WWE SmackDown: A Night of Shifting Sands and New Beginnings in London!
LONDON, ENGLAND - January 16, 2026. The OVO Arena Wembley buzzed with anticipation as WWE SmackDown rolled into town. With a three-hour format now a staple, the blue brand delivered, especially with the high stakes leading up to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. But what were the key takeaways from this electrifying night?
Drew McIntyre's Reign Begins, But What's Next for Cody Rhodes?
Drew McIntyre, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion, wasted no time making his presence felt. He immediately declared no rematch for Cody Rhodes, effectively sidelining "The American Nightmare." This bold move opened the door for Randy Orton and the unexpected arrival of Jacob Fatu. This segment masterfully highlighted the many contenders vying for the title, fueling the excitement for the Royal Rumble. But here's where it gets controversial: Rhodes received a mixed reaction from the crowd, a stark contrast to the support he once enjoyed. Did his reign grow stale? Rhodes admitted as much, but still, he captivated the audience with his mic skills, name-dropping WhatCulture Pro Wrestling and London's deserving of a WrestleMania event. He then declared himself the first entrant in the Royal Rumble. The night concluded with a brawl between Rhodes and Fatu, making it clear that Rhodes' focus has shifted. This new program with Fatu is expected to carry into the Royal Rumble and potentially beyond. The big question is, what does this mean for WrestleMania, especially if a third match with Roman Reigns is off the table?
Leon Slater's Big Opportunity
WWE is clearly high on Leon Slater. He's already made appearances across multiple platforms. He stepped up to answer an open challenge from Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship. While Slater lost, the opportunity was huge for the 21-year-old from England. It's a massive step for him to get a main roster opportunity. He's involved in both WWE and TNA, which gives fans multiple places to see one of the brightest young talents in the business continue to develop.
Fatal Four-Way Set for Saturday Night’s Main Event
WWE finalized the fatal four-way match to determine the new No. 1 contender for Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship. The results were:
- Randy Orton defeated The Miz.
- Trick Williams defeated Matt Cardona.
- Damian Priest defeated Solo Sikoa.
- Sami Zayn defeated Ilja Dragunov.
These four competitors will battle it out on Saturday, January 24th, in what promises to be a thrilling match. Who do you think will come out on top and challenge Drew McIntyre? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
SmackDown delivered a night of surprises and set the stage for an exciting road to WrestleMania. With new rivalries brewing and fresh faces emerging, the WWE Universe has plenty to look forward to. What were your favorite moments from the show? Let's discuss!
