Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/09/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Jan 09, 2026 21:00 EST
WWE Smackdown January 9

This is WWE SmackDown featuring a Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre WWE Title Match using the 3 Stages Of Hell stipulation.

SmackDown is in Berlin, Germany this week, which means a 2 p.m. ET start time for me on Netflix, which I like a lot, especially since I want to watch college football tonight. They built the show up well with Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre battling for the WWE Title. It’s a match where a title change is possible, or at least some people think that it might happen. The next two episodes of Raw and next week’s SmackDown are also in Europe, so they will all have earlier start times.

Last week’s SmackDown saw the blue brand return to the 3-hour format. Damian Priest ended his rivalry with Aleister Black by winning an Ambulance Match, so those two guys can move on after six months of working together. I liked a lot of things on last week’s show. I hope the momentum continues in front of what should be a vocal German crowd.

From the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, this is SmackDown for episode #1377. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Carmelo Hayes, Giulia with Kiana James, and Alexa Bliss.

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Joe said that the last hour of SmackDown is commercial-free. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor, who is usually on Raw, but sometimes the ring announcers change on international shows.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

The legendary Randy Orton made his entrance wearing one of his “RKO Everybody” shirts. It’s a European crowd, so they did a great job of singing his classic “Voices” theme song.

There were “Randy” chants when the music stopped. Orton said it felt good to be back in this ring. Orton welcomed Berlin to Friday Night SmackDown. It’s interruption time from Trick Williams.

The former 2-time NXT Champion and SmackDown newcomer Trick Williams made his entrance while the fans sang along with his “Whoop That Trick” song. Trick walked down to the ring with a purpose. They are both around the same height at 6’5” or so.

Trick Williams said that every week, somebody comes out there to say it’s going to be their year. Trick said a new star has arrived, and his name is Trick Williams. Trick said that everybody loves Trick Willy. Trick put himself over while mentioning he was 6’5” and saying other things about him. Trick told Orton it’s not 2006, it’s 2026, so let’s talk about it.

Orton was about to speak as the fans chanted “RKO” at him. Orton said he’s 6’5” and 270 with five kids and a smoking hot wife. Orton said the number that matters is 14 because that’s how many WWE World Titles he has won. Orton said that he sees that Trick is a star and he’s oozing confidence. Orton mentioned that Trick interrupted Orton of all people, so he doesn’t know if Trick has the brains.

Trick said he acknowledged that Orton is one of the greatest of all time. Trick said he was there to brush up against one of the greatest, and he’s the only one that is out there to brush up against Orton. Trick said he came up to put Orton on notice. Trick said that this is the year of Trick and the year that we are going to Whoop That all around the world. Orton warned Trick not to turn his back on The Viper, and if it happens again, then he’ll kick Trick’s ass. Trick knocked the microphone out of Orton’s hand.

Orton hit Trick with two punches and a draping DDT off the ropes. Orton wanted to do more, but Trick rolled out of the ring. The Miz went into the ring to attack Orton from behind for payback from last week. Miz wanted a Skull Crushing Finale, Orton powered out of that and hit an RKO. The fans loved that as Orton’s music played.

Analysis: It was an effective segment to show that Randy Orton is back and looking like he’s ready to go after some championship gold again. Trick Williams held his own with Orton in terms of his promo, which is not a surprise since Trick is a great talker. The Miz tried to get payback on Orton after what happened last week, but of course, Miz failed to do that. This should set up a feud between Orton and Trick, which is fine with me because it puts Trick in a good spot on the roster after starting on SmackDown last week. I assume Trick will get the upper hand on Orton in the future to continue that rivalry.

As Randy Orton made his way up the aisle, Rey Fenix made his entrance as Trick’s announced opponent for this week’s show. Orton touched knuckles with Fenix and told Fenix to kick Trick’s ass. That match was next.

(Commercial)

Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix

The heel Trick went for a hiptoss, Fenix landed on his feet and Fenix got a couple of pin attempts for two. Trick went for a spin kick, but Fenix ducked to avoid it. Trick hit a shoulder tackle to knock Fenix down. Rey went for a rope walk move, Trick blocked that, but Fenix did an amazing springboard dropkick to knock Trick out of the ring. That was amazing. Fenix teased a dive, but held onto the ropes instead, and Trick was back in the ring with a jumping side kick. Trick hit a Falcon Arrow slam for a two count. Trick remained in control as he sent Fenix into the steel steps. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Trick sent Fenix into the turnbuckle and stomped on him. Trick hit another spin kick to knock Fenix down. Trick tried a suplex, but Fenix got an inside cradle for two. Fenix came back with three kicks in a row to knock Trick down.

Fenix charged at Trick, who hit a popup uppercut for a two count. Fenix hit a superkick. Fenix charged, Trick got a hold of Rey on his back, and Fenix hit a jumping kick to the head. They battled by the turnbuckle and Fenix did an incredible leap up to the top rope for a hurricanrana that got a two count. Fenix went up top, jumped off with a moonsault, and Trick got his feet up to block. Trick hit a spinning kick to the face for a two count. Trick hit a Book End for a two count. Trick charged, Fenix moved and Trick hit the turnbuckle. Fenix hit an impressive reverse DDT off the turnbuckle for a two count. Fenix kicked Trick in the head, followed by the rope walk with a kick to the head. Fenix went up top, Trick got a hold of him and Fenix countered with a pin attempt. Trick countered the pin into a pin of his own while holding the tights for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match to give Trick Williams a meaningful win in his first match on the SmackDown roster. While I understood why Trick got the win, it would be nice if Fenix was used better as well. I feel like Fenix is a guy who can have the best matches on any show if he gets the chance, so he just needs more opportunities. Since Trick did the tight pulling to get the win, it puts him over, but it also shows that it was a close match that Trick barely won. It could lead to a rematch.

After the match, Rey Fenix complained about how Trick Williams held onto the tights. The replay showed that Trick cheated.

Giulia, the Women’s US Champion, and Kiana James were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Giulia said her title is back where it belongs. James said Giulia will dominate this entire division. Giulia said tonight, she’ll make an example of Alexa Bliss. James said it’s just necessary and Giulia said, “Arrivederci” to end it.

Analysis: The audio wasn’t good on this segment. It was hard hear what James said.

Up next is a look back at the Damian Priest-Aleister Black Ambulance Match from last week’s show.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about Damian Priest beating Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match on SmackDown last week. Rhea Ripley was on hand to help Priest by taking out Zelina. That allowed Priest to work over Black with a Chokeslam off the ambulance through the table. Priest sent Black into the ambulance to get the win.

Damian Priest was interviewed by Byron Saxton about his big win last week. Priest said for six months, Aleister Black put a beating on him and Black won some battles, but Priest won the war. Priest spoke about wanting to get into the WWE Title picture. Priest said that road will lead him to somebody that he has a lot of respect for, Cody Rhodes. Drew McIntyre interrupted to get in Priest’s face. Priest said if McIntyre becomes WWE Champion then maybe they can go another round. Priest wanted Drew to remind the world about how his brain was scrambled the last time they were in the ring together. Priest left. Drew was asked by Saxton about his WWE Title match. Drew said that Cody’s emotions are high. Drew showed that he had Cody’s gold watch. Drew said that Dusty had to pawn that watch to pay for Cody’s future. Drew said that Cody’s going to squander that first fall, then Drew needs one more fall and he’ll be WWE Champion.

Analysis: it continues the story that Drew McIntyre wants to play mind games with Cody Rhodes, and now he’s got the watch that Dusty used to own.

Alexa Bliss was shown talking on a phone to Charlotte Flair, saying she sounded terrible. Bliss told her to rest and recover, drink some fluids, and she’ll see her soon. Nia Jax and Lash Legend showed up for some mean girl trash talk. Jax said that Flair didn’t like that Bliss is getting a title shot, so she’s not there for Bliss. Bliss advised Lash to drop Jax since Bliss knows what it’s like, and Bliss left for her match.

The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, made her entrance, joined by Kiana James, for Giulia’s match up next.

(Commercial)

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Alexa Bliss

There’s no Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss due to Flair being sick. Barrett pushed the idea that Flair wasn’t sick and that she was jealous of Bliss getting a title shot. Giulia won the Women’s US Title back from Chelsea Green last week.

Giulia did a hair pull, leading to a suplex. Giulia charged at Bliss with a running splash against the turnbuckle. Giulia hit a dropkick. Bliss sent a charging Giulia out of the ring. Bliss jumped off the apron with a somersault attack onto Giulia on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. The referee looked at Giulia, so James tripped up Bliss on the apron. Giulia gave Bliss a neckbreaker from the apron to the floor. Giulia trapped Bliss against the ropes and hit a dropkick to the back for two. Giulia hit a body slam for two.

The champ Giulia remained in control as James punched Bliss with a cheap shot that the referee didn’t see. Bliss got some offense going with a forearm and some punches. Bliss kicked Giulia, followed by two shoulder tackles and a dropkick. Bliss hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Bliss tripped up Giulia and hit knees to the gut, but Giulia came back with a crucifix pin attempt. Giulia hit a knee smash to the face. Bliss countered Giulia and James went on the apron, but Bliss was able to hit a DDT. Bliss punched James, who bumped into the ring. The referee tried to get James out of there. Bliss went up top, so Lash Legend showed up and shoved Bliss off the top. Giulia hit a Northern Lights Bomb on Bliss for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Giulia

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match with the numbers game playing It continued the story that Lash Legend and Nia Jax have issues with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, so Lash cost Bliss the match.

After the match, Lash Legend and Nia Jax went into the ring to beat up Bliss. Lash punched Bliss. Jax hit an Annihilator splash on Bliss.

Jordynne Grace was backstage with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Aldis officially welcomed Grace to SmackDown. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre interrupted. Green wanted a Women’s US Title rematch. Aldis said he was busy. Grace said that he’s not going to be a diva like some women on SmackDown. Fyre said you should watch your mouth. Grace said Alba should try to shut her mouth. Aldis booked Fyre in a match against Grace. Green wondered about her, so Aldis told Green to help Fyre get ready.

Kit Wilson went up to Nick Aldis and complained about how toxic people are in WWE, while specifically complaining about Matt Cardona. Aldis didn’t seem to care and went into his office. Kit was mad about it.

Analysis: Kit Wilson’s tag team partner, Elton Prince, posted on social media that he had major neck surgery recently, so he’s likely going to be out for a year or so. Kit will be on his own and probably be in that midcard heel role. Best wishes to Prince.

Matt Cardona was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Matt said it was almost six years away for him. Matt talked about how he busted his ass and did whatever it took to get back to WWE. Cody Rhodes was there with the WWE Title and got a big hug from Matt. Cardona said he didn’t just come back to come back, but he came back to win that championship. Cody said that when he is done with Drew, they can talk. They hugged and said they loved eachother.

Analysis: It’s pretty well known that Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona are very close friends. They are around the same age and started in WWE around the same time two decades ago. Welcome back, Matt.

The Wyatt Sicks match with MFTs was next.

(Commercial)

The announcers talked about the history of 3 Stages of Hell matches in WWE. They mentioned there have been four 3 Stages of Hell matches. That’s just the main roster. Triple H was in the first three 3 Stages of Hell matches. The last one was Payback 2013 when John Cena beat Ryback.

A video package aired about the Wyatt Sicks rivalry with Solo Sikoa’s MFT (My Family Tree) group. The entrances of the two teams followed.

Wyatt Sicks – Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy (w/Nikki Cross) vs. MFT – Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa (w/JC Mateo)

Guys like Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas and Erick Rowan rarely wrestle on television, so it’s nice to see them in action. Lumis started with Loa with a dropkick and atomic drop. Gacy tagged in with an elbow drop after some combo moves. Gacy hit a pump kick to knock Tama out of the ring. Gacy and Lumis hit dives onto two opponents on the floor. There was a staredown on the floor as the show went to break for some fans. I’ll take a break for a few minutes.

Solo was in control for his team with punches to Gacy’s head. Solo hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Tama went into the ring with some punches. Gacy hit his upside-down clothesline, and the big man Rowan tagged in. Rowan hit strikes and a spin kick. Rowan hit running clotheslines and a dropkick on Loa. Rowan hit a cross body block on Tama. Talla tagged in to face off against Rowan in a showdown of the giants. Talla and Rowan exchanged punches and Talla hit a headbutt. Rowan came back with a clothesline. Rowan tried a lift, but Talla got out of it and hit a clothesline. Talla gave Lumis a Chokeslam. Rowan charged and did a double clothesline spot with Talla. Howdy finally got the tag against Solo in a matchup of the group leaders. Howdy and Solo exchanges strikes. Solo went hit a superkick. Howdy ducked a spike and hit a uranage. Howdy went for the Sister Abigail, but Solo got out of it and Tama got in there. Howdy hit a uranage on Tama. Howdy brought Mateo into the ring and applied a Mandible Claw. Solo got the Wyatt Sicks lantern, so Howdy was distracted. Since Howdy was distracted, Talla hit Howdy with a boot to the face. Tama hit a Cutthroat running elbow on Howdy for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: MFT – Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good tag team match where everybody got a chance to get in there. I thought the Rowan/Talla part was the best part of the match. Howdy was saved until the end, the fans did react to his interactions with Solo, and then Solo’s mind games set up the win for his team with Tama getting the win. It should lead to two members of MFT going after the WWE Tag Team Titles, and I can see there being a title change the next time it happens.

The Miz was shown exiting SmackDown GM Nick Aldis’ office. The Miz seemed happy about whatever was discussed since Miz claimed it could set him up for a title shot. The US Champion, Carmelo Hayes, was shown walking by Miz in the hallway. Melo wondered if Miz was challenging him for the US Title and Miz said he can barely move his head to the left. Miz left.

Carmelo Hayes saw Ilja Dragunov, who was in a suit. Melo wondered if Ilja could challenge him for the US Title. Ilja said maybe it could happen at another time or place, but right now he had to talk to Nick Aldis, so Ilja went into Nick’s office.

Alba Fyre made her entrance, joined by Chelsea Green.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the former 2-time NXT Champion Oba Femi, who is coming to the main roster. The latest rumor is he’s coming to Raw.

Jordynne Grace vs. Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green)

This is Grace’s main roster debut as a babyface. Grace used her power early on, but Fyre managed to hit a DDT for two. Grace jumped over Fyre and hit a spinebuster. Grace hit a sitout Powerbomb. Green went on the apron to distract, so Grace sent Fyre into Green, who bumped to the floor. Grace hit a Rack Bomb that Joe Tess called Beastmode and that was enough for the pinfall win. It went about 3 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jordynne Grace

Analysis: *1/2 Easy win for Jordynne Grace in her debut match. Fyre had no shot here. Grace is a powerhouse who can have good matches with anybody she’s in the ring with. Grace’s weakness is her promos, and she’s not that interesting as a character, but if she gets the right story, she could do well.

Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Champion, confronted Jordynne Grace in the aisle. Jade said that Grace thinks she did something, and she thinks that she is special. Jade said now you are on Jade’s show, and Jade is that bitch. Jade left.

Analysis: Jade Cargill hasn’t defended her title once on television since winning it over two months ago.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage about who he thinks will win the WWE Title match tonight. Zayn said there’s a part of him that wants Drew McIntyre to win since he’s never beaten him, and beating him for the WWE Title would be great. Zayn said, of course, he’s rooting for Cody Rhodes since he’s a friend and is a great champion. Zayn said his money is on Cody to win. Zayn said that no matter who walks out as the champion, Zayn is waiting on the other side.

Analysis: There’s a Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24 and SmackDown on January 23, with both of those shows in Montreal, so I think Sami Zayn should be featured heavily on those shows. Perhaps he will get a WWE Title match on SNME in Montreal, but they could have something else planned.

Drew McIntyre was shown getting ready for the main event.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the United States Champion and he greeted the fans on his way to the ring as a likable babyface champion. The open challenge is next.

(Commercial)

Nathan Frazer was backstage getting ready for his match. Frazer thought Axiom was there, but it was really Johnny Gargano in an Axiom mask. Gargano punched Frazer to knock him down and Gargano ran away. Axiom checked on Frazer as Gargano left.

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance to answer the US Title Open Challenge. The fans popped and sang along with Nakamura’s song.

United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura hit a kick to knock Melo down and Melo came back with a springboard clothesline. They went on a break two minutes into it. Melo worked over Nakamura with punches, did a 6-7 salute during the punch routine and hit a leg drop. Nakamura got some momentum going with a shoulder tackle and a knee drop. Nakamura applied a chinlock, along with a kick to the chest.

The match continued with Melo trying a springboard clothesline, but Nakamura avoided it and Nakamura kicked Melo in the left leg. Nakamura wrenched on the left leg and Melo was selling the left leg injury. Nakamura set up Melo against the ropes and Nakamura kicked Melo in the upper back for a two count. Nakamura hit two more dragon screw leg whips on the left leg. Nakamura applied a half crab submission on the left leg. Nakamura let Melo go and hit a knee to the ribs. Nakamura kicked Melo in the chest two times. Melo came back with strikes, but then Melo favored the left leg injury. Melo hit a DDT for a two count. Melo went to the turnbuckle, Nakamura went after him there, Melo knocked him down and Melo jumped off the turnbuckle with a DDT. They went on a break for some fans again and I think that might be the last break. Melo went to the turnbuckle again, Nakamura attacked him and hit a dragon screw leg whip again. When Nakamura tried a dragon screw again, Melo avoided it and Melo kicked Nakamura. Melo said that if Nakamura wants that title, then he should try to take it. Nakamura hit Melo with a forearm, and Nakamura came back with a kick to knock Melo down. Nakamura hit a spinning slam to send Melo face first into the mat.

It was Nakamura in control as he set up Melo on the top turnbuckle. Nakamura kicked Melo down and Melo was upside down against the turnbuckle. Nakamura charged with a knee attack, but Melo pulled himself up and Nakamura’s knee hit the turnbuckle. Melo jumped off the turnbuckle with a cross body block on Nakamura on the floor. Melo sent Nakamura back into the ring. Melo went up top and missed a Frog Splash because Nakamura moved. Nakamura applied a submission on the left knee, but Melo got to the ropes to break the hold. Melo countered a move with a Cutter. Melo charged, but Nakamura was back up with a jumping kick. Nakamura hit a sitout slam off the shoulders for a two count. Melo was able to come back with a springboard DDT, but there was no cover. Nakamura attacked again with a knee lift to the ribs. Nakamura jumped off the ropes with a knee smash. Nakamura charged, but Melo stopped that with a First 48 double knee attack. Melo went up top, punched his left leg to try to get the feeling back and hit a Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of the head for the pinfall win after about 19 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match with Melo selling the left knee injury well, and the veteran Nakamura was relentless in attacking Melo’s left leg throughout the match. Melo keeps improving in these matches against these talented veteran wrestlers on SmackDown. Nakamura has still got it, and I’m glad he was featured in a long match like this.

After the match, Melo and Nakamura shook hands. Nakamura raised Melo’s hand as the winner.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Cody said that he sees Drew McIntyre has his father’s watch and he saw what Drew did in front of him. Cody said that bringing his father into this is cheap and lazy. Cody said Dusty doesn’t make the comeback because Cody makes the comeback and his opponents find that out when they’re looking up at the lights. Cody spoke about what’s next is the Royal Rumble and then it’s WrestleMania time. Cody sat down with his WWE Title to end it

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis spoke about the 3 Stages of Hell match for the WWE Championship. Aldis said there’s no rest for the wicked because then the WWE Champion is faced with a myriad of potential challengers. Aldis said that next week, in Wembley Arena in London, there will be four qualifying matches. The winners of those matches will face off in a Fatal 4-Way Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and then the winner of that match faces the WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble. Aldis said that next week, the challenge to become the number one contender begins.

Next week on SmackDown with #1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches:

* Randy Orton vs. The Miz

* Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams

* Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa

* Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: I am going with Sami Zayn to become the #1 contender for the WWE Championship because the 4-way match is in Montreal, which is Sami’s hometown, and I think that’s where Zayn could get the big win to set up the WWE Title match. For next week’s matches, I’ll go with Orton, Trick, Priest, and Zayn. Solo could beat Priest. The other three I feel confident in picking.

A video package aired to set up the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre main event for the WWE Title about their 20-year history leading up to this match. I loved the video package.

The “Scottish Warrior” and former 3-time WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre made his entrance first. Drew was wearing the gold watch that used to belong to Dusty Rhodes and Dusty sold it when his family didn’t have money. The watch was later retrieved and given back to Cody, so the story is that Drew stole the watch.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the 2-time and current Undisputed WWE Champion. The fans were singing along with “Kingdom” as usual as Cody went down to the ring. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions.

Undisputed WWE Championship 3 Stages of Hell Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

The 3 Stages of Hell are: Stage #1 – Regular Match, Stage #2 – Falls Count Anywhere Match, Stage #3 – Steel Cage Match.

Stage #1: Regular Match

The match started with more than 30 minutes left in the show, so it’s going to be a long match. Cody attacked Drew with punches and Cody clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Cody attacked Drew on the floor with punches. Drew grabbed a chair and wanted Cody to use it, but Cody wouldn’t do it. Back in the ring, Cody hit a Disaster Kick, along with the bionic elbow combo to knock Drew out of the ring. Drew sent Cody into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Cody countered a move and Cody jumped off the top rope with a Cody Cutter for a two count. Cody hit a German Suplex, which is not a move he does all the time. As Cody tried to pull Drew by the turnbuckle, Drew pulled the top turnbuckle off. The referee, Jason Ayers, went to put the turnbuckle back on, so Drew hit a low blow kick. Drew hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win after just 5 minutes.

Drew McIntyre leads 1-0

Analysis: The heel leading 1-0 is the right way to book this to make the babyface have to make the comeback, and that builds the drama as the match goes on.

Stage #2: Falls Count Anywhere

Drew set up a table on the floor and hit a Powerbomb through the table for a two count. They went fighting up the aisle a bit, and then back to ringside as Cody sent Drew into the steel steps. Cody sent Drew into the crowd and hit a double axhandle. They went fighting into the crowd because Drew went up the stairs surrounded by fans. Cody grabbed a fan’s phone, bit Drew’s head and took a selfie with it. That’s funny. Cody hit Drew with a drink to the head. Cody sent Drew into the a part of the stands. They fought backstage near a garage door, so Cody sent Drew into the door. Cody grabbed a banana and hit drew with it. The dreaded banana attack! Cody punched Drew a few times. They fought back toward the arena as Drew sent Cody into the railing by the stands. Drew set up a table. Drew lifted up Cody, but Cody got his hands on the railing by the fans. Cody sent Drew into the railing and smashed the back of Drew’s head against a railing. Cody put Drew on a table. Cody climbed up the railing and Cody jumped off the barricade and splashed Drew through table for just a two count! Only two? That was a good nearfall. Cody’s leap was from about 12 feet high.

Cody brought Drew back to the ringside area. Drew got his hands on a steel chair and he hit Cody in the ribs with it. Drew hit Cody in the back with the chair. Cody was back up with a kick to stop an attack by Drew by the commentary table. Cody gave Drew a Cross Rhodes through the commentary table. Cody’s back took a big bump there, but Cody fell on top with his left arm on Drew’s chest. Cody covered and the refereed the three count to give Cody the pinfall win. It was about 13 minutes into the match at this point.

The match is tied 1-1

Analysis: Great action in that fall. They could have done the fall while in the crowd, but the spot through the table worked well too. Obviously, it was going to go to a third fall.

Stage #3: Steel Cage Match

Cody Rhodes picked up Drew McIntyre and put him into the ring. Cody called for the crew to bring the Steel Cage down to start the Steel Cage Match. In a WWE Steel Cage Match, you can win by pinfall, by submission, or by leaving the cage.

Cody was in control as he sent Drew into the cage twice. Drew sent Cody’s face into the steel. Drew tried leaving through the door, but Cody stopped him. Cody suplexed Drew into the ring for two. Drew countered a Cody move with a jumping kick to the chest. Drew climbed to the top of the cage, so Cody met him there. Drew was able to punch Cody a few times, then Drew was standing on the top rope and Drew hit a top rope superplex for a two count. That was a huge fall for Cody. Drew got a two count after a back elbow with Wade making the point saying you never know what could win a match like this since it was so physical at this point. Cody charged, Drew avoided it and Drew sent Cody into the turnbuckle. Drew hit a Future Shock DDT that was his finishing move early in his WWE career. It looked like Cody was bleeding from the left side of the back of his head. Drew yelled at Cody to stay down. Drew went for a move, Cody slipped out of it and Cody hit Cross Rhodes for a two count. Great nearfall there since that is Cody’s finisher and it got him the second fall in the match.

Drew and Cody exchanged punches with the fans chanting “Yay” and “Boo” for them. I think the fans wanted Drew to win. Cody hit a running forearm. Drew charged right into Cody hitting a powerslam for two. Cody jumped off the ropes with a Cody Cutter for a two count. Cody hit a Cross Rhodes for the third time and Cody held on for a fourth Cross Rhodes in the match. Drew got out of Cody’s grasp by raking the eyes. Cody charged, Drew moved and Cody hit the unprotected steel turnbuckle, so Cody hit the steel. Drew hit the Claymore Kick and the fans cheered! Drew covered for the 1…2…no! Cody got his left shoulder up at the last moment.

Drew climbed the cage and made it to the top, but Cody grabbed the leg. Cody bit Drew’s leg to slow him down. Cody and Drew sat on the top of the cage as they exchanged punches. The fans were reacting to every punch. Cody sent Drew face first into the top of the cage. Cody sent Drew into the cage and Drew fell back into the ring. Cody jumped off the top with a Cody Cutter! Cody covered for 1…2…and Drew kicked out with his left shoulder up. Wow. Joe Tess: “How! How! How!” It was an amazing nearfall. The replay made it look even more impressive just to see how far Cody jumped. Drew sold it perfectly. Cody climbed the cage, so Drew stopped him. They sent eachother face first into the cage. Cody climbed to the top of the cage, but Drew stopped him with punches. They were standing on the top rope and then both guys were crotched on the top rope with the ropes hitting their groins. Drew McIntyre reached the cage door, but somebody was there to knock referee Charles Robinson down. It was somebody in a mask and a hood covering his face. It was Jacob Fatu! Fatu attacked Drew with punches. The fans cheered because they remembered a few months back when Fatu was attacked and the assumption was that Drew did it. Cody went over to Fatu to try to get him to stop, so Fatu punched Cody repeatedly and they exchanged punches. As that was going on, Drew McIntyre fell out of the door and he landed on the floor to become the Undisputed WWE Champion! It went about 32 minutes. The fans cheered the title change.

Winner by 2 falls to 1 AND NEW Undisputed WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: ****1/2 It was an awesome, PLE main event level match on SmackDown, and that’s a wonderful thing. They did an excellent job of crafting three different matches within one. The way Cody and Drew hit big moves throughout the match and kicked out of everything gave it a big fight feel for sure. Jacob Fatu had a history with Drew McIntyre, so it made sense to have him show up when he did, but it ended up helping Drew in the end, which puts over Drew as somewhat of a lucky heel. I think it was the right call to do a title change because Drew has come up short so many times and to see Drew with the title again is a wonderful thing. I like Cody a lo,t too, but I certainly don’t mind seeing Drew in that spot with the WWE Title in his hands again. Anyway, these guys delivered in a big match. Cody and Drew are two top guys in the prime of their careers, it’s been a fun rivalry and now there’s a new WWE Champion because of it. As I said, I’m so happy for Drew.

After the match, Drew McIntyre was clutching the WWE Title in the aisle. Drew is now a 4-time WWE World Champion. Jacob Fatu looked on from the ring. A furious Cody Rhodes shoved Fatu into the steel cage out of anger. Drew McIntyre was in the aisle with the WWE Title as the show ended.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Drew McIntyre
  2. Cody Rhodes
  3. Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams and Randy Orton

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The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It was a great SmackDown in Berlin with the outstanding WWE Title match and the title change with Drew McIntyre being the WWE Champion again. It was cheap because of Jacob Fatu accidentally helping Drew win the match by fighting with Cody Rhodes, but I thought it was fitting for a heel like Drew to get the gold again.

I liked a lot of other things on the show, like the Carmelo Hayes-Shinsuke Nakamura match, the Trick Williams match with Rey Fenix was good, Randy Orton’s segment was fun, and everything else flowed well. I think 3-hour SmackDown to start 2026 has been pretty entertaining so far.

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Thanks for reading. Go, Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: [email protected]

Twitter/X: @johnreport