Major WWE Star Pulled From #1 Contender’s Match After Backstage Attack

A former champion fell victim to a vicious attack backstage on WWE SmackDown.

After feuding for a few weeks, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre were scheduled to go head-to-head tonight on SmackDown. General Manager Nick Aldis kicked off tonight’s episode of the blue brand to announce that the highly anticipated clash has become a number one contender’s match for Cody Rhodes’ Championship.

Ahead of the match, The Samoan Werewolf was brutally ambushed backstage by a mystery attacker, leading to him being pulled from it. McIntyre then headed to the ring and demanded that the referee raise his hand and announce him the winner and new number one contender.

Cody Rhodes Replaces Jacob Fatu On WWE SmackDown

However, The Scottish Warrior was interrupted by Aldis, who threatened him with repercussions if he was found to be the one behind Fatu’s attack. Although McIntyre denied the accusations, Cody Rhodes came out fuming and engaged in a brawl with the man he defeated at Wrestlepalooza.

After fighting among the crowd during a commercial break, the two returned to the ring to start a legitimate match.

.@DMcIntyreWWE wanted a match so he got one! 👊@CodyRhodespic.twitter.com/KYwpw6ctnC

— WWE (@WWE) October 18, 2025

Also read:Current Champion Injured, Helped To The Back On SmackDown

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