Hold on tight, wrestling fans, because the WWE Championship just changed hands in a shocking turn of events that has the entire wrestling world buzzing! But was it a fair fight? That's the question everyone's asking after a controversial ending to the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9, 2026, edition of Friday Night Smackdown.
This week's Smackdown emanated from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, and was broadcast on delay on the USA Network. Wade Keller, PWTorch Editor, was on hand to provide expert analysis. Commentary was provided by Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. WrestleTix reported that 10,674 tickets were distributed for the event; a decent crowd, though shy of the arena's 17,000 concert configuration capacity.
Before we dive into the results, don't forget to catch the PWTorch post-show podcast for a deeper dive into all the action! Wade Keller and Chris Lansdell will be breaking down the show live on YouTube, incorporating your comments and questions. You can email your thoughts to wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com for a chance to have them read on air. And if you can't make the live show, you can always stream it later on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. Just search for "wade keller" and "pwtorch" to subscribe. There is also a link to be a caller: https://streamyard.com/acnzjw99rt
[HOUR ONE]
Smackdown kicked off with a montage of wrestlers arriving at the arena. We saw Drew McIntyre walking confidently through the snow, Cody Rhodes looking pensive, U.S. Champion Carmelo Hayes, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and Alexa Bliss.
At ringside, Tessitore and Barrett noted the contrasting demeanors of Rhodes and McIntyre, with Barrett calling McIntyre "cocky as usual" and Tessitore pointing out that the final hour would be commercial-free for the main event.
Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge ovation. Sporting an "RKO Everybody" t-shirt, Orton began a promo but was quickly interrupted by none other than Trick Williams.
Trick declared, "A new star has arrived, and his name is Trick Williams!" He touted his size and proclaimed, "This isn't 2006; this is 2026; let's talk about it!"
Orton, unfazed, countered with his own stats: 6-5, 270, five kids, "one smokin' hot wife," and 14 world titles. He acknowledged Trick's confidence and star power but questioned his wisdom in interrupting The Viper. The crowd erupted in chants of "RKO!"
Trick clarified that he was there to "brush up against one of the greatest" and put Orton on notice that 2026 would be the year of Trick Williams. He warned Orton not to turn his back on him, a mistake someone in NXT should have cautioned him about. Trick then upped the ante, knocking the mic out of Orton's hand.
Orton responded with a punch and a draping DDT. But the assault didn't end there! The Miz stormed into the ring and attacked Orton. Orton fought back, delivering an RKO to Miz. As Orton celebrated, the lights went out, and Rey Fenix appeared. Orton simply smiled and observed his entrance.
(1) TRICK WILLIAMS vs. REY FENIX
The match started roughly 21 minutes into the hour. Trick dominated early, cutting off a Fenix rally with a well-placed kick. He maintained control, even whipping Fenix into the ringside steps.
Fenix eventually mounted a comeback, but Trick blocked a top rope moonsault attempt. Trick then hit a spinning pump kick for a two-count, followed by a modified Bookend for another near fall. Fenix rallied again, sending Trick against the top rope. He then executed a lightning-fast top rope kick, his signature Adios Amigos. Fenix attempted a leap off the top rope, but Williams dodged, leading to a series of roll-up attempts. Ultimately, Trick countered Fenix's roll-up for the pinfall victory.
WINNER: Williams in 10:00.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviewed Giulia and Kiana James. Giulia declared that the IC Title was back where it belonged and that she would dominate the entire market. She then spoke about her upcoming match against Alexa Bliss, calling her a legend but promising to make an example of her. Giulia even made some guttural utterances, reminiscent of Asuka.
Next, Tessitore plugged a review of the previous week's ambulance match.
Saxton then interviewed Damian Priest about his plans for 2026. Priest, fresh off his victory over Aleister Black, declared his intention to challenge for the WWE Title, specifically wanting to face Cody Rhodes. Drew McIntyre interrupted, and Priest reminded him of their past encounters.
Drew, in a highly emotional moment, held up a gold watch, claiming it was what his father pawned to pay for Cody's future. He vowed to get Cody disqualified in the first fall of their match and then capitalize for the win, finally becoming WWE Champion. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Drew playing mind games or speaking the truth?
Alexa Bliss was then shown on the phone with Charlotte Flair, who was apparently sick. Nia Jax and Lash Legend accused Charlotte of faking her illness to make the situation about herself. Bliss dismissed their accusations, stating that she had a match to prepare for.
(2) GIULIA (w/Kiana James) vs. ALEXA BLISS – U.S. Title match
Barrett emphasized Giulia's determination to have a more impactful reign this time around. James interfered on Giulia's behalf during the match, even delivering an elbow to Bliss's head.
[HOUR TWO]
As Bliss mounted a comeback and set up for Sister Abigail, James distracted the referee. Bliss went to punch her, then climbed to the top rope. Lash shoved her off the top rope. Giulia then hit Bliss with a Northern Lights Suplex for the win.
WINNER: Giulia in 9:00 to retain the U.S. Title.
General Manager Nick Aldis officially welcomed Jordyn Grace to Smackdown. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre interrupted, with Green demanding a re-rematch for the U.S. Title. Aldis, looking for a first opponent for Grace, booked a match between Grace and Fyre. Kit Wilson then pointed out the growing toxicity on Smackdown. Aldis, acknowledging the issue, retreated to his office.
Saxton welcomed Matt Cardona back to WWE after over five years. Cardona said he had chosen to reinvent himself and work hard to earn his return. He then confronted Cody Rhodes, declaring his intention to win the WWE Title. Cody said they would talk after he was done with Drew.
A vignette aired featuring The Wyatt Sicks. Uncle Howdy responded to Solo Sikoa's comments with laughter and touted the Fireflies, declaring it was time to chop down his family tree. This sets the stage for a potentially dark and twisted feud!
(3) THE WYATT SICKS vs. SOLO SIKOA & THE MFTS
The match began with Solo and Howdy facing off. Solo attempted his Spike, but Howdy blocked it and landed a uranage. He set up a Sister Abigail. Tama Tonga tagged in, and Howdy applied a Mandible Claw on J.C. Mateo. Solo distracted Howdy by threatening to break his lantern. Tama Tonga then hit his running Cut Throat on Howdy for the pinfall victory.
WINNERS: Solo & MFTs in 10:00.
The Miz approached Carmelo Hayes, angling for a U.S. Title shot. He also mentioned Orton's earlier attack. Hayes spooked Miz by pretending Orton was behind him. Hayes then told Ilya Dragunov he would be honored to face him again. Dragunov revealed that he had an idea to present to Aldis.
(4) ALBA FYRE vs. JORDYN GRACE
Grace dominated Fyre, showcasing her power and ending the match quickly with a Torture Rack bomb.
WINNER: Grace in 2:00.
As Grace made her way up the aisle, Jade Cargill confronted her on the stage, declaring, "If she thinks she's special, she is on her show now 'and I'm that bitch.'" Talk about a statement!
Sami Zayn was interviewed backstage and gave his prediction for the main event. He admitted that a part of him was hoping Drew would win because he had never beaten him, and beating him for the WWE Title would be amazing. He also acknowledged that Cody was his friend and great champion. But in the end, he picked Cody to win.
(5) CARMELO HAYES vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA – U.S. Title match
Before the match could start, Nathan Fraser was attacked by someone disguised as Axiom, who turned out to be Johnny Gargano. The real Axiom chased Gargano and Candice LeRae away.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men showcasing their athleticism and skill. Nakamura dominated after the break, but Hayes eventually caught a Nakamura kick. Hayes avoided a frog splash and then Nakamura applied a kneebar. Hayes fought back, eventually blocking a Kinshasa and hitting his Nothing But Net (a legdrop to the back of Nakamura's neck) for the win.
WINNER: Hayes in 16:00 to retain the U.S. Title.
Backstage, Saxton approached Cody. Cody acknowledged that being the WWE Champion meant there was no solitude. He addressed Drew's comments about his father's watch, calling them "lazy." He then looked ahead to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
[HOUR THREE]
Aldis made a statement explaining the match format for the main event.
A video package highlighted the history between Cody and Drew.
(6) CODY RHODES vs. DREW MCINTYRE – Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Title
The match began with intense boos directed at both competitors. The first fall was a standard singles match. Drew quickly gained the advantage, hitting Cody with a Claymore for the win.
WINNER: McIntyre in 4:00.
The second fall was a Falls Count Anywhere match. The two men brawled throughout the arena. Cody eventually hit a CrossRhodes on the announce desk for the win.
WINNER: Rhodes at 14:00.
The third and final fall was a Hell in a Cell match. The action was brutal, with both men taking a beating. Drew superplexed Cody off the top of the cage. But Cody countered Drew and landed a CrossRhodes in center-ring for a two count. The match went back and forth until this happened...
Drew climbed to the top of the cage. Cody grabbed his leg and then bit his calf. Cody then rammed Drew head into the cage and Drew fell to the mat. Cody then leaped backwards with a Cody Cutter for a near fall.
Drew was about to crawl out of the door, but a masked man yanked the ref away and stared down Drew. He unmasked and revealed he was Jacob Fatu. He went after Drew. But then he went after Cody. Drew then dropped to the floor and won the match.
WINNER: McIntyre in 30:00 to capture the WWE Title.
So, Drew McIntyre is the new WWE Champion! But here's the big question: Was Jacob Fatu's interference directed at both Cody and Drew, or was it solely intended to screw Cody out of the title? And even bigger, who hired the assassin? This controversial ending has left fans with more questions than answers. What do you think? Was this a setup? Was it fair? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
