The February 13, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown delivered a match for the ages as Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn collided in a high-stakes triple threat showdown that left the WWE Universe breathless. This wasn't just another contest; it was a collision of three distinct wrestling philosophies, each competitor bringing their unique brand of intensity to the squared circle.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric from the moment the bell rang. Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare, entered with his signature determination, his Undisputed WWE Championship aspirations written across his face. His technical prowess and psychological warfare have made him one of the most complete performers in the industry. Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu, the Samoan Werewolf, brought his explosive power and unpredictable aggression that has terrorized opponents since his main roster debut. His aerial ability defies his massive frame, making him a truly unique threat. Completing the trio was Sami Zayn, the master strategist whose underdog spirit and cunning in-ring intelligence have earned him a devoted following.
The match began with a tense standoff, each competitor sizing up the others. Zayn, ever the tactician, attempted to form a temporary alliance with Rhodes to neutralize Fatu's overwhelming power. This strategic maneuvering showcased the triple threat psychology at its finest—friendships are fleeting, and trust is a liability. However, Rhodes, knowing Zayn's history of manipulation, hesitated, allowing Fatu to seize the initiative with a devastating springboard moonsault that caught both opponents off guard. The opening sequence set the tone for what would become an instant classic.
As the battle progressed, the action spilled outside the ring. Fatu's aggression knew no bounds as he launched Rhodes into the steel steps with a thunderous crash. The impact echoed throughout the arena, leaving the American Nightmare clutching his ribs. The Samoan Werewolf then turned his attention to Zayn, attempting a diving headbutt from the apron. But Zayn's ring awareness saved him, as he rolled back into the ring at the last moment, leaving Fatu to crash into the announce table—a moment that shifted the momentum dramatically and showcased the high-risk nature of the contest. The crowd's reaction was deafening, with "Holy shit!" chants echoing as Fatu pulled himself from the wreckage.
Back inside the ring, Zayn and Rhodes engaged in a technical masterpiece, exchanging holds and counters that demonstrated their deep understanding of wrestling fundamentals. Rhodes applied a Figure-Four Leglock, but Zayn reversed the pressure, forcing Rhodes to release the hold. This sequence highlighted the submission wrestling aspect of the contest, a dimension often overlooked in triple threat matches. The crowd appreciated the technical display, chanting "This is wrestling!" as both men fought for supremacy. The chain wrestling sequence lasted nearly three minutes, a testament to both competitors' stamina and skill.
The match's turning point came when Jacob Fatu recovered and re-entered the fray with renewed fury. He executed a perfect Samoan Drop on Rhodes, followed by a Pop-Up Samoan Drop on Zayn, displaying his incredible power and agility. The near-falls that followed had the audience on their feet, counting along with the referee. Each two-count felt like an eternity, the tension palpable throughout the arena. The near-fall psychology was executed to perfection, with each competitor kicking out at the last possible millisecond. The referee's expressions of disbelief became a highlight in themselves.
Sami Zayn's resilience was on full display as he weathered the storm from both opponents. His Helluva Kick attempt on Fatu was countered into a devastating uranage, but Zayn managed to land on his feet, showcasing his cat-like reflexes. He then delivered a Blue Thunder Bomb to Rhodes, which would have ended the match had Fatu not intervened at the last possible second with a double stomp from the top rope. This sequence demonstrated the unpredictable nature of triple threat competition, where danger can come from any direction at any moment. The highspot sequence left all three men down, gasping for air as the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation.
The closing moments of this epic encounter were pure chaos. Cody Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes on Zayn, but before he could secure the pin, Fatu broke it up with a diving double foot stomp. The sequence that followed was a masterclass in high-impact wrestling. Fatu set up Rhodes for his signature Banzaï Drop, but Rhodes rolled away at the last second. Zayn seized the opportunity, connecting with the Helluva Kick on Fatu. As Fatu staggered, Rhodes delivered a second Cross Rhodes, this time to Zayn.
In a moment that will be replayed for years, Cody Rhodes covered Sami Zayn while simultaneously hooking Jacob Fatu's leg to prevent him from breaking up the pin. The referee's hand hit the mat for the three-count, and the arena erupted. Rhodes had emerged victorious through a combination of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. The victory celebration was muted, however, as all three competitors lay exhausted in the ring, their bodies telling the story of the war they had just endured. The mutual respect shown in the post-match handshake between Rhodes and Zayn was a powerful moment, though Fatu's cold stare suggested his story with both men was far from over.
The aftermath of this match immediately reshaped WWE's landscape. Rhodes's victory solidified his position as the top contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship, with commentary speculating that a title shot at WrestleMania was now inevitable. Fatu's dominant performance proved he belongs in the main event scene despite the loss, and his post-match stare-down with Rhodes suggested this rivalry is far from over. For Zayn, the defeat was a setback, but his cunning and resilience ensure he'll remain a factor in the championship picture, possibly setting up a future grudge match with Rhodes.
This triple threat match exemplified why SmackDown continues to be must-see television. The blend of styles—Rhodes's technical mastery, Fatu's explosive power, and Zayn's strategic brilliance—created a perfect storm of professional wrestling excellence. The WWE Universe witnessed not just a match, but a statement about the future of the company. The match quality set a new standard for main roster triple threats, combining the athleticism of independent wrestling with the production values and storytelling of WWE.
The implications extend beyond just rankings. The personal rivalries intensified, with each competitor now having a legitimate claim to a future one-on-one contest. The storytelling possibilities are endless, and the fan investment in each of these superstars has never been higher. This match will be remembered as the night three of WWE's finest proved why professional wrestling remains one of the most compelling forms of entertainment. The legacy of this contest will influence booking decisions and fan expectations for months to come, raising the bar for what a SmackDown main event should deliver.
From a technical analysis perspective, the match structure was flawless. The pacing allowed each competitor moments to shine while maintaining the chaotic energy that defines great triple threats. The spot calling was invisible, the transitions smooth, and the storytelling clear throughout. WWE's production team captured every angle perfectly, with slow-motion replays emphasizing the athleticism on display. The camerawork during Fatu's aerial assault was particularly noteworthy, capturing the height and impact in stunning detail.
The long-term booking implications are significant. Rhodes now has momentum heading into the Royal Rumble season, while Fatu has established himself as a legitimate monster heel who can hang with the company's top faces. Zayn's performance, though in defeat, reminded everyone why he's considered one of the best in-ring generals in the world. The fan engagement metrics from this segment will likely set records, with social media exploding with clips and discussions about the match's various highspots. Twitter trends included #SmackDown, #TripleThreat, and #CodyRhodes for hours after the broadcast.