On the September 12, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown broadcast live from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, Drew McIntyre secured a hard-fought victory over Randy Orton in the show’s main event. The intense battle featured a dynamic mix of in-ring powerhouse maneuvers and high-stakes action spilling outside the ring, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.
McIntyre vs. Orton: A Clash of Titans
The match pitted two of WWE’s most formidable and seasoned athletes against each other. Drew McIntyre, known for his relentless intensity and resilience, faced off against the calculated and vicious Randy Orton. The bout saw both competitors exchanging heavy strikes, strategic counters, and high-impact moves. The action extended beyond the ring apron several times, with Orton and McIntyre battling up the ramp and near the ringside area, adding to the drama and physicality of the encounter.
In the climax, McIntyre capitalized on a critical opening, delivering a decisive Claymore Kick to earn the pinfall over Orton. The victory once again solidified McIntyre’s status as a top-tier competitor in WWE’s upper card scene[3][6].
The Return of Cody Rhodes and the Wrestlepalooza Challenge
The match’s conclusion saw a shocking and electrifying moment as Cody Rhodes returned to WWE television to the thunderous applause of the crowd. Making a dramatic entrance, Rhodes immediately issued a challenge to Drew McIntyre for a one-on-one match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view event.
This unexpected challenge instantly adds a compelling layer to the Wrestlepalooza card, as fans eagerly anticipate a showdown between Rhodes and McIntyre, two of the company’s most popular and skilled performers.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes have revealed that backstage, Rhodes is highly motivated to make a strong statement after his return, targeting McIntyre to reclaim momentum and prove his dominance once again. A WWE insider noted, “Cody’s hunger is palpable; he’s coming back with a vengeance and is laser-focused on making Wrestlepalooza a career-defining event for him”[8].
Other Highlights from SmackDown September 12
Besides the explosive main event and Rhodes’s dramatic return, SmackDown also featured other notable moments:
Sami Zayn successfully retained his United States Championship by defeating Rey Fenix in an open challenge match. The bout was praised for its fast-paced and technical style, highlighting both competitors’ skill sets[2][5].
The Women’s Championship match between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill ended in a double countout after an intense collision caused both to fall outside the ring. The aftermath saw Nia Jax attacking both women, laying waste with a brutal Samoan Drop and the An-Nia Lator finisher, signaling new tensions in the women’s division[3][6].
Brock Lesnar made a surprise appearance, engaging in a tense confrontation with Ron Killings. The segment built anticipation around Cena’s rumored return, with Lesnar delivering a dominant F5 to Killings to close the segment[3].
What the Wrestlepalooza Challenge Means for WWE
Cody Rhodes’s challenge to Drew McIntyre sets the stage for one of the marquee matches on the Wrestlepalooza card, signaling WWE’s intent to spotlight proven main event talent in the fall season. Both men have rich histories of championship success and can deliver a high-stakes athletic and storytelling spectacle.
According to insiders, this feud is expected to highlight their contrasting styles—McIntyre’s raw power versus Rhodes’s technical mastery and psychological tactics. Fans can expect a buildup filled with intense promos, personal stakes, and possibly interference or surprise allies leading into Wrestlepalooza.
Looking Ahead
Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for late October, now features a highly anticipated clash with McIntyre and Rhodes at the forefront. WWE is expected to lean into this feud to headline the event, bringing in rivalries and alliances forged during the upcoming weeks on SmackDown and possibly Raw.
As the storyline develops, fans can look forward to:
- High-octane promos and heated exchanges on SmackDown episodes.
- Potential tag team matches or brawls involving allies of both Rhodes and McIntyre.
- WWE Championship implications depending on how the narrative evolves post-Wrestlepalooza.
Final Thoughts
The September 12 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a memorable main event and a stunning moment with Cody Rhodes’s return. Drew McIntyre’s victory over Randy Orton underscores his current momentum, while Rhodes’s immediate challenge injects fresh excitement into WWE’s dramatic calendar.
According to multiple sources, behind the scenes, WWE creative and talent are committed to making this rivalry a centerpiece of their fall programming, blending athletic competition with compelling storytelling.
Fans worldwide should keep a close eye on WWE programming in the coming weeks as this storyline intensifies toward Wrestlepalooza, promising a must-see clash between two of WWE’s premier athletes.