Friday night’s WWE SmackDown on October 17, 2025, delivered unexpected mayhem as a pivotal segment meant to crown a new number one contender was abruptly derailed by a backstage attack angle involving Jacob Fatu. The incident was later revealed as an in-storyline device designed to write Fatu off television due to a legitimate injury he suffered, sparking chaos that culminated in an explosive brawl between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
Jacob Fatu’s Injury Angle Halts SmackDown’s Main Event Plans
The build-up to the SmackDown main event saw General Manager Nick Aldis announce an intense showdown between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, with the stipulation that the victor would earn a title shot against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Fans were eagerly anticipating this clash between two of WWE’s most physically dominant stars, following weeks of intense backstage confrontations and heated exchanges.
However, the segment took a dramatic turn when Jacob Fatu was shown being brutally attacked backstage in a vignette that suggested a severe injury. This was later confirmed to be a planned storyline to explain Fatu’s absence while he recovers from a real-life injury. WWE typically employs such angles to protect a wrestler’s character while ensuring they get necessary downtime.
According to sources close to WWE, “The backstage attack was scripted to give Fatu time off. The company is committed to building him as a top star, so they wanted to keep the storyline impactful while safeguarding his health.” This injury angle forced an immediate change in the show’s direction, setting off a chain of events that escalated tensions among the top contenders.
Rhodes vs. McIntyre: A SmackDown Showdown Spirals into Chaos
Following the injury revelation, tensions between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, who had been standing on opposite sides of the number one contender picture, reached a boiling point. As the segment unfolded, frustration and bloodlust engulfed the environment, leading to an explosive backstage brawl.
WWE fans witnessed one of the most heated confrontations on SmackDown in recent memory, with Rhodes and McIntyre exchanging fierce blows and championship hardware being used as a weapon in the chaos. The brawl ended abruptly with a disqualification, leaving the SmackDown landscape more uncertain than ever.
A WWE insider shared, “There’s clearly unfinished business between Cody and Drew. This chaotic finish was designed to keep their rivalry alive and maintain the momentum towards next week’s events. The WWE creative team wanted to capitalize on the shock value of Fatu’s injury angle to intensify the Rhodes-McIntyre feud.”
Cody Rhodes Responds to His Title Loss at Crown Jewel
The entire episode was framed by Cody Rhodes’ presence and his recent setback at WWE’s Crown Jewel event, where he lost the Crown Jewel Championship to Seth Rollins. Rhodes addressed the audience live, acknowledging the defeat but making it clear that the war is far from over.
Rhodes stated, “I don’t feel like Seth and I need to be in the ring again, but you know this isn’t how things work here. Whether it’s Drew or Jacob standing across from me next, the path to the next chapter begins right here.”
His remarks underscored his resilience and determination to reclaim his top spot, even as injuries and rivalries threaten to derail plans. This pivotal promo set the tone for the evening and heightened the stakes for the contenders vying for a chance at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Additional Highlights: Women’s Tag Titles & U.S. Open Challenge
Aside from the main event chaos, SmackDown also featured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defending their titles against NXT challengers Sol Ruca and Zaria. The match showcased the cohesion of the champions despite their complicated relationship while providing a platform for Ruca and Zaria to prove themselves on the main roster stage.
Earlier in the show, the U.S. Title Open Challenge drew excitement as Sami Zayn faced off against Ilja Dragunov, displaying technical prowess and fan-favorite moments. The open challenge tradition continued to prove its value as a dynamic and unpredictable highlight within the SmackDown card.
What’s Next for SmackDown and Its Superstars?
Jacob Fatu’s injury forces WWE to pivot until his eventual return, leaving Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes to settle unfinished scores in the interim. With Crown Jewel victor Seth Rollins still looming ominously, the title picture remains volatile.
As WWE gears towards upcoming pay-per-views and specials such as Saturday Night’s Main Event and beyond, the Rhodes-McIntyre rivalry is clearly positioned as a main narrative driver. The backstage brawl following Fatu’s injury angle ensures fans stay invested in both men’s journeys.
A WWE creative source confirmed, “Expect the tension between Cody and Drew to escalate next week. With Jacob out, WWE needs fresh storylines, and this feud offers strong physical storytelling potential going forward.”
The chaos that closed SmackDown last night was a perfect storm of unscripted injury reality and storyline advancement, reminding audiences that sometimes real-life setbacks give rise to compelling drama inside WWE’s squared circle.