WWE has confirmed that Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will meet in the ring on tonight’s SmackDown to sign the contract for their championship match at Wrestlepalooza.
The contract signing marks the final face-to-face confrontation before their clash at tomorrow’s premium live event. In announcing the segment, WWE linked it directly to last week’s developments, stating, “After Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returned to attack Drew McIntyre last week, The American Nightmare and The Scottish Psychopath will sign the contract for Wrestlepalooza.”
As he prepares for the title defense, Rhodes has expressed a different outlook compared to his first reign. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, the champion pointed to personal milestones, including the birth of his second daughter, as shaping his approach to this chapter of his career.
“I think uh this time around I’m really just trying to enjoy it,” Rhodes said. “I mean, I spent in, you know, no matter how you look at our industry, the suspension of disbelief, I spent my whole career chasing this one. And to get it the first time, it just felt like such pressure was on. Now it’s just a good season of my life. Just had baby girl number two, the title in hand. I just want to enjoy it. Just have a good time, you know? Let’s just all have a good time.”
The championship contract signing headlines a packed go-home edition of SmackDown. The broadcast will also include a live interview with Brock Lesnar, as well as two title matches: Sami Zayn defending the United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes, and Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair putting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre.