WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Buffalo, New York, USA, Live on the USA Network | January 2nd, 2026 — The Episode Preview:

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will learn the three-match stipulations for his Three Stages of Hell WWE Title Match next week when Drew McIntyre announces them tonight on SmackDown. Watch Friday Night SmackDown live at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT on USA Network in the U.S., and on Netflix for international viewers. (Image courtesy of WWE)

The January 2nd Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• Drew McIntyre will announce the stipulations for the Three Stages of Hell WWE Undisputed Title Match slated for next week in Berlin, Germany. What matches Drew McIntyre has decided, and what will Cody Rhodes’ reaction be like?

• It ends tonight as Aleister Black and Damian Priest’s six-month-long feud will culminate tonight, as whoever can put one inside the Ambulance will be declared the victor of tonight’s match, which is due to be the Main Event.

• Chelsea Green will defend her WWE Women's United States Title against Giulia as she looks to become a 2x WWE Women's United States Champion tonight as she looks to take down Chelsea Green tonight.

• Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair will unite with IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley to take on Lash Legend & Nia Jax and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, The Kabuki Warriors, in a Star-Studded Eight-Woman Tag Team Match.

• Kit Wilson will face a mystery opponent as the General Manager of SmackDown told Kit Wilson he'll have a match slated for tonight, but it'll be someone he does not expect.

The Matches Announced for the January 2nd Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Aleister Black (with Zelina) vs. Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match.

2. Chelsea Green (with Alba Fyre) (c) vs. Giulia (with Kiana James) in a WWE Women’s United States Title Match.

3. Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, IYO SKY & Rhea Ripley vs. Lash Legend, Nia Jax & The Kabuki Warrior (Asuka & Kairi Sane) in an Eight-Woman Tag Team Match.

4. Kit Wilson vs. ??? in a Singles Match.

The Appearances & Segments Announced for the January 2nd Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Drew McIntyre announced the 3 Matches for the Three Stages of Hell WWE Title Match for Next Week.