News

Cody Rhodes Successfully Defends the Undisputed WWE Championship Against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza

By Monika Thapa • Published Sep 20, 2025 22:42 EDT
Cody Rhodes celebrates at the WWE Royal Rumble

The main event of WWE Wrestlepalooza at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, saw Cody Rhodes defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a singles match.

It was The American Nightmare’s first title defense after winning the title back from John Cena at SummerSlam 2025.

Cody Rhodes Is Still the Undisputed WWE Champion

Rhodes started aggressively but showed signs of a lingering injury, hinting at a concussion. The two stars went at each other with everything they had in a fierce back-and-forth match. McIntyre used power moves and targeted Rhodes’ head, while Rhodes fought through the pain to land big counters like the Cody Cutter.

Both men traded near falls and signature moves, with interference from referee mishaps adding drama. The Scottish Warrior hit a Claymore and survived the Cross Rhodes, but injured his foot late after missing a kick near the announce table. The champion capitalized on this and delivered a Cody Cutter, followed by a Cross Rhodes on the challenger to secure the win and retain his Undisputed WWE Championship.