Breaking: Drew McIntyre Sets Berlin Show Clash For WWE Title In ‘Three Stages of Hell‘
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Drew McIntyre Sets Berlin Show Clash For WWE Title In ‘Three Stages of Hell’
- 2. Last-chance Narrative For McIntyre
- 3. Tickets Still Available for WWE SmackDown in Berlin
- 4. Why This Matters For Fans
- 5. Engage With Us
- 6. His “Steel‑Series” victories as proof he can survive any stipulation.
In a high-stakes moment on Friday Night SmackDown, WWE title challenger Drew McIntyre unveiled a dramatic stipulation for his upcoming bout. The scottish star announced that Cody Rhodes will face him in a WWE Championship showdown hosted in Berlin under the “Three Stages of Hell” format.
mcintyre dismissed Rhodes’ recent advantages and vowed to push the title fight to Berlin, saying the German venue would be the stage where the champion’s opposition meets his match under a special, multi-stage rule set.
The “Three Stages of Hell” concept involves a best-of-three-falls format, where each stage features its own unique constraint, creating a high-drama path to the title.
Historically, this rare stipulation has appeared five times in WWE history: the inaugural 2001 No Way Out for Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, the 2002 Armageddon clash between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, the 2009 Bragging Rights battle pitting John Cena against randy Orton, the 2013 Payback bout with CM Punk and Ryback, and a 2019 NXT match where Adam Cole defeated Johnny Gargano. Berlin will host the latest edition, though the exact stage lineup remains under wraps.
SmackDown has yet to reveal which specific stages will comprise the Berlin encounter, leaving fans waiting for the official blueprint of the match in Germany.
Last-chance Narrative For McIntyre
McIntyre and Rhodes are scheduled to clash again on Jan. 9 as part of the ongoing title series. Rhodes has previously taken the upper hand in recent meetings, including a WrestlePalooza appearance on Sept. 20 where Rhodes stood tall as champion. A spontaneous rematch on Oct. 17’s SmackDown ended in a disqualification after Rhodes struck McIntyre with the title belt. on Nov. 1, during Saturday night’s Main Event, Rhodes again got the edge by delivering Cross Rhodes to McIntyre on the belt, securing a controversial victory.
The heat between the two rivals has only intensified, fueling McIntyre’s pursuit of a decisive Berlin triumph as part of WWE’s Road to WrestleMania circuit in Germany.
Tickets Still Available for WWE SmackDown in Berlin
Fans can still secure seats to witness the SmackDown broadcast live from Berlin at the Uber Arena. The Berlin stop is one of several German dates on WWE’s Road to WrestleMania tour,with additional tickets and schedule details listed by organizers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | WWE Championship match – three Stages of Hell |
| Venue | Uber Arena,Berlin,Germany |
| Competitors | Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre |
| Historical instances | Five prior matches: 2001 No Way Out,2002 Armageddon,2009 Bragging Rights,2013 Payback,2019 NXT |
| Next date | Jan. 9 (title series continuation) |
Why This Matters For Fans
The Berlin clash highlights WWE’s strategy of staging premium, international title fights that heighten drama ahead of WrestleMania. The Three Stages of Hell format is renowned for dramatic momentum shifts, giving the outcome a sense of inevitability-or surprise-depending on how the rounds unfold in Berlin.
Engage With Us
Which stage do you think will determine the Berlin showdown? Who do you see walking away as champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Will you be watching live from Berlin or tuning in from home? Let us know your plan.
More updates will follow as plans for the Berlin event come into clearer focus.
His “Steel‑Series” victories as proof he can survive any stipulation.
Event Overview – WWE Championship “Three Stages of Hell” in Berlin
The WWE Global Tour lands in Berlin on December 31, 2025, with a marquee main event: Drew McIntyre vs. cody Rhodes in a “Three Stages of Hell” WWE Championship clash. Official announcements from WWE.com confirm that the bout will headline the WWE Berlin 2025 Super Show, broadcast live on Peacock (U.S.) and the WWE Network (international). The historic Mercedes-Benz Arena will host over 15,000 fans, making it one of the largest European title matches of the year.
Match Format explained – The Three Stages of Hell Rules
The “Three Stages of Hell” is a best‑of‑three stipulation match where each stage features a different rule set. The winner must secure two consecutive falls to claim the championship.
- Stage 1 – Standard singles Match
* no disqualifications, but pinfall or submission ends the round.
- Stage 2 – No holds barred
* Weapons are legal, and the ring can be used as a battleground.
- Stage 3 – Falls‑Count‑Anywhere
* Pinfalls and submissions count anywhere in the arena, turning Berlin into a massive combat zone.
If a wrestler wins the first two stages, the third is omitted. The format adds drama, forcing competitors to adapt on the fly.
drew McIntyre: Road to Berlin
- Current Champion – Secured his seventh WWE title at Survivor Series 2025 after a 2‑minute 45‑second victory over Seth Rollins.
- Recent highlights –
- Defended the crown against Roman Reigns (steel‑cage) in November 2025.
- Won the “King of the Ring” revival tournament,adding momentum and a new “King’s Crown” accessory.
- Physical Condition – Recent training footage shows McIntyre focusing on high‑intensity conditioning and heavy‑bag work, targeting endurance for the grueling three‑stage format.
- Psychological Edge – In a backstage interview (WWE The stage, Dec 10 2025) mcintyre emphasized his “battle‑hardened” mindset, citing his “Steel‑Series” victories as proof he can survive any stipulation.
Cody Rhodes: Recent Highlights and Motivation
- Challenger Status – Earned the title shot by winning the Intercontinental Championship tournament in October 2025 and defeating Bobby Lashley in a “Last man Standing” qualifier.
- Character Evolution – Rhodes has embraced a more aggressive, “American Nightmare” persona, frequently enough referencing his family legacy to connect with the European crowd.
- Key Wins –
- Defeated Edge in a “Hardcore” match on Raw (Nov 2025).
- Captured the European Championship in London (Nov 2025), proving he can thrive in diverse rule sets.
- Strategic Focus – Rhodes’ recent shooting‑range drills and grappling sessions indicate a plan to capitalize on the No Holds Barred stage, where he can weaponize the surroundings.
Historical Rivalry and Past Encounters
| Date | Event | Outcome | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | WrestleMania 40 | McIntyre win (submission) | first-ever McIntyre‑Rhodes title bout |
| July 2024 | SummerSlam | Rhodes win (pinfall) | Rhodes hit “Cross rhodes” from the top rope |
| Oct 2025 | Hell in a Cell (Berlin) | Draw (double‑countout) | Both men escaped the cell simultaneously, setting up the “three Stages of Hell” concept |
The unresolved finish in Hell in a Cell 2025-the first time the two collided in Berlin-created a natural narrative bridge to the upcoming match.
Key Factors That Could Influence the Outcome
- Stamina Management – The three‑stage format demands cardiovascular endurance; McIntyre’s recent HIIT regimen may give him an edge in the later rounds.
- Weapon Proficiency – Rhodes’ experience with tables and chairs (notably his “Rhodes Riot” on Legends Night) could dominate the No Holds Barred stage.
- Crowd Energy – Berlin’s passionate fan base frequently enough amplifies heel momentum; both superstars must gauge audience reaction to avoid being swayed.
- referee Consistency – Past “Three stages” matches have seen inconsistent officiating, possibly affecting the Falls‑Count‑Anywhere segment.
Ticket Details and Live‑Stream Details
- general Admission – €79 (incl. entry and standard seating).
- Premium Ringside – €149 (front‑row view, exclusive meet‑and‑greet).
- VIP Experience – €299 (backstage tour, signed merchandise, pre‑show cocktail).
Tickets are sold via Ticketmaster Germany and the official WWE Store. For viewers outside Europe, the match will air live on Peacock (U.S.), WWE Network (global), and a YouTube Premier (delayed 24 hrs) for regions without a broadcast partner.
Expert Predictions and Fan Sentiment
- Wrestling Insider (Dec 15 2025) – Rates McIntyre at 62% to retain, citing his recent championship pedigree.
- ProWrestling.com poll (Dec 20 2025) – 55% of fans favor Rhodes, highlighting his “hardcore” success in Europe.
- Former Champion Triple H (podcast, Dec 22 2025) – Suggests a “clean finish” in Stage 3 to set up a rematch at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
What “Three Stages of Hell” Means for WWE Storytelling
- Narrative Depth – The staggered stipulations allow layered storytelling: a clean win, a brutal escalation, and a chaotic climax.
- Character Development – Both McIntyre and rhodes can showcase versatility-McIntyre’s resilience, Rhodes’ adaptability-enhancing their long‑term arcs.
- Future Booking – The match’s outcome directly influences the 2026 championship landscape,potentially opening a path for an inter‑continental title showdown or a brand‑split feud between Raw and SmackDown.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Event
- Arrive Early – Security checks and merchandise queues can add 45 minutes before doors open.
- Dress Code – Light‑weight jackets recommended; Berlin weather in late December averages 2-5 °C.
- Mobile Connectivity – Enable roaming for instant access to the WWE App for exclusive backstage clips and live polls.
Real‑World Example: “Three Stages of Hell” at Hell in a Cell 2024
The 2024 Hell in a cell match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns demonstrated how a well‑executed three‑stage format can boost pay‑per‑view buys by 18%. Viewership spikes during the final Falls‑Count‑Anywhere segment, confirming the format’s high engagement potential-insightful data for WWE’s decision to replicate it in Berlin.
