7-Time WWE Champion Tipped To Dethrone Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is the current WWE Undisputed Champion.

Rhodes beat John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 to win the title, which he had lost at WrestleMania 41 earlier this year.

He is set to put his title on the line in a Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, against 7-time WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.

This stipulation was absent from WWE for over 12 years since John Cena vs. Ryback at Payback 2013.

Sam Roberts Wants Drew McIntyre To Beat Cody Rhodes To Become The New WWE Undisputed Champion.

Speaking on his Notsam Wrestling podcast, WWE analyst Sam Roberts commented on the upcoming match. He stated that he would like to see McIntyre win the bout and become the new champion.

The Scottish Warrior has been chasing the gold for a long time now. Roberts feels it is time to give him a World Title run, even if it’s a short one.

That’s why I was saying I want to see Drew McIntyre win the title. Even if it’s just like a quick switch, even if it’s not like a long run, giving Drew McIntyre the title and having Cody Rhodes beat him back for it would be a good thing. (From 57:32)

Rhodes and McIntyre’s rivalry reignited a few months ago when both stars started exchanging personal attacks.

The fans recently saw Cody Rhodes ambush Drew McIntyre at his home.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis tried to mediate, but Rhodes’ violation allowed McIntyre to tip the scales in his favor.

This led to McIntyre demanding and selecting the brutal Three Stages of Hell format during the December 26, 2025, episode of SmackDown.

McIntyre made this feud extra personal with a dig at Rhodes’ dad, Dusty Rhodes.

“Cody, when I send you to hell, say hi to your dad for me,” he said during his promo on Friday Night SmackDown last week.

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