What is Three Stages of Hell match in WWE? Everything you need to know ahead of Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026)

The Undisputed WWE title will be on the line for the clash.

The General Manager, Nick Aldis, reached an agreement to bring Drew McIntyre back to SmackDown. McIntyre made his return on the December 26, 2025, show of the Blue brand to launch a scathing attack on the referee Dan Engler after paying a fine as agreed upon.

An Undisputed title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a brutal Three Stages of Hell match in Berlin was announced moments later. This will be their fourth meeting since Cody pinned John Cena to kick off his second title reign.

The January 9, 2025, show of SmackDown is set to emanate live from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. Additionally, it will be the second three-hour SmackDown as the Blue brand will return to the three-hour format from January 2.

Three Stages of Hell match Rules

A Three Stages of Hell match is a multi-fall match in WWE designed to test wrestlers in increasingly punishing conditions. The match consists of three separate pinfalls, each with different stipulations. In order to win, a wrestler must secure two out of three pinfalls.

Each fall is treated as a separate match with different rules, while the stipulations are announced in advance, some common themes of stipulation may include:

First fall: Singles match (pinfall or submission)

Second fall: No Disqualification / Street Fight

Third fall: Extreme stipulation (Steel Cage, Last Man Standing, Hell in a Cell, etc.)

These types of matches are very rare in WWE and are usually used for a decisive end to a feud. The match also carries huge anticipation among fans as it tests one’s endurance, adaptability, and toughness.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown: Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre; Jade Cargill vs Michin & more announced for new year shows

When did the last Three Stages of Hell match take place in WWE?

Adam Cole vs Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Toronto (2019) was the most recent time WWE used the Three Stages of Hell stipulation. The match began with a Street Fight, followed by a standard singles match, and culminating in a Steel Cage match, with Cole ultimately winning the final two falls to retain the NXT Championship

However, when it comes to the last time the match took place on the main roster, we have to rewind back to 2013 when John Cena and Ryback battled at the 2013 edition of Payback. Cena won the brutal Three Stages of Hell match (2-1) (Lumberjack, Tables, Ambulance) to retain his title

The upcoming showdown between Rhodes and McIntyre would mark the seventh Three Stages of Hell match in promotional history and the first to take place on the main roster since 2013.

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