WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, Live on the USA Network | January 9th, 2026 — The Episode Preview:

Three Stages of Hell. The rivalry between the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre ends in Berlin Tonight. Who will come out on top in this Three Stages of Hell Match, and who will be the WWE Champion? Don't Miss a Huge SmackDown at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT Live on the USA Network and Streaming Live Internationally on Netflix. (Image Courtesy of WWE)

The January 9th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• The Three Stages of Hell Match for the WWE Undisputed Championship will take place tonight in the Main Event of SmackDown. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre have been dealing with each other since August of Last Year. Drew McIntyre has made it his mission to tear down Cody Rhodes and destroy everything. Drew McIntyre announced the stipulations for the match as the First Match will be a Singles Match, the Second Match will be a Falls Count Anywhere Match, and if a Third Match is needed, it will be a Steel Cage Match. Can Drew McIntyre finally become WWE Champion, or will Cody Rhodes put an end to his feud and come out victorious?

• Randy Orton is going to appear live. As Randy Orton will be on SmackDown after returning last week. What will Randy Orton have to say?

• Carmelo Hayes continues his US Open Challenge with its 2nd Edition, as one SmackDown Superstar will answer and try to win against Carmelo Hayes, becoming the WWE United States Champion.

• Giulia came off becoming a 2x WWE Women's United States Champion as she defeated Chelsea Green for the title, and now she'll take on Alexa Bliss in the first defense of her 2nd Title Reign. Will Alexa Bliss play spoiler, or will Giulia come on top?

• Finally, Trick Williams’ official Main Roster Debut match is here as he’ll take on Rey Fenix. Last week, Trick Williams made his presence known, confronting Sami Zayn and getting into it backstage with Rey Fenix, which prompted this match being made official. Can Mr. Whoop That make a great first impression? Or will Rey Fenix teach Trick Williams a lesson in respect?

• A Major Eight-Man Tag Team will be taking place as The MFTs will face The Wyatt Sicks. They’ve been dealing with each other for months, and this feud is all about the WWE Tag Team Titles and teaching a lesson. Who will prevail in this Eight-Man Tag Team Match?

The Matches Announced for the January 9th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre in a WWE Undisputed Title Three Stages of Hell Match. The Matches in the Three Stages of Hell are traditional Singles Match, Falls Count Anywhere & Steel Cage.

2. Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. ??? in a WWE United States Title Match.

3. Giulia (with Kiana James) (c) vs. Alexa Bliss in a WWE Women's United States Title Match.

4. Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix in a Singles Match.

5. MFT (JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) (with Solo Sikoa) vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy & Uncle Howdy) (with Nikki Cross) in an Eight-Man Tag Team Match.

The Appearances & Segments Announced for the January 9th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. "The Viper" Randy Orton, will be Live on SmackDown.