Drew McIntyre’s Next WWE Power Play Could Reshape SmackDown Forever
Drew McIntyre’s latest championship win may be just the beginning of something far bigger — and far more dangerous — for SmackDown.
On the January 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, McIntyre stunned fans by defeating Cody Rhodes in a punishing Three Stages of Hell match to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. The victory didn’t just mark another title reign; it signaled a dramatic shift in McIntyre’s mindset. This wasn’t about survival or redemption — it was about control.
Since claiming the championship, speculation backstage has exploded about what McIntyre plans to do next. With rivals lining up and tensions rising across the blue brand, there’s growing belief that the new champion may look to protect his throne the old-school way — by surrounding himself with power.
Sources and fan chatter alike continue to circle one surprising name as a possible ally: Logan Paul.
While the idea once seemed unlikely, McIntyre and Paul have already proven they’re a dangerous combination. The duo silenced critics ahead of SummerSlam 2025 when they teamed up to defeat Randy Orton and Jelly Roll in a headline-grabbing tag match. Their chemistry carried over months later when they stood united in the Men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series 2025.
Paul is currently tied to The Vision, but his history with McIntyre — and their proven success under pressure — hasn’t been forgotten. If McIntyre is serious about building a faction that can dominate SmackDown, Paul’s mainstream appeal, athletic ability, and big-match instincts could make him an invaluable weapon.
As challengers close in and the power structure of SmackDown continues to shift, Drew McIntyre’s next decision could change far more than his title reign. It could decide who truly controls WWE’s blue brand moving forward.
