Cody Rhodes’ WWE title reign is at risk as he prepares for a high-stakes championship defense in Berlin, Germany. Scheduled to face Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match on January 9’s SmackDown, Rhodes could soon see his grip on the championship slip away.
Cody Rhodes Faces Critical Title Defense in Berlin
After reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare, has been a dominant force in the WWE. He regained the title after previously losing it to Cena at WrestleMania 41. Since returning to the top, Rhodes has successfully defended his championship twice against Drew McIntyre and once against Bronson Reed, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the ring. However, the upcoming bout in Berlin, Germany marks another challenge, as Rhodes will once again face McIntyre, who is hungry for victory and eager to capitalize on the large, energetic European crowd.
Analyst Sam Roberts Supports Drew McIntyre’s Bid for the Title
WWE analyst Sam Roberts recently discussed the highly-anticipated match on his Notsam Wrestling podcast, expressing hope that this time Drew McIntyre will emerge victorious. Roberts highlighted the electric atmosphere expected in Berlin, acknowledging the significance of the event’s European setting for both competitors. According to Roberts, the excitement of the crowd could play a pivotal role and serve as a potential advantage for McIntyre.
“I think you got to go big. It’s Berlin. It’s Europe. The crowd is gonna be nuts, especially for Drew. But just in general, the crowd is nuts. I implore the powers that be. This is what I wanna see. I wanna see Drew McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes. You can do it in a Three Stages of Hell with Cody still being the superhero that I want Cody to be. But I’ve got to see one of Drew McIntyre’s plans work all the way. Drew McIntyre is so good at coming up with these plans that at the very end never work. I gotta see on of Drew McIntyre’s plans work. [17:25 onwards]” – Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Roberts’s remarks reflect the sentiment of many who believe McIntyre is long overdue for a successful championship strategy. He stressed that, despite McIntyre’s numerous efforts and clever plans, his ambitions have often been thwarted at the last moment. The upcoming Three Stages of Hell match is seen by Roberts as the potential turning point for McIntyre’s WWE career.
Historic Stakes and Fan Interest Ahead of SmackDown
The intense rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre has captured the imagination of the WWE Universe. Their previous title encounters have been marked by action-packed sequences and near falls, adding to the anticipation for the Berlin encounter. As this match will take place in front of an enthusiastic European audience, there is considerable speculation that the live crowd could sway the energy, and perhaps the outcome, in favor of the challenger.
Spectators and analysts alike are watching closely, knowing that a title change could alter the trajectory of WWE’s championship scene early in the year. If McIntyre prevails, The American Nightmare would see his reign cut short, and a new chapter for the Undisputed WWE Championship would begin under McIntyre’s watch.
Looking Ahead: What a Title Change Could Mean for WWE
Should Cody Rhodes lose his title in Berlin, it would represent a significant moment in both his and Drew McIntyre’s careers. For Rhodes, it would be a setback after successfully navigating previous threats, including those posed by John Cena and Bronson Reed. For McIntyre, victory would finally validate his strategies and tenacity, potentially establishing him as a top champion just as the WWE heads into a new season of marquee events across Europe.
With the SmackDown event in Berlin fast approaching, all eyes are on the Undisputed WWE Championship match. Whether Rhodes retains his hard-fought crown or McIntyre claims his long-awaited triumph, the outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for both the Superstars involved and the WWE landscape as a whole.
