Cody Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, has marked 150 days as the Undisputed WWE Champion during his second stint with the title, highlighting a significant achievement in his career. This accomplishment comes after Rhodes previously held the championship for 378 days, establishing him as a dominant force in WWE and reinforcing the focus keyword, Cody Rhodes WWE Champion.
Rhodes began his second reign by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam on August 3, 2025, reclaiming the title he lost at WrestleMania 41, where Cena emerged victorious on April 20, 2025. Since regaining the championship, Cody has successfully defended it twice against Drew McIntyre, winning both encounters without controversy. His next title defense is set for January 9, 2026, on an episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, where he will face McIntyre once again. This bout will follow the Three Stages of Hell stipulation and is widely believed to be the final showdown in their intense rivalry.
A Fiery Rivalry with Drew McIntyre Intensifies
Cody Rhodes’ ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre has reached dramatic levels, punctuated by Rhodes attacking McIntyre at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 15, 2025. Tensions escalated after McIntyre previously interfered with Rhodes’ match against NXT Champion Oba Femi on Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. These altercations reflect Rhodes’ mounting frustration with McIntyre’s persistent involvement in his affairs, despite McIntyre repeatedly falling short in the ring.
Supporting the drama, Drew McIntyre, a former WWE Champion and known as the Scottish Warrior, faced suspension from WWE official Nick Aldis after assaulting a match referee during the November 7 episode of SmackDown. Regardless of his suspension, Paul Heyman included McIntyre as the fourth member of his team for Survivor Series: WarGames, positioning him in direct opposition to Rhodes’ squad and further fueling the rivalry.
Drew McIntyre’s Championship Hopes and Speculation
Speculation swirls around the possibility of Drew McIntyre dethroning Cody Rhodes and seizing the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Scottish Psychopath, as McIntyre is known, last claimed the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36 in 2020 by defeating Brock Lesnar. Despite consistent appearances in major title matches since then, McIntyre has yet to secure another championship victory.
All eyes will be on the upcoming January 9, 2026, SmackDown episode in Berlin to see if McIntyre can overcome Rhodes and achieve a second reign with the title, potentially altering the trajectory of both superstars’ careers.
Behind the Scenes of Cody Rhodes’ Ups and Downs
Cody Rhodes’ tenure in WWE has not been without setbacks. At WrestleMania 39 in 2023, Rhodes lost the WWE Championship match to Roman Reigns despite being the fan favorite after his Royal Rumble win. This outcome surprised many, as expectations were high for Rhodes to defeat Reigns and claim the title on such a grand stage.
It has since been revealed that the idea for Rhodes’ loss originated from Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon ultimately approving their plan. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that although Triple H managed WWE creative at the time, McMahon had the final say. The rationale behind the decision was to build anticipation and set the stage for Rhodes to capture an even greater victory the following year at WrestleMania 40.
Crowning Achievement at WrestleMania 40
WrestleMania 40 became a turning point in Cody Rhodes’ career, as he triumphed in one of the most celebrated main events in WrestleMania history. The match featured legendary figures including The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, all contributing to a historic moment for the company. With this victory, Rhodes cemented his place as a central figure in WWE, carrying the legacy of champions and steering the organization forward.
The outcome of Rhodes’ continued battles, especially his rivalry with Drew McIntyre and his future title defenses, will continue to shape the WWE landscape. As the next defense approaches, interest remains high among fans, with the focus keyword Cody Rhodes WWE Champion continuing to resonate throughout the wrestling world.
