The bitter rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton has been defined by pure aggression for weeks, but the conclusion to their main event clash tonight on SmackDown hinged on a split-second decision that had nothing to do with malice.
The match reached its climax when Orton, poised to deliver his signature punt kick, was suddenly confronted by the match official, who was trying to intervene. As McIntyre dodged the attack, he shoved Orton directly into the referee’s path. Faced with the choice of taking out the official, Orton pulled up at the last second. That brief moment of hesitation was all the opening the opportunistic McIntyre needed, as he immediately blasted Orton with a Claymore to secure the pinfall victory.
This win marks a pivotal moment for the heel in a feud that has been escalating since before SummerSlam, a conflict that even pulled in celebrities Jelly Roll and Logan Paul for a tag team match. The animosity has only grown in recent weeks, with chaotic brawls and heated face-to-face confrontations becoming the norm.
McIntyre’s night wasn’t over with the three-count, however. He attempted to continue his assault on a downed Orton, but was cut off by the arrival of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. After saving Orton, Rhodes got in McIntyre’s face and laid down a challenge for a match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza premium live event.