Drew McIntyre’s WWE Title Win Explained Before Returning It to Cody Rhodes

Bassyonni

Published: March 14, 2026 1:42 AM ET

Drew McIntyre’s WWE Title Win Explained Before Returning It to Cody Rhodes

Drew McIntyre’s recent stint as the Undisputed WWE Champion has raised questions among fans, particularly following the swift title return to Cody Rhodes. This decision, which occurred on the March 6 episode of SmackDown, left many seeking clarity on WWE’s strategy.

Drew McIntyre’s Title Reign

McIntyre’s championship win initiated speculation about its short-lived nature. Reports suggested he was aware that his reign might not last long before WrestleMania. Sources associated with the Scottish Warrior indicated he even considered taking time off if he hadn’t secured the title.

Decisions Behind the Title Change

McIntyre was reportedly conscious of the likelihood of losing the title during WrestleMania season.
Many fans expressed their displeasure online regarding the quick title swap back to Rhodes.
The title switch from Rhodes to McIntyre aimed to rejuvenate the main event scene, which WWE deemed predictable and stale.

Billi Bhatti discussed this on The Dirty Sheets podcast, highlighting that the decision came from Road Dogg, the head writer of SmackDown. Bhatti mentioned that this creative shift occurred as part of WWE’s strategy to alter WrestleMania’s main event landscape.

WrestleMania Plans and Fan Concerns

Cody Rhodes was initially set to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
Bron Breakker’s injury impacted the original plans for the event, disrupting scheduled matches.

Fans reacted negatively to the idea of another Rhodes versus Reigns match. WWE recognized this backlash online, prompting the company to reconsider its WrestleMania direction. Breakker’s injury complicated the scenario, leading to modifications in the storyline.

Conclusion: Future Implications

McIntyre’s title win appears to have been more of a strategic maneuver than a precursor to a long championship reign. The decision to return the title swiftly to Rhodes speaks to WWE’s intent to maintain excitement within the main event narrative.

The debate over the timing of this title change continues among fans. Many wonder whether McIntyre deserved a longer championship run or whether the switch was indeed the correct decision. Feedback from the audience will likely shape future developments in WWE programming.