Drew McIntyre brought a seismic shift to WWE SmackDown this Friday, defeating Cody Rhodes in a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match to claim his third WWEChampionship. This Cody Rhodes WWE SmackDown loss cements McIntyre’s persistent quest to reclaim the title as one of the most impactful storylines heading into this year’s Royal Rumble event.
McIntyre’s Path to Victory in the Three Stages of Hell
The monumental main event began with a regular singles match, in which McIntyre secured the first fall using a low blow against “The American Nightmare,” Cody Rhodes. Refusing to let the setback define him, Rhodes rebounded during the second fall, prevailing in a grueling Falls Count Anywhere segment to even the score.
The deciding contest unfolded within a Steel Cage, where an intense twist unfolded. Jacob Fatu made his surprising return to SmackDown and intervened by attacking McIntyre, then aggressively pursuing Rhodes. The distraction allowed McIntyre to slip through the cage door and secure the win, definitively ending Rhodes’ championship reign. This moment not only concluded a months-long pursuit for McIntyre but also ignited a wave of fan reactions online, some of which the new champion highlighted on social media.
Fan Reactions and Online Response
Following his victory, McIntyre did not hesitate to engage with the passionate WWE audience online. Sharing a screenshot of fan comments, he showcased both disappointment and humor aimed at Rhodes’ sudden downfall. As one fan succinctly wrote,
Image of: Cody Rhodes
“Don’t smile because it’s over, cry because it happened.”
– Fan
This mix of emotions among fans reflects the intensity of McIntyre’s journey and the shockwaves sent throughout the wrestling community.
A Determined Pursuit Finally Rewarded
This WWE Championship win was a long time coming for McIntyre, who had previously failed in two attempts to dethrone Rhodes. His determination finally paid off, sending echoes throughout the championship scene and directly impacting the top card plots as the Royal Rumble approaches. The dynamics of the main event scene on SmackDown have now been dramatically altered, with McIntyre standing atop as the new centerpiece.
A New Milestone in WWE History
McIntyre’s triumph marks not only his fourth World Title in WWE but also an unprecedented achievement in company history. The Scottish Warrior is now recognized as the first superstar in WWE’s 73-year timeline to have captured the WWE Championship on three different platforms—RAW, SmackDown, and a major premium live event. McIntyre initially reached the top at WrestleMania 36 by defeating Brock Lesnar, began a second reign on RAW in November 2020 after overpowering Randy Orton, and with this recent SmackDown victory, he cements his legacy as a versatile champion across the brand’s biggest stages.
What’s Next for the WWE Championship Landscape
With Drew McIntyre now at the helm and the WWE SmackDown championship scene turned upside down, anticipation builds for how contenders—like Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and others—will react and re-strategize on the road to Royal Rumble. Fans and superstars alike await the next chapter, as McIntyre’s fresh reign promises high-stakes rivalries and unforeseen twists in the coming weeks.
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division.
With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand.
Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage.
His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster.
From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
