During the high-stakes Wrestlepalooza event, Drew McIntyre suffered a severe injury that left fans and fellow wrestlers concerned. This incident occurred when McIntyre attempted a risky move against Cody Rhodes, ultimately leading to Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship. The Drew McIntyre Wrestlepalooza injury has since raised questions about the physical toll on performers in professional wrestling.
The Incident That Changed Wrestlepalooza
Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes have been embroiled in a fierce rivalry on WWE programming, with McIntyre aggressively attacking Rhodes in the weeks leading up to Wrestlepalooza. On the August 8 episode of SmackDown, McIntyre delivered a brutal Claymore Kick to Rhodes through the side of the announcer’s table, sidelining Rhodes for several weeks. Cody Rhodes made his return on September 12 on SmackDown and quickly challenged McIntyre to a championship match at Wrestlepalooza.
The highly anticipated match featured intense exchanges, with McIntyre aiming to replicate his previous signature Claymore Kick through the announce table. However, when McIntyre charged, Rhodes dodged at the last second, causing McIntyre to crash violently through the table’s side. McIntyre immediately clutched his leg, visibly in pain and unable to continue performing at his usual intensity. His legs gave out during a subsequent Claymore attempt, allowing Rhodes to capitalize by hitting his signature Cody Cutter, followed by the Cross Rhodes to secure the victory.
The Rift and Rivalry Between McIntyre and Rhodes
The Drew McIntyre Wrestlepalooza injury unfolded amid rising tensions between the two athletes. Both wrestlers have experienced parallel career paths, but perceptions of their current standing in the company vary. Cody Rhodes is often seen as the present face of WWE, whereas McIntyre earned acclaim for his role during the promotion’s most challenging periods, including the pandemic era. Despite this, spotlight has shifted, creating friction around who is favored today.
In a candid interview ahead of Wrestlepalooza on WWE’s YouTube channel, Drew McIntyre addressed rumors claiming he harbors jealousy toward Cody Rhodes. Speaking with interviewer Cathy Kelley, McIntyre strongly denied these allegations, emphasizing his confidence and respect for Rhodes.
“The eyes, I’ve always found, are the windows to the soul. You can always tell when somebody is lying by looking them right in the eyes. So do me a favor and zoom that camera right in and look into my eyes right now when I tell you there is not one single thing about Cody Rhodes that Drew McIntyre would ever, ever, ever be jealous about.”
?Drew McIntyre
What the Injury Means for Drew McIntyre’s Future
At this time, the full extent of McIntyre’s injury remains unclear, and it is uncertain how long he may be sidelined. The severity of his leg pain during the match suggests potential time away from the ring for recovery. This development is concerning for fans and the WWE roster alike, as McIntyre has been a vital performer and key figure in recent storylines.
The incident highlights the risks wrestlers face with physically demanding maneuvers, especially when executed near hazardous structures like announcer tables. It also raises questions about the future dynamics between McIntyre and Rhodes, particularly with McIntyre’s status likely to be affected if his recovery period extends.
Reflections on WWE’s Current Landscape
The Drew McIntyre Wrestlepalooza injury underscores the intense physical and emotional pressures wrestlers endure in maintaining their positions within WWE. McIntyre’s journey—from carrying the promotion during difficult times to confronting emerging talents such as Rhodes—reflects the evolving nature of professional wrestling stardom. As WWE fans watch closely, the next chapter for McIntyre’s career remains uncertain but undoubtedly pivotal.
OH NO DREW! 😱
Drew McIntyre might have just DESTROYED his leg!#Wrestlepalooza pic.twitter.com/j5UIzwiGes
— WWE (@WWE) September 21, 2025
