Cody Rhodes was seen in public for the first time since his surprising WWE Title loss on January 9, 2026. The loss came during a brutal 3 Stages of Hell match on SmackDown against Drew McIntyre, a match that drew intense attention due to unforeseen interference in the final stage.
Details of the WWE Championship Match and Outcome
The contest began with Drew McIntyre securing the opening fall in a standard singles match. Cody Rhodes fought back in the second fall, winning a falls count anywhere bout. The decisive third fall took place inside a steel cage to prevent outside interference, but the conclusion was far from straightforward. As McIntyre was about to escape the cage and claim the championship, Jacob Fatu made an unexpected return, interrupting his victory.
Fatu engaged McIntyre inside the ring, enabling Rhodes a chance to intervene, but Fatu eventually directed his aggression toward Rhodes instead. This distraction allowed McIntyre to break free from the cage and secure the WWE Championship.
Cody Rhodes Finds Support Among Friends After Title Defeat
After the emotionally charged loss, Rhodes was seen in the company of familiar WWE peers, including Jey Uso and his brother Jimmy Uso, both of whom have their own complex histories with McIntyre and Fatu. The three were photographed together at the Fanatics studio, with Jey Uso posting the photo to social media under the caption “Dawgs.”
Cody Rhodes seen with The Usos after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship: pic.twitter.com/aiZJCqV02N— WrestleSD (@wrestle_sd) January 14, 2026
Additional WWE News Highlights
Finn Balor recently opened up emotionally about his connection with a former WWE Champion, while WWE is planning a major match involving star Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42, an event that has generated excitement among her fans.
Chelsea Green has shared the challenges she faces while pursuing a career outside WWE, and Bruce Prichard revealed an alternate name once considered for The Undertaker before his debut. An ex-WWE Champion has admitted to feeling perpetually close to being released, highlighting the uncertainty in the wrestling world.
Meanwhile, former NXT Champion Ricky Saints is approaching another opportunity to reclaim his title. Across the wrestling scene, AEW has signed a new wrestler who remains unused in their lineup, and a top WWE performer from 2025 continues to maintain a part-time schedule despite being the most active competitor last year.
Significance of Rhodes’ Public Appearance and What’s Next
Cody Rhodes’ appearance in friendlier company after the WWE Title loss signals his resilience amid adversity, as he leans on trusted comrades in a challenging phase of his career. The unexpected interference by Jacob Fatu introduces new narrative tensions for upcoming WWE storylines, especially involving Drew McIntyre and Rhodes. Fans will be watching closely as Rhodes seeks to regain momentum and possibly reclaim the championship, while WWE’s evolving talent roster suggests a dynamic and unpredictable year ahead.
Cody Rhodes seen with The Usos after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship: pic.twitter.com/aiZJCqV02N
— WrestleSD (@wrestle_sd) January 14, 2026
