[dramatic music playing]
-[glass shatters] -[Rock] If you smell…
[bell tolls]
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[crowd cheers]
[music fades]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[Rollins] Friday night at SmackDown,
it got a little testy with me and The Tribal Chief,
but the truth is, Roman's rattled.
Well, let's acknowledge the look on your face
when I showed up in your office last week.
[cackles]
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 them all, so I understand where you're coming from.
He's out here talking about the past, y'all. [laughs]
I'm in G.O.D. Mode nowadays, son.
I'm the greatest Universal Champion of all time.
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, I would have chose your wife.
[crowd cheers]
[inaudible dialogue]
[tense music playing]
[Cole] Oh, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[Rollins] He's sending his cousins after me.
The problem is, The Usos couldn't get the job done.
[Rollins laughs]
He's playing checkers,
Seth Rollins playing chess.
[cackling]
[McAfee] Watch out! The Usos!
Where the hell did they come from?
The ambush didn't work on SmackDown,
but it worked here tonight on Raw.
Message from Roman Reigns delivered.
[music intensifies, then fades]
♪ It's the Usos ♪
[Cole] We are live in Music City, USA, Nashville, Tennessee.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection for home, auto, and more.
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, are already in the ring.
["Done With That (Day One Remix)" playing]
[Jey] Hey!
Yes, sir!
[music fades]
The Bloodline is now in your city.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] You're welcome, Nashville.
And tonight, we're here for one reason, and one reason only,
to celebrate the longest-reigning Universal Champion…
ever!
[crowd cheers]
Ladies and gentlemen, that's 508 days.
What?
If you didn't hear him, say it one more time, Uce.
I said, 508 consecutive days.
-Woo! -[crowd whooping]
[McAfee] That's a lot of days.
Now, there's a few big names that's been Universal Champion.
-Who? -But none has ever held them that long.
No, sir.
Not Kevin Owens.
-No. -Not Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
No.
Not "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
-No. -[laughs]
But there is… one.
He is the Head of the Table.
Yeah!
He is the Tribal Chief!
[Jimmy] Yeah!
He is the longest-reigning
Universal Champion in WWE history,
our cousin…
-Roman Reigns! -Roman Reigns!
[crowd cheers and boos]
[McAfee] Incredible introduction…
["Head of the Table" playing]
…for the GOAT around here.
The breathtaking, record-breaking Head of the Table
that runs the number one show in sports entertainment.
[Cole] No one in history has held the WWE Universal Championship
longer than this man.
Roman Reigns, tonight marks 508 consecutive days
as Universal Champion.
[McAfee] It's been great to go to sleep with this man at the helm
of the entire WWE.
Drink it down, soak it in, Nashville.
Greatness has arrived!
[fireworks blast]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Roman Reigns' next title defense will come a week from tomorrow night
at the Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri,
as the Road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble.
Roman Reigns versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins
for the Universal Championship,
streaming live exclusively on Peacock.
Seth Rollins, last week, Pat,
said some very poignant things as it relates to Roman Reigns.
And one that sticks out is the fact
that Roman Reigns has never been able to defeat Seth Rollins in the big one,
hasn't been able to get it done.
Can that happen a week from tomorrow?
[McAfee] We're on the Road to WrestleMania,
and the man who's in self-proclaimed G.O.D. Mode
has become such a dominant human inside that ring.
And I don't even think Seth Rollins,
who has a deep history with Roman Reigns,
can understand there's levels to this ish.
And the top of it is the Big Uce.
That man.
[fireworks blast]
[crowd cheers]
Roman Reigns, always in some spectacular Jordans,
rocking some 1s in Nashville, ready to take off.
[Cole] Roman Reigns is not just
the longest-reigning Universal Champion in WWE history,
he is the most arrogant individual in the history of WWE.
-[McAfee] That's a lot… -Yeah!
[crowd cheers and boos]
[Jimmy] You don't know!
You better put the ones up, I'm telling you.
I'm telling you, put the ones up, man.
I'm telling you, put the one up.
Yo! Yo!
[McAfee] We're celebrating. We're celebrating.
That's on me.
[McAfee] Can't happen, though. Just having fun here.
Nashville.
[crowd cheers]
Acknowledge me.
[cheers and boos]
[McAfee] It'd be hard to stay humble
if that was the reaction every time you said something,
and you looked in the mirror and saw that face.
He's confident, he's not arrogant. He's the GOAT.
Yeah!
Ladies and gentlemen,
let's witness the highlights of the most dominant,
decorated WWE Champion…
Roman Reigns.
[Jimmy laughs]
[clock ticking]
["Bow Down" by ALIBI Music playing]
[Cole] Spear!
[referee] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -[announcer] The new Universal Champion…
♪ If you hate seein' me win Well, I got some news for you ♪
♪ You'll have to get used to it ♪
♪ 'Cause I do not lose, this what I do ♪
♪ And I am not new to it ♪
♪ I'm on a roll now ♪
♪ Showing no signs that I slow down ♪
♪ This is the moment it goes down ♪
[Cole] This is our main event of WrestleMania Sunday.
♪ Yeah, who really want it? ♪
♪ I'm feelin' good You lookin' exhausted ♪
♪ I'll take your limits And I go beyond it ♪
[Reigns] This is my WWE.
♪ I came here to conquer ♪
♪ I ain't gonna stop until I am iconic ♪
♪ Bring it on, bring it on ♪
♪ I'm taking on all of my enemies ♪
[McAfee] There's no end in sight for the reign of Roman Reigns.
♪ Bring it on, bring it on ♪
♪ This is my time and my legacy ♪
[Cole] It has been a year of complete dominance.
♪ When they talk about legends I'm mentioned initially ♪
♪ So you better bow down ♪
[Reigns] I'm in G.O.D. Mode now.
♪ You better bow down ♪
[Reigns] I'm the Tribal Chief. I'm the Head of your Table.
♪ You better bow down ♪
[Reigns] I'm the greatest of this generation.
I'm the greatest Universal Champion.
♪ So bow down ♪
[Reigns] I've beaten them all,
which makes me the greatest to ever do this.
♪ But you are not me So there's no competin' ♪
♪ Thinkin' we're even? Tellin' me ♪
♪ You're so embarrassin' ♪
♪ Complain and we tell 'em There is no comparison ♪
♪ All of this confidence All of this arrogance ♪
♪ I say it's both ♪
♪ You better watch me, I'm on a run ♪
♪ Nothing can stop me, I'm number one ♪
[Reigns] I'm the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table,
Universal Champion for however long I want to be.
♪ This is my world ♪
[Cole] Roman Reigns, the longest-reigning Universal Champion ever.
♪ My reign, so don't you forget it When I am the king ♪
Acknowledge me!
♪ You better bow down ♪
♪ So bow down ♪
-[clock ticking] -[music fades]
[dramatic note plays]
[crowd cheering]
That's real, bro. That's real. That's all you.
[McAfee] That was awesome.
[crowd cheers and boos]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[fireworks blast]
[McAfee] This son of a bitch!
[Cole] That would be Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
Roman Reigns' opponent at the Royal Rumble.
[crowd cheering]
["Visionary" playing]
♪ Oh, oh-oh-oh ♪
[McAfee] This is unbelievable.
In a bathrobe, he comes out and interrupts.
♪ Burn it down ♪
Oh, what kind of party would it be
without Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
[crowd cheering]
Hell of a package right there. Hell of a package. Congratulations.
Longest-reigning Universal Champion of all time,
and we should celebrate.
We should celebrate the fact that
that title reign is going to come to an end here very, very shortly.
[crowd cheering]
But also, we should celebrate the fact that you made an honest man out of me,
which is very difficult indeed.
You see, last week, Roman,
I came out here, and I told you
that you're not responsible for any of your own success.
And I meant that in a very meta way, like, you're the chosen one,
like you've been catered to, everything handed to you, but…
Oh, you took it so literally.
So literally, in fact, that you sent your cousins to Raw
to do your dirty work for you.
[crowd boos]
If you had a message to send, you've got my number.
Just text me.
But since we're out here for a celebration,
we should be celebrating
the longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions
in history, The Usos,
who in truth… in truth, and you know it,
they're the cornerstones of your Bloodline.
They're the ones who make everything you do possible.
They're the ones who hold you up.
Just like me and Mox did in The Shield, The Usos are your pedestal.
So, let's have a celebration for The Usos.
[chanting] Usos!
Usos!
[cackling]
That's a lot of fun.
I get why you guys do that now.
Oh, little brother, little brother.
You… you come out here and you make all the same excuses.
Did John Cena write that promo for you, huh?
Are you gonna say the same stuff?
[McAfee] Ooh! [laughs]
Let me assure you,
our match at the Royal Rumble will be one-on-one.
You have my word.
Woo-hoo-hoo! What are you gonna say next, "Believe that"?
Is that the next line that comes out of your mouth?
Because once upon a time, your word was good as gold,
but I just don't believe you.
So, here, how about this,
why don't you put your money where your mouth is.
How about tonight, I find a partner, I take on The Usos,
and when I beat them,
they're barred from ringside during our title match at the Rumble?
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Nobody wants that.
[crowd chants "yes" and "no"]
Hell yeah! Challenge accepted, Uce!
[Rollins] Oh, we got ourselves a main event, baby!
I love it! [cackles]
[Jey] You trippin' anyway.
You're crazy, bro.
Ain't nobody crazy enough back there to team with you in the first place,
so we good.
Mmm, mmm…
You do have a point, not too many people like me,
but I think, uh… I think--
["Fight" playing]
-[McAfee] Oh, what the hell? -Oh!
[Rollins laughs]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Well, it's Rumble season.
A couple of Monday Night Raw stars here on SmackDown.
Here comes KO.
[McAfee] What's this maniac doing out here?
[Rollins cackling]
I like him.
I like him!
[McAfee] Kevin Owens will try to jump off the top of this damn arena
to try to take out The Usos.
No, no, no, cut this stupid music.
Cut this stupid music now!
[music fades]
It ain't final until the Tribal Chief says so, you understand?
-[crowd cheers] -We need the Tribal Chief to say so?
You're a betting man now, huh?
Let's raise the stakes.
When you lose tonight,
that means you lose your match at the Royal Rumble.
[crowd booing]
And I'm going on vacation until WrestleMania, baby. [laughs]
What do you say? Deal?
[McAfee] Roman would deserve that.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
Come on.
-Are you kiddin' me? -[McAfee] Stakes are high,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-You're on. [guffaws] -[Cole] Oh, here we go!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Big-time main event here tonight.
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] And big-time pressure.
["Visionary" playing]
The Usos win,
Seth Rollins will forfeit his title opportunity at the Rumble.
If Rollins' team wins,
The Usos barred from the match at the Royal Rumble.
-♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪ -Yeah!
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
the pugnacious prankster Madcap Moss defeated Kofi Kingston last week.
Kofi will take up arms to defend the kingdom in the rematch, live, next.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is in Music City, Nashville, tonight.
[McAfee] Big weekend for Nashville,
the Tennessee Titans, host of a playoff game tomorrow,
as they take on the Bengals.
And tomorrow night, the Predators will be in this building.
It's a great time to be in Tennessee.
[Cole] And also, tonight, what a main event.
It has been confirmed.
It'll be Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins against The Usos.
If Rollins wins, The Usos barred from ringside,
can't help their cousin at the Rumble match.
That'd be Roman Reigns.
[McAfee] And when The Usos win,
Seth Rollins has to forfeit his opportunity
for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble,
and Roman Reigns will go on a much-deserved vacation.
[Cole] The Happy Folks, Corbin and Moss, are in the ring.
-Yeah! -Yeah!
♪ Get ready, ready, ready ♪
Nashville, thank you.
-We have been on a roll lately. -Woo!
Huh? First… First, we took out Drew McIntyre,
then last week, you steamrolled Sir Kofi Kingston.
[Moss whooping]
Hey! As incredible as Sir Kofi is,
without King Woods, the hand of the king is just a disembodied hand.
Ooh! Oh, I got one.
If Kofi started a Garth Brooks cover band, do you know what song he'd sing?
"Friends in No Places."
-[cackling] -[crowd booing]
♪ It's a new day, yes, it is ♪
[Cole] I guarantee you Kofi doesn't find that funny.
[McAfee] That's because he's got friends in low places.
[Cole] So here tonight, Kofi Kingston goes one-on-one with Madcap Moss.
Kofi trying to get some retribution after the Moss win last week.
Corbin had a little bit to do with that as well.
[McAfee] Yeah, well, that seems to be the tactics by Madcap and Happy Corbin.
Although they are insufferable, they have been rather impressive together.
Y'all wanna go big? Then say that. Ho!
[McAfee] What is this?
-[crowd cheering] -["Feel the Power" playing]
[Cole] It's… It's Big E!
Kofi's brother from The New Day,
Big E is here and Kofi's got backup against Moss and Corbin.
A former WWE Champion!
[McAfee] I love this move by Kofi.
Hey, Madcap, if you're gonna have that big, dumb, rich doofus with you…
[Cole] The Royal Rumble is a week from tomorrow.
That's why you're seeing some major stars from Monday Night Raw here tonight.
All four of these men will be in the Royal Rumble match
a week from tomorrow night.
It's every man for himself in the Royal Rumble match.
-Thirty men. Two men will start. -[bell rings]
Regularly scheduled intervals, another man will enter the matchup.
You're eliminated, over the top rope and both feet hit the floor.
And the winner punches his ticket
to the main event at the most stupendous two-night WrestleMania of all time.
Ooh! And a shoulder tackle!
[McAfee] Listen, the Royal Rumble is every man for themselves,
but it's nice to have a little backup in there early
when 30 Superstars are trying to get to the top.
Madcap will obviously have Happy Corbin. Kofi…
[Cole] Kofi Kingston's getting into record history-setting territory
at the Rumble match this year.
Oh! What a dropkick!
Kofi Kingston will enter the Rumble match for the 14th time in his career.
Only Kane, at 17, has more Royal Rumble match appearances.
And Kofi with a Boom Drop to Madcap Moss,
who enters his first-ever Royal Rumble match a week from tomorrow.
[McAfee] Number one trend in the United States and that's because…
[crowd chants] New Day rocks! New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Cole] And now, Corbin, up on the apron, causing a distraction yet again.
Madcap Moss from behind!
[McAfee] Happy just has this way of getting in people's minds.
[Cole] Listen, Happy Corbin is happy for a reason.
He lost everything, he was down on his luck,
he was living out on the street…
-[McAfee] Eating poop. Eating poop-- -[Cole] He was about to quit WWE.
And then, he hit it big, hit the jackpot in Las Vegas.
Now, he's rich, he's on top of the world, and get this, Pat.
Corbin hasn't been pinned or submitted since he became Happy Corbin.
…stairs. Let's go!
[McAfee] It has been wildly impressive, the transformation
from bum-ass Corbin to Happy Corbin, but happy--
[Cole] And Kofi Kingston, the agility of Kingston,
taking out Madcap Moss!
-[screams] -Hey!
[Cole] And now, Big E, gonna make Corbin pay!
[crowd cheers]
Welcome back New Day, here tonight on SmackDown.
And all four of the men at ringside here tonight
are in the Royal Rumble match.
The match is Kingston versus Madcap Moss,
while Happy Corbin and Big E are outside the ring,
cheering on their brethren.
And here's Kingston now, and Madcap Moss!
What a spinebuster!
How impressive has Madcap Moss been?
[McAfee] He's incredibly explosive, fast, terrible joke-teller,
but, obviously, a threat in the ring.
-[Cole] Unique ring gear as well. -Look at your boy.
[McAfee] Well, the suspenders are smart to hold up their shorts,
so they can showcase the tights.
He is an absolutely chiseled specimen.
[Cole] He knocked off Kofi Kingston last week,
and this week Kofi Kingston brings Big E over
from Monday Night Raw to help even the odds.
Oh! And Moss, sent shoulder-first into the turnbuckle.
[McAfee] Popped off a suspender, might have knocked a little screw loose
in the brain of Madcap Moss.
[Cole] Now Kofi Kingston, the former WWE Champion, looking to rally.
A man who's come up with some of the most innovative and creative ways
to remain in a Royal Rumble match in WWE history.
What does he have in store for us this year,
a week from tomorrow night?
[McAfee] I would argue Kofi,
one of the most electrifying Royal Rumble participants in history.
[Cole] Oh, look at that!
[McAfee] Speaking of electric,
because of things like that.
[Cole] Kingston!
Down goes Moss.
-Cover now by Kofi! -One, two…
[Cole] Hook of the leg. Almost had him, and a kick-out by Madcap.
[McAfee] I thought that was it. Madcap showing, obviously, incredible grit here.
None of us know how Madcap and Happy Corbin became accomplices.
[Cole] Well, Happy Corbin likes the way that Madcap Moss makes him laugh.
He thinks Moss is funny.
Uh-oh! Look at the power of Madcap Moss,
planting Kingston, spiking him!
Cover. Hook of the leg!
Kingston at two.
[Big E] Keep digging!
[McAfee] It's nice to be a jester every once in a while,
but when you have the skills that Madcap has,
you would think he'd get sick of telling terrible jokes for a dumbass.
One, two!
[Cole] Well, apparently, their relationship is pretty strong,
and they've been pretty effective, Pat.
[McAfee] Money has a way of doing things, believe me.
[Cole] And look at Kingston, lands on his feet.
Kofi, sidestepping Moss and caught him with a kick!
Good night, Madcap Moss!
Kingston with the win!
-[bell rings] -From out of nowhere.
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Sir Kofi Kingston!
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Madcap Moss is one of the quickest men
I've ever seen in the ring.
Coming off the ropes like he's shot out of a cannon,
and instead, he ate a boot to the mouth from Kofi.
Happy, you don't want any piece of this, pal.
[Big E shouting] Jump if you wanna-- Hey! Jump if you wanna jump!
[crowd cheering]
Hey! Hey!
[McAfee] If you're feeling froggy, go ahead and leap there, Happy.
Is this your boy?
You wanna come get your boy?
Uh-huh. No.
Hey, this is for you!
[Cole] Oh, this is no laughing matter tonight for Madcap Moss.
[indistinct shouts]
Big E with a Big Ending as Happy Corbin looks on.
[Kofi shouting]
-Let's go! -["Feel the Power" playing]
[Cole] Come on, Happy. Go help your friend.
[McAfee] Hey, Happy, don't be a coward, okay?
Your little jokester just ate a boot to the mouth and then a Big Ending.
[Cole] But the stage is set. The field of 30 is filling up.
The winner of the Royal Rumble match,
to battle the champion of his choice in the main event at WrestleMania.
Who makes history a week from tomorrow night?
And speaking of making history,
here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
I have three Guinness World Records,
and tonight I'm gonna set a fourth world record
for the fastest victory in WWE history.
[Cole] Natalya going right after Aliyah.
The bell hasn't even rung. The match hasn't started.
Aliyah may not be able to even start this match.
[McAfee] Aliyah is gonna fight.
It's an opportunity she's been dreaming about.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Wait a minute. Roll-up by Aliyah.
-Shoulders are down. Aliyah wins! -[bell rings]
Can you believe it? Natalya is shocked.
[announcer] I have just been informed
that Aliyah also set a new WWE record
for fastest victory of 3.17 seconds.
[Cole] Natalya's not the only record holder.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] When asked about that on Talking Smack this past Saturday,
Aliyah simply said, "What a time to be alive."
-[crowd cheers] -["It's All Boujee" playing]
[McAfee] Her first singles match on SmackDown,
she breaks a world record.
[Cole] Well, it's a clash of record holders.
The newly minted WWE record holder, Aliyah,
looks to keep her momentum going in a rematch
against the three-time Guinness World Record holder,
and the self-proclaimed BOAT, Natalya.
They go one-on-on, live, next.
♪ It's all boujee ♪
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[McAfee] Ladies and gentlemen,
big shout-out to Jimmie Allen in attendance tonight.
Grammy-nominated country music artist
and two-time Best New Artist champion of last year.
[Cole] He's gonna witness the main event, which is now made official.
Tonight, it's going to be Rollins and Owens against The Usos.
[McAfee] With big-time stakes on the line.
When The Usos win, Seth Rollins must forfeit his opportunity
for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble,
and Roman Reigns will go on vacation.
[Cole] But if Rollins and KO win, The Usos will be barred from ringside,
can't help their cousin, Roman Reigns, at the Rumble event.
Well, here is the three-time Guinness Book of World Records holder,
Natalya, set to take on the one-time
Guinness Book of World Records holder, Aliyah,
one-on-one here tonight.
And there is Summer Rae, former WWE Superstar,
who returns to in-ring action for the first time in almost five years
at the Royal Rumble match.
[McAfee] Welcome back, Summer Rae.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome WWE legend,
she'll be competing in this year's Women's Royal Rumble,
Nashville's own, Summer Rae!
[Cole] And Natalya's not making many friends.
She's been in a war of words on social media as of late
-with Summer Rae. Matchup underway now. -[bell rings]
Natalya's petitioning, Pat…
Oh, look at this now. Aliyah rolling up Natalya in a match
that's already longer than last week's,
where Aliyah set the record for fastest victory in WWE history, 3.17 seconds.
Natalya is petitioning the Guinness Book of World Records
to say that she should actually hold the record
since she was beaten in that amount of time,
and they should strip the record from Aliyah.
Cover now by Natalya.
Hook of the leg and Aliyah kicks out.
[McAfee] She was certainly a part of it.
-I talked to her earlier and this-- -You're gonna learn.
You're gonna learn to disrespect me.
[McAfee] These are her words, not mine. She said, "How many world records--"
[Cole] Oh, roll-up by Aliyah now. Almost had her again.
[McAfee] She said, "Bret Hart has zero world records, I have three,
and it should be four."
[referee] Off the hair, Natalya.
[McAfee] She said she has her assistant reaching out
to the Hollywood Foreign Press,
the people at Guinness World Records thing.
I mean, Natalya is the BOAT,
the best of all time in her eyes, a lot of records.
[Cole] She said she's been so busy as of late
she had to hire a personal assistant.
And Aliyah, who's just happy, as she says, to be alive
and to be a part of WWE.
Aliyah now, putting up a fight. Look at this.
From the top rope now, Aliyah sends Natalya flying.
[McAfee] Incredible balance.
[Cole] Oh, runs right into the discus clothesline,
made famous by Natalya's dad, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart.
Cover now on Aliyah,
hook of the leg, and a kick-out.
When are you gonna learn, Aliyah?
[McAfee] She's the most winning women's Superstar in the history
of the business, Natalya.
Been there, done that, but Aliyah has made quite an impression.
[Cole] One thing Natalya has never won is the Royal Rumble match.
Both of these women will partake in that match next Saturday night,
a week from tomorrow, the Dome at America's Center.
[McAfee] She's had more matches than any other woman in WWE history.
[Cole] Roll-up by Aliyah, for another win,
and a kick-out by Natalya,
who could not have been expecting this type of fight
out of Aliyah here tonight.
[McAfee] I mean, Aliyah caught her by surprise last week,
-she had to. -One, two, three!
-[McAfee] Natalya's been there, done that. -Back it up.
[Cole] Let's not forget, Natalya also attacked Aliyah
before the match even began last week,
'cause Natalya's the one who wanted to try to set the record
-for fastest victory in WWE. -[referee counting]
Aliyah turned the tables on her.
[McAfee] Aliyah never had a match--
-[bell rings] -What the…
That's it, Natalya. That's it, come on!
-[Cole] Natalya just-- -[crowd boos]
An unrelenting assault.
The official warned her a number of times.
[crowd booing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, as a result of a disqualification,
Aliyah!
[Cole] Aliyah now owns two victories over Natalya in the past two weeks.
Hey, Natalya was warned. The official did his job.
-Now, Natalya's lost it. -[referee] Knock it off, Natalya!
Knock it off! Match is over!
[McAfee] Stern but fair, this official, I actually like to see it, but Natalya,
0-2 against Aliyah.
["Fighting Spirit" playing]
Oh, is this…
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Natalya has had some firm words about this woman
over the past number of weeks. This is Xia Li.
[Xia Li screams]
[electricity crackling]
[indistinct]
-[McAfee] Natalya looks a little worried. -[Cole] Yeah, a bit nervous.
-[McAfee] How could she not be? -[Cole] She talked a big game.
Come on, let's do it.
[Cole] And Natalya went right after Xia Li!
And a kick right to the midsection, driving Natalya out of the ring.
[McAfee] Xia Li.
[Cole] Xia Li "The Protector,"
coming to the aid of Aliyah here tonight, shocking and startling Natalya.
[McAfee] Xia Li hates vultures, hates bullies, hates bad people.
Natalya fell right into her sights and she came out here
and kicked her ass out of the ring.
[Cole] And, by the way, the winner of the match, Aliyah.
Knocking off Natalya twice in the last two weeks, she's undefeated.
["Fighting Spirit" playing]
Ladies and gentlemen, we've been talking about the Royal Rumble
a week from tomorrow.
The Royal Rumble kicks off the Road to WrestleMania.
We are ten weeks away
from the most stupendous two-night WrestleMania in history.
[McAfee] And when you say "stupendous," you better give it the proper accolades.
I've been Googling, I've been searching.
What is the proper definition of "stupendous"?
Is that a dictionary?
You're damn right. They still exist.
"Amazing, astounding, marvelous, astonishing, phenomenal,
breathtaking, smashing, superb, fabulous, fantastic, tremendous,
wondrous, monumental, mind-blowing, terrific, radical,
colossal, dynamite, staggering."
All of those words are the definition for one word,
and that is "stupendous."
And speaking of WrestleMania, listen to this.
-This coming Monday, WWE social media-- -You read it.
Also, Monday Night Raw,
all the news you need to know about WrestleMania Week.
Hey, are you gonna bring the Farmers' Almanac out next week?
And the phone book.
All the things that don't really get used as much as they should.
As much as they should.
That's what "stupendous" means. It's big.
It's all the good words combined, which is what WrestleMania is,
especially in this two-night live event.
[Cole] And coming up next, Los Lotharios
look for a big-time tag team win
against the number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles,
the Viking Raiders.
You ready to join the raid?
[McAfee] Yeah, I'll join the raid, especially with these two guys
that are en fuego.
They're stupendous!
["Vamos" playing]
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Los Lotharios, Angel and Humberto,
set for tag team action here tonight.
[McAfee] Yeah, these guys, obviously incredibly attractive…
-Raid! -…ruthless in the ring.
Incredibly talented.
[Cole] Time to join the raid!
[fireworks blast]
-Raid! Raid! Raid! -[indistinct]
[McAfee] How could it not when two Vikings enter the screen?
["Raid" playing]
[Cole] Hey, I want to take you back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown,
and a pretty amazing Fatal 4-Way match
to determine the number one contenders for The Usos' SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
Jimmy and Jey were actually joining us on commentary
to watch this high-flying action.
And in the end, it would be Ivar and Erik, the Viking Raiders,
who put on a show.
The Viking Experience would knock off Los Lotharios,
the other two teams, and now they've got a date with The Usos.
Let's not… Let's not sweep under the rug what was said earlier tonight
by Seth Rollins, and it is a fact.
The Usos are now the longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions in history,
187 days with the titles.
Will the Viking Raiders be able to end that reign?
[McAfee] They have everything it takes to be champions.
When you tie it together,
that's what's so impressive about the champions
-that can withstand for a long time. -[bell rings]
That makes Hall of Famers.
That's what separates the good from the great,
is can you be great every single night?
[Cole] Humberto starting things off against Ivar here tonight.
The Vikings in an interview on social media…
Tag made by Erik.
Said, "The Vikings historically have never raided Samoa."
Ooh! "But we are on your shores."
A little warning to The Usos.
And here's the double-team by the Raiders.
[McAfee] Well, one if by land, two if by sea.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders saying,
"The Usos have been so busy protecting Roman."
"Who is protecting The Usos?"
Tag.
Oh! And the double-team by Los Lotharios.
Very impressive tag team. Cover.
I thought Angel was going for the cover, but instead, continuing to beat down Erik.
[McAfee] Yeah, their ring IQ is very high, Los… uh…
[Cole] Your IQ's real high tonight. You got a dictionary at ringside.
[McAfee] You're damn right. Hadn't opened one of these in, maybe, ever, but…
[Cole] Tag. Here's Humberto.
[McAfee] People were saying it was a thesaurus.
No, no, those were all words to define--
-[Cole] Oh! -[McAfee] "Stupendous."
Three! Get out! Come on!
[Cole] And off the snapmare, the double basement dropkick.
Cover now by Humberto on Erik.
And this would be a humiliating loss for the Viking Raiders
if they don't pick up the win here tonight
after… a week after being named number one contenders.
[McAfee] I don't think that's the case because of how talented Los Lotharios are.
-[groans] -[crowd exclaims]
[McAfee] I mean, that knee was gigantic. Tag.
[Cole] Oh! And a shoulder tackle by the gigantic Ivar.
So agile for a big man, the way he flies around the ring.
Just an example there with a flying crossbody.
Raid! Raid!
[Cole] Former Raw Tag Team Champions. Oh, a spinning heel kick,
just about knocked the teeth out of the mouth of Humberto.
[McAfee] That dude just got his foot up over his head.
[Cole] But there's the quickness of… Oh!
Angel planting Ivar, for the win now! Stacks him up!
Two and a half, kick-out.
[McAfee] That was a deep, deep pin there.
-Somehow, Ivar gets out of that thing. -[Cole] Double-team. Tag.
Erik's legal, I'm not sure Los Lotharios realize that,
but they're about to.
[McAfee] He just did a cartwheel. Sorry, that Viking just did a cartwheel.
[Cole] Double-team. Look at this. Look at the power of Erik!
Combination World's Strongest Slam and spinebuster.
Viking Experience!
One, two, three!
[bell rings]
-[crowd cheers] -["Raid" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the Viking Raiders!
[Cole] That's as impressive as the Viking Raiders have looked in a very long time.
[McAfee] It's a good time to find your groove, to get into your zone.
The Viking Raiders are performing at an all-time high.
[Cole] Well, we want to show you what's been going on
because for months the hostilities have been building
between WWE official Sonya Deville and Naomi.
No jacket, no boss, right?
-That's what you told me, right? -Not exactly--
Whoa, whoa! Guys, guys, please, please. Ladies, please.
Everybody knows I almost had Charlotte beat last week,
had it not been for her interfering and changing the rules on the fly.
You deserve another opportunity. How about this?
Next week, Naomi versus Charlotte Flair?
-Run it back. -Yes!
You better stay in your cage, Cruella.
[Cole] In my opinion, a great decision being made there
by WWE official Adam Pearce, and it is now time to feel the glow.
♪ I'm amazing ♪
♪ I'm a-- I'm a-- I'm ama-a-a-azing ♪
["Amazing" playing]
♪ Bring it to the floor ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The problem is, Pat, we still don't know why Sonya Deville has…
an issue with Naomi.
[McAfee] I thought to myself, there are no words that sound better
than this heater of a song right now, but you thought differently.
But we'll go with it.
♪ You ain't ever seen no one like me ♪
[Cole] It could be just jealousy for Sonya Deville,
but Deville couldn't help but interfere
when Naomi faced the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Charlotte Flair, two weeks ago.
But Naomi gets a fresh opportunity against The Opportunity,
the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair.
It's live. It's next. I think you're jealous too.
♪ I'm amazing ♪
[Cole] Tonight in our main event,
Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens against The Usos.
Such high stakes for next week's Royal Rumble.
If Rollins wins, The Usos can't help their cousin.
They're barred from ringside for Roman Reigns,
next week at the Rumble match.
[McAfee] Hey. When The Usos win,
Seth Rollins has to forfeit his Universal Title opportunity at the Royal Rumble,
and Roman Reigns gets a well-deserved vacation.
[Cole] And what an opportunity for Naomi tonight
as she takes on the SmackDown Women's Champion.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
[music fades]
[McAfee] Shout-out to Progressive.
["Recognition" playing]
[crowd cheers and boos]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is a Championship Contenders match!
Introducing first, she is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] So this is pretty interesting, what's transpiring as we head
into the Royal Rumble match next Saturday night,
a week from tomorrow,
streaming live and exclusively on Peacock
from the Dome at America's Center in St. Louis,
because both of these women
are involved in the 30-women Royal Rumble match.
[fireworks blast]
That woman, Charlotte Flair, won the Royal Rumble match
two years ago in 2020.
Now, if she could accomplish that again this year,
Charlotte will have the opportunity for the first time in history
to actually pick her challenger for WrestleMania.
If you win the Royal Rumble match, you normally get to pick the champion
you wanna battle against in the main event at WrestleMania.
Charlotte, as the champion, could actually pick her challenger.
[McAfee] Don't rule out just wrestling against herself in the main event.
I mean, Charlotte is incredibly intelligent, talented,
and I see no reason why she couldn't go into the Royal Rumble
and win that thing.
[Cole] And Naomi is all of those adjectives you just mentioned as well.
And tonight, if Naomi can knock off the SmackDown Women's Champion,
she could earn herself a future opportunity at the gold.
So big-time match, big-time atmosphere
here tonight in Music City, USA, Nashville, Tennessee,
for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
[McAfee] Nashville is popping, lit,
all those synonyms for "fantastic," right now.
This crowd is electrifying,
and Naomi is finally getting an opportunity
to step into the match that she deserves.
-[Cole] Charlotte Flair who-- -[McAfee] What is this?
-[Cole] That's WWE official Sonya Deville. -[McAfee] Why are you here?
[crowd booing]
Take off my shirt?
-Are you serious? -Take off your shirt now.
[McAfee] Charles. That's Charles Robinson.
[Cole] Veteran referee Charles Robinson being asked to take his referee shirt off.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] I mean, what is she doing?
-Oh, abusing her power yet again. -[Naomi] No! She can't do this.
Actually, I can.
[McAfee] Imagine if Roger Goodell walked out and said, "Hey, stripes."
We'd like it at some point.
Roger could do better than some of the refs.
That's what we're witnessing here. This is grotesque.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] This is a complete abuse of power.
Sonya Deville is going to be the official for this matchup,
and Charlotte Flair, as the bell rings, with a cheap shot.
Notice how she hid behind Deville before delivering the right hand to Naomi.
And Naomi, once again, is not gonna get a fair shake
against the SmackDown Women's Champion.
We still don't know why Sonya Deville has it in for Naomi.
Is it jealousy? Perhaps.
[McAfee] Uh… definitely. What are we even…
[Naomi groans]
[McAfee] I mean, Sonya just doesn't have "doing the right thing" in her DNA.
[Cole] It's pathetic, Pat, is what it is.
Somebody, at some point, has got to put a stop to this.
[McAfee] Look at this move.
-What is going on here? -[Cole] Oh.
Classic Charlotte Flair.
[McAfee] Listen, I have the utmost respect for Charlotte Flair, okay?
Yep.
[McAfee] But what is going on here is just absolute malarkey.
Baloney, some would say.
[crowd whooping]
Incredible athleticism from Charlotte Flair.
-Too easy, mama. -[McAfee] She doesn't need a manipulative,
terrible official on her side, but she'll definitely take her.
You all right?
[Cole] Charlotte Flair seems to be enjoying every bit of this.
[McAfee] Naomi just shows up and wants to work and prove herself.
What? Do you think that's funny?
[McAfee] Getting held back.
[Cole] And Naomi, trying to fight back, perhaps.
Oh! And a kick to Charlotte, and Naomi may have an opportunity.
Naomi, looking to fight back. Charlotte Flair, though, catching Naomi.
-[Naomi screams] -Boston crab position now.
Now! Come on! Come on!
[Cole] Naomi, trying to drag herself to the bottom rope
which would force a break here.
Well, should force a break
as Charlotte drags Naomi back toward the center.
[McAfee] Naomi looking to reverse it, struggling. Charlotte, struggling.
[Cole] Naomi… Charlotte Flair, gonna spin around now--
-Sonya Deville, knocked out of the ring. -[McAfee] Oh no! Oh no!
[Cole] Now Naomi, with a Rear View and a cover on Charlotte.
-One, two, three! -[McAfee] Get in the ring!
[Cole] That was at least a six-count. Naomi had the champ pinned.
-Come on! -[Cole] Naomi had the champ pinned, Sonya!
-[McAfee] Sonya, just go count! -Come on! [screams]
[Cole] Charlotte from behind.
A chop lock to the left leg of Naomi,
setting her up perfectly here for the figure-four.
-[bell rings] -Looking to bridge to figure-eight.
Naomi didn't even tap and Sonya called for the bell.
That's as crooked as you can get.
[McAfee] What in the Bret Hart is going on?
[Cole] Charlotte won't even break the hold.
She's gonna break Naomi's damn leg.
You know, Pat, enough is enough.
[announcer] Here's your winner by submission,
the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] You know, Pat, we're supposed to be unbiased out here, right?
But somebody at WWE headquarters has got to do something about this.
-This is complete, obvious, blatant… -How does it feel to be a big loser?
["Recognition" playing]
[Cole] …abuse of power.
[McAfee] Yeah, I didn't know I was supposed to be fair, or whatever, but…
I mean, I'm bummed for Naomi.
An incredible talent just getting abused here.
Charlotte Flair had to do what Charlotte Flair had to do,
-but Sonya stinks. -You're so pathetic.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] One of these days, Pat. One of these days for Naomi.
[McAfee] I hate Sonya. I hate Sonya.
-[crowd boos] -[laughs]
Clearly, Sonya Deville still has an issue with Naomi,
but right now, please welcome my guests Kevin Owens and Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[cackles]
Now, gentlemen, the two of you have
a high-stakes tag team match tonight against The Usos.
Seth, why are you willing to put your title opportunity
-on the line tonight? -Well, you--
Do you mind if I take this one?
-Eh! Have at it, Kev. -Thank you.
Kayla, let's be honest here.
If it wasn't for The Usos, I, Kevin Owens,
would be the longest-reigning Universal Champion of all time,
but they kept that from happening. And you know what?
The thought of them doing the same thing to… to my friend,
my best friend,
it tears me up inside.
[laughs] Oh, Kev.
You have become an honest man. God, I'm so proud of you.
-That therapy's really working. -Thanks.
Kayla, look, I know the stakes are huge,
but in this situation, the risk is worth the reward.
Absolutely.
Can I beat Roman Reigns with The Usos by his side?
-Yeah. Yeah. I believe in you. -Maybe. Maybe.
-One-on-one? -[snorts]
I'm reminded of an old saying.
Death, taxes,
and Seth "Freakin" Rollins
-beats Roman Reigns every single-- -Every time.
-Every time, he knows it. -Every single time.
-[cackles] -I have a T-shirt that says it.
I'm gonna go with my friend.
[Cole] So, again, if Rollins and KO win tonight,
The Usos barred from ringside at the Rollins-Reigns match at the Rumble.
But if The Usos win,
Seth Rollins will forfeit his opportunity at Roman Reigns' Universal Championship.
Write it down, because Roman Reigns will go on a vacation
when The Usos get a win in the main event tonight.
[Cole] So here comes Sami Zayn.
And he's had this ongoing rivalry pact with his fellow Royal Rumble competitor,
and the star of the upcoming movie, Jackass Forever, Johnny Knoxville.
We both spoke to Sami a bit earlier today,
and he told us that tonight he's going to outdo the prank
that first made Knoxville famous.
We're gonna explain that in just a moment.
[indistinct shouting]
["This Is It" playing]
[Cole] The WWE Royal Rumble is delivered with DoorDash,
and sponsored by Cricket, everything you want,
including the price.
Now, remember when Johnny Knoxville
would, uh, well, use various self-defense weapons on himself?
[McAfee] Those were the good days.
I loved those days of Johnny Knoxville trying to just kill himself on television.
[Cole] Sami Zayn says he's going to do that
and much, much more when we return, live, next.
-[McAfee] Here? -Yeah.
-[McAfee] Now? Oh. -[Cole] On SmackDown.
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is in Music City, USA, on Broadway,
at the Bridgestone Arena here in Nashville, Tennessee.
[McAfee] Kicking off a massive weekend here.
[Cole] And speaking of massive, look who's here tonight.
That is WWE Hall of Famer,
five-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and rapper,
Kid Rock is here tonight at SmackDown.
[quirky music playing]
[McAfee] And now it's time for "In-Zayn."
All right! I'm Sami Zayn.
Welcome to "In-Zayn."
And this is self-defense.
Here's something a lot of you might not know about Johnny Knoxville.
Oh, the great Johnny Knoxville.
Before he ever got famous doing Jackass,
and becoming a household name,
he first got noticed when he put out a video
where he was testing self-defense weapons on himself.
So that is exactly what I am gonna do here tonight.
I have lined up some of the most dangerous self-defense weapons
on the market, and some that are not on the market.
[McAfee chuckles]
And I am gonna test them on myself to prove to you all,
to prove to Johnny Knoxville, that anything he can do,
Sami Zayn can do better.
[crowd booing]
So we're gonna start it with this guy here, the Livestock Jolt 3000.
Three settings.
On its max setting, it can put down a rhinoceros.
All right?
Let's kick this off at level one.
And, oh… Okay. [chuckles]
Level one's slightly… slightly higher voltage than I thought,
but, uh, that's okay.
That's okay. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
All right.
[McAfee] We shall.
If Johnny Knoxville can do it, Sami Zayn can do it.
Here we go.
-[McAfee] Right in the calf. -All right.
[exhales] One, two, three.
-[electricity crackles] -Ow!
[screams] Oh! Oh God!
Ow! Oh-ho! Okay.
Okay!
Shut up. Shut-Shut your mouth.
One sec, one sec, one sec.
Okay.
-Okay. -[McAfee] That had to hurt, obviously.
Oh my God!
[crowd booing]
Not great, not gonna lie.
That wasn't fun. Okay.
No big deal.
Piece of cake, actually. Piece of cake.
[McAfee] Turn it up a little bit, huh?
Let's, uh, let's ramp things up a little to level two, shall we?
Oh my God. [laughs]
That's… That's high voltage. That is really, really high.
Okay, uh, fun fact, this level of voltage
is actually what Johnny Knoxville used to test on himself.
It incapacitated him for over 15 minutes,
but let's see what this stunt looks like when a real man does it, shall we?
Here we go, level two.
-All right. -[McAfee] Fifteen minutes without air.
No messing around here. Actually, let's, uh, let's up the ante a little bit.
This one's going straight to the heart.
-[McAfee] Whoa. -[chuckles]
-Oh. Okay, shut your mouth. -[Cole] Stupid.
This is dangerous. Shut your mouth.
[McAfee] We repeat, do not do this at home.
[Cole] This guy's an idiot.
-Okay, okay… -[McAfee] I'd say.
-But that's what idiots do. -One… One, two, three.
-[zaps] -Oh my God!
Oh my God!
Oh God! Oh, oh, oh! Ooh!
-Woof! Woof! Woof! -[crowd booing]
-[Cole] Can't believe you're alive. -[Zayn groans]
[McAfee] Is that right through his heart?
Why? Why?
Oh, that hurt so much. Oh my God!
[Jackass intro theme playing]
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Thank the heavens
for this Jackass showing up.
[Cole] It's actually Johnny Knoxville.
The gentleman who made all these stunts famous.
[McAfee] An entire generation was founded around this man
and his friends trying to hurt themselves
in insane fashions on a weekly basis.
[Cole] Insane, not In-Zayn.
Take it easy, pal.
Now, Sami, let me get this straight.
You were so concerned about me
making a mockery of your profession in this ring,
but it seems like that's what you're doing to mine.
[Cole] Disrespectful.
And I've been around a lot of these weapons, and something seems off here.
Something seems off. Let me see it.
[crowd chanting] Johnny! Johnny! Johnny!
-[McAfee] They're not saying "Sami." -[Zayn] Hey! You're in the middle--
-Let me see it. -This is not Jackass.
This is "In-Zayn."
Nothing is off with this. You wanna see it, you can see--
-No, let me see it. -You can see it from here.
-Give it to me. -Don't touch it!
-Hey, give me-- -Okay, let's all calm down.
Let's all calm down. Easy.
Listen to me. That's dangerous.
All right, it looks… It is legit.
[Zayn] Thank you very much. Can you just be careful?
But somebody forgot to turn it on.
-[McAfee] Oh! -[Cole] Oh! What a buffoon.
[McAfee] Wow!
That's not true. It was on the whole time.
-You saw me get shocked. -No, I just fixed that for you.
Yeah, I fixed it for you.
-[McAfee] We got a live! -What do you mean? No, no.
-It was on. -It's on now.
-[zaps] -[screams]
-[Cole] Oh my God! No! -[cackles]
[McAfee] Did Sami poop his pants?
-[Zayn moans] -That really hurts.
-Ow! -That does not feel good.
[Zayn] Johnny, why? Oh!
Oh man. I'm sorry. Come on, buddy.
-Let me help you up. -Johnny!
-Come on. -Ow!
-Let me help you up. -I'm hurting. I'm hurting.
[Johnny] Come on!
-Why? -I-I'm helping a man up.
-Why? -Come on. [groans]
-Why? Why'd you do that? -You're doing good.
-Why'd you do that? -[groans]
-Oh my God. -It doesn't feel good.
-[moans] -Oh. You're a good guy.
See you at the Rumble.
-[screams] -[Cole] Oh, and add insult to injury.
Knoxville would have eliminated Sami Zayn
if it was a week from tomorrow night.
[McAfee] Knoxville might eliminate a lot of folks.
He eats tasers for breakfast!
[Cole] Hey, after this ovation here tonight,
maybe he should be called Johnny Nashville.
[McAfee] Oh, I like what you said there.
[Cole] Hey, by the way,
Knoxville and Sami among the 30 men
who will be in the over-the-top-rope, 30-man Royal Rumble match,
the winner, main event at WrestleMania!
[Jackass intro theme playing]
[indistinct chatter]
I've said this for years.
A pessimist complains about the winds.
An optimist expects it to change.
But a true leader adjusts the sails.
That's good. That's damn good.
-I appreciate that very much. -[door opens]
Eric.
-Sonya. -Hello.
Perfect timing. Eric Bischoff, Sonya Deville.
Sonya, I'm sure you're well aware
of Eric's extensive history as the decision-maker here in WWE.
Of course. It's a pleasure to meet you.
I just, uh, didn't know you were coming tonight.
You know, Sonya, as a WWE official,
what you did out there tonight was completely over the line.
Completely overstepped your bounds.
And I don't know what this issue is that you have with Naomi,
but it's got to stop.
Eric and I were talking
and we both think it's affecting your leadership ability.
Oh.
Look, I want you to hear this from me.
Because of what happened, I am going to suggest to upper management
that you and Naomi have a match, one-on-one, next week.
[crowd cheers]
Okay, let me know what they say.
Gentlemen.
-Now that, that is leadership. -[door closes]
Thank you.
[Cole] The very influential Eric Bischoff.
[McAfee] Eighty-two weeks of knowledge there
making some magic happen here on SmackDown.
Thank you, Eric Bischoff.
["Hellfire" playing]
[Cole] It's Fight Night!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] By the way, Adam Pearce
slowly raising… rising quickly in the official ranks
across all professional sports.
[Cole] Well, "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus
is in action next on Friday Night SmackDown,
as he looks to vanquish the high-flying Ricochet once and for all.
Sheamus and Ricochet. Now, look who's here!
[McAfee] Hey! Welcome back, Ridge.
Good-looking face on you, pal.
[Cole] We'll tell you that story, live, next.
["It's About to Go Down" playing]
[Cole] There's Ricochet, as we welcome you back inside the Bridgestone Arena
in Nashville, Tennessee, for Friday Night SmackDown.
Ricochet to go one-on-one with Sheamus.
Now, Ridge Holland, Sheamus' protégé, is out here.
Now, the story with this is back at the Day 1 pay-per-view event,
it was the first Premium Live Event
of the new year, on January 1st, in Atlanta.
In a tag team matchup,
Cesaro launched Ricochet through the air, Ricochet…
[bell rings]
…came crashing down into the face of Ridge Holland,
shattering Holland's nose.
[McAfee] Here we are, just 20 days later, and Ridge looks unbelievable.
He looked terrible.
His entire face was split open.
Now, Sheamus says, "Hey, listen, Ridge, you're my protégé--"
[Cole] Oh! Well, Sheamus, who's had his nose surgically repaired
a couple of times.
-[McAfee] These, uh… -[Cole] Brawling?
Ooh! Oh, and Ricochet now, taking the fight to Sheamus.
[Sheamus screams]
And Sheamus, with the Irish Curse backbreaker, buckling Ricochet.
[McAfee] One-handed there on Ricochet.
Number one trend in the United States.
How you doing? Keep it moving.
[grunts]
[Cole] Sheamus mentioned a couple of weeks ago
that he will be joining the Royal Rumble match
a week from tomorrow night, streaming live on Peacock.
Sheamus knows what it's all about.
Ten years ago, Sheamus won the Royal Rumble match.
He would go on to cash in for a World Championship at WrestleMania,
and that's what it's all about.
You win the Royal Rumble match,
you cash your ticket to the main event,
for the championship of your choosing,
at the most stupendous two-night WrestleMania in history.
[McAfee] You're not watching 2K22 right now.
Ricochet just did that in real life.
[Cole] Oh! And Sheamus did that as well.
[Ridge laughs] That's what I love.
[Cole] A powerhouse brawler who has an incredible resume.
The only title that Sheamus has never won in WWE?
The Intercontinental Championship.
[McAfee] Highly decorated.
His resume is one that is fantastic.
Still doing it at such a high level,
and he's never lost that edge
of just wanting to beat the bodhrán.
[Cole] He just wants to plow through you.
-[crowd] …two, three, four… -Ten Beats of the Bodhrán.
[crowd] …five, six…
[Cole] Argument could be made, Pat,
that he's the most physical Superstar in WWE history.
Oh! And in tremendous shape as well.
-You gotta love it. -[McAfee] Just sent Ricochet
over the top rope with ease.
Remember, he'll have to do that the other way
and get an opportunity to main event WrestleMania.
[Cole] And if you're Ridge Holland, what an opportunity to kickstart,
jumpstart your career here in WWE, to learn from a man like Sheamus.
Now, listen, you might not agree with the way Sheamus carries himself
and some of the things he says, but as Kid Rock will say,
who's here tonight in attendance,
"It's not cocky if you back it up," right?
And Ricochet now with a kick to Sheamus, dropping him off the apron.
[McAfee] Kid Rock has certainly said a lot of things.
[Cole] And Ricochet now,
in his zone! Oh, ran right into a kick!
Ricochet, looking for the suicide dive,
and Sheamus made him pay.
[McAfee] Suicide dive almost became homicide, 'cause full-body,
-right into a knee. -[crowd] Oh!
[McAfee] Shout out to DoorDash and Cricket for that replay.
DoorDash has changed the way I live my entire life.
-[Cole] No kidding. -[McAfee] Sheamus is about to deliver
something fantastic to Ricochet, I believe.
[Cole] Ricochet, trying to pull himself back to his feet,
Sheamus, in position for the Brogue Kick!
[McAfee] Right on the button, Ricochet.
-[Cole] Sheamus looks better than ever… -One, two, three.
-Yeah! -[bell rings]
[Cole] …as we get ready for the Rumble!
-["Hellfire" playing] -[announcer] Here is your winner, Sheamus!
[Cole] Now, Pat, speaking of the Rumble, we know the main event at the Rumble,
Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins for the Universal Championship,
but in our main event tonight,
it is Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins against The Usos, Roman Reigns' cousins.
Now, if The Usos win, Rollins forfeits his title opportunity,
but if Rollins wins, The Usos are barred from ringside.
Roman's got no backup a week from tomorrow night at the Rumble.
[indistinct chatter]
[Boogs playing guitar]
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee] Yes!
Wait a minute. It's Double J!
It's Jeff Jarrett.
[crowd cheering]
That's right. That's Double J.
-That's-- -J-E-double-F J-A-double-R-E-double-T.
That's "Double J" Jeff Jarrett.
[laughter]
That's pretty good, guys. That's pretty good, guys.
You know, uh… But I just gotta say, you play a mighty fine guitar.
I'll tell you that.
But, hey, I didn't catch your name. What's your name?
My name?
Double J wants to know my name?
[inhales sharply]
My name's Rick Boogs!
Well, do you think you can spell that?
It's R-I…
♪ Usos ♪
[McAfee] B-double-O-G-S, Jeff Jarrett.
Great to see you in your hometown here.
["Done With That" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, they are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
The Usos!
[Cole] High stakes, high pressure,
for Jimmy and Jey Uso here tonight.
The longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions in history
need a win to ensure Roman Reigns
has their backup at the Royal Rumble.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
You know, Seth Rollins made some really good points earlier tonight.
One point he said was the cousins Usos
have been-- the brothers Usos have been doing the dirty work
for their cousin Roman Reigns, is what I'm trying to say.
[McAfee] Yeah, and what everybody's been saying,
that has been fighting Roman Reigns as of late,
has been saying the same thing.
[announcer] And their opponents,
first, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
Kevin Owens!
[Cole] Well, it is Royal Rumble season,
so a lot of stars from Raw are showing up here tonight.
[McAfee] Oui, oui, je t'aime Kevin Owens, for sure, but…
-[fireworks blast] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And his tag team partner, from Davenport, Iowa,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Cole] So here's what is at stake tonight.
Rollins and Owens win,
then The Usos will be barred from ringside.
They can't help their cousin, Roman Reigns, at the Royal Rumble.
However, if The Usos win,
Seth Rollins, well, he will forfeit his title opportunity
against that man, Roman Reigns, a week from tomorrow night,
and Roman Reigns gets to take a vacation.
[McAfee] It will be well-deserved and well-earned for the Head of the Table.
["Visionary" playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] And the question is, will Seth Rollins have a title opportunity
when we get to Kansas City next week,
which is the final stop and the final SmackDown
before the Royal Rumble match.
SmackDown, live on Fox, Kansas City, Missouri, next Friday night.
So, let me ask you, Pat.
Roman Reigns is looking on. Does he look a bit nervous to you?
Understanding that Seth did make some good points,
that The Usos have been responsible for this title reign going on
for 508 days.
[McAfee] I don't think you'd ever know if Roman Reigns was nervous.
I think he's very confident that his cousins, The Usos,
will beat Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens tonight,
and he won't even have to defend his title at Royal Rumble.
[Cole] I can't imagine not having the Universal Championship match
at the Royal Rumble, but it could happen.
The Usos against Rollins and Owens, live, next on SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Hey, folks, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is in Kansas City last week. It's the final stop--
or next week, I should say, before the Rumble.
Look at this, The New Day, Big E and Kofi Kingston,
take on the Happy Folks of Corbin and Madcap Moss.
[McAfee] And that's not all. Next Friday in Kansas City,
finally, Naomi will get an opportunity to fight Sonya Deville.
Upper management has said there will be no suits,
there will be no refs, there will be no narrative to be pushed.
Naomi gets a fair battle with Sonya Deville.
[Cole] There will be a ref, but Sonya can't wear a ref's shirt.
-'Cause it's gonna be a match. -[McAfee] Yeah, I guess you need a ref.
[Cole] This is a match as well.
Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins against The Usos.
-[bell rings] -This is what's at stake.
An Usos victory, Rollins forfeits his Universal Title opportunity
next week at the Rumble.
However, if Rollins wins, The Usos barred from ringside
for the Roman Reigns-Rollins match.
[crowd singing]
And look at this. Rollins quickly scooping up Jimmy Uso.
And Jimmy has got a kick-out.
Backslide now by Rollins looking for a quick victory here
over the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Roll through again, shoulders down, and a kick-out.
Rollins has a score to settle.
The Usos showed up this past Monday night on Raw
after the Rollins-Lashley barn burner in the main event.
And they double superkicked Seth Rollins,
sending a message from the Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Again, doing Reigns' dirty work.
[McAfee] Uh, dirty work or just looking out for their cousin.
[crowd chanting] We want tables!
-[McAfee] Looking for-- -[crowd] We want tables!
[McAfee] These ruthless folks of Nashville are looking for tables early.
[Cole] And, Pat, did you see the look on Roman Reigns' face when Jey Uso
quickly accepted the challenge of Rollins and Owens tonight?
[McAfee] Was it Jey or was it Jimmy?
-[Cole] I believe it was Jey. -[McAfee] Jey said, "Yeah, we're with it."
They got a lot of confidence, as they should.
-Longest-reigning-- Oh my God! -[Cole] Again, kick-out.
-[McAfee] That was almost over. -[Cole] Oh!
Kick right to the midsection. And there's Roman, looking on.
You have to wonder what is going through the champ's mind.
Obviously, has to be concerned.
-[McAfee] It's hard to put your place… -One, two, three…
[McAfee] …in the mental state of the greatest of all time, Roman Reigns.
I don't think my brain could ever really reach that type of level.
[Cole] But, Pat, there's no doubt The Usos have been so responsible
for Roman Reigns retaining the Universal Championship
for a record 508 days.
[McAfee] Any good team is a family,
and any good family's gonna look out for each other.
They have been on top of this business for 508 days.
Longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Longest-reigning Universal Champion.
One family looking out for each other.
[Cole] And Rollins, backing into the corner.
Jimmy Uso…
Tag made. Here comes Kevin Owens.
KO had quite the night on Monday Night Raw, Pat.
He knocked off the United States Champion, Damian Priest.
He's gonna get a future championship opportunity.
Tag made again, here's Rollins.
[McAfee] It is great to see Kevin Owens back here on Friday Night.
Welcome anytime.
[Cole] KO, looking-- And he will be a part of the Royal Rumble match
next Saturday night, a week from tomorrow.
Hoping to win that event for the first time in his career.
[McAfee] Can we talk about Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
saying, "Hey, if me and Kevin Owens,"
who I don't know if they've ever been a tag team together,
-I should've done more research. -They have been,
and they've developed some sort of weird friendship.
A friendship of convenience, I would say, over on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] I mean, that's a lot of faith. He could lose his opportunity.
Tonight.
[Cole] Rollins, up to the top rope, and that is Jey Uso,
running a distraction, and allows Jimmy to take control.
Rollins falling to the mat hard.
[McAfee] This is what the benefits are of being a well-oiled machine,
like The Usos are.
[Cole] Well, they're brothers. So, I mean…
[McAfee] Well, not just brothers, I believe they are twins.
[Cole] Oh! Double-team again. Jey Uso, knocking down Rollins.
-You know, Seth Rollins also… -[Jey] You think it's a game!
[Cole] …made a point that is true, Pat.
Roman Reigns has never been able to knock off Seth Rollins
in the big-time important matches.
Reigns has never been able to get it done against Seth.
If The Usos lose here tonight, they're barred from ringside,
Roman has got to be sweating.
[McAfee] What're we even talking about?
That was a completely different Roman Reigns.
And Seth mentioned it earlier,
when Seth, Mox, and Roman were roaming around arenas everywhere,
doing their thing, it was a different Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns is at a different level now.
[Cole] But an argument can be made that it's a different Seth Rollins as well.
Oh! Rollins, exploding out of the corner, taking out Jimmy Uso.
[McAfee] I agree. It is a much different Seth Rollins.
It's a much different Mox. It's a much different Roman Reigns.
They have all matured and grown and changed,
but Roman's the greatest now and Seth--
[Cole] Oh! KO with a chop to The Usos.
The Usos have been reigning as SmackDown Tag Team Champions
a record 187 days.
Oh! And there's the senton by KO.
Their cousin, Roman Reigns, a record 508 days as Universal Champion.
All that could come crashing down next Saturday night at the Rumble.
And Kevin Owens with Cannonball!
[McAfee] He just had two words for 'em.
[Cole] KO, heading up to the top rope.
Jey Uso, running interference.
Kevin Owens, though, wasting little time. Going back up top again.
KO…
Wow, the knees up!
Jimmy got the knees up.
-[McAfee] Jey with a little distraction… -[Cole] Superkick!
[McAfee] …of Kevin Owens earlier.
[Cole] KO now completely out of the ring.
And now, the attack by the vicious Usos, who are in control.
Rollins' championship opportunity could be in deep trouble.
[crowd booing]
On Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, Kevin Owens is trying to rally,
and, boy, if you're Seth Rollins, you need Owens to rally.
If you lose this tag match,
you lose your championship opportunity against Roman Reigns
a week from tomorrow night at the Rumble.
However, The Usos need a win or Roman Reigns won't have their help
in the Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble.
Oh! Knocking Rollins off is Jey Uso.
Drags Owens to the center of the ring.
Oh, so wise by Jimmy and Jey.
Rollins is incensed, it doesn't matter.
-[McAfee] Thank God. -[Cole] There's Roman.
Roman understands what's at stake.
[McAfee] Remember, Roman's a part of the strategery
of these matches with his cousins.
-He's sitting back, laughing and watching. -[McAfee] You think coming out here,
they had no plan against Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins?
[Cole] I'm sure they have a plan.
Roman Reigns knows both of these individuals very well.
[grunting]
[Cole] Tag made again.
The double-team, as Seth Rollins' championship opportunity
continues to slip away perhaps.
[McAfee] There's nothing he can do but stand over there in his corner
and watch Kevin Owens just eat Uso punches and kicks.
[Cole] There's no doubt that Roman Reigns
may very well be the greatest Universal Champion in WWE history.
The Usos could be the greatest Tag Team Champions in WWE history.
[McAfee] I believe the twins are the greatest tag team
in the history of SmackDown
and Roman's the greatest champion in the history of the business.
[Cole] Went for the enzuigiri.
KO able to duck underneath and connect with an enzuigiri of his own.
This is an opportunity now for Kevin Owens
to make a tag to Seth Rollins.
[McAfee] And just like the macaque monkeys,
the top of the pyramid can be shifted--
[Cole] Tag! Here comes Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
and Jey Uso's legal as well.
And Rollins with a slingblade
and an opportunity to make sure The Usos aren't in Reigns' corner at the Rumble.
[McAfee] Seth Rollins, trying to change the power of the WWE.
[Cole] From behind, Jimmy Uso sent flying as well.
Both Usos down outside the ring.
Seth Rollins, fired up and raring to go.
Suicide dive bowling through both of The Usos!
[crowd cheering]
And if you're Roman Reigns, you gotta be getting very nervous right now
in your locker room, as we take another look.
[McAfee] Full speed right on target.
[Cole] And Rollins is feeling it.
[crowd singing "Visionary"]
[McAfee] As is the Music City.
[Cole] Glancing knee, just caught him on the jaw.
Cover now to eliminate The Usos from helping their cousin next week.
And a kick-out at two.
[McAfee] What I was saying about the macaque monkeys is yōkai,
a macaque monkey from a lower pyramid,
climbed up to the top and shake the entire system.
That's what Seth's trying to do to the Ones.
[Cole] Oh, what a neckbreaker!
Jey Uso, cover to end Seth Rollins' championship aspirations,
and Seth stays in it.
[McAfee] Roman Reigns, an eighth of a second away
from a well-deserved vacation.
[Cole] The Usos, the Tag Team Champions, are twins,
they're brothers, they know every move they're gonna make.
Tremendous tag team.
They're always a step ahead of their competition.
That's where they are tonight with Rollins and KO so far.
[McAfee] That's why they've been the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions.
[Cole] And now, Jey Uso, measuring Rollins, slow to his feet.
Uh-oh, Rollins able to intercept.
Seth now, lifting Jey up.
Tag! Jimmy's legal.
Rollins was going for a Buckle Bomb,
and now the double-team by The Usos.
-Pop-up Samoan Drop! -[McAfee] Alley-Uce!
[Cole] Cover!
And Rollins has the kick-out at two.
He almost lost his championship opportunity.
[McAfee] Incredible tag team wrestling.
[Cole] Did Rollins get hurt on the Alley-Uce?
[McAfee] Uh, I'd assume.
[Cole] It looked like he landed hard on the shoulder.
He had to kick out…
[crowd cheering]
…to survive.
Kevin Owens now, suffering a cheap shot at the hands of Jimmy Uso.
And now, Jimmy Uso has Rollins where he wants him.
Great opportunity for The Usos. Top rope for Jimmy.
Up over the top, he's got Kevin Owens with the tag.
Owens is legal.
[McAfee] Seth Rollins neutralizing Jimmy.
[Cole] And Jey Uso runs into Rollins.
Kevin Owens now, Pop-Up Powerbomb for the win!
Usos not gonna be--
Oh, and a kick-out!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Kevin Owens almost gets a huge win for Seth Rollins.
[Cole] Kevin Owens now climbing up top.
They're on their feet in Nashville.
Jimmy Uso, gonna meet him with a right hand.
And Jimmy, with a kick to Owens.
The stakes are so high in our main event tonight.
[McAfee] The energy is palpable here in Nashville.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso with Kevin Owens up top. Kevin able to hook the leg.
Fisherman off the top rope!
[crowd cheering]
Kevin Owens, what an impact!
Dragging himself to the cover to preserve Rollins' title opportunity.
And breaking things up!
[McAfee] Thank God Jey Uso gets in there.
Kevin Owens, inverted fisherman suplex.
Jeez!
[Cole] And now, Rollins back up on the apron, makes a tag.
Seth Rollins blasting Jey in the corner.
[McAfee] Seth Rollins has opportunity in his eyes.
[Cole] Man, what a main event.
Rollins understands he needs a win
to keep his Universal Championship opportunity intact.
Superkick by Jey Uso!
Kevin Owens went for the Stunner, blocked momentarily.
Owens, this time around,
will connect with a Stunner.
Superkick!
One from Rollins!
[crowd cheers]
What a main event!
Rollins with a right.
Seth now…
blow to the back of the neck.
And now, he has The Usos right where he wants them.
[crowd sings "Visionary"]
[Cole] Only a matter of moments before The Usos are barred from ringside
at the Rollins-Reigns match at the Rumble.
Stomp! Wait a minute!
Reigns with a Superman punch.
[bell rings]
[crowd booing]
Roman realized Seth was gonna get the victory off the Stomp,
and Roman Reigns struck.
[crowd booing]
[announcer] Here are your winners as a result of a disqualification,
Kevin Owens and Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Cole] Rollins wins!
That means The Usos are barred from ringside for the Rollins-Reigns match
a week from tomorrow night, for the Universal Championship.
[McAfee] Roman Reigns is gonna have to do it alone,
the GOAT versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins at Royal Rumble!
["Visionary" playing]