WWE SmackDown delivered chaos, debuts, and a shocking title change in Berlin, Germany—and fans are still trying to process what just happened.
Drew McIntyre walked out as the new WWE Champion after a brutal Three Stages of Hell match.
But it wasn’t a clean victory.
Jacob Fatu made a shocking return, costing Cody Rhodes the championship in devastating fashion and leaving the WWE Universe stunned as SmackDown closed with chaos inside a steel cage.
Drew McIntyre Captures WWE Championship in Controversial Fashion
The main event Three Stages of Hell match was everything WWE promised—and more. Cody Rhodes came out swinging, immediately attacking McIntyre before the bell even rang.
Drew took the first fall after exposing a turnbuckle and hitting a brutal low blow while the referee was distracted, followed by a Claymore Kick.
Stage Two—Falls Count Anywhere—saw both men brawl through the crowd, backstage, and back into the arena. Cody hit a spectacular frog splash off a ledge in the stands, crashing through a table to tie things up at one fall apiece.
The deciding Steel Cage Match pushed both competitors to their absolute limits. Cody hit multiple CrossRhodes attempts and even landed a Cody Cutter off the top of the cage, but Drew kicked out at two.
Just as Drew crawled toward the cage door to escape, Jacob Fatu stormed in under a hood, shoving the referee aside and attacking both men. He kicked Drew, headbutted him, then turned his attention to Cody—giving Drew just enough time to crawl out and win the championship.
Jacob Fatu’s Shocking Return Changes Everything
Nobody saw this coming. Fatu’s interference raises massive questions heading into the Royal Rumble.
Is he aligning with Drew McIntyre? Acting on his own? Or is there a larger plan at play involving the growing tension between The Wyatt Sicks and The Solos?
Earlier in the night, The Solos defeated The Wyatt Sicks and took possession of their lantern—a symbolic and ominous moment that now feels even more significant given Fatu’s appearance.
Randy Orton Sends a Message to Trick Williams
SmackDown opened with Trick Williams interrupting Randy Orton and boldly declaring 2026 as his year.
This isn’t 2006. It’s 2026. Let’s talk about it.
Randy acknowledged Trick’s star power but wasn’t about to be disrespected.
You chose to interrupt me… and I don’t know if you’ve got the brains.
Trick slapped the mic out of Randy’s hand—a decision he immediately regretted. Orton dropped him with a hanging DDT, then hit The Miz with an RKO after Miz tried a sneak attack.
Trick later defeated Rey Fenix in a fantastic back-and-forth match, grabbing a handful of tights to steal the win and continue building momentum on the main roster.
Carmelo Hayes Retains Against Nakamura in Show-Stealing Performance
The United States Championship match was an instant classic. Nakamura targeted Hayes’ leg throughout, hitting multiple dragon screw leg whips and locking in a brutal single-leg crab.
Hayes showed incredible heart, fighting through the pain to hit a springboard DDT, First 48, and finally Nothing But Net from the top rope for the victory.
After the match, both men showed respect with a handshake—a rare moment of sportsmanship on a night filled with betrayal and chaos.
Jordynne Grace Debuts Strong, Jade Cargill Issues Warning
Jordynne Grace officially made her SmackDown debut and wasted no time making an impact, defeating Alba Fyre with a torture rack powerbomb after Chelsea Green caused a distraction.
But the real moment came post-match when Jade Cargill’s music hit.
You think you did something? You think you’re special? You’re on my show… and I’m that bitch.
Jade dropped the mic and walked off, establishing herself as the dominant force Grace will need to overcome if she wants to rise on the blue brand.
Giulia Retains Women’s U.S. Title, Nia Jax Attacks Alexa Bliss
Giulia successfully defended her Women’s United States Championship against Alexa Bliss, but only after interference from Kiana James and a push off the top rope by Lash Legend.
The post-match beatdown was vicious. Nia Jax and Lash Legend entered the ring, with Nia tossing Alexa around before hitting the aNIAlator and sitting on top of her fallen opponent.
Alexa’s night started rough after a backstage encounter where Nia and Lash mocked Charlotte Flair’s absence due to illness—setting the tone for what became a brutal evening for the former champion.
Matt Cardona Returns After Six Years, Sets Sights on Championship
Matt Cardona made his long-awaited return to WWE and didn’t mince words about his intentions.
He told Byron Saxton he had three choices after leaving WWE years ago: be bitter, ride the Zack Ryder name, or build the Matt Cardona brand. He chose the third option—and now he’s back to win the WWE Championship.
Cardona approached Cody Rhodes backstage and made his intentions clear. Cody responded that once he’s done with Drew McIntyre, they can talk.
Well, Drew’s now champion—so that conversation just got a lot more interesting.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Matches Announced
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis made a massive announcement: four qualifying matches will take place next week, with the winners advancing to Saturday Night’s Main Event. The winner of that final match earns a shot at the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
The qualifying matches are:
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz
- Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
- Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
- Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
Each match carries huge implications, and every competitor made their case throughout the night. Sami Zayn admitted he’s rooting for Cody but is ready to face whoever holds the title. Damian Priest reminded Drew what happened the last time they fought. And now, with Drew as champion, the entire landscape has shifted.
The Solos Defeat Wyatt Sicks, Take the Lantern
Tensions between The Wyatt Sicks and The Solos reached a boiling point. In a chaotic tag team match, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Talla Tonga defeated Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy.
After the match, The Solos took possession of the lantern—a deeply symbolic moment that signals an escalation in their feud.
With Jacob Fatu now back in the picture, it’s clear this storyline is far from over.
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?
Drew McIntyre is WWE Champion—but his reign begins under a cloud of controversy. Cody Rhodes will undoubtedly demand a rematch, and with Jacob Fatu now involved, the chaos is only beginning.
Next week’s qualifying matches will shape the Royal Rumble picture, and with stars like Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Matt Cardona, and Damian Priest all vying for a title shot, SmackDown is more unpredictable than ever.
One thing is certain: the road to WrestleMania just got a whole lot more dangerous.