WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, Winners, and Live Reactions from January 2
Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown for the very first show of the new year, taking place on January 2!
It's an exciting time as WWE kicks off 2026 with a thrilling grudge match designed to captivate fans and stir up interest. Let’s dive into what was on the card for this week’s episode:
- Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black (Ambulance Match)
- Giulia vs. Chelsea Green (U.S. Championship)
- Jade Cargill in action
- The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend take on Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss
In addition, this week marks a significant change as the blue brand transitions into a three-hour format every week. Now, let’s explore all the excitement that unfolded during Friday’s SmackDown.
The Airing of Grievances
As the show kicked off, it centered around a recap of the previous week’s segment involving Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Just as commentators Corey Graves and Michael Cole began their introduction, The Miz made a surprise interruption, asserting that the new year couldn’t truly be celebrated until he vented his discontent regarding 2025.
He expressed his disappointment over not being included in John Cena's retirement tour, labeling it a significant oversight. In a bold statement, The Miz criticized the audience and claimed that he deserves their respect. He even called out actor Timothée Chalamet, who had recently appeared as a guest on Rhodes' podcast, bringing a bit of pop culture into the mix.
Adding to his list of grievances, he referenced the "Tiny balls" allegations among other issues. At this moment, Randy Orton's entrance music played, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Surprisingly, The Miz appeared unfazed by Orton's arrival and even encouraged the audience to cheer louder for him.
The Miz attempted to rope Orton into his rant, suggesting they could team up as a tag team named "MizKO." However, Orton remained silent, delivering a stunning RKO that garnered the loudest cheer of the entire segment. After the move, he briefly picked up The Miz and wished him a happy new year before executing another RKO.
What could have been just another average opening segment transformed into something memorable, hitting all the right comedic notes without overstaying its welcome. Orton’s return adds a layer of intrigue to future storylines, promising to keep fans engaged.
Grade: B-plus
Noteworthy Moments and Observations
Tonight's episode also showcased the four women's tag teams preparing backstage, along with appearances from Black, Priest, and Zelina Vega. Notably, the ambulance designated for their upcoming match was prominently displayed within the arena.
A particularly humorous moment arose when Orton playfully faked out The Miz, leading to laughter between the two, highlighting the lighthearted nature of the segment.
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