Drew McIntyre Returns WWE SmackDown Sets Saturday Match Orton

Drew McIntyre made a surprise return on the July 4 episode of WWE SmackDown after being off television since losing a steel cage match to Damian Priest in May. He interrupted a conversation between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, mocking their 'beta male energy' and declaring the legend of Randy Orton dead due to his hesitation in their recent match. McIntyre expressed his desire for Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam, so he could then challenge Rhodes and take the title himself without hesitation. The segment ended with Orton delivering an RKO to McIntyre. Subsequently, WWE General Manager Nick Aldis officially scheduled a match between McIntyre and Orton for the upcoming Saturday Night's Main Event on July 12. This sets up a potential new feud while other matches for the event include GUNTHER vs. Goldberg and LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins.