The first WWE SmackDown show of 2026 is set for tonight, promising major developments, high-stakes matches, and several possible twists. With key matches like the Ambulance match and the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes‘s appearance, speculation is high about WWE SmackDown possible endings.
Opening the Year with Big Showdowns
This evening, WWE will kick off 2026 with Friday Night SmackDown, featuring a notable Ambulance match that could set the tone for the year. Cody Rhodes, who currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship, is scheduled to appear amid intense anticipation after last week’s chaotic conclusion involving Drew McIntyre. Jade Cargill’s confrontation with Michin is also expected to add excitement, alongside an action-packed multi-woman tag team match, all contributing to an unpredictable night for fans.
Will Drew McIntyre Strike Again?
Drew McIntyre ended last week’s show by taking down Cody Rhodes, leaving fans wondering if this rivalry will escalate further. Under current stipulations, Rhodes must avoid physically retaliating against the Scotsman, as doing so would cost him his championship. With these stakes, there is strong speculation that McIntyre might attack Rhodes once more, forcing the champion into a difficult position. If the scenario repeats, viewers could see McIntyre standing victorious for a second consecutive week, intensifying their ongoing feud and raising questions about Rhodes’s future in WWE.
Aleister Black Eyes Victory in the Ambulance Match
Another highlight of the evening is the highly anticipated Ambulance match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. Their feud has evolved over recent months, culminating in this all-or-nothing bout. Aleister Black, who returned to WWE television with strong momentum, is seen as a likely contender to defeat Damian Priest if their match headlines tonight. The possibility of Black closing SmackDown with a significant win in the ambulance bout could mark a turning point in his career, especially as he builds on his status as a former WWE NXT Champion. However, the exact order and impact of their match remain crucial to this potential outcome.
Randy Orton’s Possible Comeback and Its Ramifications
One of the biggest rumors swirling around tonight’s show is the potential return of Randy Orton. Known as the Apex Predator, Orton has been absent from WWE television for an extended period, creating anticipation for a surprise comeback during SmackDown’s 2026 debut. Orton’s real-life friendship with Cody Rhodes has been highlighted in past episodes, and there is speculation that Rhodes might bring Orton back to counter Drew McIntyre’s aggression. If Orton returns, he is expected to intervene against McIntyre, seeking retribution for last week’s assault on Rhodes, the so-called Prodigal Son. This would not only add excitement but also shift the dynamics of the Rhodes-McIntyre feud.
If Orton does appear, fans and insiders suggest he could eventually turn on Cody Rhodes, potentially setting up a major championship match later in the year. The presence of Triple H and the ever-changing nature of WWE storylines ensure that whatever unfolds tonight will have lasting consequences for SmackDown’s main event scene.
What the Night Could Mean for WWE
With the return of legendary names, high-stakes matches, and the possibility of betrayals and surprise alliances, tonight’s SmackDown could significantly reshape ongoing storylines and rivalries. The focus on WWE SmackDown possible endings ensures viewers remain invested as the promotion enters a new year. However, uncertainty remains regarding which stars will rise, who will fall, and whether unresolved tensions—particularly involving Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Drew McIntyre—will finally erupt or simply set up even more dramatic confrontations in the weeks ahead.
The advertised card for the first three-hour SmackDown episode of 2026.
– Cody Rhodes appears
– Jade Cargill vs. Michin
– RHIYO, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend & The Kabuki Warriors
– Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
(Ambulance Match) pic.twitter.com/SMxlG2t0DV— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) December 31, 2025
