The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/24/25 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring an interview with Cody Rhodes, LA Knight in action against Tama Tonga, and more.
Last week’s Smackdown episode ended with Tiffany Stratton beating Bayley to retain the WWE Women’s Title. Kevin Owens also beat Rey Mysterio on the show while Owens and Cody Rhodes got into a fight after the match. I added Cody and Owens to the banner above. My graphics guy Melo Man sets me up with the template and I decided to tweak it a bit.
It’s a busy time for WWE since they have Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, January 25th. The Royal Rumble PLE is on Saturday, February 1st in Indianapolis, so that means two straight Saturdays of WWE shows for me to write about, but I don’t mind at all because they will be great shows. Bring it on.
From the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, this is Smackdown for episode #1327. 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.
There was some backstage walking shown of Tama Tonga with Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, and the WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.
The Smackdown commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Joe was alone in the ring as he introduced Cody Rhodes for an interview.
Cody Rhodes Interview
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance and got a big pop as usual. Cody was dressed in a suit like he tends to do.
It was mentioned by Joe that Cody will have to hand over the WWE Title at the contract signing to set up the Royal Rumble Ladder Match between Cody and Kevin Owens. Cody said Shawn Michaels knows all about winning the Royal Rumble and he knows all about Ladder Matches while Michaels is running NXT, so he has no problem handing over this title to Michaels. Joe mentioned Owens hitting Cody with a Package Piledriver at the last Saturday Night’s Main Event show, so what do you think about this version of Kevin Owens? Cody said that Owens is a genius in the ring, a hell of an athlete, and a once-in-a-generation superstar. Cody said that KO chooses the easy way out instead of the hard way. Cody talked about how a Ladder Match is so apt for them because there is no referee to count them out or call for a disqualification because it’s all about seeing who can pull down the WWE Championship to be the champion. Joe wondered if Cody could look Owens in the eyes to deliver a message, what would that message be? Cody said maybe he smiles, shakes hands, and appears to be a good guy because that’s what he is trying to be. Cody said he’d tell Owens that Cody is the one who defeated Gunther and the greatest champion of his era (Roman Reigns). Cody said that he is the Grandson of the Plumber and a student of Randy Orton while adding before he was the American Nightmare, he was as mean as anybody. Cody said he only had one thing to say to Owens: “Good luck.” Cody’s music played to end it as he shook hands with Joe Tess. That was it.
Analysis: It was a very basic babyface interview from the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. I kept waiting for Kevin Owens to interrupt or try to attack Cody at the end, but there was no sign of that. Cody sounded confident going into this WWE Title Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble in eight days and I expect him to win that match.
The WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY’s Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa talked to Pretty Deadly. Gargano mentioned he has a match with Apollo Crews. Pretty Deadly thought they were working together while Gargano said that they won’t be at ringside for them. Tommaso Ciampa told PD to handle it. PD mentioned their issues with Legado. Gargano told PD to do whatever they had to do to get it done. After #DIY left, Legado Del Fantasma got in PD’s face and stared at them. After a staredown, Legado moved out of the way and PD left for their match.
The Motor City Machine Guns entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
The Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was sitting at ringside watching the show. Who does Matthew share a birthday with? Me on November 4th. Alright, alright, alright for that.
Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson
There is an Angry Orchard Hard Cider sponsor in the center of the blue mat in the ring. That’s new for Smackdown.
The Guns were in control with a double team flapjack on Wilson. When Sabin ran the ropes, Prince kicked him in the back and Wilson knocked Sabin down from behind. Prince sent Sabin into the ring post. PD sent Sabin over the barricade at ringside. The show went to break for some fans, but it continued here on Netflix for me. The heels were in control with Wilson hitting a kick to the face followed by a hiptoss for two. Wilson nailed Sabin with a clothesline to remain in control. Prince tackled Sabin into the turnbuckle to prevent a tag and Wilson was back in with an uppercut. The match returned for the entire audience as PD remained in control.
Sabin fought out of the heel corner with a back body drop on Prince and an enziguri kick on Wilson. Shelley got the tag against Prince with punches and Shelley gave Wilson a back body drop. Shelley hit a flatliner/DDT combo on both PD guys. Shelley sent both opponents out of the ring. Shelley did a sliding kick on Wilson. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto both PD guys on the floor. Prince sent Shelley into the ropes. Wilson got the tag and hit a double knee attack called the Bad Apple along with a DDT. Prince held up Shelley while Wilson jumped off the top with an elevated bulldog for two. Sabin was back in the ring illegally with a missile dropkick on Prince, but then Sabin was back out again. Sabin got the tag leading to the dropkick to the leg followed by the neckbreaker/dropkick combo. Shelley got the tag for the Skull N Bones neckbreaker/top rope splash for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin
Analysis: *** A good tag team match between two veteran teams. Pretty Deadly was more serious throughout the match as Wade pointed out on commentary, so that was better to see compared to when they are doing their comedic schtick during matches. Motor City Machine Guns have won three straight weeks now, so it should set them up for a Tag Team Title match soon.
The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in his office when The Miz walked in saying that Joe Tessitore does a great interview, but it’s no Miz TV. Aldis said that Miz isn’t just here for a friendly visit and told Miz he’s here on Smackdown now because of the transfer window. Miz thought he was joking. Miz complained about how the Wyatt Sicks were on Smackdown, then he claimed he had them strategically moved and thought maybe Karrion Kross had something to do with it. Aldis told Miz he might have to find new friends and fast. Miz left.
Analysis: It’s a change for The Miz going to SmackDown. Miz has been on Raw for a lot of his career, but he had plenty of success on SmackDown in the past as well. Perhaps there
A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble taking place next Saturday, February 1st in Indianapolis.
(Commercial)
There was a video package about the Braun Strowman/Jacob Fatu match at Saturday Night’s Main Event while including some data to put over how physically impressive both men are. They showed highlights of their destruction as well. The Tale of the Tape said that Jacob Fatu was 287 pounds. I don’t think he is close to that much at this point.
Analysis: I think Jacob Fatu will win that match. Strowman is the bigger name, but Fatu is an ascending star. It’s like when Braun was used to put over Bronson Reed in the past.
Kevin Owens showed up at ringside with the Winged Eagle WWE Title. Owens was at the commentary table complaining about how he didn’t get TV time. Owens told Joe Tess that Cody Rhodes uses his best friends and he betrays them. Owens said that he will prove he’s the rightful WWE Champion. Owens wondered if McConaughey had a problem. Owens said he’ll beat Cody just like Ohio State beat his stupid Longhorns, so that drew boos from the fans. Matthew dared Owens to bring it, but here comes Jimmy Uso.
Analysis: That was a nice line by Owens trashing Texas football for losing to Ohio State since they are in the land of the Longhorns and McConaughey is a superfan.
Jimmy Uso walked down to the ring, Owens wondered what he was doing there and Jimmy was there to say that Owens talked too much. Jimmy punched Owens with an uppercut. Jimmy hit a superkick. Jimmy went up top, so Owens bailed to the floor. Jimmy suggested a match and said “Hook ‘Em” since that’s what they about the Longhorns. Jimmy saluted McConaughey after that.
Analysis: A simple way to set up a match. Jimmy didn’t say much to Owens, but the punch and superkicks showed that Jimmy wanted a fight. Last week Owens beat Rey Mysterio and now he gets Jimmy later in the show.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven were shown walking backstage because they have a match up next.
(Commercial)
They showed somebody holding The Austin Gamblers PBR World Championship trophy at ringside. TKO Group, the WWE Owners, bought PBR recently so that’s we’re seeing PBR stuff again just like on Raw.
The Jimmy Uso-Kevin Owens match is set for the main event.
Carmelo Hayes was shown talking to Nick Aldis in Nick’s office. Melo said he was supposed to face Jimmy, so Nick said they could do it next week. Aldis said he made an acquisition via the transfer window, so Melo can face that new wrestler and Melo said he wanted to see him. Nick said he’ll be here in a few minutes.
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven vs. Michin & B-Fab
This has been built up over the past few weeks. Green is the Women’s US Champion.
Michin avoided a charging Niven leading to a spin kick. Michin flipped Green over the top into the ring. Michin did some twerking to taunt Green and Niven distracted Michin, so Green avoided a cannonball attack. Green hit a suplex for two. Niven was back in, Michin broke free with kicks and B-Fab got the tag against Green. B-Fab hit a spin kick along with a boot to the face of Green. B-Fab hit a DDT on Green for two because Niven made the save with an elbow drop. Niven hit a Bossman Slam on B-Fab, but Michin made the tag and Michin dropkicked Niven. Michin countered Green leading to the Eat Defeat for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Michin & B-Fab
Analysis: ** A short match where the champion Green lost, so it likely sets up Michin for another shot at Green’s title. The idea here was that when Green is in singles, she can win because of Niven’s help, but as a tag team they can’t cheat the same way.
They showed Nick Aldis’ office when his new acquisition Damian Priest walked in. Melo was shocked that Priest joined the Smackdown brand. Aldis mentioned Melo wanted a match on Smackdown tonight and Priest said he was here to work and ready to punch. Melo left while Priest thanked Aldis.
Analysis: Welcome Damian Priest to SmackDown. He should do well there as one of the top babyfaces on the brand. Priest had a long run on Raw with The Judgment Day as a heel and then as a face, so a move makes sense for him.
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Charlotte Flair saying there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. Flair said that arrogance is insecurity while confidence is known and everybody sits up in a room because they know the GOAT doesn’t have to call herself the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Flair said she has crafted a legacy that no one can touch. Flair said she knows exactly who she is and she is back. Flair said when she walks through that curtain and enters the Royal Rumble, she’ll remind us all who owns the night.
Analysis: Welcome back Charlotte Flair with the official Royal Rumble declaration. Flair has been out of action since tearing her ACL and other knee ligaments in December 2023. Losing a whole year of her career sucks, but I’m happy Flair is back. I think WWE should have kept it as a surprise although I assume there are other surprises, so maybe that’s why they announced Flair is in the match. I think Flair might be my pick to win the Women’s Rumble match.
Let’s Hear from Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley And Others
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion. Stratton said that she is the center of everybody’s attention. Stratton said that 30 women will be fighting to face her at WrestleMania. Stratton said last week she beat last year’s Royal Rumble winner Bayley. Stratton said whoever wins next week will be running on Tiffy Time…and here’s Rhea Ripley to interrupt.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion in her wrestling gear. Stratton had some giant heels on so she looked taller than Ripley by more than you would think. The fans popped her. Ripley joined Stratton in the ring saying that she is a women’s champion too. Ripley said she respected Stratton for what she did to Nia Jax, but it won’t compare to what Ripley does to Jax at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Nia Jax arrived with her buddy Candice LeRae claiming it was a historic moment. Jax officially announced that she is entering and winning the Royal Rumble match. Jax claimed she would beat Ripley for her Women’s World Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event and Jax is still going to enter the Royal Rumble match to take Stratton’s title too.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi entered in their ring gear as well. Naomi said that the ring was filling up real quick saying she was entering and she will win the Royal Rumble. Belair said that she’s in the Royal Rumble and she’ll win it. Naomi and Belair agreed one of them would win. Belair got into the ring saying Nia Jax definitely won’t win.
Liv Morgan was next to join the promo party with her buddy Raquel Rodriguez by her side. Liv trashed Ripley for losing her man to a real woman. Liv claimed Stratton was a Liv doppelganger and her title would look better on Liv. It was Liv’s turn to say that she would be in the Royal Rumble match as well. Liv added that she’s going to win the Women’s Royal Rumble match claiming she’s the only one in the company that can do that because Raquel will ensure her victory in the Rumble match. Ripley headbutted Liv to knock her down. That led to a brawl involving the seven women in the ring while Stratton left. Ripley kicked Jax to knock her out of the ring. The trio of Ripley, Naomi and Belair stood tall in the ring.
The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis showed up as the show went to break.
Analysis: It was pretty obvious what would happen after the break since they set up a tag team match. The promos were fine with multiple women declaring they are in the Royal Rumble and they are going to win. The Men’s Rumble match has gotten a lot more attention than the women’s Rumble so far, so it was nice to hear some women talking about winning the Rumble match.
(Commercial)
Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez)
Ripley was in control of LeRae with a delayed vertical suplex. Belair and Naomi dropkicked Jax to knock her down. Ripley and Belair flipped Naomi over leading to a splash on Jax. Naomi was legal and Liv until Belair tagged in for a hiptoss. Belair and Naomi hit a moonsault/leg drop combo on Liv. Belair worked over Liv with some punches. Liv pulled Belair’s hair while Jax made a blind tag and Jax ran over Belair with a clothesline. Jax did some “suck it” taunting on Ripley and hit a body slam on Belair. Jax tried her Annihilator off the turnbuckle, but Belair punched Jax to stop that. They went to a break for some fans (I can tell because they mute the show for a few seconds) while it continued for us on Netflix. Naomi tagged in with the Rear View attack on LeRae. Jax tagged in, so Naomi kicked her in the head. Naomi went for a sunset flip, LeRae held onto Naomi and Jax sat on Naomi for a two count. LeRae tagged in with a front headlock on Naomi until Naomi broke free with an enziguri kick. The fans chanted “We Want Mami” for Ripley, but LeRae stopped the tag attempt. Liv was back in with the Three Amigos suplexes leading to boos. Liv hit an enziguri kick on Naomi for a two count as the match returned for all fans.
Nia Jax was in control for her team with a running splash on Naomi along with a Stinkface on poor Naomi. Jax prevented Naomi from breaking free. LeRae hit a flipping necksnap on Naomi. LeRae hit a suplex on Nami to remain in control. Naomi hit a kick to the head on LeRae. Jax and Morgan pulled Naomi’s partners off the apron to prevent a tag. Naomi managed to kick her way out of the heel corner and she hit an X-Factor face first slam into the mat. Ripley got the hot tag against Liv with a running kick and a reverse slam into the mat. Ripley hit Raquel on the apron, so then Liv got a cheap shot. Belair was legal for her team, Belair went for a moonsault, but Liv blocked it and Belair came back with a Spear for two because Jax broke it up. Jax with a popup headbutt on Naomi and Ripley headbutted Jax. Ripley gave Liv a Riptide slam on Jax. Ripley knocked Raquel off the apron to the floor. LeRae hit a knee to the jaw of Ripley. Belair did a KOD on LeRae and Liv was legal for her team, so Liv rolled up Belair with a crucifix pin on Belair for the win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Liv Morgan
Analysis: ***1/2 I liked the match quite a bit. They worked hard and it was unpredictable, unlike a lot of stuff on this show. It was fast-paced after Naomi broke free to bring in her teammates. The fans were really into it because of how much they love Ripley and Belair. Going into this match I thought LeRae was going to lose for her team, so it was nice to see the heels get the win. That was a crafty win for Morgan pinning Belair after Belair hit her finisher on LeRae. Good job by everybody involved.
Chelsea Green was backstage complaining to Piper Niven about losing and wondering what happened. Michin walked up with B-Fab leading to Michin saying that she finally had backup with B-Fab by her side. Michin informed Green that GM Aldis said that Michin will get one more shot at the Women’s US Title held by Green on next week’s SmackDown. Michin and B-Fab left while Niven said they would need more security detail.
The WWE Tag Team Champions, the #DIY boys Johnny Gargano entered with Tommaso Ciampa for singles action.
This Monday on Raw: Logan Paul will be there and the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be there too.
(Commercial)
Johnny Gargano (w/Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Apollo Crews
This was set up last week when Gargano attacked Crews backstage after Crews tried to warn Pretty Deadly about #DIY being liars.
Crews hit a delayed vertical suplex. Gargano ran the ropes, Crews did a leapfrog and Crews dropkicked Gargano out of the ring. Crews hit a moonsault off the apron onto a standing Gargano on the floor. Back in the ring, Crews went for a Frog Splash, Gargano avoided it and Gargano hit a superkick for two. Crews kicked Gargano in the head followed by a leaping clothesline. Crews did a press slam followed by a standing moonsault for two. Gargano came back with a double knee attack to the back for two. Crews came back with two jumping kicks to the head. Gargano sent Crews out of the ring, Gargano distracted the referee and Ciampa hit a jumping knee attack. The Motor City Machine Guns walked out to ringside, #DIY was distracted by that, Crews did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Gargano and that was enough for the pinfall win. It went about five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Apollo Crews
Analysis: **1/4 A rare singles win for Crews thanks to the Motor City Machine Guns distracting #DIY just by walking out there. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! strikes again.
The duo of Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga were backstage. Fatu did a ranting prom warning Braun Strowman saying that they never made anybody like him. Fatu said he is all gas with no brakes. Fatu mentioned LA Knight leading to Tama saying everybody is saying “yeah…yeah…yeah” so that led to Tama’s entrance with Fatu by his side.
(Commercial)
There were celebrities at ringside. They showed comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe at ringside. They also showed comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at ringside. The fans popped for Fluffy.
LA Knight made his entrance for singles action. Knight said that told Tama and Fatu they had hell to pay since they cost him the US Title. Knight said he got his ass kicked because then he got a little piece of both of them. Knight told Tama he’d get a BFT and Knight would kick him so hard he wouldn’t have anything left for the shakes. Knight did his catchphrases to end it.
LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga (w/Jacob Fatu)
Tama and Knight exchanged punches to start the match. When Tama tried a leapfrog, Knight caught him and Knight hit a powerslam. Knight did a catapult to send Tama throat-first into the bottom rope. Tama sent Knight into the barricade. Tama went for a move on the floor, but Knight caught him and sent Tama into the barricade. Knight clotheslined Tama over the barricade. After Knight broke the referee’s count, Tama took control by walking across the barricade leading to a clothesline on the floor. Back in the ring, Knight did a slingshot shoulder tackle for two. Knight hit a back body drop followed by a clothesline that sent Tama over the top to the floor. Knight went after Tama on the floor, Tama caught him and Tama sent Knight into the corner of the steel steps. That led to a break for some viewers as it continued for me on Netflix. Tama hit a sliding clothesline on the floor. Tama hit a suplex. Tama stomped on Knight a bit, but Knight came back with a clothesline. Tama got a boot up to stop a charging Knight. Tama hit an elbow smash on Knight on the apron. Knight and Tama exchanged chops until Tama kicked Knight in the knee. Tama rammed Knight’s arm into the mat as the action returned for all viewers.
The match returned with Knight fighting on the apron, but Tama did a dragon screw leg whip to take control. Tama twisted the knee to remain in control. Knight countered a suplex into a neckbreaker. Tama came back with a knee to the gut. Knight hit a leaping clothesline followed by a neckbreaker. Tama did a necksnap across the top rope. Knight hit a forearm to knock Tama off the apron into the commentary table. Knight followed up with a running dropkick on Tama on the floor. Back in the ring, Tama hit an impressive leaping DDT for two. They battled on the top turnbuckle leading to Knight punching Tama down. Knight countered a suplex with a front suplex. Knight jumped up to the top rope for an elbow drop for two. Knight knocked Fatu off the apron. Tama did a rollup for two. Knight got back up and hit BFT on Tama for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: LA Knight
Analysis: *** A good wrestling match with Tama Tonga controlling most of it. I like how they used Jacob to have Tonga get a nearfall, but I think it was obvious that Knight was going to win here.
After the match, Fatu pulled Knight out of the ring. Fatu hit a Samoan Drop-style move on Knight onto the commentary table, but it didn’t break the table. Braun Strowman went down to ringside to confront Fatu, but Tama Tonga pulled Fatu off the apron. Fatu shoved Tama away. Fatu got in the ring with Braun. Tama tried to grab Braun, but Braun shoved Tama down and Braun clotheslined Fatu over the top to the floor. Tama held Fatu back to end it.
Analysis: A quick segment to build the Braun-Jacob match at SNME. As I said earlier, I think Fatu will win.
The Miz was shown talking to Austin Theory and Grayson Waller backstage suggesting that they work together. Miz suggested The Marine 7 to them. Theory claimed they were going to be rich. Smackdown GM Nick Aldis walked up to them to say that Theory & Waller had been moved to Raw. The Miz wasn’t thrilled about it while Theory & Waller were happy.
Analysis: There’s another roster change with Theory & Waller going to Raw. I don’t mind that since they were barely being used on Smackdown in the last few months.
(Commercial)
A video aired featuring US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura speaking in Japanese while his words were shown in English. Nakamura said he’s won the Royal Rumble before and he’ll do it again.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest
I had to step away for a few minutes to start this match. Melo avoided a Priest move on the floor, so Melo kicked Priest in the legs twice and Melo shoved Priest into the ring post. That led to a break for some fans while it continued here on Netflix. Melo sent Priest into the ring leading to a slingshot senton to the back. Melo dropkicked Priest in the knee. Priest hit a slapjack. Priest missed a charging attack and Melo hit a springboard clothesline for two. Melo applied an armbar to Priest to keep him grounded. Priest hit a boot to the face. Melo did a head slam into the mat along with a dropkick.
The match returned with Melo knocking Priest off the apron to the floor. Melo hit a somersault over the top onto Priest on the floor. Back in the ring, Melo hit a top rope cross body block for two. Priest fired back up with punches, kicks to the body and a spinning punch. Priest charged, Melo got a boot up and Priest ran into the feet. Priest hit a Broken Arrow along with a corner splash. Priest hit a flapjack for two. Melo bailed to the floor, so Priest ran after him and hit a shoulder tackle over the barricade. Back in the ring, Priest tried an attack off the ropes, but Melo hit a superkick. Melo countered a Priest move leading to a Stunner and the First 48 double knee attack for a pinfall win, but it was just a two count. Melo got an inside cradle for two. Priest followed up with a lariat. Priest hit South of Heaven for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest
Analysis: ***1/4 It was another good match on this show and this time it had a very predictable result. We know Priest isn’t going to lose in a spot like this while Melo is in this spot to have a good match with the winner. It’s similar to how Chad Gable is booked on Raw. I know it frustrates people because they want Hayes to get more wins just like Melo, but I think at some point those wins are going to happen.
The #DIY boys were complaining to SD GM Nick Aldis when Motor City Machine Guns showed up. Chris Sabin said they had a surprise and Alex Shelley told #DIY that at the Royal Rumble they’ll challenge for the WWE Tag Team Titles in a 2/3 Falls Match. #DIY wasn’t happy about it.
Analysis: The #DIY guys might not be happy as heel champions, but I think it’s a great match. I’m glad that the Tag Team Titles are being featured on a Royal Rumble PPV. That crowd of 60,000+ fans will love the match.
This is what is scheduled for next week:
* Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza vs. #DIY & Pretty Deadly
* Women’s US Championship: Chelsea Green vs. Michin
* Naomi vs. Liv Morgan
* Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes
Kevin Owens was shown getting ready by taping his wrists and he was walking after that for his main event match up soon.
(Commercial)
They showed WWE legend Michelle McCool at ringside. She had her kids with her. Michelle got a nice ovation. Where’s her husband The Undertaker? Hanging out backstage, probably. The WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry was at ringside with his daughter. Big pop for Mark.
Damian Priest was shown walking backstage. Cody Rhodes was there to welcome Priest to the show. They shook hands. Cody left and Priest said he’ll see him soon.
There was a rundown of the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event lineup for this Saturday in San Antonio.
* Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens contract signing with Shawn Michaels moderating it.
* Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
* Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus
* Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
Analysis: I think all three champions will retain and I’ll go with Fatu over Strowman in the other match.
The Miz was talking to Andrade in the backstage area. Miz told Andrade he needed somebody to guide him to be the superstar he truly is. Andrade said he liked that and said he’ll go find somebody. Miz was suggesting himself, so he was frustrated by that. Andrade left, Jimmy Uso walked up to Miz and Jimmy left for his match. Carmelo Hayes walked up to Jimmy, who said it would only take a few moves to beat Melo next week.
Analysis: Poor Miz. Then again, Miz is married to Maryse, so I never feel that bad for him.
Jimmy Uso made his entrance, so Carmelo Hayes attacked Jimmy from behind in the aisle. Jimmy fought back with punches. There were officials there to break it up. Jimmy walked toward the ring to have his match.
(Commercial)
Kevin Owens made his entrance with the Winged Eagle WWE Title that doesn’t really belong to him. Owens was wearing a Naomi shirt since she is Jimmy’s wife. The announcers mentioned Jimmy being married to Naomi as well. Owens is a tremendous heel and that shirt choice is a reminder of that. Owens taunted Matthew McConaughey with the Winged Eagle WWE Title.
Kevin Owens vs. Jimmy Uso
There was a shoulder tackle by Owens on Jimmy and a senton splash followed. Owens sent Jimmy hard into the turnbuckle two times in a row. Jimmy came back with a clothesline. Jimmy charged, but Owens left the ring. Jimmy rammed Owens’ head into the hood of the commentary a few times. Jimmy punched Owens a few times. Owens sent Jimmy off the apron into the table at ringside. Owens hit a Frog Splash from the apron onto Jimmy on the floor. Owens said “Feel The Glow” into the camera. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued on Netflix with Owens sending Jimmy into the barricade two times. Wade: “A lot of people wear Naomi shirts.” Joe: “They’re usually not punching her husband while they do it.” Good banter. Owens stomped on Jimmy’s shoulders to remain in control. Owens kicked Jimmy in the gut followed by a DDT for two. Owens grabbed an armbar as the show returned from the break for some fans.
The match continued with Owens hit a knee attack to Jimmy’s left arm. Owens worked over Jimmy’s arm by slamming it into the mat a few times. Owens went up top, Jimmy kicked him and Jimmy tried a move off the top, but that never works against Owens. After knocking Jimmy down, Owens jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb, but Jimmy got his knees up. Jimmy hit a running hip attack. Jimmy nailed a spin kick along with a Samoan Drop for two. Jimmy charged, Owens moved and Owens ran the ropes leading to a Jimmy superkick for two. Orange wrenched the left arm again followed by his version of a Blue Thunder Bomb that Sami Zayn does. The announcers didn’t mention Owens doing a BTB that Zayn does. Owens hit a superkick, but Jimmy came back with his own superkick for two. Jimmy went up top and jumped off with nothing because Owens moved. Owens hit a superkick. Jimmy avoided a Popup Powerbomb and Jimmy hit a superkick for two. Jimmy charged, Owens with a kick, Jimmy blocked a Stunner and Jimmy ran the ropes leading to a Spear. Jimmy went up top, but Owens got back up and pulled Jimmy off the turnbuckle. Owens sent Jimmy’s shoulder into the ring post. Owens hit a Popup Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kevin Owens
Analysis: ***1/4 It was another match with a predictable outcome since it was a main event guy like Owens against a tag team wrestler like Jimmy. We have seen Jimmy in main events a lot, so I get why he’s in this spot, but the fans weren’t really into it because they knew Jimmy had no shot here.
After the match, Kevin Owens grabbed Jimmy and teased a Package Piledriver, but here comes Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes was in a tracksuit as he got into the ring to fight with Owens. They exchanged punches and Owens stomped on Owens against the turnbuckle. Cody tossed Owens out of the ring. Cody sent Owens into the steel steps. Cody tossed Owens back into the ring and that was the end of the show.
Analysis: It wasn’t the most exciting ending, but it was done as a way to get us more hyped for the Cody-Owens match at Royal Rumble. That should be great.
IT'S ON SIGHT! 😤
Will @CodyRhodes and @FightOwensFight even make it to #SNME?! 👀
LIVE NATIONWIDE 8E/5P on @nbc & @peacockpic.twitter.com/sXlFfD2Sus
— WWE (@WWE) January 25, 2025
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Three Stars of the Show
- Kevin Owens
- Six women in the tag team match
- LA Knight
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.38
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
It was more of the same from this new era of 3-hour Smackdown where I would call it a solid pro wrestling show, but it never feels that great. The in-ring action is strong obviously because it’s WWE and there’s so much talent in matches that are getting time. The problem is it’s lacking excitement. Raw is clearly the “A” show again since the Netflix move and since Smackdown left Fox. I think we can tell that by how the shows are presented. Once again, I’m not saying it’s bad, I’m just saying it’s mostly an uneventful three-hour show.
I don’t think putting Smackdown back to two hours in a few months will lead to a difference in the show. I think we’re at a point where Raw is going to be the bigger priority. When Smackdown was on Fox, it felt like a bigger deal and the great Bloodline story carried it. In its current state, Smackdown is not as important as Raw and it shows in how the blue brand is booked. It’s still a 7 out of 10 show most weeks and that’s solid enough, but it just doesn’t feel like it’s going to get to that excellent level any time soon.
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 featuring Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and more.
* Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens.
* WWE Tag Team Championships 2/3 Falls: #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns
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