Drew McIntyre secured the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes during a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match on the January 8 edition of SmackDown in Berlin, ending Rhodes’ 158-day title reign just before the Royal Rumble 2026 WWE Championship event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory marks McIntyre’s fourth time holding the top championship and has major implications for the WWE landscape as WrestleMania season approaches.
New Direction for the WWE Championship Scene
Cody Rhodes, after winning the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, enjoyed a lengthy reign lasting over five months, defending the title four times against various challengers from both RAW and SmackDown. However, as the months passed, the matches and rivalries began to lose intensity, with predictable outcomes and little sense of threat to Rhodes’ position as champion. This led to a decline in excitement around WWE’s top title, and conversations within the company turned to the need for a creative shift.
McIntyre’s victory comes as a crucial reset, infusing the championship division with unpredictability and prompting renewed speculation about who might headline WrestleMania 42. Rhodes’ prior storylines had largely run their course, making McIntyre’s emergence as champion both well-timed and necessary to keep crowd interest high as WWE heads into its busiest and most important time of the year.
“PITADA DE BERLÍN A CODY RHODES #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/zGxrxQRLRr”— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling)
Cody Rhodes’ Break Sets the Stage for a Future Comeback
By losing the championship, Cody Rhodes is afforded the opportunity to step away from WWE’s demanding schedule, which intensifies during the Royal Rumble season as champions are expected to be omnipresent across weekly shows and multiple brand storylines. This pause gives Rhodes a vital chance to rest and rejuvenate, mirroring WWE’s approach with top names like Roman Reigns, who took an extended break following the end of his own world title reign.
This strategy not only preserves Rhodes’ star power by preventing him from becoming overstretched but also sets up his eventual return with renewed interest. The WWE creative team can now develop a comeback story for Rhodes, potentially saving a major return for WrestleMania or another high-profile event, where his reappearance would have maximum impact.
Fresh Feuds and Surprises for WrestleMania 42
McIntyre’s ascent to champion dramatically alters the main event equation for WrestleMania 42. As a proven main-eventer with past victories over high-profile opponents such as Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and now Cody Rhodes, McIntyre is seen as a stable and legitimate champion capable of elevating the world title.
The change introduces fresh intrigue: with Reigns still seeking a rematch after his loss at WrestleMania XL, the Royal Rumble winner will now be facing an unexpected champion, throwing WrestleMania plans into uncertainty and forcing adjustments to established storylines. New faces like Jacob Fatu, who played a direct role in influencing the title match outcome, now have a clear path to enter the title scene. Meanwhile, established stars including Damian Priest and Randy Orton have voiced their ambitions for another shot at the championship, making the contest for the top spot more competitive than it has been in months.
“Next Friday on SmackDown, there will be four qualifying matches wow, what a fantastic show it will be in London!#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/hGs4PYFJac”— Eslam (@EslamRollins)
McIntyre’s Championship Credentials Reinforce the Title’s Prestige
Drew McIntyre stands out for his previous lengthy reigns as WWE Champion—holding the title for 202 days in his first stint and for another 96 days in his second. His consistent performance under pressure, including winning the 2020 Royal Rumble and headlining WrestleMania, distinguishes him as a champion with both star power and staying potential. This depth of experience assures WWE audiences and decision-makers alike of his readiness to represent the company as its top champion heading into the Royal Rumble and beyond.
His recent win over Rhodes in a demanding Three Stages of Hell match illustrates his adaptability and capacity to thrive in WWE’s toughest environments. McIntyre’s victory helps maintain the prestige of the championship during one of WWE’s most visible periods, ensuring the Royal Rumble 2026 WWE Championship spotlight stays vibrant and fiercely competitive.
What This Means for WWE Moving Forward
With Royal Rumble 2026 just around the corner and WrestleMania 42 looming, Drew McIntyre’s victory has shaken up expectations for the WWE’s biggest events. The landscape is now more unpredictable, as returning stars, ambitious contenders, and the ever-shifting alliances within the roster all angle for position. The decision to crown McIntyre as champion adds energy to WWE programming, giving fans renewed reasons to tune in and speculate on who might seize the spotlight next in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.
PITADA DE BERLÍN A CODY RHODES #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/zGxrxQRLRr
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) January 9, 2026
Next Friday on SmackDown, there will be four qualifying matches wow, what a fantastic show it will be in London!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/hGs4PYFJac
— Eslam (@EslamRollins) January 9, 2026
