[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woo!
[The Rock] If you smell!
[Cena] Now.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
Forever.
Together.
-[crowd cheering] -["Are You Ready" by AC/DC playing]
[Cole] You are looking live at the PNC Arena
at North Carolina State University.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And we kick off tonight
with a First Round matchup in the tournament
to crown new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
["Trap Queen" playing]
[bell rings]
[Samantha Irvin] The following is a First Round Match
of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament!
Introducing first, Raquel Rodriguez!
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, this is what it is all about,
the coveted and now vacant WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
Raquel Rodriguez will team tonight with Aliyah in a great opportunity,
as we present a fabulous show tonight
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
We will have an Intercontinental Championship Match.
Shinsuke Nakamura looks to win his third Intercontinental Title,
as he takes on the current champion, Gunther, later on tonight.
[McAfee] That's right. And this evening, we will make it official.
The women's SmackDown Championship Match at Clash at the Castle,
between Liv and Shayna Baszler
will be made memorialized with a contract signing tonight.
["Shining Like A Diamond" playing]
[Irvin] And her tag team partner, Aliyah!
[Cole] I'm really interested in this tag team tonight,
The Powerhouse of Raquel Rodriguez against Aliyah,
who owns the fastest victory in the history of WWE.
They team together tonight in the first round
against Shotzi and Xia Li.
Gonna take place right now on SmackDown.
[McAfee] In an incredibly deep Women’s Division,
we are on the hunt for our next Tag Team Champions.
A lot of opportunity, a lot of legacy,
and Aliyah and Raquel are gonna try to staple their names
in the history of this company by winning this tournament.
Look at those beautiful titles, Michael Cole.
["Fighting Spirit" playing]
[Irvin] And their opponents, first,
Xia Li!
[Cole] And a big opportunity for "The Protector" Xia Li here tonight.
Looking to capture her first gold in WWE if she can win this tournament.
["I Am A Psycho" playing]
-[McAfee] Speaking of opportunity. -[Irvin] And her tag team partner,
Shotzi!
[Cole] Well, we wanna show you how the first round actually started
this past Monday night on Raw.
Dana Brooke and Tamina taking on Bayley's group
of Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai.
Tamina was in control of the matchup, but then things would turn around.
Dakota Kai, first with a kick to the face and then the running knee.
And then, Iyo Sky does what she does best,
the Genius of the Sky, with the moonsault.
Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai advance…
-[bell rings] -…to the next round of the tournament.
[McAfee] Bayley's elated.
That's what they came back for, titles and championships.
And now, tonight, will it be Aliyah and Raquel
or Shotzi and Xia moving on?
What a moment in all of these careers here, Michael Cole.
-Indeed. The winner of this matchup will… -[bell rings]
…move on to the semi-finals
to take on the winner of next week's match
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Natalya and Sonya Deville
against NXT upstarts Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark.
Monday night on Raw, we have another First Round matchup,
Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop taking on Alexa Bliss and Asuka. Ooh!
[McAfee] Who's gonna step up? Who's gonna make quick friends
with their new tag team partners and become champions in the WWE?
[Cole] And Shotzi now and Raquel Rodriguez, long history here
between these two, and Shotzi has a five count,
but "The Powerhouse" Raquel Rodriguez--
And now Shotzi, trying to, uh, rake-- rake the eyes,
-Yeah. -…and then use the rope for leverage.
And a kickout by Raquel at two.
[Cole] Listen, nothing against Shotzi trying to use a little bit of leverage
to end this thing early.
-[crowd boos] -[Cole] But Raquel Rodriguez says,
"Uh-uh. No way."
And there's the power of Raquel.
[McAfee] Ooh!
Shotzi landed hard off the power of Raquel.
-Hey, look who's joined us. -Oh, now look who's here.
Natalya and Sonya Deville, who face the winners next week.
-Tag! -[McAfee] Just trying to get a closer look
on things, obviously.
[Cole] Don't face the winners next week. They'll face Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark.
-[McAfee] Oh, of course. -But they are scouting their competition.
[McAfee] Of course.
[Cole]And now Raquel with a double-team with Aliyah!
-A crossbody lateral press. -One, two…
And Shotzi…
-[McAfee] Oh! -…breaking things up with a senton.
-What the hell? -[McAfee] Damn.
Things have gone up a gear here.
Aliyah understands what this means here tonight.
Called it a dream ever since she was a young girl,
as she delivers a crossbody off the apron,
right in front of Deville and Natalya.
-You guys are pathetic! -[McAfee] Absolutely.
You actually suck worse--
[Cole] Now, Shotzi, going after Sonya Deville.
[McAfee] And Raquel.
Raquel Rodriguez taking the fight to Natalya.
A chaotic scene here at ringside.
Natalya whipped into the barricade.
[McAfee] Kinda like an "everybody despises everybody" situation right now.
[Cole] And now Raquel and Shotzi are actually in this matchup.
[McAfee] And Aliyah and Xia are also in this matchup.
[Cole] The official's got to get control.
-Tag Team Tournament action continues! -[McAfee] Oh!
[Cole] And Xia Li in control of Aliyah in this First Round matchup
in the tournament to fill the vacant WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez against Xia Li and Shotzi.
[McAfee] Xia Li and Shotzi have not won
any favors over here at NC State.
[Cole] This is the first round of the tournament.
The winner of this match advances to take on the winner of next week's match
of Natalya and Sonya Deville, and Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark.
Shotzi in off the tag.
[McAfee] This is truly an open tournament.
-[Cole] And now, oh, a double-team! -Ooh-hoo.
[Cole] And Aliyah dropped right on the top of her head.
Cover by Shotzi for the win,
and Raquel Rodriguez in to try to save her teammate
and does successfully as Aliyah kicked out as well.
A lot of these teams have been thrown together
in the last couple of days, seizing the opportunity.
Obviously, Shotzi and Xia have put a little teamwork together.
[Cole] Well, Raquel knows what it's like to be a Tag Team Champion.
She won the title back at NXT.
And now again, a double-team by Shotzi and Xia.
A bulldog face-first to Aliyah, and now Xia Li with a stomp
right to the wrist, and a kick to the face!
[McAfee] Everybody wants to be a champion in WWE.
[Cole] Center of the ring.
-One, two-- -Xia with a cover and a hook,
and a kickout at two.
[McAfee] That was close there.
Xia and Shotzi trying to punch their ticket.
Reach, Aliyah. Reach. Ándale. Come on.
-You can do it. -[Cole] And Raquel understands it.
-Aliyah's in deep trouble. -Come on, chiquita.
Need to make a tag to get into this matchup.
-Tag! -Again, Xia and Shotzi doing a great job
keeping Aliyah away from her partner.
[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] I don't know how much more Aliyah can take, honestly. Oh!
[Cole] Aliyah creates some separation,
trying to make it to the corner and to Raquel Rodriguez.
Shotzi drags her back down to the mat again.
Aliyah creates space, Xia Li makes the tag. She's legal.
Aliyah is going the wrong direction.
[Cole] And went for a cheap shot, Raquel ducked out of harm's way.
And now Aliyah…
trying to fight her way out of the corner.
Critical moment in this matchup for Aliyah.
-[indistinct chatter] -[grunting]
[Cole] And Xia Li again, not allowing Aliyah to make the tag.
Thought Aliyah was gonna get some space.
-She seemed to go the wrong way. -And look at Xia Li…
-Look at the power! -…and the power.
Went for the vertical suplex. Aliyah turns it into a neckbreaker!
-[crowd cheering] -Great counter by Aliyah.
Can she make the tag to Raquel?
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] North Carolina asking for Raquel.
[Cole] Fingertips away.
-Can she get there? Does. Makes the tag. -[crowd cheering]
Shotzi legal as well.
And here comes Rodriguez, as the WWE fans come out of their seats,
off the tag to Raquel.
Fallaway Slam to Shotzi, and Raquel is fired up!
[McAfee] The Powerhouse has been shot out of a cannon!
-[Cole] And another Fallaway Slam! -[crowd cheering]
[yells]
[Cole] Up to the second rope, and there is that spinning elbow splash.
[McAfee] The athleticism, the power.
-And now Rodriguez… -[indistinct]
…is trying to put Shotzi away, and Xia Li running interference.
And Shotzi looks to take over
and send Rodriguez into the corner off the second turnbuckle.
Shotzi with an opportunity.
[McAfee] Great tag team wrestling there by Xia and Shotzi.
[Cole] And Shotzi up to the second rope.
Raquel goes down, could be Shotzi's moment to advance in the tournament.
-Hook of the leg now on Rodriguez. -One, two…
-And Raquel kicks at one and a half. -[yells]
[McAfee] That was great offense by Shotzi.
-Great distraction by Xia. -[Cole] Very competitive matchup.
-All these women want an opportunity… -Tag, tag!
…at the Tag Team gold.
Again, great teamwork between Xia and Shotzi tonight.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
-Hey, hey! -Looking for the double-Russian leg sweep.
Aliyah takes out Shotzi!
[McAfee] That a spear from Aliyah?
-[Cole] And now Raquel Rodriguez. -[grunting]
A kick to the midsection, Xia Li is in trouble.
Rodriguez with a big smile on her face 'cause she knows what comes next.
-Tejana Bomb from the ceiling! -[crowd cheering]
-Cover. Hook of the leg. -One, two, three!
-Rodriguez and Aliyah advance. -[bell rings]
["Trap Queen" plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners, the team of Aliyah
and Raquel Rodriguez!
You know, Pat, when I looked at the brackets for this tournament,
this team here, I really looked as a dark horse team.
I really like the makeup of The Powerhouse in Raquel
and the speed and quickness of Aliyah.
[McAfee] Yeah, Aliyah has the fastest win in WWE history
and a spear now added to her offense.
And with that, Raquel Rodriguez was able to do what she does best.
-[Cole] Bang! -From the top floor to the basement.
The Tejana Bomb! And they move on.
[Cole] And we're gonna show you the updated brackets now
because Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah will lie in wait.
They'll take on the winner of next week's matchup
between Natalya and Sonya Deville
and NXT's Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark.
Remember, Monday night on Raw,
Bliss and Asuka versus Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop.
[McAfee] And when you get those Tag Team Titles around your waist,
literally everywhere you walk is talked about.
-I can't wait to see who we crown next. -[crowd cheering]
Could it be Raquel and Aliyah?
I mean, they're thinking yes right now.
-What a performance to start this thing. -Incredible performance.
And what a performance over the past two years
for none other than our Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
In three weeks from tomorrow, Cardiff, Clash at the Castle,
Drew McIntyre will try to end the reign of this man.
[eerie music playing]
[Roman] Well, you know the deal.
Let's talk about Brock Lesnar.
[Paul Heyman] Last Man Standing Match.
[Roman] I still hate Brock Lesnar.
[Cole] Oh my God. Lesnar has lifted up the ring
with Roman Reigns in it!
[Roman] He tried to kill The Wiseman.
-[tense music playing] -[crowd cheering]
Don't ever come back! [grunts]
[Graves] Roman, The Usos, burying The Beast.
[Roman] We defend these titles, we win the big one,
and then we come back to SmackDown
and we brag about what we accomplished.
-["Gallantry" intro plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] The number one contender, Drew McIntyre.
Roman, all I want is to get my hands on you,
and I can't wait until Clash at the Castle.
If you want Drew McIntyre to tear apart The Bloodline,
let me hear you scream.
[crowd cheering]
[tense, eerie music playing]
[Cole] Oh my God, from behind, McIntyre attacked.
-[crowd exclaims] -What the--
[Cole] That can't be. Is that…
[screams]
[McAfee] Karrion Kross?
-[yells] -[groans]
[tense music playing]
[Cole] Karrion Kross has returned,
and there's Scarlett with the hourglass.
Doomsday has arrived,
and the clock is ticking.
In the midst of chaos,
opportunity tends to present itself.
Last week,
that is exactly what happened.
The rebirth of a darkened soul.
[laughs]
[breathes deeply]
Drew McIntyre,
Roman Reigns,
The Chosen Ones.
[scoffs]
Must be nice.
Us…
cast out of paradise.
Disregarded like a broken toy
to be forgotten,
but we never forgot.
We prepared
and we waited for the perfect time
to strike
with vengeance.
Everybody knows about The Bloodline.
Now…
Now we're gonna show them the new timeline.
Because no matter where the time is told,
in the end, everybody pays the toll.
Tick-tock.
-["Gallantry" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] McIntyre had no idea.
That was the man who ambushed him and attacked him last week, Karrion Kross.
[cheering]
[McAfee] I mean, Karrion Kross is a monster.
But so is this man!
[Cole] What an ovation.
They're on their feet
for The Scottish Warrior.
[echoing bang]
[crowd cheering]
[Irvin] Please welcome Drew McIntyre!
[Cole] He is the number one contender
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
He beat Sheamus in a good old-fashioned Irish Donnybrook fight
a couple of weeks ago to earn the opportunity,
and three weeks from tomorrow, Pat,
Drew McIntyre…
[crowd cheering]
…enters the stadium in Cardiff for Clash at the Castle
to try to end the record-setting reign of Roman Reigns.
[McAfee] Is there any better man to have the first stadium show,
main event match for the Universal Title in Wales?
[explosion]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Drew McIntyre is live, next.
["Gallantry" playing]
[Cole] And there's Drew McIntyre…
because McIntyre is the number one contender
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
three weeks from tomorrow, exclusively on Peacock.
Reigns, McIntyre at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff.
[crowd cheering]
Raleigh, let me hear you scream!
[crowd cheering]
Ooh.
Where do I begin? It's an exciting time in WWE.
There's a lot of new faces showing up.
In fact, let's start right there, new faces.
Drew McIntyre was jumped from behind
by Karrion Kross last week.
[crowd boos]
And a lot of people probably think I'm gonna rant and rave
and talk about the horrible things I plan to do to him.
I do.
But I get it.
I understand the man's been waiting for an opportunity.
He's been waiting for a year,
and what bigger impact than attacking the number one contender
and staring down the Undisputed Champion?
Here's the problem.
That number one contender you left like a piece of trash
is Drew McIntyre.
[crowd cheering]
And he was gonna get back up and deliver this message to you.
My hands are a little full right now, buddy,
but when the time is right, we're gonna play a little game.
It's gonna be multiple choice. I'm gonna give you three options.
One, knockout.
Two, the hospital.
Or three,
the graveyard.
And I will send you back to that dungeon you crawled out of.
[McAfee] Those are three bad options for Karrion Kross.
Also, I suggest you check out
Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle.
Everybody, I'm about to break some bad news.
It's shocking news.
Roman Reigns is not here tonight.
-[McAfee] Eh, come on. -[crowd boos]
Par around, get their shocked faces. Roman's not at work.
I'm sure someone will pass you this message, Roman.
I'm gonna be honest with you.
Since you surround yourself with yes-men,
you started believing your own hype
and you're as good as you say you are, but here's the reality.
The last two matches with Brock Lesnar,
it took you, your family, weapons,
sacrificing The Wiseman to get the job done
against Brock Lesnar,
but Drew McIntyre, the man you're facing,
walked into the main event of WrestleMania with Brock
and I beat him with my bare hands.
[crowd cheering]
And you're delusional, man.
You're making up places.
The Island of Relevancy is not a real place.
["Dead Silent" playing]
[McAfee] What is…
[Cole] That, ladies and gentlemen, is Scarlett,
Karrion Kross's oracle.
His angel of doom. His… Melisandre.
[McAfee] Not sure I know what any of that means,
but I do know
this is a hell of a presence to be felt here in…
NC State.
Jeez.
-[Cole] Cunning, seductive… -[inaudible]
And look, look at this! Taking advantage of the distraction,
The Bloodline, the Tag Team Champions, The Usos, the cousins of Roman Reigns,
the man who faces McIntyre in three weeks.
It's Jimmy and Jey, assaulting McIntyre.
[McAfee] They came out while it was black and white
and brought it into color real quick.
-Drew-- -[Cole] And Drew now fighting back
against The Usos.
Roman, obviously… Oh, a superkick!
…sending a message to his opponent here tonight.
-[yells] -[Cole] And Jimmy and Jey
with the 1D to McIntyre.
[McAfee] This is what happens when you get a chance to dance
with the Undisputed Universal Champion.
[Cole] McIntyre has it coming from both sides.
Hey!
You tell your man,
Karrion Kross,
if he step up to The Tribal Chief,
we're gonna put his ass down!
This right here, Bloodline territory, baby.
All right?
That's funny.
He had the same message for you.
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] I believe Scarlett telling The Usos…
"Tell the champ, Roman Reigns, the same thing."
["Done With That" playing]
As we take another look,
McIntyre distracted by Scarlett,
and The Usos, The Bloodline with the attack, sending the message.
Drew with a flurry, but then the superkick turned things around,
and then of course, Pat, the 1D would take McIntyre out.
And for the second straight week, McIntyre's [indistinct].
First to Karrion Kross, tonight to The Usos.
[McAfee] For the second straight week, he was attacked from behind.
Who's on whose side?
Seems like Scarlett wants beef with everybody.
-["Are You Ready" playing] -[Cole] And Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Well, tonight, Gunther defends the prestigious workhorse championship,
the Intercontinental Title.
[dramatic music playing]
[narrator] A symbol that has changed through the years,
yet remains timeless,
with a storied past steeped in tradition
for over four decades.
[announcer] The Intercontinental Champion…
[narrator] Contenders have come and gone.
Only those most worthy have held it high.
[commentator] This is beyond wrestling ability.
This is guts personified right now.
[narrator] As generations evolved through waves of change,
the Intercontinental Championship has been a pillar of excellence.
[commentator] Champion against champion, title upon title!
[narrator] An everlasting presence, it demands the very best
and even more from its champion.
I'm the greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time.
I can't be beat. I won't be beat.
Everybody, welcome the new Intercontinental Champion of the World.
What you're looking at is what champions are made of.
I've got nothing except the Intercontinental Championship,
the most important thing in the world to me.
No one said being the Intercontinental Champion was gonna be easy,
but Rocky Maivia will always give 110%.
[narrator] A catalyst to superstardom,
Hall of Fame careers,
and iconic moments.
[commentator] I've never seen anything like this ever!
[narrator] A title that signifies pride and prestige.
Tonight, two decorated champions will write the next chapter
in the historic lineage of the Intercontinental Championship.
[music peaks, fades]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] More than a dozen WWE Hall of Famers
have held the Intercontinental Title.
Shinsuke Nakamura looks to hold it for a third time.
Can he knock off Gunther?
We'll find out tonight.
Intercontinental Championship live on SmackDown.
♪ Are you ready for a good time ♪
[crowd cheering]
Shinsuke, tonight, you challenge Gunther for the…
Tell Gunther…
"Come on!"
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Nakamura is fired up and ready to go.
[McAfee] Hell yeah.
["Vicious" playing]
[Cole] As are The Viking Raiders.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Erik,
he is one half of The Viking Raiders, Ivar!
[Cole] Oh, and from behind, Kofi Kingston with a kendo stick,
who's supposed to take on Ivar one-on-one tonight
and wasting little time.
[McAfee] Kendo Kofi.
[Cole] One for Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] Swinging that thing like Pete Alonso
on The Viking Raiders two weeks in a row.
[Cole] And now Kingston again, and the-the shield, however,
protecting Erik as Kofi is unloading.
-Oh! -Ahh!
-That shield able to withstand a sword! -[Cole] Oh my goodness!
And Ivar delivering that shield right to the face.
And now The Viking Raiders with the upper hand
and a vicious assault now on Kofi Kingston.
[McAfee] Kofi was rolling the dice coming out here alone
and attacking The Viking Raiders for a second week.
He had them in the first half, but The Vikings said,
"Uh-uh, we got actual shields for you."
[crowd chanting]
-[McAfee] Oh! -[Cole] Oh, goodness!
Kofi may be out.
[McAfee] His body's folded up like a lawn chair.
And look at the smelly, vicious, rude Viking Raiders dragging his body.
[Cole] Continuing to pillage and plunder everyone here
on Friday Night SmackDown,
setting another example.
-[McAfee] Oh! -[Cole] First, it was Xavier Woods.
Now it's Kofi Kingston.
And a splash by Ivar
onto the floor, crushing Kingston.
[crowd boos, clamors]
[McAfee] Jeez.
[referee] Now that's enough!
-[Kofi panting] -[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Kofi just saw his soul leave his body.
[Cole] The enraged, rough, grim,
vicious Raiders laying waste to Kingston.
[McAfee] Obviously, anytime you see a 300-plus-pound Viking
flying through the sky, you're gonna have to watch,
but Kofi took the brunt of a Viking
on the stage. Jeez.
[crowd booing, clamoring]
[narrator] When WrestleMania Goes Hollywood,
so will you.
With the WWE Priority Pass powered by On Location,
become the baddest VIP at the biggest show of the year.
Packages available now.
[crowd cheering and jeering]
[sighs]
Boys, boys.
Uce, Uce.
Hey, I just wanna let you guys know I've been doing a lot of thinking.
Everything you guys said last week… [splutters]
You're right. You're right about--
-Oh my God. Hey! Whoa! -[grunting]
[Cole] Oh my goodness! It's McIntyre!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
[grunting]
[McAfee] Getting back at The Usos for blindsiding him earlier.
[groaning]
-[Cole] McIntyre's had enough. -[grunting]
-[McAfee] Sami Zayn ran for the hills. -You step in my business.
Every single week you two get involved, I'm gonna beat your asses.
[groans]
-[McAfee] That's how you set a… -[McIntyre] Sami!
[groans]
[McAfee] That's how you set a tone for future weeks.
[Cole] Well, we're set for tag team action with these gentlemen from North Carolina.
[McAfee] What are these guys' names, Michael Cole?
[Cole] Well, on the left is Brandon Scott, Trevor Urban's on the right.
[McAfee] Okay, well, let's look at a couple faces here.
You see these guys?
They walked the Appalachian Trail to get here.
And although this is a dream come true for both of them,
the camera isn't picking it up, but right behind them,
they know that there's a chance that one, two, three, four, five, six,
maybe seven pieces of poop come out of their pants
'cause they have no idea who they're facing.
This is a dream come true for these men and they have no idea.
We might witness a need for Depends.
♪ Hit Row ♪
[McAfee] What?
["Best Of The Best" playing]
-♪ Hit Row ♪ -[Cole] Oh, it is.
Oh my God, it is.
-[McAfee] They're back! -[Cole] Pat, Hit Row's here!
[McAfee] They're back!
["Best Of The Best" playing]
-[McAfee] Hit Row! -[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Making their way to the ring,
accompanied by B-Fab, representing Hit Row,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla!
[Cole] Are you kidding me?
Hit Row is back on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] Okay!
[Cole] We haven't seen them since last fall.
Controversy surrounding Hit Row of course,
but they're back here on Friday Night SmackDown.
That's Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
the big man, of course, Top Dolla,
and B-Fab.
["Best Of The Best" playing]
[Cole] What were you saying about Mr. Urban and Mr. Scott?
[McAfee] I assume that they are regretting every decision they ever made
to end up in this situation.
Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla
about to do some top damage on these boys.
Welcome back, Hit Row.
[Cole] Led by B-Fab, who has been making music for almost a decade.
Hit Row has arrived on the scene here on Friday Night SmackDown
to put the Tag Team Division on notice.
[bell rings]
[Cole] Bell rings, we're underway,
and Top Dolla gonna start things off with a shoulder tackle.
And the former NFLer, Top Dolla, wiping out Brandon Scott.
We back!
[McAfee] Top Dolla, incredible athlete, great power.
He's big but he's nimble.
And also, he is a savage.
He's okay with beating people's ass quick.
[Cole] 6'5", 330 pounds, and agile as hell.
You see my man?
Just flipped over the top rope like it's nothing with--
[grunting]
[Cole] And this is Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
-♪ Hit Row ♪ -[McAfee] And they even find time to pose…
-We back. -…and enjoy it.
Great to have Hit Row back on SmackDown.
[Cole] And now, oh, planting face-first Brandon Scott.
[McAfee] Of course.
Brandon Scott,
living his dream.
Welcome to a moment we'll remember for all the wrong reasons.
[Cole] More a nightmare…
depending upon how you wanna look at it, as B-Fab looks on.
-[McAfee] Well. -And Trevor Urban…
Hey, look at Top Dolla. Two men. Two men.
-[yells] -[McAfee] Those are adults.
-[Cole] The powerhouse. -[both groan]
[crowd cheering]
-[McAfee] Didn't even budge when they-- -[yells]
Let them know!
[McAfee] Okay.
-[B-Fab] Hey. -[Cole] And here comes Adonis.
[McAfee] Heard you were on their tour bus earlier, Cole.
-And if you didn't know… -[Cole] Indeed.
-…now you know! -[Cole] These guys love me.
[McAfee] If you didn't know, now you know.
[Cole] Oh, and that is the Heavy Hitter!
[McAfee] From Hit Row.
-[Cole] Hit Row… -One, two, three!
…putting everyone on notice here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
Hit Row!
["Best Of The Best" playing]
[McAfee] Welcome back to Hit Row like they never left.
Shoulder tackle [indistinct] big forearm off the ring.
[indistinct yelling]
-Power. -…Top Dolla!
[Cole] You sort of predicted the future with your telestrator.
[McAfee] Yeah, I knew these guys were gonna have to poop their pants.
I didn't know who was coming out,
and as soon as I realized that Hit Row was back on SmackDown…
I knew that this was inevitable.
Hey, did you miss us? [chuckles]
-Yeah, they did. -[crowd cheers]
-Yeah, they did. -Hey.
Well, allow me to reintroduce myself.
My name is B-Fab.
-Let them know. -Why that?
Because I be fab.
Talk to them, Dolla.
And they call me Top Dolla,
the top shotta, spitting hot lava. Who's hotta?
[both] Not nada.
-[Cole] Oh. -Not nada!
And me?
I'm Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
-Uh. -And "Adonisly," the detail is crucial.
-Whoo. -Can't lie.
And we Hit Row, "The OG 3."
And if you didn't know…
[together] …now you know.
[McAfee] Okay.
[Cole] Well, now you know. Hit Row is back
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] I believe there has been an altering to the alignment
of tag teams on SmackDown.
["Best Of The Best" playing]
Isn't it great to see Hit Row back, huh?
-Indeed. -"If you didn't know, now you know."
"Hit Row. Let's go, oh, oh."
Oh, you know?
-Well, anyway, ladies and gentlemen, uh… -This show…
…this week, we are celebrating the life of a sports entertainment,
MMA, and pro wrestling icon, "Judo" Gene LeBell,
who passed away earlier this week.
[McAfee] His influences are all over society.
He trained Chuck Norris, he trained "Rowdy" Roddy Piper,
and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
I mean, everybody on Earth sent out their condolences
and we'd like to do the same damn thing.
Yeah, "The Godfather of Grappling," a ninth-degree black belt,
Gene LeBell.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[tense music playing]
[Cole] It is the Gauntlet Match to determine who faces Liv Morgan
for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Clash at the Castle.
A lot of opportunity on the line here for a lot of women here in the WWE.
[Cole] Sonya will advance now to take on The Powerhouse
of Friday Night SmackDown, Raquel Rodriguez.
Tejana Bomb, and Raquel Rodriguez will advance.
[yells]
[McAfee] Power of Raquel Rodriguez on display.
[crowd cheering]
Raquel has been very impressive.
[Cole] But here comes the veteran Natalya.
One more person to get through to run the Gauntlet,
the dangerous Shayna Baszler.
Who's going to Clash at the Castle to face Morgan for the title?
-[groans] -[crowd cheering]
Oh, and Shayna caught Raquel.
-Wearing her out with a Kirifuda. -One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Shayna Baszler will face
SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan at Clash at the Castle.
[inaudible]
["Are You Ready" playing]
[Cole] Well, the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Liv Morgan,
and the number one contender, Shayna Baszler,
set their match in stone
when the two Superstars sign on the dotted line
for their Clash at the Castle Championship Match.
Morgan-Baszler in the ring at the same time, live, next.
-["Are You Ready" playing] -Gunther claims
he wants to bring back prestige to the Intercontinental Championship.
Shinsuke Nakamura wants to win it for a third time.
Later tonight, Gunther, Nakamura
in what will be a war for the Intercontinental Championship.
[speaking German]
[McAfee] What?
-[speaking German] -[breathes deeply]
Gunther, earlier tonight, Shinsuke Nakamura had a--
I heard what Shinsuke said.
Now you go and tell Shinsuke,
tonight, he will suffer at the hands of Der Ringgeneral.
[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] And Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
sponsored tonight by Progressive Insurance.
We are set now for the contract signing
between Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler
for their SmackDown Women’s Championship Match
at Clash at the Castle
three weeks from tomorrow in Cardiff, Wales.
Morgan, very proud champion
ever since cashing in the Money in the Bank contract.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet!
-Actually, on that woman, back at… -[crowd cheering]
…Money in the Bank. That's Ronda Rousey.
[McAfee] Holy hell!
[Cole] Rousey was fined and suspended
after she went nuts after the controversial ending
to her match
with Morgan at SummerSlam.
She assaulted a referee.
[McAfee] That was so cool, just walking right through the arena.
How you doin'?
[crowd cheering]
I know. I know. I'm not supposed to be here
because I was suspended for my actions at SummerSlam.
[crowd chanting] Ronda! Ronda!
[Cole] Well, WWE fans sure happy to see her.
[crowd chanting] Ronda! Ronda! Ronda! Ronda!
[McAfee] Okay.
I was also fined a lot of money.
[McAfee] Well…
[crowd exclaims]
So I doubled it.
Let's be honest, it's not gonna be the last time.
What can I say? Being the baddest gets expensive,
but I can afford it.
[McAfee] Fines don't matter.
Now, is it-- I was just about to leave on my own
and you're sending security to remove me?
-[indistinct chatter] -Let's go.
[crowd booing]
-[McAfee] It did appear as if Ronda's-- -You guys wanna make me leave?
-[indistinct chatter] -Let's go.
Let's see how that works out for you.
-[McAfee] Oh no! -Oh, this is not gonna be good.
[McAfee] She said she was just gonna leave by herself
and then the security said,
"We'll take you out of here." And… that's a bad idea.
[Cole] Indeed it was.
And Rousey, attacking the security guard.
[indistinct]
[McAfee] Other security guards saying, "I don't want any problems, please."
"Please."
[indistinct chatter]
North Carolina State saying, "Give us an arm."
[indistinct shouting]
[crowd booing]
-Oh, you're telling me to go? -You got to go.
Let's go. You got to go.
And Rousey being escorted out of the arena here tonight.
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd cheering intensifies]
You can't just do that.
-What are you doing? -What do you mean?
That's not how this place works.
That's not how you get what you want.
You play by the rules, you get what you want.
-All right? -Play by the rules? You--
You used to be a killer.
[Cole] So Shayna Baszler…
a one-time friend of Ronda Rousey, giving her some advice.
And Ronda just said to Shayna, "You used to be a killer."
["Limb By Limb" playing]
And Baszler now makes her way to the ring.
She's here tonight to sign the contract
for a golden opportunity at the SmackDown Women’s Championship
three weeks from tomorrow at Clash at the Castle.
[McAfee] So…
[Cole] Ronda paid her fine.
-[McAfee] I mean, Shayna's… -Almost assaulted another security guard.
[McAfee] Yep. And then got confronted by Shayna,
who's about to have the biggest moment of her career.
This is…
huge for Shayna Baszler,
signing for a… title shot.
Just go ahead and put that in your pocket, Shayna.
Money dropped is money earned.
Last week, every single one of you watched me win the Gauntlet Match
against the entire SmackDown women's locker room.
[crowd jeering]
[McAfee] She did enter last.
Liv just so happens to be the next one on the list
and Liv will be the next one to fall.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Shayna signs the contract.
Make it official on her end.
Liv, you know,
you got a pretty good-looking target on you with that injured arm,
so why don't you prance your way out here and let's make this official?
[McAfee] Okay.
I cannot wait for Cardiff
because I am going to tear you apart limb by limb!
[crowd shouting]
-[McAfee] She said she's gonna-- -Maybe I'll just put you to sleep.
Either way, I am going to step over your lifeless carcass…
and walk out of there the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
-[McAfee] Damn. -[mic thuds]
Shayna's ready to do some damage in Cardiff.
[Cole] Well, Shayna says, "I take limbs home when I leave."
["Gone Mad" playing]
[McAfee] She signed the contract.
[Cole] What's a one-armed Liv Morgan gonna do?
[crowd cheering]
And again, the SmackDown Women’s Champion
with a big brace on her left arm,
the arm that Ronda Rousey did damage to back at SummerSlam.
And when you are a submission magician like Shayna Baszler, Pat, and you…
well, your focus is joint manipulation.
When Liv Morgan has a target on her arm like that,
it does not bode well for the champion.
[McAfee] Yeah, it's certainly letting everybody know
where you are potentially weak.
Liv is the champ though.
Her every move is documented.
She was just in Los Angeles yesterday, having to do her deeds.
Everybody at WrestleMania wants to see the champ.
And now she's got to eye-to-eye with Shayna.
Life's not easy being on top,
but Liv has handled it wonderfully.
[crowd cheering]
Shayna,
you won't beat me.
Do you know what?
You're actually kinda like a bootleg Ronda Rousey.
[crowd exclaiming]
Sign the paper!
Yeah. And you know what?
I know that because I beat the real deal twice.
Just sign the paper!
And at Cardiff,
I'm gonna beat you too.
-[mic thuds] -[inaudible]
[Cole] A very confident Liv Morgan.
[McAfee] Matter of fact, our champ.
[Cole] And Liv makes it official.
It happens three weeks from tomorrow.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] You tapped out! You tapped out!
You tapped out! You tapped out!
-Oh, oh, oh. -[Cole] Oh, and Baszler now
going after the injured arm of Liv Morgan.
And Shayna Baszler…
gonna make her presence felt before the Championship Match.
-[Liv screaming] -[McAfee] Oh my gosh.
[Cole] Trying to break the arm of Morgan, the already injured arm.
[McAfee] Look at her just twisting that thing like a corkscrew!
-[groaning] -Oh!
[groaning]
[Cole] Morgan writhing in pain.
Baszler sending a message to the champion.
-[crowd chanting] -[yelping]
-Shayna Baszler, oh my goodness! -[screaming]
[McAfee] They signed the contract. Shayna knows.
[Cole] No, this is the dangerous Shayna Baszler.
[McAfee] Whatever damage she inflicts hurts Liv for the long term.
[Cole] Oh my goodness! The Queen of Spades…
ripping apart the injured arm of the champion Morgan.
[McAfee] She said she was gonna…
pluck Liv Morgan limb by limb basically in Cardiff.
She's starting tonight with that injured left arm.
[Cole] And Liv Morgan though…
Morgan with a bulldog through the table to Baszler!
-[crowd cheering] -[breathing heavily]
Morgan surviving tonight, Pat.
But is the damage irreversible?
Will Morgan be anywhere near 100% when she defends the title in Cardiff?
["Gone Mad" plays]
[McAfee] Just bulldogged Shayna through about $50,000 a table
and walks out of here on top.
Is that how the Clash at the Castle will end…
in Cardiff?
-Look at this, a reversal. -Well, Morgan just surviving here tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] She went on a ride and took Shayna with her
through the table.
Shayna has no idea what she signed up for.
This is our champion for a reason.
Gritty, tough, ready for anything.
[inaudible]
-[inhales sharply, sighs] -[crowd booing]
-Thank God. -Can't catch you slipping again, bro.
-Thank God. -Damn, track star.
-Can't catch you slipping again. -Where'd you roll off to?
-You fast as hell. -No. I wasn't running anywhere.
Was going to get security.
-I'm trying to get him thrown out-- -Enough with your excuses, Sami!
-It's not an excuse. -Enough with the excuses!
I told you last week,
if you don't step up, you'll get left behind, Uce.
Uce…
let's go call Drew's ass to the ring.
[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown
is at North Carolina State University at PNC Arena tonight.
[McAfee] That's right. Home of the Wolfpack and the Hurricanes.
Home of Phil Rivers, Russell Wilson, Torry Holt, and an NHL team
that packs this place out just like SmackDown tonight
and blows the roof off the place.
[Cole] Well, you know, WrestleMania season kicked off last night
at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
["It's Time for The Show" playing] ♪ LA, get ready… ♪
[The Miz] We are at the WrestleMania Launch Party
at SoFi Stadium!
♪ Can you feel it in the air? ♪
♪ It's time for the show ♪
[Belair] It's about to get big-time under the bright lights of LA.
You can't party without…
[Belair] The Doggfather of WrestleMania.
[Snoop Dogg] This is WrestleMania we're talking about.
This is a whole 'nother level.
♪ The stakes are high as ever The time to come together ♪
♪ Let's make tonight forever Never say never ♪
[The Miz] JoJo Siwa!
♪ Lights and the cameras Make the world stand up ♪
[man] You know how to party, Los Angeles!
What better way to kick off WrestleMania
than being here at SoFi Stadium
for this amazing launch party!
It's the first day of WrestleMania season, baby.
The biggest, grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania 39.
WrestleMania. You better get your tickets 'cause they on sale right about now.
♪ It's time for the show ♪
[Cole] Ya know, Snoop's a big fan of mine
and I can tell Snoop that tickets are available right now.
And listen to this, Pat.
We had the highest first-day ticket sales
in the history of WrestleMania today.
[McAfee] The City Of Stars is gonna be the City of Superstars
and Mayor Butts is gonna be thrilled about it.
I can't wait to get to SoFi for WrestleMania.
[Cole] WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.
["Done With That" playing]
You know, The Bloodline is gonna be there.
[McAfee] Damn right, they're the greatest tag team of all time!
[Cole] For Jimmy and Jey, tonight marks the 389th day
that they have held gold
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
The current WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
["Done With That" playing]
[McAfee] Sometimes, I just like to sit back,
cruise those same altitudes
that you and Snoop Dogg gave that one time when you hung out,
and think about how lucky we are
to be in the arenas every Friday night
when The Bloodline comes out here.
[Cole] I couldn't function that day, but nonetheless,
The Usos who kinda had some issues with McIntyre tonight.
First, they ambushed Drew McIntyre from behind.
Remember, McIntyre takes on their cousin, Roman Reigns,
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
three weeks at Clash at the Castle.
They attacked McIntyre when he was distracted
by Scarlett earlier tonight,
and then McIntyre would attack The Usos
back in their locker room.
It has been a brawl all night long.
[McAfee] Number one trend in the United States,
-number one tag team… -Hey, Drew!
-…on Earth. -Drew!
Pick a tag partner,
anybody you choose,
and come out here for this tag match
and get this damn work.
-[mic thuds] -[McAfee] Okay.
[Cole] Well, The Usos apparently challenging McIntyre to a tag team match.
You know McIntyre's going to accept, right?
But who's he gonna choose to be his partner here tonight?
["Gallantry" playing]
[Cole] McIntyre marching to the ring,
and perhaps The Scottish Warrior…
[McAfee] Has a plan?
I mean, that was very quick music
from request from The Usos for a tag team match.
[Cole] McIntyre cannot wait to get his hands on The Usos.
Jey Uso starting things off,
and this looks like it's gonna be a two-on-one match,
despite the fact that it's--
it was supposed to be a tag team matchup.
McIntyre said, "I want The Usos for myself,
to take them out after what they've done to me here tonight."
[McAfee] Big shot from Drew McIntyre, taking control early,
and he's gonna have to.
[Cole] McIntyre gonna take the fight right out to the floor.
[McAfee] He told them earlier, "This is gonna be every week
I'm gonna be beating your ass!"
-[grunts] -[groans]
[yells]
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Just gave out a yell, sounded like a Sasquatch.
Drew McIntyre is so--
-[Cole] Oh! -[groans]
Wicked chop delivered to "Main Event" Jey Uso.
[McAfee] "Right Hand Man" Jey Uso.
Yeah, this is supposed to be a tag team match, folks,
but Drew McIntyre is, uh, doing pretty well by himself
against the Tag Team Champs.
[McAfee] It seems like the only thing he's tagging is Usos in the face.
Am I right, Cole?
[Cole] And McIntyre now whipped into the corner.
-[grunts] -And now, oh, an elbow to Jey Uso.
Of course, McIntyre, as we mentioned earlier,
takes on Roman Reigns three weeks from tomorrow
at Clash at the Castle,
hoping to end Roman Reigns' now 712-day streak as champion.
[McAfee] What The Bloodline has accomplished…
-[groans] -[growls]
…is second to none in the history of this business.
[Cole] And Roman's gotta be sitting back and watching this…
-Tag! -…with a big old smile on his face.
-The Bloodline doing damage yet again… -[McAfee] Oh!
…for The Head of the Table, The Tribal Chief.
McIntyre's gonna wish he picked a partner, Pat.
[McAfee] Yeah, I mean, no tag team's been able to beat The Usos.
[crowd chanting] Uso!
Drew McIntyre thought he was gonna walk-- Boom!
[Cole] Oh, a cheap shot.
[McAfee] Thought he was gonna walk out. No, it's a good tag team.
[Cole] Call it what you want, The Usos are the Tag Champs,
nearing 400 days as champion.
Now beating the hell out of McIntyre.
And it's been a rough couple of weeks for Drew McIntyre.
The assault going off the air last week by Karrion Kross.
-["Ready For Business" playing] -[indistinct]
[McAfee] What?
[Cole] And here comes Madcap Moss!
Madcap Moss involved in the fray.
Hey, this was supposed to be a tag team match,
it looks like McIntyre's got himself a partner.
-[McAfee] Is Madcap… -[Cole] Better late than never!
[McAfee] Holy…
[Cole] Madcap Moss raising hell…
-[yells] -…with a Fallaway Slam.
-[yells] -[McAfee] Just walking around
carrying Jimmy Uso.
[Cole] Did you hear that ovation for Madcap
when he came rushing down the aisle?
-[crowd cheering] -[groans]
-"Why not?" Drew says. -[groaning]
[McAfee] Two bulls.
[Cole] McIntyre's got backup.
McIntyre and Madcap and The Usos continues next.
-I got you! I got you! -Yeah? You got me?
[Cole] So The Usos, the Tag Team Champions,
showing why they're the best in the world.
They have slowed the momentum from Drew McIntyre and Madcap,
who joined Drew in this tag match a few moments ago.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Officially official from Adam Pearce.
[Cole] Well, Pat, Jimmy and Jey…
-[chanting] Uso! -…Tag Team Champions for nearly 400 days,
doing what they do best, slow down the pace,
isolate the man from his partner, and back things up
like the late great Umaga, and of course, their father, Rikishi.
[McAfee] They come from a family of greatness.
[Cole] And of course, their cousin, The Tribal Chief,
The Head of the Table, Roman Reigns,
who McIntyre faces at Clash at the Castle in three weeks.
Meanwhile, Madcap planting Jey,
trying to make it to McIntyre for a tag.
[McAfee] We honestly have no idea how Madcap became McIntyre's partner
other than he just had to run out here and take advantage of the opportunity.
[Cole] Of course. He wanted to stand up to The Usos.
About time someone did, I guess.
As Madcap tries to drag himself to the corner
and make the tag to McIntyre.
Jimmy's legal for The Usos, and here comes The Scottish Warrior
who heads into Cardiff in his homeland of the United Kingdom
three weeks from tomorrow
in the first stadium show in over 30 years
in the United Kingdom.
McIntyre looking to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
What a moment that would be for McIntyre.
[McAfee] You might think we're using…
-[Cole] Ooh! -…special effects.
-We are not! -Kip-up by the 6'5" McIntyre.
[McAfee] 275 pounds.
[Cole] And Drew looking to put away Jimmy Uso.
-[inaudible] -[crowd cheering]
-[Cole] Sami Zayn… -[McAfee] My God.
…who ran away from McIntyre earlier tonight
does the same thing.
-Hey, get out of here! -[Cole] But the distraction pays off.
Jimmy tag to Jey.
Jey Uso, top rope.
Uso Splash to McIntyre.
-Cover on McIntyre. -One, two…
Oh, and McIntyre kicks at two.
[McAfee] Sami Zayn thought he was a part of something good.
[indistinct shouting]
And somehow, Drew McIntyre gets a shoulder up.
[Cole] The Honorary Uce, Sami Zayn,
came out here to…
to distract McIntyre and it paid off.
[McAfee] Maybe even catch a Claymore Kick for The Usos.
[Sami pounding on mat]
-You got this! -[McAfee] Sets up Jimmy
which sets up Jey, which almost ended this one, two, three.
What a kickout by Drew.
[grunts]
[Cole] Jey Uso, extremely upset over the fact McIntyre kicked out,
will tag in his twin brother, Jimmy.
-[McAfee] Jey Uso also flew-- -[Cole] "We the ones."
Already earlier tonight, a 1D delivered to McIntyre.
Usos were looking to do it again.
Madcap, though, able to haul Jey out of the ring into the barricade.
[yells]
[Cole] And Madcap
sent into the timekeeper's area with "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Meanwhile, McIntyre's back on his feet.
[grunts]
[McAfee] So is Jimmy Uso.
[Cole] Went for the Samoan Drop. Oh, and a Glasgow Kiss from McIntyre.
Superkick.
McIntyre still on his feet.
-Claymore! -[crowd cheering]
Cover.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Cole] Will that be the fate of Roman Reigns in Cardiff?
["Gallantry" playing]
-[inaudible] -[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Madcap Moss and Drew McIntyre!
[Cole] Drew McIntyre is red-hot.
[McAfee] Drew McIntyre
is unbelievable to witness.
Just pinned…
The Usos.
[Cole] And if you're Roman Reigns--
Meanwhile, Jey Uso, trying to sneak attack.
And there's the Future Shock DDT from McIntyre.
McIntyre's not done yet,
he's gonna send a message to The Big Uce, The Tribal Chief,
The Head of the Table, the champion, Roman Reigns.
[crowd yelling] Three, two, one!
And Sami Zayn
takes a bullet for The Usos.
A Claymore Kick to the Honorary Uce.
-[McAfee] Drew McIntyre doesn't care. -["Gallantry" playing]
"Sami, you can eat a boot too."
Sami Zayn continues to try to curry favor with The Bloodline,
but if you're Roman Reigns and you're watching
what McIntyre did tonight,
you got to be concerned heading into Clash at the Castle…
-Send the message. -…in three weeks.
[McAfee] Drew McIntyre just sent a message to the entire Bloodline.
-[Cole] Watch Sami Zayn. -Not just with a win but a Claymore Kick.
-[Cole] Sami Zayn… -[crowd] One!
…shoving Jey out of the way and runs into a Claymore from McIntyre.
[McAfee] Leaving Sami lifeless.
Next week, tell your boss…
[McAfee] Drew McIntyre and Madcap have beat the greatest tag team on Earth.
…Drew McIntyre's gonna be waiting for him.
Run and tell The Tribal Chief.
[crowd cheering]
-[Dupri] Boys, flex those pectorals. -[McAfee] Yes!
-[Dupri] Yes. -Get in tight on the pecs.
Show me those abdominals.
What is this, amateur hour?
Flex the traps, the lats.
Hold on. Shut it down. Shut it down.
Boys, this is a closed set. What can I help you with?
It's the cool one. Hey.
If you really want your agency to take off,
you should sign us.
You know, we're the most handsome tag team in WWE.
Mm-hmm.
I'm sorry, but, um…
you're just not Maximum Male Model material.
[speaking Spanish]
We weren't talking to you.
[exhales]
We were talking to you.
Give us a call and let us know.
Bye.
[McAfee chuckles]
Get back to work. We're wasting time and money.
Come on. This is not cheap.
Come on, boys. Flex those lats and the traps.
Well, that David Gunn's a terrible photographer anyway.
Yeah, the photo's probably weren't gonna be great,
but there's a lot of drama in the model world,
controversy all over the place.
Too many handsome dudes around here.
Are you ready for drama?
-Oh, yeah. -Coming up next,
it is the battle for the Intercontinental Championship.
Gunther defends against Shinsuke Nakamura.
Right.
[tense music playing]
[Cole] Shinsuke Nakamura, The King of Strong Style.
[Kaiser] "Der Ringgeneral"…
Gunther!
[Gunther] From this day forth,
this title is the greatest prize of this precious sport.
["Ready For It All" playing]
♪ I ain't scared of nothing ♪
♪ I don't play games Who dares to touch it? ♪
♪ You ain't prepared for nothin' ♪
♪ If it's on then it's on Ain't no way I be bluffin' ♪
♪ Been ready for this my whole life ♪
♪ And I ain't tryin' to smite the king With a pawn's might ♪
♪ Yeah, said I been gettin' to work ♪
♪ On my grind, all the skill Through the grit and the dirt ♪
♪ Uh-huh, you know the mission is first ♪
♪ Everybody in my path End up missin' or hurt ♪
[Gunther] Losing is unacceptable.
♪ Ready for this fight Get ready for the war ♪
[Cole] Nakamura's gonna face Gunther for the title.
[McAfee] Two of the most dangerous men to ever have stepped foot in a ring.
Will Shin be a champ again?
[crowd cheering]
How excited are you?
-Cole, are you kidding me? -Ready to dance?
This is the working man's title,
the blue-collar championship,
and my favorite guy
is fighting for it here on SmackDown, Cole!
I'm excited as well…
-Oh! -…because, ladies and gentlemen,
Gunther defends the Intercontinental Championship
against Shinsuke Nakamura,
title on the line, live, next on SmackDown.
[McAfee vocalizes]
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown.
And now, please welcome my guest, Ricochet.
[crowd cheering]
Ricochet, last week, Corbin took offense when you--
When I-- When I laughed about Pat McAfee… [exhales rapidly]
…directly kicking Corbin straight into his junk. [chuckles]
-[McAfee laughs] -Yes, and-and then it led to this.
[Cole] This is the match last week between Corbin and Ricochet.
Corbin was in complete control, but what does Corbin do?
He's obsessed with you, Pat.
He can't take his eyes off you, he's distracted by you,
and it allows Ricochet to take control.
[McAfee] He's been wrestling for ten years here in WWE.
I beat him at SummerSlam. He couldn't get over it.
And the electrifying, the flawless, the incredible Shooting Star of Ricochet
beats him on SmackDown.
-[Cole] And then you guys had some fun… -[bell rings]
…tossing the football around and actually, uh,
going back to your old roots and punting into the crowd.
[McAfee] Yeah, like two old pals, me and Ricochet,
sharing a brew or two, kicking a ball, throwing a ball around.
Ah, we shared that love of beating the hell out of Bum Ass Corbin.
[indistinct mumbling]
Well, Ricochet, it looks like you were really in the zone there.
Kayla, let me talk to you for a second. I am more locked in now
than I have been in a long, long time.
In fact, it feels-- it feels like I have been shot,
boom, directly out of a cannon, and, Kayla, it feels good.
And listen, I'm ready.
I'm ready to head full speed at what it is that lies ahead of me,
and that being tonight.
Listen, it doesn't matter if it's Shinsuke Nakamura
or if it's The Ring General in Gunther,
it doesn't matter because each one of those men need to know
that after tonight, I will be waiting in line--
-[yells] -[Cole] Oh!
-Who the hell-- -[laughs maniacally]
-You thought we were done? -[McAfee] Oh, look.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
We're just getting started.
-[Corbin laughs] -Ricochet…
[McAfee] Shakes his bum-ass dirt on his face after.
-Ricochet… -[groaning]
[Cole] Corbin just won't be laughed at. Can't get over it.
The guy stinks still.
Like, Ricochet was having his moment there,
he got a big win, he's iced out, and Bum Ass Corbin's gotta say,
"No, no. This is about me," one more time.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, next week on Friday Night SmackDown,
we head north of the border to Montreal, Canada.
-[McAfee] Oui, oui. -Two weeks away from their matchup
at Clash at the Castle, face-to-face,
Roman Reigns, the Undisputed Champion,
and the number one contender, Drew McIntyre,
live, face-to-face next week.
[McAfee] Cannot wait to get up to Montreal
for a Viking funeral.
That's right, The Viking Raiders will host a Viking funeral for The New Day.
Kind of a bummer, it'll smell bad. I've never been.
[Cole] And it is the next First Round Match
here on Friday Night SmackDown
in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Natalya and Sonya Deville
against Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark from NXT.
Here's a special look at Lyons-Stark.
I'm NXT's Nikkita Lyons and I love to sing and dance,
and I can bust a move on the dance floor, but I can also bust a woman's face up.
[Stark laughs] I'm Zoey Stark.
I don't sing or dance, but I kick ass.
Look, I've just got done rehabbing a torn ACL,
so you best believe
that we are gonna go balls to the wall in this tournament.
[screams]
This is an opportunity of a lifetime.
We are two hungry women ready to take on the best Raw and SmackDown have to offer.
We're the perfect combo.
Zoey has an unlimited gas tank,
and I'm a whole lot of woman
ready to do a whole lot of whuppin'.
The other tag teams have no idea what's in store for them.
We are two NXT Superstars ready to bust brackets,
make waves, and take some gold.
[Cole] You'll see them in action next week
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
["The Rising Sun" playing]
[McAfee] But tonight…
feel the electricity, Cole!
I'm not getting up on the desk tonight.
I'm not dancing. I'm focused…
'cause tonight is all about Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Cole] Nakamura looking to win the Intercontinental Championship
for the third time in his career.
He is a Royal Rumble Match winner.
He's held the United States Championship, he's been a Tag Team Champion,
a two-time NXT Champion.
[explosion echoes]
And tonight, in our main event, Shinsuke Nakamura
looks to win Intercontinental gold.
[McAfee] I can't wait. What a night for Shinsuke.
You earned this, pal.
["The Rising Sun" continues]
[Cole] The expressive and dangerous Shinsuke Nakamura.
[song fades]
-[tense music plays] -I'm living a dream, I get to be here.
Ladies and gentlemen,
your Intercontinental Champion,
"Der Ringgeneral"
Gunther!
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Cole] You know, ladies and gentlemen, back in 1979,
the late great Hall of Famer Pat Patterson
would become the first Intercontinental Champion in WWE history.
And over the years, dozens and dozens of Hall of Famers
have held this prestigious title,
a title that has become known as the workman's championship
because the man who holds the title goes to work,
he makes every live event, he makes every television show,
defends the championship across the world.
That is why the Intercontinental Championship
is so important to men like Shinsuke Nakamura,
to men like Gunther,
and all the many others who have held the title in the past.
[McAfee] Shawn Michaels, "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
-[Cole] Triple H. -[McAfee] Scott Hall.
-[Cole] Roddy Piper. -[McAfee] Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
[Cole] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
[McAfee] The list goes on and on of Hall of Famers and icons.
["Prepare To Fight" continues]
[Cole] Gunther says, "I am going to give this title the prestige it needs
and make it the greatest prize in all of wrestling."
He said, "The champion makes the title. That's what I'm planning to do here."
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Intercontinental Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger, from Kyoto, Japan,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Ludwig Kaiser,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Cole] Gunther, Nakamura for the title, live, next.
[crowd booing]
[dramatic music plays]
[crowd cheering]
[narrator] The two-night blockbuster event is coming.
♪ It's time for the show So get ready ♪
[narrator] WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.
♪ It's time for the show So get ready ♪
♪ Time to deliver There's nothing bigger ♪
♪ Hollywood, we comin' ♪
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on FOX is sponsored tonight
by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle
auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
-[McAfee] It's Title Match time, Cole. -I cannot wait for this.
Referee Jessika Carr has the honor and the privilege
of officiating this matchup tonight between Gunther and Shinsuke Nakamura.
And when you talk about going back to old school,
both of these men embody that, Pat.
[McAfee] Physically tasking, gritty…
-The bell. -…willing to go the distance
and represent the Intercontinental Title the way it should be.
[Cole] Nakamura, of course, a veteran.
If anyone knows the, uh, the holes and weaknesses,
if there are any, in Gunther's game, it's going to be Nakamura.
Guaranteed he's scouted, he's watched film,
coming into this matchup tonight.
[McAfee] Shinsuke has earned this opportunity by beating Ludwig Kaiser.
[Cole] Indeed. He's at ringside, in support of Gunther here tonight.
Nakamura…
and now here's the current champion, Gunther, at 6'4", 250,
from Vienna, Austria, known as "The Ring General."
[McAfee] "Ringgeneral."
[Cole] Efficient and effective,
as Nakamura looks to back the champ into the corner,
and Gunther now, looking to outpower Nakamura.
[grunts]
-[McAfee] Gunther. -[Cole] Nakamura using his quickness…
-[Jessika] One! -[groaning]
-Two! -[groaning]
[Cole] …and has Gunther stunned a bit…
These two feeling each other out right now.
[Cole] …with the MMA background of Shinsuke Nakamura.
[McAfee] I think what Gunther is realizing,
that Shinsuke can keep up if you wanna go physical.
[Cole] Yeah, "The King of Strong Style" Nakamura,
as dangerous with his legs as he is with his fists.
And Nakamura dropping Gunther,
and Ludwig Kaiser trying to, uh, help Gunther rally.
-[grunting] -And a side headlock now by Nakamura.
Nakamura does not wanna get into a physical battle,
I don't believe, however, with Gunther.
As I was running through notes for this going into this evening, I thought that--
[Cole] You write a… You haven't…
That pencil you flip around here, you've never taken a note with it ever.
[McAfee] Shoutout to Mr. Perfect for that. You would find size "disparageness"
would've been bigger, but…
Shinsuke and Gunther standing eye to eye, blow for blow right now.
[Cole] A couple of wicked uppercuts by the champion.
-[groans] -[McAfee] Oh!
The man who is the longest-running NXT United Kingdom Champion
in history, Gunther, would love to hold
the Intercontinental Championship just as long.
That chop flooring Nakamura.
[McAfee] That chop echoes across every city we hear it in.
So powerful.
[Cole] Looking to flip Nakamura on his belly perhaps
to set up for a Boston crab.
-He's old-school. -And finally does,
and now Gunther sits back into the crab,
and Nakamura a long way away from the ropes
as Gunther continues to wear down Nakamura.
[McAfee] Yeah, The Ring General is okay with winning like this,
but he just wants to beat down Shinsuke.
-[groaning] -[Cole] And look at how he's…
turns it around into an STF and…
it's interesting that he used that move,
as Nakamura now tries to drag himself to the rope,
because in a recent interview, Pat,
Gunther said that he wants to take on anyone.
He would like to wrestle, this is a quote now,
"John Cena and anyone else who's considered elite."
"I didn't come here to be mediocre. I came here in the ring to be the best."
[Carr] …man's hair now.
-[Cole] Oh! -And he has stood by his statements.
He has become champion and been champion for a long time.
[Cole] But now, both men exchanging blows,
and now Nakamura goes to the hamstring,
looking to take out the power game of Gunther! Oh my goodness!
[grunts]
[Cole] And Nakamura into the armbar.
Gunther trying to block Nakamura.
Gunther blocking, however.
-Nakamura has his shoulders down… -One!
…the ref in perfect position, and a kickout at one.
-[grunts] -[groans]
-[McAfee] Jessika Carr, the official. -[groaning]
Congratulations for getting this match to Jessika.
[Cole] And now Nakamura rolls up to win the championship here,
and a kickout by Gunther.
Nakamura caught him on the other side. Gunther dropped to a knee.
[McAfee] Each man one-upping the other.
Who will walk out of here our champion?
-Shinsuke blocking a big drop. -Nakamura trying to pick up the pace.
This is what he wants. Kick right to the back of the neck.
-[grunts] -Nakamura right to the arm of Gunther.
And now Nakamura is starting to turn his focus to the right arm of Gunther.
This is great strategy
'cause we all know about the power game,
including the powerbomb that Gunther has used
to put many opponents away.
Nakamura cover…
-One, two-- -…to win his third Intercontinental Title.
-And a kickout by the champion. -[shouting]
[McAfee] Shinsuke has been a champion everywhere he has been.
-Ready to get the title back. -[yells]
-Flowing, zoning. -[grunting]
[Cole] Yeah, but Gunther, back to his feet with a wicked chop!
Ask Ludwig Kaiser what they feel like.
And now driving, putting Nakamura up on the top turnbuckle.
And now chopping away.
[McAfee] This guy's mitts are the size of skillets.
[indistinct]
[McAfee] He just…
bombs them off of people's chests.
[Cole] But Gunther has got a five count here to break
or he'll be disqualified, but remember, Gunther has the advantage.
Champion's advantage.
Nakamura is in trouble.
Can Shin somehow climb back into this match for the championship?
-[crowd clamoring] -[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Gentlemen who know a thing about the Intercontinental Championship
and that's what’s up for grabs here
as the champion Gunther delivers a German suplex to Shinsuke Nakamura.
Now, during the commercial break, you see Gunther is trying to shake off
his injury to his right arm
which has been attacked by Nakamura throughout this matchup,
and that is a key point for Nakamura.
Take the power away from the Intercontinental Champion
and right there you see, Gunther could not hoist Nakamura up.
-[crowd chanting] Nakamura! -Shinsuke came in with a game plan,
one to hoist gold once again here.
-[Cole] Oh! And Gunther now… -[McAfee] Ugh, that was--
…delivers a kick to Nakamura.
That was almost as big as Evan McPherson who just hit from 58 for the Bengals.
Big boot.
Preseason football does not matter.
-This is for the Intercontinental Title. -[Cole] Bang!
[McAfee] Big boot to the face.
And now the big Austrian…
[Cole] The 250-pounder with a splash.
-[McAfee] Uh-huh. -Nakamura caught him in a triangle,
trying to lock it in now.
Nakamura has got it locked in.
Is the champ gonna tap?
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Is the champion gonna tap?
And look at how he's got the-the bad arm wrapped.
-[McAfee] Incredible reversal. -Gunther, though, with the power.
The bad right arm not able to-to lift Nakamura up,
and Nakamura again attacking the bad arm of Gunther.
Tremendous strategy by the challenger here.
-With a shot to the kidneys! -Shinsuke got him in a kimura!
[Cole] Now Gunther using his good arm.
[grunts]
Great strategy by the champion. Great counter. Nakamura--
What a suplex by Gunther who's in serious pain, however.
But did you notice how the champion…
used his left arm,
the arm that's not injured, to deliver that move to Nakamura.
Here it is.
[McAfee] Yeah, you can tell that that was a full-body toss
from Gunther.
His right arm is very powerful.
Not only the chops and the lifts and the bombs and the plexes,
but just everything he has.
Shinsuke said, "I'm gonna take that out."
-[crowd] Nakamura! -Gunther back to his feet,
and now delivering a knee to Nakamura,
and Nakamura, trying to somehow rally in this matchup.
It's been a physical match for both of these individuals.
Gunther, the Intercontinental Champion, defending against Shinsuke Nakamura.
And Nakamura now goes to the knees.
-The hamstring of Gunther. -[groans]
-[Cole] Gunther who? -[McAfee] Right arm.
[Cole] Nakamura caught him with a knee right to the face.
Gunther may be out cold.
Cover now. Kick at two.
Nakamura caught the champion flush.
That was his opportunity.
[McAfee] Was a good check
of a leg chop here.
[Cole] Watch this.
-[McAfee] And then… boom! -Caught him, bang, right in the chin!
-[McAfee] Boom! -Pat, any normal man
would be knocked out cold.
[McAfee] And that's why this is the working man's title.
[Cole] Gunther, obviously, does not have a glass jaw,
after the knee delivered by Nakamura,
but Gunther could be suffering the effects of the knee to the face
as Nakamura has taken over.
Two!
[McAfee] You gotta be tough to be the Intercontinental Champion.
[Cole] Nakamura now driving Gunther. He's gotta be careful.
Remember, champion's advantage.
Nakamura has to pin or submit the champion.
[McAfee] That knee to that jaw, I don't know how Gunther isn't in…
[Cole] No idea. I don't know how he kicked out…
-[McAfee] …la-la land right now. -…before the three count, but Gunther…
You know, this is the-the first time here on SmackDown
that we've seen Gunther in this much trouble, Pat.
That is vintage Nakamura
right into the face of Ludwig Kaiser.
-Kaiser realizing his buddy is in trouble. -Nein!
-He said "Nein" to him there. "No." -[Jessika indistinct]
[Cole] Nakamura… Oh! And there's that dropkick by Gunther.
An explosive dropkick by the Intercontinental Champion.
[McAfee] Somehow, Gunther…
[Cole] And Gunther using his left arm.
Nakamura, however, lands on his feet
right back to the injured arm.
Kick right to the back of the neck.
[crowd cheering]
And Nakamura has got Gunther where he wants him.
Gunther vulnerable here.
Shinsuke Nakamura lining up in the corner.
The WWE fans, power for the Kinshasa!
-But Gunther with a wicked clothesline… -One, two…
-And Nakamura kicks at two! -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Cool.
The WWE Universe.
[Cole] What a sequence.
Nakamura was going for the Kinshasa
and Gunther turned him inside out.
One, two…
-[grunts] -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Sighs were heard…
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
…from the globe.
You're damn right.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Cole] Two of the very best in the world…
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
…battling it out for the Intercontinental Championship.
Gunther now, beginning to punish Shinsuke Nakamura.
Now locking Nakamura…
into a sleeper.
And Nakamura, perhaps, could be fading.
[McAfee] Rear Naked from Gunther.
Silencing the Universe.
Maybe putting Shinsuke to sleep.
-[yells] -[Cole] Nakamura is fading.
[yells]
[McAfee] Shinsuke's back.
[Cole] Nakamura, can he somehow break the grip of Gunther?
-[McAfee] The right arm. -[yells]
[McAfee] Shinsuke, well-versed in mixed martial arts.
-[grunts] -[groans]
[Cole] Uh-oh.
[McAfee] Good reversal of the Rear Naked here.
[Cole] And that's the injured right arm that Nakamura is working on of Gunther.
Gunther, though, with a dropkick to the back, flooring Nakamura again.
Both of these men have left everything on the line
in this match for the Intercontinental Championship.
And there's the powerbomb.
-Stacking up Nakamura for the champion. -One, two, three!
And that's it.
-Gunther wins a hell of a battle! -[bell rings]
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner
and still the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Cole] What an incredible match here in our main event
tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] That could've gone both ways four to five different times.
Somehow, Gunther survived an onslaught from Shinsuke.
[inaudible]
-[McAfee] Like… this. -Right here, the right to the jaw.
How the hell was Gunther not knocked out cold?
[McAfee] Flush.
[Cole] Nakamura looking for the Kinshasa,
and that clothesline turned this match around
for The Ring General.
-[grunts] -[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] And although his arm had been battered and bruised all match,
a double missile dropkick to the back of Shinsuke set him…
[Cole] …for the powerbomb.
-Gunther said, "I came here to WWE…" -One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -"…to be in the ring with the best."
He was indeed in the ring
with one of the best in the world tonight in Shinsuke Nakamura.
And at the end, Gunther is still your Intercontinental Champion.
[McAfee] You see Shinsuke's chest.
Gunther is a bad…
bad man.
Our Intercontinental Champ walked into this arena,
beat up Shinsuke's chest,
intimidated everybody,
and walks out as champ as well.
Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for joining us.
We'll see you next week in Montreal.
Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, live, face-to-face on SmackDown. n.