Top four surprises that could be in store for WWE SmackDown tonight (January 31, 2025)

Tonight’s SmackDown will emanate from Indianapolis

The Stamford-based promotion has arrived in Indianapolis for the Royal Rumble PLE, but before the first PLE of 2025, the promotion will deliver the 01/31 episode of Friday Night SmackDown which will emanate from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is a mere 5-minute drive from Lucas Oil Stadium, the venue for the Rumble PLE. 

Four matches have been announced for the show tonight, where Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green will defend the title against Michin. An eight-man tag match is also set for the show which includes the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Ahead of tonight’s show, let’s explore three potential surprises that could be in store for WWE fans in Indianapolis, Indiana.

4. Randy Orton returns

‘The Viper’ Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since November 2024 when he suffered an injury due to an attack by Kevin Owens. Orton has already missed the historic Raw debut on Netflix and will likely make a return on tonight’s show.

BREAKING: After last night's brutal attack by @FightOwensFight on #SmackDown, @RandyOrton has been diagnosed with a cervical cord neurapraxia. There is no timetable for his return. pic.twitter.com/6VhQQyTxpm

— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2024

On last week’s show, Rhodes also namedropped Orton which led many fans to believe that he might return and will likely play a key role in the ladder match between Rhodes and Kevin Owens at the Rumble PLE.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (January 31, 2025): Match card, news, timings, telecast details

3. Wyatt Sicks targets The Miz

The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy & Nikki Cross) have been moved to Friday Night SmackDown during the transfer window. This was a big sigh of relief for The Miz who was involved in a feud with the faction alongside the Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Paul Ellering, Akom & Rezar).

On last week’s show, Miz unintentionally revealed that he had strategically removed Wyatt Sicks from Raw. Miz’s problems have reignited now as he too was shifted to the Blue brand during the transfer window. The Wyatt Sicks have not made an appearance until now on the Blue brand which might happen tonight and there is the possibility that they target the Miz tonight.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (January 31, 2025)

2. Braun Strowman demands a rematch

Braun Strowman locked horns with fellow ‘giant ‘monster’ Jacob Fatu in the January 25 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, the match didn’t go Strowman’s way as Fatu continued beating down Braun and left him bloodied to establish that he is the ‘top dog’ in WWE.

What's next for Braun Strowman after #SNME? 👀#WWE pic.twitter.com/wOkbpzDLVK

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) January 26, 2025

Strowman will likely be waiting for an opportunity to prove himself and showcase that still is a force to reckon with. Strowman will likely demand a rematch against Fatu on the go-home show tonight.

1. Chelsea Green retains

Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green is set to defend the title against Michin on the 01/31 show. This will be their third meeting for the title as the two stars first met at SNME (December 14) where Green emerged victorious and became the inaugural Women’s US Champion.

WHAT IF… you were born to be a big LOSER https://t.co/xiPbBMmfZb

— CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) January 30, 2025

Green also defended the title in the rematch following SNME as the numbers game always goes against Michin. The presence of Piper Niven was already a huge problem for Michin and she joined forces with B-Fab to counter that. However, Piper has already hinted on last week’s show that they need more ‘backup’ which likely means that the numbers game will once again play a huge role and Green will retain the title.

How will Randy Orton’s potential return affect the ladder match at the Royal Rumble PLE? Who do you think will win in the Women’s United States title clash? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section.

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