[WWE signature intro playing]
[Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-The King of Kings! -You can't see me!
[Cena] Forever.
[crowd cheering]
Together.
[music fades]
[Graves] Six-man or should I say five-man tag action coming your way.
[Heyman] There's not one man here
that's worthy to stand in the ring by the side of The Bloodline.
OG, I'm worried.
I'm not.
[Graves] From behind, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso trying to get an early jump.
[crowd boos]
Well, you know, The Viper would love to compete.
Looks like we may have a traditional style tag team match.
[Patrick] But here's the problem. AJ can't stand LA Knight.
[Graves] Jimmy wasting no time grabbing the advantage.
Down goes Jimmy Uso.
[Patrick] LA Knight distracted by Solo.
Does he want to tag LA Knight?
You tried to screw me over.
[Graves] Jimmy Uso just dropped LA Knight on the outside.
Both men are down.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
[Graves] The Viper fighting through the pain.
Here comes Orton.
Randy Orton looking for vengeance tonight.
RKO!
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
-[Patrick] Wait a minute! -[Graves] Phenomenal Forearm.
[Patrick] LA Knight's turn.
Are the walls starting to close in on The Bloodline?
Call Roman Reigns.
Need to hurry up. It's a little cold out here.
Ain't nothing hot about Hotlanta.
Tribal Chief!
What's up, Uce?
All right. How was your flight, man?
-Wiseman? -Yes, my Tribal Chief.
What did I say?
You said to fix it.
And is it fixed?
No.
And that's why I'm here, to make everything right again.
Again.
Always.
Damn!
I'll fix it.
I'll fix everything.
[crowd cheering]
["Nobody Better Than Me" by def rebel playing]
[Patrick] With a lot on his mind, "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns
has arrived for tonight's Royal Rumble contract signing
from the sold-out, rowdy and proud State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Welcome folks to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
♪ Liftin' the wеight That they put on my shoulder ♪
♪ Now I'm the champ And they wanna be homies ♪
♪ But I ain't have friends When I was at my lowest ♪
♪ And now I'm the greatest Brushing off haters ♪
[song fades]
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a sold-out SmackDown
live from Atlanta, Georgia.
And welcome to the official contract signing
for the Fatal 4-Way Match at the Royal Rumble
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Championship.
At this time, without further ado, allow me to introduce
the first participant,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
["Phenomenal" playing]
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared ♪
[Graves] They are on their feet here at State Farm Arena
for Georgia's own AJ Styles.
[Patrick] Corey, he's a man that could care less
about the needs and wants of others.
It's about revenge at the Royal Rumble for AJ Styles.
[Graves] It's about dethroning The Tribal Chief
to the point that AJ Styles has developed an obsession.
Styles has seemed almost conflicted in recent weeks.
We've seen a side of AJ that we've never known before.
A dangerous side, a dark side.
Perhaps the side that can lead him to the top of the mountain.
[Patrick] Zero hesitation from The Phenomenal One.
Next, please welcome "The Megastar" LA Knight.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Patrick] The "Yeah!" movement alive and well here in Atlanta.
And could the Royal Rumble be the night when LA Knight
becomes a World Champion?
[Graves] In this world, there are nothing but possibilities.
Right now, LA Knight looks like a man who has a lot on his mind
and even more to say to the WWE Universe.
[wild cheering]
[Graves] A defiant Superstar who has captured the imaginations
and hearts of the entire WWE Universe.
Some might say LA Knight is the sentimental favorite
-to emerge victorious in St. Petersburg, -[crowd shouts "Yeah!"]
one week from tomorrow at the Royal Rumble.
[Patrick] The breakout star of 2023.
Can he be the star of 2024?
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy!
Now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome "The Viper" Randy Orton.
["Voices" by Rev Theory playing] ♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me ♪
♪ They understand, they talk to me ♪
♪ You got your rules and your religion ♪
♪ All designed to keep you safe ♪
[Patrick] "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton
in jovial spirits here on a massive night,
where Orton will not only just sign the contract,
he'll head to face Solo Sikoa later on this evening on SmackDown.
And after what went on last week with Solo Sikoa, this promises to be special.
[Graves] The Viper had better not make the mistake of overlooking Solo Sikoa.
Because if anybody has forced Orton to take a detour on his route
to the Royal Rumble, it is The Enforcer of The Bloodline.
What a raucous ovation
for The Viper tonight in Atlanta.
A 14-time World Champion.
Can Randy Orton make it 15, one week from tomorrow?
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me! ♪
[music fades]
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy!
And finally, ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please welcome
the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion
Roman Reigns.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is
-Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman!
Now, in case you're not watching your own show,
Mr. SmackDown executive,
your, your, your Tribal Chief
Roman Reigns and I just arrived.
We haven't had a chance to submit this contract to an attorney.
Well, let alone, even The Wiseman getting his eye…
[crowd booing]
…The Wiseman getting his eyes on that agreement.
So therefore,
unfortunately, Roman Reigns
will not sign
that contract this evening.
[LA Knight] Of course he wouldn't, because why would he?
Why would he?
Just so we're clear,
Roman Reigns isn't signing this contract.
Paul, that's absolutely fine.
Because I have three signatures here from the willing participants
and I'll simply make this a Triple Threat Match for the vacant…
Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Championship.
That's very bad. Tell [indistinct] that he's got to.
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy!
I…
I don't know if you realize this, but Mr. Aldis,
I care deeply about you, sir.
Sorry. I do.
I halfway respect and admire
the mediocre job that you've done
as the SmackDown executive in charge of the show
and the fact that you do such a mediocre job,
like so many other people back there.
But while doing it, you look really good at it,
especially in these
Paul Heyman-wannabe custom suits that you've been wearing.
But no matter how good you look,
there's no way you can sell this to the Board of Directors,
no way you can sell this to the fine, upstanding people of Atlanta, Georgia.
[crowd boos and cheers]
And no way you can sell it to your Tribal Chief,
who does call the shots here in WWE,
because The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns
should be defending the title at the Royal Rumble in a one-on-one match.
[crowd booing]
-I don't care-- -Will you shut the hell up?
[loud cheering]
You're right about one thing. This should be a one-on-one match.
I had Roman Reigns' shoulders pinned at Crown Jewel
and his cross-eyed half-wit cousins saved him.
But, Paul, you speak one more word,
I'll come over there, I'll cut bacon off your back.
This should be my rematch.
But instead, a couple of Johnny-come-lately's walk up.
You got AJ, you got Randy.
All of a sudden they get to jump to the front of the line
and be a part of the match
that should be mine after having a few months off.
-A few months off? -Yeah.
[crowd] Yeah!
Maybe you don't get it.
You see, The Bloodline tried to end my career
and you walked over my dead body to get that match with Roman Reigns.
And you lost.
[inaudible dialogue]
So you're lucky to be even in this match.
Luck? You got to be talking about the wrong guy.
If there's anybody with a horseshoe planted firmly up his keister,
it's got to be you.
I put it to you like this.
You should really watch the bass in your voice when you're talking to me
and maybe go ahead and turn all your attention to Roman Reigns.
That's real good, genius. You understand that we're not just fighting Roman Reigns.
We're fighting each other. Get that through your thick skull.
Oh, that's how it works? Thank you for that.
I'm glad you explained it to me because here's exactly how it works.
I walk in.
I pin Roman Reigns.
I become WWE Champion.
If that means I have to walk over your dead body again, I will do it.
The only difference being,
it won't be The Bloodline that leaves you laying,
It'll be the man with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
-[Patrick] Oh, it's all kicking off. -Styles has heard enough!
AJ Styles just decked LA Knight and Knight answering.
[Patrick] The animosity between these two, there for all to see.
[Graves] Styles and Knight throwing haymakers at one another.
Can you get some security out there?
Nick Aldis is breaking them up personally.
[Patrick] It's the SmackDown GM in the middle. Here comes…
[Graves] Some more WWE officials pouring out of the backstage area,
trying to keep Knight and Styles away from one another.
[Patrick] This is nasty between the man they call The Megastar and AJ Styles.
[crowd chants "Randy"]
[Graves] Oh! Styles trying to get some more,
and LA Knight happy to oblige.
Much to the delight of The Wiseman.
They're very good. Mediocre.
Mediocre.
Please don't hurt me. Please…
I see what you're trying to do, Paul,
and it's not gonna work, and I'll tell you why it's not gonna work.
It's not gonna work because later tonight, I am gonna drop Solo
and I'm gonna beat him right in the middle of this very ring.
One, two, three.
And after I do that, I am going to reintroduce to Roman Reigns
the three most dangerous letters
in all of sports entertainment.
R…
[Orton and crowd together] K…
[Orton and crowd together] O!
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me, they understand They talk to me ♪
[Graves] A crystal clear message from The Viper for The Tribal Chief.
The Wiseman better get to passing on the message.
[Patrick] You've gotta love that
from the calculated Randy Orton calling his shot.
Will he be able to back it up later on tonight when he faces the man
that silenced John Cena?
That's Solo Sikoa,
and that's to come here on SmackDown.
[Graves] Plus we've got the amazing duo
of Kayden Carter and Katana Chance bringing the party
and their WWE Women's Tag Team Title to the ring
when they defend against the Unholy Union
of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
[Patrick] We'll be hitting prime time tonight
when "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens
welcomes what I'd say is probably his least favorite guest,
United States Champion, "Social Media Maverick" Logan Paul.
It's gonna be an epic edition of the "KO Show" tonight.
Speaking of Logan Paul, the US Champ,
shades on, smiling and all,
arriving here in Atlanta, Georgia.
What's gonna go down tonight when Logan appears on the "KO Show"?
[Graves] I'll tell you what's gonna go down, KP,
whatever Logan Paul wants to do.
Because The Maverick holds the United States Championship
and in his opinion, he's running things tonight.
["Bad Apple" playing]
♪ It's me ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a six-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega,
Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde and Carlito,
The LWO!
[Patrick] I'll tell you what, Corey, it is great to see Carlito fit and healthy
and back in action tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
He's been ruled out for quite some time after a vicious attack by Santos Escobar.
Let's be having you folks.
Six-man tag team action.
The LWO, Latino World Order
against Legado Del Fantasma, next.
I want LA Knight tonight.
Fine. You got it.
♪ Carlito ♪
[Graves] Our general manager all too happy to oblige.
[Patrick] Well, folks, Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored
by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance.
[Graves] AJ Styles one-on-one with LA Knight.
That thing could get ugly in a hurry, as could this.
A few fireworks interspersed as the LWO
prepares for six-man tag team action.
Carlito alongside Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro.
Zelina Vega watching on.
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Rome] And their opponents, the team of Angel, Humberto, and Santos Escobar,
Legado Del Fantasma.
[Patrick] Santos Escobar claims that Carlito's to blame
for the path of destruction that he's left him.
His separation from the LWO.
It was two months ago when a sadistic and calculated Santos
put Carlito on the shelf.
[Graves] This attack would force Carlito to miss the Survivor Series
much to the delight of Santos Escobar.
We had Escobar join us on commentary last week here on Friday Night SmackDown.
He was able to tell us why he believed so deeply in himself,
in Angel, in Humberto.
And why, as he refers to it,
the Legado World Order is gonna take over SmackDown.
[Patrick] La familia, Legado family legacy as he sided with Angel and Humberto.
This has been so unbelievably heated
between Santos Escobar and Carlito. Carlito says he's a hypocrite.
He says he's not about family at all. He's about himself, Santos Escobar.
-Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] Will be Carlito.
-[Graves] Who's gonna start for… -You want me?
…Escobar's team, huh?
-Look out from behind. -It's Angel!
[Graves] Brilliant. Brilliant strategy out of the gate
from Angel, Humberto and Escobar.
[Patrick] Well, it's Santos Escobar.
Legado Del Fantasma with the last laugh last week on SmackDown.
Carlito returning with some vengeance this evening.
[Graves] Tag is made to Cruz Del Toro.
Think of the upward trajectory we've seen for Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde
since Carlito has come into the fold.
Since Santos has moved on to his own path.
It's really allowed for Del Toro and Wilde to shine.
Angel answers with a sharp knife edge chop of his own.
[Patrick] How impressive did Angel and Humberto look last week?
[Graves] Almost as impressive as this. Look at Cruz Del Toro fly!
-[Patrick] From behind, look at that! -Spectacular from Cruz Del Toro.
[Patrick] Tag made to Joaquin Wilde, and we know he can fly.
Back elbows from the LWO.
Joaquin is here to play.
[Patrick] Cover. An early kickout from Angel.
[Graves] Fantastic teamwork from Del Toro and Wilde.
Wilde got the fist up just in time.
I think to thwart whatever Angel had in mind.
-Here comes Humberto. -[Patrick] Impressive from Joaquin Wilde.
-Wow! -Look at this.
[Graves] Just a glancing blow, but enough to take out both men.
Wilde thinking about taking to the skies.
[Patrick] Better turn around quickly. Santos Escobar also sent to the outside.
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute.
Wilde and Del Toro…
[Patrick] Are gonna fly.
Wiping down Legado Del Fantasma!
Will tonight be the night for the LWO?
[Patrick] We're sold out tonight in Atlanta, Georgia.
13,470 of the WWE Universe.
Six-man tag team action.
The LWO, Carlito, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro
-against Escobar, Angel and Humberto. -[Graves] Wait a minute!
Wow! That's gotta do it. My God, what a move!
[Patrick] Angel and Escobar gathering momentum now.
-[Graves] Drop kick right in the face. -Humberto with the cover and…
there's Carlito.
-What are you doing? -All right. All right.
[Graves] Carlito keeping this matchup alive for the LWO.
Humberto looking to cut the ring in half and perhaps Joaquin Wilde as well.
I can't help but notice the physical transformations of both Angel and Humberto
since their last tenure here in WWE.
They've both added quite a few pounds of muscle there.
In phenomenal physical shape.
And… oh, wow!
Cover here.
Very arrogant.
[Patrick] I didn't think Joaquin Wilde was getting back up, as Escobar…
just taunting Carlito.
-Look at this again. -Double gorilla press…
dropping Wilde face first onto the knee of Escobar,
sliding in for a cover.
[Patrick] To put him away now, and kickout from Joaquin Wilde.
The LWO still alive here.
Eager for that victory as Humberto tags in.
[Graves] The LWO may still be alive, but let's be honest, KP,
Legado is dominating this matchup.
[Patrick] It was Joaquin Wilde that said
the legacy of lucha libre is at stake.
[Graves] Well, that's the thing.
That doesn't matter anymore to Santos Escobar.
Escobar has been very open about how he, in his opinion, is forsaking lucha libre.
He's carving his own path,
developing his own style.
He's got Angel and Humberto doing his bidding as well.
This is a very dangerous trio of men.
[Patrick] Do you feel Escobar's stock has continued to rise
-since making that decision? -[Graves] Absolutely.
Because the entire world has been talking about Santos Escobar by name,
about Angel and Humberto by name.
Not a blanket, not a group, not the LWO, individual Superstars.
[Patrick] Oh man!
[Graves] I don't know where the hell Joaquin Wilde dreamed that up.
Nor can Escobar! Can Wilde make the tag?
[Patrick] This could be the opening to get across quickly,
but it's Angel over the far side, wiping out the LWO.
[Graves] And that is fantastic wherewithal
and situational awareness displayed by Angel.
[Patrick] It's causing Humberto back inside now.
Joaquin Wilde landing on his feet.
Great athleticism. Tag made for Carlito.
Carlito is cool, but he's not cooling down any time soon.
Carlito's raging. Carlito wants retribution.
Carlito wants Escobar.
Carlito with the drop kick now on Angel.
The veteran is powered up and ready for the victory.
-Can he get it? -[Graves] Wow.
At the last possible millisecond, Escobar breaks up the fall.
[indistinct dialogue]
[Graves] Tempers flaring, but watch Humberto.
[Patrick] Humberto hooks that leg.
Can he do it? And just in the nick of time is Cruz Del Toro.
-My God. -[Graves] Del Toro with a diving headbutt.
Escobar connects with a kick.
Joaquin Wilde from the outside joining the fray.
[Patrick] You can see what it means to the LWO and to Santos,
Angel and Humberto.
Power into the canvas from Carlito.
[Graves] Carlito coming for Humberto. Wait, tag is made.
Tag was made. Backstabber by Carlito,
but Santos Escobar is legal from behind.
Shoulders down. Escobar steals one.
[bell rings]
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Mike Rome] Here are your winners, Legado Del Fantasma.
[Graves] What an effort.
Perhaps considered underhanded by some,
but the W will go in the record books
beside the names Escobar, Angel and Humberto.
What a win.
This is it, a real familia.
This is familia Legado.
Santos Escobar with the victory.
But now, please welcome my guests, Pretty Deadly.
-Hello. -Yes, boy.
Gentlemen, tonight, you face Tyler Bate and Butch.
Do you feel better prepared facing them tonight
than you did at New Year's Revolution?
What an astute question.
Because, yes, we do feel much better prepared,
because this time there'll be no surprises,
no mystery people who aren't on the roster.
-Okay? None of that. -We've spent the past week study--
-Oh, oh… -You're getting stressed out!
We have been studying these tapes on Tyler and Butch
because we're not just some pretty boys, let me say it again.
We are some pretty smart boys.
Pretty smart boys.
So we've never been better prepared to beat Tyler Bate and Butch.
-Yes, boy! -Yes, boy!
[Graves] You hear that, KP? They're pretty smart boys as well.
[Patrick] The fancy lads have arrived on SmackDown.
[Graves] Not often that Kayla Braxton
is the third most attractive person on screen at any given time.
-[Pretty Deadly's music playing] -[bell rings]
[Mike] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Kit Wilson and Elton Prince.
Pretty Deadly.
[Patrick] I wanna know what conditioner they're using.
Pretty Deadly, they say they've got their game plan for their rematch here tonight.
Will it be enough to topple the Brawling Butch and his new partner?
That's the Big Strong Boi.
How impressive was Tyler Bate on his SmackDown debut?
We're gonna do it all again
live here on Friday Night SmackDown from Atlanta, Georgia.
[Graves] It's Mane 'n Tail. You could have just asked me earlier.
Yes, boy!
["All Mighty" playing]
So Final Testament,
you thought your little intimidation tactics were gonna work?
Well, congratulations. You have our attention.
You know what? This is not even the smoke you really want.
Because we are not The Ones. But let me remind you who we are, though.
We are the triple crown that always puts it down,
Street Profits.
And it's the All Mighty of the All Mighty himself, Bobby Lashley.
Don't let the suits fool you.
While y'all was playing the part of the bogeyman hiding in the dark,
we've been the real monsters in the ring.
[Lashley] The Final Testament is a revelation.
If it's a fight that you want, we're businessmen…
all you had to do was ask.
Look, just name a time and a place.
We've been on the hunt for you guys for weeks.
When we find you,
we're gonna show you what real intimidation looks like.
[Graves] Highly motivated. All Mighty and the Street Profits.
[Patrick] From a ferocious All Mighty to Pretty Deadly.
Live here on SmackDown tonight looking for a little revenge.
[Graves] It's a different type of ferocity, KP.
[Patrick] Been constructing a game plan all week, they say,
looking to get that victory over Butch and Tyler Bate.
["Born Animal" by def rebel playing]
[Rome] And their opponents, first,
from Dudley, England, weighing in at 175 pounds,
Tyler Bate.
And his tag team partner.
["Stand Tall" by def rebel playing]
[Graves] Hell yes!
[Patrick laughs]
[Mike] From Birmingham, England, weighing in at 205 pounds,
Pete Dunne.
[Graves] This was the missing piece, KP.
We have talked for weeks about something of an identity crisis
being suffered by the man then known as Butch.
This is a Bruiserweight.
Perhaps the most sadistic technical mastermind in the game, Pete Dunne.
[Patrick] He was forced into a mission of rediscovery.
We saw that last week alongside Tyler Bate,
and it looks like in Bate, he's found the perfect tag team partner,
a man that he's known for over 12 years.
But it's a welcome back to Pete Dunne.
[Graves] Apparently teaming alongside Tyler Bate
reminded Pete Dunne of exactly who the hell he is.
KP, you know I'm a huge Pretty Deadly fan, but Kit and Elton don't seem too thrilled.
Pete Dunne skinned that jacket himself by hand, KP.
-[Patrick] You wanna wear it? -[Graves] Negative, Ghost Rider,
but I do want to watch what's about to go down.
Two of the innovators of what is known now as British Strong Style,
Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne,
against the duo of Kit Wilson and Elton Prince,
Pretty Deadly, two of the best tag teams in the world right now.
[Patrick] This was special when they faced off a couple of weeks ago,
and here we go again.
On his SmackDown debut, how impressive was Tyler Bate,
The Big Strong Boi?
We got Big Boi in Atlanta, now The Big Strong Boi.
[Graves] That was an OutKast reference, right, KP?
Pete Dunne flattening Kit Wilson with a clothesline,
and oh no, protect your fingers, Kit.
[shouts]
[Patrick] How do you counteract this, this unorthodox nature of Pete Dunne?
[Graves] I don't know that you can.
Uh-oh, uh-oh! Oh!
I don't know that anybody that's ever stepped in the ring
enjoys hurting their opponents quite like Pete Dunne.
[Patrick] Should be a case study done on this guy.
[Graves] Oh my God.
Oh, Dunne's gonna snap Kit's arm in two.
[Patrick] Foot on the ropes. Not anymore.
[Graves] Maybe his leg. Something's getting broken tonight.
[Patrick] Forget the game plan for Pretty Deadly.
Tag made here now for Tyler Bate.
[Graves] Tyler Bate flexing his athleticism.
A deceptively powerful Superstar.
[Patrick] Here we go again with the Airplane Spin.
Watch out, Elton.
[Graves] Oh no.
[Patrick] So strong for a little lad. Tyler Bate.
[Graves] A little lad? He's a grown man, KP.
He'll bend you five ways from Sunday.
The Big Strong Boi is handling business right now.
-Keep him back! -[referee] One!
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks. A raucous, sold-out crowd here tonight.
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate against Pretty Deadly.
-[Graves] Say that again. Out loud! -Pete Dunne, Corey, Pete Dunne is back.
[Graves] The Bruiserweight has returned to form
and that spells potential disaster for Pretty Deadly.
But to their credit,
Elton and Kit have done a fantastic job of turning the tides in this matchup,
cutting the ring in half, isolating Bate from Pete Dunne at least for the moment.
Such great chemistry between Kit and Elton
as they go to work now on Tyler Bate.
[Patrick] Spot on, Corey. Such a distance between Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.
No tag to be made.
And there's a cover here for Pretty Deadly to win, and a kickout by Bate.
[Graves] Vicious rear chinlock applied by Kit Wilson.
You can hear the WWE Universe trying to rally behind Tyler Bate,
"The Big Strong Boi."
[Patrick] Tyler's gonna land on his feet now.
Connects with Kit.
What a battler Tyler Bate is.
[Graves] When we say "Big Strong Boi," that's what we mean.
[Patrick] Incredible strength. Can he get across now?
Tagging Pete Dunne.
[Graves] Pound for pound, one of the strongest Superstars on the roster.
Can Tyler Bate tag in Dunne?
Here comes the Bruiserweight.
[Patrick] Pete Dunne, Kit connects with Elton.
[Graves] Snap German suplex.
[Patrick] Moving with urgency now, Pete Dunne.
Can be so methodical,
with a purpose about him.
But Elton Prince from behind.
[Patrick] Look at Pete Dunne landing on his feet.
[Graves] Oh, that'll turn your lights out in a hurry.
[Patrick] Dunne with that feat of strength as well.
-Stacking 'em up. -Dunne showing complete disregard
for his opponents as he has done so well for oh so long.
[Patrick] Unbelievable tekkers from this fella.
[Graves] Take another look at this.
A release, modified suplex sending Kit crashing down onto Elton.
[Patrick] He's feeling it.
Pete Dunne is back. Oh!
Shut up quickly by Elton Prince.
The tag was made, though, for Tyler Bate.
[Graves] The uppercut floors Prince.
[Patrick] Catching Elton Prince.
Oh, there it is. The Bop and Bang.
What a crack insight that is.
More of a traditional right to Kit Wilson.
-[Graves] Tag made. -Boom.
[Graves] Lariat connects. Dunne is legal.
Oh, top ends.
-[Graves] Yikes. -[Patrick] Wow.
[Graves] Tyler Bate going high risk.
And now Pete Dunne, with free rein to do as he pleases,
may have just broken Elton's fingers.
[Patrick] Oh, there's The Bitter End.
Pete Dunne for the win.
-[bell rings] -[rock music plays]
[Rome] Here are your winners,
the team of Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne.
[Graves] Sometimes you just need a little reminder of who you are.
Tyler Bate was that reminder and Pete Dunne,
with a spectacular return to form, the Bitter End.
And that's all she wrote for Pretty Deadly tonight.
What a win for Dunne and Tyler Bate.
KP, I gotta be honest with you.
If I were Nick Aldis, I would fully expect,
before the end of tonight, to find Kit and Elton
knocking on my door with a litany of complaints.
You know who else has been doing a lot of complaining lately?
Logan Paul KO'd by the Prizefighter
as we head toward a clash at the Royal Rumble.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[man] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[Logan] Congrats, Kevin Owens.
You get to face the greatest United States Champ in history. Logan--
[commentators exclaiming]
[Graves] Kevin Owens just KO'd Logan Paul
with the cast on that broken right hand.
[Logan] Hey, Kevin. Sorry I couldn't be at SmackDown this week.
I was busy, busy on the phone with my lawyers
because this little black eye you gave me,
it's not just a black eye, it's evidence.
It turns out that little cast on your hand could be a liability.
Because if you think you're just gonna stroll
into the Royal Rumble with that cast--
excuse me, with that weapon on your hand,
I promise, I'm not just gonna beat you in a wrestling match.
No, I am gonna beat you in the court of law.
I will run your pockets so deep,
you're gonna forget you're wearing pants, Kevin Owens.
So consider this. Yes, I'm ready for our fight.
But are you ready to face me in a fair fight?
Because if you roll up to Royal Rumble with that cast on,
you can consider our match and your chance at glory canceled.
["Fight" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Well, after broken hands, black eyes, threats of lawsuits,
this could be the most combustible edition
of the "KO Show" that we have ever seen, KP,
because Kevin Owens will welcome the United States Champion,
the man who KO will challenge at the Royal Rumble.
"The Social Media Maverick" Logan Paul is here, next.
[Patrick] ATL, you are delivering tonight and then some.
A sold-out crowd here at the State Farm Arena
in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
13,470 of the WWE Universe.
As we barrel toward the Royal Rumble one week from tomorrow.
And it's at the Royal Rumble
when it will be vicious
with stakes on the line of epic proportions.
But tonight, two of the men that will be in the Fatal-4 Way
for the Undisputed Championship go one-on-one.
LA Knight versus AJ Styles.
Later tonight on SmackDown.
[Graves] And the Tribal Heir, Solo Sikoa
has been given a chance to redeem himself after last week's shortcoming.
But will Solo be able to stop The Viper
from slithering on to his Championship Fatal 4-Way at the Royal Rumble?
We'll find out tonight.
-They change weekly or something. -They've cheated one too many times.
-They change every single week. -This is not our day.
-I'm telling you, it's ridiculous. -It's not our day…
Guys, you said you were prepared. What happened?
We were not ready!
-We weren't ready. -We weren't prepared!
We prepared-- We prepared for Butch.
And then they bring in a brand new person we've never seen.
-Who's Pete Dunne? -Tyler Bate and Butch! [yelling]
It ruins all our prep! It ruins everything!
No, boy!
[Patrick] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the host of the "KO Show,"
Kevin Owens!
[crowd chants "KO"]
Thank you, guys. Thank you.
I especially appreciate the support
because right now I'm about to say a sentence
I never thought I would say.
Please welcome my guest on the Kevin Owens Show…
[crowd boos]
…Logan Paul.
-[crowd boos] -["Take Flight" playing]
[Graves] We sure do have a lot of haters here in Atlanta, KP.
[Patrick] Could you find a more diametrically opposed Superstar
to Kevin Owens than Logan Paul?
[Graves] Are you trying to get me in trouble KP?
Let's talk about Logan's attributes.
He's handsome, he's charismatic.
And above all, Logan Paul has taken to this business
faster than anybody we have ever seen in WWE.
And that gets under the skin of Kevin Owens.
Owens is a guy who has scratched and clawed and fought
for every opportunity he's ever had.
Logan Paul shows up and just seems to stumble into greatness.
[crowd boos]
[man chanting] Logan sucks!
-Logan-- -Wow, Kevin,
thanks for inviting me on your show.
I would say I'm honored, but I'm not,
because why the hell would I be honored
to come on this bottom of the barrel, janky excuse for a show?
[inaudible]
It's a cool graphic, I guess, but it's my show now, Kevin.
I am the show.
And it starts now.
And you know, Kevin, I'm actually glad you invited me, brother,
because I do owe you a proper thank you.
Maybe you don't know this,
but you are actually the reason I'm in the WWE.
[crowd] What?
Yeah, I agree with them. What?
Look, if you're gonna blame me for that one,
you're gonna have to explain yourself a little bit.
Sure, sure. I've hijacked your show. I'm the guest.
Came with a clip. I got a clip. Roll the clip.
[wild cheering]
Three years ago, I came to my first ever WrestleMania.
And you, Kevin Owens, embarrassed me in front of 70,000 people.
Nah nah.
Nah. No.
Just like that.
You hit me with the stunner, and all of these people cheered.
I'm feeling it right now. Just like I was then.
That, Kevin, that was the moment
that I realized I had to prove to you
and the entire WWE Universe that I belonged here.
[crowd chants "one more time"]
Hey, I don't want to hear that. Y'all hate me?
Hate him, direct it at him. He's the reason I became a WWE Superstar.
So thank you, Kevin. Thank you.
Huh!
Look, I, uh, I got to be honest with you.
Obviously it happened, but I barely remember doing that
because, see, of course, to you,
I guess maybe it was a bit traumatic,
but you would remember that, your first WrestleMania.
You're coming in as a guest. We're rolling out the red carpet for you.
See, for me,
I've been doing this almost 25 years.
To me, you're just one of many I've stunned.
And especially going into that WrestleMania,
I remember thinking, "Ah,
this is just another celebrity guest we're bringing in,
'cause that's what we do."
But it turns out you weren't just another one of those guests
because you, you did stick around. You sure did.
And look, I'll give you credit because I do give credit where credit's due.
You put in the work and you became way better…
way better at this than anyone would have ever thought.
Yes, I did.
-[chuckles] -But as good as you are,
you're certainly not one of us.
You're not a Rey Mysterio. You're not a Seth Rollins.
You're not a Sami Zayn. You're not Kevin Owens!
[laughs]
Hey, thank God.
Thank God I'm nothing like y'all, Kevin.
And I don't want to be one of y'all. I'm one of one.
Let me remind you, I'm a purveyor of viral media.
The greatest storyteller of a generation.
Your son's favorite Superstar, marketing expert,
your girlfriend's celebrity crush.
Multi-hyphenate disruptor,
entrepreneur, innovator, actor, wrestler, boxer.
The list goes on and on.
Often imitated, never duplicated,
billionaire with a b, on paper.
I am The Maverick, Kevin Owens.
Logan Paul.
And you…
I mean, you're just… you.
Well…
Look, I don't know what any of that meant.
But I did…
[crowd chants] Logan sucks, Logan sucks!
[chanting continues]
Look, I've heard everything you've had to say
about me on commentary the last few weeks.
All the put downs about my weight, the way I look, everything.
And here's the thing. You can come out here
and say whatever you want about me, but I…
I can't come out here and say everything I want about you.
In fact, there's a lot I can't talk about.
And you know why?
It's the same reason that you're the United States Champion right now.
It's because you are protected.
You are sheltered.
The second you came into WWE,
you were offered all the tools you could ever need to hopefully win a title.
And I get it. Why?
Because of the notoriety and the attention you bring.
And now look at this, to your credit again,
you used the tools and you became United States Champion.
You did that.
And now you get to say for the rest of your life
that at one point you were the WWE United States Champion.
And that's great for you.
But as far as I'm concerned,
and as far as everybody watching is concerned, that is a joke.
And it's a joke that's been going on for far too long,
and I'm putting an end to that joke at the Royal Rumble.
[cheering]
Uh, I'm sorry, I wasn't listening to any of that.
Um, you want to talk about protected?
That's funny.
The hypocrisy is stunning.
Look at your arm.
Your arm is protected.
You got a weapon on your hand, Kevin.
And the only reason that you were able to knock me down is because of that cast.
But me,
buddy, I knock people out clean.
In fact, all the guys,
all the guys you named earlier, I knocked them all out one by one.
Dominoes, A, B, C, D.
So like I said, Kevin Owens,
it's only gonna take me one second to KO you, KO, okay?
Look, man, as unimpressive as you think I might be.
Here's the thing.
All these people that have been watching WWE for the last almost ten years,
they know that I…
I can take more punishment than anyone and get back up.
I have been slammed harder,
been punched better and fallen off higher stuff than anybody.
And I got back up every time.
So let me tell you this.
There isn't a punch you can throw
that can keep me down for three seconds, let alone knock me out.
And as far as this cast goes, look, you want to call it a weapon, protection,
whatever.
I heard you talking about a lawsuit or something.
If I go into our match at the Royal Rumble with this thing on.
So you know what?
I'm giving you my word right here, right now.
I'm not gonna have this cast on at the Royal Rumble.
In fact, you know what?
I'm gonna take it off right now, if it makes you feel any better.
[crowd cheering]
-[commentators exclaiming] -[Logan whooping]
[Graves] Logan Paul, with a sucker punch,
-just flattened Owens. -I'm the US Champ!
Not him!
-Nobody can survive that punch. -[Patrick] A cheap shot,
as Owens was turning around.
Owens dragging himself back to his feet.
KO won't stay down.
Is that it? Is that it?
[Patrick] The Prizefighter taking Logan off his feet.
[Graves] And here we go! A Royal Rumble preview.
And Logan Paul hightailing it out of the ring.
[Patrick] KO rampant, to the outside they go.
And there's the right hand!
[Graves] The exposed, the exposed broken hand.
Oh, boo-hoo!
Boo-hoo!
[Graves] Kevin Owens removed the protective cast from his hand
a few moments ago and will regret it.
Courtesy of the United States Champion.
[Patrick] He's made a promise not to wear that cast
at the Royal Rumble when they face each other.
Try that again at the Rumble, Kevin. I dare you.
Every single time. Wiseman, what did I say?
You said fix it.
And I did not say "fix it" to you.
But I get to my bus. And what do I see?
I see a Viper on your neck.
And this is what I'm talking about.
We only got one Wiseman.
We got two of you,
and you sent him out there?
And this is-- I give you opportunities.
And when you mess around, it's all fun. I'm the quarterback.
No, I'm the backup quarterback.
Audibles. Hot routes. Yeet. No yeet, yeet. No yeet.
Last week was on me.
You named me the Tribal Heir for a reason.
So tonight.
I'm gonna show you.
I'll fix it.
[crowd chanting] Yeet! Yeet!
[electronic dance music playing]
[Graves] Solo bearing the responsibility
for the turmoil on the Island of Relevancy.
[Patrick] Meanwhile, championship gold on the line
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Kayden Carter, Katana Chance. They've been fighting champs,
and there's a long list of tag teams that want to take their gold,
starting with the Unholy Union,
and it's next.
[Patrick] Royal Rumble is sponsored by Cricket.
With fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage,
you can stress less and smile more.
And by Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Available February 2nd on PlayStation 5.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first, they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
[Graves] Well, as you no doubt noticed moments ago,
we are graced here at ringside by none other
than Bayley herself, as well as the rest of Damage CTRL.
-Welcome, Bayley. -Thank you so much.
It feels good to be here without good ole Michael Cole.
[Bayley laughs]
["The Depths" by def rebel playing]
[Rome] And their opponents, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn,
Unholy Union.
[Patrick] Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn were NXT Tag Team Champions
when they were drafted to SmackDown and have been lurking in the shadows,
waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
And now this Unholy Union have an opportunity at gold
against Katana and Kayden.
[Graves] Bayley, I'd like to ask you, in your professional opinion,
as a Grand Slam Champion here in WWE,
what were your first impressions of this Unholy Union?
[Bayley] Well, that's a great question because, obviously,
Kabuki Warriors are future Women's Tag Team Champions.
But we're not just out here to watch the Tag Team Champions.
We're out here to keep our eye on Unholy Union,
because the last time we saw them, they interrupted our match.
They caused our loss in that Holiday Havoc Match,
and we have a bone to pick with them.
[Graves] Bayley, I've got to ask you,
as someone who was integral in the creation
of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships,
how does it feel, personally, to see
how healthy the Division has become this day and age?
[Bayley] Oh, it feels good.
It feels good to watch these two brand new teams on SmackDown.
But I hope they don't get too comfortable, okay?
Because we're about to fire it up.
[Patrick] Bayley, you say you are,
but there's Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark, there's Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven want their titles back.
-I mean, this is a stacked division. -Hey, that's what we want, right?
That's what we want. More to prove that we are the best.
More to prove that Damage CTRL controls all of WWE, not just SmackDown.
[Graves] This is why Bayley is a role model.
She wants to prove that Damage CTRL are superior…
-That's right. -[Graves] …to the competition.
[Patrick] It's a hot start from the Unholy Union.
[Bayley] All right. They're trying to impress Damage CTRL. I understand.
[Graves] Smart move by Dawn and Fyre out of the gate
trying to gain the upper hand quickly.
-Carter's rock-- -[Patrick] Could be over already here.
For the championship. And a kickout.
Kayden Carter kicking out a two.
What a ferocious start that was.
[Bayley] I believe this is their first title defense.
Is that correct or am I wrong?
[Patrick] They've been busy. Certainly Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
-[Bayley] It's a big one. -[Graves] Oh, superkick.
Just dumped Carter. Cover here.
[Bayley] They're done for [laughs].
[Graves] Isla Dawn for the win. And a kickout once more.
[Bayley] Oh God.
Gotta do better than that, idiot.
[Graves] …a title reign of epic proportions beginning in short order.
Well, Bayley, while we have you, I mean, we're…
just days away from the Royal Rumble.
You still feel confident about your own personal chances?
[Bayley] Do I feel confident? Come on! I'm the Mami Slayer.
I'm gonna win that Rumble. And I'm gonna take out Rhea Ripley.
And we're gonna hold all the gold at Damage CTRL. Telling you.
Guys, it's not just an idea. It's a vision, it's a plan.
-And it's gonna come 100% true. -[wild screaming]
Right now, Katana Chance's plans coming to fruition.
Isla Dawn in trouble in the corner.
-Tag! -[Bayley] Nice.
[Patrick] Katana Chance, so impressive.
Corey, you always talk about seizing those valuable minutes that you get in WWE.
And that's exactly what Kayden Carter and Katana Chance have done.
[Graves] It's got to be said about all four of these women
as Alba Fyre breaks up whatever Chance and Carter were thinking about.
-Look at this tag team work. -[Bayley] What is this? What is this?
Oh my God!
[Patrick] Wow.
[Graves] Isla Dawn crashing, got covered, leg hooked.
[Patrick] Cover and for the win, and breaking it up there.
Alba Fyre.
[Graves] And Bayley, I'm gonna give you this opportunity.
Now that you're here, ringside, you've got the live microphone.
A lot of people have been speculating about problems within Damage CTRL.
Can you clear that up for us?
[Bayley] Look at us. You see my best friends right here?
-[Graves] I sure do. -Okay. Well--
-[Graves] I'm not one of those someones. -Is this idiot right here one?
Are you taking Michael Cole's place
of being the biggest idiot at the commentary desk?
[Patrick] I'm just reading the reports that you are too, I'm sure,
that you might be losing a bit of control
-of the group you started. -You're reading the reports?
-What are… what the-- -[Graves] Oh, shoulders down.
-O'Connor Roll. -[Bayley] Let's watch this amazing tag.
[Patrick] A quick one now to win the championship.
-[Bayley] Oh my God. -[Patrick] Kicking out a two-and-a-half.
[Graves] Nearly a major, major upset.
[Bayley] We're taking notes right, guys? We're taking notes right, ladies?
-All right, all right. -[Patrick] We almost saw a new champion.
And there is Katana Chance taking flight.
[Bayley] Back and forth. I'm impressed.
[Graves] Neither team able to sustain much of an advantage here.
-[Bayley] Oh my gosh. -[Graves] Great athleticism.
Oh, a Destroyer!
My goodness!
[Patrick] Kayden Carter makes the tag.
[Graves] Bayley, even you have to be impressed by this sort of athleticism.
-[Bayley] I don't know about that. -Here we go!
-[Bayley] Oh my-- -[Patrick] Keg stand!
The hook of the leg to retain the championships.
-[bell rings] -[Bayley] Wow.
[Rome] Here are your winners, and still WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
-Kayden Carter and Katana Chance. -[Bayley] Oh, look at this.
Look at this.
-Show them what real champions look like. -[Graves] But here on the outside,
the Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane,
have the Women's Tag Team Championships.
What's that saying? Possession is 9/10 of the law.
[Bayley] Guys, how good do they look?
[Patrick] Let's see what the champs have to say about that.
-Asuka, let's go! -[shouting]
-Are you done? -Calm down. Come on, girls.
Return their titles.
[Graves] Could be like looking into a crystal ball.
[Bayley] Oh, yeah.
[Graves] What does the future hold in the Women's Division?
[Bayley] Oh, what a gentleman.
[referee] Come on.
[music playing]
[Bayley] Oh, they're saying, "do we want some?"
Yeah, we want some.
And it looks like we've got a Tag Title Match for Damage CTRL.
[Graves] Carter and Chance seem to have accepted.
We've got to make it official.
Things continuing to heat up in the Women's Tag Team Division.
Been heating up all night, Gravy.
One week from tomorrow, the Royal Rumble.
Remember, you can be there. Go and get your tickets.
They're on sale right now at RoyalRumble.com.
As we head toward St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay.
And as it is Royal Rumble season, we'd like to take a moment to celebrate
the man who created the Royal Rumble Match.
None other than WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson.
The first ever Intercontinental Champion.
And one of the most influential minds
in sports entertainment history.
A great friend to all of us.
We miss you dearly. Happy birthday, Pat Patterson.
[Patrick] Beautifully said, Corey.
You're looking live…
at the Good Brothers and Michin, The O.C.
He's not gonna go for it.
-He's not gonna-- -Go for what?
[Patrick] And AJ Styles.
Just want you to know with everything going on,
we still, still have your back.
[Patrick] They've got AJ's back, who's in action tonight against LA Knight.
[Graves] Does AJ want help?
[eerie music playing]
We know exactly
who Bobby and the Profits really are.
You guys sit when they tell you to sit.
You stand when they tell you to stand.
You are the yes-men of this company.
I mean, you guys wanna be the face of this place
at some point, right?
I mean, isn't that the plan?
Let me tell you something.
The reason we don't get opportunities like you
is because we are the disruptors.
We are uncivilized.
We are savages.
It makes people nervous.
So we're not interested in playing your game.
If it's a fight that you want…
Just name a time and a place.
I've got a new game we're gonna play.
Next week,
we'll see you face-to-face in the ring.
And then…
maybe just then,
the whole world will truly see
who the real All Mighty actually are.
Another haunting message from The Final Testament,
who seem to be on a collision course
with the All Mighty and the Street Profits.
Yeah, that could very well be next week.
But as for last week here on Friday Night SmackDown, Gravy,
it was an outrageously good match between Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes.
Who would be the winner?
Well, unfortunately, we did not get a winner on the night.
The collision that unfortunately happened.
[Graves] It seemed as though Carmelo Hayes
was well on his way to earning another victory here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
It was a back-and-forth battle.
But as Austin Theory went high risk,
it did not pay off for himself or his opponent.
Our official, Ryan Tran, forced to stop the matchup
for the safety of our Superstars.
Luckily, Carmelo Hayes escaped without incident.
Please welcome my guest at this time, Carmelo Hayes.
[crowd cheering]
Now, Carmelo, last week, as we just saw, turned into a pretty scary situation.
But can you tell me exactly what happened?
Well, Kathy, unfortunately, in the heat of battle, things like this happen.
I've been there many times. Austin's been there many times.
And thankfully, last week, we were able to walk away from it.
But what we should be focusing on is that even though I didn't win…
I didn't lose.
Because it doesn't really matter, the circumstance.
Carmelo Hayes is gonna ball out.
Because that's exactly who I am.
And I am Him.
[man] Hold on, mate.
This is insane.
You nearly tried to end my career last week.
And what, are you getting rewarded now?
Getting an interview on my show in my city?
You know who the hell I am?
Okay.
Well, how about we go ahead and we spin the block on that match.
Next week, outside of your city in, uh, Miami.
-Oh, next week. -Next Friday.
-As in next Friday? -Next Friday.
Well, you see?
I'm busy.
-I got a lot of things going on. -No, no, no.
You got nothing on?
Theory would love to face you next week, Melo.
How does that sound, huh?
I'll go ahead and I'll talk to GM Nick Aldis. I'll make it official.
-Yeah, you go do that. -I will.
We'll see you in Miami, Melo.
You got to stop doing that.
Why? Come on. I was helping you out.
What is that?
[Graves] Party in the city where the heat is on.
["Phenomenal" playing]
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared No they don't really want none ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Gainesville, Georgia,
weighing in at 218 pounds,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[song continues] ♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared No they don't really want none ♪
♪ I'm a mack truck ♪
♪ Don't get run over ♪
[Patrick] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Graves] We've been seeing a different side of AJ Styles in recent weeks.
But I can tell you this much.
I've known Styles for many years,
and I have seen that look in his eyes before.
The Phenomenal One is ready for a fight.
Not a technical classic.
I am talking haymakers and ugly sucker punches.
This thing is gonna be nasty.
[Patrick] And it's a fight that AJ Styles demanded
and was granted
this match here earlier on tonight against LA Knight, and it's next.
♪ They don't want none They don't want none ♪
The critically acclaimed Undertaker 1 deadMAN Show
is coming to Tampa Bay during the Royal Rumble weekend.
Tickets are now on sale via wwe.com/events.
["Nobody Better Than Me" by def rebel playing]
[Graves] Well, Escobar may have stolen a victory earlier tonight,
but will he feel the heat when he finally faces the man he sidelined?
Carlito, one-on-one, next week.
[Patrick] We heard from both camps tonight. It may be nasty.
Next week on Friday Night SmackDown
when Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits go face to face with the Final Testament.
[Graves] And after their close call last week ended the matchup abruptly,
NXT's captivating Carmelo Hayes will run it back one-on-one
with Austin Theory.
[Patrick] Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, they've been bringing the party.
Now they're bringing the fight as champions.
And they will defend again next week against the Kabuki Warriors
of Damage CTRL.
[Graves] That's all going down next week.
But tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
As "The Viper" Randy Orton goes one-on-one with The Enforcer of The Bloodline,
the Tribal Heir, Solo Sikoa.
[Patrick] Look at AJ Styles.
From up the road in Gainesville, Georgia, fired up and ready to go here
against the "Megastar" LA Knight.
["Welcome to LA" by def rebel playing]
[Graves] But the problem for Styles could be that
his opponent is just as fired up and just as hungry for a fight.
[Rome] And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds, LA Knight!
-[crowd] Yeah! -[Patrick] Make no mistake about it.
LA Knight would have been the Undisputed Champion
at Crown Jewel were it not for Jimmy Uso of The Bloodline
pinning Roman Reigns.
And LA Knight wants that chance yet again, a week from tomorrow
-at the Royal Rumble. -[Graves] But remember why we're here.
Why there's so much vitriol between these two to begin with.
AJ Styles originally possessed that opportunity.
It was LA Knight who, according to Styles, quote,
"Stepped over my dead body to take a crack at The Tribal Chief."
[Patrick] But can you imagine what LA Knight is thinking?
Just a guy who wants to become World Champion.
He doesn't feel he stepped over anybody.
But LA Knight also received the cheap shot from Styles just a couple of weeks ago.
[Graves] Vice-like side headlock applied by Styles.
Looking to tear LA Knight's head clean off of his shoulders.
Oh man!
[referee] AJ. AJ.
[Graves] LA buying himself a few valuable moments to regain his composure.
But listen to this impact.
Styles face first into the center turnbuckle.
This is what it's gonna take, LA Knight needs to be this ruthless.
Tonight and a week from tomorrow at the Royal Rumble.
When it will be every man for themselves.
Not only in the Royal Rumble Match, but in the Fatal 4-Way.
For the Undisputed WWE-- cover here.
[Patrick] Right in for the win, early kickout from Styles.
Universal Championship matchup, the Fatal 4-Way.
Where LA Knight, AJ Styles, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns will do battle.
[Patrick] That's the thing, Corey. We saw them coexist.
We saw them put The Bloodline to the sword last week on SmackDown together.
But I'm not sure we're ever gonna see that again
-between Styles and Knight. -It was simply an alliance of necessity.
Now, this is personal.
AJ Styles feels disrespected by LA Knight.
LA Knight lives his life feeling disrespected perpetually.
It's what fuels Knight.
[Patrick] AJ Styles, a multi-time World Champion.
LA Knight, the breakout star of 2023.
Looking for that maiden run,
the first World Championship in WWE.
[Graves] AJ Styles knows what it means to be the top gun in WWE.
The Phenomenal One would love to experience that euphoria yet again.
[Patrick] Backbreaker to LA Knight.
[Graves] Once upon a time, SmackDown was known
as The House that AJ Styles Built.
Styles is World Championship caliber.
Is LA Knight? Many people speculate that he is,
but Knight still needs to prove that to the WWE Universe.
[Patrick] Continuing to prove the doubters wrong is LA Knight.
AJ Styles in control here early.
[Graves] And AJ, I'm certain, realizes the opportunity at hand tonight.
To soften up LA Knight.
To try to inflict enough damage to where, perhaps, something's still lingering
come next Saturday at the Royal Rumble.
LA Knight, I hope, realizes the same opportunity.
That's exactly why Solo Sikoa is stepping into the ring tonight
with "The Viper" Randy Orton.
To try to soften up Orton prior to the Rumble.
[commentators exclaiming]
-[Graves] Cover here. -[Patrick] Quickly in now, for the win.
AJ Styles kicking out.
And on that note, it was AJ that demanded this match with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis.
Could that be a mistake?
We know that the Royal Rumble's only a week from tomorrow.
[Graves] I'm sure in that particular moment,
the pop-up power slam by Knight,
AJ questioning his decision to make the challenge.
But I still stand by my assessment.
Both of these athletes have a golden opportunity
eight days before one of the biggest matches of both their careers.
[crowd] L A Knight!
[Patrick] The Undisputed Championship has never been in as much peril.
As Roman Reigns has been holding it now for 1,237 days.
[Graves] I assure you right now-- Oh man!
The Tribal Chief is watching each and every movement made
by both Styles and Knight.
[Patrick] AJ Styles seems to be getting quicker.
More nimble, more agile, as he sends LA Knight into the barricade.
[Graves] AJ Styles is a timeless Superstar, no doubt about it.
-AJ, come on! -After being brutalized by The Bloodline…
Ooh!
…missing several months of action, having his career jeopardized,
it seems like it unlocked something deep in the psyche of The Phenomenal One.
And look at the intensity in the eyes of The Megastar.
[Patrick] Dribbling AJ's head here on the announce desk.
-[Graves] Make Trae Young jealous. -[Patrick] Oh no.
Speaking of making Trae Young jealous,
here comes a guy who makes everyone jealous.
[crowd booing]
Jimmy Uso.
Come on over now.
[Patrick] LA Knight quickly across.
[Graves] You know what they say about better late than never,
obviously Jimmy and Solo failed last week to, quote, "fix the problem."
About what I thought.
[Patrick] We heard Solo Sikoa earlier.
[Graves] We also heard Roman Reigns earlier…
in no uncertain terms.
Oh, ho, ho.
Letting Jimmy Uso know…
that the order still stands.
That the issue must be addressed.
-[Patrick] Watch out! -Speaking of Solo.
[Patrick] Samoan Spike to LA Knight!
[Graves] The diversion was created by Jimmy Uso in the entrance.
And the havoc is being wreaked by the Tribal Heir.
[Patrick] Coming out to decimate Styles and LA Knight!
Styles across the steel steps!
Solo Sikoa. The Street Champ, The Enforcer of The Bloodline,
doing Roman's bidding.
[Patrick] This is a man who still has a match to come tonight
against Randy Orton.
[Graves] It was Solo earlier in the night, who admitted fault.
Who shouldered the responsibility of last week's failure to fix the issue.
Now The Enforcer is the problem solver.
[Patrick] Oh! Another devastating
Samoan Spike delivered to Styles this time.
[Graves] Look at the ferocity on the face of Solo.
Two down.
One to go.
-[Patrick] Message… -Randy Orton.
Get out here.
Now.
[Graves] It's main event time.
[Patrick] Two down. One to go.
The message from "The Enforcer of The Bloodline"
Solo Sikoa after Samoan Spikes to AJ Styles and LA Knight.
And here ringside, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis.
[Graves] Remember, Nick Aldis has obtained
three of the four signatures for our Royal Rumble.
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match.
The one name missing, Roman Reigns.
[Rome] And his opponent from Saint Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 275 pounds,
"The Viper"
Randy Orton.
[Graves] KP, also remember the warning issued by The Viper
that kicked off Friday Night Smackdown tonight.
After Paul Heyman informed Nick Aldis that Roman wasn't signing,
Randy said, I don't care if I have to RKO him myself,
Reigns will sign the contract.
But there is a big speed bump looming between Randy Orton and the Royal Rumble.
His name is Solo Sikoa.
And he has already taken out two of Roman's three opponents.
[Patrick] And Corey, The Viper doesn't forget easily.
He doesn't forget about 18 months ago. And he doesn't forget about last week.
When Solo Sikoa hit the Samoan Spike on Orton.
Orton would then reemerge and put Solo through the announce desk.
[Graves] But Solo is standing once again, ready for a fight.
And has just taken LA Knight and AJ Styles out of the equation for the moment.
Will Randy Orton fare better?
That remains to be seen.
[Patrick] This is the first ever Singles Match
between Orton and Sikoa.
Solo Sikoa, who rose to prominence while Randy Orton was on the sidelines.
[Graves] You see Randy Orton almost trying to figure out Solo,
trying to solve the Tribal Heir before the opening bell.
It's his classic Orton strategy.
And as our great friend and broadcast partner JBL so eloquently says,
"If you were to build a sports entertainer from the ground up,
the end result would be Randy Orton."
[bell rings]
[Patrick] Looking better than ever as the bell rings.
Randy Orton, Solo Sikoa.
[Graves] Tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
[Patrick] Quick slap to Orton. Takes him down off his feet.
[Graves] Solo possesses that game changing power.
It only takes one strike, one impact.
This could do it.
Orton may be done.
[Patrick] Crushing Orton's skull against the turnbuckle.
[Graves] Randy Orton just melted out of the ring to the floor.
Solo giving chase.
If nothing else, the Tribal Heir has proven to be a man of his word.
When Solo delivers a promise to The Tribal Chief, Solo follows through.
[Patrick] But this is Randy Orton we're talking about.
Orton looking for answers here.
Solo hammering away at the back of Randy Orton's neck.
[Graves] Orton, suffering a taste of his own medicine,
being driven into our table.
And now the steel ring stairs.
[Patrick] This is where Solo Sikoa can feast.
It's The Enforcer on top here in our main event.
[Graves] Solo continuing to dominate Randy Orton,
but The Viper looking to turn the tables.
[Patrick] Solo across the announce desk. Just like last week.
[Graves] Solo meeting a fate that so many Superstars have before.
Courtesy of Orton.
Corey, we don't see Solo Sikoa manhandled like that by anybody.
[Graves] But look how quickly Solo is back in the fight.
Think about this, KP.
We are just feet away from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis,
who made the match official for the Royal Rumble.
But Solo has almost single-handedly spoiled that tonight.
No way. No way.
[Patrick] Oh, he went there!
[Graves] Orton summoned the power and spiked Solo.
[Patrick] Hanging DDT and the elation
from the sold-out crowd here in Atlanta, Georgia.
[Graves] Orton is coiled.
The Viper ready to strike.
-[Patrick] But Solo Sikoa has back-up. -[Graves] Jimmy Uso is back again.
[Patrick] LA Knight!
[Graves] The Defiant One just dropped Jimmy Uso from behind.
[laughing] Whatever.
[Patrick] Oh! There's AJ Styles.
[Graves] Jimmy Uso launched into the entryway.
And Styles now making a beeline toward the ring.
But is he coming for Knight? Is he coming for Orton?
[Patrick] Turn around, Randy. RKO!
RKO, and Randy Orton to put away Solo Sikoa.
["Voices" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner, Randy Orton.
[Graves] Against all odds, Randy Orton
able to stop Solo Sikoa tonight.
[music stops]
[Graves] One week from tomorrow, these three men are all scheduled
to challenge Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
[Patrick] But the contract is yet to be signed by Roman.
There ain't no temporary alliance here.
This is every man for themselves.
Orton with the RKO!
Flattening LA Knight.
[crowd] R… K… O!
[Patrick] Turns his attention to AJ Styles.
RKO to the Phenomenal One.
Randy's flying.
Oh, it's Roman Reigns! Superman Punch to Orton.
[crowd booing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd gasps]
[man shouts]
[Patrick] Taunt here.
[Graves] Reigns has signed the contract,
but made sure to humiliate Nick Aldis in the process.
And this could be a preview of what's going down at Tropicana Field
with the Undisputed WWE Universal Title on the line.
[crowd chants] RKO! RKO! RKO!
[Graves] A familiar side of The Tribal Chief poised for battle.
[Patrick] Stalking Orton and ready to pounce.
[crowd] Ooh-aah!
Reigns-- Oh, RKO!
R-K-O!
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me ♪
♪ They understand, they talk to me ♪
[Patrick] Is that the RKO that could shatter Roman's historic reign?
♪ You got your rules and your religion ♪
♪ All designed to keep you safe ♪
♪ But when rules start getting broken ♪
[Patrick] This was the moment Reigns appeared.
Superman Punch to Orton.
[Graves] Randy went down, but it would ultimately be Orton
who obtained the last laugh.
From out of nowhere, R… K… O.
[Patrick] Reigns has signed the contract.
It's going down one week from tomorrow at the Royal Rumble.
♪ They counsel me, they understand They talk to me ♪
[Graves] The ink is dry,
but The Viper's venom still flows.
♪ They show me things I'll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me! ♪
Roman Reigns! Do you hear me? lk to me! ♪