On the last WWE SmackDown in the United States before the company departs for its much-anticipated European tour, Drew McIntyre introduced a dramatic stipulation for his upcoming clash with Cody Rhodes. During the broadcast, McIntyre declared next week’s match in Berlin at the Uber Arena would determine the Undisputed WWE Championship using the fierce “Three Stages of Hell” format, putting both competitors on an intense path.
Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes Set for a High-Stakes Battle
SmackDown opened with anticipation, as the WWE community looked forward to the company’s upcoming European tour, which launches in Berlin, Germany. The main event of that show is scheduled to feature Drew McIntyre facing off against current champion Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a contest that has been gaining momentum following recent personal confrontations between the two competitors.
The week prior, McIntyre and Rhodes were involved in an altercation, setting the stage for this high-stakes feud. Tonight’s episode marked another turning point: though McIntyre was absent from the ring for most of the evening, Cody Rhodes appeared live to address his challenger, adamantly stating his confidence about retaining his title in the coming event in the German capital.
Three Grueling Rounds: Match Details Revealed
Instead of joining Rhodes in the arena, McIntyre made a surprise appearance via the titantron from the parking lot, using the platform to disclose the exact structure of their impending battle. The contest will unfold across three escalating rounds: the opening fall will be a classic wrestling match, the second will take place under Falls Count Anywhere rules, and if the score is tied, a final showdown inside a steel cage will determine the winner.
“The Stipulations for 3 STAGES OF HELL 🔥1. Standard Wrestling Match2. Falls Count Anywhere3. Steel Cage @CodyRhodes and @DMcIntyreWWE are going to WAR next week! pic.twitter.com/KxzJEqlbmc”
— WWE (@WWE)
This innovative approach not only raises the competitiveness of Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, but also taps into WWE’s long-standing tradition of stipulation matches that heighten drama and unpredictability. The European crowd, and fans watching worldwide, can expect a battle that puts every skill and ounce of resilience to the test.
Personal Attacks Escalate the Rivalry
After revealing the match format, Drew McIntyre raised the stakes further by infusing personal animosity into the contest. In a calculated and emotional act, he broke and stomped on a framed photograph of Cody Rhodes and his late father, Dusty Rhodes, delivering both a symbolic and literal blow to his opponent. McIntyre then burned the destroyed image in the center of the ring, all while security restrained a furious Rhodes, intensifying the feeling of conflict ahead of next week’s event.
WWE Prepares for a Monumental Event in Berlin
The “Three Stages of Hell” match on WWE SmackDown promises an unforgettable night, reflecting both athletic rivalry and deeply personal stakes. With Drew McIntyre unveiling this brutal stipulation, the focus on Berlin’s Uber Arena has intensified as the site where the next chapter in the struggle for the Undisputed WWE Championship will unfold. This emotional conflict, featuring prominent WWE names like Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, aligns with the promotion’s knack for storytelling that mixes personal vendettas and championship glory. As the company gears up for its European shows, all eyes will be on whether Cody Rhodes can remain champion under these unforgiving conditions, or if McIntyre’s calculated challenge will lead to a seismic change at the top of WWE.
The Stipulations for 3 STAGES OF HELL 🔥
1. Standard Wrestling Match
2. Falls Count Anywhere
3. Steel Cage @CodyRhodes and @DMcIntyreWWE are going to WAR next week! pic.twitter.com/KxzJEqlbmc— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
