Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre are set to clash in a high-stakes, Three Stages of Hell championship match in Berlin on January 9th, 2026. This showdown, a culmination of their prolonged rivalry, serves as a pivotal moment for the Undisputed WWE Championship, and speculation is mounting over who will become the next challenger after the dust settles—Solo Sikoa has emerged as a leading candidate following this Drew McIntyre championship match.
Rhodes and McIntyre’s Rivalry Reaches a Critical Juncture
The competitive tension between Cody Rhodes, referred to as The American Nightmare, and Drew McIntyre, known as The Scottish Warrior, has been building for an extended period. With McIntyre finally securing the title match he has pursued with determination, the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, there’s an important stipulation: if Cody Rhodes lays hands on McIntyre before their match in Berlin, he risks losing the Undisputed WWE Championship altogether. This rule heightens the drama as both superstars prepare for one of the most demanding contests in WWE’s recent history.
Debate Intensifies Over the Next Top Contender
With the upcoming championship match attracting widespread attention, discussions have erupted regarding who will face the winner. On an episode of The Coach and Bro, Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo analyzed the SmackDown roster and weighed the possibilities. Coachman scrutinized recent SmackDown episodes to identify any superstar capable of filling the void if either Rhodes or McIntyre steps away after their feud. His assessment led to a clear conclusion.
“So, how many people legitimately are on the level of Cody and Drew that you could take Drew out and put somebody else in? So, I watched the last two SmackDowns. All of them straight through. I came up with one person that’s on the show right now on SmackDown. Well, sort of Solo [Sikoa]. That’s it.”
– Jonathan Coachman, Broadcaster
Vince Russo concurred with Coachman’s perspective, reinforcing the belief that Solo Sikoa is well-positioned to enter the championship picture once the current feud concludes. Whether WWE’s creative team will elevate Sikoa immediately remains uncertain and may depend on how the storyline between McIntyre and Rhodes plays out.
Solo Sikoa’s Prospects in WWE’s Evolving Landscape
Solo Sikoa’s potential ascension comes at a crucial period for WWE, as the promotion continually seeks new stars to maintain interest after long-running rivalries. Although Sikoa has steadily built his reputation on SmackDown, speculation about his main-event future is intensifying, given Coachman and Russo’s candid endorsement. The creative choices made after the championship bout in Berlin are likely to define the trajectory for Sikoa and the title itself.
Other Headlines Shaping Professional Wrestling
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, major developments have captured the attention of fans and insiders alike. Rumors suggest that Vince McMahon could make a return to WWE once TKO’s potential sale of the company is complete, marking a possible shift in leadership dynamics. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre is reportedly set for a significant surprise of his own in 2026, although details are still under wraps. In AEW, the engagement of Diamanté and Kiera Hogan recently made waves, while CM Punk remains a focal point of criticism regarding his current performance level. Additionally, Jack Perry’s career direction appears to be impacted by Luchasaurus’ injury, as revealed on the final AEW Dynamite of 2025. AEW President Tony Khan continues to address criticism over booking, while other storylines—such as a dramatic husband-versus-wife match resulting in visible welts—have added further intrigue to the company’s programming.
The outcomes of the Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes championship showdown will have ripple effects throughout WWE, particularly for Solo Sikoa, whose potential rise could reshape the landscape of the main event scene. As Berlin approaches, all eyes remain fixed on how both storyline and reality will unfold for WWE’s next set of challengers and champions.
