Drew McIntyre WWE Champion is now a reality following his electrifying win over Cody Rhodes in Berlin during SmackDown’s monumental ‘Three Stages of Hell’ match. As McIntyre makes history as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, the focus shifts to how Triple H will steer his reign, amid fans’ soaring expectations and the looming spectacle of WrestleMania 42.
The Importance of a Strong Title Run
After four years of relentless pursuit, Drew McIntyre finally achieved the top spot in WWE, marking a turning point in his career and an unprecedented moment in recent wrestling history. McIntyre’s journey, filled with near-misses and dramatic setbacks, has positioned him not only as a deserving champion but also as an indispensable face of the SmackDown brand. His extensive title chase has set high stakes for WWE’s creative direction, as any misstep could compromise both McIntyre’s credibility and the prestige of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
WWE fans, referred to as the WWE Universe, are now looking to Triple H for the next chapter, requesting new rivalries and memorable moments for McIntyre. As WWE builds momentum towards WrestleMania 42, the responsibility lies with Triple H to honor McIntyre’s achievement and keep fans engaged.
McIntyre’s Title Reign Cannot Be Short-Lived
One major risk is the possibility of a brief championship run for Drew McIntyre. Given that he spent over four years climbing back to the top and consistently put other champions over in key matches, a rushed or truncated reign would not do justice to his commitment and fan support. This would not only diminish the significance of his hard-fought win over Cody Rhodes in Berlin but also set back his standing as a main event contender, possibly removing him from the title picture for years to come.
For Drew McIntyre to solidify his legacy, WWE needs to grant him a sustained reign, where he actively defends the Undisputed WWE Title at premier live events (PLEs) and on significant occasions. A long-standing tenure increases the championship’s prestige and ensures the investment in McIntyre as a credible champion pays off both for him and the company.
The Need for Fresh Challengers
Another potential pitfall is repeating the pattern of stagnant rivalries that plagued previous title runs, including that of Cody Rhodes. In recent years, the limited rotation of contenders for the Undisputed WWE Champion left audiences craving variety. Triple H must bring new faces into the title picture, providing Drew McIntyre with a diverse lineup of opponents, each offering unique challenges and unpredictable storylines.
Short, compelling feuds—ideally lasting about a month each—will keep McIntyre’s defenses exciting and enhance his image as a dominant champion. Notable names such as Ilja Dragunov, Trick Williams, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn stand out as viable threats during McIntyre’s title run. Rotating challengers also builds suspense around the title and keeps the WWE Universe invested in each defense, ensuring every match feels pivotal.
Protecting McIntyre’s WrestleMania Main Event Spot
The prestige associated with headlining WrestleMania, particularly night two, is closely tied to the status of the Undisputed WWE Champion. Traditionally, the reigning champion is given this coveted spot, serving as both a reward and a platform to showcase WWE’s top-tier talent on its most prominent stage. As McIntyre holds this role, Triple H must ensure he receives his rightful place in the WrestleMania main event.
Should McIntyre be denied the centerpiece match at The Grandest Stage, it would not only disappoint fans but could also trigger significant backlash, undermining both McIntyre’s credibility and the value of the Undisputed WWE Title. Protecting this opportunity will affirm McIntyre’s efforts and enhance the significance of the championship going forward.
Drew McIntyre’s hard-earned moment has opened a new chapter for WWE, with his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion carrying major implications for the SmackDown brand and the road to WrestleMania. How Triple H handles these three critical aspects could dictate not only McIntyre’s legacy but also the trajectory of WWE storytelling in the months ahead.
AND NEW!!@DMcIntyreWWE DID IT!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/A4YJhIbtkG
— WWE (@WWE) January 10, 2026
