The first WWE SmackDown of 2026 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center opened with a dramatic confrontation between The Miz and Randy Orton, setting an intense tone for the year. The show featured surprises, emotional outbursts, and gave fans a ringside view of wrestling’s evolving landscape, with the WWE SmackDown results 2026 promising new storylines and rivalries.
The Miz’s Unfiltered Rant Kicks Off SmackDown
The show began with The Miz seizing the microphone, demanding attention as he vented about his frustrations from the previous year. Speaking before a packed Buffalo crowd, The Miz lamented being excluded from John Cena’s retirement tour, feeling his ongoing rivalry with Cena deserved closure. He expressed deep resentment about being denied a moment to end their story in the ring, shifting the narrative to how he perceives himself as undervalued within the WWE.
The Miz claimed, in front of rowdy fans and fellow superstars, that he had extended offers of mentorship and guidance to the new generation, but met only ingratitude in return. He criticized both the up-and-comers and the audience, asserting his expectation for respect, and did not shy from personal remarks directed at individuals in the stands. He referenced being overlooked for rising stars like Marty Supreme and Chalamet, and denounced disruptions to his last appearance of 2025, including the resurrection of an old, unwanted nickname he refuses to acknowledge as truth.
Despite these grievances, The Miz attempted to end his speech on an optimistic note, saying the start of 2026 offered a “silver lining” since John Cena has now departed. Claiming the role of the “new face of WWE,” Miz listed off his career accomplishments—including being a two-time WWE Champion, eight-time Intercontinental Champion, two-time United States Champion, ten-time Tag Team Champion, and the company’s first Grand Slam Champion. His speech affirmed his belief that he is the rightful leader in the company, offering stability and championship pedigree unlike, as he taunted, the city of Buffalo itself.
Orton Strikes in a Fateful Showdown
Building on the confrontational energy, The Miz acknowledged Randy Orton’s return to SmackDown, suggesting the possibility of forming an alliance known as “Miz-KO,” positioning themselves as the locker room’s seniors and gatekeepers.
The moment quickly escalated when Orton, in dramatic fashion, drove The Miz to the mat with his signature RKO. Orton then extended a handshake, wished Miz a Happy New Year, and played to an enthusiastic Buffalo crowd. Not content with one shocking moment, Orton delivered a second RKO, leaving The Miz grounded as Orton stood tall, bringing the explosive segment to a climactic close.
Upcoming Major Matches and Segments
The show continued with teases of major matches and high-profile segments still to unfold. Fans anticipated moments with Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, signaling significant storyline movement among top WWE talent. An eagerly awaited eight-woman tag team bout was set to showcase superstars Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss against The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend, hinting at fierce rivalries and dynamic alliances within the women’s division.
On the championship front, Chelsea Green, with Alba Fyre at ringside, was scheduled to defend her WWE Women’s United States Championship against Giulia, who was accompanied by Kiana James. The night’s lineup also included Jade Cargill squaring off against Michin, and an Ambulance Match pitting Damian Priest against Aleister Black, with Zelina Vega in Black’s corner—each promising dramatic climaxes and possible turning points for the competitors involved.
Reports and Developments: SmackDown’s Impact on WWE’s Future
Beyond the night’s explosive in-ring action, backstage news emerged—featured topics included a judge’s order being challenged in a case involving alleged payments connected to Vince McMahon, and rumors suggesting a leading NXT women’s superstar could be promoted to WWE’s main roster during the evening’s events. Additionally, updates hinted at NJPW’s ongoing plans for a surprise appearance at Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20, drawing international attention to WWE’s interconnected storylines.
Further speculation surrounded WWE’s intention to spotlight a rising women’s superstar at WrestleMania 42 and broaden a powerful faction on Raw. Industry buzz intensified with talk of a powerhouse returning on the last WWE Raw of 2025, a major title changing hands to close out the year, and Netflix revealing an expanded partnership with WWE, indicating more ambitious cross-platform projects. The potential for a legendary generational title match at WrestleMania 42 remained a hot topic among fans and insiders alike.
What This Means for WWE Fans and Superstars
The unpredictable showdown between Randy Orton and The Miz set a turbulent, high-stakes mood to begin 2026, reflecting the real tensions and passions among WWE’s top talents. With major characters like John Cena moving on, new faces and established names like Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, and Charlotte Flair are stepping forward, promising that championship ambitions and personal rivalries will drive compelling stories in the weeks and months ahead. As the company explores expansion across platforms and international events, the confrontations and alliances formed on SmackDown will shape the future of WWE and its fans, with every wrestler vying for a spot at the center of the action in the months leading toward WrestleMania 42 and beyond.
