[dramatic music]
[man] Then…
…Now…
…Forever…
[dramatic music continues]
…Together.
[Corey] This is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the banks of Lake Michigan.
And tonight, Friday Night SmackDown is at the Fiserv Forum.
The arena where Giannis of the Bucks dropped 59 points
Wednesday night. And tonight is a Championship night,
including the WWE Women's Champion.
On your left, Nia Jax, the Champion, defended against the woman
who pinned her a number of weeks ago, Naomi.
They battle for the Championship tonight.
Also tonight, up top, the Motor City Machine Guns on a roll,
undefeated since coming to WWE to beat the tag team goal.
They take on the Street Profits.
B-Fab also has action in the United States Women's Championship tournament tonight.
[cheering]
[rock music]
-[explosions] -♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all and get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go out I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks explode]
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the undisputed WWE Champion,
"The American Nightmare,"
Cody Rhodes!
[cheering]
♪ You took my dreams, but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ Lights go down ♪
♪ I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give 'em what they came to see ♪
[Corey] "The American Nightmare,"
he is a man with a great deal on his mind,
a stark departure from the usual smiling Champion.
And this is no small reason why.
[Cole] Yeah. A brawl between Randy Orton and the unhinged Kevin Owens,
and then Kevin Owens would assault Randy Orton, Corey,
with a move that is banned for many years in WWE.
A Piledriver, trying to end Randy Orton's career.
Randy, of course, with a history of spine and back issues,
and he's out indefinitely.
[Corey] Kevin Owens knew exactly what he was trying to do.
-You go. You go. -[Corey] Best wishes to The Viper.
[cheering]
[crowd chanting "Cody"]
Kevin Owens.
[booing]
You have- crossed quite the line.
I know you are back there.
Would you please come out here right now?
[cheering]
Kevin Owens, get out here right now!
[cheering]
Cody, I know you're angry.
I'm angry. We're all angry, okay?
I've got Randy Orton, one of the greatest of all time,
laid up with severe cervical trauma
after he was gone for like a year and a half,
having his back fused together. Okay?
I understand that this is a very different situation.
Kevin Owens- used a Piledriver.
Yeah? A Piledriver.
There's a reason why that move is outlawed in this company,
because we don't want this generation ending up in wheelchairs in 20 years.
Okay?
[laughs] No one knows better than me
how long it takes to make it to this company, Cody.
But you know, I know.
Yeah, we do whatever it takes to make the big paydays to win the Championships,
but we don't cross that line.
And Kevin crossed that line,
and that's all there is to it.
So,
the fact of the matter is, until we figure this thing out,
I can't have him here.
[booing]
You are making a martyr of Kevin Owens.
You're giving him exactly what he wants.
You're hitting him in his wallet.
This is a man who drives a Lamborghini.
I don't know if the message is going to land
like you think.
Let me handle this, Nick.
Let me handle this.
Kevin Owens is self-righteous.
Kevin Owens is indignant. Kevin Owens is pharisaic.
-All right. That's enough. -In short- Kevin Owens is an a--
Uh-uh Cody,
I'm gonna stop you there before you say something you regret.
You think this is about money?
I know it's not about money.
This is about the roster knowing
that I know if you give 'em an inch, they take a mile.
Yeah?
And next thing you know, the inmates are running the asylum.
So here's how it goes.
He can't be here
until this situation is resolved- internally.
[booing and clamoring within the crowd]
Internally.
Nick,
be-- be real for me for a second.
I--
I know that in your role, you have to be objective.
You have to be dispassionate.
But I also know what's under that jacket.
I know you're a former wrestler.
You're still a wrestler.
I know that you're a good man, too.
So put yourself in my shoes for just a second.
Imagine you were in the back of that ambulance.
Imagine you had to be the one to call his wife,
to call his loved ones.
Imagine you being the one saying,
I don't know if his neck is broken.
Imagine when they ask the question "why",
that you have to tell them, well,
Kevin Owens is telling everybody under the sun, it's because of me.
WrestleMania 40 is the highlight of my life, professionally and personally.
You know a moment that happened in that ring?
I was on Randy Orton's shoulders. I dropped down to the mat.
He looked me in the eyes and he said,
hey, Code Man, I'm proud of you.
And as much as I loathe the nickname Code Man,
it's a moment that I will cherish forever
because that's what Randy Orton means to me.
So now, he's been put on the shelf.
Time taken away from him.
Time he might not have had. And again, that's because--
that's because of me?
If I can't handle my business in a WWE ring,
what do you expect me to do?
You want me to buy a ticket?
You want me to go to his house? You want me to knock on his door?
You want me to beat his ass in his front yard?
Is that what you expect me to do?
[cheering]
I- I know that is not what you want
from this company's Champion.
I know that is not how you want me representing this brand.
But Nick,
this ball is in your court,
and I won't be waiting very long.
[mic drop]
[cheering]
[rock music]
[Cole] You know, listen, I applaud General Manager Nick Aldis
for trying to do what he thinks he has to do.
But Corey, this Kevin Owens situation has gone way beyond going to human resources.
-Something's gotta be done about K.O. -[Corey] This is more than business.
This is deeply, deeply personal.
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all again ♪
I got you.
Yes, I got you.
All right. All right.
-I'll talk to you. Talk to you. -[crowd cheering]
Sup?
Who was that on the phone?
The OTC, Roman Reigns.
He's on the way. He'll be here shortly.
He wants all of us to meet in the same room together
so we can go over to play for WarGames.
All right?
Yeah. We're still going to need a fifth member for WarGames, bro.
You know what?
I think there's someone else I could ask.
It's worth a shot.
I'll catch you later.
He not got no brother. Who he got?
[Corey] Who's gonna be the fifth member? Recruitment hasn't been going that well.
[music playing]
♪ Role model ♪
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following is a first round
Triple Threat Match
in the Women's United States Championship Tournament.
Introducing first, from San Jose, California,
Bayley!
You know this woman, Bayley, has accomplished just about everything
in building a resume that could eventually lead
to the Hall of Fame.
Could she add the newly unveiled
Women's United States Championship to the list?
The tournament starts next.
[Cole] We are back on Friday Night Smackdown.
[announcer] Next, from Riverside, California,
Candice LeRae!
[Corey] Candice LeRae is a woman with a very- unique opportunity
in front of her. She is the reigning and first ever
WWE Speed Women's Champion.
She could very well add her name to the top of the list
as the first ever Women's United States Champion.
First round tournament matchup
here tonight.
This is the first of four first round Triple Threat matchups in this tournament.
[hip-hop music]
♪ I rise and they can never stop me ♪
♪ I'll be off the hinges ♪
♪ They can never, ever knock me ♪
♪ Try and copy ♪
♪ That's all that they'll be doing ♪
♪ Hey, they're blocking my shades ♪
♪ They can't see through it ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, I knew it ♪
[Alicia] And their opponent,
from Kenton, Ohio,
B-Fab!
[Cole] Corey, big night for B-Fab and her team,
The Street Profits, here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Corey] A lot of gold headed back with the Profits and B-Fab
in the very, very near future.
B-Fab has to be considered a wild card in this entire tournament.
We are extremely familiar with B-Fab
in a managerial role, outside in the corner of The Street Profits.
B-Fab herself has been chomping at the bit for an opportunity
to show what she can do in the ring.
-Well, tonight's your night, B-Fab. -[Cole] Yeah.
The WWe's chief content officer, Triple H,
said the women of WWE continue to show that they are the best in the business,
and the Women's United States Championship will showcase
those continued efforts. So here we go.
First match up of the tournament.
Triple Threat rules. First woman to gain pinfall or submission will move on
in the tournament.
[Corey] Poison Pixie, taking out Bayley out of the gate.
Of course, a great deal of history between LeRae and Bayley.
-Arguably, a smart strategy- -[Cole] Ooh.
[Corey] Candice and B-Fab with a right hand.
Of course, the-- inaugural United States Women's Champion will be crowned.
Saturday night's main event, December 14 at Nassau Coliseum.
[cheering]
And B-Fab with a sliding clothesline, cover, now.
And a kick-out by Candice LeRae.
B-Fab has been training with Dawkins and Montez Ford
of The Street Profits, getting ready for this big opportunity tonight.
[Cole] I really don't think it can be overstated
how valuable being a Manager
for a successful team can be as a competitor.
Some of the greats through history have learned the psychology of this game,
learned how to strategize, how to call an audible on the fly
if your strategy isn't working, just from looking on constantly.
That's what B-Fab had at her disposal with The Street Profits.
[Cole] Big kick by B-Fab. Bayley, back up to the apron now.
Bayley, of course, has accomplished everything in her career.
From a four-time Women's World Champ, two-time Women's Tag Champ.
[Corey] She's accomplished everything that has been available to this point.
-This is a whole new mountain for-- -[Cole] Oh!
And a double clothesline by B-Fab.
Looking great.
Who's gonna advance at the Women's United States Championship Tournament?
And as you saw, tremendous action during the commercial break.
Triple Threat Match to determine who advances in the tournament
to crown the first ever Women's United States Champion.
And Bayley now, with an elbow to the back of the neck of B-Fab. Will it be Bayley?
Cover now. Hook of the leg, Candice LeRae breaks things up.
Take another look at Bayley, soaring from the middle rope,
dropping her elbow right across the spine of B-Fab.
How apropos on the birthday of the legendary "Macho Man"
Randy Savage.
And there's a look at the beautiful Women's United States Championship.
[Corey] An extremely coveted title that has not yet been held
because all of the women in this division understand
what is at stake. Look back through the history
of all the great United States Champions, from Harley Race to John Cena.
It can truly launch your career to a whole new stratosphere,
becoming United States Champion.
And all of the women in this tournament and beyond realize that.
[Cole] Oh! All three women down.
First woman to gain pinfall or submission will win this match up.
And at that point, Corey, this is historic
because for the first time ever on RAW or SmackDown,
there will be a women's non-world title in play.
That's singles Championship-wise.
It's never happened before on RAW or SmackDown.
[cheering]
[Corey] Oh!
Cover. Cover now by LeRae and Bayley kicks-out at two.
LeRae looking to advance in the tournament.
B-Fab kicks out as well.
[Cole] LeRae, who's been complaining for weeks, her jealousy over Bayley,
the fact that Bayley's got a lot of opportunities
Candice believes she deserved.
And a chance tonight to put that all to rest,
as you take another look.
[Corey] Nobody will question the ability
of The Poison Pixie, as she just reminded the WWE Universe.
And now LeRae, making the long climb to the top.
B-Fab cuts her off at the pass.
[Cole] And B-Fab now, with forearms to LeRae.
B-Fab looks great in this matchup so far.
LeRae, though, creates space.
Candice now, looking to head up to the top rope and Bayley met her there.
[Corey] Well, that's the thing about opportunity in WWE.
You have to be prepared.
You have to be careful because you just may get it,
and you may only get one.
B-Fab understands the assignment tonight, but Bayley,
in control of this one.
-[Cole] And B-Fab-- -[Corey] Oh, maybe I spoke too soon.
[Cole] High risk here-- Wow!
-Everybody down. -[Corey] No cover.
[Cole] LeRae on Bayley, and B-Fab breaks it up.
Almost stolen there.
[Corey] Unbelievable awareness by Candice LeRae,
able to shift her weight.
Let's take another look at the last possible second
so that she ends up in a lateral press.
Thankfully, B-Fab had the wherewithal
to keep this matchup going, but kudos to Candice LeRae.
[Cole] And now, a frustrated LeRae,
upset over the fact that B-Fab cost her an opportunity
to advance in the Women's United States Championship Tournament.
LeRae, a former tag team Champion in NXT.
Corey mentioned, first ever speed Champion--
And B-Fab, taking down LeRae for an opportunity to advance,
and LeRae kicks-out.
I guess you'd have to believe
that would'a been a mild upset there, Corey.
[Corey] I certainly don't think anybody had their money on B-Fab
prior to this matchup, for only lack of familiarity.
But now, the WWE Universe is learning
what B-Fab- is all about!
Into the cover.
[Cole] Inverted neckbreaker.
Bayley kicks at two.
[Corey] And now, we'll find out exactly what B-Fab is made of.
We are in the deep waters.
This is where she wanted to be,
as we take another look at that facebuster.
B-Fab, proving she can swim with the sharks.
[Cole] And now Bayley, connecting!
[Corey] Bayley to Belly but here comes LeRae to capitalize.
[Cole] And Candice, smart, will take advantage of the belly.
Uh-oh!
Countered by B-Fab. Almost had her, and LeRae kicks-out.
Bayley, and the Bayley to Belly,
and LeRae almost took advantage and stole one again there.
[Corey] Poison Pixie, with a boot right in the mouth of B-Fab.
-There's a moonsault. Nobody home. -[Cole] Yeah.
B-Fab moved out of harm's way.
Bayley now, into the ring.
LeRae, sent into the second turnbuckle.
And now, B-Fab with a right.
And B-Fab, with a slam to Bayley-- for the win!
Candice LeRae, however,
pulling B-Fab off the cover.
B-Fab, dumping the Poison Pixie out to the apron and a boot.
Down goes LeRae.
And now, B-Fab, back in the fight.
Went for the big kick. Bayley, though, rolls up B-Fab.
Shoulders are down, stacks her up.
-Bayley advances! -[bell ringing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner.
Bayley!
[Cole] Tremendous performance by B-Fab here tonight
and Candice LeRae, but Bayley advances.
[Corey] Bayley had to have been the favorite into this matchup,
and reminding the WWE universe exactly why.
As we said, Bayley excited to have a new mountain to climb here in WWE.
[Cole] Our first glimpse tonight
at the brackets for the Women's United States
Championship Tournament.
As we mentioned, the first of four first-round
Triple Threat Matches tonight.
We'll head to the semifinals and of course, the finals December 14
from Nassau Coliseum on Long Island,
part of Saturday Night's Main Event.
Congratulations to Bayley,
who creeps closer to more history.
[cheering]
[Corey] Well, we heard Sami Zayn say earlier in the night, he had an idea.
Do you think the Megastar LA Knight could be
the fifth man for The Bloodline?
[Cole] Not quite sure, but we do know this.
LA Knight has a United States Championship:
Open Challenge, Live, next.
About it. Did your thing. Know what to tell us.
-What we got next? Let's go baby. -Mm-hmm. Oh, yeah.
It's your time. Do your thing.
Oh!
B-flop, did you really think that um-
you were gonna win that tournament?
That is so cute. Isn't that cute, P?
So sweet. Oh. Don't be sad, B-Fab.
You give it a good shot,
but no everyone can be Championship material, you know?
No. Certainly not everyone, but we can.
And when we- become the first ever
Women's United States Champion, we'll let you hold the title.
-How about that? -[laughter]
Just kidding.
Listen, trash can Chelsea.
Y'all both are right about one thing.
Only one of y'all can hold the Championship.
So what happens when y'all go on to the finals together?
While they all over here chuckling about me,
I think that y'all have other things that you need to be worried about.
I'm not sure what you're implying, but I resent the implication.
I don't need a tournament to fight. Is there a problem here?
-[indistinct muttering] -No, Mimi.
The problem is you and that.
-You smell that? -What?
We have to go. We're gonna strategize.
Mm-hmm. You smell that?
I think she still smells, just like a couple weeks ago.
In the book of Friday, you win some, lose some.
So B-Fab's got someone watching her back
-[music playing] -[cheering]
[Corey] You know, Chelsea Green just went over a million
followers on Instagram.
[Cole] How?
[Corey] Where would you like me to begin, Cole?
Unfortunately, the United States Champion is here
so we need to talk about LA Knight.
Yeah.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following is an Open Challenge.
Introducing the United States Champion,
LA Knight!
[Cole] You know, in this building Wednesday night,
Giannis and the Bucs dropped 59 points.
Perhaps it was because of a visit by this man,
the United States Champion.
Could you possibly be--
Make some noise, Milwaukee!
Oh, snap. It's the US Champion,
LA Knight!
[Corey] Could you possibly be referring
to the biggest t-shirt cannons ever known to man?
[laughter]
[Cole] I'm not entirely sure those things are legal,
but LA Knight steered them around like a real pro.
[Corey] He was also shooting rats out of the brat cannon as well.
-Bengal the-- -[Cole] Brats. Brats.
-[Corey] I say brat. You know why? -[Cole] Why?
[Corey] That's what my parents called me when I was a kid.
Nonetheless…
…Bengal the mascot was there as well.
Jimmy Kelly was auditioning for that role.
[chanting "LA Knight"]
Let me talk to you.
[cheering]
My God, I've been around the world,
and aye, aye, aye, everybody's looking for this thing.
Crown jewel came and went.
I walk out still your United States Champion.
[cheering]
And apparently, that must have caught some eyes,
because now Sami Zayn wants to ask me to join this Bloodline Civil War.
[cheering]
Let me be honest.
That ain't my fight.
I don't need that. I don't want that.
As far as I'm concerned,
if the whole bloodline just destroyed each other, I'm perfectly fine with it.
-Yeah! -[audience] Yeah!
I've got my own investment to worry about, and that's this thing right here.
Now, this ain't the Logan Paul show.
We ain't out here defending this thing just two times a year.
[cheering]
Yeah. You can boo Logan Paul. That's all right.
[booing]
But I tell you what.
While I'm standing here with this Championship,
and I'm going to be that man that I tell you what we're gonna do.
Once again, it is the LA Knight United States
Championship Open Challenge.
Yeah!
[cheering]
[solemn music playing]
[Cole] Legado Del Fantasma.
[Corey] Well, which member of Legado Del Fantasma intends
on- accepting the Open Challenge of the Megastar?
[Cole] Well, Santos Escobar has made it pretty clear
over the past number of months that he wants another opportunity
at the United States Championship
after he was defeated by LA Knight a couple of months back.
[Corey] Well, Cole, you know Electra Lopez is
in the Women's United States Championship Tournament.
There could be two United States Champions
within Legado Del Fantasma.
How's that for making an impact?
LA Knight.
-[rapturous cheers and applause] -No. No.
No.
Let me tell you something.
Why can't you say something cool,
something interesting,
something that has a ring to it?
[booing]
Shut up, Milwaukeeans.
Milwaukeeans, really?
It sounds like you're from a different planet, Milwaukeeans.
[Corey] It's Algonquin for "the good land."
Millioke.
It's all right. It's all right.
Why can't you say something cool like Escobar?
Sí?
[booing]
[Corey] That means "yes", or "yeah".
Are you not tired, exhausted, disgusted
of hearing yourself speak?
I don't know about this, Milwaukeeans,
but I am.
And I think it's time for someone to shut you up.
Look, Electra Lopez here has a unique opportunity
to become the first ever-
Women's United States Champion.
Mi campeona.
And I'm thinking,
on top of that,
why not bring the United States Championship
to my familia,
El Legado Del Fantasma?
So here's what we're going to do.
One second.
I appreciate your ambition.
I hear everything you're saying.
But I can feel this goof staring a hole in me right now.
[laughter]
He's looking at me like my head's covered in barbecue sauce.
Maybe you're hungry. I'm not sure.
But here's the thing. Me and you, been there, done that.
Beat you.
But this guy, I can give you an opportunity of a lifetime.
I look at it this way.
Only a couple of nights ago, in this building,
Giannis scored 59 points.
[cheering]
[Corey] Did you know that, Cole?
-[crowd goes wild] -Mere luck.
Now, I'm going to score 59 on you.
But I will get three the hard way
as you get dropped by the BFT.
So I'll give you the opportunity of a lifetime
and beat you like your daddy.
[cheering]
But don't get excited.
The only one that can call me daddy is your girl over here.
Yeah.
[cheering]
So while she's calling me daddy and you're screaming uncle,
I'll have everybody saying--
[crowd chanting "LA Knight, yeah!"]
Yeah
[Cole] The Milwaukeeans love it.
Escobar can't be happy.
And Berto now, attacking LA Knight.
[Corey] LA Knight only has himself to blame.
Knight's there to hold back through Berto.
Took his eye off the ball, and he got beat down for it.
We're going to have a United States Championship Match
Knight and Berto, next.
[Cole] We are back live on Friday Night Smackdown,
United States Championship challenge.
LA Knight and Berto of Legado Del Fantasma,
and Berto has been taking the fight to the champ, Corey, during the break.
[Corey] Berto has been extremely impressive thus far,
truly giving the Champion a run for his money.
And what a right by Berto.
[Cole] And Berto goes 6 foot, 198 pounds.
Monterey, Mexico. LA Knight, wow!
Up to the top rope, but shoved off by Berto.
Berto now, with an opportunity.
Big missile dropkick. Champ's down.
Cover now for the win and the title,
and a kick-out by Knight at two.
[Corey] See Santos Escobar, just a few feet in front of us,
celebrating just a little prematurely.
But let's look again at the picturesque flying dropkick
from Berto. Right on the money.
[Cole] Yeah, but what an opportunity, Corey.
Berto has never held a Championship in WWE.
In fact, during the break, did some research.
This is his first opportunity at a singles Championship
here on either RAW or SmackDown,
looking to knock off the champ, LA Knight.
[Corey] Berto right now, slowing down the pace.
This is a smart strategy, trying to wear down LA Knight.
[chanting]
This modified abdominal stretch, incredibly painful.
[Cole] Trying to fight back.
Of course, won the Championship at SummerSlam in Cleveland
early August, beating Logan Paul.
Has defended on a handful of occasions since then.
Berto hanging on.
LA Knight blocks. Oh, and he knocks Berto right out of the ring,
and right outside the ring as well.
[Corey] LA Knight, flexing his athleticism of his own.
[Cole] LA Knight's got to be careful.
And Knight's not gonna drop 59 on anybody,
but he's got a mean crossover.
[Corey] I was gonna say, to the basketball jump.
[chanting] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[Cole] Either that, or a Pall Mall, or Joe Cool.
I don't know a lot about Milwaukee. Get out of here.
And Berto bounced off the announce table
by LA Knight, who's now taking control of this match.
United States Champion looking to put Berto away.
Oh! Down goes Berto.
DDT plants him. Cover now to retain.
Kick-out at two.
[Corey] Great show of resilience from the challenger,
Berto, understanding the magnitude of the opportunity
he has in his hands right now.
[Cole] LA Knight, up.
Roberto lands on his feet, and oh, Connor rolls.
Shoulders down. Champ kicks-out at two.
And Berto! What a kick.
-[Corey] Good night. -[Cole] Springboard kick for the title.
Knight again, stays alive.
What a performance so far by Berto.
And you've got to wonder what Santos Escobar is thinking.
I was talking to him during the break
and asked him, what are you gonna think if Berto wins the United States title?
Does that mean Berto is in charge of the group now?
Escobar just stared me down.
[Corey] Escobar would become La Padrino, The Godfather.
And Berto has been incredibly impressive thus far.
Now, looking to finish the job from the top.
[Cole] Moonsault!
Knight got his foot in the air, and blocked Berto.
[Corey] And up to this point,
Berto has done a spectacular job of countering
LA Knight's trademark offense.
[Cole] And Knight, that pop-up slam by LA Knight.
Went to the elbow. Berto rolls out of harm's way.
[Corey] It's glaringly obvious that Berto has done his homework
on the United States Champion.
[Cole] That running dropkick by Berto, Knight again in trouble.
This could begin the shift of power toward Legado Del Fantasma.
[Corey] Yeah. We mentioned Electra Lopez
in the women's United States Championship tournament, as well.
Knight, fighting desperately here.
Headbutt, right on the ear of Berto.
[cheering]
[chanting "LA Knight, yeah"]
[Cole] Knight, top rope, elbow connects this time.
BFT, Blunt Force Trauma!
LA Knight retains.
[bell ringing]
[music playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner and still,
the United States Champion.
LA Knight!
[Corey] Great job by LA Knight, the United States Champion,
keeping his skill set sharp in an Open Challenge tonight.
But hats off to Berto, who proved to be an incredibly viable challenger.
But that would be the beginning of the end for Berto.
Megastar elbow, followed by blunt force trauma.
And still.
[bell ringing]
[Cole] LA Knight's success- successful
in this United States Championship Open Challenge.
But what on-- Oh, my God!
Corey, that's Shinsuke Nakamura.
Shinsuke Nakamura is back, and he just took out LA Knight!
We haven't seen Nakamura in months.
The wayward samurai has returned to Smackdown,
and it would appear that the United States Champion
is in Nakamura's crosshairs.
Yo, man, we in trouble.
Still ain't got no fifth member for this WarGame stuff, bro.
We need to tighten up right now.
-What you looking at me for? -Tonight, man.
-What? What's up? -Man, don't look like that.
-What? -Listen, it's not looking good.
-I knew that. -Where's Roman at, man?
Are we gonna talk or what?
Listen, he said meet him here.
So let's go.
Let's go.
[chanting]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown in Milwaukee tonight.
They know something about Championships, the Bucs winning the NBA title in 2021.
But we got a Championship night on tap here tonight, Corey.
[Corey] The gold rush is indeed on tonight in brew city.
The Women's Championship is on the line,
as WWE Women's Champion, the Irresistible Force,
Nia Jax defends her gold against Naomi tonight.
[Cole] Also tonight, the tag team titles are up for grabs.
The Street Profits want the smoke.
They take on the Motor City Machine Guns.
WWE tag team Championship match,
Live tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[hip-hop music]
♪ Counting zeros every day ♪
♪ You know that we never play ♪
♪ Hey ♪
-We're supposed to be here, right? -Just gonn' wait.
All right, man, but this isn't looking good.
It's just-- I'm just saying, it's not looking good.
[cheering]
So who's going to tell him?
All right, I'll just say it.
We've been to RAW. We've been to SmackDown.
We've asked around. There's nobody.
There's nobody that The Bloodline hasn't dropped.
There's nobody who wants to work with The Bloodline.
So no, we don't- we don't have a fifth guy.
Roman…
…did you make that call? We gotta make the call, Goose.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] Well, they'd better dial 911 quick.
The new Tribal Chief, The new Bloodline, in the house.
I still can't get over the fact that- just a couple of weeks ago,
Corey, that man, Solo Sikoa pinned Roman Reigns
in a tag team match.
[Corey] No one seems to be able to get over it.
Above all, Roman Reigns himself.
Solo continues to amass power,
as this new Bloodline continues to take over WWE.
Solo Sikoa…
…had every right
to be acting and bragging the way he is,
surrounded by- Jacob Fatu,
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa.
The new Bloodline is so dominant.
Some people love to cast doubt
over Solo Sikoa as the new tribal chief,
but he is the one in possession of the Ula Fala.
Possession is 9/10 of the law.
Having a werewolf watch your back doesn't hurt, either.
[booing]
Milwaukee.
[booing]
Acknowledge me.
[booing]
[cheering]
[dramatic music]
[cheering]
[Cole] The OTC,
The Original Tribal Chief,
and his Bloodline.
The cousins.
-The Usos. -[fireworks]
Sami Zayn.
And I believe it's all about to come to a head right now.
A civil war that has been brewing
for weeks and weeks and weeks.
[Corey] Well, it looks like it may pop off tonight in Milwaukee.
Hey!
[Cole] We are ready for a brawl.
We are ready for a fight of mega proportions.
Like a showdown at the OK Corral.
Roman has not taken his eyes- off Solo Sikoa.
Here we go! And the brawl is underway.
The original Bloodline, The new Bloodline.
Chaos,
breaking out in Milwaukee.
[Corey] Solo, still trying to stand strong against The OTC.
Here comes Jey!
Fatu and Jey Uso, wiping out the new Bloodline.
[Cole] And Jacob Fatu now turns his attention to The OTC.
Jacob Fatu, Solo's personal enforcer,
single-handedly laying waste to the OGs.
[Corey] Yeah, one of the scariest men on the entire planet.
And now, Solo Sikoa, who believes Sami Zayn betrayed him,
turned down this opportunity.
[Cole] Oh, a Spear! A Spear by Reigns!
A Spear by Reigns wipes out Solo Sikoa.
Reigns saved Sami Zayn from the spike.
And a nod of respect.
And now, Sami Zayn, up over the top.
Turn around, Roman.
There's a werewolf looking at you.
[cheering]
Two alpha males, about to do battle.
I sure hope Roman brought his silver bullets.
[chanting "OTC"]
What the hell? Bronson! Bronson Reed.
What the hell is big Bronson Reed doing here?
[booing]
Oh, my God! The Aus-zilla attacking Roman Reigns.
[Corey] Cole, do you think--
are you thinking what I'm thinking?
[Cole] I shudder to think that, but I am.
Well, here comes the cavalry, and The Usos and Sami, back into the ring,
attacking Fatu. And yes.
Yes, Big Bronson Reed!
[Corey] Jacob Fatu, crushing Jimmy Uso in the corner.
Death Valley driver by Reed.
[Cole] The new Bloodline with a numbers game here tonight,
because of big Bronson Reed.
And Bronson Reed, annihilating everyone.
[Corey] Is Reed number five?
Oh, no. Oh, no.
Moonsault by Fatu!
[Cole] And now, big Bronson Reed, the 340-pounder,
Tsunami!
To Jimmy Uso.
Get Roman. Get Roman.
[Corey] If you thought the new Bloodline was unstoppable already,
now the attack, turned to Roman Reigns here at ringside.
And Roman, trying to turn the tables,
taking out Tonga Loa.
But Roman's been overwhelmed.
And Tama Tonga from behind,
and again, that's the way the new Bloodline attacks,
overwhelming their opponents.
Roman Reigns, sent into the ring.
Superman Punch, blocked, and Reed went for a splash.
Superman Punch to Fatu!
Superman Punch to Reed!
Samoan Spike by Solo Sikoa!
Down goes Reigns again.
[booing]
[Cole] And Solo Sikoa, calling the shots in the ring,
and a moonsault from Fatu.
Terrifying athleticism.
And Roman's night is about to get even worse.
[Corey] Roman is helpless!
Bronson Reed, from the top, and a Tsunami on Reigns!
The assassination of Roman Reigns,
at the hands of the new Bloodline.
Big Bronson Reed talked about seizing opportunities,
wants to be a main eventer.
Well, damn it, if he's the fifth member,
the original Bloodline is screwed.
[Cole] And, Corey--
I told you, this is what happens when you mess with the real bloodline.
You understand me, Roman? You know I can't do nothing about it.
Come on. Who's the real King?
-Come on. -Who's the real King?
[Corey] It appears Bronson Reed has joined the New Bloodline.
The OGs are outgunned in a bad, bad way.
Solo Sikoa and company,
looking to exterminate,
looking to eradicate
any trace of The OTC
and The Original Bloodline.
And with WarGames looming and Bronson Reed in tow,
God help Roman Reigns and company.
Wait.
It's over now.
You can't touch me, Roman.
You can't touch me.
[Cole] Roman Reigns was doing everything in his power
to turn the tides before a Samoan Spike by Solo,
and Roman's night continued to get worse.
Big Bronson Reed, the force of nature,
crushing all of the wind from Roman's lungs.
You ain't ready for war!
[Cole] And the OGs need a damn miracle.
You can't touch me.
All day.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa- has built an unstoppable machine.
Make the call.
[Corey] For those of you who didn't think
Solo Sikoa was serious about ending the original Bloodline,
well, think again.
The game changed moments ago.
[Cole] Amidst the civil war that was ongoing,
a shocking turn of events.
The potential fifth member for the new Bloodline,
Big Bronson Reed, would hit the scene.
But Roman Reigns would not go down without a fight.
[Corey] Yeah. Roman Reigns, a valiant effort here,
but the Samoan Spike by Solo Sikoa would end that rally.
Then Jacob Fatu with a moonsault,
and then Bronson Reed, who has been terrorizing
Monday Night RAW for months, delivered a Tsunami to Roman Reigns.
Make the call.
[Cole] The question is, Corey,
with Roman Reigns in The Original Bloodline,
-who the hell do you call? -There aren't any options.
It's the Bloodline.
The Bloodline has run roughshod over WWE for too long. Roman is without allies.
You don't need to call anybody. You all need to hit your knees
and start praying, because things don't look good for the OG.
Bronson Reed has completely changed the complexion of WarGames.
Takes place two weeks from tomorrow night
at Survivor Series, WarGames.
Well, switching gears now, we kicked off SmackDown tonight
with a situation concerning Kevin Owens,
Cody Rhodes, General Manager Nick Aldis, as well.
Well, we understand that Kevin Owens has just posted a video
-about this to social media. -[hip-hop music playing]
♪ Don't talk about me ♪
♪ Pull up ♪
I showed up to the arena in Milwaukee earlier and I was turned away.
I was told that I'm not welcome and that I had to leave
because of what I did to Randy Orton last week.
But what I did to Randy Orton last week was, I did my job.
All I did was do what they asked me to do
because Randy showed up, called me out to the ring,
and then I showed up.
And now I'm in trouble, because I put Randy Orton on the shelf.
That is absolute nonsense.
It's not fair.
But guess what? The best part is. Just now, a few minutes ago,
I got a call from Nick Aldis asking me to be at SmackDown
in Salt Lake City next Friday. And why?
Because the little golden boy, Cody Rhodes, wants me there.
Oh, my God! Cody wants me there.
I have to be there, right?
Can't disappoint Cody Rhodes.
Well, you know what, Cody?
I shouldn't show up,
but I will.
I'll be there.
Not for you.
Not-- not for Nick Aldis. Not even for WWE,
because they hardly deserve me at this point.
I'm gonna show up next week for myself,
because I happen to love Utah--
the mountains, the fresh air, all that stuff.
It's good for me. But everyone needs to remember one thing.
When I show up next Friday,
I'm just doing
what you all want me to do.
I'm just doing my job.
[Cole] He's gone off the deep end.
[electronic music playing]
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest,
scheduled for one fall, is for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first the challengers,
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford:
The Street Profits!
♪ Losing for ♪
♪ I stay 100 ♪
♪ I keep it homegrown ♪
♪ I live for the applause ♪
♪ And all the people know ♪
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ Don't mean to brag about it ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[Cole] The Street Profits, putting all the pressure
on themselves tonight.
Angelo Dawkins saying, we can no longer keep
being number one contenders.
At some point, we gotta win the title.
For The Street Profits, it has been many years
since they've held tag team gold.
Almost four years without a Championship.
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ It's in the bag ♪
You can tell by the expressions on their face
that Ford and Dawkins are focused up
and ready for battle tonight.
[airplane sounds]
[metal music]
♪ Raise your fist ♪
[fireworks]
♪ Raise your fist ♪
[fireworks]
♪ Raise your fist ♪
[fireworks]
♪ Let's go ♪
[fireworks]
[Alicia] Here's the opponents.
They are the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley,
Motor City Machine Guns.
[Cole] You know Corey, it's hard to think about a team that has--
well, come into WWE and been as hot as this team has
since their debut. They're undefeated.
They're the Tag Champs since arriving here.
[Corey] Well, it seems that thus far in their WWE tenure,
no one in the tag team division has been able to solve
the riddle that is Motor City Machine Guns,
the WWE Tag Team Champions.
They've worked their entire lives to get to this platform,
to receive the opportunity just to compete for the gold.
They've made the most of that chance, and here we are now.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, hell bent on dethroning
the machine guns tonight.
[Cole] And this is Chris Sabin, starting things off against Montez Ford.
Ford said, we were conned.
Hey, we were-- we joined another person.
He left the company to do his own thing.
So no more smiling and acting like all is good.
It is time that we buckle up, that we settle down.
No more talking.
It's win or bust tonight against the Tag Champs.
[Corey] This is truly a put up
or shut up situation for Montez Ford.
You can't blame your misfortunes
in WWE on somebody else.
The Street Profits have tasted success.
They've been perennially near the top
of the tag team division.
But without the gold, it can all be for naught.
[Cole] Shoulders down.
Sabin, reversed into his own pin.
Attempt and Montez Ford, back to his feet, was caught by Chris Sabin.
Montez lands on his feet,
the stalemate early going of this match up.
[Corey] And listen, frustration can be a great motivator in this industry.
If you wanna change the trajectory of your career,
you have the ability to do it.
[Cole] I had a great talk with Angelo Dawkins last week,
Corey, and I asked him about being a team for so long
with Montez Ford and not winning a Championship recently.
And he told me, listen, I'm always going to be friends with Tez.
We're a great tag team.
But maybe it's time we start to test the water a little bit,
branch out a little bit on our own.
As Ford is sent across the ring now, double teamed by Motor City Machine Guns.
Bang to the knee.
Alex Shelley now, and a double team with Sabin with a basement dropkick.
[Corey] Seamless teamwork. Cover by Shelley, and a kick-out by Montez.
[Cole] He's been a shining example--
[Corey] Cover again, and another kick-out.
[Cole] --as to why we've referred a third time
to the Motor City Machine Guns as your favorite tag team's
favorite tag team.
Sabin and Shelley have redefined the tag team wrestling industry
as a whole.
Whoa, that-- that had some mustard on it.
[Corey] That's what we need to see, Tez.
-[Cole] Montez Ford, fired up. -[Corey] Give me some more of that.
-[Cole] Caught Shelley with a right. -[Corey] Here comes Angelo Dawkins.
-And Dawkins-- -[Cole] Oh, God.
[Corey] Shelley across the announce table.
Dawkins and Montez Ford are all business tonight.
No more fooling around.
Is tonight The Street Profits night?
[chanting]
[Cole] The Street Profits look so intense tonight,
trying to take the tag titles from Motor City Machine Guns
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Corey] The powerhouse of the team, Angelo Dawkins, just muscling Alex Shelley
back into The Street Profits' corner.
[Cole] Kelley, though, crawling outta harm's way.
Tag made. Montez Ford, gonna try to prevent him making a tag to save it.
Kelly creates space across the ring. Tag made!
Here comes Chris Sabin.
Dawkins, taken out at the knees.
[Corey] Motor City Machine Guns, well-oiled machine,
as he takes down Montez Ford.
[Cole] Baseball slide to Dawkins.
Ford, sent up over the top to the floor.
[cheering]
The Motor City Machine Gun, such a treat to watch, Corey.
[Corey] Truly.
Oh, my goodness.
Running knee by Shelley, Sabin!
-Let's go! -[Corey] Cannonball takes out Ford.
Sabin and Shelley, basking in the adulation
of the WWE Universe for a moment
as we look again at Chris Sabin, using his own body
as a weapon to take out Ford.
[Cole] Now Sabin, into the corner. Tag made.
Shelley's now legal.
And the tag team Champions, rolling that.
Sabin from the top.
Oh! Go right to the back of the neck.
Cover now, for the win.
And a kick-out by Montez Ford, perhaps on instinct alone.
[Corey] When it comes to tandem offense,
few have ever done it better than the Motor City Machine Guns.
Case in point, look at the precision on the dropkick
into the flatliner from Shelley.
Double impact on Montez Ford.
[Cole] Finally, the opportunity to show it on the grand stage
of Friday Night SmackDown. Tag made again.
Frequent tags by the Tag Champs.
Chris Sabin now, with a kick to Ford.
[Corey] Both Sabin and Shelley, absolute technical wizards.
Well-rounded game plans from both tag.
Both men can fly.
Both men, very well versed in submission and striking.
-[Cole] Angelo Dawkins is the legal man. -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] Wow. Double hay, cover to win the gold, and a kick-out.
Well, you see the urgency from Angelo Dawkins.
Tag made, Ford now legal for The Profits.
Montez Ford, heading up to the top rope.
-With a-- Tommaso Ciampa? -[bell rings]
Ciampa, knocking Ford off the top rope.
And now, attacking Angelo Dawkins.
[Corey] This is uncalled for.
This is ridiculous.
Ciampa, obviously still ticked off.
He believes that The Street Profits cut the line.
[Cole] He's also ticked off at the fact that The Machine Guns are champs.
Ciampa believes they should have the gold.
And Ciampa, now, pounding away on Montez Ford.
And Johnny Gargano now rushes to the ring,
Ciampa's partner.
[Corey] Johnny, trying to play peacekeeper.
[chanting]
[Cole] Oh, my God.
What has gotten into Ciampa?
Ciampa came out here like an absolute madman.
Since when are you the boss?
We didn't talk about this.
We talked about the title.
I talked about the title.
I want the title.
We didn't talk about it.
[Corey] Something... something's wrong with Ciampa.
Out here, disrupting a tag team title match.
That wasn't-- that wasn't us.
[Cole] The Tag Champs, Machine Guns.
We had nothing to do with that.
[Cole] Oh, Dawkins said, the hell with that.
Shelley and Sabin apparently said, hey, listen,
I'm sorry the fight broke up that way.
But then Dawkins, just ticked off,
emotions running wild here tonight.
[Corey] But put yourself in Dawkins' shoes. Okay?
It's understandable why Angelo Dawkins just--
just blasted Alex Shelley.
The Street Profits have every right to be ticked off.
[Cole] Now, Championship night continues tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
Still to come, the WWE Women's Championship.
Naomi owned a pinfall victory over Nia Jax a few weeks ago.
Can she do it with a title on the line?
We find out tonight, live.
[music playing]
♪ Five, six, seven, eight ♪
And we are moments away from the WWE Women's Championship Match
here on Friday Night SmackDown,
live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
And Corey, the Milwaukeeans, here at the Fiserv Forum,
have brought their signs out in force here tonight.
This is, of course, our signs of the night.
-[hip-hop music playing] -♪ Yeah, that's for the crowd ♪
[Corey] Look, dad, we're on TV. That's one of my favorites.
Motor City Machine Guns, we saw in action moments ago.
She left school early for The OTC. It must be a nice school--
[Cole] Where are all the Corey Graves signs we saw earlier?
-[Corey] Listen. There we go. -There you are.
Thank me. It's a grassroots movement, Cole.
It's growing every week.
-[Cole] Grassroots. -That's right.
[Cole] Two signs. Nonetheless, this happened last month.
Nia Jax, Naomi in a matchup.
This is how Naomi earned the opportunity.
Of course, Liv Morgan and Raquel would play a massive role
in this upset. But Naomi was able to do the unthinkable
and pin the Women's Champion, Nia Jax,
in the center of the ring.
[hip-hop music playing]
-[cheering] -[Bayley clapping]
There's my main event, my living legend.
I'm so excited to watch you win this title, sister.
Thank you, and congrats on the win in the Women's US title tournament.
Thank you. Look at us, couple of Champions.
[laughs] But before we get too excited, look,
I saw Monday Night RAW, and I just want to let you know, like,
look out for Iyo. You know we can't trust her.
We know the past that we've had, the history.
[cheering]
Trust.
Well, well, well.
But you know what? No, no, no.
I'm not even going to get into what we got going on,
because it's not about us.
It's about our girl here, Naomi,
because she got that title match tonight.
And, girl, we got this.
And you know, Naomi, if anybody want to try it,
we always got your back. You know, snatch and drag.
-[laughter] -We got you.
We got her. We got her.
All right. You better.
-Thanks, babe. -Trust.
-Trust. We got you, girl. -We got you.
[overlapping voices]
That was awkward.
I would say awkward is an understatement.
I think Naomi needs to be focused on one thing and one thing only,
That which is coming up in a matter of minutes.
Next week's Friday Night SmackDown, heads to Salt Lake City, Utah,
and another opportunity for one of these three women to advance
in the Women's United States Championship Tournament,
another first round Triple Threat Match.
Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, who pretty much is already calling herself
the Champion, and Blair Davenport battle it out next Friday night.
To kick off the evening, Cody Rhodes made the demand.
We found out a few moments earlier
that Kevin Owens will accept the undisputed WWE Champion.
The American Nightmare goes face to face
with the unhinged Kevin Owens.
[music playing]
♪ N- A- O- M- ♪
♪ I ♪
[laughs]
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ The Beast is out the cage ♪
♪ You know I want that face ♪
♪ We met the competition ♪
♪ And make them go insane ♪
♪ My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make them feel the pain ♪
♪ I hear the people scream my name ♪
♪ One, two three ♪
♪ Glow, glow, glow, glow, glow ♪
♪ Pump your fist, let's go ♪
♪ Glow, glow, glow, glow, glow ♪
♪ Pump your fist, let's go ♪
♪ It's out of our control ♪
[Cole] Golden opportunity for Naomi tonight.
Will she feel the glow?
Will see wear the gold?
Coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
Naomi takes on the WWE Women's Champion, Nia Jax.
Title match in our main event, live next on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ Glow, glow ♪
♪ Pump your fist, let's go ♪
[Cole] And this is Friday Night SmackDown.
Golden opportunity for Naomi tonight
to win the WWE Women's Championship.
♪ My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make you feel the pain ♪
[fast music playing]
♪ There's only one me ♪
♪ Look it up ♪
♪ I'm written down in history ♪
♪ Take a look ♪
♪ You'll see I'm an anomaly ♪
[Corey] Nia's got a lot on her mind tonight.
Not only did she lose, pinned by Naomi last month,
but also, the fact that Tiffany Stratton,
"Miss Money in the Bank," who's supposed to be her best buddy
is still lurking around with that Money in the Bank briefcase.
[Cole] If anybody needs to have their back watched,
it's the Irresistible Force, the WWE Women's Champion.
We know how Tiffany Stratton has been flirting
with the idea of cashing in on Nia.
[Corey] I think Nia needs to be very, very careful tonight.
[Cole] Who will be the Champion,
when SmackDown gets to Salt Lake City, Utah next Friday night?
Will it be Nia Jax? Will it be Naomi?
♪ There's only one of me ♪
♪ And I bet you'll be out Before I count to three ♪
♪ I'll show you how it's done ♪
[bell ringing]
The following contest, scheduled for One Fall,
is for the WWE
Women's Championship.
[cheering]
Introducing first, the challenger
from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi!
[cheering]
And her opponent
from San Diego, California,
she is the WWE
Women's Champion,
-Nia Jax! -[the crowd remains quiet]
[Cole] It has been an historic night already
on Friday Night SmackDown.
We kicked off the tournament to crown
the first ever Women's United States Champion.
And now, tonight on our main event, Nia Jax
defends the WWE Women's title against Naomi.
I wanna ask you a question about what we showed you a little bit ago,
Corey, and that's the fact that Naomi pinned The Champ
just last month.
Should we read too much into that,
or is that blown out of proportion?
[Corey] I think Naomi got lucky.
I think Naomi capitalized on a situation.
Not to say Naomi doesn't have the ability to knock off Jax,
but we're gonna have to see a side of Naomi
that we haven't traditionally seen because I assure you,
Nia Jax was embarrassed and angered
by being pinned by Naomi,
and all that anger is gonna come out on the head of Naomi tonight.
[Cole] Yeah. Nia Jax, using her power to bury Naomi in the corner here
in the early going of this matchup.
-Naomi tried to come out. -[Corey] Look at this.
[Cole] Again, the powerful Jax,
flinging Naomi around the ring.
[Corey] That was several weeks ago that Naomi beat Nia Jax.
How about the disappointment Nia suffered at Crown Jewel,
coming up short to Liv Morgan for the Crown Jewel
Women's Championship?
Nia would have loved to have that accolade.
[Cole] Oh.
[Corey] All the frustration, coming out tonight.
[Cole] Naomi now, shoulders down for the title.
Nia Jax, able to roll out of harm's way.
But a kick by Naomi, the champ's in trouble.
[Corey] With that said, I hope Naomi planned for a very angry,
possibly frustrated Nia Jax.
[Cole] Hook leg there from Naomi, covering again.
Nia gets the shoulder up.
[Corey] Naomi is a veteran of this game.
She's been there. She's done that.
There we see Cargill and Belair, looking on.
[Cole] Tiffany Stratton as well, "Miss Money in the Bank,"
on the side of Nia Jax.
Nia, in a collision now with Naomi.
Now, we've talked about this earlier on when it came to The Street Profits.
But Naomi is in the same boat. She's a two-time world Champion, Corey,
but it's been almost seven years since Naomi has held gold,
and two and a half years since she's been a tag champ.
[Corey] And if you're Naomi and you were away
from WWE for such a duration, you only come back to be great.
You only come back to be at the top of the mountain.
-You don't come back to be an-- -[Cole] Oh, sunset flip!
Shoulders down, champ kicks.
[Corey] Naomi has to realize the magnitude
of the opportunity in front of her tonight,
and realize it may never come again.
[Cole] Here's the cover by Nia.
Hooks the inside leg, and a kick-out by Naomi.
Naomi's got to use her quickness
against the powerful Jax.
And now, Nia, looking to wear Naomi down,
slow down the pace of the match.
[Corey] If I'm Naomi, I'm trying to chop down Nia Jax.
I'd be focusing on the knees, the ankles of the Champion,
trying to get Nia off her feet by any means necessary,
and then try to tire the Champion out.
[cheering, applause]
[Cole] Naomi said across the ring, that Nia misses wildly.
Great move by Naomi.
Ducked underneath that clothesline.
Nia, with a big elbow.
[Corey] I will say, I do appreciate the fact
that Naomi appears to be all business
thus far in the matchup.
Naomi usually loves to have a great time mid-match,
loves to interact with the WWE Universe.
But Naomi, certainly focused on the task at hand.
-Bang. -[Cole] You know, you talked about that
and you saw the frustration coming out moments ago from Nia,
the fact that she was embarrassed,
humiliated, being pinned by Naomi last month.
She wants to punish, torture, embarrass Naomi here tonight.
[Corey] Because Nia realizes it's more than just picking up a win over Naomi.
It's a message to the entire roster,
including "Miss Money in the Bank," Tiffany Stratton.
[Cole] Well, you mentioned it before. We all know how much it bothered Nia
-not to win the Crown Championship. -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] What a headbutt by Nia.
[Corey] That was awesome.
Wow.
[Cole] And Nia went right back to the attack.
Naomi, though able to recover, kick down to the Champion.
Nia took a bit too much time showboating
and she may pay for it.
[Corey] I think you're right, Cole.
I think Nia got a little too overconfident.
[Cole] Suicide dive, The Champ, into the barricade.
Naomi's got an opportunity to win the Women's title.
Naomi, take it to the Champion here.
[cheering]
Naomi hit a flurry. Nia Jax has turned things around,
and just flattened Naomi there.
Cover by The Champ. kick-out by the number one contender
for the Women's Championship.
[Corey] And things are starting to look bleak for the challenger, Naomi,
because Nia Jax is growing more and more confident
as this match progresses.
Naomi has fought valiantly to this point, but--
[Cole] Oh!
And a headbutt right to the spine.
[Corey] Reality starting to sink in,
and Jax now, with a half crab submission,
targeting Naomi's lower back.
It's a great strategy by the Champion.
[Cole] Nia's full weight now on the body of Naomi,
just continuing to torture Naomi,
trying to roll over on her back here
and create some space with that kick.
[Corey] Naomi definitely lit Nia up with that kick,
but the Irresistible Force continues to move forward.
-And look at this power. Oh! -[Cole] The power--
[Cole] Great move by Naomi for the win, for the title.
Almost stole one there.
Great move by Naomi.
[Corey] Just that quick, the tides have turned.
[Cole] Naomi with a kick, looking to rally.
Oh, and that kick caught Nia.
Back of the neck. Nia, still on her feet somehow.
Second rope now for Naomi.
Crossbody.
[Corey] Naomi, looking to push the pace here
late into the matchup.
[Cole] That enzuiguri off the second rope caught her in the ear.
[Corey] This may be what it all boils down to.
Who's got more gas left in the tank?
[Cole] Naomi now,
shrugged off by the Champion.
Oh, there's the rear view for the win!
For the Championship!
Nailed Nia, at two and a half.
[Corey] I know it wasn't Naomi's intention,
but the difference in that cover could have very well been
that Naomi did not have the shoulders of the Champion pinned.
She was low on Nia's body, and that may be the only reason
this match is still going.
[Cole] Naomi, as she was setting up for a full nelson,
and Nia drove her back into the corner…
-[Corey] Oh! -[Cole] Oh.
That pump up Samoan drop by Jax may have ended Naomi's dream.
[cheering]
[Corey] Nia Jax, the type of woman who will wake you up
just to crush your dreams again.
[cheering]
[Cole] Dragging Naomi toward the corner,
setting her up for the annihilator.
Naomi, though, back to her feet.
Nia Jax, dumped over the top rope to the floor.
[Corey] Nia mitigated the damage on the spill to the outside,
-but watch the challenger. -[Cole] Naomi from the top!
Naomi flies!
Down goes the Champion.
But now, Naomi has got to get her back in the ring.
Champion's advantage here.
Naomi's got to pin or submit Nia to win the title.
Come on, get her up. Get her up.
[shouts]
[Cole] Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez,
attacking the tag champ.
[laughter]
[booing]
[Corey] Naomi favoring her knees,
impact on the outside,
it was a high risk maneuver. It paid off in the moment.
But as you said, Cole, Naomi now has to get Jax inside the ring.
[Cole] And again, the situation backstage with Tag Champs,
attacked by Morgan and Raquel from Monday Night RAW.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton, attacking Naomi.
The official has no clue what's going on.
Never saw the attack.
Leg drop by Nia.
Tiffany Stratton, turning the tables for her buddy, Nia Jax.
I'm so proud of you!
[Corey] Tiffany just handed Jax this victory
on a silver platter.
[Cole] Naomi back to her feet, kicked to the air.
Or did she? Nia stunned again.
Where is Naomi getting this?
Naomi now,
up to the top rope.
-[Corey] Oh, no. -Oh, this is--
[Corey] Oh, no.
[Cole] --this is not gonna be good.
[Corey] Oh, God.
[Cole] Naomi, my God!
What a counter! For the win!
Naomi cover, and a kick-out by Nia.
You've got to be kidding me.
How the hell did Nia Jax kick-out of that?
[Corey] I'm not even entirely sure what the hell I just saw.
That was nuts.
[Cole] And again, Tiffany causing a distraction up on the apron.
[Corey] Bayley!
[Cole] And now Bayley, coming to the aid of her friend Naomi,
driving Tiffany into the barricade.
[Corey] Naomi out of the way.
[Cole] Roll up again for the title kick-out by Nia.
What a match for the women's title.
Jax, into the ringpost.
Naomi, going for the split leg moonsault.
-[Corey] There it is! -[Cole] For the Championship!
Again, hooks the leg.
And again, Jax kicks out!
[Corey] And that's the heartbreaker, Cole.
You can see it in Naomi's eyes.
[Cole] Overwhelmed with emotion after she hit the split leg moonsault.
Nia Jax somehow survived, but Naomi can't worry about it.
She's gotta go back on the attack.
Naomi, up to the top rope.
And now, Candice LeRae, attacking Bayley from behind,
driving her into the post.
Naomi took a tumble.
[Corey] She's about to take more than a tumble here.
[Cole] Nia Jax, Samoan drop!
Dragging Naomi to the corner.
Nia realizes it's her chance.
Annihilator, cover.
Nia retains.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner.
And still,
the WWE Women's Champion,
Nia Jax!
[Corey] You know Cole, multiple times,
it seemed as though Tiffany Stratton was a liability for Nia Jax.
Well, tonight, Miss Money in the Bank
just paid big dividends.
[Cole] Well, again, and Candice LeRae,
still trying to get in the good graces of the Women's Champion.
Candice LeRae came out here.
We're looking at replays right now.
Naomi is getting the hell stomped out of her in the ring
by Candice and Tiffany.
And that was the heartbreaker.
Here comes LeRae, launching Bayley into the ring post,
taking Naomi's attention off of the match.
Nia, with a Samoan drop from the second turnbuckle.
That likely would have ended the match.
But just for insurance, the annihilator.
And you can count to 20 because ain't nobody getting up from that.
[Corey] And again, Candice, trying to get into the good graces
of Nia Jax, as is "Miss Money in the Bank,"
Tiffany Stratton.
And because of that, Nia Jax is still your WWE Women's Champion
after an unbelievable performance
by Naomi in our main event here tonight.
♪ There's only one me ♪
♪ Put my reign down in history ♪
♪ Take a look and see ♪
♪ I'm an anomaly ♪
[grunting]
Call...
The Wise Man.
[cheering]
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