WWE SmackDown! 1/16/26: A Night of Card Completion – The Good, The Bad, and The Missed Opportunities
January 16th, 2026, delivered a WWE SmackDown! episode focused heavily on solidifying the card for the upcoming SNME (Specially Named Major Event) pay-per-view. While the show moved pieces into place, it wasn’t without its stumbles. Here’s a breakdown of three things that resonated positively and three aspects that left something to be desired.
What We Loved About SmackDown!
1. The Continued Rise of Anya “The Storm” Petrova
anya Petrova’s momentum continues to be one of the most compelling storylines in WWE right now. Her dominant victory over veteran star, Serena Williams (a surprising return to the ring!), showcased not only Petrova’s incredible in-ring skill but also her growing charisma. Anya Petrova isn’t just winning matches; she’s making a statement. The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling, with Williams selling Petrova’s power moves perfectly, elevating the newcomer without diminishing the legend. The post-match promo, where Petrova directly addressed her SNME opponent, champion Isabella Rossi, was particularly strong, establishing a clear and compelling rivalry.
2. the Unexpected Heel Turn of “Iron” Will Jackson
Few predicted the shocking betrayal by Will Jackson. For months, Jackson had been presented as the stalwart babyface, a symbol of resilience and determination.His turn during his tag team match with Mateo Diaz against The Bruisers (Kahn and Rex) was executed flawlessly. Jackson’s calculated attack on Diaz, followed by a brutal assault alongside the Bruisers, instantly shifted the dynamic of the tag team division. This move injects much-needed unpredictability and sets up a potentially explosive feud between Jackson and Diaz leading into SNME. The immediate reaction on social media was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the impact of a well-executed heel turn.
3. The Promising Debut of the “Cybernetic Samurai” Kenji Tanaka
Kenji tanaka’s debut was a spectacle. The presentation – a darkened arena, glitching screens, and Tanaka emerging in full cybernetic samurai gear – was captivating. while his squash match against local talent was brief, it allowed Tanaka to showcase his unique blend of martial arts and high-flying maneuvers. Tanaka’s character is a refreshing departure from the typical WWE archetype, and his potential for captivating storylines is immense. The commentators did a good job of establishing his backstory as a technologically enhanced warrior,hinting at a larger narrative to come.
What We Hated About SmackDown!
1. The Continued Misuse of “the Prodigy” Leo Maxwell
Leo Maxwell remains one of the most frustrating cases on the WWE roster. Despite possessing undeniable talent and charisma, he’s consistently relegated to short, inconsequential matches. his victory over a mid-card jobber felt like a waste of his potential. Maxwell needs a significant storyline and a credible opponent to truly shine. Simply having him win matches against lesser competition isn’t enough to build momentum or engage the audience. Fans are growing increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with his booking.
2. The Predictable Back-and-Forth Between Champion Damien Hayes and Challenger Ricardo “The Rocket” Rodriguez
The ongoing feud between Damien Hayes and Ricardo Rodriguez is becoming stale. Their verbal exchange this week felt recycled, rehashing the same points about respect and championship glory. While both performers are capable,the lack of creativity in their promos is hindering the storyline. Hayes and Rodriguez need a significant growth – a betrayal, a shocking revelation, or a physical altercation that goes beyond the usual brawls – to reignite interest in their SNME match.
3. The Overly Long and Drawn-Out Segment with the Women’s Tag Team division
The eight-woman tag team match, intended to build towards the Women’s Tag Team Championship picture, felt unnecessarily lengthy and convoluted. Too many interruptions and near-falls disrupted the flow of the match,and the ultimate outcome – a chaotic disqualification – felt anticlimactic. The segment ultimately achieved little in terms of advancing storylines or establishing clear contenders. A more concise and focused approach would have been far more effective.
Looking Ahead to SNME
Despite some missteps,this episode of SmackDown! successfully laid the groundwork for an intriguing SNME event. The rise of Anya Petrova, the shocking heel turn of Will Jackson, and the captivating debut of Kenji Tanaka provide compelling storylines to follow. Though, WWE needs to address the issues surrounding the underutilization of talent like Leo Maxwell and the stagnation of certain feuds to ensure a truly memorable pay-per-view.
