WWE SmackDown is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2026, live on the USA Network, at the OVO Arena Wembley in England, and Jacob Fatu will confuse Cody Rhodes as to the intentions behind screwing him in the WWE Title Match against Drew McIntyre, who will kick off the show. WWE is on the road to Royal Rumble 2026, where Rumble matches will take place for both the men’s and women’s divisions to determine who will main event Mania 42 for the world title matches.
This week on SmackDown, four matches have been officially scheduled: Randy Orton vs. The Miz in a WWE Title #1C Tournament, Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona in a WWE Title #1C Tournament, Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest in a WWE Title #1C Tournament, and Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov in a WWE Title #1C Tournament. Without further ado, here are the official SmackDown Predictions for Jan 16, 2026.
Randy Orton vs. The Miz [WWE Title #1C Tournament]
Randy Orton just returned from a long hiatus after being taken out of commission by The Vision in October. He has not addressed those attacks yet, but he has made it clear that he is targeting the WWE Title. He made his presence felt by RKOing The Miz, whom he will beat. Many fans wanted Orton to betray Cody Rhodes in a heel turn and battle him for the WWE Title. However, now that McIntyre is the champion, it is less likely that Orton will be the prime opponent for McIntyre at the Rumble.
Prediction: Randy Orton
Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona [WWE Title #1C Tournament]
Trick Williams just got called up from NXT, and Matt Cardona just returned to the WWE. Both contestants need wins here, but it is more important for Williams to win. Williams has already started feuds with the likes of Orton and Zayn. Being in this match would do wonders for this career, especially since he is the young, rising start-up who is trying to make a statement on the big stage. Cardona is already an established mid carder who will remain over and would not be hurt by a loss here.
Prediction: Trick Williams
Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest [WWE Title #1C Tournament]
It would be wise for Damian Priest to continue his momentum after defeating Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match. As a former world champion, maintaining his credibility with a victory would pass the booking 101 class. However, Sikoa also could continue his momentum after defeating the Wyatt Sicks in an 8-Man Tag. As a member of the Bloodline, he has a significant advantage in this match, especially if Aleister Black or the Wyatt Sicks cause some shenanigans outside the ring.
Prediction: Solo Sikoa
Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov [WWE Title #1C Tournament]
Sami Zayn is the right answer to beat Ilja Dragunov and redeem himself from losing the U.S. Title. Sami Zayn is the right answer to win the Fatal Four Way at Saturday Night Main Event in his home country of Montreal Quebec, Canada against Orton, Williams, and Sikoa, Sami Zayn is the right answer to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble, where he can finally achieve his dream of becoming WWE Champion for the first time after being in the company since 2014.
Prediction: Sami Zayn
Confirmed Match Card & Segments for 01/16 WWE SmackDown Episode:
- Drew McIntyre WWE Title Celebration
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz in the WWE Title #1C Tournament
- Trick Williams vs. Matt Cardona in the WWE Title #1C Tournament
- Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest in the WWE Title #1C Tournament
- Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov in the WWE Title #1C Tournament
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Mark Justice is a Cornell University Graduate with a bachelor’s degree (B.S), double majoring in biological and environmental sciences, and a law degree (J.D.), specializing in environmental law and international law. His passion for pro wrestling stems from his very first time watching the WWE in 2009. As a decade-old pro wrestling fan, he continues to fulfill this passion by writing for Let Them Wrestle, where he will cover both WWE and AEW content. You can email Mark Justice at markjustice728@gmail.com, especially if you are a pro wrestling ‘mark’ like him. You can also subscribe to his brand new Youtube Channel at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/@markjustice1327