Randy Orton Confronted by Rising Star on WWE SmackDown

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Randy Orton, Trick Williams, WWE, WWE Smackdown, Randy Orton WWE SmackDown confrontation
Randy Orton, Trick Williams, WWE, WWE Smackdown, Randy Orton WWE SmackDown confrontation [Image Source: WWE]

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Randy Orton WWE SmackDown confrontation dominated headlines as Trick Williams, one of the show’s emerging talents, directly challenged the veteran superstar during the opening segment of WWE SmackDown from Germany on January 9, 2026. The confrontation escalated quickly, setting the tone for a night packed with high-stakes action and unexpected twists.

Trick Williams Interrupts Randy Orton’s Return

Randy Orton began the evening by addressing the SmackDown crowd in Germany, but his words were quickly cut short by Trick Williams. Williams confidently declared that “it wasn’t 2006” anymore and that 2026 belonged to him, publicly positioning himself as a new threat to Orton’s legacy. Orton responded by listing his credentials as a 14-time world champion and questioned Williams’ motives for interrupting his moment.

The exchange grew tense as Trick Williams stated his intent was to measure himself against the best and to put Orton “on notice.” The staredown intensified when Williams slapped the microphone from Orton’s hand, prompting Orton—also known as The Viper—to retaliate with a draping DDT after a brief scuffle. The confrontation underscored the escalating tension between established figures and emerging stars on SmackDown.

Orton was preparing to follow up with his signature RKO, but The Miz attacked him from behind in a surprise move. Orton managed to reverse the Skull Crushing Finale attempt and landed an RKO on The Miz as the show transitioned to its next segment.

Key Results from WWE SmackDown in Germany

The event featured a series of matches that showcased different talents and altered the roster’s power dynamics:

  • Trick Williams defeated Rey Fenix
  • Giulia beat Alexa Bliss to retain the Women’s United States Championship
  • MFT triumphed over The Wyatt Sicks
  • Jordynne Grace bested Alba Fyre
  • Carmelo Hayes retained the United States Championship after overcoming Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Drew McIntyre overcame Cody Rhodes to become the new WWE Champion

Trick Williams Versus Rey Fenix: In-Ring Debut Highlights

Williams’ in-ring debut on SmackDown came against Rey Fenix. The match opened with Williams executing some powerful maneuvers, but Fenix fought back with airborne attacks, including a superkick and springboard kick. The momentum swung several times, with near falls on both sides. Ultimately, Williams clinched the victory by using leverage and securing a pinfall, establishing his presence on SmackDown’s main roster.

Backstage Developments Set Future Stories

Aside from in-ring competition, the backstage area was buzzing. Giulia, ahead of her match, stated she intended to set an example with Alexa Bliss later. Damian Priest expressed his desire to challenge for the WWE Championship, letting Drew McIntyre know that he’d be waiting if McIntyre won the night’s main event. Drew revealed a gold watch belonging to Dusty Rhodes, signifying the deeply personal nature of his title pursuit.

Giulia Defends Women’s United States Championship Against Alexa Bliss

The Women’s United States Championship match saw Giulia taking an early advantage against Alexa Bliss, who managed a senton to the floor. Outside interference played a crucial role, with Kiana James attacking Bliss and later Lash Legend disrupting the action. Giulia capitalized on the distractions and finished the match with the Northern Lights Bomb, securing her championship in a hard-fought bout. Afterward, Nia Jax and Lash Legend assaulted Bliss, with Jax hitting the Annihilator before leaving the ring.

Jordynne Grace Makes Impactful Debut

Jordynne Grace officially signed with SmackDown, and Nick Aldis informed her that her first opponent would be Alba Fyre. In her debut match, Grace displayed her strength with impressive clotheslines, a slam, and ultimately finished Fyre with the Torture Rack Bomb. Jade Cargill appeared post-match, declaring the show as her own, hinting at a potential rivalry.

Unpredictable Encounters: The Wyatt Sicks and Matt Cardona’s Return

The night’s tag team action included a high-energy contest between The Wyatt Sicks and MFT. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis managed early dominance, but Solo Sikoa and Uncle Howdy shifted the momentum. Tama Tonga scored the victory for MFT following a cutthroat move, ending a chaotic match. Meanwhile, Matt Cardona—formerly Zack Ryder—returned to SmackDown after a five-year absence, telling Cody Rhodes of his championship ambitions for the future and wishing him luck ahead of the main event.

Carmelo Hayes Retains United States Championship Against Shinsuke Nakamura

The United States Championship was on the line as Carmelo Hayes defended against Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura targeted Hayes’ injured leg, employing dragonscrews and submission holds. Despite the pain, Hayes countered Nakamura’s assaults and hit his signature First 48 and Nothin’ But Net, sealing another successful title defense. Nick Aldis later announced a set of qualifying matches leading to a Fatal Four-Way #1 Contender showdown, with Orton, Miz, Cardona, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn, and Ilja Dragunov set to compete next week.

Three Stages of Hell: Drew McIntyre Dethrones Cody Rhodes

The night culminated in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Championship between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Early on, Cody found himself outside the ring, refusing to use a steel chair and instead scoring with a Bionic Elbow before Drew unleashed a low blow and Claymore to win the initial fall. In the chaotic second stage, Drew delivered a powerbomb through a table, and Cody responded with inventive offense, including sending Drew into a garage door and using props from the environment. Cody persevered, hitting Cross Rhodes through the announce desk to level the score.

The decisive third stage unfolded inside a steel cage. Both men drove each other into the cage walls, with high-risk moves and close escapes. Ultimately, the turning point came when Jacob Fatu appeared and interfered, stopping Drew from leaving but attacking Cody instead. Drew capitalized, leaving the cage and winning the WWE Championship, ending Cody’s reign in controversial fashion.

What Comes Next for WWE SmackDown?

The aftermath of this explosive WWE SmackDown leaves several storylines wide open. Randy Orton’s confrontation with Trick Williams signals a fresh feud brewing between veteran and newcomer, while Drew McIntyre’s championship victory—marred by outside interference—sets up speculation about his relationship with Jacob Fatu and the future for Cody Rhodes. With qualifying matches announced for a major WWE Championship contender’s bout and several debuts shaking up the roster, SmackDown’s narrative is poised for unpredictable developments in the coming weeks.

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Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division. With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand. Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage. His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster. From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
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