Former WWE writer Vince Russo has weighed in on the Wrestlepalooza main event, predicting Drew McIntyre will dethrone Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Speaking on his BroDown podcast, Russo argued that a title change is the only way forward for both John Cena and Rhodes. “I’m gonna make a prediction. I think they’re putting the title on McIntyre,” Russo said. “At least to give Cena another match before his retirement. They have no idea where they’re going with Cody next. If Cody beats Drew McIntyre, who’s Cody’s next opponent? Can you tell me? They need to put the belt on McIntyre so at least they get another meaningful match out of Cena for the title. They keep it on Cody, where is he going next, bro?”
Russo’s comments follow a chaotic contract signing on SmackDown that escalated into violence. Under the supervision of General Manager Nick Aldis, Rhodes dismissed McIntyre as a “keyboard warrior.” McIntyre fired back, calling Rhodes a “corporate stooge” more concerned with stock prices than the fans.
After the signatures were finalized, McIntyre struck first with a headbutt and dragged Rhodes to ringside. He set up to drive the champion’s head through the announce table but pulled back, declaring he wouldn’t “screw it up” and jeopardize the main event. That hesitation gave Rhodes an opening to connect with a suicide dive, but McIntyre broke free from officials and floored Rhodes with a Claymore Kick.
The confrontation also served to officially confirm Rhodes vs. McIntyre as the Wrestlepalooza main event, silencing earlier speculation after Joe Tessitore stated on SportsCenter that Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena would headline. Pat McAfee later corrected that report.
SmackDown ended with McIntyre standing over Rhodes, stomping the champion’s head and telling him to enjoy his last night with the title. With that closing image, the challenger heads into Wrestlepalooza carrying the psychological advantage.