The January 16, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown is set to take place at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, part of WWE’s European tour. Fans can expect exciting matches and important storyline developments.
Drew McIntyre, the Undisputed WWE Champion, returns to the ring after his intense Three Stages of Hell victory. Following Jacob Fatu’s involvement in that match, everyone’s curious how McIntyre will address the aftermath. This episode will feature four qualifying matches, with the winners earning spots at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The eventual victor will challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Carmelo Hayes will also host a United States Championship Open Challenge, keeping the excitement high as fans wonder who will step up.
Matches to Watch
- Drew McIntyre’s Appearance
- Carmelo Hayes’ Open Challenge
- #1 Contender Qualifiers:
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz
- Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
- Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
- Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
Anticipated Highlights
The shows kick off at 3:00 PM ET, featuring live updates and match highlights. With the matchups involving McIntyre and other top wrestlers, there’s a lot to look forward to.
McIntyre’s arrival is marked by a traditional bagpipe intro, and he addresses the crowd, sharing his journey. He expresses frustration over the lack of support during tough times, reminding fans that his success is primarily his own doing.
Randy Orton interrupts, reigniting tension between him and McIntyre. He recalls a previous opportunity where McIntyre could have attacked him but chose not to. As the drama unfolds, Jacob Fatu makes his presence felt, leading to a confrontation with McIntyre that further escalates the intensity.
In other matches, Randy Orton battles The Miz in a qualifier, showcasing their long-standing rivalry. Orton ultimately secures the win, setting himself up for bigger opportunities ahead.
Behind the Scenes
After the matches, there’s an intense segment where Ilja Dragunov confronts McIntyre, hinting at future conflicts leading to the Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, backstage, the dynamics of alliances among female wrestlers are shifting, with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss facing off against Kiana James and Giulia, culminating in a thrilling tag team bout.
In these interactions, themes of loyalty, rivalry, and redemption take center stage. As fans engage with the storylines, social media buzzes with reactions, proving just how deeply they are invested in these characters and their journeys.
In terms of impact, recent data shows a growing interest in women’s wrestling. According to a survey by WWE, female viewership has increased by 20% over the last year, reflecting the importance of these storylines.
As the Royal Rumble approaches, each episode builds on the excitement. This Saturday night, those who compete in qualifying matches are one step closer to glory, while established stars like McIntyre and Orton plot their course for championship gold.
The London crowd can expect a memorable night full of surprises, rivalries, and compelling matches, making this SmackDown a pivotal point on the road to the Rumble.
