- Drew McIntyre will reveal the three stipulations for his Undisputed WWE Championship 3 Stages of Hell Match against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown.
- Cody Rhodes must respond to McIntyre’s choices as SmackDown returns to a three-hour format, live Friday at 8 ET/7 CT on USA.
- Other key matches: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match; Giulia challenges Chelsea Green for the Women’s U.S. Title.
H2: McIntyre outlines the 3 Stages of Hell — can Cody Rhodes adapt?
Drew McIntyre is set to lay out the specific stipulations for his upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship 3 Stages of Hell Match against Cody Rhodes when SmackDown returns Friday night. The announcement gives Rhodes little time to prepare for whatever combinations McIntyre chooses — and it raises the stakes for their next encounter.
Cody Rhodes, a cornerstone of WWE’s main event scene, has faced brutal specialty matches before, but the 3 Stages format demands versatility. Each stage can feature a different match type — and McIntyre’s selections will shape Rhodes’ strategy heading into one of the most physically demanding encounters on the card.
H3: What the 3 Stages could mean
The 3 Stages of Hell historically mix standard, hardcore, and signature stipulations — anything from Falls Count Anywhere and No Disqualification to a final cage or Last Man Standing bout. McIntyre’s reveal tonight will define how the storytelling unfolds between the two rivals and which spots fans can expect at the eventual blowoff.
For Cody Rhodes, adapting quickly will be key. His experience in high-profile matches gives him the tools, but McIntyre has repeatedly leaned into his ruthless, physical style — and tonight he’ll try to tilt the contest in his favor before the bell even rings.
H2: SmackDown returns to three hours — other highlighted matches
SmackDown expands to three hours tonight at 8 ET/7 CT on USA, and the show’s undercard features several high-profile, high-intensity matches.
H3: Ambulance Match — Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
A volatile rivalry continues as Damian Priest and Aleister Black collide in an Ambulance Match, where victory comes only by forcing your opponent into an ambulance and closing the doors. Expect a hard-hitting contest with a cinematic finish potential.
H3: Women’s U.S. Title — Giulia vs. Chelsea Green
Giulia looks to reclaim the Women’s United States Championship from Chelsea Green, who won the title in a surprise upset. This matchup promises fast-paced offense and a chance for Giulia to regain momentum heading into the new year.
H3: Eight-Women Tag Team Match
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will team with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax and Lash Legend. This match could shape the women’s tag division and create new rivalries heading toward future pay-per-views.
H2: What to watch
Tune in when SmackDown goes live Friday at 8 ET/7 CT on USA. The McIntyre-Cody stipulation reveal will be the night’s focal point — and it could change the course of their title feud. Keep an eye on in-ring promos, backstage segments, and any surprise run-ins that could alter the planned stipulations or introduce new allies.
Whether you’re team Cody Rhodes or backing Drew McIntyre, tonight’s SmackDown promises a decisive shift in momentum for the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.
Image Referance: https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2026-01-02
