[WWE signature intro playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[emotional music playing]
[Taylor] Please welcome the Phenomenal
AJ Styles.
[Styles] I got to tell you, over the past week,
I've been thinking about what Nick Aldis said.
Give me one more chance to be the Undisputed WWE Champion.
I need this.
That chance you're asking for,
that has to be earned.
And that takes time.
And I'm gonna be honest with you guys.
At this point in time in my career,
I just can't go to the back of the line.
I have been doing this for over two decades.
I've been busting my body
in these rings all over the world.
Blood. Sweat. Tears.
So that I could become Phenomenal…
But this past week, my son graduated high school.
[crowd cheering]
And I got to be there.
We had his graduation party at my house
and it was beautiful.
So many friends and family were there
and it was literally at that point,
clarity hit me upside the head.
How many of these have I missed?
So, instead of being the Phenomenal AJ Styles,
maybe I stay at home and be a Phenomenal father.
[crowd cheers]
Gallows, Anderson, I couldn't have done this without you.
You guys are better than friends. You are my brothers.
So, if we have to do this one last time, let's do it right.
[crowd cheers]
But before I go, Cody…
I asked if you didn't mind coming out here when I called you.
And if you don't mind, please.
I just wanted to look you in the eyes
and tell you I had one of the greatest matches
I've ever had at Backlash in Lyon, France.
[crowd cheering]
But just so you know, this is still the house…
[with crowd] …that AJ Styles built.
And I called you out here to hand you the keys.
[Rhodes] I could say a lot about the decision that you've made,
but what's more important is that I say this on behalf of myself,
on behalf of a locker room.
Thank you very much, AJ Styles.
[crowd cheers]
[triumphant music playing]
[crowd boos]
[music turns ominous]
[crowd exclaims]
[def rebel's "Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] Tonight, we come to you live
from the birthplace of WWE Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali.
But tonight, the American Nightmare
looks ready to rumble, young man, rumble!
From the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Taking It All" by Stevie Stone plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And, Wade, we are kicking off the evening
with a ceremony of the utmost importance.
[Wade] There's a nervous excitement in the air.
[Taylor] Accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer
"The Wiseman" Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga,
Tonga Loa, and Solo Sikoa,
The Bloodline!
[Wade] Because we are gathered here today to witness history being made.
For many people, the anointment of Tonga Loa
is this generation's moon landing, Corey Graves.
[Graves] I know one man who may disagree with you, Bad News,
that being The Wiseman.
You mentioned nervous energy.
I don't know about the energy part,
but Heyman has certainly been feeling the nerves as of late,
since the arrival of Tama Tonga
and Tonga Loa to The Bloodline.
[Wade] Well, if there's one feeling these two Tongans
can force upon anyone, it is that of nervousness.
And it has to be said,
The Wiseman has not once been asked his opinion
on anything since Solo Sikoa took over the running of The Bloodline.
[crowd boos]
[inaudible]
Ladies and gentlemen.
[crowd boos]
My name…
[with crowd] …is Paul Heyman.
And as The Wiseman to The Bloodline,
it is within my scope of services that at all times
I must set the record straight.
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
until Roman Reigns comes back…
[crowd clamoring]
…Solo sits at the Head
of the Table.
[crowd boos]
[crowd chants] We want Roman! We want Roman!
[chanting continues]
It is from that position
that tonight, Solo has once again
upped the ante in the name of family honor
and declared this a double proclamation.
I call to your collective attention
this man to my right,
already anointed by Solo
a fully-fledged member of The Bloodline.
[crowd boos]
But from this moment forward,
he will no longer be known
only as Tama Tonga.
From this moment forward,
he will be known as Tama Tonga,
"The Right Hand Man."
[crowd boos]
I also call your attention…
[stammers] …to the man on my left.
Ladies and gentlemen,
history in front of your very eyes right now--
[crowd clapping]
[crowd chants] We want Roman! We want Roman!
[inaudible]
Because from this moment on,
the story of The Bloodline will never be complete
if you don't include the fact
that a fully-fledged member
of The Bloodline stands before you right now
in the form
of "The Infamous" Tonga Loa.
[crowd boos]
So, with that, Louisville…
thank you and good night.
[crowd boos]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hold on, Wiseman.
Aren't you forgetting something?
Right Hand Man.
New member, "Infamous" Tonga Loa, thank you… No.
[crowd chants] Solo Sucks! Solo Sucks! Solo Sucks!
Shouldn't you be thanking these two
from saving you from Kevin Owens last week.
Shouldn't you thank them?
Y-Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Um…
Thank you for saving me
from Kevin Owens last week,
"Infamous" Tonga Loa.
Thank you for saving me from Kevin Owens last week,
Tama Tonga.
Thank you for saving me from Kevin Owens last week,
Tama Tonga,
"The Right Hand Man."
[crowd boos]
We could have let Kevin Owens kill you,
but we saved you by orders of The Tribal Chief.
Well, allow me to return the favor…
to our family.
Um, I got here very early today
to do what a Wiseman does doing Wiseman things.
And all I've been hearing
since the moment I arrived
is that Kevin Owens is looking
for a piece of any and every single member
of The Bloodline.
[crowd cheers]
-["Fight (Kevin Owens)" by CFO$ plays] -[Graves] Yeah.
The Wiseman tells no lies.
[Wade] What a shock, KO is here to ruin the Anointment Ceremony.
[Graves] Either that or KO has got a hell of a death wish.
The Bloodline, standing strong in the middle of the ring,
and The Prizefighter is making a beeline.
[Wade] You're out of your mind taking on The Bloodline on your own!
[Graves] Fight, Owens, fight!
But "The Infamous" Tonga Loa created some separation…
and the new Head of the Table and Kevin Owens teeing off on one another.
[Wade] And now, the beatdown ensues.
[Graves] The inevitable numbers game from The Bloodline.
[Wade] Only, KO knows this by now.
["Bring The Swag" by J-Frost plays]
[Graves] Hold the phone!
Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, The Street Profits.
What the smoke?
[Wade] Two men who have had their own issues
with The Bloodline of late.
[Graves] These two teams battled right here last week
on Friday Night SmackDown-- Owens has a chair!
[Wade] Well, that's the ultimate equalizer.
[Graves] Across the spine of Tonga Loa.
[Wade] What a brawl this has turned out to be.
Completely out of hand!
[Graves] "The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga,
it feels dirty to say out loud, Wade,
was just dispatched off by Owens and The Profits.
["Bring The Swag" by J-Frost plays]
[Graves] That's one way to spoil a Tribal Anointment.
[Wade] Promise you this, though, that did not put The Bloodline down for good.
There's hell to pay.
[Graves] Well, as we continue to march toward Glasgow, Scotland,
and Clash at the Castle,
The American Nightmare is standing guard
awaiting the arrival of "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
and Cody Rhodes is looking for a fight tonight.
[Wade] And here are our Women's Tag Champs Jade Cargill
and Bianca Belair looking great as always.
They're up next.
They take on the team of Candice LeRae
and Indi Hartwell right here on SmackDown.
Where are you going?
Where are you going? You trying to leave?
No, no.
You better make this a six-man tag tonight. Alright?
Those fools that jumped us against The Bloodline.
-Do you understand me? -Yes, sir.
If you don't get this job done,
the main event will happen in our locker room.
You versus Tama Tonga.
Do you hear me?
[stammers] I'll go talk to Nick Aldis right now.
I like the six-man a lot better.
[Sikoa] That's a wise choice, Wiseman.
[grating modem sounds]
[Graves] The Wiseman has his marching orders
per the new Head of the Table, Solo Sikoa.
-["A Storm Is Coming" by def rebel plays] -♪ A storm ♪
♪ Is coming ♪
[crowd cheering]
-["Watch Me Shine" by CFO$ plays] -♪ I'm on my own against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying, they hear me roar ♪
♪ And now I see that I'm way better than before ♪
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
The team of Jade Cargill
and Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Incredible ovation for the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
who, Wade, have learned a lot about what it means lately
to be the hunted.
[Wade] Yeah, let's go back to this past Monday on Raw,
Belair and Cargill put their tag titles on the line
against Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.
Just as Belair hit the KOD…
[bell rings]
…she was jumped by the Scottish duo
of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
Now, of course, Jade Cargill tried to come to the aid of Belair,
but she was thwarted by Baszler and Stark,
leaving the champs down,
surrounded by four women with designs on tag gold.
[Graves] Tonight's Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Wade, we are moments away
from a King and Queen of the Ring Rematch for the Tag Team Division.
["Back Together Again" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] And their opponents, the team of Indi Hartwell
and Candice LeRae.
[Graves] It was on the countdown to King and Queen of the Ring
where Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae had an opportunity
to challenge for the Tag Team Championship,
which led to this interaction earlier today with management.
You let Jade bully me into a match.
I didn't agree to that.
I was gone for one week,
one week nursing a very serious knee injury
and Jade and Bianca had the audacity to bully her.
-That two-on-one is not right. -You're absolutely right.
-I know. -Absolutely right.
And from what I understand, Candice, your knee's healed up quite well.
So, it's no longer you against Jade.
It's now you two against Jade and Bianca in a Tag Team Match.
-What? -Awesome. Good luck.
No, that's not-- that's not what we came here for.
That's not what we're here for.
[Graves] Well, it may not have been what Candice LeRae
arrived in Louisville for,
but this is the reality of the situation.
Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae
will battle Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill and, Wade, you'd have to imagine…
[bell rings]
…a strong showing if not a victory tonight,
could be in a future title opportunity
for Hartwell and LeRae.
[Wade] Well, that division in particular--
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute.
Before… right off of the opening bell,
the arrival of the Unholy Union, Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn.
And then on the other side of the ring, we've got Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.
It is getting crowded in a hurry.
[Wade] These two Scottish ladies at ringside
made their presence felt on Raw.
As things stand, politely watching the action with the rest--
[Graves] Oh, inside cradle by LeRae.
[Wade] You have to think that Belair and Cargill
will keep one eye on this duo at ringside.
[Graves] In your opinion, Wade, do you imagine that the EST
and Jade Cargill are feeling the heat yet of this Women's Tag Team Division?
[Wade] I don't know about those two. I'm feeling the heat as Scottish witches,
I'll say that quietly, are staring daggers at the pair of us.
But you're right. Here's the deal in WWE, if you have gold,
everybody else in the locker room wants it.
Belair already knows all about that.
For years she's had that problem.
Well, welcome to WWE, Jade Cargill.
[Graves] Tremendous athleticism into the moonsault by Belair.
Hook of the leg.
And Candice LeRae keeps this one alive.
Do you know Alba and Isla?
Do you having some sort of past European thing?
[Wade] A little history with Alba Fyre.
Got a lot of respect for both these two ladies,
it has to be said, stunning, uh, powerful,
great athletes, all that good stuff, Corey.
I'm not saying anything negative about these two.
[Graves] You're saving both of our hide at the moment right now--
[Wade] Probably the two greatest athletes in WWE.
[Graves] Wait a minute.
Look at this fantastic double-team offense by LeRae and Hartwell into the splash.
I would have gone for a cover.
This one might be over had they. Tag Team action continues.
It's a terrible time to pose, Wade.
This is Tag Team action in the Women's Division as the champions.
Cargill and Belair battle Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell,
and as you can see at ringside,
it is getting crowded in a hurry with potential contenders
who want to be champion.
[Wade] Keep your heads on swivels if you are the tag champs right now.
Danger at every turn, including this woman.
[Graves] Indi Hartwell able to intercept Bianca Belair.
Cargill has been a non-factor in this one to this point.
[Wade] Well, how smart is that?
[Graves] It's a brilliant strategy by LeRae and Hartwell.
[Wade] Keep such a massive physical threat out of the ring
for as long as you possibly can.
[Graves] Jade reaching for Bianca.
Great balance, and a tag is made and the storm is coming.
Jade Cargill, like she was shot out of a cannon,
taking out everything that moves.
[Wade] Just mowing through her opponents. Indi Hartwell big powerful girl herself,
but no match for Jade Cargill.
[Graves] Cargill just making it look easy.
Big splash in the turnbuckle.
[Wade] Da Vinci diagram come to life.
[Graves] Look at this overhead press! Takes out Hartwell.
[Wade] The more I see of Jade Cargill, the more impressive it gets.
[Graves] Superkick, cover by Jade.
[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Graves] And Candice LeRae preserves this matchup for her team.
[Wade] All of her 20 years' experience on that time in there,
'cause this one was over.
[Graves] Belair turns the tides, LeRae spills out to the floor
at the feet of the Unholy Union.
Chest-first into the top turnbuckle goes Indi Hartwell.
Double-team.
[Wade] Wow.
[Graves] That's gotta do it.
Cover by Jade…
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -And a win for the champions.
["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
[Taylor] Here are your winners, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Cargill and Belair essentially saying
to the entire Women's Tag Team Division, you want to challenge us,
you want to step up, take the best seats in the house
and watch what we do.
But wait a minute, from behind--
[Wade] A huge mistake by Belair and Cargill.
Never turn your backs on four women like this.
[Graves] Baszler and Stark, Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre laying waste
to the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Cargill and Belair.
[Wade] Yeah, this is a worn-out Women's Tag Champs
just fresh from competing, getting double-teamed.
[Graves] Belair just launched into the barricade.
[Wade] Ping ponged around the ringside area
and this is what it's all about, Corey.
[Graves] Shayna Baszler knows exactly how it feels to hold that gold.
And certainly at the top of the list for Fyre and Dawn.
Uh-oh! It's breaking down between potential contenders.
You got to love to see this, Wade, this means a healthy Tag Team Division.
And Cargill took Baszler's head off.
[Wade] We got a bunch of body wreckers in the ring now vying for supremacy.
[Graves] Uh-oh. Dawn and Fyre.
Not where they want to be!
K.O.D and Jaded.
["Watch Me Shine" by CFO$ plays]
[Wade] The tag champs may go down, but they don't stay down for long.
[Graves] Cargill and Belair saying, "You want it, come and take it."
["Watch Me Shine" continues playing]
♪ I never needed you at all Think I'd fall down ♪
♪ I'ma watch you fall down ♪
♪ I'm living large now ♪
♪ I never needed you at all… ♪
[crowd cheers]
[grunting]
Look, I know how you feel.
I got played by AJ too.
Okay, Cody, listen to me.
It's not in the company's best interest for you two to be fighting
here in the loading dock, okay?
Somebody could get seriously hurt.
Somebody's gonna get hurt, Nick, it's not me.
It's not me.
Look, Cody, I just can't have you out here--
Hey, hey, all respect in the world.
You should understand this more than anybody.
You got to step outside this.
This is between myself and AJ Styles.
[Graves] Aldis, there is a time and a place for diplomacy,
and that time and place is absolutely not now,
after what happened last week.
["It's Our Moment" by def rebel plays] ♪ D-I-Y! ♪
[Graves] Speaking of last week, here's a pair of gentlemen
who took a big step in the Tag Team Division.
[Taylor] Introducing first,
accompanied by Tommaso Ciampa, from Cleveland, Ohio,
weighing in at 199 pounds representing DIY,
Johnny Gargano!
[Graves] DIY certainly have their sights set on the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
Last week, Ciampa picked up a victory over Austin Theory,
controversial as it may have been,
and now it's Johnny Wrestling's turn to try his hand as Johnny Gargano
goes one-on-one with Grayson Waller
of A-Town Down Under, one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions.
Wade, can the challengers keep the momentum rolling?
[Wade] Well, if they do, they've got to earn themselves
a championship match.
We will find out, coming up next.
♪ Nobody's gonna save you You gotta do it yourself ♪
[Wade] Breaking news. Solo Sikoa asked,
and The Wiseman has wisely delivered.
KO and The Street Profits will go to war with The Bloodline
in six-man tag action later tonight right here on SmackDown
in our main event.
But before all that, let's now head over
to our backstage correspondent Sarah Schreiber.
Thank you, Wade.
Exciting main event scheduled for tonight and exciting moment for me right now
standing by with Apollo Crews.
Apollo, you had your return to SmackDown last week.
Unfortunately, getting a loss to Andrade.
What can we expect from you tonight in your match against Angel?
Well, I'll tell you this.
Tonight, Angel Garza is gonna find out from--
[yelling]
[Graves] Angel and Berto of Legado Del Fantasma!
Big match tonight.
[yelling]
[referee] What are you doing?
-Are you all right, man? -Hey, we need medics in here.
We got to get him up. Get him up. We're gonna get you out of here.
-Let's go, buddy. Come on. -Down the hall. Let's go.
Easy, easy, easy. Take it easy, take it easy.
Lean on me, it's fine. Got it, got it.
-Medical. -Easy, easy.
Jeez.
Where is he?
[crowd cheers]
I've got a lot going on tonight.
In case you hadn't just noticed, I just lost a match for tonight.
I don't care about any of that. Where is he?
He's not here.
You're telling me Logan Paul isn't here again?
He's not at SmackDown. What can he be doing tonight?
That's what he's doing.
He's playing Tetris.
Logan Paul is playing Tetris. You know, I'm really good at Tetris.
He could have come right here and played Tetris with me.
You know, if you hit the buttons enough times,
I'm really good at fitting things in there.
My foot just right, and it goes right up his ass.
Still talking, talking, talking.
Doing all this talking about a guy who's not even here.
But let's talk about somebody who is here,
or let's talk about the fact
that I've been cooking you the last three weeks.
I've been getting him too.
So, you know what? He brought up a good point.
He said that, uh, he had been talking a lot.
You mentioned something about an opening for a match, right?
-Yeah. -Oh man.
I just-- what could we do about that?
I think I see two guys here who maybe could just fit that…
I think we could go ahead and fill that opening, couldn't we?
I'm picking up what you're putting down.
Carmelo Hayes, LA Knight, one-on-one tonight.
How about that?
Yo, that's exactly what I wanted.
[crowd cheering]
Sounds like… he's got a lot to learn.
Yeah.
[crowd] Yeah!
[upbeat rock music playing]
[Graves] Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored in part by Prime Hydration.
Hydrate with Prime X. Gather codes.
Complete your treasure map on drinkprime.com
and you might just claim $1 million.
Drink Prime.
We're ready for one-on-one action in the Tag Team Division
as Johnny Gargano prepares to battle this man.
["Eye On The Prize" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] And his opponent, accompanied by Austin Theory.
He is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Grayson Waller.
[Graves] We mentioned before the break, Wade, last week here on SmackDown,
Austin Theory came up short in a matchup against Tommaso Ciampa,
and what really caught my attention was what went down at the end of the match
where, if I remember correctly,
Grayson Waller essentially took credit for Austin Theory's success.
Did you hear it the same way?
[Wade] Yeah, I did, and that was essentially
what distracted Austin Theory, costing him the victory
and Waller inadvertently costing his man a chance at beating Tommaso Ciampa.
And that wouldn't sit well with me.
But here's the thing.
When you've got a tag partner, when you travel the world together,
when you compete together, sometimes you have little squabbles,
you have a little falling-out in the heat of the moment.
I've been assured by Waller and Theory
everything's smoothed over.
-So let's not dig too deeply… -[bell rings]
…into any previous issues
that may have temporarily occurred with the Tag Champs.
[Graves] Off of the opening bell, Gargano out of Waller's attempt at a clothesline,
and Johnny Wrestling was teeing off.
But that right by the Aussie Icon just changed the tides.
[Wade] Well, that's as good as it gets from Grayson Waller,
a former champion amateur boxer.
The man has lead fists, that's for sure.
[Graves] Take a look at the Mechanical Marvel Johnny Gargano
with a kick right on the ear.
Gargano possesses nothing short of an encyclopedic knowledge
of in-ring maneuvers, counters.
[Wade] No doubt about it. The man is an absolute wizard in the ring.
The most impressive thing about Johnny Gargano for me, though,
is the man's engine.
One of the greatest engines in the history of this industry,
and he's enjoying himself a little much right now.
But he's a man who simply never fatigues in that ring,
unlike Grayson Waller, who looks exhausted.
[Graves] Well, Grayson Waller knows all too well
what it means to be in the ring with Johnny Gargano.
A long history between these two gentlemen
dating all the way back to their time in NXT, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, and once upon a time, Grayson Waller attacked Johnny Gargano
at his own house in front of his baby.
So, yeah, some real bad blood between these two.
[Graves] Great counter by the Aussie
and now Waller looking to pick apart Johnny Gargano.
Great counter by Johnny into the hurricanrana.
[Wade] Not the kind of guy you can write off easily.
That is the Johnny Gargano approach,
but always coming up with something dastardly is the Aussie Icon himself.
[Graves] Oh, it was countered out of midair by Gargano.
[Wade] It was a rare footwork error there from Grayson Waller,
allowed Gargano back into things.
[Graves] Here comes Grayson.
Gargano evades again,
-connects with an elbow and… -[Wade] Ooh!
[Graves] Sliced bread!
But I think Johnny might have gotten it just as bad.
[Wade] That's how you kill yourself, Johnny Gargano.
See if these guys can get back into this one.
This match continues here on SmackDown.
-Ooh! -[Graves] Yikes!
One half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Grayson Waller in complete control of this singles matchup
against Johnny Gargano of DIY.
Wade, what does Johnny have to do to find his way out of this hold?
[Wade] Well, keep kicking him in the jaw like that.
But this is why Grayson Waller is so good.
It's that rare athleticism that he holds.
He can really do it all in the ring.
[Graves] It's been a smart strategy to this point,
Waller focusing his attack on the small of Gargano's back,
but Johnny Wrestling with his endless supply of heart
and intestinal fortitude staying in this one.
-Oh! -[Wade] Grit and drive.
And now perhaps the tables have turned on Grayson Waller.
[Graves] Oh, that step-up enzuigiri certainly rocked the Aussie Icon
and Johnny Wrestling starting to roll.
[Wade] DIY have made it abundantly clear they want an opportunity at the tag gold.
[Graves] The spear connects, Gargano with a cover, hook of the leg.
[Wade] You want a title opportunity in this game,
you've got to build up a body of evidence to support it.
Ciampa beat Theory last week. That's halfway there.
-Gargano pulls out a victory here tonight. -[crowd clapping]
For my money, they've earned their title opportunity.
[Graves] The lower back presenting a problem
for Gargano as he attempted a suplex on Waller
and look at the strength of Grayson Waller,
Johnny trying to fight out of harm's way.
Good God! What a belly to back suplex from way up high.
[referee] That's it. Put him down.
[Graves] Hook of the leg. Stacked Gargano. Wow.
Take a look at this unique offense from Waller.
[Wade] Well, he might be about as unpopular as the new Miss Alabama,
but you cannot take anything away from Grayson Waller.
He really has the chops in that ring, almost putting away Johnny Gargano.
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Could Grayson Waller will be making a mistake here, Wade?
[Wade] This is just part of his arsenal.
Get inside the head of opponents.
Yeah, he's cocky, but man, is he good.
But you're right. Open up a window to Johnny Gargano,
you may well regret it.
But a slugfest, I'd back Waller every time.
[Graves] Waller wisely going to the body of Johnny.
Oh, right under the chin.
[Wade] Simply never beaten when it comes to reflexes.
[Graves] Oh-ho-ho!
[Wade] Right on the point of the jaw.
How Johnny Gargano stayed up is beyond me.
[Graves] I think that was a Tiger Knee. Would have made Sagat blush.
Look at this. Up and over goes Gargano.
No. Waller puts on the brakes.
Holy crap!
[Wade] I don't know what you call that, Corey!
[Graves] That was sort of modification on the destroyer by the Mechanical Marvel.
And Waller has got to be thanking his lucky stars
he was as close to the bottom rope as he was.
[Wade] Partly momentum took him there, partly championship instincts.
Whatever it was,
somehow Grayson Waller staying alive after what was surely--
[Graves] Yeah. Keep your eyes on Johnny.
Theory goes down!
[Wade] Well, he got pulled in the way by Grayson Waller.
No way to treat your tag partner.
[Graves] Gargano face-first off the ring post.
[Wade] Theory's barely moved ever since.
[Graves] I think you're right, Wade.
But right now we've got to pay attention to the obvious.
Waller in control. That's gonna do it.
[Wade] Flipping Unprettier.
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Eye On The Prize" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Grayson Waller!
[Graves] What a wild matchup,
but the W belongs to Grayson Waller.
Take a look at this, Wade. I don't even know how to describe that.
It was a destroyer of some sort.
Pick a continent, pick a country.
Theory was obviously concerned, but you're right.
Grayson Waller intentionally or perhaps otherwise pulling Theory into harm's way.
But it opened the door for Waller to do what he needed to do to pick up a win.
[Wade] Well, if last week's issues between the Tag Champs were smoothed over,
they now feel like sandpaper once again.
And Grayson Waller hasn't even paid a single look over at his tag partner,
who was laid out because of his own behavior.
[Graves] I don't know if I like this.
[crowd cheering]
Really?
Cody, I just got off the phone with AJ Styles.
He let me know he's pulling in. He's gonna be here any second.
This is just a precaution. Nothing's getting out of hand.
Just relax.
Everybody just relax.
[dramatic music playing]
They say a fight is coming to Scotland.
And it's not your average scrap.
[Triple H] Drew McIntyre versus Damian Priest
for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
live from Glasgow, Scotland.
You know where to find me.
[announcer] Scan the QR code now for tickets to the epic Clash at the Castle.
[def rebel's "Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] Friday Night SmackDown comes to you
from beautiful Louisville, Kentucky, on the Bourbon Trail.
What a night it has been and we have got a lot more to look forward to, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, there will be blood.
That is at least if The Bloodline have their way.
Six-man Tag still to come tonight as Solo Sikoa,
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa take on KO and The Street Profits
in tonight's main event right here on SmackDown.
Okay, think about everything, think about being professional.
Okay? I know that you've got a lot going on, and he played me too.
But that's not-- This isn't the way we do things.
Just think about this.
Hey, hey, hey, hey… Get in front, get in front.
What are you gonna do, huh?
[overlapping chatter]
Nah! Nah! [chuckles]
[grunting]
[Graves] They say discretion is the better part of valor.
But, Wade, it looks like Cody is headed our way.
[Wade] Cody Rhodes is the most professional man in this entire industry
while professionalism goes out of the window
after last week's sickening attack by AJ Styles.
[Graves] I've known Cody a long time. You have as well.
Have you ever seen the American Nightmare this irate?
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[Wade] The people are on their feet.
[Graves] Rhodes is marching with purpose.
The Undisputed WWE Champion is in the house.
[Wade] This is a problem that's not gonna go away.
AJ Styles, get your ass to this ring right now!
[crowd cheers]
[Rhodes] We don't need security, AJ, let's do this here and now!
[crowd cheering]
Come on, AJ, come on.
["You Don't Want None" by Stevie Stone plays]
[Graves] Is the champion gonna get his wish?
AJ Styles, Karl Anderson,
and Luke Gallows, The O.C.
And here comes a slew of security.
We know Nick Aldis has had his hands full all evening.
[inaudible]
[Styles] Cody.
You think I care what you want?
Do you think I care what you want?
[crowd boos]
[inaudible]
What you want is irrelevant to me.
Look at you. You want to fight so bad.
You want to fight me so bad.
Oh, I tell you what, Cody.
Give me what I want.
[crowd chants] AJ sucks! AJ sucks! AJ sucks!
I want the WWE Championship
at Clash at the Castle.
That's what I want.
You don't want to fight now.
You want to fight at Clash At The Castle. Is that what you're saying?
That's what I want.
You want a shot at the WWE Championship?
[Styles] That's what I want.
100%, you got it.
[Wade] Ooh!
But, AJ! AJ, look at me.
This isn't just any regular match. I'm not just gonna beat you.
I am going to make you say what you should have said last week.
And that is, "I quit."
[crowd cheers]
[inaudible]
[Graves] Well done, Mr. Aldis!
[Graves] What a masterstroke by AJ Styles
from the back of the line to the front of the line in a heartbeat.
[Graves] But Cody doesn't want to wait! We're getting fireworks tonight!
The American Nightmare bringing the fight to the security!
[Wade] Throw all you want right now.
You've got to wait just over a week till Clash at the Castle, Cody.
[Graves] Rhodes running on emotion right now.
Trying to get his hands on Styles.
[Wade] Rarely in a three-on-one situation
do you think the security guards are benefiting the three,
but in this case, that might well be the stance.
[crowd chants] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[Graves] Styles wanted an opportunity to become champion.
Rhodes said, "Let's do it in an I Quit Match."
And Styles now taking advantage of the situation.
[Wade] What a cheap shot.
Styles had already got what he wanted!
Completely unnecessary!
[Graves] Styles may have got the match that he wanted,
but AJ Styles wants the Undisputed WWE Championship
more than the breath in his own lungs.
Emotions have been running high all night on SmackDown.
Moments ago, they exploded.
You don't want to fight now.
You want to fight at Clash at the Castle. Is that what you're saying?
That's what I want.
You want a shot at the WWE Championship.
[Styles] That's what I want.
100%, you got it.
But, AJ! AJ, look at me.
This isn't just any regular match. I'm not just gonna beat you.
I am going to make you say what you should have said last week.
And that is, "I quit."
[Graves] Moments later, Nick Aldis would approve the matchup,
but the action continued.
[Wade] This was a Cody Rhodes incandescent with rage
over his treatment over the past week,
and just when he was pinned down by security,
the ultimate cheap shot from the challenger, AJ Styles.
[Graves] As we mentioned, Nick Aldis approved it.
It is official at Clash at the Castle.
The Undisputed WWE Championship
is up for grabs as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
defends against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in an "I Quit" Match.
[crowd cheers]
Bianca, Jade, I know you just met with general manager Nick Aldis.
Can you give us some insight into how that conversation went?
Well, you know, we were having a very long conversation with Nick
because ever since both tag teams have been coming at us,
we've been wondering what is gonna be our match at Clash of the Castle, so…
We agreed that we're gonna make a Tag Team Triple Threat
at Clash at the Castle.
Well, you heard it here, so it's gonna be Bianca Belair,
Jade Cargill versus Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark
and Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn at Clash at the Castle.
I mean, we're so good,
I guess it's going to take two teams to try to take us down.
I guess so.
Who gon' whoop us? Who gonna stop us?
Who wants the smoke?
Easy.
Well, Jade, Bianca. Good luck at Clash at the Castle.
Wade, Corey, back to you at ringside.
[Graves] That's one way to become fighting champions.
Want to send a shout out and say hello to our good friends from UFC.
The TKO takeover continues this weekend in Louisville.
UFC will be in this very building tomorrow night.
Our man Paul Felder, one of my favorite fighters/announcers.
Wade, I'd like to pay to see you and Felder go at it.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Wade] You know what, a young me maybe.
I'm focusing on my journalism these days, Corey.
[Graves] Don't beat yourself up.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Los Angeles California,
weighing in at 240 pounds.
LA Knight!
[crowd yells] Yeah!
[Wade] Yeah, Corey, yeah!
No?
-[Graves] Have a great time. -[Wade chuckles] Left on my own.
I know you're a fan.
[Graves] There's about 11,000-plus screaming "Yeah!" with you.
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Graves] SmackDown is sponsored in part by C4 Energy.
The official energy drink of WWE, available anywhere energy is sold.
Shop the newest flavor, Nectarine Guava Knockout,
exclusively at Circle K.
And this is a matchup that was made earlier in the night
by Nick Aldis in lieu of the scheduled Angel Garza versus Apollo Crews matchup
as Crews was attacked backstage.
["Melo Don't Miss" by def rebel plays]
[Wade] Nick Aldis is earning his money tonight, isn't he?
[Graves] No doubt about it.
[Taylor] And his opponent from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Graves] Wade, I want to get your assessment of Carmelo Hayes
since being drafted to Friday Night SmackDown,
this is a guy who certainly hasn't made many friends
with his brash demeanor,
but you can't deny what Carmelo Hayes does in the ring.
[Wade] Well, Carmelo Hayes, normally you have a little nerves
when you move from NXT to Raw or SmackDown.
None of that with Carmelo Hayes. Took Randy Orton to his limits,
took Cody Rhodes to his limits.
Walks around like he already owns the place.
He's barely been here two months.
Wow. Love everything I've seen from Carmelo Hayes.
[Graves] Well, you've been here in WWE for quite some time, Wade.
What does it feel like if you're LA Knight,
an established Superstar on the roster,
and you've got this young gun trying to make a name at your expense,
what's going through LA Knight's head right now?
[Wade] It probably feels pretty good.
[bell rings]
There's a reason Carmelo Hayes has targeted The Megastar.
That is because there is a hoopla
that surrounds The Megastar everywhere he goes.
That's what Carmelo Hayes wants for himself.
That's why he's targeting LA Knight.
[Graves] Yeah! I can do it.
[Wade] Yes. Boom. I knew I'd get you in the end.
[Graves] Could this be the case of Carmelo Hayes
recognizing that LA Knight is preoccupied with Logan Paul,
who is not here tonight at SmackDown,
he's competing in a Tetris tournament this weekend.
[Wade] Well, yeah, I mean, it can certainly be the case
that you can have too many irons in the fire at one time here in WWE.
And this-- Wow, all over The Megastar like a rash,
simply unable to get out of the blocks.
[Graves] Smart strategy by Hayes
bringing the fight to The Megastar off the opening bell.
But here comes LA Knight.
And Hayes targeting the knee of The Megastar.
Oh man!
LA Knight shot out of the corner with a thunderous clothesline
to Hayes and Carmelo, catlike agility on display.
[Wade] LA Knight certainly has a size advantage in this one,
and he's using it to full effect now.
Now a little too close for comfort.
[Graves] We got the best seats in the house,
Bad News, and Carmelo Hayes being dribbled
like a Spalding basketball off the cowl of our desk.
[Wade] Feels like the worst seats in the house right now,
Corey, this is way too close for comfort.
Yeah, go back in the ring.
[Graves] Hayes being opportunistic,
realizing what was available and taking it.
Driving Knight kidney-first into the ring apron.
Oh, wait a minute.
LA Knight put the brakes on.
Oh, here comes Hayes.
Whoa! Goodness!
Carmelo Hayes back-dropped onto our desk.
And The Megastar bringing the fight to him.
Whose game is it?
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
as "The Megastar" LA Knight goes one-on-one with him,
Carmelo Hayes, a new draft pick to Friday Night SmackDown.
It has been all LA Knight throughout the break, Wade.
Oh, but Hayes turns the tides, into the cover.
[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Wade] Leaping like a cheetah at The Megastar.
This is the incredible athleticism of Carmelo Hayes,
something that took him to championship after championship in NXT
and will in time do the same here on SmackDown.
Of that, I have no doubt.
[Graves] Melo could be lining it up and when Melo shoots, Melo don't miss.
LA Knight in all types of trouble, but--
[Wade] Oh, just simply too long on the top rope against a Superstar
of the caliber of LA Knight.
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes perhaps getting overconfident as this matchup progresses.
[Wade] Confidence certainly not a weak point for Carmelo Hayes,
nor for that matter, The Megastar.
[Graves] Knight looking for the superplex,
Carmelo Hayes able to put the brakes on for the moment.
Carmelo Hayes off the top turnbuckle before Knight could arrive,
but look at this athleticism by Hayes.
[Wade] Enjoying it a little too much. That's the problem.
Enjoy it after you get the W, Carmelo.
Not that he listens to anyone's advice.
[crowd chants] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[Graves] "Yeah!" chants echoing throughout the KFC Yum! Center tonight.
Ooh!
Cheering on The Megastar, the defiant LA Knight.
[Wade] Oh, that might be over after that knee to the jaw.
Carmelo Hayes has no clue where he's at.
[Graves] Sure-footed Hayes certainly figured it out in a hurry.
Superkick on the chin of Knight. Here comes Hayes.
Around we go into the face-buster. Cover by Carmelo…
[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Graves] And LA Knight escapes before the count of three.
[Wade] Carmelo Hayes showing some tremendous bounce back ability.
But now that frustration,
which has often been the sign of issues for Carmelo Hayes historically,
has come to the fore.
[crowd chants] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
[Wade] You have to be able to keep your head in the game
at all times in this level.
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes being put to the test.
[Wade] Such an exhilarating performer is Carmelo Hayes.
[indistinct chatter]
[Graves] Hayes just firing off a series of heavy rights
and Knight just answered with a knife edge chop.
[Wade] LA Knight trying to give the people what they want.
[Graves] Nobody home for The Megastar elbow.
That could be the opening Carmelo Hayes needed.
[Wade] Well, whatever you say about Carmelo Hayes and his arrogance,
the man does his homework.
Every move LA Knight has tried to pull--
[Graves] Oh, oh, oh, inside cradle, shoulders down.
[Wade] Carmelo Hayes has had an answer for everything thus far.
[Graves] Speaking of answering, LA Knight answering with heavy rights of his own.
[Wade] It's dangerous getting into a slugfest
with a bigger, stronger Superstar.
[Graves] Pop-up powerslam!
Will the second time be the charm?
[crowd] Yeah!
[Wade] Yeah!
I was a little late on that one. My bad, Corey.
[Graves] You got there. Better late than never.
[Wade] That's the problem when you've got a perpetual motion machine
like LA Knight in the ring.
Simply don't have time to think.
Imagine how bad it is for his opponents.
[Graves] Knight thinking about the BFT. Will he find it?
Hayes. Schoolboy, has a fistful of tights. Great counter by Knight.
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
-[Graves] Knight got him! -[bell rings]
["Welcome To LA" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] Here is your winner, LA Knight!
[crowd yells] Yeah!
[Graves] Much to the dismay of Carmelo Hayes.
[Wade] Here we go, he wants to talk to us. Talk to us, please.
[Graves] Calm yourself, Wade. Can I get you a towel or something?
[Wade] Awesome.
Logan Paul, play your games all you want.
Tell you what,
I'll probably play a game with you.
If you don't want to come to SmackDown, I'll bring SmackDown to you.
Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] How cool was that?
[Graves] You can go ahead and clean up the headset.
You just take care of yourself over there, Bad News.
We got a show to do here.
[crowd cheers]
Nia! Obviously, besides myself,
you are my favorite to win Queen of the Ring.
And as Queen of the Ring,
I can't help but notice that there are so many people gunning for you.
And I just want to let you know that I have your back.
The Queen of the Ring and the Princess of the Ring.
No one could stop us.
Just think about it. Toodles.
[scoffs] You again?
Why don't you take a page out of your AJ Styles book
and actually retire?
Because nobody--
[yelling]
You keep AJ's name out of your mouth!
Keep AJ's name out your mouth! Come on!
[Graves] Certainly a bold move by Michin, who will have a golden opportunity
this Sunday as NXT Battleground
comes to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada this Sunday.
Limited tickets remain and are on sale now.
Visit AXS.com before they're gone.
This Sunday, NXT will crown its first ever Women's North American Champion, Wade.
How excited are you?
I cannot wait, and Sexyy Red is going to be there at NXT Battleground.
But I'll tell you this, Corey.
NXT, Raw, SmackDown,
all of the Women's Divisions are on fire right now.
No doubt about that.
But you mentioned SmackDown.
Would be remiss to not mention the WWE Women's Champion Bayley,
who has had her hands full in the past several weeks
as we head toward Clash at the Castle.
See what we're talking about in this Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[Graves] Bayley, the WWE Women's Champion goes one-on-one with Chelsea Green.
-[dramatic music playing] -[bell rings]
She knows as the-- Oh, Rough Ryder by Green!
Rose Plant!
[bell rings]
Wait a minute! Piper Niven just flattened the champion.
Piper Niven is a bully in every sense of the word.
That's right!
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Oh my goodness! Nearly put Bayley through the ring.
We're the real winners! Us!
[Wade] Yeah, clearly Piper Niven has set her sights on the gold,
leaving Bayley with danger coming from all angles.
[Graves] But wait. Look out, behind Bayley!
[Green] Your new WWE Women's Champion
is gonna be my sweet pea, best friend,
little spicy margarita, Piper Niven.
[cackling]
[Graves] Bayley knows all too well how it feels to be a target in WWE.
["Role Model" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] The Role Model certainly has a lot on her mind.
♪ Role model ♪
[Taylor] Please welcome
the WWE Women's Champion,
Bayley!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] The WWE Women's Champion is live in Louisville
as we prepare for Clash at the Castle.
Bayley is here, next.
WWE Clash at the Castle is sponsored by Gin&Juice.
A ready to drink cocktail by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's new premium spirit brand
named after Snoop's iconic song "Gin and Juice," produced by Dr. Dre.
And in the background, you can see our good friends
at the Louisville Slugger Museum
who put together a few custom WWE bats this afternoon.
We've got Triple H, got the WWE tag champs,
A-Town Down Under, and of course, the official SmackDown Louisville Slugger.
I gotta get my hands on some of those, Bad News.
But we are joined right now by the WWE Women's Champion Bayley.
And at Clash at the Castle, Wade, the Role Model is gonna be busy.
[Wade] Yeah, Bayley defends her WWE Women's Championship
against a huge threat, "The Scottish Bone Crusher" Piper Niven.
That's Clash at the Castle in Niven's home country,
Glasgow, Scotland, live,
one week from tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. Eastern on Peacock.
[crowd cheers]
Now, you all saw that graphic, right?
Next week at Clash at the Castle, I step into unfamiliar territory
when I face Piper Niven for the very first time.
Which seems insane after how long I've been here.
["Taste The Jealousy" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] Well, Role Model mentioning her challenger's name,
and, boom, Piper Niven has arrived with Chelsea Green.
Bayley, Bayley, Bayley.
You talk such a big, old game
for being such a big, old loser.
-[laughing] -[crowd booing]
Oh, come on, the only reason they're booing me
is because, hmm, they're losers too.
[laughing]
See, Bayley, you were a loser in Saudi Arabia.
You were a loser last week.
Oh, and don't forget you have a loser tag team partner
in little glowy girlfriend Naomi,
and you're gonna be a loser yet again
when Little Miss P finishes you
and we become your new WWE Women's Champion.
[laughing]
[forced laughter] That's funny.
I-I think I remember me beating you in Saudi,
but you must have forgotten that, you know.
Look, I can relate to this whole mouthpiece thing, okay?
I get you want to speak for someone
and stand behind someone who's big and strong,
but let me just tell you, Piper doesn't need you.
And unlike you, Piper, I respect you.
Come on!
I've watched you for a long time.
In fact, at Mae Young Classic,
I sat front row and watched you live for the very first time,
and I immediately appreciated what you can do in this ring.
I immediately had respect for who you are.
So I know, I know when we take this next weekend
to your home country,
that this means more than just a title match for you.
I know what it means to wrestle in front of your family,
in front of your friends,
in front of the people that you came up in this business with.
It means everything.
And I've been there before, Piper.
And I've lost in front of everyone I love.
So as much respect as I have for you, Piper,
you could have just asked for a title match.
But no, you jump me from behind.
You bring your little puppy along everywhere you go.
So guess what?
Next week in your home country, I'm gonna have some damn fun beating you.
[crowd cheers]
Nobody--
Don't worry, Bayley, I embarrassed you enough last week
and I'm saving beating the brakes off you for next week in front of my home country.
You tell her.
I'm so glad that you have this respect for me and my journey,
and maybe I'd take it a little more to heart
if it wasn't for the fact that you know nothing about me
and my journey.
The Mae Young Classic was in 2017.
[crowd yelling] What?
[Niven] Inbreds say what?
[crowd yelling] What?
I've been digging and clawing my way out of the trenches
and putting Scottish wrestling on the map since 2008.
[crowd yelling] What?
So while you walked into a ready-made scene,
dishing out hugs and high fives in the Performance Center,
I was busy being a trailblazer.
[crowd yelling] What?
I was making a name for myself,
winning championships all over the UK, Europe, and Japan.
[crowd yelling] What?
Bayley, I was already a world champion
before I even stepped through this door.
[crowd yelling] What?
And if you had any idea just how dangerous I really am…
you wouldn't dare stand so close to me.
[crowd yelling] What?
And you can respect me all you like,
but it won't stop me from drilling your head into the mat
and taking that title off you.
[crowd yelling] What?
But I hope the respect you have for me makes it a little less painful
when you look up at these lights and see me standing over you.
Your new WWE Women's Champion.
[crowd yelling] What?
[Graves] One week from tomorrow.
Home field advantage belongs to the challenger.
And tonight, Piper Niven has fire in her eyes
and malice in her heart, Wade.
What a collision this is going to be.
[Wade] Bayley is gonna need a lot more than respect
and appreciation to successfully defend that WWE Women's Championship
against the hometown girl Piper Niven--
[Graves] Wade, standby. We're getting some breaking news.
I understand we just got a message
from our United States Champion, Logan Paul.
[groans]
I can't even believe I have to waste my time addressing this,
but I heard there's a WWE "Megastar"
who's never won a title that's looking for me.
LA Knight, why don't you take off those Temu sunglasses
and, I don't know, take a look around, buddy. I ain't there.
I needed an actual challenge, unlike beating you.
So I came to Los Angeles. Your turf.
Because tomorrow I'm competing in the World Tetris Championships,
and I'm coming home with another belt, something you're unfamiliar with.
And I know you're stupid,
so let me make this simple for you, stupid.
I'm Logan Paul.
I compete with the best in the world, real champions.
You have done nothing to merit my attention.
You are a walking catchphrase in a denim vest,
you hillbilly-lookin' ass Aladdin.
So let me tell you something, bro.
There's levels to this, and you are not on mine.
So go back to the midcard where you belong.
With everybody saying Logan Paul. Yeah!
[crowd booing]
[Graves] Never short on words, our United States Champion.
Well, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And, Bad News, it's main event time.
[Wade] Oh, this one is going to get ugly, Corey.
["Fight" by CFO$ plays]
I don't know if we've got enough security guards left at this point.
They've all been laid out.
[Graves] To hell with them. Let them all fight.
-[Wade] I just want them to protect us. -[Graves] Fair.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is a six-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Graves] Kevin Owens never misses an opportunity to disrespect Prime.
But drink Prime anyway.
[Wade] I thought he was thirsty.
[Graves] KO is in a fightin' mood tonight, a bad mood, a nasty mood,
looking to even the score with The Bloodline.
The same Bloodline who has made KO's life hell
for the past year plus.
[Wade] KO was almost stomped out earlier in tonight's show,
if not for the timely arrival of this crew.
["Bring the Swag" playing]
[Taylor] And his tag team partners,
accompanied by B-Fab, Angelo Dawkins,
Montez Ford, The Street Profits.
[Graves] Dawkins and Ford got to experience the Tongans
firsthand last week here on Friday Night SmackDown,
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
But tonight it is six-man tag team action
and The Street Profits want the smoke.
KO and The Street Profits unite, Six-Man Tag action for our main event.
They're taking on The Bloodline.
It's gonna get rough. It's gonna get ugly.
And you do not want to miss it. It's coming up next.
[yelling]
I say dress code, all crop tops, pink confetti, maybe a champagne fountain.
Oh, perfect.
[indistinct chatter]
[door slams]
Hi.
You, Chelsea Green. I heard what you said out there.
This is a fair warning. Keep my name out yo' mouth.
Ew, Naomi. Anyway.
Ew? "Ew, ew, ew" is what they're gonna be saying
when they got to pull me up off you. Because I ain't even--
Ladies!
It has been a day, to say the least.
So I don't have time for this right now. So let me just ask you this.
Would you two face each other one-on-one next week on SmackDown from Glasgow
if you can keep your hands off each other right now?
Perfect.
[whispers indistinctly]
[laughing]
I'll take that as a yes.
Thank you.
Ice sculpture. Get on it.
[Graves] Aldis who had himself a night
and next week is already beginning to take shape,
as Michin will get her wish
and go one-on-one with Queen Nia Jax on SmackDown.
[Wade] Not only that, but motormouth Aussie Grayson Waller
who got a dub earlier tonight.
He may need to smooth some things over with Austin Theory
before the Grayson Waller Effect. Featuring wannabe tag contenders DIY.
That's next week on SmackDown from Glas Vegas.
Glasgow, Scotland.
[Graves] We got another surprise tonight in Louisville.
Tomorrow night belongs to UFC in this very building.
The Bullet is in the house.
Valentina Shevchenko in the front row
for Friday Night SmackDown.
But it is main event time. It is six-man tag team action.
The Street Profits and Kevin Owens have joined forces
preparing to battle The Bloodline.
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score One who will not take that loss ♪
♪ Taking it all… ♪
[Taylor] And their opponents,
accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
the team of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa,
and Solo Sikoa, The Bloodline.
[Graves] Wade, The Bloodline began tonight
with an Anointment Ceremony for Tonga Loa,
but there is so much to unpack.
Let's talk about the fact that the nickname of The Right Hand Man,
which once upon a time was bestowed upon Jey Uso,
was repurposed for Tama Tonga.
We had the anointment of "The Infamous" Tonga Loa,
and, of course, the man who once upon a time
was merely The Enforcer
who has now ascended to the Head of the Table,
Solo Sikoa.
But I believe above all, Wade,
I'm having a hard time fathoming the fear
that is being felt by The Wiseman Paul Heyman.
[Wade] Look, when it comes to any organization,
including The Bloodline,
times change, people move around, people get promoted.
I love what Solo Sikoa has done
since he's taken the reins post-WrestleMania.
Saved The Bloodline from a death spiral.
And I completely understand why The Wiseman is in fear right now.
[bell rings]
If you're a Wiseman and you never ask his opinion,
what's his purpose?
[Graves] Listen.
The Bloodline may not be adorned in gold as we became used to some time ago,
but this is arguably as vicious as they have ever been.
But tremendous athleticism by the powerhouse of The Street Profits,
Angelo Dawkins.
And there's a highlight for you.
Down goes Tama Tonga.
[Wade] And I'm impressed with The Street Profits
coming back after last week's tag match against The Bloodline,
one of the most brutal affairs we have seen in months here.
They have bounced back and now they wanna reset the balance.
[Graves] Much like their tag team partner tonight, Kevin Owens,
I'm not entirely sure The Street Profits understand
the meaning of the word quit.
Ford and Dawkins have scratched and clawed for every ounce of success
that they have found in WWE.
[Wade] The two-time WWE Tag Team Champions are The Street Profits.
But as you can see, the game moves on,
the game advances, and you better be ready to step up
and move on with it or you get left behind.
[Graves] But for all the success The Street Profits have found,
I don't know if they've ever encountered anyone
prior to last week quite like Tama Tonga
and this man,"The Infamous" Tonga Loa,
just beating the daylights out of Montez Ford right now.
[Wade] That is why you have to be blown away
with the work that Solo Sikoa
has done as the interim Bloodline leader.
[Graves] I mean, for lack of a better comparison, Wade,
watching Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa compete
is like watching a couple of hyenas tear apart a carcass in the wild.
-It's ugly. -[Wade] I agree with you.
There's a completely uncouth, untrained style to them,
almost like feral beasts looking to rip apart their opponents.
[Graves] Montez Ford just took down
the feral beast with a hell of a clothesline.
[Wade] The feral beast gets straight back up.
Not just vicious, they are double tough, these two Tongans.
[Graves] Oh my God! They better be after that nasty landing for Tama Tonga.
But look at the new Head of the Table,
Solo just battering Montez Ford.
Things are about to get worse for Kevin Owens and The Street Profits.
[yelling]
This is our main event for Friday Night SmackDown,
a six-man tag team match,
Kevin Owens and The Street Profits against The Bloodline.
And it has been all Bloodline for the past several moments.
Wade, Montez Ford desperately needs to make a tag.
[Wade] Yes, he does.
He's been beaten down by all three members of The Bloodline,
but right now, Solo Sikoa desperately trying to lead from the front
and doing so successfully.
[Graves] Into the cover goes Sikoa off of the Samoan Drop.
[Wade] We see-- We see the stress on the face of Paul Heyman.
Understandably. His biggest concern about the two Tongan additions to The Bloodline
is that perhaps you can't control them.
What happens if the train leaves the tracks with these two?
I'll say this.
I think those claims or those worries from Paul Heyman
thus far are completely unfounded.
[Graves] Look out! Solo backs it up in the corner.
And is it a matter, Wade, that nobody can control the Tongans?
Or that The Wiseman can't control the Tongans?
Because Solo seems to have a pretty good grasp on things right now.
[Wade] Well, Paul Heyman, once you take the humanity
out of two individuals
like I believe we have with these two Tongans,
he can't control them. He can't use them like puppets.
He doesn't know what strings to pull.
Therefore he is ineffective as The Wiseman.
However, Solo seems to completely understand
how to get the best out of these two.
[Graves] I don't know that Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa
have ever known or possessed humanity, Wade.
These are the sons of Haku.
These men were bred to be warriors.
[Wade] And that's why-- that's why you keep them inside your tent,
just as Solo Sikoa has done.
[Graves] Uh-oh. Cover here by Tama Tonga, The Right Hand Man of The Bloodline.
As we look again at the vicious sliding clothesline
that nearly ended Ford's night.
And look at Kevin Owens desperately trying to rally the WWE Universe
to will Montez Ford to the corner.
[Wade] It might be too late after the beating Montez Ford
has received thus far.
It has been one-way traffic from The Bloodline.
[Graves] I think you may be right.
Look at this maniac Tama Tonga,
who just propelled himself out of the ring.
[Wade] That was a smart move, perhaps instinctive by Montez Ford
to get out of the way of that clothesline.
Now's your chance, you're not gonna get another.
[Graves] And Tama Tonga showing some incredible closing speed of his own.
Montez Ford landing on his feet.
[Wade] The chance is still alive for Montez Ford.
KO wants in this one in the worst way.
This place is gonna erupt if KO gets this tag.
[Graves] That's a big if, Wade.
Ford has a long way to go. Tag made.
Here comes Solo. Here comes The Prize Fighter!
Kevin Owens dropping heavy artillery
on the new Head of the Table, Solo.
[Wade] Now KO has been the victim
of various incarnations of The Bloodline for years.
Now it's payback time.
[Graves] Clear the deck! Cannonball!
[Wade] KO out to end this group for good.
[Graves] From the top!
Swanton crushes Solo!
-Hook of the leg! -[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Graves] As Sikoa stays alive.
Take another look at this.
That's nearly 270 pounds
crashing down across the core of Solo.
[Wade] What a complete U-turn this match has done.
[Graves] Owens wanted the stunner, Solo a step ahead.
Dueling superkicks.
-And Sikoa takes down Owens. -[crowd booing]
[Wade] Solo Sikoa and KO might be the most similar two athletes we have.
[Graves] Samoan Spike incoming!
Stunner!
Cover by Owens…
[referee and crowd] One, two--
[Graves] And ripped out of the ring by Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa.
[Wade] Complete genius move by these two Tongans--
[Graves] Oh, but Dawkins now joining the fray.
[Wade] Just as we suspected, things breaking down in the worst way.
[Graves] Yeah, much to the surprise of absolutely no one.
Look out! Montez Ford!
From the skies!
-And Solo with a steel chair! -[bell rings]
That's gonna force a disqualification.
But good God, man.
Dawkins muscling Solo back inside the squared circle.
[Wade] Yeah. The bell's already rung. This one's over.
We don't need rules anymore, Corey.
[Graves] "The Infamous" Tonga Loa
letting his force be felt by Angelo Dawkins.
[Wade] Try and protect your buddies.
You try and protect KO.
Try and protect Montez Ford, this is what you earn.
Be warned, SmackDown locker room.
[crowd chants]
[Graves] Try as you might to protect your own buddies,
you are dealing with The Bloodline.
You are dealing with a family of warriors, Wade.
How in the hell do you stop The Bloodline?
[Wade] Simple answer. You don't, Corey.
[crowd booing]
-You just have to avoid-- -[Graves] Oh!
A Spear by Solo!
[crowd booing, clamoring]
[Wade] KO ain't done, that's for sure!
If there is breath in the lungs of KO, he's gonna keep swinging!
[Graves] That may be to Kevin Owens' own detriment tonight
when you're dealing with Solo
and the MFT, the Tongans.
"The Infamous" Tonga Loa, "The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga.
Wade, I think we need to get the hell out of the way.
Move!
Come on.
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Oh God.
Oh God, this is going to be the end of Kevin Owens.
[Graves] Oh my God, oh my God.
Kevin Owens through the table!
At the hands of Solo and The Bloodline.
[loud booing]
["Taking It All" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] The Bloodline stands tall
as we look again at The Prizefighter
being driven through our announce table,
courtesy of "The Head of the Table" Solo Sikoa,
"The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga,
"The Infamous" Tonga Loa.
And despite it all, even "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman.
The Bloodline continues to amass power
in the absence of The Tribal Chief. er