Friday Night SmackDown is set to feature important qualifying matches to decide the top contender for the Undisputed WWE Title, with Randy Orton originally scheduled to face The Miz. The winner is expected to advance to a Fatal Four-Way showdown at Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, WWE may opt to replace Orton to avoid having him share the ring with Sami Zayn, who is also competing in a qualifying match against Ilja Dragunov.
Given Sami Zayn’s recent bold claims about becoming world champion and the fact that the upcoming Main Event takes place in Zayn’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, WWE seems poised to focus attention on him. Removing Orton from the match would prevent a clash of fan allegiances between The Viper and the hometown hero at this crucial event.
WWE’s Strategy to Highlight Sami Zayn
Randy Orton remains a fan favorite, and his presence in the Fatal Four-Way match could split audience support. WWE may prefer to keep focus on Sami Zayn’s push by substituting Orton with another competitor. This move would reduce divided loyalties among the crowd and streamline the storyline heading into the high-profile event.
One possibility is that Orton could be sidelined by an unexpected backstage attack from Jacob Fatu, who recently returned to SmackDown and cost Cody Rhodes his title. Since Rhodes and Orton share a strong friendship, Orton might intervene in future confrontations involving Fatu, leading to a plausible injury angle that writes Orton out of the qualifier.
While this scenario remains speculative, it is consistent with WWE’s approach to simultaneously protect the status of both Orton and Sami Zayn in the evolving narrative.
Who Could Step In for Randy Orton?
If WWE proceeds with replacing Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura is a leading candidate for the spot against The Miz. Nakamura impressed recently with a strong performance in a United States Championship match against Carmelo Hayes, showcasing his readiness to compete at a high level. Putting Nakamura into the qualifying round could give WWE an opportunity to advance him into the Fatal Four-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
It has been some time since Nakamura received significant spotlight booking on a major event, and the upcoming Saturday Night Main Event appears to be an ideal platform to elevate his status once more.
Implications for WWE and Upcoming Shows
This adjustment would allow WWE to maintain momentum for Sami Zayn as the hometown favorite, increase anticipation for Jacob Fatu’s involvement in Orton’s storyline, and spotlight Nakamura as a reemerging contender. The reshuffling promises to add intrigue and excitement to both tonight’s SmackDown and the weekend’s Main Event while keeping the championship chase dynamic.
Cartelera #SmackDown – 16 de enero 2026
Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches:
🔵 Randy Orton vs The Miz
🔵 Matt Cardona vs Trick Williams
🔵 Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
🔵 Sami Zayn vs Ilja Dragunov
🏆 Open Challenge for the U.S. Title: Carmelo (c) vs. ? pic.twitter.com/sNs6J4tTBX— SmackWrestling (@SmackWrestling) January 15, 2026
