1 00:00:08,442 --> 00:00:09,743 [Triple H] Then. 2 00:00:13,330 --> 00:00:14,514 Now. 3 00:00:19,119 --> 00:00:20,604 Forever. 4 00:00:28,729 --> 00:00:30,029 Together. 5 00:00:38,504 --> 00:00:40,306 [Tessitore] Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa, 6 00:00:40,339 --> 00:00:42,960 the capital city in this sports-crazed state, 7 00:00:42,992 --> 00:00:46,562 and tonight it hosts the wildly unpredictable path to Backlash. 8 00:00:46,597 --> 00:00:50,516 These fans are ready for what lies ahead on Friday Night SmackDown 9 00:00:50,550 --> 00:00:53,803 as the Viper has been striking since WrestleMania. 10 00:00:53,836 --> 00:00:56,306 Yes, Randy Orton is here. 11 00:00:57,257 --> 00:00:59,009 He's just days from challenging 12 00:00:59,041 --> 00:01:01,812 for the Undisputed WWE Championship in St. Louis, 13 00:01:01,845 --> 00:01:06,383 but in moments, he's set to deliver a strong message for John Cena. 14 00:01:07,968 --> 00:01:12,606 Plus, just when Tiffany Stratton thought she had overcome her biggest obstacle, 15 00:01:12,639 --> 00:01:14,758 we found out how wrong that was. 16 00:01:14,791 --> 00:01:16,093 What's the champ's mindset 17 00:01:16,125 --> 00:01:19,329 now that Nia Jax is back in destructive form? 18 00:01:19,363 --> 00:01:22,833 And last week wasn't so awesome for The Miz. 19 00:01:22,866 --> 00:01:25,969 The return of Aleister Black had The Miz laid out, 20 00:01:26,003 --> 00:01:27,955 but there's a hop in The Miz's step tonight. 21 00:01:27,988 --> 00:01:30,524 The A-lister has Carmelo Hayes by his side, 22 00:01:30,557 --> 00:01:33,460 ready to take on SmackDown's newest star. 23 00:01:34,911 --> 00:01:38,182 And Damian Priest is here. His target is the Megastar. 24 00:01:38,214 --> 00:01:40,133 Priest against LA Knight, 25 00:01:40,167 --> 00:01:44,338 with both men hungry for more after what happened-- 26 00:01:45,472 --> 00:01:47,173 -[clamoring] -[crowd cheers] 27 00:01:48,442 --> 00:01:50,259 [Priest] No, no, no, no, no! 28 00:01:50,294 --> 00:01:53,080 You weren't even on my radar. You put yourself there! 29 00:01:53,113 --> 00:01:55,532 And I'm coming for you and your title! Yeah! 30 00:01:55,565 --> 00:01:58,068 [clamoring continues] 31 00:01:58,101 --> 00:01:59,902 [Priest] You can get it whenever you want! 32 00:02:02,289 --> 00:02:04,173 [crowd cheers] 33 00:02:04,208 --> 00:02:06,092 Look at these dummies just waiting to hate. 34 00:02:06,125 --> 00:02:08,544 Let's go ahead and talk about this out there, yeah? 35 00:02:09,613 --> 00:02:12,198 -["Welcome To LA" plays] -[crowd cheers] 36 00:02:22,459 --> 00:02:28,447 [Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome LA Knight! 37 00:02:28,482 --> 00:02:29,833 [crowd] Yeah! 38 00:02:29,867 --> 00:02:32,970 [Tessitore] Been no wallowing after the WrestleMania loss for LA Knight. 39 00:02:33,003 --> 00:02:36,273 Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you, and, Wade, he hasn't wasted any time 40 00:02:36,305 --> 00:02:39,126 putting himself right back into the biggest challenges. 41 00:02:39,159 --> 00:02:41,595 Last week, that's where he found himself against Drew McIntyre. 42 00:02:41,628 --> 00:02:43,230 [Barrett] Yeah, number one contender's match 43 00:02:43,263 --> 00:02:45,666 for the US Title between those two. 44 00:02:46,233 --> 00:02:50,353 Things were going well for the Megastar, but then Solo Sikoa came along, 45 00:02:50,387 --> 00:02:55,976 dropped the Megastar with a Samoan Spike, and with McIntyre closing in on victory, 46 00:02:56,009 --> 00:02:58,078 Damian Priest showed up, 47 00:02:58,111 --> 00:03:00,447 decided he didn't like what was going down, 48 00:03:00,480 --> 00:03:03,000 drilled McIntyre with a South of Heaven. 49 00:03:03,033 --> 00:03:06,069 Now, LA Knight was disqualified as a result of that, 50 00:03:06,102 --> 00:03:10,224 and he then vented his anger until a human torpedo 51 00:03:10,257 --> 00:03:14,094 in the form of Jacob Fatu showed up. 52 00:03:14,126 --> 00:03:20,384 The US Champ putting all potential challenges for his gold on notice 53 00:03:20,417 --> 00:03:22,286 with a typical beatdown. 54 00:03:31,477 --> 00:03:33,079 [music fades out] 55 00:03:34,131 --> 00:03:36,617 [crowd chants] LA Knight! LA Knight! LA Knight! 56 00:03:46,677 --> 00:03:47,977 Let me talk to you. 57 00:03:48,011 --> 00:03:50,030 [crowd cheers] 58 00:03:53,750 --> 00:03:57,887 One week ago, I stepped right in this ring… 59 00:03:59,488 --> 00:04:01,858 -Yeah. -[crowd] Yeah! 60 00:04:02,625 --> 00:04:06,213 And I said I want my rematch from my US Championship. 61 00:04:06,245 --> 00:04:07,898 [crowd] Yeah! 62 00:04:08,614 --> 00:04:10,066 Instead, what did I get? 63 00:04:10,100 --> 00:04:13,987 I got told, well, "You're gonna have a number one contenders match 64 00:04:14,021 --> 00:04:15,522 for a US Championship." 65 00:04:15,555 --> 00:04:17,140 [crowd boos] 66 00:04:19,426 --> 00:04:22,262 I would say if nothing else, I deserve my rematch. 67 00:04:22,296 --> 00:04:24,798 But that's okay. I did what I needed to do. 68 00:04:24,830 --> 00:04:28,784 I came in and had the match, but let's be honest, it didn't go my way. 69 00:04:30,486 --> 00:04:32,673 Now why is that? Let's do a little bit of math. 70 00:04:32,705 --> 00:04:34,608 Why is that? Because right out here, 71 00:04:35,993 --> 00:04:39,513 Solo Sikoa decided to bring his pumpkin-head-looking ass out here. 72 00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:47,471 Gives me the Spike, feeds me in, 73 00:04:48,038 --> 00:04:51,909 and then a little bit later, Jacob Fatu comes out here 74 00:04:51,942 --> 00:04:55,212 like this is his own personal jungle gym bouncing all around. 75 00:04:55,245 --> 00:04:57,647 He's dropping moonsaults on everybody. 76 00:04:58,866 --> 00:05:00,767 But why was that able to happen? 77 00:05:02,019 --> 00:05:03,804 The reason that was able to happen 78 00:05:04,604 --> 00:05:07,457 was because of the man who I have a match with a little bit later tonight, 79 00:05:07,491 --> 00:05:08,942 and that's Damian Priest. 80 00:05:08,976 --> 00:05:11,044 [crowd cheers] 81 00:05:11,929 --> 00:05:13,830 Damian Priest, I ain't got no problem with you. 82 00:05:13,864 --> 00:05:16,984 You gotta understand something. I know what you were doing. 83 00:05:17,017 --> 00:05:20,804 I know it had nothing to do with me, but at the same time, 84 00:05:20,837 --> 00:05:22,606 my man, you got to pick-- 85 00:05:22,639 --> 00:05:25,442 ♪ All rise For the Rockstar… ♪ 86 00:05:25,474 --> 00:05:27,777 -[crowd cheers] -["Rise For The Night" playing] 87 00:05:29,012 --> 00:05:31,647 ♪ All rise For the outlaw ♪ 88 00:05:32,633 --> 00:05:34,801 ♪ Boricua ♪ 89 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:35,919 ♪ All rise For the punishment… ♪ 90 00:05:35,953 --> 00:05:39,623 [Tessitore] Now, Priest got involved with LA Knight's business a bit last week, 91 00:05:40,257 --> 00:05:43,409 and now he hears his name and comes out in front of this crowd 92 00:05:43,443 --> 00:05:46,180 here at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. 93 00:05:46,212 --> 00:05:47,914 [Barrett] Well, in fairness to Damian Priest, 94 00:05:47,948 --> 00:05:50,851 he was trying to help the Megastar last week. 95 00:05:52,102 --> 00:05:55,072 It did cause LA Knight to be disqualified 96 00:05:55,104 --> 00:05:58,659 and lose that number one contender's matchup to McIntyre, 97 00:05:58,692 --> 00:06:01,962 and understandably unimpressed is LA Knight. 98 00:06:01,995 --> 00:06:04,748 [Tessitore] And Drew got that DQ win. Number-one status. 99 00:06:06,500 --> 00:06:09,303 Knight, you right. 100 00:06:09,335 --> 00:06:11,320 You and I do not have a problem. 101 00:06:11,354 --> 00:06:15,758 We're cool, man, and last week, that was all about Drew McIntyre. 102 00:06:17,027 --> 00:06:18,945 WrestleMania happened. 103 00:06:18,979 --> 00:06:21,632 No excuses. I was good with moving on. 104 00:06:22,549 --> 00:06:24,518 But he couldn't keep my name out of his mouth, 105 00:06:24,551 --> 00:06:26,019 and then he mentioned my family. 106 00:06:26,053 --> 00:06:27,854 I just came out here to shut him up. 107 00:06:28,789 --> 00:06:31,375 Dude, look, look, look. I get all of that. 108 00:06:31,407 --> 00:06:33,760 I've had to chase dudes down, beat them down. 109 00:06:33,794 --> 00:06:36,430 I know you wanna knock your name out of his mouth. 110 00:06:36,462 --> 00:06:37,631 I get that. 111 00:06:40,183 --> 00:06:42,068 But you picked the wrong time. 112 00:06:42,102 --> 00:06:43,537 You picked my time, 113 00:06:43,570 --> 00:06:46,240 and now I didn't win my number one contendership. 114 00:06:46,272 --> 00:06:49,243 If I'm honest, the bell rang because of you. 115 00:06:52,546 --> 00:06:54,198 I disagree with you, man. 116 00:06:54,715 --> 00:06:57,317 Solo Spiked you over there. 117 00:06:58,284 --> 00:07:00,854 So all I did was save you 118 00:07:00,888 --> 00:07:03,724 from eating a Claymore and getting pinned. One, two, three. 119 00:07:07,227 --> 00:07:08,679 My man, I… [sighs] 120 00:07:09,179 --> 00:07:10,631 I don't wanna dig too deep here, 121 00:07:10,664 --> 00:07:12,716 but I feel like you're living in the past. 122 00:07:12,748 --> 00:07:14,852 I feel like you're reliving WrestleMania. 123 00:07:14,885 --> 00:07:16,870 Just because you ate a Claymore, 124 00:07:16,904 --> 00:07:20,774 just because Drew pinned you and beat you, don't put that on me. 125 00:07:26,680 --> 00:07:28,882 You don't have any idea how that was gonna come out. 126 00:07:28,916 --> 00:07:31,418 I could have caught him, BFT right here. 127 00:07:31,450 --> 00:07:34,154 I'm just saying don't let your failures be mine. 128 00:07:38,959 --> 00:07:40,644 The way I see it, 129 00:07:40,676 --> 00:07:42,296 this whole situation 130 00:07:42,828 --> 00:07:46,767 is because you lost your championship at WrestleMania. 131 00:07:52,489 --> 00:07:54,241 I don't need any reminders, my man. 132 00:07:54,274 --> 00:07:56,527 Look, I lost my championship. I get it. 133 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:59,279 I understand that, but guess what? 134 00:07:59,313 --> 00:08:02,198 As soon as I lost that championship, I said, "I'll tell you what, 135 00:08:02,232 --> 00:08:03,233 I'm gonna come back. 136 00:08:03,267 --> 00:08:05,719 I'm gonna fight for the thing the very next week." 137 00:08:05,751 --> 00:08:08,671 And then I'm not out here right now 138 00:08:08,705 --> 00:08:12,926 wrestling for this championship because of you. 139 00:08:14,094 --> 00:08:15,662 I can't say it any clearer. 140 00:08:20,299 --> 00:08:21,952 This is the deal. 141 00:08:21,984 --> 00:08:24,905 All your frustrations, they're your fault. 142 00:08:25,705 --> 00:08:30,943 Maybe if your head wasn't up your ass at Mania, you'd still be champion. 143 00:08:39,435 --> 00:08:43,789 My man, the whole idea here is we ain't got a problem, right? 144 00:08:45,007 --> 00:08:47,644 But I'm telling you right now, if you keep talking like that, 145 00:08:47,678 --> 00:08:49,813 you ain't gotta worry about where the head's up, 146 00:08:49,847 --> 00:08:52,382 you're gonna worry about me putting my foot up yours. 147 00:08:52,415 --> 00:08:54,101 [crowd cheers] 148 00:08:54,134 --> 00:08:56,587 [chuckles] All right. 149 00:08:57,504 --> 00:08:59,939 We could do this back and forth for a minute. 150 00:08:59,973 --> 00:09:00,973 We can. 151 00:09:01,007 --> 00:09:03,010 -Our match is later on tonight. -Yeah. 152 00:09:03,043 --> 00:09:04,411 [crowd] Yeah! 153 00:09:04,444 --> 00:09:06,029 I don't see why we should wait. 154 00:09:06,063 --> 00:09:07,865 [crowd cheers] 155 00:09:07,898 --> 00:09:09,833 I don't see why they should wait. 156 00:09:09,867 --> 00:09:11,251 [crowd cheers] 157 00:09:11,285 --> 00:09:12,286 So what are you saying? 158 00:09:12,319 --> 00:09:16,857 I'm saying we get a referee down here, and we do this right now. 159 00:09:16,890 --> 00:09:18,559 [crowd cheers] 160 00:09:19,709 --> 00:09:20,711 Yeah? 161 00:09:20,744 --> 00:09:21,745 [crowd] Yeah! 162 00:09:22,829 --> 00:09:23,914 Yeah! 163 00:09:23,947 --> 00:09:25,732 [crowd] Yeah! 164 00:09:25,766 --> 00:09:27,918 [Tessitore] Wade, I don't wanna wait. Do you wanna wait? 165 00:09:27,951 --> 00:09:29,303 [Barrett chuckles] Hell no! 166 00:09:29,336 --> 00:09:33,189 [Tessitore] Let's do it right away! Knight and Priest. It's next! 167 00:09:38,295 --> 00:09:39,413 [Tessitore] Glad you're with us, 168 00:09:39,446 --> 00:09:41,515 in front of a big crowd here in Des Moines, Iowa, 169 00:09:41,548 --> 00:09:44,701 Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you. Friday Night SmackDown. 170 00:09:44,735 --> 00:09:46,653 LA Knight and Damian Priest 171 00:09:46,687 --> 00:09:50,174 all of a sudden our opening match here on SmackDown 172 00:09:50,207 --> 00:09:53,877 as these two got heated right away, as soon as we came on the air. 173 00:09:53,911 --> 00:09:56,663 As LA Knight was questioning why Damian Priest 174 00:09:56,697 --> 00:09:59,900 caused a DQ last week and gave Drew McIntyre 175 00:09:59,933 --> 00:10:03,804 that number one contender status as Knight is looking for a rematch 176 00:10:03,837 --> 00:10:06,055 to re-earn his US Championship. 177 00:10:07,457 --> 00:10:09,409 [Barrett] Yeah, both men with the tough talk, 178 00:10:09,443 --> 00:10:12,963 both men aggravated by losses at WrestleMania. 179 00:10:12,996 --> 00:10:15,314 There's a hell of a lot riding on this match here. 180 00:10:15,348 --> 00:10:18,735 You cannot afford to take two big L's in a row, 181 00:10:18,769 --> 00:10:21,071 and one of these men is gonna have to eat that. 182 00:10:22,756 --> 00:10:24,591 [Tessitore] Priest slams down Knight. 183 00:10:24,625 --> 00:10:26,627 Just the fourth time that they've ever shared the ring, 184 00:10:26,660 --> 00:10:29,663 but the first time they've gone one-on-one. 185 00:10:29,696 --> 00:10:32,866 [Tessitore] Yeah, that limb length advantage of Damian Priest 186 00:10:32,900 --> 00:10:35,401 has really been the story of this one so far. 187 00:10:36,954 --> 00:10:38,405 As LA Knight-- Oh! 188 00:10:38,438 --> 00:10:41,458 [Tessitore] Oh, he's trying to go for it as Priest throws him away for a moment 189 00:10:41,491 --> 00:10:45,696 and delivers the big kick with all 250-plus pounds coming behind it, 190 00:10:45,728 --> 00:10:47,331 and Knight gets the shoulder up. 191 00:10:47,363 --> 00:10:50,617 [Barrett] Well, if you ask me, that was a desperation play from LA Knight, 192 00:10:50,651 --> 00:10:52,419 clearly attempting that BFT. 193 00:10:52,452 --> 00:10:56,423 He's getting eaten alive by the bigger, more dominant Damian Priest 194 00:10:56,456 --> 00:10:59,826 at this point, and the limb length has really completely 195 00:10:59,860 --> 00:11:01,678 neutralized the Megastar's offense. 196 00:11:01,712 --> 00:11:06,516 [Tessitore] Absolutely. 6'5" is Damian Priest as he's climbing up top, 197 00:11:06,550 --> 00:11:08,202 thinking about going old school, 198 00:11:08,235 --> 00:11:10,170 but Knight drags him right down. 199 00:11:10,204 --> 00:11:13,924 [Barrett] Yeah, Knight just has that one way too well-scouted. 200 00:11:14,808 --> 00:11:17,044 Just took a beat too long climbing the ropes, 201 00:11:17,077 --> 00:11:20,714 giving the Megastar, that championship caliber athlete that he is, 202 00:11:20,747 --> 00:11:24,601 a little chance to recover and throw something back in the opposite direction. 203 00:11:24,635 --> 00:11:27,887 [Tessitore] Mention how heated things got early on when we came on the air 204 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:31,324 as both were giving their account of what happened last week 205 00:11:32,358 --> 00:11:36,045 with that match between LA Knight and Drew McIntyre. 206 00:11:36,079 --> 00:11:40,901 And then Solo Sikoa came and got involved before Jacob Fatu was cleaning things up. 207 00:11:40,934 --> 00:11:45,706 And now these guys going toe-to-toe as Knight starts to take control here. 208 00:11:45,738 --> 00:11:48,876 [Barrett] You have to think Damian Priest was just further antagonized-- 209 00:11:48,909 --> 00:11:53,480 [Tessitore] Oh! The jumping neck breaker by Knight into the cover, hooks the leg, 210 00:11:53,514 --> 00:11:55,848 and quickly Priest gets rid of him. 211 00:11:55,882 --> 00:12:00,454 [Barrett] Yeah, Damian Priest antagonized further by that confrontation, 212 00:12:00,487 --> 00:12:01,605 I should say, 213 00:12:01,637 --> 00:12:05,259 with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa as he entered the building here. 214 00:12:05,291 --> 00:12:08,779 It was like lighting the fuse, and I think the words from LA Knight 215 00:12:08,812 --> 00:12:13,534 set Damian Priest off over the edge, and a fight at that point was inevitable. 216 00:12:13,567 --> 00:12:14,668 [Tessitore] It was. 217 00:12:16,435 --> 00:12:21,625 Big right hand from Priest as he tries to steady himself after the attack 218 00:12:21,658 --> 00:12:24,560 from Knight, who gets him up and slams him down. 219 00:12:24,594 --> 00:12:26,413 [Barrett] Yeah, Priest looks like he's hurting now. 220 00:12:26,445 --> 00:12:31,418 Still clearly not quite recovered from that Sin City Street Fight, 221 00:12:31,451 --> 00:12:33,170 but catching the Megastar, 222 00:12:33,203 --> 00:12:36,423 and this is danger moments for LA Knight here. 223 00:12:38,759 --> 00:12:40,276 [Tessitore] Looking for the South of Heaven. 224 00:12:40,310 --> 00:12:45,582 Instead, Knight able to counter, but then Priest comes roaring back. 225 00:12:47,134 --> 00:12:50,319 And that left shoulder just barely gets up from Knight. 226 00:12:50,353 --> 00:12:52,856 [Barrett] And that's how dangerous Damian Priest is. 227 00:12:52,890 --> 00:12:56,126 You see him sucking on oxygen. He's moving a little gingerly. 228 00:12:56,159 --> 00:12:59,795 He's clearly in agony, but he's so big, so strong. 229 00:12:59,829 --> 00:13:04,785 One shot from Priest will take anyone off their feet, and look at the Megastar now. 230 00:13:04,818 --> 00:13:06,786 The wind completely knocked out of him. 231 00:13:06,819 --> 00:13:09,156 [Tessitore] I just consider what both of these guys 232 00:13:09,189 --> 00:13:12,192 have given and taken in recent weeks, 233 00:13:12,226 --> 00:13:14,261 the brutality in recent weeks, 234 00:13:14,294 --> 00:13:18,515 especially considering what happened at WrestleMania in each of their matches. 235 00:13:18,549 --> 00:13:21,084 Was looking for the Razor's Edge this time. 236 00:13:21,117 --> 00:13:24,738 Instead, it's the Megastar coming back at Priest. 237 00:13:25,322 --> 00:13:28,040 [Tessitore] I agree with you, Joe. I think both men could well do 238 00:13:28,074 --> 00:13:29,943 with a week off to recover at this point, 239 00:13:29,977 --> 00:13:33,747 but coming off the back of losses, you don't want to take a week off. 240 00:13:33,780 --> 00:13:35,498 But what do the people want? 241 00:13:36,949 --> 00:13:39,252 -He's asking them… -[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah! 242 00:13:39,286 --> 00:13:41,255 …and he's set to deliver! 243 00:13:41,288 --> 00:13:47,310 Jump-up leaping elbow, the Megastar looking for the win here in Des Moines. 244 00:13:48,462 --> 00:13:50,314 And, oh, so close. 245 00:13:53,733 --> 00:13:54,867 [crowd chants] This is awesome! 246 00:13:54,901 --> 00:13:59,039 [Tessitore] The "this is awesome" chant has started here in Des Moines, Iowa, 247 00:13:59,072 --> 00:14:02,509 as LA Knight and Damian Priest, moments ago, the double clothesline. 248 00:14:02,543 --> 00:14:04,728 These guys are giving everything they can. 249 00:14:04,761 --> 00:14:07,430 They have been heated after what happened a week ago 250 00:14:07,464 --> 00:14:12,135 when LA Knight blames Damian Priest for the DQ loss that put Drew McIntyre 251 00:14:12,169 --> 00:14:15,255 into the number one spot, and now Knight's got Priest up top. 252 00:14:15,822 --> 00:14:18,675 [Barrett] Yeah, it's been LA Knight who really has been punishing 253 00:14:18,709 --> 00:14:20,911 Damian Priest for these last few minutes. 254 00:14:20,944 --> 00:14:25,314 The confidence normally oozing out of Priest is perhaps turning 255 00:14:25,348 --> 00:14:30,270 into desperation, but Priest now showing us all just how deep he can dig. 256 00:14:38,362 --> 00:14:41,949 [Tessitore] LA said, "A week ago, you picked the wrong time, my time." 257 00:14:41,982 --> 00:14:45,651 Oh, he was looking for the Razor's Edge moments ago, 258 00:14:45,685 --> 00:14:47,187 and now he delivers, 259 00:14:47,221 --> 00:14:51,108 nearly three-quarters across the ring sending the Megastar. 260 00:14:52,459 --> 00:14:56,613 And just at the last possible minute, that left shoulder getting up. 261 00:14:56,646 --> 00:14:59,299 [Barrett] Um, let's take another look at this landing. 262 00:14:59,333 --> 00:15:03,353 High on the neck and shoulders for LA Knight. No way to protect yourself. 263 00:15:03,387 --> 00:15:05,988 The back of the head bouncing off the canvas, 264 00:15:06,022 --> 00:15:10,727 and this entire arena were convinced this was a three-count. 265 00:15:10,761 --> 00:15:13,863 2.99, no less than that, 266 00:15:13,896 --> 00:15:16,282 but somehow the Megastar's still ticking. 267 00:15:16,900 --> 00:15:19,486 [Tessitore] Wade, can you believe the distance of that? 268 00:15:20,687 --> 00:15:24,141 [Barrett] I mean, it says something when Damian Priest has the raw power 269 00:15:24,174 --> 00:15:28,545 to throw a 250-plus pound man in LA Knight across the ring 270 00:15:28,579 --> 00:15:30,197 this deep in the match, Joe. 271 00:15:30,229 --> 00:15:34,166 [Tessitore] He's looking for more, but instead of South of Heaven, 272 00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:37,670 the Megastar trying to find his own rally. 273 00:15:37,704 --> 00:15:40,656 No, Priest counters! Broken Arrow. 274 00:15:42,943 --> 00:15:45,145 [Barrett] Priest not going for a cover here. 275 00:15:45,179 --> 00:15:46,964 That could be a mistake, perhaps. 276 00:15:46,997 --> 00:15:51,985 He's acutely aware that the Megastar is not gonna go down easy in this one. 277 00:15:52,019 --> 00:15:53,954 You have to stack that offense. 278 00:15:55,521 --> 00:15:59,575 But how much has Damian Priest got left in the tank to even scale to the top rope? 279 00:15:59,609 --> 00:16:01,277 He's taking a hell of a lot of time. 280 00:16:01,310 --> 00:16:03,380 [Tessitore] Oh, that is a question, and a legitimate one 281 00:16:03,413 --> 00:16:05,365 based on what we are seeing as all of a sudden-- 282 00:16:05,399 --> 00:16:07,266 Oh, Knight's back on his feet! 283 00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:11,688 Knight is back on his feet! Quick like a cat to the superplex! 284 00:16:11,722 --> 00:16:13,824 [Barrett] Call that a Megaplex maybe, Joe. 285 00:16:14,842 --> 00:16:16,209 [Tessitore] Hooks the leg. 286 00:16:17,611 --> 00:16:19,947 And Priest finds a way. 287 00:16:19,979 --> 00:16:22,449 What a battle to start SmackDown. 288 00:16:22,482 --> 00:16:26,185 [Barrett] Well, just when this Broken Arrow connects to LA Knight, 289 00:16:26,219 --> 00:16:28,889 perhaps it was a mistake to not go for the pin 290 00:16:28,921 --> 00:16:34,228 because here's what came back in return, the Megastar with the Megaplex. 291 00:16:35,194 --> 00:16:38,848 And I do think, looking at the pin that LA Knight executed there, 292 00:16:38,882 --> 00:16:42,935 he perhaps over rotated the shoulders of Damian Priest, 293 00:16:42,969 --> 00:16:45,405 allowing Damian Priest an easier kick out. 294 00:16:45,439 --> 00:16:47,540 You can't blame him at this point in the match. 295 00:16:47,574 --> 00:16:51,277 Exhaustion is the order of the day now for these two men. 296 00:17:00,020 --> 00:17:02,122 [Barrett] These two men, their bodies, their joints 297 00:17:02,155 --> 00:17:04,156 must feel like jelly at this point, 298 00:17:04,191 --> 00:17:06,042 trying to maintain any control. 299 00:17:06,076 --> 00:17:08,945 Good luck with that, but Priest moving out of the way. 300 00:17:09,963 --> 00:17:12,081 [Tessitore] Oh, the flatliner on the apron! 301 00:17:12,115 --> 00:17:16,353 [Barrett] Bouncing forehead first off the hardest part of the ring. 302 00:17:16,887 --> 00:17:18,688 Can't pin him out there, obviously. 303 00:17:18,722 --> 00:17:23,359 Need to get him back inside and put this one to bed if you are-- Oh. 304 00:17:23,393 --> 00:17:25,729 [Tessitore] What in the world? Solo Sikoa! 305 00:17:25,762 --> 00:17:28,014 -[bell ringing] -[Tessitore] Solo Sikoa. 306 00:17:28,048 --> 00:17:31,585 The bell rings as this match is over 307 00:17:31,618 --> 00:17:37,323 because Solo Sikoa just came in to beat down Damian Priest. 308 00:17:37,357 --> 00:17:40,594 [Barrett] Well, you've got to be careful who you talk smack to in this game, 309 00:17:40,627 --> 00:17:43,379 especially when you're about to go out and have a match. 310 00:17:43,981 --> 00:17:48,467 Talked a little too much trash to Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu 311 00:17:48,502 --> 00:17:51,370 on his entrance to the arena a few minutes ago did Priest. 312 00:17:51,405 --> 00:17:54,408 [Tessitore] Oh, now he's all over the Megastar as well, Wade. 313 00:17:54,441 --> 00:17:58,110 [Barrett] Well, I'll take a chunk of flesh out of whoever I can get it 314 00:17:58,145 --> 00:17:59,745 if I'm Solo Sikoa. 315 00:17:59,780 --> 00:18:01,882 This is statement time. 316 00:18:01,915 --> 00:18:04,484 [Tessitore] He's lining up the Samoan Spike. 317 00:18:04,518 --> 00:18:09,306 Solo Sikoa in the midst of what was a sensational match 318 00:18:09,339 --> 00:18:14,727 between Knight and Priest as he's gonna deliver the Spike to LA Knight. 319 00:18:14,761 --> 00:18:16,180 Oh, no! 320 00:18:16,213 --> 00:18:18,732 Priest, a massive right hand. 321 00:18:18,764 --> 00:18:20,466 Oh, BFT! 322 00:18:21,752 --> 00:18:26,657 And now they're back on their feet, and Solo better watch out. 323 00:18:30,194 --> 00:18:32,178 After they gave so much. 324 00:18:33,530 --> 00:18:37,918 And they look down at Sikoa, who interrupted things. 325 00:18:40,419 --> 00:18:42,623 Priest is coming our way. What is he doing? 326 00:18:42,656 --> 00:18:45,591 He's tearing apart our announce desk. He's clearing it off. 327 00:18:51,999 --> 00:18:54,668 [Barrett] Solo Sikoa's made a major faux pas here. 328 00:18:54,701 --> 00:18:57,020 He's about to get the Drew McIntyre treatment. 329 00:18:58,839 --> 00:19:02,091 [Tessitore] Jacob Fatu comes out of nowhere! 330 00:19:02,125 --> 00:19:06,396 [Barrett] That human missile once again saving Solo Sikoa, 331 00:19:06,429 --> 00:19:07,714 but don't speak too soon. 332 00:19:07,748 --> 00:19:11,400 Not when the perpetual motion machine LA Knight is around. 333 00:19:11,935 --> 00:19:14,687 [Tessitore] Knight, Samoan drop onto the desk! 334 00:19:16,756 --> 00:19:19,543 Oh, Fatu, the US Champion, 335 00:19:19,576 --> 00:19:23,397 one of the most violent and vicious of all. 336 00:19:23,429 --> 00:19:25,532 He is completely off the chain. 337 00:19:25,566 --> 00:19:27,601 -[Barrett] He's got that look in his eye! -[Tessitore] Fatu! 338 00:19:27,634 --> 00:19:31,171 Oh, no! Running hip attack into the barrier! 339 00:19:31,205 --> 00:19:34,140 He just moved the thing about two feet, 340 00:19:34,725 --> 00:19:38,662 and Priest's head just came right into the side. 341 00:19:39,763 --> 00:19:43,100 [Barrett] Well, between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, 342 00:19:43,133 --> 00:19:46,053 a major message has just been sent 343 00:19:46,086 --> 00:19:52,943 to anybody who may have eyes on that United States Championship of Jacob Fatu. 344 00:19:52,976 --> 00:19:55,162 ["Samoan Destroyer" playing] 345 00:19:57,147 --> 00:20:03,136 [Barrett] Where Fatu and Solo Sikoa go, carnage will swiftly follow. 346 00:20:06,990 --> 00:20:11,043 [Tessitore] Jacob Fatu and his US Championship reign… 347 00:20:16,133 --> 00:20:21,370 it just comes with so much terror for anybody close to contention. 348 00:20:22,906 --> 00:20:25,392 This man is violent. This man is vicious. 349 00:20:25,425 --> 00:20:26,994 Just a banger of a match. 350 00:20:27,027 --> 00:20:29,830 What should have been our main event was just our opener, 351 00:20:29,863 --> 00:20:32,349 and, uh, our card is up in the air now, Joe. 352 00:20:32,381 --> 00:20:35,636 Of course, last week the whole world was buzzing with what we had 353 00:20:35,668 --> 00:20:40,157 for the main event, the TLC thriller won by the Street Profits. 354 00:20:40,190 --> 00:20:43,360 But not to get lost in the tag team division headlines, 355 00:20:43,393 --> 00:20:45,428 it was the debut of Fraxiom. 356 00:20:45,462 --> 00:20:48,415 What a debut it was. Let's take you back. 357 00:20:50,684 --> 00:20:53,620 Fraxiom wowing us with speed, 358 00:20:53,654 --> 00:20:57,407 acceleration and athleticism on the way to victory 359 00:20:57,441 --> 00:20:58,841 over Los Garza. 360 00:20:58,876 --> 00:21:03,830 The former NXT Tag Champs moving on in style as they announce themselves 361 00:21:03,864 --> 00:21:06,817 as major players here on the Blue Brand. 362 00:21:06,850 --> 00:21:10,220 Now, let's head over to our correspondent, Byron Saxton. 363 00:21:13,156 --> 00:21:15,158 Joe, Wade, thank you guys so much. 364 00:21:15,192 --> 00:21:19,530 Right now, standing by with the team that made their successful debut last week 365 00:21:19,562 --> 00:21:21,248 here on Friday Night SmackDown. 366 00:21:21,281 --> 00:21:22,950 Nathan Frazer and Axiom, 367 00:21:22,983 --> 00:21:24,568 otherwise known as Fraxiom. 368 00:21:24,601 --> 00:21:27,404 And tonight, guys, you have another chance to go out there 369 00:21:27,437 --> 00:21:28,922 and show out, 370 00:21:28,956 --> 00:21:31,325 but this time against Pretty Deadly. 371 00:21:31,358 --> 00:21:33,143 Oh, we're excited, Byron. 372 00:21:33,177 --> 00:21:36,947 You know, at NXT we flipped the entire tag team division upside down, 373 00:21:36,980 --> 00:21:39,983 and on Friday Night SmackDown, we plan on doing the exact same thing. 374 00:21:40,017 --> 00:21:41,368 -Ain't that right, amigo? -Yeah, we are. 375 00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:43,169 I mean, did you see the TLC match last week? 376 00:21:43,203 --> 00:21:44,204 -It was bonkers. -Right. 377 00:21:44,237 --> 00:21:46,639 That's exactly why we're so excited to be here in SmackDown. 378 00:21:46,673 --> 00:21:49,860 This is the best tag division on the entire planet. 379 00:21:49,893 --> 00:21:52,079 -For real. -Well, on that note, I do have to ask-- 380 00:21:52,111 --> 00:21:54,498 -Yes Boy! -Yes Boys coming through! Yes Boy! 381 00:21:54,531 --> 00:21:56,283 -Yes, excuse us, Byron. -Off you go. 382 00:21:56,316 --> 00:21:58,034 -Be gone. -And if you're wondering, Byron, 383 00:21:58,068 --> 00:22:01,839 it is the purple. Yes, get it out of here, out of everybody's sight, thank you. 384 00:22:01,871 --> 00:22:03,490 But it's good to see you, Fraxiom. 385 00:22:03,524 --> 00:22:05,292 And it's good you want to compete against the best 386 00:22:05,325 --> 00:22:09,996 because SmackDown is home of the best and hungriest tag team division. 387 00:22:10,030 --> 00:22:12,582 Speaking of hungry, tasty debut last week. 388 00:22:12,616 --> 00:22:14,268 -Very tasty. -But don't forget… 389 00:22:14,885 --> 00:22:17,571 who the two tastiest snacks are around. 390 00:22:17,604 --> 00:22:19,022 But I will… I will admit, 391 00:22:19,056 --> 00:22:22,359 I'm enjoying having some extra European blood around SmackDown, it's really nice. 392 00:22:22,392 --> 00:22:23,810 It must be nice for you guys, right? 393 00:22:23,844 --> 00:22:26,547 It's new, it's exciting, and everybody loves you, 394 00:22:26,580 --> 00:22:28,081 and that's great, that's great. 395 00:22:28,115 --> 00:22:30,667 But I'm suggesting maybe we knock it down 20%, 396 00:22:30,701 --> 00:22:34,171 and we remember that opportunities are earned, they're not given. 397 00:22:34,204 --> 00:22:39,158 And we know how good you guys are, but more importantly, we know how good we are. 398 00:22:39,860 --> 00:22:42,279 But wait, do you remember we thought that, but then we were thinking, 399 00:22:42,312 --> 00:22:43,764 "Wait, do we know if they're any good?" 400 00:22:43,797 --> 00:22:44,831 [Prince, Wilson chattering] 401 00:22:44,865 --> 00:22:47,650 We've not wrestled them, and we don't know if they're any good, and sometimes… 402 00:22:47,684 --> 00:22:49,269 So then we spoke to Uncle Nick, and we said, 403 00:22:49,303 --> 00:22:51,554 "Can we find out if they are actually any good?" 404 00:22:51,588 --> 00:22:53,040 [Axiom] Well, we're looking forward to it. 405 00:22:53,072 --> 00:22:54,942 Ah, be careful what you wish for, pals. 406 00:22:54,975 --> 00:22:57,077 -Oh! Oh, "pals." -"Be careful." 407 00:22:57,110 --> 00:22:59,446 -[chuckles] Oh, be careful, won't you? -See you out there, "pal." 408 00:22:59,479 --> 00:23:00,864 [both] Ooh! 409 00:23:04,351 --> 00:23:06,653 ♪ Yes, boy… ♪ 410 00:23:06,687 --> 00:23:08,355 ["On And On" playing] 411 00:23:10,807 --> 00:23:12,426 ♪ On and on On and on ♪ 412 00:23:12,458 --> 00:23:14,595 ♪ We go on and on On and on… ♪ 413 00:23:14,628 --> 00:23:16,062 [bell rings] 414 00:23:16,096 --> 00:23:20,967 [Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall. 415 00:23:21,001 --> 00:23:22,769 Introducing first, 416 00:23:22,803 --> 00:23:27,774 with a combined weight of 426 pounds, 417 00:23:27,808 --> 00:23:30,677 Pretty Deadly! 418 00:23:34,464 --> 00:23:36,600 [Tessitore] First official match for Pretty Deadly 419 00:23:36,633 --> 00:23:40,553 since we saw them so close to gold in their London backyard. 420 00:23:40,587 --> 00:23:44,390 But just short against the Street Profits in a thrilling championship match 421 00:23:44,424 --> 00:23:45,759 at the O2. 422 00:23:45,792 --> 00:23:49,129 Now, they want to keep the new guys at bay. 423 00:23:49,162 --> 00:23:52,165 Pretty Deadly looking to maintain their status against Fraxiom. 424 00:23:52,198 --> 00:23:55,235 That's coming up next on Friday Night Smackdown. 425 00:24:19,693 --> 00:24:22,262 [Barrett] The Count from Clitheroe, England. 426 00:24:22,295 --> 00:24:26,099 One of the toughest Englishmen to ever walk the face of the planet. 427 00:24:26,133 --> 00:24:28,435 And talking about tough Englishman, 428 00:24:28,467 --> 00:24:31,405 Yes Boys, Pretty Deadly in action right now. 429 00:24:32,589 --> 00:24:34,707 [Tessitore] They've been far more aggressive in the ring, 430 00:24:34,741 --> 00:24:36,243 the version we've seen of them this year, 431 00:24:36,275 --> 00:24:39,362 and it paid off in the number one contenders match. 432 00:24:39,396 --> 00:24:41,598 [Barrett] Been watching some Michael Bisping fights perhaps. 433 00:24:41,631 --> 00:24:42,633 [Tessitore] Mm-hmm. 434 00:24:42,666 --> 00:24:44,568 ["Never Slow Down" playing] 435 00:24:51,908 --> 00:24:53,810 ["Strike Force" playing] 436 00:24:56,429 --> 00:24:58,381 [Nash] And their opponents 437 00:24:58,415 --> 00:25:03,669 with a total combined weight of 365 pounds, 438 00:25:03,704 --> 00:25:06,790 Fraxiom! 439 00:25:07,291 --> 00:25:09,643 [Tessitore] Nathan Frazer and Axiom, 440 00:25:09,676 --> 00:25:13,429 Fraxiom, the pair that dominated the NXT tag team scene 441 00:25:13,463 --> 00:25:15,148 for most of the past year. 442 00:25:15,182 --> 00:25:16,766 Ultra speedy. 443 00:25:16,800 --> 00:25:20,854 They impressed everyone last week with their win over Los Garza 444 00:25:20,888 --> 00:25:23,473 in a very fast-paced match. 445 00:25:23,506 --> 00:25:29,446 You look at the resume, the two-time NXT Tag Team Champions with a distinct style. 446 00:25:33,667 --> 00:25:35,218 [music fades out] 447 00:25:35,252 --> 00:25:38,655 [Barrett] Yeah, what an acquisition for the Blue Brand by Nick Aldis, 448 00:25:38,688 --> 00:25:40,374 picking up Fraxiom. 449 00:25:40,407 --> 00:25:45,178 Many people call Fraxiom the best tag team on planet Earth 450 00:25:45,212 --> 00:25:47,481 based on their performances in NXT. 451 00:25:47,514 --> 00:25:50,250 I'm not personally ready to quite go there yet. 452 00:25:50,283 --> 00:25:53,937 Especially after the performances we saw from three tag teams 453 00:25:53,971 --> 00:25:56,273 in last week's TLC main event, 454 00:25:56,306 --> 00:25:59,359 but I will say that Axiom, or Fraxiom, excuse me, 455 00:25:59,393 --> 00:26:02,111 are certainly heading in the right direction. 456 00:26:11,522 --> 00:26:14,174 [Tessitore] You see the speed, as he stretches him out 457 00:26:14,207 --> 00:26:17,010 and then delivers that kick right to the head. 458 00:26:17,043 --> 00:26:19,111 We spent time with Pretty Deadly earlier today 459 00:26:19,146 --> 00:26:23,583 as they're still trying to regroup after what happened at home in London. 460 00:26:23,617 --> 00:26:25,985 They put so much into that match. 461 00:26:27,187 --> 00:26:30,357 [Barrett] Yeah, and it's always unnerving when you're an established team, 462 00:26:30,389 --> 00:26:34,561 like Pretty Deadly is, when a new breakout team hits the scene. 463 00:26:34,595 --> 00:26:36,964 You feel like you know your place in the layer cake. 464 00:26:36,996 --> 00:26:41,001 You feel like there's a bit of a line forming to get a opportunity once again 465 00:26:41,033 --> 00:26:42,519 at the tag champs, 466 00:26:42,553 --> 00:26:46,223 and then a new team with a bunch of hoopla surrounding them turn up, 467 00:26:46,255 --> 00:26:48,108 and you feel like you've slipped… 468 00:26:48,140 --> 00:26:49,693 [Tessitore] Kit Wilson hooks the leg. 469 00:26:49,726 --> 00:26:51,778 [Barrett] …one or two places down the ladder, 470 00:26:51,812 --> 00:26:56,383 and PD certainly need a big win tonight to let these newcomers know, 471 00:26:56,416 --> 00:26:59,553 "You're not gonna have it too easy here on the Blue Brand." 472 00:27:01,420 --> 00:27:04,107 [Tessitore] Money In The Bank the same day as Worlds Collide. 473 00:27:04,140 --> 00:27:08,178 NXT and WWE's newly acquired Lucha Libre AAA World-Wide. 474 00:27:08,212 --> 00:27:10,514 What a day that's gonna be in LA in early June. 475 00:27:11,598 --> 00:27:13,133 "Be careful," he says. 476 00:27:13,166 --> 00:27:15,953 Remember? He says, "Be careful." 477 00:27:16,653 --> 00:27:17,987 "Be careful," huh? 478 00:27:19,072 --> 00:27:22,876 [Barrett] We talked about the speed, the pace, the athleticism of Fraxiom, 479 00:27:22,909 --> 00:27:27,164 but sometimes there's no matching the power advantage that PD have. 480 00:27:27,197 --> 00:27:29,666 Although, the quickness and maneuverability there 481 00:27:30,417 --> 00:27:33,020 was telling for Fraxiom. 482 00:27:33,053 --> 00:27:36,657 [Tessitore] DDT, and now all four men in the ring, 483 00:27:36,689 --> 00:27:38,859 and look at the pace that they pick up here 484 00:27:38,891 --> 00:27:40,244 as Axiom comes in. 485 00:27:40,276 --> 00:27:43,163 [Barrett] PD have never faced anything quite like these two, 486 00:27:43,197 --> 00:27:45,215 and they simply have no defense for it. 487 00:27:45,249 --> 00:27:48,401 [Tessitore] It's the dive train, time and again. 488 00:27:49,069 --> 00:27:52,305 To the outside, right into the barrier goes Prince. 489 00:27:53,573 --> 00:27:57,644 And Kit Wilson on the other side. Fraxiom in control. 490 00:27:57,678 --> 00:28:01,215 [Barrett] Kit Wilson almost taking a dip into our front row there, 491 00:28:01,247 --> 00:28:05,836 and it is this UK-Spanish alliance of Fraxiom 492 00:28:05,869 --> 00:28:08,554 that now has full control over the English boys. 493 00:28:08,589 --> 00:28:10,439 [Tessitore] Nathan Frazer is so fast. 494 00:28:10,474 --> 00:28:13,342 The former star soccer player had a college scholarship 495 00:28:14,511 --> 00:28:15,611 to Tennessee Wesleyan. 496 00:28:15,646 --> 00:28:17,798 Played four years of NCAA soccer. 497 00:28:17,831 --> 00:28:19,116 While he was doing that, 498 00:28:19,149 --> 00:28:21,635 he was training for pro wrestling on the side. 499 00:28:21,668 --> 00:28:24,370 He was on the indie circuit side-by-side. 500 00:28:24,404 --> 00:28:28,091 In fact, here in Iowa at Seth Rollins's Black and Brave Wrestling Academy 501 00:28:28,125 --> 00:28:29,126 in Davenport. 502 00:28:29,626 --> 00:28:33,129 [Barrett] There you can see the fingerprints of Seth "Freakin" Rollins 503 00:28:33,163 --> 00:28:37,484 all over Nathan Frazer, who is just a blur when you watch him in that ring, 504 00:28:37,518 --> 00:28:39,586 and it's really Axiom who's more the… 505 00:28:41,071 --> 00:28:46,959 cold-blooded technician of the two, but certainly no slouch, himself. 506 00:28:46,994 --> 00:28:50,379 But once again that power game of Elton Prince is telling there. 507 00:28:50,414 --> 00:28:53,867 [Tessitore] He catches him off the crossbody attempt. 508 00:28:53,900 --> 00:28:58,254 And now throws him down onto the feet of Kit Wilson 509 00:28:58,839 --> 00:29:02,074 and the Clothesline From El… 510 00:29:02,109 --> 00:29:03,526 [Barrett] …ton. 511 00:29:09,867 --> 00:29:13,387 [Tessitore] Big crowd here at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa 512 00:29:13,419 --> 00:29:15,322 as Fraxiom is taking on Pretty Deadly. 513 00:29:22,779 --> 00:29:26,716 Axiom desperate to get that tag on Nathan Frazer. 514 00:29:27,501 --> 00:29:31,154 Great debut on SmackDown, and now he does. Here comes Frazer, Wade. 515 00:29:32,389 --> 00:29:34,241 Oh, gets both of them 516 00:29:34,942 --> 00:29:36,493 with the springboard drop kick. 517 00:29:36,526 --> 00:29:38,879 [Barrett] Get ready to hit that slow down button 518 00:29:38,911 --> 00:29:44,083 on your remote because this guy is simply too fast to be legal. 519 00:29:44,117 --> 00:29:49,572 [Tessitore] He is an absolute vapor trail springboarding into action. 520 00:29:51,658 --> 00:29:54,895 Doubles a DDT! One reverse, one in front! 521 00:29:56,129 --> 00:29:58,849 Shooting Star Press into the cover. 522 00:30:02,285 --> 00:30:05,105 [Barrett] I mean that looked exceptionally close. 523 00:30:05,138 --> 00:30:07,006 [Tessitore] He is in absolute disbelief. 524 00:30:07,040 --> 00:30:09,610 [Barrett] Well, the boos are ringing out, and I understand it. 525 00:30:09,643 --> 00:30:13,813 You see the mouth of Elton Prince busted wide open. 526 00:30:13,847 --> 00:30:15,399 This was a late, late kick out. 527 00:30:15,432 --> 00:30:18,385 I'm not quite sure, it may have been an elbow that connected 528 00:30:18,418 --> 00:30:23,924 to the jaw of Elton Prince, who looks in an absolutely terrible state, 529 00:30:23,956 --> 00:30:27,293 and Nathan Frazer here, it might be like taking candy from a baby 530 00:30:27,327 --> 00:30:29,847 because Elton Prince looks like a beaten man. 531 00:30:31,697 --> 00:30:32,949 [Tessitore] Just look at his face. 532 00:30:32,983 --> 00:30:35,586 [Barrett] Well, I'll give you something, this is a bit of an experience here 533 00:30:35,619 --> 00:30:41,225 from Nathan Frazer, taking an opponent up in his own tag corner, 534 00:30:41,824 --> 00:30:45,329 which is essentially given a free tag here to Kit Wilson. 535 00:30:47,014 --> 00:30:50,833 [Tessitore] And now off to the floor, and now here comes Kit Wilson. 536 00:30:50,868 --> 00:30:52,903 [Barrett] Frazer didn't see the tag. 537 00:30:52,936 --> 00:30:55,722 He was so focused on attacking Elton Prince. 538 00:30:57,224 --> 00:30:58,457 [Tessitore] For the win. 539 00:30:59,659 --> 00:31:02,095 And the kick out at the very last second. 540 00:31:02,129 --> 00:31:03,730 [Barrett] Well, that was a mistake 541 00:31:03,764 --> 00:31:05,916 Nathan Frazer really needs to learn from there, 542 00:31:05,948 --> 00:31:08,851 and you won't get many chances like that here at SmackDown. 543 00:31:08,886 --> 00:31:11,187 Frazer is lucky he's still ticking in this one. 544 00:31:12,789 --> 00:31:16,810 [Tessitore] Oh, big right hand comes in from Kit Wilson. 545 00:31:16,843 --> 00:31:18,978 [Barrett] Wilson might have to win this one on his own 546 00:31:19,012 --> 00:31:20,429 if he's gonna be successful here. 547 00:31:20,464 --> 00:31:23,600 I think Elton Prince is down for the count at this point, 548 00:31:23,634 --> 00:31:27,404 and it's effectively a 2-on-1 matchup, and now Axiom back in the fray. 549 00:31:30,374 --> 00:31:34,127 [Tessitore] Kit Wilson in that compromise position. 550 00:31:36,245 --> 00:31:38,497 [Barrett] Just rapid tags here from Fraxiom, 551 00:31:38,532 --> 00:31:41,267 and it is now Nathan Frazer who's the legal man. 552 00:31:41,301 --> 00:31:42,836 [Tessitore] Oh! Spanish Fly! 553 00:31:42,870 --> 00:31:45,004 [Barrett] This did the damage last week, Joe. 554 00:31:45,839 --> 00:31:49,243 [Tessitore] Meanwhile, Nathan Frazer Phoenix Splash. 555 00:31:49,275 --> 00:31:52,178 The combo work for the win. 556 00:31:52,212 --> 00:31:53,514 -They get it. -[bell rings] 557 00:31:53,547 --> 00:31:55,182 ["Never Slow Down" plays] 558 00:31:55,215 --> 00:31:57,801 [Tessitore] And that is 2-for-2 on SmackDown. 559 00:31:57,833 --> 00:31:59,735 [Nash] Here are you winners, 560 00:31:59,770 --> 00:32:02,789 Fraxiom! 561 00:32:02,822 --> 00:32:06,176 [Barrett] Well, it was certainly not beginner's luck for Fraxiom. 562 00:32:06,209 --> 00:32:10,898 Two weeks in a row now, big W's against top-tier contenders. 563 00:32:10,930 --> 00:32:12,815 The Spanish Fly from Axiom, 564 00:32:12,850 --> 00:32:16,320 stacked with this Phoenix Splash from Nathan Frazer. 565 00:32:16,352 --> 00:32:20,340 Two weeks in a row it's done the damage, and that could be the key 566 00:32:20,374 --> 00:32:24,061 to Fraxiom one day winning gold here on the Blue Brand. 567 00:32:24,093 --> 00:32:26,580 [Tessitore] Yeah, they are making a big statement early on 568 00:32:26,612 --> 00:32:30,466 in what is a richly talented and proven tag team division. 569 00:32:30,500 --> 00:32:32,119 Big win for Fraxiom. 570 00:32:34,321 --> 00:32:35,322 -…anytime. -You're welcome. 571 00:32:35,355 --> 00:32:36,939 You know, after watching the Street Profits 572 00:32:36,974 --> 00:32:40,427 win that TLC match last week, it's really brought some inspiration, 573 00:32:40,459 --> 00:32:43,563 and I would love if Michin and myself would be able to get our hands 574 00:32:43,597 --> 00:32:44,898 on some gold of our own. 575 00:32:44,932 --> 00:32:48,368 And we know that you just gave some time off to Liv and Raquel 576 00:32:48,401 --> 00:32:49,937 so Liv can go film that movie. 577 00:32:49,969 --> 00:32:52,322 I'm just saying that when they come back, 578 00:32:52,356 --> 00:32:54,690 we would be honored to be on top of the list. 579 00:32:54,725 --> 00:32:56,526 I can take that under consideration. 580 00:32:56,560 --> 00:32:59,329 Just a couple of paper tigers and a huge dictator. 581 00:32:59,362 --> 00:33:00,363 Clear. 582 00:33:00,397 --> 00:33:02,783 [tearfully] Madam Cha-- Chelsea, you can come out now. 583 00:33:02,815 --> 00:33:05,535 -Oh, condolences for your loss. -Oh, boy. 584 00:33:05,569 --> 00:33:07,471 You look good covering all black and L's. 585 00:33:07,504 --> 00:33:08,822 So sad. [laughs] 586 00:33:08,856 --> 00:33:10,323 -Nicholas. -Ooh. Ms. Green. 587 00:33:10,357 --> 00:33:11,875 Last week was rigged. 588 00:33:11,908 --> 00:33:14,977 Hijacked by the deep state of jealous women in the locker room 589 00:33:15,012 --> 00:33:17,848 led by none other than crooked Zelina Vega. 590 00:33:17,880 --> 00:33:21,685 Chelsea, the numbers don't lie, and the referee counted three, 591 00:33:21,717 --> 00:33:22,836 so that's the number I care-- 592 00:33:22,870 --> 00:33:24,754 Textbook collusion is what that is! 593 00:33:24,788 --> 00:33:28,192 We are talking about the United States Championship, Nicholas. 594 00:33:28,225 --> 00:33:29,576 You're not even from here. 595 00:33:29,610 --> 00:33:31,110 Neither are you or you or you. 596 00:33:31,144 --> 00:33:32,763 -How dare you? -Blasphemy. 597 00:33:33,981 --> 00:33:35,248 She's an American hero. 598 00:33:35,282 --> 00:33:36,283 That's right. 599 00:33:36,315 --> 00:33:39,136 Nicholas, don't make me take you to the Supreme Court. 600 00:33:39,168 --> 00:33:41,271 [chuckles] "The Supreme Court." Well, good luck with that. 601 00:33:41,304 --> 00:33:43,774 I have a show to run, so unless there's something else-- 602 00:33:43,807 --> 00:33:45,908 No, no, no! Wait, wait, wait, wait! [sighs] 603 00:33:46,760 --> 00:33:50,813 What if I told you I won't take you to the Supreme Court 604 00:33:50,848 --> 00:33:55,218 and instead, you will give me the recount that I deserve? 605 00:33:55,252 --> 00:33:58,004 I think you mean a rematch, and that's something we can certainly talk about, 606 00:33:58,038 --> 00:33:59,039 just not tonight, 607 00:33:59,072 --> 00:34:03,510 because tonight Zelina Vega is going one-on-one with Piper Niven. 608 00:34:03,543 --> 00:34:04,544 -What? -Yeah. 609 00:34:04,578 --> 00:34:05,779 -What? -Since when? 610 00:34:05,812 --> 00:34:08,047 -Since right now. One-on-one. -Who agreed to this? 611 00:34:08,081 --> 00:34:11,768 And, hey, if Piper's successful, she'll be first in line for a title shot, 612 00:34:11,801 --> 00:34:13,237 and then maybe she could be US Champion, 613 00:34:13,270 --> 00:34:15,038 and then maybe you can be her Secret Hervice. 614 00:34:15,072 --> 00:34:16,172 [gasps] 615 00:34:16,206 --> 00:34:17,473 [clamoring] 616 00:34:18,775 --> 00:34:20,643 -Chelsea, you okay? -Okay, okay. Just breathe. 617 00:34:20,676 --> 00:34:22,728 [Tessitore] Chelsea's losing her mind. 618 00:34:22,763 --> 00:34:26,098 It was a shocking return a week ago for Nia Jax. 619 00:34:26,132 --> 00:34:27,868 Hadn't seen her since Elimination Chamber. 620 00:34:27,900 --> 00:34:31,455 We'll hear from the dangerous and determined Nia Jax next. 621 00:34:37,710 --> 00:34:39,161 [Cole] Cena versus Orton. 622 00:34:40,514 --> 00:34:44,083 One of the great rivalries in the history of the WWE. 623 00:34:50,806 --> 00:34:53,960 Two of the great champions of our era, Orton and Cena, 624 00:34:53,993 --> 00:34:56,112 to lock it up for the opportunity 625 00:34:56,145 --> 00:35:00,918 to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. 626 00:35:00,951 --> 00:35:03,937 Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. 627 00:35:03,971 --> 00:35:05,939 Climb up, get the championships. 628 00:35:05,973 --> 00:35:08,942 [Roberts] The WWE was unifying the titles. 629 00:35:08,976 --> 00:35:14,481 There was going to be one top dog grand champion of the WWE. 630 00:35:15,899 --> 00:35:18,719 You wanna talk about stakes, those are big stakes. 631 00:35:21,421 --> 00:35:23,123 [Cole] Cena's hanging on! 632 00:35:25,625 --> 00:35:29,196 Randy Orton looks to handcuff John Cena the bottom rope. 633 00:35:29,830 --> 00:35:31,732 Cena took the rope off the turnbuckle! 634 00:35:36,069 --> 00:35:38,138 Cena may be out cold. 635 00:35:38,171 --> 00:35:40,774 It elevated Randy Orton to a completely different level. 636 00:35:42,308 --> 00:35:47,514 Randy Orton is WWE World Heavyweight Champion! 637 00:35:50,334 --> 00:35:51,652 [Orton] I proved tonight… 638 00:35:52,618 --> 00:35:57,457 that I am the greatest superstar of this generation or any other. 639 00:36:01,578 --> 00:36:03,330 [Barrett] Cannot wait for that one. 640 00:36:03,363 --> 00:36:06,833 Backlash in St. Louis, Missouri, 641 00:36:06,866 --> 00:36:12,656 the hometown man, Randy Orton looks to become a 15-time world champ 642 00:36:12,689 --> 00:36:15,576 against an almost 25-year rival, 643 00:36:15,609 --> 00:36:19,947 the record 17-time champ John Cena. 644 00:36:19,980 --> 00:36:23,967 And, side note, we will be hearing from Randy Orton later on tonight, 645 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:27,221 right here on SmackDown regarding that match. 646 00:36:30,574 --> 00:36:32,793 ["Not Like Most Girls" plays] 647 00:36:41,752 --> 00:36:44,837 ♪ There's only one of me… ♪ 648 00:36:44,872 --> 00:36:46,623 [Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, 649 00:36:46,656 --> 00:36:52,546 please welcome Nia Jax! 650 00:36:53,080 --> 00:36:55,232 [Tessitore] Nia knows what it's like to be on top of them all, 651 00:36:55,265 --> 00:36:57,601 the two-time Women's World Champion. 652 00:36:58,285 --> 00:37:01,171 Oh, she also knows what it's like to avenge betrayal. 653 00:37:01,205 --> 00:37:03,973 Wade, that's what she was out to do last week and beyond. 654 00:37:04,007 --> 00:37:06,527 [Barrett] Yeah, so we were having an impromptu match 655 00:37:06,560 --> 00:37:07,861 on SmackDown last week. 656 00:37:07,895 --> 00:37:12,799 Saw WWE Women's Champ Tiffany Stratton take on the Storm Jade Cargill. 657 00:37:12,833 --> 00:37:19,056 Both women pushing their limits to the max until a deranged Naomi hit the ring 658 00:37:19,089 --> 00:37:22,859 to attack the woman who beat her at WrestleMania 41. 659 00:37:22,893 --> 00:37:26,380 It was one serious beatdown later, 660 00:37:26,413 --> 00:37:31,351 Naomi chose to exit stage left rather than confront Tiffany Stratton. 661 00:37:31,384 --> 00:37:35,205 However, enter stage right, Nia Jax. 662 00:37:35,239 --> 00:37:39,593 Tiffany Stratton's former mentor letting the champ know 663 00:37:39,625 --> 00:37:41,694 that she wants her gold back. 664 00:37:42,712 --> 00:37:44,964 ♪ I'm not like most girls ♪ 665 00:37:44,998 --> 00:37:47,467 ♪ Most girls… ♪ 666 00:37:47,500 --> 00:37:50,537 -[music fades out] -[crowd boos] 667 00:37:56,259 --> 00:37:57,944 Thanks, guys. 668 00:37:57,978 --> 00:37:59,962 It sounds like you all missed me. 669 00:38:00,647 --> 00:38:03,683 [crowd boos] 670 00:38:09,373 --> 00:38:12,609 Well, that was a warm welcoming, and I'm really happy I'm back. 671 00:38:13,944 --> 00:38:16,797 But you see, while I was gone, 672 00:38:17,297 --> 00:38:19,466 and your champion Tiffany Stratton 673 00:38:19,499 --> 00:38:22,786 was running around here like a Barbie doll with her head cut off, 674 00:38:24,254 --> 00:38:28,991 I was at home getting refocused, 675 00:38:29,026 --> 00:38:34,932 regrouping, so I can come back here and take what is mine… 676 00:38:34,964 --> 00:38:36,732 [crowd boos] 677 00:38:38,551 --> 00:38:41,721 …the WWE Women's Championship. 678 00:38:41,755 --> 00:38:43,290 ♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪ 679 00:38:43,323 --> 00:38:45,225 -["Tiffy Time" plays] -[crowd cheers] 680 00:38:49,229 --> 00:38:52,348 ♪ Drop, I'm going in Bass so loud, it's in my skin ♪ 681 00:38:55,035 --> 00:38:58,020 ♪ Drop I wanna see ya drop… ♪ 682 00:38:59,106 --> 00:39:00,674 Let me guess, Nia. 683 00:39:00,707 --> 00:39:03,192 You were gonna say that you're gonna annihilate me 684 00:39:03,227 --> 00:39:05,095 and then take my title. 685 00:39:05,812 --> 00:39:07,080 News flash, 686 00:39:07,114 --> 00:39:10,901 I'm not the same Tiffany Stratton that you used to bully around anymore. 687 00:39:14,104 --> 00:39:18,158 Cashing in on you was the greatest thing I've ever done for my career, 688 00:39:18,192 --> 00:39:19,560 and I'd do it again. 689 00:39:20,894 --> 00:39:24,998 And then I went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest of all time, 690 00:39:25,031 --> 00:39:26,600 Charlotte Flair. 691 00:39:26,633 --> 00:39:28,468 [crowd boos] 692 00:39:29,303 --> 00:39:30,654 And then I beat her. 693 00:39:31,154 --> 00:39:32,772 [crowd cheers] 694 00:39:33,723 --> 00:39:35,625 And if we ever lock up again, 695 00:39:36,660 --> 00:39:38,362 I'd beat you too. 696 00:39:39,011 --> 00:39:40,531 [crowd cheers] 697 00:39:42,482 --> 00:39:45,551 Uh, you offering me a rematch? 698 00:39:45,586 --> 00:39:46,587 No, no, no, no. 699 00:39:46,620 --> 00:39:49,406 [crowd chants] Tiffy Time! Tiffy Time! Tiffy Time! 700 00:39:53,160 --> 00:39:55,679 You should know, and you should have been here long enough to know 701 00:39:55,712 --> 00:39:57,915 that I don't make the matches around here, 702 00:39:57,948 --> 00:40:00,601 but I'm certainly not shying away from a fight. 703 00:40:01,368 --> 00:40:07,024 I'd defend my title against you anytime, any place, anywhere. 704 00:40:07,774 --> 00:40:09,092 [crowd cheers] 705 00:40:09,125 --> 00:40:10,644 ♪ I'm coming ♪ 706 00:40:19,703 --> 00:40:22,873 ♪ This is the last warning ♪ 707 00:40:22,906 --> 00:40:27,077 Well, looky, looky. Looky, looky. 708 00:40:30,830 --> 00:40:33,967 You know, it's funny to see the two of you fighting 709 00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:36,203 because I remember for months 710 00:40:36,236 --> 00:40:40,941 when I was trying to get the WWE Women's Championship from Nia, 711 00:40:41,792 --> 00:40:47,714 Tiffy, you always found a way to make sure you helped her out. 712 00:40:49,299 --> 00:40:52,019 You two made my life hell. 713 00:40:53,854 --> 00:40:56,857 And you say that you've changed? 714 00:40:56,890 --> 00:41:00,394 Nah, Tiffy. I've changed. 715 00:41:02,996 --> 00:41:07,601 I'm a new Naomi now. I'm no longer the sweet Naomi. 716 00:41:07,634 --> 00:41:14,575 The good girl who stood behind Bianca and let Jade walk all over. 717 00:41:15,909 --> 00:41:18,312 I took matters into my own hands. 718 00:41:19,011 --> 00:41:22,966 I took out Jade, and I took my championship. 719 00:41:24,801 --> 00:41:28,571 Jade may have ruined everything that I have worked for, 720 00:41:28,605 --> 00:41:30,307 but I am not done-- 721 00:41:30,807 --> 00:41:33,410 -Shut up. -You copied my wardrobe! 722 00:41:36,630 --> 00:41:39,933 I am not done going after gold. 723 00:41:41,218 --> 00:41:44,805 And not only will I push you onto a car, 724 00:41:45,321 --> 00:41:46,906 I'll push you under one. 725 00:41:48,442 --> 00:41:51,211 -["A Storm Is Coming" plays] -[crowd cheers] 726 00:41:54,865 --> 00:41:58,719 [Tessitore] Well, "proceed with caution" may hit a little different right now. 727 00:41:58,752 --> 00:42:02,189 Look at that purposeful stride of the Storm. 728 00:42:02,221 --> 00:42:05,542 -Jade Cargill is gonna get after Naomi. -[Barrett] Oh, meltdown! 729 00:42:05,576 --> 00:42:10,380 Meanwhile, they're brawling as well with Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton. 730 00:42:11,798 --> 00:42:14,218 [Barrett] Well, it was Jade Cargill that got jumped 731 00:42:14,250 --> 00:42:18,438 by Naomi last week during that match and then subsequently, of course, 732 00:42:18,471 --> 00:42:22,259 Tiffany Stratton jumped by Nia Jax. 733 00:42:22,292 --> 00:42:25,162 A little bit of payback before our eyes here. 734 00:42:25,662 --> 00:42:27,481 [Tessitore] All out brawl. 735 00:42:27,513 --> 00:42:31,234 And now Tiffany and Jade circling each other. 736 00:42:31,268 --> 00:42:35,055 Okay, okay, ladies. Let's settle down. Let's settle down. 737 00:42:35,087 --> 00:42:39,109 If the four of you are so eager for a fight, 738 00:42:39,609 --> 00:42:43,529 then let's give Des Moines, Iowa a tag team match, will ya? 739 00:42:43,564 --> 00:42:45,732 [crowd cheers] 740 00:42:45,766 --> 00:42:49,419 Let's give them Naomi and Nia Jax 741 00:42:49,453 --> 00:42:52,890 versus Jade Cargill and the champ Tiffany Stratton, 742 00:42:52,923 --> 00:42:54,625 and let's do it tonight. 743 00:42:54,658 --> 00:42:56,359 [crowd cheers] 744 00:42:58,779 --> 00:43:00,781 -[Barrett] That sounds… -[Tessitore] Thank you, Nick Aldis. 745 00:43:00,814 --> 00:43:03,133 …like a potential main event 746 00:43:03,165 --> 00:43:05,919 that could well replace the one we lost earlier. 747 00:43:05,953 --> 00:43:10,624 [Tessitore] Yeah, two bitter rivals and then the two former great friends 748 00:43:10,656 --> 00:43:12,826 who split over a contract cash in, 749 00:43:12,859 --> 00:43:15,312 so that is great stuff by Nick Aldis to know that. 750 00:43:15,345 --> 00:43:17,564 He deserves a big hand, by the way, this week. 751 00:43:17,598 --> 00:43:20,467 He led the way on Raw, filling in on Raw, 752 00:43:20,500 --> 00:43:24,254 then he over delivers here on SmackDown two times already tonight. 753 00:43:24,288 --> 00:43:26,522 Being a GM is a thankless task, 754 00:43:26,557 --> 00:43:28,859 but the truth is you get four big personalities 755 00:43:28,892 --> 00:43:30,794 like we just had brawling in that ring. 756 00:43:30,827 --> 00:43:34,548 They're gonna fight one way or another, may as well make it legal. 757 00:43:35,115 --> 00:43:38,886 One of the biggest post-Mania surprises came a week ago, 758 00:43:38,919 --> 00:43:45,025 the return of a very dangerous, often mysterious and cryptic, capable superstar. 759 00:43:47,528 --> 00:43:54,100 And may you never forget that I am The Miz, and I am-- 760 00:43:54,134 --> 00:43:56,286 [crowd] …awesome! 761 00:43:56,319 --> 00:43:59,906 -[Barrett] About to have a very bad night. -["Root of All Evil" plays] 762 00:44:01,859 --> 00:44:04,077 [Barrett] Because look who arrived. 763 00:44:04,111 --> 00:44:10,284 It was the shocking return to SmackDown of one Aleister Black. 764 00:44:12,301 --> 00:44:16,522 But upon this vision, the audience's jaws dropped, 765 00:44:16,557 --> 00:44:20,527 and soon after that the body of The Miz would do the same. 766 00:44:20,560 --> 00:44:24,114 A specialist Muay Thai kick, Black Mass. 767 00:44:24,147 --> 00:44:25,531 Give the devil his due. 768 00:44:26,817 --> 00:44:27,817 Hey, you know what? 769 00:44:27,850 --> 00:44:29,870 I'm sick of people playing with your name, man. 770 00:44:29,903 --> 00:44:32,506 How's he gonna try to make a moment off a moment maker? 771 00:44:32,538 --> 00:44:36,176 Tonight we're gonna show him you, me and Dré. 772 00:44:36,977 --> 00:44:37,978 Dré? 773 00:44:38,562 --> 00:44:40,731 -Dré. -Dré. 774 00:44:40,763 --> 00:44:43,366 Dré and I are pillars in this industry. 775 00:44:43,400 --> 00:44:45,252 This is what I was talking about last week. 776 00:44:45,285 --> 00:44:47,371 Respect. Respect. 777 00:44:47,404 --> 00:44:51,942 Two decades I built WWE with hard work and spotlight-stealing performances. 778 00:44:51,975 --> 00:44:55,828 I've outlasted next big things, so-called flavors of the month, 779 00:44:55,863 --> 00:44:57,814 so-called legends, you name it. 780 00:44:57,848 --> 00:45:00,701 If he wanted his second chance, he targeted the right one. 781 00:45:00,734 --> 00:45:04,004 Yeah. You target a nobody, nobody talks. 782 00:45:04,037 --> 00:45:06,490 You target The Miz, everybody talks. 783 00:45:06,522 --> 00:45:09,977 Spotlight's on you, but here's the thing, 784 00:45:10,009 --> 00:45:11,528 he didn't knock me out last week. 785 00:45:11,562 --> 00:45:14,515 He woke me up. He's not fighting for a spotlight. 786 00:45:14,548 --> 00:45:19,569 I'm fighting to remind everyone exactly who I am. 787 00:45:19,603 --> 00:45:20,904 [Carmelo grunts] 788 00:45:20,938 --> 00:45:22,589 There's a reason I lasted 789 00:45:23,973 --> 00:45:27,678 in a company that he only lasted five years in. 790 00:45:27,711 --> 00:45:31,397 Aleister Black wants to make a statement? 791 00:45:32,249 --> 00:45:33,917 But he's gonna be a part of mine. 792 00:45:34,718 --> 00:45:35,719 Let's go. 793 00:45:36,720 --> 00:45:37,938 Hit my music! 794 00:45:38,906 --> 00:45:41,441 ♪ Awesome ♪ 795 00:45:41,475 --> 00:45:44,328 ♪ I came to play There's a price to pay… ♪ 796 00:45:44,361 --> 00:45:48,281 [Tessitore] Melo with the 15-pound gold medallion André The Giant head. 797 00:45:49,732 --> 00:45:53,453 [Barrett] You get successes in this game, Joe Tess, you celebrate them. 798 00:45:53,487 --> 00:45:55,856 What a massive success that was for Melo. 799 00:45:57,324 --> 00:45:58,825 [Tessitore] Well, when The Miz 800 00:45:59,560 --> 00:46:03,063 is reminding us that he once defeated current Undisputed Champion John Cena 801 00:46:03,096 --> 00:46:04,314 in a WrestleMania main event, 802 00:46:04,348 --> 00:46:05,598 we get moments like this. 803 00:46:06,533 --> 00:46:07,533 [bell rings] 804 00:46:07,567 --> 00:46:11,238 [Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall. 805 00:46:11,270 --> 00:46:13,123 Introducing first, 806 00:46:13,156 --> 00:46:18,045 accompanied by the winner of the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal 807 00:46:18,078 --> 00:46:20,113 Carmelo Hayes, 808 00:46:20,147 --> 00:46:23,616 residing in Hollywood, California, 809 00:46:23,650 --> 00:46:27,821 weighing in at 221 pounds, 810 00:46:27,855 --> 00:46:31,658 The Miz! 811 00:46:31,692 --> 00:46:33,644 [Tessitore] Chance in front of The Miz. 812 00:46:34,810 --> 00:46:38,232 Coming up next against Aleister Black. Don't go anywhere. 813 00:46:46,906 --> 00:46:51,912 The Miz, of course, his huge resume of his career 814 00:46:52,412 --> 00:46:56,232 and a loud complaint recently about being left off the WrestleMania cards, 815 00:46:56,266 --> 00:46:57,801 but that was silenced a week ago. 816 00:46:57,834 --> 00:47:00,537 Came with the incredible entrance and stunning return of the man 817 00:47:00,571 --> 00:47:02,221 we're about to experience again. 818 00:47:02,256 --> 00:47:05,642 As we're all back in black here on Friday Night SmackDown. 819 00:47:06,609 --> 00:47:07,611 [music fades out] 820 00:47:12,966 --> 00:47:15,618 ["Root of All Evil" plays] 821 00:47:54,341 --> 00:47:56,475 ♪ No man is Ever truly good ♪ 822 00:47:57,644 --> 00:48:01,098 ♪ No man is Ever truly evil ♪ 823 00:48:01,131 --> 00:48:03,734 ♪ I do the things You never could ♪ 824 00:48:03,767 --> 00:48:05,903 ♪ And we won't Ever be equal… ♪ 825 00:48:05,935 --> 00:48:11,741 [Tessitore] It has been 1,663 days since Aleister Black 826 00:48:11,775 --> 00:48:14,511 has had an official WWE match. 827 00:48:14,545 --> 00:48:16,013 It was October of 2020. 828 00:48:17,047 --> 00:48:19,399 Life takes really curious paths. 829 00:48:19,433 --> 00:48:22,286 The course that Aleister Black has been on now comes 830 00:48:23,337 --> 00:48:28,525 with a concerning destination for so many in the SmackDown locker room. 831 00:48:29,292 --> 00:48:32,546 [Barrett] An unnerving, otherworldly presence. 832 00:48:33,247 --> 00:48:37,049 Somebody I've not seen in the locker room all day this week, 833 00:48:37,084 --> 00:48:39,886 all day last week, he just appears 834 00:48:40,621 --> 00:48:44,341 and causes devastation with precision strikes. 835 00:48:44,374 --> 00:48:48,529 A ton of questions surrounding the return of Aleister Black. 836 00:48:48,562 --> 00:48:53,533 And top of the list for me is, "Why target The Miz?" 837 00:48:53,567 --> 00:48:57,671 The Miz is convinced it's because Aleister Black wants to stand 838 00:48:57,703 --> 00:49:00,607 in The Miz's gigantic spotlight. 839 00:49:00,641 --> 00:49:05,511 He's targeting one of the biggest names with one of the biggest resumes. 840 00:49:05,546 --> 00:49:08,665 It remains to be seen if that is indeed the case. 841 00:49:08,699 --> 00:49:11,852 But it has woken up something inside of The Miz 842 00:49:12,786 --> 00:49:17,991 who has his work cut out in Aleister Black's first match back. Oh! 843 00:49:18,025 --> 00:49:19,710 [Tessitore] He goes spinning. 844 00:49:19,743 --> 00:49:23,363 Of course, that Black Mass laid out The Miz a week ago. 845 00:49:23,397 --> 00:49:27,817 He is so dangerous as a striker with that spinning kick. 846 00:49:27,850 --> 00:49:30,187 [Barrett] Well, once bitten, twice shy if you're The Miz. 847 00:49:30,220 --> 00:49:33,440 That connects, it is game over this evening. 848 00:49:33,473 --> 00:49:37,377 Miz acutely aware more than anyone just how dangerous this man is. 849 00:49:38,261 --> 00:49:42,516 Throwing kicks of his own, major faux pas against a Muay Thai expert 850 00:49:42,549 --> 00:49:43,951 like Aleister Black. 851 00:49:44,785 --> 00:49:46,185 [Tessitore] He's so capable 852 00:49:47,821 --> 00:49:50,390 with that kickboxing pedigree and Muay Thai, 853 00:49:51,040 --> 00:49:52,709 everything he's capable of doing. 854 00:49:52,743 --> 00:49:55,279 As The Miz now all of a sudden gets on the attack. 855 00:49:55,312 --> 00:49:57,013 [Barrett] Well, there are two versions of The Miz. 856 00:49:57,047 --> 00:50:00,234 There's the mind games-playing version, 857 00:50:00,267 --> 00:50:01,667 likes to laugh and joke, 858 00:50:01,702 --> 00:50:05,622 and then there's this version that is a two-time Grand Slam-- 859 00:50:05,656 --> 00:50:08,058 [Tessitore] That half clinch into the knee into the leg sweep, 860 00:50:08,091 --> 00:50:09,977 that hardcore Muay Thai move. 861 00:50:10,009 --> 00:50:11,812 [Barrett] Yeah, expert precision 862 00:50:12,763 --> 00:50:15,582 by Aleister Black, who trains with Muay Thai 863 00:50:15,616 --> 00:50:19,319 World Champs Liam Harrison, Andy Howson, 864 00:50:19,353 --> 00:50:23,457 and if Miz thought he was gonna get away with a quick one this evening, 865 00:50:23,490 --> 00:50:24,841 he better think again. 866 00:50:25,442 --> 00:50:29,296 [Tessitore] As Miz goes for the kick, and Black able to get out of the way 867 00:50:29,328 --> 00:50:31,464 as he's off to a very good start. 868 00:50:31,498 --> 00:50:32,899 Miz looks the counter. 869 00:50:32,933 --> 00:50:34,734 Catches that boot, but then there's that right knee 870 00:50:34,768 --> 00:50:36,319 that comes up again. 871 00:50:37,154 --> 00:50:39,973 You see the pedigree in the movement of Aleister Black, 872 00:50:40,007 --> 00:50:43,377 whose elbow comes striking right through the top of the torso 873 00:50:43,410 --> 00:50:44,694 of The Miz. Into the cover. 874 00:50:44,728 --> 00:50:46,230 [Barrett] Black is so skilled at this. 875 00:50:46,263 --> 00:50:49,249 He almost comes across as a Matrix-like performer. 876 00:50:49,283 --> 00:50:53,720 He's just a step ahead of The Miz at every move so far, 877 00:50:53,754 --> 00:50:57,908 and Miz's mistake has been trying to match Aleister Black in his own game. 878 00:50:57,941 --> 00:51:02,846 [Tessitore] Yeah, the striking ability. He's accurate. He's powerful. He's fast. 879 00:51:03,614 --> 00:51:07,801 [Barrett] Just been peppering The Miz with shots from impossible angles thus far. 880 00:51:07,834 --> 00:51:09,453 [Tessitore] And looks over at Carmelo, 881 00:51:09,486 --> 00:51:13,557 and with that one moment of hesitation, Miz takes advantage, 882 00:51:14,107 --> 00:51:19,312 swinging Aleister Black's head right into the LED board on the apron. 883 00:51:24,785 --> 00:51:26,770 [Tessitore] Big opportunity for The Miz here 884 00:51:26,803 --> 00:51:30,274 against Aleister Black, who returned to SmackDown 885 00:51:30,307 --> 00:51:34,211 a week ago and delivered a Black Mass spinning kick to The Miz. 886 00:51:34,243 --> 00:51:39,499 Now the Miz comes in against Black, who's in his first official WWE match 887 00:51:39,533 --> 00:51:41,868 since October of 2020. 888 00:51:41,902 --> 00:51:44,904 [Barrett] Well, it has been an absolute master class by The Miz. 889 00:51:44,937 --> 00:51:47,207 Oh, going for that Skull-Crushing Finale, 890 00:51:47,958 --> 00:51:49,942 but too quick was Aleister Black, 891 00:51:49,977 --> 00:51:55,315 and The Miz has just shown exactly why he is so special when he drops the posturing, 892 00:51:55,348 --> 00:51:59,703 drops the clowning around, because he has effectively neutralized 893 00:51:59,736 --> 00:52:03,624 somebody who was mowing him down in the early goings in this one. 894 00:52:03,656 --> 00:52:06,158 [Tessitore] Off the steps, but he eats a huge knee. 895 00:52:06,192 --> 00:52:10,913 I mean, a huge right knee as The Miz just drapes into that barrier. 896 00:52:10,948 --> 00:52:14,417 [Barrett] Yeah, tremendous reactionary strike there from Aleister Black, 897 00:52:14,451 --> 00:52:20,274 who didn't get more than a split second notice that The Miz was darting at him. 898 00:52:20,307 --> 00:52:23,292 It was the perfect strike at the perfect time, 899 00:52:23,327 --> 00:52:26,413 which tells you exactly why Black is just so dangerous. 900 00:52:26,446 --> 00:52:27,481 [Tessitore] He is. 901 00:52:27,513 --> 00:52:30,767 That striking ability of the Muay Thai moves 902 00:52:30,801 --> 00:52:33,854 that we saw early on in this match when he took advantage, 903 00:52:33,886 --> 00:52:37,624 and now he's able to parry that right hand and then sweeps the leg 904 00:52:37,658 --> 00:52:42,696 and look at the speed and the offensive versatile attack of Aleister Black. 905 00:52:43,196 --> 00:52:46,716 [Barrett] Saw a strike to the liver in there at one point. 906 00:52:46,750 --> 00:52:49,118 [Tessitore] Oh, springboard right to the cover. 907 00:52:49,920 --> 00:52:52,589 And able to get that shoulder up at a two-count was The Miz. 908 00:52:52,623 --> 00:52:57,845 [Barrett] And the Miz has been completely debilitated by various body strikes there. 909 00:52:57,877 --> 00:52:59,645 All of them so precise. 910 00:53:00,781 --> 00:53:04,268 All Miz can do at this point is cover up and hope for the best. 911 00:53:10,190 --> 00:53:11,524 [Tessitore] Randy Orton, John Cena. 912 00:53:11,558 --> 00:53:14,461 We are gonna hear from the Viper here tonight on SmackDown. 913 00:53:14,962 --> 00:53:16,379 Miz able to catch that knee. 914 00:53:20,334 --> 00:53:23,904 The hair and stomps down before delivering the DDT. 915 00:53:23,937 --> 00:53:26,589 And Miz, he hooks the leg himself looking for the win 916 00:53:26,623 --> 00:53:28,325 before that left shoulder gets up. 917 00:53:28,357 --> 00:53:31,962 [Barrett] And once again, it's the dirty tricks of The Miz that keep getting 918 00:53:31,995 --> 00:53:33,964 him back on top in this one. 919 00:53:35,899 --> 00:53:40,754 About as deep, dirty trick playbook as this industry has ever seen, 920 00:53:40,787 --> 00:53:45,174 and Carmelo Hayes is loving every second of his mentor 921 00:53:45,209 --> 00:53:47,711 beating the hell out of Aleister Black now. 922 00:53:48,228 --> 00:53:51,348 [Tessitore] Carmelo Hayes with words of encouragement, 923 00:53:51,381 --> 00:53:54,667 perhaps offering up a little bit of strategy and coach-- Oh! 924 00:53:54,701 --> 00:53:58,004 Did you just-- Look at the reaction by Aleister Black! 925 00:53:58,038 --> 00:54:02,308 [Barrett] When you train with world champs in Muay Thai kicking your chest, 926 00:54:02,341 --> 00:54:04,928 these are just bouncing off for Aleister Black. 927 00:54:06,629 --> 00:54:07,981 [Tessitore] Spinning elbow. 928 00:54:09,549 --> 00:54:11,067 Oh, and a big strike! 929 00:54:12,368 --> 00:54:17,007 [Barrett] "Ban that move immediately." That is what the locker room is yelling. 930 00:54:18,457 --> 00:54:21,028 Pumped straight to the jaw of The Miz. 931 00:54:21,861 --> 00:54:24,714 [Tessitore] What a thunderous strike from Aleister Black, 932 00:54:24,748 --> 00:54:28,702 but Miz comes back and snaps down his head on that rope. 933 00:54:28,734 --> 00:54:30,787 [Barrett] I never want Aleister Black to kick me. 934 00:54:30,821 --> 00:54:32,940 [Tessitore] Oh, he's looking for the Skull-Crushing Finale. 935 00:54:32,973 --> 00:54:34,575 Can you believe that? 936 00:54:34,607 --> 00:54:37,477 Can you believe that cartwheel reversal counter? 937 00:54:37,511 --> 00:54:39,446 [Barrett] Well, The Miz can't believe it. 938 00:54:41,582 --> 00:54:44,433 [Tessitore] Look into those eyes. 939 00:54:44,468 --> 00:54:50,240 The mysterious Aleister Black, he delivers again. 940 00:54:54,795 --> 00:54:58,098 [Barrett] I mean, you've got all the time in the world. Count to 300 here. 941 00:54:58,131 --> 00:55:01,435 Miz has no clue what planet he's on. 942 00:55:01,468 --> 00:55:03,370 [Tessitore] And when he puts that foot 943 00:55:04,370 --> 00:55:09,877 under that head and lifts up his potential victim-- 944 00:55:09,910 --> 00:55:12,913 Oh, Carmelo Hayes gets up on the apron. 945 00:55:12,946 --> 00:55:14,248 [Barrett] Then thinks twice. 946 00:55:14,281 --> 00:55:15,665 [Tessitore] Oh, there's a roll up. 947 00:55:15,699 --> 00:55:17,283 There's a roll up for the win! 948 00:55:17,317 --> 00:55:18,585 And the kick out by Black-- 949 00:55:18,618 --> 00:55:21,370 There it is! There it is! 950 00:55:22,071 --> 00:55:24,473 Black Mass. 951 00:55:28,795 --> 00:55:30,998 -[bell rings] -["Root of All Evil" plays] 952 00:55:32,699 --> 00:55:35,319 [Nash] Here is your winner, 953 00:55:36,069 --> 00:55:40,207 Aleister Black! 954 00:55:40,240 --> 00:55:45,596 [Barrett] He's mysterious. He's intense. He's highly dangerous. 955 00:55:45,629 --> 00:55:47,964 Give the devil his due, 956 00:55:47,998 --> 00:55:52,452 and Carmelo Hayes, not this week, pal. 957 00:55:53,353 --> 00:55:55,806 Live to fight another day. 958 00:55:55,839 --> 00:55:57,875 [Tessitore] Does he want a piece of that? 959 00:55:59,276 --> 00:56:00,644 Face-to-face. 960 00:56:00,676 --> 00:56:05,199 Carmelo Hayes and Aleister Black 961 00:56:05,232 --> 00:56:11,939 after a massive Black Mass was just delivered to the chin of The Miz. 962 00:56:18,545 --> 00:56:25,167 First win going back almost five years for Aleister Black 963 00:56:26,169 --> 00:56:28,605 back on Friday Night SmackDown. 964 00:56:28,638 --> 00:56:33,393 [Barrett] And judging by that performance, the first of many, I suspect, Joe Tess. 965 00:56:35,045 --> 00:56:37,647 [Tessitore] Devastating striking ability. 966 00:56:37,681 --> 00:56:40,584 A Black Mass spinning kick. 967 00:56:40,616 --> 00:56:44,288 And The Miz checking his teeth. 968 00:56:46,106 --> 00:56:49,692 Carmelo helps him to his feet. 969 00:56:49,725 --> 00:56:54,214 What a showcase win. Welcome back, Aleister Black. 970 00:57:00,486 --> 00:57:04,324 Fenix. Hey… [speaks Spanish] 971 00:57:05,241 --> 00:57:08,412 Look, I had a chance to watch your match at WrestleMania, 972 00:57:08,444 --> 00:57:09,997 and, brother, I gotta tell you, 973 00:57:10,497 --> 00:57:16,118 what I saw was the true embodiment of disappointment. 974 00:57:17,203 --> 00:57:18,205 Yeah. 975 00:57:18,238 --> 00:57:22,192 Not only did you lose the biggest match of your life, 976 00:57:22,225 --> 00:57:24,077 for which you should be embarrassed, 977 00:57:24,111 --> 00:57:26,846 but you also embarrassed the whole tradition of lucha libre 978 00:57:26,879 --> 00:57:33,437 by losing to a clown… [speaks Spanish] …like El Grande Americano. 979 00:57:34,354 --> 00:57:41,111 Rey Mysterio himself picked you to take his place at WrestleMania, 980 00:57:42,513 --> 00:57:45,182 and you blew it. [laughs] 981 00:57:45,214 --> 00:57:51,337 And now… now the self-appointed "greatest luchador of all time" 982 00:57:51,888 --> 00:57:54,341 is out of the picture, and this time… 983 00:57:56,259 --> 00:57:57,394 Hopefully forever. 984 00:57:59,245 --> 00:58:03,951 Someone's gonna have to take his place, and that person, brother, 985 00:58:04,651 --> 00:58:06,252 has always been me. 986 00:58:07,486 --> 00:58:10,874 So if you know what's best for you, 987 00:58:10,908 --> 00:58:13,560 you're gonna wanna listen closely to what I gotta say. 988 00:58:13,594 --> 00:58:14,745 [both speaking Spanish] 989 00:58:16,363 --> 00:58:19,132 Stay out of my business, okay? 990 00:58:19,966 --> 00:58:21,151 Whoa, whoa, whoa. [speaks Spanish] 991 00:58:21,185 --> 00:58:24,837 There is only one luchador in the world I trust, 992 00:58:24,872 --> 00:58:27,274 and definitely, it's not you… 993 00:58:28,308 --> 00:58:29,426 brother. 994 00:58:30,327 --> 00:58:34,096 If you have a problem, I will see you in the ring tonight. 995 00:58:34,897 --> 00:58:35,999 I'll make it happen. 996 00:58:42,022 --> 00:58:43,022 Okay. 997 00:58:44,207 --> 00:58:45,843 ["The Visual" plays] 998 00:58:52,015 --> 00:58:53,015 [bell rings] 999 00:58:53,049 --> 00:58:56,687 [Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall. 1000 00:58:56,720 --> 00:58:58,372 Introducing first, 1001 00:58:58,404 --> 00:59:00,723 from Queens, New York, 1002 00:59:00,757 --> 00:59:06,913 she is the new Women's United States Champion, 1003 00:59:06,946 --> 00:59:11,285 Zelina Vega! 1004 00:59:11,317 --> 00:59:15,205 How can you not feel great about the new Women's US Champion? 1005 00:59:15,239 --> 00:59:18,225 Zelina Vega, the persistence, that underdog grit, 1006 00:59:18,258 --> 00:59:20,477 kept knocking on the door, proving herself. 1007 00:59:20,511 --> 00:59:23,747 Overcame all the nonsense with Chelsea Green 1008 00:59:23,779 --> 00:59:26,783 and now faces one of the main obstacles during that stretch, 1009 00:59:26,817 --> 00:59:28,551 Vega against Piper Niven. 1010 00:59:28,585 --> 00:59:32,339 That's coming up next, the new Women's United States Champion. 1011 00:59:44,268 --> 00:59:45,702 [Tessitore] Look at this big man! 1012 00:59:45,736 --> 00:59:48,488 Look at Dion Dawkins, the four-time Pro Bowler, 1013 00:59:48,522 --> 00:59:51,475 the offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. 1014 00:59:52,259 --> 00:59:56,846 The big man is sitting here ringside among this massive crowd 1015 00:59:56,879 --> 00:59:58,415 here in Des Moines, Iowa. 1016 01:00:03,020 --> 01:00:05,873 [Barrett] And get this, just announced, 1017 01:00:05,906 --> 01:00:09,660 we had a luchador dispute in the locker room moments ago. 1018 01:00:09,692 --> 01:00:13,846 Well, we're gonna settle it tonight as the electric Rey Fenix 1019 01:00:13,881 --> 01:00:17,149 and the Emperor of Lucha Libre, Santos Escobar, 1020 01:00:17,183 --> 01:00:20,404 they're gonna go one-on-one later tonight, 1021 01:00:20,437 --> 01:00:22,256 right here on SmackDown. 1022 01:00:23,423 --> 01:00:27,560 [Tessitore] We saw Zelina Vega, the new United States Champion, 1023 01:00:27,594 --> 01:00:29,580 having defeated Chelsea Green. 1024 01:00:29,613 --> 01:00:31,615 [theme music plays] 1025 01:00:41,158 --> 01:00:48,147 [Nash] And her opponent accompanied by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, 1026 01:00:48,182 --> 01:00:50,683 from Glasgow, Scotland. 1027 01:00:50,716 --> 01:00:54,087 Piper Niven! 1028 01:00:54,120 --> 01:00:57,057 [Tessitore] And, Wade, let's remind everyone what happened 1029 01:00:57,089 --> 01:01:00,042 last week with Piper and her Secret Hervice partner, Alba Fyre. 1030 01:01:00,077 --> 01:01:01,828 [Barrett] Yeah, well, it's been weeks of chasing, 1031 01:01:01,861 --> 01:01:06,366 but Zelina Vega finally got her opportunity at the US title last week. 1032 01:01:06,399 --> 01:01:12,321 The career underdog being cheap shotted by the Secret Hervice, one time too many. 1033 01:01:12,356 --> 01:01:14,790 That led to their ejection. 1034 01:01:14,825 --> 01:01:17,344 And it was a big distraction for all involved, 1035 01:01:17,377 --> 01:01:22,115 but it was Vega who got the opportunity to hit that patented Code Red 1036 01:01:22,149 --> 01:01:26,770 and grab her first singles championship in WWE. 1037 01:01:26,803 --> 01:01:29,373 Chelsea Green, the now former champ, 1038 01:01:29,406 --> 01:01:33,644 left distraught that her time on the top is over. 1039 01:01:33,676 --> 01:01:36,062 [Tessitore] Now she is distraught indeed. 1040 01:01:36,629 --> 01:01:39,549 Chelsea Green, as… 1041 01:01:39,582 --> 01:01:45,105 There she is in full-on grief stricken funeral mourning clothing, 1042 01:01:45,138 --> 01:01:48,841 as she says to grieve the loss of her US Championship. 1043 01:01:48,875 --> 01:01:50,977 I'll give you a little more on that in a moment, 1044 01:01:51,011 --> 01:01:52,678 but how quickly things can change. 1045 01:01:52,712 --> 01:01:54,714 -For months it was Piper escorting out… -[bell rings] 1046 01:01:54,748 --> 01:01:58,835 …and serving at the right hand of the US champ, Chelsea Green, 1047 01:01:58,868 --> 01:02:03,056 and now it's Chelsea without the title and Piper taking on the new champ. 1048 01:02:03,089 --> 01:02:06,426 [Barrett] Well, immediately you see the disparity 1049 01:02:06,460 --> 01:02:08,879 in physical advantages in this one, 1050 01:02:08,912 --> 01:02:11,315 and Zelina Vega right from the off, the champ, 1051 01:02:11,348 --> 01:02:14,734 -looks like a mouse lost in a maze. -[Tessitore laughs] 1052 01:02:14,768 --> 01:02:18,205 [Barrett] And there's a big lion coming to eat her in the form of Piper Niven. 1053 01:02:19,056 --> 01:02:21,558 [Tessitore] As Piper, boy, the size advantage, 1054 01:02:21,591 --> 01:02:23,844 being stretched out by Zelina Vega. 1055 01:02:23,877 --> 01:02:26,696 It'll be interesting to see the strategy that Vega takes 1056 01:02:26,730 --> 01:02:31,317 in taking on Piper in a spot like this, who looks to just splash but misses. 1057 01:02:31,350 --> 01:02:35,571 [Barrett] Well, that was a great strategy, get the hell out of the way of that, 1058 01:02:35,606 --> 01:02:38,542 because it would have been a short night for our new champ 1059 01:02:38,575 --> 01:02:40,394 had Piper Niven connected there. 1060 01:02:41,745 --> 01:02:43,263 [Tessitore] Zelina Vega, the new champion… 1061 01:02:43,297 --> 01:02:45,348 Oh, and the big knee comes in and, Wade, 1062 01:02:45,381 --> 01:02:48,685 never underestimate how much a title means to someone. 1063 01:02:48,719 --> 01:02:53,073 It was an emotional scene this week on social media, Zelina Vega posting, 1064 01:02:53,874 --> 01:02:56,944 bringing the championship to the 9/11 memorial 1065 01:02:56,977 --> 01:02:59,913 and placing it on her late father's nameplate. 1066 01:02:59,946 --> 01:03:01,298 That was a beautiful scene. 1067 01:03:01,330 --> 01:03:04,134 [Barrett] Yeah, absolutely incredible from Zelina Vega, 1068 01:03:04,167 --> 01:03:09,656 but contrast that with the emotions here from the former champ, Chelsea Green. 1069 01:03:09,690 --> 01:03:11,607 [Tessitore] Big shoulder just takes down Vega. 1070 01:03:11,642 --> 01:03:15,345 [Barrett] It was a sad lament in the physical form last week 1071 01:03:15,379 --> 01:03:20,734 when Chelsea lost her title, and that has been extended here at ringside and… 1072 01:03:21,752 --> 01:03:23,854 [Tessitore] But I mean, look at… When you look at Chelsea… 1073 01:03:23,886 --> 01:03:26,256 You know, I ran into her earlier tonight. 1074 01:03:26,290 --> 01:03:28,341 The black sunglasses, the black veil, 1075 01:03:28,375 --> 01:03:30,527 the whole head-to-toe formal funeral outfit. 1076 01:03:30,560 --> 01:03:31,727 I said, "What are you doing?" 1077 01:03:31,761 --> 01:03:35,665 She said, "Well, many times in our country in history, we collectively grieve." 1078 01:03:36,165 --> 01:03:39,785 Incredible to think, but she was compelled to try to replicate 1079 01:03:39,819 --> 01:03:43,022 as close to a similar outfit that Jackie O wore 1080 01:03:43,056 --> 01:03:45,475 during the presidential funeral back in the '60s. 1081 01:03:45,509 --> 01:03:47,694 That was from Chelsea herself. That's what she said. 1082 01:03:47,727 --> 01:03:48,729 Come on, Joe, have a heart. 1083 01:03:48,761 --> 01:03:52,566 -Lady Liberty has fallen. -But to say that, to draw upon that… 1084 01:03:52,598 --> 01:03:54,183 That's right from Chelsea's mouth 1085 01:03:54,218 --> 01:03:56,819 as to what her intent was in this outfit tonight. 1086 01:03:56,854 --> 01:03:59,089 [Barrett] Well, I think we're all in mourning and looking-- 1087 01:03:59,122 --> 01:04:01,091 [Tessitore] Nobody is. Nobody is. 1088 01:04:01,124 --> 01:04:03,944 [Barrett] You're the only one who isn't. You have a heart of stone, Joe Tess. 1089 01:04:03,977 --> 01:04:07,214 There are maybe three people and one of them is Chelsea Green herself. 1090 01:04:07,247 --> 01:04:11,969 It is a wonderful story to see what Zelina Vega, the underdog, has pulled off, 1091 01:04:12,002 --> 01:04:16,022 and everything she had to go through to get to that point. 1092 01:04:16,056 --> 01:04:19,259 As Piper Niven slams her down so hard. 1093 01:04:19,292 --> 01:04:22,946 [Barrett] The celebrations are brief for the United States Champion. 1094 01:04:22,980 --> 01:04:25,531 You have to think, and this might not serve Chelsea well 1095 01:04:25,566 --> 01:04:28,634 if Piper Niven wins here in this nontitle affair, 1096 01:04:28,669 --> 01:04:32,004 perhaps she will be due an opportunity at the gold. 1097 01:04:32,038 --> 01:04:34,975 [Tessitore] Oh, there's no doubt. There's no doubt. 1098 01:04:35,008 --> 01:04:38,194 But right now, Zelina Vega is in trouble. 1099 01:04:38,227 --> 01:04:39,495 Piper's in control. 1100 01:04:47,104 --> 01:04:48,138 [Tessitore] A week ago, 1101 01:04:48,171 --> 01:04:53,894 Zelina Vega won her first singles title of her career in WWE. 1102 01:04:53,926 --> 01:04:57,681 Earlier tonight, Chelsea Green was demanding a rematch. 1103 01:04:57,714 --> 01:05:00,600 Instead, general manager Nick Aldis had other plans, 1104 01:05:00,634 --> 01:05:02,953 and that is this test against Piper Niven. 1105 01:05:02,986 --> 01:05:07,207 You see the dethroned United States Champion all in black, 1106 01:05:07,241 --> 01:05:09,960 as she says her funeral-level grieving outfit. 1107 01:05:09,993 --> 01:05:13,145 As Piper Niven has been dominating 1108 01:05:13,180 --> 01:05:16,098 the newly minted United States Women's Champion. 1109 01:05:16,133 --> 01:05:19,620 [Barrett] This is one of the biggest physical mismatches possible 1110 01:05:19,653 --> 01:05:21,104 in the women's division. 1111 01:05:23,924 --> 01:05:27,093 And I thought Piper Niven was gonna be home and dry, 1112 01:05:27,127 --> 01:05:31,665 but a questionable shot to the thorax there from Niven 1113 01:05:31,698 --> 01:05:34,368 stops the champ in her tracks. 1114 01:05:34,884 --> 01:05:37,471 [Tessitore] And how about this from Vega. 1115 01:05:38,571 --> 01:05:41,457 A big knee to Piper Niven. 1116 01:05:41,491 --> 01:05:43,210 [Barrett] Well, this has to be the answer of Vega, 1117 01:05:43,243 --> 01:05:44,243 when you get the upper hand, 1118 01:05:44,278 --> 01:05:47,580 you have to keep peppering your larger opponent with shots. 1119 01:05:47,614 --> 01:05:48,615 [Barrett winces] 1120 01:05:48,649 --> 01:05:53,136 [Tessitore] Oh, but then just like that, Piper slams her down. 1121 01:05:53,169 --> 01:05:54,988 [Barrett] That Uranage in the corner, 1122 01:05:55,022 --> 01:05:57,624 -what a difference maker. -[Tessitore] And a senton. 1123 01:05:57,658 --> 01:05:59,560 [Barrett] The wrecking ball of menace. 1124 01:06:00,060 --> 01:06:01,160 [Tessitore] Lateral press. 1125 01:06:01,194 --> 01:06:04,413 And that right shoulder from Zelina Vega, 1126 01:06:04,448 --> 01:06:06,049 that determination, that will. 1127 01:06:06,082 --> 01:06:09,218 Chelsea is so annoying when we're trying to do our job. 1128 01:06:09,252 --> 01:06:12,138 [Barrett] I think we should have got Chelsea Green on commentary for this one. 1129 01:06:12,172 --> 01:06:13,173 [Tessitore] Honestly-- 1130 01:06:13,207 --> 01:06:14,758 [Barrett] That's a discussion for another day, 1131 01:06:14,790 --> 01:06:18,794 as we take another look at this angled senton 1132 01:06:18,828 --> 01:06:23,283 crushing the mid-section of Zelina Vega, 1133 01:06:23,317 --> 01:06:27,187 who you start to question, is the ref gonna need to step in here at all? 1134 01:06:27,221 --> 01:06:30,823 [Tessitore] Zelina utilizing her speed, her quick reflexes, 1135 01:06:30,857 --> 01:06:34,294 and now going up top as she was able to get that kick on Piper Niven. 1136 01:06:34,328 --> 01:06:37,931 A big right hand comes in from Niven. 1137 01:06:40,334 --> 01:06:45,606 Niven a former WWE Tag Team Champion with Chelsea Green, of course. 1138 01:06:45,638 --> 01:06:49,326 Three straight wins for Zelina Vega over Chelsea Green, 1139 01:06:49,359 --> 01:06:52,913 the last of which she earned her way to get the title shot, 1140 01:06:52,946 --> 01:06:55,415 and now seven days into her reign. 1141 01:06:56,232 --> 01:07:00,654 And she is being handled by Piper Niven, and the headbutt comes in from Vega. 1142 01:07:00,687 --> 01:07:01,939 [Barrett] Well, Vega once again, 1143 01:07:01,971 --> 01:07:06,158 it's just been short flurries of offense from the word go for Vega, 1144 01:07:06,192 --> 01:07:07,995 but she's not giving up. 1145 01:07:08,895 --> 01:07:09,962 Oh! 1146 01:07:09,997 --> 01:07:11,548 [Tessitore] Vega hooks the leg! 1147 01:07:12,332 --> 01:07:15,785 Meteora came crashing down on Piper Niven. 1148 01:07:15,819 --> 01:07:19,772 [Barrett] And that was about the biggest hit that Zelina Vega has landed thus far. 1149 01:07:19,806 --> 01:07:22,893 Take another look. Meteora from the second row. 1150 01:07:23,894 --> 01:07:26,446 It was a two count but no more. 1151 01:07:27,747 --> 01:07:30,984 And struggling clearly in agony now. Oh, going for that-- 1152 01:07:31,018 --> 01:07:33,754 [Tessitore] Oh, she's going for Code Red. That's how she won it a week ago. 1153 01:07:34,555 --> 01:07:38,225 But instead, side slam. Piper Niven into the press. 1154 01:07:40,093 --> 01:07:42,428 Once again, finding a way is Vega. 1155 01:07:42,462 --> 01:07:44,948 [Barrett] You just sense that with that Code Red 1156 01:07:44,982 --> 01:07:48,035 against an opponent as powerful as Piper Niven, 1157 01:07:48,067 --> 01:07:52,422 it may not actually be possible for Zelina Vega to hit that, 1158 01:07:52,455 --> 01:07:55,459 but it's certainly possible for Niven to hit this! 1159 01:07:55,491 --> 01:07:58,879 [Tessitore] Oh, looking for the cannonball and at the last possible second, 1160 01:07:58,912 --> 01:08:00,814 Vega gets out of the way. 1161 01:08:00,848 --> 01:08:02,665 [Barrett] Just about nimble enough. 1162 01:08:02,698 --> 01:08:06,319 Now more running knees in the corner and it's Piper Niven who's groggy. 1163 01:08:06,352 --> 01:08:09,156 Can Vega finally sustain some offense here? 1164 01:08:09,189 --> 01:08:12,392 [Tessitore] You can still see Vega, though, reaching for her rib. 1165 01:08:12,426 --> 01:08:17,246 She has taken a lot of damage against Piper Niven here tonight. 1166 01:08:17,281 --> 01:08:20,267 [Barrett] Desperate times like this, Joe, you go on instincts. 1167 01:08:20,300 --> 01:08:21,885 [Tessitore, Barrett] Oh! 1168 01:08:21,919 --> 01:08:24,621 [Barrett] Instincts have not been serving Zelina well. 1169 01:08:24,654 --> 01:08:28,075 She's been trying to match power for power against Niven, 1170 01:08:28,108 --> 01:08:29,408 but this could be it, Joe. 1171 01:08:29,443 --> 01:08:34,764 [Tessitore] If she can just piece together a few of these moments… 1172 01:08:34,798 --> 01:08:37,751 Looking for the moonsault and delivers! 1173 01:08:37,783 --> 01:08:38,902 For the win. 1174 01:08:39,853 --> 01:08:42,889 And that left shoulder gets up. The kick out by Piper Niven. 1175 01:08:42,923 --> 01:08:46,844 [Barrett] Well, now the fog is starting to clear in the mind of the champion, 1176 01:08:46,876 --> 01:08:50,930 getting back to a game plan of that hit and move kind of offense, 1177 01:08:50,964 --> 01:08:56,620 capped off with this stunning moonsault, wasn't quite enough. 1178 01:08:57,371 --> 01:09:00,072 There was an element of panic in the eyes of the champ, 1179 01:09:00,107 --> 01:09:03,559 but she is growing in confidence as this one wears on. And once again! 1180 01:09:03,594 --> 01:09:06,229 -[Tessitore] Going for the Code Red again. -[Barrett] It's not gonna work. 1181 01:09:06,263 --> 01:09:08,549 [Tessitore] No, not with the strength and size of Piper Niven. 1182 01:09:08,581 --> 01:09:11,969 Instead the head butt comes in as Piper retakes control. 1183 01:09:12,001 --> 01:09:16,389 [Barrett] Well, it's Piper Niven who looks like she's struggling to cling on. 1184 01:09:16,423 --> 01:09:18,791 But one shot puts her back in control. 1185 01:09:18,825 --> 01:09:20,510 [Tessitore] Goes looking for that power bomb. 1186 01:09:20,544 --> 01:09:27,017 Can she get her into position as Vega is in trouble here, but Vega finds a way. 1187 01:09:27,050 --> 01:09:29,769 Oh, do we have a 619 opportunity? 1188 01:09:29,803 --> 01:09:31,205 [Barrett] Shades of her mentor. 1189 01:09:31,237 --> 01:09:33,857 [Tessitore] Oh, what in the world? With Chelsea Green up on the apron. 1190 01:09:33,890 --> 01:09:38,478 Chelsea Green, frustrated, gets up on the apron a week from being dethroned. 1191 01:09:39,580 --> 01:09:41,965 But her fellow Piper tried to come in. 1192 01:09:42,683 --> 01:09:45,184 -Oh, and the roll up! -[Barrett] Oh, no! 1193 01:09:45,219 --> 01:09:46,470 [Tessitore] Look at this! 1194 01:09:47,353 --> 01:09:49,089 -What a win for Vega. -[bell rings] 1195 01:09:49,121 --> 01:09:50,724 What a win for Vega! 1196 01:09:51,425 --> 01:09:53,527 [Nash] Here is your winner, 1197 01:09:54,027 --> 01:09:58,532 the Women's United States Champion, 1198 01:09:58,565 --> 01:10:03,519 Zelina Vega! 1199 01:10:03,554 --> 01:10:09,009 [Barrett] Four weeks in a row, a colossal disaster for The Green Regime. 1200 01:10:09,041 --> 01:10:12,913 This time it was a friendly fire incident. 1201 01:10:15,432 --> 01:10:22,206 And somehow Zelina Vega scurries out once again with the win. 1202 01:10:22,956 --> 01:10:26,360 The underdog is undefeated at present. 1203 01:10:26,393 --> 01:10:27,711 Two weeks. 1204 01:10:27,744 --> 01:10:30,781 Two weeks in a row, matches have been blown up and thrown out 1205 01:10:30,813 --> 01:10:32,482 because of you getting yourself involved. 1206 01:10:32,516 --> 01:10:36,769 And by the way, Jacob, champ, you're not exactly innocent in all of this either. 1207 01:10:36,803 --> 01:10:40,123 Hold on, hold on, hold on now, don't pin last week on us, okay? 1208 01:10:40,674 --> 01:10:42,125 That was Damian Priest's fault. 1209 01:10:42,159 --> 01:10:43,943 He's the one that caused the DQ. 1210 01:10:43,977 --> 01:10:48,432 And as far as Jacob, he's telling everybody they better stay out of his way. 1211 01:10:49,081 --> 01:10:50,267 That's a warning. 1212 01:10:50,834 --> 01:10:54,087 Well, warning received. 1213 01:10:54,788 --> 01:10:59,092 Which is why at Backlash, Jacob's gonna defend that US Championship 1214 01:10:59,126 --> 01:11:03,547 against Damian Priest and LA Knight in a triple threat match. 1215 01:11:04,380 --> 01:11:05,382 How does that sound? 1216 01:11:05,965 --> 01:11:09,119 How does that sound? Wait, hold on, how did that happen? 1217 01:11:09,152 --> 01:11:14,090 Technically, Drew McIntyre won the match. He's the number one contender. 1218 01:11:14,590 --> 01:11:17,244 If there's anybody that should fight Jacob, it's Drew. 1219 01:11:18,946 --> 01:11:19,947 You're right. 1220 01:11:19,980 --> 01:11:23,433 No, you-you're absolutely right, Solo, forget the triple threat match. 1221 01:11:24,017 --> 01:11:26,169 -Let's make it a fatal 4-way match. -[crowd cheers] 1222 01:11:26,202 --> 01:11:28,405 We'll add Drew McIntyre into the mix as well. 1223 01:11:32,041 --> 01:11:34,461 You know what? Let's keep it 100. 1224 01:11:35,394 --> 01:11:40,784 No matter who you put in front of me, line them all up at Backlash 1225 01:11:40,817 --> 01:11:44,271 'cause at the end of the day, I'm gonna dog walk their ass! 1226 01:11:44,821 --> 01:11:49,559 See me? I'm all gas, no brakes with it. 1227 01:11:51,044 --> 01:11:52,362 Yadadamean? 1228 01:11:57,467 --> 01:12:01,121 Nick, I see what you're trying to do. You're trying to screw Jacob over. 1229 01:12:01,154 --> 01:12:02,438 [scoffs] 1230 01:12:02,472 --> 01:12:05,726 No, Solo, you are. 1231 01:12:12,081 --> 01:12:16,353 [Barrett] Wow, Nick Aldis has been a busy boy this evening. 1232 01:12:16,385 --> 01:12:19,206 But we got ourselves a new main event tonight 1233 01:12:19,239 --> 01:12:23,994 because WWE Women's Champ, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill 1234 01:12:24,027 --> 01:12:28,982 are gonna team up in tag action against Nia Jax and Naomi. 1235 01:12:29,016 --> 01:12:31,034 That is later tonight on SmackDown. 1236 01:12:31,068 --> 01:12:34,304 [Tessitore] And coming up next, it's The Viper. 1237 01:12:34,338 --> 01:12:38,959 A week ago, standing over John Cena, another RKO. 1238 01:12:38,992 --> 01:12:41,595 Trying to claim it for good at Backlash. 1239 01:12:41,628 --> 01:12:45,566 We will hear from Randy Orton, joining us live, 1240 01:12:45,599 --> 01:12:47,800 right here in front of this massive crowd 1241 01:12:47,834 --> 01:12:50,871 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. 1242 01:12:50,904 --> 01:12:51,905 Don't go anywhere. 1243 01:12:51,938 --> 01:12:54,241 More Friday Night SmackDown coming your way. 1244 01:13:00,731 --> 01:13:04,067 [Barrett] Amidst the chaos of the past couple of weeks, 1245 01:13:04,101 --> 01:13:08,338 GM Nick Aldis has found a potential solution 1246 01:13:08,371 --> 01:13:09,822 because at Backlash, 1247 01:13:09,857 --> 01:13:15,045 US Champ, Jacob Fatu, will defend against the former champ, LA Knight, 1248 01:13:15,077 --> 01:13:20,918 the Punisher, Damian Priest, and the Scottish Psychopath, Drew McIntyre 1249 01:13:20,951 --> 01:13:23,452 in a Fatal 4-way matchup. 1250 01:13:23,487 --> 01:13:26,306 That's at Backlash a week from tomorrow. 1251 01:13:31,411 --> 01:13:33,880 ♪ I hear voices in my head ♪ 1252 01:13:33,914 --> 01:13:36,916 ♪ They counsel me They understand ♪ 1253 01:13:36,950 --> 01:13:38,485 ♪ They talk to me ♪ 1254 01:13:38,519 --> 01:13:40,521 ["Voices" plays] 1255 01:13:52,666 --> 01:13:55,035 [Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, 1256 01:13:55,068 --> 01:13:58,338 please welcome The Viper, 1257 01:13:58,371 --> 01:14:03,827 Randy Orton! 1258 01:14:03,861 --> 01:14:07,848 [Tessitore] It has been interesting to be along the recent ride of Randy Orton, 1259 01:14:07,880 --> 01:14:10,367 who took great offense last week 1260 01:14:10,400 --> 01:14:13,904 when John Cena said that at Backlash he'll would make sure 1261 01:14:13,937 --> 01:14:18,892 that three generations of Orton's family legacy in the business 1262 01:14:18,925 --> 01:14:21,445 would be erased from the history books. 1263 01:14:24,464 --> 01:14:25,933 After Backlash, 1264 01:14:27,067 --> 01:14:33,123 when you fail, you will have no excuses. 1265 01:14:36,510 --> 01:14:40,981 [Barrett] A typical cheap shot by this version of John Cena, 1266 01:14:41,014 --> 01:14:44,867 but Randy Orton never really been one for excuses, has he? 1267 01:14:44,902 --> 01:14:50,157 And who needs excuses when you are armed with an RKO out of nowhere? 1268 01:14:50,190 --> 01:14:57,181 If Randy Orton connects like that at Backlash, Cena's 17th reign is over, 1269 01:14:57,214 --> 01:15:00,267 and Randy Orton's 15th reign begins. 1270 01:15:00,300 --> 01:15:04,371 These two clash, two of the greats of all time. 1271 01:15:04,404 --> 01:15:10,727 25 years of history between them when it comes to a head at Backlash 1272 01:15:10,760 --> 01:15:14,932 with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. 1273 01:15:16,450 --> 01:15:19,452 ♪ I see darkness falling ♪ 1274 01:15:19,486 --> 01:15:22,438 ♪ I hear voices calling ♪ 1275 01:15:22,472 --> 01:15:25,291 ♪ I feel justice crawling ♪ 1276 01:15:25,325 --> 01:15:27,844 ♪ I see faith has fallen ♪ 1277 01:15:27,878 --> 01:15:30,364 ♪ I hear voices in my head ♪ 1278 01:15:30,397 --> 01:15:33,282 ♪ They counsel me They understand ♪ 1279 01:15:33,317 --> 01:15:36,086 ♪ They talk to me ♪ 1280 01:15:36,119 --> 01:15:38,005 ♪ They talk to me ♪ 1281 01:15:39,106 --> 01:15:41,909 ♪ They tell me things That I will do ♪ 1282 01:15:41,942 --> 01:15:44,844 ♪ They show me things I'll do to you ♪ 1283 01:15:44,878 --> 01:15:46,563 ♪ They talk to me ♪ 1284 01:15:46,597 --> 01:15:50,416 ♪ Talk to me, talk to me Talk to me ♪ 1285 01:16:08,885 --> 01:16:11,737 ♪ I hear voices crying ♪ 1286 01:16:11,772 --> 01:16:14,541 ♪ I see heroes dying ♪ 1287 01:16:14,575 --> 01:16:17,577 ♪ I taste blood that's drying ♪ 1288 01:16:17,611 --> 01:16:20,030 ♪ I feel tension rising ♪ 1289 01:16:20,063 --> 01:16:22,599 ♪ I hear voices in my head ♪ 1290 01:16:22,633 --> 01:16:25,602 ♪ They counsel me They understand ♪ 1291 01:16:25,635 --> 01:16:27,754 ♪ They talk to me ♪ 1292 01:16:27,788 --> 01:16:34,126 [Tessitore] An iconic image of The Viper, the 14-time world champion. 1293 01:16:35,329 --> 01:16:39,666 Of course, John Cena just breaking the all-time record, sitting on 17, 1294 01:16:39,700 --> 01:16:44,487 but Randy was quick to remind everybody recently, hey, 14's not that far off, 1295 01:16:44,521 --> 01:16:47,241 and now he's got the opportunity for the big belt. 1296 01:16:47,773 --> 01:16:51,594 That belt, the Undisputed Championship, he's out to get it. 1297 01:16:52,596 --> 01:16:58,335 ♪ But when rules start getting broken You start questioning your faith ♪ 1298 01:16:58,367 --> 01:17:03,790 ♪ I have a voice that is my savior Hates to love and loves to hate ♪ 1299 01:17:03,824 --> 01:17:04,892 [song ends] 1300 01:17:04,925 --> 01:17:07,661 [crowd chanting] Randy, Randy, Randy! 1301 01:17:22,509 --> 01:17:25,312 [crowd cheers] 1302 01:17:28,148 --> 01:17:34,237 I know we're two hours in, Des Moines, but welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! 1303 01:17:34,271 --> 01:17:36,473 [cheers] 1304 01:17:48,035 --> 01:17:50,237 [crowd chanting] RKO, RKO! 1305 01:18:03,349 --> 01:18:04,617 John Cena. 1306 01:18:05,184 --> 01:18:07,187 [crowd boos] 1307 01:18:14,878 --> 01:18:19,782 While the world couldn't see him… 1308 01:18:23,487 --> 01:18:25,072 I could. 1309 01:18:28,175 --> 01:18:34,364 It took about 20 years for all you to realize exactly what kind of man he is, 1310 01:18:34,398 --> 01:18:36,366 but I knew from day one. 1311 01:18:39,253 --> 01:18:43,190 He's arrogant, selfish. 1312 01:18:47,928 --> 01:18:52,382 [crowd chanting] Cena sucks, Cena sucks! 1313 01:19:00,139 --> 01:19:03,894 He is an entitled brat that gets whatever he wants. 1314 01:19:03,927 --> 01:19:10,032 John Cena is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with 1315 01:19:10,817 --> 01:19:13,337 by the ultimate puppet master. 1316 01:19:19,876 --> 01:19:21,361 John, I gotta hand it to you, man. 1317 01:19:21,394 --> 01:19:24,764 You're smart. You took advantage of the PG era. 1318 01:19:24,798 --> 01:19:29,402 Oh, boy, did you ever take advantage of the PG era. 1319 01:19:29,436 --> 01:19:31,487 You were willing, and quite frankly, 1320 01:19:31,522 --> 01:19:36,293 eager to be a real life walking, talking cartoon character. 1321 01:19:38,245 --> 01:19:45,068 While I, on the other hand, did everything that I could to be true to who I am. 1322 01:19:45,102 --> 01:19:48,255 [crowd cheers] 1323 01:19:49,556 --> 01:19:53,861 He didn't care about the boys in the back, he didn't care about all of you, 1324 01:19:54,428 --> 01:19:56,396 all that John cared about, 1325 01:19:56,429 --> 01:20:00,834 all that he cares about is his bottom line. 1326 01:20:02,818 --> 01:20:07,858 Which has brought him fame, it has brought him fortune. 1327 01:20:08,925 --> 01:20:11,210 It has brought him right into the mainstream. 1328 01:20:11,245 --> 01:20:15,165 It has enabled John Cena to make sure that every single month 1329 01:20:15,199 --> 01:20:19,303 he has a brand new color T-shirt come out to the merch stands 1330 01:20:19,335 --> 01:20:25,175 along with headband, hat, neck band, waistband, armband, wristband, 1331 01:20:25,209 --> 01:20:28,010 jorts, I mean, I think there's sneakers, dog tags, 1332 01:20:28,045 --> 01:20:30,480 and a little towel that says "never give up." 1333 01:20:30,514 --> 01:20:34,034 Anything he can squeeze his name onto, he's gonna put at the merch stand 1334 01:20:34,067 --> 01:20:36,753 so that all you kids go and grab it up. 1335 01:20:36,786 --> 01:20:41,208 He wants to make sure that you love him even more than you already do. 1336 01:20:45,879 --> 01:20:49,233 But speaking of the kids, last week on SmackDown, 1337 01:20:49,266 --> 01:20:53,871 John said the reason why he never had kids, 1338 01:20:53,904 --> 01:20:57,858 the reason why he never raised a family himself 1339 01:20:57,891 --> 01:21:01,378 was because he was busy raising all of your kids. 1340 01:21:01,411 --> 01:21:03,496 [crowd boos] 1341 01:21:05,749 --> 01:21:10,904 John, the only thing that you have raised is the price of your merchandise 1342 01:21:10,938 --> 01:21:15,642 which the actual parents have to work a double enable to afford. 1343 01:21:15,675 --> 01:21:17,144 [crowd cheers] 1344 01:21:22,065 --> 01:21:24,835 You know, selling your soul 1345 01:21:25,769 --> 01:21:30,023 isn't exactly a new concept, is it John? 1346 01:21:30,057 --> 01:21:32,326 You've been doing that for 20 years. 1347 01:21:37,047 --> 01:21:39,867 Hustle, loyalty, respect, am I right? 1348 01:21:42,635 --> 01:21:45,688 I'll give him… I'll… Listen, I'll give him the hustle. 1349 01:21:45,722 --> 01:21:47,858 I'll give him the hustle all day. 1350 01:21:48,724 --> 01:21:50,160 But the loyalty? 1351 01:21:52,161 --> 01:21:53,697 The respect? 1352 01:21:53,730 --> 01:21:58,218 What happened to the loyalty and the respect, John? 1353 01:21:58,251 --> 01:21:59,952 Let me be clear 1354 01:21:59,987 --> 01:22:04,641 why I'm asking specifically about the loyalty and the respect, 1355 01:22:04,675 --> 01:22:07,160 'cause last week you stood in this ring, 1356 01:22:07,193 --> 01:22:10,781 looked me dead in the eye, and you said you were going to erase 1357 01:22:10,813 --> 01:22:13,717 the Orton name from the history books. 1358 01:22:13,750 --> 01:22:18,205 You said as you stood in this ring and looked me square in the eyes 1359 01:22:18,237 --> 01:22:22,910 that you were gonna erase everything that my family did in this industry, 1360 01:22:22,943 --> 01:22:24,760 and I'm gonna tell you right now you are not 1361 01:22:24,795 --> 01:22:28,665 and you will not over my dead freaking body! 1362 01:22:31,201 --> 01:22:35,572 You say that you are the last real champion. 1363 01:22:35,606 --> 01:22:42,029 Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, John, you are the latest legend that I have to put down. 1364 01:22:42,062 --> 01:22:44,481 [crowd cheers] 1365 01:22:44,514 --> 01:22:50,170 And I'm gonna do so a week from tomorrow, Saturday, Backlash, my hometown, 1366 01:22:50,204 --> 01:22:54,391 in front of my wife, my family, my kids, my friends, 1367 01:22:54,424 --> 01:22:57,010 in front of the future generation of Ortons, 1368 01:22:57,044 --> 01:22:59,496 in front of the future Orton legacy, 1369 01:22:59,530 --> 01:23:04,518 I'm going to Punt Kick you so hard in that Lego-shaped head… 1370 01:23:04,550 --> 01:23:08,105 [crowd cheers] 1371 01:23:08,138 --> 01:23:12,709 …it's gonna fly right off your shoulders and through the Gateway Arch. 1372 01:23:16,413 --> 01:23:17,898 But not before… 1373 01:23:19,116 --> 01:23:25,923 I drop your ass with the three most dangerous letters 1374 01:23:25,956 --> 01:23:27,590 in sports entertainment. 1375 01:23:31,812 --> 01:23:36,099 -R-K… -[crowd] …O! 1376 01:23:38,085 --> 01:23:42,121 [Tessitore] Well, it doesn't get more pointed than that from Randy Orton. 1377 01:23:42,155 --> 01:23:43,156 ["Voices" plays] 1378 01:23:43,190 --> 01:23:48,712 [Tessitore] Sending the message to John Cena, the Undisputed Champion, 1379 01:23:48,745 --> 01:23:53,983 that "you're just the latest legend that I have to put down." 1380 01:23:54,017 --> 01:23:59,623 [Barrett] Eyes narrowed, veins bulging, skin turned a shade of puce. 1381 01:24:00,340 --> 01:24:03,893 Yeah, good luck at Backlash, John Cena, 1382 01:24:03,927 --> 01:24:08,315 you are gonna need it against this version of Randy Orton. 1383 01:24:08,348 --> 01:24:12,936 Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at Backlash. 1384 01:24:28,969 --> 01:24:33,139 Naomi, listen, you and I need to get on the same page. 1385 01:24:33,674 --> 01:24:36,660 I'm gonna forget what you said to me out there, 1386 01:24:36,693 --> 01:24:40,764 but my eyes are set on gold and two-faced Tiffy, 1387 01:24:40,797 --> 01:24:43,617 so as long as you figure out whatever you have to do with Jade 1388 01:24:43,650 --> 01:24:46,202 and stay out of my way, we'll be good. 1389 01:24:51,858 --> 01:24:52,992 Sure. 1390 01:25:00,233 --> 01:25:03,085 ["Animo" plays] 1391 01:25:39,656 --> 01:25:40,657 [bell rings] 1392 01:25:41,407 --> 01:25:45,795 [Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall. 1393 01:25:45,829 --> 01:25:51,919 Introducing first, from Ecatepec, Mexico, 1394 01:25:51,951 --> 01:25:55,989 weighing in at 182 pounds, 1395 01:25:56,023 --> 01:26:01,094 Rey Fenix! 1396 01:26:02,045 --> 01:26:07,050 [Tessitore] Rey Fenix has built up such a past 1397 01:26:07,084 --> 01:26:09,835 before arriving here to WWE. 1398 01:26:11,054 --> 01:26:15,492 And a splash that he has made since arriving at SmackDown. 1399 01:26:17,059 --> 01:26:19,980 And now he'll bring his full arsenal of offense 1400 01:26:20,013 --> 01:26:23,133 right to Santos Escobar, that is next. 1401 01:26:38,615 --> 01:26:40,483 -What's up, dog? -What's up, man? 1402 01:26:40,517 --> 01:26:42,902 -You got no chance at Backlash. -[crowd cheers] 1403 01:26:43,904 --> 01:26:49,860 My childhood hero, John Cena, is going to beat Randy Orton. 1404 01:26:49,893 --> 01:26:52,179 [stammers] Why would you say that? 1405 01:26:52,212 --> 01:26:54,815 Because it's true. I said what I said, dog. 1406 01:26:54,848 --> 01:26:56,300 You know what's gonna happen. 1407 01:26:56,333 --> 01:26:57,584 You know how he get down. 1408 01:26:57,617 --> 01:26:58,619 I do. 1409 01:26:58,652 --> 01:27:00,687 -I got you. I'll talk to him. -I know. 1410 01:27:01,804 --> 01:27:05,209 -I mean what I said, dog! -Man, what's… Stop. stop. 1411 01:27:06,076 --> 01:27:08,178 Uce, you keep on talking this, 1412 01:27:08,879 --> 01:27:11,380 he gonna punch your head clean off your shoulders, Uce. 1413 01:27:11,882 --> 01:27:14,251 -Uce, I'm not playing around. -What? 1414 01:27:14,284 --> 01:27:15,669 John Cena told me that. 1415 01:27:16,570 --> 01:27:18,005 You know what else he told me? 1416 01:27:18,038 --> 01:27:21,090 -What he said? -He is the last real champ. 1417 01:27:21,875 --> 01:27:23,093 He wouldn't lie to me. 1418 01:27:23,126 --> 01:27:24,577 You need to stop. 1419 01:27:29,333 --> 01:27:30,434 [Tessitore] Rey Fenix. 1420 01:27:31,934 --> 01:27:34,737 -Proven successful career. -["Legacy Of The Ghost" plays] 1421 01:27:35,239 --> 01:27:37,191 And then the night before WrestleMania… 1422 01:27:39,326 --> 01:27:44,147 the opportunity arised, short notice, WrestleMania entry. 1423 01:27:45,065 --> 01:27:50,103 These two met up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. 1424 01:27:52,206 --> 01:27:54,124 Fenix eliminated Santos. 1425 01:27:57,076 --> 01:28:02,733 [Nash] And his opponent, representing Legado Del Fantasma, 1426 01:28:02,766 --> 01:28:05,635 from Mexico City, Mexico, 1427 01:28:05,669 --> 01:28:10,224 weighing in at 217 pounds, 1428 01:28:10,257 --> 01:28:15,812 Santos Escobar! 1429 01:28:17,614 --> 01:28:21,117 [Tessitore] Santos Escobar, who has been, uh, hypercritical 1430 01:28:21,884 --> 01:28:26,523 of Legado Del Fantasma, Los Garza and then hypercritical of Rey Fenix 1431 01:28:26,557 --> 01:28:28,992 for his match against El Grande Americano. 1432 01:28:29,943 --> 01:28:31,594 And now in this position. 1433 01:28:31,628 --> 01:28:34,697 [Barrett] Well, initially Santos Escobar seemed enthralled 1434 01:28:34,731 --> 01:28:37,217 with the performances of Rey Fenix. 1435 01:28:37,251 --> 01:28:42,505 However, that loss to El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41 1436 01:28:42,539 --> 01:28:46,777 has certainly soured the Emperor of Lucha Libre, 1437 01:28:46,809 --> 01:28:48,911 on the newcomer to SmackDown. 1438 01:28:48,946 --> 01:28:53,032 He decided it was a disgrace to the art form of Lucha, 1439 01:28:53,066 --> 01:28:57,638 that Rey Fenix could lose to, in his words, a clown like that… 1440 01:28:57,670 --> 01:28:58,672 [bell rings] 1441 01:28:58,705 --> 01:29:01,657 …and he blames Rey Fenix for not jumping in 1442 01:29:01,692 --> 01:29:05,128 with Legado Del Fantasma and using Santos Escobar 1443 01:29:05,161 --> 01:29:09,016 as a sort of mentor here on SmackDown for that loss. 1444 01:29:09,049 --> 01:29:11,384 And now I guess it's going to be punishment time. 1445 01:29:11,418 --> 01:29:12,803 [Tessitore] Yeah, saying basically… 1446 01:29:12,835 --> 01:29:15,789 You're so right though with the early reception 1447 01:29:15,822 --> 01:29:19,041 that Rey Fenix was given by Santos Escobar, 1448 01:29:19,076 --> 01:29:21,210 almost as if he was trying to recruit him. 1449 01:29:21,245 --> 01:29:23,347 -[Barrett] Yeah, no doubt. -[Tessitore] He was fawning. 1450 01:29:23,380 --> 01:29:25,232 He was interested in everything he was doing. 1451 01:29:25,264 --> 01:29:27,201 [Barrett] And these two have a fair bit of history, 1452 01:29:27,233 --> 01:29:30,670 they have competed together many times in North America, 1453 01:29:30,704 --> 01:29:33,757 the entire continent, including mainly in AAA, 1454 01:29:33,790 --> 01:29:38,762 the newly acquired Mexican company south of the border. 1455 01:29:38,795 --> 01:29:41,849 So they have a healthy professional respect for one another, 1456 01:29:41,882 --> 01:29:44,835 but they've certainly never been bros or anything like that. 1457 01:29:44,867 --> 01:29:49,255 I think Santos Escobar's attempts to bring Rey Fenix into the fold 1458 01:29:49,289 --> 01:29:50,724 has fallen on deaf ears, 1459 01:29:51,241 --> 01:29:55,362 and now the Emperor of Lucha Libre is looking to teach him a lesson. 1460 01:29:55,394 --> 01:29:57,798 [Tessitore] You mentioned the newly acquired AAA, 1461 01:29:57,831 --> 01:30:00,267 and that is the focus of what we were just describing 1462 01:30:00,300 --> 01:30:04,670 with what's happening with Worlds Collide and NXT 1463 01:30:04,705 --> 01:30:09,192 and the newly acquired Lucha Libre AAA worldwide. 1464 01:30:11,995 --> 01:30:13,947 Money In The Bank is also that day. 1465 01:30:15,715 --> 01:30:17,601 Now there's your response, Santos. 1466 01:30:18,869 --> 01:30:21,271 [Barrett] Santos suggested he should be the boss. 1467 01:30:22,272 --> 01:30:26,977 Did not impress Rey Fenix, however, that might change your mind. 1468 01:30:28,094 --> 01:30:30,347 [Tessitore] Back and forth towing the line, 1469 01:30:30,380 --> 01:30:32,933 Fenix and Escobar, wow. 1470 01:30:32,965 --> 01:30:34,401 Listen to that. 1471 01:30:39,139 --> 01:30:42,692 Oh, a kiss to the heavens in testing each other, 1472 01:30:42,726 --> 01:30:44,126 and that puts down Fenix. 1473 01:30:45,846 --> 01:30:47,731 I should be the boss! 1474 01:30:47,764 --> 01:30:51,300 You follow the orders, and we take over this place. 1475 01:30:51,335 --> 01:30:54,103 Me and you, together! 1476 01:30:55,539 --> 01:30:58,492 [Tessitore] Trying to convince Fenix while doling out punishment. 1477 01:31:04,764 --> 01:31:08,251 [Barrett] I mean this has been anything but Lucha Libre so far. 1478 01:31:08,285 --> 01:31:11,321 -It's just a slugfest. -[Tessitore] It's just pure brutality. 1479 01:31:18,978 --> 01:31:22,316 And listen to these exchanges, how heated it has become. 1480 01:31:23,617 --> 01:31:24,751 And now here they go. 1481 01:31:25,736 --> 01:31:30,691 And this is what we're used to from Fenix, as Escobar says, not now. 1482 01:31:33,826 --> 01:31:36,697 [Barrett] I'll tell you right now, Joe, all of the luchadors in the locker room 1483 01:31:36,730 --> 01:31:39,316 are so excited about the acquisition of AAA. 1484 01:31:39,349 --> 01:31:42,085 They all see themselves as being the spearhead 1485 01:31:42,119 --> 01:31:45,556 of this new global movement for Lucha Libre. 1486 01:31:46,974 --> 01:31:48,709 But if you want to be the spearhead… 1487 01:31:50,878 --> 01:31:54,548 you gotta start collecting some W's against the other luchadors, 1488 01:31:54,581 --> 01:31:57,918 that is why victory here tonight is so crucial for both of these men. 1489 01:31:57,951 --> 01:32:01,505 [Tessitore] Escobar was able to neutralize Rey Fenix 1490 01:32:02,706 --> 01:32:05,592 for a moment there, when Fenix was looking to springboard. 1491 01:32:05,626 --> 01:32:08,896 [Barrett] I don't know what that move is called, I'm gonna call it a 916 for now. 1492 01:32:08,929 --> 01:32:10,063 -Unless… -[Tessitore laughs] 1493 01:32:10,097 --> 01:32:12,666 …Fenix has another name for it. 1494 01:32:12,699 --> 01:32:16,385 But immediately hot off the blocks doing what he does best. 1495 01:32:16,420 --> 01:32:18,554 Rey Fenix taking control of this one. 1496 01:32:18,589 --> 01:32:22,893 [Tessitore] The celebrated luchador who has made such a splash. 1497 01:32:24,161 --> 01:32:25,579 [Fenix] You want something better? 1498 01:32:27,264 --> 01:32:28,264 [Tessitore] Animo-- 1499 01:32:28,298 --> 01:32:33,536 Heated conversations continue face-to-face between Fenix and Escobar. 1500 01:32:34,254 --> 01:32:38,358 Of course, Fenix was the late replacement for the then injured Rey Mysterio 1501 01:32:39,009 --> 01:32:40,544 at WrestleMania 41. 1502 01:32:40,576 --> 01:32:42,980 [Barrett] Sense that Santos Escobar is using this 1503 01:32:43,013 --> 01:32:45,699 as a negotiation tactic against Rey Fenix. 1504 01:32:45,732 --> 01:32:49,870 I think he's still convinced he can bring him into the Legado fold. 1505 01:32:51,271 --> 01:32:53,005 [Tessitore] Lining up that target. 1506 01:32:53,773 --> 01:32:57,911 Looking to go flying, and there goes Escobar. 1507 01:32:58,879 --> 01:33:04,918 Through the air, out to the floor, pinpoint accuracy, target Rey Fenix. 1508 01:33:08,304 --> 01:33:15,228 [Tessitore] Santos Escobar has found a way to neutralize Rey Fenix. 1509 01:33:15,262 --> 01:33:17,798 Joe and Wade with you here at the Wells Fargo Arena 1510 01:33:17,831 --> 01:33:21,768 and a massive crowd in Des Moines, Iowa, here on Friday Night SmackDown. 1511 01:33:21,802 --> 01:33:25,239 We're just eight days away from WWE Backlash 1512 01:33:25,272 --> 01:33:29,660 when Randy Orton and John Cena will meet up for the Undisputed Championship. 1513 01:33:29,692 --> 01:33:33,080 [Barrett] After a blistering start to Rey Fenix's career, 1514 01:33:33,112 --> 01:33:36,450 he is being made to look completely ordinary 1515 01:33:36,483 --> 01:33:39,570 by this performance from Santos Escobar, 1516 01:33:40,170 --> 01:33:43,924 who has a point to prove this evening to the world of Lucha Libre. 1517 01:33:43,956 --> 01:33:46,559 [Tessitore] This is nothing like the version of Rey Fenix 1518 01:33:46,593 --> 01:33:48,195 we've seen in recent weeks. 1519 01:33:49,763 --> 01:33:52,148 Well, it was a physical match right from the start. 1520 01:33:52,182 --> 01:33:53,700 This is what happened during the break. 1521 01:33:53,733 --> 01:33:57,437 [Barrett] Yeah, it's been trash talk, and it has been pointed attacks 1522 01:33:57,471 --> 01:33:58,804 to the bridge of the nose. 1523 01:34:00,107 --> 01:34:03,427 And pretty much a full-body workout for Rey Fenix, 1524 01:34:03,460 --> 01:34:08,498 and I'd be shocked if Rey Fenix has got more than three shots in this entire bout. 1525 01:34:08,532 --> 01:34:09,883 That's four. 1526 01:34:09,916 --> 01:34:13,187 [Tessitore] Remember, Santos was so critical of Rey Fenix 1527 01:34:13,219 --> 01:34:15,923 and his performance at WrestleMania when he was the late replacement 1528 01:34:15,956 --> 01:34:19,509 for Rey Mysterio, took the loss against El Grande Americano. 1529 01:34:19,543 --> 01:34:22,196 Fenix telling Santos in not so many words, 1530 01:34:22,228 --> 01:34:24,848 "Hey, you got a problem with how I handle my business in the ring? 1531 01:34:24,882 --> 01:34:28,134 Why don't we meet up in the ring?" And that is how this match was born. 1532 01:34:28,168 --> 01:34:29,920 -[Barrett] Rey Fenix might be… -There's a big kick! 1533 01:34:29,952 --> 01:34:35,358 …starting to regret that as he finally launches some form of offense. 1534 01:34:37,227 --> 01:34:41,682 But can he start heading through those gears and getting to that top speed 1535 01:34:41,715 --> 01:34:44,817 that we've all been blown away by over the past few weeks? 1536 01:34:44,852 --> 01:34:47,187 [Tessitore] That is when he's at his best. Just like this! 1537 01:34:47,221 --> 01:34:50,440 Oh, how about it? Springboard Moonsault, Rey Fenix! 1538 01:34:50,474 --> 01:34:53,059 And the kick out at two and change from Escobar. 1539 01:34:53,093 --> 01:34:55,596 [Barrett] Oh, well, that turned around in the blink of an eye. 1540 01:34:55,629 --> 01:34:59,532 That tells you volumes about the durability of Rey Fenix, 1541 01:34:59,566 --> 01:35:00,784 who I'd written off. 1542 01:35:01,285 --> 01:35:04,004 [Tessitore] Escobar thinking he got the best of it, no, watch out! 1543 01:35:04,036 --> 01:35:08,075 Return fire from Fenix, hooks the leg, looking for the win. 1544 01:35:08,108 --> 01:35:11,460 [Barrett] Well, all that trash talk by Santos Escobar 1545 01:35:11,495 --> 01:35:14,998 must taste pretty bad right now for the Emperor of Lucha Libre. 1546 01:35:15,032 --> 01:35:18,701 Did not capitalize on a massive advantage he had earlier on. 1547 01:35:19,769 --> 01:35:21,572 [Tessitore] The celebrated luchador. 1548 01:35:23,440 --> 01:35:26,242 Escobar saying, "That top role should be mine." 1549 01:35:27,594 --> 01:35:31,498 So many heated exchanges when they were face-to-face to open this match 1550 01:35:31,532 --> 01:35:34,367 and now the wear and tear deep into it. 1551 01:35:34,401 --> 01:35:39,156 Escobar, able to get out of the way. Fenix attacks at different levels. 1552 01:35:39,773 --> 01:35:41,724 Oh, what a big knee! 1553 01:35:41,758 --> 01:35:43,777 And how about that from Fenix, 1554 01:35:43,809 --> 01:35:48,815 popping right back up, finding a little something for a moment, 1555 01:35:48,849 --> 01:35:50,384 the quick reflexes. 1556 01:35:52,969 --> 01:35:56,940 What a spectacular setting here in Des Moines, Iowa. 1557 01:35:58,041 --> 01:36:00,594 Wells Fargo Arena, big crowd. 1558 01:36:00,626 --> 01:36:02,295 Still tag team action to come 1559 01:36:02,329 --> 01:36:05,132 with Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Naomi. 1560 01:36:05,883 --> 01:36:07,951 But for now it's Fenix and Escobar. 1561 01:36:09,419 --> 01:36:14,791 [Barrett] What a trade of strikes that was by these two men, 1562 01:36:14,825 --> 01:36:20,097 that sudden burst of adrenaline from Rey Fenix, dropping Santos Escobar. 1563 01:36:20,130 --> 01:36:24,101 Just when you thought it was game over for Fenix, he's back in there. 1564 01:36:28,455 --> 01:36:30,507 [Tessitore] Catches him, gets him up top. 1565 01:36:31,008 --> 01:36:32,492 Escobar. 1566 01:36:32,526 --> 01:36:35,344 Trying to fight his way off of that position is Rey Fenix 1567 01:36:35,379 --> 01:36:37,231 and he does into the corner. 1568 01:36:37,264 --> 01:36:39,983 [Barrett] It goes to show you the physical gifts of Rey Fenix 1569 01:36:40,017 --> 01:36:43,170 at times neutralized here by Escobar's 1570 01:36:43,202 --> 01:36:48,675 smart in-ring, savvy, high IQ tactics and deep bag of tricks. 1571 01:36:48,709 --> 01:36:50,059 [Tessitore] Wade, I will tell you. 1572 01:36:50,093 --> 01:36:54,548 Rey Fenix has eaten a couple of those huge knees tonight. 1573 01:36:54,581 --> 01:36:57,817 [Barrett] It's the level of respect that Santos has for Rey Fenix. 1574 01:36:57,851 --> 01:37:01,321 You know you have to hit Fenix with your best shot. 1575 01:37:01,355 --> 01:37:02,623 Santos knows him as well as anyone. 1576 01:37:02,656 --> 01:37:04,191 [Tessitore] He does indeed, 1577 01:37:04,224 --> 01:37:07,710 and now Escobar trying to put things away right here. 1578 01:37:10,797 --> 01:37:13,884 [Barrett] It's about as vicious and calculating 1579 01:37:13,916 --> 01:37:17,487 as I've seen Santos Escobar in a long time. 1580 01:37:17,521 --> 01:37:22,526 Something has lit a fire under the Emperor of Lucha Libre. 1581 01:37:22,558 --> 01:37:27,130 This man wants power. He wants control. 1582 01:37:28,398 --> 01:37:32,853 And he wants to claim the body of Rey Fenix tonight here on SmackDown. 1583 01:37:40,344 --> 01:37:41,929 [Tessitore] Back up top. 1584 01:37:41,962 --> 01:37:45,549 Again, Fenix, fighting his way free 1585 01:37:45,581 --> 01:37:49,268 and follows up with the drop kick. 1586 01:37:49,303 --> 01:37:54,224 And now quick to the top rope looking for Adios Amigos! 1587 01:37:54,258 --> 01:37:56,977 [Barrett] Connecting with the back of the head of Santos Escobar, 1588 01:37:57,009 --> 01:37:59,279 just when Escobar looked to be ducking out of the way. 1589 01:38:00,480 --> 01:38:06,135 [Tessitore] Top-rope Meteora! What impact by Rey Fenix. 1590 01:38:06,169 --> 01:38:07,771 -[bell rings] -[crowd cheers] 1591 01:38:07,804 --> 01:38:09,723 ["Animo" plays] 1592 01:38:09,755 --> 01:38:12,558 [Nash] Here is your winner, 1593 01:38:12,593 --> 01:38:16,679 Rey Fenix! 1594 01:38:16,713 --> 01:38:21,567 [Barrett] Well, that was a very different kind of victory from Rey Fenix 1595 01:38:21,602 --> 01:38:23,820 than what we've seen from him thus far, 1596 01:38:23,853 --> 01:38:30,110 but once again it was the incredible athleticism of this newcomer luchador. 1597 01:38:31,228 --> 01:38:34,748 With this springboard moonsault, first of all, 1598 01:38:34,781 --> 01:38:37,784 that Santos Escobar was almost caught out with. 1599 01:38:38,951 --> 01:38:43,790 But really it was this top-rope Meteora to a kneeling opponent 1600 01:38:43,824 --> 01:38:45,558 that did the damage. 1601 01:38:45,592 --> 01:38:49,478 The flight of the Fenix continues here on the Blue Brand. 1602 01:38:49,513 --> 01:38:51,548 [Tessitore] You say a different kind of fight. 1603 01:38:51,581 --> 01:38:53,567 Sometimes you just have to dig deep. 1604 01:38:53,599 --> 01:38:56,987 You have to make it just a fight. He did that well. 1605 01:39:00,574 --> 01:39:01,959 I get it, and I know Nia. 1606 01:39:01,991 --> 01:39:03,527 I know her strength, I know her weaknesses. 1607 01:39:03,559 --> 01:39:06,797 Excuse me, Tiffany, Jade, I do apologize for interrupting, 1608 01:39:06,830 --> 01:39:08,382 but in tonight's main event, 1609 01:39:08,415 --> 01:39:11,018 the both of you are teaming up for the very first time. 1610 01:39:11,518 --> 01:39:13,536 And you're also taking on two individuals, 1611 01:39:13,570 --> 01:39:16,456 who you've got some really deep-rooted issues with. 1612 01:39:16,490 --> 01:39:18,825 Uh, how well do you think you guys are gonna fare? 1613 01:39:18,858 --> 01:39:20,626 Listen, Byron, I get it. 1614 01:39:20,661 --> 01:39:23,697 If I were Nia, I wouldn't be over me either, 1615 01:39:23,730 --> 01:39:25,816 but eventually she's gonna have to learn that this title 1616 01:39:25,849 --> 01:39:28,317 belongs around my pretty little shoulders. 1617 01:39:28,352 --> 01:39:29,585 And as for Jade, 1618 01:39:30,170 --> 01:39:34,090 as long as she stays out of my way, we won't have a problem. 1619 01:39:35,025 --> 01:39:37,177 Or… Or you stay out of mine. 1620 01:39:37,861 --> 01:39:39,795 And anyway, I'll be focusing on Naomi, 1621 01:39:39,830 --> 01:39:42,833 seeing how she didn't get enough of these hands at WrestleMania, 1622 01:39:42,866 --> 01:39:47,221 but I spoke to Nick Aldis and I'll be facing Nia Jax next week 1623 01:39:47,254 --> 01:39:51,175 in a number one contender's match for your title. 1624 01:39:51,991 --> 01:39:54,311 So, yeah, handle that. 1625 01:39:54,344 --> 01:39:58,965 That's funny considering last week I almost had you beat, so that's fine. 1626 01:39:58,999 --> 01:40:01,485 You can go ahead and you can beat Nia Jax. 1627 01:40:01,518 --> 01:40:03,437 I'll just have to do it all over again. 1628 01:40:04,121 --> 01:40:05,672 -Toodles. -[scoffs] 1629 01:40:06,639 --> 01:40:07,641 "Toodles." 1630 01:40:08,892 --> 01:40:11,545 [Barrett] Well, two hastily thrown together tag teams, 1631 01:40:11,577 --> 01:40:15,831 who are clearly not on the same page as their partners. 1632 01:40:15,866 --> 01:40:20,304 Good luck predicting the outcome of tonight's main event on SmackDown, 1633 01:40:20,337 --> 01:40:23,523 as Tiffany Stratton teams with Jade Cargill 1634 01:40:23,557 --> 01:40:25,826 to take on Nia Jax and Naomi, 1635 01:40:25,858 --> 01:40:27,510 that's coming up imminently. 1636 01:40:29,830 --> 01:40:33,066 [Tessitore] And it's the TLC match that has set the standard, 1637 01:40:33,099 --> 01:40:36,486 with the tip of the cap to so many greats from the past, 1638 01:40:36,519 --> 01:40:40,057 but it's time to celebrate the current kings of TLC, 1639 01:40:40,090 --> 01:40:44,076 and look back at the perspective at that historic match on SmackDown 1640 01:40:44,111 --> 01:40:45,596 when we return. 1641 01:40:50,067 --> 01:40:51,817 [Tessitore] It's been a fun night from Des Moines, 1642 01:40:51,852 --> 01:40:53,920 the ninth time that SmackDown has been here, 1643 01:40:53,954 --> 01:40:55,722 as we look through some of the results. 1644 01:40:55,755 --> 01:40:58,558 Another big win for Fraxiom against Pretty Deadly. 1645 01:40:58,592 --> 01:41:03,330 Aleister Black with the Black Mass comes up with a victory against The Miz. 1646 01:41:03,362 --> 01:41:06,650 Zelina Vega finding a way again with a win. 1647 01:41:06,683 --> 01:41:10,487 And moments ago we just saw Rey Fenix defeat Santos Escobar. 1648 01:41:17,643 --> 01:41:21,197 [Tessitore] Tables, ladders, and chairs. 1649 01:41:22,482 --> 01:41:28,054 Street Profits, DIY, and the Motor City Machine Guns, 1650 01:41:28,088 --> 01:41:32,910 triple threat for the WWE Tag Team Championships. 1651 01:41:44,036 --> 01:41:47,023 [Sabin] That right there is what this business is all about. 1652 01:41:47,674 --> 01:41:51,712 That right there made dedicating our entire lives to this business worth it. 1653 01:41:53,112 --> 01:41:55,215 We knew what this was gonna be. 1654 01:41:55,249 --> 01:41:58,719 [Tessitore] There is no let up in this TLC match. 1655 01:42:05,826 --> 01:42:08,795 [Barrett] Well, I've seen a lot of tables, ladders and chairs matches. 1656 01:42:08,829 --> 01:42:11,081 This is about as vicious as it gets. 1657 01:42:11,114 --> 01:42:15,402 The warriors are out on the floor, beating the hell out of each other. 1658 01:42:16,904 --> 01:42:18,938 [Barrett] That's a prosthetic leg. 1659 01:42:18,972 --> 01:42:21,991 [Tessitore] Come on! How good is this? 1660 01:42:22,593 --> 01:42:25,144 [Dawkins] All three teams went out there and laid it on the line. 1661 01:42:25,913 --> 01:42:28,315 Motor City and DIY can hang their heads up high, 1662 01:42:29,049 --> 01:42:30,500 but at the end of the day… 1663 01:42:37,824 --> 01:42:40,193 Smoke, retained. 1664 01:42:40,227 --> 01:42:43,362 [Tessitore] Absolute instant classic. 1665 01:42:51,672 --> 01:42:57,311 [Barrett] The gutsy Street Profits prevail amidst ultimate mayhem. 1666 01:42:58,411 --> 01:43:00,781 Right now we really feel like we're at the top. 1667 01:43:01,648 --> 01:43:05,018 And we want the smoke. 1668 01:43:08,739 --> 01:43:13,861 Where are you when I need you the most? Do you understand what I'm saying? 1669 01:43:13,893 --> 01:43:14,894 [speaks Spanish] 1670 01:43:14,928 --> 01:43:16,597 You just told us, yeah. 1671 01:43:16,630 --> 01:43:19,433 Santos, tranquilo, what is your problem now? 1672 01:43:20,867 --> 01:43:22,818 -What's your problem? -Watch your words. 1673 01:43:23,719 --> 01:43:25,222 Watch your words, Andrade. 1674 01:43:25,255 --> 01:43:26,790 -Hey, Santos. -Okay? 1675 01:43:27,857 --> 01:43:29,159 -You know what? -What? 1676 01:43:29,860 --> 01:43:32,696 I know you don't care about the Garza. 1677 01:43:33,964 --> 01:43:36,700 -And my problem? I don't like you. -[laughs] 1678 01:43:36,732 --> 01:43:43,357 I know you was talking about legacy, respect, honor. 1679 01:43:43,389 --> 01:43:47,928 -Mm-hmm. -But only you have is legacy. 1680 01:43:49,795 --> 01:43:51,298 You don't have respect. 1681 01:43:51,331 --> 01:43:54,250 -You don't have honor. -I don't have respect? [speaks Spanish] 1682 01:43:55,184 --> 01:43:56,186 [speaks Spanish] 1683 01:43:57,321 --> 01:43:59,438 -What are you laughing at, huh? -[Andrade] You don't have. 1684 01:44:00,157 --> 01:44:01,157 Let's go. 1685 01:44:01,808 --> 01:44:03,110 Let's get out of here! 1686 01:44:09,316 --> 01:44:11,602 I said, let's go! 1687 01:44:19,242 --> 01:44:22,312 [Tessitore] That after the loss to Rey Fenix was Santos Escobar. 1688 01:44:22,346 --> 01:44:27,384 Hey, John Cena makes his return to Dayton, Ohio. 1689 01:44:27,416 --> 01:44:30,771 We will hear from him the night before Backlash 1690 01:44:30,804 --> 01:44:32,940 when he defends against Randy Orton. 1691 01:44:34,174 --> 01:44:36,610 [Barrett] Well, speaking of Backlash, 1692 01:44:36,643 --> 01:44:40,414 that's where LA Knight and Damian Priest will be opponents 1693 01:44:40,447 --> 01:44:42,866 in a Fatal 4-way match for the US title, 1694 01:44:42,900 --> 01:44:47,254 but the night before at SmackDown in Dayton, Ohio, 1695 01:44:47,286 --> 01:44:50,523 they've got a team up together as they go head-to-head 1696 01:44:50,557 --> 01:44:54,378 against the vicious Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. 1697 01:44:55,996 --> 01:44:57,581 [Tessitore] And it is official. 1698 01:44:59,799 --> 01:45:01,151 They both want Tiffy's title. 1699 01:45:01,184 --> 01:45:03,654 We'll get a one-on-one battle, the powerhouses, Jade Cargill 1700 01:45:03,687 --> 01:45:07,324 against Nia Jax for the right to be the number one contender. 1701 01:45:22,188 --> 01:45:26,509 [Cargill] A storm… [laughs] …is coming. 1702 01:45:27,244 --> 01:45:28,745 ["A Storm Is Coming" plays] 1703 01:45:47,648 --> 01:45:48,916 [bell rings] 1704 01:45:48,949 --> 01:45:54,021 [Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall. 1705 01:45:54,054 --> 01:45:57,474 Introducing first, from Vero Beach, Florida, 1706 01:45:58,025 --> 01:46:01,460 Jade Cargill! 1707 01:46:01,495 --> 01:46:04,298 [Tessitore] And Jade knows that one-on-one with Nia can wait a week 1708 01:46:04,331 --> 01:46:08,050 because right now she has the chance to get hands on Naomi 1709 01:46:08,085 --> 01:46:12,139 and continue to deal with those deep emotions. 1710 01:46:12,172 --> 01:46:14,157 That has arrived with a tag team opportunity 1711 01:46:14,191 --> 01:46:18,594 when we return to SmackDown here in Iowa. 1712 01:46:18,629 --> 01:46:20,230 Good main event coming your way. 1713 01:46:30,240 --> 01:46:32,241 [Tessitore] You up for signs of the night, Wade? 1714 01:46:32,276 --> 01:46:35,512 [Barrett] Oh, yeah, bring your best Des Moines. 1715 01:46:35,545 --> 01:46:38,932 "First SmackDown," I promise you, after tonight it won't be the last. 1716 01:46:38,965 --> 01:46:42,219 "RKO," heading into a major fight. 1717 01:46:42,719 --> 01:46:44,605 "Future world champ," we'll see about that. 1718 01:46:44,638 --> 01:46:48,192 You're talking a big game. Let's check back in 20 years, kid. 1719 01:46:48,759 --> 01:46:53,730 "Birthday party ideas," no better place to spend your birthday than right here. 1720 01:46:53,764 --> 01:46:57,733 Congratulations, we're having a big birthday party on SmackDown. 1721 01:47:01,170 --> 01:47:02,589 [Tessitore] Jade Cargill. 1722 01:47:02,623 --> 01:47:04,575 Earlier tonight she saw Naomi out there 1723 01:47:04,607 --> 01:47:06,710 and you knew things wouldn't stay calm at all. 1724 01:47:06,742 --> 01:47:08,010 ["Tiffy Time" plays] 1725 01:47:08,045 --> 01:47:11,849 [Tessitore] Little did we know we'd have a tag team main event 1726 01:47:11,882 --> 01:47:13,299 that's developed into this. 1727 01:47:20,290 --> 01:47:24,777 [Nash] And her tag team partner from Prior Lake, Minnesota, 1728 01:47:25,411 --> 01:47:29,266 she is the WWE Women's Champion, 1729 01:47:29,299 --> 01:47:32,553 Tiffany Stratton! 1730 01:47:32,585 --> 01:47:35,722 [Tessitore] And a happy birthday week to Tiffany Stratton. 1731 01:47:35,755 --> 01:47:40,143 There's a lot to celebrate lately, and even more to deal with in the future. 1732 01:47:40,677 --> 01:47:43,297 Retain the women's championship at WrestleMania, 1733 01:47:43,330 --> 01:47:45,499 that was impressive against Charlotte Flair. 1734 01:47:46,683 --> 01:47:49,536 But the longer this title run goes, the heavier things get, 1735 01:47:49,570 --> 01:47:52,673 and Nia Jax's return to action proves that true. 1736 01:47:58,846 --> 01:48:00,947 [Barrett] So you get past Charlotte Flair, 1737 01:48:00,981 --> 01:48:02,833 you feel like it's gonna be plain sailing. 1738 01:48:02,866 --> 01:48:06,820 Immediately, Nia Jax comes after you 1739 01:48:06,853 --> 01:48:10,123 and your tag partner this evening, Jade Cargill has even mentioned 1740 01:48:10,157 --> 01:48:11,391 she wants it too. 1741 01:48:22,803 --> 01:48:24,804 ["Not Like Most Girls" plays] 1742 01:48:35,898 --> 01:48:41,554 [Nash] And their opponent, first, from San Diego, California, 1743 01:48:41,588 --> 01:48:45,241 Nia Jax! 1744 01:48:45,275 --> 01:48:49,279 [Tessitore] Nia Jax, whose recent title run was 153 days, 1745 01:48:49,313 --> 01:48:52,282 and much of that time was spent with Tiffany Stratton by her side, 1746 01:48:52,316 --> 01:48:55,369 and much of that time was spent looking over the shoulder at Tiffany Stratton, 1747 01:48:55,402 --> 01:48:58,822 who on January 3rd-- as you see that look she gives to her-- 1748 01:48:58,856 --> 01:49:01,023 Tiffy cashed in that money in the bank contract 1749 01:49:01,058 --> 01:49:03,376 and took the championship from Jax. 1750 01:49:03,960 --> 01:49:06,045 [Barrett] Yeah, Nia Jax, you mentioned it earlier, 1751 01:49:06,079 --> 01:49:09,016 has been suspiciously quiet in recent weeks, 1752 01:49:09,049 --> 01:49:10,366 and that always unnerves me. 1753 01:49:10,400 --> 01:49:14,321 We hadn't seen nor heard from the former champ, 1754 01:49:14,353 --> 01:49:18,909 but she chose the perfect time to reignite that pursuit of Stratton 1755 01:49:18,942 --> 01:49:22,212 as the dust settled on WrestleMania 41. 1756 01:49:22,246 --> 01:49:24,848 [theme song plays] 1757 01:49:45,035 --> 01:49:49,990 [Nash] And her tag team partner. from Orlando, Florida, 1758 01:49:50,706 --> 01:49:54,478 Naomi! 1759 01:49:54,510 --> 01:49:58,165 [Barrett] All right, the personality change with Naomi is one thing, 1760 01:49:58,197 --> 01:50:03,620 but the outfit upgrade right in top spot of the entire locker room, 1761 01:50:03,654 --> 01:50:08,424 both men's and women's for ring gear, entrance attire, 1762 01:50:08,458 --> 01:50:13,797 Naomi is clearly the absolute pinnacle of that game. 1763 01:50:13,830 --> 01:50:18,501 [Tessitore] Wow, the caution tape, every which way, proceed with caution, 1764 01:50:19,018 --> 01:50:22,406 has been the mantra as she has not been shy about stating her goal. 1765 01:50:22,438 --> 01:50:26,809 She wants more than just the after Mania resolution with all things 1766 01:50:26,844 --> 01:50:29,795 Jade and Bianca, she wants gold. 1767 01:50:29,830 --> 01:50:33,817 [Barrett] And this is one warped personality that Naomi now possesses. 1768 01:50:33,851 --> 01:50:37,019 The nice girl, as she says, is gone for good. 1769 01:50:37,054 --> 01:50:40,523 2025's Naomi is one highly volatile… 1770 01:50:40,557 --> 01:50:43,160 -[bell rings] -…and unpredictable woman, 1771 01:50:43,192 --> 01:50:45,913 but throwing fists with Jade Cargill right off the bat, 1772 01:50:45,946 --> 01:50:48,048 the most predictable thing you can imagine. 1773 01:50:48,081 --> 01:50:50,567 [Tessitore] We're gonna start off with a brawl. 1774 01:50:50,601 --> 01:50:56,607 This is just the reason why we even have this tag team match in the first place. 1775 01:50:56,639 --> 01:50:58,424 [Barrett] I mean, is this a tag team match 1776 01:50:58,458 --> 01:51:01,077 or is it just two separate fights at this point? 1777 01:51:01,111 --> 01:51:04,998 [Tessitore] Well, listen, you know how much emotion runs between these four. 1778 01:51:05,665 --> 01:51:08,067 These two were the best of friends, side-by-side, 1779 01:51:08,101 --> 01:51:10,387 and then the betrayal, and then the cash in. 1780 01:51:10,420 --> 01:51:13,857 And now the champion trying to beat down on Nia Jax, 1781 01:51:13,891 --> 01:51:17,277 who came after her so hard last week as she made her return. 1782 01:51:17,311 --> 01:51:20,914 [Barrett] It feels like a 4-way fight for survival at this point. 1783 01:51:20,947 --> 01:51:24,785 [Tessitore] And then in the ring, what we saw at WrestleMania, 1784 01:51:24,817 --> 01:51:26,436 Jade and Naomi. 1785 01:51:27,721 --> 01:51:30,557 [Barrett] I mean, were we ever expecting this to be a normal tag? 1786 01:51:30,590 --> 01:51:34,460 All four women kind of said to their own partners for the evening, 1787 01:51:34,494 --> 01:51:38,281 "Stay out of my way, let me take care of my business." 1788 01:51:38,315 --> 01:51:39,700 [Tessitore] Yeah, Naomi's saying, 1789 01:51:39,732 --> 01:51:43,019 "Hey, Nia, you can have Tiffy all to yourself." 1790 01:51:43,053 --> 01:51:48,575 [Barrett] This is a tactic-free tag match. We're just gonna see where this one goes. 1791 01:51:48,608 --> 01:51:52,563 The four women in there apparently gonna figure it out as they go along. 1792 01:51:54,598 --> 01:51:58,951 And Jade Cargill's doing a pretty damn good job of figuring things out thus far. 1793 01:52:00,454 --> 01:52:03,557 Now all those months on the shelf out injured 1794 01:52:03,590 --> 01:52:06,692 because of the actions of Naomi was Jade. 1795 01:52:06,727 --> 01:52:09,947 And she now delivers that kick right to the mid-section, 1796 01:52:09,980 --> 01:52:11,632 as Jade comes back into the ring. 1797 01:52:12,766 --> 01:52:14,817 [Barrett] Well, Jade Cargill thought she was done and dusted 1798 01:52:14,852 --> 01:52:16,753 after victory at WrestleMania 41. 1799 01:52:16,786 --> 01:52:21,625 Was ready to move on from this menace that is Naomi, 1800 01:52:21,657 --> 01:52:27,464 but Naomi, who blames Cargill for breaking up her friendship with Bianca Belair, 1801 01:52:27,496 --> 01:52:29,782 is certainly not done with The Storm. 1802 01:52:30,400 --> 01:52:32,920 [Tessitore] No, she is not, but you are absolutely right 1803 01:52:32,952 --> 01:52:36,173 in your assessment of Jade Cargill and what her mindset was. 1804 01:52:36,206 --> 01:52:39,308 She did not think that she would still be dealing with Naomi 1805 01:52:39,343 --> 01:52:44,164 after what she thought was going to be the resolution that happened in Vegas. 1806 01:52:44,197 --> 01:52:47,384 She came on our post show, and she turned right to Big E and said it. 1807 01:52:48,367 --> 01:52:50,687 [Barrett] Well, you get it, Jade Cargill's done wonderful things 1808 01:52:50,721 --> 01:52:52,923 in the tag world over the past 12 months, 1809 01:52:52,956 --> 01:52:55,291 but now after that performance at WrestleMania, 1810 01:52:55,325 --> 01:52:59,313 and indeed the performance against the world champ, Stratton, last week, 1811 01:52:59,346 --> 01:53:03,884 she was ready to step her game up in the singles wall and grab some gold there. 1812 01:53:03,916 --> 01:53:05,085 [Tessitore] There was the tag, 1813 01:53:05,117 --> 01:53:08,405 the blind tag by Nia Jax who comes right in. 1814 01:53:09,039 --> 01:53:12,808 [Barrett] And there is that element of inexperience still from Jade Cargill, 1815 01:53:12,843 --> 01:53:15,179 as much as the physical presences are mentioned. 1816 01:53:15,212 --> 01:53:20,233 Just doesn't have the in-ring savvy of Nia Jax who is now in control. 1817 01:53:20,267 --> 01:53:21,602 [crowd boos] 1818 01:53:26,273 --> 01:53:30,043 Nia Jax and Jade Cargill will be one-on-one 1819 01:53:30,076 --> 01:53:32,112 in a number one contenders' match. 1820 01:53:32,144 --> 01:53:36,599 But right now as you see that big forearm coming on Tiffany Stratton. 1821 01:53:36,633 --> 01:53:39,820 There's so much emotion boiling over in this tag team match. 1822 01:53:39,853 --> 01:53:42,371 Tiffany and Jade against Nia Jax and Naomi. 1823 01:53:42,406 --> 01:53:43,757 Look at the power, 1824 01:53:43,790 --> 01:53:46,793 but then collapsing down into the cover. 1825 01:53:46,826 --> 01:53:49,045 And Jade… But she gave it a shot, Wade. 1826 01:53:49,079 --> 01:53:51,130 [Barrett] Well, she got Nia Jax up there, 1827 01:53:51,164 --> 01:53:54,800 that's the biggest part of the battle with the energy part of her. 1828 01:53:54,835 --> 01:53:59,373 Jade Cargill is just too low after the beating she has received, 1829 01:53:59,406 --> 01:54:05,462 and now the fresh and vicious Naomi back in there to punish her most hated rival. 1830 01:54:06,330 --> 01:54:09,183 [Tessitore] In the post WrestleMania edition of SmackDown, 1831 01:54:09,215 --> 01:54:11,634 Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill were going at it. 1832 01:54:11,668 --> 01:54:16,557 It ended in no contest when Naomi attacked Jade Cargill, that ended the match, 1833 01:54:16,589 --> 01:54:22,396 and then came the stunning arrival of Nia Jax who cleared house 1834 01:54:22,429 --> 01:54:24,164 and beat down Tiffany Stratton. 1835 01:54:26,098 --> 01:54:30,920 [Barrett] And perhaps at long last a little daylight for Jade Cargill 1836 01:54:30,954 --> 01:54:37,945 to try and claw her way over for a tag to the WWE Women's Champ, 1837 01:54:37,978 --> 01:54:42,432 Tiffany Stratton, who has not legally been in this match at all thus far. 1838 01:54:42,465 --> 01:54:45,469 [Tessitore] It has been all Jade taking punishment, 1839 01:54:45,501 --> 01:54:49,973 and look at this as Nia tries to pull her back. 1840 01:54:50,007 --> 01:54:51,290 Jade gets free. 1841 01:54:51,325 --> 01:54:55,094 -Boom. -And it is Tiffy Time here in Des Moines. 1842 01:54:55,128 --> 01:54:58,764 [Barrett] The sight that Nia Jax did not want to see. 1843 01:55:00,233 --> 01:55:02,870 [Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton, that big knee. 1844 01:55:03,704 --> 01:55:07,206 [Barrett] Nia Jax has just met the center of the universe, 1845 01:55:07,241 --> 01:55:11,077 which for one night only is Des Moines, Iowa. 1846 01:55:11,862 --> 01:55:15,933 [Tessitore] The WWE Women's Champion has something to deliver. 1847 01:55:17,150 --> 01:55:20,254 How about this? Crucifix pin attempt. 1848 01:55:22,822 --> 01:55:24,391 So close was Tiffany. 1849 01:55:24,942 --> 01:55:26,559 [Barrett] Tiffany knows it too, 1850 01:55:26,593 --> 01:55:30,112 it's rare you get the opportunity to take down Nia Jax, 1851 01:55:30,147 --> 01:55:31,380 and to get this close, 1852 01:55:31,415 --> 01:55:33,901 brilliant technique there from Stratton, 1853 01:55:33,933 --> 01:55:38,188 who turned a potential Samoan Drop into an offensive pin. 1854 01:55:39,306 --> 01:55:43,759 Just a split second away from victory and now she really has to drop the hammer. 1855 01:55:43,794 --> 01:55:46,513 [Tessitore] Boy, Tiffany could be in really good shape here, 1856 01:55:46,547 --> 01:55:50,534 you see her reaching for her ribs, but in position for what could be. 1857 01:55:51,300 --> 01:55:55,005 Oh, and Nia quick to her feet. And brings the head butt. 1858 01:55:55,038 --> 01:55:56,990 And now Nia. 1859 01:55:57,023 --> 01:55:59,192 There is the Samoan Drop. 1860 01:55:59,226 --> 01:56:02,295 [Barrett] Little extra stank on that one for Tiffany Stratton. 1861 01:56:03,931 --> 01:56:07,901 Oh, and the leg drop, and Nia saying, "What in the world?" 1862 01:56:07,934 --> 01:56:10,120 That was a blind tag and there's the… 1863 01:56:10,737 --> 01:56:13,190 the fact that they are not tag team teammates 1864 01:56:13,223 --> 01:56:15,491 and you can see her ordering her out. 1865 01:56:15,526 --> 01:56:17,510 She was in position to close this. 1866 01:56:17,544 --> 01:56:19,478 [Barrett] Well, that could have been game over there, 1867 01:56:19,513 --> 01:56:22,449 but clearly both women looking to get the dub for themselves. 1868 01:56:22,482 --> 01:56:24,418 [Tessitore] Oh, split-leg moonsault goes wrong. 1869 01:56:24,451 --> 01:56:26,219 Tiffany gets the knees up. 1870 01:56:26,253 --> 01:56:29,223 [Barrett] And what an error that may well turn out to be 1871 01:56:29,255 --> 01:56:31,625 for the team of Naomi and Nia Jax. 1872 01:56:31,657 --> 01:56:35,295 And Nia Jax is just fuming on the apron. 1873 01:56:36,697 --> 01:56:40,450 [Tessitore] Getting those knees up may have just saved the day, 1874 01:56:40,968 --> 01:56:46,857 as a fired up Jade Cargill comes in against her chief rival Naomi. 1875 01:56:46,889 --> 01:56:50,076 [Barrett] It's superhero-like powers of recovery. 1876 01:56:50,710 --> 01:56:54,447 About two minutes ago, Jade Cargill looked completely washed. 1877 01:56:54,481 --> 01:56:58,018 [Tessitore] Now she is, oh, getting the best of her, Wade. 1878 01:56:58,050 --> 01:57:01,522 [Barrett] Totally refreshed, back on top. 1879 01:57:01,554 --> 01:57:05,791 On a mission to be the number one woman in this industry. 1880 01:57:08,327 --> 01:57:10,897 [Tessitore] Comes slamming into that corner. 1881 01:57:10,931 --> 01:57:14,067 [Barrett] Looking to take care of business with Naomi. 1882 01:57:16,786 --> 01:57:19,306 [Tessitore] Naomi begging for mercy, 1883 01:57:19,339 --> 01:57:23,527 but instead chokeslam into the cover for the win, 1884 01:57:23,559 --> 01:57:27,865 -and Nia Jax comes in to break that up. -[crowd boos] 1885 01:57:28,848 --> 01:57:33,786 And now dragging her partner back into the corner. 1886 01:57:33,820 --> 01:57:39,125 Remember what happened moments ago when Naomi tagged herself in. 1887 01:57:39,159 --> 01:57:40,794 Well, guess who's back? 1888 01:57:40,826 --> 01:57:44,848 The running elbow drop, the senton on Jade, 1889 01:57:44,882 --> 01:57:47,601 this thing could be over, but Tiffany's going up top. 1890 01:57:48,317 --> 01:57:51,737 Oh, swanton to break it up! 1891 01:57:51,772 --> 01:57:53,924 And Tiffany may have done damage to herself. 1892 01:57:53,956 --> 01:57:57,477 [Barrett] Well, what an insane breakup that was by Tiffany Stratton. 1893 01:57:58,027 --> 01:58:02,583 And again, this one is completely broken down, referee losing control. 1894 01:58:03,200 --> 01:58:07,170 But who can blame him with these four giant personalities in that ring? 1895 01:58:07,204 --> 01:58:08,822 [Tessitore] Tiffany and Naomi. 1896 01:58:09,438 --> 01:58:15,195 Oh, and squashing both of them in the corner is Nia Jax! 1897 01:58:15,779 --> 01:58:19,049 And pushing them both out of the ring. 1898 01:58:19,081 --> 01:58:23,187 Yeah, I'd say the tag team of Nia Jax and Naomi is officially over, 1899 01:58:23,219 --> 01:58:27,857 but this match is ongoing as Jax closes in 1900 01:58:27,891 --> 01:58:30,527 on what looks to be an imminent victory. 1901 01:58:30,561 --> 01:58:36,450 [Tessitore] And now Nia Jax is putting Jade Cargill in position. 1902 01:58:37,267 --> 01:58:39,887 [Barrett] It's squashing time, Joe. 1903 01:58:39,920 --> 01:58:43,339 -No, it's not! -[Tessitore] Oh, Jade! Look at Jade! 1904 01:58:43,373 --> 01:58:45,308 Could she possibly? 1905 01:58:46,043 --> 01:58:49,146 She's got Jax up on her shoulders. 1906 01:58:51,697 --> 01:58:53,099 Jade Cargill! 1907 01:58:54,567 --> 01:58:56,036 -Yes! -[bell rings] 1908 01:58:56,068 --> 01:58:58,222 -["A Storm Is Coming" plays] -[crowd cheers] 1909 01:58:59,156 --> 01:59:01,424 [Nash] Here are your winners, 1910 01:59:01,458 --> 01:59:05,279 the WWE Women's Champion, Tiffany Stratton, 1911 01:59:05,312 --> 01:59:10,032 and Jade Cargill! 1912 01:59:11,668 --> 01:59:14,905 [Barrett] One of the greatest physical specimens 1913 01:59:14,938 --> 01:59:18,375 in the history of our industry. 1914 01:59:18,407 --> 01:59:21,128 Used that physique to full effect there. 1915 01:59:21,795 --> 01:59:28,402 An epic power bomb on Nia Jax grabbing the victory for this strange team 1916 01:59:28,434 --> 01:59:31,772 of Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill. 1917 01:59:31,804 --> 01:59:36,977 That perhaps explains the tension between these two former, now, teammates. 1918 01:59:37,009 --> 01:59:38,378 [Tessitore] You want tension. 1919 01:59:38,411 --> 01:59:42,165 How about the champion saying, "That's mine." 1920 01:59:44,000 --> 01:59:46,003 [Barrett] "It's yours for now, Tiffany." 1921 01:59:46,036 --> 01:59:49,022 [Tessitore] The positioning for the women's championship 1922 01:59:49,056 --> 01:59:51,592 is becoming a bit of a demolition derby. 1923 01:59:51,625 --> 01:59:56,763 Oh, and Naomi is back in the ring and attacks from behind. 1924 01:59:57,764 --> 02:00:03,370 [Barrett] Both women were distracted by that glittering championship. 1925 02:00:03,402 --> 02:00:06,822 Never take your eyes off that caution tape. 1926 02:00:06,857 --> 02:00:08,875 [Tessitore] Listen, it's gonna be Nia and Jade 1927 02:00:08,909 --> 02:00:11,128 for the number one spot a week from now, 1928 02:00:11,161 --> 02:00:15,249 but it's Naomi, proceed with caution, 1929 02:00:15,281 --> 02:00:19,620 -holding that WWE Women's Championship… -[theme music plays] 1930 02:00:19,652 --> 02:00:21,255 …at the end of this night. 1931 02:00:21,288 --> 02:00:24,508 What a night from here in Des Moines, Iowa. 1932 02:00:24,540 --> 02:00:29,295 We're only days away from Backlash. 1933 02:00:29,329 --> 02:00:31,098 Orton and Cena. 1934 02:00:31,130 --> 02:00:33,634 And Cena will be on SmackDown. ash.