Cody Rhodes prepares for a visceral grudge match against Jacob Fatu tonight in Montreal. The Samoan Werewolf’s interference cost the American Nightmare his Undisputed WWE Championship. Starting at 8 PM ET on Peacock, this first-ever one-on-one showdown promises intensity.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event: Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII from Bell Centre in Montreal
- Start Time: 8 PM ET, 5 PM PT on Peacock in the United States
- Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu in a grudge match
- Significance: First-ever one-on-one match between Rhodes and Fatu
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Jacob Fatu, known as the Samoan Werewolf, makes a crucial return to action tonight against Cody Rhodes in Montreal. The SmackDown star has spent recent months away due to a dental procedure. His comeback carries major momentum. Fatu attacked Rhodes during the Steel Cage portion of the Three Stages of Hell match. That interference proved pivotal, ultimately allowing Drew McIntyre to capture Rhodes’ title. Tonight, Fatu aims to prove his return warrants championship consideration.
Rhodes came agonizingly close to retaining his title before Fatu’s intervention altered the outcome. The American Nightmare currently sits outside the championship picture. However, performance at Saturday Night’s Main Event could shift that narrative. Royal Rumble season approaches. Victory here would fortify Rhodes’ case for another title opportunity. The stakes extend beyond personal pride into immediate WrestleMania implications.
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The animosity between these competitors exploded on Friday Night SmackDown in Montreal. Both warriors engaged in a wild brawl. Officials ordered them from the building. Fatu delivered a career-defining promo, rejecting any notion that he fits the stereotype of an uncontrolled performer. Instead, he positioned himself as a calculating strategist. Fatu explicitly stated Rhodes made a massive mistake underestimating him. This first meeting carries personal intensity suggesting fireworks.
Both athletes understand the importance of Friday night’s bout for the broader heavyweight championship landscape. McIntyre sits atop the mountain with his prize. The winner tonight earns momentum heading into the January Royal Rumble. Fatu promised Rhodes will discover the true nature of the Samoan Werewolf. Rhodes intends to reclaim his spot as a top contender. This collision determines more than bragging rights.
Saturday Night’s Main Event Championship Scene
| Match | Participants |
| Main Event Grudge Match | Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu |
| Fatal 4-Way Contender | Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams |
| Women’s Tag Title Defense | RHIYO (champions) vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez |
| Legendary Rival Match | AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |
Saturday Night’s Main Event features compelling matches throughout the card. The No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way presents four hungry competitors battling for a shot at Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship. Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams each earned their spot. The winner advances to face McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. AJ Styles has made 2026 his final year in wrestling. His match against Nakamura represents another chapter in their legendary rivalry. RHIYO, the new women’s tag champions, defend against challengers Morgan and Perez.
The Montreal crowd brings electric energy to every bout. Bell Centre is known for passionate fandom. Tonight’s crowd will witness Rhodes seeking redemption against Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf returns determined to cement his place among SmackDown’s elite. Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII sets crucial storylines before Royal Rumble reaches primetime.
“Which Superstar will win this grudge match?”
— WWE Official Preview, Saturday Night’s Main Event
Will Tonight Reset the Championship Picture
A Cody Rhodes victory would mark a significant comeback statement. The American Nightmare built his reputation on overcoming adversity. Vanquishing the returning Fatu in front of the passionate Montreal crowd sends powerful signals. Championship momentum carries real weight two weeks before Royal Rumble. The Undisputed Championship race tightens if Rhodes proves his credentials tonight.
Conversely, a Jacob Fatu victory immediately elevates him into the conversation for future title shots. The Samoan Werewolf’s career trajectory accelerates if he defeats Rhodes. Fatu has promised to show Rhodes that he represents something more than raw power. A methodical, dominant performance would validate Fatu’s declarations. This match could reshape the very foundation of SmackDown’s heavyweight division heading toward WrestleMania season.
Sources
- WWE Official – Event preview and match card details for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII
- Forbes – Coverage of confirmed full card, start time and information
- Yahoo Sports Wrestling – Live updates, results analysis and match predictions
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.