The WWE SmackDown Berlin main event delivered a surprise as Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match at the Uber Arena, streamed live on Friday, January 9, 2026. The event saw McIntyre claim the Undisputed WWE Championship, while Jacob Fatu made a sudden and notable return during the show.
International Showdown at the Uber Arena
WWE presented a special daytime episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Berlin, Germany, airing live internationally on Netflix for viewers at 2/1c. Fans in North America are set to catch the action in the usual evening spot on the USA Network through a tape delay. The high-stakes main event attracted attention both for its location at the Uber Arena and the promise of a headline title match.
Three Stages of Hell Main Event
The focal point of the evening was the anticipated matchup between “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and “The Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre. Both competitors battled through a dynamic Three Stages of Hell match, consisting of a Standard Match, a Falls Count Anywhere Match, and a Steel Cage Match as the decisive third stage. This unique format and the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line created high energy among the audience and heightened expectations throughout the night.
McIntyre’s Championship Victory
After competing across all three phases, Drew McIntyre managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Cody Rhodes, thus becoming the new Undisputed WWE Champion. McIntyre’s performance in the WWE SmackDown Berlin main event has generated discussions regarding recent backstage efforts and his visible enthusiasm on social media surrounding the title change. This victory marks a significant moment in McIntyre’s career and alters the ongoing landscape of the championship scene in WWE.
Jacob Fatu’s Return
Adding to the intensity of the night, Jacob Fatu made a surprise return during the event, influencing the unfolding chaos within the Uber Arena. Fans and observers noted the impact of Fatu’s involvement, which further complicated the steadily building narrative among top WWE superstars.
The Road Ahead for WWE
With Drew McIntyre as the new champion and Jacob Fatu’s return stirring intrigue, WWE’s Berlin show sets the stage for the next phase of storylines. As reactions emerge and the Undisputed WWE Championship moves forward under McIntyre’s reign, the effects of this WWE SmackDown Berlin main event will continue to shape programming both in Germany and for North American audiences catching the delayed broadcast.
