That opening segment on WWE SmackDown didn’t just feel personal — it was carefully constructed behind the scenes.
Following the February 6, 2026 episode of SmackDown from Charlotte, a new update has revealed who was actually responsible for putting together the chaotic Cody Rhodes–Drew McIntyre angle that kicked off the show.
According to Fightful Select, the segment was written by Michael Kirshenbaum, with production handled by former TNA star Abyss.
The segment saw Cody Rhodes ambush Drew McIntyre before the Undisputed WWE Champion could even reach the ring, forcing McIntyre to flee through the crowd as officials swarmed to break things up. The chaos immediately set the tone for the night and escalated Cody’s frustrations coming out of the Royal Rumble.
After the brawl, Rhodes delivered a heated promo from the ring, making it clear he believes McIntyre robbed him of his WrestleMania path, referencing CM Punk and Roman Reigns locking in their own WrestleMania match and vowing that Drew wouldn’t even make it to the event.
Now, with the creative team behind the segment revealed, it’s clear this wasn’t just an emotional outburst — it was a deliberately produced moment designed to push the rivalry into a darker, more personal place.
What did you think of the Cody Rhodes–Drew McIntyre opening segment on SmackDown, and did knowing who put it together change how you view it? Leave your thoughts and feedback below.