3 Things We Loved 1. Tiffany Stratton’s Stellar Title Defense Tiffany Stratton proved she belongs at the top with a fantastic match against Bayley. The bout, lasting nearly 20 minutes, showcased both competitors’ skills and emphasized Stratton's potential as a long-term champion. The victory over a seven-time champion like Bayley validated Stratton's reign and hinted at exciting feuds ahead, especially with Charlotte Flair teasing a return. The presentation of the match as a significant event added to its impact. 2. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ Rivalry Heats Up Kevin Owens’ unhinged yet calculated heel work shone as he confronted Rey Mysterio and later battled him in the ring. The post-match segment, featuring Cody Rhodes saving Mysterio, added layers to the story. With Nick Aldis enforcing a dramatic stipulation involving the relinquishment of both belts for their ladder match at the Royal Rumble, this feud has become one of the show’s standout narratives. The inclusion of Shawn Michaels as the contract-signing moderator adds a nostalgic and exciting twist. 3. Piper Niven vs. B-Fab: Effective Squash Match In a refreshing take on squash matches, this short bout managed to entertain while elevating Piper Niven as a dominant force. B-Fab also got a chance to showcase her growth, making the loss feel more like a step forward than a setback. The match highlighted Niven’s alignment with Chelsea Green, setting her up as a key player in the women’s division. 3 Things We Hated 1. Repetitive Tag Team Match: Naomi & Belair vs. LeRae & Jax While the in-ring action was solid, the lack of storyline progression made this match feel redundant. Naomi and Belair’s ongoing feud with Jade Cargill remains stagnant, and the match did little to advance their narrative or provide clarity on unresolved tensions. The repetitive nature of these matchups has dulled their impact, leaving fans craving something fresh. 2. Shinsuke Nakamura’s Absence For a four-time United States Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura’s reign has felt like an afterthought. His absence this week, both in person and in storyline, further devalued the title. With a crowded field of potential challengers like LA Knight, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga, it’s baffling that Nakamura isn’t integrated into the midcard scene. WWE must do more to make its champions feel relevant. 3. Disjointed Bloodline Segment The segment involving Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, LA Knight, and Braun Strowman had potential but fell flat due to poor execution. Sikoa’s abrupt exit amid boos was intriguing but lacked follow-up. Fatu and Tonga’s promo failed to add depth to the story, and the involvement of Knight and Strowman felt forced. The segment could have been streamlined or replaced with something more impactful.

WWE SmackDown 01/17/2025: 3 Things We Loved and 3 Things We Hated

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3 Things We Loved

1. Tiffany Stratton’s Stellar Title Defense

Tiffany Stratton proved she belongs at the top with a fantastic match against Bayley. The bout, lasting nearly 20 minutes, showcased both competitors’ skills and emphasized Stratton’s potential as a long-term champion. The victory over a seven-time champion like Bayley validated Stratton’s reign and hinted at exciting feuds ahead, especially with Charlotte Flair teasing a return. The presentation of the match as a significant event added to its impact.

2. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ Rivalry Heats Up

Kevin Owens’ unhinged yet calculated heel work shone as he confronted Rey Mysterio and later battled him in the ring. The post-match segment, featuring Cody Rhodes saving Mysterio, added layers to the story. With Nick Aldis enforcing a dramatic stipulation involving the relinquishment of both belts for their ladder match at the Royal Rumble, this feud has become one of the show’s standout narratives. The inclusion of Shawn Michaels as the contract-signing moderator adds a nostalgic and exciting twist.

3. Piper Niven vs. B-Fab: Effective Squash Match

In a refreshing take on squash matches, this short bout managed to entertain while elevating Piper Niven as a dominant force. B-Fab also got a chance to showcase her growth, making the loss feel more like a step forward than a setback. The match highlighted Niven’s alignment with Chelsea Green, setting her up as a key player in the women’s division.

3 Things We Hated

1. Repetitive Tag Team Match: Naomi & Belair vs. LeRae & Jax

While the in-ring action was solid, the lack of storyline progression made this match feel redundant. Naomi and Belair’s ongoing feud with Jade Cargill remains stagnant, and the match did little to advance their narrative or provide clarity on unresolved tensions. The repetitive nature of these matchups has dulled their impact, leaving fans craving something fresh.

2. Shinsuke Nakamura’s Absence

For a four-time United States Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura’s reign has felt like an afterthought. His absence this week, both in person and in storyline, further devalued the title. With a crowded field of potential challengers like LA Knight, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga, it’s baffling that Nakamura isn’t integrated into the midcard scene. WWE must do more to make its champions feel relevant.

3. Disjointed Bloodline Segment

The segment involving Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, LA Knight, and Braun Strowman had potential but fell flat due to poor execution. Sikoa’s abrupt exit amid boos was intriguing but lacked follow-up. Fatu and Tonga’s promo failed to add depth to the story, and the involvement of Knight and Strowman felt forced. The segment could have been streamlined or replaced with something more impactful.

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