[WWE intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] Welcome to the Dear Green Place,
Glasgow, Scotland, a thriving city
on the banks of the River Clyde.
Known to be the country's cultural hub,
this weekend becomes the center of the WWE Universe
as we prepare for Clash at the Castle,
where tomorrow night, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
will defend his coveted title once again
against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in an "I Quit" Match.
Both Superstars are here live tonight.
And last week, this man suffered
a vengeful attack courtesy of The Bloodline,
and the new Head of the Table, Solo Sikoa.
Well, tonight, Solo has vowed to solve The Bloodline's KO problem himself
in our main event.
Live from the jam-packed OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
Sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
["Role Model" by def rebel playing]
[crowd cheers]
♪ Role Model ♪
[indistinct shouting]
[Bayley] Hit the music.
["Glow (Feat. Billy B)" by def rebel playing]
[laughter]
♪ Let's go ♪
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by the WWE Women's Champion Bayley,
from Orlando, Florida, Naomi!
[Graves] As Naomi prepares for one-on-one action, it is her friend,
the WWE Women's Champion Bayley,
who will be defending her gold tomorrow here in the OVO Hydro.
As Naomi comes adorned looking like the national animal of Scotland,
-Wade Barrett. -[Wade] What?
[Graves] A unicorn.
[Wade] The unicorn national…
That cannot be true.
[Graves] I wish I were making that up, Naomi told me.
I did verify it.
The national animal of Scotland is indeed fictional, Wade.
But Naomi very real, very ready for action.
[Wade] I think that's complete nonsense.
I think Naomi has simply raided New Day's locker room,
that's what's going on.
I think she forgot her gear, went into New Day's room,
took their stuff and came up with some concocted story about unicorns.
No.
♪ It's Chelsea Green ♪
["Hot Mess" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Piper Niven,
from Victoria, B.C., Chelsea Green!
Scotland, your hometown heroes have arrived.
[crowd cheers]
You, my friends, are so lucky
because you get to witness not one,
but two crushing defeats this weekend.
One will be tonight.
When… Oh, there you are.
I beat your little glowy girlfriend over there, Naomi.
And, uh, next will be tomorrow at Clash at the Castle
when my little Scottish thistle spicy margarita,
best friend, beautiful tag team partner
Piper Niven crushes you.
[Green laughs]
And, Bayley, since you're here and listening,
we're about to become
the new WWE Women's Champion.
[crowd clamoring]
[Wade] I'll tell you this, Corey.
Chelsea Green's voice is in a one-on-one battle with bagpipes
for the worst sound on planet Earth.
[Graves] Wade, we've only been on the air, like, ten minutes.
Can you put your British pride aside for one moment?
Aren't you guys technically part of the same country?
You're bringin' all this heat to Scotland.
[Wade] It's English pride, not British pride.
There's a subtle difference there. But you know what?
These people in this audience, they can't hear me right now.
They're all going to go home, watch this back, be really angry.
But by then, it's too late. We're out.
[Graves] We're kicking things off with Naomi one-on-one with Chelsea Green,
as we mentioned during their entrance,
is tomorrow at Clash at the Castle
streaming live on Peacock.
Bayley will defend her gold against Piper Niven in unfamiliar territory, Wade,
as Bayley is actually in enemy territory.
[Wade] Yeah, very unusual seeing Piper Niven get cheered earlier today
at our kickoff event with Michael Cole.
It's going to be a raucous crowd here tonight and indeed tomorrow.
All of them, I assume backing Piper Niven.
[crowd singing]
[Graves] Although Bayley is not competing, the entire country
of Scotland seems to have one question.
They would like to know if Bayley would in fact be their girl.
But right now it's about Naomi and Chelsea Green.
Chelsea could be on the verge of the biggest opportunity of her career
in becoming half of the WWE Women's Champion.
Is that how Chelsea's thinking right now?
[Wade] I don't think it works like that.
I don't think Freebird Rule applies to Singles Championships,
but if anyone can make it happen, it's probably Chelsea Green.
No, no! Stop, stop, stop. Please!
Thank you…
[Graves laughs] Five across the eyes from Naomi takes down Chelsea Green.
[shouts indistinctly]
Naomi picking up momentum back and forth.
[Wade] Almost, she's staying the same speed.
[Graves] Into the cover. This could do it.
[crowd] One, two--
[Wade] And this situation right here is just another classic example, Corey,
of Chelsea Green's mouth getting her in trouble.
Been trash-talking Naomi for the past couple of weeks.
Naomi, last week,
quite clearly stating, "Keep my name out of your mouth."
[Graves] I mean, it's fairly obvious to anyone with eyes, Wade,
that since aligning herself with Piper Niven,
Chelsea Green certainly got a confidence boost with very good reason.
When you've got potentially the next WWE Women's Champion
watching your back.
[Wade] Yeah, as much as Chelsea Green is an irritant,
she's damn good in the ring and she's in control right now.
Can she put away Naomi?
[Graves] This is Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
You are watching one-on-one action between Naomi and Chelsea Green
as we rapidly approach Clash at the Castle,
streaming live tomorrow, WWE on Peacock.
[Wade] And the one-woman ministry of complaints in WWE…
[Graves] Oh God!
[Wade] …Chelsea Green has been showing for the past few minutes
why she is an A+ competitor when she gets her head down and focuses,
which happens to be all too rare in my opinion.
[Graves] To this point, Chelsea Green has been extremely effective,
maintaining control through most of the break.
Clothesline, considering a headlock of some sort, but…
Oh! Face-first goes Naomi.
[Wade] Naomi just getting ragdolled around the ring right now.
As desperate as Bayley is to get this audience behind Naomi,
the damage perhaps is already done.
[Graves] Naomi sent to a neutral turnbuckle.
Answers with a kick right on the ear of Chelsea Green,
and the Unicorn is beginning to roll, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, as much of a beating as you give a competitor like Naomi,
the last thing she is going to lose is her athleticism.
It's instinctive with somebody as good as Naomi.
[Graves] Unicorn apropos, because like that proud beast,
the Scots were notorious for fighting to remain unconquered,
as is Naomi at the moment.
Connects with another massive kick and Chelsea Green is feeling the glow.
Here comes Naomi.
Suicide dive to the outside.
Now raining down rights on Miss Green.
[Wade] What a momentum builder this would be for Bayley
on the outside of her friend Naomi, can take a big chunk
out of Chelsea Green here as Piper Niven, the challenger tomorrow, looks on.
[Graves] Naomi perched on the very top turnbuckle.
Crossbody takes down Green.
Naomi into the cover, hooks the leg.
And Green kicks out.
[Wade] Another look at this effort from Naomi, connecting perfectly
with that high crossbody.
Not quite enough to put away Chelsea Green.
[crowd chants]
[Graves] Well, surprisingly, the Scottish crowd rallying behind Naomi
and the WWE Women's Champion Bayley, who will defend her gold tomorrow.
Will the atmosphere remain the same?
Chelsea Green ripping Naomi off of the top.
[Wade] Nice sneaky move there from Chelsea Green, all completely legal,
showboating a little as she climbs, however.
[Graves] Green now from the top.
Dropkick on the money.
Chelsea scrambling for a cover, hooks the far leg.
[Wade] And there was almost a look of surprise on Chelsea…
-[Graves] Another hook. -One, two--
[Wade] …on Chelsea Green's face when she connected with that move,
and that surprise got even worse once Naomi had the temerity to kick out.
[Graves] Well, at this point in the match,
you should not be second guessing yourself.
You could see Piper Niven staring a hole through Chelsea Green.
[Wade] You certainly should not be having a temper tantrum
when you've got someone like Naomi on the ropes.
[Graves] Face-first into the turnbuckle goes Naomi,
and a big strike to the back of the neck.
Schoolgirl.
Feet on the ropes, Chelsea trying to steal one and Bayley thwarted the plan.
[Wade] But for me, that's a disqualification.
[overlapping chatter]
[Graves] Things are getting testy on the outside
between the champion and tomorrow's challenger.
[Wade] Bayley does not take a backstep from anyone,
but she'd be wise to maintain her health ahead of Clash at the Castle tomorrow.
[Graves] A prawn hold, shoulders down.
Into the pin goes Naomi and the win.
[bell rings]
["Glow (Feat. Billy B)" by def rebel playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner, Naomi!
[Graves] I have to imagine Chelsea Green is going to write a strongly worded email
after that loss, Wade.
[Wade] Well, I think she'd be right in doing so, because quite frankly,
Bayley placed her hands on a competitor in this match
and the referee did nothing about it.
Nice job.
[Graves] Look at you becoming a stickler for the rules.
[Wade] I always have been, I don't know if you saw my career.
Well-behaved young man.
[Graves] Naomi picks up a win tonight,
which is a luxury that was not afforded to two Superstars last week
as their scheduled match on SmackDown was canceled.
[Bayley] Oops. You lost. Glow!
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-- [grunts]
[Wade] There you go.
Apollo was supposed to compete against Angel Garza.
Thanks to this savage beatdown, the match did not take place.
Apollo Crews requiring emergency medical treatment
in the aftermath of that attack.
Listen, I just want to say thank you.
I appreciate the opportunity you're giving me here.
I went back to NXT.
I had a lot of issues that I worked out. So a fresh start here on SmackDown,
it's exactly what I need.
-You're welcome. I'm here for it. -[overlapping chatter]
Nick, what is this? Charity.
Oh, you think this is a charity thing?
Hey, come on.
Let me handle this.
We'll pick this up another time.
Thanks.
All right, first off,
you're lucky that any of you are even allowed in the building
after the stunt you pulled with Apollo last week.
But seeing as you're here, I've got some good news for you.
You were fined for that.
I mean, it's up to you which one of you pays it,
because if I remember, your stooges did your dirty work for you.
But let me just say this.
Next time a fine will be the least of your worries.
-Is that so? -[Aldis] Yeah.
Don't be so sensitive, Nick.
A fine seems a little steep.
But I'll handle it.
Now as far as Apollo, he must be okay.
I mean, he's a tough guy.
And I heard he's fine because he's good to go, right?
He is good to go. In fact, he's cleared to compete.
We'll see how long that lasts,
because I'm feeling generous.
And I'm going to do you a favor, you know, for messing up your show.
You tell Apollo tonight… he's facing me.
Okay.
[Angel] Let's go.
[Graves] Sounds like we may have Santos Escobar
and Apollo Crews going down tonight,
but before we get there, how about this, Wade?
This is enormous.
[Wade] Oh man, it's Grayson Waller, the man who cannot shut up.
Grayson Waller Effect with DIY next.
[Graves] The hype has been the truth.
[Cole] Talk about a superhero-like tag team.
[Taylor] Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair!
At Clash, as you all know,
B and I have huge targets on our backs.
[Bianca] That's just how we like it because we knew that's exactly
how it was gonna be once we became the Tag Team Champions.
♪ Alpha Omega, there is no hyphen ♪
So Alba and Isla, since you want to come at us,
we're gonna have to ruin your little homecoming.
[Cargill] And Zoey and Shayna,
the two of you think that you can really tear us apart?
Girl, uh-uh, we're gonna walk out of Clash at the Castle
the same way that we're walking in.
And still your Tag Team Champions.
♪ You ain't built like this ♪
[Taylor] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the Friday Night SmackDown sensations,
your WWE Tag Team Champions,
"The Audacious" Austin Theory,
and your host of the Grayson Waller Effect,
Grayson Waller!
["Eye On The Prize" by def rebel plays]
♪ Now do it because I say so, say so ♪
Wow, what a warm welcome!
Welcome to the Grayson Waller Effect!
[crowd boos]
Hey, uh, I'm a little confused.
Where are all the good plants you always have?
Austin, I wanted to bring the plants,
but this place is so depressing,
not even fake plants can grow here.
[crowd boos]
Hold on. Before you chant,
I speak English, so I don't understand what you're saying.
[crowd clamoring]
But let's-let's get to the show. That's what the people pay to see.
Are you ready for my guest tonight?
Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa,
DIY!
-["It's Our Moment" by def rebel plays] -[indistinct chatter]
[Graves] Well, Wade, the champs have certainly had their hands full recently
with Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa,
collectively known as DIY.
[Wade] Right.
They've been trading wins back and forth in the Singles Division now.
DIY have made it very clear they want an opportunity at tag gold.
And one thing I have noticed about A-Town Down Under's Tag Championship reign
is a serious lack of defenses thus far.
At some point you have to think these guys are on a collision course,
as much as A-Town Down Under might want to avoid that.
[Graves] I'll be honest with you, Wade, I thought you would appreciate
the champions' schedule that the Tag Team Champions have.
[Wade] I respect their endeavor as champions--
[Graves] That was disrespectful by Johnny Gargano,
rearranging the furniture.
[Wade] That's disgusting. And that's expensive too.
-This is some, uh, some great set built. -[Graves] Look at Johnny's haircut.
He ain't spent more than 12 bucks on anything his whole life.
[Wade] Well, if you say DIY, that extends to the--
That how you guys-- back coming on my show, huh?
No wonder I had a small chair, because you two act like children.
That cost more than your whole paycheck, lad.
That's a very expensive chair.
Listen, man, I see what you're doing.
One chair for the two of us.
But I'll tell you this, I don't play those games.
Nuh-uh, no.
But you are right about one thing.
This is your show.
[Waller] This is my show. The Grayson Waller Effect.
It says it right there. The Grayson Waller Effect.
So what's that make him, your secretary?
-You know what? -Actually--
No, no, no. Hey, I got this.
First of all, this show existed before our tag team.
Do you know how expensive it would be to change the graphics
or the branding I've put into this?
That's ridiculous. It's impossible.
But at the end of the day, we are a tag team.
We are best mates.
We are the Tag Team Champions.
I would take a bullet for this man.
[crowd boos]
Wait. Yeah. Yeah.
You said you'd take a bullet for him?
I would. Just like he did last week.
He sacrificed himself for me. I would do the same.
So he willingly sacrificed himself last week for you?
-That's what happened? -[Waller] That's what happened.
I think we have some footage we can look at.
No, no. We don't have time for footage. No, we don't actually have time.
I think everyone here wants to see some footage.
Hey, we don't have time for footage. Don't play it.
-Hey! Hold on, hold on. -Roll that footage. Roll the footage.
-Let's take a look at it. -Hold on. No, no, no.
[Waller] Oh, there I am.
Oh, Johnny Wrestling. What a move!
That was awesome.
[Ciampa] That was sick. That was a sick move.
[Gargano] What happens here?
I go for a dive and… Oh! Wait a minute.
[Ciampa] It looked like he kind of…
[Gargano] I think…
[Ciampa] …kind of pulls him in the way.
[Gargano] …pulled Austin Theory in the way.
Hey, hey, who put that footage up? You put it up?
[Gargano] The guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania,
you used as a human shield.
What a great friend.
First of all, that was AI. That's not real footage, okay?
And I'm not taking friendship advice from Tommaso Ciampa of all people.
You know what you guys didn't show in that clip?
Me beating you.
Because that's what we do, right?
We're champions for a reason. We do whatever it takes.
[Gargano] Whatever it takes.
I love your fake confidence.
You know what I love even more?
It's not every Friday night
that we're in front of this Scotland crowd of crazy bastards.
[crowd cheers]
And I-- I don't know, I might be wrong,
but I don't think they came here to watch your stupid talk show.
What did they come here for, Tommaso?
I think they came here to see a fight!
[crowd cheers]
I think they came here to see a fight for those Tag Team Titles.
[crowd cheers]
And I think they came here to see a fight
for those Tag Team Titles--
When? When? When?
-Tonight! -[Gargano] Tonight!
What do you say? What do you say?
Come on.
-You want to do it tonight? -Oh no, I got this.
Daddy said you can't talk.
Hey, hey, hey, you think we're going to defend our championships
in a place like Glasgow?
[crowd boos]
Hey, even you flops know this is a hole.
And I see what you're trying to do.
You're just like everyone else.
You want our Tag Team Championships.
You're trying to drive a wedge between us.
It's not gonna work.
You're right about one thing.
DIY are coming for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] DIY!
But I think everyone here is sick of hearing from you.
I want to talk to you.
I don't think he's allowed to talk.
I've known you for a very long time, and we go way, way back.
And I've always believed in Austin Theory.
And I'm proud of what you've done on your own.
That's why it kills me to see you like this, to see you now.
Because, man, someone's got to tell you… he's using you.
You don't need him.
[Graves] Waller heard enough and it is kicking off
on the Grayson Waller Effect tonight in Glasgow.
[Wade] Austin Theory coming to the aid of Grayson Waller.
How about now? Say something now!
[Wade] Oh no!
Once again, Theory putting his body on the line to save Grayson Waller.
You okay?
[Graves] Could just be great teamwork.
But Ciampa with a second running knee.
[Wade] Yeah, no. It's like Grayson Waller slid out of the way.
So once again Theory took the bullet.
[crowd chants] DIY!
[Wade] I'll tell you what, Corey,
sacrifice on the Tag Champs is a one-way street.
Grayson Waller every single week gets away scot-free,
while Austin Theory is the one prompt.
[Graves] We'll certainly see this showdown in the future.
But as we approach tonight's main event,
let's head back to last week where The Bloodline began the job
Solo looks to finish tonight.
[Wade] Yes, indeed.
This was SmackDown's main event last week.
It was six-man tag action between The Bloodline and KO,
along with The Street Profits.
Profits were rolling until Solo Sikoa
with the steel chair caused the disqualification.
Now things started turning nasty there as The Street Profits
one by one got laid out by The Bloodline.
[Graves] Look at this.
[Wade] Standard behavior from this trio.
But they really did save the worst for last.
A Triple Powerbomb on KO through our announce table.
-[yelling] -[Dawkins] What's good?
-That's our guy. That's our guy. -What's good, fam?
Yo, fam, real quick, we just want to let you know we got your back, dawg.
Yeah, 'cause you always had our back. Remember the first time we won
the Raw Tag Team Championships at Barclays?
-I do, I do. -He was there.
-I was there. Exactly. -That was a great night.
We share a lot in common.
-We're on SmackDown together. -Mm-hmm.
We all invited to the same cookouts. We're related.
But one thing we all have in common, we can't stand The Bloodline.
Oh yeah. That's true, the worst.
Yeah, and we want to let you know we got your back tonight again
in that match against Solo, okay?
-Don't worry about it. -Thank you. I appreciate that.
-We got your back. -What?
-[chants] We got your back! -Hey!
-[all together] We got your back! -It's a song?
I love it. I love chants.
[Graves] Kevin Owens has a little backup in the form of The Street Profits.
If you're talking about backup, Wade, look no further than Legado Del Fantasma.
["Soul March" by def rebel plays]
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Elektra Lopez,
Berto and Angel,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
Santos Escobar!
[Wade] This is Familia, a group who never fight alone.
And this is what got them here. Last week, an attack on Apollo Crews.
Apollo Crews gets a chance at redemption this week against Escobar.
And it's next.
Cheap shots. That's what they do. They're not good guys.
-I keep trying to tell you this, man. -[overlapping chatter]
That's the win that we needed. [laughs]
It's been a long time coming.
Especially with Chelsea.
-You know how it is. You know how it is. -Mm-hmm.
[distortion and static]
Wow!
I mean, you did it, Naomi.
I mean, this was interesting, but feel the glow, right?
-Girl, I… -Stop. No, no.
She's not worth it. Look, let her go.
I just want to thank you, honestly, because the last couple of months,
I know it hasn't been easy to have my back, but you stuck by me.
You're the best. I really do appreciate it.
-Thank you. -Don't thank me.
-Hug me! -All right. Okay.
I don't know why you guys
are yap yap yapping about that pretty little piece of jewelry.
Because come tomorrow, it's going to be all ours.
[Niven yelling]
Welcome to Glasgow, ladies.
I think you're gonna have a real terrible time.
And you, I'll see you tomorrow.
[Jessika] Come on now, ladies, get out of here.
Not here, not here, not now. Let's go. Come on. Come on.
Wait till tomorrow.
Sorry. Hey, hey.
[Graves] Piper Niven claiming her territory prior
to the matchup tomorrow at the Clash.
♪ Apollo! ♪
["The Best Is Yet To Come" by def rebel plays]
[Taylor] And his opponent,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
Apollo Crews!
[Graves] Big opportunity tonight for Apollo Crews for revenge.
We'll see what's up.
But tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Wade, last week, Apollo Crews was scheduled to face Angel
of Legado Del Fantasma.
As we saw earlier in the night,
a backstage attack prevented that match from taking place.
What is going through Apollo's mind right now
as he prepares to square off with Santos Escobar?
[Wade] So Apollo's career has been in the doldrums
for the past 12 months or so.
It's not been going well.
He was acquired by Nick Aldis in the recent draft here on SmackDown
for a fresh start.
A couple of weeks ago, he has his first match back,
wants to get off on the right foot, loses the match,
thanks to interference from Legado Del Fantasma.
Then, as you mentioned, a week later gets attacked by them.
So these guys of Legado Del Fantasma have completely ruined
whatever momentum Apollo Crews was supposed to build.
This is payback.
[Graves] Off of the opening bell, Apollo Crews firing right hands
towards Santos Escobar, overhead belly to belly suplex.
[Wade] And I'll tell you--
[Graves] Wade, Apollo Crews is the former
Intercontinental and United States Champion in WWE.
[Wade] 100%. I have no doubt in, whatsoever, in the ability
and potential of Apollo Crews,
but he's got to get back on the right track
because right now, the locker room view Apollo Crews as a soft target.
He's your go-to guy if you want to attack someone.
The only way to stop that is punch your attackers in the mouth.
[Graves] Santos Escobar certainly never afraid to mix it up inside the ring.
A world-class luchador.
[Wade] Well, I'll tell you this about Santos Escobar,
one of the smartest men in the industry.
The highest I-- in-ring IQ of them all.
And he's got a deep bag of tricks.
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Oh, and by the way, just in case Santos needs them,
he's got two other world-class luchadores standing
by his side in Angel and Berto,
and one of the most twisted minds in the game.
-This is how I do it, man. -[Graves] The dangerous Elektra Lopez.
[Wade] La Madrina. What a--
["Burn The Ships" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] What is going on?
It's Baron Corbin.
Corbin coming to even the odds a bit.
[Wade] What the hell has this got to do with Baron Corbin?
[Graves] Well, Corbin obviously felt disrespected backstage by Legado
and is now dropping heavy hands on Angel and Berto.
[Wade] Baron Corbin something of a reformed character of late,
certainly trying to rebrand his image.
[Graves] And check out this power from Crews, standing Moonsault.
-Hooks the leg. This could do it. -One, two--
Escobar escapes.
Apollo Crews versus Santos continues.
[Graves] We are on the eve of Clash at the Castle.
This is Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox as Apollo Crews goes one-on-one with Santos Escobar.
And, Wade, Escobar has maintained control throughout the duration of the break.
[Wade] Yeah, I mean, there was that brief moment
where Apollo took control
thanks to the intervention of Baron Corbin here at ringside,
who chased away the rest of Legado Del Fantasma.
But immediately back on offense is the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
[Graves] Santos, into the cover, hooks the leg of Apollo Crews.
[Graves] Wade, if you're watching this matchup,
if you're General Manager Nick Aldis,
what are you looking for out of both of these Superstars?
[Wade] I mean, this is the place for competition.
Guys want to climb the ladder.
Guys want championship opportunities.
Both of these two athletes in the ring right now are capable
of going all the way to the very top here on SmackDown,
but right now, they've got to build some momentum
and get some victories behind them.
[Graves] Beautiful Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker
executed by Santos Escobar, continuing to wear down Apollo Crews.
The WWE Universe tonight in Scotland, beginning to rumble,
trying to rally Apollo Crews forward in this matchup.
-Arm Drag allows Crews to escape. -[Wade] Yes.
Apollo Crews not the kind of guy who's going to go down easily.
[Apollo screams]
[Graves] Big splash in the corner.
And a clothesline rocks Escobar.
Crews able to string together a series of offensive maneuvers
into the German Suplex.
Wade, at this juncture, is Santos beginning to get nervous?
[Wade] Well, the bag of tricks of Santos Escobar gets considerably
more shallow when the rest of Legado are not at ringside.
However, La Madrina still looking on.
[Graves] And Crews connects with another clothesline
and Apollo beginning to roll.
[Wade] Cogs are whirring in the mind of Escobar
trying to get himself out of this predicament.
-[Graves] Cover by Crews. -One, two--
[Wade] Problem being, there may well be no exit
from an Apollo Crews in rare form like this.
[Graves] Next level power possessed
by the former United States
and Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews,
who would love to get himself back into championship contention,
as would Santos Escobar.
[Wade] Power and timing,
high-flying Apollo Crews literally can do everything you need in that ring,
but getting the W is what it's all about here.
[Graves] You know what they say. Potential doesn't pay the bills.
Santos Escobar perched up top.
Crews able to put the brakes on for now.
Got to give the edge in the power department
to Crews, prying away the arm of Escobar.
[Wade] Rare tactical error from the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
[Graves] Apollo Crews now from the top,
lining up the target, and Escobar got the knee up.
[Wade] Yeah, a jumping knee.
Perfect timing from Escobar,
right to the solar plexus of a flying Apollo Crews.
And on the outside, now there is panic on the face of La Madrina.
[Graves] I don't care how many muscles you have,
you get kneed in the sternum like that,
it's gonna drive all of the wind out of your body
as Apollo Crews just experienced firsthand.
[Wade] Like hitting the reset button on your phone,
the whole body just shuts down,
takes about 30 seconds to start moving again.
[Graves] Both men now planting their feet,
trading right hands in the center of the ring,
with Escobar getting the best of the exchange for the moment.
Pop-up, looking for the Samoan Driver.
Death Valley Driver by Crews!
-That's got to do it. Hook to the leg. -One, two--
And no. Somehow Santos survived.
[Wade] How deep is the playbook of Apollo Crews?
Every time you see him, he pulls out new methodologies, new moves.
[Graves] Even forced Baron Corbin to feel a bit of concern.
And here comes Angel and Berto back again.
Into the stairs. Big right by Corbin.
Apollo perched up top, but keep your eyes on Elektra.
Santos from behind, stacks the shoulders.
[bell rings]
And Escobar is gonna steal one.
-Courtesy of the assist by La Madrina. -[Taylor] Here is your winner,
Santos Escobar!
[Graves] Even the arrival of Baron Corbin wasn't enough to neutralize
the numbers game of Legado Del Fantasma.
[Wade] Judging by the look on the face of Baron Corbin, however,
he has a serious distaste for Legado Del Fantasma,
and that crew really needs to keep an eye out for Baron Corbin.
Welcome, everyone, to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
I am still Corey Graves,
he is still Wade Barrett, and we are all counting down the hours
until Clash at the Castle tomorrow.
Streaming live WWE on Peacock.
Remember, a very special 2:00 p.m. start time on the East Coast,
11:00 a.m. on the West.
And, of course, Wade, the whole world is buzzing about Cody defending
his Undisputed WWE Championship yet again against AJ Styles.
But over the past several weeks,
this professional rivalry has gotten deeply personal in a hurry.
See what I mean in our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto and more.
[tense music playing]
[grunts softly]
[Aldis] Look, I know how you feel.
I got played by AJ too.
[Styles] At this point in time in my career,
I just can't go to the back of the line.
So instead of being "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles,
maybe I stay at home and be a phenomenal father.
But before I go,
I called you out here to hand you the keys.
[Rhodes] Thank you very much, AJ Styles.
[crowd roars]
[Graves] And this is making me sick to my stomach.
It was a plan all along.
[Rhodes] We'll finish what we started, huh?
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Have you ever seen The American Nightmare this irate?
Cody Rhodes is looking for a fight.
[Rhodes] AJ Styles, get your ass to this ring right now!
I want the WWE Championship at Clash at the Castle.
You've got it.
But, AJ, I am going to make you say
what you should have said last week.
"I quit!"
Make it!
[Graves] Rhodes said, "Let's do it, an 'I Quit' Match."
But Cody doesn't want to wait.
Rhodes running on emotion right now.
[Wade] Growl all you want right now,
you've got to wait till Clash at the Castle, Cody.
Temperatures at boiling point
and the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
goes face-to-face with AJ Styles.
One night before that "I Quit" Match and it's coming up next.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] SmackDown comes your way from Glasgow,
Scotland this week.
And, Wade, is this city ready for Clash at the Castle or what?
[Wade] Man, the energy here has been off the charts.
You and I were in the bar when we got here last night.
I had a couple of pints.
It was all anybody could talk about, SmackDown and Clash at the Castle.
This city, this entire country,
in fact, is off the chain when it comes to WWE being in town.
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
Wade, Glasgow is not the only group of people
who are excited about Clash at the Castle.
Our very own WWE Superstars are in the house experiencing
the proceedings of this weekend.
There you see Andrade, the new WWE Speed Champion,
as well as Cedric Alexander and Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
a tag team starting to make a little noise here
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Wade] Yeah, these two are going to be going places.
Keep your eye on those gentlemen…
And oh, ho-ho, yes, boy, these are my guys!
I am ashamed of Nick Aldis not featuring
Pretty Deadly on SmackDown of late,
but let me tell you this, the city of Glasgow
must love these two English tomcats.
Yes, boy!
-["Kingdom" by Downstait plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said ♪
♪ When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
[Taylor] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Undisputed WWE Champion,
"The American Nightmare,"
Cody Rhodes!
[Graves] Well, Wade, Cody Rhodes is all smiles tonight,
but I assure you tomorrow come Clash at the Castle,
The American Nightmare is ready to force AJ Styles
to say the words "I Quit."
We're gonna run it back after an instant classic
at Backlash in France.
[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪
From the sounds of things,
Glasgow is more than ready for another memorable showdown
from the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles,
one of the best to ever do it.
[Wade] Here's the deal, Corey.
I simply cannot imagine AJ Styles or Cody Rhodes
uttering those two words, "I Quit."
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Cody!
So, Glasgow…
[crowd cheers]
What do you want to talk about?
[crowd cheers]
A few weeks ago, I actually thought
that AJ Styles would retire.
Any of us who have the distinction, the honor,
the privilege of standing in this ring,
we don't want to be that guy, that guy who overstays his welcome.
That guy that just needs one more match, one more run.
Unfortunately, AJ,
you're starting to look like that guy.
[crowd sings]
[crowd] ♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
[crowd continues singing]
[Graves] These international crowds are fun, Wade.
[Wade] That's right. That's Earth, Wind & Fire.
And I know that because Regal's a massive fan.
I had to.
AJ Styles, though, he has been given the task,
the impossible task
of making me say the words…
[crowd] I quit!
[crowd clamoring]
["You Don't Want None (feat. Stevie Stone)" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] He had to expect this was going to go down.
Challenger's got something to say flanked by Anderson and Gallows,
The O.C., AJ Styles is in the house.
[Wade] They're not nice, but The O.C. often say things with their fists.
Cody needs to be very careful around these three men,
24 hours before his championship defense.
Wow, Cody.
[crowd boos]
You're really worked up about this, aren't you?
It's kind of funny.
It was really that easy to get you this worked up.
All I had to do was pretend I was going to retire
and you lose your cool.
[crowd] ♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
AJ…
[crowd continues singing]
AJ, let me ask you a question.
Why are you so far away?
I thought we were supposed to have a little conversation.
So why don't you leave Horace and Jasper behind and get in this ring
and face me man-to-man?
[crowd cheers]
[crowd continues singing]
[Styles] You want to talk man-to-man?
Well, Cody…
let me remind you and these stupid idiots
who won't shut up…
[crowd sings louder]
[singing subsides]
[crowd cheers]
We are nothing alike. You know that, right?
Let me remind you and everyone else
that it took me 17 years to climb
the ladder to get to WWE.
[crowd sings]
They welcomed you with open arms.
They couldn't wait to make Cody Rhodes a star.
But when it got tough,
what did you do, Cody? You quit the WWE.
Oh, you didn't like that?
I got news for you.
He also quit New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Doesn't stop there.
You quit Ring of Honor.
This man right here helped start up a company…
and you quit it too.
[crowd clamoring]
Face it, Cody, you can't handle the pressure.
What's that old saying?
When the going gets tough, Cody Rhodes gets going.
You're right, AJ.
I have made some big decisions in my career.
[crowd continues singing]
I walked away…
[crowd] ♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
[crowd sings louder]
[Styles speaks indistinctly]
I walked away from WWE.
I walked away from New Japan. I walked away from Ring of Honor.
My buddies and I started somewhere else and I walked away there too.
The truth is, I have never been afraid
to walk away to chase something greater.
I did not quit.
[crowd cheers]
I did not quit.
Instead, I bet on myself that I was something more.
I gambled on myself and, AJ, I was right.
If I had quit,
I would not be standing here holding the North Star of the WWE.
The most important title in the entire game.
I would not be standing here WWE Champion!
[crowd cheers]
You're someone that I idolized my entire career.
You did things right. You did things honorable.
If anybody quit, you quit on yourself.
Because what did it take to get a WWE Championship rematch?
You had to pretend to be Mark Henry for a night, huh?
[crowd cheers]
If anything,
The Phenomenal One has become a resentful coward,
and that is a bitter pill to swallow.
But I have no problem shoving that pill down your throat
and making you say the words, "I quit".
[crowd cheers]
You see?
You see how natural it is for you to say these words, "I quit."
It's natural for you.
I can't quit being phenomenal.
Damn, Cody, don't you know, my family would rather have me at home.
And like me to give all this up.
[crowd continues singing]
They're tired of me putting my body on the line night after night after night.
But I'll tell you, these people in Glasgow, the whole WWE Universe,
the same thing I told you, I am done when I say I'm done.
I'm not saying it's going to be easy, Cody.
It's not.
I saw you in Hell in a Cell against Seth Rollins with a torn pec.
You didn't quit, I realized that.
[cheers and applause]
But you're not going to be in the ring with Seth Rollins.
You're going to be in the ring with "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[crowd boos]
And I am going to do whatever it takes
to get that WWE Championship.
And if that means beating you to a bloody pulp,
tearing you to pieces,
whatever it is I got to do to beat you so badly
that saying "I quit" will be like a gift to you.
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
["You Don't Want None (feat. Stevie Stone)" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] Look in the eyes of AJ Styles, Wade.
That's not a man ready to call it a career,
that looks like a man ready to dethrone the kingpin of WWE.
[Wade] Two men whose careers can be defined by a refusal to quit.
One of them will have to quit tomorrow night in the "I Quit" Match.
[Graves] Let's send it backstage right now to our very own Cathy Kelley.
[Cathy] Thanks so much, Corey.
I'm standing by with The Street Profits and B-Fab and you guys so kindly offered
to help out Kevin Owens earlier,
but that also means that you voluntarily inserted yourselves
in The Bloodline's business.
Was that the plan all along, or is that something that you--
What do you mean?
Of course we inserted ourselves in Kevin Owens' business.
Cathy, the point is, we're not about to let The Bloodline--
[yelling]
[Graves] Wow, Wade, that's Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa of The Bloodline.
The Right Hand Man
and "The Infamous" Tonga Loa laying waste to The Street Profits.
[Wade] Who are supposed to be KO's backup later on tonight in our main event, Corey.
And it's not looking good.
[yelling]
[Graves] Here comes Owens.
[indistinct yelling continues]
What's going to happen tomorrow night at Clash is simple.
Bianca, Jade, Alba and Isla,
you're going to experience pure dominance
when you step into the ring with two of the most heartless
and ruthless fighters in WWE.
Yeah, see, we don't care who it is.
When they get in the ring with us, we're going to grab them
and tear them apart limb by limb.
And at Clash at the Castle,
we become the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Graves] 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.
We, of course, will do our best to keep you updated on the medical condition
of The Street Profits as those details become available.
We are moments away from action in the Women's Division.
But we are joined at ringside, Wade,
by none other than "The Center of the Universe,"
Miss Tiffany Stratton herself.
Tiffany, welcome to ringside.
Hey, guys. Thanks for having me.
[Wade] What an absolute honor to have the greatest athlete WWE
has ever seen, join us at the desk.
Thank you, Tiffany. I'm ready for some Tiffy Time tonight.
[Stratton] I'm ready too. Let's do this.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making her way to the ring from San Diego, California,
she is the Queen of the Ring,
Nia Jax!
[Graves] Well, Michin has certainly been eager to get her hands on Queen Nia Jax.
And last week on SmackDown, Michin took it one step further, Wade.
Why don't you take a page out of your AJ Styles book
and actually retire?
Because nobody…
[Wade] Well, one coffee to the face later,
and the brawl was on.
Both women refusing to take a step back until security,
thankfully, intervened.
[Graves] Michin not gonna wait,
bringing the fight to The Irresistible Force
before the opening bell.
Look at Michin, lefts and rights, and Nia retreating to the safety
of the center of the ring.
There's the bell and Michin continuing the onslaught.
But, Wade, we went through the trouble of having
Miss Tiffany Stratton join the desk with us.
I know you've got a lot on your mind.
I am legally obligated to sit between you two, have at it.
[Wade] So, Tiffany, let me ask you, prior to that brawl last week,
you were making a pitch to Nia Jax to join and form a unit together.
There's a lot to admire about Nia Jax, clearly.
What is it about Nia Jax that makes you want to link up with her?
[Stratton] I mean, she is so confident.
She is at the top of the Women's Division and she is the Queen of the Ring.
Why would I not want to align myself with her?
[Wade] I would suggest probably anyone would.
But let me ask you--
[Graves] Michin hits Eat Defeat, Nia staggering out of the ring.
[Wade] Let me ask you this, Tiffany, while I still can.
Nia Jax has never played well with others.
What makes you think--
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] She had enough of you, Bad News.
[Wade] It was all too brief.
[screams]
[Graves] Whoa! Look out!
Stratton just launched over our announce desk by Michin.
[Wade] That is no way to treat an announcer.
[Graves] Oh my God! Like running into a brick wall.
Jax continuing the onslaught.
Michin took her eye off the ball for just a second, understandably so.
[Wade] This is perhaps why--
[Graves] The Annihilator!
-One, two, three! -[bell rings]
["Not Like Most Girls" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] What a win for Nia Jax!
[Taylor] Here is your winner, Nia Jax!
[Wade] Squashing time continuing here on SmackDown.
Wow!
Excuse me. Kevin, I'm so sorry to bother you,
but could I possibly get an update on the status of The Street Profits?
Uh, yeah.
You know, it doesn't look like The Street Profits
are going to be able to have my back after all.
But, uh… that's okay.
I fought the bootleg Bloodline by myself before, and I'll just do that again.
-You have. -I'll get to it.
Thank you for the time, Kevin. I appreciate it.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] Well, The Megastar on Friday Night SmackDown,
LA Knight has been doing everything in his power to get his hands
on the United States Champion, Logan Paul.
Last week, LA Knight didn't have much luck,
but promised to bring SmackDown to Logan.
We'll see what that is next.
This was the scene.
Earlier this afternoon in Glasgow for the Clash at the Castle kick-off.
The WWE Universe showed up in full force as we knew they would.
And this is also your chance to shop the collection
of WWE Clash at the Castle Scotland merchandise.
We're talking about replica Championship Titles,
Superstar apparel, signed memorabilia, and so much more,
all at the St. Enoch Shopping Center, open through Sunday.
And Glasgow is a city known for its architecture.
Our United States Champions spent a little bit more time
with a different type of building blocks this week.
It is my honor to present to you,
Logan Paul!
Alright, today we came out to Pasadena, the Classic Tetris World Championships.
Unfortunately, I did not come home with the victory.
Oh!
I got my ass handed to me by a group of 14-year-olds.
These kids are incredible,
but everyone knows I like to experiment.
Today, my experiment failed.
Regardless, I'm gonna go back to doing what I do best
and that is beating up your favorite WWE Superstars.
See you next time.
[groans]
Brother. It's good to be back.
Home sweet home.
Yo, your boy from LA is here.
Huh?
Your boy from LA is in the pool.
What do you mean my boy from LA?
Well, he said he's your boy.
-LA? -He's from LA.
-He's in the pool right now. -Hold on.
What? Nah, nah, nah, nah, bruh!
No, no, no.
[Knight] Welcome back, champ. I've been waiting for you for a while.
As a matter of fact, what's your policy on peeing in the pool?
Because I got to go.
-[Logan] Uh-uh, uh-uh. Get out now! -Hold on, I got a call.
I don't know how you got in here. I don't know who you think you are.
How did he get past security?
How did he get past the gate?
Grab security right now. And by the way, tell him he's fired.
But grab him. Last job. Bro, get out of my house.
-Get out of my pool. -Yeah.
-All right, I'll see you next week. -Nah, nah, too far, too far.
I'm sorry, guys, I gotta go. You should have gotten here earlier.
-Out, get him out! -Let me just grab this.
I gotta dry off, get my shoes, all this stuff.
You're making yourself at home. I don't know who you think you are.
I was trying to come down here. Have a good time with you.
If you'd gotten here earlier, we woulda had a great time.
You said the thing about Aladdin, I appreciate that,
because I could show you the world. I'll start next week in Chicago.
I'll see you there, Champ.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll see you in Chicago, bro. Yeah.
Came into my home with his catchphrases.
Unbelievable, unbelievable.
[Knight] And bring that U.S. Title with ya. Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
Way too far.
[Graves] LA Knight got some big plans in the Windy City next week.
["Melo Don't Miss" by def rebel plays]
[Hayes] Hey.
Hey, put the spotlight over here.
I'm in the suite.
Yeah. Back here. Yeah. Put the spotlight back here.
Yeah. [laughs]
Okay. Hold on, hold on.
What the hell did I just watch?
Hey, you telling me
that LA Knight flew all the way to Puerto Rico,
which, by the way, is way more beautiful than Glasgow, Scotland, to be honest.
[crowd boos]
Hey, you know it's true.
He flew all the way to Puerto Rico just so he can swim in Logan's pool
and let off that weak ass Aladdin line.
LA, you thought you cooked, but check the temp.
It was medium rare trash just like you.
Hey, some dudes will just do anything for clout, huh?
Three weeks begging for an opportunity.
You know what the difference is between me and you, LA?
I don't chase opportunities.
Opportunities chase me.
Hey, okay.
And that's why I already have an opportunity to qualify
for Money in the Bank next week,
so I'll never have to beg for an opportunity like LA Knight.
Hey, hey, y'all gonna love this one.
When I win that, not only will I be him,
but I'll be one step closer
to being Melo in the Bank.
-[laughing] -[crowd boos]
[Graves] Never short on confidence.
Carmelo Hayes has big plans of his own for Friday Night SmackDown, Wade.
["Melo Don't Miss" by def rebel plays]
[Graves] There we see the new "Head of the Table,"
Solo Sikoa flanked by--
[Aldis] Mr. Sikoa…
based on what I just saw,
I'm pleased to inform you
that you and you are barred from ringside.
And if I see either one of you, you're all suspended.
Best of luck, Mr. Head of the Table.
Please accept this counsel from The Wiseman.
You are out there by yourself against Kevin Owens.
Solo, if you lose this match,
you lose your leadership position
against guys that don't respect leadership to begin with.
No, Wiseman, you're wrong.
If I lose this match, I'm coming after you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome my guests, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
[crowd cheers]
["The Depths" playing]
[Graves] This unholy union of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn
have the opportunity tomorrow, Wade,
to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Wade] Two women who completely dominated
the tag scene in NXT, winning gold.
They're taking out every single team and effectively obliterating
an entire Tag Division.
We've not seen a lot of them here yet on SmackDown,
but believe me, these two are damned good.
[Graves] Dabbled in the dark arts.
[crowd cheers]
Ladies, welcome home.
[crowd cheers]
[Redmond] Listen, tomorrow night you are in a Triple Threat Match
for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
The biggest match of your career.
What is going through your mind right now?
Well, Jackie,
I can tell you exactly what's going through our minds.
That is tomorrow night Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn
make history right here in Glasgow, Scotland!
[crowd cheers]
And do you really think we came all the way home
just to come home? [laughs]
No. No one can stop us.
Because tomorrow we will be
the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
at Clash at the Castle!
[crowd cheers]
["The Depths" playing]
[Graves] We will find out if The Unholy Union's prophecy
holds true tomorrow here at the Hydro
at WWE Clash at the Castle.
Because Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn will be one of two teams competing
for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
against the current champions, Cargill and Belair III,
being Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.
[Wade] There's a lot of gold on the line.
The Intercontinental Championship is on the line.
Also, Sami Zayn defends against the newly cutthroat leader
of Alpha Academy, the bitter and twisted Chad Gable.
[Graves] WWE Women's Championship is on the line as the "Role Model" Bayley
defends her title against "The Scottish Monster" Piper Niven.
[Wade] Scottish is a theme.
And World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest
will step into the rampant lion's den tomorrow.
He defends against Scotland's own Drew McIntyre
and Judgment Day, they're banned from ringside.
[Graves] We know tensions are running high after what we witnessed earlier tonight
as the Undisputed WWE Champion, "The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes defends his title against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
in an "I Quit" Match.
["Taking It All (feat. Stevie Stone)" by def rebel plays]
♪ We're taking it all, settle the score… ♪
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by "The Wiseman,"
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman,
representing The Bloodline,
Solo Sikoa!
[Graves] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown
on Fox is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
Wade, you mentioned The Judgment Day being barred from ringside tomorrow.
We found out moments ago that per General Manager Nick Aldis,
"The Right Hand Man," Tama Tonga
and "The Infamous" Tonga Loa have been barred
from ringside in this one.
It's going to be Solo one-on-one with KO.
[Wade] It's a brilliant chess move by Nick Aldis.
That was the ultimate equalizer
after The Bloodline thought they'd made Solo Sikoa's job easy tonight
in our main event.
However, should Solo Sikoa fail,
he made it quite clear one man will be held responsible.
And that is the sometime "Wiseman," Paul Heyman.
-["Fight" by CFO$ playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Taylor] And his opponent, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Graves] You saw on the back and the bottom of your screen that, yes,
Kevin Owens did pick up a victory last week.
But as we went off the air on Friday Night SmackDown,
Kevin Owens was left in a heap driven through our announce table
with a very familiar looking Triple Powerbomb
moments after a very familiar looking spear.
[Wade] Well, I'll tell you right now.
KO is a career, he is a lifetime winner.
He takes no pride whatsoever in victory by decision--
-[Graves] Oh, wait a minute! -[bell rings]
Certainly not when he's laid out afterwards.
And now it's payback time.
[Graves] Official Charles Robinson understanding that tempers
are running high.
This is an incredible environment tonight in Glasgow.
And The Prizefighter looking to end it early.
Solo out of harm's way for the moment.
But Kevin Owens gonna give chase.
[Wade] KO in this kind of mood,
there's simply nowhere to hide for Solo Sikoa.
Kevin Owens has been a thorn in the side of The Bloodline,
no matter who is considered The Head of the Table,
whether it be Roman Reigns in the past or the current
Head of the Table, Solo Sikoa.
[Wade] Prime bottles have been taken out.
[Graves] That's Kevin Owens' personal mission in life.
[Wade] Well, Logan Paul is not going to be happy with us.
Come on, clean them up quickly. Ask for a refund.
[Graves] One heavy right hand changed the complexion for the moment
and sent back over the top to the floor.
Solo is all out of sorts.
[Wade] Solo Sikoa completely glassy-eyed.
[Graves] Kevin Owens from the apron.
Big Frog Splash!
Kevin Owens came to Glasgow looking for a fight!
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] This is our main event on Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
as "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens goes one-on-one
with the new "Head of the Table," Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline.
But here comes Owens again, and there goes Solo once more.
[Wade] Solo Sikoa has been on the back foot
from the very beginning.
It does not pay to enrage "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens.
And finally, Solo Sikoa has got himself a little breathing room.
[Graves] Well, you have to imagine
it through Solo off of his game ever so slightly,
having Nick Aldis bar Tama Tonga
and Tonga Loa from ringside during this matchup.
[Wade] That was part of the problem.
The other part of the problem, the bigger part of the problem,
was a highly enraged Kevin Owens.
Like a bull in a China shop,
but looking like he's ready for the abattoir now.
[Graves] Solo looking to break the officials count.
Maybe going to take a victory by count out.
What stood out to me, Wade, I'm sure the same rings true with you,
was how Solo outright threatened "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman
prior to this match.
Solo said, "If I don't win this match, I'm coming after you."
In all of his years as The Wiseman,
do you ever recall anyone threatening Paul Heyman like that?
-Roman never did that. -[Wade] No.
Paul Heyman has always been an asset to anyone he's managed,
for anyone he's advised, anyone he's been The Wiseman for.
Solo Sikoa seems to be a man
who, as the name would suggest, likes to make…
[Graves] Cover here by Solo.
[Wade] …his decisions on a "solo basis."
And the sword of Damocles is now hanging over the head of Paul Heyman.
[Graves] Take another look at the incredible impact
off the back elbow from Solo putting Kevin Owens down.
There's still plenty of fight left in The Prizefighter.
[Wade] Say what you want about Solo Sikoa, his attitude, his behavior.
How impressive is somebody who can take the kind of beating
that KO threw at Solo Sikoa for about seven or eight minutes
and seemingly be fine at this point.
[Graves] Look out!
KO certainly not fine after that, backing it up in the corner.
But, Wade, the fact is,
everything that we had been told about Solo Sikoa
since his arrival in WWE has been proven true.
He earned the title of The Street Champ to become The Enforcer.
As we see the uncomfortable look washing over the face of The Wiseman yet again.
Solo was once named The Tribal Heir, the next Head of the Table.
And… Oh!
Solo now calling the shots as Roman once did so successfully.
[Wade] Two men now running on fumes.
KO is the one who is needing that breathing room.
He's got it. But can he make it count?
[Graves] Solo went to the well once too often and paid for it
in the form of a DDT by Owens.
[Wade] These are just two identical fighters
with completely different heritages,
both built to throw caution to the wind, absorb maximum abuse,
and keep swinging
until there's no life left in their bodies.
[Graves] A true blue heavyweight fight tonight in Glasgow and here comes Owens.
One, two, three, four… Get off him!
[Graves] Kevin Owens beats and stomps
reminiscent of the very famous Rattlesnake we all know very well.
[Wade] One thing about Kevin Owens, when he finds that second wind,
it's always more devastating than the first.
[Graves] Owens standing Solo up and delivering a clothesline,
but Solo still on his feet.
Oh!
[Wade] These are two big boys throwing heavy leather.
[Graves] And Owens gets the best of that exchange.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] You can almost see the adrenaline beginning to pulse through Kevin Owens,
feeding off of the energy of the WWE Universe.
But Solo just one step ahead.
[Wade] Two men in a fight for their lives this evening.
Strategy completely out the window from the very word "Go."
Fight on instinct.
Fight on whatever you have in your soul.
[Graves] Owens desperately flailing on the top turnbuckle,
able to connect with a few short jabs right under the eye of Solo.
Elbow to the forehead, takes Solo off of the ropes
and here comes Owens with a Tornado DDT.
KO scrambling for the cover. Hooks the leg.
[Wade] Right to the top of the cranium of the new Tribal Chief.
It hurt Solo Sikoa. I think it hurt Paul Heyman even more.
[Graves] Paul Heyman, The Wiseman on the outside,
understandably beside himself
after the warning from Solo before this match.
And big time Samoan Drop! That could do it.
-Cover by Solo. -[Robinson] One, two…
[Wade] I am increasingly worried about Paul Heyman's blood pressure.
What a roller coaster this man has been on in recent weeks.
[Graves] Right now you can imagine Heyman has got to be the biggest Solo Sikoa fan
on God's green Earth.
[Wade] If Heyman has any advice,
and if Solo, of course, would take it, now is the time.
[crowd chants] We want Roman!
[Graves] Solo is considering Spinning Solo,
but Owens able to fight out in time.
Superkick on the chin. Answered by KO.
Owens with another.
And a third!
It's that time. Clear the deck. Cannonball!
[Wade] KO picking up the pace just when it's needed.
This is the opportunity he's been waiting for.
-[Graves] Swanton Bomb! Cover by KO. -[Robinson] One, two…
[Wade] You do not get to the top
without the kind of durability that Solo Sikoa has.
[Graves] We know the durability of Kevin Owens.
It's what's endeared KO to the WWE Universe.
His "just keep fighting" mentality.
But perhaps Owens has met his match
in the form of the new "Head of the Table," Solo Sikoa.
[Wade] We got two men with zero physical weaknesses.
How the hell do you get a winner out of a match like that?
[Graves] Oh no! Owens crashing spine-first onto the apron.
Which of these two wants this more? Owens, Sikoa, continues live.
This is our main event on Friday Night SmackDown,
the night before Clash at the Castle from Glasgow, Scotland,
as the new "Head of the Table," Solo Sikoa,
looks to finish the job
and solve the Kevin Owens problem that has plagued The Bloodline.
[Wade] This match hanging in the balance,
as does the future of "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
who badly needs a Solo Sikoa victory or else.
[Graves] Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa of The Bloodline barred from ringside,
it has been one-on-one, two heavy hitters.
But perhaps the fate of Paul Heyman lying in the balance.
Owens from the top.
Frog Splash on the money!
-Hooks the leg. -[crowd] One, two--
Solo keeps this one alive a little longer,
and I think Paul Heyman may have just seen his own life flash before his very eyes.
[Wade] Paul Heyman may well have just soiled his pants in that moment,
but somehow Solo Sikoa keeps ticking on.
[Graves] I haven't seen fear like that in Glasgow
since The Unknown was haunting The Wonka Experience.
[Wade] This is no time for The Unknown and the Willy Wonka.
This is serious, Corey!
[Graves] No doubt! Spinning Solo! That's gonna do it.
Hooks the leg.
And at this point, Paul Heyman is asking himself,
"What is it going to take?"
Can it be done? A second Spinning Solo!
And KO kicks out!
[Wade] Disbelief in the eyes of Solo Sikoa,
who is perhaps aware there really is very little left
in his arsenal to put The Prizefighter away.
Here comes Solo. Superkick!
The second puts down Sikoa.
[Wade] I have to think KO's body, KO's brain is not working at the moment.
This is all instinctive and it might do the job.
[Graves] Swanton attempt, but the knees were up.
I don't think Owens is using his brain right now, Wade.
This is all heart.
Samoan Spike. Owens avoids it. Stunner!
[crowd] One, two, three--
[Graves] And Heyman just saved his own rear end.
[Wade] Solo Sikoa was a beaten man.
Paul Heyman was a dead man…
except for that intervention.
-[Graves] Oh no. -[Wade] Whoa!
[crowd roars]
[Graves] Owens has had about enough.
I had no choice! [indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Don't do it, KO.
Oh, no, no, no. Oh, no, no, no.
[Wade] Samoan Spike…
to a distracted KO.
[Graves] This is gonna do it if Solo connects. Samoan Spike!
-You can count to 30. -[Robinson] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
[Graves] You're welcome, Mr. Heyman.
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
Solo Sikoa!
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute.
Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga, have hit the ring.
They're barred from ringside, but the match is over.
[Wade] So what you're saying is this is all perfectly legal,
and there's nothing Nick Aldis can do about this.
Certainly nothing Kevin Owens can do about it.
[Graves] It's Bloodline rules, as usual.
[Wade] KO has been battered from pillar to post.
He's been in a hell of a matchup and things are about to get even worse.
-♪ I hear voices… ♪ -[crowd cheers]
[Wade] No!
[Graves] The Viper is back!
And Orton ready for a fight.
Nice to meet you, "Infamous" Tonga Loa.
[Wade] Just the man you want running to your aid in a moment of peril.
[Graves] And The Right Hand Man dropped across the barricade.
Solo now bringing the fight to The Viper.
[Wade] Distracted by the fighting battles on three fronts,
and he might win them all at this rate.
[Graves] Vintage Orton!
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Turn around, Randy.
RKO!
[Wade] As Solo Sikoa slithers away.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ The counsel me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
[Graves] An unlikely savior emerging on behalf of Kevin Owens.
[Wade] Kevin Owens was about to get maimed by The Bloodline
after a hell of a match with Solo Sikoa
that Kevin Owens had won.
That was until the intervention of Paul Heyman
putting the boot of Solo Sikoa, breaking the hold
just when KO came for payback, Corey.
[Graves] Solo would reinsert himself into the conversation
and deliver an epic Samoan Spike to Owens,
enough to earn the victory.
But in a shocking turn of events, Randy Orton would come to the aid of Owens
and start dishing out brutality like only Orton can do.
[Wade] Basically, two men I would not want to anger, KO and Orton.
[Graves] Well, this issue certainly far from over.
Orton, Owens and The Bloodline.
But tomorrow, WWE Clash at the Castle
from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
We'll see you in Scotland.
[crowd cheers] n Scotland.