The WWE Universe was treated to an electrifying start to 2026 as SmackDown roared back into action from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on January 2. The first episode of the year didn’t just mark the return to a three-hour format—it brought with it a storm of comebacks, title changes, and jaw-dropping moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. With the return of Randy Orton, the official re-signing of Matt Cardona, and a main event that left the crowd stunned, SmackDown delivered on its promise of high-octane entertainment.
The night kicked off with The Miz taking center stage, intent on hijacking the show to air his grievances. “Now that Cena is retired, I’m the new face of WWE,” The Miz declared, referencing the recent retirement of John Cena and his own frustrations with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. But before Miz could finish, the arena erupted with the unmistakable entrance of Randy Orton. The Viper, returning from a brief hiatus, wasted no time making his presence felt. In classic Orton fashion, he dropped The Miz with a thunderous RKO, sending a clear message to the locker room and the WWE Universe alike. Backstage, Orton made his ambitions crystal clear—he’s setting his sights on Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The women of WWE took the spotlight in the first match of the night—a thrilling eight-woman tag team clash. Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO Sky joined forces to battle Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. The action was fast and furious, with each Superstar getting their moment to shine. The match reached its climax as Rhea Ripley planted Kairi Sane with the Riptide, and IYO Sky soared through the air for a picture-perfect moonsault, securing victory for their team. The chemistry on display was undeniable, and the crowd’s energy set the tone for the rest of the night.
In a moment that had been eagerly anticipated by fans, Matt Cardona made his official SmackDown debut after re-signing with WWE. Once known as Zack Ryder, Cardona’s journey since his release at the start of the pandemic has been one of grit and reinvention. His return was marked by a clever nod to his past—entering to his old Zack Ryder theme before the music shifted to his new persona. Facing Kit Wilson, Cardona wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s become one of the most talked-about names in wrestling. He sealed his return with a decisive Rough Ryder, earning a statement win and cementing his place on the blue brand. As commentary noted, “He’s officially signed to SmackDown, and he’s here to make an impact.”
The United States Championship was on the line as Carmelo Hayes defended his title against the always-dangerous Johnny Gargano. The bout was a showcase of athleticism and heart, lasting a grueling 16 minutes and earning chants of “This is Awesome” from the crowd. Hayes, who captured the title just last week, proved he’s not resting on his laurels. He dispatched Gargano with his signature First 48 and followed up with Nothing But Net—a leg drop that’s become his calling card. “It’s been great to see Ilja Dragunov restore the prestige of the U.S. Title, and I’m glad that’s only going to continue in the Melo era,” one commentator observed, highlighting the renewed excitement around the championship.
The drama didn’t stop there. Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes’s bitter feud took a personal turn as McIntyre revealed the stipulations for their upcoming Three Stages of Hell match: a pure wrestling contest, a Falls Count Anywhere brawl, and a final showdown inside a steel cage. But McIntyre wasn’t content to stop at mind games—he stormed Rhodes’s tour bus, stole a cherished framed photo of Cody and his father Dusty Rhodes, and destroyed it in a fiery display. Security had to restrain Rhodes as McIntyre set the photo ablaze and tossed it into a trash can, further fueling the animosity between the two. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis had previously warned Rhodes not to touch McIntyre before their match, adding yet another layer of tension to an already explosive rivalry.
The Women’s United States Championship also changed hands in dramatic fashion. Chelsea Green, accompanied by Alba Fyre, defended her title against former champion Giulia, who had Kiana James in her corner. Both women pulled out all the stops, with Green even hitting a Rough Ryder—a nod to her husband, Matt Cardona. But Giulia’s relentless offense proved too much. She executed a Butterfly Suplex and finished Green with a devastating Northern Lights Bomb, capturing her second Women’s U.S. Title. The crowd erupted as Giulia celebrated her hard-fought victory, marking a new chapter in the women’s division.
All eyes were on the main event—a brutal Ambulance match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. This clash was the culmination of a six-month rivalry, and both men were determined to walk away with bragging rights. Black tried to seize the upper hand early, attacking Priest during his entrance. The two battled all over ringside, wielding gurneys, chairs, and anything else they could get their hands on. The turning point came when Black opened the ambulance doors, only to find Rhea Ripley waiting. She sprang from the vehicle, targeting Zelina Vega—Black’s wife—with the Riptide and neutralizing her interference. Priest, ever the opportunist, continued the assault, at one point using a fireball to blind Black. The climax saw Priest hoisting Black on top of the ambulance, pulling down his straps in a classic show of bravado, and chokeslamming his rival through two tables. With Black incapacitated, Priest loaded him into the ambulance and slammed the doors shut, sealing the win and bringing their heated feud to a definitive end.
As the dust settled in Buffalo, one thing was clear—WWE SmackDown is back, and it’s not pulling any punches. With new champions crowned, old scores settled, and rivalries reaching a boiling point, the road to the next big event is already paved with anticipation. Fans will be watching closely as Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes prepare for their Three Stages of Hell showdown next week, and as new and returning Superstars like Matt Cardona and Randy Orton shake up the landscape. If this episode is any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a year full of surprises, drama, and unforgettable moments on the blue brand.
