Get ready for a wrestling revolution! WWE SmackDown is pulling out all the stops for its 2026 kickoff, returning to a three-hour format this Friday, January 2nd, at 8 p.m. ET. But here's where it gets intense: just one week before Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre clash in the brutal Three Stages of Hell match, McIntyre himself will unveil the three grueling stipulations that will define their epic battle. This isn't your average wrestling match—it's a two-out-of-three falls contest with ever-changing rules, and it's only the sixth time WWE has dared to present it since 2019. Is this match format a thrilling innovation or a step too far?
And this is the part most people miss: the undisputed WWE Championship hangs in the balance during this rare and savage encounter. But before we get there, Friday's show is packed with action. Damian Priest and Aleister Black reignite their fiery feud in a high-stakes ambulance match, while Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green defends her title against Giulia in a highly anticipated rematch. Speaking of rematches, the Survivor Series: WarGames fallout continues as eight women—four from each team—collide in a tag team showdown. Will old rivalries resurface, or will new alliances form?
CBS Sports will be your ringside companion, delivering live recaps and highlights from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Don't miss a single body slam, suplex, or surprise twist!
WWE SmackDown Preview Highlights:
- Drew McIntyre's Three Stages of Hell Stipulations Reveal: What brutal challenges await Rhodes and McIntyre?
- Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black (Ambulance Match): Will this rivalry finally reach its explosive conclusion?
- Women's United States Championship: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Giulia – Can Giulia dethrone the champion?
- Eight-Woman Tag Team Match: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend – Which team will dominate?
Controversial Question: With the Three Stages of Hell match returning after years of absence, is WWE pushing its superstars too far for entertainment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on this bold move!
