WWE SmackDown Spoilers & Results (January 16, 2026): Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu announced for SNME; Sami Zayn pins Ilja Dragunov in another epic showdown & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Drew McIntyre celebrates with the London crowd, Trick Williams attacks Sami Zayn & more!
In the aftermath of last week’s SmackDown that saw the coronation of a new Champion in Drew McIntyre, WWE tonight delivered the January 16 episode of the Blue brand from The OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.
WWE had announced several exciting 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, which will take place at the upcoming SNME.
United States Champion Carmelo Hayes continued the Open Challenge, while the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre also made an appearance. Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 01/16 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
Oh, Drew McIntyre!
After a special entrance, Drew celebrated the title win with the London crowd, before picking up the mic and saying that he had prayed for this moment, and it happened. McIntyre noted that the UK had been through a couple of rough years, but said the one person who brought everyone together was the first-ever British WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre.
Drew thanked the crowd for the gratitude they had shown him since last week, then immediately turned on them, telling them to screw themselves. He asked where the fans were when he was fired and when Roman Reigns and The Bloodline were making his life hell, saying there was no uprising then.
McIntyre continued by questioning where the fans were when CM Punk was terrorizing him, adding that the only person he needed to thank was himself. He then turned his attention to Cody Rhodes, repeatedly referring to him as a “former champion.”
Drew said he would save Cody some time, revealing that he had asked GM Nick Aldis to include a clause in the contract stating there would be no rematch. He declared that Cody would have to work his way back up, proclaiming, “There will be no rematch. The vanilla QB1 era is over.”
Randy Orton then appeared, prompting McIntyre to ask if Orton had come out to congratulate him. Orton responded that he was not there to congratulate Drew, but to remind him that a few months earlier, Drew had the chance to kick his head through the announce desk and chose not to. Orton warned that if he got another opportunity, he would not hesitate.
Orton said he had beaten Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship before and planned to do it again. As he clarified his championship intentions, Jacob Fatu’s music hit, and the Samoan Werewolf arrived.
McIntyre attempted to reason with Fatu, but Fatu immediately went after the champion, sending him to the outside. McIntyre shoved Fatu into the ring post and tried to escape, but Fatu chased him back toward the ring. As the chaos unfolded, The Miz suddenly struck Orton with a Skull Crushing Finale, flattening The Viper.
Grade: B+
Qualifying match for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME: Randy Orton vs The Miz
Still feeling the effects of the Skull Crushing final, Randy Orton continued the clash against The Miz, fighting his way back into the match to counter a third Skull Crushing Finale, before hitting the RKO out of nowhere to pin Miz and secure a place in the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal four-way match at SNME next week.
Winner: Randy Orton
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Miz’s losing streak continued with another defeat tonight. He is now on a 23-month skid, with his last televised singles victory coming on February 5, 2024, when he defeated JD McDonagh.
- A visibly paranoid Drew McIntyre ran into Ilja Dragunov backstage. Dragunov introduced himself and said he would be McIntyre’s first challenger. McIntyre welcomed the challenge before hurriedly rushing off to hide from Jacob Fatu.
- In a VHS promo, Bo Dallas and The Wyatt Sicks sent a warning to Solo Sikoa and MFT. Bo said the lantern was never meant to be used as a weapon, explaining that it was carried through the darkness so the darkness would not consume them. Bo vowed that they would not stop until it was returned home.
- Backstage, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair reunited. Alexa vented to Charlotte about what happened to her last week and asked if Charlotte had truly been sick. Charlotte confirmed that she was, and the two reaffirmed that they had each other’s backs. Nia Jax and Lash Legend later attempted to offer Charlotte advice about Bliss in an effort to create tension, but Charlotte quickly shut them down.
Giulia & Kiana James vs Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair – Tag Team match
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair battled Women’s US Champion Giulia and her manager, Kiana James, in a tag team match, which saw the two displaying their incredible timing and coordination. Bliss delivered the Sister Abigail DDT to pin James and win the match.
After the match, Nia Jax and Lash Legend appeared and took out Giulia and James before turning their attention to attacking Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Giulia then stepped into the ring to confront Nia, while James moved in to pull her away and try to defuse the situation.
Winner: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Solo Sikoa sent a message to Bo Dallas, agreeing that the lantern represented more than just an object. He claimed he could see millions of “fireflies” around the world and said they were now in his possession. Solo added that if Bo and The Wyatt Sicks wanted the lantern back, they would have to put the Tag Team Titles on the line.
The American Nightmare
Cody Rhodes opened the segment to mixed reactions from the London crowd. He noted that the chants sounded a little different, adding that the reaction felt almost episodic. “Oh, Drew McIntyre” chants broke out as Cody continued, saying he wanted to talk about the WWE Champion.
Cody said he hadn’t just been the company’s champion, but the fans’ champion as well. However, he questioned whether he had become predictable over time or if Drew McIntyre was simply that good. He then brought up the Royal Rumble, saying he loved the long shot and hinting at the possibility of winning it for a third time.
Cody added that in a city he believed deserved a WrestleMania, which brought loud cheers as he continued stating that if there were no rematch clause in the contract, he would take the old-fashioned route.
Rhodes then officially announced his entry into the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble match before turning his attention to Jacob Fatu, saying Fatu had the biggest receipt coming his way. He added that Fatu could either come out and face him, or Cody would track him down and handle it himself.
Grade: B+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- The initially anti-Cody crowd shifted in his favor once he mentioned that London deserved a WrestleMania.
Qualifying match for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME: Matt Cardona vs Trick Williams
In the second qualifying match, Trick Williams defeated Matt Cardona after delivering the Trickshot to secure second place. Kit Wilson appeared after the match and, out of nowhere, attacked Matt Cardona ringside, before stepping into the ring to celebrate with the crowd.
Suddenly, Jacob Fatu appeared from behind and took Wilson down with a superkick. He followed it up with a moonsault from the ropes. Fatu then grabbed the mic and said that if Cody had something to say, he should bring his ass right there.
Cody Rhodes rushed into the ring, sparking a brawl between the two. They continued to batter each other until security rushed in to separate them. Rhodes managed to break free and attacked Fatu again, while GM Nick Aldis tried to diffuse the situation.
Winner: Trick Williams
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- A singles match between Cody and Fatu was announced for next week’s SNME.
- Backstage, Damian Priest spoke with Cathy Kelley ahead of the match with Solo and stated that he doesn’t care if he has to beat all the MFTs; he’ll get the title from McIntyre.
Qualifying match for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME: Damian Priest vs Solo Sikoa
In the third qualifying match, Solo Sikoa took on Damian Priest, with the MFTs by his side, as they helped him take control of the action. Referee catches Talla Tonga interfering in the match and bans him from the ringside. The Wyatt Sicks glitch appears moments later, and the faction attacks the MFTs. Uncle Howdy sent Mateo over the barricade and went to grab the lantern, but Solo attacked him, taking the lantern back into the ring.
Priest capitalized on the distraction, hitting the South of Heaven to pin Solo and secure his spot in the fatal four-way at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Uncle Howdy grabbed the lantern after the match, but Talla Tonga attacked him with a big boot and took the lantern back, handing it to Solo.
Winner: Damian Priest
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Sami Zayn ran into Drew McIntyre backstage, where McIntyre mocked him for thinking Cody would win the previous week. Sami responded that he would see Drew at the Rumble. Drew reminded him that he had defeated Sami 11 times, while Sami had never beaten him.
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs Leon Slater – U.S Title Open Challenge
TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater answers the United States title open challenge, battling Carmelo Hayes in a fast-paced action that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite an impressive showing, Hayes delivered a massive cutter from the top rope to pin Slater and retain the title.
Winner: Carmelo Hayes
Grade: B++
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Hayes was struggling with his left knee throughout the match, not sure if he tweaked it. It definitely wasn’t part of the match as Leon would have capitalized on it.
- Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura watched the US title match when Tama Tonga approached and mocked him for no longer holding the title. Tama declared that the US Championship would be his once the MFT reclaimed the Tag Team titles. Nakamura responded in Japanese.
- Backstage, Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano were laughing about their recent antics with Axiom’s mask. Axiom suddenly appeared, and LaRae quickly ran off with the mask. Nathan Frazer, in Axiom’s mask, then attacked Gargano, confusing him, before revealing that he had talked to Nick Aldis and they would have a match next week
Jordynne Grace vs Chelsea Green
In her second in-ring appearance, since signing with the SmackDown brand, Jordynne Grace defeated Chelsea Green in basically a squash match to register her second win. Grace picked up the mic after the match and called out the Champion. She told Jade that it was extremely important for her to know what was coming.
Grace then challenged Jade, saying that if she was tired of babysitting the title, she should get into the ring right then and there. Cargill climbed onto the apron with the title as Green ran in to attack, but Grace ducked, causing Green to accidentally take out Cargill instead. Grace picked up the title, flaunted it for a moment, then tossed it in front of Jade.
Winner: Jordynne Grace
Grade: C
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Jade Cargill has yet to defend her title in her reign, which is now in its third month. Perhaps the feud with Jordynne Grace will be the catalyst for that defense.
- Cathy Kelley interviewed Trick Williams, who called out Randy Orton and Damian Priest while sending a warning to the entire SmackDown roster. Priest then walked up and suggested they face off one-on-one next Friday, ahead of the fatal four-way at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Qualifying match for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME: Sami Zayn vs Ilja Dragunov
In the main event of the show, Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov locked horns in the final qualifying match. Both men went above and beyond fans’ expectations to deliver another thrilling clash, where Zayn landed the more vicious blow and pinned Dragunov to win the match. Trick Williams attacked Sami Zayn after the match to close out the show.
Winner: Sami Zayn
Grade: B++
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Sami secured the fourth and final place and also avenged his loss to Ilja during their encounter in the US title open challenge, issued by the then Champion, Sami.
- Overall, it was another great show, with multiple good matches and segments.
WWE SmackDown 01/16 Results
- Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair defeated Giulia & Kiana James – Tag Team match
- Cody Rhodes officially declared for the 2026 Royal Rumble
- Carmelo Hayes (c) pinned Leon Slater – U.S Title Open Challenge
- Jordynne Grace pinned Chelsea Green
- Qualifying matches for the #1 Contender’s (Undisputed WWE title) fatal 4-way match at SNME:
- Randy Orton defeated The Miz
- Trick Williams pinned Matt Cardona
- Damian Priest defeated Solo Sikoa
- Sami Zayn defeated Ilja Dragunov
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown tonight?
Sami Zayn defeated Ilja Dragunov to secure the final spot in the number contenders’ fatal four-way match for the Undisputed title.
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.