Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe. WWE is reportedly moving forward with plans for Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre to feud over the WWE Championship leading up to and at WrestleMania 42, leaving Roman Reigns to do something else.

One of the key reasons why Rhodes has been kicked out of the Undisputed Title picture is that it will allow WWE to book fresh challengers for the Scottish Warrior. If The American Nightmare gets a rematch, then it may feel like McIntyre's title reign is boring, and fans may likely lose interest very soon.

This is Wrestling Inc.’s results for “WWE SmackDown” on January 16, 2026, with four Undisputed WWE Championship Number One Contenders Qualifiers!

On Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes announced that he has declared for the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble. Rhodes is the first person, male or female, to declare for the Royal Rumble. Rhodes won the 2024 and 2025 men’s Royal Rumble matches. No wrestler has ever won three straight Rumbles.

WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes has had a terrible start to his 2026. And things keep going from bad to worse for The American Nightmare.

Randy Orton was quick to hit the ring afterward to threaten McIntyre before Jacob Fatu arrived and actually threw hands with the champ. Fatu attacked McIntyre, who ultimately jumped over the guardrail and escaped "The Samoan Werewolf" through the audience.

Rhodes defeated Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre by disqualification Thursday night in Newcastle upon Tyne. The title, however, remained with McIntyre, who won it from Rhodes the previous week in Berlin, Germany, on SmackDown.

AEW star Jeff Jarrett has discussed a recent WWE title change and wondered whether it would have made more sense for it to happen last month.