WWE Friday Night SmackDown: Change to UK start time, segments announced and current Royal Rumble odds

Emanating from the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this show serves as the final, high-stakes pit stop before tomorrow’s ground-breaking Royal Rumble; the first-ever traditional Rumble to be held outside of North America.

With the 30-man and 30-woman matches looming large, the atmosphere in Riyadh is expected to be electric.

Superstars from across the roster have converged on the Kingdom, not just to jockey for position in their respective battle royals, but to make a final statement on the global stage.

For fans in the UK, the international location means a rare prime-time PLE treat.

The stage is set, the custom-built stadium is ready, and the final declarations for tomorrow’s chaos are about to be made.

As the world watches to see who will seize the momentum on the eve of one of the biggest nights in sports entertainment history, one thing is certain: tonight's SmackDown will set the tone for a weekend that will determine the paths for many on the Road to WrestleMania 42.

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

With the superstars of the WWE already in Riyadh for this weekend’s Royal Rumble event, it’s another early start for UK fans.

Though some might claim a little too early, if you’re coming home from the work commute.

Today’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown is scheduled to air exclusively on Netflix from 5pm GMT (January 30), with on-demand repeats available on the streaming service shortly after its initial broadcast.

Has anything been announced so far for WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

Just the one segment has been confirmed so far from the WWE, but it has huge implications for the weekend ahead.

Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Number #1 contender Sami Zayn come face-to-face

The final stop before the Royal Rumble sees Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn stand in the same ring one last time.

While the title is the ultimate prize, this match is underpinned by a staggering statistic that McIntyre has been using as a psychological weapon: Sami Zayn has never beaten Drew McIntyre in a televised singles match.

The history between these two is long and, for Zayn, incredibly painful. They have faced off over 20 times in singles competition across their careers, but in televised WWE matches, McIntyre holds a dominant 11-0 record.

From their brutal Steel Cage match on SmackDown in 2022 to their more recent physical wars on RAW throughout 2024 and 2025, the Scottish Warrior has consistently had the underdog's number.

McIntyre has leaned heavily into his ‘Scottish Psychopath’ persona recently, mocking Zayn’s status as a "perpetual disappointment" and even bringing Zayn’s family into the fold to get under his skin.

However, Zayn heads into Riyadh with a different kind of momentum, and after securing his title shot by winning a frantic Fatal 4-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event in his hometown of Montreal, the ‘Underdog from the Underground’ is arguably at his most dangerous.

What are the current betting odds ahead of WWE Royal Rumble 2026?

Oddschecker have once again provided several odds from the Royal Rumble betting markets, including the quickest elimination this year and most eliminations in this year’s rumbles.

Here’s the latest odds ahead of this weekend’s event, but don’t be surprised if, after today’s episode of SmackDown, many of these change at the last second.

Men’s Royal Rumble winner

1. Roman Reigns (6/4)
2. Bron Breakker (2/1)
3. Sami Zayn (7/1)
4. Gunther (17/2)
5. Cody Rhodes (10/1)
6. Jacob Fatu (12/1)
7. Oba Femi (14/1)
8. CM Punk (16/1)
9. Seth Rollins (16/1)
10. Brock Lesnar (22/1)

Women’s Royal Rumble winner

1. Liv Morgan (1/1)
2. Bianca Belair (1/1)
3. Tiffany Stratton (4/1)
4. Rhea Ripley (6/1)
5. Roxanne Perez (16/1)
6. AJ Lee (16/1)
7. Chelsea Green (20/1)
8. Lyra Valkyria (20/1)
9. Charlotte Flair (20/1)
10. Raquel Rodriguez (25/1)

Most eliminations in the Men’s Rumble

1. Oba Femi (10/11)
2. Bron Breakker (4/1)
3. Jacob Fatu (8/1)
4. Gunther (12/1)
5. Brock Lesnar (14/1)
6. Roman Reigns (14/1)
7. Bronson Reed (16/1)
8. Solo Sikoa (25/1)

Most eliminations in the Women’s Rumble

1. Bianca Belair (11/10)
2. Jade Cargill (2/1)
3. Nia Jax (4/1)
4. Rhea Ripley (6/1)
5. Tiffany Stratton (10/1)
6. Lash Legend (14/1)
7. Jordynne Grace (16/1)
8. Giulia (20/1)

Quickest elimination in the Men’s Rumble

1. R-Truth (6/1)
2. The Miz (6/1)
3. Grayson Waller (8/1)
4. Omos (10/1)
5. Chad Gable (10/1)
6. El Grande Americano (10/1)
7. Austin Theory (12/1)
8. Brock Lesnar (12/1)

Quickest elimination in the Women’s Rumble

1. Chelsea Green (4/6)
2. Maxxine Dupri (3/1)
3. Zelina Vega (5/1)
4. Candice LeRae (8/1)
5. Kiana James (10/1)
6. Alba Fyre (12/1)
7. Nikki Cross (14/1)
8. Nia Jax (25/1)

Looking for more WWE Royal Rumble 2026 coverage? Take a look at our guide on how to watch the event this weekend in the UK, including if anywhere in Leeds are showing the PLE live.