Drew McIntyre Returns: Surprise comeback on SmackDown, challenges Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton directly

Drew McIntyre is back. After being away for two months due to injury from a Steel Cage match, he returned to WWE with a clear goal. He didn’t wait for any music or spotlight. He came straight in and gave a warning to Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. His return has already brought big changes to WWE’s main event scene before SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre returns on SmackDown taped show, no promotion done

The 4 July 2025 episode of SmackDown was taped earlier in Pittsburgh. WWE kept Drew McIntyre’s return a surprise. When the segment aired on TV, fans were shocked. He didn’t use any entrance music. He just appeared backstage and spoke.

After his Steel Cage match against Damian Priest, Drew got seriously injured. Reports said he had broken ribs and a shoulder injury. 

In April, fans last saw him being helped out of the arena. After two months of recovery, when people thought he would take more time off, he returned quietly on SmackDown and surprised everyone.

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton directly targeted

In his short segment, Drew McIntyre clearly named Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Both are the biggest names on SmackDown. Cody just won the 2025 King of the Ring, and Orton has stayed part of the top title scene.

Drew didn’t speak in a dramatic way. He just said he is not here to watch. He wants to change the game. His words were simple, but his message was clear. The friendship between Cody and Randy now has a third person involved.

Drew McIntyre vs Randy Orton confirmed for July 12 at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Right after Drew’s return, WWE made a big announcement. On 12 July in Atlanta, Georgia, Drew McIntyre will face Randy Orton at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

This match was set after Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton were sharing a respectful moment in the ring after the King of the Ring tournament. Drew stepped in and tried to provoke both. Randy Orton then hit Drew with an RKO.

Drew and Orton also have a past rivalry. At SummerSlam 2020, Drew had defended the WWE Championship against Orton. Since then, the tension between them never ended. Now they are going to fight again, and this time the stakes are even higher.

One more big name added to the title scene before SummerSlam

Cody Rhodes is already set for a world title match at SummerSlam. But now Drew McIntyre is back, and his presence is making things more complicated in the title scene.

Randy Orton is trying to recover after recent losses. Drew, who returned from injury, wants to show that he is ready to be part of the main event again.

As SummerSlam comes closer, fans will not only focus on Cody’s match, but also on what Drew will do next. Will he interfere? Is he planning to enter the title match?

Drew McIntyre’s return is not just a comeback, it’s a signal that big changes are coming in WWE

The existing rivalries are not the only ones to watch now. Drew McIntyre has added a new twist to everything. Whatever plans were going on between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, Drew is now part of the picture.

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