WWE SmackDown Builds Hype for Royal Rumble in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — WWE Friday Night SmackDown returned to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, delivering a high-energy show to build anticipation for the Royal Rumble, one of the year’s biggest wrestling events. The event, set for Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, featured key matches and dramatic confrontations to set the stage for the premium live event.

The night kicked off with a montage of wrestlers arriving at the arena, followed by Michael Cole and Pat McAfee hyping the Royal Rumble. McAfee, a former NFL player and Indianapolis native, emphasized his efforts to bring the event to the city, calling it a “huge moment for wrestling fans.”

In the ring, Joe Tessitore addressed last week’s controversy involving Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes. Owens, who interrupted the broadcast to demand equal treatment, confronted Tessitore, refusing an apology and vowing to reclaim the Winged Eagle championship. The tension escalated when CM Punk entered, sparking a heated exchange with Owens. Punk, a fan favorite, hinted at a potential WrestleMania main event against Owens, should both win their respective matches at the Royal Rumble.

Elsewhere, The Miz and Andrade el Idolo clashed backstage, leading to a match later in the evening. Meanwhile, Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes traded barbs, with Hayes mocking Uso’s claims of being “the one” in a humorous yet cutting promo.

The show also featured a women’s U.S. title match between Chelsea Green and Michin, as well as tag team action involving the Motor City Machine Guns, Los Garza, DIY, and Pretty Deadly. Naomi and Liv Morgan squared off in a singles match, adding to the night’s excitement.

With the Royal Rumble just hours away, SmackDown delivered a compelling mix of in-ring action and storyline development, leaving fans eager for Saturday’s event.