WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time and matches announced as the superstars arrive in London

‘The Scottish Warrior’ didn't do it alone, however, as the shocking return of Jacob Fatu proved to be the undoing of Cody Rhodes.

Tonight, McIntyre returns to the Blue Brand to address the WWE Universe, gloat over his victory, and usher in a new, dominant era for SmackDown.

It is a massive homecoming for the Champion as WWE touches down in London at the OVO Arena Wembley.

While he may be a proud Scotsman, the UK crowd always treats ‘The King of Claymore Country’ like one of their own - but after the way he won the gold, will the London faithful offer a hero's welcome or a chorus of boos?

Or are they coming around to the notion Drew has floated that Cody, actually, isn’t so much the nice guy he claims to be and is, in fact, the corporate golden child?

What is known is that four qualifying matches are scheduled to take place in London this evening, with the winners advancing to a Fatal Four Way match at the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, for the chance to challenge Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble, taking place December 31 and screening exclusively on Netflix in the United Kingdom.

Alongside those matches, the WWE United States champion, Carmelo Hayes, will be launching another US Open challenge this evening; who will step up, and could we see someone from the UK look to take hometown advantage and challenge?

Here’s your WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview, including UK start time.

What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK today?

It’s another early start as the WWE continues their tour across Europe, thankfully.

This evening’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown will broadcast on Netflix from 7pm, with on-demand repeats available shortly after its initial broadcast.

What has been announced so far for WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Randy Orton v The Miz

Randy Orton has made it clear that his 15th world title is the only thing on his mind, but to get there, he must go through a man who is as opportunistic as they come.

The Miz looks to play spoiler against ‘The Viper’ and prove that he still belongs in the main event picture. Will an RKO out of nowhere seal the deal, or does ‘The A-Lister’ have a Hollywood ending in mind?

Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Damian Priest v Solo Sikoa

Fresh off his victory in a gruelling Ambulance Match against Aleister Black, Damian Priest is carrying a wave of momentum into this qualifier. However, he faces his most dangerous test yet in the form of Solo Sikoa.

With the MFT lurking and the Bloodline’s shadow always present, ‘The Archer of Infamy’ will need to watch his back if he hopes to secure a spot in the Fatal 4-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn v Ilja Dragunov

Late last year, Ilja Dragunov shocked the world by ending Sami Zayn’s historic United States Title reign.

Now, these two superstars meet again, but this time for a chance at the richest prize in the game. Zayn is on a mission of redemption, while "The Mad Russian" looks to prove that his previous win wasn't a fluke. Expect a physical, hard-hitting masterclass.

Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Matt Cardona v Trick Williams

It’s a clash of two of the hottest names on the roster. Matt Cardona has officially returned to WWE and is eager to show the world that he is no longer just ‘Zack Ryder.’

Across the ring stands Trick Williams, the breakout star from NXT who has already made waves by standing up to Randy Orton. Both men are looking to make a statement in their debut year on the main roster—who will take the next step toward the Royal Rumble?

Carmelo Hayes to host a United States Title Open Challenge

Carmelo Hayes has proven he is ‘Him,’ but tonight in London, he is putting that claim to the test.

After surviving challenges from the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, the United States Champion has laid down the gauntlet for another Open Challenge. With the London crowd watching, who will step through the curtain to challenge for the gold?

Looking for who is considered the favourite to win the men’s or women’s Royal Rumble match later this month? Take a look at the most recent betting odds on both the men’s and the women’s side.