A WWE SmackDown event at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, on January 9, 2026, experienced an unexpected disruption when a fan breached security by leaping over the barricade. The WWE SmackDown fan incident occurred just as the show concluded, prompting an immediate reaction from security and highlighting the ongoing importance of event safety within WWE events.
Security Intervenes After Fan Jumps Barricade
Towards the end of SmackDown, an audience member jumped the barricade while announcer Alicia Taylor was delivering her closing remarks. Security personnel responded within seconds, swiftly tackling the individual before they could reach the ring or any WWE superstars. Footage from the event later surfaced online, capturing the moment when security staff returned the intruder to the audience side of the barricade and escorted them out of the building. The quick response from the security personnel ensured the safety of the performers, staff, and fans attending the show.
Incidents involving fans encroaching on live wrestling events have become less frequent in recent years. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, such breaches were far more common and often required direct intervention by the wrestlers themselves or security teams. One particularly memorable event from Berlin’s wrestling history involved Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin. During that match, an audience member entered the ring and targeted Austin, resulting in Triple H quickly subduing the intruder before any harm occurred.
Another case recounted from WWE’s past centers on a fan, dressed as a member of The Shield, making his way into the ring beside the iconic faction. Security teams were again required to remove the individual without incident. The WWE, aware of the risks posed by fan interference, now enforces significant consequences for such actions, including the potential for lifetime bans. These policies emphasize the organization’s focus on maintaining safety during all shows.
Drew McIntyre Becomes Champion in Historic Berlin Main Event
The main event of the evening saw Drew McIntyre challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship in a dramatic Three Stages of Hell match. The contest featured three distinct phases: a standard rules opening, a Falls Count Anywhere segment, and a brutal steel cage conclusion. McIntyre secured victory in the first fall, while Rhodes leveled the match in the second with a hard-fought win.
The decisive steel cage portion saw both superstars endure heavy strikes and high-risk maneuvers. Jacob Fatu, making a surprise return after being sidelined with injury, entered the fray and attacked McIntyre. Rhodes attempted to intervene, only for Fatu to also assault him. Amidst the confusion, McIntyre managed to escape the cage, capturing the WWE Championship. This win distinguished the Scottish wrestler as the first person to claim a WWE Championship at Raw, SmackDown, and WrestleMania, setting a new milestone in company history.
Intense Action in WWE US Title Open Challenge
Carmelo Hayes added to the evening’s excitement by defending his United States Championship in an open challenge on WWE SmackDown. The match featured fast-paced offense and showcased the athletic talent and competitiveness within the current roster. The high-stakes bout thrilled the Berlin crowd, underscoring the ongoing appeal of open challenge segments for live audiences.
Randy Orton’s Dominant Start to the Night
Earlier in the show, Randy Orton made a strong statement by taking out two major WWE superstars to open SmackDown. Orton’s actions energized the audience and set the tone for an unpredictable evening, reinforcing his status as a central figure in ongoing WWE storylines.
Other Updates from the WWE Universe
Drew McIntyre’s triumph in Berlin was followed by a return to his home country, where he received a hometown hero’s welcome as the new WWE Champion. Additionally, WWE is witnessing significant developments across its women’s division, with revelations about Liv Morgan’s near adoption of a different ring name earlier in her career.
Elsewhere, Kit Wilson showed public support for his tag team partner, Elton Prince, following Prince’s recent major surgery. Newcomer Je’Von Evans has now officially joined the WWE RAW roster, a move that has reportedly stirred discussion among WWE personnel about its timing and impact. Meanwhile, a WWE superstar who stepped away from television tapings in May 2025 is preparing for an upcoming film role—another example of WWE talent branching out beyond the ring.
Speculation continues around the potential return of wrestling legend Chris Jericho, with reports suggesting that the WWE landscape could see further changes if such a comeback materializes. The ongoing movement of talent and storylines signals a dynamic period for the company as it adapts to new faces and evolving narratives.
The WWE SmackDown fan incident in Berlin serves as a reminder of both the passion fans have for professional wrestling and the critical need for effective security at live events. As Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and other notable superstars made history and ignited the crowd with their performances, both wrestlers and event staff worked together to ensure that both excitement and safety remained at the forefront of the WWE experience.
