The first WWE SmackDown of the new year was absolutely loaded. Drew McIntyre continued to torment Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest defeated Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match, Randy Orton returned and a new Women's U.

Finally, Matt Cardona appears to have made a full return to WWE nearly six years after his initial release in 2020.

Vic Joseph on commentary pushed the result as the fastest loss in NXT history. By winning the tournament, Heights becomes number one contender for the WWE Speed Championship held by Jasper Troy. Jasper Troy enters the sound stage after the match for a stare down with Heights.

The former two-time NXT champ and one-time tag titlist made the jump to WWE in 2022 and eventually reunited with long-time friend Johnny Gargano on the main roster. While he had solid moments and won the tag titles with Gargano, his time on the main roster has been mostly underwhelming compared to his time in NXT.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Felix Upton of Ringside News), the injury does not require surgery and WWE expects Mysterio to return in three to four weeks. Dirty Dom was injured at AAA Guerra de Titanes on Dec. 20 when he teamed with El Grande Americano against Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix.

This is Wrestling Inc.’s results for “WWE NXT” on December 30, 2025, with a singles match between rivals Ricky Saints and Je'Von Evans!

NXT has served as WWE’s premier developmental brand since its rebranding in 2012, transforming from a competition show into a legitimate third brand that has produced some of WWE’s biggest stars.

WWE loves a loud crowd, but sometimes it would benefit from turning the crowd noise down during promos. Last time in action: Sinclair lost to Zaria (NXT, Nov. 4), Grey won the Iron Survivor match (Deadline), Fatal Influence lost to Grey, Ruca and Lola Vice (NXT, Dec. 2)

Former WWE star Shayna Baszler believes her longtime friend Ronda Rousey could eventually return to the company, despite having plenty of grievances.