Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/31/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 31st January 2025

This is WWE Smackdown featuring a big 8-man tag team match, Chelsea Green putting the Women’s US Title on the line against Michin, more words from Kevin Owens, and a lot of people predicting Royal Rumble victories.

Let’s bring January to a close with the final SmackDown before the Royal Rumble PLE. I wrote a lengthy preview of the Royal Rumble here to give you my thoughts on the winners, losers, surprises, and more.

From the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, this is Smackdown for episode #1328. 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.

They showed some arrivals earlier in the day including Naomi and Bianca Belair along with Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. There was also Chelsea Green walking around with Piper Niven and so was Michin with her pal B-Fab. Damian Priest was also shown walking around backstage as well.

Michael Cole was standing by a podium in the Okerlund Position joined by his Raw commentary partner Pat McAfee of the Indianapolis Colts and he’s an Indianapolis guy, so the fans popped big for Pat. There was a “McAfee” chant. Pat said that since the day he got to live his dream with WWE in 2017 and after he retired from playing for the Indianapolis Colts, he has been pleading with the powers that be to bring a major WWE PLE to Indianapolis. Pat put over Indianapolis hosting major sporting events every year and said that these people are the greatest people on Earth. Pat said that the bars and restaurants are ready and the roof is ready to blow off Lucas Oil Stadium. Pat said he loves this place, he loves this company and he’s ready for the Royal Rumble weekend.

Analysis: Good job by Pat doing a babyface promo to suck up the Indianapolis fans. I also think Pat is genuine, so it was cool to her Pat do a promo like that. I’m happy for the fans in Indy.

Kevin Owens Interview

Joe Tessitore was in the ring to host an interview with Kevin Owens. The two versions of the WWE Title were hanging above the ring for the Ladder Match taking place at the Royal Rumble on Saturday. It’s Owens challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title in that Ladder Match.

Owens was asked by Tessitore what is missing in terms of how they are presenting Owens in his story with Cody Rhodes. Owens said that Joe was just a Cody Rhodes fanboy last week. Owens complained about how on Raw, he heard people like CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes say they would face eachother at WrestleMania while Owens said he’ll win that WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. Joe said he’ll apologize if you think Owens hasn’t been given a fair opportunity. Owens asked Joe if he thinks you’re a tough guy. Joe said no, he’s a 53-year-old broadcaster. Owens didn’t accept his apology and said he can shove it up his ass. Owens took the Winged Eagle WWE Title off the hanger above the ring. Owens said he was out and Joe said that Owens wanted the interview.

CM Punk made his entrance as Owens was about to leave. Punk is a Raw guy, but it’s WrestleMania season and everybody is in town, so here he is on Smackdown to join Owens in the ring. There were fans chanting “holy shit” as Punk stared at Owens in the ring. Owens asked Punk: “Can I help you?”

Punk said he was there to offer an apology for interrupting. Punk said he heard his name invoked, so he thought he should come out there. Punk said he was sorry if Owens thought that Punk was looking past him. Punk said when he wins the Royal Rumble (the fans cheered that) and if Owens makes it past a very angry Cody Rhodes then the main event of WrestleMania could very well be Kevin Owens the champion vs. CM Punk. Punk said that man to man, he’s letting him know he is coming for him. Punk told Owens congratulations and it’s not going to last long.

Owens said there are a lot of guys in the Royal Rumble that he likes more than Punk. Owens said he liked 29 guys more than Punk, so that was a good line. Owens told Punk that the thought of him beating Punk’s ass in the main event of WrestleMania sounds good to him. Owens reminded Punk that he knows how much it means for Punk to main event WrestleMania and last year Punk was hurt. Owens said Punk left for all those years, but now he’s back and it’s right at his fingertips. Owens admitted that he loves the thought of Punk never realizing the dream of main eventing WrestleMania. Owens claimed he gets warm and fuzzy thinking about how he is a multi-time WrestleMania main eventer while Punk goes to his grave as a miserable failure. Owens told Punk he hopes that Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. Owens went to the apron after that.

Punk admitted that he has never main evented a WrestleMania while Owens has done it twice and it’s good for him. Punk said that Owens is one of the best. Punk mentioned that Owens has lost five title matches at Royal Rumble while Punk said he has never lost to Logan Paul, which drew a big “ooohhh” reaction from the crowd. Punk said he has never manipulated his best friend while Punk claimed he did it by himself and Owens takes shortcuts. Punk told Owens that two things have to happen at Royal Rumble for them to have a match at WrestleMania and that’s Punk winning the Rumble while Owens has to beat Owens. Punk invited Owens back into the ring so he can kick KO’s ass right now. Owens teased going into the ring, but instead, Owens turned around and walked to the back with the Winged Eagle WWE Title. Punk stood in the ring while his music played to end it.

Analysis: Great stuff here even if it doesn’t lead to a match soon. It could lead to a match down the road. It was a fresh promo exchange because I don’t think CM Punk and Kevin Owens have interacted much since Punk returned to WWE. Owens was terrific as a heel as usual with his comments to Tessitore and then Owens was a jerk to Punk as well. I don’t think Punk is going to face Owens at WrestleMania, but I would love to see him in a big match later this year.

The Miz was backstage talking to Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis and Miz complained about how people don’t recognize greatness. Miz complained about Andrade disrespecting him last week, so Andrade walked up behind Miz and Miz said he could have learned something from Miz. Andrade suggested a match. Miz said if you want a lesson in greatness, he’ll teach Andrade anytime and anywhere. Nick booked the match and Andrade thanked Nick for it.

The Smackdown commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show while talking about some of the matches coming up. It’s a commercial-free first hour of the show this week.

Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage for his entrance while Shinsuke Nakamura was in the background with the US Title looking at him. Jimmy talked about how he was a veteran against a rookie like Carmelo Hayes and Jimmy made some basketball references on his way to the ring.

Carmelo Hayes did a promo on his way to the ring saying he doesn’t miss because his name isn’t Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. Tyrese was at ringside. Hayes said he’d drop 50 on his head as a basketball reference.

Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes

Melo got some chops going, but Melo tried a headbutt and Jimmy no sold that because you never headbutt a Samoan. Melo rolled up Jimmy for two and Jimmy countered for two of his own. Jimmy hit an uppercut followed by a clothesline that sent Melo out of the ring. Jimmy teased a dive, but Melo came back with a clothesline. Melo hit an Uso style running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Jimmy lifted up Melo for a move, but Melo hit a DDT for two. Melo sent Jimmy out of the ring and Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Jimmy on the floor. Melo trash talked Haliburton at ringside, so Jimmy recovered and Jimmy hit a dive on Melo on the floor. Jimmy hit an enziguri kick on Melo. Jimmy went for a running hip attack, but Melo moved and Jimmy came back with a popup Samoan Drop for two. Jimmy and Melo went up to the turnbuckle, Melo teased a move from there, but Jimmy countered it into Jimmy doing a hiptoss into a suplex off the top rope for two. That was a cool spot. Jimmy ran the ropes leading to Melo hitting The First 48 double knee attack for a two count. They timed that well and it looked great. Melo jumped off the middle rope, Jimmy avoided it and Jimmy hit a superkick leading to a cover for two. Jimmy jumped off the top, Melo blocked it with his knees and got an inside cradle. Melo hit a running knee to the head. Melo went up top with his own version of an Uso Splash and it was only a two count. Melo went up top, Jimmy hit him with an enziguri kick and Melo countered Jimmy leading to a two count after his hand was on the rope. Jimmy did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! style of pin while grabbing the tights (the referee never saw it) for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jimmy Uso

Analysis: *** I liked the match. They hit some big moves, they had some chemistry and they did a finish where the veteran Big Jim outsmarted Melo by holding onto the tights for the pinfall win. I’d like to see Melo pick up some more wins, but maybe they are building up Jimmy for a US Title shot since we saw Shinsuke Nakamura looking at him backstage.

The announcers talked about how the Royal Rumble crowd in Indianapolis will have a crowd of over 60,000 fans in attendance.

The classic “Royal Rumble By The Numbers” video aired that was narrated by Jackie Redmond. Good stuff as always. They said 1,370 people have been in the Royal Rumble matches and only 36 of them have won the Rumble. That includes men and women. There were plenty of other cool stats in the video.

There was a quick interview with Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green along with her friend Piper Niven, who acts like a Secret Service agent. Green told Byron Saxton that she’d beat Michin and then go on to win the Royal Rumble.

Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven) vs. Michin (w/B-Fab)

Michin got two rollups on Green for two counts, so Green bailed to the floor. Back in the ring, Green slapped Michin and that led to Michin hitting two German Suplexes. Green left the ring where B-Fab was, so Michin hit a suicide dive onto Green on the floor. Michin punched Green a few times by the turnbuckle, so Green sent Michin over the top to the floor. Green sent Michin back-first into the apron and Green sent Michin in the ring. Green kicked Michin in the back to send Michin into the turnbuckle and that led to a two count. Michin hit a suplex on Green followed by a hurricanrana by Michin. There was a spin kick to the head by Michin and then another kick. Michin did some twerking followed by a running cannonball for two. Green rolled up Michin for two. Michin did a backslide pin for two. Green set up for her finisher, but Michin countered it by using her legs for a pin attempt for two. Green used her legs for a pin attempt and Michin got out of it. Michin hit Eat Defeat, so Niven pulled Green out of the ring. B-Fab nailed Niven with a pump kick. Green tried to run away, but Michin brought Green back into the ring. Green left the ring again and Green grabbed Michin’s kendo stick and hit Michin with it. That led to a DQ finish because the referee saw it. The match lasted about 7 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Michin (Chelsea Green remains Women’s US Champion)

Analysis: **1/4 The match was okay, but it was a shorter match. The fans weren’t into that much. The feud is going to continue based on how that ended with Green using the kendo stick. I’d rather the feud end and they move on to something else, but there will probably be a rematch that allows weapons.

After the match, Green tried to hit Michin with the kendo stick again, but B-Fab was there to help. Michin got the kendo stick and hit Green in the back with the kendo stick a few times. Niven helped get Green out of there while Michin was in the ring with B-Fab.

Analysis: The fans popped for Michin hitting Green with the kendo stick, so that’s a good sign at least. Fans love weapons, of course.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi were interviewed by Byron Saxton about what would happen if they faced off in the Women’s Royal Rumble. Belair said they are a team going into the Rumble and a team out of the Rumble. Belair said that one of them was going to win. Saxton mentioned Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez having their eyes on the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Belair said they aren’t going to go down without a fight and Naomi said they better be ready to rumble.

Damian Priest is up next. They went to the first break of the show 54 minutes into it, so it was a bit shorter than one hour commercial free.

(Commercial)

There was a video about Charlotte Flair saying she’s heard the whispers and she’s heard the stories. Flair said that it’s lonely at the top and she doesn’t need to make friends. Flair said that she met her goals, she stayed at the top for ten years and she won’t let this last year define her. Flair said she is fortunate, she is blessed, she is groundbreaking and other nicknames while reminding us she is the woman of WWE.

Analysis: Charlotte Flair is my pick for Women’s Royal Rumble winner. If she doesn’t win then I think she’ll win Elimination Chamber.

Stephanie McMahon was shown at ringside with a young boy on her lap. I don’t know whose kid that was, but Stephanie was happy to be there and the fans popped for her.

Let’s Hear from Damian Priest

Damian Priest talked about how four years ago he joined Raw and he wanted to make a name for himself in this company. Priest summed his history talking about how he was a betrayer and he was betrayed. Priest talked about how he became a World Champion. Priest said that he’s here on Smackdown now and his goal is to win championships. Priest said that he’s going to be in the Royal Rumble and he’s going to win it.

Jacob Fatu interrupted with Tama Tonga by his side. Fatu said he sees Priest, he knows who he is and he knows what he has done. Fatu said that Priest has accomplished a whole lot more than these suckers in the back. Fatu said that they both came from the gutter and they both came from the streets. Fatu said that he was locked down in that box. Fatu said he’s off the leash now, he’s a go-getter now, he’s all gas and no breaks now. Fatu told Priest on the blue brand you either lay down or they will beat your ass down. Fatu said that the way he sees things is it’s him and Tama Tonga running Smackdown. Jacob said “Fatu” to end it.

Priest said is that supposed to intimidate him? Priest said that Fatu should know where he was from. Priest wondered why they were even talking and Priest superkicked Tama to knock him down.

Fatu and Priest exchanged punches while the fans were cheering for it. Priest worked over Fatu with punches. Tama was back into it to help Fatu by punching and kicking Priest. Tama brought a chair into the ring, so LA Knight made his entrance for the save. Knight kicked the chair into Tama Tonga’s face. Fatu punched the punch to knock it out of Knight’s hand. Priest kicked Fatu and Knight hit Fatu in the back with the steel chair.

LA Knight said you claimed you can lay down or get your ass beat down. Knight set up a tag team match with Fatu & Tama against Knight & Priest with everybody saying “LA Knight…yeah.” Barrett wanted Nick Aldis to make his loins tingle by booking that match. Fatu and Tama left.

Analysis: It set them up for a main event tag team match. Damian Priest is new on Smackdown, so having Fatu & Tama interrupt is an easy way to set up a rivalry. It’s an easy way to set up a main event tag team match. I liked Priest’s promo summing up his time on Raw. Jacob Fatu has a unique promo style that works because the crowd shuts up while he talks. I’m so excited about Jacob Fatu’s future in WWE.

Legado Del Fantasma was backstage when Motor City Machine Guns showed up to chat. Machine Guns said they wanted them to work together. Elektra Lopez told Angel & Humberto (aka Los Garza) to look out for eachother. Santos Escobar said that the Guns are getting a title shot at the Royal Rumble while Santos has to win the Rumble to get his title shot. Santos and Elektra left. Angel & Garza said they can handle their business. Angel said if the Guns beat #DIY at the Rumble then Los Garza are coming after them.

Pretty Deadly and WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY made their entrance for the eight-man tag team match.

(Commercial)

A video was shown of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker telling Triple H that he was going into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas. Triple H was genuinely surprised by it, but some people doubt that and think that maybe he knew about it.

Analysis: I’m happy for Triple H. He obviously deserves the solo Hall of Fame induction.

Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley and Los Garza – Angel & Humberto (w/Elektra Lopez) vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano and Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

The Guns are the only babyface team in this match. Prince and Wilson worked over Berto for about a minute to start the match. Ciampa tagged in and Berto hit a jumping kick to the head. Berto hit a splash on Ciampa. Angel and Garza hit a double team splash on Ciampa while Shelley held Ciampa and Sabin hit a dropkick. Angel was launched into the air leading to a dropkick knocking two guys out of the ring. Shelley held open the ropes while Sabin, Angel & Garza hit suicide dives on the floor. They went to a break while the action continued here on Netflix in Canada. Sabin worked over Ciampa with punches. Prince saved Ciampa going into the turnbuckle and Ciampa kicked Sabin to knock him down. The PD guys each made tags leading to PD beating up Sabin with strikes. Wilson worked over Sabin with punches and kicks. Ciampa tagged in with a running knee on Sabin. Prince hit Sabin with a clothesline as the show returned froma break for some fans.

The match continued with Sabin hitting a jumping double clothesline on both PD guys. Angel tagged in with a dropkick on Wilson and a headscissors. Angel hit a flapjack on Prince. Angel hit a jumping kick on Wilson followed by Angel hitting a cross body block off the top for two. Berto tagged in, Wilson shoved Angel into Berto and Gargano made the tag. There were guys going into the ring leading to strikes. Gargano was legal for his team and he hit a Spear along with a suicide dive. Angel hit a moonsault off the top onto both PD guys. Berto hit a sitout Powerbomb on Gargano for two. Sabin tagged in while Angel and Berto complained about that. Angel and Berto left the match. Ciampa tagged in leading to a knee that knocked Sabin off the apron to the floor. The fans booed Loz Garza walking away. Ciampa sent Sabin into the barricade. Ciampa was back in the ring where he worked over Sabin with chops. Sabin dropkicked PD off the apron and Sabin hit a kick and DDT combo on both #DIY guys. Sabin covered Ciampa for two. Shelley wanted a tag, but Gargano pulled him off the apron. Ciampa hit a clothesline on Sabin. Ciampa hit a running kick on Prince after Sabin moved out of the way. Wilson refused to tag in against Ciampa. Sabin used his legs to flip over Ciampa and Sabin sat on top for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley and Los Garza – Angel & Humberto

Analysis: ***1/4 I enjoyed the match that was full of good tag team wrestling and it advanced the story as well. It put over the Guns as a team that can find ways to win even when they are in a 2 on 4 situation. Los Garza didn’t want to work with The Guns while PD didn’t get along with #DIY as well, so it was a match that was chaotic in the final few minutes. I think having the Guns get the win made sense since it teased the idea that the Guns could beat #DIY at the Rumble. I think #DIY will retain at the Rumble, but I think it was the smart move to have Sabin get the win for his team here.

A video aired about the movie Love Hurts featuring actor Ke Huy Quan talking about the movie.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga were walking around backstage. Tama spotted the WWE Tag Team Titles on an equipment case. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano grabbed their titles. Tama said “yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah” at them. #DIY’s Gargano & Ciampa walked up to Pretty Deadly backstage yelling at them about losing and Kit said it was Ciampa who lost. Gargano said Pretty Deadly can kiss their title match goodbye and Wilson told #DIY they were on their own.

Tyrese Haliburton Interview

The WWE commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were in the Okerlund Position when they introduced Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton for an interview. Tyrese was wearing an “Indy 3:17” shirt. Tyrese asked the fans if they deserved it and the fans cheered. Tyrese said that tomorrow he takes on the Atlanta Hawks at 5 p.m. ET and said it’ll be a great game. Tyrese said that they’ll get the job done and then he’s going to come to the Royal Rumble. Pat showed the Patistrator highlights of Cody Rhodes and Michael Cole deciding to crowd surf at the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. Pat trashed Cole looking like he was drunk while Cody looked like he was a champion. Pat put over the crowd. Cole said they’d see Tyrese tomorrow night.

Analysis: It was a filler interview to hype up the crowd in Indy. Haliburton is a great player in the NBA and he is a legit WWE fan, so it’s cool to see him around.

A video package aired about Kevin Owens saying that Cody Rhodes deserves everything he has coming for him. It covered the Rhodes-Owens story that saw Owens turn on Cody and Randy Orton due to jealousy. That set up Cody and Kevin in a Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble with the WWE Title on the line.

Naomi made her entrance with Bianca Belair for Naomi’s match up next.

(Commercial)

Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Naomi (w/Bianca Belair)

Liv & Raquel beat Naomi & Bianca in a tag team match on Raw this past Monday. That match wasn’t for the Women’s Tag Team Titles, but it will likely lead to a title shot.

Naomi was in control with a headscissors that sent Liv to the apron. Liv hit a shoulder tackle to the ribs. Naomi did some booty shaking to Liv and then knocked Liv down with a kick. Naomi hit a split-legged leg drop on Liv for two. Naomi hit a delayed vertical suplex for two. Naomi went for a springboard move, Raquel distracted and Liv hit double knees to the back of Naomi for two. Joe said it was time for a break as the action continued here on Netflix. Liv pulled on Naomi’s neck against the top rope while Raquel hit a cheap shot punch on Naomi. Liv hit a running back splash on Naomi followed by a running knee against the turnbuckle for two. Liv sat beside Naomi and told her what spot to do next. Naomi stopped a charging Liv followed by Naomi getting a rollup for two. Liv hit a double knee attack for two count because Liv likes the double knee attack offense. Liv grabbed a headlock, Naomi broke free and Liv hit a dropkick. Liv hit three vertical suplexes in a row for the Three Amigos as the show returned.

Liv hit a jumping kick to the head for two. Liv jumped on Naomi’s back for a sleeper and Naomi hit a piggyback slam to get out of it. Naomi hit a jumping kick to the head along with a clothesline and a back elbow. Naomi kicked Liv down followed by a kick to the back. Naomi hit a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle. Naomi jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Liv did a hair pull slam into the mat. Liv hit Naomi with a knee followed by Liv jumped off the turnbuckle with another double knee attack for two. Naomi kicked Liv leading to a pin attempt for two. Naomi hit the Rear View jumping ass move. Naomi went to the turnbuckle, Raquel went on the apron and Belair pulled Raquel down. Naomi went for the split-legged moonsault, but Liv got out of the way because it took a long time. Liv got a sunset flip for two, but Naomi countered it and sat on top of Liv for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: *** A competitive match between two former Women’s Champions. Liv was on offense for most of the match and Naomi found a way to win with a counter move. We see a lot of matches like that where one wrestler is in control most of the way and the other wrestler finds a way to do one move for the win.

After the match, Bianca Belair and Naomi celebrated, so Raquel hit them from behind. Raquel nailed Naomi with a clothesline. Liv hit double knees to Belair and Raquel hit Belair with a big boot to the face. Raquel gave Liv a Powerbomb onto the stacked champions. Liv was laughing about it. Wade put over Liv as a threat to win the Royal Rumble because she has Raquel by her side.

Analysis: A cheap attack by the sore losers to further the story. This is going to lead to a Women’s Tag Team Title match and I think Raquel & Liv are going to win the titles.

A video package aired about Jacob Fatu’s match with Braun Strowman on Saturday Night’s Main Event last weekend. Fatu was DQ’d because he wouldn’t stop attacking Braun, who was a bloody mess. After the match, Fatu destroyed Strowman with multiple running hip attacks against the turnbuckle.

The Miz made his entrance for singles action

A commercial aired for the WWE 2K25 video game with Roman Reigns on the cover. It’s available on March 14th.

(Commercial)

Andrade vs. The Miz

There was a headscissors by Andrade. The Miz kicked Andrade and Miz hit a flying headscissors off the middle turnbuckle. Miz went for a kick on the floor, but Andrade avoided it. Andrade hit an impressive headscissors on the floor. Andrade hit a springboard moonsault onto a standing Miz on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued here on Netflix. Andrade worked over Miz with chops to the chest. Miz gave Andrade a back body drop that led to Andrade hitting his left leg against the top rope. Miz sent Andrade into the barricade right in front of Tyrese Haliburton sitting in the front row. Miz went up top and hit a double axhandle to knock Andrade down. Miz grabbed a headlock, Andrade did a jawbreaker and Miz hit Andrade with a knee to the gut. Andrade got a rollup on Miz for two. Miz caught a charging Andrade leading to his backbreaker/neckbreaker for two. Miz remained in control as the match returned for all fans.

The Miz worked over Andrade with the It Kicks to the chest. Andrade avoided a roundhouse kick and Andrade chopped Miz in the chest. Andrade did a dragon screw leg whip leading to Andrade hitting a running forearm. Andrade hit a running double knee attack against the turnbuckle for two. Miz hit Andrade with a left hand to the jaw and Andrade came back with a boot to the jaw. Miz spun around Andrade’s upper body leading to an impressive Tornado DDT for two. The Miz connected with a running clothesline against the turnbuckle. Miz and Andrade battled on the top turnbuckle where Andrade hit a Spanish Fly off the top for two. The fans got into the match chanting “this is awesome” for them. Andrade went up top, he went for a moonsault, Miz avoided it and Andrade tried an elbow, but Miz blocked it. They each got nearfalls. Andrade hit a spinning back elbow for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Andrade

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a very even matchup most of the way. That spinning back elbow that Andrade hit looked very impressive and The Miz sold it perfectly. I like seeing Andrade win with that move because it looks more impressive than the other moves he uses to win matches, so he should keep using that spinning back elbow. Andrade also does it better than Chris Jericho. Just saying.

Damian Priest was shown walking backstage where Santos Escobar spoke to him in Spanish. Escobar said that Smackdown is a difficult place and suggested Priest could use Legado Del Fantasma’s help. Priest didn’t want to do that. Escobar left. R-Truth walked up to Priest doing his dumb guy gimmick saying it was great to be on Raw and Priest said it was Friday and this is Smackdown. Truth said he talked to Pearce, but now he has hair and a British accent (a reference to Nick Aldis). Priest tried to correct him and told Truth to never change. LA Knight talked to Damian Priest about teaming up tonight and how in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Shinsuke Nakamura was in the background with the US Title again. Truth hugged Knight and Priest and suggested that they form a team. That was it.

Analysis: R-Truth is always comedic gold. The best.

Zelina Vega talked to WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton in the backstage area. Vega said she has her eyes set on that title now that she’s on Smackdown again and her journey starts at the Royal Rumble. Tiffany wished Vega good luck. Tiffany kept on walking for an interview up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about John Cena doing his promo on Raw saying it was his last Royal Rumble. They showed highlights of Cena winning the Rumble in 2008 and 2013. They also showed many of his World Title wins. Cena’s last time in the Royal Rumble is now. The graphic said “The Chase for 17” referring to World Titles as well.

Tiffany Stratton Interview

It’s Tiffy Time. The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton entered the ring with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee in there to conduct an interview. Cole wondered about what it felt like for Tiffany to be a champion. Tiffany said that this is her first championship on Smackdown, but she has always been championship material. Stratton said the difference between now and a year ago is that everybody else knows it. Pat McAfee potential Royal Rumble match winners including Nia Jax. Stratton said it didn’t matter who wins the Royal Rumble because it’s always Tiffy Time. Stratton said that Nia Jax had underestimated her before.

Candice LeRae interrupted the interrupted the interview. LeRae told Stratton she was pathetic and said she didn’t deserve to say Nia’s name. LeRae said that Stratton betrayed Jax and LeRae. LeRae said that Stratton is jealous that Nia prefers LeRae as a tag partner over Stratton. LeRae got in Stratton’s face to tell her to enjoy the little bit of “Tiffy Time” she had left. Stratton trashed LeRae saying all she’ll ever be is Nia Jax’s little sidekick. Nia Jax was in the ring, she charged and splashed LeRae because Stratton moved. Jax hit a Samoan Drop on Stratton. Jax hit a leg drop on Stratton. Nax hit an Annihilator on Stratton. The fans booed Jax for her cheap attack.

Analysis: It was a decent segment to get some heat on Jax while making Stratton more of a babyface. I doubt that Jax wins the Royal Rumble, but I think they might have Stratton beat Jax at Elimination Chamber to give Stratton a win to end that rivalry.

The announcers did a rundown of the Royal Rumble PLE lineup.

* Women’s Royal Rumble Match featuring Bayley, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY and more.

* Men’s Royal Rumble Match with John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Jey Uso, Penta, Bron Breakker, Chad Gable, Rey Mysterio, Damian Priest, and more.

* WWE Tag Team Championships 2/3 Falls: #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns

* Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga entered for tag team action. They went to a break for some fans as the entrances continued here on Netflix. Damian Priest made his entrance for the main event tag team match.

LA Knight made his entrance and he got a big pop as usual.

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight & Damian Priest

The four guys got into a slugfest as they exchanged punches. Priest hit Tama with punches. Knight tagged against Fatu leading to Knight hitting a jumping neckbreaker. Fatu was back up with a knee to the ribs. Knight countered Fatu leading to a neckbreaker. Priest hit Fatu with punches and Priest hit Fatu with an elbow. Tama distracted Priest, so Fatu hit a running hip attack on Priest. Tama hit a clothesline and a running splash. Priest did a bell clap around the head of Fatu, but Fatu sent Priest into the turnbuckle. Priest sent a charging Fatu out of the ring. Knight was back in with punches, Fatu missed a corner splash and Knight clotheslined Tama off the apron. Knight hit Fatu with a DDT followed by Knight hitting a top rope elbow drop. Fatu sent Knight to the ropes, Tama tripped Knight and Fat hit a running elbow smash to knock Knight down as the show went to break for some fans. The action continued here on Netflix as Fatu sent Knight into the turnbuckle. Tama suplexed Knight followed by Tama hitting a running dropkick. Tama dropkicked Priest off the apron. Fatu was back in with some choking against the middle rope. Fatu hit a running splash on Knight against the turnbuckle. Knight tried a suplex, but Fatu decked him with an uppercut. Tama did some face gouging. Tama said he was a “dirty mother**ker” and the swear word was muted. Tama applied a chinlock as the match returned for all fans.

Fatu was in control of Knight with punches. Fatu went for a running hip attack, but Knight moved and Fatu hit the turnbuckle. Knight gave Fatu a belly-to-back suplex. Priest got the tag against Tama with punches. Priest clotheslined Fatu over the top to the floor. Priest hit a flapjack on Tama, then a running splash and a shoulder tackle. Tama left the ring, so Priest hit a Pounce sending Tama over the commentary table. Priest hit a superkick on Fatu on the floor, then a slam onto the commentary table and Priest sent Fatu into the ring apron. Priest walked across the top rope leading to a cross body block for two. Priest went for a Razor’s Edge, but Tama countered it into it with a sleeper hold. After Priest broke free, Tama got a rollup for two. Fatu headbutted Priest in the back and Tama hit a jumping DDT for two because Knight broke it up. Knight hit a running attack on Fatu on the floor that sent both guys over the barricade. Priest caught a charging Tama and Priest went for a slam, but Priest came back with a clothesline and Tama sold it with a flipping bump. Priest gave Tama a South of Heaven slam for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & LA Knight…yeah

Analysis: ***1/4 A good main event match that got plenty of time and had a predictable result. Any time the put Tama Tonga with Jacob Fatu then you know Tama is eating the pin while Fatu is not. The fans got into it and it was a happy ending with Priest getting the win for this team.

After the match, Jacob Fatu went into the ring and hit a superkick on Priest. Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop. Fatu did an impressive moonsault off the top onto Priest. Fatu stared into the hard camera looking mean. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It made Jacob Fatu look like a dominant force, which we have seen many times before. I don’t mind it all because Fatu has a lot of potential as a top guy.

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Three Stars of the Show

Kevin Owens and CM Punk
Andrade
Damian Priest, LA Knight, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.35

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

A good show most of the way. I thought the Kevin Owens-CM Punk promo segment was probably the best part of the show and that went on first. In terms of matches, there were a lot of them at the same level and nothing really stood out. I did like most of the finishes.

Bring on the Royal Rumble PLE. I’m ready.

The next WWE PLE is the Royal Rumble on Saturday, February 1st in Indianapolis. Here’s the lineup:

* Women’s Royal Rumble Match featuring Bayley, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY 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 can 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 Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport