If you thought the "Road to the Royal Rumble" was going to be a predictable stroll for Cody Rhodes, the WWE live SmackDown results from Berlin just slapped that idea right out of your mouth. Honestly, it was chaotic. The Uber Arena was vibrating. We saw a title change that nobody—and I mean nobody—expected to go down exactly like this.
Drew McIntyre is your new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Yeah, read that again. The Scottish Warrior finally climbed the mountain, but the way he got there was messy, controversial, and involve a ghost from the past. Let’s get into the weeds of what actually happened in Germany because the landscape for 2026 just got flipped upside down.
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The Three Stages of Hell: Rhodes vs. McIntyre
This wasn’t just a match. It was a 31-minute car crash. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre entered the Three Stages of Hell with a hatred that felt genuinely uncomfortable to watch.
Stage One: Traditional Wrestling Match
It started technically enough. But Drew has become a master of the "cheap win." As the referee was trying to fix an exposed turnbuckle pad (classic heel move), McIntyre didn't hesitate. He landed a low blow that probably hurt everyone watching in the front row, followed it immediately with a Claymore, and 1-2-3. Just like that, Drew was up 1-0.
Stage Two: Falls Count Anywhere
Cody was livid. He fought like a man possessed, taking the fight into the German crowd. The finish of this fall was purely cinematic. Cody laid Drew across the announce table and hit a Cross Rhodes that looked like it snapped the wood into splinters. He evened the score, but at a massive physical cost. Both guys were bleeding. Both were limping.
Stage Three: Steel Cage
This is where things got weird. It’s the final stage. The cage lowers. The tension is through the roof. Cody actually had it won. He was halfway over the top of the cage when Jacob Fatu made his shocking return.
The "Samoan Werewolf" hadn't been seen since October. Most people thought McIntyre was the one who took him out. Instead, Fatu went straight for Cody. While Fatu and Rhodes were brawling in the corner, Drew McIntyre saw his opening. He didn't wait to "win" a fight; he just climbed out the door.
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Drew fell to the floor. New champion. The crowd was a mix of stunned silence and absolute rage.
WWE Live SmackDown Results: The Full Match Card
While the main event took up all the oxygen in the room, the rest of the show was packed with some massive debuts and mid-card shifts.
- Trick Williams def. Rey Fenix: This was Trick’s official in-ring debut for the Blue Brand. Honestly, it was a bit of a heel turn. He used the tights for a leverage pin after a grueling 11-minute back-and-forth. The "Whoop That" era is starting with a bit of a chip on its shoulder.
- Giulia def. Alexa Bliss: The "Beautiful Madness" retained her Women's United States Championship. Alexa looked great, almost hitting Sister Abigail, but Lash Legend showed up and shoved Bliss off the top rope. Giulia capitalised with the Northern Lights Bomb.
- The MFTs def. The Wyatt Sicks: This 8-man tag was pure supernatural chaos. Solo Sikoa actually stole Uncle Howdy’s lantern. That distraction was enough for Talla Tonga to score the pin. Seeing the MFTs walk away with that lantern felt like a huge omen.
- Jordynne Grace def. Alba Fyre: "The Juggernaut" is officially here. She destroyed Alba in a near-squash match. After the bell, Jade Cargill came out for a face-to-face that had the internet melting down.
- Carmelo Hayes def. Shinsuke Nakamura: Melo is still the US Champ. He tweaked his knee early on, but hit Nothing But Net to put the King of Strong Style away.
Why Jacob Fatu’s Return Breaks the Bloodline Story
Everyone is asking the same thing: Why did Jacob Fatu help the man who supposedly sidelined him?
WWE loves a slow burn, but this feels different. By costing Cody the title, Fatu has effectively removed the "American Nightmare" from the top of the food chain just as we head toward the Rumble. Is Fatu acting on orders from Solo? Or is he a mercenary for Drew now?
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There’s a clear power vacuum. Cody Rhodes had a death grip on that title, and now that it’s gone, the locker room is a shark tank. Randy Orton was seen backstage looking particularly predatory.
What This Means for Your Royal Rumble Bracket
If you’re looking at the WWE live SmackDown results to figure out your Rumble picks, things just got complicated. Nick Aldis announced an eight-man tournament to determine the #1 contender for Drew’s title.
The first qualifying matches start next week in London at the OVO Arena. We’re looking at Randy Orton vs. The Miz and Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa.
Honestly, the smartest move right now is to keep an eye on Damian Priest. He’s been vocal about wanting that gold back, and his history with Drew is well-documented. Also, don't sleep on Matt Cardona. He’s back, he’s winning, and he’s hungry.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the London episode: The tournament bracket is the only way we get a clear picture of the Royal Rumble main event.
- Follow the Lantern: The fact that Solo Sikoa has Uncle Howdy’s lantern suggests a much larger crossover between the Bloodline and the Wyatt Sicks is coming.
- Cody’s Redemption: Expect Cody to enter the Royal Rumble match itself now that his direct rematch clause might be tied up in tournament red tape.
The road to WrestleMania just took a sharp left turn into a ditch, and Drew McIntyre is the one driving the tow truck. It’s going to be a wild month.
Keep your eyes on the qualifying matches next Friday to see who earns the right to face the "New" Scottish Warrior in Saudi Arabia.