[WWE intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] WWE Universe, welcome to the Steel City.
A proud blue-collar town with a rich history
in pro wrestling called home by legends from Sammartino to Angle
and some of the most passionate fans in the world.
With the WWE draft looming, tonight for the first time
since becoming the standard bearer at WrestleMania,
Bayley defends her newly won WWE Women's Championship.
Her challenger, a former Women's Champion in her own right,
also riding a wave of momentum from a WrestleMania victory.
Naomi.
Tonight, friendship will be set aside in the name of glory
in our main event.
From a sold-out PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and the winner will face "The American Nightmare," Cody Rhodes
for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash!
Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds, LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] Wade, tonight, LA Knight has a massive opportunity
in front of him, but let's take a look
at how the Megastar arrived at this point.
[Wade] Yeah, this is last Friday on SmackDown.
Triple Threat action
between Bobby Lashley, Santos Escobar and LA Knight,
and just as Santos Escobar began outmaneuvering The All Mighty,
there was the Megastar to pounce with a BFT,
getting himself one step closer
to becoming Number One Contender for Cody Rhodes'
Undisputed WWE Championship.
[Graves] We are moments away from a WrestleMania rematch
to crown the new Number One Contender,
but it will not be easy for LA Knight.
♪ You don't want none ♪
["You Don't Want None" playing]
[fireworks popping]
[Rome] And his opponent,
from Gainesville, Georgia, weighing in at 218 pounds,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles!
[Graves] AJ Styles, a Superstar who has been to the top of the WWE mountain.
But last week, AJ Styles' path was just as difficult as the Megastar's.
[Wade] Yeah, you ain't lying. Another Triple Threat Matchup.
AJ Styles took on Kevin Owens and the Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.
Back and forth matchup that ultimately went the way of The Phenomenal One
after a second rope Styles Clash taking out both opponents,
leading to tonight, a Grudge Match, rematch from WrestleMania
where impossible, the stakes are even higher.
[Graves] Well, Wade, I'm going to ask you flat-out.
Despite the stakes, who needs this match more?
[Wade] Well, the obvious answer to me is AJ Styles.
I think he's going to have a mental breakdown if he doesn't win tonight.
But the flip side of that is--
[bell rings]
We're all washed up one day and LA Knight for all his hoopla,
for all his fan support, he is yet to win a championship in WWE,
and it could be all for naught if he doesn't win it tonight.
Somebody is going to have a really bad night out of these two.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] The atmosphere tonight in Pittsburgh electric,
for this collision between two world class stars, as LA Knight backs
Styles into the corner off the collar and elbow tie up.
If you're AJ Styles and you were humiliated at WrestleMania
less than two weeks ago by LA Knight,
how do you compartmentalize that?
How do you focus on the future and not the past, Wade?
[Wade] I don't think that's what AJ Styles has been doing at all.
I don't think he did it last week.
I think every time AJ Styles closes his eyes, he sees
the face of the Megastar and that is the fuel to propel him through to victory.
It worked last week.
Let's see if it works here.
[Graves] Styles backing Knight against the ropes.
Spectacular trademark of athleticism from The Phenomenal One.
Knight puts on the brakes,
and a big boot right on the chin of AJ Styles.
[Wade] All that homework from WrestleMania comes flooding back
to these two Superstars.
They know each other so well at this point and it shows.
[Graves] Defiant LA Knight dumping Styles outside of the ring
right here in front of us.
Hi, gentlemen, how ya doing?
-Doing great. -Got something for ya.
[crowd chants] Yeah!
[Graves] I don't know if AJ is going to be able to compartmentalize
WrestleMania, but he may have just forgotten that outright--
Face-first yet again.
LA Knight is on a roll in this Number One Contender's Matchup.
[Wade] Simply one-way traffic from the off, and this could be
a short and very bad night for AJ.
[Graves] You're right. Styles has barely been able to get out of the gate, but--
Oh!
Perhaps a mistake by LA Knight allowing Styles to reenter the ring first.
What do you make of this new vicious side we've seen recently
from AJ Styles, Wade?
[Wade] Gripped by bitterness and rage.
I actually spoke to Michin, his former running buddy
in the OC, once upon a time.
She is terrified of the changes she is seeing in AJ Styles,
and right now it's all gone wrong for The Phenomenal One.
-Can LA Knight get the victory? -[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Graves] We are sold out tonight, PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh,
14,994 fans on hand witnessing
this WrestleMania rematch with Backlash repercussions.
The winner will advance to be the first challenger
for the new Undisputed WWE Champion,
Cody Rhodes at Backlash in Lyon, France.
And right now, the Megastar LA Knight still in control of AJ Styles.
[Wade] AJ Styles has spent the last 20 years beating the biggest and best
in this industry, and he's going to have to do it the hard way tonight
because LA Knight is giving him nothing.
[Graves] Hellacious collision between these two athletes
as we look back at the action during the break.
Styles right on the money with a sliding knee.
But at this juncture, it could be either man's matchup.
[Wade] AJ Styles told us a couple of months ago.
He knows the window of his career
at the very top is closing.
Old Father Time is undefeated.
He has no time to waste.
He wants more championships.
[Graves] Styles, already a two-time WWE Champion and LA Knight,
a Superstar who feels as though his career is incomplete
until he captures a major championship.
Obviously, Knight the heavy fan favorite tonight in Pittsburgh,
[Wade] LA Knight's just a renegade in this industry.
Careers simply aren't supposed to play out like his has.
[crowd chanting] Yeah!
[Graves] Veteran Styles with a cheap shot slows down the progression
of LA Knight and the Phenomenal Blitz by Styles. Knight out of the way.
[crowd chanting] Yeah!
[Graves] LA Knight throwing hands with the best of them.
Stomping the daylights out of The Phenomenal One.
[Wade] Perpetual motion machine in full effect.
[Graves] No doubt LA Knight still savoring the victory over Styles at WrestleMania.
But it's all about tonight.
Who will earn the coveted Number One Contendership
for Cody's WWE Championship?
[Wade] Knight has increasingly proven over the past 12 months
he is the man for pressure moments.
The brighter the spotlight, the bigger the performances from the Megastar.
[Graves] Backlash, of course, taking place two weeks from tomorrow.
Lyon, France, streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
From the top, Superplex by Knight into the cover…
[referee and crowd] One, two--
…and Styles survives.
[Wade] That is a 260-pound athlete that is tough
at the best of times, leaping to the top rope and executing
a move like that, especially this deep in a matchup.
But you already know it's going to take something very special
to put away AJ Styles.
[Graves] Spectacular strength and balance displayed by Knight.
AJ Styles now appears to be reeling.
Could this be LA Knight's opportunity?
Styles escapes out the back. Elbow right on the chin stops the Megastar.
[Wade] Powers of recovery.
That AJ Styles is world renowned for--
[Graves] Cover by Styles.
And Knight keeps this match alive.
[Wade] That is part of the problem.
When you're competing against an AJ Styles, you simply do not
have the time to shake off the cobwebs.
Because if you do, this is what's coming back in your direction.
[Graves] Classic AJ Styles offense, the Moonsault into the inverted DDT,
driving LA Knight's skull straight down, but not enough to prevent
LA Knight from winning this one just yet.
[Wade] Look of panic in the eyes of LA Knight just then.
[Graves] Styles could be thinking about a Styles Clash.
AJ wants to end this ASAP, but Knight bulldozes AJ into a neutral corner.
[Wade] Yeah, if there's one move you've got to scout against AJ,
it's the Styles Clash.
[Graves] Roller's down.
Oh my goodness.
Less than a half a second from Styles heading to France.
-Pelé Kick! -[Wade] Straight to the temple.
The Megastar is rocked.
[Graves] The deeper this match goes, Wade, who do you give the edge to?
[Wade] It's gotta be AJ.
A-- AJ has been to the dance too many times and now winding up
perhaps for that Phenomenal Forearm.
[Graves] Here it comes. Knight out of the way.
Styles rolls through. Powerslam!
Big elbow by Knight.
LA Knight can taste it.
Can Knight finish the job and challenge Cody Rhodes at Backlash?
It could be a BFT in AJ's near future.
Here it comes.
[Wade] Smart veteran instincts from AJ,
about to taste the death knell in this matchup and turning it around.
[Graves] Styles hanging Knight neck-first--
[Wade] Poked in the eye, I think.
Referee unsighted.
[Graves] Phenomenal Forearm!
Styles into the cover, hooks the leg.
AJ's the Number One Contender.
[bell rings]
["You Don't Want None" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles!
[Graves] Perhaps experience was the difference tonight.
Perhaps AJ Styles just needed the win a little bit more.
[Wade] Well, take a look at this.
We were completely unsighted, as was the referee,
but it was a thumb in the eye that set up the Phenomenal Forearm.
And when that connects, there is only going to be one winner.
What a phenomenal performance from AJ who gets his desire.
[Graves] It is now official.
The American Nightmare will defend against The Phenomenal One
at Backlash in Lyon.
[Wade] Well, roll on, Lyon, France. We have a matchup.
Cody Rhodes gets his first challenger,
and what a phenomenal night that is going to be,
just over two weeks time.
Well, as much as we're looking forward to Backlash,
I want to look back at WrestleMania for a moment
because we mentioned Cody Rhodes.
How about the man who was dethroned, "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns?
In the wake of WrestleMania, The Bloodline was flooded with questions.
Would there be consequences? Would there be repercussions?
Well, last week we got an answer that just left us with more questions.
[Heyman] Tonight,
by orders of The Tribal Chief.
The Bloodline offers no excuses about what happened at WrestleMania.
[Graves] Finished the story!
You're not invited.
There's a broom closet down the hall.
There are consequences to losing.
We lost.
We accept accountability.
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes,
Your Tribal Chief…
Losing and winning matters.
So that means consequences need change.
Me?
You're my brother.
I love you.
I love you too.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] That's Tama Tonga.
[Graves] That's the son of Haku, who has been wrecking shop
in Japan for years.
The consequences for failure at WrestleMania.
[distorted] Roman…
[tense music playing]
I love you.
This is not what The Tribal Chief wants!
[Graves] Who's calling the shots now?
[crowd boos]
Hello.
Solo.
Nice threads.
Wow.
Wiseman.
Meet the newest member of The Bloodline.
My MFT.
Solo, I--
Is Kevin Owens here?
I presume he is, if he is, he's--
he's most likely inside the locker room.
The show's already started.
Then take me to him.
Okay.
It's this way.
[Graves] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is in Pittsburgh, PA, but our Raw roster
and many of the other Superstars are currently touring the United Kingdom.
[Wade] Yeah, sold out everywhere you go.
The UK fans, as always, bringing the heat, bringing the noise.
Cody Rhodes actually texted me earlier today from London
saying it's the best tour he has ever been a part of.
Thank you to all the fans across the UK
for making this once again so successful.
Banger show after banger show, and we will be hearing
from Cody Rhodes later tonight.
Now that he knows his challenger at Backlash,
AJ Styles has been confirmed.
So that is coming up from Cody Rhodes later on tonight here on SmackDown.
[Graves] On this side of the pond,
the stars are out tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the house.
Captain Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton,
all representing the black and gold.
Cam waving around that beautiful Pittsburgh Steelers WWE Championship.
[Wade] Stars out in force here at SmackDown.
But right now, let's send it up to SmackDown General Manager
Nick Aldis, who is in-ring.
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis!
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
[crowd cheering]
Allow me to introduce
the Chief Content Officer of WWE.
Paul "Triple H" Levesque!
[crowd cheering]
["The Game" by Motörhead playing]
♪ Time to play the game ♪
[laughter]
[crowd cheers]
♪ It's all about the game And how you play it ♪
♪ All about control And if you can take it ♪
♪ All about the debt And if you can pay it ♪
[Graves] 14,994 fans welcoming
the WWE Universe to the Triple H era.
[song continues]
[indistinct conversation]
[Wade] It's a new era, Corey.
But some things will always remain the same.
And when Motörhead hits the airwaves,
people lose their minds.
["The Game" by Motörhead continues]
♪ Time to play the game ♪
[crowd cheers]
♪ It's all about the pain And who's gonna make it ♪
♪ I am the game, You don't wanna play me ♪
[song fades]
[crowd chants] Triple H!
On the heels of the biggest,
most epic, history making, record breaking,
epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time.
We are here tonight, sold out.
15,000 strong, Pittsburgh, PA.
So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!
[crowd cheers]
I just want to take a second to say that I think that
Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing an incredible job
at leading their respective brands into the future.
Because of both of you.
Thank you very much.
The future is very bright, but when you talk about that future,
you have to talk about the history you made
coming into that future.
I want to make sure that when history is made,
it is represented here in a way befitting of those that make it.
So, Nick, if you would bring our champions out here.
Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions,
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
♪ A-town down ♪
♪ Let's go! A-Town Down! Screamin' out loud ♪
♪ A-Town Down! The future's right now ♪
♪ A-Town Down! Tearin' the place down ♪
[Graves] You don't have to like it, but you got no choice but to accept it
on the grandest stage of them all in a Six Pack Ladder Match.
Waller and Theory were the first to capture championships.
Those, of course, being,
the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
Two of the more polarizing Superstars on the roster.
We cannot deny the ability of A-Town Down Under.
[Wade] Perhaps the least humble WrestleMania victors of all time.
Gloating arrogance.
SmackDown trending number one in the US on X.
Wow this is-- this is huge, Monday…
you got to award the second place championships to Awesome Truth.
That's what's up.
And now tonight, you both have the honor to present the real winners
at WrestleMania, A-Town Down Under,
with our new championships.
[crowd boos]
Hey, and, uh, speaking of truth,
didn't he say that you were a magician?
Magician, there he is.
Well, I gotta say, Mr. Magician,
I don't know what kind of magic trick you got up your sleeve
to make us look better than we already do.
It's impossible, lad.
That's right.
[chuckles] Well,
with that said,
congratulations on becoming Tag Team Champions.
So let me show you what you will wear going forward and let me announce
that from now on, you will be known as the WWE Tag Team Champions.
[crowd clamoring]
[Waller] Wow!
-Wow! -Look at that.
That's a Superstar Championship, lad.
It's got our faces all over it.
[crowd boos]
-Let me make this crystal clear. -Okay.
You two have a pop off at the mouth and disrespect him like that again,
I'll show you a real magic trick and I'll make "A-Clown Down Under"
disappear permanently.
[crowd cheers]
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, hey, who do you think you are?
Oh. Thank you.
Now,
if you two want to focus on comedy and not wrestling,
well, then one of these teams is going to make these titles
disappear really quick, too.
Because the Fatal 4-Way Match for the Number One Contendership,
well, that starts right now.
We ain't stressing. We ain't stressing.
[Graves] Let's go.
["Bring the Swag" by CFO$ playing]
[Graves] Nick Aldis promised to find some challengers
for the new champs last week.
Wasting no time.
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ Don't mean to brag What about it, yeah ♪
[Graves] What an ovation for The Street Profits.
Bobby Lashley and B-Fab.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following is a Fatal 4-Way
Number One Contender's Match!
Introducing first, accompanied by
B-Fab and "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins,
The Street Profits!
[Wade] Nick Aldis simply not here for the clowning at all.
That man is strictly business.
[Graves] We already found out who's the Number One Contender
for Cody Rhodes' WWE Championship.
Who will be the Number One Contenders for the new
WWE Tag Team Championships? And beautiful championships
they are, I must say, Wade.
[Wade] Wow. Sparkling.
I'll tell you what, they've certainly made A-Town Down
look even better and that's not easy to do.
Those boys look good.
[Graves] Waller and Theory looked great before, but those championships,
those might be my favorite yet.
[Wade] Just added a little more bling to these two.
And yeah, they're going to shove it down everyone's throats.
I've got no doubt, they love joining us on commentary here.
[Theory] It don't get better than that.
♪ New Catch Republic ♪
[Graves] Waller and Theory about to find out
what it means to be the hunted here in WWE.
[Rome] Next, Tyler Bate and "The Bruiserweight," Pete Dunne.
New Catch Republic!
[Graves] Dunne and Bate, The New Catch Republic
have been on a tear in recent weeks,
coming up just short at WrestleMania.
But WrestleMania is in the rearview mirror.
The new Number One Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships
will be named in a Fatal 4-Way Match,
as The New Catch Republic, The Street Profits,
Legado Del Fantasma and AOP collide live next
on Friday Night SmackDown.
["Walk Of Life" playing]
I choose to be a WishMaker because I want to provide
a fun experience for families in need.
Because I am committed to making
an impact to kids around the world.
Because I get to see the smiles on kids faces
when they need it most.
This was my best day ever.
[McIntyre] WWE is partnering with Make-A-Wish this April
to recruit one million WishMakers to help grant more
life changing wishes to kids.
[Lynch] Anyone can help make a wish come true.
[Rhodes] Join me by becoming a WishMaker at wishmaker.org.
Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown.
I'm standing by with Naomi. And Naomi,
last week, you defeated Tiffany Stratton for the opportunity
to face Bayley for her title tonight.
But do you feel like you and Bayley's friendship
could get in the way of your chance at the WWE Women's Championship?
No, of course not!
Bayley my sister, I love her.
She needed my help in her fight against Damage CTRL.
I was more than happy to give it to her.
We got that out the way, but in no way am I going to let
friendship get in the way of this amazing opportunity
that I have here tonight.
It's been over two years since my last Singles Championship Match
here on SmackDown, and there is nothing that I'm going
to let get in the way of me making the most of this moment tonight.
Now, last week I made little Tiffy Time feel the glow,
and I'm going to keep that same energy rolling tonight.
I look forward to the WWE draft next week where I will walk in
listed as the new WWE Women's Champion.
Thank you, Naomi.
Well, as you heard, she does not think friendship is going
to be an issue in her title match tonight, but we'll find out when
she takes on Bayley for the WWE Women's Championship.
[Graves] From a sold-out PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance.
And Wade, as we just saw, the WWE Women's Championship Match
still to come later tonight, but on tap immediately,
a Fatal 4-Way to declare the new Number One Contenders
for the brand-new WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under.
Grayson Waller, Austin Theory,
who we will hear from in just a moment
as our guest commentators for the duration of this one.
[Wade] Man, I cannot take my eyes off those new championships.
Absolutely resplendent on A-Town Down.
-Under. -[Wade] Under.
["Pain (Authors of Pain)" by CFO$ playing]
[Rome] And their opponents,
accompanied by Scarlett, Paul Ellering and Karrion Kross,
representing The Final Testament,
Angel Rezar, The Authors Of Pain!
[Graves] Theory, Waller. First things first.
Congratulations on the victory at WrestleMania.
It's nice to see you back at work.
I know you guys took a little time for yourselves in the interim.
[Waller] Look at this 4-Way Match,
they were struggling to put any Superstars around.
So they had to bring us out here, give us some championships
and bring some entertainment to this match.
[Graves] You can't possibly be implying that you would be
anything close to excited to have to step in the ring
and turn away the challenge of AOP.
Over 600 pounds of pure destruction.
That doesn't give you a little bit of pause?
Whatever happens in this match, I hope AOP lose.
I don't want to fight those guys.
I'm being honest right now. Theory.
Hey, everybody here is just lucky
that the real Superstars showed up this week.
[Graves] All right, well, allow me to ask the real Superstars.
Do you have a preference as to which of these four teams
would be the first to step up to the plate?
[Theory] As I said, as long as it's not
AOP, but, you know, we're bringing these titles,
we're bringing the championships back to prominence here on SmackDown.
So we don't care who it is. We're the real Superstars
around here and we're going to prove it.
[Graves] Montez Ford of The Street Profits starting things off
against Tyler Bate of The New Catch Republic.
Certainly a unique clash of styles here.
Bad News.
What's the secret in a Fatal 4-Way environment
like this with a tag team.
[Wade] It's quite simply a smash and grab type of affair.
It's going to be people swinging at you from every single direction.
If you get a minimal opportunity
to go for a pin, you better take it.
[Graves] Tyler Bate utilize-- Oh, cover here.
Tyler Bate utilizing the British strong style, cover by Ford.
Bate escapes.
Once again, utilizing his technical mastery, pinning combination.
Shoulders down.
[referee] One, two--
[Waller] Look at all these guys. They're so motivated, so inspired.
[Graves] Both Superstars with the same idea.
[Wade] A lot-- A lot of people would say,
if you win championships via a multi-team Ladder Match,
there's a large element of luck
involved in that victory. A lot of people would say
you two are lucky to be--
[Waller] How do you spell that word?
-I'm not saying. -[Waller] I don't even know
how to spell it, because there's no luck in my résumé.
What we need to be spelling right now is Legado Del Fantasma,
as Angel and Humberto take control of this one--
Double-team!
Montez Ford bicuspids just ended up in the fifth row.
[Theory] I think his tooth is right by my shoe.
[Graves] Cover here by Angel.
[referee] One, two--
[Theory] We have to be real too. The Tag Division on SmackDown
is stacked right now. Absolutely stacked.
[Graves] It is stacked. Take another look at the running knee by Angel.
And here comes Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits, flying back elbow.
Of course, in a Fatal 4-Way environment
you can tag a member of any other team, but of course
you put your own team at risk.
[Wade] There's a competitor in this kind of match
everywhere you look, there are fresh opponents lying in wait.
[Graves] Oh my goodness!
[Wade] Those fresh opponents have all been laid out by AOP.
Can AOP grab the Number One Contendership?
[Graves] It's a Fatal 4-Way Match, with the winners becoming
the Number One Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships,
currently held by Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
Our guests at ringside at this time.
Gentlemen, I've got to ask, this deep into the matchup,
have you been impressed yet by any of your potential competition?
[Theory laughs]
[Waller] These guys are very talented, but-- I have question,
-because… -[Wade] Impressed.
[Waller] These Steelers guys behind me, they don't know
what a championship is. Do you want to tell them what it is?
-Because I'm a champion. -[Graves] We won six here in the city.
[Waller] Yeah, it's a long time ago.
[Graves] We know a thing about it or two, but right now,
Rezar in complete control of Montez Ford.
Backbreaker applied in the center of the ring.
Which is a smart strategy.
You want to stay as central--
centrally located in the ring as possible, because anybody
on the outside can tag themselves in at any given moment.
[Wade] Yeah, absolutely.
And you can tag out with any team.
The key point is, though, if you're not legal in the matchup,
you cannot win.
Your team cannot become Number One Contenders.
You can only lose.
So it's a balancing act of staying fresh and staying
in the match at the same time.
[Graves] "The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne going to be legal for
The New Catch Republic double-teams happening right now.
Rezar being battered by both Dunne and Bate.
[Wade] Well, this has been the AOP show since
they tagged in, perhaps now showing signs of tiredness
and weariness, and New Catch Republic taking the opportunity to capitalize.
[Graves] Beautiful double-team into the German Suplex.
Down goes Angel. The New Catch Republic are rolling
but Rezar is back.
[Waller] You messed up, mate.
[Graves] Got Rezar on the jaw. The big man on spaghetti legs.
-No way. -[Wade] Big Strong Boi.
I don't think he's that big and strong, though.
[Waller] Ah, he couldn't do it. He's weak.
He's actually Big Weak Boi, yeah.
[Theory] He needs to get on that Austin Theory workout program, you know?
[Graves] And now Rezar being battered by three other teams.
[Wade] Basically three teams on one at this point.
That is a smart strategy for anyone not in the AOP realm.
[Graves] Oh my goodness!
[crowd cheering]
Big Strong Boi indeed,
but Legado Del Fantasma. Angel Humberto spoiling the fun for everyone.
[Wade] This has broken down to a complete slugfest now.
[Graves] Dawkins and Ford now,
surveying the scene, trying to figure out their next move.
This is an unfamiliar site for Angelo Dawkins now,
joining Tyler Bate in the high-rent district.
[Waller] This looks dangerous. I just simply wouldn't go up there.
[Theory] Hey, you know, I'm trying so hard to focus on this, but man,
look how good our Tag Team Championships look.
[Waller] They are very shiny. All these guys, they want them.
[Graves] My goodness.
We are moments away from catastrophe.
Berto just tagged himself in. Berto's legal-- Crash and Burn!
[Wade] Sickening landing of a mass of humanity.
It's about to get even worse.
[Theory] Oh, come on, man.
[Graves] Look at the power of Legado.
[Wade] Oh!
[Graves] Just launching Tyler Bate onto the rest of the field.
[Waller] So desperate for the Grayson Waller Rub.
Look what they'll go through to get it.
[Graves] Angel perched on the top.
Whoa.
That's gotta do it.
New Number One Contenders.
No!
[Wade] Well, just in the nick of time, because Tyler Bate
was dead and buried after that move.
Every competitor in the match completely laid out.
[Graves] Grayson, is that a little bit of sweat
-I see beading up on your forehead? -No, I'm just thinking
how easy it's going to be to beat whoever wins this.
They're all in pain. Come on, look at this.
-They're putting themselves through it. -I ain't stressed.
[Graves] All four teams, leaving it all on the line
in the name of being crowned Number One Contenders.
Dueling ankle locks!
Dunne and Bate, both cinching in ankle lock submissions
on Angel and Humberto of Legado Del Fantasma.
[Theory] You know, the work we've put in,
the sacrifice we put in, all the hard work.
They have to go through this, they have to to get to our level.
[Graves] The path won't get any easier.
Someone will become Number One Contenders.
[Graves] Who will be the first team to challenge the new
WWE Tag Team Champions?
We'll find out in this Fatal 4-Way Match.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
We are joined at ringside at commentary by Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
And gentlemen, as this match progresses, the two of you don't
seem to be getting any more nervous than you were at the outset.
What are you seeing here?
We're undefeated Tag Team Champions. I'm undefeated at WrestleMania.
Austin Theory. He wins championships every WrestleMania.
-Why worry about these guys? -[Theory] Yeah, why are we worried?
And look at 'em too. They're exhausted.
They're giving it everything they have.
[Wade] But you guys are talking about WrestleMania.
I was watching The Bump this past weekend.
And Grayson, you claim that you are greater than the Undertaker.
-Oh my God. -[Theory] That's a fact.
[Waller] You know, the three WrestleMania GOATs, me, Michael Cole and Snooki.
[Theory laughs]
[Graves] Look at this superhuman power by Akam who just
Powerslammed The Bruiserweight. Cover by Rezar.
[Wade] I mean, one consistent throughout this matchup
as it has ebbed and flowed, swung back and forth
is that AOP have always seemed to regain the upper hand throughout.
And that has to concern the Tag Champs.
[Graves] These brutal Hammerfists.
[Theory] How do we get them drafted to Raw? We need these guys gone.
[Wade] You guys might get drafted to Raw.
Yeah, I'll take it. If they're here, we'll go, I don't mind.
[Wade] Get away from Nick Aldis as well. Although--
-Hey, Nick Aldis-- -Is Adam Pearce any better?
I just hate the English, you know?
-[Wade groans] -Oh, I forgot, sorry.
[Graves] This might do it. The AOP hoisting up
The New Catch Republic.
-Oh! -Counter.
Mid-ring collision.
Akam and Rezar, both woozy at the moment.
[Waller] Are they going to team up?
Oh, this is what you got to do against this team.
[Theory] Is this it?
[Graves] All four teams surveying the situation.
[Wade] Simply the smartest thing you can do for both survival
and ultimately gaining victory in this match.
[Theory] This is what you got to do. What else?
[Waller] This is unfair. These are bad guys teaming up.
[Theory] Yeah, I mean, that is unfair.
[Wade] And you're loving every second of it.
[Graves] Well, AOP has been temporarily eliminated from the equation,
but now The Street Profits,
The New Catch Republic
and Angel of Legado Del Fantasma in a standoff mid-ring.
It is all breaking down.
[Wade] Bodies dropping like flies.
And it's big Angelo--
Whoa!
[Graves] Berto may have just won this thing.
Cover, hook of the leg!
[referee] One, two--
[Graves] And Dawkins survives.
[Waller] Only two.
[Theory] See, if we were in this match, though, this is how it would look.
Everybody would be knocked down, they wouldn't be standing.
[Waller] And then I'd come and sneak in.
[Wade] Here are those frustrating moments,
especially for Legado Del Fantasma.
Just when you see your name up in lights, it gets snatched away.
[Graves] Berto looking to finish things on behalf of Legado.
Dawkins just pounced Berto into oblivion.
[Theory] Oh, wait.
-[Graves] Tag made. -[Theory] Wait.
[Graves] Angelo Dawkins putting Berto in position.
Montez Ford from the top rope.
[Theory] Oh no.
No, no, no, no, no.
[Graves] Blockbuster from the heavens.
-Cover by Ford. -[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Wade] Oh! Whoa.
[Graves] And at the last possible second, The Bruiserweight keeps it going.
[Wade] It was the second time The Bruiserweight has had to do that.
But once again, take a look at The Street Profits
connecting perfectly with that elevated Blockbuster.
Only for Pete Dunne, right in the nick of time to break things up,
keep his team's chances alive.
[Theory] Look how beautiful this is.
All the heart, all the-- all the sacrifice.
[Waller] It's just wild how good these teams are.
But we're the best of them.
[Theory] We are the best.
[Graves] Are you better than The Bruiserweight
at small joint manipulation?
-[Waller] No, big joint manipulation. -[Theory] Yeah. That's right.
[Wade] Quickly, you can move from
glory to a hospital bed for Angelo Dawkins.
[Graves] Jawbreaker by Berto stuns Montez Ford for the moment.
Tyler Bate making the tag
on behalf of The New Catch Republic.
The Big Strong Boi looking to make something happen.
Big hurricanrana.
Angel sent to the outside,
able to catch himself for the moment.
[Wade] Mass of humanity gathering outside the ring.
[Theory] Oh. Hold on.
-Not this again. -[Graves] Bate and Dunne, perhaps--
-[Wade] Oh! -[Graves] Aerial. Oh my God!
[Graves] Montez Ford,
Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate,
all throwing caution to the wind
for the right to become Number One Contenders.
[Wade] You've got eight bodies laid out at the side of the ring.
Tyler Bate the first one to start, desperate to get
anybody back in that ring and score a victory.
[Graves] Tyler Bate putting Berto in position.
Could be thinking about the Tyler Driver.
If Bate hits this, it's lights out.
-Inside cradle by Berto. Shoulders down. -[referee] One, two--
[Wade] Almost a quick victory there for Legado Del Fantasma.
Suddenly have gained the upper hand.
[Graves] Tag made. Angel now legal.
Double-team incoming.
Here it comes. NTY!
-That may do it. -[Theory] He's out.
[Graves] Berto, like a rocket shot through the ropes.
[Wade] Ripe for the pickings now.
[Graves] Beautiful Moonsault, right on the money.
-One, two-- -Oh! Ford from the heavens!
[Wade] Referee just millimeters away from counting to three.
[Graves] Talk about needing to keep your head on a swivel.
In a match like this, you need two heads.
Dawkins just tagged himself in.
Revelation!
-Cover by Dawkins. -[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
The Street Profits are Number One Contenders.
-["Bring the Swag" playing] -[Rome] Here are your winners,
The Street Profits!
[Wade] It's a matchup that swung about 16 different ways.
But The Street Profits, who have had a disastrous start
to 2024 until things turned around
at WrestleMania, they are now the Number One Contenders.
[Graves] All four teams left it all in the ring
and the ringside area, throwing caution to the wind.
Every team came within an eyelash of victory,
but Montez Ford would keep it alive for Dawkins and himself
to execute the Revelation at the expense of Angel.
And The Street Profits have earned the Number One Contendership.
And the right to challenge
A-Town Down Under, the new WWE Tag Champs in the future.
Well, we're talking about championships.
We've got a Women's Championship Match on the way tonight,
which is in stark contrast to this past Monday,
when the Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley
addressed the WWE Universe on Raw.
Let's take a look in our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[sentimental music playing]
[Rhea] So, obviously, you guys know what's going on right now, yeah?
After the attack last week from Liv Morgan…
[grunting and yelling]
Get outta here!
[Rhea] I've now been told that I'm stuck on the bench
for quite a few months.
Because I have been told
that I need to vacate the one thing that means the most to me.
My Women's World Championship.
This right here, this championship.
This means the most to me in my entire life.
[crowd cheering]
To whoever wins my Women's World Championship,
when I come back, I'm coming back for blood.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Thank you, Mami!
Bayley, we just witnessed that incredibly emotional
footage of Rhea Ripley having to relinquish her title.
But right now I want to focus on your title.
Because tonight you defend the WWE Women's Championship
for the first time against Naomi.
Where's your head at right now before this huge match?
Well, after seeing Rhea having to vacate her title on Raw,
um-- it makes me appreciate this more.
And you know, I'm focused.
It's also made me realize that I'm the only Women's Champion
in the WWE right now.
And that's not something that I take for granted,
because we all know that with the draft coming up,
things are bound to change.
And as excited as I am to face my friend Naomi tonight,
there's one thing that's not going to change and that's me
as your WWE Women's Champion.
Thank you, Bayley.
And indeed it is set for later on tonight.
Bayley going one-on-one with Naomi
for the WWE Women's Championship.
[crowd boos]
Listen, I'm sorry that we can't find Kevin Owens,
but he has to be here.
Look at the time.
Solo, we're going to find him.
I mean, he has to be somewhere in this locker room.
Look at-- Solo.
S-- Solo.
I'm not trying to piss you off.
Please believe me.
The last person on this planet
I want to piss off is you.
But respectfully, Solo,
you're making decisions that are not yours to be made yet.
One day these will all be your exclusive decisions.
But-- but not now.
Not-- not here.
These are decisions
that can only be made by one man.
Are you done yet?
Are you?
I-- Is your MFT coming with us?
["Taking It All" playing]
♪ We're taking it all! ♪
♪ Settle the score The one who will not take that loss ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ We the ones! ♪
♪ We kick down the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ Yeah! ♪
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Special Counsel,
WWE Hall of Famer, "The Wiseman,"
Paul Heyman.
And Solo Sikoa!
[song continues]
[Graves] Wade, I've got to ask you.
Have you ever seen The Wiseman
look so uncomfortable as we have in the last week?
[Wade] Well, Paul Heyman is usually the picture of control,
but right now he's seemingly out of the loop.
And dare I say it, lacking influence when it comes to the moves
of The Bloodline.
["Taking It All" continues playing]
♪ I am controlling the game You should not stepped in my lane ♪
♪ We not the same I am elite, note the name ♪
♪ The legacy runs through my veins ♪
♪ I am a king, I do not ever pretend ♪
♪ We the ones! ♪
♪ We kick down the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Ready for war Better than ever before! ♪
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is…
[Heyman and crowd] Paul Heyman.
I don't know
if there is a list of the most brilliant,
backstage maneuvering
politicians in the history of WWE,
but if there were such a list,
I would have to think
that I would be in the top, um…
[crowd cheering]
Huh? So permit me,
with Solo's permission, to explain to you
the backstage politics that's going on right now
within The Bloodline.
The premiere act in the history of WWE.
[crowd chants] We want Roman!
Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you,
as the Wiseman
for-- for…
as the Wiseman for your--
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd chants] Solo sucks!
Last week.
[crowd boos]
Last week, I had to lose.
[crowd boos]
Last week, I had--
[crowd boos]
I had to lose a brother.
I had to.
In order for me to find a new one.
[crowd boos]
My MFT.
Tama Tonga.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Kevin Owens.
And Tama Tonga.
[Wade] Kevin Owens needs medical attention.
[Graves] We may need Pittsburgh PD to protect him from Tama Tonga.
This man is absolutely ruthless.
The son of Haku, who is renowned
as the toughest man to ever to step foot in this industry.
There is no such thing as too far for Tama Tonga,
no lengths to which he will not go to accomplish the goal.
[crowd] You suck!
[Wade] Ruthlessly efficient.
Mercilessly effective.
[Graves] Kevin Owens needs medical attention.
-Oh my God… -Oh my God!
[Wade] You do that to Kevin Owens, of all people,
the most durable guy we have on the roster.
[Graves] Owens is hurt badly.
[crowd clamoring]
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute. Kevin Owens.
[Wade] Kevin, no.
[Wade] Defiant in his current state.
[Graves] Someone needs to protect Kevin Owens from himself.
My God.
Taking the fight to Tama Tonga.
[Wade] Kevin Owens just doesn't know when he's a beaten man.
[Graves] Owens' night about to go from bad
to even worse at the hands of The Bloodline.
No! Double leg, Tama.
[Wade] We know Kevin Owens. If there's oxygen in the body,
he's going to keep on swinging very much to his detriment.
[Graves] Samoan Spike!
[Owens coughing]
[yelling]
[Graves] Upon arrival tonight, Solo asked about the whereabouts
of Kevin Owens and now Tama Tonga,
Solo's MFT, has just been unleashed.
[Wade] This guy is just reckless.
[Graves] Get some more help out here.
This guy is a savage.
[Wade] Is he not done?
[Graves] Who's going to stop him?
-[Wade] Not me. That's for sure. -[Graves] We saw this happen last week
with the assistance of a steel chair taking out
Jimmy Uso.
Thank God for Aldis.
[man] Keep him back!
[Tonga growling]
[Graves] Solo making a wise decision.
Calling off his MFT, Tama Tonga.
[Wade] What have we learned in two weeks?
Where Tama Tonga goes, carnage swiftly follows.
[Graves] Last week, Solo had to lose a brother.
[crowd chants] You suck!
So in his words, "he could gain a new one."
Kevin Owens victimized by Solo
and Tama Tonga.
[Wade] Don't approve of the actions of Solo Sikoa,
but Tama Tonga is certainly a guy you want on your side.
[Graves] I don't know if I want Tama Tonga anywhere within 50 yards of me, Wade.
The guy's terrifying. You saw what he just did to Kevin Owens.
[Wade] I certainly don't want him against me.
Let's put it that way.
["Taking It All" playing]
[Graves] What is happening within The Bloodline?
Oh my God.
I want you to come with me. I want to show you somethin'.
Were you aware of this?
Oh God.
Oh my God.
Oh, you mean to tell me you didn't know about this, Paul?
All right, let me paint you a picture.
One of those rental cars belongs to Kevin Owens.
And the other one is your boy, Tama Tonga's.
Now, Paul--
This was not authorized.
-I understand. -This was not--
No, no, no. I'm speaking now.
-I understand conflict between the boys… -This was not authorized.
…but on my show, we settle it in the ring.
Now, next week, we've got the draft.
Yeah, a lot of eyeballs.
Top brass, tippy top brass. You understand?
So I will not tolerate this kind of savage behavior.
I don't blame you.
-Just tell me you understand. -I understand.
Now, make sure The Bloodline understands.
Because, Paul, if you don't…
the repercussions are going to be equally savage.
Losing
isn't the only thing that has consequences.
♪ Do you know what cool is? ♪
[Graves] Nick Aldis issuing a stern warning
to The Wiseman and The Bloodline.
[Wade] Well, they both need control.
I don't think control is a word
that Tama Tonga understands.
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by
Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, Dragon Lee and WWE Hall of Famer
Rey Mysterio, representing the LWO,
Carlito!
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by
Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
As we prepare to see Carlito go one-on-one with a long standing rival,
I spoke to Carlito earlier today, Wade,
and he told me that he's looking forward to
tonight and the opportunity to avenge what happened to Dragon Lee.
[Wade] Still pointing the finger at Santos Escobar, I see.
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Rome] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Elektra Lopez,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
Santos Escobar!
[Graves] As Escobar prepares for action,
it was earlier today that our very own Kayla Braxton
was able to catch up with Legado Del Fantasma.
So it seems like the LWO is still pointing the finger at you
and Legado Del Fantasma for the attack on Dragon Lee
that forced Rey Mysterio to choose a new partner at--
If we did it, we'd just come out and proudly say we did.
Let me make it clear one last time.
Legado Del Fantasma had absolutely nothing to do
with the attack on Dragon Lee.
LWO wants to play the blame game.
Now I'm going to prove everyone that I was right all along.
Snarky.
Message clear, right?
[Wade] Listen, I have known Santos Escobar for several years.
I've seen him leave countless bodies in a heap.
-He wears that as a badge of honor. -[bell rings]
If he says he didn't attack Dragon Lee, take it as read.
It wasn't him.
And it wasn't Legado Del Fantasma.
[Graves] Starting things off by--
Fists are flying between Escobar and Carlito.
Carlito representing the LWO looking to avenge
the attack on Dragon Lee, which took place the night before WrestleMania.
[Wade] Well, he's not going to do it against Santos Escobar,
and I'll tell you this, Carlito and Escobar have
had their issues in the past. Clearly.
In fact, the reason Escobar left the LWO in the first place was
because Rey Mysterio brought in a new member without consulting him,
that member being Carlito.
[Graves] Escobar able to get the boot up in time.
And Carlito flexing his power.
Wade, how important is this matchup?
I'm sorry, into the cover is Carlito.
How important is this matchup to Carlito,
who hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire recently?
[Wade] Not at all. I'll tell you, Carlito in the locker room has
looked like a pretty frustrated guy, and I really understand it.
You remember Carlito's first run?
He won championship after championship.
This time around, probably expecting the same thing.
He hasn't had a sniff of championship matches,
and a large part of the reasoning behind that is the antics
of Legado Del Fantasma.
So this is a big get right opportunity for Carlito.
Get your career back on track.
[Graves] Carlito wanted to take it high-risk.
Our official intervening for the moment.
Dropkick sends Escobar right here in front of our announce table.
Let me ask you this, Wade, as a veteran in your own right.
If you're Carlito, how do you get back on track?
[Wade] Simply more moves like that. Things going well for Carlito
and the LWO. Will it continue? We're about to find out.
Let's go! LWO!
[Graves] This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, and we are witnessing
one-on-one action between Carlito of the LWO and Santos Escobar,
the leader of Legado Del Fantasma.
Wade, no shortage of bad blood between these two.
[Wade] Not at all. And you know what?
Straight out of the blocks, Carlito came in hot.
Santos Escobar was under the cosh, but Santos Escobar has
the deepest bag of tricks in the locker room,
and Carlito is now finding that out first hand.
Just when you think you've got The Emperor of Lucha Libre
figured out, you realize you're hunting around in the wrong bag.
[Graves] Gigantic enzuigiri has Carlito rocked on the top turnbuckle.
Escobar joining him.
Hurricanrana from the ropes.
[Wade] Escobar just a man who can literally do it all in the ring.
[Graves] Hooks the leg, shoulders down,
and Carlito stays alive.
[Wade] This is frustration now on the face of Escobar.
And this is where he starts running through the gears
and really starts torturing his opponents.
[grunting]
[Graves] Torturing is a great way to describe it.
Carlito in agony right now.
Armbar applied, as Zelina Vega does her best to rally
the WWE Universe here in Pittsburgh, behind Carlito.
You see the concern on the face of Zelina,
but here comes Carlito.
Big clothesline takes down Escobar, and another.
Carlito doing his best to build some steam.
[Wade] Trying to get himself back to that championship level he's known for.
[Graves] Big running knee lift and another clothesline.
Carlito saying this one is over, hooks the leg,
and Escobar does not relent just yet.
[Wade] Carlito now completely with the wind in his sails,
and we're finding out about the durability of The Emperor of Lucha Libre.
[Graves] Well, you talked about Carlito being frustrated recently.
Potentially.
I don't know the last time I saw Carlito climb to the top
turnbuckle for any reason of his own volition.
[Wade] Something you see often. Someone else is frustrated.
Zelina Vega. That's where the antics of Elektra Lopez.
[Graves] Zelina and Elektra have been at one another's throats
for quite some time. And look at the power of Lopez.
[Wade] La Madrina.
[Graves] Swung Zelina Vega
like Oneil Cruz swings a baseball bat here in Pittsburgh.
Oh my God, Escobar went low.
The official was preoccupied with the ladies on the outside,
shoulder first into the ring post.
[Wade] Little glimpse into that bag of tricks we mentioned earlier.
This is what makes Escobar so good.
Phantom Driver. Good night.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner,
Santos Escobar!
[Graves] Seems as though Carlito and the LWO will have to wait
another day to avenge Dragon Lee.
[Wade] They'll need to wait for another opponent too.
It wasn't Santos Escobar.
[Graves] Escobar delivering the Phantom Driver and a decisive victory
over Carlito tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Big win for all of Legado Del Fantasma.
I'd like to take this moment to send it up to our luxury boxes,
where our own Kayla Braxton is standing by with some
very special guests.
Thanks, Corey.
I'm way up here with Damage CTRL and former
WWE Women's Champion, Iyo Sky.
And, Iyo, what made you and Damage CTRL
want to get a special view of this match?
Former?
Former, Kayla?
Are you trying to be disrespectful?
Okay. Iyo will take her title back
when she's good and ready.
Tonight we're just here to watch two people we can't stand
tear each other apart.
But do I need to remind you
and everyone here that Damage CTRL is still the most
dominant force in WWE?
Kabuki Warriors are still
your WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
and that is not going to change--
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[Graves] Hold on.
The storm is here in Pittsburgh.
Jade Cargill and "The EST," Bianca Belair.
[Wade] Storm is a little too close for comfort for Damage CTRL.
-Why are you here? -[indistinct argument]
[Graves] We better get some security up there ASAP.
This thing could pop off at any moment.
["Glow" playing]
It is main event time.
It has been over two years
since Naomi has had the opportunity to challenge
for a championship in WWE.
Can Naomi make history or will Bayley feel the glow
tonight on SmackDown?
Coming up next in tonight's main event, sponsored by eBay Motors.
After winning the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania,
Bayley will make her first title defense against longtime friend
and former champion Naomi. It is live.
And it is next on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] Another Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, another sold-out arena.
Tonight, the PPG Paints Arena
in Pittsburgh, PA, 14,994 members
of the WWE Universe showed up and showed out.
And, Bad News, it is almost main event time.
But thank you, Pittsburgh. You brought it.
I'm going to take you for Annie's after this,
and I'll show you what being in Pittsburgh is all about.
[Wade] Sounds like a great idea to me, Corey. I'm in.
[Graves] Well, earlier tonight,
we had a matchup to decide who would be the Number One Contender
for "The American Nightmare,"
Cody Rhodes' newly won WWE Championship.
[Wade] It was a thumb to the eye from AJ Styles, followed by this,
a Phenomenal Forearm that put The Megastar
down for the count, guaranteeing AJ an opportunity at Cody Rhodes'
WWE Championship.
And speaking of Cody Rhodes, he sent us this message from the UK tour.
[Rome] "The Phenomenal" A…
[crowd cheering]
What is the task?
Run up the score. Leave no doubt, right?
Formally, the task was win the big bell in the big place.
We've done that.
Now it's a whole new frontier for us.
It's undiscovered country.
There's this old expression in the wrestling game.
"The title can make the man
or the man makes the title."
What will it be for me?
I'm in London tonight. 16,410 people at the O2,
Belfast tomorrow night.
I'm keeping my promise on bringing the WWE Championship
all around the world to every corner of the earth.
It's the only way I know how to do it.
Back home, AJ Styles has emerged
as the Number One Contender for the Undisputed Championship.
Two Georgia boys duking it out in the heart of France
for the first time ever at that.
AJ Styles has an unprecedented
reputation in the wrestling game.
He is the modern excellence of execution.
AJ Styles rarely misses.
Well, I don't miss either.
Lyon, France. Backlash.
I look forward to it.
[Graves] Well, Backlash is two weeks from tomorrow, but next week,
right here on Friday Night SmackDown, we make it official
for the first time ever, one-on-one in Lyon, France.
The WWE Championship will be on the line as Cody defends
against AJ Styles.
We sign on the dotted line next week.
[Wade] Well, I cannot wait for this because starting next week,
right here on SmackDown, it is night one of the
two-night extravaganza that is the 2024 WWE draft.
Everything changes.
It begins next week right here on SmackDown.
That's night one. Night two will be the following Raw.
Three days later.
[Graves] It is main event time.
The challenger Naomi already in the ring.
["Role Model" playing]
♪ Role model ♪
[Graves] Bayley eagerly anticipating tonight's matchup.
Last week, offering the opportunity to Naomi,
who had to defeat Tiffany Stratton in one-on-one competition
to earn this opportunity.
Will Bayley still be WWE Women's Champion
when we roll into Cincinnati, Ohio next week?
That remains to be seen, but Bayley is fired up.
The WWE Universe tonight in Pittsburgh
fired up to witness the first defense of this new reign
for The Role Model.
[Wade] Yeah, these two are really, really good friends.
And sometimes that does not go well for Superstars.
It's easy to fight someone you can't stand,
you can't tolerate, talking to people who can't tolerate one another.
There's six women who certainly have no love lost between them.
But the ladies in the ring, they've got to drop the nice girl act
and get ready to throw hell for leather.
-[bell rings] -[Rome] The following contest,
scheduled for one fall,
is for the WWE
Women's Championship!
Introducing the challenger from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi!
[crowd cheering]
And her opponent from San Jose, California.
She is the WWE Women's Champion,
Bayley!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] We are moments away from Bayley's first defense
of her WWE Women's Championship she captured at WrestleMania,
defeating Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL.
[Wade] Bayley is that woman in the locker room, has often been seen
-as the mother hen to the group. -[bell rings]
[Graves] But tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
[Wade] Now leading the division from the very front.
But that might change in the matter of the next
15 or 20 minutes should Naomi gain victory here.
[Graves] The last time Bayley and Naomi collided was actually in
Saudi Arabia in February of 2020.
Both have certainly evolved as competitors, as human beings.
Shoulders down. Naomi looking to steal one early.
And Bayley told me earlier, she's got a great deal of respect
for Naomi because Naomi was one of the girls who helped teach her the etiquette
upon transitioning from NXT to Raw and SmackDown.
Naomi really looked out for Bayley, and Bayley has never forgotten that.
Shoulders down.
[Wade] Yeah, well, you need to throw that to one side immediately.
Forget all that.
Remember that person in the ring is trying to take
your championship away from you.
This is a dog-eat-dog world and the faster you accept that,
in this kind of manner--
[Graves] Shoulders down.
[Wade] …the better.
[Graves] If you're Naomi, you're the challenger in this situation.
What are you looking to do to someone as decorated
and dominant as Bayley has been in her career?
[Wade] It's never easy when
you're taking on someone as good as Bayley.
Here's what Naomi has to be hoping in part.
Bayley effectively had to climb Mount Everest
to win that championship, take on the entirety of Damage CTRL.
Former friends, former mentees.
Goes to WrestleMania, win the big one.
You almost get something of a hangover after winning there.
Like the big victory has now happened, and if you can't
hit top gear in your first defense, it's going to be a really short reign.
[Graves] Conversely, if you're Bayley, how do you
avoid a WrestleMania hangover defending your championship for the first time?
[Wade] You've got to remember what took you to the dance
and what made you win the big one in the first place.
-You are-- -[Graves] Inside cradle by Naomi.
[Wade] You are two weeks removed from being game ready.
Perhaps the greatest moment, the greatest performance of your career.
[Graves] Magistral cradle. Shoulders down.
[Wade] And you've got to hope that Naomi simply is not up to speed
to compete at that level.
[Graves] Jackknife pin by Naomi. Bayley, able to force the challenger off now.
Reverse, shoulders down for Naomi.
Double crossbody.
Tough to tell who got the worst of that exchange.
[Wade] And I'll tell you this, I think it behooves the challenger
to forget all these niceties.
Forget all.
Hold for hold, just punch the champ square in the mouth.
Shock her. Get the first one in.
[Graves] And both women with the same idea looking for crossbodies,
likely driving the wind out of one another.
Drop kick by Naomi.
Unique Bulldog taking the champion down. Cover.
[referee] One, two--
Bayley escapes out the back door.
[Wade] I'll tell you this about Naomi. I went through
Florida Championship Wrestling with her back in 2009.
It has been incredible to see her grow--
[Graves] Oh, Rear View!
-That may do it. -[referee ] One, two--
[Wade] Grow from this shy woman to a woman who just
dominates the spotlight, which is what she's doing now.
Can she win the gold?
[Graves] The WWE Women's Championship is on the line
as champion Bayley defends against challenger Naomi,
and Naomi connecting with a Jawbreaker.
Has the champion rocked in the corner.
[Wade] And this might be a part of that hangover
we mentioned earlier after WrestleMania,
because it really has been the challenger who has had the
upper hand for the majority of this matchup.
[Graves] Naomi, driving the champion again, face-first into the turnbuckle.
The challenger growing increasingly comfortable
as the match progresses.
Now perched on the top turnbuckle.
Crossbody finds the mark, hooks the leg.
New champion? No.
[Wade] As we saw at WrestleMania, Bayley knows all about swimming
in those deep waters.
[Graves] Crossbody right on the money from Naomi.
But the resilience of the champion on display.
[Wade] You do feel like Naomi has to pull out something very special
tonight to dethrone Bayley.
[Graves] You see Bayley's former running mates in the near side of your screen.
Damage CTRL.
And of course, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair in the other box.
The two women who teamed with Naomi to earn a victory
at WrestleMania over Damage CTRL.
[Wade] Damage CTRL hoping both women lose this one, Corey.
[Graves] Belly to back suplex by Bayley looking for the cover,
hooks both legs, stacks Naomi.
And Naomi keeps her championship dreams alive.
What a night it has been thus far.
We've got a new Number One Contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship
in AJ Styles.
We've got new Number One Contenders for the Tag Team Championships
in The Street Profits. Can Bayley successfully defend
her WWE Women's Championship? Perched now on the top.
Here comes the champion.
Knees up by Naomi.
[Wade] You know what they say, it is not a real championship reign
until you have successfully defended that title at least once.
[Graves] It's obvious Naomi has done her homework.
These two are certainly no strangers to one another.
Friends more often than not, it backfired on the champion, Bayley,
in that instance. High kick by Naomi.
Facebuster. That could do it.
-Naomi scrambling for the cover. -[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Wade] Naomi giving it everything she's got.
But thus far, simply not enough.
[Graves] There's a look at the WWE
Women's Championship and another look at the tremendous
athleticism possessed by the challenger, Naomi.
[Wade] Just freak ability when it comes to Naomi.
Often overlooked.
Often people forget just how good this woman is in-ring.
[Graves] Split-legged Moonsault, but Bayley got her own knees up.
[Wade] Just enough time to recover from Bayley was perhaps hurt
that knee in the process.
[Graves] Bayley, with a history of knee injuries,
can't afford to suffer one right now.
Not by any means, but the champion looking to
fight through the pain.
Jumping knee drops the challenger.
This could very well be Naomi's final opportunity.
Who knows what Raw and SmackDown will both look like
after the draft next week, Wade.
[Wade] Well, Bayley is moving on a busted wheel right now.
I don't know how smart going to the top rope is.
Whatever it takes.
[Graves] Long range, Bayley nails it.
Into the cover, deep hook of the leg, and the champion still can't
finish the job.
[Wade] Both women hurting bad now.
Superb connection on that top rope elbow.
Just about enough left in the tank of the challenger.
But for how much longer?
[Graves] Bayley fighting through the pain.
Not even considering relinquishing her championship yet.
Could end it here. Looking for the Rose Plant.
Naomi again able to thwart the attempt.
[Wade] And that's more like it. You simply have to accept
if you want the gold tonight, you have to hurt your friend badly.
[Graves] Unbelievable athleticism. Shoulders down.
-[referee] One, two-- -[Bayley screams]
And Naomi, seamlessly transitioning into a submission.
Bayley still several inches away from the bottom rope,
the champion desperate.
[Wade] Bayley's legs simply not long enough to get out of there
by a rope break.
-[Graves] Uh-oh. Shoulders down. -One, two--
Veteran move by Bayley,
allowing Naomi to utilize her own momentum.
[Wade] Both women with the same idea.
They're clocking one another to the jaw.
-Come on. You want this? -You want a piece of me?
Huh? Hit me!
[Graves] We got a good old fashioned showdown.
I'm the champ now--
[Graves] Both women dropping bombs mid-ring.
[Wade] Still going to be best buddies after this.
[Graves] This is about more than friendship.
This is about legacy. This is about history.
This is about the WWE Women's Championship.
[Wade] Well, the gloves are truly off now and it is Naomi
who's getting the better of it.
[Graves] Step-up knee sends the champion crashing out of the ring.
Champion's advantage dictates that Naomi has got to get
Bayley back inside.
Title only changes hands by pinfall or submission.
[Wade] It is now Naomi who's completely setting the pace in this one.
Although both women laid out at ringside.
Referee's count climbing rapidly.
[Graves] It's anyone's matchup at this point.
The WWE Women's Championship hanging in the balance.
Belly to belly under the desk!
[grunting]
[Wade] That was a nasty landing on our monitors for Naomi.
[Graves] Naomi in danger of being counted out.
-Tiffany Stratton! -[bell rings]
The Center of the Universe.
The woman who Naomi defeated last week to earn this opportunity.
Playing spoiler.
[Wade] Well, Tiffany Stratton believed last week
she should have been handed
that opportunity and obviously did not take losing well.
[Tiffany yells]
[Graves] The Center of the Universe, reminding Naomi and Bayley.
[Wade] Well, toodles for that championship defense.
Get over here.
[Graves] Stratton throwing both Bayley and Naomi back inside of the ring.
This is going to force a no contest decision…
[indistinct yelling]
…on the title matchup, which is unfortunate for Naomi.
What the hell does Tiffany Stratton think she's doing?
[Wade] This is a rookie who believes she is
owed everything by the world,
and if it won't give it to her, she's going to take it.
[Graves] Prettiest Moonsault Ever times two!
What did I say?
[Graves] It is indeed Tiffy Time.
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Graves] The EST and Jade Cargill…
not happy with tonight's proceedings.
I assure you, this will not sit well with Naomi or Bayley.
-[Wade] Just when things have… -[bell rings]
…broken down in the matchup, out of nowhere, like a flash,
arrives Tiffany Stratton.
Before we get this, I could watch this on a loop.
The Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
It's a lot more painful than it looks, however.
[Graves] The Center of the Universe has arrived tonight to play spoiler
in the WWE Women's Championship Match.
We'll see you next week.