WWE kicked off 2026 with its Holiday Live Tour in Syracuse, New York, on New Year’s Day. While Jan. 1 was once synonymous with WWE’s Day 1, there was no “Day 1 magic” to be found inside the Oncenter War Memorial. Fans did, however, see Gunther’s streak of submissions end, though his dominance continues.
Card Subject to Change
As can be the case with live events, the final card differed significantly from what had been advertised. Several stars who were scheduled to appear did not make it to Syracuse. They included:
- Jey Uso
- LA Knight
- Tiffany Stratton
- Rhea Ripley
- Jacob Fatu
- Penta
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Knight,
Penta, and Fatu are all currently sidelined with injuries, both kayfabe and legitimate. Stratton has been off television since losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November. She had been doing promotional work for WWE in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season.
Jey Uso’s absence was more surprising. He has been active on WWE’s tour and on Raw in recent days, defeating Bron Breakker by disqualification at four live events and capturing the World Tag Team Championships with his brother Jimmy on last Monday’s Raw.
Rhea Ripley last wrestled on Dec. 19, suffering a loss to Asuka on Raw. She did appear on this week’s episode, confronting the Kabuki Warriors alongside Iyo Sky. She is scheduled to compete tonight on SmackDown.
Noteworthy
Bron Breakker snapped a four-match skid on WWE’s holiday tour. Teaming with Bronson Reed, they defeated the War Raiders after Breakker pinned Erik following a spear.
Michin, who left the tour early, was originally set to face Jade Cargill. She was replaced by B-Fab, who has had recent issues with Cargill on television. Cargill picked up the win.
Since forcing John Cena to quit at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Gunther had been riding a six-match tapout streak. That run came to an end Thursday, as “Modeikone” scored a pinfall victory over Sami Zayn. Gunther had Zayn locked in a sleeper hold, but before Zayn could reach the ropes, he rolled him up to score the three-count.
In the main event, Cody Rhodes earned his fifth straight win over Drew McIntyre on the current tour. With no disqualifications in effect, Rhodes repeated the formula from previous nights, pinning McIntyre after delivering a top-rope splash through a table.
The two will meet again next Friday on SmackDown for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Three Stages of Hell match. Traditionally, the bout opens with a standard wrestling fall, followed by stipulations in the second and, if necessary, third falls.
Should one of those stipulations include no disqualifications, fans may see a similar finish play out on SmackDown.
