The electric atmosphere of Friday Night SmackDown on January 23rd, 2026, was palpable, serving as a crucial penultimate chapter before the highly anticipated Saturday Night’s Main Event. The blue brand delivered a potent blend of escalating rivalries and simmering tensions, all converging on the ultimate prize: the Undisputed WWE Championship. While the show featured several compelling segments and performances, certain narrative choices and in-ring actions left fans debating the week’s successes and shortcomings. This week, we delve into the key moments that resonated, both positively and negatively, as the landscape of SmackDown shifted dramatically.
One of the most consistently impressive elements on display has been the burgeoning rivalry between rising star Trick Williams and the evergreen Sami Zayn. This week’s episode saw this dynamic play out with remarkable effectiveness. The opening segment perfectly encapsulated the evolving heel persona of Williams, who, despite being a newcomer to the main roster, is being positioned with a level of gravitas usually reserved for seasoned veterans. The former NXT standout has seamlessly transitioned into a prominent role, carving out a significant niche for himself in the high-stakes contest to determine the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. His confrontational style and undeniable charisma are quickly making him a formidable presence.
The narrative progression of the Williams-Zayn feud has been masterful. Zayn, a beloved figure in his hometown, found himself the target of Williams’ calculated provocations. Williams, embracing his villainous role, launched a verbal assault on Zayn, questioning his championship aspirations and labeling him as someone who consistently falls short when it matters most. This verbal sparring wasn’t just bombast; it was a strategic dismantling of Zayn’s legacy, designed to chip away at his confidence and ignite the crowd’s protective instincts. Zayn, in turn, responded with a fiery defense, asserting his own enduring legacy and dismissing Williams’ claims of superiority, reminding the audience of his own hard-earned accomplishments. This delicate balance between Williams’ aggressive taunting and Zayn’s resilient counter-arguments created a compelling dynamic that had the audience invested.
The interjection of Damian Priest, another key player in the upcoming championship contention, added another layer of complexity. Williams’ interaction with Priest, his opponent in the main event later that evening, served to further escalate the stakes. The segment culminated in a chaotic brawl that spilled out into the arena, involving not only Williams and Priest but also Sami Zayn and the returning legend Randy Orton. This multi-man melee, a preview of the impending chaos at Saturday Night’s Main Event, was a visual representation of the fractured alliances and intense competition brewing within the roster. While Williams ultimately found himself on the receiving end of an RKO from Orton to close the show, his consistent presence in these high-profile confrontations underscores his rapid ascent and the company’s faith in his potential. The continued emphasis on Williams’ development, even in defeat, speaks volumes about his future prospects.
Furthermore, the United States Championship picture also provided a significant highlight, featuring a compelling encounter between the current champion, Carmelo Hayes, and the hard-hitting Ilja Dragunov. While the term "open challenge" might have been a misnomer, as the challenge was initiated by the champion himself, the ensuing match was a masterclass in physical storytelling. The rivalry between Hayes and Dragunov, which saw them "run it back" after a previous encounter, proved to be a captivating spectacle. Dragunov, known for his relentless aggression and unyielding spirit, showcased his ability to absorb punishment and dish it out in equal measure. His intensity is a defining characteristic, and it was on full display as he pushed Hayes to his absolute limit.
Carmelo Hayes, on the other hand, is rapidly solidifying his position as a top-tier talent on the main roster. His potential, both in terms of in-ring prowess and character development, is immense. The match between Hayes and Dragunov transcended the typical accumulation of high spots, instead opting for a narrative of escalating brutality. Both competitors were determined to physically overwhelm the other, showcasing a commitment to inflicting damage rather than simply executing flashy maneuvers. The visual of Dragunov, already sporting a visible injury, inviting further punishment only amplified the intensity of their clash. This organic progression of the match, fueled by a genuine desire to defeat the opponent, was a refreshing departure from formulaic encounters.
Despite the quality of the wrestling, the involvement of The Miz as the catalyst for Dragunov’s eventual defeat proved to be a point of contention for some observers. While Miz’s presence might be intended to elevate Hayes’ championship reign through association with a veteran name, it also risks diluting the impact of the open challenge concept that has been a cornerstone of Hayes’ successful run as champion. The open challenge, revitalized by Sami Zayn’s tenure, has provided a consistent source of high-quality wrestling and has elevated numerous challengers. The pairing of Hayes and Dragunov in the ring was a natural fit, and their ability to deliver such a compelling contest suggests that future encounters would be equally, if not more, engaging. The focus on the challengers and the quality of the wrestling within the open challenge format has been a significant positive for SmackDown’s midcard, and any deviation from that formula, however well-intentioned, warrants careful consideration.
However, not all aspects of SmackDown’s narrative progression were met with universal acclaim. The burgeoning feud between Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes, leading up to their encounter at Saturday Night’s Main Event, has left many scratching their heads. The origins of this rivalry, stemming from Fatu’s interference in Rhodes’ match against Drew McIntyre, have become increasingly convoluted. While an initial confrontation fueled by adrenaline and a sense of injustice might have made sense, the subsequent developments have lacked a clear driving force. The backstage interview segment featuring Rhodes and Michael Cole, and later Fatu, felt disjointed. Rhodes’ attempt to pivot from his championship loss to a Royal Rumble focus was jarringly interrupted by Cole’s persistent focus on the title.
The tension between Rhodes and Fatu reached a point where Rhodes brought up Fatu’s past legal troubles, a narrative choice that felt uncharacteristic for a babyface and potentially exploitative. Fatu’s response, a vague allusion to fighting for his position, did little to clarify his motivations. Furthermore, Fatu’s apparent dismissal of a potential title opportunity against Drew McIntyre, even with the immediate challenge of facing Rhodes, seemed to undermine his own ambition. While the segment did lead to General Manager Nick Aldis banning both men from the building, a common trope that usually foreshadows a future confrontation, the lack of a clear narrative thread has made this feud feel secondary and, frankly, rather unimpressive. The company’s stated intention of elevating Fatu through this program seems to be faltering due to the unclear storytelling, and many are hoping for a swift resolution that allows both men to pursue more coherent storylines, particularly as the Royal Rumble approaches.
Another area of concern has been the utilization of Candice LeRae within the women’s division. LeRae’s talent and in-ring capabilities have been largely underutilized since her arrival on the main roster. This week’s episode reinforced this concern, as LeRae’s involvement was primarily as a ringside associate for her husband, Johnny Gargano. Her storyline, which involves a protracted feud over Axiom’s mask, has seen her relegated to a supporting role, participating in a convoluted narrative that culminated in her accidentally striking Gargano and allowing his opponent, Nathan Frazer, to secure a victory. This feud, while maintaining a degree of continuity, does little to showcase LeRae’s individual strengths.
The stark reality is that Candice LeRae has not competed in a singles match on SmackDown since June of 2025. This represents a significant waste of her considerable talent, talent that was once highly regarded on the independent wrestling scene. The current landscape of the SmackDown women’s division is heavily focused on the Women’s Tag Team Championships, with even the Women’s United States Champion, Giulia, now vying for tag team contention. The reigning Women’s Champion, Jade Cargill, has held the title for an extended period with no clear challenger in sight, following Michin’s injury. LeRae, with her proven track record, could easily slot into a prominent singles feud for the Women’s Championship, but instead, her narrative arc is tied to her husband’s ongoing conflicts. The women’s division often feels like a series of checkboxes, and LeRae’s current checkmark appears to be "accompanies husband." She, and the audience, deserve far more than that.
The scheduling of the Triple Threat Number One Contenders match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships also presented a timing issue. While the intention to showcase the importance of the women’s tag division and to establish new challengers is commendable, the placement of this match on the January 23rd episode felt premature. With the existing Women’s Tag Team Championship match between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, and Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez, still pending, the outcome of this Triple Threat match felt somewhat anticlimactic. The inclusion of Giulia, who already holds the Women’s United States Championship, added another layer of complexity. While the idea of a potential double champion is intriguing, her focus might be better served on her current singles title, especially given the nascent state of the Women’s United States Championship picture. Had one of the teams without current championship affiliations, such as Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair or Lash Legend and Nia Jax, emerged victorious, it would have provided a clearer path for new contenders. The poor timing and the seemingly incorrect choice of winner for a match that could have been strategically placed later in the calendar, detract from what should have been a showcase of the division’s talent.
On a more positive note, the sheer chaotic energy embodied by Drew McIntyre continues to be a highlight of SmackDown. McIntyre’s heel persona, largely fueled by his potent presence on social media, translates effectively into his on-screen character work. His current position as the Undisputed WWE Champion, despite the potential for a title change before WrestleMania, offers a unique opportunity for him to lean into this character. The build-up to Saturday Night’s Main Event, with its multi-faceted storylines, allows McIntyre to engage with a broad spectrum of opponents simultaneously. He has masterfully sowed seeds of doubt and animosity with virtually everyone involved in the championship picture.
McIntyre’s ability to weave through these various storylines in a single episode is a testament to his character’s versatility. He has publicly denied attacking Jacob Fatu, questioned Randy Orton’s killer instinct, reflected on his past rivalry with Damian Priest, and even engaged in a physical altercation with Sami Zayn over comments about Zayn’s son. His snarky note left for Cody Rhodes further exemplifies his calculated provocations. This all-encompassing feud with multiple potential challengers for the Royal Rumble underscores the effectiveness of his current character arc. It’s almost a shame that he is only scheduled to face one opponent at the event, given his capacity to antagonize so many.
The reign of Drew McIntyre as champion, with his smug demeanor and provocative pronouncements, has provided a more entertaining dynamic than the prolonged tease of Cody Rhodes’ potential heel turn or his consistent pronouncements about "QB1." While the thought of McIntyre potentially retaining his title until WrestleMania is bittersweet, his weekly dismantling of multiple opponents through sharp verbal jabs and calculated actions is a compelling reason to tune in. This period of his championship reign, characterized by his widespread animosity, has been a significant positive for the blue brand, injecting a much-needed dose of unpredictable chaos and compelling character work.
