Drew McIntyre WWE Championship win on SmackDown has sparked shock and intense debate, as many expected Cody Rhodes to capture the title once again, setting up future blockbuster storylines. Instead, McIntyre’s surprising victory, marred by interference from Jacob Fatu, raises questions about the decision-making behind the title change and the company’s direction for its top stars.
Unexpected Outcome Shakes Up WWE Storylines
On the latest episode of SmackDown, the “Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre clinched the Undisputed WWE Championship after a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes. Leading into the event, fans and insiders alike anticipated that The American Nightmare would triumph, continuing his feud with Randy Orton heading into Royal Rumble 2026. This bout marked the third showdown between Cody and McIntyre in just six months, with Cody having dominated the previous encounters. Despite those outcomes, the third battle saw an abrupt twist, with Jacob Fatu interfering at a crucial moment. Because of the interference, McIntyre secured his win by escaping the cage rather than pinning Rhodes, casting doubt on the legitimacy and conclusiveness of his victory.
Drew McIntyre May Only Be a Temporary Champion
Many now speculate that Drew McIntyre is simply holding the championship until Cody Rhodes reclaims it, potentially before WrestleMania 42. The much-anticipated clash between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes is rumored for that event, reigniting their rivalry since Roman’s defeat at WrestleMania 40. At Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, Roman Reigns openly suggested unfinished business with Rhodes, fueling anticipation for a title-centric match at Mania.
The logic within the WWE and its fan base is clear: staging a WrestleMania main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns without the championship at stake would sap the match of its gravitas. As such, McIntyre’s reign is widely seen as short-lived. Many expect Rhodes to reclaim the title from him, possibly at the Royal Rumble if a rematch is booked, or during the Elimination Chamber 2026 Premium Live Event. McIntyre, therefore, risks seeing his second run as WWE Champion become little more than a transitional chapter, lacking the prestige and length worthy of such an accolade.
Triple H’s History With Champions Signals Trouble
Another layer to this controversy is the company’s track record with newly crowned champions under the creative vision of Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer. Critics have highlighted that many titleholders under his booking regime have suffered from fleeting reigns, with Jey Uso’s short-lived World Heavyweight Championship tenure serving as a cautionary tale. Uso captured the gold at WrestleMania 41 from Gunther, only to lose it less than two months later on Monday Night RAW. This decision left many fans and Uso’s legendary father, Rikishi, deeply frustrated, calling into question the logic and consistency of championship booking.
Drew McIntyre may now find himself in a similar predicament—his title win serving as a brief stepping stone in the company’s larger plans focused on Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Should this play out, not only will McIntyre’s reign suffer, but he could quickly be sidelined into secondary storylines—perhaps facing Jacob Fatu or recycled opponents—rather than enjoying a meaningful run befitting a two-time champion. Such an outcome could cause more harm to McIntyre’s standing than the historic achievement of winning the title itself.
Scarcity of Fresh Challengers on SmackDown
The current pool of opponents for McIntyre as champion is another major issue. SmackDown’s roster presently lacks variety, with the Scottish superstar expected to face the same group of rivals as before: Damian Priest, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu. Although Matt Cardona has recently returned and might challenge for the gold, the blue brand’s creative options seem limited.
The absence of headliners such as Gunther, AJ Styles, or Bron Breakker only compounds the challenge, making it difficult for McIntyre’s reign to feel fresh or impactful. Without compelling new adversaries or innovative storylines, McIntyre risks being trapped in repetitive rivalries, diminishing the significance of his championship tenure and stalling momentum across the roster.
What Lies Ahead for McIntyre and the WWE Championship
The aftermath of Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship win leaves more uncertainties than answers, with speculation mounting about how long he can retain the gold amid swirling rumors and strong backstage currents. The focus keyword, Drew McIntyre WWE Championship win, encapsulates a moment clouded by doubt—whether his reign will be remembered as a transformative accomplishment or a footnote in other superstars’ journeys. With the looming specter of WrestleMania and the ever-present specter of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, all eyes are on McIntyre, and on WWE’s creative direction as the story unfolds on SmackDown and beyond.
