On Saturday, September 20th, WWE will hold Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the company’s first-ever PLE broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States. While the event’s main attraction is the final showdown between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, another highly anticipated match features Cody Rhodes defending his newly won Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. This match promises to be a pivotal moment for the Drew McIntyre WWE Championship storyline.
Why Drew McIntyre Is the Perfect Candidate to Capture the Title
The significance of Wrestlepalooza being WWE’s debut event on ESPN+ sets the stage for memorable moments, with fans expecting major changes. Among these, Drew McIntyre winning the Undisputed WWE Championship stands out as a logical and exciting possibility. Such an outcome could redefine the direction of the SmackDown brand, potentially revitalizing its current struggles and ushering in a more entertaining era.
Though Cody Rhodes made a remarkable comeback by reclaiming the championship at Summerslam after defeating Cena, his momentum seems to have stalled recently. In contrast, McIntyre has long been a cornerstone for WWE, especially during challenging periods like the Thunderdome era amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those circumstances, he delivered some of his best performances.
McIntyre’s Quest for Redemption in a Live Fan Setting
Since capturing the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar, one of Drew McIntyre’s career highlights came without the presence of a live audience, as it occurred in an empty arena. Now, more than five years into his tenure, he is eager for a full championship reign in front of enthusiastic fans. His brief title run at WrestleMania 40, where he lost the belt minutes later to Damian Priest, did not provide the long-awaited showcase he deserves.
WWE faces a critical choice: to make a bold statement by crowning McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza or continue with Rhodes as the champion. A title change would breathe life back into SmackDown, a brand that has suffered from lackluster content recently. Postponing Rhodes’s championship reign could help elevate the overall product until SmackDown regains its footing.
Potential Impact of a McIntyre Title Win on WWE Programming
A McIntyre victory would likely be the biggest surprise of the event, opening new avenues for storylines and providing opportunities for fresh talents. Given his consistent dedication and impressive performances, some argue that McIntyre has been the backbone of WWE’s roster, especially highlighted by his intense rivalry with CM Punk last year, which drew significant attention.
It is widely believed that WWE should position the McIntyre vs. Rhodes match as the opening contest, setting a thrilling tone before Cena and Lesnar close the show. Launching the ESPN+ era with a dramatic title change reinforces the importance of this transition and rewards McIntyre with the championship run he has earned. While uncertainties remain about WWE’s final decision, one thing is clear: Drew McIntyre stands ready to seize this moment.
