Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre in a Rare Three Stages of Hell Match on *SmackDown*
WWE has announced a rare Three Stages of Hell match for the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown. Cody Rhodes will defend his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a bout designed to settle their long-running feud. The show will run for three hours and carry the significance of a premium live event for the title picture.
The Three Stages of Hell format has not appeared on WWE’s main roster in over a decade. This match will be only the seventh of its kind in company history, with the last one taking place in 2013. The first-ever contest under this rule set saw Triple H face Shawn Michaels at In Your House: D-Generation X in December 1997.
Each fall in the match features a different stipulation, with the intensity increasing as it progresses. The first wrestler to secure two victories wins the championship, leaving no room for excuses or disputed outcomes. WWE officials have confirmed the revival of this format to bring a decisive end to the rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre. Viewers in the US can watch SmackDown live on USA Network every Friday night, with the episode also available on Peacock after broadcast. International audiences will have access through WWE’s regional broadcast partners or via the WWE Network/Peacock, depending on their location.
The January 9 episode will mark a significant moment for SmackDown, offering a high-stakes championship match under a rarely used format. Fans can expect a brutal and conclusive showdown between Rhodes and McIntyre, with the winner determined by two clear victories.
