Drew McIntyre has raised serious concerns about his WWE rival Cody Rhodes ahead of upcoming matches, accusing referees of giving Rhodes favorable treatment. McIntyre, who captured the WWE Undisputed Championship from Rhodes during a Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown last month, expressed his frustration in a recent interview as the road to WrestleMania 42 intensifies.
With Roman Reigns opting to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW after winning the Royal Rumble, the question remains who will challenge McIntyre for the Undisputed Title at WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes is among four wrestlers who have secured a spot in the Elimination Chamber match in Las Vegas, where the winner will face McIntyre, providing Rhodes with a chance to reclaim the championship.
McIntyre Voices Frustration Over Perceived Favoritism Toward Rhodes
During an appearance on the Busted Open Podcast, Drew McIntyre criticized the officiating in past matches involving Rhodes, suggesting that referees intervened to shield him from defeat. McIntyre emphasized his determination to prevent Rhodes from regaining the title and being “protected” as the so-called Golden Boy.
“I’m concerned concerning how the first two matches went and the referees bailing him out, and for the cage match. I overcame Cody and Jacob. And I can’t get the title back on Cody, where he’s protected again; he’s back in the Golden Boy spot. I liberated this title for everybody,” he said.
– Drew McIntyre, WWE Undisputed Champion
McIntyre also spoke about his responsibility to uphold unpredictability on SmackDown, aiming to carry the future of the brand without allowing it to become overly predictable or sanitized.
Interference During Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
On the most recent episode of SmackDown, Rhodes competed in a Triple Threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu. McIntyre disrupted the contest by attacking both Rhodes and Fatu, attempting to influence the outcome by placing Zayn on top of Rhodes for a pinfall that could have eliminated Rhodes.
Despite McIntyre’s interference, the match continued as McIntyre reentered the ring to attack Rhodes again. However, Zayn responded with a Helluva Kick to McIntyre, and Rhodes recovered to execute his signature Cross Rhodes, securing the victory and a spot in the Elimination Chamber.
Implications for WrestleMania and WWE’s Championship Scene
This rivalry sets the stage for a tense and uncertain WrestleMania, with McIntyre determined to maintain his championship reign while Rhodes fights to regain the top spot. The ongoing tension surrounding refereeing decisions and match outcomes adds a layer of complexity to WWE’s narrative, leaving fans eager to see how the storyline unfolds at the Elimination Chamber and beyond.
The outcome of the Elimination Chamber will be crucial in deciding who ultimately challenges McIntyre for the Undisputed Championship, shaping the direction of SmackDown and WWE’s major event season.
