Key Highlights
- Huge tag team main event ended in chaos.
- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso lost to The Vision after Drew McIntyre interfered.
- Jacob Fatu emerged to attack Drew McIntyre while other Superstars brawled.
- Gunther confronted AJ Styles in a preview of the Royal Rumble.
The Chaos of SmackDown: A Night of Turmoil and Drama
Friday, January 30, 2026, saw SmackDown explode into chaos as the tag team main event between Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso against The Vision unraveled in a spectacularly messy manner. The match was supposed to be a showcase of skill and strategy, but it quickly devolved into a free-for-all.
The vision had been clear: an Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre would interfere at the right moment to turn the tide. However, his entrance came before it was expected, leading to total disarray.
The Vision isolated Rhodes until he tagged in Orton, who hit a draping DDT on Theory with an RKO following close behind. Yet just as the match seemed to be winding down, McIntyre’s sudden appearance derailed everything, resulting in a no-contest and leaving the fans wanting more.
Tag Team Drama and Chaos
The main event was supposed to feature a strategic tag team battle between four Superstars and The Vision. But it quickly spiraled out of control as Jacob Fatu made his presence known, emerging from the crowd to attack Drew McIntyre while the rest of the roster brawled in disarray. It was a chaotic scene that left viewers questioning the night’s outcome.
Despite the disruption, it wasn’t just tag team matches that saw turmoil.
The Judgment Day attempted to drive a wedge between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, leading Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez into conflict with the two champions. This led to Stephanie Vaquer stepping in to protect Bliss, allowing her to win against the newcomers.
Individual Matches and Highlights
In one of the shorter matches, Rey Fenix answered Carmelo Hayes’ United States Title Open Challenge with a gritty fight that saw Hayes ultimately retain his title. The Miz faced off against Ilja Dragunov in an intense battle where Dragunov’s superior finishing moves secured him victory.
Johnny Gargano and Axiom had a bitter rematch after Gargano had stolen Axiom’s mask previously. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis barred Candice LeRae from ringside, adding another layer of tension to the bout.
In the end, Axiom managed to get back his mask with the Golden Ratio.
Gunther vowed to end AJ Styles’ career in a heated confrontation that set up an exciting Royal Rumble preview. The match had all the makings of a classic rivalry and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Pre-Royal Rumble Heat
The night was not just about the main event; it was also a buildup to the upcoming Royal Rumble. Every match and every conflict contributed to the growing tension, with every interaction leaving viewers eager for more action on February 18, 2026.
SmackDown has always been known for its unpredictability, and this week’s episode certainly delivered in spades. The chaos was unexpected but fitting for a night leading up to one of the year’s most anticipated pay-per-views.