WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: Highlights, Matches, and Major Moments

WWE SmackDown, one of the most popular weekly wrestling television programs, continues to captivate audiences around the world. Episode 1491 of WWE SmackDown, aired on January 12, 2025, delivered another exciting night of action-packed entertainment, featuring intense rivalries, show-stopping matches, and unforgettable moments. From championship bouts to shocking twists, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 brought fans everything they love about the blue brand.

In this article, we will break down the key highlights, the matches that stole the show, and all the major events that took place in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491. If you missed the episode, here’s everything you need to know.

Opening Segment: The Road to Royal Rumble Heats Up

The episode kicked off with a high-energy promo segment, setting the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. SmackDown Commissioner Adam Pearce was in the ring to address the WWE Universe, announcing a series of matches that would determine the final participants for the Royal Rumble match. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Pearce teased major showdowns in the coming weeks.

To add fuel to the fire, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 saw the confrontation between some of the biggest stars in WWE, including Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins. The tension was palpable as these superstars exchanged words, hinting at what could be a major rivalry leading into the Royal Rumble. The segment set the tone for the night, promising an exciting build-up to the upcoming event.

Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens: A Bitter Rivalry Continues

One of the most anticipated matches of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was the showdown between Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens. Their rivalry has been brewing for months, and fans were eager to see how this intense feud would unfold on the blue brand.

Roman Reigns, accompanied by his special counsel Paul Heyman and The Usos, entered the ring with an air of confidence. Reigns has been the undisputed Universal Champion for a long time, and his dominance in the ring has made him one of the most formidable champions in recent memory. However, Kevin Owens was determined to give Reigns a run for his money.

The match was a hard-hitting contest, with both superstars delivering devastating moves to each other. Reigns used his size and strength to overpower Owens, but Owens was resilient, fighting back with everything he had. The Usos tried to interfere on behalf of Reigns, but Owens fought them off, keeping the action intense and unpredictable.

The match ended in controversy when Paul Heyman distracted the referee, allowing The Usos to attack Owens. Despite Owens’ valiant effort, Roman Reigns capitalized on the chaos and secured a pinfall victory. The storyline between these two is far from over, and it’s clear that WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 has set the stage for even more explosive confrontations down the road.

Tag Team Action: The Usos vs. The New Day

In another highly anticipated match, The Usos faced off against The New Day in a tag team contest that delivered fast-paced action and plenty of high spots. The Usos, as always, showed off their incredible teamwork and athleticism, while The New Day—comprised of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods—brought their trademark charisma and high-energy offense.

The match was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams delivering signature moves to one another. The Usos showed their brutal side, using their power and experience to wear down their opponents. Meanwhile, The New Day relied on their speed and agility to stay one step ahead.

Despite the best efforts of The New Day, The Usos emerged victorious in a thrilling tag team match. This victory further solidified their position as one of the top teams in WWE SmackDown and kept their momentum going heading into future title opportunities. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, The Usos’ dominance in the tag team division seems far from over.

The Return of Bray Wyatt: Mind Games and Dark Promises

One of the most shocking moments of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 came when Bray Wyatt made his return to the blue brand. After weeks of cryptic vignettes and eerie promos, Wyatt finally made his physical presence known, sending chills down the spine of the WWE Universe.

Bray Wyatt entered the ring with his signature unsettling presence, delivering a cryptic message to the audience. His words were dark and ominous, as he promised to unleash chaos in WWE, bringing with him an unpredictable force that no one could control. Wyatt’s return adds a layer of intrigue to the SmackDown roster, as fans eagerly speculate on what his next move will be.

The return of Bray Wyatt is a game-changer for WWE SmackDown, and it’s clear that his unpredictable nature will create chaos for anyone who crosses his path. Whether he’s targeting Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, or anyone else, Bray Wyatt’s return will undoubtedly shake up the landscape of WWE for months to come.

Ronda Rousey in Action: Dominating the SmackDown Women’s Division

Ronda Rousey, the former UFC champion and SmackDown Women’s Champion, made her presence felt in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491. Rousey is known for her fierce fighting style and her dominant run in WWE, and she continued to assert her dominance in the women’s division on this night.

Rousey faced off against a challenger in a non-title match, showcasing her trademark judo throws and submission techniques. The match was a dominant display by Ronda, as she quickly neutralized her opponent with a combination of strikes and holds. Rousey’s ability to make quick work of her competitors has solidified her position as one of the top stars in WWE’s women’s division.

Although she didn’t have a title defense this week, it’s clear that Ronda Rousey is gearing up for a significant title defense at the Royal Rumble. Fans are eager to see who will step up to challenge her for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 only heightened that anticipation.

Lacey Evans’ Transformation: A New Side Emerges

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 also featured an interesting development in the career of Lacey Evans. The former Marine and former SmackDown competitor, Lacey Evans, has undergone a significant transformation. She appeared on the show with a new attitude, looking more focused and determined than ever before.

In her match, Evans showcased a more aggressive and ruthless style, using every tool in her arsenal to dominate her opponent. Her newfound confidence and tenacity are sure to make her a force to be reckoned with in the SmackDown women’s division.

Evans’ transformation has generated significant buzz among fans, and it will be interesting to see how she evolves in the coming weeks. Whether she targets the SmackDown Women’s Championship or begins a rivalry with other top female superstars, Lacey Evans is certainly one to watch in the future of WWE SmackDown.

The WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 Conclusion

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a thrilling night of action, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting few weeks leading into the Royal Rumble. With compelling storylines, intense rivalries, and unforgettable matches, SmackDown continues to deliver top-tier entertainment to wrestling fans around the world.

From Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens’ heated rivalry to the return of Bray Wyatt and Ronda Rousey’s dominance, Episode 1491 had something for every WWE fan. As we move closer to the Royal Rumble, the excitement surrounding WWE SmackDown only intensifies, and fans can’t wait to see how these storylines unfold in the coming weeks.

In the end, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 proved once again that it is the brand to watch for the most electrifying moments in professional wrestling. With so much left to come, one thing is for sure: SmackDown is far from over.