Drew McIntyre claimed the WWE Championship once again on January 9th during the SmackDown event held on a European tour, marking a historic moment by bringing the title back to his native Scotland. This victory concluded a fierce three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes, highlighting McIntyre’s determined journey to reclaim the championship on home soil.
Intense Three Stages of Hell Match Defines McIntyre’s Triumph
The battle between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes unfolded in three punishing segments for the WWE Championship. McIntyre secured the first fall in a traditional singles match, showing his strength and skill. However, Rhodes struck back in the second fall, a falls count anywhere match, leveling the competition dramatically. The decisive third round took place inside a steel cage, where McIntyre, despite interference from his returning adversary Jacob Fatu, found a way to escape and secure the championship.
During the cage match, tension escalated as Fatu attacked McIntyre unexpectedly, but Rhodes intervened to protect McIntyre. In a surprising twist, Fatu betrayed Rhodes, which allowed McIntyre to slip out of the cage and claim his third WWE Championship. This victory not only reinforced McIntyre’s dominance but also set the stage for renewed rivalries within WWE’s competitive landscape.
Following the win, McIntyre wasted no time displaying the WWE Championship in Scotland, uniting his career’s pinnacle achievement with his home country and thrilling fans of Scottish wrestling.
Drew McIntyre Reflects on Building Wrestling Culture in Scotland
In an interview with BBC Scotland, McIntyre shared his emotional reflections on his journey from a hopeful young wrestler to a three-time WWE Champion. He recalled how the Scottish wrestling scene was almost nonexistent when he began, requiring him and others to start their own movement from scratch.
“It’s all I ever wanted to do. Ever since I was a kid and I saw WWE for the first time, I was captivated, and I had two goals: I was going to play for Rangers or I was going to wrestle for WWE. When I first started wrestling in Scotland, the Scottish wrestling scene was dead and we had to start our own scene basically, and we were very lucky to get a farmer and a dog in attendance. I never lose that perspective of that young Drew, dreaming and pushing and everyone telling me ‘Come on mate, that’s an American thing you’re not gonna do that’, and achieving it. So every single day I feel so grateful to do what I’m doing because eventually it’s all going to be memories. I’ve had a couple of history-making moments, like when I first won the WWE Title, I was the first ever Scot to win it – first person from Scotland or England. So I guess I am currently the best in the world. And what are the chances? What are the chances? I keep saying it over and over because I don’t believe it quite yet that the first match I’m going to have is back home in Scotland, where it all began.”
— Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
McIntyre’s words capture the unwavering determination that fueled his rise, emphasizing the significance of achieving global success while remaining rooted in his Scottish origins. His victory as the first wrestler from Scotland—and the broader UK—to hold the WWE Championship is a landmark moment in wrestling history that inspires upcoming athletes from the region.
Historic Milestone for Scottish and UK Wrestling
McIntyre’s achievement resonates beyond his personal success; it symbolizes the growth and revitalization of professional wrestling in Scotland. Previously, the wrestling scene there was minimal, nearly fading out before McIntyre and his peers revived it. Now, with McIntyre holding WWE’s top title, the spotlight shines brightly on Scottish wrestling’s potential on the world stage.
Drew McIntyre, from Ayr in Scotland, is the first UK wrestler to become WWE champion
— BBC Scotland News
This landmark win draws significant recognition to Scottish wrestlers and highlights the nation’s increasing influence in global wrestling entertainment. The timing of McIntyre’s victory during a European tour also underscores WWE’s expanding international presence and fanbase.
Upcoming Storylines and WWE Developments After McIntyre’s Win
As McIntyre celebrates returning the WWE Championship to Scotland, WWE’s broader storyline landscape continues to evolve. Other major events include Tommy Dreamer revealing that Stacks will defend the International Championship on January 15 during Impact’s debut on AMC.
Meanwhile, NXT’s rising star Ethan Page is slated to defend the North American Championship next week, adding more excitement to WWE’s growing roster competition. Becky Lynch has recently marked a special WWE anniversary, reinforcing her enduring status as a key figure within the organization.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, have also secured an official tag team name alongside new merchandise to promote their partnership, broadening their impact outside the ring.
The charismatic Usos are preparing for an unscripted series, blending real-life dynamics with their wrestling careers, while a surprising appearance by a WWE star during RAW has introduced fresh tensions and rivalries in the current story arcs.
WWE’s Shifting Calendar and Hall of Famer’s Comeback Challenge
WWE recently adjusted its event calendar, a move believed to align with strategic broadcast and touring plans to maximize audience engagement globally. The organization continues to adapt its schedule to meet fan demand and evolving market conditions.
However, not all news has been celebratory; a WWE Hall of Famer, eager to return after extensive training, faced heartbreak after being denied a comeback opportunity. This incident highlights the competitive and often unpredictable nature of WWE’s professional environment.
Significance of McIntyre’s Championship Win and What Lies Ahead
Drew McIntyre’s latest WWE Championship victory solidifies his position as one of the organization’s premier talents and serves as a beacon for wrestling fans in Scotland and across the UK. His accomplishment underscores the possibilities for wrestlers emerging from regions outside traditional wrestling strongholds, inspiring a new generation to pursue their ambitions.
As WWE expands its global footprint, McIntyre’s return to Scotland with the title symbolizes the melding of local passion with international success. Future events are likely to focus heavily on McIntyre’s reign, his ongoing rivalries with figures like Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, and the evolving storylines within NXT and Impact Wrestling.
With WWE’s dynamic schedule and roster developments, fans can expect an exciting year ahead, highlighted by intense competition and groundbreaking moments following McIntyre’s historic championship homecoming.
Drew McIntyre, from Ayr in Scotland, is the first UK wrestler to become WWE champion
See more stories from across Scotland: https://t.co/JI3AQNSBnI pic.twitter.com/IcMlCP3T9B
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) January 13, 2026
