[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] We are deep in the heart of Texas, and that heartbeat quickens
when SmackDown comes to Austin.
The Moody Center is in the middle of UT's 40 acres,
and it's rocking with anticipation.
These locals are all about hook 'em horns, and tonight we're hooked on action
with results that will shape the early
half of this year.
Tama Tonga has made his way to Austin
with the incredibly dangerous, unpredictable Jacob Fatu by his side,
but the Megastar is here to meet him.
LA Knight's out for revenge.
Can he get a little in the midst of his title quest?
LA faces Tama Tonga tonight.
And the clock reads 8:01 Eastern,
but it's always Tiffy Time around here.
Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title last week.
Tonight we'll hear from the WWE Women's Champ.
We're just a week away from Royal Rumble, and yet right here in Austin
over the course of 3 power-packed hours, so much to be determined.
Joe Tessitore with you.
We'll visit with my good buddy and partner Wade Barrett in a moment, but first,
folks, a rare-one-on one opportunity
right here in the ring to interview
the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Wrestling has more than one Royal family ♪
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here About to blow ♪
♪ Waiting for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
-[crowd] Whoa! -♪ Whoa ♪
♪ My father said ♪
♪ When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams But not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me 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 ♪
♪ Hear the crowd On their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
-[crowd] Whoa! -♪ Whoa ♪
What an honor. What a pleasure.
What a pleasure, Cody.
Cody, I know you always greatly appreciate your family legacy.
[crowd cheering] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
And these fans here in Austin, it means something special
because this is of course the hometown to the son of a plumber, your father,
here in Austin. But 24 hours from now,
HBK Shawn Michaels is gonna moderate the contract-signing for this ladder match,
which means you're gonna have to turn over one of the things that is
most precious to you and most cherished in all of life. With that thought,
that that will be hanging, taken from you for a week, and then suspended above
a ring with that championship on the line.
How does that make you feel knowing that this could be the last few
precious moments with that in your grasp?
[crowd cheers]
Shawn Michaels is certainly the perfect person to moderate this contract-signing,
if you will, tomorrow.
Shawn Michaels, I watched win not just one, but two Royal Rumbles.
Certainly knows something about ladder matches,
and we as a company have put the entire future of WWE
into Shawn Michaels's hands with NXT.
I have no problem handing over this championship to Shawn Michaels.
Now we're in the season, Joe Tess, where everybody is going to talk about
main eventing WrestleMania.
They're gonna talk about WrestleMania moments.
It's very simple how you walk into WrestleMania and how you main event it.
You have this right here with you.
Saturday Night's Main Event tomorrow night.
The last time we had Saturday Night's Main Event, it was the post-match horror
of Kevin Owens and the Package Piledriver, and you were out of action,
just recently medically cleared.
It has been fight-on-sight with your former friend
every time you have seen him since.
How do you possibly explain what you see in his eyes right now
in this version of Kevin Owens?
I don't know, Joe Tess.
Austin, what do you think about Kevin Owens?
[crowd boos]
You know, I… You can ask this
in every locker room, this whole ecosystem of our sport, about what people think
in regards to Kevin Owens,
you're going to get a mixed bag, a lot of opinions.
A lot of people judge a book by its cover.
They shouldn't with Kevin Owens because he will subvert your expectations every time
with the feats he is capable of.
Kevin Owens is a genius in the ring.
He has a genius-level IQ between the ropes.
Kevin Owens is a hell of an athlete.
He's a once-in-a-generation superstar, but the thing that hurts about Kevin Owens
is that when faced with the choice of the easy way out or the hard way,
10 times out of 10, Kevin Owens chooses
the easy way out.
10 times out of 10.
But that's why a ladder match is so apt,
because there is not a referee to stop us.
There is not a referee to miss a 3-count.
There is not a referee to call for a disqualification.
It's simply about who can climb the ladder, find the grit,
pull down this championship
and leave Lucas Oil Stadium WWE Champion.
You're a week away from that, which will be the biggest title defense
in your championship reign.
Tomorrow though, Cody,
you will be face-to-face with Kevin Owens.
I don't know based on the version of this man we've seen recently
that he can remain calm enough to truly listen,
to truly hear a message, but if you could look him in the eyes just
one last time before you meet up in Indy, what would that message be?
[crowd] Cody! Cody! Cody!
If I could look Kevin Owens in the eye, what would I say?
I… I'd tell him that yeah, Kevin,
maybe I smile and maybe I shake hands
and maybe I appear to be a good
guy because perhaps that is what I'm trying to be but that doesn't
mean that when you press a button.
That this gnawing and pettiness ceases.
That this covert BS, that this overt BS
like a Package Piledriver continues.
I tell Kevin Owens to not forget, be reminded that I am the one
who defeated Raw's reigning Ring General.
I'm the one who defeated what many consider and dethroned
the greatest champion of my era.
I'm the quarterback in form and in function, and you said it yourself,
I'm the grandson of a plumber, but I am also the student of Randy Orton.
Before anybody loved the American Nightmare,
I was as mean as they could get.
Kevin Owens, I have no problem punching you square in the face
right back into that front seat of your car
where you do your little promos from on the way to that island
of self righteousness that you exist in.
Kevin Owens, simply put, when we go into the Royal Rumble,
I have only one thing to say to you,
"Good luck."
["Kingdom" playing]
He had it coming. He talks a lot.
-Boys, it's a big night tonight for us. -Big night.
We just want to know the game plan. What's… How are we doing this?
-Game plan? -Yeah.
Look guys, I just found out I got a match tonight against Apollo Crews.
Okay? I gotta get dressed. I gotta get changed.
I gotta get ready.
Okay? I'm sorry, we're not gonna be able to be out there for your match later.
Johnny, come on, about this little arrangement we made, come on.
-We just thought this was quid pro quo. -Yeah.
But I'm not feeling, we're not feeling much quid pro quo back.
We're the WWE Tag Team Champions. Are you questioning our integrity?
No, no, we're not questioning your integrity,
but we have the Motor City Machine Guns tonight.
Listen, I know who you're facing.
Handle your business.
Ciampa, we'll handle it, but what about Legado?
Yeah, the things we've been doing recently, they're not gonna like--
Handle your business.
We talked about this last week, okay?
We believe in you.
Do whatever you have to do tonight to get it done.
Yes, boy.
-Yes, boy. Yeah. -Yeah, okay. We can handle it.
[theme music playing]
[Tessitore] I'll tell you, Wade, this tag team division's getting wild, isn't it?
[Barrett] Lot of business needing handled here on the SmackDown tag ranks.
[Tessitore] A few teams that have as much momentum as these veterans.
[Barrett] The presumed number one contenders
for the DIY Tag Championships, Motor City Machine Guns.
[Tessitore] Perfectly synchronized Motor City Machine Guns
in that signature entrance that signals what you're in store for.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
It is a tag team contest, and introducing first
at a combined weight of 412 pounds,
the team of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley,
Motor City Machine Guns.
[Tessitore] Wade, they've been on a tear lately.
Two weeks ago, they toppled A-Town Down. Last week, Los Garza.
Now, Pretty Deadly stands in their way. That's next.
Is it really a sporting event in Austin if the King isn't here?
Matthew McConaughey's right behind us ringside, one of the greats of all time,
the Academy Award winner.
As big a UT fan as there is, as big a WWE fan as there is.
We love it. McConaughey sitting right behind us tonight for SmackDown, Wade.
[Barrett] Wow, incredible.
Out here to catch the major action going on on SmackDown's tag ranks,
these boys, Motor City Machine Guns,
in line for a championship opportunity,
but first they got to deal with the Yes Boys.
[Tessitore] In a curious recent stretch for Kit Wilson and Elton
the two-time NXT champion seeking gold here on SmackDown.
[Garcia] Their opponents, at a combined weight of 426 pounds,
Elton Prince and Kit Wilson,
Pretty Deadly.
[Tessitore] Now, Wade, I know you're a big supporter of the Boys.
They actually cost the Machine Guns a recent title match against DIY,
and last week their interference worked the other way.
[Barrett] There's been some major issues. You mentioned last week it was Motor City
Machine Guns against Los Garza for the right to challenge DIY for the gold.
Things almost came unglued when Pretty Deadly got involved.
Whatever the plan was from PD,
it backfired one Skull and Bones later.
It was Shelley and Sabin who got a huge job putting themselves
in pole position for a title opportunity against the champs, DIY.
[Tessitore] Motor City Machine Guns, they have been on a quest
to regain their titles.
42 days they held the championships, and now this is the obstacle
in front of them, Pretty Deadly.
[Barrett] So here's the issue for the Motor City Machine Guns,
we mentioned it time and time again,
Pretty Deadly have consistently got involved,
got in the way of the Motor City Machine Guns winning their matches.
Motor City Machine Guns need to deal with a Pretty Deadly problem tonight,
ahead of their upcoming showdown with DIY.
[Tessitore] Which brings about something when you think about the emotion
for these teams. And I… Listen…
I consider Alex and Chris to be guys that are hyper-focused, are strategic.
You don't think of these as being guys that let emotion get the best of them,
but obviously with what Elton and Kit have been doing, perhaps
a little more energy early on to lock in.
[Barrett] Yeah, you certainly hope that they can switch off that emotion
when the bell rings, but right now,
hot out of the blocks are Pretty Deadly. And Pretty Deadly are kind
of like cornered animals at the moment.
For all their best intent of ingratiating themselves to DIY
in order to help out their own careers,
they've managed to piss off the likes of Motor City Machine Guns, Los Garza,
and indeed, seemingly, DIY lately.
Everybody is gunning for PD.
[Tessitore] Boy, Elton Prince just found out, didn't he?
[Barrett] I mean the cohesion, the synchronization
between the Motor City Machine Guns,
it's obvious why they have been a top tag team around the world
for the past 20 years, and that run's continuing here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Shelley, right hand after right hand
against Kit Wilson as he sends him back.
[Barrett] And I'll say this for Pretty Deadly,
I think they've been taken for a ride by DIY. The quid pro quo--
The "you scratch our back, we'll scratch yours" kind of deal
has been one-way traffic.
PD putting their bodies on the line for the champs and getting nothing in return.
[Tessitore] Hooks the leg.
[Barrett] And that is something the likes of Apollo Crews have brought up to PD,
and a lot of people are thinking the same way.
For me it's about time Pretty Deadly wised up.
[Tessitore] Would you look at that? And then coming in hard was Kit Wilson.
[Barrett] Well this is a more vicious version of Pretty Deadly
than we've seen in quite some time, and it is paying dividends.
[Tessitore] Oh, and Sabin run face first right into the post.
[Barrett] Well, gone are the theatrics.
It's all-out aggression,
and everything is going right now for the lads from England.
Watch your backs, though.
[Tessitore] Prince and Wilson, ultra aggressive early on,
just annihilating Sabin.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you here in Austin, Texas,
and Wade, you brought it up, just the disposition
of Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, that offensive surge we saw on the outside,
[Barrett] And it's the exact correct reaction to the kind of run
that Pretty Deadly have been on recently.
They have become the whipping boys. They have become the class clowns.
And the respect that these guys have built up around the world
over the past few years just hasn't been here thus far on SmackDown.
That changes tonight with all-out aggression like this.
[Tessitore] Wade, you were a very early believer in Elton Prince and Kit Wilson.
What was it that you saw in them?
[Barrett] It was more what I heard. It was their accents.
I was like, "Wow, these guys sound amazing!"
-[Tessitore] You don't deny the bias. -[Barrett chuckles]
No, but seriously, I enjoy the theatrics as much as anybody else.
These boys can really entertain, but the truth is when they switch on in
the ring, they truly are special and they can annihilate the absolute best.
And we're seeing that right now with Chris Sabin.
[Tessitore] Sabin, the way he took that face-first plunge
into the post and here's the hook of the leg and a kick out at 2 by Sabin.
[Barrett] And immediately following it up with these lethal blows is Kit Wilson.
And this is the smartest stuff I've seen from PD in quite some time.
[Tessitore] There's so much on the line.
There's so much that, especially in recent weeks,
they've been trying to clean up in this division and settle in on who should be
getting a title opportunity against DIY.
[Barrett] Well for me, PD have looked like the village idiots in recent weeks.
That's all going to the side right now with a performance like this.
[Tessitore] Oh, big clothesline coming in from Kit Wilson.
[Barrett] And Chris Sabin cannot buy himself
a single opportunity to make the tag to the fresh man Alex Shelley on the outside.
That is because he is getting absolutely leathered by the English lads.
This is what we have been looking for for so long from Pretty Deadly.
Wake up, take your careers by the horns, steer yourself
in the direction you wanna go, put the theatrics to the side temporarily.
Don't lose them for good though.
[Tessitore] A real struggle for Chris Sabin.
[Barrett] Tantalizingly close to that tag for the fresh Alex Shelley
-on the outside-- -[Tessitore] Right into the corner.
[Barrett] Denied once again. Just textbook tag maneuvers here from Pretty Deadly.
[Tessitore] It's an excellent start for a very aggressive version of Pretty Deadly.
Elton Prince and Kit Wilson,
they have been getting the best of Chris Sabin.
Just a loaded card here on Friday Night SmackDown from Austin, Texas.
[Barrett] It's the most aggressive I think I've ever seen Pretty Deadly.
This really, really needed to happen. This is what happens
when you become the class clowns here on SmackDown.
Your career is not going the way you want it to.
Take matters into your hands and make a statement tonight against two
of the best in Sabin and Shelley,
and Shelley cannot get a look into this match. Completely isolated has
been Chris Sabin in the corner.
[Tessitore] I mean Chris Sabin, who was run into the post
and then was thrown over the barricade, and he has been taking
a consistent beating as you see Alex Shelley
just looking on in desperation, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, all thoughts of Pretty Deadly the Musical
have been put to one side as soon as the bell rang.
Focused on the complete destruction of the former tag champs,
the Motor City Machine Guns, but it's starting to go wrong.
[Tessitore] Big boot from Sabin, and now he comes up.
And could this be an opportunity for the Motor City Machine Guns?
[Barrett] Well, Pretty Deadly have done everything right thus far,
but that step-up enzuigiri has completely changed the game.
There's the tag, Joe.
[Tessitore] Here comes Shelley, well-rested, well-focused,
and out to get him.
[Barrett] And the freshest man in the matchup
is now in there with two boys from England
who have been battering his partner from pillar to post.
[Tessitore] How about that?
-[Barrett] Alex Shelley showing-- -Oh, two-for-one, Wade!
Into the cover.
And Elton Prince able to kick out.
[Barrett] And you can see right there Alex Shelley about to go for the tag
to Chris Sabin.
Chris Sabin's still not recovered, understandably so.
Shelley might have to do it on his own. Maybe not.
[Tessitore] Watch this.
Wilson and Prince are in the target zone, the sliding kick, and now…
Chris Sabin, how about a 5-hole?
Suicide dive takes out both Kit and Elton.
[Barrett] Part of the ring was taken out in the process of that.
Snapped off on the side.
Such was the impact of that baseball slide.
[Tessitore] Yeah, see the edge of that apron.
[Barrett] Wow, how the tables have turned in this one, and now it is Elton Prince
in a world of danger.
Things slipping away for Pretty Deadly.
[Tessitore] It is.
Oh, this could be an opportunity for Skull and Bones.
Skull and Bone's been so effective.
Prince trying to fight his way free and he does.
[Barrett] Wow, what a smart move, desperation perhaps,
but right when the critical moment
was about to be reached, that Skull and Bones attempted, denied by Elton Prince.
[Tessitore] Pretty Deadly!
The teamwork there…
[Barrett] Connecting with that Bad Apple gut buster.
[Tessitore] DDT and now you said it, all the theatrics put aside
for this aggressive version of Pretty Deadly,
and they are lined up to do something special right here.
[Barrett] Wow.
Elevated bulldog.
[Tessitore] For the win.
And the late kick.
[Barrett] Take another look at this.
This Bad Apple connecting to Alex Shelley, they've won championships
with that move before.
The fact that Shelley kicked out after this bulldog beggars belief,
but explains why Shelley, alongside Sabin, has had the kind of career he has though.
[Tessitore] And consider all the momentum
that we've seen from Motor City Machine Guns.
They know what can happen here with a win, a chance for DIY.
[Barrett] He's completely breaking down here.
And you know the entire tag division is looking on right now,
trying to pick holes in both of these teams.
[Tessitore] Oh, signature move from Motor City Machine Guns.
[Barrett] Facial connecting to Kit Wilson, who has no clue where he's at right now.
[Tessitore] Wilson's in deep trouble, Wade.
[Barrett] This could be it right here, Joe Tess.
[Tessitore] Skull and Bones lined up,
Motor City Machine Guns!
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell rings]
[theme music playing]
[Garcia] Here are your winners,
Motor City Machine Guns!
[Barrett] Well, that was a performance where Pretty Deadly
did pretty much everything right,
but it shows just how good the Motor City Machine Guns are,
connecting with signature moves like the Facial
followed by this Skull and Bones
and the presumed number one contenders for DIY's tag championships
are back to a rich vein of form.
[Tessitore] Three straight weeks, three straight wins.
They beat A-Town Down Under, Los Garza, and now this impressive victory
against an amped up Pretty Deadly.
We want the titles, baby. We want 'em!
[knock on door]
Come in.
-[chuckles] -Miz.
Nick Aldis, the man running SmackDown.
I saw that interview Cody did with Joe Tessitore.
Joe does a great interview, but it's no Miz TV. Is that why I'm here?
You wanted a little ratings? You want me to get Kevin Owens' side of the story?
Um, Miz, no one told you?
You're not just here for a friendly visit, Miz, you're on SmackDown now.
-The transfer window. -No.
-Welcome. -No.
Friday Night SmackDown.
-You're kidding. -Team Blue.
-You're… you're joking. -Welcome.
The Wyatts are here.
They are.
I had them strategically move to SmackDown to get away from me.
How did I get moved to SmackDown?
Kross.
A little piece of advice.
You may need to go make some new friends.
And fast.
[Barrett] All change at the moment.
Miz needs to make friends. So did Michin, she's made one.
B-Fab, that should help her out.
They've got tag action later on tonight against United States Champ Chelsea Green
and Secret Service member, Piper Niven.
[Tessitore] You have four women who seemingly can't escape each other lately
and LA Knight.
He took matters into his own hands last week.
Now Tama Tonga stands opposite him.
The Megastar against the hyena chattering, terrifying,
Tama Tonga is ahead.
[robotic narrator] Braun Strowman.
Jacob Fatu.
One big SOB.
Samoan Werewolf.
Inputting data.
Prepare for impact.
Danger. Warning. Danger.
Threat level high.
[Tessitore] Threat level high, Wade.
[Barrett] Terrified of the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu,
but what the hell will happen
when the Werewolf meets the monster Braun Strowman,
one of the biggest slabs of meat walking around planet Earth?
That is a lot to devour at Saturday Night's Main Event
when these two collide in one of the most intriguing matchups of all time.
I cannot wait for this one.
You know, there are just moments when you know something is special,
and we had that moment and all of a sudden the ring was cleared and Strowman and Fatu
were just there face-to-face.
Sometimes you want a scientific master class. Sometimes you just want--
Hey, you know what I'd love to know, Joe? Joe, you know what I'd love to know?
I'd love to know where my interview is, huh?
Explain that to me.
You take the time to interview Cody Rhodes, but not me.
What kind of journalist are you? Huh?
I can't believe I'm saying this, but you actually make me miss Michael Cole.
Of course, Michael Cole is too busy kissing Pat McAfee's ass to be here.
Just like everyone is too busy
kissing Cody Rhodes's ass. You, the Rock, everyone.
Hey, Joe, let me ask you this.
Why does everybody wanna be Cody Rhodes's best friend, huh?
Let me tell you what happens when Cody Rhodes…
What Cody Rhodes does to his best friends. He uses them and then betrays them.
But that's okay, because at the Royal Rumble, I will prove to everyone
-that I am the true rightful WWE Champion. -[crowd boos]
What are you looking at, McConaughey, huh?
You got a problem?
Crybaby, man.
Boo-hoo.
-Boo-hoo. -Hey.
You know what, at the Rumble,
I'm gonna beat Cody just like Ohio State beat your stupid Longhorns.
Get over the wall. Come on.
-[theme music plays] -[crowd cheers]
You're lucky.
Hold on. Hey, cut that music.
Cut that terrible music.
What is this? Huh?
What? What do you want?
Can I help you with anything?
-Why are you here, huh? -Because you talk too damn much.
[Tessitore] Oh!
I think Jimmy's speaking for all of us right now.
Look at this.
[Barrett] Seems Big Jim had your back, Joe Tess.
And, indeed, Matthew McConaughey's. Not a moment too soon.
-Things going off the rails here. -[Tessitore] Big Jim's going up top.
[crowd boos]
Whoa, now, Kevin Owens, where you running to, boy?
So they say things get weird here in Austin.
Well, let's keep getting weird. How about tonight?
It's Kevin Owens versus Jimmy Uso.
Book 'em.
[Tessitore] Oh, I like that Wade.
[Barrett] That is the easiest job of GM Nick Aldis's entire career.
Just say yes. Damn, I wanna see that.
[Tessitore] Oh, McConaughey loves it.
He says hook them, he says, "Big Jim, go hook them."
KO snapped again. Jimmy Uso did something about it.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
They are gonna make their way to the ring.
[Tessitore] Always a great time here in Austin, Texas.
First SmackDown to take place here in Austin, February of 2000.
Hall of Famer Kurt Angle got his first taste of championship gold in WWE.
Won the European title that night.
You see all the history, the 5th SmackDown to take place here in Austin, Texas.
[Barrett chuckles] Oh, and get this. Breaking news, boom.
Various things are officially weird here in Austin for SmackDown
because it's official, a confrontational KO squares off with Big Jim, Jimmy Uso,
in tonight's SmackDown main event.
[Tessitore] By the way, thanks for having my back when KO was berating me.
-[Barrett] No problem. -And threatening me.
-[Barrett] We're a team. -[Tessitore] You were 15 ft to the side.
All right, bye-bye.
What is that? KO and Jimmy Uso tonight?
-It's supposed to be me and Jimmy. -I understand.
Look, Melo, things happen, but look, I will make that match
with you and Jimmy for next week.
But now that I think about it, tonight is an interesting opportunity
for you because, as you know, it's the transfer window
and I just made a brand-new talent acquisition for SmackDown,
and you would be the perfect person to be his first one-on-one opponent
on the Blue brand. What do you think?
I don't trust you because you tried that with Braun Strowman.
I wanna see the guy.
-You wanna see him? -I wanna look at him face-to-face.
That's fair. That's fair.
In fact, if you want to wait around a couple of minutes,
he's on his way here right now.
Perfect, because I got time, and I'm gonna tell him about himself,
and I'm gonna let him know SmackDown is the land of sharks.
Sounds good.
And I'm gonna humble him and embarrass this dude.
-I can't wait. -[theme music plays]
♪ It's Chelsea Green ♪
[Tessitore] And with Piper Niven by her side,
here comes the US Champion, Chelsea Green.
She's been on top of the world, just ask her, she'll gladly tell you.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Piper Niven
and the Women's United States Champion,
Chelsea Green.
[Barrett] So here's how we got here,
tag match upcoming due to last Friday on SmackDown.
B-Fab taking on Piper Niven.
United States Champ, Chelsea Green, serving as a constant distraction,
and that was all Niven needed to seize the moment and put B-Fab away.
Now as the post-match celebrations turned into a beatdown,
it was Michin, who's been a victim herself, armed with a kendo stick,
who saved the day, sending Niven and Green packing
after an attempt by Niven to turn things around,
leaving both sides vowing reprisals, while those reprisals are gonna come now
in the form of a tag match between these four women.
[theme music playing]
[Tessitore] Familiar territory for Michin.
Each of her last three matches have been against either
Chelsea Green or Piper Niven.
[theme music playing]
[Barrett] The success just hasn't been there for Michin,
thanks in large part to the numbers game of Niven and Green.
Well, this woman, B-Fab is here to negate that issue.
[Tessitore] Seen the best version of B-Fab lately, even if she isn't coming up with
a big win, she has looked her best.
[Garcia] And their opponents,
the team of B-Fab and Michin!
[Tessitore] We mentioned it, Wade, recently and seen B-Fab
both last week in the US Championship tournament
and then last week against Piper Niven,
it feels like she's taken her game to the next level.
[Barrett] Yeah, she spent a lot of time on the sidelines over the past 12 months in
managerial roles with the Street Profits.
They're out rehabbing some injuries at the moment.
But B-Fab has come to realize
that opportunities simply aren't given at this level,
they're taken, and she has stepped up huge in recent weeks,
impressing a lot of management and the fan base alike.
[Tessitore] Michin is gonna get things started against Piper Niven.
Michin defeated Piper Niven back on January 3rd.
[Barrett] So tough to overpower someone like Piper Niven.
You have to outmaneuver her,
and clearly Michin's got that figured out early.
[Tessitore] And she does as these two have had their great recent past.
Oh, sends her right to the ring does Michin. Of course, two oh-so-close
losses for the new US Championship.
-[Barrett] The-oh-so-obnoxious-- Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] Gone for Unpretty Her, perhaps, but denied by Michin.
Simply too fresh in the fight at this point.
[Tessitore] Was going for Unpretty Her and--
Looking to line up the long back attack.
[Barrett] Piper Niven clearly not a fan of twerking.
[Tessitore] Takes care of business on Piper.
But it took a little too long, as Chelsea able to get out of the way.
[Barrett] And that has really been the story
of Green and Niven in recent weeks,
that outside the ring distraction, opening up opportunities for the other
in the partnership to take advantage.
And now the USA sweetheart herself, the champ,
-Chelsea takes control. -[Tessitore] Right into the cover.
[Tessitore] Good kick out by Michin.
[Barrett] And this has completely neutralized the attacks of Michin,
and what a nasty, nasty hold there
from Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] What a nasty attitude by Chelsea Green.
The newly-minted Women's United States Champion.
[Barrett] Desperate for the tag here to a fresh B-Fab,
but it's denied once again by Piper Niven.
[Tessitore] Trying to break free from that grasp.
[Barrett] Michin, the most hardcore woman in the division,
grew up a huge fan of ECW,
so you know she's double tough, but she simply can't do it on her own.
She needs this fresh B-Fab to get tagged in in a hurry.
[Tessitore] For Saturday Night's Main Event,
it was the very first return to the retro Saturday Night's Main Event
when Chelsea Green defeated Michin
to cap that Women's United States Championship tournament.
[Barrett] And finally a fresh B-Fab in there.
This woman has legs for days, and she knows how to use them.
Like at prime Stacy Keibler in there.
[Tessitore] You see the athleticism.
Only 5'10 is B-Fab. Tall and wiry and all that leverage.
[Barrett] Use all that range when you can, and things are starting to look bleak
for the United States champ.
[Tessitore] Oh, and coming in with the big elbow
and all the power is Piper Niven.
[Barrett] I think both women in that heap caught some of it.
Perhaps the worst of it went to Chelsea Green. And a tag there.
But Piper Niven simply did not see.
[Tessitore] There's a blind tag and she doesn't realize--
As a shotgun drop kick comes in from Michin.
And now going for the Unpretty Her again.
But this time, able to counter is Michin.
Eat Defeat, could it be?
[bell rings]
[theme music playing]
[Garcia] Here are your winners,
B-Fab and Michin.
[Barrett] Well, clearly when Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
do not have the numbers advantage, things change in a hurry.
Huge win here for B-Fab and Michin as they close in, once again, on success.
Every time you try this with me, you try to embarrass me,
but it's not happening no more
because I'm gonna put it straight on this guy.
Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Damien Priest.
-Welcome to the-- -[crowd cheering]
-Great. How are you doing? -I'm very well.
Can't wait to get started.
-Me too. -Let's make some money.
No.
Nah.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Damien, Carmelo Hayes was wondering
if you were interested in a one-on-one match with him tonight on SmackDown.
Is that so?
Well, Nick, I'm here to work.
-And I'm ready to punish. -I like the sound of that.
[Carmelo sighs]
-Lace them up tight. -[chuckles]
He's gonna learn tonight.
-Yes, he is. -I'm excited, man. Thank you.
Let's get to work.
[Tessitore] Well, look what time it is.
A week removed from her impressive first title defense.
Now the WWE Women's Champion is going to join us live.
What's next for Tiffy?
[Flair] There is a difference between confidence and arrogance.
Arrogance is insecurity. It's convincing someone of who you are.
Confidence is knowing.
It's walking into a room and everyone sits up straight because they know.
The GOAT…
doesn't have to call themselves the GOAT.
Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch.
And I know exactly who I am.
And I'm back.
So when I walk through that curtain and enter the Royal Rumble
with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye,
I'm gonna remind you all who owns the night.
Whoo!
[buzzer sounds]
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Tessitore] Well, everybody, of course thrilled for Charlotte Flair's return.
It's Tiffany Stratton who has had the most vertical stock tick
in the women's division, and here she is.
[Garcia] Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Barrett] Wow, well, Charlotte Flair arguably the number one woman
in the history of this game.
She returns at the Royal Rumble.
If she's successful there, she may have to come gunning for this woman,
the here and the now, the Women's WWE Champion,
Tiffany Stratton.
[Tessitore] And look at this reception here in Austin for Tiffany Stratton.
Great night here at the Moody Center. We've heard from Cody Rhodes.
Kevin Owens and Jimmy Uso are going to go at it.
We found out Damian Priest is now a member of the SmackDown roster and still
so much more to come your way, but right now we hear from the Women's Champion.
Once again, I am the center of everybody's attention.
Because next week at the Royal Rumble, 30 women will be fighting
for a chance to face me
at WrestleMania.
Which is funny because just last week
I beat last year's Royal Rumble winner, Bayley.
So I'm not worried even in the slightest.
And next week, whoever wins,
they're gonna be running on Tiffy Time.
-["Brutality" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] As "This is My Brutality" rings out,
Rhea's got a harsh reality for many, including Tiffany, Wade,
who I don't think was expecting that at all.
[Barrett] Well, Tiffany Stratton looks like she's seen a ghost.
What a welcome surprise. [chuckles]
Women's World Champ from Raw, Rhea Bloody Ripley is here on SmackDown,
and the stars, once again, are out in force.
[Tessitore] There is a massive clash for Rhea Ripley,
the Women's World Championship that she's owned for 18 days now.
Nia Jax awaits.
Saturday Night's Main Event from right down the road in San Antonio.
[Barrett] Matthew McConaughey, sat right behind us,
just jumped about 10 ft in the air when Rhea Ripley's music hit.
Clearly, he's a fan like pretty much everybody else in this arena.
Apart from Tiffany Stratton, perhaps.
Tiffy, look, I know you're still a little bit new here.
But I just wanted you to know that I'm a Women's Champion too.
So champion to champion,
I mean, I kinda just wanna say that I respect what you did to Nia Jax.
But it's not gonna compare to what I am going to do to her
at Saturday Night Main Event.
[theme music playing]
[Tessitore] Well, this could get messy.
[Barrett] Seems there is a growing contingent of Rhea Ripley haters out here,
and perhaps add one to the Tiffany Stratton pile too.
Look what we have here.
First of all, I don't know why I'm catching strays from you guys.
I find that to be rude. Am I right, Candice?
[crowd boos]
I want you both to know that this is a historic moment.
Because I'm here to officially announce
that I am entering, and winning,
the Royal Rumble match.
-Your mom sucks, kid. -[crowd cheers]
-[Tessitore] Oh. -[Barrett chuckles]
Now I know what you all are thinking,
"But, Nia, isn't Rhea Ripley's title reign gonna end tomorrow night
at Saturday Night's Main Event when I beat her?"
And you know what? You're all correct.
But I'm gonna beat you, Rhea Riley.
And I'm still gonna enter the Royal Rumble match, because, Tiffy,
I'm gonna take the title which is rightfully mine.
-[theme music plays] -[crowd cheers]
So we got current champs, title challenger,
and add the EST to the party,
as well as the other half of the Tag Team Champions, Naomi.
[crowd] Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
[Barrett] It's a party atmosphere here tonight,
but there's a lot of combustible elements.
Can you believe this, B?
The ring filling up real quick.
But that's why we came out here to say that I will be entering
-and I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble. -[crowd cheers]
You know what, Naomi? I like that except for one thing.
I'm here to tell everyone that I'm officially entering
-and I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble. -[crowd cheers]
And, I mean, if I don't win, Then you're gonna win.
[Naomi] Well, you're right.
I'm gonna win, but if I don't win, you're gonna win.
Well, one of us is gonna win. That's all that matters. [laughs]
Yeah, definitely none of them are winning.
And definitely not, uh, Nia Jax. No, she ain't gonna win.
[theme music plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Tessitore] The two-time Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan.
[Barrett] Will every A-list female competitor on the planet just head out.
Wow, wow, wow. [chuckles] Raquel, look what we have here.
We have the girl that lost her man to a real woman.
That's you, Rhea. And then we have the wannabe Liv Morgan doppelgänger
holding the title that'll look way better on me.
Oh… [giggles] …that's you Tiffy. [chuckles]
And then we have a ring full of women all declaring themselves
for the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble match.
But I don't care.
Do you guys… Do you guys wanna know why I don't care?
Because the headlining news tonight isn't gonna be about any of you.
It's gonna be about me.
Because I, Liv Morgan, hereby declare my entry
for the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble match.
Oh, wait. Oh, wait. Oh, wait. But not only that, I declare my victory
for the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble match.
And I am the only person in this company that can do that.
And do you wanna know why?
Because Raquel Rodriguez is gonna ensure my victory
for the women's Royal Rumble ma--
-[Barrett] Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] Ripley had heard enough,
and it was only going to be a matter of time
before things blew up in that ring.
[Tessitore] And just look at the amount of superstars
battering each other right now.
Rhea Ripley couldn't take any more against her chief rival,
and smashed that headbutt.
[Barrett] Well, we need some security out here, stat.
I don't know.
Someone's got to get control of that thing.
Aldis, where are you? Here he is.
And just moments ago, Nick Aldis,
he came out after we saw all the women brawling.
It started with Rhea and Liv, and he said, "What do you say, Wade,
we make this a six-woman tag team match?"
[Barrett] GM's task is often thankless, but this arena
exploded with gratitude for GM Nick Aldis.
I'll be honest, I don't think Aldis had a choice,
because no security were coming out here to separate these women.
You might as well just turn it into an official match,
and that's what we've got here.
[Tessitore] Rhea just absorbing those right hands from Candice LeRae.
And now, Rhea.
Look at the power of Rhea Ripley, though.
As Candice goes spinning around,
remember it's gonna be Rhea against Nia Jax.
Gets sent into the corner.
[Barrett] This is the power of Rhea Bloody Ripley.
Gonna have to be nimble on your toes tonight, Candice.
[Tessitore] Rhea turning it right around into a vertical suplex.
[Barrett] The number one alpha female in WWE perhaps.
Although, Nia Jax may have something to say about that.
[Tessitore] Now the tag team champions in for action.
And a little teamwork. Naomi up and over onto Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Well, what a mess the early going to this one
has been for Liv Morgan, Candice LeRae, and Nia Jax with Raquel Rodriguez
here on the outside. It's one way traffic.
[Tessitore] Liv Morgan saying, "I'm going to Royal Rumble,
and we know what that outcome's gonna be,"
but right now it is Bianca Belair and Naomi getting the best of her.
Hooks the leg
and the kick out at two.
[Barrett] Unsurprisingly unmatched cohesion between the tag team champs.
Belair and Naomi have taken a stranglehold on this matchup.
And Liv Morgan, for all the big talk,
things are going south for her in a hurry here.
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five, six--
[Tessitore] Now, Candice LeRae gets a little something extra from the EST.
[Barrett] Well, it was worth a try from LeRae, and now things are starting to turn
around here, perhaps, with this tug of war.
There was a tag there to Nia Jax
that I don't think Belair was witness to.
[Tessitore] A big clothesline from Nia.
[Barrett] If she didn't know before, she certainly does now. Game-changing moment
from Nia Jax.
And now it's just punishment time.
[Tessitore] Nia Jax using that braid against Bianca herself.
[Barrett] I'll tell you this, Joe Tess, a lot of women came out earlier
convinced that they will be the ones to win the Royal Rumble.
It's gonna leave a lot of disappointed women
a week from tomorrow in Indianapolis.
[Tessitore] You see Nia just taunting Rhea Ripley.
Attacked her earlier this week backstage,
setting the course for what we will see tomorrow night in San Antonio.
[Barrett] Oh, this could be over.
[Tessitore] Trying to line up the Annihilator.
But quick to get to her feet was Bianca Belair.
Belair simply too fresh for that. Might work against some women
this early in a matchup, certainly not against the EST.
[Tessitore] Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you here on Friday Night SmackDown
in Austin, Texas.
Six-woman tag team match.
Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Naomi against Nia Jax, Candice LeRae,
and Liv Morgan. Of course, Nia Jax, you see here in against Naomi.
Tomorrow night, she'll be facing Rhea Ripley
for the Women's World Championship.
So many complexities, Wade, when it comes to how this came about,
as you see Nia Jax coming in with a big attack.
Oh, stink face.
[Barrett] Just adding insult to injury, and Nia Jax loving every second of it.
The action in this one has swung back and forth.
There has been very little offense in the last couple of minutes from Naomi,
-but perhaps-- -[Tessitore] Oh, the roll up!
-Easy kick out. -[Barrett] …death finally showing life.
Trying to reach over to her tag partner, Belair, or perhaps Rhea Bloody Ripley,
and get a fresh woman into this one before it's too late.
[Tessitore] Candice LeRae, remember Bianca and Naomi defeated Candice
and Nia last week on SmackDown.
Kind of an interesting happening that happened there,
when Nia accidentally landed a leg drop on Candice,
and then Naomi came up with the win with that Bubba bomb and the pinfall.
Of course, the complexities that range throughout this six-woman tag team match.
On January 6th, the Netflix debut for Raw, Rhea defeated Liv Morgan.
That's when she claimed that World Championship,
and then Rhea challenging Nia
after Nia ambush attacked Rhea at the start of this past Monday's Raw,
that took place in Dallas.
[Barrett] Simply haven't seen enough from Candice LeRae over recent months
until she was given a prove-it opportunity
by Nia Jax, and LeRae has gone on to prove she can hang
with the very best, and what an effort she's put in so far in this matchup,
keeping her team in full control.
[Tessitore] The frustrations from Candice LeRae
after Rhea Ripley was in the ring dealing with the referee.
[crowd cheering] Mami! Mami! Mami!
[Tessitore] And the chants of "Mami, Mami,"
from this crowd here in Austin, Texas.
[Barrett] Well, sometimes you don't get what you want in life,
and unless Naomi can turn this around pretty damn quickly,
Mami ain't getting into it. But that…
That might be the window of opportunity.
[Tessitore] Look at this! Outside against the barrier,
as Nia Jax, potentially softening up her opponent for the championship
-tomorrow night. -And now Belair taken out by Liv Morgan.
[Barrett] This divide and conquer methodology has worked so effectively,
referee Dan Engler completely oblivious to all the skulduggery.
[Tessitore] Now Naomi, really in a compromised position, isn't she, Wade?
[Barrett] No one to tag even if you make your way over there.
[Tessitore] But look at this. Able to get the big boot up
and Naomi with a rally.
[Barrett] Well, connecting with that X-factor,
but it still remains, there are no fresh women in the corner for Naomi to tag to.
They were all taken out.
But there is something stirring in the corner
in the shape of Rhea Bloody Ripley!
[Tessitore] And here she comes right after Liv Morgan.
Nothing she likes more.
Oh, man, oh, man, is Rhea on fire.
[Barrett] Well, Rhea Ripley may have won her championship back,
but the hatred she feels for the woman who made her life hell, Liv Morgan,
still burns hard in her soul.
[Tessitore] And now she's going after Raquel Rodriguez,
and with that, an opportunity for Liv.
[Barrett] Nailing that back cracker.
Fortuitous landing for Ripley straight into the arms of the EST
who is now in the match.
[Tessitore] You go from Rhea Ripley to the EST.
[Barrett] Nowhere to hide for Liv Morgan.
Who had one of the best 2024s in the history of this industry.
Knees up there to the gut of the EST.
[Tessitore] Just when Bianca Belair thought she had something.
[Barrett] Huge collision there, attempted spear, perhaps.
[Tessitore] Hooks the leg.
Oh, and Nia Jax comes to break it up.
[Barrett] And this one is breaking down in a hurry, Joe Tess.
Women flying at every angle.
[Tessitore] Pop-up headbutt! And then Rhea delivers one of her own.
She's gonna go for the Riptide, Wade!
[Barrett] No chance.
Absolutely not. Liv Morgan making sure of that.
Club to the jaw instead.
[Tessitore] With Liv hanging on to her back, she was able to do that.
How about one for Liv, though?
Nails it right on top of Nia Jax!
[Barrett] Two for the price of one.
[Tessitore] And again, Raquel Rodriguez,
a hefty distraction as LeRae sends out Ripley.
[Barrett] Knee to the jaw with all that momentum.
Here we go, Joe Tess!
[Tessitore] KOD. Candice LeRae.
Quick roll up! Liv's got her!
-And the win. -[bell rings]
[Garcia] Here are your winners,
Liv Morgan, Candice LeRae and Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Well, Bianca Belair momentarily took her eye off the ball,
forgot that Liv Morgan was the legal woman,
and you simply cannot do that,
especially with the Royal Rumble just around the corner.
Where were you?
Look at this.
Look at this. How did this happen? How did this happen?
So, this happened because the math is finally mathing,
and, uh, the numbers were even.
Oh, you don't have to protect her now since I got backup the same way
that Chelsea always has backup.
I'm feeling real good about taking that United States Championship from her.
Actually, I just spoke with Aldis,
and he's giving me one final crack at it next week.
-Good luck. [chuckles] -They're gonna need it.
Hey. We can't do this. We can't.
-We need a bigger security detail. -Like, way bigger. Way bigger.
[theme music playing]
[Barrett] And the action has been red hot on our SmackDown tag division.
Here are our tag champs, DIY.
Tonight, Johnny Gargano is gonna be in singles action
accompanied by his partner, Tommaso Ciampa.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is set for one fall.
Making his way to the ring,
being accompanied by Tommaso Ciampa,
from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing in 199 pounds,
representing DIY,
he is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Johnny Gargano.
Johnny Gargano's been in singles action on SmackDown recently.
Just before Christmas, we saw him defeat Chris Shelley.
Here, he's taking on Apollo Crews next.
[Tessitore] Apollo Crews, the former Intercontinental, the former US champion,
recently being a real honest and informed voice in the locker room,
and that raised the anger of DIY, the tag team champions,
and that led us to this last week.
[Crews shouts]
Become men. I'm done.
Tried to tell you guys.
You keep letting them string you along and look what's gotten you.
Absolutely nowhere, nowhere.
Keep our name out of your mouth.
[Barrett] Yeah, keep our names out of your mouth.
That was the message from Johnny Gargano.
Whatever's going on between Pretty Deadly and DIY really has nothing
to do with Apollo Crews, even if Crews was probably right in what he was saying.
I'll tell you this, if you're pulling off a scam,
the last thing you need is some do-gooder shining the spotlight on that scam.
[Tessitore] And you can see, I think right away,
the reaction that Johnny Gargano's getting from Apollo Crews,
and for what went down last week backstage.
[Barrett] And I've been a big fan of Apollo Crews for a long time.
But people in the locker room are always gonna try and target
and cheap shot what they view as the weakest member of the locker room.
For too long, that really has been Apollo Crews,
'cause the results haven't been there.
You mentioned it. He's a former United States champ.
He's a former intercontinental champ,
and a victory here tonight will really do a lot
for getting Apollo Crews back to the top here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] The moonsault off the apron. He's got it all, doesn't he?
The power, the strength, the explosiveness, and he can fly.
-[Barrett] Absolutely. -Tommaso Ciampa off in the corner.
[Barrett] Explosive power, nimble feet. It's a really rare combination.
It's taken Apollo Crews to the top before and it's about time we saw this side
of Apollo Crews here once again.
[Tessitore] Oh, he was looking for the frog splash,
but Gargano comes back with a super kick.
Into the cover.
One, two--
[Barrett] Well, you might not like the attitude of late from Johnny Gargano.
You can't argue with the kind of resume this guy has put together
over the past 20 years or so.
The reason he's so good, he is the kind of engine that simply doesn't tire.
Never seen the man out of breath.
[Tessitore] He was nonstop.
He was quick enough to get out of the way and then explosive enough
to bring the offense.
And now the tag team champions patting themselves on the back.
You damn stooge.
[Tessitore] Of course earlier tonight, I got the big news
Charlotte Flair returning and we will see her next week in Indy at the Royal Rumble.
[Barrett] Well, the men's Rumble was stacked,
now the women's Rumble is equally stacked.
What a year it is gonna be. It's a week from tomorrow in Indy.
[Tessitore] The pure power, the press from Apollo Crews.
[Barrett] Apollo Crews has woken from his slumber
and he's dropping the heavy artillery.
[Tessitore] Standing moonsault into the cover.
But a kick out at two and change from Gargano.
[Barrett] Milliseconds away from victory
with Tommaso Ciampa lurking from the outside.
These are the kind of moves that people half the size
of Apollo Crews struggle to pull off.
That is a true heavyweight in there, moving like a nimble lightweight.
[Tessitore] Gargano.
-[Barrett] Ooh. -[Tessitore] Just… Oh, man. Oh, man.
-We've seen that before from Gargano. -[Barrett] Borderline disqualification,
-with a back cracker. -[Tessitore] Seriously.
-And then into the cover. -One, two…
[Barrett] Well, it was a weak, weak kick out,
but he got the job done for Apollo Crews
and that was very close to a low blow kick there from Gargano.
Referee Jessika Carr took a very close look.
Borderline, has allowed this one to continue.
Crews hasn't looked the same since then.
[Tessitore] There has just been a different side
to Johnny Gargano we've seen lately,
and that different side is why he's now a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion
with Tommaso Ciampa.
[Barrett] Gargano wasn't getting enough success, so he changed something.
People don't like it, but it's got him gold.
He might be closing in on a big L here though.
[Tessitore] See Crews favoring that left side.
Oh, Ciampa on the outside with a running knee!
[Barrett] Well, the cheap shot, it was always gonna happen
when referee Jessika Carr turned her back.
It's a drive-by attack and now DIY closing in on a…
What's going on?
[Tessitore] How about this is what's going on.
The Motor City Machine Guns.
Meanwhile, a roll up! A roll up, and a win!
[Garcia] Here is your winner!
Apollo Crews!
[Barrett] Well, the Motor City Machine Guns,
who have been victims of some pretty underhanded tactics from DIY recently,
didn't like what they were seeing, got involved and it's a huge victory
for Apollo Crews, back to winning ways, thanks to the number one contenders.
Yeah, it's forever long.
Tomorrow night, Braun Strowman.
The Werewolf versus the Monster. Hell, Godzilla versus King Kong.
Hell, you ain't Godzilla or King Kong because I'm both.
Aight, don't get it twisted now, Braun.
They don't make them like me no more. Hell, they ain't never make them like me.
See, I'm off the scale with it all raw. I'll come with it.
See, I'm all gas, no brakes with it. Got what I mean?
But first off, LA Knight is coming live and direct.
With everybody saying, yay, yay, yay, yay, yay, yay, yeah.
[Tessitore] We have seen a disturbed
and dangerous Tama Tonga in recent weeks,
as he is trailed by Jacob Fatu, and that has all been following
Solo Sikoa's defeat in tribal combat.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, being accompanied by Jacob Fatu,
from the island of Tonga,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Tama Tonga.
[Tessitore] And as much as Tama Tonga has been a factor as a tag team champion,
in the past year.
As a weaponized enforcer, it's rare to see him in singles action like this.
King of the Ring semifinals was his last singles match.
Now he takes on the Megastar, LA Knight.
[Barrett] When the guy who growls like a rabid hyena is the sane one of this duo,
we really are in a whole world of trouble.
Tama Tonga goes one on one with the Megastar, LA Knight, yeah,
and it's coming up next on SmackDown.
Shane Gillis, the great comedian is out for SmackDown here in Austin.
Yeah, drink up, Shane. Enjoy your night.
Tony Hinchcliffe, from the comedy podcast, Kill Tony, is sitting here.
And of course, one of the biggest fans of all.
We saw him at that Netflix debut, Fluffy.
And he gets a great ovation here in Austin, Wade,
and still so much top tier action set to come their way.
[Barrett] What a night they all chose,
because, get this, after an explosive confrontation earlier involving
the prize fighter Kevin Owens and Big Jim, Jimmy Uso,
these two longtime adversaries collide later tonight
in the main event of SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Wade, right now our focus is on Tama Tonga and a heated battle
with the Megastar as you see Jacob Fatu just lingering off to the side.
And LA Knight must have his blood boiling up just seeing those two.
Hey, he could be champion again if it wasn't for them.
[Garcia] And his opponent from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
LA Knight!
[Barrett] Well, LA Knight threw Jacob Fatu out of the building a couple of weeks ago.
He regretted it later that same night when he was jumped by Fatu and Tama Tonga
during his United States title match with Shinsuke Nakamura.
Cost the Megastar some gold, got a little revenge last week
with some assistance from Braun Strowman, but now the showdown is on.
[Tessitore] I remember saying to you, does he really want to make that decision?
But it's led to some great action.
Ah, no, no, no, cut down.
Let me talk to you.
[crowd] Yeah!
The man they call a Megastar's in the building in Austin.
And what that means is you two cross-eyed half-wits, you got hell to pay. Yeah.
[crowd] Yeah!
You ain't gonna cost me my US Championship and think that I ain't coming for you.
Yeah, I understand last week I didn't end up on the top end of things,
but you know what?
I got my ass kicked.
I was an ass kicking I was willing to take
if it meant I got just a little piece of both of you.
But tonight, uh, I ain't gonna just get a piece.
I'm gonna get a whole big chunk 'cause Tama Tonga,
you went ahead and drew the short straw.
So what that means…
you're gonna get a little BFT for your troubles, and if you wanna stick
your big fat head in here I'll tell you what, I'll kick you so hard
you won't be able to stop the shakes.
And there might not be anything left for Saturday night's main event for Braun.
Sorry, Braun, but it's got to be done.
Here's the thing though, Tama, it starts right now with a first class ticket
to you getting your head stomped in by the man they call the Megastar
with everybody saying.
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Tessitore] My man's on fire tonight.
I mean, he's just ripping tonight. And he's wasted no time waiting.
[Barrett] So is this audience and straight into the action trading lefts and rights.
Well, the Megastar's getting the best of it.
[Tessitore] Now, remember he cited it, what happened back on January 10th
when LA Knight was seemingly on his way to possibly regaining.
That US championship in that battle against Shinsuke Nakamura,
only to see Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu interfere with the match.
[Barrett] I've got to tell you right now, I'm as big a fan…
-Oh, wow. -[Tessitore] Oh!
Midair snap.
[Barrett] I'm as big a fan of the Megastar as anyone.
I gotta question the smarts of the Megastar
in picking a fight with these two animals.
Throwing Jacob Fatu out of the building to our security guards.
Knight's got a massive ego, as we know, chose a fight
that he may not be able to win.
[Tessitore] Just catching him into that power slam in midair
and now out onto the outside and…
But the chain reaction and the dominoes that fell afterwards as, you know,
it then led to Braun Strowman getting involved a week ago and now as…
Ooh, right into the barrier.
As we know, tomorrow night we'll have Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu.
Boy, you really see the effect that had on his lower back, don't you, Wade?
[Barrett] What a spectacle that is gonna be tomorrow night,
but the Megastar now living dangerously,
but the power of the Hob City hitter coming to the fore,
against Tama Tonga, the least insane
of this group now that Solo Sikoa's currently not around at least.
And I don't say that lightly.
[Tessitore] Now that was very interesting last week
to witness Solo Sikoa coming off of the loss and, just,
you could tell he just isn't the same.
Couldn't even speak to the crowd, walked off.
[Barrett] A lot of questions with regards to Solo Sikoa right now,
but what we do know, is that these two lawless feral thugs
in Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu are truly--
[Tessitore] Tight roping and bringing down that lariat.
I agree with you, Wade.
It is clear what these two are after what happened to Solo.
[Barrett] That was always the question when these two were brought in.
There was a reason they weren't touched. Solo Sikoa opened Pandora's box,
and it's a box that now cannot be closed for better, for worse, and to be honest,
it looks like it's mainly for worse.
[Tessitore] LA Knight seeking revenge.
Ever since the Survivor Series, he has been on a quest
to win back his championship,
and Solo, Jacob, and Tama especially, have been a roadblock
and now it has escalated to the point where he has had to fight back.
[Barrett] It's always a question of when, not if,
the dirty tactics are gonna be broken out with these two around.
Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu,
who is just a menacing presence stalking the ringside area
and quite smartly LA Knight is keeping one eye on him at all times.
[LA Knight] You better stay over there.
[Tessitore] Parries that punch and gets a right hand in return.
[Barrett] It's just a constant handicap even if Jacob Fatu is not doing anything.
[Tessitore] Oh, was that right into the corner of the steel steps?
Oh my! Fatu loves it, but my, oh my, the impact.
Look at this scene and this big crowd here at the Moody Center
at the University of Texas here in Austin, Texas.
A dynamic night, enjoying the action between LA Knight and Tama Tonga.
There's the cover by Knight.
It's been interesting to see this version of Tama Tonga, Wade.
Tama Tonga, who's really looking to prove himself in this new period
where Solo Sikoa is in the wake of defeat.
And if Tama Tonga could ever
come up with a win against somebody at the caliber of LA Knight,
it raises his stock.
It puts him on the map.
[Barrett] Nasty dragon screw as the Megastar was held up in the ropes.
And I'll tell you this right now.
The Megastar has had the wood put to him for about the last 5 minutes in this match
and we saw a flurry there.
It looked like he got a second wind
but immediately snuffed out by this feral animal that is Tama Tonga.
[Tessitore] That's a perfect way to describe him.
You see some of the results from tonight. A big one with Motor City Machine Guns
as they have put themselves in position to reclaim their tag team championship.
Jacob Fatu looks on.
Tama Tonga is working that right leg very well against LA Knight. Now the head butt.
Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Candice LeRae in six-woman tag action,
but the big news to come from that division,
all the new entrants into the Royal Rumble in the women's division,
including Charlotte Flair.
-[Robinson] One, two… -[crowd] One, two!
[Barrett] Well, you heard this audience willing LA Knight back into the fight,
somehow it seems to have got the job done.
Can he get some momentum going?
The second the wind is in those sails, they are torn down by Tama Tonga.
[Tessitore] That knee to the gut, it slowed the momentum of LA Knight.
[Barrett] And there is just nothing resembling humanity when it comes
to Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, but you cannot tear down their in-ring abilities.
Unorthodox, yes.
-[Tessitore] You see the reminder there. -[Barrett] Nasty tactics, yes.
But highly effective and highly accomplished.
[Tessitore] And when you mention Jacob Fatu, Wade…
[Barrett] Let me tell you right now, you can have your eyes closed
and you feel the presence of Jacob Fatu,
a lingering menace.
But right now it is Tama Tonga who is
feeling the presence of a resurgent megas--
[Tessitore] Oh, wow!
LA Knight.
[Barrett] I've no idea how LA Knight is even standing after the beating
that Tama Tonga has put to him over the last five or six minutes.
Clearly racked with pain, but still swinging away.
[crowd, chanting] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] And you can hear the respect and the appreciation of this crowd.
-[Barrett] Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh, onto our announce desk
from all the way on the apron.
He went flying to Tama.
[Barrett] And the Megastar following it up,
desperate to get some oxygen in those lungs
this deep into the match up with every body part hurting.
It's one thing getting yourself an advantage at this point,
it's another thing entirely to be able to follow it up.
[Tessitore] He's gonna put him up top.
[Barrett] Something gave out on the Megastar.
[Tessitore] Remember the damage done to the knee earlier in this match.
[Barrett] Pick a body part, damage has been done to it by Tama Tonga.
[Tessitore] There it is with the jumping DDT.
-One, two… -[Tessitore] Hooks the leg.
And the late kick, 2 and change.
[Barrett] 2.99. Tama Tonga now starting to grow frustrated.
He knows this matchup has been 90% his offense.
And you take a look at this expertly executed,
completely unique DDT.
Did not put the Megastar away,
but surely ripe for the pickings now is LA Knight.
[Tessitore] But, Wade, that hanging DDT
and the way he's able to get all his body weight
into the opponent as he crashes down.
We talk about this guy, he's completely lawless.
He's completely unorthodox, but damn, is he effective once that bell rings.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Tessitore] LA Knight and revenge what happened when he was looking
to regain his US championship,
and these two interfered with the match.
Big right hand from LA Knight.
[Barrett] Tama Tonga now showing signs of wear and tear.
The biggest, strongest superstar in that situation is LA Knight,
but it might be for nothi… Ooh!
Nice reversal from LA Knight as Tama Tonga seemed to be going
for that superplex.
[Tessitore] Excellent counter by the Megastar.
And the leaping elbow crashes home.
[Barrett] Just crazy athleticism and pinpoint timing this deep in a matchup.
[Tessitore] Oh, and here comes Fatu.
Here's the roll up, the roll up by Tama Tanga.
[Barrett] Well, LA Knight had those wits about him.
-BFT! -[Tessitore] BFT! Blunt force trauma!
-Hooks the leg. -[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell dings] -[Tessitore] And the win!
Oh, no. Here's Fatu. He couldn't take it.
Fatu puts him up high.
Oh, my!
He just wrecked him.
Man, oh, man! Absolutely unhinged!
-We have said… -[Barrett] Oh, my God.
…he is like a mad dog unleashed since tribal combat.
The man just threw the entire chair.
This is out of control.
Fatu, a night before he faces the Monster of all Monsters,
is just wrecking LA Knight, headbutt after headbutt.
[theme music playing]
Tomorrow's opponent's got something to say tonight.
One big SOB has arrived.
Just down the road in San Antonio, these two will be face-to-face.
Braun Strowman says come and get some.
Tama Tonga says think better of it.
Could we get an early preview of what we'll see?
Look at this.
Wade Barrett's headset smashed by Jacob Fatu moments ago, as were the monitors.
As these two circle the ring.
It will be this mighty showdown.
Strowman and Fatu, the Monster and the Samoan Werewolf.
Tama Tonga up on the apron.
Strowman gets out of the way and sends out Jacob.
And now Tama Tonga able to restrain him.
Moments ago it was the big win by LA Knight, but it was overtaken
by the vicious attack from Jacob Fatu.
Tomorrow on NBC, Saturday Night's Main Event,
Strowman and Jacob Fatu.
The Monster of all Monsters, the Samoan Werewolf.
It's gonna be utterly outrageous.
Two of you, bright, young, talented.
The next big things and me, reality TV icon, Hollywood star,
the first ever two-time Grand Slam champion in the history of this company.
We are made from the same cloth. Just imagine.
The Marine 7.
[grunts]
Box office gold.
[imitates explosion]
We are gonna be rich.
-This was meant to be. I really think so. -Yeah. We're gonna be rich.
Together we're gonna run SmackDown.
-Let's go. -Sorry.
Excuse me, Miz.
Waller, Theory, I got three words for you:
Pack your bags.
You're going to Raw. Congratulations.
-Wait, we're… -What?
-Wait, all of us? -We're going to Raw?
We're going to Raw?
[both] We're going to Raw!
-Yeah! Yeah! -I've always wanted to…
Hey, Miz, we're going to Raw.
Let us know about Marine 7. I'm in. That sounds great.
-Please. Yeah. -[Waller] Raw.
Hey, thanks, but we're still gonna be rich! Yeah!
[Theory] Yeah!
[Tessitore] It has been an active transfer window
as The Miz just finds out that news.
He's arrived on SmackDown, but you know who else has arrived on SmackDown.
The former world heavyweight champion is here now.
[Barrett] What an acquisition by Nick Aldis.
Doesn't get any bigger than this guy.
[Tessitore] Damian Priest.
He has taken care of business elsewhere and now sets a new course
on Friday Night SmackDown.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from New York City, weighing in at 249 pounds,
Damian Priest!
[Tessitore] Just 11 days ago we saw Priest put forth one of the most brutal
but exhilarating street fight wins,
demolishing Finn Bálor.
When we come back,
the newest member of Friday Night SmackDown against Carmelo Hayes.
Damian Priest is here.
[in Japanese] This is a warning…
to all those who challenge my United States championship.
The attempt will be a fruitless effort.
Even if you challenge
with the determination to seek glory and give everything,
you will get nothing.
The only thing left will be the body
that has been crushed, hurt and shattered.
And this title will still be in my hands.
But that's not enough.
I aim for further heights…
Shinsuke Nakamura will be in the Royal Rumble.
Just as I have won before,
I will seize the victory again.
2025 will be the year of my conquest,
beginning with the Royal Rumble.
[Tessitore] From the US Champion to the recent
and former World Heavyweight Champion,
Wade, it feels like a fresh start for Damian Priest here.
[Barrett] Yeah, it absolutely is,
and I know Priest is fully intent on winning back singles gold
as a matter of urgency.
He's been hampered by his former running mates in The Judgment Day over
the past six months or so, but being back on separate brands to The Judgment Day
is gonna benefit Priest immensely.
[theme music playing]
[Tessitore] And for the first time, Carmelo Hayes is going to be one on one
with Damian Priest.
[Garcia] And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Barrett] Well, Melo came here to SmackDown tonight demanding a rematch
with Jimmy Uso, a rematch that went off the rails last week.
Put that one on ice.
Jimmy Uso's got his hands full with KO in tonight's main event still to come.
They'll get back to that eventually, I promise you, but what I like about Melo,
he did not shy away.
When Nick Aldis sprung this one on him, "Hey, you're getting in there
with our newest acquisition, the massive world champion caliber, Damian Priest."
Melo, "Yeah, I'll beat him, no problem."
[Tessitore] But I mean for most people it would have to be a shock.
It's a guy who you don't even realize is on the roster,
let alone the caliber of Priest.
[Barrett] Yeah, I agree with you completely on that one.
It would be a shock if Melo can pull this off, but what I like
about Melo is he keeps taking those shots, those long distance shots.
Melo is not interested in coming here to SmackDown
and mixing it up with the small fry.
He wants the sharks, and he's got one tonight in Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] He's been in against veterans lately.
So he had that upset count out win over Braun Strowman.
You can raise an eyebrow on that one, and since then
he's taken on Sami Zayn and Jey Uso.
Both ending in no contest.
[Barrett] We go back to Melo's early goings here when he was drafted
in the first round by SmackDown last year,
mixing it up with the likes of Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
I mean it doesn't get any bigger.
Melo's gone from a guy in NXT who never missed, but he's now a guy
who's not afraid to miss, providing he learned something in the process.
[Tessitore] He was two times NXT North American champion.
Was the NXT champion you mentioned being drafted
to the SmackDown roster in many ways.
And especially when you listen to him,
he does come across like that big draft pick, that first round pick,
who wants to let you know it and is still gathering some experience
and perhaps most needed with humility.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, Melo said he was gonna give Damian Priest
a welcome to SmackDown. Now, got a little cocky.
And I'll tell you right now,
Priest, probably not the right guy to get cocky with.
[Tessitore, chuckling] Oh, no, no, not at all.
[Barrett] As we are seeing before our eyes.
[Tessitore] Yeah, Damian Priest can switch that gear and you will learn a lesson as…
Look at him tight roping.
And coming right down cross body into the cover.
[Barrett] I'll tell you what, SmackDown has just got themself
a rock star in Damian Priest.
A guy who oozes confidence, a creature of the night.
And the level of competition here on the blue brand
just went up thanks to this man.
[Tessitore] Wait, did you hear that uppercut?
[Barrett] I think the entire arena felt that uppercut, none more so than
poor Carmelo Hayes, but Hayes still trying to wriggle his way out of this one.
But he might have done so.
[Tessitore] Oh, a big kick to the back of the left leg and then is
able to force him right into the post.
[Barrett] Well, it's hit and move, which is exactly what you've got to do
against the heavyweight.
Can Carmelo Hayes pull off a shock here?
[Tessitore] Take you back ringside here to this compelling matchup.
Damian Priest and Carmelo Hayes. Yes, Damian Priest announced earlier tonight
as the big headline transfer window acquisition to Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] And I'll tell you right now. When GM Nick Aldis signed Damian Priest,
he didn't sign him to lose here on his debut.
That would be a disaster from Nick Aldis's point of view,
and of course from the point of view of Damian Priest,
but that is slowly becoming a reality here. Such is the level of performance
that Carmelo Hayes has managed to hit thus far.
[Tessitore] And he is picking up the action
against the former World Heavyweight Champion.
While we were away, he was really working that left arm and left shoulder,
and you can see the impact it's having on Priest.
[Barrett] He's being cocky and gloating in the process.
[Tessitore] Crossbody off the rope into the cover.
And a kick out at two by Priest.
[Barrett] Melo is just nailing everything. I actually spoke to Melo earlier today.
He says he's got an obsession
with getting his first victory against a bona fide main event
caliber competitor here on SmackDown.
I'm starting to think that this is the night.
[Tessitore] This is only the second time they've ever shared a ring together.
There was tag action when Priest then, way back then, with Finn Bálor.
Of course, Judgment Day defeated Hayes and Trick Williams.
This is the first time they've ever been one on one.
So it's a huge opportunity for Carmelo Hayes.
He said he wanted a big opportunity.
He didn't know it was coming in the form of Damian Priest.
[Barrett] Imagine beating the hell out of Damian Priest
and talking smack while you do it.
That's the level that Carmelo Hayes is operating on, and I don't know if Priest--
Oh. Oh, boy.
I thought it was game over for Priest, but something has awoken inside.
The Punisher.
[Tessitore] And it's stirring, and it's come to the surface
and here comes Priest.
[Barrett] Well, there's a level of unbridled rage
burning deep inside Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] Oh, man, what an uppercut.
[Barrett] Sometimes it costs him, but at other times he taps into it
and it is a game changing thing for him.
[Tessitore] That time he ran into the double boots.
[Barrett] Connected with that broken arrow,
and Melo suddenly looks in a complete mess.
This one has changed massively.
[Tessitore] Now the big…
slam comes in from Priest. And into the cover to put him away.
Kick out at two.
[Barrett] Shaking off the cobwebs,
is Damian Priest now hitting fifth gear
once again, and this is the man that Nick Aldis wanted here on the blue brand.
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Tessitore] Just a few weeks removed
from that brutal street fight against Finn Bálor.
[crowd booing]
[Barrett] That was exactly the right move from Carmelo Hayes.
Get outside, get some oxygen in your lungs, but keep your wits about you.
[Tessitore] Watch out!
Right over the barrier into timekeeper.
[Barrett] Well, I've never seen Lillian Garcia move as quick as that.
Incredibly smart. And now coming our way for some reason is Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] Yeah, because you got a front row filled with celebrities,
including McConaughey.
And they have been loving everything out of Damian Priest.
[Barrett] Right now Carmelo Hayes having to backpedal after having the upper hand
by the time he was there.
[Tessitore] Boy, did he find that.
[Barrett] Bull's-eye, right when he needed it most.
[Tessitore] But guess what else he just found?
Good counter by Hayes.
[Barrett] And looking groggy once again is Damian Priest.
Boom.
[Tessitore] First 48.
Hooks the leg for the upset win.
[Barrett] And that right there beats most opponents.
That first 48 connecting to the chest
of Damian Priest completely resets your system.
But Damian Priest kicking out explains everything you need to know
about why this guy is world champion caliber.
[Tessitore] And now Hayes thinks he's got him in position.
He says, "Melo, don't miss."
Can he land it? No. From Nothing But Net to this.
[Barrett] Reversal attempted from Hayes. There you go.
[Tessitore] He may do it.
[Barrett] Almost stealing a quick one there was Melo. In shock.
-Oh! -[Tessitore] Wow, the power!
[Barrett] Well, took his eye off the ball momentarily,
and that has cost Carmelo Hayes arguing with the referee
when he should have gone in for the kill.
[Tessitore] The power that Priest can generate.
South of Heaven engaged and delivered.
Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown, Damian Priest.
[Garcia] The winner of this match,
Damian Priest!
[Barrett] Well, there are no layups here on SmackDown,
and Damian Priest on his debut since arriving here on SmackDown
had to go to war against Carmelo Hayes.
Another valuable learning experience for Melo, but what a victory for Priest.
[theme music playing]
-See my eyes? -Take it off the record books, man.
-Here's your buddies. -There's your guy. What?
Guys, relax. Did you tell 'em?
-Tell us what? -I didn't get around to it.
-Please, let us. Let us. -Please, go ahead.
Look, guys, we know you have been doing everything in your power
to avoid giving us another match for those WWE tag team championships.
Well, guess what? We got a little surprise for you guys.
You see, we already talked to him, and at the Royal Rumble
we're gonna challenge for the WWE tag team titles.
[stammers]
In a two out of three falls match.
-Is you-- -Are you kidding me?
-Tonight sucks. This sucks. -Fight!
-Hell of a match. -Great idea.
-Yeah. -Can't wait.
[Tessitore] And next week Friday Night SmackDown just before Royal Rumble.
Wade, let's show everybody what we got.
[Barrett] It is bedlam in the SmackDown tag division and it peaks next week.
All four top tag teams here on SmackDown compete in eight man tag action.
[Tessitore] How about this? We got a rematch for the women's US championship.
Michin and Chelsea Green from Indy.
[Barrett] And two former women's champs collide
as the Liv Morgan world domination tour rolls into Indianapolis.
She goes one on one with Naomi.
[Tessitore] And we just saw Carmelo Hayes,
and next week we will see him against Jimmy Uso.
That is next week before Royal Rumble on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Earlier tonight, Kevin Owens again outraged,
feeling disrespected over his claim to be the rightful WWE champion.
He takes on Jimmy Uso when we return.
[Tessitore] Great crowd here in Austin, time for Signs of the Night, Wade.
[Barrett] Yes, indeed, Texas Roadhouse, the house that Dusty Rhodes built.
What a legend to everyone in this industry.
Wow, Austin really doing a number on the signs here on SmackDown, Joe.
[Tessitore] Did I see some Chelsea Green love there?
Believe it or not, some people are fans,
but everyone's a fan of the multiple-time world champion,
the A-listers are out, Michelle McCool.
Welcome back to SmackDown, always a pleasure having you.
[laughs]
The Hall of Famer himself.
A man who has beaten me up more times than I care to remember.
Mark Henry.
What an absolute pair of legends here ringside at SmackDown.
SmackDown, huh?
Looks that way.
Glad to have you.
See you soon, champ.
Andrade, you have the look, the presence, the athletic ability inside that ring.
All you need is someone
to help guide you to become the superstar you truly are.
Miz, I love the idea.
-Yeah? Yeah. -Really. Yes.
All right.
Let me go and find someone. Okay?
Wait, what?
[chuckles]
Let's go.
Hey.
It's gonna take a lot more than four moves to beat KO.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
Well, about next week, it's gonna only take me three moves to beat you.
Oh, and uh…
[chuckles]
Let's roll in.
[Tessitore] Well, here's the moment for Jimmy Uso, the second straight week
that he's in a singles match on SmackDown.
But you could have never seen this one coming, and nor could Jimmy
until KO opened his mouth tonight.
["Born a King" playing]
[Barrett] I think Jim is feeling good about himself.
Not many can say that when they're about to-- Oh!
-Oh, it's Carmelo Hayes jumping Uso. -[Tessitore] What in the world?
[Barrett] Well, they just had cross words seconds ago.
Fallout from last week's unresolved issues when they had their match
and this is about as terrible preparation for Jimmy Uso ahead of his match up here
in the Main Event as you can imagine.
[Tessitore] Jimmy Uso, who's making his walk to the ring to take on Kevin Owens,
and Carmelo Hayes does that?
[Barrett] Jimmy Uso seems to have shrugged it off.
It has to be in the back of his mind as he's trying to game plan and prep
for the prize fighter Kevin Owens.
[Tessitore] What a challenge ahead.
It all started earlier tonight.
Kevin Owens's actions materializing into this.
Jimmy Uso against Kevin Owens. Live, right here from Austin.
[Tessitore] It's been a great night on Friday Night SmackDown here in Austin
as we look through some of our results from earlier tonight, Wade.
Motor City Machine Guns have put themselves
into prime position to regain the titles.
[Barrett] Yeah, massive victory there.
but I was really impressed tonight with Apollo Crews.
The guy has been a little under loved lately, pulling out a big dub
against Johnny Gargano. Back to winning ways for Apollo.
[Tessitore] Damian Priest defeats Carmelo Hayes earlier tonight.
The big new acquisition in the transfer window.
Speaking of Carmelo Hayes, it was just moments ago when Big Jim, Jimmy Uso
was making his way to the ring for this Main Event when Hayes attacked him.
[Barrett] Yeah, I'll tell you this. Jimmy Uso built double tough,
shrugged it off and is back in game mode, just in the nick of time.
♪ On the rail won't even matter 'Cause it's all about me ♪
["Fight" playing]
[Tessitore] Jimmy Uso hasn't shared a ring with Kevin Owens since 2023.
Of course, Jimmy at one point playing a major role in denying Kevin many chances
at winning the world title matches against Roman Reigns.
What shirt is he wearing there?
[Barrett] Feeling the glow.
[Tessitore] That's a Naomi shirt.
[Barrett] Naomi, of course, the wife of KO's opponent this evening,
-Jimmy Uso. -I mean, this guy. This guy, Wade.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is set for one fall.
Making it to the ring, from Maryville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Tessitore] And let's be very clear. You know what's coming tomorrow
when you see what is on his left shoulder.
The ladder match is next week at Royal Rumble.
Kevin Owens lost the December 14 Saturday Night's Main Event match
against Cody Rhodes,
yet claims he's the true champion and holds on and raises up
that Winged Eagle Championship,
that Paul Levesque, Triple H, said was for one single night,
just to honor the retro theme,
the timeless legacy of the sport.
Oh, come on.
He's going over to McConaughey with the Winged Eagle Championship.
[Barrett] McConaughey packs a punch.
Don't be so cocky, KO. You might get tagged.
[Tessitore] That's how the night started, with him overtaking our announce desk.
[Barrett] Look, here's the deal with that Winged Eagle Championship.
Of course KO knows he's not the real champ.
The record books don't reflect it.
It's a methodology to taunt the real champ, Cody Rhodes.
Get inside his head. Piss him off a little.
That's also the methodology that KO is using tonight by wearing a Naomi shirt,
while he goes one on one with her husband, Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] Is that something, Wade? I mean, honestly?
[Barrett] To be fair, Jimmy Uso, he's gonna get part
of the residuals for that shirt, so he's gonna make a bit of money out of it.
[Tessitore] Oh.
[speaks indistinctly]
You got a match. You're in the middle of a Main Event.
You want me to slap those glasses off your head?
[Tessitore] Yeah.
Big uppercut by Big Jim.
[Barrett] Well, Jimmy Uso saves Joe Tess once again.
I was there just in case you needed me.
Oh, yeah. I saw you running away.
[Tessitore] Goodness for Big Jim here.
[Barrett] I'm not gonna get in a fight with Kevin Owens.
I think you're crazy if you want to.
Jimmy Uso is just about crazy enough to want exactly that.
[Tessitore] Now beating down on Jimmy Uso.
That is how things got underway earlier tonight
when Kevin Owens was just so angered
over the fact that Cody Rhodes had an interview,
exclusive interview in the ring, to start tonight. Was ranting.
Anything with Cody Rhodes has been sending him wild as he comes in with a Senton.
[Barrett] KO called Jimmy the weakest member of The Bloodline,
mocked Jimmy for showing loyalty to his family members
after Roman Reigns treated Jimmy like dirt for years,
but Jimmy Uso is as loyal as they come, especially to his blood.
[Tessitore] And you can see what Jimmy Uso thinks of the disrespect
that Kevin has been showing to Cody.
Of course he has been wanting some singles glory himself for quite some time.
Sending him so hard.
You see how strong I am?
[Tessitore] I see.
[Barrett] Breaking the ring.
[Tessitore] Look at that.
Just smashing into the turnbuckles and with that,
sending the support around that camera flying.
[Barrett] It's the second time we've seen the ring breaking this evening.
This time it was the body of Jimmy Uso that did the damage.
Kevin Owens, just a week away from battling Cody.
Royal Rumble in the ladder match, but there's still business to take care of
tomorrow night when they have to sign the contract
with everything that's been happening between the two of them.
Shawn Michaels has been called into duty to moderate that contract signing.
Big elbow just drives down to the back of the neck.
[Barrett] No finer man for the job than HBK, especially in his hometown
of San Antonio, Texas.
[Tessitore] Oh, this time Big Jim gets the best of him coming out of that corner.
[Barrett] Jimmy now a good friend of Cody Rhodes,
a lot of water under the bridge between those two.
He did Cody a massive favor, dropping KO tonight.
[Tessitore] Was looking for the hip attack.
[Barrett] KO wisely getting out of dodge just in the nick of time.
[Tessitore] And slamming his head into our announce desk and again.
And he says hook him to McConaughey and big right hand comes in.
Right hand after right hand.
[Barrett] Prize fighter getting a taste of his own medicine,
big right hands to the head of Kevin Owens, who is wobbled.
[Tessitore] All the celebrities sitting behind us as he goes flying off the apron,
his head into this new reinforced announced desk.
[Barrett] Well, KO had to do something, he'd taken about 15 unanswered shots.
[Tessitore] Frog splash right onto the floor.
Can you believe that?
The impact from Kevin Owens.
Feel the glow! Get it?
[Owens] All right, all right, all right.
[Tessitore] Look at this scene here in Austin, Texas.
Joe and Wade with you ringside here at the Moody Center.
Our main event, Jimmy Uso and Kevin Owens, and Kevin Owens has been in control.
24 hours from now, he's gonna have his contract signing with HBK.
Shawn Michaels moderating
between himself and Cody Rhodes and then in eight days at Royal Rumble,
it is for the championship, the ladder match against Cody Rhodes,
and now Uso trying to rally back here, Wade.
[Barrett] Just not enough left in the tank to pick up the big frame of Kevin Owens.
[Tessitore] And he continues to work away on that arm. Into the cover.
[Barrett] This has been a physical edition of the KO show thus far, it has been all
about the prize fighter, no words needed.
But a hell of a lot of pain going in the direction of one half
of the greatest tag team of all time, Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] You see the big headline there? Damian Priest and the Miz
have been transferred here to SmackDown.
A-Town Down headed the other way in the transfer window,
over to Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
Saw Priest in action earlier tonight, he looked sensational.
We've got news about Royal Rumble as well when it comes to the tag team division,
DIY and Motor City Machine Guns will be two out of three falls
to determine the championship.
He's going up top. Uso's gonna meet him.
[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] Kick right to the jaw of the prize fighter,
wobbling him on the top row,
this is not where you wanna be without all of your faculties.
[Tessitore] It's exactly what Uso needs right here, right now.
[Barrett] It's the big frame of Kevin Owens that is anchored to that top rope.
Uso just doesn't have enough left in the tank and face first,
eating the turnbuckle.
What an ingenious move by Kevin Owens.
[Tessitore] Remember he had a splash out onto the floor moments ago,
and now he comes with a Swanton.
[Barrett] Knees up from Jimmy Uso, it's backfired on Kevin Owens,
and is that the window Jimmy's needed?
[Tessitore] Oh, big hip attack, Wade!
[Barrett] Well, it needed to be followed up immediately.
There's virtually nothing left in the tank of Jimmy Uso.
Just enough to keep KO down and try to get
something going. Trying to get some oxygen back in the tank.
This is where it turned.
The knees up after a fully committed Kevin Owens went for that Swanton,
caught the knees, neck first.
[Tessitore] You could see KO reaching for the back of his head, for his neck area.
And both men, so much has been taken out of them now at this point
of the main event, into the deep waters of this evening.
[Barrett] It was effectively a rabbit punch in boxing
right to the back of the head of the prize fighter Kevin Owens,
who is completely shaken now and finally a gust of wind in the sails of Big Jim.
[Tessitore] Samoan drop into the cover for the win…
and able to get that shoulder up, is KO.
[Barrett] You see, clearly, winded after the volley of abuse
taken to the mid-section, is Jimmy Uso.
And when you can't get a good lung full of oxygen, it means your
engine is running at about 50%.
Somehow you gotta try and beat KO in that state.
[Tessitore] KO just able to get out of the way.
Superkick!
And it landed flush.
-[crowd] One! Two! -[referee] One! Two! No!
[Barrett] One of the best timed Superkicks in the game.
It's the kind of move that took Jimmy Uso to countless tag championships here.
Bull's-eye right on the money to a moving Kevin Owens.
[Tessitore] You mentioned that Superkick and all the success it had,
leading in the tag team championships.
Eight time tag team champion, of course, he's never had a singles title in WWE.
Meanwhile, Jey was able to break through this past year,
winning the Intercontinental championship.
[Barrett] Both competitors now on the struggle bus,
and this is where KO comes into his own.
[Tessitore] And the kick out.
KO lining up for the kill shot.
Get up!
[crowd] Uso! Uso! Uso!
Come on!
Looking for the stunner instead, able to catch that Superkick
and deny it, and deliver one of his own.
And right back comes Big Jim!
-[crowd] One! Two! -[referee] One! Two!
[Tessitore] And the shoulder up from KO.
[Barrett] Well, Jimmy Uso looking to ascend to the kind of heights his
twin brother Jey managed to hit in 2024 and with strikes like this,
if Jimmy Uso can put away the prize fighter tonight, it would do wonders
for the singles career of Big Jim.
[Tessitore] What a main event that we never saw coming.
It all developed earlier tonight with an enraged Kevin Owens and
Jimmy Uso coming out and meeting him and then this being put together,
and now he's going up top.
Does this feel like Uso Splash?
Big Jim! KO gets out of the way, delivers another one.
[Barrett] Right to the temple this time, softening up Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] Was trying to pop a Powerbomb on him,
but he eats a Superkick again and collapses down.
[crowd] One! Two!
Jimmy Uso for the win! Shoulder up by KO.
[Barrett] Well, if this were a battle of the super kicks,
it would be a 10-7 round to Jimmy Uso.
Unfortunately for Jimmy, it doesn't work that way, but inching
closer to that three count is Uso.
What else have you got in the tank?
[Tessitore] What does KO have in the tank?
As he's struggling just to get back to his feet, having to use the ropes,
and Jimmy sizing him up.
[Barrett] Once again trying for that stunner, Jimmy just not allowing it.
-[Barrett] Smartly so. -[Tessitore] There's the spear!
[Barrett] Right out of his cousin Roman Reigns's playbook,
connecting flush to the midsection of the belligerent Kevin Owens,
who is now in the drop zone.
[Tessitore] And now he's gone-- and KO rips him down.
[Barrett] Prize fighter instincts, know when you're a beaten man
and get the hell out of Dodge.
Driving that shoulder into the post.
Pop up, Powerbomb.
KO hooks the leg…
-Puts it away. -[bell rings]
["Fight" plays]
[Garcia] Here is your winner, Kevin Owens!
[Barrett] Well, that was an epic war of attrition
and in a war of attrition there's few better than Kevin Owens.
-[Tessitore] Oh, he's not done yet. -[Barrett] But it ain't over, pal.
[Tessitore] He's not done yet.
[Barrett] Who would wanna be Jimmy Uso right now?
[Tessitore] And he's pointing to Matthew McConaughey, saying, "Watch this."
["Kingdom" plays]
He was lining up a Package Piledriver on the desk, but he's got company.
They're all looking to end some careers, but here is a man who needs no excuses.
[Barrett] It's on the sight.
Fight on sight! Cody Rhodes and KO again.
Tomorrow, Shawn Michaels will be between them to sign the contracts,
but right now they're going at it.
[Barrett] Both men going for the eyeballs at this point,
and it's Cody Rhodes, the fresh man, getting by far the better of Kevin Owens
who just got taken to hell by Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] Two weeks in a row,
he tried to deliver a Package Piledriver to an opponent
and Cody comes to the rescue.
They're gonna sign the contract as they brawl the night away here in Austin.
I don't know if they're gonna make it that far, Joe.
[Tessitore] Would you look at this?
Cody and KO, just wild stuff. this?