WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time, matches announced and current Royal Rumble card
Could this evening be one of the last few times the WWE Universe will see AJ Styles on the blue brand?
While Styles has recently stated that 2026 would be his final year in the ring, retirement may come much sooner than anyone anticipated.
After a controversial loss to Gunther on RAW earlier this month (where the referee missed the Ring General tapping out), Styles demanded a rematch. Gunther eventually agreed, but only on one condition: AJ Styles must put his career on the line.
After discussing it with his family, Styles accepted the high-stakes ultimatum for the Royal Rumble on January 31.
Tonight, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has invited his old friend back to the "House that AJ Styles Built" to address the WWE Universe.
With the clock ticking on his legendary career, could this appearance be the beginning of a final farewell for one of the greatest to ever step inside the squared circle?
With SmackDown taking place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the same site that WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event is being held over the weekend, could we also potentially see an appearance from Sami Zayn ahead of his chance to earn a WWE Undisputed Championship match against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble next week?
Here’s your WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview, including what time we’ll need to stay up to watch the show in the United Kingdom after the company’s European tour.
What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight?
It was fun having those early WWE starts while they lasted, but it’s back to regular programming this evening.
The latest episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown will air live on Netflix from 1am on January 24, with on-demand repeats available shortly after the show’s initial broadcast.
What has been confirmed so far for tonight’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown?
WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (c) v The MFTs
After a chaotic no-contest in their last encounter, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis of The Wyatt Sicks put their titles on the line against Solo Sikoa’s enforcers.
Sikoa has been playing mind games with the champions, even going as far as stealing Uncle Howdy’s lantern. While the specific pairing from the Bloodline's MFTs remains unconfirmed, the Wyatt Sicks have made it clear they won't rest until the "light" is returned home.
Trick Williams v Damian Priest
Two of the four men set for tomorrow night's high-stakes Fatal 4-Way collide tonight.
Both Trick Williams and Damian Priest secured their spots at Saturday Night’s Main Event with hard-fought qualifying wins last week. Priest issued the challenge to the newcomer to see if Trick truly has what it takes to hang with ‘The Punisher’ before they both vie for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Nathan Frazer v Johnny Gargano
The personal rivalry between the speedsters of NXT and ‘Johnny Wrestling’ reaches a boiling point.
Johnny Gargano has spent weeks taunting Axiom, even stealing his mask. Last week, Nathan Frazer evened the odds by attacking Gargano while wearing an Axiom mask himself.
Tonight, Frazer looks to retrieve his partner's mask and settle the score in what promises to be a lightning-fast encounter.
No. 1 Contenders Triple Threat: Giulia & Kiana James v Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss v Nia Jax & Lash Legend
The Women’s Tag Team division is wide open, and three powerhouse duos are fighting for a chance at the gold.
Giulia and Kiana James have been a thorn in the side of the established veterans, while the volatile pairing of Nia Jax and Lash Legend has left a trail of destruction in their wake.
For Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, this is a chance to prove their recent partnership can lead them back to championship glory.
What matches have been confirmed so far for WWE Royal Rumble 2026?
Little over a week ahead of the first of the WWE’s ‘Big Four’ PLE’s this year, and the card for the Royal Rumble in Riyadh is starting to fill up.
With three more episodes of WWE programming taking place (including this evening’s show) before the huge event, expect more WWE superstars to declare for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.
But as of writing, here is the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 card.
WWE Royal Rumble 2026- matches announced
- Men's Royal Rumble match (30-man Royal Rumble match for a world championship match at WrestleMania 42)
- Women's Royal Rumble match (30-woman Royal Rumble match for a world championship match at WrestleMania 42)
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) v Saturday Night's Main Event XLIII fatal four-way match winner
- Career-Threatening match: AJ Styles v Gunther (if Styles loses, he will be forced to retire from in-ring competition.)
Who do you think will emerge victorious from the Royal Rumble matches this year and go on the Road to WrestleMania 42? Make your predictions by leaving a comment wherever you’ve read this article or by emailing the writer of this article.