WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes marked his second televised title defense, with Shinsuke Nakamura stepping up as his open challenge opponent. Like Johnny Gargano the week prior, Nakamura’s efforts weren’t enough to overcome Hayes’ Nothing But Net, which sealed victory for the defending champion.

The Undisputed WWE Championship scene also heated up with a main event Three Stages of Hell Match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, the latter of whom regained the respective title at WWE SummerSlam 2025. For this occasion, McIntyre called for the stages to play out as a regular match, Falls Count Anywhere, and finally, a Steel Cage Match. “The Scottish Warrior” scored the first fall, courtesy of a low blow and a Claymore. Rhodes evened the score after an intense fight into the crowd and a Cross Rhodes through the announce table. In the Steel Cage match, Rhodes and McIntyre then faced an unexpected obstacle when the returning Jacob Fatu unloaded a flurry of stomps and strikes on both of them. As Fatu brawled with Rhodes inside the cage, however, McIntyre managed to escape through the open door, solidifying the win and his first world title since 2024.

McIntyre’s celebration as Undisputed WWE Champion could be short-lived as eight men are now already in line for a potential shot against him at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble. With multiple roster members voicing interest in the blue brand’s world title, GM Nick Aldis announced that four qualifiers — Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa, Ilja Dragunov vs. Sami Zayn, and Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams — will take place next Friday in London. The winners of these matches will then move on to a fatal-four-way at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, where the victor will earn the right to challenge McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 31.

For full “SmackDown” results, stay tuned for WINC’s coverage page going live alongside the United States broadcast later tonight.