WWE SmackDown Recap: Randy Orton Strikes Drew McIntyre

With John Cena's retirement quickly approaching, WWE used Friday night's episode of SmackDown to begin preparing conflicts for the future of the undisputed WWE championship.

Cody Rhodes appeared on the show, fresh off his King of the Ring tournament win, to talk about his coming SummerSlam match with Cena. This drew out not only Randy Orton, but a shocking return from Drew McIntyre. The conflict between the three escalated until Orton dropped McIntyre with an RKO.

The situation also led to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis setting up a match between Orton and McIntyre for Saturday Night's Main Event next week.

Drew McIntyre returns, only to be put down by Randy Orton

Cody Rhodes opened the show ready to cut a promo after winning the King of the Ring tournament. He was quickly cut off by the man he defeated to win the crown, Randy Orton. After Orton praised Rhodes for not hesitating to pull the trigger in their match, Rhodes promised to go on to SummerSlam and defeat John Cena.

This led to Drew McIntyre returning from injury, with McIntyre saying Orton and Rhodes had 'beta male energy' but not to worry because the alpha male is back. McIntyre also accused Rhodes of stabbing Orton in the back -- specifically because Rhodes went after Orton's surgically repaired back during the match. As McIntyre said he wanted Rhodes to go ahead and beat Cena because McIntyre wants to take the title from Rhodes, Orton exploded with an RKO to put McIntyre down. Shortly thereafter, McIntyre demanded that Nick Aldis give him another match with Orton, which Aldis granted for Saturday Night's Main Event.

Friday was largely a filler episode of SmackDown, which was a sensible choice for a pre-taped show airing on a holiday. McIntyre vs. Orton should be a fine match at SNME, but the real meat here is the way WWE appears to be building a future for SmackDown and the undisputed WWE championship once Cena loses the belt and walks away for good. There wasn't a lot of meat here, but building for the future makes sense. Grade: C+

According to the source: CBS Sports.