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Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jacob Fatu during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

SmackDown Results 01.16.26: Zayn Vs. Dragunov Highlights Contender Series

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 9:19 AM ET

These SmackDown results are from the January 16, 2026, episode at the OVO Arena Wembley in London. It was largely filled with four matches to determine who would participate in a fatal four-way to determine the number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Throw in a couple of women’s matches and some cross-company promotion, and out pops the next step towards the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.

Undisputed WWE Championship Picture

SmackDown opened this week with a celebration for the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre. He came to the ring with a special introduction, including a band of bagpipes. After announcing he snuck a clause into his title match stating he’s not obligated to give the former champion a rematch, the “Viper” Randy Orton made an appearance.

Orton made his championship intentions clear when Jacob Fatu joined the fray. The Samoan Werewolf had far less to say, simply jumping McIntyre the instant he entered the ring. The Miz took the opportunity to jump The Viper from behind, setting up the first match of the evening.

SmackDown Results – Qualifier #1

The first match of the night was also the first of the qualifying matches. The Miz’s plan to jump Orton before the bell did not work out, and the segment quickly became a squash match in Orton’s favor. The Viper’s chances at the title are alive and well.

SmackDown Results – Women’s Tag Action

The next match of the evening was Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair taking on Giulia and Kiana James. The match was short and delivered nothing exceptional. Bliss got the pin before Nia Jax and Lash Legend started a fight with both teams to end the segment.

Cody Rhodes Has Plans

The next segment saw Cody Rhodes, fresh off losing his title to McIntyre, come to the ring for a promo. He’d be the first one to claim a spot in the upcoming Royal Rumble. He’d also let Fatu know it’s on sight before ending the segment.

SmackDown Results – Qualifier #2

Trick Williams and Matt Cardona faced off next, which was also part of the qualifying matches. It was another relatively short qualifier match. They have no long-term plans for Cardona, as he’s jobbing out once again in this one.

Kit Wilson made his way to the ring, jumping the worn-down Cardona on the way. His party was short-lived, as Fatu took care of that problem so he could call Rhodes to the ring. The former champion was not deterred, and the brawl was on. The segment ended with the stereotypical security break-up.

SmackDown Results – Qualifier #3

Damian Priest versus Solo Sikoa was next. The MFTs did their entrance while carrying the lantern of the Wyatt Sicks. It didn’t take long after the bell rang for the original owners to appear, with vengeance on their mind. This distraction was enough to cost Sikoa the match. It appeared Uncle Howdy would come out on top, but Tama Tonga took him out unexpectedly to end the segment.

The MFTs were NOT ready for The Wyatt Sicks pic.twitter.com/a9syNBFoa9
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2026

US Title Open Challenge

WWE United States Champion Carmello Hayes continued the tradition of the open challenge. TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater answered the call on this night. Both men showed a lightning-quick pace, along with smooth reversals and entertaining high spots. Hayes hit an avalanche-cutter to get the pin.

Women’s WWE Title Picture

The next match was Chelsea Green versus Jordynne Grace. It’s odd to see Green go from former Women’s WWE United States Champion to jobbing in a glorified squash match. Grace is now being moved into the WWE Women’s Championship picture, having a moment with the current champ, Jade Cargill, after the match.

.@JordynneGrace is coming for that title, @Jade_Cargill! pic.twitter.com/ptpMD9AhHN
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2026

SmackDown Results – Qualifier #4

The next number one contender match qualifier featured Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn. This was a fantastic physical matchup from two men who truly love and appreciate the business – easily the match of the night. It was certainly the only one with color and believable false finishes. Zayn would ultimately win after hitting a Helleuva Kick, only to be jumped by Williams to end the show.

Click here to review the Three Stages of Hell match in which McIntyre defeated Rhodes for the title.

End Of My SmackDown Results Rant

Zayn, Priest, Williams, and Orton advance to the fatal four-way to determine McIntyre’s next challenger. This will occur on January 24, 2026, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as part of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Who will advance to challenge the Scottish Psychopath?

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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