On January 9, during WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry. The Cody Rhodes WWE title loss, intensified by a shocking intervention, unfolded inside a steel cage, with championship aspirations and personal vendettas colliding in dramatic fashion.
Drew McIntyre, known as the Scottish Warrior, had been chasing the Undisputed WWE Championship for over a year. The match’s final phase saw a disruptive interference by Jacob Fatu, recently absent from WWE TV after an attack in October 2025. Initially appearing to target McIntyre, Fatu’s attention quickly shifted when he and Cody Rhodes exchanged powerful strikes, diverting focus from the championship chase to personal animosity. Seizing this opportunity, McIntyre escaped the cage, securing his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion.
Unexpected Interference Sparks Debate Among Fans
The unforeseen actions of Jacob Fatu left attendees and viewers in disbelief, with the heated confrontation between him and Rhodes fueling speculation about Rhodes’ possible shift in character. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, reflecting tension and uncertainty over the match’s conclusion and the wrestlers’ future directions.
As Drew McIntyre celebrated his championship win, Cody Rhodes was left visibly upset, both from the physical toll of the match and the emotional aftermath of the interference. Observers noted Rhodes’ frustration at the disruption, suggesting potential for a dramatic storyline evolution in the weeks to come.
Fan Response and Rhodes’ Emotional Moment After the Match
After the event concluded, fan-recorded footage captured Cody Rhodes in a deeply emotional state, bloodied and leaning against the turnbuckle while the audience tried to uplift him with their chants. This show of support contrasted with the boos heard earlier during the televised portion of SmackDown, underscoring the conflicted atmosphere surrounding Rhodes’ defeat.
“💔 pic.twitter.com/4u4qiwSnSN”— 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡👑𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬🇮🇹 (@LadyAlish_98), Fan
Tournament Announced to Decide Next Challenger
This loss concluded Cody Rhodes’ second term as Undisputed WWE Champion, bringing his 159-day reign to an end. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre—grinning victoriously—celebrated not only his triumph in the ring but also the culmination of his long pursuit for redemption against his rival. WWE officials then announced a tournament, setting the stage for finalists to clash in a fatal four-way at SNME XLIII on January 24. The winner of that bout will challenge McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble 2026, ensuring the championship picture remains highly competitive and unpredictable.
The events of this SmackDown broadcast have left a lasting impression on fans and performers alike, with questions arising about Cody Rhodes’ future direction and whether his emotional response marks the beginning of a new chapter. As Drew McIntyre stands tall as champion and a tournament looms, the Road to Royal Rumble has taken on a sharper edge, promising more drama and confrontation ahead.
— 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡👑𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬🇮🇹 (@LadyAlish_98) January 10, 2026
