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McIntyre Elevates Stakes for Jan. 9 Three Stages of Hell Title Match With Cody Rhodes in Berlin

He says a loss would leave him unsure of his identity.

Overview

  • WWE confirms Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match on Friday’s SmackDown in Berlin.
  • The reported fall order features a standard match, a Falls Count Anywhere fall, and, if needed, a Steel Cage decider.
  • In a new promo, McIntyre calls the bout “now or never,” claims he has broken Rhodes “mentally” and “physically,” and says, “If I am defeated Friday, then I don’t know who the hell I am.”
  • Coverage frames the stipulation as a potential capstone to a rivalry that began in September 2025 and intensified through recent confrontations.
  • Contextual stats highlight the stakes: McIntyre is 2–10 in world title matches since 2021 and reportedly 0–7 against Rhodes on the holiday tour.