Sat Jan 31 13:30:00 UTC 2026: # Royal Rumble Eve: Chaos Erupts on SmackDown as Fatu Attacks McIntyre

The Story: The final SmackDown before the Royal Rumble descended into chaos as simmering rivalries boiled over. The Vision, comprised of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory, launched an early attack on Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso. A main event tag team match between the two factions ended in a no-contest after Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre interfered. The night concluded with a shocking attack on McIntyre by Jacob Fatu, adding another layer of intrigue to the already volatile landscape.

Key Points:

  • The Vision attacked Cody Rhodes before his entrance in the main event.
  • Randy Orton delivered an RKO on Austin Theory during the main event.
  • Drew McIntyre interfered in the main event, causing a no-contest.
  • Jacob Fatu attacked Drew McIntyre after the main event.
  • Carmelo Hayes retained the United States Championship against Rey Fenix.
  • Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez.
  • Axiom defeated Johnny Gargano and reclaimed his stolen mask.
  • Gunther vowed to end AJ Styles’ career at Royal Rumble.
  • Ilja Dragunov defeated The Miz.

Critical Analysis: The events on SmackDown are clearly designed to heighten anticipation for the Royal Rumble. The interference by McIntyre and the subsequent attack by Fatu is a classic wrestling tactic to create uncertainty and speculation around the championship picture. The build-up to the Royal Rumble is designed to establish Jacob Fatu as a dominant force, potentially setting the stage for a future championship opportunity or a high-profile feud. The result of the Fatal 4 Way between Rhodes, Orton, Zayn and Uso is likely a way to show their weaknesses without making any one of the superstars look weaker than another.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attack on McIntyre positions Jacob Fatu as a major player heading into the Royal Rumble.
  • The interruption of the match between Rhodes, Orton, Zayn and Uso shows dissention between the faces.
  • The United States Championship and Women’s World Championship are being actively defended, showcasing the depth of the WWE roster.
  • Legacy storylines, such as Axiom reclaiming his mask, continue to engage fans.
  • The final SmackDown before a major event serves as a critical platform for solidifying narratives and building excitement.

Impact Analysis: The attack by Jacob Fatu on Drew McIntyre has potentially significant implications. It could lead to a championship match between the two, alter the landscape of the main event at the Royal Rumble, and establish Fatu as a credible contender for the title in the long term. This event series suggests a possible shift in power dynamics within WWE, with new and returning stars like Fatu being positioned for prominent roles. This narrative potentially builds towards WrestleMania, setting the stage for key matches and championship rivalries in the coming months.

Read More

Related News: