SPOILER: NXT Star Expected to Appear on Tonight’s SmackDown – An NXT star is crossing over to SmackDown tonight, and PWInsider has confirmed the name. Jordynne Grace is backstage in Buffalo, New York, and is scheduled to appear in a pre-taped segment with Jade Cargill on the January 2, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown. The segment is expected to air during tonight’s broadcast as the blue brand officially expands back to a three-hour format.
Grace is currently a member of the NXT roster, making this her first involvement on SmackDown since officially signing with WWE. While there are no plans for her to compete in a match on tonight’s show, the appearance itself is significant. Sharing screen time with Cargill places Grace directly in the orbit of one of WWE’s top women’s stars and could indicate future plans beyond NXT, whether that be a crossover program or a longer-term main roster direction.
The segment is pre-taped, suggesting it will be positioned deliberately within the show rather than as a last-minute addition. With SmackDown gaining an extra hour, WWE has more flexibility to introduce new talent and advance multiple storylines at once. Grace’s involvement fits into that approach, especially as WWE continues to blur the lines between NXT and the main roster.
Tonight’s episode also features several high-profile matches and segments, with championships and major storyline developments on the line. WWE has clearly stacked the show to make an immediate impact with the expanded runtime.
Below is the full confirmed lineup for tonight’s WWE SmackDown in Buffalo:
Women’s United States Championship
Chelsea Green (c) vs. Giulia
Ambulance Match
Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
8-Woman Tag Team Match
IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax and Lash Legend
Segment
Drew McIntyre reveals the stipulations for his Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes
Appearance
Cody Rhodes
Pre-taped segment
Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace
Whether Grace’s appearance is a one-night crossover or the beginning of a larger storyline remains to be seen, but her presence on SmackDown places her in front of a wider audience and adds another layer of intrigue to an already packed show.
SPOILER: NXT Star Expected to Appear on Tonight’s SmackDown
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