Sat Jan 25 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## WWE SmackDown Delivers Thrilling Matches and Royal Rumble Announcements
**Austin, TX** – WWE SmackDown delivered a night of high-octane action from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The show featured title implications, a Royal Rumble declaration bonanza, and surprising roster additions.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, preparing for his Ladder Match against Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble, spoke with Joe Tessitore, reiterating his determination to retain his title. He described Owens as a talented athlete but criticized his tendency to take the easy way out.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) in a hard-fought tag team match, continuing their quest for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
A heated confrontation between Kevin Owens and Jimmy Uso led to a match being scheduled for later in the evening. Elsewhere, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven lost to Michin and B-Fab.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes’ interview was interrupted by Damian Priest, who shockingly announced his arrival on the SmackDown roster.
The women’s division exploded with announcements and a massive brawl. Tiffany Stratton’s boasting was interrupted by Rhea Ripley, who, along with Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, announced their participation in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. Bianca Belair and Naomi quickly followed suit, leading to a chaotic confrontation that also included Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. This eight-woman melee ended with a victory for Nia Jax, Candice LeRae, and Liv Morgan in a tag team match.
In other action, Apollo Crews scored a surprising win against Johnny Gargano of #DIY, capitalizing on a distraction by the Motor City Machine Guns.
The main event saw Tama Tonga face LA Knight in a singles match, the outcome of which was not reported before the live coverage ended. The show ended with a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for next week’s episode.
First Piper 