazy. I just saw him come out. I had finished my last appearance, I got in a plane. I believe I just arrived home in Nashville, where I saw it, and I went, ‘Oh, there he is.’ Brock is back. He’s the beast, he causes a lot of headlines, and most importantly, he’s also the guy I beat in the main event of WrestleMania for my first WWE Championship in five minutes.” —Drew McIntyre
Developments Surrounding Other WWE and AEW Stars
Beyond the intense rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, the WWE landscape is buzzing with several noteworthy developments. A prominent star has openly admitted to having romantic feelings for Cody Rhodes, adding a personal dimension to Rhodes’ prominence as WWE Champion.
Another WWE talent shared that a strange sensation overshadowed his SummerSlam experience, hinting at deeper emotional or psychological dynamics following the event. Meanwhile, it has been reported that one major WWE star will soon undergo an MRI after sustaining an injury, indicating potential concerns over their physical condition.
In other news, Bianca Belair might have encountered genuine conflict with Jade Cargill, raising speculation about backstage tensions within WWE. Vince McMahon, WWE’s longtime figurehead, has expressed frustration over what he describes as a recent snub from the company that has left him sidelined.
AEW also continues to make headlines as a multi-talented star, who carries multiple responsibilities within the organization, recently signed a new deal with Tony Khan, solidifying their place in AEW’s future plans.
Concerns have arisen over a WWE legend who could be facing a backstage situation similar to that of Karrion Kross, who experienced a notable exit, increasing speculation about the star’s status within the company. Additionally, the wrestling community reflects on the passing of Hulk Hogan at age 71, recalling one unfulfilled wish he had before his death as shared by a close friend.
The Rising Stakes for the WWE Championship
The ongoing conflict between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre signals a volatile and exciting chapter for the WWE Championship scene. McIntyre’s brutal attack and public declaration of intent highlight his readiness to challenge Rhodes’ reign aggressively. This rivalry not only elevates the championship’s prestige but also commands attention as fans anticipate upcoming matches and possible title changes.
McIntyre’s response to Brock Lesnar’s return further underlines the competitive atmosphere at the top tier of WWE, with experienced athletes poised to clash. The intertwining storylines and personal dynamics within the company set the stage for intense showdowns in the coming weeks, putting the spotlight firmly on Rhodes as he defends his title amid growing challenges.
As the WWE landscape continues to evolve, Cody Rhodes’ position as champion is far from secure, with Drew McIntyre standing as a formidable opponent ready to reshape the company’s future leadership.
