Drew McIntyre achieved victory in Berlin, Germany on Friday’s SmackDown by winning the WWE Championship following a heated Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes. The outcome, which saw McIntyre secure the title in front of live fans, adds another milestone to the Scottish Warrior’s career but was fueled by controversy due to an unexpected interference.
The long-standing rivalry between McIntyre and Rhodes reached its climax during the event, as McIntyre managed to outlast his opponent through three intense match variations—beginning with a singles match, followed by a falls count anywhere segment, and concluding inside a steel cage. Although Rhodes matched McIntyre by winning the second stage, it was McIntyre who ultimately managed to escape the cage and claim victory, taking advantage of the chaos caused by a startling return.
Jacob Fatu’s Interference Sparks Controversy
The defining moment of the main event came when Jacob Fatu made a surprise return to WWE and initially attacked McIntyre before focusing his aggression on Cody Rhodes. This distraction provided McIntyre the opportunity he needed to secure the title, making him a four-time world champion. The crowd in Berlin, despite McIntyre playing the heel role, largely sided with him over the popular Rhodes—except when Fatu’s actions dramatically shifted the atmosphere.
However, Fatu’s involvement didn’t resonate positively with everyone, notably stirring up criticism from former WWE and ECW legend Tommy Dreamer. On Busted Open Radio, Dreamer aired his displeasure at the match’s conclusion:
“I did not like the finish at all, because what does that do for Jacob?’ He reveals himself that it’s Drew McIntyre who attacked him, and he gets a reaction, and the moment he turned on Cody, (the crowd) starts booing. I’m like, so you don’t like Cody throughout the match, but now Jacob – who you like – once he starts beating up Cody, now you’re booing him and cheering for the guy he’s beating up?”
– Tommy Dreamer, ECW Legend
Fatu’s return to WWE was the first since his absence in October, following a backstage attack for which the perpetrator had not been identified; speculation has revolved around McIntyre being responsible, as both were slated for a number one contender’s match. Dreamer questioned the impact of such a booking decision on Fatu’s future:
“I thought the finish came off a little weird, and I just was like, where does this leave Jacob if this is his big return? If he’s going to be the guy to face Drew, he just screwed over Cody, so he’s not a likeable guy.”
– Tommy Dreamer, ECW Legend
Uncertainty Around Jacob Fatu’s Heel Turn and WWE’s Next Steps
Following Fatu’s return, questions have arisen about his alignment and intentions, as he targeted both the new champion Drew McIntyre and the dethroned Cody Rhodes. WWE continues to fuel speculation by hinting that McIntyre may have orchestrated the attack on Fatu back in October, intensifying the complex relationships between the three competitors.
Amid this uncertainty, observers suggest that Fatu is best positioned as a heel, given his physical presence and menacing style. A renewed rivalry with Rhodes could further elevate Fatu into the main event tier, particularly if he builds on the momentum of his return and manages to defeat established stars. Furthermore, Fatu’s involvement now sets the stage for the much-anticipated trilogy between Rhodes and Roman Reigns, which is rumored to be heading toward WrestleMania 42 after Rhodes’ loss of the championship.
The Drew McIntyre SmackDown title win may have resolved one chapter in the ongoing drama of WWE’s top contenders, but it has also introduced additional layers of intrigue, setting up a potentially explosive path leading to future title defenses, new feuds, and high stakes at upcoming events. Fans and insiders alike are keeping a close eye on how WWE navigates these shifting alliances and rivalries in the weeks ahead.
Tommy Dreamer on the ramifications following Drew McIntyre defeating Cody Rhodes on #Smackdown:
"I know what [Cody] has to be a heel… you ain't gonna like it." pic.twitter.com/Cp1IV1cQYW
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) January 10, 2026
