By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,380)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at KAFD
Simulcast live January 30, 2026, Netflix internationally (same day delay on USA Network)
[Hour One] Michael Cole checked in on commentary and touted the show’s host city. Cole narrated backstage/arrival shots of Gunther, AJ Styles, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, and Sami Zayn… A Saturday Night’s Main Event recap video aired…
Cody Rhodes made his entrance for an in-ring promo. Cody spoke of winning the Royal Rumble for a third time. He said it would make sense to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship.
Cody said Drew might not be the champion, and said it could be his friend Sami Zayn. Cody said he’s taken the road less travelled at times during his career, and then teased challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. Cody said he is going into the match with something no one else in the field has as a two-time winner. There were some boos.
Randy Orton’s entrance music played, and he came out to massive cheers. Orton told the Saudi fans that he loves them. Orton put his hand on Cody’s shoulder, which drew loud RKO chants. Orton spoke of his friendship with Cody. Orton told Cody that there is nothing more dangerous than a Viper chasing number 15.
Orton said they will not be friends or brothers during the Rumble match. He said he would throw Cody over the top rope without hesitation. Orton told Cody he isn’t the only one who has won the Rumble twice.
Jey Uso’s entrance music played, and he ran out via the stage. Jey played to the crowd once he was inside the ring, then ran it back. Jey said they were talking about winning their third Rumble, but he intends to win it back-to-back.
Sami Zayn’s music played, and then he headed to the ring while the fans sang along with his entrance theme. The fans sang the “Ole” song and waved their cellphone lights. Zayn spoke briefly in Arabic.
Zayn said he was in the ring with three of the absolute best. He said that since they were talking about their Rumble plans, he would do the same. Zayn said there were three talking points. He said he has a chance to win the WWE Championship, but he has to beat Drew McIntyre, who is 11-0 in their past matches. Zayn said the third story point was that he has never lost a match in Saudi Arabia. Zayn said he would win the WWE Championship.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Paul Heyman said while offstage. Heyman walked out with The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory. Heyman said he looks in the ring and sees four superstars, but no vision. He said there’s no vision in Zayn winning.
Heyman said Saturday won’t be Jey, Cody, or Orton’s night. A “shut the f— up,” chant broke out. Heyman started to speak in Spanish, then apologized and said it was the wrong international city. Funny. He said Saturday will be Breakker’s night. Orton told Heyman to shut up and told his crew to come to the ring for an ass-whooping.
Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis walked out and said everyone could see where this was going. He said he wanted to give the fans a Royal Rumble preview. Aldis booked Zayn, Cody, Orton, and Jey vs. Breakker, Reed, Logan, and Theory in an eight-man tag for later in the show…
Cole hyped Carmelo Hayes’s latest U.S. Championship open challenge for after the first commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: The Orton and Cody exchange was the highlight of the segment. It will be interesting to see if that’s a major story during the Royal Rumble match. I’m not big on trivial eight-man tag matches, but this one has a lot of star power and some intrigue in terms of whether there are any issues amongst the teammates on either side heading into the Rumble.
Cole thanked Linkin Park for the Royal Rumble theme song… Wade Barrett checked in on commentary and joined Cole in hyping the eight-man tag main event…
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance for the U.S. Championship open challenge while ring announcer Mike Rome introduced him. Hayes stood on the ring and nodded when Rey Fenix’s entrance music played. “Hell yeah,” Cole said…
1. Carmelo Hayes vs. Rey Fenix for the U.S. Championship. Cole said he believed this was the first time Hayes and Fenix met in a singles match. They cut to a break roughly a minute into the match. [C] Both wrestlers traded big kicks. They threw simultaneous kicks and were both down before another break around 8:00. [C]
Fenix performed a moonsault onto a standing Hayes and picked up a near fall. Hayes came right back with a takedown that led to a two count of his own. A short time later, Hayes hit the First 48 and followed up with Nothing But Net and got the pinfall victory…
Carmelo Hayes defeated Rey Fenix in 14:00 to retain the U.S. Championship.
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov was approached by The Miz. Dragunov started to tell Miz to give him a reason not to get physical with him, but Miz stopped him. Miz claimed Carmelo Hayes came to him and asked for help, which is why he knocked Dragunov off the top rope last week. Miz said he has no beef with Dragunov, who then acted cordially until Miz shook his hand. Dragunov held Miz’s hand and said he doesn’t know if Miz and Hayes worked together, but tonight, Miz’s pain will entertain… [C]
Powell’s POV: The live crowd was excited about the open challenge when Hayes came out, but there wasn’t much of a reaction when Fenix was introduced as his opponent. I thought the in-ring action might win them over, and it did to some extent, but they were still fairly quiet after Hayes went over. Meanwhile, I like that Miz tried to throw Hayes under the bus. It’s not inconceivable that Hayes is turning heel. It seems more likely that Miz is playing games, but they could still lead to friction between Hayes and Dragunov.
Footage aired of Brock Lesnar appearing via phone on The Pat McAfee Show and announcing he will be in the Royal Rumble match…
Backstage, R-Truth was holding his “balls” while standing with Nick Aldis in front of the hopper containing balls with the Rumble numbers. Damian Priest showed up. Aldis informed him that he was in the Rumble match. Priest drew his number and opened it. Aldis and Truth peaked at the number. Aldis shook his head. Truth told him to go again. Aldis said that wasn’t allowed. Priest said it was just a number, and it would give him more time “to throw some fools out.” He said he would come out the winner…
Cathy Kelley interviewed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre outside the venue. McIntyre said he heard people talking big games earlier, including Sami Zayn. McIntyre said Zayn put his boot in his mouth, and now he has to wrestle in an eight-man tag match the night before their title match. McIntyre vowed to do whatever it takes to keep his title. He questioned if Zayn was willing to do whatever it takes to take the title from him…
[Hour Two] [C] Cole plugged the WWE podcast schedule…
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Kelley asked if they’ve talked about what would happen in the Rumble match if it comes down to the two of them. Ripley and Sky both indicated that they understood there are no friends in the Rumble, but they can handle it.
Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia and Kiana James showed up. James said the Rumble would be the undoing of Ripley and Sky. Giulia and Sky exchanged words in Japanese. James spoke about how she and Giulia would take the tag team titles.
Nia Jax and Lash Legend showed up. They mentioned the Rumble, and then said that they want to face the winners of the Ripley and Sky vs. Giulia and James title match. The three teams bickered…
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance. They both wore gear that covered their legs and arms. Flair spoke of winning the Rumble. Bliss said she had the same plan. Flair assumed Bliss was being supportive of her. Bliss clarified that she planned to win the Rumble. Bliss said she had the first women’s match in Saudi Arabia and now intends to win the first Rumble in Riyadh.
Flair asked Bliss if she thought she was going to help her win. Bliss told Flair she needs to understand that not everything is about her. Flair asked Bliss if she would toss her over the top rope if she turned her back on her during the Rumble match. Bliss asked if Flair would do the same.
Rather than let their adversaries fight, foolish heels Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez came out. Morgan mocked the best friends for fighting. Flair invited them to come to the ring and find out if they didn’t think they were friends.
The Judgment Day trio huddled. Bliss said okay. The heel trio started to walk toward the ring. They stopped, and Bliss mocked the idea that they would have a match the night before the Rumble.
Nick Aldis came out and said he knows that the Judgment Day wrestlers are on the Raw brand. He said he has a rule that if you step on the stage, you are volunteering to step in the ring. Aldis said Flair and Bliss would face two members of the heel trio. Aldis called for a referee… [C]
Powell’s POV: I can’t stand seeing two wrestlers are bickering, only to have their foes interrupt them for no good reason like absolute morons. Why wouldn’t you let your enemies self-destruct?
2. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez). The match was joined in progress. Cole said Morgan was heading into her ninth Royal Rumble match, tying her with Natalya. Cole said they have both been in every women’s Rumble match. Morgan was in offensive control over Bliss before a break. [C]
Bliss made a hot tag to Flair. Perez ran into a big boot. Flair performed a top rope crossbody block on both heels. Perez came up holding her nose. Flair threw chops at both heels. Flair put Perez down with a fallaway slam. Perez was bleeding from the nose. Flair went up top and performed a moonsault onto both opponents and then covered Bliss for a two count.
Late in the match, Rodriguez climbed on the apron. Flair approached Rodriguez, but Perez chop-blocked Flair. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer appeared at ringside and pulled Rodriguez off the apron. Vaquer superkicked Rodriguez. Perez leaned through the ropes and jawed at Vaquer. Bliss hit Perez with Sister Abigail and then pinned her.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez in 12:30.
Powell’s POV: It wasn’t clear whether Perez broke her nose. It bled initially, and she was able to work through it, so hopefully it’s just a minor injury. The moonsault that Flair performed on both opponents was super safe, as Flair landed on her hands and feet and barely made contact with Bliss and Perez.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Jordynne Grace, who spoke about how the Royal Rumble can change your life. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill blindsided Grace as she was talking about winning the Rumble. Jade said Grace won’t win the Rumble and won’t beat her. Grace hit her, and then they traded punches until they were pulled apart…
The broadcast team hyped the main event… [C] Fraxiom made their entrance. The name graphic mistakenly listed “Bron Breakker – Entrant #1” with a U.S. flag, and his height and weight… [C]
Powell’s POV: Wow. I’d love to think this was a swerve, but it sure looks like somebody f’d up in a major way. Yikes. If Breakker was scheduled to come out first, would they stick with the plan? They could move him to No. 2, and nothing would change. Or perhaps there’s another early spot he could be moved to that wouldn’t require significant changes. I’ll be shocked if this isn’t cleaned up before the show airs in the United States.
Cole hyped the seven-man ladder match for the vacant NXT Championship for Tuesday’s NXT television show…
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were shown walking backstage when they were stopped. Nick Aldis told them that LeRae was banned from ringside. Gargano took issue with Fraxiom “weaponizing” the mask that he claimed his wife gifted him. Aldis informed him that if Axiom beats him, Gargano must give the mask back…
3. Axiom (w/Nathan Frazer) vs. Johnny Gargano. Cole spoke about how the mask was important to Axiom. He said something about Axiom being bullied as a kid and using his intelligence. Gargano hit Axiom with an early suicide dive. [C]
Late in the match, Gargano ducked a kick. Gargano approached a kneeling Axiom from behind and pulled his mask off. Axiom covered his face. Gargano stared at the new mask while Axiom grabbed the blue mask that was on the line and put it on. Gargano taunted Frazer, and then turned into Axiom’s Golden Ratio, which led to the pin…
Axiom defeated Johnny Gargano to regain his stolen mask.
Powell’s POV: The mask saga ends. I didn’t mind the basic story, but it didn’t seem to be clicking with the fans if the live crowds are any indication.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes asked Ilja Dragunov if they had heat. Hayes said Dragunov knows him well enough to know that he had nothing to do with what Miz did. Dragunov said Hayes right there when Miz threw him off the top rope. Dragunov said he doesn’t know what to think about it. He said he would fight tonight, and then he’s coming for Hayes. Dragunov said he expects to get the same opportunity that he gave to Hayes…
Cole hyped the main event, and then said AJ Styles would speak after the break… Cole said it was announced on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show that CM Punk will be on the cover of WWE 2K26…
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Trick Williams, who showed off his white outfit and lemon pepper steppers. He spoke about putting on a show in all of the international cities where Smackdown has been held recently. Trick said people should subscribe to his website at WorldwideWilly.com…
AJ Styles made his entrance for an in-ring promo. He said some fans are worried about his match at the Rumble. Styles said he’s not. He said he will beat Gunther and then kick off his farewell tour. He spoke about having one more match with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and CM Punk.
Gunther interrupted Styles from ringside. Gunther climbed onto the broadcast table and told Styles that none of what Styles said would happen. He said Styles knows deep down that he made a mistake so severe that it will cost him his career. Gunther said he will end Styles’ career at the Rumble, the same way he ended John Cena’s career. “I’m going to make you tap out,” Gunther said.
Styles said Gunther is really funny. He said the last he checked, Gunther was the one who tapped out like a little bitch. Gunther got angry and then jumped off the broadcast table before removing his jacket. Gunther climbed on the apron and looked at Styles before dropping back to the floor and making his exit…
[Hour Three] Backstage, Tama Tonga told Shinsuke Nakamura that he saw his match last week. Tama asked if Nakamura saw is match. He asked what happened to Nakamura, who was the King of Strong Style. Tama suggested that Nakamura follow AJ Styles out by holding the Shinsuke Sayonara Tour.
Nakamura smiled and said that Tama finally has confidence, but to him, he’s still that little punk. Nakamura told Tama that he would show him strong style in the ring next week…
The Miz made his entrance for a match against Ilja Dragunov… [C] Roman Reigns’ return in the Royal Rumble match was hyped… Ilja Dragunov made his entrance…
4. Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz. Cole said both men will be in the Royal Rumble match. He said it will be Dragunov’s first Rumble match, and Miz’s 17th, leaving him behind only Kane for most Rumble match appearances.
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