Preview:

The January 16, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown arrives with massive momentum as the Blue Brand touches down at The OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, continuing WWE’s action-packed European Tour.

The first two WWE SmackDown episodes of the new year have delivered non-stop shocks, and last week’s show in Berlin set a blistering pace on the Road to Royal Rumble 2026. Trick Williams rebounded from a tense confrontation with Randy Orton to win his in-ring debut against Rey Fenix, while Giulia successfully retained the Women’s United States Championship over Alexa Bliss. Jordynne Grace scored a big debut victory, Carmelo Hayes survived Shinsuke Nakamura’s challenge to keep the U.S. Title, and The MFTs defeated the Wyatt Sicks in eight-man action.

The night ended in chaos as Drew McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship after Jacob Fatu’s shocking return during the brutal Three Stages of Hell main event. Now, London plays host as SmackDown looks to escalate the drama even further. After his controversial win against Cody Rhodes in the Three Stages of Hell Match last week, Drew McIntyre returns to SmackDown as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Carmelo Hayes will once again defend his United States Title on the Blue Brand in an open challenge against a new opponent. Randy Orton and The Miz would be the oldest guys in the locker room, but they are still two of the best in the roster. Orton and the A-list superstar had their fair share of rivalry during early 2010, and now, after many years, both men again come to face each other for an opportunity for the grandest prize in all of pro-wrestling.

Last week, Williams made a statement by interrupting Randy Orton to open the show and later securing an impressive debut victory over Rey Fenix. Now, he faces his biggest test yet as he goes one-on-one with Matt Cardona in a high-stakes qualifying match. A win would propel Williams into the Fatal 4-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event, giving him a massive opportunity to inch closer to an Undisputed WWE Title shot. Trick Williams appears to be becoming a prominent feature on the SmackDown roster after making back-to-back appearances and being inserted into the Undisputed WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament. Let’s Take look on complete match card and Show detail for edition of  WWE Smackdown Friday Night January 16th, 2026 episode.

Match Card:

• Promo : Drew the New Undisputed WWE Champ.
• Randy Orton vs. The Miz | Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
• Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa | Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
• Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov | Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
• Carmelo Hayes to host a United States Title Open Challenge
• Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams | Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
• Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams | Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match
• more cards.

• Show: WWE SmackDown 1/16/26
• Location: OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.
• Date & Time: Friday, January 16,2026 | 3PM ET – 1AM PT