The WWE SmackDown Shakeup: Drew McIntyre’s Controversial Return and More!
In a shocking turn of events, Drew McIntyre made a swift comeback to WWE SmackDown, joining forces with an unexpected alliance. But here’s where it gets intriguing… McIntyre’s return has sparked a chain of controversies and left fans with more questions than answers.
Let’s dive into the SmackDown results and review, where we’ll uncover the secrets behind McIntyre’s loophole and the implications for the upcoming WarGames match.
Drew McIntyre’s Loophole Unveiled
It all started with McIntyre’s suspension from SmackDown, which lasted a mere week. Thanks to the cunning Paul Heyman, McIntyre found a way back into the ring by agreeing to team up with The Vision and Logan Paul at Survivor Series: WarGames. This alliance has put Cody Rhodes and The Usos on the defensive, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
WarGames Takes Shape
The WarGames match continues to evolve, and McIntyre’s inclusion has brought The Vision’s team to a level playing field with their rivals. With each team having one spot left to fill before the Nov. 29 pay-per-view, the tension is building. The reveal came at the end of an impromptu undisputed WWE championship match between Rhodes and Bronson Reed, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The Last Time is Now Tournament: A Surprising Twist
SmackDown also featured the ongoing Last Time is Now Tournament, which aims to find John Cena’s final opponent. One of the highlights was LA Knight’s mysterious opponent, who turned out to be Cena’s former ally, Zack Ryder. Ryder, known as Matt Cardona in the independent scene, made a long-awaited return to the main roster, marking his first WWE appearance in five years.
The Action-Packed Night at MVP Arena
CBS Sports kept fans updated throughout the night with recaps and highlights from the thrilling action at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. From McIntyre’s controversial return to the unexpected alliances, SmackDown delivered an evening full of surprises.
McIntyre’s WarGames Journey Begins
The Vision’s Heyman and Reed paid a visit to SmackDown general manager Aldis’ office, catching him off guard. Before Aldis could take action, Heyman reminded him of the WarGames rules, allowing participants to appear on all brands. This led to a confrontation between The Vision and Rhodes, resulting in a singles match between Reed and Rhodes.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match: A Disqualifying Turn
In a highly anticipated match, Cody Rhodes (c) faced off against Bronson Reed for the undisputed WWE championship. However, the match took an unexpected turn when Bron Breakker and Logan Paul interfered, attacking Rhodes and causing a disqualification. Reed’s impressive display of strength and speed kept the champion on his toes, but Rhodes managed to gain momentum towards the end.
As Reed charged towards Rhodes, the champion sidestepped, sending Reed crashing through the barricade. Rhodes prepared to deliver a powerful move, but Breakker and Paul’s interference drew a disqualification for their Survivor Series teammate. The Usos came to Rhodes’ rescue, setting up Paul for an Uso splash through the table. However, McIntyre’s interference changed the course of events, leaving the fan-favorites at a disadvantage.
A Controversial Decision?
The post-match chaos left fans questioning the purpose of the title match. With only about 10 minutes left, the match lacked the time to build the necessary momentum. Additionally, why did Reed’s allies cost him his first world title match? Reed was in control for most of the match, and their intervention seemed premature. McIntyre’s loophole adds an intriguing subplot, but a one-week suspension raises concerns. Will Aldis take action after Survivor Series? Grade: C+
Other SmackDown Highlights
- Charlotte Flair expressed her lack of trust in Rhea Ripley ahead of their WarGames match at Survivor Series.
- In the Last Time is Now Tournament, Jey Uso advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating The Miz with an Uso Splash.
- Ilja Dragunov retained the United States Championship, defeating Axiom with an H-Bomb in an open challenge match. Post-match, Tomasso Ciampa attacked Axiom.
- Sami Zayn announced his medical clearance and was rescued from an MFT beatdown by Shinsuke Nakamura, Dragon Lee, and Motor City Machine Guns.
- LA Knight defeated Zack Ryder with a BFT, marking Matt Cardona’s first match as Zack Ryder since 2020.
- The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend attacked Flair, Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Iyo Sky backstage, intensifying the rivalry ahead of their WarGames match.
- Jade Cargill defeated B-Fab with a Jaded, but the post-match celebration was cut short by a shoving match with Michin.
And this is the part most people miss…
The WWE universe is divided over McIntyre’s return and the implications it holds for the upcoming WarGames match. What do you think? Is McIntyre’s loophole a clever move or a sign of a broken system? Join the discussion in the comments and let us know your thoughts on the controversial return of Drew McIntyre!