Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes are set to clash in a highly anticipated WWE title fight, featuring dramatic match stipulations, during the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany. The focus keyword, ‘Drew McIntyre WWE match stipulations,’ has dominated discussion among fans as this contest promises to settle their turbulent rivalry in a brutal Three Stages of Hell showdown.
Background: Rivalry Builds Toward a Final Confrontation
Over the past six months, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre have faced off twice, with Rhodes emerging victorious each time. Despite these results, WWE is offering the two superstars one definitive bout designed to close the chapter on their conflict. Known for delivering intense performances and emotional turmoil, both McIntyre and Rhodes are preparing for a match type that is seldom seen in WWE’s storied history.
The upcoming event spotlights the rare and notorious ‘Three Stages of Hell’ format, in which two competitors endure a series of three different matches, each governed by distinct rules. This stipulation has appeared only five times previously in WWE, making the Rhodes vs. McIntyre clash the sixth instance. Anticipation is high, with fans, superstars, and the management team—including General Manager Nick Aldis—closely monitoring the buildup.
Explaining the Three Stages of Hell Structure
The Three Stages of Hell stipulation is unique due to the escalating brutality and varied rules across its three rounds. Each stage introduces a new type of challenge, forcing competitors to adapt both physically and mentally. Victory requires winning two out of three matches, and each stage is designed to test different skill sets, ensuring that only a well-rounded superstar can prevail.
Given this setup, speculation abounds regarding the potential stipulations for Rhodes and McIntyre’s encounter. The following are leading predictions for the chosen match types that could define this fierce SmackDown main event.
Predicted First Stage: Submission-Only Match
The opening phase is expected to be a Submission-Only match, requiring competitors to force their opponent to tap out using submission holds. Although neither Cody Rhodes nor Drew McIntyre is renowned for signature submissions, both individuals have used notable techniques previously—Rhodes has deployed maneuvers like the Gale Lock and the Kimura Lock (originated by Brock Lesnar), while McIntyre has occasionally relied on the Iron Maiden hold.
With high stakes and emotions running wild, fans anticipate the unveiling of classic submission moves as both superstars attempt to claim the early advantage. This stipulation could push Rhodes and McIntyre to showcase rarely seen aspects of their wrestling arsenals, adding a layer of unpredictability to the initial contest.
Second Stage: Falls Count Anywhere Predicted
The second match is likely to employ a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation, allowing pinfalls or submissions to occur throughout the arena. In Berlin’s passionate setting, this format could incite chaos as the fight spills beyond the ring and into the crowd, offering a spectacle for both in-person and global fans.
This stipulation elevates the emotional stakes and provides both men with opportunities to utilize the environment creatively and brutally. The referee’s authority extends to all corners of the venue, making every space—from the entrance ramp to the audience seating—a potential battleground in pursuit of the WWE Championship.
Final Stage: Ambulance Match Forecast
The anticipated final round could be an Ambulance Match, a dramatic format where victory is achieved by incapacitating an opponent, placing them on a stretcher, loading them into an ambulance, and closing the doors. This stipulation offers both physical and symbolic closure for the rivalry, as the defeated superstar is literally removed from the arena in the back of an ambulance.
Historically, legends like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, The Undertaker, Kane, Roman Reigns, and The Rock have all participated in similar high-stakes matches. This tradition evolved from the Stretcher Match, which was retired after logistical challenges, in favor of the Ambulance Match’s definitive finish. The visceral intensity and career implications of this stipulation raise the risk for both Rhodes and McIntyre, amplifying the overall impact of the night.
The Path Forward and Decision-Making
It is important to recognize that these stipulations remain predictions at this stage. The ultimate authority rests with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, whose final decision will set the official rules for the match. Whichever stipulations are chosen, the Three Stages of Hell structure ensures that Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes will endure one of the most trying encounters of their careers, and the WWE Universe is bracing for a turbulent, emotional resolution.
The implications of the Drew McIntyre WWE match stipulations extend beyond personal bragging rights, potentially shaping the future trajectory for both athletes and the WWE Championship itself. Fans, absorbed by the evolving contest, eagerly await further announcements that will solidify this bout as a defining moment in WWE history.
