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This article includes spoilers and a recap for WWE Friday Night SmackDown on January 2, 2026, so reader discretion is advised. WWE kicked off its first SmackDown of 2026 by extending the show’s length to three hours. The year started strong with the returns of Randy Orton and Matt Cardona, along with a segment featuring Cody Rhodes ahead of his upcoming match against Drew McIntyre.
The event showcased an 8-woman tag team match with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY facing off against Nia Jax, the Rush Legends, and the Kabuki Warriors. Chelsea Green went head-to-head against Julia for the U.S. Women’s Championship, and the show’s main event was an intense ambulance match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black.
SmackDown Results from January 2, 2026:
- Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY defeated Nia Jax, Rush Legends, and the Kabuki Warriors by pinfall.
- Matt Cardona secured a win over Kit Wilson by pinfall.
- Julia defeated Chelsea Green by pinfall to become the new U.S. Women’s Champion.
- Carmelo Hayes retained the United States Championship by defeating Johnny Gargano via pinfall.
- In the main event, Damian Priest triumphed over Aleister Black in the ambulance match.
Key Moments from the Night:
- The Miz opened the show with a passionate promo expressing his frustrations about missed opportunities and claiming leadership in the locker room. Randy Orton surprised him with an RKO twice, setting an electrifying tone.
- Backstage, Nick Aldis contemplated joining SmackDown but was warned Chelsea Green that he might lose his championship if he doesn’t compete.
- Kit Wilson unveiled new gear and music as he rebranded the Pretty Deadly team, only to be challenged unexpectedly by Matt Cardona.
- Sami Zayn declared his goal to chase the WWE Championship this year, only to be interrupted by newcomer Trick Williams, who also expressed championship ambitions.
- A tense backstage exchange between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga hinted at upcoming conflict.
- Jade Cargill vowed to assert her dominance, especially after an injury to Michin, while Jordynne Grace challenged her attitude.
- Cody Rhodes delivered a powerful promo, calling out Drew McIntyre and outlining their upcoming three-stage match, which culminated with McIntyre burning a photo of Rhodes and his late father, Dusty Rhodes, igniting personal drama ahead of their showdown.
Matt Cardona’s WWE Comeback:
Matt Cardona made a surprise return to WWE during SmackDown as he confronted Kit Wilson. After five successful years on the independent circuit, Cardona is back on the WWE roster ready to carve out a fresh legacy and inject new energy into the brand.
Julia Captures the U.S. Women’s Title:
Julia defeated Chelsea Green in a rematch to reclaim the United States Women’s Championship, marking her second reign as champion. Her victory signals a promising comeback and sets the stage for fresh rivalries and title defenses, with Jade Cargill looming as a potential challenger.
NXT Talent Joins the Main Roster:
NXT continues to feed fresh talent into WWE’s main shows, highlighted by Trick Williams officially announcing his SmackDown presence and pursuing the WWE Championship. This infusion of new stars is crucial as Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes remain central figures in upcoming title storylines, bringing fresh dynamics to the roster.
Fan Take: The returns of Randy Orton and Matt Cardona breathe new life into SmackDown, promising exciting new rivalries and storytelling opportunities. Julia’s championship win and the integration of NXT talents like Trick Williams suggest that WWE is shaping a vibrant future with a mix of established stars and rising prospects, keeping fans eagerly invested in the product.
