How much must Cody Rhodes suffer?

Live from Berlin, Germany, Drew McIntyre plans on putting Cody Rhodes through Three Stages of Hell, all for the Undisputed WWE Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Trick Williams VS Rey Fenix; Trick wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Giulia w/ Kiana James VS Alexa Bliss; Giulia wins and retains the title.
• 8 Man Tag: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6; MFT wins.
• Jordynne Grace VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green; Jordynne wins.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Melo wins and retains the title.
• Undisputed WWE Championship Three Stages of Hell: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre; Drew wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown’s third hour will be COMMERCIAL FREE!

In order to give us all all of that Three Stages of Hell match, it will go uninterrupted! Will Cody Rhodes survive here in Berlin? Or will the Scottish Terminator end the American Nightmare’s dream in Germany?

Randy Orton is here!

Berlin sings along with Voices as The Viper makes his entrance. Orton high-fives and fist bumps fans, and revels in the triple digit decibels from the fans. Orton gets the mic and he says, “Man, oh, man, it feels good to be back in this ring!” The fans cheer that, and Orton officially welcomes Berlin to Friday Night SmackDown! The fans cheer again, and they again chant “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton continues by saying he’s had a few months- WAIT! Trick Williams is interrupting! Berlin chants along, “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Hollywood Trick goes right to the ring, steps past Orton and gets a mic for himself.

Trick starts with the “HOOOOWOOO~! Lemme stop you right there, Randy. Cuz every single week, another star comes out here, and they say it’s gonna be their year. I care nothing ’bout none of that.” The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” Trick says, “Let’s be real. In case you ain’t noticed, a new star has arrived, and his name is Trick Williams. I don’t know about Germany, but every other country around the world, they love some Trick Willy. But how can they not? I’m 6’5″, 250 pounds, eight abs, three chains, three cars, two feet just so I can put my two lemon pepper steppers on. Randy Orton, you better do the math.”

The fans chant “R K O!” but Trick says this ain’t 2006, it’s 2026, let’s talk about it. Orton hears the fans, and Orton says Trick wants to talk about it, so let’s talk about it. Orton is 6’5″, 270 pounds, has two kids and one smokin’ hot wife. He does love lemon pepper chicken, but the only number that matters is the FOURTEEN world titles he’s won. The fans cheer that! But… When Orton looks at Trick, he does see a star, no doubt. Trick has the look, the gift of gab, and he is oozing confidence. But one thing Orton isn’t quite sure about is the fact Trick chose to interrupt Orton of all people. Maybe Trick doesn’t have the brains.

The fans again chant “R K O!” Trick agrees there, so to be real, Orton IS one of the greatest of all time. Trick appreciates the kind words. But he draws the line here. Trick doesn’t have the brains? Trick is here for one reason and one reason only: To brush up against the greatest. Trick will seize the opportunity and do what it has to be done to brush up with a great one like Orton. And since Trick respects Orton so much, he came all the way to Berlin to put Orton on notice. This ain’t the Year of the Viper, it’s the Year of Trick! This is the year we WHOOP DAT all around the world! The fans boo, but Trick just soaks it up.

Orton says he isn’t sure what they’re teaching down in NXT, but someone forgot to tell Trick to never turn his back on The Viper. Trick gets a pass, but if it happens again, Orton won’t just Whoop Dat Trick, he’ll kick Trick’s ass. The fans cheer that! Trick takes off his sunglasses, and SLAPS the mic out of Orton’s hand! So Orton DECKS Trick! And UPPERCUTS him! Trick tumbles, but Orton has him in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Trick sputters and the fans fire up! But The Miz attacks Orton! The fans boo but Miz is getting payback for last week! But Orton still gets an RKO!! The fans fire up as The Viper takes out two “Hollywood” stars in one night!

Orton reminds us by pointing to his shirt: RKO EVERYBODY! Will that be the case all the way back to the WWE Championship? And what about Trick’s scheduled match with Rey Fenix? Oh, well as Orton is on his way out, The Immortal Firebird makes his way in! Orton smirks and nods, will Fenix finish what Trick and Orton started?

Trick Williams VS Rey Fenix!

SmackDown returns and Trick has gathered himself. The bell rings, the two circle and the fans rally for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Fenix nods, then he and Trick tie up. Trick SHOVES Fenix, talks some smack and flexes, but Fenix runs up., Fenix RAMS Trick, Trick doesn’t budge, and Trick says that’s the difference between them. Fenix says okay, and goes ot run, but Trick THROWS Fenix down by his mask! The fans boo, things speed up, and Fenix hurdles, only for Trick to stop the hip toss. Trick HIP TOSSES, but Fenix handsprings through to arm-drag and cover, TWO! Trick ghost pins, TWO! Both men stand but Fenix steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!!

Trick escapes and Fenix says it was that close. The fans cheer, Trick mockingly applauds, but Fenix ducks the heel kick! Trick says it was that close. Fenix waistlocks, Trick bucks the O’Conner, and he CLOBBERS Fenix! Trick talks more trash, but Fenix CHOPS! Trick CHOPS back, then whips hard! Fenix hits buckles then falls, but Trick stands him up to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Trick whips again, but Fenix slips outside, RAMS back in, and stops a punch with a knuckle lock! Fenix CHOPS, goes right up, but Trick breaks free! Fenix just triangle jumps and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for Fenix while Trick tumbles out!

Fenix builds speed, and he fakes Trick out with the Tiger Feint! Then he goes again, but Trick is back with the LEG LARIAT! The fans boo but Trick soaks it up before he covers, TWO! Trick stomps Fenix, whips him, then scoops, POWERSLAM! The fans rally for Fenix but Trick suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Fenix while Trick grows frustrated. Trick drags Fenix up, TOSSES him out, and goes out to bring him up. Trick talks more trash on the fans, then SHOVES Fenix into steel steps! Trick storms up, Fenix CHOPS, but Trick SLAPS Fenix down! The fans are torn as Trick brings Fenix back up.

Trick whips Fenix into the other steel steps! The fans talk some smack while SmackDown goes picture in picture. Trick huffs ‘n’ puffs while the ring count climbs, and he drags Fenix up. Trick puts Fenix in the ring, stalks him to ropes, and he whips Fenix to a corner. Fenix slumps down in the corner but Trick stomps away on him! The ref counts, Trick stops at 4, and Fenix flops out of the ring. Trick hears the fans, and he eggs Fenix on. The ring count starts again while Fenix flounders. Fenix drags himself up and in at 5 of 10, but Trick KICKS him! Trick whips, then he BACK LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO!

Trick rains down fists on Fenix, then shakes his hand out. Trick soaks up cheers and jeers, then drags Fenix back up. But Fenix CHOPS again! Trick BOOTS Fenix, but Fenix CHOPS! Trick SLAPS Fenix again! Fenix sputters a bit but Trick brings him back around. Trick suplexes, but Fenix knees and cradles! TWO! Trick escapes, Fenix BOOTS the lariat, SOBATS, then SUPERKICKS! Both men are down and the fans applaud! A standing count begins, both men stir at about 4 and crawl to each other at center. Fenix throws hands, Trick fires back, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Fenix fires more shots!

Fenix has Trick wobbling, and he runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives and the fans fire up. Trick brings Fenix up, KNEES him low, then whips Fenix to the corner. Trick runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! The fans are actually dueling now as Fenix somersaults, only for Trick to fireman’s carry! Fenix fires elbows to fight free, then shoves and GAMANGIRIS in the corner! The fans rally and Fenix CHOPS! Fenix puts Trick up top, then goes up the ropes, but Trick fights back! Trick clinches Fenix, but Fenix fires elbows! The fans fire up as Fenix just HAMMERS away! Fenix then adjusts, jumps up, and SUPER STEINERS!

The fans fire up and Fenix hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fenix rises up. Fenix feels the energy, and the fans fire up more as Fenix goes up! PHOENIX SPLASH but onto BOOTS! Fenix flounders, Trick aims, TRICK KICK! Cover, TWO!! Trick is shocked, but he hurries to cartwheel, ripcord, and BOOKEND! Cover, TWO!! Fenix survives again and Trick is stunned! The fans fire up again as Trick lets his hair down. Trick runs up, but Fenix avoids the Stinger Splash! JUMP SOBAT! Not the cleanest, but Fenix CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Fenix goes up the corner, reels Trick in, and he CLUBS away on Trick’s chest!

Fenix shouts “ANIMO!” before the TORNADO REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fenix and Trick rise. Trick swings, Fenix ducks and HOOK KICKS! Fenix goes up, ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Fenix then goes back up top, and he CROSS- NO, Trick catches Fenix! But Fenix wheelbarrows to victory roll! TWO and Trick has the tights! TRICK WINS!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall

Trick used some trickery to make up for Randy Orton humiliating him! Will nothing keep Mr. Whoop Dat from becoming a future world champion?

Backstage interview with Giulia & Kiana James.

Byron Saxton is with the NEW Women’s US Champion and her manager, stating that after regaining this title, what does that victory mean to Giulia? The champion responds with, “Hah? MY title? It’s back where it belongs!” Kiana says her client is an asset. An asset with a upside the WWE hasn’t accounted for. Soon, Giulia will dominate the market. Giulia says tonight, Alexa Bliss, a former world champion, a legend in the Women’s Division, will be made an example! Kiana says it is as simple as that. Giulia in Japanese says Alexa is no legend! Kiana says Giulia will do what is necessary. Arrivederci! Will Lil’ Miss Bliss succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

SmackDown returns and a recap package plays before Byron Saxton notes that was a way to kick off the New Year. First, how is Priest feeling? And second, what is in store for 2026? Priest says to be honest, he’s hurting. For six months, Aleister Black put a beating on him. They went back and forth, but in the end, Priest won the war. So what’s next? Well, a lot of guys are calling their shots for the WWE Championship. Priest will join the party. He knows that road will possibly lead him to someone he has respect for in Cody Rhodes. But Drew McIntyre steps in to say, “Or…?” Priest says, “The Scottish Warrior.”

Now before Drew gets started, Priest says he knows how dangerous Drew is. And maybe Drew is right, maybe he becomes champion. But if that happens, then maybe Priest and Drew get to go another round. Now, remind the world what happened to Drew’s brains and how they got scrambled the last time they were in the ring together? Good luck, “warrior.” Priest steps out, and Saxton says while Drew is here, will Drew share what’s on his mind ahead of Three Stages of Hell? Drew says emotions are high. Not his, but Cody’s. After last week, that look on Cody’s face as he was held back while Drew set that picture of Dusty on fire…

That’s why Drew can only imagine the look on Cody’s face when he sees Drew also has this. Drew brings out the gold watch that Dusty had to pawn when he blew the family fortune to pay for Cody’s future. And Drew will tell us Cody’s future: He’ll get disqualified in the first, and then all Drew needs is one more so that finally, finally, FINALLY, Drew McIntyre will be WWE Champion! The Scottish Terminator has an evil smile on his face, will nothing stop Drew from dragging Cody to Hell?

Alexa Bliss is on the phone.

She says Charlotte Flair sounds terrible. Alexa didn’t even know she was getting her title match until today, and it’s not like she’s trying to do things without Charlotte. But rest, recover, get well soon. Oh, gotta go, her match is up next and someone is approaching. Alexa hangs up as Nia Jax & Lash Legend walk in. Nia asks what’s wrong with Queen Charlotte. Got the sniffles? Lash says it is funny how the moment Alexa has an opportunity for herself, Charlotte’s nowhere to be found. Alexa says they have no idea what they’re talking about. Nia says she knows exactly what she’s talking about. The moment it was about Alexa, Charlotte didn’t like it and had to make this about herself.

Alexa says Nia is only saying that cuz it’s what she’d do. Alexa tells Lash to drop Nia before Nia does the same to her. Now, if you’ll excuse her, Alexa has her match. Lil’ Miss Bliss heads out, Nia says do not listen to her. But will Alexa still bring gold with her for the Euro Tour? Or will the Beautiful Madness go wild in Berlin?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Giulia w/ Kiana James VS Alexa Bliss!

SmackDown returns and Alexa makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly twisted!

The bell rings and the fans rally up again. Giulia taunts Alexa but the fans cheer her on more. Giulia SHOVES Alexa, but Alexa shoves back! Giulia shoves again, then she ducks a haymaker! Alexa fights the suplex, but Giulia ducks another shot. Alexa ducks a shot and ROCKS Giulia! Alexa runs, but Giulia grabs hair! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Giulia reels Alexa in. Snap suplex! Alexa goes to the corner, Giulia runs in, and Giulia ELBOWS Alexa! Giulia snapmares Alexa, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Giulia HEADBUTTS Alexa, wrenches the pigtails and THROWS Alexa!

The fans rally for Alexa but Giulia is on her again with a whip. Alexa grabs ropes, then DUMPS Giulia out! Alexa then aims an CANNONBALLS! Down goes Giulia and the fans fire up again! Alexa looks to the belt while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Alexa drags Giulia up, puts her in the ring, but then Kiana YANKS Alexa down! The fans boo but the ref misses that! Giulia then slides out to have Alexa for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! The ref reprimands, Giulia stomps Alexa and slips into the ring, Kiana steps on Alexa’s hair! The ref sees that and reprimands. Kiana pretends she had no idea, but the ring count is past 5 of 10. Alexa rolls in at 8 but Giulia stomps her down! Giulia stands on Alexa at the ropes but stops as the ref counts. Giulia puts Alexa through the ropes and the bends her back! Then she fishhooks the nose! The ref reprimands, but Giulia runs and DROPKICKS Alexa down! Cover, TWO!

Alexa stays in this but Giulia stays on her. Giulia brings Alexa up to scoop and SLAM! Giulia covers, TWO! Giulia THROWS Alexa down, covers again, TWO! Alexa is tougher than that, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Giulia drags her up. Alexa rolls Giulia, TWO! Giulia BOOTS Alexa, puts her in the corner, and digs her boots in. The ref counts, Giulia stops at 4, but then she CHOKES Alexa on the ropes! Giulia stops at 4 and argues with the ref, and Kiana gets a cheap shot! The fans boo but Giulia kicks Alexa around. Alexa flounders against ropes, Giulia runs in, but Alexa ELBOWS her away!

Alexa goes to a corner, she BOOTS Giulia, and she fires forearms! Giulia stops that to ROCK Alexa! Giulia runs up, but Alexa BOOTS her again! Alexa CLOBBERS Giulia, CLOBBERS her again, then SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES, and SHOTGUNS Giulia down! The fans fire up and Alexa runs, BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans still rally behind Alexa and she brings Giulia up. But Giulia HEADBUTTS! Alexa still guzels for an STO! Then INSULT2INJURY misses at the end! Ghost pin, TWO! Giulia has the arm, ARRIVEDERCI KNEE!! Then the hammerlock and- NO, Alexa slips free, spins around, and clinches!

The fans fire up, but Kiana distracts everyone! Giulia fights free but Alexa DDTS after all! Then she SLAPS Kiana down! Kiana still distracts as she flops around, and LASH LEGEND SHOVES ALEXA!! The fans boo but Giulia takes advantage! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, Giulia wins!

Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s United States Champion)

The Bougie Bully plays a big factor in this, and now she and Nia loom over Alexa. Nia says Alexa’s a loser, complete with L to the forehead. Lash winds up and Nia serves Alexa up, BULLY FOREARM! Lash then puts Alexa in the drop zone, and Nia goes up the corner! The fans boo, but Nia hits the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia & Lash soak up the heat, but will Charlotte make sure they both pay for this in the near future?

Nick Aldis meets with Jordynne Grace.

The SmackDown General Manager says The Juggernaut has made the right decision signing with SmackDown! He officially welcomes her to the roster, she thanks him, and they’re interrupted by Chelsea Green. The Hot Mess asks why Aldis is wasting his time with “her” right now. As the first, fourth, and almost forever Women’s US Champion, she demands her re-re-rematch. Uh, aren’t presidents only supposed to serve two terms? Well, “the people” want three. Sorry, but Aldis is in the middle of something here. Doing what? He gave “Smallexa” a title match! Well, Jordynne is the newest member of the SmackDown roster, feel free to welcome her.

Chelsea doesn’t understand how that is important to her. Where is her re-re-rematch?! Jordynne says this is what she was talking about.  She won’t be a “Diva” like some of the other women here. Alba says watch your mouth and fix your tone. Make her! Aldis says this is a great idea. He was just looking for a first opponent, and looks like Alba just stepped up. So tonight, Jordynne Grace VS Alba Fyre! Jordynne says she can’t wait. Chelsea asks about her now. Chelsea can help Alba get ready for the match. Ugh, he’s insufferable even in Germany! Chelsea & Alba storm off, and now Kit Wilson hurries in because he wants to talk with Aldis.

The toxicity on SmackDown continues to grow! It was concerning why Kit didn’t know who his opponent was last week. He chipped a tooth, and look at his nose! Wake up, Nick! Matt Cardona is the embodiment of toxic masculinity! Please, what are we to do about it? Aldis says valid point, just hold that thought. He steps into his office and shots the door. Kit says typical. Nick is toxic! Kit’s misguided mission continues, what must he do to accomplish it?

Backstage interview with Matt Cardona.

Speaking of The Complete, Byron Saxton is with the returning Iced Z who is officially back in WE after a five-year absence. How does it feel to officially be home? Cardona says it’s closer to six years, so it feels great to be back. When he first left here, he had three options: One, be negative, be bitter, feel sorry for himself, and fade into obscurity; two, coast off the Zack Ryder name for the rest of his career; or three, reinvent himself, bust his ass, and do whatever it took to get back to WWE. He chose option three. Oh, excuse him. Cardona spots Cody Rhodes, and the two hug it out. Cardona knows Cody has a tough match tonight, good luck out there.

And this may not be the best timing, but Cardona isn’t back just to be back. Cardona is back to finally win the WWE Championship. Cody says when he’s done with Drew, they can talk. They hug it out again and Cody heads out. Will Cardona show he’s #AlwayZReady for more? Will Cody be ready for everything Drew is going to throw at him?

8 Man Tag: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6!

The last time these teams met in the ring, they fought for the tag titles, only to let the brawl get out of hand and force the officials to nullify the match. That doesn’t sit well with either family in this feud, so they fight again in a 4v4 showdown. Will Solo Sikoa’s family soon have the whole world in their hands? Or will Uncle Howdy chop down that family tree in one fell swoop?

Solo is of course part of the team for tonight, with JC Mateo as the cornerman. The teams sort out and Tonga Loa steps up to Dexter Lumis. The bell rings, Loa kicks and CLUBS away on Lumis, then headlocks. Lumis powers up and out, Loa RUNS him over, but Lumis kips back up! The fans cheer as Lumis ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Loa! And then DROPKICK! Lumis gets Loa up, tags Joe Gacy, and they mug Loa. Then they whip, atomic drop, and LARIAT! Lumis runs to add a SENTON, and Gacy adds an ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up, but here comes Tama Tonga! Lumis SUPERKICKS, Gacy UPPERCUTS, and repeat!

Tama stays up, fires up, but Gacy BOOTS him out! The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis coordinate, then build speed, and they DOUBLE DIVE! Down go Tama & Loa and the fans fire up again! Solo, Talla & JC step up, but the Wyatts also stand together. The fans cheer the Wyatts while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref tells everyone to stand down, so MFT backs up. Gacy gets Loa up and in, then stalks him. Gacy brings Loa around, whips him to ropes, but Loa reverses. Gacy grabs ropes, BOOTS Loa, but Tama runs up! Gacy dodges Tama and DECKS him! But Talla CLOBBERS Gacy, all while Loa was distracting the ref! MFT soaks up the heat, then Loa bumps Gacy off buckles. Loa stomps away on Gacy, he tags Tama, and the Guerrillas of Destiny mug Gacy in a corner. They whip corner to corner, Loa LARIATS and Tama STINGER SPLASHES! Then feed to a LARIAT and ELBOW DROP! Tama taunts the Wyatts before he HEADBUTTS Gacy!

Tama ROCKS Gacy, RAMS him into the corner, then RAMS again! The ref counts, but Talla tags in. Talla runs and LARIATS Gacy! Talla UPPERCUTS Gacy down and looms over him. Talla stands Gacy up to ROCK him and whip him, then ELBOW him! Talla runs to ELBOW DROP! Talla soaks up the heat, then he tags Solo. Solo tells the fans off while he grins and stalks Gacy. Solo dares Gacy to reach out, then he stomps Gacy and HEADBUTTS him down! Solo taunts Howdy, but Gacy fires hands on Solo! Solo UPPERCUTS in return, then whips corner to corner hard! Gacy falls, Solo soaks up more heat, then he looms over Gacy.

Solo HEADBUTTS Gacy down, throws down fists in the corner, then backs off as the ref counts. Solo goes after Gacy again as SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo taunts Howdy again, then runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Solo then BLASTS the Wyatts just because! The fans boo but Solo tags Tama. Tama CLUBS Gacy, CLUBS him again, and again! Tama taunts Erick Rowan with the “YEYEYEYEYE!” But Gacy ROCKS Tama! And ROCKS him again! And again! But Tama keeps Gacy from Rowan! The fans rally as Gacy and Tama each reach out. Tama whips Gacy, but Gacy hits the UPSIDE-DOWN! Hot tags to Roawn and Loa!

Big Red rallies on the Guerrillas, ELBOWS Loa and LEG LARIATS Tama! The fans fire up and Rowan ELBOWS Loa in a corner! TheN LARIATS Tama in the other! LARIAT and snapmare for Loa, to a SHOTGUN! The fans fire up but Tama runs up on Rowan! Rowan shoves him back, then dodges to BODY CHECK! The fans fire up, but Talla tags in! The fans cheer as the big men throw big haymakers! They cheer Rowan as he ROCKS and CHOPS Talla, but Talla kicks low! Talla HEADBUTTS and fires up, then Talla runs, but into a LARIAT! The fans fire up with Rowan, and he fireman’s carries Talla?! Talla slips free, shoves him, and LARIATS!

The fans boo, but here comes Lumis! Talla guzels Lumis, BOOTS Gacy, then CHOKE SLAMS Lumis! The fans fire up, that was legit impressive. But Rowan is back! He dodges, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans fire up again, because now Howdy and Solo stare down from across the way. Hot tags to the leaders! The fans fire up as Howdy and Solo step up, then they start throwing hands! The fans cheer Howdy ash e whips, but Solo reverses. Howdy ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Solo! And LARIAT! LARIAT for Loa! Solo SUPERKICKS, then SAMOAN- NO, Howdy ducks the spike to URENAGE!

The fans fire up with Howdy, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEHA~!” Howdy clinches, but Solo slips free! UPPERCUT! Tama tags in, Howdy TOSSES Solo and catches Tama! URENAGE! HAYMAKER for Loa! JC gets up, but Howdy HIP TOSSES him in! MANDIBLE CLAW for the Imperial Unit! But Solo has the lantern!! The fans boo and Howdy stares Solo down. Tama runs up, Howdy clinches, but Talla BOOTS Howdy! Talla DECKS Rowan, Tama runs up, CUTTHROAT STRIKE!! Cover, MFT WINS!

Winners: MFT, by pinfall

Solo smiles as his family stands tall! It took some underhanded tactics to do it, and Solo is stealing the lantern! Will MFT also steal the WWE Tag Team Championships the same way?

The Miz finishes a meeting with Nick Aldis.

And as he exits the office, Carmelo Hayes is there to see him. Melo asks what’s up and Miz says he’ll tell H1M what’s up. The Miz has a way to get a WWE Championship opportunity. So once Miz wins that title and answers an Open Challenge for Melo’s US title, Miz will make himself the very-first THREE-TIME Grand Slam Champion! Oh, well, okay, Melo’s gonna put that challenge out, so see Miz out there. Miz stops Melo there. Did Melo not see Orton cheap shot Miz tonight? Miz can barely move his neck. Oh, well, there’s always next week. Ain’t that right, Randy? Miz spins around, but Melo got him looking.

Melo says careful with that neck, Miz. If Miz needs a week, just say it. See you later, champ. Melo then spots Ilja Dragunov. Melo wants to say after he took care of Gargano, he is a man of his word. He’s gonna host the Open Challenge, it’d be an honor if Ilja answered it. Ilja tells Melo that they will meet again, but at a different point in time. Ilja is on his way to talk with Aldis about something a little different. The Mad Russian steps into Aldis’ office, Melo says alright then. No Miz, no Ilja, who will step to H1M for this title tonight?

Jordynne Grace VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green!

The Juggernaut has officially moved from NXT to SmackDown, but she’s still just as ready to steamroll her competition. Will Jordynne put out the Fyre and humble the Hot Mess? Or will she be made to pledge her allegiance to the Green Administration?

SmackDown returns and Jordynne makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Grace. Alba runs up, Grace dodges and ROCKS her! And CHOPS her, and ROCKS her, repeat! Chelsea protests, Grace runs up but Alba dodges. Alba hooks up the arms, but Grace RAMS her into buckles again and again! Backslide, short arm LARIAT, short arm LARIAT again, then a whip! Grace scoops Alba for a GUT BUSTER! The fans fire up with Grace while Alba flounders. Chelsea protests but Grace blocks Alba’s kick. Grace SLAPS Alba, whips, but Alba reverses to SUPERKICK! And TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!

Alba is furious but she stomps away on Grace, then rains down fists! The fans rally, Alba THROWS Grace to a corner, and the fans rally up. Alba reels Grace back in, but Grace fights the suplex! Grace CLUBS Alba, then scoops her! Alba slips free, and goes for buckles! Grace blocks, ELBOWS Alba, then goes up and over! Grace goes corner to corner, goes up and over again, then SPINEBNUSTERS! Roll through and tuck, for a PACKAGE POWERBOMB! Chelsea shouts at Grace, but Grace dares Chelsea to do something. Grace drags Alba up, and THROWS her at Chelsea! Down goes Hot Mess! Grace then torture racks Alba!

The fans fire up for the BEAST MODE BOMB! Cover, Grace wins!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall

Chelsea is very angry, but what else is new? Will everyone on SmackDown learn to lose with Grace? Wait, Jade Cargill is here! The Storm has come to Berlin, and she has a mic already as she crosses paths with Grace. Jade and Grace eye each other, and Jade tells Grace, “You think you did something? You think you’re special? Well now, you’re on MY show, and I’m That B*tch!” The champ drops the mic, but will she regret it? Or can The Storm wash away the Juggernaut?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Byron is with the Underdog from the Underground and notes that Sami’s made it clear, the next goal is THE WWE Championship. Byron also says that we have that WWE Championship match tonight, so sorry to put him on the spot, but who does Sami see winning? Sami says he really hates to admit this, but there’s a small part of him that kinda wants Drew to win. Just because Drew is famously the one man Sami has yet to beat. So Sami beating Drew not just to beat Drew, but to win THE WWE Championship, that sounds great. But obviously, Sami is rooting for Cody as a friend and a good guy, and a great champion. Perhaps one of the best we’ve had in years.

And when it comes to the WWE Championship, that is what it is about: Testing yourself against the very best. But if you’re asking who Sami actually thinks wins tonight… Sami puts his money on Cody. But no matter who walks out as champion tonight, they should know, Sami is waiting on the other side. Sami heads out, but will his prediction be right? Will he be aiming for one of his best friends? Or will he have his heart’s desire of getting one over on a hated enemy?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???

Johnny Wrestling couldn’t dethrone H1M and now he’s in the proverbial rafters. But with a lot of hungry superstars up and down the roster, who will step up to take their shot? And just how will Melo put them on a poster? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Fraxiom talks backstage. Nathan Frazer says hey, amigo. Why isn’t Axiom in gear? Melo’s out there right now, the challenge is open! Frazer knows Gargano didn’t make the trip overseas, but he figured he’d race Axiom to the ring. Wait, how’d he get that blue mask back? IT’S NOT AXIOM! Gargano is wearing the stolen mask while he beats up Frazer! Then Candice LeRae sits Frazer up so Gargano can laugh at “amigo.” The REAL Axiom rushes in wearing red and asks what happened! Frazer says between the mask and the damn turtleneck, he really got tricked! Will this keep Fraxiom from challenging for the title now?

We return to the ring and Melo waits on just who will step up. The lights fade out, and the moment the music plays, we all know it’s SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! Berlin cheers the King of Strong Style and sings along with the song, but will the king once again be champion? Or will he see that even overseas, Melo Don’t Miss?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as these two circle. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Nakamura slips around to waistlock. Melo rolls, Nakamura headscissors, but Melo kips free. The two reset, circle, and the fans duel as the two tie up. Melo arm-drags and armlocks, but Nakamura fights up. Nakamura fires body shots, whips Melo to ropes, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges and again, but Nakamura ducks ‘n’ dodges! Melo hurdles, then ducks, and DROPKICKS! Nakamura tumbles out while the fans cheer, and Melo builds speed! Melo DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Nakamura hurries to get Melo up and whip, but Melo hits the LAY-UP!

The fans fire up with Melo as he dunks on Nakamura, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo stands Nakamura up to CHOP, then he mocks the Strong Style pose. Melo whips, Nakamura reverses, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo LARIATS Nakamura down, hears the cheers, then goes to Nakamura. Melo brings Nakamura up to CHOP him to the corner. Melo climbs, he rains down fists, and he gives a little 6 7~! Maybe Germany isn’t as into that? Melo finishes the TEN, then snapmares to LEG DROP, brother! Cover, TWO! Melo brings Nakamura up, but Nakamura fights the suplex. Nakamura body blows, cradles, TWO! Melo rolls to his own cover, TWO! Nakamura has it again, TWO! The two separate, then Nakamura CLOBBERS Melo!

Nakamura looms over Melo while the fans applaud. Nakamura snapmares Melo, then KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps on Melo and bumps him off buckles. Nakamura KICKS Melo, KICKS him again, then stops to give Melo some GOOD VIBRATIONS~! The ref reprimands but the fans appreciate it. Nakamura brings Melo up, snapmares again, and then clamps on a chinlock. Melo endures, the fans rally, and Melo fights around. Melo fights up, Nakamura KNEES him low, and then winds up to KICK him down! Melo sputters from the impact but the fans applaud. Cover, TWO! Melo rolls away to ropes but Nakamura follows.

Nakamura brings Melo up, and he CHOPS as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally as Melo pushes Nakamura, but Nakamura BOOTS him! Nakamura fires forearms, the ref counts, but Nakamura stops at 4. Nakamura KNEES Melo low, whips him to ropes, but Melo springboards! Nakamura dodges this time, and he DROPKICKS the legs out! Melo writhes and bails out to the apron, but Nakamura stalks after him. Melo blocks a shot, ROCKS Nakamura, but Nakamura blocks the gamangiri to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Melo falls to the apron then the floor! Nakamura goes out and he KICKS Melo in the leg!

Nakamura has his target and he kicks the legs again. Nakamura puts Melo back in the ring, Melo hobbles, and Nakamura suplexes. Nakamura puts Melo on the ropes to then AX KICK down! Melo flounders again but Nakamura covers, TWO! Melo brings the kneepad down for the sake of pressure, but Nakamura just kicks Melo to the corner. The fans rally and duel while the ref keeps Nakamura back. Melo insists he can continue, and he drags himself up with ropes. Nakamura eggs Melo on, then snatches the leg again! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then a HALF CRAB!

The fans rally while Melo endures! Melo claws at the mat, flails around, grabs at Nakamura’s leg, and he kicks with his free one! Nakamura lets Melo go, then stands him up to whip. KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then a KICK to the chest! Melo sputters while the fans rally, and Nakamura KICKS again! Nakamura might be toying with Melo a bit as he shouts, “C’MON!” But Melo blocks the kick! Melo CLUBS the leg, then says, “C’MON!” Nakamura swings, Melo dodges, and Melo ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! Melo whips, Nakamura reverses, but Melo rolls off the back! Melo takes a second, then SUPERKICKS! And SATELLITE DDTS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up while Melo is beside himself. Melo brings Nakamura up, the fans duel, but Nakamura fights the waistlock. Nakamura elbows free, puts Melo up top, but Melo fights back with haymakers! Melo BOOTS Nakamura away, then leaps for DEEP IMPACT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! We take a long look at the US title while SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Melo and Nakamura stir, and Melo brings Nakamura up. The ref makes sure Nakamura is alright, and Melo aims from a corner. Nakamura stands, Melo goes up, but Nakamura BOOTS Melo! Nakamura drags Melo down to then DRAGON SCREW again! Melo writhes, but Nakamura grabs a hand. Nakamura stands Melo up, then DRAGON- NO, Melo rolls through! And BUZZSAWS! Both men are down again and the fans applaud. The ref checks on Melo, Melo says his leg is fine. The ref checks Nakamura and Nakamura slowly sits up at center. Melo hobbles his way over, brings Nakamura up, and CHOPS!

Nakamura drops to his knees but Melo stumbles. Melo eggs Nakamura on. If Nakamura wants the title, he’s gotta dig down and take it! Melo hobbles back up, but Nakamura CHOPS! Nakamura brings Melo up again, ROCKS him with a forearm, then brings him up for a KNEE! Melo rebounds to ROCK Nakamura! Nakamura rebounds to KICK! Now Nakamura eggs Melo on before he KICKS Melo down. Melo drags himself up with ropes but Nakamura stomps him back down. Melo goes to the corner, Nakamura stomps his leg again, but Melo just eggs Nakamura on. Nakamura stands Melo up for KNEES, then whips.

Nakamura slips around Melo to waistlock, but Melo ELBOWS Nakamura! Nakamura still INVERTED EXPLDOERS! Melo lands out, LA MYST- NO, Nakamura makes it a FACEBUSTER! Both men are down again, and SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally again! Nakamura steps to Melo, fires forearms in the corner, then puts him up top. Nakamura climbs up, stands Melo up, but Melo fights the lift! Melo fires elbows, claws free, but Nakamura KICKS the leg out! Melo is stuck in the Tree of Woe! Nakamura KNEES Melo’s leg, then goes corner to corner! But Melo sits up! Nakamura’s slide hits POST!

The fans rally up again as Melo now aims from the ropes, SUPER CROSSBODY! Down goes Nakamura and the fans fire up! Melo clutches his leg, but he puts Nakamura back in. Melo climbs, the fans duel, and FIVE STAR- FLOP!! Nakamura avoids the splash to have the KNEEBAR!! Melo flails, reaches out, and he kicks at Nakamura! Nakamura does not let go, so Melo has no choice but to drag him along! ROPEBREAK!! Nakamura lets go at 4, he wants the leg again, but Melo victory rolls! TWO, and Melo BUZZ- NO, Nakamura blocks the kick, fireman’s carries, and LAND- STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE!! Melo turns things around, gets moving, but the DYNAMIC DROPKICK hits!!

Nakamura hurries to fireman’s carry, LANDSLIDE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans fire up again! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” But Melo SUPERKICKS first! The fans continue to duel as Melo gets moving, NO LOOK DDT!! But Melo can’t cover, his knee is hurting too bad! Melo drags Nakamura to the drop zone, he goes up the corner again, even with the pain. But Nakamura gets up fast to GAMANGIRI! Nakamura then puts Melo along the rope, for a TOP SHELF KNEE! Melo sputters, Nakamura goes up, FLYING KNEE STRIKE!! Then he reloads, KIN- FIRST 48!! The fans fire up as Melo hurries up the corner!

Melo aims while Nakamura stands, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Melo wins!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Nakamura pushed Melo to his limits, but Melo still hit that game winner! And in the end, he and Nakamura show each other respect by shaking hands. If Melo can overcome a decorated superstar like Nakamura, will anyone ever take the title off H1M?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Byron Saxton apologizes for interrupting his solitude, but he wanted to get Cody’s final thoughts before the main event. Solitude? Cody likes that. But Byron knows that as WWE Champion, there is no solitude. You’re always surrounded by the best people in these situations, and that includes Byron, Byron is doing a great job. But as far as Drew McIntyre is concerned, Cody saw that Drew had Dusty’s watch, and he remembers what Drew did to Dusty’s picture right in front of Cody. Cody says it all the time, if you want to bring up Cody’s father, bring up Dusty’s legacy, it is just so unnecessary. If anything, it is just cheap, and more so, it is lazy.

Dusty doesn’t make the comeback this time, Cody makes the comeback. And most of these guys don’t realize it until they’re staring up at the lights. That is gonna be Drew tonight. After that, it’s all eyes on the Royal Rumble, and you know what that means? WrestleMania Season. Thank you, Byron. Cody takes the title and takes a few more moments to prepare. Cody’s heart and mind are ready, but will his body be able to endure?

Nick Aldis has a special announcement.

The SmackDown GM says tonight, for the first time on SmackDown, the WWE Championship is on the line in a Three Stages of Hell. Two men walk in, but there can only be one champion. But one thing is for certain: there is no rest for the wicked, because whoever is champion will soon be in store for a myriad of challengers. There are many superstars ready to stake their claim as #1 contender. So why waste time? Next week, in a place close to Aldis’ heart, Wembley Arena, London, it will be FOUR Qualifying Matches. The winners move on to a Fatal 4 Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal, and the winner of that faces the champion at the Royal Rumble.

Tonight, Drew and Cody walk through Hell to be champion. Next week, the challenge to become #1 contender begins. Randy Orton VS The Miz, Matt Cardona VS Trick Williams, Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov, a truly star-studded field, but who will survive to head to Montreal?

Undisputed WWE Championship Three Stages of Hell: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre!

Two parallel paths turned these dashing superstars into an American Nightmare and a Scottish Terminator, but only one was able to #FinishTheStory the way they wanted. Cody didn’t want to make this personal, but that’s all Drew ever does. Will Drew sack #QB1 to finally be champion in front of the world? Or will Cody survive through the Hell he’s about to be put through?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose reign will be forged in fire!

Our first fall is a standard singles match, and as Drew stated earlier, he wants to win by disqualification against an enraged Cody. The bell rings, fans are on Drew’s side here in Germany, but Cody’s the first to fire off fists and stomps in the corner! The ref counts, Cody stops at 4, then he whips Drew to ropes for a KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then Cody LARIATS Drew up and out! The fans boo, but there are some Cody fans here, and Cody DIVES onto Drew! Down goes Drew, but Cody brings Drew up to SMACK him off the desk! Drew grabs a chair, but then he throws it to Cody! Drew dares Cody to do it! Cody BOOTS Drew instead!

Cody puts Drew in, then springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cody then JABS, JABS, JABS, flip, flop, and middle fingers before the BIONIC ELBOW! Drew tumbles out, Cody pursues, and Cody CHOKES Drew on the desk! The fans rally for Drew, the ref has the ring count climbing, but Cody refreshes it. Cody whips, but Drew reverses to send Cody into steel steps! Drew then put Cody in the ring and stalks him. Drew brings Cody up for a BIG back suplex, but Cody lands out! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Drew survives, the fans are torn, but Cody storms back over to Drew.

Drew wants mercy? Cody says no way, and he fires off on Drew! The ref counts, Cody backs off, then he storms back up to turn Drew around. GERMAN SUPLEX! Drew flounders, the fans sing as they duel, and Cody storms up on Drew. Drew grabs ropes, the ref counts the break, but the buckle pad comes away! The ref snatches that to put it back, but Drew LOW BLOWS!! CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW SCORES!

Cody: 0; Drew: 1

Drew’s plan didn’t quite work out, but he still scored first like he wanted. And now the second fall: FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Drew can still keep this on track doing what he wants to Cody all over the Uber Arena, but will he finish it in two? Cody tumbles out of the ring, and Drew finds a TABLE! The fans cheer as Drew sets it up right by the ring. Drew reels Cody in, lifts, and just POWERBOMBS Cody down! High stack, TWO!! Cody survives and Drew is frustrated, but the fans chant, “CODY SUCKS!” Drew SMACKS Cody off steel steps, then he stalks Cody to the ramp. Drew ROCKS Cody, then continues going up the ramp with him.

The fans sing for “OH~ DREW MCINTYRE~!” But Cody snap suplexes first! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Drew while he hobbles away. Cody SMACKS Drew off the steps now, then TOSSES him over the barrier! The fans do like that the action is coming a bit closer, and Cody DIVING AX HANDLES! Cody UPPERCUTS Drew, ROCKS him, then stalks him around the way. Drew BODY BLOWS, but Cody UPPERCUTS! The two go deeper into the crowd as Cody CLAWS Drew’s back! They go up the bleachers, Cody ROCKS Drew, and the fans continue to cheer. Cody fires more hands, then a SLAP, but Drew hits back!

The brawl is right in the middle of the bleachers, and Cody gives a fan a special selfie of him BITING Drew’s head! Cody then ROCKS Drew, follows him back down the steps, and keeps hitting him! The fans rally as they move to a back entrance. Things spill backstage, and Drew BODY BLOWS! Drew sends Cody into a gate! Drew whips again, but Cody reverses, Drew hits the garage door! Cody snatches a banana from catering to CHOKE Drew with it! Cody rains down fists, then SMACKS him off the garage door! Things go back to the crowd, and Drew CLAWS Cody’s eyes! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into the stands!

Drew brings a new table around, positions it just right, and he CLUBS Cody. Drew assesses their surroundings, and he reels Cody in. Drew lifts Cody, but Cody grabs the railing to climb free! The fans cheer that and Cody scuffs Drew. But Drew grabs at Cody, fires hands, and now has him on his shoulder. But Cody slips free to SHOVE Drew into the stands! And then send him into the other side! And then THROWS him into the bars! The fans are torn as Cody puts Drew on the table. Cody also sizes things up, and he decides to go to the vomitorium! The fans fire up as Cody is going for broke! SUPER DUPER SPLASH down through the table!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans are thunderously losing their minds for that splash, and the fact Drew survives! Cody hobbles around, drags Drew from the wreckage, and brings him through the crowd towards ringside. Cody DUMPS Drew over, slowly steps over the barriers, but Drew JAMS him with a chair! And SMACKS Cody on the back! Drew aims at Cody like he did months ago! Drew runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Cody clears the desk! Cody puts Drew on the desk, climbs up after him, and he fires up! Berlin is torn but Cody dragon sleepers, CROSS RHODES down through the desk!! The fans go nuts again, and Cody manages to cover, CODY SCORES!

Cody: 1; Drew: 1

With things tied up and moving to the final stage, it is time for the STEEL CAGE! The fans love it as Cody drags Drew up from the wreckage again. Cody shakes out his arms, but he puts Drew in the ring. Cody rolls in to join him, and now the cage can descend! Abandon hope, ye who enter here! But with both men at one fall, who will be our Undisputed WWE Champion?

Cody waits on Drew to rise up, and Drew is starting to realize what’s going on. Cody whips Drew into the steel! And then brings him around to throw into more steel! The fans are still torn as Cody gives Drew a third whip, but Drew reverses! Now Cody tastes steel! Drew wants to flee?! But Cody SNATCHES him at the doorway! Cody drags Drew up the ropes to suplex him down! Cover, TWO! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down again. Cody watches Drew, Drew reaches for the door, but Cody hurries to whip him away. Drew reverses, and he KICKS Cody as he goes up and over! Cover, TWO! The fans continue to rally as Drew goes to ropes.

Drew climbs the steel, but Cody follows! They go to the top and they start throwing hands! Cody SMACKS Drew off the top, and Drew slumps into the ring. Drew throws hands on Cody to keep Cody from climbing down the outside! Drew brings Cody in for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives but both men are down from exhaustion. The fans rally again and Drew throws hands. Drew has Cody in a corner, CHOPS him but Cody turns things around to ROCK Drew! And ROCK him again! Cody whips, Drew reverses, then Drew ELBOWS Cody down! Cover, TWO! Drew grows frustrated but the fans rally up.

Cody reaches up, the fans duel, and Drew snarls. Drew brings Cody up, ROCKS him with a right hand, then ROCKS him again. Cody wobbles but Drew brings him up. Cody kicks low to drop down, RHODES UPPERCUT! Drew goes to a corner, Cody runs up, but Drew dodges! Cody POSTS himself, then Drew hits FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives but Drew is too tired to be upset. Drew huffs ‘n’ puffs, but he rains down fists on Cody! The fans continue to rally and duel as Drew HAMMERS away on Cody! Drew stomps Cody, and Cody’s got a cut on the top of his head that’s now bleeding into his bleach blonde hair.

Drew huffs ‘n’ puffs again as he storms back up on Cody. Drew tells Cody to just stay down. Drew ROCKS Cody, Cody hobbles around, but Drew ROCKS him again! The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cody!” “CODY SUCKS!” Drew whips, Cody ducks ‘n’ dodges to then tilt-o-whirl and CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!!! Drew survives and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and sing even harder while both men are down. Cody crawls to the ropes and drags himself up. Drew rises on the other end, and the fans rally up. Cody ROCKS Drew! Drew ROCKS Cody! Cody UPPERCUTS Drew! Drew ROCKS Cody! Cody and Drew fire more shots, the fans dueling with each one!

The fans fire up as this gets fast ‘n’ furious! Drew CLUBS Cody, runs, but Cody dodges to ROCK Drew! Cody then goes up and over to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Drew survives but Cody snarls. The fans rally and duel as Cody stands over Drew. Cody springboards to CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives again, but Cody is not deterred. Cody waits on Drew, “This is Awesome!” as Drew reaches out. Cody roars, he dragon sleepers again, and CROSS RHODES!! But Cody holds on! Cody drags Drew up again for another CROSS RHODES!! And then he drags Drew up again, but Drew CLAWS the eyes!

Cody staggers around, comes back in, but Drew dodges! Cody hits the BARE BUCKLE from the first fall!! CLAYMORE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cody survives and Drew is shocked! The fans call some BS, but then they rally up behind Drew again. Drew drags himself up the cage, but Cody stands again! Cody hurries after Drew and he anchors that leg! Cody BITES Drew’s calf! Drew still clings to the top of the cage, so Cody drags himself up there again. They go back to brawling up high again! The fans are torn as Drew and Cody go back and forth. Drew ROCKS Cody and Cody slumps against the steel. But then Cody SMACKS Drew off the steel!

Cody SMACKS Drew off the top again, and Drew dangles! Drew stands on the top rope but Cody SMACKS him off the cage! Cody SUPER DUPER CODY CUTTERS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Drew survives and no one can believe it! Cody is too tired to even react but the fans are losing their minds! Both men are still down as the fans sing and duel again. Cody manages to sit up first while Drew sputters and stirs. Cody crawls to the ropes, drags himself up, and he climbs the cage! Drew feebly reaches out, but then he rises up and anchors Cody’s leg! Drew BITES Cody in return for earlier, then CLUBS him on the back!

Cody uses the ropes to help him get higher, but Drew pursues! Cody and Drew again, and they each SMASH the other off the cage! The fans rally as Drew CLUBS away on Cody’s back! Cody still climbs, but Drew grabs a leg! Drew drags Cody down, CLUBS away on Cody front and back! Cody hits Drew back, and we get a DOUBLE SMASH! And then both men DOUBLE CROTCH on the ropes! Both men slump down, the fans fire up, and Drew looks to the door. The door is opened, and Drew crawls as fast as he can! Cody doesn’t even seem to knoiw what’s going on! But someone in a hoodie SHOVES the ref down!

SURPRISE! It’s JACOB FATU!! The fans freak out, as does Drew! Drew goes up the cage instead, but the Samoan Werewolf SNATCHES Drew down! Fatu stomps away on Drew, is this confirmation that Drew beat Fatu down all those months ago? Cody storms up, but now Fatu goes after Cody! Fatu is just beating up whoever he can beat up, and Drew is crawling away in the chaos! SUPERKICK for Cody, DREW HITS THE FLOOR! DREW WINS!!!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by escape (NEW Undisputed WWE Champion)

Jacob Fatu came back for revenge on someone, anyone, everyone, and yet he just let the Scottish Warrior escape with the greatest prize in the WWE!! Now Cody is pissed and he RAMS Fatu into the steel! Cody’s story takes a nightmarish twist, what is going to happen now that Drew McIntyre’s dream has come true?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for SmackDown, not only for just the second-ever three-hour edition, but especially for being overseas with a very excited Berlin crowd. Great opening with Randy Orton and Trick Williams, but also with The Miz trying and failing to get revenge on Orton. The news of a #1 contender’s mini tournament is cool stuff, and I feel like Orton and Trick are shoe-ins for that Fatal 4 Way to build off this interaction. A shame for Cardona then since he’s set up against Trick, but Cardona can always get in the Royal Rumble match or find some other route to a title. Sami VS Ilja is going to be a great match, but I would think Sami wins for the sake of his story.

The same goes for Priest VS Solo as 1) Priest needs something big after getting past Aleister, and 2) MFT is heavily in that feud with The Wyatts. Very good 8 Man Tag, and I appreciate that it was the Guerrillas of Destiny as Solo’s teammates. Honestly, it should also be Tama & Loa going for the tag titles together, but I suppose that depends on Tama’s US Championship interests. Great match from Melo VS Nakamura, it really showed Melo’s character can tough it out and go the distance, but it also adds some damage so that the next challenger could take that title from him. And great match from Trick VS Fenix, and Trick cheating the win was a good move to keep Fenix strong while Trick gets over Orton beating him down.

Very good promo from Fraxiom with Gargano, very clever for Gargano to use the stolen mask as a disguise. But with word that Ciampa is going to leave WWE after his current contract is up, is it RIP DIY yet again? The plan is probably still Gargano VS Axiom for the stolen mask, but who knows what Gargano & Candice do after that. Hmm… Maybe those AAA Mixed Tag titles? Chelsea Green & Ethan Page do need challengers from the WWE side. Chelsea & Alba had a good promo with Jordynne Grace, and a solid first match on SmackDown for Jordynne with Alba. Jade confronting Jordynne first definitely means we’re getting Jade VS Jordynne either at the Royal Rumble or on the SmackDown before it, but there might be shenanigans to protect Jordynne in a loss.

There were of course shenanigans to protect Alexa in a loss to Giulia, as Giulia needed a good defense under her newest reign while we also build towards #Charlexa VS Nia & Lash. I sense Charlotte’s reason for not being in Germany is not about a cold, but who knows. Either way, those teams will have a great match and the winners can certainly be positioned as the first challengers to Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky. And great stuff in the Three Stages of Hell, though pushing it to the third fall was a given. Great vomitorium table spot, though, as well as the long game planning with that bare buckle.

Jacob Fatu making his return here was a great move, and about time. But while I thought Jacob was going to cost Drew, they did the exact opposite! Drew is champion again, and now that I think about it, Sami might win the SNME Fatal 4 Way to challenge Drew in Saudi Arabia…

My Score: 8.9/10