WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has found himself at the center of growing tension after recent events in WWE. His actions during the men’s Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia last month indirectly led to Cody Rhodes’ elimination, while his effort to hinder Rhodes and Jacob Fatu in the Elimination Chamber qualifier added fuel to the fire. This unfolding situation is putting McIntyre on a collision course that could dramatically reshape upcoming WWE title storylines.
Despite McIntyre’s attempts, Cody Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, prevailed in the qualifier match, securing his place in the Elimination Chamber. However, Jacob Fatu, the Samoan Werewolf, was denied entry into the high-profile match and now faces a diminished chance of competing for the WrestleMania 42 main event. This setback for Fatu is likely to provoke a confrontation in the weeks ahead.
Potential SmackDown Confrontation and Title Match Setup
Frustrated by his loss, Jacob Fatu may take out his anger on Drew McIntyre during the next SmackDown episode. This anticipated ambush could escalate into a violent brawl, drawing the attention of WWE General Manager Nick Aldis. Such interference might prompt Aldis to announce a championship match between McIntyre and Fatu at the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event later this month.
There is speculation that Jacob Fatu could reveal McIntyre as his “mystery attacker,” which would lend further justification to the title clash. Since Fatu will not be competing for the championship at WrestleMania 42, this Elimination Chamber match becomes a critical opportunity for the 33-year-old athlete to claim a shot at the WWE title.
Drew McIntyre Embraces Role as WWE’s Leading Star
Since capturing the WWE Championship, Drew McIntyre has expressed confidence in his position as the company’s top figure. In a recent interview on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, McIntyre proudly declared himself the new face of WWE after defeating Cody Rhodes for the title.
“I beat Cody Rhodes, the face of the company in Berlin, which makes me the new face of the company. My first title defense the next night was in Glasgow, Scotland, where it all began, where I first started wrestling at 15 years old. I was able to walk out there with the WWE Championship and fulfill the promise I made many years ago where I told everybody back home in Scotland I’m gonna return one day champion with the championship belt,” said McIntyre. [H/T: WrestlePurists]
The Scottish Warrior’s journey from his hometown of Glasgow to holding WWE’s top prize represents a full-circle moment, highlighting his commitment to the sport and his fans. However, questions remain about how long he will retain the championship and who might challenge him if he opts to vacate the title at WrestleMania 42.
Implications for WrestleMania and Beyond
The mounting conflict involving Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu has set the stage for dramatic developments as WWE approaches WrestleMania 42. With the possible Elimination Chamber title match on the horizon, McIntyre’s reign could face a serious test. The outcome of these clashes is likely to influence WWE’s main event landscape and shape championship dynamics going forward.
With tensions unresolved and rivalries intensifying, fans can expect high-stakes action and potential surprises leading up to the major WWE events this year.
Drew McIntyre comments on finally winning the WWE Championship in front of a live audience:
“It felt absolutely unbelievable. I think a lot of people had got to the point where they thought Drew McIntyre wasn't going to be World Champion ever again, and was never going to hold… pic.twitter.com/ZWTNrVPpEM
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 23, 2026
