[WWE intro music plays]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
[Tonga] I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief.
I know you do.
And I love you.
But tonight…
[ominous music plays]
…Roman needs to acknowledge me.
If you want this Ula Fala back…
then bring your ass out here and come and take it from me.
["I Am Greatness" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[intense music plays]
[Graves] "The OTC," Roman Reigns.
[Wade] The showdown the world has been salivating over for months.
[Graves] Here comes Tama Tonga.
The OTC claiming his territory once again.
Solo wanted the Spike.
Superman punch!
[crowd] Ooh-aah!
[tense music plays]
[crowd cheers]
Jacob Fatu is here and just took down Roman Reigns!
[grim music plays]
[Sikoa yelling indistinctly]
[Graves] We are witnessing the decimation
of the Roman Empire at the hands
of Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline.
♪ Better than me ♪
Last week, Solo and The Bloodline delivered on their promise
to finish what they started,
as we all witnessed the annihilation of Roman Reigns.
But tonight, The Bloodline must shift their focus
and defend their tag team gold against The Street Profits.
We are live from our nation's capital
in the Capital One Center in Washington, DC,
for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox, sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ Brushing off haters ♪
♪ Call me the GOAT 'Cause they're ain't no debatin' ♪
[music fades]
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen…
please welcome the Friday Night SmackDown sensations,
the "Audacious" Austin Theory
and your host of "The Grayson Waller Effect,"
Grayson Waller!
["Eye on the Prize" plays]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] Bad News, I understand that Grayson Waller is actually live
on his Instagram page right now.
Hey. Welcome to the brand new "Grayson Waller Effect."
[crowd boos]
I'm excited too. My co-host Austin Theory.
But we can't waste any more time
because my guest loves to make things about himself.
He is the WWE Champion,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes!
["Kingdom" by Downstait plays]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheers]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks]
♪ My father said when I was younger ♪
[Graves] What an unbelievable ovation in our nation's capital
for The American Nightmare.
And, Wade, I honestly think all 14,754 fans in the house
are singing along to Cody's music.
[Wade] It's certainly the loudest reaction Grayson Waller
has ever been associated with by proxy.
What an ovation for Cody Rhodes,
who is now locked up one week from tomorrow, Bash in Berlin,
defending his Undisputed WWE Championship
against none other than Kevin Owens.
[Waller] No, no, no. Hey, hey, hey, no, no, no, no, no.
Cut it. Cut it.
We ain't doing that, dude.
-[music ends] -[crowd boos]
No, no, no.
You had your pyro down there.
We did the cringe "whoa." Enough about you.
Get in here. This is an interview.
[crowd boos]
[Theory] He didn't get the second "whoa."
Come on in.
[crowd chants "Cody"]
So…
[Waller] Washington, DC, what do you want to talk about?
[crowd boos]
We get it. We get it.
Everything's about Cody Rhodes.
Even on my own show it's got to be about you.
Because everything in the WWE is about Cody Rhodes, right?
[crowd cheers]
Oh, you-you don't have to answer that, because I know the truth.
Yeah, this is Cody Rhodes!
[crowd chants "Cody"]
You're the hero of the story, Cody. But you know why?
It's because these idiots don't know the real you.
[crowd boos]
But-But I do.
I know how selfish you are.
I know all you care about is the WWE Championship.
In fact, how many times have your… "friends"
Kevin Owens and Randy Orton got beaten up
because of you while you walk around getting all the glory?
What kind of friend are you, huh?
A really, really good friend you are.
[chuckles]
Are you done?
Oh, I… I'm a bad friend.
Is that what you're saying? Let's go ahead.
Let's talk about my friends.
Kevin Owens. You mentioned Kevin Owens, right?
-[Waller] Kevin Owens. -My opponent at Bash in Berlin.
I imagine you think that me giving Kevin Owens a shot
at the WWE Championship, that's charity.
But when in reality,
if I put the SmackDown Superstars list up on the wall,
ask yourself, could Kevin Owens beat that guy?
That guy? That guy? Truth is, he could.
And he probably already has.
Kevin Owens has been fighting
The Bloodline since before I even came back.
Kevin Owens has been beaten up.
He's been taken out.
He has not stopped fighting.
[crowd cheers]
Matter of fact…
I would not be sitting here, WWE Champion,
had it not been for Kevin Owens.
But never once have I used Kevin Owens.
Can you say the same thing, Grayson Waller?
Right, because this relationship, is this…
Is this friendship or are you just using Austin Theory?
Hey, Magic Mike, you hear what I'm saying?
This guy right here is trying to convince everybody
that he's gonna show 'em who the real Cody Rhodes is,
when in actuality,
this man right here is the one who is using, and he is using you.
And the rest of us
are just waiting for you to do something about it.
[crowd cheers]
No, no, no. Hey, you ain't turning this on us.
This is my best mate.
This is my tag partner, the man I won the Tag Team Championship with
at WrestleMania.
We would never turn on each other…
but I know someone who would do that.
In fact, I think everyone needs a little reminder
of what Kevin Owens is really capable of.
In fact, we actually prepared something
for you to watch, Cody. Have a look at this.
[Owens] I will fight anyone and everyone.
[Graves] Kevin Owens only cares about one person. Himself.
[classical music plays]
[Owens] If you think that you have me all figured out,
you're gonna realize…
[laughing]
I got you something too.
-Comes from the heart, man. -[Jericho] A new list.
How come my name is on this?
[Saxton] Kofi trusted this man.
You think this is yours?
I'm coming for this!
[Graves] He played the entire New Day like a symphony.
[ding]
I need an answer to my question.
You, me, one-on-one.
Yes or no?!
Okay. Fine, fine, fine.
Yes. Are you happy now?
Now that I have the answer…
[Graves] Over the years, the roster should have learned you can't trust Kevin Owens.
[music ends]
Wow!
That doesn't look like a good friend to me.
That--
["Fight" plays]
[Graves] Things are about to get even more interesting
on this "Grayson Waller Effect."
Cody's challenger for Berlin, "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens is here.
All right.
[music fades]
[chuckles]
[crowd chants "KO"]
I can't…
I can't stand back there any longer 'cause, look, we get the point.
You guys are trying to convince Cody
that I'm gonna turn on him, I'm gonna stab him in the back viciously,
try to end his career, all that stuff.
Look, Cody…
I think you can admit from that video
that every one of those guys,
they kinda had it coming, except for Kofi Kingston.
He's great.
That was on me.
Kofi, I apologize again,
but everyone else…
Come on. Right?
And, Cody, you and I have never had that kind of relationship.
We've been close.
We've been tight ever since we met, so that's not gonna happen.
As far as Waller and Theory are concerned, here's the thing.
Look, everyone knows what's gonna happen.
I'll get in the ring, me and Cody will beat you guys up.
Then someone's gonna give Nick Aldis the idea
to make this a tag team match.
Let's just skip all over that.
If our General Manager Nick Aldis could just come out here real quick,
let's just get to the point.
[crowd cheers]
Nick, great to see you.
You look incredible.
I wish I could pull off a suit like that.
Can you just make this tag team match already for tonight?
[crowd cheers]
Thank you, Kevin. Yes, we did discuss it already.
And, yes, it is a done deal, Washington, DC.
Tonight in the main event of SmackDown,
it will be Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes
taking on A-Town Down Under in the main event.
[Owens] I appreciate that.
And look, I know we need to end this segment as quick as possible,
but do I still have time to get in there and punch him in the face anyway?
I know it's in reverse. Usually the ma--
Is that okay?
Kevin… just make it quick, okay?
Thank you.
[Graves] Here we go!
[Wade] If the day ends in "Y," KO is punching someone in the face,
preferably Grayson Waller!
[Graves] Oh my goodness. That backfired.
-A-Town Down Under escape. -You all right?
[indistinct]
You good?
-You're good. -["Kingdom" by Downstait plays]
[Wade] KO clocking his tag partner tonight
and indeed his opponent next week at Bash in Berlin inadvertently,
it must be said.
[Graves] Well, it is official per General Manager Nick Aldis.
Rhodes and Owens will join forces to battle Waller and Theory,
A-Town Down Under, in our main event tonight.
[Owens] They don't have adrenaline in their soul.
[Graves] But before we get there, the United States Champion, LA Knight,
will defend his gold against Santos Escobar.
Can Escobar wrestle the title away,
or will we exist in the District of Columbi-yeah?
Friday Night SmackDown comes to you live tonight
from our nation's capital, Washington, DC,
from a jam-packed Capital One Arena,
14,754 on hand,
and the United States Title on the line.
♪ LA Knight ♪
[crowd cheers]
["Welcome To LA (Letdown. Remix)" plays]
[Graves] Wade, judging by that reaction for LA Knight,
he may be the only one in this city to get elected again.
[Wade chuckles]
[Wade] This audience is kavorka'ed up to the eyeballs…
and that is the effect that LA Knight has
on populations worldwide.
[Graves] LA Knight able to capture the United States Championship
back at SummerSlam from The Megastar.
I'm sorry, Social Media Megastar,
Logan Paul,
and LA Knight about to make his first defense.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
[Wade] Yeah, when it comes to unwavering confidence,
LA Knight is the man.
But if there are ever going to be jitters,
it is that first championship defense.
And that is what LA Knight faces here.
["Legacy of the Ghost" plays]
[Graves] This is a Superstar in Santos Escobar
who believes he should have received the opportunity
to dethrone Logan Paul.
Well, now Santos has his chance, Wade.
As a man who won the Intercontinental Championship
in this very arena,
you just mentioned the difficulty of your first defense.
Where do you think LA Knight's head is as he prepares for battle?
[Wade] Well, LA Knight knows full well, he beat Santos Escobar several weeks ago,
before winning that United States Championship.
The thing about Santos Escobar, he does not make mistakes twice.
This is a massive moment for him,
and I have no doubt that LA Knight is covered in a suit of confidence armor.
But beneath that shell,
there is clear doubt
that he can beat Santos Escobar again,
because Santos Escobar is one of the best talents
under the WWE umbrella in the past five years.
[Graves] You think this is a duck on the pond situation for LA Knight?
Everything appears calm overtly, but under the surface, chaos.
[Wade] One hundred percent.
I don't care how much you want to show a little bravado out there.
The truth is,
this is a desperate situation for a new champion to find himself in.
-[music fades] -[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the United States--
[Graves] Oh, wait a minute.
From behind, Angel and Berto just ripped LA Knight out of the ring.
[Wade] Yeah, and LA Knight had to know something was afoot with this unit.
This is familia.
And they simply have proven in the past they cannot be trusted.
[Graves] Well, this is perfectly legal technically,
because the opening bell has not rung.
[crowd boos]
Berto and Angel doing the dirty work for Santos Escobar
before this United States Title match even gets underway.
[Wade] Getting those licks in early, softening up The Megastar,
making Santos Escobar's job that much easier.
[Graves] Our official Jessika Carr
has got to try to get some semblance of control.
If you want to think about maybe calling the match off.
-[crowd chants "You suck"] -[Jessika] You and you, get out!
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Angel and Berto, Los Garza, tossed from ringside.
[Wade] La Madrina not impressed with that decision-making.
She's out too!
[Graves] Elektra Lopez,
who has proven invaluable to Escobar in the past, being sent to the back.
But LA Knight's still down, Wade.
There is no way Knight's gonna compete in this matchup, is there?
[Wade] He's gonna have to or he loses the championship this match.
When the bell rings, it's on.
[bell rings]
[Graves] I gotta question this decision, and Escobar off the opening bell.
But Knight out of the way.
Schoolboy, shoulders down.
LA Knight almost escaped with a rapid victory.
[Wade] Well, damage was done to LA Knight.
Was it enough though?
Because the rest of the familia
is no longer here to assist Santos Escobar.
And that may backfire in the long run although--
[crowd chants "LA Knight"]
[Graves] Double underhook by Escobar.
Driven down, knee to the chest. Into the cover.
Escobar to win the title.
And LA Knight stays alive.
The United States Championship is on the line!
Welcome back to this United States Championship match
as LA Knight defends against Santos Escobar.
And LA Knight with a neckbreaker to turn the tides of this matchup,
and Escobar wisely rolling to the safety of the outside.
[Wade] Was about to say that LA Knight had not let the…
-[Graves] Look out. -[Wade] …since that attack.
[crowd chants "Yeah"]
[Wade] But the tables have turned in a hurry.
-Megastar back in control. -[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] The Wizards might want to sign LA Knight up
after that display of dribbling.
Uh-oh. We're gonna rearrange some furniture tonight, Bad News.
[Wade] I needed that monitor too.
[Graves] LA Knight now pursuing his challenger,
ripping Escobar back to the outside.
[Wade] Really are desperation times for Santos Escobar
who does not have la familia out here.
Perhaps he does not need them.
[Graves] In that instance, Escobar was eager to show the WWE Universe
that he too possesses a world of experience in this game.
Escobar connects with another kick,
and LA Knight in all types of jeopardy.
What is Escobar thinking
from the top of the barricade, lining up the champion?
Look out!
Double knees right onto our announce desk.
Bad News, I think we can hear
the wind being driven out of the champion upon impact.
[Wade] Sounded like bones cracking too.
[Graves] Tremendous impact on the Meteora from Escobar.
And now, the challenger looking to shift into cruise control and continue
his pursuit of the United States Title.
[Wade] Well, he has the champ down.
Now is the time to make it count.
-[Graves] Frog splash! -[Wade] And make it count, he does.
[Graves] Hooks the leg.
New champion?
No.
LA Knight survives.
[Wade] Championship durability
after that initial blow to the sternum on the desk
followed up with a frog splash.
Somehow The Megastar still in this fight.
But for how much longer?
Things are starting to look bleak.
[Graves] Problem is, for the champion, Wade,
the challenger seems to have just as much left in his tank,
and Escobar showing no signs of slowing now.
[Wade] The only thing that is astounding to me is the fact
that Santos Escobar has not yet held gold here on SmackDown.
That might be about to change imminently.
[Graves] Speaking of holding gold,
this is the first of two championship matches tonight.
The Tag Team Titles will be on the line as The Bloodline defends later tonight.
But right now, Escobar caught with an elbow by the champion.
And Escobar a step ahead.
[Wade] Just seems to have something special going on tonight does Escobar.
It's destiny that he wins the gold.
That's his belief.
[Graves] Wade, you followed Escobar since his days in NXT.
Uh-oh, wait a minute.
I don't know where LA Knight gets it.
I was about to ask how you think Escobar is feeling,
as he was in control of this matchup,
but just that quickly,
in the blink of an eye, LA Knight turns things around.
[Wade] Well, they may have been the dying embers
of fight from LA Knight,
who immediately collapsed, although he's got that look in his eye.
Two men at breaking point in this matchup.
Something has to give.
[Graves] Here comes Escobar again!
And LA Knight a step ahead.
[Wade] Well, LA Knight has had to ride
through multiple storms in this match to get to this point.
But he looks like a man reborn.
[crowd chants "Yeah"]
[Graves] And LA Knight with a series of stomps
to the chest of the challenger.
[Wade] And the perpetual motion machine.
[Graves] Caught Escobar.
Side Effect by Knight.
Hooks the leg to retain.
Not yet, says Escobar.
[Wade] And now, it is the Emperor of Lucha Libre
who is clinging onto this matchup by his fingertips.
All the wind in the sails of LA Knight.
[crowd chants "LA Knight"]
[Graves] Knight can sense victory.
Looking for the BFT.
Backhand by Escobar
stuns the champion, and look at Santos go.
Could be thinking about the Phantom Driver.
LA Knight escapes out the back door.
Superkick by Escobar!
[Wade] Instinctive move there from Escobar.
Both men having each other so well scouted,
knowing exactly what to avoid.
[Graves] At what point, Wade, in a matchup like this,
do you throw your strategy out the window?
[Wade] It's all about who has the deeper playbook right now.
"This guy knows all my top moves. I know his. What else can I pull out?"
"What's he not expecting?"
[Graves] Well, LA Knight looking to reach deep into his bag right now.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Graves] Big elbow by the champion!
[Wade] Escobar certainly was not expecting that.
None of us were.
[Graves] BFT.
[crowd counts]
-[Graves] LA Knight retains. -[bell rings]
["Welcome To LA (Letdown. Remix)" plays]
[Alicia] Here is your winner and still
the United States Champion,
LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] Wade, you spoke about the difficulty
of a first championship defense.
LA Knight shrugged the monkey off of his back tonight.
How do you think The Megastar is feeling?
[Wade] He must be over the moon with that.
What a performance!
Shocking us all with new moves in his repertoire.
The Megastar does it again. Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
That first United States Title defense
now under the belt of LA Knight.
But, Wade, you have to imagine there are a lot of Superstars
back in the locker room who would love to be next in line.
And I've got two names in particular
who have been tearing it up here on SmackDown lately.
Andrade, Carmelo Hayes.
[Wade] Yeah, well, this was last week on SmackDown.
Third installment between these two, both going…
[bell rings]
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes able to counter at the last possible second,
a maneuver that Andrade actually beat him with.
[Wade] Yeah, but it was a celebration that went on a little too long in this one,
and it really caught Andrade by surprise, who snapped,
and it took all of our officials piling in
to split these two up.
This one's gonna run and run.
Andrade, you would be the type to sneak me.
What you mad for, because you lost?
Truth is, you only as good as your last match.
And last match, you just wasn't as good as me.
And you never will be.
If anything, you should be thanking me
because you beating me 2-0
is the only thing that's keeping the lights on in your career.
-Let's talk-- -[door opens]
What's up? What's up? What's up?
Hey, what's up? What you want to do? What you want to do?
-What you got to say? -Last week, you won.
Say it. Say it.
But what you did after the match…
was disrespectful to me.
Yeah, so what?
So see you next week.
[speaking Spanish]
-All right, then. -Okay.
Get the hell outta here.
Hey, y'all, we need to lock these doors when I'm in here talking.
And somebody give me a Prime.
[Graves] Sounds like we may get to run it back next week again
on Friday Night SmackDown.
["The Depths" plays]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is a six-woman tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Blair Davenport
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre!
[Graves] We've got a colossal six-woman tag team match
on tap next as the champions join forces
with Blair Davenport to battle Naomi,
Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill next.
Fake champion. We're the real…
-…wrong time, now look what happened. -You fix it.
-I apologized to him… -[slams]
I'll apologize again.
I'm sorry…
No, no!
No!
Nothing that you say now is gonna make up
for just… what happened just now.
You have no good use to me if you're not out there.
[speaking Spanish]
-[clapping] -[laughing]
Lotta help you boys were, huh?
Loser. You just lost.
Hey, what's your tag line again?
Escobar lost?
[crosstalk]
What are you supposed to be?
President of my fan club? Is that it?
Watching my matches and listening to "Escobar sí"?
I'm not gonna tolerate this disrespect.
Huh? Oh, I'm mad? That's an understatement.
Matter of fact, I'm about to talk to Nick Aldis.
We're gonna sort this out next week.
[speaking Spanish]
Buena suerte, amigo.
-What'd you say? -Good luck.
Oh. Yeah, yeah. Good luck with that, man.
[Graves] Been a rough night for Legado Del Fantasma
as we prepare for six-woman tag team action.
And this match is sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka.
Award-winning?
Yes, but never too fancy for a backyard barbecue.
And in a matter of moments, Wade,
it will be Blair Davenport joining forces with The Unholy Union,
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, against this trio.
[Cargill] A storm…
[laughs]
…is coming.
["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] The storm has arrived in our nation's capital.
Truly a sight to behold.
-Jade Cargill! -Let's go! Turn up!
[Wade] One half of the former
Women's Tag Team Champions who were never pinned.
♪ Glow ♪
♪ Pump your fists, let's go ♪
♪ Glow… ♪
[Graves] There's a woman who once held the SmackDown Women's Championship.
Naomi has been on a tear recently and looks to continue her momentum,
but she needs to get past Blair Davenport, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, easier said than done.
And here's the other half of the former Women's Tag Team Champions.
Pinned? No.
But lost the championships at Clash at the Castle
in Glasgow several months ago to Fyre and Dawn.
[Graves] Well, I'm sure it made Bianca Belair
and Jade Cargill extremely happy earlier today,
when our General Manager Nick Aldis
made a massive announcement
for Bash in Berlin one week from Saturday,
streaming live on Peacock,
as the current champions, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn,
will defend their gold
against former champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.
That one's gonna rock the Uber Arena.
[Wade] Yeah, time to put up or shut up for Belair and Cargill.
They get their opportunity one week from tomorrow at Bash in Berlin.
♪ And now I see that I'm way better than before ♪
♪ I never needed you at all ♪
♪ Think I'd fall down? ♪
[Graves] What a trio of ridiculously talented athletes
in Naomi, Cargill, and Belair, and the malice in the eyes
of the champions and Blair Davenport.
[Wade] The Big Three from WrestleMania are back here on SmackDown.
♪ Watch me, watch me shine now ♪
[music fades]
[Wade] Women's Tag Champs Fyre and Dawn have been running hot over on Raw.
They beat Damage CTRL and the Pure Fusion Collective
this past week, taking on all comers.
[Isla yells]
[crowd boos]
[Graves] You see Isla Dawn starting things off for her team,
taking an early advantage over The EST.
But I assure you, Isla is making a mistake here.
You don't want to disrespect Bianca Belair.
Not with that kind of power.
[Wade] You get Bianca Belair down, you don't gloat, you make it count.
-Or this happens. -[Graves] Moonsault! Into the cover.
Wade, what would that do to the mentality of the champions,
Fyre and Dawn, to be defeated by one of the women
they have to defend against in Berlin?
[Wade] Well, let's be honest. It's a tenuous grip on the gold whenever
you're staring at challengers like Belair and Cargill,
but it would shatter your ego
a little more than one week before that championship defense
to take a big L this evening on SmackDown.
[Graves] No loophole in the rules in Berlin
like there was in Glasgow, as Belair takes it to the outside,
flattening Isla Dawn.
The EST and her team in control.
[crowd cheers]
Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox and this six-woman tag team match,
as Blair Davenport has ripped control away from Bianca Belair and her team.
[Wade] Yeah, this is a rare sight.
It's Bianca Belair in a world of hurt, getting the mud stomped out of her,
but for perhaps not much longer.
[Graves] A big right hand by The EST.
Belair has a long way to go to make a tag.
Into a schoolboy pin attempt.
[Wade] Oh. Even with her health in jeopardy,
continuing to try and win the match.
Perhaps tagging out would have been the smarter move there for Belair.
[Graves] Look at this teamwork by the champions.
[Wade] Oh!
[Graves] Tarantula position and a superkick by Alba Fyre.
Tag made. Blair Davenport from the top.
Double stomp to the spine of Belair.
And, Wade, how can you not be impressed…
Cover here by Blair Davenport.
…with the striking abilities that we have seen from Davenport?
[Wade] Incredible.
Take another look at this athletic stomp to the spine of Belair.
Just great chemistry between this trio
from the UK who have known each other for years.
[Graves] I asked you about the mentality of the champions.
What about the challengers?
What happens to the mentality of Belair and Cargill if they are dismantled
and defeated tonight in a six-woman tag match?
[Wade] Well, the truth is, Belair,
especially for years and years here in WWE,
has been completely untouchable.
It's not like her to take Ls. It almost never happens.
So, a loss a little over a week before a big championship match
would be disastrous for Belair especially.
[Graves] Bianca able to put on the brakes for the moment,
and a kick to the spine from the outside from Alba Fyre,
who is now legal.
[Wade] The body of Belair is getting absolutely wrecked here by Fyre and Dawn.
[Graves] And, Wade, notice how the champions
sent Belair back into their own corner.
Double knees!
My goodness! Cover.
[referee] One, two…
[Wade] Yeah, you might not like the chants,
but this is exactly why they are veterans and why they hold the gold.
Cut the ring in half and decimating one of the best women
we have ever had here in WWE.
[Graves] Belair possesses the power to turn the tides of the matchup
in one blink of an eye.
Great athleticism by Alba Fyre!
[Wade] Such a deep playback that comes from years and years
at the coalface of learning.
[Graves] And keep your eyes on the outside of the ring.
Isla Dawn with the added leverage.
This is agonizing for Belair.
[Wade] The referee got there in the end,
but how much damage was done to the core of The EST?
Still struggling to get out of this hold.
[Graves] Struggle no more.
Belair more than halfway across the ring.
I'm not entirely sure Bianca realizes it though, Wade.
[Wade] I don't know if Bianca has any clue where she's at,
but right now, it's a race to tag…
-[Graves] Tag made. -…to a fresh woman.
And Belair is gonna lose it.
[Graves] Isla Dawn able to stop Bianca from executing the tag.
[Wade] That woman is a nightmare dressed like a daydream.
[Graves] Look at the power of Belair!
But Bianca desperately needs to make a tag.
[Wade] The lower back of Bianca Belair is wrecked.
There is a fresh Jade Cargill desperate for this tag,
and it's inching closer and closer, Corey.
[Graves] Blair Davenport legal.
And here comes the storm!
[crowd cheers]
Jade Cargill like a one-woman wrecking crew right now.
[Wade] This is what the world has been waiting for.
[Graves] Oh baby!
My God! What a powerbomb!
Cargill is changing the game.
[Wade] Toying with opponents.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] And this is what you get, Alba and Isla,
when you incite the fury of Jade Cargill.
Big chokeslam!
[Wade] Three-on-one. No problem.
[Graves] Davenport sent into Fyre in the corner.
Superkick by Blair, but Naomi still legal.
Now from the top turnbuckle.
Here comes the glow.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] Well, it just gets worse and worse for this trio of Brits.
[Graves] Well, Naomi has had her hands full
and more than her share of issues lately with Blair Davenport.
This has gotta be cathartic for Naomi.
Kick to Isla.
Now, Naomi with a double up.
Both opponents driven face-first.
Naomi into the cover.
[Wade] Desperation dive there from Alba Fyre.
-What a display of athletic prowess… -[Graves] Oh-ho-ho!
[Wade] …from all of the Big Three!
[Graves] Step-up enzuigiri by Isla Dawn rocks Cargill for the moment.
[Wade] Isla Dawn looking to go scorched earth here on Jade Cargill.
Take a chunk out of Cargill ahead of next week at Bash in Berlin
-where the Tag Titles are on the line. -[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Wade] But look behind you, ladies.
[Graves] From the top…
Belair takes everyone down!
[Wade] And then there were two.
[Graves] Blair from behind stacks Naomi.
[Wade] This is a Naomi who has not been heavily involved in this matchup,
and clearly there is a lot left in the tank.
[Graves] Comeback Kick right on the ear of Blair Davenport.
Springboard moonsault!
Naomi hooks the leg for the win…
-[bell rings] -…and does it.
♪ Let's go! The beast is out the cage ♪
[Alicia] Here are your winners, the team of Jade Cargill,
Bianca Belair, and Naomi!
[Graves] Not that the challengers needed it,
but this has gotta be a major confidence boost, Wade,
for Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.
♪ Go! Go! ♪
Let's take a look back at some of the action.
This replay was sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka.
Wade, the power of Cargill unmatched.
[Wade] Yeah. You see her playbook growing week by week.
But we know all about Bianca Belair and what she is capable of.
And so do the Tag Champs.
But it was the freshest woman in the match who got the W in the end.
Exactly what we expect from Naomi.
Springboard moonsault getting the job done.
And huge catharsis after her loss last week.
Back to a winning state of mind for the big three.
["Glow" featuring Billy B playing]
[Graves] Well, last week we all watched as Solo Sikoa
and The Bloodline dismantled Roman Reigns.
Solo will address the OTC and the future,
coming up next.
♪ Who better than me ♪
[Natalya] On Saturday, August 31st, for the first time ever,
WWE is in Germany for a Premium Live Event.
[crowd chants "We want Bret"]
[Natalya] The journey to Bash in Berlin
started over a quarter century ago.
[crowd yelling]
When I was a kid, WWE's popularity was on the rise overseas.
WWE in Deutschland.
[Natalya] My Uncle Bret used to tell me stories
about the amazing fans he encountered in Germany.
Bret said they were the very best in the world.
That fandom led to this.
March 3rd, 1997.
Monday Night Raw in Berlin.
[Ross] Tremendous crowd on hand here tonight in Berlin.
The hospitality has been overwhelming indeed.
The WWE worldwide.
[Natalya] It was the first ever Raw broadcast outside of North America.
Bulldog is the best.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
Bret Hart is far cool.
Germany, number one.
[Natalya] In the main event, I watched my uncles,
Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith,
compete to become the first ever European Champion.
[Ross] It's been over 20 years since the WWE introduced a new championship.
Oh, hello!
These two magnificent athletes have refused to stay down.
[Natalya] It was a great back-and-forth match.
And in the end, The British Bulldog prevailed.
[crowd cheers]
[Ross] What a match! What a tremendous match.
[British Bulldog] It feels great to be here,
victorious in Berlin.
[Natalya] That night in Berlin was filled with stars and special moments.
Mick Foley even cut a promo in German.
[Mankind] Sycho Sid…
[speaking in German]
[Natalya] But that was only a taste of what was to come.
Yesterday, WWE announced a PLE that is coming to Germany.
[crowd cheers]
[Natalya] As we embark on another milestone event,
it's my honor to salute the German fans.
Their love of WWE is making history once again.
Berlin, you're number one.
[crowd cheers]
["Taking It All" plays]
[Graves] The entire roster fired up
for what will be an unforgettable night in Berlin.
But, Wade, there are so many questions that need answered
after what this man did last week.
♪ No, I will not take a loss ♪
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the WWE Tag Team Championship!
Introducing first,
they are the WWE Tag Team Champions,
The Bloodline!
[Graves] Solo promised to finish what The Bloodline had started
and take out Roman Reigns once and for all.
And, Bad News, last week, The Bloodline came extremely close.
[Wade] Well, Roman Reigns returned to reclaim the Ula Fala
and the title of Tribal Chief from Solo Sikoa.
However, Jacob Fatu in a walking boot,
not even at 100%, had very different ideas.
And The Bloodline laid waste to Roman Reigns,
making clear that Solo Sikoa's vision
for The Bloodline is here to stay.
[Graves] Well, tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox
is sponsored by Progressive.
[crowd boos]
♪ I am the king ♪
♪ I don't ever pretend ♪
♪ Straight to the top I ascend ♪
♪ Say it again ♪
♪ Straight to the top I ascend ♪
♪ I'm ruthless, I'm ten out of ten ♪
♪ Ready for war ♪
♪ The struggle, the hustle, the pain ♪
[Graves] What a menacing sight for the WWE Universe to behold.
♪ We taking it all ♪
You can almost feel the power once again shifting back in the favor
of The Bloodline and the new Head of the Table.
[Wade] All doubts about this group have been extinguished.
[music ends]
[crowd boos]
[crowd chants "OTC"]
Washington, DC…
[crowd boos]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd boos]
DC, your Tribal Chief has a lot to talk about tonight,
so bear with me.
[crowd boos]
Try and keep it down.
Item number one.
Your OTC…
is d-o-n-e.
[crowd boos]
He's done.
[crowd chants "OTC"]
Item number two.
Whether it's Kevin Owens…
or Cody Rhodes that wins the title,
it doesn't matter who wins because I got next.
I am going to bring back the Undisputed Title back to my family.
And I am going to bring back that title to me.
Item number three.
[crowd chants "We want Roman"]
You can cheer for Roman all you want,
but he ain't here!
Item number three.
Since I'm going to be the WWE Undisputed Champion,
there's something wrong with the Tag Team Titles.
Jacob Fatu, step up.
[crowd chants "We want Roman"]
Jacob…
give me your title.
As a matter of fact…
give it to Tonga Loa.
[crowd boos]
[crowd chants "You can't wrestle"]
You can't be a Tag Team Champion…
if you're going to be my own personal enforcer.
[Fatu] I love you, brother!
I love you, brother!
Thank you! I love you!
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
[Graves] It's the blind loyalty of the Samoan Werewolf paying off.
Jacob Fatu--
[B-Fab] Solo, Solo, Solo…
[music fades]
We don't care who your bodyguard is
or your Tag Team Champions because we got business tonight.
And y'all getting back to family matters later.
[Dawkins] Oh, B-Fab. He ain't Urkel.
But you can't talk about Bloodline version 8675309 like that.
[B-Fab] Yeah.
I mean, they're happy because they just got a promotion.
Aw!
-[Dawkins] How cute. -[B-Fab] Right.
Sad for them because it's demotion season
because they're gonna be known as former Tag Team Champs.
Because The Street Profits are up
-and we want the smoke! -We want…
[Graves] Well, the red hot challengers,
The Street Profits, look to dethrone the Tag Team Champions…
["Bring the Swag" playing]
…as The Bloodline defends against Ford and Dawkins live next.
♪ Don't mean to brag What about it? Yeah ♪
What's the crack? Sheamus here.
My hometown of Dublin, J.R. Mahon's. Check it out, everybody.
[cheering]
Can't wait for College GameDay tomorrow.
It's gonna be historic. It's gonna be awesome.
It's gonna be a banger after banger…
[crowd] After banger after banger!
[Graves] Well, Sheamus may have to pick more than games and guests
tomorrow on College GameDay.
Hopefully he has to scrape McAfee off of wherever Pat ended up.
What a day he had. So much fun.
Sheamus will be the guest picker on College GameDay
live from Dublin, Ireland,
before Florida State and Georgia Tech tomorrow, 9:00 a.m. Eastern.
Don't miss The Celtic Warrior.
["10 Beats of the Bodhrán" plays]
-Congratulations on your-- -My man.
No disrespect, but you're talking too much already.
And I got to tell you, let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
I'm here in my home right now, and yeah, I said my home.
This man's bicoastal.
I spent the first 20 years of my life just up the road.
The last 12 years in LA.
So, this bicoastal champion just successfully defended
my United States Champion-- my United States Championship
right here in Washington, DC.
[crowd] Yeah!
And what that means
is now what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna go across the ocean,
I'm gonna go over to Berlin.
I'm gonna successfully defend it there one more time.
We're gonna go ahead.
And anybody out there
who's got enough tingle in their loins to show up in Berlin,
I tell you what, come on down.
Because at the end of the day, all around the world, it's the same song
and still United States Champion with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
Yeah! Good night, everybody.
[Graves] Bold move by the United States Champion, Wade,
a United States Title open challenge in Berlin.
And speaking of titles,
we are moments away from the WWE Tag Team Championship matchup
as The Bloodline defends.
And if you'll notice…
-[bell rings] -…that is, in fact, Tonga Loa representing
The Bloodline as half of the Tag Team Champions
alongside his brother Tama Tonga
with, moments ago,
Jacob Fatu being promoted as the personal enforcer.
Shoulders down.
The personal enforcer and bodyguard of Solo Sikoa.
[Wade] Tonga Loa was the original tag team specialist
in this group.
He was replaced briefly by Jacob Fatu
after getting his eye gouged by Kevin Owens, but…
-[Graves] Boom! -[Wade] …now normal order is restored.
Are we supposed to be able to focus with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa next to us?
[Graves] I apologize to everybody at home.
Jacob Fatu is only two or three feet away from me.
The guy makes me uncomfortable.
Everything about this man is terrifying to me.
And right now The Bloodline is having their way
with the challengers.
Dawkins goes down.
Tama Tonga into the cover to retain.
Not just yet.
[Wade] Well, you gotta be careful what you wish for in this world.
And The Street Profits had to go through hell
to earn this opportunity.
They beat A-Town Down Under and DIY back-to-back to earn this.
[Graves] Well, The Street Profits have certainly gotten hot
at the right time.
Recently Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins firing on all cylinders.
And look at this teamwork.
Big tackle by Ford. Into the cover.
[Wade] And shout-out to B-Fab who got this team back,
looking once again back to championship form.
[Graves] Moonsault by Ford.
Into the cover to crown new champions.
[Wade] The Profits are two-time Tag Team Champions in WWE.
Although, it's been a number of years since they last held the gold.
2021 to be precise.
Could today be the day they stop the rut?
[Graves] Boom!
Big clothesline by Ford. Hooks the leg.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins
have been to the top of the mountain before,
but Tama Tonga from behind just that quick.
[Wade] It was Montez Ford taking a swing at Tonga Loa,
just briefly taking his eyes off Tama Tonga.
That's all it took.
That is the level that our Tag Champs operate.
[Graves] Cover by Tonga Loa, the powerhouse.
[Wade] Yeah. You're right.
Tonga Loa really is the muscle of this group.
Silent assassin, doesn't say much,
but is utterly devastating inside those ropes.
[Graves] And Tonga Loa is not out here to flex his technical ability.
Tonga Loa is out here to hurt people, to beat people up.
This is a smash-mouth Superstar in every sense of the word.
[Wade] Yeah, you're not gonna see any technical holds from him.
He's more likely to rip your eyeballs out and eat them.
[Graves] Big kick connects from Montez Ford.
Now, the challengers with an opportunity to make something happen.
[Wade] Trying to get the muscle of The Street Profits
in there in the form of Angelo Dawkins, tossing his opponent.
-[Graves] Here comes-- -His partner around, I should say.
[Graves] Tama Tonga meets a similar fate.
Dawkins and Ford beginning to roll.
Sky High from Angelo Dawkins.
Tag made!
Montez Ford making the climb.
[Wade] Going in for the kill early.
[Graves] From the heavens!
That's gonna do it.
Montez Ford.
New champions. No.
[Wade] Just perfect timing and awareness there from Tama Tonga.
It had to be because the gold was slipping away from The Bloodline.
And The Bloodline are in complete disarray.
[Graves] Tonga Loa launches Ford to the outside,
face-first off the stairs.
Tag made.
Tama Tonga now gonna be unleashed in this one.
[Wade] There's no good way to fall over the top rope.
[Graves] Oh!
[Wade] But that was about as bad as it gets.
Head-first into the steps.
It's Bloodline who are in full control.
-Can The Profits get back into this? -That's how you do it.
That's how you do it. Bring home the titles.
[Graves] The WWE Tag Team Titles are on the line,
and at this juncture, the champions, The Bloodline,
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, in complete control, Wade.
How do The Street Profits find a way back into this one?
[Wade] Well, that is the question of all time, Corey,
because right now The Street Profits' chances
have completely flat-lined because The Bloodline are like something
we haven't witnessed before.
But this is it.
This is what got The Street Profits
all that success of late is that gutsy,
never-say-die approach.
And when the chips are down, somehow find a way to keep--
[Graves] Ooh-ho-ho!
[Wade] Oh, what a DDT!
[Graves] Case in point, Wade.
Montez Ford figuring out a way.
A desperate DDT.
[Wade] That's only half the battle. You have to capitalize on this.
You have to get the tag to the fresher Angelo Dawkins.
It's now or never for The Profits.
[Graves] Tonga Loa tags Tama Tonga.
And here comes Dawkins.
Angelo Dawkins like a runaway train all over Tama Tonga.
[Wade] Well, this is the smash-mouth thumper
of The Street Profits,
and never has that approach been more needed
than against these two thugs in The Bloodline.
[Graves] Well, tonight… Oh my goodness!
Big kick connects.
The Street Profits want more than the smoke.
They want the gold. For the titles…
[Wade] And this is the only kind of language
that this version of The Bloodline are going to understand,
as we take a look at the Tribal Chief
and his new personal enforcer, Jacob Fatu.
[Graves] Dawkins was thinking about ending this.
Tama Tonga not going down without a fight.
The Silencer from Dawkins.
This could mean daylight for the challengers.
Once again the Street Profits beginning to roll.
That could do it, Wade!
Into the cover!
Montez Ford.
And again, Tonga Loa plays spoiler.
[Wade] Well, this is the point
that finally The Bloodline are backpedaling.
It's they who are hurting.
All the wind in the sails of The Street Profits.
[Graves] Tag made. Dawkins now the legal Street Profit.
-Come on. -[Wade] Building up that head of steam.
-[Graves] Let's go. -[Wade] We've seen this before.
[Graves] Oh my goodness!
Taking out Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga like a bulldozer.
Solo now in the face of Angelo Dawkins.
Montez Ford just taking out the champs!
[Wade] Just unfeasible aerial abilities
from a massive man in Montez.
-Wait. -[Graves] Jacob Fatu.
A pair of superkicks in the walking boot.
[crowd boos]
The Profits' chances were just stolen.
Face-first. Tama Tonga for the win.
-[bell rings] -[Graves] And The Bloodline retains.
♪ Taking it all ♪
[Alicia] Here are your winners and still
the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, The Bloodline!
[Wade] Well, say something for the smarts
of Solo Sikoa knowing exactly when to strike
so the referee wouldn't see it.
That is amazing leadership,
and what a victory for The Bloodline.
[Graves] The M.O. of The Bloodline,
the numbers game overwhelming The Street Profits,
and things going from bad to worse
for Angelo Dawkins right now.
This is just a mauling and it's uncalled for.
[Wade] Now it's time to get feral
and put fear into the rest of the tag division.
♪ Yeah, we're on top Only way to live it ♪
[Wade] Speaking of the rest of the tag division…
♪ Not until we get it ♪
♪ Livin' on top ♪
[Graves] Well, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa,
eager to meet DIY in the entryway.
[Wade] DIY braver than most. The former Tag Team Champions.
Can't be many people lined up to take on The Bloodline.
[Graves] Well, DIY just jumping straight into the lion's den
and bringing the fight to Solo and the Werewolf.
[Wade] Solo clearly had no plan for this duo showing up.
[Graves] Former WWE Tag Team Champions,
the men who were defeated by The Bloodline.
Uh-oh. Gargano now caught in the grasp of Jacob Fatu,
and Solo doing his own dirty work.
[Wade] Well, DIY were lining up for a meeting in the middle.
But once again…
[Graves] To the heavens.
[Wade] …the savior of The Bloodline in a walking boot.
If he's this devastating when he's not at 100%,
how good really can Jacob Fatu be?
[Graves] Jacob Fatu promoted to the personal bodyguard.
The personal enforcer. Samoan Spike by Solo.
Solo repaying Jacob Fatu for his blind loyalty.
[crowd boos]
Solo taking responsibility
for lifting Jacob Fatu from the worst slums of Sacramento,
to bringing Jacob to WWE.
["Taking It All" plays]
This promotion within The Bloodline
looks to mean the end of the OTC.
♪ I have been destined to win Alpha, omega, the end ♪
[Graves] Will we ever see Roman Reigns again?
[Wade] According to Solo Sikoa, the OTC is done.
[crowd boos]
♪ I'm active and ready to fight ♪
-[crowd cheers] -[music fades]
-My man. -Hey, man. Ready?
I'm ready. I think we got this. We know these guys.
You want to talk about this match or…?
-We know these guys. We got it. -That's true.
-We got it. -Yeah. You're right.
You know, tonight's just about shutting Theory and Waller up.
Uh, I'd love to say for good, but let's be honest, they're pretty tough.
They'll probably be back next week,
but we can at least do it for a little bit, right?
True, true.
Hey, um, you get what I was saying earlier, right?
That video, all those guys,
except for Kofi, they kind of deserved it.
You know, I'm not-- I'm not that guy anymore.
You do believe that?
-Yes. -Yeah?
Okay.
Because I just…
I just don't want you to think I asked for this tag match to…
set you up or anything like that.
-You don't… -Kevin.
-You don't think that, do you? -Kevin.
All I can do is take you at your word and be ready for what happens next.
[chuckles]
[Graves] Moments ago, another in a series of chaotic scenes
at the hands of The Bloodline.
[Wade] Yeah, a successful Tag Title defense
for The Bloodline, attacking The Street Profits afterwards.
Bravely, DIY came along to help out, but it didn't last long.
Jacob Fatu, who has not been 100% for weeks,
showed his usual brand
of utter devastation, savaging DIY,
followed by a couple of Samoan Spikes
from the Tribal Chief himself, Solo Sikoa.
Get used to it, everyone.
This is the new normal.
Right now, I'm standing outside the trainer's room
where both DIY and The Street Profits
are being tended to after that brutal attack from The Bloodline.
B-Fab, great. Any update on Ford and Dawkins?
They're fine. This is all just precautionary measures.
-They're fine. Look, Candice. -Is my husband okay?
-Before you go in there, they're fine. -Hang on.
-Look, hey? -They're okay, right?
They're okay, all right? Look, Byron, that's all I have for you.
They're fine. They're just pissed, all right? They're fine.
Okay. Thank you, B-Fab.
Uh, I will continue to monitor the situation here
outside the trainer's room, but right now, I will send things back to ringside.
Corey, Wade.
Well, a chaotic situation backstage. No doubt about that.
Chaos seems to have been the soup du jour
tonight on SmackDown.
Unfortunately, the chaos has not just been limited to the tag team division.
It spilled over into the women's division
with a new Superstar
who has designs on holding the crown.
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.
[tense music playing]
[Michin] "You're too ugly to make it."
"You're too fat."
"You don't have the look."
"You're not the 'it' girl."
"Be nice."
"Be patient."
"Be less ambitious."
Everybody has tried to limit me and they all failed.
[Wade] Michin is hungry. Ready for success.
Nia, do you think you're gonna be the one to limit me?
You think you're gonna be the one to tell me what I can and can't do?
[Wade] She's perhaps tougher than any of us thought.
[Michin] I got a WWE Women's Championship match
against Nia.
Baby, at Berlin, is not gonna be a street fight.
I'm gonna slaughter you.
So good luck.
[laughing]
-[kisses] -[music fades]
I think it's fixable. Yeah. We're totally fine.
-It's good glue. It's good glue. -You're doing so good. Yes, yes.
[gasping]
My queen.
Tiffy, I'm in no mood.
I don't blame you, my queen. What Michin did was disgusting!
Michin destroyed the celebration that you had for me.
But don't worry.
I will get her back.
She made a huge mistake by touching my crown.
And now she thinks she's gonna take my title?
She's gonna get the beating of a lifetime next week.
That's perfect, my queen. And again, I am so sorry.
Is there anything I can do for you?
You can start by fixing my crown.
-Done. -Yeah. Great.
Wait, Kit, Kit, Kit, come on. Come on.
-Sorry, Queen Nia. -Chop, chop.
My queen.
[Green] It was like a 13-year-old's birthday party.
And you know, I hate talking behind people's backs, obviously.
But it was so pink, it almost gave me pink eye, I swear.
Saccharine, to say the least.
And if I was there, I would've made sure Michin never even made it to the ring.
Mm-hmm. Yes, you would have.
I really think Tacky Time only has her back so she can… stab a knife in it.
Escándalo.
It would be a shame if, you know, the inevitable happened,
and she cashed in on Nia after the street fight.
I could totally see it.
-[Nia clears throat] -Ah!
Oh, did you just hear every single word that came out of my perfectly lined--
I don't know…
if you heard, but I'm in no mood tonight.
Okay. Okay. Go, go, go.
[heels clacking rapidly]
["Kingdom" by Downstait plays]
Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[Graves] Women's Championship Street Fight next week,
but it is main event time on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheers]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks]
♪ My father said when I was younger ♪
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
he is the Undisputed WWE Champion…
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Graves] Well, Wade, we know Cody Rhodes is laser-focused on Bash in Berlin
as he defends his championship against "The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens,
the same Kevin Owens
who will be Cody's partner in a matter of moments.
So, I've got to ask, Wade, can they coexist?
[Wade laughs]
[Wade] What do they say?
I'll keep it short.
DTA.
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks]
[Wade] That's my personal philosophy.
Do not trust anybody, least of all Kevin Owens,
who's got form in stabbing many people in the back.
[Graves] Well, Kevin Owens will join forces
with The American Nightmare
to battle A-Town Down Under in our main event live next.
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
[Graves] 14,754 members of the WWE Universe
jam-packed into Capital One Arena tonight in our nation's capital,
Washington, DC, for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
♪ How am I hot But I'm dressin' the coldest? ♪
♪ Here to change the game… ♪
[Graves] And the Undisputed WWE Champion,
Cody Rhodes awaiting the arrival of his tag team partner
for tonight's main event.
♪ You'll follow me… ♪
[music fades]
["Fight" plays]
[Alicia] And his tag team partner, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Graves] Kevin Owens standing side-by-side tonight
with The American Nightmare.
But one week from tomorrow, streaming live, WWE on Peacock,
it is Bash in Berlin,
the Premium Live Event, and Cody Rhodes will defend
his coveted crown against The Prizefighter,
the unpredictable and always dangerous Kevin Owens.
[Wade] Yeah, and gifting that opportunity to Kevin Owens
may well be the biggest mistake
of this championship reign from Cody Rhodes.
-♪ A-Town ♪ -♪ Down ♪
[Wade] KO is the kind of opponent you avoid at all costs.
♪ Scream it out loud ♪
♪ A-Town down, the future's right now ♪
♪ A-Town down, tearin' the place down ♪
♪ A-Town down, you like how that sounds ♪
["Remember the Name" plays]
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ You see the future Right in front of your eyes ♪
Back in the main event where we belong.
-Hey, Kevin, old friend. -All day!
Whoo!
[Alicia] And their opponents,
the team of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller,
A-Town Down Under!
[Graves] Of course, this match came to be
at the beginning of the evening tonight,
requested by Kevin Owens,
who is more than eager to punch Grayson Waller
and Austin Theory in their faces.
[Wade] This is the least favorite duo in the locker room for everyone,
and if anything could pull Cody and KO together
and make sure they can co-exist,
it's the prospect of beating up A-Town Down Under.
[Graves] Let's talk about A-Town Down Under,
who seem to have had their share of issues in recent weeks.
These are former WWE Tag Team Champions.
What is it gonna take for Theory and Waller
to get back on the exact same page, perhaps to championship caliber, Wade?
[Wade] Well, Grayson Waller kind of put his foot in his mouth earlier today
trying to sow a little discord between Cody Rhodes and KO.
Cody turned the tables completely.
Hit the nail on the head and said,
"Look, Waller, for months, you've been using Austin Theory."
"You've been pretending he's your tag partner…
and quite simply putting his body on the line
to make you look good and claiming all the credit."
It was about the smartest thing that Cody could have done.
That discord is front and center.
[Graves] Smart strategy by The American Nightmare attempting
to sow seeds of dissent even further between Theory and Waller,
and The American Nightmare taking control in the early moments.
Wade, what are Theory and Waller gonna have to do
to get past Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens tonight?
[Wade] I mean, the fact is, Cody and KO, as well as they like each other,
they say they're friends,
obviously there's the potential for a little dissent,
but more importantly than that…
[Graves] Cover by Owens.
[Wade] …theoretically, the chemistry between A-Town Down Under,
who are former Tag Champs together, it should be better
than that of KO and Cody who have tagged together in the past,
nowhere near as much as A-Town Down Under.
So, that has to be the best hope A-Town Down Under have here.
[Graves] Is there any conceivable way, in your opinion…
Cover here by Rhodes.
Any conceivable way for Cody Rhodes
to stay focused on the task at hand tonight, this tag team matchup?
Or is Berlin swirling around in the back of The Nightmare's mind,
knowing that his partner is the man
who's gonna try to take his title a week from tomorrow?
[Wade] What was it Cody said a little earlier? He said,
"Look, I can only take you on you word, KO,
and be prepared for what happens next."
I mean, what did he mean by "be prepared for what happens next"?
I think we all know what he meant.
KO is gonna stab him in the back.
So, no, he can't possibly be exclusively focused
on a tag match right now.
[Graves] Right now, Kevin Owens is focused on delivering knife edge chops
to the chest of Grayson Waller.
And here comes Austin Theory.
And Cody took his eye off of the tag attempt from KO,
and Waller took advantage.
[Wade] Yeah, you're right. KO was reaching for that tag.
Cody walked off. He was distracted.
I don't know if KO realized that. But, uh…
[Graves] Waller sent to the outside,
and no doubt Cody Rhodes was simply trying
to ward off the threat being posed by Austin Theory.
And the tag made.
Austin now the legal competitor for A-Town Down Under!
-[Wade] Bull's-eye. -[Graves] My God!
[Wade] Just rattling the skull of KO.
And now Cody gets one for good measure.
It's all going the way of A-Town Down Under.
This one continues.
[Graves] Things are getting ugly in the main event.
[Theory] That's all damn day!
[Graves] Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown and our tag team main event,
as Kevin Owens has joined forces with Cody Rhodes
just a week prior to Bash in Berlin, where Cody will defend his title
against Kevin Owens, against A-Town Down Under.
And, Wade, I've got to be honest.
Thus far it has looked like a tag team, a full-time tag team in A-Town Down Under
versus two very talented individuals in Owens and Rhodes.
-[Wade] Yeah, and it's Kevin Owens… -[Graves] Boom!
[Wade] …who has taken the worst of the beating earlier on.
He did try and tag out to Cody. Cody was distracted.
KO has been punished ever since.
But perhaps now time to make good
and finally get that tag to The American Nightmare.
[Graves] Cody Rhodes doing his best to rally the WWE Universe tonight in DC
behind The Prizefighter,
as Kevin Owens desperately tries to scramble to make the tag.
And here comes The American Nightmare.
[Wade] Take two worked a lot better.
Now a completely fresh Undisputed WWE Champ in there.
[Graves] Big forearm by Rhodes, up and over.
Powerslam by Cody.
And the Undisputed WWE Champion
has taken control of this match for his team.
Disaster Kick right under the chin of Waller.
[Wade] Great instincts from Waller there, getting the hell out of there.
Cody completely unable to capitalize.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Graves] Cody biding his time,
thinking of taking a high risk and it did not pay off.
Austin Theory from the outside, and Theory dumped into our laps.
[Wade] Yeah. Referee missed the entire thing there.
[Graves] Flatliner by Waller, gonna steal one from Cody.
Hook of the leg and Cody stays alive.
[Wade] That's what we talked about earlier.
That is the chemistry that A-Town Down Under have as a duo.
They've worked together for so long at this point. It's like telepathy.
And they've now ripped down Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] Big, big shot from Theory lands flush. Rhodes is down.
Austin Theory now taking advantage of the situation
behind the official's back,
drawing the ire of The Prizefighter.
[Wade] Well, KO has had the hell beaten out of him already in this matchup.
But you know there is still fight
in the body of The Prizefighter,
who wants back in there in the worst way.
[Graves] Reversal by Theory.
And Rhodes sent spine-first into the turnbuckle.
[Wade] If you were a cynic,
you would say perhaps KO should be enjoying
seeing his opponent next week at Bash in Berlin,
Cody Rhodes, getting the hell beaten out of him.
[Graves] Do we know for a fact that that isn't the case?
Is this a facade from Kevin Owens? We have seen that before, Wade.
[Wade] It's the definition of insanity.
Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.
Is that what Cody's doing with KO now?
[Graves] Only time will tell. We will get our answer in Berlin.
And right now, Austin Theory doing his best to ground Rhodes,
to take the WWE Universe out of the equation.
But this place is rocking behind Cody Rhodes.
Champion lands on his feet, looking for another Disaster Kick.
No! Cody Cutter!
Down goes Theory.
[Wade] Just an instinctive move there from Cody Rhodes.
The dying embers left in that body
that has been beaten so badly over the past few minutes.
Cody needs the tag. Heading in completely the wrong corner.
[Graves] Watch Grayson Waller from behind.
Cody… I'm sorry.
Kevin Owens stopping whatever Waller was looking to make happen.
Waller actually jumped over the barricade into the crowd for just a moment.
Cody now looking for the tag but cut off by Theory.
Into the cover.
[Wade] Well, was that not an exact carbon copy,
but with the players reversed?
Cody reaching for the tag, KO distracted.
Take another look at this Cody Cutter, instinctive there
on the part of Cody Rhodes,
unable to make the tag
because KO was busy chasing Grayson Waller.
[Graves] Like you said, almost a carbon copy
of the opening moments of this matchup.
It was Cody Rhodes who was distracted by Austin Theory at the time.
Which begs the question, Wade,
did Kevin really get distracted or did Kevin let that happen?
[Wade] Coincidence or tit-for-tat?
I'll let you be the judge.
[Graves] Waller and Theory both individually sent to the outside.
Cody Rhodes with a modicum of daylight.
Can Rhodes make the tag?
[crowd cheers]
Kevin Owens is legal!
[Wade] Kevin Owens is on the prowl.
[Graves] Look out.
Senton by KO
and another for Waller.
[yelling]
[Wade] KO making this place come unglued.
[Graves] KO certainly making a believer of Cody Rhodes right now
as Owens is living up to his promise.
[Wade] KO taking out anything that moves.
And in the case of Grayson Waller, perhaps something that's not moving.
[Graves] Clear the deck. Cannonball coming!
Owens now climbing to the top turnbuckle.
Swanton bomb!
Into the cover, for the win.
[Wade] KO almost winning this one on his own,
if not for the timing of Austin's Theory.
[Graves] Cody has it hooked.
Cross Rhodes!
Grayson Waller focusing at the moment on Cody Rhodes.
But that's not who Grayson should worry about.
Wade, it's almost like we know what's coming next.
Oh, Stunner countered. Shoulders down.
[Wade] Even Grayson Waller knew what was coming next.
That's a problem. Didn't see that coming though.
[Graves] Superkick by Owens.
Pop-up powerbomb!
[crowd counts]
-[Graves] KO with the win. -[bell rings]
["Fight" plays]
[Alicia] Here are your winners,
the team of the Undisputed WWE Champion,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes
and Kevin Owens!
[Graves] Well, understandably, Wade, many of us had our doubts.
But KO living up to his promise,
standing side-by-side with Cody Rhodes,
taking high risks that eventually paid off for the team.
Kevin Owens was honest and kept it 100 with the champion.
[Wade] Yes, he did.
Cody Rhodes coming in to clean house
and let KO do what KO does best.
One pop-up powerbomb later.
Big victory for the opponents one week from tomorrow
at Bash in Berlin.
[Graves] It goes down one week from tomorrow
streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
They were tag team partners tonight.
They've been friends for years.
But next Saturday it's all about the Undisputed WWE Championship.
It's Rhodes-Owens in Berlin.
[Wade] More gold on the line.
Women's Tag Team Champions Fyre and Dawn defend against the team
they won the gold from without ever truly beating,
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.
[Graves] And how about this mixed tag team match?
"Personal" is an understatement.
Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest join forces against Liv and "Dirty" Dom.
And how about this rivalry writing a new chapter, Wade?
[Wade] The ultimate grudge match, CM Punk
versus Drew McIntyre in a Strap Match.
[Graves] And "The Ring General" Gunther makes his first defense
of his newly won World Heavyweight Championship
against The Viper, The Apex Predator,
Randy Orton in Berlin.
[Rhodes] All day, right? All day, right?
[Graves] Well, I think KO gave us all a scare there.
But Owens staring a hole through A-Town Down Under.
[Wade] KO was good as gold tonight. You and I were just a pair of cynics.
He did nothing wrong.
[crowd cheers]
But he certainly got into the head of Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] It certainly looks like The American Nightmare
has a lot on his mind.
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] They're friends tonight. They will do battle one week