[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[gong sound] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
-["Nobody Better Than Me" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] It is an electric and raucous crowd
at the sold-out Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
for tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
that's sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection, with home, auto, and more.
[song fades out]
♪ Hey, let's go! ♪
-[Cole] Are you kidding me? -[Graves] I hope so.
-God, do I hope so. -[Cole] He's here.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Pat McAfee is here.
[Graves] I'd like to officially request entry into the transfer portal.
[Cole] We haven't seen Pat McAfee since WrestleMania.
[Graves] You're the only one that missed him, Cole.
[Cole] We knew he was working up the road in Boulder today,
but Pat McAfee is here in Denver tonight for Friday Night SmackDown.
And what a reception.
McAfee's back.
[Graves] Guy's got a nine-figure bank account
and a double-digit IQ.
Of course, these people like him.
[Cole] Maybe he's here to replace you, K. Pat.
[Patrick] Go easy, Cole.
The sold-out crowd here in Denver, Colorado,
are loving the start of Friday Night SmackDown.
[music fades out]
Mile High City, I love you.
[crowd cheering]
You know, I was just up the road in the Rockies
for College GameDay covering Deion Sanders
-and the Colorado Buffaloes. -[crowd cheering]
And when I looked online to keep up with the greatest wrestling show
to ever grace television, WWE SmackDown,
I saw that it was an hour away in this gorgeous city,
and there was 0% chance
I wasn't going to take the ride down here
to feel the greatest universe on Earth,
the WWE Universe.
[crowd cheering]
The greatest crowds of all the crowds.
And it is my honor to say
welcome to Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Graves] Now, here's a reason to get pumped up and excited.
[Cole] Well, a lot of history between these two Superstars.
You recall their match at WrestleMania.
[Graves] They're both wearing the same attire tonight.
And Pat McAfee sort of looks like
if you put Austin Theory in the microwave a little too long.
[explosion]
[Cole] Not shocked that Austin Theory would be here
to steal some of the spotlight tonight.
[Graves] Why would you be shocked? Austin Theory actually works here.
-This guy sucks. -He shows up every week.
[crowd booing]
♪ Knock 'em down, one by one Nobody's left, all day ♪
♪ Best believe I'm doing it my way All day ♪
♪ Victory's staring in my face, all day ♪
♪ I'm doing like the best And it's obvious, knock 'em down… ♪
[Patrick] No surprise.
SmackDown the number one trend in the United States.
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ A-Town Down, screamin' out loud ♪
♪ A-Town Down, the future's right now ♪
[song fades out]
[crowd boos]
This isn't SmackDown.
This is Austin Theory Live.
[crowd boos]
And look what the cat dragged in.
Hmm, I'm trying to think.
[crowd cheers]
A lot of the people that live here,
a lot of oxygen doesn't get to their brain 'cause we're so high up.
You know, kind of like you.
[crowd boos]
Hey, they gotta boo me.
I'm 26 years old. I'm everywhere.
You at 26? Well, you just had a mug shot.
But me, I'm on a mug. I'm on a t-shirt. I'm on a backpack.
There's nothing that I can't do.
Hey, shut your mouths.
[crowd boos]
I ain't out here because of them. I'm out here because of you.
Me and you got unfinished business.
I don't know who you think you are because you got a private jet,
you got a little desk you sit behind and talk about college football all day.
Well, guess what?
I got something real special for you.
You see, I'm going to drop you right here in a couple seconds.
And you know what's going to happen?
Listen up.
You are going to go back to your show, sitting there, injured,
not able to do a damn thing,
just like Aaron Rodgers.
-All right. All right. -[crowd boos]
All right. You're not gonna do a damn thing.
And I'm pumped that you are trying to dress like me and be like me.
[crowd cheers]
Wait, wait. You think I wanna be like you?
Dawg, when I wear a black tank top, I look like a Greek god.
When you wear a black tank top,
you look like your ass is supposed to be flipping fries.
-What… [scoffs] -[crowd boos]
[fake coughing] Oh!
Listen up, Greek god.
I don't wanna fight you right now, okay?
No, I'm… I'm currently enjoying the hell out of the local laws here,
-and that is not necessarily something… -[crowd cheering raucously]
…I would like to get into.
But you said something at the beginning.
You said, "This isn't SmackDown."
This is, what, Austin… What?
Austin Theory Live. Get used to it, loser.
[crowd booing]
[Theory, indistinct]
This is the biggest problem with you.
You're so disrespectful
not only to the business as a whole, but to all of these people out here.
[crowd cheers]
You think I care about these people?
Austin, this will never be your show.
This is the people's show.
-[crowd cheers] -[inaudible]
And you know what that means.
♪ If you smell… ♪
-[crowd cheering raucously] -["Electrifying" playing]
[indistinct]
[cheering continues]
[indistinct]
Yeah. Yeah.
[cheering continues]
[cheering loudly]
[music fades out]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[cheering and applauding]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[crowd cheering]
[man in audience] Are you scared? Are you scared?
You know whose ring you're in?
[crowd boos]
It's been a long time, Rock.
A long time. But let me go ahead and tell you--
Shut your bitch ass up.
-[Cole laughs] -[crowd cheers]
You clearly don't know how all this works.
-[crowd cheers] -[inaudible]
-[crowd cheers] -[indistinct]
Finally, The Rock…
-has come back to Denver. -[crowd] Has come back to Denver.
[crowd cheers and applauds]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Rocky! Rocky!
Maybe I should try.
Finally…
[crowd boos]
…the ignorant people get to see The Rock and Austin
back in the ring again one last time.
Only this time, it's not boring old Stone Cold.
It's a real Austin,
a real ass-kicker.
The Austin that is gonna go on and be so great,
I'm going to be the entire Mount Rushmore.
-Yeah. That's how great. -[The Rock, indistinct]
-Well, The Rock says-- -It doesn't matter what The Rock says.
-[Cole laughing] -[crowd boos]
You see, it actually does matter what The Rock says.
[crowd cheers]
And it actually does matter, more importantly than what The Rock says,
what the people say.
[crowd cheers]
You bring up Stone Cold Steve Austin.
That's The Rock's boy.
But if he were here right now, this, this is what he would say.
If you want to see me beat this jabroni's ass,
give me a "hell yeah."
[crowd] Hell yeah!
So you see, the roof just blew off the place because we are live.
And as The Rock said, "This is The Rock, it's SmackDown,
and it's a Rock show, and it matters what they say."
So you see how loud they just got, right?
So you want to talk trash about Stone Cold,
talk trash about Pat, talk trash about the people?
Well, The Rock says this. You're… you're Austin Theory, right?
-You're damn right -Right, right, right.
And you're, um… You're from, um…
You're from A-Town, is that right?
You're damn right.
Well, something else that I'm damn right about is
you clearly are an a-hole.
-[crowd cheers] -[inaudible]
And I'm gonna show you.
Oh, The Rock is gonna show you, because we are live.
And here's how The Rock is gonna show you you're such an a-hole.
You see, in about three seconds,
this side of the arena is gonna chant, "You are…"
And then this side of the arena is gonna chant, "An ass…"
[crowd cheers]
Three, two, one.
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
-[crowd] …an ass… -[Theory, inaudible]
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
-[Theory, inaudible] -[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
So sorry. H-hold on one second.
That… that was amazing, by the way, Denver, Colorado.
[crowd cheers]
That was amazing. The Rock has got goosebumps right there.
But you know what? This is The Rock show.
It's the people's show. This is the people.
Now, we're gonna give this side a chance to say, "You are,"
and this side a chance to say, "An ass…"
[crowd cheers]
Three, two, one.
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
-[crowd] …an ass… -[inaudible]
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
Shut up!
-Shut your damn mouths. Be quiet. -[chanting continues]
Shut up!
Stop!
I am not!
-[crowd] You are… -No!
[crowd] …an ass…
[crowd] You are…
[crowd] …an ass…
Two hours. Show is two hours.
The Rock knows the show is two hours.
But right now, The Rock and the people, we're having fun, baby.
[crowd cheering]
Here's a lesson for you.
The Rock doesn't know who you are, but he knows what you are.
And clearly, you're an ass…
But let The Rock tell you this. [chuckles] Let The Rock tell you this.
Your name is Austin Theory.
The Rock has a theory of his own.
And here's the thing.
You come out here on The Rock show, the people's show, SmackDown.
You run down the people.
They're the reasons why it makes it all happen.
The Rock says this. Here's The Rock's theory.
In about three seconds,
The Rock is gonna whoop your candy ass all over Denver.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, Theory went after The Rock.
[Patrick] How brave! How bold!
How stupid may that be?
[Cole] Oh, and Rock with a spinebuster, and here it comes.
Here it comes.
[Graves] Get out of there, Theory.
[Cole] Are you ready?
It's been a long time.
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[crowd chanting continues]
[Cole] Oh, no.
Theory's about to experience it.
The most electrifying move in all of entertainment,
The People's Elbow.
[crowd cheering]
["Electrifying" playing]
[Graves] Oh no. No, Rocky, don't encourage this mouth-breather.
[Cole] And now, McAfee with the opportunity.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Can you imagine being in the ring
and having The Rock instruct you to do his own move?
[Graves] Cole, sit down. I don't think it's healthy to be upright at your age.
[Cole] McAfee gonna deliver it as well.
McAfee taking his time…
into his People's Elbow.
["Electrifying" resumes]
[Cole] What a star-studded night.
[Patrick] Are you kidding me?
[Cole] I can tell from experience that People's Elbow hurts.
[Patrick] What a start to Friday Night SmackDown!
And, folks, we are just getting started,
because The Dynamite From Down Under,
we know he's no stranger to The Greatest of All Time, John Cena,
after their encounter at Money in the Bank.
And now the Aussie Icon puts the living legend in his hot seat tonight.
[Graves] And last week, the presence of the enigmatic Empress of Tomorrow
threw Damage CTRL all out of sorts,
leading to Bayley being defeated by Shotzi.
Tonight, Bayley seeks retribution against Asuka.
[Cole] Hey, listen, The Miz is obsessed with LA Knight,
the self-proclaimed Megastar.
Tonight, an opportunity to silence him.
It's Miz, LA Knight live, tonight on SmackDown.
[Patrick] And that's not all.
Last week, it was the devious Finn Bálor and The Judgment Day
that stepped right in the middle of AJ Styles's personal issue
with The Bloodline.
Now, The Phenomenal One looks to make Bálor pay the price.
That's coming your way next here on SmackDown.
["The Other Side" playing]
[Patrick] My jaw is still on the floor, fellas.
[crowd cheering]
[explosion]
[Patrick] AJ Styles wants his revenge against The Judgment Day's Finn Bálor.
That's next.
[Patrick] Sold-out crowd tonight for Friday Night SmackDown
that's sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
You're looking at the dominant Judgment Day's Finn Bálor,
alongside Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest.
["Phenomenal" playing]
[Graves] You might spot her absence. Rhea Ripley not cleared tonight
after being attacked by Nia Jax on Monday Night Raw.
[Cole] Yeah, the return of "The Irresistible Force" Nia Jax.
[explosion]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, representing The O.C.,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Patrick] Fellas, can you imagine how livid AJ Styles has been all week long?
Standing up for The O.C. in the locker room last week,
looking to defeat Jimmy Uso.
He would be greeted with some company in the form of Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman.
And then once AJ Styles got Jimmy Uso back inside the ring,
Phenomenal Forearm, he would get the victory.
-Styles. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] But he wasn't done there.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso was distracted over the fact
that Solo Sikoa would not help him out at ringside.
Before he would, then AJ would be attacked by The Judgment Day, Corey.
[Graves] Damian Priest and Finn Bálor
essentially offering up AJ on a silver platter
for a Samoan Spike, courtesy of The Bloodline's Enforcer.
Many questions swirling throughout the WWE Universe.
What is the meaning of everything that went down last week?
[Cole] Let's remember, The Judgment Day can be here tonight
because of the Tag Team Champions, Damian and Finn.
So they can be on both brands, Raw and SmackDown.
[Graves] Styles and Bálor certainly no strangers to one another.
And Finn grabbing the upper hand with a cheap shot early. Smart decision.
[Cole] And I think we should let everyone know as well
that Gallows is out injured from The… The O.C.,
so AJ Styles obviously outnumbered here in this matchup here tonight.
[Patrick] Yeah. Very much so. So much rich history,
Corey, as you mentioned between Bálor and AJ Styles.
Only recently, was Finn Bálor trying to recruit AJ Styles
to The Judgment Day,
and that failed miserably.
[Graves] Very similar career path, these two men.
[Patrick] Backbreaker to Bálor.
[Cole] But for AJ Styles, tonight it's about retribution.
Take out The Judgment Day for what they did to him last week.
[Graves] Bálor rolled through, and a dropkick
right in the grill of Styles.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor now quickly across for the cover. AJ out early.
[Cole] Judgment Day has been so busy as of late.
As you take another look at this basement dropkick by Finn Bálor.
[Patrick] So quickly!
[Cole] On Raw Monday night,
they realized that Jey Uso is having problems
adjusting to life outside of The Bloodline.
So they have gone on
a full Deion Sanders-like recruitment pitch
for Jey Uso to join the group, Corey.
[Graves] That could mean big things for the group as a whole
if you're following Deion's game plan.
But you're right. You have to look at the lay of the land here in WWE.
It seems as though everybody has allies.
There are a lot of factions running around on Raw, on SmackDown.
Everybody needs someone to watch their back.
[Cole] It's also about The Judgment Day understanding
that The Bloodline is crumbling, and there is a power vacuum now,
a void at the top of the ranks here in WWE,
and perhaps Judgment Day can fill that.
[Graves] That is, if, in fact, The Bloodline is crumbling.
At this point, Cole, it's all speculation. It's all we can do.
[Patrick] Bálor is in trouble.
It's AJ Styles on top.
-Need a water or something? -You're good. You're okay.
[Patrick] It's a sold-out crowd tonight. 14,520 witnessing AJ Styles, Finn Bálor
in one-on-one action.
[groans]
[Graves] We noticed AJ Styles out here without The O.C. tonight.
Finn Bálor has had The Judgment Day,
and The Judgment Day have played a role throughout the break.
[Patrick] Dirty Dominik Mysterio with a distraction here,
and Damian Priest…
[Graves] Priest would capitalize
and drive Styles spine-first onto the apron,
which would allow Finn Bálor to deliver a dropkick again to AJ Styles.
And here, moments ago, double collision. Both athletes with the same idea.
[Cole] Now, you mentioned Dominik Mysterio.
He will face the NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes
on NXT this coming Tuesday night.
What an opportunity for Dom!
[Patrick] And this may be the opportunity for AJ Styles.
Outnumbered by The Judgment Day, but Styles is rolling.
[Graves] Styles may be outnumbered by The Judgment Day,
but the WWE Universe firmly behind The Phenomenal One tonight.
-Watch Dirty Dom, and the eyes… -[Cole] And the official didn't see it.
Bálor went to the eyes of AJ Styles.
[Patrick] Styles dodging Bálor.
[Graves] Almost instinctively driving Finn down.
[Patrick] This could be it for AJ and the victory,
and Finn kicking out just in time.
[Cole] AJ doing what he can to dodge the numbers game
of The Judgment Day here tonight.
Again, Corey mentioned earlier, Rhea Ripley not here,
not medically cleared after being taken out by Nia Jax,
Monday night on Raw.
[Patrick] No O.C. by the side of AJ Styles,
which tells you just how annoyed and frustrated he really is
that he goes out here tonight with The Judgment Day standing by Bálor.
But it's AJ on top here. In a perilous position now for both--
[Graves] Oh, hurricanrana attempt by Styles.
Bálor had the wherewithal to clutch the top turnbuckle,
and now Finn could look to deliver the Coup de Grace.
Oh! Styles just too quick.
Oh no. That left Finn in perfect position.
Styles Clash incoming.
[Cole] Uh, Bálor doing a great job, though, trying to fight out.
[Patrick] Just scrapping, doing all he can, Finn Bálor.
-Oh! -[Cole] Goodness.
[Graves] Bálor driven down across the knee of Styles,
and Finn looking for respite amidst his Judgment Day brethren.
[referee] One!
[Patrick] Finn Bálor, one half of the Undisputed Tag Team Champions
with Señor Money in the Bank, Damian Priest.
-[Cole] Watch AJ-- -[Patrick] AJ now over the top.
[Cole] Styles staring a hole through Dominik and Damian Priest as well.
[referee] …three, two…
[Patrick] Oh, and Dominik paid for it. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
-[Patrick] Oh, watch out. -[Cole] Priest has seen enough.
[referee shouting indistinctly]
-[Cole] Good for the official. -[Patrick] He's out of here.
[Cole] Dan Engler is gonna send Dominik and Damian Priest back to the locker room.
Finally, AJ Styles with an even playing field.
[Graves] Styles grinning ear to ear,
stalking Finn Bálor,
who's paying attention to the official's proceedings.
[Cole] And AJ caught him with a forearm.
[Patrick] AJ channeling that energy. Up he goes,
looking for that Phenomenal Forearm.
AJ now…
[Graves] What the hell?
Oh, Jimmy Uso.
Bálor from behind. Shoulders down.
-[Cole] The official never saw Uso. -[bell ringing]
["The Other Side" playing]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Finn Bálor.
[Cole] The official never saw Jimmy Uso cause the distraction.
But Jimmy obviously upset after losing to Styles last week.
[Patrick] Or is he looking to curry favor with Roman Reigns,
or is he interested in joining The Judgment Day?
[Patrick] Well, maybe he's trying to get booked
on the hottest talk show on all of television,
"The Grayson Waller Effect," hosted by The Aussie Icon
with very special guest tonight
as Waller sits down with The Greatest of All Time, John Cena.
[Patrick] And the brash LA Knight brings the swagger,
and he looks to once again silence "The A-Lister" The Miz.
And that is coming your way tonight, right here on SmackDown.
What a moment! Hey, I appreciate it.
Thank you, brother. I mean, what a great moment.
-Hell yeah, man. -Yes.
Hey, there's a guy you can't see here.
I can see him.
[crowd cheers]
-[indistinct] -I see you trying to smile.
I am.
-Welcome home. -Come on.
[crowd cheers]
-Welcome home. -Thank you. Good to be here.
[crowd boos]
[Jimmy] Yo.
-Hey yo, Uce. -[Jimmy] What's up?
[laughs] Thanks for the assist out there, dawg. My dawg.
Listen, this has nothing to do with y'all, man, all right?
The way I see it, y'all helped us last week.
I returned the favor. We even, Uce.
-Oh, we even? -Yes.
Payback to everybody who did me wrong.
-Okay. -The way I see it.
-That's cool, man. That's cool. -I'm good.
Hey, uh, I seen your brother on Monday.
-I'm sure you miss him, huh? -[scoffs]
-What y'all talking about, man? -I don't know, man.
I just… I miss my brothers all the time, so I'm sure you miss yours.
And… I spoke to Jey about joining The Judgment Day,
and he didn't say no.
So it got me thinking…
what if both of The Usos join together
and joined The Judgment Day?
Hey, man, that'd really take care of your little John Cena-AJ Styles issue
that you're having right now.
I appreciate it, but we're good.
You know what I'm saying, Uce? We're good.
-Bloodline-- -Okay.
I just wanted to throw it out there.
But, you know, cool thing about The Judgment Day is
there's no leaders, dawg.
You know what that means?
There's no Roman.
[Jimmy] Hmm.
["Our World" playing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
The LWO.
[song fades out]
What's good, Denver?
[crowd cheers]
Nothing but love and respect to all of you guys.
And all love and respect to my family,
mi familia,
The LWO.
You know, about a year ago when I came to SmackDown,
not only was my career at a crossroads,
but personally, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life.
And without going into too much detail,
I truly felt devastated and heartbroken.
But… then LWO reminded me who I am
and what family really represents.
[crowd cheers]
And now?
Now…
Well, I'm the United States Champion.
[crowd cheers]
And I have a family that is united and stronger than ever.
[crowd cheers]
[in Spanish] We're family.
[in English] And family, our family are champions.
-[man] Yeah. -When Austin Theory attacked me,
took me out, so I couldn't compete for this title,
you stepped up.
[in Spanish] And from the bottom of my heart, I say to you…
[in English] I'm happy you did it,
because you took my place,
you took Austin out,
and you became the United States Champion.
-[crowd cheers] -Like the legend you are.
[indistinct]
My career dream
has always been to face my idol, Rey Mysterio,
with a title on the line.
Rey…
will you face me for the United States Championship?
[crowd cheers]
[in Spanish] Are you serious, Santos?
[in English] After all we've been through, you're asking for a title opportunity?
I have nothing but love and respect for you, and you know it.
What's it gonna be?
And, you know, you know I feel the same way.
Of course, I accept. [laughs]
[crowd cheering]
-Hey, you really got me there. -[Rey] Hey--
-["All Mighty" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Lashley shouts]
-[all shouting indistinctly] -[music fades out]
[indistinct]
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
See, this is what I was telling you, fellas.
We got tag teams crumbling, falling apart,
and then we got tag teams having this awkward love fest
in the middle of the ring.
You know, a few weeks ago, we said we are taking over.
And from the looks of it,
this is gonna be easier than I ever imagined.
[crowd cheers]
He ain't lying.
I mean, Santos out here asking for opportunities.
Rey out here giving opportunities like he Oprah.
-You get an opportunity. -[Cruz] Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[exclaims] Hey, you talk about a good game
when you're stepping, like, 50 feet away. Vamonos.
What?
[crowd cheers]
And hey, The LWO is always ready for a fight, so let's go.
[exclaims]
-["Our World" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[Graves] Challenge was issued. It was accepted.
Will it be made official? There's a referee.
-Here he comes. Tag team action next. -All right. Yeah!
[Patrick] A match that was made official during the commercial break,
and we are underway.
Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde of the LWO,
and Dawkins and Ford of The Street Profits with Bobby Lashley watching on.
-[Graves] Cover here by Joaquin Wilde. -[Patrick] For The LWO,
and in the way is Montez Ford.
[Graves] We are here in Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountains,
home of "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
who's unleashed a more aggressive side of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
-Del Toro dumped right outside. -[grunts]
[Patrick] Awkward, tough landing as Dawkins goes for more.
There's the fight.
Joaquin Wilde now, an aerial artist in his own right.
Tag made, and the other in.
[referee shouting indistinctly]
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Graves] Look out. That is it.
[Patrick] And the cover.
-[crowd] One, two, three. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] The Street Profits take it in front of Lashley.
[ring announcer] Here are your winners, The Street Profits.
[Cole] The Revelation ends things for The Street Profits.
What a victory tonight!
♪ Eeny, meeny, miny, whoa Turn up now, I'm 'bout to blow… ♪
[Patrick] The Profits continue to grow and evolve under Lashley.
[indistinct]
-[Graves] Oh, wait… Wait a minute. -[Cole] They're not done yet.
[Patrick] It's a vicious beatdown.
[Graves] Here comes Escobar and Mysterio trying to calm things down.
[indistinct] Come on. Huh?
[Graves] But watch Lashley.
[Cole] Look at the look on Rey's face.
[crowd clamoring]
-[Cole laughs] -[Graves] Oh, goodness.
There's an old adage in this business,
"You can either make friends, or you can make money."
It's obvious that Lashley and The Profits have made their choice.
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ It's in the bag, man I got it, yeah ♪
[indistinct]
[Patrick] WWE Fastlane is sponsored by Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
The new expansion will be available September 26th
on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Buy the bundle, and you can play Cyberpunk 2077 today.
Rated M for mature.
And, folks, we have a Premium Live Event rematch coming your way
next here on SmackDown.
It's LA Knight against "The A-Lister" The Miz.
♪ There ain't nobody ♪
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks. Huge news in WWE this week.
The Royal Rumble is headed to Tampa, Florida.
Cole, your favorite event of the year.
[Cole] Indeed, it's the start of the Road to WrestleMania.
It comes to Tropicana Field in Tampa.
And ladies and gentlemen,
there will be two Royal Rumble Matches, one for the men, one for the women.
And of course, if you win the Royal Rumble Match,
you get the opportunity to choose which champion you will face
in the main event at WrestleMania.
[Patrick] Sensational event coming your way
from Tampa, Florida, January 27th.
Cannot wait for that.
The 2024 Road to WrestleMania kicks off in the Sunshine State.
Can't wait to be back in Tampa.
Fellas, what a night we are enjoying here tonight from Denver, Colorado so far.
And it is only getting started, all things considered.
Because coming up here in moments,
the self-proclaimed Megastar
will look to hold off "The A-Lister" The Miz once more
who's kind of jealous these days.
This is our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[dramatic music playing]
[The Miz] Am I missing something?
Yeah.
Is something going over my head?
Yeah.
I come here to find a guy who you all absolutely love in LA Knight.
[LA Knight] Let me talk ya.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Wade] The Megastar is taking over this entire industry.
[Cole] You know, it's genuine
when the arena simultaneously leaves their seats.
[LA Knight] If you ain't talking about this guy,
somebody told the wrong damn story.
Yeah.
Allow me to introduce myself with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
You don't think I've seen Superstars like you?
You are a flash in the pan.
You are a flavor of the month.
[LA Knight] I've been clawing, scratching,
doing everything I needed to do on the outside, looking in
while this place bet on all the wrong horses.
You being one of them.
But here I am on the climb, and your career is in the damn toilet.
[Cole] Miz with a cheap shot.
-[thud] -[Cole] BFT. Blunt Force Trauma.
[LA Knight] Trends come and go. You will remember me as a game changer,
a two-time Grand Slam Champion,
a WrestleMania main eventer.
LA Knight is not on my level.
[Cole] The Miz is gonna go one-on-one with The Megastar.
[grunts]
[Cole] John Cena, the special guest referee.
Miz using the rope.
[inaudible]
-[Cole] Blunt Force Trauma. -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[Cole] LA Knight with a massive win. -[bell rings]
[Graves] Silencing doubters, making believers.
LA Knight looking more legit than ever.
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight!
[The Miz] You are all pathetic.
You will cheer for anything,
which means your support means absolutely nothing.
Yeah.
-This is not over. Not by a long shot. -Yeah.
I challenge LA Knight to a one-on-one match.
No special guest referee, no surprises.
[LA Knight] You say I'm not on your level, you're right.
I'm above and beyond you. It's you who's not on my level, pal.
[The Miz] This LA Knight fairy tale is going to come crashing down.
[LA Knight] Nah, nah! You will learn whose game this is.
-[Miz] M. -[LA Knight] L.
-[Miz] I. -[LA Knight] A.
-[Miz] Z. -[LA Knight] Knight.
[both] Yeah!
♪ Awesome! ♪
♪ I came to play, I came to play There's a price to pay ♪
♪ Time for you to get down on your knees And pray ♪
♪ I came to play… ♪
-[bell ringing] -[announcer] The following contest
is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz.
[Patrick] The Miz has taken issue with a lot these days,
but he's also taken issue with John Cena, who was special guest referee at Payback.
Cena, the 16-time World Champion, is on SmackDown tonight,
appearing on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
[Graves] Thankfully, The Miz won't have any officials to be distracted by tonight.
Miz is all business.
He told me he's got his John Wick mentality out tonight.
♪ I came to play… ♪
[Patrick] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
I am The Miz.
[Graves] Miz is out for vengeance tonight. LA Knight had better be ready for a fight.
♪ I watch as you get worse… ♪
[Patrick] What a night here on SmackDown.
-This, a rematch from Payback. -["Welcome to LA" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds.
LA Knight.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Cole] Listen, The Miz has said he's tired of LA Knight and all his fans,
and tired of hearing, "Yeah," and nobody cares about LA Knight.
-I don't buy into that. -[inaudible]
[Cole] For The Miz, this is a must-win in my estimation.
He's obsessed with the man.
He's embarrassed himself over him being obsessed about LA Knight.
Miz has gotta win this thing.
[Graves] I agree that Miz has to win this. Miz has the must-win mentality.
But to say that Miz is obsessed with LA Knight,
that's just completely untrue.
[Cole] Corey, he… he…
-Miz fought an invisible man. -[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Cole] Miz blamed John Cena for losing a match,
but John Cena had no reason for… to even… to mess around with The Miz in.
[Graves] Maybe Miz is obsessed with John Cena, but it's not LA Knight.
I mean, this is all business tonight for The Miz, for The A-lister.
[Patrick] He did dress up as LA Knight.
[Graves] Listen, LA Knight's learning very quickly
that here in WWE, doubters and haters are like a game of whack-a-mole.
You put one down, two more pop up where the last one was.
If LA Knight can shut up Miz,
there's gonna be someone next coming down the pike.
[Cole] We did see on Raw this past Monday night
how Miz is when he's serious, just completely destroying Akira Tozawa.
[Patrick] Yeah, he chewed him up. He spit him out.
He means business tonight.
For LA Knight, Cole, does he have anything to prove here tonight?
[Cole] Of course he does. I mean, every single time
you have an opportunity on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
or at a Premium Live Event to prove that you belong in WWE,
you have to seize that opportunity. We've talked a lot about LA Knight
and the window of opportunity being so small.
Every time you get a win, it ensures you'll be there again next week.
And that's what LA Knight is trying to do.
[Graves] Knight needs to string together several big wins in a row,
lest he be accused of committing a fluke.
Look at any sport. The less favorite team occasionally pulls one out.
Knight needs to show all the doubters that's not the case with him.
[Patrick] He is magnetic. He's resilient, LA Knight.
Oh!
[Cole] Yeah, he's worked long and hard to get to where he is today.
[indistinct]
[Cole] That blue collar work ethic by LA Knight.
Miz now… And typical Miz right there.
The wily veteran drawing LA Knight in and now takes over.
[Patrick] Miz, a two-time Grand Slam Champion in WWE.
[crowd chanting] Tiny balls! Tiny balls!
[Cole] You talk about The Miz and all he's accomplished.
He is indeed an A-lister.
You saw The Rock kick off Friday Night SmackDown earlier tonight.
He was involved in The Miz's WrestleMania Match
that Miz had with the man we're gonna see later on tonight,
-John Cena. -[indistinct]
[Graves] How excited do you think John Cena is
to be a guest on "The Grayson Waller Effect" tonight?
-This is huge for Cena's career. -[Cole] I think--
-[grunts] -[Cole] Oh, wow. Powerslam.
[Patrick] LA Knight to put away The Miz now.
[Cole] I think Cena is just excited to be in front of this sold-out crowd
of over 14,000 in Denver.
[Patrick] He's been a guest before on "Miz TV," John Cena.
[Graves] But he's never been a guest on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
Not a scheduled guest. I mean, Cena did interrupt it once.
[Cole] Speaking of Grayson Waller, did you see that idiot try to walk…
uh, I should say rap like John Cena earlier today?
[Patrick] He sounded more like you, Cole.
[Graves] I saw it. I heard it. I loved it.
-Look out. Oh! -[thud]
[Patrick] LA Knight is rolling. Cover here now.
Miz out just in time.
The 14,520 sold-out crowd here tonight in Denver.
Every single one of the WWE Universe in favor of LA Knight here tonight…
-[Graves] Listen to you. -…except Corey Graves.
[Graves] Listen to you projecting your favoritism, KP.
-[Patrick] Listen-- -[Graves] It's kind of gross.
-[Patrick] You're the only one, Corey. -[Graves] You have to understand
that the WWE Universe can't relate to The Miz.
They can't fathom the lifestyle that The A-lister leads.
They don't understand what it's like to wake up every morning
next to a knock-out beautiful woman.
It doesn't know… They don't know what it feels like to come home
after a hard day's work and have their kids love up on them.
It's lost amongst many of the fans here, especially in Denver.
[indistinct]
-[Cole] Why is Miz always upset? -[indistinct] …all day, all the time.
[Graves] Because nobody respects him like he deserves.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] I think a lot of people respect The Miz.
I think they'd respect him a lot more if he acted differently.
[Patrick] LA Knight here looking to rally.
-The Miz has been in control. -[Cole] Oh, goodness.
Nice. Lucky he didn't get hurt there. Landed high on the shoulder.
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Cole] What a neckbreaker.
[Patrick] LA Knight turning the tide, eyeing up The Miz now.
-[thud] -[Cole] Bulldog from the second rope.
-[grunts] -[Patrick] Gaining momentum.
The kick connects. Knight now hooks the leg.
-[crowd] One, two… -[Patrick] Oh, Miz out just in time.
[Cole] Nice athletic sequence from LA Knight there
to take control of this match.
[Patrick] You can just tell the confidence, the swagger on LA Knight.
-Miz now-- -[Graves] But confidence and swagger
are no match for intelligence.
And that's what The Miz possesses in spades.
[Cole] Oh, LA Knight in deep trouble here.
[Patrick] Certainly is. Miz now to get a huge victory.
Oh, and LA Knight kicking out.
Can The Miz get revenge here tonight?
What a match on SmackDown!
[Graves] I think the question is, can LA Knight get back into this?
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks. Packed house here tonight.
-Denver, Colorado, where The Miz… -[indistinct]
…is out for revenge against LA Knight.
He said earlier today, "The games are over."
"No surprises, no special guest referee to hold your hand."
[groans]
[Patrick] Skull-Crushing Finale is going to end LA Knight.
[Cole] What does it do to LA Knight, Corey, if he loses tonight?
[Graves] Well, it's gonna deflate the momentum
that Knight has worked so long and hard to build.
LA Knight is the sentimental favorite amongst the WWE Universe.
LA Knight is red-hot right now,
but The Miz could extinguish that flame with a big W tonight.
That may have just done it.
-Cover by The Miz. -One, two…
[Patrick] Can he put away LA Knight? Who kicks out at two once more.
The Miz so close.
-[Cole] Take another look at Miz. -[Patrick] Oh!
[Cole] That running knee right on the chin of Knight.
That's a bit of a lackadaisical cover by The A-lister. Could've ended this one.
[Patrick] We are seeing serious aggression from The Miz here tonight.
[Cole] He wants to end it with a Skull-Crushing Finale.
[crowd chanting] LA Knight!
[Patrick] Looking to go there. LA Knight fighting out,
creating a little bit of separation.
-Oh. -[grunts]
Oh!
[Patrick] Kick to the midsection.
Oh, man!
[Cole] Stood right up by The Miz.
-But, oh, LA Knight answers. -[crowd cheers]
-[Patrick] Big-time clothesline. -[thud]
[Graves] Side Russian leg sweep by LA Knight.
[Cole] DDT.
Uh-oh.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] This self-proclaimed Megastar,
-he's feeling it here in Denver. -[crowd] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[Graves] Who proclaims themself a megastar?
That sounds like an egotistical human being.
[Cole] Who proclaims themselves The A-Lister?
[Graves] The A-listers.
Oh, God.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Knight now…
-Is this it for LA Knight? -One, two…
[Patrick] Oh, Miz out at two.
Quickly back up on his feet here, LA Knight.
The work is not done yet.
[Cole] Again, no excuses if you lose this match tonight.
No special guest referee, no John Cena in the ring.
[Patrick] Knight, Miz… Oh, here we go.
LA Knight looking to turn it around.
-Shoulders are down now. -One, two…
-[Patrick] Miz turning it around. -[Cole] Got the tights.
[Graves] LA Knight still able to kick out.
-[grunts] -[Graves] Kick to the knee by The Miz.
-[Cole] Oh, my goodness. -[Graves] No! Knight held on.
LA Knight, with great ring awareness,
grabbed the middle rope, prevented the impact on the DDT.
[Cole] Oh.
-Great counter by Knight. -[grunts]
[Cole] Oh, and one by Miz as well.
[Patrick] Well-timed boot to the cheek of LA Knight.
Miz now… Oof!
-[Cole] Oh, man! -[Graves] That may do it.
Cover by The Miz.
[Patrick] Quickly in, Miz, for the victory.
-Oh no, LA Knight! -[Cole] How did Knight kick out?
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] Miz is asking the same question.
[Graves] Miz needs to stay the course.
This is about vengeance.
This is about righting a wrong.
This is where Miz needs to go all Steven Seagal on LA Knight.
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[Patrick] LA Knight now…
maybe not sure where he is. The Miz…
[Cole] Oh. Dodged.
-[grunts] -[Cole] Here comes Knight.
-[crowd] Yeah! -[Patrick] With a big right.
-[crowd] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! -[Cole] The yeah movement in full effect.
[Graves] Smart move by the veteran, Miz.
-[screams] -[grunts]
[Graves] Hung across the top rope. Right back at you.
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
-[Patrick] Oh, face-first! -[Cole] The BFT.
-[Patrick] Is this it? He's got him. -One, two, three.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Blunt Force Trauma.
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, LA Knight.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Graves] LA Knight was eager to silence a few more doubters tonight,
and he did just that.
[Cole] That was a hell of a match and a hell of a victory
for LA Knight here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
He promised a BFT to The Miz, and he delivered.
[crowd cheering]
[cheering continues]
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
Let me talk to ya.
[crowd cheering]
From the day I set foot in SmackDown, I told everybody, I said,
"I am coming for gold."
-[panting] -[crowd cheering]
So I look at the top of this mountain here in the WWE,
and I see all the different options.
And I got to tell you, it doesn't matter if it's Rey Mysterio.
It doesn't matter if it's Gunther.
It doesn't make a difference if it's Seth Rollins.
And it damn sure doesn't matter if it's Roman Reigns.
-[crowd cheers] -[panting]
You got to understand something. It ain't just a catchphrase.
I'm easily top-two, and I ain't number two.
-Yeah! -[crowd] Yeah!
Because whose game is it? With everybody saying…
-LA Knight, yeah! -[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Cole] He continues to grow with confidence, does LA Knight.
Putting out a challenge to any champion here in WWE.
["Welcome to LA" continues]
[indistinct] This game, it belongs to me.
I just ain't claimed it yet. Oh, but it's coming. Oh, but it's coming.
[LA Knight, indistinct]
Gonna have to handle this LA Knight problem.
Solo…
that-that order can only come from the Tribal Chief.
And he hasn't given me that order to give to you yet.
What we need to concentrate on, all due respect,
is your older brother, Jimmy.
He… J-Jimmy is cutting deals with The Judgment Day.
And when that all falls apart for The Bloodline,
you're gonna have to fight that battle.
[spluttering] Jimmy is picking fights with John Cena,
and when John Cena comes for his pound of flesh,
you are gonna have to fight that battle,
because Jimmy thinks he's in The Bloodline.
I-I understand he's… he's… he's in our bloodline.
But he's not in The… The Bloodline.
We can only make moves like that
when the Tribal Chief calls me
and gives that order,
and then… then you handle that business.
I already know what I need to do.
And I'm gonna finish this.
Tonight.
Okay.
[sighs] But…
But who gave that order?
[panting exasperatedly]
Call Roman Reigns.
[Graves] Relax, Paul.
[Patrick] Well, ladies and gentlemen, still to come tonight,
the 16-time World Champion, John Cena, is in the house here in Denver, Colorado,
and set to take to the ring for a second time with Grayson Waller.
What could go wrong?
It's coming up on SmackDown tonight.
[Bianca Belair] For nearly ten years, we have asked the WWE Universe to join us
in fighting pediatric cancer and support the Superstars of tomorrow.
And you didn't disappoint.
You found creative ways to raise money to fund research,
running, baking, tailgating, making art, playing video games.
And this year, we are spotlighting the top fundraisers
with a chance to meet me…
Or me, as a thank you for raising funds for critical research.
[Cody Rhodes] Go to V.org/ConnorsCureUniverse
to find out more and to get started today.
[Patrick] What an epic night we are enjoying tonight
in Denver, Colorado, down the road from where the Broncos play.
We're at the home of the NBA champions here tonight,
the Nuggets.
We had The Rock on the show earlier tonight.
Later, we've got 16-time World Champion John Cena.
Man, this is absolutely brilliant.
[Graves] I get to see Blucifer in a couple of hours.
[laughs]
[Patrick] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
♪ But I don't have friends When I was at my lowest ♪
♪ And now I'm the greatest Brushing off haters ♪
♪ Call me the GOAT 'Cause there ain't no debating… ♪
-Excuse me. Hello. [laughs] -Oh! Okay, Pretty Deadly.
Thank you for coming in.
Elton, great news from medical. That shoulder's healing.
You guys are gonna be back in the ring in no time.
In no time?
-Yeah. Did I say-- -I'm a shell of a man.
I'm a shell of the man that I once was.
The memory of Ridge Holland injuring my shoulder,
it's stuck in my brain. I can't get rid of it.
But… but it has the same intensity and clarity of a…
of a freshly bloomed flower on a warm spring day.
[whimpers] And yet…
And yet, I can hear the sounds of my bones breaking still.
And I can still see the dumb look on Ridge Holland's dumb face
as he smiles at my misfortune.
I mean, the horror! The horror!
Okay, guys, look, I'm not sure I understood any of that.
What I do understand is that medical says that shoulder's healing.
It was your shoulder, right? Why is he in a wheelchair?
[laughs incredulously] The audacity!
You know, there are some scars that just can't be seen, Adam.
-Hey, hey. Breathe, breathe, breathe. -[inhales]
Maybe you are being too hard on yourself, you know?
You've lost a little confidence, but… Elton, look at me.
With the perfect training regimen, you will be back before you know it.
We will be back and better than ever.
-Pretty Deadly… -Yeah?
-…the best tag team in the WWE. -Yes, boy.
Now, give it to me. Give me a "yes, boy."
[breathing deeply]
-Yes, boy. -Yes, boy.
-Yes, boy! -Oooh!
-We'll be back in no time. -Bye-bye.
-Yes, boy. Yes, boy. -Yes, boy. Yes, boy.
Yes, boy.
[upbeat music playing]
I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers
to Pretty Deadly
for this incredibly difficult and trying time in their careers.
-Stop. -But also…
-Yes, boy. -[laughs]
It's been a trying time in the career of one Bayley.
It was Bayley and Iyo Sky in complete control last week
here on SmackDown
in action against Charlotte Flair and Shotzi.
And that was until Asuka, The Empress of Tomorrow,
would appear on the scene, distracting Damage CTRL.
[indistinct shouting]
[Patrick] Charlotte Flair would capitalize,
tagging in Shotzi.
And back-to-back weeks now,
-with Shotzi getting the win over Bayley. -[bell rings]
♪ Welcome to the ball pit You can get your… ♪
[indistinct]
[Patrick] But this was the moment everyone's been talking about.
[Cole] They meet next week on Friday Night SmackDown,
Asuka and Iyo for the championship.
-Iyo has to beat Asuka next week. -Yeah. Yeah.
-And that's why she's off training. -Yeah, I know. That's good.
But, look, I've had everything planned out perfectly
from the day that we debuted to when Iyo cashed in at SummerSlam.
You know, I just…
She's never been in the ring one-on-one with Asuka,
and I don't know why she impulsively challenged her.
So I just hope that Iyo is ready for Asuka.
-That's it. -Look, with all due respect,
you have to be the one to show up against Asuka tonight.
Oh, yeah, that's easy for you to say. You're still recovering from an injury.
[sighs] Look, you know I have your back, right?
But quite frankly, you've been so distracted by Shotzi lately.
I think the real question here is
are you ready for Asuka?
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Cole] Good question, Dakota.
We're about to get our answer.
♪ Your destiny's written All over the sky… ♪
[bell ringing]
[ring announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka.
[Graves] She is mysterious. She is hypnotic. She is lethal.
♪ I already live in your tomorrow You can't hide… ♪
[Patrick] Well, tensions are running high right now, it seems, in Damage CTRL.
What a match we've got coming up here in our main event
with two Grand Slam Champions, Asuka and Bayley.
And tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
[Graves] Asuka, Bayley next.
["You Can't Hide" continues]
[Graves] In case you've been living under a rock,
this is how we kicked off Friday Night SmackDown.
[Cole] In the ring, Pat McAfee, Austin Theory.
And do you smell The Rock and Austin Theory?
Suffered a spinebuster.
And as Pat McAfee looked on in the background,
over 14,000 on their feet
for the most electrifying move in all of entertainment,
the People's Elbow. What a return by The Rock!
[Patrick laughs] And that was earlier on tonight.
Still to come on Friday Night SmackDown, The Greatest of All Time.
John Cena is the special guest on the Aussie Icon's
"Grayson Waller Effect."
[Graves] Grayson Waller could really revitalize Cena's career.
[indistinct]
[Graves] There are three men whose career needs no revitalization,
as The Judgment Day continue to run things.
What is up between The Judgment Day
and their offers to both Jimmy and Jey Uso?
[Patrick] They have been on a recruitment drive of late.
Well, folks, tonight's main event, Asuka getting set to go here.
♪ I am the future of your sorrows… ♪
[Patrick] And next week here on Friday Night SmackDown,
it is absolutely enormous.
The WWE Women's Championship is on the line
as Iyo Sky defends against her compatriot from Japan,
Asuka.
[Cole] They share a nation, but they've got little in common, KP.
Tonight, it is up to Bayley to attempt to run interference on Iyo's behalf.
["Deliverance" playing]
[ring announcer] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Dakota Kai,
representing Damage CTRL, Bayley.
[Patrick] Well, folks, WWE Royal Rumble comes to Tropicana Field
in Tampa Bay, Florida on Saturday night, January 27th of 2024.
Visit WWE.com/events
to register to be among the first to receive pre-sale information.
[Cole] Interesting matchup.
Bayley and Asuka have a long history
-with one another. -[indistinct]
[Cole] And, of course, Bayley would love to soften up Asuka
before her opportunity at Iyo Sky
and the WWE Women's Championship next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
[indistinct shouting]
[Patrick] Well, tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
[Graves] You heard Bayley earlier tonight mention
that everything was going according to plan,
but Iyo essentially went rogue
when she offered the title opportunity to Asuka next week.
Bayley has been plotting and planning every step of Damage CTRL's rise.
So tonight, pun heavily intended, Bayley is looking to do damage control.
[grunts]
[Patrick] What about that confrontation, the chat backstage with Dakota Kai?
[Cole] I wouldn't call it a confrontation, but I get your point.
There's been some issues.
[Patrick] There's little captain seeds of dissent here between us, Cole.
[Cole] But again, I mean, there has been some issues
with Damage CTRL, it seems, for the past couple of months.
A lot of rumors that Bayley was jealous over the fact
that Iyo Sky won the Money in the Bank contract,
that she cashed it in to become champion.
[Patrick] Shoulders down. Asuka out in time.
[Graves] I don't know that anyone feels as strongly about Iyo cashing in
as Asuka does, as Asuka was the woman
who held the championship at the beginning of the night.
[Cole] Let's talk about this match, however,
and two of the most decorated women in the history of sports entertainment.
You've got Bayley, who has won three World Championships
an NXT Women's Championship as well, two-time tag title, a Money in the Bank.
And then you've got Asuka, who's won a Money in the Bank, a Rumble,
and four times a World Championship along with the NXT Title.
[Patrick] Absolutely incredible.
Two Grand Slam Champions, Cole, as you mentioned.
They were joined in that elite list by Becky Lynch
-after her victory on NXT during the week. -[Cole] Oh!
Yeah, Becky Lynch, the new NXT Women's Champion.
[Graves] Get to see what Big Time Becks is up to tomorrow night.
But right now, Asuka looking for a big kick.
Bayley out of the way just in time.
[referee] Right now. Let's go.
[Patrick] Bayley says that Asuka needs to mind her own business.
[Graves laughs]
The Empress is in trouble.
[indistinct]
[screams]
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks. You're watching tonight's main event
sponsored by eBay Motors.
[Cole] And let's remind everyone. This is Asuka versus Bayley.
But next week on Friday Night SmackDown, we're in Phoenix,
and we're going to have a WWE Women's Championship Match
between Asuka and the champion Iyo Sky,
who is off training for that matchup.
[Patrick] And Bayley took to social media earlier on tonight,
saying she plans on softening up Asuka for Bayley and that title match next week.
[Graves] Smart strategy by Bayley.
And if I were Iyo Sky, I would be grateful
that Bayley was willing to step up to the plate on her behalf tonight.
[Cole] And you know, that's a title match that the WWE Universe
has been clamoring for worldwide between Asuka and Iyo Sky.
[Graves] Cover here.
[Patrick] Bayley now hooking the leg of Asuka for the victory.
Asuka out just in time.
[Cole] Great veteran move, wrapping the arm of Asuka.
[Patrick] Asuka has known Iyo Sky for close to 15 years.
[Cole] Oh, they used to be Tag Team Champions, part of Triple Tails,
back in Japan back in the day.
And this is a matchup for the WWE Women's Title,
-that I cannot wait to be a part of. -[thud]
[Patrick] And as Bayley mentioned, their first time meeting in singles.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Patrick] Look at this.
[Graves] Bayley was looking for the Sunset Flip into the turnbuckles.
Asuka countered into the armbar.
-Shoulders down. -One, two…
-[Patrick] Asuka… No. -[Cole] Wow.
And again, to your point,
Asuka and Iyo Sky have been involved in tag team matches in the past,
but never one-on-one and never with these stakes.
[Patrick] Next Friday night, must-see. Can Bayley soften up Asuka,
or will The Empress put away Bayley here?
[Cole] What a German suplex!
-[Patrick] Concerned face of Dakota Kai. -[Dakota shouting indistinctly]
[Cole] Asuka desperately launching Bayley in this German suplex,
and Bayley landed hard on the shoulder.
[Graves] Asuka utilizing that time wisely.
Able to recover slightly. Now both women back to a vertical base.
[Cole] Oh, what a kick.
[Graves] This is what Bayley wants to avoid,
the wicked striking ability of The Empress.
[Patrick] So rapid, so creative is Asuka.
[Bayley grunts]
[Patrick] Bayley has got that experience. The elbow connects.
[Graves] Oh, knee right between the eyes of The Role Model.
And a kick follows.
[Patrick] And that may do it for Asuka to gain momentum,
but Bayley kicking out.
[Graves] There has been a lot taken out of Asuka in this matchup.
You need not look any further than her pinfall attempt.
Asuka was unable to get her own body weight
across the shoulders of Bayley.
She tried desperately to hook a leg, but to no avail,
-and this match rolls on. -[Cole] But nothing's gonna stop Asuka.
Heading into the Championship Match last week,
remember, she lost the title in a Triple Threat Match?
[Graves] Oh, countered by Bayley.
[Cole] Where Bianca Belair would take her out,
and then Iyo Sky would cash in.
-[screams] -[Cole] Ankle lock.
[Patrick] Asuka turning this around.
And Bayley's got nowhere to go.
[Dakota shouting indistinctly]
[Graves] Bayley trying to regain her footing to mitigate the impact.
Great agility by Asuka.
[Cole] Yeah, great-- Oh, goodness.
[Patrick] Good night, Bayley. Asuka for the victory--
-Oh, Bayley still alive. -[Graves] Wow.
Right into the armbar. Seamless transition.
[referee] What do you say?
-[Cole] Smart move by Bayley. -[Graves] Yup.
[Patrick] Bayley to the outside.
[Cole] Rolling out of the submission move.
-Great counter by Bayley. -[grunts]
[groans]
[Patrick] Wasn't pretty, but it was extremely effective.
Face-first on the apron. Now dragging Asuka across.
[Cole] Oh, Bayley now ripping apart our table.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] She means business now.
[Graves] Bayley said she was gonna soften up Asuka for Iyo Sky next week.
[Cole] Well, she's gonna do just that, I believe.
-Clash-- -[Graves] Oh, wait a minute.
[Cole] Shotzi. Shotzi.
With that sinister smile on her face,
just scared the daylights out of Bayley.
[Patrick] Bayley looks like she's seen a ghost.
[indistinct]
[Patrick] Meanwhile, back inside, it's Asuka.
[Cole] Asuka takes advantage
-with a backslide. -One, two, three.
-[Cole] And gets the win. -[bell ringing]
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Asuka.
[Cole] And again, Bayley…
trying to do all she can to avoid Shotzi.
[Graves] Can you blame her?
[Patrick] What a victory for Asuka,
gaining momentum ahead of an enormous championship match
next week against Iyo Sky.
[Cole] That's a strange duo.
[Patrick] Coming up next here, folks, get excited.
John Cena, the 16-time World Champion,
will take to the hot seat on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
That's live, next here on Friday Night SmackDown.
["Nobody Better Than Me" plays]
[Patrick] Well, their accolades have spanned continents,
and their previous encounters have given a tantalizing taste of what's possible.
But for the first time ever in one-on-one competition,
the enigmatic Asuka looks to dethrone The Genius of the Sky,
Iyo Sky, in a much anticipated showdown next week.
[Graves] And after witnessing their fellow luchadores get manhandled
by the newfound aggression of The Street Profits earlier tonight,
Rey Mysterio and the scintillating Santos Escobar
look for payback as the power struggle between factions continues next week.
["Eyes on the Prize" playing]
♪ When I pop out They lay low, they know ♪
♪ Blood run hot But that heart cold, stay froze ♪
♪ You know how that thang go I can't stop, nope ♪
♪ Ask who did it, I did it I does it, they finished… ♪
-[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen… -[drumroll]
…please welcome the most talked-about new sensation
on Friday Night SmackDown.
He is The Moment Maker,
The Aussie Icon,
your host of "The Grayson Waller Effect,"
Grayson Waller.
♪ Hard work ♪
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ Now do it 'cause I say so, say so When I pop out, they lay low… ♪
I've had the opportunity to have some huge guests
on "The Grayson Waller Effect,"
Hall of Famers,
social media superstars,
men and women who think they're the GOAT.
But the truth is that moniker only fits one person,
and that's my guest tonight.
And I'm so glad he's on the show,
because despite the fact that he's headlined WrestleMania,
won World Championship after World Championship,
starred in Hollywood blockbuster after Hollywood blockbuster,
his star is fading quicker than his hairline.
[crowd shouts]
But don't worry, guys. Don't worry.
Because his rise back to the top starts tonight,
courtesy of the Grayson Waller rub.
[crowd shouts]
Ladies and gentlemen, the Greatest of All Time,
John Cena.
-["The Time Is Now" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering raucously]
Denver, you still got it!
♪ Your time is up My time is now, now, now ♪
♪ You can't see me My time is now, now, now… ♪
After everything they've seen tonight, they still got a little bit left.
Let's go see what the kid has to say. Let's see. Let's go to work.
["The Time Is Now" continues]
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering raucously]
[inaudible]
[cheering continues]
♪ You can't see me My time is now, now, now ♪
♪ It's the franchise Boy, I'm shinin' now, now, now ♪
♪ You can't see me… ♪
[Cena and Waller speaking indistinctly]
♪ Five pounds of courage, buddy Tint pants with a gold T ♪
♪ Uh, it's a war dance and victory step ♪
[song fades out]
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[crowd chanting] Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena!
Wow. This is like a dream, right?
[crowd cheers]
It must be a real honor for you
to finally be on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
[Cena, indistinct]
But, you know, when I talk to grown-ups,
I take off my hat like my mother taught me.
-[Waller laughs] -[crowd boos]
But I asked you to be on the show for a reason tonight, John. You know?
I… I watched Payback, and…
As a host, uh, I… [sighs] I think you need some help, kid.
Yeah, I think you need some advice,
because you're out there stealing the spotlight.
You need to be more like…
Grayson Waller.
[crowd boos]
You know, just sit back and let the stars shine.
[crowd boos]
But you couldn't help yourself, could you? You couldn't help yourself.
You had to make it all about you one more time.
In fact, at Payback, you got back in the ring.
But not as a competitor. No.
[scoffs] As a special guest referee.
And then you have the audacity to come out here
and lie to these people.
He's lying to you. Because the truth is, John…
You know it. I know it.
You don't wanna be an in-ring competitor anymore.
[crowd clamoring]
[Waller] Yeah. Truth hurts, right?
[crowd boos]
And there is no doubt that you are the Greatest of All Time.
[crowd cheers]
But there's also no doubt
that you're not even close to being the greatest right now, lad.
[crowd boos]
In fact, you haven't been the same since WrestleMania
-when my boy Austin Theory… -[crowd boos]
…who just whipped The Rock…
[crowd boos]
…beat you.
Hey, John. Hey. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[crowd cheers]
John, this is a… a talk show, a talk show, and it's your time to speak.
["Born A King" playing]
[crowd cheering]
-♪ U… ♪ -♪ Yeah ♪
♪ So… ♪
[Cole] Cena can't get a word out tonight.
♪ Ran with the pack, pack ♪
♪ I was born a king, I was born a king ♪
♪ They talking family first I put that in the past… ♪
[inaudible]
[Cole] Who can forget that biting insult from John Cena to Jimmy Uso
several weeks back, saying that the wrong Uso quit?
Jimmy hasn't forgotten.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, put 'em up now ♪
♪ Yeah, this my world, this my earth, This my turf, this my land… ♪
[Cena, indistinct]
♪ Against my family tree, yeah ♪
♪ This is legacy, yeet Cross my path, you'll see, yeah ♪
♪ Cross my path, you'll see ♪
[song fades out]
[crowd boos]
Kangaroo Jack over here, you actually got a point, my dude.
-Nobody wants you here, John. Nobody. -[crowd boos]
I told you two weeks ago.
Everybody came to see me,
Jim Uso.
[crowd boos]
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
So…
[crowd chanting] Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena!
Yeah. They love you.
They love you here. Well, check this out, Uce.
I came out here to tell you to your face.
You try to embarrass me again like you did two weeks ago…
[exhales]
Do it, John.
If you ain't gonna do nothing, get the hell up out my ring.
-[microphone clatters to mat] -[crowd boos]
♪ We're taking it all Settle the score… ♪
[Cole] Uh-oh.
[Graves] Wait just a second.
[Cole] The Enforcer, Solo Sikoa.
And you heard what Solo had to say earlier tonight.
Sikoa saying, "I know what I need to do. I finish this tonight."
♪ I have been destined to win Alpha, omega, the end… ♪
[Graves] Solo marching with purpose toward the ring.
[song fades out]
[crowd boos]
[indistinct] What you gonna do now, man?
What you gonna do? What you gonna do now?
[Cole] Oh!
[crowd cheers]
[Solo shouts]
-[Cole] Oh! -[Graves] Oh!
[crowd clamoring]
[Waller applauds]
[crowd boos]
[grunts]
[Cole] Solo just hammering away on Cena. Jimmy Uso as well.
["Phenomenal" playing]
[Patrick] Wait a second.
It's AJ Styles.
[Graves] The Phenomenal One looking to even the numbers.
[Cole] And even the score with Jimmy Uso.
[grunting]
[Cole] And in comes Cena.
[crowd cheering]
[grunts]
[Graves] Kick from Styles rocks Uso.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Cole] And the Five-Knuckle Shuffle.
-[man] Roll him up, John! -Save Jimmy. Save Jimmy.
[Cole] And you hear Heyman yelling, "Save Jimmy. Save Jimmy."
-And Solo Sikoa does just that. -[crowd boos]
["The Time Is Now" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] What does this mean for The Bloodline?
I guess Roman Reigns is the only one that has that answer.
[inaudible] n Reigns is the only one that has that answer.