The rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes is far from over and is about to intensify dramatically. On the December 26th episode of WWE SmackDown, McIntyre revealed that he will face Rhodes in a “Three Stages of Hell” match on January 9, 2026, in Berlin, Germany.
Before the official reveal, McIntyre tried to provoke Rhodes by making personal jabs at his family, prompting Rhodes to nearly confront him until SmackDown GM Nick Aldis intervened. However, the tension quickly escalated when McIntyre shouted, “Say hello to my dad who is in hell for me,” leading Rhodes to push Aldis and immediately face a Claymore Kick from McIntyre.
Earlier that night on SmackDown, McIntyre appeared after paying a fine for hitting a referee with a Claymore Kick in a previous match. His apology seemed insincere, as he sarcastically mocked the referee’s wrestling skills and suggested his wife might be disappointed in him.
This confrontation came after a tense exchange between McIntyre and Aldis on WWE Saturday Night Main Event, where McIntyre expressed frustration over missed title chances. Aldis responded by granting McIntyre a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship with the freedom to set the conditions.
Now, the stage is set for one of the most intense and grueling matches in WWE history, with an international audience eager to witness the showdown.
Will Cody Rhodes endure the three stages of hell, or will Drew McIntyre finally conquer him for good? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This announcement ramps up the excitement for WWE fans by promising a high-stakes, brutal match with deep personal animosity fueling the rivalry. It could mark a pivotal moment in both wrestlers’ careers, potentially reshaping the WWE landscape heading into 2026.
