How many days was Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship reign before losing to Cody Rhodes?
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Drew McIntyre has lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes.
Drew McIntyre enjoyed a short but intense run as Undisputed WWE Champion in 2026, holding the title for 56 days before losing it in dramatic fashion on SmackDown.
The Scottish Warrior captured the championship on January 9, 2026, beginning a reign that positioned him at the center of WWE’s biggest storylines heading into WrestleMania season.
His run came to an end in early March when Cody Rhodes defeated him on the March 6 episode of WWE SmackDownto claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. The loss ended McIntyre’s two-month reign and dramatically reshaped the WrestleMania 42 title picture.
The title match that ended Drew McIntyre’s reign
The championship bout between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes was set up after chaos at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026. McIntyre interfered in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, costing Rhodes a potential WrestleMania opportunity.
That interference angered WWE officials and ultimately led to the SmackDown title match being made. Rhodes entered the bout knowing it was his last chance to reach the WrestleMania 42 main event picture. Meanwhile, McIntyre was determined to eliminate Rhodes from the title scene once and for all.
Brutal WWE SmackDown main event
The match quickly turned into a physical and emotional battle. Drew McIntyre initially attempted to leave the match before the opening bell, but Rhodes chased him down and began attacking him with punches.
Once the fight officially started, the champion dominated early stretches of the contest. McIntyre repeatedly targeted Rhodes’ back and punished him both inside and outside the ring.
At one point, he planted Rhodes through a table with a devastating powerbomb at ringside. Despite the punishment, Rhodes rallied with his speed and offense, landing a Cody Cutter and attempting the Cross Rhodes.
The contest eventually turned into a dramatic back-and-forth fight. McIntyre even connected with a Claymore Kick, but Rhodes managed to survive the pinfall attempt. Chaos erupted near the end when the referee was accidentally knocked down.
As McIntyre attempted to use a chair, Jacob Fatu appeared and stopped him from striking Rhodes. That moment allowed Rhodes to regain momentum. The American Nightmare followed up with a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes combination, finally securing the three-count.
What the loss means for WrestleMania 42?
The victory crowned Cody Rhodes as the new Undisputed WWE Champion and set up a massive WrestleMania showdown.
Rhodes is now expected to defend the title against Randy Orton, who won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
For McIntyre, the defeat ended his 56-day reign and left questions about his WrestleMania direction. Regardless, his brief run as champion helped intensify one of WWE’s biggest rivalries on the road to WrestleMania 42.
How long did Drew McIntyre hold the Undisputed WWE Championship in 2026?
Drew McIntyre held the title for 56 days, from January 9, 2026, until March 6, 2026.
Who defeated Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship?
Cody Rhodes defeated McIntyre on the March 6, 2026 episode of SmackDown to win the championship.
Why was the Rhodes vs McIntyre title match booked?
The match was set up after McIntyre interfered in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, costing Rhodes a WrestleMania opportunity and prompting WWE officials to schedule the championship bout.
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