[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then.
-[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]
[Graves] In just eight nights,
the City of Brotherly Love becomes the epicenter of the WWE Universe
for the biggest weekend in live entertainment.
The Showcase of the Immortals.
Of course, I'm talking about WrestleMania.
But tonight we are 225 miles up I-95
on the Road to WrestleMania from a sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena.
However, it's what transpired in the closing moments of Raw
this week in Chicago that still has WWE fans buzzing
and Cody Rhodes seeing red.
♪ Man, I'm a beast It's a gift and a curse ♪
You wanna be a hero? The Rock's not your hero.
[soft, tense music playing]
-[groaning] -Look at you now.
Look at your hero. Look at your… [grunting]
Now, Mama Rhodes, The Rock has got a special gift for you.
[Graves] We will relive The Final Boss's vicious plot tonight,
as we expect to hear exclusive comments from The Bloodline
in the wake of Rock's brutality.
Jimmy Uso, Solo, and The Wiseman are here tonight.
And for the better part of the last two years,
Damage CTRL have remained perpetual thorns in Bianca Belair's side.
Tonight, The EST looks to settle the score against the manipulative Dakota Kai.
♪ We meant it The whole team on our shoulder ♪
♪ I'm a beast, I'm a monster Call me the GOAT ♪
♪ There's really nothin' I can't conquer ♪
[Graves] Welcome inside, everyone.
Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ Count it and bet it on myself for real ♪
♪ Ready to win, time to hit the field ♪
♪ This is my passion I'm king of the hill ♪
[music fades]
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
["Voices" by Rev Theory playing]
[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from St. Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 275 pounds,
"The Viper"
Randy Orton.
[Graves] This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
I'm still Corey Graves joined as always by "Bad News" Wade Barrett.
And what a way to kick off SmackDown, Wade.
[Wade] You ain't kidding there, Corey.
One of the biggest stars in the history of the game.
Perhaps the superlative best in history.
He's certainly up there with a shout,
but for my money, not necessarily a trustworthy tag partner.
[Graves] Well, in just eight short days,
Randy Orton will have a chance to add
to his already Hall of Fame-worthy résumé
as The Viper challenges Kevin Owens and the United States Champion Logan Paul
in a Triple Threat Match.
♪ All the doctors are diseased ♪
♪ And the preachers all are sinners ♪
♪ And police just take the grease ♪
♪ All you judges, you are guilty ♪
[Graves] Wade, I know Randy Orton's a Superstar
you've known for a long, long time.
You've done battle with The Viper,
but it is a real possibility
that we are seeing the best Randy Orton we've ever seen.
[Wade] I mean, physically, take one look at the man.
Undoubtedly, this is the best shape Randy Orton has ever been in.
He seems to be motivated. He seems happy.
Which hasn't always been the case with Randy Orton.
But most importantly of all,
after it looked for periods of time
like his career may well have been over,
this man is heading back to the top at WrestleMania
with an opportunity to win gold.
And at this stage in his career,
that really is all that matters to The Viper.
[Graves] Just a reminder, WrestleMania Saturday and Sunday
with very special start times of 7:00 p.m. in the East,
4:00 p.m. in the West.
It is the biggest event in live entertainment.
It is a stage that Randy Orton knows oh-so well.
Bad News, is it a smart decision to bet against The Viper
at the Showcase of the Immortals?
[Wade] Well, I never got to take on The Viper at WrestleMania.
I did get to back myself against The Viper many times,
and it rarely ended up good for me.
So, yeah, if I'm a betting man, I'm putting my money on The Viper.
["Fight" playing]
[Rome] And his tag team partner, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds…
Kevin Owens.
[Graves] Wade, I've gotta ask you this.
We are only eight days away from WrestleMania,
where Logan Paul will defend his title
against both Randy Orton and Kevin Owens.
This close to the pinnacle of sports entertainment,
how on Earth do these Superstars co-exist when they both want the same title?
[Wade] Well, I'll tell you right now, this to me
makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
There is zero chance in my career that I would have tagged up
with anybody that I was facing in just over a week's time.
Absolutely not. I wouldn't have turned up, and I wouldn't have trusted them.
♪ We go on and on, on and on ♪
♪ 'Cause the night is young ♪
[Rome] And their opponents,
Kit Wilson and Elton Prince…
Pretty Deadly.
[Graves] If I'm being honest, Bad News, I'm a little underwhelmed
by your reaction right now.
I expected at least a grandiose "Yes, boy!"
[Wade] I was just trying to catch my breath, Corey,
'cause, man, the dancing queens are back.
The killer queens are here, and they're not happy boys.
I had a chat with them a little earlier today.
They are livid that they are not currently on the WrestleMania card.
And they said to me, "You know what we're gonna do?"
"We're gonna go out there,
we're gonna shove two fingers up to management
and take out two of their golden boys
who have been handed opportunities on the WrestleMania card
that we should have got."
And I applaud them for that attitude.
["On and On" playing]
♪ Two superstars ♪
Wait for it, Corey. Yes, boy!
I had to get that out of my system.
[Graves] A cathartic "Yes, boy!" for Wade Barrett
to kick off Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
as we prepare for tag team action.
[Wade] What a pair of tasty snacks.
♪ On and on, on and on ♪
This isn't the kind of match you'd necessarily want.
-[bell rings] -You have to try as best you can
to isolate one of KO and Randy Orton,
drive a wedge between the two of them,
and then tear them to shreds.
[Graves] Kevin Owens, obviously already in a WrestleMania state of mind.
Senton into the cover.
[Wade] I don't think KO ever leaves a WrestleMania state of mind.
I got to be honest with you, Corey.
[Graves] An astute assumption. Astute observation. Tag made.
Elton Prince on the outside able to complete the tag.
[crowd chants "Randy"]
Looking a bit reserved, and understandably so,
standing across the squared circle from The Viper.
[Wade] I mean, this is it. The Pretty Deadly lads,
they are relatively new to this game,
especially at the very top level here on SmackDown.
And competing against someone like The Viper,
it is terrifying, especially in those first couple of minutes.
[crowd] …four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine…
[Graves] The Viper enjoying himself,
raining down right hands onto the skull of Elton Prince.
Kit just tried to tag himself in,
but Kit relinquished the tag rope in the process.
The tag is nullified,
and Kit suffers a beatdown for his troubles.
But from behind!
You can never take your eyes off the lads in Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] Nice cohesion between the Pretty Deadly boys,
and it's all going swimmingly for the Englishmen.
[Graves] Up close and personal.
Orton deposited onto the announce table.
Pretty Deadly in control.
[Graves] Tag team action continues on Friday Night SmackDown,
the team of Kevin Owens and Randy Orton against Pretty Deadly.
And right now, KO is trying to rally the WWE Universe behind The Viper.
Randy Orton's got daylight.
In desperate need of a tag, as is Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly.
[Wade] Yeah, the spine of Randy Orton took one hell of a beating
during the break, but it has all turned around now.
[Graves] Kevin Owens has never met a fight he didn't fall in love with.
KO swinging at anything that moves.
Reversed by Prince, stood up straight.
Boom! Nearly took Elton's head clean off.
[Wade] A man who wears his heart on his sleeve
and likes to throw the heavy leather.
[Graves] Cover here by Owens.
And Elton Prince stays alive in this one.
[Wade] Well, that was a weak kickout there from Elton Prince,
and it was like, he's ready, he's ripe for the pickings.
And KO…
[Graves] Owens was making the climb to the top turnbuckle,
presumably for a frog splash, maybe a Swanton.
-Swanton it is. -[Wade] Knees up by Elton Prince.
[Graves] Great wherewithal by Prince.
[Wade] Instinctive move there, but there is no tag partner for him to tag.
That is why!
[Graves] On the outside, Kit Wilson removing Orton from the equation,
at least momentarily.
-[Wade] Well, that completely backfired. -[Graves] Here we go again.
[Wade] I'm counting five times against our desk now.
And it looks like we're going for more.
Ooh!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Well, The Viper in complete control,
looking to impose his will…
But Elton Prince from behind.
[Wade] It's the only way you can stop The Viper.
-You have to double-team him. -[Graves] Look inside.
Logan Paul with the brass knuckles!
[Wade] Right to the jaw of Kevin Owens.
The referee missed the entire thing.
[Graves] Cover by Prince!
-Pretty Deadly steal it. -[bell rings]
♪ On and on, on and on ♪
♪ We go on and on ♪
[Rome] Here are your winners, Pretty Deadly.
[Graves] Unbelievable! Bad News, this has to be
one of the biggest upsets in recent memory.
[Wade] Well, once you add Logan Paul,
who has now done a disappearing act, into the equation,
perhaps not the upset it seemed on paper.
But what a victory for the femme fatales.
Pretty Deadly, get it!
[Graves] I don't think Orton realizes that Owens was knocked out by Logan Paul
via brass knuckles.
[Wade] Well, Orton does not lose well.
That is the history of Randy Orton.
As we see Logan Paul loitering under the ring,
sneaking out at the exact right moment,
drilling KO in the jaw with those brass knucks,
and going back to whence he came.
["On and On" playing]
[Graves] Now Randy with the opportunity to see what transpired
as he was tied up on the outside with Pretty Deadly.
Logan Paul making an escape back underneath the ring. But…
[Wade] Randy Orton has felt those brass knucks once before.
The penny has dropped.
♪ That's who we are, two superstars ♪
♪ On and on, on and on ♪
♪ We go on and on, on and on ♪
[Graves] Kevin Owens doing his best to instruct Randy.
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Unless Logan Paul has a tunnel underneath this ring,
he might be in big trouble.
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO! RKO!
[Wade] Oh no.
[Graves] The Viper has his hands on the United States Champion.
And Orton is teeing off on Logan Paul.
[Wade] Well, there was a fault in that game plan of Logan Paul all along,
and now he is desperately trying to scamper away.
And who could blame him?
[Graves] Randy Orton wearing out his right hand
on the forehead of The Maverick.
[Wade] An enraged Viper seeking vengeance on The Maverick.
[Graves] I think things are about to go from bad to worse
for our United States Champion.
From behind! Pretty Deadly attacking the knee.
[crowd booing]
[Wade] Well, one good turn deserves another.
Logan Paul helped them gain victory.
They perhaps help Logan Paul
manage to get away from The Viper.
[Graves] Pretty Deadly certainly bought Logan
some valuable time to escape.
And look out from behind. Stunner!
RKO!
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Logan Paul got himself a front-row view
of what might be in his future
in just over a week's time at WrestleMania.
[Graves] Logan Paul will be forced to contend with not only Randy Orton,
but also the "Prizefighter" Kevin Owens.
And Orton's had enough.
Logan doing his best to escape through the WWE Universe.
Perhaps luring Randy Orton.
[Wade] I'd move quicker than that if I were you, Logan.
[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Wade] Like a pincer movement.
[crowd shouting]
[Graves] Logan trying to hightail it out of Mohegan Sun Arena.
You good? Kev, you good?
[Owens] Go! Get his ass.
Get that son of a bitch.
[Logan] Take it outside, baby!
[Graves] They may end up out on the highway at this rate.
Logan Paul still taunting Randy.
[Logan] Catch me outside!
Catch me outside the ring. I dare you.
[Graves] The Viper continuing to pursue the United States Champion,
and Logan Paul needs to get the hell out of Dodge.
[Wade] Put that foot down, Logan.
[tires screeching]
[Graves] Logan Paul able to escape Orton tonight,
but The Maverick may not be so lucky come WrestleMania.
And speaking of WrestleMania, earlier today,
Iyo Sky was scheduled for an interview at the WWE Performance Center,
which was shockingly crashed by her WrestleMania challenger
and former leader of Damage CTRL, Bayley.
We'll see the explosive footage next.
["Gasoline" by The Weeknd playing]
♪ And I love it when you watch me sleep ♪
♪ You spin me 'round so I can breathe ♪
♪ It's only safe for you and me ♪
♪ And if I finally die in peace ♪
♪ Just wrap my body in these sheets ♪
♪ And pour out the gasoline ♪
♪ It don't mean much to me ♪
[Graves] Eight days away from WrestleMania,
but we're kicking off WrestleMania XL Weekend next Friday.
Before SmackDown and the Hall of Fame,
join Pat McAfee and Michael Cole outside of Wells Fargo Center
for WrestleMania Kickoff.
WWE Superstars will take the stage in anticipation
for the biggest WrestleMania yet.
WrestleMania Kickoff will be live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern,
2:00 p.m. Pacific,
streaming on Peacock and all WWE social platforms.
Priority Passes for the best seats for Kickoff
are available at onlocationexp.com/wrestlemania.
And join us WrestleMania Saturday and Sunday
for Countdown to WrestleMania, presented by Cricket,
live from the Pepsi Plaza at Lincoln Financial Field.
An esteemed panel featuring Cole, McAfee, CM Punk, Big E, Jackie Redmond,
and my partner Wade Barrett will get you ready
for the Show of Shows starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Ticketed fans are encouraged to stop by, bring your signs,
make signs at the Countdown sign station,
and be part of WrestleMania Saturday.
Countdown to WrestleMania streams live on Peacock
and all WWE social platforms.
[bell tolls]
[speaking in Japanese]
[tense music building]
[crowd chanting "Bayley"]
[speaking in Japanese]
[music fades]
[man] All right, that's a wrap. Thank you, Iyo. Good stuff, guys.
[both yelling, grunting]
[static from microphone]
[screaming]
[speaking in Japanese]
[screams]
-[shouting] -[screaming]
[indistinct yelling]
[Wade] Wow. Jealousy, betrayal, bitterness.
It all comes to a head in just over a week on WrestleMania Sunday.
Royal Rumble winner and former Damage CTRL leader, Bayley,
gets her chance for both vengeance and gold.
She goes one-on-one with the Genius of the Sky,
Women's Champ Iyo Sky.
♪ Better than me ♪
[Graves] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Right now, let's send it up into the ring to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
♪ Like there ain't nobody Who better than me? ♪
[music fades]
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a monumental piece of business to take care of.
But before we do that, uh, quick question. Who's ready for WrestleMania?
[crowd cheering]
I love to hear that.
Okay, so ever since I came aboard as your SmackDown General Manager,
I've had one singular, definitive goal,
to make this show the number one show
in all of pro wrestling and sports entertainment for you,
our WWE Universe.
And I firmly believe that the acquisition
of the following Superstar
takes me a giant step closer to that goal.
So if you would all please join me
in welcoming the new member of the SmackDown roster.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Jade Cargill.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[wind howling]
[Jade] A storm…
[laughs]
…is coming.
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Bad News, I don't know if monumental is big enough of a word
to describe the acquisition that is Jade Cargill.
We had the chance to get a glimpse of what she's capable of
in the Royal Rumble match a few months back,
but this is a game-changer in every sense of the word.
[Wade] Corey, I've no idea what you just said.
I simply cannot stop staring at Jade Cargill.
Respectfully.
[Graves] She is awe-inspiring
and has carved herself a physique
that would make Michelangelo himself jealous.
A work of art and a threat to the entire SmackDown women's division.
[Wade] That is the best human being I have ever seen.
[Graves] Can you pick your jaw up off the desk?
We got a show to call.
[Wade] You're gonna have to help me, Corey.
[music fades]
Hell, if you ask me, Nick,
it's about damn time.
[crowd cheering]
And since we finally put pen to paper…
let me make myself crystal clear.
We have one of the best female roster in the world.
[crowd cheers]
But they're not Jade Cargill.
They're not the headline.
They are not a once-in-a-lifetime Superstar.
And let me give you another weather update.
The Storm…
has arrived.
[crowd cheers]
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[Graves] Welcome to SmackDown, Jade Cargill.
[music fades]
Standing by with Dakota Kai and The Kabuki Warriors.
And, Dakota, it's been an eventful night for the SmackDown women's division.
We saw Bayley attack Iyo Sky.
We saw Jade Cargill sign her contract.
Jade? Jade? Tell me, what has Jade done except just stand there?
Okay. And Bayley? Bayley is going to be embarrassed
next week at WrestleMania thanks to Iyo.
But you know what the best part of SmackDown is gonna be tonight?
It's gonna be when I beat Bianca in the middle of that ring, all right?
She was not even a thought in our minds.
And yet she decided to reinsert herself back into our business by helping Naomi.
She went through two years of Damage CTRL beatdowns.
All right. She wants to call herself the strongest, the roughest, the toughest.
Maybe if she were the smartest,
she would never have gotten involved in Damage CTRL's business.
Come on.
All right. A very confident Dakota Kai
takes on Bianca Belair in tonight's main event.
-Oh, Nick. Nick, do you have a second? -Ladies?
Do you have a minute? Oh my God, you're just the man I was looking for.
You don't understand how many ideas I have for us.
So there's lots of people with [indistinct].
But I was thinking. Our lights… Our lights could be
-a little bit darker. No, no, no. -Isla. I'm so sorry.
Our music, our music, you know, a bit more of like the…
-No. Nick, I'll text you. Nick. Okay? -Table that.
-Okay. -[Isla] Nick, I'll text you!
[crowd cheers]
Did you make sure LA Knight is not gonna be here tonight?
Like I told you yesterday, I asked LA Knight not to be here tonight.
[scoffs]
You should have told him.
♪ Scream it out loud ♪
♪ A-Town down ♪
[Graves] 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.
And, Wade, we're about to learn who will take the next step to WrestleMania.
[Wade] Smug and egotistical, A-Town Down Under on social media earlier,
as far as they're concerned,
they've already booked their ticket to WrestleMania.
[overlapping chatter]
Listen, all we wanted was an opportunity. Tonight, we got it.
You guys are the best tag team in WWE. You earned it.
-Yes, sir. -Let's go out tonight and prove it.
Let's punch our ticket to WrestleMania now.
-And then we go win those golds. -Exactly.
Hey, y'all see what we got. Champagne already ready on ice.
-[chuckling] Let's go! -Champagne!
Take care of business, man. Y'all look good.
-Let's roll. Let's roll. -Showtime.
[whooping]
♪ Let's go, A-Town down ♪
[Graves] Sort of last-minute motivation from The All Mighty and B-Fab.
But Waller and Theory look poised and ready
to carve their path to the Showcase of the Immortals.
["Bring the Swag" playing]
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Making their way to the ring, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins,
The Street Profits.
[Graves] If you're The Street Profits, Wade,
how are you avoiding being blinded by the WrestleMania lights
and keep your head in the game tonight?
[Wade] I think you've got to remember who you are if you're The Street Profits.
It has not been a great 2024 thus far for these two.
They've had some issues with other units, namely The Final Testament.
However, this duo is a former…
As we see Judgment Day keeping a very close eye on proceedings here.
Of course, one of these two teams is gonna be
one of their opponents at WrestleMania.
But getting back to The Street Profits,
these guys are former two-time WWE Tag Team Champions.
Remember who you are.
Get in there, get the job done tonight,
and book your tickets for the Showcase of the Immortals.
[Graves] We know Dawkins and Ford have what it takes to make it to the dance.
-Can Waller and Theory punch their ticket… -[bell rings]
…to the Six-Pack Ladder Match?
Waller with the side headlock applied.
Let me ask you the same question on the other side of things.
If you're Theory and Waller, how do you keep your head level in this matchup
knowing what's at stake?
[Wade] I'll tell you right now, there is zero chance
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory are capable of keeping their heads level.
That's normally a bad thing, but that arrogance,
that presumptive nature of these two seems to work well for them somehow.
[Graves] Double-team incoming.
There you can see trending number one in the United States, SmackDown.
And number two, The Storm that has just arrived,
Jade Cargill has the world buzzing.
And Grayson Waller just decked Montez Ford.
Here comes Waller to the outside.
Oh my God!
[Wade] Corey Graves taken out. Street Profits running hot tonight!
[Graves] Grayson Waller at the moment in complete control of Angelo Dawkins.
This is Theory and Waller against The Street Profits.
The winner heads to WrestleMania, and this was just before the break.
We often talk about having the best seat in the house, Bad News.
But this isn't exactly what I had in mind.
[Wade] That's called the worst seat in the house.
I'm glad it was you and not Michael Cole.
Michael Cole would currently be in tears if he'd have been landed on.
[Graves] I'm gonna be in traction if I stay here too much longer.
Grayson Waller flexing his balance.
But gets caught by Dawkins…
T-Bone suplex!
[Wade] Dawkins, such a beast of a man,
but needs this tag in the worst way possible.
A fresh Montez Ford starting to feel it and wants in in the worst way.
[Graves] Here comes Austin Theory.
Putting the brakes on Dawkins for the moment.
Sent into The Street Profits' corner. Dawkins out of the way.
Tag is made! Montez Ford, the legal competitor.
[Wade] The speedster of the group.
-[Graves] Whoa! -[Wade] Just unreal athleticism.
Spring and punch.
[Graves] Adrenaline personified.
Montez Ford is the real deal, and down goes Austin Theory.
[Wade] What a special, special competitor
getting to show his stuff, trying to book his ticket for WrestleMania.
[Graves] And that's what it's all about. Montez Ford knows full well.
Moonsault into the cover, shoulders down.
Austin Theory keeps his and Waller's WrestleMania hopes alive.
[Wade] The durable Angelo Dawkins back in the fight now.
Tez has done the damage.
Perhaps now it's time for the finishing touches.
[Graves] Montez making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
Blockbuster!
-[Wade] A-Town is down. -[Graves] Cover by Dawkins.
And Grayson Waller at the last possible fraction of a second.
[Wade] He just broke the land speed record breaking that pin up.
[Graves] Oh man! But from behind.
Shoulders down, Theory.
Theory rolling to the outside.
[Wade] An absolute slug to the jaw of Grayson Waller,
who has not moved since.
But now it's the Austin Theory Show… or is it?
[Graves] Sit-out powerbomb by Dawkins.
Tag made once again.
Montez Ford thinking of making travel plans.
But… but look at the TitanTron…
[Wade] Lashley and B-Fab.
This is the good stuff. Bobby, very, very unprofessional.
Caught you drinking on the job.
Street Profits, I know you're real busy, WrestleMania and all that.
Really important match.
Just so you know, you're missing a really good party right now.
[laughing]
Bobby. Bobby. Come here. Hey.
Open your eyes. Open your eyes.
B-Fab, are you okay?
[Graves] Dawkins, understandably, distracted by what's occurring backstage.
[Wade] Don't forget what's important.
That's booking your ticket to WrestleMania.
-And that beat too long… -[Graves] Knees up, shoulders down.
Theory! Theory and Waller are going to WrestleMania.
[Rome] Here are your winners,
the team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
[Wade] Well, hand a very, very large assist to The Final Testament.
The Street Profits had this one all but won,
but the recipients of some rather good fortune…
A-Town Down Under just booked their ticket
to WrestleMania and the Six-Pack challenge for the WWE Tag Championships.
-Wait… -[Graves] Wait a minute. AOP!
Akam and Rezar of The Final Testament
looking to pick the bones of The Street Profits.
[Wade] Two 300-plus-pound thugs.
[Graves] When the stakes were at their highest,
The Final Testament struck.
Here comes Kross, Ellering, and Scarlett.
I don't know about you,
but Kross and Scarlett give me serious Mickey and Mallory vibes.
It's unsettling to be around.
[Wade] Well, this is a unit that absolutely shows zero mercy.
And their ire, the focus of their ire completely on The Street Profits.
[Graves] Oh God! Super Collider.
[yelling]
[indistinct yelling]
[crowd booing]
[Graves] And here comes Bobby Lashley.
[Wade] Back-- Back off, Bobby. The damage is done.
[Graves] Lashley blinded by rage.
[Wade] And clearly his brain is not operating at full capacity
because this simply cannot work.
[Graves] The All Mighty took down Kross,
but he's gonna be overwhelmed by AOP and a flurry of hammer fists.
[Wade] The absolute most inevitable result you could imagine.
But Bobby Lashley still desperately throwing anything.
[Graves] There's no quit whatsoever in The All Mighty,
but Kross trying to help Lashley find some.
You understand, Bobby?
Now, nobody goes to WrestleMania.
You failed them, and you failed yourself!
[yelling]
["The End Is Near" playing]
[Graves] Well, Wade, when it counted most,
when the stakes couldn't get any higher for The Street Profits,
The Final Testament spoils their plan.
[Wade] Well, throw out the rulebook when it comes to The Final Testament.
The only book they operate by is the Paul Ellering Book of Pain.
Well, it seems like faction warfare is becoming
an increasingly common occurrence again here in WWE,
which also includes the LWO and Legado Del Fantasma.
But last week, it was not Legado
that Rey Mysterio would have to keep his eyes on.
Find out what I mean in our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[Graves] This has been a rivalry steeped in betrayal.
[dramatic music playing]
Family. It's almost impressive how badly this relationship has devolved.
The battle for legacy.
LWO!
[Wade] Nobody has Rey Mysterio more well-scouted than Santos Escobar.
[Escobar] I have to hurt you in ways that will be hard to watch.
[Mysterio] I will slap that stupid, arrogant smile off your face.
[Graves] Mysterio may have just taken out Escobar once and for all.
Ah, whoa, whoa!
-[Wade] Ah. -[Graves] You can't be serious.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
619 from Escobar.
Phantom Driver.
Escobar steals the win.
[Wade] Rey Mysterio had victory within his grasp.
[Graves] "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio rears his head to cost Rey big time.
-[inaudible] -[music fades]
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
[Wade] Rey Mysterio unable to rid himself of the pain
that has been Santos Escobar.
And of course, his own flesh and blood, Dominik Mysterio,
once again costing the Hall of Famer big.
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Elektra Lopez,
Berto, Angel, and Santos Escobar…
Legado Del Fantasma.
[Graves] It could be a massive night for Legado Del Fantasma.
Angel and Berto in action later.
But Santos thanks "Dirty" Dom, next.
Legado!
-Familia. -Familia.
[soft music playing]
[narrator] Next Friday, a WWE special event
as a new class of Legends become immortalized.
-[Heyman] My name is… -[narrator] Paul Heyman.
-[man] Unbelievable individual… -[narrator] Muhammad Ali.
[woman] This is a different breed of woman.
[narrator] Bull Nakano.
[man] They got the magic. They got the charisma.
[narrator] The US Express.
[man] The man that has become a legend in his own time…
[narrator] And Thunderbolt Patterson.
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
Live next Friday, immediately following SmackDown,
streaming exclusively on Peacock.
[Graves] The WWE Universe is still reeling
after the ending of Monday Night Raw this past week.
Tonight, we will revisit The Rock's brutal attack
on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
[music fades]
You know, I hate to be that guy.
[crowd boos]
But I told you so.
[speaking in Spanish]
[in English] And I want you to remember and never, ever forget.
Especially you, little kids with Rey Mysterio masks…
[chuckling] It was me!
I put Rey Mysterio on the shelf for months.
And, hey, I know I didn't get the infection and the amputation
just like I wanted…
but I got the next best thing.
I got to beat Rey Mysterio in the center of this ring last week.
[crowd] What?
He's the greatest luchador of all time.
[crowd] What?
Or at least he was.
[crowd] What?
[speaking in Spanish]
[crowd] What?
-[in English] I outsmarted you, Rey. -[crowd] What?
And all it took was one phone call.
[crowd] What?
One call to a man that despises you,
just as I do.
[crowd] What?
["It Is My Time" playing]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Look at the confident grin on the face of "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio
of The Judgment Day.
Wade, how proud of himself is Dom tonight?
[Wade] The man is just glowing.
I know he has his detractors, and I get it.
He's not always the easiest guy to like,
but you have to admire a man
who can step out of the massive shadow of his father,
a god of this entire industry,
and say, "Nah, that ain't for me. I'm doing it my way."
[Graves] Rey did his best to create separation, to create distance.
[Wade] Oh, you can say that again, by completely neglecting his own child.
Yeah. That's how you make distance with your own son.
Bravo, Rey Mysterio.
-[music ends] -[crowd boos]
Hey, shut up.
I'm sorry about this, though.
From the bottom of my heart, Dom.
Thank you. Gracias.
And I wanna apologize.
I know we didn't see eye to eye at first…
And I've said this before, but now I can say it to your face.
You were right.
[crowd booing loudly]
¡Cállense y déjenme hablar!
[crowd continues booing]
[Escobar in English] Shut up!
[crowd booing continuously]
[boos soften]
I will do everything…
[crowd boos loudly]
[boos soften]
-…everything in… -[crowd boos loudly]
…in my power to make that deadbeat's life a living hell!
-[crowd boos] -You see what you did, Rey?
You always turn your back on the people who love you.
And I'll be damned if a deadbeat, good-for-nothing like you gets…
["Booyaka 619" by P.O.D. playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Well, Santos, you're gonna have a chance to say it to the man's face.
The Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio is here with the entire LWO.
♪ 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka ♪
[Wade] Yeah, enter the party poopers just when things were getting good.
[Graves] It is deafening in here.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ What you gonna do When we come for you? ♪
[song continues in Spanish]
[Graves] Joaquin Wilde, Carlito, Cruz Del Toro, Zelina Vega,
and of course, the leader, Rey Mysterio.
[Wade] Yeah, of course Rey has brought all his backup.
Wouldn't walk out here on his own, would he?
Not man enough. Not like Dom.
[Graves] Oh, come on, Bad News. This is just smart business
if you're Rey Mysterio. You need someone to watch your back.
[music fades]
Dom, Dom, Dom.
What a shame. Real shame.
[speaking in Spanish]
[in English] I truly believed that I was done fighting you, son.
[crowd chanting "LWO"]
But now that Santos dragged you into this,
and clearly you want to be a part of it…
I came to the realization that this moment,
having both of you in front of me,
the two men that I despise the most…
is truly a divine intervention.
Oh yes, and let me tell you why.
I now have the opportunity to beat some respect into both of you!
So let me spit out a challenge for you guys.
How about both of you…
tú Santos, tú Dominik,
versus myself and a partner of my choosing…
in a tag match…
[crowd chanting]
…at WrestleMania?
[crowd cheers loudly]
Which one of these dorks is gonna be the one?
[crowd boos]
-The one from the lollipop guild? -[crowd boos]
The one with the hair?
The non Latino?
It's the newest member of the LWO.
-Dragon Lee. -[Wade] What?
♪ Have you walking through flames ♪
[Wade] Wow!
["Control the Empire" playing]
[Graves] What a challenge from Rey Mysterio!
[Wade] Wait, Dragon Lee is now in the LWO?
[Graves] Your eyes do not deceive you, Bad News,
Dragon Lee appears to finally be a full-fledged member of the LWO.
[Wade] Dragon Lee is the man that Rey Mysterio claims
is the future of lucha libre,
and that is partially what has upset Santos Escobar
and, of course, his own son, "Dirty" Dom.
[Graves] Well, then "Dirty" Dom and Santos have a generational problem on their hands
if this gets made official for Philadelphia at WrestleMania.
What you lookin' so hard at?
You're nothing but a puny little troll.
[Graves] And things are getting spicy between Zelina and La Madrina.
It is breaking down. Santos with a boot.
You had to see this coming.
[Wade] Oh, and the trenches have emptied out.
It is now open warfare in the world of lucha libre.
[Graves] LWO versus Legado Del Fantasma.
And the LWO are holding the ring.
Elektra and Zelina throwing down on the outside.
[Wade] Those two have completely snapped.
Listen, Legado Del Fantasma still have a tag match
to take place later tonight.
[Graves] Later tonight? It's scheduled to be next.
[Wade] They gotta qualify for WrestleMania.
This is the worst prep possible.
[Graves] It's WrestleMania season, Bad News.
You have to expect pandemonium.
Here comes "Dirty" Dom, and there goes "Dirty" Dom.
[Wade] Nice assist by Carlito.
[Graves] Dragon Lee takes out Legado!
[Wade] Dragon Lee with those generational lucha skills
that have impressed Rey Mysterio so much.
The newest member of the LWO.
♪ 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
[Graves] We could be headed for a tag team showdown in Philadelphia.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
-Hey, B. -Hey, girl.
-Oh! -[music fades]
I just want to wish you well tonight.
-Your match against Dakota. -Mm-hmm.
And let you know that if they try any of their usual mess tonight,
I got your back just like you had mine last week.
You know what? I really appreciate that.
And after talking to you last week, I realized that
I can't be mad at you for doing what I was trying to do for the past two years.
Take out Damage CTRL. I was here fighting for my life.
But you know what? At this point, it's not even about Bayley no more.
'Cause you here.
And if it's any time to take down Damage CTRL, it's now with us.
-Hey, you know, I get it. -Yeah.
-But I'm here now. -Yeah.
We in this together, and we're gonna get 'em one way or another.
-Yeah, we gonna get 'em. -Starting tonight.
With Dakota.
-Starting with Dakota. -You know she don't want none.
-She don't want none. -She don't want none.
-Who's the roughest? Who's the toughest? -I'm the roughest, the toughest.
-Who's the strongest? Who's the baddest? -I'm the strongest, the baddest.
-You gonna snatch 'em? -I'm gonna snatch 'em and drag 'em.
That's what I wanna hear. Booyah!
That's my girl.
That's my girl. Go get 'em, B.
Go get 'em. Go get 'em.
I got you, if they try you.
[Graves] Got some big-picture thinking from Naomi and Bianca.
[Wade] Forget all this! Cancel this match!
[Graves] What do you mean cancel the match, Bad News?
[Wade] It's not fair. Legado just got beaten up!
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Making their way to the ring,
Tyler Bate, "The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne,
New Catch Republic.
[Graves] Well, the winners earn the final spot
in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
New Catch Republic versus Legado Del Fantasma,
next.
[dramatic music playing]
[Meek Mill] In this life,
you either finish your story…
[crowd cheering]
…or somebody else gonna finish it for you.
Turn neon dreams… into faded nightmares.
♪ Hold up, wait a minute Y'all thought I was finished? ♪
♪ When I bought that Aston Martin Y'all thought it was rented? ♪
What's going on? Like, WrestleMania is the biggest show of the year
and we're not communicating.
I mean, did you guys know that Dom was gonna go out there?
-No, he never said a word to me. -Wait, wait, wait, Rhea. Hold on.
You're saying that he didn't smarten you up about this?
-No. -I mean, that's odd.
-Is there something you need to tell us? -Uh, I don't…
-Hey, guys. -Dom, what's-what's going on?
I told you, communication is key.
Why didn't you tell me you're going out there?
Mami, I'm sorry, I just… I wanted to make you proud.
I wanted to make The Judgment Day proud. I wanted to handle business for us.
-I'm sorry. -Hey, uh…
is there anything else you need to tell us?
Yeah, I think I need to go see a doctor.
I know where it is. Come on, medical's down here.
-I'll bring you. I'll bring him. -Sorry, Mami.
You know what? This WrestleMania is way too important not only for us as a group,
but for us as individuals.
Is there something that you need to tell me?
Whoa, whoa, whoa! The only thing that needs to be said
is that WrestleMania is gonna belong to The Judgment Day.
-Okay. -I like that.
-Yeah. -That's right.
[Graves] A rare miscommunication within The Judgment Day,
but this is a tag team matchup.
The winners will earn the final spot
in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
Legado Del Fantasma, Angel and Berto,
able to recover from the melee moments ago involving the LWO.
Battling the renowned purveyors of British Strong Style,
the New Catch Republic,
Pete Dunne and, oh, Tyler Bate.
But right now, Legado in control.
And, Bad News, is it possible that The Judgment Day,
realizing the magnitude of WrestleMania, are feeling the heat right now?
[Wade] No, I don't think so.
I think it's a massive WrestleMania for The Judgment Day.
A lot on the line.
Not least they'll be defending those Tag Championships
against one of these two teams and four other contenders.
But you know what? It's all in a day's work for The Judgment Day
who have simply been running WWE now for a long time.
Take a deep breath, everyone.
No panic in the eyes of The Judgment Day.
[Graves] Angel right now, releasing a chop that would give anybody reason to panic.
[Wade] Well, there's certainly panic in the eyes of Tyler Bate,
who has perhaps walked…
[Graves] Uh-oh. You can't take your eyes off The Bruiserweight.
Snap German suplex from Pete Dunne dumping Angel on the back of his neck.
Angel desperately in need of a tag as is Dunne.
[Wade] It's all about the tekkers when it comes to the New Catch Republic.
That is their pathway to victory.
[Graves] More of the unique offense of Tyler Bate,
perched on the middle turnbuckle into a European uppercut,
like a cruise missile from the ropes.
[Wade] Some lucha skills of his own, has Tyler Bate.
The man can really do it all.
Whoa!
[Graves] Running shooting star into the cover.
[referee] One, two…
[Graves] Tyler Bate, perhaps pound for pound,
the strongest member of the WWE roster, if not certainly close.
Definitely in the discussion. Around we go, down goes Berto.
[Wade] Right now, it is the Tyler Bate show.
Pete Dunne getting in for good measure.
[Graves] Keep your eyes on the Big Strong Boi.
Down goes Angel, down goes Berto.
New Catch Republic in control, with WrestleMania at stake.
[Graves] Legado Del Fantasma, Angel and Berto,
now in control of this tag team matchup.
The winners will earn the final spot
in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
[Wade] Well, that control was simply too much
for Legado Del Fantasma, who had horrible prep for this matchup.
But now, once again, New Catch Republic in full control.
[Graves] Combo offense, stacked up high.
And Berto able to survive.
[Wade] Legado have barely got out of the blocks in this matchup.
Just brief flurries of offense from them.
[Graves] Top bins by the New Catch Republic.
And there you see Damian Priest and Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day
who are forced to defend their championships
in the Six-Pack Ladder Match.
Certainly the odds stacked against the champions. Great teamwork.
[Wade] They had no idea that tag was coming
as he was launching that airplane spin.
[Graves] Angel and Berto now having a rare miscommunication.
Shoulders down. Look at this power from Berto.
Nearly put Bate through the center of the ring.
Angel connects with a moonsault.
And Tyler Bate keeps his WrestleMania hopes alive.
[Wade] What a couple of artistes.
Berto and Angel are just milliseconds away from victory
and a spot in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
Not quite good enough, but you sense they are getting
closer and closer to booking their ticket.
[Graves] You can feel the Mohegan Sun Arena beginning to rumble
as the WWE Universe trying to rally behind the New Catch Republic.
[Wade] Will we be raising a glass to honor loyalty
and Legado Del Fantasma in a few seconds?
That may well be the case. Look at this, Corey!
[Graves] Oh my God.
Double press slam, into the cover.
Angel has the deep hook of the leg.
And The Bruiserweight breaks up the pinfall.
[Wade] Just in the nick of time.
[Graves] This thing is breaking down…
-My Lord! -[Wade] Referee, check that man.
[Graves] DDT. Running knees for everyone.
Angel. Last man standing.
WrestleMania is what it's all about.
But Bate rocks the jaw of Angel.
[Wade] Well, Berto is down and out after that DDT.
Double Tyler Driver.
-[Graves] That's the Burning Hammer. -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -And they,
the New Catch Republic, are headed to WrestleMania.
[Rome] Here are your winners, New Catch Republic.
["Walk of Life" playing]
[Graves] What an effort by Angel and Berto.
But the field is now set.
Look at the competitors in this Six-Pack Ladder Match
for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, Wade.
[Wade] Well, it's been weeks of battling. We are there.
All six teams are booked now for WrestleMania,
Tag Championships on the line,
and those Tag Championships belonging to The Judgment Day
have never been in greater jeopardy.
Well, if you're talking about tag team matchups and jeopardy,
we can't not mention the biggest WrestleMania tag team match of all time,
The Rock and Roman Reigns
against Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Cody Rhodes.
But it was this past Monday on Raw
that Cody Rhodes met a speed bump
in the form of an encounter with The Final Boss.
Yes, I am backstage, hoping to get a word with The Rock
before he leaves the building
after a moment that has social me--
Excuse me. Rock,
I have to ask the question on everybody's mind.
What exactly did you say to Cody Rhodes out there?
[inaudible]
[tense music playing]
Go ask Cody Rhodes.
It's not something that I'd rather repeat.
However, I can tell you, it was a promise that he can't keep.
[overlapping whispers]
-Uce. -What's up, man?
Hey, something don't feel right tonight, man.
Cody and I, we got your back.
-Get that W. -Yeet.
[Cole] Shinsuke Nakamura, Jey Uso, one-on-one.
Well, we've got company.
Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa as well,
and Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins.
Cody takes the fight to Jimmy.
[dramatic music playing]
And now McIntyre…
Future Shock!
Cameras now have once again caught up to Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso.
Now Solo Sikoa going after Cody.
From behind… The Rock!
[grim music playing]
[The Rock] You think The Rock was just gonna let you talk trash?
Upset that The Rock wasn't saying anything.
The Rock's got your attention now, does he?
To all you Cody crybabies,
to him, to Mama Rhodes, and to everybody.
It didn't have to be like this.
You wanna be a hero? The Rock's not your hero.
-Come here. -[Cody groans]
Look at you now. Look at your hero.
Look at your…
Now, Mama Rhodes,
The Rock has got a special gift for you.
The Rock is a man of his word.
He said he's gonna put your son's blood on this belt.
[grunting]
The Rock is gonna learn you about hard times… for life.
The Rock and Cody Rhodes, hard times.
'Cause this is what happens when you [bleep] with The Final Boss.
Look at your son, Mama Rhodes.
[groaning softly]
[music fades]
What? Just because the show is over, that doesn't mean that this stops.
[tense music playing]
[yelling]
I'll see you at WrestleMania.
[music fades]
Huh?
"By orders of The Tribal Chief."
When you hear those words, you know something is about to happen.
What do you think happened to Cody Rhodes on Monday?
The Final Boss took out Cody Rhodes. Why?
By orders of The Tribal Chief.
[Jimmy chuckles]
And by these orders, Jey, you don't make it to WrestleMania.
It will be little brother versus little big brother
by orders of The Tribal Chief.
Jey…
I'll see you next week.
I'm gonna miss you.
But I gotta take you out.
By orders of The Tribal Chief.
[Graves] A menacing warning from Solo Sikoa.
["Phenomenal" playing]
WWE is proud to support our nation's heroes
in partnership with the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.
Earlier this week, WWE celebrated National Medal of Honor Day,
and we are proud to showcase their sacrifices,
their heroism, and service to our nation.
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
My name is Mike Thornton. I'm a retired Navy SEAL.
I've always wanted to be a Navy frogman.
October 1972, we were sent to do a recon.
Tommy Norris was the officer in charge.
We swam to shore, so we're in the wrong place.
Then we started seeing we were getting surrounded.
Firefight lasted for almost three hours, us fighting over 100 guys,
and that's when Tommy said, "We gotta get outta here."
As we're retreating, that's when Tommy was shot,
and the bullets hit him in the temple.
I ran back up there and threw him on my shoulder.
Then we got to the water. We swam for approximately three hours,
and I saw a junk coming to help pick us up.
Receiving the Medal of Honor is an honor.
He'll always say that he was doing what he was supposed to do.
He was not gonna leave Tommy.
[Thornton] The medal belongs to all the men and women who never came back.
I can wear this medal for all of them.
I wear it with pride. I wear it with honor. It's everything.
[Graves] The Pat McAfee Show goes live
from WWE World at WrestleMania next Friday.
Special guests include WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes,
and the United States Champion Logan Paul.
Oh, and, by the way, Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley.
Tickets are available right now at FanaticsEvents.com/WWE.
And get this, due to such high demand,
today, WWE announced additional VIP meet and greets.
Bayley on Thursday, "Dirty" Dom on Sunday,
and LA Knight on Monday, April 8th.
General admission ticket holders can purchase VIP tickets
for these guaranteed meet and greets.
There is so much going on at WWE World next week.
Get your tickets, and for more information,
visit FanaticsEvents.com/WWE.
[Wade] Well, let me talk to you about bad blood and merciless beatings
because they come to a head in just over a week's time.
"The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles goes head-to-head
with "The Megastar" LA Knight, yeah,
at WrestleMania XL.
[Graves] Well, Bad News, don't say your yeahs too loud
because Styles is here.
[Wade] Yeah, he gave me the evil eye for a second there.
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"The Phenomenon" AJ Styles.
It's been a little over a week.
[crowd chanting "Yeah"]
You know, you're the reason that he came to my house
and assaulted me in my own front yard.
[crowd] Yeah!
Yeah. I shoulda had his ass locked up and rot in jail,
and miss his first WrestleMania.
[crowd] Yeah!
Oh, but I've got bigger plans for LA Knight.
I want the biggest spotlight possible for LA Knight.
And that is WrestleMania.
[crowd] Yeah!
And I will expose him for the overachieving,
under-talented piece of trash that he is.
Yeah, I know, I know, Nick Aldis said
he asked LA Knight not to be here tonight,
but I guarantee you LA Knight is here.
So, LA Knight, are you gonna walk down the aisle?
Is that where you are? Is that where you're gonna come out
and make your presence known?
Is this it? Well, come on.
No? No, you could be anywhere.
You could be up there with these idiots.
He could be the cameraman for all I know.
What you gonna do? Nothin'. Get out of my ring.
You're better looking than LA Knight. That ain't saying much.
That's right. What, are you disappointed that wasn't LA Knight?
-[crowd cheers] -You're gonna be…
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[Styles] Hey, get him! That's him! Get him! Get him! Get him!
-I'll show you, -[Graves] Thankfully, security…
I knew you were here, LA. I know you were here.
Get him outta here. Get on. Moron.
Get outta here.
Get him outta here!
Are we done with the games? Huh?
LA Knight, if you can hear me, are we done with the games?
Because I will not be playing any games at WrestleMania.
And I swear, if I run into you tonight,
I will knock your teeth
down your thro--
-[Graves] Turn around, AJ! -[Wade] It's The Megastar.
-[Graves] LA Knight is here. -[Wade] Yeah!
[Graves] Knight, bringing the fight to The Phenomenal One.
[Wade] A Megastar-size beatdown.
[crowd] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[Graves] Thousands and thousands chanting in unison
as LA Knight takes out Styles.
Pretty impressive disguise by LA Knight.
-[Wade] Had everyone fooled. -[Graves] Two feet from us, I had no idea.
[Wade] I thought I could smell kavorka in the building. I was wrong. Ooh!
[Graves] Styles avoiding disaster.
[Wade] Almost had his head taken off by that chair.
[Graves] LA Knight knows exactly how bad the steel chair feels.
Remember, it was Styles inside the Elimination Chamber in Australia.
[Wade] Anger and rage boiling over. He's coming our way.
[crowd cheers]
AJ, you talk about I'm trash.
You got to be the biggest piece of human walking waste I've ever seen.
[crowd] Yeah!
So I'm gonna tell you like this. Run, hide.
Do anything you need to.
But at the end of the day, WrestleMania, I'm not gonna ask you.
I'm not gonna tell you.
You will know whose game this is with everybody sayin' it.
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
You're damn right. Yeah!
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Graves] Well, The Megastar is in a hell of a bad mood, Wade.
I wouldn't wanna be AJ Styles in Philadelphia.
[Wade] Can you pass me that t-shirt he threw away? I want to have it.
-I want to keep it. -[Graves] You're disgusting.
[indistinct]
How about that right there? You see that guy?
AJ, you can't run anywhere.
The whole world's tellin' ya whose game it is.
["Blinded Light" by Corey Beshoar playing]
♪ I'm blinded by your light ♪
When Paris Hilton said some girls are born with glitter in their veins…
♪ Blinded by your light ♪
…she was talking about me.
Everyone thinks life is so much easier when you're an insane athlete,
have a gorgeous tan,
have perfect pearly white teeth, and you're a main event talent.
But carrying the burden of perfection is not as easy as I make it look.
♪ Blinded by your light ♪
To my adoring fans on SmackDown,
I vow to always look hot, and to spare your eyes from the uggos.
Two words for you, babe.
[whispers] Lip filler.
♪ We're gonna drive all night ♪
♪ We're gonna run all the red lights ♪
♪ So, baby, turn it up Want to feel that rush, yeah ♪
Everyone is gonna find out exactly what Tiffy Time is all about.
Toodles.
[music fades]
♪ I'm on my own, against the wall ♪
[Graves] It is main event time here on Friday Night SmackDown with The EST.
-[Wade] A woman with an ax to grind. -[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Knoxville, Tennessee,
Bianca Belair.
[Grave] Well, for the better part of the last two years,
Damage CTRL have made The EST's life hell.
Bianca looks to even the score tonight against Dakota Kai.
♪ Watch me shine now ♪
♪ I never needed you at all ♪
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
♪ I never needed you… ♪
[Graves] But what a week we have next week, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, it's not WrestleMania season
without the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal!
Who will take home the prestigious Eighth Wonder of the World Trophy this year?
Find out next week on SmackDown.
[Graves] How about this extremely special edition of the "KO Show"
with special guest "The Viper" Randy Orton?
[Wade] Well, as we saw earlier, these are two women with some history
and a strong dislike for one another.
They get to throw hands next week on SmackDown.
LWO's Zelina Vega goes one-on-one with Legado's Elektra Lopez.
[Graves] And two tag teams who earned their WrestleMania tickets tonight.
The New Catch Republic will square off against Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
[Wade] As we heard earlier in the show,
the worst WrestleMania prep possible for Jey Uso.
He fights twin brother Jimmy at WrestleMania,
but next Friday on SmackDown
has to get through his merciless younger brother, Solo Sikoa.
[Graves] It is WrestleMania Week, so make sure you catch WWE Speed
exclusively on X Wednesday at noon Eastern.
But of course, tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
It is main event time.
We are already joined by "The EST" Bianca Belair,
who would love to put Damage CTRL permanently in her rearview mirror.
[Wade] Well, Belair has been dragged into a battle she initially wanted no part of.
She's had a rethink now and wants to destroy Damage CTRL
once and for all, starting with her opponent here.
["Kombat" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent, representing Damage CTRL,
Dakota Kai.
[Graves] Well, WrestleMania Weekend takes over Philadelphia,
and limited tickets for next Friday's SmackDown and Hall of Fame,
NXT Stand and Deliver on Sunday, and the Raw after WrestleMania on Monday,
all taking place at the Wells Fargo Center.
Don't miss out on your chance to be part of all the action.
Visit ticketmaster.com and get your tickets before they're gone.
[music fades]
[bell rings]
[Graves] Bianca Belair eager to mix it up with Dakota Kai,
the manipulative, almost de facto newest leader of Damage CTRL.
At least doing most of the translating.
Dakota Kai certainly has not proven trustworthy.
Bianca Belair has been a woman
who has been at war with Damage CTRL since their formation,
and Bianca has really been short on allies.
Nearly everyone who stepped up to fight beside Bianca
has come out of the equation worse for wear.
[Wade] And that might well be the destiny awaiting Bianca Belair,
because Damage CTRL have proven time and again
they are such a dangerous unit.
-[Graves] Shoulders down. -[Wade] And, Corey,
I take you up completely on your statement that Kai is not loyal or trustworthy.
Completely the opposite, in my opinion.
Totally loyal to the champions within Damage CTRL,
and perhaps got rid of the snake that was Bayley.
[Graves] Sounds nice there in fantasyland. How's the weather?
Look at the power of The EST.
But Kai executes a knee.
[Wade] Kai is a woman who simply has not had enough of the spotlight
within Damage CTRL in large parts because of that injury,
but is in control here.
Can she hang on against Bianca Belair?
[Graves] Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL, into the cover.
Bianca… Just barely able to escape.
Bianca Belair…
[Wade] A lot has been made of the freak genetics of Bianca Belair,
with good reason. Let me tell you about some freak genetics.
Dakota Kai has a grandfather,
played rugby for the All Blacks.
Was the most fearsome sporting team in the history of planet Earth, Corey.
[Graves] With you there. I'm a big fan of the All Blacks,
but right now, The EST hoisting up Kai once again.
I don't care who's in your family lineage.
That doesn't necessarily translate to success here in WWE.
[Wade] Well, Bianca Belair simply lives in the gym.
That's why she's capable of pulling out moves like that at a moment's notice,
despite a beatdown prior.
[Graves] It is WrestleMania season, and if it was even possible for Belair
to be in even better physical shape than she was a few weeks ago,
it is the case tonight.
Heavy, right hammerfists on the crown of Dakota's skull.
[referee] Off the hair!
[Wade] Dakota just ate it up and came back with an attack of her own.
[Graves] Tremendous athleticism from Belair.
Into a gutbuster on Kai.
[Wade] Kai trying her best to escape that.
Perhaps didn't get all of it, but got enough.
And Belair now in complete control.
Cranium of Kai bouncing off the mat repeatedly.
[Graves] Oh my goodness.
[Wade] It was sickening to watch that take place.
Belair finding top gear with ease.
[Graves] Moonsault, but Kai out of the way,
and back once again to the braid of The EST.
[referee] Let go of the hair!
[Graves] You're not gonna win a tug of war with Bianca,
particularly when it involves the woman's own hair.
Elbow right on the chin of Kai.
[Wade] Belair showing up and showing out right here on SmackDown.
Good night, Kai.
[Graves] Moonsault finds the mark. Hook of the leg by Belair.
You know, Wade, it's impressive to me how, night after night, week after week,
Bianca Belair utilizes almost the exact same strategy,
the same playbook, a very similar sequence of maneuvers.
But she is so athletic and so powerful that opponents rarely have an answer.
[Wade] Yeah, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Stick to a winning formula.
Belair has been shrouded in gold
since arriving at the very base layer of WWE.
There's a reason for that. She is simply unstoppable.
Although Kai might make me eat my words.
[Graves] Cover here. Poor ring positioning for Dakota Kai.
But very nearly escaped with a victory.
[Wade] I'm impressed that Kai was able to dig herself back into this matchup.
Shows the durability and the drive of Dakota Kai.
She wants gold as badly as the rest of her compatriots within Damage CTRL.
And taking out someone like Bianca Belair will put you on a path to the very top.
[crowd chanting "EST"]
[Graves] No doubt about that.
Of course, a task easier spoken about than actually accomplished.
[Kai] Come on, EST!
-[Wade] Toying… -I have to question this decision, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, I was gonna say, toying with Belair can only backfire.
This is recovery time, in Belair's mind.
And there you have it!
Getting a little cocky, a little too confident.
You can do that with lesser competitors, not Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Massive forearm connects, and Kai answers with one of her own.
[crowd] Yay!
-[shouts] -Boo!
[Graves] Back and forth we go.
[crowd] Yay!
[Wade] Two women giving it everything in pursuit of victory.
It's about momentum this time of year.
[crowd] Boo!
Yay!
[Graves] Belair drops Kai again.
And Bianca now, looking to build a rally, trying to sustain some momentum.
Oh, Scorpion Kick by Dakota Kai.
[Wade] Yeah, flush to the temple of Bianca Belair
who's on jelly legs now.
[Graves] Here we go. Full head of steam.
Nobody home for Kai.
And this is not where you want to be
when you're in the ring with The EST.
[Wade] Dakota had it scouted.
Gripped that top rope, and has managed to escape.
-Oh no! -[Graves] Knee-first into the ring post.
[Wade] Patella completely smashed.
And that is the previously damaged knee of Dakota Kai.
[Graves] You're right about that one, Wade.
And now, Belair with an opportunity to capitalize.
[Wade] Yeah, you've got a softened up Dakota Kai.
That brace on the right knee would have offered absolutely
zero protection to that collision.
[crowd chanting "EST"]
[Graves] What is Belair searching for here?
[Wade] Whatever she damn wants.
[Graves] All the way up!
All the way down goes Dakota Kai.
But a nasty landing in her own right for The EST
as Belair delivered the superplex.
[Wade] Yeah, impressive deadlift suplex,
but let's take a look back at what preceded it.
It was this knee of Dakota Kai jamming against that steel post.
Followed by this freak-strength deadlift suplex to Kai's lower back.
Both women hurting in a big way.
[Graves] A big-time spear from Bianca.
Once again searching for the K.O.D.
If Belair hits this, it is over.
The Kiss of Death. Thanks for coming, Dakota.
-[bell rings] -And wait.
-And The Kabuki Warriors. -[crowd boos]
The result's gonna go down as official, a win for Belair.
But Kairi Sane and Asuka laying waste to the victor.
[Wade] This feels anything but victory for Belair right now.
But reinforcement is on her way in the form of Naomi,
who got a beatdown herself last week from The Kabuki Warriors.
[Graves] Naomi bound by a common enemy, that being Damage CTRL.
[Wade] But the numbers game once again.
[Graves] Naomi now has dropped Asuka.
Damage CTRL are feeling the glow at the moment,
but Kairi from behind again.
[Wade] The ultimate equalizer.
[Graves] Double-team attack by the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
but here comes Belair re-entering the fray.
Naomi and Bianca trying to fight side-by-side, but…
Damage CTRL utilizing the numbers advantage
as they have so frequently and so effectively.
[Wade] Tactically astute. Highly dangerous.
And dominating the women's division.
[crowd chants]
[Graves] This is an all-out assault.
-["A Storm Is Coming" playing] -No, no, no. Wait.
The Storm is here!
[Wade] You really want to do this, Jade?
[Graves] Jade Cargill,
walking deliberately, with purpose,
in no rush, but laser-focused.
[Wade] I know you're new around here, Jade.
You have to be aware of what Damage CTRL are capable of.
[Graves] But Damage CTRL need to be capable of who the hell Jade Cargill is.
Look at this power!
Kairi Sane, to no avail.
Face-first.
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Wade] Single-handedly decimating Damage CTRL.
[crowd cheering]
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[Graves] I can't say that Naomi and Belair expected Jade Cargill as backup,
but they are certainly happy they have it.
[Wade] Everything we thought we knew about the women's division
just changed with this flurry of offense from Jade Cargill.
The Storm has landed here on SmackDown,
and we need to start rewriting the future.
[Graves] Damage CTRL, you've got a brand new problem.
And Jade Cargill be thy name.
[crowd cheering] be thy name.