Drew McIntyre, who recently claimed the Undisputed WWE Championship, faced a setback at a live event in Newcastle where he lost a title match against Cody Rhodes on January 16, 2026. Despite the loss, McIntyre retained the championship due to a disqualification finish involving underhanded tactics.
Disqualification Allows McIntyre to Retain Championship Against Rhodes
Only a week after his victory over Cody Rhodes in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, McIntyre returned to defend his title. At the Newcastle live event, as the match turned against him, McIntyre resorted to a Low Blow on Rhodes, causing the match to end by disqualification. Although Rhodes technically won the match, WWE rules prevent the title from changing hands on such a finish, allowing McIntyre to keep the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Following the match, Rhodes executed a table-breaking move on McIntyre and held the championship belt above him, signaling his intent to reclaim the title soon. Speculation suggests that Rhodes is positioned to win the upcoming Royal Rumble 2026, setting up a potential championship showdown against McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. This storyline development gains traction as WWE appears to have dropped the initially anticipated Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns main event for WrestleMania.
Interference and Previous Rivalries Fuel Championship Narrative
During his initial title win, McIntyre’s victory over Rhodes was aided by outside interference when Jacob Fatu attacked Rhodes inside a steel cage on SmackDown. Such interruptions have intensified the rivalry between McIntyre and Rhodes, creating ongoing tension within the WWE storyline. The unpredictable nature of their encounters has kept fans invested in the championship’s future trajectory.
Upcoming Matches and WWE Landscape Updates
Beyond the McIntyre-Rhodes saga, the WWE schedule remains eventful. John Cena’s farewell tour in 2025 marked the end of an era for the superstar, with fans reflecting on his career’s culmination. Wrestling fans can also anticipate high-profile matches such as Hangman Adam Page’s world title opportunity on AEW Collision this week, and a significant episode of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event slated for later this month.
Other notable updates include CM Punk preparing for another challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on Monday Night RAW, and former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega making a return to AEW wrestling action this week. Additionally, WWE’s Japanese partner promotion Marigold is set to celebrate a legendary wrestler’s 15th anniversary with a special event, underlining the interconnected nature of global wrestling promotions.
Implications for the WWE Title Scene Ahead
Drew McIntyre’s decision to use a disqualification to keep his title highlights the precariousness of his current reign. With Cody Rhodes poised as the leading contender and rumors of a Royal Rumble victory, the path to a marquee championship match at WrestleMania 42 is shaping up. The intense rivalry, combined with ongoing story developments involving other top WWE and AEW stars, ensures the WWE Championship landscape will remain dynamic and unpredictable in the coming months.
