Drew McIntyre Wins Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown

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I was absolutely stunned Friday night! Drew McIntyre pulled off an incredible victory, beating Cody Rhodes to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. It brought Cody’s impressive 159-day run as champion to an end, and honestly, I didn’t see it coming!

The match ended in a thrilling and intense way during a grueling Three Stages of Hell contest on SmackDown, held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Watch highlights below.

Three Stages of Hell: McIntyre’s Path to Victory

The match took place in a grueling format called Three Stages of Hell. It started as a standard one-on-one match, then moved to a Falls Count Anywhere match where the fight could go anywhere, and finished inside a steel cage.

McIntyre struck first with a low-blow, followed by a devastating Claymore to win the opening fall.

Rhodes tied the match in the second round with a Cross Rhodes maneuver that sent him crashing through the announcer’s table.

The match ended in chaos when Jacob Fatu unexpectedly returned and attacked both wrestlers. This stopped Rhodes from continuing his attack, and McIntyre was able to escape through the cage door to win the match and become the new champion.

I’m so impressed with Drew McIntyre! This is his fourth world championship win in WWE, and it really solidifies him as the guy they’re building towards WrestleMania around. It’s amazing to see him back on top – he truly deserves it!

Other Highlights from SmackDown

  • Giulia successfully defended the Women’s United States Title against Alexa Bliss in her first title defense.
  • Carmelo Hayes retained the United States Championship, defeating Andrade.
  • WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill confronted new SmackDown arrival Jordynne Grace, teasing a high-profile rivalry.
  • Trick Williams made his in-ring debut on SmackDown with a victory over Rey Fenix.

What’s Next: Road to the Royal Rumble

After McIntyre’s victory, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed a Fatal 4-Way Match will happen on Saturday Night’s Main Event. The winner of this match will become the number one contender to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The winner of this match will face McIntyre at the Royal Rumble, potentially launching a major championship run in the following months.

Drew McIntyre’s victory puts him back in contention for the WWE Championship and suggests a major change in the company’s plans heading into its biggest events, the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.

The 39th annual Royal Rumble will be held on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

Watch the match highlights:

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2026-01-10 16:31