Cody Rhodes Defends WWE Title in Rare Three Stages of Hell Showdown
WWE’s upcoming SmackDown episode on January 9, 2026, will showcase a rare Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Championship. Cody Rhodes will defend his title against Drew McIntyre in a bout not seen on the main roster in over a decade. The high-stakes clash carries the weight of a premium live event, shaping the championship’s future.
The Three Stages of Hell format demands three distinct match types, each with escalating stakes. A wrestler must win two falls to claim victory. This stipulation last appeared on WWE’s main roster in 2013, when John Cena faced Ryback. Cody Rhodes himself competed in one that same year, defeating Damien Sandow.
Fans in the US can watch the match live on USA Network or stream it later on Peacock. International viewers will find it through WWE’s regional broadcast partners or on demand via WWE Network/Peacock, depending on their location. The outcome will have major consequences for the WWE Championship. Both Rhodes and McIntyre enter the bout with momentum, but only one will leave with the title.
The January 9 SmackDown marks the return of a brutal and rarely used match type. Rhodes and McIntyre will battle through three different contests, with the championship hanging in the balance. The winner will solidify their place at the top of WWE’s roster heading into 2026.
