[WWE intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woo!
-[The Rock] If you smell! -[bell tolling]
[Cena] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
Forever.
Together.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Jey Uso is here.
He's on the warpath.
He wants to finally get his hands on his cousin, Roman Reigns.
Like, h-having brothers is a great thing, man,
but there's something about being twins that makes us special.
[tense music playing]
Just never in a million years would I think he'd be hurt
by my own family member!
[Cole] Jey is trapped.
You thought you was going to be The Tribal Chief?
-[groaning] -It won't ever happen while I'm around!
-[Jimmy yells, groans] -[Roman grunting]
No!
[yells, groans]
[Cole] Jimmy Uso, taken to a hospital.
Roman Reigns is at a different level.
All that stops right here
'cause you're looking at the real Head of the Table,
the real Chief,
and his name is "Main Event” Jey Uso now!
[cheering]
-[inaudible] -[Paul Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen.
Jey, next week,
you and Roman Reigns
will go face-to-face
and you will discuss
the Rules of Engagement.
And I understand you're angry.
You want it to manifest in some sort of revenge
for your twin brother Jimmy.
And that anger on behalf of your family, Jey,
you're sounding more and more like a Tribal Chief every single day.
Jimmy! Jim!
Do you know why you're in the hospital, Jimmy?
It's all because of your twin brother,
Jey Uso.
[crowd booing]
I don't know how you can ever forgive yourself.
I don't know
how Jimmy will ever forgive you.
[inaudible]
I'll never forgive you either.
-[grunts] -[Cole] And now the brothers
slugging it out in the middle of the ring.
You did this!
[Cole] Solo from behind.
Measuring Jey for the Samoan Spike. Jey, though, the fight's on.
[groans]
[crowd cheering]
[groans]
I always wanted you to be The Tribal Chief!
I love you!
It's your fault!
No, no!
[Cole] And Solo Sikoa taking the shot for The Wiseman.
The family civil war has just been taken up a notch.
You have to wonder what Roman Reigns is thinking right now.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Roman Reigns accompanied by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman.
Roman has been champion for 1,055 days,
but ironically, his biggest threat comes from inside his own family,
his cousin, Jey Uso.
Ladies and gentlemen, you are looking live at a sold-out Amway Center
in Orlando, Florida,
14,167 WWE fans are here tonight
for Friday Night SmackDown on FS1.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And tonight, it's Roman Reigns' Rules of Engagement
for his cousin, Jey Uso.
Will Roman accept unhinged Jey Uso's SummerSlam challenge?
We'll find out when Roman joins us live tonight.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[bell rings]
[Mike Rome] The following Fatal 4-Way Match
is part of the United States Championship Invitational!
And look who's here with us at ringside.
[Barrett] Absolutely, Austin Theory, the United States Champion himself.
A lot of people call him "braggadocious."
Simply isn't true.
He is the man with the brightest future of them all
and the man that [indistinct] wish they could be.
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Cole] The legendary luchador
kicks us off on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Rome] Introducing first, representing The LWO,
WWE Hall of Famer,
Rey Mysterio!
[Cole] Of course, Rey Mysterio's LWO brother, Santos Escobar,
qualified for the finals of this invitational.
The winner of this Fatal 4-Way will face Santos Escobar next week
on Friday Night SmackDown.
The winner of that match to face Austin Theory
for the United States Championship.
We're in Orlando, the home of NXT
and many of the future Superstars of Raw and SmackDown are in attendance.
[Barrett] Yes, sir. Wes Lee and Dragon Lee.
Wes Lee, of course, the former North American Champion.
Lost that championship on Tuesday, this past week,
to none other than this man's son,
Dominik Mysterio.
[Cole] Yeah. I cannot believe that Dominik…
actually holds gold.
[Barrette laughs]
The cream always rises to the top,
especially once they get away from their deadbeat father.
[Cole] Again, this is a Fatal 4-Way Match
in the United States Championship Invitational.
-[crowd cheers] -[song fades]
["Hellfire" playing]
And here in Orlando, it's…
Fight Night!
[explosion]
[crowd cheers]
[Rome] Next, representing The Brawling Brutes,
weighing 267 pounds,
Sheamus!
[Cole] Wade, you and Sheamus along with Drew McIntyre
actually came into this business together.
Sheamus only knows one gear and that is full speed ahead.
[Barrett] Absolutely. I had a little chat with Sheamus
earlier on in the locker room.
He said to me, a week without a Friday night fight
is a waste of his life.
Well, he gets a fight and some tonight in this Fatal 4-Way Matchup.
[Cole] Sheamus, who's had quite the issues
with the United States Champion, Austin Theory.
["To The Moon" playing]
[Rome] From Burlington, North Carolina,
weighing 220 pounds,
Cameron Grimes!
[Cole] Wade, tell me about this youngster, Cameron Grimes.
[Barrett] This is a young man who made waves in NXT.
-Converted the faithful over there. -[indistinct]
Rides his luck at times, but the truth is,
Grimes simply has the biggest heart and drive in the game.
♪ LA Knight ♪
-["Welcome To LA" playing] -[crowd cheering]
Let me talk to ya!
[crowd cheering] Yeah!
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight! LA Knight!
SummerSlam's right around the corner
and they call it the biggest party of summer, right?
-Yeah! -[crowd] Yeah!
I'm always invited to every party that I wanna go to
and the party that I wanna go to
is a party that involves me taking that US Championship.
Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
So tonight, what we're looking at, a little stepping stone action
'cause I got three,
just three men that stand in my way.
But one by one, each of you will fall
because you all realize whose game is it
with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight!
-Yeah! -Yeah!
[Cole] So this is a Fatal 4-Way Match.
The rules are simple.
First man to gain pinfall or submission advances, and the matchup's underway.
No disqualifications, no count outs.
The winner to face Santos Escobar next week
for an opportunity to face Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
Oh, and Cameron Grimes with a right to Mysterio.
[Barrett] I gotta tell you, Austin Theory joined us on commentary
for the other half of this Fatal 4-Way last week.
You offended Theory so badly,
he's refused to join us at the desk this week, Cole.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
[Cole] Too bad, as Sheamus bounces off the announce table.
-LA Knight now sent out to the apron. -[grunts]
-And LA Knight! -[crowd cheers]
That battering ram shoulder, as he throws Grimes through the ropes.
LA Knight standing tall.
Fatal 4-Way continues on SmackDown.
[yells with crowd] LA Knight!
-[crowd] Yeah! -Yeah!
[Cole] And we are live tonight, sold out at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida,
over 14,000 WWE fans on hand for this Fatal 4-Way Match.
The winner will take on Santos Escobar next week.
The winner of that match will face Austin Theory
for the United States Championship.
And Mysterio whipped into the barricade by Cameron Grimes.
Meanwhile, LA Knight, off the clothesline, tries to pin Sheamus.
[Barrett] Do you feel that tingling in your loins, Michael Cole?
That is the "YEAH!" Movement and it's taken over the globe.
[grunts]
-[Cole] LA Knight, a… -[groans]
-[crowd gasps] -…very physical--
-And Sheamus! -[crowd cheers]
Off that wicked clothesline.
[Barrett] Make no mistake, LA Knight is an athlete
and he's a powerhouse.
Make no mistake about it.
Sheamus is one of the greatest to ever play this game.
-Off that rolling senton. -One--
Cover now, and a kickout by LA Knight.
And I'll tell you this point-blank.
Sheamus is something of a gatekeeper on SmackDown.
These young Superstars who are breaking in on SmackDown right now,
if you wanna make it to the top,
you've got to figure out your way through Sheamus first.
[crowd chanting]
You mentioned earlier that Austin Theory, the current United States Champion,
who's here with us at ringside.
Theory has had some issues with Sheamus over the past few months here.
-[shouting] -LA Knight now sent out to the apron.
What is it… Oh! …about LA Knight that has captivated the WWE Universe?
-[Barrett] It's an undeniable-- -[Cole] Grimes!
And now Mysterio sends Cameron Grimes into LA Knight.
We'll get back to the LA Knight point in a moment,
as Sheamus and Mysterio now try to figure out their next steps.
[Barrett] Can you imagine if Rey Mysterio wins this match?
The mentor would have to face the mentee,
Santos Escobar, in the next round of this tournament.
[Cole] Be an incredible matchup, no doubt about it.
Now Sheamus…
I believe he's going to introduce Mr. Grimes and Mr. Knight
to the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán
with some help from Rey Mysterio.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five
six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
[Cole] Normally, Fatal 4-Way Match is every man for himself.
However, alliances will form from time to time, as you see here.
The first man to gain pinfall or submission will advance.
And Sheamus said, "No, not quite."
[indistinct]
[grunting]
[Cole] And Sheamus-- Mysterio, though, slips out from behind.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Sheamus in position.
Oh, and Sheamus, Irish Curse backbreaker,
knee to the spine.
[Barrett] Just hard as nails is Sheamus.
I don't care how many shots you give him.
He keeps bouncing back for more.
[Cole] And again, Rey going for the 619,
intercepted by "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus.
[Barrett] The level of durability to Sheamus in this-- Oh!
[Cole] Meanwhile, from the top rope, crossbody
by Cameron Grimes.
[Barrett] There's some of that sneaky athleticism
we've seen in the past from Cameron Grimes during his time in NXT.
[Cole] Yeah, the hard-working, gritty, very enterprising Cameron Grimes
looking for what would be the biggest win of his career
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] He simply could not believe
that he was in a matchup with Rey Mysterio,
one of his heroes from his childhood.
Pull out the victory tonight, what an incredible story
it would be once again for Cameron Grimes.
[Cole] Kick to the face of LA Knight.
Rey Mysterio back to his feet.
Grimes, though, oh!
Planting Mysterio.
[Barrett] Here is where you have to capitalize, though, Grimes.
-[Cole] Cover. -One--
-[groans] -Sheamus gonna pull Grimes off the cover.
-[grunts] -[Barrett] Whoa!
-[crowd gasps] -[Barrett chuckles]
[Cole] Every time Sheamus throws a blow, it just stings.
-[Barrett] Fists made of granite. -Oh!
Dropkick by Grimes.
[grunting]
-[grunts] -[yells]
[Cole] Sheamus, though…
takes out Grimes, and now the physical Sheamus
who never backs away from a fight,
delivers an Irish Curse backbreaker.
[Barrett] Welcome to SmackDown, Cameron Grimes.
Plenty more where that came from, I promise you.
LA Knight sent out of the ring momentarily,
but now gonna drag Sheamus out of the ring as well.
And remember, no count outs, no disqualifications
in a Fatal 4-Way Rules Match.
[Barrett] The fight spilling all over the ringside area.
[Cole] Sheamus dropped on the apron.
Cameron Grimes, oh, runs into a forearm by LA Knight.
[Barrett] LA Knight looking to give the people what they want
which is a victory for The Megastar.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio driving Knight into the barricade.
[Barrett] Easier said than done when you're in there
with a Hall of Famer like Rey.
[Cole] A smart move by Rey, realizing he needs to get Knight into the ring
for the pinfall or the submission.
Oh! And now LA Knight knocks Mysterio off the top rope.
Again, why are people gravitating to LA Knight?
[Barrett] It seems to be the more he talks about himself,
the more he believes in himself,
the more the world believes in LA Knight.
[Cole] Sheamus and LA Knight along with Rey Mysterio
perched high above the ring.
[grunting]
A critical moment perhaps in this match.
Cameron Grimes with a kick to Sheamus.
And now Grimes leaps up.
-[Barrett] Sheamus simply too strong. -Awkward situation here
for all four men!
[Cole] Who's gonna advance to the finals of the Invitational?
[crowd cheering]
On Friday Night SmackDown tonight, sold out in Orlando,
one of these four men is going to advance
to next week's match against Santos Escobar.
Cover by Grimes,
and a kickout by Rey Mysterio.
The winner of next week's match will face this man,
the United States Champion, Austin Theory,
who's looking on here at ringside.
[Barrett] Just scouting the competition.
One of these four men may well be contending for that championship
in the not-too-distant future.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio up on the shoulders of Cameron Grimes.
The legendary luchador against the man, Cameron Grimes,
who said Mysterio was his hero growing up.
And now Rey Mysterio sending Grimes right into the chair.
Think you can play with me like that?
Huh? You did that on purpose!
You gotta sit behind the barrier.
-You better watch your mouth. -Don't sit right there.
Do better.
[Cole] Theory claiming that Mysterio sent Grimes into his chair on purpose.
[Barrett] [indistinct] the nimble of athleticism of Austin Theory.
-Whoa! -[Cole] Sheamus now off the top rope,
taking out Mysterio and Grimes.
[Barrett] Talk about ludicrous athleticism.
Powerhouse Sheamus.
[Cole] Grimes sent into the barricade.
Sheamus turning his attention now to Mysterio,
driving Mysterio into the barricade on the other side.
Meanwhile, back toward the ring, LA Knight,
hung up on the top rope by Sheamus.
And The Celtic Warrior now gonna climb up top.
[Barrett] Now Sheamus has got that almost unstoppable momentum going
with just one man left in the ring with him.
[Cole] The leaping clothesline by Sheamus takes out LA Knight.
Theory, the United States Champion, looks on.
-[Sheamus yells] -Rey Mysterio now…
-[groans] -…turns into that slam by Sheamus.
-[both grunt] -And LA Knight…
is gonna suffer White Noise as Sheamus is rolling.
-One, two… -Cover to advance to next week
and Escobar, and a kickout.
[Barrett] You've got four guys in the ring now
with almost empty fuel tanks.
And we know from past experience,
Sheamus can keep on digging more than most.
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[Cole] The veteran Sheamus back on his feet…
[crowd cheering]
…playing with the WWE fans here tonight,
over 14,000 in Orlando.
[Barrett] Sheamus about to make some dreams evaporate.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Having fun with the pro-LA Knight contingent.
Cameron Grimes up on the apron.
-[grunting] -LA Knight though,
able to slam Sheamus off the distraction…
-One, two-- -…for the win.
Mysterio breaks things off.
[Barrett] Who the hell catches a leaping Sheamus in midair?
-[Cole] LA Knight. -The Megastar, that's who, Michael Cole.
Say what you want about him, that was impressive.
I haven't said anything. He's a great athlete.
-[Barrett] Well, you cha-- -Oh, he runs into a kick by Grimes,
and the running knee by Sheamus.
-[yells] -[Barrett] Breaking down in a hurry.
It's up for grabs now, Cole.
[Cole] LA Knight with Sheamus up on his shoulder.
Down goes Sheamus, face-first.
LA Knight for the win to advance to the match
against Escobar next week.
Rey Mysterio breaking it up.
[Barrett] Truly seeing a different side to The Megastar this evening,
digging deep into his bag of tricks,
not quite enough to put Sheamus away here.
[Cole] A collision middle of the ring,
Grimes falls into the cover.
Hooks the leg of Mysterio, who has to kick at two and a half.
And again, what a collision.
-Grimes, right place, right time. -One, two…
Almost pulled it off.
[Barrett] Ludicrous athleticism from Grimes now.
Calls that the "Collision Course," defying gravity.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio, with a modified 619,
delivered a kick right to the abdomen of LA Knight.
Now a step-up enzuigiri catches Grimes.
And now Mysterio, the veteran is in control.
[Barrett] Exhaustion written all over these competitors,
but it is worth the fight for a glimpse of an opportunity
at the United States Champion.
[Cole] Sheamus back to his feet as well.
Grimes on Sheamus' shoulders,
able to slip underneath.
Rey Mysterio sends both Grimes and Sheamus
into the position for a 619.
Rey connects.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Up over the top, cover.
-To advance. -[crowd] One, two…
[Cole] And Austin Theory dragging Mysterio off the cover.
Rey had the damn match won.
What did Theory do that for?
And remember, no disqualification in this match.
[Barrett] Because Rey Mysterio tried to fire Cameron--
Oh, here we go.
[Cole] And Santos Escobar…
Escobar, the protégé of Rey Mysterio in The LWO,
who's already advanced into the finals of the Invitational,
going after the United States Champion, Austin Theory.
Escobar takes the fight to Theory, out in the WWE Universe.
[Barrett] Will be a sign of things to come for Austin Theory.
-[with crowd] LA Knight! -[Cole] Meanwhile…
-[crowd] Yeah! -…is this LA Knight's moment?
Big elbow drop.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Brogue!
Grimes with a Cave In!
-Oh, Mysterio, cover! -One, two, three!
Got him!
[bell rings]
["Booyaka 619" plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner,
Rey Mysterio!
[Cole] And, Wade, we talked about this earlier tonight.
Mysterio will now face his protégé,
Santos Escobar,
next week in the finals of this Invitational.
[Barrett] Teammates now become rivals in The LWO.
This was the moment that triggered Santos Escobar's run down to ringside,
Austin Theory getting involved in the matchup
after, it has to be said, Rey Mysterio tried to fire an opponent
at Austin Theory earlier in the night.
[Cole] Well, that-that is not what happened, Wade.
Selective, uh, memory on your part, but nonetheless,
Escobar did not like the fact that Theory went after Mysterio.
After the Cave In by Cameron Grimes,
Rey Mysterio able to pick up the victory.
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -And that means
that Mysterio and Escobar
will face off next week in New Orleans on Friday Night SmackDown,
one-on-one for an opportunity to face Austin Theory
for the United States Championship.
[Barrett] It's all smiles right now.
It will be a very different story next week in the finals.
[Cole] Mysterio, the mentor,
Escobar, the protégé,
they go one-on-one next week.
[Barrett] Well, this past Monday on Raw,
"The Beast" Brock Lesnar
launched his most savage attack
on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
when Lesnar brutalized Rhodes
right in front of his own family.
We are gonna revisit this heinous attack
next on SmackDown.
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown on FS1
is in Orlando tonight.
The Amway Center is sold out with over 14,000 WWE fans in attendance.
Orlando, of course, the home of NXT, and the WWE training facility.
Many of the stars of tomorrow
joining us here tonight at Friday Night SmackDown, including…
Haley and Hanna, the Cavinder twins,
basketball stars now training to be part of WWE
in our Next In Line program.
Welcome to the Cavinder twins here at SmackDown.
There's "Main Event” Jey Uso.
Been unhinged since his brother Jimmy sent to the hospital
at the hands of Roman and Solo.
But tonight,
we'll find out if Roman Reigns accepts his SummerSlam challenge,
the Rules of Engagement live tonight.
♪ Moving forward like we got no brakes ♪i
♪ Lights, camera, action, this… ♪
I will call you back.
Mr. Theory.
Who does Santos Escobar thinks he is? Hmm?
I am the United States Champion.
I have every reason to be out there.
And him, he just attacks me?
I saw that.
I want a match against him tonight.
Okay. I like it.
Santos Escobar, Austin Theory, tonight for the United States Championship.
Wait, no, not for the title.
He doesn't deserve that.
So what are you saying?
What I'm saying is, this isn't about the title.
He disrespected me, so I want him one-on-one.
-You want him one-on-one tonight? -[breathing heavily]
Fine. I will make that official.
Good.
[Cole] Why not put the title on the line?
Because you've got to earn a championship match, Cole.
Say what you want about Austin Theory, he ducks nobody.
Bring it on, Escobar.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, this past Monday night on Raw
we were in Atlanta, Georgia,
where it was a homecoming for Cody Rhodes.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[despondent music playing]
[Graves] The American Nightmare is home!
[Patrick] What a deafening reception
for Cody Rhodes in Atlanta, Georgia tonight.
[Rhodes] This is the house that built me, but what you may not know,
the woman that built me is in the front row.
The one that taught me to get up out of the mud.
That's my mom.
[tense music playing]
I'll say one thing about Brock Lesnar.
Our relationship has been complex.
There's really only two words that could be used to describe it…
hard times.
But that's okay,
because tonight, Brock Lesnar, as I previously stated,
when you show up here,
it will not be hard times for me,
not in my home state,
not in my hometown,
not in front of my people!
It'll be hard times for you!
[Graves] Rhodes declaring he will stand his ground.
["Next Big Thing" plays]
[inaudible]
[Graves] You can see the fire in The American Nightmare's eyes.
Cody is looking for a fight.
[tense music playing]
Rhodes is looking for Lesnar.
-[loud thud] -[crowd gasps]
Oh no.
Brock is here.
And Cody Rhodes just walked into The Beast's trap.
-[inaudible] -Cody's mother watching!
-F5! -[crowd booing]
Oh, and Lesnar has the kimura cinched in.
This is what broke Cody's arm.
[inaudible]
Brock's gonna do it again.
In front of Cody's family.
[crowd exclaiming]
Challenge accepted!
I'll see you at SummerSlam, [bleep]!
[opening riff of "Next Big Thing" echoes]
["Born to be Wild" plays] ♪ Get your motor runnin' ♪
[Cole] Cody Rhodes heads in to the belly of The Beast
two weeks from tomorrow, Ford Field, Detroit,
in one of the main events of SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar versus Cody Rhodes.
♪ Fire all of your guns at once… ♪
And here tonight in Orlando,
we mentioned before, NXT stars are out and about.
The, uh, Trick Melo Gang is here.
[Barrett] Yes, indeed. NXT Champion, Carmelo Hayes,
bright future for these two men,
backed up by his boy, Trick Williams.
Yeah.
[Cole] And there are legends here as well.
[Barrett] Me?
["All Hail the Queen" playing]
Thanks.
♪ Bow down ♪
[echoes]
♪ All hail the queen ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from the Queen City,
Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] The 14-time champion.
[crackling]
[popping explosions]
[Cole] Charlotte Flair has had problems with so many people
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Of course, there's the WWE Women’s Champion, Asuka,
there's Bianca Belair,
and there's some major issues with Iyo Sky and Bayley of Damage CTRL.
Charlotte goes one-on-one with Miss Money in the Bank,
"The Genius of the Sky" Iyo Sky.
Coming up next, live on Friday Night SmackDown.
["All Hail the Queen" continues]
Friday Night SmackDown on FS1 is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
The Queen,
14-time champion, Charlotte,
in the ring, ready for action.
Also here tonight, the NXT Women’s Champion joining us.
We'll get into that in just a moment.
But first, here is the, uh, match that has been made official
two weeks from tomorrow at SummerSlam.
Asuka will defend the WWE Women’s Championship
against Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair
in a Triple Threat Match.
Charlotte getting set for SummerSlam in Detroit.
As I mentioned earlier, the NXT Women’s Champion here as well.
[Barrett] Oh, yes. Raw and SmackDown bosses
keeping a very close eye on Tiffany Stratton,
one of the most natural talent this industry has ever discovered.
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[Rome] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Bayley,
representing Damage CTRL,
Miss Money in the Bank,
Iyo Sky!
[Cole] Iyo Sky, a former NXT Women’s Champion,
and right here in Orlando for a number of months.
Meanwhile, we thought that she was gonna cash in last week
during the Women’s Championship Title Match.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] Bianca Belair with an opportunity
to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
Wait a minute. Bayley showing off, I believe that is a ticket.
In tow, Miss Money in the Bank, Iyo Sky.
We have someone else that bought a ticket.
-Charlotte Flair now in the mix. -[bell rings]
[Barrett] Belair is just a woman possessed,
trying to recapture the gold she once owned.
[Cole] Comes the sliding knee, Bianca Belair able to counter.
KOD on the table!
Iyo Sky and Bayley
have hopped the barricade
as has Charlotte Flair.
Big boot by Charlotte takes out Bayley.
-[indistinct shouting] -I'm helping you!
[Cole] Iyo Sky drives Charlotte into the ring post.
Spear! That's gonna force a disqualification
in this championship match.
Oh, and the briefcase off the face of Charlotte.
Bayley said it's time Iyo Sky cash in the contract.
Bayley telling the official it's time to cash in.
Mist to Bayley. Mist to the face of Bayley.
The contract was never officially cashed in.
[Barrett] Asuka retaining the championship tonight.
[Cole] We are back here with Charlotte
set to take on Iyo Sky one-on-one, and, uh…
Look who's joining us at ringside.
I'm really surprised that you're able to get all that blue mist off your face
in time to be out here tonight.
Ah, real funny. I'm surprised you got all that drool off your face
because you drool when you're sleeping 'cause you're an idiot.
-[Barrett] Yeah, stupid idiot. -That was a good one, right?
-[laughter] -[Bayley] That was a good one.
-[Barrett] Nailed it. -[Cole] So, uh, so you're gonna--
This is how it's gonna go tonight. You and her, gonna sit and yuck it up.
Listen, Cole, to be clear, you've already upset Austin Theory
when he joined us at the desk.
Do not upset my personal favorite Superstar, Bayley.
[Bayley] Thank you so much. I'm way past that.
He doesn't affect me anymore, trust me.
[Cole] So Charlotte and Iyo, one-on-one tonight,
Charlotte will take on Bianca Belair and Asuka in a Triple Threat Match
for the WWE Women’s Championship two weeks from tomorrow at SummerSlam.
Of course, Iyo Sky will be lurking with the Money in the Bank contract.
An opportunity to cash in any anytime she wants for a championship match.
Bayley, actually back in 2019, won Money in the Bank,
cashed in the same night against Charlotte Flair.
[Bayley] Woo-hoo!
Yes, I did. That is right.
And it doesn't matter who's champion after SummerSlam
because Iyo can cash in at any point.
She can cash in before SummerSlam.
-So, so what? -[Cole] So…
What type of strategy, uh, are you employing with Iyo Sky
and helping her try to decide when to cash in?
[Bayley] That's all up to Iyo.
She's got a mind of her own.
I'm not-I'm not in her head at all.
-[Cole laughs] -I told you we had a plan
at Money in the Bank, and that's how far it goes.
-It sounds like you're making excuses. -[Barrett] No, no, no.
Bayley, I admire the fact that you take zero credit
for the success of Iyo here on SmackDown
despite the fact you're clearly pulling the strings,
that you've guided her to become Miss Money in the Bank.
-[Cole] What are you talking about? -Ah, this guy.
[Cole] Bayley tried to screw Iyo out of Money in the Bank.
-[Barrett] What? -[Bayley] I tried to screw Iyo?
-[Cole] Yes. -[Bayley] You're an idiot.
You don't know what it's like to have friends?
-[Barrett] Ooh! -Do you have any siblings?
Do you know what it's like to have sisters?
Sometimes these things happen.
We-- And one of us had to win. All right?
I did what I had to do.
And now look at us.
[Cole] Charlotte, top rope.
-Crossbody. -[Bayley] We-- We are Money in the Bank.
[Barrett] I love that, as a team.
-They win together. -[Cole] So…
They lose together but the losing never happens, that's the funniest part.
You do understand if Iyo cashes in, she's the champion, right?
There's no co-championship.
-You get that, right? -We are Damage CTRL, Michael Cole.
We are Damage CTRL.
[Cole] What about the friction in Damage CTRL as of late,
a lot of rumors rolling around
that there's some major problems between you and Iyo.
[Bayley] Look, Cole, you've been trying to drive wedges
between me and my friends since I was born.
[Cole] Oh!
-[Barrett] Iyo-- -[Bayley] You need to stop.
[Barrett] Iyo is doing the damage in the ring.
-[Bayley] Oh, God! -[Cole] Whoa!
[Barrett] Let me be clear, Cole, there are no problems in Damage CTRL.
[Cole] Cover.
-Agh! -[Barrett] What you're doing
is gutter-level tabloid journalism once again.
You've been called out in the past.
-Wow. -[Cole] Take another look.
Let the best do their business.
[Cole] "Genius of the Sky" Iyo Sky to Charlotte.
Let's switch gears a bit.
[Bayley] You need to put that on a shirt, Wade Barrett.
[Cole] Let's switch gears and talk about Shotzi.
Um, it seems that… Oh!
…your little stunt of cutting Shotzi's hair
seemed to empower Shotzi
to the point that she may have frightened you a little bit last week.
[Bayley] Look…
-[Cole] Oh! -…we're not talking about Shotzi now.
My partner's in a very…
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Hey! You need to calm down over there!
I'm trying--
Okay. My partner's in a very important match right now.
We're not talking about Shotzi.
-Oh! -[Cole] Oh, look out.
-Charlotte… -[Bayley] That's right, baby!
-That's right! -[referee shouts]
[Cole] Bayley has Iyo Sky rolling in this matchup.
Who cares about Shotzi? It's about Iyo Sky.
You get-get those four fingers outta here.
-Hey! -Ha.
Iyo, smack her in the face for me.
[Cole] Well, that is Bayley from Damage CTRL on commentary.
Her, uh, Damage CTRL partner, Iyo Sky, against Charlotte Flair
in this matchup here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown on FS1,
sold out tonight, Amway Center in Orlando.
[Bayley] Nice, Cole. That was beautiful. Shout out to Dakota Kai.
[Cole] Yep, the other member of Damage CTRL out with an injury.
-[yells] -[Bayley] There we go.
-[claps hands] -[Cole] Charlotte--
-We've scouted, Charlotte. -Yes--
-We've got her scouted. -[Cole] Oh, and Iyo Sky
with the double knees to the corner.
And again, Friday Night SmackDown tonight
is sponsored by Progressive.
Cover by Iyo Sky, and a kickout.
Again, I'd like to get back to Shotzi and the situation with her.
Shotzi was pushed too far.
She finally confronted you and Iyo backstage, and what did you do?
You double-teamed her,
you ganged up on her, and then you cut the poor woman's hair
and then sent her off the deep end as we saw last week.
And I have never seen the fear in your eyes…
-[referee shouts] -…that I saw last week
when you left this arena.
-[Bayley] Cole. -[Cole] Yes?
[Bayley] Once again, this is not about Shotzi.
Do we see Shotzi anywhere?
Shotzi approached us backstage after the match.
She's a sore loser, in my opinion. Okay? She got what she deserved.
I don't care what she's going through personally.
She can shave her head. She can cut off her arm. I don't care.
Right now I'm focused on Iyo Sky beating Charlotte freaking Flair.
[Barrett] Shotzi got a free makeover.
If she comes back, she's gonna lose a lot more than her hair,
-I promise that. -Charlotte with a right hand.
Iyo Sky right back to the injured knee.
Now, Charlotte tweaked the knee early on in the matchup
and Iyo Sky is focused on that.
Great move to take the power of Charlotte out of the game.
[Barrett] Well, as good as Charlotte is, you simply cannot afford
to take your eyes off someone as good as Iyo Sky.
It will come back to bite you every time.
[Cole] Chop after chop by Charlotte to Iyo.
-[crowd] Whoa! -[Bayley] Duck it, Iyo.
-Whoa! -[Bayley] Duck it, Iyo.
Last one!
Hard to duck it when you don't know where you're at.
-Agh. -Now caught by Charlotte.
And Charlotte with the power on display.
-[grunts] -And a Fallaway Slam.
-[Barrett] Barrier-smashing… -[Cole] Kip-up.
…game-changing queen of this industry doing what she does better than anyone.
[Bayley] Come on, Iyo.
-Get-- -[Cole] Oh!
[Bayley] Come on, Iyo.
-Kick out, kick out, kick out, kick out! -One, two…
-Up, up, up! -Charlotte Flair pin--
Just about kicking out of Iyo Sky,
and Bayley, your life just flashed before your eyes.
[Bayley] Okay. Michael Cole.
Don't even start with me. She's a professional.
[Barrett] Your girl is still in the thick of the fight, however.
Proving herself to be as good as everyone calls her.
-Iyo misses wildly. -No, no, no, no.
-Charlotte-- -[Bayley] Come on!
[Cole] That right there is vintage Charlotte Flair.
Face-first into the top turnbuckle goes Iyo.
-Now Charlotte looking… -Come on, get your head in the game, Iyo!
-…to turn things around. -Iyo!
-Ooh. -Iyo, come on!
-That's it. -[Barrett] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Oh, Bayley's had enough.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] And now causing a distraction on Charlotte,
which allows Iyo to capitalize.
Charlotte face-first, top turnbuckle.
Looking for a sunset flip powerbomb.
Charlotte…
may be down and out.
Can Iyo Sky take advantage and pick up the win?
Charlotte kicks out at two.
-[Barrett] Just milliseconds away from-- -[maniacal laugh]
-[scissors snipping] -[female voice on video] Bayley.
Bayley.
[maniacal laughing]
Freak!
[maniacal giggling]
-Did you do this, Michael? -Bayley!
[shrill giggle]
Bayley!
[maniacal laughing]
[Cole] Well, Bayley is completely freaked out here at ringside.
[Barrett] Can you blame her? Listen to that maniacal laugh.
-Just demented. -[indistinct] I'm sorry.
[Cole] And now Bayley telling Iyo Sky, "I can't be out here anymore."
-Help. Help me. -Bayley, obviously,
has been spooked…
-Help! Help! -…by the appearance of Shotzi.
[Bayley] I gotta go.
[Barrett] Bayley looks like she's seen a ghost.
The Genius of the Sky looking to put this one to bed.
[Cole] Yeah, but again, Charlotte Flair taking advantage.
[Barrett] The biggest star in the game will not go down easily.
But that might do it, Cole.
[Cole] Off the middle turnbuckle goes Charlotte.
-[yells] -And now Miss Money in the Bank, Iyo Sky,
looking to climb to the top rope.
And deliver her patented moonsault,
but Charlotte rolls out of harm's way.
[Barrett] That moonsault puts them all the way if it connects.
But Charlotte, of course, has an answer.
[Cole] Moonsault of her own into the-- the boots of Iyo Sky.
Charlotte…
Planted!
And now Iyo Sky looking to put Charlotte away.
Crossface applied now, center of the ring to Char-- to Charlotte.
Is Charlotte gonna tap out?
Is Iyo Sky gonna tap out Charlotte here?
[Barrett] What a victory this would be for Miss Money in the Bank.
-[Cole] Shoulders down. -One, two…
Charlotte able to kick at two.
One, two…
Charlotte, pinning combination of her own. And another kickout.
And now Iyo sent out to the apron.
Charlotte misses with a big boot.
[Barrett] Two women who have been so well matched all through this matchup.
But again, going back to that knee, Iyo Sky.
[Cole] Yeah, Sky doing a great job focusing on the legs of Charlotte
in this matchup.
And now Iyo Sky. Missile dropkick, though.
Charlotte able to pick her out of the air, turn it into a Boston crab.
-[yells] -[groans]
[Barrett] Torque on the midsection of Iyo Sky.
Complete agony for the Japanese Superstar.
[Cole] Center of the ring, Iyo Sky, looking to reverse, is able to.
Shoulders now down by Charlotte.
Kickout.
Iyo Sky now. That Basement Dropkick to the face of Charlotte.
[Barrett] What a back-and-forth matchup this has been.
[Cole] And Charlotte, of course, two weeks away
from the Triple Threat Match
for the WWE Women’s Championship
against Asuka and Bianca Belair!
What a dropkick.
[Barrett] Perfectly targeted
right to the kisser of Charlotte Flair.
[Cole] What a fight Iyo Sky is bringing to Charlotte here tonight.
[Barrett] So much range to the abilities of the Genius of the Sky.
[Cole] And, uh, Iyo Sky, of course, with the opportunity to-- Oh, spear!
[Barrett] Out of nowhere.
-Cover. -One, two-- [shouts]
[Cole] And Iyo kicks at two.
Charlotte cannot believe it,
Iyo got the shoulder up at two.
[Barrett] Iyo Sky simply refusing to give up in this fight.
Convinced she could beat the very best in this industry,
and she's in there with perhaps the best of all time, Charlotte Flair.
[Cole] And remember, Iyo Sky, obviously,
can control the entire future of the Women’s Division…
-One, two… -…here on Friday Night SmackDown
as Miss Money in the Bank.
-[grunts] -[referee shouts]
-[Cole] Suplex. -One, two…
[Cole] Again, Iyo Sky able to get the shoulder up at two.
And Iyo now, roll through.
-One-- -[Cole] Stomp right to the midsection.
[Barrett] Hold for hold, reversal for reversal.
Neither woman giving an inch in this matchup.
[Cole] Yeah, tremendous match…
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
-One-- -[groans]
[Cole] Driving the wind out of the lungs of Charlotte,
who's gonna climb up to the second rope.
But again, back to the bad knee.
Great strategy by Iyo Sky in this match.
[Barrett] Shotei Uppercut and The Queen is rocked.
[Cole] And the über-athletic Iyo Sky
high above the Amway Center, sold out here in Orlando.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] Iyo sends Charlotte for a ride.
-One, two… -Cover for the win.
-One, two… -Charlotte able to reverse.
-Iyo Sky reverses as well. -One, two…
-Natural Selection! -[grunts]
Charlotte Flair
-drags Iyo to the center of the ring. -One, two, three!
Into the cover and picks up a hard-earned victory.
-["All Hail The Queen" playing] -[Rome] Here is your winner,
Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] Charlotte Flair, though--
Wait a minute. That's Asuka.
The Women’s Champion from behind,
ambushing Charlotte Flair.
[Barrett] The insidious Asuka lying in wait,
ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
[Cole] And now an armbar, trying to break the arm of Charlotte Flair
two weeks away from the championship battle
at SummerSlam.
[Barrett] Softening up her opponent while she gets the chance.
[indistinct shouting]
-Woo! -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Insidious Asuka.
[crowd booing]
-[Cole] Showing the world… -Woo!
…that she's the WWE Women’s Champion.
And in two weeks at the biggest party of the summer, SummerSlam,
no champion's advantage for Asuka
as she defends against Charlotte and Bianca
in a Triple Threat Match.
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Cole] Speaking of champions, Wade, I can't believe I'm actually saying this.
[Barrett] Stop being a hater, Cole.
The insufferable "Dirty” Dominik Mysterio is a champion.
Tuesday on NXT, taking on Wes Lee
for the North American Championship,
and it took everyone from Judgment Day to help out Dom.
[Barrett] Well, it's the modus operandi of Judgment Day.
You've got to expect that, Wes Lee, coming into this matchup.
What a reign it has been for Wes Lee.
Just too many moving pieces.
Rhea Ripley with smashing in the face with a championship,
leading to this moment.
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
Oh my God.
[Barrett] The shock written on everybody's faces.
Your new North American Champion, Dom.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest,
accompanied by the WWE Women’s World Champion,
Rhea Ripley.
He is the new NXT North American Champion,
"Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.
[crowd booing]
Well, Dominik, what brings you to Friday Night SmackDown?
Well, you know, I just really wanted to show
my deadbeat dad, Rey Mysterio,
what a real champion looks like,
because if he happens to win the United States Championship,
you know, he's only the champion of the United States.
Me, on the other hand,
the new NXT North American Champion,
I'm champion of all of North America and 23 other countries.
Congratulations, mate.
The new North American Champion.
And we're in the home of NXT,
That feels to me like Fight Night.
So what do you say, me and you for that title tonight?
-[crowd cheers] -Whoa, whoa, whoa. I…
I'm not dressed,
the title is not polished, and there's no one here from NXT to…
[coughs, clears throat]
-Excuse me. -[crowd cheers]
Man, that sounds like a wonderful match to me.
Dominik Mysterio, North American Title Match,
his first one
against Butch.
Oh man.
Butch, where's, uh, Adam Pearce's office?
Back that way.
See if I can get this done.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering and booing]
[crowd shouting]
[Cole] The Undisputed Champion, Roman Reigns,
1,055 days as champ
with a lot on his mind
because tonight he will make a decision on whether or not to accept
his unhinged cousin Jey Uso's SummerSlam challenge.
It's the Rules of Engagement.
Roman, Jey, live tonight.
-♪ A-Town ♪ -♪ Down ♪
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Screamin' out loud ♪
♪ A-Town Down! The future's right now ♪
[Cole] Austin Theory, embarrassed earlier tonight by Santos Escobar,
demanded this match but refused
to put the United States Championship on the line.
["A-Town Down" continues]
I am the greatest!
[inaudible]
[echoing explosion]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion, Austin Theory!
[inaudible]
-♪ Best believe it I'm doing it my way ♪ -♪ All day ♪
-♪ Victory staring in my face ♪ -♪ All day ♪
♪ I do it like the best And it's obvious… ♪
[Cole] Two weeks from tomorrow, SummerSlam!
It's sponsored by Rocket Mortgage.
Buy, sell, finance, save.
And by C4 Energy, the main event energy drink
that supercharges your performance to the ultimate level.
Go for the ultimate undisputed performance with C4.
Well, Austin Theory had some incredible performances as of late.
Coming up next, Theory takes on Santos Escobar of The LWO
in a highly personal matchup.
It's next on SmackDown.
I'm out of here. We'll talk about it later.
What the…
[winces]
[Iyo] I told you.
[Bayley] Wait.
Let's go. We have t-- We'll talk about it later. Let's go.
Grab your things. Let's go.
Come on!
[spluttering]
Bayley. Bayley.
[Cole] Bayley is spooked.
She's messed with the wrong person in Shotzi.
Meanwhile, the United States Champion, Austin Theory,
set for action here on SmackDown.
["Our World" playing] ♪ Viva la raza ♪
♪ Sube tu bandera si tu eres Latino… ♪
[Rome] And his opponent, representing The LWO,
Santos Escobar!
[Cole] Wade, a very, uh, layered situation here.
You got Austin Theory, the United States Champion,
who will defend against the winner of next week's match,
either Santos Escobar, his opponent tonight, or Rey Mysterio.
They will face off next week.
Theory got involved in the Fatal 4-Way earlier tonight,
tried to take out Rey Mysterio.
Escobar came down to help Mysterio out,
embarrassing Theory and leading to this match.
[Barrett] And I personally admire Austin Theory
for refusing to put the United States Championship on the line
in this matchup tonight.
Of course you were, 'cause the five times you were Intercontinental Champion
you never wanted to defend the title.
[Barrett] No. No need for that. Don't take low blows at me.
Listen, it would destroy the integrity
of the United States Invitational Tournament
if Austin Theory were to start handing out championship opportunities
willy-nilly to whoever wants one.
-I'll tell you-- -That's not how it works.
You earn championship opportunity.
I'll tell you one thing right now, that Austin Theory
better with this matchup tonight, Wade, because, uh,
if he loses and Escobar wins, talk about momentum
in the favor of Santos Escobar.
[Barrett] No. You're completely wrong. Your understanding of this industry
is surface level, Michael Cole.
-As we take another look at this. -Bang!
I admire Santos Escobar. Here's what's happening here.
This is a power play by Austin Theory.
It's high-level stuff beyond your capacity.
Theory realizes he might end up facing Santos Escobar in a few weeks' time
if Santos Escobar can beat Rey Mysterio. Correct?
So what Austin Theory is doing now is basically goading Santos Escobar
to give him his best shot.
-Let me see your playbook… -Oh, nice suplex.
…and I will then have the playbook.
-Into the cover, and a kickout. -I will have the blueprint
on how to beat you should you make the final of the tournament.
What you came to see!
Let me ask the question on the opposite side.
If Escobar beats Theory tonight and then Escobar meets Mysterio
and earns the opportunity for the title against Theory,
don't you think he's in Theory's head, then?
Did-did Austin Theory ever think about that?
[Barrett] W-what Austin Theory has to make sure he does tonight
is avoid showing his full hand to Escobar.
[Cole] I think the "braggadocious" Austin Theory got a bit ahead of himself.
Got embarrassed and humiliated,
went to Adam Pearce wanting this matchup tonight.
Hopefully, he doesn't pay for it.
Nice DDT by Theory.
-Cover now on Escobar. -One, two…
Hook of the leg and Santos kicks out.
I see it completely differently.
Hats off to Austin Theory. You might not like him.
He is "braggadocious" at times. Is that the word you keep using?
-But the man ducks nobody. -Shut your mouths!
Most champs wanna use political plays to avoid dangerous opponents.
-Austin Theory never does that. -[grunting]
Even you have to respect that, Cole.
[Cole] If he really, uh, was all that, he'd put the title on the line tonight.
We've already gone into why he's not done that.
We've covered that off already.
Escobar, who won a Fatal 4-Way last week to advance to the finals
of the United States Invitational,
now taking the fight to the United States Champion, Theory, though.
All joking aside, Wade,
Theory is really the real deal, he's got everything.
He's the total package.
[Barrett] No doubt about it. He is the envy of the entire…
[Cole] Cover by Escobar and a kickout.
[Barrett] …envy of the entire industry.
-So young, already so good. -One--
[Cole] Cover again and a kickout.
And again, when you look at Santos Escobar and what he's accomplished so far,
not only in NXT, but here on SmackDown,
you can make an argument that next week's match
against his mentor Rey Mysterio
may be the biggest of Escobar's career.
[Barrett] Undoubtedly, but the problem for Santos Escobar is,
what, is he gonna go up to his mentor and say,
"Hey, how do I beat you next week?"
Yeah, good luck with that. You're on your own, pal.
[Cole] Escobar, roll through.
And a unique athletic style,
unorthodox at times for the scintillating Escobar.
[yells]
[Cole] And Theory sent up over the top rope.
And Escobar has Theory in some trouble here.
And Austin Theory
trying to run away from Santos Escobar.
-Time-out. Time-out. -This match continues live on FS1.
[crowd cheering]
Santos Escobar was itching for a fight.
He's giving the United States Champion,
Austin Theory, one here tonight in this matchup.
Theory, though, knee to the spine. Nice backbreaker.
-One, two… -Cover now on Escobar, and a kickout.
Again, the championship is not on the line.
Theory wanted the match, but would not put the championship on the line.
But here's how Austin Theory took this matchup over
during the commercial break, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, so many ways he can hurt you,
and that athleticism
on that particular dropkick
is something nobody in the locker room has found an answer for.
[Cole] Yeah, Austin Theory, very cocky, egotistical.
-But is able to back it up. -[crowd booing]
[Barrett] How can you blame him when you defeat someone
like John Cena at WrestleMania?
[Cole] You can't, and-and I completely understand where Theory's coming from,
but I think he could act a little bit different, right?
Doesn't have to do anything you say, that's for sure, Michael Cole.
Seems to be doing pretty well of his own volition at the moment.
[Cole] Trying to power Escobar up.
Santos Escobar using the ropes for leverage, however.
It could be Escobar facing Theory for the United States Championship
if he can knock off Mysterio next week.
[crowd cheering]
Santos Escobar.
[Barrett] Escobar embodying the spirit
of the ancient Aztec warriors in his lineage.
[Cole] And Escobar now drives Theory up over the announce table.
[crowd cheering]
Santos Escobar taking Theory out
who just collapses here at ringside.
[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Brute chaos.
Once again, Santos Escobar
putting his own body on the line
in pursuit of victory.
-[crowd chanting] Let's go, Santos! -Escobar trying to build some momentum
heading into next week's match against Mysterio.
[Barrett] I'm trying to build our desk once again.
[Cole] About time you did something. Escobar now into the ring.
Austin Theory misses wildly.
Escobar takes down the United States Champion.
And now Santos Escobar
picking up the pace,
and the highflyer from The LWO
has the United States Champion on the ropes.
[Barrett] Some of that scintillating offense
we've come to know and love for Santos Escobar.
[Cole] Escobar catches Theory with a forearm.
[Barrett] Emperor of lucha libre just a step too fast
for the young cocky champ.
[Cole] Escobar top rope, crossbody.
-One, two… -Lateral press for the win.
Kickout by Theory.
[both panting]
[Barrett] Both men laying it all on the line this evening.
[Cole] And again, Escobar, uh, embarrassing
Austin Theory earlier tonight,
which led to Theory demanding this matchup.
Escobar may have been going for the Phantom Driver there.
Theory, though, takes Escobar out at the knee.
-[grunts] -And now the southpaw connects.
-One, two… -Cover. Hooks the leg for the win
and a kickout by Escobar.
[Barrett] Speaking volumes for the rugged nature of Austin Theory
that he's bounced back in this matchup.
[Cole] But look at Theory!
[Barrett] That's a knockout.
-One, two… -For the win.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Escobar stays in it.
-Watch this. -You gotta see this.
This is unreal.
This left hand just slug to the jaw of Santos.
[Cole] And then the modified brainbuster to the back of the neck by Theory
almost put, uh, Escobar away.
Here's another look, Wade. This is a thing of beauty.
[Barrett] Perfectly executed on the back of the neck,
but somehow Santos Escobar,
capable of digging deep enough, just about, to keep going.
It might not be for much longer.
[Cole] Theory looking for A-Town Down, his finishing maneuver.
Escobar, though, caught him with a boot to the face.
[Barrett] Complete shift in energy in this one.
The champ now the one having to dig deep.
He's wobbling on that top rope, though, Cole.
-[grunting] -[Cole] Theory…
balancing on the…
the turnbuckle and the ring post.
-Escobar… -I am the man.
Me.
[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] Maybe not. Oh my goodness!
-[Barrett chuckles] -Did you see how Escobar
changed direction in midair?
-[Barrett] Eh, you stand on the top rope… -[shouts]
-[crowd chants] -I'd back Escobar every time.
-[groans] -[Cole] Escobar with the running knees.
Theory's in trouble!
Escobar's got him up for a Phantom Driver!
-One, two, three! -Escobar has pinned
the United States Champion!
["Our World" plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner, Santos Escobar!
[Cole] I cannot overemphasize
how massive this win is tonight.
Escobar beats the United States Champion.
He builds momentum to his finals matchup against Rey Mysterio next week,
and perhaps gets in Theory's head
if he can earn a championship opportunity down the road.
[Barrett] What an exhilarating matchup.
The mistake the young champ made
was going high against a lucha expert like Santos Escobar.
He had the answers tonight.
Phantom Driver putting away Austin Theory.
-Is that a taste of the future… -[bell rings]
…for the young champ?
[Cole] So next week here on Friday Night SmackDown,
the two members of LWO, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar,
will meet in the finals.
The winner to earn a championship opportunity
against the United States Champ, Austin Theory.
["Our World" continues]
[Cole] And again, SmackDown back on FOX
live next week from New Orleans.
-Yeah! -Yeah!
[indistinct chatter]
-Yeah. -What's up, big dawg?
[indistinct chatter]
-Oh, looking like a million bucks. -Yes, sir.
-Trying to get like you. -All right.
I was hoping that I saw you guys today.
-Yeah. -Some good…
[Cole] Oh, interesting. Last week, Lashley…
hanging out with The Street Profits,
and tonight,
The Trick Melo Gang.
-["It Is My Time" playing] -Locker room business, Cole.
We'll see where that leads.
[Cole] Oh, goodness.
♪ Yo no paro yo sigo Now I'm coming for ya ♪
[crowd booing]
♪ That's why I'm coming for you ♪
♪ Yo soy un hombre ahora ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the NXT
North American Championship!
Introducing first,
accompanied by the Women’s World Champion,
Rhea Ripley,
representing The Judgment Day,
he is the new NXT North American Champion,
Dominik Mysterio!
[Cole] And tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
The new North American Champion,
three days into his title reign
with his first title defense.
"Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
against Butch of The Brawling Brutes.
It happens live, next.
[tense music playing]
[The Undertaker] Trying to live up to the expectations
people put on you just because of your last name.
You're already behind the eight ball.
No matter how good you are, you're just Dusty's kid.
[Cody Rhodes] When your dad is on the sports entertainment
Mount Rushmore,
you have to get everything centered on you.
Maddening. I had to get out.
This business is about betting on yourself,
and he made some really good choices.
Vince McMahon flew to his house to get him back.
Don't know how many can say they did that.
He had a lot to prove.
[dramatic music playing]
[Graves] The prodigal son has returned!
But this one answer
I don't want edited in any capacity.
Don't even edit this part.
[tense music playing]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown tonight on FS1
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Meanwhile, well…
I guess you would call them the power couple.
Dominik, the new North American Champion, and his girlfriend,
the Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley.
Dominik set for his first title defense.
["Bring the Fire" playing]
♪ Bring the fire ♪
[Rome] And his opponent,
representing The Brawling Brutes,
Butch!
[Cole] The Brawling Brutes have been doing some damage as of late
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
I wanna take you back to last week.
Sheamus and Ridge Holland of The Brutes in a Tag Match
against Pretty Deadly,
and watch what Ridge Holland does to Elton Prince.
I mean, he bulldozes through him with a shoulder tackle.
Prince was injured on this.
He suffered a separated shoulder.
Could be out for months.
[Barrett] Yeah. This game is a brotherhood.
You don't go out there to injure opponents,
but bad things happen in the ring.
I've got to give all the credit in the world, though, to Elton Prince.
Despite the devastating injury to his shoulder,
he still dug deep
and managed to win this match for Pretty Deadly.
-[bell rings] -That's one of the damnedest things
I've ever seen in this industry.
-[Cole] Pretty-- -[Barrett] Mad respect.
[Cole] Pretty Deadly claims that Ridge Holland is a menace
who should be expelled from WWE.
Not quite sure where they get that from, but nonetheless,
this is for the North American Championship,
held by Dominik Mysterio, against Butch.
And tonight's main event
here on Friday Night SmackDown on FS1
is sponsored by eBay Motors.
And here we go. Butch and Dominik Mysterio.
[Barrett] I gotta pull you up on something you just said, Cole.
They are not a power couple, Rhea and Dom.
-They are a golden power couple. -Oh!
Joe Manganiello, Sofía Vergara, they are out.
It's all about the Rhea and Dom era.
-[Cole] Somebody's been on TMZ this week. -[Barrett] Yeah.
[Cole] And, uh, Dominik now sent across the ring by Butch.
Dominik's first title defense.
He won the North American Championship last Tuesday night on NXT
with a win over Wes Lee.
Uh, thanks to Finn Bálor and Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley.
[Barrett] It's been a three-day reign of sheer dominance so far…
-[Cole] And now-- -…by Dominik Mysterio,
but you get in there with Butch and you're in big trouble.
[Barrett] And during Dominik's, uh, three hours in jail,
he never suffered any abuse like Butch is giving him right now.
The joint manipulator.
Butch in front of Dominik's girlfriend,
Rhea Ripley, looking to break his fingers and maybe his arm.
[Barrett] And you're encouraging this, I take it, Cole.
Put another man out on the shelf.
[Cole] Oh!
And Butch is dominating.
I tell you, Judgment Day, speaking of dominating,
really dominating WWE as of late.
Butch looking to quell some of that momentum here tonight.
-Hey! -Judgment Day have got it figured out.
That numbers game has just been unstoppable
for the past few months.
-It's continuing to gain momentum. -[Cole] Oh, goodness!
-[Ripley shouting] Hey! -[groaning]
[Cole] And Dominik makes it to the ropes to force a break, but…
Dominik, "Dirty” Dom hanging Butch up on the top rope,
but he may have suffered some broken fingers.
And now Rhea Ripley handing a steel chain to "Dirty” Dom.
The official, Jessika Carr, never saw,
and once again, Rhea causing the distraction.
Dominik with a steel chain in his hand.
And Ridge Holland gonna make sure he can't use it.
And Butch with a step-up enzuigiri.
[Butch grunting]
[Cole] Down goes Dominik.
-Cover for the championship. -One, two…
Kickout by Dom.
This match continues live.
[indistinct shouting]
[Ripley] Come on, Dom!
[Butch roars]
[Cole] We're back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
Sold out here tonight, over 14,000 in Orlando.
Dominik Mysterio, his first defense
as the North American Champion against Butch.
-And Dominik cover to retain. -One, two…
And Butch kicks at two and a half.
[Barrett] It's been every inch the championship performance
thus far from "Dirty” Dom.
[Cole] Well, yeah, and-and thanks in part to Rhea Ripley,
his, uh, his girlfriend,
who made it pretty clear on social media this week--
Oh, what the hell--
That's Pretty Deadly.
[Barrett] They-they warned me about this, Cole.
That isn't any old wheelchair.
It's got a name. It's called, wait for it,
"Prince Wheel-iam."
"Wheel-iam," like Prince William.
It's a pun on Prince William.
[Cole] Meanwhile, that's Pretty Deadly.
That's Elton Prince in the wheelchair who has a separated shoulder,
so I have no idea, Wade,
why Kit Wilson is pushing his partner out here in a wheelchair
when he has a separated shoulder.
I mean, it's obvious.
Look, shoulder injuries, they can give you referred pain shooting through the body.
I've had one before.
My glutes were on fire when I separated my shoulder.
I have no doubt it's a similar story with Elton Prince.
[shouting]
[Cole] I also saw Kit Wilson favoring his elbow.
He's not hurt at all. But nonetheless, Butch taking the fight
to Dominik Mysterio, the North American Champion.
[Barrett] Sympathy pain, that's what that is, Kit Wilson.
But the other thing is,
I don't understand why Pretty Deadly is even out here.
[Ripley yells]
[Cole] Butch with a right hand.
Down goes Dominik.
-[Ripley yells] -[Cole] Running kick from Butch.
Rhea Ripley realizes that her Dom Dom--
[Ripley] Shut your mouth! "Dirty” Dom is fine!
Shut it. Zip it, Cole. I've had enough of you!
[Barrett laughs] She told you.
You're white as a sheet, mate.
Need to change your pants?
-[Barrett laughs] -[Cole] Maybe.
-[Ripley yelling] -[Cole] And Dominik has Butch in position
for the 619.
And Butch, oh, what a suplex!
Premature celebration by Rhea Ripley
as Butch has turned things around to win the North American Championship.
-And a kickout. -Holland!
-You! -Hey!
-Apologize! -Where's my apology?
-[indistinct shouting] -Where's my apology?
[Cole] Now, Pretty Deadly shouting at Ridge Holland
who injured Elton Prince last week.
-[Barrett] They want an apology. -[grunts]
[Cole] Oh, Kit Wilson with a cheap shot.
-[grunts] -And now Butch gets involved.
Kit! Kit! Kit! Kit. Don't…
Don't leave me. Don't leave me. Don't leave me. Kit. Kit. Kit. Kit. Kit.
[Cole] And Kit Wilson has left his partner all alone.
-Way to stick up for your buddy, Kit. -Come back!
[Barrett] He's an invalid.
[crowd buzzing]
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…
[yells]
[Barrett] He's-- He's running through the pain, Cole.
I told you he was tough.
[Cole] Oh my God, he's healed.
-[grunts] -[groans]
[groans]
[Cole] And Rhea Ripley gets involved yet again.
[Barrett] Drive-by attack.
-[Ripley shouting] -[Cole] And Dominik is gonna cover Butch.
-One, two, three! -Hook of the leg, and Dominik retains.
-[bell rings] -["It Is My Time" plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner and still
the NXT North American Champion,
Dominik Mysterio!
[Cole] So again, I mean, this is every week now, there's the--
Dominik's the champion because of Rhea.
Dominik retains tonight again because of Rhea.
I-I'm begging Dominik to do something on his own,
just accomplish one thing…
-[bell rings] -…in WWE on your own, Dom.
[Barrett] Well, I'll tell you this, in my opinion,
it's a positive story for Dominik Mysterio.
No matter how tough your upbringing is,
if you're gritty enough, even you can get to the top.
Do you really listen to yourself?
-[indistinct] -Nonetheless, next week,
Friday Night SmackDown is back over on FOX,
and we have got a stacked card, including this matchup
between the legendary luchador, Rey Mysterio,
the scintillating Santos Escobar.
The brethren from The LWO do battle one-on-one.
The winner will face Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
[Barrett] Not only that, but after last week's sneak attack,
the heart and soul of The OC,
the combative Karl Anderson,
steps into a domain of darkness like no other
when he faces the sinister, sadistic Karrion Kross
next week on FOX.
♪ And now I'm the greatest Brushing off haters ♪
♪ Call me the GOAT 'Cause there ain't no debating ♪
♪ I'm winning, I'm acing I'm sitting at first ♪
♪ Uso! ♪
-[crowd cheering] -["Done With That" playing]
♪ Yah-Hoo! ♪
♪ Down since, day one ish, damn ♪
♪ Down since, day one ish ♪
♪ We been down since, day one ish, damn ♪
♪ Line 'em all up Knock 'em down like this ♪
♪ Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah Hey, Uce! ♪
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
Jey Uso!
[Cole] You know, The Usos made the decision to leave The Bloodline
a number of weeks ago,
but when Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
sent Jey Uso's brother Jimmy to the hospital,
suffering from a ruptured rib cartilage,
Jey Uso realized it was taken to another level.
He challenged Roman Reigns to a match at SummerSlam.
And coming up next,
Roman Reigns is here live with his Rules of Engagement
for Jey Uso,
next on SmackDown.
[narrator] The City of Brotherly Love.
It's got its own beat.
[upbeat music plays]
The birthplace of America
where you're always reminded
there's tough,
and then there's Philly tough.
Next April…
the knockout punch is coming.
[Cole] This is the greatest live event in entertainment!
[narrator] And that…
that's a Philly thing.
WrestleMania, live from Philadelphia, April 2024.
Tickets available August 18.
[Cole] The two-night extravaganza
coming to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia next April.
Tickets available four weeks from today.
Four weeks from today, tickets available for WrestleMania!
["Done With That" playing]
And the man who was part of the main event of WrestleMania,
night number one this past year,
Jey Uso, waiting for the arrival of Roman Reigns.
["Head Of The Table" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[popping explosions]
[Rome] Please welcome "The Wiseman"
Special Counsel Paul Heyman,
Solo Sikoa,
and the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[Cole] For 1,055 days,
Roman Reigns has been champion.
But after nearly three years on top of the mountain in WWE,
Roman's biggest threat
ironically comes from inside his own family.
From one of the men who had been more loyal to Roman Reigns
than anyone else.
Once Roman Reigns' right-hand man,
his cousin,
"Main Event” Jey Uso,
who has now challenged The Tribal Chief
on one of the biggest stages in sports entertainment
at SummerSlam.
["Head Of The Table" continues]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The emotions that that young man, Jey Uso, has gone through
over the past number of years
have been unprecedented.
[Barrett] Jey Uso does not do his best thinking when he is emotional,
and now he is starting to realize the enormity of the hole
that he has dug for himself.
[Cole] And remember, his brother, Jimmy, nowhere to be found.
[popping explosions]
Not able to help his brother after being taken out,
suffering ruptured rib cartilage
at the hands of both Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns.
[Barrett] What happened to Jimmy Uso two weeks ago was horrific,
it went too far,
but that might be the fate in store for Jey next.
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
[fans booing]
[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
[crowd buzzing]
Orlando.
[crowd clamoring]
Acknowledge me!
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
So, Little Jey…
you still wanna do this, huh?
You sure about that?
[crowd shouting]
Yeah, I still wanna do this.
[crowd cheering]
I'm supposed to do this.
You making me do this…
'cause you called the shot.
Jimmy's in the hospital, so now, Roman, I gotta get you.
[crowd cheering]
I got to, Uce.
I ain't got no choice.
Oh, little Jey.
You ain't gonna get me because you just don't get it.
You just a soldier, man.
[crowd] What?
A pawn in this game.
[crowd] What?
[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso!
[chanting dies down]
[crowd cheering]
We don't need no contract.
'Cause the contract is in the blood.
This right here…
this is Tribal Combat now.
-[mic thuds] -[crowd cheers]
Just me and you.
You know.
Do the elders know about this?
It was their idea, Uce.
Tribal Combat, that means anything goes.
When I light you up with a stick? I can.
Grab one of these chairs? I will.
Grab that steel chair over there? Maybe.
Put your ass through that announce table? I want to.
Throw you through this table if I have to.
Hey, I grab that lady's left slipper over there
and slap you across the head too, Uce.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, Orlando, shut your mouths.
[crowd booing]
Little Jey, shut your mouth.
[crowd booing]
The Tribal Chief is talking now.
[crowd booing]
You think this is my first rodeo?
You think I ain't ran this business for almost a decade now?
[mic thuds]
[crowd shouting]
Come on.
It don't mean nothing to me. It's done. Let's go.
I said…
it's Tribal Combat now.
[crowd chanting] Tribal Combat!
Tribal Combat!
No way. Withdraw.
-No way. No way. No way. Let's walk. -[crowd chanting] Tribal Combat!
Let's just leave. No way.
[crowd] Tribal Combat! Tribal Combat!
[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso! Uso!
Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
[crowd shouting]
[yells]
[Cole] Solo went for the spike.
Superkick!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
[crowd clamoring]
Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso! Uso!
[crowd booing]
[crowd chatter]
One more time, Roman.
["Done With That" plays]
[Cole] The symbolism was clear.
Roman Reigns has put the Undisputed Championship on the line.
-Has to be done. There's no other way. -[Cole] And it also appears
he may have put being The Tribal Chief
on the line as well.
Reigns and Uso agreed to Tribal Combat.
Solo Sikoa trying to strike,
Jey Uso with a superkick of his own.
And the stage is now set
for two weeks from tomorrow at SummerSlam.
Tribal Combat for the Undisputed Championship,
Roman Reigns versus Jey Uso.
And it appears
much, much more is at stake.
[Barrett] Anything goes.
Winner takes all at SummerSlam.
The gloves are off.
It's gonna be Tribal Combat.
[Cole] Also next week,
SmackDown is back over on FOX,
where Rey Mysterio takes on his brother from The LWO, Santos Escobar,
where the winner of this match will go on to face Austin Theory
for the United States Championship.
Roman Reigns
dominates the Isle of Relevancy.
Jey Uso finds himself on the Isle of Isolation.
Those two, their battle comes to a head
at Tribal Combat at SummerSlam.