[WWE intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
["Nobody Better Than Me" playing]
[Michael Cole] This is Berlin, the capital city of Germany
and the largest city in this country, on the banks of the Spree River.
We're at the gorgeous Uber Arena for Friday Night SmackDown on FOX,
where the Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare, has arrived.
Cody Rhodes set to defend his title tomorrow night at Bash in Berlin
against this man, his ally, his friend, KO, Kevin Owens,
hell-bent on winning the championship.
They go face-to-face tonight.
And The Queen, WWE Women's Champion is here.
Nia Jax and her buddy, Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton.
Nia defends versus Michin in a Street Fight tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
For the first time in 27 years, WWE television comes to Germany.
Friday Night SmackDown on FOX is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ LA Knight ♪
-[crowd cheering] -["Welcome To LA" playing]
[Cole] What a way to kick off Friday Night SmackDown!
[Samantha Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the United States Champion, LA Knight.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Cole] LA Knight, who beat Logan Paul at SummerSlam for the title.
He beat Santos Escobar last week.
And tonight, he plans an open challenge
in front of over 12,000 WWE fans in Berlin.
Well, hello again, everybody.
At ringside and back on Friday nights. I'm Michael Cole.
And throughout the weekend I get the opportunity
to work with, well, my buddy Wade Barrett here both for SmackDown
and the Premium Live Event tomorrow night.
Look at us two, reunited and our loins are already tingling
because The Megastar's in town.
But let's hand it over to our international colleagues,
the German announcers, Holger and Walandi.
[in German] Hey there! Coming to you right from the ringside
of SmackDown at the Uber Arena in Berlin.
We will write history today, and you can expect a lot of action.
Have fun and enjoy the evening together with us.
The first match is about to start.
Who will be LA Knight's opponent here in Berlin?
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting in English] LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
LA Knight!
[crowd cheering]
Let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
Twenty-seven years.
Some of you might not know this, but it's been 27 long years
since the WWE has come here and done a major televised event here in Berlin.
[crowd] Yeah!
And my God, what a way to kick it off other than with the man
they call The Megastar.
Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
[crowd chanting] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
Now, I understand that sitting on my shoulder right here
is the United States Championship.
And, uh, I think to myself, just last week
I had my very first successful title defense, I might add,
in the United States capital, Washington, DC.
[crowd booing]
Well, you don't need to boo it. Let's calm down there.
But I thought to myself, well, I don't--
[crowd chanting] You deserve it!
[clapping rhythmically]
You deserve it!
[clapping rhythmically]
You deserve it!
[clapping rhythmically]
You deserve it!
[clapping rhythmically]
You deserve it!
Well, hold on now. You might really want to say that here in a minute,
because I thought to myself,
if I'm going to defend this, I know it's a US Championship,
but if I'm going to defend it in the capital of the United States,
I figure I might as well come over here and defend it in the capital of Germany.
[crowd cheering]
We might just keep a little trend going.
The capital, we can call this thing the Capital Championship for all I care.
But right here, standing here,
your United States Champion, I said last week,
I'm holding the LA Knight Invitational US Open Challenge
right here in Berlin.
Anybody that wants to go ahead and answer it…
I tell you what, we're a day away from Bash in Berlin…
but we're here at SmackDown, we're in Berlin,
and as far as I'm concerned, if somebody wants to walk down there,
you can get bashed.
Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
["Sacred" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, this is appropriate…
since we are in Germany.
Berlin!
Euer kaiser ist zu hause!
[crowd cheering]
[in English] LA Knight, if you really are the champion that you say you are,
I'm sure that you want to defend that United States Championship
against the very best all over the world, right?
Well, myself and the entirety of Berlin…
we can guarantee you
there is no one better on German soil
than the German Ludwig Kaiser!
[crowd cheering]
So, uh, let me get you a little news flash here,
because after I beat you in the capital of my home country,
one, two, three, I'm going to take that championship.
I'm going to bring it all across over the pond,
I will make it bigger than it ever was,
and I will make it my own personal European Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
I gotta be honest.
That's pretty impressive.
That's really impressive for Gunther's stooge.
But I'll tell you like this.
You talk about what you want to do with this championship.
You can do anything you want to do with this championship, pal.
The only problem with that equation is that you got to win it.
But you won't because you can't, because I won't let you.
So, here's how it goes down.
You talk about what you're going to do with this.
The only thing you're going to do is you're going to lay down
and catch three the hard way,
when I hit it and quit it, move on to the next,
and you, with everybody in Berlin and all around the world,
can pledge allegiance to the Champ of the United States of America,
with everybody saying…
-[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah! -…LA Knight! Yeah!
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[Cole] Bring out the official.
It looks like we're going to have LA Knight and Ludwig Kaiser
for the United States Championship, live, next.
Yeah.
-Ring the bell! -[Cole] This matchup now underway.
Official Rod Zapata will be the referee for LA Knight on your left,
Ludwig Kaiser on your right for the United States Championship.
[crowd chants indistinctly]
[Cole] Kaiser goes 6'3", 209 pounds.
Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany.
[crowd chanting] Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[Cole] As LA Knight finds himself in hostile territory tonight,
it's probably what's going to happen tomorrow night, Wade,
for Randy Orton when he takes on Gunther, of course,
who cut his teeth here in Germany as a professional wrestler.
Gunther defending against Orton for the World Title.
Same type of atmosphere Knight's facing tonight.
[Barrett] Yeah, and it's quite a while since LA Knight has been in the position
of perhaps not being the crowd-favorite in a matchup.
And if you're not expecting that, and I'm pretty sure LA Knight
was not anticipating Ludwig Kaiser coming out tonight,
it really can throw a Superstar.
[Cole] Much like Gunther, Kaiser began his career
Westside Xtreme Wrestling here in Germany.
He was actually a World Champion in that promotion.
He was a Tag Team Champion as well.
His tag team, Wade, was named Hot & Spicy.
[Barrett] Oh yeah, and if you look up clips of them,
they certainly were hot and spicy.
But I'll add to it this, Michael Cole.
As we know, Kaiser has very much been a tag specialist
in his entire time under the WWE umbrella.
This is his first ever opportunity to win singles gold.
[Cole] And looking to make it a short-lived championship reign
for LA Knight.
And the thing about Kaiser…
Wade, is that LA Knight really encapsulates everything
that Kaiser says he hates about sports entertainment today.
He wants to wipe the silliness out of sports entertainment,
and he looks at a guy like LA Knight with the catchphrases and a fan favorite,
and the way that he carries himself as one of those people
he would like to take out of the equation.
[Barrett] Yeah, you know, I kind of disagree with Kaiser on that one.
I get it when you get the clowns, the fools, the jokers in this industry.
The difference with LA Knight is he likes to fool around.
He likes a bit of audience participation every now and again.
But man, can he back it up when that bell rings.
-And Kaiser knows that. -Indeed.
The biggest win of his career back earlier this month at SummerSlam,
LA Knight winning his first singles championship here in WWE.
A long road and one that Knight earned.
Of course, knocking off Logan Paul at SummerSlam.
And Kaiser now with a big right, stunning the champion.
[Barrett] A great opportunity this is for Imperium
to add some more hardware
to go along with Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship.
[Cole] Yeah. Kaiser's father a legend here in Germany,
Axel Dieter. Taught Ludwig Kaiser how to wrestle.
Oh, and there is LA Knight
exploding out of the corner with a clothesline.
[Barrett] Kaiser was a big fan of Alex Wright,
a fellow German Superstar from WCW, aka Berlin.
A tribute to Alex Wright it would be if Kaiser wins gold here in Berlin.
[Cole] And Kaiser dropped on his back of his neck on the ring apron.
[crowd singing indistinctly]
[Cole] And Kaiser able to slip out
and drive Knight kidney-first into the ring.
And Kaiser, who has a mean streak, just ask his former partner in Imperium,
Giovanni Vinci, who will return to Friday Night SmackDown next week.
Kaiser knocked him out of action for many months, and he's--
It is with this move that Kaiser is about to attempt
that took out Vinci, that took out Kofi Kingston.
And here comes Kaiser now.
Right into the shoulder, into the steps of Knight!
Can Kaiser win the United States Championship?
[crowd cheering]
We're back live on Friday Night SmackDown,
LA Knight may rue the day that he decided to have an open challenge
for his United States Championship
because Ludwig Kaiser is taking the fight to the champ.
[Barrett] And here's a statement that has never been uttered
in the history of humanity.
We've got an entire arena going bananas for Ludwig Kaiser.
[Cole] We are in Berlin, Germany.
Kaiser brought up in Hamburg, Germany.
Hometown favorite, and they would love to see Kaiser win the championship.
[crowd singing indistinctly]
[Cole] And Knight trying to fight back against this proficient, precise striker
in Ludwig Kaiser.
Knight has got the guts and the grit.
Been in this business for a very long time.
[Barrett] Body has been through one hell of a beating
at the hands and feet of Ludwig Kaiser.
[Cole] Guy who worked in a lumber mill
as he was learning to become a wrestler, Wade.
Did everything he could to put money away to go to school and climb the ladder.
And now here he is as the United States Champion.
Can he retain tonight on SmackDown?
[crowd chanting] Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
Ludwig Kaiser!
[clapping rhythmically]
[Cole] Oh, what a chop!
LA Knight trying to take the hometown crowd out of the game
and has not been able to do it yet.
Kaiser over the top rope and on the German announce table.
And now LA Knight.
Gonna dribble Kaiser like a basketball.
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[crowd wailing]
-[Cole] And one for good measure. -[crowd] Yeah!
[Cole] And now Knight's in control.
[Barrett] Ludwig Kaiser getting the stuffing knocked out of him
after being in complete control for about six minutes.
[Cole] And Kaiser, though, missed wildly.
Knight, oh, with a neckbreaker from behind!
[Barrett] This is the kind of grit
that took LA Knight to the United States Championship.
May well be on the way to defending successfully.
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Cole] Elbow to Kaiser.
-Cover by Knight to retain. -One, two…
[Cole] Kickout by Kaiser at two.
And you hit the nail on the head earlier, Wade,
can you imagine if Kaiser can win the gold here tonight?
It'll give some-- even more momentum
to the World Championship defense of Gunther,
his fellow Imperium member and countryman.
Then tomorrow night, Gunther, even though he's from Austria,
he's sort of adopted Germany as his homeland.
[Barrett] Lived here, trained here, developed as a top sportsman here
and the people of Germany love him for it.
[Cole] And Knight into the corner!
And the knee to the side of the face of Kaiser.
LA Knight got that much-needed first championship retention
out of the way last week.
Inverted atomic drop. Missed wildly with a clothesline.
Kaiser misses as well.
Knight off the ropes and he runs into the kick by Kaiser.
Quickly to the cover to win the title.
-Hooks the leg. Is it enough? -One, two…
[Cole] Almost had at two and a half.
[Barrett] Ludwig Kaiser showing all the frustrations,
knowing how close he was to becoming a singles champion.
Take another look at this athleticism and timing from the German.
Almost scored him the W.
[Cole] Kaiser is so-- such a great in-ring technician.
It's just beautiful to watch Kaiser working the ring.
And now the rights and lefts exchange between these two men.
Champion and challenger for the United States Title.
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[crowd wailing]
-Down goes Kaiser! -[crowd] Yeah!
[Cole] And Knight's got him where he wants him.
[Barrett] And this audience feels it slipping away
from the hometown boy, Ludwig Kaiser.
[Cole] Went for BFT.
-Kaiser rolls him up, grabs the tights. -One, two…
[Cole] Kick at two.
Trying to steal one there.
Clothesline.
[Barrett] Ludwig Kaiser just refusing to die in this matchup.
[Cole] Kaiser with a kick. Champion is in trouble again.
And every time Knight starts to build a little momentum,
Kaiser is able to get right back in the matchup.
[Barrett] That was a kick
eerily reminiscent of Miroslav Klose for Germany,
straight to the jaw of The Megastar!
-[Cole] Oh! -[Barrett] Kaiser Roll!
[Cole] For the win!
-Is it enough to win the title? -One, two…
[Cole] Knight stays in it at two.
[Barrett] Just milliseconds away,
and that championship is getting closer and closer
to the waist of Ludwig Kaiser.
[Cole] Kaiser is feeding off this capacity crowd in Berlin.
[crowd cheering]
[Barrett] Ludwig Kaiser at his rapacious best.
[Cole] Okay, Knight. Knight, though, from behind.
Down goes Kaiser.
[crowd booing]
BFT!
Blunt Force Trauma.
-Knight covers and retains. -One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner
and still the United States Champion,
LA Knight!
[Cole] Incredible matchup here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
LA Knight retains, much to the chagrin of the crowd here in Germany,
as their countryman, Ludwig Kaiser, came oh-so close.
[Barrett] Take another look at this. Just as Kaiser was going in…
Oh, LA Knight was going in for the kill, Kaiser with that Kaiser Roll,
followed up by LA Knight hitting that BFT.
And when LA Knight connects with that, there is only one result.
[bell rings]
[Barrett] Successful defense in the first open championship defense
by LA Knight.
Oh, wow. It has to be said, Cole, Ludwig Kaiser,
that was his first singles opportunity for a championship here in WWE.
I promise after a performance like that, it will not be his last.
Cannot wait to call his matches when I move to Raw.
That's on Monday night in Denver with Joe Tessitore.
I'll be on Fridays with Graves starting next week.
Well, everyone seems to be a WWE fan nowadays all over the world,
sellouts everywhere.
How about in the Dallas Cowboys training camp earlier this week,
All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons trying to do the RKO
to his teammate, cornerback Trevon Diggs.
[Barrett] Didn't quite get all of that, though, did he?
Might need a little more practice there.
But, hey, here's a suggestion for you, Cole,
how about we get Micah Parsons in a ring sometime?
Maybe next time we're in Dallas.
Well, we may see an RKO tomorrow night.
And if we do, we may have a brand-new World Heavyweight Champion.
Tomorrow night, Bash in Berlin, Randy Orton versus Gunther.
[dramatic music playing]
[Gunther] My name is Gunther.
I am Der Ringgeneral.
I am The King of the Ring.
I am your World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd booing]
In this ring, I am above everybody.
I am greatness personified.
From this day forth, the legacy of this great sport
and the World Heavyweight Championship belong to me.
[Orton] When I look at that title, I realize that I'm the only reason
you're carrying the World Heavyweight Championship
in the first place.
[Cole] Which man will be crowned The King of the Ring?
Clearly, Orton's shoulder nowhere near on the mat.
Did you really beat me at King of the Ring?
[crowd jeering]
I'm the only man in that locker room that can match you in this ring.
You consider yourself a living legend.
And that is perfect because I made a career out of killing legends.
And at Bash in Berlin, I'm going to walk out of your home country
a 15-time World Heavyweight Champion!
[Gunther] Randy, let's be honest.
When it really, really matters, you always screw it up.
Your grandfather was a screw-up.
Your father was a screw-up.
And you, Randy Orton,
you are the biggest screw-up of them all.
If those voices in your head tell you that you can beat me in Berlin,
your voices are wrong.
Absolutely nothing catches me out of nowhere.
But I've heard that before.
As a matter of fact…
it doesn't need to be out of nowhere.
I want you to see it coming.
[Cole] RKO!
[Orton] Gunther has never been put in his place, Bash in Berlin.
That's exactly what I intend to do.
[dramatic music playing]
[Gunther] You hit an RKO on me.
It's never going to happen again.
[Cole] Ludwig Kaiser!
[Orton] I think you forgot who you were talking to.
[Gunther] And I'm going to leave you exposed for what you really are.
A one-trick pony.
[Cole] It's going to be a battle at Bash in Berlin
for the World Heavyweight Championship!
If the kickoff show from Berlin earlier today is any indication,
this is going to be electric tomorrow.
Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Championship,
his first title defense since winning at SummerSlam,
against the man who looks to win a 15th World Championship, Randy Orton.
It's tomorrow, Bash in Berlin.
["Burn The Ships" playing]
♪ Won't take what's mine… ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
the team of Apollo Crews
and Baron Corbin!
[Cole] This team is starting to grow on me.
Corbin and Crews set for tag team action,
coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown.
Very important match for Legado Del Fantasma, Los Garza.
Crews and Corbin, tag team action live,
next on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ All your days, they're over now ♪
["MUD" by Dorothy playing]
[Jax] Greatness is my destiny.
["MUD" continues]
♪ Gotta get kicked down And get your hands in it ♪
♪ Gotta pull the thorns out And love the pain in it ♪
[Cole] Strong.
Confident.
Dominating.
♪ You ain't living life 'Til you're feeling the drop ♪
♪ Now if your crown ain't bent… ♪
[Jax] You put anybody in this ring with me and I will squash them.
♪ Six feet in dirt, yeah ♪
♪ Some call it danger ♪
♪ Some call it trouble ♪
♪ I call it digging deep Without a shovel ♪
♪ To get dirty ♪
♪ You gotta get a little mud on you ♪
[Jax] There are two types of people in this world.
Those who fear Nia Jax and those who learn to fear Nia Jax.
♪ 'Til you get a little mud on you ♪
♪ A little mud on you ♪
[Jax] I am your Queen of the Ring.
♪ If your crown ain't bent And your halo ain't crooked yet ♪
[Jax] I am the baddest human
in all of WWE.
♪ Deep without a shovel ♪
♪ To get dirty ♪
[Jax] I am the queen of this division.
I'm going to show the world that I am the most dominant woman
and become the next Women's Champion.
♪ You can't get dirty 'Til you get a little mud on you ♪
[Graves] WWE Universe bends the knee.
There is only one Queen Nia Jax.
♪ You can't get dirty ♪
-[Jax] No one is beating me. -♪ 'Til you get a little ♪
Period.
♪ Mud on you ♪
[Cole] However, tonight, Nia does not have the champion's advantage.
No disqualifications, no count outs.
You only win via pinfall or submission and anything goes.
Michin versus Jax in a Street Fight for the WWE Women's Title.
["Redemption" playing]
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
["Redemption" continues]
Legado Del Fantasma, Escobar,
Elektra, and of course, Los Garza.
Angel on the left, Berto on the right.
They are set for tag team action tonight.
Wade, this is an important matchup for Legado Del Fantasma.
Here's the deal. Santos said to them a couple of weeks ago,
"You both need to know what's at stake."
"We've watched as others have been handed opportunities
that belong to me, that belong to us."
"You need to be sick of it."
"You need to be sick of the disrespect."
"We are Legado Del Fantasma."
"Fear our name." Escobar giving them their orders.
-[Barrett] Well, Santos Escobar last week… -[bell rings]
…lost to LA Knight for the United States Championship.
Immediately when he got to the back,
Baron Corbin was waiting for him and mocked him for it.
Once upon a time, nobody mocked Legado Del Fantasma
because they feared them.
Something has changed.
They need to get that fear back from the locker room
and it starts tonight.
[Cole] And that's what they're hoping to do tonight against Crews and Corbin.
Apollo Crews, of course, 6'1", 240.
He has all the tools. Powerhouse, as you see here.
He can also fly with the best of them.
Tremendous vertical suplex delayed here by Crews.
[Barrett] And I'm with you. I really like this pairing of Corbin and Crews.
They feel rejuvenated. They feel like guys who are on the rise.
But here's what you've got to remember.
[Cole] Cover by Crews. Hooks the leg and a kickout.
[Barrett] Since linking up as a tag team, Crews and Corbin are 0-2.
They simply haven't got the results yet.
I asked them about it. They say it's about building chemistry.
Get a little better every week.
The results will come. They are not panicked.
[Cole] Well, and again, Wade, there's no doubt, as the tag's made
and Angel now legal for Los Garza.
There's no doubt Corbin is a great tag team competitor.
He won the NXT Tag Titles with Bron Breakker,
so he knows how to get it done.
He knows how to develop chemistry.
And to your point, it takes a while sometimes.
[Barrett] Yeah, and I'll tell you this about-- Baron Corbin is a born winner.
Golden Gloves Champ. Champ here in WWE, NFL lineman.
This guy has all the tools,
and the link-up with another guy that I admire greatly in Apollo,
almost can't miss.
[Cole] When you want to talk about chemistry, though,
talk about Berto and Angel, Los Garza, these two are cousins.
They've wrestled together for over a decade
since their days back in Mexico.
[Barrett] And sometimes you just need a little bit of added motivation
when you've been around each other a long time,
and Santos Escobar…
[Cole] Bang!
[Barrett] …reading them the riot act and glaring at them from ringside
will certainly do that.
[Cole] And Corbin has been dominating.
[Barrett] And this is what Corbin needs to get back to.
This is what we've seen from him in years past here in WWE.
[Cole] Now, the double-team.
[Barrett] And this is that chemistry.
This is what we were talking about.
This is why Los Garza are such an effective tag team.
[Cole] They're both third-generation Superstars.
Oh, running knee from Angel.
[Angel] Come on, did you like it?
-I know you did. -[Cole] Angel the grandson of El Ninja.
-Cover now by Berto. -One…
[Cole] And a kickout.
Also a third-generation luchador.
Sent over the top rope by the very powerful Corbin.
[Barrett] Expanding their playbook week by week are Corbin and Crews.
You never quite know what to expect from these two.
[Cole] Oh, and Crews!
[Barrett] What makes them can't-miss TV.
[Cole] Former United States Champion
and Intercontinental Champion in his own right.
And now Corbin launches Crews over the top rope.
Down goes Los Garza.
Escobar cannot be happy with the way things
are going for Legado Del Fantasma.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
And we are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
12,021 WWE fans in Berlin tonight at the Uber Arena.
[Barrett] Oh!
[Cole] And oh, what a double-team by Los Garza!
[Barrett] Garza special!
[Cole] And here's the cover now.
Hook of the leg by Berto, and a kickout by Apollo Crews.
[Barrett] A millisecond away from victory there and Apollo Crews
showing his toughness kicking out of that.
That has won matches before.
[Cole] First time in over 27 years Monday Night Raw
was here in Germany.
Only time we've done a televised event from this country.
And one tonight and of course tomorrow, Bash in Berlin,
as Los Garza is bashing away at Apollo Crews here.
[crowd booing]
An important matchup for Legado Del Fantasma as Crews
just collapses to the ring.
[Barrett] Yeah, he's hurting in a big way.
Urgently needs this tag, but it might not be coming, Baron Corbin.
[Cole] Angel now in the corner. Tag made.
Here comes Berto.
[Barrett] Completely isolated in the corner is Apollo Crews,
struggling to fight his way out, but wow!
[Cole] Oh, and into the post shoulder-first.
Crews needs to make a tag.
I thought Berto made the tag, is he legal?
Corbin now comes in off the tag. I guess not.
I guess he didn't make the tag because--
[Barrett] Dan Engler is the referee,
so who knows what's going on with that guy.
[Cole] And big elbow and Corbin now sends…
Berto into the ring.
And now Corbin with a running knee.
[Barrett] The massive frame of Baron Corbin
just throwing opponents and his own body around.
[Cole] Yeah, the powerhouse, 6'8", 285.
[Barrett] Yeah. Very few people can contend with this kind of offense.
[Cole] And Corbin now off the second rope.
Down goes Berto, who I guess is the legal man.
[yelling]
[Cole] Oh! Face-first.
Good night. This could be it.
One, two…
[Cole] Angel breaks things up.
[Barrett] Panic all over the face of Elektra Lopez at ringside.
Fury on the face of Santos Escobar.
Things slipping away for Legado Del Fantasa--
Legado Del Fantasma, even.
[Cole] Great crossbody by Crews.
German suplex released on Angel.
Berto runs into a forearm.
[grunting]
Crews and Corbin looking great here tonight.
Yeah. This is what they were talking about,
that growing chemistry and confidence together.
-But don't write off Los Garza. -[Cole] Oh!
Berto with that springboard kick.
Corbin sends him into the corner.
Oh, did you hear that?
[Barrett] Completely rocking the jaw of Baron Corbin.
[crowd wailing]
[Cole] Now-- Oh, and a collision center of the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Everybody down.
Standing ovation from the crowd here in Germany.
[Barrett] Santos Escobar needs to rally his troops immediately.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] Right here in front of us now.
Angel trying to get away from Baron Corbin,
and Corbin now planting him…
on top of the German announce table.
Elektra Lopez now up on the apron, distracting the official.
Escobar driving Corbin into the steps.
[Barrett] And there's the deep playbook of Legado Del Fantasma.
[Cole] And a kickout by Apollo Crews, who was distracted momentarily,
but his partner Baron Corbin has been taken out.
Driven into the steps.
[Barrett] Everyone is down.
Now, is the time to capitalize for Apollo Crews.
[Cole] And now Angel as Crews kicks him away.
It allows Berto to get up to the second rope.
Great arm drag takedown.
Tag made. Here's Angel.
[Barrett] With all the distractions at ringside,
it is completely up for grabs for Los Garza.
[Cole] Oh!
And the cover now.
They call that the MTY, short for Monterey,
where both were born and raised.
[Irvin] Here are your winners, Los Garza!
[Cole] And Fan-- Los Garza…
picks up a very important victory
for Legado Del Fantasma here tonight.
[Barrett] Timing and punishment on the MTY.
A volley to the jaw of Apollo Crews, and no one is kicking out of that.
A rather satisfied-looking Santos Escobar and his men get the victory tonight.
[Cole] I was impressed, though, by Corbin and Crews.
[Barrett] Yeah, they're going to be special.
["Redemption" playing]
You know what's going to happen next week?
[ominous music playing]
The Bloodline versus DIY and The Street Profits…
and the four of you, you will acknowledge me.
So that you understand what you're up against…
The first day I took over The Bloodline, I sacrificed my own brother, Jimmy.
I love you.
[crowd exclaiming]
Then I took out "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman.
[crowd shouting]
Then I took out Roman Reigns.
Not only did I take out Roman Reigns, I took his Ula Fala.
I took the rights to be called The Tribal Chief.
I took ownership of this family.
Now imagine, if I'd done this to my own family,
imagine what the four of us are going to do to the four of you.
[music builds]
-[music peaks, then fades] -[crowd booing]
[tense music playing]
Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens,
I don't give a damn which one of you wins.
Because whoever is the champion after tomorrow,
The Tribal Chief…
is coming for you.
[tense music continues]
[Cole] And these two men know what The Bloodline is all about.
Solo has declared he wants the winner.
Tomorrow night, Cody and Kevin Owens for the World Title.
But up next on Friday Night SmackDown, they go face-to-face.
♪ Ain't nobody got me ♪
♪ Runnin' through the crowd Like there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Who better than me? ♪
[announcer] Starting September 13th…
["Big Moves" playing]
♪ Top-notch, extraordinary ♪
[announcer] …USA is the new home of Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ Making big moves, making big moves ♪
♪ I'll be making big moves Making big moves ♪
[announcer] It all goes down on Friday Night SmackDown.
Starts September 13th, 8:00/7:00 Central, only on USA.
♪ Making big moves ♪
Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, I'm so excited and honored and privileged to be back home.
I consider SmackDown my home.
Called that show more than anything else in WWE.
Two weeks from tonight, Friday Night SmackDown moving to USA.
Well, tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is in the capital city of Germany.
This is Berlin.
First time in 27 years we've done a televised event
in the country of Germany.
Berlin, of course, in the northeastern part of the country,
right on the beautiful river here.
Wade and I had some fun last night, at a couple of local watering holes,
and had too many pilsners.
[Barrett] Yes, you certainly did.
You managed to hit every wall of the hotel lobby
when we got back in there.
[Cole] Yeah, but you should learn to speak much quieter
when you're in public.
[Barrett] My mouth gets me in trouble occasionally.
What can I say?
[Irvin] Please welcome the General Manager
of Friday Night SmackDown, Nick Aldis.
[crowd cheering]
I tell you what, ladies and gentlemen,
it feels so good to be here with you all tonight
live in the beautiful Uber Arena in Berlin for SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
Now, in 24 hours, Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown
will compete in matchups that have the potential to change
the future of the WWE forever,
as we present to you our latest Premium Live Event,
Bash in Berlin.
[crowd cheering]
Bash in Berlin is the culmination
of what has been an unbelievably successful European tour for the WWE.
Take a look.
[Cole] It was quite the week in Europe for WWE Superstars.
It started in the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Fans in full force to see all the favorite stars
in a hard-hitting confrontation between Gunther and Dragunov.
Then we made our way to Brussels, Belgium.
Fans were ecstatic and on fire,
including a chance to see veteran AJ Styles and The OC.
[dramatic music playing]
We would then move along into Oberhausen, Germany.
Loud crowds cheering for hometown heroes like Kaiser and Gunther and Dragunov.
There's a boy with a sign that says, "Cody, can I have your belt?"
[Cole] And of course, Cody Rhodes was there as well, greeting the WWE fans.
On to Stuttgart, Germany, where "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus
would make an appearance.
Naomi would thrill the crowd there as well.
And then on to Frankfurt, which featured a raucous crowd making everyone welcome.
What a tour this week in Europe!
[crowd cheering]
On behalf of SmackDown and the entire WWE…
Ich danke euch aus tiefstem herzen.
[in English] Thank you all so very, very much.
Now, let's get down to business.
One of the most important matchups happening tomorrow night…
Wait, what am I saying? I'm the SmackDown General Manager.
The most important matchup happening tomorrow night
is for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
So, at this time, allow me to introduce to you the challenger.
Please welcome Kevin Owens.
["Fight" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Tremendous reception for Kevin Owens here tonight in Berlin.
And tonight's Friday Night SmackDown on FOX is sponsored by Progressive.
[Barrett] I've got to say, I owe Kevin Owens an apology.
Tagging up with Cody Rhodes last week on SmackDown,
I, and I think the vast majority of the WWE Universe,
expected Kevin Owens to betray Cody, drop the hammer on him.
It didn't happen. KO was good as gold.
He was as good as his word.
And perhaps Kevin Owens is a reformed character.
[Cole] It's been over seven years since Kevin Owens
has held a singles championship in WWE.
Eight years this week when he won the Universal Title.
It's been a long drought for KO.
[Barrett] I had to read that stat twice.
I couldn't believe it.
[crowd chanting] KO! KO! KO! KO! KO! KO! KO!
[Aldis] And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes!
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[popping explosions]
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
♪ Better men! ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain… ♪
[Cole] Everybody around the world is singing Cody Rhodes' theme song "Kingdom."
In fact, at the Arkansas Razorbacks college football game last night,
the marching band was actually playing the theme song, "Kingdom."
Cody Rhodes would go to X to appreciate it.
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give 'em what they came to see ♪
♪ Hear the crowd on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
[crowd sings along] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[Cole] The man who has held the Undisputed WWE Championship
since WrestleMania.
He insists on defending it whenever he can,
and insisted that Kevin Owens be his opponent tomorrow night.
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
[Barrett] The entire arena on their feet.
The atmosphere electric for the biggest star in the game,
the WWE Universal Champ, Cody Rhodes,
but that may end in just 24 hours
when he defends against KO at Bash in Berlin.
♪ You tried to tell me what to do ♪
♪ I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
♪ I stepped right over and right through ♪
♪ And you can never stop me now ♪
♪ Bow! Now! ♪
♪ I am the king and you're the crown ♪
[song fades]
[crowd cheering]
[Rhodes yells indistinctly]
Gentlemen, best of luck to both of you tomorrow night.
The floor is yours.
[Cole] So glad to be back on SmackDown with a competent GM.
[laughs]
[fans chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[Cole] Aldis is always in control.
[chanting continues] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd singing indistinctly]
So, uh… [clears throat]
Cody, what do you want to talk about?
You get it? Because you say that all the time.
Diese Meisterschaft.
[Owens in English] What?
This. This championship right here.
The North Star in our sport and in sports entertainment alike.
And the fact that you and I, friend, Kevin Owens,
one-on-one, Superstar versus Superstar,
sold out here in Berlin, Germany
for the Undisputed WWE Championship!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd singing indistinctly]
Yeah. We can-- We can talk about that.
It's-It's pretty huge.
But, um, there's something I'd like to talk about.
I'm not sure if you want to, though.
Do you want to talk about the tour you guys just had this week?
More specifically, do you want to talk about
what happened to your knee during that tour?
[crowd jeering]
[Cody] No.
[hesitates]
Nothing happened to my knee.
My-My knee is fine.
Knee is good.
In-In the spirit of a friendly conversation, though, let's…
let's talk about last week.
You and I defeating two of WWE's biggest future Superstars,
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
That was great.
-[applause] -[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
However, what happened at the end
is what leaves me pause.
You handed me this WWE Championship, but to a lot of people…
it looked like had I not turned right when I turned…
that you were going to hit me right in the back with it.
[crowd booing]
And I am not accusing you, but you've brought it up yourself,
Kevin, with your track record,
I'm just asking.
Look, look. Okay.
You want to talk about this stuff, man? Come on, Cody.
Are you kidding me?
The track record, the history. Look, okay, I get it, right?
But like I said last week,
that video Waller showed, all those guys, I…
whatever you want to call, that I turned on or I stabbed in the back,
I told you, they all pretty much deserved it.
Except for Kofi. Kofi, once again, I'm so sorry, buddy.
[crowd cheering]
But everyone else had it coming. But that's…
But that doesn't matter.
You and I have never had that kind of relationship.
You and me have always been close
since the moment we met and even before we met.
You know the relationship I had with your dad.
So, how can you think I would ever…
ever do that to you?
Why would I do that to you?
Why, indeed, Kevin. I, uh…
Gosh, we've never spoken about this.
Now seems like as good a time as ever.
I don't know, Kevin. Maybe you're a little angry with me.
2015, 2016, when I went out into the world,
I walked in a lot of rooms that you walked into.
I walked with a lot of people that you walked with.
And the whole change,
the whole revolution, the whole renaissance
that's happening in our industry,
I feel like Kevin Owens doesn't get enough credit, and perhaps I get too much.
[crowd cheering]
I'd be mad about it too.
[crowd chanting] KO! KO! KO! KO! KO!
KO! KO! KO! KO! KO! KO! KO!
KO!
That's-That's very nice. But I don't even know what to say to that.
Like, you're…
You know why I would never do that to you?
I don't need to hit you with a cheap shot.
You know why?
Because of what I was trying to talk about earlier
and that's your knee and what happened to it on this tour.
Look, man, I know you're hurt. I know you got hurt.
You know, I know that because every night after the shows,
I'd get text messages from people backstage
telling me, "Hey, Cody's limping real bad."
"Cody's in the trainer's room."
"He's staying in there for an hour at a time."
I know you're hurt,
so if you're not coming into this match tomorrow night 100%,
I don't think that's a good idea.
Kevin, let me stop you.
"100%"? My knee? What is all this? This is pure sabotage, man.
Are you just trying to do what you did three weeks ago,
when I asked you for this match in the first place?
You didn't want it then.
Kevin, do you still think you don't deserve--
No. You know what? No. It has nothing to do with that.
First of all, if your knee is fine,
how come you didn't take a knee
like you always do during entrance earlier, huh?
[crowd exclaiming]
And you want to know why I'm saying it's not a good idea
to have this match if you're not 100%?
Let me tell you.
Because yesterday…
yesterday marked eight years
since the night I won the Universal Championship.
[crowd cheering]
And, you know, I remember that night like it was yesterday.
And I remember what happened when I won.
I won the title. I should have been on top of the world.
And instead what I got was people telling me,
"You don't deserve to be the champion."
"The only reason you won the title is because of Triple H."
And that tainted that reign forever.
To this day, I'm still bitter. So, let me ask you this.
If you walk in tomorrow night not 100%, if you get into this match
with only one good leg,
what's going to happen when I beat you and I become WWE--
"When"? When you beat me?
Are you hearing yourself? Tainted victory? When you beat me?
Kevin, my knee is 100% rock solid, Prizefighter.
I am ready for you tomorrow.
And you're talking and it sounds like to everybody else
that you're talking with confidence,
but I know what that is.
It's anger.
Angry because you knew what it meant for me coming back to this company.
It meant that I was going to blaze a path,
that I was going to leave people in the rearview mirror,
my friends included.
I couldn't take everybody with me.
You knew, Kevin, WrestleMania 38,
when I came back, the biggest night of your career,
you versus "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
and the next day you had to share the spotlight with me.
I'd be angry too, Kevin.
But let me tell you something.
I love you, dude.
I absolutely do.
I don't have many friends in this business.
I consider you one of them.
Somebody stood across from the ring and asked me the same thing
I'm about to ask you.
Because tomorrow at Bash in Berlin, Kevin, I am going to defeat you.
Nothing will be tainted about it.
And when it's over, Kevin…
will we still be friends?
[crowd buzzing]
[crowd chanting] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
[microphone thudding]
-[no audible dialogue] -[man] You just made the list!
[crowd booing]
["Fight" playing]
[Cole] Remember what happened
the last time somebody tried to have a friendship ceremony
with that man, Kevin Owens.
Interesting to see or hear what Owens had whispered into the ear of Cody Rhodes.
But tomorrow night,
they meet for the World Championship at Bash in Berlin.
Man, it's frustrating. It is so frustrating.
We are on a roll and then it just falls apart.
I don't understand what is going--
Here. Look at these two losers.
No charisma here. You guys should just break up.
In fact, Theory was telling me
you ain't even half the tag team A-Town Down Under is.
-He did say that. -That true? You running your mouth? Huh?
Did you say that?
You want to say it say it to my face, Theory.
Yeah, I said that.
-Understand what I would do to you? -Hey.
Do you understand?
I would beat the brakes off you, Theory, huh?
You understand?
-It ain't worth it, dawg. -Hey.
Relax, boys. Everything's good.
[laughing] See you later.
Hey, man, why would you say that?
-[splutters] -No, no, no, you always talk. I'm talking.
Terence Crawford, he knocked me out.
And who was talking, Grayson? You were talking trash.
What do you mean, this and that?
And Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews,
those two, you're worried about them falling apart?
You know what I think? I think we're falling apart.
Look. Look, man, I'm sorry.
Like, you know, all my mates, all my family's back home in Australia.
This is-- This is what we do in Australia.
It's banter and like…
Honestly, man, you're my best mate.
And I'm sorry, if I haven't been treating you that way.
Like that-that was uncalled for.
Are we good?
-Yeah. -Yeah. Good.
Hey, man, we're going to go see what Berlin's like, man.
We're the best tag team in the world right now.
[Cole] Theory's not too bright.
[Barrett] Well, there's a couple of friendships in WWE
not exactly looking watertight at the moment.
["Conquistar" playing]
♪ Come on, come on ♪
♪ El Idolo ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico,
weighing in at 230 pounds,
Andrade!
[Cole] Samantha Irvin killing it as usual.
Wade, I know you've had the opportunity to call the first three matches
between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
This is going to be my first experience tonight.
They look like a hell of a lot of fun. Andrade, Hayes, next on SmackDown.
[Giovanni Vinci in Italian]
[Barrett in English] Is there anything that Giovanni Vinci can't do in that ring?
[Graves] Giovanni Vinci brings many, many tools to the table.
A world-traveled veteran.
[Vinci in Italian]
[dramatic music playing]
Vinci.
Giovanni Vinci.
[Barrett] You're going to have some fun with Giovanni Vinci's return next week.
Make sure you get a picture with him, Cole.
[Cole] Cannot wait. As Andrade is set for action on SmackDown.
["Melo Don't Miss" playing]
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest Ain't no hatin', I'm the best here ♪
♪ You want your shot? Well, I guess you wait 'til next year ♪
♪ I'm at the top Get respect while I get feared ♪
♪ Who got a problem, huh? Tell 'em to step here ♪
♪ Step here ♪
-♪ What? ♪ -♪ Yeah ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest… ♪
[Irvin] And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Cole] Match number four between these two men.
Couple of weeks ago, Carmelo finally got into the win column.
[Barrett] Yeah, this was after Andrade picked up the first two victories,
but it was a quick one from Carmelo
who evolves every time he gets in that ring.
However, after the match, the celebrations
from Carmelo Hayes are a little too in-your-face
for Andrade, who got a little fed up with Melo's antics.
Snap. A brawl ensued, and now there is still some lingering ill sentiment
between these two Superstars.
[Cole] So, what's the problem between these two guys, Wade?
Well, there was no problem until Carmelo lost two matches and refused…
-[bell rings] -Wasted little time!
Bell rings. We're underway.
[Barrett] …to accept any form of defeat.
I'll tell you this about Carmelo Hayes.
He will not stop until he gets ultimate victory over any opponent.
[Cole] These two men have been lighting it up here on Friday nights.
Just like that! Corkscrew plancha.
[Barrett] Yeah, these two, as much as they dislike one another,
they completely pull the best out of each other.
And both men, every single time they've competed,
have had to raise their game,
pull out new moves, pull out new tactics just to try and best the other.
[Cole] Yeah, Andrade 5'9", 210 pounds!
Carmelo Hayes, springboard clothesline.
Carmelo goes 5'10", 210, from Boston, Massachusetts.
Going up to the top rope. Andrade stops him there.
The more matches these guys have,
the more familiar they are with each other.
[Barrett] Yeah, that's what's so amazing.
You love the athleticism of these two, but it's a chess game,
both trying to outdo each other's moves.
[Cole] Oh my goodness!
[Barrett] Oh no.
[Cole] Somebody better check on Melo. He may need a stretcher.
What was that?
-[applause] -[man] ♪ This is awesome ♪
[Cole] And we are back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
Carmelo Hayes and Andrade, match number four.
Andrade holds a 2-1 match edge.
But Carmelo Hayes somehow recuperated after that nasty spill
before the commercial break.
[Barrett] It's been a really volatile matchup,
swinging back and forth between these two.
Just when Melo looked like he was finally in control,
immediately bouncing back is Andrade.
So well matched are these two.
[Cole] Andrade third-generation Superstar.
Granddad is El Moro, his dad Brillante.
And, oh, look at this!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Both men down and Carmelo Hayes now favoring his knee. Kip-up by Andrade.
[Barrett] That is the last thing you want against a mover as good as Andrade.
Normally, Melo is a match for him, but with one bad wheel,
that simply can't be the case.
[Cole] And speaking of knees, after the show tonight, Wade,
I want to head back to the trainer's room,
see if we can get any confirmation on Cody Rhodes' knee problem
heading into tomorrow night.
Kevin Owens brought it up. Great move by Andrade.
Cover now. Hook of the leg. Kickout at two.
[Barrett] Double moonsault there.
And you have to think with Melo's mind on his knee,
perhaps not fully in the matchup at this point.
I've seen him avoid that move a couple of times previously.
Melo ain't 100%.
This is desperation times for Carmelo Hayes.
[Cole] Well, Andrade a former NXT Champion,
United States Champion as well.
[Barrett] Yeah, proven pedigree at the top of the card in WWE does Andrade.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
6-1 since returning to WWE.
That one blemish…
-[Cole] Oh, there it is. -[Barrett] …him.
[Cole] The First 48 connects
for Carmelo Hayes who's suddenly back in control.
[Barrett] Yeah, but he's still hurting from that knee issue.
Wasn't able to pounce into a pin.
[Cole] And Melo now with a meteora into the corner.
Cover now on Andrade for the win. Kickout by Andrade.
Watch this. First 48!
And again, Melo, really favoring the right knee.
[Barrett] Yeah. And this is the problem for Melo.
This is usually the point he moves up to fifth gear,
turns it up on his opponent,
and there's no way to hide from that.
He simply cannot move as quickly as he normally does.
[Cole] So much of his offense is based on his agility and his athleticism.
So smooth in the ring.
[Barrett] Bell to bell, as good as I have ever seen at this level,
is Melo and he keeps getting better every single week.
[Cole] North American Champion at NXT, two-time NXT Champ as well.
And now Andrade looking for Three Amigos.
Nope. Carmelo Hayes.
Standing switch. Andrade drives him to the corner.
Roll through.
Andrade powering Hayes up! And Andrade showing off his power there.
Cover. Stacks him up. And a kickout at two.
[Barrett] It's a poorly maintained turnbuckle in the corner.
That got ripped off halfway through that move.
[Cole] Yeah, the steel turnbuckle exposed,
the pad, uh… went flying somewhere.
[Barrett] I think I saw referee Dan Engler tying that on earlier tonight.
That's the problem once again. But take another look at this.
[Cole] Bang!
[Barrett] Just a one-handed powerbomb from an incredibly awkward position.
Shows the power game of Andrade is neck and neck with his lucha game.
[crowd singing indistinctly]
[Cole] 12,021 in Berlin tonight for SmackDown.
And Andrade went into the corner
and he stopped because the buckle's exposed,
and that distraction allowed Carmelo to hit the superkick for the win.
And a kickout at two!
[Barrett] I don't think Andrade had any clue
that inadvertently got ripped off a little earlier in the matchup.
And this is where he noticed.
That one beat was enough for Melo to pounce.
[Cole] And Carmelo Hayes again favoring his knee.
Andrade beat him to the punch there.
Both men second rope.
[crowd wailing]
What on Earth? My goodness!
[Barrett] Springboard Spanish fly.
-[Cole] Cover by Andrade. -One, two…
[Cole] Melo kicks out!
What a match!
Incredible double Spanish fly.
This match has not disappointed.
Carmelo Hayes, Andrade on Friday Night SmackDown.
A back and forth battle. These two are so evenly matched.
[Barrett] So well matched.
But you have a little issue with a knee or a neck, you lose 2% of your game.
That could be the difference maker.
[Cole] This could be the difference maker. Carmelo, Andrade, high above the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Andrade into the cover.
-One, two… -[Cole] Able to barely hook the leg.
And a kickout by Carmelo. This is incredible.
[Barrett] Just by a quarter of a millisecond.
Check this out.
The agility, power, and timing of Andrade
took so much out of himself.
It took three or four seconds to make the pin.
That was the difference maker.
[Cole] That's what's interesting about Andrade. He's deceptively strong.
We know about his quickness, his lucha style,
but he's a very powerful man.
He's showing that off tonight.
[Barrett] And he's evolved his game as he's grown here in WWE.
Realized lucha alone simply wasn't going to get it done.
Now, he's as well-rounded as they come.
[Cole] Going to beat respect into each other.
Andrade.
[crowd wailing]
Carmelo hanging on. Double switch. Standing switch there by Melo.
Oh! What a back elbow!
-Cover now by Andrade for the win. -One, two…
[Cole] Melo kicks out at two.
[Barrett] What an instinctive kickout!
Melo's eyes were rolling into the back of his head.
Nobody can block this.
You simply don't see it coming.
Bang on the point of the jaw.
And hats off to Melo
for even being capable of kicking out there.
[Cole] Carmelo still kicking away, the man who says,
"I'm the overdog, never the underdog."
Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] I don't think Melo can spell his own name at this point.
He's in such a bad way.
And now really is the time for Andrade to put this one away.
[Cole] These two beating the hell out of each other, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, and this audience is loving every second of it.
What a bunch of sickos!
[Cole] Makes you want to get back in the ring, doesn't it?
[Barrett] Absolutely not.
It's a lot safer over here, even if my commentators are rather annoying.
[Cole] Oh, and Melo…
Oh, off the exposed turnbuckle face-first for Andrade.
Off the exposed turnbuckle.
[Barrett] Onto that steel turnbuckle corner.
[Cole] And now Carmelo Hayes looks to take advantage from the top rope.
Nothing but net.
-Carmelo Hayes. Cover! -One, two…
-And he's evened the series at two apiece. -[bell rings]
["Melo Don't Miss" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Barrett] Well, there was an element of luck.
An element of bad luck for Andrade.
That exposed turnbuckle cover coming into play.
Take another look at this.
Just when Andrade was going in for the kill,
face-first onto the steel, and then nothing but net.
Melo, he's just a man that don't miss. And now, Cole, we're at 2-2.
-[Cole] Yeah. Interesting. -One, two…
[Cole] Andrade won the first two matchups,
Hayes the last couple of them.
I have a stinking suspicion that this rivalry is far from over.
[Barrett] Yeah, I hope so,
because I've loved every second of these four matches.
Please give us at least one more. We deserve it. The world deserves it.
[Cole] Well, I'll be thinking about you when you're over on Monday Night Raw
and Corey Graves and I have the opportunity, hopefully,
to call another one of those matchups.
-What a great performance. -Yeah, they're all absolute bangers.
Shows how great those two competitors are,
and there has to be gold in both of their futures.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
it is the Street Fight for the WWE Women's Championship.
Nia Jax defending against Michin.
Now, this thing got out of control a couple of weeks ago
during Nia's celebration as champion.
♪ Ain't no hatin', I'm the best here ♪
Please welcome
your new WWE Women's Champion,
Nia Jax!
[dramatic music playing]
[man] Great. That's great! That's great!
[Barrett] Well, the celebration didn't last long.
Michin, who's had a long-running beef with Nia Jax,
attacked everyone with a Kendo stick,
leaving the champ hurting and vowing revenge.
[Cole] I'm surprised you didn't go to the Pretty Deadly aid.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
-They're your buddies. -Too many Kendo sticks around.
I don't like them that much.
[Cole] Well, they're going to be able to be used in this Street Fight.
♪ There's only one of me… ♪
[bell rings]
[Irvin] The following is a Street Fight
and it is for the WWE Women's Championship.
Introducing first, from San Diego, California,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
Nia Jax!
[Cole] So, there's good news and there's bad news…
[Barrett] I prefer the latter one, but go ahead.
[Cole] …if you're Michin. So let's start with the good news.
There are no rules.
Michin can use anything she wants to try to win the championship tonight.
Only via pinfall or submission can you win.
Here's the bad news for Michin.
Nia Jax can use anything she wants as a weapon,
as if she isn't dangerous enough.
[Barrett] Well, Michin is the hardcore specialist,
and a specialist she will have to be.
Women's Championship on the line.
Michin, Nia Jax, Street Fight, next!
♪ I'ma show you how 'Cause I'm the baddest breed ♪
♪ I'm not like most… ♪
[Cole] Gonna be a wild day tomorrow in Berlin.
It all starts five o'clock here in Germany,
eleven o'clock on the East Coast,
8:00 a.m. West Coast of the United States.
Countdown. Then, of course, it's Bash in Berlin.
And then the post-show immediately following the Premium Live Event.
We also have a Women's Tag Team Title match tomorrow night.
Here is our Progressive Match Flo.
♪ I don't wanna stop We push it to the limit… ♪
[announcer] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
[dramatic music playing]
-[crowd and referee] One, two, three! -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] New Tag Champs!
You got to be kidding me!
Dawn and Fyre are the Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Belair] Let's be real.
This is more than just a match for you.
And I get it.
You come in with big hype and bigger expectations.
You feel unstoppable, making headlines.
[both] Everyone's your best friend.
But then a couple of things go wrong
and you start to question yourself.
You start to doubt. I've been there.
But failure is a part of the process,
and you can't be afraid to fail.
[Cargill] We are not here by accident.
[Belair] We're either up or getting up.
We define our own legacy.
Because the fight, it's not in the ring. It's here.
And it's here.
Look, I know this is your dream.
So, are you ready to make your dream a reality?
[Cargill] Are you ready to take back those Tag Team Titles?
-Let's go. -Let's go.
-Let's go!
[Belair] We are here to finish what we started.
[Cargill] We are coming back for our Tag Team Titles.
It's inevitable.
[Cole] At Bash in Berlin tomorrow,
the Women's Tag Team Titles are on the line.
Belair and Cargill never pinned to lose the gold.
They take on the new Tag Champs, Fyre and Dawn,
Bash in Berlin.
[Barrett] And the World Heavyweight Championship is on the line
as "The Ring General" Gunther makes his first defense
against the man he controversially beat
in the final at The King of the Ring tournament,
the 14-time World Champ, Randy Orton.
[Cole] And I cannot wait for the mixed tag team match.
The Terror Twins, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley,
take on the Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan,
and Dominik Mysterio.
[Barrett] And WWE's most heated rivalry in years
comes to a head as the lightning rod CM Punk
goes one-on-one with "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre
in a brutally unforgiving Strap Match.
[Cole] And also, the Undisputed WWE Championship
is on the line.
Cody Rhodes defends against Kevin Owens.
Now, if you think what they said earlier tonight was controversial,
you have to tune in to the Countdown show tomorrow before Bash in Berlin.
Corey Graves sits down with Cody and Kevin Owens
for a very open conversation.
A lot of controversial things were said.
And I had an opportunity to sit down with Randy Orton.
You will not believe some of the things Randy Orton said in this interview.
It all takes place Countdown to Bash in Berlin,
eleven o'clock East, eight o'clock on the West Coast on Peacock.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[Cole] And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown on FOX
is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
♪ I'm not like most girls… ♪
In front of 12,000 here tonight in Berlin, The Queen of the Ring…
the WWE Women's Champ Nia Jax set for action.
I fought my whole life for this.
Every battle, every war. And it's all led me here in Berlin.
Now, you can like me or you can hate me,
but I promise you, after tonight, when I become the new Women's Champion,
you will not forget me.
You're about to understand that Michin is not who I am.
It's what I am.
["I Am" playing]
[Cole] And Michin has got a shopping cart full of toys.
♪ Hard to see ♪
♪ You know, you know That she's that beauty and that beast ♪
♪ I'm that beast… ♪
[Barrett] Rather scary-looking toys, Michael Cole.
[Cole] And again, this is a Street Fight, ladies and gentlemen,
which means anything goes.
You have to pin or submit to win the match.
No champion's advantage for Nia Jax here tonight.
And what an opportunity for Michin!
[Irvin] And her opponent,
from Fontana, California, Michin!
[Barrett] Let's be clear here, Cole.
Street Fights are Michin territory.
She's spent her whole career
as a massive fan of the art of Street Fighting,
grew up a big fan of the likes of Tommy Dreamer in ECW,
and she sees this as her pathway to her first gold in WWE.
What a night it could be for Michin!
[Cole] Interesting, uh, styles Michin will use in the ring.
[Cole] Lucha style, Japanese strong style,
and again with a Kendo stick to start things off in this Street Fight.
Interesting. Nia Jax did not come to the ring armed with any weapons
because I guess she figures she is a weapon.
[Barrett] Well, here's the thing about Nia Jax.
Normally, it takes a group of women to take her down.
-You wanna do this, huh? -No, no, no, no, no.
[Cole] Biggest opportunity of Michin's career.
A former TNA Impact Knockouts Champion!
As she drives Nia Jax face-first into the steel post.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] This is for the WWE Women's Title.
Found it interesting as well, Wade…
Oh!
Not that I want to start any conspiracy theories.
That's not my style, but…
Oh! And Nia Jax taken down and she hit hard.
-Oh man, what an ugly landing. -Did you hear that?
Cover by Michin, and Nia able to kick out.
Referee Jessika Carr going to make sure she's not hurt.
[Barrett] Yeah, that was a potential knockout,
a potential stinger.
Could have been very nasty. Who…
Right now, Nia Jax is in a world of hurt, and it's about to get even worse.
[Cole] The point I was making, I was sort of surprised,
because it's Street Fight Rules, that Nia didn't bring her buddy,
Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton, out to the ring.
[Barrett] Does she trust her buddy with that briefcase around?
Does she really want Ms. Money in the Bank out here?
[Cole] Did you see what Tiffany posted on X?
She had a picture of herself-- As the tables come out now.
And now Nia Jax with a Kendo stick to Michin.
Anyway, unloading on the number one contender for the title.
Nia Jax's friend Tiffany put on X a picture of herself with Nia's title,
and then she said, "I'm literally just admiring it,
if all you weirdos could stop overanalyzing things."
[Barrett] Yeah, I think you are overanalyzing everything, Cole.
Tiffany has got a front row seat most weeks
to see how a champ operates in the form of Nia Jax.
Why blow that?
Time in the future to be champ is fair enough,
but right now, it's time for pain and it's all about Michin.
Can she win gold tonight?
[Cole] Bang!
Michin unloading on the WWE Women's Champion.
Nia Jax with a Kendo stick.
This is a Street Fight for the title.
And Nia Jax about decapitated Michin!
[Barrett] Michin somehow managed to navigate her way through that,
but for how much longer?
[shrieking]
[Cole] I can't believe Michin's still standing.
And she won't be after that.
Little Ura-nage on the apron.
Nia Jax hit her with a backhand,
I thought about knocked her block off, and then followed it up with that.
And Nia is ticked off now.
[Barrett] Well, here's the thing. In a match like this,
it kind of negates the power advantage that the bigger Superstar has.
I don't care how big and strong you are, you get hit with a Kendo stick or a chair,
it hurts all the same.
But even so, it's Nia Jax who seems, at this point,
in complete control once again.
Tells you just how good Nia Jax has been this year.
[Cole] And Nia Jax…
Oh, and a fire extinguisher from Michin to Jax!
Completely legal under Street Fight Rules.
And Michin's got an opportunity now, the champion's down.
[Barrett] Might be about to extinguish the championship reign.
[Cole] Michin top rope, missile dropkick.
Nia's down.
Michin's gotta pin or submit her, though.
[Barrett] A lot of problems all around the ring
if you're Nia Jax right now.
Nothing looks good and there's nowhere to hide.
[Cole] And Michin…
[crowd wailing]
Tornado DDT, but slammed onto the garbage can by the champ.
[Barrett] Desperation, Nia Jax managing to pull out
perhaps one last power move to save herself.
[Cole] I'm not sure Nia can even see
after getting that fire extinguisher fluid into her eyes.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
Michin playing the cymbals.
-Like what I did there? -[Barrett] Nope.
I like very little of what you do, but I'm enjoying this match.
[Cole] Able to connect!
[applause]
Dragging her center of the ring.
-Cover for the championship. -One, two…
[Cole] Oh, and a kickout by Nia.
[Barrett] Just goes to show you
how much good fortune goes in to winning and losing a championship match.
That landing by Nia Jax, she had no idea where she was.
Had to be dragged away from the ropes in order to make the pin.
And that was enough time for Jax to recover,
kickout, but she's still lying prone in the ring.
[Cole] Yeah, and when's the last time you've seen Nia Jax in that predicament,
in that situation?
Down and out.
[Barrett] This is why you do not put yourself
in a Street Fight against a specialist like Michin
who has been doing this her whole career.
[Cole] Yeah, very impressed with Michin, as she looks to set up the table.
The Champion, Nia Jax, is still down, trying to recover.
Dropped face-first onto a garbage can off a DDT.
Michin doing everything she can.
[Barrett] She's still not happy with the weaponry out here.
Looking for something a little extra.
[Cole] But the problem is, is I think she should be on the attack, Wade,
taking a little bit too much time here,
allowing Nia to try to get back to her feet.
[Barrett] Well, she knows how big and tough Nia Jax is.
You've got to take an especially large chunk out of the champ
if you're going to have any chance to defeat her.
What method of torture is Michin planning?
But you're right, Cole. It's now backfired.
[Cole] Again, and that was the point.
I understand trying to put more weapons into the ring to help your cause.
But Nia was down and out.
Michin had an opening. She didn't take advantage.
And now Nia Jax is back on the attack.
[Barrett] Well, Michin's mentality
is that she has a higher pain threshold than anyone,
including the champ.
[Cole] Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
And Michin-- Wait a minute. Michin off the table.
Nia was going to go for the Annihilator, I believe.
And Michin-- Now there is no way.
There is absolutely no way!
Through the table!
Michin with an opportunity!
Nia through the table!
[crowd cheering]
-Can Michin capitalize? -♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
[Barrett] Whoa!
[Cole] What?
Oh my God!
Ms. Money in the Bank,
Tiffany Stratton making a beeline to the ring with the contract in hand.
[Barrett] No, she's out here to help Nia Jax, as we said earlier.
[Cole] Well, no disqualification, so perfectly legal.
Oh, wait, wait. I think Tiffany just realized Nia is down and out.
I think Tiffany…
She… I think she…
Well, she just got caught red-handed. I think she was going to cash-in.
Nia Jax said, "What the hell are you doing?"
And now back on the attack on Michin.
[Barrett] There was no cash-in. There was no attempt to cash-in.
-[Cole] And now Nia placed into the cover. -One, two…
Michin gets the shoulder up.
[Barrett] Stop stirring the pot, Cole.
Tiffany Stratton came down to help Nia Jax,
and, look, has completely turned this match on her head.
-Oh! -[Cole] Now wait a minute!
Going for the… Going for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
And look who's back!
For the first time since SummerSlam, Bayley is here.
[Barrett] Well, Michin has had Bayley's back for months.
Now it's time for a little payback.
[Cole] Tiffany Stratton's distraction cost Bayley the championship at SummerSlam
and Bayley hasn't forgotten.
And Bayley now is back, brawling with Ms. Money in the Bank,
taking the fight to Stratton.
[Barrett] Wait, Michael Cole returns to SmackDown,
so does his best friend Bayley?
[Cole] And meanwhile, the Championship match continues.
-Michin, roll-up for the title. -One, two…
Nia Jax kicks out at two.
[Barrett] Drop the hammer now, Michin! It's now or never.
[Cole] Michin taking the fight to Jax.
Nia, though, Samoan drop through the table.
[Barrett] Just when Michin got a head of steam.
Just when she had all of the momentum.
It's one move from Jax.
That big, that strong,
and it might be about to be squashing time, Cole.
[crowd booing]
[Barrett] Oh no.
[Cole] Thanks for coming, Michin.
Nia Jax with the Annihilator!
One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Oh my goodness!
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner
and still the WWE Women's Champion,
Nia Jax!
[Cole] Incredible performance by Michin.
Nia Jax is just ticked off
and still now assaulting Michin
who's caught in that collapsed and destroyed garbage can.
[Barrett] Well, that's the message from Nia Jax.
"I'll fight you at your game and I'll beat you."
[Cole] But, Wade, you got to wonder,
is she upset because of the fight Michin brought,
or is she upset because Tiffany Stratton almost cashed in Money in the Bank on her?
[Barrett] She didn't almost cash it in.
There was no cash-in. There was no attempted cash-in.
It was Tiffy helping Nia Jax to victory.
[Cole] Nia Jax is still the champ.
Bayley's back.
Thanks for joining us tonight from Berlin.
♪ There's only one of me ♪ rom Berlin.