WWE is pulling out all the stops for what might be SmackDown’s most dangerous showdown of the year.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will collide in a Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9th episode of SmackDown—a rare stipulation that hasn’t been seen on WWE’s main roster since 2013.
With their rivalry reaching a boiling point after Rhodes stormed McIntyre’s home last week, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has lost control of the situation entirely.
Meanwhile, Friday’s episode from Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids delivered another surprise: the official SmackDown debut of fan-favorite Joe Hendry in a chaotic holiday-themed brawl.
A Rare Stipulation Returns to Settle Unfinished Business
The January 9th match marks only the seventh Three Stages of Hell encounter in WWE history. For those unfamiliar, this brutal format features three separate falls with different stipulations for each stage—ensuring neither competitor has anywhere to hide.
Rhodes and McIntyre have been on a collision course for months, with tensions escalating after Aldis suspended McIntyre following attacks leading up to Survivor Series: WarGames. McIntyre refused to return to SmackDown as long as Rhodes remained on the brand.
Last week’s agreement seemed straightforward: McIntyre would apologize to referee Dan Engler and pay a fine, while Rhodes would be barred from physical contact—or risk being stripped of his championship.
That plan fell apart immediately.
McIntyre Tears Into Referee, Attacks Champion
Instead of apologizing on Friday’s broadcast, McIntyre doubled down and verbally destroyed Engler. The Scottish warrior made it clear he wasn’t interested in playing by anyone’s rules.
After officials announced the Three Stages of Hell stipulation for their title match, McIntyre didn’t wait for January 9th. He launched a brutal assault on Rhodes, standing over the champion as SmackDown went off the air.
The visual sent a clear message: McIntyre believes his time has finally come.
Joe Hendry Makes SmackDown Debut in Holiday Chaos
SmackDown opened with an unexpected Christmas concert featuring former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry. The crowd erupted as Hendry performed a festive “Jingle Bells” remix specifically designed to mock The Miz.
While Hendry has appeared at WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Saturday Night’s Main Event, Friday marked his first actual competition on Raw or SmackDown.
The pair traded barbs before their match was upgraded to a Miracle on 34th Street fight.
Standing Ovation Through a Table
Hendry defeated The Miz via pinfall using his signature finisher, the Standing Ovation, driving his opponent through a table. Alpha Academy provided ringside chaos with Otis dressed as Santa Claus and Akira Tozawa as an elf.
R-Truth also made a bizarre cameo appearance in a rabbit costume, because WWE holiday shows thrive on absurdity.
Hendry, who consistently generates some of WWE’s loudest crowd reactions, was given substantial time to showcase his charisma and in-ring skills. The performance served as a clear audition for a permanent main roster spot.
Can McIntyre Finally Break His Big Match Curse?
There’s legitimate excitement around the return of Three Stages of Hell—it’s a marquee stipulation that promises violence and drama across multiple falls. However, there’s an elephant in the room that WWE can’t ignore.
Drew McIntyre consistently loses major matches.
Despite being positioned as a top-tier threat and delivering compelling promos, McIntyre’s track record in championship feuds has become predictable. He builds momentum, promises destruction, then comes up short when it matters most.
- If McIntyre loses again: The pattern continues, and his credibility as a legitimate threat takes another hit
- If McIntyre wins: SmackDown’s world title scene gets a massive jolt of unpredictability and fresh energy
- If Rhodes retains in controversial fashion: The feud extends without resolution, potentially exhausting the audience
Backstage Developments Add Mystery
In a backstage segment, McIntyre promised that questions about his future would be answered during the broadcast. Meanwhile, Rhodes attempted to locate Aldis but was instead confronted by former two-time NXT Champion Trick Williams.
The Williams interaction hints at potential crossover storylines between brands, though nothing concrete was announced.
January 9th Could Reshape SmackDown’s Landscape
CBS Sports awarded Friday’s episode a B grade, acknowledging the positives while expressing skepticism about predictable outcomes. The assessment is fair but perhaps conservative.
Hendry received meaningful television time and delivered exactly what makes him special—infectious personality combined with solid wrestling ability. His successful debut opens doors for future appearances.
The Three Stages of Hell announcement generates genuine intrigue simply because it’s rare. WWE doesn’t trot out this stipulation casually, which suggests they’re committed to making January 9th feel consequential.
Whether Rhodes retains or McIntyre finally captures championship gold, the match structure guarantees memorable moments across multiple falls with escalating violence.
SmackDown has positioned itself for a potentially game-changing night. Now WWE just needs to deliver an outcome that doesn’t follow the same tired script.