[WWE intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael Cole] Tonight, all the pressure of Scotland
is on this man's shoulders.
Drew McIntyre has come home,
looking to exorcise the past demons.
[Corey Graves] Two heavy hitters for the richest prize on Monday Night Raw.
[dramatic music playing]
Oh God.
[Cole] Priest got hung up and McIntyre gonna take advantage.
[crowd shouting]
[Graves] Oh no.
[Cole] The official knocked down into the barricade.
Claymore!
And here comes another official…
[music slowly intensifies]
CM Punk!
[crowd booing]
He went low on McIntyre.
South of Heaven chokeslam.
CM Punk has screwed Drew McIntyre.
[crowd buzzing]
[solemn music playing]
CM Punk…
I can't do this anymore.
Screw this company.
[crowd exclaiming]
I quit.
[crowd buzzing]
[music builds, turns dramatic]
-I'm serious. -There's a million ways we can end this.
-I'm serious. -Do not end it like this.
I gotta get out. I'm done, though. I'm done.
Let me talk to him.
Nobody wants you--
Got everybody fooled, from the top to the bottom.
There's nothing to be fixed. I'm done.
[music peaks, then fades]
[Graves] As we await the fallout from an epic Clash at the Castle,
welcome to The Second City, Chicago, Illinois,
where tonight, our Superstars turn their eyes to the skies
and potentially career-defining opportunities
two weeks from tomorrow at Money in the Bank.
Tonight, we are live from a sold-out Allstate Arena.
This is the Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
["Nobody Better Than Me" continues]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
["Cult of Personality" by Living Colour playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Look in my eyes, what do you see? ♪
-[crowd cheering loudly] -♪ The cult of personality ♪
♪ I know your anger, I know your dreams ♪
♪ I've been everything you want to be ♪
♪ Oh, I'm the cult of personality ♪
♪ Like Mussolini and Kennedy ♪
♪ I'm the cult of personality ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
-It's… -[crowd] Clobberin' time!
[Alicia Taylor] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
CM Punk!
[Graves] Wade, as we kick things off with The Second City Saint himself,
what an emotional night it was in Glasgow.
[Barrett] Yeah, and especially for the UK contingent,
temperatures were at boiling point at the end of the event,
and maybe I personally crossed a line as an analyst.
I said some things I probably shouldn't have said.
-I've now cooled down, and to be clear… -Look at all the people!
…I have been reprimanded.
But I'm a pro and we move on.
♪ I exploit you… ♪
-How you doing? -Good. And you?
I'm great! I'm great. Thanks for coming.
♪ I told you one and one makes three ♪
♪ Oh, I'm the cult of personality ♪
[Graves] With one swing of his foot,
CM Punk broke the hearts of an entire nation
and dashed the championship dreams
of a certain Scottish Warrior.
♪ The cult of personality ♪
Tonight CM Punk is home.
♪ Neon lights ♪
♪ A Nobel prize ♪
♪ When a leader speaks that leader dies ♪
♪ You won't have to follow me ♪
♪ Only you can set you free ♪
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
["Cult of Personality" continues]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk!
Live television on FOX. I got to start off by saying,
is it great to be alive in Chicago on a Friday night or what?
[crowd cheering]
Live TV, that's pressure.
Every time I come out and I'm grateful to be graced
in the presence of you beautiful people, that's pressure.
Wrestling or speaking in front of your hometown audience
is pressure.
Promising to do your best and walk away champion
in front of your people is pressure.
[crowd cheering]
And y'all might think I'm a little bit crazy,
but even to this day,
I still think right before you hear that static
and Living Colour belts out…
♪ Like Mussolini ♪
…I wonder if I can handle the pressure.
I'm gonna give you a date.
You let me know by raise of hand or scream of voice,
how many people were here July 17th, 2011?
[crowd cheering]
I promised myself
and I promised each and every single one of you
I was gonna walk out of my hometown
the WWE Champion.
[crowd cheering]
That's pressure.
I could have slipped on a banana peel,
fell flat on my face, and made an embarrassment of myself
and made an embarrassment of Chicago.
But did I do that?
[crowd] No!
Did I do that?
[crowd] No!
One more time. Did I embarrass Chicago?
[crowd] No!
See where I'm going with this, don't you?
I was told I was gonna get jumped in Glasgow.
I was told we needed to hire extra security in Glasgow
because if I interfered with the title match,
boy, they were gonna have it.
They were gonna have my head on a pike.
I was gonna ruin everybody's day.
Did I ruin everybody's day?
[crowd] No!
And I hate to kick a man while he's down,
but it's a little bit of revenge, isn't it?
Because for weeks, and that turned into months,
Drew McIntyre…
[crowd booing]
…kicked me while I was down.
And because of promises I always made and promises I kept,
he wasn't just kicking me.
He was kicking Chicago.
You can do three things in that situation.
You could stay down.
That's not an option.
You can get back up and turn the other cheek.
I'm from Chicago. That's not an option.
[crowd cheering]
I chose the Chicago way.
They want to send me to the hospital?
I'ma send them to the morgue.
Now, I'm not boasting that I'm gonna kill a man,
but I set out to kill his career.
I said I would make Drew McIntyre's life a living hell,
and I planned on burying his career six feet under.
[crowd cheering]
I just didn't think it would be that easy…
because have you heard about this?
Have you seen this? By now, you've all seen what's going on.
Drew McIntyre has quit.
[crowd cheering]
He couldn't take the pressure.
He said he prayed for bad things to happen to CM Punk,
so I prayed on him and I made bad things happen to him.
And I was looking so forward to coming back here
and making more bad things happen to him.
But he has taken his ball and he has gone home.
[Paul Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd shouting]
[Graves] How's this for a blast from the past?
[crowd chanting] ECW! ECW! ECW! ECW! ECW!
ECW! ECW! ECW!
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is Paul Heyman.
I am not out here tonight
in-in-in disrespect to you, of all people.
Of all people, I would never disrespect you.
I-I-I came out here now because I just got here.
I'm admittedly running late.
I don't know if you realize this,
it's hot as balls outside.
[crowd cheering]
And when CM Punk opens up a show,
it's hot as balls in the Allstate Arena as well.
[crowd cheering]
This man.
That man right there sat next to my children
when I was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
[crowd cheering]
Despite being The Wiseman
for "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns,
I told the world that you were my best friend.
I meant it then.
I mean it now.
I've come here in an urgent situation.
May I?
[crowd chanting] We want Roman!
[clapping rhythmically]
We want Roman!
[clapping rhythmically]
We want Roman!
[clapping rhythmically]
We want Roman!
[CM Punk] There's about one person in this world
that can hijack my promo and get 'em to chant "Roman Reigns,"
and it's you. I forgive you.
Come on in. You don't… Are you all right?
You don't look so good.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
[crowd cheering]
[laughs] I'm sorry. I needed that.
Um, I came out here
because driving in, on the radio,
we're listening to sports radio,
and they say on the radio
that Chicago is CM Punk's town.
[crowd cheering]
And that really pissed off Solo.
[crowd booing]
Because Solo, now that he's…
now…
now that he's The Head of the Table…
[crowd booing]
…Solo wants every town to be his town.
And, um…
uh, I came out here to do you a favor, and I want a favor back.
The favor is I came out here because any day,
you're gonna get medically cleared,
and anybody that steps up to you are gonna learn that they are inside the ring
with the best in the world.
And if… if you don't get out of here right now,
they're coming out here for you.
[crowd booing]
And that's not gonna do anybody any good
because you can see the extra security that is now here,
and the extra security that is in the locker room.
And that's like for the Wyatts
or anybody else that wants to cause trouble,
not for a bunch of rogue Samoans and Tongans
that are taking this way out of proportion.
So, the favor that I'm doing for you
is to say to you with love and respect
that, against your own instincts,
please get the hell out of here right now.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
[Heyman] I'm sorry.
[chanting continues] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk!
You're serious?
You want me to leave
because Solo…
and the Tongans are gonna try to jump me…
in Chicago?
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score No, I will not take a loss ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ We're the ones ♪
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We're taking it all ♪
[Graves] We may need even more security than is already here, Wade.
[Barrett] Nobody can make enemies like CM Punk.
Hey yo, Punk.
[crowd booing]
Hey yo, Punk.
If you want to be on SmackDown,
on my show…
-[inaudible] -…yo, in my city…
-[booing intensifies] -[inaudible]
…you got two options.
Two.
One, you pay your respect…
to me
and The Bloodline.
Or two…
we about to make sure yo' ass
never, ever gets cleared to wrestle again.
[crowd chanting] Solo sucks! Solo sucks!
[Sikoa] So what you want to do?
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk!
Paul…
what's the favor you wanted to ask of me
if I do you this favor?
[crowd chattering]
Take me with you.
[crowd shouting]
Solo, it's-- Wait, Solo.
[crowd chanting] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Solo…
I acknowledge…
[crowd buzzing]
[inaudible]
…the fact that I don't see The Bloodline standing in front of me.
I see a bunch of fake-ass Usos…
[crowd cheering]
…and a phony cosplay Tribal Chief.
-[crowd exclaiming] -[inaudible]
Hey. Get his ass now.
[Graves] Oh, it's about to pop off.
CM Punk standing his ground, ill-advised as it may be.
[Barrett] This is a fight you cannot win, Punk, even here in Chicago.
[Graves] Oh no, this does not look good.
Wait a minute!
It's The American Nightmare!
Cody Rhodes.
[Barrett] Armed with a couple of equalizers.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Solo!
You fashion yourself The Head of the Table, right?
You damn right. You damn right.
I've already beaten one Head of the Table.
[crowd cheering]
So why don't you leave your family backstage,
Kevin and Randy won't accompany me, and we settle this here,
we settle this tonight!
[crowd cheering]
-Let's go! -[Sikoa] You got it.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[Graves] Well, the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes,
laid out the challenge.
He wants to go one-on-one
with Solo tonight on Friday Night SmackDown, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, and judging by the eyes of the new Head of the Table,
Solo Sikoa loves that idea.
There is simply no slowing down for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
If that gets made official,
we're gonna have a huge main event right here tonight in Chicago.
♪ Waiting for me to start the show ♪
[Graves] All combustible elements are present for a memorable night
on Friday Night SmackDown in the Allstate Arena.
♪ My father said ♪
♪ When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
♪ Better men! ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all way ♪
[Graves] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And, Wade, what a wild way to kick off the evening
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
As "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman mentioned,
security has been enhanced throughout the arena tonight
as a result of what we've witnessed in the closing moments
of Monday Night RAW, which was a downright massacre.
We'll fill you in on all of the details later on in the evening.
Uh, but, Wade, we have Money in the Bank qualifiers to prepare for tonight,
and they're coming your way in a matter of minutes.
Let's get ready, tonight on SmackDown.
♪ The realest, the hardest Goin' for the limit ♪
♪ I said it, I meant it I'm about my business… ♪
[crowd cheering]
Hey, girl.
I know tonight is all about qualifying for Money in the Bank,
and I'm not here to distract you.
But after, I need to go talk to Nick Aldis
about our rematch for our Tag Team Titles.
Okay, I hear you, but tonight I got to focus on my match
and next week you have yours.
-Thanks. -Now Nick, he know we deserve a rematch
because we weren't even pinned.
That's true. This is true.
But tonight, I got to go handle my business.
I'ma go qualify for Money in the Bank.
Of course.
And then we gonna get our Tag Team Titles back.
Ooh, I love that.
See you.
Oh, I love this.
And I would say "Good luck," but you don't need it.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
♪ 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 Triple Threat Match
is a Women's Money in the Bank qualifier.
Introducing first, from Knoxville, Tennessee,
Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Well, The EST with the career-altering opportunity
in front of her.
It's a Triple Threat Match.
Who will head to Money in the Bank?
We find out live, next.
["Watch Me Shine" continues]
♪ I'm on my own, against… ♪
[Graves] In Chicago, and all the stars are out.
There's University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman
in the house with his family.
They've got some front row seats
for some great action tonight, Bad News.
[Barrett] Yeah, they're gonna have the best seats in the house
for tonight's main event because it is official.
As we heard before the break,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
is gonna go one-on-one with his perma-nemesis,
the new Head of the Table, Solo Sikoa.
Savagery guaranteed in tonight's main event.
♪ Call me the GOAT 'Cause there ain't no debating ♪
♪ I'm winning, I'm acing I'm sitting at first… ♪
["Nobody Better Than Me" continues]
[crowd cheering]
Cody, what's up, man?
Uh, with everything that's going on around this place,
are you sure you want to face Solo tonight alone?
Randy, it's just something I got to do.
Solo is not ready.
You got a Money in the Bank qualifier. I got this. Trust me. Trust me.
All right, Code-man.
-KO. -See you in a bit.
Look, man, I don't like this.
I get wanting to do it on your own, but they always have a plan.
Solo, Heyman.
I already know what… I know what you're gonna say,
and you're probably 100% right.
I'm sure Solo has a plan, but I've got a plan too.
Good luck, Kev.
Thanks.
[bell rings]
[Graves] Well, here we go with our first Money in the Bank qualifier
of the evening,
as Michin looks to steal an early win
and punch her ticket to Toronto
and the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
As history has taught us, Bad News,
Money in the Bank can alter the course of a Superstar's career.
[Barrett] It is the easiest possible way
you can become a champion here in WWE.
As we take a look at somebody who will have a vested interest in this
because potentially she could be looking at a future challenger
for that WWE Women's Championship.
That's the champ, Bayley.
[Graves] And nothing makes champions in WWE sweat quite like Money in the Bank.
Climb the ladder, retrieve the contract,
and you have a guaranteed title opportunity for the next year.
And what a right hand by Green.
[Barrett] Chelsea Green smartly picking her spots.
But this is a woman, Michin, who has been fighting all-comers lately,
including those at NXT.
Michin someone desperate for competition and opportunity.
[Graves] The EST a step ahead.
It's nice to see that Bianca has shifted her focus
just days after losing the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
[Barrett] Talking of focus, Chelsea Green is somebody who is outstanding
when those rare moments of focus arrive in matchups.
[Graves] Oh, wow.
Bianca just uncorked that right on the chin of Michin,
and one for Chelsea Green as well.
Of course, under Triple Threat rules, no count out, no disqualification,
first woman to gain a pinfall or submission
will advance to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
And Chelsea Green taking it high-risk.
Who's going to head to Toronto?
[crowd chanting] Chelsea! Chelsea!
[Graves] It's a Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat Match
as Michin battles Bianca Belair and Chelsea Green.
Which of these three women will join Iyo Sky
in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match two weeks from tomorrow?
[Barrett] You have to say, coming into this match…
[Graves] Oh! Good God.
Chelsea Green ain't getting up from that.
Maybe ever.
[Barrett] All three women wiped out.
This is high-risk.
Every woman for herself with high rewards and opportunity
to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Graves] There we see the WWE Women's Champion Bayley looking on,
realizing that she could be an even bigger target
in the wake of Money in the Bank.
[Barrett] Have to say, coming into this match,
the clear-cut favorite was Bianca Belair,
the woman who has done it all here in WWE.
But it has now turned into a complete brawl.
And Michin perhaps taking advantage.
-[Graves] Oh, shoulders down. -One, two…
[Graves] Michin been extremely impressive recently on NXT.
Can she parlay that momentum into something greater?
But look at the strength of Bianca Belair.
Great counter. Sunset flip, shoulders down.
[Barrett] Nice veteran move there by Michin.
You simply cannot match Belair…
[Graves] Eat Defeat! And Belair sent to the floor.
[Barrett] …in the physical stakes.
But you can't help to-- Here we go.
[Graves] Chelsea Green is gonna steal it. No.
She's out!
[Graves] Looking for Eat Defeat yet again.
Chelsea looking to counter with Unprettier.
[Barrett] Chelsea Green just finding new levels
in this match we haven't seen from her recently.
Normally hiding behind Piper Niven, understandably too-- Wait.
[Graves] Oh, Michin could be thinking about a Styles Clash.
There it is!
-Michin is headed to Money in the Bank. -One, two…
No!
[Barrett] The EST simply too switched on,
keeping her chances alive.
Watch again as Michin connects with this Styles Clash,
a move of her former mentor, AJ Styles,
which would have been enough had it not been for The EST
having perfect timing as always.
[Graves] Michin with a waistlock applied.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome! [clapping rhythmically]
This is awesome!
[Graves] Standing switch by Belair. Oh!
Big time release German suplex.
[Barrett] Michin landing flat on the top of her head.
And now we've got the KOD.
[Graves] Nailed it.
Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute. Chelsea Green from behind.
-From behind. -One, two, three!
[Graves] Chelsea steals it.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
Chelsea Green.
[Graves] What a shocking turn of events tonight in Chicago.
[Barrett] Belair cannot believe her eyes.
For once, Chelsea Green is gonna have nothing to complain about.
Belair did the hard work. KOD connected.
But how smart was Chelsea Green here,
capitalizing on the hard work of others, getting the victory.
Chelsea Green goes to Toronto.
Chelsea Green will be in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
She joins Iyo Sky as a qualifier.
[Graves] And that opportunistic mindset is exactly what it takes
to succeed with Money in the Bank.
["Hot Mess" playing]
I'm your new champion, baby!
♪ Feeling the love from the crowd It's amazing ♪
♪ In love with power, I'm racing ♪
♪ To the end of the tunnel, I'm chasing… ♪
Of course.
Bayley.
You know, I want you to tell your little friend Naomi
that I'm really looking forward to beating her in our qualifying match next week.
And, um, when I become Ms. Money in the Bank,
I'm really looking forward to cashing in on you.
[crowd booing]
[speaking indistinctly]
You wanna leave?
No.
Well, before you leave with CM Punk…
I need you to tell the Tongans to make sure that KO and Randy
don't make it to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Yeah. Yeah, you.
Y-y-you want me to tell them this message?
If I tell you to do something, you better do it.
-Okay. I'll take care of it right now. -Yeah.
Wait, wait.
And when you come back, me and you…
we need to have a talk.
Okay.
-Thank you, sir. -Mm-hmm.
[mutters] The Wiseman…
[scoffs]
["Dead End Road" by Jelly Roll playing]
[Barrett] We'd like to extend a special thank you
to Jelly Roll for "Dead End Road,"
the official theme song of WWE SummerSlam.
"Dead End Road" is featured on the movie soundtrack for the upcoming film Twisters.
Available June 19th on Apple Music and Spotify.
[Graves] But this is Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
and last week,
DIY were very special guests on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
I want to talk to you.
Someone's got to tell you, he's using you.
[crowd cheering]
-You don't need him. -[shouts indistinctly]
[Barrett] Grayson Waller didn't like what he was hearing and things broke down.
Austin Theory taking a bullet for his tag partner, Grayson Waller.
But Grayson Waller not returning the favor,
and when the chance came,
DIY adamant they are owed a championship opportunity.
Now let's head to Kayla Braxton.
Thanks, guys. I'm here with Grayson Waller.
And, Grayson, I imagine you're having a hard time
focusing on your qualifying match tonight since your partner, Austin Theory,
is stuck at home recovering.
Shout out my boy, Theory. I'm thinking of him tonight.
That's why tonight, when I qualify for Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
I'm going to go to Money in the Bank,
and I'm going to win that briefcase for Austin Theory.
Because your boy Grayson Waller real good at ladder matches.
He's not going to have a hard time.
He doesn't care about Austin.
He only cares about himself.
-You know what I think? -What do you think?
I think last week you sacrificed your best friend for your own well-being.
-[banging on door] -Hey, hey.
-All right. All right. -Hey, that ain't true.
You two are the reason he's not here right now.
[crosstalk]
[Waller] Oh…
[crowd cheering]
[grunting]
[crowd roaring]
[crowd booing]
-[thudding] -[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
-Go on. Get out of here. -[crosstalk]
[referee yelling]
I'm gonna kill you.
Do you have any idea what you've just done?
[continues indistinctly]
[crowd booing]
[crowd buzzing]
[Graves] Well, we are live tonight in Chicago, Illinois, the home of CM Punk.
But Punk's expected homecoming turned tragic moments ago
courtesy of Drew McIntyre.
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
…for your own well-being.
-[banging on door] -Hey, hey.
-All right. All right. -Hey, that ain't true.
You two are the reason he's not here right now.
[crosstalk]
[Waller] Oh…
[Graves] Drew McIntyre, The Scottish Warrior,
who claimed to quit WWE this past Monday on RAW,
is in Chicago and unleashed an abhorrent attack
on The Best in the World.
[Barrett] Listen, temperatures were at boiling point last Saturday night
at Clash at the Castle.
A lot of us cooled down.
Drew McIntyre was never going to cool down after that.
[crowd booing]
-[thudding] -[crowd booing]
And I gotta tell you, Corey.
CM Punk made his bed at Clash at the Castle,
and now he's lying in it.
What we didn't realize last Saturday
was that bed was going to be a hospital bed.
And CM Punk looks like he's going to be laying in it
for a considerable amount of time.
[Graves] Of course, we'll do our best to keep you posted on any updates
and the status of CM Punk as they become available.
Keep your eyes on WWE's social media platforms.
[Aldis] I swear to God. Make sure he's out of the building.
Be careful with him.
It's going to be okay, Punk.
-[woman 1] Is he gonna be okay? -[woman 2] I don't-- No, I don't know.
[chatter continues]
[siren wailing]
["Brother's Keeper" playing]
[Graves] Nick Aldis certainly has his hands full tonight,
but it is time for a Money in the Bank qualifying matchup.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following Triple Threat Match
is a Men's Money in the Bank qualifier.
Weighing in at 220 pounds,
representing The Bloodline,
Tama Tonga!
Already in the ring, from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds, Carmelo Hayes.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me, they understand They talk to me ♪
["Voices" playing]
[inaudible]
♪ You got your rules and your religion… ♪
[Taylor] From St. Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 275 pounds,
"The Viper"
Randy Orton!
[Graves] Money in the Bank is powered 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.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
[Graves] A riotous ovation for "The Viper" Randy Orton, Wade,
who returned in this very arena back at Survivor Series last year.
[Barrett] Has to be the odds-on favorite to qualify here tonight in this matchup.
A man with all the experience in the world, including once upon a time,
being a former Money in the Bank contract holder
back in 2013.
Successfully cashed that briefcase and contract in.
Knows how vital victory is tonight.
[Graves] What about the marching orders that "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
was ordered to pass along to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa?
[Barrett] The message was,
the job of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa tonight--
this is coming from The Head of the Table himself--
is to make sure that Randy Orton and KO
do not qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
That is the primary objective,
apparently ahead of even Tama Tonga himself qualifying.
♪ They counsel me, they understand They talk to me ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things that I… ♪
[Barrett] And you've got to think a message like that really plays
into the hands of someone like Carmelo Hayes.
I gotta agree with you, Wade.
Carmelo has been hungry for opportunities
since joining Friday Night SmackDown.
[Graves] It doesn't get much bigger than a Money in the Bank
qualifying Triple Threat matchup.
Remember, first man to gain pinfall or submission
will advance to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
two weeks from tomorrow.
[Barrett] Look. "The Viper" Randy Orton
did not take his eyes off Tama Tonga,
and wisely, perhaps, Tonga and Melo in the early goings,
teaming up to take down The Viper.
[Graves] Well, Tama Tonga shoving back Carmelo Hayes.
Oh, shoulders down.
Smart move by Hayes, trying to steal a victory.
[Barrett] Tama Tonga saying, "This is my piece of red meat."
"Lay off."
-[grunting] -[crowd exclaiming]
[Graves] Whether you're Carmelo Hayes or Tama Tonga,
you've got to be extremely careful when you are dealing
with "The Viper" Randy Orton.
There is not much that Orton hasn't already experienced or accomplished
in this game.
[Barrett] We've all got to be extremely careful
when we're around The Viper.
[Graves] And Carmelo Hayes may have just saved
the hide of Tama Tonga momentarily.
[Barrett] Here's the thing with Carmelo Hayes… Uh-oh.
Here's the thing with Randy Orton, Wade…
Oh, and Tama again.
And now Orton caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
-[Barrett] This is just… -A psychotic Tongan.
[Barrett] Forget this being a Triple Threat.
It is a two-on-one matchup at this point,
and that is clearly the smartest thing anyone could do against The Viper.
[Graves] And look at the size of Orton, fighting out of this predicament.
-[Barrett] Uh-oh. -[Graves] Look out!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Orton turning the tides.
Who's headed to Money in the Bank?
[crowd cheering]
Friday Night SmackDown is in the Allstate Arena tonight,
Chicago, Illinois, as we witness a triple threat qualifying match
for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
And, Wade, Tama Tonga has been impressive from the opening bell,
weathering the storm of offense provided by both Orton and Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] Well, Tama Tonga's performances since being brought in by Solo Sikoa
have been nothing short of exemplary.
What an asset to The Bloodline he has been!
He's done everything perfectly.
-[Graves] Cover by Tonga. -One, two…
[Graves] Hook of the leg, but Carmelo Hayes
with a little too much left in the tank.
[Barrett] Carmelo Hayes is damn good.
He's taken guys like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton to their limits
in his short time here on SmackDown.
But what a signature victory this will be if he can somehow negotiate his path.
[Graves] And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive.
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy!
[Graves] As the 15,015 members of the WWE Universe
try to rally behind The Viper, who is still down on the outside.
Tama Tonga and Carmelo Hayes both trying to make a little headway.
[Barrett] That flurry of dominance from The Viper.
He got shut down in a big way with some double-team moves.
And now it's all about the Tama Tonga show.
[Graves] Oh, what a facebuster by Hayes!
Into the cover.
-[crowd] One, two… -[Graves] Wow!
[Barrett] I'll tell you what.
Carmelo Hayes is the poster boy for self-belief.
How the hell can you be in a matchup with Randy Orton and Tama Tonga,
and being enjoying yourself as much as he is?
[Graves] Can you imagine how much Carmelo Hayes would enjoy himself
if he had the opportunity to climb the ladder,
retrieve the Money in the Bank contract,
and potentially change the trajectory of his already impressive career?
[Barrett] Well, Carmelo Hayes already believes
he is the number one competitor…
[Graves] Inside cradle by Hayes.
[Barrett] …on the planet, despite the fact that many others have bigger résumés.
Carmelo Hayes' is growing by the day.
[Graves] What a back breaker by Tama Tonga!
Hook of the leg, cover for Money in the Bank,
but The Viper breaks up the pinfall.
[Barrett] Well, Tama Tonga a millisecond from victory
and a millisecond from fulfilling
Solo Sikoa's desire of making sure Orton does not qualify.
[Graves] Orton rocks Hayes with a massive uppercut.
Look at the size of Randy Orton, Wade.
He returned at about 275 pounds.
Orton looking even bigger than in Survivor Series.
Boom!
[Barrett] A great athlete who gets better by the year.
[Graves] Big right hand between the eyes of Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] Randy Orton did, of course,
beat Carmelo Hayes and Tama Tonga on his run
to the King of the Ring final.
He's got to beat them both together this evening.
I wouldn't put it past him.
[Graves] Orton now, putting Carmelo in position
for the superplex and homage to "The Ace Cowboy" Bob Orton.
-Hook of the leg. -One, two…
[Graves] Tama Tonga breaks up Orton's attempt.
[Barrett] That superplex took something out of The Viper at the same time.
That delay in the pin was all that Tama Tonga needed to get back involved,
and now The Viper is fading.
[Graves] Tama Tonga with a sleeper hold applied.
Smart strategy, but Orton able to overpower Tama.
[Barrett] Cannot shake off those cobwebs, however.
[Graves] And a thumb to the eye by Orton.
[Barrett] Yeah, whatever it takes.
[Graves] No disqualification under Triple Threat rules.
First 48.
Facebuster by Tonga.
Hook of the leg.
Carmelo Hayes now.
-One, two… -No!
[Hayes] What the hell?
[Graves] And a haymaker from Tonga dropped Hayes for the moment.
[Barrett] Whatever loose alliance there was between these two
is clearly out of the window now.
[Graves] It was an alliance of necessity.
But at the end of the day, there can only be one victor.
Tama Tonga sent spilling to the floor.
There goes Carmelo Hayes.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Tonga wants to get himself some.
[Barrett] Two for the price of one.
[Graves] Vintage Orton!
[crowd cheering]
Orton surveying the scene.
Randy can feel it.
Taste it.
Money in the Bank could be at hand.
[crowd cheering]
[cash register dings]
[cheering intensifies]
[Graves] Listen to this place.
But it's Tonga Loa.
[Barrett] Solo Sikoa gave his marching orders.
[Graves] Turn around, Randy.
Oh, wait a minute, Kevin Owens.
Owens is here to neutralize "The Infamous" Tonga Loa.
[Barrett] Well, Randy saved KO last week.
-Now it is time to repay the favor. -[Graves] Wait, wait.
Carmelo Hayes.
-Hayes stole it. -[bell rings]
["Melo Don't Miss" playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner
Carmelo Hayes!
[Graves] We talked about Chelsea Green capitalizing on opportunity.
Carmelo Hayes with the upset of the year.
[Barrett] Well, that is championship instincts from Carmelo Hayes.
Just when The Viper was distracted,
Carmelo Hayes showing maturity beyond his years to pounce
and qualify for the Money in the Bank Championship match.
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes will now join "Main Event" Jey Uso
in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Well, Carmelo Hayes has had a gold plated history in NXT,
but this may well surpass all of that.
Carmelo Hayes has an opportunity
to become Mr. Money in the Bank 2024.
Chance to take his career to an entirely new level.
And if you're talking about taking things to a whole new level, Wade,
for the past several months,
we've been inundated with cryptic,
mysterious messages and riddles and QR codes
that have left us asking hundreds of different questions.
Unfortunately for the WWE Universe, this past Monday on RAW,
we received a horrific answer.
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest, ain't no hatin' I'm the best here ♪
[static hissing]
[eerie music playing]
-[static] -[whirring]
[sudden silence]
[tense staccato piano notes playing]
[static hissing]
[shrill squeal]
[eerie music playing]
[eerie vocalizations]
[ominous music playing]
[music builds]
We're here!
["Tap (Feat. Meek Mill)" by NAV playing]
[Barrett] And we'd like to extend a special thank you to NAV
for "Tap (Feat. Meek Mill),"
an official theme song of WWE Money in the Bank.
"Tap" is featured on the album Bad Habits,
available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
♪ LA Knight ♪
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[crowd cheering]
It's time.
-[Taylor] Ladies and gentlemen… -It's time.
…please welcome LA Knight.
[crowd] Yeah!
Make some noise!
[Graves] Well, tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Graves] Bad News, I can't-- I can't believe you…
kept your composure this well when The Megastar's in the house.
[Barrett] Well, this audience had the life sucked out of them
seeing CM Punk get life beaten out of him.
But only one man can get them all back on their feet and it's The Megastar!
Yeah!
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight! LA Knight!
Let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
Let's not waste any time.
Logan Paul, bring your goofy-haired keister down here
and bring that US belt with ya.
[crowd cheering]
We ain't doing this again, are we?
My God, you got to be kidding me.
You know, I looked right down the barrel a couple weeks ago,
and I said, "I want that US Championship,"
and that limber-tailed goof just flat out said no.
[crowd booing]
So I said, okay, I'll do him one better.
I'll show up at his house. I'll press the issue.
But then I got a phone call that said he'd be right here in this ring.
I said, that's the way to do it.
And what does he do? He no-shows Chicago.
[crowd booing]
My man, time is running out.
You got to understand something.
Next week, you can't run. Madison Square Garden.
It's me, it's you, it's Santos Escobar.
It ain't the match I want.
I want to be me and you, US Championship.
Instead, we're qualifying for Money in the Bank.
And that's got me thinking…
I start thinking, I beat you once next week, then I move on.
Money in the Bank, I snatch the case, I come looking for you.
And then, double the pleasure, double the fun.
-Yeah. -[crowd] Yeah!
I beat you--
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Graves] Hang on just a moment.
-This is going to be Santos Escobar. -[Escobar speaking Spanish]
[Knight spluttering] Cut this… Cut this stupid music.
I didn't ask for you. I asked for Logan Paul.
[crowd buzzing]
Cállate.
Shut up.
I don't need an invitation.
I show up and I tell the truth.
And the truth is, you must be delusional.
You must be.
You're out here running your mouth,
chasing Logan Paul like a desperate Chicago fan boy.
[crowd booing]
It's embarrassing. Embarrassing.
But let me wise you up.
Next week, you're not just going to deal with your icon,
your idol, your guru,
Logan Paul.
You're dealing with me, Santos Escobar.
You'd be wise to remember that.
Well, you're clearly a fan favorite.
Everybody here loves you, you goof.
Look, I tell you what. Every time I've had to beat you, I did.
So I ain't looking at you. I'm looking past you.
The guy I'm looking at is--
[Graves] Oh, Escobar,
not about to be disrespected by Knight.
[Barrett] Never turn your back on The Emperor of Lucha Libre.
Wait! BFT!
[Graves] Knight turns the tables.
-And just turned out-- -I thought I told you.
As a matter of fact, I told Logan Paul.
You can get beat up or you can get sat down.
[Graves] Wait a minute!
Logan Paul is here.
[Barrett] Logan Paul is a professional.
He never no-shows.
Come on, LA. Get up!
Get up! Get up!
Come at me. Come at me, bro!
[Graves] The United States Champion with that titanium reinforced right hand.
[Barrett] The biggest right hand in the industry.
And he's just knocked The Megastar out cold.
[Graves] Well, next week in MSG, New York City,
a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier,
LA Knight, Logan Paul, and Santos Escobar will collide.
But coming up next, Wade…
[Barrett] We don't have to wait
because we have another Triple Threat qualifying match
for the Men's Money in the Bank Championship matches.
It's KO, it's Andrade, and it's Grayson Waller.
They compete to get another spot in the match
two weeks from tomorrow at Money in the Bank Toronto.
That is coming up next, here on SmackDown.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
["Eye On The Prize" playing]
[Graves] We've got another Money in the Bank qualifying match on tap
as Grayson Waller makes his entrance.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following Triple Threat Match is a Men's Money in the Bank qualifier!
Introducing one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Grayson Waller!
[Barrett] You'll never meet anoth--
[Taylor] Already in the ring, weighing in at 230 pounds,
Andrade!
♪ I say so, say so ♪
♪ When I pop off, they lay low, lay low ♪
[Graves] Well, SmackDown is sponsored in part by Call of Duty: Mobile.
Download Call of Duty: Mobile for free and get limited time rewards.
-["Fight" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Wait, wait, wait. Wait a second. From behind.
That's Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, who were given marching orders, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, part one of Solo Sikoa's marching orders were fulfilled.
Randy Orton did not qualify for Money in the Bank.
This is part two of the plan.
Prevent KO from qualifying.
[Graves] Wait. Speaking of Orton…
The Viper just ran off "The Infamous" Tonga Loa
and "The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga.
But the damage has been done, Bad News.
[Barrett] It's rare you don't see KO getting up quickly.
Grabbing that knee now.
-Let's go. -Are you okay?
Hey. You okay?
You don't have to do this. You don't have to do this.
You good, Kevin? You good, Kevin.
-Make sure they stay away. -He's good, Randy.
Make sure they stay away.
He's good, Randy.
[Barrett] When Randy Orton is the voice of reason
you know you're in trouble.
But there is no getting through to KO.
He's here to fight.
-Ready? Yeah? -Ring the bell!
-[bell rings] -[Graves] Fight, Owens, fight.
Here we go.
Remember, Triple Threat rules.
First man to gain pinfall or submission will be the winner.
-Elbow by Andrade. -One, two…
-[yells] -[Barrett sighs]
[Graves] Andrade is the reigning WWE Speed Champion,
holds the record for the fastest match on the platform.
And now El Idolo diving to the outside to take out Waller.
[Barrett] This hot start from Andrade is why he is so good at WWE Speed.
But Grayson Waller bouncing back and now The Aussie Icon doing damage.
[grunting]
[Graves] Big clothesline takes down Andrade!
And Kevin Owens seems to be hobbling a little
but delivers a hellacious senton on the outside.
No count outs, no disqualification under Triple Threat rules.
[Barrett] From the word "go," it looks like a KO
who's about 50% energy capacity now.
It doesn't bode well, but he's trying to finish it quickly.
That's the smartest thing he can do, but Andrade just wise to it.
[grunting]
[Graves] Kevin Owens, a Superstar who just simply does not understand
the meaning of the word "quit."
Good Lord!
That chop from Andrade just echoed throughout the Allstate Arena.
[Barrett] Andrade is a man who has been in demand lately,
and for good reason, he is bloody good.
[Graves] Big jumping knee and clotheslined into the ring.
[Barrett] Grayson Waller going straight for that leg of Kevin Owens.
He knows where the bull's-eye is.
It's easier said than done when it comes to taking down The Prizefighter.
[Graves] Oh dear.
Back body drop on the apron.
Holy cow!
Powerbomb by Andrade!
[Barrett] Andrade, the powerhouse
and the lucha expert, taking control of this one.
Who's going to qualify for Money in the Bank?
[Graves] This is unreal.
It's a Men's Money in the Bank qualifying matchup as Kevin Owens,
Andrade, and Grayson Waller all compete for the right
to enter the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
which goes down two weeks from tomorrow.
Streaming live, WWE on Peacock from Toronto, Canada.
[Barrett] It was a handicap start for "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens,
who got jumped by the Tongans earlier on his entrance.
But continuing to fight is The Prizefighter.
It's the only way he knows.
[Graves] If Kevin Owens doesn't make you a believer in pure adrenaline,
nothing will.
Kevin Owens continues to soldier forward,
understanding how high the stakes are tonight.
[Barrett] The Bloodline have simply made KO's life hell for years at this point.
Refusing to be denied by them, however.
[Graves] Big jumping knee by Waller.
[Barrett] We are never going to hear the end of it
if Grayson Waller ever becomes Mr. Money in the Bank.
[Graves] Andrade executing a drop toehold,
sending Waller face-first into the buckle,
and it feels as though Andrade…
is now benefiting from a little adrenaline of his own.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Graves] Pumping up the WWE Universe. And Grayson Waller seeing shadows.
Kevin Owens as well.
Andrade scrambling for a cover, hook of the leg.
Two…
[Barrett] Andrade taking full control of this matchup.
This is a man who has won championships all around the world, including in NXT,
including here in WWE.
He's inching closer to an opportunity at the biggest championship at them all.
[Graves] Owens continuing to fight
through the pain, through the agony.
[crowd cheering]
We got a hockey fight mid-ring.
[Barrett] Yeah, and I'm backing Kevin Owens every time
in that kind of fight.
[Graves] Double it up from Grayson Waller.
Hooks the leg.
Waller's going to Money in the Bank-- No.
-Trying again. -One, two…
[Graves] Smart strategy by The Aussie Icon
as Waller now feels the frustration beginning to mount.
[Barrett] Yeah, this is Waller starting to become…
A-Town Down!
[Barrett] …mentally unglued.
Shout out to his tag partner,
who there have been some tensions with lately
between he and Austin Theory.
[Graves] We'll say perceived tensions.
Tensions being perceived by DIY.
Well, look at this.
Owens looking for the stunner, Waller able to shrug it off
and takes out the knee of The Prizefighter.
[Barrett] Prizefighter almost did a full 360 there,
but now Andrade is capitalizing.
[Graves] Nobody home for Andrade's attempt in the corner.
Here comes Waller again. Up and over to the outside apron.
Big right hand by Andrade, answered by Waller.
[Barrett] Former amateur boxer, Grayson Waller,
but Andrade just ate that punch
and came back with some offense of his own.
[Graves] Precarious position for both Superstars.
Not much real estate to work with in the turnbuckle.
[Barrett] This kind of territory,
it behooves you to have a little bit of lucha background, perhaps,
and that is Andrade's wheelhouse.
[Graves] Andrade's got a little more than a little bit of lucha experience.
One of the greats.
Uh-oh, and here comes Owens.
Down goes Waller, down goes Andrade, and up goes Owens.
On one good leg.
[Barrett] Stumbling his way up there.
But he's made it, Corey.
[Graves] Swanton connects! The knee.
Can Owens fight through the pain into the cover?
One, two… Oh!
[Graves] And Andrade keeps this one alive.
[Barrett] And it was as Owens connects with this Swanton, it was that moment,
the agony of landing,
the momentary pause to grab that knee before he made his pin,
that was the difference between victory and this match continuing.
[Graves] One of many reasons we're trending number one
in the United States with the #SmackDown.
Looking for the pop-up powerbomb.
Andrade puts on the brakes, thinking about The Message.
Owens able to escape.
Stunner!
Kevin Owens into the cover to head to Money in the Bank.
And Waller, from the outside, again attacking the knee.
[Barrett] Just expert timing from Grayson Waller,
and it looks like the damage has been done to Andrade.
[Graves] Here it comes.
No, The Message by Andrade!
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -[Graves] El Idolo!
["Conquistar" playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
Andrade!
[Graves] Perhaps considered by many a long shot
in this Triple Threat qualifier,
Andrade has just punched his ticket
to the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, this one went everywhere.
And just as Grayson Waller took out "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens,
he saw his name up in lights, an opportunity to qualify.
But Andrade was just too quick, too smart,
capitalizing on an overcommitted move by Waller.
And Andrade qualifies.
[Graves] A valiant effort by Kevin Owens.
You got to give the assist to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa of The Bloodline.
But Andrade has qualified for the one prize
that keeps all the champions in WWE on their toes,
including Cody Rhodes,
who understands what being a target in WWE is all about.
See what we're talking about in our Progressive Match Flo.
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[crowd chants indistinctly]
[Graves] Cody Rhodes is ready to force
AJ Styles to say the words "I quit."
♪ Whoa-oh ♪
[dramatic hip-hop music playing]
-Do you quit? -[Cody] No!
[Cole] AJ Styles trash talking Cody's mom, Michelle.
[Styles] Screw you, Cody Rhodes!
-I quit! -[bell rings]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Solo Sikoa.
Oh, look out! From behind, the rest of The Bloodline.
[Graves] Rhodes has backup. It's Owens and Orton.
For once, The Bloodline doesn't have a numbers advantage.
[Cole] Cody Rhodes is still your Undisputed WWE Champion.
♪ Live for the crowd, look at 'em engage ♪
[Graves] Cody Rhodes is still Undisputed WWE Champion,
but The American Nightmare has a new target tonight,
that being "The Head of the Table" Solo Sikoa.
Rhodes has promised to make this a one-on-one affair.
Will Solo follow suit?
We find out live, next.
♪ I said it, I meant it I'm about my business ♪
[Stratton] Aw!
Looks like someone couldn't handle the pressure.
Unlike you, I actually have what it takes to win my qualifying match next week
and then go to Money in the Bank.
At least I'm not crawling to Nia Jax for protection.
[scoffs]
[grunting]
[shrieks]
-Get-- -[yelling]
[muttering] Thanks a lot.
Toodles.
[Graves] Tensions are high and so are the stakes
as we head to the world's most famous arena next week.
From Madison Square Garden, Jade Cargill,
Candice LeRae, and Tiffany Stratton will compete
in a Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat.
[Barrett] And another Triple Threat qualifier
for the Women's Money in the Bank match
sees the loudmouth newcomer to SmackDown Blair Davenport
take on a woman she's had major problems with in Naomi,
as well as the impressive Aussie, Indi Hartwell.
That's next week on SmackDown.
[Graves] We know there are scores to settle
in the other Men's Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat
as "The Megastar" LA Knight
battles the United States Champion Logan Paul
and Santos Escobar for the right to head to Money in the Bank.
We want to throw it backstage to our own Kayla Braxton with an update.
♪ Get wrecked if you wanna be cocky ♪
♪ I'm the best, ain't nobody can top me ♪
Earlier tonight, CM Punk was brutally attacked by Drew McIntyre.
I tried to get a word with Drew,
but all he said was, "I will see you on Monday."
Now we're not sure how this attack will affect CM Punk's recovery,
but what we do know is that he will be staying overnight
at a local hospital for further evaluation.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheering]
♪ 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 ♪
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[popping explosions]
♪ My father said when I was younger ♪
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
he is the Undisputed
WWE Champion,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Graves] The American Nightmare, no doubt,
looking forward to next Friday Night at MSG.
Holy grounds in this business, Wade.
[Barrett] Where the biggest stars come out to play.
And there are no stars bigger than this man, the pinnacle of the industry,
Cody Rhodes.
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[popping explosions]
[Graves] You can see the fire in The American Nightmare's eyes.
Tonight, Cody Rhodes is looking for a fight
and to settle a score with the new Head of the Table.
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
[Graves] Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare
goes one-on-one with Solo of The Bloodline
live in our main event.
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
WWE Money in the Bank is sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka.
On this American Independence Day weekend,
make sure your cocktails are top rung by using an American vodka.
So, grab an American Mule with Wheatley American Vodka.
And you can take that to the Bank.
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
[Graves] Here we see The American Nightmare,
the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes,
ready for action in our main event.
♪ You took my dreams But not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
[crowd booing]
I did your bidding.
I told the Tongans.
They took care of business just like you wanted.
Solo, you're breaking commandments.
Before Roman got on his jet after WrestleMania,
there were several things that he said to me.
He agreed that CM Punk was hands-off. That…
CM Punk is very personal to me.
And Cody Rhodes is not something that you're supposed to handle.
All you're supposed to do is have Cody Rhodes in check
so that when "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns comes back--
Wiseman.
Let me stop you right there.
I hate to be the one to tell you this…
because I love you…
but Roman…
he's not coming back.
[crowd chanting] We want Roman!
["Taking It All" playing]
I'm sorry.
That-that can't be.
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score No, I will not take a loss ♪
How could that be?
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ Ready for war… ♪
[Graves] What did Solo mean by that, Wade?
[Barrett] I don't know. I don't want to believe that, though.
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ I have been destined to win ♪
♪ Alpha, omega, the end ♪
[Taylor] And his opponent, accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer
"The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
representing The Bloodline,
Solo Sikoa!
[Graves] We're moments away from main event time, but rest assured,
we have been assured by our TV partners at FOX and around the globe
that we will stay with this matchup
until it has reached its conclusion.
As the new "Head of the Table" Solo Sikoa
prepares for battle against the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
We can't look past what Solo just said to The Wiseman.
Roman Reigns is not coming back?
What does Solo know that we don't?
[Barrett] I mean, well, Solo is the one person
who has spoken to Roman Reigns
since WrestleMania, at least according to Solo.
So, he is, in theory, the one man who would know.
But what a loss to this industry that would be.
♪ Settle the score No, I will not take a loss ♪
♪ We're taking it all ♪
[Graves] As Solo has amassed power in the wake of WrestleMania,
Solo has also grown in confidence,
which makes him an extremely dangerous threat to Cody Rhodes
or whomever Sikoa is competing against.
[Barrett] Well, KO did not qualify for Money in the Bank.
Randy Orton did not qualify for Money in the Bank.
That is thanks, in large part, to the orders of Solo Sikoa.
Beating the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes now
would be an epic night for The Bloodline
belonging to Solo Sikoa.
[Graves] Rhodes, true to his word,
left Kevin Owens and Randy Orton in the back, as did Solo.
No Tama Tonga, no Tonga Loa tonight, to this point.
Rhodes sidesteps out of the way.
Here comes Cody with a full head of steam.
Takes out Solo into the barricade.
[Barrett] Has zero interest in a champion's schedule.
Zero interest in nights off.
"Give me the biggest, give me the baddest."
"I represent this industry."
[crowd shouting]
[Graves] Rhodes able to reverse the power of Solo!
[Barrett] Yeah, and as damaging as hitting those steps truly is,
nobody can quite absorb that kind of punishment like Solo Sikoa.
[Graves] Once upon a time, The Street Champ.
[Barrett] That was the point of those steel steps into the kidney
of Solo Sikoa.
Still managing to shake it off.
[Graves] I'm not entirely sure Cody Rhodes isn't still of the same mentality
that he was at Clash at the Castle
in that vicious "I Quit Match" with "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
That's the type of mode Cody's going to need to exist in tonight
if he wants any chance of toppling Solo.
-Oh, here we go. -[Barrett] It was too good to last.
Let's face it, these Tongans are completely unhinged.
[Graves] To the surprise of absolutely no one…
"The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga,
"The Infamous" Tonga Loa
doing the bidding of the new Head of the Table.
[Barrett] I mean, it was a setup.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me, they understand… ♪
[Graves] Here comes Orton.
Here comes Owens on one good leg.
Doing their best to aid The American Nightmare.
[Barrett] Well, they aided The American Nightmare
after his match at Clash at the Castle
and they're doing it again tonight, thankfully.
[Graves] The numbers game has been neutralized yet again.
Orton and Owens, despite competing earlier,
despite being banged up,
standing by the side of The American Nightmare!
RKO!
Down goes Tama Tonga.
[Barrett] And if you're Cody Rhodes, you could not have two better aces
up your sleeve to have your back than KO and Randy.
[Graves] And I think reality is beginning to set in for the new Head of the Table.
[inaudible]
[Graves] Solo's pleading.
[Barrett] I've never seen Solo Sikoa beg and plead for his safety before.
[man] Come on, Cody. Let's go! Come on!
[Graves] Why's he smiling?
-[Barrett] What the hell is this? -Is that…
Oh my God, Wade.
-[Barrett] Who is it? -[Graves] The rumors are true.
You know who that…
[crowd buzzing]
Oh my God!
[Barrett] Solo, what the hell have you done?
[Graves] Oh my God.
Jacob Fatu
just Samoan dropped Owens onto the stairs.
We thought Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa were dangerous, Wade.
This guy needs to be locked up.
[Barrett] This is the family member the sane ones want nothing to do with.
[Graves] Oh my-- He just put Orton into the barricade.
-[groaning] -[yelling]
[Graves] This SOB ain't fit for public consumption.
Watch… I'm telling you, Wade.
[Barrett] You don't have to tell me twice, Corey.
[yelling]
[crowd booing]
[Graves] Cody standing his ground.
The WWE Champion continuing to fight.
[Barrett] Well, he has to. He's in a fight for his life now, and it's Jacob Fatu.
[crowd exclaiming]
This guy is as lawless as can be.
[Graves] Solo, what have you done?
What sort of hell has been unleashed on Friday Night SmackDown
by Solo and The Bloodline?
[Barrett] Well, this completely redefines risk/reward.
The risk with… Jacob Fatu is sky high,
but what we're seeing now is pure reward for The Bloodline.
[Graves] Oh my God!
Jacob Fatu is going to destroy the WWE Champion on his first night.
No!
Oh my God!
[crowd buzzing]
[crowd booing]
[Graves] God help us all, there's a werewolf on the loose.
[crowd booing]
[crowd buzzing]
[crowd booing continues]