- 3 months ago
WWE Smackdown January 2nd 2026 Full Show (Part-1)
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00:00:00Then, now, forever, together.
00:00:30Happy New Year, everybody.
00:00:34We kick off 2026 with the first three-hour smackdown of the new year.
00:00:39This is Chili Bubble of New York, where the NFL's Bills host a lousy Jets on Sunday.
00:00:44And tonight, at the KeyBank Center, it's Friday night smackdown.
00:00:48Let's take a look at the escalation in the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre affair.
00:00:57All right, Drew.
00:00:58Drew, we all know that this situation with you and Cody has gotten way out of hand.
00:01:04When this thing really went off the rails was when you assaulted this man.
00:01:09Let's start with the fine.
00:01:12Now, the apology.
00:01:15Dan, I'm genuinely sorry.
00:01:18I play more Jew in the face.
00:01:20Please accept my humblest apology.
00:01:22That wasn't easy for me.
00:01:27But this is.
00:01:28I also apologize for your children.
00:01:34The day of such a coward, corporate stooge for a father.
00:01:40You want to do something?
00:01:42You want to be a man?
00:01:43Do you want to hit me?
00:01:44Do you want to get revenge on me right now?
00:01:46Go for it, Dan.
00:01:47Well, well, well, well, well, well, Cody.
00:01:58When Drew pays the fine and makes that public apology, you can't lay a finger on Drew McIntyre.
00:02:07Or I have to strip you of the WWE Championship.
00:02:12Punch me in the face right now.
00:02:17Do it, Cody.
00:02:19I know why you're so upset.
00:02:22It's because they attacked you on your tour bus, your home away from home, where your family sleeps.
00:02:29Your family weren't there when they attacked you, were they?
00:02:31But I wish they were there.
00:02:37I wish your children could see a real man put the boots to you.
00:02:44I wish your wife, Brandi, could see what a real daddy looks like.
00:02:52Tried to make my life hell.
00:02:55How about this?
00:02:56Drew McIntyre against Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
00:03:02Three stages of hell.
00:03:09And I send you straight to hell.
00:03:14Say hi to your dad for me.
00:03:26Three stages of hell.
00:03:42Well, ladies and gentlemen, there is the undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
00:03:47Tonight, finds out what three stages of hell he will need to go through against Drew McIntyre next week here on SmackDown.
00:03:58The former tag team champions, once frenemies, now Buddy, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
00:04:04Rhea Ripley and Eo Sky looking ahead to a tag title opportunity Monday night on Raw.
00:04:13The irresistible force, Nia Jax, and the upstart last legend here tonight.
00:04:19And the tag team champions, the Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, it is a massive eight-woman tag team match tonight.
00:04:31The Punisher, Damian Priest, hopes to finally end his months-long rivalry
00:04:38against the necessary evil of Alistair Black and his wife, Zelina Vega.
00:04:45An ambulance match live tonight.
00:04:50Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in the history of SmackDown,
00:04:55an ambulance match.
00:04:56No pinfalls, no countouts, no disqualifications or submissions.
00:05:01You win when you put your opponent in the back of an ambulance and shut both doors.
00:05:08Hello again, everybody.
00:05:09Welcome to Ringside and Happy New Year.
00:05:10Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Corey, are you ready to kick off SmackDown,
00:05:14the first three-hour SmackDown of the new year?
00:05:17Absolutely.
00:05:17I am more superstars, more action, more memories.
00:05:21Welcome to 2026.
00:05:23We're doing it big right here on SmackDown.
00:05:25No, no, no, no, no.
00:05:27Pass the mic and start the show.
00:05:29Give me this camera.
00:05:35Right.
00:05:35We are not moving on to 2026.
00:05:41I am so sick of hearing, Happy New Year.
00:05:44Happy New Year.
00:05:46No, no, no.
00:05:47We're not moving on to 2026 until I air my grievances of 2025.
00:05:55Grievance number one.
00:06:00I asked for one match, one moment with John Cena's retirement tour.
00:06:07Not for nostalgia or to be enduring, but for obligation.
00:06:12Because our story needed closure.
00:06:15I should have been the one to tap John Cena out.
00:06:19Instead, he's off smiling, riding in the sunset, and I am stuck here in Buffalo.
00:06:34Technically, I'm the one being punished.
00:06:38Grievance number two.
00:06:40I did something rare in this business.
00:06:44I offered my mentorship, my guidance, my expertise to all the young and up-and-coming superstars
00:06:51who should have been raising their hands, chomping at the bit to gain my knowledge.
00:06:58But it was met with ungratefulness and entitlement.
00:07:05Respect is not requested.
00:07:08It's expected.
00:07:10Not just from the rookies, but from each and every one of you.
00:07:15Who wouldn't know greatness unless I slap the nachos out of your hands.
00:07:20Yeah, I'm talking to you, big boy.
00:07:24Looking like 2005 Jelly Roll out there.
00:07:30Grievance number three.
00:07:32I was passed over for Mighty Supreme.
00:07:34Chalamet, this ain't over.
00:07:38Grievance number four.
00:07:42Not only did Johan...
00:07:50He who shall not be named and his little good-time buddies ruin my last smackdown of an absolutely terrible year.
00:08:08But he brought back a nickname.
00:08:16A very untrue nickname.
00:08:20This will not become a thing again.
00:08:41There is a silver lining.
00:08:44We are on to 2026 now.
00:08:48And John Cena is gone.
00:08:51Bye-bye.
00:08:52See you later.
00:08:53We can't see him.
00:08:55And we don't want to see him anymore.
00:08:58Because there is a new face of WWE.
00:09:02And I fit so perfectly as it.
00:09:05Because unlike this city,
00:09:08I actually win championships.
00:09:10Oh, yeah, I'm the most decorated superstar out here.
00:09:23Two-time WWE champion.
00:09:26Eight-time Intercontinental champion.
00:09:29Two-time United States champion.
00:09:31Ten-time tag team champion.
00:09:33First-ever, first-ever Grand Slam champion in the history of this company.
00:09:41And that means I am the face of WWE.
00:09:47I am the gateway for this company.
00:09:50I am the locker room leader.
00:09:53And I am the adult in the room filled, filled with spoiled little brats.
00:10:02I am the voices in my heart.
00:10:05They catch me after me.
00:10:07But I understand, I ain't talking to me.
00:13:40Oh, come on, Buffalo.
00:13:42Randy Orton is back on SmackDown.
00:13:46Let him hear it!
00:14:10Not me, okay?
00:14:12Not me, okay?
00:14:14Hey!
00:14:16It's good to have you back
00:14:18on Friday Night SmackDown!
00:14:24And as I was saying
00:14:26we are the adults
00:14:28in the room!
00:14:30We are the locker room leaders!
00:14:32We are the gatemate
00:14:34to this company! We are the faces
00:14:36of WWE!
00:14:38And we
00:14:40could
00:14:42could
00:14:44be
00:14:46Ms. K.O!
00:14:48Oh!
00:14:58Oh! K.O!
00:15:00Out of nowhere!
00:15:02Happy New Year!
00:15:16Happy New Year!
00:15:18Happy New Year!
00:15:20Happy New Year, Men!
00:15:21Your turn!
00:15:22R.K.O!
00:15:24Out of nowhere!
00:15:26Happy New Year, men!
00:15:33Your turn.
00:15:35RKO out of nowhere!
00:15:43The Viper is back!
00:15:48And Corey, WWE Friday Night SmackDown is no longer safe.
00:15:56What a way to kick off the new year and a three-hour smackdown.
00:16:152026 could very well be the year of the Viper.
00:16:26Just so you know, even though we beat you a few weeks ago, we're trying to stay good
00:16:36with Nick Albus, but teaming up with you guys is a little difficult.
00:16:40But you know, that will actually make it worth it when we help you to a victory tonight.
00:16:48And then y'all can go on and retain those tag team titles.
00:16:52That's a great idea.
00:16:54And then you can owe us a shot at those.
00:16:57We'll be happy to owe you a bidding.
00:17:09On Monday, we'll keep the titles.
00:17:14And I think you guys should ready for Kabuki Warriors!
00:17:32Never a good sign when tension's already running high amongst teammates.
00:17:50Let's see what you can't see!
00:18:03Let's see what you can't see!
00:18:05Let's see what you can't see!
00:18:15The following is an eight-woman tag team contest scheduled for one fall!
00:18:33Introducing first...
00:18:35Could we be looking at the next tag team champions?
00:18:43We'll find out the answer to that question Monday night on Raw!
00:18:47But coming up next, a massive eight-woman tag team match, live on SmackDown!
00:18:58In Vegas, everything's a game.
00:19:02Some nights, it's played without cards or dice, just tension.
00:19:10Never knowing who might show up at the table.
00:19:21WrestleMania Vegas.
00:19:29Cold man.
00:19:30So bad.
00:19:32It's good to be back.
00:19:33Listen, I'm glad I ran into you.
00:19:36Because out of respect, I need to let you know, now that I am back in the ring,
00:19:41once you beat Drew McIntyre next week in Berlin, I am coming for this.
00:19:49Cody.
00:19:58I just want to remind you that Drew is going to be here tonight.
00:20:02He's here to lay out the stipulation for each of your three stages of hell.
00:20:06You and I both know he is going to try to get under your skin.
00:20:07You cannot let that happen.
00:20:08I hate to beat a dead horse, but if you touch him before your match in Berlin, you forfeit
00:20:19this.
00:20:20And as your colleague and your friend, I would hate to see that happen.
00:20:23I'm curious if Cody's skin is thick enough to withstand whatever Drew McIntyre has in store.
00:20:40And I hope we can withstand this big matchup.
00:20:43Eight-woman tag team match here tonight on SmackDown.
00:20:46And their opponents making their way to the ring.
00:21:09They are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, Asuka, Kari Tate, the Kabuki Warriors.
00:21:20Corey, Monday night on Raw, these two women will defend the tag titles against one of the
00:21:24teams they're facing here tonight, Rhea Ripley and Io Sky.
00:21:27Does that factor at all into this matchup?
00:21:29It absolutely should have.
00:21:30When it comes to strategizing before a championship defense, you have to try to keep yourself as
00:21:34close to 100% as physically possible.
00:21:37That's going to be no easy task for the Kabuki Warriors, but if anybody can do it, Kairi and
00:21:41Asuka can.
00:21:42The Kabuki Warriors teaming with Nia, Jax, and Lash Legend.
00:21:46Already some tensions on that team.
00:21:48Remember, Nia and Lash knocked off the Kabuki Warriors last month, and they believe they
00:21:52deserve a tag team title opportunity.
00:21:55And it's for that very reason I believe this team will be able to coexist, because Nia and
00:21:59Lash know they have the Kabuki's number.
00:22:01It's better the devil you know.
00:22:02They would rather the championships stay with the Kabuki Warriors than head around the waist
00:22:07of Rhea and Io.
00:22:08And on the other side of things, Rhea and Io trying to win the tag title.
00:22:11Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss believe they are next in line for a tag team championship
00:22:16shot after Raw on Monday night.
00:22:18The last time all eight of these women were in the ring together, it was back at the end
00:22:26of November at Survivor Series War Games.
00:22:30And they continue their battles here tonight.
00:22:34Really just a testament to how stacked the tag team division has become.
00:22:38And before the opening bell, the Kabuki Warriors, Nia and Lash gain in the upper hand.
00:22:44Yeah, it looked like Charlotte and Alexa and company were trying to decide who was going
00:22:47to start this matchup.
00:22:48And it's going to be Rhea Ripley as Asuka starts things off against Ripley.
00:22:53Rhea lost to Asuka a couple of weeks ago.
00:22:57Asuka now unleashing brutal kicks all over Rhea Ripley.
00:23:03Asuka, the five-time tag team champion tied with Raquel Rodriguez for the most ever in WWE history.
00:23:10The Wada-style kicks attacking the damaged nose of Rhea Ripley.
00:23:15That thing could be rebroken easily.
00:23:16Well, it's about trying to send the message before Monday night as well.
00:23:19Absolutely.
00:23:20It's an opportunity for the Kabuki Warriors to soften up the opposition prior to their
00:23:23championship contest Monday.
00:23:26Ran Asuka.
00:23:28They took it so well.
00:23:29As tough as Rhea is.
00:23:30It's a risky proposition to trade strikes with Asuka under any circumstance.
00:23:34Asuka had never beaten Ripley one-on-one until a couple of weeks ago.
00:23:37As Kairi Zane is dumped out of the ring.
00:23:40And Alexa Bliss would love a tag and gets one.
00:23:43And here comes Bliss.
00:23:44Just nearly see a little hesitation.
00:23:46Oh!
00:23:46From Rhea Ripley before tagging Alexa.
00:23:49Alexa taking over.
00:23:50And to get to your point a few moments ago, I don't think any of these teams are really
00:24:04going to get along tonight, Corey.
00:24:06I guess just hoping to survive.
00:24:08I don't know what's suggesting these women go out for wings afterwards.
00:24:11We're talking about winning the match.
00:24:12Getting the winner's purse.
00:24:13Gaining an upper hand.
00:24:14And enhancing your standing in the tag team division.
00:24:17But big boot by Bliss catches Asuka off guard.
00:24:20But keep your eyes on Kairi Zane.
00:24:22And Kairi bouncing Bliss at the back of her head off the turnbuckle.
00:24:26And now, Kairi Zane allows her partner Asuka to take control.
00:24:30Just next level tag team chemistry from the Kabuki Warriors.
00:24:34Kairi recognized that Asuka had the official's attention.
00:24:37And took the time to gain the upper hand.
00:24:40And now, a double team coming from the Kabuki Warriors.
00:24:47Kairi with a kick to the back of the neck.
00:24:49And there's the double team.
00:24:50Again, from the tag team champions.
00:24:53Cover by Zane.
00:24:55I'm sure what the official was doing there.
00:24:56But nonetheless, now counts.
00:24:59And a kick out of two by Bliss.
00:25:02Kairi now controlling Alexa Bliss.
00:25:05And this is the first step in classic tag team strategy.
00:25:09Look for Kairi, Asuka, Nia, and Lash to cut the ring in half.
00:25:13Keep Alexa away.
00:25:14As Nia Jax is now the legal competitor.
00:25:17And Asuka did not seem too pleased that Nia tagged herself into this matchup.
00:25:21The irresistible force.
00:25:23Who has done wonders in the early going of the SmackDown career of Lash Legend, Corey.
00:25:28Lash Legend has had potential for a long time.
00:25:31It seems like Nia has finally recognized what it's going to take to bring Legend to that next level.
00:25:37When it comes to raw power, Nia Jax and Lash Legend simply unmatched in the women's division.
00:25:44Lash Legend, who owns a victory over Alexa Bliss last month.
00:25:48One of the biggest of her young career.
00:25:50And now Legend with a big splash to Bliss.
00:25:53Cover.
00:25:53Big smile on her face.
00:25:55But not enough to pick up the win.
00:25:56And Legend and Nia Jax, Corey, they do have a case to have a tag team title opportunity down the road.
00:26:02Absolutely.
00:26:03And I think the Kabuki Warriors know that very well.
00:26:05But Asuka and Kairi are focused on the task this Monday.
00:26:09That being Rhea Ripley and Io Sky.
00:26:11Once you get past that challenge, if you get past that challenge, you know Lash and Nia awake.
00:26:17Oh, and Lash just with a clubbing blow to the back of the neck.
00:26:20What makes Lash so effective?
00:26:22Lash is a phenomenal athlete.
00:26:24She's a blend of size, speed, power, and aggression.
00:26:29Lash Legend believes she belongs.
00:26:30Wow.
00:26:30Look at this.
00:26:31This is what I'm talking about.
00:26:32Yeah, that's a look at that power you were talking about.
00:26:34And Lash may snap Bliss's arm in two.
00:26:37Oh, and a clothesline cover.
00:26:38Again by Lash.
00:26:40And a kick out, you were saying.
00:26:41I think the X factor when it comes to Lash Legend is her confidence.
00:26:45Even when she arrived at the performance center, Lash believes she belonged in the main event.
00:26:49Now she's finally working her way toward there and she feels comfortable as she could possibly feel.
00:26:54Now look at just mocking Charlotte as Bliss is trying to make some sort of tag to her team.
00:27:01Lash knows she's a star.
00:27:03She's not worried about the opinions of the WWE fans.
00:27:06She's worried about money, checks, and championships.
00:27:08Nia Jax just sent EO crashing to the floor.
00:27:18Alexa Bliss and Lash Legend are the legal competitors in this matchup at the moment.
00:27:21And Lash just controlling Alexa.
00:27:23Now it's the double team from Nia and Lash.
00:27:25And Alexa trying to fight back now.
00:27:27Official Daphne LeChomp certainly has her hands full in this one.
00:27:30Sent to the outside is Legend.
00:27:31Bliss from the second.
00:27:32Turnbuckle Tornado DDT plants Nia center of the ring.
00:27:36And Alexa's got a chance.
00:27:38Can she make a tag of the 14-time world champion Charlotte Flair?
00:27:42And here comes the queen.
00:27:49And that big crossbody wiping out Nia and Lash.
00:27:54And Charlotte's fired up.
00:27:56Charlotte said 20-26.
00:27:59You're going to see a better and faster and stronger, a more focused Charlotte Flair.
00:28:04She plans to have her best year yet.
00:28:06Charlotte's certainly going to have her hands full as the women's division continues to evolve and improve.
00:28:13Flair knows she is a walking target.
00:28:15Championship or not.
00:28:17Oh!
00:28:17Oh!
00:28:18Charlotte drilling Lash Legend and turns her attention to Nia Jax.
00:28:23The woman who beat Charlotte back in November.
00:28:26Natural selection.
00:28:27Jax is down.
00:28:28And Charlotte, realizing that may not put her away,
00:28:31looks like she's going to go for maybe her patented moonsault here.
00:28:35Dwayne spending a lot of time making the climb.
00:28:39This could cost her.
00:28:42Charlotte moonsault from up top.
00:28:44Cover on Jax for the win.
00:28:47And a kick out.
00:28:50It's obvious Charlotte Flair has a healthy respect for the power and ability of Nia Jax.
00:28:55That's why she wanted the insurance of the moonsault.
00:28:58But even that wasn't enough to keep the irresistible force down.
00:29:01There's a reason she's won 14 world titles.
00:29:03And Nia now sends Charlotte into the corner.
00:29:07Great athleticism out to the apron.
00:29:09Catches Lash with a boot.
00:29:10Now catches Nia with one of her own again.
00:29:13And there's a...
00:29:13Oh, I thought she was going for a slingshot spear.
00:29:16But Nia Jax made her pay.
00:29:18What a leg drop.
00:29:19Cover by Jax and a kick out.
00:29:21That's a testament to the in-ring improvement of Nia Jax over the years.
00:29:24She realized that the Queen made the slightest mistake
00:29:27and Jax turned the tables in her own favor.
00:29:32Big headbutt rocks.
00:29:33The Queen tag made to Asuka.
00:29:35And now Nia and Asuka working well as a tag team.
00:29:40Charlotte going to scoop up Asuka looking for the win here.
00:29:42Stacks her up.
00:29:43Kick at two.
00:29:44Now maybe looking for the figure eight.
00:29:46First got to apply the figure four and now bridge into a figure eight.
00:29:49Asuka has felt this before.
00:29:52Dragging herself toward the corner.
00:29:55Charlotte Flair's bridged up.
00:29:56Figure eights in.
00:29:57But watch Kyrie Sane.
00:29:58Kyrie from the top rope.
00:30:01Insane elbow.
00:30:05And that'll break things up.
00:30:07And now Alexa Bliss.
00:30:10Bliss sent to the outside right here in front of our announce desk.
00:30:14Charlotte Flair and Asuka still the legal competitors.
00:30:17And you can hear the fans.
00:30:18They want EO Sky.
00:30:20The genius of the sky.
00:30:22Charlotte makes a tag.
00:30:25And here comes the two-time world champion.
00:30:29A woman who didn't lose a tag match in all of 2025.
00:30:36And Sky ducks underneath and catches Sane on the top rope.
00:30:44EO with a double missile drop kick.
00:30:47I say it every week and I mean it.
00:30:49Corey pound for pound.
00:30:51The best wrestler on the planet.
00:30:54You get no argument from me.
00:30:55EO Sky continues to impress him.
00:30:59So does Nia.
00:31:00Brilliant maneuver by Nia Jax to take away the tag opportunity.
00:31:04What a kick by Asuka knocking the wind out of EO.
00:31:07It is chaos in ring and ringside.
00:31:10Flash Legend made the tag.
00:31:12Not sure if EO Sky realizes that Legend's legal.
00:31:15And she's about to.
00:31:17What a kick!
00:31:18What a kick!
00:31:21And somehow EO able to kick at it too.
00:31:25What impact by Legend.
00:31:27Look at this!
00:31:41Flash Legend now looking to continue punishing EO Sky after a vicious boot.
00:31:48I think that might have booted EO's teeth all the way up to Canada.
00:31:52My God, what a kick!
00:31:57I tell you, I'm so impressed with both Nia and Legend.
00:32:01They're going to be future tag champs.
00:32:03EO's got a kick out again at two.
00:32:06Nia Jax in the best shape of her career.
00:32:08And dominating.
00:32:11And now punishing EO Sky.
00:32:13Last Legend just making fun of Sky.
00:32:15And then a cheap shot.
00:32:16Just a little slap to send a message.
00:32:17Disrespectful as always.
00:32:19I love it.
00:32:20I don't think of EO!
00:32:24Now mocking EO.
00:32:28Nia can really get under your skin, can't you?
00:32:30Absolutely.
00:32:31One of the many reasons Nia has had so much success in WWE.
00:32:35Not only is she a physical marvel when it comes to mind game.
00:32:38She is second to none.
00:32:40And Lash Legend learning all that psychology from her.
00:32:43As she pounds away on EO Sky.
00:32:45And now Lash is legal.
00:32:46Side slam by Nia.
00:32:48Counting around.
00:32:49Hey, Nia!
00:32:50Come on, Lash!
00:32:51And a kick out at two by Sky.
00:32:54Really impressive to see how well Lash Legend and Nia Jax have gelled as a team in a relatively short period of time.
00:33:00It's also very impressive to see how Nia Sky's been able to kick out of these massive power moves by Jackson Legend.
00:33:06Nia!
00:33:07Nia!
00:33:07Nia!
00:33:07Nia!
00:33:08Nia!
00:33:08Nia!
00:33:09Nia!
00:33:09Nia!
00:33:09Nia!
00:33:09Nia!
00:33:10Nia!
00:33:10Nia!
00:33:10Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:11Nia!
00:33:12Nia!
00:33:12Nia!
00:33:12Nia!
00:33:13Nia!
00:33:13Nia!
00:33:14Nia!
00:33:14Nia!
00:33:16Nia!
00:33:16Nia!
00:33:16Nia!
00:33:18Nia!
00:33:19Nia!
00:33:19Nia!
00:33:20Nia!
00:33:21Nia!
00:33:22Nia!
00:33:23Nia!
00:33:23Nia!
00:33:24Nia!
00:33:24I agree with you wholeheartedly.
00:33:24It's one of the reasons I'm such a big fan.
00:33:27Tag made to the irresistible force, Nia Jax.
00:33:30And for Io, things could go from bad to worse.
00:33:34They're lashing her.
00:33:35Nia have been putting on a clinic here.
00:33:37Not a big splash in the corner.
00:33:39And Lash Legend going to follow it up with one of her own.
00:33:43They're just having their way with this former world champ.
00:33:46Cover.
00:33:48Io's got a kick out at two.
00:33:51Lash Legend is absolutely living up to her billing as the bougie bully.
00:33:55And she's learning more from the best, Nia Jax.
00:33:59Nia now just mocking Charlotte and Alexa.
00:34:03These are the mind games you just mentioned.
00:34:04Nia knows exactly what she's doing.
00:34:06She's throwing everybody off of their game simultaneously
00:34:09while trying to twist Io's head off her shoulders.
00:34:12Io slammed face first into the mat.
00:34:15The new year not starting off on the right foot for Io Sky.
00:34:22And here comes Asuka.
00:34:24But Asuka and Io, of course, with a rich history,
00:34:27once the best of friends,
00:34:28once mentor and protege,
00:34:30now bitter enemies.
00:34:34And it's Asuka reminding Io,
00:34:35I've taught you everything you know,
00:34:37but not everything I know.
00:34:39Asuka just a viciousness as she attacks Io Sky.
00:34:43Io Sky has absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment
00:34:53at the hands of the Kabuki Warriors
00:34:55and Nia Jax and Lash Legend
00:34:57in this eight-woman tag team match.
00:34:59Vicious forearm from the Empress of Tomorrow.
00:35:03Double team coming.
00:35:04Kyrie Sane!
00:35:06Into a neck breaker.
00:35:08Kyrie now the legal Kabuki Warrior.
00:35:10And Io Sky able to move out of harm's way.
00:35:14Asuka and Kyrie making a bit of contact there.
00:35:17And it allows Sky now to try to drag herself to the corner.
00:35:20Kyrie Sane going to try to prevent Io from making a tag.
00:35:23And Rhea Ripley has finally made her way back to the apron
00:35:25after being attacked by Nia Jax.
00:35:27A cheap shot by Asuka.
00:35:29Blasting bliss off the apron.
00:35:31Sky.
00:35:33Dumps Asuka.
00:35:34Now has a chance.
00:35:37Here comes the eradicator!
00:35:43Rhea bloody Ripley has been unleashed in this one.
00:35:47I'll turn Kyrie inside out for those clotheslines.
00:35:53Oh, and now using Kyrie as a weapon.
00:35:55That was unique.
00:35:57Face first goes same.
00:35:59Ripley just on another level right now.
00:36:03Mommy is all fired up tonight.
00:36:09Rhea going to look to put Kyrie away.
00:36:11Looking for Riptide.
00:36:13Asuka.
00:36:14Cut off by the official.
00:36:17Stephanie Lash.
00:36:17Oh, it allows Nia Jax.
00:36:20And now Charlotte in the mix.
00:36:23Oskar with a kick.
00:36:25Here comes Bliss.
00:36:28But her sister, Abigail.
00:36:33Legend with a big right.
00:36:35Rhea with a drop kick.
00:36:39Kyrie Sane now from the top.
00:36:43Oh, look at the power.
00:36:45Just catching Kyrie.
00:36:47Headbutt.
00:36:51Headbutt.
00:36:56Riptide.
00:36:59Tag.
00:37:05Over the moonstone.
00:37:08One, two, three.
00:37:10Here are your winners.
00:37:14Charlotte Flair.
00:37:16Alexa Bliss.
00:37:17Rhea Ripley.
00:37:19And Io.
00:37:20Sky.
00:37:21If this is how it unfolds Monday in Brooklyn, Cole, we're going to have new champions.
00:37:26Rhea and Io just pinned the Kabuki Warriors.
00:37:29As Corey said, bodes well toward Monday night on Raw with the tag titles on the line.
00:37:48Look, I'm going to cut to the chase.
00:37:50I've got big plans for SmackDown in 2026.
00:37:53And I want Jordan Grace to be part of those plans.
00:37:56Well, Nick, you've given me a lot to consider.
00:37:58And I can absolutely not go out there tonight.
00:38:03Have you felt the temperature?
00:38:04Freezing.
00:38:04Okay.
00:38:05Freezing.
00:38:05I'm going to have a thermia.
00:38:06First of all, you're interrupting.
00:38:08But seeing as you're here, allow me to introduce you to potentially one of the newest members
00:38:12of the SmackDown roster, Miss Jordan Grace.
00:38:15Hi.
00:38:15I know who you are.
00:38:16Hi.
00:38:17Hello.
00:38:17Welcome.
00:38:18And goodbye.
00:38:19We have championship matters to tend to.
00:38:21Some people are going to make this decision a lot easier.
00:38:26Nicholas, we need to discuss tonight.
00:38:28I can't possibly go out there.
00:38:29Do you not see the emotional ending of Stranger Things?
00:38:34I am mentally unwell.
00:38:36Yeah, I agree with that.
00:38:37Oh, and also, I actually had a New Year's resolution to make sure I am the greatest first,
00:38:42fourth, and final United States Women's Champion.
00:38:45So.
00:38:45Oh, a New Year's resolution.
00:38:47Do you know what one her accomplisher goes, Nick?
00:38:49Come on.
00:38:50Come on.
00:38:50Okay, wouldn't it feel much better to be a fighting champion?
00:38:54I am fighting.
00:38:55Fighting for my life on the internet, Nick.
00:38:56Okay, how about this?
00:38:58If accomplishing your goals are so important, what about I accomplish a goal and strip you
00:39:04of the United States Championship, deem you unfit for purpose, and impeach you, Madam President?
00:39:09Oh, but you're possible.
00:39:11Disgusting.
00:39:12Oh, I don't want to do that.
00:39:15I vote for impeachment.
00:39:16That's why you're part of the problem, Cole.
00:39:19Hey, Chris, are you there?
00:39:22Kids Wilson!
00:39:24Hey, hey, hey!
00:39:26Kids Wilson!
00:39:27I'm a true real man.
00:39:30I'm a true emotion.
00:39:31Kids Wilson!
00:39:32The following contest is scheduled for one call.
00:39:35Introducing first, from Buckinghamshire, England,
00:39:38playing in at 210 pounds,
00:39:41it's Wilson!
00:39:43And it's a new year, Michael Cole.
00:39:46It's time for a new mindset and a brand new Kit Wilson.
00:39:51Great.
00:39:55Welcome to Western New York.
00:39:57This is Buffalo.
00:39:58Tonight, we're at the Key Bank Center, the home of the NHL Sabres,
00:40:01and just down the street from Highmark Stadium, home of the NFL's Bills.
00:40:06Well, speaking of the NFL's Bills, we've got several of them in attendance tonight.
00:40:10I see James Cook, Deion Dawkins, McCall Harden, former New York Jets, Michael Cole.
00:40:14Yeah, guys, please, I'm begging you, do me a favor.
00:40:17Please beat the Jets this week so we get a higher draft pick.
00:40:21Please win.
00:40:25Let's head up to Kit Wilson.
00:40:27I, I, I, I am Kit Wilson, and I am redefining masculinity.
00:40:39And here I find myself in Buffalo,
00:40:42home of the most toxic sports fans in all of America.
00:40:48Oh, the Bills Mafia.
00:40:52I see it, the Bills Mafia, the Bills, the Bills.
00:40:55You know what, boys?
00:40:56You, you, you are toxic.
00:41:02Toxic.
00:41:03Woo, woo, woo.
00:41:05Oh, no.
00:41:07Oh, yeah.
00:41:09Always ready.
00:41:12So, wait a minute.
00:41:27And his opponent from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 230 pounds, Matt Cardona!
00:41:36So, yeah, I, I saw the screen switch.
00:41:39The last time we saw this guy a couple of months ago,
00:41:42he was in the last time is now tournament against LA Knight as Zack Ryder.
00:41:46I don't care what he's calling himself.
00:41:47The guy's the personification of toxic masculinity, Cole.
00:41:51Well, Nick Aldis, our general manager, promised Kit Wilson he'd have something new for him this week.
00:41:57And I guess that's Matt Cardona.
00:42:01I mean, this is, this is toxic masculinity live and in living color.
00:42:05So, explain that to me.
00:42:06Why?
00:42:06Man, man, who, who invited this guy?
00:42:08Nick Aldis?
00:42:10Oh!
00:42:10Matt Cardona could just stroll into SmackDown and spoil Kit Wilson's big opportunity?
00:42:15I like this, Kit.
00:42:16Show him who's boss.
00:42:17Kit is, uh, hoping to spoil Cardona's return here to WWE.
00:42:22And, uh, well, speaking of our general manager, Nick Aldis, uh, he just told me in my head,
00:42:27he says, Corey, that, uh, Matt Cardona is officially part of the roster now of Friday Night SmackDown.
00:42:35A big free agent signing by our general manager for Friday Night.
00:42:38Well, good.
00:42:39Now that you got that out of the way, we can talk about Kit Wilson.
00:42:43Well, what's there to talk about?
00:42:45The fact that Kit Wilson is on a mission.
00:42:47He is single-handedly looking to redefine masculinity in WWE.
00:42:51Not like this meathead Cardona.
00:42:54Yeah, Cardona now in the corner.
00:42:56Remember, former Intercontinental United States champion, and Cardona sent Kit Wilson face first.
00:43:03This guy lives his life about gym, tan, and laundry.
00:43:06MTV doesn't even exist anymore.
00:43:09That was a shame.
00:43:10Shut down all their music channels.
00:43:12And now, Cardona with a big kick to the face of Kit Wilson.
00:43:17Welcome back, Mr. Cardona.
00:43:19So, I'm at NXT earlier this year.
00:43:22I mentioned it a couple of months ago in the last time is now tournament.
00:43:28And Cardona has always had a large pocket of fans and supporters, no matter where he's been.
00:43:36Most of them can't read.
00:43:40And Kit Wilson now.
00:43:42Oh, and Cardona hits the back of his head hard on the mat.
00:43:46That was sort of uncalled for.
00:43:48It was funny.
00:43:49Truth hurts.
00:43:49Oh!
00:43:50Wilson dropping an elbow now.
00:43:51And another one.
00:43:52Look at this.
00:43:53Kit Wilson trying to get Cardona in touch with his feelings.
00:43:56That's what real men do, Cole.
00:43:58Cover!
00:43:59And a kick out with authority by Cardona.
00:44:01Strong men also cry.
00:44:05Is that what Kit told you?
00:44:06Oh, that's from the Big Lebowski, but still.
00:44:08Does he have books on tape?
00:44:10Perhaps.
00:44:10If he doesn't, he should.
00:44:11I figured he stole the quote from the movie like he steals everything else.
00:44:15What has Kit Wilson stolen, Michael Cole?
00:44:18Look at these right hands.
00:44:19He's about to steal the moment.
00:44:21He's about to steal the show from Cardona.
00:44:23By the end of the night, we'll all be wearing pearl necklaces, Cole.
00:44:31And Kit now with the right hand to the midsection of Cardona.
00:44:37And a big right.
00:44:41You!
00:44:42Like everyone in here!
00:44:44You!
00:44:45All!
00:44:46Toxic!
00:44:47You hear that?
00:44:48Cardona is toxic.
00:44:49So says Wilson.
00:44:50This is a kick!
00:44:54And Kit Wilson now.
00:44:56No idea where he is.
00:44:58Because he's back in England.
00:45:02Elbow by Cardona.
00:45:04Big clothesline now.
00:45:05And Cardona face first goes Wilson.
00:45:12I'll give credit where it's due.
00:45:14Cardona is a tough SOB.
00:45:16Hard to keep down for sure.
00:45:18Yeah, I mentioned a former champion here in WWE.
00:45:23I still can't stand this.
00:45:25Say it.
00:45:26Say it with me.
00:45:27No.
00:45:27Woo!
00:45:27Woo!
00:45:28Woo!
00:45:29You all right over there?
00:45:31You sound like a chimpanzee.
00:45:33Uh-oh.
00:45:33Double underhook by Cardona.
00:45:35Oh!
00:45:36Wilson stacks him up.
00:45:38And a kick out by Kit.
00:45:40That is incredible toughness.
00:45:45Kit Wilson is like,
00:45:46are you waving off this?
00:45:49He just needs a moment to compose himself.
00:45:54They're doing a pretty good job of it.
00:45:56Setting Zach.
00:45:58Face first in the middle turnbuckle.
00:46:00Now setting Zach up.
00:46:02He calls out the tourniquet.
00:46:04That's the tourniquet for the win.
00:46:06Cardona kicks out at two.
00:46:09That would have been a massive victory for masculinity of the proper kind.
00:46:17Wilson.
00:46:17Oh!
00:46:18And the knees right to the back.
00:46:22Rough rider.
00:46:23Can we still call it that?
00:46:25One, two, three.
00:46:27Well, what else do you want me to call it?
00:46:29He picked up the win.
00:46:31Here is your winner.
00:46:34Matt Cardona.
00:46:36And the car rider.
00:46:39What a way to kick off 2026 for Matt Cardona.
00:46:45Well, a little research here.
00:46:47That was Cardona's first win in six and a half years in WWE.
00:46:53Welcome back, Matt Cardona.
00:47:03What a way to kick off the new year.
00:47:05And what a return for Matt Cardona.
00:47:08I'm here with Damian Priest.
00:47:09And Damian, we got to talk about your last year.
00:47:11Because much of your 2025 was defined by your rivalry with Aleister Black.
00:47:16Escalating violence.
00:47:17And it culminates in an ambulance match tonight.
00:47:19So what is it going to take to close that door on this rivalry for good?
00:47:24Six months, Kathy.
00:47:26Six months I've been going to war with this guy.
00:47:29I think I can speak for everyone when I say enough's enough.
00:47:32One way or another, this ends tonight.
00:47:37Aleister, for half a year, you've tried to change me.
00:47:42You've tried to break me.
00:47:45You're not my creator.
00:47:47You don't tell me what to do.
00:47:48With all that, even burning my face.
00:47:51The only thing you've done is wake something inside me that even your crazy mind won't understand.
00:47:57So right here, Buffalo, New York.
00:48:01I'm going to whoop your ass all over this arena.
00:48:04I'm going to stuff you in an ambulance.
00:48:06Close the door and send you straight to the ER.
00:48:09Because tonight, Aleister, you're the one that's going to fade to black.
00:48:14For the first time ever on Friday Night SmackDown, and only the seventh time in the history of WWE, an ambulance match.
00:48:24It's our huge main event to end our first three-hour SmackDown of 2026 live tonight.
00:48:30After tonight, Corey and I get on the thruway, and we head down to New York City, the borough of Brooklyn Barclays Center.
00:48:39The first Raw of 2026.
00:48:41And it is absolutely stacked.
00:48:44CM Punk defends his World Heavyweight Championship against Braun Breaker.
00:48:48Maxine defends the Intercontinental Championship against the man Becky Lynch.
00:48:52Lyra Valkyria one-on-one with Liz Morgan in Liz's first match in six months.
00:48:56And we mentioned it before.
00:48:58The women's tag team gold on the line.
00:49:01Kabuki Warriors defend against Io and Rhea.
00:49:04Does Braun Breaker change the entire landscape of WWE with the biggest win of his career Monday night?
00:49:10I think he does.
00:49:20What is the meaning of family solo?
00:49:25That is an answer you've been searching for since you were exiled from your true bloodline.
00:49:39You claim the Wyatt Six are not a family.
00:49:45But you haven't taken the time to comprehend the force that you are up against.
00:49:55You mock what you do not understand.
00:50:01Our family is not made up of just us.
00:50:08Our family is filled with millions of fireflies around the world.
00:50:18That will always remember.
00:50:29Solo.
00:50:31It's time for us to chop down your family tree.
00:50:36At the root.
00:50:37Because when the dust settles.
00:50:45We will be the ones.
00:50:47We will be the ones.
00:50:52We will be the ones.
00:50:56Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
00:51:24Sammy!
00:51:26Sammy Zane!
00:51:29Nice to see Sammy Zane back here on the first Smackdown of the New Year.
00:51:38My New Year's resolution was to stay as far away from Sammy Zane as possible.
00:51:42It's already out the window.
00:51:45Usually only lasts a day or two anyway.
00:51:49Sammy Zane, of course, United States champion last year, brought back the Open Challenge.
00:51:54Sammy had an incredible reign as United States champion.
00:51:59Picked up right where John Cena left off.
00:52:04Sammy's got plenty to say.
00:52:05Buffalo?
00:52:10Buffalo?
00:52:14Howdy.
00:52:15I haven't really been around the last couple of weeks, so it feels really good to be back out here.
00:52:23Actually, the last time you guys saw me on TV wasn't even in the middle of this ring.
00:52:27It was actually out in the audience.
00:52:28I got to do something recently that was actually pretty profound.
00:52:35I got to sit and enjoy the show just like each and every single one of you.
00:52:39It was amazing.
00:52:42I got to sit in the front row and watch John Cena's last match with my son, with my kid.
00:52:53And I got to be honest with you.
00:52:55It hit me in a way that I really didn't expect.
00:52:57Something happened.
00:52:58Yeah, no, it really hit me.
00:53:02You know, they introduce Cena, and the match gets underway, and my son, he turns to me, and he goes,
00:53:11Baba, why do they call John Cena the never-seen 17?
00:53:19And I said, well, Habibi, that's because John Cena has won the world championship 17 times.
00:53:28And he turns to me, and he asked me, how many times have you won it?
00:53:42And I had to tell him, zero.
00:53:48And he asked me, why, Baba?
00:53:53And I didn't really have an answer for him.
00:53:55And I understand, actually, I understand why it would be a little confusing to him.
00:54:00Because for the last few years, as long as he's been old enough to watch wrestling, he's been watching me in the ring every week.
00:54:07He's been watching me in the ring with Drew McIntyre, with Seth Rollins, with Gunther, with Randy Orton, with John Cena.
00:54:14So I'm in the ring with these guys, and they all have world championships.
00:54:18So to him, it doesn't make sense.
00:54:19And he's seen me bring home championships.
00:54:24I've come home, I've, he has pictures with the Intercontinental Championship, with the Tag Team Championship, with the United States Championship.
00:54:31So he doesn't understand why is this one, why is this one missing?
00:54:36So look, last year, I talked a lot, okay?
00:54:42I talked a lot about becoming a world champion.
00:54:46I talked so much about it, it made me sick.
00:54:49It made me sick.
00:54:50So now, I'm not here to talk about it anymore.
00:54:53Now, I am here to do it!
00:54:562026 is here, and I am coming for the WWE Championship!
00:55:13Oh, yeah!
00:55:15Yeah!
00:55:15Oh, I would never disrespect Booker T by trying to ad-lib, but I will agree with the Hall of Famer, Swift Williams, is that man!
00:55:43The must-see, former two-time NXT Champion!
00:55:55Former TNA World Champ, Trick and A!
00:55:58Reporting to you live, the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive, Trick Williams, has finally arrived.
00:56:23Sammy Zane, we haven't been formally introduced.
00:56:35Some call me Tricky two times.
00:56:38Some call me Mr. Whoopdack.
00:56:42Some call me Hollywood Trick.
00:56:45But you can call me Trick Willie.
00:56:47And I am the most entertaining, the most athletic, the most dangerous man in this business.
00:56:53I'm going to happen when you get Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson at the same place and at the same time.
00:56:58And I'm here for one reason, and one reason only, Sammy.
00:57:05Nick Allard has called me.
00:57:07He dialed 1-800, Whoopdack, said Trick Willie, we need you on SmackDown.
00:57:13SmackDown's missing a little something.
00:57:15It needs some flavor.
00:57:16It needs some pizzazz.
00:57:17It needs some of that, some of that, some of that only what you can bring, Trick Willie.
00:57:22He said we need someone that's tall, dark, and handsome.
00:57:24Well, Trick, hold on, Sammy.
00:57:30I wasn't done talking.
00:57:37I could take off this coat.
00:57:39I could take off these shades.
00:57:43I could take off these lemon pepper steppers.
00:57:47And I'm still 6'5", 250 pounds.
00:57:51In other words, Trick Williams is a grown-ass man.
00:57:54And that's what Nick Allard is trying to say.
00:57:59We need someone here at SmackDown who can challenge for that championship.
00:58:03We need somebody here who looks good, who looks like a champion.
00:58:07Damn it, Sammy Zayn.
00:58:08I'm here to be world champion.
00:58:11You and me ain't nothing alike.
00:58:19We are not the same.
00:58:20It ain't gonna take me 20 years to get opportunities.
00:58:23I'm not the guy who can almost get the job done like you, Sammy.
00:58:30You finish talking now?
00:58:36Yeah, I'm done.
00:58:37All right, good.
00:58:39You're not wrong, Trick.
00:58:41You look great.
00:58:42You have a lot to offer.
00:58:43I've been watching you.
00:58:44I've been watching everything you've been doing in your career.
00:58:47All this is right about you.
00:58:48You have all the tools.
00:58:49The problem with you, Trick, is you have yet to be humbled.
00:58:55Humbled.
00:58:55Do you think you're the first guy to look good?
00:59:01You think you're the first guy to be good?
00:59:03You think you're not the first guy to walk through these ropes saying they're gonna cut
00:59:06the line, they're gonna skip the queue, they're gonna be WWE champion overnight?
00:59:10You're not the first.
00:59:11And you're not the first person to come in here and look their nose down on me.
00:59:15But here's the thing, since you want to come here and interrupt me when I'm talking, I have
00:59:20no problem teaching you a lesson.
00:59:30And teaching you a thing or two about what it means to be humbled.
00:59:36Welcome to the show, Trick.
00:59:54No doubt that Trick Williams made quite the statement tonight, but Sammy was having none
00:59:59of it.
01:00:01Sammy Zane, unfortunately, may not have a choice because when it comes to Trick Williams, the
01:00:05man is the genuine article.
01:00:07And if Sammy's not careful, he's gonna get a lemon pepper stepper right on the chin.
01:00:11You know, Trick Williams doesn't lack confidence.
01:00:13And another man who doesn't lack confidence, Carmelo Hayes, who found himself in a must-win
01:00:18situation last week against the United States champion, Ilya Dragunov.
01:00:22An instant classic.
01:00:24Many are calling it.
01:00:25Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes both left it all in the ring in one of the most exciting matches
01:00:30of 2025.
01:00:32But in the closing moments, a momentary lapse in judgment from Dragunov would open the door
01:00:39for the challenger.
01:00:40And Melo didn't miss.
01:00:43Stacking the champion's shoulders.
01:00:45And new United States champion, Carmelo Hayes.
01:00:52Great show of respect from the former champion, Dragunov.
01:00:55Carmelo Hayes wins his first major title here on SmackDown.
01:00:59Happy New Year.
01:01:08Happy New Year.
01:01:09Listen, last week I wanted to fight the best.
01:01:15And I wanted to fight the best version of the best.
01:01:19So, you gave exactly that to me.
01:01:25And while the outcome was not necessarily what I expected, or what I wanted, I think there
01:01:31are worse things in life than losing to him.
01:01:38But somehow I believe that it wasn't our last time.
01:01:41Do you plan to continue the open challenge?
01:01:51After I put Johnny's jersey in the Raptors tonight, I'm going to keep it going.
01:01:55That's for you and I.
01:01:57When you're ready to run this thing back, I'll keep the lights off for you.
01:02:01Lovely.
01:02:01Hey, what up, miss?
01:02:09What's up?
01:02:11I was hoping I was going to run into you, man.
01:02:12I just got to tell you, this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for you.
01:02:16So, from the sincerest part of my heart, I just got to tell you, thank you.
01:02:21You finally come to your senses.
01:02:23Thank you, man.
01:02:24Thank you for finally leaving me alone, because I've been better ever since, dog.
01:02:33More, Miz.
01:02:37Well, here's the man that hopes Melo will miss tonight.
01:02:41The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it's for the United States Championship.
01:02:57Introducing her, accompanied by...
01:03:00And it's Lorraine, from Cleveland, Ohio,
01:03:03weighing in 199 pounds, Johnny Gargano!
01:03:11Will Johnny wrestling make this a short title reign for Carmella Hayes?
01:03:16We'll find out with a title on the line, live next.
01:03:20To hold the acquaintance...
01:03:32Before God...
01:03:35They never...
01:03:37Brought to your mind...
01:03:41To hold...
01:03:42It's almost time to celebrate the new year, and evil has risen against me.
01:03:59Great week on the WWE Podcast Network, including, what do you want to talk about?
01:04:04Cody Rhodes welcomes John Cena.
01:04:06John Cena's first interview since his final match ever.
01:04:09A few weeks back at Saturday night's main event, compelling, controversial, Cody and Cena.
01:04:14Also, the rest of the podcast throughout the week, a recap of the 2025 WWE year,
01:04:19and a look ahead to what should be a tremendous 2026.
01:04:27Welcome back to the Blue Brand.
01:04:30I hope you're feeling good, ready to make 2026 your best year ever.
01:04:32Thank you, Nicky.
01:04:33Thank you so much.
01:04:34Are you, Nicky, seeing what just happened?
01:04:36Disrespecting me, punching the microphone in my chest.
01:04:38He must be stupid.
01:04:39I don't know, I don't know.
01:04:43Hey, what'd you just say?
01:04:45I say the new guys got a lot to learn about respect.
01:04:50You better learn how to mind your business while grown folk talking.
01:04:53I'm twice your side, don't blame you.
01:04:54Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
01:04:55Hey.
01:04:55Huh?
01:04:56You're just making friends everywhere you go, aren't you?
01:04:57I gotta do it again.
01:04:58You know what?
01:05:00Maybe he's right.
01:05:01Maybe Sammy's right.
01:05:02Maybe you do need to be taught a lesson.
01:05:03So guess what, Trick?
01:05:05Congratulations.
01:05:05Next week, you're going to make your official SmackDown debut versus Ray Phoenix.
01:05:12That's exactly what I want.
01:05:13Yeah, you wanted that?
01:05:14Appreciate that, Nick.
01:05:16All right.
01:05:16See you next week.
01:05:18Trick's got issues.
01:05:19Nonetheless, Johnny Gargano set for action tonight.
01:05:22Carmelo Hayes with a score to settle after what happened last week after Hayes won the United States Championship.
01:05:30The jerseys are going back in the rafters.
01:05:33The division is on notice.
01:05:35It's all your fault.
01:05:38You ruined everything.
01:05:40I will take everything from you.
01:05:42Mom.
01:05:43Everything.
01:05:44That time is mine.
01:05:46It's mine.
01:05:47It's mine.
01:05:51Cause I'm the greatest, ain't no hatin', I'm the best hit.
01:05:55You want your shot, well I guess you wait till next year.
01:05:58I'm at the top, get respect while I get big.
01:06:01Who's got a problem, huh?
01:06:02Tell them to step here.
01:06:04Step here.
01:06:05One, two, three, four.
01:06:07Cause I'm the greatest, I'm argue it doesn't fade.
01:06:10You don't fade in my face and I'm mocking you.
01:06:12And his opponent from Fox in Massachusetts, playing at 210 pounds, he is the United States Champion, Carmelo Hayes.
01:06:28Well, the euphoria from last week could come crashing down just seven nights later.
01:06:34As Carmelo Hayes will have his first title defense here tonight.
01:06:39Corey, why is the first title defense always the toughest?
01:06:43Because historically speaking, many superstars reach the top of the mountain and their instinct is to exhale.
01:06:48They lose a bit of the hunger, a bit of the drive that got them to the mountaintop in the first place.
01:06:53Will Melo fall victim to that?
01:06:54Will Melo fall victim to that?
01:06:55Only time will tell.
01:06:56Well, Gargano trying to cheap shot.
01:06:57This matchup isn't even officially underway as of what?
01:07:02And a veteran referee, Charles Robinson, will work this matchup tonight.
01:07:05Gargano talked to him earlier today, Corey.
01:07:08He admitted that this really, much like Carmelo faced last week, is a must win for Gargano tonight.
01:07:14He said, at some point, I've got to win my first singles championship here on SmackDown.
01:07:18And much like Carmelo Hayes, Johnny Gargano is a guy who scratched and clawed just to make it to WWE.
01:07:23He tasted a great deal of success in NXT, but since coming up to Raw and SmackDown, yes, Gargano's held tag team gold, but you always want a little more.
01:07:31You want that individual gold, that thing to hang on your mantle that says you did it.
01:07:36Carmelo Hayes with the pace picked up here in the early going of this matchup.
01:07:41Hayes, the new United States champion.
01:07:43We mentioned his first title defense tonight.
01:07:45If anybody knows what Hayes is going through, it's that man in the ring, Johnny Gargano.
01:07:49His first title defense when he became NXT North American champion, he lost the title.
01:07:54His first title defense when he became NXT champion, he lost the title.
01:07:58He knows how tough those first title defenses can be, and he hopes to be able to steal one from Hayes tonight.
01:08:04Well, can Carmelo Hayes succeed where Johnny Gargano has failed in his career?
01:08:08That's what it all boils down to.
01:08:10And I like this aggression we're seeing out of Gargano here in the opening moments of the matchup.
01:08:14Oh, and I like the fact that Hayes is seemingly going to be a fighting champion.
01:08:19The U.S. title last year was defended more times than any other championship in the WWE 25.
01:08:28Oh, what a knee by Hayes.
01:08:32Gargano wisely rolling to the outside, looking to compose himself, but I don't know if he's going to find any rest, but here comes Hayes.
01:08:39And look at Johnny Gargano.
01:08:40What a brave wife.
01:08:41Yeah, what a brave man he is, huh?
01:08:43Candice LeRae, a true rider.
01:08:46There it is, that slingshot spear by Gargano, and he takes advantage off the distraction by his wife, Candice LeRae.
01:08:56Gargano launching himself up over the top and takes Carmelo down.
01:08:59These two men have never met one-on-one.
01:09:02Gargano hopes to win the first one here tonight.
01:09:13And the veteran Johnny Gargano, the first Grand Slam winner in the history of NXT, taking on Hayes here tonight.
01:09:26Both men for NXT champions.
01:09:28But as Carmelo Hayes will attest, this is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business.
01:09:34And only recently has Carmelo Hayes captured individual gold.
01:09:38Gargano wants to join him on that illustrious list.
01:09:40And Hayes already learning what it means to be a United States champion.
01:09:44And Ilya Dragunov, the former champ, perhaps waiting in the wings.
01:09:48Who knows who else?
01:09:50Right now, Carmelo Hayes can only afford to think about one task, and that's Johnny Gargano.
01:09:55Because Gargano's got a singular focus tonight in Buffalo, and that is to dethrone him.
01:10:00And look at Candice getting involved yet again.
01:10:04This will be a two-on-one affair here tonight.
01:10:09Well, Carmelo had to have planned for this.
01:10:11It's no secret, Candice LeRae likes to come to the aid of Johnny whenever possible.
01:10:20And Gargano now with a neckbreaker to Carmelo.
01:10:24Covered.
01:10:25And a kickout by Hayes.
01:10:27Hayes did allude to the fact that he will keep the United States Championship Challenge going in the next few weeks.
01:10:34As long as he can win the title tonight.
01:10:36Or I should say retain it.
01:10:37Well, Carmelo understands that he's got big shoes to fill.
01:10:40Ilya Dragunov in a relatively short United States Championship reign
01:10:43really elevated the status of the championship of his own career.
01:10:47And Carmelo wants to follow suit.
01:10:49Sammy Zane did it as well.
01:10:50We saw Sammy a bit earlier on.
01:10:53And now just mocking Carmelo.
01:10:55And I've got to question this from Gargano.
01:10:58Gargano usually a master strategist.
01:11:01But Hayes cannot be overlooked.
01:11:04Not even for a moment.
01:11:08And Gargano dropped Hayes with an elbow.
01:11:12Nice impact by Johnny Breslin.
01:11:20Gargano raking the face of the champion at the bottom of his boots.
01:11:24A rear chin lock applied.
01:11:27Simple but very effective.
01:11:28Keeping Hayes in close quarters.
01:11:30Men's United States Championship on the line right now.
01:11:32Later tonight.
01:11:33Chelsea Green defends the Women's United States Championship against the former champ, Julia.
01:11:42Gargano just wearing Hayes down.
01:11:44He's done a nice job so far, Corey.
01:11:46Grounding Hayes.
01:11:47That's smart because Gargano realizes that Carmelo's at his most dangerous when he can push the pace of a matchup.
01:11:52With that said, Gargano can hang.
01:11:54Gargano can step up the pace as well as just about anybody on the roster.
01:11:59Interesting to see Trick Williams here tonight.
01:12:01Of course, Trick and Carmelo a long relationship back at NXT.
01:12:07And Carmelo fighting back now against Gargano.
01:12:10Caught him flush with the right hand.
01:12:12United States Championship on the line tonight.
01:12:24Johnny Gargano hoping to wrestle it away from Carmelo Hayes.
01:12:28Here's that DDT cover.
01:12:30Hayes has to kick out.
01:12:31Great offensive maneuver by the challenger, Gargano, driving the champion face first into the canvas.
01:12:38Notice Johnny's body language when he was addressing the official, the veteran official, Charles Robinson,
01:12:44asking Peggy for a three count there.
01:12:46Enjoy it for a week.
01:12:50Enjoy it for a week.
01:12:52I've got to admit, it's been a while since I've seen this level of aggression,
01:12:55this level of confidence out of Johnny Gargano.
01:12:57While we talked earlier about the need to win tonight, Gargano's mind.
01:13:00Oh, big slap by Hayes.
01:13:03And here comes Carmelo.
01:13:05Johnny's overconfidence may have cost him.
01:13:09Hayes off the second row with that springboard lariat from Hayes.
01:13:16And Carmelo down in Gargano.
01:13:20Cover now by the champ.
01:13:21Kick out by Johnny Gargano.
01:13:25Hayes can't allow himself to get frustrated here.
01:13:28They're going to dig down deep.
01:13:39Gargano.
01:13:40Nice counter.
01:13:40Sensei's toward the corner, but he runs into an elbow.
01:13:48Kick right to the back of the neck.
01:13:50He's finally not where he wants to be.
01:13:54Oh, look at that reverse leg drop.
01:13:56Fade away by Hayes.
01:13:58And now Gargano out to the floor.
01:14:02Here comes Carmelo.
01:14:04Hayes now up over the top and taking Gargano down.
01:14:09Making it look too easy.
01:14:10And the uber-athletic, Carmelo Hayes up to the top rope.
01:14:20Frog splash.
01:14:21Cover to retain.
01:14:24Gargano at two.
01:14:26Hayes delivered that picture-perfect frog splash almost at a detriment to himself as we take another look at that fadeaway leg drop.
01:14:33Full extension to reach Gargano, but Hayes may have injured his ribs on the landing.
01:14:42First SmackDown of 2026.
01:14:45First three-hour SmackDown of the year.
01:14:48And we've got a banger going on tonight for the United States title.
01:14:51The champ, Hayes.
01:14:52The challenger, Gargano.
01:14:53You hear Buffalo coming back to life in support of the champion, Hayes.
01:14:59Does Gargano have the tricks in his bag to knock off the champion?
01:15:06Johnny's down.
01:15:08Hayes surveying the scene.
01:15:12Spending some valuable time as the champion.
01:15:15Yeah, and Gargano, the veteran, takes advantage.
01:15:18The usually sure-footed Hayes wanted to get a better grip.
01:15:21And Gargano made him pay.
01:15:23My God.
01:15:25Now Gargano firing up.
01:15:31Gargano looking to join Hayes.
01:15:34On the ropes.
01:15:36Oh, look at Johnny.
01:15:37We've seen him do this before.
01:15:39But wait a minute.
01:15:39Great counter by Hayes.
01:15:41At least momentarily.
01:15:44Now Carmelo with a kick right to the jaw.
01:15:46Oh, look at this.
01:15:52Oh!
01:15:52A counter by Johnny.
01:15:54Both men are down.
01:15:58Cover for the championship.
01:16:01Hayes gets the shoulder up.
01:16:04Unbelievable.
01:16:04Unbelievable.
01:16:16Critical moment in this match here tonight.
01:16:24Hayes defending against Gargano for the United States Championship.
01:16:27What a great move.
01:16:28Moment to go by Johnny Wrestling.
01:16:31Johnny's tenacity on display for the world to see.
01:16:34If you look above Johnny Gargano's right eye,
01:16:37I don't know if it's a welt or a brush burn
01:16:39from one of the face busters delivered by the champion,
01:16:42but kudos to Johnny for fighting through.
01:16:45Hayes able to escape out the back.
01:16:47Standing switch by Gargano.
01:16:49Hayes able to hold on.
01:16:51And Carmelo with a big super kick.
01:16:57Hayes springboard off the second row.
01:16:59Oh!
01:17:00While taking Johnny down from behind.
01:17:02Face first.
01:17:02Cover now for the win.
01:17:04Kick out.
01:17:09The longer this match goes,
01:17:11perhaps the doubt grows stronger in Carmelo Hayes.
01:17:14And that's what Hayes has to avoid.
01:17:16And to your point,
01:17:16this could be something of a trap for the new champion.
01:17:20The first defense, always the most difficult.
01:17:23And I'll talk a trash toward Gargano,
01:17:25much like Johnny did earlier on.
01:17:27Gargano, to your point earlier,
01:17:29has been in this position before
01:17:31and lost his championship.
01:17:33I wonder what sort of strategy Johnny's going to employ
01:17:36as this match gets into the proverbial deep waters.
01:17:38Stalemate here.
01:17:41Suplex position.
01:17:43Neither man able to gain the upper hand.
01:17:44Inside cradle by Gargano.
01:17:45Johnny to try to steal one
01:17:47and a kick out at two.
01:17:48Hayes almost got caught.
01:17:51That's the thing about Gargano.
01:17:52You've got to be on your toes
01:17:53every step of the way.
01:17:56Johnny is sly as they come.
01:17:58Oh, and Hayes driven face first
01:18:00into the second turnbuckle.
01:18:02And again, the aggressiveness by Johnny Gargano.
01:18:04Will it pay off?
01:18:06Oh, and Hayes gets the shoulder up at two.
01:18:10Near fall for Gargano again.
01:18:13And you've got to wonder
01:18:13if the frustration now will start to set in.
01:18:17I've got to wonder right now
01:18:18if Carmelo Hayes has any idea where he's at
01:18:20after being driven face first
01:18:21into the middle turnbuckle.
01:18:22Well, that's what our official
01:18:23Charles Robinson is doing.
01:18:25Checking on him.
01:18:26Steve Gargano's got a bit of blood
01:18:28trickling from his nose.
01:18:29We mentioned the flush burn
01:18:30or the welt forming on his forehead.
01:18:33Telling about these United States
01:18:34Championship matches as of late.
01:18:36Extremely physical.
01:18:41Blue!
01:18:43Blue!
01:18:48Blue!
01:18:49Blue!
01:18:50Blue!
01:18:54Oh!
01:18:55Step up Enzigiri by Gargano.
01:18:58Rocks Hayes.
01:18:59And Hayes rocks Johnny with a drop kick.
01:19:04Oh, look at Hayes.
01:19:05The quickness as he ducks underneath.
01:19:06Johnny does as well.
01:19:07Collision!
01:19:08Both men down center of the ring.
01:19:13Who will recover first
01:19:15and gain the upper hand.
01:19:17A vicious collision moments ago.
01:19:32Have left Gargano and Hayes
01:19:33on the mat
01:19:34as the United States Championship
01:19:36hangs in the balance.
01:19:37Gargano the challenger.
01:19:38Hayes the champion
01:19:39in his first title defense.
01:19:41Go!
01:19:42Go!
01:19:42Go!
01:19:42Go!
01:19:42Go!
01:19:43Go!
01:19:43Go!
01:19:43Go!
01:19:43Go!
01:19:44Go!
01:19:44Go!
01:19:44Go!
01:19:45Go!
01:19:45Go!
01:19:45Go!
01:19:47The importants of the matchup
01:19:47for Carmelo Hayes last week
01:19:49looking at the opportunity
01:19:50as it must win
01:19:51as do or die
01:19:52and Hayes
01:19:53earned the victory.
01:19:55Can Johnny do the same tonight?
01:19:57A lot of momentum
01:19:57with that clothesline
01:19:58by Gargano
01:19:59and now
01:20:00looking to put Hayes away.
01:20:01He could be closing in
01:20:02on his first singles title
01:20:04here on Friday Night Smackdown.
01:20:06Big kick by Hayes
01:20:07to intercept.
01:20:12Springboard
01:20:12caught in the jaw.
01:20:14Hayes could be out.
01:20:15Go!
01:20:15Go!
01:20:15Go!
01:20:17Got it!
01:20:17Oh!
01:20:18Cutter by the champion!
01:20:20And Hayes now
01:20:21going to drag himself
01:20:22into the cover
01:20:23to look to retain!
01:20:24What a great...
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