[upbeat music]
[narrator] Then...
now...
forever...
Together.
♪ One, two, three, four ♪
♪ Five, six, seven, eight ♪
♪ Five, six, seven, eight Let them know we on the way ♪
♪ Counting zeroes every day ♪
♪ You know that we never play, ay ♪
♪ Talkin' 'bout "Never been one to play with" ♪
♪ Money talk and it's my first language ♪
♪ Me and RM gang and we gangin' Boss level, you ain't in the rankin' ♪
♪ They wanna smell What the hottie be cookin' ♪
♪ They gon' rock When they see me at a bookin' ♪
♪ All y'all finna be finished... ♪
[Cole] You are looking live at a jam-packed Climate Pledge Arena
in Seattle, Washington, sold out, over 14,000 strong,
as we welcome you to the series premiere,
to the season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown,
now exclusively on the USA Network.
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
WWE Chief Content Officer
Paul "Triple H"
Levesque!
[Triple H's theme song playing]
♪ Time to play the game ♪
[applause]
♪ It's all about the game And how you play it ♪
♪ All about control And if you can take it ♪
♪ All about your debt And if you can pay it ♪
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, I have been saying this for many months.
The Triple H era is here in WWE.
One of the reasons we celebrate this historic agreement
to bring Friday Night SmackDown back to the USA Network
live tonight.
♪ So move on out here And die like a fool ♪
♪ Try to figure out what My move's gonna be ♪
♪ Come on over, sucker, Why don't you ask me? ♪
♪ Don't you forget That the price you can pay ♪
♪ 'Cause I am the game And I want to play ♪
[applause]
[the crowd goes wild]
It seems like just yesterday I was standing in this ring
for the first episode of this show,
going one-on-one with The Rock.
[the crowd goes wild]
And it's hard to believe that here we are, 25 years later.
[applause]
And there is no better place to be than right here, right now,
sold out, standing room only Seattle, Washington.
And there is no better way to start this off
than with a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship
between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa
inside of a steel cage!
[rapturous applause]
-So Seattle, are you ready? -[rapturous applause]
Then welcome to SmackDown!
[explosions]
[applause]
[Cole] And there is the steel cage.
It will be lowered to surround the ring.
The Undisputed WWE Championship is up for grabs as we kick off
this 30-minute commercial-free first hour
on Friday Night SmackDown.
You win via Pinfall, Submission,
or escape from the cage.
Hello again, everybody, and welcome to ringside.
I had the privilege to be here for night number one
of SmackDown 25 years ago.
And I'm back again with my friend, Corey Graves,
set to call all the action on this historic night on USA.
Oh, I'm sure you'll agree with me there's been a different energy all day
here in the Emerald City, like something special is on the horizon.
And we are kicking things off with a bang tonight on SmackDown.
It is the battle between the number-one contender,
the Tribal Chief of The Bloodline,
Solo Sikoa, and the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
[Cody] This right here, if you play our game,
is the North Star of the industry.
It is the Undisputed WWE Championship.
[commentator] Cody Rhodes has never backed down
from a fight, a proud fighting Champion.
[Solo] Are you ready to defend that Undisputed title
against a real challenger?
We both know, if it wasn't for Roman Reigns--
[commentator] Bloodline rules!
[Solo] --I would've been Champion.
[commentator] Roman Reigns with a Spear!
[Solo] So I deserve a rematch.
[commentator] We are witnessing the decimation of the Roman Empire.
[Solo] I took out Roman Reigns.
[commentator] A fallen Original Tribal Chief and defeat
of the new Head of the Table.
[announcer] Bloodline numbers game
thing is getting a little old.
That's why Solo Sikoa, Cody Rhodes
for the Undisputed WWE Championship
in a steel cage.
[the crowd goes wild]
The WWE revolves around this.
And perhaps one day I will be looking up at those lights,
courtesy of that iron thumb of yours.
But it sure as hell ain't gonna be- tonight!
I am going to bring back the Undisputed title to my family.
And I am going to bring back that title to me.
[Cody] If you come at the King, you best not miss.
[dramatic music]
["Taking it all" by Def Rebel]
♪ We taking it all, settle the score The one who will not take that loss ♪
[Cole] The jury was out on the leadership ability
of this man, Solo Sikoa.
But he has proven in the last number of months
that he is indeed the Tribal Chief,
the Head of the table in The Bloodline.
Corey, in Solo Sikoa's career, he's only been locked
inside a steel cage one time.
That was WarGames a couple years ago.
But tonight, he walks into a cage
in a one-on-one environment for the first time in his career.
Will that affect him tonight here on SmackDown?
[Corey] I think Solo Sikoa is so locked in tonight, so laser-focused.
Solo's mission is much like Cody's several years ago.
Tonight, Solo has a chance to prove himself Undeniable.
And Solo will do just that by dethroning The American Nightmare.
So no, I don't think the lack of steel cage experience
is gonna play much of a factor for Solo tonight.
[Cole] It was back
at the Money in the Bank Premium live event in July
where Solo Sikoa pinned the Champion
Cody Rhodes in a six-man tag-team matchup.
At SummerSlam, many believe he would have won the title
if it wasn't for the return of Roman Reigns.
So tonight, Solo Sikoa with an opportunity,
in his words, to make Cody Rhodes,
quote, "acknowledge me."
♪ Ready for war, the hustle, the pain I see the smiles from the fake ♪
[music stops and chanting begins]
[applause]
[Cody] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here about to blow ♪
♪ Waiting for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
[explosion]
♪ 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 ♪
♪ I built my Kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
[Cole] There's a reason this match takes place
inside a steel cage.
The Bloodline have decimated everyone in their path
under the reign of Solo Sikoa.
Think about Jimmy Uso.
Think about what they've done to Kevin Owens
and Randy Orton,
Roman Reigns.
Just this past Tuesday night on NXT,
The Bloodline wiping out the tag champs Axiom and Frazier,
and also The Street Profits.
And tonight, Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline looking
to put the final nail in the coffin…
♪ Whoa ♪
[explosion]
[Cole] …of Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Well, The Bloodline is--
it is about absolute power by any means necessary.
And what better to sway the power in their favor, than capturing
the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship?
[Cole] Cody Rhodes has been involved in many steel cage
matches throughout his career.
This is his first traditional steel cage match
in almost 10 years, though, in WWE.
♪ You'll follow me into the end ♪
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following is a steel cage match!
[applause]
And it is for-
the Undisputed-
WWE Championship!
[applause]
Introducing first the challenger
from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
representing The Bloodline,
Solo Sikoa!
[booing]
And his opponent
from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds, he is
he is- the Undisputed-
WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
-Cody Rhodes! -[applause]
[Cole] Our own Alicia Taylor
killing the ring announcements for this Championship match tonight,
as Cody--
[chanting]
--will hand the title to veteran referee Charles Robinson.
For over 60 years, the WWE Championship has defined
the all-time greats of our industry,
a title that Cody's dad, the late great "American Dream"
Dusty Rhodes, never really had the opportunity
to carry in the manner that he wanted to.
Cody Rhodes trying to make his family proud
and trying to continue this legacy
that he built back at WrestleMania.
And here we go, Corey. Rules are simple.
Pinfall, Submission, or escape over the top
or through the door of the cage. Both feet must hit the floor.
Strategy now tonight, first for the challenger Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Solo needs to stick to his guns, utilize the smash-mouth style
that has brought Solo so much success throughout his WWE career,
-and make an escape. Don't waste time. -Oh!
[Corey] Don't get cute. Smash Cody and get out of the cage.
[Cole] Cody, a couple of Drop-Downs early.
And Cody Rhodes, to keep the title
against the dangerous Sikoa, what does he need to do, Corey
[Corey] I think Cody needs to rely on the WWE Universe
to soldier him through the undoubtable pain
he will be in in a matter of moments.
And I wouldn't think it's a bad idea for Cody to try to climb
out of the cage, separate himself as quickly as possible
from the new Tribal Chief.
[Cole] And Solo now sends Cody across into the corner and follows it up
with an elbow.
The methodical pace of Solo Sikoa,
hoping that it will help him tonight against Cody Rhodes.
And Cody steps out of harm's way.
And Rhodes now with a Bulldog!
[Cody] And Solo right back up, almost no effect
with a steel-cage will.
[Cole] And Cody quickly using the cage as a weapon in this match.
[Corey] I expected the steel to be used literally as a weapon
in this one yet again.
Face-first into the cage goes Solo.
[Cole] Cody has admitted that in his battle with The Bloodline
over the last few years, it has hardened him.
Oh, and now sent into the cage!
And Cody fell awkwardly.
It may have hardened Cody Rhodes, but it didn't make Cody superhuman.
[Corey] Nasty landing for the Champion, caught between the cage and the ropes.
[Cole] A welt already building on the back of Cody!
Solo is dangerous as they come,
shows no remorse at all-- Oh!
[Corey] This could be the beginning of the end for The American Nightmare,
as we look again at Solo launching Rhodes into the steel cage
and following it up with a crushing impact.
[chanting]
Solo is motivated. You mentioned the methodical style
because Solo realizes he has to be perfect tonight.
Sikoa knows he cannot afford any mistakes
with someone as talented as Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Sikoa now with a headbutt to Cody Rhodes.
Solo, I'm sure, watched his older brother, Jey Uso, on Raw this past Monday night
qualify to become the number-one contender for the Intercontinental title as--
-[Corey] Ooh! -…Jey Uso seeks
his first singles Championship in WWE.
The only singles gold Solo ever held, the NXT North American title.
And the Flying Headbutt by Sikoa,
and Rhodes is in trouble!
[Corey] Look at the intensity on the face
of the new Tribal Chief, the new Head of the Table,
Solo just having his way with the Champion.
[Cole] Solo promised Cody would acknowledge him tonight.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Cole] Oh! And nobody home,
as Cody uses tremendous core strength to the top rope now,
-Rhodes perhaps going to look for escape. -[Corey] This is smart, Cody.
Keep climbing. You don't have much time!
[Cole] And Solo Sikoa there to intercept and play defense early.
You know, and-
to Cody's credit, he also said that if Solo beats me tonight,
-I will acknowledge him as the Champion-- -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] --as he's ripped down into the ring.
[Corey] Oh, no.
[Cole] Cody's been busted open already.
[Corey] That didn't take long,
The American Nightmare showing the wounds of battle
inflicted by Solo Sikoa. And things are about to get much worse
for the Champion.
[Cole] Yeah. Solo Sikoa's smile on his face
when he realized Rhodes was bleeding.
[shouts from crowd members]
[Corey] And now whipped into the- the cage again.
[Cole] And this is how Cody got busted open, Corey.
[Corey] This flying headbutt by the challenger, Solo Sikoa.
Solo's got a skull about 2 inches thick.
Feels like concrete when you get hit by it.
[Cole] And unlike boxing, there's no cornermen here.
[Corey] No one to throw in the towel, nobody to stop this.
[Cole] Nobody to patch-
Cody up as he's locked inside the cage with this--
[Corey] Uh, hoho.
[Cole] --savage of a man, Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] I have a feeling things are
about to get even more gruesome on this Friday the 13th.
Solo inside the steel cage may be
the only place more dangerous than Camp Crystal Lake.
[Cole] And Sikoa, now attacking the wound on the--
the forehead of Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] And this is smart. This is smart strategy by Solo--
[booing]
--just unleashing the brutality,
battering Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Sikoa has been unbearable as the leader of The Bloodline.
Imagine if he walks out of here with the Undisputed WWE Championship.
[Corey] It will validate every claim Solo has made thus far.
It will ensure that the WWE Universe respects
and acknowledges Solo as he sees fit.
[Cole] Cody looking to rally, launches himself off the second rope,
caught by Solo, went for a Disaster Kick.
And Sikoa made him pay, driving him into the steel cage,
and doing everything he needs to do to use the cage as a weapon!
And Cody almost looked helpless,
Corey, as he was dropped back into the cage and onto the ropes!
[Cody grunting]
[Corey] Cody still looks helpless, the way he melted between the ropes
and the steel cage.
Our Champion-
certainly feeling the effects of this onslaught from Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] It is the season premiere
of Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network.
We are sold out tonight, 14,551,
in a commercial-free first half-hour
inside a cage
for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Rhodes and Sikoa!
And Cody trying to hang on, trying to climb now up the cage.
Remember, escape the floor and you win the thing.
Cody, though, launches himself into a Cody Cutter!
Cover now for the win on Sikoa!
-And a kick-out by Solo at two! -[Corey] My God!
[Cole] What a desperation Cody Cutter by Rhodes!
[Corey] Take another look at this,
the Champion throwing caution to the wind,
taking the shot as it was presented.
Cody Cutter takes down Solo
but couldn't end this for the Champion yet.
[stunned applause by the crowd gains enthusiasm]
[Cole] A proud Champion, Cody Rhodes,
took him a few years to finally finish the story.
And he's not going to give up the Championship without a fight.
Rhodes now back up to the top rope.
Is he thinking, escape, here?
[Corey] Gotta believe that's what's going through Cody's mind.
But Solo, again, putting the brakes on the upward ascent
of the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Cody trying to kick Solo away.
[Cole] And Solo rips him off again. Another headbutt right back to the wound.
[Corey] And notice how Solo has kept Cody in close quarters
for the majority of this match-up.
Solo knows if he's got his hands on the Champion,
things are looking good for The Bloodline.
[Cole] And Solo Sikoa now could be
looking to escape the cage, Cody Rhodes realizing it.
[Corey] Perhaps Solo got a little too confident.
[Cole] Now both men looking to scale the cage
as they deliver blows from high above the ring.
[Corey] Solo is deceptively agile for an athlete of his size.
[Cole] Cody up top.
[Corey] Cody's got one foot over the top of the cage.
-It's a long way down. -[Cole] Solo trying to meet him there.
Rhodes and Sikoa now high above the ring, top of the cage,
for the Undisputed WWE Championship!
[grunting]
[Corey] Solo's face-first off the top of the cage.
And the challenger slipped down.
[Cole] Cody trying to get over the other side!
He's gotta get down and touch the floor with both feet!
Sikoa trying to keep him in the ring. I'm getting queasy, just looking at this!
[Corey] Oh, God, no. No, please! No! [Cole] Oh, my God!
From on top, Cody Rhodes, falling right on the back of his head!
Critical moment in this match-up, turning point, perhaps!
[Corey] I don't know if that landing could have been any worse
for the Champion.
[chanting]
Look at this in slow motion.
Look at the position of Rhodes,
high across his shoulders and neck,
the base of Cody's skull crashing down.
That was almost a Brain-Buster,
absolutely terrifying.
[Cole] An incredible look at the entranceway here
-on Friday Night SmackDown as you-- -[Corey] cover by Solo!
[Cole] A cover by Solo for the title! And a kick-out at two.
As you peer inside the steel cage
at these two gladiators doing battle
or the WWE Championship.
Veteran official Charles Robinson-
looking on as the door is open,
Solo looking to escape, Cody Rhodes hanging on.
[Corey] Almost a look of annoyance on the face of the challenger.
[chanting]
[Cole] And Cody, with the Right Hand,
didn't do anything except tick off Solo. Spinning Solo from Sikoa!
[Corey] That's going to do it! That could do it!
[Cole] He's not done yet! Another Spinning Solo for Sikoa!
Cover now to win the title!
And Cody gets the shoulder up!
[Corey] Is Cody Rhodes just delaying the inevitable?
Take a look at this.
The first of two Spinning Solos
is Ura-nage delivered by the challenger,
immediately followed by a second,
again, high across the shoulders
and neck of Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa promised to make Rhodes acknowledge him.
Would love to deliver the Samoan Spike
and Pin the Champion in the ring to win the title.
[Corey] Cody Rhodes did what it took to become undeniable.
Solo looks to do the same thing in this moment!
[Cole] Looking for the Samoan Spike,
Cody Rhodes able to Block and deliver Right Hand!
And here comes The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, fighting back!
[Corey] Rhodes with a Forearm.
[Cole] Oh, a Disaster Kick!
Cody Cutter!
Cody, looking to retain, Hooks the leg into the--
And Solo at two, another near fall!
[Corey] Take another look at this, the second Cody Cutter
of this match-up, the traditional style right in the center of the ring.
But the challenger Sikoa, still with a little too much
left in the tank.
[Cole] Both of these men have been beaten and punished,
absorbing a ton of it here inside the cage,
Cody trying to will himself back in this match-up.
If there's one thing we learned about Rhodes in his career,
it's his perseverance.
[Corey] Cody fighting through the pain, relying on the adrenaline.
Here we go!
[Cole] And Sikoa-
backs it up into Rhodes in the corner. Now a full head of steam for Solo Sikoa.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Cole] Cody may be down and out.
And now Samoan drop to the Champion!
[Corey] A relentless challenger, Sikoa now climbing to the top rope!
[Cole] Solo from the top. Cody in trouble, middle of the ring!
[crowd booing]
Ref!
Move.
And a Flying Splash! And here's the cover!
Is it enough to put him away for the title? And Cody kicks out again!
[Corey] Incredible patience displayed by Solo,
realizing he couldn't afford to not connect on this Splash.
Luckily for Solo and The Bloodline,
he got every ounce of it, full-impact down on the Champion.
[Cole] I'm not sure if you noticed, Corey,
but the-- the concern on the face of official, Charles Robinson,
as he was down talking to Cody Rhodes,
trying to figure out how bad Cody's hurt.
[Corey] Well, think of the trauma that Cody's body has endured thus far
in the match-up, multiple crash landings high on his neck and shoulders.
You could see, it seemed like Cody was having trouble walking
a few moments ago. It could be a lower back issue.
Who knows? Great job by Charles Robinson.
[Cole] Remember a couple of weeks ago,
bash in Berlin, a knee issue that Kevin Owens took advantage of.
Cody less than 100% in this match-up.
Solo now backs it up in the corner.
And the champ is in trouble.
Cody, though able to push the door open!
Cody may be able to survive!
[Corey] Great awareness!
[Cole] …roll out! Cody trying to crawl out of the ring,
and Solo Sikoa not allowing it to happen!
That was a desperate move by Rhodes.
[Corey] I think it just incited Solo Sikoa,
who realized how close he came to losing!
[Cole] Cross Rhodes!
Cody, into the cover, Hooks the leg!
Sikoa kicked out of the Cross Rhodes!
[Corey] And at this point, if you're Cody Rhodes,
doubt has got to be creeping into your mind.
Cody hitting Sikoa with his best shot,
the Cross Rhodes.
And the challenger, able to survive the steel cage match,
rolls on.
[Cole] This is for the Undisputed WWE Championship,
Cody Rhodes, the Champion,
Solo Sikoa, the challenger.
[Corey] Rhodes has lived up to his promise
of being a fighting Champion, perhaps even to his own detriment,
burning it at both ends.
Rhodes has represented WWE tirelessly.
Will this be Cody's last stand?
[Cole] Cody has never backed down from a challenge.
Cody Rhodes looking to retain the Championship tonight,
climbing up to the top rope, perhaps to escape the cage over the top.
Both feet must hit the floor in order for Rhodes to retain the title.
Cody is up top. Cody Rhodes could be closing in
on winning the Championship here tonight!
I'm not even sure Cody knows where he's at.
[Corey] I don't know if Cody's body and his brain are on the same page.
Cody's mind knows what he wants to do-- oh, wait, no, no.
[Cole] Wait a minute! Cody, what are you doing?
Get out of the damn cage! Not like that!
Crossbody Lateral Crush to retain!
Solo kicked out!
[Corey] And that has got to be soul-crushing for the Champion!
Rhodes just risked it all, life,
limb, career--
for a two-count!
[Cole] I mean, I applaud Cody Rhodes-
wanting to Pin Sikoa,
win the match in the ring, not via escape,
but he was so close up there!
[Corey] Cole, I don't know if Cody's thinking straight.
I think Cody is running on pure instinct right now.
The American Nightmare is in survival mode, period.
[Cole] Cody trying to drag himself toward the corner,
asking the official now to open the door.
Jason Ayers, the official outside, has opened the door for Rhodes,
the Champion looking to escape and retain the title.
And to your point, Cody not-- I don't believe he knows where he's at.
So-- and Sikoa now, oh, using the door to his advantage.
[Corey] Rhodes is on autopilot right now.
And somehow, Sikoa still keeps summoning the will!
[Cole] Wait for the Spike!
Run for the Spike! Cross Rhodes by Cody!
-Cover! -[audience] One! Two! Three!
[Cole] Rhodes retains the Championship!
Defining win for Cody Rhodes!
[Alicia] Here is your winner
and still the Undisputed
WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[crowd goes wild]
[Cole] What a gutsy performance by the Champion!
[Corey] And Rhodes reminding Sikoa, we're done.
That's it.
The American Nightmare can move on.
[Cole] What an incredible match,
the Champion putting it all on the line.
[Corey] Cody Rhodes throwing caution to the wind,
showing the WWE Universe
he will fight till the very end,
no matter how high the risk.
-The American Nightmare takes down Sikoa-- -[Cole] No, no, no, no, no.
-[Corey] --but Solo was back up. -Oh, no, no, no, no.
[Cole] Wait a minute, guys.
-[Corey] We got company. -But this is how Rhodes won.
But a dire situation out here at ringside, as Rhodes
picked up the win there in the replay.
The Bloodline has surrounded the ring,
Fatu and Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa!
You said that Cody may be done with Solo Sikoa!
I don't believe he's done with The Bloodline, though!
[Corey] Jacob Fatu scaling the cage with ease.
[Cole] Oh, and a Samoan Spike by Solo!
And the Champion's been wiped out!
And now Cody Rhodes ripe for the picking,
The Bloodline, to tear the meat off the bones of the Champion!
[Corey] The Champion locked in the cage with four rabid jackals!
[Cole] And The Bloodline is not through!
[Corey] Three jackals and a Samoan Werewolf!
[Cole] The beatdown continues by The Bloodline!
Somebody's got to get this damn cage up!
Somebody get the cage up and get Cody out of there!
[Corey] Who the hell's going to stop Jacob Fatu?
[Cole] This is an assassination!
[Corey] Solo's calling the shots inside the ring!
Solo just ordered Jacob to go up top!
[Cole] Will somebody raise the damn cage!
Get Fatu off of there!
[Corey] Are you gonna set these animals loose on Seattle?
[Cole] Somebody get down!
[Corey] Say your prayers, Cody!
[Cole] Not like this!
[dramatic music]
[wild applause and cheering]
Corey…
…I think…
…Cody's- prayers…
…have been answered!
God mode engaged!
The Original Tribal Chief,
whose demise has apparently
been greatly exaggerated!
The OTC
is here!
And now it's The Bloodline who's locked inside the cage!
And The Bloodline now going after [inaudible],
and here comes Roman! Roman unloading!
[chanting]
Roman has got hell to pay tonight!
[wild applause]
Using the cage to his advantage!
Solo from behind!
And now the new Tribal Chief!
[Corey] The unfamiliar scene of Roman Reigns being victimized
by the numbers game that he practically mastered,
that Solo Sikoa has now mastered.
[audience chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC!
[Corey] This could be a dark day on SmackDown,
Reigns helpless in the corner.
Oh!
[Cole] Superman Punch!
[wild applause]
This building is rocking right now!
[booing]
And Jacob Fatu now saving Solo Sikoa,
dragging him out of the steel cage!
[Corey] Fatu, Solo's personal enforcer,
paying dividends.
And Reigns wants some of The Werewolf!
[Cole] Ho, ho, ho, baby!
[audience] OTC!
OTC!
[Corey] This could be a throwdown for the ages!
[Cole] Fatu in the cage with Reigns!
[audience] OTC! OTC! OTC!
OTC!
[roars]
[booing]
[Cole] And Solo Sikoa dragging The Samoan Werewolf
out of the cage.
[Corey] And from behind now, Tama Tonga,
Tonga Loa, picking the bones!
[Cole] The Tag Team Champions beating the hell out of Roman Reigns.
Solo and Fatu in retreat.
Cody Rhodes now back on his feet, low into the cage.
[Corey] Talk about unlikely allies.
[Cole] Tonga off the Cross Rhodes.
Spear!
[applause]
[audience] OTC!
OTC! OTC!
[booing]
And you, and you.
You ain't the Chief. I'm the Chief!
[Cole] Who would have thought five months ago
this would be reality,
Cody and Roman Reigns allies
against a common enemy?
Tonight, on the season premiere of SmackDown,
the Roman Empire has been resurrected!
♪ To get them off their feet ♪
[foreboding music]
[narrator] In this world,
nothing is as it seems.
On November 30,
survival is only the beginning.
["War Pigs" by Black Sabbath plays]
♪ Generals gathered in their masses ♪
[narrator] Survivor Series WarGames from Vancouver,
British Columbia, November 30.
Tickets on sale now.
[Cole] It is the season premiere
of Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network.
We are live in Seattle, sold out,
over 14,000 witnessing the steel cage match,
the Undisputed WWE Championship, moments ago
and the return of Roman Reigns.
[Corey] The unlikeliest of allies,
Roman Reigns bringing the big fight to The Bloodline.
In the wake of Cody's successful Championship
defense, The OTC was wrecking shop.
But the numbers game would eventually catch up to Roman.
[Cole] Yeah, by the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa.
But Cody Rhodes has dragged himself back to his feet.
This was after Solo and Jacob Fatu
were able to escape the cage.
And you mentioned it, the unlikely allies Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns taking out
the Tag Team Champions.
Let's head backstage now for an update with our own Cathy Kelley.
Thanks, Cole. Yeah, I'm here with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Chaotic start to this evening, to say the least.
How do you plan on handling everything that we just saw transpire?
Chaotic start, to say the least, Cathy. A lot of moving parts.
Here's what I can tell you.
All the parties involved, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns,
The Bloodline, they've been sequestered
in their private areas, because this is my show
and we will have law and order. Now, Solo Sikoa has reached out.
He says he has a challenge, along with Jacob Fatu, for a match.
And he says, it's an offer that no one can refuse.
I don't know what that is, but I'm gonna find out.
One thing I can tell you, this night
is a long way from being over.
Hopefully, I'll get some answers as well. In the meantime, Corey, Cole, back to you.
♪ 1, 2, 3, 4 ♪
[Corey] We'd like to send a special thanks
to Megan Thee Stallion for Never--
Neva Play, featuring RM of BTS.
The official theme song of WWE Friday Night SmackDown,
Neva Play is available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
[Cole] With my music background, you should've allowed me to handle that.
[Corey] Mr. K-Pop these days. I know you're a big BTS fan.
♪ I am the one ain't hard to see You know that ♪
[Alicia] Introducing from Fontana, California,
Michin!
[Corey] Speaking of, how was the Moneybagg Yo concert you went to?
Phenomenal.
[Corey] So it's Piper Niven against Michin.
Remember, last week, Piper Niven
was a- an important part of Chelsea Green's win
over Michin in their contest.
They've been making fun of Michin
because of the way that she lost the street fight to Nia Jax
for the Women's Championship in Berlin, when she got crushed in a trash can.
[Corey] Let's be honest, Cole. It was humiliating.
-Here comes Michin! -[Cole] And Michin with a Suicide Dive,
The Piper dropping her
right here in front of us.
And Chelsea Green Kicked right to the face.
And now Michin, who's a--
loves to use hard-core tactics.
[Corey] That served Michin fairly well recently, but not quite sure
what she was looking for as she gets back into the ring to break the count.
She's looking for Chelsea Green . Did Chelsea climb under to safety?
[Cole] A Kendo stick now. And Chelsea! [Corey] Oh!
Chelsea's not a legal participant in this match-up,
so that's not gonna force a disqualification!
-[Cole] Piper, Cannonball-- -Holy crap!
[Cole] --threw Michin right in front of us!
[Corey] My God!
[Cole] Piper Niven Steamrolling Michin.
[Corey] Can't be quite sure, but it looks like Niven might have
a busted nose in the early moments of this match-up.
And that will only anger Piper Niven.
It does not bode well for Michin.
In fact, this could be the beginning of the end!
[Cole] Piper heading up now to the second rope.
Michin causes Piper to lose her balance.
It hasn't been a good week for Chelsea Green.
You saw what happened to her on NXT Tuesday night,
Julia's first match in NXT destroying Chelsea.
[Corey] Oh, my goodness! [Cole] Oh, man! Michin,
a Suplex to Piper!
[Corey] Massive belly-to-back Suplex from the ropes!
And Michin capitalized!
[Cole] Now Michin, with Piper back to her feet.
-Eat Defeat! -[Corey] Defeat!
[Cole] cover by Michin on Piper!
Hook to the leg!
Michin with the win!
[bell rings]
And now Chelsea Green attacking Michin.
Get her! Get her! Get her! Kill her!
Kill her!
[Cole] Michin picked up the victory, but I believe Chelsea and Piper--
[Corey] Ah!
[Cole] --are going to destroy Michin here tonight.
[Corey] Well, Chelsea with a trash can.
[Cole] Yeah, we mentioned the use of the trash can by Nia Jax
a few weeks ago in Berlin, crushing Michin inside by the Annihilator.
And now a double-team by the former Tag Team Champions.
And an Unprettyher to Michin by Chelsea Green.
♪ I'm a hot mess, whoa, oh ♪
[Cole] Well, Chelsea happy with her handiwork
as they destroy Michin here tonight.
[Corey] Well, you heard Nick Aldis mention earlier,
this night is far from over.
It is a massive night here in the Emerald City.
A-Town Down Under, Grayson Waller
and Austin Theory will battle Kevin Owens and a mystery partner.
-Cole, do you know who it is yet? -[Cole] No idea.
♪ 5, 6, 7, 8 ♪
[Rock music]
[Cole] Many of those who have been a part of Friday Night SmackDown
over the years are here with us tonight, including the Hall-of-Famer,
the whole damn show, Rob Van Dam,
former WWE Champion, ECW original Mr. Money in the Bank here.
-Look at-- -[Both] Excuse me!
[Cole] Vickie Guerrero, SmackDown General Manager,
is here tonight.
And also here for Monday Night Raw,
the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
and his Imperium sidekick, Ludwig Kaiser.
[Corey] I've gotta say, I'm a little disappointed in Seattle
for that sort of reception
for the World Heavyweight Champion and Kaiser.
Maybe they'll do better for these international icons.
-[Cole] Icons? -[Corey] Sure.
♪ A-Town Down, tearing the place down ♪
♪ A-Town Down, like my next sound, hey ♪
You know what time it is USA Network?
-[explosion] -[applause]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is a tag-team match
scheduled for One Fall.
Introducing first the team of Grayson Waller and
Austin Theory, A-Town Down Under!
[Cole] You know, Corey, last week on Friday Night SmackDown,
Kevin Owens decided to prey on the perceived issues
between Waller and Theory of A-Town Down,
goaded them into a Triple Threat Match.
[Corey] A Triple Threat--
Triple Threat match-up which inevitably began to break down
between A-Town Down Under, opening the door for Owens
to slam it shut, deliver a stunner to Theory,
and pick up a victory in the Triple Threat Match.
[Cole] Yeah, but after the match-up, A-Town Down Under
laying waste to the prize fighter, a two-on-one attack,
trying to teach Kevin a lesson.
[Cole] Which leads us to our Tag Team Match tonight.
The question is, Corey, Who's Kevin Owens going to pick
to be his partner?
[Corey] I don't know if you know this, Cole,
but Kevin Owens isn't well thought of as a trustworthy partner,
historically speaking.
[applause]
[Rock music]
[Alicia] And their opponents, first,
from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 242 pounds--
[roars]
[Alicia] --Kevin Owens!
[Cole] So Kevin Owens, set for tag-team action
tonight against the former Tag Team Champions, Waller and Theory.
You think there's issues between Theory and Waller?
[Corey] I think Waller and Theory are best mates,
as they so eloquently put it.
And I think all friends get into arguments, get into spats.
Once in a while, even you and I don't get along, Cole.
You just move on. It's water under the bridge.
That's what friendship's all about.
Do you tell people that you and I are best mates?
[Alicia] And his tag-team partner!
♪ Pack a punch like a pro ♪
♪ Knock them out with the flow ♪
♪ Yo, I'mma make waves ♪
♪ Big baseline gonna make that shake ♪
-[Corey] What the hell is this? -You mean, who the hell is this?
[Corey] No, I think I was right the first time.
Kevin Owens is my guy. You're my guy right here.
♪ Got a big dream and the dream won't fade ♪
[Cole] What happened to the days
when the wrestlers used to shave their chests?
[Corey] How about the, shave your back?
You're gonna be on television.
♪ I told you, man, don't test me It's about to get messy ♪
[Corey] Guy's out here, dressed like a Miami sub shop.
♪ All in the crib, put your hands up This one here ♪
[Corey] He's got a thick layer of fur on his back.
Maybe this guy is some sort of virtuoso in the ring.
Maybe K.O. has found the unsung hero.
What are you laughing at, you idiots?
[audience murmurs]
Look, okay. Okay.
I'll admit he wasn't my first choice,
but my actual partner couldn't make it.
He had some travel issues, so you know what?
That's my partner. He's my partner.
That's- that's- what's your name? That's Ricky.
That's Ricky, and he's my partner, okay?
Hell yeah!
We're gonna do it!
All right, Ricky, let's give them hell.
Let's get this started.
[Cole] George "The Animal" Steele's son.
[audience] Ricky! Ricky!
Ricky! Ricky! Ricky!
[Cole] While the Ricky chants are filling the arena here in Seattle--
He's here! He's here, Kevin. He's here!
-He's here? -He's here!
-Wait, he's-- -Wow!
He made it? He's here?
-[applause] -Oh.
-[Cole] Good job, Bianca. Hey, Reggie, no offense, but--
-[Cole] Oh! Score! -[Corey] Ah!
[Cole] Poor Ricky!
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
[Cole] Oh, yeah!
♪ They counsel me ♪
♪ They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
[applause]
[Alicia] And his tag-team partner,
from Saint Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 290 pounds,
The Viper,
Randy Orton!
[Cole] Theory and Waller are not laughing now.
In fact, Theory was just looking at us
and he mouthed a very bad word.
[Corey] Theory and Waller are absolutely shocked right now.
Randy's been on a bit of a sabbatical
from SmackDown, handling business on Monday Night Raw.
But The Viper is back.
[Cole] We've learned in recent months
that Owens and Randy Orton are-- how did you describe it?
-Best mates? -[Corey] Best mates. That's- okay.
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things that I will do ♪
[Cole] The 14-time World Champion.
[Corey] Waller actually is out here requesting Ricky get back in the ring.
-And I can't really blame him. -I can't stand this--
[Cole] Ricky should have lost that number.
-[Cole] Someone will get it. -[Corey] I got it.
-I just didn't want to justify it. -[laughter]
[Cole] Randy Orton and Kevin Owens!
[Cole] The season premiere of SmackDown trending number one
in the United States.
Hey, our audio engineer, Frenchie, said he got the joke, too.
[Corey] That makes two of us.
Well, the only people laughing right now
are The Viper and The Prizefighter,
who just pulled one over in spectacular fashion.
[Cole] "Hey, buddy," Kevin Owens says to Randy Orton.
♪ They tell me things that I will do ♪
♪ They show me things I'll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
[Cole] So if you're Waller and Theory,
in theory, what do you do to try to knock off Orton and Owens tonight?
[Corey] Oh, if you're Waller and Theory,
you need to somehow isolate Owens,
stay away from The Viper, and inflict a two-on-one beatdown
at any given opportunity.
Maybe now would be a good time to call in some backup,
I'm just saying. Look at the size of Orton.
[Cole] Randy Orton, who took the world champ Gunther
to the limit in Berlin a couple of weeks ago.
Had a great sit-down interview with Randy
for the countdown show for that event.
And he's just loving his career.
He's loving his life right now,
enjoying performing in front of sold-out crowds
like we have here tonight in Seattle.
[Cole] Kevin Owens is pretty ecstatic
that Randy's here to be his partner tonight.
[applause]
[bell rings]
[Cole] Here we go, Kevin Owens starting off
against Grayson Waller in this tag-team match-up.
[Corey] The Aussie Icon being stomped out in the corner,
courtesy of The Prizefighter.
And clear the deck! Kevin--
[Cole] Uh-oh. And it's Theory saving his mate, Waller.
[Corey] That's what best mates are for.
[Cole] And uh-oh!
The Apex Predator!
And Randy Orton driven into the steel post by Waller.
-[Corey] Orton now-- -[Cole] Kevin Owens on the attack.
And Waller just fell right on top of his partner, Theory,
and out bounced off our announce table.
[Corey] Divide and conquer.
That's what A-Town Down Under needs to focus on,
if they ever get out of the gates,
because right now, this is a one-sided ass-kicking,
courtesy of Owens and Orton.
[Cole] How can Waller focus
when his eyes just rolled back in his head?
Austin Theory trying to drag K.O. out of the ring.
K.O. follows it up with the Right Hand. And Theory gonna be bounced
-right off the announce table. -[Corey] Look out. Football time!
[Cole] Waller now with a Clothesline, taking advantage.
[Corey] It just took a few moments for Waller
-and Theory to get back on the same page. -[Cole] Look at Waller.
That's Randy Orton's move! That's what Randy Orton does!
And now mocking Orton.
Yeah, that's smart for your career,
real smart for your career, Waller!
[Corey] I got a kick out of it.
[chanting]
[Cole] A-Town Down Under, the former Tag Team Champions,
have suddenly started to take over this match against Owens and Orton.
-[Corey] Waller and Theory-- -Oh!
[Corey] --weathered the early storm, but here comes Owens again!
[Cole] Collision now.
It's an opportunity to tag in that man,
"The Viper" Randy Orton.
[Corey] Things about to go from bad to worse
for Theory and Waller.
Here comes The Aussie Icon with the quickness.
[booing]
Grayson Waller, the loquacious Superstar…
…trying to inflict his will--
Waller, you know better than to try this!
No one successfully Superplexes Kevin Owens.
It's not something I made up. It's just reality.
Go! Go! Go!
[Cole] And now Kevin Owens with some Headbutts!
[Corey] Tag made, Austin Theory now legal for his team,
trying to pick up where his best mate left off.
Big, heavy body shots from The Prizefighter.
Theory now teetering, precarious position,
Elbow right between the eyes.
[Cole] Owens with the right hand! Theory's down!
[Corey] K.O. from the top!
[Cole] Oh, a Swanton by Owens!
[applause]
[Corey] Owens desperately needs to make a tag.
Orton more than ready to deliver!
And Waller from the outside!
[Cole] Oh! Smart move by Grayson Waller
to drag Orton off the apron and allow Theory now to go on the attack.
[Corey] Fantastic intellect displayed by The Aussie Icon.
Now, great teamwork.
[Cole] Oh, double team!
Cover. Is it enough to put Owens away?
Hook of a leg and a kick-out.
Hey, this your guy?
[Corey] A-Town Down Under have done a fantastic job
in the past several minutes of cutting the ring in half,
keeping Owens isolated away from Randy Orton.
Quick tags from Waller and Theory.
But if we know anything about Owens, it's that--
-[Cole] Oh, what a Knee! -…just keep fighting.
Uh-oh, here comes Waller.
[Cole] Grayson Waller slides through. Kevin Owens missed
with the attempted Clothesline. Waller now bounced off our table again.
[Corey] Waller trying to prevent Owens from making a tag.
Here comes Theory. There goes Theory.
[Cole] Over the top rope as well.
Waller into the ring, again intercepting Owens
him back into their corner!
[Corey] That is fantastic tag-team IQ
being displayed by A-Town Down Under.
[applause]
Two Superstars essentially using one brain.
[Cole] Owens almost there! Can he get there?
[Corey] Tag made again.
[audience chanting] K.O.! K.O.! K.O.!
[Cole] Oh, and a kick right to the face by K.O.
And another one as Kevin Owens tries to fight out of this.
[Corey] K.O. has a lot of ground to cover.
Smart move by Owens!
[Cole] Owens, tag!
Here comes Orton!
And Randy Orton's on fire!
Powerslam by Orton!
[the crowd goes wild]
And another one!
[applause and cheering]
And Austin Theory trying to save his partner,
Grayson Waller.
Randy Orton now!
-Here comes-- -[Cole] Theory!
Big Uppercut by Randy.
I don't think Theory wants to be there.
Randy!
Aw.
One for Waller as well!
[applause]
He had a partner to help here. Come on.
[audience] One more time! One more time!
[Cole] Corey, you okay?
[Corey] I'm good, just got sweat on by an Aussie.
Uh-oh.
There you go, Cole.
[Cole] And now Theory. Kevin Owens intercepts.
[applause]
Kevin Owens and Randy Orton!
Double! Vintage!
Orton!
[applause]
Randy feeding off this capacity crowd tonight!
So is Kevin Owens--
K.O.!
-Cover! -[audience] One! Two! Three!
[Cole] K.O. and Randy with the win!
♪ Hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me ♪
[Alicia] Here are your winners, the team of Kevin Owens
and Randy Orton!
[Corey] That'd be a cathartic win for Kevin Owens,
who has had his hands full with A-Town Down Under
for longer than he cares to remember.
Leave it to "The Viper" Randy Orton
to take the next step. RKO-Stunner combination.
[audience] One! two! three!
[Corey] And a big win for Orton and Owens.
♪ That has the knowledge ♪
♪ And the power to rule your fate ♪
[Cole] Well- Ricky had his-
30 seconds of fame tonight
before Randy Orton came back to save the day.
-Orton and Owens with the win. -[Cole] Let's head--
Hey, Ricky! Thank you! Appreciate the effort. Sorry, Ricky!
[Cole] …to Cathy Kelley.
♪ They counsel me, they understand They talk to me ♪
Thanks so much. This story is developing at a rapid rate,
I'm standing by again with the General Manager, Nick Aldis.
Now, Nick, I saw that you spoke to The Bloodline
and Solo Sikoa, so can you give us an update on that challenge?
Yes, I can.
Solo Sikoa has made the challenge for a Tag Team Match
of Bad Blood, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu versus
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
[applause]
I've managed to get legal to draw up a contract very, very quickly.
And remarkably, Solo and Jacob, they signed it. They didn't even read it.
Now I just have to talk to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns and get them just--
[door knocks]
-Cody. -Nick.
I feel you heard what I said out there.
I'm done.
I'm done with The Bloodline. As far as I'm concerned, The Bloodline,
it's Roman Reigns' problem.
I'm sorry. I have no intention of signing that.
[booing]
I have to speak to Roman Reigns.
Thank you so much for your time.
I will update you guys as this story continues to develop.
But in the meantime, send it back out to the arena.
[Cole] Cody Rhodes is pretty adamant there.
[Corey] I don't think-- even think Nick Aldis predicted that answer
from The American Nightmare.
["Not like most girls" by Def Rebel playing]
♪ There's only one of me ♪
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the WWE
Women's Champion, Nia Jax!
[Cole] Well, Nia Jax-
is on a mission to dominate with an 86 rating
and a return to the WWE 2K franchise.
Get the Global Superstars Pack,
the biggest WWE 2K24 DLC yet,
and play as Nia Jax, available next Wednesday.
You and I got a chance to call all that.
[Corey] Well, I mean, most fun we've had in years.
Love the 2K games and love Nia Jax-
Queen Nia Jax.
[Cole] Coming out here to address her opponent
at the Bad Blood premium live event live, next.
♪ I bet you'll be out Before I count to three ♪
♪ I'mma show you how 'Cause I'm the baddest breed ♪
♪ And I won't be denied ♪
♪ 'Cause all I've got left is my pride ♪
♪ And I will rise up ♪
♪ Break it out ♪
♪ Break you down, breaking rules ♪
♪ Breaking ground ♪
♪ Had your chance ♪
[Cole] And indeed, the King and Queen are here,
King Booker and Queen Sharmell.
Hope they got a payday for being in Seattle tonight.
[Corey] Booker doesn't get out of bed for less than 10 grand. I know that much.
[Cole] Sheamus here for Monday Night Raw,
The Celtic Warrior celebrating 25 years.
-[Corey] Of Friday Night SmackDown. Oh. -[Cole] And, oh!
[Cole] Badstreet, Atlanta, GA.
[Corey] Well, we're in Seattle, but the Hall-of-Famer, Michael PS Hayes,
-is in the house. -[Cole] We are in Seattle tonight.
We're sold out, 14,551, for the season premiere
of Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network.
And when in Seattle, do as the tourists do.
[Corey] You know, I had a lot of ideas for how to spend my time here in Seattle.
Never once had it crossed my mind to throw fish at my friends.
But that's what Nia and Tiffany Stratton and Pretty Deadly did
with their day earlier today.
[Cole] I went to a bar.
[Corey chuckles] Don't doubt it. I should have.
♪ Count to three ♪
[Cole] The champ, Nia Jax.
♪ 'Cause I'm the baddest breed ♪
You know, I was just thinking.
A year ago, I returned to the WWE.
And ever since, every woman in that locker room has realized
why I am The Irresistible Force.
[a few cheers]
They realized why I am unstoppable.
I won the Queen of the Ring tournament, [laughs]
that was easy.
[audience] Why?
You know what?
I became your WWE Women's Champion.
[rapturous applause]
And that was even easier.
Every woman in that locker room fears me.
And every woman in that locker room has a good reason
to fear me.
[audience] Why?
Well, today, Nick Aldis informed me
that I will be defending my title at Bad Blood.
[audience] Why?
I don't know who my opponent is.
[audience] Why?
And I don't care who my opponent is.
[audience] Why?
Because they will see the same fate
that Michin, Naomi, and Bayley have seen.
[audience] Why?
I'm going to--
[audience] What?
Annihilate them.
[audience murmurs]
["Not like most girls" by Def Rebel plays]
[applause]
[Corey] Hang on just a second.
The former Champion would like a word, Ms. Jax.
[Bayley] Ding dong, idiot.
[laughs]
You tell her, Bayley.
[audience] Bayley! Bayley! Bayley! Bayley! Bayley! Bayley! Bayley!
-Thank you. Thank you. -[audience] Bayley! Bayley!
You know, Nia, I'll give you credit where credit is due.
You've had the greatest year of your career.
I'll give you that.
Uh, but it's not like you set the bar really high
for yourself in that first round. [laughs]
[audience member] Bayley!
But, but, but-
I am happy that you're feeling confident,
because I want my rematch.
[applause]
Bayley, you're in no position to demand anything from me.
[booing]
This isn't like last year when you were running around SmackDown
behind Damage Control.
-I run the women's division. -[audience murmurs]
And I don't need a posse to do it.
You don't? Well, what are you using Tiffy for then, huh?
What's she all about? Because if I remember correctly,
I didn't need Damage Control to win my title at WrestleMania.
But you somehow needed Tiffany to win your title at SummerSlam.
Do you owe her one, or does she owe you one?
Where are you guys at right now? Like, is she--
♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
[applause]
[Corey] Do not adjust your watches, ladies and gentlemen.
It is Tiffy time.
♪ Bass so loud, it's in my skin ♪
Bayley!
This is just so…
-…pathetic. -[audience clamors]
-Nia knows better than to listen to you. -[audience clamors]
And besides,
you're just like every other woman in that locker room that's just jealous
that I have the Money in the Bank briefcase
and don't have to beg for an opportunity like a peasant.
[audience murmuring]
Peasant? I'm a peasant?
Well, this peasant-
beat the youngest Miss Money in the Bank ever last week.
Do you remember that, or is it just me? You guys remember that?
[chuckles]
Only because Nia got involved.
Ooh.
So it was Nia's fault that you lost?
You know what, Bayley? You're good. You're smart.
You almost had me, just like you would almost have a prayer
-if you ever faced me again. -[audience gasps]
Or like you would almost have a prayer
-if we beat you down right now. -[audience gasps]
♪ Let's go! The beast is out the cage ♪
[applause]
[Corey] Sounds like Bayley's got some backup!
♪ I make them feel the pain ♪
♪ I hear the people scream my name ♪
♪ Glow, glow ♪
Oh, baby, if y'all want to fight, we can fight!
[applause]
Y'all know I ain't goin' sit back and let y'all attack my bae.
Uh-uh, ain't going to happen today!
[cheering]
And while I think about it,
it's been a while since I held a title.
I think it's about time that I do it again.
[applause]
So what do you say you put your money where your big old mouth is,
and let's glow?
My big mouth?
Okay, okay.
So you want my title,
and you want my title.
Maybe- you should have a match to see
who faces me at Bad Blood.
Oh, so you mean like a Triple Threat?
Yeah, we've done that before. We can do that. Sure.
No, no, no, not a Triple Threat, Bayley. Let's make this a little more interesting.
Why don't you two face Tiffy and I next week,
and whoever gets the win can face me at Bad Blood?
[audience murmurs]
Oh-- talk about it.
Go ahead and chit-chat about it.
[Tiffany] Please.
We accept.
[applause]
Get out of our arena!
Oh, oh, wait, and another thing.
If-- no, no, no, no- when Tiffany and I win,
whoever loses leaves SmackDown
permanently.
[audience gasps]
Toodles!
Yeah, go Tiffy-toe off your mom, you idiot.
[audience gasps]
-[Cole] Uh-oh! -[Corey] Ooh!
[Cole] And Naomi with a rear view!
And Miss Money in the Bank retreating!
But Corey, a high-stakes match-up perhaps next week on SmackDown.
[Corey] Nia throwing that curveball
at the last possible second, incredibly high stakes,
feast or famine.
Someone's going to challenge Nia
or someone's going to have to leave SmackDown altogether.
♪ Glow, glow, glow ♪
♪ Pump your fists, let's go ♪
Excuse me, Nick Aldis. I understand you've spoken
to the Original Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
Can you give us an update on what he said?
Yes, I can. In fact, I'll tell you exactly what Roman Reigns told me.
He wants to address this situation
in the ring right after this match.
So, after this match, I guess we'll find out together.
Well, it is confirmed that Roman Reigns is still here
in the arena, and he plans to address the WWE Universe
live tonight.
Corey, Cole, back to you.
[Cole] Right after this upcoming match-up,
because they are tied at two wins apiece.
It's the Rubber Match,
Carmelo Hayes versus Andrade.
They square off live next
on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ Blue one, blue hundred, like VVs Round the world, everybody come see me ♪
[foreboding music]
[Narrator] In this world nothing is as it seems.
On November 30, survival is only the beginning.
["War pigs" by Black Sabbath plays]
♪ Generals gathered in their masses ♪
Survivor Series-- WarGames from Vancouver,
British Columbia, November 30.
Tickets on sale now.
♪ Gotta keep our head up Never get that low ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm living this life Now it's all I know ♪
♪ Like, whoa, it's the life I chose This life, this life ♪
♪ So I need to step up everywhere I go ♪
♪ Now they screaming my name After every show ♪
♪ Like, whoa ♪
[Cole] We celebrate 25 years of SmackDown tonight.
Damn!
[Corey] Ron Simmons is here, and Teddy Long!
[Cole] Two Hall-of-Famers, Teddy,
a former longtime General Manager of Friday Night SmackDown.
William Regal here as well, a legend.
[Corey] One of the greatest minds in the business.
[Cole] Speaking of great minds in the business, Bobby Roode.
[Corey] He's not great, Michael Cole.
He's absolutely glorious.
[Cole] And a former World champ, Damian Priest,
one of the Terror Twins celebrating SmackDown's 25 years
years here tonight.
["The Greatest" by Def Rebel playing]
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest Ain't no hating, I'm the best here ♪
♪ You want your shot? Well, I guess you wait till next year ♪
♪ I'm at the top Get respect while I get feared ♪
♪ Who got a problem, huh? Tell them to step here, step here ♪
♪ What? Yeah ♪
♪ Come on ♪
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for One Fall.
Introducing first from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Cole] Carmelo's won the last two in this series against Andrade.
Andrade won the first two.
This is the Rubber Match here tonight.
Well, Survivor Series WarGames will be coming to Rogers Arena
in Vancouver Saturday, November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Tickets on sale now at TicketMaster.com. You've gotta get your tickets.
They are selling faster than SummerSlam did,
Money in the Bank, and most of the premium live events this year.
[Corey] Don't waste your time. You wanna be there.
Vancouver, beautiful city. An unforgettable night awaits.
But how about what's happening in a matter of moments, Cole?
Match number 5 in this rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade.
[Cole] Both of these men would love a United States Championship opportunity
down the road.
♪ Hey ♪
♪ El Idolo ♪
[Alicia] And his opponent,
from Gomez Palacio,
Durango, Mexico,
weighing in at 230 pounds,
Andrade!
[Cole] The man who began his career
in Mexico as a mass superstar known as La Sombra, The Shadow.
Andrade, set for action here tonight.
[Corey] Both of these Superstars have produced
what many in the WWE Universe are calling
instant classics in their first four encounters.
I fully expect the bar to be raised even further right now.
Carmelo Hayes!
[Cole] Oh, Hayes wasted little time!
[Corey] Before the bell with a cheap shot.
[Cole] And again, going right to work on Andrade here.
Hasn't he even been able to get his ring jacket off?
And referee Jason Ayers trying to separate the men.
The bell has not rung to start this match.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] This thing has turned personal in a hurry.
It began as-
-a game of one-upsmanship... -[bell rings]
...two premier athletes looking to advance their rankings
in the United States Title picture.
And this thing has just devolved.
[Cole] Yeah, bell rings, we are underway.
Remember, both of these men confronted the current United States Champion,
LA Knight, last week. Both suffered for it, the BFTs from the champ.
Well, a victory tonight could put one of these men in the driver's seat
-for a Championship-- -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] Carmelo shoved off the ropes into the floor.
[Corey] I would agree
with the mentality of these two superstars,
somebody has got to win definitively!
[Cole] Moonsault from Andrade!
[Corey] Put the other one out to pasture
and move on to your United States Title aspirations.
This is a smart move by Carmelo Hayes.
[Cole] Yeah. Hayes, rolling out of harm's way at least momentarily,
catches Andrade as he rolls underneath the bottom rope.
-Oh, a Chop. -[booing]
And now a reversal, Hayes on the barricade.
Nobody home, as Andrade ducked out of harm's way and caught him with a Kick.
[Corey] Oh! Big Boot by Andrade takes down Hayes.
Andrade, of course, the current WWE Speed Champion,
gets him in spectacular action exclusively on X, Wednesdays.
[Cole] You're the voice of that show.
[grunting]
2!
3!
[Corey] What is Andrade looking for here?
[Cole] Carmelo in trouble on the floor.
Andrade now up to the barricade in the timekeeper's area.
Took a little too much time. Carmelo Hayes gonna meet him there!
[Corey] Oh, no, no. Good God.
These two usually-sure-footed athletes-
looking to take each other out!
-[Cole] Oh, my God! -Oh!
Andrade, man, just broke his shoulder!
[Cole] Can anybody get back in the ring?
We're back live on Friday Night SmackDown,
the season premiere, on the USA Network,
14,551 on hand in Seattle.
Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, fifth match in their rivalry,
tied at two matches apiece.
Andrade. Nobody home for Hayes.
And now Carmelo off the second rope!
[boos]
Up over the top.
[Corey] Beautiful reversal. Looking for the message was Andrade.
[Cole] Roll through now, stacks him up.
[Corey] That's how Andrade won in the past.
[Cole] Great sequence by both these superstars.
Former NXT champ Andrade, shoulders down again, lifts Hayes up.
[Corey] Tried to lift.
Smart move by Hayes, putting on the brakes for the moment.
Heavy overhead elbow.
[Cole] Carmelo, Verse 48, connects to Andrade.
-[Corey] Oh! -Oh, goodness, what a collision!
-[Corey] Oh, my God! -What a collision!
Andrade just falls into the cover,
and Hayes kicks out at two.
[Corey] Andrade uncorked this Back Elbow right under the chin
of Hayes and nearly ended it.
[applause]
[Cole] Brilliant crowd all night long here.
[Corey] And over the past four encounters, including tonight's fifth,
the WWE Universe has truly developed
a healthy respect for both of these Superstars
and what they're capable of in the ring.
From bell to bell, two of the best in the world.
Andrade looking to take it high risk all the way up top
the former Luchador.
[Cole] Andrade lands on his feet, and he got caught.
[Corey] That's the thing about competing against the same opponent
in five consecutive matches. You learn one another's tricks, tendencies,
counters for your counters.
Face-first goes Andrade, Hooks the leg.
[Cole] And a kick-out by Andrade.
[Corey] Look of frustration washing over the face of Carmelo Hayes for the moment,
who is now stalking Andrade.
Remember, it was Hayes with a cheap shot
before the opening bell.
Hayes now once again perched on the top turnbuckle. Here it comes!
[Cole] Nothing but net. Andrade rolls out of harm's way.
Kick to the midsection.
[Corey] Andrade wanted the message, yet again countered.
Destroyer!
[Cole] Incredible! Both men are down.
[Corey] If Andrade is able to execute a cover here,
there's still time.
-Carmelo Hayes is on dream street. -[applause]
And the energy tonight in Seattle
beginning to pulse through Andrade!
Here it comes!
[Cole] Andrade into the corner with the Double Knees to Hayes!
Cover by Andrade for the win!
Oh, and he grabbed the bottom rope.
[Corey] Wisdom beyond his years.
Carmelo Hayes keeping this match-up alive,
showing great ring awareness.
[Cole] These two men, every single match they've had,
they've left it all in the ring.
[Corey] Spectacles, fireworks displays,
whatever you want to call it, they have been- can't miss.
And now Andrade again from the top!
[Cole] Oh!
And with a split-leg Moonsault, Hayes rolled out of the way!
[Corey] But can Hayes capitalize?
Can Carmelo Hayes makes something happen?
[snarls]
[Corey] Hayes is getting desperate, Cole.
[Cole] Andrade shoving him out of harm's way.
Hayes now with a Kick to the ear.
[Corey] Precarious position for both men.
[Cole] Carmelo Hayes caught by Andrade!
Kick right in the face.
Another Kick by Hayes. Andrade's done.
[Corey] More Jabs to the ribs by Andrade.
[Cole] …from the second rope!
-[Corey] Oh, my God! -[Cole] Andrade!
-[audience] One! Two! Three! -[Cole] Message!
[bell rings]
["Conquistar" by Def Rebel playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Andrade!
[Cole] Andrade with the win, three wins to Hayes' two in the series!
[Corey] Cole, I-- wait a minute.
[applause]
["Welcome to La" by Def Rebel playing]
Well, we expected the United States Champion
to be keeping a close eye on tonight's proceedings,
but The Megastar is here!
[Cole] United States Champion!
[audience] LA Knight!
LA Knight!
Let me talk to you.
[applause]
Congratulations, Andrade.
According to Nick Aldis, you're the next contestant
for the US Championship.
[applause]
So I hope you're feeling all the excitement, all the tingles
and jingles down there.
But don't get lost in the sauce, because all you did is you just won
the hit it and quit it sweepstakes.
And the grand prize for that sweepstakes
is one week from tonight, you get a first-class ticket
to getting dropped on your head, catching three the hard way
from the man they call The Megastar.
Yeah!
[audience] Yeah!
And while you're laying there trying to figure out who, what,
and where you are, it ain't gonna be too hard to figure out
exactly whose game this is, who's still the US Champ,
with everybody saying--
[audience] LA Knight!
Yeah!
[def rebel, "welcome to la"]
[Corey] Well, congratulations, Andrade,
the next challenger for LA Knight's United States Championship.
It's this right here!
You can't have it. You want it.
But you won't take it because you can't.
[Cole] Bad Blood is presented by Morgan & Morgan
America's largest injury law firm. Injured?
Go to ForThePeople.com.
And by Wendy's new Saucy Nuggs. Take the Nuggs you love and sauce them up
in seven bold flavors like Honey Barbecue or Garlic Parm.
Try them all today.
For a whole new way to Nugg, it's gotta be Wendy's.
I'm looking forward to next week,
Friday Night SmackDown here on the USA Network
from Sacramento, California.
Andrade, LA Knight for the United States Championship.
Andrade worked incredibly hard to earn the opportunity.
LA Knight has been waiting for the next challenger to step up.
That one's going to be a banger.
Matter of moments away from Roman Reigns
reappearing here in the ring on Friday Night SmackDown.
But yesterday, WWE and UFC teamed up ahead
of Riyadh Season Noche as WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio
and former two-time UFC flyweight champ Brandon Moreno
visited Casa De Luz, a Las Vegas youth center supporting
the Latino community.
Rey and Brandon spent time with Casa De Luz kids,
spoke about their Hispanic heritage,
handed out WWE and UFC merch, and toured the center.
[Corey] Absolutely awesome. Well, Cole, you mentioned Sacramento next week.
How about something else to look forward to beyond
the United States Championship match?
How about this Tag Team contest?
Bayley and Naomi joined forces.
If one of them wins, they will be the next to challenge
for Nia Jax WWE Women's Championship.
However, if Jax and Tiffany Stratton win,
Bayley or Naomi, whoever gets Pinned,
has to leave SmackDown permanently.
[Cole] Let's go to Byron Saxton.
Michael, Corey, thank you.
As you can see, I'm standing by
with the Women's Tag Team Champions, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill.
What a week for you ladies.
On Monday, you successfully defend your Tag Team titles.
And now here you are tonight on the USA Premiere.
Yes, we are so excited to be here tonight.
And we are even more excited now that we got our titles back
on our shoulder.
And I know we lost them for a few months,
but we got them back now, so it's all good.
And we ain't letting that go.
Like I said, whoever wanna come get it, we got it.
We're giving out work.
Come apply.
Mm-hmm.
You know what? Any time, any place,
Raw, NXT, SmackDown, anybody can get it.
Every time we step in the ring,
we're gonn' keep defending these titles.
You're gonn' continue to hear,
"and still your Women's Tag Team Champions."
Yep. Who want it? Who want it?
Who want it? [awkward pause]
[booing]
You got something to say?
Did you guys hear what happened to Naomi?
-No. What? -What happened to Naomi?
Well, nothing yet.
But if she sticks her fat nose in my business again, something very bad.
Have a nice show!
Oh- and I forgot to say,
congratulations on the Tag titles.
They look really good on you guys.
But don't forget, I beat both of you to win the Queen of the Ring tournament.
So while you're the Tag Team champs,
SmackDown is my kingdom.
Toodles!
Bet.
♪ 1, 2, 3, 4 ♪
[Corey] I just hope Saxton finds his shoes.
[Cole] Is he in his socks?
[Corey] Unfortunately, it appears that way.
[Cole] It's been quite the 2024 in WWE tonight in Seattle,
our 38th television sell-out, 57 event sell-outs throughout the year.
Congratulations and thank you
to all the WWE fans who've made this possible.
♪ Never play, play ♪
["Head of the Table" by Def Rebel playing]
[applause]
[dramatic tune playing]
[explosions]
[Cole] Roman Reigns' return tonight,
following Cody Rhodes' victory over Solo Sikoa inside a steel cage
to help Cody Rhodes thwart the attack
by The Bloodline.
But since that moment, Corey,
there's been a lot of backstage negotiating-
backdoor negotiations between General Manager Nick Aldis
and the parties involved.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu allegedly signed
the contract sight unseen,
The Bloodline that eager to fight.
Cody Rhodes rejected the offer.
Roman Reigns requested to address the WWE Universe.
That's why we are here.
I cannot wait.
[Cole] Roman Reigns, the OTC,
is live next.
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night SmackDown.
The OTC, the Original Tribal Chief,
the returning Roman Reigns, is in the ring as we speak,
along with our General Manager, Nick Aldis.
[Corey] And ones to the sky.
[explosions]
[Cole] And the sell-out crowd in Seattle.
[Corey] Feels good, doesn't it?
[audience] OTC! OTC!
OTC! OTC!
OTC!
OTC! OTC!
OTC!
[applause]
[rapturous applause and cheers]
Roman, I know it's been a chaotic night.
And I know that you and I,
we have our own unique history.
And I just wanna say that with everything that--
[applause]
[clamoring]
[applause]
[audience] OTC!
OTC!
I don't want to confuse anybody.
Some things change…
…but not me.
[applause]
I don't need him.
I don't need some contract.
[applause]
This family business, this is Bloodline business here.
[applause]
I don't need a partner.
I definitely don't need the help of Cody Rhodes.
[applause]
And let's just get this one thing straight.
Whether I have- my family's Ula Fala or not,
I am the Tribal Chief!
[applause]
And you see, I'm not just the Original Tribal Chief.
I am the only Tribal Chief!
[applause]
And don't ever get it confused.
This is my ring.
This is my show.
This is my WWE!
[applause]
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waiting for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, Lights go up, I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ 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 ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me till the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ Lights go down, I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give them 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 ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ 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 ♪
[audience murmurs]
[audience] OTC!
OTC!
OTC! OTC!
OTC!
OTC! OTC!
OTC!
Your ring.
Your WWE.
Well…
…it was.
[booing]
But it hasn't been
since WrestleMania.
[audience murmurs]
[clamoring]
[applause]
["Taking it all" by Def Rebel plays]
♪ We're takin it all ♪
[Cole] Well, that's gonna have to wait.
♪ The one who will not take a loss ♪
[Corey] Solo Sikoa still feeling the effects of the cage match
earlier tonight…
he and Cody endured.
But the new Tribal Chief, along with his personal enforcer,
"The Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu, stalking their way to the ring.
As mentioned, Nick Aldis has already obtained
the signatures of Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu for a match-up
that doesn't seem to be possible, at least anymore.
♪ Tell them my time is now While packed and ready to fight ♪
♪ Through the struggle The hustle, the pain ♪
You guys are friends now?
♪ This is my time, Ain't no time to waste ♪
[Corey] Roman Reigns said that he-- oh, wait a minute!
-[Cole] From behind! -[Corey] Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa!
[Cole] The Tag champs from The Bloodline
attacking Reigns and Rhodes!
And Cody now fighting back!
Off the top rope with a Cody Cutter!
And Roman's not done yet either.
-Wow! -[Corey] A uranage.
[Cole] And again, much like earlier tonight--
[Solo] You're friends now?
-All of a sudden, you're friends? -[Cole] A rough alliance has been formed.
[Solo] Him!
[crowd cheering]
He ain't going to sign it.
He don't like you.
He beat you at WrestleMania.
He don't like you! He don't like you!
[audience chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC!
[crowd cheering]
[Solo] He don't like you!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Earlier tonight, Cody Rhodes said his business
with The Bloodline was done.
Apparently not.
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have inked the contract.
And as you mentioned earlier, Corey,
-so did The Bloodline. -He's the one that beat you!
-[Corey] A rare occurrence... -He don't like you!
...where Roman Reigns realizes it's going to take more than the OTC
to topple The Bloodline.
[Solo] You have no idea what you've done now. ake more than the OTC