Drew McIntyre's title reign; Qualifying matches & other storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (January 16, 2026)

Last week’s SmackDown caused a massive shift.

In the aftermath of last week’s SmackDown that saw the coronation of a new Champion in Drew McIntyre, WWE is now set to deliver the January 16 episode of the Blue brand from The OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.

WWE has announced several matches for the show, with superstars competing in qualifying bouts to earn spots in a fatal four-way match for the number one contender position for the Undisputed Championship.

United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will continue the Open Challenge, while the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre will also set to make an appearance. Here are five WWE storylines to watch out for on the January 16 episode of SmackDown.

4. The lantern theft

On last week’s show, the MFTs defeated Wyatt Sicks in an eight-man tag team match. The victory was controversial, as Solo Sikoa grabbed the iconic lantern, distracting Uncle Howdy and allowing the MFTs to capitalize and secure the win.

The theft will likely make the feud even more personal for the Wyatt Sicks as Solo and his MFT eye the WWE Tag Team titles currently held by Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis of the Wyatt Sicks.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown Updated Preview (January 16, 2026): Match card, news, timings & where to watch

3. Will Charlexa survive?

Last week, Alexa Bliss faced Giulia for the Women’s US Championship. Charlotte Flair was notably absent from the show to accompany her tag team partner. Before the match, Bliss sent Flair a voice message, explaining that she had only learned about the match earlier that day and assuring her she wasn’t trying to go behind her back.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend then confronted Bliss, noting how Flair was absent the second Bliss got an opportunity for herself. Bliss responded by warning Legend to step away fromNia before getting dragged down in the process.

Even the commentary, during the match, leaned heavily on Flair’s absence, teasing a potential rift between the two. Nia and Lash ended up costing Bliss the match and then attacking her afterwards. Fans are now eagerly waiting for the storyline to unravel and find out if Flair returns to back Bliss against Legend and Nia.

2. Qualifying matches

Nick Aldis revealed a major shake-up last week, announcing four blockbuster qualifying bouts for tonight. The winners of these matches are set to advance to a Fatal 4-Way match at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24 in Quebec, Canada.

The winner of that showdown would then earn a coveted opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 31.

In the first match, Randy Orton will take on The Miz, while Sami Zayn is set to battle Ilja Dragunov. Meanwhile, Matt Cardona will take on Trick Williams and Damian Priest, and Solo Sikoa will lock horns in the fourth and final qualifying match.

1. Drew McIntyre’s title reign

As mentioned, Drew McIntyre won the Undisputed Championship to close last week’s show. He took advantage of the situation when Jacob Fatu, who had initially attacked him, turned his attention toward Cody Rhodes when Rhodes tried to intervene.

McIntyre is already set to defend the title at the Royal Rumble PLE. However, all eyes are on how Cody Rhodes is going to react to the title loss and how Fatu fits into all this, as despite attacking McIntyre, Fatu has not revealed who attacked him in October.

The recent title change has created new storyline possibilities, and WWE may capitalize on this with a triple threat match or another unexpected setup for the championship ahead of WrestleMania.

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