[WWE intro music plays]
[Cena] Then.
-[Rick Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[gong sounds] -[Cena] Now.
-The King of Kings. -You can't see me.
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
[Cena] Together.
[music fades]
[tense music plays]
[Patrick] A fraction perhaps within The Bloodline.
A tribal court to decide the fate of Sami Zayn.
[Heyman] Sami Zayn, running away like the gutless coward that he is.
That's not hesitation.
He's the betrayer of the Island of Relevancy.
He has been in a conspiracy with Kevin Owens
since day one.
I beg of you to find
this rat bastard
guilty as charged.
What do you think I'm doing? You think I'm conspiring with Kevin Owens?
You think I'm trying to take out The Tribal Chief?
Yes!
How do you think that after all of this time?
The fact that you would make me sit here
and literally put me on trial
to defend myself?
Man, that hurts.
So I guess what I'm saying is,
my defense
is that I have no defense.
[dramatic music]
[Reigns] You don't have a defense?
You got so much ego you won't even fight for this?
You don't care now, huh?
You can't even argue for this? It doesn't mean anything to you?
I let you in my family and this is what you do.
Enough! Solo!
[shouts]
[crowd gasps]
Tribal Chief, no disrespect.
This man has took so many bullets for me,
for you,
for the whole Bloodline.
That right there,
that's what family do.
So that demonstrates to me, Uce,
loyalty and love to this family.
So if you want Sami Zayn to stay in The Bloodline
then throw your ones to the sky.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Sami"]
[Reigns] As your Tribal Chief
and The Head of the Table,
I find you, Sami Zayn…
not guilty.
[crowd cheers]
For now.
Finish out tonight,
and then I don't want to see you again
until Saturday at the Royal Rumble.
And that is where you're gonna deliver your final test.
And then we're gonna see if Sami Zayn
really is The Bloodline
or not.
[crowd cheers]
Here we go.
Only ones in the building.
You already know what time it is.
Hey, Solo, tonight's all about you, baby.
Put this work on KO, Uce.
Let's do it.
Yeet!
Psst! Jey.
Hey, it's me, it's me.
What you doing here, man? You ain't supposed to be here, bro.
That's against direct orders from The Tribal Chief.
I know. That's why I'm not going in there.
Trust me, I don't want to step on any toes,
I don't want any problems. I just had to catch you
before you go in there, okay?
Because I had to tell you this face to face.
Man, what you did for me Monday at the tribal court,
l won't forget that.
-That meant the world to me. -I got you.
No, I got you.
If you need anything from me ever, you just let me know, okay?
-All right, man. -Go in there, do your thing.
-I'm staying out of this. -All right. Get out of here.
-All right. -Go, man.
All right. Love you.
Love you too.
You got this.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
♪ Whoo! Whoo! ♪
♪ Hey! ♪
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ Who better than me? I don't see nobody ♪
♪ I don't see nobody Who stepping to me ♪
♪ I don't see nobody I don't see nobody ♪
♪ Who can tussle with the beast? ♪
♪ I don't see nobody 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
♪ I say I'm the best Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Running through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Who better than me? ♪
♪ Whoo! Whoo! ♪
[fireworks explode]
♪ Who better than me? ♪
♪ Besting opponents Flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving them all Looking stressin' and folded… ♪
♪ How am I hot but I'm dressing… ♪
[Cole] We are at the eve of the Royal Rumble
and you are looking live at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And a major main event tonight with Rumble implications.
[Wade] You ain't lying, Cole.
Kevin Owens has a huge matchup tomorrow night versus Undisputed Champ
Roman Reigns, but he's got to get there first.
Tonight he goes one-on-one with Bloodline enforcer Solo Sikoa,
whose orders are simple:
Destroy KO ahead of the Royal Rumble.
[Cole] And we kick off tonight with a former Royal Rumble Match winner
and a Legendary Luchador.
["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. plays]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from San Diego, California,
weighing in at 175 pounds,
Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] Tonight, Rey Mysterio focuses on Karrion Kross,
but in 24 hours at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas,
Rey Mysterio will hope that history repeats itself
as he enters the Royal Rumble for the 14th time in his career.
Back in 2006, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble Match,
lasting one hour and two minutes.
He would go on to win the World Title at WrestleMania.
But tonight, Wade, Mysterio has to focus
on "The Harbinger of Doom," Karrion Kross.
[Wade] You're right, Cole. This is the greatest luchador,
the greatest underdog of all time,
but with such a glittering career as Rey Mysterio's,
there is a permanent bullseye on his back.
["Dead Silent" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Well, Rey Mysterio said Karrion Kross has made this personal.
Kross has targeted Rey for weeks, questioning his ability as a father,
saying it's time for his Hall of Fame career to end.
Two weeks ago, Kross, though, Wade,
showed Rey Mysterio what he's up against.
[Wade] Rey Mysterio gamely fighting for his life.
It was going well until the intervention of the sinister siren Scarlett,
upon which, locked in the Kross Jacket
and the concerning specter of that
tarot card with Rey Mysterio's face on it…
[indistinct chanting]
[roars]
[Cole] We mentioned Rey Mysterio entering the Royal Rumble Match
tomorrow night for the 14th time in his career.
For Karrion Kross, he will enter the Royal Rumble Match
for the very first time in his life.
[indistinct chanting]
[roars]
[Cole] It is the match that will alter your career.
Thirty men enter the ring, only one man will be left standing.
That man will main event for the Undisputed Championship
at WrestleMania.
[Wade] And try and pick a winner out of that group.
But we still don't know all of the entrants, of course.
[Cole] So Kross and Mysterio kick us off here tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Karrion Kross has stalked Rey Mysterio for months now,
prophesizing the demise of Rey's legendary career.
Well, tonight, Kross gets the opportunity to make good on those words.
[Cole] Karrion Kross spent years in Mexico laying waste
to just about every luchador that came into his path.
And he considers Mysterio tonight the last man to try to take out.
[Wade] So devastating was Kross's career in Mexico,
promoters used Kross as their heavy to police
the locker room and keep egos in check.
He essentially got a free pass from management to hurt people
without legal consequence.
[Cole] And Mysterio tossed over the top rope to the floor.
And if that happens tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble Match,
Kross would have eliminated Mysterio.
[Wade] Kross did it with ease.
We mentioned before how Rey Mysterio once spent over an hour
in the Royal Rumble.
That was just too easy for Karrion Kross, but once again,
The Ultimate Underdog back on top.
[Cole] And Mysterio driving Kross into the barricade.
Vintage Mysterio. Rey in charge, here on Fox.
[Cole] Back here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Rey Mysterio trying to climb back into this match that Karrion Kross took over
during the commercial break.
Kross now having his way with Rey Mysterio.
And the power taking over. Knee to the spine.
[Wade] Sands of time may be running low for the career
of Rey Mysterio, if this is anything to go by.
[Cole] Cover now by Kross. Hook of the leg by Mysterio.
Let's show you how Karrion Kross took control during the commercial break.
Rey Mysterio got caught in mid-air.
Watch the power now from Karrion Kross.
Boom, a chokeslam right onto the apron.
[Wade] Such a massive strength disparity between these two,
and Rey Mysterio getting battered from pillar to post.
[Cole] Meanwhile, now Karrion Kross looking to try to rip the mask
off Rey Mysterio.
We've talked at length here on this show about the importance
of luchador masks to Rey Mysterio and many others,
the honor and the tradition it carries.
And Kross there was trying to disrespect that.
[Wade] Just beautiful there from Karrion Kross.
I've got to get this off my chest, Cole. I cannot believe--
-Whoa! -[Cole] Uh-oh, Rey Mysterio though,
great core strength, as Kross goes shoulder-first into the ring post.
Now can Rey Mysterio change the momentum of the matchup?
Step-up enzuigiri to Kross, and Kross is now down.
[Wade] You just sensed it was now or never for Rey Mysterio.
Do not let that chance go slipping.
[Cole] Scarlett getting involved, causing the distraction.
Mysterio though goes down low. Kross in position for the 619.
[Wade] Mysterio had seen that movie once before,
wise to it on this occasion.
Here we go.
[Cole] Mysterio off the splash from the top rope, hooks the leg,
Kross kicks at two.
[Wade] Not too many people kick out of that.
Tells you a lot about Karrion Kross.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Wade, you were saying during the commercial break
that you still can't get over the situation involving Sami Zayn.
[Wade] Yes, what on earth is he thinking? He showed up tonight
after Roman explicitly told him not to show his face
until the Royal Rumble Brawl.
[Cole] Well, Sami never actually came into the building,
but I get your point.
Nonetheless, back to the action in the ring.
Kross and Mysterio,
both men will be a part of the Royal Rumble Match tomorrow night.
Kross with a great throw, jack-knife cover, rolls through,
looking to power Mysterio up.
Rey slips from behind.
Shoulders down, Mysterio got him!
[bell rings]
["Booyaka 619" plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio, and the way, Wade, that he invents ways to win.
[Wade] He is a slippery customer.
Perhaps Karrion Kross getting a little too cocky,
a little too confident, and it came back to bite him.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio building momentum toward tomorrow night's
Royal Rumble Match.
Impressive win over Karrion Kross here tonight.
This is just insane.
[Wade] Well, Karrion Kross throwing Rey Mysterio around with abandon,
but Rey Mysterio consistently inventing something new.
By the look in the eye of Karrion Kross, this, perhaps, is not over, Michael.
[Cole] Well, it could be renewed as soon as 24 hours from now
inside the Royal Rumble Match.
We do know that Rey Mysterio and Karrion Kross
will be two of the 30 men involved in the Royal Rumble Match
in front of over 50,000, tomorrow night, at Alamodome.
Two others who will be involved?
The United States Champion, Austin Theory,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
who clashed this past Monday night for the United States Title on Raw.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[man] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple-threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
[Patrick] The electric crowd here in Philadelphia packed to the rafters,
as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw.
Our main event here, the United States Championship,
is on the line.
Austin Theory will defend his title against Bobby Lashley,
with no disqualifications.
[Cole] Theory went low, and it's perfectly legal.
[Patrick] Through the table goes Theory.
["Next Big Thing" by Jim Johnston plays]
[Cole] Brock Lesnar.
The Beast is back!
F-5.
What is Lesnar's issue with Bobby Lashley?
[Patrick] F-5 to Theory, who's on top of Lashley.
[bell rings]
[Cole] The Beast cost Bobby Lashley the United States Championship.
["A-Town Down" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Well, Wade, I heard rumors throughout the day that perhaps
Austin Theory, the United States Champion, was here in Laredo.
Well, it's Royal Rumble season, anything can happen.
[announcer] Please welcome the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
[Wade] Talk about a man on a roll right now.
Even when things go completely wrong for Austin Theory,
like this past week on Raw, he somehow still comes up smelling of roses.
-That is all day. -[Cole] Austin Theory will be a part
of tomorrow night's Royal Rumble Match,
and if he happens to win that, we'll never hear the end of it.
[Wade] Do futures look any brighter than that of Austin Theory?
[Cole] The Now is here.
The United States Champion, Austin Theory,
live on Friday Night SmackDown, on Fox.
♪ A town down, we tearing the place down ♪
♪ A town down, you like how that sounds ♪
Ding dong, hello.
[laughs]
After what happened on Monday night, I've got to say that
Damage CTRL is feeling really confident
joining the Royal Rumble tomorrow night.
No, you know what?
I feel so bad for all the other competitors,
because once the three of us get in the ring
and start working together,
it's going to be near impossible for anyone to win, except for us.
Tomorrow, everyone find out who runs WWE.
It's us.
[Cole] Well, let's not forget, ladies,
that it will be every woman for herself at some point in that matchup.
Meanwhile, here's the United States Champion, Austin Theory.
[crowd boos]
The champ is here!
[crowd boos]
And not only did I retain my United States Championship
this past Monday, on the 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw,
but now, now, because we are in the now,
I am going straight to the Royal Rumble,
and I, Austin Theory, Mr. All Day,
is going to win the Royal Rumble.
[crowd boos]
You want to--
["New Day, New Way" plays]
[crowd cheers]
Now, now, now, hold up.
Austin Theory.
Now, there's only three Austins that I respect.
That's Austin Creed, "Stone Cold" Steve,
and the city where I live, right here
in the great state of Texas, baby.
[crowd cheers]
Now Austin-- that's weird.
We know you're from Raw, the three-hour show,
so you got a lot more time to fill, so you can spend it flapping your gums
and just wasting time, but here on SmackDown,
the two-hour show, the efficient show,
we have to get to business…
Immediately.
…immediately.
Immediately.
-Immediately. -Immediately, boy.
Now hold up, Mr. All Day.
Did I just hear you talking about the fact that you think
that you're gonna win the Royal Rumble? Is that what you said?
That's exactly what I said.
[laughter]
You ain't winning, bro.
But if not Austin Theory, then who?
Who? Who? Who?
That would be Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston,
aka, your boys, The New Day.
And that is because when one of us wins the Royal Rumble,
[both] we all win the Royal Rumble.
[crowd cheers]
E too. E too.
-Not Spanish, like "E," Big E. -Yes, him too.
That's what you think?
That's what you two think?
Let's get something straight. You walk out here and you interrupt me?
Do you know who I am? I am the biggest star that there is.
I am the biggest star in the WWE.
[crowd boos]
Awesome!
["I Came To Play" by Downstait plays]
[Cole] I told you it's Royal Rumble season.
The stars just keep showing up.
[Wade] The stars don't get bigger than this guy.
[Woods] You're on a three-hour show!
Biggest star in WWE.
Let me explain something to you, Theory.
I've been competing in Royal Rumble Matches since before you hit puberty.
Oooh!
Hold on a second.
Doesn't that just mean you're old?
Older, wiser, smarter, better than you will ever be,
and let me explain something to you.
Tomorrow, I'm gonna throw you and 28 other Superstars
over the top rope and win the one thing in this industry
I have never won, and that is the Royal Rumble Match.
[laughing]
Oh, you guys can laugh all you want,
but let me explain something to you and to you.
There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more dangerous than me
with a sh-- a something on my shoulder.
Oh! A chip maybe?
So allow me to give you an education
on what's going to happen tomorrow.
[Cole] Oh, here we go!
Everybody's feisty tonight.
Theory, Miz, Kofi, Woods.
[Wade] Like a damn hockey fight in there.
[Cole] It's not over yet!
["All Mighty" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Because here comes "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Wade] Clear the ring while you still can.
[Cole] Bobby Lashley is pissed off after he lost the United States
Championship Match this past Monday on Raw in controversial manner.
Oh!
Not smart, Miz.
Now Lashley targeting the United States Champion with a spear.
[Wade] All right. That's my pick for the men's Royal Rumble Match
right there, Cole.
[Cole] I'm not gonna argue with you.
[crowd chants "Bobby"]
Now since Brock Lesnar interrupted my United States Championship Match
on Raw 30,
I'm gonna terrorize every one of these guys in the Royal Rumble
until I get what I deserve around here.
[Cole] Wait a minute! Bobby better turn around.
It's "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar with an F-5 to Lashley.
[crowd cheers]
I'll catch you at the Royal Rumble, Bobby.
See you tomorrow, brother.
[Cole] Wade, that means Brock Lesnar is gonna be at the Rumble Match?
[Wade] I don't care if it's one versus one or one versus 29,
if that one is Brock Lesnar, I'm changing my pick, Cole.
My money goes on Brock.
[Cole] Brock Lesnar, a two-time Royal Rumble Match winner
ambushing Bobby Lashley with a massive F-5
and sending a message to the field of 30.
Brock Lesnar. Can he tie Steve Austin's record
as a three-time Royal Rumble Match winner tomorrow night?
[Cole] Meanwhile, Kevin Owens looks to eliminate a potential threat
before his match tomorrow night with Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed Championship.
Solo Sikoa looks to soften up KO for his cousin, The Tribal Chief.
KO, Solo, live tonight.
Mami is here and I am ready for the Royal Rumble tomorrow.
You know, I've had my fair share of Royal Rumble Matches
and I've come extremely close,
but 2023, it's the year of Mami.
It's the year of Rhea Ripley, because I am Rhea "Bloody" Ripley
and I am going to win the 2023 Royal Rumble
and punch my golden ticket to WrestleMania.
Wade, I don't know if you got a chance to see it on WWE.com,
but Rhea and her Dom Dom, Dominik Mysterio,
have been sparring all week long
to get ready for their respective Rumble matches.
Rhea Ripley was a runner-up two years ago. She vows to win this year.
Cole, what about the massive news we saw before the break?
"The Beast Incarnate," Brock Lesnar himself,
two-time Men's Royal Rumble Match winner,
has entered tomorrow's Royal Rumble Match.
[Cole] Oh, boy, has the complexion of tomorrow night's
Royal Rumble Match changed.
Brock Lesnar joins the field of 30.
Who will win the Rumble?
Who will main event WrestleMania?
-["Bet On Me" by def rebel plays] -♪ Left, left ♪
♪ Left, right, left ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making her way to the ring, from Parris Island, South Carolina,
Lacey Evans.
[Cole] The story of Lacey Evans, Wade, is pretty simple.
Back to basics.
[Wade] Well, we know how good, historically, Lacey has been.
She's attempting now to get back to the top of the Women's Division
and ultimately capture gold.
Shut up!
[Cole] Lacey Evans set for one-on-one action here tonight
as Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Evans set to take on Jazmin Allure here tonight in Laredo, Texas,
part of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Of course, Lacey a marine
who decided to go back to basic training to try to refocus her career.
Let's see how it works out tonight as she returns to the ring
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Back to boot camp, lost her edge.
Now on the comeback trail. Lacey Evans.
[Cole] A biel by Evans.
Number one trend in the United States,
Friday Night SmackDown on the eve of the Royal Rumble.
Drop toehold by Lacey.
Meaner attitude, doesn't care about anyone else.
That's her perspective.
[Wade] Lacey Evans trying to make up for some lost time.
Get up, you nasty thing!
[Cole] Collar-and-elbow tie-up, center of the ring.
As you mentioned, Lacey with a very successful career thus far,
and perhaps to refocus would turn things around for her.
[Wade] Certain snap in the step of Lacey Evans.
Oh, beautiful.
[Cole] Evans with a slow, methodical pace, just dominating her opponent here tonight.
[crowd boos]
[Wade] Today Evans in complete control here.
[Cole] Apparently adores herself as she continues to beat the hell
out of Jazmin Allure.
What are you doing?
Hey, put that down.
No, put it down. Hey. Put it down.
No, hey!
Come on. No, you can't do that. It's a weapon.
-[Cole] The official doing his job. -A wardrobe malfunction?
[Cole] The sole of her boot came off, Wade.
She was gonna use that as a weapon.
[Wade] I have never seen that before.
[Cole] You saw it tonight. Lacey ducked underneath.
[Wade] Need a new shoemaker.
[Cole] Oh, just straight right hand.
Continuing to work on the knee of Allure.
Pretty impressive she's out there doing this without a sole on her boot.
[Wade] They cannot be army-issued boots.
[Cole] Definitely not. Could be marine.
Nonetheless, roll-up by Allure looking for an upset,
and a kickout by Evans.
Oh, a right hand.
A Women's Right by Lacey Evans will set her up for this.
She's been working on this in basic training.
The Cobra Clutch, a move made famous by the Hall of Famer
Sgt. Slaughter.
[Wade] Yeah, back in the day, nobody got out of the Cobra Clutch.
[Cole] And Allure isn't getting out of it tonight.
Tap out win for Evans.
["Bet On Me" plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission, Lacey Evans.
[Cole] Lacey Evans using the Women's Right.
Boom.
[Wade] Slug to the jaw.
[Cole] To set up Allure for the Cobra Clutch.
[bell rings]
Little miss loser Laredo just learned…
Shut up.
…that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable.
Oh, y'all sound so mad.
I'm the one with the mic.
Y'all are really gonna be mad tomorrow when I take this bicep,
this forearm, lock it around 29 other women,
throw them over the top rope at my feet where they belong.
[crowd boos]
In fact, all you losers here in Laredo, get off your butt,
on your feet and salute
your soon-to-be Royal Rumble winner.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Salute her, Wade.
[Wade] Cobra Clutch is unbreakable
unlike Lacey Evans' boots.
[Cole] And Lacey Evans showing that she can eliminate
women in tomorrow night's Royal Rumble Match.
Will this back-to-basics attitude help Lacey Evans win
the Rumble tomorrow night?
Huge statement made by Lacey Evans on her first night back
to Friday Night SmackDown.
Now, ahead of their match tonight,
please welcome Sheamus and Drew McIntyre.
Hello, Kayla. How are you?
Hello, Kayla. You all right?
What a big night tonight.
Huge night tonight, huge night tomorrow night, the Royal Rumble.
Mate, I've been thinking about this.
It's your birthday.
You're on the run of a lifetime right now.
I've got the feeling the winner
is gonna be Sheamus.
Well, I appreciate that, Drew, and I've known you a long time,
but you've been on a hell of a roll since you came to WWE.
If I was a betting man, my money would be on Drew McIntyre.
I don't know how many Manias you have left, to be honest,
and you've been on the bangers, so I believe in Sheamus.
Well, I have a lot more Manias in the bag than you ever will so,
as I've said, I think my money is on Drew McIntyre.
I'm definitely going for Sheamus.
I'm definitely going for Drew.
-Sheamus. -Drew.
-Sheamus! -Drew!
Boys, boys, boys!
But first tonight, you take on Hit Row.
Good point.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
And the plan is, Kayla, is we're gonna send Hit Row
straight back to skid row.
Because when The Lads are in town…
We put on…
-Banger! -Banger!
-After banger! -After banger!
-After banger… -After banger…
[Cole] Semi-final match in the Tag Title Contenders Tournament is next.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, you can check WWE social media channels
for this amazing drone footage.
There's the historic Alamo in the Alamo City of San Antonio,
the River Walk.
You were at Coyote Ugly last night, I heard.
[Wade] Body shots.
[Cole] Nonetheless, getting ready for the Royal Rumble,
which takes place right there tomorrow night.
And over 50,000 WWE fans
at the Royal Rumble as we start the Road to WrestleMania.
Man, I cannot wait for the Royal Rumble.
Always my favorite as a kid, always my favorite as a competitor.
Nothing beats the suspense and the shocks of the Royal Rumble.
And tomorrow night at San Antonio, all "Rhodes" lead to the Rumble.
[calm music plays]
Absolutely the dream scenario is to come back at the Royal Rumble.
But not just to come back,
but to win it.
It's taken, I feel like, 16 years to even get into a position
where I'm coming back from an injury, sure,
but I'm also carrying everything from every place I've been
and everywhere I've gone.
All the sacrifice, all the doubt, all the struggle,
all the heartache, all that I have.
When you're standing in the ring and you're in that moment,
you know exactly why it's worth it.
That's what I'm meant to do.
-["Born For This" by The Score plays] -♪ I was born for this ♪
♪ I'm checking my vital signs Drawing my battle lines ♪
♪ Going to war again ♪
♪ Feeling the rhythm inside of my chest ♪
♪ All I need is just a friend ♪
♪ Oh ♪
I'm in the prime of my career and then it gets taken away.
You hit rock bottom.
[announcer] Cody Rhodes suffered a partial pectoral tear,
then working out, he tore the pectoral muscle right off the bone.
♪ Don't care for the critics My words are like physics ♪
♪ A force that they can't stop ♪
♪ They just don't get it, I think they forget ♪
♪ I'm not done till I'm on top ♪
♪ I know ♪
[Rhodes] No human being could have kept me from getting in the ring.
I've looked up at the lights enough,
whether that be in the ring or laying on a table getting ready
to get surgery.
♪ We are the warriors Who learned to love the pain ♪
♪ We come from different places But have the same name ♪
♪ 'Cause we were, 'cause we were ♪
♪ 'Cause we were 'Cause we were born for this ♪
♪ We were born for this ♪
♪ I've struggled for years Through all of the tears ♪
♪ I've faced the doubts I hide ♪
♪ I never gave into my fears deep within 'Cause I heard my voice inside ♪
♪ I know ♪
As much as he has the sheer determination and desire to get back,
we also have to respect Mother Nature.
The biggest thing is how it weighs on your mind.
To think you were as close as you've ever been to the moment,
that validation and that vindication,
for it to get broken,
[sighs]
um, it was a legit knife to the heart.
At the Royal Rumble, a torn pec couldn't stop me,
both torn pecs, torn quad, torn bicep.
As long as my heart is pumping,
I honestly couldn't think of anything that would stop me.
Being in the ring is like oxygen
and I really need to breathe again.
[exhales]
♪ We are the warriors Who learned to love the pain ♪
♪ We come from different places But have the same name ♪
♪ 'Cause we were, 'cause we were ♪
♪ 'Cause we were 'Cause we were born for this ♪
♪ We were born for this ♪
♪ We are the broken ones Who chose to spark a flame ♪
♪ Watch as our fire rages Our hearts are never tame ♪
♪ 'Cause we were, 'cause we were ♪
♪ 'Cause we were 'Cause we were born for this ♪
At the Royal Rumble, all y'all, get off the mountain.
I have made it crystal clear what I want.
And I'm going to do it for me, I'm going to do it for my family,
and I am going to do it for you.
♪ Born for this ♪
[fireworks explode]
[Cole] For Cody Rhodes, undesirable, undeniable,
uncrowned, and the goal remains the same--
defeat 29 other men tomorrow night
to punch your ticket for the Undisputed Championship
in the main event at WrestleMania.
["Hellfire" by CFO$ plays]
[Cole] Here on Friday Night SmackDown,
it's fight night!
[crowd cheers]
["Gallantry" by CFO$ plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semi-finals match.
[Cole] Oh, wait a minute.
From behind, Erik and Ivar, The Viking Raiders attacking
Sheamus and McIntyre.
[Wade] What a cheap shot attack after the war these two teams had
in round one last week.
[Cole] Yeah, the quarterfinals.
Sheamus and McIntyre knocked off The Raiders.
Erik and Ivar, obviously…
very upset over that as they drive McIntyre into the barricade.
[Wade] Clearly, the Viking gods were unimpressed with The Raiders
getting eliminated in round one.
Perhaps now trying to appease said gods.
[Cole] As Valhalla looks on,
Erik and Ivar decimating Sheamus and McIntyre,
who are supposed to have a semi-final match in the tournament now.
[Wade] Clearly in jeopardy at this point, Cole.
[Cole] Oh, and crushing Sheamus into the barricade.
A flying Ivar.
And I don't believe he's done yet.
[Wade] Sheamus and McIntyre didn't stand a chance here.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders with the attack from behind.
Laying waste to McIntyre and Sheamus
and finally some officials out here.
The question is, what's gonna happen to the semi-final match
of the tournament?
McIntyre and Sheamus are beat up.
[Cole] Back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, there's Hit Row.
Hit Row is supposed to take on McIntyre and Sheamus
in the semi-final match of the Tag Team Title Contenders Tournament,
but let's show you what happened during the commercial break
after McIntyre and Sheamus had been attacked by The Viking Raiders
during their entrance.
Let's get those sons of bitches!
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Sheamus and McIntyre storming back to the locker room area
apparently in search of The Viking Raiders
as WWE official Adam Pearce tried to talk 'em off the ledge.
[Wade] Sheamus and Drew lost their damn minds.
They want Viking blood.
No, no. Don't be coming out here with that.
Hold on a second, guys.
Yes, I saw what happened. Everybody saw what happened,
but I'm trying to explain to you, if you'd listen.
Drew and Sheamus are not gonna compete.
They voluntarily gave up their position in the tournament.
No, I'm not just gonna raise your hand because nobody's gonna
get a free pass into the finals.
Everybody will compete for their opportunity tonight
and you will face a replacement team.
Ladies and gentlemen, the replacement team.
[Wade] What?
["Monster of All Monsters" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Oh! Holla, holla, Top Dolla.
[laughs]
Ricochet and Strowman.
[Wade] How the hell is this fair?
[Cole] Hey, WWE official Adam Pearce,
he makes the rules.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
Hit Row may want to take out a policy.
Strowman and Ricochet.
Of course, Ricochet eliminated Top Dolla in a matchup a couple of weeks ago,
allowing Ricochet to qualify for the Royal Rumble Match,
and then Top Dolla's been
cutting all these diss tracks
against Ricochet.
Some payback now perhaps tonight for Ricochet.
This is a semi-final match
in the Tag Team Titles Contenders Tournament.
The winner will face the winner of the Imperium-Legado Del Fantasma matchup
scheduled later on tonight.
[Wade] Let me get this right.
It was wrong for Hit Row to get a bye into the final,
but essentially Ricochet and Braun Strowman have got themselves
a bye into the semi-final of this tournament.
How is that any better, Michael Cole?
[Cole] Why do you got to bring logic to this situation? Can't you just have fun?
[Wade] I'll tell you what, Adam Pearce is like a permanent Monday morning.
[Cole] Here we go. It'll be Ashante "Thee" Adonis
starting things off against Ricochet.
It's interesting, the relationship that Ricochet
has developed here with Braun Strowman on the ClutchPoints website.
Earlier this week, Ricochet said
that, "Braun's been great. We've always had a great relationship.
It's always cool to have a monster in my pocket, just in case."
He said, "we could be dangerous if we were ever allowed to be
a tag team," and hence, here we are tonight.
[Wade] Here we are.
It all started with an insult from Braun Strowman
calling Ricochet a flippy floppy competitor.
Do you think Braun Strowman
thinks Top Dolla is a flippy floppy competitor, Michael?
[Cole] Oh, he flops. I don't know about flips.
[Wade] Listen, you need to fly under the radar
this week with regards to Top Dolla. He's very angry with you.
[Cole] Top Dolla can't fly anywhere.
Nonetheless, Ricochet with a scoop to Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
And the highflyer Ricochet, who can show everyone how it's done.
Cover now and a kickout.
[Wade] What a live wire competitor
Ricochet clearly is.
And you know Hit Row are completely unprepared
for this kind of task in front of them.
[Cole] Ricochet and Strowman have teamed tonight.
However, tomorrow night, the Royal Rumble Match,
it will be every man for himself.
Ricochet and Strowman are part of that match tomorrow night.
[Wade] How do you think they feel about Brock Lesnar now being
in said Royal Rumble Match?
[Cole] Strowman and Brock have had run-ins in the past.
And now Top Dolla.
[indistinct]
Just like Cole ain't gonna do nothing.
What you talking about?
[Cole] Oh, yeah! There you go.
[Cole laughs]
That'll teach him to run his mouth.
[Wade] Dolla talking his talk to you, he needs to focus on the match at hand.
-[Cole] Exactly. -You cannot get in this ring.
[Cole] Meanwhile, B-Fab--
B-Fab getting involved. And Ashante with a nice dropkick.
[Wade] Air drop dropkick. Textbook.
[Cole] Hook of the leg to advance to the finals.
And a kickout by Ricochet.
[Wade] Hit Row were unable to get out of the blocks in this one
until the perfect intervention of B-Fab on the outside.
[Cole] Hit Row says, "By any means necessary."
"We can have bangers of our own."
Beat Los Lotharios to get to the semi-finals.
[Wade] Sheamus, Drew, and The Viking Raiders might be
somewhere in Laredo having a banger right now.
[Cole] You'd think Ashante and Top Dolla might want to put
Ricochet away rather quickly
before he could tag The Monster of All Monsters into this match.
[Wade] The last thing you want in this situation
is the meat-tacular Braun Strowman getting involved.
[Cole] You probably thought about that all day on the ride in here today.
Cover by Top Dolla.
Hook of the leg, and a kickout by Ricochet.
[Wade] Ricochet starting to look like he needs that tag
in the worst way. And in fairness to Hit Row,
I don't believe Ricochet and Braun Strowman
should even be in this competition right now,
but that's an argument for another day perhaps.
[Cole] Wade, it doesn't matter. You don't run the show here.
Adam Pearce does and that's the decision made.
[Wade] Good for him. Good for him, Michael Cole.
I should be running the damn show.
[Cole] Okay. And here we go now.
Ashante right to the back of the neck of Ricochet.
And Hit Row continues to wear Ricochet down.
[Wade] Hats off to Hit Row. Amidst all the jokes, once they get--
[Cole] Oh, another cheap shot by B-Fab.
[Wade] Oh, but it was so perfect to the jaw of Ricochet.
[Cole] Cover by Ashante, hook of the leg, and a kickout.
B-Fab has changed like the rest of them.
[Wade] I like it. They're starting to make moves in this game,
now they're in the semi-finals of the Number One Contender
SmackDown Tag Team Tournament.
[Cole] Strowman cannot wait to get into this match.
If he can get into the match.
[Wade] The way things are going, it is looking bleak.
[Cole] Hit Row doing a great job, and tag made now to Top Dolla.
Wearing Ricochet down, keeping him away
from his tag team partner Strowman.
[Wade] Hit Row get the dub tonight,
they'll be partying with the boys Henny and Don P. at the club later.
[Cole] Who?
[Wade] You know. Oh, you don't know actually.
You're a mineral water kind of guy, right Cole?
[Cole] Whoa.
Slam by Ashante.
[indistinct]
And Ashante…
just continuing to toy with Ricochet.
Taking a lot of time, gonna cost him.
Ricochet with a roll up and a kickout at two.
[Wade] Got to keep your eye on Ricochet at all times.
Slippery customer.
He'll make you pay if you take your eye off the ball.
[Cole] Ricochet trying to make a tag to Braun Strowman.
Is an arm's length away. Ducks underneath Ashante.
Right hand by Ricochet trying to create some space.
Almost there.
Trying to drag Ashante across the ring.
Fingertips away now.
[Wade] Swing and a miss, but Ricochet don't go down easy.
[Cole] Tag!
[Wade] Oh, no.
[Cole] Here comes the Monster.
Not so fast.
Right hand to Top Dolla.
Big boot by Strowman.
A man who won the Greatest Royal Rumble a few years ago
rumbling in this match.
[Wade] There is nowhere in the world I'd less like to be,
than in the ring with Braun Strowman on a Royal.
[Cole] Braun Strowman made sure Top Dolla went over the top rope
the right way that time.
[Wade] Please.
[Cole] Here we go now.
Big back body drop.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Corn-fed behemoth looking for that Monster Bomb, Cole.
[Cole] Meanwhile Ricochet, who likes to call himself
the "highlight of the night," and that's why.
And Monster Bomb!
Cover by Strowman.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Coles] Welcome to the finals!
["Monster of all Monsters" plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Ricochet and Braun Strowman.
[Cole] If you're Imperium or Legado Del Fantasma,
who meet later on tonight, this is what you could be facing in the finals.
[Wade] This is what you call a screw job in my eyes, but never mind.
Ricochet and Braun, all the way. I don't care who you are on this planet.
Connect with that Monster Bomb, it is over.
[Cole] Let's take a look at the brackets heading into the finals
next week in Greenville, South Carolina.
Strowman and Ricochet.
Who will they face?
The other semi-final matchup later on tonight,
Imperium and Legado Del Fantasma.
[Wade] It is an unlikely friendship, but gelling well together
and all the way to the final, Cole.
[crowd cheers]
[roaring]
Braun Strowman and Ricochet are one step closer closer
to taking the Tag Team Titles off of The Bloodline,
but speaking of The Bloodline, my next guest is taking on
a member of The Bloodline both tonight and tomorrow night, Kevin Owens.
[crowd cheers]
Kevin, tomorrow night you face Roman Reigns.
So why on earth would you risk it all
to take on one of the most vicious members of The Bloodline
in Solo Sikoa, tonight?
Kayla, I'm doing this tonight because tomorrow
I want to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
See, I want to right a wrong that happened two years ago
at the Royal Rumble,
because, let's face it, on that night, that title was mine.
Right?
But Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, The Bloodline,
they did everything they could to make sure that wasn't gonna be the case.
Tomorrow night will be no different.
When, in the last three years, has Roman Reigns done anything by himself?
So if I'm gonna win this title tomorrow,
I have to take out as many members of The Bloodline as I can
before tomorrow, and that's what it's all about tonight. I--
[indistinct chatter]
[indistinct shouting]
I'm not losing another match tonight!
Get them out of here.
I don't want to see you anymore tonight, leave.
Out of the building.
Go get ready for your match!
I'm gonna take them out now.
Hey, where's your cousin, huh?
Man, A.P. tripping. We ain't even start the fight.
No, it was all KO, man.
It'll be all right, man.
Hey, man, you all better watch it.
Man, let's roll.
Yo, my dawg.
You still in town?
All right, I need a favor.
Yeet.
[car engine starts]
[Cole] Wade, Jey has to be talking to Sami.
[Wade] Well, I'm gonna say "my dawg" is a clue there, Cole.
[Cole] Nonetheless, Solo Sikoa will have no backup.
He will now have to go it alone as The Usos have been kicked out
of the arena here in Laredo tonight, not that Solo needs it.
It's Solo Sikoa, Kevin Owens, in our main event later on tonight.
["Let Me In" by Code Orange plays]
♪ Catching flies ♪
♪ In his mouth ♪
♪ Tasting freedom ♪
♪ While he dares ♪
♪ Then crawling back ♪
[Cole] It's very apparent that that is not Bray Wyatt,
that is LA Knight, the man that Bray Wyatt will face tomorrow night
at the Royal Rumble event.
And you're laughing about this, but if you're LA Knight,
why do you continue to push and push and push the buttons
of an obviously deranged Bray Wyatt?
[Wade] LA Knight doesn't listen.
That has to be the world's smallest lantern.
[laughs]
♪ …years to come ♪
♪ He's broken out of love ♪
[Cole] Tomorrow night at the Alamodome…
[music stops]
…the Royal Rumble event,
LA Knight will find himself face-to-face with fear.
For the first time ever,
-a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match. -I might as well take this crap off.
[crowd chants "LA Knight"]
Let me talk to you.
[crowd cheering]
The biggest moment in Raw history happened at Raw 30,
when into the ring walked LA Knight.
I heard you all chanting, "Talk to us. Talk to us."
Being the benevolent man that I am, I give you what you want,
even though you don't deserve it.
[crowd booing]
Then like the turd in the punch bowl, here comes The Undertaker
to assist Bray Wyatt.
Why is that?
[crowd cheers]
Pipe down. I'm talking.
Why is that?
Because neither of them wanted this guy one-on-one.
Yeah!
[crowd yells "yeah"]
Yeah.
[crowd yells "yeah"]
I said pipe down, I'm talking.
Bray Wyatt, you've got 24 hours
until the Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble.
I want you to bring every bit of advice that The Undertaker
whispered in your ear.
I want you to come down as whatever version of yourself
that gives you a little tingle in your loins
because this right here,
this is your future.
Torn up.
Laid out.
Because when the Alamodome goes pitch black, your dumpy ass
ain't coming back, and that's not an insult,
that is just a fact of life. Yeah.
[distorted audio]
[chuckles]
I see you out here making jokes, man,
but I think we both know that you ain't smiling on the inside, are you?
[chuckles]
But here's the thing, man.
It doesn't even matter anymore.
The time for talking, it's come and gone.
Tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble,
you will finally get to meet the man that you've been looking for.
[chuckles]
[crowd cheering]
So take your time tonight, man.
Have a great night, sweetheart.
Laugh it up, joke all you want
because tomorrow night
when the lights go out…
Oh…
[chuckles]
…you'll see.
[laughs]
[loud cheering]
What the hell is this? We don't need that.
You and me. Not that trash.
[LA Knight shouts indistinctly]
[distorted audio]
["Soul March" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semi-finals match in the
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
the team of Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde.
[Cole] Legado Del Fantasma in the semi-finals of the tournament.
And the Royal Rumble is sponsored by Cricket.
With fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage,
you can stress less and smile more.
And by the official WWE CreditOne Visa card.
If you want to show off your WWE pride every time you pay,
visit UltimateWWECard.com to see if you pre-qualify now.
Terms apply.
Take a look at the updated brackets.
The winner of this matchup between Legado and Imperium
will head to next week on Friday Night SmackDown
to take on the team of Braun Strowman and Ricochet.
Who's your pick in this one?
[Wade] It was a hugely efficient win for Legado last week
against Maximum Male Models,
but these Euro lads of Imperium are gonna provide a stiffer test.
["Prepare To Fight" by def rebel plays]
[announcer] And their opponents,
representing Imperium,
the team of Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci.
[Cole] Imperium knocked off The Brawling Brutes
of Holland and Butch in the quarter-finals last week.
[Wade] What a sporting matchup that one was.
Once again, a stiff test
for Imperium today against Legado Del Fantasma who seem to be
the favorites here in Laredo.
[Cole] I'll tell you, Wade, this is a matchup of contrasting styles
to say the least.
[Wade] Vastly different teams,
with a mutual love of rule-bending, it has to be said.
It might come down to who's bag of dirty tricks runs the deepest.
[Cole] Del Toro and Wilde accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega,
who will be part of the Women's Royal Rumble Match
tomorrow night in San Antonio.
This, of course, a semi-final matchup
in the Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament.
[Wade] Zelina not joining us on commentary this week, Cole?
Did you scare her off?
[Cole] It had something to do with questions you asked her last week.
Nonetheless, some strategy from Zelina as Joaquin Wilde
will start things off against Ludwig Kaiser in this matchup.
If you're Imperium, Wade, what do you need to do to pick up the win?
[Wade] Isolate one member of the team, cut the ring in half,
and do what you do at your efficient best.
A combination of textbook technical skills and ultimate brutality.
[Cole] Kaiser, the more technical of the two men of Imperium.
The powerhouse, of course, Vinci, out on the apron.
Imperium said that every team in this tournament
is in it for one thing,
that's to win the Tag Team Titles.
"We're in this for the greater good.
To save our sport, to restore order,
and to make sure that the mat remains sacred."
That's the mantra of Imperium.
[Wade] Here's the thing, when it comes to Imperium,
they believe that is they, and they only who should be the flag-bearers
of the tag division here on SmackDown,
and they're getting one step closer.
Nasty landing there for Joaquin Wilde.
[Cole] Yes, but still able to turn it into an arm drag on Kaiser.
[Wade] Wilde really is the wild card of Legado Del Fantasma.
[Cole] Right hand by Kaiser.
[Wade] Brilliant competitor sometimes lacking focus.
Vega's got to keep his head in the game here.
[Cole] Imperium needs to keep Legado Del Fantasma
grounded in this matchup.
Legado Del Fantasma said they're here to make a statement,
to be recognized as the new top team
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Looking to grow their slice of the empire that is SmackDown.
Looking to run the bingo on a Friday night.
[Cole] Tag made. Here comes Cruz Del Toro.
[Wade] This is a man who is very much the glue of Legado Del Fantasma.
[Cole] Nice fake-out that time.
Slides between the legs of Vinci and follows it up with a knife-edge chop.
[Wade] Disdain etched on the face of Giovanni Vinci.
[Cole] Oh, and if you're Legado Del Fantasma--
Cover now by Vinci, and a kickout.
You're not gonna win a slugfest with Imperium.
[Wade] I ain't gonna lie. I've seen people KO'd by clotheslines like this.
-[Cole] Bang. -[Wade] I've seen jaws broken from
clotheslines like this, but Cruz Del Toro, they built him tough.
[Cole] Now isolating Del Toro, like you mentioned earlier on.
For Imperium, slow the pace,
keep the team grounded, and isolate one of the men.
That's what Imperium's doing here.
Textbook tag team wrestling.
[Wade] What they do better than anybody.
You talk about the legacy and the pride that they have in their performances,
that's part of it, being better than anybody else.
[Cole] You notice that Santos Escobar of Legado Del Fantasma,
Gunther, the Intercontinental Champion of Imperium,
not here tonight.
That is because both are getting ready for the Royal Rumble Match
which they will compete in, in 24 hours in San Antonio.
[Wade] Hopefully tucked up in bed somewhere in their hotel
in San Antonio,
getting a good night's sleep ahead of the big event tomorrow.
[Cole] Fighting back now is Del Toro.
Kick right to the midsection, trying to make a tag to Joaquin Wilde.
Can he get there?
Kaiser does not want to allow that to happen.
[Wade] Here's what we got in this matchup, two teams that are
-absolutely-- -[Cole] Oh! Step-up enzuigiri! Tag made.
[Wade] Tag team specialists. They know this game inside out
and like the likes of--
-[Cole] That was unique. -[Wade] Ricochet and Braun Strowman.
[Cole] Then the dropkick.
And Legado Del Fantasma.
[Wade] Lucha time, Cole.
[Cole] Oh, and Imperium stops them in their tracks.
Imperium in control.
Who's going to the finals of the Tag Title Tournament?
For the most part this matchup, has been one-sided,
Imperium dominating Legado Del Fantasma.
However, Joaquin Wilde was trying to fight back into
this semi-final matchup. Winner faces Strowman and Ricochet
next week in the finals of the Tag Title Contenders Tournament.
[Wade] Santos Escobar has said time and again, it is reckless to mess
with Legado Del Fantasma.
Things looking bleak, however, for Legado right now.
[Cole] It may be reckless to mess with Imperium.
Kaiser and Vinci dominating as Zelina Vega looks on.
Obviously concerned.
Cover by Kaiser.
Hook of the leg, and a kickout at two.
If you're just tuning in here,
semi-final matchup of the Tag Title Contenders Tournament.
Again, the winner, Wade,
will take on Strowman and Ricochet next week.
[Wade] And what a tantalizing matchup that's gonna be.
Whoever is the victor in this particular match right now.
It's starting to look like Imperium.
[Cole] Double-team.
And Imperium doing everything they said they were gonna do.
Cover now, and a kickout.
Ground Legado Del Fantasma, beat them up,
not allow them to pick up the pace, isolate…
and that's what Imperium's doing.
[Wade] Two sour-faced perfectionists who worship this sport.
[Cole] Joaquin Wilde fighting back with a couple of uppercuts,
needs to make a tag if he can to Cruz Del Toro.
Kaiser will not allow that to happen.
[Wade] Imperium just control their opponents so well,
as we've seen in this matchup.
[Cole] Oh, look at that. What a tornado DDT by Wilde,
and it gives him some space and some operating room.
Can he get to his partner?
[Wade] Ludwig Kaiser's entire body just turned to jelly in an instant.
[Cole] Looking to rally is Legado. Tag to Vinci.
Here comes Cruz Del Toro.
Pace picks up.
Crossbody.
And Del Toro gonna send Vinci flying.
[Wade] Del Toro turning this matchup on its head.
Momentum done a complete 180.
[Cole] Exactly, Wade. This is what Legado was looking to do.
Look at that! That was incredible!
[Wade] Nobody faster than Legado Del Fantasma when they're on fire.
Off the top rope, double missile dropkick.
[Cole] Highflyers taking out Imperium.
[Wade] A couple of human missiles.
No technical skills in the world can protect you from that.
[Cole] Imperium has done such a great job grounding Legado up to this point.
Elbow to the side of the face by Vinci.
[Wade] Vinci clinging on for dear life at this point.
[Cole] That was unique.
Vinci stunned.
Oh, look at the Hurricanrana from the top rope.
Tag.
[Wade] The kind of offense they simply do not teach you in Europe.
[Cole] Joaquin Wilde with a splash for the win
to advance to the finals, and breaking things up is Kaiser.
[Wade] Kaiser, fortunately for Imperium, with the wherewithal
to break that up on 2.99.
[Cole] Incredible tag team action in this semi-final match of the tournament.
Everybody's down.
Who will make it to their feet first?
[Wade] Once again, Joaquin Wilde, ruthless athleticism.
Almost getting the job done, but thanks to Kaiser,
Imperium's hopes live on.
[Cole] Del Toro taking the fight to Kaiser with the knife-edge chops.
Kaiser, though, creates some space.
Kaiser sent through the second rope into the floor.
Del Toro.
Kaiser.
Oh, what a slam.
[Wade] Just baited Del Toro in and pounced
when the moment really counted.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Vinci, Wilde, both up on the top rope.
-High risk from up there. -[Wade] What the hell was that?
[Cole] Vinci came down hard and may have injured his knee!
Trying to drag himself to the corner to make a tag to Kaiser.
[Wade] Just ludicrous strength and balance from Giovanni Vinci.
[Cole] Tag made. Kaiser now the legal man.
[Wade] Joaquin Wilde is a sitting duck now.
The damage has been done, Cole.
[Cole] Kaiser, Vinci, just taunting.
And there's the uppercut!
Into the Imperial Bomb, and advancing to the finals.
["Prepare To Fight" by def rebel plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners, Imperium.
[Wade] Wow. What a matchup, Cole.
Imperium once again with the rigid standards
and utter contempt for those who do not meet them.
[Cole] Legado Del Fantasma looked good at times throughout this matchup.
That was absolutely incredible.
But in the end, this was the beginning of the end.
[Wade] We saw that knee crashing against the mat.
Somehow Vinci able to continue and hit that Imperium Bomb.
One, two, three!
[Cole] And off the win,
Imperium will advance now to the finals next week
on Friday Night SmackDown in Greenville, South Carolina.
Imperium versus Braun Strowman and Ricochet
to determine who will be the Number One Contenders for The Usos
and the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
[Wade] I've got to tell you, that is gonna be an incredible matchup
next week, and nothing, nothing would irk Imperium more
than losing to a pair of misfits like Braun Strowman and Ricochet in the finals.
We mentioned Gunther and Santos Escobar were not out here tonight
because they're preparing for tomorrow night's
Royal Rumble Match.
When it comes to the Royal Rumble, it's all about the numbers.
Here's our broadcast colleague, Jackie Redmond.
[Jackie] Everything is bigger in Texas
and in 2023, the 36th annual Royal Rumble will be no exception.
The Road to WrestleMania begins with 30 men and 30 women
vying for a chance at immortality,
a championship opportunity in the main event of WrestleMania.
Since its inception in 1988, WWE Hall of Famer
Pat Patterson's vision has spurred countless iconic moments.
[referee] One foot! One foot!
[announcer] Drew McIntyre is going to WrestleMania!
[Ric Flair] This is the greatest moment in my life.
Woo!
[Jackie] We've witnessed a total of 1,250 competitors enter the fray,
but only 32 Superstars,
a staggeringly low 2.5% of participants, have won it all.
Of the 32 winners, 19 have gone on to win a world championship
at WrestleMania, including The EST of WWE.
In 2021, Bianca Belair spent the longest time in a Woman's Royal Rumble Match:
57 minutes, 12 seconds to win it all.
In 2006, Rey Mysterio entered at number two and lasted a record
62 minutes, 12 seconds to claim victory.
Over the years we've seen some mind-blowing performances.
[announcer] Kofi.
That's the craziest thing I've ever seen.
[Jackie] And there's been no shortage of celebrity sightings.
[announcer] Bad Bunny is here!
Bodies fly.
[Jackie] And epic returns.
[announcer] Edge is here!
It's been nine long years.
[Jackie] And this year will be no different, with the return of
"The American Nightmare."
At the Royal Rumble, I'm back.
[Jackie] The Royal Rumble has been host to legendary performances,
but not everyone is ready for the spotlight.
[announcer] Oh my god, what the heck?
-What did Titus just-- -Oh my god.
[Jackie] This year's event will mark a record-setting fourth time
San Antonio has hosted the Royal Rumble, and third time in the Alamodome.
The first time was in 1997 when "The Texas Rattlesnake"
won his first Rumble Match.
Stone Cold Steve Austin would go on to set the record
for most Royal Rumble victories, with three.
[Austin] Oh hell yeah!
[Jackie] This year, WrestleMania goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium.
[upbeat music plays]
[Jackie] What records will be broken?
What iconic moments await?
Whose dream will be fulfilled?
Who will punch their ticket to the main event of WrestleMania?
[crowd] Three, two, one.
[buzzer sounds]
[Wade] The Prize Fighter is here
and very soon he's going one-on-one with Solo Sikoa.
That is next.
I have more skills than any woman in this match,
so who can pass me?
It's not only dangerous
but painful.
It would change the entire trajectory of Xia Lee's career
if she is victorious in tomorrow's Women's Royal Rumble Match.
A Rumble Match can also make you a legend.
Just think about SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair,
who won a Rumble in her career.
And speaking of Charlotte, she was a guest on Fox's Ryan Satin's podcast,
known as Out of Character, earlier today.
Now, Ryan and Charlotte had been talking about Charlotte's career, of course,
the Royal Rumble, when Charlotte was interrupted by none other than
Sonya Deville, who has become a thorn in the side
of the SmackDown Women's Champion.
[Wade] I've got to hand it to Sonya Deville.
She is persistent.
She had a championship match against Charlotte a few weeks ago,
lost, she wants another one.
She's caused brawls, caused interruptions,
and you get the sense she's gonna keep on going
until she gets what she wants,
which is another opportunity at the SmackDown Women's Championship
held by Charlotte Flair.
I know you're having a day.
Yeah, and on top of my day, now Fox is getting a hold of me
because of Sonya's little stunt.
I know Sonya's real annoying and opportunities
are earned not given, but I got to give it to her,
she's persistent.
That is not the word I would use.
Yeah, I'm trying to be positive here.
She wants a match, I'll give her a match.
Actually, you know what, I'll give her a title match.
Come again. You want to give her a title match?
-Yes. -You sure about that?
To put an exclamation point on it once and for all.
Okay. Look, if you want to do that, how about next week?
Charlotte Flair, Sonya Deville, for the SmackDown Women's Championship
because you asked for it.
Thank you.
[Cole] What a Friday Night SmackDown it's shaping up to be next week.
Charlotte, Sonya for the SmackDown Women's Championship,
and also the final of the Tag Title Contenders Tournament,
Strowman and Ricochet versus Imperium.
That'll be a barnburner. Next week.
[Wade] Cannot wait for that matchup.
["Fight" by CFO$ plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens.
[Cole] Tonight he gets Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline,
but in 24 hours at the Royal Rumble event,
in front of over 50,000 people at the Alamodome
in San Antonio, Texas,
as we start the Road to WrestleMania,
Kevin Owens looks to stop
the now 880-day championship reign
of Roman Reigns.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
♪ We're taking it all! Settle the score ♪
[announcer] And his opponent from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] So, The Usos are not here.
They were kicked out of the building a bit ago by WWE official Adam Pearce.
"The Tribal Chief," the Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns
is not here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
That's because Roman's in New York City.
He is a guest of Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show tonight.
So, Solo Sikoa tries to take out Kevin Owens on his own
on behalf of The Tribal Chief.
[Wade] Well, how smart is Roman Reigns,
currently sat in a green room, air conditioning,
refreshments, knowing full well that he has a massive matchup
tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble against Kevin Owens.
Contrast that with Kevin Owens and the predicament
he finds himself in right now
against The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
I got to question the mentality of Kevin Owens
even showing up tonight.
[Cole] I don't, and I beg to differ.
Kevin Owens looking to become battle-hardened
and battle-scarred, here tonight against Solo Sikoa.
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns is in that plush green room
in New York City tonight.
He's sitting back probably having a nice soft drink,
getting ready to get on a private jet flight to San Antonio tonight.
Meanwhile, Kevin Owens is trying to survive.
He's fighting for his soul tonight to get ready for tomorrow night.
Maybe Roman Reigns is a bit complacent,
maybe Roman Reigns isn't ready for what Kevin Owens
is gonna bring to the table.
[Wade] This matchup exists solely to ruin Kevin Owens'
chances of defeating Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
[Cole] Yeah, but what if Kevin Owens knocks off Solo Sikoa tonight?
What if Kevin Owens takes out the member of The Bloodline?
What does Roman Reigns do then?
[Wade] That would be a pyrrhic victory.
It will be a victory at what cost, because there's zero chance
Kevin Owens knocks out Solo Sikoa without incurring massive amounts
of damage on his own body.
[Cole] Wade, when has Kevin Owens ever been 100%?
When has Kevin Owens ever gotten into a matchup
completely refreshed, ready to go?
Kevin Owens fights from underneath,
Kevin Owens is an underdog.
Kevin Owens fights and he continues to fight,
that's why he's "The Prize Fighter."
[Wade] When has anybody ever defeated Roman Reigns…
[Cole] Bang!
[Wade] …without being at 100 percent?
And that lower back of Kevin Owens ain't 100% now.
[Cole] Owens banged off the ring post, sent into the barricade.
Solo Sikoa dominating.
Can KO climb back into this on SmackDown?
[crowd boos]
[Cole] And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown here on Fox,
Solo Sikoa versus Kevin Owens, one-on-one.
Owens 24 hours away from his Undisputed Championship Match
with Roman Reigns tomorrow night at the Rumble.
[Wade] What a mess Kevin Owens finds himself in
24 hours before one of the biggest matchups possible.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa looking to put KO away.
KO able to slip out of harm's way.
[Wade] Kevin Owens is hurting, though, Cole.
You can't deny that.
[Cole] Kevin Owens trying to fight back now against Solo Sikoa.
Solo looking to maim Owens before the matchup tomorrow night
with his cousin, Roman Reigns.
KO, Inverted Atomic Drop, follows it up with a clothesline.
Can Kevin Owens do it tomorrow night, Wade?
Can he pull off the unthinkable and stop the 880-day championship reign
of Roman Reigns?
[Wade] There is not a person on planet Earth
who I would back to defeat Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Cover off the DDT by Owens.
Kickout at two.
[Wade] Look at the state of Kevin Owens, though.
He's barely about to stand up at points in this matchup.
This is not a tune-up.
This is a career and health-jeopardizing predicament.
There's times you need to strategically miss your flight in this game.
This perhaps was one of those nights for Kevin Owens.
[Cole] Kevin Owens up to the top rope.
Solo Sikoa, though, will meet him there with a right hand.
Sikoa wants to make sure Kevin Owens is in no shape
to compete with Reigns tomorrow night.
[Wade] He's doing a great job of it so far, Michael.
You ain't gonna make it till Rumble, KO.
You hear me?
[Cole] Claiming that Owens will not make it to the Rumble.
[grunting]
Kevin fighting back.
[Wade] Solo Sikoa just a man who loves getting his hands dirty.
[grunts]
[thud]
[Cole] Down goes Sikoa.
Kevin Owens top rope, perched.
Frog splash.
Can he capitalize? Cover by Owens for the win.
Kickout by Sikoa.
The elevation by KO.
[Wade] Picture-perfect frog splash, but we know all about
the toughness of Solo Sikoa.
They made that man out of granite.
[Cole] Kevin Owens just as tough as they come as well.
No quit in this man.
KO, superkick to the jaw.
Solo still on his feet with a superkick of his own.
KO follows up with another one.
Went for the stunner.
A Samoan Drop by Sikoa.
Crawls to the cover. Hook of the leg for the win
over Owens. Kickout at two.
[Wade] So close.
The will still in the body of Kevin Owens, but Solo Sikoa
just a cold, emotionless warrior.
No friends, no ego,
just undying loyalty to The Bloodline power structure.
Almost putting KO away there.
[Cole] Roman Reigns already owes one championship match to Sikoa.
Clash at the Castle, versus McIntyre, back in September of last year.
Nobody home as KO steps out of harm's way.
[Wade] Just in the nick of time for Kevin Owens.
[Cole] Oh, and a kick dropping Sikoa into the corner.
Here comes Kevin Owens.
Cannonball!
[Wade] Launching remorseless fury at the body of Solo Sikoa.
This might be it.
KO up to the top rope.
Swanton.
Cover for the win.
Wait a minute, who-- Sami Zayn!
Sami Zayn saving the match for Sikoa.
[Wade] Sami Zayn had explicit instructions from Roman Reigns:
"I don't want to see you anywhere until the Royal Rumble."
[Cole] Yeah, but remember, Jey Uso made a phone call a bit ago.
You have to believe he called Sami Zayn, who we knew was in Laredo.
Meanwhile, superkick from Sikoa to Sami Zayn.
And now Kevin Owens.
Owens driving Sikoa into the steps.
[Wade] Inadvertent superkick to the jaw of Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Sikoa, accidentally, with a superkick to Sami Zayn.
Kevin Owens capitalizes.
Kevin Owens, do you think he's gonna try to do to Sikoa
what Sikoa did to him a couple of weeks ago, Wade?
[Wade] Yeah, not now he ain't.
You can try. Sikoa does not stay down for long.
[Cole] Kevin Owens not quite sure where he is.
Solo Sikoa now with a steel chair right into the jaw.
[Wade] Yeah, you tell me it was smart of Kevin Owens
to take this matchup, Michael Cole.
Looks like you're wrong now, doesn't it?
[Cole] And Kevin Owens is out on the table.
Solo Sikoa, deja vu here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Solo Sikoa looking to end Kevin Owens once and for all,
but Kevin Owens meets him there.
[Wade] Just a beat too long for "The Prize Fighter."
[Cole] Headbutt by Sikoa.
Kevin Owens is stunned.
Solo off the barricade.
Superkick by Owens connects.
[Wade] Bullseye.
[Cole] Kevin Owens, pop-up powerbomb onto the table.
[Wade] KO's got that look in his eye, Cole.
[Cole] He's staring down at Sami Zayn, former best friend,
who may have cost Owens this match tonight against Sikoa.
They're gonna use this on you!
Just watch!
[Cole] And now unloading on Solo, driving him into the WWE fans.
This is my time!
[Cole] And Kevin Owens spares Sami Zayn for now.
Bring this camera back.
Roman, you listen.
Tomorrow night, Royal Rumble,
I'm bringing everything I've got.
Everything.
[Cole] Sami Zayn saved Solo Sikoa from a loss to Kevin Owens,
and then a miscommunication.
The superkick, clearly an accident, to Sami Zayn.
Kevin Owens would take control.
A superkick to Solo Sikoa.
And then a pop-up powerbomb onto the table.
But the question is, can Kevin Owens do it tomorrow night
and end the 880-day championship reign
of Roman Reigns?
Also, tomorrow night.
Who will win the 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match
and punch their ticket to the main event at WrestleMania?
Also, tomorrow night,
30 men in the Royal Rumble Match.
The winner to challenge the Undisputed Champion at WrestleMania.
-[Owens] I'll see you tomorrow night. -[Cole] Can Kevin Owens do it?
I'll see you tomorrow night, Sami.
-[Cole] Where does Sami Zayn stand? -I'll see you tomorrow night.
[Cole] We find out tomorrow night
live at the Alamodome at the Royal Rumble. ee you tomorrow night.