Cody Rhodes endured a heartbreaking night on WWE SmackDown when he lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre, closing out a fiercely contested Three Stages of Hell match. The Cody Rhodes WWE Championship loss marks a significant turning point as The Scottish Warrior emerged victorious following dramatic interference and an emotional aftermath.
Intense Showdown Across Three Stages
The much-anticipated bout unfolded over three brutal stages, starting with a singles match that saw Drew McIntyre take the early advantage. Cody Rhodes rebounded in the Falls Count Anywhere round, leveling the contest and raising the stakes for the final segment. The decisive third stage, a high-stakes Steel Cage match, brought chaos when Jacob Fatu entered and delivered a devastating attack on both competitors. While Rhodes fought to protect McIntyre from Fatu’s assault, it ultimately provided McIntyre the opening to escape the cage, clinching the championship for himself as Fatu turned his attention to Rhodes.
Rhodes’ Reaction Leaves Fans Silenced
After the bell, Cody Rhodes found himself isolated in the ring, the steel structure looming overhead as fans paid tribute to his resilience. He was visibly shaken, remaining on his knees in a posture that conveyed deep defeat, while supporters recognized his efforts in the relentless contest. The emotional toll was evident as Rhodes slowly left the ring, appearing devastated by the outcome and the interference that skewed the results.
The Unexpected Role of Jacob Fatu
The match’s outcome changed dramatically because of Jacob Fatu, known as The Samoan Werewolf, whose entrance was both a physical and psychological game-changer. His attacks on both McIntyre and Rhodes shifted the momentum at a crucial moment. Despite Rhodes’ attempts to intervene when Fatu targeted McIntyre, the distraction allowed The Scottish Warrior to capitalize and ultimately secure the victory. Rhodes’ efforts reinforced his status as a resilient competitor, while Fatu’s actions made clear that new layers of rivalry could emerge in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: The WWE Championship Picture
With Cody Rhodes suffering this WWE Championship loss, the focus now turns to how the title landscape will evolve. Nick Aldis has already set the stage for next week’s WWE SmackDown by announcing four major matches that promise to shake up contenders and storylines around the Undisputed WWE Championship. As speculation grows about Rhodes’ next chapter, the aftermath of this high-impact rivalry is likely to influence both his character and his pursuit of redemption.
This intensely fought match not only signals a dramatic shift for Rhodes but also introduces new players and unresolved tensions that could shape WWE’s future main event scene. All eyes remain on The American Nightmare, Drew McIntyre, and Jacob Fatu as the story continues to unfold at the heart of WWE SmackDown.
