Drew McIntyre secured a hard-fought victory against Jimmy Uso in a brutal No-Disqualification match on SmackDown, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with Cody Rhodes. The intense battle showcased McIntyre’s resilience and ruthlessness, culminating in a shocking post-match assault on Rhodes that has fans buzzing ahead of their title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
No-DQ Match: McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso – A Collision of Power and Grit
The main event of the night was a No-Disqualification match pitting Drew McIntyre against Jimmy Uso, sparked by Uso seeking vengeance for his cousin Jacob Fatu, whom McIntyre is suspected of attacking backstage. The stipulation quickly came into play as McIntyre introduced a steel chair early in the contest.
Jimmy Uso turned the tables by executing a well-timed toehold, driving McIntyre into the steel barricade. Uso then landed a signature “Uso in the Wind” for a near-fall, signaling the evenly matched intensity of the bout. Uso sustained pressure with brutal chair shots to McIntyre’s back and readied a table setup at ringside, aiming to decisively incapacitate his opponent.
Despite this, McIntyre showcased his signature toughness with a timely “Future Shock” DDT inside the ring, earning a two-count. The climax came when McIntyre readied a Claymore Kick, but Uso countered with a Samoan Drop through the previously set table. As Uso climbed the top rope for a finishing move, McIntyre struck him in the face with the steel chair, stunning Uso long enough to land the Claymore Kick and score the pinfall victory. Notably, McIntyre bore visible cuts across his back from the chair shots earlier in the match, underscoring the fight’s physical toll[1][2][5].
Post-Match Chaos: McIntyre’s Warning to Cody Rhodes
The violence did not end with the final bell. McIntyre wrapped the steel chair around Jimmy Uso’s neck in a threatening manner, suggesting he was willing to inflict serious harm. This brutal act prompted Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, to rush to ringside and confront McIntyre.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a fierce brawl between McIntyre and Rhodes. Though Rhodes succeeded initially in forcing McIntyre to retreat, the Scottish Warrior returned with a vengeance. As Rhodes attended to the wounded Uso, McIntyre blindsided him with a Claymore Kick, leaving Rhodes sprawled on the mat. The show concluded with McIntyre ominously towering over both men, sending a clear message in anticipation of their upcoming title clash on November 1, 2025[1][2][3].
Backstage Insights: The Tensions Behind the Scenes
According to a WWE insider familiar with the unfolding storyline, McIntyre’s aggression is fueled by perceived slights and accusations surrounding the Jacob Fatu attack. The insider explained, “McIntyre’s frustration is boiling over — he feels unfairly targeted, and that has intensified his drive to take down anyone who stands between him and the WWE Championship, especially Cody Rhodes.”
Sources close to Cody Rhodes reveal that Rhodes is equally laser-focused, acknowledging the danger McIntyre poses but confident in his readiness for their championship bout. “Cody knows Drew is at his peak and that this rivalry is personal now. He’s preparing like never before, knowing what McIntyre did to both Jimmy and him was a clear warning,” the source noted.
What This Means for WWE Fans and the Upcoming Title Match
This recent SmackDown episode has set the table for a high-stakes clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. McIntyre’s brutal victory and relentless post-match attack have amplified anticipation, promising a showdown rife with physicality and personal vendettas.
For WWE fans, this storyline connects layered rivalries involving not only McIntyre, Rhodes, and Uso but also Jacob Fatu’s earlier backstage attack, introducing complex motivations and alliances. The possibility of further interference and escalating brawls looms large as the event draws near.
Match Highlights Recap
McIntyre and Uso utilized the No-DQ stipulation aggressively: chairs, tables, and steel barricades were central weapons.
Key maneuvers included Uso’s “Uso in the Wind,” multiple chair shots, a Samoan Drop through a table, and McIntyre’s “Future Shock” DDT and Claymore Kick.
McIntyre’s resilience was apparent despite visible injuries sustained during the match.
Post-match, McIntyre’s chair chokehold on Uso was interrupted by Rhodes, ending with McIntyre delivering a devastating Claymore Kick to the champion.
Looking Ahead: Saturday Night’s Main Event Preview
The November 1 event promises a climactic encounter between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. With McIntyre coming off a decisive and ruthless win, his momentum is undeniable. However, Rhodes’ veteran savvy and championship experience ensure this will be a hard-fought battle.
WWE official Nick Aldis commented backstage, “This feud has everything — personal stakes, history, and brutal action. Fans are in for a treat, as both superstars are pushing their limits.”
This intense SmackDown episode has pushed WWE intensively forward toward an explosive championship match, with Drew McIntyre proving himself a formidable and merciless challenger to Cody Rhodes’ reign. The storyline’s rising tension and physical storytelling continue to captivate audiences heading into one of WWE’s marquee November events.
