At the first SmackDown of 2026, Cody Rhodes delivered a powerful promo, referencing some of WWE’s biggest legends, directly incorporating the focus keyword, Cody Rhodes SmackDown promo. Speaking from the ring, Rhodes called out The Rock, Triple H, Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, and John Cena, asserting his status atop the wrestling world.
This segment comes as Rhodes prepares to defend his championship against Drew McIntyre in Berlin next week, where they will face off in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match. The anticipation has grown as the two stars ramp up their rivalry, with each promo intensifying the drama leading into their encounter.
Personal Tensions Flare with McIntyre’s Shocking Act
After Rhodes’ fiery address, Drew McIntyre interrupted the promo, escalating the confrontation with a deeply personal attack. McIntyre presented a photo of Cody Rhodes and his late father, wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes, taking the feud to an emotional level. Despite knowing he could lose his title if provoked into violence, Rhodes nonetheless charged backstage in pursuit of McIntyre. Nick Aldis, along with the WWE security team, intervened and restrained Rhodes from retaliating.
The situation escalated further when McIntyre appeared in the ring, taunting Rhodes while holding the cherished photo above a trash can. As Rhodes watched, still tightly restrained by security, McIntyre set fire to the photo and disposed of it, inflicting further emotional harm. McIntyre then confronted Rhodes face-to-face while the champion was still held back, intensifying the psychological warfare.
The Fallout and What Comes Next
The shocking actions by McIntyre drew immediate condemnation backstage, with Nick Aldis shouting, “You’re sick,” to McIntyre in response to his disrespectful conduct. The SmackDown segment has set the stage for a highly charged showdown in Berlin, where Cody Rhodes will defend his title in a Three Stages of Hell match against his bitter rival. The emotional stakes, fueled by tribute, legacy, and personal vendetta, promise that next week’s match will be one of the most memorable chapters in their storied conflict. This ongoing rivalry highlights the tense, emotional atmosphere surrounding WWE’s main event scene, keeping fans invested in every development.
"You can call yourself The Final Boss, The Tribal Chief, The Greatest of All Time, The Game, The Scottish Warrior, The Best in the World. But in this era of WWE, I'm the one who calls himself the CHAMP."
– Cody Rhodes#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/sJeJPjcUrq
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) January 3, 2026
