ABDU DHABI: The year began in explosive style for wrestling fans with an epic clash of some of the best of the WWE, as the inaugural Day 1 event delivered a thrilling mix of shocking victories and the renewal of old rivalries.
In the main event, controversial superstar Brock Lesnar shocked the sport by claiming victory in the WWE Championship Fatal Five-Way match against reigning champion Big E, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley.
Lesnar was originally scheduled to take on Roman Reigns for Smackdown’s Universal Championship but that bout was canceled after Reigns tested positive for COVID-19, forcing a late change to the match card.
In other matches, Becky “The Man” Lynch remained top of the roster as she took down challenger Liv Morgan to retain her Raw Women’s Championship, while Scottish Warrior Drew McIntyre continued his assault on the SmackDown roster as his trademark Claymore move gave him the victory over Madcap Moss.
In an epic new installment to their fierce rivalry, The Usos defeated The New Day to remain SmackDown Tag Team Champions, as their bitter feud continued into the new year. Meanwhile RK-Bro emerged victorious in their match against The Street Profits to claim the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship.
There was drama during the night’s opening match when an early injury to Ridge Holland left tag team partner Sheamus facing a tough challenge in their match-up with Cesaro and Ricochet. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Celtic Warrior took down the competition with a devastating Brogue Kick to earn the victory.
Following several high-profile incidents leading into their Day 1 showdown, the contest between Edge and The Miz was filled with drama inside and out of the ring, with the wives of of both men — Beth Phoenix and Maryse — adding fuel to the war of words.
In a back-and-forth contest, a timely distraction tactic by Beth Phoenix, as she chased Maryse away from the fight, led to a moment of confusion for The Miz that was exploited by the Hall of Famer Edge, who utilized his storied Spear move to take the win and cap an epic match.
Fans can catch up on all the action, including highlights and analysis, from WWE’s Day 1, which took place on Saturday at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, on WWE Network.
