WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reactions and Highlights From January 2nd
Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown, where the action heats up on January 2nd, 2023. This episode marks the first show of the new year, and WWE has delivered a thrilling grudge match with a unique stipulation to kick things off with a bang.
The Main Event: The Grudging Grudge Match
The main event of the night was a highly anticipated grudge match between two powerhouse wrestlers, with a twist! The stipulation? An ambulance match, adding an extra layer of intensity and danger to the proceedings.
The Opening Segment: Miz's Grievances
The show began with a lively segment involving The Miz, who interrupted the opening monologue by Corey Graves and Michael Cole. Miz took center stage to air his grievances, starting with his exclusion from John Cena's retirement tour, which he deemed a mistake. He demanded respect from the fans and even called out actor Timothée Chalamet, who had recently appeared on Rhodes' podcast.
As Miz ranted, the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Randy Orton, whose iconic theme music filled the arena. Miz seemed delighted to see Orton, encouraging the crowd to cheer louder. He suggested a tag team partnership, MizKO, but Orton remained silent, delivering a swift RKO that left Miz stunned. Orton then wished Miz a happy new year, followed by another RKO, leaving Miz in awe.
This segment was a brilliant blend of humor and storytelling, keeping the audience engaged without dragging on. Orton's return adds a layer of intrigue, promising exciting developments ahead.
Grade: B-plus
Notable Moments and Observations
- The arrival of the four women's tag teams, Black, Priest, Zelina Vega, and the ambulance for their upcoming match, set the stage for an action-packed night.
- The moment when Orton feigned an attack on Miz, only to laugh it off, was hilarious and showcased their dynamic chemistry.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from the thrilling world of WWE SmackDown!