Overview
- SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced the title defense on WWE social channels for Nov. 1 in Salt Lake City.
- An impromptu Rhodes–McIntyre showdown on SmackDown ended in a disqualification after Rhodes struck McIntyre with the championship belt.
- Earlier on that broadcast, cameras found Jacob Fatu bloodied backstage with what appeared to be teeth on the floor, and McIntyre denied involvement.
- News coverage indicates the segment likely serves to explain a legitimate, non-wrestling injury expected to sideline Fatu well into 2026.
- The event will also decide the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, with Jey Uso—who won a Raw battle royal—facing CM Punk after Seth Rollins’ injury.