WWE SmackDown on January 2, 2026, shapes up as a high-stakes night loaded with marquee matchups, intense rivalries, and title implications across the card. With championship gold on the line and personal grudges boiling over, the odds reflect just how differently each bout could unfold once the bell rings.
From a brutal Ambulance Championship clash that promises decisive violence, to a Women’s Championship showdown defined by power versus perseverance, and a star-studded eight-woman tag packed with future rivalries, this SmackDown blends spectacle with unpredictability.
Below is a matchup-by-match breakdown that frames the stories, styles, and the betting lines at pro wrestling sportsbooks surrounding the first SmackDown episode of the year.
Ambulance Championship Match
Damian Priest -260
Aleister Black +170
Damian Priest and Aleister Black’s Ambulance Championship Match is a violent extension of their long-running grudge, built on psychological warfare and escalating physicality between two dark, brooding personas.
The Ambulance stipulation removes disqualifications and count-outs, forcing a definitive winner to beat their opponent so badly that they can no longer resist being loaded into the ambulance and the doors slammed shut.
This setup highlights Priest’s raw power and brawling style, as he can weaponize the arena environment, steel steps, and ringside equipment to wear Black down.
In contrast, Black’s calculated striking and methodical pacing allow him to pick his spots and chip away at Priest until a decisive opening appears. The match promises high drama, dramatic near-finishes at the ambulance doors, and a career-altering outcome for the man left unconscious inside the vehicle.
WWE betting sites imply that Priest will slam the ambulance doors on Black.
Women’s Championship
Jade Cargil -700
Mia Yim +400
Jade Cargill vs. Mia Yim for the Women’s Championship presents a compelling clash of power versus resilience, with both competitors carrying very different styles and career narratives into the title bout.
Jade Cargill’s persona as a dominant, physically imposing champion frames the match as another opportunity to showcase her strength, confidence, and big-match aura against a seasoned challenger.
Mia Yim brings a veteran edge, known for her striking, adaptability, and ability to absorb punishment while staying in the fight, which positions her as a credible threat to disrupt Cargill’s momentum. The championship stipulation naturally raises the stakes, as every sequence can swing the division’s long-term direction.
The contrast between Cargill’s explosive offense and Yim’s scrappy, never-quit approach is likely to drive the story in the ring, setting up dramatic near-falls, counters, and a finish that could either cement Cargill’s reign or crown Yim as a hard-earned, battle-tested champion.
Women’s Eight Tag Team Match
Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, & Alexa Bliss -165
Kabuki Warriors, Lash Legend & Nia Jax +120
The Women’s Eight Tag Team Match featuring Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss versus the Kabuki Warriors, Lash Legend, and Nia Jax showcases a lineup stacked with star power and contrasting styles.
On one side, Ripley’s raw power, Flair’s technical excellence, Sky’s aerial brilliance, and Bliss’s cunning create a dynamic, all-star superteam built for versatility and big-match moments.
Opposing them, the Kabuki Warriors bring crisp double-team chemistry, Lash Legend adds youthful swagger and size, and Nia Jax anchors the team with sheer size and brute force capable of changing the match’s momentum instantly.
This is the tightest line on the board for SmackDown, but team Ripley’s moneyline odds suggest they’ll come out on top.
BetUS Sportsbook Review | Official SmackDown Website
