[WWE signature intro playing]
[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.
[Jim Johnston's "Electrifying" playing]
[Reigns] Greatness stands before you now.
Acknowledge us.
[Cody] Rock, I have heard your challenge.
I gotta ask, do you have the authority?
I'm only asking because I believe it was last week
you acknowledged Roman as your Tribal Chief.
You shut your mouth right now, boy.
And before you go ahead and say something stupid
and accept this challenge in front of the world,
let The Rock drop some gospel on your punk ass.
The Rock acknowledged him as his Tribal Chief
because it's what family does.
WrestleMania Night 1, if you and you
beat The Rock and Roman Reigns,
then on Night 2 of WrestleMania,
you will be free of The Bloodline.
Now, when The Rock and Roman Reigns beat both your candy asses on Night 1,
then on Night 2, it's Bloodline Rules.
Anything goes.
Do you accept?
Will you shut the hell up?
We know the stakes.
The future of the industry is on the line. We get that.
But you listen to me, and you listen to me good, Mr. Midlife Crisis.
You had your time. You damn sure can't have ours.
So you want your answer?
We accept!
[laughing] You got… Oh my God.
You're just gonna let him answer for you? You must be an idiot.
This is it right here. Understand? This is your future.
When I beat you at WrestleMania on Sunday, that's it.
You don't get another shot.
Your story is over.
And let The Rock tell you something.
And let The Rock tell you something, you walking clown emoji.
The Rock will do everything in his power to make sure that you don't win,
and to make sure that title goes away.
The Rock is a director of the board of TKO,
which means he's your boss and your boss.
Look in The Rock's eyes when he tells you this.
This is family.
Roman's grandfather, looking down, is proud.
The Rock's grandfather, The High Chief, is looking down.
And right now, your dad, The American Dream,
one of The Rock's heroes, is looking down.
Isn't it true that you're the youngest of three?
Yeah, and you're 20 years younger than your siblings.
Is that right? You know why?
Because you were a mistake.
[uneasy music playing]
[crowd cheers loudly]
[Graves] Tonight, the Road to WrestleMania
winds through the Home of Blues, Memphis, Tennessee,
in a sold-out FedExForum on Beale Street
for 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.
-["Electrifying" playing] -♪ If you smell what The Rock is cookin' ♪
[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
The Rock!
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] It took The Rock about eight minutes earlier today
to set social media ablaze and raise the stakes even higher
as we approach WrestleMania,
where WrestleMania Saturday will witness the biggest tag team match
in WrestleMania history
as "The Great One" The Rock joins forces with Roman Reigns
to battle Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
The result of that showdown
will dictate the rules for WrestleMania Sunday.
Will it be free of The Bloodline, or Bloodline Rules?
As Cody Rhodes attempts once again to finish the story
and dethrone Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[Graves] The Final Boss is in the house.
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
You know, usually every single week, The Rock comes out here,
and he tortures, and he scorches every city that he's in.
But tonight, it's different.
[crowd cheers]
This city is different.
[crowd cheers]
You see, years ago, when The Rock first started his wrestling career,
The Rock started right here in Memphis, Tennessee.
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
The Rock started right here in Memphis, Tennessee.
Every Saturday morning, Channel Five.
Every Monday night at the Big Top Flea Market.
Do you remember The Rock's name back then?
Flex Kavana. I don't know what the hell I was thinking,
but I went for it.
So this city is a little different. So The Rock will say it like this…
I love you too, I appreciate that.
[crowd cheering]
So this is the way The Rock will say this…
Finally, The Rock has come back…
[crowd] To Memphis!
[crowd cheering]
…home.
[crowd cheers]
Memphis, Tennessee, The Rock has come back home.
It's been years. We're gonna have some fun tonight.
-You wanna have fun? -[crowd yells] Yeah!
The Rock has promised we're gonna have some fun.
This is the home of the blues.
Home of Elvis Presley. You know The Rock loves the blues.
Loves his Elvis Presley, loves country.
So we're gonna have some fun.
You wanna hear The Rock sing a little song?
[crowd cheering]
All right, let's have The Rock sing a song. Let's go, boys.
From the Grammy-nominated band War and Treaty.
We got Max right here.
And, of course, Memphis' Own Yella P.
[crowd cheering]
Rock is gonna sing a little song for you tonight.
Now, The Rock is gonna cover a lot of stuff in this song,
but what he's gonna cover first is what's gonna happen.
I love you too, honey. Thank you for saying that.
You sound like somebody The Rock can love, drunk and horny, so…
I appreciate it. [chuckles]
Thank you, Rodney Carrington, for that one.
The Rock is gonna sing a little bit of song here.
This is what's gonna happen to Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
[crowd booing]
You boys ready? Come on.
[blues melody playing]
[The Rock] Ooh…
♪ The Rock is gonna come ♪
♪ Lay the smack-eth down On your blond Cody ass ♪
♪ And your best friend, the clown ♪
♪ I'm gonna whoop that ass ♪
♪ And break your back ♪
♪ Or maybe I'll just beat you With my fanny pack ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ It's gonna be so much drama ♪
♪ You'll truly have no choice But cry to your mama ♪
Ah, you know who The Rock is talking about…
Mama Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes' mama.
Rocky's a mama's boy.
-We got a lot of mama's boys out there. -Oh yeah.
Oh yeah.
-You boys are mama's boys? -You know it.
Well, here's a little story about how Cody was born.
This is historically accurate.
As all of The Rock's stories are historically accurate.
♪ Dusty's youngest son Was just what he feared ♪
♪ He tried to raise him right But he turned out too weird ♪
♪ That's when Dusty said With total frustration ♪
♪ That drugs and cheap condoms Was a bad combination ♪
♪ I know it keeps Cody awake ♪
♪ To know he wasn't planned And he was a mistake ♪
That's okay, Cody, the important thing is you're here now.
But you're not alone.
Going to WrestleMania, you got a tag team partner.
That living embodiment of cringe, Seth Rollins.
-Got a little song for him too. -Oh yeah.
♪ Cackling and dancing Is all that you do ♪
♪ No wonder that your wife's More popular than you ♪
♪ You're so damn desperate To make them all cheer ♪
♪ But The Rock is gonna Take that title, disappear ♪
♪ You're simply an embarrassment, son ♪
♪ Just like Ja Morant When he's waving a gun ♪
-I love you, Ja. -[Yella P.] We love you, Ja.
We love you, brother. Get well soon.
Get well soon. [laughs]
Oh… Hey.
Well, I think that covers it.
-We got Cody. We got his family. -Yeah.
-Seth Rollins. -Uh-huh.
I feel like we might be leaving somebody out. Who have we left out?
-Check the record. Check the record. -Yes. The Cody crybabies.
Ah.
This one's for you, Cody crybabies.
♪ You're all so entitled Obnoxious and brash ♪
♪ Some of you have sex But you have to pay cash ♪
[Yella P.] Oh no!
♪ Your hero's gonna bleed And need some stitches ♪
♪ So whine about that You crybaby bitches ♪
♪ There are some lines You just don't cross ♪
♪ You all can kiss the ass Of The Final Boss ♪
We're gonna do that one more time.
♪ There's some lines You just don't cross ♪
♪ You all can kiss the ass Of The Final Boss ♪
We love you, Memphis.
[chuckles]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
You like that, Memphis?
[crowd cheers]
Yeah, The Rock liked that too.
But now The Rock wants a-- I love you back.
And I appreciate that love.
Now The Rock is gonna say-- I hear you too, honey.
The Rock loves you, I appreciate it.
We're gonna move this out of the way
because The Rock wants to say something now.
We had some fun. We're gonna have another kind of fun.
Last week on SmackDown,
Cody Rhodes, he did something to The Rock.
The world heard it. The Rock felt it. Let's take a look at it.
[crowd yells]
[crowd booing]
Yeah, Cody finally manned up, huh?
Finally grew a pair of balls.
He took a swing at The Rock.
He slapped the hell out of The Rock. [chuckles]
But what'd The Rock do? The Rock smiled.
And then a couple of days later, Cody went on Monday Night Raw.
And The Rock was waiting, the world was waiting.
How were you gonna respond to the biggest moment of your career?
Slapping The Rock? Were you gonna cut an impassioned promo?
What were you gonna do?
How were you gonna respond, Cody Rhodes, to the moment that made you famous?
Let's take a look.
My mother…
[stammers] She's one I got left.
And I can't hand it to Dusty Rhodes,
but I certainly can hand it to Michelle Rubio.
[crowd clamoring]
You responded by crying.
[chuckling] You responded by crying.
You got to be [silenced] me.
That's how you respond?
"I can't give the title to my daddy,
so I'm gonna give the title to my mommy."
"I gotta hand the title to my…"
You ain't giving anybody anything!
Cody, The Rock doesn't wanna talk to you right now,
but The Rock wants to talk to one person right now,
and that's your mama.
[crowd exclaiming]
Mama Rhodes,
The Rock knows that you're watching. The Rock knows you're listening.
You don't know The Rock.
But you're gonna know The Rock in ways that you wish you hadn't.
So, Mama Rhodes, let The Rock break it down for you,
and how WrestleMania is gonna go.
Your son Cody took something from me, and I'm gonna make him pay.
I'm gonna make your family pay, and I'm gonna make you pay.
On WrestleMania Night 1, The Rock and Roman Reigns
we're gonna beat your son and we're gonna beat Seth Rollins,
which puts us to Night 2.
Bloodline Rules, anything goes.
Ah, Mama Rhodes.
The Rock knows that you just can't wait for your son to finish that story.
You want your son to finish that story so bad,
and you want your son to hand you that belt so bad,
that Universal Championship.
But that ain't gonna happen.
That belt is gonna stay around the waist of my cousin Roman Reigns.
[crowd boos]
And now, Mama Rhodes, you are gonna get a belt,
but you're gonna get The Rock's belt.
It ain't gonna be that Universal Championship.
It's going to be this belt here, Mama Rhodes.
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick! Whoop that trick! Whoop that trick!
Mama Rhodes, it's gonna be a belt just like this.
And The Rock is gonna take this belt,
and he's gonna beat your son.
He's gonna beat the piss out of your son.
And The Rock is gonna make your son bleed.
He's gonna tear his skin, tear his flesh, and he's gonna whoop him.
He's gonna whoop him like a dog over and over and over again.
And, Mama Rhodes, your son's blood is gonna be on this belt.
And when The Rock is done whooping your son,
and Roman is done beating your son,
one, two, three, The Rock
is gonna take this belt full of your son's blood,
and he's gonna walk over to you.
Mama Rhodes, The Rock needs you sitting in the first row.
So the world can see.
And The Rock is gonna walk right over to you, Mama Rhodes,
and he's gonna hand you this belt, he's gonna hand you this belt right here.
He's gonna put it in your lap,
and you're gonna be crying just like your son.
And that's okay, because then
The Rock is gonna whisper in your ear, Mama Rhodes…
And with all the blood on your son's belt here,
and your tears on that belt,
The Rock is gonna whisper in your ear,
he's gonna wipe your tears away, and he's going to say, "Michelle…"
♪ What can I say except you're welcome ♪
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
If you smell
what The Final Boss is cooking.
[crowd cheering]
[Jim Johnston's "Electrifying" playing]
[Graves] The Final Boss has never been one to make idle threats.
But one thing is absolutely certain,
The Road to WrestleMania is a collision course.
And in Philadelphia, we will witness the biggest tag team match
in WrestleMania history.
[Wade] Oh man, The Rock at his cutting and personal best.
Cody may regret the day he incurred the wrath of The Final Boss.
[indistinct chatter]
[Wade] Getting back to today's business,
Santos Escobar will be in action tonight
against lucha nemesis, Dragon Lee.
But Legado crew can take a big step towards WrestleMania
and the Tag Team Championships.
They have a huge qualifying match against the LWO next.
[Graves] We are live from a sold out FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
14,173 members of the WWE Universe in the house
for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
We are moments away from tag team action.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a WrestleMania XL
Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
Already in ring,
accompanied by Elektra Lopez, Angel and Humberto,
Legado Del Fantasma.
[Graves] This is gonna be our first of two qualifiers tonight,
with all these teams sharing one common goal,
advancing to the Showcase of the Immortals, WrestleMania,
to take part in a 6-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE
Tag Team Championship. And, Wade,
you can't imagine that The Judgment Day are too happy about this scenario.
[Wade] Absolutely not. This essentially is a disastrous scenario
for the longtime reigning Tag Team Champions
having to put their championship on the line in a 6-Pack Challenge
at WrestleMania, complete disaster.
[Graves] Starting things off with two teams
who share a great deal of familiarity, Legado Del Fantasma and the LWO.
Now you're seeing Berto make the tag to Angel.
[Wade] Yeah, you mentioned familiarity. Certainly not a positive familiarity.
These two teams hate each other's guts.
[Graves] Tremendous double-team offense from Angel and Berto.
Hook of the leg.
Be a short night for Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde.
[Wade] What an opportunity this could be. Let's face it.
An opportunity to get one step closer to WrestleMania.
An opportunity to get one step closer to challenging
for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Oh, and in the process, putting down your most hated rivals.
[Graves] This structure was created by General Manager Nick Aldis.
Oh my goodness. Two separate brackets.
The winners of each will advance
to the 6-Pack Challenge at WrestleMania.
[Wade] The entire locker room around this time of year
starts complaining if they're not scheduled or featured
to be on the WrestleMania card.
This is really a gift from the respective general managers
because, guys, take your future in your own hands.
[Graves] Cruz Del Toro flexing his otherworldly athleticism.
Beautiful hurricanrana!
Tag made to Joaquin Wilde.
Del Toro and Wilde
have been an extremely effective tag team together.
Oh, Wilde, of course, seemingly going viral on a regular basis these days
with his breathtaking athleticism.
[Wade] Certainly did on NXT this past Tuesday.
[Graves] We could be moments away from another viral moment.
Stereo Suicide Dives!
Angel and Humberto are down. The LWO starting to roll.
Who will advance?
[inaudible]
Let's take one more look at the athleticism of the LWO.
Wilde and Cruz Del Toro throwing caution to the wind.
-[Wade] High risk and high reward. -[Graves] Cover here.
[Wade] It's all going the way of the LWO right now.
And you have to say Legado Del Fantasma find themselves in a world of trouble.
[Graves] Oh, Angel and Humberto would hate to disappoint La Madrina.
Cover here by Wilde, hook of the leg.
Humberto survives.
[Wade] If I know Elektra Lopez, she is scheming and plotting as we speak,
trying to get her men back on top.
[Graves] At the same time, you can't discount the presence
of Zelina Vega on behalf of the LWO.
Keep your eyes on Wilde. Wow!
Looks like Del Toro's gonna join the party.
That is a lot of ground to cover. Moonsault. Hook of the leg.
Berto survives. Who will advance in the tournament?
[Graves] This is a WrestleMania Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
As Legado Del Fantasma's Angel, Humberto
do battle with the LWO Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde.
Cover here by Berto.
[Wade] What a glorious night it could be for Legado Del Fantasma.
Of course, The Emperor of Lucha Libre,
their leader Santos Escobar is in action later on tonight
against sometime nemesis Dragon Lee.
[Graves] Both teams with an opportunity
to take a massive step toward WrestleMania.
But the work only begins tonight.
Again, per General Manager Nick Aldis, a two-bracket tournament.
The winners of each bracket will advance
to the 6-Pack Ladder Match Challenge at WrestleMania.
[Wade] Santos Escobar must be loving what he is witnessing right now.
Escobar led Legado Del Fantasma once upon a time in NXT
that included Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde,
till they turned their backs on The Emperor of Lucha Libre.
Well, perhaps now it's payback time.
[Graves] Angel and Humberto having their way with Del Toro.
Not a lot of real estate on the top turnbuckle
yet three Superstars are sharing the space.
This is the beginning of the end for Cruz Del Toro.
What on earth are we gonna see?
-Look at this power. Wow! -[Wade] Power balance.
Poise and pain.
[Graves] Cover here by Berto, hook of the leg.
This one's over. No.
[Wade] Joaquin Wilde, just in the nick of time,
keeping LWO's hopes alive of qualifying for WrestleMania.
[Graves] Big pump kick rocks the jaw of Wilde.
Spinning combination by Cruz. Shoulders down.
-[Wade] Oh! -Breathtaking standing Spanish fly,
but Del Toro unable to capitalize.
[Wade] Yeah, purely instinctive there from Cruz Del Toro.
Forget about the pin, get over and get the tag.
Get the fresh man in the ring.
[Graves] Del Toro inching toward his corner,
toward a fresh Joaquin Wilde,
Humberto inching toward Angel.
[Wade] Every time Joaquin Wilde gets in the ring,
he is simply unhinged.
[Graves] Keep your eyes on Joaquin Wilde.
Double drop kick!
[Wade] Perhaps nobody on the SmackDown roster
has stepped it up more in the past few months than Joaquin Wilde.
He is hungry for success.
[Graves] Neckbreaker by Wilde takes down Berto.
You know Joaquin would love
to make Rey Mysterio and the entire LWO proud
by representing them on the grandest stage of them all.
Superkick by Joaquin Wilde.
Tornado DDT! That could do it.
Wilde slides into the cover.
And Humberto keeps it alive for Legado.
[Wade] Joaquin Wilde ping-ponging around the ring,
but keep an eye on Cruz Del Toro.
[Graves] Del Toro looking to take it high risk again.
Baseball slide. Nobody home!
And nearly launched through the barricade.
[Wade] The superb movement from Berto there,
and Angel capitalizing.
This could be the kiss goodnight.
[Graves] Tag made. Berto legal. Popped up.
Oh, that might have broken a rib or two.
Deep hook of the leg.
-Angel and Humberto advance. -[bell rings]
[def rebel's "Soul March" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, Legado Del Fantasma.
[Graves] A seesaw battle from the opening bell.
And yet again, Legado Del Fantasma bests the LWO.
You know wherever Santos Escobar is watching on,
he is grinning from ear to ear.
[Wade] This one spilled all over the ringside area.
It was all about movement and innovation.
And watch this Chicharito-like kick to the sternum of Joaquin Wilde,
getting the job done for Legado Del Fantasma,
who are one step closer to that 6-Pack Challenge at WrestleMania
for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
[Graves] Here we see bracket number one, Legado Del Fantasma,
the first team to advance.
We will see the New Catch Republic battle Pretty Deadly later on tonight.
[Wade] Yes, boy.
[inaudible]
[Graves] Earlier today we see the arrival of Dakota Kai and Damage CTRL.
Dakota took to X to make a post earlier saying,
"Bayley, I can't wait to see you break."
[Wade] Well, contrast Dakota Kai with Bayley
alone and like a mouse lost in a maze.
Royal Rumble winner Bayley is in a battle for survival ahead of WrestleMania.
She faces Dakota Kai in our main event later tonight.
And now, everybody, please welcome my guests…
-[def rebel's "Welcome To LA" playing] -[Wade] Yes! Yes! Yes!
[crowd cheering]
It's been too long, Corey
[Graves] Go on, Wade. Have yourself a time.
[Wade] He's gonna talk to us! Thank you, Kayla!
And thank you, Mr. Megastar!
Best day ever.
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
Now, LA Knight, since the Elimination Chamber,
you have been on a quest to find AJ Styles.
Have you had any luck on your search for The Phenomenal One?
May I? I just need to cook for a minute.
-Let me talk to you. -[crowd cheers]
AJ Styles.
[crowd boos]
You said last week that I need to be humbled.
You said LA Knight needs to be humbled.
Now you're talking my language. Now you're talking what I wanna hear.
AJ, I'm standing right here.
Why don't you come out and humble LA Knight?
[crowd yells] Yeah!
That's about what I thought.
You got another week where AJ Styles can't show up.
And why is that?
You ain't big enough for this ride, little man.
Ol' Napoleon Styles out here making all the empty threats.
He wants to act like I ain't been looking for him the last few weeks, huh?
[crowd yells] Yeah!
This man sees it fit to fly all the way to Australia,
yet he can't drive his keister over here to Memphis?
[crowd yells] Yeah!
And all the while, he goes over there, he says, "X marks the spot."
"LA Knight marks the spot."
Nah, nah
LA Knight spots the marks.
And the biggest mark walkin' is AJ Styles.
-Yeah. -[crowd yells] Yeah!
So I'm gonna put it to you like this.
With that in mind, if you can't show up,
if you don't have enough tingle in your loins to show up to SmackDown,
I know somewhere where you just can't help but to show up.
I'm talking AJ Styles.
I'm talking LA Knight.
And I am talking WrestleMania.
[crowd cheers]
AJ, you said I walk around like I own this place.
I might not own the place, but at WrestleMania I will own your ass.
[crowd yells] Yeah!
And what that means is you will find out exactly whose game this is
with everybody saying.
[crowd yells] LA Knight, yeah!
Yeah!
[crowd yells] Yeah!
[Graves] Now, from behind! AJ Styles with a steel chair!
[crowd boos]
I accept.
[referees speaking indistinctly]
[referee] AJ, come on, man! You're crazy! What're you doing, man?
[overlapping chatter]
[Graves] The challenge for WrestleMania issued by LA Knight,
accepted emphatically by The Phenomenal One.
[Wade] Well, I hope that gets made official,
but you simply cannot show your full hand to a veteran like AJ Styles
and not expect to be outflanked.
Well, it certainly appears right now as though AJ Styles
and LA Knight have WrestleMania plans.
Last week, right here on Friday Night SmackDown,
we heard plans of a different variety
unveiled by none other than our United States Champion.
Boy, Dallas, do I have a surprise for y'all.
[laughing]
I think a moment this big deserves a big photo.
So smile back there, y'all. I'm gonna make you famous.
[Rev Theory's "Voices" playing]
Where is he?
[Wade] Enter The Viper, who was taken out of the Elimination Chamber
by a brass knucks-clad Logan Paul
who managed to escape.
Unlike Prime buddy, KSI.
RKO'd on the new Prime logo.
[Logan] Nick. My guy.
-Logan. -Nick.
-Come on in. -Hey, man.
So what's the plan?
-Plan? -Yeah. The plan. The punishment.
Is there gonna be a fine?
Repercussions for the chaos that happened last week?
Randy Orton. He slithered in.
He interrupted the biggest sponsorship moment in WWE history.
Prime, WWE, Randy Orton?
Nick, he RKO'd my business partner on the Prime logo.
-What's the plan? -[inhales sharply]
-[clicks tongue] -What? Oh, I see.
Okay. You don't want to dwell in the past, I get it,
um, but I think that Randy should probably apologize.
-You do? -Yeah, I do.
-Okay. -Yeah, not for me.
Not for me, Nick, I don't care. I could care less.
But for you, you know, you could get in serious trouble otherwise.
I mean, think about the precedent it could set,
the impact it could have on SmackDown, the very fabric--
-You know what? -What?
I think it would set a great precedent
if you requested that apology from Randy Orton in person.
Think of the precedent that would set.
-Oh, me? You want me to do it? -I think it's great.
Okay, well, it is your job to make that happen.
-Is it? -Yeah, it is.
-Oh. -Yeah.
But then again, how could I expect you to do your job
when you can't even find me an opponent for WrestleMania?
[Graves] Well, Bad News, you know, I am a betting man,
and I don't like the odds of The Viper issuing an apology to anybody.
[Wade] Yeah, been there with The Viper before.
It never ended well for me.
Hopefully, Logan has better fortune.
[def rebel's "Eye On The Prize" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Austin Theory,
from Sydney, Australia, weighing 204 pounds,
Grayson Waller!
[Graves] He is brash, he is loquacious,
and Grayson Waller is about to go one-on-one with The Viper.
Randy Orton live, next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[exclaiming]
[Graves] Well, this July, Money in the Bank
heads to Toronto, Ontario,
as part of a jam-packed weekend of wrestling at Scotiabank Arena,
starting with Friday Night SmackDown on July 5th,
Money in the Bank, July 6th,
and NXT Heatwave, Sunday, July 7th.
Combo tickets for all three events are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
And just this week, we got massive news
regarding another WWE Premium Live Event this summer,
again, courtesy of Logan Paul.
SummerSlam.
WWE SummerSlam will be hosted
in Cleveland, Ohio this year.
-Oh my God! -Cleveland, where I'm from.
We're bringing it back at the Cleveland Browns Stadium.
[Wade] Yes, we are heading to the Dawg Pound this summer.
Cleveland, we cannot wait for you guys to host SummerSlam.
[Graves] Cleveland, get ready to show us what you're made of.
It's the biggest party of the summer, and it's going down in The Land.
-[crowd boos] -Excuse me.
Oh God!
I just wanted to ask if The Bloodline had an official response
to Jey Uso's WrestleMania XL challenge to his brother, Jimmy.
Actually, yes, we do got a response.
Yeah. Little brother out there talking that big noise, huh?
You forgot, did you?
You forgot before The Right Hand Man, before you becoming a main eventer,
before you becoming the longest reigning tag team in WWE,
you was my little brother.
I raised you.
Man, you followed me everywhere.
I told you I got you.
Yeah, last year at WrestleMania, it was me and you.
This year WrestleMania, it's me versus you.
Hey, Uce…
Big bro got you.
You want me?
Yeet!
[Graves] Well, the stars are out tonight on Beale Street,
including two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter duo
husband and wife, Michael and Tanya Trotter.
Perhaps better known worldwide as The War and Treaty,
here in the house as our very special guest.
They got a new single, "Stealing a Kiss," that will be released next Friday.
The War and Treaty having a great time tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
And Grayson Waller, the man who continues to make headlines here in WWE
alongside his protégé, Austin Theory.
But it's not gonna get easier.
[Rev Theory's "Voices" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent.
From St. Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 275 pounds,
"The Viper"
Randy Orton!
[Graves] I'm gonna put you on the spot, Bad News.
What do you think the odds truly are
of Randy Orton issuing an apology to Logan Paul?
[Wade] Uh, is there a negative possibility for odds?
Because believe me, it's not gonna be happening.
That is not how Randy Orton is built.
[Graves] Well, Mattel is delivering the nostalgia with WWE Retro.
You can now get Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan, Wendi Richter,
Big John Studd, and "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali
in the classic '90s WWE form factor,
complete with real retro action figures.
Pick up this set today at MattelCreations.com.
WWE Retro. So close to the real thing, it's like being in the ring.
Grayson Waller, about to get firsthand experience
of what it means to be in the ring with The Legend Killer himself,
"The Viper" Randy Orton.
[Wade] Grayson Waller is somebody who just lives off confidence,
and you can have all the confidence in the world
going into a matchup with an opponent.
But Grayson Waller's face told the story the second that hit,
"I hear voices in my head,"
his face dropped.
He knew the world of trouble that he has landed his self in,
and confidence immediately dissipated.
[Graves] Grayson Waller posted on X earlier today
with a graphic of this matchup saying,
"Legend Killer versus Legend Maker. Huge opportunity here for Randy."
[Wade] Yeah, I'm not sure how many Legends
Grayson Waller has made thus far,
but I… I await that happening before our eyes tonight.
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive.
[crowd cheers]
The Viper basking in adulation of the WWE Universe
in a sold-out FedExForum tonight in Memphis.
[Wade] The longer this entrance takes,
the more acid dread pumps through the veins
of the audacious Aussie, Grayson Waller.
[Graves] And, of course, you're saying this
speaking from experience, right, Wade?
You've had the opportunity to stand across the ring from The Viper.
[Wade] Yeah, there's a reason why I retired at age 35.
Simply too many battles with Randy Orton.
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
[Graves] These are mind games out of the gate.
Randy Orton is making Grayson Waller wait.
[crowd cheering]
[Waller yelling]
[def rebel's "Take Flight" playing]
[Graves] Wait a minute.
We got an unscheduled guest.
Logan Paul has been all over the show tonight already.
Wade, what do you think the United States Champion is doing out here now?
You don't think Logan honestly expects an apology from Orton, do you?
[Wade] Maybe he's going to sponsor Randy Orton's tights,
maybe his boots.
Maybe he's just out here to gloat about SummerSlam going to Cleveland.
[Graves] Anything is possible. I mean…
Listen, I know you and I both are for sale.
I think maybe we should have a Prime commentator.
[Wade] If you want me to wear one of those Prime bottle outfits,
if it's a paying gig, I'm certainly down.
[Graves] And it looks as though the United States Champion
is headed our way, Bad News.
[Wade] Good friend of the desk. Always welcome over here, Corey.
-[Graves] Well, moments ago… -[bell rings]
…Orton was playing mind games,
and now The Viper being victimized with the arrival of Logan Paul.
Logan, welcome to the commentary desk.
[Logan] Always a pleasure. Always a pleasure.
[Wade] No, the pleasure is all ours, Logan.
And once again, congratulations on Prime sponsoring the WWE mat
at Premium Live Events, that is…
[Logan] Yeah. Thank you, sir. It's a shame Randy ruined all of it.
[Graves] Oh, speaking of WrestleMania plans, Logan, we've learned tonight
that AJ Styles and LA Knight appear to have WrestleMania plans.
Any progress on your WrestleMania match yet?
[Logan] Uh, no. That's Nick Aldis' fault.
He's not doing his job as he is not good at it.
[Wade] I got to agree with you on that. It's the first time in history
I ever recall a United States Champion having to beg
to make his way onto the WrestleMania card,
it's a disgrace.
[Logan] Why should I be on the back burner? I'm a star.
[Wade] It's pathetic.
[Graves] Right now, Waller looking to make something spectacular happen
at the expense of Randy Orton.
[Wade] Logan Paul's got an up close and personal view of this beatdown.
[Graves] Oh, we know how this goes.
Waller doing his best to fight out of the clasp of Randy Orton,
and does so.
[Wade] About the smartest thing Grayson Waller has done all day,
but not quick enough!
[Graves] Waller sent into our timekeeper's area.
[Wade] Distractions everywhere you look for Randy Orton.
[Graves] Waller! Oh my God.
Face-first into the table goes Orton.
Grayson Waller is in control.
This is the man right here!
[Graves] Grayson Waller, "The Aussie Icon,"
one-on-one with "The Viper" Randy Orton.
We are joined at the commentary desk by the United States Champion,
The Maverick himself, Logan Paul.
Logan, I heard earlier you discussing with Nick Aldis an apology,
that you feel as though Randy Orton owes you an apology.
-Are you really expecting that? -Uh, not expecting it.
Demanding it. Randy Orton ruined my big moment
with Prime partnership last weekend.
I only find it cordial,
and if he was a man with any integrity, he'd apologize.
[Wade] And I'll tell you from personal experience,
Logan, I admire everything about you.
But I will advise you to keep well clear of "The Viper" Randy Orton.
Let me ask you, how is KSI's neck after last week's RKO?
[Logan] Couldn't tell you. Just could tell you that
I haven't listened to any of my advisors for years,
and I don't plan to start listening now.
[Graves] Powerslam by The Viper.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] That is how quickly The Viper can turn a match on its head.
[Graves] And if we're judging by WWE 2K24 ratings,
this is a mismatch in and of itself.
Randy Orton hanging out at a 91 with Waller,
much to be desired at 74.
Orton, of course, one of the most popular Superstars in the game…
As he's dumped down to the floor.
[Wade] Well, a victory for Waller here may change those stats next year,
that's for sure.
[Graves] Nobody home!
And Waller takes a ride
courtesy of Randy Orton.
[Wade] Randy starting to get that second wind.
[Logan] Grayson, get up!
Grayson, get up!
[Graves] Logan Paul pleading with Grayson Waller
to recover and get back into this fight.
And Orton doesn't wanna let that happen.
[groaning]
Grayson Waller's spine racked with pain.
[Wade] Despite the distractions at every turn,
Randy Orton in full control now.
[Logan] He took his eye off the ball. That's the problem.
[Wade] Speaking of distractions.
[Graves] Austin Theory making his presence felt yet again.
Here comes Waller. Colliding with Theory.
[Logan] Tweedledee and Tweedledum over here.
Come on, come on!
[Graves] We know what happens next.
Vintage Orton!
[Logan] Come on. Grayson!
[Wade] Panic in the eyes of United States Champion, Logan Paul.
Grayson Waller about to be put to the sword.
[Graves] I'm sure if Grayson Waller knew where he was,
he would have panic in his eyes as well.
-[crowd chants] RKO! RKO! -[Wade] Mind is scrambled.
And it's about to get worse.
[Graves] A deafening chant echoing throughout the FedExForum.
This is the beginning of the end. No.
Austin Theory coming to the aid of Grayson Waller,
much to the delight of Logan Paul.
[Wade] What a friend, Austin Theory.
-[Logan] Not like this. Come on. -[Wade] On the line.
[Graves] Vintage Orton yet again.
RKO!
[Logan whimpering]
Logan, The Viper making absolutely sure you saw that.
[bell rings]
[Rev Theory's "Voices" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Randy Orton!
[Graves] What a win by Randy Orton,
who at times had to feel like he was in a handicap match.
Here comes Theory from behind, clipping the knee of The Viper.
[Wade] Theory simply refusing to move on.
And it's a gift for the United States Champion.
[Graves] You're exactly right. Theory is setting Orton up…
for The Maverick
Y'all want one of these?
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Logan gonna deliver that titanium-reinforced right hand…
right on the chin of Orton.
[CFO$'s "Fight" playing]
[crowd cheering]
Logan Paul knows exactly what that guitar riff means!
Kevin Owens hits the scene!
[Wade] Somebody who needs no excuses to go after The Maverick,
who, perhaps wisely, is hightailing it out of here
with the United States Championship.
[Graves] Owens, certainly not a fan of Logan Paul
in any way, shape or form.
-Coming to the aid of… -[commentators exclaiming]
[inaudible]
[Graves] Stunner to Theory! RKO!
[Owens] Oh my God!
[Graves] Owens and Orton able to avoid a little friendly fire.
[Wade] Unreal kinetic energy in those moves.
And with a front row seat, Logan Paul, this may be your future.
Logan, Logan. So sorry to interrupt.
I, uh… I just wanted to follow up on our meeting from earlier.
A couple of things.
First off, um,
were you able to get that apology from Randy?
Or… No?
Okay. Secondly.
I've determined your opponent for WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
I'm so sorry. I misspoke.
I've determined your opponents for WrestleMania.
[crowd cheers]
You will defend the United States Championship
against Kevin Owens…
and Randy Orton…
in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania.
[Rev Theory's "Voices" playing]
[Graves] Logan Paul is beside himself, with good reason.
[Wade] Careful what you wish for.
Triple Threat, double the danger at WrestleMania
for the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
[Graves] Logan Paul will find himself outnumbered,
which is a situation familiar to one of the competitors
in our main event tonight.
Bayley, who has been the victim of the ultimate betrayal.
Let's take a look at how we got to tonight's main event
in our Progressive Match Flo.
Oh no.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Graves] The Kabuki Warriors against the team of Bayley and Dakota Kai.
You could see the motivation on the faces of Bayley and Dakota Kai
who have been betrayed by The Kabuki Warriors and Iyo Sky.
We're gonna make them pay.
[Wade] Bayley personally took this unit to the very top.
Bayley served a purpose, these ladies then threw her to the wolves.
[Graves] Oh, and Dakota sent crashing to the outside.
[Wade] Which is the reason why they are Tag Team Champions.
Just in the nick of time. Dakota Kai is back.
[Graves] Bayley's got daylight.
What the hell?
[crowd boos]
[Graves] And Bayley's going for Kai!
[Wade] The numbers game simply too strong.
It's my title!
[Graves] The fourth and final dagger, courtesy of Dakota Kai.
I'm standing by with Damage CTRL, and, Dakota,
Bayley seems determined to take you all out one by one
before her match with Iyo Sky at WrestleMania.
Kayla, Bayley is not going to be able to take all of us out
and make it to WrestleMania.
But you know what? I know she's watching, right?
Bayley, Bayley,
I am going to break you, okay?
And anyone who feels sorry for you has lost their damn minds
because this…
this is all your doing, all right?
You were jealous of Iyo,
threatened by Kairi and Asuka.
So in order for us to grow stronger as Damage CTRL,
we had to cut you loose.
So this is a message, not only to you,
but to all of them chicks in the locker room.
We run the show!
♪ I'm here to set it off right Get you all hype ♪
♪ I am the vibe and I'm on tonight I'd like to feel the beat right now ♪
♪ I might just let it all hang out I need to celebrate out loud ♪
♪ Feel free to come and show me how ♪
♪ So come on now Go on and get up, get up, get up ♪
♪ I'm gonna go all night You can bet I am ♪
♪ Never gonna stop me now No, no, no, you can't ♪
♪ I'll be the life of the party Yeah, that's my plan ♪
[Graves] WWE World at WrestleMania
will take place at the Philadelphia Convention Center
starting Thursday, April 4th through Monday, April 8th.
And breaking news today.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H
will join The Pat McAfee Show live on Friday, April 5th.
Tickets are on sale now at FanaticEvents.com/WWE.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
We are ready for singles action.
Regarding the leader of Legado Del Fantasma,
Santos Escobar,
we saw Angel and Berto pick up an…
extremely important victory earlier tonight.
[def rebel's "Control the Empire" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, weighing 165 pounds,
Dragon Lee.
[Graves] Dragon Lee, highly motivated and laser focused
as he prepares to do battle with Santos Escobar.
Wade, I think you'd have to imagine,
Dragon Lee looking for a measure of revenge
after what he suffered last week here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Last week on SmackDown,
Angel was taking on Dragon Lee in singles.
Dragon Lee scored the victory with Legado Del Fantasma
surrounding the ringside watching on.
Now, LWO were not in town, and after the victory,
the celebrations were short because he received a beatdown
from Legado Del Fantasma,
after which The Emperor of Lucha Libre
seemed to have a message for Rey Mysterio.
[yelling indistinctly]
[Graves] If Santos can pick up where Angel and Humberto
-left off tonight, more W's… -[bell rings]
…for Legado Del Fantasma.
We've got two second-generation Superstars doing battle.
Of course, Escobar, the son of El Fantasma, legendary luchador.
Dragon Lee, the son of La Bestia del Ring, another lucha icon.
And Dragon Lee pushing the pace here in the early goings.
-[Wade] But this is, to me, Dragon Lee-- -[Graves] Whoa!
[Wade] Caught me in my tracks,
but this is Dragon Lee, for me, playing a dangerous game once again.
Bearing in mind what happened last week with Legado Del Fantasma.
Surrounding the ring and him out here on his own, guess what?
We're in the same situation.
[Graves] Great athleticism by Dragon Lee. Looking to hoist up Santos Escobar.
Escobar in trouble, fighting desperately,
able to free himself from the grasp of the Dragon.
And a superkick right in the mug of Escobar.
[Wade] This would be a huge scalp for Dragon Lee
to claim the respect of Santos Escobar around the world,
especially in the lucha game, is simply massive.
[Graves] Dragon again looking for the possible sit-out powerbomb.
This is outrageous strength.
Into the cover…
And Escobar keeps this alive.
We didn't have to wait long for Dragon Lee to blow our minds.
Taking to the skies, throwing caution to the wind,
and taking out Santos Escobar.
[Wade] Such a dangerous competitor.
That's why many have called him the future of lucha libre.
For my money, the now of lucha libre is his opponent, Santos Escobar,
who has not got out of the block so far this evening.
[Graves] You're absolutely right.
Escobar has been completely ineffective since the opening bell,
and Dragon Lee launches Humberto into Angel on the outside.
But Dragon had better keep his eyes on the task at hand.
That being Escobar.
[Wade] Escobar and his deep bag of tricks.
[Graves] Phantom Driver! That's gonna do it.
[bell rings]
[def rebel's "Soul March" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Santos Escobar.
[Graves] Dragon Lee had all the momentum on his side,
but the momentary hesitation cost him big.
[Wade] Well, I tried to warn…
[def rebel's "Bad Apple" playing]
[Graves] Dragon's got some backup tonight!
Carlito is here!
[Wade] Fresh off beating Santos Escobar in a street fight a couple of weeks ago,
Santos wanting no part of Carlito tonight.
[Graves] Backstabber to Angel!
And Berto driven down onto his tag team partner.
But Escobar just clocked Carlito.
[Wade] As the bodies piled up, The Emperor was lying in wait.
[Escobar yelling indistinctly]
[P.O.D's "Booyaka" playing]
[Graves] Is he here?
He is!
The Hall of Famer! The leader of the LWO…
Rey Mysterio!
[Wade] Santos Escobar's former mentor,
former hero.
Things have soured in the worst way possible.
[Graves] Here we go. Mysterio teeing off on Santos Escobar.
[Wade] Simply ageless.
[Graves] Here we go, dial it up!
Escobar out of harm's way, just in time.
[Wade] Nobody has studied Rey Mysterio more than Santos…
Why you running, Santos?
Why are you running?
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] Remember what you said?
It was supposed to be me and you… together.
Familia.
Let me give you what you want.
How about next week…
one-on-one,
you and me?
[crowd cheering]
And I promise you…
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] …from the bottom of my heart,
I will slap that stupid,
arrogant smile off your face.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Mysterio wants it. The world wants it.
Will Escobar accept?
[Graves] It's been a long time coming.
A showdown could be on the horizon
for Mysterio and Escobar.
And while we're talking about a long time coming,
after suffering betrayal by the group she created
the winner of the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble Match, Bayley,
goes one-on-one with Dakota Kai live tonight.
-[Graves] It is time for another… -[bell rings]
…WrestleMania Tag Team Championship Qualifying Match
as the New Catch Republic of Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne
square off against Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] All-English affair. So this is essentially a quarterfinal.
Win this matchup, you go on to a semifinal and you'll take on Legado Del Fantasma,
who were victorious earlier tonight.
Win that matchup, you go on to WrestleMania
and you challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championships
in a 6-Pack Challenge.
-[Graves] 6-pack Ladder Match Challenge. -[Wade] Whoo!
[Graves] Talk about chaos. Tag made to Pete Dunne.
There's some unusual athleticism flexed by Tyler Bate.
And we've seen over the past several months, Wade,
the return to form of "The Bruiserweight," of Pete Dunne,
who's continuing to prove he is one of,
if not the most sadistic submission specialists in the game.
[Wade] Yeah, he has a certain set of skills that are highly deadly,
especially as it seems to pertain to Pretty Deadly.
I don't know if these guys have got some English beef between them,
but Pete Dunne over the past few months
has made a beeline for Pretty Deadly whenever they've been around SmackDown.
[Graves] Small joint manipulation.
I'm kind of shocked that this is still legal,
but right now Kit Wilson suffering at the hand of The Bruiserweight.
[Wade] Elton Prince not so long ago had a nasty hand injury.
Kit Wilson may be about to get the same problem.
[Graves] Poor Elton was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks.
[Wade] That's how you know it was bad.
[Graves] Pete Dunne would be all too happy to dish out some more punishment…
to Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, collectively known as Pretty Deadly.
But… Oh no, things are about to get even worse.
Kit able to get out of harm's way for the moment.
And Elton Prince on the outside making Dunne pay.
[Wade] Nice spot of divide and conquer from Pretty Deadly.
[Graves] Cover here.
Pretty Deadly looking to punch their ticket to the next round.
[Wade] That is the kind of cohesion that led Pretty Deadly to numerous
NXT Tag Team Championships over the years.
Still awaiting their first opportunity at WrestleMania, however.
[Graves] I had a chance to chat with Pretty Deadly earlier in the day,
and they said when we qualify for WrestleMania,
we have outfits planned that would make Freddie Mercury blush.
[Wade] They are the unofficial tag team of Buckingham Palace,
and they're so pretty, they don't need to edit their Instagram pics, Corey.
-[Graves] See what you did there. -[Wade] Uh-huh.
[Graves] Here comes Pete Dunne in a single leg takedown by Prince.
Thwarts the forward progression of The Bruiserweight.
Dunne now needs to make a tag to the fresher Tyler Bate.
[Wade] And I love nothing more than watching Pretty Deadly
once they get the upper hand in a matchup
from pretty to rather ugly in a heartbeat.
[Graves] Dunne just continuing to swing the heavy lumber.
[Wade] That's a scary thing about Dunne,
you know if you're getting in the ring with him,
you're taking home some souvenirs.
[Graves] You may be going home without an MCL.
Here comes Tyler Bate, perhaps pound for pound
the strongest competitor in WWE.
An absolute powerhouse.
[Wade] Veteran at just 26,
truly is the baby-faced assassin here on SmackDown.
[Graves] Around we go, a purveyor of British Strong Style
representing the New Catch Republic,
Tyler Bate now teeing off on both members of Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] Like an express train.
Simply no room to hide for Pretty Deadly.
[Graves] Look at this power. Picked out of midair.
-[Wade] 230-pound Kit Wilson… -[Graves] Launched!
Standing shooting star press by Bate.
[Wade] Bate can simply do it all in that ring
as we are getting to witness.
[Graves] And around and around we go in an airplane spin.
Elton Prince in all types of trouble.
Wade, what if anything is going through Elton's mind right now?
[Wade] I don't know, I had to stop watching.
I was getting dizzy.
[Graves] Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate in control,
albeit a bit dizzy at the moment.
[Graves] We are live from the FedExForum.
It is sold-out tonight in Memphis
as we watch a WrestleMania Championship Qualifying Match.
The New Catch Republic versus Pretty Deadly.
Earlier in the night, we saw Angel and Humberto
of Legado Del Fantasma
advance to the next round of bracket one.
Which of these duos will join them?
[Wade] The Big Strong Boi
desperately trying to turn this match around
for the New Catch Republic.
Well, this might do it!
[Graves] Big Strong Boi is not just a nickname,
it's a way of life for Tyler Bate
who needs to make a tag to The Bruiserweight.
[Wade] A fired-up Pete Dunne.
-[Graves] Here comes Elton. -[Wade] Ready to explode!
[Graves] Step-up enzuigiri by Dunne.
The Bruiserweight is on a roll. Big right hand.
[Wade] Completely unleashed. Attacking anything that moves.
Look at… this on the apron.
[Wade] About the worst situation Pretty Deadly
could find themselves in at this point in a matchup.
[Graves] Snap German suplex.
[Wade] A fresh and angry Pete Dunne.
[Graves] And directly into the armbar, Elton's gonna tap.
Elton is gonna tap out.
Pete Dunne looking to force the submission.
[Wade] Just unreal tekkers from Pete Dunne.
[Graves] Reversal!
Great wherewithal shown by Elton. Ooh!
[Wade] Desperately trying to weave his way out of the hole.
Managed a pin.
[Graves] Tag made, Tyler Bate now legal for the New Catch Republic.
[Wade] Bate caught his breath.
Top bends! You like a bit of that, right, Corey?
[Graves] A big football guy these days. I watched most of a match on Saturday.
-[Wade] Happy you didn't call-- -[Graves] Boom! That's gonna do it.
Stacks up Prince.
And Kit Wilson keeps it alive for Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] Yeah, that was a mad scramble from Kit Wilson
trying to keep his WrestleMania dreams alive,
but for how much longer?
Has to be looking bleak.
Great bounce back ability.
[Graves] Bate connects with a flying European uppercut.
Oh! And a boot right in the face.
[Wade] Yeah, a lot of people write off Pretty Deadly because of how they look.
That is simply toxic masculinity.
These boys are the real deal.
[Graves] From the second rope. Down goes Bate.
That may do it. Pretty Deadly looking to advance.
And Tyler Bate kicks out.
[Wade] I have no idea how Tyler Bate
managed to keep ticking after that elevated bulldog
connected flush on his forehead.
[Graves] Expert level teamwork by Pretty Deadly,
but Bate out of the way, connects with the left.
Tag made to The Bruiserweight on the outside.
Perhaps unbeknownst to poor Elton.
It's that time.
Burning Hammer!
One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -[Graves] And New Catch Republic advance.
[def rebel's "Walk Of Life" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, New Catch Republic.
[Graves] Dunne and Bate will advance in bracket one
of the WrestleMania Championship Qualifying Tournament
bracket number one.
Legado Del Fantasma
will meet the New Catch Republic.
The winners of that match head to the grandest stage of them all
in a 6-Pack Ladder Match Challenge.
-Bad News, I got a question for you. -[Wade] Go ahead.
[Graves] Have you acknowledged your Tribal Chief today?
-[Wade] Yep. Every day. Every morning. -[Roman speaking]
[Graves] Over the last week, major sports teams around the world
have jumped on the trend and taken to TikTok
to acknowledge Roman Reigns.
We're talking about the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Jets,
Man U, and so many more.
All showing support and paying respect
to our Universal Heavyweight Champion.
[Wade] I think Preston North End did too, but I didn't see that make the cut.
I'll have words about that.
But we want to acknowledge some really cool signs
in our audience in Memphis tonight.
If WWE is going to be in your hometown soon,
do your worst and you may get featured on the show just like these guys.
[Graves] Well, Milwaukee, get ready. We're headed your way next week.
Show us what you got,
bring your best signs and you can share a moment with the WWE Universe.
But the final moments are ticking away.
The time has arrived.
The founder of Damage CTRL, Bayley,
versus the woman who betrayed her, Dakota Kai,
in our main event, next.
[Graves] Chicago. Cue up the living color,
because for the very first time since his shocking return
to WWE at Survivor Series,
The Second City Saint himself,
CM Punk returns to Monday Night Raw
in Chicago, March 25th.
There are limited tickets available.
Make sure you get them now. They won't last long.
[Wade] Yeah, that's can't-miss, but back to the blue brand,
it is official. The leader of the LWO
goes one-on-one with The Emperor of Lucha Libre,
Mysterio, Escobar, next week on SmackDown.
[Graves] Tonight, bracket number one began to unfold.
Next week, it's bracket number two.
The Street Profits battle The Authors of Pain,
and The O.C. will square off against the duo
of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
in Tag Team Championship qualifiers.
[Wade] And if it couldn't get any bigger ahead of their matchups
on WrestleMania Saturday and Sunday,
The American Nightmare and The Tribal Chief
will be here and face to face next week on SmackDown.
Roman, Cody, what could possibly go wrong?
[def rebel's "Role Model" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from San Jose, California,
Bayley!
[Graves] The winner of the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble Match,
Bayley, needs to shift her focus,
not to WrestleMania, but on the task at hand tonight.
[Graves] But speaking of WrestleMania,
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Wade, a moment ago you asked what could possibly go wrong?
Bayley has got to be asking herself, "How did it go so wrong?"
[Wade] Yeah, and I'm going to dig into that a little later on
because I've been having some thoughts about Bayley.
[def rebel's "Still The Baddest" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent, accompanied
by the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, The Kabuki Warriors,
and the WWE Women's Champion, Iyo Sky,
representing Damage CTRL,
Dakota Kai!
[Graves] And, Wade, I'm sure you have plenty of thoughts about Bayley,
but you and I were both absolutely disgusted and dismayed
when Dakota Kai turned her back
and plunged the final dagger
into the back of her longtime friend and leader, Bayley.
[Wade] Yeah, but on my part, that was a rash decision from me,
and I was completely wrong. Listen, I've given it some thought.
If you have a group of five people,
and four of those five people unanimously agree
that the fifth member is a complete pain in the backside
and needs booting out of the group,
then I'm inclined to think the four probably have a point.
[Grave] You're trying to blame Bayley for the disintegration of Damage CTRL?
Look at this, Bayley, right out of the gate.
Emotions are at an all-time high, bringing the fight to Dakota Kai.
Bayley outnumbered on the outside but looking absolutely fearless.
[Wade] Yeah, that is not smart.
These are four dangerous ladies.
And that is what's waiting for you.
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Graves] Look at the intensity in the eyes of Bayley…
woman-handling Dakota Kai.
[Wade] Trick Williams from NXT must be loving this crowd tonight.
That's two chants for him.
He's Memphis Grizzlies fan apparently as well.
[Graves] Look at Bayley just teeing off on Dakota Kai in the bottom turnbuckle.
Here we see… Uh-oh.
Kairi Sane of The Kabuki Warriors,
one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
caused the distraction just long enough.
[Wade] This is a Dakota Kai who, as talented as she is,
as experienced as she is,
she's simply not been in competition for the past six-plus months
after sustaining a horrific knee injury.
Bayley in complete control here. Can she continue?
[Graves] This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
a sold-out FedExForum.
14,173 fans
watching Bayley go one-on-one with Dakota Kai,
a woman who betrayed her just weeks ago.
Shoulders down.
Bayley just rocked Dakota with a running knee.
[Wade] The former leader of Damage CTRL is getting holes burned into her skin
by the eyes of the remaining members of Damage CTRL at ringside,
who arguably have Bayley to thank for having the gold around their waist.
[Graves] Arguments certainly could be made,
but at WrestleMania, Bayley will challenge…
Oh my goodness.
WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky…
Cover here by Kai.
Now, now, Wade, on the Road to WrestleMania.
Three weeks from tomorrow,
WrestleMania Weekend begins.
If you're Bayley, and you have the opportunity of a lifetime,
a title match on the grandest stage of them all,
how risky is it to put yourself
in the path of Damage CTRL on the way there?
[Wade] Simply not smart at all. You need to wrap yourself up…
[Graves] Cover here by Kai!
[Wade] …in cotton wool until that big moment at WrestleMania,
when you get the fruits of your victory in the Royal Rumble.
And quite simply, this is all playing into the hands
of Iyo Sky ahead of that matchup.
-Oh! -[Graves] My goodness.
Dakota connected face-first with the canvas
on that desperation move by Bayley,
who needs to find a way to rally.
[Wade] Yeah, carefully keeping an eye on the remaining members of Damage CTRL.
But that momentary lapse from Bayley
is all that Dakota Kai required
for that swift boot to the temple.
[Graves] Dakota Kai now joining Bayley in the high rent district.
Precarious position for both Superstars.
Bayley doing her best to fight out of the grasp.
And down goes Dakota Kai.
Bayley trying to steady herself on the top turnbuckle.
Flying elbow drop right to the heart!
Cover here…
And Dakota escapes.
How cathartic would a win here tonight be for Bayley,
the betrayed former leader of Damage CTRL, Wade?
[Wade] Another look at the impact
and the kinetic energy as Bayley connected.
But it wasn't quite enough to put away Dakota Kai.
But you're right, Corey. A victory here would be huge for Bayley,
but simply getting out of this matchup without any form of injury
ahead of WrestleMania would be even bigger.
And that is looking less and less likely.
[Graves] That overhead kick by Dakota Kai may have scrambled the brains of Bayley.
And now Damage CTRL getting involved,
Kairi Sane again making her presence felt.
But keep your eyes on King Kota,
who just kicked the features off of Bayley's face.
[Wade] Referee taking a very close look at Bayley.
They're concerned about her well-being.
There is no room to hide, however.
[Graves] Here we go. Bayley a step ahead.
Sends Dakota… Powerbomb!
And now raining down right hands.
Bayley potentially with an opportunity to cover and end this.
But this issue is so personal, and Iyo from behind.
Here comes Asuka. There goes Kairi.
[indistinct yelling]
[Wade] We might not have to wait till WrestleMania.
-[Graves] A WrestleMania appetizer. -[Wade] There you go.
[Graves] And this is gonna force a disqualification.
-Bayley had to know this was coming. -[bell rings]
[crowd boos]
[Wade] Just an air of inevitability.
[Graves] I think it's safe to say Damage CTRL
wants to take Bayley out before we get to Philadelphia.
[crowd cheers]
And here comes Naomi!
[Wade] Naomi looking to even the odds, but it is a tall order against this unit.
[Graves] Kairi gets spiked.
Asuka stopped in her tracks.
[Wade] Damage CTRL, feeling the glow, and they don't like it!
But the Genius of the Sky changed the game in an instant there.
[Graves] The numbers game yet again. Classic Damage CTRL strategy.
And yet again, Bayley finds herself on the wrong side of a beatdown.
[Wade] Bayley and Naomi simply didn't have the woman-power
to contend with Damage CTRL.
And now the Genius of the Sky is plotting something.
[Graves] Over The Moonsault!
[Wade] Connecting to the face of Bayley.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Well, Bayley may have a title opportunity at WrestleMania,
but Damage CTRL is gonna make sure she doesn't make it at all.
[crowd booing loudly] na make sure she doesn't make it at all.