[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.
Together.
[music fades]
-[crowd cheering] -["No Chance in Hell" playing]
♪ No chance, that's what you got ♪
♪ Up against a machine too strong ♪
♪ Greedy politicians buying souls from us are puppets ♪
♪ Who will find their place in line ♪
♪ Go tie a string around your finger now, boy ♪
♪ 'Cause its all just a matter of time ♪
♪ 'Cause you've got no chance ♪
♪ No chance in hell ♪
♪ You've got no chance ♪
♪ No chance in hell ♪
♪ You've got no chance ♪
♪ No chance in hell ♪
♪ You've got no chance ♪
♪ No chance in hell ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
Mr. McMahon!
[crowd cheers]
It is a privilege, as always,
to stand before you here tonight, the WWE Universe.
Especially a privilege to stand here in this ring in Minnesota.
[loud cheering]
I'm here to simply remind you of the four words we just saw
in what we call the WWE signature.
Those four words are "then," "now," "forever,"
and the most important word is "together."
[loud cheering]
Welcome to SmackDown.
[crowd cheers]
♪ No chance, that's what you got ♪
♪ Up against a machine too strong ♪
♪ Greedy politicians buying souls From us are puppets ♪
[song fades]
["Are You Ready" by AC/DC playing]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
♪ Are you ready for a good time? ♪
-♪ Who all need it? ♪ -♪ You ♪
-♪ Who all need it? ♪ -♪ Yes, you do ♪
♪ You all breathe it ♪
♪ We all need it ♪
♪ Are you ready for a good time? ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
[song ends]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
♪ Are you ready for a good time? ♪
[Cole] It is a historic night of firsts, a big fight night.
You are looking live at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
-This place is electric tonight. -[Riddle's music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] And we kick things off tonight
with the man who will have the biggest match of his career.
[ring announcer] Please welcome Riddle!
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time ever,
the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
will be defended on Friday Night SmackDown.
In his first title defense since unifying the championships,
with a win over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania,
Roman Reigns defends tonight against Riddle.
[McAfee] Riddle fighting for his best bro Randy
in everything he has fought for his entire life.
The rabbits are hopping just like Money-apolis, Minnesota.
Riddle, in a page,
everywhere he's been, has risen to the top.
Tonight he gets an opportunity to do it again.
Bro.
So, before I kick Roman Reigns in the head
and take his WWE Undisputed Universal Championship,
I wanted to take a stroll down memory lane
and take a look at the history between Roman Reigns and myself.
[McAfee] I love this.
[Cole] For the first time ever,
the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles will be unified.
[McAfee] RK-Bro looking to make history.
[Cole] He's gonna go for a super RKO.
What the hell is Heyman doing?
Roman Reigns saving his cousin.
[Riddle] RK-Bro lost to The Usos.
But, Roman…
that guy is nothing but a tribal piece of trash.
[dramatic music]
-[crowd gasps] -[shouting]
[dramatic music crescendos]
[sad music]
[Riddle] The last couple of months,
Randy has been having a real hard time.
I don't know if RK-Bro will ever be a thing again…
but…
I swear…
I'll get my vengeance.
Since the Head of the Table thinks it's cool
to take my bro Randy Orton out,
I think I'm gonna take something from him.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Riddle wins.
He faces Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Championship.
Sami, exploder into the corner.
Now Zayn has Riddle where he wants him.
Went for a Helluva.
RKO!
-[McAfee] Riddle did it! -[bell rings]
[crowd cheers]
[Heyman] You have a lot of momentum going your way
and that momentum will get stopped dead in its tracks.
You can't beat Roman Reigns.
[Riddle] You guys have no idea what I'm capable of.
I'm tired of fighting Roman's minions.
Roman, I'm coming for you!
[Heyman] When you lose to Roman Reigns, and you will lose…
[Cole] He has been unstoppable for over 600 days.
[Riddle] I've beaten them all.
[Heyman] As long as Roman Reigns is champion,
you will never get another title opportunity ever again.
[Riddle] He's gonna have to kill me to stop me
from taking that WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, bro.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants: "Bro"]
Man, I've been waiting a long time for this opportunity.
And I know all my friends and family are watching at home,
but more importantly,
my best bro and our friend Randy
is watching at home.
And…
[crowd chants: "Randy"]
And, Randy,
I know you have a big operation coming up
and we all wish you the best of luck.
And I know you're at home.
I know you're at home thinking,
"What if something goes wrong?
Am I gonna be able to train again?
Am I gonna be able to get back in this ring
and do what I do best, time and time again?"
And, Randy, all I can say is
we miss you, bro.
We want you back.
And I don't care, I don't care what kind of shape you're in.
I love you, Randy.
[crowd chants: "Randy"]
For 20 years, bro,
for 20 years, dude, you've been killing legends, bro.
You've won, like, a bajillion titles. Your RKO videos have gone viral worldwide.
Dude, you even lit The Undertaker on fire.
That was sick, bro.
That was sick.
But most importantly,
for the last 20 years,
you sacrificed everything to entertain us.
And I think I can speak for the whole WWE Universe
when I say this.
Thank you, Randy.
Thank you.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants: "Thank you, Randy"]
[chanting continues]
But tonight, tonight I challenge Roman Reigns
for that WWE Undisputed Universal Championship
and I think everyone here and everybody watching at home
and every bro in the locker room knows
I'm dedicating this match to my best friend Randy Orton.
And when I carry myself to the back
to get ready for the biggest match of my life,
keeping my head up high, strutting like a viper.
You know what,
I think I'm gonna play something that we haven't heard in a long time
and hopefully we hear it soon when Randy Orton returns.
Right.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They council me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
[Cole] Randy Orton's iconic theme song,
as Riddle hopes it will propel him
to a championship here tonight.
Pat, emotional Riddle hoping to feed off that emotion
as he takes on Reigns tonight.
[McAfee] Absolutely, Riddle is very thankful for what Randy had done to him,
bringing him to his absolute best,
and tonight, he will try to embody the legend killer
and become a champion here on SmackDown.
Roman's first defense of the Undisputed Championship
in our main event here tonight against Riddle.
Who will get the last laugh in our main event.
Speaking of the last laugh, we finally, we have the culmination of this rivalry
between Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.
Here is our Progressive Match Flo.
[man] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[Cole] Happy family no more.
These two were once as thick as thieves.
That guy treated me like crap for months.
Tell me a joke like your job depends on it.
[Moss] He tried to end my career.
[Cole] The happy family no more.
[Corbin] I rid the WWE of that mouth-breathing moron.
Well, who's laughing now?
And I put Madcap Moss in an ambulance.
[Moss] Corbin is powerful, physically imposing,
but I persevered, and I beat the Big, Bald Wolf.
[Cole] This is about hurting Corbin and hurting him bad.
Corbin created a monster.
He has nobody to blame but himself.
[Moss] The man that he thought he knew,
that would take his crap week after week is gone.
[Cole] Madcap and Corbin run it back one more time in a Last Laugh Match.
[Madcap Moss's music plays]
[Cole] Pat, Madcap said his latest victory over Corbin
was the best feeling he has ever had in his career.
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Minneapolis, Minnesota,
weighing in at 245 pounds,
-Madcap Moss! -[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Cap's back home and he looks damn good.
[Cole] Months of brutal attacks have all come down to this.
The final match between Madcap
and his former employer, Happy Corbin.
Who will get the last laugh?
We find out, live, next.
[shouts]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen,
Riddle has dedicated this match to Randy Orton.
Can he feed off the emotion tonight, Pat,
and somehow upset Roman Reigns for the championship?
[McAfee] The Tribal Chief
putting the title on the line here on SmackDown.
What a momentous occasion.
-[Cole] Meanwhile, Madcap, a home game… -Come on, baby, get on your feet.
Let me hear you, Minnesota.
-…here tonight in Minneapolis… -Let me hear you, Minneapolis.
…in a culmination of his rivalry with his former boss, Happy Corbin.
-[McAfee] A Last Laugh Match. -[crowd booing]
[Corbin's music plays]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, weighing in at 285 pounds,
Happy Corbin!
[Cole] The whole point of this thing is if you lose,
you're embarrassed and humiliated and actually laughed out of the arena.
[McAfee] Yeah, that's the entire purpose, we've learned that,
and everybody on Earth
wants to see Madcap deliver this man some comeuppance for the way he treated--
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
This is an important match for Happy Corbin, Pat.
He has not been able to take out his former protégé, Madcap.
[McAfee] And Happy has said that
all the fans are a bunch of losers and bums.
He's treated Madcap terribly, and now he's staring down 0-3 against Cap.
[crowd chants: "Corbin sucks"]
[Cole] Oh, a great leapfrog by the highly athletic Madcap,
and an elbow drops Corbin.
[McAfee] Madcap says he's built different, and that's 100 percent right.
[Cole] Yeah, but do not sleep on Happy Corbin.
Tremendous athlete.
[McAfee] How tall?
[Cole] Six-foot-eight.
[McAfee] Monster of a man.
Former Golden Gloves boxer.
[Cole] Let's not forget, a former Money in the Bank contract winner.
As you can see, Money in the Bank briefcases, contracts inside.
We'll tell you that story a bit later on.
Qualifying matches here tonight.
Oh, a big knee from Madcap to Corbin.
[McAfee] Corbin incredibly talented,
-he just chooses to be insufferable. -Oh!
[Cole] Flying shoulder tackle from Madcap,
and… Corbin has not been able to get out of the blocks yet in this match.
[McAfee] I think Madcap's excited that this is the Last Laugh Match
'cause he has high hopes and high dreams.
He's been incredibly impressive.
[Cole] Pat, sometimes, somebody's got your number, right?
I mean, Madcap may have Corbin's as he whips him into the corner hard.
[McAfee] I believe my team played the Patriots
about 18 times, it felt like, and we went 2-16 against them.
Now, they did that to a lot of teams, but sometimes some teams
just have what you don't have, and my team was incredible, so…
Obviously, that could be an excuse for Happy,
but also Madcap just might just be a guy.
We don't know a lot about him as an individual.
[Cole] Yeah, but now Happy turning things around,
and there's the viciousness of Happy Corbin.
[crowd chants: "Corbin sucks"]
[Cole] And the WWE fans all over Corbin here tonight.
[McAfee] Yeah, they're speaking for the Universe.
[Cole] Madcap whipped across the ring
and Corbin just wrestling Cap down to the mat,
and now in control.
Corbin really believes
that he has given everything that Madcap has in his career.
[McAfee] And when they released Jurassic World Dominion,
they thought it was gonna be a banger.
Neither of those things are just real.
[Cole] You didn't like that movie, did you?
[McAfee] I was not the demo, but nonetheless,
Happy Corbin has awfully high thoughts about himself and he's the only one.
[Cole] Knee right to the midsection,
but, right now, momentarily, though,
-Madcap turn-- -Explosion off the ring.
-Look at the quickness of Cap. -[McAfee] Oh!
[Cole] Oh, and a shoulder tackle takes out Happy.
Madcap's such an impressive athlete.
[McAfee] So explosive. Happy tried to avoid him and couldn't.
He got him twice, Madcap.
[Cole] You've got to love the intensity in this young man.
Madcap uploading on Corbin
who's embarrassed him and humiliated him.
And there's the power now of Madcap.
-[McAfee] Catching him with ease. -Oh!
[Cole] Fallaway slam by Madcap.
[McAfee] Madcap a completely different person
than we were introduced to when he was Happy's stooge.
[Cole] Madcap looking for a neckbreaker which is--
-[McAfee] Oh! -[Cole] Oh my goodness.
Madcap sent into the ring post.
Remember, both of these men have suffered neck injuries in recent weeks
because of the assault by the other.
[McAfee] They have.
[Cole] And Corbin now, oh, sending Madcap into the timekeeper's area.
Can Madcap somehow get in this, or will Corbin get the last laugh?
[Cole] Happy Corbin has dominated this Last Laugh Match with Madcap,
but Madcap trying somehow to fight back.
[McAfee] All of Minnesota on Madcap's side.
[Cole] Yeah, Minneapolis, the hometown of Madcap,
but Corbin hoping to get the last laugh on Madcap tonight.
Corbin has been embarrassed and humiliated by this young man
a number of times over the past couple of months.
[McAfee] For those that are new, the man with the hair,
that's chiseled and incredibly athletic-looking,
is 2 and 0 against the big, tall, bald stooge-looking guy.
[Cole] Madcap fighting back.
A couple of right-hands.
Tremendous stamina.
This physical specimen known as Madcap.
[McAfee] A former football player here in Minnesota.
[Cole] Up over the top.
Sunset flip. Is it enough to put away Corbin?
Who's got a kick at two.
[McAfee] Madcap rolling.
[Cole] Was building some momentum, but the deep six by Corbin.
Is it enough to get the last laugh here tonight on SmackDown?
And a kickout by Madcap at two.
Corbin getting frustrated.
[McAfee] We've seen this take out plenty of men before.
Thought the crafty vet ended this.
Madcap kicks out.
[Cole] Madcap showing some grit,
-resilience, here tonight. -[crowd chants: "Let's go, Madcap"]
The WWE Universe trying to get Madcap back into this matchup.
Corbin has dominated, for the most part, the last few minutes.
[McAfee] Oh, the athlete.
[Cole] Uh-oh. Corbin.
Chokeslam.
[crowd boos]
A bone-rattling chokeslam…
by Corbin.
[McAfee] Perfect shot right below the throat,
grasping Madcap and planting him through the canvas.
-What a chokeslam. -[Cole] Watch this.
[McAfee] Six-foot-eight.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Madcap outside the ring here fighting back.
Able to beat the count back into the ring.
Corbin dragged Madcap out again and drives him into the post.
Four.
That's what Happy cab-- Oh, Happy cab. [laughs]
Happy Corbin and his captain will do.
-[Cole] Now, Corbin back into the ring… -[McAfee] Anything it takes to win.
…and bounced right off the announce table.
Madcap is…
-Nine! -…back in the ring at a count of nine,
and Happy Corbin just beats the count.
Moss, though, with the Punch Line.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Cap!
[Cole] Madcap not done yet.
[McAfee] All the torture that Happy has put Madcap through.
[Cole] Well, not just physical but psychological as well.
[crowd cheers]
Madcap fired-up.
Corbin in trouble.
Madcap looking to put him away one more time with another Punch Line.
Cover. Madcap gets the last laugh.
-[crowd cheers] -[Madcap Moss's music plays]
[ring announcer] The winner of the match, Madcap Moss!
[Cole] That had to feel so good for this young man
who was treated like absolute garbage by Happy Corbin
for so many months here.
[McAfee] Madcap, with two Punch Lines, continues his dominance
going 3 and 0 over his former employer.
[Cole] And that there is the second Punch Line.
[McAfee] Two Punch Lines, one last laugh.
Three and 0 for the Minnesotan, Madcap Moss.
Hey, Corbin.
[manic laughter]
-[Madcap Moss's music plays] -[Cole] Well, he deserves it.
He earned it.
Madcap winning the first-ever Last Laugh Match.
The Last Laugh here tonight on SmackDown.
[laughing]
Yeah!
WWE Universe,
it's been a while since the Street Profits have been on SmackDown.
And Dawkins, my oh my oh my, did we pick a fine time
to show up on Friday Night SmackDown.
I mean, the hometown hero, Madcap Moss, finally got the last laugh,
so I guess Happy Corbin isn't so happy after all.
Mm-mm. But hey, don't forget about the main event.
-What's that? -We've got Riddle versus Roman
in the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match tonight.
-Tonight? -Tonight.
-Tonight? -Tonight!
-Sheesh. -Woo.
Dawks, my tank, who do you have winning that match,
who you got winning?
Come on, man, you know what I always say.
Bros before roes, dog.
-Bros before roes. -Bros before roes.
Oh, wait a minute, Dawks.
But if that happens, that means there will only be one set
of Undisputed Tag Team Champions in The Bloodline.
Ooh! Jimmy, Jey!
We're stacking all our chips in
because it's us versus you at Money in the Bank.
-We want our babies back. -That's right, that's right, that's right.
Because we're gonna have a whole nursery full of titles
because the Street Profits are up
-and we want the smoke! -And we want the smoke!
[crowd cheers]
-Bros over roes. -Two weeks from tomorrow,
Money in the Bank.
Usos versus the Street Profits for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
The Street Profits want the smoke and they want their babies back.
I can't wait to watch.
Well, it's been a night of firsts already.
We had the Last Laugh Match.
Still to come tonight, Roman Reigns will defend--
-Hold on, hold on, hold on. -What is this?
I've got something to say and I want the whole world to hear it.
-[crowd boos] -Why is he still here?
[crowd boos]
Pat, yeah, you and I,
we've known each other for a long, long time.
And I just hear you criticizing me
-and making jokes. -Cole, did you know this was gonna happen?
When I was all the way at rock bottom,
you coined the phrase, "bum-ass Corbin."
[crowd cheers]
-That was a good name they say. -And then, I hit it big.
I hit it big and you still-- you still run your mouth about me.
You talk about all my losses.
You criticize my hit show, "Happy Talk."
The show stinks. The show stinks.
You say I'm undeserving of my pyro,
and you, you need to obviously watch your mouth,
because if you don't, I'm gonna drag you over this desk,
throw your skinny ass in that ring
and make you wish you were dead!
[crowd boos]
[upbeat music playing]
Hold up, hey.
-Do you mind? -[Cole] No.
-Thank God they keep the house mic here. -Do what you got to do.
[indistinct]
[crowd cheers]
Hold on, now.
[singsongy] Bum-ass Corbin.
[crowd yells: "Bum-ass Corbin"]
Before you walk out of this arena,
I think what we were all expecting
when we heard about a Last Laugh Match
was that we'd see your sorry ass
getting laughed out of an entire arena.
So I think with the help
of the beautiful people in M-I-N-N…
[crowd shouting] "E-S-O-T-A."
Minnesota. Minnesota. Hey!
We can give the WWE Universe
what they've been waiting for
since your sorry ass came into this company.
Will you help me laugh this jabroni
the hell out of Minneapolis, Minnesota?
[crowd cheers]
Ha ha ha ha ha ha! You suck!
[laughter]
[crowd laughs and boos]
-You stink. -[The New Day's music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Well, Happy Corbin has become the laughing stock of WWE
thanks to my partner.
-Did you have fun? -[McAfee] It had to be said.
And why didn't you tell me that was gonna happen?
How'd he get that microphone?
Nonetheless, he got what he deserved and now actual talent is on the stage.
[Cole] Yeah, The New Day even laughing Happy Corbin out of the arena.
-[laughter] -[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,
The New Day!
[Cole] The New Day's laughing now, but guess what?
They have to take on The Modern Day Maharaja
and the "Skyscraping," dancing Shanky.
Yeah, Jinder and Shanky are rolling,
but The New Day are future Hall of Famers.
[Cole] Tag team action live, next.
[man] Tonight's classic SmackDown moment is delivered by Pizza Hut.
No one outpizzas the hut.
Order today at pizzahut.com or download the app.
[Cole] Edge, who as a kid, grew up idolizing Hulk Hogan.
Tonight, Edge has a chance to win the Tag Team Titles on the 4th of July.
Here's the double-team.
Big double boot.
-Hogan calling for Edge to do the honors. -[man] Leg drop!
[Cole] The leg drop.
Leg drop. In stereo.
The cover.
-Hook of the leg. -Two, three.
Oh! Edge and Hogan have done it. They win the Tag Team Titles.
And memories for Edge, who must be living his dream.
[Cole] A classic SmackDown moment 20 years ago.
We're gonna make another special moment tonight.
[McAfee] Massive evening for the first time since WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns will defend
his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
against Riddle, who has his first-time opt at the gold.
What a night here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Cole] You know, in two weeks from tomorrow,
it's the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event in Las Vegas.
Ronda Rousey defending the SmackDown Women's Title against Natalya.
Last week, Ronda versus Shotzi.
It was a heck of a match
before Ronda finally got Shotzi to tap to the Armbar,
and after the celebration,
the attack from behind from Natalya
who showed Ronda Rousey,
"I may have the most devastating submission move
-in WWE today, the Sharpshooter." -[McAfee] Absolutely.
Two Hall of Famers, Ronda Rousey, a fighting champion,
Natalya attacking her.
A lot on the line with these two, who know each other very well.
[crowd boos]
[Natalya's music plays]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest,
the woman who will challenge Ronda Rousey
for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Money in the Bank, Natalya.
[crowd boos]
Oh, Megan, I'm gonna do so much more than challenge Ronda Rousey.
I'm gonna beat some respect in her.
I mean, we all saw the footage, Megan.
We saw Ronda trapped in the Sharpshooter, screaming in pain, begging for mercy.
If that footage isn't enough, Megan,
to show you that Ronda was in danger
and that the Sharpshooter is the most dangerous submission in WWE history,
I don't know what is.
And I think we should just ask Ronda tonight, Megan.
We should ask Ronda tonight just how it felt.
Oh, wait. [laughs]
Ronda's not here, Megan.
Ronda's at home licking her wounds.
Ronda, you think your Armbar is so special?
Yeah, you've had a little success with it.
But my Sharpshooter, it breaks bones, it tears tendons,
and it humbles champions.
My lineage, my resume, my pedigree.
I have had so many first-evers in this company,
more than any other woman in WWE history.
And I'm about to do my most important first-ever yet.
Ronda, you want to brag? You want to brag that you have never quit?
I'm gonna be the first woman in WWE history
to make you tap out
and for the second time…
become the SmackDown Women's Champion.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Will that happen two weeks from tomorrow at Money in the Bank?
Meanwhile, New Day set for tag team action here on SmackDown.
[McAfee] Justin Jefferson and Gritty
would be proud of what Kofi's doing in there.
[Jinder Mahal's music plays]
[McAfee] Here we go.
[ring announcer] And their opponents, the team of the "Skyscraping" Shanky
and "The Modern Day Maharaja" Jinder Mahal.
[Cole] Shanky looks focused tonight.
Remember, Jinder has been a bit upset
that Shanky seems to be more interested in dancing as of late than--
-Maybe not. -He's still dancing.
[McAfee] I think that's the type of thing that's just in your blood.
Like Tom Cruise said he had jet fuel in his blood.
Shanky's got dancing in his blood.
And Jinder, if he's gonna be a good coach or mentor,
he just needs to understand that instead of fighting.
-[Cole] Good analogy. -[McAfee] Thank you.
[Cole] We've got tag team action.
The "Skyscraping" Shanky and Jinder Mahal
against The New Day.
It's live, it's next here on Fox.
[Cole] Tonight, tag team action.
"Skyscraping" Shanky,
-dancing on the apron… -Vibing.
…and Jinder Mahal to take on The New Day.
[McAfee] See, this is not good by Jinder.
This is like a coach that doesn't know how to find the greatness in his player.
[Cole] Yeah, I always wondered how your coach dealt with you.
[laughs]
[McAfee] Yeah, yeah, I was obviously a little tough to handle,
but when it's time to work, it's time to work.
I had a good time with it, just like Shanky.
[Cole] And Xavier Woods and Jinder Mahal starting things off.
Oh, but the power. Former WWE Champion.
Jinder is all business.
And I think he's having a hard time adjusting to the frivolity
that Mr. Shanky brings to the matches.
[McAfee] I've been a massive fan of Jinder Mahal for a long time
in his runs here at WWE.
And I think maybe Shanky will bring something that he's been missing.
Enjoying the moment a little bit.
[Cole] And Jinder missing wildly.
Xavier Woods uses a springboard off the second rope to drop Jinder.
Cover now by Xavier, and a kickout.
[McAfee] You know, they say, "Do you win because you're happy
or are you happy because you win?"
That's an old metaphor, and I think the happier people normally win more.
Except for Happy Corbin, of course.
[Cole] Look at The New Day,
perhaps the greatest tag team in the history of sports entertainment.
Cover by Kofi.
Hook of the leg, and a kickout.
They're always having fun.
[McAfee] That's what Jinder can learn from Shanky.
They could become a great tag team together.
He needs to stop fighting that thing and embrace the good times.
And here it comes.
The "Skyscraping" Shanky.
[Cole] Yeah, the near seven-footer, Jinder, barking at Shanky,
saying, "Let's get down to business."
[McAfee] He's seven feet tall?
You start doing the math, hair is three and a half foot long.
That's some really, really long hair.
It's very nice.
[Cole] And Kofi now with a dropkick. Shanky still on his feet.
-Oh! -Oh my goodness!
[McAfee] Holy hell.
[Cole] Did you hear that?
[McAfee] There's no dancing in that.
[Cole laughs] Oh my goodness.
Shanky came to play tonight, didn't he?
Oh, and another big clothesline.
See, Jinder?
You unleashed something in the big guy.
-Oh my goodness. -[McAfee] That's something that Jinder
can bring out of Shanky,
moments like this.
[Cole] Listen! Oh my goodness.
[McAfee] That big lariat turning Kofi inside out.
The "Skyscraping" Shanky.
[Cole] And the veteran Jinder Mahal, the former WWE Champion, barking orders.
And what a massive biel.
[Shanky roars]
[Cole] Shanky looks very focused, much more intense in this match tonight.
[trombone plays]
That's, uh, Francesca the trombone.
[Cole] Oh no.
[McAfee] I mean, go, Shanky. Go, Shanky.
[Cole] What did you say about it being in his blood?
[McAfee] Well, I just, I don't know how
when that beat hits your bones you don't dance.
-[Cole] Jinder Mahal is so upset. -Get up! Get up there!
-No dancing. -[trombone plays]
[Cole] Oh, Trouble in Paradise!
Cover by Kofi. New Day with the win.
[crowd cheers]
[ring announcer] Here are your winners, The New Day.
[Cole] Well, Xavier with the trombone worked.
Shanky was as intense as we've ever seen him.
And then he started dancing.
Jinder got all mad, he came to the ring and got beat off the distraction.
[McAfee] A physical distraction would obviously warrant a DQ,
but an audio distraction, not a problem.
[Cole] Xavier, like the Pied Piper when it comes to Shanky.
[McAfee] Look at-- How could you not dance?
[Cole] Hey, the Tag Team Division is obviously heating up,
and Pat, next week, it gets even hotter.
The return of the formidable Viking Raiders.
[The Viking Raiders' music plays]
[Cole] It's time to join the raid.
Ivar on the left, Erik on the right. The Viking Raiders.
[man] The truth is, vikings are some of the most spectacular,
rugged, amazing people on the face of the planet.
Boom! [shouting]
Every city we go to is ready to join the raid.
As vikings, we pride ourselves on honor, valor, and unbridled bravery.
[music fades]
[crowd cheers]
[Drew McIntyre's music plays]
[Cole] And here comes another warrior,
The Scottish Warrior.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Jeez, look at that dude.
-[pyrotechnics pop] -[crowd cheers]
[ring announcer] Please welcome Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] Last week, we had the controversial qualifying match
for Money in the Bank between Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, Pat.
It ended up in a double disqualification outside the ring,
so neither man qualified.
So we understand now, tonight,
WWE official Adam Pearce is gonna make a decision.
Will it be Drew or will it be Sheamus
to have the opportunity to climb the ladder
and win Money in the Bank?
[McAfee] The two old best lads beat the hell out of each other last week
and we were lucky enough to see it.
Who will be lucky enough to go to Money in the Bank?
I wear a black tank top every day.
[Cole] You don't look like that.
[McAfee] Nobody does.
-[shouts] -[pyrotechnics pop]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] WWE official, Adam Pearce, with a major decision.
Will it be McIntyre or will it be Sheamus?
Who will be in the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match in two weeks?
We find out next live
-on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox. -I see you! I see you!
[Cole] SmackDown's in Minneapolis tonight.
[McAfee] That's right, the home of Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson,
and the Vikings, the Twins
and obviously the Minnesota Timberwolves.
[Cole] And home tonight to the match
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Roman Reigns with his first title defense since WrestleMania.
Riddle in the first Championship match of his career,
dedicating it to his injured friend, Randy Orton.
Something has to give. Massive main event tonight.
[crowd cheers]
And Championship SmackDown sponsored by Progressive.
Meanwhile, in the ring, Drew McIntyre, WWE official Adam Pearce.
Pearce has to make a decision.
Will it be McIntyre or Sheamus
who will head into the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match
two weeks from tomorrow in Las Vegas?
It's gonna be me or Drew McIntyre
in that Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match, yeah?
I want-- Hey, hey, hey. Where are you going, you bleeding lunatic?
I told you, you both have to stay here, yeah?
This is the first opportunity to bring gold
back to the Brawling Brutes, all right?
Hey, Ridge, put a leash on him, yeah?
Don't worry, I've got it.
-Fight Night. Stay. -Fight Night.
[McAfee] Put him in a cage.
[Cole] Yeah, you can't blame Sheamus, Pat.
He wants to make sure nothing goes wrong tonight.
[McAfee] That's 'cause it's…
Fight… Night… baby.
[crowd cheers and boos]
[ring announcer] Please welcome, representing the Brawling Brutes,
Sheamus!
[crowd cheers and boos]
[Cole] And WWE Money in the Bank
is sponsored by Applebee's.
From boneless wings to chicken wonton tacos.
Half-price appetizers are back
to make late nights great nights, every night.
For a limited time only.
And by the official WWE Credit One 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 pre-qualify now.
Terms apply.
[McAfee] Which one of the lads is going to Money in the Bank?
Drew, Sheamus,
you both failed to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
yet you both demand inclusion, and I can see why.
The Money in the Bank contract
signifies and guarantees a championship match any time, any place.
With its overwhelming 85 percent success rate, I get it…
Pearce, this might come as a shock
but nobody gives a damn about numbers and statistics.
-[crowd cheers] -[McAfee laughs]
[McAfee] Stats, numbers, mad about that.
You want some numbers? Here's some numbers.
If Drew McIntyre isn't put in that Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
there's a 100 percent chance
I'm gonna beat someone's ass tonight.
[crowd cheers]
All right, yeah.
Big D, big ego there, huh?
Let me explain something to you, fella.
Heh.
Putting you in that match
would be about one of the biggest mistakes in the history of WWE
because you'd bottle it like you always do.
Let's take it from someone like me, yeah,
who has successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank contract…
as opposed to somebody who has been cashed in on.
You, my friend,
I guarantee will be 50 percent of a failed cash-in.
Okay, gentlemen. Need I remind you, we're out here for a reason.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins from Raw
already qualified for the ladder match.
And let me remind you,
it was an opportunity that both of you had last week.
[Cole] It was a qualifying match here on Friday Night SmackDown.
And, boy, these two beat the hell out of each other.
As physical of a match as you'll ever see,
and because of this right here,
what you're about to see, both men using chairs, a double disqualification.
[McAfee] Sheamus grabbed the chair first. Drew answered.
They hit each other the same time and then things spilled over afterwards.
[Cole] And because of this and the brawl and the double disqualification,
neither Drew or Sheamus would qualify for Money in the Bank.
They promised there would be a fight, and, boy, was there ever.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
Twenty men had to separate the two.
These two men know each other very well.
Big opportunity on the line.
[Cole] And a big decision right now for Pearce.
[Pearce] Gentlemen…
Gentlemen, I have reviewed that footage time and again
and I have consulted with WWE management.
And I am here tonight to tell you
that we have made a decision.
It is official.
Sheamus, you're in.
-Yes, yes, yes! -[McAfee] Holy hell. Drew--
Yes! [laughs]
Oh my God.
How does it feel, Drew, you big, dirty, hairy bollocks, huh?
To know that you're second best to The Celtic Warrior?
You know what I mean?
I am going to the Money in the Bank
and you are sitting at home on your arse
hearing the line of the Scots,
"I'll win the contract and I'll cash it in."
[Cole] Well, Sheamus should have kept his mouth shut.
Drew McIntyre.
Drew.
Now Adam Pearce trying to separate these two,
but McIntyre, he promised if it wasn't him
-he was gonna raise some hell. -Drew, Drew, Drew!
Drew, my next sentence was literally gonna be,
"Drew McIntyre, you're in too."
Ladies and gentlemen,
Drew McIntyre is also in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[McAfee laughs]
[Cole] Well, the field is filling up now.
-What are you talking about? -McIntyre, Sheamus, and Seth Rollins.
[McAfee] And Drew McIntyre gets to beat up Sheamus and get in.
[Cole] Sheamus, extremely upset.
-Right back into the ring. Claymore! -[McAfee] Claymore!
[McAfee] Kip up to Money in the Bank entrance.
[Drew McIntyre's music plays]
[Cole] Maybe Sheamus should look at the silver lining,
he's in the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match.
[McAfee] He should definitely be excited about something,
because he was speaking a lot.
Although it's the same language, I didn't understand it,
but he was disrespectful.
And Drew standing on top, beating up his old friend,
and getting an opportunity at a future title.
Maybe, if he wins the Money in the Bank, I'm just saying.
Obviously you've got to win the match.
-He's in the match. Both of them are. -Oh yeah.
-Huge night for both lads. -It goes on and on.
[crowd boos]
-Oh my God. -Hey, Sami.
It was because of your loss to Riddle last week
that the Tribal Chief has to defend his championship tonight.
You know, don't play the blame game, okay?
Don't point the finger like that. It's bad journalism.
Have you talked to anyone in The Bloodline?
Well, not directly. No.
I'm actually about to go take care of that now.
Well, do you think there's any ill will knowing that you're the reason
Roman Reigns has to defend his title tonight?
Ill will? No. What? No.
No, no, no. No, no, no.
Kayla, I'm an honorary Uce.
Do you know any other honorary Uces?
No, they don't exist. It's just me.
So, no, there's no ill will.
Everything is fine here, okay.
Locker room leader, Tribal Chief, Bloodline?
Everything's good. Everything's great. Everything's fine.
I have to go to the bathroom. Excuse me.
[McAfee] "Everything's fine." [chuckles]
-[Cole] He's responsible for this tonight. -[McAfee] Absolutely.
[Raquel Rodriguez's music plays]
[McAfee] I believe there are other honorary Uces, too.
[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following is a Women's
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match.
Introducing first, from Rio Grande Valley, Texas,
Raquel Rodriguez.
[Cole] Raquel is hoping to qualify
and then win Money in the Bank to get another opportunity at Ronda Rousey.
In only my second match, [speaking Spanish].
I was this close to beating Ronda Rousey and becoming champion.
Winning the Money in the Bank contract will get me to the promised land.
[Cole] Who will be the fourth woman to qualify
for the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match?
Who will join Liv Morgan
and Alexa Bliss and Lacey Evans?
Will it be Raquel Rodriguez or Shayna Baszler?
We find out live next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored tonight by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance.
Who will qualify for the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match
two weeks from tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Already Alexa Bliss has qualified.
Liv Morgan has qualified.
Lacey Evans has qualified as well.
Will Raquel Rodriguez join them?
Lacey Evans with us here at ring side.
Congratulations on qualifying for Money in the Bank.
Thank you. Thank you. I was the first one, honey.
-[McAfee] Ooh… -Indeed. And now you're going to see…
-[McAfee] …Rah! -…who one of your competitors will be.
[Evans] I'm excited to find out.
[ring announcer] And her opponent, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
Shayna Baszler.
[Cole] Shayna Baszler says Raquel Rodriguez
doesn't know what she is in for here tonight.
Raquel is going to feel two types of pain tonight.
Physical pain,
when I tear her apart
limb by limb…
and emotional pain,
when I ruin her dreams
and become Miss Money in the Bank.
[Cole] And let's not forget, if you win the Contract Ladder Match
two weeks from tomorrow,
you have a guaranteed opportunity
at a championship match whenever you want it over a year long period.
Lacey Evans, you have been
in a Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match before.
This will be your second one.
Did you learn a lot the first time around
to perhaps give you the edge this time?
[Evans] I mean, I was on a rooftop last--
Woo! Look at 'em go.
I was on the rooftop last time and I was very, very close.
So, yeah, I learned just enough to win this one.
[McAfee] Lacey, from what we've learned about you,
I think the entire world would be pumped to see you win Money in the Bank.
[Cole] Look at Shayna now, perhaps going for a submission,
Raquel just trying to power out of it.
[McAfee] Thank you for telling your story for all of us, Lacey.
It's inspiring as hell.
[Evans] Thank you.
-It was hard, but it's worth it. -Absolutely.
Somebody's got to be a voice.
[Cole] And a kickout by Shayna Baszler.
You would have an opportunity to be a massive voice
if you could win the Women's Championship
by cashing in the Money in the Bank contract.
[Evans] That's my plan.
I mean, you all know I got two daughters,
I got the whole world watching, and a lot to say.
I mean, I wake up, work and win,
and that's what I'm gonna do at Money in the Bank.
-[McAfee] Hell yeah. -Raquel Rodriguez has been so impressive
since coming to SmackDown, as has Shayna Baszler,
with a kick now to the spine.
[McAfee] Shayna Baszler said she's gonna rip Raquel Rodriguez
limb by limb, the Submission Magician.
[Evans] She probably will.
[Cole] Already in this match, Alexa Bliss,
who won a Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match
and cashed in a few years ago.
Liv Morgan, one of the hottest Superstars in WWE today.
She's been on a major roll.
And of course, Lacey Evans, winning last week.
-[Evans] The first one. -[McAfee] That's right.
The first one to qualify for Money in the Bank.
-[Evans] I set the bar high. -[McAfee] You're damn right.
[Cole] And Shayna Baszler looking to take out Raquel Rodriguez.
Take out the leg, take out the power.
[Evans] That's a big old leg too.
[Cole] And there you see Shotzi on the left, Aliyah on the right.
Those two will meet next week in a qualifying match right here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] Everybody's gunning to get into this Money in the Bank.
Lacey Evans is there.
Are you studying or scouting
or do you care about who's in there or is it just they're all in the way?
-[Cole] Ooh! -[Evans] Of course I care.
You know, I wake up every day,
I take notes, I work, and I plan on winning.
Uh, that's life. Life's freaking hard sometimes.
It's gonna be hard, but I'm gonna show up and get my opportunity.
[Cole] Raquel into the cover now on Shayna to qualify,
and a kickout by Shayna Baszler.
Resilience, heart, grit,
three words used to describe Lacey Evans.
[McAfee] Raquel. Strong, powerful, unpredictable.
[Evans] Big.
[Cole] Went for a running powerslam,
and Baszler with a chop block
right back to the already injured knee of Raquel Rodriguez.
[crowd boos]
And now Shayna Baszler. The running knee.
Is it enough for Shayna to qualify for Money in the Bank?
Raquel, at two, kicks out. Baszler thought she had her.
Shayna's buddy, Natalya, of course,
with a SmackDown Women's Championship opportunity
at Money in the Bank against Ronda Rousey.
Natalya claims she'll be the first woman to ever tap out Ronda Rousey in two weeks.
[McAfee] Lacey, do the submission experts trouble you at all,
or are you prepared for all types of battle in there?
[Evans] I mean, as you all know, I did amateur wrestling,
ninth in the nation, first in the state of Florida.
-Undefeated. -Woo.
I plan on bringing that to the table.
I mean, I've been in this company for a minute,
but I'm changing the game up this go-round.
[Cole] Oh!
-[Evans] There it goes. There it goes. -Raquel Rodriguez
-with the cover off the Tejana bomb! -[Evans] Go!
-Raquel joins Lacey and Alexa. -[Evans] Come on.
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Raquel Rodriguez.
[McAfee] I love that Lacey loves this
because I love this as a member of the WWE Universe.
[Cole] Lacey wants the best competition.
[Evans] I do. I do.
Give me the biggest, the baddest, the-- All of it. Give me all of it.
[Cole] Four slots have been filled.
Raquel Rodriguez becomes the latest
to have an opportunity
to win the contract two weeks from tomorrow
in Las Vegas at Money in the Bank.
[Cole] And that man, Riddle, the biggest night of his career.
His first opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
versus Roman Reigns.
It's coming up next, our main event on Fox.
[Max Dupri's music plays]
[ring announcer] Please welcome the founder
of the hottest modeling agency in the world today,
Maximum Male Models,
Max Dupri.
[Cole] We're expecting, uh, Mr. Dupri.
[McAfee] Is that Cena? Oh.
-Max. -I am so disappointed in you.
My men are standing by, but no, no, no.
I will not send my Maximum Male Models
down to that ring under this condition.
This was gonna be the biggest presentation in SmackDown history.
And why is that? Because you promised me elite acoustics.
You promised me top-of-the-line lighting.
Does that look like top-of-the-line lighting to you?
Does that look like the soft, sparkly, sexy lighting that you promised me?
No.
No! This will not do.
You will not see their beautiful faces, their hard bodies,
until you fix this, and fix this you will.
Otherwise you will be depriving the world of their looks
and you will fail to titillate
the juices of their guilty pleasure.
He just wants to titillate people's things, dude.
Listen, Dupri knows what's good-looking and what isn't.
If these lights ain't good enough for Dupri,
they ain't good enough for me.
Hey, J-Rob does a great job.
But nonetheless, can we please change the subject?
Let's go back to last week.
Ricochet defending the Intercontinental Championship
here on SmackDown against Gunther.
And it was a highly competitive matchup.
Even after that, Ricochet almost took Gunther out.
[McAfee] Yeah, Gunther was our Intercontinental Champion for a reason.
Incredibly nimble, used to going against big bodies.
-But in the end… -Oh.
…Gunther's power was too powerful for Ricochet.
[Cole] And with that, Gunther wins the Intercontinental Championship.
-[bell rings] -[Gunther's music plays]
Gunther has arrived in WWE.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the new Intercontinental Champion, Gunther.
[crowd boos]
Gunther, I was hoping you could comment on what would--
Nein. Danke.
Gunther's victory was inevitable.
The Intercontinental Championship belongs in his hands.
This title was created in a tournament in South America.
It was won by a French-Canadian
and its greatest champions were international Superstars
from countries like Canada, Mexico,
England, Ireland, Italy.
It has also been besmirched by the likes of Ricochet.
A man that embodies everything that's wrong with America.
Lots of flash, but very little substance.
This title is never going to be held by an American ever again.
Its prestige is gonna be restored
and it's gonna remain in the iron grip
of the man who holds the mat
and the Intercontinental Championship sacred.
The Ring General.
Gunther.
I am the new…
Intercontinental Champion.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] That was… riveting.
The shot at America, I don't think that was deserved.
[Cole] Are you ready
for one of the biggest main events ever on Friday Night SmackDown?
The biggest match of Riddle's career?
His first opportunity
at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Riding an emotional roller-coaster, an emotional wave
as he dedicates this to his injured friend and mentor, Randy Orton.
Randy Orton has prepared Riddle for this moment. How will he fare?
As the fishies swim
from the flippy-floppies of Riddle,
how will he fare in the bright lights
of an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match?
[Cole] Pat, here's the thing about Riddle.
He's got to keep that emotion in check.
He's hell-bent on revenge and vengeance against Roman Reigns
and The Bloodline for what they did to Orton.
Riddle's got to channel that here tonight.
[Roman Reigns' music plays]
[McAfee] This is Riddle's first time experiencing this.
This is the main event.
This is the marquee.
Welcome to the Island of Relevancy.
[Roman Reigns' music playing]
[Cole] For 657 days
Roman Reigns has been champion.
But for the first time since unifying the titles at WrestleMania,
Roman Reigns defends the gold tonight.
[music continues]
[pyrotechnics explode]
[Cole] The gold-draped Bloodline.
[McAfee] Three family members,
six titles.
Dominance personified.
-[Cole] Ro-- -[McAfee] Sorry, go ahead.
Roman Reigns said this earlier today on social media, Pat.
"Tonight on SmackDown means everything to Riddle."
"And while he's dedicating matches,
I'm notching days to an absolutely historic reign."
"He can't breathe my air."
"He can't lace my boots."
"He won't take anything from me."
"#GODMode."
"#TribalChief."
Up next, it is our main event.
For the first time ever on Friday Night SmackDown,
Roman Reigns defends the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
against an emotionally charged Riddle.
Reigns, Riddle, for all the gold.
Live. Next, on Fox.
[crowd cheering]
[Roman Reigns' music continues]
[McAfee] Thank you, Tribal Chief.
[pyrotechnics exploding]
[Cole] Is it Riddle's night?
Can he pull the upset of the century, or will Reigns rule again?
Next on Fox.
[Cole] What a night, next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] In a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match,
"The Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn
will take on the electrifying Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Cole] And in another qualifying matchup next week,
personal rivalry with a lot at stake.
Aliyah versus Shotzi, next week here on Fox.
[McAfee] And also, how could the night get bigger?
How about an Intercontinental Championship rematch
between Gunther
and, representing America, our former champ, Ricochet?
[Cole] Austin, Texas,
we're coming your way next week for SmackDown.
[McAfee] But first…
biggest fight ever.
[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Undisputed
WWE Universal Championship.
[crowd cheers]
Introducing the challenger, from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 216 pounds,
Riddle.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Riddle looks ready.
And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by special counsel Paul Heyman,
from Pensacola, Florida, weighing in at 265 pounds,
he is the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] You saw Riddle hit the Randy Orton pose moments ago.
Riddle has dedicated this match
to his long-time friend and mentor, Randy Orton,
who's out with an injury caused by Roman Reigns
and The Usos, The Bloodline.
And tonight, Riddle seeks revenge
and his first major Championship in WWE.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
But he has to take it from a man, Roman Reigns,
who has dominated this sport for almost two full years.
And Riddle right out of the box goes right after Roman Reigns.
Looking to pull the upset, but he's got to be careful, Pat,
he's not disqualified.
Remember, you have to pin or submit the champion.
Champion's advantage in this match tonight,
but Riddle taking the fight to Reigns.
[McAfee] Riddle, a buzzsaw early.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Oh.
[McAfee] Roman, who hopped off a private island onto a private plane
to arrive here this evening.
[Cole] Listen to this.
[grunts]
[McAfee] Still got it.
[Cole] Yeah, Roman Reigns said he had to leave his private island,
get on a yacht, get on a plane,
to come here and take care of this, quote, "idiot" Riddle.
[McAfee] Sami Zayn, the reason why this is happening,
and Riddle has to take advantage of this.
But this is where Roman is very comfortable.
Everything on the line, all eyes on the champ.
[Cole] It's rare to get a championship opportunity in your career.
Riddle has that chance tonight.
And a kick now to Roman Reigns.
Trying to keep Roman Reigns…
Oh, look at the fisherman's suplex by Riddle.
And Roman Reigns gonna roll out of the ring and try to regroup.
Meanwhile, Riddle's gonna head out to the apron and…
Oh! Right into the face of the champion!
And now, Riddle off the second rope.
Corkscrew moonsault.
The champ's in trouble.
Can Riddle do it?
Can Riddle pull off a miracle?
♪ Here we go, here we go ♪
♪ We're gonna get the urge ♪
♪ Here we go, here we go ♪
♪ From the front to the rear ♪
♪ We be gettin' down when we come around ♪
♪ We be gettin' down, ain't no stopping it ♪
♪ Better rock with it ♪
♪ We be gettin' down when we come around ♪
♪ We be gettin' down, ain't no stopping it ♪
♪ Better rock with it ♪
[shouts]
[music fades]
[Cole] Roman Reigns took control during the commercial break,
but Riddle is now battling back.
This match is for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Six-hundred fifty-seven days Reigns has been champion,
and now raining down blows to Riddle.
First defense of the title that he unified at WrestleMania.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] Roman back pummeling Riddle.
Minnesota acknowledging.
[Cole] And the Head of the Table dominating.
Riddle showed a flurry before the commercial break,
but it's been all Reigns since.
Two… three…
[McAfee] And we knew-- we knew Riddle would come out flying.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns has weathered that emotional firestorm
from the start of the matchup.
And now Reigns with a drive-by to Riddle.
And Roman Reigns now right in control.
Cover to retain.
Hook of the leg. Riddle's got to kick at two.
[McAfee] Me and Roman have had the same amount of singles matches
since WrestleMania.
It feels like Roman has found his bearings here.
Drive-by, classic.
Big rights, classic.
[Cole] Keep in mind, though, Riddle has been fighting
each and every week on Raw and SmackDown.
Golden opportunity.
First opportunity at the championship in his career.
[McAfee] Superstars dream about this
every moment of their life since they're children.
They'll work every single night
to get in this spotlight with Roman Reigns.
Riddle getting the opportunity
to make up for his best bro Randy
and cement his legacy as a great in a company that will live forever.
[Cole] As Riddle said, take away from Roman Reigns
the most important thing in his life right now and that's the championship.
And now, both men exchanging blows middle of the ring.
It has been an electric crowd all night long here in Minneapolis.
Historic night.
Riddle ducks underneath, catches Reigns with a kick,
and now Riddle's got an opportunity.
A kip-up by Riddle.
Now, taking the fight to the champion.
Riddle with a running forearm.
And another suplex, great throw to Reigns, and Riddle's got the champ in trouble.
Oh, the knees up to the spine.
[McAfee] Riddle had Roman reeling, and the champion.
[Cole] Yeah, but there's a reason Reigns has been champ for almost two years.
Riddle catches Roman with an elbow.
Now up to the top rope.
Floating Bro off the top rope to win the title!
Riddle's got a chance! Riddle's got a chance!
At two and a half, Roman kicks out.
Riddle almost had him.
[McAfee] Second Floating Bro
landed perfectly square on Roman Reigns' chest.
[Cole] Almost won the championship.
[crowd groans]
We are live at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Riddle trying to pull off the upset of the year,
upset of his lifetime,
versus Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
But a chokeslam by the champ.
Here's the cover on Riddle to put it away,
and Riddle kicks at two.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Looked a lot like a Rock Bottom, if you smell what I'm cooking.
[Cole] The Uranage from Roman Reigns, or Rock Bottom as you like to say.
Cover now by Roman on Riddle, and almost had Riddle,
but Riddle was still able to kick out, Pat.
[McAfee] Riddle finding a way to keep his massive evening alive.
[Cole] And remember, Riddle has dedicated this match
to his friend, his mentor, the injured Randy Orton,
who's no doubt watching this match here tonight.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] I don't know what Roman's thinking, but it's not gonna be good.
[Cole] Oh, that's Randy Orton right there.
-Where you at, Randy? -That's Randy Orton's move.
Where you at, Randy? When are you gonna come back out?
You're scared of your Tribal Chief. You don't want none.
Nurse that little back, Randy.
-I run it. You know it. -Six.
[Cole] The 16-time World Champion, John Cena,
knows what it's like to be in the ring with Roman Reigns,
who is in a historic run as champion, 657 days.
His first defense now of the Undisputed Title
since winning it at WrestleMania,
tonight, against Riddle who has dedicated this match to Randy Orton.
And this right here is what Reigns has been all about.
[McAfee] It's been a joy to watch Roman work yet again.
[Cole] Roman Reigns locked and loaded, looking to put Riddle away.
Riddle's been very game in this matchup tonight.
Superman punch-- No.
Knee to the face of the champion.
Riddle continues to show grit
and determination and resilience tonight.
Oh. Randy Orton-like powerslam.
[crowd cheers]
Riddle is fired up.
And now trying to pay homage again… to his mentor.
[McAfee] Threw Roman too far, dragged him back up.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Looking for the draping DDT,
and Roman Reigns escaping momentarily
as Riddle now with a kick to Roman.
And now, gonna give Roman a little bit of the Orton treatment.
[crowd cheers]
Pat, can Riddle do this?
Can he pull off a massive, a miraculous upset?
[McAfee] It's gonna be hard after getting your face slammed into a pole,
but Riddle has to have faith now.
[Cole] Reigns sending Riddle back into the ring.
-I don't think Roman was expecting this. -[crowd chants: "Randy"]
The "Randy" chants now from the WWE fans,
trying to fuel and fire Riddle.
Right there, draping DDT.
Vintage… Vintage Riddle.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Vintage Randy.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] And now, Riddle going to that place
where Randy Orton hears the voices in his head.
Can Riddle do it?
Can Riddle pull off one of the biggest upsets ever as Randy Orton looks on?
RKO blocked.
Roman blocked the RKO.
Superman punch.
Cover. Hook of the leg.
Roman Reigns-- Oh no!
Oh no!
Riddle kicked out.
Riddle kicked out!
We're in Target Center in Minneapolis.
Roman Reigns thought he had defended the Championship,
but somehow Riddle dug down deep here.
As he went for the RKO,
Roman Reigns countered
into a massive Superman Punch.
And, Pat, how did Riddle survive this?
[McAfee] Riddle manages
just in the nick of time
to get his right shoulder blade off the mat.
And Minneapolis, this is awesome.
[Cole] You saw Paul Heyman, the special counsel,
barking some direction to Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns trying to figure out, "What do I have to do to put Riddle away?"
[crowd boos]
Roman Reigns setting up for a spear.
And if he hits this, Riddle will be down and out.
Roman Reigns… Riddle caught him. RKO!
For the championship!
Riddle's gonna do it.
Damn it, he's gonna do it. And Reigns kicked out at two.
[McAfee] There would have been documentaries about tonight!
June 17th, 2022.
A RKO out of nowhere made Riddle champ,
-but instead Roman somehow finds a way-- -[Cole] And now, look at-- Pat!
Riddle to the top rope!
Reigns is in trouble.
Riddle gonna look to put Roman Reigns away.
There it is!
[crowd roars]
Can Riddle do it?
Can Riddle do the unthinkable?
[McAfee] Is Riddle the next champ?
[Cole] RKO blocked again by Reigns.
Roman misses wildly.
Riddle off the second-- Spear.
Spear out of midair.
-Roman Reigns retains the title. -[bell rings]
-[Roman Reigns' music plays] -[crowd boos]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner
and still the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, Riddle arrived tonight,
but, in the end, Roman Reigns,
who will now celebrate with his cousins, The Usos…
remains the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Six-hundred fifty-seven days of dominance continues.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] Riddle, with the night of his life,
but just like so many in the past,
just not enough to beat the GOAT,
our Tribal Chief…
-Roman Reigns. -[Cole] What a match. What an epic…
What a performance by Riddle,
but Roman Reigns again showing
why he is one of the longest-reigning champions
in the history of WWE.
[crowd boos]
Pat, we thought we were gonna crown a new champion.
Roman went for the spear.
Riddle hit an RKO out of nowhere.
-The unthinkable almost happened. -One, two, three!
[McAfee] Riddle's face was all of us.
[Cole] And then Reigns with a spear, spearing Riddle out of midair.
And the dominance continues for the Tribal Chief,
the Head of the Table, the head of The Bloodline…
…the Undisputed Champion.
[McAfee] And how lucky are we that he got off that private island
to do what he just did?
The Bloodline remains
draped in all of the gold.
[crowd boos]
There's no one left.
-Wise Man? -Yes, my Tribal Chief?
-There is no one left. -No one left, my Tribal Chief.
-No one. -Nobody.
-No one. -I told them over two years ago
that I'm here to wreck everyone and then I'm leaving.
And that's exactly what we did tonight.
We wrecked Riddle and now we're leaving.
-[laughs] -[crowd boos]
But before we go, Wise Man, there's one thing left to do.
Minneapolis…
[crowd boos]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] A lot of one--
A lot of ones to the sky here in Minnesota.
[Cole] Say what you want about Roman Reigns,
how he goes about his business.
There is no doubt he is one the great champions in the history…
-[Brock Lesnar's music plays] -[crowd roars]
[Cole] Oh my God.
[McAfee] Holy hell!
[Cole] What the hell is this?
Could it be?
[McAfee] It is!
Yes! Yes!
Yes, it is.
[Cole] Roman Reigns has seen a ghost.
"The Beast" Brock Lesnar is back.
[McAfee] The alpha male of our species
shocks the hell out of Roman Reigns
and all of us here in the same state.
He was a national champion.
[Cole] Roman Reigns said, "Come on, Brock.
I beat you at WrestleMania. I unified the titles."
He just told The Usos,
"Get out of the ring, I want Brock to myself."
[McAfee] This dude got bigger.
How did Brock Lesnar get bigger?
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct shouting]
[crowd chants: "Suplex City"]
[Cole] Oh!
Brock!
F5 to the champion.
[crowd roars]
And now The Usos gonna suffer the same fate!
Another F5…
And a third from The Beast.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] We're in the Twin Cities, but we've just seen triples.
Suplex City, bitch!
Brock Lesnar's back.
[Cole] Shots are fired.
The Beast wants his title back.
[crowd cheers]