[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa,
the capital city in this sports-crazed state,
and tonight it hosts the wildly unpredictable path to Backlash.
These fans are ready for what lies ahead on Friday Night SmackDown
as the Viper has been striking since WrestleMania.
Yes, Randy Orton is here.
He's just days from challenging
for the Undisputed WWE Championship in St. Louis,
but in moments, he's set to deliver a strong message for John Cena.
Plus, just when Tiffany Stratton thought she had overcome her biggest obstacle,
we found out how wrong that was.
What's the champ's mindset
now that Nia Jax is back in destructive form?
And last week wasn't so awesome for The Miz.
The return of Aleister Black had The Miz laid out,
but there's a hop in The Miz's step tonight.
The A-lister has Carmelo Hayes by his side,
ready to take on SmackDown's newest star.
And Damian Priest is here. His target is the Megastar.
Priest against LA Knight,
with both men hungry for more after what happened--
-[clamoring] -[crowd cheers]
[Priest] No, no, no, no, no!
You weren't even on my radar. You put yourself there!
And I'm coming for you and your title! Yeah!
[clamoring continues]
[Priest] You can get it whenever you want!
[crowd cheers]
Look at these dummies just waiting to hate.
Let's go ahead and talk about this out there, yeah?
-["Welcome To LA" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Been no wallowing after the WrestleMania loss for LA Knight.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you, and, Wade, he hasn't wasted any time
putting himself right back into the biggest challenges.
Last week, that's where he found himself against Drew McIntyre.
[Barrett] Yeah, number one contender's match
for the US Title between those two.
Things were going well for the Megastar, but then Solo Sikoa came along,
dropped the Megastar with a Samoan Spike, and with McIntyre closing in on victory,
Damian Priest showed up,
decided he didn't like what was going down,
drilled McIntyre with a South of Heaven.
Now, LA Knight was disqualified as a result of that,
and he then vented his anger until a human torpedo
in the form of Jacob Fatu showed up.
The US Champ putting all potential challenges for his gold on notice
with a typical beatdown.
[music fades out]
[crowd chants] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight!
Let me talk to you.
[crowd cheers]
One week ago, I stepped right in this ring…
-Yeah. -[crowd] Yeah!
And I said I want my rematch from my US Championship.
[crowd] Yeah!
Instead, what did I get?
I got told, well, "You're gonna have a number one contenders match
for a US Championship."
[crowd boos]
I would say if nothing else, I deserve my rematch.
But that's okay. I did what I needed to do.
I came in and had the match, but let's be honest, it didn't go my way.
Now why is that? Let's do a little bit of math.
Why is that? Because right out here,
Solo Sikoa decided to bring his pumpkin-head-looking ass out here.
Gives me the Spike, feeds me in,
and then a little bit later, Jacob Fatu comes out here
like this is his own personal jungle gym bouncing all around.
He's dropping moonsaults on everybody.
But why was that able to happen?
The reason that was able to happen
was because of the man who I have a match with a little bit later tonight,
and that's Damian Priest.
[crowd cheers]
Damian Priest, I ain't got no problem with you.
You gotta understand something. I know what you were doing.
I know it had nothing to do with me, but at the same time,
my man, you got to pick--
♪ All rise For the Rockstar… ♪
-[crowd cheers] -["Rise For The Night" playing]
♪ All rise For the outlaw ♪
♪ Boricua ♪
♪ All rise For the punishment… ♪
[Tessitore] Now, Priest got involved with LA Knight's business a bit last week,
and now he hears his name and comes out in front of this crowd
here at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
[Barrett] Well, in fairness to Damian Priest,
he was trying to help the Megastar last week.
It did cause LA Knight to be disqualified
and lose that number one contender's matchup to McIntyre,
and understandably unimpressed is LA Knight.
[Tessitore] And Drew got that DQ win. Number-one status.
Knight, you right.
You and I do not have a problem.
We're cool, man, and last week, that was all about Drew McIntyre.
WrestleMania happened.
No excuses. I was good with moving on.
But he couldn't keep my name out of his mouth,
and then he mentioned my family.
I just came out here to shut him up.
Dude, look, look, look. I get all of that.
I've had to chase dudes down, beat them down.
I know you wanna knock your name out of his mouth.
I get that.
But you picked the wrong time.
You picked my time,
and now I didn't win my number one contendership.
If I'm honest, the bell rang because of you.
I disagree with you, man.
Solo Spiked you over there.
So all I did was save you
from eating a Claymore and getting pinned. One, two, three.
My man, I… [sighs]
I don't wanna dig too deep here,
but I feel like you're living in the past.
I feel like you're reliving WrestleMania.
Just because you ate a Claymore,
just because Drew pinned you and beat you, don't put that on me.
You don't have any idea how that was gonna come out.
I could have caught him, BFT right here.
I'm just saying don't let your failures be mine.
The way I see it,
this whole situation
is because you lost your championship at WrestleMania.
I don't need any reminders, my man.
Look, I lost my championship. I get it.
I understand that, but guess what?
As soon as I lost that championship, I said, "I'll tell you what,
I'm gonna come back.
I'm gonna fight for the thing the very next week."
And then I'm not out here right now
wrestling for this championship because of you.
I can't say it any clearer.
This is the deal.
All your frustrations, they're your fault.
Maybe if your head wasn't up your ass at Mania, you'd still be champion.
My man, the whole idea here is we ain't got a problem, right?
But I'm telling you right now, if you keep talking like that,
you ain't gotta worry about where the head's up,
you're gonna worry about me putting my foot up yours.
[crowd cheers]
[chuckles] All right.
We could do this back and forth for a minute.
We can.
-Our match is later on tonight. -Yeah.
[crowd] Yeah!
I don't see why we should wait.
[crowd cheers]
I don't see why they should wait.
[crowd cheers]
So what are you saying?
I'm saying we get a referee down here, and we do this right now.
[crowd cheers]
Yeah?
[crowd] Yeah!
Yeah!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Wade, I don't wanna wait. Do you wanna wait?
[Barrett chuckles] Hell no!
[Tessitore] Let's do it right away! Knight and Priest. It's next!
[Tessitore] Glad you're with us,
in front of a big crowd here in Des Moines, Iowa,
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you. Friday Night SmackDown.
LA Knight and Damian Priest
all of a sudden our opening match here on SmackDown
as these two got heated right away, as soon as we came on the air.
As LA Knight was questioning why Damian Priest
caused a DQ last week and gave Drew McIntyre
that number one contender status as Knight is looking for a rematch
to re-earn his US Championship.
[Barrett] Yeah, both men with the tough talk,
both men aggravated by losses at WrestleMania.
There's a hell of a lot riding on this match here.
You cannot afford to take two big L's in a row,
and one of these men is gonna have to eat that.
[Tessitore] Priest slams down Knight.
Just the fourth time that they've ever shared the ring,
but the first time they've gone one-on-one.
[Tessitore] Yeah, that limb length advantage of Damian Priest
has really been the story of this one so far.
As LA Knight-- Oh!
[Tessitore] Oh, he's trying to go for it as Priest throws him away for a moment
and delivers the big kick with all 250-plus pounds coming behind it,
and Knight gets the shoulder up.
[Barrett] Well, if you ask me, that was a desperation play from LA Knight,
clearly attempting that BFT.
He's getting eaten alive by the bigger, more dominant Damian Priest
at this point, and the limb length has really completely
neutralized the Megastar's offense.
[Tessitore] Absolutely. 6'5" is Damian Priest as he's climbing up top,
thinking about going old school,
but Knight drags him right down.
[Barrett] Yeah, Knight just has that one way too well-scouted.
Just took a beat too long climbing the ropes,
giving the Megastar, that championship caliber athlete that he is,
a little chance to recover and throw something back in the opposite direction.
[Tessitore] Mention how heated things got early on when we came on the air
as both were giving their account of what happened last week
with that match between LA Knight and Drew McIntyre.
And then Solo Sikoa came and got involved before Jacob Fatu was cleaning things up.
And now these guys going toe-to-toe as Knight starts to take control here.
[Barrett] You have to think Damian Priest was just further antagonized--
[Tessitore] Oh! The jumping neck breaker by Knight into the cover, hooks the leg,
and quickly Priest gets rid of him.
[Barrett] Yeah, Damian Priest antagonized further by that confrontation,
I should say,
with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa as he entered the building here.
It was like lighting the fuse, and I think the words from LA Knight
set Damian Priest off over the edge, and a fight at that point was inevitable.
[Tessitore] It was.
Big right hand from Priest as he tries to steady himself after the attack
from Knight, who gets him up and slams him down.
[Barrett] Yeah, Priest looks like he's hurting now.
Still clearly not quite recovered from that Sin City Street Fight,
but catching the Megastar,
and this is danger moments for LA Knight here.
[Tessitore] Looking for the South of Heaven.
Instead, Knight able to counter, but then Priest comes roaring back.
And that left shoulder just barely gets up from Knight.
[Barrett] And that's how dangerous Damian Priest is.
You see him sucking on oxygen. He's moving a little gingerly.
He's clearly in agony, but he's so big, so strong.
One shot from Priest will take anyone off their feet, and look at the Megastar now.
The wind completely knocked out of him.
[Tessitore] I just consider what both of these guys
have given and taken in recent weeks,
the brutality in recent weeks,
especially considering what happened at WrestleMania in each of their matches.
Was looking for the Razor's Edge this time.
Instead, it's the Megastar coming back at Priest.
[Tessitore] I agree with you, Joe. I think both men could well do
with a week off to recover at this point,
but coming off the back of losses, you don't want to take a week off.
But what do the people want?
-He's asking them… -[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
…and he's set to deliver!
Jump-up leaping elbow, the Megastar looking for the win here in Des Moines.
And, oh, so close.
[crowd chants] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] The "this is awesome" chant has started here in Des Moines, Iowa,
as LA Knight and Damian Priest, moments ago, the double clothesline.
These guys are giving everything they can.
They have been heated after what happened a week ago
when LA Knight blames Damian Priest for the DQ loss that put Drew McIntyre
into the number one spot, and now Knight's got Priest up top.
[Barrett] Yeah, it's been LA Knight who really has been punishing
Damian Priest for these last few minutes.
The confidence normally oozing out of Priest is perhaps turning
into desperation, but Priest now showing us all just how deep he can dig.
[Tessitore] LA said, "A week ago, you picked the wrong time, my time."
Oh, he was looking for the Razor's Edge moments ago,
and now he delivers,
nearly three-quarters across the ring sending the Megastar.
And just at the last possible minute, that left shoulder getting up.
[Barrett] Um, let's take another look at this landing.
High on the neck and shoulders for LA Knight. No way to protect yourself.
The back of the head bouncing off the canvas,
and this entire arena were convinced this was a three-count.
2.99, no less than that,
but somehow the Megastar's still ticking.
[Tessitore] Wade, can you believe the distance of that?
[Barrett] I mean, it says something when Damian Priest has the raw power
to throw a 250-plus pound man in LA Knight across the ring
this deep in the match, Joe.
[Tessitore] He's looking for more, but instead of South of Heaven,
the Megastar trying to find his own rally.
No, Priest counters! Broken Arrow.
[Barrett] Priest not going for a cover here.
That could be a mistake, perhaps.
He's acutely aware that the Megastar is not gonna go down easy in this one.
You have to stack that offense.
But how much has Damian Priest got left in the tank to even scale to the top rope?
He's taking a hell of a lot of time.
[Tessitore] Oh, that is a question, and a legitimate one
based on what we are seeing as all of a sudden--
Oh, Knight's back on his feet!
Knight is back on his feet! Quick like a cat to the superplex!
[Barrett] Call that a Megaplex maybe, Joe.
[Tessitore] Hooks the leg.
And Priest finds a way.
What a battle to start SmackDown.
[Barrett] Well, just when this Broken Arrow connects to LA Knight,
perhaps it was a mistake to not go for the pin
because here's what came back in return, the Megastar with the Megaplex.
And I do think, looking at the pin that LA Knight executed there,
he perhaps over rotated the shoulders of Damian Priest,
allowing Damian Priest an easier kick out.
You can't blame him at this point in the match.
Exhaustion is the order of the day now for these two men.
[Barrett] These two men, their bodies, their joints
must feel like jelly at this point,
trying to maintain any control.
Good luck with that, but Priest moving out of the way.
[Tessitore] Oh, the flatliner on the apron!
[Barrett] Bouncing forehead first off the hardest part of the ring.
Can't pin him out there, obviously.
Need to get him back inside and put this one to bed if you are-- Oh.
[Tessitore] What in the world? Solo Sikoa!
-[bell ringing] -[Tessitore] Solo Sikoa.
The bell rings as this match is over
because Solo Sikoa just came in to beat down Damian Priest.
[Barrett] Well, you've got to be careful who you talk smack to in this game,
especially when you're about to go out and have a match.
Talked a little too much trash to Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
on his entrance to the arena a few minutes ago did Priest.
[Tessitore] Oh, now he's all over the Megastar as well, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, I'll take a chunk of flesh out of whoever I can get it
if I'm Solo Sikoa.
This is statement time.
[Tessitore] He's lining up the Samoan Spike.
Solo Sikoa in the midst of what was a sensational match
between Knight and Priest as he's gonna deliver the Spike to LA Knight.
Oh, no!
Priest, a massive right hand.
Oh, BFT!
And now they're back on their feet, and Solo better watch out.
After they gave so much.
And they look down at Sikoa, who interrupted things.
Priest is coming our way. What is he doing?
He's tearing apart our announce desk. He's clearing it off.
[Barrett] Solo Sikoa's made a major faux pas here.
He's about to get the Drew McIntyre treatment.
[Tessitore] Jacob Fatu comes out of nowhere!
[Barrett] That human missile once again saving Solo Sikoa,
but don't speak too soon.
Not when the perpetual motion machine LA Knight is around.
[Tessitore] Knight, Samoan drop onto the desk!
Oh, Fatu, the US Champion,
one of the most violent and vicious of all.
He is completely off the chain.
-[Barrett] He's got that look in his eye! -[Tessitore] Fatu!
Oh, no! Running hip attack into the barrier!
He just moved the thing about two feet,
and Priest's head just came right into the side.
[Barrett] Well, between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu,
a major message has just been sent
to anybody who may have eyes on that United States Championship of Jacob Fatu.
["Samoan Destroyer" playing]
[Barrett] Where Fatu and Solo Sikoa go, carnage will swiftly follow.
[Tessitore] Jacob Fatu and his US Championship reign…
it just comes with so much terror for anybody close to contention.
This man is violent. This man is vicious.
Just a banger of a match.
What should have been our main event was just our opener,
and, uh, our card is up in the air now, Joe.
Of course, last week the whole world was buzzing with what we had
for the main event, the TLC thriller won by the Street Profits.
But not to get lost in the tag team division headlines,
it was the debut of Fraxiom.
What a debut it was. Let's take you back.
Fraxiom wowing us with speed,
acceleration and athleticism on the way to victory
over Los Garza.
The former NXT Tag Champs moving on in style as they announce themselves
as major players here on the Blue Brand.
Now, let's head over to our correspondent, Byron Saxton.
Joe, Wade, thank you guys so much.
Right now, standing by with the team that made their successful debut last week
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Nathan Frazer and Axiom,
otherwise known as Fraxiom.
And tonight, guys, you have another chance to go out there
and show out,
but this time against Pretty Deadly.
Oh, we're excited, Byron.
You know, at NXT we flipped the entire tag team division upside down,
and on Friday Night SmackDown, we plan on doing the exact same thing.
-Ain't that right, amigo? -Yeah, we are.
I mean, did you see the TLC match last week?
-It was bonkers. -Right.
That's exactly why we're so excited to be here in SmackDown.
This is the best tag division on the entire planet.
-For real. -Well, on that note, I do have to ask--
-Yes Boy! -Yes Boys coming through! Yes Boy!
-Yes, excuse us, Byron. -Off you go.
-Be gone. -And if you're wondering, Byron,
it is the purple. Yes, get it out of here, out of everybody's sight, thank you.
But it's good to see you, Fraxiom.
And it's good you want to compete against the best
because SmackDown is home of the best and hungriest tag team division.
Speaking of hungry, tasty debut last week.
-Very tasty. -But don't forget…
who the two tastiest snacks are around.
But I will… I will admit,
I'm enjoying having some extra European blood around SmackDown, it's really nice.
It must be nice for you guys, right?
It's new, it's exciting, and everybody loves you,
and that's great, that's great.
But I'm suggesting maybe we knock it down 20%,
and we remember that opportunities are earned, they're not given.
And we know how good you guys are, but more importantly, we know how good we are.
But wait, do you remember we thought that, but then we were thinking,
"Wait, do we know if they're any good?"
[Prince, Wilson chattering]
We've not wrestled them, and we don't know if they're any good, and sometimes…
So then we spoke to Uncle Nick, and we said,
"Can we find out if they are actually any good?"
[Axiom] Well, we're looking forward to it.
Ah, be careful what you wish for, pals.
-Oh! Oh, "pals." -"Be careful."
-[chuckles] Oh, be careful, won't you? -See you out there, "pal."
[both] Ooh!
♪ Yes, boy… ♪
["On And On" playing]
♪ On and on On and on ♪
♪ We go on and on On and on… ♪
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
with a combined weight of 426 pounds,
Pretty Deadly!
[Tessitore] First official match for Pretty Deadly
since we saw them so close to gold in their London backyard.
But just short against the Street Profits in a thrilling championship match
at the O2.
Now, they want to keep the new guys at bay.
Pretty Deadly looking to maintain their status against Fraxiom.
That's coming up next on Friday Night Smackdown.
[Barrett] The Count from Clitheroe, England.
One of the toughest Englishmen to ever walk the face of the planet.
And talking about tough Englishman,
Yes Boys, Pretty Deadly in action right now.
[Tessitore] They've been far more aggressive in the ring,
the version we've seen of them this year,
and it paid off in the number one contenders match.
[Barrett] Been watching some Michael Bisping fights perhaps.
[Tessitore] Mm-hmm.
["Never Slow Down" playing]
["Strike Force" playing]
[Nash] And their opponents
with a total combined weight of 365 pounds,
Fraxiom!
[Tessitore] Nathan Frazer and Axiom,
Fraxiom, the pair that dominated the NXT tag team scene
for most of the past year.
Ultra speedy.
They impressed everyone last week with their win over Los Garza
in a very fast-paced match.
You look at the resume, the two-time NXT Tag Team Champions with a distinct style.
[music fades out]
[Barrett] Yeah, what an acquisition for the Blue Brand by Nick Aldis,
picking up Fraxiom.
Many people call Fraxiom the best tag team on planet Earth
based on their performances in NXT.
I'm not personally ready to quite go there yet.
Especially after the performances we saw from three tag teams
in last week's TLC main event,
but I will say that Axiom, or Fraxiom, excuse me,
are certainly heading in the right direction.
[Tessitore] You see the speed, as he stretches him out
and then delivers that kick right to the head.
We spent time with Pretty Deadly earlier today
as they're still trying to regroup after what happened at home in London.
They put so much into that match.
[Barrett] Yeah, and it's always unnerving when you're an established team,
like Pretty Deadly is, when a new breakout team hits the scene.
You feel like you know your place in the layer cake.
You feel like there's a bit of a line forming to get a opportunity once again
at the tag champs,
and then a new team with a bunch of hoopla surrounding them turn up,
and you feel like you've slipped…
[Tessitore] Kit Wilson hooks the leg.
[Barrett] …one or two places down the ladder,
and PD certainly need a big win tonight to let these newcomers know,
"You're not gonna have it too easy here on the Blue Brand."
[Tessitore] Money In The Bank the same day as Worlds Collide.
NXT and WWE's newly acquired Lucha Libre AAA World-Wide.
What a day that's gonna be in LA in early June.
"Be careful," he says.
Remember? He says, "Be careful."
"Be careful," huh?
[Barrett] We talked about the speed, the pace, the athleticism of Fraxiom,
but sometimes there's no matching the power advantage that PD have.
Although, the quickness and maneuverability there
was telling for Fraxiom.
[Tessitore] DDT, and now all four men in the ring,
and look at the pace that they pick up here
as Axiom comes in.
[Barrett] PD have never faced anything quite like these two,
and they simply have no defense for it.
[Tessitore] It's the dive train, time and again.
To the outside, right into the barrier goes Prince.
And Kit Wilson on the other side. Fraxiom in control.
[Barrett] Kit Wilson almost taking a dip into our front row there,
and it is this UK-Spanish alliance of Fraxiom
that now has full control over the English boys.
[Tessitore] Nathan Frazer is so fast.
The former star soccer player had a college scholarship
to Tennessee Wesleyan.
Played four years of NCAA soccer.
While he was doing that,
he was training for pro wrestling on the side.
He was on the indie circuit side-by-side.
In fact, here in Iowa at Seth Rollins's Black and Brave Wrestling Academy
in Davenport.
[Barrett] There you can see the fingerprints of Seth "Freakin" Rollins
all over Nathan Frazer, who is just a blur when you watch him in that ring,
and it's really Axiom who's more the…
cold-blooded technician of the two, but certainly no slouch, himself.
But once again that power game of Elton Prince is telling there.
[Tessitore] He catches him off the crossbody attempt.
And now throws him down onto the feet of Kit Wilson
and the Clothesline From El…
[Barrett] …ton.
[Tessitore] Big crowd here at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
as Fraxiom is taking on Pretty Deadly.
Axiom desperate to get that tag on Nathan Frazer.
Great debut on SmackDown, and now he does. Here comes Frazer, Wade.
Oh, gets both of them
with the springboard drop kick.
[Barrett] Get ready to hit that slow down button
on your remote because this guy is simply too fast to be legal.
[Tessitore] He is an absolute vapor trail springboarding into action.
Doubles a DDT! One reverse, one in front!
Shooting Star Press into the cover.
[Barrett] I mean that looked exceptionally close.
[Tessitore] He is in absolute disbelief.
[Barrett] Well, the boos are ringing out, and I understand it.
You see the mouth of Elton Prince busted wide open.
This was a late, late kick out.
I'm not quite sure, it may have been an elbow that connected
to the jaw of Elton Prince, who looks in an absolutely terrible state,
and Nathan Frazer here, it might be like taking candy from a baby
because Elton Prince looks like a beaten man.
[Tessitore] Just look at his face.
[Barrett] Well, I'll give you something, this is a bit of an experience here
from Nathan Frazer, taking an opponent up in his own tag corner,
which is essentially given a free tag here to Kit Wilson.
[Tessitore] And now off to the floor, and now here comes Kit Wilson.
[Barrett] Frazer didn't see the tag.
He was so focused on attacking Elton Prince.
[Tessitore] For the win.
And the kick out at the very last second.
[Barrett] Well, that was a mistake
Nathan Frazer really needs to learn from there,
and you won't get many chances like that here at SmackDown.
Frazer is lucky he's still ticking in this one.
[Tessitore] Oh, big right hand comes in from Kit Wilson.
[Barrett] Wilson might have to win this one on his own
if he's gonna be successful here.
I think Elton Prince is down for the count at this point,
and it's effectively a 2-on-1 matchup, and now Axiom back in the fray.
[Tessitore] Kit Wilson in that compromise position.
[Barrett] Just rapid tags here from Fraxiom,
and it is now Nathan Frazer who's the legal man.
[Tessitore] Oh! Spanish Fly!
[Barrett] This did the damage last week, Joe.
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, Nathan Frazer Phoenix Splash.
The combo work for the win.
-They get it. -[bell rings]
["Never Slow Down" plays]
[Tessitore] And that is 2-for-2 on SmackDown.
[Nash] Here are you winners,
Fraxiom!
[Barrett] Well, it was certainly not beginner's luck for Fraxiom.
Two weeks in a row now, big W's against top-tier contenders.
The Spanish Fly from Axiom,
stacked with this Phoenix Splash from Nathan Frazer.
Two weeks in a row it's done the damage, and that could be the key
to Fraxiom one day winning gold here on the Blue Brand.
[Tessitore] Yeah, they are making a big statement early on
in what is a richly talented and proven tag team division.
Big win for Fraxiom.
-…anytime. -You're welcome.
You know, after watching the Street Profits
win that TLC match last week, it's really brought some inspiration,
and I would love if Michin and myself would be able to get our hands
on some gold of our own.
And we know that you just gave some time off to Liv and Raquel
so Liv can go film that movie.
I'm just saying that when they come back,
we would be honored to be on top of the list.
I can take that under consideration.
Just a couple of paper tigers and a huge dictator.
Clear.
[tearfully] Madam Cha-- Chelsea, you can come out now.
-Oh, condolences for your loss. -Oh, boy.
You look good covering all black and L's.
So sad. [laughs]
-Nicholas. -Ooh. Ms. Green.
Last week was rigged.
Hijacked by the deep state of jealous women in the locker room
led by none other than crooked Zelina Vega.
Chelsea, the numbers don't lie, and the referee counted three,
so that's the number I care--
Textbook collusion is what that is!
We are talking about the United States Championship, Nicholas.
You're not even from here.
Neither are you or you or you.
-How dare you? -Blasphemy.
She's an American hero.
That's right.
Nicholas, don't make me take you to the Supreme Court.
[chuckles] "The Supreme Court." Well, good luck with that.
I have a show to run, so unless there's something else--
No, no, no! Wait, wait, wait, wait! [sighs]
What if I told you I won't take you to the Supreme Court
and instead, you will give me the recount that I deserve?
I think you mean a rematch, and that's something we can certainly talk about,
just not tonight,
because tonight Zelina Vega is going one-on-one with Piper Niven.
-What? -Yeah.
-What? -Since when?
-Since right now. One-on-one. -Who agreed to this?
And, hey, if Piper's successful, she'll be first in line for a title shot,
and then maybe she could be US Champion,
and then maybe you can be her Secret Hervice.
[gasps]
[clamoring]
-Chelsea, you okay? -Okay, okay. Just breathe.
[Tessitore] Chelsea's losing her mind.
It was a shocking return a week ago for Nia Jax.
Hadn't seen her since Elimination Chamber.
We'll hear from the dangerous and determined Nia Jax next.
[Cole] Cena versus Orton.
One of the great rivalries in the history of the WWE.
Two of the great champions of our era, Orton and Cena,
to lock it up for the opportunity
to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match.
Climb up, get the championships.
[Roberts] The WWE was unifying the titles.
There was going to be one top dog grand champion of the WWE.
You wanna talk about stakes, those are big stakes.
[Cole] Cena's hanging on!
Randy Orton looks to handcuff John Cena the bottom rope.
Cena took the rope off the turnbuckle!
Cena may be out cold.
It elevated Randy Orton to a completely different level.
Randy Orton is WWE World Heavyweight Champion!
[Orton] I proved tonight…
that I am the greatest superstar of this generation or any other.
[Barrett] Cannot wait for that one.
Backlash in St. Louis, Missouri,
the hometown man, Randy Orton looks to become a 15-time world champ
against an almost 25-year rival,
the record 17-time champ John Cena.
And, side note, we will be hearing from Randy Orton later on tonight,
right here on SmackDown regarding that match.
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
♪ There's only one of me… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Nia Jax!
[Tessitore] Nia knows what it's like to be on top of them all,
the two-time Women's World Champion.
Oh, she also knows what it's like to avenge betrayal.
Wade, that's what she was out to do last week and beyond.
[Barrett] Yeah, so we were having an impromptu match
on SmackDown last week.
Saw WWE Women's Champ Tiffany Stratton take on the Storm Jade Cargill.
Both women pushing their limits to the max until a deranged Naomi hit the ring
to attack the woman who beat her at WrestleMania 41.
It was one serious beatdown later,
Naomi chose to exit stage left rather than confront Tiffany Stratton.
However, enter stage right, Nia Jax.
Tiffany Stratton's former mentor letting the champ know
that she wants her gold back.
♪ I'm not like most girls ♪
♪ Most girls… ♪
-[music fades out] -[crowd boos]
Thanks, guys.
It sounds like you all missed me.
[crowd boos]
Well, that was a warm welcoming, and I'm really happy I'm back.
But you see, while I was gone,
and your champion Tiffany Stratton
was running around here like a Barbie doll with her head cut off,
I was at home getting refocused,
regrouping, so I can come back here and take what is mine…
[crowd boos]
…the WWE Women's Championship.
♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
-["Tiffy Time" plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Drop, I'm going in Bass so loud, it's in my skin ♪
♪ Drop I wanna see ya drop… ♪
Let me guess, Nia.
You were gonna say that you're gonna annihilate me
and then take my title.
News flash,
I'm not the same Tiffany Stratton that you used to bully around anymore.
Cashing in on you was the greatest thing I've ever done for my career,
and I'd do it again.
And then I went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest of all time,
Charlotte Flair.
[crowd boos]
And then I beat her.
[crowd cheers]
And if we ever lock up again,
I'd beat you too.
[crowd cheers]
Uh, you offering me a rematch?
No, no, no, no.
[crowd chants] Tiffy Time! Tiffy Time! Tiffy Time!
You should know, and you should have been here long enough to know
that I don't make the matches around here,
but I'm certainly not shying away from a fight.
I'd defend my title against you anytime, any place, anywhere.
[crowd cheers]
♪ I'm coming ♪
♪ This is the last warning ♪
Well, looky, looky. Looky, looky.
You know, it's funny to see the two of you fighting
because I remember for months
when I was trying to get the WWE Women's Championship from Nia,
Tiffy, you always found a way to make sure you helped her out.
You two made my life hell.
And you say that you've changed?
Nah, Tiffy. I've changed.
I'm a new Naomi now. I'm no longer the sweet Naomi.
The good girl who stood behind Bianca and let Jade walk all over.
I took matters into my own hands.
I took out Jade, and I took my championship.
Jade may have ruined everything that I have worked for,
but I am not done--
-Shut up. -You copied my wardrobe!
I am not done going after gold.
And not only will I push you onto a car,
I'll push you under one.
-["A Storm Is Coming" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Well, "proceed with caution" may hit a little different right now.
Look at that purposeful stride of the Storm.
-Jade Cargill is gonna get after Naomi. -[Barrett] Oh, meltdown!
Meanwhile, they're brawling as well with Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Well, it was Jade Cargill that got jumped
by Naomi last week during that match and then subsequently, of course,
Tiffany Stratton jumped by Nia Jax.
A little bit of payback before our eyes here.
[Tessitore] All out brawl.
And now Tiffany and Jade circling each other.
Okay, okay, ladies. Let's settle down. Let's settle down.
If the four of you are so eager for a fight,
then let's give Des Moines, Iowa a tag team match, will ya?
[crowd cheers]
Let's give them Naomi and Nia Jax
versus Jade Cargill and the champ Tiffany Stratton,
and let's do it tonight.
[crowd cheers]
-[Barrett] That sounds… -[Tessitore] Thank you, Nick Aldis.
…like a potential main event
that could well replace the one we lost earlier.
[Tessitore] Yeah, two bitter rivals and then the two former great friends
who split over a contract cash in,
so that is great stuff by Nick Aldis to know that.
He deserves a big hand, by the way, this week.
He led the way on Raw, filling in on Raw,
then he over delivers here on SmackDown two times already tonight.
Being a GM is a thankless task,
but the truth is you get four big personalities
like we just had brawling in that ring.
They're gonna fight one way or another, may as well make it legal.
One of the biggest post-Mania surprises came a week ago,
the return of a very dangerous, often mysterious and cryptic, capable superstar.
And may you never forget that I am The Miz, and I am--
[crowd] …awesome!
-[Barrett] About to have a very bad night. -["Root of All Evil" plays]
[Barrett] Because look who arrived.
It was the shocking return to SmackDown of one Aleister Black.
But upon this vision, the audience's jaws dropped,
and soon after that the body of The Miz would do the same.
A specialist Muay Thai kick, Black Mass.
Give the devil his due.
Hey, you know what?
I'm sick of people playing with your name, man.
How's he gonna try to make a moment off a moment maker?
Tonight we're gonna show him you, me and Dré.
Dré?
-Dré. -Dré.
Dré and I are pillars in this industry.
This is what I was talking about last week.
Respect. Respect.
Two decades I built WWE with hard work and spotlight-stealing performances.
I've outlasted next big things, so-called flavors of the month,
so-called legends, you name it.
If he wanted his second chance, he targeted the right one.
Yeah. You target a nobody, nobody talks.
You target The Miz, everybody talks.
Spotlight's on you, but here's the thing,
he didn't knock me out last week.
He woke me up. He's not fighting for a spotlight.
I'm fighting to remind everyone exactly who I am.
[Carmelo grunts]
There's a reason I lasted
in a company that he only lasted five years in.
Aleister Black wants to make a statement?
But he's gonna be a part of mine.
Let's go.
Hit my music!
♪ Awesome ♪
♪ I came to play There's a price to pay… ♪
[Tessitore] Melo with the 15-pound gold medallion André The Giant head.
[Barrett] You get successes in this game, Joe Tess, you celebrate them.
What a massive success that was for Melo.
[Tessitore] Well, when The Miz
is reminding us that he once defeated current Undisputed Champion John Cena
in a WrestleMania main event,
we get moments like this.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by the winner of the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Carmelo Hayes,
residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz!
[Tessitore] Chance in front of The Miz.
Coming up next against Aleister Black. Don't go anywhere.
The Miz, of course, his huge resume of his career
and a loud complaint recently about being left off the WrestleMania cards,
but that was silenced a week ago.
Came with the incredible entrance and stunning return of the man
we're about to experience again.
As we're all back in black here on Friday Night SmackDown.
[music fades out]
["Root of All Evil" plays]
♪ No man is Ever truly good ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly evil ♪
♪ I do the things You never could ♪
♪ And we won't Ever be equal… ♪
[Tessitore] It has been 1,663 days since Aleister Black
has had an official WWE match.
It was October of 2020.
Life takes really curious paths.
The course that Aleister Black has been on now comes
with a concerning destination for so many in the SmackDown locker room.
[Barrett] An unnerving, otherworldly presence.
Somebody I've not seen in the locker room all day this week,
all day last week, he just appears
and causes devastation with precision strikes.
A ton of questions surrounding the return of Aleister Black.
And top of the list for me is, "Why target The Miz?"
The Miz is convinced it's because Aleister Black wants to stand
in The Miz's gigantic spotlight.
He's targeting one of the biggest names with one of the biggest resumes.
It remains to be seen if that is indeed the case.
But it has woken up something inside of The Miz
who has his work cut out in Aleister Black's first match back. Oh!
[Tessitore] He goes spinning.
Of course, that Black Mass laid out The Miz a week ago.
He is so dangerous as a striker with that spinning kick.
[Barrett] Well, once bitten, twice shy if you're The Miz.
That connects, it is game over this evening.
Miz acutely aware more than anyone just how dangerous this man is.
Throwing kicks of his own, major faux pas against a Muay Thai expert
like Aleister Black.
[Tessitore] He's so capable
with that kickboxing pedigree and Muay Thai,
everything he's capable of doing.
As The Miz now all of a sudden gets on the attack.
[Barrett] Well, there are two versions of The Miz.
There's the mind games-playing version,
likes to laugh and joke,
and then there's this version that is a two-time Grand Slam--
[Tessitore] That half clinch into the knee into the leg sweep,
that hardcore Muay Thai move.
[Barrett] Yeah, expert precision
by Aleister Black, who trains with Muay Thai
World Champs Liam Harrison, Andy Howson,
and if Miz thought he was gonna get away with a quick one this evening,
he better think again.
[Tessitore] As Miz goes for the kick, and Black able to get out of the way
as he's off to a very good start.
Miz looks the counter.
Catches that boot, but then there's that right knee
that comes up again.
You see the pedigree in the movement of Aleister Black,
whose elbow comes striking right through the top of the torso
of The Miz. Into the cover.
[Barrett] Black is so skilled at this.
He almost comes across as a Matrix-like performer.
He's just a step ahead of The Miz at every move so far,
and Miz's mistake has been trying to match Aleister Black in his own game.
[Tessitore] Yeah, the striking ability. He's accurate. He's powerful. He's fast.
[Barrett] Just been peppering The Miz with shots from impossible angles thus far.
[Tessitore] And looks over at Carmelo,
and with that one moment of hesitation, Miz takes advantage,
swinging Aleister Black's head right into the LED board on the apron.
[Tessitore] Big opportunity for The Miz here
against Aleister Black, who returned to SmackDown
a week ago and delivered a Black Mass spinning kick to The Miz.
Now the Miz comes in against Black, who's in his first official WWE match
since October of 2020.
[Barrett] Well, it has been an absolute master class by The Miz.
Oh, going for that Skull-Crushing Finale,
but too quick was Aleister Black,
and The Miz has just shown exactly why he is so special when he drops the posturing,
drops the clowning around, because he has effectively neutralized
somebody who was mowing him down in the early goings in this one.
[Tessitore] Off the steps, but he eats a huge knee.
I mean, a huge right knee as The Miz just drapes into that barrier.
[Barrett] Yeah, tremendous reactionary strike there from Aleister Black,
who didn't get more than a split second notice that The Miz was darting at him.
It was the perfect strike at the perfect time,
which tells you exactly why Black is just so dangerous.
[Tessitore] He is.
That striking ability of the Muay Thai moves
that we saw early on in this match when he took advantage,
and now he's able to parry that right hand and then sweeps the leg
and look at the speed and the offensive versatile attack of Aleister Black.
[Barrett] Saw a strike to the liver in there at one point.
[Tessitore] Oh, springboard right to the cover.
And able to get that shoulder up at a two-count was The Miz.
[Barrett] And the Miz has been completely debilitated by various body strikes there.
All of them so precise.
All Miz can do at this point is cover up and hope for the best.
[Tessitore] Randy Orton, John Cena.
We are gonna hear from the Viper here tonight on SmackDown.
Miz able to catch that knee.
The hair and stomps down before delivering the DDT.
And Miz, he hooks the leg himself looking for the win
before that left shoulder gets up.
[Barrett] And once again, it's the dirty tricks of The Miz that keep getting
him back on top in this one.
About as deep, dirty trick playbook as this industry has ever seen,
and Carmelo Hayes is loving every second of his mentor
beating the hell out of Aleister Black now.
[Tessitore] Carmelo Hayes with words of encouragement,
perhaps offering up a little bit of strategy and coach-- Oh!
Did you just-- Look at the reaction by Aleister Black!
[Barrett] When you train with world champs in Muay Thai kicking your chest,
these are just bouncing off for Aleister Black.
[Tessitore] Spinning elbow.
Oh, and a big strike!
[Barrett] "Ban that move immediately." That is what the locker room is yelling.
Pumped straight to the jaw of The Miz.
[Tessitore] What a thunderous strike from Aleister Black,
but Miz comes back and snaps down his head on that rope.
[Barrett] I never want Aleister Black to kick me.
[Tessitore] Oh, he's looking for the Skull-Crushing Finale.
Can you believe that?
Can you believe that cartwheel reversal counter?
[Barrett] Well, The Miz can't believe it.
[Tessitore] Look into those eyes.
The mysterious Aleister Black, he delivers again.
[Barrett] I mean, you've got all the time in the world. Count to 300 here.
Miz has no clue what planet he's on.
[Tessitore] And when he puts that foot
under that head and lifts up his potential victim--
Oh, Carmelo Hayes gets up on the apron.
[Barrett] Then thinks twice.
[Tessitore] Oh, there's a roll up.
There's a roll up for the win!
And the kick out by Black--
There it is! There it is!
Black Mass.
-[bell rings] -["Root of All Evil" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Aleister Black!
[Barrett] He's mysterious. He's intense. He's highly dangerous.
Give the devil his due,
and Carmelo Hayes, not this week, pal.
Live to fight another day.
[Tessitore] Does he want a piece of that?
Face-to-face.
Carmelo Hayes and Aleister Black
after a massive Black Mass was just delivered to the chin of The Miz.
First win going back almost five years for Aleister Black
back on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Barrett] And judging by that performance, the first of many, I suspect, Joe Tess.
[Tessitore] Devastating striking ability.
A Black Mass spinning kick.
And The Miz checking his teeth.
Carmelo helps him to his feet.
What a showcase win. Welcome back, Aleister Black.
Fenix. Hey… [speaks Spanish]
Look, I had a chance to watch your match at WrestleMania,
and, brother, I gotta tell you,
what I saw was the true embodiment of disappointment.
Yeah.
Not only did you lose the biggest match of your life,
for which you should be embarrassed,
but you also embarrassed the whole tradition of lucha libre
by losing to a clown… [speaks Spanish] …like El Grande Americano.
Rey Mysterio himself picked you to take his place at WrestleMania,
and you blew it. [laughs]
And now… now the self-appointed "greatest luchador of all time"
is out of the picture, and this time…
Hopefully forever.
Someone's gonna have to take his place, and that person, brother,
has always been me.
So if you know what's best for you,
you're gonna wanna listen closely to what I gotta say.
[both speaking Spanish]
Stay out of my business, okay?
Whoa, whoa, whoa. [speaks Spanish]
There is only one luchador in the world I trust,
and definitely, it's not you…
brother.
If you have a problem, I will see you in the ring tonight.
I'll make it happen.
Okay.
["The Visual" plays]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Queens, New York,
she is the new Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega!
How can you not feel great about the new Women's US Champion?
Zelina Vega, the persistence, that underdog grit,
kept knocking on the door, proving herself.
Overcame all the nonsense with Chelsea Green
and now faces one of the main obstacles during that stretch,
Vega against Piper Niven.
That's coming up next, the new Women's United States Champion.
[Tessitore] Look at this big man!
Look at Dion Dawkins, the four-time Pro Bowler,
the offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
The big man is sitting here ringside among this massive crowd
here in Des Moines, Iowa.
[Barrett] And get this, just announced,
we had a luchador dispute in the locker room moments ago.
Well, we're gonna settle it tonight as the electric Rey Fenix
and the Emperor of Lucha Libre, Santos Escobar,
they're gonna go one-on-one later tonight,
right here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] We saw Zelina Vega, the new United States Champion,
having defeated Chelsea Green.
[theme music plays]
[Nash] And her opponent accompanied by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre,
from Glasgow, Scotland.
Piper Niven!
[Tessitore] And, Wade, let's remind everyone what happened
last week with Piper and her Secret Hervice partner, Alba Fyre.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, it's been weeks of chasing,
but Zelina Vega finally got her opportunity at the US title last week.
The career underdog being cheap shotted by the Secret Hervice, one time too many.
That led to their ejection.
And it was a big distraction for all involved,
but it was Vega who got the opportunity to hit that patented Code Red
and grab her first singles championship in WWE.
Chelsea Green, the now former champ,
left distraught that her time on the top is over.
[Tessitore] Now she is distraught indeed.
Chelsea Green, as…
There she is in full-on grief stricken funeral mourning clothing,
as she says to grieve the loss of her US Championship.
I'll give you a little more on that in a moment,
but how quickly things can change.
-For months it was Piper escorting out… -[bell rings]
…and serving at the right hand of the US champ, Chelsea Green,
and now it's Chelsea without the title and Piper taking on the new champ.
[Barrett] Well, immediately you see the disparity
in physical advantages in this one,
and Zelina Vega right from the off, the champ,
-looks like a mouse lost in a maze. -[Tessitore laughs]
[Barrett] And there's a big lion coming to eat her in the form of Piper Niven.
[Tessitore] As Piper, boy, the size advantage,
being stretched out by Zelina Vega.
It'll be interesting to see the strategy that Vega takes
in taking on Piper in a spot like this, who looks to just splash but misses.
[Barrett] Well, that was a great strategy, get the hell out of the way of that,
because it would have been a short night for our new champ
had Piper Niven connected there.
[Tessitore] Zelina Vega, the new champion…
Oh, and the big knee comes in and, Wade,
never underestimate how much a title means to someone.
It was an emotional scene this week on social media, Zelina Vega posting,
bringing the championship to the 9/11 memorial
and placing it on her late father's nameplate.
That was a beautiful scene.
[Barrett] Yeah, absolutely incredible from Zelina Vega,
but contrast that with the emotions here from the former champ, Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] Big shoulder just takes down Vega.
[Barrett] It was a sad lament in the physical form last week
when Chelsea lost her title, and that has been extended here at ringside and…
[Tessitore] But I mean, look at… When you look at Chelsea…
You know, I ran into her earlier tonight.
The black sunglasses, the black veil,
the whole head-to-toe formal funeral outfit.
I said, "What are you doing?"
She said, "Well, many times in our country in history, we collectively grieve."
Incredible to think, but she was compelled to try to replicate
as close to a similar outfit that Jackie O wore
during the presidential funeral back in the '60s.
That was from Chelsea herself. That's what she said.
Come on, Joe, have a heart.
-Lady Liberty has fallen. -But to say that, to draw upon that…
That's right from Chelsea's mouth
as to what her intent was in this outfit tonight.
[Barrett] Well, I think we're all in mourning and looking--
[Tessitore] Nobody is. Nobody is.
[Barrett] You're the only one who isn't. You have a heart of stone, Joe Tess.
There are maybe three people and one of them is Chelsea Green herself.
It is a wonderful story to see what Zelina Vega, the underdog, has pulled off,
and everything she had to go through to get to that point.
As Piper Niven slams her down so hard.
[Barrett] The celebrations are brief for the United States Champion.
You have to think, and this might not serve Chelsea well
if Piper Niven wins here in this nontitle affair,
perhaps she will be due an opportunity at the gold.
[Tessitore] Oh, there's no doubt. There's no doubt.
But right now, Zelina Vega is in trouble.
Piper's in control.
[Tessitore] A week ago,
Zelina Vega won her first singles title of her career in WWE.
Earlier tonight, Chelsea Green was demanding a rematch.
Instead, general manager Nick Aldis had other plans,
and that is this test against Piper Niven.
You see the dethroned United States Champion all in black,
as she says her funeral-level grieving outfit.
As Piper Niven has been dominating
the newly minted United States Women's Champion.
[Barrett] This is one of the biggest physical mismatches possible
in the women's division.
And I thought Piper Niven was gonna be home and dry,
but a questionable shot to the thorax there from Niven
stops the champ in her tracks.
[Tessitore] And how about this from Vega.
A big knee to Piper Niven.
[Barrett] Well, this has to be the answer of Vega,
when you get the upper hand,
you have to keep peppering your larger opponent with shots.
[Barrett winces]
[Tessitore] Oh, but then just like that, Piper slams her down.
[Barrett] That Uranage in the corner,
-what a difference maker. -[Tessitore] And a senton.
[Barrett] The wrecking ball of menace.
[Tessitore] Lateral press.
And that right shoulder from Zelina Vega,
that determination, that will.
Chelsea is so annoying when we're trying to do our job.
[Barrett] I think we should have got Chelsea Green on commentary for this one.
[Tessitore] Honestly--
[Barrett] That's a discussion for another day,
as we take another look at this angled senton
crushing the mid-section of Zelina Vega,
who you start to question, is the ref gonna need to step in here at all?
[Tessitore] Zelina utilizing her speed, her quick reflexes,
and now going up top as she was able to get that kick on Piper Niven.
A big right hand comes in from Niven.
Niven a former WWE Tag Team Champion with Chelsea Green, of course.
Three straight wins for Zelina Vega over Chelsea Green,
the last of which she earned her way to get the title shot,
and now seven days into her reign.
And she is being handled by Piper Niven, and the headbutt comes in from Vega.
[Barrett] Well, Vega once again,
it's just been short flurries of offense from the word go for Vega,
but she's not giving up.
Oh!
[Tessitore] Vega hooks the leg!
Meteora came crashing down on Piper Niven.
[Barrett] And that was about the biggest hit that Zelina Vega has landed thus far.
Take another look. Meteora from the second row.
It was a two count but no more.
And struggling clearly in agony now. Oh, going for that--
[Tessitore] Oh, she's going for Code Red. That's how she won it a week ago.
But instead, side slam. Piper Niven into the press.
Once again, finding a way is Vega.
[Barrett] You just sense that with that Code Red
against an opponent as powerful as Piper Niven,
it may not actually be possible for Zelina Vega to hit that,
but it's certainly possible for Niven to hit this!
[Tessitore] Oh, looking for the cannonball and at the last possible second,
Vega gets out of the way.
[Barrett] Just about nimble enough.
Now more running knees in the corner and it's Piper Niven who's groggy.
Can Vega finally sustain some offense here?
[Tessitore] You can still see Vega, though, reaching for her rib.
She has taken a lot of damage against Piper Niven here tonight.
[Barrett] Desperate times like this, Joe, you go on instincts.
[Tessitore, Barrett] Oh!
[Barrett] Instincts have not been serving Zelina well.
She's been trying to match power for power against Niven,
but this could be it, Joe.
[Tessitore] If she can just piece together a few of these moments…
Looking for the moonsault and delivers!
For the win.
And that left shoulder gets up. The kick out by Piper Niven.
[Barrett] Well, now the fog is starting to clear in the mind of the champion,
getting back to a game plan of that hit and move kind of offense,
capped off with this stunning moonsault, wasn't quite enough.
There was an element of panic in the eyes of the champ,
but she is growing in confidence as this one wears on. And once again!
-[Tessitore] Going for the Code Red again. -[Barrett] It's not gonna work.
[Tessitore] No, not with the strength and size of Piper Niven.
Instead the head butt comes in as Piper retakes control.
[Barrett] Well, it's Piper Niven who looks like she's struggling to cling on.
But one shot puts her back in control.
[Tessitore] Goes looking for that power bomb.
Can she get her into position as Vega is in trouble here, but Vega finds a way.
Oh, do we have a 619 opportunity?
[Barrett] Shades of her mentor.
[Tessitore] Oh, what in the world? With Chelsea Green up on the apron.
Chelsea Green, frustrated, gets up on the apron a week from being dethroned.
But her fellow Piper tried to come in.
-Oh, and the roll up! -[Barrett] Oh, no!
[Tessitore] Look at this!
-What a win for Vega. -[bell rings]
What a win for Vega!
[Nash] Here is your winner,
the Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega!
[Barrett] Four weeks in a row, a colossal disaster for The Green Regime.
This time it was a friendly fire incident.
And somehow Zelina Vega scurries out once again with the win.
The underdog is undefeated at present.
Two weeks.
Two weeks in a row, matches have been blown up and thrown out
because of you getting yourself involved.
And by the way, Jacob, champ, you're not exactly innocent in all of this either.
Hold on, hold on, hold on now, don't pin last week on us, okay?
That was Damian Priest's fault.
He's the one that caused the DQ.
And as far as Jacob, he's telling everybody they better stay out of his way.
That's a warning.
Well, warning received.
Which is why at Backlash, Jacob's gonna defend that US Championship
against Damian Priest and LA Knight in a triple threat match.
How does that sound?
Wait, hold on, how did that happen?
Technically, Drew McIntyre won the match. He's the number one contender.
If there's anybody that should fight Jacob, it's Drew.
You're right.
No, you-you're absolutely right, Solo, forget the triple threat match.
-Let's make it a fatal 4-way match. -[crowd cheers]
We'll add Drew McIntyre into the mix as well.
You know what? Let's keep it 100.
No matter who you put in front of me, line them all up at Backlash
'cause at the end of the day, I'm gonna dog walk their ass!
See me? I'm all gas, no brakes with it.
Yadadamean?
Nick, I see what you're trying to do. You're trying to screw Jacob over.
[scoffs]
No, Solo, you are.
[Barrett] Wow, Nick Aldis has been a busy boy this evening.
But we got ourselves a new main event tonight
because WWE Women's Champ, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill
are gonna team up in tag action against Nia Jax and Naomi.
That is later tonight on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] And coming up next, it's The Viper.
A week ago, standing over John Cena, another RKO.
Trying to claim it for good at Backlash.
We will hear from Randy Orton, joining us live,
right here in front of this massive crowd
at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
Don't go anywhere.
More Friday Night SmackDown coming your way.
[Barrett] Amidst the chaos of the past couple of weeks,
GM Nick Aldis has found a potential solution
because at Backlash,
US Champ, Jacob Fatu, will defend against the former champ, LA Knight,
the Punisher, Damian Priest, and the Scottish Psychopath, Drew McIntyre
in a Fatal 4-way matchup.
That's at Backlash a week from tomorrow.
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
["Voices" plays]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome The Viper,
Randy Orton!
[Tessitore] It has been interesting to be along the recent ride of Randy Orton,
who took great offense last week
when John Cena said that at Backlash he'll would make sure
that three generations of Orton's family legacy in the business
would be erased from the history books.
After Backlash,
when you fail, you will have no excuses.
[Barrett] A typical cheap shot by this version of John Cena,
but Randy Orton never really been one for excuses, has he?
And who needs excuses when you are armed with an RKO out of nowhere?
If Randy Orton connects like that at Backlash, Cena's 17th reign is over,
and Randy Orton's 15th reign begins.
These two clash, two of the greats of all time.
25 years of history between them when it comes to a head at Backlash
with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line.
♪ I see darkness falling ♪
♪ I hear voices calling ♪
♪ I feel justice crawling ♪
♪ I see faith has fallen ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ 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 ♪
♪ I hear voices crying ♪
♪ I see heroes dying ♪
♪ I taste blood that's drying ♪
♪ I feel tension rising ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
[Tessitore] An iconic image of The Viper, the 14-time world champion.
Of course, John Cena just breaking the all-time record, sitting on 17,
but Randy was quick to remind everybody recently, hey, 14's not that far off,
and now he's got the opportunity for the big belt.
That belt, the Undisputed Championship, he's out to get it.
♪ But when rules start getting broken You start questioning your faith ♪
♪ I have a voice that is my savior Hates to love and loves to hate ♪
[song ends]
[crowd chanting] Randy, Randy, Randy!
[crowd cheers]
I know we're two hours in, Des Moines, but welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!
[cheers]
[crowd chanting] RKO, RKO!
John Cena.
[crowd boos]
While the world couldn't see him…
I could.
It took about 20 years for all you to realize exactly what kind of man he is,
but I knew from day one.
He's arrogant, selfish.
[crowd chanting] Cena sucks, Cena sucks!
He is an entitled brat that gets whatever he wants.
John Cena is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with
by the ultimate puppet master.
John, I gotta hand it to you, man.
You're smart. You took advantage of the PG era.
Oh, boy, did you ever take advantage of the PG era.
You were willing, and quite frankly,
eager to be a real life walking, talking cartoon character.
While I, on the other hand, did everything that I could to be true to who I am.
[crowd cheers]
He didn't care about the boys in the back, he didn't care about all of you,
all that John cared about,
all that he cares about is his bottom line.
Which has brought him fame, it has brought him fortune.
It has brought him right into the mainstream.
It has enabled John Cena to make sure that every single month
he has a brand new color T-shirt come out to the merch stands
along with headband, hat, neck band, waistband, armband, wristband,
jorts, I mean, I think there's sneakers, dog tags,
and a little towel that says "never give up."
Anything he can squeeze his name onto, he's gonna put at the merch stand
so that all you kids go and grab it up.
He wants to make sure that you love him even more than you already do.
But speaking of the kids, last week on SmackDown,
John said the reason why he never had kids,
the reason why he never raised a family himself
was because he was busy raising all of your kids.
[crowd boos]
John, the only thing that you have raised is the price of your merchandise
which the actual parents have to work a double enable to afford.
[crowd cheers]
You know, selling your soul
isn't exactly a new concept, is it John?
You've been doing that for 20 years.
Hustle, loyalty, respect, am I right?
I'll give him… I'll… Listen, I'll give him the hustle.
I'll give him the hustle all day.
But the loyalty?
The respect?
What happened to the loyalty and the respect, John?
Let me be clear
why I'm asking specifically about the loyalty and the respect,
'cause last week you stood in this ring,
looked me dead in the eye, and you said you were going to erase
the Orton name from the history books.
You said as you stood in this ring and looked me square in the eyes
that you were gonna erase everything that my family did in this industry,
and I'm gonna tell you right now you are not
and you will not over my dead freaking body!
You say that you are the last real champion.
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, John, you are the latest legend that I have to put down.
[crowd cheers]
And I'm gonna do so a week from tomorrow, Saturday, Backlash, my hometown,
in front of my wife, my family, my kids, my friends,
in front of the future generation of Ortons,
in front of the future Orton legacy,
I'm going to Punt Kick you so hard in that Lego-shaped head…
[crowd cheers]
…it's gonna fly right off your shoulders and through the Gateway Arch.
But not before…
I drop your ass with the three most dangerous letters
in sports entertainment.
-R-K… -[crowd] …O!
[Tessitore] Well, it doesn't get more pointed than that from Randy Orton.
["Voices" plays]
[Tessitore] Sending the message to John Cena, the Undisputed Champion,
that "you're just the latest legend that I have to put down."
[Barrett] Eyes narrowed, veins bulging, skin turned a shade of puce.
Yeah, good luck at Backlash, John Cena,
you are gonna need it against this version of Randy Orton.
Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at Backlash.
Naomi, listen, you and I need to get on the same page.
I'm gonna forget what you said to me out there,
but my eyes are set on gold and two-faced Tiffy,
so as long as you figure out whatever you have to do with Jade
and stay out of my way, we'll be good.
Sure.
["Animo" plays]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] Rey Fenix has built up such a past
before arriving here to WWE.
And a splash that he has made since arriving at SmackDown.
And now he'll bring his full arsenal of offense
right to Santos Escobar, that is next.
-What's up, dog? -What's up, man?
-You got no chance at Backlash. -[crowd cheers]
My childhood hero, John Cena, is going to beat Randy Orton.
[stammers] Why would you say that?
Because it's true. I said what I said, dog.
You know what's gonna happen.
You know how he get down.
I do.
-I got you. I'll talk to him. -I know.
-I mean what I said, dog! -Man, what's… Stop. stop.
Uce, you keep on talking this,
he gonna punch your head clean off your shoulders, Uce.
-Uce, I'm not playing around. -What?
John Cena told me that.
You know what else he told me?
-What he said? -He is the last real champ.
He wouldn't lie to me.
You need to stop.
[Tessitore] Rey Fenix.
-Proven successful career. -["Legacy Of The Ghost" plays]
And then the night before WrestleMania…
the opportunity arised, short notice, WrestleMania entry.
These two met up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Fenix eliminated Santos.
[Nash] And his opponent, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
from Mexico City, Mexico,
weighing in at 217 pounds,
Santos Escobar!
[Tessitore] Santos Escobar, who has been, uh, hypercritical
of Legado Del Fantasma, Los Garza and then hypercritical of Rey Fenix
for his match against El Grande Americano.
And now in this position.
[Barrett] Well, initially Santos Escobar seemed enthralled
with the performances of Rey Fenix.
However, that loss to El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41
has certainly soured the Emperor of Lucha Libre,
on the newcomer to SmackDown.
He decided it was a disgrace to the art form of Lucha,
that Rey Fenix could lose to, in his words, a clown like that…
[bell rings]
…and he blames Rey Fenix for not jumping in
with Legado Del Fantasma and using Santos Escobar
as a sort of mentor here on SmackDown for that loss.
And now I guess it's going to be punishment time.
[Tessitore] Yeah, saying basically…
You're so right though with the early reception
that Rey Fenix was given by Santos Escobar,
almost as if he was trying to recruit him.
-[Barrett] Yeah, no doubt. -[Tessitore] He was fawning.
He was interested in everything he was doing.
[Barrett] And these two have a fair bit of history,
they have competed together many times in North America,
the entire continent, including mainly in AAA,
the newly acquired Mexican company south of the border.
So they have a healthy professional respect for one another,
but they've certainly never been bros or anything like that.
I think Santos Escobar's attempts to bring Rey Fenix into the fold
has fallen on deaf ears,
and now the Emperor of Lucha Libre is looking to teach him a lesson.
[Tessitore] You mentioned the newly acquired AAA,
and that is the focus of what we were just describing
with what's happening with Worlds Collide and NXT
and the newly acquired Lucha Libre AAA worldwide.
Money In The Bank is also that day.
Now there's your response, Santos.
[Barrett] Santos suggested he should be the boss.
Did not impress Rey Fenix, however, that might change your mind.
[Tessitore] Back and forth towing the line,
Fenix and Escobar, wow.
Listen to that.
Oh, a kiss to the heavens in testing each other,
and that puts down Fenix.
I should be the boss!
You follow the orders, and we take over this place.
Me and you, together!
[Tessitore] Trying to convince Fenix while doling out punishment.
[Barrett] I mean this has been anything but Lucha Libre so far.
-It's just a slugfest. -[Tessitore] It's just pure brutality.
And listen to these exchanges, how heated it has become.
And now here they go.
And this is what we're used to from Fenix, as Escobar says, not now.
[Barrett] I'll tell you right now, Joe, all of the luchadors in the locker room
are so excited about the acquisition of AAA.
They all see themselves as being the spearhead
of this new global movement for Lucha Libre.
But if you want to be the spearhead…
you gotta start collecting some W's against the other luchadors,
that is why victory here tonight is so crucial for both of these men.
[Tessitore] Escobar was able to neutralize Rey Fenix
for a moment there, when Fenix was looking to springboard.
[Barrett] I don't know what that move is called, I'm gonna call it a 916 for now.
-Unless… -[Tessitore laughs]
…Fenix has another name for it.
But immediately hot off the blocks doing what he does best.
Rey Fenix taking control of this one.
[Tessitore] The celebrated luchador who has made such a splash.
[Fenix] You want something better?
[Tessitore] Animo--
Heated conversations continue face-to-face between Fenix and Escobar.
Of course, Fenix was the late replacement for the then injured Rey Mysterio
at WrestleMania 41.
[Barrett] Sense that Santos Escobar is using this
as a negotiation tactic against Rey Fenix.
I think he's still convinced he can bring him into the Legado fold.
[Tessitore] Lining up that target.
Looking to go flying, and there goes Escobar.
Through the air, out to the floor, pinpoint accuracy, target Rey Fenix.
[Tessitore] Santos Escobar has found a way to neutralize Rey Fenix.
Joe and Wade with you here at the Wells Fargo Arena
and a massive crowd in Des Moines, Iowa, here on Friday Night SmackDown.
We're just eight days away from WWE Backlash
when Randy Orton and John Cena will meet up for the Undisputed Championship.
[Barrett] After a blistering start to Rey Fenix's career,
he is being made to look completely ordinary
by this performance from Santos Escobar,
who has a point to prove this evening to the world of Lucha Libre.
[Tessitore] This is nothing like the version of Rey Fenix
we've seen in recent weeks.
Well, it was a physical match right from the start.
This is what happened during the break.
[Barrett] Yeah, it's been trash talk, and it has been pointed attacks
to the bridge of the nose.
And pretty much a full-body workout for Rey Fenix,
and I'd be shocked if Rey Fenix has got more than three shots in this entire bout.
That's four.
[Tessitore] Remember, Santos was so critical of Rey Fenix
and his performance at WrestleMania when he was the late replacement
for Rey Mysterio, took the loss against El Grande Americano.
Fenix telling Santos in not so many words,
"Hey, you got a problem with how I handle my business in the ring?
Why don't we meet up in the ring?" And that is how this match was born.
-[Barrett] Rey Fenix might be… -There's a big kick!
…starting to regret that as he finally launches some form of offense.
But can he start heading through those gears and getting to that top speed
that we've all been blown away by over the past few weeks?
[Tessitore] That is when he's at his best. Just like this!
Oh, how about it? Springboard Moonsault, Rey Fenix!
And the kick out at two and change from Escobar.
[Barrett] Oh, well, that turned around in the blink of an eye.
That tells you volumes about the durability of Rey Fenix,
who I'd written off.
[Tessitore] Escobar thinking he got the best of it, no, watch out!
Return fire from Fenix, hooks the leg, looking for the win.
[Barrett] Well, all that trash talk by Santos Escobar
must taste pretty bad right now for the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
Did not capitalize on a massive advantage he had earlier on.
[Tessitore] The celebrated luchador.
Escobar saying, "That top role should be mine."
So many heated exchanges when they were face-to-face to open this match
and now the wear and tear deep into it.
Escobar, able to get out of the way. Fenix attacks at different levels.
Oh, what a big knee!
And how about that from Fenix,
popping right back up, finding a little something for a moment,
the quick reflexes.
What a spectacular setting here in Des Moines, Iowa.
Wells Fargo Arena, big crowd.
Still tag team action to come
with Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Naomi.
But for now it's Fenix and Escobar.
[Barrett] What a trade of strikes that was by these two men,
that sudden burst of adrenaline from Rey Fenix, dropping Santos Escobar.
Just when you thought it was game over for Fenix, he's back in there.
[Tessitore] Catches him, gets him up top.
Escobar.
Trying to fight his way off of that position is Rey Fenix
and he does into the corner.
[Barrett] It goes to show you the physical gifts of Rey Fenix
at times neutralized here by Escobar's
smart in-ring, savvy, high IQ tactics and deep bag of tricks.
[Tessitore] Wade, I will tell you.
Rey Fenix has eaten a couple of those huge knees tonight.
[Barrett] It's the level of respect that Santos has for Rey Fenix.
You know you have to hit Fenix with your best shot.
Santos knows him as well as anyone.
[Tessitore] He does indeed,
and now Escobar trying to put things away right here.
[Barrett] It's about as vicious and calculating
as I've seen Santos Escobar in a long time.
Something has lit a fire under the Emperor of Lucha Libre.
This man wants power. He wants control.
And he wants to claim the body of Rey Fenix tonight here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Back up top.
Again, Fenix, fighting his way free
and follows up with the drop kick.
And now quick to the top rope looking for Adios Amigos!
[Barrett] Connecting with the back of the head of Santos Escobar,
just when Escobar looked to be ducking out of the way.
[Tessitore] Top-rope Meteora! What impact by Rey Fenix.
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
["Animo" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Rey Fenix!
[Barrett] Well, that was a very different kind of victory from Rey Fenix
than what we've seen from him thus far,
but once again it was the incredible athleticism of this newcomer luchador.
With this springboard moonsault, first of all,
that Santos Escobar was almost caught out with.
But really it was this top-rope Meteora to a kneeling opponent
that did the damage.
The flight of the Fenix continues here on the Blue Brand.
[Tessitore] You say a different kind of fight.
Sometimes you just have to dig deep.
You have to make it just a fight. He did that well.
I get it, and I know Nia.
I know her strength, I know her weaknesses.
Excuse me, Tiffany, Jade, I do apologize for interrupting,
but in tonight's main event,
the both of you are teaming up for the very first time.
And you're also taking on two individuals,
who you've got some really deep-rooted issues with.
Uh, how well do you think you guys are gonna fare?
Listen, Byron, I get it.
If I were Nia, I wouldn't be over me either,
but eventually she's gonna have to learn that this title
belongs around my pretty little shoulders.
And as for Jade,
as long as she stays out of my way, we won't have a problem.
Or… Or you stay out of mine.
And anyway, I'll be focusing on Naomi,
seeing how she didn't get enough of these hands at WrestleMania,
but I spoke to Nick Aldis and I'll be facing Nia Jax next week
in a number one contender's match for your title.
So, yeah, handle that.
That's funny considering last week I almost had you beat, so that's fine.
You can go ahead and you can beat Nia Jax.
I'll just have to do it all over again.
-Toodles. -[scoffs]
"Toodles."
[Barrett] Well, two hastily thrown together tag teams,
who are clearly not on the same page as their partners.
Good luck predicting the outcome of tonight's main event on SmackDown,
as Tiffany Stratton teams with Jade Cargill
to take on Nia Jax and Naomi,
that's coming up imminently.
[Tessitore] And it's the TLC match that has set the standard,
with the tip of the cap to so many greats from the past,
but it's time to celebrate the current kings of TLC,
and look back at the perspective at that historic match on SmackDown
when we return.
[Tessitore] It's been a fun night from Des Moines,
the ninth time that SmackDown has been here,
as we look through some of the results.
Another big win for Fraxiom against Pretty Deadly.
Aleister Black with the Black Mass comes up with a victory against The Miz.
Zelina Vega finding a way again with a win.
And moments ago we just saw Rey Fenix defeat Santos Escobar.
[Tessitore] Tables, ladders, and chairs.
Street Profits, DIY, and the Motor City Machine Guns,
triple threat for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
[Sabin] That right there is what this business is all about.
That right there made dedicating our entire lives to this business worth it.
We knew what this was gonna be.
[Tessitore] There is no let up in this TLC match.
[Barrett] Well, I've seen a lot of tables, ladders and chairs matches.
This is about as vicious as it gets.
The warriors are out on the floor, beating the hell out of each other.
[Barrett] That's a prosthetic leg.
[Tessitore] Come on! How good is this?
[Dawkins] All three teams went out there and laid it on the line.
Motor City and DIY can hang their heads up high,
but at the end of the day…
Smoke, retained.
[Tessitore] Absolute instant classic.
[Barrett] The gutsy Street Profits prevail amidst ultimate mayhem.
Right now we really feel like we're at the top.
And we want the smoke.
Where are you when I need you the most? Do you understand what I'm saying?
[speaks Spanish]
You just told us, yeah.
Santos, tranquilo, what is your problem now?
-What's your problem? -Watch your words.
Watch your words, Andrade.
-Hey, Santos. -Okay?
-You know what? -What?
I know you don't care about the Garza.
-And my problem? I don't like you. -[laughs]
I know you was talking about legacy, respect, honor.
-Mm-hmm. -But only you have is legacy.
You don't have respect.
-You don't have honor. -I don't have respect? [speaks Spanish]
[speaks Spanish]
-What are you laughing at, huh? -[Andrade] You don't have.
Let's go.
Let's get out of here!
I said, let's go!
[Tessitore] That after the loss to Rey Fenix was Santos Escobar.
Hey, John Cena makes his return to Dayton, Ohio.
We will hear from him the night before Backlash
when he defends against Randy Orton.
[Barrett] Well, speaking of Backlash,
that's where LA Knight and Damian Priest will be opponents
in a Fatal 4-way match for the US title,
but the night before at SmackDown in Dayton, Ohio,
they've got a team up together as they go head-to-head
against the vicious Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
[Tessitore] And it is official.
They both want Tiffy's title.
We'll get a one-on-one battle, the powerhouses, Jade Cargill
against Nia Jax for the right to be the number one contender.
[Cargill] A storm… [laughs] …is coming.
["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Vero Beach, Florida,
Jade Cargill!
[Tessitore] And Jade knows that one-on-one with Nia can wait a week
because right now she has the chance to get hands on Naomi
and continue to deal with those deep emotions.
That has arrived with a tag team opportunity
when we return to SmackDown here in Iowa.
Good main event coming your way.
[Tessitore] You up for signs of the night, Wade?
[Barrett] Oh, yeah, bring your best Des Moines.
"First SmackDown," I promise you, after tonight it won't be the last.
"RKO," heading into a major fight.
"Future world champ," we'll see about that.
You're talking a big game. Let's check back in 20 years, kid.
"Birthday party ideas," no better place to spend your birthday than right here.
Congratulations, we're having a big birthday party on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Jade Cargill.
Earlier tonight she saw Naomi out there
and you knew things wouldn't stay calm at all.
["Tiffy Time" plays]
[Tessitore] Little did we know we'd have a tag team main event
that's developed into this.
[Nash] And her tag team partner from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Tessitore] And a happy birthday week to Tiffany Stratton.
There's a lot to celebrate lately, and even more to deal with in the future.
Retain the women's championship at WrestleMania,
that was impressive against Charlotte Flair.
But the longer this title run goes, the heavier things get,
and Nia Jax's return to action proves that true.
[Barrett] So you get past Charlotte Flair,
you feel like it's gonna be plain sailing.
Immediately, Nia Jax comes after you
and your tag partner this evening, Jade Cargill has even mentioned
she wants it too.
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
[Nash] And their opponent, first, from San Diego, California,
Nia Jax!
[Tessitore] Nia Jax, whose recent title run was 153 days,
and much of that time was spent with Tiffany Stratton by her side,
and much of that time was spent looking over the shoulder at Tiffany Stratton,
who on January 3rd-- as you see that look she gives to her--
Tiffy cashed in that money in the bank contract
and took the championship from Jax.
[Barrett] Yeah, Nia Jax, you mentioned it earlier,
has been suspiciously quiet in recent weeks,
and that always unnerves me.
We hadn't seen nor heard from the former champ,
but she chose the perfect time to reignite that pursuit of Stratton
as the dust settled on WrestleMania 41.
[theme song plays]
[Nash] And her tag team partner. from Orlando, Florida,
Naomi!
[Barrett] All right, the personality change with Naomi is one thing,
but the outfit upgrade right in top spot of the entire locker room,
both men's and women's for ring gear, entrance attire,
Naomi is clearly the absolute pinnacle of that game.
[Tessitore] Wow, the caution tape, every which way, proceed with caution,
has been the mantra as she has not been shy about stating her goal.
She wants more than just the after Mania resolution with all things
Jade and Bianca, she wants gold.
[Barrett] And this is one warped personality that Naomi now possesses.
The nice girl, as she says, is gone for good.
2025's Naomi is one highly volatile…
-[bell rings] -…and unpredictable woman,
but throwing fists with Jade Cargill right off the bat,
the most predictable thing you can imagine.
[Tessitore] We're gonna start off with a brawl.
This is just the reason why we even have this tag team match in the first place.
[Barrett] I mean, is this a tag team match
or is it just two separate fights at this point?
[Tessitore] Well, listen, you know how much emotion runs between these four.
These two were the best of friends, side-by-side,
and then the betrayal, and then the cash in.
And now the champion trying to beat down on Nia Jax,
who came after her so hard last week as she made her return.
[Barrett] It feels like a 4-way fight for survival at this point.
[Tessitore] And then in the ring, what we saw at WrestleMania,
Jade and Naomi.
[Barrett] I mean, were we ever expecting this to be a normal tag?
All four women kind of said to their own partners for the evening,
"Stay out of my way, let me take care of my business."
[Tessitore] Yeah, Naomi's saying,
"Hey, Nia, you can have Tiffy all to yourself."
[Barrett] This is a tactic-free tag match. We're just gonna see where this one goes.
The four women in there apparently gonna figure it out as they go along.
And Jade Cargill's doing a pretty damn good job of figuring things out thus far.
Now all those months on the shelf out injured
because of the actions of Naomi was Jade.
And she now delivers that kick right to the mid-section,
as Jade comes back into the ring.
[Barrett] Well, Jade Cargill thought she was done and dusted
after victory at WrestleMania 41.
Was ready to move on from this menace that is Naomi,
but Naomi, who blames Cargill for breaking up her friendship with Bianca Belair,
is certainly not done with The Storm.
[Tessitore] No, she is not, but you are absolutely right
in your assessment of Jade Cargill and what her mindset was.
She did not think that she would still be dealing with Naomi
after what she thought was going to be the resolution that happened in Vegas.
She came on our post show, and she turned right to Big E and said it.
[Barrett] Well, you get it, Jade Cargill's done wonderful things
in the tag world over the past 12 months,
but now after that performance at WrestleMania,
and indeed the performance against the world champ, Stratton, last week,
she was ready to step her game up in the singles wall and grab some gold there.
[Tessitore] There was the tag,
the blind tag by Nia Jax who comes right in.
[Barrett] And there is that element of inexperience still from Jade Cargill,
as much as the physical presences are mentioned.
Just doesn't have the in-ring savvy of Nia Jax who is now in control.
[crowd boos]
Nia Jax and Jade Cargill will be one-on-one
in a number one contenders' match.
But right now as you see that big forearm coming on Tiffany Stratton.
There's so much emotion boiling over in this tag team match.
Tiffany and Jade against Nia Jax and Naomi.
Look at the power,
but then collapsing down into the cover.
And Jade… But she gave it a shot, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, she got Nia Jax up there,
that's the biggest part of the battle with the energy part of her.
Jade Cargill is just too low after the beating she has received,
and now the fresh and vicious Naomi back in there to punish her most hated rival.
[Tessitore] In the post WrestleMania edition of SmackDown,
Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill were going at it.
It ended in no contest when Naomi attacked Jade Cargill, that ended the match,
and then came the stunning arrival of Nia Jax who cleared house
and beat down Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] And perhaps at long last a little daylight for Jade Cargill
to try and claw her way over for a tag to the WWE Women's Champ,
Tiffany Stratton, who has not legally been in this match at all thus far.
[Tessitore] It has been all Jade taking punishment,
and look at this as Nia tries to pull her back.
Jade gets free.
-Boom. -And it is Tiffy Time here in Des Moines.
[Barrett] The sight that Nia Jax did not want to see.
[Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton, that big knee.
[Barrett] Nia Jax has just met the center of the universe,
which for one night only is Des Moines, Iowa.
[Tessitore] The WWE Women's Champion has something to deliver.
How about this? Crucifix pin attempt.
So close was Tiffany.
[Barrett] Tiffany knows it too,
it's rare you get the opportunity to take down Nia Jax,
and to get this close,
brilliant technique there from Stratton,
who turned a potential Samoan Drop into an offensive pin.
Just a split second away from victory and now she really has to drop the hammer.
[Tessitore] Boy, Tiffany could be in really good shape here,
you see her reaching for her ribs, but in position for what could be.
Oh, and Nia quick to her feet. And brings the head butt.
And now Nia.
There is the Samoan Drop.
[Barrett] Little extra stank on that one for Tiffany Stratton.
Oh, and the leg drop, and Nia saying, "What in the world?"
That was a blind tag and there's the…
the fact that they are not tag team teammates
and you can see her ordering her out.
She was in position to close this.
[Barrett] Well, that could have been game over there,
but clearly both women looking to get the dub for themselves.
[Tessitore] Oh, split-leg moonsault goes wrong.
Tiffany gets the knees up.
[Barrett] And what an error that may well turn out to be
for the team of Naomi and Nia Jax.
And Nia Jax is just fuming on the apron.
[Tessitore] Getting those knees up may have just saved the day,
as a fired up Jade Cargill comes in against her chief rival Naomi.
[Barrett] It's superhero-like powers of recovery.
About two minutes ago, Jade Cargill looked completely washed.
[Tessitore] Now she is, oh, getting the best of her, Wade.
[Barrett] Totally refreshed, back on top.
On a mission to be the number one woman in this industry.
[Tessitore] Comes slamming into that corner.
[Barrett] Looking to take care of business with Naomi.
[Tessitore] Naomi begging for mercy,
but instead chokeslam into the cover for the win,
-and Nia Jax comes in to break that up. -[crowd boos]
And now dragging her partner back into the corner.
Remember what happened moments ago when Naomi tagged herself in.
Well, guess who's back?
The running elbow drop, the senton on Jade,
this thing could be over, but Tiffany's going up top.
Oh, swanton to break it up!
And Tiffany may have done damage to herself.
[Barrett] Well, what an insane breakup that was by Tiffany Stratton.
And again, this one is completely broken down, referee losing control.
But who can blame him with these four giant personalities in that ring?
[Tessitore] Tiffany and Naomi.
Oh, and squashing both of them in the corner is Nia Jax!
And pushing them both out of the ring.
Yeah, I'd say the tag team of Nia Jax and Naomi is officially over,
but this match is ongoing as Jax closes in
on what looks to be an imminent victory.
[Tessitore] And now Nia Jax is putting Jade Cargill in position.
[Barrett] It's squashing time, Joe.
-No, it's not! -[Tessitore] Oh, Jade! Look at Jade!
Could she possibly?
She's got Jax up on her shoulders.
Jade Cargill!
-Yes! -[bell rings]
-["A Storm Is Coming" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
the WWE Women's Champion, Tiffany Stratton,
and Jade Cargill!
[Barrett] One of the greatest physical specimens
in the history of our industry.
Used that physique to full effect there.
An epic power bomb on Nia Jax grabbing the victory for this strange team
of Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill.
That perhaps explains the tension between these two former, now, teammates.
[Tessitore] You want tension.
How about the champion saying, "That's mine."
[Barrett] "It's yours for now, Tiffany."
[Tessitore] The positioning for the women's championship
is becoming a bit of a demolition derby.
Oh, and Naomi is back in the ring and attacks from behind.
[Barrett] Both women were distracted by that glittering championship.
Never take your eyes off that caution tape.
[Tessitore] Listen, it's gonna be Nia and Jade
for the number one spot a week from now,
but it's Naomi, proceed with caution,
-holding that WWE Women's Championship… -[theme music plays]
…at the end of this night.
What a night from here in Des Moines, Iowa.
We're only days away from Backlash.
Orton and Cena.
And Cena will be on SmackDown. ash.