Get ready for a night of high-stakes action and heated rivalries as SmackDown ignites on January 16, 2026, with the triumphant return of Drew McIntyre, the new Undisputed WWE Champion! But here's where it gets controversial... McIntyre's victory over Cody Rhodes in the grueling Three Stages of Hell Match left fans divided, and now he steps back into the SmackDown arena to face the music. Will he be celebrated as a champion or booed as a controversial winner? Tune in this Friday at 8e/7c on USA Network to witness the fallout.
The race to challenge McIntyre begins! In a series of Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches, some of WWE's fiercest competitors will clash. First up, Randy Orton vs. The Miz—after two weeks of RKO dominance, can The Viper secure his shot at the title, or will The A-Lister spoil his plans? And this is the part most people miss... Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa promises to be a brutal showdown, with Priest fresh off a vicious Ambulance Match victory and Sikoa backed by The MFTs. Who will emerge victorious?
The action doesn't stop there! Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov reignites their intense rivalry after Dragunov dethroned Zayn as Intercontinental Champion. Will Zayn seek revenge, or will Dragunov prove his dominance once again? Plus, in an intriguing matchup, Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams will showcase two rising stars battling for a chance at glory. Who will rise to the occasion?
And now for something truly unpredictable... Carmelo Hayes hosts a United States Title Open Challenge, continuing the tradition reignited by Zayn and Dragunov. Who will step up to challenge the champion this week? The suspense is palpable!
Don't miss this action-packed episode of SmackDown, airing Friday at 8e/7c on USA Network. With so much on the line, one question remains: Who will be the next to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship? Let us know your predictions in the comments—and don't be afraid to take a stand on McIntyre's controversial win. The debate is open!
