Big developments at WWE SmackDown taping in Berlin
Today’s WWE SmackDown in Berlin saw some notable developments.
Drew McIntyre is the new WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match on the show. McIntyre defeated Rhodes after a low blow and Claymore Kick in the first fall, which was a straight wrestling match. The second fall was contested under falls count anywhere rules and saw Rhodes win with a Cross Rhodes through the announce table.
The third fall of the match was contested inside a steel cage. As McIntyre was attempting to exit the cage via the door, a man in a hoodie and face mask stopped him. The person then revealed himself to be the returning Jacob Fatu. At first, Fatu attacked McIntyre, but as Rhodes attempted to intervene, Fatu attacked him. As Fatu and Rhodes were brawling, McIntyre exited the cage and won the championship.
Also on the show, Jordynne Grace was confirmed as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. She also defeated Alba Fyre later in the show.
Nick Aldis announced there will be a number one contender four-way match at the January 24 Saturday Night’s Main Event, with the winner going on to challenge for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. There will be four qualifying matches on next week’s SmackDown from London. The qualifying matches were announced as Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams, Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov.
We will have coverage of SmackDown tonight beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.