Cody Rhodes character change speculation has intensified following his defeat by Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship during SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, on January 9, 2026. In front of a vocal crowd, Rhodes found himself in an unusual position as audience reactions shifted, while WWE hints at notable developments for the superstar’s future direction.
Major Shift in Fan Reaction at Berlin SmackDown
The SmackDown taping at Berlin’s main arena drew attention not just for the outcome, but for how fans responded to the two superstars. Drew McIntyre, typically the heel, was met with cheers, while Cody Rhodes—long a fan favorite—received multiple rounds of boos. This shift in the crowd dynamic marks a significant change in how Rhodes is currently perceived by WWE’s European audience.
Three Stages of Hell: Title Bout Details
The championship match between Rhodes and McIntyre was contested in a “3 Stages of Hell” format, with all stipulations set by McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior claimed the first fall by traditional wrestling rules, showing his technical strength early on. Rhodes responded in the second fall, delivering a punishing Cross Rhodes to McIntyre on the commentator’s desk and securing a pinfall under Falls Count Anywhere rules, illustrating his resilience in high-stakes situations.
The last round of the bout saw both competitors locked inside a steel cage. Tension escalated as Jacob Fatu made a surprise reappearance after months away from WWE. Fatu’s sudden attack on McIntyre briefly distracted Rhodes, who turned to confront Fatu but suffered a relentless assault from The Samoan Werewolf. Seizing the chaos, McIntyre slipped out of the cage just in time to secure the decisive victory and earn a fourth world championship reign.
WWE Discussions on Evolving Cody Rhodes’ Persona
Since returning to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes has remained a steadfast babyface. Despite occasional hints at edgier behavior—such as surprising his opponents or cutting intense cross promos—Rhodes has avoided a full heel turn. His recent title loss and the fan reaction have triggered speculation about a more dramatic shift in his character, with many expecting a significant transformation.
However, according to wrestling journalist Cory Hays, the anticipated change might defy some fan predictions. Responding to questions on social media about Rhodes’ trajectory, Hays provided clarity:
“Not a turn but a character shift”— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) January 9, 2026
This statement suggests WWE is indeed contemplating a major evolution for Rhodes’ persona but stops short of a traditional “heel turn.”
Drew McIntyre’s Triumph Sparks Social Media Reaction
After dethroning Rhodes, Drew McIntyre did not hesitate to taunt his rival online. The Scottish champion highlighted fan tributes and reactions by sharing screenshots of posts that encapsulated the intensity and finality of their match. One of the fan messages read:
“He did the thinkableEnd of an errorDon’t smile because it’s over cry because it happened”
McIntyre’s victory, coupled with this public show of confidence, not only amplifies the drama between the two stars but further stirs anticipation about what direction Rhodes’ character will take in upcoming WWE programming. Drew’s return home as champion in Scotland has also added to the celebratory atmosphere for his fans.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead for Cody Rhodes
The fallout from SmackDown in Berlin is expected to have lasting significance. Jacob Fatu’s interference, the dramatic change in crowd sentiment, and McIntyre’s decisive win set the stage for possible major storyline developments. WWE’s interest in evolving Cody Rhodes’ character—rather than a straightforward turn—signals creative plans that might surprise both supporters and critics alike.
As the wrestling world looks forward to the next chapter, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Cody Rhodes’ response to his loss and what form his new character may ultimately take. SmackDown’s recent events have certainly ensured that Rhodes’ journey and McIntyre’s reign as world champion remain central talking points in WWE storylines heading into future episodes.
Not a turn but a character shift
— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) January 9, 2026
https://t.co/vkiaCnzI6d pic.twitter.com/kRb6ps3wqc
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) January 10, 2026
