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Tonight's WWE SmackDown will mark the first show of the new year for the entire company, which means something special can happen to start 2025. However, some of these changes can have major effects on the rest of the year for the Stamford-based promotion.
The January 3, 2025, episode is special for a few reasons. It will be the first weekly show of the year, the last episode before the long-awaited Monday Night RAW Netflix debut, and will be the first three-hour episode in the brand's history. Stars like Shinsuke Nakamura, Nia Jax, Naomi, and more are expected to appear tonight, but a lot more can transpire to kick off the new year with a bang.
For this list, we will look at four twists on WWE SmackDown that could shape the rest of 2025.
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#4. WWE SmackDown and RAW might change champions
The Friday and Monday shows have their own World Champions in both the women's and men's divisions. For the former, Cody Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Champion, while the latter has Gunther holding the World Heavyweight Title. However, that may change tonight.
The American Nightmare has been heavily advertised for RAW's Netflix debut and his schedule for this month will see him working several episodes of the red brand as well as the blue brand. From the looks of it, there's a chance that he will leave the Friday show and move to the Monday show, with The Ring General going in the other direction.
#3. Tiffany Stratton could cash-in her Money in the Bank contract
Tiffany Stratton has been struggling to find the right moment to cash in her Money in the Bank contract for a while now. Everytime she attempts to cash it in, mostly against Nia Jax, The Irresistible Force always manages to escape. However, that can change tonight.
During Nia and Naomi's Women's Championship match, Ms. Money in the Bank can finally find the right moment to blindside her best friend and take her WWE Women's Championship.
#2. Charlotte Flair could make her long-awaited return and immediately win WWE title
Fans have not see Charlotte Flair since December 2023 after she injured herself during a match on SmackDown against Asuka. Many thought she might return during the latter part of 2024 after she continuously shared updates about her recovery, but that might happen this year instead.
There is an on-going rumor that The Queen is finally set to return anytime soon especially after sharing her new jacked physique on social media. If this happens, not only could it change the landscape of the brand's roster, but also put the Women's Champion in danger if she immediately challenges for the gold upon her comeback.
#1. The Judgment Day might split up
Tensions have risen in The Judgment Day on the Monday show lately, mainly between Finn Balor and the rest of the group. Due to this, it's possible that The Prince might branch out from the group to join WWE SmackDown.
There have been reports that the Stamford-based promotion is planning to push Balor more prominently as a singles star this year. With this in mind, moving Finn to SmackDown can give him a fresh start and somewhat prolong the tension he has with the group and its members.
