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WWE Adds Title Match To First WWE SmackDown Of 2026, Legend To Return?

By John Canton • Published Jan 02, 2026 14:20 EST
WWE Smackdown Logo Arena

A title match has been added to WWE SmackDown, and a legend could be coming back, too.

The first episode of WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, January 2nd, from the KeyBank Center in chilly Buffalo, New York.

Just like it was in the first six months of 2025, SmackDown will return to being a 3-hour show starting this Friday. The 3-hour show length will lead to more wrestlers appearing on the show who may not have been on the past, and perhaps some longer matches as well.

As for the show itself, WWE has added a Women’s US Title match, with Chelsea Green defending against the former champion, Giulia.

Green is a 2-time Women’s US Champion who won the title from Giulia on the November 7th edition of SmackDown while putting her feet on the ropes without the referee seeing it. After nearly two months, Giulia will finally get her rematch.

Giulia will go into the title match with a lot of momentum since she pinned Green in a tag team match on the final SmackDown of 2025.

Randy Orton Advertised For WWE SmackDown In Buffalo

In addition to the Green/Giulia match, WWE is also advertising a big grudge match and a Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre segment. Here’s the official advertised rundown.

  • Drew McIntyre set to reveal stipulations for 3 Stages of Hell Match against Cody Rhodes
  • Giulia challenges Chelsea Green in a Women’s United States Championship Match
  • Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss take on Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax and Lash Legend
  • Damian Priest goes to war against Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match

While he’s not advertised officially on WWE’s rundown of what’s happening on the show, Randy Orton’s WWE return could happen as soon as tonight’s January 2nd edition of SmackDown in Buffalo, since Orton is mentioned on WWE’s website.

Meanwhile, Randy Orton merchandise is being advertised by the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. They are also selling John Cena merchandise, and he has retired, but in Orton’s case, it could be the beginning of his return after being out of action since October.