The January 9, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown in Berlin just delivered the shot heard round the wrestling world. In a physical, blood-soaked Three Stages of Hell match, Drew McIntyre finally did the unthinkable: he dethroned Cody Rhodes to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Drew McIntyre is a WWE Champion once again! #SmackDownhttps://t.co/dnE9JlvmWk pic.twitter.com/SO1EFZrczk
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) January 9, 2026
While The American Nightmare’s era was one for the history books, the atmosphere in the Uber Arena made it clear that the time for change had arrived. Now, here are three reasons why Drew McIntyre walked out of Germany with the gold.
#3. Cody Rhodes’ reign as Undisputed WWE Champion has seemingly reached a natural plateau
Many believe that being the chaser is often more exciting than being the champion. Cody Rhodes has been the face of the company for a long stretch, and while his merch sales are still through the roof, the “hero who always wins” trope was starting to feel a bit repetitive.
By having Drew take the title tonight, WWE effectively hits the reset button. It could keep the main event scene from becoming stagnant and force Cody into a new, more desperate chapter of his career where he isn’t the one holding all the cards.
#2. Triple H could be correcting the Clash at the Castle Heartbreak
Many fans still haven’t forgiven the decision to have Drew McIntyre lose in front of his home-continent crowd back at Clash at the Castle in Wales. Tonight in Berlin felt like the ultimate course correction.
Drew is a massive draw across Europe, and the roar of the German crowd when he hit that final Claymore was proof that he belonged at the top of the mountain. Giving him the win in a European stadium wasn’t just a business move; it was perhaps a reward for his loyalty and a “thank you” for the years he spent carrying the brand during the lean times.
#1. To seemingly clear the Deck for Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
The Samoan Werewolf has been the most terrifying presence on SmackDown since he arrived, and a title feud with Cody Rhodes might actually have slowed Jacob Fatu down. By taking the Undisputed Championship out of the equation, WWE can now lean into a pure, unadulterated grudge match between Cody and Fatu, who cost The American Nightmare his gold.
Without the belt on the line, the story would likely be about survival and the destruction of the Rhodes legacy. It would allow both men to go to war without the constraints of protecting the title, while keeping the championship scene fresh with a new monster at the helm.
