WWE SmackDown made headlines in Berlin, Germany, as NXT star Jordynne Grace officially joined the SmackDown roster during Friday’s episode at the Uber Arena. Grace was warmly welcomed by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis in his office. The moment was interrupted by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, with Green demanding a rematch for the WWE Women’s United States Championship. Grace made it clear that she was not like “some women” in reference to Green’s antics, setting off a chain of events that led Aldis to announce a match between Grace and Fyre for that very night.
In addition to Grace’s debut, the show brought forth the announcement of an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender tournament. Scheduled to start next week, the tournament will feature eight competitors battling for a chance to fight against Cody Rhodes for the championship at the Royal Rumble on January 31st in Saudi Arabia. Competitors for the tournament include notable names such as Randy Orton, The Miz, Matt Cardona, and more. The initial round will see four qualifying matches, leading to a Fatal Four-way match at the next Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th.
The night also marked a significant turning point as Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a thrilling Three Stages of Hell match to become the Undisputed WWE Champion for the third time. The match reached its climax inside a steel cage when a mystery figure revealed to be Jacob Fatu appeared, disrupting the proceedings. Fatu’s interference allowed McIntyre to escape, making him the champion. This event not only highlighted McIntyre’s resilience but also marked Fatu’s return after a hiatus due to a dental procedure.
As fans look forward to the upcoming SmackDown on January 16th at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, the excitement is palpable with a lineup of fresh matchups and storylines creating an engaging atmosphere for wrestling enthusiasts. The addition of Grace to the SmackDown roster and the ongoing championship pursuits promise to make WWE’s programming even more compelling in the weeks to come.