Drew McIntyre responded to a significant announcement just before the live airing of WWE SmackDown tonight, which will take place at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. This episode marks the first WWE SmackDown show after Wrestlepalooza 2025, where McIntyre was involved in a high-profile match.
Earlier today, Deadline reported that McIntyre has been cast in the new Highlander film alongside Henry Cavill. McIntyre is set to portray Cavill’s brother, a role he embraced enthusiastically on social media by sharing a clip from The Simpsons, joking that it was the part he was destined to play.
McIntyre’s Challenging Title Match Against Cody Rhodes
During Wrestlepalooza this past Saturday, Drew McIntyre faced off against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match saw McIntyre attempt to execute his signature Claymore Kick outside the ring, but Rhodes avoided the move, causing McIntyre to crash his knee into the announcer’s table. Later in the bout, McIntyre’s compromised knee prevented another Claymore attempt, allowing Rhodes to hit the Cross Rhodes and secure the pinfall, retaining the title.
Following the defeat, McIntyre, known as The Scottish Warrior and former World Heavyweight Champion, expressed his frustration over the loss, which was a key moment leading into tonight’s WWE SmackDown.
Industry Reaction to McIntyre’s Defeat at Wrestlepalooza
Veteran wrestling figure Vince Russo recently weighed in on the outcome of the Rhodes versus McIntyre match during an appearance on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW. Russo criticized WWE’s decision to have Rhodes win cleanly, suggesting it did little to advance McIntyre’s character and legacy.
“I’m looking at this Wrestlepalooza and I’m like, ‘Okay, Cena gets destroyed by Brock. Great for Brock, what did that do for Cena?’ Then we get to the main, Cody over Drew. Great for Cody, what does that do [for Drew]? Just this obsession with clean finishes in fake wrestling matches. This is why, bro, nobody’s over. How many times are you going to beat Drew McIntyre until he means absolutely nothing, bro?” Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Russo’s commentary reflects ongoing concerns among fans and insiders about maintaining wrestlers’ momentum after high-stakes losses. His analysis places McIntyre’s standing in WWE into question after consecutive setbacks.
What Lies Ahead for Drew McIntyre WWE SmackDown
With McIntyre’s loss at Wrestlepalooza and his recent casting news, WWE’s plans for him on SmackDown are under close observation. His involvement in a major film project with Henry Cavill adds a new dimension to his career outside wrestling, potentially affecting his in-ring trajectory.
Tonight’s live SmackDown, broadcast from Orlando, will be an early indicator of WWE’s direction for McIntyre, both as a wrestler and a public figure. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether McIntyre can regain momentum and how his dual roles in entertainment and wrestling will intersect.
https://t.co/pC6PS5OMUC pic.twitter.com/7nAnNXLdSk
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) September 26, 2025
