All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026): Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, The Wyatt Sicks & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
Cody Rhodes will defend his WWE Title against Drew McIntyre!
The first SmackDown of 2026 delivered a blockbuster start to the new year, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most intense and storyline-rich episodes in recent memory.
On the January 2 edition from Buffalo, New York, WWE hit the ground running with major returns, star-making appearances and high-stakes matches that have escalated several feuds heading into the January 9 show.
Now, WWE heads overseas for WWE SmackDown live from Berlin, Germany, where the blue brand will look to further its build toward Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble.
Crucially, the ongoing rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre reached new heights, as McIntyre laid out the brutal Three Stages of Hell stipulations for their Undisputed WWE Championship clash this week, triggering heated emotions and personal animosity.
Also Read: WWE SmackDown Preview (January 9, 2026): Match card, news, timings & where to watch
WWE Superstars confirmed for 01/09 SmackDown
- “Undisputed WWE Champion” Cody Rhodes
- “WWE Women’s Champion” Jade Cargill
- Drew McIntyre
- The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
- Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan & “WWE Tag Team Champions” Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy)
- “Women’s United States Champion” Giulia
- Kiana James
- The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
- Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae
- Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
- Damian Priest
- Solo Sikoa & MFT (Talla Tonga, JC Mateo, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa)
- Nia Jax & Lash Legend
- R-Truth
- Alba Fyre
- Chelsea Green
- “United States Champion” Carmelo Hayes
- The Miz
- Joe Hendry
- Kit Wilson
- Rey Fenix
- Ilja Dragunov
- Sami Zayn
- Los Garzas (Angel & Berto)
- Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)
- Zelina Vega
- Aleister Black
- Trick Williams
When and where will the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown take place?
The January 9, 2025, show of WWE SmackDown is set to emanate live from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
What are the stipulations for the Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre?
The Three Stages for the Undisputed title clash between Rhodes and McIntyre are as follows: number one: a Standard match, number two: Falls Count Anywhere, and number three: a Steel Cage match.
Will WWE SmackDown have an early start time?
Yes, for international viewers, the show will start at 8 PM CET (Germany). However, the show will air as usual at 8 PM ET in the US on USA Network on tape delay.
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