Four intriguing storylines teased on WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026)
(Courtesy : WWE via Getty)
The January 9 episode of SmackDown emanated from Berlin.
The second SmackDown of 2026 marked the start of the WWE European Tour. The 9 January 2026 episode of the Blue Brand was held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The show featured three title matches, with one title change in the main event.
On the other hand, NXT’s Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace made their in-ring debut after signing with the Blue brand.
The January 9 show continued the momentum from last week, delivering intriguing segments, matches, and a massive return in the main event of Jacob Fatu, which helped Drew McIntyre defeat Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE title.
WWE also teased multiple storylines during the show, sparking fans’ interest as things shake up ahead of the Royal Rumble PLE. Let us now take a look at the top four storylines teased on this week’s WWE SmackDown.
4. Charlotte Flair – Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss battled Giulia for the Women’s US title on the show, and notably, Charlotte Flair was absent from the show to accompany her tag partner. Before the match, Bliss sent a voice note to Flair, explaining that she hadn’t known about the match until earlier that day and insisting she wasn’t trying to go behind her back.
Nia Jax and Lash Legend then confronted Bliss, pointing out how Flair was absent the second Bliss got an opportunity for herself. Alexa stated that Legend doesn’t know what she’s talking about and warned her to drop Nia before she ended up being dragged down with her.
Even the commentary leaned heavily on Flair’s absence, teasing a potential rift between the two. However, Nia and Lash ended up attacking Bliss after the match, and it remains to be seen how this is used in the dynamic between Flair and Bliss.
3. Jade Cargill confronts Jordynne Grace
As announced by Nick Aldis, Jordynne Grace made her in-ring debut against Alba Fyre. Grace emerged victorious in her debut match, despite interference from Chelsea Green. However, after the match, Grace exited the ring as Jade Cargill’s music hit, and the WWE Women’s Champion made her appearance.
Cargill questioned whether Grace thought she had accomplished something or believed she was special, then made it clear that Grace was now on her show and reminded her that she is “that b*tch.” The WWE Women’s Champion has been dealing with a lack of contendersm hampering her title reign, and many fans are now expecting the two juggernauts to collide for the title.
2. Cody Rhodes – Matt Cardona
During the show, in an interview with Byron Saxton, Matt Cardona spoke about what it meant to him to be back in WWE. He then ran into Cody Rhodes, and the two shared a hug. Cardona told Cody that his goal in returning was to win the WWE Championship, and Cody responded that they could discuss it after he finished business with McIntyre.
Later in the show, Rhodes failed to defeat McIntyre after Jacob Fatu’s interference, and it remains to be seen if the promotion decides to move ahead with a feud between the two real-life friends.
1. Drew McIntyre vs Damian Priest reboot?
Byron Saxton interviewed Damian Priest following his win in the Ambulance match against Aleister Black last week and asked what was next for him in 2026. Priest recapped the feud, saying he had won the war, and added that what came next was joining everyone else in making his intentions clear for the World Title.
Drew McIntyre then walked in as Priest noted that if McIntyre won tonight, the two would have to go at it again, reminding him of what happened the last time they were in the ring together. Now, McIntyre has won the title, and the promotion might decide to reignite the feud, which has seen the two battle multiple times.
In the lead-up to WrestleMania 41, the two found themselves at each other’s throats once again. Priest had previously cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship from McIntyre just moments after Drew captured the title at WrestleMania 40.
That marked Drew’s most recent title reign, making the situation even more intriguing for fans who are now speculating whether Priest could once again spoil another run with the championship.
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown last night?
Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match for the Undisputed WWE title to win in the main event on the January 9 episode.
When and where will the 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble take place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.