SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
JANUARY 31, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. AT GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE
AIRED ON USA NETWORK
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Hosts: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee
Ring Announcer: Lilian Garcia
Attendance: WrestleTix reported that 12,209 tickets had been distributed right before showtime. The arena has a capacity of 19,000 spectators when configured for boxing.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Kurt Cadet to review SmackDown LIVE. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about SmackDown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
[HOUR ONE]
The show began with a scenic aerial view of Indianapolis, followed by a montage of women wrestlers arriving at the arena. Chelsea Green emerged from an elevator with Piper Niven, who appeared startled not to be seen with her nose taped.
Michael Cole kicked off the show from a podium, praising Indianapolis as a world-class host city that regularly welcomes major events such as Final Fours and Olympic trials. Cole introduced co-host Pat McAfee, who fondly remembered his football days in Indianapolis, crediting the city for hosting the Royal Rumble.
Joe Tessitore stepped in, addressing the aftermath of Kevin Owens’ aggressive remarks towards him. He introduced Owens, who discussed his ongoing feud with Cody Rhodes and criticized Tessitore for merely covering Cody.
When C.M. Punk’s music blared, Owens expressed his desire to reclaim his winged angel belt and WWE Title. Punk apologized for interrupting Owens, acknowledging Owens’ achievements but asserting his own dominance in both those title belts.
Miz and Santos Andrade’s rivalry took a new turn as Miz challenged Andrade backstage, only for Andrade to attack him immediately. Despite Miz’s defiance, Andrade rejected the offer of working together.
Wade Barrett hyped an eight-man tag match later in the show while Tessitore previewed Jimmy Uso’s clash with Carmelo Hayes.
CarmeLO Hayes vs. Jimmy Uso
The match began with Hayes challenging Jimmy to a fight on the ring apron. Hayes initiated pre-match contact, drawing the bell after 27 minutes. Despite a rousing comeback by Jimmy, Hayes secured victory via pinfall after 9:00.
CHELSEA GREEN (w/Piper Niven) vs. Michin (w/B-Fab) – U.S. Title Match
Michin entered the ring with a kendo stick, gaining an advantage in the early moments. However, Chicago Green staged a comeback, pushing Michin to the floor multiple times. B-Fab’s interference led to a double disqualification by the referee for Green, securing Michin a historically notable win.
Byron Saxton interviewed Chelsea Green and Piper Niven backstage, with Green expressing her determination to win the Royal Rumble and march towards her destiny as the next WWE champion.
[HOUR TWO]
Priest made his SmackDown debut with a rousing entrance, declaring his intentions to throw himself into the Rumble. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga interrupted Priest, challenging him to a battle.
Barrett described Fatu and Tama as two of the most terrifying and unhinged wrestlers in the business. L.A. Knight joined the fight, challenging Fatu and Tama to a tag match later in the show.
ANGLEO & HUMBERTO (w/Elektra Lopez) & MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) & PRETTY DEADLY (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson)
This multi-faceted tag match featured a series of grueling exchanges, with DY and Pretty Deadly ultimately emerging victorious after 12:00 of intense action.
Naomi vs. Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez)
The matchup between Naomi and Liv Morgan was highlighted by intense aggressive moments from both sides, with Naomi ultimately claiming victory after 10:00.
Andrade vs. The Miz
Andrade took an immediate offensive measure, springboarding off the turnbuckle onto Miz. Despite a fan shouting “The Rock Sucks!” from the crowd, Andrade won the bout via spinning back elbow after 9:00.
[HOUR THREE]
The final hour previewed the Royal Rumble, detailing the lineup and the significance of the event. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga made a surprise entrance to round off the show, animosity between them and Priest continuing to build.
DAMIEN PRIEST & L.A. KNIGHT vs. JACOB FATU & TAMA TONGA
Priest and Knight fought Fatu and Tama in an intense match, ultimately emerging victorious after a series of technical maneuvers.
The match was concluded with a series of high-flying maneuvers and crowd-pleasing moments. Fatu’s post-match confrontation with Priest set the stage for a potential Royal Rumble rematch.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Kurt Cadet to review SmackDown LIVE. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about SmackDown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
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