WWE SmackDown kicks off 2026 with stunning returns and Randy Orton leaves The Miz absolutely destroyed

WWE SmackDown kicks off 2026 with major roster shakeups and dramatic returns. Randy Orton makes his highly anticipated comeback on the first SmackDown of the new year. Damian Priest dominates in his first-ever ambulance match. Plus, a new U.S. Champion is crowned in shocking fashion.

Randy Orton’s Historic Return Shocks the World

The Viper made his long-awaited return to WWE SmackDown on January 2, 2026, after an extended absence from in-ring competition. Orton appeared on the first episode of SmackDown in the new year, generating an enormous reaction from the live crowd in Buffalo.

The veteran wrestler wasted little time making an impact by interrupting The Miz and dropping the brazen opponent with not one but two RKO finishers. Orton’s return marks a significant moment for WWE heading into 2026, signaling his readiness to compete at the highest level once again.

Damian Priest Dominates in First-Ever Ambulance Match

Damian Priest made WWE SmackDown history by winning the sport’s first-ever ambulance match against Aleister Black on January 2. The grueling encounter saw Priest showcase his dominance throughout the contest, forcing Black into the vehicle and closing the door to secure victory.

The match represented a brutal turning point in the rivalry between the two competitors. Priest punished Black with his finisher, the Razor’s Edge, before loading his opponent into the ambulance. The victory positions Priest as a major player heading into the rest of 2026.

Match Highlight	Details
Match Type	First-Ever Ambulance Match in SmackDown History
Winner	Damian Priest
Defeated	Aleister Black
Finishing Move	Razor’s Edge

Giulia Reclaims Women’s United States Championship

Giulia returned to championship status by defeating Chelsea Green in their title match on WWE SmackDown’s January 2 episode. The victory marks Giulia’s record-tying second reign with the prestigious Women’s United States Championship, according to official records.

Green had fought valiantly to defend her title, but Giulia proved too dominant in the contest. The title change represents the first championship victory of 2026 for SmackDown and sets the stage for Giulia to defend her newly reclaimed title against top challengers throughout the year.

Major Free Agent Signings Reshape SmackDown Roster

Matt Cardona officially joined the WWE SmackDown roster on January 2, marking a major free agent signing for the brand. Cardona wasted no time making his presence felt by defeating Kit Wilson in his debut match on the show.

Trick Williams also made the official transition to SmackDown, further bolstering the roster with fresh talent. These signings highlight WWE’s commitment to strengthening the brand with proven competitors entering 2026. The move signals significant roster competition and new storylines for the coming months.

What Does This Mean for WWE’s 2026 Direction?

The January 2 edition of WWE SmackDown established a powerful tone for the new year with its combination of returning stars, historic matches, and championship changes. Randy Orton’s comeback adds an experienced hand to the roster, while Priest’s dominant victory positions him as a major threat moving forward.

The addition of Cardona and Williams creates new matchup possibilities and deepens the talent pool on SmackDown. With Giulia reclaiming the Women’s United States Championship and fresh faces establishing themselves, the brand appears poised for compelling programming throughout 2026. Fans can expect these moves to have significant ripple effects on WWE’s card and storytelling for months to come.

Sources

• WWE Official – Complete match results and official announcements
• Wrestling Inc. – Breaking news coverage and event details
• Forbes Wrestling – Comprehensive results analysis and reporting