WWE has unveiled exciting matchups for next week’s episode of SmackDown, which marks the first three-hour episode of the show. Fans can look forward to intense action as the Women’s Championship will be on the line with Nia Jax defending her title against Naomi. Also announced for the show is a high-profile non-title singles bout featuring United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura going toe-to-toe with Andrade.
The upcoming SmackDown episode is set to take place on January 5, 2025, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This historic episode will not only be the first installment of 2025 but will also become the first SmackDown to air live on YouTube, following its transition from TNT Sports for UK viewers. This shift is part of WWE's broader strategy to adapt its broadcasting options for international fans, especially those residing outside the United States.
The Women's Championship match promises to be highly competitive as Nia Jax and Naomi bring their longstanding rivalry to the forefront once again. Jax previously defended her title successfully against Naomi yet again during their last bout on SmackDown aired earlier this November. The anticipation for this match has intensified following Naomi's recent success alongside Bianca Belair and Bayley, where they triumphed over Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae during a six-woman tag team match.
With the match set, fans are eager to see if Naomi can finally dethrone Jax and claim the title. Given the competitive nature displayed by both superstars, this encounter is expected to draw significant attention from the WWE Universe.
Aside from the Women’s Championship bout, the agenda for next week’s SmackDown features another compelling matchup between United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade, marking what will be an engaging night of wrestling.
Last night’s SmackDown also featured key developments, particularly driven by General Manager Nick Aldis, who confronted Kevin Owens about the stolen Winged Eagle WWE Championship. Owens, claiming the title is rightfully his after the referee’s controversial no-count at Saturday Night’s Main Event, found himself interrupted by a returning Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare proposed a thrilling challenge: both titles would hang above the ring for grabs during their Ladder Match set for the upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event next month.
Owens agreed to the stipulation, adding intense drama as SmackDown concluded with Owens attacking Rhodes aggressively once more, using Aldis as leverage to execute the brutal act. This escalates their bitter rivalry to new heights, where both competitors have much at stake. The stakes are incredibly high for both men, as the Ladder Match format allows Owens to potentially win without pinning Rhodes, preserving his momentum heading toward WrestleMania.
The upcoming Royal Rumble promises to be electrifying, with Cody Rhodes seeking to maintain his momentum and Owens eager to reclaim his spot at the top. This pivotal encounter reflects not just the talent of both wrestlers but also the storytelling dynamics WWE has been fostering. Fans are left wondering about the ramifications of this matchup, especially if Rhodes ends up defeating Owens again, which could solidify his championship credentials but might also raise questions about his credibility against such fierce competition.
WWE's programming continues to demonstrate its knack for intertwining complex narratives with competitive bouts, urging fans to stay tuned as anticipated future events such as SmackDown next week and the Royal Rumble approach. For wrestling aficionados, each episode offers more than mere matches; it presents strategic playbooks for potential future scenarios as champions defend their titles and rivalries escalate.
This dynamic development not just reiterates the fierce atmosphere within WWE but heralds the path to WrestleMania, promising more stories to explore, prizes to vie for, and excitement to be witnessed.