WWE SmackDown Results
January 02, 2026
Buffalo, New York (KeyBank Center)
Commentary: Michel Cole and Corey Graves
Results by: wrestly.com
The first episode of WWE SmackDown in 2026 delivered a powerful mix of returns, title changes, brutal stipulation matches, and storyline developments that set the tone for the year ahead. From Randy Orton shocking the WWE Universe to a brutal Ambulance Match and a new Women’s United States Champion being crowned, this episode had everything fans could ask for.
In this detailed SmackDown results article for January 2, 2026, you’ll find full match results, highlights, storyline breakdowns, and SEO-optimized insights to help you stay ahead of the WWE landscape.
Table of Contents
🧾 SmackDown Results (January 2, 2026) – Full Match Card
| Match | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax & Lash Legend | Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss won | Rhea hit a Riptide on Kairi Sane; IYO finished with Over the Moonsault |
| Matt Cardona vs Kit Wilson | Matt Cardona won | Cardona returned and hit Rough Ryder for the win |
| Carmelo Hayes (c) vs Johnny Gargano (United States Championship) | Carmelo Hayes retained | Hayes used Nothing But Net in a competitive match |
| Giulia vs Chelsea Green (Women’s United States Championship) | Giulia won (NEW Champion) | Distraction by Kiana James; Giulia hit Butterfly Suplex + Northern Lights Bomb |
| Damian Priest vs Aleister Black (Ambulance Match) | Damian Priest won | Priest slammed Black through table off ambulance and shut doors |
🔥 Major Highlights from SmackDown (Jan. 2, 2026)
Randy Orton Returns and Destroys The Miz
The night kicked off with The Miz attempting to take control of SmackDown by airing his grievances from 2025 and declaring himself the leader of the locker room in 2026. However, his speech was cut short by the shocking return of Randy Orton.
“The Viper” wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of WWE’s most dangerous Superstars. Orton dropped Miz with two devastating RKOs, instantly re-establishing himself as a top force on SmackDown.
👉 SEO Insight: Randy Orton’s return is already trending and will likely impact major storylines heading into Royal Rumble season.
Star-Studded Women’s Tag Match Ends in Chaos
A massive 8-woman tag team match saw Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss face off against The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend.
The match broke down into chaos, but the finish was spectacular:
- Ripley caught Kairi Sane mid-air
- Delivered a brutal headbutt + Riptide combo
- IYO SKY sealed the win with her signature Over the Moonsault
This victory gives Ripley and SKY strong momentum heading into their upcoming Women’s Tag Team Championship match on Raw.
Matt Cardona Returns to SmackDown
In a surprise return, Matt Cardona defeated Kit Wilson.
Cardona interrupted Wilson’s outspoken campaign against “toxic masculinity” and made an immediate impact by hitting the Rough Ryder for a decisive victory.
👉 This could signal a fresh mid-card storyline brewing on SmackDown.
Sami Zayn Interrupted by Trick Williams
Sami Zayn declared his intentions to become the Undisputed WWE Champion, but was interrupted by NXT star Trick Williams.
This unexpected confrontation created tension and hinted at possible crossover storylines between WWE’s main roster and NXT in 2026.
Carmelo Hayes Retains the United States Championship
Carmelo Hayes successfully defended his United States Championship against Johnny Gargano in a highly competitive match.
- Hayes showcased athletic dominance
- Finished Gargano with Nothing But Net
👉 Hayes continues to build credibility as a top champion on SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre Sends a Personal Message to Cody Rhodes
Drew McIntyre escalated his rivalry with Cody Rhodes by revealing the Three Stages of Hell Match format:
- Traditional Singles Match
- Falls Count Anywhere
- Steel Cage Match
In a shocking moment, McIntyre burned a personal photo of Cody and his father, Dusty Rhodes, attempting to provoke an emotional response.
👉 This segment adds major intensity to what could become one of 2026’s biggest feuds.
Giulia Wins Women’s United States Championship
Giulia defeated Chelsea Green to become the NEW Women’s United States Champion.
- Kiana James distracted the referee
- Giulia capitalized with a Butterfly Suplex + Northern Lights Bomb combo
This marks a major title change and positions Giulia as a dominant force in the women’s division.
Damian Priest Wins Brutal Ambulance Match
The main event featured a brutal Ambulance Match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black.
This was one of the most violent matches in SmackDown history:
- Weapons used: tables, chairs, stretcher, fire extinguisher, and more
- Rhea Ripley interfered, neutralizing Zelina Vega
- Priest delivered a Razor’s Edge into the ambulance windshield
- Final moment: Black thrown off ambulance through a table
Priest sealed the win by locking Black inside the ambulance.
👉 This match could easily be a Match of the Year contender.
📊 Overall Analysis: SmackDown Starts 2026 Strong
The January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown successfully:
- Reintroduced top stars like Randy Orton
- Built major rivalries (McIntyre vs Rhodes)
- Crowned new champions (Giulia)
- Delivered high-quality matches
❓ FAQs – SmackDown Results (Jan 2, 2026)
1. Who returned on SmackDown January 2, 2026?
Randy Orton made a shocking return and attacked The Miz with two RKOs.
2. Who won the Women’s United States Championship?
Giulia defeated Chelsea Green to become the new champion.
3. What was the main event of SmackDown Jan 2, 2026?
The main event was an Ambulance Match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black, won by Priest.
4. Did any titles change hands on this episode?
Yes, Giulia won the Women’s United States Championship.
5. What is the Three Stages of Hell Match announced?
It includes a singles match, Falls Count Anywhere match, and Steel Cage match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
