WWE is set to start the new year with Friday Night SmackDown switching to a three-hour format, beginning with the January 3, 2025, episode. Broadcasting live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, tonight’s event brings a brand-new start to the Blue brand’s new era.
The show, airing on USA Network at 8 PM ET in the United States, will give WWE fans an idea of what they can expect in the coming year. Following SmackDown’s new episode, Monday Night Raw will make its debut on Netflix, which will further increase WWE’s global reach and accessibility.
What to expect from 2025’s first WWE Friday Night SmackDown episode?
The first SmackDown of 2025 has a roster filled with high-profile names. Fans can expect appearances by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax, and more. These stars have been advertised for tonight’s event.
Confirmed match card and segments for Friday Night SmackDown (January 3, 2025)
– Nia Jax vs. Naomi – WWE Women’s Championship
– Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade – Non-Title Match
– Cody Rhodes segment
Nia Jax vs. Naomi: WWE Women’s Championship
This is going to be one of the night’s headline matches. This fight features WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax defending her title against Naomi. Naomi, who recently replaced Jade Cargill due to injury, is also one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Bianca Belair. The match comes after Jax teamed up with Candice LeRae last week to challenge Naomi and Belair for the tag titles, a match that ended in a successful defense by the champions.
Jax’s ongoing tension with MITB winner Tiffany Stratton looms over the match. Stratton’s potential cash-in against Jax remains a constant threat, making this encounter even more valid.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade: Non-Title Match
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura faces Andrade in a non-title clash. The fight was set up during last week’s SmackDown when Andrade challenged Nakamura via a fiery video package. In his message, Andrade declared, “I will expose Nakamura when we clash inside the ring,” signaling his determination to make a statement against the champion. This match promises to showcase both competitors’ unique styles and intense rivalry.
Cody Rhodes will appear tonight at SmackDown
Cody Rhodes has already stated that he will be on Friday Night SmackDown this week. We will have to wait and see what Rhodes has to say to the WWE Universe as he prepares for his ladder match versus Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble next month.
Friday Night SmackDown (January 3, 2025) streaming details: How to watch tonight’s SmackDown episode
Fans worldwide can tune in to this historic episode through various platforms.
– In the United States, the show airs live on USA Network at 8 PM ET
– In Canada, fans can catch it on Sportsnet 360 at the same time
– International audiences can watch on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland (1 AM Saturday)
– Sony Sports Network in India (6:30 AM IST Saturday)
– Shahid in Saudi Arabia (4 AM Saturday)
– Fox8 in Australia (12 PM AEDT Saturday)
– WWE Network in France (2 AM CET Saturday)
What are your dream matches for 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments down below as WWE kicks off an exciting year for the Blue brand.
