Drew McIntyre Breaks Character to Praise New WWE Champion

Drew McIntyre WWE champion
Drew McIntyre WWE champion celebrates fellow Scottish NXT title winner. [Image Source: WRESTLINGINC]
Smackdown

Drew McIntyre, typically recognized for his heel persona and rarely showing appreciation for other wrestlers, recently stepped out of character to congratulate Joe Hendry on capturing the NXT Championship. Hendry secured the developmental brand’s top title during last week’s episode, and McIntyre publicly acknowledged this achievement as the current Undisputed WWE Champion.

Known as the Scottish Warrior, McIntyre holds the Undisputed WWE Championship on the SmackDown roster, where he plays a dominant heel role. Despite his usual approach, he took a moment to praise Hendry by responding to a past tweet from Hendry related to his earlier TNA World title win. McIntyre shared a photo displaying both himself with the WWE title alongside Hendry with the NXT belt.

Journey to McIntyre’s Recent Championship Victory

McIntyre has been locked in a heated rivalry with Cody Rhodes since September of last year, chasing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Although he came close to winning several times, setbacks and interference prevented him from claiming the title. That struggle concluded at the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown in Berlin.

During that event, McIntyre and Rhodes battled in a Three Stages of Hell match featuring multiple rounds, including a decisive Steel Cage contest. After both wrestlers won one stage each, the final round unfolded inside the cage. A surprise interference from Jacob Fatu helped McIntyre escape the cage first, earning his fourth World Championship in WWE.

Outlook for McIntyre Ahead of WrestleMania

With WrestleMania just weeks away, anticipation builds around what lies ahead for the 40-year-old Drew McIntyre. His latest championship victory positions him at the forefront of WWE storylines, and fans are eager to see how he continues to assert his dominance on SmackDown while supporting peers like Joe Hendry within the company.

“It is great to see Drew McIntyre go out of character to celebrate such a big moment in the career of his fellow Scottish star.”

– Unattributed

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Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.