WWE has outlined its process for selecting the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble Undisputed Championship Match, announcing a multi-stage qualifying system set to begin on the January 16 edition of SmackDown, which will be broadcast live from London, England. General Manager Nick Aldis revealed on SmackDown that the final title bout is scheduled for January 31 at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the championship set to be defended against the winner of this demanding competition.
Multi-Stage Tournament to Decide Challenger
The qualifying journey starts in London, where four singles matches will determine which competitors advance. Randy Orton, The Miz, Matt Cardona, and Trick Williams will all participate in singles matches, with the resurgent Cardona continuing his return after a recent victory against Kit Wilson. Damian Priest, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn, and Ilja Dragunov are also part of the eight-man qualifying lineup, bringing a mix of established names and rising stars to the ring.
The matchups for this crucial round will feature Randy Orton facing The Miz, Matt Cardona battling Trick Williams, Damian Priest taking on Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn meeting Ilja Dragunov. Victors from each of these matches will progress to the Fatal Four Way contest held at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24. Whoever triumphs there will claim the right to challenge for the title in Riyadh at the Royal Rumble.
Building Momentum Toward Riyadh
The field unites notable veterans such as Randy Orton and The Miz with competitors like Trick Williams and Matt Cardona, who has drawn attention for his recent return. Damian Priest and Solo Sikoa add further intrigue, while Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov round out a roster designed to provide an unpredictable and dramatic path to the Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity.
As preparations for the Royal Rumble continue, the London episode of SmackDown will not only set the qualifying matches in motion but also address the repercussions following Cody Rhodes‘ dramatic Three Stages of Hell defense against Drew McIntyre in Berlin, ensuring storylines remain tense and the competitors stay highly motivated on the road to the Royal Rumble.
What Lies Ahead for WWE’s Top Prize
The approach to this year’s Royal Rumble Undisputed Championship Match places high stakes on every qualifying bout, with the outcome of each stage shaping who will ultimately stand across from the defending champion in Riyadh. With the recent announcement from Nick Aldis and SmackDown’s international broadcast bringing together a diverse roster, fans can expect a fresh and competitive race for WWE’s most sought-after prize.
