WWE SmackDown: Qualifying matches for fatal four way at SNME; Randy Orton & Sami Zayn in action & more set for next week (January 16, 2026)
(Courtesy : WWE)
Three Stages of Hell match changed the landscape in Berlin.
The second SmackDown of the year marked the start of the WWE European Tour, and we are now well and truly on the Road to Royal Rumble 2026. The 9 January 2026 episode of the Blue Brand was held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
Trick Williams, ahead of his in-ring debut, confronted Randy Orton and paid the price for it. However, he bounced back in his debut match against Rey Fenix, pinning the luchador to win in his debut. On the other hand, Giulia defeated Alexa Bliss to retain the Women’s United States title.
The MFTs defeated Wyatt Sicks in an eight-man tag team match, while Jordynne Grace pinned Alba Fyre to win in her debut match. Shinsuke Nakamura answered the U.S title open challenge, but failed to pin the Champion, as Carmelo Hayes retained the title in the co-main event.
In the main event of the show, Cody Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE title in a Three Stages of Hell match against Drew McIntyre. The challenger managed to win the match after Jacob Fatu made his return during the third stage and attacked Drew, before turning his attention to Cody when confronted, leaving McIntyre to exit the cage and win the steel cage match to secure the win by 2-1 and capture the World title.
A new contender will emerge to challenge the new Champion
During this week’s episode, General Manager Nick Aldis revealed a major shake-up, announcing four blockbuster matches for next week. The GM confirmed that four qualifying bouts would take place next week in London.
The winners of those matches were 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.
The January 16 episode of WWE SmackDown will emanate from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. The promotion will intensify the build towards the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble PLE.
Because the show is taking place outside of the United States, the blue brand broadcast will begin at 8:00 PM GMT (London) for international audiences. In the U.S., the show will still air at its regular 8:00 PM ET time slot on USA Network, airing on a tape delay.
Announced matches for WWE SmackDown next week (January 16, 2026)
Qualifying matches for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME
- Randy Orton vs The Miz
- Matt Cardona vs Trick Williams
- Damian Priest vs Solo Sikoa
- Sami Zayn vs Ilja Dragunov
When and where will next week’s episode of SmackDown take place?
The January 16 episode of WWE SmackDown will emanate from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.
Will the show have an early start time like Raw?
Yes, for international viewers, the show will start at 8 PM GMT (London). However, the show will air as usual at 8 PM ET in the US on USA Network on tape delay.
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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.