The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/17/25 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring Tiffany Stratton facing Bayley for the WWE Women’s Title, plus Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens continue their rivalry.
Last week’s Smackdown episode ended with Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens fighting and both men going through a table. Cody lost a tag team match with Jey Uso against Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga in the main event. We are now into week three of three-hour SmackDown and the second week where I’m watching on Netflix here in Canada.
From the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, this is Smackdown for episode #1326. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were shown walking from the backstage area as they made their way out to ringside. They pushed the Tiffany Stratton-Bayley match while showing both women walking around earlier in the day. Plus, Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes were shown walking separately since they’re in a match as well. They introduced the hometown hero Rey Mysterio to open the show.
Let’s Hear from Rey Mysterio
The WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio made his entrance in his hometown of San Diego and he got a big ovation. Rey was without his LWO buddies. Rey hugged his daughter Aaliyah at ringside. Joe noted we are just 92 days away from WrestleMania in Las Vegas.
Rey welcomed the fans to Smackdown where he reminded us this is the home of the 619. Rey said it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his city, and his family with his daughter at ringside. Rey said he couldn’t think of a better place to officially declare his entry in the 2025 Royal Rumble. Rey reminded us that in 2006 he entered the Royal Rumble at #2, outlasted the other superstars and won the Rumble. Rey said he went on to become the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 22. Rey said that the competition is heavy this year with Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and John Cena. Rey said when he won in 2006 he did it for a friend that we all know very well, so that led to “Eddie” chants for the late, great Eddie Guerrero.
Kevin Owens interrupted the promo leading to boos from the fans. Owens had the Winged Eagle WWE Title with him. Owens was wearing a shirt that said “The Canadian Son of a Security Systems Technician” on it. That’s great. Owens apologized for interrupting, but he had to come out here. Owens said he heard Rey talking about how he was going to win the Royal Rumble. Owens said that there are very few people that he respects as much as he respects Rey. Owens said he’d say there’s nobody that he respects as much as he respects Rey. Owens said that he had accomplished a lot like main eventing WrestleMania with Steve Austin, main evented WrestleMania with his then best friend to win the Tag Team Titles, and now he gets to hold the WWE Championship that he grew up watching. Owens claimed he was the true, rightful WWE Champion. Owens said that there’s something more he wants to do and that’s have a singles match with Rey Mysterio. Owens got into the ring saying he is rooting for Rey with everything he has. Owens wanted Rey to promise him that he will pick him for a match at WrestleMania so Owens can have his dream match.
Rey said he loves competition. Rey told Owens he was not the champion and reminded Owens that Cody was the champion. Rey said if he wins the Royal Rumble and Owens wins then he would be glad to face him for the title. Owens yelled at Rey that he was the champion while claiming he earned it and deserved it. Owens yelled at Rey wondering what he was talking about. Rey said that Owens is acting so delusional and Rey said Owens reminds Rey of Dominik. Owens tried an attack, but Rey dropkicked the knee. Rey wanted a 619 by the ropes, but Owens bailed to the floor and left with the Winged Eagle WWE Title Rey’s music played to end it.
Analysis: It was a confident promo from Rey Mysterio declaring his spot in the Royal Rumble match. I don’t think Rey has a shot to win, but he’s still a big name since he’s an active WWE Hall of Famer and a former Rumble winner. Kevin Owens was respectful to Rey until Rey spoke the truth by saying Cody Rhodes was actually the WWE Champion and that set Owens off. Anyway, this should lead to a match later in the show, which is certainly with me. Good idea to put Rey out there first since the crowd was hot for him in his hometown.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi were backstage saying that there was no update on who attacked Jade Cargill. Belair apologized for hitting Naomi last week, Belair said that LeRae grabbed her hair and Naomi said she knows that. They made their way for a match with Naomi telling Belair to wrap her hair up, so Belair tied her hair up.
The team of Nia Jax and Candice LeRae entered for tag team action.
A commercial aired for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Individual tickets are on sale next Friday with a pre-sale next Wednesday, so get those tickets if you are going. I think I’ll be at home for it this year.
(Commercial)
Rey Mysterio was backstage talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis. Aldis told Rey he’ll get what he wants tonight – a match with Kevin Owens. Cody Rhodes walked out of a room with a suit saying they had him getting checked by doctors to make sure he was cleared. Rey told Cody to heal up so Cody is rested for the Royal Rumble. Rey left. Aldis asked Cody what the doctor said and Cody said that the doctor cleared him. Aldis wanted Cody and Kevin to sign an addendum for their Royal Rumble match because he can’t let what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event to happen again. Cody said he’d sign it after Kevin signed it. Cody left.
Analysis: The Rey-Owens match was obvious based on the opening segment. It made sense to have that backstage segment to make it official.
Naomi & Bianca Belair vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae
This is not for the Women’s Tag Team Titles held by Belair and Naomi.
Jax attacked Belair from behind when the bell rang. LeRae tagged in leading to Belair hitting two shoulder tackles and Belair hit a vertical suplex. Belair worked over LeRae with punches followed by a backflip over Jax and a dropkick by Belair. Belair pressed LeRae over her head and launched LeRae over the top onto Jax on the floor. It was still full screen action for me on Netflix while I believe it was picture-in-picture for fans on USA Network. LeRae and Jax took over as they worked over Belair. Jax taunted Belair, so Belair hit Jax with her braided hair because it was no longer tied above Belair’s head. Jax hit a forearm to knock Belair out of the ring to the floor. LeRae was back in for her team as she pulled back on Belair’s leg while putting a knee into the back. LeRae did some more checking as the action continued.
Belair tried to break free after knocking LeRae down, but LeRae pulled down Belair by the hair braid. Belair tried to tag out, but Jax walked over to Naomi and pulled Naomi off the apron. Jax sent Naomi into the barricade. Belair got a rollup on LeRae for two. Jax tagged in with a clothesline and Samoan Drop. LeRae grabbed Belair’s hair again, so Belair sent LeRae into the ring post. Belair fought back against Jax with a cross body block off the top rope. Naomi was back in there for her team, she knocked Jax down and hit a split-legged moonsault off the ropes, but LeRae was there to break up a pin attempt. Belair was back in leading to Jax knocking her down and Jax hit a Samoan Drop on Naomi. Belair stopped Jax with a Spear. Belair went for a handstand off the ropes, but LeRae was legal leading to a dropkick. LeRae and Jax each hit senton splashes on Belair leading to LeRae getting a two count. Some fans were chanting, “this is awesome” for them. Belair sent LeRae into the turnbuckle followed by a spinebuster. Belair did a handstand moonsault. Jax went for a leg drop, Belair moved and Jax hit the leg drop on LeRae. Belair knocked Jax off the apron with a clothesline. Naomi hit a Full Nelson Bomb aka Bubba Bomb that Joe called it. Naomi used her legs to pin down LeRae for the win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Naomi & Bianca Belair
Analysis: *** The match was pretty good with the champions working well together to get the clean win. Any time Jax and LeRae are in a match you know that if the team is going to lose, it’s probably going to be LeRae taking the pin. Jax is always booked strong even when she’s the champion. Last week there was that spot where Belair accidentally hit Naomi, but there was nothing like that this week.
After the match, Joe said that Belair & Naomi will defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against NXT’s Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson in Atlanta. Joe didn’t say the date, but it’s January 28th on NXT in Atlanta. They are doing Raw in Atlanta one night earlier.
(Commercial)
Bayley was shown talking to Byron Saxton earlier in the day when the arena was empty. Bayley was excited to be in the main event in her home state of California. Bayley talked about how last year at this time she was winning the Royal Rumble and became the WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley spoke about how she felt like her title was taken from her at SummerSlam due to Tiffany Stratton helping Nia Jax, so Bayley wants to take the title back. Bayley said that Stratton has reached the “Tiffy Top” and Bayley wants to get her title back, so tonight it’s personal.
Analysis: I like stuff like that because it’s only about two minutes, but it builds up the main event by talking to Bayley about how important the match is.
Michin was talking to B-Fab in the women’s locker room. Michin complained about Chelsea Green, so B-Fab tried to encourage her. Piper Niven walked in like she was a security guard leading to Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green trashing Michin for losing to her. B-Fab called Niven a mall cop, so Niven threatened her. B-Fab suggested they handle this problem tonight and B-Fab said after she’s done with Niven, Green better watch her back. B-Fab and Michin left while Green told Niven to neutralize her tonight.
Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage talking about his match with Carmelo Hayes saying the goal was to make Carmelo stay missing. Jimmy said he was proud of the Yeet Man because his brother got his title match, so now he’s going to go get his. Jimmy said “Big Jim is him” to end it. Jimmy made his entrance with the fans cheering him. The fans like him, but he needs something like the “Yeet” gesture that Jey Uso has.
There was a commercial for WWE Shop merchandise.
(Commercial)
Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes
There was a promo from Carmelo Hayes trashing Jimmy Uso before the match by saying that Jimmy was living in the shadow of his brother Jey, who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns.
They exchanged moves early on leading to Jimmy hitting a hiptoss into a neckbreaker. Jimmy went for a charging hip attack, Melo moved and then Jimmy punched Melo with an uppercut. Jimmy suplexed Melo on the apron. Jimmy hit a suicide dive onto Melo on the floor, so Melo went flying over the barricade to the floor. The graphic said that the match continues, but they showed it during the break here on Netflix. Jimmy sent Melo into the ring post. They went back into the ring where Melo did a stun gun into the top rope followed by a springboard clothesline. Melo hit a running hip attack on Jimmy against the turnbuckle. Melo remained in control with an elbow. Melo grabbed an armbar taking control of Jimmy on the mat.
The match continued with Melo in control with a forearm to the back. Melo set up Jimmy on the top rope. Jimmy elbowed Melo off the top rope, Jimmy went for a twisting attack off the top, but Melo moved out of the way. Melo hit a springboard DDT for two. The fans were chanting “Let’s go Jimmy” as they did a double clothesline spot for a two count. Melo hit a move where she spun around Jimmy’s upper body leading to a facebuster. Jimmy hit a Popup Samoan Drop for a two count. That was a good move that was executed perfectly. Jimmy jumped off the top, but Melo hit the First 48 double knee attack for a two count. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” after that nearfall. Melo jumped off the top, Jimmy avoided it and Jimmy hit a superkick for two. The fans bought that as a nearfall because it was a great looking superkick by Jimmy. Jimmy followed up with a running hip attack, but Melo hit a rollup for two. Melo went off the ropes, but Jimmy hit a Spear. Jimmy went up top and his cousin Jacob Fatu was on the apron, so Jimmy stopped himself. Tama Tonga shoved Jimmy off the top leading to the DQ finish. It went 11 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Jimmy Uso
Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to having a very good match and then it ended abruptly due to the interference. It wasn’t a big surprise to see it end that way. I’d like to see Jimmy and Melo run it back in the future.
After the match, Tama Tonga beat up Jimmy with punches. Fatu hit a running hip attack on cousin Jimmy. Tama jumped up leading to a DDT on Jimmy as well. Melo tried to talk to Fatu and Tama, but then Fatu nailed Melo with a clothesline. Fatu hit another running hip attack on Jimmy, who rolled out of the ring to the floor.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance wearing a red jacket along with gloves. Joe said we’ll hear from Solo up next. Solo got into the ring as was shown here on Netflix’s version of Smackdown. Jacob Fatu told the fans to show respect for Solo. Fatu said they’ll leave like the Chargers left this city and told the fans to shut up to let Solo speak. The show returned from break after that.
Let’s Hear from Jacob Fatu Instead Of Solo Sikoa
Solo Sikoa was in the ring about to do a promo, but the fans kept booing. Solo dropped the microphone and walked away through the crowd. Fatu and Tama were left alone in the ring. Fatu said that’s what it comes to, huh? Fatu said he’s tired of the disrespect and the hate. Fatu said even on his bad day, you still can’t touch him. Fatu said he didn’t give a damn if you cheer them or boo them. Fatu told the fans to shut up. Fatu said he won’t let the fans act like he never got his. Fatu said that the crazy thing about this situation is that he is just getting started.
LA Knight’s music hit as LA Knight attacked Fatu and Tama with punches. Tama held Knight’s leg, so Fatu hit a running forearm smash. Braun Strowman made the save for Knight as Tama jumped onto Braun, so Braun threw Tama into the barricade. Braun faced off with Fatu in the ring, it looked like Fatu wanted to fight and then Tama pulled Fatu out of the ring. Braun and Knight stood together in the ring while Tama calmed Fatu down on the floor.
Analysis: It was nice to hear from Jacob Fatu like that. I’m excited about Fatu’s future as much as any wrestler in the company. His upside is enormous in WWE. It’s just a matter of time before he gets some big wins and breaks out as a main event star. I think this situation will probably lead to Fatu & Tama against Strowman & Knight. As for Solo being silent, I guess it’s one of those situations where he is sad about the loss to Roman Reigns and it will take a few weeks to see Solo back to his normal self.
Legado Del Fantasma was backstage with Santos Escobar encouraging Los Garza for their tag team match. Elektra Lopez was there too as they talked about Los Garza beating Pretty Deadly last week. Escobar said that there’s never a red carpet for them and nobody will hand them respect. Escobar told them to take respect from them. They put their hands together and said “familia” to end it.
The Motor City Machine Guns made their entrance for tag team action.
This Monday on Raw: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre in a WrestleMania 40 rematch.
(Commercial)
The announcers talked about WWE’s partnership deal with TNA that was announced earlier in the week. It’s a good time to mention that since Motor City Machine Guns are TNA legends. I think it’s a great thing for the wrestlers in NXT and TNA to work together and be involved in storylines across brands as well.
Los Garza – Angel & Humberto (w/Elektra Lopez) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley
Shelley and Angel exchanged some moves leading to slap by Angel. Humberto tagged in for a splash onto Shelley’s back followed by a standing moonsault. Shelley worked over Humberto with punches, Sabin tagged in and they hit a double back body drop. Sabin hit the running dropkick to Angel while Shelley held Angel. Sabin did a headscissors on Humberto, but Angle made a blind tag leading to a dropkick on Sabin. Angel hit a running knee while Garza did a kick to the back. There was a break for some while the action continued here on Netflix. Angel worked over Sabin with forearms. Berto was in control of Sabin with some choking across the middle turnbuckle. Angel did a cheap shot on Sabin. There were quick tags from Berto and Angel as the show returned for all viewers.
The match continued with Berto hitting a neckbreaker off a Gory Bomb by his cousin. Sabin managed to hit an enziguri kick to break free. Shelley got the tag with punches along with a running forearm on Berto. Shelley did a flying headscissors. Sabin wrenched Berto’s right leg against the ropes leading to the Guns kicking both knees of Garza leading to Sabin getting a two count. Shelley was back in with a Figure Four Leglock on Garza while Sabin went into the ring for his own Figure Four Leglock on Angel at the same time. Berto managed to get his hands on the bottom rope to break free while Sabin let go of his move on Angel too. Berto kicked Shelley into the turnbuckle followed by a sitout Powerbomb for two. Angle was back in for a double team move that saw Berto hit a springboard kick while Angel hit a slam and that was good for a two count. That was an impressive double team move. The fans chanted “this is awesome” although it wasn’t a long chant. Sabin was back in with an incredible Tornado DDT to clear the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto both heels on the floor. Shelley was back in with a clothesline and Sabin tagged in. Pretty Deadly showed up, Wilson punched Shelley while Prince was distracting the referee and Berto got a rollup, but the referee was busy with PD. The Guns managed to hit their Skull N Bones double team Neckbreaker/Top Rope Splash combo move leading to Shelley getting the pin for his team. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns
Analysis: *** That was a solid tag team match with the crowd getting into it by the end although they weren’t that loud most of the way. The teams are good workers, but character-wise they aren’t the types of team getting big reactions right now. The Guns won because Pretty Deadly screwed up, so Los Garza will have an issue with PD after this.
The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was shown talking to Kevin Owens backstage. Aldis wanted Owens to sign the addendum. Aldis said Cody wouldn’t sign it until Owens signed it, so Owens said he’d sign it after Cody did. Owens said he didn’t trust Nick, so he needed to read it first, but Owens had a match. Owens said he had a match to prepare, so he told Nick to stop distracting him. Owens left while Nick sarcastically said, “that went well” to end it.
Piper Niven and the Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green made their entrance.
(Commercial)
Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) vs. B-Fab
B-Fab is from Canton, Ohio, which is the city where my fake last name came from. B-Fab avoided a charging Piper and hit a spin kick. Piper missed a senton splash. B-Fab avoided a move leading to a DDT. B-Fab kicked Niven to the apron. B-Fab kicked Niven off the apron to the floor. B-Fab told Green to stand back, so Green yelled and B-Fab clotheslined Green on the floor. Back in the ring. Niven hit a senton splash to the back. Niven hit a Piper Driver for the pinfall win after about three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Piper Niven
Analysis: *1/2 A short match to give Niven a win thanks to her friend Green being at ringside. The fans were not into it, so it was smart to keep it short.
After the match, Green and Niven beat up B-Fab with strikes. Michin ran down to the ring with a kendo stick. Niven got the kendo stick from Michin, so Michin hit a superkick on Niven to clear the ring.
Analysis: That probably set up a tag team match.
Rey Mysterio was shown walking backstage for his match up next.
There was a video tribute shown for baseball legend Bob Uecker, who died earlier this week. Bob is a WWE Hall of Famer who was part of multiple WrestleMania main events. Joe sent condolences to Bob’s family, friends and fans. Bob was 90 years old.
Analysis: That was nice of WWE to mention Bob Uecker. He was a great character and fit in with WWE so well. Rest in peace, Bob.
(Commercial)
The announcers Joe and Wade were talking about Raw on Monday in Dallas. Joe mentioned Wade would be there. That’s because Pat McAfee is missing Raw on Monday, so Wade will likely be filling in. No Corey Graves, who has an uncertain future at this point.
A video package aired about Tiffany Stratton cashing in Money in the Bank two weeks ago on Smackdown. Stratton hit Nia Jax with the WWE Women’s Title. Bianca Belair hit Jax with a KOD slam. Stratton cashed in and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jax for the pinfall win to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Stratton said she made Tiff-story (instead of history) by winning the WWE Women’s Title. Stratton said she knows Bayley has had a ton of big moments last year and a career of big moments. Stratton said she is the WWE Women’s Champion while she is living those moments. Stratton said that right now it’s Tiffy Time.
They showed former WWE Women’s Champion Victoria at ringside having a great time.
Analysis: It’s great to see Victoria there. She is a wonderful person who I know a bit. I want her to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. It’s her time.
Rey Mysterio vs. Kevin Owens
The fans were loud for Rey just like earlier in the night. Owens ran the ropes leading to a shoulder tackle that sent Rey to the floor. Back in the ring, Rey jumped onto KO’s shoulder and flipped over for a two count. Rey hit an impressive headscissors. Rey tried to do another move, but Owens managed to slam him to the mat. Owens hit a running splash. Owens sent Rey hard into the turnbuckle for a sternum bump. Rey jumped on KO’s shoulder, but Owens caught him and Owens put Rey on the apron leading to Owens kicking Rey in the ribs. Owens nailed Rey with a forearm. The fans chanted for Rey as Rey jumped off the apron leading to a headscissors into the barricade. Rey slid under the bottom rope leading to a splash on Owens on the floor. The action continued here on Smackdown on Netflix. Rey worked over Owens with corner punches, but Owens came back with a punch that sent Rey off the apron to the floor. Owens slammed Rey back-first into the barricade. Owens hit a senton splash off the apron onto Rey on the floor. Owens stood by Victoria, who booed Owens. Owens also taunted Rey’s daughter Aaliyah at ringside. Rey sent KO’s face into the barricade in front of Rey’s daughter. Owens went Rey into the steel steps. Owens tapped Aaliyah’s head with his hand. Back in the ring, Owens got a two count. Owens applied a chinlock as the match returned for all viewers.
Owens continued on offense while wearing a Rey Mysterio tank top. Owens went for a lifting move, but Rey flipped behind him leading to Rey sending Owens into the ring post. Rey was up top as he delivered a seated senton and a wheelbarrow bulldog for a two count. Rey sent Owens into the ropes, but Owens popped back up leading to a superkick. Rey avoided a Popup Powerbomb and Rey jumped up leading to an impressive DDT for a two count. Rey set up Owens on the top rope, but we know you can’t do moves to Owens there and Owens headbutted Rey down. Owens went up top, he mocked Eddie Guerrero a bit and Owens hit a Frog Splash for a two count. There were “Eddie” chants after that. They battled on the top rope again where Rey hit a sunset flip Powerbomb. Rey hit a Sunset Bomb for a two count. That was a great nearfall. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” again. Rey went for a springboard attack, Owens avoided it and Owens hit a Stunner for a two count. I thought that was it, but Rey kicked out. Owens went for a Swanton Bomb off the top, but Rey got the knees up to block. Rey hit the 619 kick in the 619 (San Diego area code). Rey went up, Owens bumped into the referee to hit the ropes, so Rey was crotched on the top rope. Owens hit a Popup Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kevin Owens
Analysis: ***3/4 This was a great match. I really enjoyed it. I thought Owens had it won with the Stunner, but Rey kicked out and it kept on going. It didn’t end up going that much longer since Rey hit the 619 and then Owens used the referee’s positioning to help Owens win the match. It was a crafty finish to give Owens the win. Owens winning that match made sense since he’s going for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. I liked this one a lot. Great job by both guys.
After the match, Kevin Owens celebrated with the Winged Eagle WWE Championship. Owens shook Rey’s hand and Owens teased a piledriver, but Cody Rhodes’ music hit, which led to Cody running down to the ring. Cody attacked Owens with punches. The security guys, officials and WWE Officials were at ringside to try to break it up. Cody left the ring, he ran around the ring and jumped onto Owens leading to more punches. Owens was taken out of the ringside area and left into the crowd. Cody was in the ring leading to a staredown with Owens. Cody was left in the ring ready to fight as the show went to break.
Analysis: That was a quick brawl between Cody and Owens to continue their story. I think their Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble will be great. I pick Cody to win.
(Commercial)
Nick Aldis told Cody Rhodes that Cody and Kevin Owens can’t control themselves. Aldis said that next week on Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody and Kevin Owens will sign the contract for the Royal Rumble. Aldis said that San Antonio’s own Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing. Cody didn’t say anything as Aldis left.
Analysis: That’s a good way to use Shawn Michaels in his hometown of San Antonio. Michaels lives in Orlando now as the boss of NXT, but he is beloved in his hometown.
It was announced that at Saturday Night’s Main event next Saturday, January 25th, Braun Strowman will face Jacob Fatu.
Next week on Smackdown:
* LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga
* Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly
Pretty Deadly was walking backstage when #DIY approached as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Tommaso Ciampa told PD they were jokes and said that they had to be more like men. Johnny Gargano said that Ciampa was just being tough on them. #DIY left. Apollo Crews walked in to tell PD that he tried to talk to PD, but they didn’t listen and it got them nowhere. Johnny Gargano attacked Crews and sent him into a case. Gargano told Crews to keep their names out of his mouth. Gargano left while Crews was down selling the attack.
Bayley made her entrance for the main event.
The former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez was shown sitting in the front row. Bayley and Perez got into a fight on NXT this past Tuesday. Bayley stared at Perez in the crowd.
(Commercial)
A video package aired for former WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. Flair is coming back soon.
Analysis: Charlotte Flair missed all of 2024 after a serious knee injury suffered in December 2023 leading to a lengthy rehab. I thought they might save her return for the Royal Rumble and not even mention her before that. Anyway, they didn’t say when Flair would be back, but it’s obviously coming soon. I think Flair in the Rumble is a lock. She might win it too.
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion for her first title defense. Ring announcer Lilian Garcia did the in-ring championship introductions.
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley
They spent the first minute with each woman trying to hit moves, but there were counters. Bayley hit a forearm to the back. Stratton hit a shoulder tackle. Bayley knocked Stratton down followed by a clothesline. Stratton hit Bayley with a forearm to the face. Bayley sent Stratton over the top to the floor. There was action during the break as Bayley applied an armbar on the left arm. Stratton grabbed the hair leading to a slam to the mat. Stratton sent Bayley into the turnbuckle. Stratton grabbed an armbar as the match continued.
Bayley hit a jawbreaker followed by a neckbreaker across the middle ropes. They left the ring where Bayley hit a jumping kick on the apron. Stratton pulled Bayley by the left arm to send Bayley into the ring post. Stratton did an arm-wringer to send Bayley into the mat. Stratton punched Bayley while on the apron. Stratton tripped up Bayley on the apron. Bayley was on the floor, Stratton ran around the ring and Bayley hit Stratton with a forearm. Bayley sent Stratton into the apron and that got a two count. Bayley hit a knee smash, so Stratton hit a running clothesline. Bayley kicked Stratton off the apron to the floor. Stratton punched Bayley. Stratton trapped Bayley in the apron, which led to Stratton hitting a running hip attack on Bayley against the ring frame. Stratton did a hip attack to send Bayley down on the floor. Stratton tried a leap over the top, but Bayley caught her and hit a Bayley to Belly on the floor. This was more action in a break for some viewers as they both got back into the ring. Bayley was in control with two clotheslines along with a belly-to-back suplex. Bayley hit a running knee lift for two. Bayley hit a double knee attack to the ribs of Stratton for a two count. Stratton hit a rolling senton and a dropkick from Stratton for a two count. The match returned from the break.
The match continued as Bayley gave Stratton a superplex off the top rope for two. Bayley was on the middle rope as she delivered that move. Bayley went to the turnbuckle, so Stratton wrenched the left arm across the top rope. Stratton hit a Swanton Bomb off the top rope. Stratton hit a Powerbomb leading to a stacked pin attempt for two. Bayley rolled up Stratton for two. They left the ring where Stratton tried a move, but Bayley gave Stratton a front suplex onto the commentary table hood. Bayley suplexed Stratton off the table onto the floor. Bayley trash talked Perez, who was front row in the crowd. Bayley sent Stratton back in the ring and Bayley hit a top rope elbow drop for two. Stratton countered Bayley with an armdrag followed by a spinebuster for two. Bayley connected with Bayley to Belly in the middle of the ring for two. Stratton hit double knees to the arm. Stratton went for her move off the ropes, but Bayley avoided that and Bayley sent Stratton into the turnbuckle for a two count. Bayley delivered a spinning sidewalk slam for two. Stratton countered the Roseplant attempt and Stratton kicked Bayley. Stratton went for a pin attempt for two. Stratton countered Bayley leading to cartwheel Alabama Slam. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault ever. It went 19 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: ***1/2 They worked hard and had an entertaining match. Since Smackdown has gone three hours, they have the time to go nearly 20 minutes for a match like this. I kept waiting for Roxanne Perez to get involved to cost Bayley, but Perez was just there for some staredowns. Bayley is very good while Stratton proved she can hang with one of the best women in the ring. This was all about pushing Stratton more as a champion who can handle a veteran opponent like Bayley. There was no way Bayley was going to win here, but using her to elevate is fine because all of this is a team effort, or at least it should be.
After the match, Tiffany Stratton celebrated with the WWE Women’s Title. Bayley was frustrated on the apron. Joe said, “It’s Tiffy Time.” That was the end of the show.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Kevin Owens & Rey Mysterio
- Tiffany Stratton
- Bayley
===
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
Smackdown is in this spot where it feels like the “B” show compared to Raw and there is less star power. The good thing is when you have three hours, it leads to some longer matches and I thought the Owens/Rey and Stratton/Bayley matches were great. I thought it was a strong show in terms of matches. However, nothing on the show feels that important or like a major storyline, especially compared to Raw. I still think Smackdown is a very good show. I just don’t think it feels that important to the average WWE fan right now.
There was less talking this week because there was only one long promo segment in the ring at the start of the show. Most WWE TV shows that go three hours have two or three in-ring promo segments, so that was a bit of a change. It meant more action in the ring.
This week’s presentation of Smackdown on Netflix was better because they showed the action during the breaks. That meant fewer commercials throughout the broadcast. Most of the action during the break featured the heels in control while applying holds. It’s better than seeing moving graphics like we had seen in the past.
The next WWE PLE is the Royal Rumble on Saturday, February 1st in Indianapolis. Here’s the lineup so far:
* Men’s Royal Rumble Match with Roman Reigns, John Cena, CM Punk, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio, and more.
* Women’s Royal Rumble Match
* Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens.
You watch the WWE Royal Rumble when it streams live on Saturday, February 1, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @johnreport