The stars of WWE have been overseas for weeks now, but SmackDown will be returning to North America as this week’s episode is set to air live from the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Ahead of the show SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis got the wrestling world talking when he invited The Phenomenal AJ Styles to make an appearance on this week’s episode.
“Before he puts his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, I’d like to take this chance to formally invite The Phenomenal AJ Styles to SmackDown this week. I’d love to have a chat with an old friend. After all, SmackDown is the house that AJ Styles built. My door is always open AJ. Think about it.”
.@RealNickAldis invites @AJStylesOrg to SmackDown this week… 👀
📺: FRIDAY 8e/7c on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/6mUdcumdUy
— WWE (@WWE) January 22, 2026
AJ Styles is currently part of the Raw brand, so Nick’s invite is interesting to say the least. During this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw it was announced that AJ Styles will be putting his career on the line when he faces off against Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event.
If AJ Styles does indeed retire at the Royal Rumble then it’s possible that this could be his last appearance on Friday Night SmackDown. The following segments have been confirmed for this week’s episode:
WWE Tag Team Championship
The Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs
Winners Get A Shot At The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax and Lash Legend vs. Giulia and Kiana James
Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
Johnny Gargano vs. Nathan Frazer