WWE SmackDown Preview (January 9, 2026): Match card, news, timings & where to watch
(Courtesy : WWE)
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre set to face each other!
The first SmackDown of 2026 delivered a blockbuster start to the new year, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most intense and storyline-rich episodes in recent memory.
On the January 2 edition from Buffalo, New York, WWE hit the ground running with major returns, star-making appearances and high-stakes matches that have escalated several feuds heading into the January 9 show.
Now, WWE heads overseas for WWE SmackDown live from Berlin, Germany, where the blue brand will look to further its build toward Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble.
Crucially, the ongoing rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre reached new heights, as McIntyre laid out the brutal Three Stages of Hell stipulations for their Undisputed WWE Championship clash this week, triggering heated emotions and personal animosity.
Now, let’s dive into an in-depth preview of the January 9 episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring the full match card, start times, and complete broadcast and streaming details.
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)
Cody Rhodes (c) vs Drew McIntyre – Three Stages of Hell match for the Undisputed WWE title
An Undisputed title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a brutal Three Stages of Hell match is set for WWE SmackDown this week. During last 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
- Number three: a Steel Cage match
Now, it will be to see who comes on top. Will it be Cody Rhodes retaining his title or The Scottish Psychopath who becomes the new WWE champion?
Wyatt Sicks vs The MFTs – Eight-man tag team match
The rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks and Solo Sikoa’s MFTs has reached a boiling point heading into the January 9 SmackDown in Berlin. Their first clash on December 15 ended in a chaotic no-contest, setting the stage for an even bigger confrontation.
Since then, Sikoa has restructured the MFTs into a more ruthless and focused unit, determined to earn a statement win and move closer to the Tag Team titles. But standing across from them is the eerily unified Wyatt Sicks, a faction with deeper chemistry and momentum. Their eight-man tag team showdown now promises a violent, high-stakes battle.
Rey Fenix vs Trick Williams (Trick’s in-ring debut on the main roster)
Trick Williams makes his highly anticipated main-roster in-ring debut this week on WWE SmackDown, stepping in against the always spectacular Rey Fenix.
Now officially part of the blue brand, Williams arrives with one of the most decorated resumes in modern NXT history: two NXT Championship reigns, a TNA World Title win, and a North American Championship run. While Fenix’s athletic brilliance is undeniable, this matchup is positioned as a showcase for Williams, who could make an immediate response on the main roster.
WWE SmackDown Timings & Telecast Details
| Country/Region | Time | Telecast |
| United States, Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico | 08 PM ET, 07 PM CT & 05 PM PT (Friday) | USA Network |
| Canada | 02 PM ET (Friday)* | Netflix |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | 07 PM GMT (Friday) | Netflix |
| India | 12:30 AM IST (Saturday) | Netflix |
| Bangladesh | 01:00 AM BST (Saturday) | Sony Sports Network |
| Saudi Arabia | 10 PM AST (Friday) | Netflix |
| Australia | 05 AM AEST / 06 AM AEDT (Saturday) | Netflix |
| France | 08 PM CET (Friday) | AB1 |
| Brazil | 04 PM BRT (Friday) | Netflix |
| Mexico | 01 PM CST (Friday) | Netflix |
| Singapore | 03 AM SGT (Saturday) | Netflix |
| China | 03 AM CST (Saturday) | iQIYI |
| Nigeria | 08 PM WAT (Friday) | SuperSport & Showmax |
| South Africa | 09 PM SAST (Friday) | SuperSport & Showmax |
| Germany | 08 PM CET (Friday) | ProSieben Maxx |
When and where will the January 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown take place?
The January 9, 2025, show of WWE SmackDown is set to emanate live from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
What are the stipulations for the Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre?
The Three Stages for the Undisputed title clash between Rhodes and McIntyre are as follows: number one: a Standard match, number two: Falls Count Anywhere, and number three: a Steel Cage match.
Will WWE SmackDown have an early start time?
Yes, for international viewers, the show 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.
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