[WWE intro music playing]
[Cena] Then.
-[Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[gong rings] -[Cena] Now.
[Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-The King of Kings. -You can't see me.
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] John Cena has arrived here on the scene,
ready to put a stop to The Bloodline's business.
[Cena] Last week, I said I came back to compete
and that I want a match.
The Bloodline, they didn't take too kindly to that. No.
[Cole] John Cena learning what happens
when you get involved in The Bloodline's business.
[Cena] But they also left me with this,
a signed contract for a match at Fastlane.
There's a big problem with this.
I don't have a partner.
And if I don't find a partner by Fastlane,
hell, I will fight The Bloodline by myself.
[suspenseful music playing]
["Born a King" by def rebel playing]
♪ Uso ♪
John, you out here talking about Fastlane, man?
Did you not just see what me and Solo did in the back to everybody?
Who wants some?
[shouts]
He will not be John Cena's partner.
[woman] Somebody, please!
So, John, you not making it to Fastlane!
[Cole] Cena will never back down. He'll never give up.
Looking for the AA and Uso made him pay.
Déja vu.
[Jimmy grunts]
[suspenseful music playing]
[Cole] Cena's not gonna make it to Fastlane.
["Welcome to LA" by def rebel playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] LA Knight is here!
[Patrick] LA Knight's ready for a fight.
[suspenseful music playing]
-[crowd cheers] -[Cole] Oh!
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Cole] Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Cena's got a partner for Fastlane!
Bloodline, you got a problem.
[crowd] Yeah!
["Nobody Better Than Me" by def rebel playing]
-♪ Let's go! ♪ -♪ Who better than me? ♪
♪ I don't see nobody I don't see nobody ♪
♪ Who stepping to me ♪
♪ I don't see nobody ♪
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Running through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Who better than me ♪
[fireworks blast]
♪ Who better than me? ♪
♪ Besting opponents Flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving them all Looking stressin' and folded ♪
♪ How am I hot But I'm dressing the coldest ♪
♪ Impressing the suckaz… ♪
[Patrick] We're just 24 hours until Fastlane.
The atmosphere is palpable tonight
at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri,
for tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Welcome to LA" by def rebel playing]
[cheering]
Hey! How 'bout it? Let's go.
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] We just popped the cork here in St. Louis.
It's gonna be a wild one tonight on SmackDown.
[Patrick] John Cena almost a dead man last week.
That was until LA Knight, the hero, saving the day for Cena.
And now he'll team up with the 16-time world champion
against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline,
tomorrow night at Fastlane.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, the bottom line is this,
this is the biggest match in the career of LA Knight,
teaming with John Cena tomorrow night.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[chanting continues]
LA Knight! LA Knight!
[chants fading]
Let me talk to you!
[crowd cheering]
[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
-It was just one single week ago-- -[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen!
[crowd boos]
All right. This is becoming a weekly lesson, isn't it?
My name is not "boo!"
[crowd booing]
My name is
-Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman!
And I have a reputation
for decade after decade
of always spotting
the next big thing in this industry.
I see 'em coming from a mile away.
I know who the next Megastar is going to be.
And ladies and gentlemen,
admittedly, a little bit out of character, and with all candor,
the next big Megastar in this business
is going to be…
LA Knight.
[crowd] Yeah!
God, I hate when you do that.
And, sir, that's to your credit.
You… you are on a roll right now.
You have all the momentum in the world.
You, sir, have earned my respect and my admiration and--
[crowd chants] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[chanting continues]
[chants fading]
Man, that really pisses me off.
[crowd booing]
And Jimmy too.
And you're lucky Solo just doesn't care.
Because, you know, with all the respect and admiration, sir,
that you've earned from me,
that… that's to your credit.
Mazel tov! My… my compliments to you, sir.
And also, unfortunately, LA Knight, my condolences.
Because now that you've earned my attention,
The Bloodline is going to have to do something about it.
[crowd booing]
Are you done running your fat jowls yet?
[crowd cheers]
You've come out here and you've told me everything great about me,
and I appreciate that.
It's a wise move, Wiseman, to put respect on my name.
But, uh, let me just check my receipt real quick.
I didn't buy any of your BS.
[crowd cheering]
Because here you are out here talking about--
Shut your mouth.
[crowd booing]
-I know you ain't talking to me. -Oh, I'm talking to you, LA Knight.
Listen, we ain't been properly introduced, my Uce!
I'm him, Jim Uso, with "The Enforcer" Solo along with the OG.
And we're out here to tell you right to your ugly… mmm… face,
you ain't making it to Fastlane.
-Oh! Ow! -[crowd booing]
[Jimmy] Let's go, Solo!
Come on, Uce!
[Cole] Well, again, Jimmy Uso taking charge here tonight.
[Graves] And the walls beginning to close in on LA Knight.
[Patrick] Just 24 hours before Fastlane. Outnumbered.
-["The Time is Now" by John Cena playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Say what?
[Cole] Outnumbered no more!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Cena reciprocates Knight's favor from last week.
[Graves] The sides all evened up, we got a showdown on our hands.
[Heyman shouts indistinctly]
[crowd chants] Cena! Cena! Cena!
[Cole] Heyman begging The Bloodline to think twice about this.
Heyman's right. I mean, The Bloodline,
they got Knight and Cena tomorrow night.
[crowd booing]
[Knight] Boys, boys, boys.
I… You guys are all excited here for a fight.
But I get it, I get it, I get it.
You didn't have permission from your little chief to come out here, did you?
[crowd cheering]
[Knight] I'll tell you what.
Here's how we'll do this.
Everybody's talking about John Cena, LA Knight.
They're talking about The Bloodline at Fastlane tomorrow night.
But I'm thinking about tonight.
[crowd cheers]
And what I'm thinking for tonight,
Jimmy Uso, little wannabe, uh, Tribal Chief,
since you want to talk so tough, I'll tell you what.
How about me, you, right here, later on tonight
so I can punt your ass to the moon!
[crowd cheering]
And you can learn, once and for all, whose game it is,
with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
Yeah!
Okay, yeah! Okay, yeah!
-Okay, okay, okay. -What do you mean, "okay"?
-Yeah!
[Cole] I think Jimmy Uso just accepted the challenge.
[Patrick] And I think LA Knight has given the people of St. Louis
exactly what they want tonight.
[Jimmy] I got him.
Jimmy. Jimmy.
You can't do that.
[Cole] Not sure how wise that was for Mr. Uso,
but we're gonna find out. Hopefully, this match is official.
[upbeat music playing]
[Patrick] And look who it is, The Judgment Day,
the Undisputed Tag Team Champions of Bálor and Priest.
-Why is he here, man? Like… -Priest.
He's here because I told him to be here.
We're here for a reason. Remember?
All right.
[Cole] Well, the Tag Team Champions, The Judgment Day,
can go to any brand they want.
And they're here on SmackDown tonight.
["All Hail The Queen" by def rebel playing]
♪ All hail the queen ♪
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from The Queen City,
Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] Hey, I'd be afraid if I was the Big Bad Wolf.
[commentators chuckle]
[fireworks blast]
[Graves] She is The Queen.
She is The Opportunity.
She is the alpha female in WWE.
[Cole] And she may soon be the WWE Women's Champion.
[Graves] Less than 24 hours
from Charlotte Flair, joining the Triple Threat
against former champion Asuka
and reigning WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL.
[Patrick] Charlotte was milliseconds from becoming champion at SummerSlam,
spoiled by her tag team partner tonight.
[Graves] Let's not forget, KP, at one point in time,
Charlotte Flair and Asuka actually held the Women's Tag Team Titles together.
[Cole] A lot of history between these two women.
["You Can't Hide" by def rebel playing]
♪ Your destiny's written All over the sky… ♪
[announcer] And her tag team partner from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka!
[Graves] Drastically different styles, drastically different personalities,
but an overabundance of mutual respect
between Charlotte Flair and The Empress of Tomorrow.
[Cole] You help each other survive tonight in order to get to tomorrow at Fastlane.
[Patrick] Opponents tomorrow, partners tonight.
Can they defeat Damage CTRL's Iyo Sky and Bayley?
It's a match that's coming your way, live, on Friday Night SmackDown,
and it's next.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Still to come tonight on Friday Night SmackDown
and ahead of their six-man tag showdown tomorrow night,
the Legendary Luchador and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio
steps into a David versus Goliath Matchup
when he faces "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Graves] All right. Now, it is time for tag team action.
Tomorrow, they will be opponents.
Tonight Charlotte Flair and Asuka join forces.
["Still the Baddest" by def rebel playing]
♪ Damage CTRL ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
[announcer] And their opponent, accompanied to the ring by Dakota Kai,
representing Damage CTRL,
Bayley and the WWE Women's Champion, Iyo Sky!
[Patrick] A confident Iyo Sky ahead of a championship defense tomorrow night.
And going back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown,
fresh off defeating Bayley,
Charlotte Flair found herself outnumbered, with Damage CTRL lurking.
That was until The Empress of Tomorrow arrived on the scene.
[speaking Japanese]
You want a Triple Threat Match with you, Charlotte and Iyo Sky Sky at Fastlane
for the WWE Women's Championship, well, you got it!
-Stay out of our business. -No, she didn't say that.
That's fine.
You get to show them that you're better, that you're great,
that you are the Genius of the Sky. Okay? That's all.
That's not what Asuka says.
I can speak for myself.
[Cole] Obviously, things were lost in translation in that situation
and now Iyo Sky finds herself in a Triple Threat Match tomorrow night.
[Graves] Bayley unintentionally stacking the odds against Iyo,
who doesn't actually have to be involved in the fall
-to lose her championship. -[Cole] Yeah. That's the problem.
Under Triple Threat rules, all three women will be in the ring at the same time.
First woman to gain pinfall or submission will become the WWE Women's Champion.
Much like we saw back at SummerSlam.
That was the night that Iyo Sky would cash in to win the championship.
[Patrick] Asuka was the champion heading in that night.
This, now, quite the matchup as Charlotte Flair and Iyo Sky
-kick things off. -[Cole] You know, tomorrow night…
-[Graves] Cover here. -…biggest match of Iyo Sky's career
as she goes in against two of the greatest here in WWE,
Charlotte Flair and Asuka.
[Graves] Mind-bending athleticism from the champion.
[Patrick] You know Iyo Sky, Corey, is gonna take so much confidence
from defeating Asuka a couple of weeks ago to defend her title.
[Graves] I agree, but I also don't think I'm speaking out of school
when I say that Iyo still has a lot to prove,
not only to herself, but the entire roster as WWE Women's Champion.
Iyo needs a few landmark victories to really solidify her status.
[Cole] And I can't believe I'm actually saying this,
but Bayley made a little bit of sense, telling Iyo Sky,
"Hey, if you can knock off Charlotte and Asuka,
-think what that does for your legacy." -[Patrick] Cover here.
Charlotte Flair hooking the leg and Iyo out of two.
[Graves] Bayley is absolutely right.
As a Grand Slam Champion here in WWE,
I would heed the Role Model's advice.
[Flair] Want some, Asuka?
[Patrick] Bayley, no question, Cole, will try and do a little damage tonight
to Asuka and Charlotte Flair ahead of tomorrow night.
[Cole] Indeed, as Iyo Sky, well, as well as Asuka, comes in off the tag.
Asuka gonna be a part of a stacked NXT
this coming Tuesday night as she takes on the upstart Roxanne Perez.
[Patrick] You can say that again.
John Cena, Paul Heyman, Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Becky Lynch.
[Patrick] Tuesday night NXT is must-see, as Asuka now
so nimble, so quick.
Shoulders are down.
[Graves] Iyo able to avoid the kick. Shoulders down.
[Cole] Corey, who's got the advantage tomorrow night in this Triple Threat,
do you think?
[Graves] That's a really, really tough question, Cole,
and I could make a strong case for each of the women.
Asuka knows what it means to sit at the top of the mountain.
Charlotte Flair practically exists there.
I think the onus is on Iyo
to have maybe the most impressive outing of her career.
I don't know if that's an advantage,
but some Superstars thrive under pressure.
[Patrick] Is there a best strategy you can have, Corey,
in a Triple Threat Match?
[Graves] I try to create as much distance as I can from the other two,
and make sure I'm able-- Oh!
[Cole] Bayley taking the bullet for Iyo Sky,
shoving Sky out of harm's way.
[Graves] That's teamwork. That is why Bayley is a role model.
[Cole] And that's also the reason, guys, I'm giving Iyo Sky
the advantage tomorrow night,
because there's no disqualification, so Damage CTRL can get involved.
[Patrick] Asuka from a height.
[Cole] Double dropkick by The Empress.
She and The Queen are on a roll here on SmackDown.
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks.
We're live tonight for Friday Night SmackDown
in St. Louis, Missouri.
Flair and Asuka teaming up
against Damage CTRL's Iyo Sky and Bayley,
just 24 hours before they compete at Fastlane.
This, moments ago.
[Graves] Teamwork by Damage CTRL.
Dakota Kai steadying Asuka,
allowing Iyo to deliver the kick.
The Empress in a bad way right now.
[Cole] Again, to the point I made before the break, guys,
Damage CTRL could do whatever they want tomorrow night
under Triple Threat rules,
and Iyo Sky, I think, has a distinct advantage heading into tomorrow.
[Patrick] The advantage now for Damage CTRL,
but Asuka out in time.
[Graves] I noticed after delivering that vertical suplex,
Bayley immediately started favoring her left knee.
Bayley's had some troubles in the past with her knees.
I wonder if that's gonna factor in to this matchup.
[Bayley] I told you. I told you…
[Patrick] What about Bayley pretending to understand Japanese last week, Corey?
[Graves] Why do you ask me? Like I pretend to know other languages, KP?
I barely pretend to understand you.
[Patrick chuckles]
[Patrick] Bayley putting Iyo Sky in a tough spot tomorrow evening.
Triple Threat to defend for WWE Women's Championship.
[Graves] Charlotte Flair eager to join the fight.
Shoulders were down momentarily.
This body scissors applied by the champion,
using her powerful legs to squeeze the breath out of Asuka.
Stacked again!
[Patrick] Iyo out just in time.
[yelling]
[Patrick] Oh!
[Graves] The official's view is obscured by the body of Iyo.
Nefarious behavior by the WWE Women's Champion.
[Cole] Pulling out all the stops, showing her vicious side.
[Graves] Asuka tastes great, less filling.
[Patrick] Graves, how impressed have you been with the Iyo era so far?
[Graves] I've been extremely impressed, but Iyo isn't out to impress me.
Iyo needs to gain the respect of the entire roster.
That means within Damage CTRL, that means from Charlotte Flair,
to the bottom of the card.
Everyone needs to respect the champion in the same way.
[Cole] Hey, beat Asuka and Charlotte tomorrow night, you'll command respect.
[Graves] You're absolutely right.
Bulldozed back into the corner.
Damage CTRL has done a fantastic job of cutting the ring in half
and isolating Asuka, keeping The Queen out of the equation.
[Cole] Oh!
[Patrick] Bayley responds, kick to the midsection.
Now you're seeing the chemistry between Bayley and Iyo.
-Go tag your partner! -Yeah!
Tag your partner!
[Graves] There's a lot to be said for tag team chemistry.
Yes, Charlotte and Asuka have had success as a team in the past.
-But Bayley and Iyo are a unit. -[Patrick] Oh! Tag.
[Graves] They travel together, they train together.
They prepare together.
-Oh! -[Patrick] Oh, that's exactly your point.
[Graves] Cover here by the champion.
[Patrick] "The Queen" Charlotte Flair, quickly inside.
[Cole] Oh, Charlotte's had enough of the constant double-teaming.
[Graves] It's gonna be Charlotte's one designated breakup
for this matchup.
[Graves] Tries it again, she's gonna risk disqualification.
But again, Iyo targeting the arm of Asuka,
who's fighting back with everything she's got.
[Patrick] Asuka so rapid with those blows.
[Cole] Trying to create just some sort of space
-and try to make a tag to her partner. -[Graves] Oh!
[Patrick] Look at Asuka go.
Taster for tomorrow night, is it? Asuka…
[crosstalk]
[Graves] Asuka attempted the cover,
just, Iyo was able to keep her shoulder off of the mat,
and the Shotei just rocked Asuka's world.
[Cole] Oh, and that rocked Iyo.
[Patrick] Powerful right. Can Asuka get across for the tag?
Charlotte desperate to get in.
[crowd cheers]
Tag made on both ends!
[Graves] A long-time rivalry renewed, Charlotte Flair and Bayley.
They're gonna write another new chapter-- From the top!
[Patrick] Oh, man! Crossbody to Bayley.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Listen to this place.
[crowd chanting "Woo"]
[Graves] I fully expect tomorrow night in Indianapolis
to be just as loud, just as raucous,
and as firmly behind The Queen as St. Louis is tonight.
[Cole] Ah! Classic Charlotte there.
[Patrick] Charlotte hitting peak form here,
with a championship on the line tomorrow night.
The most decorated female Superstar on the planet,
and Charlotte Flair is looking good here.
[Cole] Neckbreaker by The Queen.
-[Graves] Oh, nice counter. -[Cole] To your point, Corey,
these two know each other so well. Over a decade together.
[Graves] Oh!
Charlotte got a little too fancy and got caught by Bayley,
but turned the tides back into her own favor.
Things are looking bleak for the Role Model.
-Eyes on the prize. -There it is!
[Patrick] Look at that from Charlotte. Cover!
Oh, Bayley kicking out.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Take a look at this.
The front walkover from Charlotte Flair into the clothesline,
driving Bayley all the way down to the canvas,
but not enough to end this just yet.
[Charlotte grunts]
[Cole] Tag.
[Graves] Charlotte connecting with the boot.
Asuka, the legal competitor for her team.
[Patrick] Bayley somehow creates that tiny bit of separation,
but Asuka has her where she wants her now.
Tag made.
[Graves] A little tandem offense incoming.
[Flair] There you go.
[Graves] This does not bode well for Bayley.
[Cole] Oh, look at Dakota Kai, distracting the official.
Iyo now, not legal in this matchup.
[Patrick] Oh my God.
Oh my God!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Like a car crash in the middle of the ring,
all four women down.
[Cole] Who could seize the opportunity? As we take another look,
watch the impact.
[Graves] Iyo wisely using Asuka and Charlotte's own momentum
to drive all three women down.
Unfortunately, Bayley was a casualty.
[Patrick] And this, less than 24 hours now before three of these competitors
will be involved in the Triple Threat Match at Fastlane.
[Graves] I think it's safe to say all four will be involved
in some way, shape, or form, even if it's only morally.
Of course, I'm referring to Bayley, the Role Model, and her strong morality.
[Cole] Let's make it five, with Dakota Kai.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Patrick] Big boot to Bayley, quickly in.
[Graves] For the cover and the big… Oh! Meteora!
[Iyo Sky screaming]
[Graves] Iyo Sky just took out Charlotte Flair,
kept this matchup alive, but now Bayley needs to make the tag
so Iyo can become legal.
The official exercising a little leeway,
understanding the magnitude of the matchup.
[Patrick] Big boot to Bayley, Asuka has the Role Model now.
[Graves] This thing is breaking down in spectacular fashion.
-[Patrick] Oh! Oh! -Oh, no!
[Graves] Watch Bayley, from behind.
[Patrick] Bayley now, to get the victory. Charlotte out just in time.
What just happened?
[Graves] Bayley just rocked Charlotte Flair, is what happened.
Bayley needs to make a cover. The Queen is down.
[shrieking]
[Cole] Oh, look at this. Mocking Charlotte.
Going for Charlotte's finish, the Figure-8!
[Graves] Wait a minute! And Iyo sent crashing to the floor.
Natural Selection!
[Patrick] Charlotte to get the victory now. Can she do it?
-She's got it! -[bell rings]
[announcer] Here are your winners. The team of Asuka and Charlotte Flair!
[Cole] Charlotte does that tomorrow night, she's winning the championship.
[Graves] This could have been an extremely demoralizing defeat for Iyo Sky.
Being on the losing end of things this close to a high-stakes championship
Triple Threat tomorrow night at Fastlane.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] The Queen reigned supreme tonight.
Can she take the throne tomorrow?
I'm not authorized to do anything without the blessing of The Tribal Chief.
OG, The Tribal Chief gots to be here to authorize.
He ain't never here. I'm here.
You got to be here to make some… some…
You left the door open? Uh-huh.
I'm saying, OG, he got to be here to make some calls.
Looks like y'all in the wrong locker room, huh?
Nah. We're exactly where we're supposed to be.
[Patrick] LA Knight was in fighting form earlier on tonight
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
The self-proclaimed Megastar doesn't want to wait till tomorrow night.
He's got a one-on-one match with Jimmy Uso in our main event tonight.
[rock music playing]
[Ripley] Everybody out.
Mr. Heyman and I have to have a little chat.
Priest.
I'll be fine.
Thank you. It's okay.
It's okay. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.
Let's talk.
Man, what I wouldn't give to be a fly on one of those walls right now.
You can feel the tensions rising.
And with Roman Reigns returning live next week,
you got to wonder what The Tribal Chief is thinking about all this.
Certainly a tense moment, as it was last week on Friday Night SmackDown
when Bobby Lashley lit a fire under The Street Profits.
-Bobby, let me-- -I don't wanna hear it.
I don't want to hear excuses.
You want something out of me? Prove it.
[Patrick] The All Mighty motivator.
We go to the United States Championship Match later that night.
Rey Mysterio gets the victory.
And just as we were about to see a moment of respect between Mysterio
and Santos Escobar,
The Street Profits, from out of nowhere.
[Graves] Dawkins and Ford received their marching orders.
"Prove it" to The All Mighty.
And they did just that.
[Patrick] A vicious beatdown to The LWO.
[crowd oohing]
[crowd booing]
If Rey wants the three of us… [chuckles]
Sure. Yes.
It's gonna be easy money, dawg.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Bobby Lashley would go on to say, "It's about time.
Let's get down to business."
["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. playing]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka That's my pueblo ♪
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by The LWO,
he is the United States Champion,
WWE Hall of Famer,
Rey Mysterio!
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] WWE Fastlane is sponsored by Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Buy the bundle today on Xbox Series X and S,
PlayStation 5, and PC. Rated M for mature.
[Cole] You know, Rey Mysterio has made a career
out of being the underdog and knocking off
some of the biggest Superstars in the history of WWE.
Corey, he's got his work cut out for him tonight.
[Graves] 'Cause "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
playing the role of Goliath,
and Goliath and The Street Profits have formed an alliance
at the expense of The LWO, Rey Mysterio in particular,
while the Hall of Famer looks for some payback.
One-on-one with Lashley, next.
♪ Dig the hole for the coffin It's no mystery, Rey ♪
♪ That he's a dead man walkin' ♪
♪ (El dia de los muertos) Say a prayer for the living ♪
♪ Ask God to take my soul… ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] And fellas, I know you're excited about this one.
The gravity-defying Dragon Lee is here on Friday Night SmackDown tonight,
taking on the so-called "150 million hit-man," Austin Theory.
[Graves] There's nothing so-called about it. It's a fact.
-It's a number. The numbers don't lie. -[Cole] It's self proclaimed.
[Graves] He didn't proclaim all those digits on the YouTube page.
-They're there! -[Cole] No, they're right there!
[Patrick] Meanwhile, here we go.
Rey Mysterio, the Hall of Famer,
in a David versus Goliath Match against The All Mighty.
["All Mighty" by def rebel playing]
[blasts]
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied by The Street Profits,
weighing in at 273 pounds,
"The All Mighty"
Bobby Lashley!
[Graves] I wasn't around that long ago,
but I have to imagine that The All Mighty would make Goliath
-look like David. -[Cole laughs]
[Graves] Look at the size of Bobby Lashley.
[Patrick] And this match coming less than 24 hours now,
before Lashley and The Street Profits are in action against The LWO.
The word is, Rey Mysterio is absolutely irate
with the beatdown that The LWO received unexpectedly
from Bobby and The Street Profits last week.
[Cole] Well, Bobby Lashley gave The Street Profits marching orders.
"You want to be a part of my team, you've got to prove yourself."
And they did just that, attacking and beating the hell
out of The LWO.
And tomorrow night, it is about revenge.
But for tonight, Rey Mysterio is just trying to survive
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Patrick] But Bobby Lashley on The SmackDown LowDown,
which airs on Saturday mornings on Peacock,
-said this wasn't about Rey at all… -[bell rings]
when referring to that beatdown.
He said it was about The Street Profits proving their dominance.
"I was proud of the way they did that."
Is that not disrespectful toward the Hall of Famer, Corey?
[Graves] You know the old saying, "If you're gonna make an omelet,
you've got to break some eggs."
What better egg to break than a Hall of Fame egg?
Rey Mysterio.
[Patrick] Bobby Lashley, at this point in his career,
is primarily concerned with carving out and etching his own legacy.
[Graves] Look at the size disparity between these two athletes.
[Cole] Yeah, but Rey Mysterio has never allowed that to stop him in the past.
The "biggest little man" in the history of WWE.
[Graves] Santos Escobar just walked over here to remind us
that when it comes to competing in the ring,
it's the size of the heart that matters,
and no one has a heart quite like Rey Mysterio.
Easy work, man. That's easy work.
[Cole] We hear Dawkins-- it's "easy work."
Tonight, telling Bobby Lashley.
[Graves] If I were Dawkins and Ford,
I would hesitate to become too confident this quickly.
It was just a short period of time ago
that The Street Profits were not exactly in the best graces of The All Mighty.
[Patrick] Proving their worth last week with that vicious beatdown,
and already here we're seeing the power of "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Cole] They seem pretty chummy tonight.
Must have been a good week for Lashley and The Profits.
I would say the stock is going up for this group.
[Graves] I completely agree.
-Oh, my! -[Graves] Oh!
Unfortunately, when you're an athlete the caliber of Bobby Lashley,
you expect immediate results.
Bobby didn't want a developmental plan for The Street Profits.
Bobby wants two guys to watch his back and elevate the three of them together.
[Cole] And one of the reasons they went after the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio,
you're not gonna start at the bottom, right? Start at the top.
Make him… Set an example.
[Graves] Exactly. Bobby's a former WWE Champion.
Lashley knows what it means to sit atop the mountain of sports entertainment.
[Cole] Mysterio, a former World Champion as well.
He's the current United States Champion.
Bobby's held that title three different times in his career.
[Patrick] Well, tomorrow night, fellas, Bobby Lashley will team up
with The Street Profits for the first time.
It's already been a unique relationship.
How do we expect that to fare against the well-oiled LWO?
[Graves] Only time will tell. And much like I said
in the tag team match prior to this,
chemistry can make or break a matchup,
and The LWO definitely has the chemistry advantage on their side.
[Patrick] There's the heart of Rey Mysterio fighting back.
But again… but the force of The All Mighty.
[Graves] Also, I think if you combine all of the members of The LWO,
they would not be nearly as big or bad as Bobby Lashley.
Great counter by Rey!
[Cole] And that's why Rey is so dangerous.
Just like that, he can pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat.
[Patrick] Are you kidding me?
For the victory of Bobby, out at one.
[Graves] Kickout with authority by The All Mighty.
[Cole] The Legendary Luchador.
Uh-oh!
[Graves] Lashley spilled to the outside and here comes Rey.
[commentators chuckle]
A 619 feint.
[crowd cheers]
Can Lashley regain control?
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks.
Bobby Lashley has Rey Mysterio where he wants him.
A one-on-one battle here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Good luck getting out of this bear hug if you're Rey Mysterio.
Imagine having those huge arms wrapped around your waist,
just sucking the air out of your body.
[Patrick] This, during the commercial break.
Lashley has Mysterio, and just listen to this.
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
-[loud thud] -[crowd gasps]
[Graves] Absolutely wrecking the WWE Hall of Famer off of the ring post.
And now The All Mighty, just trying to squeeze the last bit of life
out of Rey Mysterio.
[Patrick] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
[Graves] Rey Mysterio doing his best, fighting his heart out
against The All Mighty,
and Lashley may have just crushed Rey's sternum.
[Patrick] This all just one day before that Six-Man Tag Team Match.
The LWO against Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits at Fastlane.
[Cole] If this continues to progress at this rate,
Rey is gonna need tomorrow night off
to recover from the beating at the hands of Bobby Lashley.
Lashley, just such a massive individual,
manhandling Mysterio here.
The All Mighty's back looks like a mountain range.
[Graves] Still to come tonight, a massive main event,
as LA Knight goes one-on-one with Jimmy Uso,
just 24 hours before the tag team throwdown at Fastlane.
[Patrick] You're right guys, this is… this is hard to watch at this point.
[Graves] This is a sound strategy for Bobby Lashley.
Lashley is able to conserve his own energy
while simultaneously draining Rey's.
[Patrick] You think it's also a teaching lesson for The Street Profits,
what Lashley is doing right now?
[Graves] I think if Ford and Dawkins aren't paying attention
and taking mental notes, then they're missing a golden opportunity.
Bobby Lashley, a former WWE Champion, a multi-time United States Champion.
If Ford and Dawkins want to continue their ascent in WWE,
they'd better be paying attention.
The same can be said for The LWO watching Rey Mysterio.
They can't necessarily physically match what Rey can do in the ring,
but you can learn a great deal from studying a Hall of Famer.
Oh, right between the eyes of Bobby.
[Cole] Yeah, the heart, the resilience of Mysterio.
Of course, his storied career has been filled
with moments of great heart.
[Patrick] Oh!
[Graves] Lashley with a shot to the lower back.
Uh-oh. Not where Rey wants to be.
[Cole] Yeah. Rey is helpless as Bobby Lashley now begins to punish Mysterio.
[grunts, groans]
[Patrick] You're right, Corey.
With Fastlane tomorrow, what condition will the Hall of Famer be in?
[Graves] May have to shovel Rey up off the mat tonight
and put him in a wheelbarrow to Indy.
-Oh! -[Patrick] Oh! Well played, Rey.
[Cole] Yeah, turning point here.
Like I said, you never count Mysterio out.
-[Graves] From the very top rope. -[Cole] A seated senton by Mysterio.
[Lashley] Come on! Come on!
[Patrick] Rey, gathering momentum now. Taking out the knee of Lashley.
[Dawkins] Bobby, come on, man!
[Cole] Take the big man off his feet and take his power away.
[Dawkins] No, no, no…
-There we go! -[Patrick] Oh, no.
[Graves] I don't know know if you can ever truly take Lashley's power away.
-Oh! -[Patrick] Whoa!
[Graves] That'll daze Goliath.
[Patrick] Mysterio for the win, and Lashley out again.
-[Cole] What a DDT counter! -[Dawkins] Bobby, come on, man!
[Patrick] Cole, you've called pretty much most of the matches
in Rey Mysterio's career.
Never fails to turn up,
even against the odds.
[Cole] I don't know how he keeps doing it.
I mean, he is as good as now as he's ever been.
[crowd counting] …three, four, five, six, seven, eight,
-nine… -[man] Yeah, there we go!
[Patrick] Legendary Luchador continues to fight.
[Graves] Uh-oh! Caught in that vise-like grip of The All Mighty.
[Mysterio grunts]
[Graves] All the way up and-- Oh, Rey delivering a few knees.
[Cole] Again, Mysterio knows his way out of every situation.
[Graves] Break Lashley's grip for the moment.
-[Patrick] Rey may dial this one up! -[crowd cheering]
-Mysterio! Oh! -[Graves] Caught!
[Cole] This is not gonna be pretty.
[Patrick] Rey hanging on, doing all he can.
And Rey's got a response.
[Cole] Oh, and so does Lashley.
[Graves] Just an ax handle smash right in the grill.
[Cole] Nothing pretty about that.
[Graves] Raw power. Brute force.
[commentators] Boom!
[referee] Come on, now.
[Dawkins] Hey, what the heck's going on? Come on, now.
[indistinct shouts]
-Come on, now. The fight's over. -[indistinct shouts]
[Patrick] Lashley to the outside now.
[Graves] Oh, God!
The All Mighty just continuing to impose his will on the Hall of Famer.
Every time Rey tries to rally,
Bobby Lashley's there to snuff it out.
-[Patrick] Uh-oh! -[Cole] Lashley attacking Escobar.
-[Graves] But here comes Rey! -[Cole] Caught!
[Graves] Oh my God!
[Patrick] Oh, you're kidding me.
[Graves] Picked out of mid-air by The All Mighty.
-[Patrick] Oh, Bobby! -[Graves] But Rey out the back door.
Lashley collided with the ring post
and Rey with a few moments to change his fortunes.
[Cole] Rey's got an opportunity now.
-[Patrick] Mysterio! -[Graves] 619 to the body!
[Patrick] And they dial it up again.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] These are worth paying the roaming fees.
-[Patrick] 619 to the face of Lashley! -[Cole] Mysterio is gonna do it!
He's gonna pull off the upset.
[Graves] Can Rey muster the energy to make the climb,
as he has so many times?
Oh!
[Patrick] The LWO getting involved now.
[Graves] Montez Ford was just ripped off the apron by Cruz Del Toro!
[Patrick] Joaquin Wilde now, it's his turn to help out Rey Mysterio.
[grunts]
-Oh! -Oh!
-[Graves] Good night! Thanks for coming! -[indistinct shouts]
Get well soon.
[Patrick] Here comes Rey!
[Cole] The Profits just wiped out LWO!
[Graves] But Rey now back in the ring, look out!
Oh my God!
And you can count to 20!
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -["All Mighty" by def rebel playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, The All Mighty!
[Graves] Oh, Escobar just hit the ring yet again with a steel chair.
[Cole] I don't know how Mysterio is not split right in half.
Like, seriously, how is Rey not split in half?
[Patrick] Zelina Vega's face is all of us right now.
Just wait until tomorrow night at Fastlane.
Can The LWO get their revenge against Lashley and The Street Profits?
[Cole] Get their revenge? Two of The LWO have been completely wiped out.
They haven't moved.
Mysterio was almost disemboweled.
[Graves] Look at this double-team by The Street Profits on the outside,
wiping out Joaquin Wilde,
and one of the most hellacious spears ever delivered.
[Cole] And now the situation out here at ringside
is the officials are waving for help for The LWO members down here.
[Graves] I mean, are you surprised?
Joaquin Wilde, my God!
That was one of the gnarliest landings I've ever seen.
And Cruz Del Toro ate the ring stairs.
Things do not look good.
[Cole] Yeah, good luck tomorrow night, LWO.
[thrilling music playing]
[music fades ]
Come on. You're a wise man.
So make the wise decision.
We… We are stronger together.
The Judgment Day and The Bloodline.
I like it.
I… I think it's rather brilliant.
I'm kind of upset with myself for not thinking of it myself.
I haven't been myself lately.
But this is good.
I mean, it's really good. So if you don't mind…
If you'll excuse me for a moment…
I'm gonna make a phone call,
and I'm gonna get this authorized.
Authorized?
Uh, Ms. Ripley, I don't think you understand.
I need to get this authorized by my Tribal Chief.
Oh… I completely understand.
And I'm saying that it's authorized.
Yeah, for The Judgment Day, but not for The Bloodline,
and for The Bloodline, it can only be authorized by one human being.
And that human being is my Tribal Chief.
Paul…
Acknowledge me.
[crowd gasping and cheering]
Word from the wise.
Rhea, you're in the wrong locker room to say something like that.
-Am I? -Yeah.
You're gonna acknowledge me just like your former boy,
Jey Uso, acknowledged me on Monday Night Raw.
Otherwise, we're gonna find out who's stronger.
The Judgment Day…
or The Bloodline.
Now, you're authorized
to go make your little phone call.
Call Roman… Reigns.
-♪ A-Town ♪ -♪ Down ♪
[Graves] Power players making power moves.
Could you imagine, Cole?
[Cole] I can't.
Can you imagine both those groups working together for a common goal?
It would turn the WWE Universe upside down.
[Graves] But guys, it's the 150 million hit-man!
[Patrick] Ugh!
The 150 million hit-man, all day!
[fireworks blast]
["A-Town Down" by def rebel playing]
♪ We've got work here from the start Till the day's over ♪
♪ All day ♪
♪ Best believe I'm doing it my way All day ♪
♪ Victory's staring in my face… ♪
[Patrick] Well, folks, shop exclusive merchandise and WWE apparel
at the official WWE Fastlane Superstore
located inside the Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis.
The WWE Fastlane Superstore is open now and all weekend long.
Make sure you go to wwe.com for more details.
[Cole] Right now, St. Louis is the place to be.
[Patrick] It certainly is indeed.
A lot of people here are excited to see Dragon Lee.
Austin Theory wants all the limelight.
Will it come when they go one-on-one here on SmackDown?
[Cole] Wait till you see Dragon Lee in action.
[suspenseful music]
[woman] A deed without a name.
The curse will spread until we get what we want.
What we deserve.
You will all writhe beneath our feet.
We shall live deliciously.
[sinister laughter]
[shrieks]
[Patrick] If you're LA Knight, you've got to wonder
what's going on between The Judgment Day and The Bloodline.
This is to come later on tonight, folks.
Our main event between the self-proclaimed Megastar, LA Knight ,
and Jimmy Uso of The Bloodline.
[Graves] And if you're anybody other than Austin Theory,
you are wondering what it could possibly feel like
to be a 150 million hit-man.
[Patrick] Up against the man tonight, Corey, I know you're so impressed
with everything you've seen from Dragon Lee.
Cannot wait to see him here tonight on SmackDown.
[Graves] Keep your eyes on the skies. Dragon Lee defies gravity.
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, weighing in at 165 pounds,
Dragon Lee!
[Patrick] Dragon Lee's opponent tonight, Austin Theory, is a man, Cole,
you said is an egomaniac last week,
and Theory seemed a little irritated
when Dragon Lee was getting attention on SmackDown.
[Cole] Yeah, because we played this highlight package
to show the world who Dragon Lee is.
Austin Theory was upset
they didn't play an Austin Theory highlight package.
He made short work of Cameron Grimes with the A-Town Down,
and then returned his attention once again to Dragon Lee.
The problem with Austin Theory and his buddy Grayson Waller,
they believe that they should dominate every single moment here
on Friday Night SmackDown, and Dragon Lee said that's not the case.
[Graves] When's the last time Dragon Lee got 150 million hits
on anything that he did?
I mean, that could very well be in the future, but not yet.
Everyone here, you are all in the presence of greatness
because of Austin Theory!
[crowd boos]
Hey, don't boo me like that because I'm beating icons,
I'm beating my own personal role models.
Hey, I'm such a nice guy, I even let Dwayne share this ring with me.
-[Cole] Oh my God. -[crowd boos]
-[Graves] He is a nice guy. -And speaking of me,
I am the 150 million hit-man.
And as soon as that bell rings, Dragon Lee, well,
your 150 is gonna be a 150-second-long career
after you experience Austin Theory live.
[Cole] That was great.
Uh, anyhow, Theory was telling us during the commercial break,
if you look at his knee pad, his left knee pad,
he has a golden microphone on that pad.
And he was telling me during the break that that is because
he put The Great One in his place on the microphone
a couple of weeks ago.
[Graves] It's really nice of Austin Theory to still carry The Rock
-around with him in WWE. -[Patrick] Oh, come on!
Corey, I know you've been so impressed.
You spoke about Dragon Lee a moment ago, but what's impressive?
[Graves] Oh, wow! Just like that. I don't need to say words.
Just keep your eyes peeled.
[Cole] This is all you need to know about Dragon Lee.
Rey Mysterio called Dragon Lee the, quote, "future of lucha libre."
-Cover here by Lee. -[Patrick] What a win this will be!
-Oh! Theory out at two. -[Graves] Be a massive upset but--
["Eye On The Prize" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] Oh my God! Things just got even better.
[Cole] I guess Theory needs the Waller rub.
[Graves] It's "The Waller Effect," Michael Cole.
And we should all be so lucky.
[Patrick] Oh! Cheap shot!
Austin Theory from behind.
[Graves] I mean, Dragon Lee, I understand. He was excited.
Grayson Waller, a bona fide star coming to ringside. It's intimidating.
[Cole] Well, he understands he's now in a two-on-one situation.
That's what Dragon Lee is worried about.
[Patrick] Dragon Lee has an answer.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Graves laughs] Oh!
[Cole] That might have got Theory. Cover.
[Patrick] Cover again for Dragon Lee and Theory out again.
What a soaring sensation this man is.
[Cole] Dragon Lee a dynamic, a second generation Superstar.
[Patrick] Landing on his feet, making it look easy, is Dragon Lee.
[Graves] Snap German suplex.
Theory wisely rolling to the floor, but…
Theory, I don't know if you're safe out here, man.
[indistinct shouts]
[Patrick] Of course.
[Cole] What business does this dude have on the apron?
Oh!
[Graves] Dropkick on point.
[Patrick] Let's see if Dragon Lee can get back in this match.
[crowd cheering]
-…hits! -[crowd boos]
[Cole] I'd like to know what Roman Reigns thought about Rhea Ripley's proposal
for The Bloodline and Judgment Day to work together against a common cause.
-Ooh! -I have a feeling we'll get our answer
in the season premiere, as Grayson Waller's stunned
as Dragon Lee stuns Austin Theory with a superkick.
[Patrick] Is it just me, or has Theory been rattled tonight
by the performance of Dragon Lee?
[Cole] Well, he's been rattled by Dragon Lee.
And I've been rattled by the fact that the loudmouth Waller
is out here at ringside for some reason.
[Patrick] A-Town Down Under. They've been a formidable force as a duo.
[Cole] They've had like two matches, Kevin.
[Patrick] Yet to lose.
[Graves] Undefeated.
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Graves] Oh!
[Graves] Dragon Lee…
gonna knock Theory off his perch tonight.
[Patrick] Bringing the pace, bringing the intensity.
[Cole] Oh, look at that. Right to the face.
Gonna be a shame if he knocks some teeth out.
[Graves] Not everyone thinks it's socially acceptable to wear a mask
everywhere you go, Michael Cole.
-Maybe that's cool with Dragon. -[Patrick] Dragon Lee here. Can he get it?
Austin Theory out again.
[Graves] Austin Theory would not have become the 150 million hit-man
without being incredibly handsome.
-[Cole] And he wouldn't have… -[Graves] And experiencing…
See, Waller's out here upset with the WWE Universe.
Grayson Waller and "The Waller Effect" certainly helped.
[Cole] He wouldn't have become the 150 million dollar hit-man
or million hit-man, or whatever you're saying,
if it wasn't for The Rock and Pat McAfee either, so.
[crowd] Let's go, Dragon!
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Graves] That's just your opinion, man.
[Patrick] Cover. Theory, now. Can he get the win?
And Dragon Lee is still alive.
Cole, you've called an awful lot of matches of youngsters breaking through,
and I can tell Dragon Lee excites you. Maybe more than most.
[Cole] He had an unbelievable match on Raw a couple weeks ago
against Dominik Mysterio for the North American Championship.
[Waller] You got 150, lad!
[Patrick] He's been busy, Dragon Lee.
Special guest referee at No Mercy as well.
[Graves] What, you think Austin Theory hasn't been busy?
You think Grayson Waller isn't busy?
They're booked and busy, KP.
[Patrick] And needing a bit of help, clearly, tonight,
with Grayson Waller by his side.
[Graves] What is wrong with moral support? I'm sorry your mom never hugged you.
[Cole laughs]
-[Graves] Great counter by Lee! Oh! -Oh!
[Patrick] Shoulders down. Can he get out?
Theory out.
[Cole] And again, just another part of the impressive offensive arsenal
of Dragon Lee.
This young man can do it all.
[Graves] I agree with you. I think the future is extremely bright for Dragon Lee.
Look at this counter into the sitout powerbomb,
stacked Theory high and nearly escaped with a massive win.
[Patrick] Theory in the drop zone now.
[Waller] You ain't doin' nothing.
[Cole] A distraction by Waller.
-This has become borderline ridiculous. -[Graves] Waller, a good-looking guy.
Gonna be honest, I'm having trouble focusing on my monitor
when he's this close.
-Look at that! Baby! -[Cole] Oh!
[Graves] Theory.
[Patrick] Is he gonna do… Oh, Dragon Lee, kicking out!
No. No!
[Cole] And Theory cannot believe that he didn't put Dragon Lee away.
[Waller] Punish! Punish!
[Graves] Theory muscling Dragon Lee up to that top turnbuckle.
And now Dragon Lee about to find out the meaning… Oh.
Uh-oh. Uh-oh!
This is not where Theory wants to be.
-Oh! -[Cole] Oh!
[Patrick] Oh, look, Waller… taking Theory out of harm's way.
[Cole] Isn't that lovely?
[Graves] But keep your eyes on Dragon Lee!
[Patrick] Watch out! [laughs]
[Graves] Down go Waller and Theory!
And Dragon Lee stuck the landing.
[Patrick] What can't Dragon Lee do?
Outrageous athleticism.
Oh, Grayson Waller, from behind.
[Cole] Not even Dragon Lee is gonna be able to come back
from what's a two-on-one assault here tonight.
This might as well be a handicap match.
[Waller] A-Town Down!
[Cole] I'm surprised these two egos can fit in the building here
in St. Louis tonight.
-Oh! -[Patrick] Oh, look at this.
[Graves] Is that Cameron Grimes?
A little payback.
[Cole] Theory shocked.
[Patrick] Oh no, wait a second!
Dragon Lee gonna get the victory.
-Oh, what a win for Dragon Lee! -[bell rings]
-["Control the Empire" by def rebel plays] -[announcer] Here is your winner…
Dragon Lee!
[Cole] I hope that victory is viewed 160 million times.
Impossible!
[indistinct shouts]
[Cole] Theory is livid.
[Graves] Understandably so.
♪ It′s getting hot right now, Time to heat it up… ♪
[Cole] A little payback for Cameron Grimes.
[Patrick] How impressive is Dragon Lee?
Look at this again.
[Graves] The height. The impact.
And right as Austin Theory looks to end things,
Cameron Grimes rears his head,
which distracts Austin Theory
and allows Dragon Lee to execute the shocking pinfall victory.
♪ Walking through flames Burn it up ♪
[Patrick] You'd say the sky's the limit,
but maybe there are no limits for Dragon Lee.
Congratulations.
A massive victory here on Friday Night SmackDown.
That's right, baby. Just like that.
♪ Fire, fire, rain down Walking through the flames… ♪
[Patrick] Rhea Ripley. Oh!
[indistinct dialogue]
[Patrick] What is this all about?
[Graves] Stop talking and listen.
[indistinct chatter]
I'm with you, though. That's okay, but…
Are they okay?
They're still being evaluated by the doctor.
There's no way they're gonna compete tomorrow.
-Oh! -What are we gonna do?
As much as I want to smack Bobby up myself right now,
this is a Six-Man Tag Match.
There's only two of us, and three of them.
[speaking Spanish]
Let me make a phone call.
[sighs]
Right there. Right there. Oh!
Things certainly don't look positive for The LWO.
Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro-- out.
You could say the same about the health of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
In recent times, a lot of concern around Rollins' back.
Tomorrow at Fastlane, Seth Rollins will defend
his World Heavyweight Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura.
And that is the subject of our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive,
a Triple Threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Rollins] At Payback, Shinsuke Nakamura
did everything he said he was gonna do.
[Nakamura speaking Japanese]
[Rollins] But last time I checked…
[crowd cheering]
One, two, three!
[Rollins] …I'm still the World Heavyweight Champion!
But there's one thing, guys.
Shinsuke Nakamura was able to walk out of the building.
That just doesn't sit right with me.
What do you say we have ourselves
a World Heavyweight Championship rematch right now?
No.
[Nakamura speaking Japanese]
[Rollins] I am losing my mind!
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get that son of a bitch in the ring.
[Nakamura speaking Japanese]
Shinsuke, you name the time.
You name the place.
You can even name the stipulation if you want.
[in Japanese]
[in English]
[Rollins] Last man standing, huh?
Shinsuke Nakamura has made one critical mistake.
The only way my family is gonna be ashamed of me
is if I don't give it everything I got.
If my back gives out and I can't do it anymore,
what matters is that I left it all in the ring.
[Nakamura]
[speaking Japanese]
[suspenseful music playing]
[pained screams]
[groans]
One, two, three…
four, five, six…
seven, eight, nine, ten!
[music fades]
[Cole] And here is the situation.
There is Damian Priest, Señor Money in the Bank.
Inside the briefcase, a contract that he can cash in
any time for a World Championship opportunity.
And we know that tomorrow night,
Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura
are going to beat the hell out of one another.
Could tomorrow night be the night for a cash in?
They will be battered. They will be broken.
And remember, the greatest trick the devil ever pulled
was making the world forget that he existed.
The question remains, will Seth Rollins be able
to retain his World Heavyweight Championship?
Or will the predictions of the wayward samurai Shinsuke Nakamura prove true?
You must incapacitate your opponent so that they cannot answer
the official's count of ten.
Last Man Standing.
[Patrick] Revenge is on the mind of Rey Mysterio.
But the big question is who's gonna step up for The LWO?
Rey Mysterio made a phone call moments ago.
Who was it to? We'll find out in the Six-Man Tag tomorrow.
[Cole] And it is the biggest match of her career and the biggest challenge,
as Iyo Sky puts her WWE Women's Championship
on the line against two all-time greats, Asuka and Charlotte Flair,
in a Triple Threat Match where the champion
does not have to be involved in the decision to lose the title.
[Graves] "The Prince" Finn Bálor, "Señor Money in the Bank" Damian Priest,
will defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
against "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
and "Main Event" Jey Uso.
[Patrick] And it is a dream tandem.
The 16-time World Champion John Cena teaming up
with LA Knight to take on The Bloodline's Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa.
["Born A King" by def rebel playing]
♪ Uso! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring
by special counsel the Wiseman Paul Heyman,
weighing in at 251 pounds,
Jimmy Uso!
[Patrick] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Cole] Important match, guys, to set the tone
for tomorrow night at Fastlane.
[Patrick] You got to wonder what was going on backstage.
Rhea Ripley having a word with this man, Jimmy Uso.
Jimmy Uso set to go one-on-one
with the self-proclaimed Megastar, LA Knight.
It's our main event on SmackDown, next.
[Patrick] Enormous news breaking here on SmackDown earlier tonight.
The WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
who's been running WWE now for 1,135 days,
returns to SmackDown next week,
live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
[Graves] That's reason for a "Yes, boy!"
Because Pretty Deadly have rolled down the road to recovery right into a rematch
with Butch and Ridge Holland.
We'll find out if "Elton Strong" will be enough to pull off the win,
next week here on SmackDown.
[Cole] And we received breaking news that Triple H
will make a special appearance next week
on the season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown
live from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Right here on Fox.
[Patrick] Did you hear the roar here in the arena for The Game?
Meanwhile, the Wiseman Paul Heyman in conversation with Jimmy Uso
who's set to go one-on-one.
Just listen.
["Welcome to LA" by def rebel playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing 240 pounds, LA Knight!
[Cole] You know, this is an--
This is an enormous weekend in the career of LA Knight.
Obviously, the one-on-one match here, main event on Friday Night SmackDown,
and then tomorrow the opportunity to team
with the Greatest of All Time at Fastlane, John Cena.
[Patrick] LA Knight has been riding this wave of momentum for months now in WWE.
Paul Heyman alluded to it earlier tonight.
As we head to Tulsa, Oklahoma next week here for the season premiere
of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
Corey, will LA Knight be coming off the biggest win of his career or not?
[Graves] He very well may be. And I want to disagree with you
in the sense that LA Knight is not just riding
a recent wave of momentum.
Knight is a guy who has fought and scratched
and clawed for this opportunity
for years and years around the world before arriving in WWE.
Now we find out if LA Knight is the real deal,
because we'll know if he can sink or swim.
[Patrick] What about what Paul Heyman said about LA Knight earlier on tonight,
saying the next big Superstar is going to be LA Knight?
[Cole] Well, I mean, if you can take Paul Heyman's word.
I don't ever believe a word the guy says, but his massive endorsement…
[Uso] We the best in the damn ring!
[LA Knight] Oh, I heard. You know I heard.
Yeah! Oh, yeah!
-Oh, yeah, I heard. -Oh, yeah!
-So we can do this. -I'm telling you.
[Graves] I'm spending a lot of time talking about LA Knight,
and deservedly so, but let's talk about Jimmy Uso
and the evolution we've seen from Jimmy Uso
over the past several months.
Now he's been able to step out of his brother's shadow.
He's standing on his own two feet,
and we're getting to meet the real Jimmy Uso.
[Cole] And I'm gonna be interested to see how Jimmy Uso
acts next week on Friday Night SmackDown
with the return of Roman Reigns, because over the past couple of weeks,
Jimmy Uso showing a lot more confidence,
stepping up a lot more, taking the leadership role
in the lack of Roman Reigns' presence.
[Graves] Jimmy Uso, in recent weeks, has been something of a shot caller
within The Bloodline. I kinda like that. I'm gonna start calling him that.
[Patrick] Cole, you've said it. Jimmy Uso's status within The Bloodline
depends on Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Of course. You guys got to remember something, right?
Roman Reigns has not definitively come out yet
and said that Jimmy Uso is back in the group.
Roman Reigns makes that ultimate decision.
So Jimmy can walk around here, Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman,
and tell the entire world that Jimmy's a part of this,
but until Roman Reigns says he is, we still don't know.
[Graves] And I completely understand and agree with that assessment, Cole.
I have a feeling that Jimmy Uso is trying to prove to Roman Reigns
that "I got you. I got you, Tribal Chief.
If you're not here, Jimmy Uso can hold down the fort."
Jimmy Uso can call the shots in the absence of the Head of the Table.
[Cole] What about Roman Reigns?
Is he gonna want to share power with another group?
The Judgment Day, for instance,
in the offer made by Rhea Ripley earlier tonight?
[Patrick] Fascinating development for sure,
as Paul Heyman made that phone call to Roman Reigns.
-Ooh! -Oh!
[Cole] Back elbow floors Jimmy Uso.
[Patrick] What about tomorrow night at Fastlane?
Jimmy Uso teaming up with… Yes, it's his brother,
but they haven't exactly been on the same wavelength in recent weeks.
Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso.
[Cole] Oh, what a power slam. Cover here by Knight.
[Patrick] LA Knight looking to put away Jimmy Uso early, who kicks out.
[Cole] Jimmy, of course, trying to repair that relationship with his brother Solo,
and tomorrow night will go a long way
in proving whether or not that's the case.
And I also think whatever happens tomorrow night
is going to really play into the return of Roman Reigns next Friday.
What if Roman Reigns comes back to Solo and Jimmy
losing at Fastlane?
[Graves] I guarantee you that is-- Uh-oh!
Knight was looking for the BFT.
Uso able to get out of Dodge.
But I assure you, Cole…
[commentators] Oh!
[Graves] …that that may be the single greatest motivator
for Jimmy Uso and Solo tomorrow night at Fastlane,
knowing that The Tribal Chief is coming back on Friday.
You know Jimmy and Solo would love
to have something to present at the feet of The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] I want to get back to LA Knight for a moment,
because you talked about the wave of momentum.
It's just recently here in WWE
that LA Knight is starting to understand and realize the fruits of that labor.
[Graves] The malice in the eyes of Jimmy Uso.
[Patrick] Oh, my!
[Graves] Superkick by the shot caller.
[Cole] Good night, LA Knight.
[Graves] I see what you did there.
[Patrick] Brilliant atmosphere tonight in St. Louis, Missouri,
just 24 hours before Indianapolis and Fastlane.
It's LA Knight and Jimmy Uso.
They'll be doing battle tomorrow in a tag team match
where Knight will team up with John Cena.
-Oh! -Oh, man.
[Graves] Fantastic offense by Knight.
[Cole] You know what I find fascinating, over the fact
that LA Knight's heading into this match tomorrow night?
Take another look at this.
Bang! Look at the impact.
At Fastlane, teaming with the Greatest of All Time, John Cena.
And Corey, I don't know about you, but to me,
LA Knight doesn't seem phased by the enormity of this at all.
[Graves] I completely agree, and that's what makes LA Knight special.
If you talk to the man, LA will tell you,
"I belong here. I am exactly where I am supposed to be."
It may have taken him a little longer than he expected,
but LA Knight believes he belongs at the top of the card
with the GOAT.
[Patrick] Planting Jimmy Uso. Quickly back up on his feet.
There's an urgency about the performance of LA Knight here.
[Cole] LA Knight realizes, build momentum…
toward tomorrow night.
Continue the upward rise here in WWE.
-Cover here by Knight. -[Patrick] Grabs the leg.
Can he put away Jimmy? Not yet.
[Graves] And LA Knight's a student of the game.
LA Knight realizes what is at stake tomorrow night,
and it's not just the winner's share of the purse.
It's to have your name mentioned regularly as a victor alongside John Cena,
as a victor over two members of The Bloodline.
The stakes are absolutely enormous for LA Knight.
[Cole] If you talk to the all-time greats here in WWE over the years,
the one thing that they've all had is confidence in one's self…
[crowd] LA Knight!
…when no one else believed they had.
[Patrick] Oh, listen to the WWE Universe behind LA Knight.
-[Cole] And there's no lack of-- -[Patrick] Oh, watch out. Solo Sikoa!
[bell rings]
[Graves] The Enforcer of The Bloodline laying waste to LA Knight.
-["The Time is Now" by John Cena plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Why wait until tomorrow?
[Graves] The Greatest of All Time is here again.
[Patrick] Dumps Sikoa out of the ring.
Here we go with John Cena!
[Cole] Paul Heyman trying to keep Solo out of the mess,
saying wait for tomorrow night at Fastlane.
[crowd] Cena! Cena! Cena!
[The Judgment Day's music playing]
[Patrick] Oh, dear.
[Cole] Things have gone from bad to worse.
The Judgment Day is here in force.
[Patrick] That meeting with Rhea Ripley and Paul Heyman.
[Graves] Right now, it might as well be LA and JC versus the world.
[Cole] But the question is, are they here for Knight and Cena,
or are they here for The Bloodline?
Did Heyman turn down the offer or not?
Authorized!
[Cole] Well, I guess we've got our answer.
[Graves] God help us all.
-[Patrick] Oh my God. -[Cole] God help LA Knight and John Cena.
Go.
[Cole] Completely outmanned, completely outgunned.
[Graves] This is like a damn army out here at ringside.
[crowd chants]
[Patrick] This is gonna get ugly.
[Cole] The two most dangerous groups in recent history in WWE
have formed, at least for tonight, a truce.
["Main Event Ish" by def rebel playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] But Cena…
and Knight…
have some backup!
♪ Day one ish It's just me, uce ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ It's just me, uce ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ It's Jey, I line 'em all up and knock 'em down like this ♪
[Graves] Face to face with his brother Jimmy.
[crowd chants]
[Patrick] Still heavily outnumbered.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] No, they're not.
The American Nightmare!
♪ Adrenaline… ♪
-[music stops] -[crowd] ♪ …in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[crowd stops singing]
-[Rhodes growls] -[Cole] And here we go.
[Graves] A brawl is underway. Batten down the hatches, guys!
[Patrick] Look out!
[Cole] A little preview of tomorrow night come early.
[Patrick] We know Cody Rhodes is teaming up with Jey Uso tomorrow night
for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
[Graves] But Cody's taken to the air!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] It looks like "Main Event" Jey is about to join the party.
[Patrick] Jey's turn!
[Cole] I want to see Cena fly over the top rope.
[Graves] GOATs aren't meant to fly.
-[Graves] Uh-oh! -[Cole] Uh-oh!
[crowd chants] Cena! Cena! Cena!
[Patrick] John Cena with the first right.
[Cole] Solo swung--
-Oh! -Oh!
[Cole] Cena landed first, and Solo drops the GOAT.
[indistinct shouts]
[screams]
[Cole] Went for the Samoan Spike!
[Graves] Solo sent to the outside. Look out.
-[Patrick] JD McDonagh. -[Graves] BFT!
[Patrick] Oh! Superkick!
[Cole] Oh, Cena's got him in position!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Cole] John Cena with the legendary Five-Knuckle Shuffle!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] AA!
[Graves] I think Cody wants to teach JD a lesson.
[growls]
[Patrick] Cross Rhodes!
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[Graves] Life in the Fastlane.
Well, The American Nightmare is primed and ready for a fight.
And tomorrow night he joins forces with "Main Event" Jey Uso
to challenge Finn Bálor and Damian Priest of The Judgment Day
for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
[Patrick] Fastlane cannot get here quick enough.
[Cole] I cannot wait for the Greatest of All Time,
John Cena, to team up
with the self-proclaimed Megastar LA Knight
to take on The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and his brother Jimmy Uso,
live, tomorrow night, in Indianapolis at Fastlane.
♪ Here to change the game, a banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom… ♪
[Graves] There is mayhem all across the ringside area.
Bodies everywhere.
♪ I am my kingdom♪
-Tomorrow night! Tomorrow night! -[Patrick] Roll on Fastlane.
Tomorrow night from Indianapolis, 8:00, Eastern.
♪ …give 'em what they came to see ♪
[Graves] Buckle up! Step on it!
♪ Hear the crowd on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain… ♪ he show ♪