Drew McIntyre Breaks Silence on Emotional WWE Title Win Fans Never Thought Would Happen
Drew McIntyre’s journey back to the top of WWE finally reached its long-awaited climax—and this time, it happened in front of a live crowd.
On the January 9, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown, McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. While Jacob Fatu’s interference during the steel cage stage played a key role in the outcome, the result was official: Drew McIntyre was champion once again.
With a no-rematch clause already in place, Cody Rhodes has no immediate path back to the title, firmly closing the chapter on their televised rivalry.
Drew McIntyre Opens Up About His Championship Moment
Speaking recently on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, McIntyre reflected on what the victory truly meant — especially after years of setbacks that led many fans to believe he might never hold a world title in front of a live audience again.
According to McIntyre, the moment felt surreal. He admitted that even though public belief had faded, his own never did. After years of near-misses, controversial losses, and bad timing, he knew all he needed was the right opportunity.
McIntyre explained that defeating Cody Rhodes—widely seen as the face of WWE—made the moment even more meaningful. Winning the title in Berlin symbolized a changing of the guard, but what followed made it truly personal.
His first championship defense took place the very next night in Glasgow, Scotland—the city where he began wrestling at just 15 years old. Walking out as WWE Champion in front of his home crowd fulfilled a promise he made years earlier: that he would return one day as champion.
What’s Next for the Undisputed WWE Champion
Although Rhodes is locked out of a rematch on television, McIntyre has continued to defend the championship against him at WWE live events, retaining the title via disqualification finishes.
With momentum on his side and the crowd firmly behind him, Drew McIntyre’s reign has already become one of the most emotionally charged championship runs in recent WWE history—and it may only be getting started.
