[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then.
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
-["Nobody Better Than Me" plays] -♪ Who better than me ♪
♪ I don’t see nobody I don’t see nobody… ♪
[Patrick] The fallout from SummerSlam continues.
From the jam-packed and raucous Scotiabank Saddledome
in Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
we welcome you to tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
And, Corey Graves, what a night we have in store.
[Graves] After a shocking turn of events at SummerSlam
in defeating his cousin Jey Uso in Tribal Combat,
the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
will address the future of The Bloodline tonight.
["All Hail the Queen" plays]
♪ Bow down ♪
♪ All hail the Queen ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from the Queen City,
Charlotte Flair.
[Patrick] What better way to kick off Friday Night SmackDown than with royalty?
The Queen is upon us.
[fireworks booming]
♪ Bow down ♪
[Graves] It is raining diamonds here tonight in Calgary,
and the forecast calls for greatness.
Corey, you say greatness. You're absolutely right.
Corey Graves, Michael Cole,
it is an absolute honor to be alongside you gentlemen.
My name is Kevin Patrick.
We're just days removed from a pulsating SummerSlam,
where Charlotte Flair was hoping to become 15-time world champion.
[Cole] This is the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women's Championship.
Asuka defending against Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair.
[dramatic music playing]
Charlotte, wicked crossbody.
[Graves] Oh God.
[Cole] Belair's knee came down hard on the steel steps.
Belair's been removed from the equation.
[Cole] Spear by Charlotte.
Trying to bridge into a Figure-Eight here.
Bianca Belair, though,
trying to drag herself back into the ring.
450!
-[referee] One! Two! -[screams]
[Cole] Now Charlotte, gonna pick the bad leg.
[Graves] This is going to do it. Bianca's not going to hang on.
-[misting sound] -Oh!
-[misting sound] -[Cole] Mist to Charlotte.
Asuka misses with the kick.
[referee] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
[Cole] Belair wins the title!
-[dramatic music continues] -[crowd cheering]
["Tokyo Shock" plays]
[Cole] Ms. Money in the Bank, Iyo Sky,
is rushing down to the ring with Bayley from Damage CTRL.
To the bad knee with the briefcase.
Off the face of Belair.
Cash in. Cash in.
-[Graves] She's cashing in. -[bell rings]
[Cole] Moonsault. Cover.
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Iyo Sky wins the championship.
-[dramatic music continues] -[crowd cheering]
The WWE Women's Champion is Iyo Sky.
[song fades]
["All Hail the Queen" continues]
[Patrick] Iyo Sky soaring to unprecedented heights
at the expense of Charlotte Flair and her opponent tonight.
["You Can't Hide" plays]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Your destiny's written All over the sky… ♪
[Rome] And her opponent, from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka.
[Cole] You know, guys, one of the things we do have to talk about
is the fact that it was a gutsy and a courageous effort
by Bianca Belair,
who actually won the championship, as you saw, back at SummerSlam,
before Iyo Sky cashed in.
But both Asuka and Charlotte, Corey, have a beef
after what happened Saturday Night.
[Graves] A few moments ago, Kevin Patrick
used the phrase "at the expense of Charlotte Flair,"
which is something that does not ever sit well with The Queen,
and you can imagine the same holds true for "The Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka,
who was forced to leave Detroit empty-handed.
Both of these women would love to rally beginning tonight,
and put themselves back into championship contention
for Iyo Sky's title.
[Patrick] Cole, you've known Charlotte Flair an awful long time.
Charlotte knows nothing but winning.
A loss like that and a victory for Bianca at the time
-does what for Charlotte's psychology? -[bell rings]
[Cole] It ticks her off as Charlotte was expecting to win
her 15th world championship.
Remember, she had Bianca Belair
beaten in that Triple Threat Match before Asuka blasted her with the mist.
So in Charlotte's mind, she should be champion here tonight on SmackDown.
[Graves] Charlotte Flair, of all Superstars,
understands the underhanded tactics of Asuka.
Asuka wanted to remain champion by any means necessary.
Charlotte Flair wanted to become champion yet again
by any means necessary,
and now both women find themselves back at square one.
[Patrick] Corey, how dangerous is an Asuka with nothing to lose?
[Graves] Asuka is dangerous 365 days a year,
no matter what the situation.
Asuka possesses knockout ability in both her hands and her feet.
Not to mention elbows and knees.
Look for Asuka to rely on this striking ability.
[Patrick] There's that rapid offensive arsenal of Asuka now at pace.
Charlotte stops her dead in her tracks.
[Cole] And not to mention, what a tremendous matchup this is
to kick us up here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
One of the great rivalries of the last decade
in the Women's Division.
[Graves] Remember, it was Charlotte Flair who ended Asuka's undefeated streak,
it seemed impossible at the time, back at WrestleMania.
[Cole] The other thing is, I've heard a lot of people complaining
about the way that Iyo Sky won her first championship here,
major championship in WWE.
Bottom line is she did what anyone else with the Money in the Bank contract
-would have done. -Oh!
Take advantage of the champion when Bianca was down and out with an injured leg.
[Patrick] Yeah. Cole, you could argue that Iyo Sky
had an awful lot of help in Bayley.
[Cole] You can't argue anything. It doesn't matter.
She did what she had to do.
She cashed the contract in on a vulnerable champion.
Bottom line, that's what everyone has done, including Bayley,
in their career when they've had the contract.
[Graves] The women's Money in the Bank success rate remains at 100%.
Every woman who has cashed in has become champion.
Charlotte Flair just tries to slow down Asuka with a big boot of her own.
Ow!
[Patrick] A vicious side to Charlotte Flair this evening.
What a kick to Asuka.
[Cole] As you mentioned before, Kevin, both of these women
trying to get back in the hunt for a championship opportunity.
[Graves] Another boot connects from The Queen.
Looking to make the climb to the high-rent district.
[Patrick] The crowd here tonight in Calgary, Alberta are loving this,
but Asuka quickly back up on her feet,
derailing Charlotte's plans.
The Empress now with ideas of her own.
Asuka dropkicking Charlotte.
Oh!
[Graves] Mighty kick rocks Charlotte Flair. Cover by Asuka.
[Patrick] Asuka in for the cover and the victory.
Charlotte kicking out at two.
Who's gonna get the victory here to kick off Friday Night SmackDown?
[Patrick] We're back tonight, folks. Look at Charlotte…
Come on!
[Patrick] …flattening Asuka on the outside.
[Cole] One of the things I've noticed,
I don't know if you'll agree, a much more focused
and aggressive Charlotte here tonight.
[Graves] I 100% agree. I noticed the exact same thing.
Charlotte Flair usually loves to bask in the adulation of the WWE Universe.
Tonight, The Queen all business.
From the top!
[Patrick] Charlotte. Crossbody.
-Come on! -[crowd chants "Woo"]
[Patrick] Look at the confidence and swagger on Charlotte Flair.
[crowd] Woo!
[Graves] The signature Flair chops echoing here throughout the Saddledome.
[Cole] And you have to wonder how losing
the WWE Women's Championship just this past Saturday
has… what it's meant mentally for Asuka.
[Patrick] Asuka now feeling the wrath of Charlotte Flair.
Let's not forget it was Asuka's championship
that she lost on the night too.
Charlotte now. Cover for the win over Asuka.
And Asuka out at two.
-[Cole] That was the point I was making. -[chuckles]
[Graves] Let's take another look at The Queen taking flight.
Full extension.
A tremendous impact, crashing down low
on the core of Asuka.
The Queen has not looked back since.
[Patrick] Trending number one, of course, in the United States, #SmackDown.
The most decorated female Superstar of all time in Charlotte Flair.
A Grand Slam Champion in her own right in Asuka.
Kick and a miss.
[Graves] Oh! Spear has cut Asuka in half.
[crowd chanting "Woo"]
["Tokyo Shock" plays]
[Patrick] Wait a second.
[Cole] I can't say I'm shocked.
Look who's here.
[Patrick] It's the WWE Women's Champion.
[Cole] And Dakota and Bayley, Damage CTRL.
-[Graves] Hey, wait, wait, shoulders down. -[Patrick] Back inside we go.
This match continues as Iyo Sky makes her way to the ring
flanked by Bayley and Dakota Kai.
[Graves] Charlotte answers with a boot of her own.
Both Asuka and Charlotte have to be on high alert
with the arrival of Damage CTRL.
[Patrick] It was Iyo Sky who cashed in successfully on Bianca Belair.
[Graves] I like this, Iyo and Bayley taking a victory lap.
[Cole] Iyo celebrating over the fact
that Ms. Money in the Bank is now the Women's Champion.
[Patrick] I don't think Charlotte Flair or Asuka
are gonna take too kindly to this.
[Graves] Keep your eyes on Bayley,
lurking on the backside of the ring.
[Patrick] What sort of role model behavior is this?
There's Charlotte going after Bayley.
[Graves] It's all by design.
[Patrick] Oh, watch out.
[Graves] Double knees to the face of The Queen.
[Cole] Now look at Iyo.
[Patrick] Iyo Sky. What?
[bell rings]
[Cole] Well, make no mistake about it, as Bayley unloads on Charlotte now,
this is Damage CTRL reminding the Women's Division
who's in control around here.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] The twisted smile on the face of Bayley.
[booing continues]
One year after arriving on the scene
-at SummerSlam. -Not done yet.
No, they're not.
[Graves] When you hold the gold, you hold the power.
Damage CTRL knows full well what that means
for all of Friday Night SmackDown.
-[triumphant scream] -[crowd boos]
[Cole] Bayley was strutting around the locker room area earlier today saying,
"We are the champion. We are the champion."
[Patrick] Can say that?
[Cole] Well, she considers the fact that Iyo Sky--
Give it up for your new WWE Women's Champion,
Iyo Sky. [laughs]
["Tokyo Shock" plays]
[Cole] Well, the fact of the matter is Damage CTRL
may be more dangerous than ever
with Iyo Sky holding the WWE Women's Title.
There's no doubt about it. Look, SummerSlam a crowning moment for Iyo Sky.
Just like it should have been for Jey Uso.
[dramatic musical beat]
[Graves] Jey has been waiting for this moment quite possibly his entire life.
[Cole] The lei around the neck of Roman Reigns,
it is the symbolization of The Tribal Chief.
That is what this is about tonight,
to not only win the championship, but also become The Tribal Chief.
[Graves] Jey is about to learn a great deal about himself.
Does Jey have what it takes to sit at the head of the table?
[Kendo stick snapping]
[Cole] Roman Reigns showing the world right now
why indeed he's The Tribal Chief.
Get up, little Jey. Get up.
[Cole] But a Kendo stick by Jey Uso!
Roman, through the table!
[Kendo stick snapping]
And Roman just trying to retreat.
Jey Uso suddenly in control.
[Graves] Solo!
[Cole] Oh my goodness!
And Solo Sikoa may be saving things here for The Tribal Chief.
[thunderous crush]
Dragging Jey's carcass back toward the ring.
[Graves] If you didn't see this coming, you haven't been paying attention.
Ooh ahh!
[crowd chatter]
[tense audio tone rising]
[indistinct yell]
[Cole] Oh! Spear through the barricade.
Superkick.
Remember what Solo did to Jimmy, Jey's brother.
Jey Uso, back in the ring,
with a Spear to Roman.
-[Graves] He's gonna do it. -[Cole] Jey going up to the top rope.
Uso Splash!
The reign is over.
One! Two!
[Cole] What the hell?
[sinister music plays]
[crowd chatter]
[dramatic musical tone]
-[thud] -[crowd chatter]
[crowd] Oh!
[referee] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
[Cole] The ultimate betrayal.
After everything these twins have been through.
Roman Reigns is still in charge.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] In the turbulent wake of SummerSlam and Tribal Combat,
The Head of the Table is here.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
will address the future of The Bloodline live tonight.
[man] The City of Brotherly Love.
-It's got its own beat. -[upbeat band music plays]
The birthplace of America.
Where you're always reminded:
There's tough,
and then there's Philly tough.
[upbeat music continues]
Next April,
the knockout punch is coming.
[Cole] This is the greatest live event in entertainment.
[man] And that…
That's a Philly thing.
WrestleMania, live from Philadelphia,
April 2024.
Tickets available next Friday.
[music fades]
♪ Who better than me… ♪
[Patrick] It is the opportunity of a lifetime tonight for Santos Escobar,
who says he's gonna become United States Champion for la Raza,
for every Latino watching around the world,
at the expense of Austin Theory.
That's the subject of tonight's Match Flo, sponsored by Progressive.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[epic music plays]
[Theory] The greatest United States Champion of all time.
[Graves] Austin Theory is here.
♪ A-town ♪
♪ I ain't scared of nothing ♪
♪ I don't play games ♪
♪ Who dares to touch it? ♪
♪ You ain't prepared for nothing ♪
♪ If it's on, then it's on And you better be bluffing ♪
[Theory] I'm gonna keep on going up, and everybody else
is gonna go A-town Down.
The person I'm about to introduce
can become the next United States Champion,
Santos Escobar.
I will become the new United States Champion.
[Cole] Theory, he's coming for you.
He ain't got no chance.
[Cole] Escobar takes the fight to Theory.
Phantom Driver!
Escobar has pinned the United States Champion.
He builds momentum towards the championship opportunity.
He's gonna get his dreams crushed
when he experiences Austin Theory Live.
[Cole] Escobar,
Theory
for the United States Championship.
[music fades]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Number One Contender to the United States Championship.
He is of the LWO, the sensational Santos Escobar.
[crowd cheers]
[in Spanish] Awesome, bud.
[in English] Santos, what's your mindset heading into your US Title match
against Austin Theory?
[speaks Spanish]
[repeats in English] There's only one word to describe how I'm feeling,
and that's "confident."
All that sacrifice pays off tonight.
I've got Austin Theory's number.
Esta noche, the United States Championship is coming--
[Cole] Oh! Theory.
Tell me what you got. Huh? Tell me.
Come here.
[painful grunt]
Huh? What'd I say?
I'm the champ. I'm the champ. I'm the champ.
-Hey, Theory. -Hey, hey, hey.
Theory, what's wrong with you?
-That's enough. -Hey, that's enough.
Get to the back. That's enough.
Theory--
-Oh! -[screaming in pain]
Hey, Theory.
-[Escobar] Oh… oh… -[Rey] Theory.
[in Spanish] What's wrong with you?
[in English] The bottom line is this, that's a champion running scared.
Theory's been scared of Escobar
ever since he lost to him a couple of weeks ago.
Now he's trying to take him out again.
That is a champion who's trying to avoid making the same mistake again.
Austin Theory has been fooled in the past by Escobar,
plus Theory has to worry about the LWO lurking around.
Austin Theory did what a smart champion would do.
I don't know if many people would agree with you.
Listen. Moving on, AJ Styles, you got to wonder,
is AJ running out of time,
because tonight, The Phenomenal One takes on The Harbinger of Doom.
[ominous music plays]
[Kross] Some people lack
the depth to see the vision.
My plan has always been
[distorted] to destroy the plan.
But now, it's time to take things to another level.
As fate would have it,
AJ Styles has shown me the importance of brotherhood.
And after all,
a prophet is absolutely nothing
without his disciples.
Soon,
you'll see.
[audio drops out]
["Phenomenal" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[fireworks booming]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Michin, representing the O. C.,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Cole] Finally, an opportunity for AJ Styles to get rid of Karrion Kross.
Corey, this has been going on for a long, long time.
[Graves] That's Karrion Kross' game.
Kross will grind you down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
And although Styles has encountered Karrion Kross in the past,
it's always a different environment each and every time you compete
with someone as sinister and sadistic as Kross.
♪ Blue collar boys do it With our hands muddied… ♪
[Patrick] This is a match sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
You are looking at a motivated AJ Styles
hoping to put an end to the sinister and sadistic Karrion Kross.
One-on-one action.
Styles, Kross. Next on SmackDown.
♪ No, they don't want none No, they don't want none ♪
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
[Cole] I cannot wait for Toronto next week.
[Patrick] Roll on, Toronto.
They're also celebrating Iyo Sky all around the world this past week.
Iyo soaring to unprecedented heights, becoming the new WWE Women's Champion,
cashing in at SummerSlam to devastating effect.
Congratulations, Iyo Sky.
[Graves] Well, Iyo Sky not the only champ in the house tonight.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
will address the future of The Bloodline live tonight on SmackDown.
[Cole] We've got a serious situation that's developing
in the backstage area now, here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Medical personnel attending to the injured left leg of Santos Escobar
after an ambush, a sneak attack
by the United States Champion, Austin Theory.
You have to wonder, will Escobar be ready to go to the championship match
versus Theory later on tonight?
["Dead Silent" playing]
[Graves] The Harbinger of Doom
a deeply cerebral competitor,
brutally physical.
Karrion Kross is not here in WWE just to leave a mark.
Karrion Kross is here to leave a scar.
[Cole] Well, he wants to reset the current timeline in WWE,
and the target is AJ Styles.
This has been a rivalry that has not only targeted AJ,
it's targeted Michin, who's at ringside with AJ tonight,
and it's also targeted Anderson and Gallows of the entire O.C.
[Graves] That's the intent of Karrion Kross.
-[bell rings] -That's Kross' game plan,
to overwhelm you not only physically, but mentally as well.
It's not just you he's after, it's everyone around you.
[Patrick] What's got to be the strategy for "The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles here,
up against the behemoth in Karrion Kross?
[Graves] Listen, AJ arguably one of the greatest of all time
to step inside the ring.
A litany of championships to his credit.
AJ just needs to stick to his game plan.
AJ needs to use that bulldog mentality
and not let Kross throw him off the plan.
[Cole] And what he's doing here, guys, is he's taking the fight to Kross.
He's punishing, he's trying to torture Karrion Kross
and show Kross, "Hey, here's a reminder of who you're in the ring with,
former multi-time world champion."
[Patrick] There's a talk backstage, Cole,
that Karrion Kross is just using AJ Styles to climb the ladder in WWE
at the expense of The Phenomenal One.
[Cole] Of course he is. Everyone tries to climb the ladder
using AJ Styles,
but most of them don't succeed.
[Patrick] Karrion Kross now, and that big body
-hammering into AJ Styles in the corner. -[Graves] Ooh my.
You hate me, AJ? Let me feel your hate, AJ.
Let me feel your hate.
Let me feel your hate. [grunts]
[Cole] Absolutely taunting to his opponents in the ring.
[Kross] Who's the man?
[Graves] As bad as the physical pain in the ring can be,
having your opponent stand over you
and mock you… Cover.
…mock you, question your motives, question your morals,
Karrion Kross looks to overwhelm everybody from bell to bell,
and that's what Styles is experiencing.
[Patrick] He's been so obsessed with AJ Styles.
Remember, it was AJ Styles that dumped Kross
out of the SummerSlam Battle Royal on Saturday.
[Graves] Oh God.
Good night, AJ.
[Cole] Kross has made a career out of manipulating others,
making sure they understand the fear of consequences.
[crowd chanting "AJ Styles"]
[Patrick] Michin can only watch on as AJ goes face-first into the turnbuckle.
[Cole] Let's not forget Scarlett, "The Siren of Sin,"
the cunning and manipulative Scarlett.
Ooh!
[Patrick] You think it's Scarlett's sinister ways behind all this?
[Graves] Why is she manipulative?
Why can't Scarlett just be Kross's trusted advisor?
-His confidant? -[Cole laughs]
[Cole] You make me laugh. I miss working with you every week.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] Perilous position now for both Superstars.
AJ, though, slithers free. Wow.
[Graves] Kross face-first off the turnbuckle.
[Patrick] Kross sent to the outside.
AJ Styles looking to pounce.
[Graves] AJ surveying the situation,
making sure he knows where Kross is,
making sure he knows where Scarlett is.
-Uh-oh. -[Cole] Uh-oh.
[Graves] Look out.
[Cole] Oh! The Death Valley Driver right onto our announce table.
[screams]
[Patrick] How can AJ get back into this match?
[Graves] I don't know if he can.
Ah… get up.
[AJ groans]
[Patrick] You're watching Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
One-on-one action.
AJ Styles, Karrion Kross.
And "The Phenomenal" AJ turning things around now
against The Harbinger of Doom.
[Graves] Karrion Kross victimized by a blitz of strikes from Styles.
Kross now…
[crowd cheers]
…weary in the corner.
[Cole] It's been tremendous recuperative power of AJ Styles.
Kross was beating the hell out of him during the commercial break,
and Styles climbed back into this.
[Patrick] AJ's feeling it.
[crowd cheers]
Styles…
looking for The Phenomenal Forearm, and caught.
Oh no.
Oh no, this spells trouble for AJ.
[Cole] Put him in the Kross Jacket submission maneuver,
trying to get AJ Styles to pass out or tap out.
[Graves] Right now, AJ doing his best to avoid having his world fade to black.
Shoulders down.
[Patrick] Kross out just in time.
[Cole] Yeah, but Kross still has it locked in.
AJ Styles has felt this in the past, and I think he's fading.
[Graves] Kross like a giant constrictor,
getting tighter each time AJ Styles exhales.
[crowd clapping]
[Patrick] AJ using all of his experience, creating that little bit of separation.
[Cole] Yeah, but has the damage been done?
Can Styles rally?
-[Patrick] AJ, moonsault. -Oh!
Down goes Kross.
[Graves] Kross tried to thwart AJ's attempt.
AJ called an audible. And here we go.
Oh, wow.
[Graves] Not what AJ was looking for, but effective nonetheless.
[Cole] It worked.
[Patrick] For the victory now for Styles, and a kickout.
[Cole] That's just the veteran instinct of AJ Styles.
Just trying to make something out of nothing.
[Graves] It also goes to show you how much damage was done to AJ Styles
in the attempted Kross Jacket submission.
AJ was beginning to fade.
His brain wasn't functioning at 100% when he attempted the moonsault.
Great instincts by a world-traveled veteran in AJ Styles.
And these Kawada-style kicks.
[Patrick] A case of attrition now, trying to wear down Karrion Kross.
[Graves] Styles now lining up Kross.
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] Feeding off the energy of the WWE Universe.
[Graves] Long way to go.
-[Patrick] AJ Styles. -[Graves] Nailed it.
[Patrick] AJ for the cover and the victory.
Oh, come on.
[Cole] Now Scarlett getting involved. Styles had this won off the 450,
and Scarlett saving the matchup for Karrion Kross.
[Graves] And Michin has seen enough.
Oh. Big right by Scarlett.
[Patrick] Scarlett looking confident now.
[Graves] Watch Kross from behind.
[Cole] Yeah, but Kross taking advantage off the distraction outside the ring.
-[Graves] Oh man. -[Cole] Saito suplex.
[Patrick] Making light work of AJ Styles.
[Graves] Kross exposing his elbow.
This could be lights out for Styles.
[Cole] Went for the Kross Hammer.
[Patrick] Scouted by AJ.
Step-up enzuigiri.
And Styles now.
Now, here comes Scarlett again.
[referee] Get out of here.
[Cole] And there goes Scarlett.
-Michin-- -[Graves] Oh, look out.
[Cole] Scarlett went flying over our announce table.
[Graves] Wow.
Michin standing her ground.
Pelé kick.
[Patrick] Kick connects. Kross is rocked.
-AJ! -[Graves] Muscling up Kross.
[Patrick] Styles Clash.
-AJ Styles, shoulders are down… -[crowd counts “One, two, three.”]
-…gets the victory. -[bell rings]
-["Phenomenal" plays] -♪ No, they don't want none… ♪
[Rome] Here is your winner, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Cole] What a performance tonight by AJ Styles.
I'll tell you, when the chips are down, AJ Styles comes to play.
Watch this beautiful 450, Corey.
[Graves] This is breathtaking athleticism.
It should come as no surprise. This is AJ Styles we're talking about.
But Scarlett paying dividends,
making sure Kross' foot made it to the bottom rope.
Watch this Doomsday Saito suplex from Karrion Kross.
And just as he looked to close the door,
Michin would make her presence felt
and thwart Scarlett's interference attempts,
allowing AJ to deliver the Styles Clash.
[Cole] For weeks and weeks, Karrion Kross has stalked AJ Styles
and the rest of the O.C.,
who've come out here to celebrate with Styles here tonight.
But tonight, AJ Styles finally with some revenge on Karrion Kross.
AJ Styles with a decisive victory tonight.
But if we've learned anything about Karrion Kross in the past,
it's that Karrion Kross only moves to the rear-view mirror
when Karrion Kross is ready to be in the rear-view mirror.
Well, AJ and the O.C. are hoping that he is in the rear-view,
something Cody Rhodes was hoping to achieve at SummerSlam
against "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
[Cole] It’s Cody vs. Brock…
Three.
[dramatic fight music playing]
Save yourself.
This is only gonna get worse.
[ominous tempo plays]
-[crushing sound] -[crowd chatter]
Tell him.
[Cole] Damn it, Cody, just stay down.
[uplifting tempo plays]
[Graves] From the top.
[Cole] The exposed steel of the turnbuckle.
Into a Cross Rhodes.
A third Cross Rhodes.
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
[Graves] Cody Rhodes conquered the conqueror.
[slow tempo playing]
[crowd cheers]
[music fades]
And, ladies and gentlemen, we witnessed something
we've never seen from Brock Lesnar in his two-decade-plus career
as the most decorated combat sports athlete on the planet.
He actually shook the hand
and raised the hand of his opponent, Cody Rhodes.
And the magnitude of that moment cannot be overstated.
Getting an endorsement from "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar
had to be a healthy injection of fuel for whatever fire burns
inside of Cody Rhodes.
♪ You think you know me ♪
-["Metalingus" by Alter Bridge plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ On this day I see clearly ♪
♪ Everything has come to life ♪
♪ Bitter place and a broken dream ♪
♪ And we'll leave it all behind ♪
♪ On this day, it's so real to me… ♪
Give it to me. Come on, Canada.
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome WWE Hall of Famer,
"The Rated-R Superstar"
Edge!
[pyrotechnics booming]
[Patrick] It is deafening in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Hall of Famer Edge is upon us.
Just one week out from the 25th anniversary celebration,
The Rated-R Superstar joins us.
He's live here on SmackDown.
Don't go anywhere, folks.
[Cole] There's just something right in the world
when Edge enters a WWE ring.
And he's here live,
next.
[music continues]
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] Ladies and gentlemen, Roman Reigns is here tonight.
And after defeating his cousin Jey Uso in Tribal Combat,
the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
addresses the future of The Bloodline tonight.
♪ My legacy ♪
♪ My legacy… ♪
I'm currently outside the trainer's room,
hoping to provide an update on Santos Escobar's condition.
What's the update, because I'm upset.
I mean, I'm not going to get to defend my United States Championship tonight.
I mean, you know, Santos Escobar, he's like toilet paper.
Every time you look at him, he just falls apart.
-Rey, Rey, Rey. -Whoo hoo hoo.
Don't you worry about Santos, Austin.
-He's gonna make it out there. -Oh yeah?
Well, I hope so
because I was concerned.
Rey, Rey, Rey. It's not worth it, Rey.
["Metalingus" continues]
[Cole] Still have to find out what's gonna happen with Escobar tonight.
[Patrick] How exciting is this?
This day next week, tickets go on sale for WrestleMania.
For the first time in 25 years,
the greatest show on earth is headed back to Philadelphia.
Next week, folks, get your tickets.
[Cole] There's the Hall of Famer, Edge.
[music fades]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Edge"]
Calgary…
[crowd cheers]
…I know you're probably saying to yourself,
"Edge, what the heck are you doing here?"
"You weren't advertised."
And I know I got my 25-year anniversary celebration
here in the WWE next week in my hometown of Toronto. I know that.
[crowd cheers and boos]
Hey, man, you can't boo Toronto when I'm in here.
But I saw Calgary was on the docket the week before.
[crowd cheers]
And it has been way too long since we've all seen each other.
[crowd cheers]
So I needed… I needed an excuse to get up here, right?
So here's my excuse.
Next week, in Toronto, I want to have a match.
[crowd cheers]
And I want to have a match against a man that I've never faced one-on-one before.
Even in all the time that we've spent here in this company,
which is-which is crazy, by the way.
And that man is Sheamus.
[crowd chatter and applause]
But we have a lot of history together.
A lot of history that a lot of you probably don't know about.
See, because Sheamus is honestly the reason
that I'm still standing here again in this ring.
Yeah.
[crowd claps]
Sheamus is the guy who lit the fire under my butt
to get me thinking that I could do this again
after nine years retired in a triple fusion neck surgery.
[crowd cheers]
He's got a YouTube show, Celtic Warrior Workouts, right?
He called me. He said, "Hey, I want to come up and do a show."
He wants to do different challenges he's never done before.
So I thought, "Great, I'll get him on a mountain bike."
"He'll look like an albino gorilla making love to a volleyball."
And he did.
And I also thought, "Hey, maybe he'll wipe out."
Which would be really funny, at least to me,
except he didn't.
I did.
At about 20 miles an hour jumping off a jump downhill.
And I rolled to my feet and I looked at the camera,
I said, "People are going to see that and go, 'Why can't he wrestle?'"
And that is when the light bulb lit.
[crowd cheers]
And I said, "Maybe I can do the only thing I'm supposed to do again."
So fast forward. Royal Rumble 2020 is coming up.
I'm getting ready for the Royal Rumble. My big return.
I needed to find out if I was really ready.
And who did I call?
Sheamus.
I said, "Sheamo, I gotta find out if I'm ready."
"And I know you're gonna be honest with me."
"I know you're gonna to put me through my paces
and let me know if I'm ready."
And he came to my house, and he stayed in my apartment,
and he became a part of our extended family.
[crowd chants "Thank you, Sheamus" and "You still got it"]
And we got in that ring every day and we kicked the crap out of each other.
But I realized after that,
I was ready.
[crowd cheers]
And now, I am standing here in Calgary to prove it.
[crowd cheers]
So I need an answer.
So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen,
make some noise, put your hands together for the Brawling Brutes
and "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus.
["Hellfire" plays]
[Cole] Here on Friday Night SmackDown,
it's… Fight Night!
[Patrick] Look at the smile on the face of Sheamus after all those compliments.
Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
[Graves] KP, wipe the drool off your chin.
Michael Cole, a thing about Kevin Patrick
is he will never not fawn over his fellow countrymen.
[Patrick ]That's a fair point. Good to see you, Sheamo.
Pete, Ridge, good to see you boys.
Edge, what's the craic?
What a man, huh? What a Canadian, hey?
[crowd cheers]
You know, you mentioned that Celtic Warrior Workout,
and I've had that footage in my back pocket for the last four years.
So, Calgary, would you like to see the footage
that took this man out of the saddle
and put him back in the WWE saddle?
[crowd cheers]
Roll it there, roll machine.
-[Edge] Yee-haw. -[woman] Get out of my way.
[low rumble and wind]
[thumping scrape]
-[Edge] That was a good one. -[man] Ooh.
[muffled thumping]
-[man] You all right? -Yes.
-Let's see. -[Edge] Look at that.
-[man] There we go. -[Edge] It's a good one.
-It's a good one. -Oh [bleep].
-Oh, there we go. -Oh yeah.
There we go.
Seriously, you're going to show my bare white butt on national telly?
Did we really need to do that, and in slow motion? Really?
Okay. Wait. Hold on a sec.
Wait. Let's be honest, Edge, you've shown a lot more on TV than that.
You know what I mean? Am I right?
-[crowd cheers] -Oh, well… well played.
Okay, but listen, you redheaded yeti.
I got something in my back pocket too.
Eh, throw-- I was prepared.
Throw that picture up on the screen. Yeah.
Oh yeah.
[crowd laughs]
There's the big bad Celtic Warrior sitting on my daughter Ruby's bike.
You look real tough, big guy.
You told me you're going to burn that photograph.
Huh? I trusted you, mate. You know what I mean?
Look, here's the thing, fella.
Take that down. Take the photograph down, yeah?
-Take it down. -We could leave it on.
Listen.
Truth is, mate, this is your platform.
You can hit me on the chin all night.
I'm just happy my chin isn't as big as yours, yeah?
Oh, okay. I got a face like a shovel. I get it.
Whatever. Just go on. What do you got to say?
Answer my question.
I wanna get serious for a second, right.
A story that you probably don't even remember
and nobody else here knows,
but in 2004, I was at a crossroads.
I was trying to decide whether I was going to follow my career
or my dream at WWE,
or if I was just going to go back and, you know, work in an IT job
or whatever I was doing at the time.
And I was working at a nightclub in Dublin, Lillie’s Bordello,
and WWE came into town.
They're there at the O2, the local arena,
and everybody was there.
You know what I mean? The whole Raw crew was there.
I was like, "This is the perfect chance
for me to go up and say, ask for advice, and try and get my juices flown again."
I went up to a lot of talent, and everybody gave me the cold shoulder.
Everybody but one person.
And that person was you.
[crowd cheers]
You just wrestled. You were on a two-week tour.
You didn't have to give me any time. You were just trying to relax.
But not only did he give his time, but he brought me over,
gave me the best advice I ever heard.
And he went and bought me a pint of Guinness.
Where I come from, that's a big deal, guys.
You know what I'm saying?
And right there and then, Edge, I knew you were a world-class act.
So the fact we've never even wrestled together
in, what, 14, 15 years that I've been here,
that's astonishing, mate,
because the truth of the matter is, you talk about being on that bike
and that being the catalyst to have you getting you back in the ring.
Well, without that conversation,
I wouldn't be standing in this ring.
[crowd cheers]
Well, I appreciate that. I appreciate you.
But all that being said, what do you say?
Next week, my hometown, Toronto,
25 years here in this company,
two grizzled vets, been everywhere, done everything,
smacking the crap out of each other for the very first time.
And then after, heck, we can go back and have a shot of some nice peaty scotch.
What do you say?
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Yes!"]
I don't know. I'm a bit deaf in the left ear here.
Calgary, what do you think about The Rated-R Superstar
and "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus going at it for the first time next week?
[crowd cheers]
I'll tell you what, fella,
you swap that peaty scotch for a nice pint of Guinness
and you got yourself a deal.
[crowd cheers]
Just hope you didn't make a mistake.
[crowd says "Ohh"]
["Metalingus" plays]
[Cole] Them there are fighting words from Sheamus.
I can't wait for next week.
What a celebration of Edge's 25 years in WWE.
[Graves] Celtic Warrior
and The Rated-R Superstar one-on-one, first time ever.
Man, this is gonna be amazing.
And in Toronto of all places, Edge's hometown.
They will be in full voice, as were the Yeah Movement at SummerSlam.
What a match it was, the Battle Royal
by Slim Jim.
LA Knight just about hanging in here,
comes back for a receipt with The Miz,
sending The A-lister packing.
And then there were two.
Sheamus and LA Knight.
LA Knight with a massive victory.
But, of course, when it rolled into Monday Night Raw,
The Miz would take it all very personally.
I am the main event and you are not on my level!
So if you think I'm not on your level,
why don't you prove me wrong? I ain't going anywhere.
[crowd chatter]
[crowd chants "LA Knight"]
[Patrick] LA Knight standing his ground.
But as he turns his back, no surprises here.
A cheap shot from The Miz.
But, Corey, LA Knight would turn it around.
[Graves] The A-lister wanted a Skull-Crushing Finale,
but instead experienced BFT, Blunt Force Trauma.
♪ LA Knight ♪
-["Welcome to LA" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing 240 pounds, LA Knight.
[Graves] The rough house is rocking tonight.
[Patrick] The Yeah Movement in full force.
How do you think LA Knight's feeling
fresh off that Battle Royal victory at SummerSlam?
And now, the loquacious LA Knight back in action here
on Friday Night SmackDown
against Michael Cole's BFF.
-It's LA Knight, Top Dolla next. -[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[music continues]
[Shawn Michaels] Hulk Hogan was the foundation
for everything that we have today.
[announcer] History made at Madison Square Garden.
Hulkamania is here.
[Ric Flair] A household name that became bigger than our sport.
[Monsoon] Look at this.
-[Ventura] He slammed him. -He slammed the giant.
-Hulkamania is running wild. -[fanatical screams]
[announcer] The one, the only, "The Immortal"…
…Hulk Hogan!
Whatcha-- whatcha-- whatcha gonna do--
Whatcha gonna do
when Hulkamania runs wild on you, brother?
["Real American" plays]
[Cole] I cannot believe that he's 70 years young today.
Happy birthday to the icon.
One of the greatest ever. The Immortal, the legendary Hulk Hogan.
And there is a reason why we call what we do "sports entertainment."
Because of the Hulkster.
-Give me one of these, Corey. -Whatcha going to do, KP?
Come on. Wish the man happy.
-Whatcha gonna do? -Say happy birthday.
-Happy birthday, brother. -No one wants to see your muscles, NPC.
[Cole] Well, not only is today Hulk Hogan's 70th birthday,
it's also the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
[bell rings]
To celebrate, as LA Knight gets set to take on Top Dolla,
I'm gonna spit some bars.
LA Knight, future so bright.
Top Dolla about to get smashed tonight.
[Patrick] Corey, I'm speechless.
-[Cole] Don't everybody stand up at once. -[Patrick laughs]
[Patrick] My name is Cole. That's my name.
[Graves] Did you ever have many thoughts come to your mind at once
that there was a bottleneck and you just freeze up?
That's what just happened.
And Michael Cole, you better be careful
because you keep talking smack on Top Dolla,
he may treat you like Suge Knight treated Vanilla Ice.
You'll find yourself hanging out a window balcony one of these days.
[Cole] Who's hotter than Top Dolla?
-[Graves] Not nada. -[Cole] B-fab.
[Graves, laughing] I'm not going to disagree with you there.
[Patrick] What a win this could be for Top Dolla here.
In complete control against LA Knight, who's riding all sorts of momentum here.
Oh, cheap shot.
[Cole] Can you imagine if the Yeah Movement
came to a screeching halt because of Top Dolla?
[Graves] Listen, I think Top Dolla
could be a dark horse candidate to bring it all down.
I'm as big a fan of LA Knight as anybody walking the earth right now,
but LA has the ability to be a little too overconfident at times,
and someone as big and powerful…
[crowd boos]
…as Top Dolla could absolutely slow the momentum
of the Yeah Movement.
[Cole] LA Knight has not been able to get out of the blocks at all in this matchup.
[Patrick] Listen to the WWE Universe.
They're starting to rally now, as is LA Knight.
Top Dolla had silenced them there for a moment.
Oh!
[Cole] Top Dolla has been impressive so far.
[Patrick] What have you got against Top Dolla?
[Cole] I just said he was impressive, Kevin.
[Patrick] I know.
-[Graves] Ashanti "Thee" Adonis… -[Patrick] Ooh!
[Graves] …made a knuckle sandwich here in Calgary.
Let me ask you guys a question.
-Whose game is it? -[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Patrick] Oh!
LA Knight in complete control now.
-Stalking Top Dolla. There it is. -Oh!
-[Cole] Blunt Force Trauma. -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
["Welcome to LA" plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner, LA Knight.
[Cole] I should rap more often.
-[Patrick] I didn't think it was too bad. -[Cole] Thanks.
[Graves] Well, while you two are having fun in fantasyland,
I'll call the action.
LA Knight from the middle rope with a bulldog.
And here's where it all came crashing down
and hurts inside if you're Top Dolla.
BFT, Blunt Force Trauma.
-Yeah. -[crowd] Yeah!
Let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
Doesn't matter where you go in the world,
doesn't matter if I'm on Raw, doesn't matter if I'm on SmackDown,
doesn't matter if you call yourself "Awesome,"
or if your name's Uncle Phil,
at the end of the day, you will know whose game is it
with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight. Yeah!
-Yeah. -["Welcome to LA" plays]
[Graves] I think if LA Knight were a rap star,
he'd be more like DJ Khaled.
Just say the same thing over and over.
[Patrick] Yeah. Most definitely would.
What momentum.
How much fun is LA Knight having?
[in Spanish] He won't get away next time.
[in English] Hey, guys, trainer says you're technically clear,
but I just wanna look you in the eye and make sure you can go.
I can go.
-He's good. -All right.
-[in Spanish] I can. -[in English] Okay.
[in Spanish] Careful out there, dude. Careful.
[Patrick in English] Santos Escobar will not go down without a fight.
The United States Championship match is next.
-[in Spanish] I can do it. -I know you can. Go on, man.
["Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf plays]
♪ Get your motor runnin' ♪
♪ Head out on the highway ♪
♪ Lookin' for adventure ♪
♪ And whatever comes our way ♪
♪ Yeah, darlin', go make it happen ♪
♪ Take the world in a love embrace ♪
-♪ Fire all of your guns… ♪ -[music ends]
[Cole] And as CBS Sports reported,
Roman Reigns successfully defended his championship
against his cousin, Jey Uso,
in Tribal Combat at SummerSlam.
Tonight, the Undisputed Champion, Roman Reigns, is here live
to address the future of The Bloodline.
-[hand slapping sounds] -[slow nightclub music playing]
Yes, yes, tonight's a celebration.
A celebration of destroying what was.
A celebration of an alliance. A celebration of future.
A celebration of unlimited possibilities.
You know, they say the saddest thing in life is untapped potential,
and when I look at the two of you, I see a ton of talent.
I'm not going to say completely untapped potential,
because you guys have done some great things.
-But last week… -Yeet.
-…last week, how'd that feel? -[bell rings]
[Dawkins] I mean, sneak at folks in some suits,
don't get much better than that, fam.
[Ford] It felt good doing work out there with my brother,
but I still feel like the job's not finished.
Think about what we can do together.
Power,
control, championship gold.
It's all ready for us to take.
So what y'all saying is, the sky's the limit, my brothers.
Sky's the limit.
Seems like SmackDown's ready for some new blood to run this place.
[laughs]
They better fall in line, then, fam.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
[glasses clink]
[laughs]
-♪ Who better than me… ♪ -[Graves] I like what I see there.
[Graves] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Cole] "The Suit Profits" and Bobby Lashley
gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
-♪ Viva La Raza ♪ -[Graves] No doubt.
-["Our World" plays] -♪ Sube tu bandera si tu eres Latino… ♪
[Cole] Interesting to see the condition of Santos Escobar.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the United States Championship.
[Patrick] The determined look to the face of--
[announcers] Oh!
[Cole] Austin Theory again.
Attacking the already injured leg of Santos Escobar.
This guy is nothing but a damn coward.
Enough already.
Somebody do something about this.
[Graves] Wait, how is Austin Theory at fault here?
Theory has to worry about Rey Mysterio, the rest of the LWO,
not to mention Santos Escobar, who’s a world-class competitor.
Theory's trying to remain champion.
Hey, I just gotta apologize
that all of you don't get to experience Austin Theory Live.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] It's okay, champ. We forgive you.
Hey, I wanted to defend the United States Championship tonight,
but I can't because Santos Escobar, well, he's just too weak.
[crowd boos]
So, referee, get over here and raise the greatest of all time's hand,
because I'm going home, baby.
[Cole] Ever since Theory lost to Escobar a few weeks ago,
he's had no interest in defending the championship against this man.
[indistinct chatting]
Hold on. Hold on, Theory.
You're not getting off that easy.
We promised Calgary a title match,
and we're gonna deliver a title match,
because you're going to defend that United States Championship
right here, right now,
-against Rey Mysterio. -[crowd cheers]
-[Cole] All right. -[Graves] Oh no.
[Cole] Now we're talking.
[Patrick] Here we go.
[Graves] This is completely unfair to Austin Theory.
Theory has been preparing for Escobar for weeks.
[Patrick] This match hasn't started yet, we haven't even heard the bell.
[Graves] Oh, there shouldn't be a bell.
Adam Pearce is intoxicated with power.
[Cole] Do you actually listen to yourself when you talk?
[Graves] Not usually.
[Cole] Rey taking out the champ.
[Patrick] We've got a United States Championship Match, next.
[Graves] This is not fair.
[Patrick] You're watching a match for the United States Championship.
Austin Theory defending against Rey Mysterio,
who stepped in for the injured Santos Escobar.
Injured after a cheap shot, yet another attack, by Theory on Escobar.
[Graves] Escobar took his eye off the ball,
Theory made Escobar pay, and Rey Mysterio's reaping the benefits.
[Cole] Now, listen, Theory has nobody to blame but himself
to be in this predicament.
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Cole] Senton by Mysterio.
[Patrick] Rey is rolling here.
Rey Mysterio, to become United States Champion.
A kickout at two.
[Cole] Rey has won two United States Championships in his career.
Would love to add to that tally here tonight.
You know, Graves, Theory runs around
calling himself some sort of legend killer.
He has an opportunity to take out Rey tonight.
[Graves] Theory's been doing a very, very good job thus far,
but Rey Mysterio is not a Hall of Famer for no reason.
You can never bet against the greatest mask of all time.
[Patrick] But Theory has defended against John Cena, against Edge as well.
Another Hall of Famer now.
[Graves] Yeah, but Theory was able to prepare for Edge,
he was able to prepare for Cena.
Rey Mysterio is a last-second replacement.
[Cole] Yeah, well, if he was preparing for Santos Escobar
for the past couple of weeks, maybe he should have ensured
that Escobar would actually make this match tonight.
Oh my goodness.
[Patrick] Look at Rey Mysterio go.
Rey in for the cover and the championship.
Can he get it done? Theory kicking out again.
How good does Rey Mysterio look tonight?
[Cole] Looks unbelievable. I mean…
[Graves] Let's talk about how good Austin Theory has looked.
Up until about the last 30 seconds,
Theory has had a great showing tonight, even against all odds,
-against the most unfair of circumstances, -[crowd chanting "619"]
Austin Theory is still out here holding his own with the Hall of Famer.
[Patrick] A lot of people are saying this has backfired on Austin Theory right now.
[Cole] Tremendous politician is Mr. Graves.
You should be a spokesperson.
[Graves] I'm gonna be mayor of Pittsburgh by the end of the century.
[Patrick] The ultimate endzone.
Theory now… has Rey Mysterio.
Wants to take him on a trip. A-Town Down.
-Rey turned it around now. Oh! -[Graves] Enzuigiri rocks Theory.
-[Patrick] Rey is rolling. -[Graves] Oh, 619 to the lower back.
[Cole] Yeah, right to the spine. That stung. And now to the back again.
[Patrick] And here we go again. Dial it up, Rey.
Rey Mysterio, 61-- No!
[Graves] Great counter by Theory.
[Cole] Yeah, but Theory's back gave out after Rey went to the back
a few moments ago.
-[crowd cheers] -[Graves] Oh no. Oh no!
[Patrick] Mysterio, 619!
[Cole] Come on, Rey. Dropping the dime.
[Patrick] Rey Mysterio, for the United States Championship!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner
and the new
United States Champion,
WWE Hall of Famer
Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] There is something beautiful of seeing Rey Mysterio
with gold around his waist.
[Graves] Already a WWE Hall of Famer.
How about a little more history?
[Cole] The legendary luchador does it again,
wins the United States Championship
in what turned out to be an impromptu match tonight.
And Theory has no one to blame but himself.
[Graves] I suppose Rey Mysterio had less time to prepare for this match
than even Theory did, accepting it in impromptu circumstances.
There it is, right there.
The 619, dropping the dime, deep hook of the leg.
"And new."
[Cole] And I want you guys to look at the teamwork,
the camaraderie of Rey Mysterio, the new United States Champion,
and the rest of the LWO,
at least a couple of members including Santos Escobar,
who is obviously injured after the attack by Austin Theory.
Bittersweet tonight for Santos Escobar,
but one of the members, the leader of the LWO,
comes away with the gold.
[Graves] Well, there's no one on the earth right now happier for Rey Mysterio
than Santos Escobar.
Escobar has looked at Rey as a hero, as a mentor.
What a moment for the entire…
[pyrotechnics booming]
…LWO.
[Patrick] Santos wanted to win it for la Raza,
for the entire Latino community.
And Rey Mysterio, the Hall of Famer, has stepped up and done exactly that.
[crying]
How beautiful.
Well, folks, do not go anywhere.
After defeating Jey Uso in Tribal Combat,
the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, is here next on SmackDown
to address the future of The Bloodline.
[man] The City of Brotherly Love.
-It's got its own beat. -[upbeat band 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.
[man] And that…
that's a Philly thing.
WrestleMania, live from Philadelphia, April 2024.
Tickets available next Friday.
[music fades]
♪ Who better than me… ♪
[Patrick] Fellas, I cannot wait until next week on Friday Night SmackDown,
when we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hall of Famer,
"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge,
where for the first time ever,
he'll go one-on-one with his old pal, Sheamo.
[Cole] And we celebrate in Edge's hometown of Toronto next week.
And he won't be the only Hall of Famer in town.
The new United States Champion,
Rey Mysterio, will be on SmackDown as well.
The guest of "The Grayson Waller Effect," live next week.
-["Head of the Table" plays] -[fan chatter]
[crowd cheers]
[music continues]
[inaudible dialogue]
[pyrotechnics booming]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
special counsel, "The Wise Man" Paul Heyman,
Solo Sikoa,
and the Undisputed WWE
Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Hey, Kevin Patrick, if you’re going to be working Friday nights here on Fox,
you better learn something.
Acknowledge your Tribal Chief.
Because for 1,076 days,
Roman Reigns has been champion.
Corey, you and I had the pleasure of sitting at ringside
and calling the Tribal Combat Match this past Saturday at SummerSlam
between Roman Reigns and his cousin, Jey Uso.
And one of the most unthinkable things happened.
Jey Uso's twin brother, Jimmy,
after all they've been through their entire lives,
turning on his brother
and handing the championship and Tribal Chiefdom back to Roman Reigns.
[Graves] Truly the ultimate betrayal unfolding before our very eyes.
[music continues]
[crowd chatter]
[Cole] One of the greatest championship reigns in history.
For nearly three years,
Roman Reigns has ruled WWE.
But coming into tonight, guys, there’s so many questions.
And the biggest one is, what is the future of The Bloodline?
You see Solo Sikoa, Roman’s cousin,
of course, the special counsel, Paul Heyman,
in the ring with Roman Reigns,
but what is the future of this group?
[Graves] With any luck, hopefully tonight, we'll get a few answers
straight from the mouth of The Tribal Chief himself.
[pyrotechnics booming]
[Patrick] Will we get those answers about the future of The Bloodline?
Don't go anywhere. Reigns, live here next.
[Patrick] Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown,
where we are in the presence of the Undisputed Champion, Roman Reigns.
["Head of the Table" continues]
[song fades]
[crowd chatter]
Calgary.
[crowd cheers]
Acknowledge me.
[crowd cheers and boos]
[inaudible dialogue]
-Wise man. -Yes, my Tribal Chief.
Where's Jimmy?
I don't know.
What do you mean, you don’t know? You haven't seen him?
I haven't seen Jimmy all day, sir.
You haven't talked to him?
My Tribal Chief, I, uh… I spoke to Jimmy this morning…
and he was rather salty with me.
[crowd chatter]
And I don't know why.
[mixed crowd chatter and boos]
[booing intensifies]
[crowd chants "You sold out"]
[chant fades]
[crowd boos]
Jim.
Don't worry about them. They mean nothing.
[crowd boos]
[laughs]
[crowd chatter]
Don't worry about them.
Let's be real about it.
I owe you one.
Name it. Name your price.
Anything you want. Name it. Done.
You want a new car? Done.
You want a boat?
No, no, no, you want a yacht? Done.
You want a jet?
-Done. -I don't want nothing from you.
Nothing.
What I did a SummerSlam, Uce, got nothing to do with you.
[laughs]
You must be confused or something.
You know who I am. I can make anything happen.
You don't want material items? Fine.
What do you want? You want power?
You want position? Come on.
What, the new right-hand man?
"Main Event" Jimmy Uso, we can make it ha--
-♪ Uso! ♪ -["Done With That" plays]
[crowd cheers]
♪ Down since day one ish ♪
-♪ Damn ♪ -♪ Down since day one ish ♪
♪ We been down since day one ish… ♪
[Cole] That is the man who Jimmy screwed
at SummerSlam, his twin brother, Jey.
♪ …Welcome these fools To the Uso penitentiary ♪
[Graves] The look in Jey's eyes is that of a man
with a dagger in his back and a lot on his mind.
♪ Let's get it, Uce ♪
♪ It's not paranoia, it's the Usos ♪
[song fades]
[mic thuds on mat]
[crowd chanting "Jey"]
[chant fades]
I'm about to throw 37 years down the drain right now
if you won’t tell me why you did it.
Talk to me.
I'm ready.
Talk.
I did what I did at SummerSlam, Jey,
because I love you.
[crowd boos]
"Jimmy betrayed Jey because he’s jealous."
Uce, I did what I did at SummerSlam not because of jealousy, Uce.
You really wanna know?
Man, I was afraid, all right?
I was afraid to lose you.
If you were to beat Roman at SummerSlam, Uce,
you would have become Tribal Chief, and then what?
What happens to The Usos, huh?
What happens to The Usos?
Hey, not only that, brother.
Listen to me, not only that.
Not only would you have became the Tribal Chief, Uce,
you would have inherited some kind of power
that makes you…
like him.
[crowd chatter]
Corrupted, Uce.
He's corrupted.
The power, he manipulated.
He-He has been playing us, Uce.
I would never live…
I would never be able to live, Uce, if I let you and watch you
become an egotistical, lying, manipulative ass like Roman Reigns.
[crowd chatter]
That's the damn truth.
I was afraid--
Man, I was afraid you was just going to leave.
That's the honest truth. You don't believe me, fine.
You never talk to me again, fine, Uce.
You hate me, I'm fine.
I just wanted to tell you to your face.
It wasn't a step on your shine, Uce. It wasn't to take any hard work from you.
It was because, Uce, I love you.
So if you wanna kick my face off, brother,
37 years of pain, give it to me.
[crowd chatter]
[Cole] Jey turned his back…
on his brother.
[crowd chatter continues]
[crowd boos]
[laughs]
What'd I tell you?
I mean, if there wasn't a perfect time
for "I told you so."
What have I been saying, huh? What have I been saying?
You going to mess this whole thing up because you're stupid, you’re a hothead,
you think with your emotions.
You don't know what you’re doing, you understand me?
Tonight, it ain't about you and your brother.
Nobody cares anymore, all right?
This night is only about one thing. You understand me?
One thing.
It's been like this for three years now. I can't believe you don’t understand it.
Acknowledge me.
[Cole] Oh!
[Graves] Solo from behind.
[Cole] Well, that was Jey's way of acknowledging The Tribal Chief,
as things have once again exploded.
[screams]
[Patrick] Oh,
superkick!
[Cole] Superman punch.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Jey Uso's night just went from bad to worse.
Get up. Get up!
You're gonna acknowledge me. Do you understand me?
You're gonna acknowledge me. You're gonna acknowledge me.
[crowd chatter]
[crowd] Ooh ahh!
[Graves] Oh! Another superkick stops the Spear.
-[Cole] Spear! -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Jey turns the tables on Roman again.
Jimmy, hold up.
Come here.
Come here, man.
Come here.
[Cole] Oh!
[crowd chatter]
[crowd chants “Jey”]
Hey, I'm out.
I'm out of The Bloodline,
I’m out of SmackDown,
I'm out of WWE.
Deuces, Uces.
[fans scream]
I'll be all right, Uce. Appreciate it. Appreciate it.
[Graves] Cole, did Jey just say what I think he said?
[Cole] He said he's not only just out of The Bloodline, but…
he’s out of WWE.
[crowd chatter]
[crowd chants “Jey”]
[chant fades]