The ongoing Cody Rhodes WWE feud mistakes have become glaringly obvious after their extended rivalry, which spanned from late 2025 until early 2026. This feud, primarily showcased on SmackDown, ended recently with Cody Rhodes reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre. Despite its prominence, the storyline was marred by several critical errors in booking and storytelling that diminished its impact.
Excessive Length Without an Effective Conclusion
The conflict between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre kicked off after SummerSlam 2025 and stretched over seven months, featuring multiple high-profile matches. Their Three Stages of Hell Match marked a significant peak when McIntyre dethroned Rhodes; that contest should have served as a fitting finale. Unfortunately, WWE extended the storyline far longer than necessary, dragging what should have been a closed chapter into repetitiveness. By early 2026, the feud had lost momentum as it became a continuous back-and-forth with no fresh developments, causing fan interest to wane. After McIntyre’s title win, he should have pursued new rivalries rather than remaining locked in this cycle with Rhodes.
Overdependence on Interference Undermined the Feud’s Integrity
One of the defining characteristics of this feud was the frequent outside interference that disrupted key moments. Figures like Jacob Fatu played intrusive roles by interfering in crucial matches, including costing Rhodes opportunities at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. This created an environment where decisive victories were often tainted, making the rivalry feel unstable without such interventions. While these tactics injected tension, they also weakened both competitors’ credibility by denying McIntyre clean victories and implying his success depended on chaos rather than skill.
Ignoring the Stipulations Set Forth for Rematches
Following the intensely contested Three Stages of Hell match in January, WWE introduced a stipulation that barred Rhodes from receiving a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Title. Nevertheless, Rhodes was granted another title opportunity on SmackDown after McIntyre’s interference at the Elimination Chamber. This contradictory booking undermined the authority of the original clause and introduced confusion around the feud’s direction. It suggested last-minute changes rather than a carefully planned storyline, especially as the eventual conclusion at WrestleMania 42 was unexpected given the initial rules guiding the championship rematches.
A Disappointingly Underwhelming Ending on Regular SmackDown
Considering the rivalry’s duration and prominence, its finale deserved a more significant platform and stipulation to elevate the stakes. Instead, WWE concluded the feud on an ordinary episode of SmackDown with a straightforward match devoid of any special conditions or fanfare. This conclusion fell short of expectations, missing an opportunity to deliver a memorable climax that could have properly honored the rivalry’s intensity. The subdued finish reflects a squandered chance by WWE’s creative team to capitalize on the months of build-up before the showdown.
McIntyre’s Short-Lived Title Reign Diminished His Value
Perhaps the most glaring mistake was the brief and unremarkable nature of Drew McIntyre’s world championship reign. After enduring years of grueling battles, McIntyre finally secured the Undisputed WWE Championship, positioning him as a dominant champion. Yet, WWE reclaimed the title from him within roughly two months, reducing his reign to a transitional period rather than a substantial tenure. This decision denied McIntyre the prolonged recognition he earned and limited the positive lasting impact the feud could have had on his legacy. Fans had begun to embrace him as champion, but the short reign left his status weakened without meaningful progression outside the Rhodes conflict.
The saga between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre remains a missed opportunity to craft a compelling, long-term storyline within WWE. The company’s missteps—from overstretched narratives and frequent interference to inconsistent rule enforcement and an anticlimactic finish—have frustrated fans eager for meaningful wrestling drama. With Rhodes now moving on to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 and McIntyre likely exploring new directions, WWE must learn from these errors to avoid similar pitfalls in future championship feuds.
“The entire rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes will be remembered for being extremely chaotic and messy.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“Making McInyre a transitional champion was the worst decision.” ?Wrestling Insider
“The company wasted what could have been a memorable culmination of this prolonged chapter.” ?Fan Commentator
AND NEW!!!@CodyRhodes is heading to WrestleMania as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zM3uz8X6m7
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2026
