WWE delivered a shocking SmackDown show from Berlin, Germany, with Drew McIntyre defeating Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. It was a historic title change that caught fans off guard.
The show also featured Giulia beating Alexa Bliss, Carmelo Hayes winning a United States Title Open Challenge, and Jordynne Grace picking up a strong win in her main roster debut.
Even with solid in-ring action, the show had several creative problems. Here are five major mistakes WWE made on SmackDown in Berlin.
5. No Clear Direction for Randy Orton
Randy Orton returned to SmackDown to a huge reaction. Fans sang along, and the moment felt special. But that was about it.
Trick Williams interrupted him, yet nothing meaningful came from the segment. Orton stood tall, fought off The Miz, and the story ended there. It felt like Orton appeared just because he could, not because WWE had a real plan.
4. Rey Fenix Losing His First Match Back
Rey Fenix returned to SmackDown after a long break and lost his very first match back against Trick Williams.
Fenix is one of the most exciting high-flyers in WWE. Booking him to lose right away hurts his momentum. Even with a close match, this was a poor way to reintroduce him to the audience after months away.
3. Alexa Bliss Shown as Too Dependent
Alexa Bliss challenged Giulia for the Women’s United States Championship, but the story made Bliss look weak without Charlotte Flair by her side.
Bliss was attacked by Nia Jax and Lash Legend, turning the match into a clear numbers game. The problem is that even with Charlotte, the odds would still be against Bliss. This made her feel less like a top star and more like someone who cannot win alone.
2. One Win Suddenly Means a Title Shot
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced a Fatal Four-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event to decide the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.
The issue is how easily some names were added. One win seemed enough to earn a spot, while other talented stars like Shinsuke Nakamura and Aleister Black were left out. It made the title picture feel rushed and uneven.
1. Drew McIntyre Didn’t Pin Cody Rhodes
Drew McIntyre won the Undisputed Championship, but not by pinfall. He escaped the cage instead.
While this still counts as a win, it does not feel strong enough for a massive title change. If WWE wanted to fully establish McIntyre as a dominant champion, pinning Cody Rhodes would have sent a much clearer message.
Protecting Cody too much makes McIntyre’s victory feel slightly incomplete, even though the moment was historic.
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