The Wrestling Rewind #206 🎙️ : A New Champion Rises Drew McIntyre, WWE’s Reset & Life After Cody

📅 Air Date: 11-01-26 This week on The Wrestling Rewind, we react to one of the biggest and most unexpected moments in recent WWE history as Drew McIntyre finally captures the WWE Championship in front of a live crowd. We break down why this win feels long overdue, how it corrects years of missed opportunities, and why Drew’s run could represent a genuine reset at the top of the card. We dive deep into the Three Stages of Hell match, the return of Jacob Fatu, and how WWE suddenly went from having a “Cody problem” to multiple fresh, intersecting main-event feuds. We also discuss SmackDown’s return to three hours, why this episode justified the format, and how WWE seems to be learning when to pull the trigger instead of forcing the plan. The conversation expands into the wider roster: Carmelo Hayes’ rise, Jordynne Grace’s WWE future, Jade Cargill’s exposed limitations, Chelsea Green’s unexpected momentum, and what WWE’s women’s divisions are still getting wrong. We also touch on Mark Cardona’s return, the Wyatt Six, CM Punk vs Bron Breakker, Netflix-era WWE presentation, and why this felt like a statement week for the company. We close by hopping back into the time machine to review Royal Rumble 2012, revisiting Sheamus’ win, CM Punk vs Dolph Ziggler, forgotten booking decisions, and how different WWE felt — for better and worse. 00:00 Intro & Drew McIntyre title win reaction 02:10 Why this is Drew’s real championship run 06:30 Three Stages of Hell match analysis 10:40 Jacob Fatu return & future feuds 15:20 WWE’s Cody Rhodes problem revisited 20:10 SmackDown’s three-hour test 24:30 Carmelo Hayes & the US title scene 28:20 Jordynne Grace arrival & Jade Cargill criticism 34:10 WWE women’s division depth issues 39:40 Mark Cardona’s WWE return 43:10 Wyatt Six vs Bloodline comparisons 47:30 CM Punk vs Bron Breakker main event 52:10 Netflix-era WWE production & pacing 55:40 Royal Rumble 2012 review 58:30 Final thoughts, plugs & sign-off #TheWrestlingRewind #WrestlingPodcast #DrewMcIntyre #WWE #SmackDown #ProWrestling #WrestlingAnalysis #WWENews #RoyalRumble #NetflixWWE #WrestlingCommunity