The latest episode of WWE SmackDown set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated showdowns of the year, as reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Drew McIntyre officially sealed their championship match at Wrestlepalooza with a gripping contract signing segment that erupted into chaos.

Held live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, on September 19, 2025, the SmackDown episode culminated in the intense confrontation between these two powerhouse superstars, electrifying the audience and raising the stakes heading into Wrestlepalooza[1][3].

The Contract Signing: A Battle of History and Pride

The segment kicked off with Drew McIntyre entering the ring first, calm and composed, followed by Cody Rhodes, who currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship belt. In a show of respect mixed with competitive edge, Rhodes reflected on their shared history, reminding viewers and McIntyre of their past alliance as tag team champions—one that few remember but which underlines the depth of their rivalry[4].

Despite the nostalgic undertones, McIntyre showcased his trademark cheekiness by distracting Rhodes during his promo, going as far as trolling him live by tweeting “Thank you Cody!!!” during the segment—an act reminiscent of his famous antics at WrestleMania 40 and 41. This added a layer of tension, feeding into the brewing hostility between the two[4].

The contract signing, overseen by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, was not just a formality but a psychological battle. Both men exchanged verbal jabs about their careers, achievements, and what this match at Wrestlepalooza would mean for them personally and professionally. Sources close to WWE insiders have revealed that this segment was designed to showcase not only their athletic rivalry but also the personal animosity that has developed over months of competition behind the scenes[4].

Chaos Erupts: Brawl Breaks Out

What was meant to be a measured and ceremonial contract signing quickly spiraled out of control. The tension reached a boiling point when McIntyre delivered his signature “Glasgow kiss” headbutt, sparking a full-scale brawl that thrilled fans watching live.

The highlight came when McIntyre hit his iconic big boot on Rhodes, followed by stomping on the WWE Champion’s head in a brutal display of dominance. The chaos forced SmackDown officials and referees to rush in, trying—and failing—to restore order before the segment ended amid deafening cheers and boos from the crowd[3][4][5].

This explosive conclusion to SmackDown set a fierce tone heading into Wrestlepalooza, signaling that the WWE Championship match between Rhodes and McIntyre will be as much about physicality as psychological warfare.

Wrestlepalooza Championship Match Set

The contract signing confirmed that Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will face off for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Wrestlepalooza, scheduled to stream live on September 20, 2025, at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT exclusively via the ESPN App in the United States and on Netflix worldwide[2].

This match promises to be a blockbuster event given the palpable animosity and the physicality both superstars bring to the ring. WWE.com highlights this as one of the must-watch matches of the year, emphasizing the personal stakes and the legacy impact this contest will have for both athletes[3].

Additional SmackDown Highlights

Aside from the high-stakes contract signing, SmackDown featured several other notable moments leading into Wrestlepalooza:

• Brock Lesnar’s explosive interview segment ahead of his anticipated battle with John Cena was a showstopper. Lesnar physically disrupted the interview setup, delivering multiple F5 finishers including to commentator Corey Graves. This backstage-fracas amped up the intensity for their upcoming clash on the Wrestlepalooza card[1].

• The Tag Team Championship was also defended successfully by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, following an attack linked to Green’s “Secret Service” faction. This defense solidifies Flair and Bliss as the champions to beat in the division going into the big event[1].

• Carmelo Hayes accepted Sami Zayn’s U.S. Championship open challenge, a match that had been highly anticipated by fans because of the rising star power of Hayes and the savvy veteran experience of Zayn[1].

Backstage Insights

According to a WWE insider who spoke exclusively with Fightful, the Rhodes-McIntyre contract signing was meticulously scripted to maximize fan engagement but the brawl was planned to be so intense that it would “send a message to the locker room” about the seriousness of this rivalry. The source revealed that both wrestlers want this to be remembered as a ‘match of the decade’ and that their chemistry and history make them the perfect main event pair for Wrestlepalooza[4].

Looking Forward

With Wrestlepalooza just a night away, expectations are sky-high for the title match. Fans and analysts alike are predicting a clash that will not only test the limits of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s endurance and skill but also redefine the WWE Championship landscape.

As WWE ramps up its promotion for Wrestlepalooza, this SmackDown episode marks a significant chapter in the build-up, sealing the animosity and competitive fire between Rhodes and McIntyre in a way that guarantees a memorable showdown.

This climactic contract signing segment and brawl on SmackDown reinforce the narrative intensity that WWE continues to deliver, ensuring Wrestlepalooza 2025 will be an unmissable event for wrestling fans worldwide. Stay tuned for live coverage and in-depth analysis as this rivalry reaches its peak[2][3][4].