This Friday night, WWE SmackDown returns with Cody Rhodes holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, preparing for a fresh challenge from Drew McIntyre. The buildup to their anticipated clash at Clash in Paris intensifies as McIntyre aggressively asserts his intentions to reclaim the title, setting the tone for a dramatic confrontation.
Meanwhile, John Cena, having solidified his role as the ultimate babyface, is gearing up to face Logan Paul at Clash in Paris in just over a week, creating significant excitement around both featured matches on SmackDown.
Last Week’s SmackDown and McIntyre’s Threat to Cody Rhodes
During the previous episode, a tag team main event was abruptly ended when Logan Paul unexpectedly low-blowed John Cena. Just as the show closed, Drew McIntyre made a shocking statement by delivering a Claymore Kick that drove Cody Rhodes’ head through the announce table. This violent act clearly demonstrated McIntyre’s ruthless determination to challenge Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
With their impending match looking increasingly official, tonight’s finale is poised to shift the momentum further while escalating the rivalry between the two competitors.
Possible Outcomes and Storytelling Directions for Tonight’s SmackDown
One anticipated scenario involves Cody Rhodes accepting Drew McIntyre’s challenge, only to be violently ambushed once again before the show concludes. This follow-up attack could serve to deepen the rivalry and emphasize McIntyre’s willingness to go to extreme lengths in order to reclaim the championship and prove his dominance.
McIntyre’s intent is not simply to win the title, but to reestablish himself as the leading figure on Friday Night SmackDown, signaling that he views the WWE Championship — and the role of the company’s top star — as rightfully his.
The Complex Rivalry Between Rhodes and McIntyre
Both Rhodes and McIntyre share similar journeys, having at one point left WWE only to return stronger and demand their place at the top. Rhodes recently climbed to the pinnacle as the reigning champion, while McIntyre seeks to regain the position he believes he should occupy — not only as WWE Champion but also as the true face of the brand.
This layered history adds depth to their conflict, making their upcoming encounter more than just a title match but a battle for legacy and respect within the WWE Universe. With only two episodes left before Clash in Paris, a direct conversation or confrontation between the two could ramp up anticipation and potentially lay the groundwork for a longer-lasting feud.
Potential Shift in SmackDown Dynamics: Cena, McIntyre, and Cody Rhodes
With John Cena firmly positioned as a babyface, Drew McIntyre is primed to emerge as the top antagonist on SmackDown. Tonight’s show, broadcast from Boston, Massachusetts, could conclude with another destructive angle involving McIntyre attacking Cena, further heating his villainous character and enhancing his threat level.
This development would likely strengthen Cody Rhodes’ status as a sentimental favorite for the WWE Universe, particularly if he aligns with Cena, who is regarded as his idol. Such an alliance would underscore Rhodes as a worthy champion seeking to avenge his hero.
Building Toward Future WWE Events and Storylines
The developing tension between John Cena and Drew McIntyre might also serve as a stepping stone toward the upcoming WarGames event, scheduled about three months from now. Additionally, it opens the door for a potential singles confrontation between Cena and McIntyre during Cena’s Farewell Tour, allowing both stars to continue to captivate fans in meaningful ways during this transitional period for WWE.
As the WWE Universe eagerly watches, tonight’s SmackDown promises to escalate the rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre while setting the stage for memorable matchups leading up to Clash in Paris and beyond.
