WWE SmackDown aired tonight, Jan. 17, 2026, from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. The show continues the build toward the Royal Rumble premium live event later this month in Saudi Arabia.
Drew McIntyre appeared on television for the first time as WWE Champion after winning the title in a Three Stages of Hell match last week. Qualifying matches decided a Fatal 4-Way to determine his next challenger. Carmelo Hayes also issues another WWE United States Championship open challenge.
WWE SmackDown Highlights
Drew McIntyre opens the show
The show started with Drew McIntyre making his way to the ring with a band of bagpipers in full highland gear.
Drew said he prayed for this moment, and now it had happened. The crowd chanted, “You deserve it.” He called himself the undisputed WWE Champion and the first British WWE Champion, saying he could bring people together despite the tough years in the UK. He then said the support felt great, but added, “screw you.” He asked where everyone was when he was fired, when Roman Reigns and The Bloodline held him down, and when Cody Rhodes kept winning with help from referees. He said the fans cheered others instead and did nothing for him.
Randy Orton then came out. Drew assumed Randy was there to congratulate him, but Randy said he was not. Randy reminded Drew that months earlier, Drew had a chance to put him through the announce desk and chose not to. Randy said that when he gets his chance, he will not hesitate, and he plans to win the title again with the RKO.
Jacob Fatu then appeared and attacked Drew in the ring, taking him outside and smashing his face into the announce desk. Suddenly, The Miz attacked Randy Orton from behind with the Skull-Crushing Finale, leaving Orton laid out as the show went to break.
WWE Undisputed Championship Qualifying Match – Randy Orton vs the Miz
Randy Orton faced The Miz in a WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match.
The match was already underway after the break, with both men brawling outside. The Miz back suplexed Orton into the announce desk, but Orton fought back with lariats and a snap scoop powerslam.
The Miz tried to finish Orton, but Orton avoided trouble, blocked an RKO counter, survived a quick pin attempt, and then hit a clean RKO.
Randy Orton won by pinfall and qualified for the four-way match to decide the next challenger to Drew McIntyre’s championship.
Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs Giulia & Kiana James
Alexa Bliss and Kiana James started the match. Kiana shoved Alexa, but Alexa answered with slaps, a knee, and a dropkick. Kiana hit a snap suplex before Alexa tagged in Charlotte Flair. Charlotte and Giulia traded strikes until Kiana and Alexa tagged in. Alexa caught Kiana and hit Sister Abigail with a DDT for the pin.
After the match, Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked Alexa and Charlotte. Giulia faced off with Nia Jax, but Kiana pulled Giulia away.
WWE Undisputed Championship Qualifying Match – Matt Cardona vs Trick Williams
Matt Cardona and Trick Williams started with a lock-up and early stalemate. Trick shoved and posed, while Cardona answered with a double-leg takedown and punches in the corner. After some action, Trick avoided the Broski Boot on the floor, but Cardona still connected through the ropes. Trick pulled Cardona back in, hit the Cyclone Kill for a near fall, then finished with the Trick Shot.
Trick Williams won by pinfall and qualified for the four-way WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship #1 contender’s match.
WWE Undisputed Championship Qualifying Match – Damian Priest vs Solo Sikoa
The Damian Priest vs Solo Sikoa match was physical, with both men trading strikes and big moves. Talla Tonga interfered but was ejected by the referee. Tonga Loa later tried to interfere and was taken out by Priest. The lights went out, and the Wyatts appeared, causing chaos at ringside. Damian Priest hit South of Heaven and pinned Solo Sikoa. Priest qualified for the four-way #1 contender’s match. After the match, Solo Sikoa kept possession of the lantern when Talla Tonga stopped Uncle Howdy.
Carmelo Hayes vs Leon Slater
Carmelo Hayes defended the WWE Men’s United States Championship against Leon Slater in an open challenge. Hayes fought through leg pain and survived multiple big moves, including a Codebreaker and a 450 splash attempt. In the end, Carmelo Hayes hit an avalanche Final Cut and pinned Leon Slater. Hayes retained the United States Championship.
Chelsea Green vs Jordynne Grace
Jordynne Grace faced Chelsea Green, with Jade Cargill watching from ringside. Chelsea’s slaps had no impact, while Grace controlled most of the match with power moves. Alba Fyre interfered with a superkick to help Green, but it did not change the result. Jordynne Grace won by pinfall using a jackknife pin.
WWE Undisputed Championship Qualifying Match – Sami Zayn vs Ilja Dragunov
Sami Zayn defeated Ilja Dragunov by pinfall. The match was very physical, with heavy chops, forearms, and suplexes from both men. Ilja controlled long stretches and hit moves like the Konstantin Special and Torpedo Moscow, even busting Sami open. Sami later hit an exploder into the corner and finished the match with the Helluva Kick. After the match, Trick Williams attacked Sami Zayn with a Northern Lariat and a jumping knee.
FAQs
Q. Who is the WWE Undisputed Men’s Champion?
A. Drew McIntyre is the current WWE Undisputed Men’s Champion.
Q. Who answered Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship Open Challenge?
A. TNA X-DIVISION Champion Leon Slater answered the United States Championship Open Challenge.
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