[WWE signature intro playing]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell gongs] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings! ♪ -♪ You can't see me! ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
[Corey] As the tyrannical reign of The Bloodline continues,
the eyes of the WWE Universe
are locked on a sold-out Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah,
where tonight, greatness is upon us.
♪ Who better than me? ♪
♪ Besting opponents, flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving dem all Looking stressin' and folded ♪
[Corey] The most electrifying and influential man in all of entertainment
has boldly declared that the world is on notice.
♪ And now I'm the greatest ♪
♪ Brushing off haters ♪
♪ Call me the GOAT 'Cause there ain't no debating ♪
♪ I'm winning, I'm acing I'm sitting at first ♪
♪ Man, I'm a beast… ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The Rock and Roman Reigns have joined forces,
making The Bloodline even stronger.
What does this mean for WWE?
We hope to find out tonight.
♪ I don't see nobody, I don't see nobody ♪
Elimination Chamber is one week from tomorrow,
but 13,681 fans are on hand
to witness Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
[song fades]
["Fight" by CFO$ playing]
[Wade] Corey, we are kicking things off tonight in style
with an Elimination Chamber Qualifier Matchup.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following is an Elimination Chamber
Qualifying Match!
Introducing first, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Corey] Kevin Owens with a massive opportunity tonight, as does his opponent,
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio of the Judgment Day.
Wade, it was last year at WrestleMania Saturday,
that Kevin Owens actually main-evented WrestleMania
in a matchup for the Tag Team Championship.
As of now, KO does not have a path to Philadelphia.
It could start tonight.
["It Is My Time" by def rebel playing]
[Rome] And his opponent, representing the Judgment Day,
Dominik Mysterio!
The Judgment Day…
[crowd booing]
…has a huge…
-Judgment Day is going to dominate-- -[booing intensifies]
Finn and Damien…
Finn and Damian are gonna--
-I said-- -[crowd boos]
They're gonna retain--
Retain their Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
Mami is gonna stay Women's World Champion,
and "Dirty" Dom is gonna win the Elimination Chamber
to complete the sweep.
[Corey] The WWE Universe tonight in Salt Lake City, absolutely ruthless.
No respect for "Dirty" Dom.
[Wade] Incredibly disrespectful for a man in "Dirty" Dom,
who for me, was one of 2023's MVPs for WWE.
[Corey] You know, Wade, it's actually refreshing to see--
to have a partner who understands the upside that is Dominik Mysterio.
[Wade] Unlimited upside when it comes to "Dirty" Dom,
the greatest Mysterio this game has ever seen.
[Corey] At least when you say it,
I don't have to worry about my Twitter blowing up.
-I like it, Wade. -[Wade] I'll take the heat for once.
[Corey] Starting things off here, Kevin Owens and Dominik Mysterio,
the winner, will advance to the Elimination Chamber
one week from tomorrow, streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
The winner of that matchup will advance to WrestleMania
and challenge Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
And just a reminder, Wade, set your alarm.
Elimination Chamber goes live at 5 a.m. Eastern Time here in the United States.
For you on the West Coast, 2 a.m. So just stay up late.
[Wade] I like that idea. I got a bottle of whiskey waiting for me.
[Corey] There we go. My man knows how to party.
And Owens puts "Dirty" Dom down.
[Wade] I mean, well, KO said that "Dirty" Dom
had the most punchable face in the industry.
If you want a little window into the game plan of KO tonight,
I don't think he's hiding it.
[Corey] Listen, as polarizing as "Dirty" Dom may be to the WWE Universe,
you have to respect the in-ring acumen of the second-generation Superstar.
[Wade] He earned the nickname "Dirty" Dom
by being a master in the dark art of skulduggery.
And I expect that to come to the fore tonight, Corey.
[Corey] Well done, my friend. Also one of my favorite No Limit rappers.
That's a deep cut right there.
Kevin Owens looking to build some momentum right now.
Nice deep arm drag takedown.
What's that saying, Wade? Discretion is the better part of valor.
Dominik making KO wait.
[Wade] Dominik knows this game inside out at this point.
Quite simply, in a straight-out firefight with a prizefighter like KO,
you're not gonna win. You have to play smart.
And Dom realizes that.
[Corey] Well, the prize at stake here,
entry into the Elimination Chamber matchup,
which thus far has been populated by a who's who in WWE.
Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, and LA Knight already qualifying.
[Wade] Man, win tonight, and it just gets harder from here.
Well, this is step one.
And right now, "Dirty" Dom's starting to take control.
[Corey] And I think it's a relatively common mistake
here in WWE of Superstars tending to overlook
"Dirty" Dom's in-ring abilities.
[Wade] No doubt about it.
"Dirty" Dom is a man who initially people overlook,
but has consistently found ways to escape to victory.
[Corey] Owens lining up Mysterio on the outside.
Here comes KO. And there goes "Dirty" Dom.
[Wade] I mean, they can boo all they want. If a guy's charging at you the size of KO,
of course you're gonna move out of the way.
[Corey] Now "Dirty" Dom putting in the work
at the expense of The Prizefighter.
Mysterio put on the brakes and ate five knuckles for his troubles.
[referee] Four!
[Wade] What?
What is… What are you doing?
[indistinct conversation]
[Corey] R-Truth, depending on who you ask or the day of the week,
may or may not be a member of the Judgment Day.
Pretty sure, officially speaking, Truth not a member of the Judgment Day.
But right now, Dominik Mysterio reaping the benefits.
A little homage to Uncle Eddie. Cover by "Dirty" Dom.
And Owens kicks off.
Who's heading to Perth in the Elimination Chamber?
Miz, where was you at, man?
[Corey] This is an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
On Friday Night SmackDown, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio
representing the Judgment Day one-on-one with "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens.
And prior to the break, we were joined ringside by potential, temporary,
occasional Judgment Day member R-Truth.
[Wade] Well, R-Truth currently thinks he's out here
having an awesome Truth Reunion with The Miz.
The problem is, that isn't Miz, it's Kevin Owens.
We're living in Bizarro World once again with R-Truth.
[Corey] No doubt about it, Owens doing his best to fight his way back into this.
Oh!
Down goes Owens, cover by Dominik.
Elimination Chamber Matchups will continue to take shape tonight,
live from Salt Lake City.
And, Wade, I don't think I'm wrong when I'm saying
there is something in the air tonight. Something big, something special.
We know The Rock and Roman Reigns are under the same roof tonight.
[Wade] Yeah, the electric is thick in the atmosphere right now,
it doesn't get much bigger than what's coming up later tonight.
[Corey] Right now, Owens and Mysterio laser-focused on the task at hand.
Winning this matchup and advancing to the Elimination Chamber,
live from Perth, Australia.
One week from tomorrow, WWE on Peacock.
And Owens unloading a series of heavy rights.
Ooh! Vicious short clothesline from Owens.
[Wade] There is an element of desperation to Kevin Owens right now
after the beatdown he has received from "Dirty" Dom.
But the tide has turned.
[Corey] Do you think Owens realizes
that most of the fans here are chanting for Miz?
[Wade] If somebody thought I look like Miz, I would want to fight them.
Be careful what you say around Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Right now, Owens is absolutely teeing off on "Dirty" Dom.
My goodness!
[Wade] Taking those frustrations out.
And now with all the wind in his sails, it is The KO Show.
Clothesline, battens Dominik on the outside.
Big senton!
[Wade] KO just has that frame that is built for abuse.
Really built to perfection to be in the Elimination Chamber structure.
And he is inching closer and closer to making that a reality.
[Corey] Above all else, Kevin Owens loves to bring the intensity.
Loves to bring the brutality.
It's that time of night.
Clear the deck.
Cannonball coming!
That may be it.
Owens may have just punched his ticket to Perth.
But looking for the insurance.
Making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Wade] Dom already looked out cold.
This might be the finishing touch!
-[Corey] Frog splash on the money! -One, two, three!
[Corey] And Dominik survives!
[Wade] Yeah, you don't have to like Dominik Mysterio.
But that is just one example.
Eating this frog splash from KO. Boom!
And still managing to keep on ticking.
[indistinct yelling]
[Corey] Thunderous impact on the frog splash by Owens.
Handle that business right there.
[Corey] And Truth offering advice perhaps?
Suggesting a restaurant for after the show.
[Wade] KO has done his best to not be frustrated by R-Truth. But…
His patience must be wearing thin.
[Corey] Pop-Up Powerbomb attempt thwarted by Dominik.
-X-Factor by "Dirty" Dom. -[Wade] So KO tried to block it.
-It failed. -One, two--
[Wade] And that was a sluggish kickout from The Prizefighter,
who may well be ripe for the pickings here.
[Corey] "Dirty" Dom needs to keep applying the pressure.
Uno.
The first of Three Amigos. An homage to "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero.
Owens putting the brakes on.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh no.
This is disrespect of the highest order to "Dirty" Dom.
[Wade] But what a slap in the face to the modern-day Latino Heat.
[Corey] Countering the Three Amigos with Three Friendly Canadians.
Nothing friendly about the DDT from Dom.
Hooks the leg.
Is Dominik going to the Elimination Chamber?
No.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
We are sold out in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From the Delta Center, the home of NBA's Utah Jazz.
And Dominik Mysterio looking to deliver like the mailman.
But nobody home. Owens out of the way.
[Wade] KO with just about enough in the tank.
Both men running on fumes at this point.
It really is up for grabs.
And this could be the piece de resistance!
[Corey] Swanton connects!
Cover by Owens.
And Dominik kicks out again.
[Wade] How can you not love "Dirty" Dom Mysterio?
Putting his heart and soul into this.
This move alone would have put away many mere mortals.
But not "Dirty" Dom Mysterio
giving it everything to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
[Corey] "Dirty" Dom may not be your favorite,
but you gotta respect him. Owens looking for the Stunner.
Mysterio with a kick.
And Dom's going to dial it up.
619!
-The most perfectly executed 619 ever. -[Corey] Cover!
And Owens keeps this one alive.
[Wade] Well, that would have been poetic…
had Dominik won with that match after KO.
Go get me a chair.
-Me? -Go get me a chair.
You wanna be part of Judgment Day?
-Get me a chair. -You said I wasn't in Judgment Day.
-You are. -Yes, I'm not in Judgment Day.
You're in Judgment Day. Give me a chair.
-Get you a chair? -Give me a chair.
[Corey] True or not, Dominik just ordered R-Truth
to grab a steel chair after telling Truth that he is, in fact, part of Judgment Day.
[Wade] Time to earn your stripes, R-Truth.
Every member of Judgment Day must do his duty.
No.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] I don't think that's what Dom had in mind.
[inaudible]
[Wade] Worst plan execution ever.
[Corey] Superkick by KO!
Pop-Up Powerbomb!
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Corey] And KO is going to the Chamber.
["Fight" by CFO$ playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner, Kevin Owens!
[Wade] Well, whatever faint hope R-Truth was holding onto
for joining the Judgment Day just went up in smoke.
[Corey] Here we see, launched high into the sky
and nearly put through the mat.
-Courtesy of a KO Pop-Up Powerbomb. -[bell rings]
Kevin Owens will now join "The Viper" Randy Orton,
"The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley, and LA Knight.
There is one final slot to be filled.
But this Elimination Chamber looks to be one for the ages.
Plenty of reason to wake up early here in the States.
Drew, another Superstar has just been added to the Elimination Chamber Match.
Kevin Owens.
I do not care if it's an Elimination Chamber Match.
It's gonna be the top Superstars in WWE.
And of course, they all want to win.
But there's only one Superstar that needs to win.
Not just for myself.
For Raw. For the World Title. For the people.
The savior of WrestleMania,
Drew McIntyre.
Now, four years ago my moment was stolen from me and I-- What?
"I need this. I need that." Whatever. Let me talk to you.
Look, here's the thing, man. You're talking about all this.
And look, you talk about your moment being stolen.
Your moment can get stolen one more time
in Elimination Chamber courtesy of the man they call The Megastar,
with everybody saying L A Knight.
-[crowd] Yeah! -Yeah!
-You're good. -Thank you.
But all this bravado, this over-the-top personality,
I see through you.
This all comes from a place of insecurity. And you should be insecure.
As much as they're behind you now, as entertaining as you are now,
when that bell rings, that's when you're gonna lose them.
-Tell me about it. -Produce results.
You don't produce titles, they'll turn on you.
You'll produce zero. Look at my resume. It's stacked.
Oh man. I'm glad you brought up that resume.
As a matter of fact, thanks for the advice, old-timer. Here's the thing.
When I look at your resume, you talk about being champion.
You haven't been champion since I've been here of anything.
Matter of fact, you talk about losing to people.
That's exactly what you've done over the last two years.
But I tell you what. When I look at this,
I just think to myself, that's the cute little shirt you got here.
But there's enough room on that tombstone for one more name.
I see CM Punk. I can see DM Hunk going right there.
Your aspirations, buried. Just the same.
There you go. Right back to the jokes.
No, there ain't no jokes. I'm being dead serious right now.
[crosstalk]
Get serious?
No, no. No. We're just talking. We're just talking serious, right?
-We're talking serious? -We're talking serious.
No, yeah.
Where you going? We're just talking.
Yeah.
-Wiseman. -My Tribal Chief.
Big Jim.
It's been a minute.
Let's go fix everything Jey messed up. Come on.
Let's go, OG.
["Our World" by def rebel playing]
[Corey] Roman Reigns and The Rock live tonight on SmackDown.
But, Wade, it's time for more Elimination Chamber Qualification action.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following is an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
Introducing first, representing the LWO,
Zelina Vega.
[Corey] You see Joaquin Wilde, Carlito and Cruz Del Toro
offering support for their LWO sister, Zelina Vega,
who has a massive opportunity in front of her tonight, Wade.
[Wade] Looking to start making the kind of way she did in 2023
at Backlash in her home of Puerto Rico.
Zelina Vega gets her opportunity to qualify for Perth
and the Elimination Chamber goes one-on-one
with newcomer Tiffany Stratton. Next.
["Our World" continues playing]
[Wade] And here's earlier today,
the Maverick Logan Paul arriving at the arena
competing for the first time ever on SmackDown
against The Miz for a spot at the Elimination Chamber.
But now let's head over to Kayla Braxton.
Thanks, I'm standing by with Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.
And Pete, it seems you've really turned things around
since joining with your new tag team partner, Tyler Bate.
And with all your recent success, how do you plan to continue that success
when you take on Judgment Day next week at the Elimination Chamber?
You know what, Kayla? Things are going great.
And last week is living proof of that.
And all that's left to do
is for The Bruiserweight and The Big Strong Boi to walk into Perth,
slap the Judgment Day about,
and walk out of there with those tag Team Titles.
Oh, Peter, my chum.
Music to my ears, mate. And you know what?
We have been doing so well recently, I think we are due a new tag team name.
So hear me out. I've been thinking about this.
New Catch Republic.
Oh, you love it. You've got that look in your eyes.
You love it. Because we are about to revolutionize this tag team division.
-First on the agenda, some unbelievable… -[Dom] Shut up!
You guys can't beat any two members of the Judgment Day.
How's about next week,
we test your thesis, us two against yourself and R-Truth.
R-Truth's not even a part of Judgment Day. You should know this.
-Do one, you muppet. -Then I guess it's Dom and Jaden.
-He's not in Judgment Day! -Shut up.
[Corey] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle home, auto, or motorcycle insurance.
We are preparing for another Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matchup
as Zelina Vega represents the LWO
against one of the newest faces on Friday Night SmackDown.
One we need to get used to seeing, Wade.
["Keep Up" by def rebel playing]
[Rome] And her opponent from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Wade] Yeah, you're absolutely right, Corey.
This is a woman who appeared first in NXT a couple of years ago,
took her about six months
until she completely dominated the entire scene
and became the Women's Champion.
This is a woman destined for great things, the sky is the limit, and I say this,
being fully aware of the kind of women we have in the division here,
this may be the greatest athlete in all of SmackDown.
[Corey] Big, big statement there, Wade. Hard to disagree with.
And who will join Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, and Bianca Belair,
who have already qualified for the Elimination Chamber Matchup?
Remember, Elimination Chamber goes down one week from tomorrow,
streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
-A very special 5:00 a.m. start time… -[bell rings]
…for those of us here on the East Coast, 2:00 a.m. on the West.
Now, Wade, Zelina's had definitely an experience advantage,
not only in WWE, but in this industry as a whole.
If you're Tiffany Stratton, how are you approaching this matchup?
[Wade] Tiffany Stratton does not care about other people's experience.
She believes she is ready for the big time,
and by big time, I'm talking about the main event of WrestleMania.
She thinks she's already ready for that. She thinks it's her destiny.
[Corey] Stratton with a decided power advantage in this matchup
but Tiffany Stratton's athleticism
truly is second to none here in WWE,
a very impressive gymnastics background before breaking into this business.
[Wade] Former member of Team USA, absolutely no slouch,
and has managed to transfer those skills in-ring effortlessly.
[Corey] That is God-given talent,
not talent you can buy with daddy's credit card, certainly.
Zelina Vega now flexing some unique offense on the outside,
and Zelina Vega, on the other hand, is a Superstar
who feels that perhaps she's been a little overlooked,
maybe not received the opportunity she deserves.
-Oh my! -[Wade] Talk about athleticism.
Off the top rope, risking it all for one of those spots in the Elimination Chamber.
Things looking really good for Zelina Vega.
[Corey] Something here… got Zelina… Oh my goodness!
Right here behind us, Legado Del Fantasma's here!
We've got an Elimination Chamber Qualifier going on!
[Corey] Zelina Vega of the LWO,
one-on-one with The Center of The Universe, Tiffany Stratton,
in this Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
And we've got even more company.
Just before the commercial break,
we saw Legado Del Fantasma make their entrance into the crowd right behind us.
And it looks like Carlito, Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde
are here to make sure things don't get out of hand.
[Wade] The LWO apparently down here to neutralize
the potential threat from Legado Del Fantasma,
which really changed the complexion of this matchup.
And now it's bouncing back in favor of Zelina Vega.
[Corey] Right now Zelina doing a fantastic job
of stringing together some offense.
Knowing that her back is taken care of courtesy of the LWO.
Fantastic DDT!
Cover by Vega!
One! Two!
[Wade] Simply looking too easy for Tiffany Stratton
when Legado Del Fantasma were out here. But you're right.
The fact that the LWO have now appeared out here
has completely reset the balance in this matchup
back in favor of Zelina.
[Corey] And just as quickly as I commended Zelina
for keeping her attention on the task at hand,
that being Tiffany Stratton,
she was distracted momentarily,
it appeared, by Electra Lopez of Legado Del Fantasma.
And check out this athleticism.
Stacked up Vega!
Not enough to send Tiffany to the Chamber just yet.
[Wade] Tiffany Stratton just has a freakish ability
to turn an opponent's offense into an attack.
Just like she did there with that cartwheel Alabama Slam.
And right now you have to say Vega is ripe for the pickings.
And wouldn't that make the Legado Del Fantasma clan
-incredibly happy? -Oh, we might be in for a treat.
Stratton was thinking about the Prettiest Moonsault Ever,
but Vega able to stop it for the moment.
[Wade] Vega knew that was coming. 619 to the shin.
I haven't seen that before.
[Corey] Very unique counter by Vega from the second row.
Meteora!
-Shoulders down! -One! Two!
[Corey] And not enough just yet.
Stratton wisely rolling to the outside, taking a moment to compose herself.
[Wade] Don't judge a book by its cover when it comes to Tiffany Stratton.
She is built double tough.
Wade, you can see the frustration building on the face of Zelina Vega.
Legado Del Fantasma with the best seats in the house.
[indistinct conversation]
-[Wade] Electra Lopez taking turns… -[Corey] Oh no!
[crowd cheering]
Lopez is giving Zelina a tongue lashing.
Vega had heard enough.
[Wade] Vega needs to remember the task at hand here,
which is Elimination Chamber Qualification.
[Corey] Vega got caught.
Look at this power from Stratton.
-Wade, what time is it? -[Wade] Tiffy Time!
[Corey] Prettiest Moonsault Ever!
Tiffany Stratton is going to the Elimination Chamber.
[Rome] Here is your winner, Tiffany Stratton!
[Corey] Tiffany Stratton may owe Electra Lopez
a nice bouquet of flowers or a drink
after the assist from the outside, intentional or otherwise.
And we can watch this all night long.
The Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Both knees crashing down across the core of Zelina Vega.
And Tiffany Stratton has just earned,
arguably, the biggest opportunity of her young career
as she will join "The Man" Becky Lynch, "The EST" Bianca Belair,
and Liv Morgan
in the Elimination Chamber Match one week from tomorrow.
Streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
-What is it? Talk to me. -You haven't texted us.
You haven't called us. What is…
I don't know why you guys care so much
because AJ's clearly forgot where he came from.
-Clearly forgot. -Hey! Yo!
Yeah! Huh?
[indistinct arguing]
I forgot where I came from?
If that was anyone else…
Is that what's holding you back, Carl?
Why don't you try that again?
It's done.
-It's over. It's over. -It's over. It's over.
It's over. Let it go.
Let it go. Let it go. Let's get out of here.
[Corey] Well, there appears to be a rift in The O.C.
But unfortunately, for the rest of the world,
these five are on the same apocalyptic page.
AOP make their SmackDown debut next.
This is so cool because you guys have always had amazing soundtracks
and amazing talented people doing the soundtracks.
And to sit down and like just think of stuff
that would be badass for a wrestling game.
Like, you know, stuff that would get you pumped up.
We kind of went in every genre.
[rock music playing]
The secret to a great video game soundtrack is,
I guess, a little something for everyone.
[Corey] Today, 2K announced the WWE 2K24 Soundtrack
curated by music icon Post Malone.
In addition to his soundtrack duties,
the music megastar will also appear as a playable character in WWE 2K24.
It will be available for purchase in a post-launch DLC pack.
WWE 2K24 goes on sale March 5th with early access and March 8th worldwide.
Pre-order now.
[speaking Japanese]
[in English]
[Corey] WWE Elimination Chamber is sponsored by Credit One Bank.
Get cash back rewards and live large.
There we see Javier Bernal and Bo Morris, two NXT Superstars
with a massive opportunity
to make a splash here on Friday Night SmackDown,
especially during WrestleMania season.
[Wade] Er… Not all opportunities are created equally.
Corey, I love the hunger.
But this might have been a good week to miss your flight out of Orlando.
["Dead Silent" playing]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Making their way to the ring, accompanied by Paul Ellering,
Scarlett and Karrion Kross
representing the Final Testament
at a combined weight of 618 pounds.
Akam, Rezar,
the Authors of Pain.
[Corey] Over 600 pounds of unbridled destruction.
Akam and Rezar, the Authors of Pain.
Akam on your left, a former freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling champion.
He was actually on the Canadian national team for over a decade.
Gave up the opportunity to compete in the Olympics to sign a WWE contract.
Rezar on the right, a former kickboxing world champion
-and professional mixed martial artist. -[bell rings]
Akam out of the gate laying waste to Javier Bernal.
I got to agree with your assessment, Wade.
You can make a name for yourself a lot of different ways.
I can think of a lot of better ways than picking a fight with a grizzly bear.
[Wade] Yeah, anybody hungry enough in NXT is gonna accept this opportunity.
But the fortunes of these two young up-and-comers
are looking increasingly bleak.
[Corey] I can't be the only one who thinks
that Beau Morris bears a striking resemblance to
Post Malone minus the face tattoos.
And after this beatdown by Rezar,
maybe the face tattoos would be an upgrade.
[Wade] Yeah, I'll tell you this.
The size of AOP, you get a couple of guys as big and powerful as this one.
[Corey] Just watch this.
Super Collider!
[Wade] We're in ping pong with human beings.
[Corey] Go ahead and finish your thought. I don't know if we'll have enough time.
[Wade] We don't need thoughts. Javier Bernal has no thoughts left.
-Crushing. -[bell rings]
[Rome] Here are your winners,
the Authors of Pain.
[Corey] That was not just a win.
That was a warning shot
to the entire WWE locker room.
The Authors of Pain are a force to be reckoned with.
[Wade] This is a holdup, WWE.
The Final Testament are coming for everything.
[Corey] Over 600 pounds of pure destruction.
The Final Testament has arrived.
I am standing by with the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
And Logan, tonight is your first match on SmackDown.
Yeah, that's absolutely right, Byron.
First ever live television match.
And I want to say you're welcome. To you.
To the entire WWE Universe.
You guys are welcome. So why don't you go on your little phones,
log on to X, whatever it is you peons do.
Get a little hashtag, #ThankYouLogan going.
'Cause tonight, they are gonna get to see me knock out The Miz,
live on SmackDown.
I'm the only champion in the Qualifying Matches, Byron.
And so I'm going to win my Qualifying Match tonight.
I'm going to Australia.
I'm gonna win the Elimination Chamber.
And then mark my words.
I will rematch Seth Rollins at WrestleMania
and become the World Heavyweight Champion.
You know what that makes me?
WWE's Double Champ.
Logan Paul.
Double Champ.
I like the way that sounds.
Logan Paul is set to go one-on-one with The Miz
in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matchup.
Next, right here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[dramatic music playing]
[Corey] Join us in the heart of Philadelphia
April 4th through the 8th for WWE World at WrestleMania.
A reimagined fan experience that goes beyond the ring.
Experience the five-day event and meet legendary Superstars.
Explore interactive exhibits.
Shop exclusive merch at the Superstore.
And become a part of WWE history.
And it's hard to believe we are only 50 days away
from the Showcase of the Immortals.
But as is the case each and every year,
the Road to WrestleMania is full of exciting twists and turns.
And this past Monday night on Raw was no exception.
Let's take a look at our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Samantha Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Cody Rhodes.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
At WrestleMania, I will be challenging
for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Roman Reigns.
And the only reason that I'm able to say it is you guys.
[crowd chanting] We want Cody! We want Cody!
While all of you were saying "We want Cody,"
there was one man out there who did not.
Rock, you put your hands on me.
You slapped me across the face.
And what that means…
is I'm going to hit you back.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Burn it down ♪
Cody, you need to finish your story.
What's your plan, Cody?
Last year, you got screwed out of the title
in the main event of WrestleMania.
The deck stacked against you just the same.
Except now, the bar has been raised.
Cody…
You do not have to fight this battle alone.
[crowd cheering]
The man Roman Reigns is is partly my fault.
I taught him everything I know,
but I could have never imagined the monster that he has become.
When it comes to fighting The Rock, when it comes to fighting Roman Reigns,
there is only one man on Earth
who is uniquely suited to be your shield.
♪ Better than me, I don't see nobody ♪
[Wade] Well, it's the VIP treatment.
And they don't make 'em any more important than Roman Reigns and The Rock,
who will be joining us live later on tonight.
Expect fireworks and consequences.
[singer] ♪ Awesome! ♪
[Corey] It is time for our final Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
♪ Say goodbye to the good old days ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following is an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
Introducing first, residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz!
♪ I came to play to get my dues paid ♪
♪ I guess you had a dream But it can't be saved ♪
[Corey] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
And, Wade, The A-Lister with a massive opportunity in his own right tonight to
qualify for the Men's Elimination Chamber Match
and potentially a date with Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania.
[Wade] The man who has done it all in WWE,
two-time Grand Slam Champ,
a man who has won in the main event of WrestleMania before,
now gets his chance to bring that ticket to WrestleMania that little bit closer.
["Take Flight" by def rebel playing]
[Rome] And his opponent from Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
by way of Cleveland, Ohio
weighing in at 220 pounds
He is the United States Champion,
Logan Paul!
[Corey] I find it hard to believe that after all of his success thus far in WWE,
we are about to witness Logan Paul's first match on SmackDown.
[Wade] Yeah, wherever you put him,
Logan Paul is quite simply appointment viewing.
You don't have to like him, but he is water cooler talk tomorrow.
He will be the name on everyone's lips.
[Corey] Well, nobody would love to step over
the United States Champion en route to the Elimination Chamber
more than The A-Lister, The Miz,
who could be held responsible for Logan Paul's entry here into WWE.
[Wade] Miz essentially trained Logan Paul in the early days.
They started off tagging together. Then it was quite evident
their egos could not coexist together.
They exploded, competed against each other at SummerSlam in '22.
Guess who won that match? Logan Paul.
Student beat the teacher.
[Corey] Well, it's for that very reason
that Logan Paul has a much higher overall rating than The Miz in 2K24.
Ninety to 81.
Exactly what you would expect from a student who has surpassed the teacher.
But this is not a video game.
This is Friday Night SmackDown.
And Miz has been on a bit of a tear lately on Monday Night Raw.
Reinvigorated, I think would be safe to say.
[Wade] Yeah, they might need to update that 81 rating on The Miz.
Ever since he locked horns with Gunther all those months back,
the Intercontinental Champ,
we saw a reawakening of The Miz.
A rebirth. And he now seems back to his best.
[Corey] And we know The Maverick never short on confidence.
We heard earlier on Logan Paul state his intentions on becoming a double champ.
Logan would love to run it back. A WrestleMania rematch with Rollins.
Paul from the top, crossbody connects.
That is the cross-moon combo. Logan didn't get much of it.
Great counter by The Miz.
Scrambling to get the shoulders down.
[Wade] Well, that's a little bit of inexperience there.
Something you rarely see from Logan Paul with that standing moonsault.
Simply didn't connect and almost knocked himself out in the process.
[Corey] A little too much sizzle, not enough steak as we would say.
The Miz now with an opportunity.
Smartly attacking the leg of Logan Paul.
It was a little rush of blood to the head from the less experienced Logan Paul,
who really is a natural at this.
But The Miz simply has the years of experience.
And right now Logan Paul thought he was gonna have this his own way.
-He does not. -[crowd chanting] Logan sucks!
[Corey] And there you see our SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis,
enjoying tonight's proceedings.
There are some heavy hitters in that skybox.
Bron Breakker, Jade Cargill, Liv Morgan. All keeping an eye
on tonight's unfolding events.
Logan Paul now outmuscling The Miz.
Finlay Roll, but…
[Wade] Logan's in a bad way here.
[Corey] Grasping at his right leg.
Logan's gonna have to fight through the pain
if he wants to make it to Perth, Australia.
Inside the Elimination Chamber.
One week from tomorrow, streaming live.
Special start time 5 a.m. Eastern.
2 a.m. Pacific.
Wade, we're talking about experience.
You've had the honor of competing in three Elimination Chamber Match-ups.
What goes in to your mentality preparing for a match that brutal?
Cover here by Logan.
[Wade] Well, I'll tell you right now. My very first Elimination Chamber,
couldn't wait to get in there, I was so excited.
As we take another look at Logan Paul.
Impressive flexibility. Continually expanding his arsenal.
By two and three,
I didn't want anything to do with the Elimination Chamber.
Way too painful. Way too much damage on the body.
And it's a lot safer sitting at this desk.
[Corey] Could you see it as an actual benefit for a Superstar
having not competed inside the Chamber before?
[Wade] Yeah, it's perverse. I absolutely believe that to be the case.
The sleepless nights when you've been in the Chamber already
and you know what's waiting for you.
It actually causes your performance to decline.
It's completely counterintuitive.
But that's how it worked out for me, anyway.
[Corey] Well, the risk will be worth the reward.
Someone in the Chamber will head to WrestleMania
to face Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
And on the women's side of things, the winner of Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax
at the Chamber at WrestleMania.
Miz feels he's inching closer and closer to qualification.
[Corey] Logan Paul would be absolutely humiliated
to come up short tonight to The A-Lister.
A man Logan has spent plenty of time berating and mocking over the past year.
[Wade] Right now, Logan Paul is starting to look a little ragged in there.
But there's fight left in him.
Oh!
Maybe more than can be said for The Miz after that collision.
[Corey] Look at this athleticism by The Maverick.
[Wade] How do you prepare for someone like Logan Paul
who continually comes up with brand new offense?
[Corey] I don't have an answer, Wade. What a splash from The Maverick.
Who is heading to Perth? The Maverick or The A-Lister?
[Corey] We are live from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This is the final Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
The A-Lister, The Miz, one-on-one with the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
And this has been a back-and-forth battle thus far, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, both competitors leaving it all out there tonight.
And of course, the prize being so great, who can blame them?
[Corey] It is WrestleMania season.
Our next stop on the Road to WrestleMania, Perth, Australia.
One week from tomorrow for the Elimination Chamber.
The winner of the Men's Chamber Matchup will challenge Seth "Freakin" Rollins
for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
[Wade] Logan just made a couple of attempts on that big right hand,
we've seen from him in the past.
A massive haymaker.
Miz was simply wise to it and beat him to the punch.
[Corey] Well, Miz knows full well about the titanium reinforcements
in the right hand of Logan Paul.
A Hart Attack-esque clothesline by The A-Lister.
[Wade] Miz is feeling it now and so is this arena.
[Corey] They are on their feet tonight in Salt Lake City for The Miz.
Modified flatliner by The Miz. Hooks the leg. Cover on Logan Paul.
And the United States Champion hanging in there.
[Wade] Miz refusing to be outdone. Pulling out some new offense of his own.
And things might be about to go downhill for The Maverick.
[Corey] Miz could be thinking about a Skull Crushing Finale.
-Paul had it scouted. -[Wade] Panic in the eyes of Logan Paul.
And did exactly the right thing. However, don't speak too soon.
[Corey] Precarious position for Logan.
Double knees to the heart by The Miz.
Hooks the leg. Is Miz going to Australia?
Not just yet.
[Wade] Say what you want about Logan Paul.
People don't like him. He's a mercenary.
But when you receive a low-blower like this from The Miz,
this deep into a matchup,
your body screaming in agony and still kick out,
you're a real competitor in this game. I've got every respect for that.
[Corey] The United States Champion continuing to make new believers.
And The Miz eager to remind the WWE Universe
just who the heck he is.
The two-time Grand Slam Championship winner.
Miz is teeing off with the world-famous It Kicks.
Rolled up by Paul.
Kick right to the mug.
Logan looked to answer.
And again, Miz attacking the injured knee.
That is veteran wherewithal from the A -Lister.
[Wade] Incredibly smart by The Miz.
Logan clearly tweaked something early in the match.
And now the bullseye is set.
[Corey] When you're this deep into a matchup, Wade,
and you've got something essential like a leg, a limb taken away from you,
how hard is it to call an audible mid-match if you're Logan Paul?
[Wade] As much as anything else, it is mentally destroying.
Taking away someone's wheel.
When you're already screaming in agony.
But wait a second.
[Corey] The official is tied up with the ring apron.
Logan Paul went to the eyes.
-Oh! -Paul-Crushing Finale!
Oh my goodness!
[Wade] Well, how bad would that have been for The Miz
to have lost to his own signature move,
that he probably taught Logan Paul once upon a time?
[Corey] I don't think there's any probably about it.
Logan, with the disrespect, nearly ended this.
[Wade] What else have you got in the tank, Logan Paul?
Or was that your best shot?
[Corey] And again, you see the 2K24 ratings in the bottom of your screen.
This is reality.
And Logan was about to punch his ticket to the Chamber.
[Wade] If The Miz wins this match, they might have to flip those ratings.
[Corey] Sunset flip rolled through by The Miz.
Looking for the figure four leg lock.
This could spell catastrophe for the United States Champion.
[Wade] This is absolute agony.
A loss to The Miz at WrestleMania to this exact hold.
[Corey] Logan frantically moving himself toward the bottom rope.
This is gonna force the official to break the hold.
[Wade] I wish I thought of that at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Has the damage been done?
[Wade] Logan staggered on the outside, Miz, looking to go for the kill.
Perhaps once again, Logan simply baiting in The A-Lister.
[indistinct chatter]
[Corey] Oh no. It's Logan's buddy Jeff again.
[Wade] When in doubt go for Old Faithful, with those brass knuckles.
[Corey] But Miz putting a stop to whatever Logan
was looking to do with the brass knuckles.
You can't use it.
If you use it, it's a disqualification.
[Corey] Referee Dan Angler saw that The Miz
was considering utilizing the brass knuckles.
And Miz refusing to fall victim to the same tactics
that stopped KO at the Royal Rumble.
[Wade] Yeah, those knucks are bait. Be very careful. Miz is too smart.
[Corey] A left to the chin of the champion.
[Wade] Oh, but talk about smart. What a nice move from--
-Logan Paul! -[Corey] Night-night!
I'm going to Australia!
[Corey] Driving Miz down. Hooking both legs.
The Maverick is going to the Elimination Chamber.
[Rome] Here is your winner,
the United States Champion,
Logan Paul.
[Wade] Logan Paul winning that one with a modified Skull-Crushing Finale, Corey.
[Corey] Almost inverted.
But look at this star-studded field for the Men's Elimination Chamber Match.
Owens.
Knight.
McIntyre. Orton.
Lashley.
And the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
One of those six men will head to Philadelphia
and challenge Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
But Logan Paul, congratulations.
[indistinct chatter]
[knock at door]
Hey, ladies!
Um, I know you guys just saw me win my qualification match.
And you know, I'm a little new around here.
And I don't really know how the Chamber match works.
Do I pin you first? Or do I pin you first?
-Or vice versa? -Oh, girl, uh-uh.
See, I've actually won the Chamber match before.
-So, yeah, you ain't talking to me. -Yeah, you actually seem really confused.
I think Zelina hit you a little bit too hard.
-Wait. -Do you need anything?
I know we are not doing this during my big business meeting.
Yeah, she's onto you.
No, but she's not.
Ladies.
This is crazy.
Tiffany.
Not the time or the place.
-No. -Thank you very much.
I'll see you ladies at the Chamber match. Toodles.
-Yeah, girl. Yeah. -She's just crazy.
-Tomorrow's gonna be interesting. -I know.
So…
-Let's go. -Let's go.
[Corey] Nick Aldis, certainly a busy man tonight.
But it is now that point in the show where we have one match to go.
Sponsored by Credit One Bank.
-["Glow" by def rebel playing] -♪ N ♪
♪ A ♪
♪ O ♪
♪ M ♪
♪ I ♪
[laughter]
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ The beast is out the cage ♪
♪ You know I own that stage ♪
♪ We knock the competition out ♪
♪ And make 'em go insane! ♪
♪ My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make 'em feel the pain ♪
♪ I hear the people scream my name ♪
♪ One, two, three ♪
♪ Glow, glow, glow… ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following is an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi!
[Corey] WWE Universe, it's been a long time coming.
But here we glow!
♪ You know I own that stage ♪
♪ We knock the competition out ♪
♪ And make 'em go insane ♪
♪ My head is in the game… ♪
Naomi's first match back on SmackDown in approximately two years.
And it's an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
Naomi will go one-on-one with Alba Fyre of the Unholy Union.
The winner will advance to Perth and the Elimination Chamber.
Who will it be? We find out next.
♪ My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make 'em feel the pain ♪
♪ I hear the people scream my name ♪
♪ One, two, three ♪
♪ Glow, glow… ♪
[Corey] Elimination Chamber festivities
begin next Friday at noon in Western Australia
with the Elimination Chamber: Perth Press Event.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.
WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley.
United States Champion Logan Paul
and more will all be in attendance live to kick off the weekend.
Tune in Thursday night at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 8:00 p.m. Pacific.
Streaming on all WWE social platforms and Peacock. You don't want to miss it.
[Wade] Motormouth Aussie Grayson Waller. He's done it again.
This time at the Elimination Chamber.
World Heavyweight Champ Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
"American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes are gonna be on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
[inaudible]
[Corey] Speaking of Grayon Waller, that's the Aussie icon with The Wiseman.
That could be really good or really, really bad.
[inaudible]
[Corey] And what a treat we have tonight.
Wade, Naomi back in a Friday Night SmackDown ring.
[Wade] A triumphant return to the Royal Rumble
after two years away from WWE.
But welcome back to SmackDown
one of the most popular members of the locker room, Naomi.
["Dare Devil" playing]
[Rome] And her opponent, accompanied by Isla Dawn,
Alba Fyre!
[Corey] Alba Fyre would love nothing more than to spoil Naomi's return tonight
en route to the Elimination Chamber,
where you see Isla Dawn, the other half of the esoteric Unholy Union,
who are poised to wreak havoc in the tag team division, Wade.
But this is a singles opportunity for Alba Fyre.
[Wade] When these opportunities come along, you grab them with both hands.
Alba Fyre, a replacement for Shotzi, who's not medically cleared to compete
per General Manager Nick Aldis on social media yesterday.
But you're right, Corey. Alba Fyre is a real threat in this game.
-And Naomi better have her wits about her. -[Corey] Let me ask you, Wade.
As somebody who has spent a considerable amount of time in WWE,
and then stepped away for a period of time.
To return as you have,
what sort of feelings do you feel internally?
Maybe that you don't let the world know?
[Wade] Well, for me, when I returned, it was a good period of mental clearance.
I came back with a completely different mindset.
I felt like the landscape had changed.
And everything that annoyed me previously didn't exist anymore.
Now, I don't know if that is the case for Naomi.
But certainly, it pulled out the very best of me.
And I'm anticipating the same for Naomi tonight.
[Corey] You can certainly say the women's division hasn't gotten any easier
since the last time we saw Naomi as a regular on SmackDown.
Alba Fyre reminding her of that right now. Just being vicious.
[Wade] Let's talk about Alba Fyre.
She is someone who debuted on SmackDown about six months ago, and in truth…
[Corey] Oh. Keep an eye on the outside of the ring,
-where Isla Dawn lurks. -[Wade] The tactics are obvious.
We just haven't seen much of Isla Dawn or Alba Fyre ever since their debut.
And that has surprised me.
But what they have been cooking up in the lab,
we may well see tonight.
[Corey] It's safe to say that Alba and Isla
are well-skilled in those dark arts of skulduggery
you mentioned earlier in the night.
[Wade] Nice! Twice in one episode.
[Corey] I surprise myself sometimes.
What a smack right across the mouth.
Okay!
[Corey] From Naomi who is feeling it right now.
Big time leg drop! Hooks the leg.
Naomi would love to join the field currently populated by Becky Lynch,
Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan,
and as we saw earlier in the night, Tiffany Stratton.
Who is not wasting any time, making plenty of enemies
here in the SmackDown locker room.
[Wade] Once again, Isla Dawn pivotal in getting Alba Fyre,
her tag partner, back on top. Albeit briefly.
[referee] Two!
Three!
[Corey] Oh! Naomi using the stairs to her advantage.
Alba Fyre is feeling the glow.
Who will head to the Elimination Chamber?
[Corey] A sold-out crowd of 13,681 here in Salt Lake City
witnessing the Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
between Naomi and Alba Fyre of the Unholy Union.
[Wade] And it felt at times like Naomi was gonna have it all her own way.
But the two heads of the Hydra, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, have conspired
to at times take control of the matchup.
But this one's swinging back in favor of Naomi.
[Corey] Can Naomi maintain the momentum? Nice headscissors takedown.
Dropkick takes down Fyre.
And Naomi starting to feel it as is the WWE Universe.
Bulldog.
Hooks the leg.
And Alba Fyre hanging in there.
[Wade] This is Naomi desperately trying to make up for some lost time here in WWE.
Get herself back to the top.
Back to those World Championship-level matches.
[Corey] No better way to cut the line
than step inside of the Elimination Chamber
and earn a WrestleMania Championship opportunity.
[crowd chanting] Naomi! Naomi!
We'll also find out at Elimination Chamber
if it will in fact be the current Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley.
Or potentially Nia Jax defending the title at WrestleMania.
[Wade] Yeah, no small task at all for "The Nightmare" Rhea Ripley.
Keep your eyes on Isla Dawn as Naomi makes the climb to the top turnbuckle.
She's got Alba in her sights.
A lot of distance to cover.
Crossbody!
Cover.
And Alba Fyre survives.
[Wade] Yeah, Alba Fyre having to really dig deep at this point.
Tap into those skills that took her to become the greatest female competitor
in Europe prior to making it to WWE.
A gold-laden history.
[Corey] See Naomi taking another glance in the direction of Isla Dawn.
Understandably so, but Naomi needs to maintain her focus.
Because Alba Fyre, an incredibly dangerous competitor,
can end this in the blink of an eye.
[Wade] Such is the problem of Isla Dawn being at ringside.
Almost impossible to maintain focus at that point.
And then, look what's waiting for you in the ring.
-Alba Fyre. -Face-first goes Naomi.
Alba slow into the cover. Has Naomi stacked.
[Wade] Oh, what a tight, tight hook pin there.
Not quite enough to put away Naomi, who it seems is refusing to be denied
on this return to SmackDown.
[Wade] It seems as though the deeper this match gets,
the more struggle Alba Fyre is having staying competitive.
[Wade] Alba Fyre is starting to show some frustration.
And how can you not be frustrated?
The amount she has thrown at Naomi.
Naomi still kicking in this one.
I'm sure Alba Fyre did her homework about Naomi.
Former SmackDown Women's Champion. Has Fyre stacked in the O'Connor Roll,
and Isla Dawn on the outside connected.
[Wade] That's going to be the fourth time we've seen that.
They're going to steal this win. No!
[Wade] It's a late, late kickout however, from Naomi,
the second Naomi gets any head of steam in this matchup,
it is simply taken away by this pincer movement of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
[Corey] Alba looking to hoist Naomi up into a Gory Special position.
Naomi able to escape.
[Wade] Extreme athleticism, countered with a knee to the face.
And there's your just deserts, Isla Dawn.
[Corey] Boom! Spiking Alba Fyre!
Stacked up, shoulders down.
Classic Naomi offense. Can Alba hang on?
-No, she can't. -[bell rings]
["Amazing" playing]
[Rome] Here's your winner by submission,
Naomi!
[Corey] We talked about how star-studded and stacked the Men's Elimination Chamber
matchup already is.
Look at the field on the women's side of things.
"The Man" Becky Lynch,
Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan,
Tiffany Stratton,
and now, Naomi.
There is one spot left to fill.
The Elimination Chamber is live one week from tomorrow.
Perth, Australia streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
Congratulations and welcome back, Naomi.
♪ And make 'em go insane ♪
♪ My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make 'em feel the pain ♪
Wait.
I need your help. Okay?
Did you hear what the girls said about me?
They're going to come after me, okay?
Like, I don't know what to do.
I need your help. Please.
Look, you're the only person I trust right now.
-Oh really? I saw what they said, okay? -Yeah.
And I really appreciate what you did last week.
But this has been going on for months.
I don't know who I can trust.
Wait. Hey. Okay. Look.
I'm sorry. Okay.
I thought everything would be okay and better
after we achieved everything we wanted to.
No. You have to understand where I'm coming from, all right?
I can't do this right now.
♪ Better than me, I don't see nobody ♪
[Corey] Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And it is my distinct honor to turn things over
to the General Manager of Friday Night SmackDown,
Mr. Nick Aldis.
Ladies and gentlemen, as many of you know,
I have been negotiating with multiple free agents for SmackDown.
For you, the WWE Universe.
And I'm pleased to announce
that one of those individuals is no longer a free agent.
Please welcome the newest member of the SmackDown roster,
Bron Breakker!
-[Wade] Yes! -[Corey] Well done, Mr. Aldis!
[alarm blaring]
This is a game-changer, Bad News!
We are talking about a bona fide badass!
[Wade] Best day ever!
Hard luck, Adam Pearce!
Hard luck, Raw! Thank you, Nick Aldis!
Big win for SmackDown!
The son of a Dog-Faced Gremlin.
The nephew of Big Poppa Pump.
Two Hall of Famers.
Bron Breakker is going to make big-time waves
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Welcome to the big time, Bron, baby.
[Corey] For 1,265 days, Roman has reigned.
And The Bloodline is stronger than ever.
Reign and The Rock live, next.
♪ This is my time… ♪
Sometimes in life, in order to move forward, it helps to look back.
To learn from the pioneers and trailblazers.
To gain inspiration from those who came before us.
To show us what it means to act with empathy
and to show that love has no labels.
Join WWE and Love Has No Labels throughout the year
in celebrating people from all communities and heritages.
[woman] Because when love has no labels, that's a love we can all fight for.
[Wade] The Number One Contenders for the Tag Titles at Elimination Chamber
take on the other half of the Judgment Day
as Dunne and Bate go head-to-head with "Dirty" Dom and JD McDonagh.
That's next week right here on SmackDown.
[Corey] Tensions have been rising between Lashley and the Street Profits
and the Final Testament for weeks.
Next week, it comes to a head.
The Street Profits versus the AOP.
[Wade] And man, I am excited about this.
Word got out a long time ago about this guy.
But SmackDown's newest signee
Bron Breakker will make his explosive in-ring debut
on SmackDown right here next week.
[Corey] And before they do battle
as part of the Men's Elimination Chamber Matchup,
"The Megastar" LA Knight will do battle with "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre.
You have to imagine these two will be looking to
take one another out of the Chamber altogether.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[crowd 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 booming]
[Corey] The electricity in this arena is so thick, Wade,
you couldn't cut it with a chainsaw!
[Wade] We are witnessing greatness on a very different level.
Something we have never seen before and the concentration of star power
here on SmackDown tonight is higher than we have ever seen
in the history of this great show.
[Corey] We just saw the magic number at the bottom of the screen
1,265 days and counting
as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion for Roman Reigns.
But all of the work, all of the history, Bad News, could go up in smoke
in just 50 days at the biggest WrestleMania of all time.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Roman Reigns defends against the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
[crowd cheering]
[booming]
[music fades]
[crowd cheering, booing]
Salt Lake City!
[crowd cheers]
Acknowledge me.
Can I be honest with all of you?
I…
I want to be honest with you.
The people of Utah…
Well, you're idiots.
[crowd booing]
I did not say individually.
I meant when we get you all together like this,
you're pretty dumb.
And tonight's a big night.
I don't want you to ruin this.
Because when my cousin comes out here,
y'all might go dumb and just, "Catchphrase this."
"Oh, he's so funny." But this is the thing.
Everything we say has meaning. It has purpose.
It is information that you need to understand.
Tonight…
Tonight's history.
Tonight is the greatest night… ever in WWE.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
The guy that ruined everything. Yes, Cody.
[crowd cheering]
But tonight we fix it.
Because tonight is about history.
Tonight…
Tonight is the first night that we can say…
The Rock
is a member of The Bloodline.
[crowd booing]
[The Rock] If you smell
what The Rock is cookin'.
["Electrifying" by Jim Johnston playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering, booing]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Now, before The Rock drops some gospel on you…
The Rock has got some good news to share.
Something that's going to make you happy, something that you can own.
Tonight, it is official.
You all, right now, live on Fox,
have broken an all-time indoor attendance record.
-Not only-- -[crowd cheering]
Not only for the city of Salt Lake, but for the entire state of Utah.
Congratulations.
[crowd cheering]
Well, here's the record you broke.
You broke the all-time record
for the largest gathering of trailer park trash
The Rock has ever seen!
[crowd booing]
Now, if you didn't like that, you're gonna love this.
Finally…
[booing]
Oh, you wanna boo that, huh? Are you sure you wanna boo The Rock?
[loud booing]
Finally…
your life has meaning.
Finally, you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell.
And you know what I'm talking about.
You'll have a story to tell your 600 inbred grandchildren one day.
[crowd clamoring, cheering]
And that is what it's like to look at greatness in the flesh,
because finally…
[The Rock and crowd] The Rock has come back to Salt Lake City!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[chanting becomes louder]
You all have brought a side out of The Rock that you haven't seen in years.
But you see, this side of The Rock has always been in here.
Always. You shut your mouth, fatty.
The Rock will come out there and slap the herpes off your lips.
[crowd cheering]
It's a side that you haven't seen The Rock, but it's been in here all along.
And you know why you're seeing it tonight?
Because it's The Rock and Roman Reigns.
The biggest, the biggest WrestleMania main event in the history of WrestleMania.
You had it in your hands and you let it go.
[crowd booing]
You flushed it down the toilet.
The same toilet you sat your fat asses on and you sat there and tweeted,
"We want Cody! We want Cody! Cody's gotta finish his story!"
"He's gotta finish his story!"
You're laughing now and you're booing because you know it's true.
Let The Rock ask you a question.
What is Cody's story?
[crowd chanting] What?
-What is the story? -[crowd chanting] What?
Let The Rock make it clear.
My cousin Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion,
beat Cody's ass last year at WrestleMania.
He beat him.
Cody lost the match and now all of a sudden, Cody wants a rematch?
That's his story?
[crowd chanting] What?
That's not how it works.
I mean, think about it. You think about it right now.
Think about how stupid that logic is. Think if you can apply that to sports.
Hold on a second. I know you inbreds want to chant "What?"
But sit there and shut your mouth and listen to The Rock.
Because this is important.
And The Rock is gonna educate your ignorant asses.
Apply… Apply that stupid logic to any sport.
The 49ers just lost against the Kansas City Chiefs.
What did they do?
Did the 49ers say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute."
"What about our story? We gotta finish our story."
No. They took their lumps like men,
they stood up, they dusted themselves off, and they moved on like men.
That's what they do.
Now everybody in this arena, in this city, and in this entire state,
you should understand this.
It's personal. Think about it for a second.
Michael Jordan came in here and he crushed the dreams of the Utah Jazz.
[booing]
He ended. You boo because it's the truth.
He ended the Utah dream story.
What did the Utah-- what did the Utah Jazz do?
They took their beating like men, and they moved on.
And they worked their asses off to get right back to the top.
That's what they did.
That's not how the real world works. The real world doesn't work like that.
You don't get a shot at another story just because you want it.
That's not how it works.
And you don't understand that.
You don't understand that because
you're spoiled, entitled,
little crybaby bitches.
[loud booing]
Cody Rhodes made one thing perfectly clear.
The Rock is gonna do everything in his power
to make sure that you walk out of WrestleMania
what you are, which is a loser.
Everything in his power to make sure that happens.
Cody, your story is just ending.
Our story is just beginning.
The Bloodline, the most powerful, dominant duo in sports, in entertainment,
and, of course, in the WWE.
If you smell…
No, no, no, no, no, no.
Salt Lake City, sing-along with The Rock is over.
You lost that privilege.
Sit there and shut your mouth and enjoy the ride that The Rock is taking you on.
If you smell…
what The Bloodline is cookin'.
["Electrifying" playing] kin'.