As previously reported, Drew McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes this past Friday night on SmackDown in a surprising upset.
According to BodySlam+, neither McIntyre nor Rhodes were informed about the match's finish until just a few hours before it took place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The report indicated that there were "a few different pitches" for how the match would end, but ultimately, WWE decided on McIntyre winning after receiving some unexpected assistance from Jacob Fatu. Fatu interfered to attack McIntyre, seemingly in retaliation for being taken out of action months ago. However, Rhodes intervened by pulling Fatu off McIntyre, giving McIntyre the chance to escape the cage and win the match.
The report also stated that WWE plans to adopt a different approach for the Road to WrestleMania this year, as McIntyre's victory opens up new storylines heading into the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 42 in April.
Additionally, it was reported that WWE will hold a Fatal 4-Way Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event later this month. The winner will go on to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st, at the King Abdullah Financial District.
