Fri Jan 09 22:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Jacob Fatu Returns to WWE, Costs Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Championship
The Story:
On the January 9, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, Jacob Fatu made a shocking return to WWE television, directly impacting the main event Three Stages of Hell match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. The match, contested for the Undisputed WWE Championship, reached its final stage inside a steel cage. As McIntyre attempted to escape the cage, a hooded figure intervened, revealing himself to be Fatu. Fatu, who was previously scheduled to face McIntyre in a number one contender’s match in October before being mysteriously attacked backstage, prevented McIntyre’s escape, ultimately leading to McIntyre winning the championship.
Key Points:
- Jacob Fatu returned to WWE SmackDown on January 9, 2026.
- Fatu interfered in the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes.
- Fatu was attacked backstage in October before a scheduled match against McIntyre. The attacker was never revealed.
- Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes to become the Undisputed WWE Champion.
- Fatu’s actions directly contributed to McIntyre’s victory.
Critical Analysis
The reemergence of Jacob Fatu after his unexplained attack in October and his immediate targeting of both McIntyre and Rhodes suggest a calculated move to insert himself into the championship picture. Fatu preventing McIntyre’s victory initially, then attacking Rhodes after McIntyre’s win implies his motivation isn’t solely about revenge on McIntyre, but about creating chaos and establishing himself as a dominant force. The timing of his return, strategically affecting a major title match, underscores a clear ambition to make an immediate and significant impact on the WWE landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Jacob Fatu’s return is a major development in WWE storylines.
- The unresolved mystery of Fatu’s attack in October adds intrigue to his return.
- Fatu’s interference has dramatically altered the championship landscape.
- A feud between Fatu, McIntyre, and Rhodes is likely to develop.
- The identity of Fatu’s attacker in October will probably be revealed as part of this storyline.
Impact Analysis
The immediate impact of Fatu’s return is a shift in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture. McIntyre’s controversial win, fueled by Fatu’s interference, establishes him as a potentially vulnerable champion, ripe for challenges from both Rhodes and Fatu. The long-term implications are significant, as Fatu’s presence injects a new level of intensity and unpredictability into the main event scene. His established history and potential for a compelling backstory concerning the October attack provide ample narrative material for months of compelling storylines. The potential for a triple-threat feud involving Fatu, McIntyre, and Rhodes could dominate WWE programming, shaping the direction of major events and pay-per-views for the foreseeable future. The revelation of who attacked Fatu in October could also create new alliances and rivalries, further amplifying the impact of his return.
First Piper 