The WWE kicked off the new year with the first three-hour episode of Friday Night SmackDown on January 3, 2025, held at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The event was loaded with major storylines and championship matches, including Nia Jax defending the WWE Women's Championship against Naomi and Shinsuke Nakamura competing against Andrade. Fans were eager for action, knowing this was the dawn of a new era.
Opening the show was Cody Rhodes, who had been central to the recent storyline surrounding Kevin Owens. Rhodes addressed the crowd about his aspirations and the upcoming challenges he faced, particularly his unavailability to wrestle until he receives clearance. 'Timing is funny,' Rhodes remarked, acknowledging the significant changes WWE was undergoing as this three-hour format commenced alongside the forthcoming Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw. 'I’m excited, but it’s tempered,' he added, clearly indicating anticipation mixed with frustration over his injury.
Conversely, Drew McIntyre made his unexpected entrance, greeting Rhodes with a hug. 'I’m not here tonight to hurt you, Cody. I’m here to help you,' McIntyre emphasized. He warned Rhodes about the dangers he was facing, primarily due to his injury and the looming presence of Kevin Owens. The tension escalated when Owens blindside attacked Rhodes, leading to chaos as officials rushed to separate the two. This moment highlighted the brewing conflict and set the tone for the evening.
The first match of the night saw Shinsuke Nakamura take on Andrade El Idolo in what was billed as a non-title match. Both wrestlers brought their A-game, showcasing their storied rivalry. With Andrade applying relentless pressure, Nakamura's resilience shone through. The match reached its climax when Nakamura countered Andrade's barrage with his signature Kinshasa, securing the victory. Post-match, LA Knight confronted Nakamura, setting the stage for their impending clash for the United States title. Knight's declaration, "Everywhere Nakamura goes, I’m going to be there," signaled his intentions to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his.
The night continued with Michin facing Piper Niven. Michin, showcasing remarkable agility, managed to outmaneuver Niven, culminating her efforts with the decisive Eat DeFeat for victory. The match demonstrated Michin's skills and marked her growing prominence on the roster.
Paul Heyman then took center stage, addressing the crowd concerning the significant match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa set for Monday's Raw. He suggested Sikoa was well-prepared to step out of Reigns' shadow and become the next Tribal Chief. Sikoa’s defiance culminated in him inviting Heyman to acknowledge him, increasing tensions leading to their anticipated showdown.
Next up was the tag team championship match featuring DIY defending against The Motor City Machine Guns. The bout was intense, filled with high-flying maneuvers and rapid-fire tags. Unfortunately, the contest concluded without a clear winner due to interference from Pretty Deadly, leaving fans disappointed but eager for future encounters between the two teams.
All eyes then turned to the highly awaited WWE Women’s Championship match, where Nia Jax faced Naomi, who was accompanied by Bianca Belair. Naomi, determined to seize the title, began strong, utilizing her speed and agility to keep Jax on the defensive. Jax countered with her brute force, illustrating the struggle of strength versus speed. Despite her efforts, Naomi succumbed to Jax's devastating Annihilator, who retained her title. But the thrill didn't end there; Tiffany Stratton's music played soon after, signaling her cash-in on her Money in the Bank contract. Stratton quickly dispatched Naomi with her briefcase before finishing off Jax with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, capturing her first WWE Women's Championship. The crowd erupted at the unexpected twist, completely altering the night's narrative.
The main event featured Sami Zayn and The Usos against The New Bloodline comprising Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga. The match began with total chaos, as all six wrestlers brawled before the bell could even ring. The Usos worked against the odds but found themselves overwhelmed at various points by Sikoa's power. The action was frenetic, and Zayn's desperation saw him delivering spectacular comebacks. The match culminated when Sikoa executed his Samoan Spike on Jey Uso, granting The New Bloodline the victory.
With this extensive card and thrilling storytelling, the inaugural SmackDown of 2025 left fans buzzing. WWE's strategic efforts to engage its audience via new formats and riveting matches are clearly paying off as they move forward, shaping expectations for events leading up to the Royal Rumble later this month. The winner of Jax and the spotlight on Tiffany Stratton showcase WWE's commitment to elevaten new talent heading forward.
This exciting evolution proves WWE is not only creative with their storytelling but is also unafraid to switch it up as it embraces a promising future. What lies ahead remains uncertain, yet every fan can expect the unexpected as WWE charts its course through 2025.