[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then.
[Flair] Woo!
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If you smell!
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
♪ Are you ready? ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Michael Cole] With Clash at the Castle looming in just over a week,
we welcome you live to the Little Caesars Arena
in Detroit, Michigan.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Pat McAfee] What a night.
["Are You Ready" by AC/DC playing]
["It's About to Go Down" playing]
♪ One and only ♪
[Cole] And we kick things off with the exhilarating, the breathtaking,
the inspiring Ricochet.
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing in at 207 pounds,
Ricochet.
[Cole] As Ricochet gets set for action here tonight,
it is gonna be quite the night on Friday Night SmackDown, Pat.
In our main event a bit later on, the Number One Contender
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre,
takes on the Honorary Uce of The Bloodline, Sami Zayn.
[McAfee] Sami Zayn had some words to say earlier on social media.
I can't wait to watch Drew McIntyre and Sami battle.
[Cole] And after watching that surreal, eerie Viking funeral last week,
you have to wonder what New Day will have to say.
The New Day do their best Lazarus impersonation.
They're here live tonight.
[McAfee] I'm so thankful they're back. I thought last week was the end of it all.
["The Good Life" plays]
[Cole] It was symbolic.
They weren't really involved in the funeral.
[McAfee] That's great news. I mean, that is great news, honestly.
The New Day's still alive. Okay.
[announcer] And his opponent, weighing in at 285 pounds,
Happy Corbin.
[Cole] Well, it has been a rough couple of months for Happy Corbin.
[McAfee] Oh jeez, he's still got pyro though.
[Cole] Obviously, back at SummerSlam, losing to my partner, Pat McAfee.
What is wrong with Happy Corbin?
Well, Corbin told us a bit earlier today
that he thinks he's got it all figured out.
Ricochet has all the tools in the world,
but he'll never be a Superstar like me
because he has no staying power.
For him it's always one step forward and two steps back.
There is no way that little punk beats me twice.
[Cole] Ricochet, as Corbin alluded to there,
already owns a victory over Mr. Corbin.
Corbin looking to right that wrong in his mind here tonight.
[bell rings]
And bell rings, underway, and Corbin went right after Ricochet,
and Ricochet comes flying out of the box here in this matchup
and sends Corbin flying outside the ring.
[McAfee] Ricochet looking incredible early here.
Some fresh 1s on his feet and an ass to beat,
the flawless Ricochet.
[Cole] And Ricochet…
showing off some of his tremendous skill
as Corbin looks to regroup early.
So, Pat, the question, what is wrong with Happy Corbin?
[McAfee] Well, there's literally not enough time in a day
to dive into that.
It all begins and ends, though, with his attitude,
which is piss-poor.
[Cole] Oh, and the dropkick driving Corbin into the second rope now,
takes out Corbin at the knees.
[McAfee] And that kind of just--
[Cole] Oh, cover off the standing shooting star.
-Hook of the leg and a kickout. -[McAfee] You ever hear of osmosis, Cole?
-[Cole] Yes. -Well, if you have a terrible attitude
about life, that'll ooze into everything else.
It's the universe telling you to stop sucking,
-and Corbin hasn't learned that yet. -[Cole] I don't understand.
As Corbin sends Ricochet out to the apron,
and Ricochet catches him with a shoulder to the midsection.
Oh, and a right hand!
[McAfee] Because he has the ability to do those types of things.
[Cole] Exactly. The man hit it rich in Vegas.
He's a multimillionaire.
Corbin has been a former United States Champion,
a King of the Ring, a Money in the Bank winner,
the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner,
so what does he have to be upset about?
-The guy is a grouch all the time. -[crowd chants] You suck!
[McAfee] Well…
He's slapping chests
while thousands and thousands of people tell him he sucks,
so he can be a little grouchy about that, but they're not lying.
He has sucked.
[Cole] Corbin trying to do anything he can as he delivers shots to the kidney
to get off this losing streak he's been on.
Corbin a talented Superstar, no doubt.
[crowd chanting]
[McAfee] They're saying that thing.
[Cole] You see the right elbow wrapped.
Corbin injured it in a live event last weekend…
Happy Corbin injured his funny bone.
Oh, and Ricochet with an elbow driving Corbin outside the ring.
[McAfee] That's not really humorous,
but I think everybody's gonna love watch--
[Cole] Baseball slide. Ricochet right into our table.
Sidestep by Corbin. Corbin now launching Ricochet,
and Ricochet landed on the second rope.
Are you kidding me? And a corkscrew off the second rope.
Ricochet is rolling.
[McAfee] Yes, we love it!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Ricochet still taking the fight to Happy Corbin
in this one-on-one matchup.
Ricochet looking to continue the momentum.
He's already beaten Corbin once in the past few weeks.
Corbin looking to get off his losing streak.
Oh, and Ricochet had Corbin scouted,
not allowing Corbin to slide back into the ring.
[McAfee] You think Corbin's getting predictable?
[Cole] Well, Ricochet knows him very well.
Uh-oh, went for the boot to the face.
Corbin able to turn things around.
And look at this, right here in front of us
-at our announce table, Corbin. -[McAfee] Oh, what the hell is this?
[Cole] A World's Strongest Slam to the announce table,
and Corbin has reset himself
and taken over this match.
[McAfee] Those are the types of things that this big, dumb animal can do.
Six foot eight, 285,
former Golden Gloves boxer, former champion.
[Cole] And Ricochet sent flying into the barricade.
Corbin as nasty as they come.
[McAfee] Has the killer mentality.
[Cole] Oh, and many people, Pat, think Corbin needs more of this.
[McAfee] Yeah, he can go on to do anything he wants in this business.
[Cole] Needs to get back to basics.
The former Golden Gloves boxing champion,
one of the most talented individuals,
one of the most physical individuals in WWE today.
[McAfee] See, even in my match, he had me in the first half,
and then he started worrying about what everybody else was thinking,
-because he's so… -[Cole] He loses focus.
[McAfee] Yeah, but I also think he doesn't have any confidence,
so he worries about what the crowd's saying
instead of handling his business.
[Cole] Corbin just trying to do whatever he can
to get back into the win column.
And Corbin now outpowering Ricochet.
Oh, face-first off the turnbuckle.
Cover now. Shoulders are down.
Ricochet able to kick at two.
[Corbin shouts, claps angrily]
Two down. Don't you worry about me. I got it.
[Cole] The official now warning Corbin, as we take another look.
Bang, face-first off the turnbuckle goes Ricochet,
and Corbin now has Ricochet where he wants him.
[McAfee] That's innovative offense from Corbin.
That's power from Corbin.
He's got everything.
[Cole] Well, the one thing we know about Ricochet, he's a high-flyer.
He likes to pick up the pace, fly around the ring--
-[McAfee] Like this! -[Cole] Corbin has just shut him down.
Blow right to the back of the neck turning Ricochet inside out.
[Corbin shouts]
Oh, and now right into the ring post,
and Ricochet collapsing in a heap outside the ring.
-[McAfee] See, here we go. -[Cole] Just look at this.
[McAfee] Boom! Big shot to the back.
[Cole] Clubbing forearm, and that's just a little example of the viciousness
that Corbin possesses.
[referee] Six.
[McAfee] He let everybody here in the Little Caesars Arena know that…
[Cole] Well, again, when he's focused, Pat,
and he's had those moments where he's been able to stay focused,
he's as dangerous as anybody.
I told you.
-[Cole] But again… -[McAfee] Here it is.
[Cole] He turns his focus to the fans, and…
[McAfee] He said, "I told you." It's like, nobody cares what you say.
They care about what you do, pal.
[Cole] Uh-oh, and now Ricochet turns it around
almost on cue, Pat, the DDT.
Ricochet's got an opportunity.
[McAfee] Ricochet got a chance to get a breath, get himself together,
and an electrifying…
[Cole] Corbin was going for End of Days,
and Ricochet able to counter.
Ricochet still been beaten up by Corbin,
trying to fight back into this and doing well now.
[McAfee] This is what Ricochet does the best.
He's able to take a beating.
[Cole] Also dish one out.
[McAfee] Come back even better. Backflip off the sternum.
[Cole] Lands on his feet. Kick now to the head. Corbin is stunned.
[crowd cheering]
And now Ricochet picking up the pace.
Shoulder to the midsection.
Ricochet gonna springboard off the top rope, leaps up over Corbin.
Corbin catches him, though. Mistake was made but turned around.
Oh, what a knee.
Corbin went for the boot, Ricochet sidestepped again.
Now Corbin went for Deep Six and connected.
[McAfee] That's a long ride down.
[Cole] Cover by Corbin, hook of the leg.
Oh, and Ricochet surviving again,
and Corbin frustrated, upset.
[McAfee] Ricochet was in full control.
And a Deep Six out of nowhere from Bum-Ass Corbin.
[Cole] Ricochet, a former Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion,
also an NXT North American Champion…
fighting back here against Happy Corbin.
-Oh, did you hear that? -[McAfee] Big boot.
[Cole] And that just dropped Corbin. Corbin may be out.
He's in the drop zone.
Does Ricochet have enough left to get up to the top rope?
Ricochet gonna climb high.
[McAfee] Ricochet looking for…
[Cole] Rolling out of the way is Corbin. Ricochet able to roll through.
Corbin with a boot.
And now it's Corbin's turn as he just slings Ricochet to the mat.
Cover now to win the matchup, and again, Ricochet survives.
[McAfee] We've seen some things tonight out of Corbin
-that we have not seen in a long time. -One, two, three!
[Cole] Trying to change up his game, to try to change his luck a bit.
[McAfee] Look at this, boot to the face, and then…
What's that, Cole? You've been around 25 years here.
What the hell was that move?
-[Cole] Throwing a body to the mat. -All day!
-[McAfee] And that's what he can do. -[Cole] Exactly.
[McAfee] He needs to remember that, though.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Again, Corbin still mouthing off to the WWE fans here in Detroit tonight.
Again, Ricochet looks to take advantage of that slight distraction,
went for Recoil, blocked by Corbin.
Oh, and a knee.
-[McAfee] Superkick. -[Cole] Corbin stunned again.
Ricochet with another kick right to the face,
Corbin down to one knee, and now down in the drop zone again.
Ricochet with another opportunity.
[McAfee] The pinpoint accuracy on those kicks should be noted.
[Cole] Ricochet heading up to the top rope.
Corbin's in trouble.
Ricochet…
Shooting Star connects.
Cover on Corbin, hook of the leg.
-It's over. Ricochet with the win. -[bell rings]
There is Ricochet, the Highlight of the Night.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Ricochet.
["It's About to Go Down" playing]
[McAfee] You know, Cole, getting to watch Ricochet
hit a flawless Shooting Star Press
week after week onto Corbin
have become a highlight of my life.
[Cole] Almost out of frame, "The Highlight of the Night" Ricochet
with a victory over Corbin
as the downward spiral continues for Mr. Corbin.
[McAfee] I seen a bum outside here in Detroit earlier today,
and I chitchatted with him.
He told me he pooped his pants twice.
I said, "Oh, that's a shame, but let me tell you something good."
"Tonight on SmackDown,
there's gonna be a man with this face
that you can look at and say, 'I was once a bum too.'"
"This man was living in the same clothes just a year ago."
"Now he's got faces like this every other week
with another disappointing situation."
This is a human that could be an American dream story,
but instead it's 18, 19, 20 days of misery
because he's a terrible human.
This brain inside of this head--
Oh shoot. Shoot! This…
-There it is, hit it, hit the circle. -[Cole laughing]
The brain inside of that head is a rude one, a terrible one.
And if it continues to be a negative part of society,
the universe is gonna keep dumping
all over this man right here.
-[crowd cheers] -[beat boxing]
-[McAfee] Oh. -Dawks, look who it is.
[vocalizing]
I heard y'all want the smoke.
-[both] Oh, we got that. -Say, what's this?
Man, what are we doin'?
Dawks, I just noticed something similar about all of us.
What's that?
We're all about that…
Money, money, money, money, money, money, money.
To the smoke we go.
[laughter]
[Cole] Sit down. You can't be running back there and joining them during the show.
[McAfee] I want the smoke as well, fellas.
[Cole] Nonetheless, the Number One Contender
for the Undisputed Championship.
Coming up next, "Drew McIntyre's Journey Home"
on SmackDown.
["Are You Ready" by AC/DC playing]
We are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
You know, Drew McIntyre takes on Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed Championship
a week from tomorrow at Clash at the Castle.
Let's show you the long and arduous journey for Drew McIntyre,
which started over 30 years ago.
[gentle music playing]
[McIntyre] It's really cool to be from the UK.
A long line of warriors, of scientists, of poets,
the people that think big, that dream big, do some incredible things.
As a kid, I did imagine I would be here.
I imagined it every single day since I was six years old.
It was almost, like, unattainable.
Nobody from Scotland had ever been signed to WWE.
I was the kid who said, "I'm gonna be the first Scottish guy ever
signed to the WWE," and I believed it that much.
When you're from this country and you've got such,
you know, brave, determined figures, the people who were told,
"How are you gonna pull off the impossible?"
If you've got a dream, you go for that dream,
you hold onto that dream, you make that dream happen.
I'm living proof of that.
[dramatic music playing]
[man] One of the top stars in Scotland at the moment.
I'd been on top in Scotland, on top in England, on top in Wales.
BCW Heavyweight Champion,
former Irish Whip Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
Came to America, I was the Heavyweight Champion in FCW.
[man] There's the picture and the future
of our entertainment business.
The fastest Superstar from developmental to television.
[Cole] The Chosen One.
[JBL] It's gonna be sink or swim if this kid doesn't make it.
I know the way I thought at the time. I didn't think the way I think now.
Well, I'd like to say I'm surprised, but I'm not.
I was a bit more cocky. And, yeah, I thought I deserved it,
and that this is gonna be it forever. I'm gonna win multiple titles,
I'm gonna have a Hall of Fame career. Boom, easy-peasy.
[chuckles] Didn't work out that way.
[somber music playing]
When things weren't going so well anymore,
instead of putting my head down, working harder,
instead of looking in that mirror, I was angry.
My dream and my professional life was falling apart,
and that was about the time my mom got sick.
I always saw her and still do see her as a superhero.
And eventually she passed, and that was me just off the deep end.
There was no saving me professionally, certainly not personally.
And eventually, you know, I got fired.
And it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I came straight to America clueless. I was so immature. I was such a boy.
I was gonna finally achieve my potential, and one day I would return to WWE a man.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] The prodigal son has returned.
[McIntyre] For the first time in my life,
I can step up and be this leader they believe I can be.
[dramatic music playing]
It has been quite the journey for Drew McIntyre
who had to hit rock bottom
before he could start his climb back into WWE.
The redemption part of this story
is still to come here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Yeah, you're damn right. One week from tomorrow,
he has an opportunity to make this dream a reality
bigger than he could have ever fathomed.
In the first stadium show on his land in 35 years,
he's taking on the GOAT
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
I don't know how you write fairy tales,
but if you're Drew McIntyre, that's the happy ending.
["Dead Silent" playing]
Wow, what a beautiful story about redemption.
Congratulations, Mr. McIntyre.
I mean, who knows?
Maybe right now really is your time,
or maybe not.
However, take this moment and think about it,
feel it, savor it, because, in reality,
at any given moment,
I can put my arm through the back of your head,
and all of your achievements will mean absolutely nothing.
Tick-tock.
[Cole] Karrion Kross accompanied by Scarlett.
Ladies and gentlemen, there are the vacant WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
There is a tournament underway to crown the next champion.
["I Am a Psycho" playing]
Who will advance to the semifinals?
Later on tonight, we find out,
-right now. -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Last Chance
Fatal 4-Way tag team match.
Introducing first, Shotzi.
[Cole] Toxic Attraction, which won last week to get to the semifinals,
well, member Gigi Dolin was injured.
So we have a Last Chance Fatal 4-Way tag team match tonight
to determine who goes to the semifinals later on tonight
against Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah.
["Fighting Spirit" playing]
[McAfee] An opportunity to become a champion.
[announcer] And her tag team partner, Xia Li.
[Cole] So tag teams who failed to advance in the tournament
will get another chance here tonight.
The Last Chance Fatal 4-Way tag team match.
One of these four teams will make it to the semifinals
of the Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Who will capitalize on their last chance?
We find out live next on SmackDown.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And here comes Natalya and Sonya Deville.
["New Foundation" playing]
These are the brackets.
The winner of this Last Chance Fatal 4-Way match
will go on to take on Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah
in our semifinals match later on tonight.
The winner of that goes to Raw Monday to take on Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai
in the finals of the Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament.
[McAfee] These teams thought their dreams of being champions
either again or for the first time were gone.
And here we have, Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars Arena, opportunity.
This is amazing.
[music fades]
-Let's go, Cole. -[bell rings]
[Cole] The rules of the Fatal 4-Way match,
first team to gain pinfall or submission will advance to the semifinals.
No disqualifications or count-outs.
Two women in the ring at one time, you can tag anybody in,
doesn't have to be your partner.
Not quite sure why you would want to do that, but nonetheless.
Oh, and Tamina with a superkick to Natalya.
Remember, they used to be Tag Team Champions together,
Tamina and Natalya.
[McAfee] Doudrop!
[Cole] Doudrop with a senton breaking things up.
[McAfee] So you just… How does it work?
[Cole] You can tag anybody you want. Two women in the ring at the same time.
First team to gain pinfall or submission wins.
There's Nikki A.S.H., crossbody, going right after Xia Li.
[McAfee] This is gonna be chaos, Cole.
[Cole] A golden opportunity, the winners have a semifinal match later on tonight.
[McAfee] It's great to see some Raw teams over here on SmackDown, the A show.
[Cole] A little taste of being in the spotlight.
Oh, and Nikki whipped into the ropes.
Tripped on Xia Li as Xia sent her across the ring.
[McAfee] It's an honor to be in their presence.
[Cole] Nikki banged off the top rope.
-[McAfee] Nikki, "Almost a--" -Superhero!
Oh, Xia Li said, "I'm almost a superhero too."
Tag.
[McAfee] Smart to get your teammate in.
[Cole] Oh.
Now, oh, Shotzi using her partner.
Cover now on Nikki A.S.H.
Hook of the leg, is it enough?
Oh, and breaking things up there…
-[McAfee] Tamina. -[Cole] …is Tamina.
[McAfee] Been dominant here early.
[Cole] Probably the most powerful woman in WWE today,
tag to her partner, the 24/7 Champion, Dana Brooke.
Well, of course, you can't try to win the 24/7 Title in this match tonight.
Those rules suspended for the duration of this matchup.
[McAfee] Has it always been a clause?
[Cole] Oh, look at that. Neckbreaker by Nikki A.S.H.
Hook of the leg on Brooke,
who gets her shoulder up before a running knee by Sonya Deville.
And a superkick by Tamina.
[McAfee] All hell's breaking loose, and Doudrop's on top.
[Cole] Crossbody by Doudrop.
[McAfee] I've never gotten to see some of these ladies live.
[Cole] Well, your opportunity tonight. Xia Li, "The Protector."
[McAfee] It's amazing with championship gold on the line.
[Cole] Look at the double-team.
It could be Shotzi and Xia's night now.
Natalya back into the fray.
Oh, and there's the big discus clothesline.
Almost took Xia's head off.
[McAfee] I don't know if she caught it clean.
[Cole] Xia sent out of the ring as well.
[McAfee] Natalya's powerful enough.
[Cole] Dana Brooke with a clothesline of her own.
All fired up here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd clapping]
[McAfee] Seems like Detroit's with Dana.
What's she thinking here, Cole?
Have to live a little dangerously.
[Cole] Big right hand by Nikki.
[McAfee] Nikki A.S.H. taking a peek-see at the title.
[Cole] Tag. Sonya makes the tag. She's now legal.
[McAfee] Sonya, former official.
[Cole] Not sure that anyone understands that Sonya is legal now,
but nonetheless, Nikki A.S.H.…
[McAfee] This is the big brain of Sonya right now. Oh!
[Cole] Oh my goodness. A superplex off the top rope
out into a pile of Superstars.
Now Sonya Deville looks to capitalize.
Nikki A.S.H. is legal as well.
Sonya gets her back in the ring. Here's the cover, hook of the leg.
-And Sonya and Natalya advance. -[bell rings]
♪ I am a beast, I am a menace ♪
[announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Natalya and Sonya Deville.
[Cole] So, Sonya Deville and Natalya win the Last Chance Fatal 4-Way.
So, later on tonight, they'll get Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.
[McAfee] Look at Dana Brooke
with the superplex on Nikki A.S.H. to the side.
[Cole] But before that happened, Pat, Sonya made the tag.
So, Sonya was legal, took advantage,
and now an opportunity later on tonight in our semifinals
to take on Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah.
[McAfee] We all kinda know that Natalya and Sonya,
rarely on the same page with anybody in this business,
but will they be able to climb to the top of the mountain in the tag team division?
[Cole] Talking of contenders,
we have a new Number One Contender for the Intercontinental Championship.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
-[upbeat music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] The following is a Fatal 5-Way match
scheduled for one fall
where the winner earns an Intercontinental Championship match
at Clash at the Castle.
♪ Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé ♪
♪ Olé, Olé ♪
[Cole] Sami a clear favorite in his hometown.
[McAfee] Absolutely beloved.
[Cole] Again, this is a Fatal 5-Way match.
The winner is the first man to gain pinfall or submission.
No count-outs, no disqualifications.
[McAfee] These men willing to go through anything to get a shot, Cardiff, Wales.
This is a demolition derby right now.
Sami seizing the opportunity.
-Oh. -[Cole] Down goes Corbin and Sheamus.
[McAfee] Picture perfect.
[Cole] Sami Zayn for an unreal victory in his home city…
And Corbin…
[crowd booing]
And Corbin looks to pick the pieces of the bone.
Brogue by Sheamus from out of nowhere!
Cover. Sheamus
is going to Cardiff, Wales.
This is gonna be a war.
Sheamus and Gunther.
-[crowd cheering] -[music fades]
["Hellfire" playing]
[McAfee] Okay.
It's…
Fight Night…
[voice cracking from sustaining word]
…baby.
-Little longer than I thought. -[Cole laughs]
[announcer] Please welcome Butch, Ridge Holland, and Sheamus,
The Brawling Brutes.
[Cole] I cannot wait for Clash at the Castle a week from tomorrow.
Special start time in the States of 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 Pacific.
Because Sheamus and Gunther, it's gonna be a barn burner.
One of the most physical matchups in WWE history.
The Celtic Warrior is here, he's live, and he's next.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown is live in Detroit.
[McAfee] That's right. The home of the Red Wings
who haven't been good in a little bit.
The Detroit Lions, who are the stars of Hard Knocks this year.
The Pistons and Tigers all trying to rebound.
This is Foxy's favorite town, and I'll tell you what,
it is electric.
[Cole] Well, a week from tomorrow, a vulnerable
SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan,
puts her title on the line against this dangerous woman,
"Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
One of the most brutal competitors in WWE today.
"The Submission Magician," the dangerous Shayna Baszler.
[Shayna] I'm here to show everyone what a real fight is.
[dramatic music playing]
[screaming]
[man] Sadistic, brutality, and aggression.
[screaming]
[Cole] Held the NXT Women's Championship for over a year.
[McAfee] Shayna Baszler continues to strike fear
into the hearts of every woman.
[Cole] Baszler, oh my goodness.
Now going after the injured arm of Liv Morgan.
I want to break your arm so bad right now,
but then you wouldn't make it to Cardiff.
[Cole] Baszler with a warning saying,
"I can break your arm and take your championship
at Clash at the Castle."
[music fades]
Shayna Baszler says, "I love tearing people's limbs off their body
like a turkey leg at Thanksgiving."
That is what Shayna Baszler wants to do
to the SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan.
The championship on the line a week from tomorrow.
Clash at the Castle, exclusively on Peacock.
[McAfee] That kick to the face was downright disrespectful.
[Cole] And also, at Clash at the Castle,
special start time, 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 Pacific,
a week from tomorrow.
Sheamus, the Celtic Warrior, looks to go for the Ultimate Grand Slam,
the one championship that's eluded him in his entire career,
the Intercontinental Title, against the Ring General, Gunther.
["Hellfire" playing]
[music fades]
Cardiff, Wales, next weekend,
The Brawling Brutes are gonna be startin' fights
and drinkin' pints
when old Sheamie here celebrates becoming
your new Intercontinental Champion…
[crowd cheers]
And WWE's first-ever
Ultimate Grand Slam Champion
when I beat the bleedin' sauerkraut
out of that so-called "Ring General," Gunther.
He's not gonna know what's gonna bleedin' hit him.
♪ Gunther ♪
♪ Der Ringgeneral, Gunther ♪
["Prepare to Fight" playing]
[McAfee] I'm not sure how Europeans are allowed to talk to each other, but…
Sheamus was disrespectful there to Gunther.
[Cole] Well, Gunther, surrounded by his compatriot, Ludwig Kaiser,
marching to the ring.
♪ Gunther ♪
-[McAfee] Is Ireland a part of Europe? -[Cole laughing] Yes.
[McAfee] Okay, good. UK, I don't want to--
Mad respect to everybody, but Sheamus took a shot directly at Gunther there.
♪ Mach dich bereit… ♪
This Intercontinental Champion
has struck fear in damn near everybody.
I'm not sure The Brawling Brutes know what that feels like.
[Cole] The Ring General, the longest reigning NXT UK Champion ever.
[McAfee] Sheamus and them ain't scared of nothing.
Look at Butch.
[Cole] I don't think Gunther and Ludwig are backing down either, Pat.
[McAfee] Damn right.
[music fades]
Ladies and gentlemen.
Die Matte ist heilig!
Let me hold you right there, mate. I don't have a bleedin' clue
nor does anyone here have a clue what you're sayin'.
-[McAfee laughs] -[crowd cheers]
So why don't you just, you know, zip the old--
You know, shut up just for a second, yeah?
Good man.
See, the truth of it is, my beef is with you, lad.
You know, you call yourself "The Ring General,"
but the truth of the matter is,
you're looking at a real ring general right here.
[crowd cheers]
I have faced the best of the best in this ring,
and I have beat every single one of them.
Drew McIntyre,
Randy Orton,
John Cena…
-Roman Reigns… -[crowd boos]
And even the King of Kings himself,
Triple H, "The Game."
That's right, and nobody in this ring,
nobody in this business
has had banger after banger after banger after banger
after banger after…
-[McAfee] They said it. -Banger.
See, the truth of the matter is, Gunther,
I see a lot of myself in you,
and it's been years since I've seen anybody
possess the same physical, brutal qualities that you do.
I see it in you, fella, and it reminds me of myself.
You see, just like me,
you love to go to war in this ring.
So there's a lot of similarities there, mate,
but you have something that I want…
and that's the Intercontinental Championship.
And I'll make you a promise.
At Clash at the Castle,
I will drag that title off your lifeless body
and into the belly of the red dragon.
Sheamus, you're a man to be respected.
I give you that…
but you're nothing like me.
I am the Intercontinental Champion.
[crowd yells] What?
And to protect this title,
I'm gonna teach you what violence really means.
[crowd] What?
In Cardiff, not only am I gonna retain this title,
but I'm gonna chop your chest into bloody bits.
I'm gonna break your body. I'm gonna break your spirit.
I'm gonna break the man that everybody thinks cannot be broken.
Sheamus, Der Ringgeneral will break you.
[crowd] What?
[Cole] Oh, look at this.
Butch went after Ludwig,
and Ludwig fighting back,
and Gunther and Sheamus have not taken their eyes off one another.
[McAfee] Not to be bothered.
[Cole] Ridge trying to separate things,
and he gets sent over the top rope by Ludwig.
And as this brawling melee is breaking out around them,
the Intercontinental Champion and the Number One Contender
have not taken their eyes off one another.
This is gonna be one of the most intense,
one of the most physical matchups that you'll ever witness
between Sheamus and Gunther, and look at Butch go.
[McAfee] "Let the boys fight," says Sheamus and Gunther.
Ludwig and Butch throwing haymakers.
Sheamus and Gunther staring holes in each other.
[Cole] This is the damnedest thing I've ever seen.
[McAfee] It's almost uncomf-- Like, I've never seen…
Oh, here we go. The boys are back. The lads, sorry.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Let them fight!
[McAfee] And Ridge comes back as well.
[Cole] I for one cannot wait for Clash at the Castle.
-[crowd boos] -["Hellfire" playing]
[Cole] A week from tomorrow in Cardiff for the Intercontinental Championship.
Gunther and Sheamus.
I'm-I'm so excited for us.
Sonya, Natalya, ladies, congratulations.
You shocked everyone with your opportunistic victory and--
Opportunistic? What the hell does that even mean?
"We had an opportunity and we won"? Yes. You could just say that.
Do you know who you're talking to?
-This is Natalya, the BOAT of WWE. -The Best of All Time.
Former SmackDown Women's Champion, former Women's Tag Team Champion.
Come correct when you talk to us. Got it?
And Sonya is one of the hardest-hitting women in this division.
-Facts. -She really is. I mean…
We are really starting to find our groove, Megan,
which is why Aliyah and Raquel should be very concerned tonight.
Understand something, one small rookie mistake
and we're going to the finals of the Women's Tag Team Tournament.
And, Morgan, Megan, whatever the hell your name is.
No one likes a killjoy, so take a hike.
-[McAfee] Jeez. -Thanks.
-Run along. -Bye.
I'm so excited.
We got this.
To the top.
["Deliverance" playing]
[McAfee] Natalya and Sonya on the same page.
The ashkickers in the back obviously arguing,
and Bayley's on her way out.
A lot going on.
[announcer] Please welcome Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, and Bayley.
[Cole] I can't say I'm shocked that Bayley is here tonight
because Dakota and Iyo,
this coming Monday night on Raw in Pittsburgh…
-[McAfee] What? -[Cole] …will be in the finals
against one of these two teams.
Will it be Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah? Or will it be Natalya and Sonya Deville?
The semifinals in the Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament
next, live on Friday Night SmackDown.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored tonight by Progressive.
Later tonight, Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn in a big main event matchup.
Will Drew be looking past the Honorary Uce, Sami,
and toward the Big Uce, Roman Reigns, in the title match next week?
Let's show you what went down last week on Friday Night SmackDown.
[dramatic music playing]
[Reigns] If anyone ever comes out here
and says they're the face of this company and it's not me,
Drew McIntyre,
you're lying.
-[swords clanging] -[crowd cheers]
[McIntyre] I don't think you're representing those titles
the way they deserve to be represented,
and you do not deserve to be champion.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns goes right after McIntyre.
Reigns could be headed to Claymore country.
Zayn sacrificed himself for Roman.
Superman Punch…
And now Roman looking to lay waste to McIntyre.
[crowd] Ooh-ahh!
[Cole] Oh, a Claymore!
McIntyre downs the champ with a Claymore.
Will McIntyre end the record-setting reign of Roman at Clash at the Castle?
[music fades]
[crowd boos]
-Oh, Sami. -My man.
-What's up, man? -How's it going?
-How you doing? -All right.
Montreal was on fire for you, bro.
-You saw it? -I seen that fire… Yeah. I saw it.
If I didn't get hurt, I would've won. I was so close.
-Close? -Yeah. Well, I mean--
You still lost, though.
Anyways, what you doing knocking on this door, man?
Well, I thought, uh,
I thought Roman would probably want to see me after last week, you know.
Had a little bit of a bonding thing going on.
I actually saved him from the Claymore Kick when Drew--
You saw all that, didn't you?
Yeah, I saw it, but, uh, Drew's still walking around here, Uce,
-so I'm gonna need you to turn that way-- -[Reigns] Hey, Jey.
What's up, Uce?
-Is he in there? -[Reigns] Who is that?
Tribal Chief, hey. Sami.
[Reigns] What's up, Sami? What are you doing out there?
-Come in? -[Reigns] Yeah, come on.
I'm just gonna-- I'm just gonna walk in there.
Hey, uh, how you doin'?
Wow, this is a nice room.
-It's all right. Yeah. -Yeah?
-What's up? -Should I?
-Yeah, you know what to do. -Yeah?
Grab a seat, why not? Oh man.
So, uh… How's everything going?
-I'm great. How about you? -Um, yeah, I'm-I'm okay.
I got to be honest, my jaw's still a little bit sore from last week,
-if you remember when I… Right. -Last week, yeah.
Yeah, you lost.
I…
I did technically lose. That's true.
I-- Yeah.
But sometimes bad things happen, right?
-So we can redeem ourselves. -That's right.
That's how I-- That's how I see it too.
You thought I forgot?
Well, I--
I was alone last week.
I needed somebody to help me out, and…
I appreciate what you did for me last week.
That's something that, uh…
That's something that family would do, you know.
-Appreciate it. -Something family should do.
You know, for sure, um, and I'm-I'm happy to do it.
I-I really am. I…
I want you to know you can count on me for anything. Really.
-Can I? -Yeah.
Well, that's good because I need another favor.
Name it.
I need Drew occupied. I need him distracted.
-I need him to take his eye off the ball. -Yeah.
Well, look, I got my match with him tonight,
and you could not have asked a better person.
"The Master Strategist" Sami Zayn. That's what I do.
-That's what you do? -Yes, I get in people's head.
I make myself comfortable in there. I'm throwing down a blanket.
I'm having a picnic. I'm doing a little dance.
-That's the dance you do? -I'm in his head doing the dance.
Yeah, right? He's gonna be… He won't know what's what.
By the time he gets to Cardiff, you are gonna break him in half.
-I got this. -That's perfect.
This is gonna be a piece of cake. In fact, I was thinking, uh,
you know, maybe this is something we can all do together.
Right, like as a unit, Bloodline.
Could be a bonding kind of a thing for all of us.
That sounds good, but the thing is,
you put The Bloodline out there, you put the Tribal Chief out there,
I'm extremely distracted, and tonight's about you.
-That is true. -You know what I'm saying?
You do command respect. That's fine. That's fine. I can…
-You good? -You know what,
I appreciate the opportunity.
Letting me go out there, do this on my own, yes.
-That's right. An opportunity. -Thank you. Thank you, Uce.
You have the opportunity to be the main event tonight.
-I don't take that lightly. -You got this.
I got this. Thank you very much. Thank you.
-Uce. -Good luck.
Oh, not gonna need it. You know what I mean?
I do.
-All right. -[Reigns] That's just the way he is, man.
Okay. All right.
[sighs softly]
♪ Are you ready for a good time? ♪
[McAfee] Sami Zayn gets another opportunity
to prove his worth to The Bloodline
when he takes on Drew McIntyre.
Just eight days away from Drew and Roman going at it at Clash at the Castle.
Now, let's change gears a little bit. A hero has arrived.
-Bayley's joined us on commentary. Cole! -Oh, thank you.
Some respect. Some ding-dong respect around here.
-Ding-dong! -Don't forget to mention.
-Ding-dong! -The two future Women's Tag Team Champions
on the side of me right here, Iyo and Dakota.
[Cole] Can we make a truce and just be professional for this match?
[Bayley] You want a truce? You would want a truce.
-You're scared. -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semifinals match
in the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Introducing first, the team of Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.
[Bayley] This is gonna be fun.
[Cole] The reason Bayley's out here along with Dakota and Iyo
is because Monday night on Raw,
Dakota and Iyo will take on the winner of this semifinals matchup
to crown the brand-new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[McAfee] You know, I like the fact we never really hear from Dakota and Iyo
because they're so focused on winning that.
Let Bayley, the best mouth with a mic
right now on SmackDown, do all the talking.
[Cole] You know what? Corey Graves--
[Bayley] He just said let me do all the talking. [laughs]
I'm just kidding. Do your job. Do your job. Go ahead.
-[Cole] Corey Graves-- -[McAfee] Ding-dong!
[Bayley laughs] I missed you, Pat.
["Made Me Stronger" playing]
[announcer] And their opponents, the team of Natalya and Sonya Deville.
[Cole] Bayley, on Corey Graves' After the Bell podcast,
you said that your team has reinvigorated the women's division.
Why do you say that when you've got
women like Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez
-and Sonya and Natalya here? -You have tons of women here.
You have tons of talented women in this division,
but they're not Iyo and Dakota. They're damaged goods.
I had to bring them from all around the world,
from Japan, from New Zealand, from NXT,
and I brought them to the big show
so that the whole world could see what they're capable of,
and you're gonna see it at the end of this tournament.
Doesn't matter who wins tonight
because they are the future Women's Tag Team Champions.
And I know a thing or two about that, don't I, Michael?
[Cole] So, which-- Yeah, two-time.
Um, which of these teams would you rather have your team face on Monday?
[Bayley] I don't care. I don't care who it is and neither do they.
They called me up and said, "Let's go to SmackDown,"
and I said, "Let's go, chicas."
[McAfee] You said it right. That was amazing.
Bayley, everything you're saying is making a lot of sense.
[Bayley] Thank you. I don't know why Cole's giving me a bunch of crap
because this is genius.
[McAfee] The internet said this should've been happening for months.
[Cole] Natalya starting things off with Aliyah.
Pat McAfee acting like he does on his show every day,
and just kissing the rear end of the guest.
Nonetheless, Aliyah in control of Natalya.
Natalya and Sonya, of course,
won the Last Chance Fatal 4-Way earlier tonight
to advance to the semifinal matchup.
You had some strong things to say about Sonya
when we talked last week, Bayley,
back before the show began about her reign as an official here in WWE.
[Bayley] I did. I mean, she had an opportunity to make the show better,
and I think she kinda just abused her powers a little bit,
-and missed a lot. -[Cole] Cover again!
[Bayley] I mean, I would've done a much better job,
but not in that position.
[Cole] Well, if you're gonna be an announcer,
you should probably lay out when they're going into a possible finish like that.
-[McAfee] She's not an announcer. -[Bayley] I'm not an announcer.
I'm not an an-an-an-announcer. Okay?
[Cole] Oh! And the powerhouse Raquel Rodriguez
off the shoulder tackle, and Deville breaking things up.
-Raquel Rodriguez… -[Bayley] Watch out, watch out, Michael!
[McAfee] Aliyah tossing Sonya out of the ring.
[Cole] Thank you. I knew you cared about me.
[Bayley] I don't. I just wanted to see you scared.
[Cole] And now, Aliyah off the apron. Oh!
Meteora taking down Deville.
And Natalya now.
[McAfee] Natalya and Sonya said one rookie mistake--
[Cole] Bang! Michinoku driver.
[Bayley] All right, you ladies. Don't you worry about that.
[Cole] Who's going to the finals?
Back on Friday Night SmackDown.
This is a semifinal match to determine who faces Dakota and Iyo
Monday night on Raw for the vacant tag team titles.
-Bayley here with us at ringside. -[Bayley] And?
-[Cole] And Dakota and Iyo. -[Bayley] Thank you.
That's why we're here, Michael. That's what it's all about.
-[Cole] Trying not to be redundant. -[Bayley] Yeah, okay.
You know why we're here. We're watching this tag match right now.
We're looking at the Tag Team Titles.
[Cole] You're looking at the most powerful woman, perhaps, in WWE today,
Raquel Rodriguez, and look at the power of Raquel.
And Dakota and Iyo may have to face that on Monday.
Cover now to advance…
And a kickout.
Bayley, you had your first televised match back in a long time since your injury.
-Yeah, I did. -You actually defeated Aliyah
this past Monday on Raw.
-Fallaway slam. -[Bayley] Yes, I did.
Once again, it's not about me right now, Michael Cole.
-[Cole] Since when? -[Bayley] It's about Dakota and Iyo,
and these Women's Tag Team Championships.
[Cole] Natalya bounced off the ring post,
and Sonya Deville looking to take advantage and does.
Raquel face-first.
[Bayley] But I mean, If Aliyah's anything like Raquel
or Raquel's anything like Aliyah, they might lose too.
[Cole] Speaking of Aliyah, she has not made her way
back into this matchup after the Michinoku driver
by Natalya before the commercial break.
Not up on the apron, so Raquel
really finds herself in a two-on-one situation here.
[Bayley] She's in a bit of a pickle now, isn't she?
[Cole] Now Rodriguez dropped by Natalya.
And Sonya bounced off the turnbuckle again.
There is Aliyah trying to crawl back to her corner
and try to fight back into this matchup.
[McAfee] Sonya and Natalya loving it.
This is what they do, take advantage of the opportunity.
They said they needed one rookie mistake and it'll be over.
[Cole] Bayley, meanwhile, you seem just disgusted
at the state of the women's division here in WWE.
Cover now by Sonya to advance,
and a kickout.
-[McAfee] Big kick. -[Bayley] I have been disgusted.
Have you been watching it?
-Have you been watching it? -I call action every week.
I think we got some of the best women Superstars on the planet.
[Bayley] How bored have you been, seriously?
Has there been anything that stuck out to you? Anybody--
-[Cole] This is boring me now. -[Bayley] This is boring you now?
I'm pretty sure you text me like once a month
-wondering when I'm coming back. -What? What?
[Bayley] Ding-dong, you're welcome.
-[McAfee] Ding-dong! -[Cole] That's not true.
[Bayley] And I brought friends. You're lucky we're even on SmackDown.
[McAfee] Whoa, whoa. We are lucky you're on SmackDown.
[Cole] You can go and stay on Raw as long as you want.
[McAfee] You'll be on Raw in Pittsburgh, actually.
-[Bayley] Yeah, for the finals. -[McAfee] It's going down.
[Cole] Oh, look at the power now of Rodriguez dropping Natalya,
now slinging Sonya onto Natalya.
Raquel Rodriguez, a one-woman wrecking crew here.
But again, her partner, Aliyah, taken out before the break.
No one to tag and Raquel understands she's gonna have to do this alone.
[Bayley] Aliyah must still be hurting from Monday. [laughs]
[Cole] It's what happened earlier tonight. She actually…
[Bayley] She was a little sore from Monday.
[McAfee] Oh, big pop from Bayley, for Bayley.
[Cole] Big right hand. Raquel fighting back.
Again, you may have to face this Monday.
[Bayley] Well, I mean, Natalya and Sonya did wrestle earlier tonight,
so I can understand why this is happening, but, uh, I am impressed.
-[Cole] Oh. Look at that. -[McAfee] How could you not be, Bayley?
[Cole] A corkscrew drop elbow from the second rope,
and a kickout by Deville at two.
Did we just make the same sound? I think we made the same sound.
-God, we're a good team. -Yeah. Hell yeah.
[Pat and Bayley] Hell yeah.
[Cole] That's pretty impressive, and that's impressive as well.
-[Bayley] Oh, wow. Wow. -[Cole] And Natalya taken out.
-Raquel… -[Bayley] Here we go, the veteran.
[Cole] Stepping through, looking for the sharpshooter perhaps.
-[Bayley] Watch out, Michael! -[Cole] Oh my goodness, Natalya.
Thank you, you saved me again. Oh, a running knee by Deville.
Sonya now for the cover to advance to Raw and the finals,
-and a kickout at two. -What?
[McAfee] Sonya and Natalya on the same page.
Great tag team wrestling.
[Cole] Again, watch the running knee by Deville.
Cover. And a near fall for Sonya Deville.
Raquel back to her feet, though, trying to fire back up.
Deville. Standing switch by Rodriguez.
-[Bayley] Oh, whoa, whoa. -[McAfee] Oh, whoa, whoa.
[Cole] Look at…
Oh! The Tejana Bomb.
Ding-dong. Raquel and Aliyah are heading to Raw in the finals.
[announcer] Here are your winners,
-the team of Aliyah… -[Bayley] Oh, there's Aliyah.
-Very convenient. -[announcer] …and Raquel Rodriguez.
[Cole] So Dakota and Iyo have to face the upstart team
of Raquel and Aliyah Monday night on Raw.
Thanks for joining us. See you later, Bayley.
Good luck. Get ready for Monday night.
[McAfee] Good luck, Bayley. Good luck, Iyo. Good luck, Dakota.
[Cole] SmackDown may be bringing the gold home Monday night in Pittsburgh.
["Trap Queen" playing]
A lot of pressure on Dakota and Iyo come Monday night.
[McAfee] All eyes on the title.
[Cole] Bayley said she's gonna change the division,
but Dakota and Iyo need to win for that to happen.
The finals, Monday night, live on Raw.
[McAfee] Who's walking out of Pittsburgh with the titles?
I've been working for this. This is good.
Cameraman, will you pipe down so I can run this?
Thank you. Gentlemen, you are looking great right now.
I can see the muscles. Actually, can you go ahead and fix that button right there?
That's what I'm talking about.
What am I paying you for, man? You're missing all the good stuff.
Get in there. Gentlemen, you are killing it right now.
♪ Hit Row ♪
What the hell is that?
♪ Hit Row, Hit Row ♪
This is killing my photo shoot right now.
Somebody's got to fix this.
["Best of the Best" playing]
Wait… I have an idea.
[Cole] And what could that idea be?
Nonetheless, coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
after being plundered at the hands of the Viking Raiders,
Kofi and Xavier Woods, The New Day return live, next.
[McAfee] I like the altitude of that plus.
-[basketball bouncing] -[kids chattering]
[dramatic music playing]
Looks like you've chosen yourself a lifelong tag team partner.
Really? Is it you? 'Cause that'd be awesome.
I'm talking about these.
Oh, no way.
I only smoke every now and then.
And yet three out of four teenage smokers stay smokers.
Do you really want to take your chances on a partner like this?
[LA Knight] Guys, don't let this awful music ruin the shoot.
It's fine. You look amazing. Block this noise out.
It is awful. I get it. Just keep going.
Hold on. Whoa. Stop, stop, stop. What is this?
We heard you guys have a problem.
We have a solution.
-[Cole] Oh no. -What do you think?
["Best of the Best" continues]
[Cole] Hey, partner, you need a bus.
Nonetheless, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[announcer] Please welcome Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,
The New Day.
[Cole] They look a bit worse for wear, Pat.
[McAfee] If it's like Hit Row's bus, I'm in.
But I'm so pumped The New Day is still here after a funeral last week.
[Cole] They weren't really in the funeral.
-[McAfee] I'm learning. I'm learning that. -[Cole] It was symbolic.
[crowd chants] New Day Rocks!
[chanting fades]
Thank you.
[McAfee] You're welcome.
Now, I know normally we're out here, clapping, dancing, we're happy.
Uh, so this is kind of… kind of difficult for us.
Um…
As you guys know, we've been making fun of the Viking Raiders.
We, uh, made fun of how new and vicious they are.
We made fun of their intelligence, but in reality,
we really underestimated them.
Yeah, hey, uh… There's no way to really sugarcoat it.
Over the past few weeks,
we've been getting our asses kicked by these Viking Raiders.
And, uh, I mean, I had a 300-pound man
go Air Viking and crack my ribs a couple weeks ago.
So we have to face a harsh reality.
Last week we saw the Viking funeral.
We saw them burning boxes of Booty O's.
-[crowd boos] -[McAfee] Sons of…
bitches.
We saw them burning New Day shirts.
[crowd boos]
We saw them burning unicorn horns.
[crowd boos]
We saw them burning our legacy.
[crowd boos]
And you could see it. It was done. But… but maybe New Day is just that.
[crowd cheering]
Hey, we appreciate that.
Uh, we've gotten a chance to do a lot of great things as, uh, the--
["Vicious" playing]
[McAfee] Actually, I didn't know what they were about to say there, Cole.
[Cole] Well, I would say run, but Xavier currently can't…
because here come the vicious Viking Raiders.
This is pathetic.
[music fades]
We gave you a proper send-off,
a warrior's rite.
And instead of leaving with honor, you're out here, sniveling.
You guys, you can't give us just a few minutes
to talk to everybody to say what we need to say?
-[McAfee] Just a few seconds. Come on. -Just a few minutes.
Stop.
One thing a Viking despises
more than anything in the world
is weakness,
and it makes us sick to see you in our ring
groveling like a wounded animal.
And sometimes, the best thing to do for a wounded animal
is to put them down.
[McAfee] Well, I think that's…
[Cole] And the Viking Raiders now marching to the ring.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are vulnerable here.
[McAfee] He's actually in a wheelchair. Put him down? He's already down.
[Kofi] Come on, man. Hey, you've won.
You're still standing. You're still standing.
-[crowd cheers] -[Cole] Oh, wait a minute.
You're still standing.
[McAfee] This is so Big Daddy Cool.
[exclaiming]
Kendo Kingston's back.
[Cole] Xavier Woods is healed,
and The New Day unloading on the Viking Raiders with Kendo sticks.
The New Day set the trap,
and the Viking Raiders stepped right into it.
[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] You say weak and wounded animals.
Looks like The New Day's better than ever.
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[Cole] The New Day telling the Viking Raiders,
"We are far, far from done. This fight is far, far from over."
[McAfee] They set the trap. The Viking Raiders fell for it.
[Cole] And still to come tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
our main event.
Sami Zayn says, "I got this. It's a piece of cake."
Well, we'll see. He takes on McIntyre tonight.
-Maxxine. -[Cole] Oh no.
-[McAfee] What is… -[indistinct chatter]
This is a masterpiece.
["Best of the Best" continues]
-What's up, dawg? -What are you fools doing?
Hey, is this beef?
We can handle this in the ring next week.
Oh, and by the way, this ain't even our bus.
-[laughter] -[Cole] Oh no.
Stupid. Stupid.
-You all there? -Let's roll.
[indistinct]
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
Maxxine.
[Cole] It's the Profits' bus.
[McAfee] That's why it was so lit.
Hey. Hey.
Yo, Uce, Roman don't talk like that about everybody.
Big deal.
-Really? -Big opportunity.
Just remember when you wear that shirt, level up.
You blew it last week, so don't blow it again, Sami.
I mean, what are you doing?
Why are you coming at me with this negativity?
I'm about to go out there.
You know, this negativity,
it's exactly what I was talking to Roman about last week.
Yeah, you right. Last week you was talking behind my back.
Don't ever disrespect me to my family like that, all right?
-You understand me? -Yeah. Yeah.
Hey. Hey. Handle your business. Handle your business, Sami.
Some really tough coaching about life in The Bloodline
from Jey Uso to Sami, but it's real.
He's got an opportunity not a lot of people get.
Coming up, in a matter of moments,
Sami Zayn in our main event against "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre,
who a week from tomorrow takes on Roman Reigns
for the championship at Clash at the Castle.
Earlier tonight, we told you the first part of the Drew McIntyre story,
how he fell all the way down to the bottom.
-Rock bottom. -Tragedy struck,
but now, time for Drew McIntyre's redemption.
[solemn music playing]
[McIntyre] My dream was falling apart, and eventually, you know, I got fired.
I came straight to America clueless. I was so immature. I was such a boy.
And I was gonna finally achieve my potential,
and one day, I would return to WWE a man.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] The prodigal son has returned.
It took the time I was outside of the company
to really find myself and find my confidence
to know what's right for Drew McIntyre.
[crowd] Three, two, one!
[bright, dramatic music playing]
For the first time in my life,
I can step up and be this leader they believe I can be.
When the chips are down, Drew McIntyre steps up and pushes forward.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] McIntyre is WWE Champion.
[Graves] The first British WWE Champion in history.
[McIntyre] My life and career has always been full of twists and turns,
but the destination has always been the same…
to be the face of the industry that I love.
Now my journey brings me to Roman Reigns.
Roman is incredible. It's as simple as that.
But he is an absolute monster.
This is a run in the modern era that we've not seen,
and probably never will see again.
And I'm gonna take him down.
I will be in the main event of the first UK stadium show in 30 years.
This is going back to where it all began.
This is going back to home.
The journey that led to this moment, the man that I've finally become.
That's who you've got to face in front of 70,000 Brits,
in front of the entire world.
My destiny will finally be fulfilled.
[bright, dramatic music continues]
And at Clash at the Castle, on my land, in front of my people.
You want to talk about islands. Roman, you're coming to my island.
I'm gonna kick your head right off your [bleep] body.
[music softens]
Lay you out.
One,
two,
three.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] One week from tomorrow,
will Drew McIntyre's destiny finally be fulfilled?
Or will the near-record,
two-year championship reign of Roman Reigns continue?
It is a special start time of 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 Pacific
here in the States, Clash at the Castle,
streaming live on Peacock.
[swords clanging]
[McAfee] That place is gonna go bananas for this man.
["Gallantry" playing]
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Ayr, Scotland,
weighing in at 275 pounds,
Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] Pat, you heard the impassioned McIntyre moments ago.
However, will he look past Sami Zayn tonight
to get to next Saturday and Roman Reigns?
Is that a problem for McIntyre?
[McAfee] He seems to be a man on a mission right now.
When you get into the zone that McIntyre's in,
I'm not sure you overlook anything.
I think all you do is kick ass till you get your title.
[Cole] Roman Reigns told Sami Zayn earlier tonight,
"I need Drew McIntyre occupied, distracted."
"I need him to take his eye off the ball."
Sami Zayn said, "Leave it to me. I'm the Master Strategist."
"I can get in people's heads."
And this is a quote, "I got this. It's a piece of cake."
I'm not quite sure. We'll find out.
Zayn-McIntyre clash live,
next on Friday Night SmackDown.
And next Saturday, we're heading to Europe
for Clash at the Castle a week from tomorrow.
But before we get there, we have one final Friday Night SmackDown here on Fox.
And the card is stacked because we celebrate
the two-year championship reign
of Roman Reigns.
[McAfee] A memorable title run
deserves a hell of a celebration.
We get that next week on Fox
with the GOAT, Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Ronda Rousey's final judgment last week.
Ronda was arrested. Where does she stand in WWE?
We find out next week.
Also next week, the in-ring debut of Karrion Kross.
[McAfee] Karrion Kross has been saying a lot of things about,
"Time, why you punish me?"
Next week, it's time for him to go to battle.
[Cole] Also the Maximum Male Models
in their first televised match against Hit Row.
-[McAfee] You sounded good there. -[Cole] Thank you.
[McAfee] If you don't know, now you know,
Hit Row first versus Maximum Male Models in their first in-ring action.
[Cole] And how crazy is this gonna be?
Butch and Ludwig one-on-one. Ludwig, sorry.
[McAfee] Yeah, Ludwig Kaiser, obviously, representing Gunther,
and Butch, the friend and Brawling Brute castmate of Sheamus.
Not to nickname Butch 'cause he's a butcher of bones.
[Cole] And breaking news now,
a Viking Rules match.
That means there are no rules.
Falls count anywhere.
New Day and the Viking Raiders live here next week on Fox.
[McAfee] Nobody's allowed to shower before that match.
[Cole] The intense Drew McIntyre
waiting for Sami Zayn in our main event.
[McAfee] Those are Viking rules, and that's a Scottish Warrior.
["This Is It" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn.
[Cole] As Sami Zayn gets set for this matchup,
you know it is a Thanksgiving week tradition.
Normally it comes before Thanksgiving.
This year, it comes the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
What a weekend in Boston.
Raw and SmackDown go head-to-head at Survivor Series.
Tickets are now available.
[McAfee] They're shipping up to Boston.
Yeah! That'll be amazing.
Speaking of amazing, Sami Zayn's reception in Montreal last week?
Off the charts.
[Cole] We're not in Montreal tonight, Pat. We're in Detroit.
[McAfee] And I believe Detroit is a Drew town just like every other town.
[Cole] Sami Zayn's the best.
Obviously, he's been having some issues with Jey Uso,
well documented over the past couple of weeks.
Well, The Usos, who are twins, celebrated a birthday this week.
Sami Zayn sent out a tweet saying happy birthday to Jimmy.
-Failed to mention Jey. -[bell rings]
[McAfee] Well, that's on purpose.
[Cole] WWE fans got all over Sami Zayn about that.
Then Sami said, "Hey, wait a minute."
"I wanted to wish Jey Uso a happy birthday on his own terms."
"He's his own man, just because he's a twin."
[McAfee] Well, Sami is…
[Cole] Typical Sami talking his way out of things.
[McAfee] He's gonna say Jey is the problem when he probably is.
Oh, listen, now he's playing a little cat and mouse
with The Scottish Warrior.
[Cole] How about the video tweet that Sami sent out earlier today, Pat,
when he said that Drew McIntyre needs a reality check,
and that Sami Zayn is going to wound him mentally and physically here tonight?
[McAfee] Well, if he wants to stay in the good graces of Roman,
-which it has felt like for the last-- -[Cole] Oh, what a right hand.
[McAfee] Just knocking him down with one stiff right to the jaw.
[Cole] Well, Drew and Sami have had quite the history.
Oh, and Sami bounced off the top turnbuckle.
I will tell you one thing, a win by Zayn tonight,
or at least wearing Drew McIntyre down,
uh, may-maybe they would take the "Honorary" off the Uce title
for Sami Zayn. What do you think?
[McAfee] I'm not sure that's how it works, but… [chuckles] Maybe.
-[Cole] Oh! -[McAfee] Big chop from Drew McIntyre.
Sami's looking at this the right way. He's main eventing tonight.
He's got an opportunity to impress The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] Sami Zayn gonna think about it a little bit.
Hey, let's make no mistake about it.
Sami showed it to us in the Fatal 5-Way last week.
Sami Zayn is a hell of an athlete.
Former multi-time champion.
McIntyre gonna drag him back out of the ring.
Sami trying to fight, caught Drew in the jaw, I believe.
[McAfee] Sami certainly accomplished in the ring.
[Cole] Now the self-proclaimed "Master Strategist."
-[McAfee] Nope. -That didn't work out. Bad strategy there.
Sami. It backfires, face-first off the announce table.
[McAfee] "No blood," Drew says to Sami.
[Cole] And now, oh! Spine-first into the apron.
[referee] Six.
[McAfee] You know, we're in Detroit, home of the Lions.
I think Motor City, Dan Campbell, the head coach, is like,
[mimics] "Tell you what, man…"
Drew McIntyre could play for 'em.
He's incredible at what he does. He's so big, so athletic,
so nimble, so tough.
He's gonna have to be all of those things to beat Sami here tonight,
and sharpen that sword eight days away from his biggest match of his life.
[Cole] But, Pat, here's Sami's Zayn,
that bulldog-like mentality unloading on Drew McIntyre.
Break that. Hey, back it up.
One, two, three, four.
[Cole] McIntyre driving Sami into the apron moments ago
reminded me of Sami's buddy, Kevin Owens.
That's what Kevin does with those apron powerbombs.
[McAfee] Still buddies?
[Cole] Kevin thinks so. Sami, at least around The Bloodline,
says they really have no affiliation.
And Sami now driven into the corner.
Drew McIntyre unloading, and here comes McIntyre.
[McAfee] Sami couldn't stay focused when he was having success,
and Drew McIntyre bounced back in this thing in an instant.
[Cole] McIntyre, former two-time WWE Champion
with the tilt-o-whirl backbreaker.
[McAfee] You asked if Drew might be distracted and overlooking Sami.
I don't think so.
[Cole] Tonight marks the 726th day
that Roman Reigns has been champion here in WWE,
nearing two years on the top of the heap.
He'll celebrate his two-year anniversary next Friday,
but will that end the celebration when McIntyre and Roman Reigns
meet the next night at Clash at the Castle?
[McAfee] 730 days is two years for those keeping track at home,
731 on a leap year.
Nonetheless, a champion for a damn long time,
and a great one at that.
[Cole] Sami Zayn, the shrewd competitor, raking the eyes of McIntyre.
The official, Jason Ayers, was blocked by McIntyre's massive body and didn't see it.
Sunset powerbomb by Sami Zayn.
Can Sami pull off an upset or can Drew climb back into this?
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
We're in Detroit tonight, McIntyre, Sami Zayn.
McIntyre trying to fight back into this matchup.
Sami Zayn catches him with a boot. McIntyre is down.
Sami more than holding his own here tonight, Pat.
[McAfee] He's trying to impress Roman Reigns.
Drew McIntyre's trying to sharpen the sword.
[Cole] And McIntyre sent for a ride by Sami Zayn, tornado DDT.
Kickout by McIntyre.
Again, Roman telling Sami earlier,
he wants Drew occupied, as you take another look.
Wants him distracted, wants him to take his eye off the ball.
Sami Zayn, "The Master Strategist," said,
"I can get in people's head. I can wear 'em down physically,"
and he's doing just that.
[McAfee] He said he was gonna do his dance.
He's doing tornado DDTs instead.
Becoming an epic match quickly here between these two.
[Cole] Sami Zayn, clubbing blows to the back of the neck,
now lifting McIntyre up.
Maybe going for the Blue Thunder Bomb, and he ran into a Glasgow Kiss.
And McIntyre creates space.
Drew McIntyre, now, with an opportunity to try to climb back into this.
One thing about Drew is his resilience, his never-say-die attitude,
tremendous in-ring stamina.
Oh, and Drew McIntyre with a clothesline,
and again to Sami Zayn, and McIntyre trying to pick it up.
[McAfee] His stamina, his strength, everything.
[Cole] What a throw by McIntyre.
[McAfee] His story, it all lines up,
and it all comes to a full circle next week.
[Cole] Another belly-to-belly throw, sending Zayn across the ring.
And McIntyre showing what he's all about.
Neckbreaker, kip-up. Vintage McIntyre.
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee] Practice session here for Drew.
[Cole] And now he's got Sami right where he wants him.
Sami knows what this feels like.
He took the bullet for Roman Reigns with the Claymore last week.
-[crowd cheers] -And look who's here.
[McAfee] The Bloodline.
[Cole] The Tag Team Champions, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
And Sami Zayn from behind.
Zayn now into a Blue Thunder Bomb.
Cover on McIntyre for the win.
McIntyre kicks at two.
[McAfee] Jey and Jimmy coming to Sami's rescue.
[Cole] Sami Zayn suggested to The Bloodline earlier
that maybe they could do things together tonight.
A little bit of bonding.
Roman telling Sami, "Tonight's about you,"
but obviously The Usos came down
to make sure Sami put McIntyre away. Didn't quite work out that way.
[McAfee] In the home of the Malice at the Palace,
we almost saw a whammy for Sami.
[Cole] Nice.
[McAfee] Only word I could think of that rhymed with Sami,
-but it feels like-- -[Cole] Oh, what a chop!
And now Jimmy Uso and Jey on the other side
blindsided by McIntyre.
Roll-up by Sami, looking to steal one here on Drew.
Again, has to kick at two.
And McIntyre.
Claymore!
Welcome to Claymore country, Sami Zayn.
-[crowd] One, two, three. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Roman Reigns, that could be your fate a week from tomorrow.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] Oh, look who's here.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion picking his spot.
McIntyre worn down, wounded, and Roman Reigns now on the attack.
[crowd boos]
[McAfee] Roman said he couldn't be out here for the match for Sami.
He'd be too distracted.
[Cole] So he came out after the match, immediately,
and now talking trash and looking to beat McIntyre down.
Now, Roman sent into the post shoulder-first,
and The Usos mauling McIntyre two-on-one.
The Usos are always there to have Roman Reigns' back,
but McIntyre says, "Not tonight."
Fighting back against Jimmy and Jey.
[McAfee] Jimmy and Jey Uso, a valuable part of his reign.
[Cole] Spear!
Again, Roman takes advantage of the distraction by his twin cousins.
And now steel chairs.
And The Usos again doing the dirty work for the champion,
as an irate Roman Reigns screams at The Usos,
directing traffic, wearing down McIntyre.
[McAfee] Eight sleeps from now…
-[crowd boos] -[indistinct]
Drew McIntyre will have the biggest night of his life
or the biggest letdown of his life.
[Cole] If he even gets to Cardiff.
The Usos sending McIntyre over the table.
Jimmy and Jey, ferocious,
a pack of animals
beating the hell out of McIntyre,
trying to make sure McIntyre doesn't make it to Cardiff.
Roman Reigns staring down as The Usos again do the dirty work.
Driving McIntyre into the barricade.
A hellacious assault by The Bloodline.
[McAfee] Jeez!
[Cole] If you're McIntyre, Pat,
how the hell do you exist under these conditions?
It's four on one.
And a Helluva Kick by Zayn.
[Zayn screaming]
This is ridiculous.
How do you beat these odds? You can't.
McIntyre's cut up, he's beat up.
Steel steps in hand, right into McIntyre.
[McAfee] Another shot with the steel.
[Cole] Roman Reigns knew exactly what he was doing.
He had a plan, he sent Zayn into battle,
he had The Usos attack,
and now his… his opponent,
the Number One Contender a week from tomorrow,
Drew McIntyre, is left a mess.
[McAfee] This lifeless Scottish Warrior.
[Cole] McIntyre's body beaten, battered, bruised.
[McAfee] Now he lay at the feet of The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] The Bloodline offering a sacrifice.
[Reigns] You think you got this? Understand me.
Understand me!
The top of the mountain is mine,
and you will never have it until I'm done with it.
Do you understand me?
[Cole] And now Roman Reigns with the guillotine.
[Reigns screaming]
Pat, as a crew, you cannot beat The Bloodline,
hence Roman Reigns' near-two-year reign as champion.
[McAfee] The greatest faction in the history of wrestling.
[Cole] You have no argument here.
Roman Reigns has been a dominant champion.
Much of his success is thanks to his cousins, who flank him.
Sami Zayn, who's become an important part of The Bloodline as well.
Will this be the scene a week from tomorrow?
Will Drew McIntyre be destroyed in his homeland?
[indistinct]
As long as I want it, it's mine.
This whole industry, this whole business runs off of me.
Take it from me, please.
I want somebody to take it from me now. runs off of me.