![WWE Smackdown Results and Ending Explained for January 17, 2024: Highlights & Implications [SPOILERS]](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/smackdown-main-pic-640x375.webp)
Warning: The following content contains SPOILERS for WWE SmackDown (January 17, 2025)
This week’s WWE SmackDown kicked off with a thrilling start in San Diego, where Rey Mysterio, a local favorite, began the show by setting the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble. The atmosphere intensified as Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes fueled the excitement surrounding their paths to the Rumble. Furthermore, the return of Solo Sikoa marked a significant moment after his defeat at the hands of Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat. The SmackDown card also featured intriguing matchups, including Jimmy Uso facing Carmelo Hayes.
In a showcase of talent, Tiffany Stratton defended her WWE Championship for the first time against Bayley, while the tag team scene saw the Motor City Machine Guns battle Los Garza to determine potential challengers for DIY’s Tag Team Championships. Additionally, Naomi and Bianca Belair defended their Women’s Tag Team Titles against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, further solidifying the competitive landscape.
WWE SmackDown Results – January 17, 2025
- Rey Mysterio opened the show in his San Diego hometown, announcing his participation in this year’s Royal Rumble.
- Kevin Owens expressed his hope for Rey’s success but clarified his expectation of challenging Cody Rhodes for the Winged Eagle belt, leading to a tense moment where KO narrowly escaped a 619.
- Naomi and Bianca Belair triumphed over Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, setting the stage for a Tag Team Championship defense against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson at NXT on January 28th.
- B-Fab confronted Chelsea Green backstage about her intention to pursue the US Championship.
- The match between Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes ended in a No Contest when Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga intervened, attacking both competitors.
- In a surprising moment, Solo Sikoa made his return, met with boos from the crowd, opting to leave without uttering a word.
- Jacob Fatu declared he is just getting started, while LA Knight and Braun Strowman stepped into the ring to challenge The Bloodline.
- The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Los Garza, overcoming interference from Pretty Deadly.
- Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens continued to refuse signing the amended Royal Rumble match contract, holding out until the other committed.
- Piper Niven secured victory over B-Fab, leading to Chelsea Green’s attack before Michin intervened.
- Kevin Owens emerged victorious against Rey Mysterio in an outstanding match, prompting Cody Rhodes to rush the ring and confront Owens afterward.
- Scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event is a showdown between Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu, alongside LA Knight facing Tama Tonga and the Motor City Machine Guns versus Los Garza next week on SmackDown.
- Apollo Crews faced an attack from DIY after he suggested Pretty Deadly was being manipulated by the Tag Team Champions.
- The contract signing for the Royal Rumble Ladder Match will be overseen by Shawn Michaels on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
- Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title against Bayley, pinning her after a stellar match highlighted by The Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Kevin Owens’ Reign of Terror Persists
The always-amiable Rey Mysterio opened the SmackDown stage, revealing his Royal Rumble entry with his usual humility. In a twist, Kevin Owens acknowledged his respect for Mysterio, a stark contrast to his typical hostility, notably mentioning their shared timeline in WWE with no past one-on-one encounters.
Matching up perfectly in the ring, Owens and Mysterio delivered a breathtaking performance, with Rey impressively soaring above Owens’ powerbomb attempt, showcasing incredible agility at 50 years old. This encounter not only served the narrative leading to the Royal Rumble but also highlighted the talent of Mysterio, the intensity of Owens, and the heroism of Cody Rhodes, making it a captivating standalone episode of SmackDown.
Bianca Belair and Naomi Seek Their Flow
While the chemistry between Bianca Belair and Naomi remains strong, their latest victory over Nia Jax and Candice LeRae felt a touch predictable. They are set to clash again with Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson, promising another entertaining matchup on January 28th. Interestingly, Naomi noted there are still no updates regarding the identity of Jade Cargill’s attacker.
Despite the absence of news on Cargill’s return, the ongoing speculation around her status adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, although it does create a feeling of disconnect for fans eager for clarity.
Solo Sikoa’s Powerful Return
The evolution of Solo Sikoa has been remarkable over recent months. Following some early skepticism from fans regarding his role in The Bloodline saga, Sikoa has emerged as one of the most rapidly advancing talents in WWE. During this week’s SmackDown, the crowd responded intensely to his presence, particularly as he chose to remain silent and let his actions speak through his enforcers.
His character development post-Roman Reigns’ match adds layers of emotional depth, making his next moves in the WrestleMania season particularly captivating and unpredictable for fans.
Solo Sikoa Fully Acknowledge The Original Tribal Chief Roman Reigns \u261d\ufe0f\u261d\ufe0fLook Like \ud83d\ude09pic.twitter.com/8xAWBuBHuE — The Only \u261d\ufe0f OTC \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 (@No1Bloodline) January 18, 2025
A Momentous Week for SmackDown’s Tag Team Division
During the episode, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett highlighted WWE’s exciting new multi-year partnership with TNA, celebrating the triumphant Motor City Machine Guns, three-time TNA Tag Team Champions. SmackDown’s tag division continues to thrive, marked by the entertaining clashes fueled by Pretty Deadly and Los Garza, as well as the highly anticipated rematch between the Motor City Machine Guns and DIY. Notably, fans are eager to see more of The Street Profits as this vibrant division evolves.
Stratton’s Reign is Just Getting Started
Since winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, Tiffany Stratton has been positioned as a top contender. Her first title defense against Bayley proved to be an engaging test of her capabilities, showcasing the veteran’s experience against Stratton’s youthful agility. As discussions around Charlotte Flair’s potential return heat up, the future trajectory of Stratton’s title reign holds significant interest for fans.
Tiffany Stratton \ud83d\ude0d\ud83d\udd25 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/3YHsBgik5L — Finest Women of Wrestling (@finewwrestling) January 18, 2025
This week’s SmackDown illustrated the high quality of WWE programming, representing an engaging narrative between Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio while also allowing Mysterio to shine away from his recent faction storylines with Dominik and LWO. The Women’s Championship fits Tiffany Stratton perfectly, as her reign encourages increased representation of female talent on TV. Overall, SmackDown continues to establish itself as a top brand two weeks from the Royal Rumble.
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