Drew McIntyre remains the Undisputed WWE Champion after a hard-fought victory over Sami Zayn at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, solidifying his reign as he heads towards WrestleMania 42.
The championship match took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as part of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. McIntyre, defending his title for the first time since winning it earlier in the month, overcame a spirited challenge from Zayn, who had the overwhelming support of the Saudi crowd due to his Muslim faith. The bout featured intense action, including a powerbomb through an announce table by McIntyre, before he secured the pinfall with multiple Claymore Kicks after a grueling 15 minutes and 58 seconds.
McIntyre’s title defense was his first since capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown earlier in January, with assistance from Jacob Fatu. This victory in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone, as McIntyre became the first wrestler to defeat Zayn in the country, adding to his credentials as a dominant champion.
Zayn earned this title opportunity by winning a Fatal 4-Way match on the preceding episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event, showcasing his resilience and popularity. Despite the loss, his performance was praised, and he remains a top contender, potentially setting up future championship pursuits, possibly through the Elimination Chamber match scheduled for late February.
With this win, McIntyre is now poised for a major title defense at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this April. Reports suggest he may face a multi-man match involving Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, continuing their ongoing feud. McIntyre’s reign is seen as a chance for him to secure a defining WrestleMania moment after past disappointments, including a title win in an empty arena during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Royal Rumble event also featured other key matches, such as Liv Morgan winning the women’s Royal Rumble to earn a WrestleMania title shot, and Roman Reigns capturing the men’s Royal Rumble for the second time. Additionally, Gunther retired AJ Styles in a highly rated match, further establishing himself as a top heel in WWE.
McIntyre’s victory underscores his status as a formidable champion, blending athleticism with a ruthless edge. Analysts graded the match highly, noting its solid storytelling and the emotional investment from the audience. The event as a whole was praised for kicking off the road to WrestleMania with excitement and setting up compelling storylines.
Looking ahead, McIntyre will need to navigate potential challenges from Rhodes, Fatu, and others as WrestleMania approaches. His retention at Royal Rumble ensures continuity at the top of WWE’s card, with fans eagerly anticipating his next moves and whether he can maintain his championship gold through the biggest event of the year.
