WWE SmackDown Erupts Into 2026

WWE kicked off 2026 with one of its most explosive and conversation-dominating episodes of SmackDown in recent memory, delivering a night packed with shocks, returns, debuts, and a main event that instantly reshaped the championship landscape.

The show, broadcast from Europe as part of WWE’s early-year international run, was headlined by a Three Stages of Hell match for the Undisputed WWE Championship between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. From the opening bell, it was clear this wouldn’t be a routine title defense. Rhodes controlled large stretches of the match with his trademark resilience, surviving brutal punishment and repeatedly fighting back with creative offense that took the action from ringside to the backstage area. One of the most memorable moments came when Rhodes put McIntyre through the announce table with a Cross Rhodes, seemingly sealing another heroic escape.

But as the match progressed, the momentum subtly shifted. McIntyre absorbed everything Rhodes threw at him, growing more dangerous with every stage. The Falls Count Anywhere segment escalated the violence, with both men crashing through tables, rails, and equipment in a war that felt personal rather than performative. By the time the steel cage portion arrived, the atmosphere inside the arena had turned electric, with fans sensing something historic might be about to happen.

The turning point came in shocking fashion. A missed referee call opened the door for McIntyre to strike with ruthless precision, landing a devastating Claymore before slipping out of the cage to secure the pinfall. In a result few predicted but many immediately accepted, Drew McIntyre dethroned Cody Rhodes, ending one of WWE’s most emotionally driven championship reigns. Even if the reign proves short-lived, the victory felt earned—a decisive statement that McIntyre belongs at the very top of the card.

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The chaos didn’t end there. As McIntyre attempted to leave with the title, the arena erupted when Jacob Fatu made his surprise return. Rather than aligning with anyone, Fatu unleashed destruction on both champion and former champion alike, reinforcing his role as a lone-wolf enforcer with no allegiance beyond himself. The return added another volatile element to an already crowded main-event picture and immediately sparked speculation about where SmackDown’s title scene is heading next.

Beyond the headline shocker, the rest of the show reinforced WWE’s intent to refresh its roster quickly and decisively. Trick Williams officially arrived on SmackDown and wasted no time making his presence felt. Confident, sharp on the mic, and visibly comfortable under the spotlight, Williams confronted Randy Orton in a segment that instantly elevated him. While Orton ultimately stood tall, Williams emerged looking every bit like a future main-event star rather than a rookie finding his footing.

The women’s division also saw major developments. Giulia successfully defended her title with the help of interference, while Jordynne Grace made her SmackDown debut in dominant fashion, dispatching her opponent with ease. The immediate positioning of Grace as a serious threat signaled WWE’s intent to shake up the women’s championship scene without delay. Elsewhere, confrontations involving Jade Cargill, Alexa Bliss, and Nia Jax further layered intrigue into an already crowded division.

Tag team action and mid-card programs rounded out the show, with hard-hitting matches that leaned into physicality over spectacle. While not every segment landed perfectly, the overall pacing kept the audience engaged, and the night rarely felt predictable.

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By the time the final bell rang, one thing was clear: SmackDown has entered 2026 with momentum, confidence, and a willingness to take risks. Drew McIntyre’s stunning title win, Jacob Fatu’s destructive return, and the rapid elevation of new stars combined to make this episode feel less like a weekly show and more like a statement of intent.

If this episode is any indication, WWE isn’t easing into the new year—it’s charging full speed ahead, and SmackDown may be hotter than it’s been in years.