The new year in WWE is set to begin with a blockbuster episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The first show of 2026 will emanate from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, and marks a significant return to the three-hour broadcast format. The event is already generating immense buzz with top-tier superstars like Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Jade Cargill prominently advertised for the night.
Star-Studded Match Card and Key Appearances
The action-packed lineup promises to deliver high-octane entertainment from start to finish. Reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is scheduled to make a major appearance. This comes ahead of his impending Three Stages of Hell match, as his intense rivalry with Drew McIntyre continues to reach new heights.
In women's division action, the dominant WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill is set to battle Michin in a singles contest. This clash is the culmination of weeks of tension between the two on the blue brand. However, reports from Fightful suggest Michin may have sustained a shoulder injury during the recent WWE Holiday Tour, leaving her participation status uncertain.
Tag Team Warfare and a Brutal Ambulance Match
The women's tag team scene will be in the spotlight with a massive eight-woman tag team match. The team of Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO Sky will join forces to take on the formidable quartet of Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).
One of the most anticipated bouts of the night will be a physically punishing Ambulance match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. This brutal stipulation is the result of weeks of personal vendetta, with Black and his wife Zelina making it their mission to dismantle Priest's career on SmackDown.
How and When to Watch SmackDown in India and Worldwide
WWE's global audience can catch the action live at different times. For fans in the United States and Canada, the show airs live on Friday at 8 PM ET on Netflix. Viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland can tune in at 1 AM BST on Saturday.
For the Indian WWE Universe, SmackDown will be broadcast live on Saturday morning at 6:30 AM IST, exclusively on Netflix. This convenient timing allows fans to kickstart their weekend with premier sports entertainment.
Other international timings include:
- Saudi Arabia: 4:00 AM AST on Saturday (Netflix)
- France: 2:00 AM CET on Saturday (AB1)
- Australia: 11:00 AM AEST on Saturday (Netflix)
This inaugural SmackDown of 2026 is poised to set the tone for the year in WWE, featuring championship implications, personal grudge matches, and the return of the extended three-hour spectacle, all accessible to Indian fans on the Netflix platform.
