Cody Rhodes Returns On WWE SmackDown; Announces Wrestlepalooza Match
Cody Rhodes has finally returned to WWE SmackDown to announce a massive match at Wrestlepalooza.
The American Nightmare has been absent from WWE since the August 8 episode of SmackDown after getting Claymored by Drew McIntyre through the announce table.
In his absence, The Scottish Warrior continued to accuse the company of hiding Rhodes’ status as the announcers failed to provide any updates on the WWE Champion’s injuries.
During one of his promos, McIntyre was surprisingly RKO’ed by Randy Orton, setting up a brief feud between the two former WWE Champions.
Cody Rhodes Saves Randy Orton On WWE SmackDown
The Viper went head-to-head tonight against The Scottish Warrior. The two superstars exchanged momentum throughout the match. However, a turning point was when the referee stepped in to prevent Orton from punting his opponent.
The distraction allowed McIntyre to take advantage, and Claymore Orton to secure the victory. After the bout, The Scottish Warrior continued to attack The Viper. He took him outside the ring and attempted to Claymore him through the announce table the same way he took out Cody Rhodes several weeks ago.
Nevertheless, The American Nightmare made a surprise return to save his mentor. Rhodes tackled McIntyre inside the ring and delivered a few punches to his rival before hitting him with a Cody Cutter.
As McIntyre retreated, Rhodes grabbed a microphone and announced that he was back and would fight McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza.
Drew McIntyre, the champ is back. We can do this dance. I’ll see you my friend at Wrestlepalooza.
"I'll see you my friend at Wrestlepalooza!"@CodyRhodes just challenged @DMcIntyreWWE 😱 pic.twitter.com/rrK8NGiEp0
— WWE (@WWE) September 13, 2025
Also read:8-Time WWE Champion Makes Surprise SmackDown Return After 3 Months