WWE SmackDown
January 2, 2026
KeyBank Center
Buffalo, NY
We are live with ongoing WWE SmackDown results. As always, refresh this page throughout the show for updates.
WWE SmackDown Results: Randy Orton Returns; The Miz Airs Grievances
The first SmackDown of 2026 began with commentary from Michael Cole and Corey Graves. The broadcast opened with a video package hyping the rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes.
The Miz interrupted the commentary team, refusing to acknowledge the New Year until he aired his grievances regarding 2025. He complained about his treatment during John Cena’s retirement tour, noting he was stuck in Buffalo instead of getting the closure he desired. Miz also expressed frustration with the “entitlement” of the younger generation he tried to mentor and mentioned being passed over for a role in Marty Supreme. He also took issue with a nickname brought up by Joe and his associates on the previous episode.
Miz claimed that with Cena gone, he is the new “Face of WWE,” citing his tenure and decorated career as proof that he is the locker room leader and the “adult in the room.”
Randy Orton interrupted the promo, making his return to SmackDown. Miz attempted to ally with Orton, suggesting they are the leaders the locker room needs and proposing the team name “MizKO.” Orton responded by hitting Miz with an RKO. Orton then helped Miz up, shook his hand, and wished him a Happy New Year, only to deliver a second RKO.
Backstage Segment: The Kabuki Warriors and Nia Jax
Backstage, Asuka and Kairi Sane were approached by Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Jax noted that despite their previous issues, teaming up could be beneficial. Legend offered their assistance to help The Kabuki Warriors win tonight, with the condition that they receive a future shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships.
Asuka laughed and agreed to the deal, stating she would be happy to “owe them big.” She mentioned they plan to retain their titles on Raw and would then grant Jax and Legend a match. The segment ended with Asuka yelling at Sane after Sane told the group to be ready for the Kabuki Warriors.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis met with Jordynne Grace, stating he has big plans for the brand in 2026 and wants her involved. Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green interrupted the meeting, complaining about the cold weather and the ending of Stranger Things.
Green declared herself the “greatest first and final” United States Champion. When Aldis suggested she become a fighting champion, Green retorted that she fights online. Aldis responded by threatening to impeach her and strip her of the title if she refused to compete.
WWE SmackDown Results: Matt Cardona vs. Kit Wilson
Before the match, Kit Wilson cut a promo claiming to redefine masculinity and insulted the crowd, calling Buffalo Bills fans toxic.
Wilson started the match with a flying uppercut and showboating, but Matt Cardona quickly countered with a clothesline and a dropkick through the ropes. Wilson regained control by targeting Cardona’s leg and landing a series of elbow drops for a near fall.
Cardona mounted a comeback with a missile dropkick, a face plant, and the “Woo Woo” boot in the corner. Cardona executed a Tiger Bomb for a two-count. Wilson responded with his signature “Tourniquet” neckbreaker for a near fall. In the closing moments, Cardona blocked a corner charge with his knees and hit the Rough Ryder to secure the victory.
Winner: Matt Cardona
Damian Priest was interviewed regarding his six-month rivalry with Aleister Black. When asked what it would take to end the conflict, Priest declared that “enough is enough” and vowed to finish it tonight. He addressed Black directly, stating that Black failed to break him and is not his creator. Priest warned that Black has awakened a dangerous side of him that he cannot understand. Priest promised to beat Black all over the arena and put him in an ambulance, making him “fade to black.”
WWE SmackDown Results: The Wyatt Sicks Address Solo Sikoa
The broadcast cut to a message from Bo Dallas and the Wyatt Sicks directed at Solo Sikoa. Dallas questioned Solo’s understanding of family, noting that Solo has been searching for that answer since being exiled from his “true bloodline.” Dallas refuted Solo’s claim that the Wyatts are not a family, stating their family consists of them and millions of “fireflies” around the world. Dallas warned Solo that it is time to chop his family tree down at the root, declaring, “When the dust settles, we will be the ones.”
WWE SmackDown Results: Sami Zayn and Trick Williams Face-Off
Sami Zayn entered the ring to address the crowd. He spoke about attending John Cena’s final match as a fan alongside his son. Zayn shared a personal story about his son asking why Cena won 17 World Titles while Zayn has won zero. Admitting he had no answer for his son, Zayn stated that talking about becoming a champion makes him sick; he is now solely focused on action. Zayn officially declared he is coming for the WWE Championship.
Trick Williams interrupted, making his arrival on SmackDown. Williams stated that General Manager Nick Aldis brought him to the brand to provide athleticism and danger. Williams insulted Zayn, claiming he looks like a champion and won’t take 20 years to fail at winning the big one like Zayn did.
Zayn responded by acknowledging Williams’ physical tools but noted that the newcomer has yet to be humbled. Zayn criticized Williams for trying to cut the line and offered to teach him a lesson in humility.
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov:
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov approached United States Champion Carmelo Hayes. Dragunov wished Hayes a Happy New Year and admitted that while the result of their previous match wasn’t what he wanted, losing to the best version of Hayes was acceptable. Dragunov promised they would meet again. Hayes responded that he plans to continue his open challenges. Later, Hayes encountered The Miz and thanked him—specifically for staying away from ringside, noting that he has performed much better without Miz’s involvement.
Nick Aldis, Rey Fenix, and Trick Williams:
General Manager Nick Aldis was speaking with Rey Fenix when Trick Williams interrupted, complaining about feeling disrespected. Fenix told the newcomer he has a lot to learn about respect. Aldis intervened, agreeing with Fenix and Sami Zayn’s earlier assessments. Aldis booked Williams’ in-ring debut for next week against Rey Fenix.
WWE SmackDown Results: Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano (United States Championship)
Carmelo Hayes defended his United States Championship against Johnny Gargano. The match began aggressively with Hayes landing strikes, but Gargano utilized Candice LeRae to avoid a dive early on. Gargano took control on the outside, and LeRae interfered by choking Hayes while the referee was distracted.
Gargano targeted Hayes with a cobra clutch and a tornado flatliner. Hayes rallied with a satellite facebuster and a springboard clothesline. The action escalated with high-impact moves, including a springboard DDT by Hayes and a near-fall following a Super Air Raid Crash by Gargano.
In the final moments, Gargano attempted the Fairy Tale Ending, but Hayes countered. Hayes hit the First 48 followed by Nothin’ But Net to secure the pinfall and retain his title.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Carmelo Hayes
Tama Tonga was seen watching a monitor when he was approached by Shinsuke Nakamura. The two exchanged words in Japanese. Solo Sikoa arrived and asked if everything was alright. Tonga dismissed the interaction as an “old chapter.” Sikoa then shifted focus to the Wyatt Sicks, announcing that there will be a four-on-four match against the faction next week. Sikoa also stated their intention to reclaim the Tag Team Championships.
Aleister Black Promo:
Aleister Black addressed his rivalry with Damian Priest, stating that tonight’s outcome will be a “spiritual win.” Zelina Vega added that they intend to put the final nail in the coffin of Priest’s delusions, insisting that Priest will never be the same after tonight.
Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace:
Cathy Kelley interviewed Jade Cargill regarding the injury suffered by Michin. Cargill admitted the injury was intentional, stating, “Injuries happen when pigeons don’t know their places.” Jordynne Grace interrupted the interview, mentioning she is looking at her options. Cargill dismissed Grace, telling her to sign elsewhere because she is “that bitch.”
WWE SmackDown Results: Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Face-Off
Backstage Segment:
Cody Rhodes was seen searching for Drew McIntyre backstage. He briefly spoke with Sami Zayn, who expressed his respect for Cody but alluded to his own title aspirations. General Manager Nick Aldis welcomed Zayn back to the brand. When Rhodes asked for McIntyre’s location, Aldis claimed ignorance. Rhodes stated he would handle the matter in the ring.
In-Ring Promo:
Cody Rhodes entered the ring and addressed the Buffalo crowd. He discussed the mentality required to hold the WWE Championship, noting that while he isn’t the biggest or strongest, his preparation separates him from the rest. He claimed that opponents like Drew McIntyre look at him and see the suits and the bus, which breeds envy. Rhodes stated that he plays “chess while they play checkers.”
The Confrontation:
Drew McIntyre appeared on the TitanTron from inside Cody’s tour bus, the “Cody Express.” McIntyre called Rhodes predictable and vanilla. He proposed these mathes for Three Stages of Hell next week:
1. Straight Wrestling Match.
2. Falls Count Anywhere.
3. Steel Cage Match (if necessary).
McIntyre then turned his attention to a framed photo he found on the bus of Cody and Dusty Rhodes. McIntyre remarked that he wishes Dusty were alive to see the man Cody has become, claiming Dusty is “looking up” from hell in shame. McIntyre broke the picture frame and stomped on the photo.
Enraged, Rhodes sprinted backstage to the bus, only to be stopped by security. Meanwhile, McIntyre emerged in the ring with the broken photo and a trash can. As officials held Rhodes back, McIntyre set the photo of Dusty Rhodes on fire and tossed it into the trash can, daring Cody to hit him.
WWE SmackDown Results: Chelsea Green vs. Giulia for the United States Championship
Giulia challenged Chelsea Green for the Women’s United States Championship. Giulia started the match aggressively, landing a dropkick immediately at the bell and taking the fight to the floor. After Giulia shoved Alba Fyre at ringside, Green capitalized with a suicide dive.
Back inside the ring, Giulia controlled the action with headbutts, a missile dropkick, and a Curb Stomp. Green rallied, escaping a sleeper hold and connecting with a dragon whip and a facebuster for a near fall. Green hit the Rough Ryder, but Kiana James distracted the referee, preventing the count.
Green landed a superkick and attempted to climb the turnbuckles, but Giulia cut her off with a slap and a headbutt. Giulia executed a butterfly superplex, rolling through immediately into a Northern Lights Bomb to secure the victory.
Winner and NEW Women’s United States Champion: Giulia
Backstage Segment: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky regarding their upcoming tag team title match on Raw. Ripley and Sky expressed confidence that they would finally defeat the Kabuki Warriors and bring the titles home.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupted the interview. Flair mentioned that it was fun teaming with them earlier in the night. When Ripley asked if they intended to challenge for the titles next, Bliss wished them luck, but Flair confirmed that they indeed plan to be next in line for the championships.
