The WWE’s European tour continues with Friday Night SmackDown on January 16 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. In the United States, Friday Night SmackDown airs on the USA Network at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Last week’s SmackDown ended in a big way with Drew McIntyre dethroning Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. This is McIntyre’s fourth reign as WWE Champion and first legitimate reign since February 2021. McIntyre beat Seth Rollins for the World title at WrestleMania XL, but that reign was short-lived after Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase.
The WWE isn’t wasting anytime in finding McIntyre his first challenger. On this week’s SmackDown, they are having four #1 contender qualifying matches with the winners facing off in a fatal four-way at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24. The four matches are Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona, Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn vs. Ilia Dragunov.
Before the upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown, we detail viewing information and predictions for the card.
How to Watch Friday Night SmackDown
Friday Night SmackDown airs live on USA Network in the United States beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown Full Card and Predictions
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
For the first time since July 2016, Randy Orton will face The Miz in a televised singles match. The Miz and Orton have faced each other 13 times in their careers. Orton is 7-5 against The Miz, with one of the matches ending via double countout.
Over the last few years, Orton has been on the cusp of getting a title opportunity, and this seems like the perfect time. With The Miz losing 15 consecutive singles matches on WWE TV, it is highly unlikely he breaks his losing streak against Orton.
Randy Orton vs. The Miz Prediction: Randy Orton defeats The Miz.
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona
Two of SmackDown’s newest signees, Trick Williams and Matt Cardona, are facing off. Williams beat Rey Fenix last week, while Cardona’s first win on the official part of the SmackDown roster came against Kit Wilson. Since Cardona is the veteran, he needs this victory more to prove he is worthy of being a Main Event-level wrestler in WWE.
Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona Prediction: Matt Cardona defeats Trick Williams.
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
Just like Cardona vs. Williams, this is also an extremely close match. Priest is a former champion, and Sikoa is not. But with the MFTs by his side, Sikoa will be hard to beat. This is Sikoa’s first singles match since losing to Gunther in the semi-finals of the Last Time is Now Tournament. Sikoa is more of a fresh face in the Main Event title scene and would create a fresh matchup if he could win this tournament.
Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa Prediction: Solo Sikoa defeats Damian Priest.
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilia Dragunov
At the beginning of 2026, Sami Zayn reiterated the pursuit of his ultimate goal of becoming WWE Champion. Although Zayn has never won a world title, he has been a staple in WWE for a long time, while Dragunov is taking a big step up in competition.
Sami Zayn vs. Ilia Dragunov Prediction: Sami Zayn picks up the victory against Ilia Dragunov.
Scheduled to appear
The new Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, is scheduled to appear after defeating Cody Rhodes on last week’s episode of SmackDown. Cody Rhodes, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, and Alexa Bliss are also listed to appear on WWE’s website.
Results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown (1/9/26)
- Trick Williams def. Rey Fenix
- Giulia def. Alexa Bliss to retain the Women’s United States title
- MFT def. The Wyatt Sicks
- Jordynne Grace def. Alba Fyre
- Carmelo Hayes def. Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the United States Championship
- Drew McIntyre def. Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Heavyweight title
WWE Friday Night SmackDown FAQ
Where will the upcoming episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown take place?
The event is taking place at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.
What time does WWE Friday Night SmackDown start?
Friday Night SmackDown starts at 8:00 p.m. ET.
How can I watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown?
Fans in the U.S. can view this event live on the USA Network.
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