Drew McIntyre seized the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes during a Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown in January. Prior to the contest, McIntyre ensured a contractual no-rematch clause was signed alongside SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, preventing Rhodes from receiving an immediate second chance if he lost the title.
Since then, Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, has persistently tried to regain a title shot, but McIntyre—dubbed The Scottish Psychopath—consistently obstructed his efforts through interference. The situation escalated at the 2026 Elimination Chamber event, where chaotic interference allowed Randy Orton to hit RKOs on both competitors and pin Rhodes for the victory.
Backstage Confrontation and Upcoming Title Defense
Following the pay-per-view, a heated backstage encounter occurred between Aldis and McIntyre, with security needing to intervene. Ultimately, Aldis announced that McIntyre would defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes this Friday on SmackDown, effectively canceling the no-rematch clause.
Reports from Pwinsider suggest that a title change is probable during this match. While plans remain flexible, sources clarify this decision is unrelated to any shortcomings from McIntyre. Rather, WWE appears focused on building a high-profile rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Orton’s recent Elimination Chamber win seems to be the initial move in advancing that storyline.
Potential Future Storylines for Drew McIntyre
The direction for McIntyre leading into WrestleMania 42 is still uncertain. Discussions include a possible Triple Threat match or a rivalry with Jacob Fatu. Additionally, there is speculation about a storyline involving McIntyre and General Manager Nick Aldis, who has yet to compete in his official in-ring debut for WWE.
Context on Other WWE Developments
Beyond the title situation, there are ongoing backstage tensions between Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley, with WWE reportedly concerned about real-life friction affecting on-screen narratives. Meanwhile, Royce Keys remains contracted to WWE’s SmackDown brand and is currently the Undisputed WWE Champion within his division. Additionally, ESPN has expressed dissatisfaction with WWE’s handling of the WrestleMania 42 blackout policy, describing it as a “DNA mismatch.”
Significance of the Championship Change
The anticipated change of the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown marks a significant pivot in WWE’s booking strategy, likely setting up a marquee rivalry between Rhodes and Orton for the remainder of the year. This move also raises questions about Drew McIntyre’s trajectory and how WWE will position him in upcoming major events such as WrestleMania 42. Fans can expect heightened drama and evolving storylines as the company navigates these shifts.
