WWE fans have been on the edge of their seats for weeks, wondering if Cody Rhodes would make it back in time for Wrestlepalooza after a well-publicized absence. The speculation has finally been put to rest: Rhodes is set to return and headline the September 20, 2025 pay-per-view against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This announcement ends weeks of uncertainty and fan debate, while also setting the stage for one of the most anticipated main events of the year—a clash that could define WWE’s new era on ESPN.
Rhodes’ absence from WWE programming since the August 8 episode of Friday Night SmackDown was no accident. Fans will recall the brutal beatdown he suffered at the hands of McIntyre, who Claymore’d Rhodes through the announce desk in a scene that left viewers stunned. That moment wasn’t just another chapter in their rivalry—it was a carefully orchestrated injury angle designed to write Rhodes off television, giving him the time he needed to film his role as Guile in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie. The film, slated for an October 16, 2026 release, has also kept Roman Reigns off WWE TV, as he’s set to play Akuma.
With Rhodes away, Randy Orton stepped into the fray, feuding with McIntyre and keeping the WWE Universe guessing about the Wrestlepalooza main event. Orton’s involvement wasn’t just a placeholder; it was a strategic move by WWE to ensure that the pay-per-view would have a marquee match, no matter what happened with Rhodes’ filming schedule. Orton and McIntyre’s rivalry heated up on multiple fronts, including a scheduled one-on-one showdown on the September 12 edition of SmackDown—a match many believed could serve as a de facto number one contender’s bout if Rhodes couldn’t make the pay-per-view.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE was prepared for any outcome. "Cody Rhodes is scheduled now for Wrestlepalooza against Drew McIntyre for the championship. The Orton match was gonna take place first, but they didn’t know if they would do it on the pay-per-view. I know the Cody thing was up in the air; I presume it was because they didn’t know for a fact that he would be done filming (for Street Fighter) by the 20th. That’s what I was told in the middle of the week – if he’s back, he’ll be on the card, and if he’s not, it’s gonna be Orton and Drew. But yeah, it’s Cody and Drew," Meltzer explained.
The confirmation that Rhodes will indeed face McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza has electrified fans. This isn’t just another title defense—it’s a collision between two of WWE’s biggest stars, each with something to prove. For Rhodes, this marks his first appearance on WWE television after a five-week absence, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The feud’s foundation was laid back on August 8, when McIntyre’s vicious attack not only wrote Rhodes off TV but also ignited a deeply personal rivalry. Now, with Rhodes’ return imminent, anticipation is sky-high for a showdown that could reshape the WWE landscape.
WWE’s decision to keep Orton in the mix wasn’t just about contingency planning; it was also about keeping the storytelling fresh and unpredictable. During Rhodes’ absence, Orton attacked McIntyre and even laid out multiple WWE officials, a move that drew commentary from industry veterans. Vince Russo, speaking on "WrestleBinge," noted, "Then, I swear to God, Randy Orton lays out four referees and management. You think there’s going to be any ramifications at all about that next week? Nothing. Nothing bro. You know that they are going to do nothing about that. Randy Orton should not be allowed to wrestle." While Russo’s comments highlight the chaotic nature of WWE storylines, they also underscore the lengths to which the company went to keep fans invested during Rhodes’ hiatus.
The timing of Wrestlepalooza is significant for several reasons. Not only does it mark the debut of WWE pay-per-views on ESPN—a move that could usher in a new era for the company—but it also runs directly opposite AEW: All Out, intensifying the ongoing rivalry between the two promotions. WWE’s desire to stack the card with its biggest names is clear, and having Rhodes back in the main event is a major coup.
As for the specifics of Rhodes’ return, there’s been plenty of speculation about how WWE might reintroduce him to television. Some insiders have suggested that Rhodes could make a dramatic return by saving Orton from a post-match attack by McIntyre on the September 12 SmackDown, reigniting their feud in spectacular fashion. Others believe Rhodes might respond to McIntyre’s challenge remotely, perhaps via a pre-taped message or through SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, before making his physical return the following week. Regardless of the method, the endgame is clear: Rhodes will confront McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, and the championship will be on the line.
Rhodes’ month-long absence has only added to the intrigue. His last match saw him teaming with John Cena against McIntyre and Logan Paul—a bout that ended with McIntyre slamming Rhodes through the announce table. That angle not only facilitated Rhodes’ temporary exit but also set the stage for the current feud, which has been simmering in his absence. Meanwhile, Orton’s involvement has kept fans guessing, with some even speculating about a possible triple-threat scenario. For now, though, all signs point to a one-on-one clash between Rhodes and McIntyre.
Interestingly, Rhodes is also advertised for the October 3 episode of SmackDown, further fueling speculation about his post-Wrestlepalooza plans. With filming for Street Fighter expected to conclude by September 20, Rhodes’ schedule appears clear for a high-profile WWE run heading into the fall. The crossover between wrestling and Hollywood continues to shape WWE storylines, as both Rhodes and Reigns juggle blockbuster roles with their in-ring commitments.
In the buildup to Wrestlepalooza, fans can expect plenty of twists and turns. With only two episodes of RAW and SmackDown left before WWE’s ESPN debut, the company has a golden opportunity to build anticipation and deliver a memorable main event. Whether Rhodes makes his return in dramatic fashion on SmackDown, via satellite, or in a surprise run-in, one thing is certain: the eyes of the wrestling world will be firmly fixed on Indianapolis come September 20.
As the countdown to Wrestlepalooza continues, the WWE Universe waits with bated breath to see how the drama unfolds. With Cody Rhodes officially locked in to face Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship, the stage is set for a showdown worthy of the spotlight. The only question left—who will walk out of Gainbridge Fieldhouse as champion?
