WWE SmackDown rolls into the Bell Centre in Montreal tonight with a stacked lineup and major implications for this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event and the upcoming Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. With title opportunities, personal vendettas, and career-defining moments on the line, this is a must-watch go-home show before WWE’s next Premium Live Event.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s SmackDown, including the full match card, storyline previews, and how to watch.
Fatal 4-Way Momentum Match: Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
Ahead of the massive No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match on Saturday, Trick Williams and Damian Priest square off one-on-one. Both men are hoping to secure a championship match against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. Trick has been gaining huge fan support since joining the main roster, while Priest has the experience and ruthless edge to derail Trick’s momentum.
Expect fireworks — and possibly some outside interference — as these two look to gain a psychological edge.
Cody Rhodes Addresses Jacob Fatu
The war of words — and fists — continues between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. After Fatu interfered in Rhodes’ 3 Stages of Hell match and indirectly cost him the WWE Championship, Cody has been laser-focused on payback. Last week’s backstage brawl set the tone, and tonight Rhodes will speak directly to “The Samoan Werewolf” ahead of their highly anticipated showdown this Saturday.
Could tensions boil over again before they even make it to the ring?
AJ Styles Appears Ahead of Career-Defining Match
General Manager Nick Aldis has invited AJ Styles to SmackDown to discuss his career-threatening match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. Styles agreed to put his career on the line after a controversial finish in their last encounter. With Aldis calling SmackDown “the house that AJ Styles built,” expect an emotional moment — and maybe a message from Gunther himself.
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. The MFTs
The Wyatt Sicks defend their titles tonight against The MFTs in what’s expected to be a chaotic encounter. After Solo Sikoa stole Bray Wyatt’s lantern from Uncle Howdy, the rivalry between the two factions became deeply personal.
This match may be officially 2-on-2, but don’t be surprised if it turns into an all-out faction war.
Women’s Tag Team No. 1 Contender’s Match: Triple Threat Showdown
Three teams will collide to earn a future shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships:
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
- Lash Legend & Nia Jax
- Giulia & Kiana James
Flair and Bliss are looking to get back in the title hunt after losing the belts months ago, while Legend and Jax continue to impress as a dominant force. Meanwhile, Giulia and James bring championship credibility of their own, with Giulia currently holding the Women’s United States Championship.
Expect intensity, surprises, and possibly a title match announcement before Saturday Night’s Main Event.
WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green
Jade Cargill steps into singles competition against Chelsea Green. Cargill has looked unstoppable since becoming Women’s Champion, and while Green is known for her underhanded tactics and comedic flair, she’ll need more than tricks to overcome Cargill’s raw power.
Could this be a quick showcase, or will Green push the champ in an unexpected way?
Grudge Match: Johnny Gargano vs. Nathan Frazer
What started as mind games has turned into a personal battle. After Gargano and Candice LeRae took Axiom’s mask, Frazer and Axiom turned the tables with their own tricks. Now, Gargano faces Frazer one-on-one with pride and revenge on the line. This one could steal the show if given enough time.
WWE SmackDown: How to Watch
- Date: Friday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 8 PM EST / 5 PM PST
- Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Streaming: Fubo TV, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV
Official Match Card for SmackDown in Montreal
| Match | Stakes |
|---|---|
| Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest | Previews Fatal 4-Way title contender match |
| Cody Rhodes promo | Builds toward match with Jacob Fatu |
| AJ Styles appears | Ahead of career-on-the-line match at Royal Rumble |
| The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. The MFTs | WWE Tag Team Championship Match |
| Flair & Bliss vs. Legend & Jax vs. Giulia & James | Women’s Tag Team Title No. 1 Contender Triple Threat |
| Jade Cargill (c) vs. Chelsea Green | Non-title match; Cargill showcases dominance |
| Johnny Gargano vs. Nathan Frazer | Ongoing personal rivalry |
