Cody Rhodes, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Champion title, faces Drew McIntyre next week in a highly anticipated Three Stages of Hell match, and recent events suggest his character may be on the cusp of a dramatic shift. Observers have spotted several Cody Rhodes heel turn signs on SmackDown, hinting that the Stamford-based promotion is laying the groundwork for a major change in his persona.
Pressure Mounts From Nick Aldis and Unyielding Title Threats
The return of Nick Aldis, known as the National Treasure, has intensified Cody Rhodes’ situation. Since Aldis reinstated Drew McIntyre, he has persistently reminded Rhodes of the possibility of losing his championship under controversial circumstances. Aldis met with McIntyre, agreeing to all the challenger’s demands—one of which included the stipulation that if Rhodes attacks Aldis, he automatically forfeits the title.
Notably, this agreement was reached without Rhodes’ input, creating an environment where one misstep could cost him everything. Such restrictive oversight underscores a growing tension around Rhodes, with Aldis’ actions setting the stage for Cody to embrace a darker side. The mounting pressure could ultimately force Rhodes to adopt a more villainous attitude, making Aldis a key catalyst in this potential turn.
Showdown with Randy Orton and Sami Zayn Raises Stakes
Following a dramatic return on the first SmackDown of 2026, Randy Orton directly confronted Cody Rhodes and challenged him for the Undisputed Title, while Sami Zayn publicly expressed his desire to become the next world title holder this year. Together, these two babyface stars—Randy Orton and Sami Zayn—have essentially declared war on Rhodes, setting up high-stakes feuds that could push his character to new extremes.
In typical WWE fashion, such clashes with well-loved babyfaces often foreshadow a heel turn for the reigning champion. If these feuds progress as expected, fans may witness Cody Rhodes transition from fan favorite to a more antagonistic role as he battles his way through multiple challengers, each seeking to claim the championship as their own.
Rising Aggression Suggests a Major Character Change
Recent episodes have captured Cody Rhodes’ growing frustration and pent-up aggression. Owing to Nick Aldis’ restrictive rules, Rhodes has been unable to retaliate against Drew McIntyre’s relentless psychological tactics. This lack of response is especially striking considering the personal nature of their rivalry—McIntyre, dubbed The Scottish Warrior, has repeatedly provoked Rhodes since his return, intensifying the emotional stakes.
The refusal to act publicly masks a simmering anger beneath the surface. As the championship match approaches with stipulations including a standard wrestling match, a Falls Count Anywhere bout, and a Steel Cage finale, Rhodes’ unresolved fury appears likely to erupt. This emotional build-up is a classic indicator that a heel turn may be imminent, as continued provocation and injustice often set champions down a far darker path.
Ultimately, the WWE Universe is left to anticipate how these tensions—driven by Nick Aldis’ machinations, the looming threats from Randy Orton and Sami Zayn, and the internal turmoil of Cody Rhodes—will play out in the coming weeks. The Three Stages of Hell match could mark a pivotal moment, not just for the Undisputed WWE Champion’s reign, but for the direction of his career as a potential heel star in WWE.
Cody Rhodes cannot catch a break! Drew McIntyre is such a perfect heel👀👌🏽#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/W2gjgNonXh
— ǝllǝsᴉפ//💥⏳ 💍💫 (@giselleb1234) January 3, 2026
