Drew McIntyre sustained a foot injury during his high-stakes match at WWE Wrestlepalooza while attempting to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. The incident, occurring when McIntyre tried to land his signature Claymore kick on Cody Rhodes, has led to ongoing tension within WWE programming, highlighted by McIntyre’s appearance in a medical boot on the following SmackDown episode.
Injury Details Emerge Following Wrestlepalooza Clash
During the intense match, McIntyre targeted Cody Rhodes, who had briefly retreated outside the ring toward the commentary desk. McIntyre was poised to deliver the Claymore kick, reminiscent of a previous moment when he had incapacitated the champion. However, the referee intervened at a critical moment, preventing the blow. By the time McIntyre was able to execute the move, Rhodes had already moved aside, causing McIntyre to injure his foot in the process. This apparent injury weakened McIntyre and contributed to his loss in the match.
The following night on WWE SmackDown, McIntyre’s entry in a foot brace confirmed the seriousness of the injury, indicating it was not part of the scripted storyline but a genuine setback. McIntyre expressed frustration over the outcome, emphasizing that he should have left as the WWE Champion. Despite feeling he had defeated Rhodes, McIntyre blamed the referee for delayed counts and protection offered to Rhodes during the critical Claymore moment, even going so far as to accuse Rhodes of corruption while granting the official forgiveness.
Nick Aldis and Jacob Fatu Intensify the SmackDown Rivalries
Nick Aldis entered the ring to challenge McIntyre’s complaints, asserting that the medical boot was not provided by WWE but by McIntyre’s own team. Aldis appeared skeptical of McIntyre’s excuses before departing. Shortly afterward, Jacob Fatu interrupted McIntyre, dramatically escalating the situation.
Fatu aggressively tore off McIntyre’s medical boot after a headbutt exchange, using it as a weapon before McIntyre was forced to retreat. Although McIntyre continued to limp after losing the boot, his injury seemed less severe than initially feared. This confrontation suggests the start of a new rivalry between McIntyre and Fatu as tensions on SmackDown continue to rise.
Implications for McIntyre and WWE Storylines Moving Forward
Drew McIntyre’s foot injury and the ensuing drama involving the medical boot have added an unexpected twist to WWE programming. The combination of a real injury with storyline elements has heightened the urgency surrounding McIntyre’s status as a top contender. His visible frustration and accusations against the referee and Cody Rhodes deepen the existing narrative, while the attack by Jacob Fatu opens the door for fresh conflict in upcoming episodes.
As McIntyre navigates recovery, WWE fans can anticipate intensified rivalries and further development of these intertwined story arcs. The injury update underscores the physical toll wielded on performers and illustrates how genuine setbacks influence scripted entertainment, blending reality with the dramatic fabric of WWE.
“The referee might have been working for Cody Rhodes, but I forgave him.”
– Drew McIntyre
“WWE had not given McIntyre the medical boot. The Scottish Psychopath’s own team had.”
– Nick Aldis
"You're blaming everybody else for your wrongdoing."@jacobfatu_wwe has heard ENOUGH from @DMcIntyreWWE 😱 pic.twitter.com/29esTu0Gal
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
