During WWE’s holiday tour stop in Syracuse on January 1, 2026, several stars made headlines with standout performances and dramatic moments, featuring both high-flying action and unexpected tributes. A key highlight was a John Cena tribute WWE fans didn’t see coming, while an unexpected injury shuffled the live event roster.
Major Superstar Injury Changes Women’s Title Match
The event showcased top competitors, including the reigning Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, who was slated to face Mia Yim once more in a much-anticipated contest. According to a report from Fightful, Yim suffered a significant shoulder injury and was subsequently sidelined from the WWE live holiday tour. Stepping in as a replacement, B-Fab took Yim’s place for the chance at championship gold, but Jade Cargill retained her title with a decisive victory. The absence of Yim marked a notable adjustment to the show’s lineup, reflecting the ever-present risks of live wrestling events.
In-Ring Action Thrills Fans in Syracuse
The show opened with high-energy singles and tag matches. Former Women’s World Champion IYO SKY delivered a memorable contest against Raquel Rodriguez, ultimately securing the win after a tense back-and-forth. Over in tag team competition, Nathan Frazer and Axiom overcame The New Day’s veterans, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, energizing the crowd. Meanwhile, The Wyatt Sicks, joined by Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis, bested Solo Sikoa’s MFT faction in a gripping battle of teams.
John Cena Tribute Captivates Audience
In one of the night’s most talked-about moments, Gunther and Sami Zayn squared off in a heated singles match. During the contest, Zayn honored legendary superstar John Cena, thrilling the audience by executing Cena’s signature Five Knuckle Shuffle move on his opponent. This spontaneous tribute underscored Cena’s enduring influence within the WWE universe and delighted those present at the live show.
Main Event Sets the Stage for Rematch in Berlin
The headline match featured Cody Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare, against Drew McIntyre in a no-holds-barred Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The intense clash ended in favor of Rhodes, cementing his status at the top of the division. Both Rhodes and McIntyre, known for their fierce rivalry—Rhodes as The American Nightmare and McIntyre as The Scottish Warrior—are now scheduled for another showdown on January 9, 2026, at SmackDown in Berlin, Germany. This time, the stakes will be even higher in a Three Stages of Hell Match, promising another captivating chapter in their ongoing feud.
Complete Results from the Syracuse WWE Holiday Show
The full lineup of results from the Syracuse event included:
- IYO SKY triumphs over Raquel Rodriguez
- Nathan Frazer and Axiom (Fraxiom) defeat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill defeats B-Fab
- The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) overcome The MFT (with Solo Sikoa)
- WWE United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes defeats The Miz
- Gunther defeats Sami Zayn
- The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed) win over The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar)
- Undisputed WWE Championship – Street Fight: Cody Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre
This action-packed card not only thrilled fans in Syracuse but also set the tone for pivotal upcoming matches and ongoing storylines across the WWE universe. With John Cena’s influence felt, injuries altering competition, and rivalries heating up, the holiday tour continues to be a significant chapter in WWE’s live event tradition.
— Just put the clips in the bag. (@ShootOrWork) January 2, 2026
