[dramatic WWE intro music playing]
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If you smell…
[bell tolls]
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[crowd cheering]
[music peaks, then fades]
[intense music playing]
[Roman Reigns] Where do I begin?
I miss one week and it all falls apart, I guess.
[Cole] Roman Reigns just tested positive for COVID-19.
[Roman Reigns] But when you're in isolation…
there's so many people that I wanted to see,
except for two people.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman.
["Next Big Thing" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] That didn't go too well for Roman.
-[crowd cheering] -[Brock Lesnar] Roman Reigns…
acknowledge me.
Last Saturday, I got what I wanted.
You got what you wanted.
Now, why don't we give everybody what they want?
Title versus title.
[Roman Reigns] It's a good idea.
But it's not my idea.
And on top of that,
I don't do business
with people who do business
with trash like Paul Heyman.
How can you talk to me that way?
How did you get that championship match to begin with?
Me.
How did you keep that title all this time?
Me.
I protected you from Brock Lesnar,
not because I thought Brock Lesnar could beat you,
but because you were my Tribal Chief and I freaking loved you.
And what did you do?
Shut up, Paul.
No, no, no, don't talk to him that way.
Or what?
-Brock, please don't talk to him that way. -Paul, I told you to shut up.
[Cole] Oh! Superman Punch! A cheap shot by Reigns!
[McAfee] Roman Reigns knocks out Brock while Brock was distracted.
[intense music playing]
[knock on door]
Come in.
Roman, I just wanted to give you the heads up
that I've chosen your next opponent.
-You chose? -I did.
Unless it's you,
I really don't care.
Because there's nobody on this roster that I haven't smashed already.
So pick whoever you like, all right?
[ominous music playing]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
[voice-over] Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta.
[maniacal laughing]
-[cheering] -♪ Are you ready? ♪
["Are You Ready?" by AC/DC playing]
[Cole] With the Royal Rumble looming in two weeks,
we welcome you live to the CHI Health Center
in Omaha, Nebraska.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And, Pat, the Universal Title Match is set at the Rumble.
[McAfee] That's right, WWE official Adam Pearce
hand-picked Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship
at the Royal Rumble.
Tonight, they meet face-to-face.
♪ Who ♪
♪ Who all need it ♪
-♪ You ♪ -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And both Superstars, as Pat said, are here tonight.
The Visionary, The Architect,
the four-time World Champion, the challenger, Seth Rollins.
[McAfee] And he'll be face-to-face with the GOAT,
the man that kicked cancer's ass,
then COVID's ass,
and has been the Universal Champion
for 502 glorious nights,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] And, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to ringside,
and we are so honored, Pat and I, to welcome tonight,
for the first time in nearly 20 years on SmackDown.
She is a game-changer.
["LoveFuryPassionEnergy" playing]
She is a trailblazer. An inspirational rebel.
A four-time Women's Champion, and a WWE Hall of Famer.
Lita is live. She's back, tonight.
[McAfee] Lita's here in "Snowmaha," Nebraska?
What a night.
[Jimmy and Jey Uso] ♪ Uso! ♪
[jeering]
["Done With That" playing]
[female announcer] Please welcome, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey, The Usos!
[Cole] And tonight marks 180 days
in the current Tag Team Championship reign
of the brothers Uso of The Bloodline.
Last week, right here on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
the renewal of an incredible rivalry.
The Usos versus The New Day, the Tag Titles,
in a street fight, no holds barred.
You only win via pinfall or submission.
And the Usos took the fight
to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, King Woods.
Up and… 1D through the table.
[McAfee] The one and done, ended that thing
and the Usos walked out of SmackDown as Tag Team Champs yet again.
[Cole] Kind Woods suffered a calf, a torn calf muscle in that matchup.
Out of action indefinitely.
[crowd cheering]
Let's go. Let's go!
[crowd cheers and booing]
Yo!
[crowd buzzing]
Hey, last week…
we went to war with The New Day.
Yeet.
We beat The New Day.
Yeet.
But we respect The New Day.
Yeet.
'Cause the only team to ever push us hard
is The New Day.
Yeet!
But what happened, Uce?
I'll tell you what happened, Uce.
We let everybody know, we run this show.
We let everybody know who The Bloodline is.
We let everybody know
who the best damn tag team in the world is.
We let everybody know…
We The Ones.
-[crowd jeers] -Yeah.
Oh yeah.
[McAfee] The Ones to the sky.
-But the grind don't stop, do it, Uce? -It don't, Uce.
-We should be celebratin'. -We should, Uce.
Or we should be helping The Tribal Chief
in his face-to-face with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
I wonder what he gonna have on tonight, Uce.
You know what, Uce? Me too.
But, look, it don't even matter. 'Cause you know why?
'Cause management is already lining 'em up,
and we about to knock 'em down like this.
Cool, ladies and gentlemen,
we got a big Fatal 4-Way tag match
to consider the number one contenders for our titles, baby.
Well, let's bring them on out.
-[fake coughs] -Hey!
-[McAfee] He needs water. -You all right?
Introducing first,
ladies, these boys are muy caliente.
They're looking to steal your hearts, your cars, and a victory.
-[laughter] -Angel e Humberto… [gasps]
…Los Lotharios!
[McAfee] A solid intro there by our champions.
[Cole] Yeah, the tag team of Los Lotharios.
Tag Team gold could be in their future, Pat.
Off to a very strong start here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] I don't speak perfect Spanish, but I believe--
[Jey] Next up.
He is the strongest man from the Swiss Alps.
AKA The Pojacus.
AKA Swiss Superman,
along with his friend with very, very great hair.
He says he uses two-for-one Head & Shoulders.
For real. Cesaro and Mansoor!
[Cole] This here, Pat, is a very interesting tag team.
The veteran Cesaro, a seven-time Tag Team Champion,
teaming up with Mansoor, who's yet to win a title here in WWE.
[McAfee] Mansoor does have great hair.
The Swiss Superman does not,
but what an opportunity for this team that's never really been a team…
[Jimmy] Next.
-…to become number-- -We have the giant reps of SmackDown,
only if they're talking about their actual heights.
[gasps] Jinder Mahal and Shanky!
[Cole] Jinder Mahal, a former WWE Champion.
But look at the size of Shanky, Pat.
Seven feet tall, 310 pounds!
[McAfee] That's a big, big…
-And finally… -[McAfee] …big human.
This team is as dangerous at raiding the buffet table
as they are raiding the rings.
Erik and Ivar,
The Viking Raiders!
-[crowd cheering] -["Raid" playing]
[Cole] It is time to join the raid.
Former Tag Team Champions from Monday Night Raw.
♪ Raid, raid, raid… ♪
[Cole] I tell you, Pat, this Fatal 4-Way is a toss-up.
[McAfee] I'd say.
Any of these teams could win
and be propelled into the number one contendership for the titles.
-Is that what I heard? -[Cole] Indeed.
The winning team in this Fatal 4-Way Match
will get a crack at the SmackDown Tag Team gold
sometime down the road.
[McAfee] I must say… Oh, sometime down the road.
-[Cole] Yes. -[McAfee] Classic clause in a contract.
-Good luck to all. -All right, guys, listen up.
We went over the rules in the back. No eye-gouging, no hitting below the belt.
The most important rule of all,
and you have to remember the most important rule of all.
-[McAfee chuckles] -We The Ones.
-Let's go, baby! Let's get it on! -Let's do it!
You ready? Let's go.
-[McAfee] Usos don't-- -[Cole] Oh!
Superkick by Jimmy and Jey. A cheap shot.
And look, the action's underway.
Fatal 4-Way. Who'll face the Usos for the Tag Titles?
-[crowd cheering] -[grunting]
Who will challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, Fatal 4-Way Match?
First team to gain pinfall or submission…
Oh!
…will pick up the opportunity to face the Usos for the Tag Team gold.
-[Jimmy] 'Sup, P? -[Jey] Yeah, what up?
[Cole] You hear the voices of Jimmy and Jey Uso,
joining us here at ringside.
Current SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Humberto!
Oh, got caught by Mansoor.
-Tag. -Give me some.
Yes, get some out of there.
-[Jey] I'm cool. I'm cool. -[Cole] All right.
Oh, look at Cesaro now.
Cesaro teaming with Mansoor.
Makeshift tag team here tonight. The veteran, Cesaro.
Jimmy and Jey, which tag team would you rather face out of these four?
[McAfee] And also, which of these tag teams did you know
were a tag team before tonight.
[Jey] Man, I-- my favorite right now…
with the most chemistry… chemistry I can tell right now,
is Cesaro and Mansoor.
-That's who we're-- -They look alike, right?
They're… They got chemistry.
They got matching ring gear.
They know what it is to be a real tag team, right?
-A true tag team. -We're going for them, Uce.
[McAfee] More than the Vikings, who are currently being represented in the ring.
-[groans] -[Cole] Oh!
-Now, look at-- -That was big Shanky.
[Cole] Shanky, with a big clothesline, knocking down Erik of the Viking Raiders.
[Jey] Honestly, I'd rather stay out of the ring with Shanky.
-You know what I'm saying? -[chuckling]
-[Jimmy] He do have some big feet. -[McAfee] Little dose of reality there.
[Cole] Tag made by Jinder Mahal
and Jinder, teaming with Shanky, delivers a big right hand to Erik.
180 days, Jimmy and Jey, current SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
That's it, Mike? That's it? 180?
[McAfee] A lot of days. Congratulations.
-[Cole] And a cover, and a hook out. -We got 180 left, Uce.
-We got some more days. Let's go. -[Jimmy and Jey Uso laugh]
[Cole] Usos winning the Tag Team Titles all the way back in July
at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.
Shanky now, seven-feet, 310,
with a big boot to the midsection of Erik.
[Jimmy] Oh, you sound a little excited to be talking about Shanky, dawg.
That's your tag team right now? That's who you going against--
That's who you want, going against The Usos?
[McAfee] That was literally the team they said they didn't wanna see
because of the size of Shanky's feet.
-Look at it! -[Jey] It's true, bro.
[Jimmy] And his bars. You heard him rap recently?
[Jey] He look like he got two tires on him, bro. Come on, bro.
[Jimmy Uso chuckles]
-[McAfee] Guy's got raps. -[Jimmy] Two flat tires.
-Know what I'm saying? -Tag made again.
Here comes Ivar of the Viking Raiders, legal man against Shanky.
[McAfee] Shanky can move too, as can Ivar.
[Jimmy] Ivar got skills… to pay the bills.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders, former Tag Team Champions as well.
[McAfee] Shanky reversing--
[Cole] Oh! Ivar knocking Cesaro and Mansoor off the apron.
[Jimmy] I told you though.
[McAfee] They're in unison as they got knocked off the ring together.
Jimmy Uso called that one earlier, trying to take--
[Jimmy] Pat, I'm trying to tell you.
[Jey] Get out the way, ref.
[McAfee] It's no… it's no wonder why you guys have been champs for 180 days.
-[thud] -Oh!
[Cole] Erik, the legal man.
Erik and Ivar now, working the double-team.
-[Jimmy] This is tag team wrestling-- -[Jey] Move, Shank, move.
-[McAfee] Booty for dinner! -[crowd cheering]
-[Jey] We got more-- -[McAfee] Viking… booty for dinner.
[Jey] We know… We know all about booty, Pat.
We usually the ones giving it to them, if that makes sense.
[Jimmy laughs]
-[Cole] And now… -[Jimmy mumbles] Watch out.
Ivar looking to go to the top rope.
Jinder Mahal sends Erik out of the ring and now looking to drop Ivar.
[McAfee] Former WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal.
[Cole] Remember, first team to get pinfall or submission
will win this Fatal 4-Way Match.
[McAfee] Which means they will, at some point, get an opportunity
to take on the greatest tag team on Earth, The Usos.
[Jimmy] Let's go, Pat.
You didn't even throw The Ones up yesterday.
[McAfee] Yeah, I did.
There it is. I appreciate you. I just like seeing you do The One.
Yeah, we've been The Ones, dude.
[Jey] Here we go. Oh, what's going on?
[McAfee] Cesaro and Jinder Mahal.
"We are not teammates,
but let's go ahead and beat the hell out of a Viking."
[Cole] And look at this.
Looking to take out Ivar, Erik back into the ring.
Looking for a double superplex.
-Oh my goodness! Wow! -[McAfee] No way!
[Cole] Who's gonna become number one contender for the Usos' titles?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Royal Rumble, two weeks from tomorrow.
But tonight, Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match.
One of these teams will challenge our guests at ringside,
the Usos, for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
Fatal 4-Way rules,
first team to gain pinfall or submission will win the match.
-Tag made, Mansoor. Cesaro. -[Jey] Oh snap. Here he goes.
We've been in the ring with this dude. Let me tell you, he hit hard.
-Real-life Superman up in here. -He hit hard.
But we've got the kryptonite for him. Don't we?
-[Jimmy Uso imitates buzzer] -If you had to, you would be able to.
But right now, they can't handle The Swiss Superman!
-[Jey] Ow! -[Cole] Oh my goodness.
Angel knocked out of the ring.
He is muy caliente right now. Muy caliente.
[Cole] And Cesaro, staring right down at the Usos.
[Jimmy] Oh, shots out, baby.
[McAfee] Look at that. Don't you guys do the--
Let's go, dawg.
Hey, I believe that was a Samoan drop from Switzerland.
-[Jey] It was. It was. -[thud]
[Cole] Cesaro with a Clothesline.
Ivar into the matchup and Cesaro taking it to everybody.
-[Jey] Oh, he's strong. -[McAfee] No way.
-[Jey] You already know what time… -[McAfee] No way.
…it is.
Swing him, dawg. Let's go.
[Cole] Looking for the Swing, and from behind, Jinder Mahal.
[McAfee] I don't know who Jinder saved there.
[roars]
[Cole] Saving the matchup for his team.
Oh, Mansoor with a step-up enzuigiri!
-Smooth. -[exclaims]
-That's what he called it. -[McAfee] Shanky finds him.
[indistinct chatter]
-[grunts] -[Cole] Now, Shanky.
Oh! Erik driving Shanky into the corner.
[Jey] Uh-oh.
-And a… -[Jey] That looked familiar.
-[Jimmy] I guess everybody-- -That looked familiar.
-I guess everybody up there. -Okay, yeah. I appreciate you.
-He's got it. -Ode to The Usos.
-Oh! -[Jimmy] Oh, let's go.
Let's go.
-[Jimmy] I like what I'm seeing, Uce. -[Jey] Oh snap.
Oh snap. No, he…
[McAfee] He didn't get swung just moments ago,
now he's looking to take to the…
[Cole] Ivar runs into Los Lotharios with a double dropkick.
[McAfee] Headed to the dropkick buffet.
You boys mentioned that earlier in the intros.
-[Jimmy] Bam! Went back for doubles. -[Cole] Ivar planting Angel.
[Jimmy] Is he a lightweight now?
[Cole] And look at this. Bang.
Planting the Viking experience.
Cover now by Ivar.
The Viking Raiders are gonna challenge the Usos.
[Jimmy] We got the new-- We got new contenders, boy!
[female announcer] Here are your winners,
The Viking Raiders!
[Jimmy] There they go, everybody! Everybody! There they go!
There they go right there. The number one contenders, Uce.
-Oh my God. -Number one contenders.
[Jimmy] It's the Vik--
The reign was a success.
-Hey. -The reign was a success.
-The new, number one contenders. -Through history…
Look, through history, right?
The Vikings would raid, and pillage, and steal, right?
But y'all ain't never bought y'all asses to Samoa though.
-Nope! -You think you can reign with The Usos?
You can try to.
Because if you did, it would be one and done, boy.
-Uso! -Uso!
[Cole] Well, the Viking Raiders have earned the opportunity tonight,
knocking off three other teams.
Erik and Ivar to take on the Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
Well, switching gears now, you know the situation--
[McAfee] Thank you for being our champions, Usos.
[Cole] And WWE official Sonya Deville, still simmering.
Let's show you the latest in our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Cole] It's a Championship Contenders' Match.
Charlotte Flair, the SmackDown Women's Champion,
versus Naomi.
I don't know what you think you've done recently
to deserve a match with me.
[intense music playing]
[crowd gasps]
[McAfee] Will Naomi seize this opportunity that she created earlier?
[Cole] Charlotte's showing
that's what happens when you disrespect the champ.
[crowd cheering]
Naomi, off the barricade!
Both women are down.
The official, and a count of eight. Naomi back into the ring.
Wait one second. [chuckles]
This match can't be won by count-out.
What?
[Cole] Charlotte from behind.
Charlotte was never gonna beat the count back into the ring.
Once again. Sonya Deville sticks it to Naomi.
[Sonya] And your loser…
Naomi!
[intense music playing]
[crowd booing]
[crowd cheering]
It's cold in here.
-Just like your heart, Cruella. -[chuckles]
-You know what, Naomi-- -Save it.
I don't wanna hear it.
Because everything that comes out of your mouth,
especially when it pertains to me, is a lie.
Now, you toying with me is one thing.
But messing with my career and an opportunity against a champion?
I'm not gonna let that slide.
I have not heard one single reason
as to why you have been hating on me this hard.
-I'm about to give you one right now. -[exhales] Uh, no, actually you're not.
For the millionth time, when I have this jacket on,
you can't touch me.
I'm not one of your little competitors when I have the jacket on.
I'm your boss.
So if I were you,
I'd keep your hands off me.
And you wanna know why you annoy me so bad?
-Yeah, I do. Mm-hmm. -You really want to know why?
Because you come waltzing in my office with your main character vibes
when everyone knows you're just an extra.
[snorts]
-[McAfee] Geez… -So keep your hands off me…
unless you wanna get fined
or removed from your little Royal Rumble match…
Aw.
Or fired.
Choice is yours though…
honey.
-[scoffs] -Good Lord, it is cold in here.
-What was that all about? -Nothing.
-Did you ever turn this up? -Yeah, I tried.
-You okay? You all right? -Mm-hm.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Cole] Sonya and Naomi's issues continue to simmer.
[McAfee] Yeah, Sonya stinks.
And I'm happy it's cold as hell in her office
because it's just like her heart!
An abuse of power every single week it seems.
Geez Louise.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And after being embarrassed
by Johnny Knoxville of Jackass fame last week,
Sami Zayn claims he'll beat Knoxville at his own game
with one of the most spectacular stunts in the history of televised entertainment.
What does Sami have in store for us? Live, next.
[McAfee] It's gonna be insane.
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[Cole] It is a snowy night in Omaha, Nebraska.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
where later tonight,
Universal Champion Roman Reigns goes face-to-face
with his challenger, Seth Rollins, on SmackDown.
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[dramatic music playing]
[The Shield] Sierra. Hotel. India. Echo. Lima. Delta.
Shield.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The Hounds of Justice are upon us.
[Rollins] We're carved into stone, we're forged out of iron.
The Shield is unyielding.
[Jerry Lawler] These guys truly may be unstoppable.
I think what really set us apart is our brotherhood.
We were going to go out every night and be better than everybody else,
and there was nothing anybody could do about it.
[Cole] They do it. The Shield wins Tag Team gold.
[John Layfield] One of the most powerful, destructive forces I've ever seen.
[Roman Reigns] This is the future.
Believe that.
And believe in The Shield.
[dramatic music fades]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[Cole] And tonight, in an event sponsored by Jackson Hewitt--
get your biggest tax refund, guaranteed--
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, face-to-face, two weeks away
from the Universal Championship Match at the Royal Rumble.
This conspiracy
that has targeted Sami Zayn…
has gone on for too long.
But it all started when I was robbed of my Intercontinental Championship.
But now…
now, after all this time, I am finally number one contender.
I am finally poised to get back what is rightfully mine.
But-but-but-but we have to talk about something that happened last week.
Last week, a new actor,
a new cast member in the conspiracy against Sami Zayn
made his way into my life.
And, of course, I'm talking about
Johnny Knoxville.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah. Yeah. Put it-put it-put it up on the screen.
Put it up on the screen. On the screen.
Put it up on the screen. Put it up on the screen.
The thing. The thing.
Put it up on the screen. You know what I'm talking about.
[McAfee] Sami has a pitch deck.
-Put it up there please. -Where's the footage?
-You're not qualified to do this. -[Sami] Look at this.
And you have not qualified for the Royal Rumble.
If you showed me you had something, maybe you would qualify.
Maybe. But until then, just…
Just stay out of everybody's way. Okay?
[Cole] Sami had a match with Rick Boogs.
He was embarrassed in the match, and then he was humiliated even further
when he was arguing with Shinsuke Nakamura.
Johnny Knoxville, from behind.
I've just been informed that Johnny Knoxville is now qualified
to be in the Royal Rumble match!
[Cole] Knoxville elated, Sami Zayn livid.
No. I mean, hey, that's actually great.
Johnny Knoxville in the Royal Rumble match!
-[McAfee] Yeah. -No, that's great.
I love it. I love it. 'Cause guess why?
Because I have also officially entered this year's Royal Rumble match.
[crowd clamoring]
So I cannot wait, because here's the thing.
Johnny Knoxville thinks he can do what I do, but he can't.
On the other hand, I can do anything that he can do.
Yeah.
That's right.
That's right. Tonight, I'm gonna show him,
I'm gonna show the world that when it comes to being a jackass,
no one is better than Sami Zayn.
[McAfee] That's right!
[crowd cheering]
And it… No, no, no. Anyways…
Look, everybody knows Jackass, right?
That's fine.
But get ready
for the debut of the most spectacular stunt show
ever to show up on television.
The first episode ever of…
In-Zayn!
[McAfee] Here we go. This is about to be more lit
than the "We Got Fired" beer and pizza party
that Joe Judge threw for the New York Giants' coaching staff.
Let's go In-Zayn with Sami Zayn.
[Cole] What on Earth does he have planned?
-[Sami] Woo-hoo! -[McAfee] He left the arena.
[Sami] Yeah!
[Jackass-style theme music playing]
[McAfee] All right.
Welcome to In-Zayn!
I'm Sami Zayn
and I'm gonna jump that wrestling ring in this shopping cart.
[McAfee chuckles] Yeah. All right.
-[Cole laughs] -All right, guys.
-[Cole] Get your camera out, Pat. -Just like we talked about.
Gotta be honest, this shopping cart is a little…
Is this the same one as before?
It's kind… [chuckles] Kind of small. [laughs]
All right, okay, we can do it though. No problem.
Okay. All right. Just like we talked about before.
[Cole] There's the target.
-[McAfee] I mean, that's… -[Sami] Let's go. Let's go.
[McAfee] He has got zero chance, but this is what In-Zayn is all about.
Wait. Wait on my count. Are you crazy?
-This is dangerous. -[McAfee] I don't know who…
the big dumb goons are, but…
I mean, this is… This is pretty dangerous.
[McAfee] This is gonna be good content here. Let's go.
[Sami] Just give me a sec, would you?
[crowd cheering]
I mean, that ramp is looking kind of small.
[McAfee] This is like Evel Knievel jumping over the Grand Canyon.
Travis Pastrana--
[Cole] It was the Snake River Canyon, and it didn't work out.
[McAfee] I didn't know about the Snake River.
It's a canyon and it's about the same size as this ring.
-On one, two, three, okay? -[McAfee] Sami might see the same fate.
Woo! Mm! Mm!
One, two…
-Thank God he's got pads on. -…three.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Hey! Hey! No, no, no.
-Okay. Shh. -[McAfee] This stinks.
Hey. One, two, three, go. On "go."
On… Back it up. Back it up.
-This show stinks. -Okay.
[McAfee] Johnny Knoxville would have already tried to kill himself three times.
-Okay, on… -[McAfee] Three times.
Go, okay? Okay, wait, wait.
-Okay. -[McAfee] This guy agrees.
One. [exhales]
[short, panicked screams]
-Two! -[McAfee] Yeah.
-Three! Go, go, full speed, full speed. -[McAfee] Little bit of a war cry.
-Oh my God. This is so scary. -There he goes.
-Look out, Pat. -Wait, wait! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!
Stop, wait. No, no, no. Wait. No, no, no.
-Wait, hey. -[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Oh, this guy's a coward.
Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut your mouth.
Shut your mouth. Hey!
I just wanna check on the… Shut up.
-Give me a second. I wanna make sure. -[McAfee] This guy stinks.
I just wanna make sure it's safe.
[McAfee] It's not safe, dude.
Did… You people don't wanna see me get hurt, right?
[crowd cheering]
-[McAfee] On the contrary. -Listen, I'm tougher than Johnny Knoxville
a thousand times over,
but I am not prepared to get hurt over nothing.
-I just wanna make sure-- -[crowd booing]
Oh-ho!
-[McAfee] A yoked Freddie Mercury. -Rick…
Boogs!
I am so glad you are here.
You know what? You can give a little message
to your pal, Shinsuke Nakamura.
You tell him I am taking back my Intercontinental Ch--
[Cole] Oh, Shinsuke taking out Sami Zayn.
[McAfee] The helmet doesn't cover your face!
[Cole] And look at Boogs.
Look at the power of Boogs.
[McAfee] Is this the strongest human on Earth?
Johnny Knoxville would be scared of this.
You're gonna make the trip anyway, Sami!
[Cole] And Sami Zayn on target!
-[crowd cheering] -[screams]
Oh!
["The Rising Sun" playing]
-[McAfee] Oh yeah. -[Cole] X marks the spot.
[groans]
[Cole] Yeah, that's it.
Good show. Good show, Sami.
I can't breathe! I can't breathe!
[McAfee] That was awesome.
Thank you, Intercontinental Champion and Boogs, with a fresh haircut.
[McAfee chuckles]
Oh, that was amazing. What a moment. What a show.
[Cole] Well, Pat, the field is filling up. Thirty men. Every man for himself.
The winner guaranteed to battle for the title of his choosing
in the main event of WrestleMania!
[crowd cheering]
Aliyah, you are just moments away from making your singles debut here in WWE
against the self-proclaimed "Best Of All Time" Natalya.
-Are there any nerves? -Meg, I'm all nerves.
I… I mean, ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of stepping into a WWE ring.
And tonight, I get to do it against Natalya.
She's a triple crown Women's Champion.
I just hope I put on a good showing
and, you know, try not to… [gags] …embarrass myself.
[crowd buzzing]
Aliyah, thank you so much for those kind words.
I mean, you're gonna do awesome tonight.
There is no shame in losing to me in your singles debut here on SmackDown.
I mean, after all, I am the most winning woman in WWE history
and that's just one of my…
three Guinness World Records.
The Guinness Book of World Records.
I didn't even know that was still a thing.
-[McAfee chuckles] -[crowd buzzing]
♪ It's all boujee ♪
["It's All Boujee" playing]
[McAfee] To be clear…
I used to hold one of those records. It got broke in ten minutes.
I didn't know it was still around.
Neither did Aliyah, but here we go.
[Cole] Aliyah, who enters her first Royal Rumble match later this month.
[bell rings]
[female announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
Aliyah!
[Cole] Well, Aliyah makes her singles debut
against the three-time Guinness World Record holder Natalya.
It's live, next.
[McAfee] I can't wait.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive.
Your first-round choice in auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Aliyah in the ring, getting set for her singles debut.
[no audible dialogue]
[crowd booing]
Natalya, is there--
Megan, the Guinness Book of World Records is very, very much still a thing
and a very important thing at that.
This book, my three world records,
they symbolize the blood, sweat, and tears,
the 14 years that I have dedicated to the WWE.
And that's why I'm a clear favorite to win the Women's Royal Rumble match.
Megan, I'm not sure if you've heard or not,
but I have three Guinness World Records.
The most matches of any woman in WWE history,
the most pay-per-view matches of any woman in WWE history,
and the most victories of any woman in WWE history.
[crowd booing]
And tonight,
I'm gonna set a fourth world record
by beating the record of 3.8 seconds…
for the fastest victory of any woman in WWE history.
-[McAfee] Wow. -Bold prediction by Natalya tonight.
[McAfee] Not a lot of wiggle room there. Just 0.8 seconds if you do the math.
-[Cole] I believe that Trish-- -[female announcer] And her opponent…
-[McAfee] Shut up, Cole. -…from Calgary, Alberta, Canada…
Natalya!
[Cole] I believe Trish Stratus, looking-to-be Hall of Famer,
actually holds that record.
[McAfee] The Guinness World Records,
very much still a thing.
And a lot of people do know that, for sure.
[Cole] Because you had one.
[McAfee] Well, I was in one very briefly
until a kid on the Internet that was in high school beat my record.
But… Natalya has been around dominating for so damn long at a high level.
That is worthy of a--
[Cole] Oh, Natalya going right after Aliyah.
Bell hasn't even rung, the match hasn't started,
and Natalya going right after the rookie.
You know the rules.
[McAfee] I mean, absolutely attacking Aliyah here in her singles debut.
The match hasn't started yet.
Oh, this is smart. This is how you beat the 3.8 seconds.
[Cole] Exactly, Natalya relentlessly assaulting Aliyah,
but she's got to be careful.
Aliyah may not be able to even start this match, Pat.
Come on, that's enough! Wait!
Wait for the bell, Natalya. Back it up.
[McAfee] I mean, Aliyah is gonna fight 'cause it's her singles debut.
-An opportunity she's been dreaming about. -[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] Face-first off the ropes. Kick to the mouth.
[Cole] Natalya continues this assault on Aliyah.
[McAfee] I mean, this is what you got to do to get three records
in the Guinness thing.
-It's called the… -That's it. That's it.
[McAfee] You got to be… you know, relentless.
Aliyah.
-Are you okay? Can you continue? -[groans]
Come on, you got to talk to me. Huh?
-Okay. -[McAfee] Did she… Did she say it?
Come on, I need an answer. You got to talk.
Okay, okay. Hey. Come on. Come on. Come on.
No.
-She's unable to compete tonight. -No!
-She's not gonna be able to compete. -No. No, no, please.
-She's coming back. -I can compete.
-She just beat you down before the match. -I can compete!
-Please! -[announcer] …we have been informed
that Aliyah will not be able to compete.
[referee] Aliyah, we can do this later.
[McAfee] We all clapped for her during the break.
It's her big debut.
[referee] Okay, she says she can.
We're gonna have the match. She can compete.
-[McAfee] What? -All right.
[female announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed
that Aliyah will now be able to compete.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] New ring announcer, Samantha Irvin, giving the news
that Aliyah is ready to go against Natalya here tonight.
Doesn't look too ready to me.
-Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Wait a minute. Roll-up by Aliyah. Shoulders are down! Aliyah wins!
-[bell rings] -Holy hell!
[crowd cheering]
Can you believe it?
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
Aliyah!
[Cole] Natalya is shocked. Aliyah with a major upset.
[Irvin] And I have just been informed
that not only did Aliyah win this match,
but she has also set a new WWE record
for fastest victory of 3.17 seconds.
[McAfee] Oh my God in Omaha.
A record that we thought would never be broken is broken.
[Cole] Natalya is not the only record holder.
What a win for Aliyah!
[McAfee] What a debut.
Congrats, Aliyah, on your Guinness record… thing.
["It's All Boujee" playing]
Oh my…
-That's gotta be the record. -Yeah.
Wow, Natalya's got to be really angry.
To be fair, she brought it on herself. Think about it.
With all the records Natalya has, she's on the wrong end of that one.
Yeah, is it just me or is it hot in here now?
-Was thinking the same thing. Is this… -Yeah, check it.
-Think it's working? -I don't think it's working.
-It is hot in here. -Oh my--
-It's in the air? -[exhales]
["LoveFuryPassionEnergy" playing]
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is our honor
to welcome back for the first time in nearly 20 years on SmackDown,
the four-time Women's Champion, the WWE Hall of Famer.
Lita is live, next.
♪ …your rules, man ♪
♪ So… your rules, man ♪
[dramatic music playing]
Last night at Payback,
The Shield adapted while Evolution perished.
They weren't brothers.
The men standing in this ring
are brothers.
[Triple H] What I do better than anybody is adapt.
Last night was Plan A.
Tonight, Plan B.
-[Cole] Oh my God! -[Lawler] What just happened?
[Cole] Are you kidding me?
You guys are on top of the world.
Why in the world would Seth Rollins do this?
[Cole] Seth Rollins, did he just make a deal with the devil?
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[McAfee] Still to come tonight.
Two weeks before they battle for the Universal Championship,
Roman Reigns, the GOAT, will be face-to-face with Seth Rollins.
["Are You Ready?" by AC/DC playing]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX is sponsored by Progressive.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor
to welcome to SmackDown for the first time in nearly 20 years
a true game changer.
This woman has blazed trails, she's busted through glass ceilings,
and she has been an inspiration
for an entire generation of WWE Superstars.
Please welcome a four-time Women's Champion,
and a WWE Hall of Famer…
Lita!
[crowd cheering]
["LoveFuryPassionEnergy" playing]
[McAfee] A standing ovation in Omaha, Nebraska.
[crowd cheering]
♪ So… your rules, man ♪
[McAfee] Welcome back to SmackDown, Lita.
♪ You step up, you'll go down fast ♪
♪ I've got to release… ♪
I cannot believe I'm in the same building as Lita right now.
An absolute legend.
Welcome home.
Let's go.
Lita's here!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Lita, welcome.
How great does it feel to be back inside a WWE ring?
I am home. Finally, right?
[crowd chanting] Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita!
Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita! Lita!
You guys, that still gives me chills every time.
Well, Lita I can speak for everyone in the WWE Universe
that you would give us chills week after week
whenever you performed here in WWE.
Which, you know, you talk to a lot of the WWE Superstars today
and they talk about how you inspire them.
The likes of Bailey, and Liv Morgan, and Naomi,
and current Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch.
So with all that said,
why are you coming back to participate in the Royal Rumble match?
[crowd cheering]
Look, Michael, it has been a wild ride.
I have more career highlights than I could count.
I mean, being one of the first women to main event Raw
with my bestie Trish Stratus.
[crowd cheering]
Being the first woman involved in TLC matches, steel cage matches,
and… winding up in the WWE Hall of Fame.
[crowd applause]
You know, most days,
I would say I am fully satisfied with my career.
Until kinda recently, right?
I did not have the opportunity
to compete in the Royal Rumble match when I was competing.
We didn't have one.
But now we do.
And I don't know about you guys, but I think I've got one run left in me.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Omaha agrees.
So I've got a plan, okay?
I'm going to enter the Royal Rumble.
I am gonna mow through 29 women,
come out victorious, and main event WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
["Recognition" playing]
-[crowd booing] -All right. All right.
[McAfee] Well…
our current champion,
and current badass…
has entered the conversation.
Charlotte Flair.
The opportunity in the WWE right now.
You dance with Charlotte, you become a Superstar.
[firecrackers crackle]
[explosions]
[crowd booing]
["Recognition" continues]
[McAfee] I mean, you're talking about… one Hall of Famer,
another sure-fire Hall of Famer entering the ring…
right…
now.
-Get the ropes for the champ. -[no audible dialogue]
[McAfee] Charlotte Flair…
is in the ring with Lita.
I got this.
I'm going to interview Lita.
[McAfee] Oh, Michael Cole. Take a seat, stooge.
[crowd booing]
Lita, how are you?
-Yeah, I'm not sure-- -[Flair] Yeah, whatever.
I didn't know it was "Flashback Friday."
I mean, you guys, this is so extreme.
Isn't that what you used to say back in the day?
Wow, I mean, it's so much fun reminiscing about the good old days.
But I don't know if you know,
but I'm entering the Royal Rumble as champion.
And when I win,
I get to pick the opponent to main event WrestleMania.
[crowd booing]
So, in a few weeks, when I throw you over the top rope,
this fun little run that you're talking about,
is going to be over.
[crowd buzzing]
So I guess my question is, which I know you're all dying to know…
I mean, Lita, I'm dying to know.
Are you ready for this question?
How are you going to handle the humiliation
when I end this short-lived comeback and your WrestleMania dreams?
[McAfee] That's an interesting interview style from Charlotte.
[crowd booing]
Oh yeah. I… I heard about this whole Charlotte.
This version here, right here.
Um… looks like we've got a real Tonya Harding on our hands, huh?
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee chuckles]
I'm just keeping with the "Flashback Friday" thing.
-You know, a theme. -That's hilarious. [laughs]
But, um, I'm just curious
how you're gonna throw anyone over the top rope
with that, like, giant head that you have.
Like, how do you not just, like, tip over?
[crowd chanting] Giant head! Giant head! Giant head! Giant head! Giant head!
A giant head.
[crowd] Giant head! Giant head!
-A huge, giant head. -[crowd] Giant head! Giant head!
[Charlotte] I can't hear you.
-Giant head! -[Lita] They said, "Giant head."
Actually, know what? I have a question for you.
It's really funny that you bring up your bestie, Trish Stratus,
because back at SummerSlam 2019,
when Trish was bored with being a mom and desperate to be relevant,
she actually begged me for a match.
And I mean, of course I said yes.
I mean, and you know what?
She put up a hell of a fight, but she lost.
I broke her.
She was so broken, she actually retired.
[scattered whooping]
And at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view,
that's exactly what I'm going to do to you.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Oh-ho-hoo!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Charlotte with the quick reaction there as Lita taunts her.
-[Cole] No taunting this time. -[crowd cheering]
Lita with a Twist of Fate.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] The champ is down.
-["LoveFuryPassionEnergy" playing] -[Cole] Lita hasn't lost a step.
She's still the rebel. And the question is, Pat,
can she pull off a miracle and win the Women's Royal Rumble match
two weeks from tomorrow night
at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis?
♪ So… your rules, man ♪
♪ So… your rules, man… ♪
[Cole] Well, Lita thrilling the WWE Universe here in Omaha tonight.
But I wanted to take you back to SmackDown last month.
Remember the 12 days of Christmas Gauntlet Match
where the winner had the opportunity to face Shinsuke Nakamura
for the Intercontinental Championship?
Well, in one of the matches, Ricochet versus Sheamus,
Sheamus' buddy, Ridge Holland, providing a distraction
which allowed Sheamus to strike, but Cesaro would get involved.
And Ricochet would make Sheamus pay,
pulling off the upset to advance… in the Gauntlet Match.
Then, we'll take you back to Day 1,
the Premium Live Event on New Year's Day, two weeks ago.
Watch this.
[McAfee] Cesaro flipping Ricochet with a perfectly-landed kick to the face.
[Cole] Yeah, well, Ricochet accidentally causing
the nose of Ridge Holland to shatter.
[crowd booing]
Sheamus, you're about to take on Ricochet tonight.
Megan, let me stop you right there, yeah?
Why don't you save your breath for cooling your porridge.
I have a question for you.
What's missing from this picture?
That's right.
My own protégé, Ridge Holland, should be standing here right beside me.
Instead, he's sitting at home on the couch with a notepad,
and his nose sticking out the back of his head.
You know who's responsible for that?
That's right, Megzer.
Ricochet.
The Human Pinball Machine.
But that's okay
'cause I'm about to put everything right, yeah?
Because I'm gonna give young Ricochet the hurting of his life.
Then we'll see how he likes it
when he's the one leaving the ring with a broken nose.
[clicks tongue]
["Hellfire" playing]
[McAfee] Comeuppance from Sheamus
for his good pal Ridge Holland.
[Cole] It is indeed Fight Night.
[echoing explosion]
[crowd booing]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Dublin, Ireland, weighing in at 267 pounds…
Sheamus!
[Cole] "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus,
looks to avenge his protégé Ridge Holland's injury
against The One and Only, the man responsible,
Ricochet.
Live, next on FOX.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Royal Rumble is sponsored by Cricket.
Everything you want, including the price.
For Sheamus, it is Fight Night on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] Trying to avenge for his guy, Ridge Holland,
who got his nose broken by…
-["It's About to Go Down" playing] -♪ One and only ♪
[Cole] This man.
♪ It's about to go down ♪
♪ Uh-huh ♪
[explosion]
[Irvin] And his opponent, weighing in at 207 pounds,
Ricochet!
[Cole] Ricochet ready to go.
We had the opportunity to ask Ricochet earlier today
what he thought about the moment at Day 1
when he shattered the nose of Ridge Holland.
I have a high-risk style, but high risk means high reward.
And there will be no greater reward than repeating what I did to Ridge Holland
and break Sheamus' face open tonight.
[Cole] Tough talk by Ricochet here tonight,
uh, in the ring against one of the greatest brawlers in WWE history,
Sheamus, who knows a thing about a broken nose or… three.
[McAfee] Yeah, Sheamus is, uh, a brutal opponent,
let alone whenever he has to avenge the damage his friend… had occurred.
-I mean, he's… -What you got?
He's gonna wanna damage Ricochet, and Ricochet's used to that.
[Cole] Yeah, Ricochet, ever the underdog.
-[McAfee] Oh. -[Cole] Ever so cocky, as well.
-Believes he's in every single match. -I don't think he's cocky. He's confident.
So when you say he's the best, it's a compliment.
Shout out to F-A-B-O for that,
but Ricochet is literally a create-a-wrestler.
Everything you want your wrestler to be able to accomplish,
Ricochet can do.
[Cole] Ricochet, nice takedown of "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus.
You know, the Royal Rumble, two weeks from tomorrow night
at The Dome at America's Center, streaming live and exclusively on Peacock.
Oh, and a shoulder tackle by Sheamus.
Sheamus has already entered the Royal Rumble match.
He'll be one of the 30 men.
Two men start.
[McAfee] And that was a massive hack at the back there of Ricochet.
[Cole] Another man will enter the Royal Rumble match
at regularly scheduled intervals.
You're eliminated when you go over the top rope,
both feet must hit the floor.
And last man standing punches his ticket to the main event at WrestleMania.
Oh, and Ricochet now dumping Sheamus over the top rope.
Just like that.
Sheamus would have been eliminated if this was the Rumble match.
[McAfee] Ricochet gaining steam and momentum!
[Cole] And Ricochet!
A human highlight reel, taking out The Celtic Warrior.
And Ricochet is fired up.
[McAfee] Skipping around on the outside.
How could you not if you were able to do
whatever the hell that is?
[crowd cheering]
Humans on Earth that can accomplish what Ricochet just did?
One, and you're looking at him.
[Cole] And Sheamus, thinking a…
[crowd booing]
…more wisely about it.
Out of the ring to take a breather.
And now Sheamus, trying to drag Ricochet off the apron.
-[referee] Break back. -[grunts]
[Cole] Ricochet fighting back.
-[grunts] -[Cole] And-- Oh!
And Sheamus, just like that, has taken over.
[McAfee] That's the thing about high risk/high reward.
Once you get Ricochet off-balance, he could really fly around.
Now, Sheamus trying to take advantage.
-What? -[Cole] Oh no, no, no, no, no.
-No! -[Cole] Into the steel!
-Sheamus is dominating. -[screaming]
[crowd roaring]
And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX.
Sheamus is now in control of Ricochet in this one-on-one matchup.
Ricochet, trying to battle back against The Celtic Warrior.
Show you what happened before the commercial break.
This is nothing short of cruel by Sheamus.
Boom, right into the steel,
and that is how Sheamus has taken over.
[McAfee] That was cruel by Sheamus,
trying to make up for what Ricochet did to his friend Ridge Holland.
[Cole] Yeah, but Ricochet trying to fight back,
and Sheamus not going to allow it to happen.
Ricochet though, never-say-die attitude.
Springboard, crossbody, off the second rope.
[McAfee] Ricochet bouncing back.
[Cole] Ricochet firing up.
[both grunting]
[McAfee] I gave credit to Fabolous earlier for a Jadakiss line,
and it doesn't matter right now because Ricochet and Sheamus
are kicking each other's ass in Omaha.
[Cole] Ricochet slips out the back.
Sheamus now looking for the Brogue, got caught up on the top rope.
And what is the innovative-- Oh! Ricochet runs into a right hand.
Oh!
[McAfee] Sheamus eats a boot. Now Ricochet getting creative.
[Cole] Off the second rope!
-Cover by Ricochet. -One.
-Is it enough to put Sheamus away? -[crowd] Two!
And a kick-out at two. Ricochet almost had him.
[McAfee] A lionsault there for Ricochet.
Hitting the back of Sheamus, almost stealing a dub here.
Momentum is all on Ricochet's side.
Sheamus was looking to beat up Ricochet, head to The Black Forge Inn in Dublin,
have a couple of actual cocktails with Conor McGregor.
[Cole] Yeah, but Ricochet now has Sheamus where he wants him in the drop zone.
Can Sheamus put him away? Heading up now to the top rope.
Sheamus is in trouble. Ricochet for the win.
Nobody home, but he lands on his feet, rolls through.
Sheamus, Irish Curse backbreaker.
[McAfee] That might be the Irish goodbye for this one as well.
[Cole] Sheamus, mentioned earlier, in the Royal Rumble match, Pat.
Ten years ago, Sheamus won the Royal Rumble match.
He would go on to win the World Championship at WrestleMania.
-[referee] Two! -[McAfee] Here we are, ten years later
and Sheamus, somehow, looks like he's in better shape, in better condition…
[Cole] He is.
[McAfee] …and in a much better state of mind about going to the top.
[Cole] No smiles for the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán
on the chest of Ricochet.
-Two! Three! -[crowd] …seven, eight, nine.
[McAfee] Pour a couple pints over there…
[Cole] Oh! Clubbing blow sends Ricochet back into the ring.
[McAfee] …for the fellow Sheamus.
[Cole] For my money, there's nobody as physical as Sheamus in WWE today.
I was thinking about that. Ricochet had to be pooping his pants going into tonight,
knowing that Sheamus was gonna be pissed off
about what he did to Ridge Holland.
[Cole] Yeah, but Ricochet's putting up a fight,
but may not for long.
Sheamus with a grown man on his shoulders, climbing up to the second rope.
Ricochet fighting out though.
[McAfee] What are these psychopaths thinking?
[Cole] Oh, Ricochet, kick right in the face.
And another one. And maybe Sheamus had a broken nose.
Oh, bounced off the ring post.
[McAfee] Ricochet said before the match, "I'ma break Sheamus' face as well."
[Cole] And Ricochet now. Oh! Sunset flip powerbomb.
Can he somehow get Sheamus over on his back?
Shoulders down for the win. Ricochet, and a kick-out at two.
[crowd cheering]
Watch the impact here. Boom!
[McAfee] It's innovative offense from Ricochet
who has the ability to do all things through the sky,
showcasing some strength.
Yeah, but you can't take anything away from Sheamus,
kicking out after that.
[McAfee] Yeah, he's got grit. He's tough, he's Irish.
[Cole] Ricochet trying to lift Sheamus up on his shoulders.
Well-placed elbow to the jaw.
Sheamus looked like he was going for an Alabama Slam.
Roll-through now by Ricochet. Shoulders down, kick-out two.
Missed wildly. Ricochet. Oh! Ran into a Brogue Kick!
One mistake for Ricochet and he pays for it.
-[bell rings] -["Hellfire" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner…
Sheamus!
[Cole] Sheamus defeating the very game Ricochet
here tonight on SmackDown.
[McAfee] Perfectly timed Brogue Kick to a flipping Ricochet
ends this epic battle.
Boom! Right to the chest.
Ricochet won't be breathing until tomorrow.
Sheamus gets a win for his…
[Cole] Sheamus has done it before. Can he do it again in two weeks?
Win a Royal Rumble match?
[McAfee] I don't know why you'd bet against that man right there.
Let's take you back to what happened earlier tonight
because the world is still talking about this.
Natalya was trying to add a fourth record into the Guinness Book of World Records.
That would be to beat the record of 3.8 seconds,
which was the fastest match in WWE history.
Natalya, attacking Aliyah before the match even began.
And remember, this was Aliyah's debut singles match in WWE.
[McAfee] It was an incredibly smart decision
and Aliyah eventually said, "No, I can still fight. I can still fight."
-[bell rings] -As the bell rang,
Aliyah would roll-up Natalya,
and it would be Aliyah the one setting the record
in her debut singles match in WWE.
[McAfee] Right here in Omaha,
Aliyah has a debut that will be remembered forever
and etched in the history books.
The faster victory in WWE history is now owned by Aliyah over Natalya,
3.17 seconds.
Absolutely magical!
Ironic, with all the world records that Natalya has,
that Aliyah beat her to get a world record.
-I know, it's crazy. -Insane.
And, so earlier, what I was telling you
was that she didn't even know the rules for the Royal Rumble match.
Over the top rope, both feet hit the floor to get eliminated.
Thirty competitors.
Every man for himself, same as every year.
-Very weird. I'm sweating. -It is hot.
-Yes. -Like, literally sweating.
-Like a furnace. -The thermostat is not working.
I'm gonna check with Maintenance. I'll be right back.
-Good idea. Let me know. -Yup. I'll be back.
-[McAfee] It's a shame. -It's not working.
[sighs]
[exhales]
[McAfee] Gotta be hot in there, no windows.
-Oh no, no, no, no, no. -Well, well, well.
I see you don't have your jacket on.
[crowd cheering]
No jacket, no boss, right?
-That's what you told me, right? -Not exactly--
-Whoa, whoa, guys. Please. Please. -Thank you, Adam.
-Ladies, please. Please. -She just stormed in the office.
I-- I know.
-Adam, please step aside. -I can't do that.
Adam, this beatdown is long overdue.
All she does is abuse her power around here,
and nobody does anything about it, especially when it comes to me.
Aw.
Everybody knows I almost had Charlotte beat last week,
had it not been for her interfering and changing the rules on the fly.
Listen, Sonya, she's right.
Was that close to having Charlotte, then you changed the rules.
-Keyword "close." -I get it, but listen,
you deserve another opportunity.
How about this? Next week,
Naomi versus Charlotte Flair.
-Run it back. -Yes.
[crowd cheering]
You better stay in your cage, Cruella.
[voice-over] It's a New Day. Yes, it is!
[Cole] Finally, a good decision in regards to Naomi.
She gets Charlotte Flair next week.
[McAfee] Sonya better keep that jacket on all night
or she's gonna catch an ass beating.
[Cole] So, Naomi and Charlotte Flair in a Championship Contenders' Match
next week in Music City, USA. Nashville, Tennessee.
I cannot wait to see what you're going to wear in Nashville.
[McAfee] Hey, I can't wait.
"Everything is bigger in Nashville," that's what they say.
[Cole] Well, we mentioned earlier, King Woods was injured
in the tag team match last week.
Kofi Kingston, The Hand of the King, must go it alone
against the prankster Madcap Moss.
Live, next.
[McAfee] You are looking live outside the CHI Health Center
in "Snowmaha," Nebraska.
It's freezing, it's sleeting, it's snowing,
but it's hot as hell in here on Friday Night SmackDown!
[dramatic music playing]
The main event at WrestleMania,
it's Reigns, Lesnar, for the WWE World Title.
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
What a World Championship match.
F5!
Who can capitalize?
What the hell?
Seth Rollins! Mr. Money in the Bank!
Mr. Money in the Bank cashing in.
Lesnar picked him out of the air.
Reigns with a spear.
Stomped on Reigns.
-Rollins wins the title! -[bell rings]
He stole one!
[crowd cheering]
Rollins with the heist of the century.
[popping explosions]
♪ Are you ready… ♪
[Cole] And the next chapter will be written
at the Royal Rumble event,
Reigns versus Rollins for the Universal Championship.
But before we get there, tonight live on FOX,
Reigns, Rollins, face-to-face, on SmackDown.
[McAfee] Face-to-freaking-face, dude.
Dearly beloved members
of the WWE Royal Universe,
gather around for a proclamation from your king.
[clears throat]
"It is with great regret
that I, your benevolent king, must deliver some most unfortunate news."
"Your Majesty King Woods, first of his name, bringer of New Days,
clotter of Bloodlines,
has fallen victim to a calf injury
sustained whilst heroically carrying the SmackDown Tag Team division
upon his strapping back."
-[crowd booing] -[McAfee] Oh no.
"As a result,
Your Majesty will indeed miss the Royal Rumble."
-[crowd booing] -[McAfee] Oh no.
"However, on a positive note, His Majesty doth declare
that a Royal Rumble cannot truly be royal without royal representation…
of the kingdom."
"Therefore, His Majesty doth decree
that The Hand of the King, Sir Kofi Kingston,
shall enter the Royal Rumble match…"
[Cole] All right.
-[crowd cheering] -"…baby!"
Let's go!
Yeah. We're winning it this time.
[McAfee] That is great news for everybody.
-[Cole] Oh, look who's here. -["The Good Life" playing]
-[McAfee] And here's… -[Cole] The Happy folks.
[McAfee] …bad news for everybody.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Happy Corbin on the right, Madcap Moss on the left.
Kofi Kingston, I'm sorry to interrupt, but even I'm feeling good.
-Woo! Woo! -I'm happy.
I'm happy because I'm rich, because I'm good-looking,
because I made so much money on NFTs this week
I bought myself a brand new $50,000 watch.
-[Madcap Moss] Woo! -[laughs]
And the only thing, Kofi, that could make me even happier
is at the Royal Rumble, grabbing you by the back of your head…
taking you, throwing you over the top rope
into the front row and out of the Royal Rumble.
-[Happy Corbin laughs] -[Madcap Moss] That would be great.
That would be excellent.
-I'd love that. -Man, I am so happy now--
We… we haven't been this happy
since Madcap and I destroyed Drew McIntyre's neck.
[groans]
Take a look. [laughs]
As for Corbin, we go way back.
And as annoying as he is, he can actually handle himself when he's--
[Happy Corbin grunts]
[Cole] McIntyre was attacked by Corbin and Moss…
-[Happy Corbin screams] -[Cole] …in the backstage area
during the Day 1 Premium Live Event.
[groaning]
[McAfee] Happy Corbin would deliver a chair and then Madcap Moss would set up…
[indistinct shouting]
…devastation.
[Cole] With a steel truss by Corbin.
McIntyre has been out since that night.
Still waiting on a medical update on the condition of McIntyre.
[both laughing]
[laughs] Hey, Happy, if you think that was funny,
what do you call The New Day
when it's just Sir Kofi in the ring alone,
so scared to face me in a match
that he loses control of his bowels?
"The Poo Day."
[both laughing]
[crowd booing]
[giggles]
[laughs mockingly]
[shrieking guffaws]
[McAfee] Oh, they got Kofi, didn't they?
[laughing continues]
Hey! Hey, that's really fun, bro.
Hey, that's really funny, man, because you said "The Poo Day," right?
Because, actually, I had every intention in this match
to drop a royal deuce
on your forehead.
-[McAfee] Oh, please. -[crowd cheering]
-That's too far! -That is uncalled-for!
[McAfee] "You gettin' doo-dooed on, kid." That's what Kofi said.
Defecation, bro! A royal deuce.
-[Happy Corbin] Okay. -A royal deuce, bro. Yeah.
[Cole] So it's Kofi Kingston and Madcap Moss,
one-on-one here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] Will a royal deuce be dropped on Madcap's Face?
[Cole] Kofi Kingston, the former WWE Champion.
And there's the power of Madcap Moss.
[McAfee] Madcap Moss is an absolute physical specimen,
but Kofi has been here a long time.
[Cole] If this was the Rumble, Moss would have been eliminated.
And now, Kofi Kingston,
launching himself into Corbin and Moss!
Matchup continues on SmackDown.
[Kofi Kingston screams]
[Cole] Well, Pat, during the commercial break,
Madcap Moss took control of Kofi Kingston in this one-on-one matchup.
Of course, Happy Corbin, running his mouth out here at ringside.
[McAfee] H's been a presence, for sure, as Kofi fights back here against Madcap,
but the suspender-wearing shorts man has been dominant.
[Cole] All three of these men will be in the Royal Rumble match.
Three of 30 who will participate in that matchup
two weeks from tomorrow night at The Dome at America's Center.
Kofi Kingston will make…
will be closing in on history, Pat, at the Royal Rumble match in two weeks.
Oh, Kingston will enter for the 14th time in his career.
Second all-time to only Kane, who's made 17 Rumble appearances.
[McAfee] And Kofi is the most electrifying Superstar
in the history of the Royal Rumble, for sure.
[Cole] The ways that he has come up
with staying in the matchup over the years.
Oh! The tremendous athleticism and…
Yup.
And look at Kofi Kingston now,
with a big elbow to the face of Madcap Moss.
Remember, Pat, the Rumble match, every man for himself.
What if Corbin and, uh, and Madcap Moss have to go at it
in the Royal Rumble match?
[McAfee] The WWE Instagram
displaying a lot of situations of every man for himself.
Oh, he said, "I'll doo-doo on your face" earlier.
Now, he's thinking about it.
[Cole] Kofi Kingston-- Oh! Kick right to the chest.
And Kingston, looking to put Madcap Moss away with a Boom Drop.
[McAfee] I thought we were actually gonna see grumpy
on Madcap's face from Kofi.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And Kofi Kingston
with the WWE fans firmly behind him…
-Corbin now up on the apron. -[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[McAfee] Can't help himself but get involved.
[Cole] Miss with a Trouble in Paradise off the distraction by Corbin.
Madcap with a big right.
[Cole] Kingston, though, quickly.
Kick right to the face.
Now, Kofi Kingston gonna head up to the top rope.
Kingston, crossbody.
Moss caught him.
Madcap Moss rolling through!
[Happy Corbin] No!
[Cole] Hanging on.
-[Kofi Kingston grunts] -Uh-oh. Kingston!
Looking for the SOS. Can he connect?
-[McAfee] Madcap grabbing Kofi's face. -[Cole] No. Block by Moss.
-Into the punchline! -[thud]
-What? Come on! -One, two, three.
-[Cole] Moss with the win. -[bell rings]
-[crowd booing] -[McAfee] Get off of our table.
[Irvin] Here's your winner,
Madcap Moss!
[Cole] Madcap Moss with yet another…
impressive victory.
[Happy Corbin] Yeah!
[Cole] As Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss celebrate,
let's take a moment to check out what's up this coming week
on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] These dudes…
[narrator] A confident champion…
[Brock Lesnar] It's impossible to beat Brock Lesnar
when you're a Brock Lesnar wannabe!
[narrator] …goes too far.
[Corey Graves] The Beast has gotten deep under the skin of The All Mighty.
[narrator] This Monday,
how will "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley respond?
Plus…
Maryse, tell Beth
she is going to wish she stayed at home with her kids
instead of getting in the ring with you.
Go on, Maryse, tell Beth.
[narrator] Is The Miz making promises he can't keep?
Raw, live this Monday 8/7 Central only on USA.
♪ Burn it down ♪
[Cole] Miz's mouth just keeps getting him into more and more trouble.
["The Second Coming (Burn It Down)" playing]
[McAfee] Brock Lesnar was telling knock-knock jokes on Monday.
I can't wait to see what happens next week but right now, look who's--
[Irvin] Please welcome, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[crowd cheering and booing]
Samantha Irvin did it much better than you.
[McAfee] I concur.
Seth…
♪ Burn it down ♪
…"Freakin'" Rollins is back on SmackDown, looking like a disco ball.
[Cole] And in an event sponsored by Jackson Hewitt.
Get your biggest tax refund, guaranteed.
Rollins, the challenger.
Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion.
They meet at the Rumble, but before we get to St. Louis,
they go face-to-face live
next on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX.
[music continues]
♪ Burn it down ♪
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[Cole] Next Friday, Friday Night SmackDown heads to Nashville, Tennessee.
Pat, what an opportunity for Naomi.
[McAfee] That's right. Naomi gets a Championship Contenders' Match
against Charlotte Flair.
Nashville, the home of the number one seed in the AFC.
Kevin Byard finally gets some recognition, and now Naomi finally gets a shot to prove
that she's one of the greats.
[crowd cheering]
Speaking of one of the greats, here is the great.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[McAfee] 502 days
this man has been our champion.
[Irvin] Please welcome the Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen,
this is an historic weekend for Roman Reigns.
Pat mentioned 502 days as Universal Champion.
Come Sunday, when he reaches 504 days,
Roman Reigns will break the record set by Brock Lesnar
as the longest-reigning Universal Champion ever.
[popping explosions]
[McAfee] A smile on The Needle Mover's face…
as he comes to the face-to-face
with the man dressed like Michael Jackson.
The Tribal Chief is here.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Sorry, Pat, I'm just so excited to see Reigns and Rollins
face-to-face here tonight.
The former Shield brethren now facing off for the Universal Championship.
[McAfee] Just two weeks from tomorrow,
Roman Reigns, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins,
for the Universal Championship.
[Cole] It happens at the Royal Rumble.
The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Streaming live exclusively on Peacock.
Can Rollins end the record-setting reign of Roman Reigns?
[music continues]
[McAfee] Short answer? No.
[popping explosions]
[Cole] And this event is sponsored by Jackson Hewitt.
Get your biggest tax refund, guaranteed.
[McAfee] You don't mess with the IRS--
shout-out to Jackson Hewitt--
and you don't waltz into SmackDown, Roman Reigns' show,
dressed like a jackass, and expect any type of respect.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns!
Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns!
Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns! Roman Reigns!
[chanting ends, crowd buzzes]
Before you say anything…
Omaha…
[crowd cheering]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd cheering and booing]
[Cole] Congrats to Omaha getting to do that tonight, seriously.
-Number one trend… -All right, all right, all right.
Well, let's acknowledge the fact that this is quite a moment.
And I was thinking…
[crowd chanting] Rollins! Rollins! Rollins! Rollins! Rollins! Rollins!
What do you say?
For old times' sake?
-Right here in "Romaha," it sounds like-- -Come on, just throw it in there.
You know you want to.
[crowd booing]
That's beneath me now.
Oh.
All right, all right. You don't want to acknowledge that.
Well, let's acknowledge the look on your face
when I showed up in your office last week.
[laughs] Seems to me I'm the last person on Earth
you wanted to see.
And to be fair, why would you want to see me?
I mean, our track record in singles matches for championships
is… pretty one-sided.
I won 'em all.
I won 'em all, so I understand where you're coming from.
I understand why you wouldn't want to see me.
[crowd buzzing]
He's out here talking about the past, y'all. [laughs]
[McAfee laughing]
You must be sleeping under a rock or something.
You… you don't understand what's happening here.
I'm in God mode nowadays, son.
[crowd cheering]
I'm The Tribal Chief. I'm the head of your table.
I'm the provider around here, huh?
I'm the greatest of this generation, no questions asked.
I'm the greatest Universal Champion of all time,
which makes me the greatest to ever do this.
Oh, you know what? Look, I didn't come out here to rain on your parade.
I came out here…
What's that thing you do?
"Acknowledge me"?
Yeah, I came out here to acknowledge you.
Acknowledge all of your success, all of the championships,
all of the main events, everything that you've done.
I just got a question for you.
Can you look yourself in the mirror at night
and say that you've done that all by yourself?
Can you? Because that's the big difference between you and me, Roman.
You see, without Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins is just fine.
I was climbing my way up the ladder,
while you were riding the pine in the CFL.
-[crowd buzzing] -[McAfee groans]
And I was holding your hand left and right back in the Shield days.
Then, when I sent you packing with a chair to the back,
you still couldn't do it on your own.
You needed your famous Bloodline to help you hold everything up.
So the real question I have for you is,
do you really understand who the greatest is here?
[Cole] Rollins is making some good points.
Because let's not forget, I created you…
and I can destroy you.
[laughs]
Ah, yes, sir.
-[Cole] And a lot to think about. -This is a waste of my time.
You-you're a waste of my time.
I-I mean, come on. Look at this guy.
Look at… You look like a clown, you sound like a clown
because you're a clown.
[crowd cheering]
You-you clearly don't have the star power that I have.
You-you'll never reach the levels that I've reached.
And let's just be honest, if I was looking for a Superstar or a megastar,
I wouldn't have chose you from Raw.
Hell, you wouldn't even have been the one I would have chose
from your own household.
[crowd buzzing]
If I wanted to main event the Royal Rumble with a megastar,
I would have chose your wife.
[crowd cheering]
[no audible dialogue]
[Cole] Oh, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[McAfee] What the hell? What the hell?
[Cole] Roman's cousins out here again
to try to come to the aid of the Universal Champion.
[McAfee] Allaying Usos, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[Cole] And Rollins wisely escapes and got the better of Reigns
and the Usos tonight.
[Rollins] Is that all you got?
[McAfee] This further proves Rollins' point
that Roman is never without the Usos.
And somehow, he gets out of here unscathed,
but a message has been sent.
[Cole] Well, Roman Reigns acknowledged Seth Rollins.
…I created you, and I will destroy you.
[laughs devilishly]
Ah, yeah. vilishly]