WWE SmackDown Preview: Fallout From Saturday Night’s Main Event
It’s the pre-Christmas edition of WWE SmackDown, and we’re live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you’re still recovering from the absolute chaos that was “Saturday Night’s Main Event,” join the club. Tonight promises to pick up the pieces and maybe throw a few more wrenches into the machinery as we hurtle toward the New Year.
While the card is technically “TBD,” we all know what’s actually on the menu: high drama, simmering rivalries, and probably someone getting put through a table. Let’s break down what to expect tonight on SmackDown.
The Rhodes vs. McIntyre Saga Hits a Boiling Point
Let’s be real: The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre aren’t just feuding; they are actively trying to destroy each other’s lives.
Last weekend, McIntyre decided the middle of a championship match was the perfect time to make his presence felt. In retaliation, Rhodes didn’t just issue a challenge; he showed up at McIntyre’s actual house while “The Scottish Warrior” was busy negotiating with GM Nick Aldis. That is a level of petty you almost have to respect.
Here’s the kicker: Aldis has already fined McIntyre and demanded a public apology. McIntyre’s response? A hard “no,” followed by a demand to pick the stipulation for their next title fight, and a clause that Rhodes can’t touch him until the bell rings. But now that Rhodes has invaded McIntyre’s home turf, all bets are off. Expect fireworks—or at least a very tense stare-down—when these two cross paths tonight on SmackDown.
The Women’s Tag Division Is Heating Up
Can we talk about Lash Legend for a second? Scoring a singles win over Alexa Bliss is no small feat. That victory has arguably put Legend and Nia Jax in the conversation for a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships, currently held by Asuka and Kairi Sane.
But the line starts behind Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, who have their own golden opportunity coming up at the Raw on Netflix anniversary show in January. Tonight, keep an eye on Legend and Jax. They aren’t the type to wait patiently for their turn. Also, don’t sleep on Bliss and Charlotte Flair; former champs don’t stay down for long.
Faction Warfare: The Bloodline vs. The Wyatt Sicks
Solo Sikoa and his MFTs are on a collision course with The Wyatt Sicks, and it has gotten personal fast. Sikoa has been throwing verbal jabs at Uncle Howdy, even bringing the late Bray Wyatt into the trash talk—a bold, if dangerous, strategy.
Sikoa wants the tag titles, currently around the waists of Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis. When you put these two unstable factions under one roof, “wild” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Expect mind games, flickering lights, and physical violence.
Champions With Targets On Their Backs
Jade Cargill has been looking unstoppable since taking the Women’s Championship from Tiffany Stratton. But after chokeslamming Michin recently, the champ might have created a new problem for herself. Michin isn’t one to back down, and she’ll likely be looking for payback tonight.
Over in the U.S. Title picture, Ilja Dragunov continues to impress, but the sharks are circling. After retaining against Tommaso Ciampa, he was jumped by DIY (Ciampa and Johnny Gargano), only to be saved by Carmelo Hayes. Are we looking at a tag match? Dragunov and Hayes vs. DIY sounds like a show-stealer waiting to happen.
How To Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Don’t miss a second of the action. Here is the lowdown on how to tune in:
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming Options: Fubo TV, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu+ Live TV
We might not have a confirmed match list yet, but with this much bad blood in the water, tonight’s SmackDown is essential viewing.
