The latest developments in the WWE Universe highlight key upcoming matches and potential shifts in power dynamics within the organization. One of the most talked-about events is Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match on this Friday’s SmackDown. Reports indicate that there is growing internal support for McIntyre to win the title, marking a significant change in the championship landscape.
BodySlam.net has suggested that multiple WWE personnel are advocating for McIntyre to defeat Rhodes. As Rhodes is emerging as a prominent figure in WWE, maintaining the title at this juncture could shape the trajectory leading to WrestleMania 42. Although Rhodes has held the championship consistently, a loss at this point might raise questions about his reign’s long-term impact, especially with the Royal Rumble approaching, which traditionally signifies the start of the WrestleMania season.
Conversely, McIntyre, having not held the crown since 2021, presents a compelling case for a comeback. Many fans assumed Rhodes would retain, but the internal push for McIntyre adds a layer of suspense that could alter viewer expectations.
In other news, Tiffany Stratton has been absent from WWE programming for over two months, and her absence is reportedly due to injury. Named in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, specifics of the injury have not been disclosed. Stratton’s last appearance was on November 1, where she lost the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill, ending her 301-day reign. With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, her return could strategically benefit the women’s division, particularly if she aims to contest for the title again.
Meanwhile, WWE officials are reportedly optimistic about Oba Femi’s future within the company. Preparations are underway for his call-up to the main roster, with significant expectations that he could become one of the top performers. After a noteworthy draw against Cody Rhodes last month, there has been a notable focus on Femi, bolstered by vignettes aired during Raw and SmackDown. His recent successful title defense on NXT seems to indicate that he is on the verge of transitioning to a larger platform in WWE.
Femi’s potential, coupled with his impressive track record in NXT, where he held the NXT Championship twice, showcases WWE’s commitment to pushing new talent into key roles as they prepare for their major events. This nurturing of fresh stars is vital not only for the future of the organization but also for maintaining excitement among the fanbase. With the competitive landscape of WWE continuously evolving, fans are left eagerly anticipating these developments as they sculpt the road to WrestleMania.