The anticipation is building as fans gear up for Royal Rumble 2026, set to take place in Riyadh. With the event just a day away, the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown promises to be a pivotal moment, intensifying the Jacob Fatu Cody Rhodes rivalry and setting the tone for what is expected to be an explosive showdown.
This week’s SmackDown, broadcast live from the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, could deliver surprising moments and major announcements as WWE gears up for the premium live event. General Manager Nick Aldis is positioned to orchestrate key developments, including possible match stipulations and confirmed entries for the Royal Rumble battles.
Showdown Brewing Between Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes
A defining storyline on this week’s SmackDown centers on the ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. Their last scheduled match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal escalated before it began, erupting into a chaotic brawl that engulfed the entire arena. Their bitter conflict spilled over across the venue, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry.
Tonight, fans can expect a similar eruption of hostilities, likely culminating in another heated confrontation. Reports indicate that Nick Aldis may intervene by announcing a high-stakes match between Rhodes and Fatu for next week’s SmackDown, potentially featuring a tough stipulation such as No Holds Barred or Last Man Standing, designed to decisively settle their grudges.
High-Profile Clash Between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre Looms
Another key encounter set in the build-up to the Royal Rumble is between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre, who are scheduled to fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the event. Both superstars will appear together on SmackDown before the big match, leading to a tense face-to-face meeting. Anticipation is high that this encounter might escalate into a physical confrontation in the ring, providing a glimpse of their upcoming battle.
NXT Rising Stars Poised to Impact SmackDown and Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble event is renowned for showcasing rising talent from WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. This Friday’s SmackDown could serve as a platform for several NXT performers to declare their Royal Rumble ambitions. Notably, wrestlers such as Sol Ruca and Jayce Jayne might be announced for the Women’s Royal Rumble, while names like Ethan Page could push for inclusion in the men’s battle royale.
This focus on emerging stars is expected to energize the show and create new storylines heading into the pay-per-view.
Star-Studded Declarations Expected on Royal Rumble Entries
As the Royal Rumble event draws near, WWE is preparing to reveal a lineup of star competitors for both the men’s and women’s matches. Several prominent superstars are rumored to announce their participation during tonight’s SmackDown to generate excitement, addressing criticisms of a slow build-up this year.
Veterans like Damian Priest, Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Aleister Black may confirm their involvement in the men’s Royal Rumble. On the women’s side, returning names such as Zelina Vega and Nikki Cross, along with NXT talents like Jaida Parker and Tatum Paxley, could be slated to enter the ring in Saudi Arabia.
Nick Aldis Likely to Reintroduce the Iconic Number Draw Ritual
WWE fans have enjoyed the traditional number draw ceremony before the Royal Rumble, where participants select their entry numbers live on SmackDown. Last year, Nick Aldis facilitated this ritual using a tumbler, adding entertaining moments and lighthearted antics to the show. It is expected that Aldis will bring back this element tonight, stirring anticipation and maybe some humorous reactions from superstars like R-Truth or frustrations from competitors such as Chelsea Green.
This ritual has become a fan-favorite feature, adding a sense of unpredictability and fun as the countdown to Royal Rumble begins.
Royal Rumble 2026: Setting the Stage for Intense Competition
With the Royal Rumble event less than 24 hours away, tonight’s SmackDown stands as a crucial episode for WWE’s storytelling and match promotion. The heightened tensions between Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes, combined with the promising face-off between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre, signal an intense build-up to the pay-per-view.
Moreover, the inclusion of NXT talent and surprise entry announcements are likely to add layers to the competition, elevating the event’s stakes. Nick Aldis’s potential use of the tumbler again could provide a lighter counterbalance to the high drama, engaging the audience with familiar traditions.
As the Royal Rumble looms, the momentum created by these developments could influence fan anticipation and set the direction for WWE’s storytelling in the days to come.
“You can expect a major brawl to erupt in the ring as the two superstars could get involved in a physical altercation.” – Sportskeeda
“The two men were slated to have a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event this past weekend. But before the match could even begin, it turned into an all-out brawl.” – Sportskeeda
“You can expect hilarious moments involving R-Truth pulling out a number’s chit from the tumbler.” – Sportskeeda
Nice try, Drew… 👀
McINTYRE vs. ZAYN. NEXT WEEK at ROYAL RUMBLE!
Will Sami Zayn finally become World Champion? pic.twitter.com/W1TOnqvP9a
— WWE (@WWE) January 25, 2026
