Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, taking place in Berlin, Germany, is generating excitement as Cody Rhodes puts his WWE Championship on the line against Drew McIntyre, while growing speculation surrounds the WWE SmackDown star return of Jacob Fatu, who has reportedly been seen backstage after a lengthy absence. As Rhodes and McIntyre prepare for their Three Stages of Hell match, signs are pointing toward Fatu’s possible involvement, setting the stage for an unpredictable conclusion.
Jacob Fatu’s Anticipated Comeback Stirs Drama on SmackDown
The heated rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has been escalating since September, with recent confrontations becoming increasingly personal. Before McIntyre intensified his quest for the WWE Championship, unresolved tensions lingered between him and Jacob Fatu on the blue brand. Jacob Fatu, who suffered a dental injury in late 2025, has been absent since being found beaten backstage in October. Sources such as Fightful Select report that Fatu is now present backstage for tonight’s event, fueling speculation about his imminent return.
The circumstances leading up to Fatu’s injury have long pointed toward McIntyre as the likely attacker, considering they were scheduled to compete for a future opportunity against Rhodes. If Fatu has been cleared for action, the potential for him to intervene in the night’s championship match increases, adding a new layer to the ongoing storylines and rivalries.
Expectations High as Fatu Eyes a Big Year Ahead
Jacob Fatu made a powerful impression upon joining WWE, initially cast as an overwhelming force and a trusted ally to Solo Sikoa in The Bloodline storyline. After severing ties with Sikoa, Fatu succeeded in singles competition, capturing the United States Championship before his momentum slowed during his time as a babyface. His absence from WWE programming was notable, particularly as he missed the closing months of 2025 due to his dental injury and was unable to pursue a run at the world title.
Despite his recent setbacks, WWE’s internal expectations for Fatu remain high. Reports indicate the company envisions 2026 as a major breakthrough year for him, with many seeing the Samoan Werewolf as a legitimate contender for main event status for years to come. As he was initially poised to feud with Roman Reigns after joining WWE in June 2024, Fatu’s future could involve stepping into the world title picture, potentially following a renewed rivalry with McIntyre. His upcoming matches and storylines are anticipated to play a critical role in reshaping the main event scene on SmackDown.
