[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 cheers]
Together.
[music fades]
-[crowd cheering] -["Are You Ready" by AC/DC playing]
[Cole] It's Friday night and that can only mean one thing.
It's SmackDown on Fox.
You're looking live at the jam-packed MVP Arena
in New York state capital of Albany.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And we are focused on two weeks from Sunday.
WrestleMania Backlash where both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles
will be on the line two weeks from Sunday.
But tonight, Pat, competitors from each team will be in action.
[McAfee] That's right. Just one week removed from knocking off Jimmy Uso,
Riddle looks to go two for two
as he faces Jey Uso tonight.
[Cole] Sami Zayn will have nowhere to run and no place to hide
when the ring is surrounded by a dozen Superstars
in a Lumberjack Match.
Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, live tonight!
[Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
WWE official, Adam Pearce!
[crowd cheers and boos]
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee babbling]
Please join me in welcoming perhaps the most dominant female
in sports entertainment.
She is "The Game Changer," she is "The Opportunity,"
she is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Charlotte Flair!
["Recognition" playing]
[McAfee] I thought Adam Pearce did a great job there introducing an icon.
[Cole] The 13-time champion.
["Recognition" continues]
[crackling and popping]
Hey, everybody, at ringside, I'm Michael Cole, he is Pat McAfee.
And, Pat, for Charlotte Flair, it is a presence that's hard to describe.
Absolutely. The name itself rings bells of greatness
in this business for decades and decades.
Charlotte's "The Opportunity."
[Cole] And she's preparing to defend her title in an "I Quit" Match.
This all heated up two weeks ago.
I wanna know who accepted Ronda's request.
I challenge Charlotte Flair to an "I Quit" Match.
No.
Get in the back of the line, bitch.
-Was it you? -Sorry to interrupt.
How did I do in my first interview?
I think I have a real knack for asking the hard-hitting questions.
You think you can just barge in on a private conversation?
How about we give you an evaluation after you interview me
-in the middle of the ring. -[crowd cheering]
Are you ready for a hard-hitting interview?
Just hold the mic.
You declined a challenge from Ronda Rousey to an "I Quit" Match.
Are you concerned about Ronda's submission game?
[Flair] I have been submitting competition for over a decade.
I was trying to protect Ronda.
I did watch the match at WrestleMania
and it looked like Ronda Rousey made you tap out.
[crowd chanting] You tapped out!
Did you quit being a competitor
so you could stand here and hold a mic and ask me stupid questions?
Get out of my ring.
[crowd clamoring]
[Cole] Charlotte attacking Gulak from behind!
Gulak now in the figure eight.
Say you quit!
[screams]
-This is gonna be Ronda! -[Gulak screams]
-I quit! -Say it!
Say it louder!
I quit! I quit!
Ahh! I quit!
I quit! I quit!
[Cole] Charlotte Flair incensed.
She wants to embarrass Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Drew Gulak was just auditioning for a broadcast.
And please welcome the woman that will challenge Charlotte Flair
for that SmackDown Women's Championship
at WrestleMania Backlash
in an "I Quit" Match.
A legend in her own right
and "The Baddest Woman on the Planet,"
-"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey! -[crowd cheering]
["Bad Reputation" playing]
[Cole] This rivalry has become as emotional and intense
as it can get.
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation ♪
Two weeks from Sunday, Providence, Rhode Island,
streaming live on WWE on Peacock,
Charlotte Flair defends the SmackDown Women's Championship
against Ronda Rousey in an "I Quit" Match.
The point of this match, Pat, is to incapacitate your opponent
to the point where they have to utter those words,
"I quit."
Neither of these women have done that in a match and had it count at least.
Records will be broken and maybe some limbs as well.
-See what I did there? -[Cole] Nice.
Thank you, ladies. You're both familiar with how this works.
In order to make this match official at WrestleMania Backlash,
I simply need two signatures
on a contract…
on a contract that we apparently don't have.
[McAfee] What type of USFL amateur stuff is this?
Adam Pearce doesn't even have a contract?
Forgive me. Drew Gulak is interning to become my new assistant.
-[McAfee] Drew's back! -[Pearce] And he has the contract.
[McAfee] Atta baby, Gulak!
Should've had it before the meeting, but you're learning.
Mr. Pearce, I just wanna say I am super pumped for this opportunity
and I'm taking it very seriously.
In fact,
if you wouldn't mind turning your attention to the TitanTron,
I went ahead and prepared a very special PowerPoint presentation
breaking down and analyzing
-the rules for an "I Quit" Match. -Drew,
shut up!
[crowd clamoring]
Or do you want me make you quit this new job before you even begin?
Real tough picking on the intern. It's cute. Looks good on you.
Ronda, guess what?
I beat you at WrestleMania!
[crowd clamoring]
No, no, no, no, no,
but if you wanna hear the rules so bad, I'll explain them.
[crowd chanting] You tapped out!
For the last time, I was fixing my bra!
-[chanting continues] -You know what, you know what?
If Ronda wants to hear the rules so bad, I'll explain them.
You wanna know what the rules are for an "I Quit" Match?
There are no rules.
No disqualifications, no count-outs, no pinfalls.
The only way to win is to make your opponent say,
"I quit."
-[crowd clamoring] -[mouthing]
And I have been fantasizing about all the ways I'm going to make you quit.
[Flair] Hmm, hmm.
Oh, I know. How about my big boot to the side of your face?
[McAfee] Oh!
No, no, no, no, that's too easy.
Let me think about it.
-The figure four? -[McAfee] Oh?
No, no, no, no, no.
The figure eight.
Ooh, painful…
but, no, that's too predictable.
Hmm, let's think. How can I make you quit?
Oh, I know. How about a good old-fashioned beating?
But actually, it doesn't matter, because just like at WrestleMania,
I always find a way to win.
-[crowd clamoring] -[mouthing]
And at WrestleMania Backlash, I'm going to make you say
two of the most beautiful words in the English language.
Everyone, you wanna say them with me?
I…
quit.
-[mic thuds] -[crowd clamoring]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Albany did not say, "I quit," with her but they did tell her
she tapped out earlier, and we have one signature on the contract.
[crowd chanting] Ronda Rousey!
I beat her at WrestleMania.
Uh-oh.
Just so you know what you're getting into, Char--
I beat you at WrestleMania. [laughs]
"I quit" means there's no referee to step in
and spare you any embarrassment.
Embarrassment? I beat you at WrestleMania.
-You tapped out. -I beat you at WrestleMania.
[crowd chanting] You tapped out!
[Cole] We did see it.
[McAfee] She was fixing her bra, she says, but a lot of people say that
-that's not the case. -I'm still the champion, Albany, New York.
[crowd booing]
But, anyways,
this time, no ref is going to pull me off of you,
no ref is going to save you and tell you it's over. No.
You are going to say I am better than you.
-[McAfee] Wow. -You are going to abandon your baby,
the SmackDown Title, and you will be spared no humiliation
when you say, "I quit."
[mic thuds]
[crowd cheers]
[inaudible]
[Cole] Oh!
And Charlotte-- Charlotte obviously had a plan.
-Kendo stick! -[Flair grunting]
History between these two women with kendo sticks in the past.
-[Flair] Get off! -[indistinct]
[Cole] And Ronda Rousey taking down Charlotte.
And now it's Rousey's turn!
[McAfee] Swinging the bat at Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] And Drew Gulak trying to, uh…
[grunting]
[McAfee] Drew just trying to be a good intern here.
Getting the kendo stick out of Ronda's hand.
You gotta sign the contract.
[indistinct chatter]
-Hey, hey, hey! -[McAfee] Oh!
[Cole] Ronda Rousey with Gulak on-- on her shoulders!
-And now Ronda's not done. -Hey, Ronda!
-[Gulak groaning] -[McAfee] Oh no!
Contract?
Come on!
-[indistinct shouting] -[Pearce] Enough!
Okay.
-Got a pen? -Pen, pen, pen!
Pen.
[McAfee] Get her a pen, Drew.
Get her a pen!
Jeez.
No, no, no!
[Cole] And now Rousey with an armbar on Gulak.
And with the armbar locked in, Ronda Rousey…
-[Pearce] Come on, Ronda. -[Gulak groaning]
[Cole] …is gonna make it official.
-Signing the contract… -[groaning]
-…for the "I Quit" Match… -I quit!
-…with Charlotte Flair. -I quit!
[McAfee] Way to get the job done, Drew Gulak.
Thank you for sacrificing an arm
so we can see an "I Quit" Match
between Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.
[Cole] While Ronda was in the battle zone, Drew was caught in the crossfire.
Charlotte gonna have no trouble finding Ronda in two weeks
at WrestleMania Backlash.
Same can't be said for Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
They keep losing Butch and trying to convince Butch, "Hey, listen dude.
-We're on the same team." -Hey, Charlotte.
Put it down.
-[mouthing] -[Flair] Put it down.
[Sheamus] And he's come to the conclusion too, that we,
his brothers in arms, are not the enemy.
-Isn't that right, Butchy, huh? [laughs] -Hey, hey! Whoa, whoa.
The enemy is who?
[both hooting] Who? Who? Who?
Who-- [laughs]
New Day.
We don't talk. We do what we do.
And you know, Butch's team was looking real good in that G.I. Jane remake.
-[both laughing] -[grunting]
[Cole] And Butch attacking Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, The New Day,
back in the merchandise area.
This Butch is so hard to contain.
The Eastie Boys would all join Butch, but obviously, he's out of control.
Chaos seems to follow Butch.
He knows no bounds of aggression.
[indistinct shouting]
♪ It's a new day, yes it is! ♪
["It's a New Day" playing]
[Cole] Little payback time tonight for Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] They're hoping at least.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Kofi Kingston,
weighing in at 205 pounds,
Xavier Woods!
-[crowd cheering] -["It's a New Day" playing]
Ah, ay-ay-ay-ay-ay.
[Cole] Well, Butch must contain his rabid ferocity
if he hopes to put the bite on Xavier Woods of The New Day.
They have their rematch.
And it's live next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] What the hell is Butch gonna do tonight?
-[indistinct shouting] -[crowd cheering]
And WrestleMania Backlash is presented by the official WWE CreditOne Visa card.
Get closer to the action with benefits like Superstar meet and greets,
sweepstakes, early ticket sales for select events and more.
Visit ultimateWWEcard.com to see if you prequalify now.
Terms apply.
New Day in the ring.
Xavier Woods set for one-on-one action here tonight on SmackDown.
["Bring the Fire" playing]
[McAfee] Oh!
You know what this means!
It's…
fight night!
[explosion pops]
-[Cole] With the Unholy Trinity. -[Irvin] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Ridge Holland and Sheamus,
Butch!
[Cole] Butch upset after he lost to Xavier Woods a couple of weeks ago,
looking for some revenge here tonight.
[McAfee] Listen, this group here came from the east of the Atlantic Ocean
to west of the Atlantic Ocean.
They are The Eastie Boys and they're here with some sinful shenanigans in mind.
[Cole] And this raging, frenetic Butch
trying to keep some of that emotion in check tonight
if he hopes to knock off Xavier Woods.
Sheamus very proud of his two protégés.
That man Butch and of course, Ridge Holland.
[McAfee] Yeah, just a mere mention…
-[bell rings] -…of Butch's name
makes him trend on Twitter.
[Cole] Butch and Xavier Woods starting things off
in this matchup. Roll-up now. Shoulders down.
Almost had him. Kickout at two by Butch.
And Xavier Woods again scoops him up, looks to win the matchup,
but a kickout. Another near fall.
[McAfee] We're all excited to see what Butch got in the ring.
-Oh boy! -[Cole] You saw on the other side,
Holland and Sheamus. Kofi Kingston
in the corner of his partner, Xavier Woods.
Kofi, a former United States Champion among other things, and I bring that up
-because your old pal, Theory… -Take it into town. Ah!
…won the United States Championship this past Monday night on Raw.
I'm from the United States. I'm not sure he's my champion,
but congrats to him.
I think ipso facto,
I might be the United States Champion right now
as Albany gets behind Xavier Woods.
[Cole] And Xavier-- Oh! With a big clothesline,
nearly turning Butch inside out.
Cover now and a kickout at two.
[McAfee] You got to wonder if Butch's…
insane aggression and lack of control
is gonna work against him in a match with somebody as talented as Xavier Woods.
[Cole] Well, he's fairly high-strung and temperamental
to say the least, but a forearm to the face
and now unloading on Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] He's relentless.
I mean, Butch has just been a pain in the ass
to everybody, basically, here on SmackDown, and…
-[Cole] Including his own partners. -Ah!
[McAfee] Yeah.
[Cole] He tried to beat the hell out of Ridge and Sheamus.
[McAfee] Yeah, but Sheamus, I kind of enjoyed it almost.
[screams]
[McAfee in Irish accent] Piece by piece, he's gonna take him apart.
I don't know if that was an Irish accent or not,
but Sheamus said that.
[Cole] Joint manipulation by Butch, looking to torture Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] Now look at this. I mean, this is some weird offense
that has to be excruciating.
-[indistinct shouting] -[McAfee] Just taking him down…
piece by piece.
-[grunting] -[Cole] Xavier landing on his feet.
Now the waist lock on Butch.
Oh! Well-placed elbow.
[McAfee] Yeah, Butch is very talented in there, as is Xavier Woods.
Reverse to reverse to reverse to reverse to up and over.
-[indistinct shouting] -[Cole] Now…
-One, two… -[McAfee] Ah…
[Cole] Trying to rearrange the facial features of Woods
as he sends him face-first into the turnbuckle.
[McAfee] That's the things that this son of a bitch, Butch,
does that nobody could expect.
There's no way Xavier Woods thought to himself after the up and over,
"Oh, he's gonna grab my mouth."
[Cole] And watch.
-[grunts] -[McAfee] Bang!
[Cole] Hooking him into the corner.
-One, two, three! -And again now trying to tear apart
the face of Woods,
punishing them.
[McAfee] Butch is one of one, Michael.
[Cole] Yeah, we have not quite seen anything like Butch
-in some time here in WWE. -[grunts]
There are gnarly competitors-- Sent over the top rope to the floor.
-Whoa, Butch, take it easy. -Butch right in front of us,
upset after what happened.
And now Xavier Woods sending Butch right into our announce table.
-Butch, Butch, you all right, Butch? -[yelling]
Huh?
[Cole] Xavier is fired up.
And Sheamus and Ridge running some interference,
which allows Butch to perhaps, uh, catch his breath, buy some time.
And now Butch over his partners, taking out Woods.
[McAfee] These hooligans are running wild on SmackDown.
[Cole] And we're back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Xavier Woods versus Butch.
Butch in control,
Woods trying to battle back.
During the commercial break, Sheamus and Ridge Holland
were trying to explain to us
that those weapons they carry at ringside are walking sticks.
[McAfee] Necessities, they said.
They would never use them for their advantage,
but they literally almost swung at Kofi earlier.
[Cole] And Butch now in control of Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] The Eastie Boys here, you know,
just love delivering pain to people.
Oh, punishing Woods.
Woods has enjoyed this since the beginning of the matchup.
Joint manipulation.
-Ah! -Well-placed foot in the ribs,
and Sheamus and Ridge are loving it.
[McAfee] This is pure satisfaction for The Eastie Boys.
[Cole] Extremely dangerous trio,
the "Unholy Trinity" as they like to be called.
[grunting]
[McAfee] They go back with the lads,
have some pints,
and talk about how one of them beat the hell out of someone.
[Cole] That's what Butch is doing now. In complete control of Xavier Woods.
Again, Xavier trying to make it back to his feet, create some space.
[groans]
-[Cole] Some separation. -[groaning]
[McAfee] Xavier Woods,
-champion around here. -[Cole] And finally,
Xavier Woods with a chop and now right hand
followed by another chop, and Woods taking the fight to Butch.
[McAfee] Putting Butch in a blender right now.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Reversal.
The quickness of Xavier Woods…
got Butch turned all the way inside out!
-[yells] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, Woods sweeping at the legs,
and then the senton.
-[screams] -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Absolutely electrifying.
Up, up, down, down goes Butch.
-[groaning] -[Cole] Now look at…
Butch grabbing the ear of Xavier Woods.
Last time we've seen an ear get attacked,
it was by a guy that would smack the hell out of a drunk dude on a JetBlue flight.
-[Cole] Oh! -[McAfee] Now Butch is just using it
to his arsenal.
[Cole] And Butch, oh! Dropping Woods, back of his neck.
Cover for the win.
Woods at two. A near fall.
And Butch beginning to get a bit frustrated.
[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] They thought they were having the pints immediately.
Xavier Woods says, "Uh-uh."
[Cole] Watch this.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Butch!
[groans]
[Cole] Released a suplex and into the cover and almost had him.
And Butch continues the assault. He has been relentless here tonight.
A frantic, frenzied attack by Butch.
[McAfee] He's a rabid wildebeest, this guy.
You can't control him, you have no idea where he's headed next,
-and neither-- -Oh!
-DDT!
Rolls him up. Woods got him with Backwoods!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheering]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Xavier Woods!
[Cole] Xavier Woods again surprises Butch with Backwoods.
[McAfee] All of Albany is lit from The Backwoods, baby!
-Let's go! Let's go! -[McAfee] That thing comes quick.
That rollup is beautiful and The Backwoods delivers Butch an L…
-[indistinct] -…on Friday Night.
[Xavier] …but you know what I am.
[McAfee] Oh, Butch might lose his mind.
We've never really seen him…
deal with The Backwoods before.
[Cole] Yeah, we did when he got beat by him two weeks ago.
[McAfee] Of course.
-[growls] -[McAfee] Of course.
-Settle down, settle down, settle down. -[Sheamus shouting]
-[growling] -[McAfee] Similar reaction here.
A little bit of a temper tantrum.
[overlapping chatter]
[McAfee] The boys are trying to wrangle him in.
"Fella," they're saying, "fella."
-[indistinct shouting] -Where are you going?
-[Cole] Whoa, whoa, whoa. -[indistinct shouting]
Where the hell is Butch going?
[indistinct shouting]
-Oh, what the-- -What the hell is he doing?
Hey, get control of your guy!
-[indistinct shouting] -[Cole] Hey, he's a maniac!
He's a petulant spoiled brat, is what he is.
You saw him by the security guy. I mean, he didn't deserve that at all,
but what the hell is your guy doing?
-Butch! -What the hell is Butch gonna do next?
Butch! Go get him! Come on!
-Butch! -Did Sheamus and Ridge lose Butch again?
[McAfee] These two dudes got no clue where their friend is going.
-That guy is a psychopath! -Butch!
-Hey, Butch! -[crowd booing]
Butch?
-Where you going? -He's just roaming around Albany.
Get your friend!
[indistinct shouting]
-[Ridge] Butch! -[grunts]
[crowd clamoring]
Your match last week with Jinder was incredible.
-Thank you. -He's so big!
-Yeah. -And you were flying around the ring
like it was nobody's business.
I mean, that's awesome.
Um, so far, you've beaten Jinder, Sami, Angel, and Humberto?
That's true, that's true.
How and what is next?
Honestly, this-- this is just the beginning. It is--
I've said it before, this is-- It's truly an honor to hold this title.
Some of the greatest who ever stepped into the ring
has held this championship, and that is my plan.
My plan is to be one of the greatest to ever hold this title.
[man laughs]
[crowd cheers]
An all-time great? You, an all-time great?
Yeah, that's right.
More like an all-time fluke.
If you're such a fighting champion,
you won't have a problem defending your title again.
No, actually, you're right, and I'll take on you or anybody at any time.
Then face me.
[crowd cheering]
Okay.
Let's see if you're up for it.
-[McAfee] Ricochet ain't scared. -What are you doing?
[speaking foreign language]
Ladies and gentlemen.
Die Matte ist heilig!
What you're about to witness
is dignified defamation
executed
by unprecedented precision.
A diabolical athlete
who will stop at nothing
to uphold the integrity
and order of this great sport.
[speaking German]
Gunther!
[McAfee] I think we're gonna need captions on Ludwig there.
-[theme music plays] -[Cole] Everybody should have a Ludwig.
[McAfee] I agree.
Well, Gunther deserves it.
[heavy accent] Gunther.
Gunther deserves it.
[Cole] From the chest.
[McAfee] Gunther deserves Ludwig Kaiser's introduction
because this specimen right here.
Say "Guten Tag"
to ass beatings and big-time chompings.
He plays no games.
Gunther.
[Cole] The ruthless Gunther
looks to continue his path of destruction
across Friday Night SmackDown.
He takes over the ring live next.
And Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Gunther set to go one-on-one tonight
with Teddy Goodz.
[McAfee] I'm not sure Theodore has ever seen
anything like he's looking across the ring at right now.
Ein großes Bier, bitte, for my friend
Theodore Goodz in about five minutes.
[Cole] Six-foot-four, 265 pounds.
Not that man.
I'm talking about Gunther.
-[bell rings] -The Ring General.
[McAfee] Teddy Goodz has about
six-foot-four worth of poop in the pants right now.
[Cole] And Gunther goes right to work on Teddy Goodz.
-[grunting] -Very commanding presence in the ring.
Extremely imposing, powerful is Gunther.
[McAfee] Teddy Goodz won a hundred-man Royal Rumble last night
to get this opportunity around here.
This is the best of the best in the town of Albany.
[Cole] Where do you find this stuff?
[McAfee] I look it up. I asked Theodore about his life.
I said, "Tonight, you might die, sir."
[Cole] Oh, and Mr. Goodz went for a dropkick,
swatted away by Gunther and a big boot!
[McAfee] That's why.
Gunther is that big, that strong, that powerful, that intimidating,
and he can put his foot on your jaw.
[Cole] Ludwig Kaiser watching at ringside. Loves what he sees.
Wicked uppercut by Gunther.
[McAfee] How do you pronounce it?
[in German accent] Ringgeneral.
-You gotta listen, let him out of there. -Listen to that smack.
-[Cole] And Gunther… -[indistinct shouting]
…has got Goodz tied up and just dumping him out to the apron.
[McAfee] It's literally just like a trash bag just getting thrown outside.
-Inside, Gunther. -That's what Gunther does to people.
-Teddy Goodz! -[Cole] Oh, and a suplex
into the ring from over the ropes, and Gunther in control.
[McAfee] Gunther feels no remorse about any of this.
[Cole] No, it's about keeping the ring sacred.
Upholding the integrity of this great sport.
[crowd cheering]
-[McAfee] That chop… -[Gunther grunts]
…echoed…
-[grunting] -…all the way across Albany.
-Teddy Goodz's chest used as a drum. -[grunting]
[Cole] Wow! Did you hear that?
[McAfee] He's playing the bambas on this man's sternum
and it gets louder every time.
-[growls] -[Cole] And the power
off the slam of Gunther.
-[man chanting] USA! -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] And Gunther does not care and Ludwig loves it.
-Ah! -[Cole] And a chop to the back.
-[referee] Hey, come on. -And now a sleeper hold locked in.
-[referee shouting] -Nowhere for Mr. Goodz to go.
[McAfee] Well, there is one place to go and that's up and…
[Cole] Powerbomb!
-Stacking him up. -One, two, three!
-Gunther continues to roll. -[bell rings]
[dramatic theme music playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
Gunther!
[Cole] An impressive,
incredible athlete.
[McAfee] You can't help but be impressed by the dominance there.
He's big,
and he is not scared to [indistinct].
[Cole] Pat, listen to this.
-[grunts] -[loud thud]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Yes,
echoing through the…
-[screams] -…arena here in Albany.
[McAfee] That was the loudest chop I've heard in my life right there.
[Cole] And then the Powerbomb.
-[McAfee] Stack city. -One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -Teddy Goodz is saying,
"Nein, nein, nein!"
-[Irvin] Here is your… -And Gunther was saying,
"Welcome to the new normal here, pal."
[Cole] Well, as Gunther celebrates, we wanna remind you
that still to come tonight, it is Riddle versus Jey Uso.
Let's show you how we got here in our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection
with home, auto, and more.
[tense music playing]
I want y'all to go to Raw and I want y'all to bring me
-those Raw Tag Team Championships. -Yeah!
-[indistinct] -[crowd cheering]
[Reigns] The Bloodline's gonna have all the gold soon.
[Jey] Usos here on Monday Night Raw
to challenge you to a Championship Unification Match.
[tense music playing]
[Randy] Here we are in your ring, on your show, Usos,
so if you want an answer, get your ass out to the ring
-and let's give it to you. -[crowd cheering]
[Jey] And you know where you at, though?
You behind enemy lines, Uce.
This is SmackDown live where The Bloodline reside.
You puppies wanna yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip.
Your big dog left the bitches off the leash.
We accept.
[Cole] Who will draw first blood as Riddle goes one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.
[McAfee] Randy now distracting the ref,
and Jey Uso knocking Riddle off the top rope.
[Cole] Oh, and a Superkick!
Look out now. Jey Uso dropped right on our announce table.
Riddle rolled out of the way.
Oh, an RKO from out of nowhere!
One, two, three!
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
[Cole] And that's just a taste of what it's gonna be like
at WrestleMania Backlash
when Orton and Riddle take on The Usos
to unify the Tag Team Titles.
-[crowd cheering] -Yeah?
You know how excited you got last week when I hit that sick pop-up RKO
on Jimmy Uso?
I got that same feeling tonight because I think I'm gonna hit Jey Uso
with something even sicker,
and I always love coming to SmackDown
'cause I get to see my best buds from the blue brand.
Speak of the devil, what's up dude?
[crowd cheering]
Wait, wait, okay. I know things have gotten a little weird in the past,
but I think I got a great idea for a fresh start.
So tonight, I signed me and Randy up to be lumberjacks in your match.
And, Randy, don't worry.
You don't have to wear a flannel, bro.
Right, Drew?
Randy, I saw what happened last week.
As far as I'm concerned, anyone that stands up to The Bloodline's BS
is good in my book.
[mouthing]
Drew,
you and me,
we're good.
Yeah!
See you out there, dude. [chuckling]
Bro.
[McAfee] Huh? That's good news.
-["Talk To Me" playing] -[Cole] What is that rat up to?
-[McAfee] Man, who cares? -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] So it appears that Randy and Drew
have finally buried the hatchet after many years.
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Randy Orton,
he is one-half of the Raw Tag Team Champions,
Riddle!
[Cole] Pat, last week, Riddle knocked off Jimmy Uso.
Can he make it two for two
-when he takes on Jey Uso next? -Feel the love! Feel the love!
["Talk To Me" playing]
[Cole] Of course, RK-Bro will meet The Usos
to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles
two weeks from Sunday at WrestleMania Backlash
in perhaps the biggest Tag Team Match ever.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Red fishy, blue fishy, gold fishy.
RK-Bro championshipy.
Universal,
unifying Tag Team Championship Match, coming up.
-[Cole] Up next, Riddle versus Jey Uso. -[crowd cheering]
It's live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
[McAfee] See those fish coming out?
[Cole] Y-you're like enamored by that.
[McAfee] Yeah. Love it.
My name is Xia Li.
I was The Protector,
but I see no one worthy of my protection.
Now…
I protect myself.
[McAfee] All right. Xia ain't protecting nobody else anymore but herself.
She's about to beat everybody's ass.
[Cole] Meanwhile, the Raw Tag Team Champions are in the ring.
Randy Orton on the left, Riddle on the right.
Riddle set for one-on-one action.
♪ Uso! ♪
[McAfee] Big week, obviously, April 20th for Riddle.
Hope he came back down to Earth.
[Irvin] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Jimmy Uso,
he is one-half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
Jey Uso!
[Cole] The landscape of the Tag Team Division in WWE
changes forever
two weeks from Sunday at WrestleMania Backlash,
streaming live on Peacock
because the Raw Tag Team Champions, RK-Bro,
take on the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos,
in a winners-take-all Tag Team Championship Unification Match.
The Usos looking to follow in the footsteps of the Head of the Table,
their cousin, the head of The Bloodline,
the current undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
-who unified those titles… -Booyah!
…back at WrestleMania.
And there he is, looking on with his…
special counsel, Paul Heyman.
Roman Reigns
celebrating his 601st day
as champion here in WWE, over 600 days with the gold.
[McAfee] The Bloodline has been nothing short
-of stupendous. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Meanwhile, The Usos, 277 days as Tag Team Champions, a SmackDown record.
So, Roman's here, Pat.
Obviously, a lot of pressure, I believe, tonight, on Jey Uso,
especially after Jimmy lost to Riddle last week here on SmackDown.
And look at Riddle trying to put Jey Uso away
who makes it to the ropes to force the break.
[McAfee] Jimmy didn't just lose to Riddle.
He lost to him in glorious fashion
with that pop-up RKO that instantly took over the internet.
[Cole] You have to believe that Roman Reigns was not happy with that loss.
He told The Usos,
"Go unify the titles, the Tag Team Titles,
much like I did
with the Universal and WWE Championship at WrestleMania."
Remember, everything for The Bloodline is not to embarrass
The Bloodline that has been running the WWE for a long time.
[Cole] And RK-Bro has a little score to settle with The Usos as well.
Riddle caught him in a sleeper hold of his own.
And Jey, Jey in trouble,
and slings Riddle away.
Remember on Monday Night Raw, The Usos' music played
causing a distraction
and costing RK-Bro a Tag Team Match against The Street Profits.
[McAfee] Jey delivering a right,
-saying, "How you like this, Cheech?" -[grunting]
Trying to make up for Jimmy's loss a week ago.
-Look at this right. -Come on, Riddle!
-Boom! -Oh!
[McAfee] From the pocket of Jey Uso to the mouth of Riddle.
[Cole] "Main Event" Jey Uso versus Riddle here, one-on-one.
Riddle caught him with a big foot,
and Jimmy looks on, concerned.
-[Jey grunting] -[McAfee] Riddle, an absolute megastar.
[Cole] Gutwrench Suplex by Riddle.
No doubt.
The odd couple of Orton and Riddle has been so dominant.
-[Jey groans] -[McAfee] We've been lucky to celebrate
-20 years of Randy Orton. -[crowd chanting]
[Cole] Indeed. Coming this week,
Randy Orton…
-Oh! -…13-time World Champion.
[McAfee] And him and Riddle have become champions as a tag team.
[Cole] Oh, Riddle has learned so much from Randy Orton.
You can see it in the ring.
You can see it in the way the in-ring style has evolved for Riddle
over the past number of months.
[McAfee] I think Riddle would say he needed Randy
and Randy would say he needed Riddle at this stage of his career.
[Cole] Riddle a pure striker early on, Pat, and…
picked up a lot from Randy Orton, however, inside the squared circle.
[McAfee] I think Randy started enjoying life a little more
whenever he teamed up with Riddle.
[Cole] Yeah. Oh! I've known Randy for a long time,
been a part of his career for his full 20 years here.
Randy is a completely different individual than he's ever been here in WWE.
-Oh! -[groans]
[McAfee] Big chops to the chest, right in front of the lungs of Riddle
that have already taken a beating this week.
[Cole] Oh, and Riddle caught Uso who telegraphed it a bit.
[grunts]
[McAfee] Big kick coming there.
Jey Uso rolls out of the way.
[Cole] And now Riddle…
with Jey Uso trying to recuperate.
[McAfee] You know, Riddle goes barefoot, paints those toenails.
And whenever he straps them across your chest, you could be startled.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Now Jimmy trying to rally his, uh, brother!
-Jey Uso took his time. -[indistinct]
-Suckered Riddle in. -Who's going down?
That's what The Bloodline's all about.
[McAfee] He said, "Welcome to SmackDone."
[Cole] Now Riddle, driven into the steel steps,
and just like that,
"Main Event" Jey Uso's taking over.
[McAfee] Right-hand Man is vibing.
Riddle getting dragged around outside.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Oh. Oh, now that's a Randy Orton move.
Jey Uso, pulling one out of The Viper's playbook.
-Jey is in control. -[groaning]
Can Riddle get back in this?
What's up, Riddle?
-[crowd cheering] -Yeah!
[Cole] "Main Event" Jey Uso, in control of Riddle.
One-on-one here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
which is sponsored by Progressive.
Randy Orton looking on, he's of course, Riddle's partner, the Raw Tag Champs.
Jimmy Uso on the other side of the ring, looking on.
Of course, what happened to SmackDown Champs with Jey Uso
who delivers a step-up Enzuigiri.
And once again, Jey in control.
[crowd clamoring]
We know Roman Reigns is here.
The Head of the Table, Head of The Bloodline.
The undisputed WWE Universal Champion back in his locker room
with his special counsel, Paul Heyman.
They are watching this match.
A lot of pressure on Jey tonight after Jimmy lost to Riddle last week.
It was Reigns who gave The Usos the marching orders…
-[shouting] -…to unify the Tag Team Titles.
That will happen two weeks from Sunday at WrestleMania Backlash.
-[shouts] -[McAfee] I'm normally super positive,
but you have to think that one of these teams
is no longer gonna be champion in two weeks.
I understand one team's gonna be the Unified Champs
and one team's gonna be the losers.
And ain't nobody wanna do that.
[grunting, groaning]
-Exchanging blows. -[Jimmy] Let's go!
[McAfee] Ooh! Who's tougher than who?
[Cole] Riddle back to his feet, and now Riddle unloading on Jey Uso.
-[grunting] -[crowd cheering]
-[grunts] -[Cole] And Riddle just flooring…
Jey.
Ducks underneath. Oh!
Got him with an overhead kick.
[McAfee] How athletic Riddle is.
[Cole] Riddle into the corner, starting to build momentum.
And you can feel the pace now picking up in favor of Riddle.
-[grunts] -[Cole] And Riddle, great throw.
[McAfee] I don't think Jey Uso has a clue where he's at right now.
[Cole] Randy's fired up.
[McAfee] Welcome to Cloud 420, cuz. Riddle's your captain.
[Cole] Riddle lands on his feet.
-Missed with the senton. -[groaning]
[McAfee] Jey Uso needed that.
Roman knows it, so does the wise man.
[Cole] Riddle went for the Broton, missed, as Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman look on.
You have to wonder what the undisputed WWE Universal Champion
is thinking about this match.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Jimmy trying to fire up his brother.
[McAfee] Or what he's thinking is, Jey better get the job done.
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Riddle!
[yells]
[Cole] WWE fans trying to rally Riddle and get under the skin of Jey.
[groans]
[Cole] And the waist lock.
[screams]
[Cole] Riddle lands on his feet.
Oh! Caught him with that Final Flash,
-that pop knee strike. -Gotta think--
I'll bet he has an assist there for distracting Jey.
[Cole] Now Riddle up to the top rope, looking for the Floaty Bro!
Cover now!
-One, two… -Is it enough to put him away?
Almost had him! Jey with a kickout.
[McAfee] The Floaty Bro.
Barefoot, long hair, shredded body…
[crowd cheering]
…flying through the air.
One, two…
And almost winning this thing.
[Cole] Riddle thought he had Jey, but Uso kicked out.
Hey, there's the reason The Usos,
a record-setting Tag Team Champions on Friday Night SmackDown…
We show the grit and determination by Jey there.
And now Riddle, looking for the Bro 2 Sleep,
but Jey Uso from behind, stacked him up.
Kicked at two.
-[McAfee] Quick roll up. -[grunting]
[Cole] And now, Jey sent out to the apron
and this is what Randy Orton has made famous.
Tonight, I'm gonna call it…
-"Vengeance Riddle." -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Last week, it was the pop-up RKO.
And again, you can see the influence of Randy Orton
rubbing off on Riddle
as Jimmy heads up to the apron now.
[Jimmy laughing]
[Cole] Jimmy may-- Look out because Randy Orton…
dumping Jimmy on the announce table!
And dumping him right into our lap!
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Orton fired up!
[McAfee] Randy…
dumping Jimmy's body.
-Riddle, waiting on Jey. -[Cole] Went for the RKO.
Jey Uso,
waist lock.
[grunts]
[Cole] Oh my goodness!
What a Neckbreaker!
[McAfee] Almost saw another pop-up RKO.
Instead, a pop-up Neckbreaker.
[Cole] Hook of the leg, and Riddle got the shoulder up.
[crowd cheering]
Orton can't believe it, but Riddle did kick before three.
[McAfee] Look at that pop-up. Look at the height.
[crowd cheering]
Neckbreaker from Jey Uso!
[Cole] What an incredible match here tonight
between Riddle and "Main Event" Jey Uso.
[McAfee] Jimmy Uso still down in a heap of pain next to me, Cole.
We're on a…
ten-star…
match on SmackDown.
[Cole] Jey Uso staring at Randy Orton,
is talking trash out here at ringside as Pat mentioned,
Jimmy still in a heap here behind the announce table.
-[yelling] -[crowd clamoring]
Riddle in position.
-[yells] -Jey Uso…
…trying to back it up!
And the running knee!
[McAfee] Two Usos too many, I think.
[Cole] Oh, and a Superkick!
And now it's Jey's turn.
Roman Reigns looks a bit antsy.
Looking on.
Uso, top rope.
-Splash! Riddle got his knees up. -One,
-two, three! -Caught him shoulders down.
-Win by Riddle! -[bell rings]
Riddle mopped up an Uso again.
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
-Riddle! -["Talk To Me" playing]
[McAfee] Riddle gets a free roll in before the…
-The Uso Splash! -[Cole] They all had it.
And, Pat, look at the old "Head of the Table" Roman Reigns,
did not look pleased.
Cannot be happy.
Two weeks in a row, The Bloodline has lost to Riddle.
With the Unification Match for the Tag Team Titles
looming two weeks from Sunday,
momentum definitely in favor of RK-Bro.
[McAfee] Jey Uso taking to the sky for an Uso Splash.
Before the Splash can occur, knee, catch,
-pre-roll. -One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -Game set match for Riddle.
-[Cole] Look at Randy Orton. -[Irvin] Here's your winner,
-Riddle! -The celebration of victory
for Orton's partner, Riddle.
Here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] RK-Bro…
as tight as brothers,
beating both Uso Brothers
just two weeks before their epic Unification Match.
Again, I cannot help but wonder
what's going through the mind of Roman Reigns.
Roman can't be happy that The Bloodline's losing on SmackDown
both to Riddle on Raw, guy.
Roman's not happy, neither is The Wiseman,
but they will answer.
From the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions
to the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
I wanna take it back to Raw this past Monday night.
Sasha Banks, Naomi, defending the titles against Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan.
Off the Riptide and then a Bank Statement.
Sasha Banks staying in the matchup.
And then, Pat, they call this move, "Rent's Due"
because rent was definitely due for Rhea Ripley
as the Boss N Glow connection
would keep and retain…
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
…WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
[McAfee] Epic clash.
Sasha and Naomi…
continue to dominate.
[Cole] And guess what?
It's Boss Time!
-[crowd cheering] -["Sky's the Limit" playing]
♪ 'Cause I gon' gon' pushed 'em all Out the way ♪
[Irvin] Please welcome the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Naomi and Sasha Banks!
[Cole] And it's Glow Time as well.
Of course, Sasha and Naomi winning the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles
back at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] Absolutely historic.
Sasha, a GOAT in the game, and The Glow,
becoming an absolute superstar.
[crackling and popping]
[Cole] Since winning the Women's Tag Team Gold,
Sasha and Naomi have wanted to thank the WWE Universe.
They get their opportunity live next.
-["Sky's the Limit" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Now let's send it up to Kayla Braxton in the ring.
Now, it was two months ago since Naomi basically called your shot
and proclaimed that we were looking
at the next WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[crowd cheering]
And the two of you have been unstoppable as a team
since winning those titles at WrestleMania.
Has this reign been everything that you hoped it would be?
Oh, Kay-Kay, we are just getting started.
Ay!
[crowd cheering, whistling]
[crowd chanting] You deserve it!
Aw. [chuckles]
[chanting continues]
You know, Kay, I said that because I knew what we were capable of together
and when given the opportunity, we backed it up.
That's why we're dominating the Tag Division
and glowing while we're doing it.
Yeah!
That is right because we are trailblazers and history makers.
We are more than just a tag team.
We are a sisterhood.
Unity!
You see, Naomi has had my back since day one
and I am always gonna have your back.
I mean, just look at our style.
We flow so good together in and out of this ring.
That's why the Boss N Glow
have no competition, baby.
[McAfee] All right.
Competition?
We sent Carmella packing on her honeymoon.
-True. -Rhea and Liv self-destructed.
-True. -So it really doesn't matter
who coming after these titles next.
["New Foundation" playing]
[McAfee] Well…
[Cole] Natalya loves the spotlight.
[McAfee] And she's a multiple-time Guinness World Record holder.
I'm sorry, Sasha, but you seem to have forgotten
about the two women that you didn't beat
to win those Tag Team Championships.
You're right. I didn't forget about you.
I mean, I remember you guys being at WrestleMania,
but I remember the two of you watching us win.
[laughs]
-[McAfee chuckles] -Sasha, you are adorable.
You really are, but-- And you keep talking about being a history maker,
but I'm a three-time Guinness World Record holder.
-[McAfee] That matters. -I'm the root of greatness around here.
Record holder for what?
Posting the worst dances or being obsessed with them cats, girl?
Oh! Meow. Meow.
-Meow-meow. Meow-meow. -Meow. [indistinct]
Yeah, I'm glad to see you guys are having fun right now,
because we are going to stretch and snap every bone in your bodies,
limb by limb,
and take the titles from you and then fun's over.
See, what you're looking at and everybody else in here
are the next Women's Tag Team Champions.
-[Cole] Oh! -[McAfee] Shayna.
-[indistinct shouting] -[crowd booing]
[inaudible]
-You want these? -[Cole] Oh.
-Try to come and take them. -Come on.
Any place, any time.
[McAfee] Champions saying, "You want some? Come get some."
[Cole] I think we'd like to see that, Pat.
Natalya and Shayna versus Boss N Glow.
[McAfee] And nobody would like to see that more than Natalya and Shayna.
Obviously, they want an opportunity at the best champs.
Is that gonna be made official or what?
[Cole] We'll find out.
Five.
Six. [grunts]
Madcap Moss.
[chuckles] Buddy.
Look, it made me really happy to see you get that victory last week.
Congratulations. Yeah, yeah.
-[scoffs] -Look. Obviously, all that mentoring,
it paid off.
But look…
I think it's… I think it's time.
I think you've made your point.
We both said some harsh things,
so I'm willing to step up.
I'm gonna be the bigger man.
-Okay? -[scoffs]
I'm willing to forgive you.
So what do you say, Cap? You ready to come back?
[scoffs]
You know,
we did share some good laughs.
Night after night.
Me going back to being your sidekick?
Yeah.
Hmm.
I'd say there's as much chance of that happening
as you growing back a full head of hair.
[laughs]
That ship's sailed!
[laughs]
Oh, oh.
[laughs, whooshes]
-["Three Jokes" playing] -♪ Joke, joke, joke ♪
[Cole] The laugh's on Corbin.
[McAfee] Of course.
Can you believe Corbin came groveling back?
Yeah, anybody who wants to be in the presence
of the Andre the Giant Memorial Champion.
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, he is the winner of the 2022 Andre the Giant Battle Royal,
Madcap Moss!
[Cole] Corbin once won the Battle Royal as well.
-It's held at WrestleMania Week each year. -Whoo!
-Named, of course, after the legendary… -Yeah! Come on!
-…Andre the Giant. -[indistinct shouting]
Meanwhile, coming up next,
Madcap Moss is a man on a mission
to prove that he's more than a punch line,
but will the joke be on Madcap
when he collides with one-half of The Lethal Lovers,
Angel? Next on Fox.
[crowd cheering]
Oh! Oh, look at this thing!
Look at this thing! I love it, baby!
Ah!
♪ Are You Ready? ♪
[Cole] Back here on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
We are going to take a look at the next powerhouse
in the SmackDown Women's Division, Raquel Rodriguez.
[upbeat music plays]
[Raquel] No one can compare to Raquel.
[rock music plays]
[McAfee] Raquel Rodriguez, an absolute dominant superstar.
Ah!
[Raquel] I am the brick wall that nobody can get through.
[McAfee] She is a megastar!
[Raquel] I have never ducked or dodged any challenge.
Line them up and I'll knock them down.
♪ Get it, get it, get it! ♪
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez makes her debut next week.
Come here, Andre. Come here, baby. Mwah!
-Mmm, mwah! Whoo! -[Cole] Meanwhile, Madcap Moss,
the winner of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal WrestleMania Week,
celebrating with his trophy.
["Vamos" playing]
[Irvin] Making their way to the ring,
Angel and Humberto,
The Lethal Lovers, Los Lotharios!
[Cole] Remember, Angel was upset that Humberto lost to Madcap last week.
Angel hopes that he can do it better here tonight.
[McAfee] Madcap on a path to proving himself.
[Cole] And Corbin tried to get Madcap Moss back in the hole.
It didn't work out too well earlier tonight.
["Vamos" continues]
[Irvin] And now, the Los Lotharios Kiss Cam.
[McAfee] You recall last week?
It was first Madcap's butt cheeks in the Kiss Cam
and then a lucky member of the WWE Universe
caught a Los Lotharios kiss sandwich.
Oh, it looks like we have another lucky volunteer.
[indistinct]
Yeah!
[McAfee] That happens every weekend.
I love him.
[Cole] You are a romantic at heart, aren't you?
[McAfee] I love love. How could you not?
I don't know if that's love or just a one kiss thing, but…
she looks happy and Los Lotharios look good.
[Cole] Madcap Moss looked good last week
in his first Singles Match away, uh, from…
-Happy Corbin. -Go outside.
-And tonight, Madcap Moss… -[bell rings]
…looks to continue his winning ways.
He has to keep an eye on Humberto outside the ring,
still upset over the loss last week.
And Moss and Angel start things off here
-in this matchup. -All right…
-Boom! -[groans]
-[McAfee] Oh, Kiss Cam. -Are you ready?
[Humberto] Whoo!
-Uh-huh. -Have you been impressed with Madcap Moss
-over the past few weeks? -I have been.
He's been trying to earn a double thumbs up from the crowd
-with his energy, but Angel-- -[Cole] Oh!
Nice waistlock takedown by Moss.
Angel's gonna be a tall task here for Madcap even though
he's incredibly powerful, quick…
[grunting]
-And a little bit of a-- -No, no, no!
-Don't do that! -[Cole] I was gonna say Moss
-has all the tools. -[grunting]
[McAfee] Angel caught his kiss.
[Cole] Great ability as we see there. The quickness and explosiveness
as you see there, and of course, the power.
-[crowd cheering] -[Humberto exclaiming]
[McAfee] Los Lotharios do not like whenever you blow kisses at them.
-[grunts] -Angel up on the apron. Meanwhile…
-[crowd cheering] -[groaning]
-[McAfee] Oh no! -Angel sent out to Humberto.
[Moss] Kiss the booty!
-Whoo! -There's Moss' version of the Kiss Cam.
-Madcap Moss loves telling jokes… -Moss, get in the ring. Come on.
-All the way in here. Get in here, hey! -…loves to laugh.
[McAfee] Remember, for all that time, he said he was only telling jokes…
-Oh, look at it. Oh! -…for Happy Corbin to laugh at.
[Cole] And Humberto had the leg of Moss,
preventing him from getting back to the ring
and allowed Angel to attack, and now Angel's in control.
[grunting]
[McAfee] They've been a tag team for a long time.
-[grunting] -Humberto and Angel.
[Cole] Moss tied up in the top rope and a chop by Angel.
This is what happened. Watch this.
Humberto preventing Moss from getting back into the ring and allowed Angel to strike.
[grunting]
[McAfee] It's a-- you know, Madcap is very--
-[both grunt] -Ooh!
There's the power I was talking about.
[McAfee] Impressive, but he is…
[Cole] Fallaway Slam!
[McAfee] …outnumbered out here for the second week in a row.
He does not care.
-[grunting] -[Cole] And in…
Madcap Moss brings an intensity to the ring as well.
[grunting]
-[groans] -[Cole] The quickness
as he drives his shoulder now.
Humberto, for some reason, jumped into the ring and paid for it.
-[McAfee] Yeah. Madcap… -Now, Madcap Moss…
-[Cole] Oh, and a shoulder tackle! -Whoo!
[Cole] Turning Angel inside out. And how pumped up is Moss?
[McAfee] A no-cap Madcap
-flies around in this ring. -Whoo!
[Cole] And Madcap about to deliver the…
Punch Line to Angel!
-One, two, three! -[grunts]
-[bell rings] -Whoo!
-[upbeat theme music plays] -Yeah!
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Madcap Moss!
[Cole] Madcap Moss celebrates yet another victory.
Off to a fast start in his singles career here on SmackDown.
Again, watch the explosiveness.
-Bang! -Shot out of a cannon off the ropes.
[Angel groans]
[Cole] And then the Punch Line
as Moss gets the last laugh…
-One, two, three! -…here tonight against Angel…
-[bell rings] -…on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] The fastest rope-to-rope time.
[Cole] Here. Look out, look out, look out!
Corbin, Happy Corbin,
-assaulting Madcap Moss from behind. -[grunting]
Corbin asked Moss to come back to the fold earlier tonight.
Moss turned him down with a joke. And now, Corbin…
-What? -…beating the hell out of Madcap.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] These two used to punish us all.
[groans]
[Cole] An End of Days.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] What the hell is happening? What is Happy doing?
That ain't yours.
[Cole] Well, it was at one time.
He-he once won the Andre the Giant Battle Royale years ago.
-What the hell is happening, Corbin? -Happy Corbin is…
-This thief! -He's leaving with the-- the Andre trophy.
-This sack… -[Corbin] Take a look at it!
-…of Corby! -Take a look at it.
Whose name is on this?
-Huh? Whose name is on this? -Rat bastard, scumbag,
-stealing Madcap's trophy! -[crowd booing]
[Cole] He's absconding with the trophy.
[McAfee] What is wrong with this guy?
Asshat times ten!
[Cole] And speaking of asshats, here's Sami Zayn.
And you can only imagine what…
Uh-oh, Sami,
you might wanna think twice about this.
I'm not sure that Roman is in the mood
after Jey Uso lost to Riddle earlier tonight.
Is Wee Man's suplex still in his mind?
-Yes. -Why would he knock on that door?
[bright music plays]
[Cole] This month, WWE is teaming up with Make-A-Wish
to restore hope for Wish Kids
in the lead-up to World Wish Day on April 29th.
Children who are fighting critical illnesses
experience emotional challenges every day.
A spark of hope can change everything.
[Drew] With hope, a child with a critical illness
finds light in the darkness of their current circumstances.
[Liv] By granting wishes, we can help restore hope for a child
and open the door to exciting possibilities.
[Drew] A wish begins with hope and hope begins with you.
Join WWE in supporting Make-A-Wish this World Wish Day
by visiting wish.org/WWE.
[Cole] And you can help make wishes come true.
Visit wish.org/WWE to find out more information
on how you can support Wish Kids everywhere.
[crowd cheering]
So explain this to me.
[sniffling]
One more time.
[sobbing]
I was about to get him, Uce.
[scoffs]
I was about to get him. I slipped.
[mutters] Yes, a slip. A slip.
-Come on, man. [sniffles] -[mumbling]
-It won't happen again. -A slip?
[sniffling]
Um…
Uh, Tribal Chief,
there is a…
We have a guest
to see you.
It's, um…
Sami Zayn.
Roman, how you doing?
Hey, great to see you.
Can I just start first and foremost by saying…
I acknowledge you.
I do. I acknowledge you. I gotta say, I'm a big fan.
The stuff you've been doing recently with all the smashing
and the Superman punching, it is great.
You know, there's no dispute, Roman Reigns, Head of the Table.
No question about it. And you know what
some people sometimes forget,
is that Sami Zayn, in addition to being The Master Strategist,
is also the locker room leader.
Yeah. And you've got your own locker room here.
You're not worried about these things. That's fine.
But I actually hear
and see everything that's going on out there.
Just let me give you an example.
Earlier, I happened to catch
Drew McIntyre getting real chummy with RK-Bro.
RK-Bro have a Title Unification Match with The Usos, if I'm not mistaken, right?
Well, now, all of a sudden,
now, they're going to be lumberjacks in my match tonight.
It's… [laughs]
It's really unbelievable. Um…
Look, I would never snitch. I'm not a rat.
That's just not who I am,
but I happen to hear them say
some very disrespectful things
about your entire family.
Really. It's, it--
Look, I guess… [sharp exhale]
I guess this all brings me to a little bit of a proposal. Okay?
See, my name, my reputation as of late
has taken hit after hit after hit.
And now it's even worse 'cause people actually think
I'm afraid of Drew McIntyre, which I am not.
What I need more than anything
is to beat Drew McIntyre to regain my credibility,
to regain the respect that I am owed.
I need to beat Drew McIntyre.
So I guess what I'm getting at is that if there was some way
that maybe…
I could get some help with that.
Well…
I would be more than happy to help out in return.
Trust me when I tell you…
I could be a very, very valuable ally.
I… acknowledge you.
I need you to recognize me…
[exclaims]
…because I acknowledge you.
Okay, good talk.
I got a thing.
And, uh…
Right. Okay.
So we got people
on my show
running their mouth about me?
Take my name…
out their mouths.
Understand?
"Put some 'respek' on my name."
Roman Reigns said around him.
Still to come tonight, that Lumberjack Match
with Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre.
We're switching gears now. You know, over the past few weeks,
we've learned about the heartbreaking and harrowing childhood of Lacey Evans.
From growing up in an abusive household to living life on the wrong--
oftentimes, just relying on herself.
We've learned that Lacey has shared
this heartbreaking and inspirational story with all of us.
So tonight, we present "Chapter Three, The Story of Lacey Evans."
[sighs]
Okay, here it goes.
Growing up, if we weren't living in tents,
we were in trailers with holes in the floor
or small houses covered in mold.
And the more money my dad did bring in,
uh, the more drugs and anger came with it.
I had to grow up during the most important years of my life without my mom.
Um, she wasn't there to teach me how to do my hair,
makeup, or help me get ready for prom.
I didn't have Mommy there as a shoulder to cry on
and literally was left sobbing in a pile of dirty clothes.
To this day, I do my own makeup before shows
because from a young age,
I learned that if you want something done right,
you do it yourself.
I had to teach myself what beauty and confidence were.
By the time I was 15 years old, I started competing in amateur wrestling.
I was undefeated, ranked first in the state of Florida
and ninth in the nation.
With the lack of support that I had at home,
it was up to me to push myself to succeed
because when you don't have anyone to rely on or to…
And-and nothing to lose,
you start to realize just how unstoppable and strong that you really are.
But even with all that work that I put in,
imagine walking two miles in the rain all the way home,
soaked socks, wet school books,
tired from juggling a job, and wrestling, and school,
and doing the best you can,
only to find your father, high,
passed out on the couch with a burning cigarette
falling out of his mouth.
Well, it makes you hungry for something better out of life.
I learned just how unbreakable I was
and how sorry I feel for those out there
who have never been put in situations that scare them to death.
You know, what I've been through has created the woman that I am today.
A motivated, ready for anything,
careful, confident,
mother, wife, sister, daughter,
United States Marine,
and WWE Superstar.
Now, I'm no better than the other Superstars.
They damn sure are no better than me.
♪ Are You Ready? ♪
[Cole] The inspirational Lacey Evans.
[McAfee] Oorah!
Thank you, Lacey.
[Cole] And the SmackDown Locker Room now heads to the ring
as we get set for the Lumberjack Match
between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
The lumberjacks surround the ring.
They are to make sure if Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn go outside the ring,
they're put back into the ring.
No place to run, no place to hide for Sami Zayn tonight.
McIntyre, Zayn, in a Lumberjack Match…
-What up? -…live on Friday Night SmackDown.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Pat, what a week next week on SmackDown.
[McAfee] I can't wait.
Our Intercontinental Champion, Ricochet,
will put the championship on the line
against the seven-foot-tall, 300-pound monster, Shanky.
[Cole] And who can make her opponent quit in the shortest time?
We'll find out next week in the Beat the Clock "I Quit" Challenge
between SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey,
all next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
And the lumberjacks have surrounded the ring,
including RK-Bro, The Viking Raiders.
The lumberjacks will make sure that Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn,
if they leave the ring, they'll be put back inside.
Sami can't run anywhere tonight.
[McAfee] Sami needs to get his ass--
[Irvin] The following is a Lumberjack Match!
In this match, the Superstars surrounding the ring have one job,
to keep both competitors inside the ring!
[crowd cheering]
["Gallantry" playing]
[McAfee] As Xavier Woods put it,
human cage.
That's what a Lumberjack Match is.
[Cole] Good way to describe things.
[McAfee] Yeah. He's got like a PhD, I believe, with a big old brain.
-But tonight-- -[Irvin] Introducing first,
from Ayr, Scotland, weighing in at 265 pounds,
Drew McIntyre!
[McAfee] That man, that's a man that Irvin just introduced so well.
-[explosion pops] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] It was nice to see Drew McIntyre, The Scottish Warrior,
let bygones be bygones with his former rival, Randy Orton…
[indistinct shouting]
…earlier on tonight, but let's show you why we have a Lumberjack Match
between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn.
It all started two weeks ago. Remember, Sami Zayn said,
"I'll take on the first man who walks out of the locker room."
That man was Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre was going for the Claymore Kick. What does Sami Zayn do?
He runs away.
Now, Sami Zayn claims that he's not a coward,
that he did this to show solidarity
-with the people. -[bell rings]
But he sure looks scared there.
And then what about what happened last week, Pat,
-here on Friday Night SmackDown? -Three,
-two, one! -Claymore, ready to go, and same thing.
[McAfee] Sami Zayn playbook.
But this time, Drew said, "Uh-uh, not so fast."
-Threw him back in, and… -[whooping]
…Sami managed to get the hell out of Dodge.
-[bell rings] -After saying it wasn't a cowardice move,
he did it again, proving as such.
[Cole] Sami Zayn said that,
"People don't understand that I'm not scared of Drew McIntyre."
"They can't comprehend that."
"I have a master plan."
"I make people ask questions and that's what I'm doing…
-[explosion pops] -…here on SmackDown."
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] I could see why you'd be intimidated or scared of Drew McIntyre.
Look at this dude.
The Scottish Warrior.
[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] Chiseled.
[Cole] Along with Angela the Sword,
named after his late mom.
-[McAfee] There we go. -[indistinct shouting]
-["Worlds Apart" playing] -[Cole] And here comes the coward.
The conspiracy theorist.
[Irvin] And his opponent from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn!
[Cole] You know, nothing's beneath Sami. He has no shame.
He doesn't get embarrassed easily.
He walked into Roman Reigns' office moments ago
and groveled at the feet of The Head of the Table,
saying, "Listen, I need to beat Drew McIntyre tonight
to regain my credibility,
and if I could get some help, well,
I could be a very valuable ally to The Bloodline."
[McAfee] And who knows what that could even mean,
and that's basically what Roman said.
And they say, you know,
"Desperate times call for desperate measures."
[Cole] He's a stooge. Sami's a stooge.
[McAfee] Yes, and Sami is always in desperate times, it feels like,
'cause he's always looking desperate, he's always doing ridiculous things.
[Cole] Well, he hasn't recovered since losing to Johnny Knoxville
-at WrestleMania. Let's make that plain. -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Earlier, he told Roman Reigns, "I'm not a rat, I'm not a snitch,"
and then he immediately ratted and snitched,
and he was caught in a rat trap at WrestleMania.
You know, if it ducks…
[Cole] So, here we go…
-[inaudible] -♪ Uso! ♪
-Whoa, whoa. -McIntyre and Zayn,
Lumberjack Match, uh,
and Sami Zayn is elated
because I think Sami believes that Roman Reigns
listened to what he had to say.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, now marching to the ring.
I assume they're gonna be lumberjacks, right?
[McAfee] Yeah, you can't blame Sami for celebrating here.
[Cole] Jey's upset because he lost to Riddle earlier tonight.
Jimmy's upset because he lost to Riddle last week.
-[bell rings] -And now the bell rings
and we're underway, and Sami Zayn quickly outside the ring
trying to make peace with the lumberjacks.
-No, no, no, no! Stop! -[Cole] Nowhere to go.
You can't run away, Sami, not like last week,
and the lumberjacks doing their job.
[McAfee] That's exactly why a Lumberjack Match had to happen here,
'cause Sami's always gonna try to squirm out of things.
[Cole] And again, Sami trying to escape and that's not gonna happen.
No one, I don't think, is gonna help Sami.
-[McAfee] Shanky. -[Cole] Shanky just--
Don't quite understand that, but nonetheless,
Sami Zayn, uh, going to be brought back to the ring unceremoniously
by New Day and company.
[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] And that's exactly what a Lumberjack Match is.
Somebody tell Shanky.
[Cole] Sami Zayn told me earlier that the documentary he was filming
is still tied up in court.
[McAfee] That's what every conspiracy theorist would do.
Say something else is the problem and then never really figure it out.
[Cole] Oh!
Oh my goodness!
-Collapsing the chest of Sami Zayn. -[indistinct shouting]
This has got to feel so good for Drew McIntyre.
And now it's McIntyre sent outside the ring.
[McAfee] Oh, here we go.
[Cole] Oh, and Ridge Holland and Sheamus.
The lumberjacks are supposed to throw McIntyre back in,
not beat the hell out of him.
[McAfee] I mean, did you see how Sami was tossed back in
and see how Drew was tossed back in?
[Cole] Things are heating up between the lumberjacks and McIntyre and Zayn.
Match continues.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] And Randy Orton celebrating a bit early.
He's one of the lumberjacks tonight
in this Drew McIntyre versus Sami Zayn Lumberjack Match.
-You saw The Usos out there as well. -[indistinct shouting]
They showed up after Sami Zayn
went to the Head of the Table, Roman Reigns' locker room,
and groveled for some help.
Now Sheamus again, beating the hell out of Drew McIntyre with Ridge Holland.
That is not the purpose of lumberjacks.
No, you're supposed to get him back in the ring.
You don't have to take your shots,
but The Eastie Boys love to get their shots in.
Where the hell's Butch?
[Cole] Uh, he ran away, I mean, earlier after he lost…
-I'm looking after him. -…to Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] These guys can't read the Lumberjack Match rule book,
they can't keep track of Butch.
-I mean, I like these-- -[Cole] Oh, Glasgow Kiss
from McIntyre.
[McAfee] Sami Zayn might be out!
[lumberjacks whooping, slamming]
The New Day giving commentary.
[Cole] McIntyre looking to rally.
[crowd clamoring]
Gonna make it back to his feet.
And now Sami Zayn's in deep, deep trouble.
What a throw by McIntyre!
-[Sami yelling] -And another one!
-Sami Zayn being swung across the ring! -[Jimmy] That sucks!
-[McAfee] Absolutely tossed in the sky. -[Cole] Neckbreaker!
-And a kip-up by McIntyre. -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] He's too big to be doing the things that he's doing.
The Scottish Warrior,
an anomaly.
-[indistinct shouting] -Oh.
[Cole] And Sami Zayn may be heading to Claymore Country.
[crowd] Three, two, one!
[Cole] And Sami Zayn ducking out of harm's way, or did he?
Because he's right out there in front of-- And now The Usos!
Remember what Roman Reigns said earlier, Pat.
"Make the RK-Bro take my name out of their mouths."
That's what The Usos did with that Superkick.
[McAfee] Put some respect on The Bloodline.
[Cole] Meanwhile, also out here in front of us, you got
Sheamus and Holland and Shinsuke and The New Day,
and the lumberjacks are now involved in this huge brawl.
[McAfee] This is not what the lumberjacks are supposed to be doing.
And The Viking Raiders getting involved now. Meanwhile--
All hell is breaking loose!
Sami Zayn again, trying to run away.
Lumberjacks fighting each other.
McIntyre fighting Zayn.
Carrying Sami Zayn back toward the ring.
[McAfee] Drew McIntyre said, "I'll be the Scottish lumberjack myself."
-"If you all are going to--" -And now Jinder Mahal from behind,
and Shanky and Sheamus!
[McAfee] This is not what a Lumberjack Match is supposed to be!
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] McIntyre sent back into the ring by the lumberjacks
as the brawl continues outside.
-[grunting] -McIntyre, Zayn, both down.
This way we'll have a little more respect
for the lumber business as a whole out here.
[Cole] And Sami Zayn now, uh,
rolls outside the ring. McIntyre…
trying to find out where Sami is, and he says, "Oh what the hell."
-McIntyre gonna fly! -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] How does a man that size…
do that?
[Cole] Meanwhile, look at that--
[crowd chanting] Holy shit!
[Cole] Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn now, what--
-[crowd chanting] Holy shit! -I got eyes on the crowd.
That chant is being said by six-year-olds and 60-year-olds.
[Cole] Sami Zayn is running away again!
[crowd booing]
You gotta be kidding me!
The Lumberjack Match was supposed to stop all of this.
[Pearce] Sami, Sami, Sami!
[McAfee] Who the hell is talking?
[crowd booing]
-[Cole] Adam Pearce. -Never in all my years would I think
it possible for someone to actually run from a Lumberjack Match,
but then again, I should have known it's you.
So I'll tell you what, next week I know this.
There will be no running
because you will go one-on-one again
with Drew McIntyre
in a Steel Cage Match!
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] Oh no, Sami Zayn.
-Now we're talking! -The rat is gonna be trapped in a cage
-with The Scottish Warrior! -No escape!
[Cole] Meanwhile, Jinder Mahal
going after Drew McIntyre,
looking to make a name for himself here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Meanwhile, Sami Zayn looked like he saw a ghost.
He's got a Steel Cage Match with McIntyre next week.
And now Shanky and Jinder Mahal,
two-on-one assault on The Scottish Warrior.
There may be nothing left of McIntyre to go inside the cage next week, Pat.
[McAfee] What the hell are Jinder and Shanky doing?
Shanky had no idea what a Lumberjack Match was earlier.
[Cole] Ma--
Jinder Mahal and McIntyre trying to fight out of the claws here.
And now McIntyre with a Glasgow Kiss and another one to Shanky.
Both Mahal and Shanky are down.
[indistinct shouting]
McIntyre is in a mood.
Jinder and Shanky didn't have a plan when they went in there.
You always gotta have a plan, especially when there's a chance
of a destination being Claymore Country!
[crowd cheering]
-Jinder Mahal… -[crowd] Three, two, one!
…is taking a ride to Claymore Country!
[crowd cheering]
-Sami Zayn had to watch from the crowd. -["Gallantry" playing]
That could be next week in a steel cage!
[Cole] Yeah, Sami Zayn won't be in the crowd next week.
He's gonna be locked inside a 20-foot-high steel cage
with "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre.
Next week…
-That thing is gonna be locked. -…your ass belongs to Drew McIntyre.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Let's show you, uh,
the intensity and the emotion between McIntyre and Zayn.
-[crowd] Three, two, one! -Drew was looking at Sami Zayn
as he delivered a message, the Claymore to Jinder Mahal.
Will that be Sami Zayn's fate next week?
-["Gallantry" continues] -[indistinct shouting]
Also, next week, on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox…
Moments ago, you saw Shanky,
the seven-foot, 300-pounder, takes his shot
at the Intercontinental Champion, Ricochet,
with the title on the line.
[McAfee] He better figure things out quick.
[Cole] And also, who can make their opponent say "I quit"
in the fastest time?
Will it be Charlotte Flair?
Will it be Ronda Rousey?
The Beat the Clock "I Quit" Challenge
next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre…
celebrating tonight.
Next week, he's locked inside a steel cage.
Next week, there is no escape.
Sami Zayn is locked inside a cage with Drew McIntyre.
-I am gonna tear him apart! -[crowd whooping]
[McAfee] You heard him!
-You heard him! -[crowd cheering]
Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn,
-in a cage next week! -[yells] g]