Shocking WWE SmackDown Return Sparks Feud With Drew McIntyre

The September 26 episode of WWE SmackDown from the Kia Center in Orlando opened the door to a shocking return that instantly shook up the blue brand.

Drew McIntyre, hobbling in a walking boot, came to the ring to air his frustrations about what went down at Wrestlepalooza on ESPN. The Scottish star reminded fans that this very arena was where he returned to WWE in 2017, and later where he beat Randy Orton to become WWE Champion in front of virtual screens during the pandemic. McIntyre was convinced history should have repeated itself last weekend, blaming referee involvement for costing him the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes.

He accused WWE’s officials of siding with Rhodes, even questioning whether referees “work for WWE or Cody Rhodes.” McIntyre made it clear: he felt cheated, and he wasn’t going to let it go.

That drew out SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who offered no sympathy. Aldis told McIntyre he was “better than excuses” and dismissed the walking boot as unnecessary since WWE’s doctors had already cleared him. He closed the confrontation by saying the referee’s decision was final—then left McIntyre to stew in his anger.

Just when it seemed the segment was winding down, the arena erupted as the Samoan Werewolf made his surprise return. Jacob Fatu stormed to the ring and wasted no time putting McIntyre in his place. “Shut your ass up and stop bitching,” Fatu barked, accusing Drew of crying and blaming everyone else instead of owning his loss.

McIntyre fired back with a trademark Glasgow Kiss, but Fatu shook it off and leveled the former world champion with a vicious superkick. The returning powerhouse then ripped off McIntyre’s walking boot and smashed him with it before standing tall over his fallen rival.

The message was loud and clear—Jacob Fatu is back, and he’s already targeting one of WWE’s biggest names.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Jacob Fatu’s, who's been missing in action — his return could not have been timed better. WWE needed to inject fresh blood into SmackDown, and pairing Fatu with Drew McIntyre immediately gives both men a storyline brimming with intensity. Fatu’s “all gas, no brakes” persona plays perfectly against McIntyre’s current bitter, excuse-filled character arc. This isn’t just a feud—it’s a proving ground for Fatu to show he belongs on the big stage, and a reminder to McIntyre that there’s no room for pity at the top. Expect this rivalry to heat up fast heading into WWE Crown Jewel.

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