Backstage news regarding the finish of Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre from WWE SmackDown
NoDQ.com••entertainment
Key Points:
- On the January 9th, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a “Three Stages of Hell” match to win the WWE Championship, aided by interference from Jacob Fatu.
- Reports indicate there was an internal push within WWE to have McIntyre dethrone Cody, with both wrestlers previously proposing a title change around WrestlePalooza.
- WWE decided the timing was right to crown McIntyre as the new champion following the match.
- Four WWE title qualifying matches are scheduled for next week, with winners advancing to a fatal four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
- The winner of the fatal four-way match will earn a WWE title
