Drew McIntyre WWE Title Win captured major attention on January 9th during Friday Night SmackDown as McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match to claim the WWE Undisputed Championship. What was expected to be a celebratory moment quickly turned controversial due to a shocking return and questionable in-ring choices that left both fans and insiders demanding answers.
Unexpected Interference Adds Chaos to The Main Event
As the battle between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes reached its climax in the steel cage stage, Jacob Fatu made a dramatic comeback from his hiatus by launching an attack on both competitors. His interference in the third and decisive round created a storm of uncertainty, as fans and commentators watched the champion’s fate altered by outside involvement. Fatu’s moves shifted the momentum, targeting both superstars just as the match was nearing its end inside the cage.
Opportunity Seized by McIntyre Amid Mayhem
Following Jacob Fatu’s assault, a crucial moment unfolded that changed the course of the match. After Fatu finished targeting McIntyre, he immediately shifted his focus to Rhodes. This provided a critical window for The Scottish Psychopath to seize the opportunity — McIntyre made his escape through the cage, effectively stealing the win and leaving both fans and fellow wrestlers questioning the legitimacy of the outcome. The victory, though dramatic, left many feeling unsettled about how it played out.
Bully Ray Voices Frustration with the Finish
On the Busted Open radio show, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray openly scrutinized the outcome, expressing confusion about Jacob Fatu’s actions and how they impacted the result. His comments captured the bewilderment felt by many fans and industry veterans about the logic of the match’s closing moments.
Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me. Didn’t Cody just put his hand on Jacob’s shoulder? The little part that was a disconnect for me was why Jacob Fatu went after Cody as voraciously as he did and then basically completely disregarded the guy that he thought attacked him and allowed him to win. Like, that was the part that was just a tiny bit of a disconnect.
Bully Ray’s critique highlighted a feeling of unease among the WWE universe, as some saw the interference and aftermath as raising more questions than answers about booking decisions and wrestler motivations.
Booker T Welcomes Change at the Top
While some expressed frustration and doubt, another WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T, offered a contrasting perspective by expressing joy at the outcome. On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T discussed why Drew McIntyre’s win was not only justified but overdue, especially in light of Cody Rhodes’ impressive yet lengthy reign.
“When you’re crying about going out there and proving you should be that top guy, that’s something, but Drew? He should be that guy, you look at him. He checks off every damn box. Give him the ball and let him run with it.Cody’s done very, very well, but I feel like it was time for a change. It’s not for me to go on record, before it happened, and say it’s time for a change, but after the fact, looking at it, I think it was time for a change. I think it’s time for Drew McIntyre to get his props. To get his run.”
Booker T, using his platform, reinforced the notion that McIntyre has paid his dues and fits the role of champion. He acknowledged Cody’s efforts but insisted that this shift was both necessary and deserved, providing support for the company’s decision amidst the swirling controversy.
Lingering Uncertainty About WWE’s Future Direction
The fallout from Drew McIntyre WWE Title Win is compounded by the actions of Jacob Fatu and the questions posed by analysts like Bully Ray. The way Fatu’s return played out—attacking Rhodes with such intensity while ignoring McIntyre—signals potential new storylines or deeper reasoning yet to be revealed by the WWE creative team. Fans are left to wonder how this incident will affect not only McIntyre’s reign, but also Rhodes’ standing and Fatu’s role going forward.
As WWE moves into its next chapter, speculation is running high regarding future rivalries and title defenses. The presence of names such as Booker T and Bully Ray, as well as the strategic use of interference and controversial finishes, highlights WWE’s willingness to keep their product emotionally charged and unpredictable. What comes next for Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu remains to be seen, but the tense and uneasy aftermath from this shocking title change ensures fan intrigue will only deepen.
