Honestly, if you missed the Berlin show, you missed the night the WWE landscape shifted. People are talking about "The Scottish Warrior" finally getting his due, but the way it went down? Total chaos. We are officially in the era of Drew McIntyre again.
The Title Change Nobody (and Everybody) Expected
Let’s get straight to the big one: the WWE SmackDown results today confirm Cody Rhodes is no longer the Undisputed WWE Champion. This wasn't just some fluke pinfall after a distraction. We're talking a "Three Stages of Hell" match that actually lived up to the name. It felt like a war.
The first fall went to McIntyre almost immediately. He played it smart, or dirty, depending on who you ask. He baited Cody, exposed a turnbuckle, and while the ref was busy being a handyman, Drew landed a low blow and a Claymore. It took less than four minutes.
Cody fought back in the Falls Count Anywhere stage. This was peak "American Nightmare" energy. At one point, he literally grabbed a fan’s phone in the crowd, bit Drew’s head, and took a selfie. Wild. He eventually evened the score by hitting a Cross Rhodes on the announce table.
📖 Related: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
The final stage—the Steel Cage—was where things got weird.
Jacob Fatu returned. Out of nowhere.
The "Samoan Werewolf" had been gone for weeks, and everyone thought McIntyre was the one who sidelined him. Fatu stormed the cage, looking for blood. He went after Drew first, but when Cody tried to intervene, Fatu absolutely wrecked him. Amid that literal car crash of a brawl, McIntyre saw the opening. He didn't win with a Claymore; he climbed out of the door while Fatu was still mauling Cody.
👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
The Mid-Card Madness and Debuts
It wasn't just about the main event. The show started with Randy Orton getting interrupted by Trick Williams. Trick is basically the hottest thing in the industry right now, and he had the guts to tell The Viper that "2006 is over, this is 2026."
Bold move.
- Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix: This was a high-flyer's dream, but Trick showed he's got a mean streak. He pinned Fenix by grabbing a handful of tights. It's clear they are pushing him as a top-tier heel-leaning star.
- The Women’s US Title: Giulia is a beast. She defended against Alexa Bliss, but Nia Jax and Lash Legend made sure Alexa had a terrible night. They interfered, Giulia hit the Arrivederci, and Bliss got destroyed after the bell.
- Jordynne Grace Arrives: The "Juggernaut" officially signed with SmackDown. She squashed Alba Fyre in a match that was basically a showcase for her power. Jade Cargill came out after to stare her down. If you aren't hyped for Grace vs. Cargill, you might not have a pulse.
Why the Bloodline Civil War Just Got Complicated
Solo Sikoa and his "MFTs" (Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo) took on The Wyatt Sicks in an 8-man tag. This was spooky, hard-hitting, and deeply personal. Solo didn't even need to pin Uncle Howdy himself. He stole Bray Wyatt's lantern.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
That distraction was enough for Tama Tonga to hit the Cutthroat on Howdy. The MFTs took the win and the lantern. It feels like the Bloodline is trying to consume every other faction's legacy right now.
What This Means for the Royal Rumble
The WWE SmackDown results today basically set the stage for a messy January. With Drew as champion, the target on his back is massive. Damian Priest is already hovering. He told Byron Saxton backstage that he's looking for a shot at whoever won.
We also have the "Saturday Night’s Main Event" coming up on January 24th. There's a fatal four-way scheduled to determine the #1 contender. McIntyre might have the gold, but with Jacob Fatu back and Cody Rhodes likely looking for vengeance, his third reign is going to be a nightmare to maintain.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the highlights of the Steel Cage finish: The camera work on Jacob Fatu’s return was cinematic—you need to see the look on Cody’s face when he realized he was trapped.
- Keep an eye on Jordynne Grace's social media: She and Jade Cargill are already trading barbs, and that match is likely being banked for a major PLE.
- Check the "Speed" results: Jasper Troy is still the Speed Champion after beating Tavion Heights, but Lexis King is lurking.
The "Road to WrestleMania" usually starts at the Rumble, but honestly? It feels like it started tonight in Berlin.