Drew McIntyre Expected to Remain WWE Champion Through WrestleMania 42 – Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship victory over Cody Rhodes on the January 9 episode of SmackDown sent shockwaves through WWE just weeks before the Royal Rumble. While the title change surprised much of the fanbase, a new report indicates the decision was not only deliberate, but mutually supported by both men involved.
According to Bodyslam, both Rhodes and McIntyre were in favor of the championship changing hands. The belief was that the move would open up fresh creative paths for each star as WWE heads into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. Rather than a last-minute pivot, the title switch was reportedly viewed internally as a way to reset momentum and elevate the stakes heading into the company’s most important stretch of the year.
In the immediate aftermath of McIntyre’s win, speculation quickly surfaced that he would be a short-term or transitional champion. Many assumed the belt would soon return to Rhodes or be passed to another challenger before WrestleMania 42. However, that expectation appears to be off the mark.
Sources now indicate that McIntyre is currently slated to enter WrestleMania 42 as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. As things stand, a rematch against Cody Rhodes is the most likely direction for the Las Vegas event. That scenario would position Rhodes in a familiar role, chasing the championship on WWE’s biggest stage, while McIntyre looks to solidify his reign on the grandest platform possible.
The championship picture could become clearer this weekend. Randy Orton, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, and Sami Zayn are scheduled to collide in a four-way match for a WWE Championship opportunity at the Royal Rumble. The winner could emerge as a potential challenger, depending on how WWE ultimately structures its WrestleMania plans.
While creative directions can always evolve, the current outlook suggests WWE is committed to McIntyre as champion through WrestleMania season, setting up a high-profile title program with long-term implications for both him and Rhodes.
Drew McIntyre Expected to Remain WWE Champion Through WrestleMania 42
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