WWE fans across the United Kingdom are in for a treat this Friday evening, as SmackDown broadcasts live from London at the convenient time of 8pm exclusively on Netflix. This marks a significant and welcome shift from the typical 1am broadcasts British viewers usually endure for weekly WWE programming.
A Prime Time Treat for UK Wrestling Fans
The special scheduling is due to the show being filmed live from The O2 arena in London, part of WWE's extensive Road to Royal Rumble tour across the UK and Europe. This tour is a historic first, featuring televised events from cities like Belfast and Düsseldorf, and marking returns to Poland after 11 years and Denmark after 9.
Thanks to Netflix's international streaming rights for WWE, fans no longer have to wait until the early hours to watch events taped in their own timezone. This change has been warmly received, offering a respite from the late-night wake-ups that have long been a staple for dedicated UK wrestling enthusiasts.
Tonight's SmackDown Match Card and Stakes
Tonight's episode is particularly pivotal, being the third since SmackDown returned to a three-hour format. The action is centred on the build towards the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh. The main draw features a series of high-stakes qualifying matches to determine a new number one contender for the WWE Championship, currently held by UK hero Drew McIntyre.
The confirmed match card for January 16 includes:
- #1 Contender's Qualifier: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
- #1 Contender's Qualifier: Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
- #1 Contender's Qualifier: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
- #1 Contender's Qualifier: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
- US Title Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes vs. TBA
Additionally, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre makes a triumphant return to London, adding to the electric atmosphere expected at The O2.
The Netflix Effect and Tour Schedule
The shift to viewer-friendly timings underscores the impact of the Netflix and WWE partnership. While the show airs on the USA Network in the States, international audiences on Netflix enjoy live, synchronous broadcasting. This tour also precedes the upcoming release of the docu-series WWE Unreal Season 2.
The Royal Rumble tour continues over the weekend with the following dates:
- SmackDown: Friday, January 16 – London, UK (The O2)
- Saturday, January 17 – Gdańsk, Poland (Ergo Arena)
- Sunday, January 18 – Nottingham, UK (Motorpoint Arena)
- Raw: Monday, January 19 – Belfast, Northern Ireland (SSE Arena)
Tonight's early start is a clear win for UK fans, blending the thrill of a major live event on home soil with the convenience of prime-time viewing. It signals a new, more accessible era for WWE's global audience under its groundbreaking streaming deal.
