Drew McIntyre is once again WWE Champion following a dramatic and controversial victory over Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match, winning the bout 2–1 to capture the title.

McIntyre made a pointed statement before the opening bell, coming to the ring wearing the late Dusty Rhodes’ watch—an item that had been gifted to Cody Rhodes—immediately setting a personal and antagonistic tone for the championship encounter.

The first fall went to McIntyre after he struck Rhodes with a low blow behind the referee’s back, quickly following up with a Claymore Kick to score the pinfall. The second fall spilled throughout Uber Arena, with both men brawling into the crowd and ringside area. Rhodes managed to even the score at 1–1 by delivering a Cross Rhodes onto the announce table, leaving McIntyre laid out and unable to answer the count.

During the decisive third fall, Rhodes appeared to suffer a cut to the back of his head as the physicality escalated. As McIntyre attempted to escape the steel cage to secure victory, he was suddenly stopped by an individual wearing a black hoodie and mask. The figure revealed himself to be Jacob Fatu, who launched an attack on McIntyre. When Rhodes attempted to intervene, Fatu turned his aggression toward him instead, engaging Rhodes in a fight.

With Rhodes neutralized, McIntyre seized the opportunity, exiting the cage through the door to win the match and the WWE Championship.