The rivalry between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre escalated on tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, resulting in confirmed stipulations for their upcoming title match and a personal confrontation involving the memory of Dusty Rhodes.
Segment Recap
Cody Rhodes opened the segment in the ring, addressing the audience in Buffalo, New York. Rhodes discussed the mental preparation required to hold the championship, distinguishing his approach from McIntyre’s focus on physical attributes. “He sees the suits, he sees the bus, and he sees envy,” Rhodes said. “I play chess while they play checkers.”
Drew McIntyre interrupted the address, appearing on the TitanTron from inside Rhodes’ personal tour bus, the “Cody Express.” After labeling Rhodes “predictable,” McIntyre announced the three stipulations for their “Three Stages of Hell” match, scheduled for next week’s SmackDown in Berlin, Germany:
- Stage 1: Straight Wrestling Match
- Stage 2: Falls Count Anywhere
- Stage 3 (If Necessary): Steel Cage Match
Personal Attack Involving Dusty Rhodes
During the broadcast from the bus, McIntyre located a framed photograph of Cody Rhodes and his late father, Dusty Rhodes. McIntyre made disparaging remarks regarding Dusty Rhodes’ legacy, stating he wished the Hall of Famer were alive to see what Cody had become, and added that Dusty was “looking up” from hell in shame.
McIntyre broke the picture frame and stomped on the photograph. Rhodes immediately left the ring and sprinted backstage but was intercepted by security before reaching the bus area. McIntyre then entered the arena carrying the damaged photo and a trash can. As officials restrained Rhodes, McIntyre set the photograph on fire and discarded it into the trash can, daring Rhodes to strike him. Click here for complete WWE SmackDown results.
Oh come on @DMcIntyreWWE the disrespect is INSANE 😩 pic.twitter.com/cRtuHthLPp
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
OH NO ðŸ˜@DMcIntyreWWE just lit a photo of @CodyRhodes and Dusty Rhodes on fire! pic.twitter.com/sxiekDl2tk
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
