Big news coming out of the January 9, 2026 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown as Drew McIntyre won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes in their 3 Stages of Hell Match.
Jacob Fatu returned in the process, four matches next week will set up a Saturday Night's Main Event bout, and the Royal Rumble challenger is somewhere in the mix.
How did this go down, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down!
How Did Drew McIntyre Become Champion?
The first set of this 3 Stages of Hell match was a regular singles bout, which Drew McIntyre won after low-blowing Cody Rhodes while the referee was distracted, setting up The American Nightmare to have to win the Falls Count Anywhere stipulation part.
Rhodes did so by hitting a Cross Rhodes on the outside through the commentary table, making it an even score heading into the steel cage match.
As McIntyre was about to escape the cage, Jacob Fatu returned, looking to get a measure of revenge over The Scottish Warrior putting him out of action with an attack several months ago.
However, for some reason, Fatu also started to fight with Rhodes, and this was enough of an obstacle to prevent the champion from being able to do anything as McIntyre flopped outside the cage, winning the third decision and recapturing the WWE Championship.
Who Will Face Drew McIntyre Next?
Earlier in the night, after a laundry list of people have been stating that they are coming for the title, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced that on next week's episode of SmackDown, there will be four qualifying matches to set up a Fatal 4-Way that will take place at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event.
Randy Orton will face The Miz, Matt Cardona will be up against Trick Williams, Damian Priest and Solo Sikoa will battle for a spot, and Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov will determine the final member of that Fatal 4-Way match.
Out of those four who advance to the Fatal 4-Way, whoever wins at Saturday Night's Main Event on January 24th will then get an opportunity for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, taking place in Saudi Arabia on January 31st.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
I'm utterly shocked that they went with this decision, as I didn't expect WWE to have the stones to do it. Good on them for doing something surprising. I still cannot see McIntyre holding the title heading into WrestleMania, so I'm not entirely sure this is going to be the best decision for the long run, but this does at least shake things up in a way where there's a chance some interesting things could happen. Then again, it could also mean total chaos and a disjointed story that ends up being a mistake when we look back.
Since nothing is set up for Rhodes to win the title back by the Royal Rumble, we have to look at the eight potential challengers and see who could fight McIntyre. Out of that mix, only the heels are disqualified, as there just won't be something like McIntyre against The Miz when there are babyfaces to pick from.
Orton is the biggest name out of the bunch, Zayn would probably be #2, Priest follows him, and then, Dragunov followed by Cardona as far as who to take seriously as a challenger. Since this is happening in Riyadh, I suspect Orton could be the guy to challenge McIntyre, but I wouldn't count out Zayn or Priest, either, for one-off challengers who come up short.
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!