WWE News & Rumor Roundup – Original winner of WWE title match revealed, Roman Reigns' announcement, Top star legitimately injured (January 1st, 2022)

WWE kicked off 2022 in fine fashion by offering a compelling Day 1 pay-per-view.

Despite being forced to make several last-minute changes due to COVID-19, WWE managed to put together a match card that kept fans invested throughout the show.

Today's WWE News & Roundup edition focuses on the most significant developments from Day 1, and we begin with Roman Reigns' statement following his positive COVID-19 test.

Day 1 ended with Brock Lesnar capturing the WWE Championship, but we now know who was originally slated to walk out of the event with RAW's world title.

A top WWE Superstar was also written off TV due to an injury, which could see him miss some in-ring time. Unfortunately, another rising star suffered a nasty injury at Day 1, and he even posted a graphic photo after the show.

We wrapped up the roundup with backstage details regarding the producers responsible for the Day 1 matches.

---

#5. A deleted image reveals the original winner of the WWE title match at Day 1

WWE ended an eventful Day 1 with Brock Lesnar becoming the world champion once again, but that wasn't the plan heading into the show.

A tweet from WWE on FOX's Twitter handle posted a photo of the Day 1 results, and it pretty much leaked the original winner of the Fatal-Five Way Match.

Despite having Brock Lesnar in the image, the post stated that Big E had emerged victorious in the main event of Day 1. The tweet was immediately taken down as it seemed to have been a mistake from the people managing WWE on FOX's social media accounts.

You can check out the tweet below (courtesy of WrestlingNews.co) that clearly states Big E as the winner:

The COVID-19 outbreak within WWE brought about multiple alterations to the booking plans, and Big E's abrupt loss was the biggest decision from the creative team.

WWE teased a new opponent for Brock Lesnar after the Day 1 match, and we're unsure what's next for Big E in this scenario. It's safe to say that the road to Royal Rumble and WrestleMania got even more interesting!

#4. Roman Reigns issues statement on missing WWE Day 1

WWE received the worst news possible in the hours leading up to Day 1 as Roman Reigns announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

The Tribal Chief took to Twitter and informed fans that he'd be unavailable to perform at Day 1 due to the COVID-19 protocols.

Roman Reigns posted the following:

Roman Reigns' Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar was expected to headline Day 1 as WWE officials were cautious about protecting the high-stakes bout over the past few days.

As seen at Day 1, WWE flipped the script and booked Brock Lesnar in the WWE Championship match. The Beast Incarnate pinned Big E to begin his sixth WWE title reign, and reactions to his victory have been incredible.

Roman Reigns should be back on TV once he's cleared to return, and in the meantime, it'd be interesting to see how WWE uses Brock Lesnar. We'll keep you updated on Reigns' status and his eventual rematch with the new WWE Champion.

---

#3. Backstage News on Drew McIntyre's injury and WWE status

Drew McIntyre was written off TV via a backstage attack at Day 1. PWInsider and Fightful confirmed that the angle was booked to cover up news of McIntyre's legitimate injury.

Mike Johnson reported that Drew McIntyre has been dealing with neck issues for several weeks. The two-time WWE Champion will undergo medical testing soon to get a proper diagnosis of his injury.

Sean Ross Sapp noted that WWE hopes McIntyre isn't seriously injured and can make a quick return to in-ring action. A timeline has not been provided for McIntyre's comeback as he is yet to get checked by the doctors.

McIntyre picked up a singles win over Madcap Moss at Day 1, and the RAW superstar was assaulted by Moss and Happy Corbin later in the evening. The promotion even issued a storyline injury update on the former world champion's status.

Drew McIntyre's possible absence is bad news for WWE as it approaches a crucial period. Sportskeeda Wrestling wishes The Scottish Warrior a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back sooner rather than later.

#2. Ridge Holland suffers a broken nose at WWE Day 1

WWE's injury problems mounted at the Day 1 event as Ridge Holland broke his nose in a freak accident during his tag team match.

Holland suffered the injury when Cesaro flipped Ricochet over the superstar. Instead of landing on his stomach, Ricochet's knee hit Holland's face, and the former NXT star began to bleed profusely.

WWE medics rushed out to the ring as Holland had to be taken out of the match. The 33-year-old star was escorted to the backstage area and didn't return to the ring as his partner Sheamus proceeded to get the win for his team.

Michael Cole announced during the broadcast that Ridge Holland was getting treatment for his broken nose.

The British superstar also posted a graphic photo of his injury following the match, which you can view right here.

Ridge Holland could be out of the ring as he recuperates from the nasty injury. However, while nothing is confirmed, Holland could continue appearing on TV just as Sheamus did in the recent past despite breaking his nose.

---

#1. Producers for WWE Day 1 matches revealed

WWE's first pay-per-view event of the year lived up to its expectations despite almost falling apart during the build-up. The company booked seven matches, including the pre-show bout, and the reactions have been positive online.

Fightful Select has now revealed the producers responsible for the main show matches for Day 1. The impressive Fatal Five-Way main event, which saw Brock Lesnar come out as the unlikely winner, was produced by Jamie Noble.

Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch's RAW Women's Championship contest was put together by TJ Wilson (Tyson Kidd) and Molly Holly. Adam Pearce and Michael 'PS' Hayes worked on Edge and Miz's singles match, while Chris Park (Abyss) oversaw Drew McIntyre's win over Madcap Moss.

When it comes to the tag matches, Shane Helms and Kenny Dykstra produced the RK-Bronament finals while Shawn Daivari stepped in for the showdown between New Day and The Usos.

Which was your favorite match from Day 1? Let us know in the comments section below.