Cody Rhodes reveals injury news, Drew McIntyre goes through the transfer window.
Cody Rhodes kicked off the first-ever three-hour episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown on January 3, 2025. He declared that he would like to fight Kevin Owens but he isn't cleared to compete until the Royal Rumble because of the effects of the Package Piledriver that he suffered on WWE Saturday Night's Main Event in December 2024.
Drew McIntyre, a WWE Raw Superstar, utilized the open transfer window and came out to interrupt him. He surprisingly hugged Cody Rhodes. He says he's known Cody for a long time and he's there to help him. McIntyre put over the caliber of athletes on the WWE roster today and said they're in the best era of all time. He called Cody the quarterback and said that Cody needed someone watching his back before offering to be that someone.
Cody Rhodes said he didn't need anyone watching his back and then brazenly offered to defend the WWE Championship against him. McIntyre reiterated that he wasn't there to hurt Cody and wanted to help him. As he stood on the apron before leaving, he told Cody he needed to watch his back. Cody was then attacked by Kevin Owens and they brawled before officials separated them.
Drew McIntyre had previously appeared on the December 13th and December 20th episodes of WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens will face off in a Ladder Match with both the modern WWE Championship belt and the Winged Eagle WWE Championship belt hanging above the ring at the Royal Rumble. Check out the full card here.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of WWE SmackDown by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review by clicking here.
