5 Surprises Triple H can deliver on the first WWE SmackDown of 2026

WWE is set to host the first SmackDown of 2026 in Brooklyn, New York and the excitement among fans is at a fever pitch. The blue brand will officially kick off its three-hour format starting tonight. Several major things have been advertised for the show, including a huge Ambulance Match. As the company ushers in the new year, Triple H may have some major surprises for the fans.

How SmackDown kicks off 2026 will set the tone for the entire year, giving fans a brief idea of what to expect. Therefore, WWE will seemingly look to make the most of it. The company could fill tonight's show with several big surprises and shockers that could leave fans flabbergasted. It may electrify the arena and hype up the WWE Universe for the upcoming months.

Here are five surprises Triple H can deliver on the first SmackDown of 2026:

#5. Major betrayal between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair

Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair have been working as a cohesive tag team since July 2024. What began as an awkward alliance blossomed into a beautiful friendship over time and things have been going pretty well. However, WWE could showcase a shocking betrayal angle between Bliss and Flair tonight that might leave fans weeping.

Triple H could do that to give the WWE Universe a shock factor to kick off 2026 in a memorable way. Besides, the women's tag team division is currently overcrowded with several teams vying for the gold. Therefore, WWE breaking up Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair's alliance will help the company carry the two as singles stars heading into the Royal Rumble season.

#4. Tiffany Stratton's stunning return on SmackDown

Tiffany Stratton has been away from the programming since losing the WWE Women's Championship to Jade Cargill at Saturday Night's Main Event last year. Fans are expecting The Buff Barbie to return at the Women's Royal Rumble Match later this month. However, Triple H could surprise the fans tonight by bringing Stratton back on television.

The 26-year-old could make a blockbuster return on the first SmackDown of 2026 in Brooklyn, New York. The women's division of the blue brand is currently lacking top-tier stars in the main event scene. Therefore, Triple H may not delay Tiffany Stratton's return any further, as bringing her back at this point will allow WWE incorporate her into the storyline for Royal Rumble.

#3. Major championship changing hands

The first SmackDown of 2026 will potentially set the tone for the feuds and storylines of the whole year. Therefore, Triple H might ensure to give fans some jaw-dropping moments and one of those could be a shocking title change. There is a possibility that the WWE Tag Team Championship could finally change hands tonight on the blue brand.

Ever since winning the tag title, The Wyatt Sicks have held it hostage. The sinister faction is currently involved in a heated feud with the MFT. WWE could set up an impromptu title match tonight where the Wyatts could end up losing their championship. Fans could get to see Solo Sikoa's faction capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship tonight.

#2. Nick Aldis' shocking heel turn on SmackDown

Another major surprise Triple H can pull off on the blue brand tonight is Nick Aldis' heel turn. The 39-year-old has been serving as the SmackDown General Manager for the last couple of years. Time and time again, he faced agitations and humiliation from superstars for his decisions. However, the disrespect Aldis has been getting from Cody Rhodes lately is unmatched.

There is a good possibility that the General Manager could finally snap tonight. In a shocking turn of events, Nick Aldis could turn heel. This could be one of the biggest surprises of the new year that fans are not anticipating. This is why Triple H could pull the trigger on this and turn Aldis into a heel authoritarian figure on Friday Night SmackDown.

#1. Jacob Fatu's revelation of his mystery attacker

Jacob Fatu has been away from WWE since suffering a mysterious backstage attack in October last year. Since then, the question that has been bugging fans is who could have attacked The Samoan Werewolf. Triple H could finally unveil that mystery on the first SmackDown of 2026. Fatu could make a shocking return on the blue brand tonight in Brooklyn.

He could show up in the ring and play a cam footage on the LED screen from that fateful night, revealing his mystery attacker. This could pave the way for a blockbuster storyline on SmackDown, giving fans a solid reason tune into the show every week. Such a major revelation could also ignite excitement and buzz among fans, perfect to kick off 2026.

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Edited by Subhasish Deb