Hold onto your seats, wrestling fans, because this week’s WWE SmackDown just delivered a rollercoaster of drama, controversy, and jaw-dropping moments that left everyone talking. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Drew McIntyre really behind Jacob Fatu’s brutal backstage assault, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Let’s dive in.
On October 17, 2025, WWE SmackDown kicked off with a shocking twist that set the tone for the entire night. Jacob Fatu, aka 'The Samoan Werewolf,' was found bloodied, beaten, and missing teeth backstage, shattering his dreams of challenging Cody Rhodes for the undisputed WWE title. Drew McIntyre, who was scheduled to face Fatu in a No. 1 contender’s match, denied involvement but wasted no time declaring himself the next challenger. And this is the part most people miss: Rhodes, fueled by anger over Fatu’s attack, put his title on the line that very night in an impromptu match against McIntyre.
The main event was a chaotic brawl that spilled into the crowd, culminating in Rhodes being disqualified for hitting McIntyre with the title belt. While titles can’t change hands via DQ, the rivalry between these two superstars reached a boiling point. Post-match, their brawl continued, with Rhodes diving off the corner post onto McIntyre and security guards, leaving fans wondering what’s next.
Bold claim alert: WWE’s decision to revisit Rhodes vs. McIntyre so soon after Wrestlepalooza feels like creative laziness. The company seems hesitant to pull the trigger on McIntyre’s push, making this feud feel stale. Fatu’s sudden disappearance from TV after his return raises questions about his future, and I can’t help but hope he recovers quickly. Meanwhile, the impromptu match was the perfect opportunity for a title change, adding purpose to the storyline. Instead, WWE played it safe—again.
But SmackDown wasn’t just about Rhodes and McIntyre. The show featured two other title matches and a surprise return after a year-long absence. Ilja Dragunov made a stunning comeback, defeating Sami Zayn to win the U.S. Championship in an open challenge. The Wyatt Sicks and MFTs continued their feud, with Solo Sikoa and his crew attacking Rey Fenix backstage. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair retained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, while the Motor City Machine Guns scored a victory over Los Garza.
Controversial question for you: Is WWE dropping the ball by not capitalizing on fresh storylines and relying too heavily on recycled feuds? Let me know in the comments. This week’s SmackDown had its highs—Dragunov’s return, for instance—but the lows were hard to ignore. Grade: C-.
