[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Flair] Woo!
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If ya smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the United States Championship!
[McAfee and Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] This is what happens when you tick off Bobby Lashley.
Full speed ahead.
[dramatic music playing]
Oh, my goodness gracious.
Did you hear the thud?
[Cole] Oh!
Lashley ate all of the middle turnbuckle.
Raking the eyes of Bobby Lashley.
A spear!
Oh my God.
Going A-Town Down.
[dramatic music continues]
[McAfee] Theory's going to try this one more time. Lashley. Lashley!
Hurt lock. The hurt lock. The hurt lock.
[Cole] Theory is fading fast and there's the tap.
[bell rings]
[McAfee] Thou shall not tick off the All Mighty.
The All Mighty is once again United States Champion.
[music fades]
[dramatic music plays]
[Irvin] The following is the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match!
[Cole] This is an all-star team of performers.
One briefcase away from running this entire show.
Gentlemen, hold it there just a second, please.
Gentlemen, I will see your seven competitors
and raise you one more.
Your eighth entrant into the Money in the Bank Ladder Match…
[dramatic music continues]
[crowd boos]
[Cole] You got to be kidding me.
There always seems to be a power behind Theory
that wants him to succeed regardless.
[Cole] Rollins and Theory, and Omos just ran over them.
My goodness.
Look out, Sami. This is gonna hurt.
Powerbomb through the ladder.
-What's this madman thinking? -[crowd roars]
Floating Bro!
Chokeslam.
Helluva kick by Sami.
Now, McIntyre.
-Stomp on the apron. -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Six dudes, one Nigerian giant.
[Cole] Oh, through the table.
Omos, down and out.
Riddle back up, top of the ladder.
Riddle's got Rollins. RKO! Are you kidding me?
Riddle may have topped it here tonight at Money in the Bank.
Theory climbing the other side.
Riddle banged off the top of the ladder.
[crowd shouting]
[Cole] Oh, no. Oh, no. Theory's all alone. This can't be.
Are you kidding me? Not this way.
[bell rings]
-Theory is Mr. Money in the Bank. -[crowd booing]
[Theory] My time is now
and all of you can catch me at SummerSlam.
[crowd boos]
-["Are You Ready?" by AC/DC playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] After an unbelievable Money in the Bank Premium Live Event last weekend,
we welcome you tonight to the Dickies Arena
in Fort Worth, Texas.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
Hey, everybody, I'm Michael Cole. Pat McAfee not here tonight.
More on that story in a few moments.
Joined by Corey Graves of Monday Night Raw.
I don't know about you, Cole,
but I am still reeling after the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event,
where we witnessed multiple championships change hands.
Yeah, including the SmackDown Women's Championship,
the ultimate underdog, the miracle kid, Liv Morgan,
would win Money in the Bank
and then cash in on Ronda Rousey to win the title.
Liv Morgan is here, live, tonight.
[Graves] And the WWE universe had better be ready for shockwaves
when these two super heavyweights collide.
With the opportunity of a lifetime on the line,
it may be possible these two will push the limits of physicality even farther.
McIntyre, Sheamus.
Winner faces the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at Clash at the Castle.
[music ends]
-["I Am Greatness" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And ladies and gentlemen, we kick the night off…
[cheering]
…with the man
who has been a world champion for 678 days,
the Head of the Table,
the King of The Bloodline,
The Tribal Chief.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] A deafening ovation
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion,
flanked by the Usos
and the special counsel, Paul Heyman.
[dramatic music continues]
-[effects popping] -[crowd cheering]
[Irvin] Please welcome Paul Heyman,
the Undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions, the Usos,
and the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
-Roman Reigns! -[crowd cheering]
Do not be confused. The GOAT walks amongst you.
[Cole] Yeah, the GOAT.
Roman Reigns saying he's greatest of all time
and he could be very well be three weeks from tomorrow night
at SummerSlam, Nissan Stadium,
Nashville, Tennessee.
Last time, last match,
last man standing, Reigns, Lesnar,
for the Undisputed Title,
and, Corey, in a last-man-standing match,
you beat the hell out of your opponent to the point
where they can't make it to their feet by a count of ten.
[Graves] We promise you, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar
will make Nashville live up to its nickname of Smashville
at SummerSlam.
[Cole] It is a rivalry that is nearly a decade in the making
between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar,
and it finally comes to a head at SummerSlam.
[Graves] And neither man will ever be the same again
after the brutality we will all witness in Last Man Standing.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] But you must highlight and you must underscore
what Roman Reigns has accomplished
over the past nearly two years as champion.
Only four Superstars in WWE history
has held a world title longer than this man.
[Reigns' music continues]
[crowd cheers]
[effects popping]
[Cole] The Bloodline holds the gold.
[Graves] Unrivaled dominance in WWE.
[Cole] Wait a minute. Mr. Money in the Bank, Austin Theory.
Theory's here.
I don't think The Bloodline realizes it.
Is Theory going to cash in his Money in the Bank contract?
[Cole] SummerSlam is sponsored by Xfinity.
Xfinity Internet helps protect your devices at home and now on the go.
With advanced security, unbeatable Internet,
only from Xfinity.
[Graves] In the ring right now, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
As we found out before the break,
Mr. Money in the Bank, Theory, is in the arena.
[crowd cheering, booing]
[crowd members chant] You suck! You suck! You suck!
-[chanting continues] -[intermittent booing]
[booing grows louder]
[Graves] A mixed reaction to Roman Reigns. Some apparently unfavorable.
[booing continues]
[Cole] Roman loves to soak up the adulation, but none tonight.
Fort Worth, Texas…
[crowd cheers]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd cheers, boos]
We… We got a couple "you suck" chants going on over here.
We… We got some "Roman" chants going on over here…
[cheering]
But at the end of the day, when the Tribal Chief's in the house,
business picks up.
[crowd cheering]
And that means…
life is good.
Life is so damn good. I mean…
And I've said this before.
As long as God wakes me up, I can handle anything.
[crowd cheering]
Woke up in the compound, went to the private gym,
got that workout in, jumped on the private… private jet,
made my way here.
A great day.
I'm breathing. I'm healthy.
I'm happy to be at work. I'm happy to be on my show, SmackDown.
[crowd cheers]
It's an absolute privilege and honor to see my Bloodline, my family.
And then I see my Wiseman,
my special counsel,
and he looks like this.
What'd y'all do to him?
Why does…
Why does he look so concerned?
Wiseman, why are you so worried?
What… What's wrong with you?
No, no, no, no.
Your Tribal Chief's here.
You shouldn't be concerned.
You should know I'm the GOAT. I'm the greatest of all time.
I've done did it all. I smashed 'em all.
You should feel very confident that you're in a good place.
What… What, uh… What's the problem here?
Do we have a problem?
We've been through this before. I… I know we ain't going back there.
As a matter of fact, let's do this.
Wiseman, put your hand out.
-What did I do wrong? -No, no, no. [laughs]
He's so nervous. [laughs]
Wiseman, put your hand out. Come on.
-I love you, my Tribal Chief. -No, no. Indulge me.
Put your hand out. Come on.
Put it out. Come on. Come on. There you go.
Now, tell us what's wrong with you.
I… I love you, my Tribal Chief.
[inaudible]
And I love the Usos.
[crowd booing]
But we have a problem,
and that problem's name…
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
…is…
Brock Lesnar.
[crowd cheers]
[intermittent booing]
My Tribal Chief, you are the GOAT.
You are the greatest of all time.
In an era where no one can hold on to a championship,
you, sir, hold on to both heavyweight championships.
The Undisputed Champion, 600-plus days,
heading into seven, heading into eight,
heading into nine, heading into a thousand-day reign.
The longest-reigning champion of the past 35 years,
but here's the problem.
Brock Lesnar doesn't respect that.
Brock Lesnar has one last chance against Roman Reigns.
Brock Lesnar has one last match against Roman Reigns.
And when Brock Lesnar is cornered,
that's when the beast is at his most dangerous.
I know this for 20 years.
[panting] Who was 24 years old
and wasn't supposed to beat The Rock for the title?
Brock Lesnar.
Who… Who went up against the 21-0 Undertaker at WrestleMania
and wasn't supposed to conquer the streak?
-Brock Lesnar. -[crowd yells] Brock Lesnar!
Who has his back against the wall right now, my Tribal Chief?
Who is in a do-or-die situation?
Who becomes an obscure reference in history, a footnote in the annals,
in the chronicles of "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns,
or who ends this all?
-Brock Lesnar. -[crowd shouts] Brock Lesnar!
I'm scared.
I'm scared because what's going to have to happen now
is that we're going to have to see Roman Reigns go savage.
We're going to have to see a violent Roman Reigns.
We're going to have to see Roman Reigns smash Brock Lesnar.
Because pinning Brock Lesnar down for three seconds is one thing,
but putting him down for ten seconds in his final title match
in a Last Man Standing Match is a whole different story.
So you're going to have to show up on the 30th at SummerSlam
and be a Roman Reigns like never before.
The greatest performance in the history of Roman Reigns' career.
The most violent, the most diabolical, the most dangerous,
a beast slayer, a conqueror's conqueror, the GOAT of all GOATs,
so that they say at the end of the match, "Ladies and gentlemen,
your winner,
the ultimate needle mover, the Head of the Table,
the Tribal Chief, in God mode himself,
Roman…
Reigns."
-[overlapping cheering, booing] -[mic drops]
[Reigns' music plays]
[Cole] That's why Roman pays Mr. Heyman to be the hype man.
Reigns and Lesnar, three weeks from tomorrow night
at SummerSlam, Last Man Standing.
["A-Town Down" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Wait a second.
We saw before the commercial break that he's here.
Mr. Money in the Bank, Theory, is making his way to the ring.
Last Saturday night, we saw Liv Morgan cash in Money in the Bank
to become the new SmackDown Women's Champion.
Will Theory cash in tonight?
[Graves] To quote the man himself, Theory's got all day and then some,
in fact, one year from this past Saturday, to cash in
his guaranteed title opportunity
at the time and place of Theory's choosing.
And Roman Reigns had better not discount Theory
-and the contract in the briefcase. -[laughing]
[Cole] Well, it's pretty apparent that Theory's playing some mind games
and reminding Roman Reigns,
"Don't forget, because no matter who survives Last Man Standing,
probably will not be in any condition to defend the title
against a Money in the Bank cash-in."
Unmatched brutality, a guarantee at SummerSlam.
Reigns, Lesnar… It doesn't get much bigger than that.
You want to talk about unmatched brutality?
Let's check out the new "Vicious" Viking Raiders
in our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
[Woods] Last week, for Kofi and myself,
it was not a good Viking experience.
[Cole] From behind, the Viking Raiders relentlessly attacking The New Day.
The Viking Raiders are back, laying waste to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
If they're dangerous, Kof, let's get dangerous. [echoing]
[Cole] It is time to join the raid.
Erik on the right, Ivar on the left, all business.
New Day ain't scared of a damn thing, though.
[Cole] Oh, and here we go. This matchup never even started.
Oh, used the shield on the hand.
Using the shield on Kofi. Oh, my God, again.
-[grunts] -[Graves] Shields beings used
like battering rams.
[Viking horn blowing]
[inaudible]
[Viking horn blowing]
[Cole] "The pain will keep coming."
Those the words of the Viking Raiders.
[dramatic drumming music plays]
[Graves] Cole, I've never been more happy
to be seated on Monday Night Raw, far, far away
from the path of these new "Vicious" Viking Raiders.
These are two scary, scary individuals.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next
on Friday Night SmackDown here on Fox,
the new "Vicious" Viking Raiders continue their rampage
against "The Modern Day Maharaja," Jinder Mahal
and the seven-foot "Skyscraping" Shanky.
It's live and it's next.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Jinder Mahal and the Skyscraping,
dancing Shanky making their way to the ring for tag team action
with the Viking Raiders.
[Graves] Skyscraping and rug-cutting.
This is my opportunity to be here live and in living color
to watch Shanky do what he does best.
-[Cole] There you go, a little preview. -[Graves] I love it.
[Cole] One of the things, though, is that Jinder Mahal does not enjoy the fact
-that Shanky likes to dance. -[Graves] That's understandable.
Jinder Mahal's had a great deal of success in his WWE career,
-a former WWE champion. -[bell rings]
And Jinder knows what it takes to make it to the top.
Maybe he just doesn't have too much fun along the way.
[Cole] And Ivar will start things off against Shanky.
Jinder tags himself in and says,
"No games to be played against the new 'Vicious' Viking Raiders,"
and I would agree with Jinder on that point.
[Graves] I can appreciate Jinder's desire to lead by example,
but it's a very precarious position to start the matchup with Ivar.
Look at the big man go. Tag is made.
[Cole] Here comes Erik, and the double team by the Viking Raiders.
[Graves] I love this vicious side seen of the Viking Raiders
in recent weeks.
Sort of adopted a "burn the ships" mentality.
Full speed ahead, smash mouth, extra dangerous.
[Cole] And they talk in poetic terms as well, saying earlier this week
-that, when talking about the Raiders… -[crowd clapping]
[Graves] Hey, check it out. Shanky's right out here.
[Cole] He's dancing for you, Corey.
As Jinder, with a kick to the face,
-and he signals the tag because… -[Graves] No one…
[indistinct shout]
Shanky is down off the apron dancing. Oh! And the tag made.
And here comes Ivar, and Shanky now blasted off the apron.
[Graves] Erik just flattened the Skyscraper.
-[Cole] Double team for Mahal. -[Graves] Oh my God. From way up high.
-[Cole] Driving Mahal into the mat. -[Graves] Good night.
[Cole] Stacking them up and the new "Vicious" Viking Raiders
-with the win. -[bell rings]
-[dramatic drumming music plays] -[Irvin] Here are your winners, the--
[Graves] A little extracurricular activity.
Erik and Ivar are looking to make a statement
at the expense of the Maharaja.
[Cole] Yeah, and the seven-footer Shanky trying to come to Jinder's aid,
and now being mauled and assaulted by the Viking Raiders.
♪ It's a New Day Yes, it is ♪
[Cole] And another team who's had some run-ins the past couple of weeks
with Erik and Ivar.
Erik and Ivar are not retreating in any way.
-Hold on. Hold on. Hold on… -Hold up. Hold up. Hold up.
[both] Hold up.
-Hold up. Hold up. -Hold up. Hold up.
Viking Raiders.
Now, I'm going to be honest, man, last week y'all kicked our butts.
-Yep. -As a matter of fact,
the week before that, you also kicked our butts.
Yep, what are these guys' names?
-Seymour? -Butt!
You see these right here?
You see that right there?
These are our butts and our butts are still here.
[crowd cheers]
Thick AF.
That means y'all just didn't do your job well enough, now, did you?
No, and furthermore, those beatdowns were not sanctioned,
which everyone knows that means they did not count.
-They didn't count. They didn't count. -No. But lucky for your boys,
we were able to find these relics from a kingdom long since passed,
but since you guys are illiterate--
-They don't know what "illiterate" means. -Oh, uh, yeah, look at 'em.
Yeah, it means you can't read. So we'll read them for you.
These are officially sanctioned ass-beating tickets.
-Mm-hmm. -[crowd cheers]
That means that tonight, right here in Fort Worth, Texas…
[crowd cheering]
…it is time for us to give y'all the whooping that y'all deserve.
Because…
[Cole] And New Day going right to the ring after Erik and Ivar.
-Here we go, brawl underway. -[Graves] Bold strategy by The New Day,
bringing the fight to the Viking Raiders, and Kofi paying for it.
[Cole] Kofi planted by Erik, and now Xavier runs into a knee.
[Graves] Night-night, X-Man.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Plundering,
pillaging, incinerating.
[Graves] Take what they want, give nothing back.
And the massive Erik, and a helpless Kofi.
Ivar perched on the top rope.
Get him outta here!
[Cole] Oh!
[Graves] Nearly put Kingston through the ring.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] It may be indeed time for you to join the raid.
[dramatic drumming music plays]
[Cole] The new "Vicious" Viking Raiders dominating again.
[Graves] I think Kofi and Woods are going to rue the day
they attempted to cash in their ass-beating tickets.
[Cole] Welcome back to ringside here on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Michael Cole, Pat McAfee normally here,
Corey Graves from Raw filling in tonight.
This is the reason Pat McAfee is not part of SmackDown tonight.
It took place just seconds after the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event
went off the air last week.
Wait a minute, what the hell are you doing?
What are you doing?
[yelling]
-[shouts] -[thud]
[crowd] Oh!
-Take that! -Come on, that's enough.
Get him outta here.
Challenge accepted!
-[McAfee coughing] -[referee] Get him outta here.
[Cole] Happy Corbin made it official last Saturday night.
It will take place three weeks from Saturday.
Nashville, Tennessee, Nissan Stadium,
Happy Corbin to go one-on-one with my broadcast colleague,
Pat McAfee, at SummerSlam.
And what on earth are you doing here?
[Happy laughs] What do you think I'm doing here?
I'm taking over. Pat's not here.
I'm in the house, and I'm gonna do it a hundred times better.
Well, Pat isn't here because of you. Uh, he wanted to be here,
but the medical personnel would not allow him to show up.
Hey, let's be honest. Medical personnel didn't want him to show up
in case he ran into the mountain of a man known as Happy Corbin.
Pat is actually playing golf today. He'll be back next week.
A quick note about that. He's in 67th place.
Sounds like he's playing real well there, buddy.
[Cole] Pat'll be here next week. He'll be here at SummerSlam as well.
[Happy groans]
[Cole] He just signed a major contract with WWE, Happy Corbin.
You're not going to get rid of him anytime soon.
[Corbin] Oh, please, please, please.
[Cole] Well, there's been some speculation all day that,
as is common with many former Intercontinental Champions,
Gunther will hold an Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge.
Will it happen?
If so, who will accept?
We'll find out next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] Which poor slug in the locker room's got the guts to step up to him?
[dramatic music playing]
[Graves] Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown.
We are counting down the minutes to a matchup with high stakes
and even bigger physicality as "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre
faces "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus.
The winner faces the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
at Clash at the Castle.
You hear Graves because McAfee isn't here.
He was taken out by Happy Corbin.
Corbin thinks he can do what McAfee does. We'll find out in a moment.
But let's go up to the Intercontinental Champion and Ludwig Kaiser.
[Gunther's dramatic theme music playing]
[music fades out]
Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd booing]
…there is no competitor worthy of standing in the ring,
much less competing
with your new Intercontinental Champion.
[crowd booing]
It is our personal opinion
that none of you in attendance
are worthy of watching "The Ring General"…
-[crowd boos] -…Gunther compete tonight.
However…
However, I know it's customary for former Intercontinental Champions
of, uh, less ilk…
…to defend this championship against anyone
in an open challenge.
Any champion who defends his title against an opponent he doesn't know
is a fool.
All of you thinking that I might take on this challenge tonight are foolish.
-[crowd chanting] What? -Somebody has to deserve the opportunity
to compete with me
for the Intercontinental Championship.
[crowd] What?
[Cole] Sounds to me like a smart champion.
[crowd booing]
That mean he doesn't want to be a fighting champ?
We're being honest with--
-[Shinsuke's music plays] -[Cole] No, it's simply--
[Corbin shrieks]
-[Graves] Corbin! Wait a minute. -[Corbin] It's Shinsuke!
[Corbin cheers]
[Graves] What are you doing, you fool?
-Yeah! Yeah! Aah! -[Graves laughs]
[Graves] This is way better than what McAfee does.
Yeah! Let's go.
[Corbin imitates guitar notes]
-[Graves] Look at you shred. -[Corbin] You.
-[Graves] Me? Me? -[Corbin] Get up here.
-[Corbin] Let's go! -[Cole] Oh my God.
-[Graves] Really? -[Corbin] Yeah. Let's go.
-[Cole] You are a bunch of damn fools. -[humming along] Whoo!
-Whoo! -[Graves] Fellas, this is great.
Now I know why he does it every week.
[Cole] This is like a cheap happy hour cover band.
[Graves] This is like rock and roll in your face and it's awesome.
-Do you-- Hey! Hey, you left me hanging. -Whoo!
Give it to him.
[Corbin imitates guitar notes]
-[effects popping] -[Graves] Oh!
I wasn't ready for that.
[Corbin] Don't be scared.
[Cole] That was God-awful. I mean awful.
-[Graves] Listen, Cole. -[Corbin] We're still going, Cole.
[Corbin imitating guitar notes] Whoo!
[Graves] Wow, I'm out of breath.
[crowd cheers]
-[Graves] That was awesome, Corbin. -[Corbin] That felt amazing.
[inaudible dialogue]
[Corbin] Yes.
[speaking indistinctly]
He doesn't want to accept me.
You keep your title for now.
What about Kaiser?
I challenge you to a match right now.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Gunther says the challenger has to earn the opportunity,
so Shinsuke wants Ludwig Kaiser in a match.
[Corbin] What's gonna happen?
[Cole] That's great commentary, Corbin. Really insightful.
[Graves] It was a thought-provoking question.
-Corbin, as someone who has competed… -[bell rings]
…against Shinsuke Nakamura inside the ring,
what do you have to watch out for from Shin?
[Corbin] Definitely his… his strikes. He's a world-class striker.
[Cole] Didn't Shinsuke take your smile away,
and, like, steal your crown or something?
[Corbin] And how much better am I now? How much better?
-[Cole] Oh! -[Corbin] Thank you to Shinsuke.
[Graves] Wait a second. Be careful what you wish for, Shinsuke,
-because you just may get it. -[inaudible chatter]
[Cole] Now, Ludwig Kaiser from behind taking advantage of the distraction
-by Gunther, and Nakamura's in trouble. -What's this?
[Cole] Kaiser and Gunther dominating. Can Shin get back in it?
[Cole] Back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
Shinsuke Nakamura versus Ludwig Kaiser.
If Nakamura wins, perhaps he's in line for a future opportunity
against the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther.
[Graves] I really respect Gunther's decision to forgo an open challenge,
stating that if you were to open yourself up… Oh! …to an opponent
you were not prepared for, you are a fool.
Pat McAfee not here because Corbin took him out at Money in the Bank.
Uh, Happy Corbin thinks he can do the job McAfee does.
[Corbin] Did you see that stupid neck brace he was wearing?
"I'm at the UFC fight and I got a neck brace on
because Corbin hurt me."
-[Cole] Oh. -[Corbin laughs]
[Cole] Nakamura kick to the back of the neck.
[Graves] You can never count Ludwig Kaiser out of this matchup,
as Shinsuke starts to build momentum.
Kaiser, a world-traveled competitor in his own right,
-highly skilled technician. -[commentators] Oh!
[Cole] Nakamura with a kick to the face, and Kaiser is in trouble.
[Graves] Corbin, while we have you out here, why don't you recollect,
reminisce a little bit about your gridiron days with McAfee?
[Corbin] Well, I mean since he's playing golf today, back in 2009,
when we both played for the Indianapolis Colts,
we played a lot of golf. That was back before he got--
[Cole] Wait a minute, that's when he made the NFL and you didn't?
[Corbin] Oh, Cole, that was a good attempt, buddy, but Indianapolis was soft.
It was a soft offensive line.
I had to get to a team like the Arizona Cardinals.
[Cole] Cover by Nakamura, and a kick out by Kaiser.
[Corbin] Where we played that hard-nose football.
I was a head down, eyes closed, pulling guard.
I ran people over just like I ran your boy Pat McAfee over.
[Graves] Hey, Happy, what's gonna happen at SummerSlam?
[Corbin chuckles] SummerSlam's going to be beautiful.
Cole's gonna have to watch his best friend that just rejuvenated his love for WWE.
We saw your tweet, buddy. We saw that. You should be embarrassed about that.
-You're gonna have to watch me punish him. -[Cole] At least I have friends.
-[Corbin] Oh, my goodness. -[Graves] I'm your friend, Happy.
[Corbin] That didn't work out. Graves, right there, just admitted.
That worked out real good.
[Cole] The bottom line is… Oh! For you, this is got to be about jealousy
and how successful Pat McAfee is.
[Corbin sighs] Man, I just gotta put him back in his place.
-Gotta check him. -Answer the question.
-Are you jealous? -I am not.
What do I got to be jealous about?
-[Graves] Kinsasha! -[Cole] Glad to have you back.
-[Corbin] See ya. -[Cole] It's been a while.
-Nakamura with the win. -[bell rings]
[Corbin] That's all she wrote right there.
That's all she wrote.
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Shinsuke Nakamura!
[Cole] Perhaps earning a future Intercontinental Title opportunity.
-[Graves] Are you gonna dance some more? -[Corbin] You feel it.
[Cole] By the way, Corbin, uh,
that was tremendous analysis by you in that match.
As a color commentator, you want to talk about exactly
what you saw there and--
[Corbin] Replay. Look at… [indistinct, muffled]
[Cole] The mic is supposed to be outside my mouth.
[Corbin] That's not my fault.
-[Cole] Gunther obviously… -[shouting in German]
-[crowd chanting] USA! USA! USA! -[continues speaking German]
[chanting continues]
[Cole] Ooh!
[Gunther] Huh?
-[Corbin] That's gotta burn a little bit. -[speaking in German]
[Graves] Gunther is punishing Ludwig for making Gunther look bad.
-[commentators groan] -[Corbin] I'd say he deserves it.
He deserves it.
[shouting in German]
[Corbin] Wanna play with the big boys? This is what happens.
Pat, take a look.
-Take a look, Pat. -[shouting in German]
-[Corbin] Oh, I'm out of here. -[loud slap]
-[heavy thud] -[crowd] Oh!
Huh?!
[shouting in German]
[Cole] What kind of a man is Gunther?
[crowd booing]
[speaks German]
-[Gunther's music plays] -[Cole] Establishing dominance.
[Graves] A crystal clear message to Ludwig
that you do not disappoint the Ring General.
Um, Happy Corbin, thank goodness, left the commentary after--
Didn't say goodbye. I was having a great time.
After he destroyed Pat McAfee back at Money in the Bank
this past Saturday.
Speaking of Money in the Bank,
the underdog finally won the ultimate prize.
[Cole] Ronda Rousey defends the SmackDown Women's Championship
against Natalya.
Ronda tweaked her knee as she came through the bottom rope
and hit the floor.
Natalya now, sharpshooter time.
[McAfee] She's got the arm, Cole.
The arm is trapped.
-[Cole] Natalya taps out. -[bell rings]
Ronda Rousey retains.
Oh my God. Are you kidding me?
Miss Money in the Bank.
Ronda's hurt.
-[McAfee] She's cashing it in, Cole. -[bell rings]
["Glory" by Gabriel Candiani playing]
[announcer] The following is the women's
-Money in the Bank Ladder Match! -[crowd cheering]
♪ When the battle's done And the race is won ♪
♪ Beatin' all the odds with our glory… ♪
[Cole] Sizing one another up, but not taking their eyes off the prize
high above the ring.
[McAfee] One of these seven women are about to change their life.
♪ We are the dreamers The believers and the underdogs ♪
♪ The underestimated players In your house of cards ♪
♪ It's all in due course We are the dark horse… ♪
[Cole] Oh, no. No.
[dramatic choral crescendo]
[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] That might have broken Asuka's ribs.
♪ With every step We're getting closer to the finish line ♪
♪ Victory's sweeter In the unexpected overtime ♪
♪ And then we shout And we sing it out loud… ♪
[Cole] Oh my God.
[McAfee] Morgan! Morgan!
[Cole] Liv Morgan all alone at the top!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Liv Morgan has done it!
[McAfee] Liv Morgan can declare herself Miss Money in the Bank.
♪ With our glory ♪
♪ We came to play And now we're looking danger in the eye ♪
♪ Nothing to lose So we put everything out on the line ♪
[Irvin] Liv Morgan is cashing in her Money in the Bank contract!
♪ When the battle's done ♪
♪ And the race is won ♪
♪ Beatin' all the odds ♪
♪ With our glory ♪
[Cole] Ronda on one knee!
Liv with a kick, and Ronda picked the ankle.
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh… ♪
[McAfee] Liv Morgan has worked her ass off to get to this moment.
[Cole] And Morgan, a kick to the bad knee.
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ With our glory ♪
[Cole] Roll up! Roll up for Ronda! Roll up!
-Liv did it. Liv's the champion. -[bell ringing]
-Liv's the champion. -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] All the work, all the passion,
the dream has come true.
[Cole] Liv Morgan proving that hard work will pay off,
that you never give up on your dreams.
Liv Morgan celebrates as SmackDown Women's Champion.
-["Liv Gone Mad" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Watch me, watch me ♪
[crowd continues cheering]
[Irvin] Please welcome the new SmackDown Women's Champion,
-Liv Morgan! -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Indeed, Friday Night SmackDown has a new Women's Champion.
Bask in it, enjoy the moment while you still can.
Congratulations to Liv Morgan, but now is when the hard work begins.
It's so hard to keep the championship,
and that's what Liv Morgan plans to do.
The underdog, the miracle kid,
the courageous SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan.
[crowd cheering]
The new queenpin of Friday nights.
Liv Morgan celebrates with the WWE Universe,
live, next on Friday Night SmackDown.
-[music continues playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Friday Night SmackDown is live tonight from Fort Worth, Texas
at the Dickies Arena.
Everything's bigger in Texas,
and that includes the impact
and opportunity here tonight on SmackDown.
We've seen these two deliver some of the most brutal matches
in WWE history,
and we fully expect them to up the ante
with the opportunity of a lifetime on the line.
Drew McIntyre, one-on-one with Sheamus.
The winner faces the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
at Clash at the Castle.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown
is brought to you by Progressive.
Michael Cole is inside the ring
with the new SmackDown Women's Champion.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here tonight
-with Miss Money in the Bank… -[crowd cheering]
…and the new SmackDown Women's Champion,
Liv Morgan!
[crowd cheering]
-Congratulations. -Thank you, Michael.
Thank you so, so, so much.
Liv, last Saturday night you etched your…
[crowd chanting, clapping]
[crowd chanting] You deserve it! You deserve it!
Indeed she did, ladies and gentlemen,
because last Saturday night, Liv Morgan etched her name in history.
She climbed the ladder and grabbed the Money in the Bank contract.
And a mere two hours later, two hours, you came into the ring
and you cashed in on the baddest woman on the planet, Ronda Rousey,
-to win the SmackDown Women's Title. -[crowd cheering]
Now before you get all… so excited,
let's keep in mind that Ronda had suffered a knee injury
in her match with Natalya,
where she defended her championship successfully,
and moments after that, you would come to the ring and cash in.
So, you gotta believe Ronda wants a rematch,
and maybe it comes as early as SummerSlam?
I say bring it, Michael.
-[crowd cheers] -[laughs]
I actually… I actually can't wait, because this,
this is a culmination of a lifetime of hard work, sweat, and tears.
[crowd clapping, cheering]
I know exactly what it took for me to get where I am today
and I'm willing to work ten times as hard to stay here,
because, Michael, I promise you, no one,
no one wants this championship more than me.
[crowd cheers]
Liv, let's talk about that road.
Ten years ago, you were a waitress
and you were saving all the money you could make
so you could train to become a sports entertainer.
And over the last decade, you scratched, and you clawed,
and you learned, and you tried, and every time you almost got there,
only to have it pulled away from you.
You wear your heart on your sleeve,
and you've suffered so many setbacks,
but now, for the first time in your career here,
you get to experience the jubilation, right?
What does it mean to you to be SmackDown Women's Champion?
-[crowd cheers] -[laughs softly]
Michael, this means everything to me.
Absolutely everything to me.
I've dreamed about this my whole entire life,
and it got hard
because sometimes I felt like maybe I'd never get here,
but here I am. [laughs]
[crowd cheering]
So I'd like to take this as a little reminder.
As John Cena would say, never give up.
[cheering and applause]
-Follow your dreams, guys-- -[Natalya's music plays]
[Cole] Hang on just a second.
It's the aforementioned Natalya.
Oh, Liv.
Liv, I can dream too of when you're gonna finally shut up.
[crowd booing]
The only reason why you are the SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv,
is because of me.
And your… your little Cinderella story,
it's going to come to an end, Liv.
At SummerSlam, when the clock strikes midnight,
this is all going to be over.
There is no way… There's no way in hell
that you would've beat Ronda Rousey fresh.
You only beat her, Liv, because I injured her.
[crowd booing]
I loved watching Ronda scream in pain.
So while I may have lost the match, I enjoyed the hell out of it.
[inaudible]
-["Bad Reputation" playing] -[Cole] What it's like
to be a targeted woman.
-And here comes… -[crowd cheering]
…the former SmackDown Women's Champion.
["Bad Reputation" continues]
[Cole] Ronda's walking a little gingerly on her way to the ring.
I mentioned in the interview, Ronda hurt her knee
during the title defense versus Natalya at Money in the Bank.
Natalya would attack the knee,
damage it further, and Liv Morgan would take advantage,
targeting the knee to win the title.
[Graves] If you watched, it was after the match was over
that Ronda was kicked in the knee.
[Cole] By Liv Morgan.
The knee attack actually happened during the match.
[Graves] Uh, I'm giving credit where it's due.
I may be the only one,
but Natalya did most of the heavy lifting so that Liv could benefit.
Natalya walked so Liv could run.
Liv, again, congrats.
You seized the moment at Money in the Bank and that's what it's all about.
Um, but for me, please,
savor this honeymoon phase while you can because at SummerSlam,
you're going to learn that challenging for the title,
it's a whole lot easier than defending it.
And Nattie… Nattie Boombalatty,
now did I just hear you say you enjoyed injuring my knee?
Aww, that's really nice.
And you took credit for costing me my title?
Well, consider me convinced.
Um, I'm not really dressed to compete right now,
but Tejas, Texas, Fort Worth, you know where you're at.
-Um… [chuckles] -[crowd cheers]
Do you guys want to see me beat the credit out of Nattie right now
-or another CR word? -[Cole] Oh, and Natalya.
And Natalya blindsiding Rousey.
And now Liv Morgan sending Natalya to the outside of the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Liv finding out firsthand
on her first night on Friday Night SmackDown,
being champion is not easy work.
[Graves] We are moments away from a Money in the Bank rematch
that was made official during the commercial break.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey versus Natalya.
[Cole] And you have to believe that Ronda Rousey's knee, not 100%
after the attack this past Saturday night.
In fact, the sneak attack by Natalya moments ago,
Ronda Rousey fell out of the ring and seemed to tweak the knee again, Corey.
-And matchup's underway. -Don't have to be medical professional
to tell that Ronda's less than 100%,
but still an incredibly dangerous woman, taking out Natalya's leg.
[Cole] And now, yeah, Ronda going right for the knee of Natalya.
Looking to make Natalya suffer after the suffering Ronda went through
-on Saturday night. -[referee] Three! Four!
[Cole] Ronda limping around the ring, really, on one leg.
[Graves] It is well-documented
what a lethal skill set Ronda Rousey possesses.
This is actually a smart move by Natalya, staying away from Ronda,
because when you get close, when Ronda can get her hands on you,
-it's often not very long for the match. -Where you going, Nattie?
[Cole] Yeah, Ronda will eat you up. She has that killer instinct.
And again, Natalya now… Oh! …focusing on the… the knee again.
[Graves] Natalya wisely rolling to the outside again.
[Cole] Ronda showing you how dangerous she can be.
-And Natalya… seems to retreat here. -[crowd booing]
[Graves] Ronda's fighting through the pain.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Graves] Again.
Right to the hamstring of Natalya.
[Cole] Ronda punishing Natalya.
[Graves] Carefully measured body shots from the baddest woman on the planet.
-[referee] Three! Four! -Oh, no, no, no.
[Cole] Oh, and right onto the apron, and again attacking the knee.
[Graves] No wasted motion tonight from Rousey.
[Cole] Ronda Rousey can hurt you. She's dangerous in so many ways.
Ankle lock now on the apron.
Ronda has a five-count before she has to break this or be disqualified.
[Graves] You can snap someone's ankle in five seconds.
The damage might have already been done to Natalya.
Tell me again how much you enjoyed hurting my knee, huh?
[Cole] Ankle lock, center of the ring.
[Graves] I think it's safe to say this is what's known as payback.
-[both] Oh! -[Cole] Karma for Natalya.
The slam by Ronda.
[Graves] Natalya wanted to claim credit for Rousey
losing her SmackDown Women's Championship.
Maybe that wasn't the type of credit Nattie wanted.
[Cole] Ronda punishing Natalya.
Natalya with nowhere to go.
Now, Ronda sits out.
Natalya in clear pain.
-Will Natalya tap out to Ronda Rousey? -[Graves] Ronda's gonna break her ankle.
-[yelling] -[crowd cheering]
-[Cole] And a tap out. -[bell rings]
[cheers and applause]
["Bad Reputation" plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner by submission,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey!
[Cole] There's a reason she's the baddest woman on the planet
and as dangerous as they come.
[Graves] Rousey can be as bad as she wants to be.
[Cole] And if you're the SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan,
you've got to be looking over your shoulder.
[Graves] Yeah, if you're Liv Morgan, you likely don't stand a chance.
[inaudible]
A strong statement made by Ronda Rousey.
But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest, Drew McIntyre.
[crowd cheering]
Drew, tonight you have the chance to secure a match
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
at Clash at the Castle,
and the only thing standing in your way are Sheamus and his Brawling Brutes.
How do you plan to handle the situation, knowing what's at stake?
Megan, recently I've been to Europe, Cardiff, the castle,
the principality.
The Clash at the Castle is going to be huge.
Also made it clear, whoever comes out of SummerSlam champion, I'm coming for.
I mean, it could be Roman Reigns.
It could be Brock Lesnar.
It could even be the new chosen one, Theory.
I couldn't care less.
Tonight, my attention is on my old nemesis Sheamus.
Sheamus, we go way back.
We first met when I was 19 and he was like 47 years old.
So many ups, so many downs. The stakes have never been higher.
It's almost appropriate we're in Texas,
because everything is bigger in Texas, especially these stakes.
[crowd cheering]
You mentioned The Brawling Brutes. I know there's three of them.
I know the first chance they get, they're going to beat down
on old Drew McIntyre.
But here's the thing.
They might have three, but I've got the deadliest three in the WWE.
And it's the last thing Sheamus is going to hear
before I kick his head from his body.
Oh, what is that?
Three, two, one, boom.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] That would be the Claymore.
Main event with a lot at stake later tonight.
[Graves] Talk about high stakes,
this is the moment we've all been waiting for.
-[Cole] How is this high stakes? -[Graves] Wimbledon is in full swing.
Max Dupri and his Maximum Male Models,
Mace and Mansoor, bring a taste of the All-England club.
He's here live and in the flesh.
The 2022 Tennis Collection, next.
[Cole] That's Max Dupri.
[drumroll]
[Irvin] Please welcome the founder of Maximum Male Models,
Max Dupri.
[crowd buzzing]
Thank you, thank you.
The highly anticipated debut of Maximum Male Models
was not only a smashing success
but a viral sensation.
And this week, we offer a captivating treat to the WWE Universe
as we present the 2022 Tennis Collection.
[crowd booing]
First up…
a man whose looks will serve your inner needs and desires.
Here is Mace.
[electronic dance music plays]
-[Graves] Are you ready, Cole? -[Cole] I can't wait.
[Graves] What a way to honor Wimbledon.
[Cole] His name used to be Mace.
It's now "Mah-sey," but he actually looks like Yannick Noah.
[Graves] Gonna hit us with a super timely Pete Sampras reference next?
[Cole laughing]
Come on, Corey. I've been dying all week long
when I knew you were gonna do the show tonight.
I wanted to hear your analysis of this.
[Graves] All I know is that Wimbledon has never seen anything like this.
Nothing like Mace.
Look at the bone structure on this man.
[Cole] I don't think he'd be a good grass court player. Maybe clay.
[Graves] I grew up too poor to play. I don't know anything.
[Dupri] Maximum Male Models exemplifies elegance and athleticism.
The sheer material of the sleeves is accentuated
by Mace's extraordinary 88-inch wingspan
and wraps around his impressive 20-inch biceps
while allowing efficient breathing room for the perfect backhand.
Notice how the lightweight bottoms hug
the muscular symmetry of his thighs and hamstrings,
further accentuating the athletic spectacle required
to grace the court.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mace.
[Graves] Let's be honest, Cole.
Those are some of the greatest hamstrings you and I have ever seen.
It's okay to admit it. They're impressive.
Next, a man who oozes…
who oozes appeal
and evinces the essence of game, set, match.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mansoor.
[electronic dance music continues]
[Cole] Used to be Mansoor, now "Man-swah."
[Graves] Why do you insist on living in the past?
Live in the here, live in the now.
Maximum Male Models.
[Cole] Even Dupri was overwhelmed with emotion
when introducing this man and the tennis collection.
Are you gonna go to the catalog and order some?
[Graves] Some of those socks, for sure.
-It appears as though Mansoor-- -[Cole] He's wearing tube socks.
I used to wear those on my JV basketball team.
[Graves] Does Mansoor have tennis balls in his shorts?
[Cole] Yeah, that's what tennis players do.
[Graves] Just making sure.
[electronic dance music continues]
-[Cole] Oh, what a forehand. -[Graves] Look at that forehand.
[Cole] Amazing.
[Graves] Watch out, watch out.
I hope Novak Djokovic is watching right now. Could use inspiration.
This is proportion on a whole different level.
Notice the remarkably broad shoulders
leading to the perfectly proportioned chest to torso ratio.
His strapping triceps are further accentuated
by the finest athletic cloth,
allowing the muscle to provide a strong stroke over the neck.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mansoor.
[Graves] "Man-swah" with a strong stroke, Cole.
You can't teach that.
[Cole] Especially over the net.
Only the most penetrating look of male fashionistas
from around the world can be represented by my agency,
Maximum Male Models.
If you feel you have what it takes to strut down that aisle the way they do,
please submit your full body photos right now to our official website,
MaximumMaleModels.com.
But if you do not have the qualities,
the natural qualities of a Mace and Mansoor,
don't bother.
[Cole] Overwhelming response from the WWE fans
here in Fort Worth tonight to the tennis collection.
[Graves] I say we cancel the finals at Wimbledon
and let Mace and Mansoor compete.
[Dupri] …who embody the creed of Maximum Male Models' mission
to titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures.
Thank you. Thank you.
[Cole] If people keep getting hurt over at Wimbledon, those two may be playing.
Nonetheless, Corey, I want to know--
[Graves] Before we go any further, Cole, I have a question for you.
A very serious question. In this moment, are your juices titillated?
I want to know if you sent in that full body shot
to MaximumMaleModels.com so you can be a part of it.
Yeah, I haven't been accepted yet.
Nonetheless, let's talk about how we started Friday Night SmackDown tonight
with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns, in the ring,
and a visit from Mr. Money in the Bank himself, Theory.
[Graves] The brash, the brazen holder of the Money in the Bank contract.
Theory arriving on the scene,
commencing with the mind games
over a man who could potentially be a target.
[Cole] Theory reminding Roman Reigns, "I can cash in any time, any place."
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the winner
of the 2022 Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Theory.
-[crowd boos] -Ooh!
Theory, what message were you trying to send
to Roman Reigns earlier tonight?
I was letting the Tribal Chief know that the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank
is always watching.
You know what, Kayla? Between me and you,
I would love to cash in on Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam after the way he treated me,
but I might cash in on Roman Reigns.
I mean, I was out there and I got to see just how arrogant he was up close.
Well, you certainly know something about arrogance.
Ha-ha-ha.
Look, people don't like me, but you know what?
I love that they don't like me.
And everybody's just looking for someone to knock Roman Reigns off his pedestal,
but it could just be yours truly.
I'm going to become a two-time United States Champion
at SummerSlam after I defeat "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
And, uh, that Last Man Standing Match,
well, whoever survives at the end of that better be ready
for a primed cash-in,
because Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, sure,
they're gonna beat the hell out of each other
from one side of the arena to the other.
I mean, they might fight in the rafters, could be in the stands,
might even be the parking lot.
Hell, could be on top of the arena. But you know what?
That's besides the point, because Roman Reigns,
he's screwed.
Because either Brock's going to beat him or I'm going to beat him.
And you know what?
The same goes for Brock Lesnar if he beats Roman Reigns.
[crowd booing]
[crowd cheering]
That's a big briefcase.
But I bet I can shove all of it in his mouth.
I'd love to try.
[Cole] Gotta love Madcap.
["Shining Like A Diamond" plays]
[Cole] Here on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
we are set for tag team action.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Four of the finest competitors in SmackDown's Women's Division
will clash when the dynamic duo of Aliyah and Lacey Evans
take on the punishing partnership of Shayna Baszler and Shotzi.
Tag team action is live, next on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
["Shining Like A Diamond" continues playing]
[crowd cheering]
-["Shining Like A Diamond" continues] -[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following is a tag team match.
-Introducing first, Aliyah! -[cheering]
[Graves] Aliyah with an opportunity to build momentum here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
Got a great partner.
["Bet On Me" playing]
[Irvin] And her tag team partner, Lacey Evans!
[Graves] Bit of a less than thrilling response here in Fort Worth
for the arrival of Lacey Evans.
[Cole] Um… where'd she go?
-[inaudible] -[audience chattering]
[Cole] Supposed to be teaming with Aliyah here tonight.
[Graves] I don't think anybody--
["Bet On Me" music restarts]
[Cole] Try it again.
♪ Left, left, left, right, left ♪
-[crowd cheering] -♪ When the walls keep tumblin' down… ♪
-[Cole] That's more like it. -[Graves] A little better for sure.
Some respect on the name of Lacey Evans.
[inaudible]
-[music stops] -[intermittent cheers, whistles]
-[Cole] What do you make of this? -[Graves] Yeah. I think Lacey's requesting
a more favorable response from the WWE Universe,
and to be fair, Lacey deserves one.
[Cole] Aliyah's trying to figure this all out. She's ready for action.
["Bet On Me" music restarts]
[Graves] Third time's the charm.
♪ Left, left, left, right, left ♪
-[crowd cheering] -♪ When the walls keep tumblin' down ♪
♪ I'ma keep my feet on the ground ♪
-♪ You can bet on me ♪ -♪ There's no stoppin' me now… ♪
-[Cole] Well, apparently Lacey's, uh… -[intermittent booing]
Well, Texas doesn't know how to react to Lacey Evans
because she doesn't have horns on her head.
[music fades out]
-[Cole] Okay. -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Well, Lacey set to team with Aliyah tonight.
I'm still trying to figure out what exactly is going on here.
[inaudible]
Before, uh, my opponents come out, I just wanted to take a minute…
[crowd booing]
…to say how completely disgusted I am from all of you guys.
That's the response I get?
[crowd booing]
That's the reaction that I get?
I mean, do you guys… don't y'all know who I am?
[crowd shouts indistinctly]
-Don't you know what I've been through? -[crowd shouts] What?
Nah, I know you know what I've been through
because I poured my entire heart and soul out on live TV.
Told my life story in hopes to help you guys.
[crowd] What?
And for what?
For… For that reaction? For those cheers?
[crowd] What?
You know, I think it kinda bothers you that y'all all look at a woman like me,
and it kills you because of how weak you are.
[crowd] What?
That you know all the struggles I've been through
and deep down in your soul, you know you can't go through half of them
and be half the woman that I am.
[crowd] What?
[crowd booing]
Uh, the truth hurts sometimes, but when Lacey Evans comes out
and gets in this ring, she gets a standing ovation.
[crowd jeering]
Standing, meaning you should all be up on your feet.
[intermittent booing]
[crowd member] Love you, Lacey!
I mean, I don't know… I don't know what it is.
Is it because you're too weighed down by the pulled pork and brisket
-that you can't even stand up? -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Sounds like Lacey is a bit disheartened.
I mean, that… that's what I'm looking at.
That's what it looks like from here.
It makes me sick.
You guys are disgusting.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck!
[Cole] Poor Lacey is angry, she's frustrated,
she's hurt, and I understand.
I'm an American hero.
I have sacrificed
and have put my life on the line for the likes of you.
And for what? Those cheers?
Until I get the respect that I know I deserve,
as far as I'm concerned,
every single one of you can go to hell.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Lacey obviously has some very strong feelings.
[inaudible]
-[Graves] This is a tag match. -[Cole] Oh, woman's right.
That was supposed to be Lacey's teammate, Aliyah.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] What has gotten into Lacey?
[Graves] Listen, Lacey is everything that she says that she is.
And Lacey hasn't gotten the proper response and proper reaction
-from the WWE Universe. -[Cole] Boom!
[Graves] I'm sure the woman's right to Aliyah
isn't gonna do Lacey any favors, but…
[Cole] Well, Corey, we still have our main event
with much on the line to come tonight.
[Graves] I hope we reinforce the ring for these two heavy hitters,
because the physicality will be off the charts.
The winner faces the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
at Clash at the Castle, tonight.
"The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre versus "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus, live.
-♪ Usos ♪ -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And here come the current Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following is a championship contenders match.
Introducing first, they are the Undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey, the Usos!
[Cole] Corey, 354 days, that's the number.
The Usos in this building, in Fort Worth
last year at Money in the Bank, would win the tag titles.
Now, they've unified SmackDown and Raw tag titles.
This past Saturday, at Money in the Bank,
great match versus The Street Profits.
[Graves] It's been lauded as an instant classic.
The Street Profits, Ford and Dawkins, absolutely pushed the Usos to the limit,
but in the end, the Usos proved a little too much for their challengers,
-1D, and the titles retained by the Usos. -[bell rings]
[Cole] But here's the problem.
What you saw there is what we initially saw
at Money in the Bank.
The 1D giving the Usos the win, but did the Usos actually win the match?
[Graves] The end of the matchup certainly mired in controversy.
We will show you that footage coming up.
And the Usos square off with Los Lotharios in tag team action, next.
-[theme music continues] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] We're back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
The tag team champions, the Usos, defending against Los Lotharios…
Well, not defending. This is the championship contenders match.
Los Lotharios could pick up the win, Corey,
-maybe get a future title opportunity. -It's certainly a possibility.
During the break, the action was fast and furious.
Humberto flying through the sky,
taking down Jimmy Uso
and nearly punching their ticket to a future title opportunity.
[Cole] Yeah, a couple of times, Los Lotharios…
[Graves] With a twist.
[Cole] On their… On their heels, and now Angel makes the tag.
-Double team. -[grunting]
Angel sending Jey Uso to the outside. Jey misses wildly. And… Uh-oh.
Los Lotharios want to earn themselves a tag team championship opportunity.
[Graves] Double impact for Jey Uso.
Keep your eyes on the skies.
[Cole] Angel and Humberto.
Usos ducking out of harm's way momentarily.
[Graves] They made a fool out of Jimmy and Jey.
The Usos, yet again, got a game of cat and mouse going here.
[Cole] They really have the tag champs off their game here tonight.
[Graves] Jimmy and Jey certainly never take well to disrespect.
-[shouting] -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Angel giving the WWE Universe something to celebrate.
[Cole] Time for Jimmy and Jey to regroup.
[Graves] It's a great strategy by Humberto and Angel,
keeping the Usos off of their game plan in the early moments.
[Cole] Deep arm drag takedown by Humberto.
[Graves] The tag is made. Jey Uso from the outside.
Don't know if Humberto is aware.
-[Cole] "Main Event" Jey Uso… He is now! -[grunts]
[Cole] A popup into the Samoan drop, and a kick to the face of Angel.
Cover now by Jey Uso.
Hook of the leg, Angel breaking things up.
[Graves] Almost miraculously able to recover from a superkick in time
and answers with one of his own.
[Cole] Angel runs into a kick outside the ring by Jimmy.
And now, Jey up to the top rope. Humberto is going to meet him there.
-Humberto lands on his feet. -[Graves] Outstanding--
[Cole] Oh! Superkick right to the chin.
Tag.
[Graves] Just a fancy way of setting yourself up
to get kicked right in the mouth.
-[Cole] And the Usos now with a 1D. -[thud]
-[Graves] Thanks for coming, playboy. -[Cole] One and done.
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
the Usos!
[Graves] Well, Angel and Humberto did their best to embarrass
and humiliate Jimmy and Jey Uso,
and managed to do so for a matter of moments,
but the Usos held strong, and pow, superkick right on the chin of Angel.
Jimmy and Jey doing what they do best, one and done.
One! Two! Three!
Jimmy and Jey, congratulations on your victory tonight
-and at Money in the Bank. -Yo!
If you could even consider that an actual victory.
What?
Let me put it this way. Some would say that you got away with it.
Got away with what?
Look, what… what… what do you say we just see what happened that night?
[Cole] Well, Corey, we were at ringside,
and we did see this alternate angle after what we thought
was going to be the victory by the Usos.
-This is the first shot we saw. -[bell rings]
We thought it was a win, but it was clear, later on,
when you look at this, that Montez Ford's shoulder was off the mat.
[Graves] Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have a legitimate gripe,
as it was certainly a bad call by the official.
So, as you see, the whole world just saw that replay.
The Street Profits saw that replay,
so like I was saying before,
it appears that you got away with cheating.
Cheating?
Do it look like the Undisputed Champs need to cheat?
Kayla, check this out. If you call that cheating,
pinning The Street Profits in the middle of that ring,
one, two, three,
well, I guess we did cheat then.
-On me. -But check this out.
That ain't on the Usos, that's on the ref.
Well, there are… there are rumors circulating backstage
that you will have a special guest referee
in your tag team title rematch at SummerSlam.
[audience chattering]
Hey, that's cool,
depending on who it is.
But if y'all are taking volunteers,
I've got one in mind.
Hey, as long as they can count to three, right,
they get popped with the one and done again,
because The Street Profits the twos
-and we the ones. -And we the ones.
-[crowd erupting] -All day.
Let's go.
-All day! -Let's go!
[Drew McIntyre's music plays]
[Cole] I wonder if that rumor about a special guest referee is true.
[Graves] Time will certainly tell, but the time for talking is through.
[Cole] It is time for our main event with The Scottish Warrior.
-[effects popping] -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] WWE Universe, brace for impact.
Two super heavyweights will collide
with the opportunity of a lifetime on the line.
McIntyre, Sheamus,
winner faces the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
at Clash at the Castle, next.
[inaudible]
[Cole] Next week, we'll be two weeks away from SummerSlam
and in Orlando, Florida,
and the new SmackDown Women's Champion Liv Morgan's in action.
A championship contenders match against Natalya, live, next week.
[Graves] Earlier tonight, Madcap Moss had some interesting plans
for Theory's Money in the Bank briefcase.
Well, next week, here on Friday Night SmackDown,
Madcap Moss goes one-on-one with Theory.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre's in the ring,
ready for one-on-one action with Sheamus.
The winner to face the Undisputed Champion
at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, the first Saturday night in September.
[Sheamus' music plays]
[Graves] Well, if you're sitting at home watching, I suggest you grit your teeth.
This one will not be for the weak at heart.
[Cole] Because here come The Brawling Brutes.
And it's Fight Night on Friday Night SmackDown.
-[effects popping] -[Sheamus' music continues]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring,
representing The Brawling Brutes, Sheamus.
[Graves] I, for one, hope that Drew McIntyre has some sort of contingency plan
for Ridge Holland and Butch,
because, let's be honest, as impressive as Drew is,
he is no match for all three members of The Brawling Brutes.
[Cole] Well, Drew McIntyre, courageous.
He understands that the other two probably will get involved at some point.
Hold your horses there, fellas.
Whoa-bitty.
Drew, it's you and me, but it's for the big one, fella,
because the winner tonight goes on to Clash at the Castle,
for the championship match.
And I have your number, man.
You know what I'm saying?
Because the truth of the matter is… [clears throat]
Because the truth… [clears throat]
Becau… Chase, it's a bit… it's a bit of a tickle in my throat here.
-What? -[coughs]
Chase, I hope I don't have a dose of the old COVID.
[coughs]
-[Cole] Well, cover your mouth. -[Sheamus grunts]
And rules state that I can't compete until I get tested. [coughs]
-[crowd boos] -[gasps, coughs]
[Cole] I hope Sheamus is okay.
But don't worry, guys, I have a backup plan in mind.
The thing is tonight, you're gonna get a match, but not the match,
'cause my Brawling Brute mate El Butchey there
is foaming at the mouth to get his teeth on you.
[crowd boos]
So, Drew, don't worry, man.
Me and Ridge the Fridge will be standing right there at ringside
if you miss us.
Go get him, Butchey!
[Cole] Ah, it's gotta be a trap.
[Graves] I don't know, Butch can be a lot to deal with on his own.
-Good thinking by Sheamus. -[bell rings]
[Cole] McIntyre not happy at all, and Butch now goes right after McIntyre.
-[Graves] Uh-oh. -[Cole] Oh! Wow.
Sheamus made a case of the yellow? And look at now.
Sheamus off the apron, running some interference,
as McIntyre goes right after Butch, the scrappy Butch.
[Graves] This is obviously all part of a plan.
It's a damn fine plan being hatched by Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes.
[Cole] Exactly what would that plan be?
[Graves] Sooner or later, all three of these Brutes
are gonna have their chance to beat the hell out of Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] Well, Butch may get Drew McIntyre to tap here.
He's got McIntyre in trouble, and Drew McIntyre trying to hang on,
and The Scottish Warrior trying to power out of this now.
McIntyre was not prepared for Butch tonight.
Glasgow Kiss.
[Graves] I… I don't know if Butch is conscious any longer,
-but he still maintained a grip. -[Cole] Oh! He may not be conscious now.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Man. Drew McIntyre promised,
and now Ridge up on the apron, and a right hand.
[Graves] Drew has gotta be careful of the numbers game.
It's exactly what The Brawling Brutes are playing.
[Cole] And there's an example off the distraction.
Butch takes advantage.
[Graves] Like a ferocious mongoose.
-From the top rope. -[thud]
[Cole] Nobody home, and now a neckbreaker, and a kip-up by McIntyre.
[Graves] Drew said the time to play is through.
[crowd yells] Three! Two! One!
[Cole] And Claymore delivered to Butch.
-Hook of the leg. McIntyre with the win. -One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Drew Mc--
[Cole] And Ridge Holland from behind.
And now Holland attacking McIntyre.
Oh, and McIntyre with a future shock.
-[roars] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Things did not quite go the way Sheamus planned.
[Graves] If you're the Celtic warrior tonight,
digression's the better part of valor.
Two-thirds of The Brawling Brutes were just taken out by The Celtic Warrior.
[Cole] And we still haven't decided who will face the Undisputed Champion
at Clash at the Castle.
[Graves] Sheamus trying to rally his troops or what's left of them
as we take another look at the Claymore inflicted.
-Boom, right in the chin of poor Butch. -One! Two! Three!
-Meanwhile, back to live action. -[bell rings]
Sheamus decided to try to get in the ring and--
[Graves] Wait. McIntyre's brandishing Angela.
[Cole] The sword.
[Graves] Be careful, Sheamo.
You know you don't have it in you.
I've known you your whole life. You don't have it in ya.
-[Cole] Whoa! Sheamus! -[fire whooshes]
-[Graves] My God. -[crowd roaring]
McIntyre's lost it.
Sheamus looks like he's seen a ghost.
[Cole] Well, Sheamus hatched this trap, this plan tonight,
and it didn't quite go the way he wanted.
Drew McIntyre takes care of Butch,
standing tall with Angela here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] McIntyre warped his own sword.
The force with which you have to swing a heavy sword
like McIntyre just did to bend it, is superhuman.
[Cole] Again, McIntyre would deliver the Claymore,
sending Butch to Claymore Country,
and picking up the win and thwarting the plan
-of Sheamus here tonight. -[bell rings]
And then Sheamus wanted to get involved.
[Graves] Sheamus is lucky to have escaped with his health
and well-being after a near-death experience,
courtesy of The Scottish Warrior.
[Cole] Well, Sheamus may have escaped an issue tonight,
but this is far from done.
Drew McIntyre still has a major score to settle with The Brawling Brutes.
-[crowd cheering] -[inaudible]
McIntyre celebrates. Thanks for joining us, everybody.
Good night from Fort Worth, Texas and Friday Night SmackDown.
WWE Undisputed freaking Champion!
There's nothing you can do about it. Friday Night SmackDown.