Drew McIntyre made a surprise return on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, interrupting Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton during the opening segment.
Rhodes and Orton were reflecting on their King of the Ring match from Night of Champions, where Rhodes defeated Orton. Orton admitted that hesitation cost him the victory and urged Rhodes to promise he’d take out John Cena at SummerSlam.
McIntyre then entered and took aim at Orton, saying he had already lost the war before Night of Champions because he wasn’t willing to do what was necessary — something Rhodes clearly was. McIntyre declared that the legend of Randy Orton was dead, then turned his attention to Rhodes, saying he wanted him to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship so that he could be the one to take it from him. He promised he wouldn’t hesitate like Orton — just before turning into an RKO.
Later in the show, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis informed McIntyre that he’ll face Randy Orton at Saturday Night’s Main Event next week.
Becoming King of the Ring means EVERYTHING to @CodyRhodes 👑 pic.twitter.com/W0hv9h2tnF
— WWE (@WWE) July 5, 2025
"Promise me you will not squander this opportunity."
What do you say, @CodyRhodes? Can you keep that promise for @RandyOrton? 👀 pic.twitter.com/hbZ7jKHBGX
— WWE (@WWE) July 5, 2025
.@DMcIntyreWWE has entered the chat…
and he has some things he wants to get off his chest 😬 pic.twitter.com/brD3WGZoGP
— WWE (@WWE) July 5, 2025
"I won't hesitate, unlike somebody."@DMcIntyreWWE, you might've spoken too soon… 😳 pic.twitter.com/wArR3xZJee
— WWE (@WWE) July 5, 2025
NEXT WEEK!@DMcIntyreWWE will face @RandyOrton at Saturday Night's Main Event 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QR3ZWpdZUu
— WWE (@WWE) July 5, 2025
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