The October 17, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown ended with an explosive and controversial main event: Cody Rhodes defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a sudden impromptu match that spiraled into chaos. The contentious disqualification finish provoked such fury from McIntyre that backstage sources reveal he wanted to torch Rhodes’ bus in frustration, underscoring the intense personal rivalry now gripping WWE’s main event scene.
A Chaotic and Emotionally Charged Main Event
The night’s drama began when Jacob Fatu, originally scheduled to face Drew McIntyre, was brutally attacked backstage, leaving him visibly injured and sidelined. This unexpected absence changed plans, forcing Cody Rhodes—who had been the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion—to square off against McIntyre, also known as “The Scottish Warrior,” in an improvised showdown at the S.A.P. Center in San Jose[1][2].
The match quickly turned violent, with both superstars putting everything on the line. The intensity was palpable as punches were exchanged and the crowd roared. However, the finish was far from clean. Referee Ryan Tran had to step in repeatedly to try to maintain order as emotions boiled over. Ultimately, Drew McIntyre was disqualified under controversial circumstances after he exceeded the limits expected in a championship contest, handing Cody Rhodes a contentious victory[1][2].
The Disqualification That Sparked Backstage Fury
According to WWE insiders, the disqualification infuriated Drew McIntyre beyond measure. In the minutes following the match, backstage personnel heard about McIntyre’s rage reaching a boiling point— so much so that he allegedly wanted to set fire to Cody Rhodes’ bus as an expression of his frustration[1]. A close source explained:
“Drew felt cheated by the finish and like the match was stolen from him. It wasn’t just disappointment; it was pure rage. There was talk he wanted to make a statement, and that bus became the lightning rod for those emotions.”
This raw intensity adds a new layer of tension to the emerging rivalry between both superstars, who have historically shared a competitive but respectful relationship[1].
Cody Rhodes: Champion Amidst Controversy and Chaos
Amid this storm, Cody Rhodes maintained his championship status, yet the win left questions unanswered. Sources close to Rhodes shared that while he acknowledged the controversial nature of the finish, he felt vindicated by his ability to outlast one of WWE’s toughest competitors under any circumstance. Commenting on the match aftermath, Rhodes was quoted as saying,
“Every fight has its battles, and every champion has to prove they can survive not only in the ring but also when the odds are against them. Tonight was no different. Drew’s a warrior, but I’m still standing.”
Rhodes’ resilience and determination are helping solidify his role as the face of WWE’s main event, but the bitter ending has opened the door to more intense encounters down the line.
What Led to the Explosive SmackDown Scene?
The seeds of this chaotic night were planted earlier when Jacob Fatu was mysteriously attacked backstage. His brutal incapacitation left many scratching their heads, with debris such as broken teeth scattered at the scene, indicating a vicious assault[2]. This incident not only reshuffled SmackDown’s main event but also intensified the stakes for the Undisputed WWE Championship scene.
With Fatu out of commission, the catalyst flipped the spotlight on Rhodes and McIntyre, forcing an impromptu match that quickly escalated beyond normal championship protocol.
Potential Fallout and Future WWE Storylines
The fallout from this chaotic night promises to be far-reaching. WWE creative is reportedly considering several directions to capitalize on the intense heat between Rhodes and McIntyre. One insider commented:
“This feud just hit a new level. WWE wants to take full advantage of that energy. Look for rematches with even higher stakes, and possibly even personal stipulations designed to settle this score once and for all.”
Fans can also expect more answers regarding Jacob Fatu’s brutal backstage attack, which remains shrouded in mystery. His recovery and eventual return could add further complexity to the title picture.
Fans React to the SmackDown Mayhem
Social media and fan forums exploded following the episode. Many applauded Rhodes’ grit and poise under pressure, while others sided with McIntyre, condemning the finish as unfair. The controversy has dominated WWE conversations and heightened anticipation for upcoming pay-per-view events.
Viewer sentiment captures the essence of pro wrestling: high stakes, unpredictable outcomes, and emotional turmoil that blur the line between sport and drama.
The October 17 SmackDown proved to be one of the most intense episodes this year—with an improvised match turning into a bitter, highly personal rivalry. Drew McIntyre’s near-violent reaction backstage highlights the raw emotions driving WWE’s current storylines, and Cody Rhodes’ championship resolve cements him as a cornerstone of the brand moving forward.
WWE enthusiasts are watching closely as tension between these two titans simmers, promising more explosive moments in the weeks ahead.