The WWE SmackDown Results Jan 23 delivered a major shake-up on the Road to Royal Rumble 2026, highlighted by a WWE Tag Team Championship title change, new No.1 contenders in the women’s division, and escalating tension around the Undisputed WWE Championship picture. The WWE SmackDown results January 23, 2026 from Montreal featured decisive outcomes that directly shape Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII and the Royal Rumble fallout.
From faction warfare involving the Wyatt Sicks and MFT to Carmelo Hayes surviving another United States Championship test, the Friday Night SmackDown results Jan 23 were heavy on storyline progression, not filler. Below are the complete SmackDown results Jan 23 2026, winners, and key moments from Montreal.
Friday Night SmackDown Results – January 23, 2026 (Montreal Winners)
- Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga def. The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) – NEW WWE Tag Team Champions
- Giulia & Kiana James def. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax & Lash Legend – Women’s Tag Team No.1 Contenders
- Carmelo Hayes (c) def. Ilja Dragunov – United States Championship
- Jade Cargill def. Chelsea Green
- Nathan Frazer def. Johnny Gargano
- Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams – No Contest
These WWE SmackDown Jan 23 winners defined a night packed with consequences.
Key Moments from WWE SmackDown Results Jan 23
Below are some key moments from WWE SmackDown Jan 23, 2026 from Montreal.
Drew McIntyre delivers ruthless promo in Montreal: SmackDown Key Moments January 23, 2026
Drew McIntyre verbally dismantled his potential challengers, mocking Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Damian Priest and Trick Williams while vowing to do whatever it takes to remain Undisputed WWE Champion.
Opening Segment: Sami Zayn, Trick Williams and Damian Priest Collide
Montreal erupted as Sami Zayn opened SmackDown, declaring he had momentum heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event. The celebration was cut short by Trick Williams, who dismissed Zayn as “Mr. Too Many Chances” and positioned himself as the future WWE Champion.
The tension escalated further when Damian Priest joined the confrontation, accusing Williams of being afraid. A brief brawl ended with Williams escaping, setting the tone for a chaotic night and foreshadowing the main event.
US Title Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov
The SmackDown results 1/23/26 saw Carmelo Hayes issue another United States Open Challenge, answered by Ilja Dragunov. The two delivered a bruising, physical contest that pushed Hayes to the limit.
Dragunov appeared on the verge of victory until The Miz interfered, shoving Dragunov from the ropes. Hayes capitalised with The First 48 to retain his title, continuing his run as a fighting champion.
Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu: Interview Turns Confrontational
A sit-down interview between Cody Rhodes and Michael Cole was interrupted by Jacob Fatu, leading to a tense verbal exchange. Rhodes challenged Fatu’s credibility while Fatu made it clear he fears no one, including Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
The confrontation ended with officials separating the two, but the damage was done as tensions rose heading into Royal Rumble season.
Jade Cargill Dominates, Jordynne Grace Declares
In one of the clearer outcomes of the WWE SmackDown Results Jan 23, Jade Cargill defeated Chelsea Green decisively. After the match, Jordynne Grace officially declared for the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, immediately positioning herself as a future challenger.
WWE Tag Team Championship: MFT Ends Wyatt Sicks’ Reign
The biggest story from the SmackDown Montreal results came when MFT finally dethroned The Wyatt Sicks. With the stolen lantern once again playing a role, Solo Sikoa struck Dexter Lumis with it behind the referee’s back, allowing Tama Tonga to score the pinfall.
Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga are the new WWE Tag Team Champions, ending a reign that had lasted over five months.
Women’s Triple Threat: New No.1 Contenders Crowned
The Women’s Tag Team Championship No.1 Contenders match delivered chaos. Giulia and Kiana James stole the win when James pinned Alexa Bliss following a flurry of finishers, earning a future title shot.
Randy Orton stands tall to close SmackDown ahead of Royal Rumble 2026
Randy Orton ended SmackDown Jan 23 as the final man standing, dropping both Sami Zayn and Trick Williams with RKOs to seize momentum before the Fatal 4-Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
WWE SmackDown Highlights Jan 23 2026 Montreal
The WWE SmackDown highlights Jan 23 included a tag title change, escalating title rivalries, and multiple Royal Rumble declarations. From Drew McIntyre’s ruthless promo targeting his potential challengers to Sami Zayn slapping the champion backstage, the episode leaned heavily into consequence-driven storytelling.
Drew McIntyre dares anyone to beat him for the WWE Title: WWE SmackDown highlights Jan 23, 2026
Jacob Fatu crashes Cody Rhodes’ exclusive interview: SmackDown Key Moments January 23, 2026
SmackDown highlights Jan 23 capture Jacob Fatu interrupting Cody Rhodes’ interview as tensions rise ahead of the Royal Rumble title picture.
Giulia & Kiana James win Triple Threat Tag Team Match: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 23, 2026
SmackDown highlights January 23 show Giulia and Kiana James stealing the win in the Triple Threat to become Women’s Tag Team No.1 contenders.
WWE SmackDown Highlights January 23, 2026: Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace nearly come to blows
WWE SmackDown Montreal highlights Jan 23 feature a heated post-match confrontation between Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace in Montreal.
Brawl erupts between Sami Zayn, Trick Williams & Damian Priest: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 23, 2025
WWE SmackDown Jan 23 highlights from Montreal showcase chaos erupting as Sami Zayn, Trick Williams and Damian Priest brawl to open the show.
WWE SmackDown highlights Jan 23, 2026: Carmelo Hayes beats Ilja Dragunov in United States Title bout
WWE SmackDown Montreal highlights January 23 spotlight Carmelo Hayes retaining the United States Championship against Ilja Dragunov after outside interference.
Matt Cardona confronts Kit Wilson: SmackDown January 23 Highlights
WWE SmackDown highlights Jan 23 feature Matt Cardona confronting Kit Wilson backstage as tensions spill over ahead of Royal Rumble season.
Sami Zayn goes ballistic on Trick Williams and Damian Priest: WWE SmackDown Highlights January 23, 2026
WWE SmackDown Highlights January 23, 2026: Randy Orton final man standing
What’s Next After WWE SmackDown Results Jan 23?
The WWE SmackDown Results Jan 23 now directly shape Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII, where the Undisputed WWE Championship picture will narrow further. With Royal Rumble 2026 looming, new champions crowned, and contenders emerging, Friday Night SmackDown has firmly set the direction for WWE’s first premium events of the year.
For complete coverage, updates, and future match developments, visit our Royal Rumble 2026 hub.
