In one of the most explosive moments of 2025, Monday Night RAW delivered a jaw-dropping twist that has the WWE Universe buzzing.

Jacob Fatu, the “Samoan Werewolf” who had been sidelined for months due to a mysterious backstage attack, made a thunderous return tonight – and in a move no one saw coming, he sided with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to unleash a brutal assault on Drew McIntyre.

The Scottish Warrior was left utterly destroyed, both physically and perhaps psychologically, in a segment that blurred the lines between revenge and alliance.

The episode, emanating live from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, was already stacked with high-stakes action, including a Triple Threat for the Women’s World Championship and a Tag Team Title clash. But the main event segment stole the show.

Cody Rhodes, fresh off his ongoing bitter rivalry with McIntyre – a feud that has seen multiple title matches and escalated to a upcoming Three Stages of Hell bout – opened the show with a fiery promo.

The American Nightmare addressed the persistent threats from McIntyre, vowing to end the Scottish Psycho’s obsession once and for all heading into 2026.

McIntyre, never one to back down, interrupted with his trademark intensity. The former World Champion stormed the ring, Claymore Kick at the ready, mocking Rhodes for “hiding behind the title” and promising to dismantle him piece by piece.

The tension was palpable as the two men circled each other, trading verbal barbs that referenced their storied history: McIntyre’s repeated near-misses at the Undisputed Championship, Rhodes’ resilience, and the personal shots that have made this one of WWE’s most heated rivalries.

Just as McIntyre lunged for a headbutt, the arena lights dimmed slightly, and a familiar, primal howl echoed through the speakers. The crowd erupted as Jacob Fatu – absent since that infamous October SmackDown attack where he was found bloodied backstage – charged down the ramp like a man possessed.

Fans had speculated for weeks about Fatu’s return, with rumors swirling that he blamed McIntyre for the ambush that derailed his momentum and potential title shot against Rhodes.

But what happened next shocked everyone. Fatu didn’t go after McIntyre alone. Instead, he slid into the ring and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Cody Rhodes. The champion looked momentarily stunned, but a nod from Fatu signaled an unlikely partnership. Together, they turned their fury on the bewildered McIntyre.

What followed was pure carnage. Fatu, unleashing months of pent-up rage, hit McIntyre with a devastating Samoan Spike, followed by a thunderous superkick that echoed through the arena. Rhodes capitalized with a series of Cross Rhodes attempts, but this was no ordinary beatdown – it was methodical destruction.

Fatu hoisted McIntyre for a brutal powerbomb onto the announce table, which splintered under the impact. Rhodes then delivered his signature Cody Cutter from the top rope, driving McIntyre through the remnants.

Security and referees swarmed the ring, but not before Fatu locked in a vicious rear naked choke, rendering McIntyre limp. Medical staff rushed to the scene as The Scottish Warrior was stretchered out, blood trickling from his mouth, his body battered and bruised.

Commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee described it as one of the most savage assaults in recent RAW history, with McIntyre left “completely destroyed” – unable to stand, let alone respond.

Behind-the-scenes sources reveal even more chaos unfolded after the cameras stopped rolling. As McIntyre was loaded into an ambulance, he reportedly refused immediate medical attention, raging at ringside personnel and vowing retribution.

Insiders say the assault wasn’t entirely scripted in its intensity; Fatu, known for his no-holds-barred style, pushed the envelope, leading to legitimate concern for McIntyre’s condition.

WWE officials were seen huddling with Triple H backstage, discussing potential storyline shifts given the upcoming Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown in January.

Why did Fatu align with Rhodes? The full story paints a picture of calculated revenge with a twist. Fatu’s absence stemmed from that October attack, widely believed to have been orchestrated by McIntyre to clear his path to Rhodes’ title.

The Samoan Werewolf had been building momentum as a solo force after breaking away from Bloodline affiliations, positioning himself as a monster challenger. But the attack sidelined him at a crucial moment, forcing WWE to pivot McIntyre directly into title contention.

Upon his clearance to return – rumored to have been delayed by recovery from the brutal injuries sustained – Fatu reportedly approached Rhodes backstage weeks ago. The champion, sensing an opportunity to neutralize McIntyre’s dominance, agreed to a temporary truce.

Tonight’s assault was the payoff: Fatu gets his pound of flesh, Rhodes weakens his rival ahead of their hellish stipulation match, and the WWE Universe gets an unholy alliance that’s as unpredictable as it is destructive.

Fan reactions on social media exploded immediately. #JacobFatuReturn trended worldwide, with clips of the beatdown garnering millions of views. Some hailed it as genius booking, turning Fatu face in a shocking way while adding layers to the Rhodes-McIntyre saga.

Others speculated this could lead to a triple threat at the Royal Rumble or even WrestleMania implications. One thing is clear: McIntyre, the self-proclaimed warrior, has never looked more vulnerable.

As RAW went off the air with Rhodes and Fatu standing tall over the wreckage, the message was unmistakable – the landscape of WWE’s main event scene has shifted dramatically.

With McIntyre potentially compromised heading into his Three Stages of Hell showdown, and Fatu now a wildcard ally to the champion, 2026 is shaping up to be unpredictable.

What does this mean for the Undisputed Title? Will McIntyre recover in time for revenge? And how long will this Rhodes-Fatu partnership last before the Werewolf turns his sights on the gold himself? One thing’s for sure: tonight’s RAW will be talked about for years as the night Jacob Fatu returned and helped destroy Drew McIntyre in one of the most brutal segments ever witnessed.

Stay tuned for updates on McIntyre’s condition and fallout on this Friday’s SmackDown. The WWE just got a whole lot wilder.