On this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown, a rarity in the company’s era occurred. A top title changed hands, and on foreign soil, when Drew McIntyre defeated WWE undisputed champion Cody Rhodes in their “three-stages-of-hell” title match.
It ended Rhodes’ second run as WWE champ after five months, and is a major creative pivot that both reportedly pushed for as the company begins the road to WrestleMania 42. The decision opens up a lot of story opportunities for SmackDown’s top title. With that in mind, let’s look at six opponent options for the new WWE undisputed champion, Drew McIntyre.
Jacob Fatu
McIntyre’s surprising title win came with accidental assistance from a returning Jacob Fatu. The new champ was supposed to be the target of his attack, but his rage led him to focus on Rhodes, giving McIntyre the chance to win the cage match portion of “three stages of hell.”
The Scottsman is the individual who allegedly injured Fatu and forced him to the sidelines for a few months. Restarting their rivalry as McIntyre’s first challenger is very likely.
Damian Priest
After ending his feud with Aleister Black with a definitive win in an ambulance match last week, Damian Priest let it be known he is focused on the WWE title. The New York native had a lengthy and violent feud with McIntyre last year. Going a second round as fodder for the new champ’s successful title defense is an intriguing option. Especially since the company has worked hard to rebuild Priest’s momentum in recent months.
Sami Zayn
Another fan-favorite who recently made it clear he is targeting SmackDown’s top title is Sami Zayn. With upcoming episodes of the show happening in Montreal and Saudi Arabia, two places where Zayn is very popular, it would not be a surprise if he became the next No. 1 contender and tried to win his first world title.
Cody Rhodes
With Rhodes losing the title in a very questionable manner, the door is wide open for him to get a rematch with McIntyre. However, fans have seen the two face off a bunch of times over the last few months. That is why another one-on-one clash is unlikely.
But the former champ being part of a multi-person title match might be a way WWE goes to keep him in the top title picture.
Randy Orton
Along with Priest and Zayn, company legend Randy Orton is eyeing the brand’s top belt as well. Although he works a part-time schedule, Orton was part of big matches in 2025, including being John Cena’s first title challenger and competing in the men’s King of the Ring final.
Orton has a lot of history with McIntye. Reigniting that rivalry as one of the new champ’s first challengers is another possibility.
Roman Reigns
It seems like a matter of time before Roman Reigns recaptures a top title. While he has appeared on episodes of RAW often in 2025, he is still listed as a SmackDown talent on the company’s website. With his contract rumored to end after WrestleMania 42, maybe he emerges as a challenger for McIntyre.
It could set up his return to the top, and reported plans for Rhodes vs. Reigns III at the April event in Las Vegas.
