The wrestling world was left reeling on Friday night as Drew McIntyre, despite seemingly quitting WWE earlier in the evening, dramatically interfered in a match on SmackDown, attacking Jacob Fatu. The unexpected turn of events adds another layer of complexity to the road to WrestleMania 42 and raises questions about McIntyre’s motivations following his recent championship loss.
McIntyre opened the March 13th episode of SmackDown with a fiery confrontation, culminating in a declaration of “I quit” as he walked through the crowd. This initially appeared to signal the end of his run with the company after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes the previous week, a match fully available to view on WWE’s website. But, the Scottish Warrior had a different plan in store before the night concluded.
Later in the broadcast, Jacob Fatu was competing against Trick Williams in a singles bout. As the match progressed, McIntyre suddenly appeared and launched an attack on Fatu, taking him by surprise while the referee was distracted. The interference wasn’t officially recognized by the referee during the match, allowing the contest to continue. This calculated disruption left Fatu vulnerable, enabling Williams to capitalize and secure the victory.
The segment clearly demonstrated that McIntyre’s earlier pronouncement of quitting was a ruse, likely a calculated move within a larger storyline. His actions strongly suggest a brewing feud with Jacob Fatu as WWE builds towards WrestleMania 42. The escalating tensions between the two could become a central focus in the coming weeks on SmackDown, potentially leading to a match on the biggest stage of them all.
McIntyre’s Actions Signal a New Direction
While McIntyre’s initial departure appeared definitive, his interference in the Fatu vs. Williams match confirmed he’s far from finished with WWE. The attack on Fatu wasn’t simply a display of frustration; it was a deliberate act that has now set a collision course between the two competitors. Bleacher Report notes that Rhodes is slated to defend the WWE title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, adding another layer to the championship picture.
Fatu’s Response and Potential for Escalation
The attack on Jacob Fatu raises questions about how he will respond. Fatu, a dominant force in his own right, is unlikely to let McIntyre’s actions go unanswered. The WWE has been building Fatu as a formidable competitor, and a feud with McIntyre could elevate his profile even further. The dynamic between the two, a veteran like McIntyre and a rising star like Fatu, presents compelling storytelling opportunities.
The interference also had immediate consequences for Trick Williams, who secured a win thanks to McIntyre’s actions. While Williams benefited from the situation, he may also find himself caught in the crossfire as the McIntyre-Fatu rivalry intensifies.
What’s Next for McIntyre and Fatu?
The WWE is clearly laying the groundwork for a significant program between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu. The coming weeks on SmackDown will likely be filled with confrontations, mind games, and potentially physical altercations as the two men build towards a potential match at WrestleMania 42. The storyline’s development will be crucial in maintaining fan engagement and building anticipation for the event. WrestleZone confirms Cody Rhodes is now headed to WrestleMania 42 after his title win.
The unexpected turn of events on SmackDown has injected new energy into the WWE landscape. Drew McIntyre’s actions have not only reignited his presence but have also created a compelling new rivalry with Jacob Fatu. Fans can expect a heated and intense build-up as these two stars collide on the road to WrestleMania 42.
What are your thoughts on McIntyre’s actions? Do you think a match between McIntyre and Fatu at WrestleMania 42 is inevitable? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!