WWE SmackDown: A Night of Shifting Sands and New Beginnings (January 16, 2026)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Drew McIntyre, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion, stands tall during SmackDown at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. (Photo by Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
The wrestling world is buzzing, and SmackDown's latest episode delivered a night of surprises and strategic moves. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the three-hour format, the show has been consistently strong, especially with the high stakes leading up to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. This particular episode was no exception, packed with matches and storylines that set the stage for the future.
What's next for Cody Rhodes?
Last week, WWE made a bold move by putting the championship on Drew McIntyre, a decision that felt long overdue for the Scottish Warrior. But the real test wasn't the win itself; it was the aftermath. McIntyre immediately shut down any rematch with Cody Rhodes, effectively removing 'The American Nightmare' from the title picture. This opened the door for Randy Orton, who sought revenge, but things took an unexpected turn when Jacob Fatu entered the fray. This segment effectively highlighted the many contenders vying for the title, fueled by the No. 1 Contenders matches and the Royal Rumble's looming presence.
Cody Rhodes' entrance brought a mixed reaction from the crowd, reflecting the current state of play. The crowd's response wasn't as enthusiastic as before, particularly in McIntyre's territory. Rhodes himself acknowledged his reign had become stale, a sentiment that resonated with fans. However, Rhodes proved his worth on the microphone, winning the crowd back by mentioning WhatCulture Pro Wrestling, praising London as a city deserving of WrestleMania, and declaring his entry into the Royal Rumble.
By the end of the night, Rhodes' focus shifted. He called out Fatu for his interference in the WWE Championship Three Stages of Hell match. The two brawled to close the show, solidifying Cody's new direction. While Rhodes will undoubtedly remain in the title picture, he needs a distraction and a break, which is being built with Fatu. This program is expected to continue into the Royal Rumble and potentially beyond. But here's where it gets controversial...
Could this mean a third match with Roman Reigns is off the table for WrestleMania?
Leon Slater's Big Opportunity
WWE clearly has high hopes for Leon Slater. He's appeared on multiple platforms, including Saturday Night’s Main Event and NXT. He was even scheduled to appear on TNA's first AMC show before being pulled. That decision made sense once it became clear why. Slater was brought in to answer Carmelo Hayes' open challenge on SmackDown for the United States Championship.
Slater lost, but the result felt secondary. For a 21-year-old talent from England, getting a main roster opportunity is a massive step. The international connection made the moment even more special. It's a matter of when, not if, Slater becomes a full-time WWE roster member. He's involved with both WWE and TNA, providing fans with multiple platforms to witness his development. Let's not forget Hayes, who had an amazing second half of 2025 and is finally gaining momentum.
WWE Sets Fatal Four-Way 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 quickly.
- Matt Cardona's return is a nice boost, but Trick Williams is the star WWE is preparing to elevate.
- Damian Priest went over Solo Sikoa, who seems tied up with the Wyatt Sicks.
- Sami Zayn might face McIntyre, revisiting their old rivalry. He defeated Ilja Dragunov in the main event.
These four will compete on Saturday, January 24th. No matter who wins, it should be an exciting match to headline Saturday Night’s Main Event.
What did you think of the latest SmackDown episode? Do you agree with the direction of the storylines? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
