WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (January 23, 2026): Randy Orton stands tall; AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura announced for SNME & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Giulia & Kiana James win; MFTs capture Tag titles & more!
The SNME go-home show of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The same arena on Saturday will play host to the first edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2026 on Saturday.
Multiple matches, including a #1 Contenders triple threat match for the Women’s Tag Team titles as well as a tag team showdown for the WWE Tag Team titles, were announced for the Blue brand‘s show.
Additionally, the show returned to its original time slot for international fans until the next episode from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 01/23 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
Sami Zayn kicks things off in Montreal
Sami hyped up the crowd for Saturday Night’s Main Event, stating that tomorrow night in Montreal, he would have the opportunity to become the number one contender. Trick Williams then appeared, stating that he and Zayn were not on the same level. Trick claimed that Sami didn’t know how to get the job done and reminded him that the last time he had a title opportunity in Montreal, he failed.
Williams added that, unlike Sami, he knows how to get the job done. Sami responded by saying Trick was right; he did lose a title match in his hometown. He acknowledged that Williams might be a future star, but agreed that they weren’t on the ‘same level.’ Sami reminded Trick that he was standing in the ring with one of the best and told him that, if he was lucky, he might someday be half as good.
Sami challenged Williams to do something about it right then and there if he disagreed. Williams declined, saying he had other things on his mind, including his match later that night with Damian Priest. He added that they could settle things tomorrow.
Damian Priest then appeared and said he told Trick last week that he talked a lot. Priest pointed out that Williams had been stepping up to everyone recently, but when he confronted him last week, Trick had nothing to say. Priest said he believed Williams was afraid of him and warned that if Trick said the wrong thing, he’d drop him on the spot, daring him to respond.
Williams told the crowd to mind their own business before asking Priest if he really thought he was scared. He then told him to “watch this” and blindsided Sami with a cheap shot. Williams tried to attack Priest next, but Priest fought back and began beating him down.
Sami shoved Priest away and went after Trick, but Priest pushed Sami aside. As Zayn and Priest faced off, Williams shoved Priest into Sami and rolled out of the ring, bringing the segment to a close.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- After the segment, Cathy Kelley interviewed Randy Orton. Orton snapped at Cathy Kelly over her line of questioning before declaring that 2026 would be the Year of the Viper. Orton said it would begin the following night, when he planned to become the number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
- Footage from earlier in the day showed Carmelo Hayes talking with Ilja Dragunov. Hayes encouraged Dragunov, praising him for his effort in last week’s match and extending an open challenge. Dragunov responded by venting about how battered and worn down he felt, before quickly shifting gears and making it clear that he absolutely wanted the match.
- Ilja left as The Miz, then appeared, criticizing Hayes and his generation for not being hostile enough toward one another, and asked why he’s handing out opportunities. Hayes quickly shut him down by bluntly stating that Ilja gave him more of an opportunity than Miz ever did.
Camrelo Hayes (c) vs Ilja Dragunov – U.S. Title open challenge
In the first match of the show, Carmelo Hayes defended the United States titles against a bruised-up Ilja Dragunov. Both men once again tore the house down, delivering an incredible back-and-forth clash, setting the tone for the rest of the show.
However, the match ended unceremoniously as Miz interfered, shoving Ilja from the ropes as Hayes delivered the First 48 to retain the title, but was unhappy with the interference after he saw the replay.
Winner & Still: Carmelo Hayes
Grade: A
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Hayes and Ilja once again proved they’re incapable of having a bad match, as the two displayed incredible chemistry inside the squared circle.
- WWE and 2K officially unveiled the Attitude Era Edition during the show, with pre-orders set to begin on January 30. Early access will be included for those who purchase the Deluxe or Collector’s Edition.
Jacob Fatu crashes Cody Rhodes’ interview
The sit-down interview began with Michael Cole asking Cody Rhodes about losing the title. Cody said his focus was now on winning the Royal Rumble and getting back on the road to reclaim the championship. Cole then interrupted to ask about Jacob Fatu and Saturday Night’s Main Event. Fatu suddenly crashed the interview as Nick Aldis and security attempted to step in.
Rhodes asked Fatu to sit down and say what he had to say. Fatu revealed that his focus had been on Drew, stating that he was the one responsible for the backstage attack in October. Fatu explained that while he was locked in on Drew, Cody had to get involved and attack him. Rhodes fired back, saying that Fatu’s tendency to act without thinking was what got him locked up in the first place.
Fatu stepped into Cody’s face and said that the choices he made turned him into a better man. Rhodes responded by pointing out that he was no longer the WWE Champion because of Fatu, adding that their clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event should have been a title match.
Fatu shot back, claiming that Drew was already taken out by the time he arrived. Cody said it’s crazy that he thinks he’s got it figured out, and reminded Fatu that he had never competed in a title match. Fatu closed by saying he wasn’t like the Samoans Cody had faced before, insisting they don’t make men like him anymore. He added that he was very much in control and told Cody to think about that.
Michael Cole explained that Nick Aldis had both Cody and Jacob escorted out of the building following the interview to prevent their match from being put at risk.
Grade: B+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Chelsea Green offered Jordynne Grace a spot in the Secret Hervice. Jordynne appeared hesitant at first, but after Green said she wanted her at ringside for her match against Jade Cargill, she agreed and accompanied Green and Isla Fyre during their walkout.
- A promo aired, announcing Roman Reigns’ official entry into the 2026 Royal Rumble match.
Jade Cargill vs Chelsea Green
Jade Cargill faced off against Jordynne Grace, who was ring-side, and Chelsea Green capitalized, taking out Jade with a dive. However, the Women’s Champion fired back, taking out Alba Fyre, who tried to intervene and plant Green with the Jaded to pick up another win.
After the match, Grace picked up the microphone and officially declared for the Royal Rumble before challenging Jade to settle things immediately. Jade responded by saying it would happen on her time, then walked away.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Grade: C
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Not sure what another squash match was supposed to do for Jade, infact this could all have been a promo battle between Jade and Grace if WWE is building towards the clash.
- Cargill’s WWE Women’s title reign is now at 84 days with zero title defenses.
- Backstage, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were talking about the Royal Rumble. Bliss said it would be difficult to top last year’s event, prompting Flair to note that while she won, things didn’t exactly go her way at WrestleMania. Bliss replied that if not for WrestleMania, the two of them wouldn’t be teaming up now. They wrapped up the exchange by encouraging one another and forming heart hands before heading off.
- Solo Sikoa walked backstage with his MFT, carrying the lantern. Sikoa cut a promo, declaring that no one could stop their domination as long as he had the lantern. Sikoa confirmed he would compete in the Royal Rumble and stated his intention to win, aiming to bring even more gold to the MFT.
The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs The MFTs (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) – WWE Tag Team titles
Continuing the saga, the MFTs (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) challenged The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) for the WWE Tag Team titles. Solo handed the lantern to Talla Tonga and sent him backstage before the match. However, Talla arrived at the scene later in the match when Erik Rowan took out JC Mateo and Tonga Loa, who were trying to interfere in the match.
Talla took out Rowan with a big boot, but Uncle Howdy caught him with the Mandible Claw, until Solo took Howdy out with the Samaon Spike. Solo then picked up the lantern, hitting Lumis with it as Tonga followed it up with a cut throat to pin Lumis and capture the WWE Tag Team titles.
Winner & New: The MFTs (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga)
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- With the loss, Wyatt Sicks are firmly on the backfoot, not only did they lose the Tag Team titles, but failed to regain the lantern.
- Backstage, R-Truth once again handed his ball to Nick Aldis, announcing his entry into the Rumble match. AJ Styles then walked in as Aldis asked Styles if he was certain about putting his career on the line against Gunther. Styles confirmed he was and remarked that it was the disrespect that bothered him, and he wasn’t going to let Gunther decide when his own time was up. However, Aldis had more in mind when he called Styles to Montreal.
- Shinsuke Nakamura then appeared and asked Styles if he was willing to risk everything. Styles replied that if he didn’t step up to Gunther, he might as well have lost it all already. Nakamura challenged him to prove he was still “Phenomenal” in a match the following night at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Styles accepted. Nick Aldis made the match official between the two former rivals.
Nathan Frazer vs Johnny Gargano
Nathan Frazer took on Johnny Gargano, looking to reclaim his tag partner Axiom’s mask. Candice LeRae was in Gargano’s corner, while Axiom accompanied Frazer. As soon as it got tough for Gargano, LeRae interfered. Axiom stepped in, putting the stolen mask on LeRae. As Gargano tried to remove it, LeRae blasted him with a right hand, thinking it was Frazer.
Frazer then rolled up Gargano to pick up the win. LeRae finally got rid of the mask, but it was too late. Axiom picked up the mask and got back in the ring. LeRae stole the mask once again and ran away.
Winner: Nathan Frazer
Grade: B-
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Nia Jax and Lash Legend declared their entry into the 2026 women’s Rumble match.
Drew McIntyre addresses the challengers
McIntyre got right down to business, roasting the Montreal crowd and reminding them that in over 30 years, they hadn’t won the Stanley Cup, but now they had a Champion in him they could be proud of. He then slammed Fatu and Cody’s recent interview, clarifying that he wasn’t the one who attacked Fatu backstage, and if he had been, he would have been boasting about it.
Drew went on to address the number one contender’s four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, naming the opponents and issuing stern warnings. When he mentioned Sami, the arena erupted with massive OLE chants, which Drew drowned out as he held the microphone.
McIntyre then took aim at Sami personally, saying that Sami didn’t need to worry about disappointing his son, as he had been disappointed ever since he opened his eyes and realized Sami was his father. Drew concluded by stating he would do whatever it took to retain the title at the Royal Rumble and wished the potential challenger good luck, warning them they would need it.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Trick Williams ran into Rey Fenix, assuming Fenix was there to thank him for “making him famous” a few weeks earlier. Williams joked that it was no problem, claiming he enjoyed giving back, but Fenix cut him off, saying that wasn’t why he was there. Trick then promised that if he won tomorrow and next week, he’d give Fenix a title shot, if he remembered his name. Fenix assured him he would.
- Elsewhere, Kit Wilson was interviewed backstage. He declared that someone needed to be the hero and clean up the toxic masculinity in the locker room, pointing out that guys like Matt Cardona never questioned themselves. Cardona then appeared and asked what the issue was. Wilson fired back, criticizing Cardona, claiming he expected the world to bend around him. Cardona responded that if Wilson wanted to prove anything, they could settle it in the ring. Wilson countered that it was typical of him to choose violence whenever accountability came knocking.
Giulia & Kiana James vs Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax & Lash Legend – #1 Contenders triple threat match for the Women’s Tag Team titles
The team of Giulia & Kiana James, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Nia Jax & Lash Legend collided in a triple threat match to determine the number one contenders’ match for the Women’s Tag Team titles. In the chaotic showdown, Giulia and James came out on top, as James pinned Bliss to win the match and secure a future tag title shot.
Winner: Giulia & Kiana James
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Sami Zayn met with Damian Priest and clarified that he had no issue with Priest but said he would be keeping an eye on Trick Williams. Priest warned him that he had a habit of getting involved in other people’s business and told Sami to stay out of it tonight. Sami challenged him, asking, “Or what?” Priest replied that he knew what would happen, but Zayn shot back that Priest didn’t get to tell him where to go, this week or any week.
- Sami then walked off as the camera panned to reveal Drew McIntyreprompting Sami to walk up and deliver a hard slap across Drew’s face for the comments about his son earlier.
- Backstage, Cody Rhodes caught up with AJ Styles and wished him luck for the high-stakes match. He then approached his bus and noticed that Drew McIntyre had taped a photo of himself to the door window with the autograph reading “The Real American Dream.”
Damian Priest vs Trick Williams
In the main event of the show, Damian Priest and Trick Williams collided in singles action, ahead of their four-way clash at SNME. Sami Zayn arrived ringside during the match, keeping a close eye. However, things turned ugly when, in a ringside sequence, Williams shoved Priest into Zayn.
Sami then attacked Williams casuing the disqualification. Priest confronted Sami, but Zayn attacked him before turning his attention to Williams, just as Priest delivered a big boot. Williams then hit Sami with the Trick Shot and sent Priest crashing outside.
Williams began celebrating when Randy Orton appeared, taking him out with an RKO and then celebrating with the crowd. Sami got back to his feet and faced off with Orton, exchanging words, before Orton hit him with another RKO out of nowhere to close the show.
Winner: Trick Williams via DQ
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Cathy Kelly interviewed Giulia and Kiana James before the main event. Giulia spoke at length in Japanese, while James said they were going to become double champions. She then announced that Giulia would go on to win the Royal Rumble, becoming a triple champion.
- The show succeeded in building excitement for Saturday Night’s Main Event while continuing to develop ongoing storylines. That said, SmackDown has begun to struggle with the three-hour format and could benefit from bringing in more stars, particularly in the women’s division, to create deeper, more engaging feuds.
WWE SmackDown 01/23 Results
- Carmelo Hayes (c) defeated Ilja Dragunov – U.S. Title open challenge
- Jacob Fatu crashed Cody Rhodes’ interview
- Jade Cargill pinned Chelsea Green
- The MFTs (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) defeated The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (c) – WWE Tag Team titles
- Nathan Frazer pinned Johnny Gargano
- Giulia & Kiana James defeated Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax & Lash Legend – #1 Contenders triple threat match for the Women’s Tag Team titles
- Trick Williams vs Damian Priest ended in DQ as Sami Zayn attacked Williams
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown tonight?
The main event clash between Trick Williams and Damian Priest ended in DQ as Sami Zayn attacked Williams.
When and where will the first edition of SNME take place?
The January 24 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
When and where will the 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble take place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.
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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.