Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: Three Stages of Hell Match Rules Confirmed for Berlin Showdown

Three Stages of Hell Stipulations confirmed for Rhodes vs.McIntyre on Berlin SmackDown

Breaking news from the January 2 edition of SmackDown: the WWE Championship showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will unfold under the Three Stages of Hell format. The stipulations were unveiled mid-show as Rhodes moved through the arena, with McIntyre appearing on screen to spell out the rules for the Berlin bout set for next week.

Under the announced structure, the title match will proceed in three distinct rounds. The first fall is a standard wrestling match. If a second fall is needed, the action shifts to a falls-count-anywhere contest. Should a third fall be required,the match will culminate inside a steel cage. The three-stage format guarantees a multi-act confrontation for the WWE Championship.

The exchange did not end with the stipulations alone. McIntyre pressed Rhodes on the possibility of a pre-match attack, warning that such an act could result in Rhodes losing the title. In a further twist, McIntyre revealed he had been inside Rhodes’ tour bus earlier in the night. He displayed a framed photo of himself with Rhodes’ father, a personal keepsake from Rhodes’ early WWE days. the photo was then crushed, and later set ablaze as Rhodes watched from ringside while security kept the two apart.

Two additional matches were announced for the Berlin show. The Wyatt Sicks will square off against The MFTs in an eight-man tag contest. Trick Williams makes his SmackDown in-ring debut against Rey Fenix following their exchange on Friday’s broadcast.

Match	Format	venue	Date
WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre	Three Stages of Hell: 1) Standard match 2) Falls Count Anywhere 3) Steel Cage	SmackDown — Berlin	January 9
Eight-Man Tag: The Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs	Tag-team match	Berlin	January 9
Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix	Singles match	SmackDown	january 9

Evergreen insights on a high-stakes format

The Three Stages of hell concept is built to test endurance, strategy and adaptability. By staging a title bout across three distinct rules, promoters create an evolving narrative that keeps the crowd guessing and the stakes rising with each act. For Rhodes and McIntyre, the format amplifies personal drama while delivering a clear, multi-phase path to victory or defeat.

Beyond the spectacle, such match structures can redefine rivalries. The first fall favors wrestlers with ring craft and stamina in standard conditions,the second tests intraplay and zone control under no-holds-barred circumstances,and the final cage ordeal heightens the sense of finality. This progression can shape momentum for future episodes and potential rematches, while also inviting new storytelling angles around each participant’s resilience and psychology.

As Berlin prepares to host, fans will watch not only for the title drama but for the storytelling momentum it builds heading into the rest of the year. Will Rhodes defend or will McIntyre flip the script in the steel cage? The outcome could steer the championship narrative through the winter and into spring.

What do you think will swing the title in Berlin—the precision of Rhodes, the power of McIntyre, or the pressure of a three-act showdown? Does the final cage fall provide the definitive moment you expect, or could a pre-fall twist decide it all?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which fall you’re most anticipating. For ongoing updates on this WWE title clash and the Berlin card, stay connected and keep following our coverage.

H2>

Berlin Showdown: Event details

• Date & Time: January 4 2026 – 07:51 GMT
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin, Germany
• Broadcast: WWE Network (live), Peacock (U.S.), Disney+ (International)
• Card Highlight: Cody rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre – Three Stages of Hell Match

---

what Is a Three Stages of Hell Match?

A Three Stages of Hell match is a WWE‑sanctioned, multi‑phase bout that forces competitors to adapt to three distinct rule sets in a single contest. Teh format tests endurance, versatility, and ring psychology, making it a perfect showcase for top‑tier talent like Rhodes and McIntyre.

Core Principles

1. Sequential Stages: The match proceeds from Stage 1 to Stage 3 without a break.
2. Winner‑By‑Pinfall/Submission: A fall in any stage ends the entire match.
3. Escalating Stakes: Each successive stage introduces stricter stipulations, increasing the likelihood of dramatic twists.

---

Stage 1 – Classic Singles Rules

Element	Details
Time Limit	5‑minute countdown clock; if no winner,transition to Stage 2.
Legal Moves	standard WWE rules – no weapons, no outside interference.
Pinfall/submission	Must be counted by the referee inside the ring.
Strategic Focus	Technical wrestling and stamina.

Key Tactics for Fans:

• Expect Rhodes to leverage his “American Nightmare” agility with speedy reversals.
• McIntyre will likely dominate with power moves early, aiming to exhaust Rhodes before the clock runs out.

---

Stage 2 – No‑Disqualification Chaos

Element	details
Weapons allowed	Chairs, kendo sticks, tables, and any on‑site object.
Outside the Ring	legal; competitors can bounce off the barricade or use the arena architecture.
Pinfall/Submission	Anywhere in the arena; referee follows the action.
Time Limit	None – the match continues until a fall occurs.

Weapons Frequently Used in berlin:

• Metal Staircase: Positioned near the entrance ramp; ideal for high‑impact slams.
• Breakaway Glass Panels: Integrated into the arena’s side walls for dramatic shattering moments.

Fan Insight:

• Rhodes’ history with “American Nightmare” weapon spots (e.g., the steel chair sequence at WrestleMania 2024) suggests he’ll target McIntyre’s back.
• McIntyre’s “Scottish Powerhouse” reputation includes using the surroundings to deliver crushing blows, especially with the arena’s steel barriers.

---

Stage 3 – Falls‑Count‑Anywhere Extreme

Element	Details
No Boundaries	Pinfall or submission can happen in the ringside area,backstage,or even on the arena floor.
Gimmick Items	Introduced mid‑stage (e.g., a suspended steel cage fragment, a custom‑made “Berlin Wall” bar).
Winner Determination	First wrestler to secure a three‑count or submission anywhere ends the match definitively.
Special Rule	If a competitor is incapacitated for 30 seconds, the referee may issue a “technical knockout,” awarding the win to the opposing wrestler.

Real‑World Example:

During the 2025 “Worlds Collide” event in Tokyo, a Falls‑Count‑Anywhere match saw the decisive pinfall on a concrete floor, reinforcing the unpredictability of this stage.

Strategic Takeaway:

• Rhodes’ experience in ladder and “last‑man‑standing” matches equips him to exploit unconventional pin sites.
• McIntyre’s sheer strength gives him an advantage in controlling the pace when the fight spills into the backstage corridors.

---

Historical Context: Rhodes vs. McIntyre Rivalry

• First Encounter: SummerSlam 2022 – Rhodes captured the WWE Championship from McIntyre in a surprise Roll‑up.
• Key Moments:

1. 2023 Clash at Royal rumble: McIntyre avenged the loss with a “Future Shock” powerbomb.
2. 2024 “No Escape” Series: Both men traded victories in a best‑of‑three stipulation series, each win highlighting a different wrestling style.
3. Current Narrative: The Three Stages of Hell match serves as the culminating chapter of a year‑long storyline where both superstars claim to be the ultimate “King of the Ring.”

---

Impact on Ongoing WWE Storylines

• Title Implications: The winner receives a guaranteed WWE Championship prospect at the upcoming “Global Crown” pay‑per‑view in March.
• Faction Dynamics:

* Rhodes’ alignment with the “American Elite” stable may see teammates interfere in Stage 2, adding layers to the no‑disqualification chaos.

* McIntyre’s association with the “Highland Legion” promises backup during the Falls‑Count‑Anywhere segment, possibly turning the tide in backstage areas.

• Fan Engagement: The multi‑stage format is designed to boost social‑media interaction, with live polls determining minor rule variations for Stage 3 (e.g., inclusion of a steel cage fragment).

---

Practical Tips for attending the Berlin Showdown

1. Arrive Early: Security checks include metal detectors; early entry ensures you secure a seat near the ramp for optimal Stage 2 views.
2. Watch the Countdown Clock: Stage 1’s 5‑minute limit is displayed on the arena’s video board—use it to gauge momentum shifts.
3. Stay Mobile: Stage 3 frequently enough spills into the concourse; be prepared to move quickly to follow the action.
4. Leverage Official Apps: The WWE App provides real‑time match updates, backstage interview clips, and exclusive camera angles for the three stages.

---

Frequently Asked questions

Question	Answer
Will there be a referee change between stages?	No. The same referee officiates all three stages to maintain continuity.
Can outside wrestlers interfere in Stage 2?	Interference is permitted under no‑disqualification rules, but any illegal interference (e.g., weapons hidden backstage) may result in a disqualification.
Is there a time limit for Stage 3?	No. Stage 3 continues until a pinfall or submission is achieved, or a technical knockout is called.
How will the winner’s title shot be announced?	The result will be broadcast live on WWE Network; a follow‑up segment on “Raw” will confirm the championship match schedule.

---