WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time, matches announced and current WWE champions

Though a new chapter is being written now, the iconic Cena has left in-ring competition in the company, after tapping out to ‘The Ring General’ Gunther, the eternal battle between McIntyre and Rhodes rages on - especially after an incident that took place earlier this week.

McIntyre continued his psychological crusade against Cody, accusing him of being a corporate-backed champion who is more concerned with his "story" than the physical reality of being at the top.

That, and trying to convince the WWE Universe that Cody isn’t a hero - that he’s actually “the bad guy.”

That could be true, owing to Cody recently being filmed going to attack McIntyre at his own home earlier this week, as SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was looking at reinstating ‘The Scottish Psychopath’ into active competition, leaving fans stunned at the brutality the WWE’s All-Star Quarterback (once again) demonstrated.

Nothing at all, we might add, to do with Drew interfering in Cody’s match against NXT Champion, Oba Femi, at this past weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.

With Drew set to appear this evening, and the WWE Tag Team Championships also up for grabs, here is your final WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview before Christmas, including the UK start time this evening.

What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK this evening?

It’s Mad Friday in the UK, so some of you might be out and about this evening for the final Christmas office party of the year. In which case, you’ll be up to watch this evening’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown when it airs on Netflix in the UK at 1am on December 20.

What has been announced so far for WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (c) v The MFT

The main event sees the Wyatt Sicks duo of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy put their titles on the line against the formidable pairing of JC Mateo and Tonga Loa.

Expect a clash of styles as the psychological warfare and unorthodox offence of the champions meets the raw power and aggression of The MFT.

With the Wyatt Sicks looking to maintain their grip on the division, this title match promises to be as chaotic as it is high-stakes.

Drew McIntyre to choose his match type against Cody Rhodes

Following weeks of intense back-and-forth, Drew McIntyre is set to finally reveal his chosen stipulation for the upcoming WWE Title Match against Cody Rhodes.

The ‘Scottish Warrior’ has made no secret of his desire to make Rhodes suffer, and tonight we find out exactly what kind of environment he has planned for ‘The American Nightmare.’

The choice of stipulation could prove to be the deciding factor in who walks away with the gold - with Drew looking to finally overcome the WWE’s “Homelander.”

The Return of The Viper: Randy Orton

After a period of absence, Randy Orton makes his highly anticipated return to the blue brand tonight. "The Apex Predator" has a history of striking when least expected, and his presence alone shifts the power dynamics of the locker room.

Whether he is looking to settle old scores or target new gold, the entire SmackDown roster will be on high alert for the RKO.

Tiffany Stratton Returns

The women’s division receives a significant boost tonight as Tiffany Stratton makes her return to the ring. Having already established herself as one of the most athletic and charismatic stars on the brand, ‘The Center of the Universe’ will be looking to immediately reassert her dominance.

With the road to the next premium live event heating up, Stratton’s return couldn't have come at a more pivotal time.

Who are the current WWE Champions heading into Christmas?

As we head into the Christmas break, here are your current WWE champions, as of December 19.

Raw

• World Heavyweight Champion: CM Punk (won November 1, 2025)
• Women’s World Champion: Stephanie Vaquer (won September 20, 2025)
• WWE Intercontinental Champion: Dominik Mysterio (won November 29, 2025)
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion: Maxxine Dupri (won November 17, 2025)
• World Tag Team Champions: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (won October 20, 2025)

SmackDown

• WWE Undisputed Champion: Cody Rhodes (won August 3, 2025)
• WWE Women’s Champion: Jade Cargill (won November 1, 2025)
• WWE United States Champion: Ilja Dragunov (won October 17, 2025)
• WWE Women’s United States Champion: Chelsea Green (won November 7, 2025)
• WWE Tag Team Champions: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (won July 11, 2025)

NXT

• NXT Champion: Oba Femi (won December 6, 2025)
• NXT Women’s Champion: Jacy Jayne (won November 18, 2025)
• NXT North American Champion: Ethan Page (won May 27, 2025)
• NXT Women’s North American Champion: Thea Hail (won December 16, 2025)
• NXT Tag Team Championship: Darkstate (Osiris Griffin and Dion Lennox or Saquon Shugars*) (won October 25, 2025)

Cross-Brand Championships

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (won November 10, 2025)

* - Freebird Rule applies; tag team champions can interchange who is defending the belt on behalf of Darkstate

Looking for something to watch this festive season with a distinctive Yorkshire feel? Check out our picks of the films based in the region, including those set right here in Leeds.