Drew McIntyre is hinting at a new era in WWE as he prepares for one of the most high-stakes matches of his career. This week’s SmackDown is set to take place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, and it will feature a showdown for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody Rhodes will defend the title against McIntyre in a 3 Stages of Hell Match, which is comprised of a regular wrestling match, a Falls Count Anywhere Match, and if necessary, a Steel Cage Match.
McIntyre suggests that it may be the biggest match of his career. He took to X on Tuesday to share a video promoting the clash with Rhodes, noting the need for a change at the top.
“All the talk,” McIntyre said. “All the mind games. Everything over the last 2 years means nothing if I leave Germany without the belt. A new era….This is it”. He added that while Rhodes did a great job of finishing his story, the fans need something different moving forward. “Cody did a hell of a job as champ, especially to finish his story.” McIntyre said. “But it’s the same. We need change, not just for the company, for the fans. We need change for you, Cody”.
The tension between the two stars reached a breaking point during the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown in Buffalo, New York. During the broadcast, McIntyre took his mind games to a disturbing level by burning a photo of Cody and his late father, Dusty Rhodes. This act led to a near-brawl that was only stopped by a massive security presence. This personal attack followed months of hostility, including Rhodes defeating McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza in September 2025 and again at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November.
McIntyre may not be far off in saying that all his hard work means nothing if he doesn’t win the title. He had a career year in 2024 thanks to a personal feud with CM Punk, but couldn’t turn it into gold in 2025. This may be McIntyre’s last opportunity at defeating Rhodes for the championship, with the stipulation suggesting that this will be the climax of their rivalry. Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Championship since August 2025, when he avenged a previous loss to John Cena at SummerSlam.
If he doesn’t walk out with the title, he’ll need to go the route of winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble to be in the championship picture entering WrestleMania 42 in April. The 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is set for Saturday, January 31, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Friday feels like the biggest match of my career?
All the talk. All the mind games. Everything over the last 2 years means nothing if I leave Germany without the belt.
A new era….
This is it. pic.twitter.com/C5EEGILQKg
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) January 6, 2026
