Former WWE manager Jim Cornette recently criticized the booking of the Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Undisputed WWE Championship match, which took place in a Three Stages of Hell format. The match concluded with a chaotic Steel Cage encounter that elicited strong reactions regarding its finish involving interference and escape.
During the contest, McIntyre secured the initial fall with a kick below the belt while the referee was distracted, followed by his signature Claymore Kick. Cody Rhodes responded in the second Falls Count Anywhere match by delivering a Cross Rhodes onto the announce table to even the score. The final stage, the Steel Cage match, descended into disorder when Jacob Fatu unexpectedly returned and attacked both competitors. With Rhodes and Fatu facing off inside the ring, McIntyre seized the opportunity to escape the cage and claim the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Concerns Raised Over Steel Cage Interference and Match Rules
On the Jim Cornette Experience podcast, Cornette expressed disbelief over the interference that occurred inside the steel cage. He emphasized that the very purpose of a cage match is to prevent outside involvement by restricting entry and exit.
“Drew is crawling for the door, and there’s a hooded figure. It’s Jacob Fatu. They stare at each other, and Drew runs from him like he’s seen a ghost and tries to climb out. And Jacob gets in the ring again, right in front of the referee. It’s no disqualification, but you didn’t have to worry about somebody interfering in front of the referee in a cage match because you can’t interfere in a cage match because the door shouldn’t be open. This bogus-a*s WWE escape the cage sh*t.”
This segment reflected Cornette’s frustration with WWE’s decision to modify the traditional cage match rules by allowing the door to be opened, creating an opportunity for interference and an unorthodox finish.
Drew McIntyre Celebrates Long-Awaited Title Victory in Scotland
Currently touring Europe before the upcoming Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, WWE gave Drew McIntyre the chance to fulfill his heartfelt promise of bringing the WWE title to his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. At a recent live event, McIntyre delivered an emotional promo reflecting on his journey and multiple failed attempts at capturing the championship.
He noted that his earlier title wins lacked the presence of fans and that his previous third reign lasted only moments before he was betrayed. This victory marked a significant milestone, demonstrating resilience and determination in finally securing the championship on home soil.
Going forward, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how WWE will navigate McIntyre’s reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion in the coming months and whether the current booking decisions will impact the title’s prestige.
