[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric 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.
[music fades]
[tense music playing]
So where's your brother?
Haven't heard from him.
What's wrong with you?
Pull the trigger!
[crowd cheers]
Why'd you do that, Uce? You're my family!
[yells]
This ain't your brother!
We are.
[tense music continues]
You know Jey, man. He just needs time to chill out.
I don't think you guys understand
the urgency that is needed right now.
I need us to be as strong as we ever were
'cause if we're not,
there ain't no more of this.
I'ma go out to the ring and handle some business.
[crowd chanting "Sami!"]
You want me to talk about Sami? I'll talk about Sami.
I give him the opportunity of a lifetime,
and all he does is he uses me
and he uses my Bloodline
and he uses my Island of Relevancy.
No different than each and every one of you
'cause all you do is you want, want, want.
You can't ever give back--
[Cole] Wait a minute, from behind!
Who the-- Is that--
It's Sami Zayn! Sami Zayn is attacking Reigns!
Look at me!
[Cole] Sami looking for payback on the champion,
and Roman fighting back.
[Wade] Just bit him on the ass, didn't it?
Grab me a chair now.
[Cole] Roman's gonna teach Sami Zayn a lesson here tonight.
Take him, my Tribal Chief!
[Cole] Spear!
Sami with a spear to Reigns!
And Roman Reigns scoots out of harm's way.
I never wanted anything from you until now
because I am coming after you
and the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship!
[Cole] Jimmy and Solo.
The Bloodline, at least part of it, still intact tonight.
Samoan Spike!
And after this, Zayn may not be able to function,
let alone have a championship match.
[yelling]
You want something, huh?
You want something from me?
I'm gonna give you what you want,
but you're gonna give me what I want.
I want you in Montreal.
I want you at the Elimination Chamber.
Because you broke up my family,
I'm gonna break you in front of your entire family.
I want them to see what happens when you play with The Bloodline
-and you mess with my family! -[yelling]
I'll see you soon!
[soft, solemn music playing]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
♪ Woo, woo ♪
♪ Hey, hey ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ Who better than me? (What?) I don't see nobody (Nobody) ♪
♪ I don't see nobody (Hey!) Who stepping to me (What?) ♪
♪ I don't see nobody (Nobody) I don't see nobody (Hey!) ♪
♪ Who can tussle with the beast I don't see nobody (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? ♪
♪ Woo, woo ♪
♪ Besting opponents, flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving dem all looking stressin'… ♪
[Cole] The clock is ticking toward the biggest match of Sami's life
a week from tomorrow.
But tonight, the Road to WrestleMania continues
as you're looking live at a sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And, Wade, all things are pointing
to next week's Elimination Chamber in Montreal.
[Wade] Oh, I expect a partisan hometown atmosphere
in full support of Sami Zayn as he attempts to end the 900-plus--
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[music fades]
My name…
is Paul Heyman.
And as your Wiseman,
I'm here tonight
to drop a few pearls of wisdom on you.
You know,
ever since
Brock Lesnar and I conquered
The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania,
I don't offer predictions,
I deliver spoilers.
Well, kids, I got a bunch of them for you tonight,
so have your notepads ready.
The Island of Relevancy
is under a two-pronged attack.
Here on SmackDown,
the number one challenger at the Elimination Chamber,
Sami Zayn.
[crowd cheers]
A crazed, psychopathic rebel,
an "in-Zayn" competitor.
[crowd chanting "Sami!"]
Here's your first spoiler of the evening.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Sami Zayn is not here this evening.
[crowd boos]
Sami Zayn challenging Roman Reigns for the ch-- Come on.
Let's be serious.
Can you imagine Sami Zayn
as your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion?
[crowd cheers]
The gates of the Island of Relevancy
are not just under attack here on SmackDown.
It's happening on Monday Night Raw as well
with the winner of the 2023 Men's Royal Rumble,
Cody Rhodes.
Yeah, yeah.
Cody Rhodes who-who backed me into a corner
on Monday night and said…
[mimicking] "All I wanna do is fight for a wrestling championship,
and everybody takes it so personal."
I didn't know "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes raised an idiot for a son.
You dumbass!
Personal?
Personal.
Damn it. It couldn't be more personal.
These…
These are not wrestling championships.
This is the centerpiece of the Island of Relevancy.
This is the very plasma that runs through the veins of The Bloodline.
It's the air that we breathe.
It's… it's the reason for our existence.
It's why we're here in WWE.
It's the family crest of the Anoa'i and Fatu dynasties.
This is everything.
It's the tribe of which Roman Reigns is the chief.
[crowd booing]
Now, Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber,
Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania,
let's be very clear.
Without these titles,
there is no Island of Relevancy.
Without these titles,
there is no Bloodline.
Without these titles,
there is no Paul Heyman.
Ladies and gentlemen,
without these titles,
there is no…
Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[crowd chanting "Sami!"]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd shouting]
[inaudible]
All right, Paul.
Calm down, all right?
Look at you. You're sweating, you're nervous.
Don't worry, I'm-I'm not gonna hurt you, okay?
But if I wanted to,
I could have by now.
Don't you think that's a little weird?
That you're talking about this-this
being the lifeblood of the Island of Relevancy,
and if I wanted to, I could have dropped you
like a bag of dirt…
[crowd cheers]
…and no one is here to protect you.
If this was a month ago,
Solo would have already been here,
Samoan Spike, I'd already be on the ground.
If this was a month ago, Jimmy Uso would have been in here,
barrage of superkicks, I'd be on the ground.
If this was a month ago, Jey Uso would have been with him.
But this isn't a month ago,
and you are out here all by yourself,
and I think you know why.
Because you know what every other member of The Bloodline knows.
Roman Reigns' days as Universal Champion are numbered.
[crowd cheers]
Roman Reigns is off the rails,
and now the walls are closing in
and everything is crumbling.
Look what happened.
I left The Bloodline.
Me.
Jey Uso walked out on his own.
That was his decision.
What do you think happens next?
What do you think Jimmy Uso does next?
Do you think Jimmy Uso sides with his abusive cousin,
or will he side with his twin brother that he shared the womb with?
What do you think happens next?
What do you think happens with Solo,
the second Roman Reigns saw that he could think for himself?
That he was coming up with me, coming up with The Usos. What did he do?
He pulled them in tight.
He keeps them by his hip.
Paul, how long do you think that goes till that blows over?
And even you, Paul, you…
the Special Counsel, The Wiseman for Roman Reigns,
two years plus you've done nothing but-- [scoffs]
Let's be honest, the way you look at Roman Reigns… [scoffs]
…a little weird.
[crowd laughs]
A little weird. A little creepy, quite frankly.
You look at him like the sun shines out his ass.
But now, here you are,
talking about life after Roman Reigns?
Life after the WWE Titles are gone.
You know what every other member of The Bloodline knows.
The Bloodline is on its way out.
[crowd cheers]
And, Paul,
I know you're in the business of not doing predictions.
You do spoilers.
Here's one.
I'm gonna tell you exactly how many days Roman Reigns has left.
Eight.
Eight days from tonight in Montreal at Elimination Chamber.
That is the time that Roman Reigns has left.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting "Sami!"]
[indistinct]
I think they believe it in their hearts.
[indistinct]
[crowd shouting]
Hey, Paul? Hey, Paul, listen to me.
Listen to me very carefully.
Tell Roman,
he doesn't need to worry about Cody,
because I am gonna be the one to take him down!
[crowd cheers]
[mic thuds]
["This Is It" plays]
[Cole] Well, the second time in five nights
that Paul Heyman was-- has been rattled by one of Roman Reigns' opponents.
But the thing is, Wade, Sami asked all the right questions.
We will have a Tag Team Championship Match later on tonight.
The Usos will defend against Braun Strowman and Ricochet.
The question is, will Jimmy's brother, Jey, be here to help his brother out?
[Wade] Well, he's gonna have to be
if that record-breaking Tag Championship reign will continue.
[Cole] Meanwhile, on Friday Night SmackDown,
it is Fight Night.
The Brawling Brutes getting Sheamus and McIntyre ready.
You know, Hit Row has been talking a lot of trash about the bangers.
Sheamus and McIntyre look to shut them up next.
…after banger after banger after banger…
["Best of the Best" playing]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored tonight by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Sold out tonight, Mohegan Sun Arena.
Hit Row in the ring
-and set for tag team action. -[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by B-Fab,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla,
Hit Row!
[music fades]
["Hellfire" playing]
[Cole] Hey, Wade.
[Wade] Think I know what you're gonna say.
[Cole] It's Fight Night!
[Wade] Didn't disappoint.
[explodes]
[crowd cheers]
[music fades]
["Gallantry" playing]
[Irvin] And their opponents,
the team of Sheamus
and Drew McIntyre!
-[explodes] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] One of the most physical tag teams
you will ever see in WWE.
Sheamus and McIntyre just like beating people up,
including themselves.
So, anyway, why the beef with Sheamus and McIntyre?
Hit Row cornered WWE official Adam Pearce earlier today.
-What's up? -Well, well, well.
-Well, look who it is. -Uh.
-It's Adam Pearce. -I know this man.
Man, look, it was supposed to be us versus Drew and Sheamus.
-Mmm. -Not Braun and Ricochet.
We were not prepared for Braun and Ricochet.
And them boys forfeited 'cause two euros could never stack up to Top Dolla.
-[B-Fab] Uh-huh. -Everybody and they momma know,
we would've whooped Sheamus and Drew McIntyre.
Okay. Sounds great. Sounds good.
-What sounds good? -What sounds good, huh?
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus versus Hit Row tonight.
-Huh? -Yeah. Happy Friday.
-Wait. -Excuse me.
-Hey, come back here! -[overlapping chatter]
[Cole] Hey-- Hit Row didn't seem too pleased
that they got what they asked for.
[Wade] Well, here's the problem. I think Top Dolla
-let his mouth run away with himself… -[bell rings]
…'cause the Celtic brotherhood
are in the mood for a banger.
[Cole] Well, now it's Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
[indistinct] We beat y'all already!
You hear me? We already won.
I'm talking about…
[Cole] Talk about letting your mouth run away with itself.
Glasgow Kiss by Drew McIntyre to Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
who goes for a ride!
What a belly-to-belly by The Scottish Warrior.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] This one might be over real fast, Cole.
-Three, two… -Ashante "Thee" Adonis just trying to…
-…one! -…get back to his feet.
It looked like he was going to Claymore Country
when he was saved by his buddy, Top Dolla.
[Wade] Real smart by Top Dolla there, saving the day for his team.
Custom Top Dolla Jordan 1s too. I like that.
[Cole] And now Sheamus just rolling through Ashante.
[overlapping shouting]
-One! -[indistinct shouting]
-Out there. Get inside. -What are you gonna do?
[Cole] And now, Sheamus into the ring. Ashante now with a dropkick, drive--
-[Wade] Beautiful. -Driving Sheamus back to the ropes.
And now Ashante "Thee" Adonis tying Sheamus up.
[Wade] Air-drop dropkick from Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
And this is your chance.
[Cole] Oh, and a cheap shot by Top Dolla.
[Wade] Nice teamwork from Hit Row.
Beginning to take off now after a horrible start.
[grunting]
[Cole] Sheamus with an Irish Curse backbreaker.
-[groaning] -[B-Fab shouting]
[Cole] And, uh, Adonis sent over the top rope, out to the apron,
and I believe it might be time for 10 Beats of the Bodhrán.
Top Dolla paid for it, and a knee.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd] One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19…
[Cole laughs]
[Wade] Stop at ten, mate.
[Cole laughs] Why?
[Wade] All right. Carry on.
[Cole] And Adonis from behind.
Top Dolla may not be able to get up after that.
[groaning]
Sheamus having his way with Ashante.
And there's White Noise.
[Wade] Just all too easy for Sheamus and McIntyre so far.
[Cole] Toying with Hit Row tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] And Sheamus lining up.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] Claymore from McIntyre!
[Wade] Top Dolla has been battered.
He wasn't even tagged in.
-[yells] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] I believe Ashante is being battered as well!
Brogue Kick by Sheamus.
-Here's the cover. -[crowd] One, two…
three!
-[bell rings] -["Hellfire" plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Drew McIntyre
and Sheamus!
[Wade] Well, what an absolute mugging that was, Cole.
Top Dolla didn't even get tagged in.
It would have been a very different story, had he been.
[Cole] Yeah, they probably would've lost quicker.
-[Wade chuckles] -But nonetheless, McIntyre
off the Claymore to Dolla.
And then the Brogue Kick to Ashante.
-McIntyre and Sheamus with a massive win… -[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -…here tonight in this tag team match
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Celtic brotherhood absolutely on fire out here,
looking ready for WrestleMania season.
-[tense music playing] -[fire crackling]
I hear the gods calling to me.
They have chosen two warriors…
once destined for greatness.
And now sentenced to sacrifice.
Drew McIntyre.
Sheamus.
[grunting]
[groaning]
-[grunting] -[groaning]
The chill in the air is not the winter.
It's pain.
It's suffering.
Next week,
it's…
destiny.
["Vicious" playing]
[Cole] The Viking Raiders do not forget.
Valhalla is upon us.
[crowd cheering]
Yo, Uce, I need to talk to you, man.
Tonight's the night, showtime.
Look, just hit me back when you get this message. All right.
[Cole] Jimmy trying to find out
if his brother Jey is gonna show up.
Tag Title defense tonight.
[sighs deeply]
[Cole] Mark your calendars for the first Saturday in August
in Detroit, the Motor City.
It is SummerSlam!
As we head to the home
of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field,
the first time since 2007,
and WrestleMania,
WWE will be at Ford Field in Detroit for SummerSlam.
♪ My legacy ♪
♪ I'ma be fightin', I'ma be grindin' ♪
♪ That's my legacy ♪
[music fades]
Tonight,
this Fatal 4-Way Match is mine.
[clock ticking]
You know what you have to do.
I wanna hear you say it.
I am going to make Rey Mysterio suffer.
And I'm going to put him down.
[both chuckle]
[clock ticking]
["Bet On Me (Remix)" playing]
[Cole] Later on tonight, Fatal 4-Way to determine the Number One Contender
for the Intercontinental Title.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making her way to the ring, from Parris Island, South Carolina.
Lacey Evans!
[Cole] So, Lacey Evans…
set for one-on-one action here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
["Bet On Me (Remix)" continues]
Yo, call me back, Uce.
Please.
[Cole] Well, Jimmy Uso apparently getting a bit more concerned
that he can't get a hold of his brother.
Jimmy and Jey have a Tag Team Title defense tonight.
Will Jey even show up?
[Wade] I have been backing Jey Uso this entire time.
Even I have to now admit this is cutting it way too close for comfort.
[Cole] So, Carmen Harress taking on Lacey Evans…
-[bell rings] -…here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Hopefully, Lacey saw a good cobbler before she headed into this match tonight.
[Wade] You're gonna have to explain what a cobbler is.
Most people think it's a peach pie.
But listen, Lacey Evans, I have it on good authority,
upgraded her combat uniform.
Boots didn't make it through enemy contact a couple of weeks.
[Cole] Oh! Nice takedown by Lacey Evans.
Again, Wade, for Lacey, it's back to basics. Right?
[Wade] Absolutely. Listen, there's a new level of intensity
since Lacey Evans returned from a Marine boot camp,
-refreshed of course-- Ooh! -Oh!
-One, two! -[Cole] Wicked clotheslines.
-Three! Get off her-- -New viciousness and aggressiveness…
-Get off her. One! Two! -…by Lacey Evans.
[Wade] Carmen Harress is gonna end up with a nose like mine if this continues.
-Hey, whoa! -[Cole] I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Cov-- Oh, roll-up now of Evans and a kickout.
[Wade] Getting really ugly in the trenches.
[Cole] And Lacey driving Harress into the middle turnbuckle,
and Lacey having her way.
Returned to basic training to get her head on straight.
Refocused. Getting ready for the battles here in WWE.
-[yelling] -[Wade] Climb the ladder.
Conquer new territory.
And ultimately, one day, win that SmackDown Women's Championship.
That's the goal, that's the mission.
[Cole] And now Lacey just showing off
as she is completely dominating this match.
Tremendous athleticism by Evans.
[indistinct yelling]
[Wade] Rediscovered the mean streak
-that took her to the top the first time. -Stand up and salute me.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] As she begs the WWE Universe to… respect her.
I guess "begs" isn't the right word.
More demanding. And a Woman's Right.
Did you hear me?
Huh?
-Did you hear me? -[groaning]
-Salute me… -[Wade] Oh.
…you nasty things!
[Wade] The world needs to salute Lacey Evans.
And there it is, Cole, the inescapable Cobra Clutch.
-[bell rings] -[shouting]
-Break the hold! Come on! -[yells]
[Cole] And Lacey Evans refusing to break the Cobra Clutch.
The hold made famous by WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter.
-Come on now. Break the hold. -[Wade] This is what awaits any opponent
-of Lacey Evans down the line. -[crowd boos]
[Irvin] Here is your winner by submission,
-Lacey Evans! -["Bet On Me (Remix)" plays]
[Cole] Lacey Evans continues to dominate
on her return here to Friday Night SmackDown.
[inaudible]
[music fades]
[sharp exhale]
-[thuds] -Voice mail.
[sighs]
I-I take it that means…
you haven't reached your brother Jey.
No.
I've been trying all day, OG.
I called his girl's house. Nothing.
Sent him an email. Nothing.
Went in the DM. Nothing.
Called little bro. Nothing.
He's not getting a hold of me.
I need him to hit me back, Uce.
He hasn't called me not once.
All I need tonight is the biggest night.
It's the biggest night of our career. I can't go out there and defend
these Tag Championships with no partner.
What you think?
What?
-I-I'm… -[sniffles]
Let me ask you a question.
And I ask you this very respectfully.
I-I'm out in the ring talking about our family,
and I got held hostage
by-by a psychopathic Canadian
i-in a casino where there's, like, 15 security guards
for every guy playing blackjack,
and not one member of our family comes out to help…
Where were you?
OG, trying to get a hold of Jey.
Nobody's here. Solo's not here.
Wait a minute.
You can help defend these with me tonight. Right?
Come on. Get my back, OG. Nobody's with me.
I-I-I'm the wrong guy.
[scoffs]
-[sighs] -You're gonna have to do this on your own.
All right.
-You know what? -What?
My brother will be there tonight.
He'll be there, OG.
[sighs deeply]
[Cole] Wishful thinking, perhaps?
The Usos, or Jimmy, defends the Tag Titles next.
[Match Flo theme plays]
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Cole] The winner of this match gains a spot in the Women's Chamber.
The winner of that gets a main-event match at WrestleMania.
-Who qualifies? -[bell rings]
Oh, nice move by Zelina.
[Wade] The red-hot favorite tonight has to be Baszler.
[Cole] Shayna turns her-- Oh my goodness!
The same knee that broke Natalya's nose.
[dramatic music playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Moonsault takes out both women.
[Wade] Vega is fading.
[Cole] Natalya. Clothesline.
Kirifuda now by Baszler.
-[Wade] This could be it, Cole. -[crowd cheers]
[tense music buildup]
-[Cole] Sharpshooter on Zelina Vega. -[yelling]
-[Cole] Zelina taps out! -[bell rings]
Natalya's going to the Chamber.
[music fades]
Why else would I not be on Elimination Chamber?
Can you explain that to me?
'Cause I'm just not understanding it.
Sonya, you were just in a championship match last week.
Is that Elimination Chamber?
I think they're two different things, last time I checked. I really don't know--
Hi. Chelsea Green.
I'm just looking for the SmackDown manager.
I have to formally file a complaint against the Raw manager.
Who the hell is that?
Yeah, it's me.
Same guy, both shows.
Oh. Okay, rude.
I don't know how you think I would know that.
And just so you know, I have facial amnesia.
Were you discriminating against me?
Is that what just happened there?
No.
Can you believe the way he's talking to us?
-Oh, no. There is no us. Never will be. -Okay, can I just stop you there?
-Ever. -Can I please stop you right there?
You both want special treatment, but around here,
you win to earn opportunities.
You have so much in common.
Here's what we're gonna do. Instead of filing complaints,
you two are gonna team up against two women
that are in the Elimination Chamber.
Liv Morgan, yes, and Raquel Rodriguez. Okay?
-Mm, no. -Ladies, that is official.
Ugh.
["Monster Of All Monsters" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] It is time now for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match.
And here comes the team that was really, Wade, thrown together at the last minute.
Would go on to beat Imperium in the finals of the Number One Contenders Tournament.
Here tonight, Braun Strowman and Ricochet.
An opportunity to stop the record reign
of 572 days of The Usos.
[Wade] Well, in truth, this is a massively unlikely pairing of misfits
who have simply got better every single week.
And I was left completely gobsmacked last week
when they managed to put away
the almost unstoppable Imperium.
-Yeah, it was-- -This tag team is legit, Cole.
[Cole] It was a physical matchup.
We'll get a close-up a little bit later on of the left arm of Braun Strowman.
Huge bruise caused by that…
-battle with Imperium last week. -♪ Uso! ♪
["Done With That" playing]
♪ Yah-Hoo! ♪
♪ Down since ♪
♪ Day one ish, damn ♪
♪ Down since ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ We been down since ♪
♪ Day one ish, damn ♪
♪ Line 'em all up Knock 'em down like this ♪
[Cole] "We the… one."
Because we are down to one.
There is no Roman Reigns here tonight.
There is no Solo Sikoa here tonight.
Sami Zayn has jumped ship.
And the question is,
is brother Jey anywhere near Mohegan Sun Arena
to help his brother, Jimmy, defend the Tag Titles tonight?
[Wade] Well, Jimmy apparently doesn't seem to think so.
He just tried to add Paul Heyman as a tag partner.
Damn, if you've got your orange singlet,
maybe you could get involved at this rate, Cole.
♪ Day one ish… ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challengers,
the team of Ricochet
and Braun Strowman!
[crowd cheers]
And their opponent,
defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championships… on his own?
Jimmy-- Oh.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Jey Uso's here.
[inaudible]
"Main Event" Jey Uso has shown up at the last minute
at sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] There he is, Cole.
Never in doubt.
You were panicking too,
but the wanderer has returned,
and it's all feeling pretty Ucey here in the Mohegan Sun.
[Cole] WWE fans excited to see Jey Uso, as is Jimmy.
The Usos will defend the Tag Team Titles at full strength here tonight.
-The embrace in the center of the ring. -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Cohesion, that's what that is.
And their opponents,
they are the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey,
The Usos!
[Cole] The brothers Uso back together tonight.
They defend the SmackDown Tag Team Titles live next.
Meanwhile, this is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
This is for the SmackDown
-Tag Team Titles. -[bell rings]
Ricochet will start things off against Jey Uso.
And, ladies and gentlemen, if you've just joined us,
Jey Uso showing up at the last minute,
walking through the WWE Universe
to rejoin his brother, Jimmy,
to defend their 572-day reign as Tag Champs tonight.
[Wade] Yeah, and isn't all great in the world once again?
Let's cut through the noise.
Jey Uso has been an emotional wreck the past couple of weeks.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Wade] Understandably so.
Everything got the better of him, but when it came to the crunch,
Jey Uso is still shoulder-to-shoulder with family.
The Bloodline is whole again, Cole.
[Cole] Let's not get carried away.
I don't know if you'd say The Bloodline is whole again.
Uh, I think, you know, Jey came out here obviously
to help his brother, Jimmy, tonight.
[Wade] Yeah, and rejoin The Bloodline.
[Cole] Well, let's not forget, Roman Reigns is not going to forget
the Royal Rumble
when Jey Uso walked out on the family
in the beatdown of Sami Zayn.
-Let's not forget about that. -Okay, that's family business,
and that will be taken care of behind the scenes.
-[Cole] Let's talk-- -You don't need to add conjecture to this.
[Cole] Let's talk about strategy here, Wade.
Because The Usos tonight may be ripe for the picking
with all the, uh, the situation going on within The Bloodline.
Ricochet and Strowman, a massive opportunity tonight.
Cover by Ricochet. Tag Titles on the line. And a kickout.
[Wade] Yeah, I gotta hate to agree with you,
but I will on this one occasion.
Listen, the issue for The Usos is,
they have no preparation whatsoever
-for this particular matchup. -[Cole] Tag.
[Wade] There's no game plan. They've gotta lean heavily
on their 15-plus years' experience as a tag team
and their almost telepathic communication skills,
-gleaned from the fact that they're twins. -[grunts, groans]
[Cole] Whipped into the corner with authority by Braun Strowman,
the 335-pounder.
Braun said earlier today, "Hey, listen,
we can't be worried about The Bloodline fracture."
"The only thing we can worry about is the task at hand,
and that is taking down The Usos and winning the Tag Team gold."
[Wade] Easier said than done.
-Even if The Usos… -Tag.
…have been at a slight disadvantage, as mentioned.
[Cole] You know, Ricochet and Braun Strowman
never did see eye to eye,
have really formed quite the tag team, as you see here.
Cover by Ricochet to win the gold, and a kickout at one.
Did you see Braun Strowman just yeeting Ricochet across the ring?
Call that a Fastball Special, Cole.
-[Cole] Now a regroup by the, uh… -Let's go!
-…brothers Uso outside the ring. -One!
[indistinct]
Two!
[Cole] The night started tonight with Paul Heyman talking about Sami Zayn.
-Sami making a surprise appearance. -[shouting]
Called Roman Reigns a, quote, "abusive cousin."
[Wade] He might regret those words
-a week tomorrow. -Hey, Jey, come on.
[Cole] I think one thing you're seeing, and Heyman
alluded to Sami Zayn as the psychopathic rebel earlier tonight,
but I think you're starting to see some paranoia creep in
on the, oh, Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns.
Ricochet, oh, standing moonsault.
Cover now. Is it enough to put him away for the championship?
And a kick at two.
-Taking potshot after potshot at Roman… -It's not a potshot, Wade.
[Wade] No, we should be grateful we are living in the timeline
of Roman Reigns, the greatest of all time here.
[Cole] Well, you may only have eight days to, uh, enjoy that.
-[roars] -Another kickout.
Again, you know, the walls closing in.
Reigns losing a grip on power, slipping away.
The two… two-pronged attack Heyman talked about.
-Anxiety from the champion. -[crowd chanting]
Double-team from The Usos into a Samoan drop.
Great move by Jimmy and Jey.
[Wade] Who needs prep time when you're this damn good?
[Cole] Superkick to Ricochet, driven outside the ring.
[referee shouting]
[Cole] And you mentioned the fact that twin brothers, they know everything,
each other so well.
Usos in control. Can Ricochet and Braun climb back
into this Tag Team Championship Match?
For 572 days, The Usos have been Tag Team Champions.
Will that reign end tonight?
Jimmy and Jey against Strowman and Ricochet
for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
-[Wade] And the Usos in full control. -And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
-You were saying? -[Wade] Usos in full control.
Look, Ricochet believes
that his biggest advantage is his durability.
He thinks he's there to soften up opponents,
and eventually, when enough's enough,
tag in the big man Strowman and let him clean house.
-It may not get-- -Oh!
[Wade] May not get to that tag to Strowman.
The strategy may fall apart.
[Cole] Jey Uso looks fired up tonight.
[indistinct shout]
[Cole] Got to imagine the soul-searching that he's gone through
over the past couple of weeks
since walking out of The Bloodline at the… the Royal Rumble event.
[Wade] And here's what's blowing my mind. Imagine the kind of night of sleep
that Jimmy Uso had last night
not knowing if his brother was gonna show up
for this SmackDown Tag Title defense.
Horrible night of sleep, but in full control.
[Cole] I-I disagree, Wade, 'cause I think Jimmy felt all along
that Jey was gonna show up, and I only think
in the last couple of hours when he didn't see--
see Jey show up in the building
that that's where the doubt crept in,
and that's where Jimmy started to panic a little bit,
and Jey finally showed up and they've been working great together tonight.
Ricochet, though, exploding out of the corner.
And Jimmy down to a knee.
And now can Ricochet make a tag to The Monster of All Monsters?
[Wade] This is what Ricochet has needed for the past five minutes,
and it's now inches away.
[Cole] Ricochet trying to make it to Braun.
Jimmy, trying to prevent the tag from happening,
trying to drag Ricochet back to the corner.
[Wade] Continuous tag smarts from The Usos,
always aware of their positioning…
-Come on! -…and their opponents'.
[Cole] Ricochet.
Springboard crossbody!
That'll create space.
-Can Ricochet rally here? -[stomping]
Ricochet…
trying to drag himself to the corner.
[Wade] There is a humongous human being…
[Cole] Tag to Jey, and tag to Strowman!
And now Braun Strowman
with some shoulder tackles to Jey Uso.
[Wade] Just out-muscling and mowing down everything in his path.
[Cole] In the corner running through Jey.
-[grunts] -Massive right hand.
Cover by Strowman to win the titles and end the historic reign.
And a kickout by Jey.
[Wade] What a magnificent specimen Braun Strowman is.
Get up! Get up!
[Cole] Looks better than he ever has in his career,
leaner, meaner, The Monster of All Monsters.
[Wade] Absolutely shredded and focused too.
Ricochet has helped with that.
[Cole] And Jey Uso-- Strowman goes up over the top rope.
Superkick to Strowman.
-Jimmy Uso runs into a right hand. -[referee shouts]
-[Wade] Superb timing once again. -[Cole] Here comes Jey,
driving into Strowman right on top of our announce table.
-[grunts] -Superkick!
Jey gonna go up top, gonna fly from the top rope.
Uso crossbody, lateral press.
Cover to retain the championship.
Kickout at two by Strowman. He's still in there.
[Wade] Two weeks in purgatory
and Jey Uso hasn't missed a beat in this matchup,
coming a millisecond away
from putting away Braun Strowman
and a successful defense of the SmackDown Tag Titles.
[Cole] Ricochet dragging himself back up to the apron.
Can Strowman get over there to make a tag?
Crunch time here in the Tag Team Championship Match.
-[Wade] Oh my. -[Cole] What power.
Unbelievable power by Strowman.
-Superkick. Tag. -[Wade] Unbelievable smarts from Jey Uso.
[Cole] Tag. Ricochet's legal.
Second-rope crossbody.
Springboard moonsault by Ricochet.
And now Ricochet, "The Highlight of the Night,"
doing what he does best.
-Standing Shooting Star. Cover now. -One, two…
[Cole] Hook of the leg and a kickout right now by Jey Uso.
[Wade] Man, Ricochet and Braun Strowman,
they're like--
They're from opposite ends of the superhero spectrum.
It's like we have Colossus and Spider-Man
tagging together here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, we are sold out tonight
-at Mohegan Sun Arena. -[crowd chanting "Uso!"]
Friday Night SmackDown hosting the Tag Team Championship Match
between The Usos and Ricochet and Braun Strowman.
Jey Uso showing up at the last minute
to help his brother Jimmy defend the Tag Team Titles.
-Into the corner, tag made. -Tag!
Jimmy now legal.
Ricochet doing what he does best.
Oh, and a step-up enzuigiri. Tag made, Braun's legal.
Ricochet with a running knee.
[Wade] Jimmy Uso has no idea Braun's the legal man.
And Braun Strowman looking for the running powerslam.
That could be it! The Usos' reign could be over!
-[yells] Yeah! -Braun Strowman is ready to go.
He wants Ricochet to fly.
[Wade] We've seen this before.
[Cole] Last week, to knock off Imperium.
Ricochet on the shoulders of Strowman.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, a Swanton!
-Cover now. -[crowd] One, two…
[Cole] And saving his brother is Jey Uso.
We didn't even know Jey was gonna show up here tonight,
and Jey just saved the Tag Team Titles.
[Wade] Textbook Usos.
Just when you count them out,
they're back in and swinging.
[Cole] Braun Strowman's expression told the story.
He thought they won the Tag Team gold
until Jey Uso got involved.
-[crowd chants "This is awesome!"] -Uh-oh. Look out now. Braun Strowman.
[Wade] Uh-oh. Oh no, Cole.
There's a meat train heading our way!
[Cole] Strowman now. Oh my goodness!
Strowman!
Jey… Jey ducked.
Strowman went right over the top of him,
flying across our announce table.
Strowman is down and out.
-Ricochet gonna fly! -[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Jey Uso might be down and out…
-[yelling] -…after that, Cole.
[Cole] And Ricochet believes that this is his moment, his opportunity.
Ricochet wants to go up to the top rope.
Jimmy Uso meets him there with a right hand.
High stakes, high-pressure moment in this matchup.
[Wade] Utter carnage at ringside.
[Cole] Jey Uso back up to the apron. He makes a tag.
I don't believe Ricochet knows the tag has been made.
Ricochet now to the top rope.
Jimmy in the ring is not the legal man.
Ricochet still gonna hit the Shooting Star.
Meanwhile, Jey Uso splash! He's legal!
-Cover by Jey! -One, two…
-The 572-day reign continues! -[bell rings]
["Done With That" plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners
and still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
The Usos!
[Wade laughs] Classic Usos, Cole.
Count them out at your peril.
[Cole] The Usos, the brothers,
true blood,
showing that they will do whatever they can
under any circumstances
-to retain the championship. -One, two…
Right here, we thought that Ricochet and Strowman won,
but Jey Uso saving his brother, saving the matchup.
[Wade] Just a millisecond away from victory,
but here's Braun Strowman
getting taken out of the equation completely
-by the lightning-fast reaction. -[Cole] And then, there was--
There was a blind tag made. Ricochet didn't see it.
He thought Jimmy Uso was legal, so he hits the Shooting Star.
He believes that it's over, that they're gonna win the championship.
However, Jey, the legal man, hits the splash.
-Thanks for coming, Ricochet. -One, two, three!
-Usos retain. -[bell rings]
[Wade] And what have we learned tonight, Cole?
When it really counted,
Jey was there for The Bloodline.
[Cole] And what have we not learned tonight?
Whether The Bloodline is still intact.
[Wade] Yeah, what a harbinger of doom you are.
♪ It's not paranoia ♪
♪ It's the Usos ♪
Karrion Kross…
[music fades]
…is an evil human being.
Es un desgraciado.
But I've been an underdog my whole life,
and there is nothing that's gonna prevent me
from winning today's Fatal 4-Way
and move on to become the new Intercontinental Champion.
[Cole] That's our main event later tonight.
I got your back every single day.
Day one. I ain't never gonna leave you in the dirt, man.
-I got you. -You my twin, Uce.
-Hey, but let me ask you something. -Come on!
-'Sup? -It's been hell since you've been gone.
You in…
hey, Uce, or are you out?
-Man, I don't know yet. -[exhales]
I don't know.
[exhales deeply]
[sighs]
Was that your brother?
Yeah.
Did he say anything?
No.
He just left.
Huh.
-Yeet. -Yeet.
[exhales deeply]
["New Foundation" playing]
[Irvin] Please welcome Natalya!
[Cole] Well, Natalya's one of, uh, six women
to be a part of the Elimination Chamber Match
a week from Saturday, the winner to go on to WrestleMania
to face the Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
Remember, inside this chamber, four pods,
four women will be locked in those pods.
Two women start the match.
Every few minutes, a woman will come out of the pod.
Once you're eliminated, you head to the back.
Last woman standing
will headline WrestleMania.
-[music fades] -Connecticut,
it feels so great to be back on SmackDown
and headed into the Elimination Chamber.
[crowd cheering]
But there is something that I wanna get off my chest.
Something that's been weighing heavily on my heart.
For the first time in 15 years,
Shayna Baszler took me out.
Shayna broke my nose and I saw red.
Long after the blood had dried…
I was still seeing red.
That's because Shayna took something from me.
So I took something from Shayna,
who's nothing more than a cheap,
knockoff version of Ronda Rousey.
[crowd clamors]
You see, I took Shayna's spot in the Elimination Chamber.
And next week, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
I'm gonna win Chamber
and I'm gonna punch my ticket to WrestleMania.
And Shayna Baszler's gonna go back to carrying Ronda Rousey's bags.
-[mic thuds] -["Limb By Limb" playing]
[music fades]
Knockoff Ronda?
You're calling me a knockoff Ronda Rousey?
I am sick and tired of everyone dismissing my accomplishments.
[crowd chants "Knockoff Ronda!"]
Do you know what the truth is?
The truth is, I was fighting before Ronda.
I was competing in rings like this all over the world before Ronda Rousey.
I was signed to this company, winning titles,
before Ronda Rousey.
Well, then get in here.
So I don't need you and everybody else
telling me every day that I'm just living in Ronda Rousey's shadow.
-["Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Well, because I think Shayna can tell Ronda herself…
'cause look who's here!
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation ♪
We haven't seen Ronda Rousey since the night
she was surprised by Charlotte Flair
and lost the SmackDown Women's Championship.
[Wade] Ronda Rousey has a face like thunder,
which does not bode well.
♪ And I don't give a damn 'Bout my bad reputation ♪
♪ Oh no ♪
[music fades]
[crowd clamoring]
[mic thuds]
[Cole] Oh, and Shayna with a cheap shot!
And you saw the smile cross the face of Rousey.
And now Ronda and Shayna beating the hell out of Natalya.
[Wade] Just a setup all along, Cole.
[Cole] Well, you should have expected it from these two
who have run roughshod over the locker room.
Shotzi, one of those who was a victim of Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler,
coming to the aid of Natalya.
[Wade] Shotzi's-- Shotzi's either brave or crazy.
I don't know which one it is,
but it didn't work.
[Cole] And Ronda…
setting Natalya up, and again Shayna with the knee
that broke Natalya's nose a few months ago.
[Wade] Just missed the nose on this occasion, it seemed,
thankfully for Natalya.
♪ I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation ♪
[Cole] Ronda and Shayna Baszler
continuing to raise hell
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ A girl can do what she wants to do And that's what I'm gonna do ♪
♪ And I don't give a damn 'Bout my bad reputation ♪
[inaudible]
♪ Oh no ♪
-[exhales sharply] -[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
Welcome back.
Look, man, I…
I can't imagine what you're going through right now
and I-- I don't want to put you in a tough spot.
I… I just know Roman pretty well,
and you know him even better.
And I just can't imagine him
letting you forget
what you did at the Royal Rumble.
Which, by the way, I never got a chance to tell you.
It meant the world to me, okay?
Look, all I want-- All I wanna say is this.
We're eight days away from something huge.
We're on the verge of seeing something that I know, on some level,
you've wanted to see for a long time.
And it's that man going down.
And I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but I'm telling you,
he's going down, okay?
And all I wanna tell you is that…
you don't have to go down with the ship, okay?
There's a way out of this.
There's a way out for you.
That's all I'm saying.
And I don't know if we're gonna get a chance to talk like this again.
In case we don't,
I just wanna let you know…
I acknowledge you.
[crowd cheers]
[indistinct chatter]
Sami, you better get out of here with that, man.
I'm leaving.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Hey, you know, Wade, a couple months ago,
we told you that Money in the Bank
will be the first WWE Premium Live Event
to be held in London in over two decades.
Well, guess what's gonna happen the night before?
[Wade] Oh, I know, Cole. I've already booked my flight.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown will emanate from the O2 Arena,
the same arena as Money in the Bank,
on Friday Night, June 30th.
Two weeks from tonight, you can get your combo tickets.
SmackDown, Money in the Bank, in London.
[Wade] Boom!
♪ We did it, we said it, we meant it ♪
Everybody's trying to talk to me right now.
Just hang tight. I'll call you back.
LA, this is the first time we've seen you
since the Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match
-at the Royal Rumble-- -No, no, no, no, no, no.
Wrong. Wrong. We're not talking about that right now.
Not talking about Pitch Black.
Not talking about Bray Wyatt.
That's done. It's in the past.
We're looking forward. We're looking forward to the future.
What is the future? The future is LA Knight.
Yeah.
♪ Look up at me now, I'll never be under ♪
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
♪ I am the savage, no more being nice ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Chelsea Green
and Sonya Deville!
[Cole] I can't wait to get your explanation of, uh, facial amnesia.
[Wade] Oh, I suffer from it too.
After a heavy night at the pub, I can't remember anything.
["Trap Queen" playing]
♪ Dale con eso ♪
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
♪ Watch me ♪
[Irvin] And their opponents,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Cole] Well, Raquel and Liv teaming together tonight,
but in a week from tomorrow, inside Elimination Chamber, Wade,
Liv Morgan and Raquel will be opponents.
There will be six women inside Elimination Chamber
and the winner will get an opportunity at Bianca Belair
for the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
[Wade] And I'll tell you firsthand, Elimination Chamber Matches
were the most physically demanding matches of my entire career.
One of the reasons I'm sat here next to you now, it's a lot safer.
[Cole] Liv Morgan will be entering her fourth Elimination Match,
more than any woman in history.
She said that she's never been in so much pain,
-but she loves the feeling… -[bell rings]
…of steel against her.
She plans to outlast everyone in that match to win
an opportunity at the Raw Women's Title.
[Wade] Who the hell loves the feeling of steel against them?
[Cole] Well, here's Sonya Deville starting things off
against Liv Morgan in this matchup.
Adam Pearce telling Deville and Chelsea Green,
"You want an opportunity? Go out and earn one."
Both were complaining they weren't in the Chamber Match.
[Wade] Yeah, well, how smart is Sonya Deville?
I seem to say this week after week,
but this industry is all about keeping yourself in the spotlight,
one way or another.
She manages to manipulate situations and get herself more opportunities.
-I love it. -[Cole] Liv Morgan entered
the Women's Royal Rumble Match at number two,
lasted all the way to the end
before getting eliminated by the winner, Rhea Ripley.
Great performance by Morgan at the Rumble.
-Liv, a former SmackDown Women's Champion… -[Wade] Oh!
…runs into a knee by Sonya Deville. Cover by Deville.
-One, two… -Hook of the leg, and a kickout.
[Wade] A textbook strike there from Deville.
Pinpoint accuracy to the nose and jaw of Liv Morgan.
And here's a problem if you're Liv.
You gotta be acutely aware of the fact
that you've got to keep yourself in A1 physical condition.
-[Cole] Boom! -And you ain't gonna do it
-absorbing moves like that. -[Cole] Meanwhile, Chelsea Green
now in the ring off the tag.
Um, so again, explain to me a little bit about facial amnesia.
Does that mean she has a problem remembering people's faces?
[Wade] I-I think you should do
-an interview with her. -Cover by Chelsea Green and a kickout.
An interview with Chelsea Green. Get to the bottom of it.
[Cole] So I-I saw you talk-- Kickout.
I saw you talking to her. Actually, she was talking to you today,
but nonetheless, what did she have to say?
[Wade] Well, I couldn't get a word in. Um, I'll be honest with you,
I was quite wearisome after the conversation ended.
-She seemed fairly entitled. -[Cole] Tag.
[Wade] But, I mean, she's making noise.
She understands the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Why she thinks I can make things happen for her, I don't know.
I think she thought I may have been a manager here.
[Cole] Well, she-she apparently has the direct line to Adam Pearce's boss,
whoever that may be.
Nonetheless, up over the top is Morgan, trying to make a tag to Raquel Rodriguez.
-And Sonya Deville, handful of hair. -Hey, hey! One, two--
[Wade] Smart move again from Sonya Deville.
You wanna keep Raquel Rodriguez…
-[Cole] Oh! -…well out of the action here.
[Cole] Liv trying to fight out of the corner.
Would love to make a tag of the powerhouse Raquel Rodriguez.
Chelsea Green using Liv's hair again against her.
Sonya Deville just popped her own partner.
Not quite the way Sonya Deville saw that going.
-And here comes Raquel Rodriguez. -[Wade] Oh no.
[Cole] Raquel said, "Another first for me."
"My first Elimination Chamber a week from tomorrow night."
She said, "With my power and my dominance, I expect to prevail inside the chamber."
[Wade] Well, that is the most physically dominant presence
-in the entire women's division. -[Cole] Oh! I mean,
can you picture Raquel versus Bianca for the Raw Women's Championship?
Talk about two powerhouses.
[Wade] Yes, I can.
-[Cole] Oh! -What a defend that would be.
[Cole] Raquel, corkscrew elbow off the bottom rope,
and Sonya grabs the rope, will force the break.
[Wade] Just brilliant ring awareness.
Always has the cogs turning in her mind, does Deville,
which she might have to win this on her own.
Chelsea Green's in a mess right now.
[Cole] She got hit in the face. I guess she's got amnesia again.
-Sonya tagged. -Tag!
[Cole] And Chelsea Green not realizing
that she's gotta go in the match to face Raquel,
and she's not quite ready, I don't believe.
[Wade] Who the hell wants to get in the ring with Raquel?
[Cole laughs] My goodness. Raquel brought her in the hard way.
And Chelsea's like, "Oh, maybe not."
Hey, you wanted an opportunity, right?
You can't just go asking for handouts. You've got to earn them.
-[Wade] A real lack of tag team cohesion. -[Cole] Uh-oh.
-[Wade] Oh no. -[Cole] Raquel!
-The power of Raquel Rodriguez! -[Chelsea screams]
Tag by Liv.
-[Wade] So effortlessly. -[Cole] Tejana Bomb!
[referee speaking indistinctly]
[Cole] And Liv Morgan…
-[screams] -…Oblivion!
Go. Get outside. Let's go.
[Cole] I guess they're not done yet.
Great double-team action here
by Liv and Raquel. Chelsea Green…
-One, two, three! -…welcome to Friday Night SmackDown.
-[bell rings] -["Liv Gone Mad" plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Cole] So first, Chelsea runs into Asuka.
She sets a record at the Royal Rumble for the shortest time and…
gets beat up here tonight.
[Wade] Nothing the manager can do about that, I'm afraid.
Yeah! Let's go!
Look, I know things haven't exactly gone my way recently…
[music fades]
…but tonight in the Fatal 4-Way,
all that's gonna change.
Yeah, you got this, babe.
I do got this.
Because when you look good, you feel good.
And when you feel good, you play good.
And thanks to you, babe, I look great.
[chuckles] You look so good.
After I get this dub tonight,
it's on to Gunther and the Intercontinental Championship.
-It's gonna look great right there. -[Cole] Confident Madcap.
Fatal 4-Way next on SmackDown.
[indistinct]
And welcome back to SmackDown, everybody.
In a few short moments, we're gonna be finding out
who is the new Number One Contender
for Gunther's Intercontinental Championship.
We know who the SmackDown Women's Champion is.
None other than Charlotte Flair.
Earlier today, I had an opportunity to sit down with Charlotte.
♪ Besting opponents, flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving dem all Looking stressin' and folded ♪
I can't believe we're 50 nights away.
WrestleMania and the epic battle
between the 14-time Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair,
and the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble, Rhea Ripley.
You guys have a lot of history together.
We do. We do.
And three years ago, you won the Royal Rumble,
however, Rhea Ripley challenged you.
-[clears throat] -You put her in her place at WrestleMania.
-[exhales] -Now, three years later,
Rhea thinks that it's her time.
It's her time to shine. It's her time to rise.
And she believes that everyone will rise for Ripley.
Mm, she thinks, she thinks. [breathes deeply]
So here's the thing, Cole. Three years ago,
Rhea Ripley chose me
because she knew I was the mountain she had to climb.
She knew that beating me meant that you were here,
that you were at the top. Right?
So we had our WrestleMania match,
um, I was impressed.
I thought she did great.
Um, but here's the thing, she was young,
she was green, and she wasn't ready.
And I won.
So now Rhea's telling us that it's three years later
and now she's ready.
-Well, Cole… -Mm.
…I would hope she's ready three years now
because this is how I feel.
Here we are three years later and I'm still saying the same thing.
"There are levels to this."
I said it three years ago and I'm saying it again.
So let me ask you about levels. Right?
So is Rhea Ripley finally on Charlotte Flair's level?
It's gonna take more than just three years to get on my level.
And… Rhea said that I put her in her place three years ago.
No, I didn't put her in her place three years ago.
I taught her a lesson three years ago.
Now, April 1st, at SoFi Stadium in front of 80,000 fans,
now I'm gonna put Rhea Ripley in her place
once and for all.
["Dead Silent" playing]
[inaudible]
♪ He is time ♪
♪ Famine, war ♪
♪ Pestilence ♪
♪ You cannot endure ♪
♪ The end is here ♪
♪ Fall and pray ♪
♪ Fall and pray! ♪
[roars]
Tonight, we get red!
[Cole] "The Harbinger of Doom" Karrion Kross
hoping to become the Number One Contender for the Intercontinental Championship.
[inaudible]
[roars]
-[Wade] A wave of negative energy… -[yelling] I'm coming!
…has just swept across this arena.
[music fades]
["Ready For Business" playing]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is a Fatal 4-Way Match!
Making his way to the ring,
accompanied by Emma, from Minneapolis, Minnesota,
-weighing in at 245 pounds… -[yells]
…Madcap Moss!
[Cole] So, ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this matchup
will face Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship
next week in Montreal at the Bell Centre
on Friday Night SmackDown.
-Back-to-back nights in Montreal. -[yelling]
Sami Zayn will be there as he prepares for next Saturday night
in his match with Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed Championship at Elimination Chamber.
-[yelling] -[Emma indistinct]
[Cole] New gear for Madcap Moss, we saw on social media,
presented by his girlfriend Emma.
[Wade] That can give you a boost.
Whenever I was in a rut in my own career,
I'd change up the gear, start feeling good.
Maybe the results would follow.
You also get a new action figure.
You gotta make that merch money when you can.
[Cole] Is that why you're wearing a new suit this week?
[Wade chuckles] They don't make my action figure anymore, unfortunately.
I'm gonna start a campaign.
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
[Irvin] Next, accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
Santos Escobar!
[Cole] Zelina says no one compares to Santos Escobar,
who earlier today said he is ready for tonight.
Not only do I look like a champion, I compete like a champion.
The WWE Universe is about to find out
why Santos Escobar is best suited
to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship
and why Legado Del Fantasma
is the future.
[Wade] I'll tell you this, Cole, in the history of WWE,
championship titles have never looked better
around anybody's waist
than Santos Escobar.
We saw that consistently during his time in NXT.
-["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka ♪
♪ That's my, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
[Irvin] And their opponent, from San Diego, California,
weighing in at 175 pounds,
Rey Mysterio!
[Cole] So, ladies and gentlemen, this is what is at stake tonight.
Our current Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, has held the championship
for 245 days
since winning the title last June.
That is the longest reign by any Intercontinental Champion
in the 21st century.
Twenty-three years and counting, the longest reign.
And then of course, Angie, Rey Mysterio's wife, here to cheer him on.
Gunther is here along with his Imperium cohorts
up there in a skybox in Mohegan Sun Arena
looking on to determine who will be Gunther's next opponent
next week here on SmackDown.
[Wade] And that ain't Gunther
having a beer and eating some popcorn.
This is a scouting mission
and it has already started for The Ring General.
Fatal 4-Way coming up next.
♪ Hit man for hire Made wise guys untouchable ♪
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, next week on Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox from Montreal,
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus
in a collision with The Viking Raiders.
Tag team action next week.
[Wade] And after the assault we witnessed a few minutes ago,
Natalya and Shotzi get their opportunity for revenge.
They square off against the MMA badasses Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler
next week on SmackDown.
[Cole] Also next week, the winner of this Fatal 4-Way Match
will have an opportunity at Gunther and the Intercontinental Championship.
You're looking over the shoulder
of Imperium and Gunther watching from a skybox here tonight.
Fatal 4-Way rules. First man to gain pinfall or submission
will win this match and become the Number One Contender
for the Intercontinental Title.
Karrion Kross and Rey Mysterio squaring off.
And on the other side of the ring, Santos Escobar and Madcap Moss.
[Wade] And real history between Karrion Kross and Rey Mysterio
over the past few months.
Mysterio haunted by Kross and Scarlett.
[Cole] Of course, Mysterio had an opportunity at Gunther
and the Intercontinental Championship a couple of months ago.
But easy for me to say.
[Wade] Let's talk about these two brawling. Let's not forget,
Madcap Moss has been mauled
on more than one occasion by Karrion Kross.
[Cole] Yeah, Madcap talked earlier this week
about this match tonight.
He said this, uh, this chance is everything to him.
"That's why I'm in the WWE."
"I'm in the ring with a legend in Mysterio, and a man, Karrion Kross,
who I've had issues with in the past, and of course the great Santos Escobar."
It's been a while. It's nice to see you.
-That's not the way it works. -Whoa. He's with me. I'm lucha.
No, no, you're not. I was lucha too. Excuse me.
[Cole] Escobar and Kross, who have had a history together in Mexico.
[Wade] Karrion Kross absolutely dominated luchadores in Mexico
during his time there. Looking to continue that tonight.
[Cole chuckles] Dumping Escobar out of the ring,
and Karrion Kross still not done with Rey Mysterio.
This has become personal. It's become bitter.
-[Wade] Whoa. -A big boot to the face
-of the legendary Rey Mysterio. -I've been waiting a long time!
[grunts]
[Wade] Kross has made it clear time and time again,
he is focused on ending
the legendary career of Rey Mysterio.
Looking to bring pain and chaos
to Rey's legions of fans around the world.
[Cole] Oh, Rey Mysterio with a senton,
and now Rey picking up the pace, and he runs
right into a big boot by Kross.
Scarlett looking on.
-[Scarlett] Stay on him! -[Cole] The mystic.
[Wade] Karrion Kross is another one, throughout his time in NXT,
consistently had a championship…
-[Cole] Oh! -…around his waist.
Looking to grab his first gold on SmackDown.
Santos Escobar got something to say about that.
[Cole] And launching Rey Mysterio into Kross,
who turns it into a Hurricanrana.
And Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar working together momentarily
until Madcap Moss enters the fray.
-[Wade] Madcap Moss talked a lot… -Oh!
…about wanting opportunities.
-He's had several in recent months. -[Cole] Oh, fallaway slam
as he delivers Rey at Escobar.
[Wade] He needs to start making those opportunities count.
He really is a prototypical WWE Superstar
with that blend of power, athleticism, and speed.
He needs to start getting results.
[Cole] Yeah, he needs wins, needs confidence.
His girlfriend, Emma, you see her outside the ring,
has been quite the cheerleader for, uh, Madcap as of late.
Saying, "We're superstars. Keep that in your mind."
-"You can win these big matches." -[Emma yelling]
Escobar with a running forearm.
Santos Escobar using his quickness.
Running knee knocks Kross down and out of the ring.
[Wade] Just an absolute scramble of a match style.
You aren't gonna get more than a blink of an opportunity to get this won.
Take it when it's there.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Rey Mysterio and Escobar, who have never met, Wade, in WWE.
Never in the ring together.
[Wade] They've certainly crossed paths many times in Mexico
as legends of lucha libre.
First time at the very highest level, however. I've been waiting for this one.
[Cole] Mysterio and Escobar so quick.
Similar styles of course.
And Mysterio was going for the bulldog
and ran into the big boot.
Cover by Escobar
to become the Number One Contender
for the Intercontinental Title. Again, the champion looking on.
Gunther's up in a skybox high above the sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena.
[Wade] Santos Escobar came close to being the Number One Contender
for Gunther's Intercontinental Championship
back in the-- in December in the SmackDown World Cup,
losing in the final to Ricochet.
Might have a bite at the cherry after this.
[Cole] Mysterio continues to fly.
Escobar, nice tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
-Cover. -One, two…
[Cole] Hook of the leg, and Rey able to kick out.
[Wade] Santos Escobar will be smoking Cohibas
on his estate in Mexico if he gets victory here.
[Cole] And Karrion Kross running some interference.
Remember, every man for himself in this matchup.
Mysterio puts Escobar in position for the 619.
[crowd cheers]
-And Escobar said, "Nope." -[groans]
Kick right to the midsection.
[Wade] That'll be a well-scouted move here in WWE.
Get out the way while you can.
[Cole] Now Madcap tried to get involved.
Mysterio now up to the top rope.
Launches himself into Kross!
And now Santos Escobar… gonna fly!
Fatal 4-Way continues.
Who's gonna meet Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship?
[crowd whistles, cheers]
The action continues on Friday Night SmackDown.
There's Imperium
and the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, looking on.
The winner of this match, Fatal 4-Way, faces Gunther next week in Montreal
for the Intercontinental Title.
[Wade] Gunther is just like a computer
-processing information. -[Cole] Cover.
And a kickout at two. Remember, first man to gain pinfall or submission
will win this match. There are no count-outs,
-no disqualifications. -Oh, look at that.
-Look at this. -[Wade] How dominant
has Karrion Kross become as this match has gone longer.
[Cole] Great throw by Karrion Kross to Mysterio.
And now Kross with that methodical pace, slowing things down.
Cover now on Mysterio. Hook of the leg, and a kickout yet again.
And this-- If you're Kross, this is the pace you want.
And Gunther, again, 245 days as Intercontinental Champion.
Longest reign of this century,
and he's been very dominant.
[Wade] Madcap Moss gasping for air at this point.
Trying to build up a little momentum once again, and that'll do it.
[Cole] And Madcap Moss, you said it earlier, Wade,
he has all of the tools.
So much potential.
He's just got to be able to put it together.
[Wade] Yeah. If you don't put it together,
eventually, you slide away into oblivion.
We've seen it before. Madcap Moss has to start picking up wins.
-[Cole] Madcap… -[yells]
…and Karrion Kross, of course, with a history.
You should be faster.
[Cole] Asked Madcap about the Kross Jacket, the submission move.
And nice spinebuster by Moss.
Cover to win the matchup
and a kickout at two as Madcap's girlfriend Emma looks on.
[grunts, yells]
Emma, a WWE Superstar, of course, in her own right.
Madcap catching Escobar.
-[grunts] -So powerful is this young man.
Trying to turn it into a vertical suplex.
Escobar able to land on his feet.
Roll-through. Is it enough?
Shoulders down now. Kickout at two.
[Wade] Santos Escobar might be the single most well-rounded competitor.
[Cole] Cover by Escobar,
and a kickout again.
[Wade] Escobar can completely do it all.
He's a powerhouse, high-flyer, technician,
but he doesn't have eyes in the back of his head.
-[Cole] Rey Mysterio… -[Wade] Maybe he does.
-[Cole] Nice drop toehold by Escobar. -[whistles]
[grunts]
Karrion Kross runs into a forearm.
Sunset flip. Roll-through now.
Mysterio. That's vintage Mysterio there.
-Cover to advance and win this matchup. -One, two…
And-And Madcap breaks it up.
[Wade] There is the issue in this matchup.
You simply don't get three seconds to yourself to pin anybody.
-[groans] -[Cole] Double-team now.
Mysterio… Oh, nice takedown DDT!
[groans]
Mysterio with a kick to the face of Madcap.
Rey's still going strong after all these--
-[Wade] Whoa! -Maybe not! Phantom Driver!
Cover by Escobar for the victory!
-Almost had him, and Madcap broke it up! -[Zelina yelling]
[Cole] Escobar, a split second away!
[Wade] Just in the nick of time,
whether there was an attempted kickout that would have worked from Mysterio
or if that breakup from Moss did it, but this one is up for grabs now.
[Cole] Again, you saw the stoic look
on your Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
discussing this matchup with Vinci and Kaiser from Imperium,
watching high above the sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena.
-[Emma] Come on! -[groans]
[Cole] Santos going to the top rope,
and Madcap Moss is gonna climb as well.
[Wade] The instruction from Emma was, "Go out there and get noticed."
Only one way to do that for Madcap.
[Cole] Is he gonna attempt a fallaway slam from up there?
[Wade] He's a hell of an athlete.
Did not work out.
[Cole] Escobar, who's a natural at climbing the ropes.
The luchador…
-[indistinct shouting] -[whistling]
-[Cole] …sends Moss. -[crowd clamors]
-[Wade] Nasty, hard landing. -[Cole] Cover…
-One, two… -…to win the Fatal 4-Way,
and a kickout by Madcap.
[Wade] Talk about resilience from Madcap Moss, digging deep tonight.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Kross sends Escobar
through the second rope to the floor right--
Bouncing right off our announce table.
And now Rey Mysterio went for the sunset flip.
-Kross able to hold on. -[yells]
Karrion Kross powering up Mysterio.
[Wade] Looking at the assault and annihilation
that Kross-- Oh!
-[Cole] Into position. -[crowd cheers]
Here it comes!
-619! -[crowd cheers]
And Scarlett getting involved and dropping Mysterio.
-[crowd boos] -No disqualification.
That was perfectly legal.
[Wade] Just when Karrion Kross
-was about to be put away… -Oh!
[Wade] Kross-- Kross Hammer to the back of the head.
[Cole] And now Escobar into the ring.
-[grunts] -Escobar and Kross.
Escobar over the top.
Kross underneath the bottom rope. They're gonna fight outside the ring.
Meanwhile, Madcap, top rope. Mysterio's in trouble.
Madcap drops an elbow from the top rope.
Cover now by Madcap.
Hook of the leg on Mysterio.
-Madcap with the win! -[bell rings]
["Ready For Business" plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
Madcap Moss!
[Cole] Wade, Madcap has earned the first title opportunity
of his WWE career.
He faces Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship
live next week right here on Fox.
What a win for Madcap here on SmackDown.
[music fades]
Hey, Jim.
-OG. -Congratulations.
-Thank you. -I was just on the phone
with the Tribal Chief,
and I would've put you on the phone with him, but, um,
there's no reception in here.
You know, he's very, very proud of you and you are 100% right.
Your brother is very loyal to you.
Hey, assignment from the Tribal Chief.
Next week, we got this whole thing in Montreal figured out.
He needs an on-television perspective.
He needs the two of you to stay home
and watch the show on television
because, you know,
sometimes you see things on TV
that you don't see when you're here live. real figured out.