The January 3, 2025 edition of WWE SmackDown kicked off the year with dramatic twists and turns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This event marked the first three-hour SmackDown, promising fans plenty of excitement and introducing new dynamics as WWE prepares for the Royal Rumble.
The show began with Cody Rhodes addressing the audience, dressed sharply and carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship over his shoulder. Despite the pomp, Rhodes revealed he was not medically cleared to wrestle due to recent altercations with Kevin Owens. The tension began to thicken as Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring, reinforcing his intention to support Rhodes. Yet, McIntyre warned Rhodes to watch his back, foreshadowing the chaos to come.
Kevin Owens capitalized on this tension when he attacked Rhodes from behind, igniting their long-standing rivalry. WWE officials scrambled to separate the two, setting the tone for the night where emotions ran high.
Match #1 saw Shinsuke Nakamura face Andrade, with Nakamura winning via pinfall after landing his signature Kinshasa knee strike. Following the match, the ever-energetic LA Knight attacked Nakamura, signaling his desire for the United States Championship.
The women's match of the night featured Michin defeating Piper Niven, which showcased Michin's resilience and agility, ending with her finishing maneuver, Eat Defeat. This win elevated her status within the women's division.
Meanwhile, the stage was being set for the highly anticipated Tribal Combat on Raw, with Paul Heyman addressing the crowd and outlining the stakes involved. Heyman’s promo underscored the significance of the Ula Fala, the symbol of supremacy within the Bloodline, positioning Solo Sikoa at the heart of the coming showdown with the former champion, Roman Reigns.
Match #2 was pivotal; the WWE Tag Team Championships hung in the balance as #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) confronted The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin). What promised to be a classic ended abruptly when outside interference from Pretty Deadly and Los Garza erupted, causing the referee to call for a No Contest, leaving #DIY still holding their titles.
The drama escalated with Nia Jax's match against Naomi for the WWE Women’s Championship—an anticipated rematch. Jax managed to secure victory against Naomi after Tiffany Stratton interrupted the match. Just as it seemed like Naomi would win, Stratton struck from behind, swinging her Money in the Bank briefcase and creating chaos at ringside. This distraction allowed Jax to retain her title.
But, the biggest shock of the night came when Tiffany Stratton decisively cashed in her Money in the Bank contract right after Jax’s victory. Taking advantage of the situation, she pinned Jax with her signature maneuver, the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, to become the new WWE Women’s Champion. Fans erupted as the night dazzled with this unexpected turn of events.
The main event featured Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga from the Bloodline facing Sami Zayn and The Usos. This match showcased the tensions and rivalries brewing within the WWE Universe. Amidst chaotic ringside interactions and high-stakes maneuvers, it was Solo Sikoa who emerged victorious after executing the Samoan Spike on his brother, Jey Uso, solidifying the Bloodline's dominance.
With the stakes rising and narratives continuously twisting, the stage is now set for the forthcoming Royal Rumble. The recent events on SmackDown have not only showcased the raw talent of the roster but have also effectively built anticipation for what's next, especially with the framework for upcoming feuds becoming clearer.