On the latest WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes lost his Undisputed Championship to Drew McIntyre following a grueling Three Stages of Hell match. Despite the title change, Rhodes is still scheduled to appear on tonight’s SmackDown event at OVO Arena Wembley on January 16th, raising speculation about his next moves in the promotion. With significant upcoming events like Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII 2026 and the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event fast approaching, fans are eager to see how Rhodes will position himself in the coming weeks.
Rhodes May Reveal Plans to Step Away Temporarily
The 40-year-old former WWE Champion might open the episode by acknowledging his recent loss and explaining that he intends to take some time off to regroup. As someone who has held the Undisputed Championship twice and carried the title for an extended period, Rhodes could express his need to reflect before launching another run at the championship. This break from television could last until he makes a return at a major event such as the Royal Rumble 2026, marking a strategic pause in his career.
The Prodigal Son Could Confirm Participation in Royal Rumble 2026
Cody Rhodes, known as the Prodigal Son, has previously won the Royal Rumble twice and is expected to enter the men’s Royal Rumble match at the upcoming WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event. This event is set to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this month. Should Rhodes secure victory again, he would set a new precedent and establish momentum heading into WrestleMania 42, potentially igniting a fresh storyline that could dominate WWE programming for months.
Potential WWE Rematch Following Controversial Title Loss
Rhodes’ defeat last week was marred by interference from Jacob Fatu, which many considered unfair. On tonight’s SmackDown, he might seek out Nick Aldis in an effort to challenge the circumstances of his loss. If Aldis agrees, this could result in a rematch between Rhodes and Drew McIntyre being arranged for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII 2026. Such a rematch would offer Rhodes an immediate opportunity to reclaim his championship and reaffirm his standing as a top competitor within WWE.
