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What is being said about plans for the WWE Title following Drew McIntyre’s win over Cody Rhodes

Aaron Rift

As seen during the January 9th 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes defended the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a “Three Stages of Hell” match. McIntyre ended up winning the title after interference from Jacob Fatu.

According to BodySlam.net, McIntyre is currently expected to head into WrestleMania 42 as the WWE Champion. As of now, Cody Rhodes is considered to be the most likely opponent for McIntyre.

According to Fightful.com, Sami Zayn had been discussed and even tentatively planned for a world championship match ahead of WrestleMania. Zayn is scheduled to face Randy Orton, Damian Priest, Trick Williams, and Randy Orton in a four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event with the winner challenging McIntyre at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

With SNME taking place in Montreal and Zayn being popular in Saudi Arabia, he is a heavy betting odds favorite to win at -600 via BetOnline.

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