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For WWE, normally the holiday season would be a time to reflect on the past year gone by. This year has been much different.
The company broadcast WWE RAW live on Monday as they do every week. However, there was a skeleton crew, due to a number of talent and backstage personnel getting Covid-19. It was even reported that not even Vince McMahon was in the house for the WWE Day 1 go-home show.
There was also news that SmackDown superstar Toni Storm had left WWE over the course of the holiday period. The biggest news of all came just hours before the WWE Day 1 Premium Live Event.
The company tweeted out that Universal Champion Roman Reigns had contracted Covid and would not be appearing. That meant his opponent Brock Lesnar was shuffled into the scheduled WWE Championship match, making it a Fatal 5-Way contest.
Despite the newsworthy week, there were a lot of stand-out performances to write home about. That being said, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars who impressed this week.
#5 Edge marks the new year with a victory over The Miz at WWE Day 1, as his wife Beth Phoenix returns
It has been quite a week for the Rated R Superstar, Edge. At WWE RAW this past Monday, he made his presence felt during The Miz and Maryse's renewal of their wedding vows ceremony.
The ceremony, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, appeared as if it was going to proceed without any hitches. Then Edge's music hit and all the chaos ensued.
Edge asked The Miz and Maryse if they wanted this to be a "white wedding" before The Brood's music blasted out. A Brood-bath dropped from the rafters onto the unsuspecting couple, and even caught some of Bischoff's white attire.
They set-up their match on WWE Day 1 perfectly, with Edge even coming out initially to The Brood's music. There was a lot of aminosity caused by all the shenanigans over the past few weeks which made for much intrigue.
Edge picked up at the win the Premium Live Event as his wife, Beth Phoenix, returned. Maryse tried to interfere in the match and cause many distractions, but the WWE Hall of Famers had other ideas.
Beth opened the floodgates to allow Edge to pick up a win against the A-Lister with a devastating spear. It capped off a memorable and impressive week for the Rated R Superstar, who right now clearly has The Miz's number.
#4 WWE RAW Tag Team Champions Rated RK-Bro impressed this week
It has been a busy week of action for WWE RAW Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Riddle. Not only did they have impressive individual showings at WWE RAW on Monday, but they also got the job done on Day 1.
Orton defeated Chad Gable, then Riddle defeated Otis, before they found out they would be facing The Street Profits in Atlanta. Having rap group Migos by their side certainly helped, as the team finished off Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins in style. All four men shook hands after the scintillating contest.
#3 Sheamus defeated Cesaro & Ricochet alone at WWE Day 1
It wasn't the way it was supposed to be, but Sheamus came out of it looking stronger than ever. Holland legitimately broke his nose early in the match between Sheamus & Ridge Holland and Ricochet & Cesaro. He was led backstage, which meant the Celtic Warrior had to continue the match alone.
This didn't phase the former world champion, who defied the odds to overcome both men and claim an impressive victory. Sheamus has been on a roll in recent weeks and is delivering some exceptional work.
We wish Ridge Holland a speedy recovery so he can get back to learning and making an impact with the Irishman.
#2 WWE RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch once again proved why she's Big Time Becks
In this Friday's WWE SmackDown, we saw a special recap of the past year because the episode fell on New Year's Eve. It also featured a special appearance from RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch on the eve of her title defense against Liv Morgan.
It was her battle on Day 1 that defined her week, and that showed just why she is Big Time Becks. The hard-fought contest took both Becky and Liv to the limit, but it was The Man that ultimately claimed victory with a Man-handle Slam.
It was just the win she needed as the road to WrestleMania will soon be upon us.
#1 Brock Lesnar wins the WWE Championship in a Fatal 5-Way match at Day 1
Just a couple of days ago, nobody would have predicted that Brock Lesnar would be walking out of Day 1 as WWE Champion. Of course, he was set to face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship, but that match was ultimately pulled.
Instead, The Beast Incarnate had Big E, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley and Kevin Owens to contend with. It certainly didn't phase him as put in one incredible performance to pull off the first shocker of the year. It was the champion Big E he eventually pinned following the F5 to capture his sixth WWE Title.
What this means for his rivalry with Roman Reigns remains to be seen, but it has certainly got the WWE Universe talking.
