Cody Rhodes suffered a shocking loss of his Undisputed WWE Championship on Friday Night SmackDown after Drew McIntyre triumphed in the Three Stages of Hell Match, following interference by the returning Jacob Fatu. This major result has fueled discussion about a potential Cody Rhodes WWE break as fans and insiders now question the champion’s immediate future in the company.
Speculation Surrounds Cody Rhodes’ Future After Defeat
Since losing his title, speculation has grown about whether the 40-year-old Cody Rhodes will take time off from WWE, as he has remained active for months without much rest. Many believe the exhaustion from his lengthy reign as champion may prompt a break now that he’s out of the spotlight, especially as Triple H is rumored to have subtly signaled such a move after Rhodes’ loss to McIntyre. WWE official Nick Aldis has already redirected attention by announcing a multi-contender match for next week’s SmackDown to determine who will challenge McIntyre at the Royal Rumble.
Key Matches Announced for the Undisputed WWE Championship
The latest development includes a high-profile contenders match between Randy Orton and The Miz, with the winner earning a championship bout against McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. This decision has placed The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, firmly out of the title picture for now, increasing the likelihood of a temporary respite from World Wrestling Entertainment. Industry observers have questioned whether Rhodes might make a surprise comeback during the men’s Royal Rumble, potentially earning himself another shot at the championship. Nonetheless, all these scenarios remain speculative, as no official confirmation of Rhodes’ plans has been released yet.
WWE Responds to Shocking Title Change
In response to Drew McIntyre’s unexpected victory, WWE broke its silence on social media by sharing a graphic of McIntyre as the new champion and recognizing him as the latest “king of the SmackDown.” The wrestling community has expressed widespread astonishment at the outcome given Rhodes’ prolonged dominance.
“After a grueling Three Stages of Hell Match, @DMcIntyreWWE defeats @CodyRhodes and is the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion.”
– WWE Official Announcement
What Could Be Next for McIntyre, Rhodes, and WWE?
As WWE’s creative team, under the direction of Triple H, develops new storylines for the Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre, many are watching to see if Cody Rhodes will indeed take a break or quickly return to competition. With Nick Aldis organizing crucial contenders’ bouts and the Royal Rumble looming, the stage is set for significant changes in the WWE championship landscape. Wrestling fans continue to wait for an official update regarding Rhodes’ status and whether his absence will open the door to new rivalries or unexpected returns in the months ahead.
After a grueling Three Stages of Hell Match, @DMcIntyreWWE defeats @CodyRhodes and is the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FMvj1Q7Nxb
— WWE (@WWE) January 10, 2026
