WWE SmackDown officially kicks off a new era tonight, expanding back to a three-hour format starting with this evenings live broadcast from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York and WWE just added a Womens United States Championship match to push the card over the top.
Just hours before the show, WWE confirmed that Chelsea Green will defend her Womens U.S. Title against Giulia, reigniting their heated rivalry. Green controversially took the title from Giulia back in November, using the ropes for illegal leverage after a distraction gave her the opening. Now, Giulia gets her shot at redemption on a show designed to deliver more action than ever before.
Green and Giulia remain two of only three women to have held the Womens U.S. Championship since its debut in late 2024. With Giulia aiming to even the score and Green looking to prove her win wasnt a fluke, this match could steal the show.
Also slated for tonight is Drew McIntyre, who will appear live to reveal the stipulations for his Three Stages of Hell match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. That title match is set for next weeks January 9 episode of SmackDown, but tonights announcement will determine the exact rules for each brutal stage.
Fully confirmed lineup for the January 2, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown:
- Chelsea Green (c) vs. Giulia
Womens United States Championship Match - Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
Ambulance Match to settle their months-long feud - IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax & Lash Legend
8-Woman Tag Team Match featuring some of WWEs top female stars - Segment: Drew McIntyre reveals the Three Stages of Hell stipulations
McIntyre lays out the path Cody Rhodes must survive to retain his title next week - Appearance: Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed Champion responds ahead of his January 9 title defense
WWEs decision to bring SmackDown back to a three-hour format allows for deeper storytelling and more in-ring action and tonights card is proof that theyre embracing the shift with full force.
Are you excited about SmackDowns new three-hour format, or do you think it risks dragging out the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what youre most hyped for tonight!
