8 New Directions For WWE After Elimination Chamber 2026

2. Drew McIntyre Defending In A Multi-Man

Randy Orton won the men’s Chamber, but it’s still more likely that Drew McIntyre defends his WWE Title against a string of challengers in some sort of multi-man setup. Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn are still in the frame, and don't let anybody tell you different. Besides, McIntyre against anyone one-on-one doesn’t sound that compelling right now, which is damning on Triple H’s booking.

During the post-show, GM Nick Aldis announced McIntyre vs. Rhodes for next week’s SmackDown, so fans should expect some sort of screwy finish that leads to Cody and others muscling in on Orton's title shot. Later, that could even be handy if WWE wants to circle back around to Rhodes vs. Randy.

They've had unfinished business for ages, after all.

Sure, Orton winning the Chamber should secure him a singles match with Drew on paper, but that'd be the weakest of the 2 men's World Title scenarios at WrestleMania 42 if it happened. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns is almost untouchable for the SmackDown crew, so they should hurl everything they have at it and double down on the marked man story McIntyre has been telling.

He's like a reverse Steve Austin in the 1998 Royal Rumble, and it's all his own making. Drew's character has made so many enemies, and continues to do so. It's a realistic proposition that the Scot will have to defend his belt against Randy, Cody, Fatu, Zayn and maybe even someone else on the grand stage next month.

Why not? It's the way SmackDown's format sheets have been taking things anyway.