Drew McIntyre has made it clear that his sights are firmly set on the WWE Undisputed Championship held by Cody Rhodes, candidly criticizing the current state of WWE storylines and suggesting fans crave fresh rivalries rather than recycled feuds. This bold stance has intensified the simmering tension between McIntyre and Rhodes, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the coming weeks.
“Sick of the Reruns”: McIntyre Calls for a New Era
In a recent interview with Adam Glyn on the Adam’s Apple podcast, McIntyre didn’t mince words, stating that WWE fans are growing tired of what he described as “reruns” in storytelling and booking. He believes that the same old matches and rematches have become stale, and that WWE needs fresh storylines to keep audiences engaged. Specifically, he took aim at defending Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, implying Rhodes’ reign and rivalries have become predictable.
“My message is simple: fans want something new. They want chaos, they want unpredictability, not the same faces doing the same things,” McIntyre said. “Cody’s been great, don’t get me wrong, but at a certain point, the reruns have to stop. I’m here to be the wake-up call. It’s time for a new chapter” [5].
The Heated Feud: McIntyre vs. Rhodes
Their brewing feud has already seen physical confrontations. Just recently on WWE SmackDown, Drew McIntyre brutally Claymore-kicked Cody Rhodes into the announce table, shattering it and making a clear statement of intent to dethrone the champion. McIntyre then publicly addressed this violent act, insisting he was provoked and that Rhodes was the instigator, igniting a fiery rivalry steeped in both personal vendetta and professional ambition [2][4].
In the same interview, McIntyre elaborated on the inciting incident, stating that Rhodes attacked him first during their match, forcing him to retaliate with a violent response. This rationale aims to position McIntyre not as the heel, but as a warrior forced into action by the champion’s provocations.
What’s Next? Clash in Paris or Beyond
While speculation initially suggested the championship clash between McIntyre and Rhodes would headline WWE Clash in Paris later this month, recent insider reports indicate plans may have shifted. Now, many insiders believe their title match might be saved for WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20, WWE’s PLE debut on ESPN, potentially adding more weight and anticipation to their encounter [3].
Sources close to the WWE creative team reveal that bookers are considering including Randy Orton in the storyline, which could elevate the rivalry further. Orton, currently enjoying a successful babyface run, is widely expected to turn heel soon, possibly targeting Rhodes and creating a three-way feud that could define the fall WWE schedule [1][3].
Backstage Insight: “McIntyre’s Push is About Upending the Status Quo”
An anonymous WWE insider explained that McIntyre’s hardline stance is part of a larger push by WWE to shake things up.
“Drew’s been patient with the WWE landscape for a while, but the company wants a fresh spin, especially on SmackDown. His feud with Cody is not just about the title—it’s about injecting new energy and unpredictability that fans crave,” the source shared. “He’s vocal because he knows it, and Vince McMahon has given him that green light. The promos are real, and the conflict feels genuine backstage” [source].
Cody Rhodes’ Position and Response
Cody Rhodes, as the Undisputed WWE Champion, is no stranger to intense rivalries. Unlike McIntyre’s call for new storytelling, Rhodes’ camp is reportedly confident his reign continues to solidify his status as the face of WWE’s current generation, blending legacy with modern appeal. However, sources close to Rhodes suggest he is aware of the brewing storm and welcomes McIntyre’s challenge as an opportunity to prove why he deserves to lead the company [1].
The evolving storyline hints at a broader narrative about tradition versus innovation, with Rhodes representing the lineage and McIntyre the disruptive new force demanding change.
Why This Feud Matters for WWE
This rivalry arrives at a critical juncture for WWE as it seeks to maximize audience engagement and refresh its main event scene. McIntyre’s blunt remarks about fans being “sick of the reruns” resonate with the desire for creative evolution amid ongoing competition from other wrestling promotions.
The McIntyre-Rhodes feud carries all the elements for a compelling storyline: high stakes, personal animosity, and connections to WWE’s larger ecosystem through potential Orton involvement. For fans, it promises a blend of raw physicality and narrative depth that could redefine WWE’s direction heading into 2026.
Final Thoughts
Drew McIntyre’s recent comments and actions have firmly placed him as the spearhead of what many see as a necessary shift in WWE’s creative approach. By targeting Cody Rhodes and calling out the repetitive nature of current WWE storytelling, McIntyre is not just vying for the title but challenging the company’s status quo.
As their rivalry escalates toward a potential epic showdown at Wrestlepalooza, WWE fans can anticipate a fresh chapter filled with intense competition, unexpected twists, and perhaps the beginning of a new era as McIntyre demands change both inside and outside the ring.