Next week, WWE SmackDown is in London as WWE continues its international tour of the United Kingdom. On January 16th, 2026, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced four huge matches as he had an epiphany. Even before the 3 Stages of Hell main event between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre began, Aldis made it known that there would be four qualifying matches.
The winners of those four matches will go on to compete in a Fatal 4-Way Match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII on January 24, 2026, with the winner earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 31st.
WWE Universe, the field is stacked with Randy Orton taking on The Miz, Solo Sikoa taking on the “Punisher” Damian Priest, Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov renew their rivalry, and finally, recent signees Trick Williams and Matt Cardona round out the qualifying matches. Each and every one of these men made it clear that they’re on the hunt for gold in WWE, and this is now their big chance, as a spot for them at the Royal Rumble PLE opposite the Undisputed WWE Champion is waiting.
We are on the road to the Royal Rumble, and it just got more exciting with these qualifying matches. All these transpire next week on WWE SmackDown in London!
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