WWE has officially announced multiple matches and segments for WWE SmackDown next week, scheduled to take place live on January 2, 2026. The episode will mark the first appearance of changes to WWE SmackDown in 2026 including the return of the show’s three-hour format.
Following the conclusion of the final SmackDown episode of 2025, which was pre-taped on December 19 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, WWE confirmed three matches for WWE SmackDown next week, featuring major names from both the men’s and women’s divisions.
WWE SmackDown Next Week: Eight-Woman Tag Team Match Announced
An eight-woman tag team match has been confirmed for WWE SmackDown next week, featuring a mix of established stars and dominant champions.
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky will team up to face Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka and Kairi Sane. The match brings together multiple former world champions and top contenders, making it one of the headline bouts for the January 2 episode.
The outcome could have implications for future women’s title programs as SmackDown moves into 2026.
WWE SmackDown Next Week: Jade Cargill vs Michin With Title Implications
Another key match announced for WWE SmackDown next week sees Jade Cargill go one-on-one with Michin.
WWE confirmed that if Michin wins the match, she will earn a future championship opportunity. While the specific title was not detailed, the stipulation adds immediate stakes to the bout as SmackDown begins the new year.
Cargill has been positioned strongly since arriving on SmackDown, and this match represents another test in her ongoing run.
WWE SmackDown Next Week: Damian Priest vs Aleister Black Set
A singles match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black has also been announced for WWE SmackDown next week.
The two have been linked through recent SmackDown programming, and the January 2 match is expected to serve as a key chapter in their ongoing rivalry. WWE has not confirmed whether this will be the final match between the two, but the bout continues one of SmackDown’s longer-running feuds.
Where To Watch Friday Night SmackDown
Fans looking to tune in to Friday Night SmackDown have multiple broadcast and streaming options depending on their region:
- In the United States, Friday Night SmackDown airs live on USA Network at its regular time slot, typically Friday evenings.
- In many international markets, SmackDown is available on Netflix, where the weekly episodes are streamed, sometimes on a slight delay relative to the U.S. broadcast.
- Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV offer the ability to watch Friday Night SmackDown live with a trial or subscription to their package that includes USA Network.
- In India, WWE programming including SmackDown can also be streamed on Sony LIV in selected regions.
How To Get Tickets For Friday Night SmackDown
If you want to attend Friday Night SmackDown in person, here are the main ways to get tickets:
- Official WWE events page: WWE lists upcoming live shows and ticket links for house shows and televised events on its official events calendar.
- Ticketmaster: Individual and group tickets for WWE SmackDown shows are frequently available through Ticketmaster for events in North America and other major markets.
- Secondary marketplaces: Sites like Vivid Seats and SeatGeek list WWE SmackDown tickets with options for standard, ringside and premium seats backed by buyer guarantees.
- Official venue partners: When Friday Night SmackDown is announced in specific arenas (for example, at The O2 in London), tickets may also be sold through the venue’s official ticketing partner such as AXS.
- VIP packages: Official VIP experiences including premium hospitality, meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise are available via WWE’s official hospitality partner.
Fans are advised to follow WWE’s official shows page and social accounts for announcements on dates, venues and ticket sale start times, as regular touring schedules and televised Friday Night SmackDown stops are added throughout the year.
