The January 16, 2026 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network saw a notable drop in viewership numbers, despite a jam-packed show featuring multiple high-stakes storylines and a major declaration from Cody Rhodes regarding the upcoming Royal Rumble.
A Decline in Ratings for SmackDown
According to recent data from Programming Insider, the January 16 episode of SmackDown averaged 2.23 million viewers in the United States, marking a 12% decrease from the previous week’s 2.52 million viewers. This decline could be attributed to several factors, including the post-holiday lull in viewership and the intense competition from other sports and entertainment programming.
Cody Rhodes Seals His Royal Rumble Fate
However, the major storyline development that stole the show was Cody Rhodes’ bold declaration to participate in the upcoming Royal Rumble match. Rhodes, who has been on a tear since his return to SmackDown, made it clear that he intends to win the Royal Rumble and earn a championship match at WrestleMania.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, and now that I’ve officially put my name in the Royal Rumble, I’m not looking back,” Rhodes said in an interview after the show. “I’m focused on that Rumble match and nothing else. I’m going to show everyone what I’m capable of and make my mark on the WWE universe once and for all.”
Backstage Reaction to Cody Rhodes’ Decision
Sources close to Rhodes revealed that his decision to enter the Royal Rumble was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism backstage. While some see Rhodes as a top contender for the championship, others believe that the field is already crowded with talented competitors, making it difficult for Rhodes to stand out.
“We’re all excited to see Cody compete in the Royal Rumble, but the competition is going to be fierce,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “There are a lot of talented superstars vying for that championship shot, and it’s going to take a lot more than just guts and determination to come out on top.”
Other Notable Storylines on SmackDown
In addition to Cody Rhodes’ Royal Rumble declaration, the January 16 episode of SmackDown featured several other notable storylines. The rivalry between the Usos and the New Day continued to heat up, with the Usos emerging victorious in a thrilling tag team match.
The feud between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens also took a dramatic turn, with Reigns delivering a devastating Spear to Owens after their intense segment. This sets the stage for a potential showdown between the two superstars at the Royal Rumble.
What’s Next for SmackDown and the WWE?
The WWE is gearing up for one of the biggest events of the year, with the Royal Rumble match set to take place on February 9, 2026. With Cody Rhodes’ declaration and multiple other storylines heating up, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Royal Rumble and what it may mean for the future of the WWE.
As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and the competition has never been fiercer. Will Cody Rhodes emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble, or will another challenger rise to the top? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
The January 16 episode of SmackDown saw a notable drop in viewership numbers, but the show was still filled with exciting moments and major storyline developments. Cody Rhodes’ declaration to enter the Royal Rumble has set the stage for a potential championship match at WrestleMania, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Royal Rumble and what it may mean for the future of the WWE. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the WWE continues to navigate the road to WrestleMania.