The WWE Universe was on fire with excitement as the Smackdown results unfolded on January 16, 2026, in a thrilling episode that left fans buzzing! But here's the twist: the new WWE Champion Drew McIntyre's celebration took an unexpected turn, leaving the London crowd stunned.
The Show Opener: The charismatic Joe Tessitore kicked things off, narrating the backstage arrivals of wrestling legends. The sold-out OVO Arena Wembley erupted as bagpipe players welcomed the new WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, who basked in the cheers of his hometown fans.
McIntyre's Shocking Turn: In a surprising move, McIntyre, the first British WWE Champion, turned on the adoring crowd. He berated the fans for their lack of support during his struggles, sparking a heated reaction. But here's where it gets controversial—McIntyre declared that the 'vanilla QB1 era' was over, ushering in his reign of unpredictability.
Qualifying Matches: The night featured intense qualifying matches for the four-way WWE Championship shot. Randy Orton, the Viper, clashed with The Miz in a hard-hitting contest, securing his spot in the four-way. Meanwhile, Matt Cardona, in a backstage interview, expressed his determination to reclaim the title, setting up a qualifying match against Trick Williams.
Royal Rumble Teasers: Cody Rhodes, the former WWE Champion, addressed the crowd, discussing his Royal Rumble aspirations. He boldly declared himself the first entrant in the men's Royal Rumble match, igniting speculation. But the question remains: will his bold move pay off?
Controversy and Drama: The show didn't shy away from controversy. McIntyre's scathing remarks about the fans and his bold declaration sparked debates among fans. And this is the part most people miss—the subtle tension between McIntyre and the fans, a dynamic that could shape the upcoming storylines.
What do you think about McIntyre's controversial statements? Are you team McIntyre or team WWE Universe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the discussion going!
