[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
-[The Rock] If you smell! -[bell tolling]
[Cena] Now.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
Forever.
Together.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Cole] And the Road to WrestleMania winds through Washington, DC tonight.
We're sold out.
15,173 WWE fans on hand
for Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[fireworks popping]
[announcer] Please welcome Paul Heyman,
Solo Sikoa,
one half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy Uso,
and the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] 915 days,
nearly two and a half years,
Roman Reigns has ruled WWE.
["Head of the Table" continues]
And tonight…
for the first time since Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble match
and earned the opportunity to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania
for the Undisputed Championship,
Roman will confront the number one contender for his title.
Four weeks away.
Will the historic reign of Roman continue
or will Cody Rhodes finish the story
and do what his Hall of Fame father,
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, was never able to do,
to win the WWE Championship and rule sports entertainment?
[crowd cheering]
["Head of the Table" continues]
[crowd cheering]
[explosions popping]
[Cole] And we are on the Road to #WrestleMania.
["Head of the Table" continues]
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd jeering]
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Heyman] It's all for you.
They're all here for you.
[crowd cheering and booing]
Washington, DC…
[crowd cheering]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd roaring]
[dramatic drum beat plays]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[rapid popping explosions]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in seven years,
Cody Rhodes is on SmackDown,
as he looks to finish the story in just four weeks.
And tonight, for the first time, confronts the adversary,
the Undisputed Champion,
Roman Reigns.
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ Lights go down, I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give 'em what they came to see ♪
♪ Hear the crowd, on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
Better men!
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd chatter]
Contrary to what Mr. Heyman might have told you,
I am not here to invade, I am not here to engage in…
reckless negotiations.
I'm here to have a conversation with my WrestleMania opponent
one-on-one, man-to-man.
[crowd shouting]
So I don't see any reason for your compatriots here…
unless… unless you feel that you need them here.
[crowd exclaims]
[crowd shouting]
Wiseman, leave us.
[man] Get him, Wiseman!
I'm gonna leave Solo here?
Solo goes too.
[crowd shouting]
[crowd jeering]
[crowd cheering]
Does that, uh…
Does that make you more comfortable?
Matter of fact, let's get comfortable.
You might not like this, but I'm going to do it anyways.
[man] Beat his ass!
[crowd exclaims]
[crowd jeering]
So what do you want to talk about?
[crowd chattering, cheering]
Fair enough. Let's… Let's talk about you.
915 days, you have been our WWE…
[crowd booing]
…Undisputed Universal Champion.
No need to print the legend.
The reality has become legendary enough.
You have superseded hyperbole.
Congratulations.
[crowd cheering]
Let me…
Let me tell you something about me, about your WrestleMania opponent.
Something you… you may know, you may not know.
[fans shouting]
For some, you have become this impossible mountain to climb,
but that's kind of my thing.
"Really, if you think about it,
he can't be any more than Randy's understudy."
"There's no way that Cody will survive Stardust."
Goalposts moved again.
There's no way that 10,000 people would pay to see me
and my buddy's little indie show.
-[crowd cheering] -And ever since then,
the goalposts have continuously moved
and I continuously punch it through the uprights.
So for everybody else, Roman Reigns might be impossible.
[woman screams] Roman!
[crowd jeering]
Just not for me.
[crowd cheering]
[woman screams] Roman!
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd shouting]
[laughs]
Hey, he's good.
You know what I mean? That-that was good.
That's like you've been rehearsing that all week or something.
That-that was flawless. It was, uh…
But…
Let me, uh, switch gears here. Let me ask you a question.
You ever won that one?
[crowd exclaiming]
All right. We know that… [hesitates]
Have you ever even competed for one of these?
[crowd exclaiming]
Hold on. No, no, no. [hesitates]
Have you ever been in the main event of WrestleMania before?
[crowd exclaiming]
Because I'm pretty sure I done did all of that.
[crowd cheering]
So that means I'm the most experienced main event of all time.
[crowd cheering]
But here's the kicker.
I've been groomed since I was just a little boy,
not only by my father…
but by your father too.
[crowd exclaiming]
[crowd chanting] Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman!
No, no, no, no, no. I'm not done with my story. There's more.
Let's talk about your dad, huh?
I, uh… Easy,
I have too much love and respect for that man to degrade him.
He's done way too much for me.
We… we spent a lot of time together.
[crowd cheering]
I said this many times before in interviews.
The Dream is the one that put the confidence in me.
He's the first one that told me I had…
This… Let me try to do a Dream real quick. He goes…
[imitating Dusty Rhodes] "Baby…
you have it."
"You couldn't get rid of it. You couldn't sell it if you wanted to."
"You are it."
[crowd cheering]
[normal voice] And we would talk for hours and we would talk about everything.
Literally everything. A lot, uh…
To be honest, it was a lot about right now,
of what's going on in my life.
He used to tell me about these main events,
about being the guy, being the face of the company,
main eventing WrestleMania.
So he called it all before. My God.
He was the best. He really was.
Hey.
You want to know what he used to always say about you?
[crowd shouting]
[fans chanting] Thank you, Dusty!
Thank you, Dusty!
Nothing.
[crowd booing]
He… never said anything ever about you. At least not when I was with him.
I don't know about the other--
Maybe when Seth was in there, or Kevin Owens or Becky,
maybe he talked about you,
but when I was in there, it was like you did not exist.
[crowd jeering]
Hey, I know this is a lot, but…
God, I wish he was here right now.
I know you miss him.
I miss him too.
[crowd shouting]
Now, I know he's not here anymore…
but just know this.
If there's anything that he didn't teach you…
I will.
[crowd exclaiming loudly]
[crowd shouting]
Oh… [chuckles]
Oh-Oh my God. Uh…
I'm not… I'm not even playing on the same field.
This is… this is… this is not chess. You didn't…
You didn't send Mr. Heyman to Raw to get inside my head.
You-you sent him
to relay and convey the real-life situation.
You sent him to tell me the truth.
[man] Kill him, Cody!
[crowd shouting]
[laughs] If-if-if that… if that's the truth,
then the truth is one of… one of the fabled,
"Dusty's kids is better than Dusty's actual kid,"
if that's the truth, then the truth is you are the son
that he always wanted.
[crowd jeering]
And that changes absolutely everything because it's not just a dream,
it's not just an urge, or a want, or a desire,
or some story that needs to be finished.
This becomes a necessity.
You say I don't exist, I have to exist.
And the only way that I can exist…
is by beating you at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
So absolutely, Roman Reigns, sir, champ,
may the better man win.
[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Cole] An explosive, emotional blockbuster
of a confrontation
here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Cody Rhodes making it clear,
it has become a necessity to beat Roman Reigns
in four weeks at WrestleMania.
The question is, Wade, can Cody Rhodes get it done?
[Barrett] Cody's climb has been incredible,
his quest for greatness inspirational.
I would love him, as a friend, to complete that story.
The problem is, it's Cody's story versus Roman Reigns' legacy.
The main event of WrestleMania is the right place.
Unfortunately for Cody, it's Roman Reigns' time.
[Cole] Well, later on tonight, Wade, The Bloodline's family issues
will, again, take center stage.
They still have this Sami Zayn problem.
Solo Sikoa will hope to end that issue later on tonight
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] Yes, indeed.
But here's the number one contender for the SmackDown Women's Title,
Rhea Ripley, flanked by Dom,
heading to the ring to take on former friend, Liv Morgan,
and that matchup is taking place next.
♪ This is my brutality ♪
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
♪ The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
[explosion echoes]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
representing the Judgment Day,
she is the winner of the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble match,
Rhea Ripley.
[Cole] Accompanied, of course, by her boyfriend,
the very disrespectful Dominik Mysterio.
But nonetheless, Rhea Ripley, in four weeks,
will meet Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
Rhea earning that opportunity, Wade, because she went wire to wire,
from first to last, to win the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Barrett] Well, get eyes on the best bloody woman
in all of WWE, Rhea Ripley.
The physical transformation of this woman
since joining the Judgment Day is mind-blowing.
Already a powerhouse, but has stepped up every facet of her game
and keeps getting better.
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
♪ Watch me ♪
[announcer] And her opponent, from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
Liv Morgan.
[Cole] A former SmackDown Women's Champion in her own right,
Liv Morgan made the challenge for this match here tonight
on social media last week.
I challenge Rhea Ripley to a match next week.
Some might say that's crazy,
some might even say that that is insane,
but, Megan, that is exactly what I live for.
[kiss]
[chuckles] Watch me.
The very confident Liv Morgan set to take on Rhea Ripley here,
one-on-one, tonight.
Now, Morgan telling me earlier today, Wade,
that this is an opportunity to get some revenge.
That she still is reliving the heartbreak of the Royal Rumble.
Remember, Rhea Ripley entered number one, Liv Morgan entering number two,
and they were the two last women in the match,
before Rhea Ripley eliminated Liv Morgan to win the Rumble.
[Barrett] Absolutely, incredible Royal Rumble match
from both of these two women.
But, for me, Liv Morgan might be on a fool's errand here,
trying to topple Rhea Ripley.
There's a reason the rest of the locker room
considers Ripley unstoppable,
and we're about to see exactly why.
[Cole] These women lasting a record one hour, one minute, and eight seconds
back at the Royal Rumble in the end of January.
[groans]
Morgan caught by the powerhouse, Ripley.
Dropping Liv Morgan face-first.
What is it about Rhea Ripley… Oh! …that is going to pose problems
for the 14-time World Champion Charlotte Flair?
[Barrett] Extreme physicality, maximum confidence,
and aided, of course, by her squeeze, Dominik Mysterio.
Her confidence has gone up and up since he arrived on the scene.
-One, two, three… -I hope you're watching, Charlotte.
-Hey, come on. -I'm off.
-Come on. -There's no saving you.
[Cole] Rhea, of course, talking about the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte.
Rhea claiming, uh, this past week that she had Charlotte shook
when they went face-to-face last week here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] This is smart from Rhea.
Give Charlotte some nightmares ahead of WrestleMania.
This is what lies in store for you in just over four weeks' time,
Charlotte Flair.
[Cole] This is also a dangerous match for Rhea Ripley.
Liv Morgan, of course, Money in the Bank winner,
former SmackDown Women's Champion.
If she knocks off Ripley tonight,
that really hurts Ripley's confidence on the Road to WrestleMania.
[Barrett] 100%.
Everyone's scrambling at the moment to get noticed,
and get on the WrestleMania card.
And trust me, management will sit up
and take note if Ripley comes a cropper tonight.
[Cole] Missile dropkick by Morgan puts Liv in control.
And Liv who's gone… to some extreme measures as of late.
Swatted away by Ripley.
Rhea takes over after that.
-Can Liv climb back-- -I hope you're watching, Charlotte,
because no six-inch heels are going to help you at WrestleMania.
They might help with your height, but I am Rhea "Bloody" Ripley,
and you can't run from me.
[referee yells]
[Cole] The Capital One Arena in Washington, DC is sold out tonight.
15,173 WWE fans on hand.
Rhea Ripley now dominating Liv Morgan.
But you can feel it, Wade, we're closing in on WrestleMania.
There is a different feel in the air tonight.
[Barrett] This is Rhea Ripley finding top gear.
She's at her most combative, her most militant best.
But unfortunately for Liv Morgan,
it appears she's on a fool's errand tonight.
Rhea's been talking a lot of trash in this matchup,
directing that talk to the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair.
-[thud] -Morgan,
looking to pick up a big win tonight.
[Barrett] Might have just opened a very small window of opportunity
to finally turn the tide in this one.
It's been one-way traffic.
Morgan, kick right to the midsection and now to the second rope.
Liv trying to build a little bit of momentum here.
That'll send Rhea Ripley into the ropes.
You know, Rhea, again, is she looking past Morgan tonight?
-Looking to Charlotte. -Oh!
[Barrett] Liv Morgan knows Rhea Ripley as well as every-- anyone.
-Former tag partners. -[Cole] Oh!
Liv just taking Rhea out.
And Rhea now down to a knee.
[Barrett] Tells you a lot about the durability of Rhea Ripley, however.
[Cole] And Liv.
-[thud] -Oh, knees to the face.
-Is it enough to put Rhea away? -One, two…
[Cole] Hook of the leg, and a kickout by Ripley at two.
Morgan realizes that was her opportunity.
[Barrett] Rhea Ripley is all over the place right now,
ripe for the pickings if Liv Morgan can get up and capitalize.
What else have you got in the tank?
[Cole] Watch Morgan here.
[Barrett] Just such a beautiful connection.
Look at the sickening landing of Rhea Ripley, turned inside out.
Somehow, the wherewithal to kick out just in the nick of time.
[Cole] We saw the frustration, the concern on the face of Dominik
as he looks on as Morgan looks to pull off a big win.
Went for the Oblivion, Rhea Ripley was able to counter.
Went for Riptide, Morgan caught her with a step-up enzuigiri to the ear.
[Barrett] Ripley really struggling at this point.
[Cole] Running knee. Rhea's down and Morgan's got a chance.
[crowd cheering]
Liv climbing up to the top rope.
Does she have enough to put Rhea Ripley away?
-[thud] -Oh, planted.
Great counter by Rhea.
[Barrett] Main event caliber reactions, Michael Cole. Riptide.
[Cole] Connecting to Morgan.
Riptide by Rhea, but she's not done yet.
Ripley focusing on Morgan here…
-[groans] -…tying Liv up into a…
-[Barrett] Inverted Cloverleaf. -[Cole] Yeah, an Inverted Cloverleaf here.
Knee on the back of the head.
-Morgan taps out. -[bell rings]
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission,
Rhea Ripley.
[Barrett] Well, that is Rhea Ripley,
perhaps, showing Charlotte Flair
that she has multiple ways to beat the champ at WrestleMania.
You've got Natural Selection, you've got the Figure Eight.
Well, I've got the Inverted Cloverleaf and Riptide.
Time is ticking for Charlotte Flair.
[Cole] Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair
for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] Still to come tonight, it is the turn of the Enforcer to deal
with The Bloodline's perennial problem that simply won't go away.
Sikoa, Zayn, later on tonight in SmackDown's main event.
Across the ring, and then The Tribal Chief did Dusty Rhodes "The American Dream."
You talk to your brother?
[clears throat] Yeah. I did.
What'd he say?
You know Jey, Uce, he just… he's the hot head.
He just need… needs some time.
-Time? -Yeah.
How much time?
I talked to him this morning. I mean…
He's better today than he was yesterday, and the day before.
He just… I-I'll let him know.
I'll let him know.
I'm running out of patience.
I'll tell him.
Not with him.
I'm running out of patience with you.
I'll let him know.
The fractures continue. The…
The cracks are opening up. Paranoia's setting in.
Okay, Cole. You and I both know families fight,
it just so happens The Bloodline's fight is playing out on TV.
There are no cracks. It will be resolved.
And The Bloodline isn't the only group having family drama here in WWE.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio steps into the ring with a very dangerous man.
And obviously, in the back of his mind,
the situation that's going on with his son, Dominik.
Can Rey put those emotions aside to focus on the task at hand tonight,
Karrion Kross?
[dramatic music playing]
[groans]
[Barrett] Pure timing from Karrion Kross.
[Cole] Rey, though, has him in position.
Uh-oh. Scarlett hit hard.
Rey going for the 619.
Who the he…
-Dominik. -Come on. Do something about it.
Are you going to hit me? Huh?
[Cole] How much more can Rey Mysterio take from his own flesh and blood?
[crowd exclaiming]
-That's it. He's out. Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
-[crowd booing] -Get up. Get up.
Be a man and do something about it.
[crowd cheering]
-You want me to punch you? -Yeah. Hit me. Do it.
Be a man and do it.
Do it.
Come on.
You ain't going to do it? Huh?
[intense music playing]
That's it? You're a disgrace as a father.
-[inaudible] -Yeah?
-[inaudible] -No. I was going to trick Charlotte.
She's scared. That's why she wasn't coming.
[scoffs] Pathetic.
-What do you want? -[Dominik] We got a problem here?
[laughs]
Rey should've punched you in the face last week,
but I understand why he couldn't.
But guess what? I can.
And Adam Pearce agrees with me.
So I'm going to teach you a lesson about respect.
I'm going to go out there into that ring right now
and if you're half the man you say you are, you'll meet me out there.
Hombre a hombre.
Oh, and, Mami… [kiss]
[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Still to come, can The Bloodline problem, Sami Zayn,
survive the malice of Roman Reigns' Enforcer, Solo Sikoa,
later on in tonight's main event?
[Cole] That's later tonight, but right now, finally,
Dominik Mysterio is going to get put in his place.
He's going to get respect beaten into him by Santos Escobar.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
Santos Escobar.
[Cole] I want to remind you, that's Rey Mysterio's mask
that was gifted to Santos Escobar by the legend a number of weeks ago.
Santos' father told Santos, "Be a fan. Learn from the legend of Rey Mysterio."
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Barrett] I've got a horrible feeling you're going to lack basic neutrality
in this matchup, Cole.
["It Is My Time" playing]
♪ Mysterio ♪
[announcer] And his opponent…
-Oh, come on. -…accompanied to the ring
by Rhea Ripley,
representing the Judgment Day,
Dominik Mysterio.
Well, I don't know why I'm surprised. This is typical Dominik.
Santos Escobar said before the break,
"Come out here and meet me man-on-man, one-on-one."
"Don't bring Mami along."
And look who's by Dominik's side, his protector, Rhea Ripley.
[Barrett] You sound like a bitter old man.
This is young love.
Be happy for them. Let it blossom.
[Cole] I don't know if you're hurt over the fact…
I don't know if I'm hurt over the fact you called me old. [chuckles]
But nonetheless, Dominik one-on-one with Santos Escobar tonight.
This is the kid who was given everything in his life.
[Barrett] The man.
-He's a man now. -25-five-year-old man.
[Cole] He was given everything in his life by Rey Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio never had to want for anything.
He always had clothes on his back, food in-- food on the table.
He went to the best schools. He played the best sports.
He had the best equipment.
He had everything given to him in his life,
and now Dominik taking advantage of that situation.
[Barrett] The one thing apparently, Dominik Mysterio did not have growing up
was someone who wasn't a deadbeat dad.
[Cole] Wade, wait, Dominik Mysterio learned this business from his father.
He was trained by Rey Mysterio.
Rey and Dominik went on to become the first ever father-son
Tag Team Champions in the history of WWE.
And what does Rey get for that?
Spit in his face by Dominik Mysterio, called a deadbeat dad,
a loser as a competitor.
And now, Santos Escobar going to do the thing
that Rey hasn't been able to do,
and that's pull the trigger and punch Dominik in the face.
That's your legacy.
Do you respect your legacy, huh?
-Don't let him talk to you like that. -[spits]
-No. -[Cole] That's nice.
[thud]
Escobar taking down Dominik Mysterio.
That's a lot of what this is about, Wade.
Respecting the legacy of his father, Rey Mysterio,
and what Rey has done, not only for his family,
but the business in general.
[Ripley] The rope!
[Barrett] Okay. Santos Escobar and, apparently, your judgment is clouded
by the fact that Rey Mysterio is an in-ring legend.
Neither you or Santos Escobar have any clue
what went on behind closed doors in the Mysterio household.
[Cole] Well, Wade, listen, and I beg to differ on that point because--
Oh, you were there, were you?
[Cole] Listen, I've known Rey and I've known his family
for close to 25 years.
I've known Dominik since the day he was born,
and I have never seen anything,
anything out of the ordinary in the way that Rey Mysterio was a father to Dominik.
And Mysterio now over the top rope, taking Escobar out.
Dominik has taken over.
Can Escobar get back into this and teach Dominik some respect?
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Sold out tonight, Washington, DC, over 15,000 for Friday Night SmackDown.
Dominik Mysterio, Santos Escobar.
Rhea Ripley's at ringside.
She's already paid some dividends for Dominik in this matchup
during the commercial break.
And as Dominik takes control of Escobar here, Wade,
I do want to go on record and say something.
Hey. I'm all for a young man like Dominik Mysterio
branching out on his own,
trying to make his own path,
trying to start his own career,
become a legend in his own making,
but he doesn't have to do it by disrespecting his dad.
Charlotte Flair, Cody Rhodes who we saw earlier tonight,
they-they-they respect their fathers.
They respect the legends that they were…
-[Barrett] Blah, blah, blah. -…but they've paved their own road.
Get out of dad mode, will you, Cole,
and have some respect for the kids in this industry
who are stepping up and becoming great?
[Cole] Oh!
And Escobar blasting Dominik Mysterio.
And Santos now taking out his anger on Mysterio.
[Barrett] Something has snapped inside of Santos Escobar.
You know how much I admire the Emperor of Lucha Libre,
but we're going prison-style tonight.
[Cole] Well, you also have to remember what Escobar means
to luchadores around the world.
Friday Night SmackDown here tonight in Washington, DC
on FOX is sponsored by Progressive.
Dominik into the corner with a clothesline to Escobar.
[Barrett] Escobar just doesn't understand this situation.
You want me to respect my legacy? Huh?
How about…
-[Ripley] You're wasting your bloody time. -You respect me!
Huh?
[Cole] That is Dominik's father's mask.
Rey Mysterio's mask that is in the corner
that was gifted to Santos Escobar a couple of weeks ago.
[Barrett] Santos Escobar has a great relationship with his own father.
Is that what you want? Huh?
You want me to respect my legacy?
Respect me.
[Cole] Well, by the way, there'd be no Dominik Mysterio
without the legacy of his dad.
Let's get that out of the way quickly.
[Barrett] Well, Rey Mysterio…
[Cole] You can't argue the point, Wade.
[Barrett] Rey Mysterio being a great professional and a dreadful parent
are not mutually exclusive truths, Michael Cole.
[Cole] It's like talking to the wall with you.
Meanwhile, Escobar whipped across the ring into the corner,
up over the top, and now Escobar looking to build some momentum.
Ducks underneath a couple of elbows, and down goes Dom,
and here comes Santos Escobar.
[Barrett] Dominik Mysterio just a beat too long.
Took his foot off the gas.
You cannot do that with someone as good as Santos Escobar.
Went for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Turns it into a leg drop.
Great counter by Escobar.
Hooks the inside leg, and Dominik able to kick out.
[Barrett] Escobar has been beaten from pillar to post in this one,
but still has that deep bag of tricks.
Pulling stuff we've not seen before from Escobar.
[Cole] And Dominik begging off.
Escobar misses with the kick.
Middle of the ring collision.
-[Barrett] That might be a double KO. -[Cole] Did they hit heads?
[Barrett] What a nasty, nasty collision that was.
Referee smartly taking a close look at these two.
Take a look at the impact on this one.
-Oh! -[Cole] Yes, indeed, they did.
And now wait a minute.
Mysterio. Check--
Mysterio's got brass knucks, and the referee distracted.
Rhea Ripley with Riptide to Escobar.
Referee, turn around and do your job!
Santos Escobar laid out by Rhea Ripley.
-The referee was doing his job, Cole. -Dominik used…
used the brass knucks as a distraction, and now the frog splash.
-One, two, three! -Not only spitting in the face of his dad,
-[Barrett] Brilliant. -…but also the legend Eddie Guerrero.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Dominik Mysterio.
[Cole] Here's an idea. Dominik wants to be respected, right?
He wants people to-to-to allow him to pave his own way,
and create his own path.
Well, how about winning matches by yourself?
How about not taking shortcuts?
How about not hiding behind the back of your… of your girlfriend?
And now, Dominik has just taken the-the mask,
his dad's mask away from Escobar as he walks out of the arena
with that smug punk look on his face.
[Barrett] You need to stop having a meltdown.
That was the biggest win of Dominik…
[Cole] Okay. Okay. Defend this. Defend that, Wade.
You know what the lucha mask means.
You know the respect that that mask garners.
That was gifted to Santos Escobar. The disrespect by this kid.
[Barrett] I know how little
Dominik Mysterio's father really means to him,
thanks to his transgressions as a parent.
Have a cry, Santos.
Have a cry.
[Barrett] A lifetime of parental…
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Cole] Finally.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619… ♪
[Cole] Rey Mysterio has finally had enough.
This is got to be killing Rey, breaking his heart.
-[speaking in Spanish] -You want it?
Hit me.
-Do what he wants, Rey. -Hit me. Come on.
-Do what he wants. -I'm not…
I'll give it to you if you hit me.
-I'm not going to… -Hit me.
I'm not going to hit you, Dom. Just give me the mask, please.
[indistinct].
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] Oh, come on, a cheap shot.
[crowd booing]
-Your father's pathetic. -I know.
-I know he is. -Look at him.
[Cole] Bang, from behind.
Another disgusting, pathetic display by Dominik Mysterio.
And Rey is defenseless to do anything about it
because he will not strike his own son.
Dominik has absolutely no respect.
He has been given everything by Rey Mysterio
and that is how he treats his legendary father.
Again, from behind, another ambush assault,
complete disrespect, spitting in the face of his own dad.
Take a deep breath.
Rey Mysterio is simply scared of his son Dominik.
Dominik is bigger, Dominik is stronger.
Rey Mysterio needs to leave off.
Well, nonetheless, we're going to move on now
because our main event later on tonight features Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn.
And Sami earlier today, you may have seen this on social media,
was getting hyped up with the WWE fans here in Washington.
Big energy tonight in Washington, DC.
You can feel the heat in here.
I'll tell you one person that I know is feeling the heat,
and that's Roman Reigns,
because he knows that everything I've been saying for weeks is coming true.
The Bloodline is crumbling from within,
and so now all of sudden, I find myself in a match tonight
with Solo Sikoa?
I'm not stupid.
I know how it works in The Bloodline.
I know tonight's match is not about wins and losses.
I know it's about sending me a message,
but here's the thing, Solo.
I'm the one who's sending a message tonight.
The message is loud and clear,
that The Bloodline is not getting rid of Sami Zayn
until The Bloodline goes down.
[cheering]
Your Sami Zayn problem will not go away until I see with my own eyes
that The Bloodline has gone down…
because I know it, these people know it.
The Bloodline is going down.
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
[Cole] Sami is fired up.
His quest to destroy The Bloodline continues tonight.
[Barrett] Sami Zayn hyping up our fans earlier.
Well, he better get into game mode because he is in for the fight of his life
as he takes on Solo Sikoa in tonight's main event.
["Gallantry" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[explosion echoes]
[announcer] Please welcome Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] You know, SmackDown LowDown, the post SmackDown show
that airs on Peacock on Saturday mornings,
Drew McIntyre a guest last week.
And, Wade, he made it pretty clear that the reason
he wandered out to ringside during the Imperium match last week
is because he wants Gunther, and he wants the Intercontinental Championship.
[Barrett] Well, many have tried and many have fallen
at the feet of "The Ring General" Gunther.
McIntyre believes in his case it will be different.
[explosion echoes]
[Cole] The former WWE Champion, "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre
is here live, next.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] WrestleMania is sponsored by Snickers.
Snickers satisfies.
And by WWE 2K23.
WWE 2K23 is even stronger, featuring the all-new WarGames
in the 2K showcase
where you can play through key moments over John Cena's 20-year career.
Preorder today and play as Bad Bunny.
Available for early access on March 14.
In the ring, a man who knows all about WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre.
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
Now, there's four weeks to WrestleMania
and Drew McIntyre still does not have a match.
[crowd booing]
How about we remedy that right now, DC?
[crowd cheering]
There's a certain individual that I want to beat
the absolute schnitzel out of.
Gunther, I'm calling you out.
[crowd cheering]
What do you say, big man?
You and me.
["10 Beats of the Bodhrán" playing]
What are you doing?
Huh?
What… what do you think you're doing, huh?
You're just going to go behind my back like that?
Sheamo, this is nothing personal.
Nothing personal?
This is nothing personal?
Damn right, it's personal.
You of all people know how much
that intercontinental Championship means to me, fella.
Fifteen years in this company, you know how much I want that championship.
Right, I do. Let's just calm down for a second,
have a chat about this.
Calm down?
Don't tell me to calm down!
[crowd cheering]
Don't you dare tell me to calm down.
You know more than anybody how much I've ch--
I've gone after that championship, right?
You knew that I wanted Gunther at Mania,
and now you're out here behind my back, calling him out?
Here's the truth, you're not my parent.
I don't have to ask your permission, now, do I?
I'll have to ask your permission to wipe my ass next?
[crowd jeering]
That's right, Drew.
I'm not your parents,
but I thought you were my brother.
But you're not.
You're just a backstabbing bastard.
[crowd exclaiming]
[inaudible]
All right.
We're telling the truth right now. Friends tell the truth.
The truth sometimes hurts.
The truth is, you had your chance and you lost twice.
♪ LA Knight ♪
[Wade laughs] Oh yes, Cole.
The Megastar's in town.
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[inaudible]
[crowd buzzing]
Let me talk to you.
[crowd cheering]
Somebody talking about the Intercontinental Title,
then you got to be talking about LA Knight. Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
Meanwhile, you two are handed every single opportunity
and still you cry.
Hey, you ain't got to look at me, but you should listen.
Because I'll tell you like this, I made it real clear already,
you can't have an LA WrestleMania without LA Knight
because whose game is it?
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
-New Day rocks! New Day rocks! -Hey.
New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
Washington, DC!
[crowd cheering]
It's your boys, The…
-New Day! -[crowd] New Day!
And we just wanted to come out here and apologize
on behalf of LA Knight.
Yeah! That's right.
Because for the past, not one, but two weeks,
he come out here crying and on his hands and knees
begging, talking about,
"You can't have a WrestleMania in LA without LA Knight."
-"Please, please." -[imitates crying]
This is sad.
This is sad, bro.
So, LA Knight wants to have a match at WrestleMania.
[crowd] Yeah!
However, as of late,
LA Knight can't even win a match on SmackDown.
[guffaws]
["Dead Silent" playing]
♪ He is time ♪
♪ Famine, war ♪
♪ Pestilence… ♪
[Cole] Things just took a dark turn here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] Temperature in the arena just went up several degrees
with the arrival of this duo.
♪ …is here ♪
♪ Fall and pray ♪
[Cole] Karrion Kross accompanied by Scarlett.
And look at LA Knight, from behind,
using the distraction to go after Kofi Kingston.
Now, Woods, Sheamus and McIntyre get involved.
[Barrett] The Megastar takes out The New Day single-handed.
Oh.
[crowd exclaiming]
[inaudible]
[yelling]
[Cole] And McIntyre taking out The New Day and LA Knight.
And now Kross… goes after Sheamus,
driving Sheamus shoulder-first to the post.
[Barrett] What a predator Karrion Kross truly is.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] The pressure of WrestleMania season is in full swing.
Everybody jockeying for position at the show of shows in four weeks.
[Barrett] Tensions rising.
Everyone wants a piece of the Intercontinental Champ.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, still to come tonight,
it is our main event. Will The Bloodline continue to implode?
Will Sami Zayn help that cause
or will Solo Sikoa finally stop the bleeding
and stop the Sami Zayn problem?
We were supposed to have a tag match later tonight
between Natalya and Tegan Nox and Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler,
but there was a brawl backstage earlier today that affected all this.
Shayna! Shayna, that's enough. Enough.
Save it for tonight! Save it for tonight!
[grunts]
[grunts] Arm for an arm, Shayna. You better break it.
[groans]
[Cole] And as a result of this altercation,
Ronda Rousey suffering an arm injury, unable to compete in the tag match.
So now, we're going to have one-on-one action with Shayna Baszler involved.
["Bad Reputation" playing]
-[bell rings] -[announcer] The following contest
is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by "The Baddest Woman on the Planet,"
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey,
from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Shayna Baszler.
[Cole] Shayna does not look like she's messing around tonight.
[Barrett] Two black belt badasses bent on bedlam.
And just take one look at Ronda Rousey.
How much of a badass is she?
Potentially has a broken arm,
uses her own black belt from judo as a sling.
[Cole] I believe she used to do that in the tournament back in the day.
["New Foundation" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Natalya,
from the Welsh Valleys, Tegan Nox.
[Cole] Tegan Nox coming to Natalya's aid last week.
Natalya saying that she's happy
to have someone like Tegan in her corner and to support her.
Tegan talking about Nattie being a 16-year veteran
and an inspiration for many inside the women's locker room here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] The interesting thing is there is no real history
between Tegan Nox and Natalya.
Perhaps, Tegan Nox looking for a bit of mentorship
from the most experienced woman in the locker room,
or perhaps the women of the locker room have realized
they have to have each other's backs with the likes of Baszler
and Ronda Rousey teaming up against them.
Yeah, I was going to say that seems to be the point,
as Tegan Nox delivers a kick to Shayna Baszler.
Ronda and Shayna have really been running roughshod
over SmackDown.
Tegan Nox, however, nice viciousness and aggressiveness
out of the box here to start this matchup
with "The Submission Magician" Shayna Baszler.
-Tegan Nox, however, counters. -[thud]
[Barrett] The Welsh Wizard herself looking to make up for some lost time.
Nice kick.
[Cole] Yeah, Shayna's stunned down to one knee.
Now a knee, but caught by Baszler.
Face-first goes Tegan and now in deep trouble.
Break it, Shayna. Break it for me.
[screaming in pain]
Told you earlier tonight,
you can really feel the buzz here in Washington, DC
as we head toward WrestleMania.
Number one trend in the United States, everyone talking about #SmackDown.
[Barrett] Just look into the eyes of Shayna Baszler,
nothing but malice.
[Cole] Now, Tegan Nox with the jabs.
Tegan Nox is fighting one-armed at the moment.
[Cole] Shayna Baszler targeting the arm of Tegan Nox, the right arm.
-How's it feel, sellouts? -[Barrett] Every match--
[Cole] You also heard what Ronda said during that altercation earlier today.
She said, "Shayna, it's time to break somebody's arm,"
and that appears to be what Shayna's doing.
[Barrett] Baszler and Rousey look to give every opponent they ever face
a little souvenir that will last them a lifetime.
[Cole] We've learned about Tegan Nox over the years,
suffering from numerous knee injuries and battling back to get her spot
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Tegan's as tough as they come, never-say-die attitude.
Roll-up now. Baszler looking to put Shayna away, and a kickout.
-[loud smack] -Oh, did you hear that?
[Barrett] That is the kind of knee that caved in Natalya's face
several months ago.
-A snarl on Ronda's face as she looks on. -[grunts]
Now, Baszler.
-Tap out quickly by Tegan Nox. -[bell rings]
["Limb By Limb" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission,
Shayna Baszler.
[Barrett] Threatening, the poetic move from Shayna Baszler,
winning with an armbar.
"You take out my girl's arm, I will take out yours."
[Cole] And the expression on Natalya moments ago
really seems to have been the story as of late
as Ronda and Shayna continue to run roughshod
over the SmackDown Women's Division.
[Natalya crying]
I think you broke my arm. I think you broke my arm!
Shayna Baszler fended off a tough challenge in Tegan Nox.
And my next guest has been dealing with plenty of challenges of his own.
He is the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther.
[crowd booing]
Gunther, earlier tonight, several Supers--
It is a absolute disgrace that a man like me
has been kept waiting.
What a lack of leadership by Adam Pearce.
We're one month out and he still hasn't managed
to identify the man to challenge me at WrestleMania.
So are you concerned?
The only thing I'm concerned about is not having a worthy opponent
at WrestleMania to do battle
for this great prize,
for our precious sport,
for the legacy of Der Ringgeneral at the greatest stage of them all.
[Cole] And by the time we get to WrestleMania,
Gunther will be closing in on 300 days as Intercontinental Champion.
One of the longest reigns in--
["All Mighty" playing]
-Wait a moment. -Whoa.
Are-are you serious right now?
-[Barrett] Oh, the All Mighty is here! -[Cole] Wade!
Bobby Lashley is on SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
It's got to be WrestleMania season.
The All Mighty is here!
But the bigger question is… why?
[Barrett] Completely unscheduled,
but I want to hear more from The All Mighty.
[static hissing]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on FOX is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Remember, a few weeks ago, Bray Wyatt told the winner
of the Brock Lesnar-Bobby Lashley match to run.
Well, the winner, Bobby Lashley,
wasn't going to wait for Bray Wyatt this past Monday on Raw.
I get Bray Wyatt playing these little kid games.
I don't play little kid games.
Keep my name out of your mouth.
♪ Hit it ♪
[funky music playing]
♪ Now, shake those hips And let your backbone slip ♪
♪ Pull up your pants And do The Muscle Man Dance ♪
You should run.
["All Mighty" playing]
-[woman shrieks] Bobby! -[laughs]
[crowd cheering]
[woman] Bobby!
So-so-so for the past two weeks,
Bray Wyatt has been telling me to run…
but I don't run from anyone.
And since that didn't work, he starts playing his little kid games
of "The Muscle Man Dance,"
which I thought was a little comical.
But for me, it looked like a sign of weakness.
From where I come from, if you have a problem with somebody,
you come talk to them and see them in their face.
[crowd cheering]
And since Bray Wyatt is not man enough to come see me in my face,
I decided to come to his show of SmackDown…
to come see him.
So I say, Bray Wyatt, if you are man enough,
I'm here, so come see me.
[crowd cheering]
["Feared" playing]
[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] Oh no. From behind, that's Uncle Howdy.
Uncle Howdy attacking Lashley from behind as Bobby was distracted.
[laughing maniacally]
But Lashley planting Uncle Howdy.
[Barrett] A trap was sprung, but it backfired for Uncle Howdy.
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
[Code] Lashley is primed and ready to send a message.
[crowd chanting] Bobby!
[loud booming]
[crowd cheering]
[loud booming]
[Cole] And Uncle Howdy's escaped.
[crowd buzzing]
[Barrett] From the bizarrely surreal--
[static hissing]
[crowd shouting]
Uce.
-Did you talk to your brother? -I did.
And what'd he say?
Well, he… he said he needs a little bit more time.
He said he needs more time?
No. Actually, he said leave him the hell alone.
[crowd exclaiming]
I don't understand how he even could do this to me
after everything that I…
after everything we've done for him.
Right?
Always been there for him.
Always had his back.
As a matter of fact, this didn't start happening until Sami came around.
Maybe that's where he got selfish. Maybe that's where the greed comes from.
As a matter of fact, this is what we're gonna do.
We're gonna fix this Sami Zayn problem once and for all.
I want you out there with Solo tonight,
and I want you to get rid of him.
Do you understand?
If you get rid of Sami Zayn…
Jey will come home.
Can you do that?
I got you.
Do it for The Bloodline.
Do it for our family.
That was wonderful, my Tribal Chief.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It wasn't wonderful?
Jey's got one week.
Do you understand?
Yes, my Tribal Chief.
If Jey's not back in The Bloodline in one week,
I'm not gonna blame Sami.
I'm gonna blame Jimmy.
[crowd exclaiming]
And again, WWE Superstar Sunday this coming Sunday night on A&E.
First, it's Biography: Legends with Chyna,
and then Rivals, The Rock and John Cena, this Sunday on A&E.
[Barrett] Yeah, but next Friday night on SmackDown in Pittsburgh,
as we saw earlier, a bunch of big names jockeying for a crack at Gunther.
Well, those five men get their chance next week
in a Fatal 5-Way Intercontinental Championship qualifying match.
[Cole] With a spot at WrestleMania on the line.
Also next week on SmackDown, a massive tag team match,
Ricochet and Braun Strowman take on The Viking Raiders,
live on FOX in Pittsburgh.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
["Taking It All" playing]
[Cole] The pressure is mounting.
The cracks are widening.
The Bloodline on the verge of implosion
unless these men can stop the bleeding tonight.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by one half
of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy Uso,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] There has been a lot of speculation on where Roman Reigns' head is
when it comes to the family.
Well, I think what we saw moments ago shed a lot of light on this.
Roman Reigns, to me, and what he said to Jimmy Uso
shows that all Roman Reigns cares about is himself,
is his legacy, and his championship.
The Bloodline is all about doing Roman Reigns' dirty deeds
and fighting Roman Reigns' battles.
And it was clear when Jimmy Uso left the room
that if Jey doesn't show up next week,
Jimmy Uso is going to be blamed.
[Barrett] The Bloodline is the most successful group in WWE history.
Roman's job is to maintain that power and that success
for everyone in the group.
You can't let one bad apple fester and tear the unit down.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn.
[Cole] You know, on Monday nights,
The Bloodline has had a Kevin Owens problem.
On Friday nights, it's been the Sami Zayn problem.
And the one thing that Roman Reigns said moments ago that really resonates
is the fact that all of this started,
all the problems within The Bloodline began,
at least recently, when Sami Zayn came aboard.
And now, Sami Zayn rushes the ring, going to go right after Solo Sikoa,
and for Sami Zayn, try to put him away early,
try to survive once again here tonight.
Oh, and a takedown by Sami Zayn,
and now hammering away on Solo here in our main event.
[Barrett] That's a smart move from Sami Zayn to catch Solo Sikoa cold.
Jimmy getting involved in the action too.
[Cole] Yeah, Jimmy Uso had his marching orders,
"Take care of Sami Zayn tonight."
"Get rid of Sami Zayn. Fix this once and for all."
Sami takes out Solo and Jimmy Uso.
[referee shouting indistinctly]
[crowd cheering]
The nervousness perhaps on the face of the Undisputed Champion
who earlier tonight went face-to-face with his WrestleMania opponent,
Cody Rhodes.
[crowd buzzing]
-[referee] Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Cole] And now, officially, this match is underway.
-[Barrett] Dumb start from Sami Zayn. -[Cole] Whoa.
[Barrett] Let's not forget, Solo Sikoa has not been pinned,
he's not been submitted in the six-plus months
since he arrived on the scene.
[Cole] And, you know, for Sami Zayn, Wade, listen,
you know, you got to respect the man.
He's waging this war against The Bloodline almost single-handedly,
but it's dangerous and he's playing a very dangerous game,
and he just hopes to survive here tonight
as he sends Solo once again up over the top rope.
[Barrett] Well, Sami Zayn is the problem that should have been left in Montreal,
but it's the problem The Bloodline simply can't shake.
-What… -Jimmy, you can't get involved here, man.
Watch it now. Back it up. Now, back it up.
[indistinct shouting]
Back it up. Come on.
Oh, there's Jimmy Uso causing the distraction
and Solo Sikoa wiping out Sami Zayn.
Oh, and now into the ring post.
[Barrett] Therein lies the problem
of trying to go it alone against The Bloodline.
[Cole] Well, here's the other issue.
Listen, there's a lot of blame being thrown around…
You should have listened, Sami.
[Cole] …within The Bloodline.
Whose fault is it?
Why is it imploding?
Why are there cracks developing?
And Sami Zayn now sent into the timekeeper's area.
Solo's taken over.
We'll complete that thought when we come back.
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] Hey, during the commercial break, things have gotten ugly.
-Solo Sikoa looking to maim Sami Zayn. -You asked for this. This is your fault.
-Watch it. -[Barrett] Just been one way traffic.
At no point in this beatdown has Solo Sikoa attempted to pin
or submit Sami Zayn.
This is not about getting a W, it's about ending a problem.
[Sikoa] Got to hang up.
[Cole] The marching orders from "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns…
What the hell is wrong with you?
[Cole] …"Take care of Sami Zayn."
Sami up over the top, looking for some life here,
and a clothesline takes down Sikoa, and now Sami looks to rally.
You know, Roman's been sending a lot of blame
around to members of The Bloodline for the issues and the implosion, right?
Here's my question.
You think at some point, that man, Roman Reigns,
may have to look in the mirror?
He's the one ultimately, at the end of the day,
that welcomed Sami Zayn into the group, that trusted Sami Zayn,
and then turned his back on him.
[Barrett] And then Sami Zayn turned into a Trojan horse.
But now, thankfully, he's out of The Bloodline.
[Cole] Whoa. A Samoan drop by Sikoa.
[Barrett] And again, Sikoa making no effort to pin or submit Sami Zayn.
This is punishment.
This is about ending Sami Zayn for good.
[crowd shouting]
[Cole] Roman Reigns told Jey Uso, "Fix this problem once and for all."
[Barrett] "Get rid of Sami, Jey will come home."
[Cole] "Do it for the family."
[grunts]
[Cole] Again, is that nervousness on the face of the champion?
[Barrett] It's a pensive look on the face of Roman Reigns.
[Cole] You said it, pen-pensive.
When is the last time you've seen Roman Reigns pensive?
To use your words.
[Barrett] When is the last time Roman Reigns had a problem
as great as that of Sami Zayn that cannot be extinguished?
[Cole] He's also got a big problem in four weeks
and that's Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. Let's not forget about that.
And Sami Zayn fighting back as well, kicks to the face of Sikoa,
trying to stay in this matchup.
-Tornado DDT connecting. -[thud]
-Sami for the cover and the win. -One…
[Cole] Hook of the leg and Solo kicks at one.
[Barrett] There's just something about that never-say-die attitude of Sami Zayn.
[Cole] We are sold out here tonight, Washington, DC,
our nation's capital, as Sami Zayn is heading up to the top rope
to once again put out Solo Sikoa as over 15,000 look on.
Cover off the crossbody, lateral press, and a kick at two again by Solo.
[Barrett] Just look at the fear etched on the face of Jimmy Uso right there.
We know his marching orders.
[Cole] Can Sami connect with a Blue Thunder Bomb?
Can he get Solo Sikoa up?
Not able to do it. Not enough of the momentum.
[Barrett] Hell of a lot of weight to try and pick up
after the beatdown that Sami Zayn's already received.
[Cole] Solo into the corner. Hit hard.
And now Sami Zayn delivers a Blue Thunder Bomb
for the win on Sikoa.
And can you imagine if Sami beat Solo there?
Roman Reigns would've blown a gasket.
[Barrett] Doesn't Jimmy Uso know it.
[Cole] The Bloodline thought Sami Zayn was just going to go away
after losing at Elimination Chamber. No way.
And now, Jimmy Uso, as Sami went from the Helluva Kick.
Jimmy saves Solo, and now the Samoan Spike,
and the cover by Sikoa, and the victory.
[bell rings]
["Taking It All" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso paying dividends, Solo wins the match,
but I'm afraid to say that the night is not over for Sami Zayn.
[Barrett] Well, that may well satiate the Tribal Chief for now.
[Cole] And Jimmy Uso said, "No, I want it."
"I want to end Sami Zayn."
"I want to rid The Bloodline of the Sami Zayn menace."
Get the chair, Uce.
This is your fault.
Come on, Sami.
Come on, Sami!
[groans]
[grunting]
[referee] Do not touch him. Stop.
This is your fault, Sami. You made that choice.
You made the choice.
[grunts]
Now you got to get got.
Yeah!
[crowd buzzing]
Your fault!
Let me get him, Uce.
Watch out.
You're going to get this, Sami.
This is your fault.
You made the choice!
You made the choice.
[Cole] Yeah, but the hesitation allowed Sami Zayn to create some space.
Helluva Kick to Jimmy Uso!
[crowd cheering]
Sami Zayn continues to chip away at the cracks in The Bloodline.
[crowd cheering]
And Sami retreating.
The cracks in The Bloodline that, thanks to Sami Zayn,
are turning into seismic crevices.
[Barrett] Roman set specific instructions to end Sami Zayn tonight.
Jimmy Uso couldn't get the job done.
[Cole] The Roman Empire may be crumbling on the Road to WrestleMania.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
And the question now becomes…
will Jey Uso return next Friday night
on SmackDown?
Because if Jey Uso doesn't,
that man, his brother, Jimmy Uso,
is gonna be to blame.
[Barrett] "Get rid of Sami, Jey will come home to The Bloodline,"
but unfortunately, tonight,
Jimmy Uso did not get rid of the Sami Zayn problem.
It continues to fester.
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
[crowd cheering]
["Worlds Apart" continues]
[crowd cheering]
[no audible dialogue] ues]