Drew McIntyre solidified his reign as WWE’s Undisputed Champion by defeating Cody Rhodes in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown. Now holding the highest prize in the company, McIntyre is set to defend his title at WrestleMania, with his opponent to be decided by the winner of the upcoming Elimination Chamber men’s match.
McIntyre’s Vision for the Future of WWE
In a recent discussion on Busted Open Radio, Drew McIntyre expressed strong opinions about the future direction of WWE and his role in shaping it. He made clear his reluctance to face Cody Rhodes again, suggesting that Rhodes is under WWE’s protection and that the title would lose its significance if Rhodes regained it. McIntyre emphasized that by claiming the championship himself, he has freed the title and aims to bring unpredictability and intensity back to SmackDown.
“I liberated this title for everybody, but mostly me, because I believe I’m the man that needs to carry it forward into the future to make SmackDown feel the way it feels right now. Not sunshine lollipops, shaking hands, and kissing babies, unpredictable and dangerous, the way it should be.” – Drew McIntyre, Undisputed WWE Champion
During the interview, McIntyre also labeled Cody Rhodes as “the bag guy,” reflecting the tension between them as the rivalry continues to shape the WWE landscape.
Upcoming Title Challenge and WrestleMania Anticipation
The next challenger for McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship will emerge from the Elimination Chamber men’s match, building excitement as WrestleMania approaches. WWE fans are eager to see who will earn the opportunity to face the dominant Scottish Warrior and whether McIntyre’s vision for an unpredictable and intense SmackDown era will materialize in the biggest event of the year.
Recent WWE Developments and Health Updates
Meanwhile, WWE continues to witness significant moments, including John Cena’s retirement following his match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cena’s departure marks the end of an era and generates discussions about legacy and future stars. Fans have also been intrigued by hidden details in Cena’s retirement match and updates on talents such as Roxanne Perez, who recently provided information about her health after missing WWE Raw due to injury.
Other notable updates involve Chelsea Green’s recovery from an ankle injury sustained at SmackDown, alongside health news concerning a former Attitude Era WWE star recovering from a heart scare. These developments underscore the physical toll wrestling takes and the resilience required to perform at the highest level.
Why McIntyre’s Championship Reign Could Redefine SmackDown
Drew McIntyre’s current championship run is shaping up to be pivotal for WWE’s direction, especially on SmackDown, where he seeks to push beyond the conventional and sanitized storylines. His commitment to making the show feel “unpredictable and dangerous” signals a possible shift towards more intense and realistic wrestling narratives. As WrestleMania draws near, McIntyre’s bold stance may attract both fans craving fresh energy and critics questioning WWE’s approach to protecting certain wrestlers.
The outcome of the Elimination Chamber and McIntyre’s ability to carry the championship forward will largely determine how the WWE landscape evolves in the coming months, influencing the company’s storytelling and competitive dynamics.
