Drew McIntyre secured the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes on the January 9 episode of SmackDown in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match. Despite this victory, multiple indicators suggest that the Scottish Warrior’s reign as champion may be brief, raising questions about the future of the Drew McIntyre WWE Championship.
This article examines three key signs hinting that McIntyre’s hold on the title could be ending sooner than fans expect.
WWE’s Interest in Renewing the Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Rivalry
Recent reports reveal that WWE intends to revive the high-profile feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, potentially at WrestleMania 42. According to these sources, Reigns might challenge and dethrone Drew McIntyre leading up to the event, culminating in a title defense against Rhodes. McIntyre’s role appears to be that of a transitional champion, acting as a middleman within this storyline.
This development signals a likely end to McIntyre’s championship reign on the Road to WrestleMania, positioning the title for a change in hands.
Jacob Fatu’s Renewed Involvement Adds Pressure to McIntyre’s Championship
Jacob Fatu made a surprising return during SmackDown’s recent Steel Cage match, attacking both Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. His identity as a mystery attacker from earlier episodes has stirred speculation, with many pointing to Fatu as a key figure shaping future storylines.
The ongoing feud involving Fatu suggests that McIntyre’s time with the Undisputed Title could be at risk. His interactions with the Samoan Werewolf set up a possible confrontation that may force McIntyre to defend the title vigorously or lose it in the near future.
Triple H’s Lack of Confidence in McIntyre as WWE’s Top Star
Evidence from past booking decisions indicates that WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H does not view Drew McIntyre as the company’s permanent centerpiece. Before clinching the title, McIntyre endured several significant defeats, and his championship run has been seen as a means to restore his credibility rather than to establish him as “The Guy.”
Sources suggest that the decision to make McIntyre champion was partly due to concerns that another loss would irreparably harm his reputation. His recent lackluster booking and absence from major spotlight moments imply that WWE may strip him of the Undisputed WWE Championship well before WrestleMania.
Implications of a Potential Title Change Ahead of WrestleMania
These three indicators—the planned Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes rivalry, Jacob Fatu’s storyline involvement, and Triple H’s booking strategy—collectively point toward a swift conclusion to Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship reign. Such a move would reshape the championship landscape, allowing WWE to refocus main-event storylines toward other key figures.
Fans can expect the title picture to evolve significantly as WWE approaches WrestleMania, with McIntyre’s role shifting from champion to pivotal player in upcoming rivalries.
TRIPLE H DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT DREW MCINTYRE. What do you think??? pic.twitter.com/CjCF4snjms
— John Garcia (@WrestleNotice) November 3, 2025
