Drew McIntyre has become the new WWE Undisputed Champion, capturing the coveted title on Friday Night SmackDown. The Scottish Warrior achieved this victory after defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, with a significant interruption by a returning Jacob Fatu.
During a tense moment near the match’s conclusion, fans at the Berlin venue witnessed Jacob Fatu making a surprise return to WWE as he attacked both McIntyre and Rhodes. While Fatu engaged with “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, McIntyre seized the opportunity and stealthily escaped through the steel cage, clinching his victory and claiming the championship.
First Appearance as Champion: A Homecoming in Glasgow
Following his championship triumph, Drew McIntyre made his first public appearance as the Undisputed WWE Champion at a WWE house show in Glasgow, Scotland. The event, held at the OVO Hydro on January 10, brought the newly crowned champion back to his homeland to address a local crowd eager to celebrate his achievement.
During this emotional homecoming, McIntyre spoke directly to his Scottish fans:
“I assume a lot of you have been coming to the WWE Hydro shows for a few years now, yeah? You’ve probably heard me repeatedly make you a promise that I’m gonna win the WWE Championship and I’m gonna bring it back to Scotland.“Well, the first time I won the WWE Championship the World had to go shutting down on us. I won it twice and I’m proud of what we did during that period, we gave people an escape during scary times, but I swore I would get the title back, and it has been years and years of disappointment. I’ve been screwed over, but still believing in myself because I’ve got this weird condition that makes me mental; I’m Scottish!“Last night, you couldn’t have written it any better. I won the WWE Championship and the very first place I was able to walk out in front of live fans as the number one wrestler on planet Earth, was Glasgow, where I could fulfill my promise!”
This impactful return was celebrated both by the live attendees and WWE fans worldwide, as McIntyre fulfilled his long-held promise to bring the title home.
“PROMISE. KEPT. 🙌🔥 @DMcIntyreWWEpic.twitter.com/m4r0pQ6BFu— WWE (@WWE) January 10, 2026”
Unforgettable Match Sets Stage for McIntyre’s Reign
The bout in Berlin will be remembered for its unpredictability and the involvement of multiple stars. The match not only saw McIntyre clash with Rhodes in a physically demanding Three Stages of Hell scenario but also included the shocking appearance of Jacob Fatu, whose attack shifted the momentum at a critical point. Despite the chaos and interference, the Scottish Warrior’s determination led him to seize victory when it mattered most.
The live crowd’s reaction was significant, as attendees in Berlin were vocal in expressing their preferences for the new WWE Undisputed Champion. Such intense audience engagement underlines the event’s importance within WWE storylines and highlights McIntyre’s international appeal.
Rivalries and Reactions Among Wrestling’s Biggest Names
McIntyre’s win has sparked commentary and tributes throughout the wrestling world. CM Punk, a notable WWE rival of McIntyre with whom he has shared a longstanding and intense feud, subtly paid tribute to the new champion. WWE stalwarts such as Shawn Michaels were also mentioned in broader wrestling discussions, with topics arising about support—or lack thereof—during challenging times for various wrestlers.
McIntyre’s crowd address also recalled the broader challenges he has faced during his career, including previous championship wins affected by the global shutdown and years of setbacks. Still, this latest victory stands apart as a crowning achievement, realized in front of his home fans in Scotland after years of perseverance.
Looking Ahead: Significance and Next Steps for Drew McIntyre
With this latest title run, Drew McIntyre not only fulfills his personal vow to deliver championship glory to Scotland but also cements his legacy in WWE history. The historic scenes in Glasgow, coming directly after the drama in Berlin, demonstrate McIntyre’s resilience, global support, and unique connection with fans.
As McIntyre embarks on his reign as WWE Undisputed Champion, attention will turn to how he navigates future rivalries, possible rematches against Cody Rhodes, and the looming presence of unpredictable stars like Jacob Fatu. The story continues to unfold as the WWE landscape adjusts to McIntyre’s prominent role atop the organization.
PROMISE. KEPT. 🙌🔥 @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/m4r0pQ6BFu
— WWE (@WWE) January 10, 2026
