During the Men’s Royal Rumble this past Saturday, Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre made a surprising appearance at ringside by delivering a Claymore kick to Cody Rhodes, who was precariously hanging over the top rope, resulting in Rhodes’ elimination from the match. McIntyre and Rhodes have been involved in a heated rivalry for the last six months. Now that McIntyre holds the world championship, he aimed to prevent having to face Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 by interfering in the contest.
Reasoning Behind McIntyre’s Actions
After the event, McIntyre joined the Royal Rumble Post-Show and addressed why he chose to disrupt the match. He stated,
“Why not? I am a good guy. I never lie … If you don’t wrong me, I will be your best friend, but if you wrong me and you constantly cost me the championship and get on my bad side, I will be the worst enemy you have ever had. I heard somebody say that Cody Rhodes is his absolute best when he is in chase mode, when he is after the title. Drew McIntyre is at his absolute best when he is holding the championship. Cody, I will make your life a living hell. I was fine with anybody winning the rumble, just not you.”
— Drew McIntyre, Undisputed WWE Champion
Outcomes and Future Implications
Roman Reigns ultimately won the Men’s Royal Rumble and is rumored to select CM Punk for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania. However, McIntyre urged Reigns to challenge him instead, citing their unresolved conflict, especially given that The Bloodline faction has cost him the championship on several occasions. This ongoing rivalry sets the stage for a potential high-stakes confrontation at WrestleMania.
