Orton Falls to McIntyre After Claymore Counter

Randy Orton suffered a pinfall defeat to Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown Friday night at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, when McIntyre struck back with a Claymore Kick after Orton’s Punt attempt on the outside.

The loss deepens the longtime rivalry between the two former partners, setting the stage for next Sunday’s Wrestlepalooza showdown and marking a pivotal shift in SmackDown’s main event picture.

Rivalry Intensifies Orton targeted McIntyre’s knee throughout the match, opening with a series of corner uppercuts and a clothesline over the top rope. McIntyre responded by chopping at Orton’s leg and raking his eyes, turning the tide before catching an RKO attempt and delivering the decisive Claymore Kick for the pin.

Post-Match Showdown Moments after the bell, McIntyre attempted a follow-up kick on the downed Orton, only for Cody Rhodes to storm the ring and fend off McIntyre. Rhodes’s save cements his return to SmackDown television and hints at a three-way dynamic at Wrestlepalooza.