This week’s Friday Night SmackDown is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and kicks off Royal Rumble weekend. SmackDown is being hosted at the KAFD Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This week’s episode airs at its usual 8:00 p.m. ET in the United States, but is being recorded earlier in the day because of the time difference.
Before the upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown, we detail viewing information, predictions for the card, and last week’s results.
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
Singles Match: Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz
The Miz interfered in last week’s United States championship between Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes. After losing his last three singles matches on SmackDown, Dragunov needs to get back in the win column to gain momentum. The Miz hasn’t won a singles match on WWE television since February 2024. Dragunov should be able to break The Miz down with his hard-hitting style in this match.
Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz Prediction: Ilja Dragunov defeats The Miz.
Singles Match: Axiom vs. Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano has had an ongoing rivalry with Fraxiom for months. Last week, Gargano lost to Nathan Frazer in a one-on-one match, and now he will face his partner, Axiom. Now that Gargano is strictly a singles wrestler, he desperately needs a win to work his way towards gold.
Axiom vs. Johnny Gargano Prediction: Johnny Gargano picks up the victory against Axiom.
Scheduled to appear
- On WWE.com, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Sami Zayn, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Damian Priest are scheduled to appear on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
- WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre is scheduled for a face-to-face with Sami Zayn. Zayn will challenge McIntyre for his title at the Royal Rumble on Saturday.
- Cody Rhodes will have a promo ahead of his entry in the 2026 Royal Rumble match on SmackDown.
- Carmelo Hayes will continue his weekly United States Open Challenge.
Results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown (1/23/26)
- Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov to retain the United States Championship
- Jade Cargill def. Chelsea Green in a non-title match
- The MFTs def. The Wyatt Sicks to win the WWE Tag Team Championship
- Nathan Frazer def. Johnny Gargano
- Giulia & Kiana James def. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax & Lash Legend to become the No. 1 Contenders for the Women’s Tag Team titles
- Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams ended in a no-contest
- Sami Zayn def. Ilja Dragunov
WWE Friday Night SmackDown FAQ
Where will the upcoming episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown take place?
The event is taking place at the KAFD Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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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