WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 17
By Grant Mannis
As the Royal Rumble looms off in the distance, the men and women of SmackDown Live look to gain as much momentum as possible heading into the event.
Shane McMahon is set to make a major announcement on tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. At the moment no one knows what the topic will be, but with the Royal Rumble looming the possibilities are endless.
Following his humiliation at the hands of Dean Ambrose last week, what does the future hold for former Intercontinental Champion The Miz? He excelled throughout 2016, but so far 2017 has failed to go as he’s wanted it to. Perhaps tonight will mark the beginning of a more positive chapter in the career of the “Awesome One”.
According to various sources, tonight could mark the potential return of former Women’s Champion Mickie James. This will mark the veterans first appearance since NXT Takeover: Toronto, where she unsuccessfully challenged Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship.
As tensions between Randy Orton and Luke Harper continue to escalate, how will Bray Wyatt manage to keep his family intact? Will we see the Wyatt Family resolve their issues here tonight, or have their best days truly passed them by?
Despite failing to acquire a kiss from his crush Carmella last week, James Ellsworth might be set to debut a new appearance. Thanks to a shopping spree courtesy of Carmella, could we see a new and improved Ellsworth?
For the first time in history, the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship will be defended inside a steel cage. The ongoing feud between the champion Alexa Bliss and challenger Becky Lynch has delivered thus far, and tonight we could see its conclusion.
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So without further ado, here is the coverage for the January 17th episode of SmackDown Live.