Drew McIntyre escalated his ongoing WWE SmackDown feud with Cody Rhodes by destroying a Rhodes family photo in a recent episode, prompting a public response from Triple H. The tension comes ahead of a much-anticipated Three Stages of Hell Match where the Undisputed WWE Championship will once again be at stake.
Drew McIntyre Raises the Stakes Against Cody Rhodes
On the latest WWE SmackDown, McIntyre shocked viewers by burning a treasured Rhodes family photograph, taking his rivalry with Cody Rhodes to a deeply personal level. The feud, fueled by months of heated exchanges and high-stakes matches, will reach its latest climax when the two wrestlers face off in a Three Stages of Hell Match next week. The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against McIntyre in this brutal contest.
The upcoming bout has been heavily promoted by WWE management. In response to McIntyre’s provocative actions, Triple H publicly turned his attention to the looming showdown between the two superstars, generating anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike.
“Next week…Three Stages of Hell #SmackDown,” wrote Triple H.
With both pride and the most prestigious title in WWE on the line, the stakes for this match are at an all-time high.
Speculation Surrounds McIntyre’s Path to WrestleMania
Amidst the intensifying feud, wrestling analyst Sam Roberts shared his thoughts on the potential outcomes if McIntyre emerges victorious over Rhodes. Speaking on his Notsam Wrestling podcast, Roberts laid out a scenario in which Drew McIntyre captures the Undisputed WWE Championship and faces a formidable challenge on an even grander stage. Roberts argued that WWE should capitalize on Gunther’s recent surge, suggesting Gunther—who has just submitted John Cena in the legend’s final match—should win the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble and become McIntyre’s challenger at WrestleMania.
“I think Gunther is being built as a monster that is the future of WWE and is the guy that’s gonna be there to help build up young talent and turn young talent into larger-than-life superstars. And I think one way you get there is that Gunther becomes Cody Rhodes’ big rival (…) What if Drew McIntyre took to WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes and then Gunther beat Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania?”
This scenario highlights the shifting landscape of WWE, where each victory and loss can instantly redefine the championship picture and elevate new leaders in the division.
Championship Histories and Future Implications
Drew McIntyre is no stranger to championship gold. His most recent world title reign came at WrestleMania XL after defeating Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. However, his celebration was brief, as Damian Priest immediately cashed in the Money in the Bank contract and took the title in the moments that followed.
Cody Rhodes, for his part, began his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion after a major victory over John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, closing out Cena’s iconic run as the “Last Real Champion.” Each man enters this next battle with something to prove: McIntyre seeking redemption and glory, and Rhodes fighting to retain his place atop the WWE hierarchy.
The outcome of the upcoming Three Stages of Hell Match on SmackDown could not only crown a new champion, but also set the tone for WrestleMania season and shape future rivalries, including a possible showdown involving Gunther. Fans in Berlin, Germany, and across the world will be watching closely as these pivotal events unfold in the WWE landscape.
Next week…Three Stages of Hell #SmackDown https://t.co/2YKEiLKuOa
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 3, 2026
