WWE SmackDown undergoes a significant format change tonight, officially moving back to a three-hour runtime starting with this evening’s broadcast from Buffalo, New York. The expansion allows for a more packed card, and WWE has wasted no time in adding a championship bout to the lineup just hours before the show goes on air.
Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green is set to defend her title against Giulia. This match marks an opportunity for Giulia, who is looking to reclaim the belt after Green defeated her for it back in November. Green and Giulia have dominated the title picture, standing as two of the only three women to have held the Women’s US Championship since its introduction at the end of 2024.
Green, now a two-time champion, regained the strap in their previous encounter by taking advantage of a distraction and pinned Giulia while illegally using the ropes for leverage. In addition to the in-ring action, top stars Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre are advertised to appear.
McIntyre is scheduled to reveal the specific stipulations for his upcoming “Three Stages of Hell” match against Rhodes. That encounter, where Rhodes will put his WWE Championship on the line, is set for the January 9 edition of SmackDown. Here is the updated lineup for tonight’s SmackDown in Buffalo:
- Segment: Drew McIntyre reveals stipulations for Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes
- Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green (champion) vs. Giulia
- Ambulance Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
- 8-Woman Tag Team Match: IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax & Lash Legend
