The ongoing Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry with Drew McIntyre has reached emotional heights following dramatic scenes on WWE SmackDown, where McIntyre set fire to a cherished photograph of Cody and his father, Dusty Rhodes, before a shocked audience. Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife, responded swiftly to these personal provocations by issuing a direct message aimed at Drew McIntyre.
Brandi Rhodes Responds After Personal Provocation
During the latest turn in the Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry, Drew McIntyre’s calculated act of burning a sentimental photo devastated Cody Rhodes, underscoring the bitter nature of their feud. The Scottish Warrior’s decision to target not only Cody but his late father brought a deeply personal edge to their conflict. Brandi Rhodes did not remain silent. She took to social media to make her voice heard, highlighting the seriousness with which she takes these attacks on her family.
“Let me talk to Drew,” Brandi wrote.
This public request from Brandi marks her stepping into the ongoing battle, escalating tensions further and putting additional spotlight on the feud’s intensely personal stakes.
Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of Three Stages of Hell Match
Drew McIntyre continued to escalate the rivalry by involving Brandi Rhodes further, aiming psychological attacks at Cody through his family. The ongoing feud is set for a decisive conclusion on the next WWE SmackDown, where Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will clash in a Three Stages of Hell Match. According to McIntyre, the first stage will be a singles bout, the second will allow for falls anywhere in the arena, and if needed, the third and final stage will take place inside a steel cage.
This high-stakes contest is expected to be the finale of their intense conflict, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line in Berlin. Both competitors are determined to emerge as champion, but only one will walk out with the title and the last word in this heated saga.
Randy Orton Declares Intentions for Championship Challenge
Complicating matters in Berlin, Randy Orton reemerged on WWE SmackDown, making an immediate impact by delivering two RKOs to The Miz during his return. Backstage, Orton confronted Cody Rhodes and made his ambitions clear, stating that his target is firmly set on the Undisputed WWE Championship after Rhodes’ showdown with McIntyre.
“Codeman! It’s good to be back. Listen, I’m glad I ran into you. Because out of respect, I need to let you know, now that I’m back in the ring, once you beat Drew McIntyre next week in Berlin, I am coming for this [the Undisputed WWE Championship],” Randy said
The anticipation around a possible feud between Cody Rhodes and his former mentor, Randy Orton, is growing. While teases have surfaced in the past, WWE has yet to fully ignite this particular rivalry. Whether Cody can hold onto his championship and begin a dramatic new chapter with Orton remains an open question with significant implications for SmackDown’s championship picture.
What Lies Ahead in the WWE Championship Landscape?
With the conclusion of the Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry against Drew McIntyre looming, and Brandi Rhodes now escalating the intensity on social media, the road ahead is unpredictable. The outcome of the Three Stages of Hell Match in Berlin will determine not just the championship’s immediate future, but may also spark the long-anticipated program between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Triple H, guiding WWE’s creative direction, continues to keep fans guessing about Shake-ups and future stars, making next week’s SmackDown a must-watch event on the wrestling calendar.
Let me talk to Drew.
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 3, 2026
