[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] Welcome to New Orleans. They just hosted the Super Bowl.
Mardi Gras is around the corner, and now in the middle of all that,
The Big Easy's home to the Friday Night SmackDown.
It'll be big, but nothing comes easy on this road to WrestleMania.
The fans are headed in and packing the Smoothie King Center,
knowing to expect the unexpected, and within the last 24 hours,
they found out the massive news as to who's here.
The headlines have been buzzing.
The Final Boss returns. The Rock is here.
The biggest box office attraction in the world,
his first appearance since early January, and it seems to be at the perfect time.
The most electrifying man in all of entertainment
set to make the WWE Universe go ablaze.
Plus here in NOLA, where they let the good times roll,
Tiffy Time has been on a roll.
The WWE Women's Champion comes to the arena with a chief rival to silence.
Candice LeRae is gonna test the champ with Nia Jax. Always out for revenge.
And the Women's Tag Team Champions have some business to settle.
Tonight, Naomi gets to do just that with Bianca Belair by her side.
Naomi takes on Liv Morgan. That is straight ahead.
Plus the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes,
finds himself in the center so much
as we turn the corner to Elimination Chamber,
he's in a 6-man Tag Team match.
We're gonna take you out the 6-man.
Why would you take me out of the 6-man?
It's out of my hands, Cody.
Solo just shows up, and he's allowed to do that,
but we can't have a 6-man that you advertise,
and how's it out of your hands?
Who… Okay, who do… who do we need to talk to?
Who do we need to call so that we can have the 6-man?
You're not hearing me.
There's no one you can call.
There's no one I can call.
If you smell what I'm cooking.
-Cody… -[Tessitore chuckles]
…this is coming from The Final Boss,
and The Final Boss wants to see you in the ring.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you here.
Yeah, things are very different when The Final Boss is around.
Cody's pulled from the main event.
Well, rip up the scripts.
Things can change in an instant, and The Final Boss already creating
shock waves here on SmackDown.
We will see what The Final Boss's intentions are.
He is here. The Rock is here in New Orleans,
but for now, we move straight ahead to action.
-["Gallantry" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] As we begin the night with the Scottish Warrior.
Drew McIntyre's big move to Friday Night SmackDown
already producing massive results, changing the course of things.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Ayr, Scotland, weighing in at 275 pounds,
Drew McIntyre!
[Tessitore] Wade, a couple of weeks ago,
Drew took out both LA Knight and Jimmy Uso at the same time with one Claymore.
A Triple Threat Match that earned him a place
in the Elimination Chamber, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, that's why Drew McIntyre has that big smirk on his face.
He has his destiny in his own hands.
An opportunity at the WWE champ at WrestleMania
if he can beat this star-studded field in the Elimination Chamber.
Standing in his way,
Damian Priest, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Logan Paul, CM Punk
and, of course, John Cena.
Hey, Drew, everybody know you going to Elimination Chamber, right?
But Big Jim got a question for the Big Easy.
Will Drew go on to Elimination Chamber and win that?
Will Drew go on to WrestleMania and win that?
Hey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, uce.
The answer is…
[crowd] No yeet!
["Born A King" playing]
[Tessitore] You know Drew has stated time and again that he wants to take out
anybody who's associated with Roman Reigns.
Well, here comes Big Jim.
[Garcia] And his opponent, from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 251 pounds,
Jimmy Uso!
[Tessitore] Wade, obviously this matchup alone for Jimmy Uso, a critical match.
It's just flat out personal now after what we saw last week.
[Barrett] Yeah, and it's, um, an evergreen beef,
as you touched on moments ago, with Jimmy and Drew
due to Jimmy's Bloodline affiliations.
Bloodline making Drew's life hell for a couple of years
and of course the trash talk
between these two of late culminated in Drew McIntyre comparing Jimmy
rather unfavorably to his twin brother and Royal Rumble winner Jey,
which produced a super kick to the jaw of Drew last week.
So these two are primed and ready for battle tonight.
[Tessitore] That's what happened backstage a week ago with the stinging insults
that were sent Jimmy's way.
Uso and Drew McIntyre on a night when The Final Boss returns.
[Tessitore chuckles] Oh!
Right back to it, chop after chop.
[Barrett] Well, it must be getting under the skin of Jimmy Uso,
so many in the locker room
taking these cheap shots about Jimmy's comparison to Jey,
and in truth, nobody is gonna compare favorably to Jey Uso,
the kind of run he's on at the moment.
[Tessitore] Jey Uso, crossbody and hooks the leg into the cover.
Quick to kick out is Drew.
Of course what a run that Jey has been on
for the better course of the past year,
earning his first singles glory this past fall,
and then what happened in Indianapolis, the moment, the highlight of his career,
taking the Royal Rumble and earning a championship match at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] The power of McIntyre.
Straight to the fore in this one.
Of course, trash talk is one thing, cheap shots are another,
but really it's a results industry, and it was McIntyre who defeated Jimmy
and, of course, LA Knight a couple of weeks ago
to qualify himself for the Elimination Chamber
and get his destiny and his future in his own hands.
[Tessitore] Now outside on the floor.
As McIntyre, full run.
I mean, the velocity by which he threw him into the barrier.
[Barrett] Just that easy for a guy with 6'5",
270 pounds of rippling Scottish muscle,
throwing around Jimmy Uso with ease.
[Tessitore] You know they've been in the ring 38 times together in their careers,
but never in this setting of one-on-one.
28 times in Tag Team Matches,
of course, Battle Royals, Royal Rumbles, Triple Threats,
but this is the first one-on-one between Drew and Jimmy.
[Barrett] You can just see like the weight of the world
has gone off the shoulders of McIntyre since his move here to the Blue Brand.
[Tessitore] I think it was the perfect reset
at the perfect time in his career, Wade.
[Barrett] Undoubtedly. What does he have to do?
Win the Elimination Chamber, go win at WrestleMania--
[Tessitore] Oh, Jimmy goes flying!
[Barrett] Heavy landing for McIntyre and indeed Jimmy Uso.
Pulling out the heavy artillery in this one.
[Tessitore] As he sends Drew down to the floor.
[Barrett] That's part of the issue with McIntyre.
It's been all smiles. It's been all happiness.
You have to put Jimmy away first.
[Tessitore] He tried to deliver that big kick
but gets slammed down to the apron himself.
McIntyre with the Alabama Slam. Not to the announce desk!
Are you kidding me? Now he's eyeing to steal steps.
[Barrett] Any way you look, it's danger for Jimmy Uso!
[Tessitore] Oh, my! Oh, the brutal impact!
[referee] Get back in the ring!
[Tessitore] The Scottish Psychopath indeed.
[Tessitore] Drew McIntyre in control of Jimmy Uso.
Our opening match here at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett with you.
Most recently, these two met up in a Triple Threat Match,
and that is when Drew McIntyre was able to qualify for the Elimination Chamber,
defeating Jimmy and LA Knight.
And what an Elimination Chamber men's field it is.
The farewell tour of John Cena continues.
Of course, he declared his entry on the Royal Rumble post-show.
[Barrett] Oh, Uso in the wind.
And just when McIntyre started getting a little too cocky,
a little too confident, Jimmy Uso pulls out the unthinkable
and buys himself a window to, perhaps, get back into this one.
And it really has been a domineering performance from McIntyre.
Thus far the swaggering confidence of a man
who knows the journey to the top of this industry.
He's done it before, can he do it again?
Things turning around in a big way here now in favor of Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] Oh, Samoan Drop! Jimmy's got a chance.
And that shoulder getting up from Drew.
[Barrett] And this is really a shock to the system of McIntyre
who thought at points it was gonna be a walk in the park.
Things changed in a hurry with this Samoan Drop pulled out by Jimmy Uso,
who now has that look in his eye.
And this is a championship-caliber competitor
looking to do it here in the singles ranks.
Oh, flying headbutt there from McIntyre cutting off Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] The explosiveness of Drew McIntyre.
It's not just the power that you see on display.
Jackknife.
And able to get that right shoulder up was Jimmy Uso.
[Barrett] Instinctive, quick thinking of McIntyre.
The powers of recovery that someone
like Jimmy Uso simply wasn't expecting as he lined up that Super Kick.
McIntyre just too quick.
[Tessitore] Jimmy Uso, the 8-time Tag Team Champion,
who's been looking to find singles success.
[Barrett] But Jimmy Uso is overlooked, underappreciated,
but most importantly, uber talented.
McIntyre going for that Future Shock DDT.
[Tessitore] Able to get out of it was Uso. And back and forth, center of the ring,
right hand after right hand.
[Barrett] A punch-up situation like that, I'm backing McIntyre every single time.
Jimmy Uso wisely changing things up, but it may be redundant anyway.
McIntyre going skyward.
-[Tessitore] Super Kick! -[Barrett] Right to the kisser.
[Tessitore] He caught him!
Spear! Opportunity for Jimmy. Hooks the leg.
And the kick out at 2 and change.
[Barrett] Well, Jimmy Uso having to dig deep into that playbook.
We've seen Jimmy in those deep waters many times before as McIntyre went up high,
bang on the kisser with the Super Kick
followed by shades of Roman Reigns himself.
Connecting, didn't quite get the job done with that spear.
McIntyre lives on for now.
[Tessitore] Now Jimmy heading up top.
[Barrett] What a massive win this would be for Jimmy Uso.
Going for that splash, perhaps.
[Tessitore] Getting out of the way, was Drew.
And he turns things around just when he needed to most.
[Barrett] Just knocking all of the wind and that momentum out of the sails
-of Jimmy Uso and now we've got ourselves… -[Tessitore] Oh, man.
…some textbook McIntyre,
and it rarely goes well from here for any of his opponents.
[Tessitore] A kick up and the call for the Claymore.
Here he comes with it. A Super Kick again!
And the Glasgow Kiss.
And we're seeing some of the damage he took earlier.
[McIntyre] This is your WrestleMania. This is as close as you get.
You're the black sheep of the family.
You're nothing… nothing to me.
Get up.
[Barrett] Smile has left McIntyre.
Now in rage, another Glaswegian Kiss, and perhaps now…
[Tessitore] Oh, he's looking for that Alabama Slam again.
He got him into the steel steps earlier tonight.
And instead, it's a roll up!
It's a counter roll up! And it's a win! It's an upset win! Jimmy Uso!
[Garcia] Here is your winner,
Jimmy Uso!
[Barrett] Well, what a wake-up call for McIntyre that is.
He was lackadaisical-- Wait a second.
[Tessitore] And this is how Drew reacts.
[Barrett] Well, one slipup
and things change in a hurry on a pathway to WrestleMania,
and McIntyre cannot afford to be so lackadaisical and so cocky
in the Elimination Chamber. And now…
sending a message to the rest of the field.
[McIntyre] This is as far as it goes.
I'm going to Chamber. I'm going to Mania.
I'm gonna win the title.
This means nothing… nothing to me!
You are nothing to me.
[Tessitore] Says, "This means nothing to me. You mean nothing to me."
Oh, no. Oh, no, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, this is a message.
This is what is potentially in store for the rest of the Elimination Chamber field.
[Tessitore] Now he's lining Jimmy's head up
right near that post and thankfully…
thankfully the officials come down to stop that action.
[Barrett] It may well have averted a major catastrophe for Jimmy Uso,
who is looking worse for wear as it is.
Let me be clear, Jimmy Uso did pull off the victory
with that victory roll out of nowhere,
and that just set McIntyre off.
[Tessitore] A victory roll after Drew was looking
for the Alabama Slam yet again.
Jimmy endured so much in the midst of that match, but able to rally back.
Oh, and Drew breaks free! He's coming after him, Wade.
[Barrett] McIntyre now completely unglued.
And the Claymore finally does its job.
[Tessitore] Elimination Chamber when Drew McIntyre will be in Toronto
as one of six men with John Cena, CM Punk, Logan Paul, Seth Rollins, Damian Priest,
and his hopes to get to Mania.
And the big news that we heard earlier tonight, The Final Boss is here.
He wants to have a talk with Cody Rhodes, and with that our main event now
shapes up this way, and it's a good one.
Damian Priest and Braun Strowman tag team action against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
And speaking of them, crazy circumstances last week
at the end of our main event.
There was clear tension with Solo Sikoa
and his unexpected return when it came to Jacob Fatu.
Of course, the Elimination Chamber qualifier that was…
that included Jacob Fatu.
Cody Rhodes came out during that Triple Threat,
and things didn't go the way Solo intended.
It turned into bedlam at ringside. Let's take a look back.
This was the Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
Things were rolling. Solo Sikoa emerged, created carnage.
And then the American Nightmare arrived to try and settle things,
but he was neutralized by Tama Tonga
until things went wrong between Solo, Tonga and Fatu.
Eventually, they were all laid out.
Cody Rhodes connecting with a Cross Rhodes,
and it was Priest who connected with a South of Heaven
to book his ticket to the Elimination Chamber in Toronto.
[sighs]
Listen, what happened last week to Tama?
That was an accident.
Yeah. Yeah, all good, uce. But let's keep it 100.
If it wasn't an accident,
then you wouldn't be standing here right now.
Good. I'm glad we're on the same page.
Listen, tonight I'm gonna be in the corner during you and Tama's match.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hold on, man, no disrespect.
But me and Tama, we've been running these things on SmackDown
for the past couple of weeks.
So tonight, me and you gonna run the play instead, yadadamean?
Okay, understood.
See that right there, that right there, Jacob, is exactly why I love you.
I'll be back. I'm gonna go talk to Nick Aldis.
[Tessitore] This new Solo-Jacob dynamic is fascinating.
This was the social media blast last night that has everyone talking.
The headline read bold and disruptive. The Final Boss returns tonight.
What will happen when The Rock revs his engine on this road to WrestleMania?
That is still ahead. Wow.
[announcer] The winner of the Elimination Chamber heads to WrestleMania to face
the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] We know John Cena is in the Elimination Chamber.
[Cena] Come get some!
[Cole] Who's going to the Chamber?
["Eye of the Hurricane" playing]
GTS! Punk is going to Toronto!
My goal is still right there.
Main eventing WrestleMania!
♪ You see, I'm not like them ♪
[Cole] Logan Paul qualifies for the Chamber match.
[Paul] News flash, dummies! When I win the Elimination Chamber,
I am gonna main event WrestleMania, because I'm great at everything.
[McIntyre] I'm here for you, Cody.
[Tessitore] Claymore in the midst of a BFT attempt!
[Barrett] McIntyre is going to the Elimination Chamber.
[McIntyre] I'm here for the WWE Championship.
♪ It's the end of your reign In the eye of the hurricane ♪
[Joseph] A massive South of Heaven has qualified Damian Priest.
[Priest] Come Chamber, this is my time.
This is where I go into that match and guarantee my spot at WrestleMania.
[Rollins] Now we save the best for last.
[Cole] Stomp!
Rollins joins an all-star cast inside the Chamber.
♪ It's the end of your reign In the eye of the hurricane ♪
[Cole] Six men have that opportunity. Only one will make it to WrestleMania.
[song ends]
[Barrett] Five of the biggest egos in the game will be locked inside
the Elimination Chamber with the Scottish Warrior.
Who will emerge victorious and book their ticket to WrestleMania 41
to challenge the WWE Champ Cody Rhodes?
[Tessitore] That's in 8 days.
Meanwhile, as for tonight, a week ago, Carmelo Hayes was able to handle R-Truth
in the ring, but backstage handling him,
well, that's a different story.
[R-Truth] Melo!
Truth, what you want, bro?
Bro, first time ever, me and you tonight.
What you talking about?
We got a match.
-We just had a match last week. -I never met you before in my life.
I know we got a Tag Match tonight.
Oh, hell no. We don't got a tag match, man.
Who made this match?
Him.
Truth, we're not doing this "him" thing again.
I'm "him," okay?
"Him" made the match.
I'm him.
There's two of y'all.
No, I'm him.
He's The Miz.
We are "Melo Don't Miz."
We're not "Melo Don't Miz."
Today we are. Who's your tag team partner?
I got a guy. A Louisiana legend.
As a matter of fact, he just got here.
I gotta go. [grunts]
I've been workshopping this "Melo Don't Miz."
The audience loves it. Think about it.
[imitating crowd] Melo Don't Miz! Melo Don't Miz! Melo Don't Miz!
And we are…
He wants you to say, "Awesome."
No.
Second time. You just…
[Tessitore] It's just not getting the buy-in, Wade.
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Tessitore] But the newfound Friday Night SmackDown
landscape for The Miz, it comes with the right ally
that he's been searching for since his arrival.
♪ I came to play to get my dues paid ♪
♪ I guess you had a dream But it can't be saved ♪
[Barrett] I don't know if that is the right ally.
[Tessitore] I don't know, maybe not.
[Barrett] Teething problems in this relationship, it would appear, Joe.
[Tessitore] Miz is hoping for him to be.
As Miz finds himself opposite the man he won tag titles with.
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, at a combined weight of 431 pounds,
the team of Carmelo Hayes
and The Miz!
[Tessitore] And you just don't know what we're gonna get with R-Truth, Wade.
We're gonna find out next the Cajun Country, Louisiana local
that he's pairing up with.
"Melo Don't Miz." We'll see about that. It's next.
My whole life people have taken one look at me…
and they tried to define me.
[person] She's too small to make it.
[wrestler] She's too small to beat me.
[person] She's too small to be champion.
My size has never stopped me before.
It's never stopped me from becoming Tag Team Champion or my personal favorite,
the history-making first time ever,
Queen of the Ring. That's me.
♪ Winner gets the criticism I ain't missin' ♪
♪ Let me mention I was optimistic Only focus was the bigger picture ♪
But make no mistake about it.
I've never had it easy.
I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here.
But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove.
♪ I got it, I got it, I got it I got it, I got it, I got it ♪
♪ I got it, and you don't ♪
And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick.
It ain't over until Zelina Vega says it's over.
["What's Up?" playing]
Y'all ready for this?
Here we go.
♪ People over there What's up? ♪
♪ You feel me Let me hear you say what's up ♪
-♪ What's up? ♪ -[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪
[music fades out]
-What's up? -[crowd] What's up?
I'm gonna tell you what's up.
My tag team partner is a local legend,
born and bred right here in New Orleans.
[crowd cheers]
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight.
-[Barrett] Oh, no. -[Tessitore] No, no, Wade.
-["Welcome To LA" playing] -[Tessitore] Wade, how?
[Barrett] He's not from Louisiana, he's from Maryland.
The nickname LA is because he moved to Hollywood.
[Tessitore] Only R-Truth.
[Barrett] He… He's gotta be doing it on purpose. It's every week, Joe.
[Tessitore] He's handing over the traditional New Orleans beads
and a po'boy.
[Barrett] To a guy from Maryland?
[Tessitore] Miss ID'ing a state abbreviation for the Megastar.
[Garcia] And their opponents,
at a combined weight of 460 pounds,
the team of R-Truth
-and LA Knight! -[crowd] Yeah!
[Barrett] How can anyone so consistently get everything
so completely wrong, and yet people love him?
-[Tessitore] Oh, he's so lovable. -[Barrett] No!
-[Tessitore] He's so lovable. -[Barrett] He's encouraged by people
-like you. -[Tessitore] He's a national treasure.
[Barrett] He's a fantasist.
He should be locked up in a padded cell with a straight--
And he's coming our way.
[Tessitore] So the pairing is LA Knight and R-Truth.
-[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah! -[bell rings]
[Barrett] Maryland's own LA Knight, who the people of Louisiana
have certainly adopted for one night.
As does every other city on planet Earth.
[Tessitore] Of course, LA Knight, right now the business with Miz and Melo,
but keep in mind, number one contender to face Shinsuke Nakamura
and hoping to regain his US Championship.
[Barrett] Man, these are four strange bedfellows.
The LA Knight and R-Truth relationship seems to have got off to a decent start.
Although, Melo and Miz, not so much.
Nice start though from the youngster who is back to winning ways as you mentioned.
Got a victory against R-Truth in singles last week over a long run of losses.
Of course he had that win against Tozawa too, on a real roll.
[Tessitore] He's been going up against top competitors lately.
Quick pace early on here in this tag team match.
[Barrett] Well, it's rare to see somebody outmaneuvering Carmelo Hayes.
[Tessitore] What?
[Barrett] Who was doing the pin? Little Jimmy?
This R-Truth is completely nuts, Joe Tess.
Makes me highly uncomfortable.
[Tessitore] Long career for R-Truth. He gets to this stage here as he…
tags in LA Knight.
[Barrett] The number one contender to Shinsuke Nakamura's
United States Championship as we found out last week.
-LA Knight defeating The Miz. -[Tessitore] Hooks the leg.
Quick to get that shoulder up was Hayes.
He has been so laser focused on getting back to business against Nakamura.
[Barrett] He wants his championship back.
Easier said than done against the sinister man from Japan.
[Tessitore] He was defeated by Nakamura at Survivor Series in Vancouver
back on November 30th.
Held that title for 119 days, did LA Knight.
[Barrett] Seems thus far Melo wants no part of tagging The Miz in.
-Clearly happy to-- -[Tessitore] Oh, no!
No, no, no.
[Barrett] Okay, now these are former Awesome Truth tag partners.
That blew up about three months ago.
Truth apparently has forgot,
and it's cost him here.
[Tessitore] As he gets sent off the apron down to the floor by Melo.
A week ago, LA Knight defeated The Miz right here on SmackDown on the same card
that Carmelo Hayes defeated R-Truth.
Now these four in tag action opposite each other.
[Barrett] Well, thus far things have gone incredibly well
for Carmelo Hayes and The Miz.
[Tessitore] There's the roll up.
And then Carmelo gives a little something to LA Knight.
R-Truth right back at it.
[Barrett] Simply impossible to write off R-Truth.
As much as he's the… the clown and the joker at times,
this guy's the real deal once the bell rings.
And that suplex stunner to Carmelo Hayes
has sent a message loud and clear
to "Melo Don't Miz" that this is the real deal, and it's time to focus.
-Can R-Truth get the tag to LA Knight? -[Tessitore] Desperate to get it.
And here comes the Megastar.
Number one contender to the US Championship.
[Barrett] This is LA Knight on fire, giving the people what they want.
[Tessitore] And a clothesline sends down The Miz.
And that running knee.
[Barrett] Looking every inch the perpetual motion machine
is the Megastar.
[Tessitore] Look at this output by LA Knight!
Kick out at two.
[Barrett] Well, this is LA Knight finding a new gear, knowing that he has
a championship opportunity for the United States title in his future.
Now is the time to hit top gear, and hit Miz in the jaw while you're at it.
Why not?
[Tessitore] He has been on a run lately.
Fifth straight SmackDown we've seen him in action.
As you mentioned, coming off a victory against this man right here,
The Miz who lands on his feet. Blind tag,
as Melo is the legal man.
[Barrett] He's trying his best to wiggle out
of whatever attempted maneuver that was.
[Tessitore] Straight into the cover.
[Barrett] Clearly not seeing the tag was LA Knight,
and Melo does not need a second opportunity to capitalize
on some confusion in the ring.
[Tessitore] Hayes always welcomes this kind of opportunity.
Oh, looking for First 48. Not finding it.
[Barrett] Oh, went for that BFT.
Looked like perhaps R-Truth tagged his way in there.
He is indeed the legal man, or is he John Cena?
[Tessitore] Yep, the running shoulder blocks from R-Truth.
[Barrett] I can't tell them apart at this point.
[Tessitore chuckles]
He's looking for it.
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Tessitore] Five Knuckle Shuffle!
[Barrett] Could be a little glimpse of what we're gonna see
at the Elimination Chamber with the real John Cena, that is.
Attempting that AA now.
[Tessitore] Can't get the Attitude Adjustment.
But still with plenty of offense.
[Barrett] Little old school R-Truth right there, connecting to Carmelo Hayes.
[Tessitore] Every which way.
[Barrett] STFU applied. No tap out from Melo.
Miz gets there just in the nick of time, and this one's broken down.
[Tessitore] LA Knight sends him out.
[Barrett] Two of the biggest smack-talkers on the roster.
LA Knight and The Miz still going at it.
[Tessitore] He sends him right into the barrier, near timekeeper.
[Barrett] And these two said some real trash to one another last week.
-[Tessitore] Whoa! -[Barrett] Oh!
[Tessitore] Shinsuke Nakamura!
Oh! As he attacks LA Knight,
the number one contender to that US Championship of his.
[Barrett] He who hides in the shadows.
The shinobi assassin Shinsuke Nakamura strikes.
Tag now to The Miz.
[Tessitore] And now The Miz on the attack.
There it is, the First 48.
-And that is how they win it. -[bell rings]
[Garcia] Here are your winners,
Carmelo Hayes and The Miz!
[Barrett] Well, I'll you this right now,
Shinsuke Nakamura was pivotal in how that one turned out,
but there's some brewing chemistry here between Miz and Carmelo Hayes.
That kind of double finisher,
Skull-Crushing Finale and the First 48 gets the job done.
And is there a future together for those two?
[Tessitore] "Melo Don't Miz," says The Miz.
This is what is coming up in our main event.
Strowman and Priest, Solo and Jacob Fatu.
Of course, Priest with one of the 6 spots in Toronto for Elimination Chamber,
but tag team action in front of him tonight.
And a week ago, Tiffany Stratton able to retain her championship
with a heated word for Nia Jax.
We got Tiffy Time here in the Crescent City.
Candice LeRae at the center of it all for her tonight.
The GOAT doesn't have to call themselves the GOAT.
♪ Had to beat the best Passing every test ♪
♪ Now I'm pushing back For that rager track ♪
♪ And I'm never gonna rest ♪
♪ Tunnel vision Focused on my success ♪
[announcer] Record-setting, 14-time World Champion.
♪ All I got is ambition ♪
♪ Preening my reflection I'm ruling in this position ♪
Now I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one can touch.
♪ No stopping me I'm unbreakable ♪
♪ Know that I am capable ♪
♪ Come and go, magical Too much wins, unbearable ♪
And I'm back.
♪ Unbreakable ♪
[announcer] Charlotte Flair is going to WrestleMania!
[Flair] Tiffy…
The Queen chooses you.
I'll see you at WrestleMania.
[Tessitore] Yes, she will see her there.
That was the big reveal a week ago when Charlotte Flair let it be known
she is coming for Tiffany Stratton.
The Championship Match at WrestleMania.
Tiffany versus Charlotte, of course, live April 19th and 20th on WWE.
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Barrett] Let's just add the caveat as we always do, Joe Tess,
that Tiffany Stratton, of course,
has to get to WrestleMania with a championship rein intact to guarantee
that defense against Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte's there, whatever, whomever the champ may be.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Barrett] Well, things are coming thick and fast for Miss Tiffany Stratton,
who has a fully booked up schedule because it's official
after what went down last week on SmackDown,
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae will team against WWE Women's Champ Tiffany Stratton
and the Hall of Famer, Toronto's own Trish Stratus…
at the Elimination Chamber.
[Tessitore] How's that crowd gonna be in Toronto for Trish?
[Barrett] Red hot for Trish Stratus. No more so than in her own town.
What a massive event that is gonna be with a massive audience.
♪ I wanna see ya Drop, drop, drop, drop, drop ♪
[song fades, ends]
I know, I know.
You know it. You know it. And you know it.
Ever since I won this title,
everybody's just been so obsessed with me.
And last week, I had Nia Jax beat
until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket.
And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I are gonna make sure
the unstoppable force comes to a definitive end.
I don't want to talk about them.
I wanna talk about Charlotte Flair.
She took her sweet old time, she grabbed a chair,
she grabbed a mic, and she looked down upon me.
And she picked me as her WrestleMania opponent.
And in that moment, my dreams came true.
And as I lied there, and I looked up at her,
I realized that the rumors are true.
No one loves to kick a girl when she's down quite like Charlotte Flair.
So at WrestleMania,
I'm not coming for your legacy, Charlotte. That's all you.
I'm coming for the spot you desire the most.
The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
♪ Look it up I'm written down in history ♪
♪ Take a look You'll see I'm an anomaly ♪
♪ I'm not like most girls Most girls ♪
♪ So take a seat ♪
Tiffy, I have to say, this is really cute.
Like, it's really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.
Don't you think it was cute, Candice?
It is so cute.
And you know what? You wouldn't even be standing there right now
if it wasn't for your little mentor, Trish Stratus.
[Jax] Exactly.
It's even cuter that you're out here addressing Charlotte Flair
when you won't even see WrestleMania.
Because after Candice and I destroy you at Elimination Chamber,
I'm coming back for my WWE Women's Championship.
And you… you won't even see the Grandest Stage of Them All.
Nia, give it up. This title isn't yours anymore.
And once I beat Candice,
you won't have anybody to do your dirty work for you anymore.
You know what… You know what, Tiffy?
I know we have a match right now, but, uh, you know what?
Nia and I are just a little impatient.
[Jax] Yeah, we should take you out right now.
[Tessitore] Now, threat may become a reality.
[Barrett] Certainly was a reality last week.
Referee getting involved, this matchup going ahead next.
-Tiffany Stratton versus Candice LeRae. -[Tessitore] That's next.
[Tessitore] Good crowd here at the Smoothie King Center
in New Orleans, Louisiana for Friday Night SmackDown.
A week ago, Tiffany Stratton with a title defense
of her WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax.
It ended in DQ when Candice LeRae interfered in the match, and now those two
in singles action here this week.
[Barrett] It's been a… ooh… a tough start from Tiffany Stratton,
who got very little offense in against the veteran Candice LeRae,
but that is how explosive and athletic Tiffany Stratton is.
-In the blink of an eye, turning it-- -["All Hail The Queen" playing]
[Tessitore] Oh, boy. Look who's arrived.
[Barrett] Enemies everywhere you look for the champ Tiffany Stratton.
You better get used to that when you've got gold.
[Tessitore] The 14-time World Champion.
Charlotte Flair, who won the women's Royal Rumble
in impressive fashion and then a week ago,
entered the ring after the match, after the beatdown that Tiffany Stratton
absorbed and told her, "I choose you."
[Barrett] What an impactful entrance as always from Charlotte Flair,
who knows her ticket to WrestleMania is booked, likely against Tiffany Stratton.
-How the hell-- -[Tessitore] LeRae!
[Barrett] How the hell is Tiffany Stratton supposed
to focus on the task in hand, beating Candice LeRae
with Nia Jax and now Charlotte Flair here at ringside.
[Tessitore] Charlotte Flair, you can hear the crowd in New Orleans reacting,
as she points Tiffany's way, and now I believe she's…
-[Barrett chuckles] -…gonna take a seat
to your right, Wade Barrett.
[Barrett] It is our lucky day.
Wow, with the ultimate elegance, Charlotte Flair, the number one contender,
is here, and she's joined us on commentary as the match continues.
Welcome, Charlotte Flair, the 14-time World Champion.
-[Flair] Hello, gentlemen. -[Tessitore] Hello, Charlotte.
[Barrett] What an entrance that was, once again.
Well, let me make one thing clear.
Tiffy said I was the "top girl." No, no, no.
I'm the top woman of the WWE.
[Barrett] I've got to just bring up,
there was a very interesting reaction from our audience here, uh, Miss Flair.
Um, you have said at times people are obsessed with you.
Why do you think that is?
[Flair] I am unattainable.
-[Barrett] You are certainly-- -[Flair] Unattainable obsession.
[Barrett] You are certainly in a league of your own,
and the stats back that claim up.
[Tessitore] "The GOAT doesn't have to call themselves the GOAT,"
is what Charlotte said when we heard from her earlier.
She joins us here ringside on a night when The Final Boss returns,
we'll also see Naomi and Liv Morgan, but right now,
the attention is on Tiffy Time.
Tiffany Stratton, WWE Women's Champion, in against Candice LeRae,
as the 14-time World Champion has made her way ringside.
Charlotte Flair to take it all in with us.
[Barrett] Well, Charlotte Flair has clearly got the attention
of Tiffany Stratton too, as she continues to do battle in the ring.
Let me ask you this, Charlotte, you have been the figurehead, oh--
[Tessitore] Into the cover.
…of women's wrestling for the past 10 years,
how big of a threat is Tiffany Stratton
to your place at the very top of this industry?
[Flair] I think everyone is a threat.
I have had a target on my back since day one, whether it's because of my last name
or because I am the most decorated woman in the history of this industry.
[Tessitore] Tiffy Time up top. Crashing down on LeRae and Jax.
[Barrett] Just got about enough on that Moonsault to take down Jax and LeRae.
Can Tiffany complete a victory here in front of Charlotte Flair?
[Tessitore] WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton
rallying back against Candice LeRae.
Joe and Wade with you ringside, joined by the 14-time World Champion,
Charlotte Flair, as Tiffany Stratton showing off for athleticism.
[Barrett] Tiffany Stratton now bouncing back, giving us her greatest hits.
-[Tessitore] Kick out at 2 and change. -[Barrett] As Charlotte Flair looks on,
no doubt picking up as much information as she can
against her likely opponent at WrestleMania.
I've got to ask you, Charlotte.
Many have compared Tiffany's skill set to that of your own.
How would you feel about that comparison?
[Flair] Yes, I think Tiffy is athletic, but skill set, no.
Moves, no, there are no moves.
She copied one move, and she has built her career on that one move.
[Barrett] It's taken her all the way to the WWE Women's Championship.
Well, will that be the case after WrestleMania?
[Tessitore] They will meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All…
from finding out in Las Vegas.
First time that these two have gone one-on-one as you see Charlotte's Flair
looking on to the action with Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae.
Here is Tiffy Time.
Getting out of the way is LeRae and quick into the cover.
[Barrett] Well, Tiffany Stratton went for broke
with that massive Swanton from the top.
Has paid the price with the miss.
You have to admire the durability of Stratton thus far, though.
[Tessitore] Springboard Moonsault misses
as Tiffany Stratton's able to get out of the way.
[Barrett] And that really has been the modus operandum
of Tiffany Stratton from the beginning.
Now in the drop zone, Candice LeRae pulled out of danger by Nia Jax,
the former WWE Women's Champion, and this one is breaking down.
-Stratton just a step ahead. -[Tessitore] Wow!
[Barrett] And Charlotte Flair is getting a front row view of all of this.
[Tessitore] Right in front of Charlotte
as she goes with the Alabama Slam into the barrier.
Face-to-face they are.
And that is where they will meet.
[Barrett] Message sent from Stratton. Message received by Charlotte Flair.
[Tessitore] She tried for the Prettiest Moonsault moments ago.
Now she's able to hit it. Hooks the leg.
And the win.
-[bell rings] -["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Garcia] Here is your winner,
the WWE Women's Champion,
-Tiffany Stat-- -[Tessitore] Oh.
Nia Jax quick to get in there and take care of business, just like a week ago.
[Barrett] Well, we said time and again during this match there were threats
at every angle for Tiffany Stratton.
She dropped her guard for a brief moment after victory,
-and now she's-- Oh, wait a second. -["Time To Rock & Roll" playing]
[Barrett] Perhaps here in the nick of time…
[Tessitore] Help us on the way!
[Barrett] …Stratton's tag partner at Elimination Chamber,
the Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus.
[Tessitore] Trish Stratus coming to the rescue.
Taking care of Nia. Beating down Candice.
[Barrett] Tried her best to come to the rescue last week.
It backfired.
Very different story this week for Toronto's own Stratus.
[Tessitore] And Nia back up on her feet.
She got the best of Trish a week ago.
[Barrett] And this simply was not-- Oh!
[Tessitore] Oh, taking out the back of the leg was LeRae.
[Barrett] Nasty chop block as Trish was fully focused on Nia Jax.
And the valiant effort
by Trish Stratus has come completely unglued and something sickening--
[Tessitore] Wade, she's stacking them up, Wade.
She's got Tiffany and Trish stacked up, Wade.
Oh, Annihilator right on top of them.
[Barrett] Two for the price of one.
Remember these four women
collide in tag action a week from tomorrow at the Elimination Chamber.
-["Not Like Most Girls" playing] -[Barrett] Well, that is a reminder
of the danger possessed by Nia Jax.
[Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton paying the price once again for victory.
And now her WrestleMania opponent, the 14-time champion,
the future Hall of Famer, Charlotte Flair, entering the ring.
And that is their date.
-April, Vegas, WrestleMania. -["All Hail The Queen" playing]
Over a fallen Tiffany yet again.
Cody, how you doing, man?
-Okay. -Awesome.
Hey.
What's up with your boy, Rock? Why is he here?
Look at what time of year it is. Your guess is as good as mine.
-I'm sure it'll be, uh, eventful. -[chuckles]
Congratulations, by the way. Congrats.
-Getting into the Elimination Chamber. -Oh, okay.
-Congrats. -Thank you.
You know what's wild is that last year's WrestleMania,
me and you, we both walked out World Champions.
[Rhodes chuckles]
Sucks this year, it can only be one.
Now, I'm man enough, and I respect you enough
to tell you to your face.
After Chamber, I'm coming for your title.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
All right.
[chuckles]
Look, man.
Congratulations on winning last week, qualifying for the Elimination Chamber.
You know I had Jacob dead to rights, man.
If it weren't for Solo,
Elimination Chamber would look a whole lot different next week.
[chuckles] Yo, relax, take it easy.
You're starting to sound like McIntyre with the excuses, you know what I mean?
-[chuckles] -Look, I beat you to the punch.
You know? It is what it is.
I'd have done the same thing, man, honestly.
Fair enough, but that was last week.
This week, tonight,
Solo, Jacob, two of the baddest men in the company.
We handling business or what?
We're handling business.
The only thing I care about tonight is getting my hand on those two.
You will.
Hell yeah.
[Barrett] You will indeed, because still to come,
it is our main event tonight.
The massive Braun Strowman and the Street King Damian Priest team
against two Samoans with some major, maybe minor, trust issues, we'll find out.
Solo Sikoa and the Werewolf, Jacob Fatu, massive main event tonight
-here on SmackDown. -[Tessitore] Cannot wait for that.
Plus he's the biggest star in the world.
He's the man with a plan,
and that has already altered Cody Rhodes's plans tonight.
What will The Rock have to say?
It's The Final Boss returning to SmackDown.
That is coming up in moments.
[Tessitore] Ah, the Crescent City.
Friday Night SmackDown here in New Orleans.
Of course, New Orleans with a great rich history when it comes to WWE.
Thirteenth time it's hosted SmackDown.
Two times WrestleMania, 30 and 34.
A beautiful evening here in New Orleans.
[Cole] The stakes could not be higher for the final PLE stop
before WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber.
[announcer] The women will battle it out to qualify for the world title.
[Irvin] As a result of a disqualification,
your winner, Liv Morgan!
[Morgan] There is no one better, hotter and more dominant than me.
♪ I'm in too deep ♪
[Tessitore] Look at the power of Belair!
Elimination Chamber awaits!
[Belair] You can't spell WrestleMania without EST.
♪ They're always trying to consume me ♪
[Bliss] I know the Chamber. I've won the Chamber.
You'll see in Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber
into something of a playground of my own.
♪ I'll scream till nothing's left On and on ♪
♪ 'Cause they push… ♪
[Cole] Bayley gets it. She advances.
♪ And I'm forced to face The who I've become ♪
[Bayley] As many WrestleMania championships as I have had,
I still have a whole lot to prove.
♪ I need a new way Give me a new way ♪
♪ Out ♪
[announcer] Naomi headed to Toronto.
[Naomi] I'm here to climb my way back to the top
because it's where I belong.
[Cole] Raquel distracted.
Roxanne Perez with an opportunity!
The Cinderella run continues.
[Perez] I'm gonna go to the Elimination Chamber
and punch my ticket to WrestleMania.
[Cole] These 6 women look to make their own history
as the number one contender
for the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] There you have it.
Five former world champs and one prodigy
compete in one of the most devastating matches ever devised,
the Elimination Chamber for the right to face either Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky
for the Women's World title at WrestleMania 41.
[Tessitore] I love the way you described that mix with Roxanne Perez.
The record-setter from Royal Rumble, and then the veteran presence as well.
You see Bayley in the mix there.
I'm here with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Naomi, Bianca Belair.
Ladies, last week on SmackDown,
you saw the security footage from the night Jade Cargill was attacked,
which led you to believe that both Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan were responsible.
Mmm. Now, hold on, Sax, because I don't think they were responsible.
-I know they were. -Fair enough.
Well, this Monday night, the both of you have a chance for revenge
when you defend your tag team titles against Liv and Raquel.
-How ready are you for this match? -Oh, we are so ready.
Listen, we've been waiting for months for an update. And our girl, Jade,
she's recovering, so she hasn't really been able to text us back,
so we took matters into our own hands to get answers for ourselves.
So now we're gonna get revenge on Liv and Raquel, so we can finally move on
and focus on Elimination Chamber, because one of us is gonna win
and we're gonna face Rhea at WrestleMania.
That's right, sis.
And not only are they gonna feel the GlowEST on Monday,
-but Liv is gonna feel it tonight. -Mmm.
-Let's glow. -Glow, glow, glow.
Thank you, ladies.
[Tessitore] And thank you, Byron. And that is coming up next.
They'll soon meet with the tag team titles on the line,
but extra pressure added to the drama with Naomi and Liv coming up next.
When I was away, there was a lot of change, change,
change that happened to me.
But when I look around I see this place is still the same.
The names and faces may be different.
But the desperation and insecurities remain the same.
You'll see in Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber
into something of a playground of my own.
[laughs]
I know the chamber.
I love the chamber.
I've won the chamber.
And for the other five women,
it's gonna be a hell like they've never experienced before.
Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.
[chuckles] See you soon.
[Tessitore] We'll see Alexa soon as we will also see in front of us right now,
one-third of the Elimination Chamber and one ring walk.
As Naomi's in the spotlight, the tag team champs, Wade.
And by the way, Wade,
Naomi and Bianca convinced that they have found the perpetrators of the attack
on Jade Cargill based on the security video.
Showing Liv and Raquel at the scene.
[Barrett] Yeah, I mean, I've been following that very closely,
as have everyone else in the WWE world.
I mean, it's a major who done it.
-I'm not buying it at all. -What?
[Barrett] Being in vague proximity of a crime,
several minutes after the fact is no proof whatsoever in my book.
It is circumstantial evidence at best, and if that all…
if that's all what Nick Aldis has cobbled together with his big investigation,
well, he needs somebody else assisting him because it's simply not good enough.
And if I were the likes of Raquel and Liv,
I would sue Nick Aldis for defamation of character.
-[Tessitore] You gotta be kidding me. -It's absolute nonsense.
-Honestly. -[Barrett] It's unforgivable…
-Oh, wait a second. -[Tessitore] What is going on here?
[Tessitore] Oh, right at it. Look at this.
Liv and Raquel just attacking them.
[Barrett] Well, here are the two alleged perpetrators that I am questioning,
the massive Raquel Rodriguez,
who it has to be said was cost a spot in the Elimination Chamber
by Naomi and Bianca Belair showing up on Raw this week.
[Tessitore] We're supposed to have Naomi and Liv…
-It's the Tejana Bomb! -[Barrett] Oh…
[Tessitore] Oh, my.
[Barrett] Well, this is as personal as it gets.
This is as hostile as it gets.
And getting the best of it clearly are Liv and Raquel…
[Tessitore] Oblivion!
[Barrett] …who have a major axe to grind with these two.
[Tessitore] We're supposed to have singles matchup right now,
but instead a brutal attack from Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan
on the tag team champs.
[Barrett] Hey, you talk smack, you throw accusations around,
and then you got cost someone a place in the Elimination Chamber
like Belair and Naomi did.
There are consequences.
[Tessitore] As there is no match, as everybody has to be separated.
[tires screech]
[Tessitore] Oh, boy.
When you see that truck, you know exactly who's arrived.
One of the world's most recognizable people of all,
The Final Boss is here in New Orleans.
Jade, and now this? I don't know what kind of crap you think you can pull on Raw,
but you don't pull it on my show. Now, get the hell out of my building.
[both laugh]
Oh, you'll be laughing. You'll be laughing when I call the cops on you.
-Bye, Nick! -[laughs]
Put some clothes on.
Nicholas. [squeals]
Have no fear, Piper and Chelsea are here
to take Bianca and Naomi's place on Elimination Chamber.
[stammers] Bianca and Naomi,
they're… they're not missing the Elimination Chamber.
They're gonna make it. Trust me on that.
No, I have an outfit!
Ugh, no, this is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export
since maple syrup on a Canadian show.
Nicholas, do you know who I am?
I am the longest reigning first ever tallest, shortest, beautiful, richest,
tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest United States Women's Champion.
What's all this about, eh?
What this is about is you are testing my patience.
So pack your gear, pack whatever outfit you want
because you will be in action next week on Smackdown in Toronto,
and boy, it's gonna be a good one.
Wait, I'm gonna need some more details.
An E-invite?
A calendar?
[cheers, whistles]
-["Electrifying" playing] -[crowd screaming]
[crowd cheering]
[Garcia] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome The Rock!
[Tessitore] Goose bumps activated.
The Rock, The Final Boss, the road to WrestleMania,
the way it should be.
[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] I would say an entire arena are on their feet,
but that would be a lie, they are practically levitating.
[Tessitore] The most electrifying man in all of entertainment,
supercharging this WWE universe.
New experiences in all of sports, and all of entertainment,
and all heart pumping and blood-pulsing competition
that can capture the collective energy generated by this man.
[cheers, screams]
[crowd chants] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Oh, you feel it, don't you?
[crowd screams]
You feel it, The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know,
on a Friday night for The Final Boss to get inside his bird
and fly all the way here,
you know that I'm dropping some good gospel **** on your ass tonight.
-[crowd screams] -[Tessitore laughs]
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Let's get this show on the road.
[crowd member] Finally--
Hold on a second, I'm doing it.
Finally, The Rock…
[crowd] Has come back to New Orleans!
And finally…
WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!
[cheering]
We're gonna make it official right now in front of the world,
next year 2026, WrestleMania 42 live from the Superdome!
[cheering, screaming]
In one of the greatest cities on earth, New Orleans, Louisiana!
♪ Oh, when the Saints Go marching in ♪
♪ Oh, how I'd love… ♪
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, actually hold on New Orleans.
This ain't sing-along with The Final Boss, okay?
You sit there, you shut your mouth, and you let The Final Boss sing the song!
[crowd boos]
Boo all you want.
Final Boss sings.
♪ Oh, how I'd love To be in that number ♪
♪ Oh when the Saints Go marching in ♪
All right, that's good, New Orleans, you did it.
[crowd cheers]
You did it. You did it.
You got me. That was good.
That was an amazing duet. You sounded great.
I mean, here it is,
The Rock singing along with the largest collection
of STD-having trailer park trash The Rock has ever seen!
[crowd boos]
Now, you know that dropping this WrestleMania news
wasn't the only great gift that I was gonna bring to you guys
here in New Orleans, right?
The Rock, The Final Boss, came here to call somebody out.
I'm gonna call out a man…
who I respect, who I admire, who we all admire.
And that man is our WWE champion.
That man is the one and the only,
and this is a privilege, ladies and gentlemen.
Come on down, Cody Rhodes.
[crowd cheers]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all To get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
-[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪ -♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men Better men! ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
[Barrett] I'll tell you something, Joe Tess, very few people can ever match
the kind of energy created by The Final Boss,
but the WWE champ, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes,
is one of that very small contingent and he's done it here tonight.
[Tessitore] As The American Nightmare comes out on the heels of the massive news
that The Final Boss just delivered.
WrestleMania 42 will be right here in New Orleans next door at the Superdome.
It'll be the third time that New Orleans hosts WrestleMania.
[Barrett] It seems The Final Boss is not done with that huge news.
-[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪ -♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men Better men! ♪
[Barrett] Turbulent recent history between these two men,
although they did appear to be back on good terms
at the opening Raw of 2025.
[Tessitore] Of course, The Final Boss,
the edgier, forthright, merciless, unrelenting,
voracious version of The Rock,
who you've already gotten a taste of here on Friday Night SmackDown.
♪ You tried to tell me what to do I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
♪ I stepped right over and right through And you can never stop me now ♪
♪ Bow! Now! I am the king and you're the clown ♪
♪ Now watch me as I take my throne And rule my kingdom ♪
♪ 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 ♪
[song fades, ends]
[crowd cheers]
[cheers]
That feels good, doesn't it? I mean, that's gotta feel amazing right?
They love you, man.
I love you too.
And you know what's crazy is I gotta tell you, you know,
and this is something that a lot of you guys don't know,
probably all of you don't know is that ever since last year, WrestleMania,
we've actually become good friends.
-[crowd boos] -[chuckles]
It's true, we have.
So the last time we were in a ring,
or the last time we were on a show together was the, um… was Raw,
Netflix exactly, was the debut.
I laid flowers down by your feet, as a matter of fact,
I told everybody that you carry this company
like an incredible champion that you are.
Thank you very much, Cody Rhodes.
[crowd cheers]
I said it, and I meant it.
As a matter of fact,
that night in Los Angeles we went in the back,
we drank Teremana tequila for about two hours
and we had a good old time.
We chopped it up. We had a blast.
But I wanted to call you out here for something, Cody,
because it's important and that is this…
Here's the thing…
You are a great champion.
You are a great WWE champion,
and you know that.
We have text over the months
as a matter of fact, we've become good friends.
As matter of fact, our moms have become good friends.
Show the picture of our moms.
Mama Rhodes and Mama Rock.
That was after last year's WrestleMania,
so it's been a pleasure becoming your friend, but I called you out here.
I wanted to see you face to face, eye to eye,
because I wanted you to know a few things.
Number one is this, you've been a great champion,
but Cody, I need you to understand something,
is that yes, The Rock, The Final Boss,
is on the board of TKO, and TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the director of the board of TKO.
As a matter of fact…
Don't boo that.
[crowd boos]
The Rock's good friend and conciliary, who you know, Ari Emanuel,
who owns everything…
As a matter of fact, I joke with him.
I said, "Ari, can you believe that you own the WWE?"
He goes like, "Listen, I don't own WWE, Rock. You own WWE."
I was like, "Listen, I don't know if I own WWE,
but I do know that I am the most powerful."
Cody, you are a great champion.
But my friend,
I want you to be something that is more than a great champion.
I want you to be something that's more than our champion.
I want you to be my champion.
Uh, I certainly didn't expect, uh, you and I to become friends,
or, uh, the moms to become friends or the… the Teremana.
I certainly didn't have that on my bingo card,
but, um, your champion…
I think you… [chuckles] …you above all people know…
I'm…
their champion.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Cody! Cody! Cody!
Yes, yes, you are their champion, proudly their champion, of course you are.
The Rock is the people's champion, and I love that about you.
And this is our universe.
WWE is-is us.
We were born into this business. It's in our DNA.
But, Cody, I'm talking about something much more, much bigger than just this.
I know for a fact that your number one goal is to bring as much joy and love
and happiness to everybody around the world,
as many people around the world as possible, is that right?
Yes.
Because you are that guy, you're that dude,
and I know it, and they know it.
You communicate through social media, Instagram.
How many Instagram followers do you have? You have a lot. You have millions.
You have millions. Yes, you have millions.
The Rock has half a billion.
That's not a flex.
What I'm saying is The Rock is the most followed American man in the world,
and I want that for you, and that's a fact.
Rock is here. I want you to be here.
That's what I mean by being my champion.
Cody Rhodes, if you become my champion,
I can open up doors and possibilities for you that you never knew existed.
If you become my champion, every dream you've ever had, I can make come true.
Every dream of your wife,
every dream of your little baby, who I know.
I invited you to the premiere of Moana 2 in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a billion dollars.
I love you. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
You came to that out of support. I met your family.
They were amazing.
Your baby's dreams, dreams…
When you and I are no longer here, we're in the clouds, walking.
I can make all that come true for you. I just need you to be my champion.
Cody, I want you to think about something for a second.
I'm a very lucky man, and I got it all, man.
I know it. You know it. You have it all.
We're lucky boys. We're mama's boys.
We're girl dads. We're lucky boys.
You shut your mouth. I'll come out there and slap the syphilis right off your face.
I'm trying to have a moment. Shut your mouth.
Cody, listen to me.
The one thing…
that I have never had that I want more than anything…
is a brother.
And that's what you can be.
Last year for WrestleMania, you know this,
my goal was to face my cousin Roman Reigns for the WWE title.
You know it, and you know it.
And when I came back, I talked to Triple H, who's my friend.
I talked to Nick Khan, who's my friend.
Both of them are your friends.
I said, "I know it's not in the plan.
I know it's supposed to be Cody. Talk to Cody.
We're gonna have to move him aside because this is best for business,
the biggest match ever, The Rock and Roman Reigns.
You gotta make it happen."
And what did you do?
You told them…
that.
"I ain't doing it."
And you stood up to me,
and you know what else you did in front of the world?
You slap me.
And no one does that and gets away with it.
But that's why you are special.
And that's why you should be my champion,
and that's why I will take you from here to here.
I will make sure every dream you have comes true,
every desire comes true.
You and generations behind you, your dad, my dad, right now looking down,
The American Dream and The Soul Man, they were friends.
You and I are friends. Cody, be my champion.
And here's the thing, I don't want you to answer me tonight.
I want you to think about it.
I want you to go home and talk to your wife.
I want you to hold that baby of yours.
I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna talk to my wife.
I'm gonna hold my babies too.
And then I want you to think about it. I will meet you in Toronto, Canada.
At Elimination Chamber on March 1st, you give me your answer then.
It's okay.
Before I leave and before I leave New Orleans,
this has been an amazing night.
This has been a hot-ass crowd. Thank you very much.
[crowd cheers]
Before I leave, I want you to know this.
The one thing that I want more than anything in this world…
is that.
This championship, my championship, their championship, this is what all of…
This is about you want--
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No.
My brother, I don't want that.
I want your soul.
[crowd jeers, boos]
I'll see you in Toronto on March 1st, at Elimination Chamber.
[crowd boos]
♪ DIY ♪
["Do It Myself' playing]
[Tessitore] Well, the champs are here.
DIY, most recently defending their tag team championships at the Royal Rumble,
aided by the Street Profits that night, a win over Motor City Machine Guns.
New Orleans, Louisiana.
Give it up one time
for your two-time WWE tag team champions.
[crowd boos]
The B-T-T-I-T-W!
D-I-Y!
[crowd jeers, boos]
There is absolutely no denying that tonight has been electrifying.
[Gargano] Hot crowd, great night.
But If we could please be somber for a second.
This is serious. This is serious.
Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed us,
and now, reluctantly, we will return that favor tonight
and crush their hopes and dreams
of ever becoming the WWE tag team champions.
So if you could please all rise to your feet.
Everyone get on your feet. Every single person.
[Barrett] Get on your feet.
That idiot there wearing a LSU Jersey, stand up.
-You're doing a good job, sir. -Please, this is serious, everybody.
Thank you. Thank you, Wade Barrett.
Rise to your feet, remove your baseball caps.
-[Barrett] It's a somber affair, Joe. -And if you could please bow your heads.
We will have a moment of silence
for Pretty Deadly beginning now.
-[crowd boos] -[Tessitore] Moment of silence?
[Barrett] How… How crass.
-[Barrett] Show some bloody respect. -[Tessitore] Why should they show respect?
["On and On" playing]
[Barrett] It was a moment of silence.
Ruined.
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
And it is for the WWE tag team championship!
Introducing the challengers, at a combined weight of 426 pounds.
Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, Pretty Deadly!
[Barrett] Well, respect goes out the window
when gold is on the line as it is tonight.
And in return for their lack of respect, PD are getting jumped from the off.
[Tessitore] And this is how the tag team championship match will get underway.
[Barrett] Well, the music still plays and the disco ball still spins.
The champs are laid out and the challengers, PD, hold the ring.
[Tessitore] What are you talking about?
[Barrett] Well, Gargano and Ciampa are losing their mind.
They have not anticipated this side of Pretty Deadly,
who I'll be honest with you, have looked like wimps at times here on SmackDown.
That all turned around several weeks ago.
They rediscovered their fighting spirit, their cutting edge,
and they have got the taste for gold.
Can they capture it tonight?
[Tessitore] I agree with you.
Already this year, their fourth match on SmackDown,
as Pretty Deadly looks to carry that momentum tonight.
That is what is on the line. WWE tag team championships.
[bell rings]
Pretty Deadly looking to breakthrough against DIY.
Here we go for the championships.
[Barrett] Well, something has snapped inside Pretty Deadly of late.
They look like reformed characters.
They look every inch they kind of competitors
who've won gold all around the world in the past,
-but it's a hot start here from DIY. -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] And Elton Prince may be out cold.
[Tessitore] He's laid out on the floor.
[Tessitore] It's been a wild night here at the Smoothie King Center
in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Joe and Wade ringside with you here. Friday Night SmackDown.
It's the fifth time that DIY and Pretty Deadly have met up.
But the first time with the WWE tag team titles on the line as DIY looks to defend,
as they did at the Royal Rumble against the Motor City Machine Guns,
[Barrett] But an interesting relationship between Pretty Deadly and DIY of late.
Pretty Deadly doing the dirty work for DIY for a long time
until Pretty Deadly got sick of the nonsense,
got sick of not receiving a tag team championship opportunity.
[Tessitore] Oh, man,
right in the center of the ring, Elton Prince and Tommaso Ciampa.
[Barrett] Well, just when Ciampa's down.
The issue is, Elton Prince desperate for that tag.
Kit Wilson was also taken out by Gargano in the process.
[Tessitore] It was announced just moments ago by The Rock.
WrestleMania 42 will be here in New Orleans.
And this is exactly what Pretty Deadly needed.
Here comes Kit Wilson.
[Barrett] And this is a pent-up Kit Wilson.
As fresh as a daisy.
Has watched his tag partner, Elton Prince, put through the wringer.
And now this frustration is exploding out of Wilson
as he looks to close in on the tag team championships.
[Tessitore] We have talked about the momentum in recent weeks
that they have put forth.
An aggressive form
of Pretty Deadly that's served them well as you see it from Wilson.
Could this be the night they grab gold?
[Barrett] Elton Prince now back in the fray.
Has recovered certainly to an extent,
and it's got Gargano who's now isolated and scrambling to survive in this one.
[Tessitore] Remember there was a non-title match they came up victorious with.
Oh, boy. That teamwork was something.
Into the cover to take the championships.
And the kick out at two.
[Barrett] Just a millisecond away there from grabbing gold,
but keep your eyes open because the cardio machine
that is Tommaso Ciampa is back in there.
[Tessitore] And they won that non-title match,
it was Prince rolling up Ciampa to get the pinfall victory.
[Barrett] Superb cohesion here between…
Oh, what a high landing on the neck, the surgically repaired neck
of Tommaso Ciampa who is clearly out of this.
-No, wait a second. -[Tessitore] What is going on here?
-Hold up. It's the Street Profits. -[bell ringing]
[Tessitore] What in the world?
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford disrupt the championship match.
[Barrett] They've come here to cause chaos.
We told you how turbulent this tag team scene was.
This is just one of the teams.
[Tessitore] Unbelievable.
[Barrett] Laid out several months ago, presumably by DIY.
-[Tessitore] Oh, my! -[Barrett] Good grief.
[Tessitore] Oh, Dawkins just slams Kit Wilson's head into the post.
And now Gargano trying to fight back himself.
But the Profits doing damage everywhere.
[Barrett] The Profits, so big, so powerful,
are just throwing these tag teams around with ease and now going skyward.
[Tessitore] Tez from up high crashing down through the New Orleans sky.
["Raise Your Fist" playing]
And now the division is just unloading from the locker room.
[Barrett] Well, this is the Motor City Machine Guns,
who were cheated out of tag gold several times,
most recently at the Royal Rumble
thanks to the intervention of The Street Profits.
[Tessitore] That's exactly what happened in that two-out-of-three falls match
in front of 76,000 in Indy.
And now Dawkins and Ford returning at full health
and look at the damage they're doing to the entire division.
[Barrett] The Street Profits are taking no prisoners now.
This is a very different version of the Profits.
[Tessitore] Oh, Wade, everywhere you look, they're just cleaning house here.
Our championship match interrupted by Dawkins and Tez.
[Barrett] What a highlight reel of sheer carnage from the Street Profits.
And, GM Nick Aldis, you have a hell of a lot of work to do
to get some sort of civility back in the Smackdown tag ranks.
Everyone laid out.
[Tessitore] In Toronto,
Elimination Chamber is going to include an unsanctioned match
between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens,
and earlier today we received a video response from KO.
As of that news and that match being made official,
and we will share that with you when we return.
[Tessitore] What do we have for signs of the night
here in New Orleans, Wade Barrett?
[Barrett] Well, what a shock. The Yeetas are out in force.
Crawfish, not a crawfish guy myself, I am though a massive Cody Rhodes guy.
And of course, we all love New Orleans,
and that is why WrestleMania is coming back right here next year,
as we heard from The Final Boss earlier tonight.
All rise for Damian Priest,
he, of course, will be in our main event later on tonight.
And the PD musical is on hold.
[Tessitore] Of course, a week away from Elimination Chamber.
15 years ago today. We got some history, Wade.
John Cena retaining the WWE title,
defeating the likes of Sheamus and Triple H
and Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston, in the Chamber,
but then immediately after the match, he was forced to defend his WWE title
against Batista,
and Batista won and became the new WWE champion.
That's 15 years ago tonight.
I'm announcing tonight that I will compete in the Elimination Chamber.
What is best for business
is I main event WrestleMania,
and what is best for business
is for the first time I confidently say that I'm gonna win a 17th championship.
[commentator] John Cena entering his last chamber match ever.
[Cena] I have built my existence here off of hard work, loyalty to this company,
and respect for all of its branches.
I will win 17, not for me.
I will win 17 to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18.
I told Toronto when I announced my retirement
that I was grateful for the city and I would be back,
and I will be back to kick ass.
It is time to walk that talk and be who I say I am.
I am going to the Elimination Chamber to win,
and I'm going to main event my final appearance in WrestleMania
and win a 17th championship.
Cena's won three elimination chambers.
This, of course, will be his final chamber match.
Yeah, and he wants to book his ticket to WrestleMania, his final WrestleMania.
Everyone's jumpy this time of year, you don't want to miss WrestleMania,
and John Cena more than most.
There are six men, six women all vying for a shot to get to WrestleMania
for a championship match.
That comes your way next weekend in Toronto.
For Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, their visit to Toronto,
it is far less about career goals.
It is something far different.
This was Sami just four days ago.
So, Kev, you say you'll be in Toronto for Elimination Chamber.
Guess what, pal? I'll be in Toronto too.
Sami, Sami, Sami, what are we doing?
You are not medically cleared to compete. The answer is no.
You know I am not taking no for an answer.
[chants] Let them fight! Let them fight!
Give me this damn match!
It's not official.
It's unsanctioned.
You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match.
You couldn't, um… You couldn't just take the punishment that you deserved.
That I… That I already given you and let it go. No, you, uh…
You wanted me and you to go again.
You wanted to fight me. You wanna hurt me.
You want to end my career, which will hurt my family, by the way.
Which is truly despicable, but what about your family, Sami?
Huh? Have you thought of them?
What about your family, hey? Do they know?
Do they know what you're about to put them through?
When they have to watch me end your career in Toronto.
And what happens then, eh?
When you can't provide for them anymore and everything they have.
The nice house, the peace, the security, the shelter, when it's all gone, and why?
Huh?
Why? 'Cause you're too proud.
Because you're selfish. You are selfish.
Because you're gonna make me do this to them.
I'll never forgive you for that.
I'll see you in Toronto.
But remember…
you asked for this.
It's all your fault.
[Barrett] There are no depths to which KO will not stoop.
Sami Zayn is not a hundred percent, not even close.
Management won't accept the risk, so this is all on the neck of Sami Zayn,
when two of the Canadian greats, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn,
former best friends, they're squaring off in an unsanctioned match
in Toronto at the Elimination Chamber.
[Tessitore] Now here is the headline of the night. Nobody saw it coming.
The Final Boss arrived, confronted Cody Rhodes, and said,
"I want you to be my champion. I want your soul."
Will Cody sell out to The Final Boss?
His answer is due next Saturday…
from Toronto.
["Rise For The Night" playing]
[Tessitore] Now Damian Priest has been very clear in circling his end goal.
♪ All rise for the Rockstar ♪
And that is that Undisputed WWE Championship,
winning Elimination Chamber next week, earning the match with Cody,
but for now, other business to handle.
♪ All rise for the punishment ♪
♪ All rise ♪
[bell rings]
[Garcia] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from New York City weighing at 249 pounds.
Damian Priest!
[Tessitore] Damian Priest teaming up with Braun Strowman.
They'll be taking on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
That's our main event.
When we return to New Orleans, Louisiana. Don't go anywhere.
["I Am Stronger" playing]
[Barrett] You know what's heading our way, Joe Tess?
-[Tessitore] Oh, yeah. -[Barrett] One big SOB!
[Tessitore] It's a week ago that,
I think, Braun Strowman was trying to get the best of it
in an Elimination Chamber qualifier.
Battling Priest and Jacob Fatu.
That was the meatiest of meaty elimination qualifiers,
and now he can get his hands on Fatu again.
Of course, remember late January, the beatdown he suffered in San Antonio
on Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Barrett] A relentless beatdown.
[Garcia] Introducing his tag team partner. Weighing in at 355 pounds.
Braun Strowman!
Tonight we handle business and it starts with Braun Strowman
-and Damian Priest-- -Man, come on DP. Come on Braun.
I thought we did this. So tonight we about to even up the score.
If you ain't know, I'm all gas, no brakes with it.
See, since we touched the scene
we've been dropping bodies like bread crumbs, yadadamean?
Fatu!
Hit my music!
[Tessitore] Well, I'll tell you, Wade, the roles with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa
haven't really reversed as much as they're being redefined in real time.
[Barrett] Well, I love having the best seat in the house here on SmackDown, Joe,
except for when Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa,
and Tama Tonga are headed our way.
[Garcia] Their opponents, being accompanied by Tama Tonga,
at a combined weight of 537 pounds.
The team of Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa!
[Tessitore] Of course, when the year began,
Solo Sikoa, that Ula Fala was still around his neck.
Now there's just a sense that he's finding himself a bit.
But still, of course, doing it with violence and vengeance
and Jacob Fatu no longer the fawning, obedient,
if not subservient enforcer.
It is a far more complex relationship now,
but they are reunited and in a big one in this main event.
[Barrett] There's clearly been some issues between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu,
especially, I don't think, Jacob Fatu appreciated Solo's disappearing act
after he lost tribal combat and the Ula Fala,
but as Jacob Fatu puts it, the dogs are now off the chain.
The relationship has been completely reset.
I don't know if there is any form of leadership, but it seems at least for now,
Fatu and Solo Sikoa have got themselves back on the same page,
back in fight mode, and that spells danger for Priest and Braun Strowman.
So here we go with Solo's first official match since that January 6th loss
in tribal combat to Roman Reigns.
Look at the face of Fatu, as Priest and Strowman stare them down.
Back on February 14th, Valentine's Day night was Damian Priest,
who won the elimination chamber qualifier.
When it was Priest and Strowman and Fatu all together.
[Barrett] Of course, Damian Priest, spoke to him earlier today,
he knows full well the risk of this kind of matchup
against these kind of individuals.
At the moment he really needs all his health intact.
Just one week and one night away from the Elimination Chamber
and the massive prize at stake there for him,
but he also realizes it's important to stay razor sharp, battle hardened.
[Tessitore] That men's chamber group,
I mean, you brought it up earlier, Wade, but is it ever loaded as Priest
joins the crowd with John Cena, of course the farewell tour is underway.
CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, who we saw earlier tonight, Seth Rollins,
and Logan Paul, who came up with a victory against Rey Mysterio to earn a spot.
[Barrett] I agree with you. I love the addition of Logan Paul
with five world champs,
and on the women's side, Roxanne Perez with five former world champs.
They really are two X factors.
But two star-studded chambers.
That is of course, if Damian Priest can survive
this level of assault from Solo Sikoa.
[Tessitore] And as you see him body shot after body shot, Solo Sikoa.
[Sikoa] You and me together, as one.
As one.
[Barrett] Still trying…
[Tessitore] Defining their new relationship in real time,
that's a good example of it.
And all of a sudden Priest turned things around.
[Barrett] We've gotta pivot in this industry
and Solo Sikoa is a man… we've seen many variations of his persona.
He's a real chameleon, from a street fighting champ,
an enforcer, a leader of The Bloodline,
still trying to figure out exactly
what this version of Solo Sikoa is gonna entail.
[Tessitore] You know big Braun's gonna look right in the face of Jacob Fatu.
They've had their run-ins in recent weeks, from Saturday Night's Main Event
to then Indianapolis in the Royal Rumble.
He saying, "This is what I'm gonna do to your guy."
[Barrett] Gotta be careful not to get distracted by Jacob Fatu,
Focus on Solo Sikoa.
Jacob Fatu will get in there when he's good and ready like right now.
[Tessitore] Here we go! Crossbody.
And a big boot from big Braun.
[Barrett] Well, Jacob Fatu welcome to getting these hands.
[Tessitore] And he sends Solo out as well.
[Barrett] Got an enraged monster in there with a werewolf,
and right now it is the enraged monster who's getting the best of it,
of things going horribly wrong for the two Samoans.
[Tessitore] Here comes Strow… Oh!
[Barrett] Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] Oh, the timekeeper. My, oh, my.
[Barrett] Well, Tama Tonga at ringside, proving the ultimate distraction,
giving Fatu and Solo Sikoa the upper hand.
[Tessitore] Sent him flying.
[crowd chants] Fatu! Fatu! Fatu!
[Tessitore] Back here in New Orleans on what has been a wild night
of Friday Night SmackDown,
and it wraps up with the big men in tag team action.
As Jacob Fatu is doing damage against Braun Strowman,
who's been struggling now, enduring all of this,
as he has teamed up with Damian Priest to take on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
Solo Sikoa, Wade, who returned to SmackDown two weeks ago
and had that attack on Cody Rhodes.
-[crowd boos] -[Barrett] Tensions, what tensions?
This has been a master class from Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
[Tessitore] Oh, does that look familiar, the running hip attack to Braun Strowman?
[Barrett] Well, that's some PTSD and worse, it's just a different player.
Same level of savagery from Solo Sikoa
just like Saturday Night's Main Event,
and now perhaps for the final piece of the puzzle,
Jacob Fatu is gonna reenact that scene.
[Tessitore] It was back on January 25th in San Antonio when, time and again,
he couldn't be stopped doing this against big Braun Strowman.
Again and again, but this time, Strowman fights back and finds a way!
[Barrett] Well, just like it was looking to be a hospital job once again
for Braun Strowman, at the death brings up a boot.
Brings up a spine buster,
and brings up a small hope that Damian Priest may receive
a tag here and change things.
[Tessitore] And one big SOB needs to get to his feet and uncage Damian Priest.
Desperate to do so.
The new addition to SmackDown.
Here comes Priest.
Right hand after right hand against Sikoa.
The absolutely fearless pride of Puerto Rico,
the Former World Heavyweight Champion,
who's had multiple issues with the likes of Jacob Fatu…
[Tessitore] Oh.
[Barrett] …and Tama Tonga in recent weeks,
finding rare form.
[Tessitore] And he wants every part of it. Trying to fight off Sikoa.
Oh, big super kick.
[Barrett] How dangerous are those feet? Oh, of both men.
Took the words right out of my mouth there,
the Street King, Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] And then slam him down and now take control.
Into the cover!
And just at the last second, Solo able to get that shoulder up.
[Barrett] Well, both Priest and Solo Sikoa,
two renowned street fighters,
but it is now Damian Priest as we take another look
at that elevated flatliner there,
who is getting the best of proceedings.
Write Solo Sikoa off at your peril.
[Tessitore] Priest going up top. Sets a tightrope this.
[Barrett] A little old-school punishment right there for you, Joe Tess.
[Tessitore] Crossbody.
And now he's looking to close the show here in New Orleans.
A week away from Elimination Chamber.
But oh, no!
Went for that recoiled clothesline.
Denied by Sikoa.
But there's more than one way to skin a cat for Damian Priest.
Tama Tonga up on the apron.
Priest was going for that razor's edge, perhaps.
Tama Tonga once again proving pivotal
in keeping his men's chances alive here.
He's trying to set it up, and look who's back.
[Barrett] Yeah, referee missed that. Dealing with Tama Tonga.
[Tessitore] And the Samoan Werewolf opens the door for Solo Sikoa.
And just staying alive is Priest.
[Barrett] Well, that is freakish resistance from Damian Priest,
that spinning Solo Uranage connecting.
We've seen him put away countless opponents with that move,
you see here with the ref's back turned.
Jacob Fatu getting involved, and that connected flush.
And astounding that Priest somehow kicked out of that one.
[Tessitore] Able to survive the Spinning Solo.
Now teeing up the spike perhaps, staring down that dangerous thumb
that has done so much damage over the past couple of years in WWE.
Including to Cody Rhodes recently.
The Samoan Spike is lined up.
He is calling for it. His return to action.
Oh, Priest finds a way.
Jacob back in there.
Oh, Jacob was going for the super kick, but he caught Solo.
[Barrett] Those tensions may be coming back shortly,
but we've got a match to get through.
[Barrett] Uh-oh!
[Tessitore] Oh, my! Big Braun just took both of them out.
Over the announce table!
[crowd cheers]
Meanwhile, back in the ring.
Damian Priest.
South of Heaven!
-[bell rings] -And the win.
["Rise for the Night" playing]
[Garcia] Here are your winners,
Braun Strowman and Damian Priest.
[Barrett] I told you these were the most dangerous seats in the house,
Joe Tess, we survived by the skin of our teeth.
And by the skin of their teeth,
Braun Strowman and Damian Priest survived these two Samoan savages
and incredibly, have pulled out the victory.
This is when it all went into meltdown for the Street King, the collision,
the miscommunication, the kick to the jaw from Sikoa to Jacob Fatu.
[Tessitore] All this on a night when The Final Boss returned.
This road to WrestleMania now, everything we thought we knew, maybe we didn't. an?