Cody Rhodes might want to remember who runs WWE SmackDown. On Friday, general manager Nick Aldis threatened to strip Rhodes of the undisputed WWE championship if Rhodes continued undermining his authority.

Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre is now official for the WWE Championship, and they will be going at it with a stipulation that hasn't been implemented or used for a very long time.

In a video package, we see SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and the suspended Drew McIntyre negotiating terms regarding the “Scottish Psychopath’s” reinstatement.

Cody Rhodes agreed not to lay a finger on Drew McIntyre. At Saturday Night’s Main Event, Drew McIntyre interfered in Oba Femi and Cody Rhodes’ match. Some time later, The American Nightmare attacked McIntyre at his home while Nick Aldis was negotiating a deal with him to get him reinstated.

Drew McIntyre is set to pick the stipulation for his next WWE Championship match with Cody Rhodes. The Scottish Warrior was reinstated by Nick Aldis during a cinematic home invasion segment released by WWE on its social media profiles.

Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre has had glimpses of quality. WWE’s booking of this rivalry has been a misfire on several accounts. Matches at Wrestlepalooza and Saturday Night’s Main Event were a let down.

Drew McIntyre wishes Cody Rhodes a happy holidays ahead of their rematch for the WWE title.

Joe Hendry will be on the final SmackDown of 2025. During Friday’s taped show, The Miz appeared in Nick Aldis’ office upset about getting laid out by Hendry at Saturday Night’s Main Event, suggesting he wanted to have a match with him. Aldis agreed to it, setting the stage for next week.