[WWE intro playing]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me!
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever…
Together.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
♪ Woo, woo ♪
♪ Hey, hey, 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 ♪
[fireworks crackling]
♪ Besting opponents, flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving them all Looking stressin' and folded… ♪
[Cole] Welcome to the most exciting show on television.
You are looking live at the Pinnacle Bank Arena
on the campus of the University of Nebraska.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox sponsored by Progressive.
A triple-threat protection with home, auto and more.
["Fight (Kevin Owens)" by CFO$ plays]
[crowd cheers]
They're on their feet for one half
of the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
["Worlds Apart" by CFO$ plays]
♪ Let's go! ♪
[Irvin] Please welcome
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn!
[Cole] Well, they are beat up.
They are banged up, but they're the Tag Team Champions.
They knocked off The Usos at WrestleMania,
but their problems with The Bloodline are far from over.
I want to take you back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown.
Solo Sikoa with a vicious attack on Kevin Owens
injuring KO's knee
which, Wade, left Sami alone and vulnerable
later on for his matchup against Solo Sikoa in the main event.
I should say Jey Uso in the main event.
[Wade] Really smart tactical move, because it allowed Solo Sikoa
to be instrumental in Jey Uso pulling out a victory against Sami Zayn.
["We Up (Riddle)" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Just as the beatdown would continue,
Matt Riddle would return to Friday Night SmackDown,
hell-bent on revenge after what The Bloodline
and Solo Sikoa in particular did to him four months ago.
["Worlds Apart" by CFO$ plays]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami!
[crowd cheers]
Well, thank you very much for that, guys.
You know, it's only been two weeks
since one of the most historic nights of all time.
For the first time ever, the Tag Team Championships
were the main event of WrestleMania.
[crowd cheers]
And two guys-- two guys that started together from nothing,
two guys who have been together since they were friends,
we closed out the show as Champions!
[crowd cheers]
And for as amazing as that was, to be honest,
we haven't really had time to process it.
We haven't had time to think about it.
We haven't had time to think much of anything lately
because of everything that's happening,
all this stuff that's going on with The Bloodline.
[crowd boos]
All this stuff with an upcoming draft.
Look, it's…
A lot is going on.
It's an exciting time, but it's also a time of uncertainty.
Right?
Yeah, you're right, it is. It's exciting.
Anytime there's a draft,
the unpredictability always makes for certain atmosphere
and everybody loves it, but here's the thing that is for sure.
There's two things that I know for a fact.
I know for a fact that regardless of where we end up with this draft,
we are the Undisputed Tag Team Champions of WWE.
[crowd cheers]
[Owens] And we…
as hard as we've worked to win these titles,
you can rest assured that we will defend them
with everything we have,
whether it's on Raw or SmackDown, every single time.
[crowd cheers]
And speaking of defending these titles,
the other thing I know for sure, is that sooner rather than later,
The Usos are coming for a rematch.
[crowd booing]
And, Sami, I told you--
["Done With That (Day One Remix)" by CFO$ plays]
[Cole] Speak of the devils.
No one in history held the Tag Team Titles
longer than Jimmy and Jey.
Accompanied by their younger brother, The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
[inaudible]
[Wade] Oh, this is going to be a forever problem
for KO and Zayn as long as they are holding
-those Tag Championships. -[Owens] Told you.
Hey, Uce, are you hearing what I'm hearing?
I hear them.
These two are acting out here like they are here folding under pressure
like the pressure getting to them.
Hey, you two been champs for what? Two weeks?
Man, Uce been champs for two years.
That's 620-some days.
What do you know about pressure?
Hey, maybe you're right. Maybe we don't know about pressure.
I mean, you guys are the one who have to report back every single week
empty-handed to your daddy Roman Reigns.
[crowd exclaims]
Watch your mouth, Sami.
Oh, Sami, shut up.
You been saying the same thing for months now.
"The Bloodline got cracks in it. The Bloodline is going to fall."
"Go back to your daddy. Go back to your daddy."
"Go back to daddy."
Did you not hear what Mr. Yellow Shoes just said?
The Bloodline is more dangerous than ever.
And here's what you're sleeping on, Uce.
The Bloodline is more stronger than ever.
The Usos leveled up.
The Enforcer, hoo-hoo-hoo-wee,
you don't want this savage to come out of Solo Sikoa.
So, listen to us when we say this, Uce, and open up them big ears real big
when I tell you, The Usos will be nine-time
WWE Tag Team Champions…
[crowd boos]
…again.
No cracks in The Bloodline.
We solid over here.
Just like when we take back the Tag Team Champions…
The championships. Y'all going to do which y'all always do.
Y'all going to fold under pressure.
Y'all going to turn on each other again. KO, I was wrong about you.
It ain't going to be you turning on him.
It's going to be Sami Zayn backstabbing his brother
just like he backstabbed my whole damn family.
[crowd boos]
-[Jey] That's you. -Facts.
You know, I-I wish I was as good at anything
as Jey Uso is at lying to himself.
[crowd exclaims]
You want to act like everything's cool,
like Roman Reigns is just fine with you guys losing the championship?
Fine. You want to act like there's no cracks in The Bloodline?
Fine. You want to act like Solo wasn't ready to drop you last week?
Fine.
You want to keep ignoring everything I'm saying,
even though you know it's true, that's fine.
I can already tell it doesn't matter what I say
because I don't think you guys came out here just to talk, did you?
No, no, no, you know what? We didn't.
[Cole] Jimmy, Jey, and Solo have their eyes set
on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
[Wade] I think the savage is about to come out of Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] Jimmy and Jey as well as they've got the Tag Team Champions surrounded.
Here we go. That's Riddle.
Riddle's here going out after Solo Sikoa and the chaos and a brawl underway
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Well, the fuse has been lit,
this is getting explosive right off the bat.
[Cole] Kevin Owens fighting on our desk with Jey.
Sending Jey into the timekeeper's area.
[yelling]
Solo went for the spike. Riddle!
A couple of flash knees from Riddle to Sikoa.
[Wade] Sikoa is out cold.
[Cole] Riddle heading up to the top,
and The Usos dragging their brother out of the ring.
[crowd boos]
-[Owens] Have you seen this? -I want you.
Nothing you can do is going to change that.
-Come on, Solo. -Just come for it, boys.
I want you, Solo.
["We Up (Riddle)" plays]
[Cole] The Bloodline has yet another problem
to deal with now, and his name is Matt Riddle.
[crowd cheers]
I want you, Solo. Tonight. Come on.
[Cole] Well, we learned earlier on that The Bloodline has another problem,
and his name is Matt Riddle.
A brawl ensuing between The Usos and Solo Sikoa.
Riddle and the Tag Team Champions with Zayn and KO.
For Riddle, Solo Sikoa cost him four months of his career
with an attack back in December.
[Wade] Riddle wisely turning things around here,
two knees to the jaw leaving Solo Sikoa laid out cold,
something we never see, but fortunately for The Enforcer
dragged out of dodge by The Usos just in the nick of time.
[Cole] And Riddle made it pretty clear, "I want Sikoa."
I want you.
Absolute chaos.
Do me a favor, find Matt Riddle, find Solo Sikoa.
Let them know if they want to settle a little history,
well, they're going to have a chance to do just that
in our main event, one-on-one, tonight.
It's official.
-You got it. -Thank you.
Oh man. That is massive.
If the opening of tonight's SmackDown is anything to go by,
we are in for an out-and-out war in tonight's main event.
A lot to talk about with the history
between Riddle and Solo Sikoa as we move along tonight
and also some history developing, a major beef
between LA Knight and Xavier Woods.
This past week they really took it up a notch on social media.
This Friday night on SmackDown,
Xavier Woods has a matchup against one LA Knight.
Now, LA, you have a gift, you have the gift of gab.
The fastest-rising start on SmackDown today.
But unfortunately, right now, you and I have a problem.
It is WrestleMania and then here's this guy on there
for playing video games, how times have changed.
Okay, okay.
If you worked as much as you talked
you probably would have been on WrestleMania.
I can show you exactly what you need to know,
what you need to know is whose game is it?
[grunts]
LA Knight.
That's not an insult, that is just a fact of life.
This Friday night on SmackDown, Xavier Woods wins.
Yeah!
["New Day, New Way" by Jim Johnston plays]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing The New Day,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 215 pounds,
Xavier Woods!
[Cole] As Xavier gets ready for action,
we want to send our well wishes out to Xavier's buddy,
his partner Kofi Kingston who is convalescing at home
after suffering an ankle injury a number of weeks ago.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
This little rivalry has become pretty personal.
[Wade] Yeah, well, I don't know too much about video games, Michael Cole,
but I do know this,
you touch another man's joystick, there are going to be consequences,
and that is an infuriated Xavier Woods.
["Welcome To LA" by def rebel plays]
[Irvin] And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds, LA Knight!
[Cole] Well, the self-proclaimed Megastar
who is still steaming that he didn't have a match at WrestleMania.
[Wade] Well, he should be steaming.
They should have been rolling out the red carpet
for someone like LA Knight in LA of all places,
but more importantly than that, LA Knight is aggrieved
that somebody has been taking Megastar minutes away from him
by playing video games.
-[Cole] Okay. -[Wade] It's ludicrous.
[Cole] So-- So, win a match.
Knock off Xavier Woods tonight
and prove to the world what LA Knight says all the time,
that he's the star every show needs
and he won't be held back and won't be held down.
[Wade] Well, ask and ye shall receive. Watch this, Michael Cole.
[Cole] LA Knight one-on-one with Xavier Woods here
in our first match tonight on Friday Night SmackDown
from the University of Nebraska.
[Wade] And you could just feel it
when LA Knight walked out into the arena tonight
adrenaline levels in here…
-Yeah! -[Wade] …just spiked.
You know why?
Because we are guaranteed a swashbuckling adventure every time
LA Knight is in the ring.
[Cole] No doubt about it.
LA Knight with a unique mixture of unapologetic charisma,
very self-confident, has quite an ego as well,
but he's extremely tough inside the ring.
[Wade] It's bravado, it's derring-do,
and it's what the people need here on SmackDown.
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Cole] A shoulder tackle by LA Knight
as "The New Day rocks" chants fill the arena here tonight.
Nice dropkick by Xavier Woods.
[Wade] Well, I've gotta credit Xavier Woods.
He's really known as a career tag guy,
multiple reigns as Tag Champion here in WWE,
but he's had to step up of late with Kofi Kingston out of commission.
[Cole] And let's not forget
he's a former King of the Ring as well, Wade,
so he can get it done as a singles competitor.
[Wade] Absolutely, and he's having a heck of a run right now, in solo action.
This is why "The Megastar" LA Knight
needs to be sharp this evening to pull out the victory.
[Cole] Side headlock by Xavier Woods and a nice takedown of LA Knight
as he continues to neutralize Knight in this matchup.
Shoulders down and able to counter.
What makes LA Knight…
Like, he has so much potential.
[Wade] He is a perpetual motion machine, you said it already.
Bags of charisma.
The guy just oozes talent.
He is a magnet for the spotlight.
Channel surfers are drawn to him.
Remotes drop every time "The Megastar" LA Knight is on the screen.
[Cole] Yeah, but there's a fine line between being, oh, confident and cocky,
and LA Knight in my estimation is extremely cocky
and sometimes impossible.
[Wade] Well, he's heading over this way, so watch your mouth, Michael Cole.
[Cole] Xavier Woods measuring his man. Here comes Woods now over the top rope!
Taking out LA Knight, and Woods…
is on fire.
[Wade] The man is out of control. Flattening our monitors.
[Cole] Now, keep in mind, with the WWE Draft coming soon,
everyone looking to put on their best face,
have their best matches.
As LA Knight now, scrambles away,
trying to buy himself some time.
[crowd booing]
[Wade] I wouldn't mind about that. Opportunities are abound on the draft.
[Cole] Uh-oh, now, LA Knight driving Woods back-first into the apron.
-[Wade] And that is how you take… -[Cole] Ooh!
[Wade] …an opportunity when it arrives.
This match continues. The Megastar in full control.
[Cole] A competitive, entertaining match to kick off
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Xavier Woods one-on-one with LA Knight.
[Wade] This match is swinging back and forth.
[Cole] Oh, what a neck breaker!
[Wade] And that might do it for The Megastar.
[Cole] Cover, hook of the leg, and Woods kicks at two.
[Wade] Frustration starting to grow inside LA Knight
who thought he'd be home and dry at this point,
but things are starting to look bleak for Xavier Woods.
[Cole] LA Knight controlling the pace of the matchup now
as he continues to pummel Xavier Woods.
[Jessika] Two, three, four.
Hey, break it. You got a five-count. Come on. Back it up.
[Cole] You know, we talked about Woods and, of course, Kofi Kingston
who's recovering from an injury.
There's a good possibility that
those two, The New Day could be broken up in the upcoming WWE Draft.
That's another reason this one-on-one match
is so important for Xavier Woods.
[Wade] Yeah, it's absolutely wild times in WWE when there is a draft.
-[Wade] Opportunities are abound… -[Cole] Oh!
[Wade] …and this could be an opportunity for Xavier Woods
to turn the tide in this one.
[Cole] Were you drafted in your career?
[Wade] I was the guy they left afterwards that nobody wanted generally, you know?
[Cole] Take another look at…
Oh, the kick from Xavier Woods. I got drafted one year.
-[Wade] Oh, you did? -[Cole] Yes.
And here's Woods now, whipped across the ring.
I can tell you that that changed my career forever.
[Wade] Well, I hope you get drafted to purgatory this time.
[Cole] Oh, and Woods now.
Here's the cover to knock off LA Knight, and a kickout at two.
[Wade] This matchup turning into a real barn burner,
but the momentum perhaps now going the way of Xavier Woods, and this is why.
Megastar just about with enough wherewithal
to kick out and stay alive in this one.
[Cole] Tom Cannon-like athleticism from Xavier Woods there.
[Wade] That's the North End super striker. Nice reference.
[laughs]
[Cole] And LA Knight runs into an elbow by Woods.
Woods misses with a kick, and now, LA Knight…
Oh, with a DDT. Is it enough to put him away?
LA Knight for the win, center of the ring, and a kickout again by Woods.
What a matchup between LA Knight and Xavier Woods!
[Wade] Well, you were questioning the abilities of LA Knight earlier.
It is all out on display this evening, but he has to get the W.
[Cole] And I agree with that point, Wade.
I mean, you can talk all you want,
you can complain about not being a part of WrestleMania,
but you got… At the end of the day, you got to win, right?
[Wade] It's a results-based industry.
You have to get those Ws when they're available,
and it's right on the table now for LA Knight.
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks!
[Cole] Xavier Woods able to block.
Counter a second time.
Another block by Woods.
And LA Knight perhaps getting a bit frustrated now, Wade,
that he hasn't been able to put Woods away.
[Wade] When the technical stuff doesn't work, you go the brutal route.
The old-fashioned route. The meat and potatoes route.
[Cole] What's LA Knight have in mind here?
Is he going to try to suplex Woods outside the ring?
[Wade] Woods is a crafty veteran. Ooh!
[Cole] Now, LA Knight set up on the top rope.
Oh, this is not going to bode well for The Megastar.
Woods to the back of the neck!
Xavier Woods with the leg drop. Is it enough for the win?
Oh, and grabbing the bottom rope. Great ring presence by LA Knight.
What a matchup, Wade!
[Wade] Just superb instincts.
Take a look again at the high-risk offense from Xavier Woods.
It paid off.
The Megastar all over the place at this point.
Surely Xavier Woods thought he had done enough with that leg drop,
but no, the smarts, the savvy, the instincts of LA Knight
were all there keeping himself alive once more.
[Cole] LA Knight telegraphing and Xavier Woods made him pay.
Knight, though. Oh my goodness, what a slam.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Big elbow!
[Wade] Just two Superstars who are demanding more, leaving all…
Oh, that BFT.
[Cole] Going for his finishing maneuver. Woods able to counter.
Now, waistlock by Woods. Standing switch.
Knight's got the tights, and official Jessika Carr nailed him.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Now, Woods, O'Connor roll.
Woods using the tights like Knight tried to do!
-["New Day, New Way" plays] -[Cole] And Woods with the win!
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Xavier Woods.
[Wade] All right, Cole, I'm going to tell you point blank,
that absolutely should not stand.
That was not good refereeing whatsoever.
Referee with one eye closed, simply screwing "The Megastar" LA Knight.
[Cole] The official just didn't see it…
-[Wade] How convenient. -[Cole] …bottom line.
[Cole] Now, the official saw this one.
[Wade] Of course they did, 'cause LA Knight did it.
[Cole] But Xavier Woods off the roll up.
The official was in perfect position, and Woods took advantage.
-LA Knight is embarrassed… -I got this. This is my time.
-This is my time. -[Cole] …and he's humiliated.
I've been waiting long enough. I'm not waiting no more.
I ain't waiting no more.
[Cole] Later tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
this man is in action.
[Wade] Oh man, one of the most ferocious battle-hardened warriors
we have seen in WWE,
and don't the entire locker room know about it.
[Cole] Still to come, it's our main event tonight.
Matt Riddle wants payback.
After a handful of brawls over the past week,
he finally gets his match tonight
with The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
How did Matt Riddle end up like this?
We take you back to December of last year and explain next.
[Gunther speaking German]
[trombone plays]
Excuse me, don't you see that Imperium is trying to work here?
Oh. You're right. You're right. My bad.
Please continue. Go ahead.
[speaking German]
-[Gunther speaking German] -[trombone plays]
So, you clearly want my attention.
So, then, you should approach me in a respectful manner,
but you're a goof.
You don't know what respect is.
I don't like goofs.
So, if necessary, you and me step on that mat,
and I'm going to beat the respect into you.
See, Gunther, now we're talking,
because you've been Intercontinental Champion for a long time.
And me? Me, I've never even had a shot to win that thing.
So, considering the draft is coming up soon,
and I have no idea what show I'm going on
because I'm the hottest free agent in a few weeks,
hmm, I feel like I'm beyond ready to step in the ring with you
so I can take that title back to my place.
[trombone plays]
[Cole] Wow.
Get wins, get opportunities.
Few bigger than Intercontinental Champion, the formidable Gunther.
Well, Xavier Woods is right. The draft can change your career.
And someone who had his career changed back in December,
not because of the draft
but because of a serious issue involving The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa,
was one Matt Riddle.
Let's take you back to Monday Night Raw
and show you the damage that Sikoa did to Riddle.
First, he would deliver the devastating Samoan Spike.
And after that, Wade…
[Wade] One of the most heinous attacks we have witnessed in WWE.
The chair wrapped around the neck of Riddle.
A potential career-ending moment.
What we do know is it took out four months of Matt Riddle's career
as he was wheeled out in an ambulance.
[Cole] Matt Riddle taken to the hospital as he was stretchered out of the building.
Tonight, he gets an opportunity at payback.
Look, man, I just want to say this before you go out.
But I want to thank you first of all for stepping up with us
these last few weeks against The Bloodline.
Look, Solo, it's true what they're saying. He is dangerous.
You know, just be careful out there tonight, okay?
Because this guy did take you out before, and to be honest, I was a part of it.
I was on that side of the fence when that happened.
Yeah, you were.
You know, and I feel horrible about it.
And then last week, Kevin gets hurt and I feel like…
That's kind of my fault too.
And I just don't want…
I would feel awful if something bad happened to you tonight.
So, just… I don't know. Just be careful.
[Owens] Be careful?
What are you telling him to be careful for?
-I'm not. -Solo took you out for what?
-Three months? Three months. -I know.
-Be careful? -118 days.
Screw being careful.
You got to go at him with everything you have.
Don't you want revenge?
You got to take him out just like he did to you.
You got to go in there and give it your all.
Come on, Riddle. Be careful, it's the opposite.
You're right. You're right.
Honestly, guys, you both have really good advice.
Well, one thing I learned while I was gone
is I can only keep my side of the street clean,
and I can't control if The Bloodline wants to bust my head open with a chair
or Sami Zayn can't control his Ucey-ness.
One thing I can't control is how prepared I am for tonight.
And one other thing I can control
is how much pain I inflict on Solo
for the 118 days I was gone, bro.
No doubt Matt Riddle is seeking payback
as he prepares to take on Solo Sikoa later on tonight.
But for now, I'm standing by with my guests,
The Judgment Day's Damian Priest.
[crowd booing]
SmackDown Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley.
And Dominik Mysterio.
[crowd boos]
[Kayla] Now, Damian, Dom,
last week you picked up a victory over Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar,
despite Zelina kind of embarrassing Rhea.
Excuse me, Kayla?
Embarrass… Are you kidding me right now? Really?
-Well… -Just stop.
Okay? You don't want to make Mami mad.
Kayla, here's the deal.
Santos Escobar, we all know he can go.
What he can't do is pick friends.
Rey Mysterio, the LWO.
They shouldn't have been getting involved in our business.
And I know you're going to ask me about Bad Bunny,
but I'm going to address that in the ring.
["The Other Side" by Alter Bridge plays]
[crowd booing]
[fireworks booming]
[Irvin] Please welcome, Dominik Mysterio, Damian Priest,
and the SmackDown Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley,
The Judgment Day!
[Cole] Evil, eerie, threatening.
Damian Priest is set for a matchup in a little bit here tonight, Wade,
against Santos Escobar of the LWO, the Latino World Order,
but The Judgment Day has put everyone on notice here in WWE.
[Wade] You're absolutely right.
There is an ominous feeling immediately washing over this entire arena
with good reason because this trio,
and you have to add in the absent Finn Bálor too,
have left a trail of destruction in their wake wherever they have gone.
[Cole] Rhea Ripley, of course, the new SmackDown Women's Champion
after she knocked off Charlotte Flair
in one of the great WrestleMania matches of all time a couple of weeks ago.
Dominik Mysterio last week had every excuse to the book
for why he couldn't get the job done
against his dad, Rey Mysterio, at WrestleMania.
["The Other Side" by Alter Bridge continues]
[Cole] Jam-packed crowd tonight at the University of Nebraska
for SmackDown.
[crowd boos]
Backlash is in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
And the host…
[speaking Spanish] El pana mío.
[in English] My friend Bad Bunny.
[Cole] Yeah. Okay.
Now, Bunny…
you want to attend the show, sit in the front row again?
Fine.
Have a great time.
But if you put your hands on my family again…
I mean, we all know what can happen.
[Cole] Well, what Damian Priest is referring to
is the Raw after WrestleMania.
Now, Bad Bunny was a guest of our company sitting in the front row,
and Dominik tried to cheap shot him and Bad Bunny defended himself.
Damian Priest was not happy with that.
You didn't need to get involved, bro.
[Cole] Again, Dominik would run into a right hand,
and Damian Priest would take out his friend.
[Dominik] Yeah, come on.
[Wade] This is what happens
when Bunny gets involved in Dominik's match at WrestleMania
costing him victory against his father.
It was Bunny's mistake.
[crowd boos]
I know that was bad, but I need you all to watch that again.
Can we play that in slow motion, please?
[Cole] Again, I want to reiterate that Bad Bunny was a guest of WWE.
He's the hottest performing artist on the planet,
and he was treated like that by a supposed friend, Damian Priest.
[inaudible]
["Soul March" by def rebel plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Kayla alluded to it earlier on, Rhea embarrassed last week by Zelina Vega.
And look at this!
[Wade] Welcome to the deep bag of tricks of the LWO.
[Cole] Priest and Escobar go one-on-one next.
LWO strikes first.
Some of the most controversial Superstars in the history of WWE,
and, well, what about The Judgment Day?
Creating their own controversy here on both Monday Night Raw
and tonight Friday Night SmackDown.
It is Damian Priest, one-on-one with Santos Escobar of the LWO.
The Latino World Order!
Escobar. What a crossbody!
[Wade] Pretty rare situation outside the ring right now
where for once The Judgment Day are actually outnumbered four-on-three.
[Cole] Damian Priest stunned.
Escobar in his wheelhouse, and Damian Priest steps out of harm's way,
at least momentarily.
Oh, and a right hand by Priest, flooring Escobar.
[Wade] Huge six-foot-six frame using full extension
of the jab there to catch a flying Escobar.
[Cole] And now, Priest on the attack. The extremely dangerous Damian Priest.
And you can see how much his confidence has grown,
his ability being shown ever since joining Judgment Day.
Cover now on Escobar, and a kickout.
That was a three! Learn how to count!
[Cole] And this is how Damian Priest turned this around.
Boom, what a right hand, flooring Escobar.
[Wade] Perfectly timed, and it has to be said,
anyone who has witnessed
Damian Priest over the last couple of years
knew all along this guy has the perfect combination
of size and athleticism, but it really has been The Judgment Day
that has given him that cutthroat attitude.
[Cole] Escobar trying to fight back.
Santos Escobar, who has been very vocal
about the way that Dominik Mysterio has treated his father Rey Mysterio,
who Santos Escobar grew up idolizing.
Escobar as tough as they come.
Priest misses wildly and here comes Santos Escobar…
the second-generation Mexican Superstar.
Nice dropkick! Priest floored.
Cover by Escobar for the win, and a kickout.
[Wade] Just getting a little glimpses right now
at the tremendous all-rounder that Santos Escobar truly is,
a man who has won championships around the world, including in NXT.
[Cole] There's a reason, Wade, he's called the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
Escobar into the corner with a running knee.
Santos Escobar, we've talked a lot about his high-flying ability,
but he is as tough as they come.
[Wade] He can brawl.
He's a technician, he's a man of elegance,
but he doesn't mind taking the gloves off when the situation requires it,
and that is certainly the case
anytime you're up against a member of The Judgment Day.
[Cole] Damian Priest in trouble.
[crowd counts]
[Cole] Dominik and Rhea were livid,
and Damian Priest not going to allow number ten to be delivered.
Escobar with a well-placed elbow.
[Wade] Cannot give Damian Priest an inch.
Oh, because this is what happens.
[Cole] That kick driving Escobar out of the ring,
and the concern now, from the LWO.
[Wade] Once again, it's that extension, those Stretch Armstrong limbs
of Damian Priest just gives him a massive advantage.
[Cole] Priest full head of steam off the steps, ax handle down to Escobar.
Priest has taken control here on Fox.
[crowd booing]
Damian Priest dominating this matchup here on Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox against Santos Escobar.
Escobar's LWO teammates outside the ring, and Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley
from Judgment Day outside the ring on Damian Priest's side.
Escobar planted face-first.
Is it enough for Priest to pick up the win?
Hook of the leg, kickout.
[Wade] I'll tell you this.
Fans of Santos Escobar, of which I count myself one,
have rarely seen this kind of beating, being thrown down upon him.
-[Wade] Once again… -[Cole] Whoa!
[Wade] …Damian Priest using his massive size to advantage
almost, almost putting away the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
[Cole] Priest uber-athletic for his size.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
We're live at the University of Nebraska.
Damian Priest, Santos Escobar, one-on-one.
Still to come tonight, our main event, Solo Sikoa against Matt Riddle.
[Wade] Santos Escobar was on the bump this past week.
He said it was a dream to be invited into the LWO.
Well, that dream might suddenly be turning into a nightmare
the way this match has been going.
[Cole] Latino World Order, a group that was started back in the late 1990s
in WCW by the late great Eddie Guerrero,
reformed here by Rey Mysterio.
Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio enjoying the beatdown by Damian Priest.
[Wade] I think the LWO on the outside of the ring are in shock right now.
Rarely have they seen Santos Escobar getting dominated like we're witnessing.
[Cole] Oh, Priest with more confidence than ever in his career.
He's at a different level right now,
but Escobar with the grit and toughness, fighting back.
[Wade] This is a momentum industry,
and when you get momentum like Damian Priest has it is hard to stop,
but that isn't going to prevent Santos Escobar from trying.
[Cole] Oh, hurricanrana takes Priest down, and Escobar's got a chance.
Can he rally?
[Rhea] Damian!
[Cole] Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, Zelina Vega cheering on Escobar,
who goes for the win!
And a kickout by Priest at two.
[Wade] Santos Escobar pulled the miracle move out there
from the top rope, but you can just see in the eyes of Escobar, he is glassy-eyed.
Still trying to get his bearings.
Still trying to get that feeling back in the arm.
[crowd clapping]
[Cole] Both men back to their feet.
Escobar and Priest now exchanging blows.
[crowd exclaiming]
And Priest taking over.
Oh, and Escobar caught him with a ripcord knee!
Now Escobar picking up the pace and down goes Priest.
And Santos Escobar building momentum!
Priest sent into the corner.
[Wade] Turning into a slugfest, there's only one winner, but go for speed,
and it's Santos Escobar's game.
[Cole] Escobar landing on the apron, blocks the right hand,
catches Priest to the back of the neck.
[Wade] Now it's Priest who's glassy-eyed.
[Cole] Moonsault from the top rope. Cover for the win.
Priest kicks out at two and a half.
Rhea Ripley thought it was over.
Dominik Mysterio thought it was over, and Priest kicked out.
[Wade] What a complete shift in energy this has been.
Just when everyone was starting to write off Santos Escobar, think again.
This man is durable.
[crowd chanting] Santos! Santos!
[Cole] And the Santos chant from the WWE fans.
Meanwhile, Rhea on one side distracts the referee,
Dominik Mysterio gets involved
and allows Priest to deliver the clothesline.
Classic Judgment Day, but here comes the LWO.
Now they're taking out Dominik Mysterio.
Take him out, guys!
Take him out, guys! Take him out!
Dominik getting beat down!
But Priest…
[Wade] Just a one-man wrecking crew annihilating the LWO.
[Cole] Now Escobar driving Priest on the announce table!
And now, the fight underway.
It is chaos at ringside!
Escobar has got a chance.
[Wade] Once again, involvement from "The Eradicator" Rhea Ripley.
[Cole] Now Zelina Vega making Rhea pay face-first to the barricade!
[Wade] Zelina Vega might have a death wish.
[Cole] Oh, what a kick!
And now, Priest with a South of Heaven Chokeslam.
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Cole] Priest with the win. -[bell rings]
["The Other Side" by Alter Bridge plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Damian Priest!
[Cole] What a match! In the end, Judgment Day with the victory.
[Wade] Carnage everywhere you look,
but somehow Damian Priest getting the job done.
[Cole] And I don't think Priest is done yet.
[Wade] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Damian Priest sending Escobar outside the ring.
And look out, Wade.
[Cole] Santos Escobar--
["Booyaka 619 (Rey Mysterio)" by P.O.D, plays]
[Cole] Wait a minute!
Rey Mysterio!
Rey Mysterio…
taking out Priest.
[inaudible]
And Dominik is going to get his again. Rey teeing off on Dominik!
Rey beating the hell out of his son!
Dominik!
Come on, Rey, dial it up!
And Damian Priest saving Dominik Mysterio.
[Wade] Well, for weeks the LWO have had the back of Rey Mysterio.
This time Rey repays the favors.
["Booyaka 619 (Rey Mysterio)" plays]
[Cole] Talk about things being heated between these two groups.
That was a hell of a match.
Unbelievable action after the match.
Zelina Vega embarrassed the SmackDown Women's Champion again.
Rey got some of Dominik, but in the end,
Judgment Day standing tall.
[inaudible]
[Jey] Come on. Come on.
[Heyman] I just got off the phone with our Tribal Chief,
the Head of the Table, the Undisputed Champion.
[stammers] Riddle didn't just embarrass you.
When someone embarrasses you,
that person embarrasses your entire family.
-Everybody. Everybody. -Your lineage.
When someone embarrasses you, they embarrass The Usos.
Sure did.
When someone embarrasses you, they embarrass Afa.
-Hell no. -Stop.
When they embarrass you, they embarrass Sika.
-Get him. -Stop.
They disgrace the memory of Yokozuna.
Smash him.
I see Umaga turning over in his grave right now.
I cannot imagine what's going through the mind
of Rikishi at this moment.
No, you didn't.
They embarrassed "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
Anoai, Uso, Fatu…
I'm sorry.
Tell the Tribal Chief…
I got this.
Okay. Okay.
Call Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Riddle better take shelter.
[Wade] Well, after months on the shelf, Riddle gets his opportunity for vengeance
against the man who put him there.
Riddle, Sikoa, later on tonight in our main event.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, the King is back.
The King of Strong Style, that is.
Shinsuke Nakamura. A Royal Rumble winner.
NXT Champion. Intercontinental Champion.
United States Champion. Tag Team Champion.
Shinsuke Nakamura returns tonight!
["Liv Gone Mad (Liv Morgan)" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Speaking of champions.
♪ Watch me ♪
["Trap Queen" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] And if you watched Monday Night Raw,
there was a lot to unload in the Tag Team Championship Match
between Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez,
and Becky Lynch and Lita, who were the champs,
but Trish Stratus ended up replacing Lita, who was injured.
It was an unbelievable scene, but ladies and gentlemen,
Backlash is sponsored by Xfinity 10G Network.
Get a reliable connection and the fastest internet
on the next generation 10G network, only from Xfinity.
The future starts now. And by Mike's HARDER Lemonade.
Lemonade that hits harder for Mikes that go harder.
The world needs more Mikes.
I agree.
The Tag Team Champions are here.
Celebration time for Liv and Raquel, next.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, SummerSlam tickets were available today
for Detroit's Ford Field in August.
That, of course, the stadium
that is the home to the Detroit Lions of the NFL.
We made history today. This is the 36th annual SummerSlam.
And never before have we sold as many tickets in one day
for this event that we sold today for Detroit.
SummerSlam invades Ford Field in August.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple-threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[Saxton] Becky, any update on the condition
of Lita and who might have been responsible for the attack?
[Lita] I'm okay.
[woman] Lita, no, don't try to… Lita--
-[crosstalk] -[Pearce] Easy, easy, easy.
Go get me a doctor. Somebody get me a doctor.
Well, Lita is in a local medical facility,
and I don't know who did it,
but I promised these people a title match tonight.
So, I was ready to go and do this alone.
But then somebody came to me with a pretty good idea.
We made a hell of a team at WrestleMania. We're going to do it tonight for Lita.
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] An iconic duo of Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus
up against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
[bell rings]
[Graves] Lynch and Trish working extremely well together as a tandem.
-One, two-- -[yelling]
[dramatic music playing]
It is chaos and it is breaking down all in the name
of the Women's Tag Team Championships.
Manhandle Slam!
[Patrick] Just in time.
Tag made.
[Graves] Trish lining up Liv Morgan.
No! Shoulders down!
-[referee] One, two, three! -[Graves] Oh!
-[Patrick] New champions! -[bell rings]
[Rome] Here are your winners, and the new
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Graves] Congratulations to the new champions.
[Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[fireworks booming]
[upbeat music playing]
[Cole] Congratulations to Liv and Raquel.
Been on cloud nine all week.
We are so happy and proud to be standing here,
your new Tag Team Champions.
[crowd cheers]
And-- And we brought the hardware home
to Friday Night SmackDown, baby!
But I genuinely would love to take this time
to sincerely say thank you, Liv.
What?
Yes, yes, thank you, Liv, for sacrificing your body so willingly
so that I can use you as my own personal weapon.
No, but we make the perfect combo of chaos and power.
Oh, Raquel, thank you so much.
I will always let you throw me into people.
[laughs]
But when we started this journey together,
I never knew that this is where we'd end up.
So, it just serves as a nice little reminder
that sometimes incredible things happen when you least expect it.
Thank you.
And besides, we're still getting to know each other,
we're still filling out our vibe,
but if we are this good this quick, then wow, wow, wow, wow, wow,
I can only imagine--
["Made Me Stronger" by def rebel plays]
[crowd booing]
-Hold on. Hold on. -Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
I'm sorry to interrupt this little celebration,
but listening to you back there
was literally making me feel dumber and dumber by the minute, do you agree?
So, first things first, you people, when we grace you with our presence,
you shut your mouth, you sit down and you show some respect.
-Thank you. -Ew!
You guys don't have to listen to her.
Secondly, secondly,
I'm here to address the elephant in the room.
How are you two the Tag Team Champions
when you didn't beat the two Tag Team Champions?
Right? We're just gonna ignore the fact that Lita miraculously got beat up
and attacked right before your match?
Trish filled in and now it just counts?
Does that make any sense to you?
I'm not getting that. No.
You know, maybe it was someone, Chelsea,
maybe it was someone from upper management?
-Ah-ha-ha, that's right. -That maybe overlooked it?
You know who it was, Sonya? It was that pea-brain Adam Pearce.
But while we're here,
why don't we discuss the way we've been treated in this company?
Absolutely.
The fact that we are being overlooked…
for this mediocre tag team.
I mean, come on. What even is this?
I mean, Sonya, true or false?
The only difference between these two
and everyone else in this building, woof,
are those Tag Team Championships.
-True. -True.
-That's right. -Yep.
Where's our celebration? Where's our pyro?
Where's our Tag Team Title opportunities?
-Where is it? -Do you know who we are?
Do you?
Yeah, we know exactly who you are,
but after we talked to Adam,
I think you guys are going to be our next new challengers.
Love it.
[indistinct chatter]
[Sonya] Relax. It's a good idea.
[Cole] Oh, Liv and Raquel going after Sonya and Chelsea,
and I love the fact that seems like they're going to be Tag Team Champions,
fighting champions.
And Liv went for Oblivion,
and Sonya Deville getting out of harm's way.
["Liv Gone Mad (Liv Morgan)" by def rebel plays]
[indistinct yelling]
[Cole] Well, Sonya and Chelsea may rue the day
that they ticked off the new Tag Champs.
[inaudible]
[Cole] Well, coming up next, I cannot wait.
This is going to be electric.
It is the return of the King of Strong Style.
Shinsuke Nakamura is here next
on Friday Night SmackDown.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is in the University of Nebraska tonight,
home, of course,
to the traditional powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers.
And guess who's joining us here tonight at ringside?
Members of the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Team
including new Head Coach Matt Rhule who's going to turn this program around.
Welcome to the University of Nebraska.
-[crowd cheers] -Go Big Red!
Go Big Red! Go Big Red!
[Wade] These guys are in for a treat
because still to come in tonight's main event,
bad blood is on the cards as Matt Riddle looks for vengeance
against the man who cost him four months of his career, Solo Sikoa.
["The Rising Sun" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd sings melody]
[fireworks booming]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Kyoto, Japan,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
Don't listen to them. Listen to me.
They should be cheering for you out there.
Shinsuke doesn't even compare to you.
He's never won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
You have.
He doesn't have your looks, he doesn't have your strength.
Shinsuke has nothing on you.
We need this.
Tonight, you're going to go out there and prove why you will be
a top pick in this year's draft.
Top pick.
Let's do it! Whoo!
["Ready For Business" by def rebel plays]
[Irvin] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Emma,
from Minneapolis, Minnesota, weighing in at 245 pounds,
Madcap Moss!
[Cole] It's going to be a wild number of months
coming up here, Wade, in WWE.
Of course, the draft around the corner, Backlash in San Juan,
-Puerto Rico in a few weeks. -[yelling]
Both Shinsuke Nakamura,
Madcap Moss and others would love to be a part of the card at SummerSlam,
the 36th annual event taking place this August
at the stadium known as Ford Field,
where the Detroit Lions play. History made day today.
More tickets sold for SummerSlam on opening day than any time ever
in the history of that great event.
So, Madcap Moss, Shinsuke Nakamura tonight.
Important matchup, Wade, for both of these Superstars.
[bell rings]
Shinsuke returning, Madcap trying to climb the ladder here in WWE.
[Wade] Yeah, absolutely.
Madcap Moss counting on the fact that Shinsuke Nakamura
may have a little ring rust after several months out.
And this could be over quick.
[Cole] You know, Emma's trying to play cheerleader,
giving a number of pep talks to Madcap Moss.
Shinsuke hit hard. Madcap now into the cover.
Nakamura…
[Wade] Nakamura might be knocked a little loopy already in this one.
I mean, you saw Madcap come out of the gate like a bull.
Completely rushing Shinsuke, but… Oh.
[Cole] Oh, Nakamura caught him on the other side,
and Madcap Moss knocked down.
-Shinsuke Nakamura returning to WWE. -[exclaiming]
Former Royal Rumble winner.
[Wade] Perhaps one of the most enigmatic Superstars
we've ever had here in WWE.
Shrouded in ambiguity.
[grunting]
[Cole] A kick again by Nakamura, the King of Strong Style.
Oh, that right there is vintage Nakamura!
[Wade] Well, it took about 30 seconds into this matchup,
but it seems Shinsuke of old is back, and now looking razor-sharp.
[Cole] Oh, the knee.
The flying knee of the second rope,
and Nakamura's got Madcap Moss where he wants him.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Emma frantically trying on the outside to deliver a pep talk.
I don't know if the mental…
[Cole] Kinshasa!
[Wade] …capacity of Madcap Moss is there.
-It's over. -[referee] One, two, three.
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
["The Rising Sun" plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
[Cole] Welcome back to the King of Strong Style.
Nakamura with the flying knee and, of course, the beauty,
the power, the impact of the Kinshasa.
[Wade] The instant match-ender
from the most unpredictable man on the roster.
Shinsuke Nakamura is back.
[Cole] And so is Madcap. Madcap Moss was frustrated.
Went after Nakamura again,
and Shinsuke into the jumping, rolling armbar.
Trying to lock it in on Madcap, and Emma trying to save Madcap Moss.
[Wade] Well, Emma instructed Madcap to attack there,
trying to get something out of this encounter.
Clearly it backfired once again.
["The Rising Sun" by It Lives, It Breathes plays]
[Cole] No matter where he ends up in the WWE Draft,
Shinsuke Nakamura a force to be reckoned with.
[eerie music playing]
[slamming echoes]
Tick… tock.
[Cole] The clock is ticking for Shinsuke Nakamura and for Matt Riddle.
Up next, Riddle, Sikoa, live in our main event on SmackDown.
[Cole] This past week on Monday Night Raw,
Lita was injured, so, Becky Lynch would team up
with Hall of Famer Trish Stratus to defend the Tag Team Titles.
However, they would lose to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
And then the unthinkable happened.
A stunning, startling moment
when Trish Stratus would attack her partner
Becky Lynch from behind.
This coming Monday night, live on Raw, from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Trish Stratus will address her stunning actions…
toward Becky Lynch.
Why would Trish do such a thing?
We'll find out Monday night, live on Raw.
This draft is about to be crazy.
We just started.
It's just started going good.
[yelling]
[metal clanging]
[Cole] And Ricochet trying to fight back
after The Viking Raiders assaulted Braun Strowman.
[Valhalla yelling]
[Cole] And Valhalla, barking orders.
[Wade] A valiant effort, but apparently in vain.
[Cole] Ragnarok!
[yelling]
-["We Up (Riddle)" by def rebel plays] -♪ Bro! ♪
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] What a brutal beatdown by Erik and Ivar.
[Wade] Unremitting rage once again from The Viking Raiders.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, Matt Riddle!
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Riddle is no stranger to the seriousness of The Bloodline,
hence bringing Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, the Tag Team Champions,
to ringside for his main event match here tonight against Solo Sikoa.
Rhinos are rumbling.
And for Riddle, an opportunity at retribution tonight.
Let's take you back to December.
Monday Night Raw.
Solo Sikoa targeting Matt Riddle.
First the Samoan Spike, and then he would turn even more vicious.
[Wade] This was the moment
Matt Riddle's career was in complete jeopardy.
Steel chair around the neck, followed by a rampaging Solo Sikoa.
Absolute disaster,
however, as Riddle was wheeled out, taken to a medical facility,
four months of his career gone.
[siren wailing]
[Cole] Riddle was watching that moment
on the big screen here at Friday Night SmackDown.
The emotions running wild as he looks to take out Sikoa tonight.
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
[crowd booing]
[Irvin] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Paul Heyman and The Usos,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa!
[Cole] Solo Sikoa is a man of very few words,
but earlier tonight he told Paul Heyman,
"Tell the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns I'll handle this business."
Let's go, Uce.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Wade] I've got to tell you, Cole, I was in a lot of scary situations
during my in-ring career, but nothing would have terrified me more
than standing across the ring from Solo Sikoa.
That man is not human.
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd boos]
My name is Paul Heyman.
And I have a historic announcement to make.
I just got off the phone with your "Tribal Chief"
Roman Reigns…
[crowd boos]
…who has authorized me to let you know we…
Well, we muscled our way through management
and finally it's set.
Two weeks from tonight,
live from Corpus Christi,
the biggest Tag Team match
in the history of SmackDown
when the WrestleMania Night 1
main event gets rematched live.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
defending and losing
the Undisputed Tag Team Championships to The Usos.
[crowd boos]
And by the way, here's a guarantee for you.
You will lose
those Tag Team Championships
because the Tribal Chief is losing patience
with the two of you.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Important match in two weeks for The Usos trying to regain the gold.
But coming up next, a massive main event,
retribution on Riddle's mind,
destruction on Solo Sikoa's mind.
They meet next on SmackDown.
[inaudible]
[Cole] Two weeks from tonight, it is a WrestleMania main event
on Friday Night SmackDown,
the rematch for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn against The Usos.
[Wade] And fresh off victory tonight,
Xavier Woods has landed a dream opportunity
against the formidable Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther, that is next week here on SmackDown.
[Cole] At the University of Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio,
the Women's Tag Team Championship,
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defend the titles
against Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green.
[Wade] Wow, don't things move fast on SmackDown.
Viking Raiders attack, but apparently they didn't finish the job.
They will go up against an enraged Ricochet and Strowman
next week on SmackDown.
[Cole] At the Ohio State University.
Now here we go with our main event tonight,
Matt Riddle, Solo Sikoa, one-on-one.
The Usos at ringside, the Tag Team Champions down here as well.
And here we go.
This is going to be as physical as they come.
[Wade] It's four months of pent-up rage
inside Matt Riddle exploding on Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] And Riddle going to try to perhaps make Solo submit early on in this match.
[Wade] We know all about the well-rounded MMA skills of Matt Riddle.
[Cole] There's the power though of "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa.
Now, we've talked so much about the injuries
Solo caused Matt Riddle back in December,
costing Riddle a number of months of his career,
as Riddle now goes to the sleeper to try to wear Solo Sikoa down.
But this issue goes much deeper and has lasted for much longer than that.
As again Riddle goes for the sleeper on Solo Sikoa.
It was back in the early part of last year
when The Usos knocked off Riddle and Orton
to win the Raw Tag Team Titles.
Oh! It was also on that night where The Bloodline would beat down
Randy Orton so bad that we haven't seen the Viper since.
And here now is Riddle.
Trying to take out Solo Sikoa here tonight on SmackDown.
[Wade] Man, I gotta compliment Matt Riddle
on his tactics in the early goings of this one.
I don't care who you are, you get in a fistfight with Solo Sikoa,
chances are you are losing.
You have to think outside the box with The Enforcer.
[Cole] And you see Riddle is out just slowly wearing Solo Sikoa down!
But a right hand may have knocked Riddle out.
[Wade] It's just that easy for Solo Sikoa.
What the hell did they make this guy out of?
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] Bang. What a right by Sikoa,
and now Solo takes over.
[Wade] Just one-way traffic from the off and one shot from Solo Sikoa
was all it took for this match to do a complete 180.
[Cole] And I don't think there is any doubt
that Sikoa may be the most dangerous part of The Bloodline.
[Wade] I mean, what a difference Solo has made to The Bloodline.
He is the man directly responsible
for Cody Rhodes failing to defeat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
[Cole] He's also the man who is directly responsible
for Drew McIntyre not knocking off Roman Reigns back
at Clash of the Castle, Wade.
Solo Sikoa,
what he has given to The Bloodline and Roman Reigns has been unbelievable.
[Wade] Roman Reigns simply does not make mistakes.
[Cole] Riddle fighting back.
And for Riddle, you want to pick up the pace.
Don't get too close to Sikoa.
And there, look now, The Usos get involved.
Jimmy had the referee distracted,
Jey made Riddle pay, and now, KO and Sami Zayn.
[Wade] Looking like a powder keg situation at ringside.
[overlapping chatter]
[Cole] There's no doubt Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens…
You said it right when we kicked off the show tonight.
The Bloodline, they have never been this dangerous.
[Wade] Wait a minute.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn get sent out of here by the officials.
[Cole] And the officials send out The Usos as well.
Great call by Jason Ayers to make this a truly one-on-one match
between Solo Sikoa and Riddle.
[Wade] The Usos don't like it, but let's face it,
this match was going to be a complete mess had those four stayed on the outside.
[Cole] Riddle from behind, shoulders down, official back in the ring,
and a kickout at two.
Now Solo Sikoa with a Samoan Drop.
Sikoa has taken over.
Bloodline, Usos sent to the back.
This main event continues live.
Solo Sikoa,
Matt Riddle in a slugfest in our main event here tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] These two have been tearing strips off one another.
[Cole] Cover by Sikoa for the win, kickout at two.
The Usos have been kicked out, sent back to the locker room.
Bang, watch the impact.
Also, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn sent back to the locker room as well.
Truly a one-on-one matchup in our main event here tonight.
[Wade] Official had absolutely no choice in making that move.
[Cole] Huge crowd here tonight, University of Nebraska.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Solo Sikoa controlling the pace, beating down Riddle,
which has been the game plan coming in.
[Wade] Here's Riddle's problem, he is in a highly volatile situation here.
His mindset is so emotional coming into this matchup.
He's perhaps at his best when he's carefree.
Maybe he cares too much tonight because of the issues of Solo Sikoa,
and that is preventing Riddle being at his best.
[Cole] Could be, but Solo Sikoa has been nearly unstoppable
since bursting on the scene and joining Roman Reigns,
his cousin and his brothers, The Usos and The Bloodline.
Sikoa, though. Riddle able to duck underneath.
Solo hit hard up top of the ring post.
And Riddle avoiding that collision,
and now Matt Riddle fighting back with the strikes
and the kicks that have made Riddle so famous.
Riddle ducks underneath, catches him with a kick to the face.
Solo in trouble.
[Wade] You get yourself a window of opportunity against Solo Sikoa,
you damn well better take it, Riddle.
[Cole] Oh, what a suplex by Riddle, and now Matt Riddle taking control!
Standing moonsault, lands on his feet.
Oh, knees right to the spine.
[Wade] Ludicrous athleticism from Riddle,
but those reactions of Solo Sikoa are something else.
[Cole] Solo stunned, Riddle now goes up to the top rope.
Riddle!
Here's the cover! Hook of the leg, and a kickout.
The Floating Bro almost took Solo Sikoa out.
[Wade] Riddle thought he had this one won.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And now, The Usos wandering back out to ringside
after being kicked out by the official, Jason Ayers.
This is The Bloodline spitting in the face of authority,
as the Tag Team Champions now come back.
[Wade] If we're not careful, we could get a disqualification here from this referee.
[Cole] And now the brawl outside the ring!
The Tag Champs, the former champs!
[Wade] Two weeks before they collide in the WrestleMania main event rematch,
we get a little preview!
[Cole] Meanwhile, Sikoa in the ring.
Riddle lands on his feet. Riddle caught Sikoa with a kick!
Solo's down!
Riddle's going to go up top!
[Wade] It's not often you see Solo Sikoa rocked like this.
[Cole] Riddle taking out The Usos!
[crowd cheering]
Top rope!
Oh, what a kick by Sikoa!
[Wade] Knocking the stuffing out of Riddle.
[Cole] Samoan Spike!
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Cole] The Usos did their job, caused a distraction.
Solo wins.
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Solo Sikoa!
[Wade] Well, Riddle came here tonight
to settle a debt owed to him by Solo Sikoa.
He came for a pound of flesh and he almost took it,
but "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa is just built a little different,
and that Samoan Spike will put anybody down for three.
[Cole] I don't believe Solo Sikoa is done yet.
Sikoa now with Riddle
barely able to function after the Samoan Spike.
-[Wade] This looks bleak. -[Cole] And Solo now.
Sikoa with the Uranage on the table!
[yelling]
Now Solo Sikoa going to bury Riddle under the announce table!
[screaming]
[Wade] Sikoa is completely out of control.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Don't cross The Enforcer.
And a serious situation as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn come out here…
to help Riddle.
[Wade] Riddle is in a bad way here.
[Cole] Who was buried under the announce table by Solo Sikoa.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And again, first, Wade, the Uranage.
And then Solo Sikoa would bury Matt Riddle.
[Wade] If the Uranage wasn't enough,
just for good measure.
[yelling]
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd booing]
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
[Cole] Matt Riddle learning tonight what his buddy Randy Orton learned.
Don't pick a fight with The Bloodline
who are now even more dangerous with "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa
who's taken all this personal.
[Solo speaking Samoan] rsonal.