Tonight’s edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown saw Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed Championship reign come to a shocking end at 159 days, at the hands of Drew McIntyre.
Due to interference by the returning former United States Champion, Jacob Fatu, on the blue brand, the Scotsman capitalized on the opportunity and found a way to crawl out of the cage and secure the big win.
The shocking title change has stunned the pro-wrestling world. Fans are now sharing their conspiracy theories about it. In this article, we explore an evergreen theory that The Rock was the real mastermind behind Rhodes’ title loss:
🚨 AND NEW
Drew McIntyre has defeated Cody Rhodes to become the new Undisputed Champion.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Kqhwj0csvu
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 9, 2026
#1. The Final Boss sent his family member to help Drew McIntyre defeat Cody Rhodes
Jacob Fatu and The Rock are related, sharing the same family tree. There is a wild chance that it was all a setup by The People’s Champion to hunt The American Nightmare.
Soon, the Brahma Bull may return to the Stamford-based promotion and reveal the secret that he was the one who sent Fatu to cost Rhodes his title, setting up a feud for WrestleMania 42.
#2. The Rock and Cody Rhodes’ WWE saga is not over yet
The Final Boss and The American Nightmare have been engaged in a feud since WWE WrestleMania XL, and it’s been two years. Their rivalry hasn’t reached a conclusion as of now.
World Wrestling Entertainment needs to end this feud. This year’s Showcase of the Immortals could finally be booked as the finale of the long-term storyline between The Rock and Cody. If somehow the Attitude Era legend could tie himself to Rhodes’ title loss, he could directly enter the equation with the 40-year-old former champion.
#3. Drew McIntyre is The Rock’s champion
The Scottish Warrior shares a close bond with The Final Boss, and the two have been spotted together multiple times. Also, Drew never misses a chance to explain how far his relationship with The Brahma Bull has gone.
In a wild speculation, there is a chance that The Scottish Warrior sold his soul to The Rock, as John Cena turned babyface last year at WWE SummerSlam and soon The American Nightmare clinched the title. McIntyre could have come after him on The Rock’s orders and, in 2026, finally finished his job of dethroning Rhodes.
