[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Flair] Woo!
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If ya smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The Usos will defend against Braun Strowman and Ricochet.
The question is, will Jimmy's brother, Jey, be here to help his brother out?
[Jimmy] My brother will be there tonight.
And their opponent, defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
on his own…
-[Cole] Jey Uso is here. -[crowd cheering]
The brothers Uso back together tonight.
[bell rings]
[Cole] Ricochet and Strowman, a massive opportunity tonight.
And saving his brother is Jey Uso.
I don't believe Ricochet knows the tag has been made.
Jey Uso splash! He's legal. Cover by Jey.
-[crowd] One! Two! Three! -[Cole] The 572-day reign continues.
[Wade] When it really counted, Jey was there for The Bloodline.
[solemn music plays]
[Jimmy] It's been hell since you've been gone.
You in or you out?
Man, I don't know yet.
I don't know.
Was that your brother?
Yeah.
Did he say anything?
Nah. He just left.
[solemn music continues]
[crowd cheers]
I know Roman pretty well, and you know him even better.
I just can't imagine him letting you forget what you did at the Royal Rumble.
You don't have to go down with the ship.
I acknowledge you.
[music fades]
Hey, assignment from The Tribal Chief.
Next week, we got this whole thing in Montreal figured out.
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.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music fades]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
♪ Woo, woo ♪
♪ 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? ♪
♪ Woo! Woo! ♪
[effects popping]
-[song continues indistinctly] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] On the eve of Elimination Chamber,
the final Premium Live Event stop on the road to WrestleMania,
you are looking live at a jam-packed Bell Centre in Montreal, Québec, Canada.
15,455 WWE fans on hand.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
And there you see the 30,000-pound Elimination Chamber
hanging over the ring.
This building hosts Elimination Chamber tomorrow night,
but tonight, Wade, a big-time homecoming in Montreal.
[Wade] Yes, indeed.
Just 24 hours from the biggest match of Sami Zayn's career.
He will be here live tonight to feel the energy and love
from this partisan hometown crowd.
Montreal is gonna come unglued when Zayn comes home tonight.
["New Foundation" playing]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Natalya!
[Cole] Speaking of homecoming, Natalya a native of Canada.
Her family with mixed emotions when coming to the city of Montreal.
Nonetheless, Natalya hopes for more highlights 24 hours from now
because she has an opportunity to become the number-one contender
for Bianca Belair, Raw Women's Championship.
The Women's Elimination Chamber match, live, tomorrow night.
But tonight, Wade, it's about revenge on Natalya's mind.
["I Am A Psycho" playing]
[Wade] Revenge on the mind of this lady too perhaps.
[Irvin] And her tag team partner, from Oakland, California, Shotzi!
[Cole] In the "taking care of business" tank.
-[effects popping] -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] As you mentioned, Cole, this is a team.
Two women bonded by experiencing mutual mutilation
at the hands of their opponents tonight.
[Cole] And to Wade's point, let's show you
the reason that Shotzi and Natalya have formed this tag team tonight,
because they have a score to settle with Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.
[Wade] Rousey and Baszler, the bulls are on parade.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] Natalya may have a shattered nose.
[screaming]
[Cole] Oh, Shayna with a cheap shot!
[Wade] Shotzi either brave or crazy.
[Ronda] Let me know, and be ready to break some bones
and take over the show.
[screams]
[Cole] Ronda and Shayna continuing to raise hell.
[Cole] A broken nose for Natalya, an injured arm for Shotzi
at the hands of Ronda and Shayna.
-["Bad Reputation" playing] -[crowd cheering, booing]
[Irvin] And their opponents, the team of Shayna Baszler
and the Baddest Woman on the Planet,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey!
[Cole] And Wade, both tonight wearing their respective gis
as they get set for this tag team match.
[Wade] Sporting their respective black belts too.
Ronda Rousey's in judo, Shayna Baszler's in Brazilian jiujitsu.
This is a pair of legitimate badasses
who have proven time and again
they can damage opponents, sometimes permanently.
[Cole] Shayna Baszler saying earlier this week that,
"I was always told that if you break all your toys,
you have nothing to play with."
Well, apparently these toys, Natalya and Shotzi,
have not learned their lesson, so tonight they go back to school.
Nice takedown by Natalya.
[Wade] I get it. We're in Hart country.
Of course Natalya wants to be competing tonight.
I just question how smart this is to be involved
in a matchup like this 24 hours before entering the Elimination Chamber
for Natalya, and the opportunity to book her ticket for WrestleMania.
[Cole] Shayna Baszler, a "submission magician" she's called,
knows how to damage you in so many different ways.
Nice Snapmare by Natalya, and a kick right to the face.
Natalya said… as Ronda makes the tag… Natalya said about Shayna,
"Hey, listen. It's easy to confuse Shayna and Ronda."
"However, Shayna's never won a women's singles championship
because Ronda's never given her that opportunity."
Natalya trying to, uh, divide the team of Rousey and Baszler.
[Wade] Baszler is sick of the Ronda comparisons,
and I get it, she's a massive threat in her own right.
The only problem is the shadow of Ronda Rousey is larger than most.
[crowd] You can't wrestle!
[Cole] Ronda Rousey, Natalya, both former world champions.
Uh, once the best of friends. Nice takedown by Ronda Rousey.
Looking for the armbar. Counter, though, by Natalya.
Steps through, looking for the sharpshooter.
Remember when Ronda Rousey appeared on the scene here in WWE
a number of years ago,
Natalya very instrumental, Wade, in the development of Ronda Rousey
as a sports entertainer here in WWE.
[Wade] The same with Shayna Baszler.
The truth is, Natalya essentially served her purpose to Baszler and Rousey,
and immediately when that matter was closed, they stabbed her in the back.
[crowd chants] Shotzi!
[Cole] Shotzi and Natalya, contrasting styles.
Natalya, of course, with technical prowess,
and Shotzi just that unorthodox offensive style, which is on display here.
[Wade] Just pure kamikaze offense from Shotzi.
Highly erratic, highly unpredictable, very difficult to game-plan for.
-[Cole] Tag again, and Ronda Rousey in. -[crowd boos]
You hear the WWE fans in Montreal booing every time Rousey comes into the ring,
but Ronda does not give a damn about that.
She's got a five-count to break here.
Of course you can't!
[Cole] Baszler, nice takedown,
as they continue to work on the left arm of Shotzi.
[Wade] As we recall, that is the hand that was essentially broken
-in a car door by Baszler and Rousey. -[crowd chants] Shotzi!
Once again going straight to that target.
[Cole] It may be worse than that as Shotzi tries to roll through.
Nice takedown of Baszler.
Oh, a basement dropkick to Shayna. Ronda makes yet another tag.
Ronda and Shayna Baszler working very well as a team here tonight.
[Wade] They know each other inside and out.
They've been working and training together for many years, even prior to WWE.
Experts in judo, Brazilian jiujitsu, submission grappling--
-[Cole] Goodness! -[Wade] What a landing.
[Cole] Great throw by Shotzi.
And Shotzi has the… Ronda Rousey all tied up here.
Submission move of her own.
You have to wonder if Ronda's gonna tap.
[Wade] You have to wonder if Ronda is still conscious after that landing.
Ronda trying to work her way out of this bridge by Shotzi.
[Wade] Once again, just proves the highly erratic
and unpredictable offense of Shotzi.
I don't think anyone saw that one coming, especially Ronda Rousey.
[Cole] Ronda sure didn't. Nice waist lock now, and a standing switch by Rousey.
And Ronda sent outside the ring.
Nice move by Shotzi.
And suddenly, Shotzi's got Ronda and Shayna on the run.
[Wade] Once again, the kamikaze offense.
[Cole] And a suicide dive, wiping out Ronda.
I told you. Shotzi hell-bent on revenge tonight.
Natalya with a clothesline.
Shades of her dad, the late great Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart.
And now Shotzi heading up to the top rope.
Shotzi throwing caution to the wind, wiping out Ronda and Shayna.
Natalya and Shotzi on a roll here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And we are back, live on Friday Night SmackDown.
The Bell Centre in Montreal is jam-packed.
15,455 WWE fans on hand for this tag match
between Shotzi and Natalya and Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.
And Shayna has taken control, Wade, during the commercial break.
[Wade] Yeah, this match did a complete 180.
We've talked a lot about the highly skilled backgrounds
of Baszler and Rousey,
but when the match gets to this kind of position,
it is the most basic strategy imaginable.
It is legalized barbarianism. Snap, tear, and maim.
[Cole] SmackDown already the most talked about topic tonight
on social media, on Twitter.
Of course, 24 hours from now the Elimination Chamber event right here
in this building in Montreal.
Shotzi trying to get to Natalya to make a tag,
trying to fight out of this predicament.
Creates a bit of separation.
[Wade] There's a blockage on the track, though,
named Shayna Baszler.
-[Cole] Oh, and a cheap shot to Natalya. -[crowd booing]
Again, remember Natalya's broken nose,
and Shayna went right for the face of Natalya.
[Wade] Facial reconstructive surgery.
Natalya, if she's not careful, might get a one-way ticket back to the surgery room.
[Cole] Ronda Rousey trying to prevent Shotzi…
Now, Shayna Baszler is sent through the second rope.
I believe Ronda is legal, right? I think Ronda made the tag.
That's what she was explaining to the official.
Not sure if the official Jason Ayers saw it, though.
[Wade] Shotzi fighting for dear life at this point.
-[Wade] Again, that erratic style. Wow! -[Cole] Oh my goodness.
Ronda Rousey landed right on the top of her head.
Shotzi again
with that throwing-caution-into-the-wind offensive style.
[Wade] Spiked on the top of the crown was Rousey.
Let's take another look at this.
Once again pulling out all the stops.
Shotzi, again, desperately needing that tag.
[Cole] We've seen such an improvement over Shotzi here
in the past year here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Now, the added advantage of going for revenge after the two women
who tried to break her arm.
[Wade] Rousey is in a real mess here, needs a tag herself.
Baszler taking things into her own hands.
[Cole] Natalya back up on the apron on the other side
after the cheap shot.
Now, Baszler trying to keep Shotzi away from the corner.
Shotzi, step-up enzuigiri, caught her in the ear.
Now, a chance to make the tag, and she gets it. Here comes Natalya.
Natalya, who is in the Women's Elimination Chamber match tomorrow night
for an opportunity to be in a main event at WrestleMania
against Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship.
[Wade] Natalya looking to exact vengeance.
[Cole] Elbow, another standing switch.
Natalya with the German suplex released.
[Wade] You sense Natalya's starting to build momentum here
ahead of tomorrow's Elimination Chamber match.
No finer place to do it than Montreal.
[Cole] Nobody home as Shayna went for the high knee.
-Natalya, now-- Oh, what a powerbomb! -One! Two!
[Cole] For the win, and a kickout by Baszler.
[Wade] Natalya digging deep into that playbook.
You have to think Baszler knew that playbook inside out.
[Cole] Yeah, Baszler not allowing Natalya to lock in the Sharpshooter.
Now, Shayna looking for the Kirifuda Clutch.
Tag made by Rousey.
I don't think Natalya realizes the tag was made.
Ronda now top rope.
Went with a crossbody. Natalya ducked underneath.
[Wade] Just a step ahead is Natalya.
[Cole] Ronda may have injured her knee.
That doesn't bode well for the master of the Sharpshooter.
Step-through by Natalya.
Locking up Rousey. Sharpshooter, center of the ring.
Will Ronda tap out to Natalya?
-[crowd cheering] -[Wade] Nobody here to save the day.
The ropes feel like a mile away for Ronda Rousey.
[Cole] Ronda with nowhere to go,
trying to somehow drag herself to the bottom rope.
Will she tap?
Natalya drags her back to the center of the ring.
Rousey's gonna tap out.
Trying to hang on.
Meanwhile, Shayna Baszler, though, enters the ring,
forcing the Sharpshooter to be broken.
[Wade] Absolute desperation measures here from Rousey and Baszler,
who thought they would have this one wrapped up by now.
[Cole] Tag, Shotzi's legal.
Ronda Rousey feeling the effects of the Sharpshooter.
Double-team now.
Talking about the Hart Foundation, and now Shayna Baszler intercepts.
[Wade] Referee completely losing all control. Here we go!
Ronda, nice takedown.
She's got Shotzi into the armbar.
-The patented armbar by Ronda Rousey. -[crowd booing]
Trying to lock in.
Shotzi trying to-- She has to tap.
[bell rings]
["Bad Reputation" playing]
[Irvin] Here are your winners by submission,
the team of Shayna Baszler
and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey!
[Cole] What an effort tonight by Shotzi and Natalya,
but in the end, Rousey and Baszler pick up the win.
[Wade] Descended into an absolute all-out brawl,
but what an effort from Natalya and Shotzi.
Baszler just a step ahead of the game when it counted.
And at this point, Ronda Rousey gets you here,
it is tap or snap, and thankfully, Shotzi tapped.
-[inaudible] -[bell rings]
[Cole] Ronda and Shayna a force to be reckoned with
in the Women's Tag Team division here in WWE.
[Wade] A pair of all-out badasses, Cole.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, a monumental homecoming tonight.
Montreal's native son, Sami Zayn, is here.
Sami Zayn returns home.
24 hours before the biggest match of his career,
his showdown with Roman Reigns,
Sami is live here tonight.
[Wade] It has been a tumultuous ride for Sami over the past few months,
peaking, perhaps, with Ultimate Glory at Survivor Series: WarGames.
We'll revisit Sami's highs and lows with The Bloodline and Roman Reigns, next.
[somber music playing]
[Heyman] Tribal Chief, we have a guest.
Roman, how are you doing?
[Sami] My name, my reputation as of late, has taken hit…
[Cole] Cover, shoulders down.
Ricochet wins the Intercontinental Championship.
-[Sami] …after hit… -Sami sucks. Sami sucks.
[Sami] …after hit.
[Cole] The rat is trapped. Cover.
Knoxville with the win.
What I need, more than anything, is to regain my credibility,
to regain the respect that I am owed.
I guess this all brings me to a little bit of a proposal.
If there was some way to help out,
trust me when I tell you… I could be a very, very valuable ally.
[dramatic music playing]
[bell rings]
[Wade] Sami Zayn instrumental in that victory.
You did good.
-Yo! -You did good!
[Cole] Sami Zayn proving that he deserves to be in The Bloodline.
[Sami] I acknowledge you.
[Cole] Oh, Sami Zayn just took the bullet for Reigns.
[Sami] I need you to recognize me.
[Roman] We're gonna name him Sami Uso, y'all.
[Sami] I have their back, and I know that they have mine.
[Cole] Sami Zayn said he's found his family.
[Sami] I am not going to let you down.
I am with The Bloodline.
Doesn't matter how many times they tell you you're in The Bloodline.
You're not their real blood and you never will be.
What happens when you do something that pisses one of them off?
What are you doing?
You're supposed to hit him with a chair.
Tonight, Solo, you get the job done for The Bloodline
just like I got the job done for The Bloodline.
Yes, you're welcome. You're welcome, though, Sami.
[Owens] What do you think happens when you do that and you piss Roman off?
-We are the show! -What do you think he's gonna do to you?
You want to be The Tribal Chief? Do you think you're me?
Do you think you're me?!
[Sami] If there's anything that I did, then I am sorry.
Why don't you go find your own Bloodline or something?
Stop using me and mine. Just go. Just get out of here, man.
[Owens] I just wouldn't wait for them to turn on me.
I would strike first.
Sami Zayn, the betrayer of the Island of Relevancy.
You think I'm trying to take out The Tribal Chief?
Yes!
Man, that hurts.
I don't want to see you again until 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.
[music fades]
So where did it all go wrong?
We'll show you a bit later on tonight
as the story continues between Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns.
-Hey, DJ, drop that. -Uh-huh.
[soft beat playing]
-Listen, you [indistinct] bums! -What's up?
-Y'all not even real Frenchmen. -Uh-huh.
-We're about to bless y'all today. -[chuckling]
-Dolla, holler at. -Hey.
Last time we was in Montreal, y'all ain't show us no love.
-They have no love for us. -Get the poutine gravy off your fingers,
-and put your hands together for Hit Row. -[laughing]
Yo, check me.
♪ Reporting live from Montreal, Québec ♪
♪ Where we all know the fact That Bret screw Bret ♪
♪ And I gotta thank the Lord above 'Cause tomorrow we get to leave Canada ♪
♪ Hey! Hey, let's get real, real quick ♪
♪ Canada's about the Ronda You're the side chick ♪
♪ It's cold and your teams are weak ♪
♪ That's why we can't wait To leave maple leaf ♪
♪ Yes, and this goes for anybody In the back ♪
♪ If they came out here right now They're getting laid flat-- ♪
[crowd cheering]
-["Shatter" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
[inaudible]
[crowd continues cheering]
-[grunting] -[Cole] Mandible Claw to Top Dolla.
No issue going over the top rope that time.
[Wade] Give him a week.
[Cole] Uncle Howdy staring down Mandible Claw now… Bray.
-Into Sister Abigail! -[crowd cheering]
You're welcome, Montreal.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[crowd chants] Thank you, Bray!
[chanting continues]
Excuse me. Uh…
Now that I am once again in control of myself,
in control of my family,
I wanted to be the first to tell you this.
Tomorrow night, Bobby Lashley…
Brock Lesnar…
[crowd cheers]
Whichever one of you walks out alive,
whichever one of you is the winner, know…
you should run.
Are you ready to go to war, fellas?
[Cole] Ominous words from Bray Wyatt.
Nonetheless, Drew McIntyre said this week, "Scraps like this give me joy."
Up next, Raiders, McIntyre and Sheamus, live, on SmackDown.
[Cole] So what do you do as soon as you win the Super Bowl MVP?
If you're Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs,
you parade around town for a week with a WWE championship.
[Wade] Dressing up and cosplaying as Roman Reigns.
Can't fault it.
[Cole] Mahomes would share it with his teammates and also wear it
to the Super Bowl parade.
-[man 1] Patrick Mahomes. -[man 2] He's got the belt.
[man 1] Has the belt, the goggles, has the MVP.
Kansas City, how we doing today, baby?
[crowd cheers]
-We're world champs! -World champs!
[crowd cheering]
Hey, Chiefs kingdom, we do this for you guys.
Woo!
[Wade] Congratulations, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs
for winning the Super Bowl.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Friday Night SmackDown here on Fox is in Montreal tonight.
We await the homecoming of Sami Zayn.
Also, an Intercontinental Championship match later tonight.
Gunther defends the title against the winner
of last week's Fatal 4-Way match.
Here is our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
[Cole] Karrion Kross, Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, and Madcap Moss.
Fatal 4-Way. The winner of this match faces Gunther next week
for the Intercontinental Title.
Gunther is here looking on.
[Wade] This is a scouting mission for The Ring General.
[Cole] 619!
And Scarlett dropping Mysterio.
Perfectly legal.
Escobar and Kross outside the ring.
Madcap drops an elbow from the top rope, looking to take advantage.
-Madcap with the win. -[bell rings]
He faces Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.
Nobody expected me to win last week.
I did, babe. I knew you'd win.
That's right. You did know, babe. How'd you know that?
I mean, look at you. Nobody moves like you.
Nobody has a physique like you.
It's your time to shine, babe.
It is my time to shine.
There's probably just as many people doubting me this week.
Let them doubt.
You were wrong last week.
You're gonna keep being wrong until you realize Madcap Moss…
Is a Superstar.
…is a Superstar.
[Cole] Will Madcap Moss continue his winning ways?
Looking for a massive upset against
the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the century, Gunther.
Intercontinental Championship match later on tonight.
Meanwhile, here in his hometown of Montreal,
renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani joins us tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Michael, I am among my people here in the 514,
and I was lucky enough to be in this arena
for every single one of Georges St-Pierre's title defenses.
And I gotta tell you, the buzz in the city right now is insane
and we're not even at the Elimination Chamber.
-[crowd chants] Sami! -Montreal is ready. Québec is ready.
La belle province is ready to see our guy,
our very own Sami Zayn make history on Saturday night.
[chanting continues]
-["Hellfire" playing] -[cheering]
[Cole] Everyone excited about Elimination Chamber tomorrow night,
but here tonight on SmackDown, it's Fight Night!
-[effects popping] -[crowd cheering]
-["Gallantry" playing] -[cheering continues]
[cheering continues]
-[effects popping] -[cheers continue]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Sheamus
and Drew McIntyre!
[Cole] McIntyre and Sheamus like beating each other up.
Wouldn't want to be their opponents here tonight, The Viking Raiders.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[inaudible]
-[yelling] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Sheamus and McIntyre with a score to settle tonight.
[Wade] We might have a banger heading our way very soon, Michael Cole.
["Vicious" playing]
[woman's voice echoes] Valhalla is here.
[Irvin] And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
at a combined weight of 590 pounds,
Erik and Ivar, The Viking Raiders!
[Cole] Let's not forget what The Viking Raiders cost
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus.
Remember, McIntyre and Sheamus knocked them off in the first round
of the Tag Team Championship Number One Contenders tournament.
And Sheamus and McIntyre didn't make it to the second round
after a sneak attack by The Viking Raiders.
[Wade] You're absolutely right.
There was an element of humiliation, I think,
to The Viking Raiders getting eliminated in that first-round banger of a matchup
in the SmackDown Number One Contenders tournament.
The Viking gods apparently upset at this,
and sent Erik and Ivar on a mission to atone for those errors.
Various sneak attacks ever since.
[Cole] So, it is Ivar starting things off in this matchup against Sheamus,
The Celtic Warrior, who went right for the brogue.
And Ivar missed with the spinning heel kick.
And the collision, two men knock Ivar outside the ring.
[Wade] Dropping heavy bombs from the very beginning in this matchup.
They're starting this match just the same way as the last matchup ended.
[Cole] Gonna be an all-out brawl. We knew that coming in
as the four men fight outside the ring.
[grunts]
Now whipped into the barricade is Erik by McIntyre.
Good luck, Ryan Tran,
our official in this matchup, trying to get control of this.
This will be as physical as it ever will be between these two men.
[Wade] Dropping bombs from the beginning.
I'm not expecting many schoolboys are inside cradles in this one.
[Cole] Sheamus dropping Ivar over the top rope.
Sheamus and Drew in control.
Can The Viking Raiders get back in this here on SmackDown?
-[grunts] -No! No!
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
There's 15,455 WWE fans on hand tonight.
Big tag team matchup. McIntyre and Sheamus against The Viking Raiders,
who have taken control of this match during the commercial break.
[Wade] The little bit of momentum for Sheamus and Drew
completely negated by these big boys.
[Cole] Now Ivar looking to slow things down
and continue to punish Sheamus.
And you see McIntyre pacing on the apron, Wade.
It's interesting, we talk about Roman Reigns
and his title defense tomorrow night against Sami Zayn.
Drew McIntyre knows something about the Roman Reigns mystique.
Remember, Cardiff, Clash at the Castle, McIntyre was the hometown favorite.
[Wade] Yeah, 60,000 rabid UK fans pulling Drew McIntyre
to victory at Clash at the Castle.
Guess what? It didn't help.
Roman Reigns still wins, and you have to ask yourself,
is that the fate lying in store for Sami Zayn
here in Montreal tomorrow night?
[Cole] Does Sami Zayn have a chance? Of course he does.
Is it probable? Probably not.
Nonetheless, we'll see what happens.
Sami Zayn here tonight in Montreal for his homecoming
on the eve of the biggest match of his career.
As Valhalla looks on at the damage
that The Viking Raiders are doing to Sheamus here.
[Wade] When The Viking Raiders have you in their scopes,
they are launching an inferno of rage in your direction.
Creepy Valhalla instrumental in leading these two Vikings.
Perhaps to glory tonight.
[Cole] Yeah, it's a change of psyche, right?
It's a change of a personality for the Raiders. Bigger, badder.
[Wade] We have got four of the hardest-hitting
and most durable Superstars on the roster in the ring right now.
Most people want to avoid competitors like The Viking Raiders.
Drew and Sheamus, though, they live for that kind of contact.
[Cole] McIntyre was knocked off the apron by Ivar.
Sheamus back to his feet. There's a clothesline.
Again, the explosiveness of Sheamus. An opportunity now to perhaps make a tag.
Can he get to McIntyre, who slowly is making his way up to the apron?
[McIntyre] Come on!
[Cole] Jam-packed crowd here tonight at Bell Centre,
the home of tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber as well.
Tag made to Erik, tag made to McIntyre, and here comes The Scottish Warrior.
And the former two-time WWE champion McIntyre ready to go.
[Wade] Full of anger and rage built up
from weeks of abuse from The Viking Raiders.
[Cole] McIntyre… that classic belly-to-belly throw by McIntyre.
Now Ivar into the neckbreaker.
[Wade] Ludicrous movement for a 280-pound Scotsman.
-[Cole] Kip-up by McIntyre. -[crowd cheering]
And Drew measuring Erik.
Looking for the Future Shock DDT.
Erik, however, with a right hand.
Now both men exchanging blows, center of the ring.
[Wade] Turned into a heavyweight slugfest.
[Cole] Oh, look at this! Michinoku Driver by McIntyre!
Cover for the win.
Hook of the leg.
Erik kicks at two.
[Wade] It's all timing and power from McIntyre.
Maybe the only person on the entire roster
who can treat The Viking Raiders like this.
-One! Two! -[Cole] Near fall for McIntyre.
[Wade] I'll tell you this. There's a lot of talk about Superstars
hitting their top gear at WrestleMania season.
McIntyre, Sheamus, both have won world championships
at WrestleMania before.
They know all about hitting their stride this time of year.
[Cole] Sheamus in off the tag after the Glasgow Kiss by McIntyre.
-Told you this was gonna be physical. -[groans]
[chuckles] What a kick by Ivar.
[Wade] I could watch these four battle it out week in, week out.
I'm not sure their bodies will be able to handle this level of abuse, however.
[Cole] Sheamus back to his feet.
Catches Ivar.
It's amazing to see a man that size climb to the top rope like Ivar does.
[Wade] 300-pound-plus athletes have no right stepping up there.
[Cole] Sheamus, though, trying to power him up from the second rope.
-Sheamus! Oh my goodness! -[crowd cheering]
Who's gonna win this tag team war?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] We are in the home
of tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event.
This is the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
McIntyre and Sheamus against The Viking Raiders.
Ten Beats of the Bodhrán times two.
[crowd] Thirteen, 14, 15, 16, 17…
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
The Viking Raiders may need some life insurance.
[Wade] I can't remember the last time that was actually ten beats.
It needs renaming, Cole. It's minimum 20 these days.
[Cole] Talk to Sheamus, and McIntyre for that matter.
High elbow by Ivar catches Drew, bridge of the nose.
McIntyre, though, planting Ivar.
Tag made to Sheamus.
And the Celtic Warrior gonna head up to the top rope.
Sheamus with a knee.
[Wade] Rare territory for Sheamus.
[Cole] Hook of the leg, and Ivar kicked.
Erik tried to break it up.
[Wade] Close either way.
You don't see this too often from the big Irishman,
but connected perfectly to the jaw of Ivar.
[grunts]
[screams]
[Cole] Sheamus, he's on one of the best rolls
of his entire career lately.
Looks better than ever.
Mentally into everything, physically as well.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd grunting in unison]
[Cole] Looking for the brogue kick, and he got caught.
-[Cole] Oh my goodness. -[Wade] That was ugly.
[Cole] Yeah, but it allowed Erik to take control of the match.
And now planting Sheamus. Cover now by Erik.
Viking Raiders looking for the win.
And a kickout at two.
[Wade] Man, you could see exactly what Erik was trying to do there.
Catch the flying Irishman mid-brogue kick.
Didn't quite work, but it speaks volumes to the power of that man
to be able to lift up a 275-pound Sheamus.
[Cole] I hate to disagree with you, Wade.
I think it did work.
It put Erik in control of this match.
[Wade] The end result was exactly the same
which is exactly what The Viking Raiders and their gods were looking for.
[Cole] Erik from the second rope measuring Sheamus.
Sheamus catches him with a knee right on the jaw.
Now, opportunity to make the tag.
Here comes McIntyre.
[Wade] Just a beat too long for Erik, and he may come a cropper now.
[crowd] Three! Two! One!
[Cole] And Ivar helping Erik out of the ring
as McIntyre was looking for the Claymore kick.
-Instead he's gonna fly! -[crowd roars]
[Cole] Every time I see that happen, I'm in awe.
[Wade] Out of the frying pan and straight into the fire for The Viking Raiders,
280 pounds of flying Scotsman should be physically impossible.
Somehow Drew pulls it off.
[Cole] And now McIntyre measuring Erik.
And Valhalla makes her way to the apron, distracting McIntyre,
allowing Ivar to make the tag.
[Wade] One of the weirdest creatures we've ever encountered on SmackDown,
but it did enough for The Viking Raiders.
The Viking gods may well be
thunder-clapping their approval imminently.
[Cole] And that distraction may allow The Viking Raiders
to pick up a major victory here.
From the second rope, Ivar looking for the slam to McIntyre.
Cover for the win, hook of the leg.
-Sheamus saving the matchup! -[crowd cheers]
[Wade] They don't fail, do they? We've got another banger, Cole,
but that might do it for the Raiders.
[Cole] Shoulder first into the post. Glasgow Kiss by McIntyre.
Spin kick from Ivar.
[Wade] You know, that move right there would put away 95% of the roster.
Ivar smart enough to know you've got to dig a little deeper when it's McIntyre.
[Cole] No idea how any of these men are still moving,
but nonetheless, Ivar has made his way up to the top rope for a Viking splash.
Cover by Ivar, for the win.
And McIntyre able to kick out. Ivar can't believe it.
Neither can Valhalla.
[Wade] Ivar has never seen a result like this.
This, week in, week out, has been good night from The Viking Raiders.
[Cole] That's like getting hit by a flying bus.
[Wade] The question is what state is Drew McIntyre's diaphragm in
at this point?
Shredded, I imagine.
[Cole] Tag made to Erik.
Viking Raiders looking for a double team perhaps to put McIntyre away.
The Ragnarok could be coming.
Sheamus, though, brogue!
-McIntyre, Claymore! -[crowd cheering]
-[Cole] Cover. -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[Cole] Victory for McIntyre and Sheamus. -[bell rings]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Sheamus and Drew McIntyre!
[Wade] Man, I think I've got secondhand bruises all over my body
for being in far too close proximity to these four men.
What a matchup, what a victory for Drew and Sheamus.
[Cole] They were going for the Ragnarok, a brogue by Sheamus,
followed by the Claymore kick.
This matchup, the physicality of it, everything that was at stake, Wade…
-One! Two! Three! -…it does feel like WrestleMania season.
[Wade] Absolutely, and no surprises that McIntyre and Sheamus,
men who've done it time and time again, are peaking at exactly the right time.
We just witnessed a match barbarity,
industrial levels of durability.
What a matchup it was.
It was just simply the brakes worked for Sheamus and Drew
at the right time, but hats off to the Raiders too.
They like to say "banger after banger after banger."
Well, tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber,
we expect a banger between Roman Reigns and the hometown boy, Sami Zayn.
Well, how did we get to where we are tomorrow
with Roman taking on the once Honorary Uce?
Here's part two of our story.
[Cole] Roman Reigns is flanked by "The Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn
who must deliver his final test tonight.
But what that test will be, we will find out.
[Roman] We're gonna see if Sami Zayn
really is The Bloodline or not.
Sami is my family now, do you understand me?
-Stop, stop, stop. -[crowd cheering]
[tense music playing]
He's done. This is beneath you.
You don't need to do this.
-I shouldn't do it. -Roman, I don't want it.
You should do it.
[Heyman] Come on, Shmuley. This is your moment.
What's wrong with you? What's wrong with you?
Pull the trigger!
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
[dramatic drumbeats play]
[screams]
Come on.
This ain't your brother! We are!
-Whoa! -[crowd cheers]
[Roman] You! You broke my family!
[dramatic music playing]
[Roman] I saw everything that I needed to see.
I saw greed.
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.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] From behind, who…? Is that…? It's Sami Zayn.
-Sami looking for payback on the champion. -[crowd chants] Sami! Sami!
[Cole] And Roman fighting back.
Spear!
Sami with a spear to Reigns.
I never wanted anything from you until now.
I am coming after you
and the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship!
Roman Reigns' days as Universal Champion are numbered.
Roman Reigns is off the rails
and now the walls are closing in
and everything is crumbling.
I left The Bloodline.
I am gonna be the one to take him down!
[Cole] Jimmy and Solo!
[grunts]
Samoan spike!
After this, Zayn may not be able to function.
[yelling]
We're 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,
and 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!
[dramatic music playing]
[music fades]
[Wade] Sami Zayn's opportunity of a lifetime just 24 hours away,
but we're gonna get a preview of the atmosphere that awaits.
Get ready for a seismic outpouring of Montreal love
as Sami Zayn returns home later on tonight.
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, Asuka!
[Cole] A new look, a new attitude, and perhaps the favorite
in tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber match.
And tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
as we wait for Asuka and Liv Morgan to go one-on-one,
we want to tell you WWE Elimination Chamber
is sponsored by C4 Energy,
the main event energy drink that supercharges your performance
to the ultimate level.
Go for that undisputed heavyweight energy with C4.
Well, Wade, Carmella, of all people,
stirring the pot on social media this week,
which led to this matchup that's coming tonight
between Asuka and Liv Morgan.
Two of the six women who compete
in tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber match square off.
It comes up next, live, on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
-[music continues] -[crowd cheering]
Welcome back, everybody, to Friday Night SmackDown.
And now, please welcome Rey Mysterio.
[crowd cheers]
Rey, last week after SmackDown,
you shared a special moment with Santos Escobar.
Let's watch that back.
I must present you with the ultimate sign of respect.
This doesn't mean I don't want your legacy.
But hell, I do respect what you are.
I'm hoping that this will let you create your own legacy.
[in Spanish] Respect, admiration,
the future of wrestling…
it's all there.
[crowd cheers]
Kayla, I know that meant a lot to Santos.
And if I'm being completely honest, it meant the world to me.
Competition is always welcome here, and respect, respect is--
[male voice] Respect?!
[crowd booing]
Respect?
You know something, Rey?
Once upon a time, I wanted to be a father.
But then, after I saw the lack of respect and the look of disgust
in your son's eyes that he had for you,
I thought to myself, "Maybe that's not for me."
Because unlike you, I can walk around this place
and not have to hide my face in shame under a mask
for being a pathetic excuse for a father.
But then again…
that's just Scarlett's opinion.
[Scarlett chuckles]
Do something about it, Rey.
Ticktock.
[Cole] Well, meanwhile, the clock is ticking
toward tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber match,
in which Asuka will be one of six women involved.
["Watch Me" playing]
♪ Watch me ♪
[Irvin] And her opponent, from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
Liv Morgan!
[Cole] Liv Morgan will step into the Elimination Chamber
for a fourth time tomorrow night.
More than any other woman in the history of WWE, and here is what is at stake.
Six women will compete for the opportunity to face Bianca Belair
for the Raw Women's Championship in a main event at WrestleMania.
Meanwhile, we are joined by a highly decorated woman here in WWE.
However, she's never held the Raw Women's Championship.
[Wade] Cole, Cole, Cole, let me handle it from here.
I've gotta tell you, Carmella, I have admired you from afar
-for many years. -Of course.
Wade, stop simping over me, okay? I know what you're doing.
I'm married to the best color commentator
in the history of this business, Corey Graves.
I don't want you to be simping over me.
It's a little disgusting and a little desperate.
[Cole] Thank goodness I get to work with Corey tomorrow, not you, but nonetheless--
[Carmella] Isn't he amazing? He's so good and so handsome.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] It's Asuka and Liv Morgan.
A social media beef that you created, Carmella,
between these two led to this match.
[Wade] She didn't create it. She…
Carmella shoved her nose
where it didn't belong.
Stirred up trouble between these two perhaps.
[Carmella] Call me Carmella Lagasse. Bam, baby!
I'm stirring the pot, honey.
[Cole] Carmella, let's talk about your opponents tomorrow night,
not only Asuka and Liv Morgan, but the likes of Raquel Rodriguez, who--
[Wade] I've gotta tell you right now, Raquel Rodriguez is my pick
for the Women's Elimination Chamber match tomorrow.
[Carmella] You just proved my point on why you're the worst commentator.
Raquel is at a huge disadvantage in this match tomorrow night.
She's never been in a chamber match before.
She has no idea what it's like to be in a high-profile situation like this.
Okay, she's big, she's strong, she's got a big back.
That's cool. Love that for her, but, uh, I'm gonna win this match.
Okay? Okay.
[Cole] Carmella, you have been in an Elimination Chamber match before.
[Carmella] I have. Raquel has not. Let me point that out and remind everybody.
[Cole] Wade's been doing some research about the chamber match.
He doesn't have some flattering things he's learned about you,
at least he was telling me that earlier today.
[Carmella] There's nothing flattering about Wade, okay?
[Wade] Steady on, Carmella. Listen.
[Cole] Wait a minute. Cover by Asuka on Liv.
-Looking to build momentum, and a kickout. -[Wade] I've been bruised in social media.
A lot of people online are saying Asuka, she is extreme.
Liv Morgan, she is extreme.
Carmella, though, she ain't extreme.
[Carmella] How many ladder matches have I won?
[Cole] Wait, Carmella.
[Carmella] What in the booty cheeks is she doing out here?
She's not invited out here.
[Wade] You've been talking smack. Let's be honest.
You might regret that now.
I've just been saying how you're so big,
you are so strong, your back, huge.
Huge back. You are so strong, and I love that for you.
She's really strong, she's not that smart, but she's strong.
I love that for you. You're amazing.
-Show me your back! Your muscles! -What the hell?
-Let's see the muscles. -What are you doing?
-Can we get some security? -What is she doing?
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
[Cole] That's Nikki Cross. She's in the--
Why are you guys obsessed with me? Get them out of here.
-I don't know if they're obsessed. -I really need those notes.
[Cole] She just slobbered all over me.
[Wade] Where am I suppose to put my hands right now?
[Cole] Let's get back to the action in the ring.
[Wade] I am in big trouble when I get home.
[Cole] Nikki is legitimately sitting on Wade's lap.
As Liv Morgan delivers a boot to Asuka.
I need somebody to clean my glasses.
[Carmella] No one cares about Liv, no one cares about Asuka,
no one cares about Nikki, no one cares about Raquel.
Everyone is talking about Carmella,
the moon-walking, trash-talking princess of Staten Island.
[Cole] I haven't heard any, really, talk about you today.
-Oh my goodness! -[Carmella] Who asked you, Cole?
An oblivion by Morgan. Are you kidding me?
-One! Two! -Here's the cover.
Asuka somehow kicked out.
Chaos here on SmackDown.
Nikki, relax.
[Carmella] Get Nikki out of here.
[Cole] We're back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
There's the Elimination Chamber.
It will surround the ring in 24 hours,
and the six women who are out here at ringside tonight.
In the ring, it's Asuka and Liv Morgan, one-on-one.
Those two and the other four who are out here
will battle in that match tomorrow night
for an opportunity to face Bianca Belair
for the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
And yes, Carmella is with us on commentary.
[Carmella] This was supposed to be about me, Michael.
Me. This was my night. I should say "you're welcome" to the WWE Universe.
If it wasn't for me, this match wouldn't be happening.
Now Nikki's out here, Raquel's out here, Nattie's out here. This is embarrassing.
[Cole] If it wasn't for you, Raquel probably would not have come out here,
but nonetheless.
[Carmella] All I said was how big and strong she was.
[Wade] You talked smack, and then you went very quiet--
Wade, you know what? At this point, Wade--
[Cole] Nikki, nice to see you.
This is like having Jamie Noble's pet raccoon out here with us tonight.
-[Carmella] My God. The raccoon-- -[Cole] Look at this.
Asuka, hook of the leg now on Liv.
And a kickout at two by Morgan.
Nikki is gonna be very unpredictable in tomorrow night's Elimination Chamber.
[Wade] You think? You think so?
-Carmella, you've been in the-- -Will you be my best friend?
Will I be your best friend? Yeah, I will, Nikki.
That would be awesome.
Yep. Yep.
[Carmella] She is so weird. Someone get her out of here.
-Seriously. -[Cole] Thanks, Nikki.
We need an escort to get this woman away from the table, please.
[Wade] While they do it, they can take you too.
[Carmella] Wade, who invited you? I'm better at your job than you are.
Just through marriage, I'm better than you at this job.
Why don't you just lay off and let me do the work.
[Wade] I genuinely thought we were gonna click.
Look at the kicks from Asuka. Look at the kicks to the chest.
Wade, I'm doing your damn job!
[Cole] Come on. Call it. You're doing good.
[Carmella] Oh, right in the head. Here we go. Oh!
Slap from Liv Morgan to Asuka's face.
I don't know if she liked that. Look. Oh, she did like it, people.
Look at her face. We love to see it.
[Wade] Did Corey teach you how to do this?
[Carmella] This is so embarrassing for you.
I'm, like, honestly embarrassed. Someone turn his mic off.
Oh! Kick to the gut from Asuka.
Series of kicks.
[Cole] She's better than her husband.
-[Cole laughs] -[Carmella] Well, I mean…
[Cole] Liv and Asuka exchanging blows. What a match this has been.
-Sorry, folks. -[Carmella] Enzuigiri to Asuka.
I've missed the entire thing, I'll be honest, Cole.
[Carmella] Liv is running here. She's sizing her up.
Woo! I've taken that before. It hurts.
[Cole] Carmella, you've been in the chamber before.
One of the most vicious matches in WWE.
[Carmella] The thing with me is, Cole, I work smarter, not harder, all right?
Oh! Top rope.
[Cole] Not quite sure why Nikki's smiling, but, uh…
[Wade] What an uptick it has been in the career of Liv Morgan
-since she took a turn to the extreme. -[Cole] Oh!
Liv Morgan looking to put Asuka away.
Asuka back to her feet, however.
[Wade] Managing to bounce through that one was Asuka.
[Cole] Asuka. Liv's in trouble.
Liv lands on her feet. Asuka misses wildly.
Liv rolls up Asuka for the win. Shoulders down.
Asuka, though, gonna turn it into Asuka Lock.
-Now Liv's in trouble. -[screams]
What's Liv gonna do here?
[Carmella] It's not looking good. I guess Liv wasn't ready for Asuka.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Liv taps.
["You Can't Hide" plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner by submission, Asuka!
[Wade] Amid the chaos, Asuka taken to dystopia by that armbar.
[Cole] So, Asuka building momentum toward tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, Carmella with a kick to Asuka.
[Wade] Cheap shot.
[Cole] Natalya in the ring now.
And there goes Wild Nikki.
[Wade] Of course every woman for herself tomorrow night in the chamber.
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez.
Down goes Nikki with a Tejana Bomb.
Remember, Raquel and Liv, they were teammates, Wade, last week.
[Wade] They won't be in the chamber, however.
[inaudible]
Liv, you did so good. Did so good.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Cole] Tomorrow night inside Elimination Chamber.
Oblivion, because it's every woman for herself.
Not oblivion, but nonetheless, you get the point.
As Asuka delivers the kick now to Rodriguez.
I'm all flustered after what has happened out here tonight.
Can you imagine what's gonna happen inside the chamber tomorrow night?
Because the winner of the Elimination Chamber match
will go on to be in a main event at WrestleMania
against the Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
[Wade] Punch your ticket to the Showcase of the Immortals.
[Cole] Well, time to check in again
with renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani,
-who's with us here tonight. -[chanting] Sami! Sami!
Michael, as you know,
it has been 30 long years since the Canadians won the Stanley Cup.
Montreal is desperate for a winner, as you can see.
We're 24 hours away from our guy, Sami Zayn, pulling off the impossible.
If he does it, this place is gonna explode.
They're gonna raise a banner in his honor.
We're gonna party like it's 1993.
-What do you say, guys? -[cheering]
Gunther, you are just moments away
from defending your Intercontinental Championship tonight
against Madcap Moss, who earlier today said that you--
Megan, I could not care less what Moss had to say.
He made it this far, and that's very good for him, but…
one impressive victory and some encouraging words of his girl
doesn't change a thing.
Since 250 days, I am dominating.
And just like everybody else who challenges me
on that sacred mat out there, he will fall to The Ring General.
-[Gunther's theme music plays] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] No one in the 21st century
has held the Intercontinental Championship longer than this man.
252 days and counting for Gunther,
who is surrounded by his Imperium teammates here tonight.
Now, Corey Graves, who hosts the After the Bell podcast,
has Gunther as his guest this week.
It's a must-listen, Wade.
If you haven't had the opportunity,
Gunther talks about so many great things in his career,
including the very famous line he uses, "The mat is sacred."
Because he calls the mat the canvas for his art.
This business is sacred,
and he wants to prove to everyone in the world
that he is the very best at what he does.
Great listen with Corey Graves on After the Bell.
[Wade] Never miss an episode
and I never miss a matchup starring Gunther.
[Cole] You're gonna get your wish because coming up next,
can Madcap knock off the champ?
Gunther, Madcap, live, next on Fox.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, a dream has become reality for Sami Zayn.
On the eve of the biggest night of his career
in his hometown of Montreal, Sami Zayn is here, live, tonight.
There's the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, set for his next title defense.
-["Ready For Business" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] So, Madcap Moss, who I don't think anyone believed
would be in this spot tonight,
but he earned the opportunity last week.
[Wade] Felt like something of a miracle.
Emma producing those new trunks that Madcap is sporting.
-He puts his success down to that. -[screams]
I actually asked Madcap last week, "Did the trunks make an impact?"
He said, "Hell, yes."
He now thinks he looks better than any other Superstar on the roster
and he should've done it years ago.
[Cole] Wade, can trunks really make a difference?
[Wade] Hey, look, you look good, you feel good, adds a bit of confidence,
and that's what Madcap's been looking.
And hats off to Emma who foresaw the problem.
Had to convince Madcap. "Yeah, guess what? You are a Superstar."
And I will say this, Emma dressed to impress herself tonight.
-Maybe bit of a stylist in her spare time. -[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Intercontinental Championship!
[crowd cheers]
Introducing the challenger, accompanied to the ring by Emma,
from Minneapolis, Minnesota, weighing in at 245 pounds,
-Madcap Moss! -[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent, representing Imperium,
from Vienna, Austria, weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Back in June of last year,
Gunther won the Intercontinental Championship.
He has now held the title for 252 days,
longer than anyone in the 21st century.
He hopes to continue his reign tonight.
-We are in Montreal, Québec, Canada. -[bell rings]
Where the very first Intercontinental Champion hailed from,
Pat Patterson, the wonderful late great sports entertainer.
1979. Won the first ever Intercontinental Title,
and it would be held over the years by dozens of WWE Hall of Famers.
And now Madcap with a nice takedown of Gunther.
[Wade] Explosive skills that took him to victory last week.
I've gotta say this.
Last week's victory in the 4-Way, Moss really capitalized
on the hard work of others.
It was a crafty victory.
He can't rely on that tonight.
He has to beat Gunther on his own,
which makes this even more difficult than last week.
[Cole] That's my question, what does Madcap have to do
to knock off Gunther tonight?
[Wade] I'll tell you point blank his strategy to win.
He has to show up with a devil-may-care attitude.
The more you think about how to beat Gunther, the worse it gets,
and you'll end up psyching yourself out.
Madcap had the right idea. He came out of the blocks hot.
Used some of that explosivity that he has.
But immediately you'll see the strategy of Gunther take that away
and slow Madcap down.
[Cole] One thing you don't want to do is get into a technical battle,
a ground game, with Gunther.
[Wade] Very few people can compete on any form of level.
Figure out what you can do better than Gunther.
It isn't gonna be many things.
For Moss, it is speed and explosive movements.
[Cole] Oh, what a chop by Gunther, stopping Madcap in his tracks.
Boot to the face. That could be it.
Hook of the leg by the champ, but a kickout.
[Wade] The best have tried and the best have failed
when it comes to stopping Gunther
on this reign as the Intercontinental Champion.
And when you have shots like that this early in a matchup,
taking down Moss, you understand why he is so unstoppable.
[Cole] We've talked so many times, Wade,
about the Intercontinental Championship and its history over the years.
The fact that it's the Working Man's Championship.
Right? That's what it's been called for decades here in WWE,
and that's what Gunther does.
Night in, night out, defend the championship
all around the world.
He's proud to be a champion.
[Wade] Never slows down, never takes a day off.
Even when he isn't competing like last week,
he sat in a skybox scouting every conceivable opponent he may take on.
But hats off to Moss right now,
building up a head of steam against Gunther.
[Cole] But look how Gunther just stops him in his tracks.
[Wade] Snatches it away, time in, time out.
[Cole] Madcap hoping to catch one here tonight on Gunther
to win his first championship.
This is the only… This is the first time that Madcap has ever competed
for a championship here at WWE!
Turned it into a spinebuster!
Cover by Madcap!
And a kick by the champ.
[Wade] Madcap has a great football background.
What we're seeing here is basically an all-out blitz form of attack from Moss.
This match continues.
Can Moss pull off a shocker?
[groans]
[Cole] The dominant Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
finding himself in a hell of a match tonight
with the number-one contender, Madcap Moss.
15,455 looking on here tonight, Bell Centre, in Montreal,
as we await the arrival of Sami Zayn here in his hometown tonight.
Gunther taking out Madcap and he's starting to take control here, Wade.
[Wade] You can just see reality starting to set in for Madcap.
Confidence ebbing away.
I gotta ask you this. The mindset of Moss, six months of L's.
Does that all disappear with one victory last week? I don't know.
[Cole] Madcap, though, looks as confident as ever.
-Went for the neckbreaker. -[grunting]
Gunther lifts up Madcap, who slips behind the champion.
Misses wildly.
Went for the chop.
Madcap building momentum. Into the sleeper hold.
[Wade] Once again, just with ease, Gunther--
[Cole] Oh! But a great counter by Madcap, the back suplex.
[Wade] Madcap digging deep, and once again immediately
with that explosive movement.
[Cole] He's now got Gunther off-guard. The champ's in trouble. Madcap cover.
Hook of the leg off that collision.
And almost had him. Two and a half. The champion's hurting.
[Wade] I will give props to the engine of Madcap Moss here.
In this stage in the matchup with the beating that he's taken,
to have this level of energy left in the tank against Gunther,
that's incredible.
[Cole] This of course is for the prestigious Intercontinental Championship.
A title that Gunther has held for 252 days.
Madcap winning a Fatal 4-Way match last week.
Trying to knock off the champ. And what a chop.
[Wade] I'd guess most betting people
would've thought Madcap would've been put away by now,
but he briefly had the upper hand in this one.
[Cole] There's no doubt Madcap's a tremendous athlete.
He has all the tools. We've talked about that before.
[Wade] He's been a breakout waiting to happen for a long time.
[Cole] Look at the power. Vertical suplex by Madcap.
[Wade] Immediately up to his feet.
[Cole] Swinging neckbreaker, driving Gunther. For the title.
-Another opportunity, another near fall. -One! Two!
[Wade] That's the punchline.
Every time Madcap has hit that move, he's put someone away.
For the first time, it's been kicked out,
and, of course, it's "The Ring General" Gunther.
[Cole] 15,455 here tonight, Bell Centre, Montreal.
Friday Night SmackDown tonight,
in 24 hours the host of Elimination Chamber.
[Wade] That move may well have been Madcap's best shot at victory tonight.
Does he now feel like a man who's ridden his luck too far
and he's out of his depth?
[Cole] Gunther has been trying to put the sleeper hold on Madcap
throughout the entire matchup here tonight.
Hasn't had an opportunity to do that.
[Wade] Madcap is opening some eyes.
[Cole] Oh!
His eyes just got closed.
Gunther with a wicked… right hand,
and now the champion heading up to the top rope.
Took a little bit too much time.
Madcap able to meet him there.
[Wade] Well, you just sense that Madcap has that rare engine
that can actually match Gunther.
[Cole] Yes.
[Wade] Time and time again, Gunther is a destroyer who grinds opponents down.
He hasn't been able to do that yet against Madcap.
[Cole] Tremendous stamina from Madcap,
as Gunther again is gonna try to go to the top rope,
and again Madcap meets him there,
leaping up to the second rope.
Madcap with the champ, trying to hang on.
[Wade] Battling away on the ropes.
[Cole] Fallaway slam! Gunther's in trouble.
The opportunity for Madcap to win his first championship.
And a kickout at two.
[Wade] Now that frustration really setting in to Madcap.
Has to feel like he's milliseconds away
from putting away the big Austrian with moves like this. Not quite enough.
How many times have we said that in a Gunther match?
[yells]
[Cole] Now the sleeper again.
This time Gunther got him pretty good, I believe.
Madcap fading now, center of the ring.
Gunther's been trying to do this, Wade, throughout the matchup
to slow Madcap down.
[crowd sings] ♪ Olé, olé, olé ♪
[Wade] Gunther's biggest strength is his pursuit of perfection.
No holes, no weaknesses, no parallels.
[Cole] The Sami Zayn chants begin here in Montreal.
Moments away from the appearance
of the number-one contender for the undisputed title.
Powerbomb. Stack up by Gunther, shoulders down.
-Got him. -[bell rings]
-[crowd cheering] -[Gunther's theme music plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
and still the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Cole] Hey, what an effort by Madcap tonight.
He gained some valuable experience,
but in the end, the 252-day reign continues of the champ.
[Wade] Just a simple, serene, savage perfection from The Ring General,
in competition only with himself.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is a feel-good story,
as emotional as they come.
Tomorrow night, in the biggest match of his life
in his hometown of Montreal.
Sami Zayn rallies the troops, live, next on SmackDown.
[Cole] Well, Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes
and the rest of the winning Kansas City Chiefs
can't get enough, not only of the Lombardi Trophy,
but the WWE championship, wearing it everywhere.
[Wade] Congratulations, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs,
Super Bowl champs, and now honorary WWE champs.
[Cole] Well, Kansas City has the Chiefs.
Montreal has the Habs, and Sami Zayn,
who will be here in a matter of moments.
Friday Night SmackDown live tonight in Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Next week on Friday Night SmackDown: 43 days away from WrestleMania,
and the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair,
going face-to-face with her WrestleMania opponent Rhea Ripley next week.
[Wade] Karrion Kross has consistently predicted destruction, demise.
Is the doomsday clock now ticking on the legendary career of Rey Mysterio?
Kross-Mysterio, one-on-one next week.
Bray Wyatt and Uncle Howdy took care of Hit Row
and then they challenged either Bobby Lashley
or Brock Lesnar earlier tonight.
Next week, the Firefly Fun House is back here on SmackDown.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Sami! Sami! Sami!
-["Worlds Apart" playing] -[crowd cheers loudly]
[crowd hums "Worlds Apart"]
[crowd cheers louder]
[crowd humming "Worlds Apart"]
[cheering continues]
[Irvin] Please welcome Sami Zayn!
[crowd humming "Worlds Apart"]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants] Sami! Sami! Sami!
[crowd cheering loudly]
[crowd singing "Olé, Olé, Olé"]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami!
[chanting] Sami! Sami!
[crowd cheering]
[loud cheering continues]
[overlapping chants, singing]
[crowd chanting, clapping] You deserve it! You deserve it!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami!
[crowd members whistling]
[cheering]
[crowd singing "Olé, Olé, Olé"]
[singing continues loudly]
[crowd whistling, cheering]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami!
[in French] Well, thank you for that, Montreal.
[crowd cheers]
[in English] This time of year, everybody points to one thing.
[crowd cheers]
Year after year,
we tell everybody that that is the most important show of the whole year,
and it's true.
-But for me, for this city… -[crowd cheers]
…tomorrow night is once in a lifetime!
[crowd cheers]
Roman Reigns…
[in French] …listen to me good.
Tomorrow night, you're in my house, goddamn it!
[crowd cheering loudly]
[in English] Tomorrow night is not just Roman Reigns versus Sami Zayn.
Tomorrow night, it's Roman Reigns versus Sami Zayn
and the entire city of Montreal!
[crowd cheering]
Roman, you are going down!
[crowds cheers]
["Worlds Apart" plays]
[Cole] Can Sami Zayn pull off, perhaps, the biggest upset in WWE history
in front of his family, his friends, his city, his country?
Can Sami Zayn knock off the most dominant champion of modern times?
[crowd humming "Worlds Apart"]
Or will Sami Zayn's biggest night of his life
implode in Montreal
at Elimination Chamber, live, tomorrow night?
-[crowd cheering] -[inaudible] omorrow night?