Show Name: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Location: To Be Announced, USA
Broadcast On: USA Network (USA) & Netflix (International)
Event Type: Weekly flagship WWE SmackDown television show
Available In: Full HD (1080p)
HD Server Part-1 (Ad Free)
HD Server Part-2 (Ad Free)
HD Server Part-3 (Ad Free)
WWE SmackDown – January 2, 2026 Preview
Friday Night SmackDown kicks off 2026 with a huge statement as the blue brand officially returns to a three-hour format, promising bigger matches, deeper storylines, and more opportunities for the roster to shine. The first SmackDown of the year features grudge matches, women’s division showcases, and a brutal main event that looks to finally end one of WWE’s most violent rivalries.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Division takes center stage in a blockbuster Eight-Woman Tag Team Match, as Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY collide with The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane), Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. With championship ambitions running high, every competitor will be looking to make a statement and stake a claim for tag team gold in 2026.
The night’s main event is nothing short of chaos. Damian Priest and Aleister Black meet once again, this time in an Ambulance Match. After months of brutality, mind games, and interference, both men are determined to put an end to their rivalry by any means necessary. The stipulation is simple: incapacitate your opponent and load them into the ambulance to win. This match is being hyped as the definitive conclusion to their war.
Elsewhere on the show, Jade Cargill continues her dominant rise as she faces Michin in singles competition. Major storyline developments are also expected as WWE builds toward a massive Three Stages of Hell Match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Fans will also get updates on the futures of Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and Joe Hendry, with the possibility of surprise returns or debuts to fill out the expanded three-hour runtime.
WWE SmackDown – January 2, 2026 Match Card
Ambulance Match
Damian Priest vs. Aleister BlackEight-Woman Tag Team Match
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
vs.
Asuka & Kairi Sane (The Kabuki Warriors), Nia Jax & Lash LegendSingles Match
Jade Cargill vs. MichinStoryline Progression
Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes – Three Stages of Hell build continuesOngoing Feuds & Segments
Chelsea Green vs. Giulia rivalry developments
What’s next for Carmelo Hayes (United States Champion)
What’s next for Trick Williams
What’s next for Joe HendryPossible returns or debuts
More matches to be announced
