Before you get out the pitchforks and torches, I want you to know that I’m sorry.
I realize that may not mean much given what’s about to be said, but it’s true. You have my utmost apologies.
After all, I like Drew McIntyre as much as all of you. Maybe even more. Since the Vince McMahon era of WWE burned out a couple years ago, McIntyre has arguably been the most entertaining star that WWE has had on television. As a heel, McIntyre has found a strong voice of reason and authenticity, but has added a thick layer of piercing heel tendencies to that personality.
The result has been memorable programs throughout the last couple years with top stars in WWE like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Damian Priest, and others. Since then, McIntyre has been chasing down Cody Rhodes and the WWE Championship on SmackDown. The duo have fought for the championship at Wrestlepalooza, on SmackDown in October, and then again at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November. Since then, the rivals have crossed paths inside of WarGames at Survivor Series.
Each time, McIntyre has failed to win the big prize. The good thing for The Scottish Warrior is, he’s got another opportunity at Rhodes and the championship this week on SmackDown. That’s right, ANOTHER title shot.
3 Stages of Hell
This time, it’s a Three Stages of Hell Match. A two out of three falls contest to really determine who is the true champion. The first fall is a regular wrestling match. The second is a match with falls counting anywhere. If needed, the third stage will take place inside of a steel cage.
Conventional wisdom says that Drew McIntyre should probably win the championship in this match. I mean, if he doesn’t, where does he go? That would be four title losses to Rhodes. If you’re McIntyre, you’re not exactly a credible challenger after that.
So, McIntyre wins? Here’s where you’ll have to accept that apology. No.
No, Drew McIntyre should not beat Cody Rhodes on Smackdown this week to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. It’s cold. It’s heartless. I get it. It’s also reality.
Timing is everything when it comes to pro wrestling. Across the history of the business, small tweaks have bulldozed plans to dust, but left core memories and huge stars behind. Timing matters and it’s not McIntyre’s time.
From The Takedown on SI
WrestleMania is a little over four months away. In four months time, the blackjack tables in Las Vegas will be filled with wrestling fans trying to double their WrestleMania merchandise budgets. Cody Rhodes is the face of WWE. He’s the guy and he needs the championship going into the biggest show of the year.
Rhodes chasing the title into WrestleMania 41 could certainly work, but he can’t be chasing Drew McIntyre. McIntyre vs. Rhodes 5 in the main event of WrestleMania? It’s not going to happen.
WWE isn’t going to green light that match, so why would they saddle McIntyre for a short championship reign? That reality isn’t good for McIntyre either. It’s also bad for Rhodes.
What does a short title run do for anyone involved?
If McIntyre wins the championship and then loses it inside of two months, does it really even matter that he won it? Plus, to get that uneven outcome, WWE has to have Rhodes do a job. As the face of WWE and the top star in the promotion, Rhodes should only be doing jobs in situations that will setup fresh, money making matches for him down the road. McIntyre vs. Rhodes for the fifth time is not that.
Yeah, it sucks for Drew McIntyre. The guy has done everything asked of him and along with Rhodes, has found a way to make this theoretically cold fourth match between them more meaningful than ever.
That’s good work and hopefully his check is thick because of it. As for the belt? It’s staying right where it is.
Drew or Cody? Who is winning the WWE Championship 3 Stages of Hell Match on SmackDown? Let us know in the comments!
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