Get ready for a night of pure chaos and adrenaline, because WWE SmackDown is about to deliver a match so brutal, it’s only happened five times in 25 years—the legendary Three Stages of Hell. This Friday, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will push each other to the absolute limit, battling for the undisputed WWE Championship in a format that’s as rare as it is ruthless. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the ultimate test of a champion, or just a recipe for career-ending injuries? Let’s dive in.
Three Stages of Hell isn’t your average match—it’s a best two-out-of-three falls showdown, with each stage more intense than the last. First up, a traditional singles match where technical skill meets raw power. If that doesn’t settle it, the action spills into a Falls Count Anywhere match, where the ring is just the starting point. And if we’re still tied? The final stage locks them inside a steel cage, where only one man walks out the champion. This format has only featured WWE icons like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, John Cena, and Shawn Michaels—now Rhodes and McIntyre join that elite club. But the question remains: Who will survive the hell they’ve signed up for?
And this is the part most people miss: While the main event steals the spotlight, SmackDown’s undercard is packed with fireworks. Trick Williams, the former two-time NXT champion, makes his highly anticipated SmackDown debut against the high-flying Rey Fenix. Plus, in an eight-man tag team brawl, The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy) clash with Solo Sikoa’s MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, JC Mateo, and more). This isn’t just a show—it’s a statement of dominance.
Controversy alert: Some fans argue that the Three Stages of Hell match is outdated and unnecessarily risky. Do you think WWE is pushing the limits too far, or is this the kind of high-stakes action that makes wrestling unforgettable? Sound off in the comments!
Here’s the full lineup for Friday night’s SmackDown at Uber Arena in Berlin, starting at 8 p.m. ET, with live updates and highlights from CBS Sports:
WWE SmackDown Card
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (Three Stages of Hell match)
- SmackDown Debut: Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix
- Eight-Man Tag Team Match: The Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs
Don’t miss a second of the action—this is one night where hell isn’t just a metaphor. It’s the main event.
