Full Breakdown
Drew McIntyre Celebrates WWE Championship Win Amidst Rising Tensions
1/18/2026, 3:50:37 AM
Drew McIntyre's Championship Celebration
On January 16, 2026, WWE SmackDown took place at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, where Drew McIntyre celebrated his recent victory as the WWE Undisputed Champion. The event opened with a grand entrance featuring bagpipers, marking McIntyre's first championship reign in front of a live audience after defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match. During his promo, McIntyre expressed disdain for the crowd, accusing them of only supporting him now that he holds the title, and revealed that Rhodes would not receive a rematch due to a clause he included in their contract.
Rising Contenders and Qualifying Matches
The show featured a series of qualifying matches to determine McIntyre's first challenger. Randy Orton, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, and Sami Zayn emerged victorious in their respective matches, advancing to a Fatal Four-Way match at Saturday Night's Main Event (SNME) on January 24, 2026. This match will decide who will face McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. Notably, Orton defeated The Miz, Williams triumphed over Matt Cardona, Priest bested Solo Sikoa, and Zayn overcame Ilja Dragunov.
Tensions with Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes
The night was marked by escalating tensions involving Jacob Fatu, who attacked McIntyre during his celebration. Fatu's interference has set the stage for a potential feud, especially after he called out Rhodes, leading to a brawl between the two. Rhodes, who has declared his intention to enter the 2026 Royal Rumble, expressed his frustration over losing the championship and vowed to reclaim it. Their conflict is expected to continue, with a match between Fatu and Rhodes scheduled for SNME.
Official Statements & Responses
Drew McIntyre's remarks during his promo emphasized his belief that the crowd had abandoned him during his struggles. He stated, “I prayed for this to happen and it did... You should be chanting 'Thank You, Drew'.” Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, addressing the crowd, noted, “I’m entering the Royal Rumble... I’m going to win back my WWE Undisputed Championship.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed out that McIntyre's heel persona, while effective, may alienate fans who previously supported him. Additionally, there are concerns about the ongoing focus on Rhodes in the title picture, with some fans expressing a desire for fresh challengers like Sami Zayn or Jacob Fatu to step into the spotlight.
What's Next
The upcoming Fatal Four-Way match at SNME will be crucial in determining McIntyre's next challenger, with all four contenders—Orton, Williams, Priest, and Zayn—having strong motivations to secure a title shot. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the trajectory of WWE's championship landscape leading into WrestleMania 42.
