Title Match Added to January 2 WWE SmackDown

WWE SmackDown officially kicks off a new era tonight, expanding back to a three-hour format starting with this evening’s live broadcast from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York — and WWE just added a Women’s United States Championship match to push the card over the top.

Just hours before the show, WWE confirmed that Chelsea Green will defend her Women’s U.S. Title against Giulia, reigniting their heated rivalry. Green controversially took the title from Giulia back in November, using the ropes for illegal leverage after a distraction gave her the opening. Now, Giulia gets her shot at redemption on a show designed to deliver more action than ever before.

Green and Giulia remain two of only three women to have held the Women’s U.S. Championship since its debut in late 2024. With Giulia aiming to even the score and Green looking to prove her win wasn’t a fluke, this match could steal the show.

Also slated for tonight is Drew McIntyre, who will appear live to reveal the stipulations for his “Three Stages of Hell” match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. That title match is set for next week’s January 9 episode of SmackDown, but tonight’s announcement will determine the exact rules for each brutal stage.

Fully confirmed lineup for the January 2, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown:

• Chelsea Green (c) vs. Giulia
  Women’s United States Championship Match
• Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
  Ambulance Match to settle their months-long feud
• IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax & Lash Legend
  8-Woman Tag Team Match featuring some of WWE’s top female stars
• Segment: Drew McIntyre reveals the Three Stages of Hell stipulations
  McIntyre lays out the path Cody Rhodes must survive to retain his title next week
• Appearance: Cody Rhodes
  The Undisputed Champion responds ahead of his January 9 title defense

WWE’s decision to bring SmackDown back to a three-hour format allows for deeper storytelling and more in-ring action — and tonight’s card is proof that they’re embracing the shift with full force.

Are you excited about SmackDown’s new three-hour format, or do you think it risks dragging out the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you’re most hyped for tonight!