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Drew McIntyre Claims WWE Championship Amid Controversial Finish

1/10/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On January 9, 2026, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Three Stages of Hell match on WWE SmackDown, after Jacob Fatu interfered.
The win ends Rhodes's 159-day title reign and gives McIntyre his third Undisputed WWE Championship.
Next week, four qualifying matches determine contenders for a fatal four-way at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with the winner earning a Royal Rumble title shot.

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Story summary

On January 9, 2026, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Three Stages of Hell match on WWE SmackDown, after Jacob Fatu interfered.
The win ends Rhodes's 159-day title reign and gives McIntyre his third Undisputed WWE Championship.
Next week, four qualifying matches determine contenders for a fatal four-way at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with the winner earning a Royal Rumble title shot.