WWE SmackDown’s October 31, 2025, Halloween edition will close with a high-stakes contract signing segment between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, setting the tone for their WWE Championship clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME). This pivotal showdown is the culmination of one of WWE’s most intense rivalries in recent months, and insiders reveal that the contract signing will feature more than just formalities — expect sparks to fly.
Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre: The Main Event Spotlight
As confirmed in the official SmackDown preview, Rhodes and McIntyre will appear live at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City to finalize the details of their WWE Championship match scheduled for SNME the following night[4][6]. This segment serves as the final public build before the title bout, designed to heighten anticipation and escalate tensions.
According to a WWE insider, the contract signing “won’t be your typical handshake and signature scenario. Both superstars are known for their fiery personalities and intense competitiveness, so expect verbal jabs, psychological warfare, and possibly even a physical confrontation.” Sources close to Cody Rhodes also revealed that he is highly motivated to regain the WWE Championship and that his presence on SmackDown will be commanding and emotionally charged.
Additional Highlights of Tonight’s SmackDown Card
SmackDown’s Halloween night lineup includes several key matches and appearances which complement the main event hype:
Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax: An intriguing battle pitting Bliss’s cunning and agility against Jax’s powerhouse style.
Carmelo Hayes vs Kit Wilson: A promising clash showcasing rising stars in WWE’s mid-card scene.
Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Title Open Challenge: An exciting segment where Dragunov will defend the United States Championship against an opponent yet to be announced.
Jade Cargill Promo: Fresh off her heel turn, Jade will address her recent attack on Tiffany Stratton, setting the stage for their upcoming WWE Women’s Championship match at SNME[2][5].
This well-rounded card ensures that fans receive a complete SmackDown experience filled with action, drama, and storyline progression that directly feeds into the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Context Behind the Rhodes-McIntyre Feud
The feud between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has been one of WWE’s hottest stories, fueled by competitive matches and personal animosity. Both men share a reputation for resilience and hard-hitting styles, making their encounters especially captivating. The contract signing segment on SmackDown is expected to intensify that rivalry even further, adding new layers to their story ahead of their championship encounter.
According to industry watchers, Rhodes and McIntyre each view this SNME bout as a career-defining moment. One observer commented, “This isn’t just about a title—it’s about legacy, respect, and proving who’s truly the face of WWE right now. That’s why the contract signing will have that added intensity.”
Why This Contract Signing Matters
In WWE storytelling, contract signings often serve as more than mere formalities; they function as storytelling devices that give both wrestlers a platform to express their motivations, insults, and resolve. The anticipated brawl or verbal duel between Rhodes and McIntyre will not only enhance viewer investment but also create buzz for the SNME show.
More than just hype, WWE uses these segments to build character and storyline depth. For fans, it’ll provide an unmissable glimpse into the mindset of two top-tier athletes before they clash for the most prestigious prize in WWE.
What to Expect on SmackDown and SNME
Tonight’s SmackDown promises a Halloween-themed atmosphere with high energy matches and confrontations leading into SNME. The combination of live in-arena excitement and television drama sets the stage for an epic title bout the following night.
Fans watching on the USA Network can tune in at 7 CT/8 ET to witness this milestone contract signing segment, alongside other marquee matches[2][4].
Looking Ahead: Saturday Night’s Main Event Preview
Saturday Night’s Main Event marks a return to WWE’s classic special event format, delivering premium matches on a big stage. The Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre WWE Championship match is widely expected to be the headline attraction and could be a defining moment for both competitors’ careers.
WWE is stacking SNME with top-tier talent and compelling storylines, including:
Tiffany Stratton defending the Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill.
Additional title matches and special attractions designed to maximize audience engagement.
These elements combined make SNME one of WWE’s must-watch special events of the season.
In a final backstage note, a WWE creative team member shared on condition of anonymity:
“The contract signing is the perfect way to ramp up the story going into SNME. Both Rhodes and McIntyre thrive on intensity, and we’re expecting something memorable that no fan will want to miss.”
Tonight’s SmackDown will thus cap an intense build-up period while serving as the ultimate launchpad for what promises to be one of the year’s biggest WWE events.