WWE SmackDown Preview (1/16/26) – London Calling in the OVO

The January 16, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown keeps the ball rolling after the first two amazing editions of the Blue brand to ring in the new year. Last week’s edition was one that you didn’t want to miss, with debuts, as well as a huge return and title change. This week, WWE stokes that fire even larger with a stacked card as they visit The OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. Now that you know everything there is, here’s a WWE SmackDown preview for January 16, 2026, live from London.

Let’s run it down.

Road to the Rumble

On the latest installment of WWE SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis made a huge announcement regarding the next contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship, wherein eight competitors will fight for the right to challenge the champion at the upcoming Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event. This week, these men go through the gauntlet to secure their spot in Saudi Arabia.

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.

Solo Sikoa also managed to lead MFT to a win over The Wyatt Sicks in Germany. WWE Universe, there are a ton of winners in this mini-tournament who are hungry to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Luckily, we have four huge matches, which will culminate at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII to determine the challenger at the Royal Rumble.

Every one of these men has a claim to be the one, but who will come out on top?

Find out this Friday night on WWE SmackDown in London, which you can catch only on The USA Network and Netflix!

WWE SmackDown Preview and Match Card (1/16/26):