On the March 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Drew McIntyre lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, altering his trajectory heading into WrestleMania 42. Rhodes, now champion, is set to face Randy Orton in the Night 1 main event, leaving McIntyre to pursue a new direction at WWE’s biggest event in Las Vegas. Considering this, here are five top contenders Drew McIntyre could face at WrestleMania 42.
Potential WrestleMania Opponents for Drew McIntyre
1. Renewed Rivalry with Sami Zayn
Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn share a long history of intense battles, including a highly praised encounter at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. With McIntyre no longer holding the world title, WWE may revisit this rivalry by booking a rematch at WrestleMania 42. Such a bout would add a compelling dynamic to the card, given their past chemistry and competitive history.
2. A Heavyweight Collision with Gunther
Gunther has quickly risen in prominence after defeating legends like Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles, yet reports indicate his WrestleMania 42 role remains undecided. Facing Drew McIntyre would pose a significant challenge for both athletes, offering fans a clash between two powerhouse performers. Their confrontation could be one of WrestleMania’s standout matches, showcasing hard-hitting styles.
3. A High-Stakes Rematch Against Brock Lesnar
At WrestleMania 36, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar headlined in an unprecedented empty arena due to the pandemic. Lesnar’s recent open challenge for WrestleMania 42 invites McIntyre to return to RAW and accept, setting the stage for this marquee matchup to take place live in front of a sellout crowd at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium. This renewed bout carries high anticipation and significant star power.
4. Emerging Tension with Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu, known as The Samoan Werewolf, played a pivotal role recently by stopping McIntyre from using a chair against Cody Rhodes during a SmackDown match. Their ongoing tension escalates the possibility of a WrestleMania 42 encounter. The storyline deepens with Drew McIntyre repeatedly crossing boundaries enforced by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who later scheduled a surprise Undisputed WWE title match after McIntyre’s attack on Rhodes. A match between McIntyre and Fatu would also mark the in-ring debut of Aldis within WWE, adding further narrative weight.
5. Recap of Drew McIntyre’s Championship Tenure
Drew McIntyre’s reign as Undisputed WWE Champion lasted 56 days, beginning January 9, 2026, and concluding on March 6, 2026. The title change occurred on SmackDown when Cody Rhodes defeated McIntyre, following a bout arranged due to McIntyre’s interference in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. His actions had cost Rhodes a direct WrestleMania title opportunity, compelling WWE officials to set the championship match on SmackDown.
Looking Ahead to WrestleMania 42
With the title scene shifting dramatically, Drew McIntyre’s path at WrestleMania 42 is wide open, offering several compelling rivalries. Each potential opponent brings a unique challenge, promising intense encounters that could captivate fans worldwide. McIntyre’s choices will shape not only his own career trajectory but also play a vital role in the storytelling and excitement surrounding WWE’s premier event in Las Vegas.
“Cody Rhodes became the new Undisputed WWE champion and will now head to the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 to face Randy Orton.” ?Source
“Drew McIntyre has had a heated feud with Sami Zayn over the years.” ?Source
“Gunther has made a huge name for himself in professional wrestling.” ?Source
“With Lesnar issuing an open challenge for WrestleMania 42, McIntyre can head over to RAW and answer the call.” ?Source
“One of the logical choices for Drew McIntyre’s opponent is Jacob Fatu.” ?Source
“Drew McIntyre held the title for 56 days, from January 9, 2026, until March 6, 2026.” ?Source
“Cody Rhodes defeated McIntyre on the March 6, 2026 episode of SmackDown to win the championship.” ?Source
“The match was set up after McIntyre interfered in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, costing Rhodes a WrestleMania opportunity and prompting WWE officials to schedule the championship bout.” ?Source
