WATCH: Drew McIntyre plays mind games with Cody Rhodes on WWE Smackdown

Drew McIntyre played mind games with Cody Rhodes before Kevin Owens had a brawl with the American Nightmare on WWE Smackdown. The Scottish Warrior gave a hug and claimed he was in the ring only to help Cody. However, Rhodes did not believe it and said he did not trust Drew. KO wasted no time and attacked his challenger.

The night started with Cody Rhodes addressing the fans about the KO situation. The star wrestler said his world title and Kevin's stolen title will both be hanged on the top and the winner would have to climb up the ladder to claim it. Before he could speak anything further, the music of Drew hit and in came the star wrestler.

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The Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens alliance is already underway. I LOVE it #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/Dr5mUxSOtq

— JDfromNY (@JDfromNY206) January 4, 2025

Cody was surprised to see Drew McIntyre in the arena. Out of nowhere, McIntyre gave a hug to Rhodes which led to a bigger surprise. Before Cody could make anything out of it, Drew confirmed that it was out of respect for the star wrestler.

Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes engage in a brawl on WWE Smackdown

McIntyre claimed that Cody deserves respect for being the face of the company in its greatest era. He took a dig at the Attitude Era and claimed it was not WWE's best era. Drew reaffirmed that he did not want to attack Cody and reminded him about their past and present which he thought are similar.

Cody did not believe what McIntyre said. He claimed the 3-time world champion had lost his trust in WWE. The world champion said he knew where it was heading and asked Drew straightforward to wrestle him. Despite not being medically clear to wrestle, Cody claimed he was ready for a fight.

McIntyre stuck with his stand and reaffirmed that he did not want to hurt Cody neither wanted the title from him. He asked Rhodes to look back and KO attacked him out of nowhere. Drew walked back to the locker room and the brawl broke out between Cody and Kevin. The security guards and referees stopped the duo from an ugly brawl.