WWE SmackDown Preview For Jan. 16, 2026: A Tournament, A Tyrant, And Maybe A TNA Star?
Alright, wrestling fans, buckle up. We are live well, technically live on Netflix in some spots, taped for us stateside folks from the OVO Arena Wembley in London. It’s Friday night, which means it’s time for SmackDown, and boy, do we have a loaded plate of grappling goodness to digest.
We are officially seven episodes deep into the nine-week marathon to the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, and the stakes? They’re higher than RVD in his prime. General Manager Nick Aldis, clearly waking up and choosing violence, has announced a four-match tournament starting tonight.
The goal? Find out who gets the privilege of being beaten up by Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship on January 31.Let’s break down the madness, match by match, with a side of healthy skepticism.
The “How Do We Solve A Problem Like Solo?” Match
#1. Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
First up, we’ve got Damian Priest, fresh off putting Aleister Black in an ambulance, a surprisingly effective way to end a conversation, squaring off against the Enforcer of the Bloodline 2.0, Solo Sikoa, on SmackDown. Solo is riding high after stealing Wyatt Sicks’ lantern last week because nothing says “tough guy” like petty theft of supernatural artifacts.
Honestly, Solo has been walking around like he owns the place, but something tells me Uncle Howdy holds grudges longer than my ex-wife. I’m expecting spooky shenanigans here. If the lights don’t flicker at least once, I’m asking for a refund.
The “Make The New Guy Look Good” Match
#2. Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
Remember Zack Ryder? He’s back, he’s Matt Cardona, and he’s… probably not winning this. Look, I love a good underdog story, but Cardona feels like the designated stepping stone here. Trick Williams has “future main eventer” tattooed on his forehead figuratively, thank god, and Cardona’s job tonight on SmackDown is likely to make Trick look like a million bucks. Sorry, Matt. Maybe next time.
The “Please Don’t Squash The Miz… Okay, Maybe A Little” Match
#4. Randy Orton vs. The Miz
Randy Orton is back in the ring on SmackDown for the first time since October. And who does he get? The Miz. This feels like feeding a goldfish to a piranha. Given Miz’s recent run—where his main character trait has been “has small balls”—this smells like a squash.
However, since SmackDown is a three-hour endurance test now, maybe Miz gets in a few hits. But let’s be real: we’re all just waiting for that RKO out of nowhere. It’s comfort food. It’s inevitable. It’s happening.
The “Montreal Miracle Part Two?” Match
#5. Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
This is the big one. The main event spice. We know the Fatal 4-Way final is happening at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on Jan 24. Sami Zayn is basically a deity in Montreal. Do the math.
Zayn needs to get through Ilja Dragunov, the “Mad Dragon,” who took his US Title back in October. It’s the perfect setup for a redemption arc. Plus, Sami winning the tournament and facing Drew, a man he’s never beaten in Saudi Arabia, where Sami is also beloved. The stars are aligning so perfectly that I’m suspicious. Wrestling is rarely this logical, but I’m here for it.
The Champ Speaks and Gloats
#6. Drew McIntyre Returns
Drew McIntyre, our new WWE Champion, is in the house. He won the belt last week in a Three Stages of Hell match that made me wince just watching it. Expect him to grab the mic, insult Cody Rhodes, insult the London crowd, and generally be a magnificent jerk on SmackDown.
The real question is: Where is Jacob Fatu? The Samoan Werewolf accidentally cost Cody the title last week. Is he going to explain himself? Or will he just stare menacingly? I’m betting on the staring.
The Wildcard: US Open Challenge
#7. Carmelo Hayes vs. ???
Carmelo Hayes is holding an Open Challenge for the US Title in London. He wants a UK star. The rumor mill is screaming “Leon Slater” from TNA. If that happens, the roof of the OVO Arena is going to blow off. If it’s just Baron Corbin again, we riot. So, grab your snacks and settle in. It’s going to be a long, chaotic, and hopefully entertaining night in London.
