Preview:

WWE heads overseas for WWE SmackDown 1/9/26 live from Berlin, Germany, where the blue brand will look to further its build toward Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble.

The first SmackDown of 2026 delivered a blockbuster start to the new year, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most intense and storyline-rich episodes in recent memory. On the January 2 edition from Buffalo, New York, WWE hit the ground running with major returns, star-making appearances and high-stakes matches that have escalated several feuds heading into the January 9th show. Crucially, the ongoing rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre reached new heights, as McIntyre laid out the brutal Three Stages of Hell stipulations for their Undisputed WWE Championship clash this week, triggering heated emotions and personal animosity. Now, let’s dive into an in-depth preview of the January 9 episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring the full match card, start times, and complete broadcast and streaming details.

An Undisputed title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a brutal Three Stages of Hell match is set for WWE SmackDown this week. During last week’s show, McIntyre revealed the three stipulations for the match. The rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks and Solo Sikoa’s MFTs has reached a boiling point heading into the January 9 SmackDown in Berlin. Their first clash on December 15 ended in a chaotic no-contest, setting the stage for an even bigger confrontation. Since then, Sikoa has restructured the MFTs into a more ruthless and focused unit, determined to earn a statement win and move closer to the Tag Team titles. But standing across from them is the eerily unified Wyatt Sicks, a faction with deeper chemistry and momentum. Their eight-man tag team showdown now promises a violent, high-stakes battle.

Trick Williams makes his highly anticipated main-roster in-ring debut this week on WWE SmackDown, stepping in against the always spectacular Rey Fenix. Now officially part of the blue brand, Williams arrives with one of the most decorated resumes in modern NXT history: two NXT Championship reigns, a TNA World Title win, and a North American Championship run. While Fenix’s athletic brilliance is undeniable, this matchup is positioned as a showcase for Williams, who could make an immediate response on the main roster. On the other hand, Zack Ryder, aka Matt Cardona, made his return as Michael Cole revealed that he is officially a part of the SmackDown roster now. Cardona defeated Kit Wilson in his return. NXT’s Jordynne Grace also made an appearance during the show, while Trick Williams interrupted Sami Zayn.

Additionally, Carmelo Hayes pinned Johnny Gargano to retain the United States title, while Giulia defeated Chelsea Green to reclaim the Women’s United States title in the rematch. In the main event of the show, Damian Priest defeated Carmelo Hayes in an Ambulance match. An Undisputed title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a brutal Three Stages of Hell match is set for next week’s show. During this week’s show, McIntyre revealed the three stipulations for the match. Three Stages are as follows: number one: a Standard match, number two: Falls Count Anywhere, and number three: a Steel Cage match. Let’s Take look on complete match card and Show detail for edition of  WWE Smackdown Friday Night January 9th, 2026 episode.

Match Card:

• EarlyAir For Special Smackdown From Germany @2PM ET
• Cody Rhodes battles Drew McIntyre in Three Stages of Hell Match
• The Wyatt Sicks battle The MFTs in an Eight-Man Tag Team Match
• Trick Williams makes SmackDown debut against Rey Fenix
• More Cards.

• Show: WWE SmackDown 1/9/26
• Location: Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
• Date & Time: Friday, January 9,2026 | 2PM ET – 12AM PT