Cody Rhodes appears to open the event, mentioning SmackDown’s format change to three hours. Nick Aldis and management are concerned about the champion’s presence in the ring, as he is not medically cleared to compete at the moment because of Kevin Owens. But WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is a month away, an event where he will defend the gold in a ladder match… Drew McIntyre is in Phoenix! The Scotsman climbs into the ring and surrounds Cody Rhodes… to give him a hug?!

Drew McIntyre is ready to speak the truth in front of Cody. « I’m not here to hurt you, Cody, I’m here to help you. You’re not on my list, we’ve known each other for a long time, and I have to tell you what no one can tell you: you’re ruining everything you’ve achieved in your career. Right now, we have the best fighters that have ever been in the ring in any era; if you look at the numbers, you’re the quarterback of every statistic achieved. But you’re about to throw them away ,» says the Scot.

Cody then wants to admit how big Drew has become, but he just doesn’t believe him. He can feel the tension in the air, they can come to blows at any moment and if he just wants a title shot, he has to step up like everyone else and fight for it. McIntyre is disappointed that he was only here to help, so he heads off… but not before warning Rhodes to watch his back. Kevin Owens attacks Cody Rhodes from behind! Cody manages to recover to respond to KO’s surprise attack until several security elements, referees and producers separate them.