WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Live on the USA Network | January 30th, 2026 — The Episode Preview:

Carmelo Hayes is ready for another test as the WWE United States Open Challenge continues in Saudi Arabia. Who will step up to the plate and challenge Hayes for the WWE United States Championship tonight? Don’t miss WWE Friday Night SmackDown at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT on USA Network, and streaming live on Netflix at 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM PT. This show will air on tape delay for U.S. viewers. (Image courtesy of WWE)

The January 30th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre will go face-to-face with his opponent at the Royal Rumble tomorrow night, as Sami Zayn will confront the man he has never beaten and will have some final-parting words before the huge WWE Undisputed Title Match tomorrow night.

• Carmelo Hayes continues his WWE US Open Challenge, as in Saudi Arabia, we’ll see a challenger step up to the plate and take on Carmelo Hayes for the WWE United States Title. Whom will it be? Will Carmelo Hayes have another victorious ioopen challenge, or will titles be changing tonight?

• Axiom has been tired of Johnny Gargano’s antics, and Johnny Gargano has something Axiom needs back in his mask. Axiom will take on Johnny Gargano with Nathan Frazer by his side. Can Axiom manage to gain a victory and, even better, get his mask back from Johnny Gargano in Saudi Arabia?

• Cody Rhodes will be live in Saudi Arabia, a day before the Royal Rumble. What will The American Nightmare have to say? What are his final words as he tries to get his 3rd Royal Rumble victory tomorrow?

• Ilja Dragunov has a bone to pick with The Miz, as last week, Ilja Dragunov was inches away to gainning his WWE US Title back. The Miz cost him the chance and had him suffer a loss, which made Ilja Dragunov irate, which prompted this match being made for tonight. How will Ilja Dragunov make an example out of The Miz tonight on SmackDown?

The Matches Announced for the January 30th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

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

2. Axiom (with Nathan Frazer) vs. Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae) in a Singles Match.

3. Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz in a Singles Match.

The Appearances & Segments Announced for the January 30th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre goes face-to-face with his challenger, Sami Zayn, at the Royal Rumble Sami Zayn.

2. Cody Rhodes will be live on SmackDown and present in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.