WWE SmackDown delivered unexpected excitement at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Randy Orton made a surprise return with a pair of RKOs, electrifying the crowd and shaking up the night’s proceedings. This comprehensive review covers all the match results and highlights, focusing on WWE SmackDown results and review, with key names such as The Miz, Drew McIntyre, and Jade Cargill making major appearances.
Opening Moments: The Miz Voices His Frustrations
The night began with The Miz commandeering the microphone before any official action unfolded, insisting that he needed to express his opinions before the show could continue. In front of a disapproving crowd, Miz lamented missing the chance for a final match against John Cena. He asserted that despite his efforts to pass on his experience to the younger generation, it had not been appreciated.
Miz made a pointed reference to Joe Hendry without directly mentioning his name, instead referring to him as
“he who shall not be named.”
– The Miz. The Miz also criticized the return of an unfounded nickname about himself and declared that he was the only responsible presence in a locker room of entitled wrestlers.
Randy Orton’s Jaw-Dropping Comeback
In a moment that brought the arena to a fever pitch, Randy Orton’s theme music, “Voices,” hit the loudspeakers. The immediate excitement was palpable as Orton strode down the ramp, locking eyes with The Miz. The Miz attempted to rally Orton into forming a partnership, claiming they could be a dominant duo known as Miz-KO. However, Orton was not persuaded. With no warning, Orton planted Miz with an RKO, provoking thunderous “do it again” chants from the audience. Orton pulled Miz up, offered a deadpan “happy new year,” and drove him into the mat with a second emphatic RKO.
“RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!!!”
– @WWE
Match Card and Main Attractions
The event hosted a highly-anticipated six-woman tag team match featuring Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky taking on The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill was slated to defend her title against Michin, and the card included a dramatic Ambulance Match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. Additionally, Drew McIntyre was on hand to lay out the specific rules for his upcoming Three Stages of Hell match for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes.
Fan Reactions and Energy in Grand Rapids
With Randy Orton’s return delivering a shot of adrenaline to both fans and wrestlers, the response inside Van Andel Arena was overwhelmingly positive. His unexpected RKOs against The Miz provided a sense of justice and comic relief to kick off the night’s complex storylines. The Miz’s antagonistic opening segment set the perfect stage for Orton’s heroic interruption, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
Upcoming Stories and Championship Stakes
While the results of the women’s tag match and other bouts were still unfolding, the drama surrounding Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes’ title match continues to build intense anticipation. Jade Cargill’s presence as WWE Women’s Champion and Damian Priest’s showdown with Aleister Black further anchor the night with championship implications.
Randy Orton’s surprise attack and the events that followed promise significant changes for future WWE SmackDown episodes. Fans now eagerly await whether The Miz will seek retribution, and how Orton’s unexpected appearance will ripple through ongoing feuds and alliances. With stars like Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and Cody Rhodes in the spotlight, the road ahead for WWE SmackDown appears more unpredictable and dramatic than ever.
RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!!! 🙌@RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/sUgi2pyuDE
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
