WWE Day 1: Ranking and grading every match

The first show of 2022 is in the books, with WWE Day 1 delivering despite a huge setback hours before it began. However, Roman Reigns testing positive for COVID-19 did not ruin the New Year's Day pay-per-view.

WWE offered a solid card, as no match was outright bad. There were peaks and troughs, though, as some bouts were much better than the rest. We already have a couple of Match of the Year candidates for 2022 from the event.

We also got a shorter show as a result of the Universal Champion's absence, which is always a positive for fans. Each match got time to breathe, although one did not stop for a second. This was quite the way to kick off the year.

Here is every match at WWE Day 1 graded and ranked, from worst to best. What was your favorite match on the card? Let us know down in the comments.

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#6 Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss - WWE Day 1

A slightly underwhelming addition to the WWE Day 1 card, Drew McIntyre's victory over Madcap Moss wasn't bad. The Scottish Warrior enjoyed a great performance, showcasing his power opposite a fellow big man. The match was solid if a bit unspectacular.

McIntyre looked good and won after a little resistance from Moss. This could have easily happened on SmackDown instead, with not much of a reason for it to take place at WWE Day 1.

Grade: B-

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#5 RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits for the RAW Tag Team Championship

This match had an interesting layout, with The Street Profits playing the de-facto heels opposite RK-Bro. It could have been done differently as the fans did not want to boo either team. Either way, this RAW Tag Team Championship bout was solid.

Montez Ford had another magnificent showing, as he flew all over the place. His dive over the ring post onto both Randy Orton and Riddle was particularly impressive. However, a pop-up RKO ended his chances. A great way to end a decent match. RK-Bro and The Street Profits are capable of having a better one, though.

Grade: B

#4 Edge vs. The Miz - WWE Day 1

Edge entered WWE Day 1 the same way he entered SummerSlam - through a pit of fire to the Brood's theme. He channeled his inner darkness against The Miz, who put on a solid showing against The Rated-R Superstar.

The two traded big moves across the ring, including a sick Edge-O-Matic on the floor. Maryse played a big part in the proceedings, as her distractions nearly cost Edge the match. She allowed The Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale but that was not enough.

These distractions caused Beth Phoenix to come out and chase Maryse around ringside, which allowed Edge to pick up the win with a Spear. This was a cool moment, with the Hall of Fame couple finally sharing a WWE ring.

The match at WWE Day 1 was fine. It could not reach the heights of Edge's classics against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins because of the lack of believability of The Miz winning. Either way, both men worked hard here and could have a more fiery match soon if their wives join them for a Mixed Tag Team Match.

Grade: B+

#3 Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the RAW Women's Championship - WWE Day 1

Liv Morgan did well at WWE Day 1, as she challenged Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship. She was at her best in the ring, truly determined to unseat the dominant champion.

This match did a great job in enhancing Morgan's status in WWE, even if she failed to win. The former Riott Squad member troubled Big Time Becks with some great moves, including a sublime springboard sunset powerbomb. She even locked in the Rings of Saturn to add further jeopardy.

However, Becky Lynch weathered the storm and crushed Liv Morgan's dreams to retain the RAW Women's Title at WWE Day 1. She did so after hitting the Manhandle Slam. It was also relatively clean, which was quite surprising considering the manner of her recent victories.

The promotion could have switched the belt here, with Morgan enjoying a short reign as RAW Women's Champion. Instead, Lynch's reign continues. She continues to be good value in the ring, having impressed in every pay-per-view outing since her 26-second win over Bianca Belair at SummerSlam.

Grade: A-

#2 The Usos vs. The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship - WWE Day 1

WWE Day 1 kicked off in the best possible way, as The Usos and The New Day continued their legendary feud. The two teams had yet another excellent tag team championship match to add to their collection, even if the build hasn't at all been the greatest.

King Woods showed by he's the most underrated superstar today, with continuous and relentless fire opposite Jimmy and Jey Uso. He looked like an absolute star and was protected in defeat at WWE Day 1, with the twins targeting Kofi Kingston's injured knee.

The former WWE Champion himself put on some resistance, keeping the match going for a while. The Usos were always on the front foot, though, even when The New Day looked to have the match won. The end saw the SmackDown Tag Team Champions win out following a 3D to Kingston.

This was a unique way to end the latest instalment of the Usos-New Day saga at WWE Day 1. Jey and Jimmy Uso put on a performance their cousin is surely proud of, representing The Bloodline at the event. There may not be a better tag team match in WWE all year. Unless the two teams face off again.

Grade: A

#1 Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship - Main event of WWE Day 1

The main event of WWE Day 1 went from Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar to this chaotic fatal-five-way involving The Beast Incarnate. Big E defended his WWE Championship against Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Bobby Lashley in addition to the former UFC megastar.

This match was explosive right from the first second, with Lesnar taking Rollins and Owens to Suplex City. He had exciting encounters with Big E and Lashley too, with The All-Mighty spearing him through the barricade.

Even the portion where Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens teamed up was exciting, with the two heels hitting impressive moves on their three larger opponents. We also got an announce table spot, with Big E smashing Bobby Lashley through it with a Uranage.

The end was also relentless, with Brock Lesnar hitting F5s on every superstar except for Lashley, who nearly defeated The Beast Incarnate before being thwarted by Big E. However, the New Day member would eventually fall at WWE Day 1. Lesnar reversed a Big Ending into an F5 to win.

This match was pure carnage, with zero rest throughout its duration. The only downside was that it only lasted eight minutes. Had it gone a few minutes longer, WWE Day 1 will have hosted the greatest main event in a while.

Grade: A