The first Friday Night SmackDown officially on the road to WrestleMania 42 has arrived. The next episode of Friday Night SmackDown is scheduled to take place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday, February 6. This is WWE’s first time in Charlotte for a weekly television episode since February 2025, when Monday Night Raw aired there.
So far, only one match and one segment are scheduled, but we will update this article as more information becomes available. 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: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga
Shinsuke Nakamura has a storied history in NJPW with Tama Tonga dating back to 2010, and the pair will face off in a singles match for the first time since 2012 on Friday. Nakamura defeated Tonga in their long one-on-one contest in May 2012. They have faced each other twice in WWE tag team competition. Over the past few weeks, Nakamura and Tonga have had heated showdowns and exchanged words, leading to this match. In WWE, Tonga has won only two singles matches, the last coming in May 2024. After losing to AJ Styles at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Nakamura needs the victory more to prove he can still be a major player in the singles division.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Tama Tonga.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Aleister Black vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Randy Orton
Randy Orton has recently talked about winning another championship, and this is the first step toward doing so. Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa have been up and down recently and are overmatched against the 14-time champion. Although it seems like a WrestleMania match between Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu seems inevitable, Orton has the ability to make a case to be in that title match.
Aleister Black vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Randy Orton Prediction: Randy Orton defeats Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Chelsea Green
The clear favorite to win this match is former WWE Champion Tiffany Stratton, who returned at the Royal Rumble. Although Stratton came up short at the Rumble, she still had a solid showing and remains a key member of WWE’s women’s division. Stratton’s last victory was on SmackDown against Kiana James in October 2025.
Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Chelsea Green Prediction: Tiffany Stratton defeats Lash Legend and Chelsea Green.
Women’s Tag Team Match: Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia & Kiana James
Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley, also known as Rhiyo, have had one successful title defense since winning the women’s tag team titles. It would be shocking if Sky and Ripley lost their titles before WrestleMania 42, as they are two of the biggest women’s stars in WWE.
Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia & Kiana James Prediction: Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley retain their titles against Giulia & Kiana James.
Scheduled to appear
- On WWE.com, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Randy Orton, and Tiffany Stratton are scheduled to appear on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
- Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan announced on Monday Night Raw that she will be at this week’s SmackDown, as she is still deciding whom to challenge at WrestleMania 42.
Results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown (1/30/26)
- Carmelo Hayes def. Rey Fenix to retain the United States Championship
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss def. Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez
- Axiom def. Johnny Gargano
- Ilja Dragunov def. The Miz
- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn & Jey Uso vs. The Vision ended via no contest
WWE Friday Night SmackDown FAQ
Where will the upcoming episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown take place?
The event is taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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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