WWE SmackDown Results and Ending Explained (Jan 31, 2025)

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for WWE SmackDown (January 31, 2025)

This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown marks the final event leading up to the much-anticipated Royal Rumble this weekend. It is a significant night as Damian Priest makes his debut as a full-time superstar, while The Bloodline is expected to see the return of Solo Sikoa. LA Knight is out for revenge following a series of recent assaults. The night features key matchups, including Jimmy Uso facing Carmelo Hayes and The Miz searching for a reliable partner after last week’s disappointing turn of events involving Andrade and Apollo Crews.

In addition, Kevin Owens is set to speak prior to his Ladder Match against Cody Rhodes at the Rumble, and Chelsea Green will defend her Women’s United States Championship against Michin. The Tag Team division is heating up, with teams like the Motor City Machine Guns and DIY looking to avoid conflict before their championship encounter. Pretty Deadly and Los Garza are also on the lookout for Tag Team glory.

WWE SmackDown Results – January 31, 2025

Pat McAfee joins Michael Cole as a surprise guest, promoting the Royal Rumble set to take place in Indianapolis.
Kevin Owens is interviewed by Joe Tessitore, expressing frustration over being overlooked by Seth Rollins and CM Punk, ultimately reclaiming his Winged Eagle championship.
CM Punk interrupts, apologizing for ignoring Owens but asserting he would also defeat him at WrestleMania.
Owens mocks Punk for never having headlined WrestleMania, while Punk counters by calling out Owens for losing five championship matches at the Royal Rumble.
The Miz vents to Nick Aldis about Andrade rejecting his proposal for a partnership, leading to a match being arranged between them.
Jimmy Uso secured a victory over Carmelo Hayes, with Big Jim assisting by holding Hayes’ tights, following a failed distraction attempt.
Chelsea Green became disqualified during her United States Championship match against Michin when Piper Niven intervened after Michin executed the Eat Defeat.
A new vignette featuring Charlotte Flair highlights her previous accomplishments, stirring excitement among fans.
Damian Priest declares his intent for the Royal Rumble, stating his championship aspirations, but is interrupted by Jacob Fatu.
Jacob Fatu emphasizes their roots, leading to a confrontation where Priest drops Tama Tonga, triggering an assault by The Bloodline.
LA Knight bursts onto the scene wielding a chair, demanding a match between The Bloodline and himself paired with Damian Priest for later that night.
The Motor City Machine Guns attempt to reconcile with Legado Del Fantasmo, only to be dismissed by Santos Escobar.
In a chaotic 8-man tag team match, Chris Sabin pinned Tommaso Ciampa, sealing victory for his team, which also included Los Garza, against Pretty Deadly and DIY.
Ciampa accidentally struck Elton Prince, causing Pretty Deadly to abandon DIY during the match.
Backstage, Pretty Deadly informs DIY that they are on their own heading into the Royal Rumble.
Naomi stunned Liv Morgan with an unexpected roll-up victory, but both Raquel Rodriguez and Liv retaliated against Bianca Belair and Naomi afterwards.
Andrade triumphed over The Miz with a pinfall following an impactful spinning back elbow.
Santos Escobar approaches Damian Priest, suggesting he team up with LDF. R-Truth subsequently welcomes Priest to Raw, but LA Knight and Priest decide against forming an alliance at the Royal Rumble.
Tiffany Stratton is interviewed by Michael Cole, only to be interrupted by Candice LeRae, who declares her participation in the Royal Rumble and warns Tiffany of her impending regret for betrayal.
Nia Jax accidentally flattens Candice before delivering a more intentional Annihilator to Tiffany Stratton.
In the main event, LA Knight and Damian Priest overcame The Bloodline, with Priest pinning Tama Tonga following his South of Heaven maneuver. However, Jacob Fatu retaliated with a superkick and a Samoan Drop as SmackDown concluded.

Despite an electric start with CM Punk’s interruption of Kevin Owens, this episode was relatively subdued leading into the Royal Rumble—a pivotal kickoff to the WrestleMania season. The dynamic between LA Knight and Damian Priest felt refreshing, while Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga continued to establish themselves as formidable threats, especially in the absence of Solo Sikoa. Additionally, Charlotte Flair’s new vignettes are effectively heightening anticipation for her return at the Royal Rumble, and R-Truth’s comedic flair remains one of WWE’s standout aspects, consistently providing levity that resonates with fans.

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