What's Happening?
On the October 17, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes retained his title in a controversial match against Drew McIntyre. The episode opened with Rhodes addressing his previous match against Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel, expressing that while he doesn't
foresee another encounter, the nature of wrestling often leads to unexpected rematches. The evening featured a number one contender's match between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, which was disrupted when Fatu was found bloodied backstage. McIntyre demanded to be named the contender, but Rhodes intervened, leading to an impromptu title match. Rhodes used his belt as a weapon, resulting in a disqualification, allowing him to retain the title despite losing the match. The episode also saw Ilja Dragunov return to television, defeating Sami Zayn to become the new United States Champion.
Why It's Important?
The events of this SmackDown episode have significant implications for WWE's storyline and character development. Cody Rhodes' controversial retention of his title through disqualification highlights the unpredictable nature of wrestling narratives, potentially setting up future conflicts and rivalries. The return and victory of Ilja Dragunov as the United States Champion introduces a fresh dynamic to the roster, promising new matchups and storylines. These developments can influence fan engagement and viewership, as unexpected twists and new champions often drive interest in wrestling programming. Additionally, the episode's focus on character interactions and backstage drama underscores WWE's strategy of blending athletic competition with entertainment, maintaining its appeal to a broad audience.
What's Next?
Following the events of this episode, several storylines are poised to develop further. Cody Rhodes' actions may lead to repercussions from WWE management or challenges from other wrestlers seeking to capitalize on his controversial title retention. Drew McIntyre, having been denied a clean victory, might pursue another opportunity to challenge Rhodes, potentially leading to a rematch. Ilja Dragunov's new status as United States Champion sets the stage for future defenses against other contenders, possibly including Sami Zayn, who was affected by outside interference during their match. These unfolding narratives are likely to be explored in upcoming episodes, contributing to the ongoing evolution of WWE's entertainment offerings.
Beyond the Headlines
The episode's events reflect broader themes within professional wrestling, such as the balance between athletic competition and theatrical storytelling. Cody Rhodes' use of his belt as a weapon and the subsequent disqualification highlight the ethical considerations in wrestling, where rules can be bent for dramatic effect. The portrayal of backstage confrontations and alliances, such as the interactions between wrestlers and management, mirrors real-world dynamics in sports and entertainment industries, where power struggles and strategic maneuvering are common. These elements contribute to the cultural impact of wrestling, as it continues to blend sport with spectacle, engaging audiences through complex narratives and character development.
