[WWE intro music plays]
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If ya smell…
[bell tolls]
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
[Cole] 44,390 WWE fans are here tonight
as we welcome you to the Royal Rumble.
[Pat] "The Almighty" Bobby Lashley challenges The Beast Incarnate
for the WWE Championship.
[Cole] Oh!
[Pat] How often has Bobby Lashley
been German suplexed with that much ease?
[dramatic music playing]
[Pat] What a shot that was from The Almighty.
[Cole] Bobby Lashley definitely hurt.
[Pat] Oh!
He got it, but the referee is absolutely laid out.
This should be over right now.
What the hell?
Roman Reigns?
[crowd gasping]
[Pat] Lashley has no idea what just happened.
[Cole] Lashley with the cover,
and we have a new champion!
[dramatic music continues]
Brock Lesnar was just stabbed in the back and then pinned.
[dramatic music continues, fades]
[Cole] Last man to enter the Royal Rumble match here.
-Who's it gonna to be? -[crowd] Two! One!
[buzzer]
["The Next Big Thing" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar.
And Brock Lesnar is pissed off after what happened earlier tonight.
[dramatic music playing]
[Pat] Brock Lesnar comes into the Royal Rumble
and is an absolute ass-kicking machine.
[Cole] Two men remain: Brock and McIntyre.
Who's going to win the Rumble?
[dramatic music playing]
Claymore blocked by Lesnar.
Lesnar with McIntyre up yet again.
-[crowd cheering] -[bell ringing]
[Cole] Brock Lesnar's going to WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[Lesnar] At WrestleMania, I'm gonna face…
Roman Reigns for the Universal Title.
-[crowd cheering] -[rock music playing]
[Pat] With ramifications from the Royal Rumble still shaking up WWE,
we welcome you to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[rock music continues]
-[choral music playing] -[Pat] Oh yes.
[crowd cheering, booing]
[Pat] It's cold as hell in Oklahoma City.
I don't think I fully understand American geography.
It's great to be here, and things are heating up.
The Greatest Of All Time is in Oklahoma City.
[dramatic music playing]
Is he?
[Pat laughs]
[Cole] Flanked by the rest of The Bloodline.
The cousins, the Usos, the Tag Team Champions,
and, of course, once again, special counsel Paul Heyman.
At 522 days,
Roman Reigns' Universal Championship reign continues.
[Pat] Just like old times.
[dramatic music continues]
[crowd booing]
[effects booming]
[Pat] For 521 nights,
-we-- -[Cole] Twenty-two.
-[Pat] Well, tonight we will. -[Cole laughs]
[Pat] 522 days, 521 nights,
we've gone to bed with Roman Reigns as our Tribal Chief,
our Head of the Table, our champion, our needle mover.
[Cole] Let's take you back to this past Saturday night,
six nights ago, at the Royal Rumble.
Reigns versus Rollins for the title.
[Cole] No Usos out here, no Paul Heyman.
Roman does it alone here tonight.
[man on recording] Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta, SHIELD.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Rollins hopes to get in the head of the champ
and win the Universal Title.
Rollins seems to be in Roman's head.
[Pat] I think this is certainly a different Roman
than we're used to seeing.
[Cole] And now Rollins, looking for the stomp.
Rollins got the stomp.
-[crowd roaring] -[crowd counting] One! Two!
[Cole] Roman Reigns got the shoulder up.
[dramatic music playing]
Spear by Reigns.
[Pat] Asking for a fist bump.
I'll always love you. [laughs]
[dramatic music continues]
[Cole] Roman Reigns now got the guillotine locked.
[Pat] Seth reaching.
[Cole] His hand lands on the rope!
-[cheering] -Reigns has got to break.
Roman Reigns is not going to break.
Reigns is going to be disqualified.
-[bell ringing] -[crowd buzzing]
Rollins pushed Roman over the edge.
[suspenseful music playing]
[high-pitched tone blares]
-[dramatic action music playing] -[crowd roaring]
[Cole] With Roman Reigns retaining
and Brock Lesnar winning the Royal Rumble match
later on in the night,
Brock Lesnar made his choice clear.
At the most stupendous two-night WrestleMania in history,
Roman Reigns versus Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title.
[Pat] The word "stupendous" is not thrown around lightly.
"Of colossal excellence or greatness,
the most esteemed level of hierarchical stature."
I'm not talking about Roman Reigns,
although that definition fits.
I'm talking about WrestleMania with Roman and Brock.
-[dramatic choral music playing] -[effects booming]
[Cole] The most dominant Universal Champion in history.
Perhaps the most dominant champion of this generation.
[Pat] There's no "perhaps" there.
-[crowd booing] -[scattered applause]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is Paul Heyman,
and I'm here tonight to serve as special counsel
to your Tribal Chief.
[crowd booing]
The reigning, defending, undisputed, uncontroverted
WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering, booing]
You know why we bothered to come here tonight?
To acknowledge what really happened.
Let's acknowledge a couple of uncomfortable truths right now.
There was no plot, there was no scenario, there was no conspiracy.
This was not done to make Brock Lesnar look foolish,
though he looks like a damn fool now anyway.
History, the evolution, the trajectory of this entire industry,
unfolded in front of your very eyes.
On December 17th, live in a great city called Chicago,
I acknowledge that I made the biggest mistake of my entire career.
And it wasn't the fact that I told Roman Reigns
what I actually felt in my heart.
It was what was in my heart
that I must acknowledge made me look really foolish.
I told the Head of the Table, I told the greatest champion
in the history of WWE,
that he needed to be protected from Brock Lesnar
because that's what I honestly thought
after spending 20 years of my life with Brock Lesnar.
And I got fired,
and I got Superman-punched right in the face because of it,
and ladies and gentlemen, I acknowledge I deserved every bit of it.
[crowd cheering]
So there I was, like an unemployed Oklahoman,
just out in the ocean of obscurity, languishing,
which is miserable because I knew my entire career was over.
But then…
then I saw the moment and I seized the opportunity.
When Covid picked the wrong human being to infect,
and Roman Reigns couldn't make Day 1,
I got Brock Lesnar into an unscheduled fatal five-way
and Brock Lesnar pulled off
what only he or Roman Reigns could have pulled off.
Brock Lesnar became the WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World
and everything was going to be fine.
Brock Lesnar on Raw, Roman Reigns on SmackDown,
both ruling the roost
and everybody was in their place except…
…this.
So what did Brock Lesnar do his first night as champion?
He makes the conscious decision, "We're going to go to SmackDown."
"I'm going to get up in Roman Reigns' face,
and I'm going to challenge Roman Reigns to title versus title,
champion versus champion,
winner take all at WrestleMania."
How freakin' stupid is that?
It's as stupid as that damn smile on his face and the beard,
and his freaking ponytail.
Brock Lesnar looks like a schmuck and now he acts like a schmuck.
He wants to challenge Roman Reigns
instead of just accepting his place in history over on Raw.
-[crowd booing] -That show stinks.
And I knew right there I was stuck.
I knew I had no way out.
I screwed up with the Tribal Chief.
I'm stuck with a happy Saskatchewan farmer
who just wants to come in here and take everybody to Suplex City.
And we get to Royal Rumble,
and Brock Lesnar does just that.
Brock Lesnar took Bobby Lashley
to Suplex City.
And then Roman Reigns showed this conqueror
that a GOAT can always slay a beast.
Because I thought I was going to spend my life saying,
"Ladies and gentlemen, the reigning, defending, undisputed…"
[crowd jeering]
[indistinct]
You will never hear that again.
[crowd booing]
[Pat] Come on. We wanna hear it.
Because Roman Reigns came into the ring at the Royal Rumble
and he smashed Brock Lesnar,
and at that moment in my life,
I understood…
I don't need to protect Roman Reigns from Brock Lesnar.
I needed to protect Brock Lesnar
from Roman Reigns.
[crowd booing]
Roman Reigns came to me…
…and he offered me the hand of forgiveness.
He… He offered me the hand of love.
He offered me the hand of family.
He offered me the hand of The Bloodline.
Roman Reigns offered me the hand…
of acknowledgment,
and I handed Roman Reigns that WWE Championship,
and he smashed Brock Lesnar in the face with it.
And because of Roman Reigns,
Bobby Lashley pinned Brock Lesnar,
and Bobby Lashley is your new WWE Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd booing]
Which means you now all have to acknowledge
that there will be no title versus title, champion versus champion,
winner take all at WrestleMania,
because Brock Lesnar does not get what Brock Lesnar wants.
Brock Lesnar will do
what Roman Reigns wants Brock Lesnar to do.
And at WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar will acknowledge
the champion, Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering, booing]
Hey, Brock,
this is how it's done.
I, Paul Heyman,
acknowledge you, Roman Reigns,
as my Tribal Chief.
[crowd chattering, jeering]
-[crowd booing] -[indistinct]
And now, Oklahoma City…
[crowd cheers]
…this is your chance to show a worldwide audience
your moment in history,
OKC!
[crowd cheering]
Acknowledge your Tribal Chief.
[crowd booing]
-["Invasion" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Pat] Holy hell.
[Cole] Wait a minute.
It can't be.
[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[Pat] It is. It can be.
-The Hall of Famer is here. -[effects popping]
The three-time world champion, Goldberg, is marching to the ring.
I don't know if Bill Goldberg is out here
to acknowledge Roman Reigns or not.
His face surely says he's here for business.
He just walked right by Roman.
[Cole] Almost a look of disbelief in the eyes of the Universal Champion.
[music fades]
[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[chanting continues]
Roman Reigns…
I acknowledge you…
[Heyman] Oh my God! [indistinct]
-[Heyman] Bow to the Chief! -[indistinct]
…as my next victim.
[crowd cheering]
You,
me,
Elimination Chamber…
[crowd cheering]
…for the Universal Championship.
You're next.
-[mic drops] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Remember, Pat, it was supposed to happen two years ago
at WrestleMania,
but it never took place.
-[crowd chanting] Goldberg! -Now, it appears we may have it
two weeks from tomorrow.
-[chanting continues] Goldberg! -Reigns, Goldberg for Universal Title.
[Pat] What a surprise.
Bill Goldberg comes out
and says, "Hey, Roman. You're next, pal."
Dream matchup. Dream fight.
Will it take place?
I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, two weeks from tomorrow,
12:00 noon Eastern, special start time at the Jeddah Superdome
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
it's Elimination Chamber, a premium live event.
It looks like we're going to have Goldberg and Reigns
for the Universal Title.
Quite the night here on SmackDown.
But plenty more to come
because here's what's on the menu tonight.
By Papa Johns.
And new from Papa Johns, New York style pizza is here. Order one today.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey made a shocking return to WWE
on Saturday night when she won the Royal Rumble match.
Ronda is back and comes to SmackDown for the first time ever tonight.
[Pat] Speaking of shocking returns, months earlier than expected,
the SmackDown Warrior, Drew McIntyre, showed up at the Rumble.
His path of destruction continues tonight.
[up-tempo music playing]
But up next, Ricochet takes on Ridge Holland,
with Cesaro and Sheamus in tow, delivered by Papa Johns.
[Cole] It's fight night on Friday Night SmackDown.
-[Sheamus' theme music playing] -[crowd buzzing]
-[effects popping] -[music continues]
[crowd booing]
[Pat] That's right. Sheamus likes drinking pints
and getting in fights,
and he found a young protégé
that feels the exact same way.
[Cole] Well, there's a reason that Sheamus' protégé, Ridge Holland,
is wearing that protective face mask.
Take you back to Day 1, January 1st of this year,
first premium live event of the year.
Watch what happens to Ridge Holland at the hands of Cesaro and Ricochet.
Ricochet shattering the nose and face of Ridge Holland.
That is a moment that Ridge Holland will never, ever forget.
In fact, he has an opportunity to take out his frustrations
-on Ricochet, live, next… -[Pat] Really…
-[Cole] …on SmackDown. -[Pat] Whoa.
[Cole] And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
["It's About to Go Down" by def rebel playing]
♪ Hey, hey ♪
-♪ It's about to go down ♪ -♪ Uh-huh ♪
-♪ Let's go! ♪ -[effects popping]
[bell rings]
[female announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, accompanied by Cesaro,
weighing in at 207 pounds, Ricochet!
[Pat] Incredible introduction by…
[Cole] Samantha Irvin, our new ring announcer.
Here comes Ricochet, set to go one-on-one with Ridge Holland.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Pat] Shout-out to Progressive for sure,
and shout-out to Ricochet,
getting to go face-to-face with the man whose face he broke.
-He actually broke-- -[bell rings]
[Cole] Sheamus out here screaming at McAfee as the matchup gets underway.
Ricochet versus Ridge Holland.
[Pat] Sheamus almost hit me with his shillelagh.
I never thought I'd say that before,
but Ridge Holland now has some comeuppance for Ricochet.
[Cole] Ridge Holland had a very impressive Royal Rumble match
this past Saturday night.
He entered the match fifth, lasted almost 20 minutes
in his first-ever Royal Rumble.
[Pat] About one episode of Young Rock.
That's a long time in there.
[Cole] Holland goes at 6'1, 253, from Yorkshire, England.
[Pat] He's a spark plug of a man.
And him and Sheamus have been screaming at each other here
for the last couple of minutes,
letting each other know how awesome they are. But Ricochet, his--
Oh! Body that just got tossed on the floor.
Ridge Holland's painting canvases with Ricochet's body.
[Cole] Whipped into the corner as Ricochet's buddy, Cesaro, looks on.
-Cesaro, of course-- -Get me popcorn.
I'm enjoying this. It's better
-than any movie I've seen all year. -Sheamus is asking for popcorn.
[Cole] I don't think Sheamus takes in many carbs.
-That's for sure. -[Pat] Yeah, I've been watching
those Celtic Warrior workouts and I don't think I could ever do it.
[Cole] Ridge Holland now sent through the second rope and out to the floor.
[Pat] Ricochet using his quickness on the big, burly British man.
[Cole] And here, Ricochet went for the baseball slide
and Holland going to make him pay.
-Face-first off the apron. -[cackling]
[Pat] I mean, Ricochet fell faster than Facebook's stock yesterday
when Ridge Holland picked him up and dropped his ass on the apron.
[Cole] Ridge Holland, he's a brawler and he's raw in many ways,
but he's learned so much from Sheamus, who's now--
[Pat] Getting into it with his old best friend, Cesaro.
[Cole] Ricochet looking to take advantage
of the discussion outside the ring.
-Face-first, cover now. -One! Two! Three!
-Ricochet with the win. -[bell rings]
-[Pat] What? -[Ricochet's theme playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Ricochet!
[Cole] Ricochet elated with the victory.
Sheamus and Holland are irate.
Big win for Ricochet here on SmackDown.
What was that? What was that?
Huh?
[Cole] During the break, Sheamus demanded a tag team match.
The WWE official Adam Pearce made it official.
Sheamus and Ridge Holland against Ricochet and Cesaro.
-I hate you! -[Pat] Hear Sheamus telling Cesaro
that he absolutely hates him.
[Cole] Ten beats of the bodhrán to Cesaro from Sheamus.
-[Pat] Sheamus is-- -[crowd] Seven! Eight! Nine!
-Oh. -[Cole] Ridge Holland there was defeated
by Ricochet moments ago after an argument with Cesaro
and Sheamus outside the ring.
Sheamus wants you to hold on to his gear
-while he's in this match. -Yes.
It smells like a Guinness. It seems like he just came from the pub,
but I'm holding a shillelagh that an Irish man once held.
I've never felt more like Patrick McAfee in my life.
[Cole] Tag made off "the Irish Curse" backbreaker.
Here's Holland with the elbow off the ropes.
Ridge Holland screamed at you during the break and said,
"Don't lose the shillelagh."
[Pat] Well, speaking of losing things, Ridge Holland lost to Ricochet.
That's why we have this tag team match right now.
And Ridge Holland is grounding and pounding Cesaro.
And to be honest,
this is the battle of the replacements here.
Sheamus replaced Cesaro
-with that masked man, Ridge Holland. -[Cole] Tag.
[Pat] Now a shillelaghless man is in the ring.
[Cole] And Sheamus, who at the Royal Rumble
was embarrassed this past Saturday night,
lasted 17 minutes and 55 seconds,
but he was eliminated by Bad Bunny.
Oh, and there's Ricochet.
[Pat] San Benito had his way with Sheamus, and now Ricochet's doing the same.
[Cole] Cover off the moonsault. Almost had him.
That'd be a big win again for Ricochet
after he knocked off Ridge Holland earlier on.
[Pat] I will say Sheamus wasn't the only elimination for Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny was killing it in there
and then Brock threw him back to his musical tour.
[Pat] SmackDown, number one, trending in the United States.
How are you doing? Keep it moving.
-Oh! Big boot. -[Cole] Ricochet.
Tag was made. Cesaro, now the legal man, and here comes
"the Swiss Superman."
Ridge Holland
runs right into Ricochet.
[Pat] I can't move. This hat will fall off.
I don't want to disrespect Sheamus, but--
[Cole] Nobody home. Holland moved out of the way
and Ricochet landed hard-- Oh, and a shoulder tackle,
driving Ricochet into the ropes and then down to the floor.
It looked like Aaron Donald.
[Pat] Now, boots to the face, Aaron Donald wouldn't do that.
[Cole] Sheamus now rolls up Cesaro for the win.
Kick out at two.
And a big uppercut.
[Pat] A European uppercut from European man Cesaro.
-[Cole] And Sheamus-- -[Pat] Look at that strength.
[Cole] From his core strength by "the Celtic Warrior" and a drop kick.
[Pat] Cesaro might have had a 60-inch vertical
on that drop kick to the mouth of Sheamus.
[grunts]
[Pat] I will say, Sheamus' jacket smells terribly.
I think it's because of the amount of grit that this man has.
He's gonna need it for what Cesaro's thinking right now.
[Cole] Ridge Holland made the tag.
Holland's legal. I don't believe Cesaro realizes this.
And Holland, going to take advantage.
Look at the power, planting Cesaro.
-Cover, and thanks to the northern grit-- -One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -Holland with the win.
[Sheamus' music plays]
-[Pat] I mean, that's amazing. -[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
Just a quick thing, I wear your uniform, you win, okay?
So, maybe the Rams or Bengals should toss me their jerseys
before they play in the Super Bowl.
Congrats to Sheamus and Ridge Holland, getting a win,
and probably heading out back to the Black Forge Inn,
Conor McGregor's bar, and slamming booze
to celebrate this beatdown.
[Cole] You know, Pat, in Elimination Chamber
two weeks from tomorrow,
the Usos defend the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
against the Viking Raiders.
Up next, Jimmy Uso goes one-on-one with Erik.
It's time for the raid, next on SmackDown.
["Ballin (feat. Castro)" playing]
♪ I came from nothin' to somethin' Like it's nuttin' ♪
♪ Yeah, you know I done it Now there's no discussion ♪
♪ Ballin', I made a promise to my mama ♪
♪ I'ma turn these zeros Into tens and commas ♪
♪ Ballin' ♪
♪ Closin' million-dollar deals Catch me swervin' ♪
♪ Burning hundred-dollar bills ♪
♪ How it feel when you ballin' ♪
♪ Goin' places they never go ♪
♪ It ain't all about the money ♪
♪ But I stack it 'cause you never know ♪
♪ I'ma live life 'til I overdose ♪
♪ While they sleepin' on me, comatose ♪
♪ I went mainstream with my main team ♪
♪ You just mad you ain't come close ♪
♪ And your next girl is my ex-girl ♪
♪ She fine as hell, but she a mess, girl ♪
[song continues indistinctly]
[Cole] For the first time ever on SmackDown,
the "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey will be here live,
the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble match.
The question is, Pat,
will Ronda decide who she's going to face for the championship at WrestleMania?
[Pat] I don't think Ronda cares who it is.
She's going to become champion in her eyes,
and we get a chance to see her on Friday night.
[Cole] And speaking of WrestleMania, you know the most anticipated
Monday Night Raw of the year is always the Raw after WrestleMania.
And right now, tickets available for April 4th, Dallas, Texas.
The Raw after WrestleMania.
[The Viking Raiders' music plays]
[Pat] I think the whole world wishes that was a SmackDown after WrestleMania,
-but I do concur that day is electrifying. -[effects popping]
[Cole] We have the SmackDown before WrestleMania.
[Pat] Yeah, you're damn right.
And we also have Vikings on our card.
[Irvin] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Ivar,
he is one-half of the Viking Raiders, Erik!
[Cole] Two weeks from tomorrow, exclusively on Peacock,
12:00 noon Eastern, special start time.
The Jeddah Superdome in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Usos defending the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
against the Viking Raiders.
[Pat] The Viking Raiders won their way into that matchup.
They earned it, the blue-collar way.
The Viking way.
You know, they eat with their hands, and…
I don't think they do electricity much, or showers, or anything like that.
-It's all hard work with the Vikings. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Just win, baby, as Jimmy Uso starts things off
against Erik in this one-on-one matchup.
The Usos have held the SmackDown Tag Team Titles since July,
a record-setting championship run.
Just like their cousin, Roman Reigns, the record-setting Universal Champion.
And look at this. Oh, planting Jimmy is Erik.
Cover. Hook of the leg, and a kick out.
[Pat] Yeah, Jimmy and Jey are nothing short of spectacular.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders, former Tag Team Champions
over on Monday Night Raw at some point.
Been a long climb back in the title contention for Erik and Ivar.
-[roaring] -[Pat] Oh my.
-Did you hear that? -[Cole] Jimmy may be out.
Come on, move.
[Pat] Come on back, Jimmy. Come on.
There's a Viking on the top rope. Middle rope.
[Cole] Jey now in the ring and causing…
-Are you out your mind? -[Cole] …a distraction of Erik.
Now Ivar gets involved, but Jey, sidestepping Ivar.
And now, Jimmy Uso, trying to ambush him from behind, full Nelson.
Jimmy, out of it.
A super kick to the face of Erik.
[Pat] Jey and I were having a conversation
about what's wrong with a Viking thinking that he could sneak up on him.
This is The Bloodline.
These are the Usos.
-These are our champions. -[Cole] Uso splash from Jimmy.
-One, two, three! -[Cole] Jimmy Uso with the win.
[bell rings]
[The Usos' music plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Jimmy Uso.
[Pat] Alley-Uce to the Alley-Oop of the title.
Jimmy Uso makes quick work.
-[Cole] This was one-on-one tonight, Pat. -[Pat] Whoo! "We the Ones" posing.
Put that in slow-mo, that thing's perfect.
[Cole] Two weeks from tomorrow, it's tag team action,
the Usos defending the SmackDown gold
-against the Viking Raiders. -[screaming]
[Pat] A lot of fingers pointing on these particular sets of shows
leading up to WrestleMania at a sign.
They're pointing up at the sky because "They the Ones."
[Cole] It's a dream of being a part of WrestleMania,
and Aliyah feels like she's living a dream.
Three weeks ago in her debut singles match in WWE,
Aliyah was told by Natalya, "I'm going to beat you in record time."
Even attacked Aliyah before the bell.
But Aliyah would still have the matchup,
and it was Aliyah who set the record.
The fastest victory in WWE history at 3.1 seconds.
[Pat] "Aliyah 3:17" says,
"I just kicked your ass in the fastest amount of time ever."
[Cole] Then, two weeks ago Natalya, irate, went off on Aliyah.
It was a brutal attack, which caused
-the disqualification of Natalya… -[bell rings]
…which means Aliyah beat Natalya again.
[Aliyah's music plays]
[Pat] Undefeated since arriving here at SmackDown.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Aliyah!
[Cole] Aliyah, just so happy to be a part of this,
so happy to be undefeated.
She says, "I'm living a dream."
[Pat] Yeah, she's living a dream, she's happy, she's undefeated.
But don't let that confuse you.
She is immensely talented in the ring.
[Cole] Can Aliyah, again, knock off Natalya?
We'll find out. They go one-on-one, live, next on SmackDown.
[Cole] You know, Pat, Natalya owns six world records.
Three are recognized in The Guinness Book of World Records,
which she's carrying. In fact,
Guinness actually tweeted at Natalya earlier today.
And it said, "Natalya world records. Nice ring to it."
[Pat] Yeah, Natalya's assistant to her assistant
actually relayed that message to her earlier today.
I talked to Natalya. Obviously, it's tough to chat with a champion,
-somebody who has that many records. -[indistinct]
She's getting her own section
in the next Guinness Book of World Records thing.
[Cole] The thing about Natalya, however,
is she's so ate-up in love with herself
that she's continuing to get beaten by Aliyah.
[Pat] Natalya would say,
"It's hard not to love yourself when you have all these records."
Now, the one record she doesn't have is written across Aliyah's chest.
"Aliyah 3:17," what?
[Cole] Aliyah looking for a quick win
-over Natalya and a kick out at two. -[Aliyah shouts]
Oh, and Natalya not taking too kindly to that by Aliyah.
She drives Aliyah face-first into the turnbuckle
and here goes Natalya. She's been very upset,
feels like she's been embarrassed
and humiliated by Aliyah over the past few weeks.
[Pat] Well, that's what can happen in the WWE.
You can get got on any given Friday, Sunday, or Monday.
Everybody's great here.
This isn't some other place.
Do you know who I am?
[Cole] Natalya, screaming, talking trash, asking Aliyah,
"Do you know who I am?"
The BOAT, the Best Of All Time in Natalya's world.
-Roll-up by Aliyah. -One, two--
Two-count. Kick out by Natalya. Almost had her again.
[Pat] I missed Tuesday's nights earlier, but the point remains, in the WWE,
even Guinness Book of World Records holders
can get got in 3.17 seconds.
[Cole] Into the corner goes Natalya, whipped again by Aliyah.
Aliyah launched out to the apron.
[Pat] Aliyah avid equestrian.
Natalya had a great Royal Rumble match.
-That's what I'm talking about! -[Cole] She lasted over 36 minutes.
Had a couple of eliminations,
but she was eliminated twice. That was another world record.
The first woman to be eliminated twice in the Royal Rumble.
Nice takedown by Aliyah, hammering away now.
Right hands after the Thesz press.
[Pat] I would say any record is a good record,
like any pub is a good pub,
but I don't think getting eliminated twice
from an event in which you lose after one elimination…
-[Cole] Oh! -…is a good record to have.
Aliyah looks great tonight.
Here's the cover on Natalya for the win and Natalya kicked out.
[Pat] Aliyah undefeated here on Friday nights.
All of her wins coming against the person she is wrestling right now
and it almost ended right there.
[Cole] Oh, with the discus clothesline by Natalya,
and that could end the winning streak.
Natalya says she's done this
-all on her own. -[indistinct]
[Cole] No help. No nepotism.
[Pat] She's also a part of the last class of the Hart Dungeon.
[Cole] Oh! Shades of her father, the late, great, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart.
Of course, her uncle, the Hall of Famer, Bret Hart.
-Drives Aliyah into the barricade. -[referee] Three! Four!
[Pat] If you have some free time, go ahead and Google "Hart Dungeon."
-Six! -Go and watch and look at what Natalya
had to go through to become
a professional wrestler who's been around forever.
-Absolute superstar. -[referee] Nine!
[Cole] Natalya driven into the barricade. Aliyah into the ring
-and a ten count! -[bell rings]
Aliyah's gonna win.
[crowd cheering]
[Irvin] Here is your winner as a result of a count-out, Aliyah!
[Cole] Natalya was so busy beating the hell out of Aliyah
outside the ring,
she lost track of the official's count.
We all did.
Aliyah at the last moment snuck into the ring
and picked up another win over Natalya. Remains undefeated.
[Pat] You could say Aliyah outsmarted Natalya
to pick up her third win to remain undefeated,
but Natalya is not going to be happy about that.
[Cole] Not at all.
[Pat] Congrats, Aliyah.
[rock music playing]
[Pat] Is that Gulak and Shotzi?
[Cole] Is that McIntyre?
Drew McIntyre is on the warpath and he's next.
[Pat] Is that Angela?
[Cole] The sword.
[Cole] The question is, Pat, will Ronda Rousey,
the winner of the women's Royal Rumble
make her decision tonight on which championship battle at WrestleMania?
[Pat] I sure hope so.
It's an honor to be in the same building as Ronda Rousey.
I assume she's going to try to break the arms of everybody here.
[Cole] First time ever on Friday Night SmackDown for Ronda Rousey.
[dramatic music playing]
[Pat] First time on SmackDown in some time.
[Cole] First time ever. That's what I just said.
-I'm talking about this guy. -SmackDown, by the way,
-is sponsored by Progressive. -[Pat] Huh.
Ronda for sure, but this is the first time on SmackDown in some time.
-[effects pop] -This man…
who returned much earlier than expected
at the Rumble on Saturday night in St. Louis.
[Cole] Let's show you what we're talking about.
I want to take you back to WWE Day 1, Atlanta, on January 1st,
first premium live event of the New Year.
As for Corbin, we go way back,
and as annoying as he is, he can actually handle himself. Oh--
[Cole] Then an attack by Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss to Drew McIntyre.
And, Pat, this was outright vicious.
[Pat] Yeah, although these two dufuses do a lot of laughing and joke-telling,
when Drew was in the crosshairs of the Happy Folks--
[Cole] It was a neck injury.
We had no idea how long Drew McIntyre would be out of action.
But we thought it may be months.
-[Pat] Damn, that's dirty. -[Cole] But six nights ago
at the Royal Rumble match,
surprise, the return of the SmackDown Warrior.
Drew entered at number 21.
Moss and Corbin already in the Rumble,
and Drew wasted little time
eliminating both Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin,
and then would take out his revenge,
his retribution, on both Corbin and Moss outside the ring.
[Pat] Absolute destruction outside.
A little payback from the man who got his neck damaged at Day 1.
It's great to see McIntyre back.
[Cole] Of course, with his trusty sword, Angela.
[Pat] You see how high those flames went?
Might be the vitamins in the air here, but…
that seemed like some high flames
for the SmackDown Warrior's return.
OKC, it feels damn good to be back.
[crowd cheering]
Everyone's been asking me, "Drew, how did you get back so quick?"
You may have seen the headlines.
"Drew's going to be out for a long time."
"Drew's getting surgery."
"Drew's never coming back."
Here's the truth.
After Day 1, a doctor looked me in the eye and told me,
"You're not going to make Royal Rumble."
"You're sure as hell not going to make WrestleMania."
I looked him in the eye and told him
that he could kiss my ass.
[crowd cheering]
I got straight into rehab, three times a day,
six days a week, worked myself to the bone.
And as you can see, I am back.
[crowd cheering]
As for the Royal Rumble, it didn't quite go to plan.
It came down to myself and Brock Lesnar.
He got one over on me. I guess that puts us at one apiece.
We'll come back to that down the line, but right now my attention
is fully on those idiots, Corbin and Madcap,
that tried to end my damn career.
[intermittent booing]
["The Good Life" by def rebel playing]
-[Pat] Ah, well. Look who's here actually. -[Cole] Yeah, the Happy Folks.
[Pat] At least they showed up. I thought they'd be a bunch of cowards
and not come out here.
But lookee here.
[Cole] At least he dressed up.
Drew, was it worth it, man?
Look, let's get this out there… Yes, by some miracle,
you eliminated myself and Madcap Moss,
but after what we did to your neck, was it worth it?
Was it worth it to come back and risk your whole career
to be thrown out like a bag of garbage
by Brock Lesnar?
[laughs] You failed, Drew.
You are not going to WrestleMania.
And the thought of that, well, it makes me really happy.
[Cole] Uh-oh, look out from behind-- And Drew felt it, Madcap Moss.
[Pat] That's a sixth sense.
-Well, nobody saw that one coming. -[Pat] Except for Drew.
Hey, buddy, since you're here.
I've been watching you the past month.
I want to hear a joke.
OKC, should we make Madcap tell us a funny, funny joke?
[crowd cheering] Yes!
Give the man a microphone,
and Corbin, if you try to step in here, I will draw blood.
-You can't drag my friend… -Come on, buddy.
You have a sword.
Uh…
Okay. Um…
How do you know that the toothbrush was invented in Oklahoma?
No, no, no, no, no.
I don't want to hear an Oklahoma joke.
I've seen you dress up as me. I've seen you do the impression.
I want to hear a Drew McIntyre joke.
-Oh. -Make me laugh, funny man.
[Pat laughs]
[sighs] Okay, um… What does a criminal found not guilty
have in common with the main event of WrestleMania?
Tell me.
They're both going to get off scot-free.
-[Pat laughing] -[crowd booing]
[Pat] You get it? He's a Scot.
-Yeah. -[crowd chattering, jeering]
-[Cole] Glad you explained it. -[Pat] Well, he was…
You're dumb because you don't get it.
-[laughter] -Even Drew gets it.
Very funny! You're quite good at this!
This guy.
[Cole] Claymore!
[crowd cheering]
Idiot.
As for you,
I am going to make your life hell every single week.
This is just the beginning.
-[crowd cheering] -[Drew's music playing]
[Cole] Happy Corbin's in the crosshairs.
[Pat] I'd say Drew McIntyre, the SmackDown Warrior,
has been thinking about this moment for every single second of rehab.
[Cole] Hey, if you thought Sami Zayn was done
with Jackass Forever star Johnny Knoxville
after he eliminated Knoxville from the Royal Rumble, think again.
Let's show you what happened on the red carpet
of the Jackass Forever premiere.
-Hey, buddy. -Hey, how are you?
-ET. -ET.
That's so funny you guys are here
but you weren't around at WWE
when Johnny Knoxville showed up and what, was messing with me for--
-Oh, speak of the devil. -Excuse me.
Look at him. Johnny Knoxville, man of the hour.
I told you not to come.
But it's okay for you to come to my work for what, a month?
-[laughs] A month? -You were asked not to come.
-Okay. -Get out.
You need to go, sir.
-Time to go. -Are you having me tossed out?
-Yeah, but it's cool-- -Tough guy Johnny Knoxville!
-[electric sizzle] -Ahh! Hey.
Look at that! He's crazy. He hit me with a cattle prod.
-Get him out of here. -I told you to get out of here.
-[sizzling] -[screaming]
Hey, what the hell is that? That's okay?
-Beat it, nerd. -Oh, you want some more?
-You want some more? -Put down the cattle prod
and maybe we'll do something about it.
-Just get this guy out of here. -This the star of the show?
Big star Johnny Knoxville?
-Huh? -Get out of here.
Yeah, beat it, nerd. We got a movie… [indistinct]
Don't touch me, man.
How do you allow that to be played on television?
How do you allow that footage-- I--
How do you allow any of this to happen to me?
I've been the Intercontinental Champion,
the number one contender, for over two months,
and I'm still waiting for this match.
When, when am I going to get this match that I earned?
How about next week?
-Good? -Next week?
-Yeah. -Yeah.
Oh! That'd be great. If… If…
No, if I hadn't just gotten electroshocked last week.
-I need time to recover. -How about two weeks,
February 18th?
-February 18th. Okay, okay. -Perfect. Perfect.
Should, uh, we invite Johnny Knoxville?
You're not funny.
-I thought it was funny. -I thought it was too. It's okay. Oh.
Aliyah has never legitimately beaten me,
and I want Aliyah next week.
Pinfall or submission only.
Dungeon style.
That sounds great. You're on.
-[sighs] Any more? -I don't know.
[Cole] Natalya and Aliyah next week, Dungeon style.
And Sami Zayn finally gets his Intercontinental Championship match
-in two weeks. -[electric guitar playing]
-♪ Hey-o ♪ -[crowd repeats notes]
I said… ♪ Hey-o ♪
[crowd] ♪ Hey-o ♪
All right, my name's Rick.
[crowd shouting] Boogs!
Boogs, that's right.
You know I came to rock with the Intercontinental Champion.
Say it with me,
Shinsuke Nakamur…
yah!
-[Shinsuke Nakamura's music plays] -[Pat] I got you. I'm a… [sings along]
That's what good friends do,
and that's what people do when you're a fan of an icon,
and there's two of them, Michael Cole.
[Shinsuke Nakamura's music continues]
[Pat] God, it sounds good.
That's right out of Boogs' guitar.
Right out of the guitar.
He's not missing a note right now.
[Cole] Coming up next as Shinsuke prepares to defend the title
against Sami Zayn in a couple of weeks.
He takes on the Modern Day Maharaja, a champion contenders match.
Shinsuke and Jinder, live, next
-on Friday Night SmackDown. -[Pat] Whoo.
[Cole] Please get down before you pull a hamstring.
[Pat] I was passed out actually out of pure excitement.
I'm going to be honest, a little dehydrated, but this is awesome.
[Cole] Here is Jinder Mahal, set for one-on-one action with Shinsuke Nakamura,
the current Intercontinental Champion.
Of course, Jinder, the Modern Day Maharaja,
former WWE Champion, accompanied by the seven-foot Shanky.
[Pat] Well, Shanky is quite a species of human.
Very large, very athletic.
Jinder Mahal and he have become cohorts
here on SmackDown.
[Sami Zayn's music plays]
[Cole] And here's a man who doesn't have many cohorts.
[Pat] None, actually.
[Cole] Sami Zayn. We found out a little bit earlier
that two weeks from tonight,
Sami Zayn is finally going to have his Intercontinental Championship match
against Shinsuke Nakamura.
Sami Zayn earning that back at the end of December
in the 12 Days of Christmas Gauntlet match.
[Pat] Everybody knows I love Shinsuke Nakamura,
but Sami Zayn is no slouch in the ring.
[Cole] It's Shin, a one-on-one with Jinder Mahal.
Oh great. Good, good.
Great, Sami Zayn is going to lend his expertise to us here on headsets.
Welcome, Sami.
[Sami] Oh, do you mean that? Am I welcome?
-You are welcome. -You're always welcome.
[Cole] You were very unwelcome on the red carpet, however.
Way to embarrass yourself with Johnny Knoxville.
[Sami] You know what? I feel good, I feel good.
I actually feel good, for a change.
Because you know what? Yes, I got humiliated.
I got humiliated at the Jackass premiere.
I've been getting humiliated around here for months--
-[Cole] Oh. -But that's all coming to an end.
Because February 18th,
I'm finally getting my Intercontinental Championship match.
I'm finally going to reclaim my championship.
[Cole] Two weeks from tonight, Sami Zayn against Shinsuke Nakamura,
which should be the proverbial hell of a matchup.
[Pat] I will always support fellow live podcasters.
-[Sami] Here's the thing. -But Shinsuke's been champion
-for a long time. -[Sami] That's fine.
That is fine.
He's been holding my championship and that's fine.
Shinsuke Nakamura, if he has any sort of memory,
he knows the history between he and I.
[Cole] Nakamura went for the Kinshasa.
And Jinder Mahal sidestepped Nakamura.
-[Pat] Do you ever forget any history? -[Sami] I forget nothing.
-I forget nothing that-- -[Cole] Cover by Mahal.
-Kick out by Nakamura. -He's not looking great.
I'm going to be honest. He's not looking great in the ring right now.
-Look at him. -[Pat] Very early in the match here
-but Jinder Mahal is dominant. -[Sami] Whatever.
-He would beat Shinsuke Nakamura. -Whatever.
He better be ready for the fight of his life
'cause I'm gonna remind you guys.
I'm gonna remind little Johnny Knoxville.
I'm gonna remind everybody. I'm gonna remind Shinsuke Nakamura
that when I set foot in that ring, nobody's better than Sami Zayn.
-I have no doubt if you win… -Nobody.
…we'll never hear the end of it.
[Sami] He better be ready for the fight of his life.
I promise you.
-It is going to be the fight of his life. -[Cole] Oh, big knee by Jinder Mahal.
-I can't wait. -[Cole] Cover on Nakamura.
Boogs trying to get Nakamura to rally here and he kicks at two.
-[Pat] Come on. -[Sami] Slow count? A little bit slow.
[Pat] Oh, maybe a tad bit, but don't you want him to beat him up?
[Sami] No, no, no, I would love to see Nakamura lose,
lose a little momentum,
lose a little momentum going into our big fight.
[Cole] Wouldn't you want to face the champion at 100%?
[Sami] No, I… I… Whatever, Cole, whatever. Just stop.
Stop. No, stop. You know what you're doing.
[Cole] I'm not doing anything. You talk about how you're the best.
I am the best and you're going to see it. You're going to see it.
He's gonna bring his A-game. It's not gonna be enough.
The best he's ever been in that ring has been with me.
That is a fact. That is a fact.
[Pat] What grade do you think you need to beat his A-game? C, B?
[Sami] Don't worry about me. Don't grade me, okay?
I'm operating on a whole other level here.
[Pat] You said he better bring his A-game.
He's operating on the A, B system.
I'm in a whole other universe.
-[Pat] Oh really? -[Sami] Yes.
[Cole] You sound a little discombobulated tonight,
like maybe the pressure is getting to you that you got this championship match.
-Oh. Yeah. -Finally.
No, maybe I'm still recovering from the effects
of getting electroshocked several times, Michael.
Did you maybe consider that?
People just think this is all a big joke.
[Cole] You did bring all that upon yourself.
[Sami] I have electrical currents flowing through my fingertips still.
[Pat] Now? That's why the podcast is good.
[Sami] Yes, I'm a little antsy. Yes. Don't worry about the podcast.
[Cole] Is that like static electricity?
[Sami] I couldn't even release the podcast last week, by the way,
because these people were booing and it ruined the audio.
-But that's not even important now. -You do need good audio.
[Sami] You understand.
Right now all I'm concerned about is February 18th.
[Pat] Oh, look, he's looking good now, isn't he?
[Cole] Nakamura may have Mahal where he wants him.
Shinsuke Nakamura, Kinshasa.
-[Pat] That's your fate, Sami! -[Cole] Sit down, Pat. Sit down.
-Will that be the Sami Zayn's fate? -[Sami] Good for you. Go.
There you go, Michael Cole.
There you go.
I'm getting him at 100%. Just like you said, huh?
Good, you're at 100%.
-[Irvin] Shinsuke Nakamura! -Yeah, yeah, yeah, good.
Lift that little title over your head.
It's the last time you're going to be doing it, pal.
February 18th.
-[Cole] That's two weeks. -[Sami] My championship, pal.
You're holding my championship.
[Cole] While Sami continues to scream at Shinsuke Nakamura,
I want to take you back to what happened at the top of the night
tonight on SmackDown.
Roman Reigns and Goldberg, face to face.
You,
me,
Elimination Chamber…
for the Universal Championship.
You're next.
-[mic drops] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And ladies and gentlemen, it is official.
Goldberg will face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship
two weeks from tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber.
The WrestleMania match that didn't happen
will happen at the Elimination Chamber.
["Sacrifice" by The Weeknd playing]
♪ But I sacrificed Sacrificed ♪
♪ Your love for more of the night Of the night ♪
♪ I try to put up a fight Up a fight ♪
♪ Can't tie me down Down, down ♪
♪ I don't wanna sacrifice ♪
♪ For your love, I try ♪
♪ I don't wanna sacrifice ♪
♪ But I love my time ♪
♪ My, ooh ♪
[effects booming]
♪ My, ooh ♪
[Cole] Question is, who will be the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble
choose to fight at WrestleMania?
Which champion will Ronda Rousey face at WrestleMania?
We may find out.
She makes her first-ever appearance on SmackDown later tonight.
But speaking of the Royal Rumble match,
if you thought the Naomi versus Sonya Deville rivalry was over
with Naomi's victory last week over Sonya, wrong.
Let's take you to our Progressive Match Flo.
[Pat] Oh no.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[crowd] Three, two, one.
-[buzzer] -[rap music playing]
[Pat] Naomi enters the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Cole] Sonya Deville and Naomi, not fans of one another.
[Pat] Forget the Rumble. This is personal.
Can she send her flying?
-[Cole and Pat] Oh! -[Pat] And she's out!
-[cheering] -That's gotta be humiliating for Sonya.
[Cole] Naomi, exactly where she didn't want to be.
[Pat] Still not eliminated.
Both feet have to touch the floor.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] Sonya pulled Naomi out.
[Pat] Sonya Deville spoiling Naomi's chance
to win the Royal Rumble match.
-Remember what happened…? -There's not much to talk about.
[Naomi] Sonya.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to touch you
because you got your little jacket on. We all know what that means.
-I get it. -Yes.
But you knew I was coming for you this week
after what you did to me at the Royal Rumble, right?
-Technically, I didn't-- -Be quiet.
Meet me in the ring in five minutes.
-Whoa. -Let's just calm down.
-Let's finish where we left off. -[crosstalk]
It's not possible. We've got a delegation meeting
and I have so many emails. Look at all these emails.
Okay, next week.
-Next week would be great. -Next week.
-Next week would be great-- -Fight me.
Except you already have a match next week.
Against Charlotte Flair.
For the SmackDown Women's Championship.
-[crowd cheering] -Mm-hmm.
You know, that would be really great
but I don't believe you because the truth ain't nowhere in you.
-Are you saying I lie? -Quiet.
-Adam? -You don't have to take her word for it.
But I'm going to give you mine.
Next week, you will have Charlotte Flair
and it will be for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
It is official.
Okay.
That keeps you safe for now.
-Thank you, Adam. -You're welcome.
[Cole] Not what Naomi was expecting
but next week's SmackDown is in New Orleans.
There could be a party on Bourbon Street for Naomi.
SmackDown Women's Championship after Charlotte.
Yeah, the WWE universe rejoices.
Middle management got pumped so hard into rewarding Naomi
into a Championship opportunity.
This is magic.
Earlier tonight, it was made official for two weeks from tomorrow
at the Jeddah Superdome Elimination Chamber in Saudi Arabia.
Roman Reigns versus this man,
Goldberg, for the Universal Championship.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[Goldberg] Everybody that's been put in front of me, I've destroyed.
[Eric Bischoff] The writing is on the wall.
[Mike Tenay] So quick and so intense.
[Jerry Lawler] He is truly superhuman.
[commentator] Goldberg has really taken this sport by storm.
Who's next?
[Tenay] One hundred fifty-five and O.
[Bobby Heenan] The first undefeated man to ever win the World Championship.
[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[Cole] Goldberg turned back the clock.
Goldberg is back.
[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[Cole] He is an icon,
a Hall of Famer,
a two-time Universal Champion.
[Goldberg] It's not about who was last.
It's all about who's next!
[crowd chanting] Goldberg! Goldberg!
[Cole] And who's next is Roman Reigns.
It is spear versus spear.
It is icon versus icon.
It is generation versus generation.
Reigns, Goldberg, Elimination Chamber for the Universal Title.
[Pat] Dream booking. It's like straight out of 2K22.
-["New Day, New Way" playing] -[Pat] Let's go.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Big E and Kofi Kingston.
[Cole] So great to see Big E and Kofi Kingston back together again
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Of course, King Woods still recuperating from an injury.
And tonight, SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Pat] It is great that the New Day,
yes it is, Kofi and Big E out here on Friday night.
[Cole] After reuniting for the first time
in over a year last week,
Kofi Kingston and Big E look to keep their momentum rolling
against the self-proclaimed "God's gifts to women," Los Lotharios.
Tag team action comes your way
live next on Fox.
[Cole] WWE is proud to support Black History Month this February
by honoring Black-led community organizations.
Last week, before Royal Rumble in St. Louis,
WWE Superstar Bianca Belair
had the opportunity to meet one of her childhood sports icons,
Olympic track and field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
[Bianca] It's just inspiring just as a woman and a woman of color
to see someone that opened those doors,
and I'm able to walk through those doors because of the things that you've done.
[Cole] Jackie founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center,
a thriving community resource center
for young people in East St. Louis.
The JJK Center operates around key programs
like Winning in Life and Dare to Dream,
which aim to empower youth and eliminate the stereotypes
surrounding children from underserved neighborhoods
through sports, education, and community service.
We're proud to spotlight Jackie Joyner-Kersee,
who has inspired the world as an Olympic athlete
and is now working to empower her community in East St. Louis.
Join WWE in celebrating Jackie
and everyone associated with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center.
["Ballin (feat. Castro)" playing]
[Cole] And now we move to Elimination Chamber
two weeks from tomorrow night.
This match has been made official, Pat.
Drew McIntyre goes one-on-one with Madcap Moss.
[Pat] Madcap Moss is certainly impressive in a fight,
but Drew McIntyre has a score to settle and a sword in hand
at Elimination Chamber.
Well, Drew McIntyre and Madcap Moss
look to make history as they go head-to-head
at the Elimination Chamber.
But now please welcome my guest who has made plenty of history of her own
as a three-time Guinness World Record holder, Natalya.
[crowd booing]
Natalya, can you give us a preview of next week's
Dungeon-style match with Aliyah?
Kayla, why would I wait to tell Aliyah?
I'm just going to go tell her right now. Why not?
[Pat] Oh.
Next week.
[Pat] Second thoughts there.
[Cole] Xia Li, "the Protector."
[Pat] Did the universe tell Natalya now is not the time?
[Cole] Meanwhile, Big E, Kofi Kingston set for tag team action.
[Pat] I have a question.
In the back of that interview between Kayla and Natalya,
there was a man standing there arbitrarily working.
Who is that? Why is he there?
And what are his thoughts on the entire situation?
[Irvin] And their opponents Angel and Humberto, Los Lotharios!
[Cole] So, you know Los Lotharios are lady's men, right?
So, they're ready for what?
Valentine's Day.
[Pat] Oh, it's right around the corner. Love.
[speaking Spanish]
-I want to spend Valentine's Day with you. -Yes.
-You can't speak to them. -Hold on, hold on.
No, don't mind him.
You don't want Valentine's…?
-Valentine's Day. -What's wrong with Valentine's…?
You don't deserve that.
Yeah, I don't.
Go away.
-[laughing] -Look at that.
[Cole] Angel and Humberto, not happy
that Kofi and Big E crashed the Valentine's Day party.
-[bell rings] -[Pat] Ended up to be great photos though
and those New Day Rocks shirts are incredible.
Speaking of shirts, they get thrown around to start things off.
[Cole] Yeah, Big E. Tag made. Here comes Kofi Kingston.
Man, Kofi Kingston almost pulled off another miracle
in the Royal Rumble Match this past Sunday.
Kofi up in the top rope, got shoved off by Kevin Owens
and he crashed into the barricade. Cover by Kofi.
We thought he was gonna survive,
pull off another Kofi miracle,
but he just slipped and was eliminated.
But a great effort by Kofi at the Rumble.
[Pat] Everybody talks about streaks.
-Kofi was 13 and 0… -[Cole] Cover.
…against gravity at Royal Rumbles.
[Cole] Cover. Kick out.
[Pat] And he lost for the first time in 14 tries at the Royal Rumble.
Gravity was too much for him as he tried to make a miraculous save.
[Cole] Well, he's been eliminated before, Pat. I mean it's not like--
-[Pat] Yeah, but you know what I'm saying. -Exactly.
-[Pat] Yeah, you get it. -[Cole] This is Humberto.
Tag made. Frequent tags now by Big E and Kofi Kingston.
Big tag team match tonight. Of course, the Viking Raiders
have the Usos in two weeks at Elimination Chamber…
Cover by Kingston, and a kick out. …for the Tag Team Titles.
But you win this match here tonight, Pat,
perhaps you jockey for a position to get to a title opportunity.
[Pat] Yeah, it's always good to get a win on Friday Night SmackDown
with the most eyes on the TV in sports entertainment.
[Cole] Angel causing-- the distraction to Kofi and Humberto pays off
with a blow to the back of the neck, and now Los Lotharios.
[crowd chanting, clapping]
Many, many people see so much potential in this team of Angel and Humberto.
-[crowd chanting indistinctly] -[Pat] Angel and Humberto
have everything you could possibly want
to be at the top of the tag team division of any program.
[Cole] Tag made. Here comes Angel. Double-team now on Kingston.
[Pat] They're ruthless, they're handsome, they're quick.
[Cole] Oh! Big E never saw that one coming.
Great move by Los Lotharios.
[Pat] And they're clever.
So is Kofi Kingston, rolling out of the way.
[Cole] Kofi on the apron though. Humberto slides underneath.
Kofi Kingston with a kick right to the face.
Now Kofi off the second rope, and runs into a kick by Angel.
Los Lotharios rolling on SmackDown.
Come on, Kofi! [shouts indistinctly]
[Cole] And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Big E, Kofi Kingston against Los Lotharios.
And Humberto and Angel look great so far, Pat.
[Pat] Absolutely. Completely in sync
and it all started with that superkick to the mouth of Kofi.
[crowd chanting] Kofi! Kofi!
[Pat] Oklahoma City has been firmly in the New Day's corner.
[Cole] But what a win this would be for Los Lotharios, to knock off
a team that's held 11 tag team titles over the years.
-[Pat] Angel with the snap-off pants. -[Cole] Oh!
And Big E. That was a veteran move by Angel,
but it might've cost him, however.
He went into the cover. The official was dealing with Big E.
It was a veteran move
'cause I thought Los Lotharios was going to double-team
when Big E was drawn into the ring.
[Pat] Hey, with those snap-off pants, like AJ Hawk does
at a pick-up basketball game of old men with bad knees.
Business is on when the snap-off pants come off.
[Cole] Business is awful with an AJ Hawk reference on SmackDown.
Nonetheless, back suplex, and here's Angel now.
-Cover, hook of the leg. -One! Two!
Is it enough? And a kick out by Kofi.
[crowd cheering]
[Pat] AJ Hawk would be very impressed with the grit of Kofi Kingston here.
[Cole] Everyone is. Kofi a former WWE Champion.
Kofi!
[Pat] Kofi with all of Oklahoma City on his side…
[yells indistinctly]
…powering through as Angel yells from the side.
[Cole] Kofi really's got to get to the corner and make a tag to Big E.
Can he get there?
Not if Los Lotharios keeps this up.
-A very impressive performance thus far… -[crowd booing]
…from Humberto and Angel.
[Pat] I love how happy Los Lotharios is
whenever everybody else is telling them that they suck.
-They love this. They embrace this. -[Cole] They eat it up.
Top rope now.
Humberto-- Moonsault! Kofi got the feet up
and now an opportunity to make a tag.
Can Kofi get to the Powerhouse?
[Pat] Moonsault was picture perfect until Kofi said "Uh-uh."
"Not so fast."
Can Big E make his way in?
-And he is. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, and Big E with a belly to belly.
And another one.
[men grunting]
Oh, and planting.
[crowd cheering]
[Pat] Big E's so powerful, agile, quick.
The hips gyrating, the body.
[Cole] Oh, 285-pound splash.
[Pat] Dominates.
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks!
[Cole] Big E trying to put Angel away. He's got him up for the big ending.
Angel from behind, though. Backstabber.
That'll quell the momentum, but nobody for Angel to tag.
Humberto was checking off the apron.
Uranage.
Tag.
[Pat] "Catching another grown man one-handed," says Big E.
[Cole] And the New Day.
-Cover by Kofi. -One! Two!
[Cole] No, a two count. Broken up by Humberto.
-I thought it was over. -[Pat] Thought so too.
Humberto must've snuck in there late
or the ref was blind to the whole situation.
-[Cole] Oh, Big E, nobody home. -[Pat] It's a nasty spill with the knee.
[Cole] Oh, and Humberto taking Big E out.
Kofi and Angel now in the ring.
-Angel intercepting Kofi. -[Pat] Oh.
[Cole] Rolling him up now.
Shoulders are down and a kick out by Kingston.
-[Pat] Hot flying action. -[Cole] Tag.
Humberto now legal for Los Lotharios. Miss with trouble in paradise.
Double-team now coming from Los Lotharios.
[Pat] Pick him up.
[Cole] Top rope for Humberto.
Missile dropkick
for the win. Is it enough?
-Hook of the leg on Kingston. -One! Two!
-Kofi kicked out. -[crowd cheering]
[Pat] Thought we were getting the trace there.
[Cole] What a tag team match.
[Pat] This thing's been as good as over twice.
[Cole] Tag made, double-team as you take another look
at what happened moments ago.
Los Lotharios looking to put Kingston away.
Takes the no.
Angel! Kick right to the face.
Now Angel looking to put Kofi away with the wing clipper.
Kofi, though, lands on his feet. Nobody home.
Big E is there, back up to the apron.
Now Big E makes the tag.
[Pat] Kofi kicking Angel in the face like Evan McPherson.
[Cole] And now Kofi and Big E
off the big ending in the splash. Cover now by E
-for the win. Yes. -[bell rings]
-[cheering] -[New Day's music plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Kofi Kingston and Big E.
[Cole] What a match! Los Lotharios looked great.
[Pat] That was an epic clash here on SmackDown.
New Day gets the win.
[Cole] It's gonna be epic when Ronda Rousey's here
for the first time ever on SmackDown in a few moments.
Let's show you what happened this past week at the Royal Rumble.
[dramatic music playing]
[announcer] Let's find out who takes that next massive step to WrestleMania.
[commentator 1] Thirty Superstars.
All you have to do is be the last woman standing,
and a main event, a title opportunity at WrestleMania.
No, anybody can show up in the Women's Royal Rumble event.
It is truly every woman for herself.
-[crowd] Five! Four! Three! Two! One! -Who shall enter the fray next?
[buzzer sounds]
["Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts playing]
The baddest woman on the planet is back!
And look at the field.
They can't believe it either.
And she's picking up right where she left off.
[no audible dialogue]
Rousey has been like a machine.
The field beginning to thin.
Charlotte Flair eliminates them both!
And then there were two!
Charlotte Flair caught by Rousey.
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
Ronda Rousey reigns supreme!
We knew she was the baddest woman on the planet.
Once again, she's the baddest woman to headline WrestleMania.
-[Charlotte Flair's music plays] -[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] Actually, we were expecting Ronda Rousey.
[Pat] Instead, Royalty is in the building.
[Cole] I guess if you're the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair,
you're not going to allow anyone to steal the spotlight on your show.
[Pat] Well, Charlotte has said numerous times that she is the spotlight.
She is the opportunity.
So I assume she feels she's doing a gift for Ronda Rousey here.
Not saying she's right, I'm just saying what she is thinking, obviously.
But why shouldn't she?
[Irvin] Please welcome the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Charlotte Flair!
-[Cole] There's been so much speculation… -[effects popping]
…over which champion Ronda Rousey will pick,
since winning the Women's Royal Rumble match,
to face at WrestleMania.
And you have to wonder,
by the time we get to New Orleans, Louisiana next week,
who will Ronda Rousey have chosen?
Because up next, we expect "the Rowdy One" to be here.
Ronda Rousey, for the first time ever on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
[narrator] It's an all-mighty era once again…
[Bobby Lashley] I slayed the Beast.
Who's the champion now?
[narrator] But for how long?
[man] At the Elimination Chamber,
Bobby Lashley will defend against five Superstars.
[roaring]
[commentator] Are the days of Bobby Lashley as champion numbered?
[narrator] Plus,
what does WWE Hall of Famer Lita have in store for Big Time Becks
ahead of their battle for the Raw Women's Championship?
If you're scared, just say you're scared.
I am many things. What I am not is scared.
[narrator] Raw, SyFy Edition.
Live this Monday, 8:00/7:00 Central on SyFy.
[rock music playing]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
In two weeks,
two weeks from tonight,
Sami Zayn finally gets his opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship
at Shinsuke Nakamura.
That's in two weeks.
But next week, we're in New Orleans, Friday Night SmackDown.
And Naomi gets an opportunity at the SmackDown Women's Championship.
Charlotte Flair, Naomi, for the title next week.
Speaking of Charlotte Flair
and Sonya Deville, who made that match official,
they are now in the ring, as we get ready for Charlotte's title defense next week
right here on SmackDown in New Orleans.
[crowd booing]
Charlotte, now, I haven't ran this by the higher-ups yet,
but just prior to going on air,
I had a conversation with Becky Lynch.
Becky informed me that Ronda Rousey
has chosen Becky Lynch as her opponent
for the main event at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
And Becky is fully expecting a contract in her hands Monday night on Raw
for her to sign.
With that being said,
after you beat Naomi next week in your championship match,
you will be in need of a WrestleMania main event opponent.
I'm going to give you the floor right here, right now,
to choose who that's gonna be.
No, no. See, I'm not surprised that Ronda chose Becky.
You want to know why? Because I have been on top since 2015.
I have been here day in, day out, winning, fighting, competing,
becoming the most dominant champion in the WWE.
[scattered booing]
What has Ronda been doing?
Playing video games, farming?
Oh, she had a baby.
Congratulations, Ronda.
No, no. Listen, I'm not saying that Ronda isn't a game-changer
or an elite athlete.
I'm just saying I would be worried for Ronda
if she didn't choose Becky
because mom versus mom is an easier route.
No, no. Listen, I have never been faster,
stronger, more confident in myself.
I am the main event of WrestleMania.
[crowd booing]
So, if Ronda wants to choose the other champion,
the undercard,
be my guest because number one doesn't talk about number two.
So, you know what?
I'll choose my opponent to main event.
Who should I pick, you guys?
Doesn't matter. Pick anybody.
Who should I pick?
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
You know what? I got it. I got it. I got it.
I know who I'll pick.
I'll pick somebody who isn't even here tonight.
I'll pick Sasha Banks.
[crowd cheering]
You know what? I wish Sasha was here tonight
so I could hear her thank me for the opportunity.
Sasha, if you're listening,
WrestleMania is going to be the best and worst day of your life.
And I'll have a contract waiting for you, sweetheart.
[crowd buzzing]
[Ronda Rousey's music plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Told you Ronda Rousey was going to be here.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey
for the first time ever on Friday Night SmackDown,
the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Pat] The baddest, the raddest
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
The arm-breaking, main-event-taking badass
is here on Friday night for the first time ever.
[Cole] And remember who eliminated Charlotte Flair in the Rumble to win,
Ronda Rousey.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah.
[crowd cheering loudly]
Heard Becky called Sonya, told Charlotte. "She said, she said…"
Guys…
you love to talk about me, don't you?
But last time I checked,
I won the Royal Rumble,
and I get to pick who I main event WrestleMania with.
[crowd cheering]
But you were right about one thing, Charlotte. Being a mom,
it changed me so much.
It changed my perspective, like…
I didn't fly halfway across the country into an ice storm
with my baby to have a chat.
[Pat] Oh.
I came to teach her the family business of kicking ass.
[crowd cheering]
And you are just one of many I owe an ass-beating to.
[crowd shouting, chattering]
[crowd chanting] Ronda Rousey! Ronda Rousey! Ronda Rousey!
[chanting continues] Ronda Rousey!
[Pat] Oklahoma City loves Ronda Rousey.
[chanting continues] Ronda Rousey!
Let's be clear about one thing, Charlotte.
You are not special.
You are just first.
I'll see you at WrestleMania, bitch.
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] Oh yeah!
Well, the opportunity is back in the main event of WrestleMania.
And this title is my baby,
and she's prettier than yours.
[crowd booing]
[Pat] Sheesh.
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] Oh boy.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Hang on. Hang on.
You have a terrible temper,
we need to get a couple of things straight first.
I run the show, not you.
I tell you what to do, not the other way around,
so back off.
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] Oh, look out.
Charlotte went after Ronda.
-And now Sonya Deville gets involved. -[Pat] What is Sonya doing?
[Cole] Well, Charlotte is going to retreat,
and Ronda Rousey staring at the SmackDown Women's Champion.
[crowd cheering]
Now, look at the look in Ronda's eyes.
Get off of me!
[Cole] Sonya Deville's screaming! The Ronda armbar!
-[crowd cheering] -[Ronda's music playing]
[Cole] Sonya's tapping. Could that be the fate of Charlotte Flair?
Ronda made her choice.
Ronda and Charlotte for the SmackDown Women's Title at WrestleMania.
[Pat] Ronda Rousey hasn't taken her eyes off of Charlotte Flair.
And at WrestleMania,
will Charlotte have her arm broken and her title taken? e Flair.