Is WWE SmackDown tonight live or pre-taped? (January 2, 2026)

The first SmackDown of 2026 carries huge anticipation among fans.

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown (January 2, 2026) will air live. The show will emanate from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

The show will return to a three-hour format from this Friday, and multiple big names are being advertised for the show, including Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, and Jade Cargill. WWE will set the tone for next week’s SmackDown, which will emanate from Berlin and feature a Three Stages of Hell match.

Damian Priest & Aleister Black will settle the score in an Ambulance match

Aleister Black and Damian Priest have endured a brutal rivalry, pushing each other to the brink in their quest to destroy one another. The feud has been marked by back-and-forth victories, culminating in what was billed as their final encounter: a Last Man Standing Match. That clash ultimately ended with Aleister Black standing tall, aided by timely interference from his wife, Zelina Vega.

However, the two are set to go at it once again tonight in an Ambulance Match. The rules are straightforward but ruthless: incapacitate your opponent to the point they can’t continue, then load them into the ambulance to secure the victory.

Will Cody Rhodes retaliate?

Last week’s SmackDown ended with Drew McIntyre baiting Cody Rhodes into attacking him, as the stipulation suggested that if Cody lays even a finger ahead of the title clash, he will be stripped of the title. Drew capitalized on the opportunity, stating, “When I bury you deep in hell, say hi to your dad for me.” 

This seemed to anger Cody, who tried to attack Rhodes, but GM Nick Aldis stepped in, and McIntyre again capitalized, flatlining the Champion with a Claymore to end the show.

Many fans are now waiting to witness if Cody chooses to retaliate tonight or wait until the January 9 episode, where the two will meet in a Three Stages of Hell match and punish McIntyre for disrespecting his late father and wrestling royalty, Dusty Rhodes.

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