SmackDown delivered a historic chapter in the long-running Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre rivalry, headlined by a rare “Three Stages of Hell” match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The brutal triptych match produced dramatic swings, shocking return angles, and a title change that sets up new feuds heading into the Royal Rumble.
🔥 Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Three Stages of Hell for the WWE Title
Three Stages Stipulations:
- Standard Singles Match
- Falls Count Anywhere
- Steel Cage Match
Regular Match
McIntyre struck first, working aggressively and baiting Cody into mistakes.
The Scottish Warrior took advantage of a ref distraction, delivered a Claymore Kick, and scored the first fall.
(Grade: B+ — effective brutality, strong psychology.)
Falls Count Anywhere
Outside the ring, Rhodes turned the tide with a table-shafted Cross Rhodes through the announce team table for the pin.
Cody showed resilience and up-the-stakes intensity.
(Grade: A- — sensational spots and momentum shift.)
Steel Cage Match
In the final chapter, both men bled and battered each other inside the unforgiving cage.
Amid climactic chaos, a hooded figure appeared, later revealed as Jacob Fatu, interrupting Drew’s exit attempt and then attacking both men.
With the distraction, McIntyre crawled through the cage door first and won the match, becoming the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
🏆 Result
Winner & New Undisputed WWE Champion:
Drew McIntyre — via cage exit in Stage 3.
Cody Rhodes fought valiantly, but the finish — with Fatu’s return — pivots the landscape and creates immediate intrigue for Royal Rumble plans.
Grades & Quick Hits
| Segment | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | B+ | Strong physical storytelling, Drew’s dominant first fall. |
| Stage 2 | A- | High-impact table spot, Cody shows grit. |
| Stage 3 / Finish | B | Cage fight thrilling but finish split among fans (controversial interference). |
| Overall Match | A- | A compelling main event with emotional stakes and future implications. |
Overall Show Grade: A- — Huge atmosphere in Berlin, crisp storytelling and impactful booking, though the controversial finish may divide fans.
Key Moments & Fallout
🔥 Jacob Fatu Returns
The Samoan Werewolf’s sudden appearance disrupted the finale and allowed McIntyre to escape the cage. Fatu’s involvement instantly injects a new direction in the world title picture.
(Major storyline impact)
🩸 Rhodes Busted Open
Cody took heavy punishment in the cage and was even busted open, underscoring the physical stakes of the encounter.
👀 Crowd & Commentary Reaction
Fans in Berlin were electric, with chants and engagement throughout — especially during the Falls Count Anywhere stage and the finish.
Support Matches
SmackDown also featured:
The Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs — A hard-hitting eight-man tag team bout.
Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams — Williams’ SmackDown in-ring debut.
(Other undercard results were competitive and helped build toward upcoming events.)
What This Means Going Forward
With McIntyre crowned champion and Fatu returning in a major way, the Royal Rumble landscape looks stacked:
McIntyre’s reign begins with momentum and vindication.
Rhodes isn’t done — the rematch or Fatu’s involvement could fuel a triple threat.
The unexpected interference injects fresh unpredictability into WWE’s 2026 title picture.
