[WWE intro playing]
[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…
Together.
[fireworks crackling]
["Are You Ready" playing]
[Michael Cole] Welcome to Southern California.
You're looking live at a jam-packed Honda Center in Anaheim.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Sponsored tonight by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Take Flight" by def rebel playing]
[Cole] And we kick things off tonight
with a man who's had a controversial week, the Maverick.
[announcer] Please welcome Logan Paul.
[Corey Graves] Controversial week, Cole.
Logan Paul lives a controversial life.
This man is perpetually
on the minds of everyone around the globe.
One of the biggest stars in entertainment.
And Logan Paul has got some balls, I'll give him that,
because of what happened this week.
Roman Reigns, the Undisputed Champion,
was Logan Paul's guest on his Impaulsive podcast.
It went great, interview was awesome, but as soon as Roman Reigns left,
Logan Paul said, "Not gonna like this,
but put me against Roman Reigns right now."
"I think I can win one-on-one."
[Graves] The Tribal Chief would send out a demand via social media--
Well, well, well.
[Cole] See, he follows his own rules.
[Graves] Exactly.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think I did it again.
Whoops.
You see, I, uh… I have a habit of opening my mouth
and saying some pretty stupid stuff.
And this past week,
I had someone on my podcast you guys may know.
[crowd clamoring]
Yeah, he goes by the name of Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering, clamoring]
Your Tribal Chief.
Well, after he left the podcast,
I said that if I wrestled the guy, it would be my match.
That's all I said.
[crowd yells] What?
I'll tell you what.
[crowd yells] What?
I'll tell you what.
[crowd yells] What?
I will tell you what.
[crowd yells] What?
I opened my mouth before about Floyd Mayweather.
And not even him, the greatest boxer of all time,
could put me down or pay me.
I'm still working on it.
So…
I issued a challenge to Roman Reigns.
And guess what?
I have taken the liberty of setting up a press conference
tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And, Roman Reigns, if you're man enough,
you'll show up and meet me face-to-face.
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] He's back!
[Cole] With The Bloodline in tow.
Heyman, the Special Counsel to Roman Reigns,
the Undisputed Champion.
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
My name is Paul Heyman. [crowd yells] Paul Heyman!
And I serve as the Special Counsel
and The Wiseman
to your Tribal Chief, the reigning,
defending Undisputed Universal
Heavyweight Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering]
-I got this. -All right.
-I got it. -All right. All right.
[indistinct chatter]
[Graves] You think Logan Paul's feeling a little regret yet, Cole?
The Bloodline surrounding the ring and Logan Paul.
We haven't seen Paul Heyman since SummerSlam, Cole.
[Cole] Yeah, when Brock Lesnar F-5'ed Heyman through the announce table.
Meanwhile, the Tag Team Champions, The Usos, of course--
-[Heyman] May I? -[Logan] Come on in, Paul.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa who won the NXT North American Championship
this past Tuesday at NXT and "Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn.
[inaudible]
I have great respect for what you do.
I got this.
Let me handle him.
There he is, Logan Paul.
[crowd boos]
I got to tell you.
If there was ever anyone from outside WWE
that could be a Paul Heyman guy,
it's Logan Paul.
[crowd boos]
This man, this athlete,
this global sensation stepped up
and fought the greatest boxer of all time,
Floyd "Money" Mayweather…
and never went down.
Not once. Held your own.
Went the distance like Rocky.
Now, then again,
fighting Floyd Mayweather at six-foot-two
when Floyd Mayweather is standing up,
comes to me, head-butt me in the testicles?
It's all right.
I wouldn't fight Floyd Mayweather.
Oh, of course you wouldn't. It's Floyd Mayweather.
[stammers]
I'm not sure you would fight anyone, Paul.
Where are you going with this?
[crowd laughing]
I, uh…
I was talking.
I know we're in Anaheim,
but don't act like Mickey Mouse around here.
[crowd laughing, clamoring]
Don't "ooh" me. Don't "ooh" me.
Your brother, Jake Paul,
picks a fight with the greatest MMA striker in history,
Anderson Silva, who's going to knock your brother out.
No disrespect.
[crowd cheering]
No disrespect.
I-I wouldn't fight your brother, I-I wouldn't fight you,
and you shouldn't open your mouth
about "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
I don't care about your ambitions.
I don't care about your athletic background.
I don't care that you and your brother have changed the fight game.
All I care about is right now, right here,
at this moment, you make the smart decision…
of picking a fight…
with someone else.
[crowd clamoring]
Come on, Paul. You're a promoter.
You get this. You know how this works.
And I know you know how great this could be.
By the way, it's just a press conference.
It's just a press conference.
What are you guys so afraid of?
Because I see a lot of Samoans and one Sami Zayn and one Paul,
and I can't understand why you're so afraid.
Are you afraid that at the press conference
that I might challenge Roman Reigns…
and that that challenge would be for the title?
Now, assume that happened.
You'd assume Roman would probably smash me.
And you're probably right.
But what if he doesn't?
What if I land that one lucky shot
on Roman Reigns?
'Cause that's all it takes.
One lucky shot
and I drop your Tribal Chief
like a sack of potatoes.
And what if I beat Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed Universal Championship?
[crowd boos]
If… if… if your brother had balls, he'd be your sister.
He doesn't, so he's not.
I don't like ifs, I don't like your scenario,
and quite bluntly, I don't like you either.
You're funny. You're funnier than you look, Paul.
Now, I have to handle you.
Solo!
[Cole] Uh-oh.
Oh, this is not good.
I'll tell you what, Paul.
I'll make you a bet.
[Heyman] What's the bet?
I bet that I can knock you out
and be out of this ring before Solo gets to me.
-Take the bet. -[Sami Zayn] Hey, hey, hey.
Easy, easy, easy. No, no, no.
Solo. Solo, okay, hey, hey.
All right.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Sami! Sami! Sami!
Listen. Listen to me.
Uce, listen to me, I got this.
I got this. You're good.
Uce, Uce, you're good.
You're good.
Paul…
you know I love you.
You know the Honorary Uce has nothing but respect for The Wiseman,
but maybe you're just not the right man for this job.
Maybe Roman Reigns should have let me handle Logan Paul.
[Heyman] Handle him.
-Handle him! -Okay.
A little diplomacy goes a long way, Paul.
Logan.
[laughs] Friend!
Look, you're not from our world, so let me just explain to you
how things work around here.
-Oh! -[Graves] Oh!
[Cole] Oh!
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Nothing "impaulsive" about that.
How do the things work around here, Sami?
I'd… I'd like to know.
[Cole] Now The Usos,
along with Solo Sikoa, and Logan Paul's going to retreat.
-["It's About to Go Down" plays] -[Cole] Sami Zayn deserved that.
[Graves] How so? Sami was simply trying to handle business.
[Cole] And here's someone who knows about handling business.
Ricochet, who has a scheduled match
with Sami Zayn coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] And Ricochet has been red-hot lately.
[Cole] But what about Logan Paul?
What if he challenges Roman Reigns for the Championship?
[inaudible]
[Cole] We have Ricochet on your left, Sami Zayn…
-[bell rings] -…on your right.
One-on-one action.
Remember, these two, Corey, battled over the Intercontinental Championship
earlier this year.
[Graves] Certainly no love lost between these two.
Logan Paul began the night by making one of the wildest claims
I've ever heard, Michael Cole.
[Cole] Well, Logan Paul, you see him in the background there of this matchup.
Logan Paul came out and said there's going to be a press conference tomorrow
in Las Vegas.
He invited Roman Reigns to come meet him face-to-face.
And then, he had a lot of questions, Corey, including,
"What would happen if I challenged Roman Reigns
to the Undisputed Championship?"
[Graves] There was certainly a bunch of what-ifs.
But what struck me was the fact that this is a combat sport,
and at the end of the day, Logan Paul is not wrong in thinking
it only takes one lucky shot.
That said, I think Logan's completely out of his mind.
I think it would be an insane decision
to challenge The Tribal Chief, but you never know.
[Cole] Well, of course, Roman Reigns at the top of his game right now.
He's held the Championship nearly 750 days.
As Zayn takes Ricochet down.
You know, Logan Paul mentioned Floyd Mayweather,
and Mayweather couldn't knock him out.
Did not knock him out,
but Mayweather was at the tail end of his career.
Roman Reigns is in the prime of his career right now.
[Graves] And Roman Reigns is about four times the size of Floyd Mayweather.
[Cole] Great point. Ricochet, now, controlling Sami Zayn.
Ricochet, of course, a former NXT North American Champion.
At ringside, Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline, the brand new NXT North American Champion,
defends later tonight against Madcap Moss here on SmackDown.
Cover by Sami, kickout by Ricochet.
[Graves] Can't wait to dive in deeper to Solo Sikoa
becoming NXT North American Champion.
It's what it means to be part of The Bloodline.
Constantly having to prove yourself.
Constantly having to pull your weight.
[Cole] Sami Zayn and Ricochet
who first battled one another at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
over a decade ago.
Now here once again, tonight, one-on-one on Friday Night SmackDown.
Speaking of The Bloodline, it seems like Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso,
Roman Reigns as well, seem to appreciate what Sami Zayn has done for the group.
"Main Event" Jey Uso, who you just saw right there,
doesn't appreciate Sami so much.
[Graves] Sami can be perceived by some as a bit abrasive at times.
I can understand. Perhaps he and Jey just don't see eye to eye.
That's okay. Families fight.
[Cole] Oh, what a chop by Ricochet.
Ricochet a former Intercontinental and United States Champion.
Sami Zayn hangs on, slides out of the ring,
and there he stares at the man who knocked him on his behind moments ago…
-How's your jaw? -…Logan Paul.
-How's my jaw? -How's your jaw?
-You're pretty tough, wouldn't you say? -[Cole] Oh!
And Ricochet, as Sami got distracted mouthing off to Paul here at ringside.
Again, Logan Paul's got some guts, you've got to give him that.
That Impaulsive podcast and the interview
with Roman Reigns this week was pretty incredible.
They touched on a lot of amazing subjects.
Roman Reigns really opened up a lot about a lot of things. Oh!
And then Logan Paul, of course, mouthed off after Reigns left the room.
[Graves] What we've learned since his arrival in WWE
is Logan Paul is the real deal.
Logan Paul is as legitimate of an athlete as anybody on the roster.
Look at Sami go, just teeing off on Ricochet.
I talked about pulling your own weight, that's exactly
what Sami's trying to do here tonight at the expense of Ricochet.
[Cole] The Bloodline looks on.
Jimmy Uso applauding.
I mean, Sami Zayn has been pretty valuable to Roman Reigns and his group
over the past number of months as Honorary Uce.
[Graves] I was mentioning it moments ago. It's all about pulling your own weight.
If you want to remain a part of The Bloodline, you have to do the work.
Failure and shortcomings, simply unacceptable.
[Cole] And one thing Sami Zayn has to do,
as he comes off the rope with an elbow to the forehead.
-One, two-- -Kickout by Ricochet.
Stop looking at Logan Paul. Don't take your eyes off Ricochet.
[Graves] I want to know why Logan Paul's allowed out here.
[Cole] Well, then why is The Bloodline allowed out here?
[Graves] Family exception?
Well, Paul Heyman is the Special Counsel to Roman Reigns, correct?
Not to The Usos and Solo Sikoa.
Nice takedown by Zayn off the clothesline.
-Cover now on Ricochet. -One, two--
Hook of the legs and up and a kickout.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] A bit of an uncomfortable look
washing over the face of the Special Counsel
to The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] I'm surprised you're not sitting next to Heyman,
asking him how he's feeling after he got F-5'ed
through the table by Brock at SummerSlam.
[Graves] We're on the west coast.
What do you think I'm doing when we get off the air?
I'm going to find Mr. Heyman's locker room and pick his brain.
[Cole] I'm sure you are, as Ricochet looks to fight back against Zayn.
Zayn misses wildly, and Ricochet who many call the Human Highlight Reel
shows you why there.
Looking to change the momentum, pick up the pace.
Sami side-stepping.
[Graves] Ricochet able to put on the brakes for the moment.
From the top. Oh my goodness!
Oh, Ricochet bounced off the barricade.
Sami in control.
Can Ricochet get back in this match?
You're good. Get up. Get up. Get up.
[Cole] And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown
where Sami Zayn is in control of Ricochet.
You see Logan Paul at ringside.
The rest of The Bloodline on the other side,
right here in front of the announce table.
Ricochet back to his feet, meets Sami Zayn top rope.
[Graves] Unbelievable athleticism by the One and Only.
But now the Honorary Uce posted up top.
[Cole] Oh! Ricochet caught him with a dropkick.
Both men down, center of the ring.
Momentum turning point in this match.
Logan Paul looking on.
Yes, the same Logan Paul who announced there will be a press conference
in Las Vegas tomorrow, as you take another look.
[Graves] Simply outrageous athleticism.
Dropkick right in the breadbasket of Sami Zayn.
[Cole] At that press conference in Las Vegas,
Logan Paul has challenged Roman Reigns
to show up and meet him face-to-face in Las Vegas.
And Ricochet fighting back now against Sami Zayn.
More details of the press conference to come tonight
as Ricochet kicks away at Zayn.
Now Ricochet so beautiful to watch.
Very innovative and breathtaking.
[Graves] Shoulder to the gut of Zayn. Ricochet.
-Springboard. -[Cole] Off the top rope, crossbody.
What height.
-Lateral press for the win. -One, two--
Almost had him. Two and a half.
Kickout by Sami Zayn.
[Graves] The Special Counsel of The Tribal Chief, Paul Heyman,
out here having a hard time watching the action
in the ring as we look once again at Ricochet take to the skies
and take out the Honorary Uce.
[Cole] Almost had him. Sami at two and a half.
-Uh-oh. -[Graves] Ricochet wanted the recoil.
[Cole] Able to counter was Sami Zayn.
And Ricochet takes out the legs of Zayn, and a standing moonsault,
but Sami got the knees up.
Rolls him over. Is it enough for the victory?
He hooks the leg. Ricochet, at two and a half, kicks out.
[Cole] Paul Heyman can't believe it.
Thanks, Paul, knocked my soda all over my papers here at ringside. Good job.
-[Graves] Oh, look what you started, Cole. -[Cole] Here we go.
[Graves] I just bought this suit.
[Cole] That's mature. That's mature, Paul.
I'm glad you're back.
And Sami Zayn, meanwhile, turns his attention back to Ricochet.
[Graves] When I say it, I am void of sarcasm.
I'm happy Mr. Heyman's back.
[Cole] I'm sure you are.
[Graves] Looks like Sami thinking about a Blue Thunder Bomb.
-Ricochet-- -[Cole] Oh, Ricochet lands on his feet.
-[Graves] Oh! -Oh! Superkick right to the jaw.
Sami is down and out, Ricochet looking for a win.
[Graves] Ricochet making the climb.
Jimmy Uso up on the apron.
[Cole] Jimmy trying to distract Ricochet and doing a damn good job of it.
Sami Zayn now trying to steal one.
Turns Ricochet into the Blue Thunder Bomb.
Meanwhile, Logan Paul on the other side
has official Jessika Carr distracted.
-Turn around, ref. Turn around. -[Cole] Sami into the cover.
Two, and a kickout.
Ricochet survives, thanks in part to Logan Paul.
[Graves] In part?
That was 100% Logan Paul's fault.
[Cole] Yes, but what about the-- what The Usos did to Ricochet earlier?
[Graves] Well, that comes with the territory. This is different.
Logan Paul's got no business out here with Ricochet.
He's not related to Ricochet.
[Cole] Sami Zayn has got to be completely frustrated here.
Thought he had the matchup won.
Now hammering away with the rights to Ricochet.
Ricochet, though-- Oh my goodness!
-[Graves] Oh! -[Cole] For the win!
What a move by Ricochet, and a kickout at two!
[Graves] My goodness, what impact.
Ricochet not looking to slow down.
[Cole] And now once again, this time it's "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Sami from behind, rolling up Ricochet for the victory.
And Ricochet kicks out again.
Zayn thwarted once again.
Knee to the face, Sami down.
Now it's Jey Uso up on the apron one more time.
Ricochet sends him flying.
Bodies everywhere.
Sami looking for the win.
[Graves] The half suplex, that's going to do it.
[Cole] Cover now and Jey trying to get into the ring.
The official with Jey.
Ricochet is covered.
That's at least three, four, or five, but Ricochet kicks at two.
[Graves] Jey Uso only got in the ring to make sure Logan Paul didn't interfere.
[Cole] Maybe, you know, he's had an issue with Sami,
maybe that had something to do with it.
[Graves] I really wish you wouldn't speculate like that.
[indistinct chatter]
-I had him beat. -I'm trying to help you.
Forgive me.
Forgive me, brethren.
What are you doing, man?
-What are you doing? -I said forgive me.
Yo, yo, no, not today.
Yo, he was looking after you, Uce.
[overlapping chatter]
[Cole] And Ricochet takes out everybody!
Corey, could the whole pressure of tonight and what Logan Paul dropped on everyone,
could it all be getting to The Bloodline?
[Graves] Five minutes, I would have said absolutely not,
but you might be right, Cole.
[Cole] Ricochet top rope! Shooting star press!
-[Graves] With style. -[Cole] Highlight of the night!
-Ricochet with the win. -[bell rings]
["It's About to Go Down" plays]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Ricochet.
[Cole] I'm going to pose the question again.
Logan Paul came out and he dropped the bombshell,
"What if I challenge Roman Reigns to the Undisputed Championship?"
And that one statement seemed to throw
The Bloodline off their game tonight, Corey.
Arguments within itself, rips are forming.
[Graves] That challenge could turn the entire WWE Universe upside-down.
["Ready For Business" plays]
[Cole] Heyman lost his temper out here at ringside.
And now Madcap Moss, steel chair in hand,
making sure The Bloodline doesn't get involved, evening the odds.
Fireworks to kick off SmackDown tonight.
What a chaotic start in Anaheim!
[Graves] Madcap all fired up, ready for Solo later tonight.
[Cole] For the NXT North American Championship.
[Graves] In this moment, discretion's the better part of valor
for The Bloodline.
["Ready For Business" continues playing]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, last week when SmackDown went off the air,
it was a sneak attack, an ambush from behind by Karrion Kross,
who did the unthinkable,
making Drew's dream of revenge fade to black.
We'll revisit the shocking attack by Karrion Kross to Drew McIntyre
next on Friday Night SmackDown.
What a start!
The hands of time…
decide the judgment.
And last week, for the chosen one…
Mr. McIntyre…
he was publicly executed
by the newly-appointed People's Executioner.
How rightfully so, and most appropriate,
considering he made those pitiful, little noises
when I had my arm wrapped around his neck.
Oh, poor baby.
[laughter]
[Kross] And what did you do then, Mr. McIntyre?
You fought back, but then you did what everybody always does…
you let it go.
That is the biggest difference between you and I
and always will be, because I don't let anything go.
I change the timelines, I rewrite history.
And as for you…
you are going to remain on an endless loop of suffering
that I control.
And I'm going to make sure, Mr. McIntyre,
that you never get out.
Tick tock.
[clock ticking]
[dramatic drumroll plays]
[Alicia] Please welcome the founders of Maximum Male Models,
Max and Maxxine Dupri.
[crowd boos]
[Max] Ladies and gentlemen of the WWE Universe,
welcome back to SmackDown live here in Anaheim, California.
Only a stone's throw away from LA.
But we're not here for the bright lights of Hollywood,
we are here to introduce the Maximum Male Models'
back-to-school collection.
["How Ya Like Me Now" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] Been waiting a whole year for this, Cole.
♪ Maximum Male Models ♪
[Cole] Me too.
[Graves] I don't like the sarcasm in your voice.
Didn't school start like a month ago?
[Graves] Fashion is timeless, Cole.
When you're this fashionable,
you can wear whatever you want all year round.
[Cole] So, would you actually wear this to school?
[Graves] Nobody has pulled off a schoolboy costume like Mace since Angus Young.
["Monster Of All Monsters" plays]
[Cole and Graves] Oh no!
[Cole] The Monster Among Monsters!
Now, that's the way to walk the runway.
[Graves] My God!
The Pond in Anaheim hasn't seen impact like that since the days George Parros.
Poor Mace is getting those hands.
Mansoor.
[Cole] So much for the back-to-school collection.
You know, Braun Strowman told you on your After The Bell podcast this week
that he's built different.
[Graves] Literally.
Strowman is amped up, excited, proud to be back where he belongs.
Back home, as he declares it, in WWE.
And the Monster Among Men is dominating.
He told you that people are going to witness the biggest, baddest SOB ever,
and Braun Strowman showing us why.
[Graves] No lies detected.
[Cole] Oh!
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Oh no, Mansoor in deep, deep trouble here.
The last time Mansoor experienced this, he got stuck in a locker.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Powerbomb! Almost drove him through the ring.
["Shoosh!" by def rebel plays]
Hang on a second.
You think that the Alpha Academy would have learned their lesson.
[Graves] I think that Chad Gable may be the bravest man
walking God's green earth,
and also, one of the least intelligent right now.
[Cole] The Alpha Academy stood in the way of Braun Strowman
on his return to Raw a couple of weeks ago.
[Graves] The Academy was assaulted by Strowman--
[Cole] Oh, from behind is Otis.
[Graves] "The Tree Trunk," nearly--
[Cole] Oh!
Four hundred pounds flattened by Strowman, and here comes "The Master" Chad Gable.
[Cole] Well, Gable just gotta survive all alone.
Trying to attack Braun Strowman. That didn't go too well.
I guess they didn't teach that in his school.
Otis, now, driving Strowman into the corner.
And now Otis unloading on the Monster Among Men.
Again, Strowman driven into the corner.
And Chad Gable directing traffic for the Alpha Academy.
[Graves] Strowman squashed against-- Look at this.
Look at the power of Otis with a World's Strongest Slam to Strowman.
Strowman's down.
-[Graves] Oh. Is he? -[Cole] Or was.
Strowman quickly back to a knee.
[Graves] Strowman's back up and Strowman's pissed.
[indistinct]
[Strowman] You think you're going to step up to me?
[indistinct chatter]
-Come on! -[Chad Gable] Otis, no, no.
Not tonight. Not tonight. Not tonight.
[overlapping chatter]
Let's go.
[Graves] Well, The Monster is unleashed and ready for battle.
["Monster of All Monsters" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Braun unveiling his I'll Kick Your Ass collection tonight.
Chad Gable making sure that Otis didn't get back in the ring.
Maybe the wisest thing Chad's ever done.
Otis took Braun down though.
["Are You Ready" playing]
Friday Night SmackDown is in Anaheim tonight at the Honda Center.
Home, of course, to the Anaheim Ducks,
and right across the street Angel Stadium, Mike Trout,
Shohei Ohtani, and the Los Angeles Angels.
[Graves] We are counting down the moments
until this colossal Fatal 4-Way Number One Contenders Match.
We'll find out who will earn the right to be the next to challenge.
The Usos for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship.
Once again, at ringside, Cole and Corey Graves
joining us here again tonight.
And speaking of the Men's Tag Team Championship,
we determine the Number One Contenders later on tonight, as you mentioned.
But how about the Women's Tag Team Titles?
Here is our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[commentator] Women's Tag Team Titles on the line.
Damage CTRL's Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky take on Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.
Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez
continue to build their chemistry week after week.
[Graves] Will it be enough against highly-motivated challengers
in their first title defense?
Dakota Kai very clearly was underneath the bottom rope.
[commentator] Thanks to Bayley's assistance.
Iyo!
Yikes.
Dakota Kai from behind.
One, two, three.
-We have new champions! -[bell rings]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Damage CTRL owns the Women's Tag Team Division.
[Cole] The worst thing about Damage CTRL winning the Tag Team Titles
is the fact that "The Role Model" Bayley
now gets to be on Friday Night SmackDown every week.
[Graves] Don't act like you don't love it, Cole.
["Still The Baddest" by def rebel plays]
♪ We got the power, we got the rage ♪
♪ Control the stage, control the cage ♪
[Alicia] Please welcome Bayley
and the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky,
Damage CTRL!
[Graves] Bayley sent me a text message earlier today asking if I would ask you,
if I would talk to you about calling Damage CTRL's matches
down the middle rather than being biased as you have a tendency to be.
[Cole] When have I ever been biased?
[Graves] Ask Bayley. I was just the messenger.
[Cole] Well, Bayley is set for action here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
live from Anaheim, California.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
A lot of celebrities at ringside,
including YouTuber, dancer, singer, JoJo Siwa is here.
At SoFi Stadium, the WrestleMania kick-off party.
You were there, Corey.
She did a TikTok video that garnered 16 million views over four days.
[Graves] I was there. JoJo and I are pretty much best friends these days.
I'm thinking of becoming a professional TikToker.
♪ Guess who's back? ♪
[laughs] ♪ Back again ♪
-[laughs] -[crowd boos]
Yes, I'm back on SmackDown.
Your Role Model,
the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion in history.
Ding-dong, hello.
-[laughs] -[crowd boos]
And in case you guys have been living under a rock,
this is Dakota Kai and this is Iyo Sky,
your new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!
[crowd boos]
That means we can go to any brand,
anytime, and do anything we want.
SmackDown is our show now. [laughs]
[Bayley] That's right because we destroyed Raquel
and we put poor little Aliyah on the shelf.
[laughs]
Because this is what greatness looks like, all right?
This is what it looks like when you do exactly
what you say you're going to do, and you don't just sit around
and you wait for someone else to do it for you.
Because what Damage CTRL has is something you all crave
but will never get because you suck.
[laughs]
-[crowd boos] -Power.
The power to win championships,
the power to determine the future of Raw and SmackDown,
and the power to plow right through anyone that tries to step in our way!
-["Trap Queen" by def rebel plays] -[Graves] Good luck.
If you're talking about power, you've got to mention this young lady.
[Cole] Perhaps the most powerful woman in WWE, Raquel Rodriguez.
[Raquel] I don't see greatness at all.
Sabes lo que yo miro?
You know what I see?
Three bullies that hurt my partner
and are powerless at stopping me from getting revenge.
[Cole] And Raquel not backing down.
In fact, she's driving all three members of Damage CTRL.
[Graves] Rodriguez certainly in a nasty mood tonight.
-["Trap Queen" plays] -[Cole] What?
What are you yelling at me for?
Bayley's got Raquel Rodriguez one-on-one next here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored tonight by Progressive.
Meanwhile, Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez set to go one-on-one…
-[bell rings] -…here tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
Raquel Rodriguez, of course, upset her friend Aliyah injured
as they lost their Tag Team Titles Monday night on Raw
to Bayley's team of Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky who are at ringside.
And there's the power of Raquel Rodriguez.
[Graves] Notice the difference in the attitude of Rodriguez tonight
as she made her way to the ring.
Rather than smiling, interacting with the WWE fans…
-[Raquel] Where are you going? -…Raquel is all business tonight.
-Out again, huh? -Laser-focused on Bayley.
Out for revenge.
[Cole] And of course, hiding behind her charges, is Bayley.
[overlapping chatter]
Oh my goodness!
[Graves] That is terrifying power.
[Cole] Good luck, Bayley, who is now running away from Raquel Rodriguez.
And many believe Raquel will be a future champion,
no doubt about it here on Friday Night SmackDown.
And A right hand by Raquel right to Bayley.
[Graves] You'll get no disagreement from me.
Raquel's extremely impressive and getting better week after week.
[Cole] And Raquel into the corner with a big splash.
Now, the second-generation Superstar, Raquel Rodriguez,
driving Bayley face-first off the top turnbuckle,
dominating right now.
[Graves] Can you imagine what this would do for the confidence
of Raquel Rodriguez to knock off someone as decorated as Bayley?
[Cole] A spinning slam by Rodriguez.
-Cover now, on Bayley who kicks out. -One, two--
Earlier on in the matchup here.
[Graves] Raquel would quite literally use Iyo Sky as a weapon
against Dakota Kai,
flattening the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Cole] And Raquel… Bayley, though…
Oh, and there's the veteran rolling out of harm's way,
hanging Rodriguez up on the second rope.
Now, dropping her outside the ring.
[Graves] We know how powerful Raquel is,
but we say it all the time because it still rings true.
There is no substitute for experience in this business.
And Bayley has it in spades.
Four.
[Cole] Official now at a count of four
as Rodriguez struggles to make it back to the ring.
Now Bayley on the attack.
Corey, it seems like Bayley may have her eyes set on Bianca Belair
and the Raw Women's Championship
after she pinned Bianca Belair in a Tag Team match
at Clash at the Castle a few weeks ago.
[Graves] While we're talking about confidence boosts,
what better for Bayley's confidence
than pinning the Raw Women's Champion for the first time in over a year?
Truly an incredible feat. And Bayley's smart.
Bayley's biding her time.
She's not going to rush into anything.
[Cole] Yeah, but Bayley has to survive Raquel tonight,
driving Rodriguez into the turnbuckle.
And Bayley now has an opening, burying her shoulder into the midsection.
[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Rodriguez caught Bayley and sent her across the ring.
[Graves] Chucked halfway across the ring.
[Cole] And a big boot. Rodriguez so impressive.
Now, dragging Bayley to the corner
and the powerhouse went up to the second rope,
looking for that corkscrew elbow.
[Graves] Watch out for the champs.
[Cole] Now, Damage CTRL causing a distraction
which allows Bayley to take over.
And it has been a chaotic night here, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
[Graves] Oh no. That's got to do it.
Might have just destroyed Raquel's knee.
[Cole] Yes. Smart.
Cover by Bayley, kickout.
You take out the leg, you take out the power.
The veteran Bayley understanding that, has taken over.
[Graves] Raquel trying to scramble her way back to a vertical base,
but Bayley gonna to focus on the weakened leg
and continue to exploit it. Cover.
[Cole] Cover by Bayley and a kickout again.
Take another look at how Bayley injured the knee of Raquel Rodriguez.
Boom!
[referee] Hey, come on, knock it off.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Just moments after the distraction
caused by Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai,
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions on the outside.
No, I don't like that. Come on. Hey!
One, two, three, four.
Knock it off. Hey!
[Graves] Bayley very wisely utilizing the official's count of five
to inflict maximum damage while bending the rules.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Raquel just cannot get back to her feet,
and Bayley wisely continues to attack the injured leg.
Raquel trying to fight back, obviously in a lot of pain.
[Graves] Bayley wanted to single-leg Raquel, reversing.
[laughs] Brilliant.
[Cole] There's a reason, Corey,
she was the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion ever.
Hook of the leg by Bayley to take out Raquel,
and a kickout at two again.
[Graves] About time you started to put a little respect on Bayley's name, Cole.
[Cole] Listen, if you're Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky,
what a mentor Bayley is for them.
Learning from the best
in how to break the rules or take advantage of situations.
Bang!
[Graves] Or how to defy the odds
and take down somebody much larger,
much more powerful than you.
Bayley's putting on a clinic right now.
[Cole] Calls herself The Role Model.
Some would agree, others would not.
[Graves] Do you know who agrees?
The reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez does not.
Look at the power now of Rodriguez, sending Bayley into the corner,
but again the injured leg did not allow her to get all of that
as Raquel pins Bayley in the corner, unloads with a clothesline.
And a head-butt now by Rodriguez.
Interesting how Rodriguez is switching up her offense now with the bad leg.
[Graves] Very impressive.
[crowd cheers]
Looking for the adrenaline to course through her veins.
[Cole] And again, the fallaway slam.
Rodriguez punishing Bayley with yet another one.
[Graves] Raquel continuing to soldier forward.
[Cole] Now up to the second rope.
Again, Damage CTRL providing the distraction.
Dakota Kai pulling Bayley out of harm's way.
And I think Dakota's going to pay for it.
[Graves] Iyo just got swatted off the apron like a bear.
[Cole] One half of the Tag Team Champions.
[crowd cheers]
Bayley knocked down.
Rodriguez planting Dakota Kai on top of her opponent.
And now Dakota in trouble as Raquel goes to the second rope.
[Graves laughs] Oh man!
[Cole] The flying elbow, but Raquel may have injured herself.
-[Graves] Raquel-- -[Cole] Now Iyo Sky getting involved.
Rake in the eyes of Rodriguez.
The official, Dan Engler, was dealing with Dakota,
and it allows Bayley now to hit the Rose Plant.
And thanks to Damage CTRL, Bayley is going to pin Raquel Rodriguez.
[bell rings]
["Role Model" by def rebel plays]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Bayley!
[Graves] Bayley now calling her shots, sending Iyo to finish what she started.
[Cole] Yeah, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Bayley, Damage CTRL,
a three-on-one assault now of Raquel Rodriguez,
who, remember, really is on one leg here.
["I Am a Psycho" by def rebel plays]
And it's Shotzi!
And Shotzi taking out Dakota Kai.
[Graves] Wait a minute.
[Cole] Is Shotzi coming to the aid of Raquel?
[Graves] Seems to be the case.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Well, Shotzi obviously some respect for Raquel Rodriguez.
And I'm telling you, Corey,
Damage CTRL is rubbing people the wrong way.
People like Shotzi appear to be sick and tired of Damage CTRL
running their mouths about the rest of the women in the locker room.
[Graves] You can be sick of it, you can complain about it,
but the fact remains that Damage CTRL holds the gold,
therefore, Damage CTRL holds the power.
[Cole] They, of course, the Women's Tag Team Champions.
Who will be next to challenge
the Men's Undisputed Tag Team Champs, The Usos?
We'll find out later on tonight, a Fatal 4-Way,
Number One Contenders Match live on SmackDown.
[Graves] And the newest member of The Bloodline to capture gold,
the NXT North American Championship
will be defended on Friday Night SmackDown as the new champ, Solo Sikoa,
goes one-on-one with challenger Madcap Moss tonight.
[Cole] And we have a new Number One Contender
for the SmackDown Women's Championship
in the Champion Liv Morgan.
Ronda Rousey is here.
She sits down with Kayla Braxton
in an exclusive interview, live next on SmackDown.
[Ford] What if cancer wasn't part of us?
[Dawkins] Where the only tests are our strength?
[Ford] Where the only shots are taken by a photographer.
-Where the only battlefield is this ring. -[bell rings]
[Ford] Where the only doctors specialize in Thuganomics.
["Basic Thugonomics" plays]
[Dawkins] What if we could team up to make that happen?
[all] Will you join us?
[hip-hop music playing]
What about what's still to come tonight?
The NXT North American Championship on the line
and a Number One Contenders Fatal 4-Way.
Well, speaking of Number One Contenders,
how about the Number One Contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship
standing by for an exclusive interview.
Here's our broadcast colleague, Kayla Braxton.
Thanks, Michael.
I am here with "The Baddest Woman on the Planet" Ronda Rousey.
Now, Ronda, on October 8th at Extreme Rules,
you'll be facing Liv Morgan for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
Now, the last time you and Liv faced each other for a title,
things ended in a controversial fashion.
So, I'm sure you're hoping at Extreme Rules is a different story.
Well, with all due respect,
there's not going to be any controversy this time.
Speak of the devil.
Kayla, could I have a moment alone with Ronda?
-Absolutely. -Thank you.
[crowd cheering]
I've never met anyone that says words that mean nothing more than you.
You just said "with all due respect," but you don't respect me,
you don't respect--
I said with all due respect, and you're due none.
I'm literally the only person on this planet to defeat you twice.
So, if there's anyone you should respect, it's me.
But no, instead you want to say the same things
I've heard my whole entire career.
"Liv Morgan isn't good enough."
"Liv Morgan doesn't deserve to be champion."
But the last time I checked, both times, your shoulders were on the mat,
my arm was raised,
and this was put on my waist.
But I know nothing that I say is going to make you respect me,
so I'm going to have to do what I've done my whole entire career
and earn it.
But the only way that I can do that is to beat you again.
So, when I defend my championship against you October 8th at Extreme Rules,
I want you in an Extreme Rules Match.
[crowd cheers]
You… want an Extreme Rules Match with me?
[laughs]
It's your funeral.
[crowd cheers]
Three weeks from tomorrow? Liv Morgan, is she crazy?
There's a fine line between genius and insanity,
and Liv Morgan is--
What the hell?
[Cole] Drew McIntyre!
[crowd cheers]
Excuse us.
[Drew] Congratulations, Karrion Kross.
You finally got my attention.
I've been waiting for you backstage all day long,
but it seems if you're not jumping me from behind,
you don't have the balls to face me like a man.
[crowd cheers]
So, I'm going to ask you, do me a favor,
do yourself a favor, finally grow a set,
step up to Drew McIntyre
and I'm going to make you a promise right now,
you talk about your "tick tock," you're so obsessed with time.
Time is running out for you and the only countdown
you need to worry about
is three, two, one.
Lights out.
[mic thuds]
["Gallantry" plays]
[crowd cheers]
-Let's go, Solo. -Uh-huh.
Time to represent The Bloodline tonight, but you already know that.
Always.
You about to go out there and handle business.
We got your back just like we did last week.
Let's go get it, Uce.
-Let's go. -Let's go.
I got this. You was off your game today, Jey.
Yo, Sami, you coming?
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
I got to go, Uce.
[Cole] That won't sit well.
[Graves] I never expected to see that.
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT North American Championship!
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Sami Zayn,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the NXT North American Champion,
Solo Sikoa!
[Cole] Corey, I want to take everyone back to this past Tuesday night on NXT
because finally it was a long hard road for Solo Sikoa,
but he finally won the NXT North American Championship
in a sensation match with Carmelo Hayes.
[Graves] Well, The Bloodline, they are bound by blood, but driven by glory.
It's about pulling your own weight and succeeding at the highest levels,
which is exactly what the Street Champ returned to NXT to do.
Remove all doubt from anybody's mind
that Solo Sikoa is the heavy hitter of The Bloodline
and belongs exactly where he is.
[Cole] Sikoa wins the NXT North American Championship
and tonight will defend it for the very first time
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
["Ready For Business" by def rebel plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Alicia] And his opponent, from Minneapolis, Minnesota,
weighing in at 245 pounds,
Madcap Moss!
[Cole] You know, Corey, in Madcap's career,
he has never had an opportunity at a singles championship.
He gets his first chance here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] Madcap's a guy we often say has all the tools to be a mega-star.
Does he have what it takes to knock off the NXT North American Champ?
We'll find out next.
[indistinct yelling]
[uneasy 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?
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And for the very first time ever, the NXT North American Championship
will be defended on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] The new champ, the newest member of The Bloodline,
"The Street Champ" Solo Sikoa
captured the title this past Tuesday on NXT
and wasting no time putting it on the line.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] I'm excited for this matchup.
Should be as physical as a match you will ever see.
Madcap, former college football star
along with Solo Sikoa, the ferocious,
dangerous member of The Bloodline.
Sami Zayn looking on at ringside.
Solo asked Sami to be out here tonight, but told The Usos to stay in the back,
telling Jey, "You've already messed up once tonight."
[Graves] Several ways you can look at it.
Perhaps there is trouble in paradise, or perhaps Solo Sikoa is so confident
in his own abilities that he believes Sami Zayn
watching his back is more than enough.
Solo wants to make a name for himself.
I had a long chat with Jimmy and Jey last week
about how The Bloodline view Solo.
He's like their number one draft pick.
They know that one day, perhaps in the very near future,
Solo Sikoa can be that dude.
So, they're working him hard.
They're making him stay on the straight and narrow
and letting him put in the work.
[Cole] Perhaps Logan Paul and the bombshell that he dropped earlier tonight
has thrown The Bloodline all out of sorts here tonight.
Perhaps Solo Sikoa's mind is on that.
We have more about this press conference that Logan Paul mentioned,
in which he challenged Roman Reigns to be there in Las Vegas tomorrow
coming up in just a little bit here on SmackDown.
So, Sikoa defending the NXT North American Championship,
and the waist lock by Madcap.
If you're Madcap, what do you got to do to win the title tonight?
[Graves] Madcap needs to keep his eyes completely off of Sami Zayn.
That sounds contradictory.
You'd think he would want to have eyes in the back of his head.
Sami Zayn likely will get involved in some capacity.
Moss has to know that,
and Moss needs to soldier forward and focus on the task at hand,
the North American Champion.
[Cole] If you're Sami Zayn, you've got to be careful.
You're starting to get in the good graces now of The Bloodline.
You know Roman likes you.
Solo Sikoa likes you.
Jimmy apparently likes Sami, but you don't want to make a mistake
that could cost Solo the championship tonight
because then perhaps he's excommunicated from the group.
-Ooh! -[Graves] You're absolutely right.
Sami Zayn takes his role within The Bloodline extremely seriously.
He would not want to jeopardize it
as we take another look at the power possessed
by the Street Champ.
Oh-ho-ho.
[Cole] The head-butt by Sikoa. Now in control.
Huh?
What's up? What's up?
[Cole] So intense.
The Usos, of course, his older brother.
Eight-year difference between Solo and The Usos.
Of course, their father, legendary Rikishi.
Ooh!
[Graves] We talk about Solo being heavy-handed,
there was a shining example of just how.
Watch Moss.
Moss can be explosive.
[Cole] Oh, and a shoulder tackle by Madcap.
And here's a man who may actually match the intensity of Solo Sikoa.
Madcap sending Sikoa over the top rope, champion's advantage.
[Cole] Moss must pin or submit the champion to take the gold.
[Graves] I know a lot of higher-ups in WWE have thought for many years
that Madcap Moss could be a major player. It's basically been lack of opportunity.
Moss continues to succeed, continues to improve and put in the work,
but Sami Zayn playing a factor, as we knew he would.
[Cole] Again, those slight distractions,
allowing Moss to take his eye off the ball like he did
and Sikoa takes control.
[Graves] That's exactly what I was talking about moments ago,
and boy, did Moss pay dearly.
[Cole] I never thought I'd say this, Corey,
but Sami Zayn is paying major dividends for The Bloodline.
[Graves] I get that people think that Sami is abrasive,
-that Sami can be borderline obnoxious. -[Cole] You think?
[Graves] Listen, Sami Zayn, for all of his personality flaws
in the opinion of some, Sami knows this game.
Sami has been around this business for a long time
and had a great deal of success.
[Cole] A spinning heel kick by Sikoa puts him back in control,
but again, Sami Zayn very important to the matchup changing hands,
and this is the example that we showed you moments ago.
[Graves] We knew Madcap was eventually going to be forced
to take his eye off the ball,
and Sikoa making the challenger pay in spectacular fashion.
[Cole] Again, a fierce competitor.
[inaudible]
[crowd boos]
[Cole] "We The Ones."
The motto of The Bloodline, of course, led by the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
[Graves] It's not just a motto, it's a lifestyle.
[Cole] As of tonight, Roman Reigns has held the championship 747 days.
Cover by Sikoa, hook of the leg and a kickout by Madcap.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is live tonight
in Anaheim, California, at the Honda Center.
It has been a spectacular, chaotic evening.
And right now, Solo Sikoa, for the first time in SmackDown history,
is defending the NXT North American Championship
against the upstart Madcap Moss
looking to win his first-ever singles championship
in his first-ever opportunity at a singles title.
[Graves] Sikoa now with double trapezius locks applied on Moss.
This is an agonizing situation to be in.
Moss firing rights of his own.
[Cole] Trying to fight back into this, but at every turn, Solo Sikoa has met him.
Oh!
God, what a whip, and a belly-to-belly.
[Graves] That's got to do it.
[Cole] Loves to inflict pain and punishment, does Sikoa.
He is indeed living up to the feared reputation
of Samoans in sports entertainment over the past decades.
[Graves] Look at the impact of this belly-to-belly suplex.
Solo realizes when you're a part of The Bloodline,
you're not born great, you are born into the expectation of greatness.
Weakness will not be tolerated.
[Cole] Paying homage to the late, great Umaga.
Remember, Roman Reigns is still champion today, Corey,
because of this man, Solo Sikoa.
Cover by Sikoa. Hook of the leg, and a kickout.
Back at Clash at the Castle,
Sikoa saving Reigns from a McIntyre victory.
Boom!
[Graves] Ridiculous impact in the corner.
Whiplash effect on Madcap Moss,
and now Sikoa playing with his food.
This is it.
[Graves] Uh-oh, maybe Solo got a little too confident.
Here comes Madcap and there goes Madcap's bicuspids.
My God!
-One, two, three-- -[Cole] Solo Sikoa just stomping away.
How annoying must it be to be in a match, fighting for the championship,
and you've got Sami Zayn cackling over just a few feet away from you?
[Graves] It's annoying and it can be emotionally destructive.
Madcap might be defeated before the match is over
because he can't mentally hang with The Bloodline.
[Cole] Again, a lot of pressure on Moss as well,
his first opportunity at a championship.
-This time Madcap-- -[Graves] Oh, chop block!
[Cole] Blocks the knee of Solo Sikoa, and Madcap now with an opportunity.
[Graves] Moss trying to will himself back to his feet,
delivered a desperate chop block, but it was incredibly effective.
The champion is down.
[Cole] Trying to drag himself back to his feet to change the momentum of this match.
Blocks the right by Sikoa, and now Madcap fighting back.
Madcap seizing the opportunity.
[Graves] Here comes Moss!
[Cole] Oh, what a clothesline!
-[Graves] Are you kidding me? -[Cole] And a wicked forearm.
Punishing blows.
Face-first goes Solo Sikoa.
And could Madcap be closing in on the NXT North American Championship?
Shoulder to the gut, Madcap.
All kinds of momentum building here.
Uh-oh, it looked like he was going to go for the Punchline, perhaps and…
-Now, Madcap planting Sikoa! -[Graves] Wow!
[Cole] Cover now for the win and the title, and Sikoa kicks at two.
[Graves] Just barely a fraction of a second away from Solo Sikoa
losing his newly-won North American Championship.
And Moss has been on a tear recently.
Look at this strength.
Driving Sikoa into the canvas.
I assure you The Tribal Chief wasn't too pleased
with what he just watched.
[Cole] And Sami Zayn nervous as well at ringside.
Madcap looking to put Solo Sikoa away.
Sikoa able to counter caught an elbow to the jaw, and a head-butt.
That dropped Madcap to a knee. Imagine that impact.
And Solo looking for a Samoan drop.
Madcap trying to fight out of it.
Madcap holding his own against the powerhouse.
Uh-oh, Sikoa, Samoan drop.
Picked Madcap, used his own momentum against him.
Cover, hook of the leg for the win.
Madcap at two.
What a battle between these two young studs
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] Solo Sikoa able to launch Madcap Moss into a Samoan drop
and nearly end this thing, but Moss stays alive.
[crowd chants] Uso! Uso! Uso!
[Cole] And Sikoa…
The Uso chants ringing throughout the arena
in the Honda Center here in Anaheim.
This is the pace Sikoa wants right now.
[Graves] Could be closing in on the end.
-No. -[Cole] Maybe not.
Roll up by Madcap for the victory.
Shoulders down. Another kickout by the champ.
Another near fall.
Into the corner.
[Graves] Sikoa got the elbow up just in time.
[Cole] Now it's Sikoa's turn. Caught by Madcap.
[Graves] This is stunning power.
Madcap with the fallaway slam!
[Graves] Wow!
And now it's Madcap's opportunity, perhaps, to win the gold.
And Sami Zayn pulling Sikoa out of harm's way.
And once again Sami Zayn…
[Graves] Pays dividends.
[Cole] And Madcap going to make Sami Zayn pay.
Sami running for dear life.
And Sikoa with a kick to Madcap.
Again, the distraction by Sami Zayn.
Solo Sikoa says, "That's it."
Oh, the Ura-nage!
Spinning Solo.
Cover. It's over.
[bell rings]
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
[Alicia] Here is your winner
and still the NXT North American Champion,
Solo Sikoa!
[Graves] It may be early, Cole, but I truly believe,
when it comes to Solo Sikoa, it's time to believe the hype.
[Cole] And dare I say that Sami Zayn
has become the MVP of The Bloodline in recent weeks.
[Graves] I don't know what they're paying Sami, but they should double it.
Superkick rocks Moss, and the exclamation point.
Spinning Solo driving Moss into the mat.
Hell of a fight, hell of an effort from Madcap,
but tonight belongs to the Street Champ.
[Cole] The "Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn.
Madcap with an excellent battle here tonight,
but Sikoa retains the title.
[Graves] We had a title match just now,
now it's a match with championship implications.
Who will be the next to step up
to the Tag Team Championship dominance of The Usos?
Four teams compete, one team will earn the right,
a Number One Contenders Fatal 4-Way Match live next.
We're back on Friday Night SmackDown. It has been a very newsworthy night.
We started the night off with Logan Paul
announcing that he has a press conference tomorrow in Las Vegas.
And Paul would then invite "The Head of the Table"
Roman Reigns to arrive face-to-face.
And it's going to happen.
We can now confirm that tomorrow Roman Reigns will be there
to go face-to-face with Logan Paul.
It is a press conference, it takes place in Las Vegas,
it starts at 12:30 on the West Coast,
3:30 on the East Coast at Resorts World, the Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book,
open to the public and you can see it live on all of WWE's social media platforms.
It takes place, again, tomorrow.
And Logan Paul mentioned something about
maybe challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Title?
It's going to be interesting, no doubt about it.
I can't wait to hear what Roman Reigns has to say,
much like I cannot wait for Salt Lake City
to become the Island of Relevancy as The Tribal Chief returns.
Roman Reigns back on Friday Night SmackDown next week.
[Cole] Also next week, batten down the hatches, reinforce the ring,
Braun Strowman goes one-on-one with Otis next week.
[Graves] That is going to be quite literally
the biggest match in a long time.
["Best of the Best" by def rebel plays]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following is a Fatal 4-Way Number One Contenders Match!
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by B-Fab,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla, Hit Row!
[Cole] And, Corey, you know this about me. I'm a rap aficionado.
Have you checked out the latest rap video, "Flava in Ya Ear"?
[Graves] I sure have. I've watched it several times today
while I was scrolling through social media.
Wildly talented trio of individuals, tremendous athletes.
Cole, if you're that big of a fan, I think you should join Hit Row.
You could be like that guy 6ix9ine and just snitch on everybody.
[Cole] I'm just friends with Snoop Dogg,
but nonetheless, we are in Salt Lake City next week
for Friday Night SmackDown.
The question is will Hit Row be the Number One Contenders
for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship?
[Graves] The other question is who hotta than Top Dolla, Cole?
Do you know the answer?
-Do you know? -[Cole] B-Fab?
[Graves] Not nada.
Also B-Fab, but…
["New Day, New Way" by Jim Johnston plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Alicia] Next, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,
The New Day!
[Cole] Glad to see New Day back in action
after that Viking Rules Match from a few weeks ago.
The New Day, of course, 11-time Tag Team Champions.
[Graves] I don't know how strong my nerd culture is,
but I believe we've got a little Thor representation.
Is that Loki? Loki Woods?
I'm going to get a bunch of mean tweets about that regardless.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders have been out of action since that matchup.
Erik suffering an injured foot in that match,
he'll be out for an indefinite amount of time.
[Graves] If you're talking about The New Day,
these are guys who could wake up any of the 365 days a year
and pose a legitimate threat to The Usos
or any Tag Team Champions in the game.
[Cole] Hey, 483 days they once held the Tag Team Titles.
The Usos are now at 425, approaching that record.
["Symphony No. 9 In E Minor" by Dvořák playing]
[crowd booing]
["Prepare to Fight" playing]
[Alicia] Making their way to the ring,
accompanied by the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser
and Giovanni Vinci, Imperium!
[Cole] So, it'll be Vinci and Kaiser competing in the match tonight
led to the ring by The Ring General.
How impressive was Imperium last week?
[Graves] Imperium have been impressive for quite some time,
dating back to their tenure in NXT,
where Kaiser and Vinci
were one of the most dominant sets of Tag Team Champions,
two times over, that the brand has ever seen.
But under the guidance and tutelage of The Ring General,
I don't know if there's anyone who can stop Kaiser and Vinci.
This is not a game to them, this is a way of life.
The mat is sacred and it shall not be disrespected.
["Bring the Fire" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] It's Friday night, that mean it's Fight Night!
[fireworks booming]
[Alicia] And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Sheamus,
Ridge Holland and Butch, The Brawling Brutes!
[Cole] Butch, of course, a former NXT Tag Team Champion
in his own right, Ridge Holland looking for his first title.
Fatal 4-Way Match.
Remember, first team to gain pinfall or submission
will become the Number One Contenders
for The Usos' Undisputed Tag Team Champion.
Two men will be in the ring.
Tag in whoever you want, Corey.
[Graves] Keep your eyes on Butch at all times.
The guy's like a hyena that's been let loose inside a ring.
Total chaos in human form.
[Cole] Let's not forget that Sheamus, Gunther,
they're going to be hanging around at ringside.
[bell rings]
And this should be an unbelievable match
as Butch and Kaiser start things off here tonight.
Winner faces The Usos next week Friday Night SmackDown
for the Tag Team Titles.
[Graves] Chaos has been the theme of the night.
I doubt we will see any changes now.
Step-up enzuigiri rocks Ludwig Kaiser to the outside,
and Butch giving chase.
[Cole] Butch taking the fight to Kaiser.
And look, here's Giovanni Vinci.
And now Ridge Holland gets involved.
Good luck to the official in this match, Ryan Tran.
Oh, wait a second.
Now, the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, squaring up with Sheamus.
[Graves] Whoa, whoa! Watch in the ring!
[Cole] Top Dolla!
[Graves] Ashante "Thee" Adonis like a human javelin.
[Cole] Oh no, are we going to finally see it?
-He teased it last week. -Do it, big man.
-[Cole] 365-pounder. -[Graves] Do it.
[Cole] Oh, was going to fly, and Vinci took him out at the knee.
Now, Xavier Woods gets involved.
[Graves] Did Woods just hit Vinci with a brogue kick in front of Sheamus?
Looked that way.
Come on!
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Now Xavier Woods is going to fly.
Let's go!
[Cole] New Day would love the opportunity to become 12-time Tag Champs.
Kofi Kingston using Top Dolla to his advantage.
Who's going to be the Number One Contenders
to the Tag Titles?
[crowd chants] New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Raquel] As a Hispanic woman, culture to me plays an important part
in who I am as Raquel Rodriguez because it gives me my values,
to say strong, to stay hardworking.
No te dejas,
which means never give up, no matter what.
Being proud of representing who you really are and where you come from.
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez taking Bayley to the limit earlier tonight.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
we are live in the Honda Center, Anaheim, California.
Fatal 4-Way Match to determine, Corey, who's going to face The Usos
for the Undisputed Tag Titles live next week.
[Graves] It has been chaotic as expected, but right now, Imperium in control.
Ludwig Kaiser dominating Butch.
[Cole] Kaiser teaming with Vinci tonight as The Ring General,
the Intercontinental Champion, looks on.
Cover. Kickout by Butch of The Brawling Brutes.
Meanwhile, Sheamus,
what a war Sheamus and Gunther had as we… Listen to this.
Sheamus and Gunther back at Clash at the Castle
for the Intercontinental Title.
[Graves] The sound made upon impact was reminiscent of Gunther and Sheamus
beating the living heck out of one another in Cardiff.
[Cole] Many believe the match of the year thus far.
[Graves] Would not disagree with that assessment.
-[Cole] Leapfrog by Butch. -[Graves] Kaiser back and forth.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Graves] Yikes!
[Cole] Starting to pick things up as he takes out the man known
as the Agitator of Imperium, Ludwig Kaiser.
Now, "The Master of Joint Manipulation" Butch goes to work,
gonna punish Kaiser now.
[Graves] No, no, no, no, no.
[Cole] Trying to break Kaiser's…
Oh my God, I can't even watch that.
[Graves] Not again!
Kaiser is just writhing in pain.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Graves] Oh my God!
Might've just broken Kaiser's arm. That was disgusting.
Butch is a lunatic.
[Cole] A very rabid individual is Butch.
Sheamus loves it, though, as he looks on from outside.
Remember, first team to gain pinfall or submission wins the matchup.
Tag. Tag was made by Ridge Holland.
Now, Ridge of The Brawling Brutes gets involved.
The powerhouse.
Double-team now by the Brutes.
-Cover… -[Graves] Fantastic team work.
…by Holland to become Number One Contenders,
and Kaiser kicks out again.
[Graves] It's a very difficult thing to do in a Fatal 4-Way environment
where you got teams in quite literally every corner to isolate an opponent,
and the Brutes have done a great job for the past several moments
keeping their opposition in their own corner.
[Cole] A shot from Vinci.
Tag made. Vinci's now legal.
Now, Ridge Holland into a deep arm drag by Giovanni Vinci
known as the Equalizer of this group.
Very intense personality.
We mentioned last week, Corey, a nonstop motor in the ring.
[Graves] The Equalizer, the Agitator and The Ring General.
[Cole] Indeed.
Oh, and Vinci with an uppercut.
[Graves] I love everything about Imperium.
When they say the mat is sacred, they mean it's not about fun and games,
it is about skill, it is about technique, and above all, it is about victory.
[Cole] These are three of the most skilled men in the entire planet.
Now, Ridge Holland, though! Wow!
Check out that power! Tag made.
-Here comes the 365-pounder. -[Graves] Oh, Ridgey.
[Cole] Top Dolla.
[Graves] This is a big, big man.
[Cole] You know, Top Dolla used to be an Uber driver.
Can you imagine?
[Graves] I don't know what I would do in that situation.
[Cole laughs] Oh, and Top Dolla standing his ground.
Ridge with an uppercut.
[Graves] Was he driving a school bus?
[Cole] Oh, and look at the power of Top Dolla.
Off the suplex. Tag made.
And here comes the former veteran of the United States Army,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
[Graves] The Finesse of Hit Row.
[Cole] Did Butch make a tag or did he miss it?
Cover now. He must've missed it as Adonis now kickout at two.
Butch had reached out to make a tag, didn't quite get there,
and now Adonis hammering away on Ridge Holland.
[Graves] Great awareness by Butch in that situation.
It's something that all competitors in an environment like this
need to be conscious of.
[Cole] Butch just goes and goes and goes.
Adonis. Nice standing dropkick.
Ridge into the corner. Tag made.
Here comes a former WWE Champion.
[Graves] That was some tag by Kofi.
And Woods and Butch getting chippy on the outside.
[Cole] Throwing a little bit of offense when you make a tag.
Kofi!
And Kofi Kingston now.
-[Kofi] New… -[crowd yells] Day!
[Cole] Oh!
Boom Drop action.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Ashante "Thee" Adonis in trouble. Here comes Ludwig Kaiser from behind.
[Cole] Driving Kingston shoulder-first to the post.
Tag made. Vinci.
What is going on?
-Vinci's legal. Double-team by Imperium. -[Graves] Oh God!
A car crash in the corner.
Imperium in control.
Who's going to face The Usos next week?
[Cole] We are on the road to determining who will face The Usos next week
for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
Fatal 4-Way Match underway.
First team to gain pinfall or submission will win this matchup.
The Usos, as of today, Corey,
425 days as Tag Team Champions.
Closing in on the record 483 set by The New Day who are in this match.
[Graves] The Usos showing no signs of slowing,
ready for every challenge any night of the week.
Right now, Kofi trying to fight his way back into this contest,
but Imperium has just been dominant for the past several minutes.
Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci
with two fistfuls of braids in the corner, but here comes Kofi.
[Cole] Kofi fighting back, dumping Kaiser now over the top rope.
Kofi needs to make a tag.
Trying to drag himself to the corner to his partner, Xavier Woods.
Obviously, Kofi wants to tag Woods, not somebody from another team
just for the sake of getting some rest.
You wanna keep your team legal as much as possible.
[Cole] And Kaiser trying to run interference,
runs into a big back body drop.
Tag made to Vinci. And here comes Xavier Woods.
[Graves] "Born in a barrel of butcher knives and raised in a forest fire,"
I still have no idea what it means, but Woods loves to say it.
And Xavier Woods is picking up the pace.
And Kaiser sending Woods into the corner.
Ludwig Kaiser, though, runs into a big boot.
The Honor Roll by Woods.
[Graves] Woods is crushing it right now.
Keep an eye on the top.
[Cole] Oh, and that's Butch.
Xavier Woods has Butch…
And Adonis into a double DDT!
[Graves] Watch out for Vinci.
[Cole] And Vinci, though, Woods lands on his feet.
Woods taking out everybody with a side Russian leg sweep.
Kip-up by Woods who's all fired up.
[crowd cheers]
Oh! Vinci in trouble.
For the win to get a shot at The Usos, and a kickout by Vinci.
[Graves] What a flurry of offense from Xavier Woods.
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Taking out everybody in his path.
[Cole] Vinci, though, lands on his feet.
Oh, and what a clothesline!
[Graves] Vinci needed to buy himself a few moments to recover. That'll do it.
-But Butch-- -[Cole] Tag.
[Graves] Butch took advantage of the situation.
[Cole] Now Butch goes on the attack of Woods.
"The Ring General" Gunther was not happy with that.
Butch taking everybody out, knocking the Hit Row off the apron.
Now the double knees to Woods.
Butch out to the apron, taking out Imperium.
Butch is everywhere!
The frenetic pace of Butch.
Butch is like a tornado made of fists, feet, and knees.
[Cole] Down goes Kofi. Butch has wiped out everybody.
[Graves] Snap German suplex takes down Ashante.
[Cole] Now, The Brawling Brutes with the Butch chants.
Butch right to the hands of Adonis.
Oh, and a kick to the back of the neck.
This is interesting.
[Graves] Top Dolla has entered the chat.
And Butch showing no fear for the big man.
[Cole] Oh, and runs into a boot.
Just like that, Top Dolla quells the momentum.
[Graves] Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me right now?
Top Dolla is making this look effortless.
[Cole] Kofi and Butch on his shoulders.
Xavier Woods…
Xavier Woods caught by Top Dolla as well!
-[Graves] No way! -[Cole] You got to be kidding me!
Can you believe this?
Marching around the ring with three human beings.
This just isn't right!
[Graves] Not nada!
[Cole] How impressive was that!
[crowd cheers]
A massive man!
[Graves] Breaking news. Top Dolla is that dude!
[Cole] And Ridge Holland now lifting the 365-pounder up momentarily.
Looking to plant Ridge.
Ridge able to counter.
-Now, Top Dolla and Ridge Holland. -[Graves] Oh baby.
-No way! -[Cole] This is incredible!
Holland! Wow!
Cover by Holland for the win, and Top Dolla kicks out.
How the hell did Holland get him up?
He's nearly 400 pounds.
[Graves] You're going to have to forgive me while I pick my jaw up off the desk
for the last 30 seconds to a minute of this match.
[Cole] And now it's Xavier Woods.
[Graves] I'm feeling eight letters right now
and the last four are not appropriate for broadcast television.
[Cole] I know Woods is legal, I don't know what the heck else is going on.
[Graves] Woods with dynamite in his hands.
And his feet as well.
[Cole] The WWE fans loving it.
Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston driving Top Dolla!
Oh my God! Right over our announce table!
Are you okay, Graves?
Kingston, splash to the back of Adonis.
Cover. Butch breaking things up.
[Graves] At the last possible second,
Butch keeps things alive for all four of these teams.
[Cole] What the hell is going on?
Tag. Vinci's legal.
Vinci now, from behind.
Rolling Kofi up, shoulders are down.
Kofi, reversal, for the win.
Vinci kicks at two.
There are bodies everywhere, Graves.
Imperium trying to make something happen.
Double-team.
-This might do it. -[Cole] Spinebuster.
Knee by Kaiser.
Tag made. Kaiser's legal.
[Graves] But wait. Wait.
[Cole] And there's the elbow into the powerbomb.
[Graves] Ridge Holland just made the tag.
[Cole] That was the Imperial Bomb…
-Ridge made the tag. -…but Holland is not legal.
-Ridge is legal. -Holland's going to steal one.
-The Brawling Brutes win! -[bell rings]
["Hellfire" plays]
[Alicia] Here are your winners, The Brawling Brutes!
[Cole] Next week-- next week on SmackDown,
The Usos and the Brutes for the Tag Team Titles in Salt Lake City. ing on.