Drew McIntyre achieved a major milestone by winning the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown, surprising the wrestling world and fueling new speculation about his next challenger. The aftermath of McIntyre’s victory has thrust Ilja Dragunov into the conversation, with the possibility of the two competitors facing off after the headline Drew McIntyre WWE Championship win.
Dramatic Showdown on SmackDown Crowns New Champion
The highly anticipated SmackDown event featured the 3 Stages of Hell match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, a bout that unfolded over three demanding rounds with stipulations chosen by McIntyre, often referred to as The Scottish Warrior. The first fall, officiated under conventional wrestling rules, ended swiftly when McIntyre delivered a low blow while the referee was distracted, followed by his signature Claymore Kick to secure the initial victory.
The contest’s intensity escalated during the second round with a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation, taking both superstars beyond the ring and into action-filled sequences backstage. Among the most memorable moments, Cody Rhodes leaped from a railing onto McIntyre, who was positioned atop a table. Rhodes ultimately leveled the score after landing his Cross Rhodes maneuver on the commentary table, pinning McIntyre.
The deciding fall took place inside a steel cage, marked by punishing bumps and several close calls. Chaos erupted when Jacob Fatu made a surprise return, targeting McIntyre with a sudden attack. As Rhodes attempted to intervene, Fatu retaliated, leaving both men reeling. Seizing the opportunity while his opponent was preoccupied, McIntyre managed to crawl out of the cage, claiming his fourth major championship and igniting discussion around the title’s future direction.
Ilja Dragunov Emerges as a Leading Contender
With McIntyre now holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, speculation has intensified around who might step up as his next challenger. During WWE’s Road To Royal Rumble tour, McIntyre is scheduled to return to his homeland for an event in Glasgow, Scotland on January 10, before continuing through several destinations across Europe, including Denmark, Germany, England, Poland, Northern Ireland, and Belgium.
Amid widespread fan curiosity, Sam Roberts, host of Notsam Wrestling, suggested that Ilja Dragunov could headline a title match with McIntyre following Dragunov’s recent loss of the United States Championship. This notion has gained traction, particularly as Dragunov’s reputation has grown through his intense ring style and resilience.
“If it’s me, I mean, just, like, going off pure emotions and feelings, I’m putting Drew McIntyre and Ilja Dragunov together in that title match.”
— Sam Roberts, Host, Notsam Wrestling
Context from WWE’s Expanding Storylines
The aftermath of McIntyre’s triumph has created ripple effects across WWE, as observed with reactions from industry figures such as AJ Styles, who has built a legacy across multiple wrestling promotions, and Sheamus, whose prolonged absence is linked to injury. CM Punk, another prominent name, shares a notable rivalry with McIntyre, while legendary moments like Stone Cold Steve Austin’s confrontation with Mike Tyson at a 1998 WWE Raw also illustrate how dramatic twists can shape the path toward events like WrestleMania.
Within WWE, the response to McIntyre’s fourth major championship win has been palpable, sparking internal discussions and excitement about where the Undisputed WWE Championship narrative will go next.
Potential Impact and Anticipated Developments
McIntyre’s WWE Championship victory in Berlin resets the competitive landscape and positions the Scottish Warrior at the forefront of the company’s most prominent storylines. As the Road To Royal Rumble tour moves forward, anticipation builds for a possible title match against Ilja Dragunov. With McIntyre’s return to Scotland and the European fan base energized, the upcoming tour dates are set to be pivotal both for his legacy and WWE’s ongoing narratives. Whether Dragunov gets the title opportunity remains to be confirmed, but mounting speculation underlines the significance of the Drew McIntyre WWE Championship win and its ripple effects for the roster.
