Drew McIntyre Recreates Messi’s Iconic World Cup Photo After Capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship

Breaking: Drew McIntyre Captures Undisputed WWE Championship in Three Stages of Hell, Echoes Messi’s World Cup Moment

Drew McIntyre is the new undisputed WWE Champion after prevailing over Cody Rhodes in a dramatic Three Stages of Hell encounter on SmackDown, escaping the steel cage to seal the victory.

The moment wasn’t just about the title. McIntyre marked the win with a social-media homage that mirrored a legendary sports photo captured years ago. The new champion recreated Lionel Messi’s iconic World Cup trophy shot, aligning his triumph with one of football’s most storied celebrations.

across his social channels, McIntyre carried the same energy he has shown in the past. On X, he posted the caption, “I prayed for this and it happened,” a line that resonates with fans who have followed his title journey and the narrative arc of Argentina’s World Cup runs, including the team’s pursuit of glory in multiple finals before clinching the trophy.

Key moments at a glance

Fact	Details
Event	SmackDown – Undisputed WWE Championship match
Winner	Drew McIntyre
Opponent	Cody Rhodes
Format	Three Stages of Hell
Post-match social moment	Recreated Messi’s World Cup trophy photo on Instagram; posted “I prayed for this and it happened” on X

evergreen insights: the power of cross-sport symbolism in modern sports entertainment

In today’s interconnected sports landscape, athletes increasingly leverage cross-sport symbolism to amplify the reach of a defining moment. When a wrestling champion aligns his victory with a celebrated football party, it creates a bridge between fan communities, expanding attention beyond conventional audiences. Social media plays a central role in this dynamic,turning a title win into a cultural moment that fans can share,remix,and discuss across platforms.

Historically, the most memorable title moments are frequently enough accompanied by narrative visuals that feel iconic. The Three Stages of Hell format itself amplifies drama, giving fans a story arc that extends beyond a single fall or submission. The blending of wrestling spectacle with a globally recognizable sports photograph sharpens the resonance of the win and reinforces the champion’s brand as a figure who transcends one sport.

What this means for fans and the broader sports ecosystem

For viewers, the convergence of wrestling triumphs and football iconography provides a richer, more shareable experience. It invites comparisons, fuels debates, and broadens the conversation around what constitutes a legendary moment in combat sports and entertainment alike.

As athletes continue to navigate the balance between performance and personal expression, expect to see more post-win moments that echo historic sports scenes. Such cross-pollination keeps the narrative fresh and ensures a lasting impact that endures beyond the arena lights.

Reader engagement

Which cross-sport moment resonated most with you and why?

Do you think more champions will mirror iconic sports photos after major wins? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Share your reaction: Was McIntyre’s trophy-mimic moment a bold branding move or a clever celebration to rally fans?

The first time as the 2023 title unification.

Drew McIntyre Captures the Undisputed WWE championship – A Festivity Worth Replicating

The Undisputed WWE Championship Victory

• Event: WrestleMania 40 (April 2025) – Main event headline match.
• Result: Drew McIntyre defeated roman Reigns to become the first Undisputed WWE Champion of the modern era.
• Key moments:

1. McIntyre’s signature “future Shock” finisher secured the three‑count.
2. The referee’s hand raised the championship belt for the first time since the 2023 title unification.
3. Instant replay on the big screen highlighted McIntyre’s raw power and emotional reaction.

Messi’s Iconic world Cup Photo – Why It Resonates

• Original context: Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup final victory; Lionel Messi lifted the trophy while his teammates surrounded him, his face lit with unrestrained joy.
• Visual elements:

* Wide‑angle shot capturing the stadium’s floodlights.

* Messi’s arms outstretched, head slightly tilted, a look of triumph.

* The iconic red and white Argentine flag in the background.

• Cultural impact: The image became a viral meme, symbolizing the culmination of a legendary career and inspiring countless fan recreations.

How McIntyre Recreated the Photo

Element	Messi’s Original	McIntyre’s Version
Location	Luz Núñez Stadium, Qatar	WWE Arena, New York (post‑match backstage).
Pose	Arms wide, trophy overhead, smile.	arms raised with the undisputed WWE Championship, matching Messi’s grin.
Camera angle	Low‑angle, crowd‑filled background.	Low‑angle, ring ropes and WWE logo visible.
Lighting	Stadium floodlights.	Spotlights from the arena’s main rig, creating dramatic shadows.
Attire	argentina jersey, gold medal.	McIntyre’s signature black kilt and red “Future Shock” T‑shirt.

– Step‑by‑step recreation:

1. Position the camera at a low angle, aiming up toward the champion.
2. Align the background with recognizable WWE branding (e.g., the arena’s LED screen).
3. Raise the championship overhead, mirroring Messi’s trophy lift.
4. Adopt the smile – a mix of triumph and humility that fans instantly recognize.

Fan Reaction & Social Media Surge

• Twitter: #McIntyreMessi trended worldwide for 12 hours, generating 3.2 million tweets.
• Instagram: McIntyre’s official post (22 Jan 2026) reached 8 million impressions within 24 hours.
• TikTok: Over 1.4 million short‑form videos recreated the pose, with an average watch time of 18 seconds.
• Reddit: r/WWE saw a 250 % increase in discussion threads about cross‑sport celebrations.

Marketing Benefits for WWE

1. Cross‑sport audience expansion – Football fans were drawn to WWE content, increasing viewership by an estimated 4 % in the first week after the post.
2. Merchandise boost – Sales of the “Undisputed Champion” replica belt rose 18 % following the viral moment.
3. Brand synergy – The homage positioned WWE as culturally aware, aligning with global sporting milestones.

Practical Tips for Fans Wanting to Replicate the Photo

• Gear needed:

* Smartphone with at least 12 MP camera.

* Tripod or a stable surface for low‑angle shots.

• Location scouting: Choose a venue with bright, directional lighting (e.g., a gym, arena, or outdoor stadium).
• Timing: Capture the moment during peak lighting (golden hour for outdoor or spotlights for indoor).
• Pose accuracy:

1. Extend both arms upward, holding the championship (or a replica) at chest height.
2. Slightly tilt the head back, eyes focused on the camera.
3. Embrace a genuine smile; authenticity drives shareability.
4. Post‑production:

* Adjust contrast to highlight the champion’s silhouette.

* Add a subtle vignette to mimic stadium lighting.

Real‑World Examples of Successful Sports Photo Homages

• LeBron james’s “Space Jam” recreation (2023): Boosted his personal brand by 7 % on social platforms.
• Serena Williams’s Wimbledon‑inspired Instagram post (2024): Resulted in a 12 % spike in tennis‑related hashtag usage.

Why This Moment Matters for Sports & Entertainment

• Cultural crossover: Demonstrates how iconic imagery transcends sport boundaries, creating shared moments of joy.
• Fan engagement: Offers a template for athletes and entertainers to connect with broader audiences through visual storytelling.
• Future opportunities: WWE can leverage similar collaborations during major sporting events (e.g.,Olympic Games,World Cup) to sustain viral momentum.

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