Drew McIntyre WWE Championship status took a surprising turn early in 2026 when the Scottish Warrior defeated Cody Rhodes to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. McIntyre successfully defended his title against Sami Zayn at this year’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, sparking debate about whether he should enter WrestleMania as SmackDown’s leading champion.
Reason Three: Creating an Unexpected Twist
Under the direction of WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H, the promotion is recognized for embracing unexpected twists that shape the Road to WrestleMania. Removing the championship from McIntyre before the event would uphold this tradition by opening up the title scene and altering the championship landscape, keeping fans engaged with fresh storylines and surprises.
Reason Two: Addressing Predictability in Match Pairings
The 2026 Royal Rumble winner, Roman Reigns, is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 42, which leaves McIntyre’s championship defense likely against Cody Rhodes. Given how often McIntyre and Rhodes have faced off recently, another match between them risks feeling repetitive. Adding Jacob Fatu could create a Triple Threat bout, but the familiarity of these rivalries may diminish fan excitement. Crowning a new champion would elevate the Undisputed WWE Title match’s appeal and allow Drew and Cody to resolve their feud in a more personal grudge setting instead of a marquee championship clash.
Reason One: Honoring a Legendary Opportunity
Wrestling fans have long anticipated a showdown between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, a bout that seemed imminent before Rhodes lost the title to McIntyre. Booking Orton to defeat McIntyre for the championship would satisfy this desire, while pushing Rhodes to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match could set up a compelling confrontation between mentor and protégé on the biggest stage. This narrative has the potential to draw significant attention and provide a fresh highlight for WrestleMania.
The decision on whether Drew McIntyre maintains the WWE Championship heading into WrestleMania will have important ramifications for WWE’s storytelling and fan engagement. Shifting the title at the right moment could reinvigorate the card and build anticipation for the event, ensuring The Showcase of the Immortals remains unforgettable.
