[WWE intro music plays]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
♪ Better than me ♪
[Graves] Welcome to the hallowed stomping grounds
of the giants in this industry.
From Sammartino and Morales,
to Hogan and Cena, to Reigns and Rhodes,
for decades, this arena has hosted countless memorable matches,
moments, and Superstars.
And tonight, "The Megastar,"
LA Knight, who's been traversing the globe trying to get his hands
on the United States Champion Logan Paul,
tonight, LA gets his chance.
Knight joins Santos Escobar and the brash Maverick,
the United States Champion Logan Paul, competing, for his first time,
tonight, in a Money in the Bank qualifying match in MSG.
And since leaving Clash at the Castle
without her coveted WWE Women's Tag Team Title,
Jade Cargill has been looking to get back on track.
Tonight, Jade looks to succeed where Bianca Belair came up short
in a Women's Money in the Bank qualifier.
♪ I don't see nobody, I don't see nobody ♪
Tonight, WWE is home.
From the World's Most Famous Arena,
Madison Square Garden in New York City,
we are sold out for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
But as we approach Money in the Bank one week from tomorrow,
the WWE Universe is still reeling
after last week's evolution of The Bloodline
and the arrival of the wolf.
[Heyman] Solo, you're breaking commandments.
Before Roman got on his jet,
he agreed that Cody Rhodes is not something
that you're supposed to handle.
When the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, comes back--
Wiseman…
[tense music playing]
I hate to be the one to tell you this…
but Roman…
he's not coming back.
[music fades]
[Graves] You can see the fire in The American Nightmare's eyes.
Cody Rhodes is looking to settle a score with the new Head of the Table.
[dramatic music playing]
[Wade] Yeah, it was too good to last. These Tongans are completely unhinged.
You want some of this?
[Graves] Here comes Orton, here comes Owens,
doing their best to aid The American Nightmare.
-Come on! -[Graves] Reality is beginning to set in
for the new Head of the Table.
That's Jacob Fatu!
[Wade] Solo, what the hell have you done?
[Graves] We thought Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa were dangerous, Wade.
This guy needs to be locked up.
[Wade] This guy is as lawless as can be.
[Graves] Jacob Fatu is gonna destroy the WWE Champion on his first night.
What sort of hell has been unleashed on Friday Night SmackDown
by Solo and The Bloodline?
[dramatic music continues]
[music fades]
[crowd boos]
[Heyman] Solo, not that you answer to me,
but may I respectfully ask…
where's Jacob Fatu?
[crowd chants "We want Roman"]
["Taking It All" featuring Stevie Stone playing]
[Graves] Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, just arriving at Madison Square Garden
and wasting no time making their presence known.
♪ We kick in the door ♪
♪ Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Yeah, ready for war ♪
♪ Better than ever before ♪
♪ Taking it all ♪
[Graves] Bad News, the WWE Universe has been buzzing since last Friday night
with the arrival of Jacob Fatu.
Wait a minute.
[Heyman] Solo? Solo!
[car doors slamming]
-[Wade] Oh. -[Graves] Uh-oh, wait a minute.
[crowd cheering]
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens,
and "The Viper" Randy Orton.
[Wade] They've got vengeance on their minds.
This was inevitable.
[Graves] Oh baby. Buckle up.
It's going down in the Garden tonight.
♪ Taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score ♪
We may not have to wait until Money in the Bank.
These six are setting it off.
[Wade] Wrath and fury unleashed after what happened
at the end of SmackDown last week.
[Graves] The Bloodline has made life hell for the entire SmackDown roster.
Cody Rhodes, finally, with allies standing by his side
and the numbers game no longer applying to The Bloodline at the moment.
[Wade] Rhodes, KO, and Orton are speaking the only language
this version of The Bloodline understands.
[Graves] It is pandemonium in Madison Square Garden.
[grunting]
Randy Orton and Tama Tonga on the outside.
Kevin Owens and Tonga Loa, somewhere in the… in the crowd here.
[Wade] Fireworks everywhere you look.
We don't have enough cameras out here.
[Graves] I don't think we need more cameras, Wade.
We need more bodies. We need some security.
[Wade] Security are too smart to get involved in this, Corey.
[Graves] You might have a point, but keep an eye on KO!
Good God, in the Garden!
Orton and Rhodes disposing of Solo for the moment.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Bloodline may well have finally met their match.
And not a moment too soon,
Nick Aldis.
[Graves] Our General Manager with a litany of security.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] We gotta get things under control.
We're just getting started.
[yelling]
[Graves] Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown
live from Madison Square Garden,
and after the chaos that ensued moments ago,
General Manager Nick Aldis trying to get control.
[Orton] I can't hear what you're saying
-'cause all these people are here. -Please leave.
[crowd cheers]
Make them get them. We settle it here now.
-It's not happening tonight. -Why not?
Because I have a show to run.
This is the best part of the show! Bring 'em down!
[indistinct]
[Aldis] Please.
[Graves] Well, it certainly seems as though the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes,
Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens are downright refusing to leave the ring.
[Wade] Yeah, there's not gonna be much talking sense
to these guys at the moment.
[Graves] RKO!
Uh-oh!
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] These three came here for a fight tonight.
And a fight they are getting.
[Graves] Unfortunately for Orton, Owens, and Rhodes,
I assure you, this is gonna cost them a lot of money.
But I don't know that they particularly care tonight.
[Wade] It ain't about money at this point, it's…
[Graves] Stunner!
[Wade] …about vengeance and fury!
[Graves] Cross Rhodes by Cody!
[Wade] Hey, Bloodline, this is what's waiting for you
one week from tomorrow at Money in the Bank.
[Graves] This trio may have just taken out all the security in Manhattan.
[Rhodes] Randy!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Randy"]
[Owens] Hey, Bloodline, if you thought we were gonna wait
until Money in the Bank,
you're even dumber than you look.
[Orton] Hey, Kev, check it out, The Bloodline has been crawling
up my ass for over two years.
They put me on the shelf for 18 freaking months.
So at Money in the Bank,
we put The Bloodline down for good.
[crowd cheers]
[Cody] The Bloodline looks in this ring,
and you know what they see?
They see three victims.
I don't see three victims.
I see one of the most dangerous men on the planet,
somebody that's headlined a WrestleMania.
I see my friend Kevin Owens!
[crowd cheers]
And I see a 14-time World Champion,
a first-ballot Hall of Famer,
a man who's responsible for me standing here,
"The Legend Killer" Randy Orton!
[crowd cheers]
And here's what else I see.
I see a sold-out World's Most Famous Arena,
Madison Square Garden.
[crowd cheers]
You see magic like this, a crowd like this,
I should be defending my WWE Championship here tonight
against a worthy, credible opponent…
instead of fighting a war
with The Bloodline that, respectfully,
I thought I already finished at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd boos]
[Wade chuckles]
[Graves] Aldis has upgraded his security force.
[Cody] Solo, look at me.
At Money in the Bank,
I don't know why we're calling it The Bloodline
because I don't see a boss.
I don't see a Tribal Chief. I don't see the Head of the Table.
I see a seat-filler.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[Wade] Well, if security aren't cutting it,
you level up to the NYPD's finest.
[Graves] And an understandable decision by Nick Aldis to preserve the integrity
for the rest of the evening here on Friday Night SmackDown.
But, Wade, talk about vitriol.
You can feel it oozing from the pores of The American Nightmare
and The Viper and The Prizefighter.
This six-man tag team match in Toronto at Money in the Bank,
one week from tomorrow, is gonna be can't-miss.
[Wade] Yeah, and the NYPD's finest or indeed Toronto's finest
ain't gonna be able to stop it one week from tomorrow.
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ My father said… ♪
[Wade] Simple rule for life. Do not fight with the cops.
Finally, some sense in the mind of KO,
The Viper, and The American Nightmare.
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
[Graves] What a spectacular way to kick things off tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
As you heard moments ago
The American Nightmare himself declare,
a sold-out Madison Square Garden,
19,701 members of the WWE Universe on hand.
And SmackDown is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And, Wade, we have got so much more to come tonight.
[Wade] Yes, indeed.
Because amidst the chaos,
let's try and get back to schedule.
Women's Money in the Bank qualifier.
We'll see Candice LeRae, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton
collide in Triple Threat action.
There are high stakes and it's up next right here on SmackDown.
♪ We the legends, we did it We said it, we meant it ♪
[rock music playing]
[Wade] 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.
[Graves] Want to take you back to the chaos that ensued moments ago
to kick off Friday Night SmackDown,
a six-man standoff ahead of their scheduled clash
at Money in the Bank. Orton, Owens, and Rhodes
bringing the fight to The Bloodline.
And boy, Wade, did this get ugly in a hurry.
[Wade] Well, after what we saw last week at the end of SmackDown
when The Bloodline completely laid out "The Viper,"
Orton, KO, and Rhodes
got their own back in a big way at the start of SmackDown,
completely annihilating The Bloodline, sending them packing,
and then turning their attention to security.
[Graves] I hope Nick Aldis provided hazard pay
for all of these poor security guards
who basically rushed into the lion's den.
[Wade] It's absolute insanity.
If you've ever clapped eyes on guys like KO and Orton before,
you had to know what was coming.
Thankfully, NYPD's finest showed up.
Orton, Rhodes, and KO saw sense,
and we got something at least resembling calm here at the Garden.
♪ I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
[crosstalk]
[Kayla] Excuse me.
Excuse me, Nick, I don't have to tell you how chaotic it has been,
and SmackDown just started. Do you care to comment on what we've seen so far?
[Aldis] Kayla, I'm sorry.
I just can't talk about it right now.
We got too much going on. I'm sorry.
[Kayla] No insight on what we've seen?
[Graves] Well, this is the city that never sleeps.
And all the stars are out tonight at Friday Night SmackDown,
including the one and only Lin-Manuel Miranda,
the creator of Hamilton.
An absolute sensation, Wade.
[Wade] Absolute king of Broadway.
And what a show he has got already here tonight on SmackDown.
[Graves] How do you think Lin-Manuel enjoys Tiffy Time?
[Wade] Probably loves it like the rest of us. Let's be honest.
[Taylor] The following is a Women's Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Introducing first, from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
Tiffany Stratton!
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Graves] Tiffany Stratton in recent weeks has attempted to align herself
with The Irresistible Force and Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax.
But, Wade, a lot of the WWE Universe are picking Tiffany Stratton
not only in this qualifying match, but to win Money in the Bank as a whole.
What are your thoughts?
[Wade] For many people,
this is the single greatest athlete in WWE history.
A lot of people can make that claim,
men and women.
This is a former Olympic-level gymnast,
a former teammate of the great Simone Biles,
and she has adapted to the world of WWE like a duck to water.
And believe me, this may well be already the odds-on favorite to qualify tonight
and ultimately win the Money in the Bank contract.
["Wickeder Ways" playing]
[Taylor] Next, from Riverside, California,
Candice LeRae!
[Graves] Friday Night SmackDown
is sponsored in part by Call of Duty: Mobile.
Download Call of Duty: Mobile for free and get limited-time rewards.
Wade, Candice LeRae, a Superstar
who's been scratching and clawing for an opportunity
for a long time here in WWE.
We talk about the possibility of Money in the Bank
changing a Superstar's career.
How true is that for someone like Candice LeRae
who hasn't necessarily had the success she sought?
[Wade] Yeah, Candice LeRae has been very unhappy in recent months.
A complete lack of progress for what she would expect of herself career-wise.
She's a veteran.
She's won a lot of championships, including in NXT.
And tonight could be the night that she sets her pathway to the very top.
[Cargill] A storm…
[laughs]
…is coming.
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[Taylor] And from Vero Beach, Florida,
-Jade Cargill! -Let's go. Let's go!
[Graves] This is a massive opportunity.
Some would even say, Wade, make or break for Jade Cargill.
-Let's go! Let's go! -This is the World's Most Famous Arena.
Thus far, Cargill has absolutely lived up to the hype.
But what you do here
in Madison Square Garden can live on forever.
How do you see Jade faring tonight, Wade?
[Wade] Yeah, I'm excited to see how Jade reacts today.
This is really the first glimpse of Jade we've had since Clash at the Castle,
where her and Belair lost the Women's Tag Championships
to Fyre and Dawn.
Of course, they were not pinned, they're insisting.
They want a rematch in the not-too-distant future.
We'll see if that happens.
However, Corey, this is really the first piece of adversity
that Jade Cargill has come across in her time here on SmackDown,
and it's a real bounce-back opportunity in the biggest way possible.
[Graves] Wade, is it a possibility that Jade Cargill is still too focused
on the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship,
focused on the fact that she came up short on a Premium Live Event?
[bell rings]
Or do you think Cargill has compartmentalized to move on?
[Wade] Yeah, it can really hurt a Superstar's career,
especially when they haven't had a lot of reps here like Cargill.
But she is out of the blocks hot.
Nice start.
[Graves] Sometimes raw power is a hell of a substitute for experience,
as Cargill has shown on multiple occasions.
Oh!
You gotta give the experience advantage in this matchup to Candice LeRae,
a world-traveled grappler.
A little teamwork.
[Wade] I mean, let's be honest.
Physically, Candice LeRae is just no match for Stratton and Cargill,
two tremendous athletes.
Not that Candice LeRae is not a superb athlete in her own right,
but she has to be smart and crafty to win this one.
[Graves] I like this strategy off of the opening bell by Stratton
and LeRae joining forces to take out the powerhouse Cargill.
[Wade] Yeah, it's the smartest thing you can do here.
Clearly, Cargill a massive threat.
Any time that bell rings,
take her out early and turn this into a one-on-one matchup.
[Graves] This Women's Money in the Bank qualifying matchup
obviously being contested under Triple Threat rules.
The only way to win is by pinfall or submission.
No count-out, no disqualification.
And right now, Candice LeRae
is caught in the power of the storm.
[Wade] No matter what you throw at this woman,
she seems to find an answer.
-And when… Oh wow! -[Graves] Oh-ho-ho! Wow!
[Wade] When you have the physical gifts that Jade Cargill does,
it just sometimes seems so easy.
[Graves] Let's take another look at the superkick
that may have just kicked Tiffany's bicuspids to the Bronx.
Look at this power, Bad News!
LeRae tossed to the outside,
taking out Stratton.
Jade Cargill is ruling the roost.
Oh-ho-ho, wait a minute.
"The Irresistible Force," Queen Nia Jax has hit the scene.
But why? Wait.
-Wade. -[Wade] Belair!
[indistinct]
[Graves] This is a Women's Money in the Bank qualifying match
from a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae in complete control of Jade Cargill.
But, Wade, moments before the break,
we saw the arrival of both Nia Jax and Bianca Belair to ringside.
[Wade] Yeah, Nia Jax, I'm interested in the fact that she's come down.
Of course, Tiffany Stratton has been trying to win over Nia Jax,
forming some sort of group together.
It seems perhaps Nia Jax is out here supporting Tiffany Stratton,
and I would say, of course, Belair out here supporting Jade Cargill.
[Graves] Look at this athleticism by LeRae, just spiked Stratton with a DDT.
Into the cover, hook of the leg,
and Cargill keeps this one alive for the moment.
[Wade] Both women on the outside have been something
of a distraction at times.
Have not involved themselves physically at all.
All the action taking place inside those ropes, thankfully.
[Graves] Up and over goes Stratton.
Here's the athleticism we gush about so frequently and the power to match.
Whipping LeRae into the turnbuckle.
And it could be Tiffy Time for Jade Cargill.
[Wade] Power, technique, speed, and precision.
Tiffy can do it all.
But missing the target on that occasion.
The crafty "Poison Pixie" Candice LeRae.
[Graves] Spinebuster by Cargill.
[Wade] Just no room to hide in this kind of matchup.
[Graves] Cover by Stratton.
[crowd] One, two…
[Graves] Candice LeRae preserving her own opportunity to head to Toronto
to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Wade] Just seemingly an opponent fresh at all times.
Quick thinking, quick reactions, and quick pins are the key
to victory in this kind of match.
[Graves] Credit to Candice LeRae,
who has held strong throughout this matchup
utilizing her encyclopedic knowledge of the in-ring game.
But I gotta question this strategy
against someone as powerful as Cargill.
[Wade] Perhaps underestimating the powers of recovery of Jade Cargill,
who looks back to 100%.
[Graves] Is she made of adamantium, like Wolverine?
Boom!
[Wade] I wouldn't put it past her, Corey.
[Graves] Cargill sent crashing to the outside.
[Wade] Just a nice move there from Tiffany Stratton.
Baiting in Jade Cargill, diving out of the way
at the last possible second.
And that was a heavy landing for Cargill. And Nia Jax is loving it.
[Graves] But keep your eyes on The EST.
Turn around, Queen.
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Well, Dan Engler has got his hands--
Indi Hartwell!
Hartwell just shoved Cargill into the ring post.
[Wade] The referee missed the whole damn thing.
[Graves] Well, Engler was tied up between Bianca and Nia.
Indi struck without warning.
Inside cradle by LeRae.
Candice is going to Toronto. No.
[Wade] Jade Cargill is out cold.
So now is your chance. Shock the world.
Moonsault by the Poison Pixie. Knees up from Stratton.
Could it be Tiffy Time?
Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
[crowd] One, two…
three!
[Graves] Stratton is going to Money in the Bank.
["Tiffy Time" by playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
Tiffany Stratton.
[Graves] Tiffany Stratton continuing to make waves in the women's division
and a name for herself amongst the WWE Universe,
outlasting both Cargill and LeRae.
[Wade] Well, amidst all of this chaos,
it was Indi Hartwell who showed up and KO'd Jade Cargill.
[Graves] Before Bianca Belair would come to the defense
of her usual tag team partner.
But in the end, as LeRae looked to capitalize,
Tiffany Stratton one step ahead.
[Wade] Yeah, all women in this matchup going for broke.
But it was the Olympic-level athlete, Tiffany Stratton,
who is now going to Money in the Bank.
She joins the field.
She's won over Nia Jax.
And Chelsea Green, Iyo Sky,
and Lyra Valkyria have one extra opponent.
It's Tiffany Stratton, with two spaces left to fill.
[Nia] Little champskis!
My Tiffy!
-[crowd cheers] -[music fades]
[Bayley] Hey, sister.
-You see that? -Hi. Girl, yes.
She's so annoying. I can't imagine her.
She can be even more annoying if she wins that contract.
Yeah, yeah, but we ain't got to worry about that, right?
-Right. -You gonna take care of business?
-Okay, okay, okay. -You know I am.
But, you know, if that happens,
that means I might have to cash in on you at some point.
Yeah, but we're gonna worry about that later.
We'll worry about that later. You know I'm cheering for you.
[Davenport] Oh my goodness.
You know, this is really cute.
You know, talking about a fictional situation
because Naomi is not winning tonight.
And if I were you, Bayley, I'd be holding on really tight to that championship
because your days are numbered.
[chuckles]
-I'm gonna just end her days right now. -No, no, no, no, no, don't worry.
I'm gonna handle this tonight.
-Are you sure? -I'm gonna make her pay for that.
You better.
[dramatic music playing]
You saw what happened last week,
Nia jumped me and I need to get my lick back.
Give me this match.
I'll see what I can do. That's all I can say.
I'll take it. I appreciate you.
Thank you. What up?
How you doing? Go ahead. Talk to him.
Tell him what you were talking about with us.
I know you sent Cody, Kevin, and Randy home for the night,
but look, the Profits are here,
and we need to get our hands on The Bloodline tonight.
-Tonight. -Tonight.
I'm sorry. That's not happening tonight.
-What? -Look, we've already had chaos,
and I promised them the time for their ceremony, okay?
We can talk about it, potentially for next week.
[crosstalk]
[Kit] It's the Pretty Deadly return.
-Ah! Ah! -Ah! Ah!
The crowd go wild.
They erupt, they erupt with noise.
MSG.
Quite simply put, Nick, we are inspired.
New York City, the bright lights and Broadway.
-Broadway. -Listen to this.
Nick, if you are willing to receive,
we are willing to give the perfect pitch.
It's everything you need.
All right, think about it for me. This is magic.
-Pretty Deadly: The Musical. -The Musical.
Man, hold up, hold up.
Don't nobody care about y'all musical.
Yeah, and I know the Backstreet Boys didn't come up here interrupting us,
-because we were doing something. -That's right.
In here making artificial crowd noises like we in the ThunderDome era.
You know what, Nick?
I have a new pitch.
The Street Profits versus Pretty Deadly: The Beatdown.
[Dawkins] Whoo!
Yeah, I like that one! I like that one!
-Sounds lovely. -That's a pitch.
[shouting over each other]
-That's a pitch. -The Musical.
-Pretty Deadly: The Musical. -Get out!
Why are we pitching musicals to Nick Aldis?
We have Lin-Manuel Miranda at ringside.
Yes, Boy! The Musical.
PD, get down here now.
[laughing] Well, it seems like Pretty Deadly
are looking forward to Toronto, as we all are.
Money in the Bank taking place one week from tomorrow,
streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
And as we've already seen tonight,
we've got a series of Money in the Bank qualifying matchups,
one of which we witnessed moments ago.
But coming up next, we have another on the men's side of things,
but as opposed to some of the other qualifiers,
this Triple Threat is deeply personal.
Find out what I mean in our Progressive Match Flo.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ LA ♪
[Knight] Let me talk to you.
[crowd cheers]
Logan Paul, I looked right down
the barrel a couple of weeks ago and I said…
I want that United States Championship.
And that limber-tailed goof just flat-out said no.
Instead, we're qualifying for Money in the Bank.
It's me, it's you, it's Santos Escobar.
[Escobar] Cállate.
Next week, you're not just gonna deal with Logan Paul.
You're dealing with me,
Santos Escobar.
You'd be wise to remember that.
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] Escobar, not about to be disrespected by Knight.
[Wade] Wait, BFT.
You can get beat up and you can get shut down.
It's over.
[Graves] Logan Paul is here.
[Wade] The biggest right hand in the industry.
[Graves] Titanium-reinforced right hand.
Next week in MSG, a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier.
[dramatic music playing]
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
[Graves] Well, Wade, tensions certainly running high
ahead of this Men's Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat match.
[Wade] Hatred between two of the opponents.
And this is the man who could potentially capitalize.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following is a Men's Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Introducing first, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
weighing in at 217 pounds,
Santos Escobar!
[Graves] Wade, I know you've been a big supporter and fan
of what Santos Escobar is capable of.
How do you see tonight playing out?
I actually like your assessment
that Logan and LA Knight may be so preoccupied with one another,
it could open a door for the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
[Wade] While Santos Escobar is an absolute mental maestro
at this game, he's already got every angle covered,
he knows full well that Knight and Paul are extremely distracted
by one another's presence,
and that opens the biggest doorway possible
for Escobar to steal victory tonight.
[Graves] You have to like the potential of Escobar competing
in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Heights be damned, this luchador is as capable and comfortable
in the sky as anybody on the roster.
[Wade] About as well-rounded as they come.
And still looking for his first piece of gold
since arriving here on SmackDown.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
♪ Oh yeah ♪
♪ I wanna see you dance ♪
[Taylor] Next, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] LA Knight has been on a mission to get his hands
on the United States Champion Logan Paul.
And from the sounds of it, MSG is just as excited as LA Knight, Wade.
[Wade] Well, a frenzy takes over any arena on planet Earth
when the Megastar comes to town.
Home to all the megastars.
[Graves] It's Jalen Brunson.
Number 11 from your New York Knicks here ringside
to keep an eye on tonight's proceedings.
Do you think Jalen Brunson's an LA Knight fan?
[Wade] Well, Jalen Brunson might be the only person in Madison Square Garden
who could equal the kind of reaction that LA Knight gets.
[Graves] Well, the third part of this Triple Threat match
will make his entrance in minutes.
Who will head to Toronto with Money in the Bank?
Find out next.
[crowd chants "MVP"]
In case you've been living under a rock…
[The Rock] Professional wrestling is electrifying once again.
…WWE is on fire right now.
And next year, we're bringing the Show of Shows
to Las Vegas.
["FE!N" by Travis Scott playing]
WrestleMania in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
♪ They just want a piece of mine ♪
♪ I been focused on the future ♪
The only question is, are you ready?
♪ FE!N, FE!N, FE!N, FE!N ♪
-♪ Yeah ♪ -♪ FE!N, FE!N, FE!N, FE!N ♪
[dramatic music playing]
Oh holy hell.
The holy trinity of wrestling is going down in beautiful Indianapolis.
Lucas Oil Stadium has hosted the Super Bowl. Check.
The College Football National Championship. Check.
The College Basketball National Championship. Check.
Olympic Trials. Check.
And of course, an anvil smasher too.
Double check.
It all kicks off Saturday, February 1st,
with the Royal Rumble, and I, for one, am zeeked up.
[Graves] This week, WWE and Indiana Sports Corp announced
this first-of-a-kind partnership
that will bring WWE's three largest stadium events,
WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble, to Indianapolis.
Kicking off with Royal Rumble on February 1st, 2025,
Lucas Oil Stadium will host all three Premium Live Events,
including a two-night SummerSlam
and a two-night WrestleMania in future years.
Visit WWE.com/events to register to be among the first
to receive pre-sale information.
But tonight we are in New York City, Madison Square Garden,
the World's Most Famous Arena, for Friday Night SmackDown.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is sponsored by Progressive.
♪ Who can tussle with the beast ♪
♪ I don't see nobody ♪
♪ 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Running through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Who better than me ♪
[crowd boos]
Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton,
Kevin Owens have all been removed
from Madison Square Garden by the NYPD.
[crowd boos]
All this leaves now…
is one Solo.
Please let me serve you as The Wiseman.
What the hell are we doing tonight?
And two, please tell me, where's Jacob Fatu?
Paul, I hear you.
You're my Wiseman.
What's the point of having a Wiseman if I don't take your advice?
-Right? -Right.
So I listened to you.
You said he was too dangerous.
Jacob ain't here, and he won't be here.
And that's why you're my Wiseman.
And we're gonna make that official
tonight.
[crowd chants "We want Roman"]
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Graves] Well, we are sold out tonight in Madison Square Garden,
19,701 fans on hand.
Wade, our 32nd television sellout,
47th event sellout this year.
And we're only halfway done.
[Wade] Well, it's about the hottest thing in entertainment.
You want tickets and we're coming to town?
You better move fast or you will be disappointed.
[Logan] Ayo!
["Take Flight" playing]
[Wade] Well, here's a man who never disappoints.
[Taylor] From Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico,
by way of Cleveland, Ohio,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Logan Paul!
[Graves] What an ovation for the United States Champion,
polarizing as he may be--
Madison Square Garden.
[crowd boos]
The mecca of sports and entertainment.
Where heroes are made and legends are born.
And tonight, Logan Paul gets to perform in this historic arena.
[crowd boos]
And to truly understand
what it takes to be a champion in this arena,
I needed someone who has already conquered this arena.
That's why I brought in my corner
an individual who understands what it means to actually win
at Madison Square Garden.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
-Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. -[crowd boos]
[Graves] Ho-ho-ho!
What an epic troll job by Logan Paul.
[crowd booing loudly]
Wade, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers broke every heart
in this arena earlier this year.
[Wade] Can't say basketball's my game,
but I am aware of the epic game seven that took place right here.
Pacers smoking the Knicks.
["Take Flight" playing]
[Graves] Logan Paul better worry less about trolling the New York fans
and worry more about the task at hand,
that being a Money in the Bank Triple Threat qualifying matchup
with LA Knight and Santos Escobar.
[Wade] Yeah, but if there's one thing we know about Logan Paul,
this man can multitask like no other.
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute, Wade!
[Wade] Ooh.
[Graves] We might need to get some security out here again.
Hell, bring the NYPD back.
Haliburton and Brunson with a stare-down.
Well, I never thought LA Knight, or Santos Escobar, for that matter,
would have to concern themselves with the prospect of Tyrese Haliburton,
an NBA superstar, lurking on the outside.
But that seems to be the case in this qualifier.
[Wade] Well, Logan Paul has friends in high places
-in whatever industry you want to name. -[bell rings]
And immediately, "The Megastar" LA Knight
with eyes for the Maverick.
[Graves] Logan Paul may need more than Tyrese Haliburton,
more than the NYPD.
He may need the National Guard, Wade.
LA Knight has quite literally traveled around the globe
to get his hands on the Maverick.
[Wade] LA Knight's all hopped up on kavorka,
and it seems like Madison Square Garden is loving it.
[Graves] Santos Escobar with a sneaky takedown on the Megastar.
And now Escobar and Paul working in unison to snuff out LA Knight.
[Wade] So hot out of the blocks was LA Knight.
It was a wise move for Paul and Escobar to link up,
but that link-up may be temporary… or it may continue.
[Graves] No count-out, no disqualification under Triple Threat rules.
The winner of this matchup will head to Toronto
in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
where the task is simple.
Climb the ladder, retrieve the contract, and change the trajectory of your career.
Wade, you've been in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match in the past.
Talk about how daunting that can be for a Superstar.
[Wade] It is terrifying,
especially for us athletes who do not like going too high up in the air.
I like to keep it grounded.
Needless to say, I did not have any victories
in Money in the Bank Ladder Matches, sadly.
[Graves] Well, last year both LA Knight and Logan Paul took part
in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
with neither emerging victorious.
That of course, went to Señor Money in the Bank.
The new… Oh!
…World Heavyweight Champion. Cover here by Paul.
Damian Priest, successfully cashing in
just a few months back at WrestleMania.
[Wade] That Money in the Bank was at the famous O2 Arena
in London, England.
Very close to my heart.
We're in an arena now very close
to Tyrese Haliburton's heart.
One of the highlights of his entire career
was victory right here against Jalen Brunson.
[Graves] I'm not a big basketball guy,
but I know enough about the NBA to know that Indiana
has ruined more than one season of the New York Knicks in the NBA.
And LA Knight taking out Escobar on the outside.
[Wade] Finally, some recovery for LA Knight.
Looking to give the people what they want in the form
of a Money in the Bank Megastar.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] LA Knight would love to have possession
of the Money in the Bank contract,
a guaranteed championship opportunity at the time and place
of the holder's choosing, valid for one calendar year.
[Wade] And Logan Paul has made it abundantly clear
what he thinks of LA Knight and the fact
that LA Knight has never held gold in WWE.
He'll never get a better opportunity than if he can win
that Money in the Bank contract.
[Graves] Check out this power by Logan Paul.
Face-first goes Knight.
[Wade] Constantly working on his in-ring arsenal.
You might not like him.
You might not like the arrogance,
but, man, does he put the hours in behind the scenes,
making sure he is the absolute best.
[Graves] Logan Paul takes out Knight on the outside.
Think about this, Bad News, Logan Paul hypo--
Wait a minute!
Santos Escobar propelling himself to the outside,
and the Emperor of Lucha Libre one step closer to Money in the Bank.
Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.
We are in the midst of a Money in the Bank qualifying matchup
as LA Knight, Santos Escobar, and the United States Champion Logan Paul
compete for the right to head to Toronto
one week from tomorrow at Money in the Bank,
streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
And, Wade, throughout the break,
Logan Paul spent a great deal of the time on the floor out here
by our announce desk composing himself,
catching his breath while LA Knight
and Santos Escobar continued to fight mid-ring.
[Wade] Yeah, it's about the smartest thing you can do in a match like this.
Keep your eye on the action in ring at all times
in case you need to break up a pin, but take a rest.
Let the other two take chunks out of one another
like they're about to do here.
[Graves] You talk about going for broke, Wade, when the stakes are the highest.
That's what Escobar and Knight are looking to do.
Hurricanrana from the top! Cover by Santos.
[Wade] Yeah, simple rule of thumb.
Never go to the top rope with a luchador.
You probably aren't gonna come off best.
[Graves] And now, Logan Paul very wisely picking his spots.
Now has control of Escobar, hoisting up the emperor
into a splash on Knight,
but inadvertently into a cover.
Great wherewithal by the United States Champion.
Hook of the leg.
[Wade] Yeah, perhaps a little bit of inexperience…
[Graves] Another attempt, smart strategy.
[Wade] …from Logan Paul showing there, but immediately pouncing,
preventing that pin attempt.
[Graves] You saw Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers
on the outside of the ring, disappointed.
He thought it was time for himself and Logan Paul to party here in Manhattan.
[Wade] No finer place to party.
And what an epic party Logan Paul is gonna put on tonight
should he qualify for next Saturday's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Graves] A vicious uppercut by Paul answered by Knight.
[Wade] Swing with that big right hand that did the damage last week.
[Graves] A series of lefts from LA Knight followed by the right exclamation point.
Reversal by Paul. Here comes Knight.
Go behind, looking for the side Russian leg sweep.
And Knight plants Escobar with a DDT.
Into the cover but here comes Logan.
Uh-oh, into the cover again.
You gotta keep your head on a swivel in a Triple Threat environment, Wade.
Meltdown!
Plants Logan Paul.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] LA Knight looking back in full control, inching closer.
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Graves] And Escobar with a running knee stopped LA Knight dead in his tracks.
Muscling up the Megastar, looking for the Phantom Driver perhaps.
Countered by Knight.
Good God, man!
What a slam! And the Megastar Elbow.
[Wade] And the Hub City Hitter LA Knight in full control.
[Graves] And that's what it's all about.
One week from tomorrow, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
Money in the Bank streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
Which of these three men will earn the opportunity to compete
in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match?
A career-changing matchup, Wade.
[Wade] This place is gonna come unglued.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] Oh, Escobar with the double knees in the corner.
[Wade] Might be looking to steal this one. Go for that Phantom Driver.
[Graves] There it is!
[referee] One, two…
[Graves] And Logan just bulldozed Escobar.
[Wade] I don't care who you are. Nobody is kicking out of that one.
Escobar, just a millisecond away from victory.
Heartbreaking for the Emperor of Lucha Libre who can still win this one.
[Graves] This is truly anyone's contest at this point.
Logan Paul just teeing off on Escobar in the corner.
I think it might have just insulted and excited this luchador Superstar.
[Wade] Well, this audience may well have distracted Logan Paul momentarily,
and you cannot afford that against someone as good as Santos Escobar.
[Graves] A big forearm by Logan Paul rocked Santos,
who answered with a step-up kick,
looked like it caught Logan right in the chest.
[Wade] All three men moving gingerly.
They've taken tons and tons of abuse,
but it is worth it for that small glimmer of hope they all have in victory tonight.
[Graves] Look at the athleticism of LA Knight!
Belly-to-back suplex rocks Escobar.
[Wade] Both men laying prone, however. The Maverick's up.
[Graves] Swanton by Paul!
[crowd] One, two…
[Graves] LA Knight kicked out!
He kicked out, Wade!
[Wade] That was about as late a kickout as humanly possible
after Logan Paul connects perfectly with the Swanton bomb,
diving on the cover, and he cannot believe it.
And neither--
[Graves] Wait, wait, wait, wait.
[crowd boos]
Logan just called Tyrese Haliburton for something.
Oh, that's Jeff.
We know what Jeff usually carries around with him.
It's the brass knuckles, Wade.
[Wade] That's brass on steel.
And if it comes to brass on jaw, it's game over.
-Wait a second. -[Graves] Jalen Brunson.
We're gonna get… Oh God.
[Wade] What do we call this? Is this game eight?
[Graves] Not tonight.
Not in the Garden.
[Wade] Yes! Tonight in the Garden!
[crowd chants "MVP"]
[Graves] Jalen Brunson may have just interrupted the interference
of Tyrese Haliburton.
Double knees by Escobar just caught Logan in the corner.
[Wade] Logan Paul crucially did not get the knucks.
[Graves] Nobody home for Santos.
BFT!
Logan looking to play spoiler again.
O'Connor roll. Shoulders down.
-Knight reverses. -[crowd] One, two…
three! [cheers]
-[bell rings] -[Graves] LA Knight's going to Toronto!
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Taylor] Here is your winner,
LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Wade] Well, Logan Paul was trying every dirty trick in the book,
but it was LA Knight who beat him at his own game there.
[Graves] Unbelievable turn of events tonight in New York City,
as LA Knight has punched his ticket
to the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
one week from tomorrow in Toronto.
[Wade] Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't celebrate too soon.
[Graves] Well, I think LA Knight owes a debt of gratitude to Jalen Brunson
of the New York Knicks.
But Haliburton of the Pacers still has the brass knucks.
[music fades]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Oh no.
Jalen, don't do this.
There's no turning back.
Jalen Brunson with a steel chair.
[crowd chants]
[inaudible]
[Graves] Somebody get the commissioner on the phone.
[indistinct yelling]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] And unfortunately, it appears
that retribution will have to wait…
[Wade] Smart move.
[Graves] …for the great city of New York and all the fans of the New York Knicks.
[Wade] That's it.
Tyrese Haliburton being the bigger man. These people don't deserve it.
[Graves] Well, hey, respect to Jalen Brunson
for stepping up when he had to.
[Wade] That man was ready to throw down tonight.
[Graves] Defending the Garden tonight, Jalen Brunson and LA Knight.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
-Don't worry though. I'll be back. -[Wade] Yeah!
[Haliburton] I'll be back.
[inaudible]
[crowd cheers]
-Yo, that was wild. -Wild.
Props to LA Knight for getting that win, beating those other two punks.
That was good to see, but I hope he knows what he's in store for.
-That Money in the Bank match? -Didn't you win?
-You're gonna bring that up right now? -You know I had to.
Yeah, I won. It didn't work out well, but I won.
You did win. Personally, my money's on Jey.
I think he's got it in the bag.
But you know what makes me really happy?
Santos has absolutely no chance at winning.
-Zero. No chance. -Zero.
He's gonna be sitting at home. But that's karma.
-That's what he deserves. -Karma.
But is karma enough?
I mean, I know I got some payback on his boys in NXT, but--
What's up, y'all? It's Melo in the Garden.
Yo, Carmelo Anthony's here?
Maybe he'll take a pic with you.
No, no, no, not that Melo.
Uh, the Melo that actually won a championship.
But, hey, yo, I want to run something by y'all real quick.
So when I win Money in the Bank next week, I'm thinking about getting this T-shirt.
And on this T-shirt I think I'm gonna put "Melo in the Bank."
I'm telling y'all, that's gonna sell out first week.
-Top Cody, top-- -Hey, man. Hey, man.
Look, look, it's good to be confident, but you, you're just naive, man.
And you're in way over your head, man. I'm telling you.
Oh, way over my head. Oh yeah.
Okay, well, you must be living under a rock,
because I don't know if y'all saw,
but last week I pinned the 14-time World Champ Randy Orton.
Let's talk about it. Something like.
Okay, a lot of people got their money on Yeet.
A lot of people got their money on Yeah.
But they should have their money on Melo.
Take that to the bank.
"Naive." [scoffs]
-I definitely don't have my money on him. -Look, I'm a betting man.
-He got no shot. -Zero. Absolutely none.
And I'm already tired of his--
Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown emanates live from Madison Square Garden,
the World's Most Famous Arena,
widely recognized as the mecca of pro wrestling.
And this week, we must take a moment to pay our respects to a man
who personified the unpredictability of this industry,
a man perhaps now best known as the father of Roman Reigns.
But for decades he dominated this arena and so many others
as one half of the most feared tag team of all time.
Sika Anoa'i.
[gentle piano music playing]
[narrator] Prestigious.
Ferocious.
Influential.
Iconic.
Though countless ways to describe the Anoa'i family,
it is undeniable that they stand as one of the most powerful dynasties
in professional wrestling history.
WWE is deeply saddened to learn
of the passing of Leati Sika Anoa'i,
a patriarch of this legendary bloodline
who established a legacy of dominance
with one of the most imposing tag teams of all time.
Known simply as Sika,
he was born and raised on the Pacific island of Samoa
before relocating to San Francisco, California.
Trained by his brother Afa,
the two would go on to form the renowned tag team The Wild Samoans.
I remember as a kid being scared to death of these two.
Two guys come walking in with this hair out to here,
and they're just monsters.
[Heyman] Afa and Sika were the enforcers of the industry.
You wanted to break in, you had to go through them.
[narrator] Throughout their 30-year career,
The Wild Samoans would hold an astonishing 21 Tag Team Championships,
becoming one of the most acclaimed tag teams of the era.
[Afa] We are the one.
Otherwise, you know what's going to happen.
[narrator] Ultimately being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2007.
[Foley] One of the great tag teams in WWE history,
and they were also one of the pillars of the Anoa'i Samoan Dynasty.
[narrator] Following in the footsteps of his uncle, "High Chief" Peter Maivia,
Sika showcased an incredible talent and tenacity of the Samoan culture,
instilling a relentless work ethic to a long lineage of Samoan Superstars,
including Sika's own son Joe Anoa'i,
better known as Roman Reigns.
[Hogan] Sika was so proud of him.
So proud of him.
[Cole] I think Roman has taken a lot of the traits from his dad
because behind that persona was a very gentle man.
[narrator] An embodiment of strength, unity, and excellence.
Sika's legacy is evident in the accomplishments of his heirs.
I don't know that there's any other bloodline
that produces as many top stars as that family.
[Rikishi] Because there's so much pride
of who we are and where we come from.
I want to remember him as being the one to represent our Samoan culture
with utmost love and respect.
[narrator] He will be remembered as a caring brother,
a loving father,
and a proud grandfather.
[mellow music playing]
His profound influence will ensure that the Anoa'i name
will forever be celebrated and will never be forgotten.
[music fades]
[dramatic music playing]
[speaking in English]
[dramatic music playing]
[speaking in Spanish]
[speaking in English]
[music fades]
[Graves] Andrade has qualified
for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
It is time for the women to sort out the next entrant.
["On Point" playing]
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following is a Women's Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Introducing first, from Wellington, New Zealand,
Blair Davenport!
[Graves] Wade, I don't know that the magnitude of this opportunity
can be overstated for Blair Davenport,
a relative newcomer
to the Friday Night SmackDown women's division.
Would love to make waves tonight
and at Money in the Bank one week from tomorrow.
[Wade] Yeah, nice pick-up by GM Nick Aldis
in the WWE Draft not so long ago.
This is a woman I've known a long time.
It's a woman who has dominated the European scene,
dominated the Japanese scene,
and perhaps one of the most vicious, mean-spirited human beings
I've ever met in this industry,
which should, in theory, hold her in good stead here in WWE.
[Graves] You see Indi Hartwell, who we've already seen once tonight.
She made her presence felt
in the earlier Women's Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat.
But the stars are out tonight.
It's RC, Ryan Clark, my personal favorite ESPN personality.
I was talking to him during the break.
This is RC's first time ever at a WWE live event.
Picked a great night. It has been a wild one.
[Wade] And former Pittsburgh Steeler too. Am I correct, Corey?
[Graves] That's right.
[Wade] You're gonna be in full fanboy mode
for the rest of the night.
Try and keep yourself calm. We've got a show to call.
♪ You know I own that stage ♪
[Taylor] And from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi!
[Graves] Naomi with another opportunity to qualify yet again
for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Wade] Now, similar to our last match, Corey, there has been some issues
between the newcomer Blair Davenport and Naomi.
A lot of chirping going on in the locker room past few weeks.
It's also carried over to social media,
and that could play in nicely to the hands of Indi Hartwell
if these two lock horns with one another.
♪ The beast is out the cage ♪
[Graves] Certainly an interesting dynamic in the women's division these days.
Several of the newest faces wasting no time
trying to get a foothold here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Not waiting for their opportunity.
Stepping up and trying to take an opportunity.
And I respect that out of Davenport and Hartwell.
[Wade] It's the smartest thing you can do.
It's so easy to get lost in the cracks here in WWE,
especially as a newcomer.
You're not necessarily the first name on the list…
[bell rings]
…when they're coming up with the matches for these shows.
But make some noise, rattle some cages,
just like Blair Davenport has done,
and you'll find yourself getting some opportunities.
[Graves] Naomi wasting no time off of the opening bell.
Dropkicking both opponents.
This could be a relatively short night for Naomi.
[Wade] It seemed like Davenport and Indi Hartwell
were trying to team up in the early goings,
momentarily prevented by Naomi, but now apparently back on track.
[Graves] Well, Naomi able to slide under the double clothesline attempt,
and a double mule kick.
Hartwell-- Hartwell and Davenport
both feeling the glow in the early moments,
but Naomi may have gotten ahead of herself.
Oh, from behind. Keep your eyes on Davenport.
Shoulders down.
[Wade] That loose alliance looks broken already.
[Graves] You can't blame Blair Davenport for trying to win the match.
Trying to obtain a potentially career-changing opportunity,
entry into the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
It goes down one week from tomorrow
in Toronto, Canada, streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
And Hartwell using Naomi as a weapon.
That could do it. Stacks the shoulders high.
[Wade] A lot of people forget Indi Hartwell,
former NXT Women's Champion.
It really is that powerhouse style.
It's where she's at her best.
A victory here tonight could propel Indi Hartwell's career as…
[Graves] Oh wow!
[Wade] …Blair Davenport.
That was mine! [Hartwell grunts]
[Graves] I don't know why Hartwell's upset.
That was a great audible by Davenport, who just sent Indi over the stairs.
[Wade] Completely cleaning the clock.
[Graves] Ooh, vicious double stomp to the spine.
I like what I'm seeing out of Davenport.
Can Blair head to Money in the Bank?
Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
and this Women's Money in the Bank qualifying match
as Naomi battles Blair Davenport and Indi Hartwell.
One of these three women will earn the opportunity
to compete in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
one week from tomorrow in Toronto
at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event
streaming live, WWE on Peacock!
Fantastic tandem offense initiated by Naomi.
Tough to tell which of these three ladies took the brunt of that exchange.
[Wade] Well, it was Blair Davenport
who looked in complete control during the intermission,
but that one move from Naomi has turned this matchup on its head.
[Graves] Of course, the final Women's Money in the Bank
qualifying matchup to take place this coming Monday on Raw.
Which of these three women will earn their place?
From the top, double crossbody.
[Wade] Naomi having to kill two birds with one stone in her pathway to victory
and qualification for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Graves] Beautiful kick by Naomi has Indi Hartwell on spaghetti legs.
Naomi looking to double up on the punishment!
That could do it. Covers both opponents.
[Wade] What an emphatic victory that would have been!
But the newcomer Blair Davenport and the powerhouse Indi Hartwell
just about having enough left in the tank to kick out.
[crowd clapping]
But it's Naomi with the wind in her sails here.
[Graves] Naomi would love to earn another opportunity to compete
in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
that currently stands, Wade, at a 100% success rate cash-in.
[Wade] I mean, it's almost, almost the most difficult thing in the world
to fail in a cash-in of the Money in the Bank contract.
Has happened in the past.
[Graves] Look at this. Hartwell has them both.
[referee] One, two…
[Graves] We only need to pin one.
It's not required to defeat both opponents simultaneously.
And that-that arrogance may have cost Hartwell, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, that…
Indi Hartwell trying to make a statement there.
She perhaps would have been far better off picking one victory…
one victim, sorry, securing the victory and then getting the hell out of here.
[Graves] And listen, we know Indi's a powerhouse,
but without Candice LeRae,
it seems as though sometimes Indi struggles to know
what she's doing next.
We've seen on multiple occasions her being within a moment of a victory…
Oh, cover here by Davenport. No.
[Wade] Has been a massive benefit, the guidance from--
[Graves] Oh, double-- Moonsault. Nobody…
Good Lord, it is breaking down in a hurry, Wade.
I can't keep track of who's doing what.
[Wade] Well, Blair Davenport is a woman who has waited years
for this opportunity.
Falcon Arrow. And this might be the moment.
[referee] One, two…
[Graves] And Hartwell keeps the opportunity alive
for herself and both opponents.
[Wade] All three women throwing absolutely everything at this
as perhaps nothing left in any of the tanks.
All three ripe for the pickings at this point.
[Graves] Who has what it takes?
Which of these three women will step up
and head to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match?
[Wade] Naomi, of course, a former two-time World Champion here in WWE.
-[Graves] Oh, big kick. -[Wade] She's the one with the pedigree.
She might be the one knocked out, however.
[Graves] Boot by Hartwell.
And again, Indi Hartwell looks tentative, Wade,
like she destroys something and isn't sure what to do with it.
[Wade] Yeah, that's the right--
It's the guidance that she usually gets from Candice LeRae
that's not coming in this kind of matchup.
[Graves] Well, Naomi was happy to give Indi guidance.
Straight down, face-first into the mat.
And a rebound kick by Naomi!
[Wade] Blair Davenport had the right idea.
She didn't factor in the athleticism of Naomi!
[Graves] Davenport, a rather lethal technician
in her own right, looking for the knee.
But Hartwell a step ahead.
Powers Davenport out of the ring
and swung Blair into the ring stairs.
[Wade] Face-first, bouncing off there.
And now Indi Hartwell doing some real damage to all opponents.
At this point, pick one, get her in the ring, and finish the job.
[Graves] Again, it seems like the attention
of Indi Hartwell is divided.
She seems to be favoring her hand, keeping her eyes on--
Oh-ho-ho! This could make a lot of sense!
Now I understand.
[Wade] Well, it was Indi Hartwell
who took out Jade Cargill a little earlier,
and this is some payback for you.
[Graves] No doubt about it. Not "some" payback.
This is an overabundance. Plenty and then some.
Lots of payback from Jade Cargill for Indi Hartwell.
And a kick from Naomi.
Rolls Indi through, shoulders down, pinning combination.
-…three. -[Graves] And Naomi does it.
♪ The beast is out the cage ♪
[Taylor] Here is your winner, Naomi!
[Wade] Well, perhaps let that be a lesson to you.
Do not mess with Jade Cargill under any circumstances,
but right now, tonight, it's all about Naomi.
She has qualified for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
one week from tomorrow.
[Graves] That final spot will be filled Monday on Raw.
But still to come tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
We've been waiting all evening for The Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony.
Solo Sikoa, the new Head of the Table,
is in the house with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and The Wiseman.
♪ This is my time, get used… ♪
We watch it all unfold from the World's Most Famous Arena, live next.
♪ I meant it, I'm about my business ♪
Wade, we've got a lot to look forward to when we get to Toronto.
[Wade] Oh yes, we have,
because they've already come to blows tonight.
Next week they get to do it legally.
Former Women's Tag Champs Belair and Cargill
take on LeRae and Hartwell right here on SmackDown.
[Graves] Well, tonight in New York City we had hoped
for Pretty Deadly: The Musical next week.
Pretty Deadly: The Match will have to do as they go…
They go toe-to-toe
with the Street Profits in tag team action.
[Wade] Yeah, I get tongue-tied when it comes to Pretty Deadly too,
but DIY have been begging and pleading for weeks.
They finally got their wish next week live on SmackDown,
Tag Titles on the line.
Gargano and Ciampa challenge A-Town Down Under.
That's next week here on Fox.
Joining me are Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, DIY.
And, gentlemen, next week you've got your opportunity
to become WWE Tag Team Champions.
Tell me, what's your strategy heading into SmackDown from Toronto?
Byron, we've got a lot of history in Toronto.
Toronto is where we won the NXT Tag Team Titles.
And now, eight years later,
we return to the same exact building and we know what…
You know, I've had two weeks
to think about what you guys have said to me and did.
We weren't aiming for you.
We were aiming for Waller.
He pulled you in the way, just like he always does.
-That's what you think? -Yeah, that's what I know.
Well, you know what's gonna happen in Toronto?
Me and Grayson are gonna show up, the greatest tag team of all time.
-My best friend-- -Dude, stop, stop.
Okay? He's not your friend.
Everyone here sees this but you.
And I'm not saying this to hurt you, but he doesn't care about you, man.
He's only using you to keep these.
That's it.
-You know, I'm trying to-- -[yelling]
You know me, huh, Johnny?
You know me, huh?
[metal clattering]
-Let's go! Let's go! -Hey. Hey. What? Hey.
-Are you kidding me? -Come on, man.
Let's go!
[groans]
♪ Giving head taps, lead tat, tat, tats ♪
[Graves] 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.
But we are in Madison Square Garden tonight, New York City.
And, Wade, we kicked things off with a bang.
[Wade] Yeah, The Bloodline were coming to the ring at the start of the show.
We never got to find out why
because their victims from last week, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens,
and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes cut them off before business
could be taken care of with a little vengeance.
This is The Viper doing what he does best.
Wrecking bodies everywhere he goes.
KO, of course, putting his body on the line,
leaving a trail of destruction behind him.
The bedlam went all over the arena.
That was until, thankfully, at long last, the NYPD showed up,
taking these three out of the arena as GM Nick Aldis looked on.
I can confirm all three were sent packing from Madison Square Garden.
They have gone.
["Taking It All" featuring Stevie Stone playing]
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score No, I will not take a loss ♪
-♪ Taking it all ♪ -♪ We the ones ♪
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Ready for war… ♪
[Taylor] Please welcome, accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer,
"The Wiseman" Paul Heyman,
representing The Bloodline,
Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa,
and Solo Sikoa!
[Graves] It is time for The Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony
led to the ring by the new Head of the Table, Solo Sikoa.
Flanking Solo on the left of your screen,
"The Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga,
on the right, "The Infamous" Tonga Loa,
and in the rear, "The Wiseman,"
the WWE Hall of Famer, Paul Heyman.
And, Wade, we've been assured by Solo that Jacob Fatu
is not in the building tonight,
but that does not make the feeling and the atmosphere any easier going.
[Wade] I don't think there's anything that makes me easy around Solo Sikoa.
However, the last thing he did say to Paul Heyman
was that he is listening to The Wiseman,
and that feels like the first time in months
there has been some complete harmony within The Bloodline.
Perhaps Paul Heyman finally can breathe a little easier.
♪ Settle the score No, I will not take a loss ♪
-♪ Taking it all ♪ -♪ We the ones ♪
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Ready for war, better than ever before ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
[music fades]
[crowd boos]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is Paul Heyman.
Tonight, live in the World's Most Famous Ar--
[crowd boos]
[crowd chants "We want Roman"]
Before we get to that, Paul…
[crowd boos]
…let me introduce to you…
the newest member of The Bloodline.
The Samoan Werewolf,
my enforcer…
Jacob Fatu.
[crowd boos]
[grunting]
Tasi, lua, tolu…
alu!
["Samoan Destroyer" playing]
[Graves] Well, Wade, at the beginning of the evening,
Solo assured Paul Heyman that Jacob Fatu was not in the Garden.
That obviously was not the truth.
But this man is an absolute menace, Wade.
[Wade] Everything Solo said earlier can be completely disregarded
because the most volatile,
lawless individual in the history of this industry
is here at Madison Square Garden.
[Graves] This is a man who, athletically speaking,
has all the gifts of the entire Bloodline.
But as far as morality goes, this man knows no such thing.
The Samoan Werewolf has arrived
for The Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony.
[yelling]
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
["Samoan Destroyer" continues]
[music fades]
Madison Square Garden.
[crowd boos]
Acknowledge me!
[crowd boos]
"Right Hand Man" Tama Tonga, step up.
Acknowledge me!
[crowd boos]
Solo…
[speaking in Samoan]
And I acknowledge you.
"Infamous" Tonga Loa, step up.
Acknowledge me.
Solo, our love always.
I acknowledge you.
My Enforcer, Jacob Fatu, step up.
Acknowledge me.
Solo, I love you.
[speaking in Samoan]
I acknowledge you.
[crowd boos]
[crowd cheers]
All right, Paul.
This is your one chance to live.
Paul…
acknowledge me.
[crowd yells]
Oh no! No! Where did you get those?
Where did you get those?
Those are Ro--
Wiseman, look at me when I'm talking to you.
Acknowledge me as your Tribal Chief.
[crowd yells]
[crowd boos]
Solo…
I love you.
I love you too.
[voice cracks] And I acknowledge…
that you are not my Tribal Chief.
-[microphone slams] -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Oh my God! Samoan Spike to The Wiseman.
[Wade] The biggest mistake of Heyman's life.
-And it might be his last. -[Solo] I tried!
I tried! You understand me?
I loved you! I tried to!
Jacob, get up!
-Drag his ass out here. -Get up!
I tried!
[Graves] What in the hell is happening?
What are these maniacs gonna do to the Hall of Famer?
For the love of God, don't do this to the man.
[yelling]
[Graves] Paul Heyman refused to kiss the ring
and he's gonna be led to the gallows.
Wade, get the hell out of here.
It's not safe for us to be here.
[crowd yelling]
These maniacs are gonna wreck everything.
[Wade] Oh my God. No.
[Graves] Don't do this.
[indistinct yelling]
Huh?
Okay. One, two, three.
[yelling]
[Graves] No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
[crowd groans]
Get some damn help out here. Get him some help.
[Solo] I wasn't good enough? Huh?
-Solo… -What good are you?
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Maybe it's time to believe Solo Sikoa.
Roman Reigns isn't coming back.
[crowd boos] isn't coming back.