Category: SmackDown

Motor City Machine Guns Set for AAA Appearance Amid WWE Absence

The Motor City Machine Guns may have been off WWE television for the past couple of months, but it looks like Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley are about to resurface — just not inside a WWE ring.

According to a new report from PWInsider, the veteran tag team is scheduled to work AAA tapings this weekend. The event is notable on multiple levels, as it marks Lucha Libre AAA’s debut broadcast on FOX Mexico, a major step for the promotion’s international visibility.

The January 17, 2026 tapings are expected to be stacked with star power. Names rumored or confirmed for the show include Rey Mysterio, AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio, El Hijo del Vikingo, PENTA, Rey Fenix, Dragon Lee, and El Grande Americano. The inclusion of the Motor City Machine Guns adds even more intrigue, especially given their current status within WWE.

Sabin and Shelley last appeared on WWE programming on the November 21, 2025 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. On that night, they joined forces with Rey Fenix, Sami Zayn, and Shinsuke Nakamura in a Survivor Series-style elimination match against Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo. The bout ended with the MFTs picking up the win, and the Machine Guns haven’t been seen on WWE TV since.

Their upcoming AAA appearance doesn’t necessarily signal a long-term shift, but it does suggest WWE is open to allowing the duo to stay active elsewhere while they remain off television. Given the Machine Guns’ reputation as one of the most influential tag teams of their generation, fans will be watching closely to see if this leads to more international appearances — or a renewed push when they eventually return to WWE screens.

Jacob Fatu Returns, Interferes In Three Stages of Hell Match On SmackDown – Drew McIntyre Captures Undisputed WWE Title

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown from Berlin delivered one of the most chaotic main events of the year, as Drew McIntyre walked out as the new Undisputed WWE Champion after surviving Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match — with a shocking assist from a returning Jacob Fatu.

The match was built to test endurance and brutality, and McIntyre and Rhodes wasted no time living up to that promise. The opening stage was a traditional singles match, and McIntyre immediately showed a more ruthless edge. While brawling spilled outside the ring early, the decisive moment came when McIntyre distracted the referee by exposing a turnbuckle. With the official turned away, McIntyre delivered a low blow to Rhodes and followed it with a Claymore to steal the first fall.

The second stage shifted into Falls Count Anywhere, and the intensity ramped up quickly. McIntyre introduced a table at ringside and drove Rhodes through it, but the champion somehow powered out at two. The fight spilled into the crowd and backstage area before Rhodes managed to regain control. In a highlight-worthy moment, Rhodes climbed into the stands and launched himself off the railing, crashing through McIntyre and a table below.

Rhodes wasn’t done there. After dragging McIntyre back toward the ring, he cleared off the commentary desk and delivered a Cross Rhodes that sent both men crashing through it. The impact was enough to even the score at one fall apiece, forcing the match into its final and most dangerous stage.

With the steel cage lowering around the ring, both men fought with urgency, knowing escape would mean victory. McIntyre repeatedly tried to flee through the door and over the top, while Rhodes answered with relentless offense. Despite eating multiple Cross Rhodes and a Cody Cutter, McIntyre refused to stay down. Even a Claymore couldn’t put Rhodes away for good, as the champion continued to dig deep.

The turning point came when McIntyre attempted another escape through the cage door — and ran directly into a returning Jacob Fatu. Believing McIntyre was the mystery attacker who sidelined him months ago, “The Samoan Werewolf” unleashed a brutal assault. Rhodes stepped in to confront Fatu, only to get caught up in the chaos himself.

As Fatu and Rhodes brawled inside the cage, McIntyre seized the moment. He crawled through the door and escaped to the floor, officially ending the match and capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Inside the ring, Fatu looked on in disbelief as McIntyre celebrated, leaving more questions than answers about what comes next.

McIntyre’s reign begins amid controversy and unfinished business, while Fatu’s return instantly shakes up the title picture. One thing is certain: SmackDown’s main event scene just became far more unpredictable.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/9/2026

WWE SmackDown tonight 8/7C on USA Network taped at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.

  • Undisputed WWE Championship – Three Stages of Hell Match (Traditional singles match, a Falls Count Anywhere Match and a Steel Cage Match): Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • The Wyatt Sicks vs. MFT’s
  • Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix

Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Absence Reportedly Due to Legitimate Injury

Fans waiting for “Tiffy Time” to kick off 2026 are going to have to hang tight a little longer. Tiffany Stratton has been noticeably missing from WWE television in recent weeks, and new reports indicate her absence isn’t storyline-related after all.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Stratton is currently sidelined with a legitimate injury. While specifics about the nature or severity of the injury haven’t been made public, her most recent televised match featured a knee injury angle against Jade Cargill. That storyline is now believed to be rooted in real-life issues, suggesting WWE creatively leaned into an existing problem rather than inventing one.

Earlier speculation had pointed in a different direction. A previous report from PWMania claimed Stratton’s time off could have been a deliberate creative move. Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been known to temporarily pull talent from TV to allow fan demand to build, often leading to louder reactions and renewed momentum upon their return. It’s a tactic that has worked well for several top stars over the years.

However, the confirmation of an actual injury reframes that narrative. Stratton had been heavily featured throughout 2025 and was one of the most consistently protected names on the women’s roster. At just 25 years old, she’s already held championship gold and delivered multiple standout performances, firmly establishing herself as a centerpiece of WWE’s women’s division.

There’s currently no word on when Stratton might be cleared to return, but expectations are that her comeback will be met with a strong crowd response whenever it happens. WWE often uses time away to reset characters or adjust creative plans, and Stratton could easily benefit from either approach once she’s healthy.

For now, fans will have to wait — but when Tiffany Stratton does make her return, it’s likely to be a big moment.

Report: Tommaso Ciampa Set to Exit WWE as Contract Nears Expiration

Tommaso Ciampa’s run with WWE appears to be nearing its end, as a new report has added important context to his current contract situation.

As previously noted over the weekend, Ciampa’s WWE deal is expected to expire soon and is not believed to be renewed. While initial reports were light on details, the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio has clarified that the decision was likely Ciampa’s to make.

According to the report, Ciampa informed WWE roughly five weeks ago that he would not be renewing his contract. At this time, there’s no indication that WWE pushed him out, with the choice said to have come from Ciampa himself. The specific reasons behind his decision have not been made public.

In recent weeks, WWE programming has subtly reflected Ciampa’s absence. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae have continued appearing on SmackDown without him, including during last week’s episode, signaling a possible creative shift ahead of his reported departure.

Ciampa has yet to comment publicly on the situation, and there is no information regarding where he may land next. If this does mark the end of his WWE tenure, it would close the book on an accomplished run. Ciampa is a former two-time NXT World Champion, a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and a former NXT Tag Team Champion, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures of the black-and-gold NXT era.

His most recent WWE appearance came on the December 19 episode of SmackDown. As Ciampa’s contract situation continues to develop, fans will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for “The Blackheart.”

Matt Cardona Is Officially Back In WWE On The SmackDown Roster

Matt Cardona made a surprise in-ring return to WWE SmackDown on Friday night, competing in a New Year’s-themed episode and picking up his first win on WWE television in more than six years. The former Zack Ryder squared off against Kit Wilson in a singles bout, marking another notable chapter in Cardona’s ongoing reintroduction to WWE audiences.

Wilson came out aggressively at the opening bell, using a Corkscrew Elbow to seize early control. Cardona weathered the storm and fired back with a clothesline to swing momentum briefly in his favor, but Wilson’s ring awareness allowed him to regain the upper hand by knocking Cardona off the ropes and keeping him grounded. The match remained competitive throughout, with both men trading advantages as the pace picked up.

Cardona came close to sealing the deal with a Double Underhook Powerbomb that nearly earned him the three-count. Wilson answered back by attempting his Tourniquet finisher, but Cardona managed to survive. The turning point came when Wilson missed a strike in the corner, opening the door for Cardona to capitalize. Moments later, Cardona connected with the Rough Ryder to score the pinfall victory.

Following the match, commentary from Michael Cole confirmed that Cardona is officially part of the SmackDown roster. The appearance continues a recent run that has included a match on NXT against Josh Briggs and involvement in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament. Prior to this stretch, Cardona had not competed in a WWE ring since 2020.

Since leaving WWE, Cardona has built a high-profile run across multiple promotions, including AEW, IMPACT/TNA, GCW, and Ring of Honor, reinventing himself as one of the most prominent independent stars in the industry. Interestingly, while he was introduced as Matt Cardona on SmackDown, his entrance video briefly displayed the Zack Ryder name, and his finishing move was called the Rough Ryder rather than its independent-era name, Radio Silence.

Those details leave some unanswered questions about Cardona’s presentation going forward. Whether WWE fully embraces his post-WWE persona, returns him to the Zack Ryder identity, or blends elements of both remains to be seen as his SmackDown run continues.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/2/2026

WWE SmackDown airs tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally, live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

WWE SmackDown moves back to 3 Hours starting tonight.

  • Ambulance Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
  • 8-Woman Tag Team Match: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend & The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
  • Jade Cargill vs. Michin
  • Appearances by Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, The Street Profits, Drew McIntyre, and Solo Sikoa

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/26/2025

WWE SmackDown airs tonight on the USA Network in the US and Netflix internationally, taped from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • Ilja Dragunov‘s WWE United States Championship Open Challenge
  • Joe Hendry concert
  • Christmas Street Fight: Joe Hendry vs. The Miz
  • Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend
  • Giulia and Kiana James vs. Alba Fyre and Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green
  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • Drew McIntyre to appear

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/19/2025

WWE SmackDown airs tonight from the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship: Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) vs. two members of The MFTs
  • Cody Rhodes to appear ‘after invading Drew McIntyre’s home’
  • Will Nick Aldis officially reinstate Drew McIntyre from suspension and reveal the date of his WWE championship match against Cody Rhodes? What stipulation will McIntyre choose? Tune
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
  • US Champion Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/12/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix internationally, from the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

  • Celebration of John Cena’s career 
  • WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • Mixed Tag Match: Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley vs. Aleister Black and Zelina
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend