Cody Rhodes is still the Undisputed WWE Champion, successfully defending his title against Drew McIntyre in a hard-fought main event at Wrestlepalooza. The premium live event, emanating from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, closed with The American Nightmare holding his championship high.
The match capped a heated rivalry that reignited upon Rhodes’ recent return to WWE programming after filming the Street Fighter movie. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor gave the contest a big-fight atmosphere, capping off a night that also saw Stephanie McMahon announced as the first inductee for the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
Inside the ring, the narrative centered on McIntyre exploiting Rhodes’ potential ring rust from his time away. The challenger controlled long stretches, at one point hoisting Rhodes from the top rope to deliver a devastating White Noise that nearly secured the title. McIntyre later came close again after connecting with a Claymore Kick.
The tide turned during a brawl at ringside. McIntyre positioned Rhodes on the announce table for another Claymore, but The American Nightmare rolled away at the last second. McIntyre’s leg crashed through the table, severely compromising the challenger.
Though McIntyre fought on, the injury directly shaped the finish. After a late-match exchange, Rhodes connected with a Cody Cutter and followed up with a single Cross Rhodes to secure the pinfall.
Rhodes celebrated with the Indianapolis crowd to close the show, with no post-match angle taking place. The visual of WWE’s top babyface standing tall served as the final image of the company’s first premium live event under its new partnership with ESPN.