[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then…
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
[suspenseful music playing]
[crowd booing]
[slamming]
I told you!
I run it here!
[dramatic music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[thrilling music playing]
[growling]
[crowd cheering]
[screams]
[clanking]
[ominous music playing]
Help!
Oh God! Help me!
I love you. I love you!
Please, Brock! [moans]
[pained screaming]
-Oh God! -[slams]
[thrilling music playing]
[crowd screaming]
[shocked gasps]
[inaudible dialogue]
[crowd gasping]
[somber music playing]
[crowd booing]
Brock Lesnar,
acknowledge me!
[dramatic music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] WrestleMania is three weeks from tomorrow,
and tonight, the road to the show winds through Birmingham, Alabama.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored tonight by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Next Big Thing (Remix)" by Jim Johnston playing]
[screams, cheers]
[Lesnar] The Beast is in Birmingham!
[crowd cheering]
[screams]
[crowd whooping]
[Cole] After what The Bloodline did to Brock Lesnar
at Madison Square Garden,
we have to have a pissed-off Brock Lesnar here.
[blasting]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Please welcome the WWE Champion,
Brock Lesnar!
[Cole] Brock Lesnar must be in a mood tonight,
left bloody, and beaten, and battered
at the hands of The Bloodline
and Roman Reigns inside Madison Square Garden.
[McAfee] He was brutalized with a chair,
blood was spurting… squirting out of his eyes,
then rock-bottomed onto the stairs.
[Cole] And Pat, three weeks from Sunday,
there will be hell to pay
in the biggest WrestleMania match of all time,
Winner-Take-All Championship Unification,
Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns,
the main event, WrestleMania Sunday.
["Next Big Thing (Remix)" by Jim Johnston continues]
[Cole] Look at the intensity in the eyes of The Beast.
[McAfee] Not that it wasn't personal before,
but after that heinous attack, you got to think "Cowboy" Brock
is ready to kick some Roman Reign ass.
[crowd cheering]
Roman Reigns!
[crowd cheering]
You done changed the rules, boy.
Roman, you done changed the game.
You see, for the last six days,
I drug my ass out of bed…
and looked in the mirror.
Get a good look at that, Roman.
You done changed the rules, Roman.
You don't draw first blood on Brock Lesnar and live to tell about it.
You see, Roman, I'm here for blood tonight.
I don't care about WrestleMania contracts,
I don't care…
[crowd cheering]
about WWE Titles.
Roman, get your ass out here!
[crowd cheering]
You done screwed up, Roman!
I want your blood, Roman!
Roman, blood for blood, that's what I want!
Roman Reigns, get your ass out here!
[crowd cheering]
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd booing]
[Heyman] Stop it now! Stop.
No booing. No booing.
Relax.
Cut to a commercial. Do something.
Take the temperature down.
[stuttering]
If you never ever want to listen to me again
for the rest of your life, listen to me now.
You got bled by The Bloodline.
You got smashed by The Tribal Chief.
You want the Universal Champion?
"The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns…
[crowd booing]
…is not here this evening.
[crowd booing]
I know you better than any human being on the face of this planet.
-I know you-- -Shut up, Paul!
[crowd laughing]
Paul!
Hey! Hey!
If what is coming out of your fat, lying jowls is true…
if Roman Reigns isn't here tonight, Paul…
[Heyman] Right. That's for your protection.
You're welcome.
So if Roman's not here…
who's gonna protect you, Paul?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh my God. Oh my God, Lesnar.
Heyman is running out of the arena, and Lesnar's in full chase.
[McAfee] There is not enough Depends in Alabama
for Paul Heyman right now.
[Cole] Brock Lesnar is chasing Paul Heyman through… through the arena.
Stop him! Stop him! Stop him!
[Pat and Cole] Oh my God!
[McAfee] Security getting manhandled by an irate Brock Lesnar!
[Cole] And Paul Heyman jumped into… into that waiting car and just sped away.
[McAfee] Geez!
Thought we were going to see a Paul Heyman homicide
via The Beast incarnate there.
Brock Lesnar is incensed.
The Beast woken up at Madison Square Garden this past Saturday,
and I'm not sure that Roman Reigns, The Bloodline, Paul Heyman,
any of them, understand what they have done.
He said, "I want blood. Blood for blood.
There's receipts.
You gave me stitches on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden,
well, here in Birmingham, I'm doing the same damn thing to you."
-Well, uh… -Wow.
Slow things down a little bit and switch gears
and talk about another rivalry
that has become extremely personal in the past couple of weeks.
Last week, it was Big E and Kofi Kingston
in a match against Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
Kofi having fun on Big E's birthday gift, the ATV,
when Ridge Holland attacked Kofi from behind with a steel chair,
and then Sheamus would take out Big E.
And then the two would abscond with the ATV,
take it out into the parking lot,
and absolutely destroy, again,
a birthday gift given to Big E from Kofi Kingston.
[McAfee] The boys from Donnybrook Lane used the sledgehammers like pros
and beat the hell out of that quad,
right in front of The New Day's face.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests,
Ridge Holland and Sheamus.
What's the story, Meg? You all right?
[crowd booing]
-Oh, look at that. -[indistinct]
Gentlemen, can you please offer an explanation
as to why you destroyed Big E's ATV?
And do you think your actions will fuel them on to victory
-in tonight's match? -Destroyed it?
Meg, we made it better. We improved it.
We took the load off the front.
It's lighter and faster than it's ever been.
That's what we do around here, Meg.
We improve things. Ain't that right, Ridge?
That's right. I tell you what, Megan.
Tonight, we're expecting a proper fight night.
[both chuckle]
[Meg] Is that why you brought those sledgehammers?
These things? Ah, no, Meg.
This is child's play
compared to what we brought along tonight, you know what I'm saying?
We've brought someone we've both known for a very long time.
We've brought someone along,
who's deadlier than two sledgehammers put together.
Now, some people might know him by a different name,
but we know him by his nickname.
He is the one, the only…
-Butch. -Butch.
[laughs]
[McAfee] Butch.
-You ready, lads? -Fight night.
-[chuckles]
♪ It's a new day… ♪
[McAfee] Golly, Pete.
[Cole] Yeah. Apparently another protégé…
["New Day, New Way" by Jim Johnston plays]
…with Sheamus.
[McAfee] Sheamus, Ridge Holland, now, Butch?
They're gonna be quite a problem.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Kofi Kingston
and Big E!
[Cole] Well, in the wake of Big E's birthday gift
getting smashed to shreds by Sheamus and Ridge Holland last week,
The New Day looks to return the favor and smash the hopes
of The Celtic Warrior and his protégé.
Tag team action, live next, on Friday Night SmackDown.
["New Day, New Way" by Jim Johnston continues]
[Cole] WrestleMania is sponsored by Snickers. Snickers satisfies.
And by WWE 2K22,
the biggest video game in WWE history,
is available now, featuring a redesigned gameplay engine,
stunning graphics, and new controls.
Get it today!
[McAfee] Rave reviews for 2K22.
Everybody loves it.
If you're not on board yet, jump on.
["10 Beats of the Bodhrán" by def rebel playing]
[McAfee] It's fight night on Friday Night SmackDown.
[announcer] And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Butch,
the team of Ridge Holland and Sheamus!
[Cole] Kofi Kingston told me earlier on
that he believes that Ridge Holland should be in jail.
Unprovoked assault, battery, theft, malicious destruction of property.
But Kofi Kingston says he's gonna take care of business
tonight in the ring
after what Ridge and Sheamus did to Big E's birthday gift last week.
[McAfee] I think the evidence is very clear.
All of that would hold up in court, but this is the WWE, and Kofi knows that.
[Cole] Look at Big E going right after Sheamus, and Kofi Kingston as well.
And Big E and Kofi Kingston wasting little time going after Sheamus.
What is that?
[clamoring]
-Hey, hey! -What is that?
[shouts indistinctly]
[Cole] I guess Sheamus doesn't like when the tables are turned, huh?
[McAfee] Well, Sheamus told me earlier that tonight's gonna be fight night!
Big E said, "Let's get this thing started."
[crowd chanting]
[McAfee] Sheamus starting things off against Kofi Kingston.
Tag team action, Sheamus and Ridge against Kofi and E.
Meanwhile, the newcomer to Sheamus's group, Butch,
is hanging out at ringside.
[McAfee] I know what we have done, but Butch looks like an absolute assassin.
[Cole] And here now, Ridge Holland in off the tag.
And a big uppercut dropping Kofi Kingston, as Butch looks on.
Immediately, adding him to the group makes Sheamus and company
so much more dangerous.
[McAfee] Absolutely. The man is a butcher of limbs,
cerebral in the ring.
Ridge Holland brings the power. Sheamus brings the fight.
They could be an unstoppable force, but that's what The New Day have been.
[Cole] Yeah. Don't forget, 11-time Tag Team Champions,
Kofi Kingston, Big E, of course,
recovering Xavier Woods, still out injured.
As Ridge Holland delivers a knee right into the face.
[McAfee] T's and P's to Xavier Woods, for sure,
but these two teams have built up quite a rivalry, quick,
-gotten personal. -[Cole] Kofi comes off with a dropkick.
Cover now. Is it enough to put Holland away? And a kick-out.
I mean, think about it though, Pat. Kofi and Big E, close as brothers, right?
Kofi gets Big E this quad.
Those things are not cheap.
Big E, so excited to have that as a gift, and then it's destroyed.
And for what? By these hooligans for no reason.
[McAfee] It's a metaphor, more so than anything.
It's not just like that it's an SUV.
-[Cole] Oh! -It's the fact that these gentlemen
who love to fight had zero regard for the friendship,
the gift, the meaning behind it.
And Big E is taking all that out on Sheamus right now.
[Cole] Former champions, Big E and Sheamus.
As Big E's stomping away in the corner.
And I guess you can understand emotionally why Big E is so irate here tonight.
But Sheamus catches him with a clothesline, stunning Big E,
and a kick right to the midsection.
[McAfee] Sheamus, no stranger to pummeling blows,
lot of grit, lot of toughness.
Big E's no different.
[Cole] And Sheamus… Nice leapfrog by the 285-pounder,
who delivers an elbow right into the face of Sheamus.
And Sheamus, just trying to scoot out of harm's way.
Come on!
[McAfee] Big E, remarkably nimble for how big and powerful of a man.
[Big E] Ow!
[McAfee] That's why he's been a champion.
[Cole] But Sheamus, one of the most physical Superstars in WWE history.
[McAfee] Sheamus is not scared to do whatever it takes too.
[Cole] He'll take shortcuts.
Now the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán by The Celtic Warrior.
-What a resume in the career of Sheamus… -[crowd counting]
-[crowd] …seven, eight… -Royal Rumble winner,
Money in the Bank winner, King of the Ring,
multiple-time world champion.
[McAfee] That is literally the happiest Sheamus is,
it's when he's pounding on somebody's sternum.
[Cole] Or drinking a pint. And Sheamus… Uh-oh! Big E caught him.
Belly-to-belly throw!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Gonna need a couple Guinnesses after what's going on.
[Cole] And a kick-out, fall, count of one.
And Big E now dragging Sheamus out toward the apron.
You stay down there! Hey!
[indistinct angry chatter]
[Cole] And Kofi Kingston takes out Ridge!
-[crowd cheering] -Let's go!
[Cole] And Sheamus does not want to be there.
Big E with Sheamus in his sights. Splash! Nobody home!
[McAfee] Kofi helping out Big E,
but it gave Sheamus enough time to recover.
[Cole] And Sheamus with a running knee. Big E down.
Sheamus and Ridge have taken over.
Can Kofi and Big E get back in this match?
[Cole] And in a few moments, here on Friday Night SmackDown,
we are going to get into the whole "Stone Cold" Steve Austin story
that's been dominating headlines all week long.
But here tonight, on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, tag team action,
Big E and Kofi Kingston against Sheamus and Ridge Holland,
who have added another man to their group.
That man's name is Butch, a long-time friend of Sheamus and Ridge.
He's at ringside.
[McAfee] We've known him by another name,
but to Ridge and Sheamus, he's always been Butch.
[Cole] Sheamus wants a tag. Big E needs to make it to Kofi.
The WWE Universe in Birmingham, Alabama trying to cheer Big E on.
Tag made, here comes The Celtic Warrior. And here comes Kofi Kingston,
the former WWE Champion, taking the fight to Sheamus.
[McAfee] Fourteen years in, still flying around.
[Cole] One of the great all-time athletes in WWE history.
Kofi, top rope, and that's just an example why, right there.
[McAfee] On his head, Kofi says.
[Cole] Innovative offensive style of Kingston.
Rise up!
[Cole] Kofi fired up. And it could be time for the Boom Drop.
Connecting!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Kofi in a zone, here in Birmingham.
[Cole] There's Ridge Holland up on the apron,
causing a bit of a distraction, but Kofi does not allow that.
SOS!
Stacks up Sheamus.
Ridge breaks things up for his team.
-[McAfee] And it was almost over. -[Cole] Big E involved.
[grunting]
And Big E… Oh! Ridge moved out of the way.
And Big E hit hard.
[McAfee] Ridge almost set up Big E, knew what was coming.
[Cole] And now Ridge with a throw of his own,
dropping Big E right on the top of his head!
Is Big E okay?
And Kofi concerned about that,
roll-up by Sheamus now, almost had the win.
But Big E is hurt.
And Kofi Kingston now dropping Sheamus.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Kofi going up to the top rope.
[Cole] And Kofi now up top. There is Butch now, on the apron.
Butch causing a distraction.
Sheamus with a kick right into the face of Kingston.
And now Sheamus dragging Kingston to the center of the ring.
The cover, hook of the leg. Sheamus and Ridge win, thanks to Butch.
[announcer] Here are your winners…
the team of Ridge Holland and Sheamus.
[Cole] Meanwhile, medical personnel dealing with Big E,
outside the ring after the…
And now, look at this. Look at Butch. Butch in the ring now,
attacking Kofi Kingston.
Big E cannot help.
He's being attended to by emergency personnel.
Meanwhile, Butch and Sheamus, and Ridge Holland…
[referee shouts]
And finally pulling Butch away, a rabid Butch, from Kofi Kingston.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Longtime friends, all with the same mindset.
[Cole] Butch, again.
-[McAfee] Savage men. -We're done! We're done!
[indistinct shouts]
[McAfee] Love the fight.
Taking it to Kofi after this thing was over.
[Cole] Butch just added something to Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
They are going to be a story going forward, here on SmackDown.
Meanwhile, it's WrestleMania season.
Headlines every week, not many bigger than this,
Monday Night Raw with Kevin Owens.
[upbeat music playing]
I want to have the biggest,
most stupendous KO Show in history,
and I want to do it at WrestleMania.
I have the perfect guest in mind…
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Kevin Owens threw down the gauntlet.
We'll hear the response from The Texas Rattlesnake himself,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
next on SmackDown.
[upbeat music playing]
♪ Are you ready ♪
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored tonight by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
We showed you, right before the break, the challenge laid out.
Kevin Owens wants the KO Show
to host "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania.
And, well, the headlines show it, Pat.
-The Rattlesnake said he'll be there. -[McAfee] That's right.
The entire globe is saying, "Oh hell yeah."
Everybody from to Forbes and Bleacher Report
saw the promo that Stone Cold put on Twitter,
and said, "Thank God, The Texas Rattlesnake is back in the WWE."
[Cole] Let's take it back to Raw this past Monday.
Kevin Owens, depressed after losing a Tag Team Title match
and losing his chance to go to WrestleMania.
[somber music playing]
[Owens] It's official.
I don't have a match…
at WrestleMania.
But you know what, I… I can accept that now,
because I think I found a way to get there.
I want to have the biggest, most stupendous KO Show in history,
and I want to do it at WrestleMania.
I have the perfect guest in mind.
Someone who embodies the state of Texas like no one else.
Because just like the state of Texas,
he is a broken-down shell of his former self, living on past glory.
Look, we haven't seen this guy in a while.
And I bet he's probably drinking beer all day, all night,
like the redneck he is.
His knees are so shot that when he was in WWE,
he needed to wear knee braces just to get through his matches.
I know you're watching.
And I don't think you have the guts to show up.
But the bottom line…
[rattling]
…is I am calling you out,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin!
[car engine rumbling]
[engine stops]
[intense music building]
[dramatic music playing]
Kevin Owens, I want to thank you.
I want to thank you for waking something up deep inside me,
that I've kept buried for 19 years.
Ever since you started running that damn mealy-mouth of yours
talking about the state of Texas, the great state of Texas,
you got my attention.
And why would you want to do that, Kevin?
I can think of two reasons.
One, you are one dumb son of a bitch.
And two…
[glass shatters]
…you are fixing to get your ass kicked by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Whether you want to call this a KO Show, a match, a fight, a brawl, whatever,
at WrestleMania,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is gonna open up
one last can of whoop-ass on you, Kevin Owens.
And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so.
[glass shattering]
[Cole] It will happen WrestleMania Saturday in Dallas.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin will confront Kevin Owens on the KO Show
as part of the most stupendous two-night WrestleMania in history.
[McAfee] Stone Cold was sitting on his ranch
drinking some Broken Skull IPAs.
What? Maybe a little bit of whiskey. What?
Maybe some tequila. What?
And said, "This son of a bitch steals my moves,
and then calls me out.
You woke up The Texas Rattlesnake, and thank God for that."
-Hey, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin perhaps… -Oh hell yeah!
…the greatest of all time, but the self-proclaimed greatest athlete
in the history of WWE, Sami Zayn, maybe not so much anymore.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[TV announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Zayn] They call me the Champion of the People,
[booing]
the destroyer of Johnny Knoxville,
the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history.
Woo-hoo.
[Cole] Sami Zayn defending the Intercontinental Championship
-against Ricochet. -[bell rings]
Ricochet now out of the box, shoulders down,
trying to catch Zayn, almost had it!
Two and a half!
[McAfee] He's fast. He's quick. He's explosive.
Right now, he has given Sami everything he can handle.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, it's Sami Zayn!
Kick-out by Ricochet at two.
["Corona" by Minutemen playing]
[cheering]
[McAfee] Johnny Knoxville got his ass kicked last week,
and he's coming back for more.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Ricochet… Sami Zayn taken out.
Cover. Shoulders down. Ricochet did it!
Ricochet's the champion!
[McAfee] Johnny Knoxville pumped that he could ruin Sami Zayn's life.
[Cole] For the first time in his career,
Ricochet wins the Intercontinental Championship.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the former Intercontinental Champion,
Sami Zayn.
[crowd booing]
What… what kind of introduction is that? "Former"? "Former"?
Kayla, I have a lot on my mind tonight. I can't deal with this.
I can't deal with this, okay?
Speaking of having a lot going on,
TMZ did release this footage earlier today. Let's take a look.
Take a… Take a look? No.
So yesterday, Sami Zayn got my personal phone number
and was texting and stalking me all day.
So today, for my birthday,
I am flying his phone number over Los Angeles.
[Knoxville laughing]
I've lost my voice from laughing.
-[camera clicks] -[Knoxville laughs]
[Knoxville] 407-574-1532.
[Knoxville laughing]
See you at WrestleMania, shnookums. Mwah! Mwah!
[camera clicks]
[crowd cheering]
How do you show that footage? You can't show that footage.
It has my phone number on it!
It's bad enough Knoxville posted it on his Instagram, TMZ's posting it.
You… you can't post it on the show. There are privacy…
-No one understands-- -Sami, you clearly seem distracted.
So how are you preparing for your Intercontinental Championship rematch
against Ricochet tonight?
Preparing? When would I have had time to prepare?
I have done zero… zero preparation.
How can I prepare when I've gotten, literally,
and I'm not exaggerating, 10,000 text messages today
in the past few hours?
Actually, I think it was 10,000.
The number was 900… 9,300-something, and then it disappeared.
And it just turned into an exclamation point.
That is how much people have been blowing up my phone today.
So preparing? No. Zero preparation.
You know what? I'm actually… Ha! I'm actually not worried.
'Cause if there's one thing I learned about myself recently,
it's that no matter what is thrown at me, I can overcome.
Just like WWE management conspired against me,
and I still won my Intercontinental Championship back.
So now, Ricochet? No problem.
Let me tell you something about Ricochet.
He's actually not that good.
He's not. He was lucky.
He was in the right place at the right time,
'cause Johnny Knoxville liked to get involved
and cost me the championship.
Well, guess what? Johnny Knoxville is not here tonight.
So I am going to steamroll through Ricochet,
and I'm gonna get back my Intercontinental Championship.
Johnny Knoxville wants Sami Zayn at WrestleMania so badly,
he's not just gonna get Sami Zayn,
he is gonna get the Intercontinental Champion,
because I am going to win tonight.
[Cole] I-I was just told by the members of the social media team
a moment ago, that actually it's closing in on
11,000 phone calls and text messages to Sami Zayn's number today.
[McAfee] Let's get that thing to 20,000
before that championship fight tonight, shall we?
-[Cole] How many times did you text him? -[McAfee] A lot.
Sami deserves to be recognized for his insufferability.
["Gallantry (Defining Moment Remix)" playing]
[Cole] And here comes The SmackDown Warrior.
[McAfee] This is why you never get into it with an incredibly rich guy,
he just rents a plane…
[crowd cheering]
…to ruin your life.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a six-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Ayr, Scotland, weighing in at 265 pounds,
Drew McIntyre!
[Cole] What an ovation for the former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
Of course, the sword Angela, named after his late mother.
Drew McIntyre heading to WrestleMania to take on Happy Corbin.
[McAfee] This man is nothing short
of mesmerizing to look at.
Massive, chiseled,
wildly athletic, and he's got a sword that brings flames.
[blasts]
[Cole] And tonight, he's got a six-man tag team matchup.
Drew McIntyre will team up with The Viking Raiders tonight
to take on The Happy Folks,
Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, and also Jinder Mahal.
That's coming up, next.
[Cole] We are back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
There's Drew McIntyre set to team with The Viking Raiders
in a six-man tag match against The Happy Folks and Jinder Mahal.
This should be a hard-hitting affair on Friday Night SmackDown.
And it's time to join the raid!
["Raid (Viking Raiders)" by def rebel playing]
[Cole] Oh, I think you said "right now." I can't hear you.
I don't think your microphone is working.
You probably shouldn't take breaks during the commercial break.
But nonetheless, Drew McIntyre… Oh, wait a minute.
-[angry grunts] -What the…
[grunting]
This is back in the locker room area.
Take him out! Take him out!
-[screams] -[groans]
[Sheamus] Yeah! Yeah! Come on!
[Cole] That's Corbin, and Shanky, and Mahal, and Madcap Moss
beating the hell out of The Viking Raiders,
McIntyre's, uh… teammates tonight.
McIntyre now heading toward the back.
[crowd cheering]
And look who's here.
Mahal and Shanky, coming out to try to ambush McIntyre.
It appears these four had no intention of any match happening tonight.
[McAfee] Not at all. Happy Corbin doesn't want any parts of an actual match
with Drew McIntyre and his people.
Drew McIntyre's an absolute beast!
[Cole] Happy Corbin did… I think he miscalculated a bit.
And now Jinder Mahal, and now Happy Corbin
taking advantage when McIntyre was distracted.
-And now, a four-on-one assault. -[crowd booing]
[McAfee] This is just like the Happy Thugs.
Of course it is. Corbin wants nothing to do with McIntyre at WrestleMania.
He wants to make sure McIntyre isn't ready for WrestleMania.
-[growls] -Oh, right into the post.
[McAfee] Setting Drew McIntyre up for a full-blown attack.
[Cole] And that's what this was.
Nothing but a setup.
[McAfee] And these opportunistic Happy Folks are gonna enjoy
every moment of this.
-[crowd booing] -Pick him up!
[McAfee] What a bunch of bugs.
Look at this.
Look at me, Drew!
-Look at me! -[manic laugh]
You wanted a mania!
You wanted a mania, you got it!
And I'm gonna take your head off!
[crowd booing]
[cackling]
[Cole] Madcap Moss cackling away.
And Corbin now mocking McIntyre!
And McIntyre, though, fighting out of it. Glasgow Kiss to Moss.
And now Happy Corbin running away.
[McAfee] Like a little coward.
[Cole] Yeah, Madcap Moss now cleared out of the ring.
Jinder Mahal goes for a ride.
[McAfee] Now, Shanky's getting picked up like a trash bag
and dumped on his back with a kip-up.
[Cole] McIntyre just delivered a Michinoku Driver
-to a 7-foot, 300-pound plus man. -[indistinct chatter]
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Now that same man grabs his sword, Angela.
Happy said he was gonna take off Drew McIntyre's head at WrestleMania.
Corbin, whatever you throw at me, I'm gonna tear apart.
WrestleMania, your ass belongs to me.
["Gallantry (Defining Moment Remix)" by CFO$ playing]
[Cole] No laughing matter for Happy Corbin here tonight.
And all I can say, heading toward WrestleMania
three weeks from tomorrow, is good luck, Happy Corbin.
[McAfee] The most stupendous WrestleMania in the history of WrestleManias
has some personal grudges that need to be settled.
And I can't wait to see what Drew does to that stooge.
One of those on WrestleMania Saturday,
is the matchup on the bottom of your screen.
Charlotte Flair defending the SmackDown Women's Championship
against "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
This rivalry went up a notch last week in our main event,
here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Ronda Rousey in action for the first time ever on SmackDown,
against WWE official Sonya Deville.
Notice the brace on the right knee of Ronda Rousey,
the knee that was attacked last week.
[McAfee] The amount of pain in that knee has to be a mess,
but when you're The Baddest Woman on the Planet,
that doesn't slow you down.
["Recognition" by CFO$ playing]
[Cole] Ronda obviously distracted by Charlotte Flair.
[crowd cheering]
Rousey looking for the armbar.
Charlotte caused the distraction, and right back to the injured knee.
I am not impressed with the armbar.
[Charlotte] That's all she has. She's a one-trick pony.
[Cole] Ronda with the rights and lefts, the combination.
And Deville taken down.
And Ronda Rousey softening up Deville, perhaps for the armbar.
Who wants a souvenir tonight?
[Cole] Charlotte, watch closely.
-Tap out by Deville. -[bell rings]
[Charlotte] I am not impressed with the armbar.
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, you want me?
[tense music playing]
[Charlotte] She's a one-trick pony.
[Cole] Look at this. Ronda Rousey taking Charlotte down.
Rousey with an ankle lock!
[screams]
-[indistinct chatter] -[screams]
[pained screaming]
[Cole] Charlotte's tapping to an ankle lock.
[sobs]
[Cole] What did Charlotte say about being a one-trick pony?
[groans]
Ronda Rousey knows she has the champ exactly where she wants her.
[crowd cheering]
["Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts playing]
[cheering]
[announcer] Please welcome the winner of the 2022 Royal Rumble,
the Baddest Woman on the Planet,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey!
[Cole] Ronda knows she outplayed "The Opportunity" Charlotte last week.
[McAfee] Absolutely. And I think Charlotte knows
that Ronda's back with a brand-new skill set,
and better than ever in the squared circle.
[Cole] How could she be better?
Nonetheless, we understand that Ronda Rousey
has a little message for the SmackDown Women's Champion.
Ronda's here live, next.
[announcer] With her high-flying style and fearless attitude,
Lita redefined what it meant to be a female performer in WWE.
She helped paved the way for the Women's Revolution,
and for so many of the female Superstars of today.
As her work in the ring shined,
her work in the community set an example of how to shine outside of the ring.
Still making an impact today,
the Queen of Extreme recently became one of the first women
ever featured on a billboard in Saudi Arabia.
For this ground-breaking accomplishment,
and all her contributions to WWE,
we are privileged to honor WWE Hall of Famer, Lita.
[Cole] Lita, a true trailblazer in the WWE, keeps making history.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
Talking about trailblazers, one in the ring right now,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
We are a less than one month away from one of the biggest matches
of my career against Charlotte Flair, at WrestleMania Saturday.
-[crowd cheering] -[chuckles]
But just last week, Charlotte revealed her grappling ignorance
when she called me a one-trick pony that can only win with an armbar,
which is like calling Mike Tyson a one-trick pony
because he only wins by punching people.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Ronda! Ronda! Ronda! Ronda! Ronda! Ronda! Ronda!
[chanting continues]
You see, where Charlotte sees just one armbar,
I see thousands of ways to get to that armbar.
But even so, I'm always looking for ways to improve.
And the last few years, I've been doing more than making babies and raising cows.
-[crowd whooping] -I've also been refining the ankle lock
I learned from my first mentor in this ring, Kurt Angle.
[crowd cheering]
And I could think of no better way to thank Kurt
than to tap Charlotte Flair out with it again at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[mouths] And I'm going to.
["Recognition" by CFO$ playing]
[McAfee] I believe Ronda Rousey.
She's the Baddest Woman on the Planet for a reason.
But when you look at Charlotte Flair,
you're looking at generational talent.
In her blood,
greatness oozes
from our SmackDown Women's Champion.
[crowd cheering]
["Recognition" by CFO$ continues]
[fireworks blasting]
[Cole] That is part of WrestleMania Saturday,
three weeks from tomorrow.
Charlotte Flair, The Opportunity,
defending the SmackDown Women's Championship
against the winner of the Royal Rumble match this year,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
What a match that is going to be.
Two generational talents clash at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] Both of these ladies have incredibly high ring IQ.
They got three weeks to prepare for each other physically, mentally.
We're gonna see the best out of both of them.
Who will walk out of there champion?
[crowd cheering]
[crowd whooping]
[Cole] Thirteen times a world champion.
[McAfee] Birmingham just said thank you to Charlotte Flair.
Ronda, correction, our match at WrestleMania
will be the biggest fight of your life.
And let's set the record straight. You didn't tap me out last week.
I had five-inch heels on and a $2,000 suit.
[crowd booing]
We weren't competing.
You took advantage of me.
And if I was you, I'd be less worried about honoring my mentor,
and more concerned about winning where it matters,
like WrestleMania, the grandest stage.
And I guarantee, you won't be tapping me out.
I already did, and I know I will again.
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
I can't hear you!
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] You tapped out! You tapped out! You tapped out!
Oh, you think this is funny?
You think this is funny? Wipe that stupid smile off your face,
because there's nothing funny
about having an opportunity to face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania.
[crowd booing]
I get it. I get it. I get it. You're a fighter,
and I get it, you're an impressive one at that,
but there is a reason I am the most decorated woman
in sports entertainment history.
And when I stand here, I still only see a one-trick pony.
And you think I care that you have some new fancy ankle lock?
I can promise you this, when I'm done with you,
I'm going to embarrass you.
I am going to humiliate you.
And by the end of the night,
I'm going to make you tap out.
[crowd booing]
Oh, really?
I'd love to see that. Birmingham, wouldn't you love to see that? Come on!
Let's see it. I'll give you the time to take off your heels this time, okay?
Take your time.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[crowd chanting] You tapped out!
You tapped out!
[chanting and indistinct shouting continue]
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd booing]
Uh-oh!
[crowd chanting] You tapped out! You tapped out!
You tapped out! You tapped out! You tapped out!
[indistinct chatter]
And I'm still the SmackDown Women's Champion!
[crowd continues chanting] You tapped out! You tapped out!
[crowd jeering]
Fine. Walk away, Charlotte. Go ahead and walk away.
But at WrestleMania, you can't walk away.
And on the grandest stage of them all, I'm either going home with your arm,
-or you're gonna tap out. -[crowd cheering]
["Bad Reputation" playing]
[Cole] Will Ronda Rousey also be going home
with the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania?
[McAfee] Charlotte Flair says she's gonna make Ronda Rousey tap out.
And the "Tap Out Queen" Ronda Rousey says, "Uh-uh, Charlotte.
I'm going home with your arm and your title."
-You're on my time, Ronda! -You can feel it in the air.
We're three weeks away from WrestleMania.
The pressure is jacked up just like the way we kicked off
Friday Night SmackDown tonight.
Brock Lesnar stormed into the ring, irate,
after being beaten, battered, and bloodied at Madison Square Garden
last Saturday night by Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
Brock Lesnar demanded Roman Reigns fight tonight.
Paul Heyman came out and said, "Brock, I'm sorry,
Roman Reigns isn't here."
So if Roman's not here…
who's gonna protect you, Paul?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] So Brock Lesnar would stalk and then chase Paul Heyman
out of the building. I don't even how to describe this scene.
[McAfee] Paul Heyman running with the squirts for his life.
And Brock Lesnar, full speed ahead, tossing humans around.
The security was able to delay Brock Lesnar enough.
And Paul Heyman scurried out of the building in an SUV,
while Brock Lesnar ran faster than anybody could've thought.
[Cole] Look at this, Pat. I want you to watch this.
This is clear frustration on the face of Brock Lesnar,
frustration that we have not seen in The Beast in many, many years.
And we've been told this, that Brock Lesnar is fed up.
Roman Reigns is not here tonight.
Apparently, Brock Lesnar has left the arena
and left Friday Night SmackDown.
Yeah, he said he came out here for Roman's blood.
Roman wasn't here, and his blood was boiling.
["Sky's The Limit" by CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] It's Boss Time!
[crowd cheering]
And Glow Time as well!
["Sky's The Limit" by CFO$ playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Naomi and Sasha Banks.
[Cole] This is gonna be quite a tag team match tonight.
We know Sasha Banks and Naomi's gonna be a part
of the Triple Threat match to the Women's Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.
But up next, they will take on the team of Natalya and Shayna Baszler,
one of the most dangerous in WWE.
[McAfee] Sasha Banks and Naomi, your new favorite tag team,
taking on one of the most dangerous combos--
I'm sorry for stepping on that pyro, these two ladies deserve it.
…taking on one of the most dangerous combos in all of sports entertainment.
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Sasha Banks and Naomi, against Shayna Baszler and Natalya.
Also here at ringside, Carmella and Queen Zelina,
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
We know at WrestleMania, Naomi and Sasha Banks will take on
Carmella and Queen Zelina.
And also, now, the team of Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan
in a Triple Threat for the Tag Team Titles.
Natalya makes a tag.
[McAfee] We assume Carmella and Zelina are trying to get a closer look
at this brand-new tag team of Naomi and Sasha
that are getting handled by Shayna and Natalya there.
[Cole] Carmella's got to start getting her eye on the ball.
She's… Here we go, cover now by Natalya, and a kick-out.
She's worried about her reality show with Corey Graves,
she's worried about getting married, everything except defending
the Tag Tiitles, which she's gonna have to do at WrestleMania.
-[McAfee] YouTube reality show… -[Cole] Oh!
-…is a smashing success. -Michinoku Driver!
[Cole] Cover by Natalya and a kick-out.
[indistinct shouts]
[Cole] Oh, look at this. Oh my goodness!
[McAfee] A little bit of wishbone operation there.
But that's what Natalya and Shayna will do.
-[Cole] Oh, true. -[McAfee] They're heartless.
[Cole] Most physical Superstars in WWE today.
[McAfee] Number one trend in the United States, how's it going?
SmackDown.
Shayna Baszler, the joint manipulator.
[McAfee] Another joint manipulator, Butch, made his debut earlier.
Big on Twitter.
[Cole] And now, the knee bar by Shayna Baszler on Naomi.
Smart strategy by Baszler.
Take away the speed, the athleticism of Naomi.
[McAfee] Ground The Glow. It's a good idea by Shayna.
All of Birmingham wants to see Naomi and Sasha fly,
and Shayna wants to do the exact opposite of that.
[Cole] Naomi trying to create some space to make a tag.
Shayna Baszler sends Naomi back into the corner.
"The Queen of Spades" Baszler,
and Naomi with a kick, caught her on the face.
Is it enough for Naomi to get to the corner and make a tag of The Boss?
[McAfee] Right in front of the champions.
They had to feel that kick to the mouth.
[Cole] Tag. Here comes Natalya,
and here comes "The Boss" Sasha Banks.
And Sasha, multiple-time Women's Champion,
multiple-time Tag Team Champion.
-Meteora from the top rope. -Yes, baby!
Come on!
[McAfee] Birmingham loves Banks.
[grunts]
[Cole] And Sasha, taking out both Natalya and Shayna Baszler.
[McAfee] Incredibly innovative offense from one of the GOATs around here.
[Cole] And Sasha went for the baseball slide.
Natalya, though, caught… Oh no!
Sasha sending Natalya into the Tag Team Champions
and The Boss says, "Three weeks, I'm gonna be a Tag Champ."
[indistinct chatter, shouts]
[Cole] And now, Naomi taking out Shayna.
[McAfee] Sasha and Naomi on top of the ball here.
[Cole] And Queen Zelina mouthing off to Banks,
and Natalya took advantage!
Banks may be out cold.
Oh, and a kick-out by Sasha at two.
-[McAfee] The swagger of Sasha Banks. -[Cole] Now Carmella up on the apron.
Queen Zelina, up on the apron as well.
Natalya knocking Zelina off the apron.
[McAfee] She lost her crown!
[Cole] And now, Sasha Banks… Oh!
…planting Natalya. Cover, hook of the leg.
-Banks and Naomi with the win! -[ring bells]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Naomi and Sasha Banks!
[Cole] Sasha and Naomi continue to roll as they approach WrestleMania
in three weeks with the Tag Team Titles up for grabs.
Queen Zelina and Carmella defending against Sasha and Naomi,
and Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan in a Triple Threat match
for the Women's Tag Team Titles.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, you see, uh…
There's, um-- Hey, you ladies lost. Sorry about it.
Nonetheless, coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, are here.
They had quite the week last week on Friday Night.
Let's show you what I'm talking about.
First, the entrance of Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs
interrupted by the ambush, the attack from behind of Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[McAfee] Yeah, that intro is the best in the game,
and The Usos said, "Stop with the music.
Get the hell out of the way!"
Couple of boots to the head.
[Cole] And then a Tag Team Title match later on,
The Usos defending against The Viking Raiders,
and Jimmy and Jey would deliver the 1D.
[McAfee] When they hit that, it's one and done.
The Usos remained dominant last Friday like they have been for…
[Cole] Since last July.
[McAfee] To hell with luck.
["Done With That" by CFO$ playing]
[announcer] Please welcome the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey, The Usos!
[Cole] The longest running SmackDown Tag Team Champions of all time,
Jimmy and Jey, The Usos.
[shouts indistinctly]
[Cole] At least they showed up tonight because Roman Reigns,
the Universal Champion, didn't.
[McAfee] We learned that earlier, obviously.
The Usos said, "SmackDown still needs The Bloodline."
[crowd cheering]
We The Ones, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
Pat, we understand they're gonna unlock the penitentiary.
They're gonna reveal their WrestleMania plans,
live next on SmackDown.
[Cole] What you're about to see
is the most watched Instagram post in WWE history.
It happened last Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
Brock Lesnar, acknowledge me!
[Cole] The Roman Reigns and Bloodline beatdown of Brock Lesnar,
which led to Brock showing up here tonight and chasing Heyman out of the arena.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
and we're sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Two of the perpetrators in that attack on Brock Lesnar in the ring,
the Tag Champs, The Usos.
[screams]
It's Friday Night SmackDown
and The Bloodline is now in your city.
[crowd cheering]
Two hundred and thirty-six days as your SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
That's almost one year.
Roman Reigns, 557 days as your Universal Champion.
That's almost two years.
But check it, WWE management literally ain't got no worthy opponent
for The Usos at WrestleMania.
You know why?
Why, Uce?
Because they the tools, and
-…We the Ones. -We the Ones.
-[laughs] -[crowd cheering]
Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
["The Rising Sun" by CFO$ playing]
[McAfee] Yes! I'm kind of torn?
-[Cole] Why you torn? -[McAfee] I love The Bloodline.
Hey-ho!
My name's Rick Boogs!
And I'm here with my tag team partner, Shinsuke Nakamura,
and we are the next SmackDown Tag Team Champions!
[crowd cheering]
Hold up. Hold up!
Hold on!
Do you mean to tell me
you two want to face The Ones at WrestleMania?
[laughs]
You two actually wanna face The Usos at WrestleMania.
Uce, come here.
[McAfee] His knee does seem to be a bit injured.
Well, check this out, Peg Leg Pete.
Yo! Tonight…
if you can beat The Right-Hand Man, main event, Jey Uso,
in a one-on-one match,
you can have your title shot at WrestleMania
for our Tag Team Championships.
We got a deal!
Cool, we got a deal?
Man, let's get Jess the Ref out here right now,
and let's do this, B-ham.
[Cole] So if Boogs can beat Jey Uso on one leg pretty much,
Shin and Boogs get a Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] Jess the Ref just made her way into the ring,
this seems official.
-Ring the bell. -So Boogs has a chance,
and Shin, to get to WrestleMania.
But Rick Boogs-- Look. Smart move by Jey Uso, going right after the injured leg
that The Usos injured last week in the ambush attack.
[McAfee] The Right-Hand Man of The Tribal Chief is very cerebral.
There's a reason they've been the champions for almost a year.
What's Rick Boogs doing?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] He's unwrapping the tape.
-[McAfee] Doesn't seem like a smart move. -Uh-oh.
I… I believe Rick Boogs played a little trick on the Tag Team Champs,
beating The Usos at their own game.
[McAfee] Bait and switch from Boogs!
[Cole] And now The Powerhouse gonna turn the bear-hug
into a vertical suplex.
The power, now, of Boogs!
[McAfee] Down to a knee!
Incredible!
Two times, he is not hurt at all!
[Cole] Remember what's at stake, an opportunity to battle
for the Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] Boogs played this perfectly.
[Cole] Military press now to Jey Uso.
[crowd chanting] …three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
[Cole] Ten reps for Boogs and more.
And now, Shinsuke Nakamura not allowing Jimmy to get involved.
Jimmy, with a superkick now floored Shin.
Like that? Like that?
[McAfee] Boogs isn't happy about that, grabs Jimmy by the hair.
[Cole] Gonna make Jimmy pay. Meanwhile, from behind,
Jey Uso looking to steal one here on Boogs.
Shoulders down, he's got the tights, but Boogs still kicks at two.
It is set to the superkick.
[McAfee] WrestleMania title shots on the line.
[grunting]
[Cole] Look at this, went for the pump-handle.
Oh!
-The Boogs Cruise! -One, two, three.
-Boogs and Shinsuke… -[bell rings]
are going to WrestleMania!
-[announcer] Here is your winner-- -Oh no!
[crowd booing]
[Boogs moaning]
[McAfee] Celebration short-lived for Boogs and Shinsuke.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso, exploding the guitar over the back of Rick Boogs.
Boogs and Nakamura will have a Tag Team Championship match
at WrestleMania, but what's the cost?
[crowd booing]
Boogs is going to WrestleMania, he got that.
[McAfee] Pointing at the sign, having his WrestleMania moment,
and Jimmy Uso said, "Don't celebrate too soon, punk."
Wow.
See you at WrestleMania, dawg.
[Cole] The Usos ready for shredded Boogs at WrestleMania
for the Tag Team Titles.
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] Well, last week here on Friday Night SmackDown,
we had an Intercontinental Championship match.
Sami Zayn defending against Ricochet.
And what a battle it was. It is Ricochet who was dumped outside the ring
as Sami Zayn was looking to take control.
His long-time rival, the man he meets at WrestleMania,
Johnny Knoxville, would head down to the ring.
[McAfee] Rocking an "Intercontinental Chump" shirt.
Sami was irate, got distracted for a moment.
And then bang!
-Ricochet-- -Hurricanrana bomb.
[bell rings]
[Cole] The new Intercontinental Champion.
Yeah!
[Cole] Sami Zayn was irate.
He would go on to challenge Johnny Knoxville
to a match at WrestleMania.
["Worlds Apart" by CFO$ playing]
[Cole] And Sami Zayn, he's losing it, Pat.
Johnny Knoxville has really gotten under the skin of this man.
[McAfee] I think so.
He's had his phone number published to the entire globe today.
Johnny Knoxville is playing the head games
that Sami Zayn normally does better than Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Well, coming up next, the irrational and irritating Sami Zayn
hopes to regain his beloved Intercontinental Championship
from the spectacular new champion, Ricochet.
An Intercontinental Championship rematch live,
next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
Pat, they better bring extra security to Charlotte, North Carolina
next week for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
because it is confirmed.
Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns
will both be on SmackDown next Friday night.
Remember what Brock said earlier tonight:
"I want your blood, Roman Reigns."
[McAfee] "Receipts are due," says Brock Lesnar.
Roman ain't gonna be scared of a damn thing.
[Cole] And how about WrestleMania weekend?
Look at the way WrestleMania weekend is gonna kick off
at WrestleMania Saturday.
NXT Stand & Deliver will be a part of WrestleMania weekend.
It starts at one o'clock on the East Coast, noon in Dallas.
Tickets are now available for this matinee show
to kick off WrestleMania Saturday.
[McAfee] NXT Stand & Deliver will be the perfect start
to the most stupendous WrestleMania.
[Cole] And a lot on the line to this man, Sami Zayn,
as he looks to try to regain his Intercontinental Championship.
["It's About to Go Down" by def rebel playing]
[crowd cheering]
[fireworks blasting]
[Cole] I talked to Ricochet earlier today,
and he told me that it was cool that Johnny Knoxville
was involved in the whole match last week,
because he patterned a lot of the high-risk maneuvers
that he's done in his career after watching Johnny Knoxville
for so many years.
[McAfee] Ricochet grew up in the era that loved Jackass.
And Ricochet's calculated reckless mentality,
obviously showcases the same traits that Johnny Knoxville has.
Although, he does it in a much more graceful way--
["Remember the Name" by def rebel playing]
[Cole] We're waiting for Sami Zayn and Ricochet
to have an Intercontinental Championship match right now,
and here comes Austin Theory.
Of course, Austin Theory, if you don't know him,
he's from Monday Night Raw.
He has become sort of a protégé of Mr. McMahon.
And it's extremely disrespectful that he's walking out here tonight
with the Intercontinental Championship match about to start.
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Intercontinental Championship!
Introducing the challenger, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn!
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd booing]
And his opponent, weighing in at 207 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
Ricochet!
[Cole] Pat, a little word of advice, don't let this guy bother you.
Austin Theory. I know what he did last week.
We got to call a major matchup here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Ricochet, a proud champion,
Sami Zayn embarrassed after what happened to him last week,
a lot on his mind.
Johnny Knoxville, of course, flying around Sami Zayn's number
behind an airplane in Los Angeles earlier today.
Over 11,000 phone calls and text messages to Sami Zayn's phone.
And it's Zayn and Ricochet one-on-one here tonight.
[McAfee] Out of respect for the Intercontinental Championship…
[Cole] Wait a minute.
…I was gonna try to remain professional, but what are you doing out here?
-Why are you here? -You have your little podcast, huh?
Think you're going to main event WrestleMania with me?
Is that what you think?
[Cole] Not again! Get this guy out of here!
[indistinct taunting]
[Cole] Oh, Pat, come on. No, not this way, Pat!
[crowd cheering]
Come on! Get some security down here!
Pat, not… Don't let him get to you!
Pat, no! Come on!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] God! Somebody get out here!
-[crowd cheering] -Do something!
Pat, come on!
Pat, come on. Enough, Pat! Pat, Pat, Pat!
Pat, come on. Pat. Pat.
Pat, enough, enough. Pat, enough. Enough, enough.
-[crowd screaming] -Pat, enough. Not like this.
You're a pro, dude. Don't let that punk get to you.
Just don't let him get to you, man.
Not like that.
You got him at Mania in a couple of weeks. Just let it be.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] See, now you got the security out here.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[man] Pat! Pat! Pat!
[muttering]
Huh! That's how we're doing this!
Huh? I hope you're ready.
I hope you're ready.
Huh! Come up here!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] That's a damn shame it had to happen like that.
Pat's being escorted out by the security right now.
Hey, no! Stop!
[indistinct shouts]
Come on!
Don't… don't touch me!
[Cole] Intercontinental Championship match when we get back.
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
Intercontinental Championship match, Sami Zayn and Ricochet.
-I'll call the match alone here tonight. -[bell rings]
Unfortunate situation moments ago.
I mean, you can't blame Pat McAfee.
He has a matchup with Austin Theory,
who's made some very uncharacteristic remarks
toward Pat McAfee in the past couple of weeks.
Pat just lost his temper. He blew up.
He attacked Austin Theory out here at ringside.
Listen, he's going to get Theory at WrestleMania, but he's an announcer.
He has a job to do, and he really crossed the line tonight.
He had to be escorted out of the building.
We have to wonder if there's gonna be any further repercussions
as it comes to Pat McAfee and his announcing career here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
But now, let's get down to business. It is our main event tonight.
It is for the Intercontinental Championship.
Ricochet, on your right, is the champion.
On the left, the former champion Sami Zayn, who lost last week,
says he does not believe Ricochet deserves the championship
because of the interference by Johnny Knoxville.
Ricochet, looking to prove him wrong in this matchup.
And there's Ricochet, the high-flyer,
the exhilarating Intercontinental Champion.
[crowd cheering]
Ricochet talked a lot over the past seven days
about the long, hard, arduous journey for Ricochet
to finally climb the mountain
and win the very prestigious Intercontinental Championship.
Talked about how he loved following in the footsteps
of some of the all-time greats to have held the championship,
the likes of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
and The Rock, and Triple H, and many, many others.
And Sami Zayn looks to take a breather.
Ricochet will not allow it to happen, a lot to prove here tonight.
Oh! And Sami Zayn, the wily one, hanging Ricochet up on the top rope.
For Sami Zayn, it has been…
Uh-oh! Look at this.
Oh! Sami Zayn planting him. Is it enough to put him away?
And a kick-out at two, almost regaining the championship.
For Sami tonight, it's all about focus.
Try to put Johnny Knoxville out of your head.
[grunting]
Try to regain the championship. Knoxville is not here tonight.
We know he's on the West Coast.
Earlier today, the footage shown by TMZ
of a plane that Johnny Knoxville rented…
-flying Sami Zayn's phone number. -This is my championship, boy.
-Above the skies of LA earlier today. -This is my championship.
Over 11,000 phone calls and text messages
to Sami Zayn's personal phone number throughout the day.
[crowd chanting] Ricochet!
Oh, and Sami with a clothesline.
Three-time Intercontinental Champion.
Hook to the leg for the title and Ricochet has to fight out.
-[indistinct chatter] -[grunts]
[Cole] And now Sami just looking to slow the pace,
keep Ricochet from flying around the ring.
[referee talks indistinctly]
Ricochet!
This is an Intercontinental Championship match.
We are live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
in Birmingham, Alabama.
Our main event pits the new champion, Ricochet,
only seven days into his reign, against the former champion, Sami Zayn,
-looking to regain his title here tonight. -[grunting]
[grunts]
Ricochet with a couple of chops. Zayn able to reverse.
And Ricochet, though-- that's that innovative offensive style
by the brand-new Intercontinental Champion--
took Sami Zayn off guard.
-The quickness of Ricochet. -[groans]
Delivering a right-hand. Now springboard off the top rope, elbow.
[indistinct shouts]
Fired up, and believes he has Zayn right where he wants him.
Zayn struggling back to his feet.
Ricochet went for the knee, blocked by Zayn.
[grunts]
-[both grunt] -Ricochet with Sami up top!
Oh! Right to the face.
Zayn may be out,
and Ricochet's got Sami Zayn in his drop zone.
Heading up to the top rope goes Ricochet.
[crowd cheering]
The high-flyer, and Sami Zayn beats him to the punch
and drops Ricochet on the barricade.
Can Zayn win the title?
Can Ricochet retain?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] We know this. We know that Brock and Roman
will be in Charlotte next week for SmackDown,
but we're not sure if Pat McAfee will.
This happened right before
the Intercontinental Championship match started.
Austin Theory, who has a match with Pat McAfee at WrestleMania,
came out again to punk out Pat McAfee.
Pat could not stand it anymore, and he attacked Austin Theory
and beat the hell out of him out here at ringside.
Pat McAfee, who is a commentator, was here to do that job tonight,
not to fight, not to wrestle, and because of this attack on Theory,
Pat McAfee was escorted out of the arena by security.
Hence the reason I'm out here calling this match here tonight.
Just because Pat has a WrestleMania match with Austin Theory,
does not give him the right to attack Theory,
despite what Theory did to him tonight,
so we're not even sure what repercussions McAfee will face
when it comes to being a broadcaster here on SmackDown.
Nonetheless, Intercontinental Championship match
underway in our main event.
Ricochet and Sami Zayn. Standing moonsault.
Zayn, cover off the counter.
Oh! And a kick-out at two.
Sami Zayn looking to regain the Intercontinental Championship.
A couple of shots to the kidney of Ricochet.
Ricochet landing on his feet. Standing switch and another one.
[grunts]
Sami has done a pretty good job of grounding Ricochet so far in this match.
[grunting]
Beating Ricochet down.
Sami Zayn.
Oh, look at… Oh, Ricochet!
What a counter, for the win!
Sami, somehow at two and a half!
Can you believe that? That was unbelievable!
Just some of the innovative offense
of the brand-new Intercontinental Champion, Ricochet.
-Oh! -[crowd cheering]
Ricochet has a lot to prove tonight.
He's heard the doubters, who don't believe he should be champion
because of the interference last week by Johnny Knoxville.
Ricochet's out here to prove tonight he should be champ.
[crowd chanting] Ricochet!
[Cole] Sami Zayn said Ricochet is not worthy of being the champion,
that he didn't win it fair and square.
That he didn't earn this opportunity.
Ricochet with a kick to the face. Sami Zayn stunned.
And Ricochet tried to do this bit earlier on in the match,
and again Sami counters.
Ricochet sending Sami… back.
Uh-oh! Look at this. Sami caught him!
Turned it into a Blue Thunder Bomb! Cover!
Almost had the championship!
[Zayn] Come on, man.
[Cole] Sami, begging the official, saying, "Come on."
Watch this.
Sami turning that into a Blue Thunder Bomb and almost picking up the victory.
No!
That would have been his fourth Intercontinental Championship title reign
if he could have won there.
But again, Johnny Knoxville in the head of Sami Zayn.
Johnny Knoxville, earlier today, as we told you, took out a plane
and put Sami Zayn's personal phone number behind it,
flew it around Los Angeles.
Now, Johnny Knoxville watching this match
because Sami and Johnny will meet in a match
at WrestleMania in three weeks.
Will Sami be champion?
Will that be an Intercontinental Title match at WrestleMania?
High above the ring, Ricochet fighting back against Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn trying to hang on.
Oh! You could hear that echo throughout the building.
Ricochet, now top rope.
Sami Zayn quickly back to his feet,
and again thwarts Ricochet.
Top rope, Sami Zayn.
Superplex!
[crowd cheering]
Both men down.
Critical moment in this Intercontinental Championship match.
Can Sami Zayn somehow… take advantage?
The impact.
And it's Sami Zayn who is first back to his feet.
And he's got Ricochet in position for his Helluva Kick.
The Helluva Kick that took out Knoxville a couple of weeks ago.
And Ricochet, though, exploding out of the corner…
[crowd cheering]
…with a recoil!
And now dragging Zayn into position.
Ricochet heading up to the top rope.
Can Ricochet somehow…
deliver this?
630!
[crowd cheering]
-Cover on Zayn! -[crowd counts] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -Ricochet retains the championship!
[announcer] Here is your winner, and still Intercontinental Champion,
Ricochet!
[Cole] I don't know how the hell Sami Zayn doesn't have a broken leg
after Ricochet delivered the 630.
First, it was the recoil,
and then Ricochet with Sami Zayn right where he wanted him.
A thing of beauty.
The 630 to Sami Zayn!
From the heavens comes the Intercontinental Champion.
Ricochet proving to Sami Zayn and the world tonight…
[crowd cheering]
…that he belongs
as the Intercontinental titleholder.
Exhilarating, invigorating, breathtaking…
Ricochet!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd counting] One, two, three!
Ricochet proving Sami Zayn wrong here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
And Johnny Knoxville has got to be loving this.
[cheering]
Sami Zayn, the agony of defeat
and the celebration, but…
[Rousey grunting]
[security yelling]
-[grunting] -[Rousey groans]
Hey, hey, hey, break it up!
Break it up. Come on.
Break it up. Enough!
[grunts, yells]
-Stop! -Enough!
[Charlotte grunts]
Knock it off! Knock it off!
Enough! Knock it off!
Come on! Ow!
-Come on! Break it up! -Break it up. Let's go!
Let's get the hell out of here…
[Rousey grunts]
[yells]
-Oh! [groans] -Come on. Come on. Hold her back.
Enough. Stop. Enough. Stop!
-[Charlotte] Come on! -[grunts]
Hey, hey! Stop it! Stop it!
-[grunts, groans] -I need some help!
Enough!
Keep out of the way!
-We need some help over here. -Hey, stop!
-No! -Charlotte, don't!
-Please stop! -[Charlotte yells]
[security screaming]
-Stop! -Charlotte, that's enough. Come on.
-Stop. -Stop, stop!
[screams]
-Come on! Stop! -What are you doing?
-Stop, stop! -Come on!
Take them out!
[indistinct shouts]
-Cut it out! -[Rousey moaning]
Come here, bitch!
Come here!
[indistinct shouting]
[security] Come on!
[moaning]
-Charlotte… -Let's go!
Help me!
Stop!
-Stop! -Let her go!
-Come on! -Let's go! Knock it off!
-Charlotte! -Let's go!
Get off me! Don't touch me!
That's enough.
[panting]
-No, no, no! -Hey!
Stop it. Go out!
Get out of here, Charlotte! Enough!
Come on, Charlotte!
-No. -Let go. Come on.
-Come on. Let's go. -Enough.
-Go. Go… -Let's go.
-[pants] -Keep her back.
[breathing heavily]
[grunts]
Keep her far.