[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[gong sound] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Night of Champions is live tomorrow from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
And tonight we whet your appetite
with Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Wade] And coming up tonight, 24 hours ahead of Night of Champions,
"The KO Show" hosts tomorrow's opponents, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
What can possibly go wrong?
[Cole] And less than 24 hours before his match
for the brand new World Heavyweight Championship,
AJ Styles is in action,
and the clock is ticking versus Karrion Kross tonight.
["Hellfire" playing]
[Cole] And it's Fight Night.
[explosion]
[Cole] As we kick things off with a United States Championship Match.
Fight Night! Fight Night! Fight Night!
[Cole] Ridge Holland and Butch, The Brawling Brutes,
accompanying Sheamus to the ring.
[Wade] And Sheamus was in a fun mood at the desk with us last week,
but there's nothing Sheamus enjoys more than kicking people in the face.
Sheamus looking to win the United States Championship
for the fourth time in his career.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] One of the most gold-laden careers in history.
[Cole] Meanwhile, they gotta figure out how to settle Butch down.
Did you see Butch attacking Pretty Deadly
on SmackDown LowDown last Saturday morning?
[Wade] Butch is completely out of his mind,
needs to be put on a leash.
♪ A-Town ♪
[Wade] Can't watch him 24/7.
["A-Town Down" playing]
♪ A-Town Down! Future's right now, yeah ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Tearin' the place down, yeah ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Like my next sound, hey! ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ You see the future Right in front of your eyes, hey ♪
♪ Headed to the top And it's not a surprise ♪
♪ Not in my eyes… ♪
[indistinct]
Because I am the greatest United States Champion of all time.
[explosion]
[Cole] The current United States Champion, Austin Theory,
who last week was in the ring talking trash
about "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus,
who made his way down and then gave the US Champion a Brogue Kick,
which led to this match tonight.
[Wade] Well, Austin Theory's future is brighter than anybody's,
although picking fights with The Brawling Brutes and Sheamus
may not be his wisest move here on SmackDown.
♪ A-Town Down Tearin' the place down, yeah ♪
♪ A-Town Down, like my next sound… ♪
That title, it ain't going anywhere.
[Cole] The man who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.
[Wade] That is how you prove the future is now.
♪ Headin' to the top, just doing my job All day ♪
♪ Best believe, I'm doing it my way All day ♪
-[song fades out] -[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the United States Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[ring announcer] Introducing the challenger,
accompanied to the ring by Butch and Ridge Holland,
representing The Brawling Brutes,
Sheamus.
[crowd cheers]
And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
-[crowd booing] -[Cole] Extremely conceited, egotistical,
but at the end of the day, Wade, Austin Theory has all the tools,
hence the reason he's a champion.
[Wade] Yeah, absolutely. Got a habit of riding his luck at times,
but the truth is, when you're consistently lucky in this game…
[bell rings]
…it's because you're just good, making your own luck week in, week out.
[Cole] So if you're Austin Theory,
defending the championship tonight against Sheamus, right,
Brawling Brutes hanging out at ringside,
what do you need to do to retain your title?
[Wade] Here's the thing.
I think Austin Theory's got himself in a real hole.
One of the smartest things I learned during the course of my career was knowing
when to bite my tongue and not to pick fights.
Austin Theory didn't need this fight tonight.
There's certain people you want to dodge in your career.
I always dodged Brock Lesnar. Never once fought him.
And Austin Theory really should be trying to dodge Sheamus.
[Cole] Yeah, Sheamus, one of the toughest in the history of WWE,
looking to win the United States Championship here tonight.
[Wade] He's a man who has beaten a who's who of WWE greats
over the past 15 years,
guaranteed future Hall of Famer.
Theory's in trouble tonight.
[Cole] Once won a World Championship in 18 seconds
at WrestleMania, did Sheamus.
[Wade] Well, this one's gonna take more than 18 seconds,
a little more perhaps, but it's heading in the right direction
for Sheamus to grab another slice of gold at the expense of Theory.
[Cole] Sheamus just keeps getting better as his career rolls along.
[Wade] You're supposed to wind down when you've won it all,
when you've had success, when you've made money.
-Not Sheamus, though. -[Cole] Theory…
-[Wade] He lives for contact. -…rolls through into the dropkick.
Remember, champion's advantage in the matchup tonight.
Sheamus must pin or submit Theory to win the title.
-[Wade] The Brawling Brutes. -[Cole] Uh-oh, look at this.
[Wade] This is just an insult.
[Cole] Austin Theory looking to deliver
Sheamus' own 10 Beats of the Bodhrán on him.
[Wade] Oh, no.
[Cole] And Sheamus says, "No way."
[grunting]
[Cole] Some well-placed elbows,
and Sheamus now with Theory on his shoulder on the apron.
[Wade] You cannot get too cocky in the ring with a veteran like Sheamus.
[Cole] I think Sheamus was thinking about White Noise.
And Theory able to drive him shoulder-first
into the steel post and then drop him on his spine.
[Wade] That right there is a game changer.
[Cole] Theory in control
with the United States Championship up for grabs.
This match is for the United States Championship.
Austin Theory, the champion.
The challenger is Sheamus here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] I think someone's had a word with Austin Theory tonight.
You have to turn up the impact, the aggression against Sheamus.
Theory doing exactly that.
[Cole] Cover to retain. And a kickout.
[Wade] Theory is beating Sheamus at his own game right now.
That is not something I thought I'd ever say.
[Cole] Championship Match kicking off Friday Night SmackDown tonight.
I want to remind you of another championship match
coming up actually on Sunday, Wade. It's for the NXT Title.
Carmelo Hayes defending against Bron Breakker at NXT Battleground.
That's a special Sunday night at 8:00 over on Peacock.
Cover now by Theory, and a kickout by Sheamus.
[Wade] Cannot wait for that one. But right now, Austin Theory,
once again, completely dominating Sheamus,
A huge step up here for Theory.
[Cole] The thing about Theory is
he just doesn't care what you think about him.
He could care less what you think about his ego and his ultra-confidence.
[Wade] The proof is in the pudding ultimately.
You carry around the United States Championship,
who cares what anyone thinks?
[Cole] Sheamus looking to turn the tables here.
The southpaw delivers a left hand.
Rolling through now into that Blockbuster.
-[Wade] Sheamus is rocked. -Cover now for the win.
Hook of the leg to retain, and a kickout at two.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Theory cannot understand
how he was not able to put Sheamus away with this.
[Wade] Yeah, 'cause he knows full well
moves like this put away 99% of the roster.
-One, two… -[Wade] Sheamus, a little different.
Make no mistake, Sheamus is hurting.
Sheamus is in a bad way.
Come on. [indistinct]
[Cole] Not sure this is the right strategy to use against Sheamus.
Get in his face, trash-talk, you're just gonna tick the man off.
And that's what Theory has done,
and Sheamus, "The Celtic Warrior," looking to battle back.
[Wade] A little Glasgow Kiss,
shades of Drew McIntyre there, Sheamus' pal.
This, Austin Theory, is called payback time.
[Cole] And Sheamus now starting to build momentum.
Theory sent across the ring. Sheamus follows it up with a clothesline.
And now with Theory up on his shoulders,
trying to fight out, and does with the elbows.
[Wade] Wasn't much behind those elbows, however.
[Cole] Oh, the Irish Curse backbreaker by Sheamus.
Cover to win the United States Championship,
and a kick at two.
[Wade] Is there anybody better than Sheamus
when you get into this deep water of a matchup?
Anything Austin Theory throws at him has a reply like that.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Sheamus!
[Cole] And the "Let's go, Sheamus" chants ringing throughout the arena.
[Wade] Sheamus re-energized.
[Cole] Theory slips down.
Shoulders…
Kickout at two by Sheamus.
That running uppercut…
[shouting]
…planting Theory again to try to win the United States Championship.
And another kickout.
[Wade] Theory is a big dude,
and Sheamus just picks him up, throws him around with abandon.
[Cole] And Sheamus with a…
look of disbelief on his face
that he wasn't able to put Theory away there.
[Wade] Yeah. Kid's a lot better than Sheamus expected.
[Cole] Yeah. Theory as tough as they come.
[Wade] Sheamus tried to look through the hype,
but there's something solid behind that hype.
That's why Theory is so good, but it might be academic here.
[Cole] Sheamus up to the second rope.
He's got Theory in position for the White Noise,
but Theory able to turn things around and deliver a shot to the spine.
And now Theory continues the attack.
[Wade] Wisely getting the hell out of dodge when he could.
No time for cockiness now.
[Cole] And now Theory with Sheamus up on his shoulders.
Planting Sheamus for the win to retain the United States Title.
Sheamus kicks at two.
[Wade] Sheamus gotta be pushing 280 pounds.
At this point in the matchup,
exhausted Austin Theory still pulling off impressive moves.
[crowd clapping]
[Cole] WWE Universe showing their respect
for both Superstars in this match for the United States Title.
[Wade] Austin Theory needs to be merciless here.
You've got a wounded Sheamus.
[Cole] Theory tried to go to that Blockbuster.
Again, Sheamus was ready.
United States Champion has to kick at two.
Sheamus, the veteran, did a great job wrapping the arm and hooking the leg.
[Wade] Smart move from Sheamus.
I think Sheamus attempted a Brogue Kick there.
Didn't get full extension.
It was in fact the knee of Sheamus
catching the point of the jaw of Austin Theory.
How Austin Theory is still conscious, I've no clue.
[Cole] He may not be after this.
The human defibrillator.
Now Sheamus was going for the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán,
but instead Theory able to deliver a boot to the face.
[Cole] This has been a war.
[Cole] Now Theory now with a steel chair.
[Wade] Looking for that disqualification perhaps.
[Cole] Ridge is not gonna allow that to happen.
[indistinct]
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen,
eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one,
twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five.
[Cole] Twenty-five beats of the Bodhrán.
[Wade] And I saw the bruise grow with each one on the chest of Austin Theory.
[Cole] And Sheamus has Theory where he wants him.
Wait a minute.
Pretty Deadly attacking The Brutes out here at ringside.
[Wade] We saw what happened on SmackDown LowDown.
The Brutes attacking Pretty Deadly.
Now it's time for payback.
No! No!
[Cole] Uh-oh.
Mr. Wilson.
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven…
[Cole] And Theory from behind.
-One, two, three. -[Cole] Theory steals it.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Retains the title.
-["A-Town Down" playing] -[ring announcer] Here is your winner
and still the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
[Cole] Man, Sheamus was looking for a Brogue Kick,
Theory got upset, went for a chair, The Brutes got involved,
and then, from out of nowhere, Pretty Deadly with some payback
for what happened last week on SmackDown LowDown,
and Theory takes advantage.
[Wade] Absolute chaos here at ringside.
But take a look in slow motion
at the pounding of the chest of Austin Theory.
And just when Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick,
wisely getting out of dodge, Austin Theory.
[Cole] And then Theory would take advantage from behind,
rolling up Sheamus
and escaping once again with the United States Championship.
[Wade] You might call it a fortuitous victory,
but when it keeps on happening,
quite simply, it ain't lucky.
It's because Austin Theory is simply good.
Theory just keeps winning.
However, the Usos just can't get it back on the winning track.
I mean, the Usos have been in a downward spiral for months now,
and it continued last week on SmackDown.
Do you want to know why you're not gonna win
the Undisputed Tag Team Championships?
You're just not as good as us.
[crowd cheers]
I gave you opportunity after opportunity after opportunity.
I tried to serve it up for you. You won't even listen--
[Cole] And from out of nowhere, the Usos would attack Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
But the Tribal Chief was none too pleased.
I didn't tell you to come out here.
It was a simple plan, my plan. That you don't ever--
[Cole] And later in the night, the Usos would attempt to redeem themselves
in tag team action against Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar.
Until Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn would get involved.
Mysterio would take advantage of the distraction,
hitting the 619 on Jimmy.
-Santos with the splash off the top rope. -[crowd] One, two, three.
[Cole] And the LWO would pick up a big win while the Usos losing streak continued.
I didn't do anything. I was just watching.
[crowd booing]
Wiseman.
Yes, my Tribal Chief?
Let them know.
Gentlemen, your Tribal Chief feels guilty
that you won't be joining us tomorrow at Night of Champions.
And the Tribal Chief wants to make it up to the both of you.
So you are both personally invited by your Tribal Chief
to join us next week in the ring
for the 1,000-day celebration
of the greatest title reign of all time.
This is gonna be huge. I want the whole family there.
-Yeet. -Especially you, Jey.
Man, I feel… [indistinct]
You see what I'm saying?
I don't even know what your issue is, Uce.
I told you.
[tuts] Man, I'm hungry anyways. I'm leaving.
Where are you going?
Sit down.
Jimmy, I said sit down.
[chuckles wryly]
Do something.
You're standing up on me.
You make a good tough guy face. Do something.
Go on. Prove it.
Come on.
Make it happen.
What's different?
Ain't nothing changed.
Think back when we was kids. Think about it.
I whooped you then. I'll whoop you now.
Ain't nothing changed.
You're gonna respect me.
You're gonna obey me.
You're gonna acknowledge me.
-You're gonna get up out my locker room. -Come on, Uce. Come on.
Come on, we'll see you next week, Uce. Come on, man.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, a day away
from the Tag Team Championship Match at Night of Champions.
Kevin Owens hosts "The KO Show."
His special guests, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa,
later on tonight.
["Trap Queen" by WWE & def rebel playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez, the former Tag Team Champion.
[song fades]
["I Am A Psycho" playing]
[Cole] And her new partner.
♪ I'm a psycho, I'm a psycho ♪
♪ Welcome to the ball pit You can get your ass kicked ♪
♪ Off the top, backflip Hit you with the axe quick ♪
♪ Who's your daddy? ♪
-[bell rings] -[ring announcer] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi.
[Cole] In just a little bit, we'll show you
how Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi became a tag team.
Coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
Raquel and Shotzi to take on Damage CTRL's Bayley and Iyo Sky.
Tag team action on Friday Night SmackDown, and it's next.
Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi, who have teamed in the past,
reforming their tag team here tonight.
[Wade] They certainly have some solid history as a duo.
Innate chemistry between them. They're gonna need it tonight, though.
["We Got The Rage" playing]
♪ Yeah… ♪
[ring announcer] And their opponents, representing Damage CTRL,
Iyo Sky and Bayley.
[Cole] We did tell you we would explain
how Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi became a tag team.
It was back on Monday Night Raw.
Raquel would pick up a victory over Sonya Deville.
And after the match, Chelsea Green would attack Raquel,
and it would soon become a two-on-one assault
until Shotzi would make her way to the ring to even the odds.
Shotzi and Raquel now officially joining forces.
So now the stage is set for this coming Monday Night on Raw,
as we look to crown new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
a Fatal 4-Way Match.
One of these teams will rule WWE.
And again, the reason we don't have Women's Tag Team Champions,
Wade, is because Liv Morgan was injured
in the match against Damage CTRL a couple of weeks ago
and had to relinquish the championship.
And you notice Dakota Kai is not out here.
She was injured in that match as well.
[Wade] Ah, what a chaotic matchup it was!
You really feel for those injured parties. Wish them the best.
And you gotta say something for Raquel Rodriguez too.
Had to relinquish that championship through injury.
-[bell rings] -I experienced that myself in my career.
2014, lost the Intercontinental Championship through an injury,
and that pain was worse than the pain of the injury itself.
[Cole] Raquel Rodriguez looking to regroup with a new partner
and win those titles Monday night.
Raquel and Bayley gonna start things off in this matchup.
[Wade] You get back on the horse immediately,
and you know Bayley wants a piece of that tag gold.
[Cole] So, let me ask you, Wade.
This matchup, which team is it more important to?
[Wade] I mean, as a team, I've got to go with Damage CTRL.
They are the solidified team, we thought.
There has been some history between Raquel and Shotzi,
but they're kind of relearning that chemistry as they go.
[Cole] But isn't that why it perhaps is more important tonight
for Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez to pull off a victory,
to show that they can team together, that they can pull off a win?
[Wade] I certainly believe they can. They've done it before, but right now,
if Iyo Sky and Bayley lose against a relatively newly put-together tag team,
oh, it does not bond well for Damage CTRL.
[Cole] Shotzi with a suicide dive
as she has taken over this tag team matchup.
[Wade] The erratic, unhinged Shotzi.
[Cole] Cover by Shotzi, who often throws caution to the wind,
as you take another look.
[Wade] Yeah, we talk about caution to the wind.
That is what cost the likes of Dakota Kai and Liv Morgan.
You have to be careful in there,
and sometimes that erratic nature of Shotzi can cost her and her team.
[Cole] You know better than anyone, Wade, you got to take chances, right?
[Wade] Undoubtedly, but pick and choose your chances.
[Cole] Iyo Sky whipped across the ring.
Raquel Rodriguez looking to out-power Iyo.
Tag.
[Wade] The performance from Iyo Sky at Backlash a few weeks ago,
incredible stuff from her.
-Looking to build on that momentum. -[Cole] Bayley trying--
Oh, there's the double-team. Great move by Sky.
Bayley stacks Raquel, who kicks at two.
Damage CTRL working well together.
Can Raquel and Shotzi get back in it?
We're back on Friday Night SmackDown.
Bayley and Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL controlling Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi
in this tag team matchup.
Two of the four teams who will be a part of the Fatal 4-Way
to crown new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
this coming Monday Night on Raw.
Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville, and Chelsea Green
joining that matchup Monday.
[Wade] A who's who of top female tag teams here in WWE
with all the gold up for grabs. No higher stakes.
Tag!
[Cole] Raquel with an elbow and now a left hand, creates some space.
Bayley trying to hang on.
Big boot to Iyo Sky.
Bayley sent flying. Tag made. Here comes Shotzi.
[Wade] You're in a tug of war with Raquel, you're not gonna win.
[Cole] Shotzi so hard to prepare for.
[Wade] Just unpredictable. How do you game plan for this?
Sometimes I'm not sure Shotzi knows what she's gonna do next.
[Cole] Face-first off the bulldog goes Bayley.
Shotzi with a running knee, big right hand.
And Bayley's in trouble.
Shotzi impressive tonight.
[Cole] As ever, the kamikaze offense of Shotzi.
Do not look away.
[Cole] Oh, and right into the spine of Bayley.
Cover by Shotzi for the win in this tag team matchup,
and a kickout at two.
Hey, come on. Get out of here. Come on. I'm telling you.
You back it up. Get in your corner. You know the rules.
[Cole] Iyo Sky distracting the official. Bayley taking advantage.
Tag made. Here's Sky.
[Wade] There may have been a poke in the eye there of Shotzi.
[Cole] Iyo, cover, hook of the leg. Is it enough?
And Raquel Rodriguez saves the matchup.
[Wade] Just when the game planning of Damage CTRL started taking over
in this matchup.
[Cole] Oh, stomping on the foot of Shotzi, who blocks.
Oh, and Iyo Sky with a kick to the face.
[Wade] Cleaning the clock of Shotzi. Surely ripe for the pickings now, Cole.
[screams]
[Cole] Shotzi lands on her feet.
The waistlock now. Sky trying to make it to the ropes.
Shotzi able to prevent that from happening.
[Wade] Shotzi one step ahead. Wow!
[Cole] Shoulders down off the suplex. Is it enough?
And Bayley has to save the matchup.
[Wade] A split second away from victory was Shotzi there.
Bayley, the veteran, wisely breaking it up.
[Cole] Now Raquel dragging Bayley out of the ring.
Tag made. Rodriguez is legal.
[Wade] Iyo Sky on the wrong side of the tracks here.
[Cole] And the power of Raquel.
Sky lifted high. Shotzi going to the top rope.
Bayley knocking Shotzi off the top rope.
Iyo Sky driving Raquel face-first into the turnbuckle.
[Wade] The referee temporarily losing all control of the matchup.
This one boiling over now.
Tag!
[Cole] Raquel driving Sky into the corner. Tag made. Bayley's legal.
[Wade] Once again, Bayley calling out the play here.
-[Cole] Uh-oh. -[Wade] A little slip from Bayley.
[shouting indistinctly]
[Cole] Sky… Oh!
-One, two, three. -[Cole] Cover.
-And Raquel with the win. -[bell rings]
-["Trap Queen" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[ring announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez.
[Cole] It looked like there was a bit of miscommunication
somewhere along the line, Wade. Raquel and Shotzi with a big win.
[Wade] Clearly, Bayley was calling out the play to Iyo.
Iyo, at some point, it was miscommunicated, I guess,
and that played out well into the hands of Raquel and Shotzi.
-Take a look at this once again. -One, two, three.
[Cole] Oh, the miscommunication allows Raquel and Shotzi to pick up the win.
Damage CTRL better get back on the same page.
Fatal 4-Way Monday Night on Raw for the Women's Tag Team Titles.
At Night of Champions, Seth Rollins versus AJ Styles
for the new World Heavyweight Title.
Seth Rollins says it's his time.
[gentle music playing]
Seth, throughout your career, you've held every championship in WWE.
You're about to compete in the finals
to crown a new World Heavyweight champion. Your resume speaks for itself.
Why is the World Heavyweight Championship so special to Seth Rollins?
This is my first love, man.
Since I was four years old, as long as I can remember,
this has been everything I've ever dreamed of.
I just want to see it be the best it can be.
This World Heavyweight Championship, this is it, man.
This is our moment to do something special.
This is an opportunity for us to push the industry forward.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for AJ Styles.
He is going to be
an extremely tough obstacle to overcome.
But I'm at the top of my game, and no one can touch me right now.
I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm feeling pretty invincible.
[young Rollins] The winner is…
Rollins has done it.
[Rollins] I want to be able to create something that's gonna be legendary.
I want to be able to create something that's gonna live forever.
I am Seth Rollins,
and I'm the change you've been waiting for.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins is once-in-a-generation,
because I made myself that way.
And I want to be somebody who the future can look to
like, "That's the guy. That's the way to carry things forward."
And tomorrow at Night of Champions,
Seth Rollins is gonna be taking on one of the all-time greats,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd chanting] AJ Styles!
[Cole] Since 1998, this man has competed all over the world.
[Styles] I have headlined Tokyo Dome.
I have been a champion all over the world.
I earned the right to be here in the WWE.
[Cole] "The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles is here.
♪ Stand for somethin' Never fall for nothin' ♪
♪ Opposition, yeah, they always bluffin' ♪
♪ And the competition Yeah, they always frontin' ♪
♪ Got Ferrari power, yeah I'm always clutchin' on the crown, dawg ♪
♪ Look at them buckets Full of sweat pain ♪
♪ No regretted gains Swinging lane to lane ♪
♪ Off the ground, dawg ♪
♪ Round for round I've been going at it for 1,000 hours ♪
♪ That's 1,000 fans in 1,000 stands Make 1,000 sounds ♪
[Cole] Styles is the WWE Champion.
[Styles] What good is being a champion if you're not a fighting champ?
[Triple H] At Night of Champions,
we will crown a New World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] It'll be AJ Styles versus Seth Rollins.
Here it is, an opportunity to be the World Heavyweight Champion.
And I want it more than the air that I breathe.
That proves that I am better than the best, that I am phenomenal.
♪ 10,000 hours, 10,000 hours ♪
[crowd chanting] AJ Styles! AJ Styles!
[Cole] It is a special start time
of 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 10:00 a.m. Pacific, Saturday afternoon.
Night of Champions live from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
where history will be made.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
One of our triple main events.
This for the New World Heavyweight Championship.
["Best of the Best" playing]
♪ Hit Row, Hit Row ♪
♪ Hit Row ♪
♪ And if you didn't know, now you know… ♪
[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Top Dolla and B-Fab,
representing Hit Row,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
[Cole] Now they're all wearing the Mr. Wrestling II masks.
[Wade] This is sports entertainment. Come on, Cole.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
the newcomer Cameron Grimes,
who beat Baron Corbin in near-record time a few weeks ago,
hopes to keep the winning streak intact
when he takes on Ashante "Thee" Adonis one-on-one.
Next on SmackDown.
[upbeat music playing]
♪ Yeah, you know what time it is ♪
Grayson Waller.
♪ This is for all y'all haters Y'all doubters ♪
The biggest box office Superstar ever.
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ How many times must I go and tell The doubters who cannot live without us? ♪
There is one word that describes Grayson Waller. He's an ass.
I don't thrive on people liking me because they know the talent that I have.
♪ Did you just say you wanna play? ♪
♪ Well, come up to the plate And I can show you all the way… ♪
I do it in the ring. I do it in the mic. I've got a talk show.
Everything I touch is absolute gold.
And I think it's just about time to show the world the Grayson…
…the Grayson…
…Waller, Waller…
…effect.
[music ends]
["Best of the Best" playing]
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Ashante "Thee" Adonis of Hit Row
is set for action here tonight on SmackDown.
Of course, B-Fab and your guy, Top Dolla.
[Wade] One of my absolute favorites. I love this entire crew, actually.
I don't want you smack-talking them anymore, Michael Cole.
[Cameron Grimes's music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, from Burlington, North Carolina,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Cameron Grimes.
[Cole] You know, Wade, it's hard to have a debut
any better than what Cameron Grimes did a few weeks ago
on Friday Night SmackDown,
defeating Baron Corbin in near record time with the Cave In.
[bell rings]
[Cole] And for Cameron Grimes,
an opportunity to keep the winning streak alive tonight.
I must have been born under a lucky star because life is just working out.
Last week, I won my first match on SmackDown in near-record time.
But I can feel the pressure,
but I am motivated and dedicated
to meet those sky-high expectations and go to the moon.
[laughs]
[Cole] A very confident Cameron Grimes
looking to win again here tonight on SmackDown.
A matchup that was made on social media.
[Wade] Yeah, confidence can be a very dangerous thing.
I spoke to Ashante "Thee" Adonis earlier today.
He says he's not prepared to give up any spotlight
to any other newcomers heading here to SmackDown,
-including Cameron Grimes. -[Cole] Tell me about Cameron Grimes.
-What makes him so effective? -[Wade] He's a small-town-- Oh.
[Cole] Cover. Hook of the leg. And a kickout.
[Wade] He's a small-town country boy.
Many dismiss him before they see him in action.
But as we saw against Corbin a couple of weeks ago,
blink-and-you'll-miss-it Cave In.
This man, Grimes, has more heart and more passion
than 99% of the athletes you will ever see in WWE.
[Cole] Highly athletic.
Grimes lands on his feet.
-Oh, look at Top Dolla getting involved. -[crowd boos]
[Cole] Of course, and Ashante takes advantage.
[Wade] That is why you have backup.
[Cole] There was absolutely no reason for that.
[Wade] We talked about confidence.
[Cole] Top Dolla shouldn't even be out here. As you take another look.
[Wade] Of course he should be here. He's part of the crew.
Well, you don't have to like it, Michael Cole,
but that's part of the game here in WWE.
And someone like Cameron Grimes, if he's gonna be naive,
he simply isn't gonna last long at this level.
[Cole] Naive? It's three-on-one.
A cover by Adonis. And a kickout by Grimes.
[Wade] Get yourself some friends. Get yourself some backup.
-Don't tell me you're going to-- -[Cole] He's been here for two weeks.
[Wade] Don't tell me you're going to the moon
when there's three people waiting out here to rip you to shreds.
[Cole] You've been here for 15 years. Nobody likes you. You have no friends.
This guy has been here two weeks. What do you expect him to do?
[Wade] You've been here, what, 27 years, and nobody likes you.
-You're beating my record. -[Cole] Yes, but I like it that way.
And Adonis now lifting Grimes up. Lands on his feet.
[Wade] Grimes showing some of that bounce-back ability,
that heart, that passion that made him a bona fide star in NXT.
[Cole] Yeah, Cameron Grimes never out of a matchup.
Adonis taken down by Grimes, who's starting to pick up the pace.
[Wade] Feeding off the emotion in this arena.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Cameron Grimes. Cave In.
One, two, three. That's it.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Another win.
[Cameron Grimes's music plays]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Cameron Grimes.
[Cole] Record scratch tonight for Hit Row.
Grimes with the win on SmackDown.
And this young man is impressive.
[Wade] Yeah, you can have ten people at ringside.
If Cameron Grimes wants to go to the moon
and connects with his Cave In, it is game over.
Perfectly executed sneaky athleticism, utterly devastating.
-One, two, three. -[Wade] He's on a hot streak.
[bell rings]
[Cole] And Grimes celebrating here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
-Oh. -[Wade] Oh.
-[Cole] Baron Corbin. -[crowd boos]
[Wade] Some of that naivety I spoke about earlier, Cole.
[Cole] Naivety?
He got attacked from behind, ambushed by this sore loser.
[crowd boos]
[Wade] In this game, Cole, you need eyes in the back of your head.
There is not a single veteran in that locker room
who's gonna roll out the red carpet for Cameron Grimes.
Well, someone who's had to have eyes in the back of her head
the past couple of weeks, the Women's Champion, Bianca Belair,
who takes on Asuka tomorrow at Night of Champions.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[man] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home auto and more.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] Bianca Belair is home tonight
to celebrate as the longest-reigning Women's Champion in WWE history.
The Empress of Tomorrow.
[Cole] It's the first time we have seen Asuka
since she lost to Bianca Belair back in WrestleMania.
Asuka with the mist to the champion.
-[crowd booing] -[screaming]
[Cole] Asuka in a battle here tonight with Zelina Vega.
Meteora.
-[Wade] This is a very different Asuka. -[screaming]
-[Cole] Zelina taps out. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Asuka not letting go of the Asuka Lock.
["Watch Me Shine" plays]
[Wade] She might have to now, Cole.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Asuka trying to sneak back into the ring again, and…
Oh, the mist.
Just barely got Bianca this time around.
[Wade] Asuka is in the head of Bianca Belair,
and that record-breaking reign is in jeopardy at Night of Champions.
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ The pressure's building But, no, I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying… ♪
[ring announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Cole] Tomorrow, she defends her championship
against Asuka at Night of Champions.
But tonight the EST of WWE
is on Friday Night SmackDown.
Bianca Belair, next on Fox.
♪ I never needed you at all ♪
[Cole] If you haven't seen Fast X yet, get to the theater and enjoy it.
Co-starring WWE Superstar, John Cena.
It's the number one movie in the world.
Congratulations to John Cena.
And of course, Batista as well.
All of the success we've seen from the Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.
How's that for a one-two punch?
The WWE taking over Hollywood.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Cole] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
♪ I never needed you at all… ♪
[Cole] Night of Champions live from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday afternoon.
Special start time of 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 10:00 a.m. Pacific.
Bianca Belair defends her Raw Women's Championship against Asuka.
♪ Against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But, no, I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying, they hear me roar ♪
-[crowd cheering] -[song fades out]
[crowd chanting] EST! EST! EST!
Tomorrow at Night of Champions, I'm gonna step in the ring
and defend my Raw Women's Championship against Asuka.
[crowd boos]
Now, this is not the same Asuka that I remember from WrestleMania.
Now, that Asuka, I actually respected,
because that Asuka wanted this title.
Now, I can actually respect that,
because I just… I know how good it feels
to be your Raw Women's Champion.
[crowd cheering]
But this Asuka…
This Asuka's different.
This Asuka wants more than just my title.
But you know what?
If Asuka, if she wanted a rematch, all she had to do was ask.
But no. She had to wait until I got into my hometown,
where I was celebrating my historic title reign,
to come in there and mist me,
and humiliate me in front of my entire family and friends.
[chuckles wryly]
[crowd boos]
And if once wasn't bad enough, she did it twice.
The very next week when I tried to help Zelina Vega.
Now I'm standing here, and my hands are still green,
my eyes still burn, my vision is still blurry.
[laughs] But my mind has never been more clear.
So if Asuka wants a rematch, bet. Say less.
But let me tell you this. I'm not just giving Asuka a rematch.
I'm giving her a fight, because now I want a fight,
and I'm gonna fight Asuka at Night of Champions until I hear,
"And still your Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair."
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Cole] Well, we may not have to wait for Night of Champions.
[inaudible]
[Cole] And from behind.
Asuka from out of nowhere attacking Bianca Belair,
and, Wade, going for now the armbar on Bianca Belair.
And Belair was right when she said
this is not the same Asuka from WrestleMania.
She is completely different, she's unhinged,
she wants to punish people, and she wants the championship.
[Wade] Something has snapped inside of Asuka.
And if Bianca Belair is lucky,
that won't be the case with her arm,
but certainly softened up ahead of Night of Champions.
[Cole] The officials out here trying to keep these women separated.
Asuka and Bianca, though, want to go at one another.
Bianca Belair now with Asuka up in the air,
looking for a K.O.D.
[Wade] Caught by one of our officials here,
thankfully for Asuka.
[Asuka laughing maniacally]
[Cole] And Asuka with that wild smile on her face.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Wade] Asuka firmly in the head of the champ, Belair.
[Cole] Will that play into Asuka's favor?
Bianca, Asuka for the Women's Title at Night of Champions.
Well, ladies and gentlemen,
this should be explosive ratings for "The KO Show."
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn welcome Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
to "The KO Show" later on tonight.
[indistinct]
["Knight Vision" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing 240 pounds, LA Knight.
[Cole] Coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
LA Knight is going to do battle
with a man that was once his tag team partner,
well, at least for a match.
LA Knight and Boogs teamed up against the Street Profits last week.
Didn't turn out too well, and LA Knight made Boogs pay.
Coming up next, one-on-one, Boogs and Knight on SmackDown.
-Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown. -[Rick Boogs's music playing]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, Rick Boogs.
[Cole] So last week on SmackDown,
it was the Street Profits versus LA Knight and Rick Boogs.
Knight had told the Profits, "I can beat you with anyone."
He picked Boogs to try to do that with.
However, things did not work out too well.
-Sky High from Dawkins. -[crowd] One, two, three.
-From The Heavens for Montez Ford. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Boogs gets beaten.
[indistinct]
[Cole] And then LA Knight would attack Boogs after the matchup.
Hence, the one-on-one match here tonight.
Trash. Trash, that's you.
[Wade] Yeah, it wasn't exactly the mega powers exploding,
but these two are gonna duke it out.
[Wade] Looks like we're being joined by said Street Profits.
["Bring The Swag" playing]
[Cole] Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
[inaudible]
[Cole] No one was expecting them, including LA Knight.
♪ It's in the bag, man, I got it, yeah… ♪
Let's go.
♪ Powder keg about to explode Independent, I run the show… ♪
[Cole] Invited or not, the Street Profits always bring the party.
And if we're lucky, maybe they're heading over here.
Yeah!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] The matchup underway.
Knight and Boogs one-on-one in this match,
and the powerhouse Rick Boogs, who was humiliated last week,
starts the fight against LA Knight with a massive biel.
And look who's joining us here on commentary.
[Dawkins] What's good?
-[Cole] Dawkins, Ford, the Street Profits. -[Dawkins] What's good?
[Ford] What's going on, fellas? Thank you for having us
-here at the commentary table. -[Wade] Always welcome.
Did you bring any of those Solo Cups for us?
[Dawkins] You know it, baby.
[Cole] I have stock.
-Whoa, whoa. -Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[Cole] Boogs with LA Knight up top and dropping LA Knight right on the table.
Oh!
-Hey, I see you, dawg. -He's booging out.
-Yeah, he's booging out. -He's booging out.
-He's booging out.
-[Dawkins] Yeah, there we go. -[Wade] Off the chain.
Hey, what you gonna do, bro? Hey, what you gonna do, bro?
He tried to beat you guys last week, by the way.
-[Ford] He failed. He failed. -[Dawkins] He failed.
[Wade] Profits, I gotta grab you quick. Night of Champions.
The challengers to KO and Zayn's WWE Tag Championship
are a recently-thrown-together tag team, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
-How do you two feel about that? -[Ford] Let me stop you right there.
How many championships do Roman Reigns need?
He got the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship.
Now he's trying to go for the Tag Team Championships.
And can show up on our show, Friday Night SmackDown,
and just declare a match?
Is that what he can do? Is that how it works around here?
[Cole] It's also Roman's show. He was the first pick of the draft.
[Ford] Okay. Nice.
-Who's the first tag team? -[Cole] You guys.
LA Knight now into the corner with the running knee.
Hey, you guys, Wade doesn't have to be out here.
You guys can join me every week on commentary if you'd like to.
-[Dawkins] Word? -[Cole] Exactly.
You know what, Mr. Barrett, I'm afraid we have some bad news.
[Wade] They're coming from all angles here.
No. Hey, I heard you was trying to fight Mike Tyson in celebrity boxing.
[Wade] No, no. Don't put that on me.
[Cole] I would love that. I would even commentate on that match.
We could all commentate on that.
[Wade] If they pay enough, I'll do it, all right?
[Cole] Boogs driven down by LA Knight.
[Wade] LA Knight starting to hit top gear in this matchup,
but Boogs refusing to be denied.
-Both men looking to build some momentum. -On the knees. On the knees.
Oh, you don't wanna be there with Boogs. You don't wanna be there with Boogs.
Front facelock. Oh! See ya.
[Cole] By the way, Boogs is--
Uh, hey, Tez, Boogs is the one who actually pressed you ten times.
-[Ford] Was it ten? -[Cole] Last week.
Yeah, and then he curled Dawkins ten times as well.
-Was it ten? -[Cole] Yeah.
-I thought it was only 20. -[Cole laughs]
That's great. I mean, he's strong.
Yeah, man, he's a strong dude. We got to give it to him.
He don't skip arm day, you know.
[Cole] Meanwhile, LA Knight now fighting back
against Rick Boogs with the right hands. Boogs trying to fire up here.
[Wade] Well, this has turned into a war in the ring
as we're having fun at the desk.
This one getting into the deep water now.
[Cole] Yeah, Rick Boogs looking to knock off LA Knight
after Boogs was embarrassed last week,
and there's the power the Profits were talking about.
[Wade] LA Knight getting pancaked in there by the powerhouse, Rick Boogs.
[Cole] Gut wrench. And look at Boogs just manhandling Knight
and tossing him across the ring.
He's booging out. He's booghandling everybody.
-[Cole] There's no doubt about that. -He's booging out.
[Cole] And Boogs looking for the pumphandle.
[Dawkins] Oh, got him. Got him.
[Cole] LA Knight, though.
-[Wade] Referee completely blindsided. -What are you doing? Hey.
[Cole] BFT, Blood Force Trauma, off the rake of the eyes,
and Knight with the win.
-[bell rings] -[Dawkins] Come on, man.
["Knight Vision" plays]
-Wow. -This y'all's man?
[Cole] LA Knight did what he had to do.
-Cut that. Cut that. Cut that. -[music stops]
[crowd cheers]
You guys have been out here talking trash the whole time.
Don't think I don't know.
You keep talking, I'll make change out of both your five-dollar asses.
[crowd boos]
-[indistinct] -I'll put it to you like this.
What I just showed you,
what everybody just saw, is an example of me taking out the trash,
and you got to know your time's coming.
And what that means is you say, "We want the smoke."
No, no, you ain't gonna get the smoke.
You're gonna get smoked courtesy of the man.
Whose game is it?
With everybody saying…
-LA Knight. Yeah. -[crowd] LA Knight. Yeah.
-["Knight Vision" playing] -[clattering]
-[Wade] Hit me with a mic. -[Cole] Well, you could've caught it.
How dare he throw that at Wade Barrett?
-I'm in danger sitting at this desk. -Wade Barrett is out here doing his job,
and he throws a microphone at him.
How disrespectful.
Writing checks you can't cash.
Right here. This is the money.
This is the gravy train.
[ominous music playing]
A stubborn man only sees one path before him.
And when a man becomes consumed by one singular goal,
he fails to see all of the danger around him lying in wait.
AJ Styles, you shouldn't be asking yourself right now,
"Do I have what it takes to beat Seth Rollins?"
No.
You should be asking yourself,
"What sort of condition am I going to be in
after I am victimized by Karrion Kross?"
-["Phenomenal" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[explosion]
[bell rings]
[ring announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Gainesville, Georgia,
weighing 218 pounds, representing The O.C.,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Cole] The Phenomenal One looks to make history
tomorrow at Night of Champions
as he battles for the new World Heavyweight Championship.
But Karrion Kross stands in his way.
Kross, Styles one-on-one next on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ Blue collar boys do it With our hands muddied ♪
♪ No, they don't want none No, they don't want none ♪
♪ No, they don't want none No, they don't want… ♪
[soft music playing]
[Dawn] The unholy union of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn has risen.
[man 1] Twin demons of deceit. That is a deadly combination.
[man 2] Dawn and Fyre want to scorch the earth.
And from the smoldering ashes, our message will spread far and wide.
We are taking our Tag Team Titles with us to SmackDown.
We will set the fate for all three brands.
And where there's smoke, there's Fyre. [giggles]
[both laughing]
["Phenomenal" playing]
[Cole] Will there be a celebration for this man
tomorrow at Night of Champions
when he meet Seth Rollins for the new World Heavyweight Title?
["Dead Silent" playing]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, from Sin City,
accompanied to the ring by Scarlett,
weighing in at 265 pounds, Karrion Kross.
[Cole] A very, very dangerous opponent
for AJ Styles with Night of Champions looming tomorrow.
[Wade] The tarot card picked the next victim.
The cards marked AJ Styles.
Tonight, the harbinger of doom
may doom the chances of AJ at Night of Champions.
♪ Fall and pray ♪
Fall and pray.
♪ Fall and pray ♪
[Cole] Wade, you know, Kross has been very vocal
over the fact that he was not included
in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.
He'd like to take a lot of that anger out on AJ Styles tonight.
-[bell rings] -[Wade] No doubt about it.
You can blame the tarot cards all you want.
There is some menace behind the eyes of Kross tonight,
and you've nailed it. It's exactly that.
Left out of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament,
and nothing would perhaps solve his pain, his anger
than destroying AJ's chances of victory tomorrow.
[Cole] Yeah, AJ Styles just has to survive tonight against Karrion Kross
before the epic encounter with Rollins at Night of Champions.
[Wade] Well, if AJ is looking to survive this man,
it has started out in the worst way possible.
[Cole] AJ Styles, who returned
from the longest stint he's ever had on the injured list in his career.
He talked about that on the "Grayson Waller Effect" last week.
He said he was itching to come back.
He's worked so hard to get in the best shape of his career.
[Wade] I've got to give maximum respect to AJ.
Superhuman level of effort two weeks ago,
winning two matches in one night upon that return from the injury layoff.
[Cole] The official, Dan Engler, trying to back AJ off.
[Wade] I had some injuries in my own career.
I always felt it took about 20 matches after my return
'til I was really at 100 percent.
For AJ to do what he did two weeks ago, mind-blowing.
[Cole] He better be ready for tomorrow
because he's going into the ring against one of the greatest.
It's Seth "Freakin" Rollins who's on the roll of his career.
Now Scarlett… Scarlett grabbing the leg of Styles.
The official was dealing with Kross,
and now Karrion Kross takes advantage with a kick to the face.
[Wade] Scarlett always involved in matches,
always bringing bad energy to ringside.
[Cole] One of the keys to Karrion Kross and his success.
[Wade] The oracle of the occult.
[Cole] And here comes Michin,
from AJ Styles' O.C. group. And Michin…
[shouting indistinctly]
[Wade] This is the equalizer of The O.C.
No, no, no!
[Cole] Michin is gonna chase off Scarlett.
No!
[Cole] Even odds now.
Styles and Kross continues.
We are back on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Karrion Kross and AJ Styles.
Kross has taken control of this matchup
ever since Scarlett got involved before the commercial break.
And watch this. Styles driven into the ring post.
[Wade] Smashed into the steel ring post.
Dropped head-first on the concrete floor.
[Cole] There's no Scarlett out here either, Wade.
She was chased back to the locker room area
by AJ Styles' friend, Michin, from The O.C.
[Wade] The equalizer of The O.C.
The question is, has the damage to AJ Styles already been done?
Grimaces despite valiantly fighting back.
Cut short by Karrion Kross.
[Cole] What a win this would be for Kross as well, Wade,
to knock off Styles a few hours
before Styles' fight at Night of Champions.
And a kickout.
Again, watch this.
Boom! The impact from Kross.
[Wade] Here's the problem. A man the size of Karrion Kross,
it's so difficult to build any form of momentum against him,
because one shot from Kross
will destroy most competitors in SmackDown.
[Cole] This is a tough go of it for AJ Styles
to have to have this physical battle
so close to his World Heavyweight Championship fight
-with Rollins tomorrow. -[Wade] Yeah, it's absolute insanity.
Just softening up AJ Styles with every shot from Karrion Kross.
[Cole] Styles into the corner,
and AJ Styles now trying to turn things around.
He's got Kross up. Not enough.
[Wade] Back just gave out at the worst moment.
[Cole] Oh, Pelé Kick.
[Wade] Ludicrous athleticism from Styles.
Perhaps just in the nick of time getting that second wind.
[Cole] Styles with that running floating forearm taking out Kross,
and now AJ Styles starting to turn things around.
Styles dropping Kross. Knee to the back of the neck.
Cover now for the win.
Kross kicks out.
[Wade] You have to question AJ Styles. We've talked about that injury.
How close is AJ to hitting that wall cardio-wise?
Very different proposition in there with a man the size of Kross.
Just maneuvering Kross around the ring takes so much energy.
[Cole] Styles looks pretty good to me.
As he sets Karrion Kross up, looking for a Tornado DDT.
Kross, though, able to use his power.
Suplex. Bridge cover. Rolls through.
Kross gonna power him up.
-[Wade] Superb technique. -[Cole] A fisherman suplex by Kross.
Cover for the win on Styles,
who kicks at two.
[Wade] It really would prove Kross' point that he should never have been left out
of the tournament in the first place
if he puts away the finalist for tomorrow
at Night of Champions, AJ Styles.
[Cole] This looks familiar, Mr. Barrett.
Thought he was gonna set Styles up.
[Wade] A page right out of my own book.
-I love it. -[Cole] The Kross Hammer.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, AJ!
[Cole] Kross Hammer coming.
Styles able to duck, and AJ Styles fighting back.
[Wade] Fighting for his life in there,
fighting for his chances tomorrow night, too, perhaps.
[Cole] The backhands, the kicks to the knee.
Styles looking for a Styles Clash.
[Wade] Kross just too big.
[Cole] AJ launched out to the apron.
Caught him with a forearm.
AJ loaded up.
[Wade] Kross groggy center of the ring.
[Cole] AJ, Phenomenal Forearm.
If he hits that tomorrow, we're gonna have a new World Champion.
[bell rings]
["Phenomenal" plays]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Cole] It is going to be an all-time classic
tomorrow at Night of Champions, Wade.
Styles, Rollins at the top of their game for the World Title.
[Wade] Unreal stuff from AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal Forearm bullseye on the jaw.
If that connects tomorrow night against Seth Rollins,
AJ Styles will be the new World Heavyweight Champion.
♪ We some country boys Working overtime for it… ♪
[Cole] And still to come in just a matter of moments,
"The KO Show" hosted by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn,
The Tag Team Champions
on the eve of the defense against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
Well, they will welcome in their opponents as the guests of "The KO Show" tonight.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
["Phenomenal" playing]
AJ, congratulations.
Now does this victory give you the momentum
you're going to need tomorrow at Night of Champions
to face Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship?
What'd Seth say, he was invincible?
He can be unstoppable, he can be Seth "Freakin" Rollins…
but he can't be phenomenal.
I am phenomenal,
and I'm going to put a phenomenal beating on him tomorrow night
en route to becoming
the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] A confident AJ Styles, ladies and gentlemen.
And it's a special start time,
Saturday afternoon, 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 10:00 a.m. Pacific on Peacock.
It is Night of Champions,
and the new World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned.
Seth Rollins, AJ Styles look to make history in Saudi Arabia.
[Wade] And if you want a job done well, do it yourself.
Roman Reigns looks to do exactly that.
He teams with Solo Sikoa
to take on tag champs KO and Zayn for the gold.
[Cole] At one point, Becky Lynch idolized Trish Stratus.
Saturday afternoon at Night of Champions,
these two icons will do battle.
Lynch versus Stratus.
Plus three more huge championship matches Saturday afternoon.
Bianca, Asuka for the Raw Women's Title.
"The Ring General" Gunther
defends the Intercontinental Title against Mustafa Ali,
and Rhea Ripley takes on Natalya for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
And the third match of our triple main event.
This past Monday on Raw,
Brock Lesnar would viciously assault
and target the left arm of Cody Rhodes, which is broken,
but Cody has vowed to go to Night of Champions
to fight The Beast Saturday afternoon in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cody] When I first came back, I was talking about finishing the story.
Now our unfinished tale…
Brock Lesnar, you are a coward.
…has a whole new wrinkle to it.
At Backlash, I had the daunting task of competing against The Beast,
and here is what I discovered.
I discovered what Brock Lesnar is made of,
because it was literally all over my fist.
I discovered that Brock Lesnar can be defeated,
because at Backlash, I beat Brock Lesnar.
Now that Brock Lesnar is thankfully in the rearview mirror,
it is very clear what is next for me.
It is the World Heavyweight Championship.
[Patrick] Cody's feeling it. Cross Rhodes.
Can Cody Rhodes put away The Miz to advance?
[Graves] Wait, wait, wait. What the hell?
Brock Lesnar…
F-5 to Cody Rhodes.
Unfinished business with Cody Rhodes.
Good God.
Look at this face. Look at this face!
I want to talk about me.
Me, me, me.
Cody Rhodes!
You want to take credit for this, Cody?
I want a fight.
Night of Champions.
Who is the coward now?
[Cody] Obviously, now, I don't get to be the first World Heavyweight Champion.
You want to fight, Brock Lesnar? You want to fight me?
Against all my better judgment,
here's what I have to say.
I gladly accept Brock Lesnar's challenge at Night of Champions.
This isn't about a championship.
This is about who is the big thing
on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes arriving to--
[shouting]
[dramatic music playing]
[screaming]
[man] Unfortunately, Cody will not be fighting Brock Lesnar
at Night of Champions.
[Graves] There's a fine line between bravery and insanity,
and Cody Rhodes is a man walking that very line.
-The Kimura is in. -Mayday!
Oh my God.
-[wailing in pain] -I think Lesnar just broke his arm.
[Triple H] I can tell by the look on your face,
you know damn well it's broken.
I understand you're afraid.
Afraid? What do I have, at this point, to be afraid of?
[Cody] I am going to Night of Champions,
and I am going to fight Brock Lesnar.
[dramatic music playing]
["Worlds Apart" plays]
[Cole] Despite the vicious attack from Lesnar,
Cody Rhodes will be in Saudi Arabia,
Saturday afternoon, 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 10:00 a.m. Pacific,
as will this man…
one half of the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
[song fades out]
["Fight" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[ring announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Sami Zayn
and the host of "The KO Show," Kevin Owens.
[Cole] This is sure to be explosive. It'll be controversial.
Just hours before they defend the tag titles
against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
welcome their opponents into "The KO Show."
It's next on Friday Night SmackDown.
And ladies and gentlemen, next week on Friday Night SmackDown,
the celebration begins.
Roman Reigns will celebrate 1,000 days as your Undisputed Champion.
It happens live next week.
[Wade] And I cannot believe it's already Money in the Bank season, Cole.
Qualifying matches are gonna start next week right here on SmackDown.
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in the ring, the Tag Team Champs.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to "The Kevin Owens Show."
[crowd cheering]
It's been awhile since I said that. I like it.
I thought when we do it together, it's "The Kevin and Sami--"
"The Kevin and Sami Show." You happy?
[crowd cheering]
At Night of Champions…
we defend our titles against Solo and Roman Reigns.
[crowd boos]
But before we do that,
there's a couple of things we need to get off our chest.
So without further ado, please welcome my guests for tonight…
Solo
and "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd booing loudly]
It amazes me
how you still don't get the plot around here.
Your Tribal Chief does not come out
when you want the Tribal Chief to come out.
[crowd boos]
There's no booing when the Wiseman has the microphone.
[crowd boos]
Your Tribal Chief comes out
when your Tribal Chief decides he wants to come out.
["Done With That" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Down since day one ish, damn Down since… ♪
[Cole] Here are the Tribal Chief's cousins.
♪ Line 'em all up, knock 'em down like… ♪
Yeah, yeah, yeah, look at them.
Why you out here talking like it's all good, though?
Like we ain't forget what you did to us last week?
Y'all so worried about tomorrow night
when, real talk,
you got a bigger problem standing right in the front of your face, Sami.
You know, I have to be honest.
-I really can't believe you're out here. -No, no, no.
-I've been saying this for months. -I got this. Hey, I got this. I got this.
You know what?
Paul, I just want to give you a little spoiler.
I knew Roman wouldn't come out, and it's fine. I don't care.
'Cause you two are the ones I wanted to talk to.
See, for months, for months,
this guy has been telling me that we need to help the Usos.
And, look, I don't get it. He still cares about Jimmy and Jey Uso.
I don't get it.
After everything we've done, after everything you guys have done,
after everything that's happened between us all,
he still thinks you guys deserve better.
And, look, I couldn't care less, I got to tell you.
But since he's been telling you for months and it doesn't seem to get through,
maybe if I say it, maybe if I tell you what I think,
it will get through.
So acknowledge this.
He has been right about everything the whole time.
[crowd cheering]
He's been right about the way Roman Reigns treats you.
He's been right about how you guys deserve better.
Because you know what?
Roman Reigns, this narcissistic, delusional, just… Ugh!
Walks around here, calls himself the Head of the Table, right?
Well, as far as I'm concerned,
he can call himself the Head of the Table all he wants.
I'm looking at the heart of that table right in front of me.
[crowd cheers]
What do you think The Bloodline would be with you, huh?
But that's not how he treats you, is it?
No, he treats you like you're… like…
like you're the appendix of that table.
He treats you guys like you're disposable, he doesn't really need you.
Look-- [laughs exasperatedly] Look at you guys.
Yeah, he does. He uses you. That's what he does.
You guys think about it. You know I'm telling the truth.
You guys don't do anything unless Roman Reigns tells you to.
Jimmy, look at me. You know I'm telling the truth, don't you?
Come on, man.
What do you guys think when you look in the mirror, eh? What do you guys think?
What goes through your head knowing that you went from being one of the greatest--
Nah, scratch that. The greatest tag team in the history of WWE…
[crowd cheers]
…to being nothing more than Roman Reigns' little errand boys. Huh?
[indistinct]
-[chuckles] Errand boys, huh? -Yeah.
That's pretty cute, KO. Hey, check this out, Sami Zayn.
Open up your ears when I tell you.
Standing right in front of you is the best damn tag team in the world.
So when it comes to Jimmy and Jey, The Usos,
when it comes to the Day Ones, hey, Uce, I am the Tribal Chief.
-[crowd cheers] -Yeah. Yeah.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[Cole] Oh, my goodness.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn pushed and pushed and pushed,
and finally got The Usos to snap.
[Wade] What the hell was Jimmy Uso thinking?
[Cole] Probably what he's been thinking for a long, long time now, Wade.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Roman Reigns, who tonight marks his 999th day
as Undisputed Champion,
is marching to the ring with a scowl on his face,
staring down his cousins
after Jimmy Uso, for all intents and purposes,
-just stabbed him in his back. -[song ends]
[crowd clamoring]
-[microphone clatters] -[crowd clamoring]
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
-[microphone clatters] -[crowd boos]
[crowd chanting]
[Sami] Hey, Roman.
You know it's over, right?
You know that, right?
You know The Bloodline is collapsing,
and it's all your fault.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Oh, a Stunner.
Owens with a Stunner to Reigns.
And now, The Usos going after the Tag Team Champions.
And the fight now spills out the ringside.
What the hell have we just witnessed?
[Wade] Prizefighter beating the hell out of Jimmy.
[Cole] And now, Solo Sikoa with a spike.
And another one.
-Solo laying out the Tag Team Champions. -[crowd boos]
[Wade] Thank goodness for The Enforcer.
[Cole] But, Wade, what a couple of minutes
-we just witnessed. -Solo, pick him up.
[Sami screaming]
[Cole] Roman Reigns has lost it.
[Wade] Completely enraged.
-Uce! -[crowd] O!
[Cole] Family strife--
Spear!
Family strife led to a Stunner to Reigns.
The Usos got back in the fight, got taken out.
Sikoa comes to Reigns' aid.
Lays out the tag champs.
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd chanting] Uce! O! Uce! O! Uce! O! Uce! O! Uce! O! Uce! O!
[crowd clamoring]
[Heyman, indistinct]
[inaudible]
[crowd boos]
[crowd booing]
[Wade] Smart move, Usos.
Those cracks in The Bloodline just sealed themselves up right on cue.
[Cole] I'm not sure that it looks like that to me.
We'll find out at Night of Champions.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[inaudible] e Table" playing]