During a recent episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, the wrestling world was left stunned as Cody Rhodes lost his Undisputed Championship to Drew McIntyre, in a match where Jacob Fatu’s interference proved crucial. The controversy surrounding the Jacob Fatu SmackDown interference has ignited spirited debates among fans and analysts, questioning what led to the unexpected outcome on the blue brand.
How Jacob Fatu’s Involvement Changed the Outcome
The main event between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre took a dramatic turn when Jacob Fatu got involved, creating chaos in the ring. With this sudden interference, McIntyre seized the opening to secure one of the most talked-about victories of the year, shocking both the crowd and commentators. In the aftermath, much of the blame for Rhodes’ defeat has shifted onto Fatu, also known as The Samoan Werewolf, as many believe his actions altered the trajectory of the match almost single-handedly.
What intensified the controversy was the ambiguous nature of Fatu’s interference. Fans on social media quickly dissected each moment, looking for signs of allegiance or premeditated collusion between Fatu and McIntyre, while others questioned whether Rhodes should have anticipated such disruption during a high-stakes title bout.
Hall of Famer Mark Henry Defends Fatu’s Actions
Adding another layer to the drama, Hall of Famer Mark Henry addressed the finish on Busted Open Radio, providing his perspective on Fatu’s involvement and the aftermath. Mark Henry’s words offered an unexpected defense for Jacob Fatu, casting doubt on the narrative that Fatu and McIntyre collaborated to steal the championship.
“The narrative of him winning outright did not happen but guess what, I bet you he’ll say it did, he’ll pull out the old school A-Team moniker, I love it when a plan comes together even though he did not plan that and I do not think that you’ll hear a case where Jacob Fatu was working with Drew McIntyre and this is something that was a joint effort. I know it is not to be true, and you see that by the action that happened in the ring, he attacked Drew McIntyre, and then he attacked Cody, but he only attacked Cody because Cody went sticking his nose in business that didn’t belong to him,”
WWE legend said.
By Mark Henry’s account, Fatu’s actions were not the result of planning with McIntyre but a direct reaction to Rhodes’ own decisions during the match. This interpretation shifts part of the responsibility back onto Cody Rhodes, suggesting his intervention in Fatu’s affairs set off the chain of events that cost him the title.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes After His Loss?
Cody Rhodes’ defeat has cast uncertainty on his immediate future in World Wrestling Entertainment. Fans and wrestling insiders are now left contemplating his next move, especially with WrestleMania on the horizon. Online speculation intensified after Cory Hayes, a respected source in the professional wrestling community, posted a GIF of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes facing off on social media. This has fueled rumors of a potential third clash between Rhodes and Reigns at the upcoming WWE showcase event.
While nothing has been confirmed, the aftermath of the SmackDown upset continues to resonate through the wrestling community, with questions swirling about possible storylines and rivalries moving forward. The company appears to be keeping its plans tightly guarded, leaving fans and commentators to wonder who Rhodes might face in the biggest wrestling event of the year.
As the dust settles, the Jacob Fatu SmackDown interference remains a focal point of discussion, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and how quickly fortunes can turn for even the top WWE superstars.
Mark Henry comments on Drew McIntyre winning the WWE Championship following Jacob Fatu's interference:
"(Jacob Fatu) only attacked Cody because Cody went sticking his nose in business that didn't belong to him."pic.twitter.com/n1PXHb4gg3
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) January 10, 2026
