WWE SmackDown: Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre in Three Stages of Hell; Trick Williams debut & more set for next week (January 9, 2026)

SmackDown moved back to the three-hour format to kick off 2026!

WWE started the year with the January 2 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, which emanated live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The show returned to a three-hour format from this Friday, featuring multiple returns and exciting appearances.

Randy Orton made his return during the opening moments, taking down The Miz with an RKO, while Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky defeated The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax & Lash Legend in an Eight-Woman Tag Team match.

On the other hand, Zack Ryder, aka Matt Cardona, made his return as Michael Cole revealed that he is officially a part of the SmackDown roster now. Cardona defeated Kit Wilson in his return. NXT’s Jordynne Grace also made an appearance during the show, while Trick Williams interrupted Sami Zayn.

Additionally, Carmelo Hayes pinned Johnny Gargano to retain the United States title, while Giulia defeated Chelsea Green to reclaim the Women’s United States title in the rematch. In the main event of the show, Damian Priest defeated Carmelo Hayes in an Ambulance match.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (January 2, 2026): Drew McIntyre torches Dusty Rhodes’ photo to incite Cody Rhodes; Damian Priest dismantles Aleister Black & more

The Three Stages of Hell match will entertain wrestling fans in Berlin

An Undisputed title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a brutal Three Stages of Hell match is set for next week’s show. During this week’s show, McIntyre revealed the three stipulations for the match.

Three Stages are as follows: number one: a Standard match, number two: Falls Count Anywhere, and number three: a Steel Cage match.

On the other hand, the Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erik Rowan, Joe Gacy, & Dexter Lumis) will battle Solo Sikoa’s MFT (Tama Tonga, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) in an eight-man tag team match. The MFTs are looking for a decisive win to stake a claim for the WWE Tag Team title currently held by Gacy and Lumis.

Additionally, after their unpleasant meeting backstage, Rey Fenix will take on former NXT Champion Trick Williams. This will be Williams’ in-ring debut, after his main roster debut this week.

The January 9, 2025, show of WWE SmackDown is set to emanate live from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The promotion will likely kick off the build towards the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble PLE next week.

Due to the show being held outside the United States, the Blue brand show for international viewers 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.

Announced matches & segments for WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026)

• Cody Rhodes (c) vs Drew McIntyre – Three Stages of Hell match for the Undisputed WWE title
• Wyatt Sicks vs The MFTs – Eight-man tag team match
• Rey Fenix vs Trick Williams (Trick’s in-ring debut on the main roster)

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