Drew McIntyre is preparing to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on this Friday’s Night SmackDown, with the winner set to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. However, a recent report suggests McIntyre could lose the title, altering the expected lineup for WWE’s biggest event.
Report Suggests McIntyre May Lose Championship Before WrestleMania
Mike Johnson of PWInsider revealed that inside WWE, there is a growing belief Randy Orton will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. This implies McIntyre is likely to drop the title during the upcoming SmackDown match, despite currently holding the gold. McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match on January 9. Due to McIntyre’s victory, there was a no rematch clause for Rhodes, but McIntyre’s continued involvement in Rhodes’ matches led WWE official Nick Aldis to authorize this match again during the Elimination Chamber post-show.
Former NXT Champion Issues Challenge to Drew McIntyre
On the Battleground podcast, Trick Williams, a former NXT Champion, shared that he has earned praise from Drew McIntyre but also declared his ambition to take McIntyre’s position as a top star. Williams emphasized his hunger and commitment to climbing the ranks in WWE.
“When they walk, you know, through the airport, people turn their head and look and see who is that. Drew McIntyre is one of those guys for sure. So I take that praise, you know, very seriously. But I got to make it come to fruition. I got to work. I got to do my part, and I’m grinding. I’m grinding every single day. Like, I’m after it. I’m hungry. You know what I mean? I appreciate it, Drew, but at the same time, I want your spot. So don’t get it twisted,” he said. [H/T: PWMania]
This emerging rivalry adds a layer of intrigue to McIntyre’s future as questions surround his status as WWE Champion in the lead-up to WrestleMania.
Implications for WWE’s Biggest Event
If McIntyre loses on SmackDown, the anticipated main event landscape for WrestleMania 42 will shift, likely featuring Randy Orton facing Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. McIntyre’s setback would mark a significant change in WWE’s championship storyline, affecting fan expectations and booking strategies. How McIntyre responds to this challenge and whether he can reclaim or maintain the title in upcoming events will be crucial as WrestleMania approaches.
