The possibility of Drew McIntyre becoming world champion has sparked intense debate as WWE’s January 3, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown approaches, with fans and analysts questioning whether McIntyre will finally dethrone current titleholder Cody Rhodes. The momentum surrounding Drew McIntyre world champion aspirations has reached a new high, as his ongoing rivalry with Rhodes has continued to heat up across multiple headline events.
Escalating Rivalry Between McIntyre and Rhodes
Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes began their current title feud in the fall of 2025, making waves at Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s first major televised event on ESPN. Since then, the two have faced each other repeatedly, with Rhodes solidifying his dominance but never fully excluding McIntyre as a legitimate contender. Despite several close calls where The Scottish Warrior seemed poised for victory, Rhodes has always managed to retain the WWE Championship, reinforcing fan perception that his reign could persist through the critical WrestleMania season.
Throughout their ongoing battles, McIntyre has successfully heightened drama and conflict, increasing anticipation for a possible title change. Nevertheless, WWE’s reluctance to push McIntyre into a full championship run remains noticeable, leaving the door open for speculation about when, or if, the tide might turn in his favor.
Jonathan Coachman Champions McIntyre’s Case
The conversation around giving McIntyre the top spot gained further prominence after former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman responded to a post by McIntyre on X (formerly Twitter). The post featured McIntyre raising the WWE Championship over a defeated Cody Rhodes—a moment from a recent Friday Night SmackDown. On that show, McIntyre announced his upcoming Three Stages of Hell match with Rhodes, scheduled for Berlin, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
Coachman argued that awarding McIntyre the championship during the first SmackDown of 2026 would reinvigorate WWE programming and provide fresh storylines on the Road to WrestleMania. He emphasized that McIntyre exemplifies every quality expected of a WWE Superstar and is deserving of a run as champion. He also suggested that such a move would be beneficial for both McIntyre and Rhodes, given Rhodes’s sustained title reign over the preceding two years.
“This man should be the #1 heel in the company. Checks every box any top talent could possibly check mark. It would be good for Cody [Rhodes] AND Drew [McIntyre] if they put the strap on Drew. Allow for Cody to move in a different direction and not have to defend the title everywhere,”
Jonathan Coachman tweeted.
Coachman’s remarks have fueled discussions about how a title shift could impact both competitors’ career trajectories. By moving the title to McIntyre, Rhodes could pivot into new rivalries or storylines, while McIntyre could help freshen the championship scene with his intense persona and drive.
Industry Context and the Competitive Landscape
On the broader wrestling stage, WWE’s rivalry with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has intensified, with AEW concluding 2025 on a high note after MJF claimed the AEW World Championship in the main event of Worlds End. The strong finish by their chief competitor intensified calls for WWE to keep its own product compelling and unpredictable moving into the new year.
McIntyre finally taking the top title from Rhodes would offer WWE fans a thrilling narrative twist, providing a dramatic storyline heading into WrestleMania season. The anticipation for a major title change is also seen as a vital ingredient for maintaining excitement and audience engagement in 2026, particularly as WWE seeks to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Looking Ahead to 2026 for WWE and Drew McIntyre
As WWE prepares for the landmark January 3 episode in Berlin, the outcome of the Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre is set to shape the company’s narrative path into WrestleMania season. The possibility of seeing Drew McIntyre world champion is being touted as both a fresh creative direction and a potential ratings booster for WWE.
Whether WWE management decides to heed Jonathan Coachman’s passionate advice and grant McIntyre a championship reign remains to be seen. However, a new chapter in the WWE Championship story could electrify the fanbase, redefine main-event dynamics, and validate McIntyre’s journey as one of the company’s most intense and relentless talents.
This man should be the #1 heel in the company. Checks every box any top talent could possibly check mark. It would be good for Cody AND Drew if they put the strap on Drew. Allow for Cody to move in a different direction and not have to defend the title everywhere. https://t.co/HXtCUe9kxP
— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) December 28, 2025
