Drew McIntyre has intensified his campaign against the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, stating in a recent interview that it is time for a new era in WWE. Speaking with Adam Glyn on the Adam’s Apple YouTube channel, McIntyre made his intentions clear, declaring his pursuit of the company’s top prize.
“I think we need a new champion,” McIntyre said. “We’re sick of the reruns of Cody reruns. Let’s get Drew McIntyre front and center, finally.”
These comments are the latest salvo in a rivalry that escalated significantly on the August 8 episode of SmackDown. On that night, McIntyre viciously attacked Rhodes, hitting him with the championship belt and a Claymore through the announce table. The assault served as the storyline explanation for Rhodes’ current absence from WWE programming for what has been described as “Hollywood commitments.”
McIntyre also referenced his past championship losses at both Clash at the Castle events in the United Kingdom, framing the setbacks as moments where he was “screwed in front of my people twice.” He now aims to turn that frustration into motivation for a future title opportunity.
“I just want that match,” he stated. “When Cody decides to show it back up, I want that title, and let’s start a new era.”
While the championship match will not occur at tomorrow’s Clash in Paris, it is widely expected to be scheduled for Wrestlepalooza on September 20. With the main event still weeks away, another figure has entered the orbit of the feud: Randy Orton. After McIntyre mocked the injured Rhodes on a recent episode of SmackDown, Orton delivered an RKO to the Scottish Warrior. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE officials had considered booking a last-minute match between McIntyre and Orton for Clash in Paris, potentially to bridge the gap until Rhodes’ return.
Continuing his assault on multiple fronts, McIntyre has also used social media to taunt both of his rivals. In a post from earlier in the week, he gave a mock “medical update” on Rhodes, calling him a “little bitch.” He then dismissed Orton’s actions as a self-destructive attempt to emulate John Cena, threatening to give him the “Old Yeller treatment.”