Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes are currently positioned as the main heel and babyface on WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown, setting the stage for another WWE Championship clash at WrestleMania 42. Despite their respective roles, there is growing concern that the portrayal of these two wrestlers might be reversed. McIntyre’s journey and character traits indicate strong potential for a babyface run, and switching his current heel role with Rhodes could be the catalyst SmackDown needs after facing a lackluster year.
McIntyre’s path to the WWE Championship resembled that of a determined babyface challenger, striving against obstacles to capture the top prize. His recent promos as WWE Champion emphasize a demand for respect that resonates well with the WWE audience. Fans have witnessed multiple instances where McIntyre has been unfairly denied victory, whether through referee stoppages or underhanded tactics by Cody Rhodes, making him appear as a wronged contender deserving of the crowd’s support. The emotional depth he brings to his character, especially when fueled by justifiable anger, lends credibility to the idea that the audience is ready to cheer for him genuinely.
Additionally, McIntyre’s winning of the WWE Championship in front of his hometown crowd in Scotland marked a significant moment, one that felt more fitting for a babyface celebration despite his current heel status. On the February 6 episode of SmackDown, McIntyre delivered a passionate promo defending the prestige of the WWE Title, rallying not only the roster but also the fans—a display highlighting attributes better suited to a babyface role.
Challenges in Cody Rhodes’ Ongoing Babyface Role
Cody Rhodes has occupied WWE’s primary babyface position for several years, with a steady flow of opportunities, significant WWE Title reigns, and main event appearances. However, the freshness of his character has diminished as repetitive promos and predictable storylines have led to a growing sense of stagnation. Rhodes’ portrayal as the steadfast hero has become less convincing, and audience reactions have reflected this fatigue.
Given his status as a trusted company man under Triple H’s leadership, Rhodes could smoothly transition into a heel role by adopting the “Corporate Champion” persona, similar to characters portrayed by legends like The Rock, Randy Orton, and Seth Rollins. This heel character would portray Rhodes as a cunning and opportunistic champion, desperately clinging to the title through any means necessary. This shift would allow WWE to capitalize on Rhodes’ talents in a fresh and compelling way, presenting him as a figure audiences love to hate rather than a babyface who sometimes receives mixed reactions.
In particular, Rhodes’ string of title defenses against Drew McIntyre could be reshaped where Rhodes becomes the deceitful, cowardly champion, further justifying a heel turn to avoid the growing trend of fans booing him. This approach would cast new light on the SmackDown main event, giving Rhodes space to reinvent himself and explore darker character depths.
Opportunity for a Career-Defining Double Turn at WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 presents a pivotal opportunity for Triple H to orchestrate a dramatic role reversal between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes in one of the most high-profile matches on SmackDown. Rather than a straightforward finish, the event could see Rhodes resorting to cheating to retain the WWE Championship, robbing McIntyre of a triumphant victory in front of the fans. Such a shocking outcome would inject new energy into the main event scene and immediately pivot the narrative for both superstars.
Following this potential double turn, Rhodes could embrace his heel persona fully, engaging in fresh rivalries against wrestlers like Randy Orton, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn—creating intriguing matchups that fans have not seen before. Meanwhile, McIntyre would emerge as the wronged babyface champion, setting up a passionate pursuit to reclaim the title and reestablish his position as a top star. This shift could revitalize SmackDown’s championship scene and spark renewed fan interest in the blue brand.
The move also aligns with recent events involving other WWE stars, such as Gunther’s growing reputation as a “Career Killer,” having ended the runs of big names like John Cena, Goldberg, and AJ Styles. Reinventing McIntyre and Rhodes’ characters at WrestleMania could set a precedent for SmackDown’s evolving landscape and mark a strategic turning point under Triple H’s guidance.
Rather than continuing down a predictable path where Rhodes triumphs repeatedly as the beloved babyface, WWE stands to gain from shaking up the status quo. A double turn not only presents compelling storytelling opportunities but also allows both McIntyre and Rhodes to showcase new facets of their characters, keeping audiences engaged and invested in SmackDown’s future.
