January 9, 2026
Live on FOX
Commentary Team: Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett
OPENING VIDEO & PYRO (0:00–5:00)
The SmackDown signature video hits. Pyro explodes throughout the arena as the crowd roars.
JOE TESSITORE: Welcome everyone to Friday Night SmackDown! We are officially on the road to the Royal Rumble!
WADE BARRETT: And Joe, tonight is stacked sky higher than the cheeseburgers that this country’s president stuffs his fat face with!
OPENING IN-RING SEGMENT (5:00–18:00)
The Rock’s music hits. The WWE Champion steps onto the stage to a massive ovation, soaking in the crowd’s reaction before entering the ring.
JOE TESSITORE: The WWE Champion, The Rock, is here—and business is about to pick up.
The Rock raises the title and brings a mic to his lips.
THE ROCK: Finally… The Rock has come back… to SmackDown! Now before The Rock talks about Royal Rumble, before The Rock talks about WrestleMania Legacy… The Rock wants to know_where is that big bitch Batista?
Batista’s music hits. The crowd erupts as Batista marches to the ring, eyes locked on the title.
WADE BARRETT: That question may have just been answered.
BATISTA: Rock… you love to talk about destiny. About legacy. But Royal Rumble isn’t about catchphrases—it’s about survival. I just need one moment.
The Rock smirks.
THE ROCK: Big words from a big bitch. But Royal Rumble? That’s The Rock’s playground.
Batista steps closer.
The Rock: Oh No! Here she comes!
Batista suddenly drops the mic and SPINEBUSTERS The Rock to the mat! The crowd explodes.
JOE TESSITORE: Batista just laid out the WWE Champion!
Batista stands over The Rock.
WADE BARRETT: That is a message sent loud and clear!
MONTEZ FORD vs. ILJA DRAGUNOV (18:00–30:00)
Both men make intense entrances. Bell rings.
JOE TESSITORE: This match could steal the show.
WADE BARRETT: Two elite competitors—speed versus brutality.
Dragunov dominates early with stiff chops and a German suplex. Ford fights back with agility—dropkicks, a running enziguri, and a springboard clothesline.
Dragunov attempts the Torpedo Moscow—Ford counters mid-air into a roll-up for two!
JOE TESSITORE: Incredible counter!
Ford hits a superkick, climbs the ropes, and delivers a spectacular FROM THE HEAVENS Frog Splash.
1…2…3!
JOE TESSITORE: Montez Ford with a huge victory!
WADE BARRETT: That’s how you build momentum heading into Royal Rumble season. Bianca must be proud of her husband tonight!
BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW: NIKKI BELLA (30:00–35:00)
NIKKI BELLA: Pete is free because I made sure he walked out of that jail cell. And what he has? Files. Proof. I don’t care for Pete or our arrangement but this could change the course of wrestling history.
WADE BARRETT: What is in those files?
#1 CONTENDER MATCH
TIFFANY STRATTON vs. TRISH STRATUS (35:00–50:00)
Trish gets a huge reaction. Tiffany looks confident, arrogant.
JOE TESSITORE: A dream match with enormous stakes.
Trish controls early with arm drags and Stratusfaction attempts. Tiffany uses underhanded tactics—hair pulls and knee strikes.
Trish locks in the Sharpshooter—Tiffany barely reaches the ropes.
WADE BARRETT: That was close!
Tiffany dodges a Chick Kick, hits a sit-out powerbomb, then the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER.
1…2…3!
JOE TESSITORE: Tiffany Stratton is going to the Royal Rumble to face Bayley!
LIFE AND LEGACY PREVIEW (50:00–58:00)
Footage shows Pete being released from jail.
For some reason Pete is wearing a wig and a fake beard. Probably to make it look like he served hard time.
PETE THE REF: These files prove Murrey has fathered thousands of children. And the most crazy part is that Murrey may be directly related to the Mouse family!
WADE BARRETT: This is unbelievable. Pete has the Jeff Gene Files!
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
BRAUN STROWMAN (c) vs. SANTOS ESCOBAR (58:00–75:00)
Escobar uses speed, targeting the legs. Strowman powers through with clubbing blows.
Rowan appears—distracts the referee. Dexter Lumis slides in and hits Santos with Silence.
JOE TESSITORE: What the hell?!
Strowman hits the Running Powerslam.
1…2…3!
WADE BARRETT: Strowman retains—but controversy reigns. Where in the hell is Joe Gacy?!
BACKSTAGE PROMO: DAMIAN PRIEST (75:00–82:00)
DAMIAN PRIEST: I’m entrant number two. And anyone before me? Looking at you John. You’re stepping into my judgment.
CLOSING SEGMENT: BAYLEY & TIFFANY STRATTON (82:00–120:00)
Bayley confronts Tiffany backstage. Trash talk erupts into a brawl.
JOE TESSITORE: They can’t wait until the Royal Rumble!
Tiffany slams Bayley into equipment cases and holds up the title as officials pull them apart.
WADE BARRETT: Tiffany Stratton just made a statement.
SmackDown goes off the air.
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 