WWE SmackDown Preview (1/9/26) – Battle in Berlin

The first SmackDown of 2026 brought the fire to ring in the new year right. We saw a return of a legend, a couple of call-ups of two massive NXT stars, a free agent signing, as well as an #AndNEW champion in a span of one night. That said, WWE is not about to take the pedal off the metal as they take over Berlin, Germany, in one of the biggest SmackDowns in recent memory. Without further ado, here’s a WWE SmackDown preview for January 9, 2026, live from Berlin, Germany.

Whoop That Trick

Trick Williams made his SmackDown debut on last week’s January 2, 2026, episode, making a massive statement against a Friday night veteran. Despite getting schooled on his first night on the Blue brand, Trick did not stop there and proceeded to antagonize anyone he saw in his path. Unfortunately for him, the first person he saw was the phenomenal Rey Fenix.

Fenix, being one of the most prolific high-flyers in the WWE today and a respected member of the locker room, did not take too kindly to Trick Williams pushing his weight around in his debut. Before things got heated, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis would intervene and make it official. In Berlin, Trick Williams will have his in-ring SmackDown debut against none other than Fenix.

Both men have been impressive, thus far, in their respective careers, and the WWE Universe will get treat and a glimpse into the future of the company for the next decade to come.

It’s Trick Williams versus Rey Fenix; first time ever! Who will strike first and notch the win in Germany?

To Hell and Back

Personal can’t even begin to explain the situation between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his arch-enemy, Drew McIntyre. McIntyre has violated Rhodes in so many ways, entering his personal travel bus to get to his family and personal belongings, as well as assaulting him on every occasion.

This rivalry reached a fever pitch this past week on SmackDown, as McIntyre did the unthinkable and disrespected a legend, and the father of Cody, the “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. McIntyre, for the lack of a better statement, has gotten under the skin of Cody Rhodes, and the “American Nightmare” will bring his darkest side in Berlin to not only defend his Undisputed WWE Title but potentially end Drew McIntyre altogether.

McIntyre feels like Rhodes is being protected and he’s getting screwed for it, doing anything it takes to finally “get his due.” Unfortunately, McIntyre has awakened something in Cody that we have not seen before, something more sinister, and Rhodes will not only fight Drew for the title, but for his career come Friday night in Berlin, Germany.

Will Drew McIntyre finally realize his dream of becoming Undisputed WWE Champion once again? Or will Cody Rhodes do the unthinkable and end Drew McIntyre entirely?

WWE SmackDown Preview and Match Card (1/9/26):