The recent Cody Rhodes WWE Championship loss occurred on WWE SmackDown, as Drew McIntyre walked away with the Undisputed WWE Championship in Berlin. The outcome unfolded after a dramatic series of events inside the ring and behind the scenes, revealing insight into why the title changed hands.
Dramatic End to Three Stages of Hell Match
The match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre was organized as a Three Stages of Hell contest, pushing both superstars to their limits. During the final stage—a Steel Cage match—chaos erupted when Jacob Fatu interfered, attacking Rhodes. While the Steel Cage match rules state that escaping the enclosure is a victory, Fatu’s involvement distracted Rhodes, allowing McIntyre, known as The Scottish Warrior, to exit the cage and claim the championship. Fans watched as the momentum shifted and McIntyre took advantage of the confusion to secure the win.
The Role of Wrestlers in the Title Change Decision
Behind the scenes, WWE did not act unilaterally in orchestrating this championship shift. Both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre reportedly contributed their own ideas regarding the title change. Previously, the duo had proposed a similar outcome for their match at WrestlePalooza, but Rhodes retained the title on that occasion. According to Bodyslam, McIntyre’s current popularity as a heel influenced WWE’s decision to move forward with the transition in Berlin, ensuring a lively reaction from the energized crowd.
“Sources indicate to Bodyslam that both Rhodes and McIntyre pitched for the title change once again, just like they did back around WrestlePalooza.WWE decided the time was right and pulled the trigger to crown Drew in front of a red-hot crowd in Berlin.”
This collaborative approach indicates that both superstars were invested in the narrative direction, and the timing during SmackDown in Berlin was considered perfect to execute the title change for maximum audience reaction.
“Sources indicate to Bodyslam that both Rhodes and McIntyre pitched for the title change once again just like they did back around WrestlePalooza. WWE decided the time was right and pulled the trigger to crown Drew in front of a red hot crowd in Berlin.(Bodyslam+) pic.twitter.com/R9ft5YsVWT— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) January 9, 2026”
Fan Reaction and New Rivalries Emerging
The WWE Universe had expressed their excitement to see Drew McIntyre emerge victorious, and their reaction in Berlin confirmed the wisdom of the decision. While the result left Cody Rhodes visibly devastated in the ring, it created a new landscape for storylines and rivalries going forward. Sources suggest that Jacob Fatu’s involvement during the steel cage match was not a one-off occurrence. A feud between Cody Rhodes and Fatu is likely to develop, further deepening the ongoing WWE storylines and intrigue.
McIntyre’s Future as Champion and Other Developments
With the Undisputed WWE Championship now in his hands, Drew McIntyre’s first major rivalry as champion appears to be on the horizon, as Randy Orton positions himself as his challenger. This new chapter for McIntyre is expected to bring fresh matchups and intense encounters on WWE SmackDown.
The Importance of Collaborative Storytelling in WWE
The decision to have Rhodes lose the championship, especially after direct involvement from both McIntyre and Rhodes in pitching the idea, illustrates WWE’s commitment to evolving narratives that engage both competitors and fans. The use of surprise interference and carefully timed title changes, as seen in Berlin during the SmackDown match, ensures ongoing interest in the Undisputed WWE Championship scene. As WWE continues to balance feedback from the audience and its top stars, the company looks set to build even more memorable moments around its key personalities, including McIntyre, Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Randy Orton.
Sources indicate to Bodyslam that both Rhodes and McIntyre pitched for the title change once again just like they did back around WrestlePalooza.
WWE decided the time was right and pulled the trigger to crown Drew in front of a red hot crowd in Berlin.
(Bodyslam+) pic.twitter.com/R9ft5YsVWT
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) January 9, 2026
