Top three potential finishes for Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre Three stages of Hell match on WWE SmackDown
(Courtesy : WWE)
Big title match this Friday night!
This week’s WWE SmackDown is set to host one of the most anticipated championship encounters of the year, as Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match.
The rivalry between the two top stars has escalated for months, with each confrontation adding another layer of personal tension and competitive edge.
With three distinctive falls and no room for escape, the match promises a definitive winner. Yet multiple scenarios could drastically reshape the WWE landscape depending on how the bout concludes.
Here are the top three potential finishes that could unfold on WWE SmackDown.
3. Oba Femi interferes and costs Drew McIntyre the match
Oba Femi emerged as one of WWE’s fastest-rising forces after his standout performance against Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The young powerhouse had an opportunity to shock the world and dethrone the Undisputed Champion, until Drew McIntyre blindsided Rhodes, causing a disqualification.
Given that history, Femi has every reason to insert himself into this Three Stages of Hell match. His interference could be decisive, costing McIntyre the championship and pulling the Scottish Warrior into a new rivalry.
Such an outcome would allow WWE to protect both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre while further elevating Oba Femi on the main roster. The blue brand has been positioning him as a future headliner, and this would be the moment to solidify that direction.
2. Cody Rhodes scores a clean-sweep victory
Cody Rhodes stands as the face of WWE heading into WrestleMania season. With the company carefully managing his presentation as a global ambassador and centerpiece attraction, it is unlikely WWE risks weakening his momentum ahead of its biggest show of the year.
A clean 2–0 sweep over McIntyre would send a message: Rhodes is untouchable at the top of the mountain. It would establish him as the dominant champion heading into the Road to WrestleMania, reinforcing his status as the industry’s premier babyface.
Such a finish would also generate major headlines worldwide and neatly wrap up his feud with McIntyre, freeing Rhodes to shift focus to his next challenger.
1. Drew McIntyre wins the Undisputed WWE Championship
While Rhodes is crucial to WWE’s broader storytelling, Drew McIntyre is equally vital and equally complex. The Scottish Warrior has been fighting to maintain his character’s momentum, and another high-profile loss could send his trajectory spiraling.
McIntyre winning in a 2–1 finish, especially through heel tactics, would instantly revitalize his run. A title victory achieved through rule-breaking or opportunistic strategy would reinforce his darker persona and shock viewers watching the match unfold.
This scenario also gives WWE flexibility heading into WrestleMania season: whether Rhodes chases the title again or pivots to another program, the story remains compelling from every angle. Fans will now have to wait and see what path WWE chooses for its two top-tier stars.
When and where will the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown take place?
The January 9, 2025, show of WWE SmackDown is set to emanate live from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
What are the stipulations for the Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre?
The Three Stages for the Undisputed title clash between Rhodes and McIntyre are as follows: number one: a Standard match, number two: Falls Count Anywhere, and number three: a Steel Cage match.
Will WWE SmackDown have an early start time?
Yes, for international viewers, the show will start at 8 PM CET (Germany). However, the show will air as usual at 8 PM ET in the US on USA Network on tape delay.
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