WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 is a mixed bag. With ample time in the show to support focus on all divisions, it is making for most of the show being good, just nothing outright amazing. Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio have the best match of the show along with Bayley and Tiffany / Carmelo and Jimmy / MCMG Vs Los Garza all getting great ring work in their matches.
Coming out of this week’s Smackdown, the moments that matter are Solo Sikoa not speaking and leaving. While Jacob Fatu sends a message before being sized up by Braun Strowman. Nick Aldis announced next week’s SNME having a contract signing with Shawn Michaels moderating it for Cody and Kevin along with an additional clause in this contract. Tiffany retains and MCMG are closer to DIY.
A good amount of this show is still filler though, Nia and Candice Vs Belair and Naomi doesn’t have a result that is eyebrow raising. Jimmy Uso and Carmelo, while being a very solid match, just ended in Bloodline stuff. Michin still going after Chelsea Green is somewhat of a dull way to start her reign. Rey Mysterio appearing as a hometown hero is cool, and while KO’s dream match was a singles match with Rey, it just feels like content being put in this show because they have to fill time.
WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 brings the first championship defense for the new Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton against former Champion Bayley. After being told to prove themselves to be next in line for the tag titles, Los Garza and MCMG move on in the unofficial tournament. After losing Tribal Combat Solo Sikoa is set to return to Friday Night Smackdown. Carmelo Hayes looks to face Big Jim Uso and get some momentum after his little stint with Braun Strowman. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae take on the tag team champions, Bianca and Naomi.
GREAT Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens Promo: WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 Opening Promo
Rey Mysterio kicked off the show as it was in San Diego. Mentioning being in the 619 area. Getting a warm reception and ultimately declaring himself for the Royal Rumble. Kevin Owens interrupted Rey and talked about wanting Rey to win the rumble. Hoping that Rey would promise to choose him, a real world champion. Owens shared desires to wrestle Rey one on one, which is his dream match. Rey said he would love to face KO if he beat Cody and KO got agitated. KO said he deserved it and Mysterio compared Kevin’s delusion to Dominik. Kevin tried to attack but Rey countered and sent him out of the ring retreated as he dodged the 619.
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
GOOD Bianca Belair and Naomi Vs Candice LeRae and Nia Jax: WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 First Match
This was a fine match. The best part about it was the psychology. With the heels working down on Bianca and doing well, they do their job at making you want the hot tag. Nia taking Naomi off of the apron. Candice countered Bianca’s handspring with a nice dropkick. Both Candice and Nia hitting a senton on Bianca. By the end of it, LeRae is hit with a Full Nelson Bomb from Naomi. Naomi wins the match and also is the one to get the win again.
Results: Naomi by Pinfall via Full Nelson Bomb on Candice LeRae
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.00 Stars
GREAT Jimmy Uso Vs Carmelo Hayes:
Carmelo and Jimmy actually have a very good match here. Carmelo getting some of his better heat aside from the Andrade matches. Jimmy is selling great for him. Hayes gets solid moments like his springboard DDT, and a catching first 48. By the end of it, Jimmy gets a spear and looks to set up a splash. Jacob Fatu appears on the apron and Tama Tonga pushes Uso off of the top rope. The bloodline attacked Jimmy with multiple hip attacks before laying out Carmelo also.
Results: Jimmy Uso by DQ via The Bloodline Interference
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.50 Stars
GREAT Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline Promo:
International viewers saw the drawn out process of Solo in the ring with Tama and Jacob. Drinking in the heat with Jacob trying to tell everyone to shut up. Claiming they would leave. Solo doesn’t say a word and leaves the ring, taking his jacket off. Jacob staring daggers at the man walking through the crowd.
Fatu took the mic and said he was tired of the disrespect. Claiming on a bad day nobody could touch him. Asking if people thought he was losing it or was crazy. Ultimately saying he is just getting started. LA Knight’s theme hits and he comes through the crowd, as Knight was getting momentum, Bloodline shut him down. Braun Strowman ultimately makes the save and has a stare down with Jacob Fatu. Tonga pulls Fatu out of the ring as Jacob is staring at Braun.
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
GREAT Los Garza Vs MCMG:
This is a very well done match. With Los Garza being able to hang and look almost better than MCMG. While the teams had to get the crowd invested, they were successful enough. Los Garza hitting a front slam, powerbomb/springboard kick combo for a great reaction. After Sabin hits a dive to the outside, MCMG try to set up Skull and Bones. Pretty Deadly attempt to help Los Garza in the ring but by the end of it, they aid MCMG. Skull and Bones gets the win for the Legendary team.
Results: MCMG by Pinfall via Skull and Bones on Berto
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
SQUASH B Fab Vs Piper Niven:
A backstage segment set this encounter up. B Fab has a great entrance and gets alright moments in the match. Taking out Chelsea on the outside almost got her boo’ed. Piper gets the win after a big senton and a fireman’s carry driver.
Results: Piper Niven by Pinfall via Fireman’s Carry Driver
AMAZING Kevin Owens Vs Rey Mysterio: WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 Semi Main Event
Kevin and Rey just have a very fun and high quality match here. While it was a simple story and set up, they were able to have an enjoyable match. A great stunner sell from Rey with a fun nearfall. KO has to push the ref into the ropes to stop Rey from getting a big move after the 619. Kevin wins convincingly with a pop up powerbomb.
Results: Kevin Owens by Pinfall via Pop Up Powerbomb
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.00 Stars
GREAT Tiffany Stratton Vs Bayley – WWE Women’s Championship: WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 Main Event
This is tough, because it’s a solid match. Stratton gets to work on Bayley with a more psychological approach. This crowd just really did not care. Stratton got a handful of good pops for her offense in moments. It was just a quiet crowd. While its a solid match and a main event it just really struggles to get into third gear. There are solid moments like the Swanton, like the hip attack into the apron. The outside spots as well. Bayley has a little moment with Roxanne but nothing happens outside of it. The finish of Stratton countering the rose plant into her alabama slam and then the PME was a great finish to a somewhat underwhelming match.
Results: Tiffany Stratton by Pinfall via Prettiest Moonsault Ever
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 Overall Summary…
WWE Smackdown January 17 2025 is a mixed bag. With ample time in the show to support focus on all divisions, it is making for most of the show being good, just nothing outright amazing. Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio have the best match of the show along with Bayley and Tiffany / Carmelo and Jimmy / MCMG Vs Los Garza all getting great ring work in their matches.
Coming out of this week’s Smackdown, the moments that matter are Solo Sikoa not speaking and leaving. While Jacob Fatu sends a message before being sized up by Braun Strowman. Nick Aldis announced next week’s SNME having a contract signing with Shawn Michaels moderating it for Cody and Kevin along with an additional clause in this contract. Tiffany retains and MCMG are closer to DIY.
A good amount of this show is still filler though, Nia and Candice Vs Belair and Naomi doesn’t have a result that is eyebrow raising. Jimmy Uso and Carmelo, while being a very solid match, just ended in Bloodline stuff. Michin still going after Chelsea Green is somewhat of a dull way to start her reign. Rey Mysterio appearing as a hometown hero is cool, and while KO’s dream match was a singles match with Rey, it just feels like content being put in this show because they have to fill time.
Matches: 0.50/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.50/1 Stars
Atmosphere…: 0.50/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.00/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE – January 17 2025For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
