Drew McIntyre is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a high-stakes Friday Night SmackDown main event on January 9th in Berlin, featuring a grueling 3 Stages Of Hell contest. As anticipation builds, prominent voices within WWE circles, such as Mark Henry, have spoken out on the significance of a Drew McIntyre WWE title victory, arguing that such a win could be pivotal for both his career and the current wrestling landscape.
A High-Stakes Championship Battle in Berlin
The upcoming battle between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes is scheduled to be a headline match for the ages. The contest will play out on Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. The 3 Stages Of Hell stipulation means McIntyre and Rhodes will endure three progressively punishing scenarios: a traditional wrestling match, a Falls Count Anywhere round, and, if necessary, a decisive Steel Cage confrontation. Big matches like these often elevate careers and reshape title scenes in WWE history.
Mark Henry’s Argument for McIntyre’s Triumph
During a review of SmackDown on Busted Open, former WWE star Mark Henry offered detailed commentary regarding McIntyre’s chances and the importance of this upcoming encounter. Henry observed that McIntyre has repeatedly come up short in previous championship pursuits, experiences that have significantly impacted his momentum and standing as a heel competitor. In Henry’s assessment, a win over Rhodes would restore what McIntyre has lost in recent months and let him solidify his position as a top-tier competitor.
“Drew’s been run through the wringer. He always gets to the dance, but then can’t find his invitation. It’s time to throw the dude a bone and let him have his gloating heel king moment.”
— Mark Henry, WWE veteran
The Critical Need for a Heel Victory
Henry went on to stress that McIntyre needs this championship win for two core reasons: it would cement his place near the top of WWE’s roster and would allow him to generate the kind of negative crowd reaction—known as ‘heat’—that’s vital for an effective villain in wrestling. Mark Henry made it clear that seeing McIntyre ascend to champion status, only to become a marked target, is an essential narrative device.
“Drew needs a moment of being the guy so he can remind everybody 1. how good he is and 2. build up heat. You want to see the title be taken off of him, that’s an important thing in wrestling. We went away from what becomes important and we want to do what’s just entertaining.”
— Mark Henry, WWE veteran
Fan Perspectives and Predictions
The impending showdown has sparked plenty of discussion among fans and insiders alike. On social media, supporters have echoed Mark Henry’s sentiments, calling for McIntyre to claim the championship on Friday. However, not everyone agrees with this predicted outcome. Jonathan Coachman, a well-known former WWE personality, offered an opposing prediction, suggesting that Cody Rhodes will walk out of Berlin with the title still in his possession.
“Drew needs a moment of being the guy.”
— Mark Henry, WWE veteran, via SiriusXM Busted Open
What a McIntyre Win Means for WWE
A Drew McIntyre WWE title victory on such a grand stage would not only recalibrate his career trajectory but also set the tone for WWE programming in 2026. Alongside fierce competitors like Randy Orton, Gunther, and CM Punk re-entering championship conversations, a new champion could spark fresh rivalries and storylines. McIntyre’s transformation into a dominant heel would open numerous possibilities, giving WWE creative opportunities to generate high emotional stakes heading into marquee events like Royal Rumble.
Whether or not McIntyre claims the title from Cody Rhodes in Berlin, the match captures the intense emotions and shifting dynamics that define professional wrestling at its best. The outcome will influence the main event landscape and could provide the spark needed for new stories and feuds in WWE’s ongoing narrative.
"Drew needs a moment of being the guy."@TheMarkHenry makes his case for why Drew McIntyre should be WWE champion this time next week. pic.twitter.com/Hv0mCxsXpu
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) January 3, 2026
