Drew McIntyre’s WrestleMania 42 Title Match Narrowed To Two Options
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Drew McIntyre’s WrestleMania 42 Title Match Narrowed To Two Options

By Conor Renshaw on 19 January 2026

WWE is reportedly narrowing its creative plans for Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42, with two main options currently under discussion.

According to Dave Meltzer in Friday’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the company is debating whether new champion Drew McIntyre will defend the title in a straight singles rematch against Cody Rhodes or in a triple threat bout that would also include Jacob Fatu. Both scenarios remain on the table as WWE maps out its top programme for the biggest show of the year.

Meltzer reported that one idea would see McIntyre and Rhodes meet one-on-one after their recent clash, while the alternative would involve Fatu being added following his interference in the Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown. Although the interference was described as inadvertent, it played a key role in McIntyre retaining the championship and has positioned Fatu closer to the main event picture.

Who Does Dave Meltzer Think Drew McIntyre Should Face At WrestleMania 42?

From a booking standpoint, Meltzer suggested a singles match may be the cleaner option, particularly with both the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber still to come. He noted that WWE will need clear winners at both events, making it easier to slot Cody Rhodes back into contention for Drew McIntyre’s title via the Chamber rather than complicating matters with multiple challengers.

“The straight match is easier because there has to be a single winner at the Rumble and at the Chamber (for CM Punk or whoever the other champion is), so Rhodes winning the Chamber (could be Rumble but my gut is Chamber makes the most sense) would get him in.”

That said, Meltzer added that WWE would have little trouble integrating Fatu into the match if creative ultimately leans toward the triple threat. His rising profile and connection to recent events make him an easy addition should the company decide to raise the stakes.

“There are always ways to get Fatu in if need be.”

With the Royal Rumble set for January 31, the direction of the WWE Championship picture is expected to sharpen soon. Whether McIntyre faces Rhodes alone or in a three-way showdown, his first WrestleMania defence as champion is shaping up to be a major focal point of WrestleMania 42.