[WWE intro music playing]
[Cena] Then.
-[Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now.
[Reigns] Acknowledge me!
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheers]
Together.
[music fades]
[crowd noise]
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
This past week, we lost two beloved members of our WWE family.
Hall of Famer Terry Funk.
And the one and only Bray Wyatt.
Tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
we will honor their legacy and celebrate their lives.
The lives of two incredible men
who have touched all of us with their passion,
their creativity and their spirit.
Please join us for a moment of silence
in our traditional ten bell salute.
[bell tolls]
[crowd cheering]
["The Whole World In His Hands" playing]
♪ He's got the whole world ♪
♪ In his hands ♪
♪ He's got the whole world ♪
♪ In his hands ♪
[Wyatt] I guess I've created some kind of buzz here, man.
You ain't seen nothing yet.
["Everknown" by NEEDTOBREATHE plays]
Behold, a new face of fear.
Walk by my side and I will lead you to paradise!
We're here. [inhales, blows sharply]
♪ I can see your body dancing Feel the magic on the floor ♪
♪ They try to say we lost you But they never kept score ♪
♪ You never had a last time You couldn't outshine ♪
♪ You gave us everything And now your memory's mine ♪
This is the Firefly Fun House!
♪ You know what you are You are the everknown ♪
♪ You shine on, you shimmer ♪
You want to see my secret?
♪ We'll follow you on to wherever you go ♪
[eerie grunts]
♪ Your currency moves From every inch of your bones ♪
♪ You never give in ♪
[distorted chatter]
♪ You are the everknown ♪
♪ In the golden hour sunset And the space between the shores ♪
♪ You never met a darkness You couldn't outshine ♪
♪ You left us everything, But still you're leaving us more ♪
I can truly say that I have the whole damn world in my hand.
♪ You never give in ♪
♪ You are the everknown ♪
I would like to welcome you all to the era of Wyatt!
This is my favorite new toy.
This is such good [bleep].
♪ You're more than just a photograph ♪
♪ Fluorescent in my mind We're still together ♪
♪ Your spirit is all over me ♪
♪ Your smile is with me While I'm dreaming ♪
♪ I miss you, but I know it means You're mine ♪
I am the color red in a world full of black and white.
I am the eater of worlds.
I, Bray Wyatt, am forever.
♪ We'll follow you on to wherever you go ♪
♪ You never give in ♪
♪ You are the everknown ♪
I can look all of you in the eyes.
And I can say thank you.
[blows softly]
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Thank you, Bray!
[crowd] ♪ He's got the whole world In his hands ♪
♪ He's got the whole world In his hands ♪
[crowd cheers and applauds]
[announcer] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
["Appalachian" by Christopher Lewis playing]
Ladies and gentlemen, a bit later on tonight,
Cody Rhodes will be here to honor Terry Funk.
Of course, Cody's dad, the late, great Dusty Rhodes,
had a tremendous rivalry with Terry Funk back in the day.
But tonight, we celebrate the lives and the careers
of Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
Both of those men wanted to do nothing more than entertain you.
The WWE Universe.
So in honor of them tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
we are here to entertain.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka ♪
[crowd cheers]
["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. playing]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ What you gonna do When we come for you? ♪
[bell ringing]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing The LWO,
WWE Hall of Famer, The United States Champion,
Rey Mysterio!
[Patrick] You're not gonna find anyone better
to kick off this emotional evening.
The Hall of Famer, the legendary luchador
told me earlier about his love and admiration throughout his entire life
for Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
[Cole] But he's now the United States Champion,
and a week from tomorrow, Corey,
Rey Mysterio has to defend that title against the former champ Austin Theory.
[Graves] The forever reign could pick up right where it left off.
As Austin Theory has the opportunity to dethrone a Hall of Famer
and reigning United States Champion at WWE Payback.
[Cole] It takes place a week from tomorrow in Pittsburgh, WWE Payback.
[Patrick] And Austin Theory has to claw his way back
with a victory over LA Knight last week,
earning Theory the rematch against Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] Well, some people won't say he earned it.
Thanks to The Miz,
Austin Theory knocked off LA Knight.
[Graves] There you go again, Cole, revising history.
It's not Miz's fault LA Knight
couldn't pay attention to the task at hand.
["Eye On The Prize" playing]
[Rome] And his opponent from Sydney, Australia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Grayson Waller!
[Patrick] Grayson Waller claims
that Rey Mysterio stole the United States Championship opportunity
from Santos Escobar.
[Graves] That's because obviously Grayson Waller
has a set of eyes that actually works.
Because Santos Escobar scratched and clawed for his opportunity
and Rey was all too happy to take it away.
[Cole] I've got plenty to say about that in just a moment,
but let's talk about Payback a week from tomorrow over on Peacock,
because "The Grayson Waller Effect" is going to be--
That talk show is gonna host Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] The American Nightmare, the very special guest
on "The Grayson Waller Effect," Payback Edition.
This is gonna be fantastic.
Cody Rhodes is finally gonna get a chance to finish the story
and become the star he's always dreamed of
thanks to Mr. Waller.
[Patrick] Maybe Grayson Waller
feels that Cody Rhodes needs "The Grayson Waller Effect" rub.
As the match kicks off here.
Rey Mysterio, Hall of Famer, against Grayson Waller,
who says that all the legends need "The Grayson Waller Effect" rub,
including Rey Mysterio.
[Graves] One of my favorite sayings is that a rising tide raises all ships,
and Grayson Waller is quite simply the rising tide here in WWE.
[Cole] Corey, you were telling me earlier today that your theory
is that the only reason John Cena is coming back to SmackDown next week
is so he can rub shoulders with Grayson Waller.
[Graves] It's not a theory, it's a fact. Just ask Grayson Waller. He told me.
[Cole] You're saying you believe every word that Waller says?
[Graves] What reason do I have to doubt Grayson Waller.
[Patrick] Corey, what do you make of the point that Grayson Waller says
that the legends in this game are unable to pass the torch to the likes of himself,
the younger ones coming through, and Rey Mysterio--
Oh, you like that from Rey?
[Graves] Absolute disrespect for Grayson Waller.
Oh!
And Rey fires a right hand that knocked Waller into next week.
[Cole] Nonetheless, you guys were talking about the whole Santos Escobar situation.
Remember, Escobar was supposed to face Theory for the United States Championship,
as we take another look at the right hand by Mysterio!
Escobar got hurt and Escobar said, "Go ahead, Rey, take my spot."
"Take your opportunity."
And Mysterio, getting caught up in the payback and the revenge
on Theory, went on to win the United States Championship.
In chatting with Rey earlier,
he told me he loves nothing more than the LWO right now,
his brotherhood with Santos Escobar.
And it could be a huge night for the LWO
with Zelina Vega also in action,
looking to win the World Championship against Iyo Sky.
[crowd chants]
[Cole] Big opportunity for Grayson Waller tonight.
If he could knock off the United States Champion in this matchup,
he would find himself in line for a future title opportunity.
[Patrick] Rey Mysterio now eyeing the prize at Grayson Waller.
Another big right connects.
[Graves] Oh, and Cole, to get back to your question
about John Cena coming back to Friday Night SmackDown.
-It wasn't a question. It was a statement. -No, no.
Your statement,
the last time we saw John Cena
was at Money in the Bank
when he was in the ring with Grayson Waller and…
-Dare I say-- -[Patrick] Grayson interrupted him.
[Graves] Listen, I think Cena's coming back for more of the spotlight.
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] The crowd are on their feet!
Go on, Rey. Dial it up!
Waller, quickly back up on his feet.
[Cole] Tremendous balance by Mysterio.
[commentators exclaim]
[Graves] Great quickness by Grayson Waller.
Mysterio spilling hard to the outside.
[Patrick] Grayson Waller now with ideas,
sliding to the outside, read by Rey.
[Cole] How'd that idea work out?
[Patrick] Oh! Rey is rolling here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd clamoring]
[Patrick] We're live tonight in Louisville, Kentucky.
Friday Night SmackDown. One-on-one action here.
United States Champion Rey Mysterio against Grayson Waller.
Oh wow!
[Cole] And Rey could be hurt.
Waller came down hard on Mysterio, who just crumbled in the corner.
[Patrick] Dragging his prey back inside.
Cover now for Grayson Waller and Rey kicks out.
[Graves] Take another look at this.
Grayson Waller had the wherewithal to avoid Rey
and stomp the luchador face-first into the canvas.
And look at the Aussie teeing off now.
[Patrick] Rey can ill afford a loss here tonight.
A week before a United States Championship defense against Austin Theory.
One week from Saturday at Payback.
[Cole] And let's not forget what's on the line here for Grayson Waller tonight.
If he can knock off the United States Champion,
could find himself in a future United States Championship Match.
[Graves] Look at this breathtaking athleticism. Oh!
[Patrick] Connects! In for the cover now for Waller and the victory.
Rey kicks out.
Just about a two.
[Graves] Look at how cool, calm and collected Waller remains
as we look back again
at an elbow from the middle rope with style.
[Cole] Corey, you and I have talked a lot about Grayson Waller,
why, he seems to have all the tools, right?
[Graves] I agree wholeheartedly.
I think the sky truly is the limit when it comes to Grayson Waller.
Yes, he can be brash. Yes, he can be abrasive at times.
But the fact is,
Grayson Waller possesses the confidence of a top-tier star.
[Patrick] Maybe this time for Grayson Waller over Rey.
-Rey kicking out again. -[Graves] And you can't--
You can ask anybody that's ever been to the top of the mountain.
That's what it takes.
The confidence, Grayson Waller has an overabundance.
As we look again… Bang!
…at the kick that flattens the United States Champion.
[Patrick] He has a way of infiltrating the mind.
Grayson Waller taking to social media this week
with a picture with Dominik Mysterio,
saying, "With the greatest luchador here of all time."
[crowd chants] Let's go, Rey!
The chants of "Let's go, Rey" ring out here in Louisville.
Well, Grayson Waller, he's having his way with the Hall of Famer right now.
[Graves] Are you surprised, KP?
Have you not been paying attention?
Grayson Waller is the real deal. You know who you can ask?
Rey Mysterio when they scrape him off the mat in a few minutes.
[Cole] Well, some will say that the biggest obstacle to overcome
is belief in yourself, self-confidence.
Waller has plenty of that!
[Graves] Waller could be on the precipice of one of the biggest wins of his career.
[Cole] Maybe the biggest.
[Patrick] Rey starting to rally now.
Blow after blow with the right. Oh!
[Cole] This buys Rey some valuable time
after the punishment he's taken at the hands of Waller in this match.
Rey's got to pick up the pace a bit.
[Patrick] Taken to the top rope now, Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] Oh, that Seated Senton by Rey.
[Patrick] Rey now…
Oh, Springboard Crossbody!
[Graves] I think Rey might have injured himself in the process.
Nasty landing for both competitors.
But you're right, Cole, Rey needs to pick up the pace,
push the pace of the matchup, that's where Rey thrives.
-Scouted by Wall-- -[Patrick] Oh, look at Rey!
[Cole] What a DDT by Mysterio.
[Patrick] Spiking Waller.
Coming across now for the cover.
And the victory for Rey Mysterio!
Grayson Waller out at two.
[Graves] This is where doubt begins to creep in
if you're Rey Mysterio.
Perhaps Waller putting up a little more fight than Rey bargained for,
despite the spectacular Satellite DDT counter.
But this match still rolls on.
[crowd chants] 619!
[Cole] Rey Mysterio has made a career out of battling back,
fighting back.
-Digging down deep. -[Graves] Whoa!
That's gonna do it.
[Patrick] Waller now, can this be the moment for him?
Rey again.
[Graves] Grayson Waller has made a career thus far
out of just being better than everybody.
[Cole] He was better than Rey on that.
[Patrick] Oh, Rey Mysterio. How inventive.
-[Cole] Oh, right to the back of the neck. -[Graves] Nothing fancy from Waller there.
[commentators exclaim]
[Graves] And a counter by Rey.
A Senton from Mysterio.
[Patrick] Maybe this is the moment. Waller, though.
Look at the response, taking out the knees of Grayson Waller.
♪ A-Town down ♪
[Cole] What is this fool doing here?
[Graves] Bite your tongue, Cole.
[Patrick] Rey Mysterio's opponent
at Payback one week from Saturday, Austin Theory.
[Cole] Yeah, the Number One Contender for the United States Championship.
-I get it. -[Graves] Austin Theory and--
[Patrick] Oh, look out!
Grayson Waller now, looking for the quick one.
Rey out just in time.
Did Waller miss his opportunity?
[Graves] Double Crossbody from both competitors.
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller on your TV screen simultaneously?
That's like a handsome overload.
That might be an FCC violation.
[Cole] Oh yeah!
[Graves] Who invited Escobar?
[Cole] Escobar coming to Mysterio's aid.
Score to settle with Theory as well.
[Graves] And the same fate suffered yet again.
[Cole] Remember, it was Theory's attack on Escobar
that took Escobar out of the United States Championship Match.
[Graves] Rey just dropkicked Theory.
Keep your eyes on Waller.
[Patrick] Quickly to the outside.
Wiping out Mysterio.
It's all kicking off here. Oh!
[Graves] A right hand flattens Escobar yet again.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] Waller, quickly back inside.
Rey may dial it up.
Mysterio, 619!
[Cole] Theory grabbed a hold of the ankle of Rey.
Droppin' Da Dime!
[Patrick] Rey Mysterio to get the victory!
-[bell ringing] -["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. plays]
[Rome] Here is your winner,
the United States Champion,
Rey Mysterio!
[Graves] What a win for the United States Champion.
Credit Santos Escobar to coming to his mentor's aid.
[Patrick] It was Austin Theory who emerged,
but Santos Escobar putting his body on the line
for his LWO brother, Rey Mysterio.
[Graves] Theory yet again executing a chop block,
just like he did before Santos' scheduled title opportunity.
Dialing up 619.
Another assist from Escobar.
And Rey does what he does oh so well,
Droppin' Da Dime on Grayson Waller.
[Cole] But will Rey Mysterio do that
a week from tomorrow at Payback
when he defends against Austin Theory?
[Patrick] Talk about wetting the appetite for Mysterio and Theory at Payback.
♪ What you gonna do When we come for you? ♪
♪ And we the Southtown generals, Diego don ♪
♪ Originals hitman for hire Made wise-guys ♪
[shrill distorted sounds]
Hey, you want to see something really scary?
["Live In Fear" by Mark Crozer playing]
[laughing]
♪ Catching flies ♪
♪ In his mouth… ♪
[Patrick] Well, after being attacked by the dapper
and high-flying Street Profits a couple of weeks ago,
the rough and tumble Brawling Brutes
look to settle the score tonight.
[Graves] And the WWE Women's Championship will be on the line.
The LWO's feisty firecracker, Zelina Vega,
has scored two victories over Iyo Sky in the last several months.
Will the third time be the charm, or will the Genius of the Sky fly high?
["Live In Fear" by Mark Crozer playing]
♪ Catching flies ♪
♪ In his mouth ♪
♪ Tasting freedom ♪
♪ While he dares ♪
♪ Then crawling back ♪
♪ Back to the top… ♪
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Cole] You know, we're in Louisville, Kentucky, tonight.
For many years, it was the home of OVW, which was the WWE Developmental System.
Now, Bray Wyatt did not get his start here.
However, he did get his start in Tampa, Florida, at FCW
with my broadcast partner, Corey Graves.
Well, tonight, two of Bray Wyatt's signature opponents,
the electrifying LA Knight and the devious Finn Bálor
face off here tonight.
It will be our main event on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Michael Cole, you mentioned FCW,
that old dusty warehouse on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa
where WWE even seemed like a bit of a pipe dream
for all of us men and women who were scratching and clawing for an opportunity.
You could always count on Windham, on Bray,
to bring a smile to everybody's face, to light up the room.
And I will never, nor will anybody who knew him, ever forget that laugh.
I'm gonna miss you, man.
Infectious laugh indeed.
Speaking of laughing,
will Zelina Vega get the last laugh tonight?
Because Zelina has had two victories over Iyo Sky this summer.
Let's go back to June here.
A distraction from Bayley, the referee,
and all of a sudden the 619, paying homage to Rey Mysterio,
Zelina Vega with the victory.
And Zelina would go and do it again
just three weeks ago before SummerSlam.
Iyo Sky a little bit distracted.
Shotzi taking out Bayley.
-[giggling] -[shaver buzzing]
[Cole] Remember, Iyo and Bayley cut Shotzi's hair,
and Zelina Vega would take advantage of the Code Red action
to once again knock off Iyo Sky.
-[bell rings] -Will it happen again tonight?
If it does, we're gonna have a new champ.
Iyo, tonight is your very first title defense
against the fiery Zelina Vega,
who, we all just saw, has already beat you twice.
-But do you feel like this is gonna-- -All right. All right.
Look, that's a very biased statement from you.
Kayla, what, are you trying to join the LWO?
You know, I think you might be a perfect fit,
because I hear they only hire short people.
[laughing]
Anyways, Zelina's wins over Iyo were flukes, all right.
She got lucky because Iyo is a once in a lifetime,
once in a generational talent.
Look at her.
Let me remind you, Kayla, that Iyo is a former NXT Women's Champion.
She's a former one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
She is Miss Money in the Bank 2023
and she is your current WWE Women's Champion, okay?
We are in Iyo's era, all right?
So I suggest you buckle up, you idiot, and enjoy the ride.
[laughs]
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[Patrick] "A once in a generation talent," says Bayley about Iyo Sky.
This a first title defense of the WWE Women's Championship for Iyo.
[Cole] Is everybody just gonna ignore the way that Bayley and Damage CTRL
just treated Kayla Braxton?
[Graves] I mean, Cole, you've known Kayla for a long time.
-Are you surprised? -[Cole] No.
[Patrick] She's pretty short, Cole, let's be fair.
Corey, how does it change, though, for Iyo?
Now all of a sudden, she's no longer hunting.
She's being hunted.
How does that change the psychology here for you?
[Graves] I think that's a mistake that many competitors make,
is they change their psyche
instead of maintaining the mentality that took them to the top of the mountain.
Tonight needs to be business as usual for Iyo.
She can't focus on the past.
She can't worry about what Zelina has done in the past.
Iyo needs to do what she does best,
step in the ring and compete from bell to bell and rule the sky.
♪ Viva la raza! ♪
["Our World" playing]
♪ Todo los Latino ♪
♪ Sube tu bandera… ♪
[Patrick] What an opportunity this represents
for Zelina Vega and the LWO.
[Cole] Of course carrying the chancla to the ring.
I mentioned this on a number of occasions in the past.
If you're from a Hispanic family, you understand the-- what that means.
[Graves] Okay, Cole. I'm not from a Hispanic family.
Can you possibly explain whatever the hell that is on Zelina's head?
[Cole] She may use it-- on her head? I don't know what is on her head.
-But the chancla may be used as a weapon. -I know about that.
[Cole laughing]
[Graves] Zelina Vega so, so close against Rhea Ripley at Backlash.
[Cole] Corey, they're headphones.
[Graves] Yeah.
I mean, there's not a sufficient sound system here in the arena for Zelina?
[Cole] It's an anime thing, I think.
-[Graves] Oh dear. I'm lost. -[bell ringing]
[Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the WWE Women's Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
representing the LWO,
Zelina Vega!
[crowd cheering]
And her opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Dakota Kai and Bayley,
representing Damage CTRL,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
Iyo Sky!
[Patrick] Our WWE Women's Championship Match
begins next on Friday Night SmackDown.
["Let Me In" (The Fiend) playing]
♪ Hurt! Heal! ♪
[Patrick] It is a championship night.
The WWE Women's Championship
is on the line here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance.
[Cole] Big opportunity for Zelina tonight, guys.
-Corey, can she do it? -[bell ringing]
[Graves] I would not bet against Zelina Vega, plain and simple.
Zelina is a global, traveled competitor.
She learned a lot on the independents before arriving in WWE.
She's competed around the world, knows very different styles.
[Cole] Corey, I got a question.
You're a former champion. Is the first title defense always the hardest?
[Graves] I don't know that I ever defended.
Well, you were attacked.
Well, that's true, actually maybe not.
[laughing]
[Patrick] For Zelina Vega, certainly momentum is on her side.
Cole, you could make the argument… [laughs] Does any--
[Cole] You could have lied about it or something.
[Graves] I would never lie, Cole. I'm dripping in honesty.
[Patrick] Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, Corey.
Look at this from Iyo Sky.
[Graves] I would have to imagine, Cole, that, yes,
I think the first defense is the toughest.
Once you get it out of the way, you realize, okay,
it's the same game that I excelled at in the past.
I'm just in a different role.
That's what Iyo needs to accomplish tonight.
Conversely, when you're a challenger,
it might be easiest to knock off a first-time defender.
[Patrick] But the instruction from Bayley may come at a cost.
Zelina grabbing the hair.
[indistinct chatter]
[Bayley laughs]
[Cole] Obviously the numbers game in Damage CTRL's favor tonight.
That cackle of Bayley is so annoying.
[indistinct] out of control, get it?
[Patrick] Iyo now collecting Zelina Vega with ease.
[Cole] Oh!
Nice Powerslam by Iyo.
[Patrick] Iyo now, the champion, to retain! An early kickout by Zelina.
Zelina Vega, who's been sitting under the learning tree
of Rey Mysterio.
With LWO, you got to think, Cole,
-that's really benefited Zelina Vega. -[Cole] No doubt about it.
I mean, she's talked about Rey Mysterio being a hero,
really now a mentor to her, trying to take the page out of…
-Zelina now. -…page out of Rey's playbook
in recent weeks.
[Graves] Zelina rolled through into a kick, rocked the jaw of Iyo Sky.
But now Zelina perched on the middle turnbuckle.
[Patrick] Iyo to showcase the balance.
Beautiful! Beautiful!
[Patrick] The encouragement from Bayley and Dakota as Iyo looks to retain.
-Seamless transition-- -Crossface.
[Graves] Look again at Iyo powering Zelina off of the middle turnbuckle,
and that's a risk Zelina takes,
trying to take it high-risk with the Genius of the Sky.
Iyo knows what Zelina is thinking before Zelina has a chance to pull it off.
[Cole] Iyo's got such a well-rounded game as well.
She's a high-flyer. She has submission moves, as you see here.
She can ground and pound.
[Patrick] What is it about Zelina's skill set that can really trouble Iyo here?
[Graves] I would say, above all, it's Zelina's toughness,
physical and mental.
Zelina is an undersized competitor.
She's used to being outsized by every opponent.
So Zelina's double tough mentally,
and she can take a beating and keep moving forward.
[Patrick] We've seen Zelina be Tag Team Champion.
We've seen her crowned queen as well.
Can she win Championship Gold tonight
and become the new WWE Women's Champion?
Zelina ducks under, using the ropes to her advantage
and taking down Iyo Sky!
[Cole] Bayley and Dakota Kai, a bit concerned.
Oh!
[Graves] Hammerlock leg sweep DDT by Vega.
Zelina's starting to feel it now, but spending a lot of valuable time.
[Cole] And Zelina's opportunity.
Iyo is in trouble.
An homage to the late, great Eddie Guerrero.
-May have delayed, though, Iyo-- -Oh!
The Meteora!
[Patrick] Wow, for the victory and the title, Iyo out just in time.
[Graves] Shoulders down again. For the title!
Great escape by Iyo, as we look again at the--
Oh! Cover for the third time.
[Patrick] Zelina wasting no time whatsoever.
[Graves] Fantastic Meteora executed by Zelina Vega,
and very wisely attempting multiple pinfalls on the champion.
[Patrick] Genius of the Sky!
[Cole] What a missile dropkick connecting.
[Graves] Much to the delight of Bayley and Dakota Kai,
and look at Iyo making it look effortless,
soaring through the sky.
Dropkick right on point.
This could be the beginning of the end for Miss Vega.
Oh!
Or not.
[Patrick] Zelina turns it around in emphatic fashion.
Stunning Dakota and Bayley.
[Cole] Zelina with a chance here, guys.
[Graves] Zelina looking for Code Red, potentially.
Iyo had it scouted.
The power by the WWE Women's Champion.
Oh!
And a Powerbomb could do it for Vega, but Iyo can't capitalize.
[Patrick] Just crushing Zelina Vega through the canvas.
Look at this again.
[Graves] Notice how Zelina had her feet hooked on the front side of Iyo's body.
That was to mitigate the impact of the Powerbomb,
which Iyo was still able to successfully execute.
But it may be the only reason this match isn't over.
[Patrick] The WWE Women's Champion has ideas from a height.
But Zelina Vega rapidly back up on her feet.
Zelina now looking for…
Code Red!
-This is gonna do it. Iyo Sky. -Oh no!
[Cole] I don't know if that was out of instinct or just happenstance, but…
-[Graves] Either way, Zelina… -Oh!
…had to step into the wolves' den to collect her opponent.
Remember, the title can only change hands by pinfall or submission.
[Cole] The official at a count of five now.
Five!
Six!
[Patrick] Iyo chucking Zelina Vega back inside the ring.
[Cole] Zelina's hurt.
[Graves] Shoulder-first into the ring stairs is a game changer.
-Oh! -That may do it.
[Patrick] Double knees to the face of Vega.
And now Zelina Vega in the drop zone.
The champion, Iyo Sky, Over the Moonsault!
-And the cover to retain the championship. -[bell ringing]
[Cole] Great effort by Vega.
[Rome] Here is your winner,
and still the WWE Women's Champion,
Iyo Sky!
[Graves] Respect for Zelina Vega who brought the fight tonight.
But the entire complexion of the matchup changed right here.
A desperate champion driving Vega into the steel stairs.
Boom! Double knees. Pow! Right in the kisser.
And the Over the Moonsault from the Genius of the Sky.
And a counter to ten, it was lights out, Zelina Vega.
[Patrick] A sight to behold.
The Over the Moonsault and Damage CTRL will celebrate.
[Cole] Big win for Iyo Sky tonight, the WWE Women's Champion
on a night that we celebrate the careers
of both Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk.
And there is Cody Rhodes.
His father, the late, great Dusty Rhodes, had so many great matches with Terry Funk.
Cody Rhodes is here to pay tribute to The Funkster
next on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ Catching flies ♪
♪ In his mouth ♪
♪ Tasting freedom ♪
♪ While he dares ♪
♪ Then crawling back ♪
♪ Back to the top ♪
♪ Top of the stairs ♪
♪ Of the stairs ♪
♪ He won't see the sun again ♪
♪ For years to come… ♪
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[crowd cheers]
[fireworks popping]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, Lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
-[fireworks popping] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] It is only appropriate that Cody Rhodes is here tonight.
[Patrick] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
[Cole] To pay honor to the late, great Terry Funk.
Terry Funk had so many rivalries throughout his career.
With the likes of Jack Brisco and Pat O'Connor,
The Giant Baba, Harley Race, Jerry Lawler,
and of course, Cody's father,
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.
[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks popping]
[Graves] And Terry Funk may have the best-selling
Dusty Rhodes T-shirt in history, right?
♪ You took it all away, I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
[music fades]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd roars]
So…
Louisville, Kentucky.
[crowd cheering]
I know what I want to talk about tonight.
I want to tell you about a time,
11 years old, I'm at the Denver Airport.
I am traveling with my father,
and across the people mover,
I hear a man yelling
the most peculiar insult.
I hear a man calling my father
an egg-sucking dog.
I don't…
Michael, can we say egg-sucking dog on Fox?
Well, we said it.
He had choice words for my grandmother as well.
And again, I could not see the man yelling.
So I am assuming, at 11 years old,
we're about to have some sort of domestic incident.
And then I see him.
It was the proprietor of the Double Cross Ranch.
It was Terry Funk.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants] Terry! Terry! Terry!
Modern nomenclature being what it is,
we get to call ourselves, those who get into these rings,
we get to call ourselves the coolest thing.
We get to say that we are WWE Superstars.
Now, over the years we have been called other things.
We've been called wrestlers,
we've been called athletes, we've been called artists,
we've been called competitors.
Some of us have been called carnies.
But then there is a fabled, fabled few
who earn the right to call themself cowboys.
And both Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt
were cowboys in the best of ways.
[crowd cheers]
Now, I have the privilege to talk to you about Terry Funk,
second-generation star from Amarillo,
one that wore the ten pounds of gold.
And he wore it proudly.
A man who went to West Texas State,
and out of all the wrestlers who say they went to West Texas State,
Terry Funk actually attended classes there.
Terry Funk…
has been a constant in pro wrestling
and in sports entertainment for 50 years.
And for 50 years,
Terry Funk has constantly been changing.
There's this little thing called the rub.
When someone with such a legacy,
with such equity steps into the ring with those who don't have it,
reaches down their hand
and pulls them up to their level.
Some legends do that for one or two.
Terry Funk did that for an entire company.
An entire movement.
An entire revolution.
[cheers and applause]
So let us take a look…
at this cowboy's Hall of Fame career.
[country rock music playing]
[announcer] The WWE family is saddened to learn
of the passing of one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment.
WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk.
[Funk] I didn't want to be president. I didn't want to be anything.
I knew what I wanted to be since I could walk.
I wanted to wrestle.
[announcer] Born into a wrestling family,
Terry Funk burst onto the scene with his brother Dory Funk Jr.
as part of their father's homegrown promotion in Amarillo, Texas.
[Austin] The Funks are legends.
I've always looked up to Terry Funk.
I love watching him work in the ring.
I love the unpredictability.
[screams] Get him out of here! Get out of here!
[Flair] Unbelievable work ethic.
And Terry Funk was a great, great performer.
I learned a lot from Terry Funk.
[announcer] Terry's rugged, no-nonsense style
captivated the NWA audience,
catapulting him to great success.
[commentator] Terry Funk has just achieved
the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
I'm gonna go ahead and prove to you people
that I will be the finest champion that this world has ever seen.
[announcer] Terry's popularity captured the attention of Hollywood.
You're a dead man.
[grunts]
There is just one of me.
[announcer] Terry would continue to captivate audiences all around the globe.
I am middle aged and crazy like a fox.
[announcer] Making an impact in WCW, ECW and WWE,
where his matches with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley
would pioneer the hardcore style.
Terry was ahead of his time in the sense
that he did things that nobody ever did before.
[announcer] These former foes would then go on to join forces,
reaching ultimate triumph at WrestleMania 14.
[Ross] Terry Funk, Cactus Jack, are the new Tag Team Champions.
Terry Funk is one of the nicest guys, one of the kindest guys.
I feel fortunate.
He had a way of bringing out the best in me.
[announcer] In 2009, alongside his brother Dory Funk Jr.,
Terry would take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.
Before it was fashionable to call ourself ECW, Terry Funk was extreme.
I want to thank you so much.
You make an old man feel good.
Thank you.
I'm gonna go on record as saying, in my own personal opinion,
Terry Funk is the greatest Superstar of all time.
[announcer] A five-decade career that may never be replicated.
Terry's tireless dedication left an indelible mark
on the sports entertainment world.
The WWE family will remember Terry Funk
as a family man,
a fearless entertainer and an unforgettable pioneer.
We love you guys. We love you!
[crowd cheering]
From Texas to Tokyo,
Terry Funk was passionate,
he was extremely passionate.
Tables, ladders, chairs. Hardcore.
And I'm so glad I've been given the authority
to tell you now
that this next Tag Team Match
is a Terry Funk Hardcore Match!
[crowd cheering]
Yeah!
["Bring the Fire" playing]
[Cole] Oh yeah! It is fight night!
[fireworks popping]
[bell ringing]
[Rome] The following
is a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match!
Introducing first,
Butch and Ridge Holland,
The Brawling Brutes!
[Graves] The Brawling Brutes are sadistic enough.
What do you think they're going to be capable of in a Hardcore Match?
[Patrick] We're about to find out.
It is time to batten down the hatches and bar the door,
because The Brawling Brutes'
respective "Mangy Mutt" Butch
and "The Rugged Roughneck" Ridge Holland
are ready for action here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd roars]
-[crowd] Two! Three! -[bell ringing]
["Live In Fear" by Mark Crozer playing]
♪ Catching flies… ♪
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks.
An emotional night here on Friday Night SmackDown,
honoring Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk,
and we're set to go for a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match.
["Bring The Swag" feat. J-Frost playing]
[Rome] And their opponents, at a combined weight of 492 pounds,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
The Street Profits!
[Patrick] It was three weeks ago on SmackDown
when The Street Profits reintroduced themselves,
dapper and deadlier than ever, laying waste
to both The Brawling Brutes and The OC.
What is it about this duo, Corey, that just looks reinvigorated?
[Graves] I think a lot of people would argue
that The Street Profits haven't really fully realized their potential just yet,
but they seem to be more focused than ever.
As you could see, the WWE Universe is on board,
but Ford and Dawkins are truly both capable of greatness.
[Cole] So under Lashley, the new mantra for The Street Profits has been,
and Terry Funk would love this, "Play hard, party hard."
That is what The Street Profits are planning to do.
And they got this Hardcore Match against The Brawling Brutes.
So this should be a good test for Ford and Dawkins tonight.
[Patrick] No count-outs, no disqualifications.
Anything goes victory by pinfall or submission.
What can we expect in this Hardcore Match, Corey?
[Cole] Everything. Sorry, Corey.
[Graves] I have a-- I have a feeling this is gonna look
like something out of the corner of Swanson and Ritner in Philadelphia,
where Terry did some of his greatest work,
reintroduced himself to a whole new generation of fans.
You know, Butch and Ridge, Dawkins and Ford,
eager to compete at the highest level and get a little crazy here on SmackDown.
[Patrick] Here we go.
Quickly outside the ring, they go Montez Ford and Butch.
[Cole] Again, this being a Hardcore Match, there are no rules, really, guys.
As Dawkins takes out Ridge into the steps.
[Graves] The only ways to win by pinfall or submission.
[Cole] And obviously there won't be any tax.
[Graves] Oh my God.
Butch looking downright rabid right now,
trying to pry the features off of Montez's face.
[Cole] And now trying to rip the ear of Montez Ford.
[Graves] And it's all legal!
Meanwhile, Ridge launched into the steel ring stairs.
[Patrick] Butch will go to any length at all.
Knows no boundaries.
The man from England, hammer to the surface though
by Montez Ford.
[Graves] In this Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match.
Well, you know, one of Terry's old sayings reminds me of you a lot.
Middle aged and crazy.
[Cole] Well, thank you I guess.
Oh, what a dropkick by Butch.
[Patrick] Sensational, and a second time to Dawkins.
[Cole] You know, I was brought up, Corey, in New York,
and as a kid,
we were only exposed to Vince McMahon Sr.'s
WWWE wrestling, right?
And so the only thing we knew about Terry Funk
when I was a kid was magazines.
He was mythical, larger than life.
So when he finally came to WWE in the mid 1980s,
I was buying tickets left and right to go to live events
to see Terry Funk in action.
[Graves] Oh my goodness, I'm gonna buy tickets
to see Ridge Holland do more of this in the future.
-Incredible power. -Oh!
[Patrick] Kick to the midsection now, Dawkins.
How impressive Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford are.
[Cole] Wow.
[Patrick] Cover now for the victory and Ridge Holland able to kick out early.
You think Butch and Ridge Holland,
Ridge Holland with his rugby league experience,
this is a perfect match for them.
The Mangy Mutt that is Butch.
[Cole] And he loves to hurt people, that's for sure.
Master of Joint Manipulation,
and The Street Profits putting a hurtin' on Butch as well.
[Patrick] Look at the Profits go!
[Graves] Montez Ford is all fired up.
[grunting]
[Patrick] Definitely been a new aggressive side to The Street Profits.
[Cole] No doubt about it. The double team now driving Ridge down in the corner.
[Graves] I believe we just witnessed four fists at the same time.
And I'm legally obligated to remind everyone that's called clobbering.
[Patrick] Butch now.
Butch taking down both Montez and Dawkins.
[Graves] Butch took it high-risk and it paid off for the moment.
Now The Brawling Brutes
looking to swing momentum into their favor.
Wait. Ridge is…
Ridge is using Butch like Funk would use a ladder.
[Patrick] To great effect as well.
Next thing you know, Ridge will be trying to climb Butch
-to retrieve Money in the Bank. -[laughter]
[Graves] My goodness!
Holland just flattened Dawkins.
[crowd clapping and chanting]
[Patrick] Ridge Holland now.
[Graves] Oh no.
We know he's strong, but Dawkins turned it around.
Watch out!
[Cole] Butch with that running knee.
[Patrick] Oh, here we go.
Montez Ford!
["All Mighty" by def rebel playing]
[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Oh, the mood just changed.
[Patrick] "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
a mentor to The Street Profits, has arrived on the scene
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] The Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match continues.
[Patrick] A match that's honoring
the great WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk,
who sadly passed away this week.
It's a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match
between The Brawling Brutes and The Street Profits.
[Graves] Thus far, both teams have brought the heavy artillery,
there you saw for a moment "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
who's been something of a mentor to The Street Profits recently.
[Patrick] We're gonna see 10 Beats of the Bodhrán.
[crowd] …five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
[Graves] Wouldn't that be 20? There's two of them.
Montez Ford is down and just about out.
[Patrick] Ripping the wind from the sails.
As you look at the dapper "All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
What a mentor he's proving to be for The Street Profits.
[Cole] Yeah, changed their attitude.
Very aggressive style by Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
But right now The Brutes dominating!
[Patrick] For the victory now for The Brawling Brutes,
if they can get it, and a kickout by Montez.
[Graves] Truly innovative offense from Butch and Ridge Holland.
[Patrick] Butch now to the outside, taken out by Dawkins.
[Cole] I was gonna say, he's gonna regret that.
[Patrick] Ridge Holland now against both members
of The Street Profits inside the ring.
[grunting]
[Graves] Both men just throwing heavy rights.
[Patrick] Dawkins got a bit of momentum.
Ridge quickly back on his feet. But look at Dawkins.
Whoa!
[Graves] Kick right on the jaw of Holland.
What an impressive display of power from Angelo Dawkins.
But keep your eyes on Montez Ford.
[Patrick] Montez--
[all] Wow!
[Cole] What a Blockbuster.
-Tez to the cover and the-- -It's Butch.
[Graves] It's Butch! Unbelievable.
Let's take another look here
in the home of the greatest,
it's Montez Ford.
Float like a butterfly into that Blockbuster
from the shoulders of Angelo Dawkins.
[Patrick] Butch with a Step-up Enziguri.
What a save that was from Butch.
Ooh!
[Graves] Kick right on the ear of Dawkins.
[Patrick] Oh my!
[Graves] Superkick rocks Ridge.
[Patrick] Big time clothesline.
A Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match,
and it has been brutal.
[Graves] The only ways to win by pinfall or submission.
Lashley offering some motivation to Angelo Dawkins.
[Patrick] Lashley said last week
that SmackDown is ready for some new blood to run this place.
[Cole] But he needs The Profits to win this match tonight.
It won't look good for Lashley if they don't.
[Patrick] Ridge Holland taking this high-risk now.
[Graves] Ridge looking to spoil The All Mighty's plans.
Ridge a big powerhouse struggling to maintain his balance.
-Oh! -[Cole] Wow.
[Graves] Pulls it off.
But from the heavens!
[Patrick] Montez Ford quickly into the cover.
It's Butch again.
[Cole] Wow. Fast-paced action.
[Graves] There are bodies everywhere.
Even our official having trouble keeping up with the action.
As we look again at Montez Ford, simply superhuman height
on the Frog Splash, and Louisville's been asking.
[crowd cheering]
Uh-oh.
[Cole] Bobby Lashley just lost his smile.
[Graves] I think that was completely unintentional on Butch's behalf, but…
I personally do believe that was happenstance.
Butch was trying to retrieve a table, not disrespect The All Mighty, but…
[Patrick] Did you see how swiftly the look changed
in the eyes of Bobby Lashley though?
Montez now connects a vicious right to Butch.
Montez Ford setting up the props. Here we go.
Ford getting ready to take care of business.
[Cole] Holland's not gonna let him, though.
[Graves] Holland able to muscle up--
-Oh my goodness! -Oh!
Double offense to The Street Profits.
Now Butch with an opportunity.
[groans in pain]
Butch might have just broken Dawkins' finger.
Oh no. AD in all types of trouble. But--
[Patrick] Look at Lashley.
Lashley just shoved Butch off the--
-Oh! -[Cole] Oh, and a spear!
And there are no rules. It's a Hardcore Match.
[Graves] Ford connects with a kick. Holland staggered.
[Patrick] Oh, through the table!
The Revelation for The Street Profits.
-[bell ringing] -["Bring The Swag" playing]
[Cole] Mr. Funk would be proud.
[Rome] Here are your winners,
The Street Profits!
[Cole] I like this new Profits attitude.
[Graves] I couldn't agree with you more, Cole.
We've seen glimpses of greatness from The Profits in the past,
but they continue to march toward legendary status
under the tutelage of that man.
The All Mighty turning Butch inside out.
[Patrick] And The Revelation,
the finishing move for The Street Profits through the table.
Yeah!
[Graves] All I see are dollar signs.
Let's go!
♪ Built it from the bottom, aye Bout to be up in your face ♪
♪ Puddin proof is in the chase Put in work the paper pays ♪
♪ On the up and I'm on a roll You beneath and you cut and cold ♪
♪ Hyper drive and no cruise control Got the life and they losin' fold ♪
This is The Firefly Fun House.
This is my special place.
All my fireflies can feel safe.
[kids cheer]
Yowee-wowee, we're gonna have so much fun here.
[Patrick] There is The Megastar, LA Knight,
who's made a habit out of embarrassing The Miz lately.
We'll revisit Monday's mortifying moments next on SmackDown.
♪ Catching flies ♪
♪ In his mouth ♪
♪ Tasting freedom ♪
♪ While he dares ♪
♪ Then crawling back ♪
♪ Back to the top ♪
♪ Top of the stairs ♪
♪ Of the stairs ♪
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
♪ Awesome! ♪
[The Miz] LA Knight is not on my level.
And to prove it, I picked someone more dominant
than any opponent LA Knight has ever faced.
My opponent tonight…
[Cole] Akira Tozawa in his recent win-loss record
doesn't really back up the hype.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Wade] What's The Megastar up to?
[Cole] From behind, Tozawa dropkicking Miz out of the ring.
[Wade] The Megastar is coming to talk to us, Cole.
[Cole] And Tozawa sending Miz right into the announce table.
He's talking about me being a flash in the pan, being a trend.
He hasn't been a trend in ten damn years.
No problem.
You are nothing!
[Cole] Tozawa turns it around…
and he got the win!
You did it, man.
[Cole] Oh my goodness!
[Wade] How embarrassed is Miz gonna be?
[Cole] Blunt Force Trauma.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Wade] This might be the worst night of The Miz's life.
[Cole] At least he's got a tissue to cry into.
Guys, you know, in the entertainment business,
you think you'd be blessed
to have an A-lister and a Megastar under the same roof?
Unfortunately, the spotlight is not nearly big enough
for both Miz and LA Knight.
A lot of people saying
that The Miz has become absolutely obsessed with LA Knight.
Who are these people? Did you make this up?
-No, I didn't. -From your Twitter burner account?
Yeah, fair point.
And The Miz certainly didn't hold back
when TMZ Sports caught up with The A-Lister.
-Miz, what up, bro? -What's up, man? How are you?
Hey, what's up with this beef with this guy LA Knight?
-You guys are going at each-- -You know who he is?
-Yeah. -You know who he is?
Well, he's pretty popular.
-Popular? -Yeah.
So popular that you're following him into the store.
He's a fad. He is like a Napster.
Myspace, Vanilla Ice, LA Knight. They're all synonymous.
If he keeps disrespecting me the way he's disrespected me,
he's not gonna make it to WrestleMania in Philly.
-Let's put it that way. -Is that a threat or challenge?
Is that a threat or challenge? It's a promise.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] You know it's genuine
when the arena simultaneously leaves their seats
for the arrival of The Megastar.
[Patrick] Louisville rocking
as LA Knight hits the squared circle
-here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown. -[crowd chants] LA Knight, yeah!
Having his way with The Miz over on Monday Night Raw…
-Welcome back to SmackDown. -[Graves] Says you and your jaded opinion.
He hasn't had his way with anything.
He sneak attacks The Miz.
[crowd chants] LA Knight!
I'll get to The Miz in a second.
But from what I can tell, tonight's about Bray Wyatt.
[crowd cheering]
I walked out here into this building tonight
and I saw everybody out here representing with the fireflies.
And it just got me thinking.
It had me rewinding my mind a little bit
because I think back to the fact
that sometimes your greatest foes
can turn out to be your greatest helpers.
Let me just go ahead and be honest about this.
Bray Wyatt and I, we went through hell.
That guy did everything imaginable to me
and I did everything that I could back to him, and through that,
you know what he was doing?
He was getting me ready for anything.
[crowd cheering]
And I'm gonna be honest, I held myself together pretty well tonight,
until I saw the pictures of his family.
I got to be honest, my heart breaks for that.
But as I look around, I can hear it.
I can feel it again.
When I saw each one of those fireflies out here tonight,
I know that all of you can feel
the spirit of Bray Wyatt in this building.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd chants] Thank you, Bray!
Now, I ain't gonna come out here
and act like he and I were best friends,
but I will repeat that exact sentiment.
Thank you, Bray.
[crowd cheers]
Because just like you're all feeling the spirit,
it is the same spirit that allows me to stand here
and say, let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
The Miz gets on the screen,
he goes to TMZ, he goes anywhere he can.
He says the same tired old material.
Oh, the-- LA Knight's just-- I'm sorry.
I have too much bass in my voice right now.
[in whiny voice] LA Knight's just a fad.
LA Knight is just--
He's yesterday's news.
[in normal voice] Well, guess what, bud?
If I'm just a fad, I'm okay with that because you never were.
Nobody ever cared about you,
even when you had a stunt double,
he was the star.
Even when you talk about your championship reign
from 12 years ago, and good for you,
you were background to a story about The Rock and John Cena.
Yet still, you want to talk about me?
So, I tell you what,
you say that you want to end LA Knight.
If you're looking for the end of LA Knight, forever is a mighty long time.
So I'll tell you this,
anytime, anywhere, SmackDown, Raw, hell, we can go to TMZ.
I will show you once and for all, whose game is it?
With everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
Yeah!
But one more thing…
Miz…
A wise man once told me,
the next time you see me…
run.
[crowd cheering]
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Patrick] The passionate and charismatic Megastar, LA Knight.
Our main event in SmackDown tonight,
it's LA Knight set to take on Finn Bálor,
and it's next.
[indistinct distorted voice]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Your time is up, my time is now ♪
[Cole] I'm so excited for next week here at Friday Night SmackDown,
because this is the return of the greatest of all time.
The 16-time World Champion, John Cena, returns to SmackDown right here next week.
[Patrick] Also, next Friday night, the night before
he defends his United States Championship at Payback,
the legendary luchador Rey Mysterio and his protégé Santos Escobar
face a pair of arrogant antagonists.
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
That's next Friday night.
[Graves] For the first time
since his unhinged brother, Jey Uso, shockingly quit The Bloodline,
SmackDown and WWE,
the headstrong Jimmy Uso returns live next week.
[Cole] Can't wait to hear his excuse for turning on his brother.
[Patrick] There's a look at the charismatic Megastar, LA Knight.
["I AM DANGER" by def rebel playing]
[bell ringing]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring,
representing The Judgment Day,
Finn Bálor!
[Patrick] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance.
[Cole] I want to get back to John Cena for a moment.
Of course, his return to Friday Night SmackDown
a week from tonight live.
John will also be making his first ever trip to India
for the Superstar Spectacle live event on September 8th.
Welcome back, John Cena.
[bell ringing]
[Patrick] Here we go. The main event of Friday Night SmackDown.
"The Prince" Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day
and "The Megastar" LA Knight.
[Cole] And of course, the significance of this,
these two men were both signature opponents for Bray Wyatt.
LA Knight, of course, having the final match of Bray Wyatt's career
back at the Royal Rumble.
Finn Bálor, Corey, with such a great rivalry with Bray Wyatt.
[Graves] One of the longest standing rivalries of Bray Wyatt's WWE tenure.
Bálor and Wyatt did battle on multiple occasions all over the world.
[Cole] The Demon versus Bray. The Fiend versus Finn.
Finn versus Bray at SummerSlam one year.
[Graves] But ironically, Cole, there's one combination we never got to witness.
[Cole] The Demon versus The Fiend.
And Finn Bálor taking a breather here, and, Corey, I know we're getting word
about a big match for LA Knight coming up as well.
[Graves] You're absolutely right.
It has been made official one week from tomorrow at WWE Payback.
LA Knight will go one-on-one with "The A-lister" The Miz,
live from Pittsburgh at Payback.
[Patrick] That's brilliant news.
Finally, it'll be settled between LA…
and The A-Lister!
[Cole] Finn Bálor right in our laps here.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] LA Knight dribbling Finn Bálor's skull
like the Louisville basketball team right now.
Yeah!
[Cole] Is LA Knight, Corey, in your estimation,
a flash in the pan like Miz says?
Or is he the real deal?
Listen, as much as I find it hard to disagree-- Cover here.
[Patrick] LA Knight. Finn Bálor kicking out.
As much as I find it difficult to disagree with much that The Miz says,
I do disagree on that point.
I think LA Knight is the genuine article.
I think LA is gonna be a major player in WWE for a long time to come.
If he can get past The Miz at Payback.
[Cole] That's a big if with everything Miz has accomplished in his career.
A true trial by fire
if you're LA Knight--
Goodness, wow!
Knight may be hurt.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor on top here on SmackDown.
[Wyatt] I can say that you were there when I was weak.
When I was vulnerable, when I was down,
so I just wanted to say thank you.
[crowd chants] Thank you, Bray!
[Patrick] You're watching the main event of Friday Night SmackDown,
live from Louisville, Kentucky.
And before the commercial break,
it's LA Knight, Finn Bálor.
And this, LA Knight heading to the top rope.
Boom!
[Graves] The veteran Finn Bálor taking advantage of the situation,
exploiting the slightest opening provided by Knight,
who just turned the tables back in his favor.
[Cole] Yeah, finally recovered, ironically with a Neckbreaker.
[Patrick] And LA Knight, this huge news broken
before the commercial break
that Knight will be taking on The Miz one week from Saturday
at Payback.
[Cole] Well, LA Knight hoping to hit The Miz with a couple of those.
[Graves] Right now I guarantee you,
The Miz is cheerleading for Finn Bálor on his own behalf.
Bálor, we know has some issues of his own to deal with on Monday Night Raw
within The Judgment Day.
[Patrick] Now Bálor and "Señor Money in the Bank" Damian Priest,
trying to get on the same page,
but it seems that Money in the Bank briefcase…
-Oh! -…continues to drive a wedge--
Cover for LA Knight over Bálor who kicks out.
[Cole] Not to mention Bálor's buddy, JD McDonagh.
[Graves] We take another look at LA Knight able to avoid the clothesline,
deliver a DDT of his own.
But the tenacious Finn Bálor fighting back into this for the moment.
[Patrick] Boot connects.
LA Knight now hooks the leg once more. Can he get it?
Bálor still alive.
Two ferocious competitors.
[Cole] Now with a lot to prove.
[Graves] As we take a look.
This tremendous height achieved as LA Knight launched Bálor into the air.
Followed up with a boot,
and now The Megastar looking to close this one out.
[Cole] Took a little too much time.
The veteran Finn Bálor making him pay.
[Graves] Finn feeling the effects of LA Knight's offense.
[Patrick] LA Knight still down.
[Cole] Bálor, as dangerous as they come.
[Graves] And when we keep referring to Finn Bálor as a veteran,
not that LA Knight isn't a veteran in his own right,
but it's at this level, this caliber of athlete.
Finn Bálor has been to the dance before.
So has "The A-Lister" The Miz,
with main event WrestleMania experience.
That'll be…
the X factor come Payback.
[Patrick] Sling Blade by Bálor.
What a match that promises to be.
Live on Peacock one week from Saturday.
-Oh no! -Oh daddy!
[Graves] What a Lariat by LA Knight who is now stomping away.
-[referee] Three! Four! -[crowd chants] Yeah!
[Patrick] LA now at pace once more.
Just crushing Finn Bálor.
[grunting]
[Graves] LA Knight hoisting Bálor up across his own shoulders.
[Cole] Yeah, the resilience of Finn, though.
[Patrick] Stomping on the chest once more.
A devious and unforgiving Finn Bálor.
[Graves] Now has Knight in his sights.
[Patrick] Dropkicks LA Knight into the corner.
[Cole] LA Knight does not want to be there.
[Patrick] In the drop zone, is LA Knight…
Finn Bálor looking for Coup De Grace. LA Knight out just in time.
[Graves] Boom! Powerslam by Knight.
[crowd chants] LA Knight, yeah!
[Patrick] The Megastar is feeling it now.
What a victory this would be for LA Knight
if he can get it over Bálor.
Kicks out again.
[Graves] Listen, we know LA Knight is overconfident,
borderline arrogant.
But you cannot get lackadaisical
when you're dealing with somebody as dangerous as a Finn Bálor or a Miz.
Looking for Blunt Force Trauma.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor turns it around now.
LA out just in time.
[Graves] Bálor driving down Knight
and Finn once again…
could be making plans for a Coup De Grace.
[Patrick] This would be a statement win for Bálor sans The Judgment Day
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
LA Knight quickly back up on his feet.
[Cole] Yeah, the punishment Bálor suffered in this matchup
couldn't make it to the top rope quite quick enough.
[Patrick] This is where LA Knight can punish Bálor.
But Bálor continues to fight.
-[Cole] Trying to shake the cobwebs. -[Graves] Whoa!
Oh my God!
[Cole] Vintage LA Knight right there.
[Patrick] Stalking Bálor now.
[Graves] BFT!
[Patrick] That's got to do it for LA Knight!
[bell ringing]
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner,
LA Knight!
[Cole] Guys, that may be the biggest win of LA Knight's career so far here in WWE.
[Graves] Tough to disagree with that assessment, Michael Cole.
But the momentum Knight generated tonight will be essential come Payback
where he will mix it up with "The A-Lister" The Miz.
But this matchup was spectacular in its own right.
[Patrick] This crucial from LA Knight.
Finn Bálor had plans of a Coup De Grace and Knight would pounce.
Blunt Force Trauma.
BFT for the win.
[bell ringing]
[Cole] Impressive victory tonight for LA Knight
as he gets ready for The Miz a week from tomorrow at Payback.
[crowd chants] LA Knight, yeah!
Yeah!
[electricity powering down]
[loud pop]
[electricity crackling, powering down]
[ominous musical flourish]
[crowd chants] Thank you, Bray!
[chanting continues]
[crowd noise fades]