Cody Rhodes’ “WrestleMania” path is clear after beating Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship in the latest episode of “SmackDown”.
After losing the belt to McIntyre in January, Rhodes has been trying to reclaim his trophy.
He has been unsuccessful in his pursuit, losing the “Royal Rumble” and the recent “Elimination Chamber.”
However, those losses could be attributed to McIntyre, who made it a mission to not let Rhodes near the belt.
“SmackDown” General Manager Nick Aldis, who was irate by McIntyre’s actions, announced that the “Scottish Psychopath” has to defend his belt against Rhodes in this week’s episode.
McIntyre’s reign crashes down
The champion made an effort to end the match through a disqualification and count out, as he tried to walk out and attack referees.
At one point, McIntyre hit Rhodes with a “Powerbomb” to a wooden table.
He then hit Rhodes with his own “Cross Rhodes” to add insult to injury, but it was not enough to keep the challenger down.
Rhodes replied with some mimicry of his own, as he countered McIntyre with his own “Claymore”.
“The American Nightmare” then primed his opponent for a “Disaster Kick”, but McIntyre pulled the match official into the crossfire.
Rhodes managed to hit a “Cross Rhodes” to the champion, but there was no referee to count the pin.
A distracted Rhodes then called for another referee, but McIntyre hit him with a “Claymore”.
Another official then ran in, but the “Claymore” kick was not enough to keep Rhodes down.
A frustrated McIntyre then hit the referee with a “Glasgow Kiss”, but another problem presented itself for the champion in the form of Jacob Fatu, who grabbed a steel chair out of McIntyre’s hands.
The match ended when Rhodes hit McIntyre with a “Cody Cutter” and a “Cross Rhodes” in the middle of the ring to reclaim the WWE Championship.
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Master versus student
Rhodes is now set to face his mentor and long-time friend Randy Orton, who won the recent “Elimination Chamber”.
The 14-time world champion won the match off a McIntyre interference, as he hit an “RKO” to a distracted Rhodes for the one-two-three.
Fans have begged for a showdown between the two since Rhodes’ return to the WWE in 2022.
Rhodes shot to prominence back in 2008 during his time in the villainous faction The Legacy, which was led by Orton.
Rhodes and fellow member Ted DiBiase Jr were essential in Orton’s various feuds and championship success during the time.
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