SmackDown Preview (Oct. 24, 2025): Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre – The Fallout from a Chaotic Brawl That Shook WWE
SmackDown Preview (Oct. 24, 2025): Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre – The Fallout from a Chaotic Brawl That Shook WWE
Imagine this: The arena lights flicker back on after a blackout. The crowd’s roar is deafening. Two men—one with a scarred legacy, the other with a kingdom to reclaim—stand toe-to-toe, their rivalry now a full-blown war. That’s not the climax of a movie; that’s SmackDown this Friday, and the fallout from last week’s brawl is about to rewrite the rules.
If you missed the explosion (or just love reliving WWE chaos), here’s the deal: Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre didn’t just fight on last week’s SmackDown—they erased the line between rivalry and all-out war. Chairs flew. Security scrambled. And by the time the dust settled, one question burned brighter than the pyrotechnics: What happens when these two collide again—this time, with no rules to hold them back?
This isn’t just another match. It’s the next chapter in a feud that’s been simmering for years, and Oct. 24, 2025, might just be the night it boils over for good. Let’s break down what’s at stake, why this rivalry feels different, and how WWE could turn this into a moment we’ll talk about for decades.
The Brawl That Changed Everything: Why Oct. 24 Isn’t Just Another SmackDown
From Respect to Ruin: How Rhodes and McIntyre’s Feud Escalated
Rewind to 2023. Cody Rhodes was the American Nightmare reborn, fresh off his epic WrestleMania return. Drew McIntyre? The Scottish Warrior with a chip on his shoulder, still stinging from losses that cost him the WWE Championship. Their paths crossed, clashed, and for a while, there was even mutual respect—a rarity in pro wrestling.
Fast-forward to 2025. That respect? Gone. Replaced by a bitterness so raw it’s spilled into backstage attacks, social media jabs, and now, a brawl so brutal it left officials begging for order. Here’s the kicker: This isn’t about a title. It’s not even about pride. It’s about two alpha predators who’ve realized the only way to end this is to destroy the other man’s legacy.
Key moments that led to Oct. 24:
- SummerSlam 2025: Their match ended in a double count-out—not because they couldn’t fight, but because they refused to stop.
- Sept. 12 SmackDown: McIntyre powerbombed Rhodes through a broadcast table, then stood over him and yelled, “This is what happens when you forget who the real king is!”
- Last week’s chaos: A backstage segment turned into a no-holds-barred war, with both men using anything as a weapon—including a fire extinguisher (yes, really).
Why This Feud Feels Different (And Why Fans Are Obsessed)
WWE feuds come and go, but this one? It’s got the three ingredients of a classic:
- History: These two have been circling each other for years, with near-misses at titles and betrayals.
- Stakes: It’s not just about winning—it’s about erasing the other’s identity. Rhodes wants to prove he’s the future; McIntyre’s fighting to prove he still is the top dog.
- Unpredictability: No scripts, no safety nets. Last week’s brawl proved that anything can happen, and Oct. 24 might be the night WWE lets them go all the way.
As wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted, “This is the first time in a long time where it feels like two guys genuinely hate each other—and the fans are eating it up because it doesn’t feel forced.” That’s the magic here: It’s real. Or at least, it feels real.
SmackDown Oct. 24, 2025: What’s Going Down? (And What WWE Isn’t Telling You)
The Official Card (And the Matches That Matter)
WWE’s been tight-lipped, but here’s what we know so far:
- Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre in a No Disqualification Match (because after last week, rules are pointless).
- Fallout Match: The Usos vs. The Street Profits—because when the top guys go to war, the tag division always gets messy.
- Wildcard: Rumors say LA Knight might interfere. Why? Because chaos loves company.
But here’s what WWE isn’t saying: This might not be a match at all. With the way these two have been going at it, there’s a real chance this turns into a building-wide brawl, with officials, other wrestlers, and maybe even fans getting caught in the crossfire. (Remember the 2011 Pipe Bomb? This could be that level of unpredictable.)
Three Ways This Could End (And One That Changes WWE Forever)
Predictions are risky in WWE, but here are the most likely (and wildest) outcomes:
- The “Safe” Ending: Rhodes wins after a Cross Rhodes onto a chair, setting up a title shot at Survivor Series. Why? WWE loves a redemption story, and Cody’s been building to this for years.
- The Shock: McIntyre snaps, hits a Claymore onto the concrete floor, and “injures” Rhodes (kayfabe, of course). This writes Cody off TV for a few months and turns Drew into the most hated heel in WWE.
- The Nuclear Option: The match ends in a double knockout, leading to a Hell in a Cell at Crown Jewel. This is the least likely—but if WWE wants to go full Attitude Era, it’s on the table.
Dark Horse Theory: What if this isn’t about Rhodes or McIntyre at all? What if someone like Solo Sikoa or CM Punk (if he’s back) shows up to steal the spotlight? WWE loves a swerve, and this feud is hot enough to launch a new star.
Your SmackDown Survival Guide: How to Watch, What to Look For, and When to Scream
Where and When to Watch (No Excuses)
SmackDown airs Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at 8 PM ET on:
- USA Network (for cable subscribers)
- Peacock (for streamers—sign up here if you haven’t)
- WWE’s official YouTube (for highlights if you’re stuck at work—we won’t judge)
Pro Tip: If you’re watching live, mute the commercials and switch to WWE’s Watch Along on Twitter. The fan reactions are half the fun.
Five Moments to Watch For (And What They Mean)
Not all moments are created equal. Here’s your cheat sheet for when to lean in:
- The Opening Promo: If either man cuts a promo to start the show, listen for these words:
- “Legacy” = They’re going personal.
- “King” or “Nightmare” = This is about identity, not just winning.
- “No more rules” = Buckle up. It’s about to get ugly.
- The First Weapon Spot: Chairs? Tables? A trash can? The first “foreign object” used will tell you how far WWE’s willing to let this go.
- Third-Man Interference: If anyone—even a referee—tries to break it up, watch for Rhodes or McIntyre to turn on them. That’s when you know it’s a full-blown war.
- The “Oh Sh*t” Moment: There’s always one. Last week, it was the fire extinguisher. This week? Maybe a suicide dive into the crowd or a finisher on the announce table.
- The Final Image: WWE loves symbolic endings. If the show closes with one man standing over the other, that’s your hint for who’s “winning” the feud long-term.
How to MakeSmackDown Even Better (Fan Mode: Activated)
Watching alone? Don’t. Here’s how to turn SmackDown into an event:
- Host a watch party: Use Teleparty or Discord to sync the stream with friends. Bonus points if you assign someone to live-tweet reactions.
- Play the drinking game (responsibly!): Take a sip every time:
- Michael Cole yells, “What a maneuver!”
- Someone gets thrown into the barricade.
- A referee gets accidentally nailed.
- Predict the finish: Write down your guess for how the main event ends, then compare with friends. Winner gets to gloat for a week.
Why This Feud Could Change WWE (And What It Means for the Future)
Is WWE Entering a New “Attitude Era”?
The late ‘90s and early 2000s were WWE’s wildest years—no rules, no limits, and no mercy. Feuds like Austin vs. McMahon or Rock vs. Foley defined a generation because they felt real.
Fast-forward to 2025, and WWE’s been cautious. Scripted promos, safe matches, and a focus on “sports entertainment” over raw intensity. But Rhodes vs. McIntyre? It’s the first feud in years that feels dangerous. Like anything could happen. Like the old days.
The question: Is this a one-off, or is WWE testing the waters for a new era of chaos? If fans react well to Oct. 24, we could see:
- More unsanctioned matches (think: no refs, no rules).
- A return of hardcore legends like Mick Foley in advisory roles.
- Less scripted promos, more “off-the-cuff” moments (even if they’re lightly planned).
Who Wins the Long Game? (Spoiler: It Might Not Be Who You Think)
Right now, it’s easy to assume this is Cody Rhodes’ story. The underdog, the fan favorite, the guy who bleeds for the business. But WWE loves a good heel, and Drew McIntyre as a ruthless, unstoppable monster could be the next big thing.
Here’s the twist: What if neither man “wins”? What if this feud ends with both so broken that a third player (like Solo Sikoa or even The Rock) swoops in to take the spotlight? WWE’s done it before—see: Montreal Screwjob—and they’ll do it again if it means a bigger story.
Bottom line: Oct. 24 isn’t just about who wins. It’s about what this feud unlocks for WWE’s future. And if you’re a fan, that’s the most exciting part.
Over to You: How Will You Remember Oct. 24, 2025?
Wrestling’s magic isn’t just in the moves or the stories—it’s in the moments that make you feel something. The gasps. The cheers. The “Did they really just do that?!” seconds that you replay for years.
Oct. 24 has all the ingredients to be one of those nights. But here’s the thing: You have to be there to experience it. Not just watching, but leaning in. Screaming at the screen. Debating with friends. Feeling the chaos.
So, what’s your move?
- Already hyped? Set a reminder, grab your jersey, and get ready to lose your voice.
- Need more convincing? Rewatch last week’s brawl and tell me you’re not hooked.
- Think I’m overhyping it? Hit reply and tell me why—I love a good debate.
And when the dust settles on Oct. 24, come back here and share your thoughts. Who shocked you? What moment had you out of your seat? And most importantly… what’s next?
Because in WWE, the story never really ends. It just gets wilder.
—Want more SmackDown deep dives? Check out our WWE hub for predictions, recaps, and the stories behind the chaos. And if you’re a Rhodes or McIntyre superfan, drop a comment with your favorite moment from their rivalry—I’ll feature the best ones in next week’s post!