Welcome everyone to the first results post on eWrestling.com for 2021! First and foremost, *HAPPY NEW YEAR!!* Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, WELCOME! to eWrestling’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown Results for January 1, 2021 airing on FOX Network kicking off at 8/7C from the ThunderDome II at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida!

Tonight on a special New Year’s Day edition of SmackDown, Roman Reigns makes special request of WWE management in the wake of his Universal Title win over Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair take on Bayley & Carmella and the new Intercontinental Champion Big E will goes head-to-head with King Corbin.

Also scheduled for tonight’s edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, after the tag teams of SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair and Bayley & Carmella both came up short against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair & Asuka last week, the loss did nothing to quell the respective rivalries. Find out what will happen when The Boss and the EST of WWE once again join forces to take on the dangerous pair of the Role Model and her “untouchable” cohort, Friday night at 8/7 C on SmackDown.

Featured below are complete results of the January 1, 2021 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown airing LIVE at 8/7C! The following report was written by eWrestling.com’s longest running female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter: @JamieRush312.

Pre-Show

“In Memory Of: Jon Huber 1979-2020” is shown next to a picture of Jon Huber (formally known in WWE as Luke Harper and in AEW as Brodie Lee) after losing his battle with a non-Covid related lung issue last week. eWrestling offers their deepest condolences to the Huber Family and those who were honored enough to have known Huber. RIP!)

Video Package – Last Week Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens

We immediately head into a video package that recaps the highlights from the Cage Match of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens where Reigns cousin, Jey Uso, assisted Reigns in his win by handcuffing Owens to the cage allowing Reigns to casually walk out of the cage.

In-Arena

As the video package for the Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens match from last week completes, we head into the WWE ThunderDome II at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida as we are welcomed by commentary and wished a Happy 2021!

In-Ring – Roman Reigns

Following the welcome by Michael Cole and Corey Graves, the entrance theme for The Head of the Table himself, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns sounds over the speakers in the ThunderDome II as Reigns makes his way to the stage with his championship title over his shoulder. Reigns is accompanied by his “Special Counsel” Paul Heyman to his left, and his cousin Jey Uso to his right as they make their way down the ramp following closely behind Reigns.

Reigns takes his time entering the ring as the crowd continues to “Boo!” from their screens in the audience. Reigns holds his Universal Title high above his head as the pyro goes off around the ring and in the audience. Commentary notes that last Friday night, records were broken in terms of viewership to watch the head of the table do battle against a very ready Kevin Owens!

Paul Heyman hands Reigns a microphone as Reigns begins to speak. “As the face of WWE

Reigns points out that he surrounds himself with the upmost company. He then gives credit to Paul Heyman, “You are the most genuine, honest man, that I’ve done business with.” Heyman bows and nods his head. Reigns then turns to his cousin, Jey. “Take my cousin, Jey Uso. He’s a prime example of what I can do.” Reigns says this has been the best year of Jey Uso’s career, due to him. “This man can’t miss now, because he acknowledged me as his tribal chief, and head of the table,” Reigns adds.

Reigns says everybody else was always like, “Which one are you?” Reigns states he wouldn’t have put all that pressure on Jey if he didn’t think he was worth the fight and could handle it. Reigns says Jey knocked it out of the park. As Reigns goes to continue, he is interrupted…

Kevin Owens Interrupts

Kevin Owens music sounds in the arena as Owens makes his way to the stage. Reigns tells WWE officials to “cut his music” then turns to Owens and says, “We don’t want to hear it!” Reigns then states, “Don’t say a word.” Owens just stands with his hands clasped in front of him with his head tilted back as Reigns goes on a tirade about how he allowed Owens to get a few good weeks, he hopes Owens gave his family a good Christmas, but this is done.

Reigns states Owens is like a roach that won’t die or go away, begging for crumbs. He had his time in the sun. “You experience the island of relevency, you were a social media sweetheart for a few weeks, now take your ass, go, get out of here.” Reigns adds he was generous enough, but now Owens is embarassing Reigns, and Reigns’s show. Reigns then states tonight isn’t about Owens, it’s about Reigns and his family. This is Jay’s time. Quit being selfish.

Owens finally speaks. “You’re right, because me standing out here right now, even though you’re still Universal Champion means you and your family failed.” Owens goes on to state that Reigns and his family tried to end Owens career, at TLC and then last week in the steel cage, Reigns tried to end Owens and yet here he is. Owens states Reigns should be embarassed as Reigns had to have his cousin help and cuff him to the cage. “The big dog is long gone, and he’s replaced by a giant B****!!”

Owens says Reigns is right, tonight is about Jey Uso. Owens states he’s not asking, he’s going to tell whoever he needs to tell back stage, that he’s going to fight Jey Uso. Owens ends by stating, “When I am done with your cousin, your family will have nothing to celebrate!” With that, Owens drops his mic and walks backstage.

Announcer’s Table

Corey Graves starts by saying Kevin Owens must be a glutton for punishment. Michael Cole then switches topics as he sends us into a video clip for the Progressive Match Flo of the week.

Progressive Match Flo Of The Week

We see Big E vs. Sami Zayn where Zayn gets a Sunset Flip for the cover, Big E kicks out. Big E then sends Zayn off the apron onto the floor and the Lumberjacks end up in an all out brawl as Zayn attempts to escape. The Lumberjacks bring Zayn back to the ring, like a gift wrapped present. Big Ending for the three count pin and win for the Intercontinental Title!!

Quick Announcement/Big E Entrance

As the video clip ends, we head back to the arena where Big E makes his way to the ring for his match-up with King Corbin when we return, but first, we head to our first commercial break of the evening!

Big E vs. King Corbin

WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E finishes his entrance that kicked off before the break as he now stands in ring. Out next is his opponent, King Corbin who makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring for tonight’s match-up. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings, and our first match-up of 2021 is officially underway!

It is noted that Sami Zayn is on commentary for this match. Early on there is much circling, collar and elbow, struggling all over the ring. Finally we see a Side Headlock that leads into a Shot Off and Shoulder Block by King Corbin, however Big E isn’t phased! Next we see a Hip swivel as Big E heads off the ropes and a Drop Down that leads into a Leapfrog. After that, a Big Back Elbow knocks Corbin down for a one count!

Corbin then takes Big E down with a countered block for a one count of his own! Next we see some Big Throwing Lariats by Big E which King Corbin blocks. Corbin then throws Big E shoulder-first into the post and rains punches down on the back of his head while referee John Cone warns him.

Once again, Corbin runs the ropes and hits a Back Elbow that leads into a cover, Big E kicks out at one! A Right Hand, pass to the floor, E off the ropes but the Suicide Spear is countered by a Big Knee from Corbin! Pass to the floor and back in, E catches him with the Big Ending but Sami hits the ring to beat him down mid-cover…

Winner: No Finish Announced

After the Match

As the bell rings to call the disqualification, The Knights of the Lone Wolf rush the ring to help Zayn attack Big E and take him down… Apollo Crews rushes in for the save! Crews clears the ring of the Knights and hits a Press Slam on Zayn over the ropes and into The Knight’s of the Lone Wolf at ringside! Crews and Big E stand tall together in the ring.

(Big E presumably wins by disqualification, although no actual final decision is announced., and with that, we head to commercial break once again!)

Big E and Apollo Crews vs. Sami Zayn and King Corbin

As we return from commercial break, we are informed that WWE Official Adam Pearce has turned this brawl into an actual tag-team match-up. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and this tag-team match is now officially underway! To kick things off, Crews and Zayn are inside the ring. Apollo Crews wastes no time as he drops Sami Zayn for a quick cover which ends in a 2 count in the middle of the ring.

King Baron Corbin tags in and talks some trash to WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E, who is on the apron. Corbin drops Crews and tags in Sami to take back over. Sami unloads and keeps Crews down. Corbin tags back in and fights off Crews into the corner. Corbin tosses Crews to the floor. Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler end up dropping Crews at ringside after a cheap shot while Big E is furious on the apron. Sami tags himself back in and tosses Crews right back to the floor in front of the announcers.

The referee counts as Sami slams Crews’ face into the apron. Sami argues with Cutler and Blake, making it back in at the 8 count. Sami comes back in but Crews nails a big powerslam in the middle of the ring. Big E waits for the tag, as does Corbin. They both get it and Big E immediately hits a big belly-to-belly throw, and another. Corbin charges but misses. Big E with a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E runs the ropes and hits a splash in the middle of the ring.

Corbin avoid the Big Ending. Big E ducks a clothesline but Corbin comes right back with Deep Six for a close 2 count. Corbin shows some frustration. Sami is arguing with Cutler and Blake at ringside again. Corbin yells at them. Corbin turns around to a legal Crews, who attacks. Corbin drops Crews with a right. Sami tags in as Crews backs Corbin into the corner. Sami almost hits a Helluva Kick to Corbin but puts the brakes on.

Sami beats Crews down and argues with Corbin now. Blake and Cutler jump on the apron as Sami tries to calm everyone down. Corbin exits the ring and leaves with his muscle. Sami yells at them and says he doesn’t need Corbin. Crews catches Sami with a step-up enziguri, then the sitdown powerbomb in the middle of the ring while Big E was still on the outside. Big E runs back in the ring but right as the 3 count is being made.

Winners: Big E and Apollo Crews

After the Match

Following their victory, Big E celebrates with Crews as we see Sami recovering at ringside.

Quick Announcement

Bayley and Carmella vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair. Also, Otis and Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Backstage – Kevin Owens

We head backstage where Kevin Owens has met up with General Manager Adam Pearce. Kevin begins by telling Adam he’s here to fight Jey Uso either way, so it’d be really helpful if Pearce would make it a match. Pearce states, “I hear you, what do you want me to do? I’m taking orders…” Owens interrupts asking why he’s taking orders stating this isn’t the Adam Pearce that Owens knows. Owens says he needs it to happen.

Pearce says, “Lemme give you this, you can have anyone on the roster BUT Jey Uso. How about that?” Owens nods and says, “Alright, I’ll take Roman Reigns.” Pearce asks why Owens is doing this to him. Owens says if this was him, he’d be doing the exact same thing. Pearce finally gives in and says, “Fine, fine. You have your match tonight with Jey Uso.” The crowd cheers from inside the arena. Owens thanks Pearce as he clasps his hands and walks off. We head to commercial break!

Backstage Interview – Big E

We head backstage as we return from the commercial break where Big E discusses next week’s match with Apollo Crews, they laugh awkwardly as they discuss having to go up against one another, Crews making sly comments about Big E’s chances without having Crews there to help him.

The Riott Squad vs. Natalya & Tamina (w/ Billie Kay)

Already in the ring for this next match up is Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott representing The Riott Squad as they await their opponents for the evening. Billie Kay is out first for her team. She waits on the stage and out comes Tamina Snuka. However, Natalya’s music then hits and she comes out to join Snuka. Snuka and Natalya march to the ring together, annoyed by Kay, who follows them to ringside.

Natalya starts off with Liv and drops her with a shoulder. They run the ropes and trade counters. Liv counters Natalya and rolls her for a 2 count. Natalya drops Liv but is distracted by Billie yelling at ringside. This allows Ruby to tag in for a big dropkick. Tamina tags in and faces off with Riott. Riott ducks strikes and nails some of her own as she faces off with Snuka. Riott charges but gets dropped with an uppercut.

Riott fights out of a corner, taking shots at Snuka and Natalya. Natalya gets knocked to the floor. Riott escapes the corner and tags Liv. Liv goes right for Natalya and knocks her off the apron. Liv unloads on Snuka now. Kay is apparently cheering on the other team now. Liv goes on and tags in Riott for the double team on Snuka for a close 2 count.

Ruby yells at Kay to get away from their corner because she can’t hear. Liv tags back in but Tamina fights off the double team, superkicking Riott to the floor after shoving Liv away. Liv blocks a slam attempt by Snuka and rolls her up for the pin to win.

Winners: The Riott Squad

After the Match

Morgan joins Riott at ringside as their music hits. Billie also starts celebrating as The Riott Squad looks on. They head to the back without her because she’s busy ranting and cheering on the ramp.

Video Clip

We see how Charlotte Flair and RAW Women’s Champion Asuka retained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles last week over Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair, and Carmella and Bayley.

Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair vs. Bayley and Carmella

We go back to the ring and IT’S BOSS TIME! as out first comes SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks. She poses on the apron as the pyro goes off and we head to commercial.

As we return from commercial break, Banks finishes dancing to her music inside the ring as she is officially announced and holds her title high. Out next is Banks’ tag-team partner, Bianca Belair. Belair skips down the ramp as she twirls her long braid in her hand as she enters the ring with her tag-team partner.

Out next is Carmella who struts to the ring with a smug look on her face. Finally, Bayley makes her way out as her music sounds. Bayley makes her way down the ramp trash-talking Bianca and Sasha, pausing to allow her pyro to go off around her as she continues her trash talk. With everyone in-ring, the referee signals for the bell.

The bell rings and this match is officially underway. To kick things off, Bianca Belair and Carmella start things off. Belair is on a roll as she takes Carmella down. Carmella’s face is slammed into the mat by Belair who then lifts Carmella above her head, Carmella kicks free and quickly tags in Bayley. Bianca immediately takes Bayley down. Bayley is then dumped to ringside.

Carmella jumps in and runs at Belair who sends Carmella to ringside as well. Banks looks for the Meteora off the apron to which Bayley ducks under. Banks back on the apron and she and Belair quickly double team Carmella and Bayley at ringside. Back in the ring Banks goes for the cover on Bayley who kicks out as we head to commercial break!

As we return from commercial break, Bayley and Carmella have taken over inside the ring during the break according to commentary. Belair looks for a tag, Bayley blocks it and continues to get under Banks’s skin. Bayley drags Belair to the ropes and Belair swings hard to try and break free. Bayley continues to work the left arm of Belair. Carmella tags in and begins to deliver several kicks to Belair and goes for the cover.

Belair kicks out and Carmella continues to injure the left arm of Bianca. Carmella still in control, tags in Bayley. Belair desperately struggles to get to the corner to tag in Sasha Banks. The crowd begins to cheer and hype up Belair. Carmella tags in and blocks Belair from the tag and takes a cheap shot at Banks. Belair with an Inside Craddle quickly for the two count. Carmella shouts that she’s the best as Belair gets a look of new fight in her. Belair takes down Carmella and gets the tag to Banks.

Banks takes Carmella down and begins to punish her, hitting Double Knees. Banks with a Dropkick across the face of Carmella, Running Knee by Bayley to break the count as she hits the temple of Banks. Bianca uses her hair as an extension to help Banks tag in, Bayley grabs the braid and Bianca then pulls on her braid to slam Bayley into the post. Inside the ring, Carmella goes at Banks. Banks counters hitting the Banks Statement. Reginald pulls Carmella out of the ring by her boot.

Banks runs at Reginald who backflips off the apron. Reginald back on the apron, a Slap from Banks who quickly turns around as Carmella tries to sneak up behind Banks who catches the leg of Carmella. Carmella gets the counter. Spike the Ball by Carmella for the cover and the three count pin and win!

Winner: Carmella & Bayley (w/ Reginald)

After the Match

Carmella celebrates and exits the ring with Bayley as they celebrate on the ramp!

Backstage – Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman walk up on a television that is promoting the match of Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso for later tonight. Reigns says after all he’s done for this company, somebody still made this match. It makes Reigns feel unappreciated.

Reigns asks Paul Heyman to find out who doesn’t appreciate him as he sees that the match has been made between Kevin Owens and Jey Uso. Heyman nods and exits to go find out who made the match. With that, we head to commercial break.

In-Ring – The Street Profits

Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford are now inside the ring after making their entrance right before the break. The Street Profits state they are in the ring for the New Years Smoke-Tacular! Some 70’s music follows as the dance it out.

Dawkins begins, “Real talk, 2020, you ain’t got to go home, but you got to get the hell up outta here!” Ford objects stating the 2020 wasn’t all bad as The Street Profits won their RAW Tag-Team Championships AND the SmackDown Tag-Team Championships as well as defeating New Day. Dawkins says they have a big reveal. They pull the black sheet off of the lump covered inside the ring to expose a drumset.

Dawkins begins to play the drums. Ford then continues on to state his first prediction is,they will have the number one selling shirt of 2021. We see a clip from Last Week where they reveal to Sami Zayn “I Was…Intercontinental Champion” and Zayn stomped off saying it wasn’t funny. Ford moves on to his second prediction. Ziggler will continue to steal HBK’s style, so Ziggler will get the nickname he deserves, The Heartache Kid.

As Ford goes to continue, he sees Roode take down Dawkins and turns to be taken down himself by Ziggler. Dawkins and Ziggler continue to attack The Street Profits as Roode exits the ring to grab a steel chair to strike Dawkins across the back then throw Dawkins over the barricade. Next Ford’s leg is wrapped around the ringpost before Ziggler slams the steel chair into Ford’s leg. Roode and Ziggler continue to attack Ford asking, “What’s so funny now?”

Dawkins crawls back into the ringside area to defend his teammate. Roode and Ziggler hold their hands up as they retreat, leaving Dawkins to tend to Ford who is laid out at ringside as we head to commercial break.

Video Clip – “Moments Ago”

As we return from commercial break, we head into a “Moments Ago” moment which highlighted what we just witnessed before the commercial break with Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode and what they did to The Street Profits.

Backstage Interview – Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode

We head backstage where Kayla Braxton ambushes Ziggler and Roode. Braxton asks Roode and Ziggler about the vicious and unprovoked attack. Dolph says they have been provoked for months and to be compared to that washed up HBK. Roode says they have been treating this like fun and games. You are holding something that belongs to us.

Dolph continues on to state, “if you want to see what champions look like, you are looking at them. We want, we demand a rematch for our tag titles in 2021. We will not stop until we get it.”

Video Clip

Next we head to video clip footage of Chad Gable, Otis, and Daniel Bryan in the ring to train for the Royal Rumble and he is going to use his hips. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro show up. Nakamura says it is hysterical to think that Daniel Bryan will win the Royal Rumble match.

Otis & Daniel Bryan (w/ Chad Gable) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro

We get all the entrances as each superstar’s entrance theme hits the speakers in the ThunderDome to bring each man to the ring for the next tag-team match-up of the evening. The referee signals for the bell and the match is officially underway! Cesaro and Bryan start things off and Cesaro with a side head lock. Cesaro with a shoulder tackle for a near fall and Bryan bridges. Nakamura tags in and he kicks Bryan and follows with a knee. Nakamura with a snap mare into a side head lock.

Bryan with a waist lock. Bryan is caught by Cesaro on the floor and then Cesaro with a pop up European uppercut. Otis chases Cesaro as we go to commercial.

We are back and Nakamura kicks Bryan and sends him over the top rope (remember that if this was the Royal Rumble, Bryan would have been eliminated). Cesaro with a slingshot elbow drop for a near fall. Cesaro with a side head lock. Cesaro with a spinning side slam for a near fall. Bryan is sent over the top rope to the floor again and Nakamura tags in. Nakamura with a running knee and he gets a near fall. Nakamura puts Bryan on the turnbuckles and connects with a round kick to the temple.

Bryan sends Nakamura over the top rope (and if this was the Royal Rumble, then Nakamura would have been eliminated). Bryan tags in Otis and Cesaro tags in. Otis with clotheslines and a suplex. Otis with a discus clothesline. Otis with a splash and Cesaro with a cocoon drop as Otis hits the elbow drop after the Caterpillar.

Otis misses the Vader Bomb. Nakamura tsgs in and he sets for a knee but Otis sends Nakamura into the air and face first into the mat. Bryan tags in and he goes up top for a sunset flip for a near fall. Bryan with a European uppercut and Bryan flips out of the corner and he runs into a thrust kick. Nakamura rolls through into a cross arm breaker but Otis with a head butt to break it up. Nakamura and Cesaro kick Otis to the floor.

Bryan with a flying knee to Cesaro to send him to the floor. Nakamura with a rollup for a near fall but Bryan with the LeBell Lock and Nakamura taps out.

Winners: Otis and Daniel Bryan

After the Match

Immediately following the match, we get the Three Amigos salute.

Backstage – Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns is in his office and Paul Heyman tells Roman it was Adam Pearce who made this match. Roman says that Adam doesn’t get it. He is trying to take everything they have worked for. Don’t let them. Show him why you are the main event.

Main Event
Kevin Owens vs Jey Uso

The entrance theme for Kevin Owens sounds as we prepare for the main event of the evening. Owens makes his way to the ring as we go to commercial.

As we return from the commercial break, Jey Uso’s entrance theme sounds and Jey makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring for tonight’s main event match-up. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and our first main event SmackDown match-up of 2021 is officially underway!!

Immediately as the bell rings to start the match, Kevin Owens rushes in with a Double Leg take-down that leads into Grounded Punches! Clearly Owens did NOT come to play any games! Next we get some Overhead elbows to which Uso turns Owens around and begins to deliver clubbing blows of his own as they brawl on the mat!

KO breaks away and stomps him repeatedly, smashing his face into the turnbuckles and stomping a proverbial mudhole! Senton for two, targeting the previously injured leg, kicking and wrenching, trading forearms, back to the leg work with a seated senton!Kev jawing, telling Uso that his cousin brought this down on him, Jey fires back with right hands and blocks a Stunner! Superkick connects, Owens rolls to the floor and Uso follows, KO knocks him across the table and we go to break.

Back from the break and they’re trading strikes up high. Uso sends Owens to the mat and then leaps but lands bad on his hurt leg.

Both men on the top, Jey with a drop off the top rope and Kevin Owens counters with a Stunner for the three count pin and win!

Winner: Kevin Owens

After the Match

“Where are you? Where are you Roman?!” Kevin asks with his arms extended. Owens again delivers a Stunner to Jey Uso. Owens exits the ring and grabs Corey Graves’s headset and says, “Come get your family, bitch.” Owens then grabs a pair of metal handcuffs from under the ring and heads back into the ring where he handcuffs Jey to the top rope. Owens then delivers a Superkick. Owens again asks if Reigns has any pride, asking once again where is he?!

“I’ll come to you, Roman.” Owens pulls the key to the cuffs out of his knee pad. Uso tries to run as they both bump into a cameraman. Uso tries to run as Owens says, “He’s trying to get away!” and runs after him. Another Superkick lands Jey Uso onto a table at the side of the stage. Owens then climbs up into the stands to run and jump at Uso where Reigns suddenly appears with a cheapshot and attack. Jey and Roman then attack Owens together. Owens gets his head dribbled off the screens.

Reigns continues to attack Owens as he shouts, “NOW… you know!” Reigns then throws Owens off the second story of seats in the ThunderDome causing Owens to fall into a table below. The crowd boos to end the show as Owens is laid out and Reigns stares down at him.

That’s all folks!

**That’s all for the debut episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown of 2021! As always, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay awesome! RUSH OUT!!**

WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN TV REACTION & DISCUSSION

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