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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Today we will once again enjoy a new live coverage of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be broadcast live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. This will be the first show of the blue brand of 2026 and will mark the return of its three-hour format.
Highlighting an Ambulance Match that will pit Damian Priest against Aleister Black, and a title rematch between Chelsea Green and Giulia. Additionally, Drew McIntyre will reveal the stipulations of the Three Stages of Hell match that will pit him against Cody Rhodes in Berlin. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happens on this week's blue brand show.
WWE SmackDown begins on Netflix!
The show starts with a video recap of last week's main segment, which ended with Drew McIntyre attacking Cody Rhodes with a Claymore.
We see the arrival of some of the protagonists of tonight: Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors, Damian Priest, Aleister Black, and Zelina.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcome us to the first show of 2026, but they are soon interrupted by a furious The Miz. He makes it clear that the show will not continue until he exposes all his complaints about 2025. First, he recalls that he requested a match against John Cena on his retirement tour. And he didn't do it out of nostalgia or obligation. No. He did it because his story with "The Greatest of All Time" deserved a conclusion. "I should have been the one to make John Cena surrender!", he exclaims. Now, Cena is happy moving on with his life, while he is here, stuck in Buffalo.
The second complaint has to do with respect. Or rather, the lack of it. Because he wanted to help the younger talent by becoming a mentor to them, only to be disrespected. "Respect is not asked for, it is expected! And not only from the rookies, but from each and every one of you!", he exclaims. The third complaint has to do with not being chosen to play Marty Supreme. "Timothée Chalamet, this is not over!", he exclaims.
Fourth complaint: Joe Hen... Well, the man whose name must not be pronounced, who not only ruined his last night of 2025, but also brought back an old nickname. "Tiny Balls!", the fans chant. The Miz makes it clear that he will not allow that nickname to become popular again. The Miz reminds that John Cena has left forever, leaving a vacant spot backstage. One that only one person can fill. The Miz lists all his achievements in WWE. After that, he assures that he is the leader backstage and the only adult in a locker room full of spoiled children.
Randy Orton interrupts the segment!
"The Viper" heads to the ring while greeting the fans in the front row. Randy enters the ring, teasing an RKO on The Miz. The Miz quickly moves away, but soon smiles when Orton indicates that he was just joking. Randy poses in the corners to the delight of the fans. Meanwhile, The Miz applauds. "Randy, Randy!", the fans chant. The Miz asks the audience to keep cheering to celebrate Orton's return to SmackDown. "RKO, RKO!", the fans shout.
"It's good to have you back on Friday Night SmackDown," says The Miz before ensuring that both of them are the adults in the locker room, the leaders backstage, and the faces of WWE. "And we could be... MIZ-KO!", he proposes to his partner. "Randy responds with an RKO!" "One more Time!", the fans chant. Randy stands up The Miz. "Happy New Year, Miz!", he exclaims before applying a second RKO
Asuka and Kairi Sane converse backstage. Nia Jax and Lash Legend approach them. Nia reminds them that they already defeated them three weeks ago. However, whether they like it or not, tonight they will have to team up with them. Legend adds that tonight they will help them get the victory. After that, the Japanese women will be able to defend their Tag Team Championships next Monday. "It's a great idea, and then you will owe us one", says Nia as she points to The Kabuki Warriors' belts. Asuka laughs. "We will be happy to owe you a beating", says "The Empress of Tomorrow" before making it clear that next Monday she and Kairi will keep those titles around their waists. After that, they can face Lash and Nia at any time. Asuka leaves. Kairi continues talking with Jax and Legend. "I think you should be ready for The Kabuki Warriors," says Sane. "KAIRIIIII!!!!!", yells Asuka, startling Sane. She quickly responds to her partner's call. And so we come to the end of this segment.
Randy Orton walks backstage. Soon he meets Cody Rhodes, who welcomes him with a handshake. Randy points out that he is feeling great now that he is back. And out of respect for Cody, he wants to tell him something face to face. "Once you defeat Drew McIntyre in Berlin next week, I will come for this", he says pointing to the Undisputed WWE Championship. Orton pats Cody on the back before leaving. Nick Aldis approaches Cody to remind him that tonight McIntyre will be present on the show to reveal the stipulations chosen for the 3 Stages of Hell match that will pit them against each other in Germany. Aldis knows that Drew will try to provoke him, but Rhodes must not let that happen, because if he lays a finger on the Scotsman, he will have to strip him of the title. "Nick, you don't have to worry. That won't happen. Not when it comes to this," he says pointing to his belt. Nick leaves to end this segment.
Tag Team Match
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Lash Legend, and Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley
The Kabuki Warriors, Nia, and Lash surprise their opponents with a sneak attack. Asuka and Rhea remain in the ring, at which point the referee rings the bell. Asuka kicks the Australian to take control. Ripley gets rid of Asuka and Sane, who end up at ringside. Alexa receives the tag to launch herself over both with an apron cannonball.
Bliss brings Asuka back into the ring. Alexa seeks height in one of the corners, but Kairi makes her fall from the apron. The Kabuki Warriors combine perfectly against Bliss. Jax receives the tag to continue the fight. Nia knocks down Alexa with a headbutt. After that, she punishes her opponent in one of the corners. Lash receives the tag to knock down Bliss with a powerslam. She then finishes her off with a splash. 1..2..NO.
Legend catches Bliss in a headlock. Lash knocks down her rival with a clothesline. 1..2..NO. Legend catches Alexa in a submission hold. Nia receives the tag, but soon succumbs to a tornado DDT from Bliss. Charlotte receives the tag. Flair jumps on Jax with a diving crossbody. Charlotte unleashes a rain of chops on Jax and Legend before knocking down the latter with a handspring clothesline. Charlotte applies a Natural Selection on Nia before executing a Moonsault Press. 1..2..NO.
Flair prevents Asuka and Lash from intervening before going back to Jax, but she surprises her with a legdrop. 1..2..NO. Asuka receives the tag. Charlotte catches "The Empress of Tomorrow" in a Figure Eight Lock, which Kairi interrupts with an Insane Elbow. Flair crawls to her corner to tag in IYO. She hits Asuka and Kairi before applying a double Missile Dropkick. SKY tries to tag in Rhea, but Jax grabs the Australian by the legs to make her fall from the corner. After that, she violently throws her against the public barrier.
The action continues. IYO charges at Asuka with a springboard, but her compatriot moves out of the way, allowing Lash to stop SKY with a tremendous pump kick. 1..2..NO. Legend sends IYO into Jax, who knocks her down with a tackle. Nia punishes “The Genius of the Sky” with help from the ropes and from Lash. Jax hits a side slam on IYO so Legend can cover her. 1..2..NO. The fans rally behind SKY, who continues to take punishment from Lash and Nia. Both crush her with two consecutive corner splashes. Jax covers her. 1..2..NO.
Asuka unleashes a flurry of kicks on IYO in one of the corners. Asuka and Kairi team up against SKY, who ultimately dodges a double sliding kick, causing the Women’s Tag Team Champions to collide with each other. IYO crawls toward her corner to tag in Ripley, who enters fired up. Rhea takes care of Asuka and Sane at the same time.
Ripley looks to finish Kairi with a Riptide, but Asuka intervenes. The referee restrains “The Empress of Tomorrow,” allowing Nia to take advantage and surprise Rhea with a clothesline. The match descends into chaos, with all the women trading attacks and finishers. Rhea stops Kairi mid–Insane Elbow to counter with a headbutt and a Riptide. IYO gets the tag to finish her off with an Over the Moonsault. 1...2...3.
Winners: IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Nick Aldis speaks with Jordynne Grace backstage. The General Manager says he has big plans for the blue brand in 2026 and wants “The Juggernaut” to be part of them. “Nick, you’ve given me a lot to think about,” Jordynne replies before Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre burst onto the scene. Chelsea informs Aldis that she won’t be able to compete tonight because it’s very cold. Nick points out that she just interrupted a conversation. He then introduces her to Grace, who could be joining the brand. Jordynne extends her hand, but the Canadian doesn’t shake it. “I know who you are. Hi. Welcome. And goodbye. We have championship-related business to take care of,” Green says. “Some people are going to make this decision a lot easier,” Jordynne says before walking away. Chelsea continues making excuses not to wrestle tonight, such as the emotional finale of Stranger Things, which prevents her from being mentally ready to defend her championship. Nick asks if she wouldn’t feel better being a fighting champion. Chelsea assures him she does… in her own way. Aldis hints that he could strip her of the title since she can’t defend it. “You’re impossible! Disgusting!” an annoyed Green exclaims before leaving the office alongside Fyre.
We see several Buffalo Bills players sitting in the front row.
Kit Wilson makes his way to the ring. Before his match against a mystery opponent, the Brit grabs a microphone to address the fans. “My name is Kit Wilson and I’m redefining masculinity!” he exclaims. “And here I am, in Buffalo, home of the most toxic fans in sports in America. You! You! You and you! You’re all toxic!” Kit shouts as he points at the crowd. Suddenly…
Woo, Woo, Woo!
Matt Cardona appears on the scene, revealing himself as Kit’s mystery opponent!
Kit Wilson vs. Matt Cardona
Wilson quickly rushes at Cardona to catch him off guard with a European uppercut. Matt quickly recovers and sends the Brit out of the ring with a clothesline. Cardona hits a rope dropkick on his opponent before bringing him back into the ring. Matt corners Kit in one of the turnbuckles and unleashes a barrage of punches. Wilson escapes and knocks him down from the second rope.
Kit unleashes a barrage of elbowdrops on Cardona before taking him to the top of one of the corners. “You, just like everyone here, are TOXIC!” the Brit exclaims after slapping him. Matt gets rid of him before launching himself with a diving dropkick. Cardona takes his rival down near one of the corners before executing a Broski Kick. He then finishes him off with a double underhook powerbomb. 1..2..NO.
Kit kicks Matt before driving his face into one of the corners. Wilson plants a dazed Cardona with a DDT. 1...2...NO. Kit tries to crush Matt in one of the corners, but his rival stops him with his knees. Cardona hits a Rough Ryder to put an end to the match.
Winner: Matt Cardona
Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest backstage. The Puerto Rican recalls that his rivalry with Aleister Black has lasted six months. But it ends tonight. Priest looks directly into the camera to send a message to his enemy. “Aleister, for half a year you’ve tried to change me, you’ve tried to break me. You are not my creator. You don’t tell me what to do. With all of that, even burning my face, the only thing you’ve accomplished is awakening something inside me that even your disturbed mind wouldn’t be able to understand. So tonight, in Buffalo, New York, I’m going to kick your ass all over this building. I’m going to put you in an ambulance, shut the doors, and send you straight to the ER, because tonight, Aleister, you’re the one who’s going to fade to black,” Damian says to end the segment.
The Wyatt Sicks deliver a video promo. We see all of them (except Nikki Cross) with their faces uncovered, without masks. Bo Dallas addresses Solo Sikoa to ask him about the meaning of the concept of “family,” an answer Solo has been searching for since he was exiled from his true family (The Bloodline). Meanwhile, he insists that The Wyatt Sicks are not a real family. “You haven’t taken the time necessary to understand the force you’re up against,” Bo says. “You mock what you don’t understand. Our family isn’t just us. Our family is filled with millions of fireflies around the world who will always remember. Solo… it’s time for us to cut down your family tree to its roots, because when it’s all over, we will be the ‘1’.” Dallas laughs maniacally as the video comes to an end.
Sami Zayn makes his entrance. The fans greet him with a huge ovation. The Canadian recalls that he’s been absent in recent weeks. In fact, the last time we saw him, he was sitting in the front row like just another fan, watching John Cena’s retirement match alongside his son. And one particular thing caught the boy’s attention. At one point, the child turned to his father to ask why Cena was called the “never-before-seen 17-time world champion.” Sami explained that it was because John had won 17 world championships. At that moment, his son asked how many world championships he had won. “And I had to tell him, ‘zero.’ And he asked me, ‘why, dad?’ And I really didn’t have an answer for him,” he says. Sami understands, because his son is already old enough to watch wrestling. In fact, he’s seen him face opponents like Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Gunther—all former world champions. And his son has also seen him bring titles home, but one is still missing: a World Championship. Zayn recalls that last year he became obsessed with it. But this year, he will make it a reality. “2026 is here, and I’m coming for the WWE Championship!” he exclaims.
Trick Williams interrupts the segment!
“Whoop that Trick!” the fans chant as the NXT talent makes his way to the ring. Williams formally introduces himself to Sami before revealing that he is now part of the SmackDown roster. All after Nick Aldis called him on the phone to tell him that he needed him on this brand. Zayn tries to speak, but Trick interrupts him, pointing out that he isn’t finished. Williams has heard Sami’s promise, and that’s why he wants to make it clear that he’s here to be a World Champion. And unlike the Canadian, he won’t fall short. No. He will get it done. Zayn acknowledges that Williams has great talent. However, he lacks something important: hunger. Sami points out that he has dealt with guys like Trick before. Guys who show up and want to be WWE Champion overnight. “You’re not the first person to come out here and look down on me. But this is what it is. Since you wanted to come out here and interrupt me while I was talking, I have no problem teaching you a lesson. Teaching you a thing or two about what it means to be humble!” the Canadian exclaims before striking Trick in the chest with his microphone. Sami leaves the ring and heads back backstage.
Carmelo Hayes runs into Ilja Dragunov backstage. The Russian congratulates Melo on the new year. He then recalls their match from last week. Ilja wanted to face the best version of his rival, and that’s exactly what he got. And although the result wasn’t what he expected, he’s glad he lost to the best. However, somehow, he believes the two of them will face each other again. Before leaving, Ilja asks Carmelo if he plans to keep the tradition of open challenges alive. Hayes responds that once he defeats Johnny Gargano, he intends to continue that tradition. “As for us, when you’re ready to come back for this, I’ll keep the lights on for you,” Melo says. Both men smile as they head off in opposite directions.
Carmelo runs into The Miz. The new United States Champion approaches him to greet him and to thank him. “I just wanted to tell you that this wouldn’t have been possible without you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Carmelo says. “You’ve finally come to your senses, thanking me,” a smiling The Miz replies. “Thanks for leaving me alone, because I’ve been better than ever since then,” Hayes says with a laugh as he walks away. The seriousness returns to The Miz’s face.
Trick Williams interrupts a conversation between Nick Aldis and Rey Fenix. Williams expresses his displeasure over what happened with Sami Zayn a few minutes earlier. The Canadian hit him in the chest with the microphone, and he expects the General Manager to do something about it. Fenix addresses Aldis in Spanish to point out that Trick is being disrespectful. Trick asks the masked man what he just said. “I said that the new guys have a lot to learn about respect,” the Mexican replies. Trick advises him to learn how to stay out of the way while adults talk business. The two men begin to argue, but Nick is quick to shut it down. The General Manager believes Sami is right that Williams needs to learn respect. That said, he informs him that next week he will make his debut as a SmackDown superstar in a one-on-one match with Rey. “That’s exactly what I wanted. I appreciate it, Nick,” a smiling Williams says before leaving. “See you next week,” Fenix says as he waves goodbye.
United States Championship Match
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae)
Hayes strikes Gargano as soon as he enters the ring. Carmelo sends him out of the ring. Johnny returns, only for the champion to catch him with a dropkick. The referee rings the bell. Hayes takes Gargano down before delivering a legdrop. Johnny manages to recover, but his rival cuts off his offense before landing a knee strike. Gargano escapes to ringside. Melo tries to launch himself at him, but Candice steps in the way.
Johnny comes back to surprise Hayes with a slingshot before sending him out of the ring. Gargano dives onto him with a diving crossbody. Johnny continues to attack the champion both outside and inside the ring. Gargano punishes Hayes with the help of the ropes, forcing the referee to intervene. LeRae takes advantage to illegally strike Melo. Hayes tries to recover, but the challenger knocks him down with a back elbow.
Gargano traps Hayes in a crossface. Carmelo breaks free and fires off several punches. Johnny responds with a tornado DDT. 1..2..NO. Gargano kicks the champion while mocking him. Furious, “HIM” responds with a springboard clothesline followed by a tilt-a-whirl facebuster. 1..2..NO. The action continues.
Hayes knocks Johnny down near the ropes before executing a springboard legdrop. Gargano ends up at ringside, where he’s hit with a tope con hilo. The champion brings his opponent back into the ring to finish him with a frog splash. 1..2..NO. “Melo! Melo!” the fans chant.
Carmelo heads to the top of one of the corners, ready for his next attack. A recovered Gargano quickly rushes toward him to strike him, foiling his plans. Hayes escapes from Johnny’s grasp and delivers a superplex, but Gargano reverses it into a mid-air Death Valley Driver! 1...2...NO.
The action continues. Melo surprises Gargano with a superkick before executing a springboard DDT. 1..2..NO. Both men struggle. Johnny catches Carmelo with a superkick before lifting him onto his shoulder and driving him into one of the corners. 1...2...NO. Hayes and Johnny trade strikes until they take each other down with a double clothesline. Both men are left laid out on the mat.
Carmelo and Johnny get back to their feet to begin another exchange. Gargano lands a superkick to stop a springboard clothesline from the champion. Hayes answers with a spinning DDT. 1...2...NO. Both men trade attacks with the ropes between them. Hayes surprises Johnny with a DDT on the apron. Back in the ring, it’s Gargano who surprises the champion with a beautifully executed DDT. 1..2..NO. “This is awesome!” the fans chant.
Carmelo ends up at ringside, where he’s hit with a suicide dive. Back inside, Gargano attempts a slingshot spear, but Melo stops it with a kick. Carmelo goes up top, but Candice climbs onto the apron to distract the referee. Gargano takes advantage to surprise the champion, hitting a Fairytale Ending from the second rope. 1..2..NO. Gargano looks to finish him off, but Hayes prevents it with a facebreaker. A Nothing But Net puts an end to the match.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Carmelo Hayes
Tama Tonga watches the match on a screen in the locker room. Once it’s over, Tonga prepares to leave, but runs into Shinsuke Nakamura. The two have a brief conversation in Japanese. A smiling Nakamura leaves the area. Suddenly, a hand rests on Tama’s shoulder. It’s Solo Sikoa, who asks his partner if everything is okay. “All good. It’s an old chapter. What’s the plan for The Wyatt Sicks?” Tama replies. Sikoa informs him that he’s spoken with Nick Aldis, and next week both families will face off in a tag team match (four-on-four). “When we take care of them, we’ll get those Tag Team Championships back,” he adds. Solo points out that the rest of the team is waiting for them outside. “Let’s get out of Buffalo once and for all,” Sikoa says before leaving the area. Tama gets ready to follow him, but suddenly stops. Tonga looks in the direction Shinsuke went. And with that, this segment comes to an end.
Aleister Black and Zelina deliver a video promo. “It no longer matters what you say at this point. The idea that this victory is somehow physical… the victory is spiritual, Priest. In this case, you can leave me laid out on the mat as many times as you want, leave me in the back of the ambulance and have yourself declared the winner. It doesn’t matter, because nothing will change. The only thing that has changed is you, because after tonight you will never be the same again,” Black says. “Tonight it’s time to drive the final nail into the coffin of your own illusions,” Zelina adds to close out the video.
Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill backstage. Cargill boasts about having injured Michin at a recent WWE live event, assuring that this is what happens when people mess with her. “Injuries happen when these pigeons don’t know their place,” Jade says. Jordynne Grace approaches them. “Speaking of pigeons, did you want something?” “The Storm” asks Grace. She replies that she’s just looking around and weighing all her options before signing with the blue brand. “Well, I suggest you sign somewhere else, because this is my show and I’m that b*tch,” Cargill says. “Well, I’m Jordynne Grace, and you definitely are one of those,” Grace replies before walking away.
Cody Rhodes runs into Sami Zayn backstage. Rhodes asks Sami if he’s seen Drew McIntyre. Zayn says he hasn’t. Sami assures him that he respects Rhodes. In fact, he stood by his side at WrestleMania when he won the WWE Championship. However, now he needs Cody to understand him. Cody is about to respond when Nick Aldis appears. Rhodes asks if he’s seen McIntyre. Aldis says no. “I’m calm, but we need to take care of this. I’m going to the ring now,” “The American Nightmare” says before walking away.
Cody Rhodes makes his entrance. The fans greet him with a huge ovation. Once in the ring, Rhodes removes his jacket. “Well, Buffalo! What do you want to talk about?” Cody asks. He wonders what it takes to be champion, because clearly he isn’t the strongest, the fastest, or the youngest man on the roster. However, he possesses something that allowed him to win the most coveted title in this industry: his mindset when he steps into a WWE ring with someone. “Cody, Cody Rhodes!” the fans chant. Rhodes points out that he always carries the championship when he arrives at arenas at 2 p.m. and meets up with the rest of his peers. “And the reason is because I want them to see me looking at them,” he says.
Cody notes that when his peers see the championship, they automatically think about money, main events, buses, jets, suits, fans. “And then envy sets in. And you, Drew McIntyre, are full of it,” he says. But that makes him happy, because now he can’t wait to face him. And since they’re in a very important venue for him, he’ll reveal another secret. “When I look at Drew McIntyre, what I see is food,” he says. “You can call yourself The Final Boss, The Tribal Chief, The Greatest of All Time, The Game, The Scottish Warrior, The Best in the World, but in this era of WWE, I’m the one who calls himself The Champ, and that isn’t going to change in Berlin”.
Drew McIntyre interrupts the promo on the arena screen. The Scotsman laments how predictable Rhodes is. That said, he admits he’s thought a lot about how to hurt him. That’s when he came up with challenging him to a best-of-three-falls match, a 3 Stages of Hell Match, whose stipulations he proceeds to list.
“I’ve broken you mentally, Cody. Next week I’ll do it physically,” Drew says. That is, if he’s still champion, because all it takes is him laying a finger on him for the title to be taken away. And that’s when he wants to test Rhodes’ self-control. McIntyre would have liked to talk to the champion inside his private bus, but since he wasn’t there, he took the liberty of going inside to shelter from the Buffalo cold. Once inside, he got comfortable, used the bathroom, and saw some important things to Rhodes, like gifts from his daughters and his wife. But there was one in particular that caught his attention: a photo of Cody with his father in a frame. “I wish Dusty were still here so he could see the man you’ve become. But I know he’s watching from above right now, truly embarrassed. A lot of people think Hell will freeze over before Drew McIntyre becomes WWE Champion again. Well, I hope Dusty has a coat down there, because it’s about to get cold,” McIntyre says before throwing the frame to the ground, shattering it. Drew stomps on it. A furious Rhodes leaves the ring and runs toward the parking lot. Numerous officials and security members try to stop him.
Meanwhile, we see Drew inside the ring. In front of him is a trash can. McIntyre calls for Rhodes, who quickly heads toward him. Officials and security manage to stop him before he can enter the ring. Meanwhile, Drew pulls out the photo of Cody and his father and sets it on fire with a lighter. “A**hole!” the fans chant. McIntyre takes his time burning the photo as Cody watches helplessly. Drew tosses the photo into the trash can so it can finish burning. He then leans against the bottom rope, daring Rhodes to hit him. Officials escort the champion away while his enemy continues to taunt him with a sinister smile. And with that, this segment comes to an end.
United States Women’s Championship Match
Chelsea Green (c) (with Alba Fyre) vs. Giulia (with Kiana James)
Giulia surprises Chelsea with a dropkick as soon as the bell rings. The challenger unleashes a flurry of attacks on the Canadian in one of the corners before throwing her from one side of the ring to the other. Giulia kicks her out of the ring. Alba assists Green, at which point “The Beautiful Madness” charges again. Giulia brings her back into the ring before confronting Fyre. Chelsea takes advantage by launching herself at her opponent with a suicide dive.
Giulia regains control back in the ring. She crushes Chelsea in one of the corners before executing a suplex. She then finishes the champion with a Missile Dropkick. 1..2..NO. Giulia kicks Green before she can get back to her feet. Giulia drives Chelsea’s head into the mat before trapping her in a crossface. Green hoists her onto her back and charges into one of the corners, breaking free.
Giulia comes back to lock in a sleeper hold. Green once again throws herself backward into a corner to escape. Both women trade strikes. Chelsea kicks Giulia near the ropes, then slaps her and hits a facebuster. 1..2..NO. Chelsea executes a Rough Ryder and covers the challenger. “1...2...3...4...5...6...” the fans count.
Chelsea realizes the referee is being distracted by Kiana on the apron. Alba takes matters into her own hands by knocking James down to ringside. Meanwhile, the action moves to the top of one of the corners. Giulia executes a double underhook superplex from the second rope and follows up with a Northern Lights Bomb. 1..2..3.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: GIULIA
“The Beautiful Madness” celebrates on the entrance ramp alongside James. Fireworks go off behind them.
Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY backstage. Rhea says they’ve been waiting a long time to get their hands on The Kabuki Warriors. And if the Tag Team Championships are on the line, even better. IYO adds that they’ll finally be able to be champions together. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupt the interview. Charlotte says that as much as she “enjoyed” teaming with them… Rhea cuts her off. Ripley assumes Flair wants to tell them the alliance is over, that they want to go back after the tag gold, and that once she and SKY are champions, they want a shot at the titles. Alexa says no (even though Flair nods). They just want to wish them luck in their match on Monday. Confused, Ripley wonders if they really just want to wish them luck. Flair assures her that’s the case, but also that they’re next in line for the gold. Rhea accepts. “It’ll be fun for us, and pain for you,” the Australian says before leaving with her partner. Bliss and Flair argue about how they handled the situation. And with that, this segment comes to an end.
We see a promotional video focused on the rivalry between Aleister Black and Damian Priest.
Johnny Gargano recovers backstage alongside Candice LeRae. Gargano uses Axiom’s mask to cover his nose and wipe away any blood. However, his wife assures him it isn’t broken. Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer) appear to mock him. Nathan congratulates him on his match against Carmelo Hayes, but suggests that without Tommaso Ciampa’s help, there wasn’t much he could do. Axiom advises Johnny to take what happened tonight as a sign and start the new year by maturing into a new man. To begin with, he could show more respect and return the mask he stole. Gargano refuses. “This mask is a precious gift from my wife, and if you want it so badly, take it from her,” Johnny says as he hands it to LeRae. She waves it in front of the Spaniard to provoke him. Nathan and Johnny begin arguing. Axiom puts an end to it. “I’m tired of wasting time. I’m going to find Nick Aldis and ask for a match. You and me, Johnny. When the match happens, I’ll beat you, and then I’ll take the mask myself,” the Spaniard says before leaving with Frazer.
Ambulance Match
Aleister Black (with Zelina) vs. Damian Priest
Black attacks Damian while he’s posing on one of the turnbuckles. The Puerto Rican quickly sends Aleister out of the ring. Black surprises Priest with a kick before dragging him toward the ambulance. Aleister opens the doors, ready to put his opponent inside, but Damian resists. Priest pulls out a rolling gurney and throws it into the Dutchman. Damian grabs his rival and drops him onto the gurney, then wheels him toward the ring.
Priest kicks Aleister near the barricade before pulling a table out from under the ring. Damian sets it up by the barricade and heads back to the ring, where his opponent awaits. Priest looks for a Last Ride, but Black stops him with a kick. The action spills to ringside, where Aleister hits a diving meteora. Damian’s body crashes through the table, which is destroyed.
Aleister continues attacking Priest back in the ring. Black surprises his rival with a knee strike before finishing him with a Penalty Kick. Both men trade kicks in the center of the ring. Aleister blocks one and responds with a knee strike. Damian avoids a Black Mass and counters with a clothesline.
Priest crushes Aleister in one of the corners. The Dutchman falls to ringside. Damian follows and shoves him with a Pounce, sending Aleister flying over the announce table. Black recovers and throws Damian into one of the posts. Aleister grabs a steel chair to use against his rival. Priest stops the attack by delivering a chokeslam on the apron.
The action returns to the ring. Damian hits a Frankensteiner on Aleister, who responds with a Black Mass. Both men are left laid out. Black gets to his feet and drags Priest to ringside, calling for Zelina to bring the gurney. Aleister places his rival on it, but the Puerto Rican recovers. Black knocks him out again, this time with a diving meteora onto the gurney.
Zelina hands Aleister a steel chair, which he uses to further weaken Damian. Black begins pushing the gurney toward the ambulance. Damian tries to get up, but Aleister strikes him repeatedly. Priest surprises Black with a knee. Damian steps off the rolling gurney, only to be struck with an emergency stretcher.
Zelina opens the ambulance doors—only to find Rhea Ripley! Zelina flees to the ring, with Rhea in pursuit. Ripley then executes a Riptide on her. Ripley acknowledges a furious Aleister, who tries to load Damian into the vehicle. Priest resists, prompting the Dutchman to kick him. Black gets Damian inside the ambulance and shuts one door. As he goes to close the second, Priest’s leg stops it. The Puerto Rican escapes.
Priest uses a crutch to strike Black. Aleister shoves Damian into one of the ambulance doors and hits a running knee strike. Damian counters by emptying a fire extinguisher into Aleister’s face. Black comes back at him—only for Priest to burn his face with a fireball! Priest shuts the ambulance doors before going after Black, who remains on the ground clutching his face.
Damian drags a double table to the back of the vehicle and grabs Aleister, looking for a Razor’s Edge. Black escapes and slams him into a side door of the vehicle. The two continue trading blows as the fight moves into the crowd area. Aleister kicks Priest in the head and brings over a production crate, knocking Damian out onto it. Black goes to dive, but a recovered Priest stops him.
Priest grabs Aleister, ready for the Razor’s Edge. However, he instead kicks the production crate and executes his finisher through the ambulance windshield, shattering the glass in the process. “Holy s**t!” the fans chant. Priest brings Black onto the roof of the vehicle and hits a Chokeslam. Aleister crashes through the double table, which is destroyed. “This is awesome!” the fans chant.
Damian tries to open the ambulance doors, but they won’t budge. He opts to open a side door instead and goes back for his rival. Priest manages to open the rear doors and throws Aleister inside. Damian shuts one door, then goes around to close the side door he opened earlier. He finally returns to the back to close the last door.
Winner: Damian Priest
The ambulance sirens begin to blare. Damian celebrates his victory to close out the first episode of SmackDown of 2026.
