WWE Smackdown 1/16 Results: McIntyre Shines, Title Qualifiers, Hayes’s Open Challenge

Riley Calderon

ago 2 hours

WWE Smackdown 1/16 Results: McIntyre Shines, Title Qualifiers, Hayes’s Open Challenge

WWE Smackdown showcased numerous significant events on January 16, 2026, at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, delivered live on Netflix and later on USA Network. The sold-out event marked the 1,378th episode of the series.

Drew McIntyre Makes a Bold Entrance

New WWE Champion Drew McIntyre headlined the event, following a video recap highlighting his victory over Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match, aided by Jacob Fatu. McIntyre’s entrance brought cheers from the audience as he savored his triumph.

McIntyre expressed his complex feelings towards the fans, acknowledging their past absence during difficult times.
He declared a new era in WWE, proclaiming no rematch for Cody Rhodes, whom he referred to as a “former champion.”
The champion briefly exchanged tense words with Randy Orton, who claimed he would reclaim the title with an RKO.

Qualifying Matches for a Title Shot

Three crucial qualifying matches occurred during the broadcast, determining participants for a four-way match at the Royal Rumble, offering a shot at the WWE Championship.

Randy Orton vs. The Miz

In the first match, Randy Orton faced The Miz. Orton secured a decisive victory, qualifying for the upcoming title match.

Match duration: ~4:30 minutes.
Orton won with an RKO, maintaining his status as a formidable contender.

Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona

Next, Trick Williams took on Matt Cardona. Williams emerged victorious, ensuring his spot in the four-way match.

Match duration: ~8:50 minutes.
Williams won with a Trick Shot, showcasing his talent and athleticism.

Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa

Damian Priest continued the trend by defeating Solo Sikoa in the third qualifying match.

Match duration: ~10:10 minutes.
Priest utilized a South of Heaven chokeslam to clinch the victory.

Main Event: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov

The main event featured Sami Zayn facing Ilja Dragunov in another qualifying match. After a hard-fought battle, Zayn secured the win, positioning himself for a chance at the championship.

Match duration: ~12:30 minutes.
Zayn won with a Helluva Kick, earning his place in the upcoming title bout.

Carmelo Hayes’s Open Challenge

In addition to the qualifying matches, Carmelo Hayes defended his U.S. Championship against TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater. Hayes retained his title in an impressive bout that underscored his skills.

Match duration: 11:00 minutes.
Hayes won with a cutter off the top rope, showcasing his athleticism and resilience.

Next Week’s Matches and Upcoming Events

As the episode concluded, several match announcements for next week’s Smackdown were made, including a triple threat tag team matchup and more qualifying contests. Fans can anticipate exciting developments as WWE heads into the Royal Rumble.

The significant moments from this episode reinforce WWE’s commitment to captivating storytelling and competitive wrestling, leaving fans eager for upcoming matches and storylines.