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WWE SmackDown is all set to kick off its new year with the first epsiode of 2026 taking place from Buffalo, New York. The excitement among fans is at a fever pitch as the show goes to its three-hour format starting today. Several top stars like Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair will be in the house tonight and you can expect major surprises on the show.
With WWE ushering in the new year, the timing of the show has been a common concern for many. The January 2, 2026 edition of SmackDown will kick off at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT and fans in the United States can enjoy it at its usual time. The show will air live across the world. However, the timing of Friday Night SmackDown will vary for international viewers depending on their geographical region.
WWE SmackDown timing in different regions
- USA: 8:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM CT (Friday)
- Canada: 8:00 PM ET (Friday)
- United Kingdom: 1:00 AM GMT (Saturday)
- Ireland: 1:00 AM GMT (Saturday)
- India: 6:30 AM IST (Saturday)
- Australia: 11:00 AM AEST (Saturday)
- Japan: 10:00 AM JST (Saturday)
- Saudi Arabia: 4:00 AM AST (Saturday)
How to watch Friday Night SmackDown?
With WWE SmackDown kicking off its three-hour format from the year's first episode, it has opened the door for more action and entertainment. Fans wishing to see the show live in person tonight can grab a ticket and head to KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The doors will open at 6:00 PM EST.
You can also catch all the action live on USA Network, as it is the official broadcasting partner in the United States. For international viewers, Friday Night SmackDown will stream live on Netflix around the world. You can tune into the show at your regional time and enjoy all the thrilling action and drama.
Advertised matchcard for WWE SmackDown
- Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black (Ambulance Match)
- Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend and Kabuki Warriors (8-Woman Tag Team Match)
- Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre to appear
- Carmelo Hayes will appear
You can check out WWE SmackDown Preview to know all the potential spoilers, rumors and everything you can expect from the show. Triple H is going all out to make the first SmackDown of 2026 an unforgettable show, as what happens tonight will set the tone for the blue brand for the upcoming months.
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Edited by Subhasish Deb
English (US)