The first episode of Friday Night SmackDown in 2026 aired tonight on the USA Network, marking the program’s transition to a three-hour format. Broadcasting from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, the show began with a segment featuring The Miz and the return of Randy Orton.
The Miz Opens the Show
Commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves introduced the broadcast, which started with a video package highlighting the ongoing storyline between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. The Miz interrupted the commentary team to address the audience.
During his address, The Miz expressed grievances regarding his professional year in 2025. He stated dissatisfaction with his involvement in John Cena’s retirement tour, specifically mentioning that he was “stuck in Buffalo” rather than receiving a preferred conclusion to his on-screen interactions with Cena. He also criticized the “entitlement” of younger talent he had attempted to mentor.
Miz referenced a specific role he did not receive in the film Marty Supreme and addressed a nickname given to him by Joe and his associates on the previous week’s episode. He declared himself the new “Face of WWE” following Cena’s departure, citing his career length and accolades as qualifications for locker room leadership.
Randy Orton Interrupts
Randy Orton appeared during The Miz’s segment, marking his return to SmackDown after a hiatus. The Miz attempted to form an alliance with Orton, proposing they lead the locker room together under the team name “MizKO.”
Orton responded by performing an RKO on The Miz. After the move, Orton assisted The Miz to his feet, shook his hand, and wished him a “Happy New Year.” Immediately following the handshake, Orton delivered a second RKO to conclude the segment.
In a backstage segment, Orton said that after Cody gets done with Drew McIntyre, Orton plans on going for the World Championship.
RANDY ORTON IS BACK!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rgIh0ESrMX
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
