The first steps to crown the new number one contender will take place on the January 16 WWE SmackDown.
Continuing the European tour, the show is set to air live from Wembley Arena in London, England. Throughout the January 9 broadcast, multiple stars went on record to say that they wanted an opportunity at the WWE Championship. In a video that played before the main event, General Manager Nick Aldis outlined how the next challenger would be determined.
Randy Orton, The Miz, Sami Zayn, Ilja Dragunov, Solo Sikoa, Damian Priest, Matt Cardona and Trick Williams will all compete in singles matches at the London show. The winners of each match will go on to face each other in a 4-way match at the January 24 Saturday Night’s Main Event. Whoever wins that match will go on to face the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at the Royal Rumble on January 31.
The Following Has Been Announced For The January 16 WWE SmackDown:
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz – First round match to determine the new number one contender to the WWE Championship
- Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov – First round match to determine the new number one contender to the WWE Championship
- Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest – First round match to determine the new number one contender to the WWE Championship
- Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams – First round match to determine the new number one contender to the WWE Championship
Featured image: WWE
