This week’s WWE SmackDown is shaping up to significantly impact the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event, with growing tensions hinting at potential changes to the card. The ongoing chaos within the blue brand has intensified, and fans eagerly await the unfolding developments surrounding the Randy Orton Wrestlepalooza Match.
Among the officially lined-up matches is Drew McIntyre versus Cody Rhodes, confirmed after Rhodes’s recent return, during an attempt to end Randy Orton’s career. Though Rhodes’s participation at Wrestlepalooza was known, his immediate involvement in a match against McIntyre was a surprise to many observers.
Despite confirmation of the McIntyre-Rhodes match, Triple H may be compelled to cancel or postpone it due to rising tensions involving Randy Orton. McIntyre and Orton’s heated rivalry has been a central storyline, and fans have anticipated its expansion to include Cody Rhodes, adding layers to the feud’s complexity and intrigue.
Randy Orton’s exclusion from the confirmed bout between Rhodes and McIntyre has reportedly angered the Viper. This frustration might drive Orton to disrupt the match, possibly leading to its cancellation at Wrestlepalooza. The situation remains uncertain as WWE strategizes the next steps for these intertwined storylines.
Looking ahead to the Crown Jewel event, WWE could unify these rivalries into a triple threat match, featuring Orton, McIntyre, and Rhodes fighting for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Such a matchup would fulfill fan expectations for a climactic confrontation, capitalizing on the long-designed narrative buildup.

Veteran Wrestler Backs Cody Rhodes for Victory at Wrestlepalooza
The confirmed match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has drawn significant attention, with fans anticipating a physically intense and story-rich encounter. Beyond the championship stakes, the rivalry itself has developed into one of WWE’s most compelling plots.
In a recent discussion on the UnSKripted podcast, WWE veteran Bill Apter expressed his opinion on the probable outcome of the Wrestlepalooza clash. He suggested that Cody Rhodes should claim the win over Drew McIntyre to enhance the storyline’s progression.
“I got Cody Rhodes, and I’ll tell you why. Drew McIntyre can get beaten every match, every time, and he comes back just as heelish, just as great, and it doesn’t matter if he loses. He is still Drew McIntyre. But they’re gonna, Cody has gotta be put over.”
?Bill Apter, WWE veteran
With various possibilities open in the continuing storyline, fans must wait to see how WWE executives, including Triple H, will navigate the evolving conflicts among Rhodes, McIntyre, and Orton in the lead-up to Wrestlepalooza and beyond.
Implications of the Potential Match Change on WWE’s Future Booking
If Triple H decides to cancel or alter the scheduled McIntyre vs. Rhodes match due to Randy Orton’s interference or related backstage decisions, it could shift the momentum of WWE’s major events this season. Fans have closely followed the scrap between the Scottish Warrior, the American Nightmare, and the Viper, hoping their clashes culminate in high-stakes showdowns.
Such a change might also signal WWE’s intent to build towards a more expansive storyline, possibly featuring the Undisputed WWE Championship in a multi-competitor setting at Crown Jewel. This strategy could heighten suspense and draw greater viewer engagement by offering a more unpredictable and dramatic match environment.
As the situation remains fluid, the upcoming WWE SmackDown episode will likely provide critical clues about Wrestlepalooza’s final match card. The company’s creative choices in managing Randy Orton’s involvement will be pivotal in maintaining audience interest and delivering satisfying pay-per-view moments.
