WWE Smackdown unfolded at Berlin‘s Uber Arena on January 9, 2026, drawing 10,674 fans for an evening highlighted by Rey Fenix’s highly anticipated WWE Smackdown match. The event, aired on USA Network, showcased surprising matchups, electrifying returns, and title clashes, keeping wrestling fans and industry observers glued to the action from start to finish.
Atmosphere Builds as Superstars Arrive and Feuds Intensify
Excitement pulsed through the Uber Arena even before the opening bell, with images of Drew McIntyre navigating snowy sidewalks, Cody Rhodes receiving a mixed reception backstage, and Carmelo Hayes arriving with the U.S. Title belt, setting the stage for a night packed with personal stakes and surprises. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and Alexa Bliss each made noteworthy appearances early in the show as on-air analysts Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett highlighted the pressure swirling around Cody Rhodes, and confirmed the main event’s commercial-free format.
Orton and Trick Williams Spark Opening Segment Fireworks
The night began with Randy Orton delivering a bold entrance wearing his distinctive “RKO Everybody” shirt. His address was quickly interrupted by Trick Williams, who immediately set the tone for the evening’s confrontations. As Trick stood in the ring, he declared,
“A new star has arrived and his name is Trick Williams.”
– Trick Williams. As their exchange escalated, Williams emphasized,
“This isn’t 2006; this is 2026; let’s talk about it.”
– Trick Williams. The verbal duel soon erupted into physicality, as Trick knocked the microphone from Orton’s hands, earning a retaliatory punch and a draping DDT from the Viper himself.
Miz then stormed the ring, targeting Orton, but the tables were turned as Orton countered the attempted Skull Crushing Finale and delivered a devastating RKO. With the crowd roaring, the lights dimmed for Rey Fenix’s entrance, signaling the beginning of the much-anticipated Rey Fenix WWE Smackdown match.
Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams: Momentum Shifts and Surprise Finish
Their match began 21 minutes into the broadcast, with Trick Williams working aggressively to halt any early offense from Rey Fenix. Williams gained the upper hand, intercepting Fenix with a kick and whipping him into the ringside steps before the first commercial break. Despite enduring a series of setbacks, Fenix rallied with aerial maneuvers and nearly seized victory by catching Williams off-guard with a run across the top rope and his Adios Amigos signature kick.
In a rapid exchange, Fenix executed a high-flying attack, prompting Williams to counter and catch Fenix in a pinning combination. The result surprised much of the audience as Williams stole the win after a ten-minute battle, demonstrating resilience and capitalizing on a fleeting opportunity. This outcome sent shockwaves through both the live crowd and the broadcast team, cementing Fenix’s Smackdown debut as a show-stealer despite the loss.
Title Defense: Giulia Retains Against Alexa Bliss Amidst Interference
Giulia, escorted by Kiana James, defended the U.S. Title against Alexa Bliss. The match featured multiple instances of outside interference from James, culminating in a critical moment when Lash Legend shoved Bliss off the top rope. Giulia then seized the opportunity to execute her Northern Lights maneuver, securing the victory and maintaining her championship reign.
This bout served not only to solidify Giulia’s dominant position within Smackdown’s women’s division but also highlighted Alexa Bliss’s resilience despite the odds being stacked against her throughout the contest.
Welcome to Smackdown: Jordyn Grace Debuts, Challenges Await
General Manager Nick Aldis officially welcomed Jordyn Grace to the Smackdown roster. Despite an interruption by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre—demanding title opportunities—Aldis quickly redirected focus, setting up Alba Fyre as Grace’s first opponent. Grace wasted no time proving her credentials, overpowering Fyre in their singles match and finishing her with a Torture Rack bomb in just two minutes. This dominant showing instantly positioned Grace as a formidable force in the women’s division and set the stage for a compelling confrontation with Jade Cargill, who issued a direct challenge post-match.
Tag Team Turmoil: Wyatt Sicks Clash with Solo Sikoa & The MFTs
The Wyatt Sicks, led by Uncle Howdy, faced off against Solo Sikoa and The MFTs in a heated tag team match. The contest swung back and forth with dramatic near falls, highlighted by Solo Sikoa blocking Uncle Howdy’s finisher and Tama Tonga sealing the victory for his side with a decisive Cut Throat. The result added further fuel to the ongoing factional rivalries on Smackdown and hinted at future confrontations involving these high-profile names.
Main Event Intensity: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre for WWE Title
The evening culminated in a marquee contest for the WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defending his title against Drew McIntyre in a demanding Three Stages of Hell match format. The opening fall ended abruptly as McIntyre used underhanded tactics, including a concealed kick below the belt, before landing a Claymore to secure the first pin in just four minutes.
The second fall, governed by Falls Count Anywhere stipulations, delivered high-risk violence with both competitors battling throughout the arena, including a balcony leap by Rhodes that nearly ended the match. Rhodes eventually tied the contest with a CrossRhodes on the announce desk, winning the fall at the fourteen-minute mark.
With the deciding fall contested inside a steel cage, both men endured brutal punishment and traded near falls. Wade Barrett remarked,
“the most super of superplexes you’ll ever see.”
– Wade Barrett, as Drew McIntyre executed an especially impactful maneuver from the top rope. The finish saw interference as a masked Jacob Fatu yanked the referee away, contributing to the chaos and allowing McIntyre to escape the cage, securing the win and capturing the WWE Title in a thirty-minute main event showcase.
New Storylines Emerge and Tournament Announced for No. 1 Contendership
With Drew McIntyre crowned the new WWE Champion, the landscape shifted. Announcers revealed that next week’s Smackdown will feature a series of matches—Orton vs. Miz, Cardona vs. Trick, Priest vs. Solo, and Sami Zayn vs. Ilya Dragunov—serving as the first round of a tournament. The victors will earn a place in a Fatal Four-way match, with the winner securing the coveted No. 1 contender’s role for the WWE Title. These upcoming bouts promise further drama and fierce rivalries as the WWE universe heads toward the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season.
Impact and Looking Ahead
Rey Fenix’s WWE Smackdown match, the shocking title change, and a string of competitive clashes in Berlin delivered a powerful night for the brand, increasing anticipation for how storylines and championship pictures will evolve. As fervor grows around new faces like Jordyn Grace, Trick Williams, and Jacob Fatu, established stars including Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton remain central to Smackdown’s unfolding narratives. Berlin’s crowd brought electric energy, and with tournaments, new arrivals, and unresolved conflicts, Smackdown has primed itself for a thrilling 2026 ahead.
