WWE SmackDown Expands To Three Hours With Ambulance Match And Stacked Card – WWE SmackDown officially shifts to a three-hour format starting tonight, broadcasting live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
The expanded runtime on the USA Network marks a significant change for the blue brand and comes with a lineup featuring a high-stakes gimmick match, a loaded multi-woman tag team contest, and a major appearance from the Undisputed WWE Champion.
The most physically dangerous match announced for the show is an Ambulance Match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. Under the stipulation, there are no pinfalls, submissions, count-outs, or disqualifications. Victory can only be achieved by incapacitating an opponent and placing them into the back of an ambulance before shutting the doors. With both competitors known for their intensity and striking offense, the match is expected to be one of the night’s defining moments as SmackDown enters its new era.
The women’s division will also take center stage in an eight-woman tag team match that brings together champions, former champions, and top contenders. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will team with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to face Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane. The match stems from events on the December 26 episode of SmackDown, where Flair defeated Legend in singles action. That bout escalated after Bliss attacked Jax at ringside, triggering a larger confrontation involving Ripley, SKY, and The Kabuki Warriors. Tonight, the rivalry continues with all eight competitors officially squaring off.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is also advertised to appear live. His presence follows Drew McIntyre’s challenge last week, when McIntyre proposed a Three Stages of Hell match for the championship. McIntyre suggested the bout take place on the January 9 episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany. Rhodes is expected to address the challenge and clarify whether he accepts the stipulation and the proposed title defense.
In singles competition, Jade Cargill had been scheduled to face Michin. However, Michin has reportedly been pulled from the road due to an injury. As of now, there is no official confirmation on whether the match will be scrapped or if a replacement opponent will be announced.
Additional promotional material for the event lists Sami Zayn, The Street Profits, Drew McIntyre, and Solo Sikoa as scheduled appearances.
SmackDown airs live tonight at 8:00 PM EST on the USA Network in the United States, with international viewers able to watch via Netflix. WrestlingAttitude.Com will have full coverage of the show.
Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Facebook, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Google News for more.
WWE SmackDown Expands To Three Hours With Ambulance Match And Stacked Card
