Drew McIntyre’s Quest for the Undisputed WWE Championship!

WWE has already stirred up excitement in 2026, declaring Drew McIntyre as the new Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match on January 10’s “WWE SmackDown,” aided by Jacob Fatu. This victory marks McIntyre’s fourth world title and the first time he could celebrate openly in front of a live audience without the worry of a Money in the Bank cash-in.

Since then, many contenders have emerged, eager to challenge McIntyre. Currently, four wrestlers—Damian Priest, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Trick Williams—are set to compete in a Fatal Four-Way match on Saturday night to earn the opportunity to face McIntyre at the Royal Rumble on January 31. With the added threat from Fatu and Rose, it seems likely that McIntyre’s title reign could be brief as he faces numerous formidable challengers.

There’s a lot at stake, so let’s delve into the world of the Undisputed WWE Championship. Who might dethrone McIntyre, and will he still be champion when WrestleMania 42 rolls around? Let’s break it down.

To find McIntyre’s potential successor, one must consider that he’s currently a heel. Fans typically rally behind a heroic babyface to take down the villain, and Cody Rhodes, known as the “American Nightmare,” is positioned as a strong contender eager to reclaim glory.

Had it not been for Jacob Fatu’s intervention, Rhodes might still be champion. Now, he’s gunning for a rematch after losing under contentious circumstances. There’s speculation he could win the Royal Rumble, matching Stone Cold Steve Austin’s record of three victories, and aim for WrestleMania 42 to reclaim his championship. Rhodes remains one of WWE’s top active babyfaces, though some fans have begun to voice their dissent.

However, after 24 months at the top, some argue it’s time for a new champion. Randy Orton’s return as champion feels imminent, especially considering his history with Rhodes and the potential chase for John Cena’s championship record. Therefore, a future championship match between the two seems inevitable, with Rhodes likely taking the title only to see Orton claim it back. Thus, opting for Rhodes to capture the title only to have Orton challenge him could create fascinating storytelling.

In truth, Sami Zayn deserves a shot at the title and could very well leave January as the Undisputed WWE Champion. However, WWE has a track record of missing opportunities like this, and Zayn’s chance comes at a critical moment.

The upcoming main event on January 24 in Montreal, along with the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on January 31, creates the perfect stage for Zayn to take the title. Winning at his hometown event and then securing the championship as the first Muslim WWE Champion would make for a historic moment. Zayn, known for his exceptional in-ring skills, has yet to hold a world title, and he would be a deserving champion given his contributions to the company.

While WWE could postpone Zayn’s crowning moment for a larger event like WrestleMania 43, capitalizing on Zayn’s current momentum feels crucial. He’s earned this opportunity and provides a unique narrative that WWE should not overlook—granting him the title at the Royal Rumble is a fitting decision.