WWE enthusiasts across the United Kingdom can finally enjoy a Friday night showdown without burning the midnight oil. Tonight's episode of SmackDown breaks from tradition with a special early broadcast time, airing live at 7pm GMT on Netflix.
A Welcome Change for UK Viewers
For years, British fans have had to stay up until the early hours to catch WWE's flagship shows live. This week, that changes dramatically as the company's ongoing European tour allows for a prime-time slot. The shift is part of the Road to Royal Rumble 2026 tour, which sees WWE broadcasting live televised events from multiple European cities.
Tonight's show originates from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, explaining the viewer-friendly schedule. This convenience is a direct benefit of Netflix's international broadcasting rights for WWE, allowing shows taped in European time zones to air live for local audiences.
What's on the Card for January 9th?
The action promises to be explosive, featuring a stacked lineup headlined by a rare and brutal stipulation match. The WWE Championship will be on the line in a Three Stages of Hell Match between champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Drew McIntyre. The contest will progress through three rounds: a standard match, a Falls Count Anywhere bout, and finally a Steel Cage showdown.
Additionally, fans will witness a major eight-man tag team clash and a significant main roster debut. One of NXT's most promising stars is set to make their official debut on the blue brand, adding fresh intrigue to the night. This episode also marks only the second show since SmackDown returned to its three-hour format.
The Historic Royal Rumble European Tour
This broadcast kicks off a landmark series of events across the continent. This is WWE's first dedicated UK and Europe tour en route to the Royal Rumble. The itinerary includes historic firsts and long-awaited returns:
- The first-ever televised events from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Dusseldorf, Germany.
- A return to Poland after 11 years (Gdansk, January 17).
- A return to Denmark after 9 years (Copenhagen, January 11).
- A return to Mannheim, Germany after 6 years (January 13).
The tour continues across the UK with stops in Glasgow, Newcastle, London, and Nottingham. For fans in the US, SmackDown continues to air on the USA Network, but the Netflix deal has revolutionised accessibility for international viewers during global events.
The convenient scheduling is expected to continue for upcoming shows originating from Europe during this tour, offering a respite from late nights for UK fans. This shift, coupled with the highly-anticipated release of the docu-series WWE Unreal in less than two weeks, makes it a thrilling time for the WWE Universe in Britain.
