View source for WWE Day 1 (2022)

{{short description|Pay-per-view and livestreaming event}}
{{redirect|Day 1 (2022)|the date|January 1|and|January 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox wrestling event
|name       = Day 1
|image      = WWE Day 1 (2022) poster.jpg
|caption    = Promotional poster featuring [[Roman Reigns]]
|tagline    =
|promotion  = [[WWE]]
|brand      = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br>[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]
|date       = January 1, 2022
|attendance = 13,657<ref name="Day1"/>
|venue      = [[State Farm Arena]]
|city       = [[Atlanta]], Georgia
|wwenlast   = [[NXT WarGames (2021)|NXT WarGames]]
|wwennext   = [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]]
|event      = Day 1
|lastevent2 = ''First''
|nextevent2 = [[WWE Day 1 (2024)|2024]]
}}
The 2022 '''Day 1''' was the inaugural [[WWE Day 1 (2022)|Day 1]] [[professional wrestling]] event produced by [[WWE]], which was broadcast as a [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) and [[livestreaming]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|event]]. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. The event took place on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the [[State Farm Arena]] in [[Atlanta]], Georgia, and was the company's only PPV and livestreaming event to take place on New Year's Day. Its title alluded to its New Year's scheduling and was WWE's first PPV to have the New Year's theme since [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution in 2007]].
Seven matches were contested at the event, including one on the Kickoff pre-show. In the main event, [[Brock Lesnar]] defeated [[Seth "Freakin" Rollins]], [[Kevin Owens]], [[Bobby Lashley]], and defending champion [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] in a [[fatal five-way match]] to win Raw's [[WWE Championship]] by pinning Big E. Lesnar was originally scheduled to face [[Roman Reigns]] for SmackDown's [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]], but that match was canceled hours before the event due to Reigns testing positive for [[COVID-19]]. In other prominent matches, [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeated [[The Miz]], [[Becky Lynch]] defeated [[Liv Morgan]] to retain the [[Raw Women's Championship]], and in the opening bout, [[The Usos]] ([[Jey Uso]] and [[Jimmy Uso]]) defeated [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Kofi Kingston]] and [[King Woods]]) to retain the [[SmackDown Tag Team Championship]].
The scheduling of Day 1 caused the cancelation of the [[WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] event, which was usually held in late December. Day 1 was also WWE's first event to be branded as a "Premium Live Event", a term the promotion introduced to refer to its events airing on PPV and WWE's livestreaming platforms. Another Day 1 PPV and livestreaming event was scheduled for 2023, but was canceled; however, WWE revived the Day 1 name for a television special [[List of WWE Raw special episodes|episode]] of ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' titled [[WWE Day 1 (2024)|''Raw'': Day 1]], which aired January 1, 2024.
==Production==
===Background===
[[File:State Farm (Philips) Arena, Atlanta, GA (46558861525) - 2019.jpg|thumb|The event was held at the [[State Farm Arena]] in [[Atlanta]], Georgia.]]
On July 23, 2021, the American [[professional wrestling promotion]] [[WWE]] revealed that it would be holding a [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) and [[livestreaming]] event on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the [[State Farm Arena]] in [[Atlanta]], Georgia, which would feature wrestlers from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. The State Farm Arena is the home venue of the [[Atlanta Hawks]] of the [[National Basketball Association]], and the announcement was made by the Hawks' all-star point guard [[Trae Young]].<ref name="announcement">{{cite news|first=Gizberto|last=Guzzo|title=Atlanta Hawks Point Guard Trae Young Announces WWE Will Host New Year's Day Event In Atlanta|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/atlanta-hawks-point-guard-trae-young-announces-wwe-will-host-new-year-s-day-event-atlanta|access-date=July 24, 2021|work=Fightful|date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924190312/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/atlanta-hawks-point-guard-trae-young-announces-wwe-will-host-new-year-s-day-event-atlanta|archive-date=September 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the event taking place on the first day of the year, it was titled Day 1, marking WWE's first such event to take place on New Year's Day.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 14, 2021|date=August 24, 2021|first=Joseph|last=Currier|title=WWE reveals name of New Year's Day PPV|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-reveals-name-new-years-day-ppv-351201|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824193252/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-reveals-name-new-years-day-ppv-351201|archive-date=August 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The idea for Day 1 was conceived by WWE president Nick Khan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/wwe-day-1-es-idea-de-nick-khan-y-buscan-que-sea-un-exito/|title=WWE Day 1 is Nick Khan's idea and they want it to be a success|date=December 10, 2021|last=Beltran|first=William|work=[[Super Luchas]]|access-date=October 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025010406/https://en.superluchas.com/wwe-day-1-es-idea-de-nick-khan-y-buscan-que-sea-un-exito/|archive-date=October 25, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The company previously ran a New Year's-themed pay-per-view event called [[WWE New Year's Revolution|New Year's Revolution]] from 2005 to 2007, but each of its events were held shortly after New Year's Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/|title=WWE New Year's Revolution|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215051141/https://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/|archive-date=December 15, 2005|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to airing on pay-per-view worldwide, the event was available to livestream [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] in the United States and the [[WWE Network]] in international markets. As revealed on the day of the event, it was also WWE's first event to be promoted as a "[[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|Premium Live Event]]", a term the promotion introduced to refer to their its events that are available on the aforementioned broadcast outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/wwe-reportedly-rebrand-pay-per-views/|title=WWE Reportedly Rebrand Pay-Per-Views Under New Name|date=January 3, 2022|last=Kilbane|first=Lyle|work=Inside the Ropes|access-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103122447/https://itrwrestling.com/news/wwe-reportedly-rebrand-pay-per-views/|archive-date=January 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tickets for the event went on sale on August 27, 2021.<ref name="announcement"/> One of the official theme songs was "[[Straightenin]]" by the hip hop trio [[Migos]]. On December 10, 2021, WWE announced that the trio would be making a special appearance at Day 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/migos-set-make-special-appearance-wwe-day-1|title=Migos Set To Make Special Appearance At WWE Day 1|date=December 10, 2021|last=Guzzo|first=Gizberto|work=Fightful|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211025412/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/migos-set-make-special-appearance-wwe-day-1|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SmackDown12102021"/>
The scheduling of Day 1 caused WWE to cancel their annual [[WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] event for Raw and SmackDown, which had been scheduled for December 19, 2021. Wrestling journalist [[Dave Meltzer]] reported that TLC was canceled to allow WWE to focus on Day 1 after November's [[Survivor Series (2021)|Survivor Series]]. There would have also only been two weeks between TLC and Day 1, followed by the [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]] in late January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-tlc-2021-canceled-pay-per-view-chicago-dec-19-day-1-new-years-day/|title=WWE Has Reportedly Canceled the TLC 2021 Pay-Per-View|date=October 14, 2021|last=Casey|first=Connor|work=ComicBook.com|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019025438/https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-tlc-2021-canceled-pay-per-view-chicago-dec-19-day-1-new-years-day/|archive-date=October 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-wwe-cancels-december-pay-view|title=Report: WWE Cancels December Pay-Per-View|date=October 14, 2021|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014143724/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-wwe-cancels-december-pay-view|archive-date=October 14, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Storylines===
The event comprised seven matches, including one on the Kickoff pre-show, that resulted from scripted storylines. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown brands,<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' and ''[[Friday Night SmackDown]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref>
On the October 25 episode of ''Raw'', [[Seth Rollins]] won a [[ladder match]] to become the number one contender for [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]]'s [[WWE Championship]].<ref name="Raw10252021">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-four-way-ladder-match-to-crown-next-challenger-for-the-wwe-championship/live/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Four-way ladder match to crown next challenger for the WWE championship|date=October 25, 2021|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026111133/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-four-way-ladder-match-to-crown-next-challenger-for-the-wwe-championship/live/|archive-date=October 26, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 29 episode, Rollins announced that the title match would take place at Day 1. That same night, however, WWE officials [[Adam Pearce]] and [[Sonya Deville]] set up a non-title match between Big E and [[Kevin Owens]], who had also competed in the ladder match, where if Owens won, he would be added to the title match, much to the displeasure of Rollins, who had been at odds with Owens over the past few weeks. In an attempt to sabotage the match, Rollins interfered, thus Owens won by [[Disqualification (professional wrestling)|disqualification]] and was added to the championship match, making it a [[triple threat match]].<ref name="Raw11292021">{{cite web|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Kevin Owens sneaks into WWE championship match at Day One|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-sneaks-into-wwe-championship-match-at-day-one/live/|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=November 30, 2021|date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130063400/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-sneaks-into-wwe-championship-match-at-day-one/live/|archive-date=November 30, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, after Big E defeated Owens in a [[Steel Cage match]] with Rollins on commentary, [[Bobby Lashley]] came out and viciously attacked the three.<ref name="Raw12062021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/6 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Becky Lynch defending against Liv Morgan, Big E vs. Kevin Owens in a cage Miz TV with Edge|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-becky-lynch-defending-against-liv-morgan-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-cage-miz-tv-with-edge/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 6, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207110405/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/06/12-6-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-becky-lynch-defending-against-liv-morgan-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-cage-miz-tv-with-edge/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the next episode, Lashley, who Big E had defeated for the title in September, explained his actions and demanded to be added to the championship match at Day 1; however, Owens and Rollins took exception while Big E stated that it did not matter who he faced as he would still be champion after Day 1. Pearce and Deville then came out and scheduled Lashley to face Owens, Rollins, and Big E, respectively, where if he won each match, he would be added to the championship match. Lashley was successful and was added to the WWE Championship match at Day 1, making it a [[fatal four-way match]].<ref name="Raw12132021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/13 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on latest Day One hype including Bobby Lashley addressing his return and aspirations|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/13/12-13-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-latest-day-one-hype-including-bobby-lashley-addressing-his-return-and-aspirations/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 14, 2021|date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214042553/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/13/12-13-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-latest-day-one-hype-including-bobby-lashley-addressing-his-return-and-aspirations/|archive-date=December 14, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Brock Lesnar]] was added to the match following the announcement of [[Roman Reigns]]' positive [[COVID-19]] diagnosis on January 1, thus making it a [[fatal five-way match]].<ref name="ReignsCOVID">{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/roman-reigns-miss-wwe-day-1-brock-lesnar-added-wwe-title-match|title=Roman Reigns To Miss WWE Day 1 Due To COVID, Brock Lesnar Added To WWE Title Match|date=January 1, 2022|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101231913/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/roman-reigns-miss-wwe-day-1-brock-lesnar-added-wwe-title-match|archive-date=January 1, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On the November 29 episode of ''Raw'', [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] made his return from hiatus, which was his first post-draft appearance since the [[2021 WWE Draft]] results went into effect on October 22. Edge, who was drafted to Raw, then listed off names of potential opponents he had not yet faced. [[The Miz]], along with his wife [[Maryse Mizanin|Maryse]], interrupted, with Miz also making his return from hiatus after filming the [[Dancing with the Stars (American season 30)|30th season]] of ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''. Miz felt disrespected as his return was not promoted like Edge's was and also because he was not on Edge's list of potential opponents. After a heated verbal exchange, Miz teased fighting Edge, however, Miz rejected and departed.<ref name="Raw11292021"/> The following week, Edge was a guest on "Miz TV". After another heated verbal exchange between the two, Miz challenged Edge to a match at Day 1, and Edge accepted.<ref name="Raw12062021"/>
On the November 8 episode of ''Raw'', [[Liv Morgan]] won a fatal five-way match to earn a [[Raw Women's Championship]] match against [[Becky Lynch]].<ref name="Raw11082021">{{cite web|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|date=November 8, 2021|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Kevin Owens ends show with brutal attack on WWE champion Big E|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-ends-show-with-brutal-attack-on-wwe-champion-big-e/live/|access-date=November 8, 2021|work=[[CBSSports]]|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109052157/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-ends-show-with-brutal-attack-on-wwe-champion-big-e/live/|url-status=live}}</ref> The title match took place on the December 6 episode,<ref name="Raw11292021"/> where Lynch retained the title by using the ropes as leverage during the pin.<ref name="Raw12062021"/> The following week, Lynch celebrated her win and insulted Morgan. An irate Morgan then came out, lambasted Lynch for cheating to win, and demanded a rematch at Day 1. The two then brawled where Lynch attacked Morgan's arm using the steel steps. Lynch then accepted Morgan's challenge.<ref name="Raw12132021"/>
On the December 6 episode of ''Raw'', an [[RK-Bro]]nament to determine the new number one contenders for RK-Bro's ([[Randy Orton]] and [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]]) [[Raw Tag Team Championship]] was announced, and began that same day, with [[The Street Profits]] ([[Angelo Dawkins]] and [[Montez Ford]]) and [[The Mysterios]] ([[Rey Mysterio]] and [[Dominik Mysterio]]) winning their respective matches to advance.<ref name="Raw12062021"/> The finals took place on the December 27 episode, with The Street Profits defeating The Mysterios to win the tournament, and the championship match was scheduled for Day 1.<ref name="Raw12272021">{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/27 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Miz & Maryse renew vows, Mysterios vs. Street Profits, Orton vs. Otis, Priest vs. Ziggler, Day 1 hype amidst Covid outbreak|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/27/12-27-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-miz-maryse-renew-vows-mysterios-vs-street-profits-orton-vs-otis-priest-vs-ziggler-day-1-hype-amidst-covid-outbreak/|access-date=December 27, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228135110/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/27/12-27-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-miz-maryse-renew-vows-mysterios-vs-street-profits-orton-vs-otis-priest-vs-ziggler-day-1-hype-amidst-covid-outbreak/|archive-date=December 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On the November 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', [[Drew McIntyre]] teamed with [[Jeff Hardy]] to defeat [[Happy Corbin]] and [[Madcap Moss]]. Later that night, however, McIntyre was the only one of the four not involved in the battle royal to determine the number one contender for the [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]].<ref name="SmackDown11262021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=11/26 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on the Battle Royal for a Reigns title shot, Corbin & Madcap vs. Hardy & Drew, Holland vs. Sheamus|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-the-battle-royal-for-a-reigns-title-shot-corbin-madcap-vs-hardy-drew-holland-vs-sheamus/|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 30, 2021|date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127110859/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-the-battle-royal-for-a-reigns-title-shot-corbin-madcap-vs-hardy-drew-holland-vs-sheamus/|archive-date=November 27, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Corbin and Moss hosted a ''Happy Talk'' segment where they joked about McIntyre not being in that battle royal before McIntyre interrupted. This allowed Hardy and McIntyre to lay out Corbin and Moss.<ref name="SmackDown12032021">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-brock-lesnars-return-jey-uso-vs-xavier-woods-cesaro-vs-sheamus-sami/|title=12/3 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Brock Lesnar's return, Jey Uso vs. Xavier Woods, Cesaro vs. Sheamus, Sami|date=December 3, 2021|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204195815/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-brock-lesnars-return-jey-uso-vs-xavier-woods-cesaro-vs-sheamus-sami/|archive-date=December 4, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> This would in turn be Hardy's final WWE appearance before his release on December 9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lambert|first1=Jeremy|last2=Sapp|first2=Sean Ross|title=Jeff Hardy Released By WWE|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/jeff-hardy-released-wwe|date=December 9, 2021|work=Fightful|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209154914/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/jeff-hardy-released-wwe|archive-date=December 9, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the December 10 episode, before McIntyre's match, McIntyre confronted WWE official Adam Pearce backstage about not being in the battle royal, only to be told that he couldn't bring his sword, Angela, to the ring for his match. McIntyre then stuck the sword through Pierce's desk. After McIntyre won his match, Corbin and Moss stole the desk and sword.<ref name="SmackDown12102021">{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/10 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Reigns-Lesnar hype for Day One, Charlotte vs. Storm, New Day vs. Usos vs. RK-Bro, Deville vs. Naomi|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/10/12-10-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-lesnar-hype-for-day-one-charlotte-vs-storm-new-day-vs-usos-vs-rk-bro-deville-vs-naomi/|access-date=December 10, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211040133/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/10/12-10-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-lesnar-hype-for-day-one-charlotte-vs-storm-new-day-vs-usos-vs-rk-bro-deville-vs-naomi/|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Corbin and Moss hosted another segment of ''Happy Talk'', where they told terrible jokes about McIntyre's sword. They tried to pull it out, but failed to. Afterwards, McIntyre appeared and laid out Corbin and Moss before retrieving the sword himself. Later that night, a match between McIntyre and Moss was made official for Day 1.<ref name="SmackDown12172021">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-fires-paul-heyman-brock-lesnar-lays-waste/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns fires Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar lays waste|date=December 17, 2021|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218090807/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-fires-paul-heyman-brock-lesnar-lays-waste/live/|archive-date=December 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2021, [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Kofi Kingston]] and [[King Woods]]) re-ignited their feud with [[SmackDown Tag Team Champions]] [[The Usos]] ([[Jey Uso]] and [[Jimmy Uso]]). On the October 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', while Kingston and Woods held a knighting ceremony for Kingston as Sir Kofi Kingston, The Usos interrupted. They told The New Day that they would face them in a non-title match later that night, where The New Day won.<ref name="SmackDown10292021">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/211738-wwe-smackdown-results-10-29-21-trick-or-street-fight/|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 10/29/21 (Trick or Street Fight)|date=October 29, 2021|last=Nemer|first=Roy|work=WrestleView|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031014012/https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/211738-wwe-smackdown-results-10-29-21-trick-or-street-fight/|archive-date=October 31, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, it was announced that Woods would face Jimmy where the loser would have to acknowledge the winner. Woods defeated Jimmy, and afterwards, Jimmy was about to bend the knee, but Universal Champion Roman Reigns, with The Usos, attacked Kingston and Woods.<ref name="SmackDown11052021">{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=11/5 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report and analysis of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, Shayna Baszler vs. Naomi in a rematch|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/05/11-5-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-roman-reigns-and-paul-heyman-shayna-baszler-vs-naomi-in-a-rematch/|access-date=November 5, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106033911/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/05/11-5-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-roman-reigns-and-paul-heyman-shayna-baszler-vs-naomi-in-a-rematch/|archive-date=November 6, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 12 episode, Woods faced Reigns in a non-title match, with the stipulations being that if Reigns won, Woods would have had to bend the knee, but if Woods won, Reigns would have had to bend the knee, and if he refused to do so, he would have been stripped of the Universal Championship and banished from SmackDown. Woods won via disqualification after interference from The Usos, after which, they put Woods' crown on Reigns' head.<ref name="SmackDown11122021">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-puts-his-smackdown-career-on-the-line-against-xavier-woods/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns puts his SmackDown career on the line against Xavier Woods|date=November 12, 2021|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113041945/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-puts-his-smackdown-career-on-the-line-against-xavier-woods/live/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Woods was again attacked by Reigns and The Usos, who broke his scepter and throne before Reigns stomped on his crown. Later that night, Woods and Reigns' Survivor Series opponent, WWE Champion Big E, also from The New Day, attacked Reigns and The Usos, sending them retreating.<ref name="SmackDown11192021">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-big-e-and-xavier-woods-ambush-roman-reigns/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Big E and Xavier Woods ambush Roman Reigns|date=November 19, 2021|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=November 19, 2021|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120034527/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-big-e-and-xavier-woods-ambush-roman-reigns/live/|url-status=live}}</ref> At Survivor Series, Reigns defeated Big E.<ref name="SSeries2021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=11/21 WWE Survivor Series PPV Results: Keller's report on Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte, Reigns vs. Big E, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown, Priest vs. Nakamura, RK-Bro vs. Usos|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/21/11-21-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-results-kellers-report-on-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-reigns-vs-big-e-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-priest-vs-nakamura-rk-bro-vs-usos/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122060752/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/11/21/11-21-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-results-kellers-report-on-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-reigns-vs-big-e-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-priest-vs-nakamura-rk-bro-vs-usos/|archive-date=November 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the December 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', Woods defeated Jey via disqualification after interference from Jimmy. Afterwards, Kingston returned and, along with Woods, attacked The Usos, who were able to retreat. Later that night, Kingston stated that he was forced to watch as The Bloodline attacked Woods and broke his crown, and that The New Day would gain revenge by defeating The Usos to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at Day 1.<ref name="SmackDown12032021"/>
On the November 5 episode of ''SmackDown'', [[Sheamus]] joined forces with [[Ridge Holland]] in a backstage segment.<ref name="SmackDown11052021"/> Two weeks later, Sheamus won a fatal four-way match involving [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] and [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]], who Sheamus pinned, after interference from Holland.<ref name="SmackDown11192021"/> The following week, Cesaro defeated Holland.<ref name="SmackDown11262021"/> On the December 3 episode, Sheamus defeated Cesaro.<ref name="SmackDown12032021"/> On the December 17 episode, Holland struck Cesaro with a shillelagh before their match, which Holland won.<ref name="SmackDown12172021"/> The following week, Sheamus eliminated Cesaro during a [[gauntlet match]] to determine the number one contender for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinenetal Championship]], but was eliminated by Ricochet, who was soon eliminated.<ref name="SmackDown12242021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=12/24 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Charlotte defending against Toni Storm, Heyman reacts to last week's Superman Punch, 12-man gauntlet, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/24/12-24-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-charlotte-defending-against-toni-storm-heyman-reacts-to-last-weeks-superman-punch-12-man-gauntlet-more/|date=December 24, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225075401/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/12/24/12-24-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-charlotte-defending-against-toni-storm-heyman-reacts-to-last-weeks-superman-punch-12-man-gauntlet-more/|archive-date=December 25, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 30, a match pitting Sheamus and Holland against Ricochet and Cesaro was scheduled for the Kickoff pre-show.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mukherjee|first=Subhojeet|title=WWE adds kickoff show match to Day 1 pay-per-view|url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2021/12/30/wwe-adds-kickoff-show-match-to-day-1-pay-per-view/|access-date=February 19, 2023|work=Ringside News|date=December 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230165208/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2021/12/30/wwe-adds-kickoff-show-match-to-day-1-pay-per-view/|archive-date=December 30, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Canceled match====
At [[Crown Jewel (2021)|Crown Jewel]], Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar to retain the Universal Championship with help from The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso).<ref name="CrownJewel2021">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=10/21 WWE Crown Jewel Results: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Lesnar, Big E vs. McIntyre, Seth vs. Edge in HIAC, Lynch vs. Banks vs. Belair, King and Queen tournament finals|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/10/21/10-21-wwe-crown-jewel-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-lesnar-big-e-vs-mcintyre-seth-vs-edge-in-hiac-lynch-vs-banks-vs-belair-king-and-queen-tournament-finals/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022191434/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2021/10/21/10-21-wwe-crown-jewel-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-lesnar-big-e-vs-mcintyre-seth-vs-edge-in-hiac-lynch-vs-banks-vs-belair-king-and-queen-tournament-finals/|archive-date=October 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following night's ''SmackDown'', an irate Lesnar attacked Reigns, The Usos, other wrestlers of the SmackDown roster, and security personnel due to being cheated out of the championship. WWE official Adam Pearce suspended Lesnar indefinitely and Lesnar responded by performing two F-5s on Pearce,<ref name="SmackDown10222021">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-brock-lesnar-attacks-roman-reigns-and-gets-suspended-for-his-actions/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Brock Lesnar attacks Roman Reigns and gets suspended for his actions|date=October 22, 2021|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023025256/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-brock-lesnar-attacks-roman-reigns-and-gets-suspended-for-his-actions/live/|archive-date=October 23, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> who fined Lesnar $1&nbsp;million a week later.<ref name="SmackDown10292021"/> On the November 26 episode, [[Sami Zayn]] won a battle royal to become the number one contender for the Universal Championship. Immediately after the match, however, it was announced that Lesnar's suspension was lifted and he would return the following week.<ref name="SmackDown11262021"/> That episode, Lesnar convinced Zayn to face Reigns for the title that night. WWE official Sonya Deville made it official and that the winner would defend the Universal Championship against Lesnar at Day 1. Before the match, however, Lesnar attacked Zayn, which allowed Reigns to quickly defeat Zayn and retain the title, officially scheduling Reigns to defend the championship against Lesnar at Day 1.<ref name="SmackDown12032021"/> On the December 17 episode, as Reigns believed that [[Paul Heyman]] was responsible for Lesnar's return due to Heyman formerly being Lesnar's advocate, Reigns fired Heyman as his special counsel, and Lesnar saved Heyman from a beatdown from Reigns and The Usos.<ref name="SmackDown12172021"/> On the day of the event, however, the match was canceled due to Reigns testing positive for COVID-19, with Lesnar instead being added to Raw's WWE Championship match due to his status as a non-exclusive wrestler.<ref name="ReignsCOVID"/>
==Event==
{|class=wikitable style="font-size:90%; margin: 0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; float: right; clear: right;"
|+ '''Other on-screen personnel'''
!|Role:
!|Name:
|-
|rowspan=5|English commentators
|[[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] {{small|(SmackDown)}}
|-
|[[Pat McAfee]] {{small|(SmackDown)}}
|-
|[[Jimmy Smith (fighter)|Jimmy Smith]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Corey Graves]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Byron Saxton]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|rowspan=2|Spanish commentators
|[[Carlos Cabrera]]
|-
|[[Marcelo Rodriguez]]
|-
|rowspan=1|[[Ring announcer]]
|[[Mike Rome]]
|-
|rowspan=7|[[Referee (professional wrestling)|Referees]]
|Danilo Anfibio
|-
|[[Jason Ayers]]
|-
|[[Jessika Carr]]
|-
|[[Daphanie LaShaunn]]
|-
|Eddie Orengo
|-
|Chad Patton
|-
|[[Charles Robinson (referee)|Charles Robinson]]
|-
|rowspan=2|Interviewers
|Sarah Schreiber
|-
|Megan Morant
|-
|rowspan="6"|Pre-show panel
|[[Kayla Braxton]]
|-
|[[Kevin Patrick (commentator)|Kevin Patrick]]
|-
|[[John "Bradshaw" Layfield]]
|-
|[[Peter Rosenberg]]
|-
|[[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]]
|-
|[[Sonya Deville]]
|}
===Pre-show===
On the Day 1 Kickoff pre-show, [[The Brawling Brutes|Sheamus and Ridge Holland]] took on Cesaro and Ricochet. During the match, Holland suffered a broken nose after a botched twirl-whirl by Ricochet. Medical personnel arrived and escorted Holland backstage. In the climax, Sheamus performed White Noise on Ricochet outside the ring and back inside, Sheamus performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Bicycle kick|Brogue Kick]] on Cesaro to win the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Day 1 Kickoff Show results: Powell's review of Sheamus and Ridge Holland vs. Ricochet and Cesaro|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-kickoff-show-results-powells-review-of-sheamus-and-ridge-holland-vs-ricochet-and-cesaro/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102003552/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-kickoff-show-results-powells-review-of-sheamus-and-ridge-holland-vs-ricochet-and-cesaro/|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Preliminary matches===
The actual pay-per-view opened with The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against The New Day (King Woods and Kofi Kingston). During the match, Jey performed an Uso Splash on Kingston for a nearfall. Kingston performed the SOS on Jey for a nearfall. In the climax, The Usos performed a Double Uso Splash on Kingston, however, Woods broke up the pin attempt. Jimmy caught Woods with a [[Superkick]]. Back inside the ring, The Usos performed the [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Death drop|1D]] (which was [[The Dudley Boyz]]'s 3D finisher) on Kingston to retain the titles.<ref name="Day1"/>
Next, Drew McIntyre took on Madcap Moss (accompanied by Happy Corbin). In the end, McIntyre performed the [[Claymore Kick]] on Moss to win the match.<ref name="Day1"/>
After that, RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). In the closing moments, Riddle threw Ford in the air and Orton performed an [[RKO (professional wrestling)|RKO]] on Ford to retain the titles. Special guests Migos were at ringside for the match and celebrated with RK-Bro after the match.<ref name="Day1"/>
Backstage, while Drew McIntyre was being interviewed following his victory, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss attacked McIntyre from behind with a steel chair. Moss placed the chair around McIntyre's neck and Corbin struck the chair using a metal tress, injuring McIntyre's neck.<ref name="Day1"/>
In the fourth match, Edge took on The Miz (accompanied by Maryse). During the match, Miz applied the [[figure four leglock]], only for Edge to touch the ring rope to void the submission. As Edge applied a Crossface on Miz, Maryse placed Miz's foot on the bottom rope to void the submission. As Edge attempted a Spear, Miz avoided Edge and performed the Skull Crushing Finale on Edge for a nearfall. In the closing moments, as Maryse was distracting the referee, [[WWE Hall of Fame]]r and Edge's wife [[Beth Phoenix]] came out and chased Maryse backstage. Edge performed a [[Spear (professional wrestling)|Spear]] on Miz to win the match.<ref name="Day1"/>
In the penultimate match, Becky Lynch defended the Raw Women's Championship against Liv Morgan. Early in the match, Morgan applied the Dis-Arm-Her on Lynch, who touched the ring ropes to void the submission. Morgan performed a Sunset Flip Powerbomb on Lynch for a nearfall. At ringside, Morgan trapped Lynch's arm into the steel steps and kicked the steps, as Lynch had done to her a few weeks prior. Back in the ring, Morgan continued to stomp on Lynch in the corner targeting her arm. In the end, Morgan attempted the Oblivion, but Lynch countered and performed the [[Powerslam#Side slam|Manhandle Slam]] on Morgan to retain the title.<ref name="Day1"/>
===Main event===
In the main event, Big E defended the WWE Championship in a fatal five-way match against Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Brock Lesnar. During the match, Lesnar performed multiple [[German Suplex]]es on the other wrestlers except Lashley. Big E performed a clothesline on Lesnar taking him out of the ring. Lashley then performed a Spear on Lesnar through the barricade near the timekeepers area. Rollins performed a Suicide Dive on Lesnar followed by Rollins and Owens performing Frog Splashes on Lesnar temporarily taking Lesnar out. Big E performed a Powerbomb on Lashley through the announce table. In the ring, Owens performed the Pop-up Powerbomb on Big E for a nearfall. Lesnar returned to the ring and performed [[F-5 (professional wrestling)|F-5]]s on Rollins, Owens, and Big E. Lashley then performed a Spear on Lesnar for a nearfall. As Lashley applied the [[Full nelson|Hurt Lock]] on Lesnar, Big E broke it up. Big E attempted a Big Ending on Lesnar, but Lesnar reversed into an F-5 and pinned Big E to win the WWE Championship for a sixth time.<ref name="Day1"/>
==Reception==
[[Dave Meltzer]] awarded the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match 4 stars, the highest of the night, while the lowest would be Cesaro and Ricochet vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland which received 2.5 stars. Elsewhere, the main event received 3.75 stars, both Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan and the Raw Tag Team Championship match received 3.25 stars, and both Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss and Edge vs. The Miz received 2.75 stars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dave Meltzer Star Ratings – WWE Day 1 (2022)|url=https://www.iwnerd.com/dave-meltzer-star-ratings-wwe-day-1-2022/|work=IWNerd|date=December 28, 2021|access-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407012638/https://www.iwnerd.com/dave-meltzer-star-ratings-wwe-day-1-2022/|archive-date=April 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Aftermath==
===Raw===
On the following episode of ''Raw'', new WWE Champion Brock Lesnar reunited with Paul Heyman, who announced that Lesnar's first challenger for the title would be determined by Day 1's originally scheduled fatal four-way match between Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Big E. Lashley won the bout to face Lesnar for the WWE Championship at the [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]].<ref name="Raw01032022">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-bobby-lashley-secures-wwe-title-match-with-brock-lesnar-at-royal-rumble/live/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Bobby Lashley secures WWE title match with Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble|date=January 3, 2022|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104052236/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-bobby-lashley-secures-wwe-title-match-with-brock-lesnar-at-royal-rumble/live/|archive-date=January 4, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Big E and Rollins had their singles match, which was won by Rollins.<ref name="Raw01102022"/>
Also on the following ''Raw'', The Miz and Maryse berated Edge and Beth Phoenix, after Phoenix had distracted Miz at Day 1. Edge and Phoenix then challenged Miz and Maryse to a [[mixed tag team match]] at the Royal Rumble. Miz accepted, despite Maryse's displeasure.<ref name="Raw01032022"/>
Liv Morgan interrupted Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch and wanted another rematch at the title. [[Bianca Belair]] interrupted, also staking a claim to a title match. [[Doudrop]] confronted WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville for an opportunity at the title. Deville and Pearce scheduled Morgan, Belair, and Doudrop to face each other in a triple threat match the following week to determine Lynch's challenger for the title at the Royal Rumble,<ref name="Raw01032022"/> which was won by Doudrop.<ref name="Raw01102022">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-becky-lynchs-royal-rumble-opponent-determined-in-main-event/live/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Becky Lynch's Royal Rumble opponent determined in main event|date=January 10, 2022|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111055153/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-becky-lynchs-royal-rumble-opponent-determined-in-main-event/live/|archive-date=January 11, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===SmackDown===
Universal Champion Roman Reigns opened the following episode of ''SmackDown'', only for his originally scheduled Day 1 opponent and new WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar, along with Paul Heyman, to interrupt him. Lesnar challenged Reigns to a champion vs. champion match, however, Reigns declined and then responded with a Superman Punch on Lesnar.<ref name="SmackDown01072022">{{cite web|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns to meet Seth Rollins at Royal Rumble|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-to-meet-seth-rollins-at-royal-rumble/live/|work=[[CBSSports]]|date=January 7, 2022|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108050726/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-to-meet-seth-rollins-at-royal-rumble/live/|archive-date=January 8, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Reigns and a double crossing Heyman cost Lesnar the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Lesnar then won the men's [[Royal Rumble match]]<ref name="RR2022">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 29, 2022|title=1/29 WWE Royal Rumble Results: Keller's report on Lesnar vs. Lashley, Reigns vs. Rollins, Lynch vs Doudrop, Miz & Maryse vs. Edge & Beth Phoenix, Rumbles|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/29/1-29-wwe-royal-rumble-results-kellers-report-on-lesnar-vs-lashley-reigns-vs-rollins-lynch-vs-doudrop-miz-maryse-vs-edge-beth-phoenix-rumbles/|access-date=January 29, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130151738/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/29/1-29-wwe-royal-rumble-results-kellers-report-on-lesnar-vs-lashley-reigns-vs-rollins-lynch-vs-doudrop-miz-maryse-vs-edge-beth-phoenix-rumbles/|archive-date=January 30, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> and chose to challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship at [[WrestleMania 38]] on the following ''Raw''. Still wanting it to be a champion vs. champion match, and also wanting a rematch for losing his title, Lesnar was also added to the WWE Championship [[Elimination Chamber match]] at [[Elimination Chamber (2022)|Elimination Chamber]],<ref name="Raw01312022">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/31/1-31-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lesnar-declaring-wm-opponent-ronda-rouseys-return-to-wwe-tv-lashley-celebrates-his-wwe-title-win/|title=1/31 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Lesnar declaring WM opponent, Ronda Rousey's return to WWE TV, Lashley celebrates his WWE Title wins|first=Wade|last=Keller|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 31, 2022|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201103701/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/31/1-31-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lesnar-declaring-wm-opponent-ronda-rouseys-return-to-wwe-tv-lashley-celebrates-his-wwe-title-win/|url-status=live}}</ref> which he won. This converted his Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania into a [[Winner Takes All match]],<ref name="EC2022">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=February 19, 2022|title=2/19 WWE Elimination Chamber Report: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Goldberg, Lynch vs. Lita, Rousey & Naomi vs. Charlotte & Deville, Chamber matches, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/19/2-19-wwe-elimination-chamber-report-reigns-vs-goldberg-lynch-vs-lita-rousey-naomi-vs-charlotte-deville-chamber-matches-more/|access-date=February 19, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=February 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219224530/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/19/2-19-wwe-elimination-chamber-report-reigns-vs-goldberg-lynch-vs-lita-rousey-naomi-vs-charlotte-deville-chamber-matches-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was later stipulated as a [[Championship unification|championship unification match]].<ref name="SmackDown02252022">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-contract-signing-gets-chaotic/live/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar contract signing gets chaotic|date=February 25, 2022|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|work=[[CBSSports]]|access-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226043245/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-contract-signing-gets-chaotic/live/|archive-date=February 26, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Also on the following episode of ''SmackDown'', The Usos again retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against The New Day (Kofi Kingston and King Woods), this time in a [[Street Fight match|street fight]].<ref name="SmackDown01072022"/>
Drew McIntyre was reported to require surgery on his neck,<ref>{{cite news|last=Mukherjee|first=Subhojeet|title=Drew McIntyre may need surgery for ongoing neck issues|url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2022/01/07/drew-mcintyre-may-need-surgery-for-ongoing-neck-issues/|access-date=February 19, 2023|work=Ringside News|date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107125241/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2022/01/07/drew-mcintyre-may-need-surgery-for-ongoing-neck-issues/|archive-date=January 7, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> however, he made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble during the men's Royal Rumble match and eliminated Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.<ref name="RR2022"/> Due to them almost ending his career, McIntyre declared he would continue targeting Corbin and Moss, and a rematch between McIntyre and Moss was scheduled for Elimination Chamber,<ref name="SmackDown02042022">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=February 4, 2022|title=2/4 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Royal Rumble fallout including Rousey's formal decision, Heyman's decision, a surprise opponent for Reigns at EC|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/04/2-4-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-fallout-including-rouseys-formal-decision/|access-date=February 4, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205053629/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/04/2-4-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-fallout-including-rouseys-formal-decision/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was later stipulated as a [[Falls Count Anywhere match]].<ref name="SmackDown02112022">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/11/2-4-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-charlotte-vs-naomi-natalya-vs-aliyah-in-dungeon-match-in-zayn-with-boogs-nakamura/|title=2/11 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Charlotte vs. Naomi, Natalya vs. Aliyah in Dungeon Match, In Zayn with Boogs & Nakamura|date=February 11, 2022|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212095634/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/11/2-4-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-charlotte-vs-naomi-natalya-vs-aliyah-in-dungeon-match-in-zayn-with-boogs-nakamura/|archive-date=February 12, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In response to Ricochet breaking Ridge Holland's nose at Day 1, Sheamus faced and defeated Ricochet on the January 14 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref name="SmackDown01142022">{{cite news|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=1/14 WWE SmackDown results: Keller's report on Reigns-Seth face-to-face, Sami's stunt show debut to counter Knoxville, Lita visits, Aliyah vs. Natalya|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/14/1-14-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-seth-face-to-face-samis-stunt-show-debut-to-counter-knoxville-lita-visits-aliyah-vs-natalya/|access-date=January 14, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115043112/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/14/1-14-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-reigns-seth-face-to-face-samis-stunt-show-debut-to-counter-knoxville-lita-visits-aliyah-vs-natalya/|archive-date=January 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Sheamus (accompanied by Holland, who returned from his injury) defeated Ricochet in a rematch.<ref name="SmackDown01212022">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/21/1-14-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-hype-usos-celebrate-reigns-record-setting-reign-kofi-vs-madcap-charlotte-vs-naomi/|title=1/21 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Royal Rumble hype, Usos celebrate Reigns record-setting reign, Kofi vs. Madcap, Charlotte vs. Naomi|date=January 21, 2022|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424235537/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/01/21/1-14-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-royal-rumble-hype-usos-celebrate-reigns-record-setting-reign-kofi-vs-madcap-charlotte-vs-naomi/|archive-date=April 24, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 28 episode, Sheamus and Holland, the latter wearing a protective face mask, defeated Ricochet and Cesaro in a rematch from Day 1.<ref name="SmackDown01282022">{{cite news|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns hates Seth Rollins for splitting up The Shield|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-hates-seth-rollins-for-splitting-up-the-shield/live/|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=[[CBSSports]]|date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129040807/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-roman-reigns-hates-seth-rollins-for-splitting-up-the-shield/live/|archive-date=January 29, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Ricochet quickly defeated Holland, after which, a tag team match began immediately afterwards, where Sheamus and Holland again defeated Ricochet and Cesaro to end the feud.<ref name="SmackDown02042022"/>
===Future===
Day 1 was scheduled to return to the State Farm Arena on January 1, 2023, and become an annual New Year's Day event for WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-day-1-returning-to-state-farm-arena-in-atlanta|title=WWE Day 1 returning to State Farm Arena in Atlanta|date=July 31, 2022|last=Rose|first=Bryan|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|access-date=August 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805073127/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-day-1-returning-to-state-farm-arena-in-atlanta|archive-date=August 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on October 16, 2022, it was reported that the 2023 event was canceled due to conflicts involving streaming partner Peacock's simulcast of a scheduled [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]] game that was televised by [[NBC]] on the night of the event.<ref>{{cite news|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=Report: WWE Day 1 2023 Canceled, Not Being Rebranded|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-wwe-day-1-2023-canceled-not-being-rebranded|access-date=October 16, 2022|work=Fightful|date=October 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016223616/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-wwe-day-1-2023-canceled-not-being-rebranded|archive-date=October 16, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> While WWE did not officially announce the cancellation, a [[WWE Live]] event was instead scheduled to be held at the State Farm Arena on December 27, 2022,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-day-1-no-longer-advertised-live-event-added/|title=WWE Day 1 No Longer Advertised By Arena, Live Event Added Instead|date=October 21, 2022|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|work=[[411Mania]]|access-date=December 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021230306/https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-day-1-no-longer-advertised-live-event-added/|archive-date=October 21, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> and then during [[Survivor Series: WarGames (2022)|Survivor Series: WarGames]] on November 26, the annual [[Royal Rumble (2023)|Royal Rumble]] event was promoted as the company's first PPV and livestreaming event of 2023.<ref name="SSeries2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of The Bloodline vs. Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and The Brawling Brutes in a WarGames match, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim vs. Rhea Ripley, Nikki Cross, and Damage CTRL in a WarGames match, Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory for the U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 26, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127185802/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/26/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-the-bloodline-vs-drew-mcintyre-kevin-owens-and-the-brawling-brutes-in-a-wargames-match-bianca-belair-becky-lynch-asuka-alexa-bliss-and/|archive-date=November 27, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the December 11, 2023, episode of ''Raw'', it was announced that the Day 1 name had been revived for a television special [[List of WWE Raw special episodes|episode]] of ''Raw'' titled [[WWE Day 1 (2024)|''Raw'': Day 1]], which aired on January 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news/scrapped-wwe-ple-name-returns-special-raw/|title=Scrapped WWE PLE Name Returns For Special Raw|date=December 12, 2023|last=Kilbane|first=Lyle|work=TJR Wrestling|access-date=December 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216021816/https://tjrwrestling.net/news/scrapped-wwe-ple-name-returns-special-raw/|archive-date=December 16, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Results==
{{Pro wrestling results table
|times  =<ref name="Day1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203242/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|archive-date=January 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|match1 = [[The Brawling Brutes|Sheamus and Ridge Holland]] defeated [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]] and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip1  = [[Tag team match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=Sheamus & Ridge Holland def. Cesaro & Ricochet|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/cesaro-ricochet-vs-sheamus-ridge-holland-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102020909/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/cesaro-ricochet-vs-sheamus-ridge-holland-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|note1  = pre
|time1  = 9:45
|match2 = [[The Usos]] ([[Jey Uso]] and [[Jimmy Uso]]) (c) defeated [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Kofi Kingston]] and [[King Woods]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip2  = [[Tag team match]] for the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos def. The New Day|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/the-usos-vs-the-new-day-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102042141/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/the-usos-vs-the-new-day-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time2  = 17:05
|match3 = [[Drew McIntyre]] defeated [[Madcap Moss]] (with [[Happy Corbin]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip3  = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=Drew McIntyre def. Madcap Moss|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/drew-mcintyre-vs-madcap-moss-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102042134/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/drew-mcintyre-vs-madcap-moss-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time3  = 9:45
|match4 = [[RK-Bro]] ([[Randy Orton]] and [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]]) (c) (with [[Migos]]) defeated [[The Street Profits]] ([[Angelo Dawkins]] and [[Montez Ford]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip4  = [[Tag team match]] for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro def. The Street Profits|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/rk-bro-vs-the-street-profits-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102042135/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/rk-bro-vs-the-street-profits-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time4  = 11:15
|match5 = [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeated [[The Miz]] (with [[Maryse Mizanin|Maryse]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip5  = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=Edge def. The Miz|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/edge-vs-the-miz-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102042145/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/edge-vs-the-miz-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time5  = 20:00
|match6 = [[Becky Lynch]] (c) defeated [[Liv Morgan]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip6  = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Raw Women's Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-results|title=Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch def. Liv Morgan|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|date=January 1, 2022|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102171143/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-results|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time6  = 17:00
|match7 = [[Brock Lesnar]] defeated [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] (c), [[Bobby Lashley]] (with [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]]), [[Kevin Owens]], and [[Seth "Freakin" Rollins]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip7  = [[Fatal five-way match]] for the [[WWE Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Nathan|title=Brock Lesnar def. WWE Champion Big E, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/wwe-title-fatal-5-way-match-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102042155/https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022/wwe-title-fatal-5-way-match-results|archive-date=January 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time7  = 8:25
}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.wwe.com/shows/day-1/day-one-2022|Day 1 official website}}
{{2022 WWE Network events}}
{{WWEPPV|WWE Day 1}}
[[Category:2022 WWE Network events]]
[[Category:2022 WWE pay-per-view events]]
[[Category:2022 in Atlanta]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling shows in Atlanta]]
[[Category:January 2022 sports events in the United States]]