{"id":150437,"date":"2026-01-10T13:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=150437"},"modified":"2026-01-10T13:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:03:42","slug":"3-reasons-why-drew-mcintyre-won-the-wwe-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/10\/3-reasons-why-drew-mcintyre-won-the-wwe-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Reasons Why Drew McIntyre Won the WWE Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a surprising yet welcome twist, Drew McIntyre won the Three Stages of Hell match and finally became the WWE Champion<\/a><\/span>. Not counting his short-lived World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL, this was McIntyre’s first World Title win in front of a live crowd. Berlin popped for the Scottish Warrior<\/a><\/span>, who had relentlessly pursued the belt for years.<\/p>\n

Although the initial reaction to McIntyre’s win is largely positive, WWE’s decision to suddenly take the top prize off Cody Rhodes, the Quarterback of the TKO Era, demands explanation. Fans will be hoping that Triple H has a plan with McIntyre with the Champion.<\/p>\n

On that note, let’s delve deep into 3 reasons why McIntyre won the WWE Championship on SmackDown in Berlin.<\/p>\n

\"Cody
Photo Credit: WWE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#3. It was essentially do or die for Drew McIntyre<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Drew McIntyre had been firing on all cylinders for the last 2 years, but Triple H wasn’t really pulling the trigger on his push. 2025 was challenging for McIntyre’s devoted fans, as WWE struggled to book him as a credible, top-tier heel.<\/p>\n

The Scottish Warrior had already lost twice to Rhodes. The American Nightmare had successfully defended the WWE Championship against McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza and Saturday Night’s Main Event XLI (on November 1). Despite coming up short twice, the proud son of Glasgow was unwilling to give up his pursuit.<\/p>\n

However, this was his last real chance at glory. If McIntyre had lost in Berlin, fans would have moved on, and McIntyre would have floundered in the upper mid-card territory for the remainder of his career. Fortunately, WWE made the brave decision of putting the top prize on the Scottish Warrior, elevating his stock once again and restoring his credibility as a top star.<\/p>\n