4 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (5 Dec - Results & Review)

2. Fired Up Cody = Vast Improvement

Cody Rhodes is at his best when he’s ticked off and out for vengeance/justice. Attacking Drew McIntyre in the Scot’s rental car, then demanding that GM Nick Aldis reinstate Drew so he can “stomp him out” worked a treat to kick off Friday's show. So, being fair, did McIntyre screaming “reinstate me” at Aldis post-attack. That’s what he’s wanted all along too, and he’s goaded a top babyface into doing the dirty work for him.

Let's be real about something: Drew can’t really afford another unsuccessful title shot, so WWE have to be careful here, but this was excellent stuff from both he and Rhodes. Cody’s promo set the bar for energy on the show too. He went full on old school NWA by melding wild eyed facial expressions with some serious rasp over the live mic.

It's clear to see that Rhodes loves when he gets the opportunity to cut this kind of promo. It's like he gets to be his father for a few minutes, and that's always welcome. WarGames was a speed bump in the rivalry between Cody and Drew. Sounds weird, but it was. Now it's history, they can get back to weekly business over the WWE Title.

All going well, Randy Orton will return and go rogue on Rhodes so McIntyre doesn't have to do another unnecessary clean J.O.B. There'd be few complaints about a Drew title run heading into WrestleMania 42 season, but that's unlikely to be Triple H's plan. Few will focus on that if a rogue Randy returns to try punt Cody's head off his shoulders and take the WWE Title himself.

McIntyre can then resume his feud with Jacob Fatu but moan about 'being screwed'.