WWE SmackDown Results: January 3, 2025

WWE SmackDown kicked off its three-hour landmark show in Phoenix, Arizona, with a captivating opening segment featuring Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.

Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s Tension

Rhodes addressed the audience, highlighting the exciting changes coming to WWE, including SmackDown’s extended runtime and Raw’s debut on Netflix. He emphasized his eagerness to be involved but expressed frustration due to his injury incurred by Kevin Owens, leading to a ladder match at the Royal Rumble.

Drew McIntyre made a surprise appearance, interrupting Rhodes’ speech. While initially Hugging Rhodes, McIntyre quickly turned serious, expressing concerns about Rhodes potentially jeopardizing his legacy by facing Owens in a ladder match. He believed that Rhodes, as a vital leader in the current generation of wrestlers, needed support and guidance rather than taking on such a risky challenge.

However, Rhodes remained skeptical of McIntyre’s intentions, sensing a hidden agenda. As tensions escalated, Kevin Owens attacked Rhodes from behind, instigating a brawl and bringing WWE officials to intervene.

Sneak Peeks and Backstage Tensions

The show continued with glimpses of other wrestlers backstage, including The Bloodline, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Nia Jax. Social media buzzed about the high-stakes opening segment, with

Wrestleview.com tweeting, “A good opening segment with Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The fans were surprised with Drew showing up and this feels like an anything can happen type of show.”

The action continued with a pivotal match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade, showcasing their wrestling prowess.

Other Key Moments

The show also featured:

• A backstage confrontation between Apollo Crews, Pretty Deadly, and Legado del Fantasma.
• Tensions escalating between DIY and Nick Aldis over their title ambitions.
• Michin’s victory over Piper Niven, highlighting her rising dominance.