Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing January 2, 2026, is set to deliver an electrifying live event from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Highlighting the night is an intense ambulance match between Aleister Black and Damian Priest. Additionally, an exciting 8-person tag team battle will feature Alexa Bliss, “The Queen” Charlotte Flair, RHIYO (“The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley), and “The Genius of the Sky” IYO SKY taking on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Kabuki Warriors (“Tomorrow’s Empress” Asuka and “Pirate Princess” Kairi Sane), along with “The Irresistible Force” Nia Jax and “The Boosie Bully” Rush Legend.
The event kicks off at 8 pm ET and is accessible globally through streaming platforms like Netflix. Fans can follow live match updates and highlights via Ringside News, which will keep refreshing for the latest action. Viewers are encouraged to join the ongoing conversation in the comments section.
The show opens with Michael Cole greeting fans and capturing photos of the venue, followed by a video package detailing the rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Soon after, key wrestlers such as Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Nia Jax, Rush Legend, the Kabuki Warriors, Damian Priest, Aleister Black, and Zelina Black make their entrance.
Scheduled highlights for WWE SmackDown on January 2, 2026 include:
– Ambulance match: Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest
– 8-man tag team bout: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY vs. Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Rush Legend
– Non-title match featuring WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill versus Mi Chin
– WWE United States Women’s Championship contest: AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion Chelsea Green (c) vs. “Beautiful Madness” Julia
– An appearance by Undisputed WWE Champion “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes
– ‘Scottish Warrior’ Drew McIntyre outlines stipulations for his match against Cody Rhodes
Fan Take: This SmackDown event is a must-watch as it promises high-stakes matches and pivotal confrontations that could reshape WWE’s competitive landscape. The blend of emerging and established talent in key matches signals thrilling developments for fans eager to see the future direction of the sport.
