Drew McIntyre WWE Title victory on January 9’s Friday Night SmackDown became a memorable moment as McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a dramatic Three Stages of Hell Match. The Scottish wrestler secured his fourth world championship after overcoming unexpected challenges during the event’s closing moments in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Unpredictable Finish Shakes Up Main Event
McIntyre appeared on the verge of losing when Jacob Fatu suddenly returned and launched an attack on him late in the match. In a shocking twist, Fatu also turned on Cody Rhodes, catching both the audience and wrestlers off guard. This chaos provided McIntyre with an opportunity to escape through the cage door, clinching a 2-1 victory and winning the championship.
Last-Minute Decisions Add to Backstage Tension
Reports from BodySlam indicate that WWE officials entertained several different ideas for the match’s conclusion before choosing the storyline where Jacob Fatu would inadvertently assist McIntyre. It is noted that the main event wrestlers, including Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, were not informed about this finish until a few hours before their entrance, contributing to heightened backstage uncertainty.
Push for Title Change Comes After Previous Delays
Both McIntyre and Rhodes had advocated for a title change at the September Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view, but WWE ultimately postponed this decision. Their collective effort to see McIntyre crowned champion finally succeeded on SmackDown, influenced by the unfolding drama inside the steel cage.
Victory Signifies a New Chapter for McIntyre
This win marks Drew McIntyre as a three-time WWE Champion and a one-time World Heavyweight Champion. Unlike his previous reigns, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic without fans in attendance, this victory allowed McIntyre to hold the title in front of a live audience. The significance of this moment is compounded by the shifting creative direction and unpredictable decisions that dominated the lead-up to the Three Stages of Hell match.
McIntyre’s path to another WWE Title highlights the evolving nature of major wrestling events and reveals the complex backstage dynamics that influence the sport’s biggest moments. With such an eventful victory and the involvement of figures like Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, fans can expect future storylines and rivalries shaped by this dramatic title change.
