Drew McIntyre Ambushes Cody Rhodes on SmackDown

On the November 22 episode of WWE SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was ambushed in a brutal backstage attack by Drew McIntyre, intensifying the rivalry ahead of the Survivor Series WarGames premium live event scheduled for November 29 in San Diego.

The show opened with Paul Heyman in the ring alongside members of The Vision—Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul—building anticipation for the upcoming WarGames match. Heyman hyped his team's dominance over Rhodes, The Usos, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk. The Usos interrupted, entering the ring to confront the group. Heyman quickly noted the numerical disadvantage, stating there were four against two and warning of consequences. The Usos responded that they were not alone, cueing Rhodes' entrance music. However, Rhodes did not appear on the ramp. Instead, cameras cut to the parking lot, where McIntyre was seen exiting Rhodes' tour bus. Inside, Rhodes lay battered and bleeding from his forehead, the result of the Scottish Psychopath's assault. McIntyre then drove away from the arena, having avoided violating his suspension by not entering the building, according to general manager Nick Aldis.