[invigorating music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
[dramatic music playing]
Kevin Owens, get out here right now!
What happened over the last few months,
what happened to you,
what happened to Randy Orton,
it's your fault!
Roman Reigns tried to end my career more times than I can count.
And then what happened?
Roman Reigns needs a partner, and who says yes?
You.
-Enough! -[crowd cheering]
[Cody] Randy Orton did not deserve what you did to him.
You crossed the line.
And this lesson, I'm gonna beat it into you
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Michael] Cody looking to put him away in the Cross Rhodes.
Oh, and Owens sends Rhodes inadvertently into our official.
Stunner!
[Jesse] Who's gonna count? Where's the ref?
[Cody] Hold on. Here's Eddie Orengo!
[counting down]
[Michael] Owens had Rhodes defeated on the Stunner, but there's no official.
Oh no! Now another official taken out.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] KO grabbing a steel chair.
[commentator] The refs are down. He's thinking he can get away with it.
He misses!
[Michael] Cody Cutter!
Cross Rhodes onto the chair!
Hook of the leg
Referee Charles Robinson back up, and Rhodes retains the title.
[bell rings]
[crowd cheering]
Rhode Island!
[crowd gasps, boos]
[dramatic music playing]
[crowd booing]
[indistinct panicked yelling]
[siren wailing]
Following what occurred at Saturday Night's Main Event,
Kevin Owens is making the claim of being a champion.
Let me be clear.
He is not.
He was defeated by Cody Rhodes.
Nonetheless,
Kevin is in possession of the vaunted Winged Eagle Championship belt,
something that means a lot to a lot of people.
It means a lot to me.
It represents the legacy and tradition of WWE.
It represents history and greatness.
It was presented to Cody Rhodes as a gesture of trust
in our Undisputed WWE Champion.
Kevin has no right and no claim to that Championship belt.
So the ultimatum is as follows.
Kevin,
you have until the end of the night
to relinquish the Winged Eagle Championship belt.
or face immediate and severe consequences
that will directly impact your future at WWE.
This is not a negotiation.
You have one and one opportunity only to do the right thing.
♪ One, two, three, four… ♪
[Michael] Well, happy holidays, everyone,
unless you're the delusional Kevin Owens.
What will he do with the Winged Eagle Championship tonight?
It is the final SmackDown of 2024
live tonight from the home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning,
the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Nearly 13,000 on hand for Friday Night SmackDown.
And we'll kick things off tonight with our own Cathy Kelley.
[crowd cheering]
Thanks so much, Cole.
I'm here with this WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
Bianca Belair and Naomi.
Now, from being almost forced to relinquish those titles
just a couple weeks ago to finally recapturing gold here at WWE,
what did that win last week mean for both of you guys?
Well, for me, I've been wanting to win gold ever since I returned.
I didn't think it would come about in the way it did,
but it means so much to me that I was able to do it with The EST,
my friend,
especially after everything that's happened with Jade, you know what I mean?
You know, Naomi showed up, she stepped up,
she had my back, made sure that we can keep these titles.
You know, I know we gotta move forward with just me and you,
but that doesn't mean we'll forget what happened to Jade.
I know one of them did it.
I know it was either Candice, Nia, Tiffany, so…
I know you're gonna be with me to help keep fighting
till we find out who did it.
Yes. And speaking of those three, good thing, tag partner,
we got a little help from my unofficial tag partner tonight.
Aw, little tea friend, right?
I got you, girl! We good?
♪ I′m on my own Against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But, no, I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying They hear me roar ♪
♪ And now I see that I′m way better than before… ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is six-woman tag team match
scheduled for one-fall.
Introducing first, the team of Bayley
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
Naomi and Bianca Belair.
[Michael] Corey, this is the first time ever
that these three women will be on the same team
in a six-woman tag team match,
but again, we are still no closer to knowing
who attacked Bianca Belair's tag team partner, Jade Cargill,
a few weeks ago.
[Corey] It's definitely unfortunate that Jade was taken out of action.
I have to pay a lot of respect to Naomi for stepping up,
and holding it down beside Bianca Belair.
And Naomi refused to hold the actual championship belt
until she believed she earned it.
Naomi certainly upheld her end of the bargain.
I think this tag team is gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
[Michael] Naomi dedicating the victory last week to Jade Cargill.
As Bianca and Naomi knocked off Nia and Candice.
[Corey] Bayley obviously a proud graduate of the Elaine Benes school of dance.
["Tiffy Time" by WWE, Def Rebel playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Drop, I'm going in Bass so loud, it's in my skin… ♪
[announcer] And their opponents, first, Ms. Money in the Bank,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Michael] Corey, last week great Tag Team Championship match as I mentioned,
Naomi and Bianca defended against Nia and Candice.
Tiffany Stratton would get involved,
but she was a bit slow on pulling the trigger.
[Corey] Just a tiny bit too late.
Tiffany Stratton potentially squandering the greatest opportunity to cash in
she's had thus far,
which would eventually spell disaster for Nia and Candice.
[Michael] It would go on to backfire
and allow Bianca to keep the tag team titles along with Naomi.
["Not Like Most Girls" by WWE, Def Rebel playing]
♪ There's only one of me ♪
♪ Look it up I'm written down in history… ♪
[announcer] And her tag team partners
Candice LeRae
and the WWE Women's Champion,
Nia Jax!
Bianca, when are you gonna give it up?
How many times do I have to tell you I did not touch Jade?
None of us did!
I mean, Tiffy couldn't even help us win the Tag titles last week.
Do you honestly think she can orchestrate an attack?
I mean, you're over here whining about your "friend,"
but from my point of view, you seem to be doing fine without her.
I mean, Jade is gone from oblivion,
and you're over there still a champion.
And you took zero time on replacing her.
Do you know what I think?
I think you're just trying to avoid the suspicion on you.
Jade comes in and you can't stand to share the spotlight with her.
I mean, she's bigger, she's stronger, she's better than you.
And you snapped.
And you know what? I get it.
I would do the same thing.
But you know what, Bianca? Let's stop pointing fingers,
and let's just admit to it.
So, Bianca,
why don't you own up to it
or I'm gonna make you own up to it.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] The WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax
wasting little time pointing fingers and calling out Bianca Belair
on the apparent attack of Jade Cargill.
Nonetheless, we have a six-woman tag team matchup here tonight.
Corey, if I'm Nia Jax, I think I'd worry about
settling things down in my own house before going after Bianca and company.
[Corey] I would agree with you and it seems as though…
I subscribe to the theory that Nia utilized
as it pertains to Tiffany Stratton.
You keep your friends close. You keep your enemies closer.
But lately it seems like Tiffy's fallen out of favor with Nia Jax,
and Candice LeRae sort of swooped in.
[Michael] Here's the other problem, Corey, as we start things off
with Belair and Tiffany Stratton.
Nia, ever since losing to Liv Morgan back in Saudi Arabia
in the first-ever Crown Jewel Championship match
has not been able to get any momentum going.
And I believe a lot of that has to do
with this infighting with Tiffany and Candice.
[Corey] I have to agree with you.
Great scramble here between Bianca Belair and Tiffany Stratton.
Two world-class athletes.
[Michael] Cover by Belair and a kick-out Tiffany Stratton.
Of course, Ms. Money in the Bank.
That means inside the briefcase is a contract
Tiffany can cash in anytime she wants
for a Championship opportunity.
It could happen tonight. Who knows?
[Corey] It potentially could, but it likely won't
because, let's be honest, Tiffany Stratton's reign
as Ms. Money in the Bank has been snake-bitten thus far.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Nia Jax, Candice LeRae, Tiffany Stratton
gonna regroup outside the ring.
Bayley and company. Oh!
Bianca, Naomi wiping everybody out!
Six-woman tag team action continues on Friday Night SmackDown.
[wrestlers indistinct]
And we're back on Friday Night SmackDown.
The six-woman tag team matchup continues.
Nia Jax, the WWE Women's Champion
teaming with Tiffany Stratton, Ms. Money in the Bank,
and Candice LeRae
against Bianca Belair and Naomi, the Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley.
And Bianca taking the fight now to the champion.
[crowd counting]
[Michael] Corey and I were discussing during the commercial break
the, uh, well, pretty good argument
that Nia Jax made for perhaps Bianca Belair being involved
in that attack on Jade Cargill.
And Naomi had something to gain, perhaps, as well.
[Corey] Naomi absolutely had something to gain.
She's now one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
But I like to believe that Naomi simply stepped up
and did the right thing. That could be it.
[Michael[ Cover by Nia for the win.
Kick-out by Naomi at two.
[Corey] Take a look at the power of the Irresistible Force
that pop-up headbutt from Nia Jax.
Totally changing the complexion of this matchup.
[Michael] Nearly 13,000 here tonight in Tampa, Florida.
The final Friday Night SmackDown of 2024
Next week, we kick off the new year in Phoenix.
SmackDown goes to three hours… next Friday night.
And of course the debut of Raw on Netflix a week from Monday.
Naomi bouncing Candice LeRae face-first off the turnbuckle.
Here comes Bianca Belair, The EST of WWE.
A three-time World Champ, two-time Tag Team Champ.
Double team now with her tag partner Naomi.
Vertical suplex delivered and a double kip up.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] I've gotta say, I'm impressed with the chemistry displayed…
[Michael] Oh!
by Naomi and Bianca Belair.
Friendship can go a long way toward making a great tag team.
[Michael indistinct]
And a kick-out.
Talked about this during the break.
Corey, do you think Candice LeRae is the problem
with this Nia-Tiffany relationship?
[Corey] Depends who you're asking.
If you're asking Tiffany Stratton, perhaps she may be.
If you're asking Nia Jax, Candice LeRae could be the solution.
[crowd chanting] EST! EST!
[Michael] EST chants from the WWE faithful here in Tampa.
Tiffany Stratton now barking at Bianca
and taking advantage LeRae.
Tag made. Here comes the Champ.
Nia Jax with a big leg drop.
Cover now on Belair for the win. Kick at two.
[Corey] Notice how Candice LeRae made a beeline straight for Nia Jax.
She didn't try to tag in Tiffany Stratton. To me, that spells trouble.
Take another look at the thunderous leg drop
executed by the WWE Women's Champion.
[Michael] And now LeRae makes the tag.
[Corey[ And again, Candice LeRae and Nia Jax almost excluding
Tiffany Stratton, who just tagged herself in.
Keep your eyes on the top rope.
Stratton's legal.
[Michael] Oh! Candice rolls out of harm's way
as Stratton delivers it to Bianca Belair.
-I was trying to help. -[indistinct]
-Yes, I was. -No.
I was trying to help.
[Corey] There's actually such seamless teamwork
by Tiffany Stratton, it confused our official Dan Engler.
[Michael] Yeah, and again, miscommunication
perhaps caused Candice a chance at the victory there.
[Corey] Mess with the braid at your own peril.
[Michael] Trying to make a tag to Bayley.
Bianca Belair with a big right hand to Stratton.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] Tiffany tags in Candice. Here comes Bayley.
These two have had their issues in the past.
Well-documented,
Candice's relationship with Bayley as Bayley has grown up in the business.
And now roll up, roll through.
Bayley with a knee.
[Corey] Think of all the issues between Bayley and Bianca Belair over the years.
[Michael] Suplex. Now they're on the same team.
[Corey] Coexisting nicely thus far.
[Michael] Bayley slides through. Caught by Candice.
-And a… Oh my goodness. -[Corey] Oh!
-[Dan] Bayley. Are you okay? -[Corey] Wow!
Fantastic counter by Candice LeRae.
[Michael] Bayley bounced face-first off the ring post,
and you could hear that echo through the arena.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Referee Dan Engler gonna try to back LeRae off
and perhaps check on Bayley here.
[Dan] Tag made. Let's go.
[Corey] The tag made, again, directly to Nia Jax
from Candice LeRae
Talk about third-wheeling it.
Tiffany Stratton all night thus far.
[Michael] Hey, but you gotta say this.
Ever since Candice has joined forces with Nia,
prime-time TV every week.
Tagged. Here comes LeRae again.
[Corey] Big time assignment, watching the Champ's back
when you've got someone dangerous like Ms. Money in the Bank around.
[Michael] You're always starting to stir stuff.
-[Corey] I'm object… Oh! -[Michael] Oh!
-[Corey] Oh my goodness. -[Michael] Wow!
Bayley face-first off the apron.
Candice is taking over this tag match.
You're doing great…
[Michael] Six-woman tag team action continues here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Bayley, Nia Jax.
[Corey] And what we've seen throughout the break
is quick, frequent tags between Nia Jax and Candice LeRae,
excluding Tiffany Stratton over and over again.
[Michael] That's been the story. Tiffany wanting to get in this matchup
and Nia and Candice not allowing it to happen.
But now with Candice in trouble and no Nia on the apron,
she has to make the tag to Stratton.
And here's Tiffany Stratton and Naomi now.
And Naomi for the second time with a big kick to Stratton.
[Corey] Rocking the jaw of Ms. Money in the Bank.
Naomi on a roll right now.
[Michael] Stratton misses wildly with a mule kick by Naomi.
Naomi now… Wow! What a bulldog.
Cover off the tornado bulldog for the win. Kick-out at two.
[Corey] We've seen Naomi perform this maneuver countless times
perhaps never with as much impact as we just saw right there.
[Michael] Naomi's another one we've talked about confidence growing
with Candice LeRae. How about Naomi?
-[Corey] Oh! -Better than she ever has as of late.
Tag.
[Corey] Returning to WWE, there was a reacclimation period as expected.
-Oh. -[Michael] Oh!
Spinebuster.
Bayley-to-Belly!
[Corey] Eyes on LeRae.
[Michael] Candice with a knee right to the face.
Belair into the mix.
[Corey] Great gutbuster by Bianca.
[Michael] And now the power of Nia Jax.
-[Corey] Ooh. -[Michael] The powerslam.
[Corey] High across the shoulders of Belair.
And now The Irresistible Force making the climb.
[Michael] Meanwhile, Naomi…
Naomi now [indistinct]
-[Corey] Wow! -[Michael] Middle of the ring.
[crowd cheering]
Nia's in trouble.
Split-legged moonsault!
-Cover by Naomi. -[Corey] Again?
[Michael] And Tiffany Stratton breaks things up.
[Corey] Naomi already owns a pinfall victory over Naomi
or, I'm sorry, over Nia Jax.
[Michael] Well, Nia Jax owes Tiffany Stratton now
as Ms. Money in the Bank launches herself outside the ring.
Naomi had Nia dead to rights if it wasn't for Stratton.
[Corey] Cole, Cole, Stratton's the only one up right now.
[crowd cheering]
Do it, Tiffany! Tiffany Stratton, now!
-[indistinct] the briefcase. -[Corey] Do it! Now!
Is she gonna cash in [indistinct] Nia Jax?
Pay attention, Engler!
-[indistinct] the contract. -[woman] Do it!
-[Michael] And Candice LeRae. -[Corey] Ah…
[crowd booing]
What's wrong with you?
What is wrong with you? I wanna be a Champion.
-[indistinct] -I wanna be a Champion.
No! No!
Get out of my face.
[Michael] Well, Tiffany made her intentions known.
She's screaming at Candice, saying, "I want to be Champion."
And Candice didn't allow it to happen
as Tiffany went to cash in money in the bank.
Bayley and Bianca take over.
-[Corey] Into the cover. -[Michael] By Naomi.
-And the win! -[bell rings]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Bayley
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Bianca Belair and Naomi!
[Michael] We're gonna have to call Dr. Shelby in
to replace this Nia Jax relationship 'cause it's a mess.
[Corey] Teamwork was the name of the game in this one.
To the surprise of not many,
the Women's Tag Team Champions and Bayley prevail.
LeRae and Stratton were busy jawing with one another,
opening the door for Naomi to sneak up behind The Poison Pixie
and procure the w for her team.
Certainly no peace in the Jax camp tonight.
[Michael] And Tiffany was very clear.
she said, "I want to be Champion!"
[Corey] As well she should.
-[indistinct] -Four.
-You know how expensive that is? -That is a lot of money.
That's a lot of money, and guess who's taking care of it?
My lawyer's put this together. This is for you.
Thank you. That's an invoice. You owe me money!
-A lot. -One sec.
I already told you.
If you have an issue with what Braun did, take it up with Braun.
You have a match with him. You should be getting ready.
And if you don't mind, I'm actually waiting for someone.
Who are you waiting for more important than A-Town Down Under?
-Biggest Superstars on your brand. -[knock at door]
Oh, in fact…
Oh, you're kidding me.
For this homeless bloke?
[crowd cheering, booing]
Nick, uh, we should talk.
I'm not trying to put you in a tough spot.
I understand. I'm not trying to make your life more chaotic than it already is.
I'm supposed to be on Raw.
The Bloodline are supposed to be on SmackDown, but they showed up,
so I'm here tonight.
I think it's only fair that I get my crack at The Bloodline.
I want a chance at a little bit of revenge.
-I understand that. -[Carmelo] Hey, Nick.
He thought he was gonna humble me, huh?
So I made you this card. Merry Christmas.
[crowd booing]
Hey, Carmelo, I know you're new around here,
but usually when two people are talking, we wait our turn.
Oh, my bad, man. You want a Christmas card too?
[laughs]
Maybe you didn't hear me.
I said when two people are talking, around here, we wait our turn.
[crowd exclaiming]
I'm gonna let that slide. What are you even doing here anyway?
The only time you're here is when you get beat down by The Bloodline.
So how about you stay out of my business and stay off of my show.
-Your show? -Yeah.
You know what? Nick, how about this?
The stuff with The Bloodline can wait.
Why don't you give me and Carmelo Hayes one-on-one tonight?
[crowd cheering]
That sounds like a good idea.
Consider it done.
Yeah. Consider it done. Done for you.
-Nice one. -Hm. He got you there.
-Yeah. -That was a good one.
[Corey] Sami Zayn, Carmelo Hayes tonight, sign me up!
[Michael] Well, here's the man, uh…
the reason that Carmelo is handing out his Christmas cards.
We'll tell you all about it in a moment.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing in at 385 pounds,
Braun Strowman.
[Michael] He's one big SOB!
And last week SmackDown's newest acquisition,
Monster of all Monsters, was a guest on the talk show The Grayson Waller Effect
but he was interrupted by Carmelo Hayes.
So, Braun, you big ugly dumb Santa Claus bitch.
let's run this thing back right here right now!
[Michael] Well, Corey, needless to say, it didn't go too well.
[Corey] Strowman throwing the palm tree like a javelin
in the direction of Carmelo Hayes.
But ultimately, Hayes would get the last laugh.
[Michael indistinct] …rematch.
Notice referee Jessika Carr is counting in the background.
-And in a count of nine… -[bell rings]
…Hayes beat the count thanks to Strowman, so he picks up the win
via count out.
I don't care about your stupid musical!
-[yelling] -[Oh!
[Corey] Obviously Carmelo Hayes does care about Pretty Deadly's musical,
delivering a brutal chair shot.
[Carmelo] What's up now?
[Michael] The Christmas cards, and I saw them earlier today,
that Hayes was handing out were pictures of his victory
last week over Strowman
[Corey] Did Carmelo give you one,
or did you just see one as he was handing them out?
[Michael] I'm sorry?
[Corey] Did Carmelo Hayes actually present you, Michael Cole, with a Christmas card
or did you just happen to look over somebody's shoulder and see it?
[Michael] I looked over someone's shoulder.
-[Corey] I figured as much. -[Michael laughs]
Doing my job as a journalist.
["A-Town Down" by WWE, Def Rebel playing]
[Michael] Maybe we'll see one later. Sami and Carmelo go one-on-one.
Hey, I do what I'm told by my producers.
[Corey] Make notes.
Always on top and that's all [indistinct].
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied by Grayson Waller
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 220 pounds,
Austin Theory!
♪ Victory staring in my face All day ♪
♪ I'm doing like the best Man it's obvious ♪
♪ Knock them down, one by one Nobody's left ♪
♪ Best believe I'm doing it my way All day… ♪
[Corey] Maybe Theory and Waller will get to enjoy
a few post-match cocktails together tonight.
How great must it be to be Grayson Waller,
to have a best friend like Austin Theory
who's always willing to back you up no matter what the case is?
[Michael] Or is it Grayson Waller always throwing Austin Theory to the wolves?
[Corey] That's certainly a way of looking at it,
but the reality is Grayson Waller cares deeply for Austin Theory.
-They're great friends. -[bell rings]
[Michael] So how did Theory get in this match then
if Strowman destroyed the set of The Grayson Waller Effect?
[Corey] It was under the advice--
You're Austin Theory! Get him! Get him!
[Corey] It was under the advice of Grayson Waller's…
[Michael] Oh! What a right hand.
…legal team from what I understand.
[Michael] So can you explain to me what Waller is wearing?
[Corey] No, I cannot do that.
It's fashionable. I could not pull it off.
I don't know that many people other than Grayson Waller could.
[Michael] Nobody home as Theory rolls out of harm's way
and now looks to power Strowman up.
-[Corey] Look at that! -[Michael] Well-placed elbow by Strowman.
[Corey] The kid's a star.
Wow! Yes, Strowman is.
[crowd clamoring]
Braun Strowman's taking over.
[groaning]
[Michael] Look at this!
[crowd chanting] Strowman!
[Michael] We are back on Friday Night SmackDown live tonight Tampa,
the last one of 2024,
heading into the new year. Happy holidays, everyone.
-Thanks… -[Corey] Oh!
[Michael] Thank you for joining us for this holiday weekend.
Theory has been in control of Strowman
since Braun Strowman went crashing into the steel steps minutes ago.
[Corey] What a great way it would be to end the year on SmackDown
for Austin Theory and Grayson Waller for that matter,
teaching a lesson to Braun Strowman.
Monster, huh? You're a monster, huh?
What a monster. Where?
Where 'cause I'm right here.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael laughing] Oh my goodness!
[Corey] Just chopped Theory in the soul.
[Michael] Like getting hit by a frying pan.
And Theory goes down low.
[Corey] Smart strategy by Theory utilizing his quickness.
[Michael] A chop block to Strowman.
[Corey] A big left hand from the southpaw.
Here's the cover for the win,
and the kick-out by Strowman with authority!
[Michael] One.
[Corey] Let's take another look
at the impact.
As Theory wisely luring Strowman in.
Rolls through. Oh!
[Michael] Dropkick. Stuns Strowman momentarily.
[indistinct]
And that dropkick drove Theory right out of the ring.
350 plus pounds!
[Corey] This might have been exactly what Strowman needed,
just a few extra seconds to catch his breath and compose himself
and to continue the destruction.
-[cries out] -[grunts]
[Michael] Just holding Theory up to the apron.
[referee] One, two.
[Corey] Strowman getting a head of steam.
[Michael] Oh, Waller may have a broken hand.
Ow!
-[Corey] Here comes Theory! -[Michael indistinct] …Waller.
[crowd clamoring]
[Corey] My goodness!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Michael] The train about to roll on the tracks!
Strowman! Takes out Theory!
Waller ducked underneath,
and now Waller is hightailing it out of the arena!
Nice buddy he is.
What were you saying about all the great things he does for Austin Theory?
[Corey] Well, what good is a best friend if he's physically incapacitated?
[Michael] And now Strowman.
Look at the power.
Marching into the ring with Theory and tossing him into the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Okay, let's not get crazy, Braun.
[Michael] Braun's gonna go up top.
[Corey] Looks like Strowman went a little hard on the eggnog this weekend.
There we go. That's what friends are for!
Theory, beautiful!
[Michael] He's got Strowman in A-Town Down position…
[Corey] Oh my God!
[Michael] …but was not able to lift Strowman up.
Strowman now just like that, powerslam!
-Cover on Theory! -[crowd counting down]
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Braun Strowman!
[Michael] Theory had Braun in position for A-Town Down.
[Corey] You've got to be impressed, like Austin Theory or not,
with the power we just saw a glimpse of.
Unfortunately for Austin Theory and his pal Grayson Waller,
Strowman just a little too much monster for Theory to handle tonight.
The running powerslam nearly put Austin through the center of the ring.
Big w for The Monster of all Monsters.
[Michael] Strowman with the win here tonight
on the final Friday Night SmackDown of 2024.
[crowd cheering]
Here at Friday Night SmackDown we have the first ever
Women's United States Champion,
and she's been insufferable on social media.
Back to Saturday Night's Main Event two weeks ago.
Finals of the tournament.
Chelsea Green, Michin with Piper Niven, Chelsea's buddy, outside the ring,
and Piper would come in to play.
[Corey] I hope you have a written apology prepared.
Piper Niven once again paying dividends,
taking the attention of Michin off of her competition,
and Chelsea Green with the Un-pretty Her makes WWE history
as the first-ever Women's United States Champion.
[explosions]
[Michael] And coming up next on Friday Night SmackDown,
the party commences.
It is Chelsea Green's United States Championship Celebration,
and it's next.
[Corey] ♪ Oh say can you see ♪
[Michael] Where's Lillian?
Nick, um, I heard what you said.
[crowd booing]
I heard all of it. I heard you say I'm not the real WWE Champion.
But, I mean…
I have this. I deserve to have this.
I… I… I am the true, rightful WWE Champion, okay?
And I also heard that ultimatum.
You want me to give this back. You say I have to give it back,
and I'm sure you'd love for me to agree to this right away and go,
"Yes, my lord. I shall give it back right away, my lord,"
but, you know what, Nick? I think you and I
need to have a little discussion.
So I'll… I'll come into this arena but on my terms.
That means just me and you alone in the ring, no one else.
No security guards, no office cronies, just me, you.
And then…
then we can talk.
[Michael] He's ready.
Joining us here tonight on Friday Night Smackdown,
members of the University of Michigan football team,
They play on January… December 31st New Year's Eve
in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama,
joining us on SmackDown tonight.
[Corey] There's nobody as excited in Tampa about Michigan
as our cameraman, Jim Grogan, who's shooting us right now
who is a full-time resident of Columbus, Ohio,
but a full-time Wolverines fan!
It seems dangerous to me. I wouldn't recommend it.
[Michael] Congratulations to the Wolverines. Good luck.
[crowd clamoring]
["Taste the Jealousy" by WWE, Def Rebel playing]
[Michael] Meanwhile, Piper Niven getting set
for our Championship celebration.
[Corey] So regal.
[music fades]
[clears throat]
Ladies and gentlemen,
please join me in giving a warm welcome
to your prettiest, tallest,
sparkliest, most beautiful, most popular,
first and longest reigning
Women's United States Champion,
my bestie, not yours, Chelsea Green!
♪ It's Chelsea Green ♪
["Hot Mess' By WWE, Def Rebel playing]
[Corey] Come on, Cole. Stand up.
It's the right thing to do.
Put your hand on your heart.
Come on, Cole.
[Michael] Oh, look. Lady Liberty's here.
[Corey] This is a matter of national pride.
I wish she would've stayed on Ellis Island.
[Corey] You're disgusting.
[Michael] By the way, she's also the shortest reigning.
She's also the oldest.
Uh, like a United States [indistinct].
[Corey] The nation is healing right now, Michael Cole.
Just let it happen, okay?
This is good for everybody.
Much like France gifted us Lady Liberty, the statue,
Canada gifted us Chelsea Green.
-[Michael] That's a gift? -[Corey] That's right.
You're still hung up on the whole trash thing from like a year ago.
Let it go. Just enjoy the present.
I pledge allegiance to Chelsea Green,
the greatest Women's United States Champion of all time!
I feel like Lee Greenwood right now.
[Michael] You look like him,
-Thank you, thank you. -[Corey] That's harsh.
[crowd cheering]
I wanted to take this time to address the fine people of the WWE Universe.
We did it!
[crowd cheering]
We have officially turned the blue brand into the green house.
[Michael] Oh boy.
Now, Fergie once used the letters
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
to describe this very moment.
The moment that the world would feast their eyes
on the most glamorous, richest,
tannest, sparkliest, tallest, youngest, oldest, longest-reigning,
first-ever WWE Women's United States Champion!
[crowd cheering]
And I feel it only necessary to give recognition
to the woman that has been there through it all,
the woman who has stood by my side.
And if not for her, well…
I'd never be here.
And that woman is me.
[crowd laughs]
It is my honor
to bring pride and sexiness to this reign.
Because, I mean, let's be honest. If not for me,
you'd be stuck with one of those she-trolls in the back.
Woof. [laughs]
Now, to my trash-loving opponent Michin,
I have but two words for you.
Good riddance!
[laughs]
I would say that you too could be a Champion like myself,
but I'm Canadian, and Canadians don't lie.
[Michael scoffs]
[scattered boos]
Okay, okay, well, what I will say, what I will say, Michin,
is that I'm honestly shocked
you even made it that far in the tournament at all!
Lastly, folks.
I challenge you to ask yourself
not what Chelsea Green can do for you,
but what you can do for Chelsea Green!
[crowd cheering]
Now's the time, people!
2025 is the year of red, white, and green!
["I Am" by WWE, Def Rebel playing]
[Corey] Chelsea's got a bright future in politics no doubt about it.
♪ I am, I am, I am the one Ain't hard to see… ♪
[Michael] We may be about to get a…
Chelsea, in case you forgot,
if it wasn't for your goofy friend Piper on Saturday Night's Main Event,
I would have been Champion.
[indistinct] This is mine.
Actually, you know what?
I'm gonna take a page out of your book
and introduce you to my little friend.
No! This is my moment!
To give you the ass-whooping you deserve.
[Michael] Michin's right. If it wasn't for Piper Niven,
Chelsea wouldn't be the Champion.
[Corey] Michin's being a sore loser right now.
And Piper Niven intercepted the kendo stick momentarily.
[crowd clamoring]
[Corey] Piper just getting waylaid by the kendo stick.
[Michael] Yeah, once again running interference for the Champ.
-And Chelsea Green… -[Corey] Get out of there, Champ!
Please! Please don't. Please don't!
-Chelsea! -No! No! No!
[Michael] Well, typical Canadian.
[Corey] Oh, bite your tongue, Michael Cole!
This was supposed to be America's return to pride and sexiness,
and Michin spoiled it.
Oh, my back.
[indistinct] It's my moment! It's my moment!
[Michael] Lady Liberty's light still burns bright.
[indistinct]
[indistinct] everything. Floats…
-What's this? -Gentlemen.
Thank you for joining us. I'm just gonna ask you this once.
Is there anything you wanna tell me
about who attacked The Street Profits three weeks ago?
Yeah.
It's terrible what happened to them.
Sucks.
I feel awful.
That's it? Final answer?
-What else? -Okay.
See, here's the thing.
There's actually two eyewitnesses to what happened.
Guys. Thank you so much.
-Hello. Mr. Aldis. How are we? -Mr. Aldis.
-You witnessed what happened, correct? -Correct.
So I need a simple yes or no.
Oh, I just don't know if I remember, Nick. Do you?
Oh, do I remember? Do I…
Oh, maybe we'd remember better
if there was some funding on the table for a future Tony-winning musical.
-What you say? -Mm.
Maybe you'll have time for your musical if you're unemployed.
-Oh. So, uh… It was, uh… -[murmurs]
-It was Gar-- -Za!
[clears throat] Garza. It was Garza.
-Sorry. Garza. -It was Garza.
-It was Garza, 100%? -Yep.
-100%. -It was Garza, yeah.
Cool. We just saw 'em a second ago.
-You sure? -Yeah, I'm sure.
Say less.
-Hey, yo, Garza! Humberto. -Humberto!
Hey! Garza, hey!
Garza, hey! Y'all wanna jump us?
You wanna jump us?
[grunting, arguing]
[clamoring]
Enough!
I'm not dealing with this tonight.
You two, you two, take it to the ring, now.
[arguing]
[Michael] Impromptu matchup underway.
And Montez Ford wasting little time going right after Berto
in this Tag Team matchup.
Dawkins now. And Angel with a big clothesline.
[Corey] We're only a few seconds into this matchup
and this might be the best The Street Profits have looked
in a long time.
This aggression may be exactly
what Montez and Angelo have been missing recently.
[Michael] This happened moments ago.
the stooges Pretty Deadly came out and blamed
Berto and Angel for attacking The Street Profits
and taking them out of Tag Team Title match a number of weeks ago.
#DIY would replace them and win the titles
over The Motor City Machine Guns.
[Corey] First of all, why are Pretty Deadly stooges?
[Michael] Because they gave this up.
A legend.
[Corey] Because they were afraid to get fired.
[Michael] Fair enough. Across the ring and… Oh!
Look at this! Montez Ford now with a clothesline!
The Street Profits,
couple time Tag Team Champs. NXT Tag Team Champs as well.
[Corey] I like what I'm seeing so far.
I'm being totally honest with you. Montez has an intensity about him tonight
that we haven't seen in a long time.
[Michael] Double flapjack from the Profits. Cover now by Dawkins.
Hook of the leg and a kick-out.
Big matchup, however, for both these teams. Pick up a win
and maybe earn a Tag Team Championship opportunity
against Gargano and Ciampa down the road.
The Profits believe they deserve the opportunity
because it was stolen from them by Los Garza.
[Michael] I'm still trying to figure this out.
Like what did Los Garza have to gain
by attacking The Street Profits a couple of weeks back? I don't get it.
[Corey] I wish I could give you a legitimate reason, but hey.
Up over the top.
[Michael] Berto and Angel working great together as a team.
The cousins now. Cover by Angel and a kick-out by Dawkins.
[grunting, indistinct yelling]
[Corey] This aggression from Angel right now.
[Michael] [indistinct] back in the still photo era
taking photographs, here confronted by The Street Profits.
[Corey] And this is an incredibly risky proposition.
I understand where Nick Aldis's mind is.
He's gone along in his playbook.
To put four athletes in a matchup without time to warm up,
all four of these guys are risking injury.
This could potentially be catastrophic.
[Michael] The forearms by Angel.
The crossface to Dawkins as he makes the tag to Berto.
[grunting]
[Corey] Angel hasn't had a chance to take his shirt off
much to the disappointment of the majority of the WWE Universe.
[Michael] Well, you're gonna get your wish, Corey.
You wanna know who did?
[Corey chuckles] Big right.
On Angelo Dawkins.
[Michael] Tag made. Here comes Montez Ford,
the über-athletic Ford now.
A big shoulder tackle. You mentioned the aggression.
We're seeing at all over the place tonight with the Profits.
Off the double team. Hook to the leg,
and Angel will break things up before the three-count.
[Corey] Dawkins looking to dispose of Angel.
Oh, big headbutt right on the jaw of AD.
Montez answers with a flying knee!
Now Los Garza looking to put The Profits away.
[Corey] Wonder what it would mean to Los Garza and all of Legado del Fantasma
to pick up a big win tonight, potentially put themselves a step closer
to an opportunity at the Tag Team titles.
[Michael] Kick to the face. Montez Ford out to the… Oh!
[Corey] Beautiful teamwork!
[Michael] Angel and Berto have taken over.
You wanna do this?
[crowd booing]
[Michael] We're back on Friday Night SmackDown.
Los Garza have been dominating this through the commercial break, Corey.
[Corey] Montez Ford in a desperate situation right now,
needs to make a tag to Angelo Dawkins who is eagerly reaching out in the corner.
Montez needs to create a little separation and get away from the grasp of Angel.
[screaming]
[Michael] Looking to make a tag.
[yelling]
[Corey] Oh! Wow.
[Michael] Down goes Ford. Tag made. Here's Berto.
[Corey] Seamless teamwork from Los Garza.
Big knee right on the jaw of Ford!
[Michael] The double team has been dominating here.
Los Garza perhaps proving they deserve a Championship opportunity down the road.
[Corey] They keep asking why they would attack The Street Profits.
Perhaps this is why. You end up in this opportunity.
You get to establish dominance in the division.
[Michael] Takedown.
Now with a dropkick right to the back of the neck of Ford.
[Corey] Enjoying this methodical pace from Los Garza.
The lucha libre style generally much faster paced,
but Los Garza understand what the Profits are capable of,
understand that one tiny mistake could lead to a big-time loss.
Garza looking to make the most of this chance.
[Michael] Yeah, frequent tags in and out.
Angel, full head of steam and a running knee!
[grunts] This is what they wanted. They're gonna get it!
[referee] Come on.
[Michael] Ford desperately needs to get to his corner
and take in Angelo Dawkins. Cover.
And a kick-out by Ford again staying in this matchup.
[Corey] You've got to be impressed with The Street Profits thus far.
They brought this fight to Los Garza sort of caught out of the blue.
Ended up in an impromptu match. All four of these Superstars
bringing their a-games tonight.
Ford! Big DDT!
Bought Montez some time and scrambled the brains of Angel.
[Michael] Can he get to Dawkins?
Elektra Lopez realizes the problem that Los Garza has now,
especially if Dawkins comes in off the tag.
[crowd clamoring]
Other than that you see the Michigan crew here earlier.
Talking to the big Ohio State guy.
Tag, here comes Dawkins!
[Corey] Dawkins, also arguably the most improved Superstar on the roster
over the last several years.
Every week Angelo Dawkins brings something new to the dance.
You've got to respect the power, speed, athleticism like that!
[Michael] Boom, there's the elbow to the jaw!
Dawkins is fired up!
Flat out intensity by Dawkins off the neckbreaker.
Cover for the win and a kick-out by Berto at two.
[Corey] Great resilience from Berto keeping his team in this fight,
but Dawkins looks all too happy
to continue pouring on the punishment.
[Michael] Tag.
[Corey] Things are about to get worse for Berto.
[Michael] Montez Ford goes up top. Angel saving his tag team partner.
Dawkins jumping into the ropes! Big kick from Angel to Dawkins.
[Corey] Los Garza with a massive opportunity.
Unobstructed teamwork incoming.
-[Michael] Double team by Los Garza… -[Corey] What in the hell?
[Michael] …from the top rope!
-[Corey] Oh my God. -[Michael] Oh goodness!
Look at the position Ford's in!
-Dropped! -[Corey] Wow!
And Angel to the outside!
[Michael] Taking out Dawkins with a moonsault!
Berto with one of his own!
Cover now for the win!
And Ford kick-out at two.
[Corey] Credit to Montez Ford for kicking out.
Berto very nearly ended this for his team
after this epic press slam from the ropes
followed immediately by a beautiful moonsault to the outside,
Berto with one on the inside.
[Michael] Tag made to Angel. Double team coming from Los Garza.
Then across the ring, meanwhile Angelo Dawkins…
[Corey] Just pounding Angel into next week!
[Michael] Ford with a step-up enzugiri.
Tag made!
[indistinct]
-[Corey] The Street Profits on the verge-- -[Michael] And Elektra Lopez…
[Corey] La Madrina coming to the aid of her team.
[Michael] And B-Fab takes out Lopez.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Ford gonna fly!
[Corey] Ford now chucking Angel back inside
at the feet of Angelo Dawkins.
Could the second time be the charm? Tag.
[Michael] Ford's legal and he's gonna fly!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Down goes Garza!
-Cover! -[crowd counting down]
-[Michael] Profits with the win! -[bell rings]
[announcer] Here are your winners The Street Profits!
[Corey] With the quite literally zero time to prepare for combat,
hats off to both of these teams,
but what a massive win for The Street Profits!
[Michael] Profits with revenge here tonight against Los Garza.
Elektra Lopez would get involved, saving the matchup momentarily.
Then B-Fab.
B-Fab with a big-time kick
opening the door for Montez Ford to deliver some fireworks,
the doomsday blockbuster.
Ford and Dawkins, big win for The Profits,
and this new aggressive attitude may be the missing ingredient.
[Michael] Looking for a Tag Team Championship opportunity down the road.
Nakamura wants to call himself
the savior of the United States Championship.
Talking about honor.
Spare me. You want to talk about wrestling?
Technique? There is no one better than Andrade.
Your mind games, they don't scare me.
They show me the kind of man you really are.
A man with no respect
who took my title opportunity, so now I'm coming for you.
And when we face off, I will squash you.
And after that, I deliver the message
everyone will remember one thing.
Andrade is…
inevitable.
[Michael] It takes place next week on the very first Friday Night SmackDown
of 2025
live from Phoenix.
Andrade versus the Champ Shinsuke Nakamura
[Corey] And how about this? Just made official.
Naomi will have the opportunity to become double Champion.
She's already won half of the Women's Tag Team Championship.
Next week she goes one-on-one with the Women's Champion Nia Jax!
[Michael] Sami Zayn looks to put Carmelo Hayes in his place live, next.
Merry Christmas, everyone, happy holidays, and of course soon to be happy new year.
Friday Night SmackDown, the final one of 2024 live tonight in Tampa, Florida.
Next week, we head to Phoenix.
But here tonight Tampa, 13,000 in attendance with their signs.
I'll sign up for that.
[Corey] You'll have to bring the singlet out of retirement.
[Michael] I'll take the payday.
[Corey] Tampa, of course, holds a very, very important place
in the hearts of many of the WWE Superstars.
So many of us started right down the road on Dale Mabry.
"Bring back the shock master."
[Michael laughs] The King of Yinzer!
[Corey] I don't know what that means in Tampa,
but in Pittsburgh they better paint my face on the wall [indistinct].
-…culture. -My issue is his--
-What are you two up to? -What do you mean?
-What are you after here? -It's a little thing the English call
-quid pro quo. -Don't know what that means.
We're just saying, if we scratch your backs,
then maybe you can scratch ours.
Listen, I'm not scratching anybody's back,
but you guys look out for us, and we'll look out for you.
-Yes, boy -Yes, boy.
Yes, boy!
[talking over each other] Yes, boy!
Excellent. I'll tell you what.
-[indistinct] -A little bit…
Hey, Pretty Deadly, look.
We wanna say, you know, we appreciate y'all for the head's up on the Garzas.
We was unsure about y'all, but we appreciate it. Respect.
-Respect. -Respect.
-Don't mention it. -Yeah.
-Ever. -Ever.
-Respect. -I don't know what that was about.
Hey, let's go talk to Nick Aldis about this tag team, okay?
-We need those titles. Let's go. -Say less.
Hey, hey, all due respect,
but if anyone's getting a rematch, it's us.
Sorry, guys. You've got to go to the back of the line.
-Back of the line. -Back of the line.
-Oh.
Y'all getting played.
It wasn't Los Garza that attacked you guys.
What?
-It was #DIY. -But you…
Trust me, I saw it.
Y'all getting played.
What?!
[Michael] I'm really confused.
[Corey] Why did Crews wait so long to tell anybody?
Here you are calling Pretty Deadly stooges and it's actually Apollo the whole time.
-[crowd sings along] ♪ Let's go ♪ -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds, Sami Zayn!
[Michael] Sami Zayn here tonight for a number of reasons.
Of course, the transfer window is underway here.
And that is the general manager for SmackDown, Raw, and NXT
looking to make some deals with Superstars to flip the rosters.
[crowd cheering]
Sami's had a lot of issues with The Bloodline,
Drew McIntyre this past Monday on Raw.
Not 100% coming into this match tonight.
[Corey] All the more reason Sami Zayn should learn to keep his mouth shut.
He's here to do business, to talk to Nick Aldis,
yet somehow Sami felt it appropriate
to tell Carmelo Hayes how to respect Sami's presence in the locker room.
And that's nonsense, but that's what Sami Zayn's all about.
Sami can't wait to tell you how to do whatever you do.
[Michael] Yeah, but Carmelo Hayes has this nasty business of interrupting people.
[Corey] So does Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn interrupted his way into another man's family, for God's sake.
["The Greatest" by WWE, 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 ♪
♪ What? Yeah… ♪
[announcer] And his opponent from Boston, Massachusetts
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
Cole, if you raise your hand, maybe Carmelo will give you
one of the Christmas cards.
[Michael] I've no interest in this baseless propaganda from Hayes.
Check out this Christmas card.
This is the attack that he had on Braun Strowman
after he won a count-out victory last week.
Check this out. "Merry Melo-Don't-Miss-Mas."
[Corey] It's a play on words. It's like Christmas but don't miss this
because it's Carmelo Hayes. It's him like the one acts as an "i."
It functions on many levels, Cole. It's very deep.
Maybe if you had been given one personally by Carmelo Hayes,
you'd have had time to examine how much time and effort
was put into that beautiful holiday greeting card.
[Michael] That's why you're the best analyst in the business, Graves.
[Corey] Says someone I think.
[Michael] Here we go, Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes one-on-one here tonight.
Sami looking to teach a little bit of respect
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Hayes says, "Hey, this is my show."
[Corey] Who elected Sami Zayn the respect police?
What about Sami Zayn is the standard, the bar for respect?
-Ring the bell -[bell rings]
[Michael] Here we go. Collar-and-elbow-tie-up to start.
Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes. I'd love to see Sami
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd chanting] Sami Uso.
[Corey] I would too as long as I'm on Monday Night Raw.
[Michael] There's a Sami Uso chant started.
Sami is great friends with Jey Uso.
[Corey] I feel like this is disrespectful to actual Usos,
actual members of The Bloodline.
Did I go pick a fight with Sami? No.
[Michael] Yeah, but Jimmy and Jey and even Roman
has welcomed Sami back into the fold.
[Corey] Yeah. Listen, I'm not the locker room police.
Sami Zayn made himself the locker room police
as pertains to Carmelo Hayes. That's my point. Thank you.
[Michael] And Sami Zayn now chopping away at Carmelo Hayes.
Sami has had a target on his back when it comes to Drew McIntyre.
Wanna talk about people being the locker room police,
how about McIntyre over on Raw?
Where does he get off wanting to take out anybody that decides
they wanna team up or be friends with Roman Reigns?
[Corey] Why is everybody who's speaking totally logical common sense
vilified in WWE? Kevin Owens has a point.
Drew McIntyre has points.
-Seth Rollins has points. -[Michael] Wait.
Kevin Owens who we're waiting to see if he's gonna show up in the arena tonight
and do the right thing and hand over the Winged Eagle Championship
to Nick Aldis.
Wanna talk about someone who's gone off the deep end?
How about Kevin Owens? The man's delusional.
He's running around. He was at the live event last night
in Jacksonville, Florida
pretending he was the Champion.
Pretending he's the actual Champion.
[Corey] Possession is nine-tenths of the law, Cole.
Here comes Sami Zayn.
[Michael] Zayn now gonna launch himself up over the top. Nope.
Carmelo Hayes retreats.
[crowd clapping]
Sami, a four-time Intercontinental Champion,
former NXT Champion as was Carmelo Hayes.
And Carmelo now dragging Sami outside the ring.
[referee] Get in the ring. Let's go. Let's go.
-And Hayes looking to turn things around. -Get out the way.
[referee] Let's go. One.
-[Michael] Hayes breathtaking at times. -[referee] Two.
[Michael] Highly athletic as is Sami.
Moonsault off the barricade to take out Hayes.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Zayn in control on Friday Night SmackDown.
Carmelo Hayes bounces Zayn head-first off the turnbuckle.
Hayes has taken over this matchup against Sami Zayn
here on Friday Night SmackDown
on a night where we await the arrival of Kevin Owens
to turn over the historic Winged Eagle Championship
to general manager Nick Aldis, the title that he stole from Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] I'm starting to understand why Kevin Owens has disliked Sami Zayn
for all these years.
Tonight should be about KO
and the beautiful Championship he's in possession of,
but instead, Sami Zayn shows up, picks a fight with Carmelo Hayes,
and now we're forced to endure the most annoying man in WWE.
[Michael] Okay, folks, the real thing that happened
is Carmelo Hayes picked a fight with Sami Zayn
by interrupting a conversation with Zayn and our general manager.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael] Carmelo Hayes takes out Sami.
He was here tonight to talk business.
Cover by Hayes. Hook of the leg and a kick-out.
If Kevin Owens is delusional,
it isn't really a Champion. Anything else?
[Corey] What's that thing that people say about who writes history?
The winners, and right now, Carmelo Hayes
putting a beat down on Sami Zayn.
Tremendous athleticism.
[crowd clamoring, booing]
[Michael] Carmelo Hayes warned Zayn, "Stay off my show."
Sami is a part of Monday Night Raw,
but of course, there's a transfer window in place
for at least another week.
[Corey] All bets are off.
Think about how happy Carmelo Hayes's holidays would be
if tonight, fresh off a big win over Braun Strowman,
he picks up a big win over Sami Zayn.
[Michael] Are they gonna send out a Happy New Year's card?
[Corey] That's a great idea. I'll text him. I hope that's what happens.
-Do you have his number? -Of course I do, Cole.
I'm a journalist.
[Michael] Bang. Sami blocked it. Zayn now trying to fight back.
Here comes Sami now with a right hand to Hayes.
Sami leapfrog. Big clothesline!
[Corey] Sami dug down deep for that one.
Put Carmelo flat on his back, and now Zayn has a chance to rally.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] Elbow caught Hayes. A bit overzealous there,
and Sami Zayn now.
[Corey] Another axe handle.
-Right on the crown of Hayes's skull. -[Michael] Sami firing up.
Hayes misses wildly. Sami Zayn. Sami wanted the blue thunder bomb.
And again, we mentioned the back injury
suffered at the hands of McIntyre on Monday night
that perhaps came into play there.
And maybe not. Sami Zayn went for it again,
and again blocked by Hayes.
[Corey] You may be right. Might be more than meets the eye
as pertains to Sami's back.
[Michael] Sami caught him!
-[Corey] Wow! -[Michael] Blue thunder bomb!
-For the win! -[crowd counting down]
Hayes at two.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Take another look at this.
Hayes picked out of mid air and muscled up into a blue thunder bomb.
Not quite enough to finish the job for Sami.
[Michael] Sami up to the apron.
Feeding off the capacity crowd here tonight
in Tampa, Florida.
Sami to the top rope.
Hayes will meet him there.
Sami able to intercept.
Down goes Hayes.
[crowd cheering]
Sami…
Nobody home. Rolls through.
Hayes caught him. First 48!
-[Corey] That's gonna do it. -[Michael] Cover now for the win.
-[crowd counting down] -Sammy somehow stayed in it.
What a great counter by Carmelo.
-[Corey] Again. -[Michael] And again.
-[crowd counting down] -Sami barely got the shoulder up.
Third time! Third time a kick-out.
[Corey] I love what I just saw from Carmelo Hayes.
Three attempts at the pinfall as we take another look at the First 48.
Sami kicked out not once, not twice, but three times.
In short, did not pick up the win for Carmelo,
but every time Sami's forced to kick out,
he's got to spend a little bit of energy which he's now running very, very low on.
[Michael] Carmelo Hayes, second row. Down goes Sami Zayn.
And Carmelo said that's it.
And Carmelo, he's gonna climb up to the top rope
with his finishing move Nothing but Net!
Is it Carmelo Hayes's night?
[Corey] You know when Melo shoots, he don't miss.
[Michael] And now he did. He ran into a clothesline by Sami!
Sami's fired up.
[Corey] Look at the fury in the eyes of Sami Zayn!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd counting]
[Michael] Look at Sami go!
[Corey] Sami channeling all of his anger all of his frustration
to Carmelo Hayes.
[Michael] Exploder!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Hayes is in deep, deep trouble.
[Michael] He's got him where he wants him!
Went for the Helluva Kick, and Carmelo Hayes said,
"Uh-uh, not tonight."
-[Corey] Smart move! -One.
[crowd booing]
-Two. Three. -I got no more.
[Michael] Carmelo Hayes… Uh-oh.
Nowhere to go!
-[Corey] Look out! -[Michael] Here comes Strowman.
[Corey] That should be a disqualification!
[Michael] Strowman in pursuit!
-[indistinct] Tama Tonga! The Bloodline! -[bell rings]
[Michael] Fatu!
Solo Sikoa.
The tribal chief of the new Bloodline!
And the assault once again looks like Monday on Sami Zayn!
[crowd clamoring]
[Corey] You asked for this, Sami.
[Michael] Tama Tonga right to the boot.
Sami looks to rally.
The Samoan Werewolf shoulder-first to the post.
Sikoa, though, blasts through Zayn.
And now the beat down. Strowman is here. He's bringing Hayes back into the arena!
Realizes there's a problem here.
As Strowman with a long history with The Bloodline
is marching down the ring!
[Corey] Tama Tonga looking to get those hands.
[Michael] And Strowman is one big SOB
face-to-face with the tribal chief Solo Sikoa and they're exchanging blows!
[Corey] No fear from the new tribal chief!
[Michael] Bang as Solo Sikoa went down.
Come on!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh no.
[Michael] A monster looking into the eyes of a werewolf!
[Corey] Tampa, take cover!
[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Oh Tama Tonga from behind!
[Michael] Chop block and a kick from Fatu
and a Samoan Spike by Solo Sikoa!
And another one to Braun Strowman!
And make no mistake about it!
This right here is a message to the OTC!
[Corey] Sami Zayn back in the fray!
Momentarily.
[Michael] A valiant effort by a resilient Zayn,
but once again, the members of The Bloodline,
who are out here to make a statement,
to send a message
because a week from Monday…
Jacob Fatu takes out Zayn.
Solo Sikoa meets Roman Reigns in tribal combat
to prove who the real tribal chief is.
I'm coming for you!
[Corey] Solo just said, "Roman, I'm coming for you!"
[Michael] And another spike to Zayn!
[clamoring]
[Corey] January 6th it's all about the ula fala.
There can only be one tribal chief!
["Fight" by WWE, CFO$ playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And as The Bloodline has cleaned house,
another man who's had problems with them in the past.
But I don't believe Kevin Owens is here for The Bloodline tonight.
He is carrying the historic Winged Eagle Championship to the ring.
[Corey] Why do you keep calling it that? What other kind of eagles are there, Cole?
[Michael] Will he give it up?
["Fight" continues playing]
[music fades]
[crowd clamoring, booing]
Kevin, I've really said everything that needs to be said,
so now there is only one thing left to do.
Kevin, do the right thing.
Please hand over the Winged Eagle Championship belt.
Is that the right thing in your mind?
Because I think that's the worst thing I could do.
Explain to me why would give you this back.
This is the only bargaining chip I have.
This is the only way I can make sure I get what's fair,
that I get what I deserve, and you know what that is, Nick Aldis?
That is a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship
where a referee cannot rob me of my victory.
Because that's exactly what happened at Saturday Night's Main Event!
You want this back? You can have it back.
But Cody needs to come take it.
Give me my rematch!
[crowd clamoring]
I had Cody Rhodes beat! You know it. He knows it. Everyone knows it!
[scattered cheering]
I already said that this was not a negotiation.
I already said there would be immediate and severe consequences
if you didn't hand that over.
Maybe you need me to spell it out to you in plain English.
Hand the belt over,
or you never set foot in a WWE ring again.
[crowd booing]
["Kingdom" by Downstait playing]
[crowd cheering]
Cody. Cody.
Cody.
I'm gonna say this once, and I'm not gonna share too much.
For the sake of your health, for your sake,
for my sake, for the company's sake,
please turn around and walk away and let the me handle this.
[crowd booing]
Nick.
I'm not gonna walk away.
[crowd cheering]
And respectfully, I don't want Kevin to hand you that title.
I don't want you to make a martyr of somebody who is begging to be a martyr.
So you have said so much, Kevin.
You've made this about what you think it's about.
You've thrown up the sheets of logic. Allow me to punch a huge hole in that.
You said the problems with you and I
stem from me teaming with a man that tried to end your livelihood,
teaming with a man who made your life a living hell.
Rewind to Saturday Night's Main Event where you did the exact same thing to me.
It's not about what you're saying, Kevin.
When you met me, I was young, I was hungry, I was angry.
I was trying to climb the ladder like all of us, right?
And I was doing it for me.
I don't do this for me anymore, Kevin.
I haven't for quite some time. I…
I do this for my girls.
I do this up for these fans.
I do this for that announcer sitting over there
who believed in me before everybody else!
I do it for my cousin who's the timekeeper,
my little buddy who's sitting in the front row.
I do it for my mentor Randy Orton who you put it on the shelf
and denied these people the privilege of seeing!
And I do it for people who have put faith in me,
a man who handed me the Winged Eagle and said one night only
so that we could give the fans something special.
So it's not your responsibility, Nick.
It's mine to take that back from you.
[mocking] Oh, I do it for my family--
[Cody] Kevin, shut the hell up! Shut the hell up!
I've had absolutely enough!
Let me ask you the simplest of questions!
Were we friends before I was WWE Champion?
Yes. Are we friends now? Absolutely not!
You want a match where the ref doesn't screw you?
Great. I want a match where the ref can't stop what I'm gonna do to you!
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct conversation]
Let me try. I'm telling you.
I'm begging you [indistinct].
[crowd chanting] Let them fight!
Another match.
[indistinct]
[crowd clamoring]
[crowd quiets]
That's what it's about, climbing.
So let's do just that.
-Take that Championship. -My Championship.
Take this Championship.
Hang them high up.
[crowd cheering]
Kevin Owens, ladder match!
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen, at the Royal Rumble,
Kevin Owens will face Cody Rhodes
for the Undisputed WWE Championship
in a ladder match.
[crowd cheering]
Sounds great to me.
I'll see you there.
[scattered boos]
[crowd clamoring]
[Kevin] Okay.
[Michael] Come on, now.
Oh, not to the neck!
[crowd booing]
Aldis positioning himself between Owens and Rhodes.
Cody already with a damaged neck from a piledriver.
And Kevin Owens with cheap shot after cheap shot.
No good piece of…
I am the true Champ!
-[Nick] Medics. -[yelling]
I am the true Champion!
I'll see you at the Rumble!
[Corey] Choose your words carefully, Michael Cole,
because come Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens
may in fact be the Undisputed WWE Champion.
[crowd continues booing]
[Michael] Kevin Owens has gone off the deep end.
[crowd continues booing]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! e off the deep end.