McIntyre returned two weeks later and was re-instated after being made to beg Long and qualified for the eponymous match at the Money in the Bank PPV by defeating Kofi Kingston. McIntyre then continued his rivalry with Matt Hardy and Hardy's friend Christian. At the same time, "Dashing" Cody Rhodes also took umbrage with Matt Hardy and Christian, leading to an alliance being formed. On 19 September at Night of Champions, McIntyre and Rhodes captured the WWE Tag Team Championship in a five-team tag team turmoil match as the last entrants. This allowed them to appear on both brands. McIntyre and Rhodes then successfully defended their championship twice against The Hart Dynasty. At the Bragging Rights PPV on 24 October, McIntyre and Rhodes lost the championship to The Nexus (John Cena and David Otunga) and dissolved their team. On 21 November at Survivor Series, McIntyre participated in a 5-on-5 traditional Survivor Series tag team match as a member of Team Del Rio against Team Mysterio. McIntyre would be the final man remaining on his team before he was eliminated by Big Show. McIntyre would participate in the 40-man Royal Rumble match on 30 January, but would be eliminated by Big Show.