wwe smackdown episode 1488 continues to deliver electrifying action as superstars battle it out in high-stakes encounters. The January 17, 2025 episode was no exception, with riveting matches, surprise returns, and high-octane moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s break down the key results, winners, and grades from the latest wwe smackdown episode 1488.
Match 1: Intercontinental Championship Match
Gunther (c) vs. Ricochet
Result: Gunther wins via pinfall
- Grade: A
- Analysis: The night kicked off with a hard-hitting championship match that saw Gunther defend his Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet. The match was a display of athleticism and strength, with Ricochet showing his speed and high-flying abilities. However, Gunther’s power and technical mastery ultimately proved to be the deciding factor. Ricochet got a few near-falls, but the dominant champion’s Last Symphony sealed the victory for him. The intensity of this opening match sets the tone for the rest of the night.
Match 2: Tag Team Match
The Usos vs. The Viking Raiders
Result: The Usos win via superkick
- Grade: B+
- Analysis: The Usos continued their impressive reign, facing off against the formidable Viking Raiders. This match had a solid mix of chaos and calculated teamwork. The Viking Raiders showcased their power and aggression, but The Usos’ chemistry and quick decision-making gave them the upper hand. The superkick finish was perfectly executed, ensuring that The Usos remained one step ahead in their tag team division dominance.
Match 3: Women’s Singles Match
Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley
Result: Charlotte Flair wins via submission (Figure Eight)
- Grade: A-
- Analysis: This was a highly anticipated match between two of the top women’s wrestlers in WWE today. Bayley’s sneaky tactics were met with Charlotte’s resilience, as the Queen showcased her technical prowess. The crowd was split between the two superstars, but Charlotte locked in the Figure Eight, forcing Bayley to tap out in the middle of the ring. This victory strengthens Charlotte’s position as a future title contender in the women’s division.
Match 4: Singles Match
Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre
Result: Bobby Lashley wins via count-out
- Grade: B
- Analysis: A brutal contest between two behemoths, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre, who clashed in a back-and-forth battle of strength and power. Lashley’s dominance was evident, but McIntyre’s resilience kept him in the fight. The finish came when McIntyre was count out after a ferocious battle outside the ring. While the ending was controversial, it keeps both competitors looking strong and sets up a potential rematch wwe smackdown episode 1491
Match 5: Main Event – Universal Championship Match
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
Result: Roman Reigns wins via pinfall
- Grade: A++
- Analysis: The main event of the evening delivered a match for the ages. Seth Rollins brought his A-game, utilizing his agility and high-impact moves against Roman Reigns’ raw power. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both superstars coming close to victory multiple times. The crowd was fully invest with near falls causing moments of pure suspense. Ultimately, Roman Reigns, with a little help from the bloodline interference, secured the pinfall after a Spear. Despite the controversial interference, Reigns’ win solidifies his status as one of the greatest Universal Champions in WWE history.
wwe smackdown episode 1488 January 17, 2025: Results in Quick Summary
| Match | Winner | Method of Victory | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunther (c) vs. Ricochet | Gunther | Pinfall | A |
| The Usos vs. The Viking Raiders | The Usos | Superkick | B+ |
| Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley | Charlotte Flair | Submission (Figure Eight) | A- |
| Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre | Bobby Lashley | Count-out | B |
| Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins | Roman Reigns | Pinfall | A++ |
Expert Analysis
This episode of WWE SmackDown lived up to its reputation as a flagship show, providing a combination of high-energy matches and dramatic storytelling. From Gunther’s dominating defense of his title to Roman Reigns’ continued reign over the Universal Championship, the action was top-tier. The inclusion of veterans like The Usos, Charlotte Flair, and Seth Rollins proved that WWE’s roster is stack with experience talent capable of putting on thrilling matches that keep fans invest.
With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, expect these rivalries to intensify, setting the stage for even bigger moments on the Road to WrestleMania.
What’s Next for WWE?
- Gunther’s Dominance: With his victory, Gunther is expect to continue his reign as Intercontinental Champion, but who will be next in line to challenge him?
- Roman Reigns’ Title Defense: As Roman Reigns remains unbeaten in his title defense, the question looms: Who can finally dethrone the Tribal Chief?
- Women’s Division: Charlotte Flair’s victory positions her for a potential title shot, but Bayley and other women on the roster may not let her reign go uncontested for long.
Stay tuned to WWE SmackDown as the road to WrestleMania takes shape and superstars continue to rise or fall in their pursuit of championship glory!
