WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, aired on January 5, 2025, was another electrifying installment of the long-running sports entertainment show. As always, the WWE Universe was treated to high-stakes matches, storylines that kept fans on the edge of their seats, and a few unexpected twists. The episode marked an important milestone in the ongoing build-up to the upcoming pay-per-view events and solidified the rivalries that are currently taking center stage in WWE. This episode was crucial in continuing the narrative arcs leading to Royal Rumble 2025, with superstars vying for momentum and positioning.
In this article, we dive into the highlights of SmackDown Episode 1491, analyzing key moments from matches, promos, backstage segments, and how they set the stage for future events. We also explore the significance of certain rivalries and how this episode will influence the course of WWE’s programming leading up to Royal Rumble.
The Opening Segment: Roman Reigns and the Bloodline
As usual, Roman Reigns kicked off SmackDown with his signature presence, flanked by Solo Sikoa and The Usos. The Bloodline was front and center, with Reigns cutting a promo about how they were on the cusp of “dominating the world” again, signaling the group’s continued dominance in WWE.
However, this episode saw a twist—Jey Uso showed a level of hesitation, throwing a wrench in the otherwise ironclad unity of the Bloodline. Jey’s reluctance to fully buy into Roman’s vision has been a developing storyline ever since the events surrounding the Uso brothers’ involvement in the tag-team division. This moment was a pivotal one in setting up the possible dissolution of the Bloodline, a storyline that has been brewing for months.
Roman Reigns called out Cody Rhodes, hinting at their inevitable clash, and also subtly teased that some factions within the Bloodline may need to be “trimmed” for the group to continue its reign of terror. The promo set the stage for an emotional and intense night of matches, and it left the audience wondering if the cracks in the Bloodline could be exploited by competitors in the near future.
Match 1: The Usos vs. The Brawling Brutes
In one of the night’s high-energy bouts, The Usos took on The Brawling Brutes (Butch and Ridge Holland). This match was part of the ongoing competition for the tag-team titles, with both teams showcasing their intense rivalry.
The Usos, looking to regain momentum after the tension-filled promo earlier, entered with their usual swagger. However, The Brawling Brutes showed no fear, bringing a hard-hitting, no-nonsense style to the match. Butch’s technical prowess and Ridge’s power were on full display as they took the fight to the Usos. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with near falls and dramatic moments that had the crowd on their feet.
The finish came when Jimmy Uso attempted to land a Superkick on Ridge Holland, but Butch intercepted, locking in an Armbar. As the action unfolded, Jey Uso seemed to hesitate at a critical moment, allowing Ridge Holland to capitalize with a Powerslam for the victory. The Brawling Brutes emerged victorious, sending a clear message to the Usos and their family: the tag-team division on SmackDown is alive with competition.
The match ended with the Usos clearly agitated, with Jey Uso’s uncertainty becoming more evident. This moment continued to build the storyline of potential division within the Bloodline, with fans questioning whether the Usos would stay loyal to Roman Reigns or if their own ambitions would ultimately take priority.
Backstage Drama: LA Knight vs. Bray Wyatt
Later in the episode, the drama surrounding LA Knight and Bray Wyatt took an interesting turn. LA Knight, still coming off a feud with Wyatt, has shown his resilience, but also his frustration in dealing with the mind games played by Bray Wyatt. This backstage segment began with LA Knight demanding to be taken seriously, calling Wyatt a “coward” and accusing him of hiding behind cryptic promos and mind tricks.
As Knight ranted, Wyatt appeared on the TITRON screen, in his unsettling “Firefly Fun House” persona, where he told Knight that he didn’t understand the “real game” they were playing. Wyatt warned Knight that at the Royal Rumble, things would get a lot more personal.
This interaction set the tone for their likely showdown at the Royal Rumble, with fans eagerly anticipating a clash of personalities—Knight’s cocky bravado against Wyatt’s unsettling unpredictability.
Match 2: Charlotte Flair vs. Sonya Deville
Next up was a highly anticipated women’s match featuring Charlotte Flair taking on Sonya Deville. Charlotte, a multi-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, was eager to prove she still had what it takes to remain a dominant force in WWE. Deville, on the other hand, was looking to establish herself as a contender for the title, especially after some controversial moments involving her backstage alliances in previous weeks.
The match was a showcase of both women’s skills, with Charlotte displaying her trademark athleticism, including her Moonsault and Natural Selection, while Deville focused on a more calculated approach, isolating Charlotte’s legs to wear her down.
In a surprising twist, Rhea Ripley, the current RAW Women’s Champion, made her way to the ring to watch the match, providing an ominous presence at ringside. While Charlotte had Deville locked in the Figure Eight, Ripley distracted the referee, allowing Deville to grab Charlotte’s tights for leverage and score a controversial pinfall.
Deville celebrated her victory, but it was clear that the night wasn’t over for Charlotte. Ripley’s involvement suggested a potential future feud between the two top women’s champions, adding another layer to the women’s division as we head into the Royal Rumble.
The Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
The night’s main event was an explosive match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. With the stakes high, both superstars were looking to prove their worth ahead of the Royal Rumble. Cody Rhodes, having faced his share of adversity in recent months, was determined to build momentum as he prepared for the Rumble.
Solo Sikoa, representing the Bloodline, entered the match with the full support of Roman Reigns and the Usos, who accompanied him to ringside. The match was intense, with Rhodes showing his resilience and technical prowess against Sikoa’s raw power and aggressive style.
After a back-and-forth battle, with both men exchanging brutal strikes and near falls, the match reached its climax when Sikoa went for a Samoan Spike, but Cody Rhodes countered into a Cross Rhodes. As Sikoa staggered to his feet, Rhodes hit the ropes, looking for another decisive strike, but Roman Reigns and the Usos intervened, distracting Rhodes long enough for Sikoa to capitalize with a Samoan Drop.
Sikoa picked up the win, but the outcome wasn’t without controversy, as the interference from the Bloodline was evident. After the match, a staredown between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes teased their eventual showdown, likely at the Royal Rumble.
Key Takeaways from SmackDown Episode 1491
SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered on its promises of excitement, drama, and storyline development, with a few key takeaways:
- The Bloodline is Splitting: The ongoing tension within the Bloodline, especially with Jey Uso’s hesitations and Roman’s ever-increasing demands, suggests a potential breakup or realignment in the coming months. This will likely be a major storyline heading into the Royal Rumble.
- Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns’ Rivalry Heats Up: The simmering rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns is reaching new heights, with both men positioning themselves for a massive showdown at the Royal Rumble. SmackDown Episode 1491 gave us a glimpse of what’s to come, and fans are eagerly awaiting their eventual clash.
- Women’s Division in Flux: Charlotte Flair’s loss to Sonya Deville, combined with Rhea Ripley’s interference, hints at an upcoming cross-brand feud. Fans are excited to see how this plays out and whether it will lead to a blockbuster match at WrestleMania 39.
- Bray Wyatt and LA Knight’s Mind Games: Bray Wyatt’s mental games against LA Knight are far from over. Their clash promises to be one of the more personal rivalries heading into the Royal Rumble.
FAQs
Q: What was the main event of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
A: The main event featured a high-stakes match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. Solo Sikoa emerged victorious after interference from Roman Reigns and the Usos.
Q: What is the significance of the Bloodline’s tension?
A: The growing tension within the Bloodline, especially with Jey Uso’s reluctance, hints at a potential split or realignment of the faction, setting the stage for a massive storyline at the Royal Rumble and beyond.
Q: Why did Rhea Ripley interfere in Charlotte Flair’s match?
A: Rhea Ripley’s interference in Charlotte Flair’s match against Sonya Deville suggests that a feud between the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champions may be in the works, adding an exciting layer to the women’s division.
Q: What’s next for LA Knight and Bray Wyatt?
A: LA Knight and Bray Wyatt’s rivalry is expected to intensify leading into the Royal Rumble, with both superstars continuing to engage in mind games and personal attacks.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 provided an exciting mix of thrilling matches, evolving storylines, and dramatic moments that have set the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble. With the Bloodline’s future in doubt, rising stars like LA Knight and Bray Wyatt vying for attention, and high-profile matches already in motion, SmackDown continues to be the go-to show for WWE fans looking for action-packed entertainment and captivating drama.
