Introduction
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, aired on January 4, 2025, brought fans some of the most electrifying moments in recent memory. With thrilling matches, surprising alliances, shocking betrayals, and pivotal storyline developments, this episode proved why WWE SmackDown remains one of the most popular shows in the world of professional wrestling. Let’s break down what made this particular episode a must-watch event.
The Opening Segment: A Betrayal That Shook the WWE Universe
The show opened with an unexpected twist. Tiffany Stratton, who had previously been aligned with Nia Jax, made her shocking move by cashing in her “Money in the Bank” briefcase. Stratton, who had been close to Jax for several weeks, took advantage of the vulnerable champion during a post-match celebration. In a shocking act of betrayal, Stratton blindsided Jax with a brutal attack using the briefcase, setting the stage for a new Women’s Champion.
Tiffany Stratton’s Moonsault onto Nia Jax marked a significant moment in her career, as she defeated Jax to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. This victory not only elevated Stratton as one of WWE’s top stars but also created an intense rivalry between the two women that is bound to develop over the coming weeks. The shocking betrayal was a clear indication that the landscape of WWE’s women’s division was shifting, and fans could expect many more surprises ahead.
Wiki
| Feature | Details |
| Episode Number | 1491 |
| Date | December 8, 2024 |
| Venue | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Broadcast Network | FOX |
| Main Event | Tiffany Stratton cashes in Money in the Bank on Nia Jax to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship |
| Other Key Matches | Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade |
| Notable Moments | – DIY retains SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Motor City Machine Guns- Solo Sikoa’s departure from The Bloodline |
| Guest Appearances | – Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens have a backstage altercation- Roman Reigns announces his participation in the Royal Rumble |
| Champions | – Roman Reigns (Universal Champion)- Tiffany Stratton (SmackDown Women’s Champion)- DIY (SmackDown Tag Team Champions) |
| Storylines Progressed | – The ongoing conflict between The Bloodline and Sami Zayn- Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ rivalry continues |
| Episode Rating (Approx.) | 4.2/5 (Based on fan reactions and reviews) |
Rising Tensions Between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
Another key storyline on SmackDown Episode 1491 involved the intense and escalating rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. The animosity between the two men has been building for weeks, but this episode took their feud to another level. Owens, who had been feuding with Rhodes for several weeks, took the fight to the backstage area. As Cody was walking through the corridor, Owens launched an attack from behind, throwing him into a wall before taunting him about their past encounters.
The backstage brawl further heated up the personal stakes of their feud, with both men trading harsh words and blows. This wasn’t just a physical altercation; it was a statement of their animosity and determination to end each other’s career. The tension between Rhodes and Owens has been palpable, with both men having a long history in WWE. Rhodes is focused on proving himself, while Owens has no intention of letting Rhodes climb past him on the SmackDown roster.
The backstage altercation set the stage for an inevitable showdown between the two, possibly at the upcoming Royal Rumble event. Fans are eager to see how this feud will progress, and whether it will culminate in a one-on-one match that could settle the score once and for all.
The Battle Between Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade
One of the most technically sound matches of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was the contest between Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade. Known for their high-flying and hard-hitting styles, the match was a showcase of both men’s wrestling abilities. Nakamura’s strong style and Andrade’s smooth, agile offense combined to create a contest that had the fans on the edge of their seats.
From the start, both competitors showed off their skills, with Andrade using his quick strikes and high-flying maneuvers to keep Nakamura off balance. However, Nakamura’s experience in the ring gave him an edge, as he countered Andrade’s moves with precision and power. The exchange of strikes was brutal, with Nakamura’s devastating knee strikes and Andrade’s springboard moves creating a back-and-forth battle.
In the end, Nakamura’s experience and striking ability proved to be too much for Andrade, as Nakamura delivered a Kinshasa knee strike, securing the win in a thrilling match. The victory helped Nakamura continue to build momentum on SmackDown, positioning him as a strong contender for a future championship opportunity.
DIY Retains the Tag Team Championships
The tag team division has always been one of the most exciting aspects of WWE SmackDown, and Episode 1491 was no exception. The reigning tag team champions, DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), faced off against one of the most competitive duos in wrestling today—The Motor City Machine Guns. This match had all the ingredients for an instant classic: high stakes, fast-paced action, and intense chemistry between the teams.
DIY had been a dominant force in the tag team division, but The Motor City Machine Guns were determined to put their skills to the test and claim the titles. The match was filled with high-energy moments, including high-flying spots, technical grappling exchanges, and hard-hitting strikes. Despite interference from Pretty Deadly and Legado Del Fantasma, who attempted to disrupt the match, DIY managed to retain their titles through their trademark teamwork and resilience.
Gargano and Ciampa’s ability to withstand external interference demonstrated their strength as a team and cemented their place as the top tag team on SmackDown. Their title defense was one of the most thrilling moments of the night and kept fans excited for what’s to come in the tag team division.
The New Bloodline vs. Sami Zayn and The Usos: A War for the Faction’s Future
In the night’s main event, tensions within The Bloodline faction reached a boiling point. The New Bloodline, consisting of Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso, took on Sami Zayn and The Usos in a high-stakes match. The storyline involving The Bloodline has been one of the most captivating in recent WWE history, and this episode furthered the narrative with a hard-hitting match that had the fans buzzing.
Roman Reigns, who has been the centerpiece of The Bloodline, stood tall with his cousins, Jimmy and Solo. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn, who had once been a member of The Bloodline, found himself at odds with the faction, particularly Reigns. The match was a chaotic affair, with all six men throwing everything they had at each other. Zayn and The Usos fought valiantly, but The New Bloodline proved to be too much.
The match ended with The New Bloodline securing the victory, solidifying their dominance in the faction wars. The outcome only added more fuel to the fire in the ongoing conflict within The Bloodline, setting the stage for further clashes between the group members. Reigns, who is obsessed with maintaining control, has continued to manipulate his cousins, and the friction between Zayn and The Bloodline is far from over.
Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble Announcement
During a backstage segment, Paul Heyman made a huge announcement: Roman Reigns would be participating in the upcoming Royal Rumble match. This was a major revelation, as Reigns has been the reigning Universal Champion for a long time. His entry into the Royal Rumble set the stage for an epic showdown at WrestleMania 41, where he will look to defend his title against a worthy opponent.
Reigns has been an unstoppable force in WWE, and his participation in the Royal Rumble guarantees that the event will be one of the most high-profile matches in the company’s history. The announcement raised the stakes for the Royal Rumble and created plenty of speculation about which WWE Superstars might challenge Reigns for his championship.
Solo Sikoa’s Sudden Departure from The Bloodline
In a shocking twist, Solo Sikoa left The Bloodline during an episode of SmackDown, sparking even more tension within the faction. Sikoa, who had been one of Reigns’ most loyal allies, made the bold decision to walk away from the group, leaving fans wondering what this meant for the future of The Bloodline. Sikoa’s departure could be a pivotal moment in the storyline, with the possibility of him branching out on his own or aligning with other Superstars in the future.
The shift in The Bloodline’s dynamic could have long-lasting consequences, and Sikoa’s move could be the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the faction. Fans are eagerly speculating about the reasons behind his departure and whether it will lead to a confrontation with Reigns or the other members of The Bloodline.
SmackDown’s Future: What’s Next?
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was filled with drama, action, and surprises. With so many ongoing storylines, including the feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, the chaos within The Bloodline, and the rise of new champions like Tiffany Stratton, the road to WrestleMania is shaping up to be an unforgettable one.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next episode, as the stakes continue to rise in the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. WWE SmackDown is clearly building toward some monumental matches, and Episode 1491 was a perfect reminder of why fans continue to tune in every week.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event in the ongoing saga of WWE’s most thrilling rivalries. From unexpected betrayals, like Tiffany Stratton’s shocking cash-in, to intense matches such as Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade, and the escalating chaos within The Bloodline, this episode delivered on all fronts. The power struggles, personal feuds, and the dominance of champions like DIY and Roman Reigns set the stage for bigger, more dramatic moments as we head toward the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
Whether it was the surprise turn of events, the intense action in the ring, or the ongoing storylines that left fans on the edge of their seats, SmackDown Episode 1491 proved that WWE still knows how to keep audiences captivated. As rivalries continue to evolve and new superstars rise to the occasion, WWE SmackDown remains a must-watch show for fans looking to experience the very best in professional wrestling.
FAQs About WWE SmackDown Episode 1491
1. What was the most shocking moment in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
The most shocking moment in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was Tiffany Stratton’s betrayal of Nia Jax. Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase on Jax after a match, turning on her ally to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship in an unexpected twist.
2. Who won the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade?
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Andrade in a thrilling match that showcased both competitors’ high-flying and technical wrestling skills. Nakamura won with his signature Kinshasa knee strike.
3. What happened in the match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens?
Although a physical altercation between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens took place backstage, their rivalry was left unresolved in Episode 1491. Their feud is expected to escalate further in the coming weeks, with many speculating a potential match at the Royal Rumble.
4. How did DIY retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) retained their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Motor City Machine Guns despite interference from Pretty Deadly and Legado Del Fantasma. DIY secured the win through their teamwork and resilience.
5. What does Roman Reigns’ announcement about the Royal Rumble mean for the SmackDown brand?
Roman Reigns’ announcement that he would participate in the Royal Rumble match has significant implications for the SmackDown brand. His entry sets the stage for a major showdown at WrestleMania 41, where Reigns will likely defend his Universal Championship against one of WWE’s top superstars.
6. What does Solo Sikoa’s departure from The Bloodline mean for the faction?
Solo Sikoa’s sudden departure from The Bloodline creates even more tension within the faction. With Sikoa walking away from Roman Reigns and the rest of The Bloodline, fans are speculating whether he will strike out on his own or align with other superstars, setting up further conflicts and potential storylines in the coming months.
7. Will the rivalry between The Bloodline and Sami Zayn continue?
Yes, the rivalry between The Bloodline and Sami Zayn will continue to escalate. The tensions between Zayn and Roman Reigns have been building for weeks, and with Reigns and his faction securing victories, the storyline is expected to intensify, leading to more dramatic confrontations in the near future.
8. When can fans expect WWE SmackDown Episode 1492 to air?
WWE SmackDown Episode 1492 will air on January 11, 2025. With all the unfolding storylines, fans can expect even more action and plot twists in the upcoming episodes as WWE heads toward the Royal Rumble event.
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