Cody Rhodes: Who Won Between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre? | Brother, Rivalry, and WWE Storyline

Professional wrestling has produced many iconic rivalries, but few have been as intense in recent years as the feud between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in WWE. Both superstars are former world champions and among the top performers of the modern era.

Their matches have featured dramatic moments, championship stakes, and storylines that have captivated fans worldwide. Many fans often ask: Who won between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre? The answer depends on which match or event you’re referring to, as the two have traded victories in different WWE events.

In this article, we explore their rivalry, the outcomes of their biggest matches, and also answer a common question about Cody Rhodes’ brother and family background.

Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre: Rivalry Overview

The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre intensified during WWE’s modern championship era. Both wrestlers are known for their charisma, storytelling, and in-ring ability.

• Cody Rhodes is known as “The American Nightmare.”

• Drew McIntyre is often called “The Scottish Warrior.”

Their feud typically revolved around the Undisputed WWE Championship, making their encounters high-stakes matches.

Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022 after years away and quickly became one of the company’s top stars. Meanwhile, McIntyre had already established himself as a dominant champion during the pandemic era.

Their paths eventually collided in several major matches.

Who Won Between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre?

The answer isn’t simple because the two wrestlers have faced each other multiple times. In some matches, Rhodes won, while in others McIntyre came out victorious.

Cody Rhodes Wins Against Drew McIntyre

One of the most notable victories for Cody Rhodes came at WrestlePalooza 2025, where Rhodes successfully defended his WWE Championship against McIntyre.

During the match:

• Both competitors exchanged powerful attacks.

• McIntyre nearly won with a Claymore Kick.

• Rhodes eventually delivered a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes to secure the victory.

This match demonstrated Rhodes’ resilience and ability to overcome one of WWE’s toughest opponents.

Another big win occurred at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November 2025. In that match, Rhodes again defeated McIntyre to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship after hitting the Cross Rhodes finishing move.

These victories solidified Rhodes’ position as a dominant champion.

Drew McIntyre Wins Against Cody Rhodes

Despite Rhodes’ success, Drew McIntyre has also defeated him.

In early 2026, McIntyre won a Three Stages of Hell match against Rhodes to capture the championship. The victory came after interference from Jacob Fatu during the steel cage stage of the match.

This victory ended Rhodes’ championship reign and gave McIntyre the advantage in their rivalry.

Additionally, McIntyre had previously pinned Rhodes in earlier matches when outside interference helped him secure a Claymore Kick and the win.

Latest Match Result

Their rivalry continued into 2026 with another championship showdown on SmackDown.

In that match:

• McIntyre attempted to retain his title using a steel chair.

• Jacob Fatu interfered again.

• Rhodes capitalized by hitting a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes.

Rhodes ultimately won the match and regained the WWE Championship.

This victory marked Rhodes’ third WWE Championship reign, proving that the rivalry between the two superstars remains highly competitive.

Why the Rivalry Is So Popular

The feud between Rhodes and McIntyre works because of several factors.

1. Similar Career Journeys

Both wrestlers experienced ups and downs in WWE before becoming champions.

• McIntyre was once released from WWE before returning stronger.

• Rhodes left WWE, built his reputation elsewhere, and came back as a top star.

2. Championship Stakes

Most of their matches involved the WWE Championship, increasing the importance of every encounter.

3. Physical Wrestling Style

McIntyre’s power-based offense clashes with Rhodes’ technical and high-impact moves.

Fans enjoy the contrast between:

• Claymore Kick

• Cross Rhodes

• Cody Cutter

Cody Rhodes’ Family Background

Cody Rhodes comes from one of the most famous families in professional wrestling.

His real name is Cody Garrett Runnels.

He is the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer who was one of the most influential wrestlers in history.

Dusty Rhodes was famous for:

• Charismatic promos

• Unique wrestling style

• Multiple world championships

Growing up in such a legendary wrestling family shaped Cody’s career.

Who Is Cody Rhodes’ Brother?

Cody Rhodes’ older brother is Dustin Rhodes.

Dustin is also a professional wrestler and is best known for his WWE persona Goldust.

Dustin Rhodes Career Highlights

• Debuted in the late 1980s

• Multiple Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships

• Known for his unique Goldust character

Dustin Rhodes has wrestled in several major promotions, including:

• WWE

• WCW

• AEW

His career spans more than three decades.

Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes Relationship

The Rhodes brothers have had a fascinating on-screen and real-life relationship.

They have:

• Teamed together in WWE

• Faced each other in emotional matches

• Supported each other’s careers

One of their most famous matches took place in AEW in 2019, where the brothers delivered a highly praised performance.

The match ended with Dustin telling Cody he did not want to retire and instead wanted to be his tag team partner.

The moment became one of the most emotional scenes in modern wrestling.

Cody Rhodes’ Rise to WWE Champion

Cody Rhodes’ journey to the top of WWE was not easy.

Early WWE Career

He debuted in WWE in 2007 and quickly won:

• Intercontinental Championship

• Tag Team Championships

However, he struggled to break into the main event scene.

Leaving WWE

In 2016, Rhodes left WWE to prove himself elsewhere.

He competed in:

• Independent wrestling promotions

• New Japan Pro Wrestling

• Ring of Honor

AEW Era

Rhodes helped launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 and became one of the company’s founding stars.

WWE Return

In 2022, he returned to WWE and quickly became one of its top attractions.

His ultimate goal was to win the championship his father never held.

Drew McIntyre’s Career Highlights

While Rhodes’ story is inspirational, Drew McIntyre’s career is equally remarkable.

McIntyre debuted in WWE as a young star and was once called “The Chosen One.”

However, his early run did not go as planned.

Comeback Story

After leaving WWE, McIntyre rebuilt his career in other promotions.

He returned to WWE in 2017 and quickly became a main-event superstar.

Major Achievements

• WWE Champion

• Royal Rumble winner

• Multiple championship reigns

McIntyre is widely respected for his power, endurance, and leadership in the locker room.

Key Moves in Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre Matches

Their matches often feature signature moves that create dramatic moments.

Cody Rhodes Moves

• Cross Rhodes

• Cody Cutter

• Disaster Kick

Drew McIntyre Moves

• Claymore Kick

• Future Shock DDT

• Glasgow Kiss

These moves often determine the outcome of their matches.

Future of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre is far from over.

WWE storytelling often revisits major feuds, especially when both wrestlers remain top stars.

Future possibilities include:

• WrestleMania rematches

• Triple-threat matches

• Championship ladder matches

Fans can expect more exciting encounters between these two superstars.

Legacy of Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has already secured his place in wrestling history.

He has achieved:

• Multiple world championships

• Major storyline victories

• Global popularity among fans

His journey from Dusty Rhodes’ son to a WWE champion has inspired many fans.

FAQs

Who won between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre?

Both wrestlers have defeated each other in different matches. Recently, Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre on SmackDown to regain the WWE Championship.

How many times has Cody Rhodes beaten Drew McIntyre?

Rhodes has defeated McIntyre in several high-profile matches, including WrestlePalooza 2025 and Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Has Drew McIntyre beaten Cody Rhodes?

Yes. McIntyre defeated Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match in 2026 to win the WWE Championship.

Who is Cody Rhodes’ brother?

Cody Rhodes’ brother is Dustin Rhodes, who is best known for his WWE character Goldust.

Who is Cody Rhodes’ father?

Cody Rhodes is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes.