Drew McIntyre secured a major victory over Cody Rhodes on SmackDown, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a dramatic 3 Stages of Hell match. The Drew McIntyre WWE Championship win marks a turning point for the Scottish Warrior, who endured repeated setbacks before finally claiming gold.
Kofi Kingston Welcomes “Big D” to Champion Status
Fellow WWE performer Kofi Kingston publicly congratulated McIntyre after the event, not only praising his persistence but also bestowing a new nickname upon the champion. Kingston played up McIntyre’s resilience, labeling him “Big D.” The message came as both a celebration and an acknowledgment of McIntyre’s journey to the top.
“BIG D!! No matter how many times he’s beaten down, he ALWAYS rises to the occasion & endures! He’s never needed anyone to stroke his ego, orgas him up! What comes from all that hard work? Championships! The Undisputed WWE Title to be exact! Congrats @dmcintyrewwe!”
— Kofi Kingston, WWE Superstar
Inside the Decision for McIntyre’s Championship Victory
McIntyre’s success was not just the result of his in-ring performance. According to recent backstage reports, both McIntyre and Rhodes initially proposed a title change at WrestlePalooza, but WWE officials declined the suggestion. Persistence paid off as the two stars continued to request a shift, and management, including Triple H, eventually agreed to have the title change hands on SmackDown.
This decision came after McIntyre’s previous championship triumph at WrestleMania 40, which ended abruptly when Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract just moments into McIntyre’s celebration, leaving the Scottish Warrior hungry for redemption and a lasting reign.
What’s Next: The Search for a New Challenger Begins
Attention now turns to the next phase of McIntyre’s championship journey. WWE officials have announced that his first challenger will emerge from a set of four singles matches scheduled for the upcoming SmackDown. The winners of these bouts will compete in a Fatal Four-Way, with the victor earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Competitors set for the mini-tournament include high-profile names such as Randy Orton, The Miz, Matt Cardona, Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Ilja Dragunov, Solo Sikoa, and Damian Priest, ensuring a competitive fight for the coveted opportunity.
The Impact of Drew McIntyre’s Triumph
McIntyre’s win signals a shift in WWE’s landscape, bringing new energy to the title scene and setting the stage for intense rivalries. With the “Big D” nickname gaining traction and anticipation building for the next contender, fans and competitors alike are keenly watching for how the champion defends his hard-fought position on SmackDown.
BIG D!!
No matter how many times he’s beaten down, he ALWAYS rises to the occasion & endures! He’s never needed anyone to stroke his ego, orgas him up! What comes from all that hard work?
Championships! The Undisputed WWE Title to be exact!
Congrats @dmcintyrewwe! 🥂#DrewDay pic.twitter.com/NraE7z9k0V
— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) January 10, 2026
