London, are you ready for a night of WWE action? The OVO Arena Wembley is set to explode as WWE SmackDown brings the heat on January 16, 2026! But first, let's rewind to last week's shocking events.
The wrestling world is still reeling from Drew McIntyre's epic win over Cody Rhodes, claiming the Undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match. The match took a wild turn when Jacob Fatu made a surprise return, attacking both competitors during the Steel Cage segment. This controversial interference raises questions: Was it a fair victory? And what does it mean for the future of these three superstars?
Tonight, McIntyre returns to his homeland, the United Kingdom, to address the WWE Universe. He has some strong words for his critics and a message for the former champion, Cody Rhodes. But here's where it gets intriguing: McIntyre reveals a clause in their match contract, preventing Rhodes from challenging him to a rematch! Will this settle the score or ignite an even bigger feud?
As if that wasn't enough, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has organized a series of qualifiers to determine the next #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Four superstars will battle it out in a Four-Way Match at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event. The qualifiers are set, and the action is guaranteed! Randy Orton takes on The Miz, Damian Priest faces Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn collides with Ilja Dragunov, and Trick Williams goes against Matt Cardona. Who will secure their spot in the main event?
In the women's division, former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair reunite to challenge the reigning Women's United States Champion Giulia and Kiana James. Bliss, still hungry after her unsuccessful title challenge last week, looks to prove herself with Flair by her side.
United States Champion Carmelo Hayes continues his open challenge series, inviting all comers after recent successful defenses against Johnny Gargano and Shinsuke Nakamura. Who will step up to the plate this week?
Stay tuned as we bring you all the action, live! Our commentators, Corey Graves and Joe Tessitore, kick things off with a recap of the historic McIntyre vs. Rhodes match. Then, Drew McIntyre makes his grand entrance, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes. What will the new champion have to say? Find out now!
