Results
- Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss def. Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax & Lash Legend (14:33)
- Matt Cardona def. Kit Wilson (4:18)
- Carmelo Hayes def. Johnny Gargano (WWE United States Championship) (16:46) (Recommended)
- Giulia def. Chelsea Green (WWE Women’s United States Championship) (7:35)
- Damian Priest def. Aleister Black (Ambulance Match) (23:58)
Randy Orton returns, RKO’s The Miz
This week’s episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown, the first episode since the show switched to a three-hour format, opened with a recap of the feud between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in recent weeks.
For anyone out of the loop: As part of his return package from suspension, McIntyre was given a title shot against Rhodes for sometime in the future. McIntyre announced last week that he wants to face Rhodes in a “Three Stages of Hell match,” but hasn’t revealed what those stages are just yet. Specifics around that stipulation will be announced by McIntyre later tonight.
We then went to a live shot of the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, where Corey Graves and Michael Cole welcomed us into the show. Their opening monologue was cut off by The Miz, who planned to hijack the show. He said that he won’t let us move into 2026 before he airs his grievances from last year.
Greivance #1: The Miz didn’t get to face John Cena during his retirement tour. #2: His attempt at helping younger members on the roster was met with “entitlement.” Third greivance was that he didn’t get put in the new Marty Supreme movie (crowd didn’t react to this, maybe the film isn’t doing too hot in Buffalo).
He refused to name-drop Joe Hendry, because, you know, “Say his name and he appears,” but The Miz said another grievance was that Hendry brought back his “tiny balls” nickname. “This will not become a thing again!” The Miz proclaimed.
The Miz said that he’s the new face of the WWE now that Cena is gone. He got some cheap heat by insulting Buffalo sports teams, then said he’s the most decorated superstar around tonight. This was approaching generic heel house show promo territory at this point.
The lengthy rant was eventually cut off by Randy Orton, who was making his return after a few months out of the spotlight! He appeared on the stage wearing an RKO x Buffalo Sabres shirt. Once his lengthy entrance wrapped, Miz tried to pitch a new tag team: “MizKO.”
Orton’s reaction to this was to hit The Miz with an RKO. He then shook The Miz’s hand, said “Happy New Year,” then picked him up for one more RKO. Orton’s return is neat, but wow, this segment dragged. I have a feeling this type of slow, plodding promo spot will be a common occurrence as the show has another whole hour to fill each week.
Backstage, Orton warned Cody Rhodes that he’s coming for his Undisputed title after his title matchup against Drew McIntyre next week. Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis stressed to Rhodes once again that he will be stripped of his title if he touches McIntyre tonight. Rhodes said Aldis doesn’t have to worry about such an incident occurring.
RhIYO earn big win ahead of title match
The first match of the night put a spotlight on WWE’s women’s tag team division, with four teams in action. Former tag champs Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair teamed up with RhIYO (Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY) to fight reigning champs The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) along with Lash Legend and Nia Jax.
The heel quartet got a jump on their opponents to get the action started. Ripley sent both Asuka and Sane out of the ring then tagged in Bliss, who did a dive off the ring apron onto them before a commercial break.
Bliss found herself getting isolated by Legend and Jax as the show returned. She took Legend out of the ring then knocked Jax down with a tornado DDT off the middle rope, giving her the chance to give Flair the hot tag.
Flair came off the top with a crossbody onto Legend and Jax. She took turns chopping both, then knocked Legend out of the ring with a clothesline. Flair hit Jax with a Natural Selection then scored a moonsault off the top rope, but it wasn’t enough to get the pinfall win.
Flair tried to come through the ropes with a roll-up pin but got a little caught in the cables. Jax capitalized on this with a leg drop. Asuka got into the match but was quickly locked into a Figure 8 by Flair. Sane broke up this submission with a top-rope InSane Elbow.
SKY got into the match and faced off against her former Damage CTRL teammates. She came off the top with a missile dropkick to both Asuka and Sane. SKY looked to tag Ripley into the match, but her RhIYO partner was swept off the ring apron by Jax.
SKY came off the top rope with a move but Legend, who had just tagged back into the match, caught her mid-air with an awesome-looking big boot to the head. The show went into another break with Legend and Jax controlling the match once again.
SKY broke out of a two-on-one beatdown against the Kabuki Warriors as the show returned, allowing for a long-awaited hot tag to Ripley. She scored a running knee strike to Sane then tried for a Riptide, but Jax was able to stop the move. The match had its moment where everyone got into the ring for one spot each. The bout eventually came back to just Ripley and Sane: Ripley caught Sane coming off the top with an InSane Elbow, instead headbutting her then scoring a Riptide.
Ripley tagged SKY back in for an Over The Moonsault to win the match in 14 minutes. A statement win for Ripley and SKY before they challenge the tag champs on Raw next week. I enjoyed this match, many fun spots throughout that kept it interesting, and a solid finishing sequence to put over RhIYO.
Backstage, Nick Aldis was seen telling NXT’s Jordynne Grace that he’s hoping to recruit her to the Smackdown roster this year. The meeting was cut off by Chelsea Green, who wanted to get her title match against Giulia cancelled due to tonight’s weather. Aldis threatened to strip her of her title, causing Green to give up on trying to get her match thrown out.
Matt Cardona (not Zack Ryder) returns, signs with Smackdown
Last week, Smackdown GM Nick Aldis promised Kit Wilson that he would get an opportunity for something “new” on this episode. Wilson hit the ring for a matchup against a mystery opponent. Who was it that he was given? New York’s own Matt Cardona.
Michael Cole was quick to mention that Cardona went under his WWE pseudonym Zack Ryder when he appeared in the Last Time is Now tournament in November, but is going by Cardona this time.
More importantly, Cole announced moments later that Cardona is officially part of the Smackdown roster. No more one-offs, it seems like he’s a full-time WWE wrestler for real again.
Wilson got some moves in before Cardona eventually took over. Cardona came out of the corner with a missile dropkick, a clothesline, a ReBoot in the corner, then a powerbomb. Surprisingly, Wilson kicked out.
Wilson landed a cutter in hopes of stealing a win, but Cardona kicked out at two. Cardona put up his knees to counter a move from Wilson in a corner of the ring, then hit a Rough Ryder for the pinfall in four minutes. A nice little surprise, welcome back, Cardona.
Backstage, Damian Priest promised that his six-month feud with Aleister Black ends tonight. I sure hope so. “Tonight, Aleister, you’re the one that’s gonna fade to black,” he said.
Sami Zayn hopes to ‘humble’ Smackdown newcomer Trick Williams
Sami Zayn, who has been out of the spotlight since he wrestled a Survivor Series match on Smackdown in November, came to the ring for the next segment. Zayn said that he had a significant moment when he attended John Cena’s retirement match with his son last month. After explaining to his son that Cena has won major titles 17 times in his career, he was asked why hasn’t he ever won a world title.
“To him, it doesn’t make sense,” Zayn said about his son.
“I’m not here to talk about it anymore,” Zayn said, admitting that this isn’t the first time he has waxed poetic about an elusive world title. “I am here to do it.”
After Zayn mentioned his intention to go after the world title, he was cut off by former NXT Champion Trick Williams!
Williams, whose main roster call-up has been teased for a few weeks, received a warm welcome from the Buffalo crowd. Williams said he was invited to Smackdown by Nick Aldis, claiming that the show needed a new title contender.
“Sami Zayn, I’m here to be world champion,” Williams said. “You and me are not alike. We are not the same. It ain’t gonna take me 20 years to take opportunities. I’m not the guy that can almost get the job done, like you, Sami.”
Zayn replied: “You’re not wrong … The problem with you, Trick, is you have yet to be humbled. You think you’re the first guy to look good? … You’re not the first person to come in here and look their nose down on me.”
Zayn said he has no problem teaching Williams a lesson, shoved the mic in the ex-NXT champ’s chest, then stormed out of the ring.
Very solid performance on the mic from both of these men here. Williams is entering Smackdown with some momentum and should have a good eventual match against Zayn, whenever that might happen.
Later in the show, Williams got in the face of Rey Fenix. It was confirmed moments later by Nick Aldis that they’ll face off next week, marking an official in-ring Smackdown debut for Williams.
Backstage, former United States Champion Ilja Dragunov gave his props to current titleholder Carmelo Hayes for beating him last week. He mentioned that he believes last week’s bout won’t be the last time they cross paths. Hayes noted that he’s keeping the U.S. Open Challenge going and is open to meeting Dragunov again someday.
Hayes ran into The Miz and thanked him for leaving him alone: “I’ve been better ever since!”
Carmelo Hayes defends U.S. title for first time, overcoming Johnny Gargano
The aforementioned U.S. Open Challenge continued in the next segment, with Carmelo Hayes defending his title against #DIY’s Johnny Gargano. This matchup was made last week after Gargano attacked Hayes backstage following his title win.
Hayes couldn’t wait to get his hands on Gargano, jumping the challenger before he even took his jacket off. Hayes sent Gargano tumbling out of the ring with a knee strike in the second minute. He attempted a dive to the outside, but Gargano got out of the way. Candice LeRae distracted Hayes briefly, allowing Gargano to hit the champ with a slingshot spear as he got back into the ring. Gargano hit Hayes with a dive out of the ring as the show went to a break.
Gargano remained in control as the show returned, getting a two-count with a DDT off the middle turnbuckle. Gargano mocked Hayes with short kicks to the head, shouting “What do ya got, kid!?” This woke Hayes up, who came off the ropes with a springboard lariat, then La Mistica for a two-count.
Hayes draped Gargano on the middle rope, allowing him to connect a springboard legdrop. Gargano rolled to the outside for a breather but was hit with a dive over the top rope by Hayes.
Hayes came off the top with a frogsplash, but Gargano remained alive by kicking out at two. Hayes returned to the top rope, where Gargano joined him moments later. A series of reversals ended with Gargano countering a move mid-air from Hayes into a superplex.
Hayes and Gargano traded blows in the middle of the ring as the match neared 13 minutes. Hayes came off the ropes with a move but was caught mid-air with a thrust kick. Hayes returned fire with a cutter moments later for a two-count.
The fight went to the ring apron, where Hayes scored a nasty DDT. Gargano avoided a top-rope legdrop from Hayes then scored a DDT for a two-count. The match was really kicking into an upper gear at this point.
Gargano landed a tope suicida then tried for a slingshot spear back in the ring, but Hayes blocked the move with a knee to the head. Hayes climbed to the top rope but was distracted by LeRae, who made her presence known from the ring apron. Gargano climbed to the top and hit a massive Air Raid Crash. Still, Hayes survived with another kickout.
After trading roll-up pin attempts, Hayes caught Gargano with a sudden First 48. He then came off the top with his Nothing But Net legdrop to successfully retain his United States Championship in 16 minutes. The U.S. Open Challenge continues to be one of the best parts of Smackdown each week, and it continuing in the Hayes era is a great choice. Great showing from both here.
Backstage, NJPW alums Tama Tonga and Shinsuke Nakamura were seen going exchanging words. Solo Sikoa mentioned that the MFTs will take on The Wyatt Sicks in a four-on-four tag match next week.
Drew McIntyre reveals Three Stages of Hell stipulations, stoops to new low
Backstage, Jade Cargill was asked whether she intentionally injured Michin at WWE’s house show tour this week, causing a shoulder injury. Cargill said it was intentional, as she wanted to put her in her place. A smart way to address a real-life injury, which caused a match against Cargill and Michin to be scratched from tonight’s show. Jordynne Grace had a quick exchange with Cargill to further tease whether she will join Smackdown.
A vignette for NXT’s Oba Femi aired.
Cody Rhodes ran into Sami Zayn, asking if he had seen Drew McIntyre tonight. Zayn briefly addressed the comments he made earlier, stressing that, while he wants to dethrone Rhodes, he still thinks the world of him. Rhodes said he is heading to the ring to address McIntyre next.
Rhodes came to the ring and got on the mic for the next segment. He said he cannot wait for his fight against McIntyre next week. “I’m the one who calls myself the champ, and that does not change in Berlin.”
Rhodes’ promo was eventually interrupted by McIntyre, who was seen standing in front of the champ’s tour bus outside. He was here to finally reveal the stages for their Three Stages of Hell bout for next week: 1: Pure wrestling match. 2: Falls count anywhere. 3: Steel cage.
“I broke you mentally. Next week, I’m going to break you physically,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre decided he wanted to test the agreement that Rhodes wouldn’t lay a finger on him before their title matchup next week. Remember, if he does, Rhodes will be stripped of his title. Trying to get under Rhodes’ skin, McIntyre revealed that he went through the champ’s tour bus. He retrieved a portrait with Cody and his father, Dusty.
McIntyre eventually threw the framed photo onto the ground then stomped on it, shattering it into dozens of pieces. This understandably set off Rhodes, who ran backstage in hopes of getting his hands on McIntyre. Tons of security and other WWE staff prevented Rhodes from nearing the tour bus. McIntyre appeared in the ring with the photo of Cody & Dusty and a trash can.
Rhodes ran near the ring but was still being held back by security, who cared about maintaining his title reign more than he did. McIntyre attempted to set the photo on fire before dumping it into the trash can. We had a near-disaster on our hands for a moment, as McIntyre struggled to really make the photo catch fire at first. He eventually got it going then got in the face of Rhodes, who was being held back.
I’m not that into this storyline anymore, considering how long and drawn out it has been, but this was a decent go-home angle before their match next week.
Giulia dethrones Chelsea Green, kicks off second U.S. title run
The co-main event of the night saw Giulia look to reclaim the WWE Women’s United States Championship, taking on Chelsea Green.
Alba Fyre distracted Giulia at ringside, allowing Green to take her out with a nasty tope suicida before the show went into a break. The women traded strikes as the show returned, an exchange which ended after Green scored a series of kicks.
Green tried for an UnprettyHer, but Giulia escaped with a headbutt. In celebration of Matt Cardona’s return, Green scored a Rough Ryder. However, the referee didn’t count the pin due to Kiana James distracting him at ringside. Fyre eventually took James off the ring apron.
The match went to the top rope, where Giulia scored a gigantic butterfly suplex then a Northern Lights Bomb for the win. Giulia is the new women’s U.S. champion.
This match was in a rough spot, working against a somewhat comatose crowd. Green has lost her double-champ status.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss wished RhIYO good luck in their upcoming women’s tag title bout, but said they want next after that bout goes down.
Fraxiom confronted Johnny Gargano following his loss, attempting to get back the Axiom mask he stole weeks back. Axiom said that he will ask Nick Aldis for a match against Gargano, and said he will get his mask back after winning the bout.
Damian Priest wins Ambulance Match, wraps up feud with Aleister Black
The evening came to an end with an Ambulance Match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black, who have been feuding for six months. If you need a refresher: You win an Ambulance Match by shoving your opponent in the back of an Ambulance and shutting both doors.
Black attacked Priest during his entrance, getting the match started early. This didn’t give him much of an advantage, as Priest sent him flying over the top rope and to the outside just seconds later.
The rivals brawled up the stage and near the ambulance, hoping to get the match done early (Guys, we still have 24 more minutes of TV time to fill!). Priest took a stretcher out of the ambulance and ran it stomach-first into Black. He had control of the match as WWE went into a commercial break.
The fight went back to ringside, where Black put Priest through a table with a meteora during the break. Back in the ring, Priest came running off the ropes with a huge clothesline, getting him back into the match after a dominant run from Black. The fight went to ringside, where a pounce from Priest sent Black flying over the commentary desk.
Black whipped out a steel chair and started to unload on Priest’s back. He placed Priest’s head on a standing chair, then punted the weapon away. He tried for a chairshot to the head, but Priest instead grabbed him by the throat for a chokeslam onto the ring apron.
In the ring, Priest sent Black off the top rope with a huge hurricanrana. Black got up immediately after taking the move and dropped Priest with a Black Mass kick. The show went into its final break with both men down and out.
Black put Priest onto a stretcher then scored a meteora off the ring apron. The fight returned to the stage just feet away from the ambulance. Black used a backboard from the gurney as a weapon, then ran Priest head-first into the stage. Black ordered Zelina Vega to open the ambulance doors, thinking he was near the end of the match.
Inside the ambulance was Rhea Ripley, who chased Vega into the ring. Ripley took out Vega with a Riptide – Black used Vega as a helper earlier in the match, but was on his own for the final stretch of the fight.
Black loaded Priest into the ambulance and attempted to shut the doors, but Priest was able to stop him. Priest stepped out of the ambulance with a crutch, which he struck across the back of Black.
Black scored a knee to Priest then tried again to load him into the ambulance. Priest utilized another weapon from the vehicle, knocking Black down with a blast from a fire extinguisher. Black came close to Priest again and took a fireball to the face!
Priest brought out a gigantic table from backstage then tried for a Razor’s Edge, but Black escaped the move. They made their way near the front of the ambulance, where, after a series of reversals, Priest scored a Razor’s Edge onto the vehicle’s windshield. It became clear eventually that they were going to slowly make their way onto the roof.
Priest peeled down the two straps on his outfit, then picked up Black for a gigantic chokeslam, sending him off the top of the ambulance and through a pair of tables – this looked like a hard fall.
Priest got down from the ambulance, loaded Black into the truck, then closed its doors, giving him the win.
Clocking in at nearly 24 minutes, this match was a tad too long. However, the final stretch was some great TV full of high-risk spots. Overall, I’d definitely say I enjoyed it. If this finally ends the rivalry (which you would hope, considering how long it has gone on for), this was a good ending.
Final thoughts
I can’t believe I’m about to say this but… The first three-hour Smackdown of the year was pretty good! The Friday night brand had so little juice heading into 2026, clearly being the b-show in comparison to Raw. A much stronger lineup this week has shown that they might be turning things around, finally.
With a series of additions between Trick Williams, Matt Cardona, and possibly Jordynne Grace, the show is stocking up its talent as it expands to three hours. There were some less exciting moments, like the way the night got started, but overall the promos and in-ring were both quite solid. Let’s see how they follow this up when they head overseas next week with a world title match.
