Drew McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship on Friday night’s WWE SmackDown, defeating Cody Rhodes in a thrilling Three Stages of Hell Match. The victory, which highlights McIntyre’s resilience and strategic prowess, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing WWE Championship saga and features the focus keyword: Drew McIntyre Undisputed WWE Champion.
Crowning a New Champion in the Main Event
The evening’s headline match saw Cody Rhodes put his title on the line against Drew McIntyre, whose determination was matched by the stakes of the Three Stages of Hell format. The contest unfolded over three distinct stages, each test of endurance and skill more taxing than the last. McIntyre seized the first fall in a standard contest, cleverly avoiding a German suplex from Rhodes by clinging to the turnbuckle. He escalated the intensity by tearing away the padding and striking with a low blow, immediately following up with his signature Claymore kick to pin Rhodes for the first count.
Rhodes Responds in Fierce Second Round
Undeterred by the early setback, Cody Rhodes rallied during the Falls Count Anywhere second fall. Displaying his adaptability and signature move, Cross Rhodes, he secured victory by slamming McIntyre onto the announce table and equalizing the match. This segment showcased both competitors’ stamina and devotion, keeping the outcome uncertain for spectators and underlining the unpredictable nature of WWE’s championship matches.
A Thrilling Steel Cage Showdown and a Shocking Return
The third and final fall brought the drama into a steel cage. As McIntyre moved to escape and secure victory, the unexpected return of Jacob Fatu shifted the atmosphere. Fatu intervened by shoving down the referee and headbutting McIntyre, injecting chaos into the already tense proceedings. Cody Rhodes attempted to counter Fatu’s interference, but the ensuing struggle paved the way for McIntyre, who managed to crawl to the cage door and tumble to the arena floor, clinching the win and claiming the championship.
Implications of McIntyre’s Third Reign and the Road Ahead
Drew McIntyre’s triumph concludes Cody Rhodes’ second title reign at 159 days, a run that began with a noteworthy victory over John Cena at WWE SummerSlam. This accomplishment represents McIntyre’s third reign as Undisputed WWE Champion and signals a fresh chapter in the division. Looking forward, McIntyre is set to defend his newly-won title at the 2026 Royal Rumble, facing the winner from an upcoming Fatal 4-Way Match scheduled for January 24 during Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Royal Rumble itself is slated for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will be accessible to fans through the ESPN Unlimited app and internationally on Netflix.
This shift at the top of WWE’s championship landscape not only spotlights the unpredictability of title bouts but also sets the stage for dynamic rivalries as WrestleMania season approaches, keeping fans worldwide eagerly anticipating what comes next for Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and the Undisputed WWE Championship lineage.
