Contract Signing Sparks Rhodes-McIntyre Brawl on WWE SmackDown
The recent episode of WWE SmackDown, held just before Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME), showcased intense competition and drama. Key moments included Drew McIntyre’s explosive confrontation with Cody Rhodes, highlighting the dynamics leading into their upcoming match.
Contract Signing Brawl Between McIntyre and Rhodes
A pivotal moment in this episode was the contract signing between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Initially hesitant, McIntyre claimed the terms were unfair, favoring Rhodes if the match ended in a disqualification or count-out. Tensions escalated as McIntyre invoked personal topics regarding Rhodes’ family.
Ultimately, the confrontation turned physical. Rhodes retaliated by slamming McIntyre’s head onto the table, leading to McIntyre executing a Claymore kick that sent Rhodes crashing through the table. This intense finish left McIntyre with the upper hand heading into SNME.
Match Highlights
The episode also featured several notable matches:
- Ilja Dragunov vs. Nathan Frazer: Dragunov retained his United States Championship in a highly praised match.
- Carmelo Hayes vs. Kit Wilson: Hayes secured victory but faced a post-match attack from The Miz.
- Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax: Bliss emerged victorious in this singles competition.
- MFT vs. Motor City Machine Guns: MFT, consisting of JC Mateo and Tama Tonga, demonstrated dominance over their opponents.
Emerging Storylines
Several key storylines unfolded during the show. The rivalry between the MFTs and rival teams continued to intensify, especially following their victory over the Motor City Machine Guns. This victory was punctuated by appearances from Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura, looking for revenge against the MFTs.
Furthermore, Ilja Dragunov’s match featured additional drama, as Tommaso Ciampa attempted to answer the championship challenge, showcasing the competitive landscape of the United States title scene. The tensions between Ciampa, Frazer, and Dragunov hint at future encounters.
College Football Crossover and Fun Segment
In a unique crossover, the episode also featured a mascot match, with Utah Utes mascot Swoop triumphing over Cincinnati’s Bearcat. This lighthearted segment injected humor into the night and showcased WWE’s ongoing engagement with college sports.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown delivered high-stakes drama and compelling matches ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event. With Drew McIntyre gaining momentum against Cody Rhodes and emerging rivalries brewing, the excitement surrounding WWE continues to build.