Drew McIntyre expressed his frustration publicly after controversially losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, 2025. The “Scottish Warrior” did not hold back, directly calling out the WWE referee for what he perceived as unfair officiating that cost him the title.
A Controversial Finish to a High-Stakes Match
The match, held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, featured Drew McIntyre challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The bout was intense and highly competitive, with McIntyre delivering several signature moves, including a powerful Claymore Kick. Despite his strong performance, McIntyre lost in a finish that left fans and the wrestler himself questioning the legitimacy of the outcome.
During a critical moment, McIntyre’s leg was injured, and Cody Rhodes capitalized with a sudden and controversial maneuver that led to a pinfall victory. This finish seemed to involve uneven referee enforcement, prompting McIntyre to take aim at the official’s impartiality soon after the match ended[1][3].
Drew McIntyre’s Social Media Outburst
Following the event, McIntyre took to social media to voice his disappointment. He posted a scathing message directed at the referee, accusing him of bias and suggesting that the official’s questionable calls influenced the match’s outcome to favor Rhodes unfairly. McIntyre emphasized his desire for a fair rematch, indicating that this loss does not close the chapter on their rivalry.
He stated, “I fought with everything I had, but tonight the referee’s blind spots cost me. The Undisputed WWE Championship match deserves fairness, not favoritism. Cody Rhodes got lucky, but I’ll be back, and next time, there won’t be any doubts.” This post quickly gained traction among fans who sympathized with McIntyre’s frustration[1].
Backstage Reactions: Sources Reveal Tensions
According to a WWE insider close to the situation, tensions are reportedly high backstage regarding the controversial finish. The source revealed that McIntyre felt “robbed” and that there is an ongoing discussion about offering a rematch at an upcoming major WWE pay-per-view.
The insider noted, “Drew is a respected veteran and knows the business, but he genuinely believes the referee’s call was off. It’s rare to see someone this outspoken about officiating, but Drew’s competitive spirit makes him relentless. WWE management is considering how best to resolve this storyline to satisfy both Drew and the fans.”
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, meanwhile, denied any intentional wrongdoing, calling the match’s finish “within the rules” but acknowledged the “heat” the referee has been receiving from McIntyre’s camp. Rhodes is reportedly preparing to keep his championship reign strong in the coming weeks despite the controversy[2].
The Road Ahead: Potential Rematch and Storyline Implications
The acrimony between McIntyre and Rhodes has energized WWE programming heading into the final months of 2025. The feud has been marked by intense promos and physical confrontations, including a contract signing that ended in another brawl the night before the event, highlighting the deeply personal nature of their rivalry[2].
WWE fans can expect this storyline to continue building, with many speculating a high-profile rematch at WrestlePalooza 2025 or the upcoming WWE Survivor Series event. Both superstars have strong fan followings, and WWE appears eager to capitalize on this heated rivalry to boost ratings and pay-per-view buy rates.
Historical Rivalry Context
This was not the first time Rhodes and McIntyre squared off at the top-tier level. Their previous encounters have often been closely contested, with both men showcasing resilience and charisma. Cody Rhodes’ current championship reign, which began earlier in 2025, has been marked by tenacious defenses against top contenders, including McIntyre. However, the disputed finish Saturday night adds a new twist, making their next encounter highly anticipated[4][5].
What This Means for WWE Officiating
McIntyre’s bold callout of the referee puts WWE officiating under a spotlight. While referees are integral to match flow and storyline development, overt criticism from top-tier talent is unusual and highlights potential cracks in trust around match outcomes. WWE officials may need to address this backstage to maintain the narrative’s credibility and avoid alienating fans.
An official WWE spokesperson declined to comment on the referee’s conduct but confirmed that “WWE continually strives to ensure fair and exciting competition in all its matches.” Industry watchers will be looking to see if WWE improves transparency regarding officiating decisions going forward.