The rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes has reached new heights ahead of their scheduled Undisputed WWE Championship clash on January 9 in Berlin, Germany. McIntyre, determined to get under Rhodes’ skin, used personal attacks both on live television and on social media, stoking outrage among WWE fans and adding fuel to their upcoming “3 Stages of Hell” match, a highlight for followers of Drew McIntyre heel actions.
The build-up began on WWE SmackDown in Buffalo, where McIntyre revealed the stipulations for their highly anticipated “3 Stages of Hell” bout: the opening contest as a standard match, the second as a Falls Count Anywhere contest, and a Steel Cage showdown as the possible final stage, contingent upon an even score. These rules were announced by McIntyre as Rhodes stood in the ring, while McIntyre himself delivered his statement outside in the parking lot, dramatically posturing in front of Rhodes’ iconic American Nightmare tour bus.
Shocking Personal Attacks and Lines Crossed
McIntyre escalated tensions by entering Rhodes’ personal bus and displaying a treasured family photo of Cody with his late father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. In a shocking display, McIntyre proclaimed that Dusty would be “ashamed” of Cody and repeatedly referenced Dusty being “down there,” alluding to hell, taunting further by suggesting it would soon get chilly and wishing Dusty had a coat. The moment became even more heated as McIntyre smashed the precious photograph, trampling it in front of cameras. This deeply personal dig marked a new low in their rivalry, causing the live audience and home viewers to react with fury.
Cody Rhodes, inflamed by this insult, dashed backstage in a failed attempt to confront McIntyre. However, WWE personnel rushed to prevent any direct altercation, as stipulated by the match’s rules—physical contact from Rhodes before the official bout would result in an instant forfeit of his title.
Fanning the Flames During SmackDown and Online
The night’s drama continued as McIntyre later appeared in the ring, this time with a trash can and the same photo of Cody and Dusty. Calling out Rhodes, McIntyre set the photo ablaze and tossed it into the trash before a shocked crowd. Fans in attendance erupted in anger, booing and shouting as security restrained Rhodes from entering the ring. The hostile atmosphere reached its peak as the audience hurled chants at McIntyre, who mocked both Rhodes and the crowd with laughter while security and other staff held Cody back. The broadcast cut to a break on this tense note.
On the same night, McIntyre further mocked Rhodes on social media by sharing images implying he had defiled the exterior of Rhodes’ bus. These posts drew immediate attention, increasing outrage among fans online and amplifying the sense of hostility surrounding McIntyre’s heel tactics.
pic.twitter.com/dsg80ZfTgJ— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) January 3, 2026
This provocative behavior has cemented McIntyre’s status as a reviled figure in the current WWE storyline, driving intense emotional reactions both inside arenas and across fan communities online.
Upcoming SmackDown Matches In Berlin and Event Details
The January 9 SmackDown event in Berlin promises high-stakes competition, with three matches officially set. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will headline the show in what is expected to be a brutal and personal three-stage contest for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Fans can also look forward to an eight-man tag match pitting the MFTs against the Wyatt Sicks, and a one-on-one encounter between Rey Fenix and Trick Williams.
For international viewers, particularly those using Netflix, the event will air live approximately six hours earlier due to the local time difference, while U.S. fans can tune in at 8 p.m. ET via the USA Network.
The Broader Implications and What Follows
The deeply personal nature of Drew McIntyre’s heel actions against Cody Rhodes has set a new standard for intensity and emotional conflict within WWE storylines. By invoking Dusty Rhodes and destroying family mementos, McIntyre’s actions have not only enraged fans but ensured immense anticipation for their “3 Stages of Hell” showdown. As WWE SmackDown heads to Berlin, all eyes will be on whether Rhodes can channel his anger productively, maintain composure to avoid disqualification, and ultimately avenge the calculated insults orchestrated by McIntyre. The answers will unfold in a match that already promises to be one of the most emotionally charged events on the WWE calendar.
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) January 3, 2026
