Chaos Erupts on SmackDown
The October 24, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown began with a powder keg of tension—one that exploded almost immediately into a chaotic brawl involving Drew McIntyre, Jimmy Uso, and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The night kicked off with Uso and Rhodes backstage, with Uso thanking Rhodes for avenging Jimmy’s cousin, Jacob Fatu, after a mysterious attack the previous week[2]. As Rhodes made his entrance, McIntyre seized the mic and accused Rhodes of brainwashing the crowd, while also maintaining his innocence in the Jacob Fatu incident. McIntyre provocatively suggested Uso was the real perpetrator, referencing Uso’s wife Naomi’s notorious “Proceed With Caution” catchphrase—a nod to her own run as a calculating villain earlier in the year[1].
“Jimmy, maybe you’re taking a page out of Naomi’s playbook,” McIntyre taunted during the in-ring confrontation, a jab that seemed to hit home. Jimmy Uso’s retaliation was swift and brutal, sparking a wild physical exchange that left security scrambling to separate the two[6]. The chaos didn’t end there, but rather, it set the stage for a night of no-holds-barred action.
No Disqualification, No Forgiveness
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, responding to the heated animosity, sanctioned a No Disqualification match between McIntyre and Uso—adding fuel to an already raging fire[2]. The match was a hard-hitting, weapons-laden affair, with both men using steel chairs, tables, and anything else not nailed down. In the closing moments, Uso delivered a thunderous Samoan Drop through a table, only for McIntyre to answer with a devastating Claymore kick off the ropes for the win[2]. According to a WWE insider, “The creative team wanted to give both superstars a chance to shine as ruthless competitors ahead of their upcoming singles programs. Both men were asked to go as physical as possible—and they certainly delivered.”
But McIntyre wasn’t finished. After the bell, he continued his assault on Uso, showing no signs of letting up. That’s when Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, rushed to the aid of his friend—only to fall victim to McIntyre’s relentless aggression. The Scottish Psychopath turned his attention to The American Nightmare, laying him out with a brutal Claymore kick, sending a message that would resonate through the WWE Universe[3][8].
Family, Catchphrases, and Psychological Warfare
Drew McIntyre’s use of Naomi’s “Proceed With Caution” phrase was no accident. Sources close to Jimmy Uso revealed that behind the scenes, McIntyre had spent weeks studying his opponents’ families and histories, crafting a psychological edge for his feud with Uso and Rhodes[1]. “Drew’s been all about mind games lately. He’s using everything—family, history, catchphrases—to get under Jimmy’s skin,” said a WWE locker room insider. McIntyre’s taunts about Naomi’s past actions, and his deliberate borrowing of her signature line, were designed to rattle Uso and force him into reckless decisions—a strategy that clearly paid off at SmackDown.
McIntyre took his campaign even further on social media, posting a cryptic warning after the show: “Proceed. With. Caution.” The message, paired with footage of his attacks on both Uso and Rhodes, served as a chilling reminder that McIntyre is in full control of this narrative[1]. According to a WWE source, “Drew wants everyone to know he’s the apex predator right now. He’s not just beating bodies—he’s breaking minds.”
Backstage Fallout: Tensions Rise and Alliances Shift
In the aftermath, tempers were still running hot behind the curtain. According to our inside sources, there was a palpable sense of frustration from Cody Rhodes’ camp. “Cody came out to help his friend, but Drew outplayed him completely. This is the kind of situation that could force Cody to rethink how he approaches their upcoming title match,” a source close to Rhodes said. Meanwhile, Jimmy Uso was reportedly nursing both his pride and his bruises, but determined to get even.
Interestingly, the relationship between Uso and Rhodes seems stronger than ever, with Rhodes reportedly telling Uso backstage, “We take care of our own.” This newfound alliance could spell trouble for McIntyre—if they can withstand his relentless onslaught.
What’s Next: McIntyre vs. Rhodes for the WWE Championship
All of this explosive action sets the stage for a blockbuster showdown next weekend: Drew McIntyre will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship on Saturday Night’s Main Event[1]. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with McIntyre riding a wave of momentum and momentum, Rhodes scrambling to prove his championship mettle, and Jimmy Uso looming as a wildcard.
“This is the most unpredictable road to a world title match in years,” commented a veteran WWE producer. “You’ve got McIntyre at his most dangerous, Rhodes desperate to defend his legacy, and Uso with a personal axe to grind. Anything could happen.”
SEO Optimization for Wrestling Fans
For fans searching the latest on WWE, Drew McIntyre, Jimmy Uso, Cody Rhodes, SmackDown results, and upcoming championship matches, this storyline delivers on all fronts. The blend of in-ring action, psychological warfare, and real-life connections (via Naomi’s storyline and catchphrase) makes this one of the most talked-about feuds on television. For those looking to dive deeper, highlights of the brawl and the No Disqualification match are available on WWE’s official YouTube channel and streaming platforms[4][8].
Conclusion
Drew McIntyre’s message to Jimmy Uso and Cody Rhodes is unmistakable: “Proceed With Caution.” After a night of chaos, violence, and mind games, McIntyre has firmly positioned himself as the most dangerous man in WWE—and Rhodes and Uso would be wise to heed his warning. With a WWE Championship match on the horizon, and personal vendettas escalating, the road to Saturday Night’s Main Event promises to be as unpredictable as it is explosive.
Stay tuned to WWE’s official channels and Ringside News for the latest updates, exclusive backstage insights, and full match replays as this simmering rivalry reaches its boiling point.