Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown is poised to be a pivotal moment on the Road to WrestleMania. With Nick Aldis at the helm, the possibilities are endless
From surprise announcements to high-stakes matches, the final SmackDown before the 2025 Royal Rumble promises to be an unforgettable night for the WWE Universe.
Buckle up, because the Road to WrestleMania officially kicks into high gear tonight!
Tonight’s episode of SmackDown promises to be pivotal, with multiple storylines converging ahead of the Royal Rumble.
From potential suspensions and injury updates to title match announcements and stipulation additions, Nick Aldis has the opportunity to make significant decisions that will shape WWE’s immediate future.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Aldis handles these challenges and what surprises the evening holds. As the road to WrestleMania begins to take shape, the stakes have never been higher, and SmackDown is at the center of the action.
Also Read:Â Nick Aldis Reacts to Major Star’s Return to SmackDown After 616-Day Hiatus
Table of Contents
Nick Aldis: Setting the Stage for the 2025 Royal Rumble
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown isn’t just another episode—it’s the last show before one of the biggest nights on the wrestling calendar, the 2025 Royal Rumble.1
With anticipation at an all-time high, General Manager Nick Aldis has the perfect opportunity to inject even more excitement into the Road to WrestleMania.
From surprise announcements to resolving ongoing feuds, here are five potential moves Aldis might make to ensure SmackDown delivers a show worthy of its monumental timing.
A Surprise Entrant Reveal to Electrify the WWE Universe
Surprises are the backbone of any Royal Rumble match. While speculation is already swirling about potential surprise entrants, Nick Aldis could use tonight’s SmackDown to officially unveil one of them.
Whether it’s the return of a beloved legend or the debut of a rising star from NXT, an early reveal could set social media ablaze and drive even more attention toward the premium live event.
Imagine the return of a fan favorite like Randy Orton, who has been out of action due to injury. Or perhaps a shocking debut by someone like Bron Breakker, who has been dominating in NXT.
Aldis could choose to keep fans guessing with cryptic teasers, or he might go for an explosive announcement during a segment hosted by one of SmackDown’s top stars.
High-Stakes Match to Finalize Rumble Spots
One of the best ways to add intrigue to the Royal Rumble is by putting something valuable on the line.
Nick Aldis could announce a high-stakes match tonight, where the winner gets to enter the Royal Rumble at a coveted late position—or, conversely, the loser is forced to start the match at number one.
Such a match could involve top-tier competitors like Jimmy Uso or AJ Styles, who are already embroiled in compelling storylines.
Adding stakes to the go-home show would elevate SmackDown’s significance and keep fans on the edge of their seats. This tactic has proven successful in the past, ensuring that every moment of the night feels consequential.
Liv Morgan and Chelsea Green Face Off for Tag Team Supremacy
The women’s division has been heating up, and Nick Aldis might capitalize on this momentum by setting up a major tag team match.
Liv Morgan and Chelsea Green have been at the center of attention recently, with their rivalry growing more intense by the week.
Tonight’s SmackDown could feature a showdown between their respective teams, with the winners gaining crucial momentum heading into the Royal Rumble.
Alternatively, Aldis could announce a stipulation for their match at the Royal Rumble, adding another layer of drama. Whether it’s a No Disqualification match or a Falls Count Anywhere bout, the added stakes would make their conflict even more compelling.
Nick Aldis: DIY’s Redemption Arc Gains Traction
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, collectively known as DIY, have been fan favorites since their days in NXT.2
However, their main roster journey has been filled with ups and downs.
Tonight, Nick Aldis could shine a spotlight on DIY by giving them a major opportunity, perhaps in the form of a high-profile tag team match.
Facing established teams like The Judgment Day or Imperium would not only test DIY’s mettle but also set the stage for a potential WrestleMania-worthy storyline.
If DIY manages to secure a big win tonight, it could serve as the catalyst for a renewed push, reminding fans why they’re one of the most beloved tag teams in WWE history.
Total Nonstop Aldis pic.twitter.com/cYWp02G0D8
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) January 17, 2025
Addressing Fallout from Saturday Night’s Main Event
Last week’s Saturday Night’s Main Event left several unresolved issues that Nick Aldis might address on tonight’s SmackDown.
From controversial finishes to post-match brawls, there’s no shortage of material to build upon. For instance, the ongoing tension between Jimmy Uso and his former Bloodline stablemates could take center stage.
Aldis might announce a special segment or confrontation involving Jimmy Uso, where his next steps are revealed.
Whether he’s headed for a solo path of redemption or remains entangled in family drama, Uso’s trajectory is one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the Royal Rumble.
A Cryptic Message for the WWE Universe
Nick Aldis has a flair for the dramatic, and tonight could be no exception. Instead of straightforward announcements, he might choose to drop cryptic hints about the Royal Rumble.
A mysterious vignette or an unexplained interruption could leave fans speculating about potential surprises.
Perhaps a shadowy figure appears on the TitanTron, or a cryptic phrase is displayed, hinting at a returning legend or a new debut. These subtle teases would keep the WWE Universe buzzing and add an air of mystery to the go-home show.
Nick Aldis: Establishing the Main Event for SmackDown Tonight
Aldis could ensure SmackDown ends on a high note by announcing a blockbuster main event.3
Whether it’s a championship match, a battle royal, or a multi-man tag team match, the final match of the night is crucial in setting the tone for the Royal Rumble.
Stars like LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and Charlotte Flair could all be involved, guaranteeing a main event that delivers both action and storyline progression. A well-executed main event would leave fans counting down the hours until the Royal Rumble kicks off.
The Royal Rumble is synonymous with returns, and tonight’s SmackDown might feature a surprise comeback to build anticipation. Whether it’s a former champion like Sasha Banks or a legendary figure like The Rock, a surprise appearance would send shockwaves through the WWE Universe.
Additionally, unexpected confrontations could occur, setting up last-minute feuds or alliances. For instance, a returning superstar could confront their Royal Rumble rival, creating instant hype for the event.
Spotlight on Underrated Talent
- While top-tier superstars dominate most Royal Rumble discussions, Nick Aldis could use tonight’s SmackDown to shine a light on underrated talent.
- Wrestlers like Ricochet, Shotzi, or Mustafa Ali might be given an opportunity to showcase their skills in a high-energy match.
- By featuring these performers prominently, Aldis would not only diversify the show but also create new potential breakout stars heading into the Royal Rumble.
- Underrated talent often steals the show in the Rumble match, and tonight could be the perfect opportunity to plant those seeds.
- As the show draws to a close, Nick Aldis might take center stage to deliver a final promo hyping the Royal Rumble.
- With the crowd hanging on his every word, he could recap the night’s events, tease surprises, and emphasize the stakes of the Rumble match.
- Aldis’s charisma and authority as General Manager make him the ideal figure to tie everything together, ensuring fans leave SmackDown more excited than ever for the Royal Rumble.
Also Read:Â SmackDown Star Publicly Calls Out Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis
Nick Aldis Could Suspend Jacob Fatu
The fallout from the recent Saturday Night’s Main Event has left fans speculating about the repercussions for Jacob Fatu.
His vicious assault on Braun Strowman caused their match to end prematurely, leaving Strowman bloodied and battered. Tonight on WWE SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis has the opportunity to assert his authority by addressing Fatu’s actions.
Fatu, known as The Samoan Werewolf, has been building momentum and is rumored to appear in the upcoming Royal Rumble. However, Aldis could derail Fatu’s aspirations by issuing a suspension. This decision would send a clear message to the locker room: no superstar is above the rules.
While Fatu’s physicality and unpredictability are part of his appeal, Aldis must balance entertainment with discipline. A suspension could serve as both punishment and a warning to others who might cross the line.
The Implications of Fatu’s Suspension
If Aldis decides to suspend Jacob Fatu, the ramifications would extend beyond just punishing one superstar.
Fatu’s absence would leave a void in SmackDown’s roster, forcing other competitors to step up. It could also create opportunities for underutilized talents to shine in his place.
Furthermore, a suspension could set the stage for Fatu’s eventual return. WWE has a history of turning disciplinary actions into compelling storylines, and Fatu’s comeback could be framed as a redemption arc.
The key will be how Aldis and the creative team handle the fallout, ensuring that Fatu’s punishment adds depth to his character rather than diminishing his momentum.
The Women’s Tag Team Division’s Rising Stakes
The Women’s Tag Team Championship has often been overshadowed by other titles, but recent events have brought renewed attention to the division.
The non-title victory by Morgan and Rodriguez over Belair and Naomi was a significant moment, showcasing the challengers’ potential.
A title match at the Royal Rumble would be a logical next step, especially given the controversy surrounding Dominik Mysterio’s interference. The Judgment Day’s involvement adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, raising questions about how Belair and Naomi will respond.
This feud has the potential to elevate all involved, making the Women’s Tag Team Championship a focal point of WWE programming.
Nick Aldis Could Announce Braun Strowman’s Status
The Men’s Royal Rumble is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded in recent history, with names like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk already confirmed.
However, Braun Strowman’s participation is now uncertain after the brutal attack by Jacob Fatu.
Tonight, Aldis might reveal that Strowman’s injuries will prevent him from competing in the Rumble. This announcement would not only disappoint fans but also shake up the match’s dynamics.
Strowman’s absence would open up opportunities for other superstars to step into the spotlight. Additionally, it could further fuel the storyline between Fatu and Strowman, setting the stage for a future confrontation once Strowman is medically cleared.
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Another Title Match Could Be Added to the 2025 Royal Rumble
The WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship scene is heating up, but the Women’s Tag Team Championship picture is equally compelling.
Current champions Bianca Belair and Naomi have been dominant, but their reign is under threat. On this week’s RAW, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez scored a non-title victory over the champions, albeit with interference from Dominik Mysterio.
Given the circumstances, The Judgment Day could approach Aldis tonight to request a title match at the Royal Rumble.
Adding this match would further elevate the pay-per-view and showcase the depth of WWE’s women’s division.
Fans are eager to see if Morgan and Rodriguez can capitalize on their momentum or if Belair and Naomi will reaffirm their dominance.
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens Gets an Added Stipulation
One of the most intense rivalries on SmackDown is the ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. Both men have clashed repeatedly, with each encounter raising the stakes.
They are set to face off this weekend for the Undisputed WWE Championship, but Aldis could make the match even more significant by introducing a career-altering stipulation.
Aldis might announce that the loser of the match will be forced to leave SmackDown. Such a decision would add immense pressure to both competitors, making their showdown even more compelling.
This stipulation could also pave the way for new storylines, as the departing superstar would have to find a new path on RAW, NXT, or even outside WWE. The addition of this stipulation would ensure the match is a must-watch event.
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