A former WWE employee, Tommy Carlucci, has voiced a strong opinion on the future of the Undisputed WWE Championship, stating that Cody Rhodes’ current reign should end at the hands of his former partner, Drew McIntyre.
Speaking on The Last Word with Jonathan Coachman, Carlucci was asked what creative direction he would take if he were in charge. He argued that the company should fully commit to McIntyre as the next top champion.
“I would’ve had Cody Rhodes lose the title to Drew [McIntyre] big-time, because it’s Drew’s time. Let him run with the ball,” Carlucci stated. “I love Cody, but I’m tired of seeing him being the champion. Let’s change the box a little bit here and make him [Drew] a champ.”
Carlucci’s comments come as Rhodes is already slated to defend his championship against McIntyre. The match is reportedly planned as a main event for WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza on September 20, set to take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The feud between the two was ignited on the August 8 episode of SmackDown. After teaming with John Cena to face Logan Paul and McIntyre, Rhodes was brutally assaulted by the Scottish challenger, who finished the attack with a Claymore through the announce desk. This angle also served to write Rhodes off television temporarily for his filming commitments for the upcoming “Street Fighter” movie, where he will play Guile.
Rhodes is currently in his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, having defeated John Cena in a street fight at SummerSlam. His first reign began when he dethroned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL before losing the title to Cena after more than 370 days.
Wrestlepalooza is being positioned as a significant show, marking the start of a new partnership between WWE and ESPN. In addition to Rhodes vs. McIntyre, the event is expected to feature a major clash between John Cena and the returning Brock Lesnar.