The build to the highly anticipated WWE World Championship clash between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has taken an unexpected turn. As fans prepare for the title showdown at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME), a new stipulation has been added, raising the stakes and intensifying what promises to be a brutal encounter.
Contract Signing Sparks Tension and Demand for a Stipulation
The recent episode of WWE SmackDown featured a fiery contract signing segment that escalated the rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre. McIntyre refused to sign until a specific stipulation was agreed upon, revealing his concern about what he perceives as potential unfairness in the match setup. According to WWE insiders, this added rule is designed to level the playing field and ensure a definitive outcome, eliminating any loopholes Cody Rhodes might exploit to retain his title, as reportedly happened in previous bouts.
Sources close to the situation revealed that McIntyre insisted upon a stipulation that prevents championship retention via disqualification or count-out, a move clearly targeted at Rhodes, who retained the title during a recent disqualification finish. “Drew wants a clean fight,” one WWE insider remarked. “He’s not interested in another controversial finish. That contract signing was more than just formalities—it was about making sure this match has absolute clarity.”[1][3]
The Stipulation: No DQ, No Count-Out
The exact modification added for the SNME title bout is the enforcement of No Disqualification (No DQ) and No Count-Out rules, meaning neither competitor can benefit by getting themselves intentionally disqualified or counted out of the ring. This stipulation elevates the match intensity, allowing for potentially more physicality and use of weapons or outside interference without the fear of losing the match on a technicality.
For a championship bout like this, these rules heighten drama and promise a more definitive conclusion to what has been a heated rivalry. Fans have long criticized finishes where champions retain titles without decisively pinning or submitting their challengers, and this stipulation aims to avoid history repeating itself.
Background: Cody Rhodes’ Controversial Title Retention
Cody Rhodes ascended as the Undisputed WWE Champion after a hard-fought match against McIntyre. However, Rhodes has lately come under scrutiny for employing crafty tactics—primarily benefiting from disqualification finishes to retain his championship belt. Drew McIntyre openly contested the legitimacy of these results and signaled his frustration during SmackDown’s contract signing, calling the previous contract “rigged” and demanding that changes be made for the upcoming match[2][3].
This development not only fuels their personal animosity but also adds narrative depth. It frames McIntyre as the relentless warrior seeking fair retribution while casting Rhodes more as a cunning champion willing to bend rules to maintain his reign.
Inside WWE: Backstage Reactions and Expectations
Behind the scenes, WWE management views this stipulation as a strategic move to boost viewership for SNME and to give the storyline a fresh angle without repeating past patterns. According to a WWE insider, “They want this match to be unmissable. Fans are hungry for a definitive winner, and this stipulation makes sure there are no cheap escapes.”[1]
Furthermore, it’s rumored that the creative team is preparing for a potential title change, given the elevated stipulations and McIntyre’s clear determination. “There’s a real sense backstage that this could be one of the most brutal championship matches of the year,” the source added.
What This Means for Both Competitors
Cody Rhodes
As the current champion, Rhodes now faces the challenge of proving that he is not just a ring technician but a legitimate fighting champion. The new stipulation removes his previous safety net of disqualification wins. This means Rhodes must prepare for a more grueling, possibly more violent encounter where his endurance, tactics, and resilience will all be tested in the ring with no easy outs.
Drew McIntyre
For McIntyre, the No DQ and No Count-Out clause is exactly what he needs to ensure a fair shot at the title. It aligns with his persona as the determined and relentless contender who fights on his own terms. This stipulation plays to his strengths—power, endurance, and intensity—and it’s clear he’s ready to put everything on the line for the undisputed title.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Social media buzz around the stipulation has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans express excitement about seeing a cleaner, more intense showdown free from previous controversies. Many speculate that the no-disqualification stipulation could lead to an epic battle featuring weapons, high-risk maneuvers, and dramatic moments outside the ring.
The expectation is that WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will deliver a spectacle capable of drawing significant pay-per-view buys and boosting WWE’s ratings ahead of the year-end shows.
This development has set a thrilling tone heading into what could be one of the marquee championship matches in WWE history. The added stipulation ensures there will be no escape routes, promising a decisive and hard-fought battle for the WWE World Title.
Fans should clear their schedules for SNME this Saturday to witness Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre settle their storied rivalry once and for all.