Get ready for an emotionally charged episode of WWE SmackDown in Montreal on January 23, 2026, where hometown pride takes center stage and the wrestling world watches with bated breath. But here's where it gets controversial—unexpected twists and high-stakes moments might redefine the future of some superstars and reignite debates among fans. Let's dive into what you can expect from this exciting event.
Top Highlights of the Evening
The legendary AJ Styles will grace the stage live before his highly anticipated Career Match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. Fans have already begun speculating whether this could be the start of a retirement tour or a farewell act—especially as Styles faces what might be his toughest challenge yet.
Sami Zayn, a beloved figure from Montreal, is set to speak directly to his hometown crowd. This moment is especially significant as he prepares for a Fatal 4-Way match with the stakes of becoming the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Expect emotional promos, passionate reactions, and perhaps a sign of whether Zayn’s journey may be taking a new direction.
The Wyatt Family’s rebranded faction, the Wyatt Sicks, will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against the MFTs (Most Factioned Tag teams), adding an intense title match to the night’s lineup.
Jade Cargill makes her return to in-ring action, facing off against Chelsea Green. Fans have been eager to see her back in the ring, although her recent 70-day title defense hiatus has sparked some online criticism. Notably, even without defending her Women’s Championship, her match against Green will spotlight her skills and ongoing storyline.
Is AJ Styles’ Retirement Nearing?
AJ Styles, a fixture of WWE since 2016, is currently embroiled in a story that could see him step away from in-ring competition—potentially on the very anniversary of his debut at Royal Rumble. After a controversial first loss to Gunther, Styles has agreed to a rematch with everything on the line: his career.
This match is highly unpredictable. Many fans are questioning whether Styles will truly retire, especially since he has openly said this year might be his last in WWE. However, some argue that announcing a farewell during such a significant milestone—as opposed to a casual goodbye—feels sudden. Gunther has already made waves by retiring legends like Goldberg and John Cena, which only fuels speculation that Styles might be next. As a result, viewers are primed to be on the edge of their seats, falling for every near-fall and false finish.
A Personal Homecoming and a Night of Celebrations
Montreal’s SmackDown is shaping up to be more than just a wrestling show—it's a celebration of local heroes. Sami Zayn's return is the highlight, especially as he faces off in a crucial match on Saturday Night’s Main Event. The event also follows recent homecomings for Gunther in Dusseldorf and Finn Balor in Belfast, turning tonight into a lively pep rally of sorts.
Match Card Preview
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss versus Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, and Kiana James in a No. 1 Contender Tag Match
- Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams
- Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green
- Carmelo Hayes hosting an open challenge for the United States Championship
Viewership Trends and Streaming Info
The latest viewership numbers show a slight fluctuation, with approximately 990,000 viewers on January 9 and over 1.17 million on January 2, highlighting the growing or fluctuating interest in WWE programming.
The event will broadcast live on the USA Network, starting at 5:00 pm PST (8:00 pm EST).
Ticket Information
- The venue for this electrifying night is the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.
- Current ticket sales show 7,083 tickets sold with an additional 3,066 remaining, promising a packed and energetic crowd.
Will this episode mark the beginning of a new chapter or the farewell of a WWE legend? Fans and critics alike are buzzing—what do you believe will unfold? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about the future of WWE!”}
