[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] We're live here in Seattle for a Friday Night SmackDown
setting us on a course for WWE history.
So much of that has happened here in the Emerald City,
but the yellow brick road we're following doesn't finish in Oz.
It's destination Vegas.
Allegiant Stadium, now only eight days away
from hosting the most anticipated WrestleMania
with a collection of mind-blowing matches including one newly-minted battle.
Arriving here in Seattle is the Scottish Warrior Drew McIntyre
making his first public appearance since the Mania match
was just announced in the last 24 hours.
Eye patch and all.
And it's a showdown with his bitter rival Damian Priest.
Priest here to be face-to-face with McIntyre.
After weeks of destructive attacks,
it is time.
And Berto from Legado del Fantasma,
a week removed from his dismissive reaction to the debut of Rey Fenix.
Now he has to back it up because after an incredible WW debut,
Rey Fenix is back for more.
The luchador extraordinaire bringing his jaw-dropping style
to Seattle, Washington.
And we will welcome the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
John Cena is threatening to take the title and run off.
We will hear from the American Nightmare later on tonight.
And take in this scene here in Seattle because it is awesome.
The Climate Pledge Arena with these fans roaring for the 10th ever SmackDown
to be held in Seattle.
Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett with you.
Look no further than that sign that's over our shoulders.
That's what has everybody excited.
It's that time of the year, the final SmackDown before Vegas.
We are in the homestretch.
Superstars get one last chance to put together their prep
before the biggest shows of the year, and this place is buzzing.
Hey, let's waste no time and get right to where we left off
the circumstances surrounding Kevin Owens and Randy Orton
and last week's shocking announcement, and then reaction by Randy.
For the last four months or so, I've been dealing with a pretty serious neck injury.
We didn't know what it was. We didn't really know how serious it was.
Thankfully, this week we managed to figure it out,
and now I have to go get neck surgery.
I don't know when I'll have the privilege to be in front of you guys again.
-["Voices" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] From that hammer blow, enter the Viper.
KO's supposed WrestleMania 41 opponent
who graciously allowed KO to leave unscathed.
Randy…
that means that you no longer have a match for WrestleMania.
[crowd jeers]
[Barrett] Maximum frustration.
It needed an outlet,
and sadly for GM Aldis, it came in the form of an RKO.
[Tessitore] And with that, here's SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
[crowd chants] Randy! Randy! Randy! Randy!
Well, ladies and gentlemen, last week on SmackDown,
we witnessed a number of important moments,
a number of memorable moments, a number of viral moments.
Well, folks, I'm here to address one moment in particular.
I wonder if you can guess which one that is.
Now, I've been instructed
to "maintain my professionalism."
And I'm a man of my words, so I'm going to do just that.
But with that being said,
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite Randy Orton…
[crowd cheers]
…to come on down to this ring right now.
-["Voices" plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ You got your rules And your religion ♪
♪ All designed To keep you safe ♪
♪ But when rules start getting… ♪
[Tessitore] You know, since Elimination Chamber,
Randy's return from injury, we have seen a version of Randy Orton
that is pure Viper.
The guy who hears those voices in his head
with far more clarity and far more dangerous effect.
[Barrett] We all know the fable of the scorpion and the frog.
We can switch those out for the Viper and the GM
because the whole of planet Earth knew what was coming
with a seething Viper last week,
apparently with the exception of GM Nick Aldis
who stood there slack-jawed and ate that inevitable RKO.
♪ They tell me things That I will do ♪
♪ They show me things I'll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ Talk to me, talk to me Talk to me ♪
♪ They talk to me… ♪
[Barrett] And as irate as Randy Orton must be at missing out on WrestleMania 41
thanks to that highly unfortunate injury to Kevin Owens,
I doubt one KO has soothed the Apex Predator whatsoever.
Nick Aldis needs to be very careful with his stance in that ring.
♪ All the bosses I will fire ♪
♪ All you bankers Will have losses ♪
♪ Politicians Are all liars ♪
♪ I see darkness falling ♪
♪ I hear voices calling ♪
♪ I feel justice crawling… ♪
[Tessitore] The eyes of Aldis completely locked into every move
that Randy makes in that ring.
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things That I will do… ♪
[music fades out]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Randy! Randy! Randy! Randy! Randy!
I can tell by the look in your eyes, Nick,
that you took last week very, very personally.
Now hear me out.
You can't expect me to believe that you didn't see yourself eating an RKO
at some time in your future
after last year, year or so ago, same thing happened.
I paid a fine, and what did I do, Nick?
I paid double on that fine in case something like last week
would happen again.
It happened again. I paid in advance.
I paid in advance, and I think that we are even.
[crowd cheers]
The reason why I really want to speak to you, Nick,
is because of the fact that there is not a match on the table
at WrestleMania 41 for me.
[crowd boos]
Nick, this is a very important WrestleMania for me.
This will be my 20th time competing at WrestleMania.
-I need this to happen. -[crowd cheers]
I need you to do your job.
I need you to make me an opponent,
and I can guarantee you that I will be in Vegas.
I will be all warmed up, ready to go.
I will have my gear on, and I need you to give me a match.
I don't care what it takes.
Maybe you lose the suit for a night, and you gear up too.
[crowd cheers]
Whatever it is, I need my match at WrestleMania.
[stammers]
You think this is about money?
You think this is about a hundred grand, Randy? Look around you.
I know and you know this company's doing record business.
You're a major part of that, and I'm very fortunate to be a part of that,
and I busted my ass for 20 years to make it to this company.
I don't need your money.
I need your respect.
[crowd chants] RKO! RKO! RKO! RKO! RKO!
You need my respect?
Funny enough, Nick, you've got my respect.
You earned it a long time ago, but if you don't deliver on a match
for yours truly next week at WrestleMania 41,
then I can't promise that I will apologize to Mickie James
after I do what I'm gonna do if I don't get my match.
["Taking It All" plays]
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score… ♪
[Tessitore] Interesting timing for the arrival of these two.
♪ We're kicking the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We're taking it all… ♪
[Solo] Hey, uh, Mr. Aldis,
can you please tell Randy to get out of the ring…
stop embarrassing himself?
Okay? Don't nobody wanna hear you cry, Randy.
[imitates Randy] Oh, I'm not going to WrestleMania.
Oh, I don't have a match.
[normal voice] Oh, who gives a crap?
[crowd boos]
It's over for you, Randy. It's over.
Do you know why?
Because you're in the past.
And next week,
LA Knight is going to end up in the same boat as you:
in the past.
Because at WrestleMania,
the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu,
is walking out as the new United States Champion.
And you…
You, Randy, will be sitting at home all alone.
I'm gonna be sitting at home all alone. You know, that's funny.
That's really funny. You know what I think's even funnier?
The fact that you have the balls,
both of you, I'm talking to you too…
[imitates Tama Tonga] …ye, ye, ye, ye, Tama,
to come out here and interrupt me while I'm talking--
While I'm trying to be… [chuckles]
I'm trying to be, for the first time in my career,
diplomatic about some business to do with WrestleMania 41,
and you got the balls to interrupt me.
The voi-- [stammers]
The voices have been knocking for a few weeks now.
You know why they've been knocking?
I've got all this pent-up aggression.
What they're telling me now, boys, is to get your ass in this ring,
and I'm gonna show Seattle how to beat two Samoan boys up
like a son of a ****!
[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] Well, that's a fired up Randy Orton,
but this is two on one.
[Tessitore] Solo and Tama Tonga stalking Randy Orton,
and he goes out right to the apron to take care of Tama
and now uppercut against Solo as Tonga…
Draping DDT can't come to fruition as Solo comes in,
and now the numbers game getting the best of Randy Orton.
[Barrett] Well, Orton did his best to beat these guys to the punch,
but quite frankly, that was Mission Impossible,
as we've seen time and time again--
["Welcome to LA" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Oh, the Megastar!
[Barrett] Well this is an equalizer and a half.
The United States Champion.
[Tessitore] A week away from meeting up with the Samoan Werewolf Jacob Fatu…
[crowd] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[Tessitore] …and now coming to the aid of Randy Orton.
And now Orton back up on his feet, driving right hand after right hand.
[Barrett] Just like that, the game has changed.
One Samoan down,
and shortly, one Tongan down too.
[Tessitore] And they clear 'em out.
LA Knight and Randy Orton.
Again and again and again,
it's the same damn thing with you guys,
but I tell you what, you're speaking my name. Nah-nah!
You talk about WrestleMania.
I hope your boy Jacob's watching because what I just did
is I took my name out of your mouth,
and I put my fist in it.
-Yeah! -[crowd] Yeah!
But here's the thing,
I know you didn't get enough.
Not at all.
I know I didn't get enough.
[crowd cheers]
So, what I'm saying is, if you two can't get it,
I'm saying if you got enough tingle in your loins,
a little later tonight, it's you two, it's us two…
[crowd cheers]
Nick Aldis, how do you feel about that? You good with that?
I feel pretty good about that. Let's do it.
I think Nick Aldis just said, "Yeah!"
[crowd] Yeah!
Which means y'all gonna fall to the Viper and the man they call the Megastar
with everybody saying…
[crowd] L! A! Knight!
-Yeah! -[LA Knight] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Wade, you got a little tingle in your loins
for the Viper and the US Champ against Solo and Tama Tonga?
[Barrett] The entire building has their loins tingling
because it sounds like we got ourselves a main event.
Yeah!
[Tessitore] That is good stuff to start off SmackDown.
Randy Orton, LA Knight, Solo and Tama Tonga later tonight.
When we come back.
One of the very final ways to make it to WrestleMania.
Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez. That's the prize.
A shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
It's up for grabs.
We got a Gauntlet with six teams to get there.
And it is officially set.
Moments ago, the Viper Randy Orton, the Megastar LA Knight,
they're gonna be facing Solo Sikoa and Tama Tanga.
That's happening tonight right here in Seattle.
And there they are.
The week of Elimination Chamber, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez,
they won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Now they have come ringside to take their seats and watch the action,
see who will be their opponents at WrestleMania in a Championship Match.
["Triumph" plays]
[crowd chants] Woo! Woo!
[Tessitore] Lyra Valkyria
and Bayley.
And it was only four days ago,
they were battling each other for the Intercontinental Championship.
And now here they are
as teammates in this Gauntlet Match,
hoping to make their way through five straight matches to try to survive,
decide it and advance to WrestleMania.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest
is the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
number one contenders Gauntlet Match.
Introducing first, the team of Bayley
and the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion,
Lyra Valkyria!
[Barrett] Yeah, as you mentioned, Joe, these two were head-to-head
this past Monday in a matchup won by Lyra Valkyria.
Bayley was clearly very frustrated post-match,
initially refusing to shake hands with the victor Valkyria
before having second thoughts and cooling down.
But the essential part is this,
these two have never tagged together before,
and as Liv Morgan was just screaming at me,
they are not a real team.
["Run For the Hills" playing]
[Tessitore] And good luck with Liv just off your right ear throughout the night.
[Nash] And their opponents,
the team of Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.
[Tessitore] And a chance at WrestleMania
in a title match would mean a lot for Shayna and Zoey.
These two haven't competed for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles
since last August.
Wade, let's get into some of the strategy, some of the things you got to consider
with a Gauntlet Match.
First off, being the first two teams out.
[Barrett] Yeah, so strategy in a Gauntlet Match
where you win your first match, you stay in the ring,
a fresh team comes out until the entire locker room
of tag teams who have entered this tournament
have been whittled down one-by-one, and you're left with a victor.
Now the key part of that is the luck of the draw.
You've got to hope, kind of similar to a Royal Rumble, you get a late draw.
Now these two teams absolutely have drawn the short straw here,
and they're gonna have to run the entire table
of competitors to try and make it through to WrestleMania
and a championship opportunity at the tag champs.
[Tessitore] Now we will open up this number one contender's tag team Gauntlet
with Shayna Baszler and Bayley.
And Shayna immediately going to work on that left arm of Bayley
as she looked to stomp down and Bayley smart to get out of the way.
Wade, you've been in this situation in your career
of being early on in a Gauntlet.
[Barrett] Yeah, that's right, and the worst aspect of this is success
just leads to exhaustion.
You beat one opponent, you beat two opponents,
you beat three opponents,
which happened in my own career, the fourth opponent to enter in my case
was Kofi Kingston.
He beat me in about 15 seconds because I didn't have the energy to lift
my hands over my head and defend myself, and that, in part, really is the issue.
You wanna, if you can, go on a streak and finish opponents
as quickly as you can, conserve as much energy as you can,
because remember, this is just one part of your journey, hopefully to victory.
[Tessitore] Zoey Stark taking advantage against Bayley.
You mentioned Bayley being in that Intercontinental Championship match
against Lyra just days ago, and her reaction afterwards
when Lyra put out her hand, offered a handshake,
Bayley slapped it away, started to leave the ring,
and then thought about it, reentered and hugged her
with congratulations, acknowledging Lyra as the champ,
and now here they are as tag partners.
[Barrett] I'm trying my best not to read too much into that reaction from Bayley.
Bayley is a born competitor, a born winner,
and you lose a championship match,
especially for a championship you've never held before
like the Intercontinental Championship in Bayley's case,
and you're always going to take it badly.
I actually like the reaction from Bayley. She should be upset about that.
[Tessitore] And now here's one of the rising stars,
Lyra Valkyria from Ireland,
the newly-minted Intercontinental Champion.
[Barrett] And Liv Morgan is informing us that Raquel is bigger
than all four of these women combined.
She clearly likes the thought of competing against one of these two teams
at WrestleMania, should they make it all the way through to victory.
-Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh!
Intercepted by Zoey,
and Zoey off the blind tag was straight into the cover.
Boy, what a smart move.
[Barrett] Apparently Valkyria unaware of that tag to Zoey Stark
making her the legal competitor, and now Baszler is back in
with perhaps the damage already done to the Intercontinental Champion.
[Tessitore] And now Baszler looks to take advantage against Lyra.
Wow, the impact there.
[Barrett] What a horrible landing on the back of Lyra Valkyria's head.
[Tessitore] Was it ever, and now here comes Stark.
Looking to advance in this Gauntlet, and the save comes in from Bayley,
right at the last second week, Wade.
Talked on the entrance how Bayley and Valkyria are not a real team.
Well, certainly Pure Fusion Collective definitely are.
They've been teaming together for several months now, training together.
And that chemistry is really showing in the early goings.
[Tessitore] And now Baszler getting right back after it where she left off,
but look at this incredible counter jackknife.
-Wow, what skill from Lyra. -[Nash] Shayna Baszler
and Zoey Stark have been eliminated.
[Tessitore] And with that, Bayley and Lyra advance.
["New Foundation" playing]
[Tessitore] Team number one is through,
and now right away,
Natalya and Maxxine Dupri next up to see who becomes number one contenders.
[Tessitore] Match number two among our five straight matches
in this Gauntlet Match to determine the number one contenders
to fight at WrestleMania against Raquel and Liv
for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
As Natalya in the ring right now with Lyra Valkyria,
who came up with the jackknife cover in match number one
as Bayley and Lyra defeated Shayna and Zoey Stark.
And right now this interesting team of Natalya and Maxxine,
and we were talking about the reaction by Nattie,
the hesitation at a moment when she found out she was getting this assignment
that was partially quelled by Adam Pearce, who says it's WrestleMania season,
Wade, let's just dive into the deep end.
[Barrett] Yeah, I get taking whatever opportunity you can,
but Natalya tagging with Maxxine--
[Tessitore] Oh! Crossbody by Maxxine to advance!
And the kick out by Bayley.
[Barrett] Maxxine has decked herself out in Hart family colors.
I know for a fact that Natalya was not too impressed with that.
You've kind of got to earn those colors in this game.
It's not a fashion statement,
but right now Maxxine is doing the business in there
and earning her stripes.
[Tessitore] Maxxine, as you can see, very eager, very enthusiastic
to be with the veteran Natalya and worked up the matching outfits.
And now she comes ramming into that corner.
[Barrett] And this is the best Maxxine Dupri
has ever looked in that ring, clearly trying to impress the vet Natalya.
[Tessitore] Now, she is energized.
[Barrett] We're all impressed now, Joe Tess.
[Tessitore chuckles] An offensive assault,
and Otis would be proud, wouldn't he?
Doubles it up.
Into the cover looking to advance.
[Barrett] Well, it was a sloppy cover there from Maxxine
who did indeed get a little too overexcited
and over rotated her opponent Bayley.
What on earth is this?
[Tessitore] What did you say about her trying to impress Natalya?
She's going for the Sharpshooter?
Is she looking for a Sharpshooter here?
Oh, inside cradle, and that does it.
[Barrett] What an error.
[Nash] Natalya and Maxxine Dupri have been eliminated.
Nattie saying, "What were you thinking? Why would you do that?"
[Barrett] Well, it's a rush of blood to the head
from the less experienced Maxxine Dupri.
Bit off more that she can chew, but this match continues.
[Tessitore] Former Tag Team Champions Carter and Chance back to action.
[Barrett] Trying to steal a quick one there
on the now pre-exhausted Bayley,
who has already had to win two matches thus far.
No respite whatsoever. Smart there from Kayden Carter.
[Tessitore] Kayden Carter trying to take advantage
of something you talked about right from the get-go.
Of how difficult it is when the draw says
you're out in that first match of a Gauntlet.
And Bayley looking to try to get some help from Lyra.
[Barrett] And the smartest thing Carter and Chance can do here
is prevent Bayley from getting that tag to Lyra Valkyria.
It is Bayley who has been in the ring now for several minutes.
[Tessitore] Oh, the teamwork, but the knees get up.
Great job by Bayley to get the knees up.
[Barrett] There's still life in the body of Bayley.
[Tessitore] Oh, the elbow comes dropping in.
And that shoulder gets up by Kayden Carter.
Just their second match of 2025 for Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
They're coming off a spirited loss against the Secret Hervice.
That was a match that we called from London.
[Barrett] Yeah, Carter and Chance the former Tag Champs here,
desperate to get back to the gold,
and who isn't desperate to get to WrestleMania
if you haven't got your ticket booked already?
[Tessitore] Carter comes flying in with that big leg.
[Barrett] And this has been 100 miles an hour stuff from Carter and Chance.
Probably the two greatest tag team move exponents in the game.
-[Tessitore] Looking for the Keg Stand. -[Barrett] Connects!
[Tessitore] Could this get them closer to a title shot?
[Barrett] Oh. Well, it was a late kick out there from Valkyria.
Bayley would not have made the save in time,
so it's a good job Valkyria did indeed kick out.
[Tessitore] Carter goes twisting corkscrewing to the outside.
[Barrett] I love watching these two. It's like acrobats escaping the circus.
[Tessitore] Count of two that time.
What pace we have in the midst of this Gauntlet Match.
Look at Lyra.
Nightwing!
Nightwing by Lyra Valkyria!
[Nash] Kayden Carter and Katana Chance have been eliminated.
[Tessitore] This is now an impressive run by Bayley and Lyra.
["I Am" playing]
[Barrett] But things may be about to get ugly for Bayley and Lyra.
Up next, Michin and B-Fab enter the fray in this Gauntlet Match.
[Tessitore] Joe and Wade back here.
Look at this crowd here in Seattle for Friday Night SmackDown.
Eight days away from WrestleMania 41.
We're in the midst of an absolute thriller
as B-Fab and Michin are looking to advance in this Women's Tag Team Championship
number one contenders Gauntlet Match.
Everybody has been so impressed by Bayley and Lyra,
who have won three straight to get to this point.
But now, Wade, as you said, the erosion, the conditioning,
everything starts to play a factor.
[Barrett] Well, the tank is completely dry for Lyra Valkyria especially
who's gamely clinging on,
but has looked like a shop mannequin for the past couple of minutes,
taking maximum abuse from B-Fab and Michin,
but finally gets a shot in the other direction.
[Tessitore] And here's hope.
Bayley's got fresh legs. Bayley's energized.
[Barrett] Let's not over egg the pudding. Certainly not fresh legs,
but fresher at least.
Because Bayley has taken a lot of abuse herself in this match,
and immediately back on the offense is Michin.
[Tessitore] And look at her go.
DDT. Michin to advance. Number one contender.
But that left shoulder gets up.
[Barrett] Michin being an absolute menace in there,
and the tag champs Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez loving everything
they are seeing right now,
as these women tear each other to shreds in pursuit of an opportunity
at tag gold at WrestleMania.
[Tessitore] You know, it's just the second time that B-Fab and Michin
have been teammates in tag team action,
but they're looking pretty good.
Being synchronized and working together.
And coming in and making the save is Lyra Valkyria.
[Barrett] The expanding repertoire of B-Fab,
who has been demanding opportunities of late,
realized she's been given nothing.
You have to take it.
[Tessitore] Michin to the outside.
[Barrett] Now is the time for B-Fab to grab some glory here.
Denied again by Bayley.
[Tessitore] Rose Plant! Rose Plant! Could it be? Bayley…
Wow!
[Nash] B-Fab and Michin have been eliminated.
[Tessitore] And now those looks on the champs change
as they see this run that Bayley and Lyra are on.
["Taste the Jealousy" plays]
[Tessitore] And Piper Niven and Alba Fyre, they know what it takes.
[Tessitore] Chelsea Green sends them out, Wade.
[Barrett] United States Champ, there. The Secret Hervice are here,
and they will never have an easier job in their entire career.
[Tessitore] This is it. The fifth and final match of this Gauntlet,
number one contenders tag team for a spot at WrestleMania.
And consider for Lyra Valkyria, who's the Intercontinental Champion,
the possibility of being a double champion.
Get through this, win this, and that's on the line next week at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] Well, not only that, imagine the Secret Hervice grabbing tag gold,
expanding the trophy cabinet
alongside Chelsea Green's United States Championship.
[Tessitore] The team that serves and protects the United States Champion.
Puts forth their loyalty for Chelsea Green.
The Green Regime.
[Barrett] Well, they have been selfless in their defense
of the United States Champ,
but now is the time to grab a piece of the pie for yourselves
against what looks like a completely done and dusted Bayley.
And Valkyria just got her head rammed into the steel steps by Piper Niven.
She may be out for good.
[Tessitore] Bayley came up with that miracle Rose Plant moments ago,
but now she is in such a compromised position
against Alba Fyre and Piper Niven.
Look at the teamwork.
And a senton by Piper.
They're in complete control, Wade.
[Barrett] Bayley completely defenseless.
And that was a sloppy pin there from Niven who didn't hook the leg.
This match continues. Who is going to WrestleMania?
[Tessitore] Well, that remarkable run that we've been watching here in Seattle
by Lyra Valkyria and Bayley may be coming to an end here
as they have been struggling against Piper Niven and Alba Fyre,
the Secret Hervice who are looking to win.
Look at the salute now with a double team move.
Looking to win and become the number one contenders and a trip to WrestleMania
next week in Vegas to take on Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, the Green Regime are cooking in there right now
and of course both Alba Fyre and Piper Niven have been
tag champs here in WWE previously, albeit not as a duo.
That may change within the course of the next eight or nine days.
[Tessitore] And just taunting Lyra Valkyria.
Oh! Bayley finds something!
[Barrett] Yeah, you just cannot get that cocky
against a future Hall of Famer like Bayley.
Until you've got those shoulders pinned for the three, do not celebrate.
There is life in Bayley, and Valkyria needs this tag.
[Tessitore] Did you see the reaction by Liv and Raquel
after that by Bayley?
Bayley is so desperate to get free and get to Lyra.
-[Barrett] And there it is! -[Tessitore] Here it is!
They've had four straight wins! Crossbody on Piper.
Lyra.
Look at the energy. Look at the offensive assault.
The Intercontinental Champion.
[Barrett] Well, Valkyria looked dead and buried,
but she has risen once again.
[Tessitore] Has she ever?
Taking control against Piper Niven.
[Barrett] No way.
[Tessitore] She's looking for the fisherman's,
but instead, Piper delivers.
[Barrett] Well, here's the part, we talk about physical exhaustion,
that was a perfect example of mental exhaustion from Lyra Valkyria,
whose body just seemed to go into automatic mode,
trying a move you should never attempt against a powerhouse like Niven,
and it's backfired, and that may well have been the final flurry
from the Intercontinental Champ.
[Tessitore] Keep in mind they were the first team to be introduced.
They have been 25 minutes deep into this Gauntlet Match.
[Barrett] You want to go to WrestleMania, Joe,
you're going to have to do it the hard way if you're Valkyria.
No chance. Mistake number two from Valk-- No!
[Tessitore] Where is Lyra coming up with this strength
this deep into this match?
[Barrett] Well, didn't go for the tag, but perhaps--
cover-- this might be the killer blow!
[Tessitore] Flying elbow drop!
Can you believe this?
[Barrett] Not even a two-count.
The mean, the moody, the magnificent Piper Niven is not going down that easily.
What an effort there from Valkyria.
Bull's-eye from Bayley, but it simply wasn't enough
to book their ticket for WrestleMania.
[Tessitore] First time they have been teammates in their career,
Lyra and Bayley,
and earlier this week they were against each other in what was shaping up to be
an absolute classic that Lyra pulled off when Bayley was getting the best of her
on the verge of submission.
[Barrett] Well, we're not getting a happy ending this evening
because things just changed in a blink of an eye.
[Tessitore] And Alba fire is going up top and lining it up.
Oh.
Secret Hervice looking to get to Mania.
Oh, my! Lyra came crashing home with Piper on top of Alba.
And that broke up the cover.
[Barrett] Bayley was completely finished after that swanton combination move there
from the Scottish women.
However, Valkyria with enough in the tank to bust up that pin.
[crowd chants] This is awesome!
[Barrett] Take another look at this.
Executed to perfection from her Secret Hervice,
and that was a three-count but right on the money was Valkyria
dumping Piper Niven onto the pile, breaking up the pin,
and it really is up for grabs now.
[Tessitore] And now toe-to-toe,
right in the middle of the ring, Bayley to Belly!
And Lyra looking to fight back, but Piper delivers that headbutt.
And to think how far into this Gauntlet they are,
and now they're getting into a deep battle with these two.
[Barrett] It's been a miracle performance from Valkyria and Bayley,
but getting into a slugfest with a fresher Piper Niven is never a smart move.
But now that hit and move from Valkyria
has perhaps eliminated Piper Niven for now.
[Tessitore] Bringing Piper back up to that apron
and delivering that big forearm.
And now targeting…
Out onto the floor.
Lyra going for it.
Oh! And a little help from her friend!
[Barrett] Big assist there with the dropkick--
[Tessitore] There's the roll up! There's a roll up to advance Mania,
but she gets out of it.
And a big kick.
Alba Fyre hooks the leg, and somehow Bayley finds it.
The ability to survive.
Alba Fyre. Bayley, looking to counter.
There is the tag
as she runs Fyre right into that corner.
Rose Plant! What a big opportunity!
Lyra's up top!
Leg drop!
Could it be?
Wire-to-wire!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
["Triumph" plays]
-[Nash] Here are your winners… -[Barrett chuckles]
[Nash] …the team of Bayley
and the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion
Lyra Valkyria!
[Barrett] What did we just witness?
Rose Plant from Bayley in the dire moments,
and then the move we haven't seen in such a long time from Lyra Valkyria,
and we started the night with Liv Morgan saying they're not even a real team.
Well, that has changed in the course of the past 30 minutes
'cause Bayley and Valkyria are heading to WrestleMania to take on the tag champs.
Wow!
[Tessitore] And there they are, and that'll be next week.
And, Wade, what's your earliest read on that WrestleMania matchup?
[Barrett] I am still trying to catch my breath, Joe Tess.
I'm exhausted. This audience is exhausted.
I can't imagine how Bayley and Lyra Valkyria feel,
but there will be celebrations tonight as they put their prep together
to head to WrestleMania and try and grab gold.
Gonna be something. Eight days in Vegas.
We want to acknowledge that there is a viral video
that's been making the rounds today showing a confrontation
between Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair.
And like in most sports and most established competitive cultures,
there's an unspoken rule about not crossing certain lines.
And last week when they met face-to-face in this ring.
That line was definitely crossed.
Therefore, both Tiffany and Charlotte are facing disciplinary actions,
as well as Charlotte Flair, after what happened earlier today,
being asked to go home for the rest of the week.
Now, Wade, as for other big news that broke online yesterday,
we will take you back to what happened last week between Damian Priest
and Drew McIntyre.
[grunts]
[groans]
[crew member] No! No! No!
Drew, are you okay?
Rest in peace, jackass.
[McIntyre groaning]
Get me a medic!
[Tessitore] That was two weeks ago in London
and now it became official this week.
It is happening. Priest and McIntyre, WrestleMania.
[Barrett] Sin City Street Fight. I love it.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] And there is Damian Priest.
A chance to hear from him. That is next.
["All Rise" playing]
♪ All rise For the rockstar… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Damian Priest!
[Tessitore] Who a year ago right now became the Heavyweight World Champion
and now deep in a rivalry with the man he took it from
who had it for just over five minutes that night in Philadelphia.
[Barrett] Priest of late has been both the victim and perpetrator
of numerous acrimonious assaults--
[Tessitore] Oh! And Priest wastes no time.
As Drew McIntyre with that eye patch on after the attack that went through
the windshield in London comes right down and attacks Priest.
This has been week after week, Wade. He says, "On sight, I fight."
[Barrett] And to be clear, tonight was supposed to be a face-to-face.
That implies, at least, zero contact,
but that was hopeful at best and way too late comes our security crew,
referees to split this up,
but Damian Priest has been absolutely mobbed by Drew McIntyre
with yet another sneak attack.
[Tessitore] Now look at the smirk on his face too.
Look at the look on his face with that eye patch.
As Damian Priest suffers what is a brutal beatdown.
Look, he is so unsteady on his feet.
[Barrett] Head got smashed against that screen multiple times
by a massive, powerful Scotsman who is brimming with rage
at the man he says is has derailed the past 12 months of his life
and targeted him like a coward from behind time and again.
[Barrett] It doesn't matter where he has turned.
The Royal Rumble, Priest eliminated Drew.
Elimination Chamber, Priest eliminated Drew.
You know what happened at WrestleMania a year ago.
-And now Drew McIntyre with the attack. -Are we starting to see clearly now?
Society only moves as fast as the slowest member.
It took a few people a while to catch up, but everybody can see as plain as day:
Drew McIntyre only tells the truth,
and every action is justified,
including dropping his stupid ass.
That parasite has benefited every time I was screwed.
He would never face me like a man
until this week when he agreed to face me face-to-face because I've got one eye.
Then he challenged me to a match at WrestleMania, a Sin City Street Fight,
because I've got one eye, you know what?
I still accepted because that's the kind of man Drew McIntyre is.
This match is a year in the making.
Priest, you always say you want to live forever.
Well, I'm gonna make sure nobody forgets you
because I'm gonna give you the beating of a lifetime at WrestleMania.
There's more.
Seattle, do you want me to let you in on a little secret?
[crowd cheers]
Wolverine here's got some good news.
I'm a hundred percent cleared, which means at WrestleMania, Priest,
you're a hundred percent screwed.
[Tessitore] Oh, Priest is coming back out.
[Barrett] Yeah, this ain't time for this, Priest.
[Tessitore] Priest is throwing security and leveling them.
-[Barrett] Well, this is-- -He's going back into the fray, Wade!
[Barrett] The heart is ruling the mind of Damian Priest.
Coming completely unglued on the man who has attacked him
numerous times over the past several weeks,
including just moments ago.
And where is Priest getting this from?
-[Tessitore] Look at Priest! -[Barrett] Well, I'd written Priest off.
I was dead wrong.
[Tessitore] They're lined up for Mania in eight days,
but they're bringing it right now.
[Barrett] Well, this is a whole new level of ferocity from Damian Priest.
And McIntyre ruing that attack.
[Tessitore] Priest once again threatening our officials
and breaking free, and now…
-[Barrett] Going to the eyeballs. -[Tessitore] Right to the eyes.
[Barrett] It may be Priest who needs that eye patch now.
[Tessitore] The guy who just took an eye patch off
after he had glass shards in his eyes says he's cleared.
-[Barrett] Watch out. Watch out! -[Tessitore] Steel steps in hand!
Right to the head!
[Barrett] And I'll tell you this, Joe Tess,
if you are heading to a Sin City Street Fight
with an opponent as dangerous as these two,
it would behoove you to take as big a chunk out as you can
prior to getting to Vegas,
and McIntyre has just done that.
[Tessitore] Our officials trying to tame him,
as Drew McIntyre turns back and gives a look to his bitter rival.
-[Barrett] Well, McIntyre… -And he wants more!
-…cannot be tamed. -[Tessitore] No!
[Barrett] My God. What are you pulling off here, Drew?
-[Tessitore] On top of the steel steps! -Don't! Drew, no!
-No! -No!
[Tessitore] He's lining up a Future Shock DDT on the steel steps, Wade!
Somebody's gotta stop him! Oh, no!
[grunting, groaning]
[official] Get out of here! No, stop!
[Tessitore] Look at the eyes of Priest.
-[official] Come on, stop. -[official 2] Drew, that's enough!
That's enough.
[Tessitore] He just ripped his beloved necklace off his neck.
[Barrett] Well, that's the least of Damian Priest's worries right now.
Damian Priest has no clue what planet he's on
thanks to that Future Shock DDT on those steel steps
that rattled the skull of the Pride of Puerto Rico.
[Tessitore] Can you imagine what we're gonna see in Vegas
between Priest and McIntyre?
["Gallantry" playing]
Now watch Tommaso's head.
Hits the illegal, exposed turnbuckle and goes back and to the left.
We were screwed last week, and no one's talking about it.
Not that idiot, Charles Robinson, not Nick Aldis, no one.
-I don't know why. It's obvious. -I'll tell you what's going on.
They act like we're puppets and they, they control all the strings.
I'm nobody's puppet.
[whispers] You know what I think's goin' on?
-[whispers] What? -I think this is all a conspiracy--
-Yeah. -[normal voice] A conspiracy to keep us
away from the tag team titles.
-That's what's happening. Watch. -That's what's happening right there.
Hey, what are you two whispering about?
Wait. No, no, no. Sorry. Sorry. We were just… We were agreeing.
We were saying that you two are absolutely…
Wait for it…
-…out of your minds. [laughs] -[laughs]
Since losing those titles, you boys have gone crazy.
Are you blind? Are you not seeing what we're seeing?
Look at this turnbuckle! Circle it! Circle it! Circle it!
His head goes back and to the left! Back and to the left!
Oh, no!
Kit, would you look at this? We've stepped in a rabbit hole. [laughs]
Look, desperation is not a good look on you two.
Look, it's the desperation, it's the clothes…
For us?
-No, boy. We're gone. -From you? Get out of here.
Get out of here. Don't wanna fight you anyway!
[both chattering]
I'm sorry, did I hear the word conspiracy from you?
You guys are absolutely ridiculous,
but hey, keep coping about what happened last week.
We're focused on next week because we get our shot on SmackDown
against the WWE Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits.
You know, we worked our asses off to get here.
We won the tag team titles after 3 weeks, and you screw us out of them.
So, no. No conspiracy. This is karma.
[muttering continues]
["In the Air" playing]
♪ There's nowhere to run or hide ♪
♪ There's no point in fighting Choose a side ♪
♪ It's here and now… ♪
[Tessitore] One of the most celebrated luchadors
is coming our way.
["Legacy of the Ghost" playing]
[Tessitore] Will be an action-packed showdown
with Legado del Fantasma's Berto.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Santos Escobar and Angel,
representing Legado del Fantasma,
from Monterrey, Mexico,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Berto!
[Tessitore] Wade, Berto opened his mouth a week ago
dismissing the incredibly exciting Rey Fenix in his WWE debut.
[Barrett] Yeah, talk is cheap. Now you got to back those words up.
The Emperor of Lucha Libre Santos Escobar has made it clear
he's been far from impressed with the kind of results
Legado del Fantasma have been getting of late.
Now is the time to change that.
Berto against the incredible Rey Fenix next here on SmackDown.
♪ Animo ♪
["Animo" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Nash] And his opponent from Ecatepec, Mexico
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] The guy's just electric
and, Wade, really hard to imagine a better start
for a WWE career than Rey Fenix,
where he showed us last week with that offensive assault
on Nathan Frazer that was just blowing our minds
with move after move.
[Barrett] Yeah, there had been huge hype building for this luchador's debut.
And boy, oh, boy, did he surpass that.
Now, of course Raw's Penta, who is the brother of Rey Fenix,
has really done the same thing over on Raw
over these past couple of months, so the expectations for Fenix
were sky-high.
That's a lot of pressure, and sometimes pressure
can be the undoing of some superstars, but Fenix just grew into that pressure,
grew into the biggest spotlight of his career and has now,
within one week of debuting,
become appointment viewing here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Berto is locked in on Rey Fenix.
First time they've gone one-on-one.
Long ago in Mexican promotions,
they met in four tag team matches,
but this is their first singles one-on-one match regardless of promotion
and quick into it is Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] We saw some clear envy from Berto last week
trying to smack talk Rey Fenix a little--
-[Tessitore] Oh. -[Barrett] Oh, that was nice.
After of course Santos Escobar had said great things
about the debut of Rey Fenix.
He was quite diplomatic about it.
He was impressed with what he saw,
even though he's not a part of Legado del Fantasma
and that green-eyed monster inside Berto came to the fore.
[crowd chants] Let's go, Fenix!
And what do you think that kind of statement by Santos Escobar,
the impact it can have on somebody like Berto?
[Barrett] Was supposed to be a motivational tour,
and I know for a fact Santos Escobar has been far from impressed
with Legado del Fantasma of late.
As he puts it, he wants them back to running the bingo here on SmackDown.
You can't do that if you're not winning matches.
So things for Berto can turn around in a hurry tonight
if he pulls off what would, I guess, be a shocker.
A victory against Rey Fenix who came out of the blocks
hot here on SmackDown last week.
[Tessitore] Tough to showcase the high-flying
and explosive style when you got a big boot pressing down
right into your face in the corner,
as Berto's been neutralizing Rey Fenix early on here.
And now Fenix delivers that elbow.
Derailing this hype train of Rey Fen--
-[Tessitore] Oh! -[Barrett] Wow.
Well, that'll do it for Berto, who has got a massive upper hand
already in this one.
[Tessitore] And a corkscrew dive to the outside by Berto.
Backing up what he said last week, perhaps.
[Tessitore] Great scene here in Seattle. Climate Pledge Arena.
Of course, next week it'll be SmackDown in Vegas
the night before WrestleMania.
An absolutely loaded card with all the superstars,
whether it's Raw or SmackDown,
you're gonna see the majority of the roster--
And look at this from Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] While ten seconds ago, Rey Fenix had been on the end
of a five-plus minute beating from Berto,
and just when you started to write off the newcomer,
he turns it around in a blink of an eye, and he's back in the fight.
[Tessitore] Berto was in complete control, and now Rey Fenix,
a week after his impressive debut.
-What do you do for an encore? -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] How about this? A rally against Berto.
[Barrett] Yeah, this was new questions being asked of Rey Fenix--
[Tessitore] Wow!
[Barrett] Nice flying headbutt there.
Berto completely defenseless,
not expecting that connecting flush to the jaw.
[Tessitore] The breathtaking aerial moves that we saw in his debut continue on
as he stomps down on the back of Berto.
Constantly springboarding off of the top rope.
[Barrett] This is part of the problem
when you're in there with a competitor like Rey Fenix
who has such a deep playbook.
How do you possibly guard yourself against who-knows-what is coming next?
[Tessitore] And when the intensity bubbles up with Rey Fenix,
you see what he's capable of.
He's lining up Berto for flight.
-Corkscrewing his way down to the floor. -Animo!
[Barrett] Once again, look at the body control
connecting right on the chest of Berto,
who has gone from almost sure victory to what looks like defeat here.
[Tessitore] Into the cover for Fenix,
and Berto able to kick out.
[Barrett] And Rey Fenix for all his flashy moves,
and his high-octane performances,
it's that gritty durability he's really shown tonight
to ride out that storm from Berto.
Keep in the fight, but wait, don't write Berto off yet.
[Tessitore] Not at all.
Berto looking to take advantage.
[Barrett] Yeah, he's got some tricks up his sleeve too.
[Tessitore] How about this from Berto?
[Barrett] Chicharito right to the jaw.
[Tessitore] Some of his own medicine.
Berto for the win, and Fenix…
[Barrett] I'll tell you this, Joe Tess, you can take a kick like that
right on the point of the jaw while draped upon the ropes,
and you can still kick out?
That's pretty damn impressive, but for how much longer?
And the power of Berto.
Sit-out power bomb for the win.
The kick out by Fenix.
[Barrett] Well, Rey Fenix has really had the stuffing knocked out of him here,
and that frustration now is on the face of Berto,
who thought that should have got the job done.
Not quite enough, but surely the end is nigh here.
[Tessitore] Great action in the midst of our night in Seattle.
And still to come, Randy Orton and LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga.
[Barrett] And this is exactly what Santos Escobar wanted.
Get back to instilling fear into the heart of the locker room.
That is the modus operandum of Legado del Fantasma.
But Rey Fenix has got other ideas. Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] Does he ever!
[Barrett] Top-rope Frankensteiner!
[Tessitore] He was able to fight his way out of position,
gets up to the top rope,
and delivers, and just that single arm cover.
[Barrett] Anything more than an arm, and Berto was done there.
How the hell do you pull this out…
[Tessitore] Look at the height, Wade!
[Barrett] …after being on the receiving end of such a beating?
And these two are just slugging it out now.
Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] I don't think Berto ever expected that!
[Barrett] No one on planet Earth did.
Animo!
[Tessitore] Berto now.
Gets him up top, looking for a--
Oh, no! Delivers big time for the win.
[Barrett] Well, we saw about four reversals in a row there from man-to-man,
but Berto coming up trumps in the end
with that sit-out power bomb, and once again, Rey Fenix is equal to it,
refusing to go down in this one.
[Tessitore] Second time he's been able to deliver on it,
but Fenix has found a way to survive.
The celebrated luchador, his second match in WWE and Berto--
Oh! He gets the boots up!
[Barrett] Well, a moonsault attempt, it just took a beat too long.
Impressive athleticism from Berto.
But Rey Fenix with the perfect timing to get those boots up,
-and Berto's done here. -Goodbye, amigo!
[Tessitore] Goodbye Amigos Kick!
[Barrett] Oh!
[Tessitore] And again showing you what he's capable of.
[Barrett] It's timing and precision, and Berto just has no answer
-and this is-- -[Tessitore] Fenix has him!
Fenix has him!
MMB!
Mexican Muscle Buster.
[bell rings]
[Nash] Here is your winner, Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] How can you not love what gets delivered every time out
from Rey Fenix?
[Barrett] Well, there's been surprises week by week,
and this is another Goodbye Amigo.
-Is that what he calls that? -[Tessitore] Yeah.
[Barrett] Well, that connected perfectly.
And that precision strike to the jaw followed by this,
the Mexican Muscle Buster.
The flight of the Fenix continues here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] How does he gain speed running down the top rope?
As Santos Escobar comes in to check on Berto.
Santos said, "Go out and prove it if you're gonna say that about Rey Fenix,"
and look at the respect
that Santos has for Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] Then to Berto, "This is what you need to be like,
this kind of competitor."
Escobar is a man of class and style.
But ultimately he has been blown away like the rest of us
by the arrival and performances of Rey Fenix.
[Tessitore] Comes out to shake his hand.
But this high flying, this explosive, the intensity, the agility.
If you want offense and you want it in dynamic form, this is how you get it.
Just watch Rey Fenix.
[crowd cheers]
We have now seen back-to-back jaw-dropping performances
from the newest face on Friday Night SmackDown, Rey Fenix.
Well, from the newest face to an unexpected face here tonight,
The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez.
Roxanne, what brings you to SmackDown?
Well, since Ava doesn't want to give me an answer on Stand and Deliver,
I decided to take matters into my own hands and speak to Nick Aldis,
because as the runner up of this year's Women's Royal Rumble,
I would gladly compete for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania,
because, Byron, I'm a professional.
At 23 years old, The Prodigy is ready to steal the show
because clearly Tiffany Stratton just can't handle the pressure.
Are you seriously talking about me, Roxanne?
You should be the last person talking about me.
You know, the way that I see it is you could learn a little something from me.
What could I possibly learn from you, Tiffany?
How to put on a fake, little helpless Tiffy act?
I saw through you, and I'm so glad you finally showed your true colors.
I just hope it doesn't cost you your WrestleMania match.
At least I'm not the one coming to SmackDown begging for a match.
Look, Tiffany, I would gladly watch Charlotte rip your Barbie head off,
but I'm not gonna pass up an opportunity when I see one.
Oh, you want to face me?
Okay, I'll give you the spotlight you so desperately need tonight, right, Nick?
Okay. Okay. It's been a day.
I'll think about it. In the meantime, cool off.
[sighs]
[Tessitore] That got real interesting, didn't it?
Still to come, all the aftermath from the favor.
We'll take a look back
at Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins,
and of course, the CM Punk, Paul Heyman story.
That's coming your way.
[CM Punk] The first thing I think of when I hear Paul Heyman's name is "friend."
He's a friend. He's above and beyond before and after everything else.
He's always just been a friend to me.
I first met CM Punk when he walked into the doors of OVW in Louisville, Kentucky.
[commentator] Talk about a young man who has walked in here
and made a name for himself.
I'm talking about Punk.
[Heyman] He's different.
He's unique. He's one of a kind.
He's the first CM Punk.
It was obvious to me from the first day that I met CM Punk,
this was the guy, and once they saw it, the whole game would change.
I present to you CM Punk.
I owe my career to Paul Heyman, 100%.
Paul fought for me. He gave me a shot.
Paul, they told you to fire me and you said no.
[Cole] CM Park is WWE Champion!
That's right, I'm a Paul Heyman guy.
Hey, check the shirt out.
So I'm super fortunate.
I get to come to work and I get to work with one of my best friends.
I'm the best in the world!
The best in the world!
I knew that CM Punk was going to be a main eventer.
I knew this guy was gonna headline SummerSlam and Royal Rumble
and Survivor Series and ultimately WrestleMania.
[CM Punk] He's-He's never been anything but a brother, a father, a friend to me,
a teacher, a mentor, you know, trust me with his kids
invited me into his home countless times.
[Heyman] What a noble, honorable, righteous man he is.
I admire him.
More than I do anybody else in this industry.
[CM Punk] When I left here, I was super guarded.
It was, uh, it was a rough time for relationships back then,
and Paul was kind of no exception.
[Heyman] CM Punk comes back to WWE
after ten years.
Welcome back.
I love you too.
I stand before you as the best friend
and biggest fan of Chicago's very own CM Punk.
[CM Punk] At WrestleMania,
this is about loyalty.
I will always be loyal.
In my corner…
You are a WrestleMania main eventer.
…my best friend.
My best friend in the world…
-[CM Punk] …Paul Heyman. -[Heyman] …CM Punk.
[Tessitore] "Loyalty" and "best friend," the words that forged the favor,
the history of Punk and Heyman and their foundation.
And still to come tonight, a look back at how Seth Rollins reacted
to Punk and Heyman being reunited.
Alba!
Guys, I need you to get better.
I literally am going out to wrestle right now.
I need you out here with me. I can't do it alone.
Oh, hi. [laughs]
It seems like that gauntlet match was really tough on your girls.
Oh, no, that means, you're gonna have to be a grown-up and do it all on your own.
What are you ever going to do?
I guess we're just gonna have to see what kind of a champion you really are.
Bye! [laughs]
I pay you way too much for this, you guys. Get out of here now.
I don't care if you're injured, get out here.
I need you ringside, please.
[Tessitore] Remember the Secret Hervice, Chelsea's Secret Hervice
were in that tough match in the gauntlet.
So now a very confident Zelina Vega lined up against the woman
-she's been targeting. -[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Queens, New York.
-Zelina Vega! -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Time to show the world what she's capable of.
Zelina Vega against Chelsea Green, next.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[Nash] Her opponent from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
She is the Women's United States Champion.
Chelsea Green!
-[Barrett] We pledge allegiance… -[Tessitore] No.
-…to Chelsea-- -[Tessitore] No.
[Barrett] I've got a loud voice, Joe Tess.
Chelsea Green!
There's no pledging coming from
the paired announce booth.
There's objective broadcasting but no pledging of anything.
[Barrett] I did notice on social media
that Chelsea Green has been smack talking all week.
-And I will say, I will say in my opinion… -[Tessitore] All week long.
-…it is richly deserved. -[bell rings]
She's been all over me, like, saying I'm supposed to say nice…
Oh, and quick start as she throws the tulle.
[Barrett] Yeah, that's what happens when you're disrespectful
to our United States Champion, Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] And I got to think here, Wade,
because her Secret Hervice isn't out to support her tonight
because remember they were in that brutal match…
Oh, and here's Vega with the roll up.
…that Chelsea has to think to herself,
she has to get off to a fast start here.
[Barrett] Well, that has been the problem for Zelina Vega
over the past several weeks.
Who has been demanding a championship opportunity against Chelsea Green.
The numbers game have taken down…
Uh-oh.
…Zelina Vega several times, that may not be an issue tonight.
[Tessitore] Oh, just slams her head down
on the corner of our new reinforced announce desk.
[Barrett] Don't act so surprised. Chelsea Green is an incredibly astute--
Find my detail, now!
[Barrett] Chelsea Green needs protection.
Joe Tess, go protect Chelsea Green.
-[Tessitore] Go out there and compete? -[bell rings]
[Barrett] What's this idiot referee doing?
[Tessitore] What is going on here?
[crowd boos]
[Nash] Here is your winner by count out…
-[Barrett] No, no! -…Zelina Vega!
-[Tessitore] Hey, listen-- -[Barrett] You distracted her!
[Barrett] That was Joe Tess's fault!
[Tessitore] She was complaining that her Secret Hervice wasn't out here.
She threw Vega back into the ring…
-[Barrett] This idiot referee. -…and didn't beat the ten count.
Start the match again!
-Joe Tess distracted Chelsea Green. -Did not at all.
[Tessitore] It was Chelsea's own complaining!
-[Barrett] It was his fault. -[Tessitore] No, she was complaining…
-You were a distraction! -…and in doing that, it cost her time.
You need to learn how to be a professional.
She can't control her emotions!
[Tessitore] Threw her back into the ring. Next thing you know, ten count.
Winner, Zelina Vega.
[Barrett] Who's never gonna shut up about getting a championship opportunity now.
Thanks, Joe Tess.
No!
Angel, I can't say this enough.
That is the kind of performance I need in Legado del Fantasma.
Berto, "I'm gonna beat him.
He's a flash in the pan," and what were your words?
Oh, yeah, "A flying lizard."
Your words.
All I have to say to you right now is I'm extremely disappointed in you.
Angel, let's go find Rey Fenix so I can congratulate him on a job well done.
[Tessitore] Well, still to come tonight,
a week before Tiffany has her WrestleMania moment,
she'll be taking on Roxanne Perez.
That is ahead.
[Barrett] Not only that, because after a major confrontation
at the top of SmackDown,
we got a heavyweight tag clash in our main event as Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga
go up against The Viper, Randy Orton, and The Megastar, LA Knight, yeah!
That's later tonight on SmackDown.
Berto.
Good match. Good match.
Good match.
Berto, I know you lost with Rey Fenix.
Rey Fenix is a great wrestler, but you, you are a great wrestler too.
Still work hard. Keep your face up and be proud.
Mind your own business.
[Tessitore] Look what's up next. All the gold and the story to be told.
The Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare,
the one and only Cody Rhodes, he is with us live, next.
Leech.
Scum. Opportunist.
There are so many words that describe you, Jade.
But there's one word that fits you to the core,
it's "snake."
Had I not pushed you off that ledge and on to that windshield…
I know that it would have eventually been me.
Once I got you out my way, I took my rightful place as champion.
Bianca and I grew an even stronger friendship.
Now that you're back, Bianca won't even look at me.
But it's okay, because there's no more of this fake loyalty.
I'm doing what's best for me.
And I'm gonna get mine.
At WrestleMania,
I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.
Naomi, you thought that you could weather the storm by ducking and dodging me,
but now the moment is here, time has run out.
I'm not just angry. I'm pissed.
You came at me because you thought you knew what was best for me.
You don't.
You tried to take me out because of your own insecurities.
Let me ask you this, what happens to a star when it starts to fade?
They try to steal the shine from someplace else.
That is what this is about.
The glow is fading.
And Naomi, you're trying to stay relevant in any and every way.
That is what this all is about.
You were jealous that I came in with so much star power, so much aura,
so much… glow.
And this WrestleMania,
I'm not a rookie anymore.
I'm your biggest threat,
because a storm
is coming.
[Tessitore] Hard to believe that there's a WrestleMania match
that's more emotionally charged than Jade against Naomi.
There it is, coming your way in eight days.
And by the way, coming up a little later,
we are going to reveal the full WrestleMania 41 cards
and tell you which matches are on Saturday,
which matches are on Sunday.
For everyone who appreciates the great history of this industry,
look at this scene to behold, spanning years,
the generations of greatness,
the straps of leather, precious metals, fixtures, far more than just mementos,
the different iterations of the WWE championship.
[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 ♪
-♪ Whoa! ♪ -[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the Undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes!
[Tessitore] And to see all the versions of the championships
that are in the ring now,
that means so much to all of us, Wade,
but mean even more to the man who wears the current edition.
[Barrett] Well, we just saw a very brief glimpse
of an incredibly young Cody Rhodes.
And WWE fans,
some of us older guys have been watching a significant number of years,
will remember some of the championships in the ring
and the men who held those championships,
and that is in large part the reason why we are so obsessed
with being around this industry to this very day.
-♪ Whoa! ♪ -[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[Barrett] And the truth is, if you hold that championship
as Cody Rhodes does currently,
you are a custodian because it's a moment in time,
a piece of history,
and Cody Rhodes is the man tasked
with safeguarding the future of that very championship.
The one that John Cena claims he is gonna win and then retire for good.
[Tessitore] Eight days away from WrestleMania 41 in Vegas.
Seven days away from a loaded SmackDown at the T-Mobile Arena
that will be filled with Raw superstars,
SmackDown superstars, and then the Hall of Fame ceremony
that follows two hours later, right down the street at the Fountainebleau.
Two events in one night, next Friday.
And then of course this guy in the spotlight against John Cena.
And what feels far bigger than simply just a title defense.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Cody, Cody Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
You guys have gotten me all flustered.
Thank you very much, Seattle. You have always been…
[crowd cheers]
You've always been good to me,
whether it's this sold out arena here tonight
or when I did DEFY and now being back here again.
Thank you very much.
Now, this is the tangible definition
of realized potential.
It's the denotation of excellence, the metric that stands.
This right here simply says you are the best wrestler in the world.
And I'm blessed, I'm blessed to be able to carry this and its mighty weight,
but it won't always be me.
That's what this has become. That's what WrestleMania has turned into.
It's not just a match between two anymore.
It's about our right to keep this at home.
It's about the next 20 champions,
whether that's Shawn's NXT kids watching WrestleMania intently or ID prospects.
Maybe there's a young man in Seattle tonight that wants to grow up
and wear this as WWE champion.
-It's about the next 20 champions. -[crowd cheers]
And then there is one man trying to take all that away.
[crowd boos]
John…
Cena.
[crowd boos]
-[crowd 1 chanting] Let's go, Cena! -[crowd 2 chanting] Cena sucks!
John Cena has neglected
to make Seattle part of his farewell tour.
[crowd boos]
He has opted to be in Vegas for SmackDown next week.
It would be cowardice on my part to rebuttal John's remarks
from when we shared the ring in London,
but one thing he said that sticks with me,
he referred to me and the placement of my tattoo.
He said me having this tattoo makes me a common fan.
So what?
I have this tattoo for the same reason that I wear this suit.
It's not because I think I'm somebody, it's because I want to be somebody.
[crowd cheers]
Is that somebody who can sell out the world's most famous arena 188 times
to the rhythmic chants of his own name?
Is that somebody who can sit up each and every night, even with broken ribs
and become WWE's Phenom?
Is that somebody who can set the world ablaze with Latino heat?
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!
Or is that somebody who can carry a company on his back
through good times and bad for ten years.
John Cena.
[crowd boos]
John Cena looks at this and considers it a bad thing.
I don't.
I see it as a man who is trying to break the wheel,
a man who is trying to find himself.
Does that sound familiar?
John, you've told me that I don't know who I am,
that I don't present myself authentically.
Here's what I do know, John. I'm the WWE champion and you are not.
[crowd cheers]
John is always teaching. John is always preaching.
Perhaps this is the one time in my life that I can teach John Cena a lesson,
a lesson I saw my old man struggle with as a career baby face, and it's very simple.
John, they are allowed to love somebody else.
[crowd cheers]
Hell, I call myself the captain here, but I'm part of a roster
that has CM Punk, Randy Orton, Jey Uso,
Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn,
just to name a few.
We make each other better.
And now I've found myself with the unenviable task,
but it's in my nature to want this task that I have to halt history
with your record-setting title win
so that we can have history here in the first place.
John Cena is a man of his word.
He said he was leaving. He means it.
He says he means to take this with him, he means it.
So let me share some honesty with you, John.
I'll tell you the same thing that I told Brock, the same thing that I told Roman.
I do my best work when I'm backed into a corner.
I don't flinch.
I fight, I wrestle. That's right, John.
The bell is gonna ring.
And when it does,
and this is over,
I leave you to this ring, John, to have your moment,
your moment to say goodbye.
It would be clever for me to tell John, "Your time is up, my time is now,"
but John, you've known your time is up for quite some time,
and that's why you did what you did.
And one day my time will be up soon,
but until then, this is timeless.
And this stays home,
this stays with us.
[crowd cheers]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Tessitore] What a statement by the champ.
And I love connecting all the history of Bruno's belt,
even pausing at the spinner belts.
And, Wade, this is what we're in store for.
It is WrestleMania, Undisputed WWE Championship match.
As he says, "I have to halt history with a record-setting title win for Cena
so that we can continue to have history here in the first place."
That to its core is the statement made by Cody Rhodes.
-[Barrett] Well, that clearly was… -[crowd] Whoa!
…way more than just a rousing speech from Cody Rhodes.
It's more than just a title defense at WrestleMania.
Cody is defending the past, the present, and the future of this industry
against an opponent who wants to take the ball and go home for good.
Good luck, Cody Rhodes.
Yeah, halt Cena's as history so that we can have history.
Let's talk about the future that happens next week on SmackDown.
Remember, the early 5:00 p.m. Pacific start time.
So if you're interested in the double-header or the Hall of Fame,
it is there for you.
SmackDown in Vegas and tickets are still on sale,
and it is going to be a power-packed card from T-Mobile Arena, of course.
A week from tonight.
Let's tell you what you're in store for.
[Barrett] Yeah, because as we just heard from the champ Cody Rhodes,
one half of our WrestleMania main event.
Some call him the greatest of all time,
others call him a man who has torched his own legacy regardless.
John Cena will be live on SmackDown in Vegas next week.
[Tessitore] And of course it's an annual fixture to kick off the action
of WrestleMania Weekend,
the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Both superstars of Raw and SmackDown involved.
One of the most distinct trophies in all the industry will be awarded.
[Barrett] And as we saw a few moments ago, Zelina Vega pulled up a count-out win
against Chelsea Green, while next week she's gonna team with Carter and Chance,
to take on the entire Green Regime in six-woman tag,
next week on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] And the strength of the action on SmackDown
to start WrestleMania Weekend is topped with this.
Will you look at this, the WWE tag team division, the championship on the line.
Street Profits look to defend against the former champs, Motor City Machine Guns.
That is next Friday in Vegas.
Right now I'd like to welcome on in the WWE tag team champions,
the Street Profits.
Ford, Dawkins, next week is the final Friday Night SmackDown
before WrestleMania,
and it's also the night that you defend your titles
against the Motor City Machine Guns.
How are you both feeling about that showdown?
Street Profits, Motor City, Vegas, Wrestlemania Weekend.
But you know what? We like Motor City.
But last week we saw a video of them
talking about how they don't care about the gold,
they don't care about the chains,
don't care about the grills, don't care about the reality shows,
but you know what, quite frankly,
you can't care about things that you don't have.
You know what else they don't have, Byron?
These.
They've been all over the world for 20 years,
but save the congratulations for the IWC Glazers
because we run this division.
Hold on, run this division?
Y'all running this division straight to the ground.
Yeah, Motor City Machine Guns, they're road warriors.
Y'all over here gassing them up. You wanna talk about a real road warrior?
-Let's talk about The Miz. -[scoffs]
I'm sorry, did someone say a joke?
Because the only joke I see is the SmackDown tag division
being headed by you two.
-Hey, don't-- -No, no, no, let me cook.
As talented as you two may be, the mere fact that those titles
are not on the WrestleMania card is a slap in the face of every superstar
that's ever held those titles,
including me and my nine times as a tag team champion,
so it's time to put you two on notice,
revive the tag team division and get my tenth title,
because I got the hottest young prospect in the game, a true one of one,
Carmelo Hayes, and together we are Melo don't Miz,
and we are awes…him.
And we most definitely want the smoke.
Let them breathe, big fella.
♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
-["Tiffy Time" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] It's been quite the day for Tiffany Stratton.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Prior Lake, Minnesota.
She is the WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Tessitore] Tiffy Time here in Seattle.
Taking up the instant challenge that was put forth against Roxanne Perez.
That's next.
Of course, last week it was the headline-making face-to-face
with Charlotte Flair for Tiffany Stratton.
That war of words on the shelf now,
and now a show of skill is needed against the very talented Roxanne Perez.
["All Fall Down" playing]
[Nash] And her opponent from Laredo, Texas,
Roxanne Perez!
[Tessitore] Roxanne Perez hasn't been in the ring with Tiffany Stratton
since the 2024 Royal Rumble.
Tiffany eliminated Roxanne that night.
Then you fast forward to this year's Royal Rumble, Wade,
and it was Roxanne who nearly shocked the world,
nearly earned a chance to face Tiffany at WrestleMania.
She had that record-setting performance, was the runner up to Charlotte Flair.
[Barrett] Yeah, Charlotte Flair, who, of course, is heading to WrestleMania,
but Roxanne has certainly been vocal
in putting a name forward as a potential alternate at WrestleMania.
Should a competitor need to be replaced due to their lack of professionalism.
I think we know who I may be talking about there.
[Tessitore] Well, let's get into that just for a moment,
because we brought it up earlier and there's no denying.
We acknowledge the viral video from earlier today,
and the discipline that was put forth to both Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair,
as Charlotte Flair was asked to go home
-for the remainder of the week. -[bell rings]
But we've got a good one right in front of us here,
with Roxanne Perez and Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Yeah, make no mistake, Roxanne Perez, The Prodigy,
multiple time NXT Women's Champion.
Yes, she is currently an NXT Superstar, however,
it has been clear for a long time now
that Roxanne Perez is absolutely ready to mix it up
with the best of Raw and SmackDown
as we saw in the Elimination Chamber and indeed the Royal Rumble
that you mentioned, Joe.
Roxanne Perez is every bit the equal of our roster here.
[Tessitore] There's no doubt.
See the metrics type… matrix type moves from Tiffany Stratton
and now the power as well, but look at this,
this is the skill we talk about when it comes to Perez.
[Barrett] Yeah, there's no fear whatsoever in Perez too,
she'll stand up to anyone bigger and badder than her,
and she certainly mixed it up with Tiffany Stratton on numerous occasions
during their time together in NXT.
So don't expect Roxanne Perez to take a backward step at all in this one, wow.
[Tessitore] Bringing that right hand right across the face of Tiffany Stratton
then delivers one of her own.
[Barrett] And this is Tiffany Stratton who's really started to come into her own
confidence-wise over the past several weeks,
in part enforced by Charlotte Flair, and this is Tiffany Stratton saying,
"No, the spotlight is mine, the championship is mine.
Pay attention to me."
[Tessitore] Oh, snapping.
You can see Roxanne reaching for her lower back.
Stomping down on that left leg.
WWE Women's Champion.
Snap Suplex again, but this time lateral press.
And the hook of the leg, and a two count.
[Barrett] Now I'll tell you right now, a victory for Perez here tonight
would really shake things up ahead of WrestleMania for the…
wait a second… for the WWE Women's Champ.
[Tessitore] Roxanne Perez trying to hold on--
[Barrett] Well, how small was that? Referee sorting out the apron,
and poking Tiffany Stratton in the eye.
[Tessitore] A rising star showing some veteran presence
to have to deal with the apron,
and then able to take advantage against Tiffany Stratton.
Oh, and stomping down on that left hand, Roxanne Perez.
That's how The Prodigy does it.
[Tessitore] Joe and Wade with you here in Seattle
as Tiffany Stratton looks to fight back here
against the two-time NXT Women's Champion, Roxanne Perez.
And you see the athleticism, the former star gymnast Tiffany Stratton,
telling the crowd here in Seattle,
"You know what time it is. It is Tiffy time."
[Barrett] Well, just when it looked like…
Tiffany Stratton was starting to look dead and buried
by this plucky NXT Superstar, Roxanne Perez.
Tiffany Stratton showing us all why she is the WWE Women's Champion.
Able to dig deep,
shake off all those injuries and damage sustained thus far,
and get back on the attack.
[Tessitore] A week away from WrestleMania for Tiffany Stratton.
Roxanne Perez, who had the record-setting performance
in the Royal Rumble earlier this year in Indy.
The roll up, and the kick out at two.
Remember, the most time in a single women's Royal Rumble
came this year from Roxanne Perez.
Look at Stratton.
And Perez survives again.
[Barrett] Well, Perez has been trying her best to drop some heavy artillery,
the crossface that she's become known for in NXT.
She did attempt that there with Tiffany Stratton.
Stratton was just too strong for it though.
[Tessitore] That is the advantage that she has.
Tiffany was gonna come in with that hip attack against the ropes,
but instead it's Perez running straight in and slamming Stratton down.
[Barrett] You simply cannot write off Roxanne Perez,
who can dig a lot deeper than most,
which explains her level of success in NXT.
[Tessitore] She's gonna line up that target just the way she wants it.
Perez! Oh, the knees got up.
[Barrett] Tiffany Stratton just lying in there and baiting Roxanne Perez,
who was pretty much just on the same back to Tiffany Stratton.
[Tessitore] She was thinking about the Prettiest Moonsault Ever,
but instead Perez ends up on that top rope to meet her.
[Barrett] Russian leg sweep off the second rope there.
Tiffany Stratton's in big trouble.
[Tessitore] And now Roxanne Perez, taking control of things.
Hook of the leg, looking for the win.
[Barrett] Late, late kick out there from Tiffany Stratton
who has been really put through the wringer on this one.
What an outing thus far from Roxanne.
Talking some smack to boot. Can she get the dub?
Attempted that pop rocks.
[Tessitore] Couldn't get that sunset foot power bomb going,
but instead, cartwheel Alabama slam is lined up.
Oh, no! Perez with a counter.
Tiffany comes right back at her.
As they duel with supreme skill here in Seattle on SmackDown.
Perez.
-[Barrett] Now she's got it locked in! -[Tessitore] There it is, the crossface!
[Barrett] Wrenching on the neck and face of our champ, Tiffany Stratton.
Who is a million miles away from the ropes here,
desperately crawling away to try and get some respite.
[Tessitore] Perez interlocking those hands
and pulling back desperately, and now utilizing her foot
to stay away from the ropes and instead it's Stratton with a show of power.
And now Tiffy Time, indeed.
Prettiest Moonsault Ever!
[bell rings]
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Nash] Here is your winner, Tiffany Stratton!
[Tessitore] The champ answered the call tonight, Wade.
-[Barrett] Wait a second. Oh, my God. -What in the world?
[Barrett] Oh, no, it's gone off the rails again.
[Tessitore] Charlotte Flair
was supposed to be sent home after their actions earlier.
[Barrett] Well, we know there was a ton of bad blood last week.
[Barrett] Get security down… What the hell are you doing Charlotte?
[Tessitore] Now they're trying to clear things up,
but it is getting worse by the week,
and coming over the top of our announce desk.
And Flair is on top!
And now Flair is trying… Wade!
-You're gonna get yourself fired! -What are you gonna do about it?
[Tessitore] Trying to control things, rips off his headset.
I'm trying to help you, all right?
[Tessitore] Holding back Charlotte Flair, the 14-time world champion,
who is absolutely enraged.
[crowd boos]
Wade Barrett trying to talk sense into Charlotte Flair.
And keep them separated from a further attack on Tiffany Stratton.
WrestleMania awaits.
This thing has boiled up and over beyond. Flair and Stratton.
[Barrett] Oh, my God, such a great crew gonna be there, of course.
Triple H is gonna be there, HBK, The Undertaker,
Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret the… It goes on and on.
The absolute best of the best,
the ones we all grew up watching and loving.
They're all gonna be there at the class of 2025.
The Hall of Fame, can't wait.
[Tessitore] Can't even imagine the emotion
for some of those we're gonna be inducting.
I mean for Taker obviously a family situation, but HBK and Triple H,
that's going to be an extremely special moment.
And then come next week, three men with that woven history that intersects again
since Royal Rumble's drama.
The big three headliners are Roman and Seth and Punk.
It's been beatings, it's been brawls, contracts and chaos, and then the favor.
[CM Punk] What's the favor?
I'm gonna force you, my tribal chief, out of your comfort zone
because at WrestleMania in the main event
in my corner, your wise man,
my best friend, Paul Heyman.
Wiseman.
Yes, my tribal chief?
Let this desperate fool down easy, will you?
No, my tribal chief, I can't do that.
[CM Punk] I promise you,
I am gonna put a beating on the tribal chief, Roman Reigns.
I am gonna whip Seth Rollins's ass
at the main event of WrestleMania!
[Rollins] I feel bad for you, Paul Heyman.
You are in a very difficult, unenviable position.
The easiest solution for all of us, for everyone involved,
would be if you just removed yourself from the situation entirely,
and let me and Punk and Roman battle it out at WrestleMania
for the soul of this industry.
I would take it as a privilege to remove you
from the situation right here, right now.
Don't put your damn hands on me again!
[Cole] CM Punk's here!
Now you owe me a favor.
[Tessitore] Wade, it is time to reveal the matches
for Saturday and Sunday at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, this is WrestleMania Saturday, Joe,
this is the main event.
Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk with Paul Heyman in Punk's corner.
That's your main event on Saturday.
Also on WrestleMania Saturday, the bitterest of rivalries.
Jade Cargill versus Naomi.
Not only that,
World Tag Team Championship will be on the line
as the War Raiders take on The New Day.
A matchup that is gonna be.
And then Rey Mysterio, the legendary Hall of Famer,
takes on the latest luchador, El Grande Americano.
They'll go head-to-head again, WrestleMania Saturday.
The United States Championship is on the line as The Megastar, LA Knight
takes on the terrifying Jacob Fatu.
And as we just saw, WWE Women's Champion,
her toughest test yet as Tiffany Stratton goes up against
the sometimes unprofessional Charlotte Flair, can't wait for that one.
And then World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
Main Event Jey Uso, who has refound his fire,
he goes head-to-head with the Ring General, Gunther.
That is your card for WrestleMania Saturday.
[Tessitore] All right, here's what you're in store for on Sunday.
Bayley and Lyra just went through the gauntlet.
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match.
Bayley and Lyra against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
Sunday at WrestleMania.
It is going to be a Sin City Street Fight between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre.
The outrageous rivalry goes street fight version on Sunday at Mania.
The Intercontinental Championship is gonna be decided
in a fatal 4-way.
Penta, Finn Bálor, Dirty Dom, Bron Breakker, Sunday at Mania.
Also Sunday from Vegas,
AJ Styles against Logan Paul next Sunday from Allegiant Stadium.
The Women's World Championship triple-threat
will be held on Sunday, the 20th.
Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Iyo Sky,
and you can hear the reaction from the fans here,
eight days away from Mania 41.
And of course, we just heard from Cody Rhodes
who says he must halt history so we can keep making history.
It's The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes against John Cena.
There it is, folks, officially your Saturday and Sunday cards.
♪ I hear voices in my head They counsel me ♪
♪ They understand They talk to me ♪
["Voices" playing]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from St. Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 290 pounds,
The Viper, Randy Orton!
Things have taken a far different turn lately for The Viper.
Coming up next, Solo and Tama Tonga,
the target for Randy Orton and LA Knight.
[Barrett] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Well, 22 years ago, Seattle hosted WrestleMania
and now we're eight days away and what a strong night we've had here.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria wired of the field,
won five straight matches to earn number one contender status
to fight for the titles next week at WrestleMania.
Rey Fenix won his second match.
Chelsea Green was counted out and that's how Zelina Vega pulled the upset,
and then Tiffany Stratton hit The Prettiest Moonsault Ever
for a victory against Roxanne Perez.
Fourteen times Randy Orton has heard his name announced as a world champion.
Hard to think about a WrestleMania without him.
He addressed that earlier tonight.
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Nash] And his tag team partner from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds, he is the United States Champion.
-LA Knight. -[crowd] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Wade, I feel like there's been so much packed
on to the plate of LA Knight recently with match after match,
having just won the US Championship back,
but what lies ahead will be his biggest challenge.
He's met a prime, violent, angry, Jacob Fatu next week.
Fatu, of course, winning the last man standing
to earn that shot at LA's championship at WrestleMania.
[Barrett] Yeah, and as we've just learned,
that will take place on WrestleMania Saturday.
Of course, we know a frenzy of energy takes over every arena and stadium.
When the Megastar walks out,
he's gonna need all of that energy and more at WrestleMania,
if he's gonna defeat Jacob Fatu.
["Taking It All" playing]
♪ We taking it all Settle the score ♪
♪ No, I will not take a loss Taking it all ♪
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
[Nash] And their opponents with a combined weight of 470 pounds,
Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga!
Of course, we see a lot of Solo Sikoa week after week,
but this actually will be his first official match
over the course of a month and change.
That was with his current partner you see here, Tama Tonga.
It was a six-man tag team.
LA Knight was on the other side, the winning side,
the last time we saw him in an official match.
[Barrett] It's pretty unusual seeing these two
as a two-piece without Jacob Fatu in tow.
There have been tensions between Solo and Fatu, especially of late.
Solo, the former tribal chief.
Looking to get back on track,
he spoke the right words earlier about supporting Fatu
and his quest to become United States Champ
-at WrestleMania. -[bell rings]
Well, this is a business.
Take a chunk out of LA Knight this evening,
and Fatu, I'm sure, will warm to Sikoa once again.
[Tessitore] As soon as LA Knight turned
to give a little bit of attention to Solo Sikoa,
Tama Tonga was quick to attack.
[Barrett] And that's really been the modus operandi of this unit from day one.
And Tama Tonga, he is the least hyped member of that trio,
and that is unfair, he's consistently demonstrated
how devastatingly effective he is in that ring.
[Tessitore] He has. He is quick. He is explosive.
He has a good offensive arsenal himself.
Of course, he's always around two powerhouses in Solo Sikoa and Fatu.
[Barrett] That's part of Tonga's problem.
He's at times the most soldier-like of the trio,
who'll effectively follow orders from Solo Sikoa…
when needed.
Sikoa ramming into our desk there, that's why I paused, terrifying sight,
as is Randy Orton stepping in the ring.
[Tessitore] Now Solo Sikoa's got to deal with Randy.
Remember, he came out and had a little something to say.
The start tonight was Randy was addressing things with Nick Aldis…
And, oh, that scoop snap powerslam.
Vintage Randy Orton.
[Barrett] Well, there's a taste of what we may have seen
at WrestleMania before the Viper's plans got derailed.
[Tessitore] Lining up the draping DDT!
[cheers]
[Barrett] Randy Orton looking to finish this one off in double quick time.
[Tessitore] I mean, he has come out explosive and this crowd is ready to roar.
[Barrett] What a disaster for Sikoa and Tama Tonga, wait a second.
[Tessitore] Oh, but instead of an RKO he got a Samoan drop on the other end,
and then Tonga just sends LA Knight flying.
Good stuff here in Seattle.
[Tessitore] The last SmackDown on our road to WrestleMania
before we arrive in Vegas.
Randy Orton desperate to make the tag to LA Knight,
but Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga have been getting the best of him.
Remember how the night started, Wade, when Randy Orton was out to discuss
in front of this big crowd here in Seattle that his 20th WrestleMania is coming up.
He wants to take part, of course,
the injury to Kevin Owens altered those plans,
and then Solo Sikoa interrupted to hype up Jacob Fatu.
And his claim to go out and win the US Championship.
LA Knight heard his name.
LA Knight said, "Let's go," and that is how we arrived at this tag team battle.
[Barrett] Solo Sikoa always spoiling for a fight,
not often a man of many words,
but certainly highly eloquent with those fists
and indeed that head of his.
Slowly destroying the body of The Viper, Randy Orton.
[Tessitore] LA Knight, eight days away from what will be the big battle,
the United States Championship defense against Jacob Fatu,
but in the midst of the deep waters of tag team action here in Seattle.
[Barrett] That tag just inches away for The Viper,
but must feel like a million miles
when you've got the arms of Solo Sikoa coiled around your neck,
but we got daylight for The Viper.
[Tessitore] And that power and that strength
and that explosiveness of The Viper.
[Barrett] The man who's defined an entire era in WWE,
flat on his back now desperate for this tag,
and if the Megastar gets into this one, the place is gonna come unglued.
-[Tessitore] There's the Megastar. -[crowd cheers]
And Tama's on the receiving end of it.
[Barrett] The man's got those loins tingling in Seattle once again.
[Tessitore] An overdose of Kavorka here in the Pacific Northwest.
Got him right where he wants him, the running knee.
[Barrett] Keep your eyes open, LA.
[Tessitore] Gets out of the way.
How about it, against Solo?
[Barrett] Got a little sixth sense there has LA Knight.
[Tessitore] And the powerslam.
[Barrett] What do the people want?
-[crowd] LA Knight, yeah! -[Barrett] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Elbow drop.
For the win.
And coming in and making the save is Solo Sikoa.
[Barrett] Late, late break up there.
[Tessitore] Oh, and a Samoan Spike is delivered.
[Barrett] Right to the thorax of the Megastar.
[Tessitore] Big uppercut from Orton.
Tama Tonga's gonna mess with the big guy and finds out!
Oh, does he find out!
RKO!
As Solo drives Randy out of the ring.
[Barrett] Well, Randy Orton is certainly not the legal man in this one,
neither is Solo Sikoa,
those two look like they're done with the in-ring portion of this match.
Some severe hatred built up between these two.
[Tessitore] That's been going on and they're fighting right through the crowd.
[Barrett] This match continues.
Referee Charles Robinson has the two legal men in the ring.
We need a finish.
[Tessitore] LA Knight and Tama Tonga,
they remain in, in the midst of this tag team
-that leaves these two competitors. -[Barrett] One got RKO'ed. The other--
[Tessitore] Oh, BFT!
-Knight wins it! -[bell rings]
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Randy Orton and your United States Champion,
LA Knight!
-[Barrett] Oh, no. -[Tessitore] Oh, no, look who's arrived.
Jacob Fatu.
A running senton and the beat down has begun.
The sneak attack on the guy he's gonna meet up with
in Vegas for that championship.
[Barrett] In eight nights' time.
WrestleMania Saturday, now is your chance to feast, Jacob Fatu.
Make that job at WrestleMania,
that pathway to the United States title, that much easier.
[Tessitore] The hip attack from Fatu, and when you see that,
you know he's feeling it.
The United States Champion,
who just picked up his belt to celebrate a hard earned tag team win.
A Mighty Moonsault delivered.
[Barrett] Well, nobody is coming to save the Megastar,
because Randy Orton, his tag partner this evening,
is otherwise engaged in a vicious brawl with Solo Sikoa.
[Tessitore] Picks up the belt, throws it down, he wants more.
Again with the jump-up moonsault.
["Samoan Destroyer" playing]
[Barrett] A taste of what's to come for LA Knight.
[Tessitore] Next weekend in Vegas, it's the moment of truth for LA Knight.
Fatu's never even competed for a WWE singles title.
Now he appears as an unrelenting destructive force.
Fatu, LA Knight, at WrestleMania 41.
The next time we say hello, it's from the Showcase of the Immortals in Vegas.
We'll see you there. hello, it's from the Showcase of the Immortals in Vegas.