• Spoiler For Next Week’s 3 Stages Of Hell Match
On next week’s episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a 3 Stages of Hell match. Below are the stipulations for this match:
1. Straight Wrestling Match
2. Falls Count Anywhere Match
3. Old School Steel Cage Match
Cody is scheduled to defeat Drew to retain the WWE Title in this match. Andrew Baydala is reporting that Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship is the current plan for Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia on January 31st.
The Viper returned on last night’s SmackDown and told The American Nightmare that he’s coming for the title.
• WWE Is Holding Off On 3 Major Title Matches
Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer has several high-profile matches on WWE’s long-term radar, though none are expected to be rushed. According to Bodyslam, a potential matchup between Vaquer and Liv Morgan has been talked about for some time.
That is why WWE has already teased this feud on RAW in a backstage segment, but the belief is that it is a program intended to be built toward gradually rather than launched immediately.
The thinking is that Vaquer is being positioned carefully, with WWE wanting to maximize the impact of her first major rivalries on the main roster. As a result, the Vaquer vs. Morgan match is viewed as a future payoff rather than an imminent storyline.
Beyond Morgan, WWE also sees significant upside in pairing Vaquer with some of the company’s top women. Matches against Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley have both been discussed internally as strong options when the timing makes sense.
• Tommaso Ciampa Set To Leave WWE
It looks like Tommaso Ciampa is leaving WWE. According to Bodyslam, Ciampa’s current WWE contract is nearing its end, and sources indicate that he is expected to finish out the remaining time on his deal without signing an extension. As of now, there is no renewal in place.
What remains unclear is the reasoning behind the decision. It has not been confirmed whether Ciampa personally declined a new contract offer or if WWE opted not to pursue one. Sources also could not clarify whether Ciampa plans to continue wrestling elsewhere once his deal expires or if he is considering stepping away from the ring for a period of time.
Ciampa has dealt with multiple injuries in recent years and has spent stretches off television, which could factor into his long-term plans. For now, those close to the situation say only that his current contract is expected to run its course, with no new agreement finalized.
It should be noted that Ciampa didn’t appear alongside Johnny Gargano on last night’s SmackDown.
Below are Ciampa’s top WWE accomplishments:
– 2x NXT Champion
– 2x WWE Tag Team Champion
– 1x NXT Tag Team Champion
Also Read: 7 Absent WWE Stars Set To Be In Saudi Arabia For Royal Rumble 2026
