• Huge Shocker Possible On SmackDown
On this Friday’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
Many fans expect Cody to defeat Drew to retain the WWE Title in this match because Andrew Baydala reported 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 week’s SmackDown and told The American Nightmare that he’s coming for the title.
However, there’s a chance the unexpected happens – Drew McIntyre wins the WWE Championship. According to Self Made Pro, people on the WWE creative team are pushing for McIntyre to dethrone Rhodes:
“I was told to expect a title change this week. I was told that one of the world titles is changing this week.
Yes, the 3 Stages of Hell match on SmackDown. There are significant voices in creative actively pushing for Drew McIntyre to beat Cody Rhodes.
That was as of last week. By this point, the decision has been made as to where they’re going, but I know that as of last week, there were significant voices pushing hard for Drew McIntyre to go over.
Ultimately, it’s [Triple H’s] call.”
RELATED: Big Return Planned For This Friday’s SmackDown
• CM Punk Reacts To Fans Criticizing John Cena Giving Up In Retirement Match
During an interview with Robbie Fox on My Mom’s Basement podcast, CM Punk compared the finish of Stranger Things to the finish of John Cena’s retirement match against Gunther, where Cena finally gave up and tapped out to end his legendary WWE career. Here’s what the World Heavyweight Champion said:
“I thought it was great. I was super happy about it, but people have their opinions. Just like the John Cena and Gunther finish. I feel like it’s the same thing. Some people, maybe I don’t think you understand what you’re watching.
If you didn’t like it, I can also understand that. To make it your entire personality and spend an unhealthy amount of time talking about it…I’ll put it this way, if John won, they’d be mad about that too, but we wouldn’t be talking about it anymore.
We’re still talking about that finish. The smile, the tap. ‘Oh my God, the guy who said don’t give up, gave up.’ Did he? I thought it was beautiful.”
