In an epic twist that sent shockwaves through the entire WWE Universe, Drew McIntyre dethroned Cody Rhodes on SmackDown in Berlin. McIntyre won the Three Stages of Hell Match to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The Scottish Warrior’s fourth World Championship win gives the hardworking star his flowers in front of a live crowd.
The conclusion of the bout was controversial. Jacob Fatu made his return in the closing moments. Fatu attacked McIntyre and Rhodes, but the chaos allowed the Scottish Warrior to escape through the steel cage door and win the top prize.
Fans are excited about the Scottish Warrior’s World Championship win. The WWE Universe will not look upon Cody Rhodes’ second Undisputed WWE Championship with the same fondness.
Cody Rhodes was not really a full-time WWE Champion
The American Nightmare won the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, defeating John Cena in a hard-fought battle. However, Cody Rhodes almost immediately took time off to film a movie. McIntyre Claymored Rhodes’ skull through the announce table on the SmackDown after SummerSlam, writing the champion off TV.
Rhodes was missing from TV for a month and returned just in time for his Wrestlepalooza title clash with McIntyre. Over the next few months, the son of the American Dream was more regular with his appearances on SmackDown. Nonetheless, it felt as if CM Punk was more dependable on RAW as the World Heavyweight Champion.
The WWE Universe prefers a full-time champion, and Triple H was treating Rhodes more like a special attraction. The top prize of the company needs to be represented weekly, as it was during John Cena’s prime as the WWE Champion. Unfortunately, Rhodes wasn’t as regular or consistent as the champion.
The WWE Championship took a backseat during Rhodes’ second title run
The WWE Title, as the most prestigious championship, should always be the focus. However, the belt felt like an afterthought during most of Rhodes’ second World Title run. Soon after Rhodes’ first successful title defense against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, he began a non-title feud with Seth “Freakin” Rollins. This program was not about Championship glory, but the shared mutual hatred between the two Champions.
Upon losing to Rollins at Crown Jewel, Rhodes restarted his feud with McIntyre, which culminated in another title defense at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLI. After SNME, Rhodes joined CM Punk, the Usos, and Roman Reigns for the Men’s WarGames feud against the Vision. McIntyre was part of the opposing team, but the WWE Title had no bearing on the progression of the WarGames storyline.
Cody Rhodes’ second title run was not made of great matches
The WWE Championship rested comfortably on Rhodes’ shoulders for 159 days, but there weren’t many great matches that set the world on fire. Truth be told, fans will only talk about his final unsuccessful defense against McIntyre in Berlin.
The Wrestlepalooza match with McIntyre didn’t get better, and fans disliked the quick finish. The title defense against Aleister Black on SmackDown was enjoyable, but the lack of a legitimate finish was frustrating. Much like their previous clashes, Rhodes vs. McIntyre at SNME XLI also lacked energy.
The American Nightmare’s first reign had brilliant matches, including a brutal Ladder match against Kevin Owens. Compared to those in his first reign, the title defenses in his second run were largely underwhelming.
McIntyre, as WWE Champion, brings a new edge to SmackDown. Hopefully, this could lead to fresh, intriguing opportunities and storylines down the road. Meanwhile, Rhodes should stay away from the title picture for a while. Some potential grudge feuds with the likes of Jacob Fatu and Randy Orton on the cards.
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