The latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, emanating from London on January 16, 2026, presented a complex tapestry of wrestling narratives, weaving together moments of genuine excitement with instances that left the discerning viewer questioning creative direction. As the Royal Rumble approaches, the landscape of potential contenders and ongoing feuds is becoming clearer, yet several key elements of this week’s broadcast have sparked considerable debate among the WWE Universe. From the glacial pace of Rumble qualification matches to the unexpected resurgence of established stars and the development of new rivalries, this edition of the blue brand offered a spectrum of talking points, prompting a critical examination of what worked and what undeniably missed the mark.
One of the most prominent points of contention surrounding this week’s SmackDown was the seemingly lackadaisical approach to building momentum for the upcoming Royal Rumble matches. With the premium live event slated to take place in just over two weeks, the announcement of the first official participant felt remarkably late in the game. Cody Rhodes, fresh off a controversial loss for the Undisputed WWE Championship, declared his entry into the men’s Royal Rumble, framing it as his direct path back to a championship opportunity, particularly in light of Drew McIntyre’s assertion that Rhodes would not receive an immediate rematch. Rhodes’ declaration, while a significant moment for his character, also highlighted a broader concern: the apparent disconnect between the imminent Rumble and the active campaigning for spots. This extended to the women’s division, where a curious lack of any declared participants underscored a perceived creative apathy towards their Rumble aspirations, with many female competitors seemingly preoccupied with tag team title pursuits. The historical significance of the Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s "Big Four" events, seemed to be overshadowed by the promotion’s focus on other endeavors, such as anniversary specials and Saturday night broadcasts. It begged the question of whether the company truly grasped the unique draw of the Royal Rumble matches themselves, a sentiment that seemed particularly prevalent as the European tour concluded and the focus shifted.
Conversely, the emergence of Leon Slater on the grand stage was a undeniable highlight, showcasing the potential of emerging talent. Carmelo Hayes continued his open challenge for the United States Championship, and this week’s encounter with Bradford’s own Leon Slater in London proved to be a standout performance. This is precisely the kind of initiative the open challenge format should embody: bringing in national heroes, promising prospects, established workhorses, and even champions from other promotions to make their mark on the main roster. The match itself was a testament to the athleticism and chemistry of both competitors. Slater, a dynamic high-flyer, spent a significant portion of the bout airborne, executing breathtaking maneuvers that left the crowd electrified. While some might view this as a deviation from traditional mat wrestling, it effectively amplified the spectacle and underscored Slater’s extraordinary talent. More importantly, the contest served to further legitimize Carmelo Hayes as a credible United States Champion. Hayes, who had endured a period of somewhat underwhelming booking on the main roster prior to his victory over Ilja Dragunov in December, has now successfully defended his title against a formidable lineup including Dragunov, Johnny Gargano, Shinsuke Nakamura, and most recently, Slater. Each of these encounters has showcased Hayes’ versatility, but the bout with Slater was arguably his most impressive outing to date, demonstrating his capacity for thrilling, high-octane performances.
Another significant point of discussion, and a source of frustration for many, was the perceived overextension of the feud between the factions led by Solo Sikoa and the Wyatt Sicks. The ten-man tag team match that took place on last week’s SmackDown felt like a natural conclusion to this particular narrative arc. However, the continued entanglement of these two groups this week, particularly as it impacted Solo Sikoa’s qualifier for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship against Damian Priest, felt gratuitous. The interference that led to Priest’s victory, while a dramatic device, could have been managed differently, perhaps by allowing Priest to overcome the interference organically or by restructuring the match entirely. The symbolism attached to the Wyatt Sicks’ lantern, while acknowledging the legacy of Bray Wyatt, felt increasingly strained as the primary catalyst for conflict between two adult wrestling factions. The narrative seemed to have reached a creative impasse, with little room for escalation or further development, suggesting that it was long past time to bring this particular storyline to a definitive close.
In contrast to the protracted feuds, the introduction of Jordynne Grace as the first challenger for Jade Cargill’s WWE Women’s Championship was a masterstroke. It’s surprising to note that Cargill, since winning the title in early November, had yet to officially defend it. However, if the wait was for a challenger of Grace’s caliber, then it was largely justified. Grace, a former TNA Knockouts Champion, possesses the star power and in-ring prowess to immediately elevate the championship scene. While the prevailing sentiment is that Cargill, with her mainstream appeal and association with major Hollywood events, is being positioned as a long-term champion, Grace’s inclusion as her inaugural challenger immediately establishes her as a formidable force on the main roster. The booking reflected this, with Cargill observing Grace’s match against Chelsea Green. Grace’s subsequent promo, though delivered breathlessly, was effective, directly calling out Cargill for “babysitting” the title, a sentiment many fans have echoed. The segment culminated with the title briefly lying in the ring, an image that projected Grace as a legitimate contender. There’s a palpable excitement surrounding the potential of this feud, with speculation even suggesting a possible involvement from Tiffany Stratton upon her return. The fact that both Grace and Trick Williams, another recent NXT call-up, are receiving such prominent opportunities speaks volumes about their potential and the company’s investment in their futures on SmackDown.
However, not all burgeoning careers were met with such auspicious booking. The trajectory of Kit Wilson’s ascension, while showing signs of organic fan connection, appeared to be abruptly halted by Jacob Fatu. Wilson, who had generated considerable buzz, even to the point of receiving a four-hour theme song loop on WWE’s YouTube channel, was subjected to a decisive defeat at the hands of Fatu. While the "toxic masculinity" gimmick has been a divisive element, it’s undeniable that Wilson had cultivated a significant following. The swiftness of his downfall, particularly on his home soil, felt like a missed opportunity. Instead of capitalizing on his momentum, he was seemingly relegated to a plot device, a casualty in the burgeoning feud between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, and previously a victim in Damian Priest’s narrative arc. This pattern of WWE recognizing a star’s organic popularity but then failing to utilize it effectively is a recurring theme that leaves many questioning the long-term strategy for developing new talent. The rapid upload of his theme music to WWE’s official music channel and his consistent presence on SmackDown suggested a push, but his subsequent booking painted a different picture, leaving his supporters with low expectations.
Finally, the dream of Sami Zayn capturing a world championship received a significant boost with his victory over Ilja Dragunov. This win was crucial for Zayn, not only to avenge his previous loss to Dragunov but also to advance in the qualification process for the four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The potential implications of this victory are substantial. Should Zayn continue his winning streak and secure a spot in the Royal Rumble, his presence in Saudi Arabia, where he is immensely popular, presents a compelling narrative for challenging Drew McIntyre. While McIntyre’s recent championship win might suggest a longer reign, the shifting landscape of WWE’s booking, particularly around major events like the Rumble and Elimination Chamber, opens the door for unexpected title changes. A scenario where Zayn defeats McIntyre in Saudi Arabia, even for a short reign before dropping the title to Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber, would fulfill a long-held aspiration for the beloved performer. This victory marked a significant step towards realizing that dream, and for fans who have championed Zayn’s journey, it was a moment to unequivocally cherish. The build-up to the Royal Rumble and subsequent events will undoubtedly be shaped by these unfolding storylines, offering a mix of anticipated outcomes and potential surprises.
