[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown,
and we're wasting no time.
Damian Priest is headed to the ring.
So much ahead with him tonight in moments plus tomorrow at Backlash.
Excuse me, Damian. Damian, I know you're about to head out there
in just a moment for a massive tag team match tonight,
but tomorrow night, you also have a massive Fatal 4-Way Match
for the United States Championship at Backlash.
How are you feeling about all this?
You know, I was good with just getting my hands on Drew McIntyre,
but now the idea that I could become a two-time United States Champion
and get to McIntyre, that sounds pretty--
There he is.
My man, I wish you all the luck in the world,
but here's what you gotta think about.
I'm in that match too, and anybody who gets in the way
between me and my US Championship, the backlash will be swift and severe.
But that's tomorrow.
What I'm worried about is tonight, and tonight it's me, it's you,
it's Solo, it's Fatu, and what we gonna do.
You know, I'm glad you brought that up.
We're facing two of the baddest men in this entire roster.
Now, I'm not worried about me having your back.
I'm concerned about you having mine.
You know, I came in here with a clear conscience thinking trust wasn't an issue,
but now that you're saying that, alarm bells are starting to go off.
Sounding a little sus.
But I tell you what, I'll make you a little deal.
If you got my back, I got yours.
Don't make me regret it because if you do dirt, you get dirt.
Don't make me give you dirt.
Let's do the thing. Somebody hit my music. Yeah!
-[crowd] Yeah! -["Welcome to LA" plays]
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
-LA Knight! -[crowd] Yeah!
[Tessitore] Wade Barrett, three weeks ago,
he went to war at WrestleMania with Jacob Fatu.
Now a weekend where LA Knight can settle so much,
and of course, tomorrow at Backlash, it's on.
[Barrett] Fatal 4-Way for the United States Championship.
Jacob Fatu in his first defense,
and what a defense it will have to be against three of the best,
the Megastar LA Knight, Damian Priest and of course, Drew McIntyre.
One extremely physical match coming up tomorrow at Backlash.
-["Rise For The Night" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[crowd cheers]
♪ All rise For the Rockstar… ♪
[Nash] And his tag team partner,
from New York City,
weighing in at 249 pounds,
Damian Priest!
[Tessitore] The unique pairing with Knight and Damian Priest teaming up
to start off this explosive edition of SmackDown.
Of course, tomorrow night, that Fatal 4-Way that we mentioned,
announced from New York City specifically to be honored in the Bronx,
where Priest was given the honor of finding out that next Saturday,
he's gonna be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame.
Well done, Priest. Gonna have a street named after him.
[Barrett] Hero in the Bronx, a hero on the island of Puerto Rico,
and that hero worship will only grow further
if Damian Priest is successful in his pursuit
of the United States Championship tomorrow night at Backlash.
However, there's a lot we've got to get through before that match is on deck.
[Tessitore] Great scene here at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
Friday Night SmackDown. Massive crowd roaring immediately.
Knight and Priest ready for a big challenge,
and even more massive star power is arriving right now.
Jade Cargill is here in Ohio.
Tonight, a big showdown to see who fights for the WWE Women's Championship.
She's earned her way to the top-- Oh!
Throwing that bottle right at Naomi's face.
But Nia Jax is back,
and she's determined to get that number one contender status as well.
Jade Cargill, Nia Jax. That's tonight.
Damian Priest, LA Knight.
Unique pairing. Tenuous at best, considering the recent past
and the Fatal 4-Way tomorrow.
[Barrett] Yeah, they need to put that to one side this evening.
You can be opponents tomorrow night, that's fine,
but tonight, first of all, is about survival.
["Samoan Destroyer" plays]
[Nash] And their opponents,
Solo Sikoa and the United States Champion,
the Samoan Werewolf,
Jacob Fatu!
[Tessitore] Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and, Wade,
let's remind everyone what's happened with Fatu
the last couple of weeks on SmackDown.
[Barrett] Yeah, so two weeks ago, number one contenders match.
McIntyre about to go into the kill against longtime nemesis Damian Priest,
who inserted himself in the match, got LA Knight disqualified,
and as they sorted things out, enter the fray,
Jacob Fatu with his usual brand of carnage.
Taking out all comers as he has done since arriving here on SmackDown.
Now last week, LA Knight and Priest attempted
to sort out their issues in-ring.
That was when Solo Sikoa hit the scene and decided to take down both men,
but things went badly for the former enforcer.
Priest and LA Knight teaming up to take down Sikoa with a BFT.
That was until once again the United States Champ Jacob Fatu
hit the scene and, again, wrecked all comers.
Is this a sign to come for what's gonna happen tomorrow night at Backlash?
Another emphatic statement from the champ, Jacob Fatu.
[Tessitore] Wade, I've said it before, but I think it's worth mentioning
because it comes with so much more to it, it seems since WrestleMania.
But there is an atmospheric change in every arena
when Jacob Fatu enters the arena.
But since WrestleMania, the way he wears that US Title
as if it's a choker necklace, and look at…
Right away, we talked about the potential
for just this odd pairing and the discord as to
who's going to start the match between Priest and LA Knight,
and with that, Solo attacks.
[Barrett] I'll tell you right now, I had a really good feeling
about LA Knight and Priest being mature enough
to put their issues to one side.
You heard that pep talk in the Gorilla area right before the match.
It was terrible. It tells you immediately these two guys want nothing
to do with each other tonight,
and that is why Solo Sikoa has immediately been able to capitalize.
Big mistake from Knight and Priest right off the bat.
[Tessitore] And Priest fights his way out of a potential Samoan Drop
and comes back with a big kick.
Always a great striker is Damian Priest with the right hand.
[Barrett] A massive amount of power, but more importantly than that,
a massive amount of range, and he knows how to use it,
a guy that size, you often see people as long and rangy as Damian Priest
working smaller in that ring.
He certainly makes all the most of his physical gifts.
[Tessitore] Towers at just over 6'5" in there against Solo Sikoa.
[Barrett] What I like about Damian Priest, he calls himself the Street King
because he doesn't mind getting down and dirty in the trenches,
can go to war with anybody, and now he's about to go old school.
[Tessitore] Old-school crossbody, tight roping,
and Damian Priest as he finally settles in and takes control.
Look at that stare from the Samoan Werewolf.
[Barrett] He's looking to end this one early,
what a statement it would be not only to Jacob Fatu
but his own tag partner, LA Knight, if he got the dub.
Solo a little too tough to go down that easy.
Shaking off the cobwebs on the outside. Better wise up fast, though, Solo.
[Tessitore] Off the steel steps comes flying in Damian Priest.
[Barrett] Priest just got that steely focus in his eyes. Wait up.
What we gonna do, Champ?
We gonna do something, or you gonna look stupid?
Do something!
[Tessitore] Oh!
Just as Priest was engaged.
Listen, again, to these two.
That's my title tomorrow.
[Tessitore] Now there is your newly-minted United States Champion, Jacob Fatu,
who's in tag team action paired with Solo Sikoa
against Damian Priest and LA Knight who have had discord pairing up.
This is what happened while we were away,
when they took complete control against Priest as Fatu came flying in, Wade.
[Barrett] And Damian Priest really hasn't looked the same since.
And the story of this match so far has been a team
in Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu,
taking on two individuals in Damian Priest and LA Knight.
And it's been going about as well as you would expect
against these two savages, Sikoa and Fatu.
[Tessitore] Yeah, tomorrow at Backlash,
it'll be a Fatal 4-Way for the US Championship
as Fatu looks to defend against Drew McIntyre
but Damian Priest and LA Knight.
So tag team partners tonight, a little tenuous relationship there.
But tomorrow, two of the four in there for the US Championship.
[Barrett] See, the game had changed there for Damian--
-[Tessitore] Oh, he's not around! -[Barrett] Finally looking for the tag
'cause he needs it out there in the worst way,
but LA Knight was dropped with a cheap shot from Sikoa.
I don't think Priest saw it.
[Tessitore] And the Samoan Drop!
And that's not gonna help tensions between Priest and Knight.
[Tessitore] Nor for tomorrow with the wear and tear
that Damian Priest has now taken for an extended period of time.
[Barrett] Yeah, and things are looking really good here for Jacob Fatu.
Especially as he watches two of his three opponents from last night
getting dropped time and again by Solo Sikoa.
[Tessitore] Senton by Fatu.
When he revs up the engine, you know the offensive assault is on.
And he turns that head towards the target.
[Barrett] He's got a obsession with being the top representative of his family.
Sees the likes of the Usos and Roman Reigns as yesterday's icons.
Looking to herald in a new era of Samoan dominance in his own image.
[Tessitore] You know that running hip attack can do so much damage
when he is softening up one of his opponents tomorrow at Backlash.
[Barrett] Two men just completely built from head to toe for open warfare.
Seemingly indestructible and capable of massive amounts of carnage at will.
And now Solo Sikoa looks to get his running start, but instead,
Priest fires out of that corner.
[Barrett] Yeah, and he had to. That was game over there.
Solo Sikoa looking to go in for the kill, close this thing down,
but there was an ember left burning inside Priest,
and he finally needs to make this tag to the Megastar.
[Tessitore] LA Knight! Here he comes.
A few weeks ago, these two were toe-to-toe in Vegas for the US Championship.
And now here, the night before Backlash, they're going after it.
Oh, Knight with the jumping neck breaker!
[Barrett] And you feel that energy picking up
-and hitting an eleven in this arena. -[Tessitore laughs]
Did you see that?
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Tessitore] Drops the elbow on Fatu.
[Barrett] Looking every bit the perpetual motion machine.
Taking a huge chunk out of the US Champ tonight.
[Tessitore] Can't land the BFT. But slams Fatu down.
[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[Tessitore] Oh, Priest, just as he's going for the jump-up leaping elbow,
blind tags LA Knight.
Come on.
[Barrett] Fury in the eyes of the Megastar who knew victory was in his sight.
And the momentum now shifts towards Damian Priest
and his astounding powers of recovery.
Both men knowing full well that to get the pin here tonight is gonna be…
[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] …the ultimate confidence booster,
and you don't want to give that to tomorrow night's opponent.
[Tessitore] Knight disrupts a South of Heaven opportunity.
They argue back and forth, and as they do,
Solo Sikoa comes in like a bulldozer
and delivers the Super Kick, and now is looking for that Spike.
[Barrett] Well, Solo did get tagged in there.
It was off camera, but Solo is indeed the legal man here.
[Tessitore] Oh, Knight!
Gets out of the way of the Spike! Lands the BFT!
[bell rings]
["Welcome to LA" plays]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
-LA Knight… -[crowd] Yeah!
…and Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] Well, somehow they arrived at the finish line, but you can see…
Oh, look at this!
Priest and Knight!
[Barrett] Well, the match is over. No more teammates.
Back to being full on opponents ahead of Backlash tomorrow.
[Tessitore] Tomorrow, you are looking at three of the four
who will go after it for the US Championship
in the Fatal 4-Way,
and the champ is cleaning them up right now.
[Barrett] Well, no matter how a match ends,
one thing is guaranteed.
Jacob Fatu is gonna cause maximum carnage,
even more so when it's two of his opponents tomorrow night.
[Tessitore] And forget the result of the tag match.
This is coming with serious consequences and impact in affecting Backlash
and that championship match.
[Barrett] That defense of the United States Championship,
now in the hands of Jacob Fatu, just looks that much easier.
[Tessitore] Fatu with his prized possession in his grasp.
["Samoan Destroyer" plays]
[Barrett] A man completely incapable
of finding a reverse gear or even idling in neutral.
-[Tessitore] He is-- Oh! Oh! -[Barrett] Oh!
Drew McIntyre with a Claymore!
Just when we thought we understood where things were heading into Backlash,
Drew McIntyre determined to fully claim
what right now is in his hand.
["Gallantry" plays]
[Tessitore] The strongest possible message sent, and we've only just begun.
[Barrett] And just right there is the biggest problem with a Fatal 4-Way match
like you're gonna be getting tomorrow night at Backlash.
You can take down two of your opponents,
but there's always a fresh opponent waiting to strike,
and if McIntyre connects with that Claymore tomorrow at Backlash,
we may have a new United States Champ.
…see you!
Let's go, Cena! We can't see you!
-Uce. -Let's--
What you doing?
Bro, Cena is in the house tonight, dawg.
He gonna be talking about Backlash, bruh. You know what I'm saying? It's on.
[chuckles]
Cena sucks, though.
Oh!
Bro, like my childhood hero John Cena says, "You never give up."
Looks like you done threw in the towel.
[scoffs]
[crowd] Yeet!
Let's go, Cena!
-We can't hear you! -[crowd] Cena sucks!
Let's go, Cena!
[crowd] Cena sucks!
[Tessitore] Well, R-Truth is right.
John Cena is here in the building on Friday Night SmackDown.
The night before the living legends will meet at Backlash, Cena and Orton.
They'll go after the Undisputed WWE Championship,
and we will hear from John Cena, the Champ, coming up.
[Tessitore] Here in Dayton, this is where the first ever
King Of The Ring PLE was back in '93.
Bret Hart took that.
It's also where Hulk Hogan lost the WWE Championship to Yokozuna.
So some history here, the 13th SmackDown to be held in Dayton, Ohio.
Let's show you what just happened in the ring.
[Barrett] Our opening tag match.
Eventually, the strange team of Knight and Damian Priest
got the victory after this BFT.
There have been numerous arguments between the two throughout the match.
They continued in the aftermath of the victory.
A shoving match which rapidly turned into a slugfest ahead of their matchup
tomorrow night at Backlash with this man in a Fatal 4-Way matchup
for the United States Championship.
Jacob Fatu laying waste to two of his three opponents tomorrow night.
Trying to make an emphatic statement ahead of that defense at Backlash,
but don't celebrate too much, Jacob Fatu,
because the fourth man in that matchup, the Scottish Terminator himself,
Drew McIntyre strikes one Claymore to the face.
McIntyre making clear his intent to be raising the United States Championship
above his head tomorrow night
to become a Grand Slam Champ here in WWE.
Drew. Drew, can you explain to us why you just laid out Jacob Fatu?
You wanna know why?
That was a message to the Samoan Werewolf.
Tomorrow night, I put a silver bullet in him.
This should be a one-on-one match though, shouldn't it?
Didn't I win the number one contenders match against LA Knight?
-Yeah? -You did.
Yeah, I mean some people might say,
"Well, Drew, there was outside interference."
You know, I'm a details guy. The devil is in the details.
LA Knight shouldn't have been in that match in the first place. You know why?
'Cause he lost at WrestleMania.
Back of the line. BS. Speaking of BS, why is Priest in the match?
I told you, Priest, at WrestleMania, I was gonna beat you in front of the world.
I was gonna beat you in front of your brother, your sister, your father,
in front of your mother, and I did that fair and square,
but you don't know how to succeed unless it involves Drew McIntyre.
Why would he stop?
He gets rewarded every single time. He's in the 4-Way.
BS.
And, Jacob, you're the baddest dog in the yard right now.
That's why I want to fight you.
When I get that title, I'll be a Grand Slam Champion around here,
but I've got some advice for you, kid.
So come close and listen.
The problem…
when you're all gas and no brakes…
is things are great when you're all gas, and you're mowing everybody down,
but eventually, without brakes,
you hit a brick wall,
and that brick wall's the next United States Champion,
Drew McIntyre.
Man, he said he wanted the baddest dog, but you get a sense
of where Drew's mind is as he heads into this tomorrow.
It is pure danger.
Now on the other side of the size spectrum,
the diminutive but, lately, dominating Zelina Vega,
week after week, she's been finding a way.
Yes, she has.
It has been several weeks now of sheer dominance
culminating last week in Zelina Vega, the new United States Women's Champ,
taking on Piper Niven of the Secret Hervice.
Vega looking really good until the former champ Chelsea Green got involved.
She might regret that one. Turned out to be a big mistake.
Vega pouncing a quick pin and the Green Regime lose again.
And they have to deal with another frustrated meltdown from Chelsea Green.
We're here today to celebrate the United States title reign
of Miss Chelsea Green.
What is going on?
Excuse me, this is a friends and family event.
Do you have clearance to be here?
It's my office.
So, no.
Nicholas, A was just about to say the most beautiful eulo-girlie,
a eulogy for the girlies.
We are in mourning, please.
I'm sorry. Hold on, hold on.
Not the crocodile tears.
You're mourning a title that you lost fair and square, Chelsea.
Just when I thought you couldn't get more pathetic.
-Like, that is crazy. -Oh, pathetic!
You don't understand because you have zero girlfriends, Zelina.
Oh, I'm sorry. I have zero girlfriends? That's funny. That's funny.
So maybe you two versus me and my nonexistent friend
in a tag match tonight.
-What do you think about that? -I think I like where this is going.
Yes, good idea. Tag Team Match.
So I guess we'll just see you guys in the ring tonight.
[chuckles] Bye!
Nicholas, I'm going through something!
[Tessitore] I'm sorry, is Chelsea holding a memorial service
for the US Championship?
["Hot Mess" playing]
[Barrett] Sad lament for Chelsea Green of late.
-[Tessitore] A funeral? -[Barrett] So some respect!
A solemn affair!
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by Alba Fyre,
Piper Niven and Chelsea Green!
[Tessitore] Chelsea Green has been infuriated with recent results,
set to team with Piper Niven,
but against who? We will find out.
The US Champ Zelina Vega and the reveal is next.
I guess this is the part where you expect me to speak in riddles,
to pick up where I left off.
Well, that part of myself, that man, I buried him.
Ritualistically, violently.
And, funny enough, what I found 6 ft deep,
it wasn't death.
No, no. It was…
It was the truth.
And the truth is, I came back…
because I truly believe that I am the consequences
that this company so desperately needs.
See, I am more than just the man that whispers in shadows,
despite what you want me to do,
despite what you think I might do.
And when I say that, I don't mean that in a villainous way.
No, this is so much bigger than just good versus evil.
This is more than just the chants, the fog.
Because this… this will cut deeper than any symbol ever could,
anything that I could ever do.
I'm here to confront you both mentally and physically,
and you get to decide which one is worse.
And as far as you, Carmelo,
I haven't quite figured you out. Or have I?
[Barrett] Well, Aleister Black put The Miz away last week
in his SmackDown re-debut.
This week the understudy Carmelo Hayes looks to get some revenge
on behalf of the A-lister.
Carmelo Hayes, Aleister Black, one-on-one later tonight here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] He said the consequences that the company needs,
and now Melo will face that.
And there's Chelsea and Piper.
Chelsea was up to her typical ringside behavior last week.
Got up on the apron to disrupt Vega and Piper, and it backfired.
[Barrett] Well, the Green Regime have been suffering the consequences.
["The Visual" plays]
[Nash] And their opponents,
first, from Queens, New York,
she is the Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega!
[Tessitore] It was a WrestleMania filled with title changes,
but perhaps in recent weeks,
the most unexpected new champion of all, Vega.
[Barrett] Who's gonna be the tag partner?
That's what I wanna know. The invisible woman?
This better be good, Vega.
-["The Fury" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] Ooh.
Who let her in the building?
-[Tessitore] Oh, it's more than good. -[Barrett chuckles]
Yeah, that face says it all.
The five-time World Champion Alexa Bliss.
[Tessitore] Alexa Bliss.
[Nash] And her tag team partner,
from Columbus, Ohio,
Alexa Bliss!
[Tessitore] What aroar in her home state
as she returns after we saw her at Royal Rumble
after a two-year absence.
And now setting SmackDown ablaze.
Haven't seen her since Elimination Chamber.
Just her third singles match in two years and three months.
[Barrett] A woman of mystery.
Gave us no clues about her return at the Royal Rumble
and gave no clues after her disappearing act
after the Elimination Chamber.
We know very little about the goals and motivations of Alexa Bliss
this time around, but what we do know
is that she is in action tonight alongside Zelina Vega,
and what a record scratch moment this is for Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice,
-who did not anticipate this whatsoever. -[bell rings]
[Tessitore] Yeah, did you see the reaction by Chelsea Green
the moment it was revealed that it was Alexa Bliss teaming up
with Zelina Vega?
United States Champion, newly-minted is Zelina Vega
in there against Piper Niven.
We saw that a week ago.
[Barrett] We have the ultimate physical mismatch in WWE.
Niven the powerhouse against the, as you call her,
Diminutive Underdog, Zelina Vega,
and power has taken full control right from the off on this one.
[Tessitore] Now, isn't it interesting that Chelsea was hiding behind Piper
when Alexa came out,
but now that there's some control, she tags in as Vega meets up
with her recent rival and sends a kick upstairs.
[Barrett] I wouldn't blame her.
I mean, the whole point of the Secret Hervice is to protect--
[Tessitore] Oh, oh.
We got a 619 opportunity, Wade?
[Tessitore] Oh! We got a stacked-up 619 opportunity, Wade?
[Barrett] Twelve-one… Twelve-two-eighteen.
-[Tessitore laughs] -[Barrett] Quick with the math.
[Barrett] And I messed it up in the process, but connecting was Vega.
[Tessitore] I gotta get you a calculator ringside.
[Barrett] Brain isn't as fast as it used to be.
I got kicked in the head a lot by Sheamus over the years.
[Tessitore] Oh, this crowd wants to erupt with Alexa Bliss coming in.
As Chelsea tried to come after and attack her.
Unable to make the tag.
Oh, and that boot coming right into the back of Vega.
And then Green taking advantage.
[Barrett] A nice execution there from Chelsea Green,
and this could be good night, Zelina Vega.
[Tessitore] Piper drops the big elbow.
[Tessitore] Oh, and are you… Come on now.
First, we have a funeral in the office and now demanding everybody salutes?
Enough already.
[Tessitore] Capacity crowd here in Dayton
and during the commercial break, numerous times they were chanting,
"We want Bliss. We want Bliss."
Alexa Bliss, the three-time WWE Women's Champion,
the two-time Women's World Champion,
as Zelina Vega, the recent winner of the United States Champion,
is desperate to get to her tag team partner Alexa Bliss.
[Barrett] Well, "we want Bliss" may be about to come true.
[Tessitore] Crawling to that-- Oh!
And Piper Niven comes surging in.
[Barrett] But moving out of the way smartly was Zelina Vega.
Piper Niven just about missing with that huge elbow drop
and making up for it with a big headbutt.
[Tessitore] Oh, and now she's in trouble as Vega is up,
able to counter to the DDT!
Hits the DDT on Piper Niven!
Could this be the golden opportunity?
-[crowd cheers] -Yes! Here she comes. Alexa Bliss!
[Barrett] Very little competition in the past couple of years,
but looking razor sharp.
-Now she is in the fray of this one. -[Tessitore] Is she ever?
Full throttle against Chelsea Green.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] And now you understand why Green had that look on her face
when she saw that the mystery teammate for Vega--
As the blockbuster hits, and into the cover was Alexa Bliss.
She's getting a big dose of it now.
[Barrett] Exactly the kind of competitor you do not want walking down the aisle
as a mystery opponent.
One of the most mystical and perplexing individuals
in WWE history,
but above all that, damn good and champion-caliber.
[Tessitore] Ran into an elbow.
As Green climbs up top, salutes the crowd,
but instead… Oh, she gets hung upside down!
Bliss has her in trouble.
Oh, and a drop kick right to the mid-section!
Alexa Bliss,
two years away before her return at Royal Rumble.
Twisted Bliss! Why not?
And Piper Niven comes in to make the save.
[Barrett] The Secret Hervice did their job perfectly there.
[Tessitore] She's going for Cold Red.
[Barrett] Yeah, too much to ask. We saw it several-- Oh!
[Tessitore] That'll help!
[Barrett] Assisted by Alexa Bliss.
Just enough momentum there to get Piper Niven off her feet.
[Tessitore] That was-- Oh! And the Meteora out to the floor!
[Barrett] Once again, Niven tried to ride that out,
but the power was too much, and, oh, my God, here we go.
Unpretty-Her opportunity.
No! Countered! Countered!
Sister Abigail DDT! Yes!
Alexa Bliss is back!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
["The Fury" plays]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
the Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega and Alexa Bliss!
[Barrett] Yet another stunning return by Alexa Bliss that led to victory tonight
alongside Zelina Vega.
Going for that Code Red. Not big or strong enough.
Get a little help from your friends.
In this case, Alexa Bliss who connected with that Sister Abigail DDT
to score a massive W on her return.
What does the future hold in store for this woman or this duo?
Who knows? But tonight, massive win for these two here in Ohio.
[Tessitore] And what a reception for Vega and, of course,
the home state hero, Alexa Bliss.
[Escobar] Fenix!
Fenix…
-No, no, no, no. -[speaks Spanish] No!
[speaks Spanish] I beat you last week.
We don't have any conversation. It's over.
I know you beat me. You don't have to say it every time.
I just have one thing to say… [speak Spanish]
…and I'll be out of here. Just one.
-[speaks Spanish] -One?
Okay.
Who said anything about a conversation?
[grunting]
[Barrett] Talking about Los Garza,
jumping Fenix…
who embarrassed Santos Escobar in-ring last week.
[clamoring]
[Barrett] There's always a price to pay.
[Tessitore] Andrade there to check on Rey Fenix.
Black SUV pulling up to the arena.
Charlotte Flair.
She's here in Ohio.
For the first time since her WrestleMania match,
we're gonna hear from the future Hall of Famer.
Charlotte Flair coming up.
[Cole] Cena versus Orton.
One of the great rivalries in the history of the WWE.
This rivalry over a decade in the making.
Both these men entering WWE at the same time.
Here we go, Orton and Cena, starting things off in this matchup
inside Hell In A Cell.
Two individuals, they're trying to make a name for themselves
around the same time.
For it to go along for so long, there's probably some embedded hate there.
[Cole] Two of the all-time greats battling it out for an opportunity
at the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
Randy doesn't have weaknesses. He doesn't ooze confidence.
[Orton] I will beat you at Hell In A Cell. I will savor every second of it.
[Cole] Oh, what an RKO! What an RKO!
From out of nowhere! Oh, and Cena kicked out!
Never seen anyone who could dig deeper than John Cena.
He definitely turned up the volume when he was out there with me.
[Cena] You go face-to-face with the man who runs the place,
and hell is coming with me.
[Cole] AA through the table! Here's the cover. John Cena…
He's the number one contender for the WWE World title.
Randy and John, they never fell under the radar.
They stayed relevant.
It's gonna be a hell of a journey no matter what they do.
[Tessitore] Now the last one-on-one match took place in 2017,
and now we get this thriller tomorrow at Backlash,
and here, on the night before they meet, we will hear from John Cena
joining us live here in Dayton.
[Barrett] And get this, Joe Tess,
because, breaking, we just saw an attack behind the scenes.
GM Aldis has moved real fast.
Tonight, the attackers Los Garza will take on the cool-as-ice Andrade
and the raging inferno that is Rey Fenix in tag action later tonight
right here on SmackDown.
["All Hail The Queen" plays]
♪ Bow down ♪
♪ All hail the queen… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Charlotte Flair!
[Tessitore] Of course, it was Charlotte who left Tiffany Stratton
bruised and bloodied and damaged at WrestleMania,
but it was Tiffany who left with the WWE Women's Championship in hand.
And Charlotte, since then, she's been seen working hard in the gym.
She's been making celebrity headlines by attending NBA playoff games,
and now she's ready to reset her course with us.
Great to have her here on SmackDown.
[Barrett] No doubt one of the most polarizing competitors I have ever seen.
Personality-wise, at times, has rubbed some up the wrong way,
but there is simply no denying that Charlotte Flair represents the pinnacle
of the meritocracy in this industry.
Without question, bell-to-bell, one of the greatest we have ever seen.
WrestleMania may have been a bump in the road,
but the greats will always bounce back.
[crowd boos]
Dayton, Ohio,
your queen has arrived!
[crowd cheers, boos]
You know what, here I am coming off the greatest women's match
in WrestleMania history.
And I need to give credit where credit is due.
[stammers] I was out for almost two years
with a career-ending knee injury,
and I took your champion to her absolute limit.
After all, you know what, check this out, check this out.
You see that?
You see her, you see me.
Now, does that look like someone that enjoyed her WrestleMania moment?
I'll tell you what, I enjoyed my WrestleMania moment so much
that I'm here to announce my path back to the WWE Women's Championship.
[crowd boos]
Why are you guys so disrespectful to me?
No, seriously.
I wanna know why you guys are so disrespectful to me.
[crowd boos]
I am the GOAT of women's wrestling.
No, no, no. You don't see, Dayton. I am the greatest of all time!
[crowd boos]
No, no, no, no. You see, if you continue to be this disrespectful,
I'm going to leave here, Dayton, and I'm never gonna come back.
[crowd cheers]
I'm giving you one more chance, Dayton.
[crowd boos]
-[Barrett] Oh. -[Tessitore] Well…
-There goes the one more chance. -[Barrett] Yeah, nice job, Dayton.
You don't deserve the Queen.
[Tessitore] She said she's never coming back.
She's gave them more chance.
But there is somebody coming to Dayton.
♪ A storm is coming ♪
["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
The presence of Jade Cargill.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] And how the reaction by the crowd changes all of a sudden.
[Barrett] Jade Cargill is in competition tonight,
but the disrespect, once again, to Charlotte Flair.
[Tessitore] A size-her-up moment
between Jade and a very frustrated Charlotte Flair
who feels extremely disrespected by the crowd here in Dayton.
[Barrett] And by Jade Cargill.
Charlotte, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Now, before you go,
you had your chance.
Now head to the back of the line.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] The landscape has changed and not to Charlotte's liking,
and Jade not bashful about letting her know.
[Barrett] Well, the game moves fast here in WWE
and moving fast into this number one contenders matchup next,
Jade Cargill and Nia Jax.
Absolutely not, Nick.
-But walking out like this? -I'm not walking out. I'm just going!
This isn't how professionals handle business.
Don't even get to-- You know what?
I've done more for this division, and this is how you're treating me?
Be a leader then.
-Don't throw a temper tantrum… -I am!
…when things don't go your way.
I can't do this right now. Take me to the airport.
-[crowd cheering] -Hi, Charlotte.
Let's chat.
[Tessitore] Alexa Bliss, right there in the face of Charlotte Flair
as we get ready for our number one contenders match of dueling power,
size and strength.
A battle to decide who gets time with Tiffy.
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
♪ There's only one of me… ♪
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and is the WWE Women's Championship
number one contender's match.
Making her way to the ring
from San Diego, California,
Nia Jax!
[Tessitore] Wade, I think you feel the same way I do
in that the women's division is just more dynamic,
more intriguing with Nia Jax and her immeasurable presence.
And we found out how threatening she could be after WrestleMania
when she made her return back to action.
Yeah, suspiciously quiet was Nia Jax for some time until that big return,
making it clear two weeks ago she is ba--
♪ It's Tiffy Time… ♪
[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] …back for the gold that this lady took from her back in January.
[Tessitore] So just as they're ready to begin
our number one contenders match, the champ arrives.
Apparently, Tiffany Stratton wants a close-up look
at her soon to be challenger.
[Barrett] Well you can't really blame Tiffany Stratton
for wanting to take a close-up view of whichever woman
she will be facing next in defense of that championship.
However, that really has taken the attention of both of the competitors,
probably more so Nia Jax, who is the former mentor of Tiffany Stratton
and is desperate to get her hands on the champ once again.
[Tessitore] So here we go.
WWE Women's Championship, number one contenders match
between Jade Cargill and Nia Jax
as Tiffany Stratton has made her way ringside.
[Barrett] Two of the most powerful women in the WWE locker room,
although Raquel Rodriguez might argue with me on that one.
Surely a powerhouse battle on deck for us tonight.
[referee] There's no time-outs.
There's no time-outs.
Our official's saying there's no time-out,
but you can see the impact that having Tiffany ringside has on Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Jax immediately distracted by Tiffany Stratton on the outside
but simply too big and strong
for even Jade Cargill.
And that's always been Jade Cargill's biggest advantage,
is that power game that she can dominate other superstars with.
It's gonna be a different story now with Jax.
What else have you got?
[Tessitore] Well, that's a good example, Wade.
As you see it somewhat neutralized by Nia's size and strength alone.
She comes right into that corner.
[Stratton] You suck, Nia!
And we are gonna see just how much Jade Cargill has stepped it up
in the singles games in recent weeks.
Of course, with that victory at WrestleMania over Naomi,
has grown in confidence in the meantime.
Had a hell of a battle with Tiffany Stratton one-on-one a few weeks ago.
[Tessitore] Flying shoulder tackle. Getting the best of it is Jade Cargill.
[Barrett] Seems that Tiffany Stratton is in full support of Jade Cargill right now,
perhaps preferring to face her next rather than Nia Jax.
[Tessitore] You saw Jade trying to get up Nia,
but instead, it's Nia with a Samoan Drop.
-[Barrett] Nia Jax does… -And the leg drop!
…excel at those veteran wiles.
Just able to get that shoulder up.
With the Samoan Drop and then the big leg coming down,
Nia's looking good.
[Tessitore] Just the fifth time that Jade Cargill and Nia Jax
have ever shared the ring.
Second singles match, but this is critical.
It's the number one contenders match to see who will face Tiffany Stratton--
And a great counter by Jade,
and then just able to get out of the way
as Tiffany Stratton, the Women's Champion, looks on ringside.
[Barrett] Stratton's tasted that move before
from Nia Jax and knows full well had that connected,
it could have been good night, Jade Cargill,
but just about getting out of trouble.
-[Tessitore] Are you kidding me? -[Barrett] Wow!
Oh, a Samoan Drop herself. Jade delivers it.
[Barrett] Well, I've talked a lot of smack about the power disparity
between these two, but I'm being made to eat my words now.
Jade Cargill fighting through the pain,
powering up Jax with a Samoan Drop of her own,
and here's that movement we've been talking about.
But so easily taking the sting out of it is the powerhouse Jax.
[Tessitore] And Nia now going for the suplex as she has her lined up as Jade--
She denies it and hits a suplex of her own!
[Barrett] And this is where Nia Jax starts falling apart at the seams.
Jax historically has not done well
when someone's able to fight fire with fire like Jade Cargill is doing now.
[Tessitore] What an opportunity for Cargill.
Now out on the apron is Jade.
She flips back in utilizing Nia's back. Oh, and a super kick!
And Nia standing up to the super kick, and now the spine buster.
Jade is going strong, but Nia able to get that right shoulder up.
[Barrett] Jade Cargill just becoming more and more well-grounded.
Here we see the power game, but it was really the movement prior to that,
that put her in a position to execute that against Nia Jax.
As the champ, Tiffany Stratton, looks on trying to figure out
exactly who she will be facing next for that gold.
[Tessitore] Powerbomb by Nia, and Nia into the cover.
[Barrett] Little payback for the powerbomb
that Jade Cargill hit Nia Jax with last week.
And Nia Jax now starting to panic.
Having to move up through the gears like she didn't think she would have to
several minutes ago.
[Tessitore] Nia Jax, who's been looking over at Tiffany Stratton
since Stratton decided to come out
just before they were about to start this match.
As Nia puts herself in position on the second rope,
could be a leg drop, but no, Jade gets up,
and is she serious going for the-- There is no way, Wade! Oh!
Jade Cargill!
The champ looks on as Jade,
with rallying support from a massive crowd here in Dayton, Ohio…
[Barrett] Absolutely pancaked on the mat is Nia Jax,
and it's about to get worse!
[Tessitore] Frog Splash. Jade!
For number one status--
Oh! Two point nine kick out!
[Barrett] Jade Cargill expanding her arsenal of moves before our eyes.
Still not quite enough to put away the multiple-time world champ, Nia Jax,
but surely edging closer to victory now is The Storm.
[Tessitore] Jade can't believe that that didn't do it for her,
that sensational frog splash to close out that offensive surge.
And now just being tossed around by Nia Jax,
who comes in with a big squash in the corner.
[Barrett] It's part of the problem with relative inexperience compared to Jax.
-Oh, wow! -[Tessitore] Oh! Pump kick.
And again, Nia survives.
[Barrett] And this is part of the problem when you're less experienced
like a Jade Cargill.
-You're simply going-- -[Tessitore] What in the world?
-[Barrett] Oh, my God! -[Tessitore] Naomi!
Attacking Tiffany Stratton!
[Barrett] Well, Naomi, who's got her own claim
for wanting a shot of that gold…
[Tessitore] Oh, and Jade says there's Naomi.
You know what-- Oh! And Nia takes advantage as Jade,
who was seemingly in control, distracted,
abandoned Nia in her pursuit of the number one contender status.
[Barrett] There's so much bad blood between Naomi and Cargill-- Wait!
[Tessitore] Annihilator!
-And that is how it ends. -[bell rings]
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Nia Jax!
[Barrett] Well, what a matchup that was,
but pivotal in that ending was the emergence of Naomi,
and you can't blame Jade Cargill for being distracted
after that attack on Tiffany Stratton.
You know, Jade Cargill was fully aware that she was probably next in line
for this attack from Naomi once the champ had been taken out
but that was all that Nia Jax needed.
Open that window, and every single time, Jax is gonna slam it shut
like only she can.
And in this number one contender's matchup, one Annihilator later…
a new number one contender for Tiffany Stratton.
It is the former mentor who Stratton stabbed in the back
with that Money In The Bank contract back in January.
[Tessitore] Nia Jax now a chance to hold the WWE Women's Title again.
It would be her third separate time. Only four other women have done that.
She gets the win here in Ohio against Jade.
Damn, y'all look messed up.
But y'all look so good dripping all that gold,
and I mean… and that TLC match y'all had was nothing less than fabulous.
-Thank you. -I mean, we got Dawks.
We had Tez out there doing his thing.
-Y'all look good. -Ladies, ladies, ladies.
You guys never lie, but you know what?
We heard y'all last week. Y'all put your foot down.
Y'all put everybody on notice.
So, tonight, right now, hurt or not, we're about to do the same thing.
Let's go.
Tell 'em. Tell 'em. Okay… Okay, yeah.
[Tessitore] Tables were smashed, ladders climbed,
prosthetic legs weaponized,
Street Profits next.
[commentator] One of the biggest stars on the planet!
[Cole] Becky Lynch!
[Lynch] The Man is back in business,
so let's get down to business.
I went from dancing Irish jigs to sparking a fire in the women's revolution.
[commentator] SmackDown's first ever women's champion.
[Cole] The Man, Royal Rumble winner!
[commentator] The first woman to ever headline WrestleMania.
[Lynch] And all that happened because I've given my literal blood,
sweat, and tears to build to where I'm at.
[commentator] Seven-time World Champion.
A woman who has set the sports entertainment world ablaze.
I'm the best I've ever been.
This is my show now.
And there is not a woman that can tell me different.
It doesn't matter how good you think you are.
I am the greatest to ever do it.
[Barrett] Two Irish women,
two Dubliners,
one Women's Intercontinental Title.
The champ Lyra Valkyria looks to make a statement defense tomorrow night
at Backlash versus the seven-time World Champ, The Man, Becky Lynch.
[Tessitore] Yeah, Becky Lynch, who admitted that she injured Bayley
ahead of WrestleMania.
♪ We want smoke ♪
♪ We want smoke… ♪
["We Want Smoke" plays]
♪ Meet us here Right in the middle ♪
♪ We comin' And poppin' it off ♪
♪ Tonight is the night We deliver ♪
♪ And no We not takin' no losses ♪
♪ See mano to mano We bigger ♪
♪ Want smoke in the street With The Profits ♪
♪ We here to come And get our hands dirty ♪
♪ You better approach us With caution ♪
♪ When you see the smoke You know there's fire in the building ♪
♪ Building, building… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford,
The Street Profits!
[Tessitore] And what was it about that TLC match?
Was it Angelo Dawkins off the ladder?
The spear to a dangling Ciampa through the table,
or Ford taking flight numerous times from the ring to the floor
wiping out everybody?
That title defense by The Street Profits,
that TLC match already being talked about
in the same breath with the Dudley Boyz, the Hardys.
It was every bit of legendary status.
[Barrett] Two weeks removed and clearly still walking wounded
after their TLC heroics.
What a performance from all six men,
but roll out the red carpet for the winners and still the champs,
The Street Profits.
[Tessitore] And by the way, you can celebrate that,
but we also want to celebrate Montez Ford
for what happened this Thursday as he was inducted
into the Boys & Girls Club of America Hall of Fame.
Well done, Tez.
Past WWE inductees Triple H, The New Day, Naomi,
and now Montez Ford
in the Boys & Girls Club of America Hall of Fame.
[Barrett] Great fighter, but an even better human being.
Well done, Montez.
[music fades out]
Oh, Dayton…
[crowd cheers]
Hold on, hold on, hold on.
-Who Dey? -[crowd] Who Dey?
Oh. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, Dawks, listen, listen.
O-H-I…
[crowd] O!
Hey.
Know what I'm saying?
But anyways, anyways, cut that noise, all right?
Cut the noise.
I mean, unless you've been living under a rock for the last two weeks,
The Street Profits have been the talk of the town, right?
I mean, think about it,
we put on, arguably, the greatest…
Nah, we did put on the greatest TLC match of all time.
Yeah, that's right, the gorilla fears us.
But you know what, with that being said,
the blood, the sweat, the tears, the passion.
Hell, we even used a prosthetic leg.
I guess you could say we got a leg up on the competition.
Yes, sir.
We're a leg ahead.
Pressing pad.
Kathy and Matt.
But with that being said,
what happened is what always will happen,
and that's The Street Profits came out on top.
-Get used to it. -["Never Slow Down" playing]
[Ford] You gotta be kidding me.
[Tessitore] I'll get used to these guys around Smackdown,
the new arrivals, Fraxiom.
Hey, hey.
[stammers] I sincerely apologize for the interruption, seriously,
but damn, it feels good to be here on Friday Night Smackdown.
I mean, duh.
I mean, look at us, amigo.
We're rubbing shoulders with the WWE Tag Team champions.
The Street Profits,
quite possibly the best tag team in the fricking game right now.
[Ford] Gosh, they're smart.
But, hey. Hey. [chuckles]
Do you remember what Shawn Michaels told us
when we left NXT?
-Oh, yeah. -Hey.
He gave us one direct command,
and that is, when we see an opportunity we go ahead and we take it.
And, listen, you guys are amazing.
Truly, we think you are the best of the best,
and we mean no disrespect,
but we saw you out here and thought,
"Man, those titles, they will look great on Fraxiom."
Oh, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up.
Y'all won only two matches.
I mean, yo, that was impressive. I'll give you that.
But y'all think y'all deserve a title shot against us?
-Yes. -Yeah.
What?
Are you serious?
After three weeks, you want a title shot?
Against The Street Profits?
Who, last week, put on a classic?
Whoa, whoa, gentlemen, gentlemen, please let me interrupt for a second.
Mr. Ford, they are in the ring with The Street Profits,
and I've got to say, I like what I'm seeing,
and you're right, they are new here
and they haven't proven themselves worthy of a title shot yet,
but they've been extremely impressive.
And we're in the heartland of America, Dayton, Ohio.
The land of opportunity.
And, Dayton, I can't think of a better opportunity
for Fraxiom to prove themselves than to face The Street Profits right now.
[Tessitore] What?
[Aldis] Get me referee out here, and let's do this.
[Barrett] The Profits aren't even healthy.
[Tessitore] Yeah, but how much do you love Aldis?
He just serves the fans.
I mean, getting right to a red-hot Fraxiom in a spot like this.
They've won two straight in two weeks.
Against, now, the toughened-up veterans, the Profits.
[Ford] GM, look at the ribs.
[Tessitore] We are underway here in Dayton, Ohio, with tag team action.
The Street Profits, always willing to take on any challenge,
but this is quite an ask coming off the brutality
of the table, ladders and chairs match from just two weeks ago
as you see a bandaged up Montez Ford.
And now he takes that damage from Nathan Frazer.
The ribs are taped up, and now as he tags into Angelo Dawkins,
you'll see the right knee and left elbow that took damage on Dawkins.
[Barrett] Even the powerhouse Dawkins feeling the effects
of that shoulder tackle against Nathan Frazer, who…
I mean, clearly The Street Profits are in no condition
to be in this match right now.
And for me, GM Nick Aldis has a lot of questions to answer.
[Tessitore] Boy, the speed of Nathan Frazer.
It is incredible how he moves around that ring.
A former soccer star who transitioned to pro wrestling
while he was still competing in NCAA soccer.
[Barrett] Yeah, I'd argue there is actually some pressure on Fraxiom here.
They are on a hot streak.
They've had a couple of victories back to back.
You don't want to now lose that and throw that momentum away,
but they've called their shot, they want the smoke.
And now it is time to deliver against, an albeit weakened, Street Profits.
[Tessitore] Showed up on the scene on Smackdown couple of weeks ago,
came up with an impressive victory against Los Garza,
then a week ago, coming up and defeating Pretty Deadly.
[Barrett] So far in this one,
The Street Profits have not looked like the same team.
They're trying to give their greatest hits,
but every single time you see both Tez and Dawkins reacting.
[Tessitore] Oh, and Big Dawkins coming our way! Man, oh, man!
[Barrett] Well, perhaps Nathan Frazer might need some of those bandages
after this match.
That was a heavy hit straight into our announce table,
although it may have taken something out of Dawkins in the process.
[Tessitore] And Axiom is quick to go out there and check on his partner.
It looked like the back and the ribs of Nathan Frazer
did catch the corner of our table on that one, but fighting on.
[Tessitore] There's not much give to these new reinforced tables at all,
as so many have found out in recent months.
And now the two-time NXT champions having to deal with that.
Tez coming over… But look, even when he puts forth
any of his great offensive assaults, immediately reaching for those ribs, Wade.
[Barrett] That's part of the problem, you hit some of your bigger moves,
you want to be able to follow them up rapidly,
stack some offense,
and I don't know if the Profits are able to do that.
[Tessitore] Yeah, you see the pause before he goes into the cover.
Tez greatly affected after he was just a high flyer constantly
in that TLC title defense two weeks ago.
[Barrett] If you think about what has really made the difference
to The Street Profits on this current run that they're on,
that has taken them all the way to the gold,
it's the fact that they are bigger, stronger and more powerful…
[Tessitore] Great teamwork into the cover,
but able to get that shoulder up was Nathan Frazer.
[Barrett] …than ever before.
They're not really able to use that power and strength advantage
because of their current physical state.
[Tessitore] And Dawkins coming into that corner.
[Barrett] I mean, the Profits can't get out of second gear,
that's their big issue here.
What an opportunity that has fallen into the laps of Fraxiom here.
They called their shot, they got it granted.
And if they can make this count, it will really shake up the tag division.
[Tessitore] I can only imagine the reaction
from the rest of the tag division.
So many top contenders.
[Barrett] You never like it when a new hot team hits the scene
and starts getting momentum like this.
[Tessitore] By the way, don't blink when Axiom and Nathan Frazer
get into this gear.
Look at the synchronicity and the speed of Fraxiom.
Oh, and here they go, here it comes.
Wind up that dive train.
-[Barrett] Oh! -[Tessitore] Axiom flying.
Dawkins into the barrier, and here goes Frazer, Wade.
[Barrett] Breaking the sound barrier is Frazer and Axiom
against the tag champs.
Looking in full control.
[Tessitore] Crowd here in Dayton, Ohio is loving it.
The "this is awesome" chant has gone up a few times with the action we're seeing
with the upstarts Fraxiom
against the Tag Team World Champions, The Street Profits.
[Barrett] Nathan Frazer coming close to putting this one away for good
with that Phoenix Splash attempt.
Somehow, Dawkins with enough in the tank to get out of the way
and try and tag in Montez Ford,
who, I won't use the word fresh, he's clearly anything but,
but he's certainly fresher.
[Tessitore] You can see that bandage around the midsection of the bruised ribs
from the TLC title defense.
But Tez, he is such a competitor.
[Barrett] He's doing his best to convince himself
that those ribs are not hurting,
but it's something that cannot be denied…
-[Tessitore] Back suplex. -[Barrett] …even by the great Montez Ford.
[Tessitore] Oh, that's a great example.
As he sprung up and immediately had a reach for his ribs.
[Barrett] Placing mind over matter for the clearly damaged Street Profits. Wow!
[Tessitore] Standing moonsault. Into the cover.
The ribs are clearly an issue. A major issue for Tez,
and he's giving everything he can in spite of it.
[Barrett] The Street Profits are proud, proud champions.
You can see Tez going all out here to put this one away.
Street Profits were never gonna allow the newcomers in the locker room
to step to them and get away with it without consequences.
But it is so difficult when you're as damaged physically
as the Profits are.
[Tessitore] Frazer, quick into the cover.
Tez kicks out.
Big kick from Tez.
[Barrett] Gallant effort here thus far from The Street Profits.
Look like they're running in quicksand at times.
[Tessitore] Frazer and Axiom,
two straight wins since arriving at Smackdown.
Golden opportunity in front of them right here.
Nathan Frazer trying to line up that superplex.
[Barrett] That looks like a bit of inexperience there from Nathan Frazer.
Never gonna be the most powerful man in a fight with The Street Profits,
but trying and trying again.
[Tessitore] Oh, Dawkins just tagged himself in.
Dawkins tagged himself in,
and now he's got him in an electric chair position.
And you know what they like to do with this.
[Barrett] Super Doomsday Blockbuster!
-[Tessitore] For the win. -[Barrett] Oh!
[Tessitore] And at the very last moment, Axiom comes flying in.
[Barrett] Well, that was the biggest hitter
that The Street Profits had.
And Axiom was equal there to it with that emergency breakup
just in the nick of time.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] Crowd is loving it.
[Barrett] Dayton, Ohio, getting an unexpected treat,
but I promise you, The Street Profits just want this one over.
They want to get back to the locker room, get some treatment.
But first, they need the dub.
[Tessitore] Oh, he went for the Frog Splash,
but instead he gets kicked right in those ribs.
And Dawkins delivers.
[Barrett] This one's completely breaking down
and at this point, you'd normally back The Street Profits every time,
-but that pace… Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh!
Instead of a suicide dive out to our table, he eats a right hand.
[Barrett] Like Sonny Liston straight to the jaw.
Frazer went down, but he's back.
[Tessitore] And now, Fraxiom doubling up
against Big Dog, Angelo Dawkins up on top.
[Barrett] But it's two on one at this point.
Montez Ford is down, looks out.
[Tessitore] Oh, that's a Spanish Fly!
The combo move of Frazer and Axiom, the Phoenix Splash.
This could be over right now!
Tez! Tez breaks it up! Plus comes in and does damage to Axiom.
A two for one from Montez Ford!
[Barrett] The combo move that has done the damage
to every team it has faced.
The Spanish Fly, the Phoenix Splash.
One, two, three… Uh-uh! Not tonight.
These Street Profits really are made of something else, aren't they?
[Tessitore] Tez is wild, isn't he?
And to consider he's doing it with his typical, overly athletic antics
with bruised ribs.
Spinebuster.
[Barrett] Physically impaired as I have ever seen The Street Profits.
They just don't know the meaning of loss.
[Tessitore] Oh! That was the golden ratio out on the floor!
[Barrett] And that was clean to the jaw of Angelo Dawkins, who is out cold now.
Montez Ford trying to climb to the top row,
looked like he had major issues with those ribs,
still able to catch Nathan Frazer.
[Tessitore] He wants the big splash.
Tez is going for it, but he misses and he lands right on those ribs.
[Barrett] He took all of that impact on the worst part of his body right now.
[Tessitore] Oh, the top rope dropkick as the legs are swept.
That is their Catapulta Infernal!
[Nash] Here are your winners, Fraxiom!
[Tessitore] That was awesome.
The Catapulta Infernal, as they call it, was delivered.
[Barrett] And Dawkins is stunned on the outside.
What a shock win here for the newcomers, Fraxiom.
After The Street Profits put in about as gutsy a performance
as you will ever see,
but tonight it simply was not enough.
This has shaken up the entire tag division here on Smackdown.
Fraxiom are for real.
This was the moment we thought they'd put it away
with that Spanish Fly-Phoenix Splash combination.
But here is where it all went completely south for good
for The Street Profits.
The missed splash from the heavens followed by this.
-I'll let you say it again. I'm not even… -[Tessitore] Oh, it's just awesome.
The Catapulta Infernal
is that top rope dropkick with the leg sweep, and they deliver.
So now they're in position for a title shot.
["Strike Force" playing]
What a start to their Smackdown run.
And respect earned indeed from the champs.
Los Garza's experienced it. Pretty Deadly's experienced it.
And now… Listen, I know it's a damaged version of The Street Profits,
but that was a war.
[Barrett] Yeah, that was highly impressive from Fraxiom
who have proven they are the real deal.
And someday soon they will be coming for the gold.
-I… I have-- -Has anyone seen Naomi?
-Oh, Tiff. -[sighs]
It's not easy being champ now, is it?
I see that you made some enemies,
but instead of you worrying about Naomi, why don't you worry about me?
'Cause I just beat Jade Cargill to become the number one contender,
to take back what is rightfully mine.
That's fine because once I beat you, I'll make sure there's a spot for you
at the loser's table, right next to Charlotte Flair.
Toodles.
Your number one status tonight. Of course tomorrow is Backlash.
Our colleague Pat McAfee is going to be in action.
He's the feature, by the way, on Stephanie's Places,
which is available on ESPN Plus.
But I know you agree with me that sitting at this desk is an honor
and it's also a brotherhood.
And tomorrow, one of our broadcast brothers will be in action
and directly in the line of fire,
as Pat has proven himself as loyal, as selfless, a partner and friend,
and because of that and the recent actions,
now he's in there against Gunther.
Reached out to Pat. We've been checking in on him.
[Gunther] The legacy of this great sport and the World Heavyweight Championship
belong to me.
[McAfee] This particular WrestleMania will be one that Jey Uso will remember
for the rest of his life.
[shouting]
-[bell ringing] -[McAfee] Gunther taps out!
Jey Uso's World Champion! Gunther tapped out!
You did it, Jey!
[Cole] Gunther tapped out!
Jey Uso winning his first World Championship,
tapping out the Ring General, Gunther.
Who for the second year in a row at WrestleMania
lost to a massive underdog.
[crowd chanting] You tapped out! You tapped out!
I'm sick and tired of you two.
Michael, have you got something to say me?
Tell me right now.
I'm doing my job.
I'm not the one who tapped out.
Don't feel so tough now, huh?
You stay out of this.
[Pearce] Let him go! Let him go!
Get him out of here!
Gunther has been fined an undisclosed amount
and suspended indefinitely.
I think there's a lot of people that have forgotten who the hell I am.
You must ride for those that ride for you.
You're either with me or against me.
You got a problem with Cole, you got a problem with me, Gunther.
I want to fight Gunther ASAP.
We can lift the suspension on Gunther in a sanctioned contest at Backlash.
Deal.
I'm going to show up more focused than ever before.
I'm going to maul you.
I'm going to grab you by the head and drive it into this mat.
You've gotten jaded.
You've gotten too damn comfortable. It happened with Sammy Zayn.
It happened with Jey Uso.
And on Saturday you're gonna underestimate me.
And I'm gonna prove to you and all these people
that this version of Gunther is soft.
Only the grace of God can lift my arms off your throat.
[Tessitore] Most dangerous challenge of Pat McAfee's career.
He just reached out to us just within minutes.
He said, "I understand he's younger, he's bigger than me.
I understand he's in his prime.
I understand he was a World Champion a few weeks ago,
but sometimes you have to do what you have to do
for the good of society."
This is Pat McAfee saying,
"Since the beginning of time, there's been a necessity of people
standing up for what's right, and tomorrow,
I fight for all of us. And whatever happens happens."
Pat McAfee, tomorrow, against Gunther. Backlash.
Last week was all about getting film on Aleister Black.
And if you watch that film,
then you would have learned a lot of countermoves
to everything that he's doing.
If you would have studied that film, you would have learned
that during my match, you were out of position.
But that's okay because I'm gonna show you exactly
where you need to be to get the job done.
Watch me out there, because tonight is all about you.
It's all about showing everyone
that you are the Tenth Wonder of the World.
In front of me, in front of you, in front of Dre.
In front of the entire WWE Universe.
You are gonna run the play exactly as I designed it.
And you're not gonna miss because Melo Don't Miz.
And we are…
Awes-him!
-Who's him? -I am.
Let's go! Let's go!
["Melo Don't Miss" playing]
[Tessitore] So now we've moved on to Awes-him…
and that ten pound, massive, gold Andre the Giant medallion.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by The Miz,
from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
he is the winner
of the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Tessitore] I don't know that that giant head around his neck
does much to mitigate the ego of Carmelo Hayes.
Calls it "Dre."
But he's up next.
Aleister Black, Carmelo Hayes
as we move ahead on this exciting night of Smackdown.
Carmelo Hayes,
winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal,
now locked in for the task at hand.
-Who's him? -I am.
-Who's him? Who's him? -I am. I am.
Let's go!
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Tessitore] A guy who said earlier tonight,
"I'm more than just good versus evil."
Aleister Black.
[Barrett] I'll tell you right now, Joe,
I'm not gonna pretend I understand this personality of Aleister Black,
but I do understand how effective it can be in tearing opponents down.
Black uses psychological attacks like a venom.
It's like decomposing opponents from the inside
before the bell even rings,
and then the physical attacks begin.
[Tessitore] Heard from him earlier tonight, Wade,
saying, "I confront you mentally and physically."
I'm talking about for his opponent, to your point.
How they are impacted by that and facing both of those styles of pain.
[Barrett] Always confident, always cocky,
Carmelo Hayes suddenly looked rather apprehensive
when stood toe-to-toe with Aleister Black.
[Tessitore] Aleister Black, who last week defeated The Miz.
This is his second straight match on Smackdown after his return.
[Barrett] How devastatingly effective that Black Mass kick of Aleister Black's is,
but indeed, the entire Muay Thai offense of this man
that most professional wrestlers never get trained in,
and more importantly,
they never get trained how to block those kinds of attacks.
It's a massive fight advantage for Aleister Black.
[Tessitore] Oh, springboard by Hayes is off the mark…
[chuckles] …and then…
I mean that is just vintage Aleister Black.
A guy who can match skill with anybody.
The athleticism, that kickboxing pedigree.
The Muay Thai, being a great striker. He's accurate. He's powerful.
Then you get a test of what he can do with the mysterious ways in the ring.
[Barrett] Carmelo Hayes, historically, is used to being the best mover
in any match he's in.
He does not like it when someone can go move for move,
step for step with him.
And this has thrown Melo completely off his game.
[Tessitore] Delivers a knee and a big forearm strike.
And now you see all the various striking ways of Aleister Black.
-Melo at times is looking completely… -[Tessitore] Oh!
The moonsault out into the floor.
[Barrett] Black may have hurt himself in the process,
but certainly worse for wear now is Carmelo Hayes
as the mentor, The Miz, looks on helpless.
[Tessitore] Miz knows what he's all about after last week.
[Barrett] Black took that moment there just to get his breath back
because he knew Carmelo Hayes was hurting.
-Oh. -[Tessitore] Oh. He goes for the big kick,
but he got hung up on the barrier.
And then Melo dropkicks him into timekeeper.
[Barrett] There's the cocky Melo we know and love.
[Tessitore] The return of Aleister Black,
his second straight match on Smackdown.
Of course, last week came up with a victory
against The Miz, and now The Miz's partner, Carmelo Hayes.
Eats a big kick as he's up top.
You were mentioning the role The Miz plays with Melo.
Why do you think Miz is helping out Melo so much
at this stage of his career?
[Barrett] Miz is just trying to give back. He's being benevolent.
He sees a guy who is struggling to get to the very, very top, in Melo,
and wants to help the guy out.
[Tessitore] It's not a word we often associate with The Miz.
-[Barrett] Many people do but a leopard… -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] …change it spots. Oh, wow!
Right to the point of the jaw, that leaping knee.
[Tessitore] As we bring you down the entryway ramp
here at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
And still to come, tag team action, Los Garza and Andrade and Rey Fenix.
And then we will hear
from the Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena.
The record breaking 17 time champion, the night before Backlash.
When he is set to face Randy Orton.
[Barrett] What a game changer those Muay Thai strikes are
for Aleister Black.
There's simply no defense for it.
We talked about it earlier
and just show how effective those strikes can be
against someone the caliber of even a Carmelo Hayes.
[Tessitore] Now toe-to-toe right in the center of the ring.
[Barrett] And in a strike fest,
you're gonna have to back Aleister Black every single time.
[Tessitore] It's exactly how he goes about his business
and then delivers that knee right to the head, and kicking his way up.
And now he tries to springboard himself in and into the cover.
And the kick out by Melo.
[Barrett] The mentor, Miz, on the outside, looking all disheveled and panicked.
He's tasted this kind of offense from Aleister Black.
And knows himself how difficult it is to fight your way out of it.
[Tessitore] Yeah, he tasted that Black Mass.
Devastating kick from Aleister Black.
Black looks to keep control, but no, look at this.
Shoulders are down.
[Barrett] Oh.
On the knee, hyperextending the leg of Melo.
[Tessitore] Back to that vertical suplex.
And once again, Melo trying to break free and he does with the kick.
[Barrett] Go for kick for kick with a Muay Thai specialist.
Oh, wow! Connecting with that La Mistica finally.
Made several attempts just about go it. Brainbuster!
[Tessitore] The brainbuster into the cover.
[Barrett] Flurry of offense from both men
who are really dropping the heavy artillery.
You see the pain in the eyes
and racked all over the face of Aleister Black,
but the cogs are turning, and he's cooking something devilish up.
[Tessitore] A lot has been taken out of both men
and they have been extending themselves.
[Barrett] Breathtaking performance from both competitors,
but right now Carmelo Hayes looks done.
[Tessitore] Well, if he puts that foot under the chin
and tries to get him into a position
as we've seen him do time and again for Black Mass.
And Miz quick to get to the apron as a distraction.
Melo came charging in on Aleister Black, but instead got missed.
-Now the roll up and that's the win. -[bell rings]
["Root of All Evil" playing]
Oh, Black Mass! Black Mass! He laid him out!
[Nash] Here is your winner, Aleister Black!
[Barrett] Well, The Miz benevolently, as I said, putting his body on the line
to try and help Carmelo Hayes, ended up eating a Black Mass.
But ultimately, it's a victory once again for Aleister Black.
Psychological and physical warfare. Aleister Black is a specialist in both.
Damn!
Jacob, the numbers game is not in our favor tomorrow, okay?
We need a game plan for tomorrow.
We need to figure something out because right now,
I am all out of soldiers. Everybody's hurt, okay?
-Jacob, we need to do so-- -Man, what?
We! Game plan!
Man, the only plan that I got tomorrow, it's just to run! To play!
So tomorrow at Backlash, live in the Lou,
these three suckers better get in where they fit in!
'Cause tomorrow, Damian Priest, dog walk!
LA Knight, dog walk!
***damn!
Drew McIntyre! I'm about to dog walk his ass!
That's the only play that I'm about to run!
'Cause I'm all gas.
No brakes with it.
Yadadamean?
Okay.
[chuckles] All right.
[Tessitore] Oh, man. The whole world is yadadamean
for that Fatal 4-Way tomorrow at Backlash.
[Barrett] I never ever want to get dog walked by Jacob Fatu.
["Soul March" playing]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Santos Escobar,
representing Legado Del Fantasma
at a combined weight of 425 pounds,
Angel! Berto! Los Garza!
[Tessitore] Earlier tonight, we had that blindside attack
by Los Garza.
Legado Del Fantasma shocked us all. Rey Fenix was the target, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, and if you allow yourself to become a victim in this game,
you'll find plenty of people stepping up to drop you.
You have to fight back. Rey Fenix has, fortunately for his sake,
found a friend in Andrade.
And now they need to step to Los Garza, and attempt to stop the hostility
heading in their direction.
[Tessitore] Andrade and Rey Fenix against Los Garza.
That is coming up next on Smackdown from Ohio.
[Barrett] We are in Dayton, Ohio, at the Nutter Center.
They brought the noise, they've also brought the signs.
"John Cena sucks."
I would personally co-sign that, and I hope that RKO Randy Orton
does the damage tomorrow at Backlash.
Alexa Bliss, you got lucky.
Shocking return.
Somehow, you had the sign ready to go.
Beat cancer, love ya. Congrats.
What the hell just happened?
We just… We just beat the WWE Tag Team Champions.
-[speaks Spanish] Uh-oh. -[clapping]
Yeah, boys, that's how you do it.
You guys just pinned The Street Profits. The WWE Tag Team Champions.
You know what, you came in here and you made some noise, and we love it.
Because we came in and did the same thing.
We took that volume knob and just cranked it to eleven.
Now fellas, I hope you can keep that energy up,
because you know, eventually at one point,
it's gonna be Fraxiom and the Motor City Machine Guns.
[grunting]
Don't get it twisted, boys.
You didn't beat the Tag Team Champions, Street Profits, today.
No, no, no.
What you did is you went out there and you took advantage of two guys
literally still banged up from TLC.
Only a couple of lowlifes would do that.
Come on, let's go.
[Tessitore] I swear we had that conversation earlier
about the rest of the tag team division,
and how they would react to things.
Just got your answer.
There's Los Garza with Santos Escobar giving out very heated
and direct instructions for what lies ahead.
["Conquistar" playing]
[Nash] And there opponents.
First, from Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico,
weighing in at 230 pounds,
Andrade!
[Tessitore] Wade, we've seen Andrade in tough with top contenders.
Saw him nearly win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal,
but this is his first tag team match of 2025 so far.
He was coming to the aid of Rey Fenix earlier
and now lands in this spot
because of what transpired earlier tonight.
[Barrett] Yeah, and I've done a quick bit of research on Andrade and Rey Fenix.
They have competed briefly in the past.
They have never tagged together,
but I'll tell you right now with the numbers game
of Legado Del Fantasma,
it pays to have a little backup.
So Rey Fenix should count himself lucky.
["Ánimo" playing]
[Nash] And his tag team partner,
from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] Wade, we've got such a blessing,
such a gift here on Smackdown to get his ring entrance.
And then over on Raw, Penta.
Between the two of them, they're just so electric
every time they come out to compete.
[Barrett] Yeah, two incredible acquisitions
for both the Red and Blue Brands here.
What a start to the career of Rey Fenix here on Smackdown.
And that has only angered the likes of Santos Escobar
and Los Gaza, who at times have been the victims for the success of Rey Fenix.
It is a zero-sum game.
For someone to get ahead, somebody's gotta fall behind
and Legado Del Fantasma are sick of falling behind to other Luchadors.
[Tessitore] And you mention it in terms of the matchup,
he's really going for the Legado Del Fantasma cycle,
is Rey Fenix.
Defeated Berto one on one back in April 11th last week.
We saw that huge Meteora off the top rope to Santos Escobar.
Now a chance for some payback after what happened earlier tonight.
[Barrett] Santos Escobar's been rather aggrieved of late
just in general because his men…
[Tessitore] As he hovers over us.
[Barrett] …have not been getting the kind of results he demands.
Well, tonight is about changing that, changing the perception
of Legado Del Fantasma,
and getting back to running the bingo here on Smackdown.
[Tessitore] And there is Santos. And, boy, he lets us know it every time.
[Barrett] He's listening to every word. I didn't wanna mess that up.
[Tessitore] He's throwing his sunglasses down on the announce desk
like we're responsible for the care and welfare of these expensive sunglasses.
[Barrett] Incredibly valuable, more than your paycheck, Joe Tess.
-[Tessitore] I don't doubt that. -[Barrett] Guard them with your life.
Fenix in there early on against Berto.
Familiar rivals, as we discussed.
Big chop from Fenix.
[Barrett] You just sense that the tensions,
especially amongst the Luchadors
which historically have always been fairly high here in WWE,
they are just… they're all on red alert right now.
They're looking to position themselves as the spearhead
of this global Lucha movement right now because AAA is under the WWE umbrella,
and the spotlight for Lucha Libre has never been brighter.
[Tessitore] Yeah, such exciting news with the acquisition of AAA,
and what will be coming our way on June 7th.
Of course you know about Money in the Bank,
but on that same day, it's Worlds Collide
with NXT and WWE's newly acquired AAA.
That is going to be such an amazing day of action.
[Barrett] Andrade and Berto colliding here.
Andrade has been trying to convince Berto of late to keep away from Santos Escobar,
who he feels has been mistreating the likes of Berto, and indeed Angel.
Well, Berto was mistreating Andrade there
and he may come to regret getting involved in Legado affairs.
[Tessitore] And now Angel and Berto both climbing up top.
Oh! And a double timed out moonsaults to the floor!
Legado Del Fantasma, Los Garza.
-Man, oh, man! -That's my famillia.
[Tessitore] Great scene here in Dayton, Ohio
for Friday Night Smackdown.
Moments ago, Berto hit a Los Garza Special
flying over the top rope against Andrade,
and Los Garza has been in control against Andrade and Rey Fenix
as Andrade looks to fight back.
[Barrett] It's been a real show of force from Los Garza so far.
As Andrade struggles to try and get his way over.
Oh, wow!
[Tessitore] Boy, oh, boy! Did he need that.
[Barrett] With a poisonrana, it's turned Berto inside out
and has given a brief glimmer of hope to Andrade.
Finally getting across to this tag.
[Tessitore] Los Garza attacked Rey Fenix backstage earlier tonight.
And now Fenix can come out with a lot of emotion.
And seek revenge.
[Barrett] Well, remember Rey Fenix is the man
that Santos Escobar appeared to be trying to court
and bring into the fold of Legado Del Fantasma.
And we're getting a glimpse of exactly why Santos held Fenix
in such high regard.
[Tessitore] The speed of Rey Fenix, each and every move that he delivers.
Goes up top, balancing on the ropes.
Springboarding and delivering that kick!
[Barrett] Two for the price of one.
Scintillating stuff from this incredible Luchador.
Santos Escobar livid that his advances were rebuffed
by Rey Fenix.
And they're now being thrown back in the direction of Los Garza.
Things are going south here for Legado.
[Tessitore] He had him in position.
Oh! And then Angel delivers.
Andrade now.
[Barrett] This one's completely broken down.
The referee's lost control.
[Tessitore] Look at the pace, the nonstop action
as the big kick is delivered by Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] And all four men down in the ring,
I believe the legal participants are currently Rey Fenix and Angel.
[Tessitore] All four are down.
Great tag action still to come tonight, live here in Dayton, Ohio,
the night before Backlash.
We will hear from the record-breaking 17-time Undisputed WWE Champion,
John Cena.
Tomorrow, he takes on Randy Orton. What will Cena say tonight?
[Barrett] The color has completely drained from the face of Santos Escobar
whose ecstasy has turned to one of frustration,
disappointment, and perhaps soon anger,
pending the result of this match.
For all of Rey Fenix's talent, you would not use him as a slugger,
and clearly the power advantage now with Los Garza.
[Tessitore] Berto.
Into the cover for the win.
And Andrade coming in and saving things.
[Barrett] Yeah, that was a millisecond away from victory there by Berto,
and it looks like the stuffing has been knocked out
of the high-flying, high-octane Luchador,
though don't write him off yet.
[Tessitore] Oh, Fenix! That a spinning animal kick.
[Barrett] Santos Escobar distracting the referee here.
[Tessitore] A rolling huracanrana is countered,
but the referee doesn't see it at the moment
because the distraction actually works against him.
[Barrett] Well, I counted five on that one,
and that has backfired in a big way
for the Emperor of Lucha Libre
and, more importantly, Berto, who had this match won.
[Tessitore] Can you believe that? That Santos was up on the apron,
and it ends up working against them.
[Barrett] This is just a pile of bodies at this point.
[Tessitore] Rey lands on his feet after that suplex attempt by Angel.
Andrade now, he's gonna rev the engine, delivers the big elbow.
-Here goes Fenix. Cat like. -Adios, amigo.
[Tessitore] Adios, amigo.
He lands the Adios Amigo.
[Barrett] The only thing propping up Berto there was the rope.
I think he was out cold.
[Tessitore] Flying over to the outside!
Just as Andrade is setting up the Message.
Man, oh, man!
-That is good stuff. -[bell rings]
["Conquistar" playing]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Rey Fenix and Andrade!
[Barrett] Well, when it comes to Lucha Libre,
you expect the high flying,
but that was a physical war.
Look at the bruises all over the face of Andrade.
But chemistry just at the right time for Andrade and Rey Fenix.
Take a look at this, the flying Fenix takes down Angel,
leaving Andrade to connect with the Message on Berto.
This was after Berto had Fenix down for a long count,
and the distraction from his own mentor, Santos Escobar, cost Berto the victory.
[Tessitore] That is the scene with Berto and Angel
after a hard fought match
that goes the other way.
[Escobar] Get up!
Get up!
What was that?
Look at me when I'm talking to you!
What was that?
Do you even know how much you set us back?
[speaking Spanish]
[Tessitore] Some of the fractures in the foundation of Legado Del Fantasma.
Just became a canyon, didn't they, with Berto.
[Barrett] This can boil over, it's highly frustrating.
The results have not been there.
Tempers are flaring and the pressure is really on now
for the entirety of Legado Del Fantasma.
Are you ready? Tomorrow's the day. Backlash.
You're gonna be on the call with Michael Cole.
The big one from St. Louis is streaming live on Peacock,
and let's give you the rundown of what you're in store for.
And tomorrow, our dear friend and broadcast colleague, Pat McAfee,
he's going to step inside the ropes.
It's against the man who is seething after losing his championship.
This will be the 8th match in the career of Pat McAfee,
and it comes as the toughest yet against the Ring General, Gunther.
[Barrett] Good luck, Pat. Believe me, you are gonna need it.
But moving on, we've also got two Irish women
with vastly different resumes.
They are gonna collide for the Women's Intercontinental Title
as the champ, Lyra Valkyria, defends against "The Man" Becky Lynch
tomorrow night at Backlash.
[Tessitore] Hey, we just heard from Jacob Fatu moments ago,
and I think you understand the level of intensity we're dealing with.
It's boiling over in this Fatal 4-Way.
Had a couple of title changes in the last 4 US Championship matches.
Will LA Knight, Damian Priest, or Drew McIntyre be the next?
Could they instantly unseat Jacob Fatu?
It is going to be an absolute war among those 4.
[Barrett] And the Men's Intercontinental Title
will be on the line
as the exhilarating Penta collides with, for some,
-the world's greatest Luchador… -[Tessitore] What?
[Barrett] …"Dirty" Dom Mysterio.
You don't agree clearly, never mind.
Because he is the last real champ, or is he?
Randy Orton would certainly argue "no."
Two ultimate icons from their generation, they'll collide for the WWE Championship
tomorrow at Backlash,
as John Cena defends against "The Viper" Randy Orton
in Randy Orton's hometown, St. Louis, Missouri.
[Tessitore] Backlash will be the first one-on-one PLE match
between Orton and Cena since Hell in a Cell in 2014.
John Cena is right here. He's with us live next.
[Tessitore] It has been an awesome night for Friday Night Smackdown here in Dayton.
Among the results, Nia Jax is now the number one contender
to face Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship.
We also saw another victory for Aleister Black,
and Fraxiom, with a non-title match upset victory
over The Street Profits.
["The Time is Now" playing]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the Undisputed WWE Champion,
John Cena!
[Tessitore] John Cena, who in recent weeks,
the 17-time record-breaking World Champion,
has come to this ring and told a kid his dad's a loser.
He's told the WWE Universe he doesn't need them
and will ruin wrestling.
And he told Randy Orton, Wade, that he's going to destroy his family's
three-generation legacy in the industry.
[Barrett] Well, I don't like John Cena, I don't like his attitude,
but telling that kid's dad he was a loser was actually quite funny.
But, Dayton, Ohio, soak it in while you can.
It is Cena's last ever stop in your town, and boy, oh, boy,
doesn't he look thrilled to be here?
[music ends]
[crowd jeering]
[Tessitore] What is he doing?
Oh, no, not… not poor Mark Nash again.
-[Barrett] Get up there, Nash. -[Tessitore] What is he…
[Barrett] Well, apparently, he's not been too impressed
with Mr. Nash's work of late, so…
Given previous experience, should have learned your lesson, Nash.
Do a better job.
[Tessitore] Nash is excellent at his job, Wade.
[Barrett] Not according to John Cena.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cena! Cena sucks!
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the greatest of all time!
The Never-Seen 17!
Gracing Dayton with his presence one last time!
He is the la--
He is the last real champion!
John Cena!
Tomorrow your childhood dies.
The reason you're reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer
is because every single one of you knows
exactly how important Backlash is.
You'll do everything you can, just like Randy Orton.
Which is why Randy Orton is not here tonight.
Don't boo.
Don't boo, he's smart. He took my advice.
He is home with his family in St. Louis.
And he is preparing for the biggest moment of his career.
The first time I wrestled Randy Orton was almost 25 years ago.
Since then, we have shared in this ring on WWE television
of almost 100 appearances.
There are 31 World Championships between us.
We are the two names that define what it means
to have ruthless aggression,
and if you are a fan between the ages of 12 to 55 and beyond,
you either choose Randy Orton or you choose John Cena.
[crowd cheers]
That is what's at stake tomorrow!
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO!
Because tomorrow is our final match.
Tomorrow you only get to choose one more time.
Tomorrow, your childhood dies.
Oh, don't worry, don't worry.
If you're a fan between the ages of 3 and 11,
tomorrow, your childhood will die as well.
I will make sure you grow up fast because tomorrow I prove 3 things.
Life isn't fair.
Winners write the history books.
And Randy Orton is a liar!
The person Randy's been lying to the most all these years is himself.
I will explain it in terms that you can understand.
Hustle, loyalty, respect.
Hustle, Randy Orton only has this job because of his family.
He has never once been held accountable
for any of his failures,
and he uses his stardom and his connections
to protect him from responsibility or actually doing any hard work.
Randy Orton is the greatest of all time at wasting his potential.
I am of greatest all time
because I am hustle!
Loyalty.
Randy Orton thinks that working a job a lot of days in a row is loyalty.
That's not loyalty. That is cashing a check.
Randy Orton says he's a WWE lifer. He's stuck here.
He says he's a piece of furniture. He's right. He's a La-Z-Boy.
Loyalty is being a person that you can always count on,
and you are counting on Randy Orton to be the one to take this away from me?
After 25 years of injuries, bad attitudes,
and coasting his way to be over celebrated and overpaid,
you can't count on Randy Orton for anything.
Randy Orton is the greatest of all time at doing the bare minimum.
I am the greatest of all time because I am loyalty!
Respect, of which, you show me none.
But Randy Orton wants to beg for your respect.
He has to remind you he's a third-generation Superstar.
Come on.
Nobody knows Bob Orton Senior.
The only thing Bob Orton Junior ever accomplished in life
was knocking up Randy's mom.
And the only thing Randy Orton's ever done in life
is ride off my coattails.
Yet he calls himself "The Legend Killer"?
All he does is use his mean streak and his strength
to remove these names from wrestling
that were barely relevant in the first place.
And tomorrow, he gets to do it again.
Tomorrow, Randy Orton kills the legend of Randy Orton.
Because he'll be just like his 2006 drug test.
A failure.
Randy Orton is the greatest of all time
at making a mockery of what a WWE Superstar should be.
I am the greatest of all time
because I am respect!
I'm not gonna stoop to your level, Dayton.
Take a good look.
Tomorrow is a historic moment for WWE
because I make history again.
And this what a last real champion looks like.
[Tessitore] Oh! Cena under attack!
[Barrett] Went for that RKO, but Cena a step ahead this week.
[Tessitore] Attitude Adjustment!
And that championship held high.
[Barrett] Peaking at the exact right moment right before Backlash.
-Oh! -[Tessitore] Wait a minute!
Wait a minute!
RKO!
How's your La-Z-Boy now?
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
[Tessitore] And The Viper…
with the gold in hand.
Is this the beginning of a historic weekend
for Randy Orton?
["Voices" playing]
Will he dethrone
the 17-time World Champion tomorrow at Backlash?
All the history between these two.
Orton is primed, ready, and RKO loaded for the championship.
We find out tomorrow.
Backlash.
We'll see you from St. Louis.
["Voices" continues playing]