On the latest episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, Drew McIntyre launched a brutal attack on Cody Rhodes during a heated contract signing ahead of their scheduled match at Wrestlepalooza. The tense confrontation unfolded live, highlighting the escalating rivalry between the two wrestlers.
Contract Signing Ends in Fierce Clash Between McIntyre and Rhodes
The final segment of the show featured a contract signing for the Wrestlepalooza bout between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, with Nick Aldis facilitating the event inside the ring. The atmosphere was charged as weeks of verbal sparring culminated in a public showdown.
Leading up to the contract signing, McIntyre had repeatedly provoked Rhodes by labeling him a coward. In response, Rhodes fired back with a sharp retort, accusing McIntyre of being a “Keyboard Warrior,” sparking further tension. The exchange quickly turned physical when McIntyre suddenly headbutted Rhodes and slammed the contract table over.
The chaos spilled outside the ring as Rhodes fought back, resulting in a fierce brawl at ringside. Despite Rhodes’s retaliation, McIntyre gained the upper hand by delivering a brutal boot stomp to Rhodes’s face before officials intervened. The altercation marked the final moment of the broadcast, leaving fans eager for the upcoming match.
“The Scottish Warrior has just been a keyboard warrior…”@CodyRhodes is fed up with @DMcIntyreWWE 😤” — Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Wrestlepalooza Match Stoked by Rising Tensions
The violent confrontation between McIntyre, often referred to as The Scottish Warrior, and Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, increases anticipation for their clash at Wrestlepalooza. The intensity displayed tonight reflects their long-standing animosity and sets a serious tone for their championship encounter.
Fans and analysts alike recognize that this brawl is more than just a heated moment—it demonstrates both wrestlers’ readiness to settle scores in the ring, heightening the stakes for the upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship match.
Additional Wrestling Headlines Highlight Wrestling’s Ongoing Drama
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, several notable updates emerged. An injured AEW star remains determined to compete at the All Out event despite recent setbacks, signaling the high level of commitment within the industry.
Roman Reigns has been identified as the ideal opponent if a WWE Hall of Famer were to step back into the ring for one more match, emphasizing his status within WWE.
In an expansion move, WWE announced its first-ever Premium Live Event will take place in a major international city, marking a milestone in its global presence.
Furthermore, a former wrestling executive revealed that Brock Lesnar once held discussions about joining TNA, providing new insight into the veteran superstar’s career decisions.
Recent returns of AJ Lee and CM Punk to WWE have stirred significant interest in the wrestling community, with both superstars addressing their comeback motivations and interactions.
Finally, Cody Rhodes shared insights about key differences between his two WWE title reigns, as he prepares to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at Wrestlepalooza, while tensions continue to rise between CM Punk and Seth Rollins ahead of the event.
The Impact of the SmackDown Brawl on WWE Storylines
The explosive attack by Drew McIntyre on Cody Rhodes intensifies the narrative surrounding their Wrestlepalooza match. This confrontation serves to deepen the personal hostility between the two, promising a highly charged contest that fans have been eagerly anticipating. McIntyre’s aggression and Rhodes’s defiant stand mirror the broader competitive environment of WWE, where rivalries fuel dramatic storytelling and audience engagement.
As Wrestlepalooza approaches, this incident will likely be central to promotional efforts, shaping how the match is perceived and building suspense. The physicality displayed tonight signals that both competitors are prepared to bring their full intensity, which could impact not only the championship outcome but also future story arcs within WWE programming.
"The Scottish Warrior has just been a keyboard warrior…"@CodyRhodes is fed up with @DMcIntyreWWE 😤 pic.twitter.com/oeN2OqV2kg
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
