Trick Williams, Sami Zayn & More Advance to WWE Championship Contender Match
Friday Night SmackDown delivered high drama and wild action from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, as four top Superstars punched their tickets to the WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal.
Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, and Damian Priest all advanced, but it was Trick who made sure he stood out with a message loud and clear: he looks like money, feels like money, and he is money.
Trick Williams Makes a Statement
Trick Williams defeated Matt Cardona in a dominant showing to earn his spot in the Fatal 4-Way. From the moment he stepped into the arena, the crowd was behind him. After finishing Cardona with a devastating Trick Shot, Trick wasn’t done yet. Later in the night, after Sami Zayn’s hard-fought win, Trick attacked him from behind with a clothesline and another Trick Shot, sending a strong message to his rivals.
Sami Zayn Fights Through Pain
Sami Zayn had a tough battle against Ilja Dragunov, with both men giving it their all. Bloodied but determined, Zayn caught Dragunov mid-air with a knee, followed by an exploder suplex and a Helluva Kick to win the match. But his celebration was cut short when Trick Williams blindsided him from behind.
Randy Orton and Damian Priest Join the Title Picture
Randy Orton beat The Miz with a classic RKO, even after taking two Skull Crushing Finales. Damian Priest had a tougher road, dealing with interference from Solo Sikoa’s MFTs. Luckily, the Wyatt Sicks appeared to even the odds. Priest took the chance, delivered a South of Heaven Chokeslam, and secured his place in the Fatal 4-Way.
Drew McIntyre: A Champion With No Mercy
The show began with Drew McIntyre receiving a hero’s welcome in London. But in true Drew fashion, he turned on the crowd, saying he only had himself to thank. Randy Orton interrupted and reminded Drew that he’s coming for the title. Things got wild when Jacob Fatu attacked McIntyre, leading to chaos as The Miz dropped Orton with a Skull Crushing Finale from behind.
Later, McIntyre had run-ins with Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn backstage, warning both of them to stay out of his way.
Cody Rhodes Declares for the Royal Rumble
After losing the WWE Title, Cody Rhodes addressed the crowd, declaring his entry into the 2026 Royal Rumble. He also responded to Jacob Fatu’s attacks with a fiery promo and later got into a brawl with Fatu that had to be broken up by security. Their match is now official for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Tag Team Chaos and Women’s Division Shake-Up
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss defeated Giulia & Kiana James after a surprise tag by Alexa and a brutal Sister Abigail.
- Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked both winning Superstars post-match.
- Giulia almost fought Nia, but Kiana pulled her away.
- Next week will feature a No. 1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles between those three teams.
Other Key Moments from SmackDown
- Bo Dallas and Solo Sikoa exchanged cryptic messages about the stolen Wyatt lantern, with Solo demanding a WWE Tag Title match.
- Carmelo Hayes retained the U.S. Title in a show-stealing match against Leon Slater.
- Jacob Fatu beat down Kit Wilson and called out Cody Rhodes.
- Jordynne Grace defeated Chelsea Green and sent a message to Jade Cargill by holding up the Women’s Title.
- Tama Tonga warned Shinsuke Nakamura that he’s eyeing the U.S. Title.
- Axiom & Nathan Frazer pranked Johnny Gargano before their match next week.
Fatal 4-Way Line-Up for Saturday Night’s Main Event
The WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event now includes:
- Trick Williams
- Sami Zayn
- Randy Orton
- Damian Priest
With all four men hungry for a title shot, this match in Montreal is shaping up to be a must-watch.
