Cody Rhodes is revving for a fight. Undisputed WWE champion Rhodes returned to SmackDown on Friday, challenging Drew McIntyre to a match at Wrestlepalooza. The blue brand also featured an appearance by Brock Lesnar.
McIntyre and Randy Orton headlined this week’s show, paving the way for Rhodes’ first appearance since McIntyre laid him out weeks ago. Lesnar’s pursuit of John Cena started the show. “The Beast Incarnate” did not find Cena, instead taking a brief detour through R-Truth.
SmackDown also featured two title matches. United States champion Sami Zayn defended his United States championship open challenge, and Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill ran back their WWE women’s title match from SummerSlam.
CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
Rhodes rescues Orton, Lesnar gets physical
Lesnar kicked off SmackDown, but couldn’t get a word out before R-Truth interrupted him. Lesnar wasn’t interested in R-Truth unless he knew Cena’s whereabouts. Truth, here to defend his “childhood hero” Cena, claimed to no longer fear Lesnar. Unfortunately, Truth’s newfound bravery was rewarded with an F-5 that, amusingly, split Lesnar’s pants.
Drew McIntyre def. Randy Orton via pinfall with a Claymore kick. Orton had McIntyre lined up for a punt, but the referee intervened, pleading with Orton. “The Viper” shooed off the official; however, the distraction gave McIntyre enough time to dodge the incoming kick. McIntyre shoved Orton towards the referee and, though Orton avoided collision, McIntyre used the mountain distractions to score a decisive Claymore kick.
Post-match, McIntyre tried to attack Orton ringside. The referee was surprisingly lax, considering his determination to stop Orton in the ring, but Rhodes’ music hit. Rhodes sent McIntyre fleeing before challenging him to a match at Wrestlepalooza.
Friday’s opening segment emphasized everything wrong with the current creative product. R-Truth was completely neutered shortly after undergoing a serious character turn as Ron Killings. Having Cena miss a week to sell last week’s attack makes sense, but Lesnar’s shallow appearance emphasizes the lack of long-term planning and restraint for Cena’s retirement tour. The main event was a solid piece of business and set the stage for a major undisputed WWE title match. Grade: B-
What else happened on WWE SmackDown?
- United States Championship — Sami Zayn (c) def. Rey Fenix via pinfall with a Helluva Kick. Fenix answered Zayn’s open challenge.
- Kiana James and Giulia attacked B-Fab, scrapping the scheduled match between the latter two. Michin, equipped with a kendo stick, rescued B-Fab.
- WWE Women’s Championship — Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill ended in a double count-out. Post-match, Nia Jax attacked both women.
- Charlotte Flair is injured, according to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
- Solo Sikoa, The Wyatt Sicks and Aleister Black all starred in pre-taped vignettes