Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive into the world of WWE and explore the highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship!
The Rise of Drew McIntyre: A Champion's Journey
In a dramatic start to 2026, WWE witnessed the birth of a new Undisputed WWE Champion - none other than Drew McIntyre. "The Scottish Psychopath" emerged victorious in a grueling Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes, with a little interference from Jacob Fatu. This win marked McIntyre's fourth world title in WWE, a momentous occasion made even more special by the presence of a live audience, free from the threat of any Money in the Bank cash-ins.
Since then, a host of challengers have stepped forward, eager to dethrone McIntyre. As of now, four formidable men are set to battle it out for the chance to challenge McIntyre at the Royal Rumble on January 31st. Damian Priest, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Trick Williams will face off in a Fatal Four Way match on Saturday Night's Main Event, scheduled for January 24th. With Fatu and Rhodes also in the mix, McIntyre's championship reign might be short-lived, as he'll have his hands full with these talented contenders.
The Contenders: Who Will Reign Supreme?
Let's delve deeper into the possibilities and predict who might emerge as the new champion.
Cody Rhodes or Randy Orton: A Battle of Legends
When it comes to dethroning Drew McIntyre, one must consider his heel status. Naturally, a valiant babyface is needed to overcome the odds and defeat the villain. Step forward, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who has a personal vendetta against McIntyre and seeks to claim his sword for himself.
If not for Jacob Fatu's interference, Rhodes might still be champion today. He has every right to demand a rematch, and given his history with McIntyre, it's a match that WWE fans eagerly anticipate. With Rhodes' potential to match Stone Cold Steve Austin's record of three Royal Rumble victories, he could go on to WrestleMania 42 and reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship. After all, he remains the top active babyface in WWE, despite some crowds expressing their displeasure.
However, with Rhodes having held the top spot for nearly two years, WWE might opt for a change to keep audiences engaged. Enter Randy Orton, "The Viper." His potential reign as Undisputed WWE Champion has been a long-awaited "when" rather than an "if." With a rich history alongside Rhodes as part of Legacy and his eyes set on John Cena's record of 17 WWE Championships, Orton could be the one to dethrone Rhodes and their friendship.
A match between Rhodes and Orton is inevitable, but who will enter as champion? While I lean towards Rhodes for a big babyface moment, don't be surprised if Orton takes the title first.
Sami Zayn: The Feel-Good Champion?
Sami Zayn deserves our attention and admiration. He embodies the perfect feel-good story, one that WWE should not miss. Saturday Night's Main Event takes place in Zayn's hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on January 24th, followed by the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31st. This back-to-back schedule presents a unique opportunity for a beloved babyface like Zayn to become the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Zayn would be the first Muslim WWE Champion since The Iron Sheik, a historic moment that WWE should not pass up. His in-ring talent is undeniable, and he has consistently delivered must-see performances, especially during his recent run with the WWE United States Championship. Zayn has proven himself time and again, and WWE has nothing to lose by giving him this well-deserved opportunity.
While WWE could opt for a bigger event like WrestleMania 43 (also in Saudi Arabia) to crown Zayn as champion, the time is now. Zayn is on a roll, and he has earned this spot. It's the right thing to do, and WWE should seize this chance to create one of the biggest feel-good moments in recent wrestling history.
As we await the Royal Rumble and the fate of the Undisputed WWE Championship, who do you think will emerge victorious? Will it be Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, or the beloved Sami Zayn? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
