Overview
- The title change headlined SmackDown at Berlin’s Uber Arena on Jan. 9, with McIntyre winning the championship by escaping the steel cage in the decisive fall.
- The match structure saw McIntyre take the opening singles fall after a low blow and Claymore, Rhodes level it in a Falls Count Anywhere brawl, and a steel cage decide the third.
- Jacob Fatu made an unannounced return during the cage fall, attacking both men and creating the opening that allowed McIntyre to exit and claim the win.
- On-air, GM Nick Aldis announced four qualifiers next week leading to a Fatal Four-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with the winner earning a Royal Rumble title shot in Saudi Arabia.
- Elsewhere on the Berlin card: Trick Williams defeated Rey Fenix in his SmackDown debut, Giulia retained the Women’s U.S. title over Alexa Bliss, the MFTs beat the Wyatt Sicks, Jordynne Grace topped Alba Fyre, and Carmelo Hayes retained the U.S. title against Shinsuke Nakamura.