WWE’s European Tour continues tonight as Friday Night SmackDown emanates from the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, airing live internationally on Netflix at 2 PM Eastern, with a tape-delayed broadcast in the United States at 8 PM Eastern. Tonight, SmackDown kicks off a mini No. 1 contender tournament that will determine who challenges Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Last week’s show reshaped the SmackDown landscape, as McIntyre reclaimed the title from Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match, aided by the shocking return of Jacob Fatu, setting the stage for a winter of high-stakes matches, factional tension, and personal rivalries.

Additionally, United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will continue his US Title Open Challenge, inviting top UK talent to answer the call, with fan speculation surrounding potential challengers, though no opponent has been officially announced.

Here is everything advertised for today’s show

• Randy Orton vs. The Miz (Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier)
• Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa (Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier)
• Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams (Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier)
• Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov (Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier)
• United States Championship Open Challenge

Breakdown & Analysis

Randy Orton vs. The Miz — Experience vs. Desperation

This rivalry is steeped in history, contrasting styles, and the clash of legacy versus ambition. Randy Orton remains one of WWE’s most decorated stars, a measured predator in high-stakes environments. The Miz continues to fight the perception that he is a talker rather than a true competitor.

For Miz, tonight is about validation. Orton’s clinical efficiency and experience make him a formidable opponent, but any victory for Miz would instantly redefine his standing heading into the Royal Rumble season.

Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa — Violence with Purpose

This match is primed for intensity. Damian Priest has been refining his identity as a cold, methodical fighter, while Solo Sikoa embodies chaos and raw power. With Jacob Fatu now aligned with Drew McIntyre, the Bloodline’s extended reach looms over SmackDown, adding stakes beyond a standard tournament qualifier.

The winner advances not just in the tournament but also as a symbol of factional dominance, while the loser faces a setback in both momentum and credibility.

Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams — Veteran Savvy vs. Rising Star

Tonight pits Matt Cardona, a seasoned competitor fighting to reassert himself, against Trick Williams, a recent NXT call-up who impressed with a successful debut against Rey Fenix last week.

Cardona blends experience, name recognition, and strategic opportunism. He isn’t just fighting for a tournament spot — he’s fighting to prove he belongs in SmackDown’s elite tier.

Trick Williams, meanwhile, rides momentum from his NXT call-up, and WWE has clearly positioned him as a rising star. A win tonight would fast-track him toward a main-event trajectory, while a loss would be an early test of his ability to adapt to the main roster’s pressures.

This match is as much about momentum and narrative positioning as it is about tournament advancement, making it a pivotal encounter for both men.

Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov — The Soul of Wrestling

Sami Zayn is the emotional anchor of SmackDown, known for resilience and the perpetual chase of championship glory. Ilja Dragunov is intensity and technical prowess personified, treating every match like a war.

This qualifier promises to test endurance, strategy, and heart. The winner not only moves forward in the tournament but also stakes a claim as a true contender against Drew McIntyre.

United States Title Open Challenge — Carmelo Hayes vs. TBD

Carmelo Hayes’ US Title Open Challenge continues his “prove you belong” ethos. Tonight’s challenge spotlights UK talent, and while the official opponent is unknown, fan speculation has already begun. Hayes’ in-ring skill, speed, and confidence make him a formidable champion, and tonight’s segment could create a breakout moment for an international competitor.

Cody Rhodes’ Next Chapter & Jacob Fatu’s Shocking Return

Cody Rhodes’ quest for the WWE Championship suffered a major setback last week when Drew McIntyre reclaimed the title with the aid of Jacob Fatu, who had been written off television last year due to a storyline injury angle and WWE’s creative refresh.

For Cody, this loss represents a pivotal crossroads:

• Redemption arc: He may pursue the Royal Rumble as his route back to a world title opportunity.
• Factional entanglement: With Fatu as McIntyre’s enforcer, Cody faces a more complex battlefield.
• Character evolution: The loss and interference could push Cody toward a darker, more calculated version of himself.

Fatu’s return shifts SmackDown’s power dynamics, establishing him as a major enforcer and adding unpredictability to the path toward championship contention.

The Bigger Picture: SNME, The Royal Rumble, and Drew McIntyre’s Reign

Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal will feature the Fatal Four Way to determine the number one contender for McIntyre’s WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. McIntyre now reigns as a dominant champion, backed by Jacob Fatu, sending a clear message: ruthlessness wins titles.

Every win tonight matters. Every loss shapes trajectories. And every competitor knows that WrestleMania season truly begins at the Royal Rumble.

Final Thoughts: Key Things to Watch

• Will Jacob Fatu continue to dominate the main-event landscape?
• Can rising stars like Trick Williams or Ilja Dragunov make a statement?
• Will a UK talent answer Carmelo Hayes’ US Title Open Challenge?
• How will Cody Rhodes respond to the McIntyre/Fatu alliance — redemption, revenge, or evolution?
• Who emerges from tonight’s qualifiers one step closer to challenging Drew McIntyre at SNME and potentially at the Royal Rumble?

SmackDown is no longer about setting the table. Tonight, the feast begins.

Make sure to subscribe to our Late Night Crew Wrestling YouTube Channel. Follow @yorkjavon, @kspowerwheels & @LateNightCrewYT on X.