Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes sent an emotional message to fans ahead of the inaugural WWE SmackDown episode of 2026, bringing a spotlight to his connection with supporters as the company tours live during the holiday season. As Rhodes and the WWE roster continued their high-profile shows, the Focus Keyword Cody Rhodes WWE SmackDown took on new meaning, especially following recent events in Detroit.
Rhodes Expresses Gratitude to Loyal Fans During Holiday Tour
During a tour stop in Detroit on December 30 at Little Caesars Arena, Cody Rhodes not only performed but also received overwhelming support from attendees. Following the event, which concluded just before the roster received a break for New Year’s Eve, a fan shared an image from the show on social media. Rhodes responded by sharing the photo with appreciation, addressing both this fan and his substantial following on the X platform.
“Been very lucky in my career to have places like Philly, Detroit, All of France, London, Buffalo, Seattle, Riyadh, and a few others that treat me like its my hometown. A Georgia country boy but it’s never mattered. It’s a beautiful noise and I don’t take it for granted,”
Rhodes tweeted.
— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Recent matches have showcased Rhodes’s dominance, with the American Nightmare securing a win over Drew McIntyre in a Street Fight to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Detroit stop. Notably, Rhodes’s victories over McIntyre have been consistent: since the tour began on December 26, he has bested McIntyre in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Rochester, and Detroit.
Upcoming Title Defense Set for Berlin’s Main Event
With the holiday tour concluding, WWE is moving across the Atlantic for the Road to Royal Rumble European tour, which will unfold over nearly three weeks. Festivities are set to kick off in Leipzig, Germany, on January 8 and continue with a significant SmackDown broadcast live from Berlin the following night.
Cody Rhodes is set to headline the Berlin event, where he will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a rare 3 Stages of Hell match. This type of contest is rarely seen in WWE, raising anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike.
The ongoing animosity between Rhodes and McIntyre escalated after McIntyre provoked Rhodes to such an extent that Rhodes struck SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis during a recent episode. Stakes remain high, and the precise formats for each stage in the upcoming 3 Stages of Hell match are expected to be announced during the next SmackDown broadcast on Friday.
What the Future Holds for Rhodes and WWE SmackDown
The coming weeks will be pivotal for both Rhodes and WWE SmackDown, as the rivalry with McIntyre progresses toward its next chapter in Berlin. With fans across cities like Buffalo, London, Riyadh, Seattle, and beyond rallying behind Rhodes, the emotional momentum carries into 2026, fueling speculation about how far the champion’s reign will go and how the WWE landscape may shift in the lead-up to the Royal Rumble and beyond.
Been very lucky in my career to have places like Philly, Detroit, All of France 🇫🇷 , London, Buffalo, Seattle, Riyadh, and a few others that treat me like its my hometown
A Georgia country boy but it’s never mattered
It’s a beautiful noise and I don’t take it for granted https://t.co/XisjOjpw05
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) December 31, 2025
