On the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, a heated confrontation between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre signaled the beginning of what could become one of WWE‘s most intense rivalries. This Randy Orton Drew McIntyre feud is quickly gaining momentum, with both superstars exchanging sharp words that suggest a high-stakes clash is imminent.
Rising Tensions Mark the Start of a Fierce Rivalry
During the SmackDown broadcast, viewers saw a dynamic vignette that laid bare the animosity brewing between Orton and McIntyre. Randy Orton took the opportunity to remind the WWE Universe of his lethal reputation and experience, warning McIntyre against underestimating him. His chilling words included a promise to deliver his signature move, the R-K-O, as a powerful reminder of his dominance.
You’d think that a man that’s been around here long enough to see what I am truly capable of, would quit while he’s ahead and shut his damn mouth. (0:08 – 0:17)It’s like you think you have some kind of superpower where you read minds and tell what people are thinking. Well you don’t. And trust me, if you did, you would not want to know what the voices are saying. You have no idea what’s coming for you. (0:36 – 0:56)I’m going to knock you right back into reality when I hit you with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment. R-K-O. (1:09 – 1:21)
—Randy Orton, WWE Superstar
In response, Drew McIntyre asserted his willingness to take decisive action, contrasting his approach with Orton’s alleged hesitation. McIntyre framed himself as the embodiment of WWE’s future, positioning Orton as a fading figure unwilling to make the tough choices that define a true competitor.
I want to make one thing perfectly clear. I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks about me. I always tell the truth and I do what needs to be done. And the truth is, you’re just mad, you’re not willing to pull the trigger when it counts, but I am. (0:18 – 0:35)The winds of change are blowing through WWE, the future’s being written. You won’t be a part of it, the WWE needs a real man like me. (0:58 – 1:08)
—Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Shifting Plans Point Toward a Major Showdown at WrestlePalooza
Initially, Drew McIntyre was slated to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event, scheduled for September 20, 2025. However, Rhodes’s current medical issues have left his participation uncertain, leading WWE’s creative team to reconsider their booking plans.
With Rhodes sidelined, the company seems to be capitalizing on the escalating feud between two of its most seasoned veterans, Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre. This pivot suggests a more emotionally charged, personal storyline could headline WrestlePalooza, promising a dramatic encounter for fans eager to see these rivals clash inside the ring.
Adding to the night’s excitement, WWE also witnessed the return of former Divas Champion AJ Lee after more than a decade away from the promotion. Her comeback further intensified the evening’s energy, complementing the rising anticipation surrounding the potential Orton-McIntyre matchup.
Though WWE has yet to officially announce any changes to WrestlePalooza’s card, the intensity of the promos and recent developments have fueled speculation that Orton may take Cody Rhodes’s place. Fans and insiders alike are closely watching for confirmation, aware that this rivalry could become the defining story heading into the event.
The Significance of This Emerging Rivalry for WWE’s Future
The Randy Orton Drew McIntyre feud embodies more than just personal animosity; it represents a crossroads for WWE’s evolving landscape. As younger stars continue to rise, the confrontation between these two established figures underscores the battle for dominance and respect within the promotion.
If the rivalry headline WrestlePalooza, it would mark a significant shift in WWE’s storytelling direction, focusing on raw, emotionally driven contests instead of scripted championship matches. This change could reinvigorate interest among longtime fans and leverage the star power of Orton and McIntyre to maintain strong ratings in a competitive entertainment market.
Looking ahead, the technology of WWE’s narrative approach will continue to unfold, but the current momentum suggests this feud will have substantial impact on WWE’s autumn programming. Whether the tale ends with a definitive victory or extends into a prolonged saga, the WWE Universe is braced for an intense, unforgettable showdown.
