Cody Rhodes is set to defend his WWE Undisputed Championship against Drew McIntyre during WWE SmackDown in Berlin on January 9th, in what is building as a highly emotional and controversial encounter. Fans are expressing doubts about McIntyre’s chances in the Cody Rhodes championship match, as once again backstage rumors point toward another crushing disappointment for “The Scottish Warrior.”
Breaking Down the Three Stages of Hell Showdown
The much-anticipated Cody Rhodes championship match will follow a “Three Stages of Hell” format, guaranteeing escalating tension. The opening stage will be contested under standard match rules. If neither competitor secures victory, the action transitions to a Falls Count Anywhere contest, allowing the fight to roam freely. Should the score stand tied after two rounds, the conclusion will erupt inside a punishing steel cage—where escape is nearly impossible, and the outcome could permanently alter a career.
Emotions flared in the lead-up to the event as Drew McIntyre, determined to rattle his rival, crossed multiple lines. During the latest SmackDown episode, McIntyre intensified their feud by burning a treasured photograph showing Cody Rhodes with his late father, Dusty Rhodes, in plain view of “The American Nightmare.” Security restrained Rhodes, leaving him visibly helpless and fuming as McIntyre worsened the tension.
Soon after, McIntyre seemingly intensified his taunting by posting photos outside Rhodes’s personal tour bus, sparking online debate after fans alleged that he appeared to be urinating on the bus, further provoking Cody and his supporters. Online, some fans insisted that after months of accumulating animosity and narrative build-up, this match was McIntyre’s moment to break through, warning that another loss would relegate him, unfairly, to the role of a perennial loser.
Spoiler and Prediction: More Heartbreak on the Horizon?
Despite the intense rivalry and McIntyre’s growing villainous streak, veteran wrestling personality Jonathan Coachman poured cold water on his title hopes with a candid spoiler. According to Coachman, McIntyre’s destiny is not a triumphant one this Friday in Berlin. Instead, his sources suggest that WWE’s long-term plans are steering toward a WrestleMania 42 collision between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, meaning Cody would retain the belt and McIntyre would once again be shut out of the championship scene.
“But that’s exactly what is going to happen. My sources have Cody and Roman at mania. Such a miss the last 18 months. Drew has the “heel chops” to be that nasty heel they need that they see to be positioning Gunther to try and be. But Gunther simply isn’t that kind of a heel. Booking is not write and Drew Is getting the short end of stick.”
— Jonathan Coachman, former WWE commentator
Coachman’s remarks reflect a sense of disillusionment among fans who have watched McIntyre rebuild himself repeatedly, only to be overshadowed when the spotlight is most intense. His comments also shine a light on WWE’s creative direction, suggesting that figures like Gunther are being molded to fill a top villain role, even as McIntyre’s talents in that regard are arguably underappreciated.
Wider Implications for the WWE Roster
This upcoming Cody Rhodes championship match in Berlin is more than a single night’s drama—it’s a crossroads for multiple WWE storylines. The looming shadow of Roman Reigns shapes the championship picture, while the outcome could decide whether Drew McIntyre continues to chase glory or is cast aside once more. Jonathan Coachman’s statements suggest an internal WWE hesitation to let McIntyre seize his moment, with creative instead focusing on long-term marquee bouts like Cody versus Reigns at WrestleMania.
Further complicating the scene is the potential for new faces and returning stars to disrupt the balance of power on SmackDown. News also emerged that Triple H’s personal favorite may be departing the company once their contract expires, with echoes of NXT’s past influencing current successes. Meanwhile, AJ Styles publicly pushed back against suggestions he should retire in AEW, confirming 2026 as his retirement year. Behind the scenes, both WWE and AEW are rumored to be pursuing the signature of a prominent second-generation wrestler, now a free agent after leaving NWA.
Matt Cardona’s official return and rumors of a former World Champion joining SmackDown further intensify the competition for main event status. And with Hall of Famer predictions like Will Ospreay’s eventual WWE arrival, plus Nick Aldis threatening to strip another champion of their belt, the landscape continues to shift rapidly.
Cody and Drew Raise the Stakes for SmackDown
With all eyes on the Cody Rhodes championship match in Berlin, the careers of both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre may be reaching a turning point. Only one SmackDown star, according to backstage sources, rivals their current level—emphasizing how much is at stake for both men in this punishing Three Stages of Hell battle. Whatever the result, the aftershocks will likely resonate across the WWE Universe, both for those watching in Berlin and fans awaiting WrestleMania’s ultimate showdown.
But that’s exactly what is going to happen. My sources have Cody and Roman at mania. Such a miss the last 18 months. Drew has the “heel chops” to be that nasty heel they need that they see to be positioning Gunther to try and be. But Gunther simply isn’t that kind of a heel.… https://t.co/4ZvRKqU2I5
— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) January 3, 2026
