Hold onto your seats, wrestling fans, because Drew McIntyre just dropped a bombshell that’s set to shake up the WWE universe! In a move that’s already sparking debates, McIntyre has chosen a stipulation for his WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes that no one saw coming. But here’s where it gets controversial: he’s bringing back the Three Stages of Hell match—a grueling, three-part battle that hasn’t been seen in over 12 years. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a rematch; it’s a trilogy bout that could redefine both competitors’ legacies.
During Friday’s SmackDown, spoilers from the pre-taped Boxing Day episode revealed that McIntyre met with General Manager Nick Aldis to finalize his return to TV. McIntyre, determined to keep Rhodes from moving on, demanded another shot at the title—but with a catch. Aldis agreed, on the condition that McIntyre pay his fines and apologize for his recent attack on referee Dan Engler. The segment ended with a heated confrontation as Rhodes ambushed McIntyre, setting the stage for their explosive clash.
Here’s the kicker: the Three Stages of Hell stipulation means McIntyre and Rhodes will face off in three distinct matches in one night, each with its own unique rules. The last time this happened, John Cena defended his WWE Championship against Ryback in a Lumberjack match, a Tables match, and an Ambulance match—talk about raising the stakes!
But is McIntyre biting off more than he can chew, or is this the genius move that secures his place as a WWE legend? Some fans argue this stipulation favors McIntyre’s brute strength and endurance, while others believe Rhodes’ versatility could outmaneuver him. What do you think? Is this a masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!