Drew McIntyre recently claimed the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes in a grueling Three Stages of Hell Match on SmackDown, marking his return to the top spot. Despite this victory, reports suggest that McIntyre’s time as champion may be brief, as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is reportedly preparing a major shift in the storyline.
According to Ibou of Self Made, Roman Reigns is likely to take the championship from Drew McIntyre on the build-up to WrestleMania 42. This change would set up a third match between Reigns and Cody Rhodes at WWE’s biggest annual event, creating significant anticipation among fans. Currently on hiatus, Reigns’ return as the Undisputed WWE Champion could dramatically alter the road to WrestleMania.
Storyline Adjustments and the Role of Drew McIntyre as a Transitional Champion
Initial plans reportedly had Cody Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship until WrestleMania, leading to a high-profile title match against Reigns. However, the company later decided to insert McIntyre into the mix by having him dethrone Rhodes on SmackDown, effectively positioning McIntyre as the middleman between Rhodes and Reigns.
This pivot in storytelling suggests that McIntyre’s reign may serve as a temporary phase designed to heighten the drama of Reigns’ eventual challenge. The “Original Tribal Chief,” as Reigns is known, is expected to confront McIntyre and reclaim the championship before WrestleMania begins, confirming the highly anticipated trilogy match with Rhodes.
Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble Prospects and WWE’s Strategic Direction
Contrary to expectations from many fans who hope Reigns will win this year’s WWE Men’s Royal Rumble Match, reports indicate that the champion might not follow this traditional path. Instead of securing the championship by winning the Rumble, Reigns may bypass the contest and directly challenge McIntyre for the title during the lead-up to WrestleMania.
This approach signals a strategic storytelling choice by WWE executive Triple H, who appears to be steering Reigns away from the usual Royal Rumble victory storyline. Rather than emerging as the Rumble winner, Reigns would reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship through an elevated feud on the road to WrestleMania, keeping his character central to WWE’s biggest event.
Potential Implications for WrestleMania and WWE’s Title Scene
If Reigns dethrones McIntyre before WrestleMania, it lays the foundation for a landmark championship showdown between him and Cody Rhodes at the Showcase of the Immortals. This scenario not only amplifies the stakes but also extends the ongoing rivalry, sustaining fan interest and narrative tension heading into WWE’s premier event.
By positioning McIntyre as a transitional champion and orchestrating a shift in Reigns’ path to the title, WWE underscores the unpredictable nature of its storytelling, leaving fans uncertain about future developments. The champion’s changing dynamics could influence pay-per-view outcomes and shape key rivalries throughout 2024.
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre is being planned for the Road to WrestleMania, where Drew drops his Undisputed title to Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship is planned for #WrestleMania 42. pic.twitter.com/XkrKpGBs6E— TRT (@theremaindertv) January 14, 2026
