WWE SmackDown Results: Rhodes vs. Owens Heats Up

WWE SmackDown delivered an action-packed episode on January 17, 2025, from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The show set the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble, featuring intense rivalries and championship matches.Major Highlights:

Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens' Rivalry: The ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens escalated as both superstars engaged in a chaotic brawl. This confrontation is a precursor to their highly anticipated ladder match at the Royal Rumble, where they will compete for the undisputed WWE championship and the retired Winged Eagle belts. The tension reached new heights when Owens managed to escape with his title after a chaotic encounter with Rhodes.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley: In a thrilling match for the WWE Women’s Championship, Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title against former champion Bayley. The bout showcased both competitors' skills, with Stratton ultimately securing victory after a series of high-impact maneuvers, including her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Rey Mysterio's Return: Rey Mysterio made a triumphant return to his hometown, announcing his participation in the Royal Rumble. His heartfelt speech was interrupted by Kevin Owens, leading to an argument that turned physical. This confrontation hints at a potential future matchup between the two fan favorites.
Motor City Machine Guns Shine: The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) faced off against Los Garza (Angel and Berto) and emerged victorious after executing their finishing move, Skull & Bones. This win positions them favorably for a future tag team championship opportunity.
Solo Sikoa's Comeback: Solo Sikoa made a surprise return to SmackDown, adding another layer to the unfolding drama within the Bloodline faction. His presence could signal significant changes ahead as tensions rise among the group members.

Match Results:

Bianca Belair and Naomi def. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae by pinfall.
Jimmy Uso def. Carmelo Hayes by disqualification.
Motor City Machine Guns def. Los Garza by pinfall.
Piper Niven def. B-Fab by pinfall.
Kevin Owens def. Rey Mysterio by pinfall.
Tiffany Stratton def. Bayley by pinfall to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.

As WWE heads towards the Royal Rumble, fans can expect more explosive encounters and storyline developments in the coming weeks, keeping the excitement alive in the world of professional wrestling.

The match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens on WWE SmackDown featured intense action and significant storyline developments as they prepare for their upcoming ladder match at the Royal Rumble.

Key Highlights:

Escalating Tensions: The rivalry between Rhodes and Owens reached a boiling point, with both superstars showing no restraint. Their animosity has been building, particularly after Owens claimed to be the rightful champion with the Winged Eagle belt, leading to heated confrontations throughout the night.
Brawl During Rey Mysterio's Match: The chaos intensified during Rey Mysterio's match against Owens, where Rhodes intervened to save Mysterio from a potential package piledriver. This led to an all-out brawl between Rhodes and Owens, showcasing their physicality and determination to outdo each other ahead of their scheduled ladder match.
General Manager's Frustration: SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis expressed his frustration over the lack of control he had over the situation, particularly as both wrestlers refused to sign an addendum for their Royal Rumble match until the other did. This added another layer of tension as they approached their championship showdown.
Match Outcome: Ultimately, Owens defeated Mysterio via pinfall after executing a pop-up powerbomb. This victory further solidified Owens' position as a formidable opponent for Rhodes, intensifying their rivalry leading into the Royal Rumble.

The ongoing conflict between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens is not only a focal point of WWE SmackDown but also sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying ladder match at the Royal Rumble, where both titles will be on the line.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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