WWE SmackDown Results for January 3, 2025: Full Ending Explained [SPOILERS]

Warning: The following content contains spoilers for WWE SmackDown aired on January 3, 2025.

The inaugural episode of WWE SmackDown’s new three-hour format, broadcast from Phoenix, AZ, was packed with thrilling moments and intense rivalries. The Main Event featured Sami Zayn teaming with The Usos to take on The Bloodline in an electrifying six-man tag team showdown. Earlier in the broadcast, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa addressed the audience in anticipation of the upcoming Tribal Combat match against Roman Reigns, while Drew McIntyre further asserted his formidable presence in the ring.

Additionally, championship gold was contested as DIY defended their tag team titles against Motor City Machine Guns. In an intense WWE Women’s Championship bout, Nia Jax faced off against Naomi. The ongoing feud between Michin and Piper Niven continued, with Chelsea Green, the reigning U.S. Champion, lurking nearby. The hard-hitting match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade captivated the audience, while Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens intensified their rivalry leading up to the Royal Rumble.

Cody Rhodes initiated the evening with a heartfelt speech before Raw’s Drew McIntyre interrupted, offering assistance and delivering a stark warning.
Drew concluded by cautioning Cody to remain vigilant. Shortly after, Kevin Owens ambushed Cody from behind, leading to a chaotic interventions from WWE officials who separated them.
In a fierce contest, Shinsuke Nakamura triumphed over Andrade El Idolo by pinfall. LA Knight then stormed the ring, declaring his intention to reclaim the U.S. Championship.
Michin scored a victory over Piper Niven after executing her signature move, Eat Defeat.
Solo Sikoa requested Paul Heyman to hold the Ula Fala during Monday’s anticipated Tribal Combat showdown.
A dramatic encounter between the Motor City Machine Guns and DIY ended in disarray, with interference from Pretty Deadly and Legado Del Fantasma thwarting a potential victory for the challengers.
Nia Jax secured a victory against Naomi, but the aftermath saw Tiffany Stratton introducing some chaos by attacking Naomi with her Money in the Bank briefcase.
Following the interference, Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract, executing a Prettiest Moonsault Ever and a KOD from Bianca Belair to claim the WWE Women’s Championship.
In the main event, Solo Sikoa pinned Jey Uso, sealing the win for The Bloodline against Sami Zayn and The Usos.

Cody Rhodes Is Given More To Think About

Cody Rhodes kicked off SmackDown with a serious demeanor, ready to address Kevin Owens. However, the surprise came as Drew McIntyre embraced Cody, assuring him of his support. Given the tumultuous year they’ve endured, this sudden camaraderie raised eyebrows about Drew’s intentions for the new year.

Despite Drew’s seemingly genuine offer, Cody remained skeptical. McIntyre cautioned him to “watch your back” , foreshadowing the impending attack from Kevin Owens, who ambushed Cody moments later. Tensions escalated backstage when Jey Uso confronted Owens, echoing the similar warning to “watch your back” , especially with their upcoming match on Monday Night Raw.

Shinsuke Nakamura Benefits from SmackDown’s Extra Hour

Shinsuke Nakamura WWE SmackDown Jan 3 2025

Shinsuke Nakamura’s extended ring entrance utilized SmackDown’s expanded airtime effectively, enhancing visibility for mid-card champions and elevating their match significance. The grueling encounter saw Nakamura clinch victory with a punishing Kinshasa, showcasing his fearsome presence in the ring. LA Knight’s challenge post-match to reclaim the U.S. Championship further raised the stakes.

Paul Heyman Learns His Tribal Combat Role

Main Image Solo Sikoa WWE SmackDown Jan 3 2025

In a captivating display, Paul Heyman conveyed the significance of Solo Sikoa’s ascendancy as The Tribal Chief. Masterfully, he encapsulated the storyline’s essence through several compelling moments. Sikoa assured Heyman of victory, entrusting him with the Ula Fala during their match, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation ahead.

SmackDown’s Exciting Tag Team Turmoil

The spotlight on tag teams has proven beneficial, as reflected in the ongoing dynamic between teams like Pretty Deadly and Legado Del Fantasma. Last week, they faced repercussions for their previous actions when confronted by Apollo Crews and Santos Escobar. The championship match between DIY and Motor City Machine Guns descended into chaos, ultimately resulting in a no-contest—an unfortunate turn for the challengers. Today marks an opportune time for tag teams on SmackDown.

The Queen Defends Her Crown, Before Finally Being Dethroned

Tiffany Stratton WWE SmackDown Jan 3 2025

The clash between Nia Jax and Naomi for the WWE Women’s Championship was an all-out battle filled with suspenseful near-falls and key highlights, especially Nia’s impactful maneuvers. However, Tiffany Stratton’s unexpected interference took center stage as she assaulted Naomi with her Money in the Bank briefcase, paving the way for chaos.

In a shocking turn of events, Tiffany stratified the aftermath by cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become the new WWE Women’s Champion, executing the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Nia after Bianca Belair’s KOD, thus soaring to victory. This plot twist promises to remain memorable in WWE history—it’s officially Tiffy Time!

The Bloodline Set The Stage for Monday’s Netflix Debut

The energy surrounding the entrance of Sami Zayn and The Usos mirrored the excitement of the past ‘Yes!’ movement, captivating fans during their high-stakes match. In a key moment, Solo Sikoa’s victory over Jey Uso established a critical win for The Bloodline, just days away from a monumental night.

Ultimately, Tiffany Stratton’s surprise Money in the Bank cash-in will be remembered for years to come, while Nia Jax’s path of retribution becomes increasingly complicated. The Bloodline cultivated great anticipation ahead of Monday’s Raw premiere on Netflix, while the substance of Drew McIntyre’s budding partnership with Kevin Owens brings intriguing dynamics to the narrative. With the extended airtime allowing for better spotlighting of both the men’s and women’s divisions, this new era represents a triumphant start for the revamped SmackDown.

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