# SmackDown LIVE preview, Jan. 1, 2019: John Cena returns to kick off the new year

* What better way to kick off 2019 than with the return of John Cena? What does the 16-time World Champion have planned for the blue brand? Find out on the first SmackDown LIVE of the new year, tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!

* John Cena returns to kick off 2019
* Don’t miss The New Day’s New Year’s Celebration
* What will be the fallout of AJ Styles’ attack of Mr. McMahon?
* What’s next for The Miz & Shane McMahon?
* How will Rusev’s reign as United States Champion begin?

# John Cena returns to kick off 2019

* What better way to kick off the new year than with John Cena?
One of “Mr. McMahon-ta Claus’s” gifts to the WWE Universe on the Christmas Eve edition of Raw was the return of the 16-time World Champion, to both the red and blue brands. Cena’s first appearance will come on the New Year’s Day edition of SmackDown LIVE. As Team Blue gets ready to kick off 2019, how will the presence of one of the greatest Superstars in WWE history effect things?

# Don’t miss The New Day’s New Year’s Celebration

* It wouldn’t be New Year’s Day with out a celebration. Thankfully, The New Day is here to throw a party worthy of 2019.
There’s sure to be plenty of pancakes at The New Day’s New Year Celebration, but what else will Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E have planned for the WWE Universe?

# What will be the fallout of AJ Styles’ attack of Mr. McMahon?

* On Christmas night, Mr. McMahon demanded to see the animal inside AJ Styles, wanting to know who the “real” AJ Styels is. Mr. McMahon went so far as to slap The Phenomenal One after questioning why Styles was letting others compete in the house he built.
The WWE Chairman got his wish, as Styles floored Mr. McMahon with a right hand before letting out a primal rage. As officials checked on him, Mr. McMahon said he was OK, as a smile crept across his face.
Why did Mr. McMahon choose to enrage AJ Styles? Will there be any fallout for The Phenomenal One’s attack on the WWE Chairman?

# What’s next for The Miz & Shane McMahon?

* The Miz made an impassioned plea to Shane McMahon on a Christmas night edition of “Miz TV,” one last time asking Shane-O-Mac to join forces with him to be come “the best tag team in the world.”
The A-Lister’s passionate speech apparently connected with Shane, as he agreed to team up with Miz, though he gave him one warning: “You better not screw me, or there’s going to be major consequences.”
Now that the “co-besties” are officially teaming up, what’s next for this brand-new tag team? Find out on the New Year’s Day edition of SmackDown LIVE, Tuesday at 8/7 C on USA Network!

# How will Rusev’s reign as United States Champion begin?

* Last week was a Merry Christmas and the happiest Rusev Day, as The Bulgarian Brute defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the United States Championship.
How will Rusev celebrate this momentous occasion? Find out on the first SmackDown LIVE of 2019, tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!