Get ready, wrestling fans, because tonight's SmackDown promises to be a night of fiery showdowns and shocking twists! The main event features a brutal clash for the WWE Championship, where Drew McIntyre will once again try to snatch the title from Cody Rhodes. But will he succeed?
Tonight's SmackDown, airing from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany (and available on Netflix in select international markets, with a taped version airing at its usual time in the USA), is the sixth episode in the build-up to the Royal Rumble on January 31st in Saudi Arabia.
The Main Event: Three Stages of Hell
The stakes are higher than ever as Cody Rhodes defends his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match. This isn't just any match; it's a test of endurance and brutality. The first stage will be a standard wrestling match, followed by a Falls Count Anywhere match, and finally, if needed, an old-school Steel Cage match. The first wrestler to conquer two stages will be crowned the champion. This is the first time a Three Stages of Hell match has ever been booked on SmackDown, making it a significant event.
To get you hyped, WWE has released a video recapping the recent feud between Rhodes and McIntyre. Rhodes has already defeated McIntyre in title matches at Wrestlepalooza and Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, thanks to GM Nick Aldis, McIntyre was reinstated from suspension, allowing this rematch to take place. This is a match type designed to end intensely personal feuds, so will McIntyre finally get his comeuppance for the shocking act of setting Dusty Rhodes on fire?
But here's where it gets controversial... While the odds seem stacked against McIntyre, WWE is known for its surprises. And with WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, could a title change be in the cards?
The Rest of the Card: What Else to Expect
- Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Wyatt Sicks vs. MFT. Solo Sikoa has declared his family will win, aiming for the WWE tag team championship. But what if they lose?
- Trick Williams' SmackDown Debut: Trick Williams faces Rey Fenix in his SmackDown in-ring debut. Will Sami Zayn challenge him next if Trick isn't humbled?
- Women's Tag Team Title Contenders: With Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY as the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, how will GM Nick Aldis determine the next title contenders between Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss or Nia Jax & Lash Legend?
- Jacob Fatu's Attacker: Will the security footage reveal who attacked Jacob Fatu? Could it have been Randy Orton?
- Damian Priest's Next Move: After ending his feud with Aleister Black, what's next for Damian Priest? Will he enter the Royal Rumble?
- United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes beat Johnny Gargano and insulted The Miz. Who will challenge for the United States Championship next?
- Shinsuke Nakamura & Tama Tonga: What was the quick backstage chat between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga last week? Could Nakamura pull Tonga away from MFT?
- Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace: WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill bragged about injuring Michin. Will Jordynne Grace sign with SmackDown?
- Axiom vs. Johnny Gargano: Will Axiom get a chance to win his mask back?
- Kit Wilson's Fate: Will someone else get to kick Kit Wilson's ass after Matt Cardona's return?
- Women's United States Championship: Are Giulia and Chelsea Green done playing hot potato with the women’s United States championship?
- Joe Hendry's Absence: Will someone mention Joe Hendry in Berlin?
- Where's Santos Escobar?: A mystery to be solved.
What are your predictions for tonight's SmackDown? Will Cody Rhodes retain his title, or will Drew McIntyre finally claim victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
