The January 16 episode of Friday Night SmackDown is shaping up to be an exciting show as WWE’s blue brand continues its European tour. The company has planned a strong lineup to keep fans engaged from start to finish, with plenty of action and memorable moments expected throughout the night. Tonight’s WWE SmackDown promises to deliver high drama and storylines that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With appearances from Drew McIntyre and more, it’s bound to be a show you won’t want to miss. WWE SmackDown will air from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, starting at 8 PM ET.

Fresh off his Three Stages of Hell win, Drew McIntyre returns to SmackDown as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Considering how Jacob Fatu essentially helped him win the match, we’ll have to see whether the Samoan Werewolf will confront him during the show. Four qualifying matches will take place, with the winners advancing to a four way at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The winner will then get a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, so it remains to be seen who will advance in the tournament. Carmelo Hayes once again puts the United States Championship on the line in an open challenge. Hayes has managed to successfully retain his title so far, so fans are waiting to see who will step up to the plate this week.

Some of these competitors had notable nights over the past few weeks. On the 2026 New Year’s Edition of SmackDown, Randy Orton made his return to WWE, hitting The Miz with multiple RKOs, and doing the same on this week’s show for good measure. Orton is on the hunt for world title number 15th, and he’s more dangerous than ever. Despite that, Trick Williams still messed with the “Viper” this week, receiving a beatdown from the “Apex Predator” for his efforts. Fortunately, Trick did score a massive win in his SmackDown in-ring debut, as he took down Rey Fenix by any means necessary. Speaking of taking anyone out by any means, Damian Priest, two weeks ago, obliterated Aleister Black in their Ambulance Match, finally ending their months-long rivalry. Priest was interviewed backstage and made it known that he has his eyes set on the Undisputed WWE Championship, and so is Matt Cardona, who recently returned to the company and scored a win on his first night back.