[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then…
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[glass shatters]
[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
-[crowd cheering] -[upbeat music playing]
[Graves] Two weeks from tomorrow,
Lincoln Financial Field becomes the grandest stage of them all
for the biggest weekend in live entertainment, WrestleMania,
where we'll see an epic main event made official last week.
But tonight, the eyes of the WWE Universe
are locked on Cruise City, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
And in Philadelphia, the winner of the 2023 and 2024 Royal Rumble matches,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes,
will compete in the biggest tag team match in WrestleMania history,
then challenge Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
But tonight, Rhodes and The Tribal Chief go face-to-face.
Last week, Damage CTRL launched an all-out assault
on their former leader and Iyo Sky's WrestleMania challenger, Bayley.
Bayley's friend, Naomi, attempted to come to the aid of The Role Model,
but suffered a similar fate,
and looks to settle the score tonight one-on-one.
We are live from a sold-out Fiserv Forum.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
-["Booyaka 619" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And we're kicking off Friday Night SmackDown
with the Hall of Famer.
♪ Booyaka Booyaka 619, Booyaka Booyaka… ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing the LWO,
WWE Hall of Famer…
Rey Mysterio.
[Graves] Rey Mysterio, the WWE Hall of Famer,
with a great deal on his mind tonight.
Wade, almost certainly looking for retribution
for what's happened recently.
[Wade] Yeah, the legendary career of Rey Mysterio was put in jeopardy
several months ago by his opponent tonight,
The Emperor of Lucha Libre, Santos Escobar,
while Rey will certainly be looking to humble the apprentice tonight.
[Graves] This has been a rivalry steeped in betrayal,
family, and a battle for legacy.
[dramatic music playing]
[Escobar] Rey, I truly hoped
that after I broke your leg,
that would be enough to keep you away for good.
Retired.
A clean way out.
You betrayed me.
You knew what mattered to me.
And you took it anyways.
I put this thing together!
This my family. Look.
But because you once were my hero, I took pity on you.
But here you are.
[Graves] Rey Mysterio is back!
[Wade] Things have gone sideways in a hurry for Legado.
[Escobar] You're leaving me with no other choice.
I have to hurt you in ways that will be hard to watch.
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Here we go. Mysterio teeing off on Santos Escobar.
[Mysterio] Why you running, Santos?
How about next week, one-on-one,
you and me?
[crowd cheering]
I will slap that stupid, arrogant smile off your face.
[music fades out]
[Graves] You can feel the intensity emanating from Rey Mysterio,
who is all business tonight,
looking to vanquish Escobar once and for all.
-["Legacy of the Ghost" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Rome] And his opponent, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
-Santos Escobar. -[indistinct]
[Graves] Wade, it's almost impressive how badly this relationship has devolved
between Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar.
Escobar, at one time, looked up to Rey Mysterio,
considered him a hero.
[Wade] Yes, he did, but it has to be said,
the acrimonious split goes along with Legado Del Fantasma and the LWO, too.
General Manager Nick Aldis has smartly banned both of those groups
-from ringside for this matchup. -[referee] Ring the bell.
-[bell rings] -With good reason.
Because when they have been in close proximity lately,
there have been shenanigans, to say the least.
[Graves] Mysterio unloading heavy rights off of the opening bell.
Big elbow flattens Escobar.
Not that Rey Mysterio is a Superstar who ever requires additional motivation,
but after the disgusting comments made by Escobar some months back
about Rey's knee surgery,
you have to imagine Rey is looking for revenge tonight.
[Wade] Well, in fairness to Santos-- Oh!
Nasty slip there from Rey Mysterio.
Perhaps tweaked his knee in the process.
[Graves] Perhaps Rey came back a little bit too prematurely.
[Wade] Well, you're right. There's a lot of ring rust on Rey Mysterio.
Has not been in action since November, I believe.
It's been a long time.
And I don't care how good you are, how great your career has been.
That level of time off, I've experienced it myself,
can be a killer in that ring.
Things that are normally super crisp and Rey Mysterio does without thinking
might be a little different tonight,
and that plays into the hands of Santos Escobar.
[Graves] Mysterio now with a wrist lock applied.
Gonna walk the ropes.
And Escobar able to…
[Wade] I'll tell you again,
Rey Mysterio looking a little wobbly there.
[Graves] I agree with you.
I think Escobar attempted to disrupt the footing of Rey Mysterio.
Rey was able to catch himself, and here comes Mysterio again.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] The Rey Mysterio of old perhaps back after a shaky start,
not something we are used to from the legendary luchador.
I think we're seeing a bit more deliberate Rey Mysterio than we're used to.
-[Wade] And the other thing-- -[Graves] Oh, baseball slide dropkick.
-I think it got… -LWO!
[Graves] …got Escobar on the inside of the thigh,
perhaps the lower abdomen.
Our official Jessika Carr was right there to make sure nothing illegal transpired.
[Wade] Those early slipups from Rey Mysterio
perhaps give you a window into his mindset,
how enraged he is with the sight of Santos Escobar,
but that might be one slipup too many.
[Graves] Yeah, Wade, in this game… Oh my goodness!
…being overly emotional can be detrimental to some Superstars.
Oh wow!
[Wade] And the table has turned in a hurry in this one.
-[Graves] Cover here by Escobar. -One…
Mysterio kicks out at one as we look again
-at that massive missile dropkick… -Shut up!
…right in the face of Rey Mysterio.
[Wade] And to be fair to Santos Escobar,
he's felt a real slap in the face from Rey Mysterio over the past few months.
The man he idolized, the man he saw as a mentor.
Let's not forget Rey Mysterio called Dragon Lee the future of lucha libre.
[Graves] Escobar shoulder-first into the top turnbuckle.
Here comes Mysterio. Escobar sent all the way to the floor.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And I think Rey Mysterio is looking to fly.
Sliding splash to the outside. Escobar's in trouble.
Rey Mysterio is cruising.
[Graves] Tensions are high, tempers have flared
as Rey Mysterio, the WWE Hall of Famer representing the LWO,
goes one-on-one with Santos Escobar of Legado Del Fantasma.
And during the break, Rey continued to attempt to bring the fight to Escobar,
but Escobar had an answer.
[Wade] Escobar simply too big and strong for this move.
Crashing Rey Mysterio into the steel ring post.
And watch this.
Shades of what happened back in November
when Santos Escobar almost ended the career of Rey Mysterio.
Well, that was take two.
Somehow Mysterio still in the fight, but gingerly moving around.
[Graves] As this match progresses, you can't help but wonder
if Mysterio perhaps returned a little too prematurely.
[Wade] Anger will certainly do that for you.
There's motivation, and then there's mistakes,
and this is starting to look like the latter for Rey Mysterio.
No!
[Graves] Santos Escobar growing increasingly confident
-with each passing moment. -[Escobar chanting indistinctly]
[Graves] Savoring the opportunity to put down the man
that was once considered his hero, Rey Mysterio.
-[crowd chanting indistinctly] -[indistinct] Not you!
-[crowd cheers] -[Graves] Mysterio connects.
[Wade] Simply talking a little too much smack
against a Hall of Famer
more than capable of turning back the clock.
[Graves] And again, we're used to seeing Rey Mysterio soar through the skies.
Tonight, Rey has planted his feet and is fighting.
That might have just collapsed the sternum of Mysterio.
[Wade] Such a massive amount of whiplash on the cervical spine
-of the legendary luchador. -I'm not gonna stop.
[Wade] Had all the stuffing knocked out of him there by Santos Escobar,
who has just found an extra gear so far this evening.
Let's go.
[Graves] Escobar, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Lucha Libre,
can certainly solidify his claim
by taking Mysterio out of action yet again.
But Rey out of the way in time.
[Wade] Santos Escobar had to commit to that move,
-but he simply overcommitted. -[Graves] Oh no.
-[Wade] Now he's in danger. -[Graves] Mysterio! My God!
From the top of the ring post,
taking out Santos.
[Wade] Mysterio really having to dig deep just to keep ticking in this one,
-and pulling out moves like this! -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] From a spectacular height,
Mysterio throwing caution to the wind as he does so well.
Now Rey making the climb to the top turnbuckle again.
Seated senton takes down Escobar.
And, Wade, this is what Santos wanted to avoid.
[Wade] This kind of momentum from Rey Mysterio is almost unstoppable.
Even more surprising considering the beating he's taken thus far.
[Graves] Counter by Escobar. And a dropkick by Mysterio.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Rey now, lining up his foe. Beautiful moonsault.
-That could do it. Hook of the leg. -[crowd] One, two…
[Graves] And Santos kicks out.
[Wade] And just like that,
Rey Mysterio looking like he's 25 years old all over again
this deep into a matchup.
Perfectly executed springboard moonsault connecting.
And somehow Escobar managing to stay in the match.
[Graves] Rey looking to dial it up, 619 incoming,
but stopped dead in its tracks
-by a superkick from Santos. -[booing]
[Wade] Nobody has Rey Mysterio more well-scouted
than the boy who idolized him, Santos Escobar.
He knows the moves before Rey does.
-[Graves] Cover here by Escobar. -One, two…
[Mysterio grunts]
[Graves] Not a lot behind that kickout from the Hall of Famer Mysterio.
You shouldn't have come back. Eh?
You are an excuse for a pathetic, old man.
-[speaking Spanish] -[shouts]
[Graves, in English] Escobar with some incendiary words for Mysterio.
[Wade] Bitterness and now vitriol is costing Santos Escobar now.
[referee] Bring it in. Let's go.
[Graves] Out here in front of our announce table.
Escobar's skull just bounced off the table like Kentucky in the first round. Oh!
My goodness! The cowl of our announce desk
right onto the chin of Santos Escobar.
And, Wade, what on earth is Mysterio thinking?
[Wade] Well, this one was always in danger of turning ugly.
Well, we're getting the ugliest now.
[Graves] Oh my!
A seated senton into the timekeeper's area.
Mysterio may have just taken out Escobar once and for all.
[Wade] Well, that sternum of Santos Escobar
absorbed all of the damage from that West Coast Pop.
And this could end up in a count-out.
…Santos? Where's your smile?
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[Graves] Rey Mysterio returning fire with a little trash talk of his own.
[Wade] I don't know if there's anything left in the tank
of Santos Escobar after that.
[Graves] Now shoulder-first into the ring post goes Escobar again.
[Jessika Carr] Seven…
[Graves] Official Jessika Carr reaching the count of eight.
Rey getting Santos back inside of the squared circle.
[Wade] All of that resentment over the past several months
finally, perhaps…
[Graves] Oh, whoa, whoa! What the?
[crowd booing]
[Wade] It's Rey Mysterio!
[Graves] No. No, Wade, you know better.
[crowd booing]
[Wade] If that's Rey Mysterio, who's in the ring?
[Graves] You know exactly. You can't be serious.
-[crowd boos] -[Wade laughs] He got us all.
[Graves] 619 from Escobar
after the distraction by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
-Phantom Driver. Hooks both legs. -[Carr] One, two, three.
-[bell rings] -[Graves] And Escobar steals the win.
[Rome] Here's your winner, Santos Escobar!
[Graves] Just when you think the disrespect cannot get any worse,
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio of The Judgment Day,
the son of the Hall of Famer,
rears his head to cost Rey big time.
[Wade] Well, Rey Mysterio had victory within his grasp.
Escobar had been completely battered outside the ring.
And just when you need a friend…
[Graves] It was a great job by Nick Aldis
to bar the LWO and Legado from this matchup.
Unfortunately, Nick Aldis wasn't thinking about "Dirty" Dom of The Judgment Day.
Unfortunately, being a deadbeat dad is apparently a lifetime sentence.
[laughs]
You're too much, Wade.
It's WrestleMania season. We're all excited. But the problem is,
when you're a Superstar on the Road to WrestleMania,
betrayal seems to be lurking around each and every corner.
See what I mean in our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Bayley needs to shift her focus not to WrestleMania,
but on the task at hand.
[Wade] Bayley versus Kai.
[Graves] Bayley right out of the gate. Emotions at an all-time high.
Oh!
[Wade] Bayley in complete control here. Can she continue?
[Graves] Oh my goodness.
Damage CTRL getting involved.
Bayley a step ahead, sends Dakota… Powerbomb.
Here comes Asuka. There goes Kairi.
[Wade] We might not have to wait until WrestleMania.
[Graves] Bayley had to know this was coming.
[bell rings]
[Graves] And here comes Naomi!
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Naomi looking to even the odds, but it is a tall order against this unit.
[Graves] The numbers game yet again.
[Wade] Bayley and Naomi simply didn't have the woman power
to contend with Damage CTRL.
-Ding-dong. Hey, sister. Hey! -Hey, babe.
Uh, I just wanted to thank you for helping me out last week.
It's been really hard to come by friends, and I appreciate you being there.
You don't gotta thank me.
-You know I got you. -I know.
And I just been trying to do the right thing.
But, um, my anger, honestly, is towards Iyo
after what she did to me last week.
-Yeah. -She gonna feel me tonight.
-All this glow. Oh yeah. -Good.
I didn't mean for you to get in the middle.
-Look, I didn't. I didn't expect-- -Seriously? Seriously?
-[crowd cheers] -[scoffs]
So you didn't mean it when it was Naomi,
but I bet you meant it every single time I got attacked
by you and Damage CTRL for the past two years.
You know, you're not sorry. You're not sorry for what you did.
You're just sorry that everything that you did is just now catching up with you.
But, Bayley, let me tell you something, okay?
Everything that is coming your way, you deserve.
But maybe this time you'll realize that your actions have consequences.
All right, Bianca, you think I don't know all these things?
I was there. I've lived through this, okay?
I'm still living through it. I'm dealing with it.
It doesn't seem like it because now you're involving her in your stuff.
[overlapping arguing]
-Okay, you know what? Just, fine… -[indistinct]
[Graves] Sounds like The EST looking to hold Bayley accountable.
Accountable for the past.
["Remember the Name" playing]
♪ A-Town Down! Tearin' the place down ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Like my next sound ♪
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ You see the future Right in front of your eyes ♪
♪ Headin' to the top But it's not a surprise… ♪
-[explosion] -Oh, here we are, baby.
-[bell rings] -[indistinct]
[Rome] The following is a WrestleMania XL
Tag Team Championships qualifying match.
Introducing first, the team of Grayson Waller
and Austin Theory.
[Graves] We are moments away from a WrestleMania XL
Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
-Who will advance? We'll find out next. -A-Town.
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Screamin' out loud ♪
♪ A-Town Down! ♪
[Wade] Still to come later tonight. A little over two weeks before they meet
at both WrestleMania Saturday and WrestleMania Sunday,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and the Universal Champ Roman Reigns
will meet live face-to-face in the ring right here on SmackDown.
That's later.
♪ Flexing and focused ♪
♪ I'm leaving them all Looking stressin' and folded… ♪
[Naomi and Bianca arguing indistinctly]
Because you're getting caught up in all this stuff.
I told you don't get caught up with Bayley
'cause you're gonna get caught up with Damage CTRL.
I know, but you about to go out there with Iyo.
You about to be in the same position that I was in with Damage CTRL
for the past two years.
-You wasn't here. You don't get it. -Listen, listen, listen.
Your feelings are valid. Everything you're saying is valid.
But, B, I can't do anything about the past.
There's nothing I… If I could fix it, I would.
And you know that. You know I got your back.
But I don't back down.
And I'm gonna go out there and do what needs to be done.
But we both know that I can't do this by myself.
They picking us off one by one.
Just like you couldn't do it by yourself, B.
♪ Screamin' out loud A-Town Down, the future… ♪
[Graves] Well, get ready for MLB Opening Day
with brand new MLB Legacy Titles
featuring exclusive designs for all 30 Major League Baseball teams.
These officially licensed products, the ultimate way to show your fandom.
Buy yours now at WWEShop.com.
About to get one of those to put on the shelf.
[Wade] Yeah! A-Town Down, they are looking primed and ready…
["Emergence" playing]
…to get one step closer to WrestleMania.
[announcer] And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Michin,
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson,
The O.C.
[explosion]
[Graves] Gallows, Anderson, and Michin who've been left in the lurch recently
by "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles,
looking to return back to their roots, back to basics,
and earn a win tonight
in the WrestleMania XL Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
Last week, the New Catch Republic and Legado Del Fantasma advanced.
Tonight, both of these matches,
the winners will advance to the next round.
They will compete with the winners of each bracket
then head to WrestleMania.
[Wade] Yes, indeed. These teams both looking to join the field
of the WrestleMania XL Six-Pack Ladder Match
for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
Four spots already taken, two remaining.
Tag Championships on the line at WrestleMania XL.
[bell rings]
[Graves] You see the brash, overconfident Austin Theory
talking a little smack to the big LG.
And what a mistake that proved to be.
[Wade] Yeah, the muscle of The O.C.
You got an opportunity, a window to get up on big Luke Gallows,
you better take it and not talk trash.
[Graves] Seen Gallows and Anderson recently on NXT
asserting their dominance.
And looking to bring that sort of success back to Friday Night SmackDown.
I talked to Gallows earlier today, who said,
"We need to go back to where we started,
back to throwing hands and tipping elbows."
And right now, Gallows teeing off on Austin Theory.
[Wade] And I hope he said they're gonna be drinking some beers as well.
[Graves] That's what "tipping elbows" infers.
[Wade] Is that right? It's a different language. Sorry.
I speak English. We just say "drink beer" where I'm from. It's a little different.
[Graves] Tag made to Karl Anderson.
Grayson Waller in deep, deep trouble at the moment.
Anderson with a kick right on the jaw of Waller.
-Theory looking to join the party. -[shouting]
[Wade] Austin Theory in recent weeks put his body on the line several times
to protect Grayson Waller.
-[Graves] Wow! -[Wade] Not paying off here.
[shouting]
[Graves] Uncharacteristic high-risk offense from Karl Anderson.
The O.C. in control.
-[crowd cheering] -[indistinct]
[Graves] This is a WrestleMania XL Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
The Good Brothers, Gallows and Anderson of The O.C.,
against Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
During the break, Theory and Waller shifted their focus
to the surgically repaired left knee of Gallows
to a great deal of success thus far, but, Wade, Gallows not staying down.
[Wade] Yeah. They built…
[Graves] Oh! My lord!
[Wade] Gallows not opting to go for the pin there.
That could have finished things perhaps. More in dire need…
[Graves] And Michin with an arm drag to Waller.
[Wade] Well, the referee didn't see that one.
That's a disqualification, isn't it, Corey?
[Graves] You absolutely are correct about that one.
Here comes Anderson with a senton.
Everyone in The O.C. doing their part tonight.
Waller sent to the floor yet again.
And look at The Machine Gun go.
Gallows and Anderson would love to hold gold yet again.
They've done it all over the globe.
Neckbreaker on the money.
[Wade] Well, it had been a clinic from A-Town Down Under.
But in the blink of an eye, Karl Anderson has completely turned this one around.
[Graves] Been a while since we've seen this kind of fire from Karl Anderson,
who looks like a man on a mission.
A pair of spinebusters.
[Wade] And he may have to do this completely on his own…
-[Graves] Uh-oh! -[Wade] …given the damage to Luke Gallows.
[Graves] Theory wanted A-Town Down, Anderson able to escape.
Now, from the second turnbuckle, Karl Anderson lining Theory up.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Neckbreaker.
Cover by Anderson.
[crowd] One, two…
[Graves] And Theory keeps it alive.
[Wade] Karl Anderson just looks like he's moving on fast forward,
simply a step ahead of everything Theory and Waller have tried.
-And this might be good night. -[Graves] This might be the magic-killer.
-Waller coming to the aid of his partner. -[referee, indistinct]
[Wade] Keeping his team's hopes of qualifying for WrestleMania alive.
[Graves] Theory from behind.
-Feet on the ropes! -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[bell rings] -[Graves] Theory and Waller steal it.
["Remember the Name" playing]
[Rome] Here are your winners, the team of Grayson Waller
and Austin Theory.
[Graves] It may have been controversial,
but Theory and Waller taking a massive step toward the Showcase of the Immortals.
They will now battle the winners of The Street Profits-AOP match
which takes place later tonight.
The winner of that bracket heads to WrestleMania.
[Wade] That might do The O.C. some good.
-Allows them to focus on making a run… -We're on our way to WrestleMania, baby!
…for the NXT Tag Championships on Tuesday night.
Well, Theory and Waller not the only young guns here
on Friday Night SmackDown making a lot of noise lately.
In fact, this next Superstar has taken high impact and made it a science.
♪ Yeah, this is is moment you wanted Isn't it? ♪
[Graves] The moment we have all been waiting for
for a long, long time has arrived!
This man has been earmarked for greatness.
[The Undertaker] A very special talent.
-[Heyman] And the future is Bron… -[announcer] …Breakker!
♪ I'm a one man army And it's time to go to war ♪
-[Rome] 250 pounds… -[Wade] …of nitroglycerin.
One spark, and things are gonna completely get out of control.
[Breakker] I will break everyone.
[Graves] Oh! Right out of the gate with a spear.
[Wade] That level of acceleration
is something we're simply not used to in this game.
[Graves] 23 miles an hour. That's not human, dude.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Look at the explosion.
[Wade] Bang!
[Graves] Good God, man!
♪ One man army Just face it, I'm a one man army ♪
♪ Yeah, I'm a one man army ♪
[Graves] Bron Breakker…
a bona fide badass.
[upbeat song playing]
[Graves] There you see Iyo Sky and Damage CTRL.
Iyo, the WWE Women's Champion, goes one-on-one with Naomi,
live, next.
♪ Ready for action, not about… ♪
["Gasoline" by The Weeknd playing]
[Graves] WWE World at WrestleMania takes place Thursday, April 4th
through Monday, April 8th
at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
More huge news today with the announcement of the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal panel
on Saturday, April 6th.
Then the following day, it's The Slammys: Fans Choice Awards,
hosted by Cathy Kelley and Big E
with special appearances by WWE Superstars.
There is so much going on at WWE World.
You can get your tickets for WWE World right now
at FanaticsEvents.com/wwe.
[Wade] And get this, also at WWE World will be The Pat McAfee Show live.
Earlier today, Pat met with "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
But at the end of the day, he's just a chapter in the big book.
You know what I mean? This thing has been started
since August of 2020, since I came back,
and I told the whole world that I was The Head of the Table,
and I was the head of the greatest wrestling dynasty to ever exist on Hawaii,
Fatu Dynasty.
Cody was off doing who cares, a whole lot of nothing.
He saw what we were doing in WWE,
and he wanted to be a part of that. Hollywood…
Dwayne saw what we were doing.
I'm the only guy that didn't have to go to Hollywood.
Hollywood came to me.
Hell yeah. Hell yeah.
-Yep. -That's right.
Yep. Yep, yep, yep.
[Graves] Well, tonight, The Tribal Chief is in the house.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will stand face-to-face
with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, live.
["Glow" playing]
♪ 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 contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi.
[Graves] Naomi gearing up for battle,
looking to make Iyo Sky feel the glow.
A one-on-one matchup with the WWE Women's Champion.
Naomi looking to right some wrongs on behalf of Bayley, Wade.
[Wade] Well, Naomi elected to run in last week
when Damage CTRL were putting the boots to Bayley, but that effort was in vain,
and Naomi also got stomped for her trouble.
So certainly looking for a little payback tonight.
Although I don't know how wise a move that is,
given how dangerous Damage CTRL truly are.
[Graves] Well, tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Since returning to WWE at the Royal Rumble,
Naomi has continued to make waves,
but arguably faces her toughest challenge thus far tonight.
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[Rome] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Dakota Kai
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, The Kabuki Warriors,
representing Damage CTRL,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
Iyo Sky.
[Graves] Unless my eyes are deceiving me, Bad News,
I see Dakota, I see Kairi Sane, I see Asuka.
But this is a scheduled matchup for Iyo Sky,
the WWE Women's Champion.
[Wade] Well, I gotta tell you, if I was Iyo Sky, and it was about--
-[Graves] Wait a second. -[yelling]
[Graves] This is going on backstage right now.
Iyo Sky attacking Bayley.
-[overlapping shouting] -Iyo, no! Iyo, no! Stop it!
[Wade] Yeah, nice job, referees. A little too late there.
[Graves] Iyo was supposed to be making her entrance,
and apparently took a detour to beat up Bayley.
-[Bayley groaning] -Try to hold still.
[Wade] It's a little over two weeks
ahead of their championship match at WrestleMania.
Once again, Bayley laid out
by Iyo Sky.
[Graves] Well, let me ask you this, Wade, in your opinion,
is this because Iyo is sweating Bayley?
Is Iyo afraid of what Bayley is capable of at WrestleMania
when the WWE Women's Championship is on the line?
[Wade] Well, Iyo Sky and Damage CTRL are sharp as tacks.
Of course, they know exactly how good Bayley is,
how much of a threat she is.
So why not stack the deck ahead of time?
Brilliant move, if you ask me.
[Graves] Stoic look on the face of Naomi, who knows she is in for a fight tonight.
Bad News, I wanna get your opinion on what we've been hearing
from "The EST" Bianca Belair recently,
who seems to wanna hold Bayley accountable
for all of the past havoc that she and Damage CTRL have wreaked.
Naomi was away from WWE during most of Damage CTRL's tenure.
Where do you… What do you think of where The EST's head's at?
[Wade] I agree wholeheartedly with Bianca Belair.
[bell rings]
[Wade] The locker room owe Bayley absolutely nothing
after the past two years of her behavior.
And now that the crocodiles have all turned on Bayley,
of course she's out there looking for help.
Well, some people, like Naomi,
are perhaps a little naive at giving that help.
-[exclaims] -[Wade] And I get it. Naomi wasn't here
when Damage CTRL were running roughshod over the rest of the locker room,
but that doesn't mean they wouldn't have attacked her had she been here.
[Graves] I like this ruthless side we are seeing out of Naomi
in the early moments of this matchup, bringing the fight to Iyo Sky.
Iyo, who will defend her WWE Women's Championship
at WrestleMania against Bayley,
the winner of the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble match
and the former leader of Damage CTRL.
And just a reminder of a very special 7:00 p.m. Eastern start time
for both WrestleMania and WrestleMania Sunday this year.
Iyo Sky from the ropes. Beautiful hurricanrana.
[Wade] Here is the danger of combating Iyo Sky at the moment.
This is the best version of Iyo Sky we have ever seen,
and that is saying something considering her abilities and her tenure in NXT.
One of the longest reigning champs in the history of NXT.
[Graves] Iyo has certainly lived up to the moniker of the Genius of the Sky,
utilizing her aerial assault to great effect,
almost as well as she utilizes the rest of Damage CTRL.
[Wade] Well, she's out here solo tonight, at least,
and the result thus far has been exactly the same.
That is why Iyo Sky has been such a dominant champion.
[Graves] Well, talk to me about the risk involved.
If you are Iyo, if you're the champion,
and you know you have a championship defense at WrestleMania,
how smart is it to compete in a matchup like this against someone like Naomi,
who's motivated to take you out?
[Wade] Well, when you've been finding it as easy thus far as Iyo Sky has,
-the danger isn't that great. -[Graves] Oh!
[Wade] Therein lies the problem
when fighting someone with the abilities of Naomi.
Things can turn around in a hurry, as we just saw.
[Graves] Naomi flexing her next-level athleticism.
One of the most athletically gifted Superstars WWE has ever known.
[crowd chanting] Naomi! Naomi!
[Graves] And the WWE Universe tonight in Milwaukee rallying behind Naomi.
Bulldog.
-Cover here by Naomi. Iyo is in trouble. -One, two…
And the champion survives.
Naomi in control.
Can Iyo Sky find her way back into this match?
[Graves] With WrestleMania two weeks from tomorrow,
we are witnessing one-on-one action
between Naomi and the WWE Women's Champion, Iyo Sky.
Naomi fighting on behalf of Bayley,
who will challenge Iyo at the Showcase of the Immortals
for the WWE Women's Championship.
There's been a back and forth battle thus far, Bad News.
[Wade] Yeah. Both these women taking chunks out of one another,
but right now, all the momentum in favor of Naomi.
Things going downhill for the champ.
[Graves] Naomi from the top rope…
-Crossbody connects! -[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Page right out of the book of the Genius of the Sky.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And Milwaukee is starting to feel the glow.
Dropkick to Iyo.
[grunts]
[Graves] Strong back elbow, and another kick from Naomi.
[Wade] Triple whammy! That's four for good measure.
[Graves] An onslaught of offense from Naomi.
-Climbing the ropes yet again. -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Champ completely rocked.
[exclaiming]
[Graves] That was a unique splash.
-Covers Iyo. -One, two… Rope. She has the rope.
[Wade] I think I saw Corey Graves pull that move off once upon a time.
Clearly, Naomi's been studying your moves.
[Graves chuckling] I've never been able to do a split
anything close to that, Wade.
Right now, it was effective, nonetheless.
Iyo feeling the effects, clutching at her rib cage.
And a smart strategy by Naomi, continuing to pour on the punishment.
[grunts]
[Graves] But Iyo so dangerous.
[Wade] Exactly why this kind of opponent is one that Iyo Sky perhaps
could well have done avoiding this close to WrestleMania XL.
[Graves] This is not where Naomi wants to be stuck.
-Here comes Iyo. -[shouts]
[Graves] Meteora in the bottom turnbuckle.
[Wade] Naomi's head just turned into a blur on the impact of that move,
and she's barely moved since.
This is not where you wanna be
when you're up against the Genius of the Sky.
[Graves] Great kick by Naomi.
Stops the upward ascent of the champion.
Naomi now joining Iyo Sky.
[Wade] Both women going hell for leather here.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Naomi from the middle rope.
Superplex!
-Rolls through into the cover. -[crowd] One, two…
[Graves] And Iyo Sky kicks out.
Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive.
Twelve thousand six hundred eighty-five fans
selling out Fiserv Forum tonight in Milwaukee
on the Road to WrestleMania for Friday Night SmackDown.
This is devolving into a war of attrition between Naomi and Iyo Sky.
Both women just dropping bombs on one another right now.
[Wade] Just a slug fest.
This is not at all where any of us saw this matchup going.
Two high flying technicians.
[Graves] Naomi reminding the world she's not afraid
to plant her feet and throw hands, get a little dirty inside the ring.
Naomi rocks the jaw of Iyo once again.
Iyo answers. Beautiful pinning combination.
Double stomp to Naomi!
[Wade] Once again, the sternum of Naomi taking the full brunt of that offense
as Iyo Sky catches her breath
and perhaps comes up with a game plan
-to put Naomi to the sword. -[shouting]
[Graves] Iyo has acquired her target.
Here comes the champion.
There goes Iyo, able to catch herself on the apron.
Knee from Naomi connects.
[Wade] A little too much breathing room from Naomi. And that connected.
[Graves] That may do it.
Naomi now…
Oh, it's The Kabuki Warriors and Dakota Kai.
Surprise, surprise.
Damage CTRL hits the scene.
Iyo stomping over Naomi, perched on the top.
[crowd cheering and shouting]
[Graves] Over The Moonsault.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, the WWE Women's Champion,
Iyo Sky.
[Graves] Well, Iyo Sky able to survive the effort of Naomi,
who fought her heart out tonight.
But in the end, the numbers game pays off
as we look at the Over The Moonsault from the WWE Women's Champion.
Iyo Sky getting past Naomi tonight,
-but Bayley awaits at WrestleMania. -[Wade] Oh, here we go.
Well, Bayley's already been flattened behind the scenes.
[Graves] You're right. And now Naomi just swinging at anything that moves.
That's all Naomi can do. Her only option.
Oh my God!
The dreaded Poison Mist right to the eyes.
[Wade] Well, look, I've got all the respect in the world
for Naomi wanting to help people out,
but it's simply naive to mess with Damage CTRL. This--
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -[Graves] Wait a second.
[crowd cheering]
♪ But no, I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying, they hear me… ♪
[Graves] Bianca Belair has hit the scene
-and just dropped Dakota Kai. -[Wade] Oh!
Well, Belair had no interest in helping Bayley out,
but Naomi is a very different proposition.
And The EST is dropping anything that moves.
[Graves] The EST laying waste to Damage CTRL.
Kairi Sane has the braid of Belair.
[Wade] It's four versus one, and the one is winning.
[crowd cheers]
-[Graves] The one is downright dominating! -[shouting indistinctly]
[Graves] We are talking about The EST,
whose life has been made hell by Damage CTRL.
[Wade] Just a one-woman equalizer, but Dakota Kai…
[shouting]
[Wade] …goes low, taking out the knee of The EST.
[Graves] And even Belair now being overwhelmed
by the numbers of Damage CTRL.
[crowd chants] Bayley! Bayley! Bayley!
[Graves] This is uncalled for. This is unnecessary.
This is Iyo Sky and Damage CTRL
reminding Friday Night SmackDown and the WWE Universe
-that they run this. -[shouting indistinctly]
-[Wade] Power personified. -[shouting indistinctly]
[Graves] Well, it has certainly been an eventful day thus far
for SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is in the house tonight,
and he'll go face-to-face with Roman Reigns.
But Nick Aldis also made a few big moves of his own today.
[dramatic music playing]
Let's make things clear. I didn't come here to be the next… anyone.
Jade Cargill is a once-in-a-lifetime generational talent.
[Cole] She's here!
[Cargill] The type of presence that makes everyone sit up
and stand up straight when I enter.
I don't even have to speak.
-And yet I'm the trending topic. -[shutter clicking]
[Jade] I am the headline.
They're gonna build statues of me, and you don't have to like it.
But you damn sure can't deny it.
And that's why I'm taking my talents to SmackDown.
[Wade] It is awesome! And while the ink is still drying
on the new contract,
it is official, The Storm will land at the Mohegan Sun next week.
Jade Cargill comes to SmackDown.
That is next week, right here on Fox.
[Graves] Well done, Nick Aldis.
But unfortunately, it hasn't been all good news,
as yesterday, WWE's digital team visited AJ Styles
at his home to document his training regimen for WrestleMania
when all hell broke loose thanks to LA Knight.
We'll take a look at this explosive footage next.
♪ My time, and my money, it's my legacy ♪
[dramatic music playing]
[Bo Dallas] "Wrestling is not a love story."
"It's much more."
"It's hope, an excuse to be a kid again."
"And nothing matters except the moment we are in."
A great man once said that.
My brother, Windham Rotunda.
But you know him as Bray Wyatt.
[Wyatt] Let me in.
[laughing] Hi.
Bray Wyatt was chaos. The ultimate villain.
[Wyatt] I am the new face of fear.
He was not scared to push the limits.
Can I see what that looks like?
He had the charisma, that "it" quality.
He was bigger than life. He was loved by millions.
He was just such a pleasure to be around.
I mean, he changed the whole industry.
[Dallas] He's not gone. His ideas will live on forever.
[music fades out]
["Shatter" by Code Orange playing]
[Graves] We cordially invite you to join us to celebrate
the life and legacy of Bray Wyatt in this outstanding new documentary,
Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal,
available April 1st, streaming on Peacock.
Remind the world that the fireflies are forever.
♪ Know not what you've said ♪
♪ Use… ♪
-Let me do it. -Keep flushing your eyes.
Can we get a towel? Can we get a towel?
-We'll get a towel. -Okay. Hold on.
-Hold your head back. -Keep flushing your eyes.
-Can we get a towel, please? -We're gonna get you a towel.
Aw! You know, this is actually a pretty good look for you, Naomi.
Toodles.
[grumbles]
-Okay. Come on. -It's okay. We got plenty of water.
-Open your eyes. -Keep flushing.
…on Logan Paul's podcast, of all places. Which night of WrestleMania I'm on.
I was texting you to ask you. Why couldn't you tell me?
We were trying to figure out a time to let everybody know.
-I'm texting you. You're not answering. -Logan's a sponsor.
Oh, he's a sponsor. Okay, I'll give you 20 bucks every week.
Nick. Nick. One word. Conspiracy.
-Conspiracy. -Tell him.
Because there's one against us,
'cause Pretty Deadly aren't on WrestleMania.
Hey, hey, hey. Hey, we were talking.
A-ba-ba-ba. It's not about the match that you have.
It's about the one that we don't.
A great tag team, by the way, which you'd know nothing about.
Wh-- I know nothing about tag teams?
I won the Tag Team Titles last year at WrestleMania.
And last time I was in this arena, I punched two people at once.
So I know plenty about tag teams.
No, you don't… You're always living in the past.
-You're always living in the past. -Get over it!
Oh, I live in the past? Okay, how about I live in the future?
Next week on SmackDown, the two of you against me and my partner.
-[chuckles] His partner? -Partner, like friend.
That you don't have.
Yeah, I have an acquaintance,
and he and I made for a great tag team a few weeks ago.
So you know what? I'm gonna ask him to be my partner.
Hey, you wanna be my partner next week?
-[gasps] -[crowd cheering]
Hey. Are you okay?
Just take care of him.
I got to say, I love this jacket.
My old man used to sport the exact same thing decades ago.
I always thought we might be friends.
-So, Kevin? -Yeah.
-Friday next week. SmackDown. -Yes. Yes.
-Yeah. I'll be your partner. -Yes! Perfect!
We'll see you next week, boys. Hell, yeah.
-Hey, you want to hang out on your bus? -I do like the jacket. Let's go.
-Yeah. Let's go. -I've always wanted to see it.
[grumbling] Nick.
Sounds like you two have a tag team match next week on SmackDown.
Oh, by the way, um, I wouldn't stand that close together if I were you.
-Why? -We're not standing this--
[Owens] Oh, I did it. Randy, I did it.
Look, Randy.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
No, boy!
Don't fight with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
It never goes well for anybody.
Well, Bad News, we are on the Road to WrestleMania.
There is no rest for the weary.
And no one seems to be safe no matter where you are.
We alluded to it earlier that yesterday our WWE digital team
headed to Georgia, to the home of "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles,
to film and document AJ's preparations for WrestleMania.
Unfortunately for The Phenomenal One, he had an unexpected guest.
[interviewer] AJ, how do you prepare for WrestleMania?
Well, I missed WrestleMania last year. And, uh…
-[car horn honking repeatedly] -What the…
Oh, you know what…
[honking continues]
[Styles] Who is honking the horn?
-[Knight] I said on sight. -[honking continues]
[Knight] I said on sight. Yeah!
I told you you ain't gotta show up, 'cause I'll show up right here.
[both grunting]
[Graves] Well, that's where our cameras stopped rolling.
But we were able to get the following footage from the local police department.
[sirens blaring]
[officer] Police, stop fighting. Police! Gainesville Police.
Stop fighting. Stop fighting.
Stop fighting. Get off of him. Stop fighting.
Put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back.
Get him on the car. Get him on that car. Get him on that car.
[indistinct shouting]
[Knight] I ain't done yet. I told you. I told you wherever you are, on sight.
[all yelling]
Do you want to go to jail? You want to go to jail?
-Hey, this is my house! -Back up, back up.
[Styles] Hey, that's what you get. Coming to my house.
-That's what you get. -I told you.
This is Gainesville. You don't know nothing about it.
Hope you boys are getting overtime for this. I will come back.
I wanna press charges. I want him to go to jail.
-You don't show up… -Get him in the goddamn car.
If you don't show up next week, see what happens.
I'll come right back here again. I'll be right back.
-[officer] Get in the car. -I said it. I said it, yeah!
-[officer] Get in the car. -Yeah, I'll be back.
-Get him buckled in. -WrestleMania.
-I'm gonna destroy you. -WrestleMania is coming.
But before that, I'm coming back for you.
[Styles] I'm gonna end your career!
[Knight] Next week SmackDown, you show up.
-Get him out of here! -I'll be right back here.
Tell him. Hey, look, boys, it ain't nothing against you guys.
I tell you what. I hope you guys are getting paid very well.
I might be back if he does not show up.
[Graves] AJ Styles would eventually decline to press charges,
and LA Knight would be released from custody.
[Wade] I love LA Knight. But it is not big or clever to break the law.
Thank goodness for Georgia's finest.
[Graves] Well, it all comes to a head at WrestleMania.
Styles versus Knight.
["Bring the Swag" playing]
[Graves] Well, Bad News, it's time
for another WrestleMania Tag Team Championship qualifier.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a WrestleMania XL
Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
Introducing first,
accompanied by B-Fab and "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins,
The Street Profits.
What's up? Yeah, yeah.
[indistinct]
[Graves] This year, WrestleMania XL is sponsored by Snickers.
Snickers satisfies.
And by WWE 2K24,
the highest rated WWE 2K game of all time.
Relive 40 years of WrestleMania.
Play all new match types and career mode experiences
with an iconic roster of over 200 Superstars and Legends.
Available now, worldwide.
The Street Profits look ready for action. And, boy, had they better be.
Standing across the ring will be over 600 pounds of destruction
in the Authors of Pain.
The WrestleMania XL Tag Team Championship qualifying match
goes down live, next.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Welcome back to the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And we are moments away
from another WrestleMania Tag Team Championship qualifying matchup
tonight in the new bracket.
Earlier tonight, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller advanced.
They will face the winners of this showdown.
["The End Is Near" playing]
-[Graves] Ominous gathering of lost souls. -[Rome] And their opponents,
accompanied by Scarlett,
Paul Ellering, and Karrion Kross,
representing The Final Testament,
Akam, Rezar,
the Authors of Pain.
[Wade] Street Profits and AOP need no extra motivation
to throw hands with one another
after the past few months, where they got some anyway.
One step closer to WrestleMania XL. That's what it's all about.
[indistinct]
[Graves] This being our final qualifier here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Let's take a look at bracket number two. As I mentioned moments ago,
Theory and Waller getting past The O.C. earlier tonight,
the winner of this match will face Theory and Waller
to determine who will head to WrestleMania.
[Wade] Yeah, two spots still remaining
in the WrestleMania Tag Championship Six-Pack Ladder Match.
One of these teams right now gets a step closer
to joining the fray with victory tonight.
[Graves] A task easier spoken of than accomplished.
-[bell rings] -[Graves] No doubt about it.
We're gonna see Angelo Dawkins starting things off with Rezar.
And Dawkins just uncorking a series of right hands
before being overwhelmed by these two behemoths.
[Wade] Yeah, this was never gonna be anything pretty.
Just throwing leather from the word go.
Who can hit, who can take hits, and who can keep swinging?
That's what this one's all about.
[Graves] Akam and Rezar programmed for one thing, destruction.
[Wade] I'll tell you this. Since the return of AOP here on SmackDown,
there has not been a single solitary moment
where they have looked weak.
Nobody has exposed anything with regard to their defenses, their arsenal.
They have looked like utter domination.
[Graves] To be fair, Wade, I mean,
how many weaknesses have you seen from AOP?
[Wade] Well, they may no longer exist.
I mean, we saw one version of AOP several years ago.
This one is even more impressive.
[Graves] I think the X factor being the mind on the outside of the ring.
The Master of Puppets himself, Paul Ellering,
who is basically turning Rezar and Akam into…
Oh my goodness!
…trained killers here in WWE.
[Wade] Scheming, plotting his way to success.
But do not write off The Street Profits.
[Graves] Don't discount the outrageous athleticism
of Angelo Dawkins or Montez Ford.
-[crowd cheering] -[shouting]
[Graves] Montez Ford having all types of fun,
but the fun stops now.
-Oh God! Oh no. -[crowd cheering]
-[Wade] Simply too powerful. My word! -[shouting]
[Graves] Ford was just powerbombed into Dawkins.
-[shouting] -[Graves] You can't stop AOP.
I don't care who you are.
[Graves] It has been one-sided dominance. Cover here for AOP.
Rezar just dismantling Montez Ford.
Now, dropping Hammer Fists
in this Tag Team Championship qualifying match.
The winners of this matchup will face Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
to determine who will enter
the WrestleMania Six-Pack Ladder Match challenge.
[Wade] Montez Ford, for all his athletic abilities,
has never faced this level of power and abuse before.
This is 600-plus pounds.
[Graves] This is just smash-mouth brutality, Bad News.
[Wade] A talent and anger,
and it is simply ripping The Street Profits apart.
[referee, indistinct]
[Graves] Akam and Rezar have done a fantastic job
of cutting the ring in half,
keeping Ford isolated from Angelo Dawkins.
Tag made. Here comes Akam representing the Authors of Pain.
[Wade] Paul Ellering just barking instructions to his men.
"Simply don't think. Do what I say."
"Use your physical gifts, and we have a winning combination."
And a winning combination it looks thus far.
[Graves] Hard to disagree with that assessment, Bad News,
as a thunderous elbow is dropped by Rezar.
The Final Testament, and the group of The Street Profits,
Bobby Lashley and B-Fab.
Certainly no shortage of bad blood between those two factions recently.
[Wade] But perhaps the dying embers of Montez Ford's athleticism
keeping him alive here.
[Graves] Rezar looks like he's opting to walk straight through the fire.
Montez reaching desperately, inches away from Angelo Dawkins.
Tag made! Here comes Angelo Dawkins.
[Wade] The most needed tag in the history of our game.
A fresh and fired-up Angelo Dawkins trying to fight fire with fire.
[Graves] Dawkins possesses freakish athleticism.
Case in point.
Corkscrew back elbow. Dawkins starting to roll.
-[Wade] With that freakish… Oh! -[Graves] Good God!
[Wade] What a collision! And Angelo Dawkins getting the best of it.
[Graves] Dawkins takes down Akam with The Silencer.
This is the biggest advantage The Profits have had thus far.
Here's your highlight. Boom!
The kick, I think, caught Akam right on the bridge of his nose.
-[Wade] Montez Ford looking groggy. -[Graves] No way.
[Wade] But perhaps just about ready to put the finishing touches to AOP.
[Graves] It's a risky proposition. Akam able to free himself.
This could be catastrophic for The Profits now.
Oh good Lord!
[Wade] Cleaning the clock of Montez Ford.
And it's that easy. Despite that flurry from Angelo Dawkins,
just one boot, and AOP…
Bam! Good night.
-[Graves] The Final Chapter. -[Wade] Oh!
One, two…
[Graves] Oh, and Angelo Dawkins keeps it alive.
[Wade] Angelo Dawkins wants to get to WrestleMania,
but is it in vain at this point?
[Graves] Is Dawkins simply prolonging the inevitable?
[Wade] And the guy's a fighter. The guy's a winner.
But how much do you have to throw at AOP to stop them for more than a beat?
[Graves] AOP look like a couple of Terminators right now,
just continuing to march forward…
And Dawkins, again! Inside cradle by Ford. Shoulders down…
-[crowd] One! Two! Three! -Montez did it!
-[bell rings] -Oh my God.
["Bring the Swag" playing]
[Rome] Here are your winners, The Street Profits.
[Graves] Against all odds,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins just shocked the AOP.
[Wade] Well, they move on to a matchup with A-Town Down Under
in order to get themselves to WrestleMania.
[Graves] Let's take a look at how this bracket has shaken out.
We now know next week,
Theory and Waller against Dawkins and Ford.
-The winner heads to Philadelphia… -I don't know if you know.
-…to WrestleMania. -We got one more stop for WrestleMania!
[yelling]
I'm in your TV screen right now.
[indistinct audio]
…with my very own ears,
Cody Rhodes is here by himself.
My Tribal Chief,
your public awaits.
[crowd cheering]
["Nobody Better Than Me"]
[Wade] After coming to the aid of Naomi and getting stomped for her troubles,
Bianca Belair looks to get even with Damage CTRL's Dakota Kai.
That's next Friday on SmackDown.
[Graves] And which two SmackDown tag teams will head to WrestleMania?
We will get our answers next week.
The Street Profits face off against Waller and Theory,
while the the New Catch Republic battles Legado Del Fantasma.
[Wade] And ahead of their Triple Threat Match
with the United States Champ Logan Paul at WrestleMania XL,
Randy Orton and KO team up next week on SmackDown
to take on Pretty Deadly.
Yes, boy!
[Graves] And how about this absolutely massive news
that broke just a little earlier?
Jade Cargill has officially signed her SmackDown contract,
and next week, The Storm arrives,
the first official appearance as a SmackDown Superstar
for Jade Cargill.
♪ I don't see nobody Who's stepping to me ♪
♪ I don't see nobody, I don't see nobody ♪
♪ Who can tussle with the beast? I don't see nobody ♪
-♪ 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪ -[song fades out]
[crowd cheering and booing]
We are that way, sir.
Let's go.
[Graves] Well, The Tribal Chief has arrived.
And WrestleMania XL,
at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA, is fast approaching.
Two weeks from tomorrow.
And a limited number of production-release tickets for both nights
were just released yesterday and are on sale now.
But trust me, they are moving quickly.
More production-release tickets will continue to be released sporadically
as setup progresses over the next two weeks,
so keep checking Ticketmaster in the days leading up to WrestleMania.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Special Counsel,
"The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
and the Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[fireworks exploding]
[Graves] For 1,300 days,
Roman has reigned with an iron fist.
And in this day and age,
you almost can't have a WrestleMania main event
without The Head of the Table,
without The Tribal Chief,
without Roman Reigns.
And last week, it was made official,
the biggest tag team match in WrestleMania history
is going down at the Linc
as "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns joins forces
with "The Final Boss" The Rock,
to battle "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
and World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Wade] And then 24 hours later,
we've got the main event of WrestleMania Sunday.
Will it be Bloodline Rules? Will it be Bloodline-free?
The stipulation will be crucial.
Rhodes versus Reigns
for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL.
Special start time of 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 p.m. Pacific.
[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] We've reached the point in WWE
where seeing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania
feels like watching Tom Brady at Gillette Field
or Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium.
Big time! Always delivers, never disappoints.
[Wade] I've been around this game a long time as a fan,
as a competitor, as a commentator.
I've never seen something quite like Roman Reigns.
The man is just a spectacle.
[fireworks exploding]
[Graves] The man acknowledged by The Final Boss as The Tribal Chief
stands before us.
There can only be one Roman Reigns.
[song fades out]
[crowd cheers and boos]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[chanting continues] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd boos]
The Wiseman made a promise.
[crowd boos]
And The Tribal Chief has kept his word.
[crowd boos]
And that's what I am. I'm a man of my word.
And I'm here alone. No Bloodline…
Well, other than The Wiseman. But he's no physical threat, you see.
So…
I say we bring on Cody out here and join you, Milwaukee.
[crowd cheering]
That's right. He's gonna join you because it's time
to acknowledge me.
[crowd boos and cheers]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Well, The American Nightmare is in the house
and looks eager to answer the call of The Tribal Chief.
-Live, next. -[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
-["Kingdom" playing] -[crowd cheering raucously]
♪ Wrestling has More than one royal family ♪
[cheering continues]
-♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪ -[explosion]
[crowd singing along] ♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks exploding]
♪ My father said when I was younger… ♪
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the winner of the 2023 and 2024
Royal Rumble,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] Bad News, I've got to ask, in your professional opinion,
with WrestleMania two weeks from tomorrow,
eye-to-eye, man-to-man,
what is going through the mind of Cody Rhodes
and likewise Roman Reigns?
[Wade] To me, it's one of two things.
Either this is a poker game.
Meet me man-to-man, one-on-one in the ring.
And if you flinch,
I know you're scared of me ahead of WrestleMania.
The second choice, we'll get to in a second.
-[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪ -[fireworks exploding]
♪ My father said… ♪
[Graves] Yeah, you're not gonna talk over 12,000 plus screaming WWE fans.
[Wade] I got a big mouth, but it's not that big.
But listen, here's the second choice.
And unfortunately, we have to consider this.
This could be a good, old-fashioned baited trap.
Yeah, meet me in the ring. One-on-one. No one else is here.
Pysch! Here come The Bloodline, here come the lads,
and we're gonna tear you to shreds ahead of WrestleMania.
I hope this is the former.
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ You tried to tell me what to do ♪
♪ I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
-[crowd cheering] -[song ends]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
Well, here we are.
I kept my word.
I'm here by myself.
How about you, huh?
Well, I'm as much a man of my word as you are.
So if you came alone,
I came alone.
[crowd cheers, shouts]
You said he would. You believed it too.
You're a fool.
[crowd shouts]
You're stupid to me.
[crowd shouts]
Hear me out.
From my perspective, you're not fit for this job.
You're not… You're not fit to be on top.
You're not fit to be the face of this company because…
you're an idiot.
[crowd boos]
You're out here thinking with your heart.
Thinking everybody's got the best out for you.
Don't… Nobody cares. You better start thinking with your head.
I mean, let's just look at what you've done in the past month or so.
You've aligned yourself with my little brother…
-Seth Rollins. -[crowd] What?
And there's all kinds of problems with that.
But let me ask you, what happened on Monday?
Weren't you in a little bit of a jam? Where was he at, huh?
[crowd] What?
Where was Seth that whole time? Was he in traffic?
W-was it, uh, a plane delay? What…
Was it snowing? What happened?
Because…
it seemed like he was just showing his true colors, you know?
And then he told you. What did he say? He was gonna be your shield.
[scoffs] God!
You understand I was in The Shield with him, right?
We didn't do good guy things, but we had a bond.
And over time, I thought that we were becoming family.
I thought that he was becoming my brother. And what happened?
[crowd] What?
He stabbed me in my back.
[crowd] What?
What do you think's gonna happen to you?
And that's why I think that you're a fool, plain and simple.
Did you ask me if I remembered The Shield?
Because I certainly think we all remember The Shield.
You guys were unstoppable.
You guys, matter of fact, were undefeated.
Let me ask you something.
Do you remember the first team that did beat The Shield?
[crowd cheers]
Yeah, I'll give you a hint. The last name was Rhodes.
[crowd cheering]
And I appreciate this education,
this venom-laced wisdom that you're dropping on me.
I don't know if I wore them. Yeah, I did.
I've got my bullet cuff links on tonight,
so I'm certainly not unfamiliar with factions, betrayal,
all that good stuff while I was off doing something.
I mean, but this isn't a faction you're talking about.
The Bloodline is not a faction. It is "family above all."
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
So can I trust Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
[crowd cheering]
I didn't even think to do that. Let me ask them.
Do you guys think I can trust Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
[crowd cheers]
Seth Rollins,
he might hate my guts.
I don't think you expected that. You might… you might be right.
He might hate my guts. But I know one thing.
He hates you even more.
[crowd cheering]
And I'll see your situation,
and I'll raise you another.
Can I trust Seth Rollins?
Roman, can you trust your partner at WrestleMania?
[crowd jeers]
Can you trust The Rock?
[crowd jeers]
I think… I think we're all perhaps slightly confused.
In the pantheon that is The Bloodline,
who is really in charge?
Is it The Tribal Chief,
or is it The Final Boss?
[crowd jeering, shouting]
[crowd chanting] Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
That's old.
Didn't you just say that to him but the other way around?
Is that all you got? This is what I'm talking about here.
Spoken and spun like a true politician.
I mean, what we out here doing? You out here running for Governor?
Hey, anybody got a kid that needs to be kissed?
Do you want an autograph?
'Cause Cody will pull your kid out here and make him a part of his entrance,
because he "loves" you.
That's all you do,
is promise this, promise that, promise this, promise…
But you don't ever deliver. You don't ever keep these promises.
You've told these people all these lies,
and nothing ever comes to fruition.
And you wanna know why?
Because you're number two.
-Hey. -[crowd boos]
No, no, no, I mean that with respect.
You all would be lucky to be a number two,
but you're not even close.
This is the greatest number two of all time.
But that's all you will ever be is number two.
Because I'm number one.
Forever.
[inaudible]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
Let's get real here.
You grew up in this industry,
same as I did.
You were probably a little kid looking in the mirror,
wanting to be the next, the face of a generation,
the biggest Superstar to come along,
the biggest pro wrestling star.
We're talking Bruno, we're talking Flair, we're talking Hogan,
we're talking Rock, we're talking Austin, we're talking Cena.
I have conceded to the idea that the generation that follows us,
our kids, will probably grow up
wanting to be the next Roman Reigns.
-[crowd boos] -[inaudible]
That is your destiny.
But I feel that you are unfamiliar with mine.
I'm the greatest number two. [scoffs]
The greatest number two? Well…
when it comes to WrestleMania,
when it comes to who defeats you for this championship
that you've held for all this time,
I'm not number two.
I'm the one.
[crowd cheering]
Good luck at WrestleMania.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[mic clatters to mat]
[crowd boos, jeers]
[indistinct]
Thank you. [indistinct]
[Graves] Roman Reigns refusing Cody's offer at a handshake.
And The Tribal Chief gonna make his exit as number one forever.
-[indistinct] -[crowd booing, chanting indistinctly]
[Wade] Neither man flinched. But it has to be said.
Roman Reigns is the man who looks least happy
with what was accomplished tonight.
[Graves] Do you think Reigns is surprised by Cody standing his ground tonight?
So stupid.
[Wade] This may have backfired on Roman Reigns.
He tried to call Cody's bluff, but it didn't work.
[woman] You need a room full of strangers to acknowledge your little bitch ass?
["Head of the Table" playing]
[Graves] What was the snap of the fingers all about, Wade?
[Wade] Well, there's your answer.
[Graves] Oh no!
[Wade] It was always a possibility.
[Graves] It was a trap all along.
[Wade] Words have been spoken.
Now blood must be shed.
[Graves] Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso.
Surrounding ringside.
And let's be honest, The American Nightmare is dead to rights.
Here comes The Enforcer.
[Wade] The soulless eyes of Solo Sikoa
and that gleeful grin of Jimmy Uso
about to do what they have done for years here in WWE.
[Graves] The sharks have begun to circle.
["Head of the Table" continues]
To Cody's credit, he is still standing his ground mid ring
before The Bloodline.
[Wade] Cody's not a runner, and that might be his biggest fault.
Just over two weeks
ahead of the biggest weekend of his life at WrestleMania.
[Graves] Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!
Wait, that's… That's "Main Event" Jey.
-That's Seth "Freakin" Rollins. -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Two can play at that game.
[Graves] It seems like Cody Rhodes
may have gotten the jump on Roman Reigns for once.
[Wade] Cody Rhodes was not born yesterday.
[Graves] The tables have turned.
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Cody Rhodes standing his ground.
Both Superstars on a collision course for Philadelphia.
WrestleMania Saturday, WrestleMania Sunday.