What does The Scottish Terminator have planned for Cody Rhodes?

SmackDown moves up to THREE HOURS for 2026, and Drew McIntyre reveals his choices for the Three Stages of Hell WWE Championship match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax, Lash Legend & The Kabuki Warriors; Rhea, Iyo, Charlotte & Alexa win.
• Kit Wilson VS Matt Cardona; Cardona wins.
• WWE United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae; Melo wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre VS Giulia w/ Kiana James; Giulia wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s US Champion.
• Ambulance Match: Aleister Black w/ Zelina Vega VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Miz hijacks the show!

“We are NOT moving on to 2026, I am so sick of hearing, ‘Happy New Year! Happy New Year!’ No no no, we’re not moving on to 2026 ’til I air my grievances from 2025!” The fans boo, but Miz says grievance one: he asked for ONE match, one moment on the John Cena retirement tour. Not for nostalgia, not for endearment, but for obligation! Their story needed closure! Miz should’ve been the one to tap John Cena out! Instead, he’s all smiling, riding off into the sunset, while Miz is here in Buffalo! Miz is the one being punished!

Grievance two: Miz did something rare in this business by offering his guidance and expertise to all the young superstars, who should’ve been raising hands and chomping at the bit to gain his knowledge. But it was met with ungratefulness and entitlement! Respect is not requested, it’s expected! Not just from the rookies, but from each and every one of the fans who wouldn’t know greatness unless he slapped the nachos out of your hands. Yeah, he’s talking to the guy up front, looking like 2005 Jelly Roll out here.

Grievance three: Miz was passed over for Marty Supreme. Charlemagne, this ain’t over! Grievance four: Not only did Joe Hen… The fans want him to say it, but Miz says he who shall not be named and his little good time buddies ruined Miz’s last SmackDown of an already terrible year, AND he brought back a nickname… The fans already chant it, and Miz says it is a very untrue nickname. Miz says this will NOT become a thing again! But there is a silver lining: We are on to 2026, and John Cena is GONE! Bye bye! See you later, we can’t see him, and we don’t wanna see him anymore! Because there is a NEW face of WWE, and Miz sits so perfectly.

Because unlike this city, Miz actually WINS championships! The fans boo but Miz swaggers around as he says yeah, he’s the most decorated superstar out here! TWO-TIME WWE Champion, EIGHT-TIME Intercontinental Champion, TWO-TIME US Champion, TEN-TIME Tag Team Champion, and the first-ever TWO-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION! That means he is THE Face of WWE! He is THE gateway for this company! He is THE locker room leader! And he is THE adult in the room, filled with spoiled little brats! The fans boo, but RANDY ORTON is back!! Buffalo goes wild for the return of The Viper!

Miz is immediately worried as Orton makes his way down the ramp, high-fiving fans, especially fellow Buffalo Sabres fans. The Apex Predator goes to the ring, bumps into Miz but then apologizes, and then goes to the corner for his iconic pose. Miz applauds Orton just like the fans do, and then Orton gets a mic. The fans cheer, and Miz says c’mon, Buffalo! Randy Orton is back on SmackDown, let him hear it! The fans cheer even louder, and they also chant “R K O! R K O!” Miz says don’t hit him with one, though. But it is good to have Orton back on Friday Night SmackDown! And as Miz was saying, WE are the adults in the room!

WE are the locker room leaders! WE are the gateway to the company! WE are the faces of WWE! And WE could be #MizKO! The fans aren’t into it, and Orton RKOS Miz outta nowhere! Orton shakes Miz’s hand to say no thanks, but the fans want it “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Orton agrees, and stands Miz up to say, “Happy New Year, Miz!” RKO!! The fans fire up because Orton truly is back! Will Orton make 2026 the Year of the Viper?

The Kabuki Warriors talk backstage.

Asuka & Kairi Sane feel good after how they beat up Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky, but then in step Nia Jax & Lash Legend. The Irresistible Force wants them to know that while Nia & Lash beat them a few weeks ago, they wanna stay good with Nick Aldis. Teaming up with Asuka & Kairi will be difficult, but it will also be worth it when Nia & Lash help Asuka & Kairi to victory tonight. Then Asuka & Kairi can retain those titles on Monday, so they can owe Nia & Lash the next shot. Asuka laughs that off, and tells them in both Japanese and English that they’ll happily “owe” Nia & Lash a beating. Monday, Asuka & Kairi will keep these titles. Then after that… They’ll face Nia & Lash any time.

Kairi says she thinks they should get ready for The Kabuki Warriors! Asuka shouts for Kairi, Kairi scurries off, and both Nia & Lash are unsure what to make of this. But will they all remember the bottom line and win big in Buffalo? Or will the all-star combo of Charlotte, Alexa, Rhea & Iyo be just as victorious as they were for WarGames?

Randy Orton returns backstage.

And there waiting is Cody Rhodes. They shake hands as Cody welcomes Orton back, and Orton says good to be back. Now, Orton says out of respect that he needs to let Cody know… Once Cody beats Drew McIntyre in Berlin, Orton is coming after the title. Orton heads out, and then Nick Aldis steps in. Aldis reminds Cody that Drew is going to name the stipulations for Three Stages of Hell. Drew will surely try to get under Cody’s skin, but Cody has to remember to not let that happen. Not to beat a dead horse, but if Cody touches Drew before the match, Cody forfeits the title. As colleague and friend, Aldis would hate to see it happen.

Cody assures Aldis, when it comes to this title, that won’t happen. Aldis trusts that, but what will Drew choose for their hellacious title match?

8 Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax, Lash Legend & The Kabuki Warriors!

SmackDown returns and Nia & Lash make their entrance, followed by the Kabuki Warriors. The teams sort out, but then Nia, Lash & The Kabuki Warriors jump #RheYo & #Charlexa! The fans boo but the bell rings, and while Nia stomps Iyo and Kairi tosses Alexa, Asuka stomps Charlotte out of the ring while Lash stomps Rhea to keep her in the ring. The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Asuka keeps on Rhea while the others back off. Asuka KICKS and KICKS and scuffs Rhea! Then she CLUBS and KICKS Rhea again! Asuka eggs Rhea on, then fires Kawada Kicks! The fan rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea blocks a kick!

The fans fire up as Rhea rises, and she swings, only for Asuka to duck! Rhea ducks, Asuka ducks, then Asuka SOBATS! Asuka runs, but Rhea EDDY GORDO KICKS! Asuka bails out, Kairi runs in, but Rhea TOSSES Kairi! Rhea tags Alexa, and Alexa CANNONBALLS the Kabuki Warriors! The fans fire up with Lil’ Miss Bliss while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Nia BLASTS Iyo down! The ref ahs to keep Charlotte back, but Nia & Lash double whip Alexa. Alexa BOOTS Nia, DUMPS Lash, and then goes up, up, and FLYING DDTS Nia! The fans fire up while both women are down! Alexa crawls, hot tag to Charlotte! The fans fire up a The Queen climbs up! CROSSBODY and down go Nia & Lash! Charlotte fires up, then she CHOPS Lash! And CHOPS Nia! And CHOPS Lash! And CHOPS Nia! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! But NIa shoves Charlotte! Charlotte BOOTS Nia, then dodges Lash! Charlotte HANDSPRING LARIATS Lash down!

Charlotte BOOTS Nia, then runs, NATURAL SELECTION! Nia is in the drop zone, Charlotte steps on her to go to the corner! Charlotte goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Nia survives and Charlotte is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Charlotte BOOTS Asuka off the apron, then brings Nia around. Charlotte whips, Nia reverses, but Charlotte tumbles up and out! Charlotte BOOTS Lash, BOOTS Nia, then slingshots in and roll- NO, Nia stays up to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Nia is shocked! Nia snarls, drags Charlotte up and HEADBUTTS her to the corner! Nia tags Asuka and Asuka brings Charlotte around.

Asuka kicks but Charlotte ducks to roll her up, TWO! Charlotte has the leg, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Asuka scrambles over to the corner, Charlotte bridges, but Kairi  is up top! FIGURE EIGHT takes the IN-SANE ELBOW!! Alexa goes after Kairi, Kairi TOSSES her out! The fans rally as Charlotte crawls, hot tag to Iyo! The fans fire up as The Genius dodges Asuka, jumps up, victory roll for STOMP 182! Kairi runs up, Iyo dodges, slips out and around to then HOTSHOT Kairi’s arm! Iyo goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS the Kabuki Warriors! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up and does the crazy taunt! Iyo drags Asuka up and reaches for Rhea.

But wait, Nia YANKS Rhea off the apron and THROWS her into barriers! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Iyo to the apron! Asuka runs, Lash tags in, EMPRESS- NO, Iyo dodges the hip attack to KICK Asuka! Iyo springboards, but Lash PUMP KICKS her outta the sky!! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives, the Bougie Bully seethes, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns yet again, Asuka ROCKS Iyo in the corner, then brings her around. Asuka fires a flurry of forearms, then runs the ropes. Kairi tags in, CODE BREAKER BLOCKBUSTER COMBO! Then they line it up, but Iyo dodges! Sliding kick and Sliding D collide! The fans fire up while all three are down! Iyo crawls, Kairi anchors a foot, but Iyo BOOTS her away! Asuka BLASTS Alexa, swings on Rhea, but Iyo FLAPJACKS Asuka! Iyo roars as she reaches out! Hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Mami rallies on the Kabuki Warriors! Short arm LARIAT after LARIAT on Kairi, then Rhea ripcords Kairi into Asuka!

Rhea atomic SLAMS Kairi, then basement DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Rhea and she pump handles Kairi. But Asuka tries to save Kairi! The ref stops Asuka, but that lets Nia CLOBBER Rhea! Charlotte BOOTS Nia! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Charlotte! Alexa clinches Asuka for TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! Lash DECKS Alexa! Rhea DROPKICKS Lash! Kairi leaps from up top, but into Rhea’s arms! Rhea HEADBUTTS then pump handles! RIPTIDE!! Tag to Iyo, to go OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, RheYo & Charlexa win!

Winners: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Another big victory for this star-studded team! They stand victorious together, but will Rhea & Iyo be able to do this all again on Monday Night Raw? Or will they still not be ready for Asuka & Kairi?

Nick Aldis meets with…?

He’ll cut to the chase: He has big plans for 2026, and he’d love for The Juggernaut, Jordynne Grace, to be part of those plans. Jordynne says he has given her a lot to consider, so- Chelsea Green interrupts with a shrill shout. She tells Aldis that she cannot go out there tonight. Has he not checked the temperature? It is freezing! She’ll get hypothermia! Aldis says first off, she’s interrupting. But while she’s here, he would like to introduce Chelsea to Jordynne Grace, potentially the newest member of SmackDown. Chelsea knows, hi, hello, and goodbye. They have championship business to attend to.

Jordynne says there are some people here who will make her decision that much easier. She leaves, will The Juggernaut make an impact on the blue brand? Back to Chelsea being ridiculous as ever, she does not want to go out there! Did he not see the emotional ending of Stranger Things?! She cannot go out there in this state! And also, she has a New Year’s Resolution to make herself the greatest first-fourth-and-final Women’s US Champion ever! So… Oh, wow, a resolution? Well, wouldn’t it be better to be a fighting champion? She IS fighting! For her life! On the internet! Aldis says okay, fine, how about this?

If accomplishing goals is so important to Chelsea, then she can help Aldis accomplish the goal of stripping her of that title and seeing her unfit for duty! AKA he will IMPEACH The Hot Mess! Impossible! Disgusting! And she doesn’t want to! Chelsea storms off, will she just have to face The Beautiful Madness that is Giulia?

Kit Wilson VS ???

Speaking of foolish New Year’s Resolutions, the last tasty snack standing thinks he is going to singlehandedly deal with “toxic masculinity” on SmackDown. Except, he has no idea who he’s facing. New year, new gear, new tron, but will it be a new chapter for Kit Wilson? Or will it just be a remake of what we’ve already seen before?

SmackDown returns and Kit has a mic to say, “I, I, I am Kit Wilson, and I am redefining masculinity! And here I find myself in Buffalo, home of the most TOXIC sports fans in all of America!” The fans boo but he says yeah, the “Bills Mafia,” huh? Y’know what? You are all TOXIC! TOXIC! “WOO! WOO! WOO! Always Ready!” Wait, Zack Ryder is back, but he’s also his true form of MATT CARDONA! Long Island Iced Z is now Complete, but will he collect his first win in his own new chapter?

The bell rings and Kit runs up to UPPERCUT Cardona! Kit fires off hands, stomps a mudhole in, but the ref backs him off. Kit storms up, UPPERCUTS, then whips Cardona to DROPKICK him down! Kit spins, flexes, and swivels the hips! How is that non-toxic? But then Cardona CLOBBERS Kit! Cardona stomps a mudhole into Kit now, then runs corner to corner for a forearm SMASH! Cardona whips and FLAPJACKS Kit, then he LARIATS Kit up and out of the ring! The fans fire up, and Cardona WRECKS Kit with a dropkick! Cardona smiles, then he brings Kit up, puts him in the ring, but avoids a shoulder to KICK Kit!

Kit staggers, Cardona runs up and LARIATS in the corner! Cardona climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans chant “WOO! WOO! WOO!” But Kit slips out and KICKS the legs out! Cardona falls hard, Kit drags him around, and ELBOW DROPS! And ELBOW DROPS! And ELBOW DROPS! Kit covers, TWO! The fans rally for Cardona but Kit CLUBS him down. Kit stomps Cardona, drags him up by his hair, and then throws down hands! The fans boo, Kit THROWS Cardona down, and the fans chant, “YOU ARE TOXIC!” Kit kicks Cardona, throws more hands, then hoists him up top. Kit ROCKS Cardona, and shouts “YOU ARE TOXIC!”

But Cardona SHOVES Kit, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Cardona and Kit rise up, Cardona ELBOWS Kit, LARIATS, then whips. Kit reverses, but Cardona SMASHES him off the mat! Kit staggers around, Cardona fires forearms, and the fans fire up! Cardona goes to the other corner, BROSKI BOOT! Then he underhooks Kit for the TIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Kit survives and Cardona is frustrated, but the fans still rally up. Cardona goes for the legs but Kit kicks him away. Then Kit YANKS Cardona into buckles! Kit kicks and TWIST OF FATE! Or as he calls it, #TurnaKit! Cover, TWO!

Kit is furious but he runs in again, but Cardona KNEES him away! Then ROUGH RYDER! Is it still called that? Cover, Cardona wins!

Winner: Matt Cardona, by pinfall

Buffalo is all fired up as Cardona just put Kit on Radio Silence! Cardona says he is #AlwayZReady, but will WWE be ready for Cardona?

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

Cathy Kelley is with The Archer of Infamy, says what a return for Cardona, but she wants to talk Priest’s 2025. Much of his year was defined by the rivalry with Aleister Black, and now it culminates in an ambulance match. What will it take to close the door on this rivalry (both literally and figuratively) for good? Priest says six months, he has been going to war with Aleister. And he means it when he says enough is enough. One way or another, this ends tonight. Priest tells Aleister that for half a year, Aleister tried to change Priest, and tried to break Priest. Aleister is not Priest’s creator, he doesn’t tell Priest what to do.

With everything he’s done, even burning Priest’s face, all Aleister’s really done is wake up something inside Priest that not even Aleister’s crazy mind couldn’t understand. So right here in Buffalo, New York, Priest whoops Aleister’s ass all over the arena, stuffs him in that ambulance, closes the door, and sends him straight to the ER. Tonight, Aleister is the one who will #FadeToBlack! Priest and Aleister are ready to tear it down this early into the New Year, who survives to next week?

The Wyatt Sick6 speak.

Bo Dallas asks, “What is the meaning of family? Solo… That is an answer you’ve been searching for since you were exiled from your true bloodline. You claim the Wyatt Sick6 are not a family. But you haven’t taken the time to comprehend the force that you are up against. You mock what you do not understand. Our family is not made up of just us. Our family is filled with millions of fireflies around the world! They will always remember. Solo… It’s time for us to chop down your family tree at the root. Because when the dust settles, we will be the ones.” Bo laughs at using Solo’s line against him, but what tactics are needed to end the family feud?

Sami Zayn is here!

Buffalo cheers as #BigMatchSami is back after taking time off from that Survivor Series style 5v5. Sami gets himself a mic to say, “Buffalo. Howdy! I haven’t been around the last couple of weeks, so it feels good to be back out here. Actually, the last time you guys saw me on TV wasn’t even in the middle of this ring, it was actually out in the audience. I go to do something recently that was actually pretty profound. I got to sit and enjoy the show just like each and every one of you.” The fans cheer that as Sami says it was amazing to be front row for John Cena’s last match, sitting with his son.

The fans cheer that, too, and Sami says he has to be honest. It hit him in a way he did not expect. Something happened that really hit him. They introduced Cena, the match got started, and Sami’s son turned to him and said, “Baba… Why do they call John Cena the Never-Seen Seventeen?” Sami said because John Cena has won the world championship seventeen times. The fans cheer that, and Sami’s son asked, “How many times have you won it?” Sami admits he had to say, “Zero.” So his son asked, “Why, Baba?” Sami didn’t have an answer.

Sami gets why that’d be confusing to his son, because for the past few years, as long as his son has been old enough to watch wrestling, to watch Sami in this ring, every week he has seen Sami with Drew McIntyre, with Seth Rollins, with Gunther, with John Cena, these guys who have all had world titles, so to his son, it doesn’t make sense. Sami’s son has seen Sami bring home titles. His son has pictures of them with the Intercontinental Championship, with the Tag Team Championships, with the United States Championship, so his son does not understand why this particular one missing.

Last year, Sami talked a lot about becoming a world champion here. He talked so much about it, it made him sick. So now, Sami is not gonna talk about it. Now, Sami is here to DO IT! The fans cheer that! 2026 is here, and Sami is coming for the WWE Championship! The fans cheer again, but TRICK WILLIAMS is here?! The former NXT & TNA World Champion struts his way out and the fans all chant along, “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick has a mic and he starts with, “WHOO-OOH~!” The fans still chant, and Trick says, “Reporting to you live, the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive, Trick Williams, has finally arrived.”

Trick smiles and tells Sami that they haven’t been formally introduced. Some call him Tricky Two Times, some call him Mr. Whoop Dat, and some call him Hollywood Trick. But you can call him Trick Willy. And he is the most entertaining, the most athletic, and the most dangerous man in this business today! He’s like getting Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, and Mike Tyson at the same time. The fans cheer, and Trick says he’s here for one reason and one reason only. Nick Aldis called, dialed 1-800-WOOP-DAT, said they needed Trick Willy on SmackDown, it’s missing some flavor, some pizazz, some of that energy that only Trick can bring. Aldis said SmackDown needed someone tall, dark and handsome.

Sami wants to say something but Trick says he wasn’t done talking! Trick could take off this coat, take off these shades, and take off these lemon pepper steppers, and he’s still 6’5″, 250 pounds, a grown ass man! That’s what Aldis was trying to say. They need someone on SmackDown who can challenge for that title. They need someone who looks good and looks like a champion. So dammit, Trick is here to be world champion! Sami and Trick ain’t nothing alike. It won’t take Trick 20 years to get those opportunities, he’s not someone who almost gets the job done like Sami. Oh, is Trick done now? Yes, he is. Good.

Sami admits, Trick is not wrong. Trick looks great, has a lot to offer, Sami’s seen it all. Trick’s got it all. The problem is, Trick has yet to be humbled. Does Trick think he’s the first guy to “look good?” To be good? To walk through these ropes, to say he’ll skip the line and be champion overnight? He’s not the first, and not the first to look down on Sami. But since Trick wants to interrupt Sami when he’s talking, Sami has no problem teaching Trick a lesson. And maybe teaching Trick a thing or two about being humbled! Sami mic drops on Trick then takes his leave. Everyone wants after the title, but will Sami and Trick have to go through each other to do it?

Ilja Dragunov talks with Carmelo Hayes backstage.

The Mad Dragon wishes H1M a Happy New Year, and says last week, he fought the best version of the best. Melo gave exactly that, and while the outcome was not what Ilja expected, he got what he wanted. There are worse things in life than losing to H1M. And something tells Ilja that it won’t be the last time they fight. Does Melo plan to continue the Open Challenge? Melo says after he puts Johnny Gargano’s jersey in the rafters, sure, he plans to keep it going. And if Ilja wants to run it back, Melo will keep the lights on for him. Ilja says that’s lovely. Ilja heads out, as does Melo, and Melo asks Miz, what’s up!

Melo says this would not be possible without Miz, so sincerely, thank you. Miz says Melo has finally come to his senses. Yeah, thanks for leaving Melo alone so Melo could finally do what he needed. HAHA! Melo leaves Miz behind, but will it be another game winner for H1M tonight? Or will Johnny Wrestling make sure Melo only gets #OneFinalBeat?

Nick Aldis welcomes Rey Fenix back.

The SmackDown General Manager is glad to have the Immortal Firebird back and healthy, ready to make 2026 his best year yet. Fenix thanks Aldis for that, but then Trick storms in and protests. Sami disrespected him, pushed him, Sami must be stupid or something. Fenix asks Aldis what Trick’s problem is, and Aldis says “No se.” Trick asks what Fenix is talking about, and Fenix says in English that the new guy’s got a lot to learn. Trick says Fenix better mind his own business while grown folks is talking! Aldis keeps these two from fighting and says maybe Fenix has a point. Trick does need to be taught a lesson.

So congratulations, Trick! Next week is Trick’s in-ring debut, against Rey Fenix! Trick says yeah, that’s what he wants. Trick heads out, but will Fenix make sure to #WhoopDatTrick in Germany?

WWE United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae!

SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. The introductions are made, and the moment Melo is in the ring, Gargano rushes him! Melo dodges and fires off hands! The fans fire up as Melo then TOSSES Gargano up and out! Melo throws off his jacket, waits on Gargano, and Gargano rushes back in, but then gets a DROPKICK! The bell rings, Melo CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then RAMS Gargano into the corner! Melo fires hands, whips corner to corner, then runs in for a forearm SMASH! Snapmare and LEG DROP, brother! The fans fire up behind Melo while Gargano sputters. Melo waits on Gargano, then whips him to a corner.

Melo runs in, but Gargano goes up and over to roll him, SCHOOLBOY KICK! Melo sputters now while the fans boo Gargano. Gargano drags Melo up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! Melo pie faces, Gargano CHOPS, and CHOPS! Gargano goes corner to corner, but Melo FLAPJACKS him down! Then KNEES him in the face! The fans fire up while Gargano bails out! Melo builds speed, but Candice acts as a shield! The fans boo, but Gargano then slingshot SPEARS Melo down! Gargano rains down fists, pushes Melo outside, then slingshots to PLANCHA! Down goes Melo and the fans boo while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Gargano ROCKS Melo! Gargano goes up, TORNADO FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Gargano eggs him on. Gargano taunts Melo, “This is your United States Champion?” Gargano kicks and scuffs Melo, but Melo grabs the foot! The fans rally, and Melo CHOPS, and ROCKS and repeat! Melo whips, Gargano reverses, but Melo hits the LAY-UP LARIAT! Then LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Gargano stays in this but Melo stays focused and the fans rally up. Melo drags Gargano up, but Gargano denies the cutter. Gargano shoves Melo to a corner, but Melo ELBOWS Gargano away.

Melo runs back in, but he blocks another boot. He also ducks the enzigiri, puts Gargano in the ropes, and ENZIGIRIS! Gargano dangles in the ropes, Melo hits the FADE AWAY LEG DROP! The fans fire up while Gargano tumbles out, and Melo FLIES! Down goes Gargano and Melo says he’s got ice in his veins! Melo puts Gargano in, then goes up the corner! The fans rally, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but the fans still rally behind Melo! Melo drags himself up, he shakes the ropes, and he brings Gargano around. Melo LARIATS Gargano back down, then he goes to a corner.

Melo climbs, Gargano sputters, but Gargano manages to trip Melo up first! Melo CLUBS Gargano but Gargano CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gargano climbs, Melo SLAPS him, so Gargano SLAPS back! Gargano hauls Melo up and shouts out Ciampa, but Melo sunset flips it! Gargano fights free of that, but Melo GAMANGIRIS! Melo goes up, up, but Gargano hits SUPER ANARCHY! Gargano manages a cover, TWO!! Both men are down, Buffalo fires up, and SmackDown goes back to break.

SmackDown returns yet again, and both men stir. The fans rally, both rise, and Gargano fires haymakers! Melo fires back, and the two stand. Gargano fires another flurry of shots, but Melo fights back, then BOOTS! Gargano rebounds to DISCUS LARIAT! The fans rally as Gargano staggers to a corner. Gargano aims as Melo rises, but Melo SUPERKICKS first! Melo runs, FADE- SUPERKICK from Gargano! Gargano reels Melo in, but Melo hits that suplex CUTTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Melo is beside himself! Gargano rolls out to the apron, Melo pursues, but Gargano ROCKS him first! Melo ROCKS Gargano!

Gargano RAMS into Melo, then slingshots, ONE FINAL- GAMANGIRI! Melo steadies himself, but Gargano GAMANGIRIS! Gargano resets to slingshot, but into a HOTSHOT! Gargano sputters, Melo slingshots, APRON DDT!! Melo puts Gargano in and goes up the corner, NOTHING BUT- NO, Gargano avoids the three pointer! Gargano runs back in, but Melo tilt-o-whirls! Gargano slips free of that to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Gargano is shocked! Candice coaches Gargano to stay calm, he’s still got this. The fans know “This is Awesome!” as Melo bails out. Gargano DIVES and sends Melo into barriers!

Gargano puts Melo in the ring, SLINGSHOT SPEAR into a KNEE! Melo hurries up the corner! The fans fire up as Melo aims again, but Candice distracts! The fans boo, but Gargano trips Melo! Gargano then climbs up, fireman’s carries, and SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives Gargano’s shoutout to Ciampa and the fans fire up again! Candice and Gargano are both worried now, but Candice still coaches Gargano up. Gargano brings Melo up, underhooks, but Melo fights the Fairytale Ending! BACKDROP, sit-down, TWO as Gargano sunset flips, TWO!! Melo hits the FIRST 48!! Then he goes up top!

The fans fire up for NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Melo wins!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

First SmackDown of 2026, Melo’s first defense of this title, and it is Melo’s first big win as US Champion! But who will be next to step to H1M?

Tama Tonga is watching.

But so is Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura tells Tama in Japanese that he’ll have to wait a bit if he wants to be champion. Tama says good luck then, jackass. Nakamura says yes, same to him. Nakamura leaves, and Solo put a hand on Tama’s shoulder. Solo asks if everything is alright. Tama says yes, that’s an old chapter. What’s the plan for the Wyatts? Solo says he spoke to Aldis. It will be 4v4, Family VS Family. Then after that, they’ll take back those tag team titles. Understood? Tama nods. Solo says good. The others are outside waiting, let’s get the Hell outta Buffalo. Solo steps out, but will The Good Bad Guy really forget his own ambitions?

Aleister Black speaks.

“It doesn’t matter what you say at this point, Priest. The idea that this victory somehow is physical… This victory is spiritual, Priest. You could put me on the mat and have the referee count to three as many times as you want. Or in this case, put me in the back of an ambulance and have the ambulance drive off and claim to be the victor. But it won’t matter, because nothing will change. The only thing that has changed is you. Because after tonight, you will never be the same ever again.” Zelina adds that tonight, they put the final nail in the coffin of Priest’s delusions. Will the Dark Father give Priest no choice but to accept his fate?

Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says footage has circulated of a recent WWE live event, where in a match between Jade and Mia Yim, Mia sustained a severe shoulder injury. Was that intentional on Jade’s part? Uh, yes. And who’s gonna stop her? These women know what’s up! Michin messed around and found out. Injuries happen when pigeons don’t know their place. Speaking of… Does Jordynne want something? Jordynne says that’s really funny. But she can’t decide if she’s signing to SmackDown, so she just wanted to get a good look at all her options. Well, get a good hard look, but maybe sign somewhere else. Because this is Jade’s show, and she’s That B*tch.

Oh, well, she’s Jordynne Grace, but yeah, Jade’s definitely one of those. Jordynne heads out, will she still choose Friday nights? Or can Raw make quite the counter offer?

Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn cross paths backstage.

Cody says hello, Sami says hello back. Cody asks if Sami’s seen Drew. Sami has not. Cody says he couldn’t help but notice what Sami had to say out there tonight. It seems everyone is being honest tonight. Sami says he still respects Cody, Cody knows that. Sami’s always liked Cody. Who was the first man in that ring the night Cody won that title? Cody knows Sami thinks the world of him, but surely Cody knows where Sami’s coming from. But in steps Aldis and he asks how everyone is doing. Cody asks Aldis if he’s seen Drew. No, and Aldis isn’t sure where Drew could be. Cody says he’s calm, he’s cool, but we need to handle this, so Cody’s going to the ring.

Cody leaves for gorilla, Sami and Aldis exchange a look, but SmackDown goes to break. Will the American Nightmare keep his cool as the Scottish Terminator continues to troll him?

Cody Rhodes heads to the ring!

SmackDown returns as the Undisputed WWE Champion makes his entrance, and Buffalo sings along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans along the ramp, and stands on the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody then grabs the mic to ask Buffalo, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “How does one obtain the richest prize and the most sought after belt in the history of pro-wrestling and sports entertainment? No, I’m not the biggest, I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest, and as a second-generation wrestler who came up in this business, it shocks me these days to find out I’m not the youngest.

“But what separates me is simple. I’d love to say it’s my heart, but no, it’s my mentality when approaching anybody in a WWE ring.” The fans sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” and he smiles. Cody holds up the belt and the fans cheer again. Cody continues by saying his mentality when approaching anyone in the WWE is he gets here early, he has this belt on him, and he wants everyone to see him seeing them. That is the secret. When they see this championship, when they see him, they think money, main event, the bus, the jet, the suits, and the fans. Then comes the envy. And Drew McIntyre, you REEK of envy.

But Cody is grateful for it! He is so glad Drew has become this mountain to climb, and Cody cannot wait for this fight. But in the spirit of an arena that is incredibly important to him, in front of fans who at one point rallied for him, Cody will tell us an even bigger secret. When Cody sits back there and he smiles, his superpower is that he plays dumb. When the Unreal cameras think they’re capturing everything, they’re playing checkers while he plays chess. When Cody looks at his peers, when he looks at the locker room, no one asks him what he sees. But here’s what he sees. Whether friend or foe, or someone in between, Cody sees lunch.

So 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, Cody is the one calling himself THE CHAMP! The fans cheer, and Cody says that does not change in Berlin. But Drew is on the mic and on the tron! “Oh my God! You’re just so predictable! You and your rara speeches, Cody… You’re so predictable cuz you’re old school. You’re traditional. In a world full of shades of grey, you, my friend, are as vanilla as it gets. And I tried real hard with these stipulations to figure out how to hurt you most. And I came up with it! The kind of match your dad used to have!

“The guys settled it in two-outta-three-falls. You didn’t want to beat the guy once, you wanted to beat ’em twice, prove you were truly, truly the best, and I upped the ante with Three Stages of Hell. So let’s get into the stages, shall we? Number one: a straight wrestling match. I prove to you that I’m the better wrestler, and I know the refs won’t mess with me, I know they won’t screw me over, cuz they’ll know what happen to them. Fall number two: The falls are gonna count anywhere! If you wanna DDT me on a title again, it’s legal, buddy. But I can beat you with any weapon in Berlin, all over Berlin! Vunderbar!

“And if by some miracle it’s 1-1, we go to a third fall. It’s inside an old school steel cage! No outside interference, no BS! Two men enter, one champion leaves. I’ve broken you mentally, Cody. Next week, I’m gonna break you physically. That is… If you’re still champion next week. Because if you touch me, you’re stripped of the title. We’re gonna have ourselves a little lesson in self-control right now. Cuz I wanted to have this conversation not in the freezing cold in Buffalo, you people are animals living here. I wanted to have this conversation on the Cody Express! Your home away from home! But you weren’t there!

“So I let myself in, I put my feet up, I used the bathroom, I checked out some sentimental items, gifts from your wife, Brandi. From your children. But there was one item that really stood out to me more than any other.” Drew holds up a picture of Cody and Dusty! The fans boo and Cody frowns. Drew does wish Dusty was still here today to see the man that Cody’s become. But Drew knows Dusty is looking up right now, truly ashamed. Some people will think it’ll be a cold day in Hell before Drew is champion again. But Drew hopes Dusty has a coat on down there, cuz it’s gonna get real chilly! Drew then SMASHES the picture frame and stomps on it!

Cody rushes to the back while the fans boo, but everyone is trying to tell Cody to calm it down! Cody makes his way to the garage area but security and refs hold him back! Aldis is there to remind Cody of the deal! And Drew ran off by now anyway! Cody is still furious, but Drew is now in the ring! Drew has the picture, and he says maybe Cody should head back. Drew’s waiting for him! Cody rushes back to gorilla, and Drew says he has to go faster than that! Drew says it’s showtime! Cody makes it back to ringside, but security holds him back again! Cody shouts at Drew not to do it, but Drew says Happy New Year! Drew then LIGHTS THE PICTURE!!

The fans boo as Drew puts the burning picture in the trash can! Cody is feet away as the security and refs all hold him down! Cody can only watch Drew burn his keepsake while the fans tell Drew off. Drew leans against the ropes and dares Cody to do it! Hit Drew and lose the title by default! Cody is turning red, he wants the match tonight, but he’s pulled away by over a dozen men! Has Drew’s blasphemy only sealed his own fate? Or will Drew drag Cody through Hell to finally have the gold?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre VS Giulia w/ Kiana James!

The Hot Mess was trying to come up with some rather sad reasons for not competing tonight, but it was either she competes tonight or loses the belt by default. Will Chelsea finally put up or shut up? Or will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

The introductions are made, the white strap is raised, and we see if it is New Year, New Champion, or just same nonsense, different day!

The bell rings and Giulia SHOTGUNS Chelsea! She stomps away on Chelsea in a corner, the ref counts, and Giulia stops at 4. Giulia stands Chelsea up to THROW her by her hair! Giulia then storms up to wrench the hair, and TOSS Chelsea again! Chelsea tumbles, Giulia runs, and BOOT WASH! The fans are torn, Alba is panicking, but Giulia kicks Chelsea to the floor. Alba coaches Chelsea up, but here comes Giulia! BOOT for the champ, then Giulia SMACKS her off the desk! Giulia puts Chelsea in the ring, tells Alba to back off, but Alba dares her to do something then. Chelsea DIVES and down goes Giulia! “Pledge your allegiance, dummies!”

Chelsea salutes herself, the fans are torn, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Chelsea catches her breath, then fetches Giulia to put her in the ring. Chelsea talks smack on Buffalo before she steps into the ring, only for Giulia to KNEE her down! Giulia drags Chelsea up by her hair, HEADBUTTS her, then CLUBS her down! Giulia stomps Chelsea around, kicks her to ropes, then CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Giulia stops, and she stands Chelsea up in the ropes to bend her back! Then Giuila runs to DROPKICK Chelsea int he back! Chelsea flounders away, but Giulia is after her. The fans rally, Giulia HEADBUTTS, and Chelsea goes to a corner. Giulia CHOPS, then whips corner to corner.

Giulia runs in and ELBOWS Chelsea! Then she snap suplexes! Chelsea writhes but Giulia climbs, and Giulia MISSILE DROPKICKS! Chelsea tumbles, Giulia covers, TWO! Giulia HEADBUTTS again, covers, TWO! Chelsea toughs it out but Giulia is more amused than anything. Giulia kicks Chelsea around, but Chelsea kicks in return. Giulia kicks and stomps Chelsea, and kicks and stomps again! Giulia SMACKS Chelsea, pushes her down, then hooks up the legs. Giulia grabs the arms, and she has a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Then a STOMP! Chelsea sputters, but Giulia keeps on her with a chinlock stretch!

Chelsea endures, even as Giulia bends her again! Chelsea pries the hold open, but not for long, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Chelsea fights up, has Giulia as a backpack, and RAMS her into buckles! Chelsea is free, but Giulia jumps back on for a SLEEPER! Chelsea RAMS Giulia into buckles again, but Giulia spins her around. Chelsea ROCKS Giulia! But it just makes Giulia smile?! Giulia ROCKS Chelsea, Chelsea ROCKS Giulia, repeat! The fans rally and duel as the shots keep going! Chelsea fires a flurry, but Giulia ROCKS her! Giulia runs, but Chelsea dodges the boot! Chelsea LARIATS, then LARIATS again!

Chelsea kicks, Giulia block sand spins her, but Chelsea hits a DRAGON WHIP! Who knew she had it in her! Chelsea then runs to DOUBLE KNEE Giulia in the back! Buffalo salutes Chelsea, then she SLAPS Giulia! And FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Giulia is tougher than that, but Chelsea drags her up. Chelsea chicken wings and turns Giulia, but Giulia fights out to HEADBUTT! Chelsea rebounds, ROUGH RYDER! Cover, but Kiana’s distracting the ref! Chelsea would’ve won twice over! Alba YANKS Kiana down! Chelsea pleads with the ref, but Giulia hits a SAIDO! Giulia fires up, runs, ARRIV- NO, Chelsea rolls Giulia with tights! TWO!!

Giulia runs in again, but Chelsea BOOTS her down! Chelsea climbs the corner?! Chelsea is pulling out all the stops, but Giulia SHORYUKENS! Giulia goes up to HEADBUTT Chelsea, then underhook! SUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX! Roll through and scoop, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, Giulia wins!!

Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)

Giulia has her revenge, she has her title back, and Kiana came through for her client! Giulia is herself a two-time Women’s US Champion, but will she make sure no one ever takes it from her again?

Backstage interview with Rhea & Iyo.

Cathy is with Mami & The Genius and congratulates them on the big 8 Woman Tag win. That pin on Kairi was a statement going into their tag title match, how are they feeling? Rhea says they’ve been waiting a long time to get their hands on The Kabuki Warriors, and even if the titles weren’t on the line, this match would be worth it. But fortunately, the titles are on the line, so those titles are coming home with them. Iyo says she and Rhea will finally be champions together! Yay~! But then Charlexa steps in. Charlotte also says yay, but then says that despite the win earlier tonight… Rhea says yes, this alliance is over.

They know Charlexa want to be champs again, and RheYo looks to take the titles. They want the next shot, right? No, no. From experience, they know Kabuki Warriors are sneaky, so they genuinely wish Rhea & Iyo luck. Hmm… Wait, she means it? Iyo shrugs, Alexa says yes, she means it. But Charlotte adds that they are next in line. Alexa scolds Charlotte, but Rhea says if Charlexa wants seconds, then it’ll be their play, and your pain. RheYo heads out, but will these teams meet again with belts on the line?

Gargano and Candice regroup backstage.

Johnny uses the stolen Axiom mask to stop his bloody nose, and speaking of, in step Axiom & Nathan Frazer. They say that was a valiant effort from Johnny Wrestling. But the “wrestling” part doesn’t seem to be working without his buddy, Ciampa, around. But that’s okay, because it’s a New Year! That should be seen as a sign for them to, oh, let’s see… Grow up! Become a new man! Move on and show some respect for the first time in his life! Give Axiom back his mask! Gargano says this mask is a beautiful gift from his wife. If Axiom wants it so bad, he has to take it from Candice. This is low, even for him! They used to look up to him, but now he hides behind his wife!

They all argue, and Axiom shouts ENOUGH! He is tired of wasting time. He’s gonna talk to Aldis, and he’ll get a match with Gargano. Then he’ll beat Gargano down and take the mask back himself. Fraxiom heads out, Gargano still worries about his nose, but should he be more worried about what Axiom will do to him?

Ambulance Match: Aleister Black w/ Zelina Vega VS Damian Priest!

What started as The Dark Father wanting to hurt R-Truth turned into two powerful forces battling again and again, back and forth, and now spilling over into the New Year. But while Priest’s resolution is to end this feud like a bad habit, Aleister vows to drag him down into the darkness. Whose 2026 will be bright while the other’s fades to black?

Aleister doesn’t wait for a bell, he attacks Priest at the corner! The fans boo, the bell rings, and Priest turns things around! Priest fires hands on Aleister again and again, then UPPERCUTS! Priest brings Aleister around to TOSS him out of the ring! The fans fire up as Priest finally takes his jacket off. Priest goes out, Aleister BOOTS him, and Aleister brings Priest around to the ramp. The fans rally as Priest fights back, but Aleister KNEES low! They already go to the ambulance, and Aleister SMACKS Priest off the door! Priest staggers, Aleister opens the ambulance up, but Priest ROCKS Aleister! And fires hands, then runs up, but into a BOOT!

Aleister whips, Priest blocks going into the ambulance, and he ELBOWS Aleister away! Priest then YANKS the stretcher out of the back! He aims it at Aleister and RAMS him down! The fans fire up while Aleister sputters, and then Priest scoops him! SNAKE EYES off the stretcher! The fans fire up while Aleister writhes, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Priest drags Aleister up, brings him around, and ROCKS him with a forearm. Aleister staggers down the ramp, Priest ROCKS him again, and Priest shakes out his arm from hitting that hard. Priest THROWS Aleister into barriers, BOOTS him down, then goes looking under the ring. The fans like seeing the TABLE! Priest brings it around to the ramp side, but Aleister rolls into the ring. Priest sighs, storms up to the apron, and Aleister storms up, but into a SPIN KICK! Priest knuckle locks Aleister, goes up the ropes, but Aleister YANKS him down for a KNEE! Priest tumbles to the floor, Aleister jumps, but into a guzel!

Priest aims at the table, but Aleister pops free of the choke slam to stand on the steel steps! Aleister BOOTS Priest, then METEORAS Priest down through the table! Just like Aleister did weeks ago! Zelina talks some trash on Priest while Aleister shakes out his legs. Aleister drags Priest up, brings him around, but Priest ROCKS Aleister back! Aleister BOOTS Priest in return, puts him in the ring, and stomps him around. Aleister stomps Priest more, KICKS him around, then fires more shots. Priest fires back, but Aleister KNEES low, then JUMP KNEES high! Priest stumbles and sits down, and Aleister PENALTY KICKS!

Aleister snarls, then goes back to stomp Priest. Aleister paces, then steps up to KICK again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Priest KICKS back! Aleister KICKS, Priest KICKS, repeat! Aleister KNEES low, fires forearms and elbows, then a snapmare for a KNEE DROP! Priest writhes but the fans rally behind him. Aleister drags Priest up, puts him in a corner, and BODY BLOWS! Priest staggers around, but Aleister KICKS and KICKS and KICKS him around! Priest KICKS in return! Aleister KICKS, Priest KICKS, repeat! The fans fire up as Priest blocks a kick! Priest spins Aleister, but Aleister blocks a kick to JUMP KNEE!

Aleister lifts Priest with his foot, but Priest CLUBS the leg! Priest ducks the lariat to COMEBACKER LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Priest huffs ‘n’ puffs as he goes to a corner, but so does Aleister. The fans rally up as Aleister runs in, and he ELBOWS Aleister! Aleister tumbles out of the ring, and Priest goes out the side. Buffalo fires up as Priest runs in around the way, and he POUNCES Aleister onto and over the desk! Aleister slumps to the floor and commentary moves out of the way as Priest storms over. Priest TOSSES Aleister over the desk, drags him up, but Aleister POSTS Priest!

Aleister looks around for plunder of his own, and he goes for a chair! The fans rally as Aleister aims, and Aleister JAMS Priest up! And SMACKS him on the back! Aleister puts Priest’s head against the chair, and he PUNTS the chair! Priest falls back, clutches his face, and Aleister keeps on him! A JAM to the ribs, a JAM to the shoulder, and then Aleister has Priest against the apron. But Priest guzels Aleister! APRON CHOKE SLAM! The fans fire up but Priest still staggers away, clutching his head and neck. Priest pushes Aleister into the ring, the fans still want more tables, but Aleister goes to a corner.

Priest runs up, blocks a boot, but not the KNEE! Aleister goes up, but Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up, up, and SUPER STEINERS! The fans fire up while Aleister tumbles, and Priest storms up, BLACK MASS OUTTA NOWHERE!! Both men are down and the fans are fired up! Zelina shouts at Aleister but the fans rally for Priest while SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

The ref checks both Aleister and Priest, they’re both still conscious, and Aleister goes outside the ring. Aleister drags Priest around, drags him out of the ring, and lets him flop to the floor. Aleister tells Zelina to fetch the stretcher and she obliges. La Muneca brings the stretcher to ringside while Aleister hauls Priest up. Aleister puts Priest on the stretcher, but Priest fires hands! Aleister fires elbows in return, then goes to the apron! METEORA on the stretcher! Priest is dazed while Aleister hobbles his way back over. Aleister makes sure Priest is on the stretcher, then he has Zelina fetch something else. Aleister CLUBS away on Priest while Zelina brings a chair!

Aleister JAMS Priest up again, then sets the chair under Priest like a pillow. Aleister SMACKS Priest’s head off the chair! Aleister drags the stretcher along, and he makes it to the ramp before Priest grabs at him! Aleister CLUBS Priest again, continues pulling the stretcher, and they make it to the stage. Priest grabs Aleister’s head again! Aleister ELBOWS Priest down, but Priest just guzels again! SmackDown returns to single picture once more, and Aleister ELBOWS Priest down again! The fans rally harder for Priest, and he KICKS Aleister away! Priest leans against the stretcher, then stumbles his way over to Aleister.

Aleister SMACKS Priest with the backboard! Then he stick sit under Priest’s chin to JAWBREAKER Priest against the LED wall! The fans boo but Zelina opens the doors to the ambulance. SURPRISE! RHEA’S INSIDE! The fans fire up as Mami supports her Terror Twin brother! Zelina runs away but Rhea chases her down! Rhea grabs Zelina’s legs, YANKS her back, and pump handles for RIPTIDE!! The fans fire up as Rhea smiles and Aleister is furious! Rhea waves goodnight, and “This is Awesome!” as Aleister has no choice but to go back to Priest. Aleister drags Priest up, but Priest is a ragdoll. Aleister stomps Priest down!

Aleister brings Priest up, but Priest body blows! And body blows! Aleister BOOTS Priest, then brings him around again. Aleister sits Priest int he doorway, throws hands, then pushes him in! One door is shut, but Priest holds the other open with a boot! Then he BOOTS Aleister away! Priest storms out, with a crutch! And he CLUBS Aleister with it! And JAMS him up with it! Priest drags Aleister up, JAMS him up again, but Aleister RAMS Priest into a door! Then JUMP KNEE! Priest is halfway inside, Aleister pushes the legs in, but Priest BOOTS free again! Aleister snarls, runs back up, but Priest uses a fire extinguisher to BLAST Aleister!

Aleister coughs and sputters, “This is Awesome!” as Priest then uses a FIREBALL of his own!! Aleister flails and clutches his face in agony! The fans cheer as Priest gets his revenge for the Last Man Standing match, but then he closes the doors without Aleister? Priest sees something around the corner, and he drags it out onto the stage. Is that part of the technical equipment for the show?! The fans are fired up as Priest vows to end this! Priest drags the blinded Aleister up, brings him over to the table, and lifts, only for Aleister to slip free! Aleister opens a side compartment, and he SMACKS Priest with the door!

Aleister then BOOTS Priest into that door! Aleister aims for the side of the ambulance, but Priest blocks! Priest THROWS Aleister into the side of the ambulance! And then whips him, only for Aleister to reverse! Priest hits barriers! Aleister BOOTS Priest halfway into the front row! Aleister HAMMERS Priest, then ROUNDHOUSES! Priest drops down, and Aleister drags a road case into view! But Priest guzels Aleister! But Aleister BACK ELBOWS free! Priest is slumped on the road case, and Aleister goes up onto the railing! The fans fire up as Priest CLUBS Aleister! And then crucifix lift! RAZOR’S EDGE onto the WINDSHIELD!!

The fans lose their minds seeing the glass crack from the impact! Aleister slumps down, but Priest now drags him up on top of the ambulance! The fans are going nuts again as Priest now aims for that equipment table from way up here! The straps come down, Priest guzels Aleister, and SUPER CHOKE SLAM down through the table!! Buffalo is thunderous as Priest stands tall! Priest hops down from the ambulance to then open the doors, but they locked. Priest opens a side door, that’s good enough. Priest drags Aleister over, ragdoll as he is, and he puts Aleister in! The doors are SHUT, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest

A brutal ending to the first SmackDown of 2026, but in the end, we all rise for The Outlaw, The Bad Guy, and The Archer of Infamy! Priest finally serves Aleister his punishment, will this finally be the end of their story?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, especially for the first-ever three-hour episode. Though, maybe not that much more exciting than the two-hour episodes. But with how next week is the Three Stages of Hell match, maybe they up things a bit. Speaking of which, good promo from Cody and Drew, though it felt like they were dragging out what they were saying. Was it perhaps to give Drew time to go from the garage area and around the back to slip into the ring after Cody left? And of course Drew had to double down on insulting Dusty in order to infuriate Cody. I’m a little disappointed in the stipulations, too. Standard match to start? Really? And then no Bull Rope match to further reference Dusty? Well, personally, I’m still just hoping Drew finds a way to win in order to keep this from getting stale.

At the same time, SmackDown is planning on freshening things up with quite a few call-ups and signings. Matt Cardona actually being Matt Cardona now that he’s back in WWE is great stuff, and he of course wins his return match, but a pretty good showing for Kit Wilson even in losing. Trick Williams joining SmackDown makes a ton of sense, between Lash Legend and Carmelo Hayes also being on SmackDown. Very good promo with Sami for both of them to stake their claim, and Trick VS Fenix will be great stuff. Then Jordynne Grace is at least teasing her joining SmackDown, but between Chelsea Green and Jade Cargill, those are some solid first feuds here. Though, a bit of a shame if this means Jordynne won’t even win the Women’s North American Championship through the story with Thea Hail and Blake Monroe.

Great Women’s US Championship match from Chelsea VS Giulia, and great win for Giulia, as I figured we’d see. Now if we pivot to Giulia VS Jordynne, that’s going to be some great stuff, too. Awesome Men’s US Championship match from Melo VS Gargano, and Gargano using some of Ciampa’s moves makes me wonder if Ciampa was meant to have this match but he was hurt or something. Great win for Melo, and I appreciate him saying he’ll keep the Open Challenge going. Great promo from Miz and Orton to open the night, also establishing that Orton is in the title chase. I bet Orton VS Miz happens first to get Orton back in the swing of things.

Very good promo from Bo Dallas to warn Solo Sikoa one last time, but I feel like MFT will win that 8 Man Tag in order to earn another tag title match. And if that’s the case, MFT has to win that, don’t they? Whether the feud continues or the factions move in, it feels like that’s the only option. Though, Tama and Nakamura having an interaction was awesome in itself, and hopefully those two have a match to send one of them towards a singles title. Great 8 Woman Tag, and the Faces winning was a bit of a surprise. Doesn’t bode well for Rhea & Iyo in terms of go-home math, but either way, there are strong rivalries waiting on the other side, between Charlotte & Alexa on Raw and Nia & Lash on SmackDown.

And we got a great Ambulance Match from Priest VS Aleister. Just as I was thinking this stipulation was stale, Rhea had her part to play, and then Priest goes and throws Aleister at the windshield! Great win for Priest, maybe a little surprising, but hard to know where either side goes from here. Priest could claim he’s in the top title chase again, or he could go for the US title to bide his time while the top title sorts out on the Road to WrestleMania.

My Score: 8.9/10