[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
♪ Better than me ♪
[Graves] With Royal Rumble in the rearview mirror
and Elimination Chamber looming,
we are officially on the Road to WrestleMania.
Live from a sold-out Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama,
this is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
And fresh off of a dominant title defense in Saturday's Fatal 4-Way,
Roman Reigns remains Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
And the aftershocks of Royal Rumble are still being felt.
[Cole] We welcome you to the Royal Rumble!
Over 40,000 WWE fans here tonight.
[Irvin] The Women's Royal Rumble Match!
[Graves] Welcome back, Naomi!
♪ Baby girl We better make it worthwhile ♪
♪ You're gonna get my love today ♪
[Cole] TNA Knockouts Champion, Jordynne Grace!
Good luck stopping Nia Jax!
["Wild Child" by The Black Keys playing]
What the hell?
[Graves] R-Truth just asked, "Where are the guys?"
All of the women in there!
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Jade Cargill!
[Graves] The storm has arrived!
♪ So I'll let you go And dream for a while ♪
[Cole] We are down to three.
Down goes Cargill, and Bayley eliminates Morgan!
Bayley's going to WrestleMania!
♪ Baby girl You know I'm liking your style ♪
[Cole] Kevin Owens, Logan Paul for the United States Championship.
♪ Wild child ♪
Logan Paul has brass knuckles.
Kevin Owens trying to rip the knuckles off the hand and he does.
[Irvin] As a result of a disqualification…
[Cole] Logan Paul still holds the title, but Kevin Owens made him pay.
[music ends]
[Cole] The Head of the Table defends the WWE Title in a Fatal 4-Way matchup.
[bell rings]
Uh-oh. Roman trying to escape.
Styles and Knight and Orton gonna make him pay.
RKO to Reigns!
Solo Sikoa.
[McAfee] We knew The Bloodline was gonna do something.
[Cole] Nobody home!
Can it be Knight's moment?
[intense music playing]
The spirit of Styles!
[Graves] Roman Reigns just did it again!
[music fades]
[Irvin] The following is the Men's Royal Rumble Match!
♪ It's the right time 'Cause the time's now ♪
♪ I define tough, you define doubt ♪
♪ Try to call me, brother You can find out ♪
[Cole] Andrade's back!
[dramatic music playing]
♪ More authentic, call me certified ♪
♪ Read the room, had to learn the vibe ♪
Whoa!
♪ Now you know that I'm the best to ever do it ♪
Get him, Pat! Come on, Pat!
♪ You were the best I had to turn the tide ♪
♪ Now you make sure you risk it ♪
-[static] -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] We are now down to the final four men.
♪ Never stop, never stall ♪
♪ Never stall ♪
[Graves] Punk! Rhodes! Final two!
♪ 'Cause, everyone, you gotta crawl ♪
[Cole] Cody able to catch him.
-Eliminated! -[bell rings]
Cody Rhodes is going to WrestleMania!
♪ If you want to be the best ♪
[music fades]
[Graves] Well, only four men in WWE history have managed to achieve
the nearly impossible goal of back-to-back Royal Rumble victories.
Hogan, Michaels, Austin, and now this man.
Tonight, Cody Rhodes makes his WrestleMania decision.
Will he finish the story?
And another Superstar with a WrestleMania decision of her own to make,
the founder of Damage CTRL
and winner of the Women's Royal Rumble Match, Bayley.
The Role Model's hinted at her choice in the past.
We will make it official tonight.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ This is just what it takes ♪
[Logan] Ayo!
["Take Flight" playing]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the United States Champion,
Logan Paul!
[Graves] He is a Maverick.
He is a disruptor.
He is still the United States Champion.
Logan Paul kicking things off in spectacular fashion
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown. I am still Corey Graves.
And if you were asking yourself, "Who could possibly be
Graves' new tag team partner here on the blue brand?"
Well, I'm afraid I've got some Bad News.
He's a five-time Intercontinental Champion.
He is Wade Barrett.
No Bad News tonight because we are bleeding blue on Friday Night SmackDown.
And what a night we have in store for you.
[Graves] Big decisions with WrestleMania implications on our way tonight.
[music fades]
[crowd booing]
Wow. I was gonna be nice.
Alabama, don't do me like that. You don't want me here.
I don't want to be here either. This place sucks.
[crowd booing]
Look, I'll be honest with y'all.
I underestimated Kevin Owens.
I did upon first glance.
I mean, he kind of just looks like a pissed-off donut. [chuckles]
But, hey, in our match, he made me fight.
Get this.
Kevin Owens did more damage to Logan Paul than Floyd Mayweather.
I'm serious. Kevin made me bleed.
Hell, this dude even almost damn near knocked me out.
[crowd] What?
And yet…
he still lost.
[crowd] What?
[laughs]
Hey, hey, hey! And I'm still the champ!
When is it gonna click for y'all?
I am one of the toughest people on this brittle roster.
[mocking] "Oh, I hurt my tricep."
"My little knee hurts. My WrestleMania dreams are crushed."
[pouts]
Shut up! We all get hurt.
Everyone except me. I'm unbreakable.
-Unreplicable. One of one. -[crowd continues] What?
The Beast from the East. The Best in the West.
I am your United States Champion.
Logan Paul.
[crowd booing]
And if you think that any--
-["Fight" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] I think this might qualify as a little Bad News
for the United States Champion, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, you talk smack on KO,
and it's only a matter of time before he appears.
[Graves] Owens, no doubt, with a great deal on his mind
in the wake of coming up short at the Royal Rumble.
But, Wade, I think you'd agree that was one hell of a fight.
[Wade] What a performance. What an effort.
But perhaps KO undone by his own temper in the end.
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
I don't know, man.
Birmingham seems like a pretty great place to me.
[crowd cheering]
-Yeah, if you're a hillbilly. -Whoa, whoa, whoa. I wasn't done.
Nobody wants to hear any more of you.
Because, see, when you were going over all these descriptions of yourself,
I think you forgot "unbearable idiot" to the list.
And, see, on Saturday, I didn't walk away with the title, but I gotta tell you,
Logan, it was a moral victory.
Because as great as being United States Champion might be,
it feels even better than to knock the hell out of you.
[crowd cheering]
But now that I've done that a few times,
I am absolutely ready to restore
a certain level of prestige and honor to that title.
And the first step is taking it off of you
and getting it sanitized as soon as possible.
I'm glad it felt good for you, Kevin.
But I think we can all agree it's too bad
you didn't take advantage of your one and only shot at the title.
[crowd booing]
You see, Kevin, the brass knuckles, that was a setup.
You took the bait, dummy.
You showed your true colors.
I was playing chess, you were playing Go Fish, son.
Face it, dude.
I outsmarted you.
Wait, who do you think you're outsmarting? Look, this may be new to you,
but all these people have been watching me for almost ten years now.
They all know that Kevin Owens…
is gonna stop at nothing to win a match, okay?
Hit somebody from behind? Sure. Kick someone in the balls? Yeah.
Hit somebody with brass knucks? Absolutely.
The thing is, look, I got caught, okay? I got caught.
And, you know, I… I realized everyone was pretty mad at the referee for that,
but let's be honest.
Great job on his part.
Referee, if you're back there, fantastic work.
You should be proud of yourself.
I got caught and that was my bad.
But here's the thing, Logan.
Let me tell you something.
The next time we get in the ring together for that title,
you're gonna realize I don't need brass knucks to beat your dumb ass.
[crowd cheering]
First off, you're way too close to me and you smell horrible.
I bathed in Prime before I came here.
Must not have been Cherry Freeze. That flavor's delicious.
Listen to me, Kevin. It's over.
You ain't getting a rematch. You blew it.
Your title shot is over.
So why don't you go, uh, focus on whatever it is that you do,
and I'm gonna focus on whatever it is that I do,
which is everything amazing.
And I'm gonna go find a real challenger. Someone who is definitely not you.
Why don't you focus on your match with Austin Theory,
and I'm gonna go talk smack about you on commentary.
How's that sound?
♪ A-Town ♪
♪ Down ♪
♪ Let's go! ♪
-[Graves] We are in for a treat, Wade. -[Wade] We're getting a guest.
The Social Media Megastar is joining the desk. Wow.
♪ A-Town down, you like how that sounds ♪
[Graves] Well, to Logan Paul's point,
Kevin Owens better shift his focus immediately to the task at hand
in the form of the youngest United States Champion in WWE history,
"The 150 Million Hit Man," Austin Theory,
and his running mate, Grayson Waller.
♪ I'm doin' it my way, all day ♪
♪ Victory staring in my face, all day ♪
♪ I do it like the best and it's obvious ♪
[Graves] We've got the United States Champion joining us on commentary.
The "Prizefighter" Kevin Owens one-on-one with Theory, live, next.
♪ I do it like the best and it's obvious ♪
[Wade] Well, after a huge night at the Royal Rumble,
Cody Rhodes is now left with a huge decision to make.
Who will be his WrestleMania opponent?
World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins
or WWE Universal Champ "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns?
Cody is here to make his decision later tonight.
While you're talking decisions, speaking of someone who's got
a lot of big decisions to make,
we are joined at commentary by the United States Champion,
Logan Paul.
Logan, you made it abundantly clear you're done with KO.
KO missed his chance.
What's next for The Maverick and your title?
[Logan] Whoever I want, whenever I want, wherever they want it.
I don't care, but everyone knows we're going to Australia.
-Elimination Chamber will be fireworks. -[Wade] And I gotta ask you,
you are the Social Media Megastar amongst other things, Logan Paul.
Discoverable on social media as we speak
is that you are running scared of Kevin Owens, that you got lucky.
Put it to bed. These aren't my words, to be clear.
-Put it to bed right now. -Come on.
Luck only happens when you're dealing with horseshoes and hand grenades.
Certainly not Logan Paul.
[Graves] Well, we got Logan Paul here at commentary.
And notice…
number one trend in the United States, #SmackDown.
I wonder if The Maverick has something to do with that.
Nah, not at all. This show is great. The program is great.
I'm just happy to be an employee of the WWE.
[Wade] You just gave us an even greater lead at the top.
-That's all it is, Logan. -[Logan laughs]
[Graves] Right now, Kevin Owens one-on-one with a man he has competed against
many, many times, Austin Theory.
Wade, what are you looking to see out of Theory in this one?
[Wade] I mean, I've already noticed the supreme conditioning of Austin Theory.
He has hit WrestleMania conditioning ten weeks early.
[Owens] You can't do that!
[Wade] That's not doing him much good in there with KO right now.
[Graves] Let me ask you this, Logan.
You just competed several days ago against Kevin Owens.
Were you surprised at all by Owens in the ring between the bells?
[Logan] Admittedly, absolutely.
The guy is much better than I thought he was.
And the next time I face him, if I ever give him that opportunity,
he will not get the blessing of my ignorance.
[Graves] You see a big right hand from Kevin Owens.
A right hand similar to the one he threw your way, Champ,
-this past Saturday at the Royal Rumble. -[Logan] With brass knuckles. Go on.
[Graves] I was getting there. I was getting there.
Kevin Owens got caught utilizing the brass knuckles.
And Theory gets the knees up just in time.
[Wade] We talked about the hot temper of Kevin Owens a little earlier tonight.
He has been jaw-jacking in every direction.
And that distraction perhaps has led…
Austin Theory to get an advantage here.
[Graves] Austin Theory clearly impressing our United States Champion.
Logan, what are the odds that an Austin Theory,
perhaps a Grayson Waller,
receive an opportunity in the future at your United States Title?
You know, we'll see. These are wrestlers I respect.
Austin's physique is second to none.
This guy is, I'm looking at him and I wanna drool.
[Theory] That's right, baby!
-[Graves] Understood. -All day!
[Graves] Tremendous physical condition…
for Austin Theory.
As I mentioned, a man who at one time was the youngest
United States Champion in WWE history,
raining down lefts on the "Prizefighter" Kevin Owens.
[Wade] Austin Theory has to be the envy of an entire industry to be that good,
that successful, and still that young.
[Graves] Well, Logan, I've got to ask you, during your match at the Royal Rumble
with Kevin Owens, was there ever a moment where you felt doubt creep in?
-Where you thought perhaps-- -[Logan] Yeah, when he cheated, Corey.
He cheated.
When you cheat, you lose. You're a loser like Kevin.
[Graves] Well, obviously, it cost Owens the victory.
Out of the way. Senton crushes Theory.
[Wade] I've got to tell you, I'm impressed you're even here tonight, Logan Paul,
after the beating you took at the end of that matchup.
[Graves] Clear the deck.
Cannonball!
Theory in a world of trouble. Cover by Owens.
-[referee] One, two… -Deep hook of the leg.
And Austin Theory survives.
[Wade] Austin Theory starting to live dangerously as the champ looks on.
[Graves] Logan, is there any concern on your part
that perhaps you've added fuel to the fire that is Kevin Owens,
-that you provided the Prizefighter? -[Logan] I don't care!
I don't care, Corey. He's washed up. He's 39 years old.
He's got duct tape on his shirt. It doesn't matter.
I won. He's not getting his rematch.
[Graves] Theory looking to end this here on the ring apron.
Countered by Owens. Are you kidding me?
[chuckling] Oh!
Theory reverses. Spine-crushing impact for Owens.
Can the Prizefighter get back into this?
All day!
[Graves] This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
One-on-one. Kevin Owens versus Austin Theory.
We are joined at commentary by the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
And just moments ago, the action continued.
Kevin Owens would take it high risk.
Looking for a picture-perfect Swanton Bomb.
But Theory able to get the knees up just in time,
much to the delight of our guest commentator, Logan Paul.
Logan, have you been impressed by Austin Theory thus far?
[Logan] Austin Theory is excellent. He's an excellent wrestler.
He's the future of WWE.
And anytime I can see Kevin Owens get his butt beat, I like him.
[Wade] Certainly Austin Theory, not just a pretty boy,
likes a taste of his own blood and can keep swinging.
But that might do it for KO.
[Graves] Owens looking to turn the tides with a thunderous lariat,
flattening Austin Theory.
But Kevin Owens had better keep his attention in the ring, not here.
[Grayson] Come on, Theory!
[Wade] This has been the issue throughout the matchup for Kevin Owens.
Simply enemies at every turn.
[Graves] It was basically the same issue
that Owens had to deal with Saturday night,
being blinded by his own rage. Got caught breaking the rules.
And it cost the Prizefighter.
Theory in bad shape in the bottom turnbuckle and Owens is feeling it.
[Wade] Kevin Owens versus everyone.
Well, Kevin Owens will back himself.
[Graves] Counter by Theory.
Owens gets a boot up just in time. Now to the middle rope.
Tornado DDT!
Owens now looking to make the long climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Wade] Panic all over the face of Grayson Waller.
[Graves] Swanton!
[Wade] That's why.
-Hook of the leg. -[crowd] One! Two!
-Three… Oh! -[Graves] Austin Theory survives again.
Take a look at the impact on this one, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, beautiful execution on that Swanton.
But that tells you a lot about Austin Theory
that he could kick out of it.
[Graves] I don't know if anybody in Birmingham
is having as much fun as Logan Paul watching
the proceedings in the ring.
I just love seeing Kevin get beat up. This is great.
[Logan laughs]
[Wade] Right now, Kevin Owens doing most of the beating up himself, however.
[Graves] Looking for the Stunner.
Sternum-first into the top turnbuckle.
Desperate, but very effective counter by Austin Theory.
Whoa!
Cover here, shoulders down.
-[Logan] Come on. -No!
[Graves] I'm not entirely sure what to say about
what we just saw from Austin Theory bouncing around the ring like a pinball.
[Wade] Just ridiculous levels of athleticism,
that modified Blockbuster there connecting,
just milliseconds away from victory.
But that durability of Kevin Owens coming to the fore once again.
What on Earth is it gonna take for Theory to grab victory here?
[Graves] KO living by his ethos of just keep fighting.
-Austin Theory looking to snuff out. -[Logan] Come on, baby. Come on, yes!
[Graves] Logan, this never works. We discussed this.
No, you got it. You got it.
[Graves] Oh dear. Oh, great escape by Theory.
And a left rocks the jaw of the Prizefighter.
Great display of power from Austin Theory.
-[Logan] Oh my. -[Graves] That might do it.
-[Logan] He's a star. -[Graves] Stacked high.
And Owens kicks out.
[Wade] Speaks volumes for the conditioning
of both of these two men.
Theory pulling off a move like that this deep into the matchup.
But wait a second.
Grayson Waller drawing out official Jessika Carr's attention.
Logan just passed brass knuckles to Austin Theory!
KO with a superkick.
[Wade] KO one step ahead here.
[Graves] Owens has the brass knuckles.
There goes Waller!
Theory from behind.
Good night, Theory!
Hook of the leg.
-And you can count to 20. -[bell rings]
["Fight" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner, Kevin Owens.
[Graves] This is a drastic difference from Saturday night, Wade.
Notice Kevin Owens was able to obscure the brass knuckles
from our official's vision…
-[Wade] Absolutely. -…leading to a victory.
[Wade] Making sure that disqualification did not happen again.
[Graves] Oh, wait. Look out.
[Wade] Two KOs and now it might be time for Logan Paul's KO.
[Graves] The United States Champion wisely high-tailing out of the ringside area,
but I think Owens… is gonna give him a chase.
[Wade] Well, you better keep moving, Logan.
[crowd cheering]
This is my show!
[Graves] There we see the arrival of the Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley,
no doubt to keep a close eye on tonight's proceedings
as the Women's Royal Rumble Match winner, Bayley,
makes her decision for WrestleMania.
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Bring it to the floor ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Our first surprise of the night! She's back!
[upbeat music playing]
[Graves] You can see Naomi is feeling the energy, feeling the glow.
You can see the emotion in the eyes.
Absolutely incredible.
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
Check me out!
[laughing, cheering]
[chants "Welcome back"]
Excuse me. Yeah. I'm sorry. Um,
I'm the Center of the Universe and I've also signed a SmackDown contract.
-Um, where's my applause? -Here you go.
-I'm sorry. -You know what?
I'm not afraid to step up to the baddest woman in WWE.
And you're gonna remember me.
[exclaiming]
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Ladies, ladies, ladies! Stop, stop, stop, stop.
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh-uh!
You gonna make me stand on business tonight, right?
-Yeah? -Yes.
Bet.
-Hecks no! Girl, you know what? -Bring it down, girl.
Oh yeah, no. No, no, no.
-♪ Yes, boy! ♪ -[Graves] Tiffany Stratton wasting no time
making an impact here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Tiffy Time here on Friday nights. What a pickup.
♪ On and on, 'cause the night is young ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Qualifier Match.
Introducing first,
Kit Wilson and Elton Prince.
Pretty Deadly.
[Graves] Wade, it is about high time
that I have a partner who shares my affinity for all things Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] Yes, boy! I'm back with the Killer Queens
and I could not be more happy, Corey.
♪ We go on and on ♪
[Graves] Well, WWE Elimination Chamber is sponsored by Credit One Bank.
Get cash back rewards and live large.
["On and On" playing]
We've got a big one on tap in moments.
A Fatal 4-Way Championship Qualifier Match.
The LWO will meet Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate,
Pretty Deadly, and Angel and Humberto with Tag Team Title implications.
We'll explain more when we get back.
♪ We're two men ♪
♪ That's who we are ♪
A great night.
It's gonna be a big, big, big decision happening.
But I just want to know.
Tonight, when Bayley chooses to face Rhea for the Women's World Title,
I just wanna know, what is it that I have to do
-to face Iyo for the WWE Women's Title? -Adam and I have been discussing that.
And we should have an update for you very soon.
Nick, listen, please. Give me a challenger.
They're calling me a part-timer. I'm sick of it. I need a challenger.
-It could be anyone except Kevin Owens. -Excuse me.
We're kind of in the middle of a conversation right here.
Me too. Congrats on 2K, by the way. You're excused.
Nick. Anyone. I'm pissed off. They keep calling me a part-timer.
-I'm not. I signed a new contract. -First of all, rude.
Second of all, I don't know who you think you are.
And third of all, go find you somebody else to play with.
Like I said, I'm in the middle of a conversation right now.
I don't know who I think I am either.
But whatever this is, this confrontation is not professional.
Nick, I suggest you get your show under control here
and start treating your top stars like top stars.
Congrats on the reality show, by the way. I'm a big fan of your husband.
Think about what I said.
I was talking to a top star.
Exactly.
-[indistinct conversations] -[soft music playing]
[speaking Spanish]
I look around this table
and my heart is filled with joy.
[speaking Spanish]
Familia.
An unbreakable bond.
In my universe,
there's nothing more valuable que la familia.
Angel,
Humberto,
and, of course, La Madrina.
Welcome back.
I never left.
I know.
We have been entrusted…
to carry the legacy…
of our fathers,
our grandfathers,
brothers, sisters,
and the mantle of lucha libre itself.
That is why we must eradicate Rey Mysterio's LWO.
A toast…
to honor…
loyalty…
Legado Del Fantasma.
[upbeat music playing]
[Rome] And already in the ring, accompanied by Elektra Lopez,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
Angel and Humberto.
[Graves] Wade, you've got to admit the reemergence of La Madrina,
Elektra Lopez,
alongside Legado Del Fantasma,
has to make this group even more dangerous than before her arrival.
[Wade] Well, La Madrina, a.k.a. the Godmother.
Santos Escobar goes way back with Elektra Lopez.
And what a coup it was last week when she returned and attacked Zelina Vega.
[Graves] No doubt about it. This is the first of two Fatal 4-Way matches.
One takes place tonight, the other on Raw this coming Monday.
The winner of the Fatal 4-Ways will face each other to determine
the next challenger for The Judgment Day
at Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia.
[Wade] A lot on the line here.
The "Big Strong Boi" Tyler Bate taking over early.
Wade, I know you've been a fan of Pete Dunne for many years
as well as Tyler Bate.
Talk about the reemergence, the rebirth of The Bruiserweight.
[Wade] I like what I've seen in recent weeks.
I think Pete Dunne got a bit carried away with the Brawling Brutes.
He focused a little… Ooh! A little too much on that aggression.
Tyler Bate, from his past, has pulled him back.
Reminded him who he is, got him back,
managing his style a little more effectively.
Calmed down that temper, and hopefully we'll see some positive results.
[Graves] Now we see Joaquin Wilde. Quick tags all over the board here.
The role in one of these Fatal 4-Way matchups,
since there is no count-out, no disqualification,
you generally want to try to keep your own teammate in the ring at all times.
You want to make sure your team's represented.
[Wade] Very little benefit to getting tagged out,
aside from saving yourself.
[Graves] A little standoff for the moment.
Angel wasting no time taking advantage.
Kit and Elton stomping the breath out of everybody.
I think this is high time for a "Yes, boy!"
[Wade] Oh, it's always high time for a "Yes, boy!" Let's get it.
[Graves] Here comes Dunne, Bate, Del Toro and Wilde turning the tables.
[Wade] Wilde is highly appropriate
for this kind of match of absolute chaos at all angles.
Very little the referee can do to maintain control.
Blink-and-you'll-miss affair.
[Graves] Blink and you miss it.
Perfect way to describe the offense of Cruz Del Toro.
Soaring through the skies and here we go, we're gonna double up.
Dueling baseball slides.
Viral. Viral.
Viral?
You want to go viral?
-[Graves laughs] Wade… -[Wade] "You want to go viral?"
[Graves] You've seen this before in NXT.
My God!
Joaquin Wilde soaring through the skies in Birmingham
with the assist from Pete Dunne and Cruz Del Toro.
Fatal 4-Way Tag Match rolls on.
Who will advance?
It is a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match.
No count-out, no disqualification.
The first team to score a pinfall or submission
will advance to face the winner
of a Fatal 4-Way which takes place this coming Monday on Raw.
The winning team will advance to Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia,
to challenge The Judgment Day for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
The action has been fast and furious throughout in this one, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, and this one is absolutely being dominated
at this point by Elton Prince.
Take a look at this, right before the break however.
Look at the distance Joaquin Wilde gets on that.
Some sort of assisted leap, but highly effective.
But he's in the grips of punishment from Pretty Deadly at this point.
[Graves] What do you think the odds human launching
-will be in the Paris Olympics? -[Wade] I like that.
I don't think you and I would do too well but Joaquin Wilde might be our entrant.
[Graves] Tag made. Pete Dunne,
a pair of step-up enzuigiris, and The Bruiserweight is rolling.
[Wade] Last thing you want at this point in the matchup
with Bruiserweight Pete Dunne getting all the momentum.
[Graves] Oh no. This would be a "No, boy!"
Kick right to the side of the ear of Elton Prince.
Great balance displayed by Dunne.
And a matching kick for Kit Wilson.
Cruz Del Toro caught in the grips.
[Wade] Pete Dunne might do this one all on his own.
[Graves] Joaquin Wilde just sniped out of mid-air
by a heavy right hand by The Bruiserweight.
[Wade] Reborn Pete Dunne getting bootwashed by Pretty Deadly.
-Bad Apples. -Get him!
[Graves] Cover here. Kit Wilson for the win.
Tyler Bate keeping the matchup alive for not only his team,
but the three others involved.
And around we go.
The speed of the airplane spin by The Big Strong Boi.
[Wade] I was nauseous just looking at that.
[Graves] Fantastic teamwork by Dunne. Cover here with the leg hook.
Angel and Humberto keeping this one alive.
[Wade] There's the history between Bate and Dunne
pulling off that Cut The Mustard double-team, but-- whoa!
[Graves] Oh my goodness!
[Wade] Angel and Humberto done some tag work in their history too.
[Graves] Double springboard dropkicks by the LWO.
Wilde and Del Toro looking to fly, but Elektra…
-[indistinct shouting] -[crowd booing]
[Wade] Uh-oh, little payback from last week from Zelina Vega.
[Graves] Zelina's clearing the LWO for takeoff!
Wilde, Del Toro taking everybody out.
And Zelina Vega with the Meteora on Elektra Lopez.
A long-time rivalry renewed here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd chanting "LWO"]
[Wade] Absolute bedlam everywhere you look.
Switcheroo, I believe.
[Graves] Are Pretty Deadly attempting to use twin magic?
Wait, shoulders down.
I don't know if our official realized which member of Pretty Deadly was legal.
[screaming]
But I bet Kit wishes Elton was legal right now.
[screaming]
[Wade] The guy with the broken fingers is legal, Corey.
[Graves] Bate and Dunne.
Two men who innovated-- Cover here.
[referee and crowd] One! Two!
-Three! -[Graves] That's gonna do it!
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate advance.
[Rome] Here are your winners,
the team of "The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne
and Tyler Bate!
[Graves] A fantastic effort by all four teams.
But The Bruiserweight and The Big Strong Boi
will advance to battle the winners of Monday Night Raw's Fatal 4-Way.
The winner heads to Perth, Australia.
[dramatic music playing]
Well, this was just announced per general manager Nick Aldis.
Michin, the badass of The O.C.,
will go one-on-one with the Center of the Universe,
SmackDown's newest signee, Tiffany Stratton, tonight.
Tonight's SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Wow, I gotta tell you, Tiffany Stratton is something very special indeed.
Cannot wait for her SmackDown debut tonight against Michin.
Well, both Michin and Tiffany Stratton
put up strong accounts of themselves this past Saturday
in the Royal Rumble Match, which was won by Bayley,
who will be the first to tell you that even for the winner,
the Road to WrestleMania is a treacherous one.
I beat 29 other women on Saturday.
And not only that, but I beat Rhea Ripley's precious little record.
["Demon In Your Dreams" featuring Motionless in White playing]
♪ Look at my eyes ♪
I see that the rest of Damage CTRL has gold.
And if you decide to challenge me at WrestleMania,
then it's gonna stay that way.
Because Mami--
[Wade] Turns out Bayley was not the only woman
with designs on Mami's World Championship.
Enter the Irresistible Force, Nia Jax, who squashed The Champ
and then had some advice for the Royal Rumble winner.
You can pick Iyo,
but Rhea…
isn't making it to WrestleMania.
Yeah, I mean, if you let me finish, I was gonna say,
I'm gonna make my announcement on Friday, on SmackDown. Yep.
♪ Most girls ♪
♪ So take a seat ♪
-[indistinct] -Sorry, sorry, sorry.
She can't beat Rhea or you.
[conversing in Japanese]
Don't worry about it.
Bayley's done.
Tonight.
[laughter]
I can't wait.
[conversing in Japanese]
[crowd exclaiming]
["Gasoline" by The Weeknd playing]
♪ I'm pushing myself further I'm just tryna feel my heartbeat beat ♪
♪ And I love it when you watch me sleep ♪
♪ You spin me 'round so I can breathe ♪
♪ It's only safe for you and me ♪
♪ And if I finally die in peace ♪
♪ Just wrap my body in these sheets ♪
♪ And pour out the gasoline ♪
♪ It don't mean much to me ♪
[bell tolls]
[Graves] In just 64 days,
Philadelphia, PA, will host the grandest event in live entertainment.
WrestleMania, where Cody Rhodes has once again earned
the right to attempt to finish his story.
But this past Monday on Raw, Cody's choice became even more difficult.
Here's our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[soft music playing]
[Cole] Cody Rhodes is going to WrestleMania!
-He wants to finish the story… -[Rhodes] Finish the story.
[Cole] …against the Undisputed Champion.
[Rollins] Cody Rhodes.
Look in your heart and ask yourself,
what kind of champion
do you wanna be?
Do you want to be like The Ultimate Warrior?
[crowd cheering]
Or do you want to be like the "Nature Boy," Ric Flair?
[Ric] When you're the World Champion, you just don't talk the talk,
you walk the walk.
[Rollins] Do you want to be like Sid?
Or do you want to be like Terry Funk?
[Terry] I'm gonna go ahead and prove to you people that I will be
the finest champion that this world has ever seen.
[Rollins] You need to decide, Cody.
[Hulk] Whatcha gonna do?
[Rollins] Do you wanna be like "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan?
Or do you want to be like "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes?
[Dusty] My children can look right now!
I'm telling you, get a dream, hold onto it, and shoot for the sky!
[announcer] And new World Heavyweight Champion!
[Rollins] So tell me, Cody, where your heart lies.
Is your heart set on out-manipulating Roman Reigns?
[Reigns] Being in the main event with Roman Reigns,
that's your dream, and that's where the story ends!
[Rollins] Would you like to try and out-wrestle Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
The Workhorse Championship.
The World Heavyweight Championship
is the title in WWE!
So tell me, Cody, what kind of champion do you want to be?
♪ Better than me ♪
[Wade] That is the question.
Cody Rhodes, and he's looking pensive ahead of his big decision.
Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns?
The World Heavyweight Championship
or the WWE Universal Championship?
We're gonna find out later tonight.
[Graves] Here you see the managers general of Raw and SmackDown,
Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis.
Let's send it up to our ring announcer Mike Rome.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
the winner of the 2024
Women's Royal Rumble,
Bayley!
["We Got The Rage" playing]
[laughs]
♪ Damage CTRL ♪
[Graves] Wade, some people may find Bayley a bit polarizing,
but you've got to give the devil her due.
Bayley called her shot and followed through at Tropicana Field.
[Wade] One hour and three minutes in a Royal Rumble
is an achievement that is completely unimaginable
to most of us who have been in that ring.
Ten minutes is enough for most of us.
It was an incredible performance.
And Bayley once again rubber-stamping
why she is one of the absolute best on the planet.
I cannot wait for this decision.
♪ Breaking the system, we're systematic ♪
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive.
♪ We are far from average ♪
The moment so many have been waiting on
for the past several days.
Who will Bayley choose to challenge
at the Showcase of the Immortals in Philadelphia?
♪ We got the power, we got the rage ♪
♪ Control the stage, control the cage ♪
♪ We got the power, we got the rage ♪
[music fades]
[crowd chanting "Bayley"]
Now, when I think about WrestleMania, you know, I've really done it all.
Almost.
I've defended the Raw Women's Title.
I've defended the SmackDown Women's Title.
I've gone out there with the Women's Tag Titles.
I've even hosted the damn thing.
But this year, this year is different.
And this year is special.
This year is different because I didn't get here on my own.
And I can admit that.
I had a lot of ups and downs.
More downs if you know what I'm talking about.
But I wasn't in it alone because I had my girls.
I had something that I never had before going into WrestleMania.
They were there for me.
They supported me.
They were there for the car rides.
They were there when I came back crying in the locker room
because this wasn't working out the way I thought it did.
But Damage CTRL was there for me because Damage CTRL
is more than just the best women's faction in all time.
Damage CTRL is family.
[laughter]
[crowd booing]
So when I think about WrestleMania, I think about moments.
I think about magic.
I think about being the best.
And for me to be the absolute best, I have to beat one of the best.
And that brings me to Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
Or I can go a different route. I can… I can fight a different fight.
[crowd cheering]
Because sometimes it's not all about having a championship or holding a title.
Sometimes, it's more personal.
Sometimes it comes down to what's in your heart
and proving people wrong,
about proving doubters wrong
that didn't think you have what it took to go all the way.
And sometimes the people that you thought were your biggest support system,
the people that you thought were your friends…
[crowd exclaiming]
Sometimes, you have to prove them wrong.
You guys done laughing?
[speaks Japanese]
[crowd gasping]
Yeah, that's Japanese.
I picked that up from all the times you guys talked about me behind my back.
[crowd exclaiming]
You guys think I don't see all around me?
Do you know how long I've been in the WWE?
I've done it all. I've seen it all.
You guys talk about me constantly.
Why?
All I wanted was for Damage CTRL to be the best.
All I wanted was to take this to the top, to WrestleMania,
and I wanted to do that together.
But you guys see nothing in me, do you? Huh?
Iyo, what happened?
-When you, me, and Dakota started this… -[crowd chants "Bayley"]
…we were like this. Ever since they came around,
you turned your back on me.
-What happened? -[Graves] Oh my God.
[crowd booing]
The Kabuki Warriors from behind
laying waste to the woman who was at one time the leader of Damage CTRL.
[Wade] There has been a malignant stench inside Damage CTRL for some time,
and it's coming to a head before our eyes.
[crowd booing]
Founder of Damage CTRL battered.
Ooh!
[Graves] Wade, what did Bayley just grab from under the ring?
[Wade] Well, Bayley's no dummy, I assure you of that.
[Graves] Oh my God!
Bayley's got a pipe!
Bayley must have known this was gonna happen!
[Wade] The ultimate equalizer.
[crowd chants "Bayley"]
And about that announcement,
Iyo, I'll see you at WrestleMania.
-[Wade] Whoa! -[wild cheering]
["Deliverance" playing]
Well, talk about a 180, Corey.
[Graves] From suffering the ultimate betrayal…
by the Kabuki Warriors and Iyo Sky,
Bayley once again has called her shot…
Bayley will challenge Iyo Sky for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
But the chaos continues tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
A rivalry that has been brewing for the past several weeks
comes to a head in a six-man tag team match
as Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits
face off with the diabolical Final Testament, next.
We are sold out tonight in Birmingham,
and emotions at an all-time high after a shocking betrayal.
You turned your back on me!
What happened--
[Graves] Kairi Sane and Asuka, the Kabuki Warriors,
sticking the proverbial knife
into the back of the leader of Damage CTRL, Bayley.
[Iyo shouting]
But Bayley seems to have been prepared.
[Wade] Yeah, she wasn't born yesterday,
and the Kabuki Warriors soon learned that a steel pipe
to the stomach is the ultimate equalizer,
leaving Iyo Sky alone in the ring with the Royal Rumble winner.
And about that announcement…
Iyo, I'll see you at WrestleMania.
[wild cheering]
["Deliverance" playing]
[Graves] And with that, we now know
our very first match of WrestleMania Weekend.
As the winner of the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble Match,
"The Role Model" Bayley goes one-on-one
with the dominant WWE Women's Champion and former ally, Iyo Sky.
["Gasoline" by The Weeknd playing]
♪ And if I finally die in peace ♪
["The End Is Near" playing]
♪ The end is here ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest
is a six-man tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Paul Ellering and Scarlett,
AOP and Karrion Kross,
The Final Testament!
[Graves] Wade, if you look across the WWE landscape,
I doubt you will find a more intimidating presence
than this group constructed by Karrion Kross.
Add in the behemoths known as AOP,
the LaVeyan wisdom of Paul Ellering,
and The Seductress, Scarlett.
This is a dangerous faction.
They can basically do whatever the hell they want.
[Wade] I got to agree with you, Corey.
The air in this arena has just thickened up with a frenzy of negative energy.
Nothing good can come from this unit, The Final Testament.
[Graves] This crew has been making life extremely difficult recently
for the Street Profits and this man, The All Mighty.
["All Mighty" playing]
[pyrotechnics boom]
[Rome] And their opponents,
the team of The Street Profits
and "The All Mighty"
Bobby Lashley!
[Graves] Wade, it was several months back that The Street Profits aligned themselves
with Bobby Lashley, hoping to find an edge, a little added motivation.
In your opinion, what do The Street Profits
and Lashley need to do tonight to take down
the dominant force that is The Final Testament?
[Wade] Simply gotta take the gloves off and keep swinging.
This is it! Cover your kids' eyes! This is getting ugly.
[Graves] As expected, as advertised.
Six genuine combatants just throwing hands, lefts and rights.
Oh my God, Dawkins just dumped Rezar over the top rope.
Akam gets caught with a kick by Ford.
[Wade] Heavyweights slugging it out everywhere you look.
Referee, zero chance of getting this one under control thus far.
Big old dogs.
There's a body check.
[Graves] There aren't too many men who can run like that into Rezar
and live to tell the tale.
Meanwhile, Kross connects with The All Mighty.
And Lashley, driving Karrion Kross down spine-first.
Could the Hurt Lock be in?
Oh, but Scarlett…
proving invaluable yet again. Looking for the eyes of The All Mighty.
-[Wade] Wait a second. -[Graves] That's B-Fab.
B-Fab, who we've seen backstage
over the past few months chatting with Bobby Lashley.
Spear by Lashley.
[Wade] Here, Bobby Lashley may have acquired the services
-of B-Fab at exactly the right time. -Well, you know what they say,
when the chips are down, you find out who your real friends are.
[Wade] Now this one is a long way from over, Corey.
[Graves] No doubt about it, the issues still remain.
They may never be settled,
but now the odds a bit more even with the arrival of B-Fab.
[indistinct shouting]
["All Mighty" playing]
And we have reached the point in the night where there is one match to go.
Sponsored by Credit One Bank.
"Impressive" is an understatement, my friend. Now, listen.
I'm gonna get right to it.
Everything in this contract is exactly like we discussed.
All I need you to do is put your John Hancock… or your Bron Hancock…
[Adam] Gentlemen! Gentlemen!
Look, Bron, I don't know what he's trying to sell you,
but I wouldn't put pen to paper on anything
until you talk to me on Monday.
-What do you think you're doing? -Business. What are you doing?
Oh, I know exactly what I'm doing.
Um, Nick, if it's cool with you, I'm gonna hang on to this.
-Sure. -Adam?
-Yeah? -I'll see you Monday.
Yes, you will. I'm looking forward to it.
-What are you playing at? -Playing? Who's playing?
-I'm doing business. -[knocking]
They're knocking on your door.
[Jade] Hey, Nick, you invited me here tonight.
-Jade. -Is now a good time?
Now is a great time. Just one second.
Adam, if you wouldn't mind exiting that way.
That would mean now.
Be careful, 00-Salesman.
Watch this one tonight. He's got an attitude.
Jade, welcome.
["Keep Up" playing]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Tiffany Stratton!
[Graves] Wade, I know you have been waiting a long, long time for this moment.
[Wade] Oh yes, indeed.
A woman who has made waves in NXT over the past couple of years.
We are getting the debut of Tiffy Time right here on SmackDown tonight.
It's Tiffany Stratton, "The Buff Barbie," against Michin.
And it's coming up next, Corey.
[Graves] And tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
You said it, Wade. The badass of The O.C. faces SmackDown's newest Superstar,
the Center of the Universe, Tiffany Stratton.
Live next.
♪ Better than me ♪
[Wade] You win the Royal Rumble, but the hard work does not end there.
Cody Rhodes has a lot to weigh up.
Who's he gonna face at WrestleMania?
The decision is still to come.
And it's happening later tonight.
["Keep Up" playing]
[Graves] Well, if you're talking legacy, here is a young lady who is looking
to carve one out for herself.
SmackDown's newest Superstar, Tiffany Stratton.
♪ Yeah ♪
["I Am" playing]
♪ I am, I am, I am the one Ain't hard to see ♪
♪ Hard to see ♪
♪ You know, you know… ♪
[Rome] And her opponent, accompanied by The O.C.,
Michin!
[explosion]
[Graves] Well, it'll be no easy task
for Tiffany Stratton tonight as she goes one-on-one
with Michin of The O.C.
You see Gallows and Anderson wishing Michin well.
Wade, I'd say Michin's really entering a big era in her career.
Curious to see what kind of mood she will be in next week
when Friday Night SmackDown heads to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Will Michin be coming off of a big victory,
playing spoiler to Tiffany's big debut?
[Wade] Well, Michin had a taste of the big time recently
competing for World Championships.
She feels she's ready to make that jump
into being a regular main eventer.
She needs to put that into practice tonight,
get a victory against the newcomer, Tiffany Stratton.
-Let's go. Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Graves] And tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
Michin wasting no time out of the gate,
bringing the fight to the Center of the Universe.
[Wade] Yeah, I'm not surprised
after that slap earlier tonight from Tiffany Stratton.
A lot of young Superstars, they walk on eggshells
when they first make it up here to Raw or to SmackDown.
Not Tiffany Stratton, though.
She's not someone who's ever gonna hide in the shadows.
She demands spotlight.
Wade, tell us a little more about Tiffany Stratton.
You had the honor of calling many of her matches in NXT,
where she was NXT Women's Champion.
[Wade] Yeah, started at zero two years ago in NXT with zero experience.
-Ascended to the-- -[Graves] Shoulders down.
[Wade] Ascended to the top of the women's division there in record time,
becoming champion.
A complete natural at this game,
and she became the face of an entire division before you knew it.
So there is a big, big hype train behind Tiffany Stratton,
and the sky really is the limit for this woman.
[Graves] Gutwrench suplex by Michin.
Tiffany Stratton all out of sorts.
How important is it, Wade, in your opinion,
on your first night, whether it be on Raw or SmackDown?
Somewhere new to impress the officials and the WWE Universe.
[Wade] Well, it's impossible for Tiffany Stratton to do anything other…
[Graves] Hook of the leg.
[Wade] …than impress.
But after stepping up to members of the locker room
such as Michin, calling your shot, you have to make it count.
Otherwise, you're gonna get out of here tonight with egg on your face.
[Graves] Michin, again, looking to play spoiler to Tiffany's big premiere.
From the apron, looking for a soccer kick, but Stratton able to thwart it.
What time is it?
-[Graves] I believe it's Tiffy Time. -It's Tiffy Time!
[Graves] A completely sold-out Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama,
witnessing Michin of The O.C. go one-on-one with Tiffany Stratton,
Friday Night SmackDown's newest signee.
Oh my goodness! Cover by Stratton!
One, two…
[Graves] Now, Wade, we were talking earlier today about what a fan you are
of Tiffany Stratton and how you've watched her career develop.
[Wade] Yeah, she has an astounding capacity for learning…
You're nothing, Mia!
[Wade] …and applying what she's learned.
-[Graves] Oh no! -[Wade] A little payback for you there.
That was a rookie error.
I hate saying that about Tiffany Stratton, but talking smack to someone like Michin
before you get the job finished is always gonna come back and bite you.
[Graves] No doubt about it. Michin just letting those fists fly.
Rocking and rolling Tiffany Stratton back and forth across the ring.
-Dropkick on the money. -[Wade] Welcome to the big time, Tiffy.
[Graves] Neckbreaker by Michin.
Tiffany Stratton all out of sorts, trying to find respite in the corner.
[Wade] Tiffany finding out it's just a higher level
-every time you step up that ladder. -[Graves] Wow!
Double knees to the face.
Cover here by Michin,
and Stratton wisely realizing she is just inches away from the bottom rope.
[Wade] Superb wherewithal from Tiffany Stratton
after taking a beating there, keeping her hopes alive on this SmackDown debut.
[Michin] Okay.
[Graves] Tiffany Stratton has been incredibly impressive, but…
in danger of defeat, courtesy of Michin.
And a bit of a shortcut by Stratton, effective nonetheless.
Look at this, we saw this in the Royal Rumble Match.
Alabama Slam, stacked up high!
-[crowd] One! Two! -[Graves] That could do it. No!
[Wade] Tiffany Stratton is a top-level competitive gymnast,
a former member of Team USA.
You saw a small glimpse of that athletic ability there.
This woman is capable of doing things no other woman in this division can.
[Graves] Michin utilizing her well-educated feet.
Kick to the body and a boot to the jaw of Stratton.
[grunting]
Stratton bulldozing Michin back into the turnbuckle.
Once again, muscling Michin up.
-Oh, this could be it, Wade. -This is it! This is it!
Prettiest Moonsault Ever!
[referee and crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Graves] Welcome to SmackDown, Tiffany.
[Rome] Here's your winner, Tiffany Stratton!
[Graves] After capturing the imagination of the WWE Universe at the Royal Rumble,
Stratton picks up right where she left off.
This is a thing of beauty.
In fact, the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
[Wade] Yeah, it scores tens all around.
That is all Tiffany Stratton ever does.
Aside from, of course, scoring wins.
["Keep Up" playing]
[Graves] Well, the question on the minds of the WWE Universe will be answered.
Will it be Rollins?
Will it be Roman?
The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, makes his WrestleMania decision.
Next.
["Gasoline" by The Weeknd playing]
♪ And if I finally die in peace ♪
♪ Just wrap my body in these sheets ♪
[Graves] Earlier tonight,
we watched Pete Dunne and his partner, Tyler Bate,
win their respective Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match.
Next week, when we get to Charlotte, we will have the answer.
Who will face Bate and Dunne?
We'll have our answer on Monday Night Raw.
The winner of which heads to the Elimination Chamber
to challenge The Judgment Day.
[Wade] And what The Maverick wants, The Maverick gets.
Fresh off of his controversial defense at the Royal Rumble,
United States Champ Logan Paul will find out
who his next challenger will be, courtesy of GM Nick Aldis.
Right here, next week on SmackDown.
♪ This for our fans, it's showtime ♪
[Graves] Well, tonight, SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Let's take it back to ringside with our General Manager, Nick Aldis,
and Monday Night Raw's Adam Pearce.
♪ Time to hit the field ♪
♪ This is my passion I'm king of the hill ♪
[music fades]
-["Head of The Table" playing] -[wild cheering]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
Special Counsel, "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
Jimmy Uso,
Solo Sikoa,
and the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[fireworks popping]
[Graves] This is aura.
G.O.D. Mode engaged,
tonight on Friday Night SmackDown,
and, Wade, you have to imagine The Tribal Chief is riding high
after a dominant win this past Saturday at the Royal Rumble.
[Wade] Well, it is Groundhog Day every single day
for the challengers of Roman Reigns,
as the bodies continue to stack up on the Island of Relevancy.
The one thing that is consistent in this game is that that man,
The Tribal Chief, is still, still, the WWE Universal Champion.
I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief!
[Graves] The atmosphere inside of the Legacy Arena is palpable
with the arrival of Roman Reigns.
A man who has headlined many WrestleManias in his day.
And Reigns currently sits
at 1,251 days and counting
as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[Wade] These people know they're seeing something special.
They are seeing something almost supernatural.
[fireworks popping]
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Cody"]
Oh, we'll get to him, but first…
Birmingham, Alabama!
[crowd cheering]
Acknowledge me!
[crowd cheering]
The Wiseman will tell you,
I don't like to recap.
I would prefer to move forward.
But there were some things said on Monday…
that we just can't let slide.
My little brother, Seth Rollins.
Exactly, no pop.
He said he's got the title. The title.
[laughing]
So I had to think about it. I'm like…
Didn't I beat everybody competing for that title?
Doesn't that make all them my number twos?
Shouldn't we call that the Loser Bracket Title?
And then he had the audacity to say that he was "the guy."
[laughing]
You can't be running around here for two years
in your wives' clothes and say you're the guy.
And then he wants to say he's a workhorse.
But three months in, he broke his back trying to carry that show.
[chuckling]
Let me ask y'all this.
Do workhorses walk like this?
[crowd groaning]
Hell no!
And then he wants to attack my schedule? Oh, come on, this is simple.
I work less than you, yes. That's true.
Actually, I work, like, ten times less than you.
And I still make ten times more than you.
So let me-- I'll ask y'all. You want Seth Rollins money?
Or Tribal Chief money?
[crowd] Tribal Chief!
But see, Cody, he's an idiot.
He's got values and all that crap.
He don't really care about the money, I don't think.
So I'm gonna break it down to him very simple.
This is simple math. Here, Cody.
I'm not gonna beg you like the other guy.
You can either be the very best number two in this industry,
or you can take a crack at number one again. It's your choice.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
-[Graves] We're about to get an answer. -Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said when I was younger ♪
[Graves] The winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble Match is here.
Will Rhodes choose Rollins? Will Rhodes choose Reigns?
We find out, live, next.
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks popping]
[Graves] The moment has arrived.
It is decision time for The American Nightmare.
Who will Cody Rhodes challenge
on the Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania?
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
[music fades]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Cody"]
So, Birmingham, Alabama!
[wild cheering]
Roman Reigns.
[crowd booing]
What do we want to talk about?
[inaudible]
You know, I imagine this conversation a little bit more private.
If you'll indulge me, perhaps we can have the ring to ourselves.
[crowd cheering]
Leave us.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[crowd chants "Cody"]
So I took a great deal of counsel this week.
I talked to friends, family, legends.
You know, you cheated me.
I had you more than anybody that you've been in the ring with.
I had you, and I think you know it.
Seth Rollins, he's made a lot of amazing points this week.
But one of them that I disagree with, he called that the Hollywood Title.
You can call it whatever you want.
That's still the title that Bruno Sammartino held.
It's still the title that was put into my father's hands in Madison Square Garden
and then swiftly taken away.
Again, call it whatever you want.
I still want that title.
Let me ask you.
What is finishing the story?
'Cause I've heard you say that all of this, all of it is yours.
This ring, the canvas, the ropes, that camera, the announce desk,
all these people.
You guys belong to Roman Reigns apparently.
[crowd booing]
So…
is finishing the story taking that championship from you?
Or is finishing the story taking everything from you?
Let me make it abundantly clear.
I want that title.
Matter of fact, I'm moving my own goalpost.
I want that title. I want everything.
And I am coming for it.
I am coming for you, Roman Reigns.
But not at WrestleMania.
I mentioned taking counsel.
Roman, one of the individuals I talked to,
he knows you very well.
[crowd cheering]
-[The Rock] If you smell… -[thunderous cheering]
…what The Rock is cookin'.
["Electrifying" playing]
[Graves] The most electrifying man in entertainment
is here on Friday Night SmackDown!
[crowd cheering]
[wild cheering]
[crowd chants "Rocky"]
[inaudible]
[crowd chants "Rocky!"]
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Rocky!"]
[chants fade]
[crowd chants "This is awesome!"]
[chants fade]
[crowd whistling, cheering] me!"]