[WWE intro music]
[Cena] Then.
[Flair] Woo!
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[gong rings] -[Cena] Now.
[Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-The king of kings. -You can't see me.
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
["Nobody Better Than Me" by def rebel feat. Supreme Madness]
♪ Woo, woo ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Let's go Who better than me ♪
♪ I don't see nobody I don't see nobody ♪
♪ Who stepping to me ♪
♪ I don't see nobody (I don't see nobody) ♪
♪ Who can tussle with the beast ♪
♪ I don't see nobody 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Running through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Who better than me ♪
♪ Woo ♪
[fireworks]
♪ Flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving dem all Looking stressin' and folded ♪
♪ How am I hot But I'm dressing the coldest ♪
♪ Impressing the suckaz ♪
[Cole] It's the final time for Friday Night Superstars
to impress before next week's WWE Draft.
Welcome to the Ohio State University.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And Wade, what a night tonight.
[Wade] Yes, indeed. Because later on tonight,
Women's Tag Titles will be on the line
as the permanently offended duo of Green and Deville
challenge recently crowned champs, Morgan and Rodriguez.
[Cole] Also tonight, another championship on the line.
The Intercontinental Title.
Gunther, who's held the championship longer than anyone this century,
takes on Xavier Woods, who's upset-minded tonight.
[Wade] And we have some bad blood in tonight's main event,
so the rules, they're going out the window.
Matt Riddle versus "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa
in a No Disqualification Matchup.
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Running through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
[The Judgment Day's music plays]
[crowd cheering]
[fireworks]
-[bell rings] -[Irvin] The following is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing The Judgment Day,
the team of Damian Priest and Finn Bálor.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, you are looking at a group
that has been wreaking havoc
and sending shock waves through WWE and beyond.
We are still stunned by what went down
the night after WrestleMania on Monday Night Raw.
Global recording superstar Bad Bunny,
a guest of WWE,
we thought great friends with Damian Priest…
[speaking in Spanish]
…was goaded by Dominik Mysterio.
Bad Bunny defending himself.
Again, he was a guest of the company in the front row,
and then Damian Priest would attack.
And Damian Priest would make Bad Bunny pay.
[Wade] South of Heaven through the announce table.
Damian Priest's allegiances have certainly changed over time.
Now fully with The Judgment Day.
[Cole] Well, Monday Night Raw is in Chicago this coming week
and Bad Bunny, the host of Backlash two weeks from tomorrow,
will be on Raw Live.
And we can only imagine
what he has in store for Damian Priest.
[Wade] Bad Bunny better behave himself
or he'll get more of the pain he's already tasted.
[Rey Mysterio's music plays]
[Irvin] And their opponents, representing LWO,
the team of Santos Escobar
and WWE Hall of Famer
Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] It has been a wild couple of weeks involving Mysterio,
The LWO, The Judgment Day,
and of course, The Bloodline.
Wade, this past Monday Night on Raw, there was a one-day truce,
so to speak, between The Judgment Day and The Bloodline
as they look to take apart each other's problems.
Solo Sikoa would beat Rey Mysterio.
Riddle and Sami would take on The Judgment Day,
which Riddle and Sami would win,
but it led to this massive brawl when Monday Night Raw went off the air.
[Wade] Absolute chaotic ending to Monday Night Raw.
Groups fighting wars on multiple fronts,
but now we're getting back to where The LWO
and The Judgment Day
really have their beef that's between one another.
[Cole] So, it looks like Finn Bálor will start things off against Rey Mysterio
in our tag team matchup
to kick off Friday Night SmackDown here tonight.
Bálor, of course, back at Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania
against Edge,
had to have 14 staples put in his skull
and still was able to complete the matchup.
[Wade] They breed them pretty tough in Dublin, Ireland.
No tougher than Finn Bálor.
[Cole] Tougher than those outside of Cardiff, I know that.
And Bálor up over the top,
Rey rolls through, basement dropkick.
[Wade] I'm from Preston, just so we're clear.
[Cole] Yeah, they're doing well in football.
Mysterio, moonsault off the second rope
and Finn gets his knees up.
[Wade] They're like the Drake Curse for football, by the way.
[Cole] And Finn Bálor will make the tag and here comes
the powerhouse of Judgment Day, Damian Priest.
[Wade] Oh, the absolute punisher.
What a hot streak Damian Priest is on at the moment.
Just huge belief in himself since hooking up with The Judgment Day.
[Cole] Well, this is how they turned it around in this matchup.
Mysterio going for the moonsault and Finn Bálor able to get his knees up.
Now, I wanna go back to Priest for a moment
'cause we talk a lot about Dominik Mysterio
and how he has been changed since joining The Judgment Day.
Damian Priest has been very changed.
He used to be really close friends with Bad Bunny.
And that has all gone out the window
because of his relationship with Finn Bálor and company.
[Wade] Nonsense. He's gone out the window because Bad Bunny
inserted himself into Judgment Day affairs at WrestleMania
when he was employed strictly as a commentator.
[Cole] Yeah, he would get involved in preventing Dominik
from using a chain against his father, Rey.
Double-team now by Priest and Bálor.
And Damian Priest with the big leg drop to Mysterio.
Cover, looking for the win here in this tag team match.
And a kickout.
[Wade] The message is completely clear.
Meddle in Judgment Day affairs and it will lead to total annihilation.
[Cole] That is what Priest and Bálor are doing to the WWE Hall of Famer,
the three-time World Champion,
-Rey Mysterio. -[Wade] It's fascinating.
This issue has morphed from being between father and son,
Rey and Dominik,
to now being completely between The Judgment Day
and The LWO as a whole.
[Cole] Speaking of The Judgment Day--
LWO, will they remain together?
Will they still be a group as the WWE Draft approaches?
It starts next Friday Night on SmackDown Live,
where careers will be altered, lives will be changed.
People will be given unbelievable opportunities in the Draft.
[Wade] A lot of excitement, but a lot of nerves in the locker room.
Friends broken up, new enemies formed.
[Cole] It's interesting you say that because there was a lot of that today.
A lot of people talking. You can hear the whispers.
Wonder where I'm gonna go next week?
I wonder if I'm gonna be on Mondays or Fridays?
Who comes around from NXT?
So many questions.
Oh, and there's Mysterio…
And now can he make a tag to Santos Escobar?
[Wade] Santos Escobar decked out in the colors
of the Puerto Rican chapter of The LWO
just two weeks and a day before WWE Backlash.
[Cole] And here's Escobar now in off the tag.
Santos Escobar grew up a massive fan of Rey Mysterio.
Now living out his career dreams tagging with Mysterio here tonight.
[Wade] Escobar's been thrilled to have been handpicked
to continue the legacy of The LWO,
and man, is he not doing it justice right now.
[Cole] Nice tilt-a-whirl backbreaker
by the second-generation Mexican Superstar.
Now Damian Priest, nobody home.
The quickness of Escobar.
[Wade] Escobar, one of the classiest competitors
I ever saw in NXT,
now bringing that high elegant style of his here to SmackDown.
[Cole] That right there, one of the reasons
he's known as The Emperor of Lucha Libre.
And Priest…
[grunts]
…from underneath with Escobar.
Priest just ran over Bálor.
Here comes the double-team.
Rey takes out Priest.
[Wade] Modified West Coast Pop, and this team is cooking.
[Cole] This is the pace Mysterio and Escobar want.
Oh, and Damian Priest
pulling Bálor out of the way.
Escobar with a running knee.
[Wade] Escobar too fresh, too quick for The Judgment Day thus far.
[Cole] Escobar looking to fly, but he was intercepted by Bálor.
Just like that, a Judgment Day back in it.
Can Santos and Rey
win this match?
Yeah! Yeah!
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
This is Bálor and Priest of The Judgment Day
against Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio of The LWO.
During the break, Damian Priest was doing what he does best,
punishing his opponent,
but Escobar is fighting back now.
[Wade] You simply cannot write off Santos Escobar.
[Cole] Oh, what a kick to the face!
[Wade] May have spoken too soon.
[Cole] Cover by Priest for the win
and a kick out at two, a near fall.
[Wade] Man, that extension that Damian Priest gets
on those kicks is unreal.
There's no defense to this. Look at him, clean on the mug.
You cannot block that.
Night, night.
[man] Good night.
[Cole] Escobar as tough as they come,
and he was flattened by Damian Priest.
Now Priest and his big frame
trying to just lay down all over Escobar,
try to wear him down.
[Wade] Speaks volumes that somehow
Escobar is still ticking in this matchup, but for how long?
Completely on the wrong side of the tracks now.
[Cole] Priest just mocking Mysterio.
It's…
It's amazing how much lack of respect
Judgment Day has for some of the legends in WWE.
[Wade] Hang on a second. Showing loyalty to Dominik Mysterio,
even you have to respect that.
-[Cole] Dominik's not a legend. -[Wade] It's a rare trait in this game.
Loyalty, Cole. You wouldn't know nothing about that.
[Cole] Yeah. Ask Bad Bunny how loyal Damian Priest is.
[Wade] Did I hear you right? Did you just say Dominik Mysterio is not a legend?
No. Oh, what a dropkick.
Escobar's got a chance.
[Wade] You are out of your damn mind, Michael Cole.
[Cole] Can Escobar get to Mysterio and make a tag?
Critical moment in this tag team match.
[Wade] Well, this has to be it for Santos Escobar,
or else it's good night right now.
It's a race to get that tag.
[Cole] Bálor's in.
So is Rey.
And Mysterio picking up the pace.
The Biggest Little Man in WWE history.
Rey Mysterio to the top rope.
Senton.
Crossbody lateral press. For the win.
Kickout at two.
[Wade] I've been in this position before, exactly where Finn Bálor is,
and it never ended well for me.
Finn Bálor in complete disarray here.
Mysterio still fighting back. The step-up enzuigiri
drops Bálor into 619 position.
Tag was made.
Priest is legal.
[Wade] Rey had no idea the tag just took place.
[Cole] And now over the top rope goes Priest.
Bálor again into the 619 position.
But here's the problem.
Escobar comes in off the tag.
Escobar to the top rope.
There's the Splash.
Bálor…
Bálor isn't legal.
[Wade] Referee trying desperately to inform Santos Escobar to no avail.
[Cole] Priest is legal!
Damian Priest with a South of Heaven Chokeslam.
-…two, three… -[Cole] Judgment Day with the win.
[bell rings]
[The Judgment Day's music plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners, The Judgment Day.
[Wade] Well, what a matchup between these two teams.
Ultimately, it was classic chicanery from The Judgment Day
that made the difference here.
[Cole] Priest made the tag but…
Mysterio and Escobar didn't realize it.
[Wade] Great tag team action.
[Cole] There was the Splash.
Now, Rey Mysterio
was sent into the ring post, and Damian Priest,
who again was the legal man…
[indistinct shouting]
…delivers the South of Heaven Chokeslam to Escobar,
who had no idea what was going on
because he was trying to cover and beat Bálor.
[Wade] Well, it's nothing illegal.
Just one tag team did a better job than the other,
and Judgment Day was superb out there tonight tactically.
[speaking in Spanish]
This Monday
live from Chicago,
sold out Raw,
the return of Bad Bunny.
You know, Benito,
I really hope this visit
goes differently than the last time it did for you.
[laughs]
[Cole] A very confident, a very cocky Damian Priest
after the victory here tonight.
Great tag team matchup against The LWO.
Now, Priest may be joyous tonight after the win,
but will he be joyous come Monday
because, as he mentioned, we are live for Monday Night Raw in Chicago.
It's the return of the global recording superstar Bad Bunny,
who has some retribution in mind.
Well, I can't wait to see Bad Bunny hosting WWE Backlash,
but you're a musician, you're not a fighter.
Stay out of the way of The Judgment Day, and especially Damian Priest,
-or you will get hurt. -Well, Bunny won't forget
Priest putting him through this announce table.
-Good. -Speaking of this announce table,
this played a major role in our main event last week
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
It was Solo Sikoa against Riddle.
Now, before this here,
The Usos had gotten involved
and Solo Sikoa would take advantage
and deliver a Samoan Spike to Riddle to pick up the win.
And why is Solo considered one of the most dangerous men
in all of WWE?
Why is he The Enforcer of The Bloodline?
Well, here's a little sample.
[Wade] Well, bloodthirsty and ruthless. You know, The Tribal Chief was watching.
Uranage on the announce table before the symbolic turning over
of the announce table upon Riddle.
Message delivered from the Enforcer.
[Cole] Solo would continue his winning ways
Monday night on Raw against Rey Mysterio.
And tonight as he arrives with The Usos, The Bloodline is here.
Solo, Riddle, No Disqualification Match,
our main event on Friday Night SmackDown.
Zelina.
Listen, next week is the WWE Draft.
I don't know what the Draft has in store for me
and I can't really control where I end up.
What I can control is what I do right now.
And with everything that The Judgment Day has been pulling since WrestleMania,
I want to challenge Rhea Ripley
for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Backlash.
Whoa. Um…
Adam, listen, I know what you're thinking--
-she's Rhea "Bloody" Ripley. -Yeah.
But with Backlash being hosted by Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico--
and mind you, I'm the only female Puerto Rican on the roster--
I have to fight and represent for mi gente.
And listen, I have been told all my life how I'm not good enough
because of my height,
so I have something to prove, and in Puerto Rico no less.
I am ready.
Well, it'd be a hell of a match.
Let me talk to upper management,
let me talk to Rhea, and I will get back to you,
I promise.
-Well, let me know what Mami says. -[chuckles]
I get it, Zelina. The whole Puerto Rico thing.
Backlash Puerto Rico is exciting.
You do not want a piece of Rhea Ripley right now. Trust me.
Yeah, but can you imagine if that match happens
and Zelina could pull off one of the biggest upsets we've ever seen
against the new queen of Friday Night SmackDown?
-Does Zelina have a death wish? -Hey, speaking of royalty,
last week, here on SmackDown, we saw the return of a king.
[ominous music playing]
[man] In this dojo, power is not determined by strength,
but precision, technique, and explosiveness.
Through his studies of jujitsu,
Shinsuke Nakamura has mastered the art of precise striking…
and inescapable submission holds…
to defeat his toughest opponents…
demonstrating what it truly means to be…
The King of Strong Style.
Come on.
Identity.
It takes a lifetime to find.
Another thousand lives to know if it's even really yours.
And then in a matter of three seconds,
it can be completely destroyed.
Mr. Nakamura…
you see these cards?
I didn't hurt all those people.
I've never hurt anybody a day in my life.
It was the cards.
You see? How do we even know who we really are
until somebody takes something away from us?
From Drew McIntyre, we took away
his temperament.
From Riddick Moss, we took away his joy.
From Rey Mysterio,
oh,
we had to take away that man's patience.
And now from you, Shinsuke,
we are going to take away
your honor.
Tick-tock.
Is the time up for Shinsuke Nakamura?
And it is time for the highlight of the night.
[Ricochet's music plays]
[explosion]
[Braun Strowman's music plays]
[explosion]
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Ricochet
and Braun Strowman.
[Cole] A couple of modern-day superheroes.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Ricochet and Braun Strowman have revenge on the line
because of what happened last week here on Friday Night SmackDown.
It was an ambush, a sneak attack by Erik and Ivar of The Viking Raiders.
A complete punishing beat down.
Up next, Strowman and Ricochet against The Viking Raiders
Tag team action live on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Cole] A rivalry at its boiling point.
Tonight, no rules, anything goes.
No disqualification.
Riddle and The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
But that's not all.
[Wade] Xavier Woods got himself a dream opportunity
at the Intercontinental Title tonight, but the champ Gunther
has a habit of giving challengers a rude awakening.
Woods, Gunther, still to come tonight on SmackDown.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Braun Strowman calls this team
"Team Jacked, Tan…
and Juicy."
[Wade] That's all the things that you are not, Michael Cole,
and will never be.
[Viking Raiders' music plays]
[woman] Valhalla is here.
[Irvin] And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
at a combined weight of 590 pounds,
Erik and Ivar,
The Viking Raiders.
[Cole] The Viking Raiders took the fight to Strowman and Ricochet last week.
Flat-out ambush sneak attack, Wade.
[screaming and crashing]
[Wade] This is just standard behavior for The Viking Raiders,
but even they reached a new level of depravity last week.
[Cole] Well, this rivalry was simmering, right?
They were involved in the WrestleMania Showcase Match.
Ivar and Ricochet at a singles match a couple of weeks ago.
But last week, this rivalry exploded with that blindside assault,
and tonight they collide in tag team action.
[Wade] The Viking Raiders just refuse to let issues slide.
If the gods want a sacrifice,
it's a sacrifice they will get
under the stewardship, of course, of the creepy Valhalla.
[Cole] Let's talk about how important this matchup is
when it comes to the Tag Team Titles here on Friday Night SmackDown
because next week in our main event, it is a WrestleMania main event rematch
when Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn defend the Tag Team Titles
against The Usos.
-[Wade] I'll tell-- -[Cole] You have to believe,
the winner of this match
perhaps find themselves in a position for a future tag title opportunity,
-right? -[Wade] Whoever wins next week
in the main event of that tag championship match
is gonna need a new number-one contender. Everybody in this division
needs to be on top form,
especially now The Usos' stranglehold has been loosened.
Every team is sniffing opportunity.
-New champs, new weaknesses to exploit. -[Cole] Ivar
just teeing off on Braun Strowman.
Don't let The Usos hear you talk about that, Wade.
They are still extremely upset over the fact
that they don't have the gold.
Of course, Roman Reigns, the Undisputed Champion,
upset The Bloodline doesn't have the Tag gold as well.
[Wade] Give it seven days
and they may well have it back in their grasp.
Order restored.
[Cole] Strowman sends Ivar across the ring.
Two mammoth men
kicking off this matchup here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Strowman, 335 pounds,
driving an elbow to the back of the neck of Ivar,
the 300-plus-pounder as well.
[Wade] Well, last week, The Viking Raiders fooled around.
This week, perhaps they are finding out
at the hands of the Monster of All Monsters.
[Cole] Oh! The momentum off the ropes allowed Braun
to deliver the shoulder tackle to Ivar,
and then he knocks Erik off the apron
and it allows Ivar to climb back into this matchup.
[Wade] Braun Strowman just has so much mass.
He has the stopping distance of an oil tanker.
When he gets moving, there is nothing stopping him.
[Cole] Nice short clothesline by Strowman as Valhalla looks on.
[Wade] Yeah, even Strowman, the size, the mass that he has,
he's a little nervy around Valhalla, quite rightly so.
[Cole] Tag. Erik is now legal.
Not sure Strowman understands the tag was made.
Double-team now by The Raiders.
[Wade] I don't care how big, bad, and ugly you are,
the wrath of The Viking Raiders will take anybody down.
[Cole] Pretty incredible, the big men in this matchup,
both The Raiders and Braun Strowman.
So agile for big men.
As Strowman powers out.
Tag made, and here comes the explosive Ricochet.
Oh, goodness.
[Wade] Hell are you doing, Braun?
[Cole] Braun got overly excited that time and…
and now Ricochet, though, not going to let that thwart him.
[Wade] Certain amount of durability to Ricochet that needs to be sung about.
[Cole] Ricochet looking to fly.
Down go The Raiders.
That's why he's the Highlight of the Night.
[crowd cheers]
Man, what a tag team match we have going on here tonight.
It's The Viking Raiders against Ricochet and Braun Strowman,
and The Raiders taking control during the break thanks to Valhalla.
[Wade] Things were going so, so well for Ricochet and Braun,
but this interference by Valhalla temporarily distracting Ricochet.
And once Erik gets his hands on you, bad news is coming, Michael Cole.
[Cole] That's what happened moments ago during the commercial break
as Erik now looking to wear Ricochet down.
The Viking Raiders would love to take out Ricochet
and not allow "The Monster Among Monsters" Braun Strowman to tag into this match.
[Wade] Well, here is where The Viking Raiders
become almost unstoppable.
It's that brute strength combined with an unquenchable thirst for bloodshed.
And doesn't Ricochet know all about that now?
[Cole] SmackDown trending number one in the United States tonight.
Great action to kick off the show.
Of course, next week right here on Friday Night SmackDown,
it is the beginning of the two-night WWE Draft.
A lot of changes in store starting next Friday night.
[Cole] Every Superstar looking for a high draft pick.
You know, with high draft picks, opportunities will present themselves
sooner rather than later.
[Cole] Ricochet…
Standing switch by Erik.
Now the power of The Viking Raiders.
Ricochet though, landing on his feet, able to duck underneath.
Tag made. Here comes Strowman.
Braun Strowman now legal.
[Wade] Everything The Viking Raiders were working towards
has just been blown out of the water.
[Cole] Erik into the corner, Strowman almost running through Erik.
Strowman all over the place tonight.
What a dropkick.
[Wade] Don't see that too often from Braun Strowman.
[crowd cheers]
Taking tips from Ricochet, it seems.
[Cole] I think the Strowman Express is pulling out of the station.
[Wade] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Turn around, Erik.
[Wade] The Meat Train has left.
[Cole] Ivar blasted into the post.
Uh, Valhalla, you may want to run away, Valhalla, or do something.
-[Wade] Braun Strowman… -[Cole] Valhalla didn't even budge.
[Valhalla screaming indistinctly]
[Cole] What is wrong with her?
[Wade] I don't know, but it's highly effective, it seems.
[Cole] And the distraction allows Erik to take over.
Man, Valhalla paying dividends tonight.
[screaming gibberish]
Speaking in gibberish,
or tongues or something.
[Wade] Just 'cause you don't understand that language, Cole.
Apparently The Viking Raiders do.
[Cole] I have a tough time understanding you out here.
[Wade] Come on. This is the King's English.
[Cole] Top rope now.
Ivar, Splash to Strowman for the win by The Viking Raiders.
And Strowman got the shoulder up.
[Wade] How on earth did Braun Strowman kick out from this?
Take another look.
[Cole] That's 300-plus pounds.
[Wade] 330 pounds coming down on the sternum of the Monster.
That was almost a double-pin too.
[Cole] And a jumbo jet. Tag made.
[Wade] I don't think much is left in the tank of Braun at this point,
but a valiant effort for even staying alive in this matchup.
[Cole] Strowman trying to fight out of this predicament.
Erik and Ivar send him back, and now Strowman with a shoulder tackle.
A double shoulder tackle.
Can he make a tag to Ricochet?
Here comes Ricochet.
[Wade] Freshest man in the matchup,
the weekly miracle man.
[Cole] Springboard elbow.
Oh, and that will floor Ricochet quickly.
[Wade] Too easy.
Too big, too strong.
But Ricochet, too agile perhaps.
[Cole] Avoiding contact.
There's the running knee,
kick to the face.
Tag, here's Strowman.
This team is simply un-game-plannable.
[Cole] Strowman with a boot to Erik.
Ricochet going to the top.
The top of Strowman, that is.
Cover!
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Cole] It's over.
[bell rings]
[rock music plays]
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
the team of Braun Strowman
and Ricochet.
[Wade] Well, despite the frenzy, the storm,
and the furor
thrown in their direction by The Viking Raiders,
let's take a look at the weekly miracle
that Ricochet pulls off.
Elevated Swanton Bomb.
Once again, just picture-perfect, poetic,
superb landing.
And you have to think,
with that victory over a game competitor like The Viking Raiders,
surely that will put Ricochet and Braun Strowman
towards a hungry future tag championship opportunity.
I'll tell you what, Michael Cole,
this entire division hotting up at the moment.
[Cole] Again, next week it is the WrestleMania main event rematch,
where Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
defend the Tag Team Titles against The Usos.
You're the champions, you got to keep an eye out
for both Strowman and Ricochet.
Speaking of Tag Team Titles, in a matter of moments,
Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, defend the Tag Team Titles
against Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green.
This is what happened this past Monday night on Raw
after Sonya and Chelsea picked up the victory in a tag team matchup.
Raquel and Liv were at ringside and now…
just doing it to embarrass Liv Morgan.
Chelsea Green tossing water into Morgan's face
to send a little bit of a message.
Big mistake!
Liv, Raquel, after what Chelsea and Sonya did to you last week,
how eager are you to get your hands on them
in your first title defense?
Okay, they want to see messy? I'll show them messy.
I'll be the messiest person they've seen.
-They're gonna wish that they never-- -Hey. Hey!
Easy, loquita.
Save it for the ring.
Right.
Watch us.
["Watch Me" by def rebel plays]
Woo!
♪ Watch me ♪
[Cole] Well, Liv Morgan is, um…
-different. -[Wade] Unhinged.
-That's the word you want. -[Cole] That's a nice word as well.
Raquel Rodriguez is powerful, and they make one heck of a tag team.
Of course, the current Women's Tag Team Champions.
They knocked off Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus a couple of weeks ago.
Interesting explanation on Raw this past Monday night
by Trish Stratus,
why she attacked Becky Lynch.
But nonetheless, coming up next here on Friday Night SmackDown,
Raquel Rodriguez says, quote, "I can't wait to shut them up."
Liv Morgan said, "The world is ours."
Morgan and Rodriguez defend the Tag Titles against Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green.
It's live on Friday Night SmackDown.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is at the Ohio State University tonight.
This crowd has been electric
because we've got a Tag Team Championship Match coming in moments
and then our main event still to come
-later on tonight. -[Wade] Yes, indeed.
Tonight's main event, it is gonna get X-rated.
A vengeful Matt Riddle squares off with a man
who cost him four months of his career, Solo Sikoa,
in a No Disqualification Matchup.
[Cole] And you are looking at the Women's Tag Team Champions,
Raquel Rodrigez and Liv Morgan.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
["Pride Fighter" by def rebel plays]
♪ I am a beast, I am a menace ♪
♪ I am the storm, I'm comin' to get it ♪
♪ Conquer the throne and aim for the ceiling ♪
♪ Another victory, we always finish ♪
♪ Shh… ♪
♪ It's Chelsea ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first, the team of Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green.
Cut the music, cut the music.
[music stops]
When we grace you with our presence,
you sit down, shut your mouth,
and show us some respect.
Hey, hey, hey, that's no way to treat
your future WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Now, Sonya, how could we possibly expect these normies to understand
what it's like to wake up every single morning winning?
[laughs]
Hey, Chelsea, speaking of winning, should we give them a little repeat
of what they saw on Monday Night Raw?
And furthermore, show them why we're winners
and you're losers?
Aww.
Hey, hey, hey, Sonya.
Doesn't Liv look a little thirsty?
-Yes, yes. -Oh.
[chuckles]
[Cole] This is for the Women's Tag Team Titles.
Liv Morgan, as Wade said earlier, a bit unhinged,
and Raquel Rodriguez, defending against Sonya Deville
and Chelsea Green.
You know, I realized something.
[Wade] I realized something.
-Go ahead. -[Cole] You're a normie.
[Wade] Well, you know what?
I was gonna say, you remind me a lot of Chelsea and Sonya.
-[Cole] Really? -[Wade] Because all three of you have
-[bell rings] -…a grating presence.
[Wade] Oh, and there is Liv Morgan with a dropkick,
driving Green to the corner.
[Wade] That's a little payback for the drink in the face, perhaps.
[Cole] And Sonya Deville now legal.
Morgan and Deville, who have had quite the history, Wade.
Roll-through now.
Sonya Deville, shoulders down.
Liv Morgan has gone extreme,
so to speak, on Deville a number of times
in their rivalry over the past year.
[Wade] Clearly has a screw loose.
It was a hot start for the match by Liv Morgan.
However, clearly with that drink in the face from Raw on her mind.
A little payback to Chelsea Green.
[Cole] What do you make of this tag team of Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan?
[Wade] I love it. It's the odd couple pairing
that perhaps shouldn't work,
but does work.
It's the combination of the extreme Liv Morgan
and the biggest powerhouse in the Women's Division, Raquel Rodriguez,
a woman I've admired for a long time, since her NXT days.
[Cole] She's now taking control of Sonya Deville, but--
Oh! The very sly Deville…
[Wade] You know what? This duo of Sonya Deville, Chelsea Green,
a lot of people online are referring to them
as The Complaint Department of WWE,
but it has to be said the complaints last week paid off
by getting them an opportunity at the gold tonight.
[Cole] Yeah, but if you complain to get opportunities,
then you've got to make sure you cash in those opportunities.
[Wade] Well, that's presumably what we're working towards right now,
-Michael Cole. -[Cole] A couple of waist lock takedowns
by Raquel Rodriguez, again just powering Chelsea Green.
Come on, Chelsea.
[Cole] Tag made and here comes Liv Morgan, former SmackDown champion.
Also former Money in the Bank winner.
Chelsea Green catches her with a knee.
Now Chelsea Green going to try to show off her athletic prowess,
but she was intercepted by Raquel Rodriguez.
[Wade] Showing off some of those power moves we know and love,
-but keep your eye on the prize. -[Cole] Oh!
Sonya wiping out Raquel.
[Wade] That's a little tag team chemistry from the challengers here.
Don't celebrate too soon, though.
[Cole] Can you imagine if…
Chelsea and Sonya could knock off Liv and Raquel tonight?
[Wade] They would have nothing left to moan about.
Might be some peace in WWE for once.
[Cole] They'd find something to complain about.
Again, I mean,
maybe the titles don't look good
-around their waist. -[Wade] You know what?
Hats off to them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
[Cole] Morgan, cover to retain, and a kickout.
[Wade] I must have seen it a million times in my career,
guys who camped outside the boss's office got more opportunities
than the meek and mild Superstars who didn't say boo to a goose.
[Cole] I can't--
I can't even count on both my hands how many times I saw you in a chair
outside the boss' office.
Oh, goodness!
Chelsea Green stacking her up to try to win the gold
using the rope to her advantage,
-and referee Jason Ayers right there. -You can't have your foot on the rope.
You can't do that. You know that. You know better.
[Wade] Eagle-eyed referee. Good job.
We almost had new tag champions at that point,
but Liv Morgan is in a world of trouble at this point.
[Cole] What's interesting about this, is that Sonya and Chelsea
really looking great as a tag team, and they haven't been together that long.
[Wade] I think they had a strategy in throwing the drink in Liv's face.
It was tactical. They want to unhinge Liv,
get her out of her normal mode of fighting,
make her make mistakes, and then capitalize.
That is how you win gold.
[Cole] Know how many times I've had stuff thrown in my face over the years?
[Wade] I imagine it's a nightly occurrence at the bar.
I've been to a few bars with you. I've seen it with my own eyes.
[Cole] Now the referee-- Look at Chelsea Green taking advantage.
Sonya drawing the referee, Chelsea takes advantage.
Deville drops Morgan, hook of the leg. Is it enough?
And again, trying to use the rope to their advantage.
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is live tonight
at the Ohio State University.
Jam-packed, huge Tag Team Championship Match.
Rodriguez and Morgan defending against Deville and Chelsea Green.
Still to come tonight, Solo Sikoa, Matt Riddle,
No Disqualification.
And Gunther defends the Intercontinental Championship
against Xavier Woods.
Morgan, double neckbreaker.
[Wade] Well, this referee has been too eagle-eyed
for Deville and Green thus far.
He's almost caught every tactic they've employed.
[Cole] Tag,
and here's Raquel Rodriguez.
Many believe she will be a World Champion sooner rather than later.
[Wade] You can bank on that one.
[Cole] Right now, the current Tag Team Champion.
What a clothesline!
Come on.
[Cole] She's so much fun to watch.
Fallaway slam, degree.
[Wade] Raquel might have to win this one single-handedly.
A lot taken out of Liv Morgan earlier in the matchup.
[Cole] A springboard corkscrew elbow. Is it enough to retain?
Sonya Deville's got to break things up for her team.
[Wade] Just as that opportunity at gold was slipping away,
the savvy Sonya Deville capitalizing.
[Cole] Raquel just cannot be stopped here tonight.
Well, this is not gonna be good for Sonya.
[Wade] Better start thinking quickly, Deville.
[Cole] Raquel setting her up for a superplex.
And now Morgan with a missile dropkick.
[Wade] All four ladies sprawled out.
Tag Championship hangs in the balance.
[Cole] A critical moment in this matchup.
As you take another look at the explosiveness of Liv Morgan.
[Wade] She'll take a lot out of herself, but she's back up and ticking again now.
[Cole] Backstabber by Morgan. Oh, and a kick by Deville.
Big kick by Rodriguez.
Raquel sent over the top rope.
Oh, look at this! Liv Morgan pouring water all over Chelsea Green.
[Wade] A little taste of your own medicine.
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez.
[Wade] Wait a minute.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] They retain!
[Irvin] Here are your winners,
and still the WWE
Women's Tag Team Champions,
-Raquel Rodriguez… -[Cole] Don't even start.
-…and Liv Morgan. -[Cole] Don't even start, Barrett.
[Wade] So, this referee catches Chelsea and Sonya every time they cheat,
but the second the champs cheat, he misses everything.
Is this guy pulling my plonker?
[Cole] You cannot sit there and say
that Deville and Green did not deserve this.
[Wade] One of the worst refereed performances I've ever seen.
In fact, I've got a good mind to speak to management about this.
[Cole] My own personal Karen sitting next to me at ringside.
Congratulations to the Women's Tag Team Champions
on their first successful title defense.
But now please welcome my guest, who will be teaming up
with the Undisputed Tag Team Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn,
at Backlash, hosted by Bad Bunny, Matt Riddle.
[crowd cheers]
Now, Matt, considering you have a massive Six-Man Tag Team Match
coming up so soon,
why risk it all by stepping into the ring with Solo Sikoa
in a No Disqualification Match here tonight?
Why? Why not?
You know? I know Sami and Kevin aren't here,
but they're getting ready for the biggest match of their careers,
and they're both stallions. I look at them like step bros.
And the last time I got in the ring with Solo,
he beat me and left me buried under a table.
And tonight in our No-DQ match,
he's gonna be the one buried under the table, bro.
♪ Who better than me ♪
[Cole] Matt Riddle with a major prediction
as he gets set for his main event match tonight
against Solo Sikoa.
No Disqualification.
The Original Bro,
The Enforcer of The Bloodline live tonight.
♪ It's a New Day ♪
♪ Yes, it is ♪
[Cole] And for the first time in his entire career,
Xavier Woods with an opportunity
at the Intercontinental Championship.
[Wade] Oh God, he's coming out with that bugle again, Cole.
[Cole] It's a trombone.
And nonetheless, Xavier looks to do something
that no one's been able to do in close to a year,
and that's knock off the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther.
Gunther, Woods, for the Intercontinental Title
live next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[trombone plays]
Backlash is sponsored by the 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.
Indeed, it does.
Meanwhile, Xavier Woods looking to win the Intercontinental Championship
in his first opportunity at it.
[Imperium's music plays]
[Cole] It has been a very impressive championship reign for Gunther.
No one this century has held the prestigious championship
longer than this man.
Xavier Woods sort of talked himself into a title opportunity last week
after knocking off LA Knight
and celebrating about it in front of Gunther.
Can Woods pull off an upset tonight?
[Wade] Careful what you wish for, Woods.
This is a huge opportunity for gold,
but right now you're staring down the barrel
of a rapid, unscheduled disassembly at the hands of Gunther.
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest scheduled for one fall is for
the Intercontinental Championship.
Introducing the challenger, representing The New Day,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 215 pounds,
Xavier Woods.
And his opponent, representing Imperium,
from Vienna, Austria, weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther.
[Cole] Gunther made a comment last week that really got to Xavier Woods.
He said that Woods doesn't respect the business.
And that set Woods off.
Woods said,
"I respect this industry like no other.
I've busted my ass.
I've missed birthdays, I've missed family stuff.
But I haven't had a lot of opportunities at things like this,
the Intercontinental Championship, and tonight, I'm focused,
-I'm ready to go… -[bell rings]
I'm ready to pull off the upset of the year."
[Wade] Wait a second. He got his championship opportunity
because he irritated Gunther
by playing that trumpet in his face in the locker room last week.
[Cole] Doesn't matter. He got the opportunity.
Here we go and we're underway.
Gunther against Xavier Woods for the Intercontinental Title.
And Woods looking to use his quickness to try to knock off Gunther tonight.
Wise move. Try to take the big man out
and take away the power by taking out his legs.
[Wade] Easier said than done. Gunther is not a one-man band of attack.
Multifaceted, well-rounded Superstar.
[Cole] Oh, and a shot right to the kidney by Gunther.
[Wade] No weaknesses in the game of The Ring General.
[Cole] No matter what you think or may wanna say
about Gunther and his tactics,
there is no doubt that he really is the embodiment
of what the Intercontinental Championship's all about.
The working man's title.
Every single day defending the championship,
trying to be the best that you can be against all the best comers,
and that's what Gunther's been doing.
[Cole] I noticed on his entrance,
Gunther sent the troops of Imperium to the back.
"Reinforcements are not required tonight, lads.
I'm gonna win this the old-fashioned way-- on my own."
I respect that out of Gunther.
[Cole] Oh, and a chop by Gunther. Like that, in control.
Can Woods climb back into this Intercontinental Title Match?
Could the Intercontinental Champion be heading to Monday Night Raw?
We'll find out as the Draft begins next Friday night.
Will that champion be Gunther, the current champion?
Or the challenger, Xavier Woods?
But this has been a brutal beat down by the champ
during the commercial break.
[Wade] We are witnessing a serene savage perfection
from The Ring General, Gunther.
Poor Xavier Woods came in with the best of intent,
but has barely got out of the blocks
against his formidable opponent.
[Cole] I don't know what Xavier Woods has to do
to try to fight back into this.
I mean, he's as gutsy as they come,
but I don't know if you're gonna win a war chops, though, with Gunther.
[Wade] The thing about Woods, a lot of people view him
as a tag specialist, quite rightly.
He's won it all in the tag game.
When you look back over his career in singles competition,
he's beaten the likes of Ricochet.
He's beaten the likes of Sheamus, of Drew McIntyre.
He's a former King of the Ring.
He can get it done.
[Cole] You jumped on the bandwagon. I tried to get you on it last week.
Xavier Woods can get it done as a singles competitor,
and maybe tonight's the night.
And what an upset this would be.
One of the biggest in recent memory, if Woods can knock off Gunther.
[Wade] Well, this matchup needs a massive swing
in momentum at this point
if Xavier Woods is to pull out the shocker.
[Cole] Oh my goodness!
Cover to retain, hook of the leg,
kickout by Woods.
Just listen to this, Wade.
Anybody ever hit you like that in your career?
[Wade] I mean, Sheamus certainly came close on occasion.
I'm not gonna lie, but yeah,
I've never been on the receiving end of a chop
quite like the one Gunther throws out there.
[Cole] Did you see what Sheamus looked like
after that Triple Threat Match with Gunther and McIntyre at WrestleMania?
[Wade] Yep, and it reminded me why I sit here
in the relative safety of the booth at this point.
[Cole] Now Woods trying to fight back, however,
and Xavier Woods taking the fight to the champion.
Gunther though.
Oh my goodness.
Great suplex.
Cover now by Gunther.
Is it enough to put him away?
Shoulders down, and a kickout.
[Wade] You almost get this sense
that Gunther is completely in competition with himself
to achieve invincibility on the mat,
and he's getting close, thanks to moves like this.
[Cole] But he has not been able to put Woods away.
And, Wade, you're a former champion.
If you get frustrated, you can get caught.
[Wade] Yeah, absolutely.
You can slip on a banana peel at any point,
but Gunther just seems so well-rounded.
Who are you?
Look at you.
You're a disgrace!
Get out of my ring.
You do not belong--
[Cole] Oh, wow.
Here comes Woods.
[Wade] Perhaps that's some of that frustration
that you were talking about,
because Gunther has indeed slipped on the proverbial banana peel.
[Cole] Yeah, and it's given Xavier Woods a burst of adrenaline here.
You don't want to get too close to Gunther.
You want to keep some space.
I'm not sure Woods wants to get into a slug fest with this man.
[Wade] Woods has got that look in his eye, refusing to be denied.
[Cole] Gunther's down!
The champ's down! Woods has an opportunity.
[Wade] Gunther is completely rocked at this point.
[Cole] Woods caught him good, and now Gunther is in trouble,
but the champ wisely rolls out of the ring.
[Wade] Superb instincts from The Ring General.
Has no idea where he is at.
[Cole] Yeah, because champion's advantage.
Woods must pin or submit.
Count-outs and disqualifications don't help the challenger.
Gunther now.
[Wade] Gunther is glassy-eyed, Cole.
[Cole] Woods over the top! Gunther's taken out,
and Woods has got a chance.
[shouts]
Xavier Woods looking for a massive upset.
[Wade] Xavier Woods' body must be on fire right now,
-but grin and bear it-- -[Cole] Oh!
Woods was going to the top rope but he ran into a chop by Gunther.
Oh, a kick to the face.
Gunther is down.
Woods has got an opportunity.
-Come on, Xavier. -[Wade] Woods smelling victory,
smelling the shocker.
Can he finish the job?
[Cole] Woods to the top rope.
The champ is stunned.
Woods with a leg drop.
To win the Intercontinental Championship.
Gunther kicks out at two.
[Wade] Pinpoint accuracy from Xavier Woods' leg drop
off the top rope,
landing flush across the jaw and the throat of Gunther.
Surely that was the moment Xavier Woods was pulling off a miracle,
but no, this is Gunther and he's made just a little different.
[Cole] When Xavier Woods' injured partner-- Oh, wait a minute.
Gunther quickly into the sleeper hold. Gunther with the sleeper locked in.
Gonna turn it around, however.
Went for the power bomb. Woods lands on his feet.
Face-first.
Can Xavier take advantage?
[Wade] This is as rocked as I've seen Gunther in a long time.
[Cole] Shoulders down for the Intercontinental Championship
for Woods, and a kickout by Gunther at two.
Woods taking Gunther to the limit.
The champion's stunned.
[Wade] Trying his best to block the kick.
[Cole] Stacks him up,
kick at two, and now the sleeper again by Gunther.
[Wade] Just has an answer to everything.
Hey. Come on, get up. Hey!
[Cole] Gunther just wrestling Woods to the mat.
-Sleeper locked in. -[bell rings]
Woods is out. Gunther retains.
[Gunther's music plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner
and still the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther.
[Cole] Xavier Woods with an unbelievable match.
Nothing to be ashamed of, but in the end,
Gunther's reign as champion continues.
[Wade] Gunther thought
he was gonna have it a lot easier than that this evening.
Brilliant stuff from Xavier Woods,
but still holding the gold, Gunther.
[Cole] You know who's not gonna have it easy?
-[Wade] Who? -[Cole] Matt Riddle.
-[Wade] Whoa. -[Cole] In our main event tonight.
[Wade] You ain't lying 'cause still to come,
it is gonna be a video nasty.
Riddle, Sikoa, in a No Disqualification Match.
Pain is guaranteed.
[Cole] But ahead of next week's epic WrestleMania main event rematch,
we'll revisit the historic moment
when Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens dethroned The Usos
for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
We look back, next on Fox.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[Zayn] For the first time ever,
the Tag Team Championships were the main event of WrestleMania.
[Cole] The Usos defend the Undisputed Tag Team Titles
against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
["Cry for Battle" by Alibi plays]
♪ We're gonna drop the bomb ♪
♪ I can see it fall From the blood red sky ♪
♪ When the rain starts pouring down ♪
♪ Revolution's such a lovely sound ♪
[Cole] 1D.
Sami Zayn kicked out!
Stunner!
Oh, a kickout, a damn kickout.
There are 80,000 people in this stadium on their feet.
♪ And there's blood in the water now ♪
♪ So, what you fighting for? ♪
♪ This is where we draw the line ♪
Helluva Kick!
[crowd] One, two, three.
[bell rings]
[Cole] The Bloodline be damned!
An incredible outpouring of emotion.
[fireworks]
[Owens] 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]
[Owens] As hard as we've worked to win these titles,
you can rest assured that we will defend them
with everything we have every single time.
♪ Uso ♪
-[crowd boos] -Hey, Uce,
are you hearing what I'm hearing?
You two have been champs, for what, two weeks?
Me and Uce have been champs for two years.
[Cole] The longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions in history.
[McAfee] The greatest tag team of this generation.
[Jimmy] The Usos will be Tag Team Champions again.
And here's what you're sleeping on, Uce.
The Bloodline is more dangerous than ever.
[Cole] Their problems with The Bloodline are far from over.
Next week, it is a WrestleMania main event on Friday Night SmackDown.
The rematch for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
♪ Uso ♪
[Cole] Next week is the beginning of the WWE Draft,
but will it be the end of the Cinderella story
of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn?
[Irvin] Please welcome Jimmy and Jey,
The Usos.
[Cole] Okay, see, this is why Matt Riddle's
got a lot of problems tonight.
Matt Riddle is heading into
a No Disqualification Match in moments against Solo Sikoa.
The Usos are here, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens aren't.
More on that in just a moment, but two weeks from tomorrow,
it is Backlash in Puerto Rico hosted by Bad Bunny.
And Cody Rhodes wanted it,
I'm not sure why, but he's gonna get it.
On Raw, he called Brock Lesnar a coward.
It's Cody Rhodes versus Brock two weeks from tomorrow at Backlash.
[Wade] And Puerto Rico's own Zelina Vega gets her wish
and looks to make it a homecoming to remember
as she challenges SmackDown Women's Champ,
"The Eradicator" Rhea Ripley, for the gold.
[Cole] A sold-out crowd will be serenading Seth Rollins
and singing his song as he steps into the ring
with the 400-pound "Nigerian Giant" Omos at Backlash.
[Wade] And get this, breaking news just announced.
United States Championship is up for grabs
as the hottest young property in WWE, Austin Theory,
defends against former champ, "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
and "The Colossal" Bronson Reed.
[Cole] And who will be the Tag Team Champions
in this massive Six-Man Tag Team Match?
Owens, Zayn, Riddle,
versus The Bloodline, two weeks from tomorrow,
from San Juan, Puerto Rico, hosted by Bad Bunny.
Backlash on Peacock.
Ohio!
[crowd cheers]
The Bloodline is now in your city.
[crowd cheers]
And they've been asking us, ever since WrestleMania,
"Hey, Usos, dude, Usos. Dude, dude, dude, Usos, dude, Uso,
how have you guys been feeling since your loss at WrestleMania, dude?"
-"We don't know." -"You don't know?
Dude, dude… are you guys sad, dude?"
-"We don't know." -"Are you guys mad, dude?"
-"We don't know." -"You don't know?
Dude, what are you planning to do, dude?"
-"We're gonna do what we always do." -"And what's that, dude?"
"Complete the mission and bring back gold."
Yes, sir.
'Cause we don't look behind us.
That's a rear view mirror.
We coming straight at you.
Full speed ahead.
They like, "What's next for The Usos?"
I'm gonna let you know what's next for The Usos.
Big, big Six-Man coming soon at Backlash.
Whoo-ee! But more importantly,
next week, big, big, big rematch.
-But not just any kind of rematch. -No.
This is that WrestleMania main event kind of rematch.
Not just any kind of rematch.
This is that "nine-time Tag Team Champs coming soon" kind of rematch.
Not just any kind of rematch.
Hey, this is that "call your mama and tell her
The Usos is on TV" kind of rematch.
Not just any kind of rematch.
-Hey, this is that "dedicate that W…" -Yeah.
-"dedicate that win…" -Yeah.
-"dedicate that victory… -Yeah.
…to 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns" kind of rematch.
[crowd cheers]
And next week,
nine-time it is.
Next week, the gold is coming back to The Bloodline.
And next week, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens,
you will get bodied, just like tonight.
Matt Riddle, you about to get bodied.
By the…
-Samoan Savage. -Yeah.
-The Street Champion. -Yeah.
-The Enforcer of The Bloodline. -Yeah.
Solo…
-…Sikoa! -Sikoa!
[Cole] We would be remiss if we didn't mention
that tonight marks the 964th night
that Roman Reigns has held the championship.
And here comes The Enforcer of Roman Reigns' Bloodline.
Yeah!
Let's show you what The Usos and Solo Sikoa are capable of together.
This is last week,
Solo versus Riddle in our main event.
Now, The Usos had just gotten involved.
Riddle was trying to fight back against that three-on-one situation,
but it was too much.
Solo would deliver the Samoan Spike to pick up the victory over Matt Riddle,
but Solo was not done yet.
He would show the world why he is called The Enforcer of Roman Reigns' Bloodline.
[Wade] Here's the deal.
This is The Samoan Savage sending a message to Matt Riddle.
This is what awaits you if you keep meddling with The Bloodline.
This was the warning that Matt Riddle should have listened to.
He did not pay attention, and now he's facing
a whole world of hurt in tonight's main event.
[Cole] Yeah, because there's no rules.
There's no disqualifications.
Solo Sikoa can do anything he wants to do to Matt Riddle.
However, vice versa for Riddle as well.
It is our main event.
No Disqualification, live next on SmackDown.
[rap music plays]
Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored tonight by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Meanwhile, next week, Friday Night SmackDown,
it is a WrestleMania main event rematch.
The Usos look to reclaim the Undisputed Tag Team Titles
against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn live next week.
[Wade] And it is all the locker room can talk about right now--
who is staying, who is going, who's gonna be arriving.
It is shake-up season as the WWE Draft begins next Friday
on SmackDown here on Fox.
[Wade] Everybody's eligible, including the man in the ring,
The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa,
set for a No Disqualification Match against Matt Riddle.
♪ Bro ♪
[Matt Riddle's music plays]
Our colleague, Kayla Braxton, asked Matt Riddle earlier tonight,
"Why would you get involved in this type of a matchup
with Solo Sikoa?"
Oh my goodness!
-From behind, Matt Riddle! -[bell rings]
Riddle came out of nowhere. Sikoa was looking for him
to come through the entrance way,
and Riddle with the element of surprise.
[Wade] One step ahead of the game, Riddle.
I got to compliment him on that strategy.
You got to do something against the Street Fighting Champion.
[Cole] Looked like Riddle was gonna go for the exploder suplex,
and Solo Sikoa just too big and too strong as he turns Riddle inside out.
[Wade] Well, here's the question. Even with a jump start attack like that,
if Solo Sikoa can turn the match around in 15 seconds,
what kind of chance does anybody have?
[Cole] I think Riddle just pissed him off.
I think it's all Matt Riddle did to Solo Sikoa,
and now Solo is angry as ever.
Oh, the high elbow catches Matt Riddle.
[Wade] Look, I get it. Riddle was embarrassed
about what happened last week, but to be honest,
an embarrassment is the least of your worries
with The Bloodline.
Riddle got off lightly last week
if it was just his pride that ultimately got hurt.
Tonight is gonna be worse.
[Cole] The problem with tonight for Riddle is there's no rules, right?
Solo Sikoa can do anything he wants to Matt Riddle,
to punish him, to set an example,
again, to make Roman Reigns proud, the Undisputed Champ.
[Wade] Look, Riddle is as tough as they come.
[Cole] Oh, and now Riddle…
Riddle trying to lock in looks like a triangle choke here
onto Solo Sikoa.
Remember, ropes don't cause breaks, so there's no five-count.
And now, Sikoa.
That's one way to break it.
-[Wade] Again, seemingly just-- -[Cole] Cover by Sikoa,
and a kickout by Riddle.
[Wade] Further irritating Solo Sikoa.
Once he shakes off the cobwebs, the backlash is inevitable.
Uh-oh.
Solo…
[Cole] Like he needs any more toys.
[Wade] 'Cause this is No Disqualification,
it is Solo's world.
Simply does not lose in this kind of environment.
[Cole] Kendo sticks in hand.
Riddle tried to get the upper hand at the start of the matchup,
it hasn't happened.
Steel chairs now involved.
[Wade] Riddle's a technician. He's not a street fighter.
He's as tough as they come,
but this ain't your world, pal.
[Cole] Yeah, because he's in the ring with the Street Champion.
[Wade] The Samoan Savage.
And as The Usos told us a little earlier,
you're about to get bodied.
[shouts]
[Cole] Just punishing Riddle,
-sending a message. -Get up!
"Don't mess in The Bloodline's business."
Riddle, though, able to duck underneath and caught him with that kick.
The overhead kick caught Sikoa.
Riddle with a kip-up, and Riddle trying to fight back into this.
[Wade] Riddle's fighting for his life at this point.
[Cole] Sikoa sending Riddle outside the ring.
[Crowd chants "We want tables"]
[Wade] A lot of hardware in that ring.
[Cole] Oh, and a Kendo stick of his own.
And now Solo down to a knee, and now Matt Riddle.
[Wade] Fight fire with fire, Matt Riddle.
[Cole] Solo driven out of the ring in front of us,
and now Riddle gonna take the fight.
Remember, no count-outs.
This is a No Disqualification Match.
Riddle's gonna give the WWE fans
here at the Ohio State University what they want.
[Wade] Already you see the wounds of war on the back of Solo Sikoa,
who apparently wanted no part of that table.
[Cole] Sikoa doesn't care. Riddle hanging on
as he makes it to the apron.
And Riddle, with a running knee, stunned Sikoa.
Now, driving Solo into the steps,
and Riddle playing fire with fire.
[Wade] Finally, you sense Riddle's getting the upper hand here.
[Cole] Oh! And a Broton.
Riddle in control.
Can Riddle pull it off?
Matt Riddle trying to rally against Solo Sikoa
in this No Disqualification Match.
The atmosphere is downright electric here tonight at the Ohio State University.
[Wade] Riddle has been battered from pillar to post,
but still there is fight within the man.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa, the chair set up.
Looking for the uranage.
Matt Riddle trying to counter.
Couple of well-placed elbows.
Solo, Samoan Drop.
Cover to win.
Hooks the leg.
Riddle kicks at two.
[Wade] Solo smells blood now.
Realizes he's got a wounded duck in the ring
in the form of Matt Riddle.
Why? Because of abuse and assault like that.
[Cole] Steel chair perfectly legal.
[Wade] Completely lacking in humanity is Solo Sikoa.
The pinnacle of ice cold terror.
[Cole] He doesn't care. He's here to do the bidding for The Bloodline,
to do the bidding for Roman Reigns,
to beat people up who wanna challenge the family.
That's what Solo Sikoa's all about.
[Wade] That's why he's so damn useful for The Bloodline,
and this is what cost Riddle
-four months of his career. -[Cole] Yeah. Back in December,
-Solo Sikoa did the same thing… -I'm gonna take you out.
You understand me?
I'm gonna take you out.
[Cole] …to Matt Riddle, and as Wade mentioned,
it cost him four months of his career.
And Solo Sikoa wants to do even more damage this time around.
Solo ready to back things up into Riddle.
And Riddle meets him with a steel chair.
[Wade] Just in the nick of time.
[Cole] And Riddle now with an opportunity.
Into the chair goes Solo Sikoa.
[Wade] Solo is rocked at this point.
Make it count, Riddle.
[Cole] And Riddle unloading with the Kendo stick.
He's got Solo on the run.
[Wade] This is a different Matt Riddle.
He ain't away in the clouds now.
Laser focused.
[Cole] Yeah. This is Riddle hell-bent on revenge.
Damaging Solo like Solo damaged him.
Here's the cover.
Kickout at two. A near fall.
[Wade] Look, I get it.
Riddle is in a highly volatile place.
Anger, desire for revenge,
causing Riddle to reach new levels,
and it's gonna take new levels to put away someone like Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] What is Riddle thinking about doing here?
Chairs set up.
Bad intentions on his mind.
Oh, through the chairs!
Riddle for the win!
Sikoa able to kick out.
[Wade] The lumbar spine of Solo Sikoa
taking all of the abuse
from those two steel chairs.
Just brilliant from Matt Riddle.
Perfect execution, but Solo is just so tough.
Not quite enough.
He's still in the fight.
[Cole] Riddle as tough as Sikoa here tonight
as he buries Solo in chairs.
[Wade] The hell are you thinking here, Riddle?
Riddle heading up to the top rope,
and Solo Sikoa wisely rolling out of harm's way.
Riddle, though, on the apron.
Went for the running knee.
Solo Sikoa sends him face-first into the apron,
and now Sikoa sending Riddle up over the announce table.
And Solo…
is he gonna try to do what he did to Riddle last week?
[Wade] Sikoa's having a meltdown.
Solo trying to bury Riddle.
This time Riddle, with his legs, playing defense.
Riddle, with all his might, not allowing Solo to turn over the table.
And now Sikoa…
looking for the spike.
That Flash Knee caught Solo,
and now it's Riddle's turn!
-[Wade] Oh, no. -[Riddle grunts]
[Cole] Riddle burying Sikoa!
Yeah!
[indistinct shouting]
You're nothing, Solo. Nothing.
Bro.
Remember, there's no count-outs, Wade.
No disqualifications.
And here are the damn Usos,
Jimmy and Jey. I was wondering when they were gonna come back.
The match continues.
No disqualification.
[Wade] You enter a fight with The Bloodline single-handed,
you deserve everything that's coming your way.
[Cole] That's right. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn aren't here tonight.
Riddle…
Uh-oh.
…sends Jey over the top rope.
Jimmy Uso sent over as well.
[Wade] It might be three-on-one, but Riddle's game.
[Cole] Riddle taking out The Usos.
[Wade] We've still got a match ongoing here, Cole.
[Cole] The Floating Bro off the ropes for Riddle.
The match continues.
The Usos have been taken out.
As Riddle--
Solo Sikoa is rising from the rubble.
[Wade] Back from the grave.
[Cole] Buried no more.
Riddle can't believe it.
Riddle caught.
Uranage on the apron.
[Wade] It's all, once again, turning in The Bloodline's favor.
[Cole] And now Sikoa, still rattled
from being buried under the announce table,
setting Riddle up.
[screaming]
[Cole] Went for the Samoan Spike.
Riddle able to switch. Caught him with the Flash Knee.
[Wade] Riddle just refusing to go down.
[Cole] Big clothesline.
Or was that the Spike?
-One, two, three. -Here's the cover.
-[bell rings] -And a win for Solo.
[Solo Sikoa's music plays]
[Irvin] Here is your winner, Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] I believe Solo got him with the Samoan Spike.
[Wade] Man, it was quick as a flash, but clearly highly effective.
[Cole] Meanwhile, The Usos are back up
and things do not bode well for Riddle.
This is a three-on-one situation.
[Wade] This is how you get back in the good books
of The Tribal Chief, who you know is watching.
[Cole] Riddle, no idea where he is.
1D!
One and done through the table.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] The Usos sending a message
to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn,
who they meet next week
in a WrestleMania main event rematch for the Tag Team Titles.
Will The Bloodline still be together after next week?
It's the start of the Draft right here on SmackDown.