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Cody Rhodes Kicks Off SmackDown Amidst Title Challenges from Orton and McIntyre
about 1 year agoUS
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes started the March 28, 2025, episode of SmackDown in London, but his address was quickly overshadowed by potential future challengers as the Road to WrestleMania 41 continues.
Key Insights
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Rhodes Interrupted:: Cody Rhodes' promo time was cut short first by Randy Orton and then by Drew McIntyre.
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Orton's Praise & Challenge:: Orton commended Rhodes, attributing "99.9%" of WWE's recent business surge to him, but declared his intention to challenge for the WWE Championship after WrestleMania 41.
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McIntyre's Claims:: McIntyre dismissed both Orton and Rhodes as "nepo babies" and asserted that he would be the one to take the title if John Cena doesn't win at WrestleMania.
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Escalating Tensions:: The verbal jabs led to physicality, with Rhodes striking McIntyre, and Orton attempting an RKO on the Scotsman.
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New Match Made:: The confrontation resulted in a match being scheduled between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre for later in the show.
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Why This Matters:: This segment significantly heats up the WWE Championship picture, establishing multiple credible threats to Rhodes' reign beyond his immediate WrestleMania match with John Cena.
In-Depth Analysis
Setting the Stage
As SmackDown emanated from London, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, fresh off recent confrontations with his WrestleMania 41 opponent John Cena, aimed to address the WWE Universe. Introduced by new ring announcer Mark Nash (Mark Shunock), Rhodes' time was limited.
A Viper's Warning
Randy Orton's music hit, and the veteran joined Rhodes in the ring. Orton offered significant praise, acknowledging Rhodes' monumental impact on WWE's recent success. However, the respect came with a clear warning: should Rhodes retain his championship against Cena at WrestleMania, Orton would be coming for the title.
McIntyre Stakes His Claim
Before the situation between Rhodes and Orton could develop further, Drew McIntyre made his entrance. McIntyre immediately went on the offensive, questioning Orton's credentials for a title shot and labeling both men "nepo babies." He confidently stated his own championship aspirations, positioning himself as the next challenger regardless of the WrestleMania outcome.
Confrontation and Consequences
The tension boiled over when Rhodes delivered an uppercut to McIntyre. Orton seized the moment, attempting an RKO on McIntyre, who narrowly escaped. This explosive interaction led WWE officials to schedule a singles match between McIntyre and Orton for later that evening, adding another layer of intrigue to the evolving championship landscape.
FAQs
Who interrupted Cody Rhodes on SmackDown?
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre both interrupted Cody Rhodes during the opening segment.
Who is Cody Rhodes scheduled to face at WrestleMania 41?
Cody Rhodes is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania 41.
What match was made following the confrontation between Rhodes, Orton, and McIntyre?
A match between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre was announced for later in the SmackDown broadcast.
Key Takeaways
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The Undisputed WWE Championship scene is highly competitive, with multiple top stars vying for contention.
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Even with a massive WrestleMania match against John Cena looming, Cody Rhodes faces immediate pressure from other potential challengers like Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.
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Personal rivalries and championship ambitions are intertwining, creating unpredictable scenarios on the Road to WrestleMania.
Discussion
The field of challengers is growing. Who do you think poses the biggest threat to Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship reign after WrestleMania? Let us know!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
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WWE.com: Cody Rhodes to kick off SmackDown
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WrestleTalk: WWE Cody Rhodes Plans After WrestleMania 41 Update
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