Full Breakdown
Drew McIntyre Claims WWE Championship in Dramatic Match
1/10/2026, 11:21:04 AM
Championship Match Overview
Drew McIntyre has captured the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match on the latest episode of SmackDown. This victory marks McIntyre's first championship win that has lasted longer than five minutes and his first title victory in front of a live audience. The match featured three distinct stages: a Falls Count Anywhere match, a steel cage match, and a final showdown that culminated in McIntyre escaping the cage to secure the title.
Match Dynamics and Key Moments
The match began with McIntyre employing underhanded tactics to win the first fall, distracting the referee and delivering a low blow to Rhodes. Rhodes retaliated in the Falls Count Anywhere stage, evening the score after a series of high-impact moves, including a frogsplash through a table. The final stage saw McIntyre and Rhodes locked in a steel cage, where chaos ensued with the unexpected return of Jacob Fatu, who initially attacked McIntyre but inadvertently assisted him in escaping the cage. This dramatic turn of events led to McIntyre's victory, ending Rhodes' reign as champion.
Internal WWE Perspectives
Reports indicate that there was significant internal support within WWE for McIntyre to win the title, especially considering the upcoming Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42. Some WWE personnel believed that taking the title off Rhodes at this juncture could reshape the WrestleMania landscape. Critics argue that another loss for Rhodes could harm his character's credibility, given his status as a top face in WWE.
Upcoming Storylines and Implications
With McIntyre now champion, he faces the challenge of defending his title against the winner of a newly announced tournament, which includes notable competitors such as Randy Orton and Matt Cardona. The tournament's first round will take place on January 24, 2026, with the winners competing in a fatal four-way match to determine the No. 1 contender.
Criticism and Opposition
While McIntyre's victory has been celebrated by some, there are dissenting voices within the fanbase who feel that Rhodes should have retained the title, especially given his role as a prominent figure in WWE. The unexpected nature of the title change has sparked discussions about the direction of WWE storylines leading into WrestleMania.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No longer bored at work.” — Drew McIntyre, after winning the championship.
- “The American Nightmare" looked strong in defeat.” — CBS Sports analysis on Rhodes' performance.
Conclusion
Drew McIntyre's championship win marks a significant turning point in WWE, with potential ramifications for both his career and the broader narrative leading into WrestleMania 42. As WWE continues to build towards the Royal Rumble, the dynamics between McIntyre, Rhodes, and Fatu will likely play a crucial role in shaping future storylines.
