Quick Read
- Cody Rhodes regained the Undisputed WWE Title by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam 2025.
- Rhodes will defend his title for the first time in his second reign against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza.
- Drew McIntyre was a dominant heel in 2024 and seeks a proper championship run.
- A McIntyre win could lead to a Champion vs. Champion feud at Crown Jewel 2025.
- Cody Rhodes’ potential heel turn is a major storyline possibility if he loses.
Wrestlepalooza: Where Legacies Are Forged and Broken
Cody Rhodes stands on the precipice of wrestling history once again, the Undisputed WWE Champion with a story that has unfolded over years of triumph and heartbreak. As he steps into Wrestlepalooza for his first title defense of his second reign, the anticipation in the air is electric—and the stakes have rarely felt higher. Facing him is Drew McIntyre, the Scottish Warrior, a man whose journey through the WWE has been marked by resilience, reinvention, and a burning hunger for redemption.
Rhodes’ journey to this point is the stuff of modern wrestling legend. His first reign began at WrestleMania XL when he finally toppled Roman Reigns, ending a historic run and fulfilling his much-publicized quest to “finish the story.” That victory was more than a championship win—it was the culmination of years spent chasing a legacy, both his own and that of his iconic wrestling family. But the journey didn’t end there. After losing the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41, Rhodes clawed his way back to the summit, defeating Cena in a dramatic rematch at SummerSlam 2025. Now, with the spotlight glaring and the crowd restless, he faces a formidable challenge—one that could alter not only his career trajectory but the entire landscape of WWE.
The Need for Shock: Why Predictability Threatens WWE’s Pulse
World titles in WWE have, for years, tended to change hands on the grandest stages—WrestleMania and SummerSlam. While these moments are celebrated for their spectacle, the predictability has sapped some of the thrill from championship matches. The last few title changes, including Jey Uso’s victory at WrestleMania 41 and CM Punk’s at SummerSlam, have followed this pattern. Fans recall with vivid clarity the shockwave that rippled through the WWE Universe when Gunther dethroned Jey Uso on Monday Night RAW—a rare moment of true surprise.
That jolt of unpredictability is exactly what Wrestlepalooza could deliver. If Rhodes retains, the script continues as expected. But should McIntyre seize victory, the shock could reignite fan engagement and restore a sense of unpredictability to WWE’s main event scene. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off in renewed excitement and more compelling storytelling.
Drew McIntyre: The Case for a Monster Heel Champion
Drew McIntyre’s recent run in WWE has been nothing short of transformative. Once a perennial fan favorite, McIntyre embraced his darker side in 2024, evolving into a ruthless, bloodthirsty antagonist who seemed to thrive in chaos. Even after a fleeting World Heavyweight Championship win—lost mere moments after dethroning Seth Rollins—McIntyre maintained his momentum, locking horns with CM Punk in a feud that left fans clamoring for more.
McIntyre has demonstrated time and again that he doesn’t need gold around his waist to remain relevant. Yet, giving him a sustained run as champion could fill a crucial gap on SmackDown: the absence of a dominant, villainous presence. With Roman Reigns shifting toward a face role, McIntyre has the charisma and the edge to become WWE’s next monster heel. The echoes of his brutal battles with Damian Priest and others linger, and fans have seen glimpses of the relentless force he can become. Wrestlepalooza offers the perfect stage for McIntyre to cement this legacy.
Rivalries Collide: The Intrigue of Champion vs. Champion
The ripple effects of a McIntyre victory would extend far beyond a single night. WWE’s tradition of cross-brand feuds and champion vs. champion showdowns could be reinvigorated, especially with Crown Jewel 2025 on the horizon. Last year’s Crown Jewel saw the Undisputed WWE Champion square off against the World Heavyweight Champion, and the prospect of McIntyre crossing paths with Seth Rollins or CM Punk is tantalizing. Their shared history—rooted in animosity and respect—could fuel a storyline rich with drama and unpredictability.
Rhodes, meanwhile, has made his feelings clear. In a recent ESPN appearance, he addressed McIntyre directly, dismissing his rival’s “whining” and victim mentality: “Drew’s whole thing is he’s a real victim when it comes to social media—a lot of whining. None of that works if you’re WWE Champion… My message is quite simple—hit me with your best shot, and I’m gonna kick out. That’s it.”
The bravado is unmistakable, but beneath it lies the tension of two men who know how quickly fortunes can change in WWE. The match, streamed on ESPN in the U.S. and Netflix internationally, promises to be a global spectacle.
The American Nightmare: Teetering on the Edge of a Heel Turn
Perhaps the most intriguing narrative thread is the possibility of a Cody Rhodes heel turn. WWE fans have speculated for months about whether Rhodes would embrace his darker impulses, especially after the twists and turns at SummerSlam and WrestleMania. If McIntyre dethrones Rhodes, the loss could push The American Nightmare toward a new chapter—one defined by bitterness, ambition, and ruthless self-interest.
Such a shift could add layers to Rhodes’ character, giving WWE two massive heels on the same brand and opening the door for fresh rivalries and unexpected alliances. It’s a move that could challenge Rhodes to reinvent himself yet again, while keeping fans guessing about his next step.
Beyond the Spotlight: The Journeys That Define Superstars
Both Rhodes and McIntyre bring stories that resonate beyond the ring. Rhodes, the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, has always wrestled with the weight of legacy. His victories and setbacks are not just professional milestones—they’re deeply personal, each chapter a testament to perseverance and self-discovery.
McIntyre’s path has been similarly fraught with challenges and triumphs. From his days as the “Chosen One” to his reinvention as a main-event powerhouse, he’s weathered setbacks, injuries, and betrayals. His ability to adapt—to thrive as both hero and villain—speaks to the complexity and resilience that define top-tier WWE talent.
As the countdown to Wrestlepalooza continues, fans around the world are left to ponder: Will Rhodes continue his redemption arc, or will McIntyre seize the moment and reshape the WWE landscape? The answer, when it comes, will echo far beyond the walls of the arena.
In the theater of WWE, where stories are told through grit and spectacle, Wrestlepalooza 2025 stands as a crossroads for Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The outcome could trigger seismic shifts—a new era of shock, heel dominance, and reinvigorated rivalries. Whatever happens, the narrative power of wrestling lies in its capacity to surprise, and this match may deliver just that.