Cody Rhodes, who lost the WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre on the January 9th edition of SmackDown, was once set for a triple threat title match that WWE ultimately canceled. The planned match was intended to include Rhodes, McIntyre, and Jacob Fatu, but an injury forced the company to alter its course. Rhodes lost the championship to McIntyre after a grueling 3 Stages of Hell match, featuring a singles match, a falls count anywhere bout, and a steel cage match to prevent outside interference.
During the final steel cage fall, as McIntyre was about to claim victory, Jacob Fatu, returning unexpectedly from injury, intervened but turned against Rhodes. This distraction allowed McIntyre to escape the cage and secure the WWE Championship. The drama highlighted the complex storylines winding through WWE programming.
Injury Forces WWE to Cancel Survivor Series Triple Threat Match
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE originally intended for Rhodes, McIntyre, and Fatu to clash in a triple threat match for the WWE title at Survivor Series. However, Fatu’s injury sustained in October, which required surgery, halted those plans. Instead, Rhodes and McIntyre participated in the WarGames match during Survivor Series, shifting the narrative away from the triple threat format.
Related Updates From WWE’s Current Landscape
Beyond the canceled title match, other notable developments have affected WWE storylines. A former WWE champion revealed during an interview that he constantly feels at risk of release despite his status. Additionally, Alexa Bliss has replaced Charlotte Flair by joining forces with a surprise WWE star, signaling new alliances in the women’s division.
AJ Lee shared a personal message expressing grief over the passing of her and her husband CM Punk’s dog Larry. Meanwhile, CM Punk continues to face fresh challengers as he prepares for an upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match scheduled for Monday Night RAW.
Shifts in Major WWE Events and Wrestlers’ Status
WWE has also adjusted its plans for WrestleMania 42, taking a different direction than originally announced. Meanwhile, a top Raw star has confirmed taking a break from the company, affecting the roster makeup and ongoing story arcs. Questions have been raised by wrestling legends following Drew McIntyre’s recent WWE title win, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of championship dynamics.
These developments illustrate the unpredictable and fluid environment that WWE operates within, where injuries, personal circumstances, and creative decisions continuously reshape the landscape. The cancellation of the triple threat match involving Cody Rhodes demonstrates how WWE must adapt its plans while maintaining compelling storylines for its audience.
