{"id":150476,"date":"2026-01-11T13:24:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T18:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=150476"},"modified":"2026-01-11T13:24:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T18:24:56","slug":"why-cody-rhodes-second-undisputed-wwe-title-reign-was-underwhelming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/11\/why-cody-rhodes-second-undisputed-wwe-title-reign-was-underwhelming\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cody Rhodes’ Second Undisputed WWE Title Reign Was Underwhelming"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an epic twist that sent shockwaves through the entire WWE Universe, Drew McIntyre dethroned Cody Rhodes on SmackDown in Berlin<\/span><\/a>. McIntyre won the Three Stages of Hell Match<\/a><\/span> to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The Scottish Warrior’s fourth World Championship win gives the hardworking star his flowers in front of a live crowd.<\/p>\n

The conclusion of the bout was controversial. Jacob Fatu made his return in the closing moments. Fatu attacked McIntyre and Rhodes, but the chaos allowed the Scottish Warrior to escape through the steel cage door and win the top prize.<\/p>\n

Fans are excited about the Scottish Warrior’s World Championship win. The WWE Universe will not look upon Cody Rhodes’ second Undisputed WWE Championship with the same fondness.<\/p>\n

\"Drew
Photo credit: WWE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cody Rhodes was not really a full-time WWE Champion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The American Nightmare won the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, defeating John Cena in a hard-fought battle. However, Cody Rhodes almost immediately took time off to film a movie. McIntyre Claymored Rhodes’ skull through the announce table on the SmackDown after SummerSlam, writing the champion off TV.<\/p>\n

Rhodes was missing from TV for a month and returned just in time for his Wrestlepalooza title clash with McIntyre. Over the next few months, the son of the American Dream was more regular with his appearances on SmackDown. Nonetheless, it felt as if CM Punk was more dependable on RAW as the World Heavyweight Champion.<\/p>\n

The WWE Universe prefers a full-time champion, and Triple H was treating Rhodes more like a special attraction. The top prize of the company needs to be represented weekly, as it was during John Cena’s prime as the WWE Champion. Unfortunately, Rhodes wasn’t as regular or consistent as the champion.<\/p>\n