[WWE intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
Who's gonna step up and disrespect The Tribal Chief
by teaming with Cody Rhodes tonight?
[Barrett] He needs a tag partner fast.
He's up against A-Town Down Under in tonight's main event.
[crowd cheering]
You ready? See you out there.
[Graves] Well, Wade, how's this for a mystery partner?
Kevin Owens joins forces with Cody Rhodes.
[Barrett] Cody and Kevin Owens are fighting tonight on pure instincts
and hoping that is enough to get 'em through.
[Graves] Uh-oh, uh-oh.
[Barrett] Almost a knee to the jaw again.
[Graves] Cody Cutter!
Things are about to go from bad to worse for Austin Theory.
[crow] One, two, three!
[crowd cheering]
["Taking It All" playing]
[Sikoa] So, if you're on Cody's side
that means you're against The Bloodline and you're against The Tribal Chief.
[Graves] Cody trying to take the fight to The Bloodline.
Oh, look at Owens going to the eye of Tonga Loa.
[Barrett] Rhodes and KO have got the jump on The Bloodline.
[Graves] Oh no.
Jacob Fatu!
The Samoan Werewolf once again.
[dramatic music playing]
My Tribal Chief!
The man that does everything for the family!
[Graves] This guy is out of control.
[Barrett] Cody Rhodes is being forced to watch all of it,
and there's nothing he can do.
[crowd buzzing]
[music distorts, slows]
-You did it! You did this! -No!
You did this! You!
[crowd groaning]
[shrill tone droning]
[indistinct crowd chatter]
Get the hell out the way.
[music builds]
-[music ends] -[crowd booing]
Yeah. We've got a lot going on.
I'll call you back.
Gentlemen, sorry to inform you, but based on your actions last week
with Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, you suffered an eye injury.
You're not cleared to compete.
So, uh, I have the unfortunate responsibility to tell you
that it looks like you're going to have to forfeit your spot
in the Tag Team Gauntlet.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What?
What? What'd you say?
I think you heard what I said.
Forfeit?
We ain't forfeiting nothing.
Hold on now, Mr. Aldis. Hold on.
I appreciate your concern, but The Bloodline,
we're not forfeiting nothing.
You understand?
See, Tonga Loa here, he's a part of The Bloodline.
Well, so is this man.
[crowd booing]
Yeah.
So, tonight's Gauntlet Match,
The Bloodline will be represented by Tama Tonga
and Jacob Fatu…
if that's okay with you.
You know what, Solo?
Actually, it is.
All right.
Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, you're in.
Oh.
Bring the titles back home.
Do you understand me? Bring them home.
I want all the titles in The Bloodline.
Bring it home.
Yeah.
Taking it all.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Graves] Solo Sikoa securing The Bloodline's spot
in tonight's Number One Contenders Tag Team Gauntlet Match.
Which one of these teams will run the Gauntlet
and earn a shot at DIY's Tag Team Championship?
We'll find out later tonight.
Welcome, everyone.
This is Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[crowd cheering]
♪ I don't see nobody 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
Let me talk to you.
Here we are making a little pit stop at SmackDown
before we go to SummerSlam, and Santos Escobar just…
he couldn't seem to remember that how many times
he's gotten dropped on his head by this guy.
Well, tonight, I'll be the professor.
Class is in session.
We're going to teach Santos a little bit of history.
Then we go on to SummerSlam
and, well, Logan Paul, I ain't going to teach you math.
I ain't going to teach you statistics.
No English.
But I will teach you how to get your keister stomped in
by the man they call The Megastar.
Yeah!
And no matter what classroom you sit in,
the curriculum is always the same with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
-Yeah! Now hit that music. -♪ LA Knight ♪
-["Welcome To LA" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Man, I just want to listen to that guy talk
for two straight hours, Corey. Can we do that?
[Graves] Go for it.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds, LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] Well, Wade, last week, right here on Friday Night SmackDown,
"The Megastar" LA Knight got his wish.
His name and Logan Paul's both signed on the dotted line
with a date at SummerSlam,
with the United States Championship on the line.
It is all going down, Cleveland Browns Stadium,
one week from tomorrow at the biggest party of the summer,
SummerSlam.
[Barrett] Megastar meets megastar with gold on the line at SummerSlam.
Corey, I love it.
["Legacy Of The Ghost" playing]
[Taylor] And his opponent, accompanied by Elektra Lopez,
representing Legado Del Fantasma,
weighing in at 217 pounds,
Santos Escobar!
[inaudible]
[Graves] Well, Wade, as excited as LA Knight may be for SummerSlam,
Knight cannot afford to look past his opponent tonight,
the extremely dangerous Santos Escobar.
[Barrett] You're absolutely right.
It is rare that I will ever criticize LA Knight.
You may have noticed I'm a little bit of a fanboy.
However, it's the unwavering confidence of LA Knight
that might be his downfall here.
Eight days ahead of SummerSlam, he's locking horns
with one of the most dangerous, diabolical, manipulative Superstars
there can be in Santos Escobar.
[Graves] Santos Escobar reminded LA Knight last week on Friday Night SmackDown
that, "Yeah, you may have gotten past me and Logan Paul in Madison Square Garden."
It was a King of the Ring qualifying matchup.
But LA Knight did not defeat Escobar, and that has stuck with Santos since.
[Barrett] You're absolutely right.
And just as much as LA Knight wants to grab his first piece of gold
since moving here to SmackDown, so does Santos Escobar,
and he feels like he's been overlooked at times by management
and indeed parts of the locker room.
This is as Santos Escobar, over the past 15-plus years,
has won gold around the world and is as dangerous as they come.
[Graves] Just speaks to how healthy the rosters are here in WWE.
That a Superstar the caliber of Santos Escobar can feel overlooked.
I'm not going to disagree with him,
but the talent is through the roof right now.
-[thud] -Ah!
[Barrett] You're right.
When Santos Escobar left NXT, I thought for sure Santos Escobar
is going to be winning gold in no time,
he's going to be dominating the main event scene,
but it's just not that easy.
Everywhere you look, there are threats in the SmackDown and Raw locker rooms.
[Graves] On the other side of the coin, you've got LA Knight,
a Superstar who has had to scratch and claw
for every opportunity he's received thus far here in WWE.
[Barrett] He's the perpetual motion machine.
You knock him down, he gets back up twice as fast
and demands more spotlight and more opportunities,
and he's got a big one, one week from tomorrow at SummerSlam.
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah!
[Graves] Santos able to escape the situation and turn the tides.
LA Knight face-first into the top turnbuckle
and now The Emperor of Lucha Libre going to work.
[crowd booing]
[Barrett] Santos Escobar, a man who has made a name for himself
having the deepest bag of tricks in the game,
and it's only been enhanced
by "La Madrina" Elektra Lopez on the outside.
Always cooking up something for her man from Legado.
[Graves] Escobar now firmly in the driver's seat…
bringing the fight to The Megastar.
Suplex by Escobar.
[Barrett] Herein lies the threat to LA Knight.
There is a bigger picture in play here.
Eight days, you have a chance to grab gold,
and now you are getting mauled
by this absolute ring wizard that is Santos Escobar.
[Graves] Something of a modified sharpshooter here by Escobar.
LA Knight close enough to the bottom rope.
And now here comes Knight.
-[crowd] Yeah! -[Barrett] Certainly.
Santos Escobar, not a submission specialist by his nature.
Perhaps applied that a little too close to the ropes.
And you make one mistake against LA Knight…
Ooh!
[Graves] You gotta say the same for Santos Escobar.
And there is the aforementioned La Madrina.
[Barrett] Adding insult to injury.
-Oh! -[Graves] And a 619 from Santos.
[crowd booing]
Escobar in control.
LA Knight in all types of trouble.
Here comes Escobar.
Double knees in the corner.
Down goes LA Knight.
-Escobar into the cover. -One, two…
[Graves] Wade, do you think LA Knight made the mistake of looking past Escobar?
Could LA Knight be too focused on Logan Paul and SummerSlam?
[Barrett] Well, undoubtedly.
You know that Santos Escobar understands the game better than most.
He knows that LA Knight had to be extremely distracted
by Logan Paul and SummerSlam coming into this matchup.
It doesn't matter who you are, if you're a human being,
you are distracted by those bright lights,
and that is Santos Escobar's biggest chance to capitalize.
[Graves] Neckbreaker by Knight,
could be turning the tides in The Megastar's favor.
Reversal by Escobar.
[grunting]
Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker from Santos.
[Barrett] That is a big, heavy Superstar in LA Knight.
-[Graves] Cover here by Escobar. -One, two…
[Barrett] But Escobar really can do it all.
High flying, technical, powerhouse style, you name it.
[Graves] This could be a big, big night on Friday Night SmackDown.
This is not your game.
-Listen to me. -[Graves] For not only Escobar, but…
This is not your game.
[Graves] …all of Legado Del Fantasma.
Later in the Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match,
we expect to see Angel and Berto.
[Barrett] Big night on the table here for Legado.
But they have to execute,
and right now, Escobar is doing exactly that.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] LA Knight whipping Escobar across the ring.
[Barrett] And this one's turned around in a hurry.
[crowd] Yeah! Yeah!
[Graves] LA Knight just stomping away over and over again
at the expense of Santos Escobar.
[Barrett] And even when LA Knight is hurting
he's still the ultimate showman.
[grunting]
[Graves] DDT by Knight. Into the cover.
One, two…
[Graves] Santos survives.
[Barrett] And things are going south for Santos Escobar
after being in control for so much of this match.
Stress, fear, terror
written on the face of "La Madrina" Elektra Lopez on the outside.
There's nothing she can do to help her man now.
[yells]
[Graves] LA Knight looking for…
It looked like a torture rack submission, had it not been for Elektra
yet again letting her presence be felt.
[Barrett] Therein lies the value of Elektra Lopez.
[Graves] Knight wanted the BFT,
Santos sensed it coming and delivered an elbow instead.
Big powerslam!
Get up!
[Barrett] LA Knight simply refusing to be denied at this point in the match.
What can he conjure up with his brain clearly not operating at full capacity?
[Graves] And again, Lopez…
catching the attention of our official.
Logan's Paul here!
[Barrett] Big right hand.
[Graves] Knight out of the way.
Down goes the United States Champion.
[Barrett] Everywhere you look, threats and distractions
for "The Megastar" LA Knight.
[Graves] Oh, wait a second, Bad News.
Phantom driver.
No.
BFT!
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[Graves] And here comes Paul again.
The Maverick, the United States Champion
assaulting a weakened LA Knight
just eight days before Logan defends his United States Championship.
[Barrett] What a pyrrhic victory for LA Knight,
who completely overcame the odds there
and is still fighting, still swinging.
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[crowd wailing]
[Graves] And Escobar again getting the best of LA Knight.
[Barrett] And this is exactly
what the fear had to be for LA Knight supporters
eight days away from his big opportunity at SummerSlam.
[Graves] This is an alliance of convenience.
I'm going up.
[Barrett] Damage as much of that body as you can…
just make it even easier for that defense of the United States Championship.
[Graves] And a frog splash by Logan Paul.
["Take Flight" playing]
[Barrett] That's why you need to wrap yourself up in cotton wool
ahead of big championship matchups.
LA Knight didn't do it, and he may well regret it.
Well, LA Knight has the biggest opportunity
of his WWE tenure eight days from now at SummerSlam in Cleveland.
Do you think LA Knight has what it takes to knock off Logan Paul?
He had what it took before tonight's matchup.
His chances of winning just dropped drastically
after that beatdown.
Well, LA has a chance to silence all of the doubters.
And the doubters are plentiful in the WWE Universe,
particularly for some of the new faces on the roster
who have gone out of their way in recent weeks
to really cause some waves.
I'm talking about Blair Davenport, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, this was her big chance against Naomi, but Naomi scored the win.
I just really wanted to say that the best person won, and…
maybe I'll have better luck next time against you.
[Barrett] It was a truce.
However, the truce was short-lived, with devious Davenport blindsiding Naomi
and leaving the victor in a heap.
[laughs devilishly]
I'm currently standing by with Naomi.
And, Naomi, why do you think Blair Davenport initially
showed you a sign of respect
and then a few seconds later, she attacks you?
Saxy, I don't know what her issue is with me.
I haven't even done nothing to that newbie.
And she's clearly trying to play mind games with me,
which aren't going to work.
I got something for little Ms. Blair.
Not only am I going to make her feel the glow,
but I'm going to make her respect it.
[Cargill] I know that's right!
[whooping]
Listen, Blair is a lame,
and she's going to get exactly what's coming for her.
Uh-huh. Just like Alba and Isla.
But anyway, now we got to go head to the ring,
we about to call out these "champs for now"…
-"Champs" -…and go handle some business.
Yes. Handle that--
All right. Go handle your business then.
We got you. We'll see you in a little bit.
[Graves] Looks like Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill
are heading our way.
They call out the Women's Tag Team Champions,
Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, next.
[crowd booing]
-Logan, Logan. Real quick. -Byron.
Can I get a word with you about what happened out there with LA Knight?
Yeah, sure, bro.
That was a little appetizer of what I'm going to do to him at SummerSlam.
Little, uh, little taste, let's call it the first course
of a three-course meal.
I'ma whup him. And guess what?
SummerSlam, Cleveland, where I'm from, my hometown, all my friends, my family,
everyone I know and love is gonna be there.
I just got off a phone call with Mr. Cleveland himself,
and he said he has a surprise Logan Paul homecoming just for me.
Wow. Can you give us an idea of what that surprise might…
Nope. Absolutely not.
Silly question.
No, but, uh, for everyone watching, you got to tune in.
It's going to be legendary.
LA Knight, brother, I got to tell you, at SummerSlam,
you are not just wrestling the United States Champion,
you are wrestling a social media megastar.
You are wrestling the pride of Cleveland,
the ultimate underdog turned top dog, Logan Paul.
And brother, you ain't ready.
"Yeah!"
What a stupid thing to say.
Here.
[wind blowing]
[thunder rumbling]
[Cargill] A storm…
[giggles]
…is coming.
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] She is a sight to behold, as advertised, Wade.
Jade Cargill continues to captivate the WWE Universe
alongside her partner, The EST.
[Barrett] What a sparkling apparition this woman is!
A celestial being, it seems, at times.
One of the absolute biggest stars in the game.
[Graves] Cargill has made it no secret.
She and Bianca Belair want to be WWE Women's Tag Team Champions once again.
And last week on SmackDown, Cargill and Belair were outright denied
by Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
♪ I'm on my own against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But no, I will never fall ♪
[Barrett] You're a betting person.
Who could possibly bet against Jade Cargill and this woman?
♪ Oh, think I'll fall down? I'ma watch you fall down ♪
♪ I'm livin' large… ♪
[Taylor] Please welcome
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair!
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
And the star power in the ring right now
is absolutely out of this world.
I don't think I'm speaking out of school when I say it seems like Dawn and Fyre
have next to no interest in defending their titles against the former champions.
-And, Wade, can you blame them? -[Barrett] Absolutely not.
Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn, two smart cookies,
and putting championships on the line against Belair and Cargill
are about as close as you can get
to a death sentence for your championship reign.
Now, I love y'all and I would love to stay out here all day,
but I'm just going to cut to the chase.
[Cargill] Do that.
Now, Alba and Isla have been ghosting us ever since they got those titles at Clash.
Yes.
Now, they said they was gonna be here at SmackDown, right?
Right.
They said they was bringing those titles.
-Right. -So, where they at?
[crowd chatter]
Where they at?
So, they need to stop ducking and dodging
and come with our belts and see these hands.
["The Depths" playing]
[Graves] Ask and you shall receive.
Looks like we are going to get to see
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. From behind!
Sneak attack by Fyre and Dawn.
[Barrett] Couple of Scottish witches utilizing the dark arts
to get the jump on the former champs.
[Graves] I don't see any dark arts, at this moment, Wade.
This is just brutality. This is just vicious.
[Barrett] I mean, it's that simple.
People know you cannot fight a clean fight against Belair and Cargill.
[Graves] Wait a minute, Wade.
Bianca has Isla Dawn up for the KOD, and Dawn just…
wiggled out of harm's way.
[Barrett] Well, did her best to avoid the worst of that,
which, perhaps, is less than can be said…
[Graves] Look at this power!
[Barrett] …for Alba Fyre!
[Graves] And in heels, nonetheless, Wade.
Unbelievable!
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
[Barrett] Skittles getting knocked down in the most painful way imaginable.
[Graves] Painful indeed, Wade.
Well, some of our Superstars are currently touring Japan
with the first show in Osaka.
-[upbeat music playing] -[crowd cheering]
The WWE Universe was out in full force
to see their favorite Superstars up close and live.
[crowd chanting] AJ Styles!
Come on!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] The tour continued in Tokyo as the Superstars entertained
like only they know how.
[crowd cheering]
WWE, the hottest ticket all across the world.
[crowd cheering]
And speaking of Japan, our Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
is currently traveling the country,
but The American Nightmare had time to reflect on everything
that's transpired between him and The Bloodline
ahead of his huge SummerSlam match.
We'll have that exclusive interview later tonight.
♪ The crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waiting for me to start… ♪
Let's do this, okay? This is our moment, our time, all right?
We're ready for this. All right?
-Hey! -Hey.
Yeah! Look who it is. The champ himself.
Yes, sir. Get the fishnets out, baby.
-Champ himself. -Champion. Champion.
Hey, my boys are not Terence Crawford
but, you know, tonight, we definitely gonna be…
-Whupping feet! -Whupping feet!
You know what I'm saying?
So, from one forward to another,
you know, we share the same resemblance with the black Air Force energy.
-Yo. -Come August 3rd, bro,
y'all do your thing, man.
-Do your thing. Like we know you will. -Definitely.
But look, look, tonight, I'll be watching, man.
-Good luck. -Thanks, man.
Appreciate you man. Love. Love.
-Oh yeah. -Love.
-Thank you, brother. -We're in your city, man.
Yes, sir.
We about to turn up, baby. About to turn up.
[indistinct exclamations]
[Barrett] And who is going to be the new number one contenders
for the WWE Tag Team Championships?
Six of the best collide in a grueling Gauntlet Match.
The winner gets an opportunity at Ciampa and Gargano.
That is up next, right here on SmackDown.
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
[Graves] The most dangerous woman in WWE as Ms. Money in the Bank.
[Barrett] She's got a threat to deal with in the form of Michin.
What a formidable duo Ms. Money in the Bank
and The Queen of the Ring have formed.
Michin's going to keep on fighting with whatever she's got.
[Graves] Nia Jax on the outside.
[dramatic music playing]
[fan] Oh!
[Graves] Oh, look who's here.
And Nia Jax just sent into the timekeeper's area.
Bayley's got the Money in the Bank briefcase.
[crowd gasps]
[Barrett] Queen Nia just got flattened!
[dramatic music building]
[intense dramatic music playing]
No, don't do this!
[Barrett] Bayley, that is an accessory for Tiffy!
[shrieks]
[Graves] From behind, Michin stacks up Stratton. Michin wins.
[bell rings]
A shocking turn of events for Tiffany Stratton.
Tonight belongs to Michin and the champ.
[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
[sighs]
[crowd jeering]
Tiff, don't be so upset.
I'm gonna get you a new briefcase that's perfect for you.
And you could cash it in on Bayley.
But I do have my guaranteed match at SummerSlam,
and I wouldn't want you dropping the title so soon.
No, I would never do that to you.
And besides, all I want to do tonight is get revenge on Bayley.
Thought so.
[sighs]
[Graves] Still to come tonight, ahead of their clash at SummerSlam
for the WWE Women's Championship,
both Bayley and Queen Nia Jax have found partners
to compete in tag team action.
Michin joins Bayley, Ms. Money in the Bank joins Nia.
Tag team main event tonight.
["Livin' the Life" playing]
[bell rings]
The following is a Tag Team Championship
Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match!
[crowd cheering]
Two teams will start the match.
When a team is eliminated, another team will enter.
The last remaining team will be declared the winners!
["Burn The Ships" playing]
[Graves] DIY need new challengers
for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
We will find out who tonight.
♪ Won't take what's mine ♪
♪ You'll burn and I'll rise ♪
[bell rings]
♪ There's no… ♪
[Taylor] Introducing first, the team of Apollo Crews
and Baron Corbin!
[Graves] Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin,
a duo with minimal experience as a tag team.
But over the past several weeks, Wade,
it seems as though Crews and Corbin are beginning to gel.
[Barrett] Yeah, a couple of guys who've been overlooked
for too long in my estimation,
perhaps have underachieved in recent years.
But two guys who are bonded by being refreshed and reinvigorated,
ready for competition, ready for opportunity.
But they're going to have to do it the hard way in this Gauntlet.
They drew number one.
It's the worst possible spot, but it's not impossible.
[Graves] Not that long ago Baron Corbin held NXT Tag Team gold.
["Soul March" playing]
Will history repeat itself tonight?
[Taylor] Next, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
the team of Angel and Berto!
[Graves] Angel and Berto…
perhaps with the best chemistry in this matchup.
They've been as close as brothers their entire lives.
SummerSlam is sponsored by C4, the official energy drink of WWE.
Available anywhere energy is sold.
Buy now at Albertsons and Safeway.
And by Wingstop, the official wing of SummerSlam.
Choose from 12 delicious flavors and get your favorite wings
from ordering online at wingstop.com.
Bring the flavor.
I'll tell you this, Corey,
this is a really intriguing one and two in this Gauntlet.
Now, Apollo Crews, especially when he got drafted to SmackDown recently,
he wanted to get off on a hot start.
That was denied to him by repeated attacks from Legado Del Fantasma,
who do the exact same here to kick off this Gauntlet.
[Graves] Speaking of hot starts, Angel and Berto wasting no time
grabbing the upper hand in this Gauntlet matchup.
Crews sent into the stairs.
[Barrett] And you need every advantage you can get in a Gauntlet Match,
especially if you're drawing one and two,
and you're going to have to run the entire table to win it.
So, if you can get the upper hand early, great.
But that upper hand just disappeared, thanks to the massive human being,
that is Baron Corbin.
[Graves] Corbin dropping some heavy artillery on Angel.
-Down goes Angel. Hook of the leg. -One, two…
[Barrett] Wow. Busting out the power moves early in this one.
Let's face it, both of these teams have to beat five others
if they are going to be victorious,
and they've got to do it back to back to back.
[Graves] Oh, the path only becomes more tumultuous
as the Gauntlet moves forward.
Superkick. Corbin spilled to the outside.
Here comes Berto.
Topé to the outside!
That's a move innovated by Humberto Garza, the grandfather of Berto and Angel.
Legado Del Fantasma in control of the Gauntlet.
Welcome back to a WWE Tag Team Championship
Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match.
Our first two teams still battling it out to advance.
And thus far it has been all Legado Del Fantasma, Wade.
[Barrett] It's all about endurance here.
I don't know how smart that was from Berto to be picking up the what,
270, 280-pound Baron Corbin in the early goings of this.
[Graves] Corbin just chucked Berto into the turnbuckle via hip toss.
[Barrett] The champs look on.
They will be facing the winner of this Gauntlet,
and we're going to find out who that is this evening.
[Graves] Tag made. Here comes Apollo Crews.
[Barrett] An essentially completely fresh Apollo Crews.
Power, speed, movement.
This man has it all.
But you have to think, over time in the Gauntlet
those skills are all going to diminish through exhaustion.
[Graves] There's Apollo Crews, a former United States
and Intercontinental Champion…
No, no, no. No.
…unleashing a series of suplexes on Angel.
[Barrett] He's got that explosive power paired with nimble feet,
which almost doesn't ever exist in this industry.
[crowd cheering]
Apollo got all the gifts anyone could want.
[Graves] Crews with a big splash in the corner.
[Barrett] Now, Apollo needs to put this one to bed as quickly as possible.
Regain-- Oh!
[Graves] Oh, big knee by Angel, rocked the jaw of Apollo.
[Barrett] Great instincts and timing.
[Graves] Backbreaker by Angel.
-Hooks the leg. -One, two…
[grunts]
[Graves] Corbin preserves the opportunity for his team.
[Barrett] Just in the nick of time,
but Corbin is hurting too. Land on his feet though.
Incredible athleticism from the big man.
[Graves] Berto launched into the steel stairs,
Angel connects with a running knee.
Apollo Crews on dream street,
and Angel could be thinking about the Wing Clipper.
Oh, great escape by Crews.
[Barrett] Probably the only man who could have pulled that escape off.
[Graves] Pump kick. Corbin now legal. End of Days!
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Graves] Corbin and Crews move on.
[Taylor] Angel and Berto have been eliminated.
[Barrett] It's one down, four to go for Corbin and Crews.
How much has been taken out of these two as they now face
former Tag Team Champions The Street Profits.
♪ I bring the swag like nobody… ♪
[Graves] You gotta give the edge to Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can… ♪
[Barrett] As glitzy and glamorous as they come.
It is going to be the mother of all parties
if The Street Profits pull off a huge W tonight.
[Graves] But a professional courtesy extended
by The Street Profits to Crews and Corbin,
who just defeated Legado Del Fantasma in step one of this Gauntlet Match.
But look at how fresh Montez Ford is.
[Barrett] Let's be honest, they got a better draw
than Corbin and Apollo did.
[Graves] Oh!
[Barrett] But win it from here for The Street Profits,
you need a little bit of luck.
I ain't gonna lie.
[Graves] Same can be said for both teams in this situation.
But a dropkick right on the money from Apollo Crews takes down Montez Ford.
[Barrett] Looks like Apollo Crews has completely recovered
from that first matchup in the Gauntlet.
[grunting]
-[Graves] Oh Jesus! -[Barrett] Oh!
-What a hard landing. -[Graves] Oh God! Oh, that's bad.
[Barrett] Folded up like an accordion.
[Graves] Oh man. Cover by Dawkins.
I can't believe Crews is still in this.
[Barrett] Well, he kicked out somehow.
I'm surprised too.
[Graves] Oh, I don't know that I want to watch this again.
-Oh my God. -[Barrett] Oh…
That's about as nasty a landing
as you can imagine from a belly to back side suplex.
[Graves] Yeah, I don't know if Crews didn't knee himself
in the face upon impact.
[Barrett] Somehow he's diving around like a luchador just seconds later.
[Graves] Instinct and instinct alone.
Look at the athleticism of the big man, Angelo Dawkins!
Both athletes with the same idea.
Double clothesline. Here comes Corbin.
[Barrett] Hats off to the conditioning of Apollo Crews getting him through that one.
I don't know what's left in the tank of Crews, but now it's all about Corbin.
[Graves] Montez Ford learning the hard way.
You don't want to throw hands with a former Golden Gloves Champion.
And Baron Corbin!
Night-night, Tez.
[Barrett] Just cleaning the clock of one half of The Street Profits.
It looks like Baron Corbin is in shock--
[Barrett] Oh no. Oh no, no, no.
[Graves] We're not doing this again, man!
Corbin!
-[yelling] -The Lone Wolf taking it to the skies!
The Gauntlet continues.
Crews and Corbin in control.
[crowd cheering]
[dramatic music playing]
[Rhodes] I think this story goes down a path
that no one in their right mind could have ever anticipated.
We blur the lines of fiction and reality.
If you can continually swerve them, then we've done our job.
The Final Boss allowed me to be as visceral as I want to be.
When chaos happens, something magical will come out of it.
[Graves] This Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match
continues in the Tag Team division.
Baron Corbin trying to superplex Montez Ford
off of the top turnbuckle.
Corbin and Crews managed to get past Legado Del Fantasma
in the first part of this Gauntlet.
[Barrett] Saw some high-flying Baron Corbin earlier in this matchup,
but now the high-flying Montez Ford.
[Graves] Corbin is 6'7", 265 pounds.
What the hell is he doing flying around like that?
[Barrett] I don't care, but it's working, Corey.
You can't deny that!
[Graves] Powerbomb.
And Ford answers with an enzuigiri.
[indistinct yelling]
-Adrenaline on tap tonight. -Let's go!
[Barrett] And the big man, Angelo Dawkins, wants in this one.
A groggy Montez Ford pulled off heroics.
[Graves] Here comes Crews. Here comes Dawkins.
[Barrett] Can Dawkins finish the job here?
[Graves] I mean, the fact that Apollo Crews is still competing at this level
after being dumped on the back of his head is miraculous.
[Barrett] I don't know how Apollo Crews has feeling left in his extremities.
They may be numb, but he's still able to use 'em somehow.
[Graves] Big suplex by Dawkins into the cover to advance in the Gauntlet,
and Corbin's not going to let it happen yet.
[Barrett] Yeah, you don't know how much is left in the tanks.
Corbin and Apollo Crews have already had to mow through one top tag team.
[Graves] There comes Dawkins.
There goes Dawkins to the outside, sure-footed, landing on his feet.
But keep your eyes on Montez Ford.
What on Earth!
Stereo suicide dives to the outside.
[Barrett] And Apollo Crews, somehow,
after all he's been through in this match already,
is the man looking most likely to score the victory.
[Graves] And Crews making the climb to the high rent district.
Top turnbuckle. Frog splash. Nobody home.
[Barrett] Managed to land on his feet-- Oh, big slug to the jaw.
[Graves] Tag. There it is.
Montez legal for The Profits.
[Barrett] Tez is wobbling all over the place.
I don't know how much use he's-- Oh, he's going to be useful.
-[Graves] Cover by Ford. -One, two, three
[Taylor] Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews have been eliminated.
[Graves] And The Revelation does the trick for The Profits.
[Barrett] Yes, boys!
["On And On" playing]
♪ On and on, on and on ♪
♪ We go on and on, on and on ♪
♪ 'Cause the night is young 'Cause the night is… ♪
[Graves] Well, tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive, as Pretty Deadly join the fray.
Look out, from behind.
Kit looking to steal it.
[Barrett] Well, what brilliant strategy there from Pretty Deadly.
-[Graves] Inside cradle. -One, two…
[Barrett] Elton Prince slid in the ring like he was going to stop,
but no, Kit Wilson was the man.
[Graves] Kit had a fistful of tights.
[Barrett] The distraction not quite enough to put away Angelo Dawkins,
whereas Montez Ford on the outside already looks like a beaten man.
[Graves] Tag made as DIY, the WWE Tag Team Champions, look on.
[Barrett] You know they're taking notes on every tag team out there.
[indistinct yelling]
[Graves] Double-team offense by The Street Profits
and Pretty Deadly used as weapons against one another.
Cover by Montez Ford to advance in the Gauntlet.
But not just yet.
[Barrett] Well, question is exactly
how focused are Pretty Deadly at this point.
They've had their heads
in this musical world over the past few weeks.
They need to get back in fight mode in a hurry.
[Graves] Well, tag made unbeknownst to Montez Ford.
Elton Prince going to be legal for Pretty Deadly,
but Ford's still focused on Kit.
-Chop block! -[Barrett] Oh…
[Graves] Dumped Kit on the back of his neck.
But Elton now free to go to work on the knee of Ford.
[Barrett] Nothing pretty ever happens…
[Graves] Cover by Elton Prince.
[Barrett] …in Gauntlet Matches.
It's as ugly as they come.
You've got exhausted individuals in there battling it out in hope of victory.
[grunting]
[Graves] Right now, Pretty Deadly proving to be extremely effective.
The fresher of the two teams have isolated Montez Ford in the corner.
Quick tags by Kit and Elton.
[Barrett] And it's all from the PD playbook.
A playbook they specialize in,
and a playbook that could lead them to victory,
especially with Montez Ford looking as beaten down as he is right now.
Yes, boys!
[Graves] Go ahead, Wade, give it to us--
[Barrett] Yes! Ooh!
-The Musical! -The Musical!
[Barrett] Oh yeah.
"PD, The Musical."
Oh, "Yes, boy! The Musical." I love it.
[indistinct chatter]
We need to get working on that one.
[Graves] What's this "we" stuff?
[Barrett] Yeah, I'm the honorary member.
The non-Pretty member, that's me.
[Graves] Don't sell yourself short, Bad News.
Montez Ford in all types of trouble in the corner.
-One, two, three, four… -Look at this vicious side of Kit Wilson.
This is where the deadly part of Pretty Deadly comes into play.
[Barrett] Yeah, they're often underestimated by the way they look.
Couple of effete high society boys, but, man, can they do damage.
Won gold in all iterations of NXT over the years,
just waiting for their opportunity at the big one here on SmackDown,
and they are closing in on that.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Graves] The WWE Universe doing their best to rally Montez Ford
who desperately needs to make a tag.
[Barrett] B-Fab on the outside playing cheerleader.
It's about all she can do at this point,
because her man, Montez Ford, is looking in a world of hurt
and the chances of The Street Profits are slipping away before our eyes.
[Graves] There's a great strategy being employed by Pretty Deadly right now,
trying to take out the legs from Montez Ford.
We know Ford loves to fly through the skies. He's from the heavens.
Splash, one of the best weapons The Profits have at their disposal.
Tag made, Elton legal once again.
Here comes Dawkins!
[Barrett] What a leap for the tag for the fresh big man, Dawkins.
Looking like a heavyweight boxer in there.
[Graves] Tremendous athleticism, possessed by AD.
Elbow on the money!
[crowd cheering]
-[grunts] -There's your highlight for the night.
Followed by the enzuigiri. Elton Prince being covered.
-One, two… -[grunts]
[Barrett] Just a ludicrous amount of spring
for a man the size of Angelo Dawkins.
Never underestimate this man.
[grunting]
[Graves] Tag made. Kit Wilson now legal for Pretty Deadly.
Elton might be eating through a straw after that right.
[Barrett] Divide and conquer.
I don't think Angelo Dawkins saw the tag there.
-[Graves] Hook of the leg. -One, two…
[grunting]
And almost. Close, but no cigar.
[Barrett] Instinctive kickout there from Angelo Dawkins.
His tag partner, Montez Ford, nowhere to be seen.
He's completely flattened on the outside, and now it's a two-on-one handicap match.
[grunting]
[indistinct yell]
[Graves] Kit and Elton working extremely effectively,
two-on-one against Angelo Dawkins.
-Big gutbuster. Cover by Elton Prince. -One, two…
[Barrett] Right at the death,
just as victory was within the grasp of PD…
Montez Ford breaks it up.
[Graves] Rough landing for Kit Wilson.
Elton dumps Tez to the outside, but Montez landing on the apron for the moment.
Big right by Dawkins.
[Barrett] Bouncebackability from Angelo Dawkins.
And things are starting to look bleak for Elton Prince.
[Graves] Blockbuster from the heavens!
-Cover by Ford. -One, two, three!
[Barrett] No, boy!
[Taylor] Pretty Deadly have been eliminated.
[Graves] The Street Profits one step closer,
but the road will not get any easier.
[Graves] The OC have joined the party. The Gauntlet continues.
["Emergence" playing]
[yelling]
[extended, wailing grunt]
[Graves] It is a Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match
for the WWE Tag Team Championship,
as The OC, Gallows and Anderson,
in complete control of The Street Profits at the moment.
But, Wade, you can't not be impressed
by what The Profits brought to the dance tonight.
[Barrett] The Profits have beaten two teams already.
They've got to beat two more if they're going to be victorious in this.
Sounds like mission impossible.
[groaning]
[Graves] Lady luck certainly has not smiled
upon The Street Profits tonight.
Karl Anderson in control.
Sound strategy by the veteran Anderson, as deep rear chinlock
this deep into a match allows you to preserve your own wind
while taking it out of your opponent.
[Barrett] Yeah, unbelievable.
Slow down Montez Ford,
take whatever life is left within that body out of him.
And then tagging the big man LG to finish the job.
[pained yelling]
[Graves] That's the problem with Montez Ford,
and Angelo Dawkins for that matter.
Just when you think The Street Profits are down and out, they prove you wrong.
-Cover by Anderson. -One, two…
[Barrett] What a tag team to have to face at this point for The Street Profits.
Former two-time WWE Tag Team Champions, The OC,
who perhaps haven't had the shine they deserve
in recent months here on SmackDown.
Well, now's the time to get that shine back, boys.
[Graves] This is a one-night opportunity
to punch your ticket to the top of the division,
number one contendership at stake.
-And Gallows just uncorked a clothesline. -One, two…
[Graves] That's got to do it. No.
[Barrett] The OC are going to drink the bar dry
if they get victory here in this Gauntlet.
Montez Ford offering almost nothing…
[Graves] Cover by Karl Anderson again.
[Barrett] …in the way of resistance, but continues to kick out.
It's about as gutsy as you can get.
[Graves] But think of how smart this strategy is by Karl Anderson,
as another cover is executed.
Even if Karl doesn't believe that he's going to end the match,
he's forcing Montez to kick out.
And every time Montez is forced to kick out,
Montez is forced to expend energy,
which is not a luxury anyone can afford in a Gauntlet Match.
[Barrett] Montez Ford is almost at zero.
The other nice thing they're doing is as soon as Montez does kick out,
tries to get a breather, they are immediately back on him.
[Graves] Smothering tag team offense from The OC.
Suplex by Gallows, hooks the leg, cover.
[Barrett] If we can't beat you physically, we will beat you mentally,
and why not break you physically for good measure?
[grunting]
[grunts]
[Graves] Again, a sound classic strategy being employed by The OC.
The ring has been cut in half.
Montez Ford has been nowhere near his own corner.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
Tez beginning to stir
while being trapped in the clutches of the massive Luke Gallows.
[Barrett] It's all instinctive at this point from Montez Ford,
whose physical and athletic gifts
have slipped away over the course of this Gauntlet.
[crowd booing]
He is being treated like a sack of meat by The OC,
but still finding ways to fight back.
[Graves] You ever been DDTed by a sack of meat in your day, Wade?
[Barrett] I could name some names, but I won't.
[Graves] Tag made. Here comes Karl Anderson once again
and immediately stopping any hopes
that Montez Ford had of tagging Angelo Dawkins.
Oh God!
[Barrett] Oh, what a nasty landing by Karl Anderson!
Tried his best to land on the apron.
[Graves] Gallows meets a similar fate, and now Montez makes the tag.
Uh-oh, uh-oh!
-[Barrett] Oh! Ooh… -[crowd exclaiming]
Dawkins ain't human, man!
A man that big should not be able to fly like Dawkins just did.
[Barrett] Shins first onto our table, didn't even register on Angelo Dawkins
who is a man possessed.
[Graves] Dawks wants to be champion,
but a spinebuster by Anderson into the cover.
[groaning]
The OC nearly advanced to the final step in the Gauntlet.
[Barrett] Well, clearly Montez Ford has taken the worst of it
for The Street Profits,
but that's not to say that Angelo Dawkins hasn't been beaten to a pulp already.
[Graves] Ford from the outside.
Wait. Shoulders down. Dawkins has rolled up Gallows.
How in the hell?
[Taylor] The OC have been eliminated!
[Graves] This is unbelievable, Wade.
There's only one team left to get past.
[Barrett] But look what that one team have got to beat.
♪ Tasi, lua, tolu ♪
♪ Alu ♪
["Samoan Destroyer" playing]
[Graves] I immediately retract my previous statement.
Only one more team to beat,
but it could not get any worse for The Street Profits.
[Barrett] How many advantages do one team need…
going into the final match of this Gauntlet
to become number one contenders for the WWE Tag Championships?
[Graves] Tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
But tonight, Wade, I think it's safe to say,
I hope The Street Profits are paid up on medical insurance.
The Bloodline has entered the Gauntlet!
-["Roar" playing] -♪ Hey ♪
♪ Na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪ Woo, get ready for the roar ♪
♪ Get ready for the roar ♪
♪ Everybody's screaming whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Get ready for the roar ♪
♪ Everybody's screaming whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ We're getting ready for the roar ♪
♪ Get ready for the roar ♪
♪ Everybody's screaming whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Get ready for the ♪
♪ Na-na-na-na-na ♪
Come on!
[Graves] We are down to the final two teams
in tonight's Number One Contenders Gauntlet Match
in the WWE Tag Team division.
The Street Profits have fought valiantly,
but things just took a turn for the worse with the arrival of The Bloodline, Wade.
[Barrett] I think many people were expecting Tonga Loa.
Jacob Fatu being the replacement,
perhaps the greatest replacement in the history of this industry.
[Graves] We like to talk about the family lineage of The Bloodline.
Once upon a time, Wade,
the fathers of both Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga
were a tag team in WWE decades ago, known as The Islanders.
Oh my God.
Talking about Haku and Sam,
Tonga Kid, TK, all day.
Fatu, the father of The Samoan Werewolf.
[Barrett] It's been a courageous and gutsy effort from The Street Profits
who have done way more tonight than anyone thought imaginable.
[Graves] And look at the new "Tribal Chief" Solo Sikoa,
imposing his will on Angelo Dawkins, much to the dismay of the WWE Universe…
My Tribal Chief!
…who are not pleased with The Bloodline tonight.
-[Barrett] Solo Sikoa out here… -I love you!
…looking like an absolute don.
And what a crew he has put together.
His first acquisition as The Tribal Chief…
Two!
[Barrett] …was Tama Tonga,
who set a whole new level of viciousness for this crew.
But the cherry on top of the cake, the pièce de résistance,
this man, Jacob Fatu,
a man thought untouchable by this industry, Corey.
[Graves] Jacob Fatu is doing the bidding of the new "Tribal Chief" Solo Sikoa,
and there has not been anyone
who has even come close to stopping this maniac.
[Barrett] Dawkins almost got his fingers chewed off
by this lawless savage that is Jacob Fatu.
The ultimate risk/reward play.
It could blow up in your face one day, but for now…
Jacob Fatu has been perfect,
but Angelo Dawkins diving out of the way of that.
And for the first time perhaps ever, Jacob Fatu is in a world of trouble.
[Graves] Montez Ford realizing time is of the essence.
Both Street Profits have been through the wringer tonight.
Tag made. Here comes Tama Tonga.
Here comes Montez Ford.
And Ford gets the best of this exchange.
Taking down the new Right Hand Man of The Bloodline.
Spinebuster by Tez.
[Barrett] Montez Ford has to be running on fumes at this point.
He's going to need a three-hour ice bath after this matchup.
But it ain't gonna feel so bad if he can pull out victory for his team
and become the new number one contenders.
[Graves] The winner of this matchup will advance to challenge DIY
for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
We know Gargano and Ciampa are looking on.
Montez Ford now from the top.
-Crossbody connects. Cover, hooks the leg. -One, two… [crowd groans]
[Barrett] Imagine if Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu do not win this matchup
and they have to answer to Solo Sikoa,
as the champs, Gargano and Ciampa, look on.
[Graves] I'm certain there will be a price to pay for Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu
if they come up short tonight,
but right now, Montez trying to will himself to the top rope.
Tama one step ahead.
Look at this!
Just ripping Ford off the top turnbuckle.
Cover by the Right Hand Man.
Hooks both legs, and Angelo Dawkins keeps the opportunity alive.
[Barrett] Dice are completely loaded in favor of The Bloodline,
but somehow The Street Profits are fighting on.
[Graves] Tama Tonga just picked the leg of Dawkins
and this is turning into a massacre outside the ring.
[Barrett] Oh my!
[Graves] Montez takes everybody down!
[yells]
I don't know where he's getting it, but Montez still alive and well
and making the climb, Wade.
[Barrett] Climbing to the heavens, looking to score the big victory.
It's miracle time, Corey!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Tama Tonga out of the way and I think Montez tweaked his knee.
[Barrett] This ain't a fairy tale.
This is an absolute nightmare for The Street Profits.
-[yells] -[grunts]
[Graves] Jacob Fatu launching himself like a missile to the outside.
[grunting]
Montez with a DDT.
And I'm afraid this is gonna have the same effect.
[Barrett] What chance do you have
when that is the response to a DDT on top of your head?
[Graves] All gas, no brakes.
Jacob Fatu just smashed Montez Ford.
And my God!
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
-[Graves] The Bloodline… -[bell rings]
…are number one contenders.
["Samoan Destroyer" playing]
[Taylor] Here are your winners,
Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu!
[Barrett] I cannot tell if Jacob Fatu is subhuman or superhuman,
but my God, he is utterly devastating,
as are this entire unit.
[Graves] Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins
quite literally left it all in the ring in tonight's Gauntlet.
But The Bloodline, particularly "The Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu,
just too much tonight.
[Barrett] The carnage was all The Street Profits',
but the victory is all of The Bloodline's.
They become number one contender,
thanks in large part to the ridiculous abilities of this man,
Jacob Fatu, who week by week continues to astound all of us.
[Graves] The Bloodline reigns supreme
as your number one contenders for the Tag Team Titles.
Well, SummerSlam is sponsored by Mike's Harder Lemonade.
Hard days deserve a hard lemonade, but when you've had a really hard day
like these WWE Superstars in the ring, you need a lemonade that hits harder.
You need Mike's Harder Lemonade.
[Barrett] Coming up, we will see a special interview
with the Undisputed WWE Champion.
That is next, here on SmackDown.
["Livin' the Life" playing]
-[traffic humming] -[hip-hop music playing faintly]
[Metro] If showing up early was an Olympic sport…
you'd take home the gold.
Well, you know what they say.
If you're early, you're on time.
Here we go.
And if you're on time, you're late.
And if you're late…
-Don't even bother showing up. -…don't even bother showing up.
-Right. -Yes, you'd heard that one.
["GTA" by Future and Metro Boomin playing]
♪ Whatever I'm with, my boo with it too ♪
♪ Balenciaga and them sticks included ♪
♪ Crash out, crash out, crash ♪
["Livin' the Life" playing]
Well, Wade, it should come as a surprise to absolutely no one.
The Bloodline continues to dominate on Friday Night SmackDown.
New number one contender--
[Waller] Hey, Wade. No one cares what you got to say, idiot.
-You think we care? -This is our show.
[Barrett] I didn't say anything.
Nobody cares, even if you were saying anything.
-[Barrett] Very true. Can't deny that. -Hey, last week,
we would have beat Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens easy
if it wasn't for Terence Crawford.
But instead of just saying it,
we're going to do something about it, right, Theory?
Oh, that's right.
You know, little 100 and what, 20 pound Terence Crawford.
He's walking around backstage,
so you know what you're going to do, Terence?
You're going to come out here right now
and you're going to apologize to the greatest tag team in the world!
[crowd booing]
I don't know, he might be scared, lad.
You scared?
[Graves] This is a bold move by A-Town Down Under to call him out.
[Barrett] You use the word "bold." I use the word "bad."
-Bad, bad, bad. -[Graves] You may be right, Bad News.
This is the undefeated,
40-0,
two-time Undisputed Champion.
The number one pound for pound boxer in the world.
Terence Crawford is on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Taylor] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the undefeated,
two-time Undisputed Champion,
number one pound for pound boxer in the world,
Omaha's own Terence Crawford!
-[crowd cheering] -["Ain't Gon' Stop" playing]
♪ Way too big, got to televise it ♪
♪ Who gon' get the win? You can tell them I did ♪
[Graves] As you can see, Terence Crawford getting prepared for battle.
He goes one-on-one with Madrimov August 3rd in LA
as part of the Riyadh Season Card.
Terence Crawford feeling extremely confident.
You have to be to come into our world of WWE
and enter the ring with the former WWE Tag Team Champions
A-Town Down Under.
[Barrett] This is the best boxer on planet Earth.
Austin, this is a huge moment.
This is the number one pound for pound boxer in the world,
Terence Crawford!
[crowd cheering]
In the ring with us. Wow!
And you know, the thing is, Terence, last week, you disrespected us.
You handed Cody Rhodes a chair.
And we think it's only fair that you come out here
and you apologize to the both of us right now.
The people want to hear you apologize.
-That's enough. -[crowd booing]
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
I don't think you understand.
Not just for handing Cody the chair.
You need to apologize
for thinking you belong in the ring with A-Town Down Under, lad.
[crowd booing]
You might be the best boxer in the world, but…
this is our ring, right?
Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you.
[crowd booing]
Hey, I just want to let you know,
if you take one more step towards me,
my boy Austin Theory is about to knock you out.
Wait…
Knock it-- You can knock him out.
Hey, I ain't try--
[crowd exclaims]
[Graves] Oh my goodness. Down goes Theory.
[Barrett] And out runs Waller.
[Graves] Well, can you blame him?
[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Well, Waller's the one who talked all the smack…
["Ain't Gon' Stop" playing]
…but Theory's the one who got smacked.
[Graves] Well, it's not about who starts it, Bad News.
It's about who finished it.
And tonight,
Terence Crawford is the last man standing on SmackDown.
♪ I just hit a juke up the center Natural-born winner ♪
♪ Gotta get the ring before dinner… ♪
Wade, did seeing Terence Crawford in the ring
give you some throwbacks to your bare-knuckle days?
Getting knocked out. Yeah, I remember that.
Well, from the champion of the boxing world
to a champion right here in WWE,
the Undisputed WWE Champion "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
has a lot on his mind as we approach SummerSlam.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cody] I'm here in Japan on our live event tour,
doing what I told everybody I was going to do,
bringing the WWE Championship all across the globe.
This little moment of solitude, reflection,
doing that thing that wrestlers should not do,
looking back.
Looking back on the Royal Rumble,
nearly having the main event of WrestleMania ripped out of my hands,
only for the people to take it back.
I reflect on the greatest fight of my life,
defeating Roman Reigns
to do what I set out to do upon my return to WWE.
Finish the story.
[Michael Cole] Cody Rhodes finished the story!
[Cody] Surrounded by friends, family, the fans.
A conquering hero.
And The Bloodline was no more.
Or so I thought.
But this new doppelgänger version of The Bloodline.
A pack of wild cats with nothing to lose, running around
and feasting on anyone who stands in their way.
Chaos reigns without a true lion to lead the pack.
And because of that chaos,
now I sit here alone.
My friends, my allies, my partners, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens…
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd exclaiming]
…destroyed trying to fight by my side…
while I watched.
I head into SummerSlam a man on an island.
A man who has the deck stacked against me.
A man who will have to fight with every ounce of pride
and energy that I have.
But I also head into SummerSlam the champion.
And I know that I have to bring all of my fire and passion to this fight,
because I owe it to the people to defend this championship
and not let it slip back into the hands of The Bloodline.
Solo Sikoa is a dangerous man.
Stepped up, declared himself the new Tribal Chief.
He has proven that he is ready to take on that mantle of responsibility
to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
I used to think Solo wasn't ready, but now…
not so sure.
I need to look into his eyes and see what kind of man he really is.
Before we battle it out in the main event of SummerSlam,
I challenge you to meet me in the ring next week
face-to-face,
one-on-one,
so I can look into your eyes and see if you are indeed ready.
Because in this moment of solitude…
I know that I am.
[shrill guitar chord blaring]
[Graves] We'll find out next week if Solo will meet Rhodes in the ring.
But we do know this much.
It is official. It is set in stone at SummerSlam.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes defends his Undisputed WWE Championship
against the new "Tribal Chief" Solo Sikoa.
[Barrett] And still to come in tonight's main event,
sponsored by eBay Motors,
Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax,
and Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton,
who were humiliated last week, get their chance at redemption.
They take on the team of Bayley and Michin next, here on SmackDown.
["Livin' the Life" playing]
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Barrett] WWE Women's Tag Team Championships
on the line next week on SmackDown from Cleveland
as Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, the former champs,
take on the current champs Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn next week on SmackDown.
[Graves] The gold rush is on on the eve of SummerSlam
as the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, DIY defend their gold
against Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu of The Bloodline.
[Barrett] And the United States Champion Logan Paul returns home.
Will it be a popular homecoming?
We will let the people of Cleveland decide.
Logan Paul live, next week.
Andrade, last week on SmackDown,
you had an incredible match with Carmelo Hayes
in which you were victorious.
What's next on your agenda?
[indistinct], I was thinking… win the United States Championship.
-Maybe… -No, no, no. No. Hold on.
You think because you beat me one time, that this is over?
Hey, this ain't over till I win.
Hey, we done. You miss it.
Oh, I miss? You want to talk about missing?
Let's talk about how the crowd didn't miss you for the last two years
when you decided to leave.
Let me put this into perspective for you.
LeBron James, one of the greatest of all time,
even he has an off night every now and then.
It happens to the best of us.
Melo, you are not LeBron.
You are more like…
Bronny Jr.
[laughs]
I'm Bronny Jr.? Yeah, I am Bronny Jr.
Because it's my time now and you need to step aside.
Hey. Look at us.
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] One more match?
Okay.
That's all it's gonna take.
["I Am" playing]
[Graves] Well, a score is to be settled tonight on SmackDown, Wade,
in tag team action.
[bell rings]
[Taylor] The following contest
is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Fontana, California--
[Graves] Well, look out behind, Michin.
Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Two women who got humiliated last week on SmackDown
by Michin and Bayley.
[Graves] Oh, what's the point of a sneak attack,
a jump start before the match?
We have a scheduled tag team match ready to happen.
[Barrett] Jax and Tiffany Stratton are not here for a victory.
They are here to punish
two women who made them look like fools last week. Ah!
[Graves] Here comes Bayley, the WWE Women's Champion,
who will collide with Queen Nia Jax at SummerSlam.
But right now, Bayley's got to check on her partner.
There's no way Michin is going to be able to compete.
[Barrett] Well, she's never needed that Kendo stick more than right now.
What the hell, ref?
[Barrett] Queen Nia Jax,
Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton understandably scurrying away
from the scene of the crime.
But is the damage already done?
[Graves] This has got to be a worst-case scenario
for the WWE Women's Champion.
Bayley's set to defend her title against Nia in eight nights in Cleveland.
There's no way Bayley escapes a handicap match on SmackDown
and makes it to SummerSlam 100%.
[Barrett] Well, we saw what happened with LA Knight earlier tonight.
This could be even worse for the WWE Women's Champion Bayley.
What are you doing, Bayley?
-Ring the bell! -[bell rings]
[Graves] Well, tonight's main event is sponsored by eBay Motors.
And here comes Bayley.
The Role Model out of the gate, teeing off on Ms. Money in the Bank.
Another Thesz press and more right hands.
[Barrett] Well, if Bayley is going to go this alone, she better end this quickly.
You can come out of the blocks hot.
Eventually, you're going to have to slow down.
[Graves] And let's be honest, Wade,
Bayley is an incredibly talented Grand Slam Champion in WWE,
but Bayley is human at the end of the day.
And look at the athleticism of one opponent in Tiffany Stratton.
Never mind The Irresistible Force lurking on the outside,
the woman who will challenge Bayley at SummerSlam, Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Yeah, to take on the two worst members of the locker room
in a handicap matchup is incredibly difficult.
To take on Ms. Money in the Bank and the Queen of the Ring?
-[Graves] Stacks Stratton's shoulders. -One, two…
[Barrett] It's impossible to pull out victory.
It's just about how much damage you end up sustaining.
That part is inevitable.
[Graves] Well, Michin, as we just saw a moment ago,
still recovering on the outside.
This does not bode well for WWE Women's Champion Bayley.
[Barrett] Michin may need a stretcher at this point.
[groaning]
And pretty soon, Bayley may be in the same space.
-[grunts] -No!
Back it up! Come on! Back it up.
[Graves] Tiffany Stratton, the current Ms. Money in the Bank,
the owner of a guaranteed title opportunity
at the time and place of her choosing.
[Barrett] The audience has completely had the stuffing knocked out of them…
[grunting]
…as has Bayley.
[Graves] It's a disheartening situation.
If you're a WWE fan, you're watching Bayley right now
outnumbered, just being battered, just being obliterated.
[Barrett] She's one of your favorites
and she has next to zero chance of victory here.
Although, she's going to keep on swinging. Can she pull off a miracle?
[Graves] If anybody can do it, Bayley can.
-Scrambling for a cover. -One, two…
Not enough to keep Stratton down.
[Barrett] Well, that may have been the biggest opportunity Bayley had.
Jax was momentarily, at least, down. And somehow Michin is back up.
[Graves] Yeah, but what condition is Michin truly in, Wade?
We see that she's now back to a vertical base.
[Barrett] She's clearly in agony.
[Graves] And look, Nia Jax gonna finish the job she started.
-Michin-- -[Graves] Oh man. Forget it.
Thanks for coming, Michin.
Stratton now continuing the attack.
Double stomp to the champion. Into the cover.
One, two…
[Graves] Wade, what would it do to the champion's psyche?
We'll talk about this on the other side of the break.
Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax are just dominating.
[Jax] Almost, Tiffy.
[crowd buzzing]
[Graves] Somehow, some way, this tag team match is still underway.
[crowd buzzing]
But Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax continue to dismantle Bayley.
-Another cover by Stratton. -One, two…
[Graves] Wade, at this point, what… what is Bayley doing?
[Barrett] She should not be out here.
It's too much pride and bad decision making at this point.
Protect yourself. Protect your championship.
Protect your matchup in eight days' time at SummerSlam.
And what little chance you have of victory is ebbing away by the second.
[crowd booing]
[Graves] You can almost feel this confidence of Tiffany Stratton
growing with each passing moment.
[Barrett] Stratton was humiliated last week by Bayley and Michin.
She lost the matchup, her Money in the…
Bank briefcase got trashed by Bayley.
And this is payback.
[Graves] Rushing Bayley in the corner!
And here comes Stratton.
Beautiful handspring back elbow.
This is becoming hard to watch, Wade.
I'm scared for the well-being of Bayley, who's being covered again by Jax.
[Barrett] Bayley's instinct is telling her to kick out.
Michin can hardly move. She needs scraping off the mat.
And you get the sense Jax and Stratton,
if they really wanted to, could end this in a heartbeat.
They choose not to,
because they're enjoying the punishment too much.
[Graves] And what's stopping Bayley from just taking a defeat tonight?
The title is not on the line. It's about living to fight another day.
It's about making it to SummerSlam as close to 100% as possible.
[Barrett] She sees herself as the locker room leader,
the mother hen, the example to the industry.
Well, that example is getting wiped out before our eyes.
[crowd booing]
[Graves] Nia Jax has been salivating for the opportunity
to dethrone Bayley and become WWE Women's Champion.
That could very well be the case in eight nights.
[Barrett] That request at SummerSlam is just getting easier and easier
for Queen Nia Jax.
[grunting]
And there's been next to zero
coming back the way of Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax
for the past three or four minutes.
It's almost like throwing a mannequin around.
[Graves] It just feels like we're prolonging the inevitable.
[Barrett] It's felt like that for some time at this point, Corey.
[Graves] Again, the rear chinlock applied by Tiffany Stratton.
Just wearing down Bayley.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Bayley!
[clapping rhythmically]
Let's go, Bayley!
[clapping rhythmically]
Let's go, Bayley!
[clapping rhythmically]
[Graves] Bayley now off the ropes again, just planted by Stratton.
One, two…
Two.
[Graves] And Bayley kicks out yet again.
But at this point, I'm asking this question, Wade, why?
Why is Bayley…
Whether you're the locker room leader or not, you're the WWE Women's Champion
with a title defense in eight days.
Why is Bayley still fighting this match?
[Barrett] Bayley's brain at this point is not fully operational.
She's not thinking about her match at SummerSlam.
She's just surviving on instinct.
-[Graves] Cover by Jax. -One, two… Two!
[Barrett] That instinct is almost snuffed out.
I mean, the referee's even taking a close look at this.
They have the right to throw this out
if it's a lost cause for Bayley and her health is in serious jeopardy.
And I would suggest we are verging on that at this point.
[Graves] Bayley right now needs to be thinking about self-preservation,
her long-term career, her championship reign.
Sure, your check won't be as big tonight because you don't get the winner's purse,
but at the end of the day, you can wake up,
you can recover, and be in the best shape possible
for the biggest party of the summer and a championship defense.
[Barrett] Bayley is getting put through a clothes mangle before our eyes.
[Graves] Here we go, Stratton again.
[grunting]
Wait a second.
Wait just a second, Wade.
How is Bayley doing it?
[crowd gasps]
[Barrett] It's a brief respite, and now Michin begins to stir.
How much use she's going to be, if she does get tagged in,
is questionable.
[Graves] There's no question, Wade. Michin's gonna be useless.
The woman can barely stand up right now.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
Tag made. Here comes Nia Jax, who's fresh as a daisy.
[Barrett] Nia Jax is not ready to take the risk
of a heavily beat down Michin getting into this one.
Michin isn't the woman they want to punish.
It's Bayley, the champ.
[Graves] Tag made.
Stratton tagged herself in after Nia made contact with the ring post.
Bayley able to free herself. Tag made.
Here comes Michin!
[Barrett] Michin, who's moving surprisingly well.
[Graves] Adrenaline can make the human body do amazing things.
You can see she's still not feeling it.
[Barrett] That back is in a mess.
But is it good enough to score a miracle victory here?
That might do it, Corey!
[Graves] Stratton spiked on top of her head.
-Cover here by Michin. -One, two…
[Barrett] And that was a weak kickout
from Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton,
but it keeps the match going.
[Graves] Michin to the outside, takes down Queen Nia.
[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Where on Earth is Michin getting this from?
We know she's tough.
She's perhaps tougher than any of us thought.
-[Stratton shrieks] -[crowd exclaims]
-[Graves] Stratton out of the way. -Nia!
[graves] Crash landing for Michin and tag made to The Irresistible Force,
The Queen of the Ring.
Michin out of the way.
Enzuigiri. Tag made, Bayley's legal.
[Barrett] The Queen of the Ring is rocked.
[Graves] Bayley hit the running knee, trying to position Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Bayley trying to get this finished as quickly as possible.
This might be your big moment.
[Graves] Elbow connects.
-Cover by the champion. -One, two…
And Stratton at the last possible fraction of a second.
[Barrett] I don't know if Stratton made it or if Queen Nia kicked out,
but it was a millisecond either way.
And Jax is in big trouble here.
[Graves] Nia now looking for a Samoan drop,
but Bayley again coming to the aid of Michin.
Referee Dan Engler trying
to get the illegal competitor Michin out of the ring.
And the Money in the Bank briefcase right in the mug.
[Barrett] The bandaged-up briefcase. And it may soon be a bandage to Bayley.
[Graves] Annihilator.
[Engler] One, two, three.
-Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[Taylor] Here are your winners,
the team of Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton,
and Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax.
[Graves] Well, Wade, I'm not a fortune teller,
but I can guarantee you this much.
If Nia Jax lands the Annihilator
on Bayley at SummerSlam,
it will be the coronation of Queen Nia
as the new WWE Women's Champion.
[Barrett] Well, it was about as gutsy
and stubborn an effort as you could possibly imagine
from Bayley and Michin.
That was their biggest chance at victory.
But with the ref distracted,
the Money in the Bank briefcase came into play
and one Annihilator later, Queen Nia was the victor.
Will that be the case in eight days' time at SummerSlam
with WWE gold up for grabs?
♪ 'Cause I’m the baddest breed ♪
♪ I'm not like most girls ♪
[fading] ♪ Most girls… ♪
[ominous music playing]
[sighs]
Cody Rhodes, I will see you face-to-face next week.
The same night that my Tongans will bring back
the Tag Team Titles to The Bloodline.
The night before I bring back the Undisputed WWE Title
to The Bloodline, at your expense.
In one weekend, The Bloodline will handle family business.
And if Roman Reigns got a problem with that…
you know where to find me
so you can end up like Randy Orton…
Kevin Owens…
and Cody Rhodes…
and acknowledge me.
[dramatic music playing]
[music builds]