Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, made a striking admission during the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, catching both fans and fellow wrestlers off guard. The American Nightmare reflected on what differentiates him from others in the industry, marking the moment as a focal point of the ongoing Cody Rhodes WWE SmackDown admission storyline.
Ongoing Rivalry With Drew McIntyre Sets Stage for High-Stakes Battle
The feud between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has intensified, with both competitors repeatedly testing each other in the ring over recent months. While Rhodes has so far managed to outmaneuver McIntyre in their encounters, their rivalry is hurtling toward a climax. Scheduled for January 9, 2026, Rhodes is set to defend his championship in a Three Stages of Hell Match against McIntyre, also known as The Scottish Warrior, making it one of the most anticipated events in sports entertainment this year.
Rhodes Reflects on His Place in Wrestling and Shares Honest Insight
This past Friday, before the Three Stages of Hell stipulation was revealed by McIntyre, Cody Rhodes delivered a promo that resonated deeply with fans. Openly acknowledging the realities of his career, Rhodes said he was coming to terms with his age and was no longer considered one of the younger wrestlers, despite being a second-generation talent. In classic Rhodes fashion, he shifted the focus to what he believes truly makes him a champion—his unique mindset inside the ring, not brute strength or youth.
“How does one obtain the richest prize and the most sought-after belt in the history of pro wrestling and sports entertainment? Now, I’m not the biggest. I’m not the fastest. I’m not the strongest. And as a second-generation who came up in this business, it shocks me these days to find out that I’m not the youngest. But what separates me is simple. I’d love to say it’s my heart, but no, it is my mentality when approaching anybody in a WWE ring,”
he said. – Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Creative Direction and Future Implications for Rhodes and McIntyre
With the creative leadership of Triple H guiding the current WWE storyline, there is significant curiosity around how the Cody Rhodes versus Drew McIntyre saga will unfold during the upcoming hell match. The outcome could redefine the trajectory for both wrestlers, as well as influence future storylines on Friday Night SmackDown. Fans and industry insiders are closely watching, eager to see how Rhodes’ honest self-reflection and strategic mentality play into his title defense and ongoing legacy within WWE.
OH NO 😭@DMcIntyreWWE just lit a photo of @CodyRhodes and Dusty Rhodes on fire! pic.twitter.com/sxiekDl2tk
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
