The WWE Day 1 Pre-Show commences with a panel of commentators—Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Kevin Patrick, Peter Rosenberg, and JBL—announcing Roman Reigns’ absence, showcasing the match card, and welcoming viewers. Crucially, Brock Lesnar‘s inclusion in the WWE Championship Fatal-4-way bout is confirmed.
Backstage, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston are interviewed. Woods boldly predicts victory for himself and Kingston against The Usos, reclaiming the SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Kevin Owens makes his arena entrance, followed by Lashley.
Tag Team Contest
Cesaro and Ricochet versus Sheamus and Ridge Holland
Early in the match, Holland sustains a nasal injury after a Ricochet maneuver, forcing him to withdraw. Sheamus faces a two-on-one disadvantage. Ultimately, Sheamus eliminates Ricochet, executing a White Noise. A subsequent Brogue Kick to Cesaro secures a pinfall victory.
Victors: Sheamus and Ridge Holland
Big E arrives at the venue. The commentary team concludes their match card overview. The pre-show concludes.
WWE Day 1 takes place in Atlanta, Georgia.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee provide commentary for SmackDown, while Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves handle RAW.
The special event, WWE Day 1, begins with the SmackDown Tag Team Championship defense.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship – Tag Team Bout
The Usos (champions) (Jimmy and Jey Uso) versus The New Day (King Woods and Kofi Kingston)
The match culminates in a flurry of strikes between all four competitors. The New Day momentarily gains the upper hand, but Woods’ dive attempt on Jimmy is countered with a super kick. Jey follows up, leading to the Usos’ finishing move on Kingston, resulting in a victory by pinfall.
Winners: The Usos – Retaining their titles
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Big E about Lesnar’s addition to the championship match. Big E humorously questions who predicted this outcome. He confidently asserts his intention to overcome the competition and retain his WWE Championship.
Kayla Braxton engages in a backstage conversation with the Migos musical group regarding their featured song.
Before his match, Corbin grabs the microphone, boasting about his wealth and directing derogatory remarks toward Atlanta’s audience based on their weight.
Singles Match
Drew McIntyre versus Madcap Moss accompanied by Happy Corbin
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Off-camera, Sarah queries Kevin Owens about Brock Lesnar’s inclusion in the Day 1 event. Owens labels it a catastrophe, an unacceptable development. The championship bout concluded with Rollins and Lashley as victors. Owens deems Lesnar’s presence even more detrimental. Tonight’s WWE title showdown isn’t between Seth and him; they’re grappling with Lesnar’s intimidation. His actions against Sami Zayn, his closest friend, illustrate Lesnar’s character. Owens vows retaliation and plans a discussion with Rollins.
RAW Tag Team Championship – Tag Team Match
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs RK-Bro (Riddle et Randy Orton) (c) accompanied by Migos
The match culminates with Riddle expertly evading Ford’s Frog Splash. Riddle launches Ford into the air, setting up Orton’s RKO for the decisive pin.
Winners : RK-Bro
Post-match, RK-Bro celebrates with the Migos. The Street Profits rejoin the fray, and a group embrace ensues.
Backstage, Megan interviews Drew McIntyre about his recent contest and future plans. McIntyre expresses surprise at Moss’s strength and power. Mid-sentence, Moss and Corbin ambush McIntyre. They immobilize McIntyre’s head with a chair before Corbin delivers a brutal strike with a steel structure.
– A promotional video for the Royal Rumble 2022 event (January 29th) is showcased.
Off-camera, Kayla interviews Brock Lesnar regarding the match alterations. Lesnar adopts Paul Heyman’s persona for his introduction. Lesnar declares his actions are self-directed, a perk of his independent contractor status, crediting Paul Heyman’s representation. He boldly predicts his WWE Championship victory tonight – not a guess, but a definitive statement.
– A video highlighting the history between Miz and Edge is presented.
Singles Match
The Miz accompanied by Maryse vs Edge
The match ends with Miz evading Edge’s Spear; Maryse interferes, striking Edge with her handbag. Miz attempts his Skull Crushing Finale, but Edge counters. Maryse’s enraged intervention onto the ring apron prompts Beth Phoenix’s arrival, causing Maryse to flee. Edge capitalizes on the distraction, executing his Spear on Miz for the win.
Winner: Edge
Backstage, Bobby Lashley and MVP prepare for their match. Kevin Patrick seeks their reaction to Lesnar’s inclusion. MVP describes Lesnar as a singular talent, a global phenomenon. He acknowledges the diminished odds for victory but asserts Lashley’s fearlessness and unique abilities. Lashley welcomes Lesnar’s participation, viewing a win over him as a significant accomplishment. HeRAW Women’s Championship – Singles Match
Liv Morgan vs Becky Lynch (c)
The match concluded with Morgan attempting her Flatline maneuver, but Lynch countered with a Manhandle Slam, securing the victory with a three-count.
Winner : Becky Lynch
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviewed Seth Rollins about his upcoming match. Rollins asserted that he deserved a one-on-one showdown. He described Owens as deceptive, Lashley as a bully, and Lesnar as uniquely himself. Rollins stated his determination to not relinquish his opportunity, highlighting a key advantage: his opponents’ shared flaw—they aren’t Seth Rollins. He confidently declared his intention to dominate and claim victory.
A video showcasing Johnny Knoxville’s announcement of his 2022 Royal Rumble Match entry played. Knoxville expressed his ambition to become the next world champion.
– A video highlighting the WWE Championship rivalry was shown.
WWE Championship – Fatal 5-Way Match
Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens vs Bobby Lashley accompanied by MVP vs Big E (c) vs Brock Lesnar
The match culminated with Lesnar countering Rollins’ Stomp attempt with an F5. Lesnar followed up with another F5 on Big E and then on Owens. Lashley attempted a Spear on Lesnar, but Lesnar withstood two attempts. Lashley applied his Hurt Lock, but Lesnar persevered. Big E then intervened, striking Lashley to halt the hold. Big E executed his Big Ending on Lashley, aiming for Lesnar next, but Lesnar countered with an F5, securing the win with a three-count.
Winner: Brock Lesnar – New WWE Champion
The event concluded with a celebratory fanfare for the newly crowned WWE Champion, Lesnar!
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Photo credit: WWE
