5 things WWE Day 1 got right - Brock Lesnar wins world title; Injured star written off TV

WWE Day 1 is in the books and has kicked off 2022 in a fun way. The New Year's Day event featured some excellent matches and a few shocking moments.

From title changes to surprise returns, WWE Day 1 was an eventful show, even after Roman Reigns was forced off the card due to testing positive for COVID-19 hours beforehand. The promotion did well to keep the rest of the card intact.

The layout of the card was also great, as the pay-per-view flew by without much fuss. Hopefully, things only continue improving as we head closer to Royal Rumble and the road to WrestleMania.

Here are five things WWE got right at the New Year's Day event. Let us know your thoughts on WWE Day 1 in the comments below.

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#5 The last-minute change involving Brock Lesnar

After Roman Reigns tested positive for COVID-19, WWE had to scramble for a solution. Brock Lesnar had to be on the match card, having already been scheduled and ready to go. Putting him in the other world title match was a great idea, stacking the new main event with more star power.

This fit perfectly with the chaotic WWE Championship scene, as the title match for the pay-per-view went from a singles match between Seth Rollins and Big E to a fatal-five-way. The bout we got was further proof why adding Lesnar to the mix was an inspired decision given the circumstances.

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#4 The Usos and The New Day open WWE Day 1

The Usos and The New Day were given the job of welcoming WWE fans to 2022, as they opened the main show of Day 1. This was a great decision, as the Atlanta crowd was hot for the SmackDown Tag Team Title match between the eternal rivals.

All four men brought their best to create a compelling clash, where either tandem could have won. In the end, The Usos crushed King Woods and Kofi Kingston's hopes of Championship glory. It was still a fantastic match - the right one to kick off WWE Day 1.

#3 Drew McIntyre wins and is written off WWE television

Drew McIntyre headed into WWE Day 1 severely banged up. He has been dealing with some legitimate neck issues, the extent of which is yet to be determined. That has not completely stopped The Scottish Warrior, though, as he took on Madcap Moss at the New Year's Day event.

WWE made the right call for McIntyre to defeat Moss before writing him off due to a backstage attack from Happy Corbin and his ally. This was a better option than him losing at the pay-per-view. It remains to be seen how long Drew McIntyre will be out for, which allows Corbin to receive further heel heat.

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#2 Beth Phoenix returns at WWE Day 1 to help Edge

Edge faced The Miz at WWE Day 1, with fans hoping for Beth Phoenix to return and counter Maryse's constant interference. The Glamazon did show up, looking as frightening as ever. She chased The Miz's wife away from ringside before overseeing her husband pick up the win.

Phoenix is still in great shape, having performed splendidly in her last in-ring appearance at the Royal Rumble two years ago. Whether she goes on one final run or will only stick around to destroy Maryse, Beth Phoenix returning to help Edge win at WWE Day 1 was the right call.

#1 Brock Lesnar wins the WWE Championship at WWE Day 1

Not only was he added to the world title fatal-four-way at WWE Day 1, but Brock Lesnar also won the entire thing. This move has shaken the promotion to its core, with more positives than negatives.

While Big E is currently hurt by this defeat to Lesnar, this could lead to a special moment for him. Imagine if he topples The Beast Incarnate at WrestleMania 38. The New Day member would be immortalized.

Bobby Lashley will also want a crack at the new champion, with The All Mighty getting the better of their exchanges at WWE Day 1. Brock Lesnar's free-agent status comes in handy too, as he can show up on SmackDown as well. What will happen next in his angle with Roman Reigns? It's anybody's guess.

While The Beast Incarnate's road to WrestleMania seemed predictable, WWE has now opened up several possibilities. The build to The Show of Shows couldn't be less predictable at this time. RAW has become a must-see show following the events of WWE Day 1.