If Drew McIntyre’s unexpected victory over Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the start of 2026 wasn’t thrilling enough, the upcoming four-way match to determine his first challenger promises to be just as exhilarating. Competing in this match will be Randy Orton, Damian Priest, Trick Williams (recently called up from WWE NXT), and Sami Zayn. The winner will go on to face McIntyre for the championship at next week’s Royal Rumble.
This upcoming match is intriguing for several reasons. For one, high-stakes encounters on Saturday nights are always a highlight, especially since Peacock’s special events need compelling storylines to captivate their audience. It’s refreshing to see McIntyre aiming for new challenges instead of just rematching Rhodes after their series of contests since Wrestlepalooza.
The main draw of this matchup lies in the talent competing. Randy Orton, often dubbed “The Viper,” has had his eye on the Undisputed Championship for a while, recently mentioning his 14 title reigns in a promo with The Miz, clearly outlining his ambitions for this year. The appearance of Trick Williams, who recently secured a victory over Matt Cardona to qualify, adds another layer of excitement, as he’s a popular new heel that fans are eager to see more of, even if he doesn’t clinch a big win at SNME.
Damian Priest is moving on from a lengthy feud with Aleister Black, making his participation feel like a breath of fresh air. Sami Zayn, a strong favorite in this contest, is entangled in one of WWE’s most captivating storylines. Despite having held the NXT Championship and other titles, he’s yet to secure a top title on WWE’s main roster. As a fan favorite, Zayn has significant support behind him as he pursues this opportunity.
With numerous events lined up for SNME, a week before the Royal Rumble could otherwise feel lackluster. By adding a match to determine the No. 1 contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship rather than just showcasing Rose vs. McIntyre, WWE has made a wise decision since finally awarding the title to “The Scottish Warrior.” The match is set to be entertaining, although the outcome might not be as unpredictable as it appears.
Fan Take: This news is significant for wrestling fans as it sets the stage for exciting rivalries and potential storylines that can elevate the sport further. With fresh talent and established stars vying for the championship, the upcoming match not only fuels anticipation but also keeps fans engaged with compelling narratives in the wrestling world.
