WWE is gearing up for an electrifying episode of SmackDown in London, and it’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the wrestling world! While one champion may face the possibility of losing their title this week, it certainly won’t be Drew McIntyre.
On January 16, 2026, WWE SmackDown will unfold at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. This event is significant as WWE has organized a tournament aiming to identify the next challenger for the WWE Championship at the highly anticipated Royal Rumble, set to take place in Saudi Arabia on January 31. All four opening round matches of this tournament are scheduled to occur during the London show, featuring some exciting matchups:
- Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz
- Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
- Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
These tournament bouts were already teased by WWE by the conclusion of last week's episode, but there’s more! Recently, it was announced that the London crowd will also witness a thrilling title match on SmackDown, with Carmelo Hayes set to defend his United States Championship in an open challenge. Speculation suggests that a UK competitor might step up to answer this challenge.
Since capturing the title at the end of 2025, Hayes has defended his championship successfully against notable opponents such as Johnny Gargano and Shinsuke Nakamura, showcasing his skill and determination.
Additionally, fans can expect to see Drew McIntyre make an appearance on the show as the newly crowned WWE Champion. It’s likely that the live audience in London will give McIntyre a rousing welcome, especially as he relishes the moment of celebrating his title victory.
Now, here’s where it gets intriguing—do you believe Carmelo Hayes will retain his United States Championship against a UK wrestler during SmackDown? And what kind of remarks do you anticipate from Drew McIntyre in his first televised appearance as the new champion? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, Cagesiders!
