Drew McIntyre aimed to send a strong message to Cody Rhodes and WWE fans ahead of their Wrestlepalooza showdown, but his warning quickly became a source of amusement. Posting a video on social media, the Scottish Warrior intended to spark fear in Rhodes and his supporters, using the occasion to assert his dominance before the match on September 20, 2025.
In the clip, McIntyre is shown driving into a wrestling arena’s parking lot while WWE fans chant his name. As he slowed down, he enthusiastically encouraged the crowd to keep cheering by waving his hands like a conductor. Then, in a mocking gesture, he played “Kingdom” by Downstait—Cody Rhodes’s entrance theme—through his car’s speakers, laughing and turning up the volume to rile up the audience.
McIntyre declared boldly to the crowd, “Cody’s a** belongs to me,” reinforcing his villainous persona before leaving the scene with sinister laughter.
The Viral Quote That Sparked Laughter Across WWE Fans
While the intention was to intimidate, McIntyre’s choice of words in the video’s caption quickly drew attention for its unintended humor. He tweeted,
“The Rock wants Cody’s soul. I want his a*s.”
This line spread rapidly, turning into an unexpected comedic moment for wrestling followers online.
Realizing the awkward phrasing, McIntyre responded to his own tweet with a meme featuring Kurt Angle’s iconic moment from his infamous Rey Mysterio feud, hinting at his awareness of the blunder. Even Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife, joined in on the reaction, using a humorous GIF to express playful disappointment.
This episode highlights McIntyre’s active and sometimes bold use of social media, where he frequently shares his thoughts, taunts opponents, and interacts with fans, a trait that earned him the Social Star of the Year Slammy Award in April 2025.
Build-Up and Rivalry Leading to Wrestlepalooza
Leading into Wrestlepalooza, McIntyre’s feud with Cody Rhodes escalated after costly encounters on WWE programming. On the August 8 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, McIntyre teamed with Logan Paul and faced Rhodes alongside John Cena and Rhodes. Following their defeat, McIntyre aggressively attacked Rhodes ringside and Claymore kicked him through a commentary table, effectively writing Cody off WWE TV for over a month.
In the subsequent weeks, McIntyre continued asserting his dominance on SmackDown. He taunted commentators by demanding medical updates on Rhodes and openly declared his goal to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship while aiming to topple Rhodes, known as one of the promotion’s protected stars.
Randy Orton responded by stepping up to oppose McIntyre. The confrontation led to a singles match on the September 12 SmackDown episode, where McIntyre secured a victory, even attempting to Claymore Orton through the commentary table as a statement of power.
Cody Rhodes made his return shortly afterward, launching a fierce attack on McIntyre and rescuing Orton from further harm. This face-off culminated in scheduling a championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes at Wrestlepalooza, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Implications for Wrestlepalooza and WWE’s Competitive Scene
This contest between McIntyre and Rhodes promises to be a defining moment in WWE’s current storyline landscape. McIntyre’s intense buildup and provocative social media antics have generated significant buzz, amplifying anticipation within the WWE Universe. The pair’s history, including tag team clashes and personal vendettas, adds layers of complexity to their upcoming championship showdown.
The match’s outcome will likely influence the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, with McIntyre’s quest to assert himself over Rhodes—and by extension, the company’s leading stars—at the core of the drama. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see if McIntyre’s bold proclamations and psychological tactics will translate into triumph at Wrestlepalooza, or if Rhodes will turn the tables on his challenger.
