Drew McIntyre‘s ascent to Undisputed WWE Champion has not only electrified fans but also earned the enthusiastic praise of fellow wrestlers, notably former WWE Superstar Karrion Kross. As McIntyre begins his latest reign, the reaction from his peers highlights the widespread respect he commands within the wrestling world.
Drew McIntyre’s Journey to Champion Status
Known as The Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre has held a special place in WWE for years, admired for his relentless dedication and inspiring comeback story. After being released by WWE, McIntyre dedicated himself to honing his skills on the independent wrestling circuit before making a triumphant return. His determination paid off, and now, with his fourth World Champion title, he has taken the top spot from Cody Rhodes, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
The path to his latest title was not without controversy, as Jacob Fatu’s unexpected return added unpredictability to the match’s outcome. Despite this, opinions throughout the WWE community—including fans, analysts, and seasoned wrestlers—largely favor McIntyre’s crowning as the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Karrion Kross Publicly Praises McIntyre’s Achievement
Among those showing strong support for the new champion is Karrion Kross (also known on the independent scene as Killer Kross), a former WWE rival of McIntyre. Kross’s own journey in professional wrestling mirrors McIntyre’s perseverance, having also faced setbacks but remaining a noteworthy force in the industry.
“You love to see it,” wrote the former WWE star along with a photopgraph of McIntyre’s hands getting raised after his latest win. — Kevin Robert Kesar (Karrion Kross)
Kross shared his congratulations through social media, posting a photo of McIntyre celebrating the pivotal victory, indicating not just fan enthusiasm but peer approval as well. His upbeat and genuine reaction underlines the camaraderie and mutual respect among top-tier wrestlers, especially those with intersecting paths and history.
Context Behind the Kross-McIntyre Rivalry
Karrion Kross departed WWE in August of the previous year when contract talks stalled, fueling speculation about a possible return that has yet to materialize. Since his exit, Kross has thrived on the independent circuit, expanding into acting and building his persona outside WWE.
During his tenure with WWE, Kross had multiple intense matches against McIntyre, including memorable bouts at major WWE Premium Live Events in 2022, featuring both Steel Cage and Strap matches. Their rivarly extended beyond televised events to live house shows, providing fans with numerous thrilling encounters.
Like McIntyre, Kross succeeded in rallying support during his later WWE run, with the audience invested in both men’s journeys. Although Kross’s WWE story did not conclude as he might have hoped, the former NXT Champion remains relevant and ambitious, keeping open the possibility of one day returning to pursue his own “unfinished business” in WWE.
The Wider Impact of McIntyre’s New Reign
As Drew McIntyre settles into his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, the endorsements from respected figures like Karrion Kross emphasize his standing among his colleagues. The positive sentiment from superstars, experts, and fans alike cements McIntyre’s place at the top of the professional wrestling world. With the enthusiastic support of his peers and the WWE community, all eyes are on McIntyre’s next move and the new era that his championship win represents.
You love to see it. pic.twitter.com/IC58RydKO3
— Kevin Robert Kesar (@realKILLERkross) January 11, 2026
