- 5 days ago
WWE Friday Night Smackdown January 2nd 2026 Full Show Part 2
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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 Buckle of New York, where the NFL's Bills host the 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 Drew 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.
00:01:41You want to do something?
00:01:42You want to be a man?
00:01:43You want to hit me?
00:01:44Do you want to get revenge on me right now?
00:01:47Go for it, Dad.
00:01:56Well, 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.
00:02:38I wish your children could see a real man put the boots to you.
00:02:45I 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.
00:03:03Three stages of hell.
00:03:07Absolutely.
00:03:08Absolutely.
00:03:09And I send you straight to hell.
00:03:14Say hi to your dad for me.
00:03:16Oh!
00:03:17Oh!
00:03:17Oh!
00:03:18Oh!
00:03:18Oh!
00:03:19Oh!
00:03:19Oh!
00:03:20Oh!
00:03:20Oh!
00:03:21Oh!
00:03:21Oh!
00:03:22Oh!
00:03:22Oh!
00:03:23Oh!
00:03:23Oh!
00:03:24Oh!
00:03:24Oh!
00:03:25Oh!
00:03:25Oh!
00:03:26Oh!
00:03:34Three stages of hell.
00:03:42Ladies and gentlemen, there is the Undisputed WWE Champion.
00:03:47Cody Rhodes tonight finds out what three stages of hell he will need to go through against Drew McIntyre next week.
00:03:55here on SmackDown.
00:03:58The former tag team champions
00:04:00once frenemies, now Buddy,
00:04:01Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
00:04:05Rhea Ripley and Io Sky
00:04:07looking ahead to a tag title opportunity
00:04:10Monday night on Raw.
00:04:13The irresistible force, Nia Jax,
00:04:15and the upstart last legend
00:04:18here tonight.
00:04:21And the tag team champions,
00:04:23the Kabuki Warriors,
00:04:24Asuka and Kairi Sane.
00:04:26It is a massive eight-woman tag team match tonight.
00:04:31The Punisher, Damian Priest,
00:04:34hopes to finally end his month-long rivalry
00:04:38against the necessary evil
00:04:41of Aleister Black and his wife, Zelina Vega.
00:04:45An ambulance match live tonight.
00:04:50Ladies and gentlemen,
00:04:51for the first time
00:04:53in the history of SmackDown,
00:04:55an ambulance match.
00:04:57No pinfalls, no countouts,
00:04:59no disqualifications or submissions.
00:05:01You win when you put your opponent
00:05:03in the back of an ambulance
00:05:05and shut both doors.
00:05:08Hello, everybody.
00:05:09Welcome to Ringside, and Happy New Year.
00:05:10Michael Cole, Corey Graves,
00:05:12and Corey, are you ready to kick off
00:05:13SmackDown, the first three-hour
00:05:15SmackDown of the new year?
00:05:16Absolutely.
00:05:17I am more superstars,
00:05:19more action,
00:05:20more memories.
00:05:21Welcome to 2026.
00:05:23We're doing it big right here
00:05:25on SmackDown.
00:05:26No, no, no, no, no.
00:05:27Pass the mic and start the show.
00:05:29Give me this
00:05:30camera.
00:05:36We are not moving on to 2026.
00:05:41I am so sick of hearing
00:05:43Happy New Year.
00:05:45Happy New Year.
00:05:46No, no, no.
00:05:47We're not moving on to 2026
00:05:49until I air my grievances
00:05:53of 2025.
00:05:58Grievance number one.
00:06:01I asked for one match,
00:06:03one moment with John Cena's
00:06:05retirement tour.
00:06:07Not for nostalgia or to be enduring,
00:06:09but for obligation.
00:06:12Because our story needed closure.
00:06:15I should have been the one
00:06:16to tap John Cena out.
00:06:22Instead,
00:06:24he's off smiling,
00:06:26riding in the sunset,
00:06:27and I am stuck here
00:06:29in Buffalo.
00:06:34Technically,
00:06:35I'm the one being punished.
00:06:38Grievance number one.
00:06:39Two.
00:06:41I did something rare
00:06:43in this business.
00:06:44I offered my mentorship,
00:06:47my guidance,
00:06:48my expertise
00:06:48to all the young
00:06:50and up-and-coming superstars
00:06:51who should have been
00:06:53raising their hands,
00:06:54chomping at the bit
00:06:56to gain my knowledge.
00:06:57knowledge.
00:06:58But it was met with ungratefulness
00:07:02and entitlement.
00:07:05Respect
00:07:05is not requested.
00:07:08It's expected.
00:07:10Not just from the rookies,
00:07:12but from each and every one
00:07:14of you
00:07:15who wouldn't know greatness
00:07:16unless I slap the nachos
00:07:19out of your hands.
00:07:21Yeah, I'm talking to you,
00:07:22big boy.
00:07:23looking like
00:07:252005 Jelly Roll
00:07:27out there.
00:07:30Grievance number three.
00:07:32I was passed over
00:07:33for Marty Supreme.
00:07:34Chalamet,
00:07:35this ain't over.
00:07:38Grievance number four.
00:07:41Not only did
00:07:43Johan
00:07:44He who shall not be named
00:07:59and his little good time buddies
00:08:02ruin my last smackdown
00:08:04of an absolutely terrible year.
00:08:07but he brought back
00:08:10a nickname.
00:08:15A very untrue nickname.
00:08:20This will not become
00:08:38a thing again.
00:08:41There is
00:08:42a silver lining.
00:08:44We are on
00:08:45to 2026 now
00:08:48and John Cena
00:08:49is gone.
00:08:51Bye bye.
00:08:52See you later.
00:08:53We can't see him
00:08:55and we don't want
00:08:56to see him anymore.
00:08:58Because there is
00:08:59a new face
00:09:01of WWE
00:09:02and I fit so perfectly
00:09:04as it.
00:09:05Because unlike
00:09:06this city,
00:09:08I actually win
00:09:09championships.
00:09:10Oh yeah,
00:09:21I'm the most decorated
00:09:22superstar out here.
00:09:24Two-time
00:09:24WWE
00:09:25champion,
00:09:27eight-time
00:09:27intercontinental
00:09:28champion,
00:09:29two-time
00:09:30United States
00:09:31champion,
00:09:32ten-time
00:09:32tag team champion,
00:09:34first ever,
00:09:35first ever
00:09:36Grand Slam
00:09:37champion
00:09:38in the history
00:09:39of this company.
00:09:41And that means
00:09:42I am the face
00:09:45of WWE.
00:09:47I am the gateway
00:09:48for this company.
00:09:50I am the locker room
00:09:53leader.
00:09:54And I am the adult
00:09:56in the room
00:09:57filled,
00:09:58filled with spoiled
00:10:00little brats.
00:10:01I am the
00:10:03voices in my heart,
00:10:05they can't
00:10:06feel to me
00:10:07their enemies
00:10:08to have
00:10:09great time
00:10:10me.
00:10:10I am the
00:10:11Lord,
00:10:11I am the
00:10:12Lord,
00:10:12I am the
00:10:12Lord,
00:10:13I am the
00:10:14Lord,
00:10:15I am the
00:10:16Lord,
00:10:16I am the
00:10:16Lord,
00:10:17I am the
00:10:18Lord,
00:10:18I am the
00:10:19Lord.
00:10:19You've
00:10:20got chosen
00:10:21and
00:10:22which are
00:10:23all designed
00:10:24to keep
00:10:25you sick.
00:10:26But then
00:10:26we'll
00:10:27start getting
00:10:28broken,
00:10:29you'll
00:10:29stop
00:10:29questioning
00:10:30your
00:10:31faith.
00:10:31I have
00:10:32a voice
00:10:33that is
00:10:33my
00:10:34savior.
00:10:34Hates
00:10:35to lie
00:10:35to hate.
00:10:37I have
00:10:38a voice
00:10:38that has
00:10:39the knowledge
00:10:40and the
00:10:41power to
00:10:42lead
00:10:42away.
00:10:44I hear
00:10:45voices
00:10:46crying,
00:10:47I see
00:10:48heroes
00:10:49dying,
00:10:50I taste
00:10:51what I'm
00:10:52trying,
00:10:53I feel
00:10:54tensions
00:10:55rising,
00:10:56I hear
00:10:56voices
00:10:57in my
00:10:58head,
00:10:58they
00:10:58come to me,
00:11:00they understand,
00:11:01they talk
00:11:02me,
00:11:03they talk
00:11:05to me,
00:11:06they tell me
00:11:08things that I
00:11:09will do,
00:11:10they show me
00:11:11things I
00:11:12do to you,
00:11:13they talk
00:11:13to me,
00:11:15they talk
00:11:16to me,
00:11:16they talk
00:11:17to me,
00:11:17they talk
00:11:19to me,
00:11:20they talk
00:11:21to me,
00:11:22they talk
00:11:22to me.
00:11:24Oh,
00:11:25those are
00:11:26defenseless,
00:11:27all the doctors
00:11:28are diseased,
00:11:29and the
00:11:30preachers
00:11:31are sinners
00:11:32and police
00:11:34just take
00:11:34the grease,
00:11:36all the
00:11:36doctors
00:11:37feel
00:11:37guilty,
00:11:39all the
00:11:39doctors
00:11:40have
00:11:40been
00:11:41fighting,
00:11:41all the
00:11:42doctors
00:11:43feel
00:11:43guilty,
00:11:44and the
00:11:45Christians
00:11:45don't
00:11:46rise.
00:11:48I see
00:11:49justice
00:11:50falling,
00:11:51I hear
00:11:52voices
00:11:53calling,
00:11:54I feel
00:11:55justice
00:11:56calling,
00:11:57I see
00:11:58faith
00:11:58has
00:11:59falling,
00:11:59I hear
00:12:00voices
00:12:01in my
00:12:02head,
00:12:02they
00:12:03care
00:12:03to me,
00:12:04they
00:12:04understand,
00:12:05they talk
00:12:06to me,
00:12:07they talk
00:12:09to me,
00:12:10they tell
00:12:12me,
00:12:12they tell
00:12:13me,
00:12:13they tell
00:12:14me,
00:12:15they talk
00:12:17to me,
00:12:19they talk
00:12:20to me,
00:12:21they talk
00:12:22to me.
00:12:29they talk
00:12:31to me,
00:12:43they talk
00:12:46to me,
00:12:49they talk
00:12:49to me,
00:12:49they talk
00:14:20And as I was saying, we are the adults in the room.
00:14:30We are the locker room leaders.
00:14:33We are the gate made to this company.
00:14:35We are the faces of WWE.
00:14:39And we could, could be Ms. K.O.
00:14:49Oh, K.O.
00:15:01Out of nowhere.
00:15:18Happy New Year, man.
00:15:33Your turn.
00:15:34R.K.O.
00:15:36Out of nowhere.
00:15:43So, Viper is back.
00:15:47And Corey, WWE Friday night SmackDown is no longer safe.
00:15:55What 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.
00:16:20Just so you know, even though we beat you a few weeks ago, we're trying to stay good with 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.
00:16:53That's a great idea.
00:16:54And then you can owe us a shot at those.
00:16:57We will be happy to owe you a bidding.
00:17:08On Monday, we will keep the titles.
00:17:15And after that, we can face you any time.
00:17:25And I think you guys should ready for Kabuki Warriors.
00:17:45Never a good sign when tensions already running high amongst teammates.
00:18:03We'll be happy to see you next time.
00:18:28The following is an eight-woman tag team contest scheduled for one call.
00:18:33Introducing first, Yokoz, Andrea Ripley.
00:18:39Could 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.
00:19:03Some nights, it's played without cards or dice.
00:19:07Just tension.
00:19:10Never knowing who might show up at the table.
00:19:13Wrestlemania Vegas.
00:19:25Code Man.
00:19:26What's up all you?
00:19:27It's good to be back.
00:19:28Listen, I'm glad I ran into you.
00:19:30Because out of respect, I need to let you know, now that I am back in the ring, once you beat Drew McIntyre next week in Berlin, I am coming for this.
00:19:49Cody, I 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.
00:20:10You cannot let that happen.
00:20:12I hate to be a dead horse, but if you touch him before your match in Berlin, you forfeit this.
00:20:19And as your colleague and your friend, I would hate to see that happen.
00:20:23Nick, you don't have to worry.
00:20:25When it comes to this, that's not going to happen.
00:20:29Okay.
00:20:30I'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 match-up, eight-woman tag team match, here tonight on SmackDown.
00:20:46And their opponents making their way to the ring, they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
00:21:13Asuka, Kyrie says, the Kabuki Warriors!
00:21:20Corey, Monday night on Raw, these two women will defend the tag titles against one of the teams they're facing here tonight,
00:21:26Rhea Ripley and Io Sky.
00:21:27Does that factor at all into this match-up?
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 close to 100% as physically possible.
00:21:37That's going to be no easy task for the Kabuki Warriors.
00:21:39But if anybody can do it, Kyrie and Asuka 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 deserve 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 Lash know they have the Kabuki's number.
00:22:01It's better the devil you know.
00:22:03They would rather the championships stay with the Kabuki Warriors than head around the waist of Rhea and Io.
00:22:07And 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 shot after Raw on Monday night.
00:22:19The last time all eight of these women were in the ring together was back at the end of November at Survivor Series War Games.
00:22:31They continue their battles here tonight.
00:22:35Really just a testament to how stacked the tag team division has become.
00:22:39And 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 to 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.
00:22:58Asuka 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.
00:23:11Kawada-style kicks attacking the damaged nose of Rhea Ripley.
00:23:14That thing could be rebroken easily.
00:23:16Well, this guy was trying to send a 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 championship contest Monday.
00:23:25Ran Asuka.
00:23:27And they 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 Kyrie Zane is dumped out of the ring.
00:23:40And Alexa Bliss would love a tag and gets one.
00:23:42And here comes Bliss.
00:23:44Just merely see a little hesitation.
00:23:46Oh!
00:23:47From Rhea Ripley before tagging Alexa.
00:23:49Alexa taking over.
00:23:51And to get to your point a few moments ago, I don't think any of these teams are really going to get along tonight, Corey.
00:24:06I guess just hoping to survive.
00:24:08Well, no one'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.
00:24:17Big boot by Bliss catches Asuka off guard.
00:24:20But keep your eyes on Kyrie Zane.
00:24:22And Kyrie bouncing Bliss at the back of her head off the turnbuckle.
00:24:26And now, Kyrie Zane allows her partner Asuka to take control.
00:24:30Just next level tag team chemistry from the Kabuki Warriors.
00:24:34Kyrie recognized that Asuka had the official's attention.
00:24:37And took the time to gain the upper hand.
00:24:42Now a double team coming from the Kabuki Warriors.
00:24:46Kyrie with a kick to the back of the neck.
00:24:49And there's the double team.
00:24:51Again from the tag team champions.
00:24:53Cover by Zane.
00:24:55Not sure what the official was doing there.
00:24:57Nonetheless, now counts.
00:24:59And a kick out of two by Bliss.
00:25:02Kyrie now controlling Alexa Bliss.
00:25:06And this is the first step in classic tag team strategy.
00:25:09Look for Kyrie, 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.
00:25:16And Asuka did not seem too pleased that Nia tagged herself into this matchup.
00:25:21The irresistible force who has done wonders in the early going of the SmackDown career
00:25:26of Lash Legend to Corey.
00:25:28Well, Lash 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.
00:25:43Lash Legend who owns a victory over Alexa Bliss.
00:25:47Last month, one of the biggest of her young career.
00:25:49And now Legend with a...
00:25:51Oh!
00:25:52Big splash to Bliss.
00:25:53Cover.
00:25:54Big 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 Kyrie are focused on the task this Monday.
00:26:08That 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!
00:26:18And Lash is 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.
00:26:28Lash Legend believes she belongs...
00:26:30Wow!
00:26:31Look at this!
00:26:32Yeah, that's a look at that power you were talking about.
00:26:34And...
00:26:35Legend may snap Bliss' arm in two!
00:26:37Oh!
00:26:38And a clothesline cover!
00:26:39Again by Legend!
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 fit.
00:26:56Now Lash 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.
00:27:05She's worried about money, checks, and championships.
00:27:13Nia Jax just sent Io crashing to the floor.
00:27:17And Alexa Bliss and Lash Legend are the legal competitors in this matchup at the moment.
00:27:21And Lash just controlling Alexa.
00:27:23Now is the double team from Nia and Lash.
00:27:25And Alexa trying to fight back now.
00:27:27Well, official Daphne LeCharm certainly has her hands full in this one.
00:27:30Sent to the outside is Legend Bliss from the second turnbuckle.
00:27:33Tornado DDT!
00:27:34Plants Nia center of the ring and Alexa's got a chance.
00:27:37Can she make a tag of the 14-time world champion Charlotte Flair?
00:27:42And here comes the queen!
00:27:46And that big cross body!
00:27:51Wiping out Nia and Lash.
00:27:53And Charlotte's fired up.
00:27:55Charlotte said 20-26.
00:27:58You'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.
00:28:07Charlotte'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, championship or not.
00:28:16Oh!
00:28:17Oh!
00:28:18Charlotte drilling Lash Legend and turns her attention to Nia Jax.
00:28:22The woman who beat Charlotte back in November.
00:28:25Natural 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.
00:28:35Green spending a lot of time making the climb.
00:28:38This could cost her.
00:28:40Charlotte moonsault, pull up top!
00:28:43Cover on Jax!
00:28:45For the win!
00:28:46And a kick out!
00:28:50Well it'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.
00:29:01That's the reason she's won 14 world titles.
00:29:04And Nia now sends Charlotte into the corner.
00:29:07Great athleticism out to the apron.
00:29:09Catches last with a boot.
00:29:10Now catches Nia with one of her own again.
00:29:12And there's a...
00:29:13Oh I thought she was going for a slingshot spear but...
00:29:16Nia 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 and Jax turned the tables in her own favor.
00:29:32Big headbutt rocks the 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.
00:29:54Charlotte Flair's bridged up.
00:29:56Figure eight's in but watch Kyrie say!
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 league with 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.
00:30:26And here comes the two-time world champion.
00:30:29A woman who didn't lose a tag match in all of 2025.
00:30:34And Sky ducks underneath and catches sand on the top rope.
00:30:44EO with a double missile drop kick.
00:30:47I say it every week and I mean it, Corey.
00:30:49Pound for pound.
00:30:51The best wrestler on the planet.
00:30:54No argument from me.
00:30:56EO Sky continues to impress him.
00:30:59So does Nia.
00:31:00Brilliant maneuver by Nia Jax to take away the tag.
00:31:03Oh, what a kick by Asuka knocking the wind out of EO.
00:31:07It is chaos in ring and ringside.
00:31:10Lash 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!
00:31:19What a kick!
00:31:22And somehow EO able to kick at it too.
00:31:26What impact by Legend.
00:31:30Look at this.
00:31:33What a kick!
00:31:34What a kick!
00:31:36What a kick!
00:31:38Flash 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.
00:32:04Nia Jax in the best shape of her career and 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.
00:32:18Disrespectful as always.
00:32:20I love it.
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's had so much success in WWE.
00:32:35Not only is she a physical marvel when it comes to mind games, she is second to none.
00:32:40And Lash Legend learning all that psychology from her.
00:32:43As she pounds away EO Sky and now Lash is legal.
00:32:46Side slam by Nia.
00:32:47And 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.
00:33:06EO!
00:33:07EO!
00:33:07EO!
00:33:08EO!
00:33:08EO!
00:33:09EO!
00:33:09EO!
00:33:09EO!
00:33:10EO!
00:33:10EO!
00:33:10And here in the Key Bank Center trying to rally the genius of the sky.
00:33:16EO desperately needs to make a tag.
00:33:20Seems like everything Lash does is just done with malice.
00:33:23I agree with you wholeheartedly.
00:33:25It'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 EO, things could go from bad to worse.
00:33:34Lash and Nia have been putting on a clinic here.
00:33:37Not a big splash in the corner.
00:33:39And Lash Legend going to pull it up with one of her own.
00:33:43They're just having their way with this former world champ.
00:33:46Cover.
00:33:46One!
00:33:47Two!
00:33:48EO's got a kick out at two.
00:33:51Lash Legend is absolutely living up to her billing as the bougie bully.
00:33:56And she's learning more from the best Nia Jax.
00:33:59It's Nia Jax 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 EO's head off her shoulders.
00:34:12EO slammed face first into the mat.
00:34:15The New Year not starting off on the right foot for EO Sky.
00:34:23And here comes Asuka.
00:34:24Asuka and EO, of course, with a rich history.
00:34:27Once the best of friends, once mentor and protege.
00:34:30Now bitter enemies.
00:34:34And it's Asuka reminding EO, I've taught you everything you know, but not everything I know.
00:34:39Asuka just a viciousness as she attacks EO Sky.
00:34:43EO Sky has absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment at the hands of the Kabuki Warriors.
00:34:55And Nia Jax and Lash Legend in this eight-woman tag team match.
00:34:59Vicious forearm from the Empress of Tomorrow.
00:35:03Double team coming.
00:35:04Kairi Sane into a neckbreaker.
00:35:08Kairi now the legal Kabuki Warrior.
00:35:10And A-O Sky able to move out of harm's way.
00:35:14Asuka and Kairi making a bit of contact there.
00:35:17And it allows Skye now to try to drag herself to the corner.
00:35:20Kairi Sane going to try to prevent EO for making a tag.
00:35:23Rhea Ripley has finally made her way back to the apron after being attacked by Nia Jax.
00:35:27A sheep shot by Asuka.
00:35:29Blasting bliss off the apron.
00:35:31Skye.
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.
00:35:46I'll turn Kairi inside out for those clotheslines.
00:35:52Oh, and now using Kairi 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 Kairi away.
00:36:11Looking for Riptide.
00:36:13Asuka.
00:36:14Cut off by the official.
00:36:17Down in the shot.
00:36:18And it allows Nia Jax.
00:36:20And now Charlotte in the mix.
00:36:23Asuka with a kick.
00:36:25Here comes Bliss.
00:36:28With her sister.
00:36:30Abigail.
00:36:33Legend with a big right.
00:36:35Rhea with a drop kick.
00:36:39Kairi Sane now from the top.
00:36:41Oh, look at the power.
00:36:45Just catching Kairi.
00:36:51Headbutt.
00:36:56Riptide.
00:36:59Tag.
00:37:05Over.
00:37:06The moonstone.
00:37:07Here are your winners.
00:37:14Charlotte Flair.
00:37:16Alexa Bliss.
00:37:17Rhea Ripley.
00:37:19And Io Jax.
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.
00:37:36Look, 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 freezing?
00:38:04Okay.
00:38:05First 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 of the SmackDown roster.
00:38:14Miss Jordan Grace.
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.
00:38:20Some 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.
00:38:30Do 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, fourth, and final United States Women's Champion.
00:38:45So.
00:38:45Oh, a New Year's resolution.
00:38:47Do you know what I want to accomplish?
00:38:48A go's neck.
00:38:49Come on.
00:38:50Come on.
00:38:50Okay.
00:38:51Wouldn'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.
00:38:57How about this?
00:38:59If accomplishing your goals are so important, what about I accomplish a goal and strip you of the United States Championship,
00:39:05deem you unfit for purpose, and impeach you, Madam President?
00:39:10You're possible.
00:39:11Disgusting.
00:39:12I don't want to do that.
00:39:15I vote for impeachment.
00:39:17That's why you're part of the problem, Cole.
00:39:19Are you there?
00:39:20The following contest is scheduled for one call.
00:39:35Introducing first, from Buckinghamshire, England, swing in at 210 pounds, Kit 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.
00:39:52Welcome to Western New York, the home of the NHL Sabres, and 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 Jet, 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.
00:40:33And I am redefining masculinity.
00:40:39And here I find myself in Buffalo.
00:40:43Home 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?
00:40:57You, you, you are toxic!
00:41:02Toxic!
00:41:03Woo, woo, woo.
00:41:05Oh, no.
00:41:07Oh, yeah!
00:41:09Always ready.
00:41:18So, wait a minute.
00:41:27And his opponent from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 230 pounds, Matt Cardona!
00:41:37So, yeah, I saw the screen switch.
00:41:39The last time we saw this guy a couple of months ago, he 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 a 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.
00:42:01This 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?
00:42:10Matt 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.
00:42:21And, uh, well, speaking of our general manager, Nick Aldis, uh, he just told me in my headset,
00:42:27Corey, 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.
00:42:39Well, 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.
00:42:54Cardona now in the corner.
00:42:56Remember, former Intercontinental United States champion and Cardona sent Kit Wilson face first.
00:43:02This 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.
00:43:20So I'm in NXT earlier this year.
00:43:22I mentioned that 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, Wilson dropping an elbow now.
00:43:52And 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.
00:44:25By the end of the night, we'll all be wearing pearl necklaces, Cole.
00:44:33And Kit now with the right hand to the midsection of Cardona.
00:44:39And 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 will kick.
00:44:55And 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.
00:45:17Hard to keep down for sure.
00:45:18Yeah.
00:45:19I mentioned a former champion here in WWE.
00:45:23I still can't stand this.
00:45:26Say it.
00:45:26Say it with me.
00:45:27No.
00:45:29You all right over there?
00:45:31You sound like a chimpanzee.
00:45:33Uh-oh.
00:45:33Double underhook by Cardona.
00:45:36Oh.
00:45:36Josh Wilson stacks him up.
00:45:38And a kick out by Kit.
00:45:40That is incredible toughness.
00:45:45Kit Wilson is like, are you waving off this?
00:45:49He just needs a moment to compose himself.
00:45:54Doing a pretty good job of it.
00:45:57Setting Zach.
00:45:58Face first in the middle turnbuckle.
00:46:01Now 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.
00:46:24We still call it that?
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.
00:46:37The car rider.
00:46:39What a way to kick off 2026 for Matt Cardona.
00:46:45Well, quick little research here.
00:46:47That was Cardona's first win in six and a half years in WWE.
00:46:53Welcome back.
00:46:55Matt Cardona.
00:46:56What a way to kick off the new year and what a turn 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 and 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.
00:47:27Six 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.
00:47:35Alistair, 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.
00:47:49With all that, even burning my face, the only thing you've done
00:47:52is 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, close the door,
00:48:07and send you straight to the ER.
00:48:09Because tonight, Alistair, you're the one that's going to fade to black.
00:48:15For the first time ever on Friday Night SmackDown,
00:48:18and only the seventh time in the history of WWE,
00:48:23an ambulance match.
00:48:24It's our huge main event to end our first three-hour SmackDown of 2026 live tonight.
00:48:34After tonight, Corey and I get on the thruway,
00:48:36and we head down to New York City, the borough of Brooklyn Barclays Center,
00:48:39the first Raw of 2026.
00:48:42And 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 Liv Morgan in Liv's first match in six months.
00:48:57And we mentioned it before, the women's tag team gold on the line.
00:49:01Kabuki Warriors defend against Io and Reed.
00:49:04Does Braun Breaker change the entire landscape of WWE
00:49:08with the biggest win of his career Monday night?
00:49:10I think he does.
00:49:11What is the meaning of family, Solo?
00:49:28That is an answer you've been searching for
00:49:31since you were exiled from your true bloodline.
00:49:36You claim the Wyatt Six are not a family.
00:49:45But you haven't taken the time to comprehend the force
00:49:48that you are up against.
00:49:55You mock what you do not understand.
00:49:59Our family is not made up of just us.
00:50:05Our family is filled with millions of fireflies around the world
00:50:18that we will always remember.
00:50:29Solo.
00:50:31It's time for us to chop down your family tree.
00:50:36At the root.
00:50:41Because when the dust settles,
00:50:42we will be the ones.
00:50:47We will be the ones.
00:51:12Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
00:51:24Sammy Zane!
00:51:29Nice to see Sammy Zane
00:51:31back here on the first SmackDown of the New Year.
00:51:38My New Year's resolution was to stay as far away
00:51:40from Sammy Zane as possible.
00:51:42He's already out the window.
00:51:45He usually only lasts a day or two anyway.
00:51:49Sammy Zane, of course,
00:51:50United States champion last year,
00:51:52brought back the Open Challenge.
00:51:57Sammy had an incredible reign
00:51:58as United States champion.
00:51:59Picked up right where John Cena left off.
00:52:04Sammy's got plenty to say.
00:52:10Buffalo.
00:52:12Howdy.
00:52:16I haven't been, uh,
00:52:18I haven't really been around the last couple of weeks,
00:52:20so it feels really good to be back out here.
00:52:23Actually, the last time you guys saw me on TV
00:52:25wasn't even in the middle of this ring.
00:52:27It was actually out in the audience.
00:52:29I 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.
00:52:41It was amazing.
00:52:42I got to sit in the front row and watch John Cena's last match with my son,
00:52:47with my kid.
00:52:48And 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 that...
00:53:00Yeah, no, it really hit me.
00:53:01Uh, you know, they introduce Cena and the match gets underway and my son, he turns to me
00:53:09and he goes, Baba, 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.
00:53:26And 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,
00:54:04he'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,
00:54:11with 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.
00:54:21And he's seen me bring home championships.
00:54:24I've come home, I've...
00:54:25He has pictures with the Intercontinental Championship,
00:54:28with the Tag Team Championship,
00:54:29with the United States Championship.
00:54:31So he doesn't understand why is this one...
00:54:34Why is this one missing?
00:54:39So 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.
00:54:48It 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!
00:55:002026 is here!
00:55:02And I am coming for the WWE Championship!
00:55:07Oh, yeah!
00:55:15Oh, yeah!
00:55:15Oh, yeah!
00:55:15oh i would never disrespect booker t by trying to ad-lib but i will agree
00:55:39with the hall of famer trick williams is that man the must see former two-time nxt champion
00:55:49former gna world champ trick in a
00:56:09reporting to you live the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive trick williams
00:56:21has finally arrived
00:56:30sammy zane we haven't been formally introduced
00:56:34some call me tricky two times some call me mr wolf that some call me hollywood trick
00:56:45but you can call me trick willie and i am the most entertaining the most athletic the most
00:56:51dangerous man in this business i'm gonna happen when you get michael jordan michael jackson mike
00:56:56tyson at the same place and at the same time
00:56:58and i'm here for one reason and one reason only sammy nick out has called me
00:57:07he dialed 1-800 whooped that said trick willie we need you on smackdown
00:57:13smackdown is missing a little something it needs some flavor it needs some pizzazz
00:57:17it needs some of that some of that some of that only what you can bring trick willie
00:57:21he said we need someone that's tall dark and handsome
00:57:27well trick hold on sammy i wasn't done talking
00:57:37i could take off this coat i could take off these shades
00:57:41i could take off these lemon pepper steppers
00:57:48and i'm still six foot five 250 pounds in other words trick williams is a grown-ass man
00:57:56and that's what nick out is trying to say we need someone here at smackdown who can
00:58:02challenge for that championship we need somebody here who looks good who looks like a champion damn it
00:58:08sammy zayn i'm here to be world champion
00:58:17you and me ain't nothing alike we are not the same they 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
00:58:28you finish talking now yeah i'm done all right good you're not wrong trick you look great you have
00:58:43a lot to offer i've been watching you i've been watching everything you've been doing your career
00:58:47all this is right about you you have all the tools the problem with you trick is you have yet to be
00:58:53humbled do you think you're the first guy to look good you think you're the first guy to be good you
00:59:02think you're not the first guy to walk through these ropes saying they're gonna cut the line they're
00:59:07gonna skip the queue they're gonna be wwe champion overnight you're not the first and you're not the
00:59:12first person to come in here and look their nose down on me but here's the thing since you want to
00:59:17come here and interrupt me when i'm talking i have no 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 of it
01:00:01sammy zane unfortunately may not have a choice because when it comes to trick williams
01:00:04the man is the genuine article and if sammy's not careful he's gonna get a lemon pepper stepper
01:00:10right on the chin you know trick williams doesn't lack confidence and another man who doesn't lack
01:00:15confidence carmelo hayes who found himself in a must-win situation last week against the united
01:00:20states champion ilia dragunov an instant classic many are calling it dragunov and carmelo hayes both left
01:00:28it all in the ring in one of the most exciting matches of 2025 but in the closing moments a
01:00:34a momentary lapse in judgment from dragunov would open the door for the challenger and mellow didn't
01:00:42miss stacking the champion's shoulders and new united states champion carmelo hayes
01:00:51great show of respect from the former champion dragunov carmelo hayes wins his first major title
01:00:58here on smackdown
01:00:59happy new year new year new year snow on godam listen last week i wanted to fight the best and i
01:01:15wanted to fight the best version of the best so you give exactly that to me
01:01:24and while the outcome was not necessarily what i expected or what i wanted i think there are
01:01:33worse things in life than losing to him but 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 gonna keep it going that's for you and i when
01:01:57you're ready to run this thing back i'll keep the lights on for you lovely
01:02:01hey what up miss what's up i was hoping i was gonna run into you man i just gotta tell you
01:02:14this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for you so from the serious part of my heart i just gotta tell
01:02:18you thank you
01:02:21you finally come to your senses thank you me man thank you for finally leaving me alone because
01:02:27i've been better ever since dog
01:02:33more miz
01:02:37well here's the man that hopes mellow will miss tonight
01:02:49the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it's for the united states
01:02:55the champion
01:03:11well johnny wrestling make this a short title reign for carmelo hayes we'll find out with a title on the
01:03:18line live next
01:03:31the
01:03:43the queen
01:03:43it's almost time to celebrate the new year and evil has risen
01:03:49by chance
01:03:55great week on the wwe podcast network including what do you want to talk about cody rhodes welcomes
01:04:05john cena john cena's first interview since his final match ever a few weeks back at saturday
01:04:11night's main event compelling controversial cody and cena also the rest of the podcast throughout the
01:04:15week a recap of the 2025 wwe year and a look ahead to what should be a tremendous 2026
01:04:25thank you thank you thank you thank you so much thank you thank you so much thank you thank you
01:04:34you see what just happened disrespected me punching the microphone in my chest he must be
01:04:38stupid so
01:04:43hey what you just say i say the new guys got a lot
01:04:48to learn about respect you better learn how to mind your business while grown folk talking
01:04:55hey you're just making friends everywhere you go aren't you i gotta do that you know what
01:05:00maybe he's right maybe sammy's right maybe you do need to be taught a lesson so guess what trick
01:05:04congratulations next week you're gonna make your official smackdown debut
01:05:08versus ray phoenix that's exactly what i want yeah you want to appreciate that nick all right see you
01:05:16next week rick's got issues nonetheless johnny gargano set for action tonight carmelo hayes with a score to
01:05:23settle after what happened last week after hayes won the united states championship
01:05:28the jerseys are going back in the rafters the division is on notice
01:05:38you ruined everything i will take everything from you everything that time is mine
01:05:55you want your shot well i guess you wait till next year
01:06:12and his opponent from boston massachusetts playing at 210 pounds
01:06:18he is the united states champion
01:06:24carmelo hayes well 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 cory why is the first title defense
01:06:41always the toughest because historically speaking many superstars reach the top of the mountain and their
01:06:47instinct is to exhale they lose a bit of the hunger a bit of the drive that got them to the
01:06:52mountaintop in the first place will mellow fall victim to that only time will tell well gargano
01:06:56trying to cheap shot this matchup isn't even officially underway as of let and a veteran referee
01:07:03charles robinson will work this match up tonight gargano talked to him earlier today cory he admitted
01:07:09this really much like carmelo faced last week is a must win for gargano tonight he said at some
01:07:15point i've got to win my first singles championship here on smackdown much like carmelo hayes johnny
01:07:20gargano is a guy who scratched and clawed just to make it to wwe tasted a great deal of success in nxt
01:07:25but since coming up to raw on smackdown yes gargano's held tag team gold but you always want a little
01:07:30more you want that individual gold that that thing to hang on your mantle that says you did it carmelo
01:07:36hayes with the pace picked up here in the early going of this matchup hayes the new united states
01:07:42champion we mentioned his first title defense tonight if anybody knows what hayes is going
01:07:46through it's that man in the ring johnny gargano his first title defense when he became nxt north
01:07:52american champion he lost the title his first title defense when he became nxt champion he lost the
01:07:58title he knows how tough those first title defenses can be and he hopes to be able to steal one from hayes
01:08:04tonight well can carmelo hayes succeed where johnny gargano has failed in his career that's what it all
01:08:09boils down to and i like this aggression we're seeing out of gargano here in the opening moments
01:08:13of the matchup oh and i like the fact that hayes is seemingly going to be a fighting champion the u.s
01:08:20title last year was defended more times than any other championship in the wwe 25 oh 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
01:08:37rest but here comes hayes and look at johnny gargano what a brave wife yeah what a brave man he is huh
01:08:44candace loray true rider dies there it is that slingshot spear by gargano and he takes advantage
01:08:50off the distraction by his wife candace loray
01:08:56gargano launching himself up over the top and takes carmelo down these two men have never went
01:09:01met one-on-one gargano hopes to win the first one here tonight
01:09:18and the veteran johnny gargano the first grand slam winner in the history of nxt
01:09:23taking out hayes here tonight both men former nxt champions but as carmelo hayes will attest this is
01:09:31a what have you done for me lately business and only recently has carmelo hayes captured individual
01:09:37gold gargano wants to join him on that illustrious list and hayes already learning what it means to be
01:09:43united states champion and ilya dragging off the former champ perhaps waiting in the wings who knows who
01:09:48else right 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
01:10:02look at candace getting involved yet again this really a two-on-one affair here tonight
01:10:09carmelo had to have planned for this it's no secret candace loray likes to come to the aid of johnny
01:10:14whenever possible
01:10:20and gargano now with a neck breaker to carmelo cover and a kick out by hayes hayes did allude to
01:10:28the fact that he will keep the united states championship challenge going in the next few
01:10:33weeks as long as he can win the title tonight or i should say retain it well carmelo understands that
01:10:38he's got big shoes to fill ilya dragunov in a relatively short united states championship reign
01:10:43really elevated the status of the championship of his own career and carmelo wants to follow suit
01:10:49sammy zane did it as well we saw sammy a bit earlier on
01:10:54and now just mocking carmelo and i gotta question this from gargano
01:10:58gargano usually a master strategist but hayes cannot be overlooked not even for a moment
01:11:05and gargano dropped hayes with an elbow nice impact by johnny breslin
01:11:20and a rake in the face of the champion bottom of his boots
01:11:25a rear chin lock applied simple but very effective keeping hayes in close quarters men's united states
01:11:31championship on the line right now later tonight chelsea green
01:11:35defends the women's united states championship against the former champ julia
01:11:41and gargano just wearing hayes down he's done a nice job so far corey
01:11:46grounding hayes it's smart because gargano realizes that carmelo's at his most dangerous when he can
01:11:51push the pace of a matchup with that said gargano can hang gargano can step up the pace as well as just
01:11:56about anybody on the roster interesting to see trick williams here tonight of course trick and carmelo a
01:12:02long relationship back at nxt
01:12:07and carmelo fighting back now against gargano caught him flush with the right hand
01:12:12united states championship on the line tonight johnny gargano hoping to wrestle away from carmelo hayes
01:12:28there's that ddt cover hayes has to kick out great offensive maneuver by the challenger gargano driving
01:12:36the champion face first into the canvas notice johnny's body language when he was addressing the
01:12:42official the veteran official charles robinson asking begging let's go for a three count there
01:12:48enjoy it for a week enjoy it for a week i gotta admit it's been a while since i've seen this level
01:12:54of aggression this level of confidence out of johnny gargano while we talked earlier about the need to
01:12:59win tonight in gargano's mind oh big slap by hayes and here comes carmelo johnny's overconfidence may
01:13:07have cost him hayes off the second row with that springboard lariat from hayes
01:13:16and carmelo downy gargano cover now by the champ kicked out by johnny gargano
01:13:23great to the back of the neck
01:13:53finally not where he wants to be oh look at that reverse leg drop fade away by hayes and now
01:13:58gargano out to the to the floor here comes carmelo
01:14:05hayes now up over the top and taking gargano down making it look too easy
01:14:14and the uber athletic carmelo hayes up to the top rope
01:14:18frog splash cover to retain gargano at two
01:14:26hayes delivered that picture perfect frog splash almost at a detriment to himself as we take another
01:14:31look at that fadeaway leg drop full extension to reach gargano but hayes may have injured his ribs on
01:14:38the landing
01:14:42first smackdown of 2026 first three-hour smackdown of the year and we've got a banger going on tonight
01:14:50for the united states title the champ hayes the challenger gargano you hear buffalo coming back to life
01:14:56in support of the champion hayes does gargano have the tricks in his bag to knock off the champion
01:15:06johnny's down hayes surveying the scene
01:15:12spending some valuable time as the champion and gargano the veteran takes advantage
01:15:17the usually sure-footed hayes wanted to get a better grip and gargano made him pay my god
01:15:25now gargano firing up
01:15:31gargano looking to join hayes
01:15:34on the ropes oh look at johnny we've seen him do this before but wait a minute great counter by hayes
01:15:41at least momentarily now carmella with a kick right to the jaw
01:15:51oh look at this oh a counter by johnny both men are down
01:15:58cover for the championship hayes gets the shoulder up unbelievable
01:16:11critical moment in this match here tonight hayes defending against gargano for the united states
01:16:26championship what a great move moment to go by johnny wrestling
01:16:31johnny's tenacity on display for the world to see if you look above johnny gargano's right eye
01:16:37i don't know if it's a welt or a brush burn from one of the
01:16:40face busters delivered by the champion but kudos to johnny for fighting through
01:16:45hayes able to escape out the back handing switch by gargano
01:16:49hayes able to hold on and carmelo with a big super kick
01:16:57hayes springboard off the second row
01:16:59oh wow taking johnny down from behind face first cover now for the win kick out
01:17:09the longer this match goes perhaps the doubt grows stronger in carmelo hayes
01:17:14that's what hayes has to avoid and to your point this could be something of a trap for the new
01:17:19champion the first defense always the most difficult and i'll talk and trash toward gargano much like
01:17:25johnny did earlier on gargano to your point earlier has been in this position before and lost his
01:17:32championship i wonder what sort of strategy johnny's going to employ as this match gets into the
01:17:37proverbial deep waters a stalemate here suplex position neither man able to gain the upper hand
01:17:44inside cradle by gargano i need to try to steal one and a kick out at two who hayes almost got caught
01:17:50that's the thing about gargano you got to be on your toes every step of the way
01:17:56johnny is sly as they come oh and hayes driven face first into the second turnbuckle
01:18:02and again the aggressiveness by johnny gargano will it pay off
01:18:06oh and hayes gets the shoulder up at two
01:18:10near fall for a gargano again and you got to wonder if the frustration now will start to set in
01:18:15i gotta wonder right now if carmelo hayes has any idea where he's at after being driven face first
01:18:21into the middle turnbuckle that's what our official charles robinson is doing checking on him
01:18:26see gargano's got a bit of blood trickling from his nose we mentioned the brush burn or the welt forming
01:18:31on his forehead talking about these united states championship matches as of late extremely physical
01:18:45oh
01:18:56step up ends of geary by gargano rocks hayes and hayes rocks johnny with a drop kick
01:19:03and oh look at hayes the quickness as he ducks underneath johnny does as well collision both men
01:19:08down center of the ring who will recover first and gain the upper hand
01:19:24a vicious collision moments ago have left gargano and hayes on the mat as the united states
01:19:35championship hangs in the balance gargano the challenger hayes the champion in his first title defense
01:19:41we talked about the importance of the matchup for carmelo hayes last week looking at
01:19:50the opportunity as it must win as do or die and hayes earned the victory can johnny do the same tonight
01:19:57on a momentum of that clothesline by carcano and now looking to put hayes away could be closing in on
01:20:03his first singles title here on friday night smackdown big kick by hayes to intercept
01:20:11springboard caught in the jaw hayes could be out
01:20:15down oh cutter by the champion and hayes now gonna drag himself into the cover to look to retain what a great