The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/02/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre exchanging words, Damian Priest facing Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match, an 8-woman tag, and more.
Happy New Year, my friends. The 3-hour SmackDown era is back. Just like in the first six months of 2025, we begin 2026 with SmackDown running for three hours for those of you in the US on USA Network and for people like me who are watching on Netflix in Canada, and other parts of the world. I don’t love that it’s 3 hours because it means more writing and a longer night for me, but honestly, sometimes the shows are better when it’s 3 hours because more talent is featured, and it can also lead to longer, better matches. The downside is that sometimes there is filler that isn’t very interesting. If I had a choice, I’d prefer two hours, but I don’t think SmackDown was necessarily better in 2025 when it was two hours than when it was three. It felt like the same to me.
Last week’s SmackDown saw Carmelo Hayes beat Ilja Dragunov to win the US Title in what was a fantastic match. Next week on SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, Cody Rhodes will face Drew McIntyre in a 3 Stages of Hell Match for the WWE Title. That should be great.
As a reminder, I posted the 17th Annual WWE Johnny Awards column about WWE in 2025 last Friday. I know it was the holiday season, so I’m just sharing the link again in case you didn’t read it. Bring on 2026.
From the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, this is SmackDown for episode #1376. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired about the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre feud to set up their WWE Title match next week on SmackDown.
There was the usual pre-show walking shown of the eight women in the tag team match coming up later. They also showed Damian Priest and Aleister Black with Zelina.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves were the commentary team for this week’s show. They welcomed us to the show. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from The Miz
The Miz showed up in a suit at ringside and he said he wanted to air his grievances of 2025. The Miz said he asked for one match or one moment from John Cena’s retirement tour. Miz said he should have been the one to tap John Cena out. Instead, Cena is off riding off into the sunset while Miz is stuck here in Buffalo (ouch). Miz said he did something rare in this business by offering his guidance and expertise to younger superstars, but it was met with ungratefulness and entitlement. Miz said that respect is expected. Miz trashed a fan looking like 2005 Jelly Roll. Miz’s third grievance was that he was passed over for Marty Supreme and said Chalamet, this is ain’t over. Miz nearly mentioned Joe Hendry, but he stopped himself from saying the full last name. Miz said he brought back a nickname for Miz, so Miz stared at his crotch, claiming it was untrue, and the crowd picked up on it, leading to a “Tiny Balls” chant. Miz said that this will not become a thing again.
The Miz said that the silver lining is that Cena is gone and we don’t want to see him anymore. Miz claimed he is the new face of WWE. Miz sai,d unlike this city, he actually wins championships. The fans booed that. Miz said he’s the most decorated superstar out here and he went over his credentials as usual. Miz claimed that’s why he’s the face of WWE, he’s the gateway of this company, he’s the locker room leader and he’s the adult in the room filled with spoiled little brats. Welcome back, Randy Orton!
Randy Orton made his entrance in an “RKO Everybody” Buffalo Sabres shirt. It is Orton’s first time on SmackDown since early October. Good to see him again after a three-month break.
Analysis: The Miz did a nice job with that promo as usual. The Miz is always going to deliver in terms of promos, but he also won zero singles matches last year. I wouldn’t mind seeing Miz booked a bit more seriously in 2026. I’m not sure if that’s going to happen for him.
Randy Orton slowly got into the ring with The Miz after the fans gave Orton a big ovation. I should point out that Orton, Miz, and I were all born in the same year, so it’s nice to see them still going strong at 45. Orton teased, giving Miz an RKO, but he stopped himself, and Miz laughed about it. There were “Randy” chants before Orton spoke.
The Miz shouted that Orton was back on SmackDown, so let him hear it. When fans chanted “RKO,” The Miz said not him. The Miz said it was good to have Orton back on SmackDown. Miz repeated what he said earlier and said, “We” are the faces of WWE and the locker room leaders. Miz suggested they could be Miz-KO…and there’s the RKO from Randy Orton!
The fans chanted “one more time” for Orton, so Orton lifted Miz back up, said “Happy New Year, Miz” and Orton hit an RKO outta nowhere! The fans popped for that as Orton’s song played to end it.
Analysis: Welcome back, Randy Orton. I missed him. Orton didn’t say anything on the microphone, but he was cheered heavily and popped the crowd with the RKO move that they love so much.
The Kabuki Warriors were approached by Nia Jax and Lash Legend backstage to talk about their match. Jax and Lash suggested they get a title match after they win tonight. Asuka said after their title match on Raw, maybe they could give them a title shot.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky made their entrance for the big 8-woman tag team match.
A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired. Tickets are on sale now.
(Commercial)
Randy Orton spoke to WWE Champion Cody Rhodes backstage. Orton said that once Cody beats Drew McIntyre next week in Berlin, Randy is coming for that WWE Title. Cody said nothing as Orton left.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis talked to Cody Rhodes saying that he cannot let Drew McIntyre get under his skin. Aldis said that if Cody touches Drew tonight, then he’ll forfeit this WWE Title. Cody said that when it comes to this WWE Title, that’s not going to happen.
Analysis: I am all for a Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton WWE Title match at some point this year. They met in King of the Ring last year, and it was good. Let’s see it again. I know people will predict Orton going heel, but I would be fine with him remaining in a babyface role.
Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
It started with Asuka working over Ripley with kicks, but Ripley managed to clear the ring. Bliss got the tag and hit a somersault senton onto Asuka and Sane on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued, and I’ll take a break too as the heels took over.
The heel side was in control during the break, but Bliss hit Jax with a DDT as the match returned. Flair got the tag and hit a top rope cross body block on Jax and Lash. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline on Lash. Flair hit a Natural Selection on Jax. Flair went up top and hit moonsault on Jax for two. Flair kicked Lash on the apron and Jax in the ring. Flair went for a pin attempt, but Jax hit a leg drop for two. Asuka was back in and Flair got a rollup for two. Flair applied a Figure Eight on Asuka, but Sane broke that up with an Insane Elbow. Bliss sent Sane out of the ring. Sky got the tag and stomped on Asuka. Sky pulled on Sane’s arm across the top rope. Sky hit a missile dropkick off the top. Jax pulled Ripley off the apron and sent Ripley into the barricade. Asuka kicked Sky to knock her down. Lash made the tag, Sky jumped off the top and Lash hit a pump kick on Sky for a two count. That could have been a finish. That looked amazing. They went on another break as the heel side worked over Sky for another three minutes.
It was still Sky as the face in peril as she managed to break free from Asuka and Sane because sent Asuka into the match with a flatliner. Ripley got the tag and clotheslined Sane a few times, along with a slam into the mat. Ripley hit a sliding kick on Sane. Asuka tried to save Sane from a move, the referee stopped that and Jax clotheslined Ripley. Flair hit a move, Asuka kicked Flair, Asuka hit a Sister Abigail, Lash punched Bliss, Ripley dropkicked Lash and Ripley caught a leaping Sane. Ripley headbutted Sane. Ripley hit a Riptide on Sane. Sky got the tag and went up top to hit Over the Moonsault on Sane for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a very good match. With SmackDown being three hours, a match like that with all that star power is going to get a lot of time and they managed it well. It didn’t reach the point where I’d say it was a thrilling tag that was full of excitement or anything like that, but still fun to watch and the fans were into it. That spot with Lash hitting the big boot on a leaping Sky was the best part of the match and could have been the finish, but obviously they wanted the faces to win. Sky & Ripley are challenging Asuka & Sane for the Women’s Tag Team Titles so it gives them momentum since Sky pinned Sane. I think a title change is very possible.
Nick Aldis was in his office talking to Jordynne Grace about how he wants her to join SmackDown. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre walked in, and Green was rude. Green said she knew who Grace was and told her to leave, so Grace left. Green said she was mentally unwell (Aldis agreed) because of the ending of Stranger Things, while claiming she was cold too. Aldis suggested Green be a fighting champion and then he threatened to take the title from her, so Green angrily left and will defend her title later.
Kit Wilson made his entrance for singles action. It’s weird seeing him by himself without his Pretty Deadly partner, Elton Prince, who is injured. They even gave him a cheesy theme song too.
(Commercial)
There were several members of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills at ringside. Cole was funny on commentary, telling them to beat the NY Jets so his Jets get a higher draft pick.
Kit Wilson did a promo in the ring about how this is the home of the most toxic sports fans in America. Kit said that you are toxic.
The mystery opponent for Wilson was Matt Cardona, who is Zack Ryder and he’s using the Matt Cardona name this time. The fans cheered while the announcers noted the graphics showed his name said Matt Cardona instead of Zack Ryder, which is what he was known as in WWE for about 15 years before he was released about six years ago. Welcome back, Matt.
Matt Cardona vs. Kit Wilson
It was mentioned by Cole that Cardona is officially part of the WWE roster now, according to what Cole was told by Nick Aldis. Cardona slammed Wilson into the mat and a clothesline out of the ring. Cardona kicked Wilson to knock him down on the floor. Kit was able to knock Cardona down and hit a few elbow drops. Kit worked over Cardona with punches, but then Cardona hit a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Cardona hit an elbow smash and a face first slam into the mat. Ryder hit a running Broski Boot on Kit. Cardona hit a double underhook Powerbomb for a two count. Kit sent Cardona into the turnbuckle and a neckbreaker-like move for a two count. Cardona got two knees up to block a move, and Cardona hit a Rough Ryder for the pinfall win after 4 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Matt Cardona
Analysis: ** Easy win to welcome back Matt Cardona to WWE. Wilson got some offense here, but this was about giving Cardona the win. I am sure Matt’s wife, Chelsea Green, will be happy that he’s back under a WWE contract again. We have written numerous articles on TJRWrestling with Matt talking about how he wanted to come back to WWE and use his own name this time, so now he gets to do that. Good for him.
Damian Priest was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Priest said for six months, he’s been going to war with this guy. Priest said it ends tonight. Priest said that Aleister Black woke something inside of him that even Black’s crazy mind won’t understand. Priest said he’ll stuff him in the ambulance, close the door, and send him to the ER. Priest said Aleister will be the one to fade to black.
The Damian Priest-Aleister Black Ambulance Match is the main event later tonight. That’s the end of hour one.
(Commercial)
There was a Wyatt Sicks video with Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy speaking with the Wyatt Sicks behind him. Bo talked about how Solo Sikoa was exiled from his own family. Bo said that Solo mocks what he doesn’t understand. Bo said their family is not just them, it is filled with millions of fireflies around the world that will always remember. Bo said it’s time for them to chop down your family tree at the root because when the dust settles, they will be the ones…cue evil laugh.
Analysis: I liked that. Solo Sikoa was mocking the Wyatt Sicks and would use some Bray Wyatt phrases in the past, so Bo used this promo to say the fans will always remember Bray. Nice job of saying “the ones” at the end as a reference to The Bloodline stable that Solo was once a part of.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn made his entrance in a sweater and dress clothes for a promo. Zayn said that the last time you saw him on TV, he got to sit in the front row and watch John Cena’s last match with his son. Zayn said that it hit him in a way that he didn’t expect. Zayn said they introduced Cena, the match gets underway and his son said, “Baba, why do they call Cena the Never Seen 17.” Zayn said it’s because Cena won the World Championship 17 times. Zayn’s son asked him how many times has he won it? Zayn said he had to tell him zero. Zayn said his son asked him why and Zayn didn’t have an answer for him. Zayn said he understands why it was confusing for him. Zayn said that his son has seen him in the ring with these guys who all have World Championships, so to him it doesn’t make sense. Zayn said he has pictures with the other championships that Zayn has won, so why is this one missing?
Zayn said that last year, he talked a lot about being a World Champion. Zayn said he’s not going to talk about it anymore. Zayn was fired up as he said he is going to become the WWE Champion. Zayn was fired up and the fans were cheering, but here’s the interruption.
Analysis: I loved that promo from Sami Zayn and I want him to be a WWE Champion or World Champion, but I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen. I just think the way he crafted it worked really well because he mentioned his young son wondering why Zayn has yet to be a World Champion, so it gives fans a relatable story that Zayn wants to win not just for himself, but for his family too.
Trick Williams made his entrance as the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for the former 2-time NXT Champion. Trick was wearing a flashy fur coat. Trick said that he has finally arrived. Trick said he’s the most entertaining and athletic man in this business. Trick said that Nick Aldis called him and said they need him on SmackDown because they need some flavor and pizzazz. Trick said they needed somebody who is tall, dark, and handsome. Zayn was about to speak, so Trick said he wasn’t done talking. Trick said that he’s 6’5” and 250 pounds, so he’s a grown ass man. Trick said that they needed somebody who could challenge for that championship, he looks like a champion, and he’s here to be the World Champion. Trick said that they are not the same. Trick said it won’t take him 20 years to get opportunities. Trick said he won’t be somebody like Zayn, who almost gets the job done.
Sami Zayn said that he has been watching him and Trick has all the tools. Zayn said that Trick has yet to be humbled. Zayn said that Trick isn’t the first guy to say what he just said. Zayn said you’re not the first to look down on him. Zayn said he had no problem teaching Trick a lesson and teaching him a thing or two about what it means to be humbled. Zayn shoved the microphone into Trick’s chest and left. Zayn’s music played as he walked away and Trick stared at him.
Analysis: I think Trick will fit in very well on SmackDown. It makes sense to put him on the blue brand with his fiancée, Lash Legend, too. Trick is a better talker than he is in the ring, but he has improved a lot in the ring after four years in NXT. Working with guys like Zayn will help Trick get better too. I like that as a matchup between a cocky, young heel and a beloved veteran babyface.
The US Champion, Carmelo Hayes, was shown walking backstage when he was approached by Ilja Dragunov. Ilja said that Melo gave him the best he had to offer. Ilja said that he believes it wasn’t their last time. Ilja asked Melo if he planned to continue the open challenge. Melo said after he puts Johnny Gargano’s jersey up, he’s going to keep it going and he’ll leave the lights on for Ilja again. Carmelo Hayes approached The Miz and sincerely told him thank you. The Miz was happy about that, so Melo thanked Miz for finally leaving him alone because he’s been doing better ever since. The fans laughed while Melo left and Miz was angry.
Analysis: Well played by Melo towards The Miz at the end there. I would love to see a Hayes-Dragunov rematch again. They are awesome together.
Johnny Gargano made his entrance with his wife, Candice LeRae, for the US Title match up next.
A video package aired about NXT New Year’s Evil on Tuesday, January 6th.
(Commercial)
There was a backstage scene as SmackDown GM Nick Aldis spoke to Rey Fenix when Trick Williams was mad at Aldis about what Sami Zayn said to him. Trick and Fenix argued. Aldis said maybe Trick needs to be taught a lesson. Aldis booked Trick in his SmackDown debut match next week against Fenix.
Analysis: I assume Trick will beat Fenix, who I want to see used better this year. They can build up to Trick against Fenix.
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the US Champion, wearing a “Melo Don’t Miss” jacket. This match was set up because Gargano attacked Melo backstage last week.
United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano (w/Candice LeRae)
Melo hit a dropkick early on. Melo hit a forearm and a leg drop. Johnny came back with a rolling kick to the head. Johnny worked over Melo with chops, but Melo knocked him down and hit a knee smash to knock Johnny out of the ring. Johnny hid behind his wife and then Johnny got back into it with a slingshot Spear. After Melo was knocked out of the ring, Johnny hit cross body block over the top onto Melo on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued with Johnny working over Melo with punches. Johnny remained in control with some basic holds like a knee, a stomp on the face and a chinlock.
The match continued with Melo making the comeback with strikes, a springboard lariat and a spinning slam to send Johnny into the mat. Johnny countered Melo and sent him into the turnbuckle. Melo kicked Johnny in the back, then Johnny held onto the ropes and Melo hit a springboard leg drop. Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Johnny on the floor. Back in the ring, Melo jumped off the top with a Frog Splash for a two count. There were “Melo” chants to fire up the champ. Melo knocked Johnny down with a clothesline. Melo went to the top, but Johnny tripped him up there. Melo countered a move off the turnbuckle and kicked him in the jaw. Melo teased a superplex, but Johnny countered it with a twisting neckbreaker. That was a great move as the show went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
They did a collision spot as the match returned for all viewers. Melo hit a pump kick, but Johnny came back with a spinning lariat. Melo came back with a kick. Melo went for a springboard move and Johnny hit a superkick. Melo was able to counter Johnny with a lifting move into a Cutter for two. Johnny went to the apron, he hit a jumping kick, and Melo countered a move with a neck snap across the top. Melo hit a DDT-like move on the apron. Back in the ring, Johnny countered Melo with an incredible Tornado DDT for two. Melo countered a slingshot Spear attempt with a boot to the head. LeRae went on the apron as Melo went up top, so Johnny tripped up Melo on the top. Johnny hit an Air Raid Crash (or White Noise when Sheamus does it) off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. They exchanged pin attempts. Melo got back up and hit The First 48 double knee attack. Melo went up top and hit a Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of the head for the pinfall win. The fans popped for that finish. It went about 17 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes
Analysis: ***3/4 Awesome match as expected by two of the best in-ring performers in all of WWE. Melo keeping the title was the obvious result since he just won the title last week. Gargano isn’t likely going to get a big singles push, but he is always going to have an impressive match. I loved all the counters throughout the match. If they had gotten a few more minutes, it could have become a very special match, but it was still great for the time given. I’m glad that the fans were into it. If 3-hour SmackDown means we’ll get 15-20 minute matches for the US Title nearly every week, then I’m all for it.
Tama Tonga was shown backstage watching the US Title match. Shinsuke Nakamura approached Tama and they exchanged words in Japanese. Nakamura left. Solo Sikoa walked in, Tama said that it was all good and that’s an old chapter. Solo said he spoke to GM Aldis and next week it’s going to be a 4-on-4 tag team match with MFTs against Wyatt Sicks. Solo said they’ll take care of them and take back those Tag Team Titles. Solo said let’s get out of Buffalo, and Tama looked back as if he was thinking about what Nakamura said.
Analysis: I’m not sure what that Nakamura/Tama segment is leading to, but at least it’s something for Nakamura, who hasn’t had much to do in a long time.
A commercial aired for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on January 24th, which is one week before the Royal Rumble. They host SmackDown on January 23rd as well. Montreal crowds are amazing.
(Commercial)
Aleister Black was backstage with Zelina. Black said that nothing will change. Black said that the only thing that has changed is Priest. Black said that Priest will never be the same again. Zelina said that they will put the final nail in the coffin of Priest’s own delusions.
Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Champion, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Kelley mentioned that Michin suffered a shoulder injury against Cargill, who claimed it was an intentional attack to injure her shoulder (that’s just a storyline thing for a heel to say). Jade said that injuries happen and these pigeons don’t know their place. Jordynne Grace approached Jade with Grace saying she has to decide if she wants to sign with SmackDown. Jade said that she should sign somewhere else because this is Jade’s show and she is that bitch. Jordynne said she’s Jordynne Grace and Jade is definitely one of those. Grace left.
Analysis: I think Jordynne Grace fits better on SmackDown because it’s lacking babyface women right now in terms of singles wrestlers. Raw has a deeper division.
Cody Rhodes walked down the hall with the WWE Title, where he saw Sami Zayn. Cody mentioned he heard what Zayn said out there. Zayn said he thinks the world of Cody, he was the first one in the ring when Cody won the WWE Title for the first time and Cody must know where Zayn is coming from. Nick Aldis showed up, and he said he hasn’t seen Drew McIntyre yet. Cody said he’s calm, they need to handle this now and he’s going to the ring. The fans cheered.
Analysis: Sami Zayn spoke to Cody Rhodes about how he was coming for the WWE Title and Cody didn’t even respond to what Zayn said because Aldis showed up before the conversation could continue. Interesting way of doing the segment.
(Commercial)
They showed the Philadelphia 76ers game earlier in the week when former NBA MVP Joel Embiid and talented rookie VJ Edgecombe were Yeeting like Jey Uso. Cool.
A video aired about the NXT Champion Oba Femi.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance with the championship. Cody was in a suit and tie as usual, but then he took his jacket off while in the ring. There were loud “Cody” chants.
Cody talked about how he’s the strongest, biggest, fastest, and he’s not the youngest. Cody said what separates him is not his heart, it’s his mentality when he approaches anybody in a WWE ring. The fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for him. Cody said he gets there early, he has this title belt, and he wants them to see him seeing them. Cody said that’s the secret. Cody said that when they see him, they think of the money, the main event, the suit, the bus, the jet, and the fans. Cody said that the envy comes and Drew McIntyre reeks of envy. Cody said that he cannot wait for this fight with Drew. Cody said that in an arena that is important to him and an arena that at one point rallied for him, Cody’s real superpower is that he’s playing dumb. Cody said when he looks at his peers in the locker room, nobody asks him what he sees. Cody said what he sees when he sees Drew McIntyre is lunch. Cody mentioned nicknames of some of the legends in WWE history, but Cody says he is the one who calls himself The Champ, and that does not change in Berlin.
Analysis: A confident Cody Rhodes promo, as usual. He remains a very likable WWE Champion because he backs up what he says.
Drew McIntyre was shown on camera outside the building. Cody said that Cody is traditional in a world full of shades of grey. Drew said he came up with a stipulation for their match – 3 Stages of Hell to prove who the better man is by winning twice. Drew said that the first fall is a regular match and the second fall is Falls Count Anywhere. Drew said if they go to a third fall, then it’s inside an old school Steel Cage. Drew said no interference, no BS, and he’s going to break him physically. Drew said that if Cody is still champion next week, because if Cody touches him, then he’ll lose the WWE Title.
Drew said he went onto Cody’s bus and saw some sentimental items on it. Drew held a picture of Cody with his WWE Hall of Famer father, Dusty Rhodes, who passed away about a decade ago. Drew said that if Dusty were here, he’d be ashamed. Drew kept on saying Dusty was “down there,” referencing hell, and said he hopes Dusty has a coat down there because it’s about to get chilly. Drew smashed the photo on the ground and stepped on it.
Cody Rhodes left the ring and went backstage looking for Drew. There were WWE Officials, referees, and GM Aldis backstage trying to stop Cody.
Drew McIntyre was in the ring with a trash can and the picture of Cody with Dusty. Drew called for Cody to come back to the ring, so Cody ran out to the ring. Cody nearly got to the ring, but security guys held him back. Drew lit the picture of Cody and Dusty on fire and tossed it into a trash can in the ring. The fans were booing and screaming as Cody tried to go into the ring, but he was held back. The fans chanted “Asshole” at Drew as the picture was lit up in flames and Drew put it in the trash can. Drew leaned against the ropes and dared Cody to hit him, but Cody was being held back by about a dozen guys. Drew was laughing in the ring as the show went to a break.
Analysis: That was great. It adds to the personal nature of this rivalry even more by having Drew McIntyre get more heat (literally) by taking one of Cody’s personal items and burning it while Cody was helpless to stop him because of the “can’t touch Drew” stipulation. I don’t think the 3 Stages of Hell stipulations are that creative, but it should be an awesome match between two of WWE’s best wrestlers. I would love to see Drew McIntyre as WWE Champion again. I’m not predicting it will happen because I feel like Cody taking the title to WrestleMania to face Roman Reigns or perhaps Randy Orton is a possibility, and I don’t know if they would put the title on Drew if Cody-Roman is the plan. It’s a big match for SmackDown next week, and I’m looking forward to it.
OH NO 😭@DMcIntyreWWE just lit a photo of @CodyRhodes and Dusty Rhodes on fire! pic.twitter.com/sxiekDl2tk
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
(Commercial)
There was a recap of the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre segment, with Cole saying Drew committed a despicable act.
Next week on SmackDown in Berlin, Germany:
* Undisputed WWE Championship 3 Stages of Hell: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
* 8-Man Tag Team Match: MFTs vs. Wyatt Sicks
* Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams
Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green (w/Alba Fyre) vs. Giulia (w/Kiana James)
It’s a heel-heel matchup. Giulia was in control early on with a boot that knocked Green out of the ring. Giulia sent Green into the commentary table. Giulia shoved Fyre out of the way, so Green hit a suicide dive onto Giulia on the floor. The show went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Giulia was in control, tying up Green against the ropes, and hit a dropkick. Giulia elbowed Green and hit a suplex. Giulia stomped on Green’s back into the mat and Giulia grabbed a chinlock.
Giulia applied a sleeper and Green backed Giulia into the turnbuckle. They exchanged punches. Giulia hit a forearm to the head. Green avoided a kick and hit two clotheslines. Green hit a spinning kick to knock Giulia down. Green hit double knees to the back of Giulia. Green slapped Giulia for a two count. Giulia hit a headbutt and Rough Ryder like her husband, Matt Cardona, but the referee was distracted by James. Fyre tripped up James. Giulia hit a belly-to-back suplex. Giulia went for a knee, Green moved and Green rolled up Giulia for two while holding onto the tights. Giulia got a hold of Green on the top and hit a double underhook suplex off the top. Giulia hit the Northern Lights Bomb on Green for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes. Giulia is the new Women’s US Champion.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s United States Champion: Giulia
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay, but it’s tough when it’s heel-heel. The fans did get behind Green a bit since she has a unique personality. This was a clean finish, although Giulia did benefit from Kiana’s referee distraction when it looked like Green might win. I was surprised when Green won the title back from Giulia two months ago and now I’m surprised again by Giulia getting the title back. I’m not sure why Giulia lost it in the first place.
Giulia celebrated with the Women’s US Title, with Kiana James by her side, while pyro went off in the background.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Ripley said that the Women’s Tag Team Titles are coming home with them on Raw and Iyo Sky said they can be champions together. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss showed up with Bliss saying good luck. Flair said they were next in line. Ripley said if you want seconds, then that’s fine with them.
A video package aired about the Damian Priest-Aleister Black match that started about six months ago. Their Ambulance Match is the main event up next.
There was a commercial for Raw on Monday, and they had clips from the Netflix show Stranger Things as well. I don’t watch Stranger Things, but I know it’s popular.
(Commercial)
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were backstage. The Fraxiom duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom mocked Gargano for losing. Gargano had Axiom’s old mask in his hands. Gargano said that this mask was a gift from his wife. They argued. Axiom said he’s going to ask for a match against Gargano and he’ll take the mask back.
Analysis: I would love to see Fraxiom featured more in the tag team division. Now that SmackDown is 3 hours long, that’s a team that deserves some time to really show what they can do in longer matches. They are so exciting to watch.
There was an ambulance by the entrance area. Aleister Black made his entrance first, joined by his wife Zelina. Damian Priest was up next. They had over 20 minutes left in the show, so they will get a lot of time.
Ambulance Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black (w/Zelina)
The only way to win is to load your opponent in the back of the ambulance and close both doors. No disqualifications, no countouts, no pinfalls and no submissions. That means everything is legal.
Black attacked while Priest was posing in the ring. Priest fought back with punches and knocked Black out of the ring. They fought over by the ambulance and Black opened the doors in the back of it. Priest pulled the stretcher out of the ambulance and rammed it into Black’s ribs. Priest sent Black face first into the stretcher. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Priest set up a table against the barricade. Black went into the ring and Black hit him with a knee to the face. Priest tried a Chokeslam through the table that was against the barricade, but Black got out of it. Black jumped off the steel steps and hit a Meteora double knee attack to put Priest through the table. Back in the ring, Black hit a jumping knee and a running kick to the chest.
The match continued with Black in control with a knee drop. Black teased a big kick, but Priest bounced off the ropes and hit a lariat. Priest hit a jumping back elbow on Black against the turnbuckle. Priest charged at Black and hit him with a Pounce that sent Black onto the commentary table. When Black got back up, Black shoved Priest into the ring post. Black hit Priest in the ribs with a chair and a chair shot to the back. Black put a chair by Priest’s head and kicked the chair, so Priest sold it as if it hurt his face. Black jabbed Priest with a few chair shots to the ribs. Priest got a hold of Black and gave him a Chokeslam on the apron. They went back into the ring where they battled by the turnbuckle and Priest hit a Frankensteiner off the top. Black followed up with a Black Mass kick and both guys were down selling. There really was no reason for referee Dan Engler to be there, but he had to give the wrestlers cues during the match. They went on a break again for some fans as the match continued. Zelina wheeled the stretcher down to ringside, so Black put Priest onto the stretcher. Priest fought back with punches. Black hit another Meteora knee attack off the apron and onto the stretcher. Zelina handed Black a steel chair, so Black hit Priest with the chair and slammed Priest’s back onto a chair. Black pulled Priest on the stretcher toward the ambulance.
They were battling near the ambulance as Priest kicked Black and Priest got off the stretcher. Black used the stretcher backboard to hit Priest and Black used the backboard to send Priest into the LED boards. Zelina opened the ambulance doors, but Rhea Ripley was there to help her Terror Twin buddy Damian Priest. Ripley chased Zelina into the ring and Ripley hit Riptide on Zelina. The fans popped for that since Ripley took out Zelina to stop her from interfering.
Analysis: I liked that spot with Ripley because she is friends with Priest and she neutralized Zelina with that Riptide. It makes sense in terms of the storyline.
Black and Priest were fighting by the ambulance that was near the entrance. Black pushed Priest into the ambulance and tried to close the second door, but Priest kicked the door open to stop that. Priest got a crutch from the ambulance and hit Black in the back with it. Priest hit Black in the ribs with the crutch. Black sent Priest into the ambulance door and Black hit a knee smash. Priest kicked Black away. Priest sprayed some fire extinguisher spray into Black’s face. Priest put a fireball by Black’s face and Black sold it like it burned the right side of his face. Priest pulled out a bigger, wider table from backstage and put it near the ambulance. Black avoided a Powerbomb attempt and slammed a side door into Priest. Black hit a big kick. Priest sent Black into the side of the ambulance. Black sent Priest into the barricade near the fans. Black hit a roundhouse kick as they were fighting near the fans. Black elbowed Priest onto a blue equipment case. Black went to the barricade, Priest punched him and Priest gave Black a Razor’s Edge into the ambulance windshield! Ouch. Priest put Black on top of the ambulance and Priest went up there with him. The wider table was below them. Priest gave Black a Chokeslam off the ambulance through the two tables. It was more like a shove backward through the two tables. The ambulance is about 10 feet high, so it’s a big fall. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for the action they were witnessing. Priest couldn’t open the back door, so he opened a side door to the ambulance. This time the back doors opened. Priest put Black into the back of the ambulance, he shut the side door and shut the back doors to end it. Damian Priest wins it after 24 minutes.
Winner: Damian Priest
Analysis: ***3/4 It was a very long main event match that I enjoyed as a way to end this rivalry that went on for half a year. Black had plenty of moments of offense throughout the match, but then Priest took over after Rhea Ripley took out Zelina to prevent her from interfering. They had some big spots toward the finish with Priest sending Black into the windshield and off the top of the ambulance and through two tables. I think it was the right way to end the feud with a decisive win for the babyface Priest in a gimmick match. I liked the match and the fans did too.
Damian Priest celebrated the win. They showed some replays. Cole said Graves and him will see us on Raw. Priest continued to celebrate. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Carmelo Hayes
- Drew McIntyre
- Damian Priest, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
I enjoyed the show. It felt like a better SmackDown this week. It also felt fresh with Randy Orton back, Trick Williams officially joining the brand, Matt Cardona back in WWE, Jordynne Grace backstage to tease her against Jade Cargill, and more. Sami Zayn’s return promo was strong, too.
The three hours didn’t drag, and there were plenty of good matches. I enjoyed the Hayes/Gargano match the most, while the Priest/Black match ended their long rivalry with a 25-minute main event. Perhaps it didn’t need to go that long, but it was entertaining to me, especially with Rhea Ripley showing up to stop Zelina from interfering in the match. The 8-woman tag early in the show was very good, too.
Drew McIntyre was terrific as the jerk heel that pissed off Cody Rhodes by burning a Cody-Dusty Rhodes photo and Cody couldn’t do anything about it due to the “can’t touch Drew” stipulation ahead of their WWE Title match next week. It made Drew look like such an asshole, and those are the best kinds of heels. Cody against Drew should be awesome next week from Berlin, Germany. I’m looking forward to it.
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Thanks for reading. Go, Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport