WWE’s Plans For Drew McIntyre Heading Into WrestleMania Revealed

Drew McIntyre will put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at Royal Rumble 2026. 

He dethroned Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown and has not had a rematch.

Instead, WWE is having a Fatal Four-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event to determine the challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The names entering it are Randy Orton, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, and Sami Zayn.

Drew McIntyre will retain the WWE title at Royal Rumble 2026

Even though superstars such as Randy Orton and Damian Priest are highly likable as world champions, it seems that The Scotsman will retain the championship at WWE Royal Rumble on January 31st, 2026.

Reports by bodyslam.net suggest that Drew McIntyre will enter WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion. At The Grandest Stage of All, McIntyre will defend the title against Cody Rhodes.

Drew McIntyre is currently expected to walk into WrestleMania as the Undisputed WWE Champion.

As of right now, a rematch with Cody Rhodes is the likely match at WrestleMania 42.

Drew McIntyre is currently expected to walk into WrestleMania as the Undisputed WWE Champion.

As of right now, a rematch with Cody Rhodes is the likely match at WrestleMania 42.

– @BodyslamNet pic.twitter.com/fo89SKNuOz

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 23, 2026

Previously, the plan was to have Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes III at WrestleMania 42. However, Triple H scrapped that idea to avoid fan fatigue over Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleManias.

If the idea is to have The American Nightmare vs. The Scotsman, it seems Rhodes will win the Royal Rumble men’s match.

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