On January 16, 2026, WWE SmackDown returns live from London’s OVO Arena Wembley, featuring the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre making his first televised appearance since his recent victory over Cody Rhodes in the Three Stages of Hell match. This episode will play a key role on the Road to Royal Rumble, spotlighting four critical #1 contender qualifying matches that will decide who will challenge McIntyre for the title at the Royal Rumble event on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As Cody Rhodes remains part of the storyline, the show is set to deliver high stakes and intense momentum shifts, underscoring the urgency surrounding the championship’s future.
Contenders Begin Battle to Face McIntyre’s Title
Fresh off his surprising victory in Berlin, Drew McIntyre’s return to SmackDown is highly anticipated. General Manager Nick Aldis has already set the stage for the next title challenger by announcing four qualifying matches. The winners will advance to a fatal four-way bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, where the ultimate contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship will be decided.
Among the competitors, veterans Randy Orton and The Miz face each other, igniting a rivalry fueled by Orton’s recent consecutive RKO attacks on The Miz over the past two weeks. Damian Priest, riding the momentum from his recent Ambulance Match victory over Aleister Black, meets Solo Sikoa, who has the support of The MFTs faction.
Key Matchups Highlight the Road to Royal Rumble
Adding to the competitive intensity, Sami Zayn meets Ilja Dragunov in a rematch linked to their recent United States Championship encounter where Dragunov claimed the title from Zayn. With his long-term goal of securing a world championship, Zayn looks to use this qualifying match as a critical stepping stone on the Royal Rumble path. Meanwhile, Matt Cardona takes on Trick Williams in a matchup that contrasts established experience against emerging talent.
Additional Championship Action and Event Details
Beyond the contenders’ tournament, the night will feature United States Champion Carmelo Hayes continuing his tradition of Open Challenges, providing an unpredictable element to the event with a surprise challenger expected to appear. SmackDown airs live on the USA Network at 8 PM ET, promising a night filled with significant developments ahead of WrestleMania 42.
Complete Match Card for WWE SmackDown on January 16
The advertised lineup for the evening includes the following matches:
- #1 Contenders match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz – A crucial battle between two seasoned superstars with ongoing tensions.
- #1 Contenders match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams – A fight highlighting experience tested by rising talent.
- #1 Contenders match: Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa – A clash featuring Priest’s recent momentum against Sikoa’s faction-backed strength.
- #1 Contenders match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov – A rematch with high stakes following Dragunov’s recent United States title win.
- United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes vs. Surprise Challenger – An open challenge that adds unpredictability to the event.
Significance of the Event for WWE’s Championship Landscape
With the Royal Rumble just weeks away, the qualifying matches on January 16 will significantly shape the trajectory for the Undisputed WWE Championship leading into WrestleMania 42. Drew McIntyre’s reign as champion begins amid intense competition, and the outcomes on SmackDown will determine who earns the right to face him in Riyadh, underscoring the urgency and high stakes of this pivotal chapter in WWE.
The advertised card for tomorrow’s SmackDown…– New Champ Drew McIntyre appears– Cody Rhodes is advertised– Randy Orton vs. The Miz– Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams– Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa– Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/nhLD58gF1X
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) January 15, 2026
The advertised card for tomorrow’s SmackDown…
– New Champ Drew McIntyre appears
– Cody Rhodes is advertised
– Randy Orton vs. The Miz
– Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
– Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
– Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/nhLD58gF1X— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) January 15, 2026
