WWE Championship Loss: A Turning Point for Cody Rhodes

On January 9th, 2026, the world of professional wrestling witnessed a highly anticipated and intense match between two of WWE's top superstars, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The bout took place during the January 9th edition of WWE SmackDown, where the stakes were high as Cody Rhodes defended his WWE Championship title against his formidable opponent.

The Stage was Set

Before the match began, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter between two wrestlers with a rich history in the WWE. Cody Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, had been on a remarkable journey since becoming the new WWE Champion. His win marked a significant moment in his career, but now he faced the challenge of defending his title against none other than Drew McIntyre, a wrestler known for his ruthless and cunning tactics.

The Three Stages of Hell Match

The match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre was structured as a three-stage hell match. The stipulation added an extra layer of complexity to the contest, as both wrestlers had to overcome various obstacles to emerge victorious. The stages were designed to test their physical and mental strength, pushing them to their limits.

The Match Begins

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the match, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre clashed in a fierce battle. Both wrestlers gave it their all, delivering high-impact moves and showcasing their exceptional in-ring skills. The intensity of the match was palpable as the two competitors battled each other through the three stages.

The Stages Unfold

During the first stage, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre engaged in a fierce brawl, with both wrestlers using every trick in the book to gain an advantage. As the match progressed, the intensity increased, and the stakes became higher. The second stage saw the introduction of new obstacles, further testing the physical and mental endurance of both competitors.

The Turning Point

As the third and final stage began, Cody Rhodes found himself on the ropes. Despite his valiant efforts, Drew McIntyre was relentless in his pursuit of victory. With the help of his allies, The Usos, Drew McIntyre managed to gain the upper hand, setting up a devastating finishing move that would ultimately lead to Cody Rhodes' downfall.

The Upset

In a stunning turn of events, Drew McIntyre emerged victorious from the three-stage hell match, claiming the WWE Championship title in the process. The crowd was stunned, as Cody Rhodes, who had been on top of the world just moments before, was left reeling from his unexpected defeat.

Reaction and Aftermath

The news of Cody Rhodes' loss sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling community. Fans were left wondering what could have been if only their hero had emerged victorious. The aftermath of the match saw Cody Rhodes struggling to come to terms with his new reality, while Drew McIntyre basked in the glory of his championship victory.

As for Cody Rhodes, he vowed to return stronger and more determined than ever before. He issued a challenge to Drew McIntyre, stating that their rivalry was far from over. The stage is set for an epic rematch between these two wrestling titans, with the WWE Championship title hanging in the balance.

Conclusion

The match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will be remembered as one of the most intense and thrilling encounters in recent WWE history. The three-stage hell match pushed both wrestlers to their limits, but ultimately, it was Drew McIntyre who emerged victorious. As the dust settles, fans are left eagerly anticipating the rematch between these two wrestling superstars.

Will Cody Rhodes be able to regain his championship title, or will Drew McIntyre continue to reign supreme? Only time will tell as this epic rivalry continues to unfold.