[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Tessitore] We are in Greensboro, North Carolina,
and it's a huge night of action ahead on Friday Night SmackDown.
In-ring history runs deep in this city, and tonight we're gonna add to it.
Look at the scene inside the First Horizon Coliseum
as the WWE Women's Championship will be on the line.
It is Tiffy Time here in Greensboro.
It's been nearly four weeks since Tiffany Stratton
defended her title WrestleMania.
Now comes an equally tough task.
For 153 days, Nia Jax was the champion.
Now after some time away, she's been breaking everything in sight.
Tonight, Nia Jax, having just claimed the number one contender status,
up against Tiffany Stratton,
who has defended this championship three times already.
Jax, Tiffy Time, for the championship tonight as we are on the heels
of the shocking events that took place just six days ago at Backlash.
[hip-hop music plays]
[Cole] You are looking live at the sold-out Enterprise Center
in downtown St. Louis, Missouri
for WWE Backlash!
Fatal 4-Way Match for the United States Championship.
[Barrett] All bets are off now. Every man for himself.
He's bored at work!
[Cole] South of Heaven Chokeslam!
[Barrett] Both men wiped out!
[Cole] Solo Sikoa…
Who the…
One of the biggest free agents on the planet!
Fatu looks as perplexed as the rest of us.
[Taylor] …and still…
[Cole] I still get goose bumps every time these two men grace the ring.
[Barrett] Two of the most iconic professional wrestlers of this millennium.
[Cole] Big fight atmospheres.
Orton, Cena, perhaps the final time for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
It is the final months of Cena's legendary career.
He wants to retire as champion.
Orton has something to say about it tonight.
Oh, wait a minute. AA!
AA by Cena! Kick out by Randy.
Randy now went for an RKO. Orton shoved into the official.
RKO out of nowhere!
Official Eddie Orengo into the ring!
Cena kicks at two!
Not quite quick enough for Randy Orton.
Oh, and the championship…
RKO! The official's down again.
Randy Orton's got the damn championship won again!
Nick Aldis and a bunch of officials heading down to the ring.
[Barrett] Randy of course distraught. He had this won!
[Cole] Randy Orton completely out of his mind!
[Barrett] One final legend to kill.
[Cole] R-Truth…
[Barrett] …hell are you doing, Truth?
[Cole] RKO!
Truth, a longtime fan, coming out here to defend John.
[crowd boos]
[crowd] One…
two…
three!
-[bell rings] -[crowd boos]
[Cole] I don't even know what to say anymore,
except the fact that the old John Cena never…
would have taken a victory like that.
[Tessitore] What a scene that was in St. Louis.
["Taking It All" playing]
[Tessitore] And now here in Greensboro,
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you.
And it has been an interesting path lately for Solo Sikoa.
Ever present by the side of Jacob Fatu in the midst of his championship ascent.
Wade, then a week ago at Backlash, bringing new heavy muscle into the pool.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, despite the name Solo,
the MO of Solo Sikoa since arriving
on both Raw and SmackDown has quite simply been the numbers game.
It's very hard to use the numbers game when your numbers
have dropped through injury.
Solo Sikoa lost the Tongan Terrors not so long ago,
but he found himself a major new acquisition
and what a ball of muscle that man is.
A man who wrecked shop at Backlash, most specifically wrecking the body
and chances of LA Knight
in the United States Championship Fatal 4-Way matchup.
[Tessitore] And coming up later tonight, Solo will have a chance
to chart his own course.
We're only three weeks away from Money In The Bank,
and it will be a men's qualifier that will feature Solo Sikoa
against Big Brother Jimmy Uso and the thrilling Rey Fenix.
That's tonight.
♪ I am elite Note the name ♪
♪ The legacy Runs through my veins ♪
♪ I am a king I do not ever pretend… ♪
[music fades out]
[crowd chants] Fatu! Fatu! Fatu! Fatu! Fatu!
[chanting continues]
Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd boos]
…please help me welcome
the man who helped keep the United States Championship in this family…
[crowd boos]
My man, JC.
When Roman lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania,
he ruined everything for my family.
He ruined everything.
We lost everything.
But now I'm here to take it all back.
[crowd chants] Fatu! Fatu! Fatu! Fatu!
And that starts with me by winning the qualifying match,
going on to Money In The Bank,
grabbing that briefcase and then going after the title,
bringing it back to this family where it all belongs.
[crowd boos]
And if there's anybody in the back that tries to step in front of me,
they will get dealt with by my man, JC…
and the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu.
[crowd cheers]
Oh, yeah!
Hey, check it! Hey, check it!
Because they better get in where they fit in!
Because I'm all gas, no--
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Fatu! Fatu! Fatu! Fatu!
Let's keep it one hunnid.
[crowd cheers]
Don't you ever get this thing twisted over here.
I told y'all I was bringing the US Title to the family.
And I told you I was gonna do it with you or without you.
And if anybody gets in my way, well, line them up
'cause I'ma deal with 'em all by myself!
'Cause at the end of the day,
Jacob Fatu is all gas…
-no breaks with it! -[crowd] …no brakes with it!
-Yadada-- -[Solo] Yadadamean!
Yadadamean!
Yeah.
[crowd boos]
Yadada… Of course I know what you mean.
Everybody knows what you mean. I know what you mean.
JC knows what you mean, okay?
But, Jacob, don't worry, you gotta understand something.
The reason I'm doing all of this is because I love you.
Everything I'm doing is to help. Jacob, look at your shoulder.
What is that? That's proof.
That's proof of me telling you that I love you, Jacob.
[crowd boos]
But there's something I need to hear from you.
What's that thing he…
You remember that thing you used to tell me all the time?
Remember?
You used to say it loud and proud every minute of the day.
It was like, "I love you…" Wh-wh-what was that?
How did you used to say it? What was that?
I love you, Solo.
[crowd boos]
No! That ain't it.
That's not how you used to say it.
Everybody here knows how you used to say it.
You used to say it loud and proud. Jacob, come on, man.
Hey, man, tell them how you used to say it.
Tell them! Jacob!
Who do you love?
Tell everybody how you used to say it. Who do you love, Jacob?
-[mic thuds] -["Welcome To LA" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] They may not want this.
[Barrett] Well, I don't know if Solo Sikoa really wanted that answer from Jacob Fatu,
-but hold the phone. Oh, no! -[Tessitore] Oh!
They were all looking at the entryway! He's elsewhere!
LA Knight!
[Barrett] It's LA Knight who got jumped by JC at Backlash,
getting a modicum of payback here.
A hit-and-run, but you can only run so far.
Eventually this crew is gonna hit back.
[Tessitore] It was JC who attacked LA at Backlash and aided Fatu's win.
LA Knight!
What goes around…
-What's up? -Hey, girl.
Hey.
Michin In The Bank sounds great, okay?
So I need you to go out there and win this qualifier match
because you know what goes good with that briefcase?
-What? -Those tag titles.
Listen, once I qualify and bring that briefcase back with us,
we're gonna get all the gold.
-Right here, baby. -[Green chuckles]
Oh, my gosh.
Girls, that's so cute, but if anyone's gonna win Miss Money In The Bank,
it's the VIP of last year.
But you lost, though.
That's right, and, um, once I win, I'm going to implement
a beautiful social economic policy with trickle-down effects
that will lower interest rates for my Secret Hervice.
Beauty and brains.
See you out there.
See you.
Nothing to stress. It's gonna be fine.
We're gonna be with you--
Oh!
Uh, youse didn't hear that y'alls won't be out there.
Yeah, uh, nobody's gonna be allowed ringside.
What? Who approved this?
You'll be back here watching with me.
Have fun. [laughs]
Aw, look at these sad faces.
I'm putting tariffs on mediocrity, and you guys are first!
And then that nasty little Bliss!
["The Fury" plays]
[Tessitore] The Secret Hervice for Chelsea.
Listen to this reception.
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest
is a Woman's Money In The Bank Qualifier Triple Threat Match
and is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Columbus, Ohio,
Alexa Bliss!
[Tessitore] And Bliss has set things ablaze
with her two returns this year.
Royal Rumble then here on SmackDown.
Women's Money In The Bank Qualifier, Michin, Chelsea Green and Alexa Bliss.
Next.
Alexa Bliss trying to gain entry to Money In The Bank.
She won it in 2018.
That same night, successfully cashed in on Nia Jax to become champion.
Opportunity again.
[Barrett] One of the most mystical and perplexing individuals
we've ever witnessed here on SmackDown, but crucially a five-time world champ.
She has the pedigree.
-Will she head back to Money In The Bank? -["I Am" plays]
[Tessitore] As for who she faces in this Qualifying Triple Threat Match.
♪ I am the one Ain't hard to see ♪
♪ Hard to see You know, you know… ♪
[Nash] And her opponent,
from Fontana, California,
Michin!
[Tessitore] Michin was so close to gold with her matchup against Chelsea Green.
Qualifying for this Money In The Bank
would be huge for her at this stage of her career.
She's yet to hold a title in WWE.
[Barrett] Well, win the Money In The Bank contract,
and that will change in a hurry.
Every woman has been successful when trying to cash in that contract,
unlike the men's division.
♪ Pledge your allegiance… ♪
-[Barrett] Oh, yes. -[Tessitore] Do not.
-[Barrett] Yes! -[Tessitore] Sit down, Wade!
-[Barrett] Let me take this one, Joe Tess… -["Hot Mess" playing]
[Barrett] …because hands on hearts,
this desk unanimously pledges allegiance to Chelsea Green.
[Nash] And their opponent,
from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada,
Chelsea Green!
[Tessitore] The proceeding was not an endorsement of Chelsea Green,
but yet another display of blatant bias by Wade Barrett
in discussing anything involving the former…
the former United States Champion
who noticeably is still wearing black in mourning.
Triple Threat Qualifier for Money In The Bank.
[Barrett] Let's talk about bias, shall we?
[Tessitore] Go ahead.
[Barrett] Notably absent from the ringside area are the Secret Hervice,
and that speaks to me of high level political chicanery
from the likes of GM Nick Aldis and one B-Fab.
[Tessitore] Here we go, we are underway and right away,
Chelsea Green eats a kick from Michin and is rolled down,
and these two are just high fiving and laughing at her immediately.
What a great start…
-[Barrett] Nothing great about that. -[Tessitore] …by Michin.
[Barrett] And Michin has got plenty of bad blood
with Chelsea Green going back to their feud
over the United States Championship that you mentioned earlier, Joe.
I'm sure she enjoyed that shot to the jaw of Miss Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] Michin's never competed in a Money In The Bank ladder match.
Lost in qualifying in 2023 and in 2024.
That was when Bayley got through and Chelsea Green, a year ago,
made her way there.
Oh, and trips up Chelsea as Chelsea reentered
and then takes that basement drop kick.
[Barrett] And this has just been unfair from the off.
-It's two on one. -[Tessitore] There's a roll up
to get to Money In The Bank!
[Barrett] And I'll tell you this about Alexa Bliss.
She's been…
[Tessitore] Shoulders are down! Shoulders are down!
[Barrett] …here, there. Some weeks not here,
but, the past two years, has barely competed. However--
[Tessitore] Would you look at the technical skill we're seeing
between Michin and Bliss right away?
[Barrett] Astoundingly, shows no sign of ring rust, whatsoever.
[Tessitore] Each of these highly skilled competitors
trying to get through right away to Money In The Bank.
It'll be coming your way June 7th from LA as they take care of Green again.
[Barrett] Well, that should be a double disqualification.
-[Tessitore] How? -I don't know what the referee is doing.
It's a good strategy by Bliss and Michin. Here they come.
[Tessitore] And you're applauding this, Joe Tess. Do you think this is fair?
[Tessitore] No, broadcasting, documenting, detailing.
[Barrett] A heavy bias, and it stinks to high hell.
[Tessitore] Now Michin, as sends Green back in
and what is Bliss doing?
Bliss wants to get after Chelsea Green, and now all of a sudden
they're not on the same page at all.
Oh, and here comes Green! Takes them both out.
Women's Money In The Bank, Qualifier Triple Threat Match
from here in North Carolina.
Pledge your allegiance!
Great action to get the night started here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Alexa Bliss, Michin, Chelsea Green.
Who will qualify for the Women's Money In The Bank
that will be coming your way on June 7th.
[Barrett] Michin, one of the toughest women in the division.
At home in Street Fights.
Well, that's not the game tonight, but Michin more than happy
to brawl with anything that moves.
[Tessitore] Oh! And now…
Oh, she's got 'em stacked up in the corner.
Chelsea Green and Alexa Bliss with that Long Back Attack of Michin.
Cannonball right in there.
[Barrett] Inching closer to victory and qualification
for the Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
[Tessitore] She's never competed for it, but the kick out at two by Bliss.
And right back on top of Chelsea.
[Barrett] Yeah, sometimes the stats don't tell the full story
with a superstar.
And the fact that Michin has never held gold here in WWE
or, indeed, been in any Money In The Bank Ladder Match is quite simply astounding.
[Tessitore] She was looking for Eat Defeat.
And Chelsea now right in the center of the ring, not a good position to be in,
but instead gets out of the way and Bliss takes the big boot.
Now, all three of them are down. The double kick to the head.
[Tessitore] You didn't say a single nice thing about Chelsea Green
bobbing and weaving.
-[Tessitore] She got out of the way-- -[Barrett] Ducking and diving.
[Tessitore] Excellent defensive movement by Chelsea Green.
-[Barrett] Finally, a compliment! -[Tessitore] Excellent.
[Barrett] You'll go far in this game, Joe Tess,
if you carry on like that.
[Tessitore] Look at this scene here in Greensboro.
Over 12,000 plus packing the first Horizon Coliseum,
and they're already chanting, "This is awesome."
The kind of competition that qualifying for Money In The Bank brings around.
[Barrett] Now Alexa bliss tapping into that historical greatness.
We've seen in the past.
Duking it out with Miss Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] Alexa able to parry the punch and deliver the drop kick.
[Barrett] This place coming unglued once again for Bliss--
[Tessitore] Oh! Out of nowhere comes Michin!
[Barrett] The inherent problem with a Triple Threat matchup.
[Tessitore] She's going for Unpretty-Her. She's going for Unpretty-Her!
Oh, but instead it's Eat Defeat!
Chelsea's in trouble. For the win.
And Bliss comes in and saves it.
[Barrett] A millisecond away from qualification there for Michin.
[Tessitore] Bliss.
Oh, Tornado DDT on Michin.
[Barrett] Yeah, spiked right on the top of the cranium.
The brain completely scrambled for Michin like a sitting duck
and now in the drop zone.
[Tessitore] Oh, she is in the drop zone. She is in Alexa's favorite drop zone.
The return of Alexa Bliss,
and it comes with Twisted Bliss!
To advance! Money In The Bank!
Oh, and Chelsea rips her off.
[Barrett] Yeah, just in the nick of time.
Chelsea Green keeping her own chances alive. Wait for it!
[Tessitore] Unpretty-Her! Is Chelsea gonna do it?
Bliss pulls out Michin.
[Barrett] Well, Green was too busy celebrating.
[Tessitore] Chelsea thought she was in position to win.
[Barrett] Celebrate after the three count, or you get this!
[Tessitore] Oh! Sister Abigail DDT!
Locked, loaded, delivered!
[bell rings]
-["The Fury" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Alexa Bliss!
[Barrett] Twisted, contorted, unearthly,
but most importantly, Alexa Bliss is our first qualifier
for the Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
Congratulations, Miss Bliss.
[Tessitore] That was an outstanding match.
I just love the high level urgent competition
knowing what's on the line, Wade.
[Tessitore] Oh, this looked like victory.
Twisted Bliss from the top, and it would have been victory
had it not been for the former United States Women's Champ
who pounced, connected with Unpretty-Her.
Took her right off the ball,
and that was all that Alexa Bliss needed
to lock in the Sister Abigail DDT.
One plant later and Bliss is qualified for the big one.
I love Money In The Bank season.
[Tessitore] Alexa Bliss just earned her way
to her fourth Money In The Bank.
Of course, won it in 2018.
Was in it '21 and '22 before her recent years away from WWE action.
Great start to SmackDown.
Of course, recently we have seen this tag team division
that has been red hot on SmackDown.
Recent weeks, the red-hot arrival of Fraxiom getting everybody's attention.
Last week they made a huge statement,
a nontitle win against the current champs.
[Barrett] Fraxiom announced themselves as major players here on The Blue Brand.
When we see an opportunity,
we go ahead, and we take it!
They haven't proven themselves worthy of a title shot…
…yet.
And I can't think of a better opportunity
than to face the Street Profits right now.
[Barrett] Super Doomsday Blockbuster!
Oh!
[Tessitore] Oh, that's a Spanish Fly!
Phoenix Splash!
Tez breaks it up!
Catapulta Infernal!
[Barrett] What a shock win here for the newcomers.
Fraxiom are for real,
and someday soon they will be coming for the gold.
You know, eventually at one point
it's gonna be Fraxiom and the Motor City Machine Guns.
You went out there, and you took advantage of two guys banged up from TLC.
Only a couple of lowlifes would do that.
["Never Slow Down" plays]
♪ Never slow down ♪
["Strike Force" plays]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
with a combined weight of 365 pounds,
Fraxiom!
[Tessitore] Fourth straight week Fraxiom's had a match on SmackDown. They are 3-0.
And when we return, they will test the former champs.
[Tessitore] Back here in Greensboro
as the blistering fast Nathan Frazer and Axiom are in the ring.
The two-time NXT Tag Team Champions.
They have quickly established themselves as the top contenders here on SmackDown.
["It's Our Moment" playing]
[Nash] And their opponents, with a combined weight of 407 pounds,
Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa,
DIY!
[Tessitore] All right, Wade, so here is DIY
in their first match since losing that epic,
I mean, all-time Triple Threat TLC Match.
[Barrett] Yeah, and they're far from impressed
with the newcomers, Fraxiom,
who have really taken the SmackDown landscape by storm.
Now looking to slow them down somewhat.
DIY aiming to get back on track and back to the top.
[Tessitore] Two-time WWE Tag Team Champions.
Defeated the Motor City Machine Guns back in December of '24
for their most recent reign.
It was interesting.
We were talking about the strategy to put forth when you go up against Fraxiom,
Axiom and Nathan Frazer, and all the speed they possess.
How does DIY deal with that?
[Barrett] Well, the speed certainly has been the killer thus far for Fraxiom.
I spoke to DIY a little earlier today. They're no slouches themselves.
I asked them how they were going to deal with it.
They told me quite specifically the speed of thought of Fraxiom
is not as fast as their speed of body movement,
and that's where mistakes are bound to creep in,
and you simply cannot afford mistakes against veterans like Ciampa and Gargano.
[Tessitore] He's got them stretched out, and then the big running--
And there's the speed turning into power right away.
[Barrett] It was a little raggedy for me.
I could tell Axiom was perhaps going for that octopus hold,
but Ciampa knew full well to sit out on it,
and the connection wasn't as flush as usual.
-Mistakes creeping in. -[Tessitore] Here they go.
[Tessitore] That dive train that we have seen time and again.
When they rev this engine…
Look at how quickly as they sent Ciampa over the barrier.
What in the world?
And you can see the pain as Gargano took that right in the middle of the back.
[Barrett] An absolute blitzkrieg start here from Fraxiom,
and DIY have not got a clue what has hit them.
[Tessitore] What was that Ciampa said about speed leading to mistakes?
No mistakes early on here from Fraxiom.
[Barrett] What an absolute whirlwind this duo has been.
[Tessitore] He went for the springboard, but Johnny pulled down that rope!
Johnny Gargano clearly pulled down that rope
when he was going for the springboard!
[Barrett] Well, that was inadvertent from Gargano climbing up in the ring.
You could say it was a "Fraccident" if you really like a pun.
[Tessitore] Oh, and now the huge clothesline!
[Barrett] No "Fraccident" there.
That was flush to the jaw of Axiom, and in the blink of an eye,
two vets can change the game just like that.
[Tessitore] Well, they were in complete control
and then all of a sudden,
right when he was going for that springboard,
you saw Johnny Gargano…
I mean, maybe he was trying to climb his way back into the ring.
[Barrett] Of course, he was trying to climb--
That's why it wasn't a disqualification.
Referee saw the whole thing, and, yeah, pat yourselves on the backs.
[Tessitore] As you see, DIY enjoying, celebrating their work.
-[Barrett] How smart was that… -[Tessitore] Enjoying things.
…by DIY? Get yourselves the upper hand, make sure your opponent is at your feet,
then take a breather.
This has been a rapid start to the matchup.
Now you're in control. Do it at your pace.
[Tessitore] As Axiom, the young rising star from Madrid, Spain,
is trying to work his way back into things,
but Gargano, he slams him down
and catches the ropes as well.
DIY is in control here in Greensboro.
Great scene here in Greensboro. Over 12,000 plus capacity crowd.
We're in the midst of tag team action.
Fraxiom and DIY. Axiom is desperate to get that tag.
Man, oh, man. A week ago, DIY attacked them backstage
after Fraxiom came up with a big nontitle win
-against the Street Profits. -[Barrett] It's a tag!
[Tessitore] There's the tag they needed, and here comes Nathan Frazer.
[Barrett] Oh, a sudden turn of speed here for Fraxiom after Axiom
was getting paintbrushed for the last five minutes.
Finally, the fresh man in, and the complexion totally different now.
[Tessitore] Frazer's on fire.
Springboards it!
And puts down Gargano.
[Barrett] The problem with pace lost--
-[Tessitore] Shooting star! -[Barrett] Wow!
[Tessitore] Hooks the leg!
And Johnny kicks out.
[Barrett] Nathan Frazer just moving around like a blur in this one.
As we try and get our breath back,
the cogs are whirring in the mind of Nathan Frazer,
and I think we know where he's going here.
[Tessitore] Three match win streak since their SmackDown debut.
He's lining it up, looking for the Phoenix Splash.
Lands on his feet.
Gargano delivers a huge left hand.
[Barrett] Just took way too long climbing up there, did Frazer.
-May pay for that. -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] Super kick to the jaw…
[Tessitore] …in the midst of that springboard moonsault,
and now here comes Ciampa!
[Barrett] Again, once over committed…
[Tessitore] Oh, Fairy Tale Ending! That kick delivered for the win!
Oh, and coming in and saving things was Axiom.
[Barrett] Well, back from the dead. Just at a crucial moment there.
We talked about the momentum that Axiom have got.
The last thing you want is to take an L here and lose it all.
[Tessitore] Crossbody flying out onto the floor from Gargano.
Project Ciampa delivered!
Oh, and somehow…
somehow Nathan Frazer finds a way to get that shoulder up.
[Barrett] What a devastating connection.
Take another look at how high Nathan Frazer bounces off the knees
of that Project Ciampa.
How the hell he kicked out there, I've no idea.
[crowd chants] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] What's he doing with his knee pad there, Wade?
[Barrett] Dropping it down and now about to drop the hammer
with the exposed knee.
Oh, knee straight to the buckle. No protection whatsoever.
Huge regret there for Ciampa.
[Tessitore] Gargano delivers the big boot,
but then Frazer looking to rally back.
[Barrett] Talk about rally, this one is like a tennis match,
back and forth over the net.
Who is gonna smash this one home to victory?
[Tessitore] Frazer's got him in position.
Gargano trying to fight back in front of this massive crowd
as he sends him flying.
Takes care of business against Ciampa.
[Barrett] Frazer managing to land on his feet somehow.
There was a tag there too.
[Tessitore] Look at the speed into the superplex.
Axiom the legal man here.
[Tessitore] Oh, the kick with the brain buster combination.
Oh! And a massive knee from Ciampa!
[Barrett] Jaw-breaking knee!
Once again, that exposed knee of Ciampa that ate the buckle
a couple of minutes ago, this time connects flush on the jaw
after this epic double team move
looked to have victory in sight for Fraxiom.
Ciampa there just at the deck.
[Tessitore] I mean, the super kick with the brain buster,
but that exposed knee.
Fraxiom red-hot since their debut,
but DIY, after they attacked them backstage,
after that victory against a not 100% Street Profits.
[Barrett] Yeah, not 100%.
I'm a big advocate if you beat the champs in a nontitle match,
you deserve a championship opportunity.
The caveat is if the champs were sub 100%, who did you really beat?
[Tessitore] That was the case as they were coming out of that TLC match.
Goes for the German suplex attempt.
Able to stop the O'Connor roll.
And instead the big kick by Gargano. Here's the roll up.
[Barrett] Johnny Gargano may have had a handful of tights there.
[Tessitore] He's got him in a submission!
[Barrett] What a tremendous transition.
In the blink of an eye from defense to offense just like that,
-and Ciampa again. -[Tessitore] What is Ciampa doing?
Oh, he's trying to get his mask off!
He nearly has Axiom's mask off!
[Barrett] Nathan Frazer playing clean up duty there,
saving the blushes of Axiom.
[Tessitore] Look at this counter by Axiom!
-[bell rings] -[Tessitore] Wow!
-["Never Slow Down" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Fraxiom!
[Barrett] Oh, well, fast in body, fast in mind too.
Well, Fraxiom, they got the W, but at what cost?
Now it's the punishment beating.
[Tessitore] And it was such a superb match…
["Raise Your Fist" playing]
…and now the beat down, but there is company.
Motor City Machine Guns!
[Barrett] Two men who were jumped by DIY last week, not for the first time.
[Tessitore] Oh, Sabin and Shelley get the best of Ciampa.
[Barrett] Well, these are those consequences and Gargano,
former best buddy of the Motor City Machine Guns,
who stabbed them in the back several months ago,
now caught between a rock and a hard place.
[Tessitore] Oh, a big kick by Sabin!
Motor City Machine Guns arriving just in time…
["Raise Your Fist" plays]
…after another impressive outing by the upstarts,
the former NXT Tag Team Champions
who have won four straight now on SmackDown,
defeating DIY is Fraxiom.
♪ Raise your fist… ♪
[crowd cheers]
Fenix, good luck.
[speaks Spanish] …Andrade.
Last week, we did a great job.
[speaks Spanish]
Do you know, maybe we will see each other
in that Money In The Bank Ladder Match?
-Ah. -Do you know that?
[speaks Spanish]
I had my WrestleMania moment, and I failed.
But the fire inside me is burning deeper than ever.
I am ready for the next level,
and the next level is called Money In The Bank.
[Solo shouts]
[speaks Spanish] What's up?
Where the hell is LA Knight?
[both speak Spanish]
No español, right. Wasting my damn time.
[sniffles]
[Tessitore] Remember, Triple Threat Qualifying Match coming up.
A week ago, Nia Jax won a number one contenders match.
Tonight she gets the reward.
Chance to be the WWE Women's Champion again.
Tiffany Stratton defends against Nia Jax tonight.
What a championship ahead. And when we come back,
R-Truth played an unexpected role at Backlash.
You know what happened at the press conference.
Wade Barrett's exclusive one-on-one conversation
with R-Truth to get his reaction to everything that happened in St. Louis.
That's coming up next.
Oh, baby. No one can stop us out here.
Congratulations, boys. You're on a roll.
You beat DIY, Pretty Deadly, Los Garza
and hurt or not, y'all even got one over on us.
Oh, and what you guys are doing is so special.
So special, in fact, we just left Nick Aldis's office,
and he has granted you guys a WWE Tag Team Championship match.
-Wow! Wow! -How 'bout that? How 'bout that?
-[laughs] -You deserve it. You deserve it.
But guess what, here's the best part.
-What's the best part? -Oh! Oh! Oh!
They ain't gotta wait till Money In The Bank.
They ain't gotta wait till Saturday Night's Main Event.
WWE Tag Team Championship match is next week.
-[whoops] -Yes!
-So, I guess all we have to do-- -[Axiom] Hey, hey, hey, hey.
All right, what he's trying to say is we're really looking forward to it.
-Honestly, we appreciate it. -[laughing]
'Cause we're gonna be 100%.
Hopefully you boys are too.
[scoffs]
Right.
Mate, we are speed running this whole thing now. We're on a roll.
All we have to do next week is go beat them--
I think we're rushing it, okay?
How about we just worry about next week, okay?
Okay! [laughs]
-Let's go worry about next week then. -Let's go.
Oh, yeah, man.
I have no idea how you even begin to start slowing Fraxiom down,
but if the Street Profits can't figure that out by next week on SmackDown,
they will be losing tag gold.
I am looking forward to broadcasting that match,
and I don't think anyone would have thought
that we would leave John Cena-Randy Orton mega match
at Backlash talking about R-Truth, but always expect the unexpected.
Wade sat down with R-Truth earlier today.
R-Truth, thank you for joining me.
I know you're a busy man, so I'm gonna get straight to it.
The Backlash press conference, John Cena AA'ed you through a table.
What is going on between the two of you?
Wade, life is tough.
Just constant pressure, man.
Career, family, friends, bills.
But regardless of what's going on in your world,
you could always depend on John Cena.
When you feel like you wanted to quit, what did John say?
"Never give up."
You didn't know when it was gonna come.
You didn't think it was gonna happen.
What did John say?
"Your time is now."
"Hustle, loyalty, respect."
Those are not just words, Wade.
It's a beacon of light.
If John Cena did it, so can you.
Truth, listen to yourself. This sounds crazy.
You won John Cena the match at Backlash.
You prevented John Cena from being punted,
and look how he repaid you.
And you wanna sing that guy's praises?
Wade, John Cena won that match on his own.
You don't know John Cena like I know John Cena.
That man at the press conference was not John Cena.
The John that I know,
he wouldn't turn his back on the people that support and love him.
The John that I know,
he wouldn't be talking about ruining wrestling,
put his friend, his brother, through a table.
I don't wanna fight John.
But if I have to beat him back to his senses…
then I would do it.
I'm gonna do it.
I already talked to Nick Aldis.
It's set.
Saturday Night Main Event.
Wade, John is the greatest of all time.
But I remember what my hero told me
when facing the impossible,
"Never give up."
And regardless of what happens Saturday night,
I'm gonna walk out with my head held high.
'Cause I'm gonna live by three words:
Hustle, loyalty and respect.
That's what's up.
Well, Truth, this has been enlightening,
and best of luck against John Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event.
-Much obliged, Wade. -Thank you.
[Tessitore] Great job, Wade, and look what's coming our way now.
Next week, Saturday Night's Main Event in Tampa live.
R-Truth against the seventeen-time World Champion John Cena,
that is next Saturday night.
["Root Of All Evil" plays]
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly ever good ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly evil ♪
♪ I do the Things you never could ♪
♪ And we will Never be equal ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly good ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly evil ♪
♪ I do the things You never could… ♪
[Tessitore] On April 25th, he returned.
Nearly four years away from WWE for Aleister Black.
We have been reintroduced to his devastating Black Mass kick,
and the results that come with it.
♪ Your perpetrate Your propaganda ♪
♪ And now I'm calling you out ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly good… ♪
[Tessitore] Next up, a rematch from last week,
Aleister Black against Carmelo Hayes. Next.
♪ I do the things You never could ♪
♪ And we will Never be equal ♪
♪ No man is Ever truly good… ♪
[Priest] Drew, it feels like we're stuck in a cycle.
You get involved in my business.
I get involved in yours.
[Cole] Claymore!
[Barrett] Priest just haunting the career of Drew McIntyre.
We sabotage each other until we destroy everything.
He's bored at work.
I'm banged up,
I'm frustrated,
but most of all, I'm pissed off at myself…
I'm cashing in right now!
…for getting stuck in this vortex
that is Drew McIntyre's petty, childish, vindictive bull [bleep].
We need a conclusion, Drew.
[Cole] The rage, the disdain between these two coming to a boiling point.
At Saturday Night's Main Event, a simple match won't do it.
I want you to hurt real bad.
I want you to feel real pain.
I wanna bash your face in so bad
that the hospital will need dental records to identify you.
Anarchy, violence.
I want this to happen inside a steel cage.
I hope this is what you wanted, Drew.
Because it's what you're gonna get.
The cycle ends here.
[Tessitore] Oh, I love where Priest's mind is.
Are you kidding me? Steel cage with those two?
Please, please let that happen.
Aleister Black, a week ago, he rolled up Carmelo Hayes for a win.
Melo accidentally knocked The Miz off the apron.
Of course, it was Black who defeated The Miz a couple of weeks ago.
♪ No man is Ever truly evil ♪
♪ I do the Things you never could… ♪
Allow me to explain exactly what is about to happen.
Hey, man. Hey, hey. I got this.
Aleister Black… [spits] …even saying your name makes me sick.
Last week, you had the opportunity to take my head off,
and you didn't take it,
and that's the biggest mistake of your life
because now this beef, it will never end.
Okay? It's not over till I win.
You in the playoffs now, big dog. Ask the last guy.
'Cause it's Melo over everybody. It's MOE.
I'm the Tenth Wonder of the World. I am Him.
-Who's Him? -I am.
And one month ago was your grand opening, and tonight in Greensboro,
it's your grand closing.
Hit his music.
["Melo Don't Miss" plays]
[Tessitore] And still proudly boasting of the WrestleMania weekend
with that André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal giant gold head pendant
that The Miz gifted him.
[Barrett] He'll be boasting for the next 12 months.
What an accolade that was for Carmelo Hayes.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Accompanied by The Miz,
from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Tessitore] And by the way, speaking of The Miz,
congratulations to The Miz as it has been announced
that he is the host of the reboot
of the iconic TV competition series American Gladiators.
The Miz is the new host of the rebooted, brand-new American Gladiators.
Good for The Miz.
[Barrett] Yeah, wow, that is incredible, massive news
that has gone viral over the last few days.
The Miz always in demand in Hollywood.
Huge career move,
but number-one love will always be competing right here in WWE.
This thing looks so uncomfortable to me.
I mean, he's got… He needs like a harness for the Dré gold medallion.
-It looks like over 10 pounds. -[Barrett] No, no, no.
It's worth the pain of carrying that thing around
because it's such an impressive thing to win.
What a gift from The Miz that was.
What a benevolent mentor The Miz really is.
[Tessitore] So here they go, locking up. Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes.
Had a good match a week ago.
[Barrett] Yeah, it was a real back and forth effort,
and despite the L for Carmelo Hayes at the end,
you have to say he was pretty much an equal to Aleister Black
on almost every level throughout the duration of it
except for that final three-count.
[Tessitore] It's the first time they competed against each other
last week when Black won by that roll up.
Mentioned the fact that The Miz got up on the apron.
Hayes accidentally knocked off his ally.
Here goes Black.
[Barrett] Wow, nice maneuverings there from Aleister Black,
stopping short and catching young Melo by surprise.
Not easy to do against a great mover like Carmelo Hayes.
[Tessitore] Hayes.
Back and forth these two go,
matching skill and athleticism.
Quick burst dynamic between these two.
Black-- Oh!
Oh, he went for Black Mass right away, and Melo is able to avoid it.
[Barrett] Melo looks like he's just seen a ghost,
and that's not just staring at the bizarre Aleister Black.
That Black Mass really is the ultimate one hitter quitter.
[Tessitore] Isn't it?
That time Black was able to deny Melo's effort.
[Barrett] Black once again going for that German suplex.
It's clear he--
[Tessitore] Oh, he springboarded right into a big boot that he never saw coming.
[Barrett] Just incredible reflexes, and it's fortunate for Carmelo Hayes
that he managed to roll out of the ring on that one.
And here goes-- Oh, he tried to moonsault, but The Miz threw it back in the ring.
[Barrett] What great--
[Tessitore] Oh, instead it's Melo!
[Barrett] Tremendous mentorship there from The Miz
who is truly guiding Carmelo Hayes over these small bumps in the road,
as Melo tries to become the number one competitor here on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] Oh, The Miz helping things out dynamically
as he was able to throw Melo back into the ring
and that left shoulder gets up.
Carmelo Hayes, Aleister Black. Back at it here at Friday Night SmackDown.
[Tessitore] It is the third match in the return of Aleister Black,
who just went up high and leveled Carmelo Hayes
with a big kick that sends him to the floor.
[Barrett] Well, I'll tell you right now, when it comes to movement and reflexes,
I think Carmelo Hayes and Aleister Black are 1A and 1A
when it comes to the SmackDown roster.
Absolutely matching each other, but right now it's Hayes in big trouble,
at risk of being counted out here, and The Miz yelling encouragement,
trying to get the mentee back in the ring.
[Tessitore] As he's able to get back in and beat that count.
Black showing you that speed and that striking ability.
The kickboxing and Muay Thai pedigree coming up big for Aleister Black.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Had the gap in action on WWE from October of 2020
to then coming back and winning on May 2nd of this year.
[Barrett] Black once again trying to go for that German suplex.
As quite simply, Carmelo Hayes has had it well-scouted, but right now,
Carmelo Hayes is rocked, and it just got even worse.
[Tessitore] That time, he delivers.
Look at the pace by Black, right into the cover.
[Barrett] Aleister Black just rolling now.
He got that second wind, and he has not looked back.
Take a look at this. Sticking it, landing on his feet,
and now whirring through the gears
on how do you put this cocky youngster Carmelo Hayes away.
[Tessitore] You see both of our competitors looking to dig deep
in this match now.
They've given so much.
[Barrett] It's almost a carbon copy of last week.
Step for step. Move for move.
There is simply no give by either of these two superstars.
[Tessitore] Remember last week finished with a roll up,
and now Hayes trying to turn the tables.
Oh, and a big kick.
Black, wobbly on his feet.
And Hayes is in control.
[Barrett] Finally connecting with it. Planted face first was Aleister Black.
[Tessitore] Oh, what a counter! What a counter by Aleister Black.
And yet Hayes comes back.
[Barrett] Both men have got to be running on fumes at this point,
but still the big hits keep coming.
Meteora off the top rope!
[Barrett] Absolutely precision right there,
and Melo has no idea where he's at. There you go.
[Tessitore] Bridging pin attempt.
[Barrett] Oh.
That was the move that Aleister Black has attempted several times.
Finally he connects with it.
It was a very slow kick out from Melo, but just enough to keep this one going.
[Tessitore] Spectacular scene.
Over 12,000 plus here in Greensboro on a Friday Night SmackDown
that will be topped by the WWE Women's Championship match
between Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax,
but we are in the midst of Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes,
the rematch as The Miz acting as a distraction,
into the roll up and able to kick out.
And that big knee by Black.
And again.
Carmelo Hayes into the cover for the win.
[Barrett] Well, Carmelo Hayes digging deep into the massive playbook that he owns
that has only got deeper with the addition of Miz on the outside.
He thought that was victory.
But it speaks volumes to the durability of the Muay Thai expert Aleister Black.
He simply wasn't out cold.
[Tessitore] And Miz is getting very close to crossing the line here…
[Barrett] Miz highly animated. Carmelo Hayes is getting sick of it.
[Tessitore] I think he's saying, "Listen, go up top,"
maybe Nothing But Net--
But instead he gets pushed back, and that disagreement may cost him.
Oh! That back spinning elbow.
A devastating right, a left to the body, a kick down low,
but what a response by Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] You get rocked, but you keep ticking.
No one's gonna tick after that tiger knee to the jaw.
[Tessitore] And now is this the opportunity
that Aleister Black looks for?
Yes. Looking to lift him into position for--
-Whoa! -[bell rings]
[Tessitore] He was going for Black Mass,
and The Miz interrupts everything, and the bell rings.
[Barrett] Well, Miz has essentially saved his mentee Carmelo Hayes
from a Black Mass,
and he knows how dangerous that is. Wait a second.
[Tessitore] He was going for Skull-Crushing Finale,
but instead The Miz is laid out again, but Melo…
Right on the attack is Melo.
[Barrett] For four weeks in a row, Miz has taken that Black Mass.
That allowed Carmelo Hayes to clip that knee
of the unprotected Aleister Black,
and now he's at the mercy of the young cocky pretender that is Carmelo Hayes.
[Tessitore] The Miz was laid out by Black Mass,
and Melo got right into the ring.
Nothing But Net!
[Barrett] Well, it's not the way Carmelo Hayes
thought this was gonna play out.
["Melo Don't Miss" playing]
[Barrett] The match thrown out thanks to the involvement of The Miz,
but it is indeed Carmelo Hayes who stands tall in the aftermath.
[Tessitore] So, no winner between Black and Hayes,
but it's Hayes who stands tall delivering Nothing But Net.
[Saxton] Excuse me, Alexa.
Real quick.
Last week we saw you make your return, and then tonight,
you became the first competitor to qualify
for this year's Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
How does it feel?
Amazing.
And now my goal is to be the first woman to win it twice.
I want to take that briefcase--
Sorry, Byron. Can I just… So sorry.
Hey.
Alexa, what are we doing here?
Just wanted to know if you gave any thought to what we talked about.
Yeah, friends? We weren't even that close.
No, but when I first came to NXT, no one would give me the time of day,
and you took me under a wing,
and you were a decent human being for some reason,
and I never forgot about it.
Yeah.
I don't remember that.
Hmm.
Alexa, Charlotte,
meet the newest member of the SmackDown roster,
Giulia.
Let's you and I talk about Money In The Bank.
If you want to help, Lexi, stay out of my way.
Because I don't need you.
Keep telling yourself that.
[Tessitore] Bliss-Charlotte dynamic, but Giulia now on SmackDown?
And this guy.
Clearly still feeling the effects of Backlash.
The challenge was put forth by Damian Priest to Drew
for a Steel Cage Match.
Scottish Warrior next.
[Cole] Nia Jax defends the WWE women's title.
Tiffany from behind with a briefcase.
Tiffany's gonna cash in! Tiffany's gonna cash in!
Tiffany Stratton goes from Miss Money in the Bank
to the WWE Women's Champion.
[Stratton] What a Tiffy turn of events you guys, am I right?
Less than a year ago I befriended Nia.
The queen of the ring and the princess of the ring.
She thought I was naive. She thought I was just a dumb blonde.
[screams] Yay!
Don't forget who got this for you.
If this ends bad for me, this will end really bad for you.
And now, I'm at the Tiffy top of my game.
[Cole] Tiffany Stratton has vaulted herself
to the top of the women's division.
-What a win at WrestleMania! -[bell rings]
[Jax] It sounds like you all missed me.
While I was gone and your champion Tiffany Stratton was running around here
like a Barbie doll with her head cut off.
I was regrouping so I can come back here and take what is mine.
[Stratton] News flash,
I'm not the same Tiffany Stratton that you used to bully you around anymore.
-What time is it? -It's Tiffy time.
Time up.
[Barrett] Nia Jax has got a championship opportunity and Tiffy Time may well end.
[Tessitore] Well, after everything they've been through,
tonight they battle with it all on the line again.
Can Tiffany Stratton find a way to stop all this momentum of Nia Jax?
WWE Women's Championship match. It is later on tonight.
-["Gallantry" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome, Drew McIntyre!
[Tessitore] You can tell Drew had a lot taken out of him at Backlash.
That was far more than just a fatal 4-way.
Wade, another one of these moments where that hatred,
that violence of Drew and Damian Priest, it produced devastating results.
[Barrett] Yeah, so let's take you back to last Saturday, less than a week ago,
at Backlash as you mentioned,
fatal 4-way for the United States title.
But it was Priest and McIntyre,
after what has been months and months of bad blood.
They spun off!
And the intense hatred culminated in this horrific crash landing,
a kamikaze South of Heaven from height, rendering both men down,
and unsurprisingly, out for the rest of the match.
Drew McIntyre, a man aghast at showing any sign of pain,
simply can't cover it today.
We heard from Damian Priest earlier.
He's made a challenge to McIntyre,
he wants to meet McIntyre inside a steel cage
to put this to bed once and for all.
We await McIntyre's answer.
[Tessitore] Look at how gingerly he's even climbing up to the second rope.
But he is here in front of this crowd in Greensboro.
Massive crowd, packed house at First Horizon Coliseum, 12,000 plus.
[Barrett] A lesser man would have taken the week off, but not McIntyre,
and certainly not when he has somebody like Damian Priest calling him out.
[crowd cheers]
I heard what you had to say, Priest.
The only thing that was accurate in that entire video
is how much violence we've inflicted upon each other.
But you're stuck in the Drew McIntyre vortex,
is that what you said?
I've been in this vortex for over a year,
that so-called Drew McIntyre vortex you're in
is the only reason you're relevant,
and the only reason anyone gives a damn about you!
[crowd cheers]
I've been trying to get rid of you for months and months.
I beat you at WrestleMania in your own match.
I beat you in a street fight clean, and you keep getting involved in my business.
You're obsessed with me.
It's getting to the point I was genuinely concerned
you want to wear my skin to your birthday party.
But I know what this is. This is jealousy.
This is a psychotic level of jealousy,
you look at me and you see everything you've ever wanted.
I am better than you in every single way. I've got all the accolades.
I would have been a Grand Slam champion if it wasn't for you at Backlash.
You're trying to take out the competition.
And I genuinely believe you're willing to kill me to do it
because you chokeslammed me off a 15-foot platform
and slammed my head into the concrete!
This has to end.
I'll see you inside that cage next Saturday.
And I'm gonna make you a guarantee because when Drew… [laughs]
…when Drew McIntyre makes a guarantee, it happens.
Only one man is gonna walk out of that cage,
the other is leaving on a stretcher!
[crowd cheers]
["Gallantry" plays]
[Barrett] Well, it's not been sunshine and rainbows
for a hell of a long time for McIntyre.
All of the dark clouds have converged in his mind,
and the only thing that is gonna clear them
is wiping out Damian Priest once and for all.
Never in doubt, Priest, the answer is yes.
[Tessitore] The massive headline is now written.
Saturday Night's Main Event, Wade, wow.
[Barrett] A lot of beef and even more bad intentions.
It is official.
Priest and McIntyre aim to settle it all in Tampa, Florida,
at Saturday Night's Main Event inside a steel cage.
[Tessitore] Also now official, as we found out earlier tonight,
Saturday Night's Main Event,
it is in Tampa, John Cena and R-Truth.
[Barrett] Well, get this one, not an alliance I ever saw coming,
but they've got no choice.
Sami Zayn and the Second City Saint, CM Punk,
they're gonna team up at Saturday Night's Main Event
to take on the power duo, who run Raw, Bron Breakker and Seth Freakin Rollins.
[Tessitore] Also in prime time on NBC, the World Heavyweight Championship
will be on the line.
A few weeks ago, Logan Paul sucker-punching Jey Uso
when Raw went off the air.
Now in Tampa, everybody's going to be eating.
Jey's defense of the well-earned title,
Saturday Night's Main Event against Logan Paul.
As Drew McIntyre limping back after what happened in St. Louis,
but he has accepted the challenge.
[Barrett] Yeah, you got eight days to heal up and get back to full health.
-[Tessitore] Oh. -[Barrett] Oh, no.
["Taking It All" plays]
♪ We Taking it all Settle the score ♪
♪ No I will not take a loss ♪
♪ Taking it all ♪
♪ We kick in the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We taking it all ♪
♪ Ready for war Better than ever before ♪
♪ Taking it all Break down the walls ♪
♪ My bloodline is hard to the core We taking it all ♪
[Tessitore] Boy, to see Jacob Fatu, who retained in that fatal 4-way,
and that look between him and Damian Priest.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is a men's Money in the Bank qualifier,
Triple-threat match,
and is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by JC Mateo
and the United States Champion, Jacob Fatu,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa!
[Tessitore] Now 2025 probably hasn't been the year
that Solo Sikoa was expecting for himself, but now a chance to remedy things.
Money in the Bank qualifying triple-threat against Jimmy and Rey Fenix.
That's next.
It's been interesting to read exactly where Solo Sikoa is with Jacob Fatu.
We saw that earlier.
Right now all he's got to concentrate on is this great challenge in front of him,
Money in the Bank qualifying.
Yo, Money in the Bank is around the corner, but tonight it's qualifying night.
I gotta get through Solo, and I gotta get through Rey Fenix.
I'm gonna take my ass to Money in the Bank, climb that ladder,
snatch that, win that, cash that.
Who's that? Big Jim with a big win.
[Tessitore] Oh, Big Jim's ready for this, Wade.
["Born A King" plays]
[Barrett] Is he ready to fight his little bro?
Hell, yeah, he is.
[crowd cheers]
[Nash] And his opponent from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 251 pounds,
Jimmy Uso!
[Tessitore] And this is Jimmy Uso's first match,
since that beat down, that bloody display by Gunther
back on March 31st on Raw,
and now, of course, you can tell how refocused he is.
[Barrett] Pivotal in helping Jey break the aura of Gunther,
now Jimmy has to focus on creating an aura of his own,
and qualifying for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
["Ánimo" plays]
[Nash] And from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] Of course, Rey Fenix, who showed such spirit,
such fight at WrestleMania,
when he had the short notice assignment, replacing the injured Rey Mysterio,
acquitted himself well.
And now a chance to gain more PLE glory if he can get through this.
Money in the Bank qualifier, a triple threat.
[Barrett] Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned WrestleMania 41,
that's the brightest spotlight of them all,
and the thing about the bright spotlights, they become addictive.
And despite the fact that Fenix wasn't successful at WrestleMania 41,
I guarantee you, he cannot wait to get back to those massive moments
such as Money in the Bank,
and he's one step away from going there tonight.
[Tessitore] Look at this crowd here.
It has been a red-hot crowd of over 12,000 plus,
and they've seen great action already.
We had a Money in the Bank qualifier triple-threat match
on the women's side,
-and that was won by Alexa Bliss. -[bell rings]
And now it's Big Jim, Rey Fenix, and Solo Sikoa,
who's all over Rey Fenix,
to see who can get entry into the men's Money in the Bank.
[Barrett] Big Jim pacing himself here, checking out little bro.
Who's looking to make a pitch it seems to Jimmy Uso.
[Tessitore] Oh, but instead he eats a big right uppercut from big bro.
[Barrett] Yeah, there's gonna be a lot of water under the bridge
before Big Jim teams up with Solo Sikoa.
What a history those two have.
Nice try Solo.
-[Tessitore] Teaming up is-- -[Barrett] Just broken his wrist there.
[Tessitore] Oh, a roll up. Quick roll up by Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] Yeah, don't take your eye off the ball, Jimmy,
Don't admire your handiwork.
With Solo Sikoa trying to recuperate on the outside.
He's got his new soldier, JC.
[Tessitore] So JC as well as the United States Champion, Jacob Fatu.
[Barrett] With those two prowling around the outside,
Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix better keep their wits about them at all times.
[Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax still to come.
We're moments away from the Women's Championship match,
but what a great triple threat we've got here.
The cover and the kick out by Big Jim.
[Barrett] Absolute blistering start to his career, here, for Rey Fenix,
and really will be a massive feather in his cap
if he puts away Big Jim or Solo Sikoa tonight,
and makes it through to Money in the Bank.
[Tessitore] Rey Fenix off to a good start here.
[Barrett] Yeah, off to a good start in his entire career in WWE
and that irritates a lot of people in the locker room,
when newcomers have this amount of success and this amount of hype.
[Tessitore] This is his seventh match since breaking through here at WWE.
[Barrett] Jimmy Uso is a hell of a mover himself,
but you're not going to out maneuver Rey Fenix, don't even try.
[Tessitore] Into the cover off of that springboard dropkick.
Is there anybody who is quicker, more cat-like
at dealing with the top ropes, what he can do?
[Barrett] Yeah, so nimble, just has an ability to strike
from the most ridiculous of angles,
and when you're a competitor against someone like that,
there's no way to block the offense.
I used to hate getting in there with guys who can move as well as Rey Fenix.
-[Tessitore] Big chop by Big Jim. -[crowd chanting] Uso! Uso! Uso!
[Barrett] Overlooked, underappreciated, but Uber talented.
Big Jim trying to make his way to the top in the singles game,
-just like twin brother Jey. -[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] The little bro…
[Tessitore] Oh, man, oh, man.
[Barrett] Solo has got very different ideas. My God.
[Tessitore] That is as hard of a slam of the head as we have seen
on our new reinforced announce table.
[Barrett] Well, Solo Sikoa knows his brother Jimmy better than anyone,
and he knew he had to really lay those shots in,
but waiting ready to pounce was Rey Fenix.
[Tessitore] And now Fenix is considering going up top,
and you know how dangerous he is from there!
Did you see the height of that crossbody?
[Barrett] Admire the flight of the Fenix, just get out of the way if you can.
Take another look at this maximum hang time,
precision strike, right on the top of Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso,
and Jimmy has barely moved since.
It's Solo who is in major trouble now.
[Tessitore] Fenix springboards in,
-but instead, Solo Slam. -[Barrett] Oh!
As now Solo Sikoa…
[Barrett] Well, that big Spinning Solo, catching a flying Rey Fenix.
Sikoa has put multiple superstars away with that move.
Rey Fenix looking defenseless, but--
[Tessitore] Again, he sends his big brother slamming into the announce desk.
[Barrett] Well, there's a lot of hatred between Jimmy and Solo,
and right now Solo's not exactly focused on winning the match.
He has Rey Fenix prone and down in ring.
[Tessitore] Oh, and he slams him down!
-[Barrett] Spinning Solo… -[Tessitore] Back of his head!
…on the announce table. And Solo Sikoa is in full control now.
[crowd boos]
Crowd enjoying every moment of this, on Friday Night SmackDown
from here in Greensboro, North Carolina.
It is a triple-threat Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Jimmy Uso against little brother Solo Sikoa
and the spirited Rey Fenix.
And now Jimmy getting up there,
but Rey able to get back to his feet and deliver that big strike.
[Barrett] This is turning into an absolute barn burner.
Not a lot JC or Jacob Fatu on the outside are able to do
to help their man right now.
Solo Sikoa laid out.
And Fenix and Big Jim trading massive shots
in a very precarious area of the ring.
[Tessitore] As he tried to roll up, but instead Solo took advantage.
Oh, and now from off the top rope.
-Oh, and the roll up. -[Tessitore] Referee, wake up!
[Tessitore] He didn't see it at all.
Rey Fenix could have just advanced to Money in the Bank.
[Barrett] This is Charles Robinson's hometown,
perhaps he was staring out looking at his family.
The pin not counted there unfortunately for Rey Fenix.
Well, this one might if Jim can make the cover!
[Tessitore] Super kick as Fenix was in midair.
And then Solo Sikoa comes charging in.
[Barrett] And all three of these men, at this point,
completely had the stuffing knocked out of them.
It's Solo Sikoa who perhaps looks the freshest.
And this is exactly what happened,
Rey Fenix with a boot of Jimmy Uso connected mid-flight,
before that club-like clothesline from little brother Solo.
[Tessitore] Oh, Samoan Drop on Fenix.
As Solo trying to make his way… He's never been in Money in the Bank.
And a Samoan Drop on Big Jim.
[Barrett] Solo Sikoa contrast in 2024 compared with 2025.
Well, winning the Money in the Bank ladder match
will certainly turn your fortunes around very quickly.
[Tessitore] We've talked about it, not all careers are straight ascents.
That's relatable to you as well with what's been going on with Solo.
[Barrett] Yeah, absolutely. 2010, I was in Nexus.
2011, I was in The Corre, what a massive fall from grace.
Sometimes you gotta learn to deal with that in your career.
Solo has been playing backing dancer at times to Jacob Fatu
over the past 12… past five months I should say.
Well, that could turn around in a hurry.
If you grab that Money in the Bank briefcase, but getting there--
[Tessitore] Oh, he gets away from the Samoan Spike, does Fenix.
And then…
Shoulders are down.
Jimmy's super kick, put it in position,
then he had to save it to keep his own chance alive.
[Barrett] Well, it can be part of the problem in matches like this.
Solo Sikoa was spoiled for choice with both men down,
he picked the wrong option,
almost got pinned for it with an assist from Big Jim,
until Big Jim realized the error of his ways and broke it up.
[Tessitore] Saw the United States Champion looking on, Jacob Fatu.
And now center of the ring, Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix.
Back and forth they go.
[Barrett] Yeah, a slugfest like this, I'd personally back Big Jim,
but it's the quickness of Rey Fenix proving pivotal… No, it's not.
[Tessitore] And Big Jim's got him up top, but instead, Fenix able to counter.
Delivers the dropkick, and now he's going up top.
Adios Amigos!
[Barrett] Like threading a needle.
Rey Fenix with victory in sight.
[Tessitore] Spear!
Cover. Big Jim.
Shoulder got up at two and change.
[Barrett] Well, spear connecting flush.
We know what that has done for cousin Roman Reigns,
and indeed for twin brother Jey.
It wasn't enough tonight for Jimmy Uso,
who if he can get up and at them on a rapid clip,
has Rey Fenix banged to rights here in the middle of the ring.
[Tessitore] Oh, and now Jacob Fatu's up on the apron.
[Barrett] Trying to provide the assist to Solo Sikoa.
Samoan Spike. He just spiked Big Jim!
[Barrett] Don't admire--
[Tessitore] Oh, Adios Amigos running right down the ropes!
Fenix, could it be?
[Barrett] Big JC trying to run offense too.
[Tessitore] He is on fire right now, clearing everybody out.
Oh, but he admired his work a little too long. Samoan Spike!
-[bell rings] -["Taking It All" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Solo Sikoa!
[Barrett] Well, what a seven days for Solo Sikoa.
Acquires big JC, assist Fatu in retaining gold at Backlash,
and now the first qualifier for the men's Money in the Bank match.
Power is fully restored to Solo Sikoa.
This is where Jimmy Uso thought he had victory,
thought he was over the line, Rey Fenix had other ideas.
And now the crew running offense.
Big Jim taking out Fatu, succumbing to that Samoan Spike.
Saw Rey Fenix hit that Adios Amigo.
This one's swinging in every direction.
[Tessitore] Fenix was in control.
He just started admiring his work a little too much at the wrong moment.
[Barrett] JC adding a little assist there.
[Tessitore] What in the world is going on here?
[Barrett] Clear out, Joe, this doesn't look good.
[Tessitore] What is going on? LA Knight is attacking everybody in sight.
[Barrett] Well, LA Knight's lost his mind.
It's three on one, but the one has a steel chair.
And his swinging…
[Aldis] Whoa, stand down, everybody stand down right now.
LA, LA, you're so desperate to get your hands on JC.
And, JC, you want to stick your nose in other people's business?
This is SmackDown.
We handle our differences in the squared circle,
and that's what you two are gonna do.
In fact, get me a referee out here right now.
And, JC, you can make your debut against LA Knight right now!
[Tessitore] Is this really happening?
-Give the people what they want! -Is it the in-ring WWE debut of JC?
And it comes like this against The Megastar?
Don't go anywhere!
[bell rings]
[Tessitore] Well, this is unexpected, but, boy, oh, boy, is it fun.
We have LA Knight who came out and was attacking everybody in sight
from Solo Sikoa to Jacob Fatu,
but specifically, specifically angered at this man, JC Mateo,
because, of course, a week ago in St. Louis
in the midst of the fatal 4-way,
that is when JC Mateo arrived on the scene
as Solo Sikoa, Wade, brought in new muscle and it greatly affected,
by interrupting that fatal 4-way.
Jacob Fatu retaining that United States Championship
that LA Knight was trying to get back.
[Barrett] Yeah, massive acquisition by Solo Sikoa.
Give you a little background info on our friend JC here.
Clearly a ball of muscle, but this is a 2004 Olympian in freestyle wrestling.
He was the flag bearer for the nation of Guam.
He's been a major force in the world of professional wrestling
for the past 15 or so years, especially in Japan.
Was recently rumored to be a free agent and clearly Solo Sikoa wasted zero time
in bringing this man into the fold.
[Tessitore] The new Japan World television champion,
three time tag champion,
there was Lucha Underground, he's been all over.
What an acquisition that Solo Sikoa sprung on everybody in St. Louis
in the midst of that fatal 4-way
and you see him,
he's a powerhouse with athletic explosiveness, is JC Mateo.
[Barrett] Yeah, an absolute smash-mouth style of competitor, too.
When you've got that kind of size,
low center of gravity and you know how to use it--
[Tessitore] That's a good example, isn't it?
He's just hard to move, Wade.
[Barrett] He's built like a human battering ram.
[Tessitore] He is.
[Barrett] Well, he's full of bad intent and he's here to impress.
[Tessitore] Over 260 pounds.
And look at that.
I mean, how effortless was that? One-handed by JC Mateo.
LA Knight, though!
Able to reverse course.
[Barrett] Yeah, with a guy that powerful, you simply have to use superior movement,
keep your opponent guessing and I don't see LA Knight,
despite the massive size of The Megastar,
doing anything in the power game against someone as strong as JC.
[crowd chants] Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
[Tessitore] The Megastar.
He came out,
earlier tonight when Solo Sikoa was in the ring
asking Jacob Fatu to say, "I love you," the way you used to.
[Barrett] I mean, there's bravery and then there's sheer recklessness.
I get why LA Knight is so angered by this trio, but to come out here,
albeit with a steel chair in hand, and try and confront the three
is just insanity in my view.
And things are going about as well as I would have expected thus far
for LA Knight.
[Tessitore] But what an interesting way to make your WWE debut.
We're in the midst of the men's Money in the Bank qualifier,
that was just won by Solo Sikoa against big brother Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix,
and then in all the aftermath, there's LA Knight coming out
and targeting with a steel chair.
And Nick Aldis grabs that mic and says, "Hey, you want this?
We'll just do this right now."
[Barrett] All about making an impact.
JC did all of that and more despite the thankless demeanor of Jacob Fatu.
[Tessitore] Mateo sends him into that corner.
[Barrett] The Megastar has had very few answers thus far,
but now trying to build up a head of steam and it's working.
[Tessitore] Just bulldogging him off the top rope,
and now going up top as he is one to do, but distracted for a moment.
He was thinking about that leaping elbow but distracted,
as Solo Sikoa was able to give pause to LA Knight's attack.
[Barrett] Yeah, you can have the best intent in the world,
with these two, Solo Sikoa and Fatu, prowling around… Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] Oh, just sends him right over the top rope.
As you see Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa lingering over LA Knight.
Don't go anywhere.
[Tessitore] Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you.
Friday Night SmackDown in front of 12,000 plus,
at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
We have our WWE Women's Championship match ahead,
but right now we're seeing all the physicality between LA Knight
and the debut of JC Mateo.
[Barrett] Well, it's been one-way traffic up until now,
but LA Knight is desperately trying to change course here,
send something back the other…
-[Barrett] Oh, God. -[Tessitore] Oh, slammed down hard.
[Tessitore] Into the cover. Trying to get his first win in WWE.
[Barrett] And the Perpetual Motion Machine, LA Knight,
has looked anything but this evening, thanks to the sheer physical dominance
of this monster of a man, JC,
who gets more impressive as the minutes tick by here,
and it shows you what a cunning and savvy acquisition
this was by Solo Sikoa.
[Tessitore] Solo Sikoa, who when you look through tonight's headlines,
you see he won a Money in the Bank qualifier.
It'll be his first Money in the Bank.
Also announced tonight that John Cena and R-Truth are going to meet up
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
That'll be coming next weekend in Tampa, Florida,
for that incredible stretch of four straight shows in Tampa.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday Night Raw, and then NXT Tuesday.
[Barrett] Something fascinating just happened.
The first time I've seen the look of perhaps despair,
perhaps panic in the eyes of JC.
He's thrown everything at LA Knight, and LA Knight won't stay down.
That frustration is there because JC is now realizing the…
[Tessitore] Oh, and LA Knight able to get that right shoulder up, Wade.
…level of competition here on SmackDown is about as high as it gets.
[Tessitore] And LA Knight isn't bashful
about being up against that top-tier competition every single week.
I mean, he's just coming off the brutality of that fatal 4-way.
And you saw the impact it had on Drew McIntyre, on Damian Priest,
as Jacob Fatu retained.
Solo Sikoa looks on to the new addition that he brought in,
the new heavy muscle, the former Olympian.
[Barrett] And that frenzy of energy in this arena
simply has not helped The Megastar tonight.
You mentioned it, Joe, The Megastar never backs down from a fight.
He's always ready to test his mettle. Well, guess what?
Sometimes you just have to pump the brakes.
I know for a fact LA Knight is nowhere near 100%.
He's been running hot week after week after week,
and this may be the night he gets broken.
[Tessitore] I mean, just consider, since WrestleMania,
and the type of match he had at WrestleMania against Jacob Fatu.
Then he decides to go in against Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest.
Then he has tag action against Fatu and Solo Sikoa.
Then comes the fatal 4-way at Backlash.
How can those be the four weeks
after the brutality that was suffered at WrestleMania?
[Barrett] Well, for me, Joe, it's a massive mistake.
The Megastar has unwavering confidence.
It's what people love about him, and at times it simply borders on delusional.
You're a man, you're fallible.
Things can go wrong and things are going wrong, unsurprisingly,
against this trio of beasts.
[Tessitore] Now look at that face on JC Mateo.
He sees exactly what he wants with Knight on the outside.
[Barrett] That's exactly what Solo Sikoa wants, too.
It's exactly why Solo Sikoa brought this man into the fold.
…St. Louis.
And this was what did the damage at Backlash.
[Tessitore] You hear him mentioning St. Louis as he comes running in!
And fortunately for LA Knight,
at the last possible second, he gets away from that post.
[Barrett] Well, that was supposed to be the killer blow.
And the eyes of Solo Sikoa said it all.
The game plan just started to go wrong.
And how quickly can JC recover from that crash into the post?
[Tessitore] Good parry of that right hand,
able to block it again and deliver a right hand of his own.
Turns Mateo around, and here comes The Megastar, gathering momentum.
[Barrett] And again that flurry of punches not enough to stop JC.
Although that might help!
[Tessitore] Oh, there's the jumping neckbreaker by LA Knight.
-Can you smell that in the air, Joe? -What is it?
[Tessitore] They call that Kavorka!
[Tessitore] Oh!
[Barrett] And it's getting stronger by the second.
[Tessitore] LA Knight having it his way all of a sudden.
[Barrett] And now it is JC who's on the back foot,
re-energized, reinvigorated and ready to give the people what they want.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
[Tessitore] Drops that elbow down on JC Mateo.
Hooks the leg for the win,
and Mateo finds a way to survive.
[Barrett] And animated on the outside on that pin was Solo Sikoa,
feels almost like Jacob Fatu is out here out of obligation.
I'm not sure he's fully enmeshed with the addition of JC
as this one plays out before our eyes.
[Tessitore] Well, you got that sense early on tonight.
Even some of the exchanges with Solo Sikoa,
and just the look on the face of JC Mateo looking at him
and saying, "You're all right with this?"
[Tessitore] Oh, he's going for BFT.
[Barrett] Too strong. JC's too big, too much core strength.
[Tessitore] And slamming down LA Knight.
And Mateo quickly into that lateral press,
and that's not enough.
-[Barrett] Wow. Oh, my God. -Would you look at that?
[Tessitore] Would you look at the standing moonsault
from a man of that body type and size.
[Barrett] It was a double whammy, that bizarre twisting suplex,
followed by this.
[Tessitore] How, Wade, how?
[Barrett] Oh, JC just gets better and better as this match goes on.
Just brilliance by Solo Sikoa recognizing the gifts of this man.
[Tessitore] You mentioned that low center of gravity,
and yet you see him do something like that.
I think he's gonna try to put this to an end right here.
[Barrett] Well, the throat has been cut. It's good night, LA.
[Tessitore] Knight able to deliver that elbow as JC came running in.
And then the big kick from JC Mateo.
[Barrett] Let's say that JC has just been a step ahead throughout.
[Tessitore] Oh, he trips him up and he's got him draped over that middle rope.
And that running knee right on the apron.
[Barrett] Prone and defenseless, it won't stay that way for long.
[Tessitore] Oh, the back kick as they were threatening.
Oh, and how about it?
That turnaround crossbody, springboarding,
to take out Solo and Jacob Fatu.
[Barrett] Well, Jacob Fatu hadn't done much wrong on this occasion,
but he was collateral damage.
-[Tessitore] Slingshotting. -[Barrett] Oh.
[Tessitore] Tour of Islands, that scoop power-slam.
-JC Mateo! -[bell rings]
["Taking It All" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
JC Mateo!
[Barrett] Well, that was a lesson in sheer physical dominance from JC,
and add in a little sprinkle of devious distraction from Solo Sikoa.
This was the moment The Megastar took his eye off his opponent,
and when he turned back, his opponent had recovered.
And what do you call this, Joe? Tour of The Islands.
[Tessitore] And Tour of The Islands wins it for JC Mateo.
[Barrett] There is a new threat here.
Solo Sikoa's crew is back to major strength
and in the ascendancy once again here on the Blue Brand.
[Tessitore] And I just looked at those eyes between Solo Sikoa
and that man, Jacob Fatu.
I mean, there's something there, yadadamean, Wade?
Yadadamean, someone's gonna get dog walked!
By the way, great job defining it at Backlash.
Try my best, you know.
-Mr. Cole. -King's English.
It is indeed.
"Yadadamean" is in the Webster's dictionary.
Wade, let's go back to what happened with Legado Del Fantasma a week ago.
I'm still shocked what we saw between Santos Escobar and Berto.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, this was last week, SmackDown match up.
Los Garza took on Fenix and Andrade in tag action.
Andrade hitting The Message for the big W.
However, in the aftermath, Santos Escobar was far from happy with his troops.
What was that?
[speaks in Spanish]
[Barrett] And that was Berto finally snapping
after months of verbal abuse from Legado Del Fantasma's leader.
-Did you talk to him? -I mean, I've been trying to call him.
I even went to his house. He wasn't there.
Santos, I think he just needs space.
[whispers] Space?
Angel, I fear he's listening to the wrong people,
people that don't understand about loyalty and the bigger picture.
[speaks in Spanish]
[in English] Look, I'm willing to forgive what happened last week, yes.
Why?
Because there's something in the horizon.
An opportunity that I secured… [speaks in Spanish]
[in English] …Legado Del Fantasma.
And this opportunity is gonna help us make a statement.
But I need something from you, Angel.
I need you to find Berto and bring him home.
[speaks in Spanish]
[in English] …because I wanna share this together
and call this an invitation to a sit-down dinner party on me.
And we'll discuss this because this is gonna put our names where they belong.
Okay, I'm gonna try my best.
I can't promise anything. Hey, Santos, Santos--
Angel, Angel, Angel.
When you stand up for something bigger than yourself,
something special, that will always scare people.
Obviously, but loyalty, that is the one thing I've always seen from you
since day one.
It would be a shame that we lose all this loyalty
for the actions of one selfish person.
Legado…
[speaks in Spanish]
That's it.
[Tessitore] So Angel has to bridge things between Santos and Berto?
Hey, remember the much anticipated Women's Championship match is coming up next.
Tiffany Stratton trying to stay on her top pedestal.
Nia Jax looking to crash it all down.
The title is on the line in moments.
[in Japanese] LA Knight… you haven't changed.
You're still the same man you were when you fought me for the US Title.
I see what's behind the chant… A hunger for recognition.
It's that hunger that will bring you down.
Aleister Black…
I do not fear you.
You hide behind smoke and mirrors,
but deep down inside, you fear darkness.
But…
there is a deeper darkness
lurking behind the shadows.
I am sharpening my katana and watching all the while.
I know every moment when your heart beats
and every trigger that makes you lose control.
Next week, when you two sink at my feet
I will have my ticket to the Money in the Bank contract.
And only then will you know…
that I am an unstoppable storm,
an unstoppable blade, an unstoppable being.
The men's Money in the Bank qualifying continues, triple threat,
and it is gonna feature LA Knight, Aleister Black and Shinsuke Nakamura,
more Money in the Bank qualifying with that top-tier showdown.
[Barrett] Yeah, and we saw Alexa Bliss qualify earlier,
who will join her in the women's Money in the Bank match?
Will it be US Champ, Zelina Vega, the 14-time World Champ, Charlotte Flair,
or, get this, SmackDown's latest acquisition, the incredible Giulia,
we'll find out next week on SmackDown.
[Tessitore] How great to have Giulia on the roster now?
[Barrett] So good.
[Tessitore] And we have another world championship match next week.
Remember they went at it a week ago.
It was nontitle and Street Profits were not at 100% health.
And now could this be the momentum that Fraxiom takes all the way
for the biggest breakthrough of all? Street Profits with a title defense.
WWE Tag Team Championships next Friday on SmackDown.
[crowd cheers]
Girl, I just came to say good luck to you.
But to be honest, it doesn't matter if you or Nia win, because I'm up next.
I'm winning my qualifying match.
I'm taking that briefcase and I'm taking that title,
the same way that you did with Nia, you little backstabber.
Jade, you can keep talking all you want,
but if I were you I wouldn't get too comfortable,
because I am always ready and you might be good enough to win your qualifier,
and you may be even good enough to win that briefcase,
but for as long as I'm champion, you'll never be good enough to cash in on me.
[scoffs]
Toodles.
[Tessitore] Jade was so close to getting this title shot herself,
but it's Nia Jax who won the number one contender's match.
It's Nia Jax who looks to conquer her former friend turned foe.
The WWE Women's Championship.
Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax. It is coming your way in just a moment.
[Tessitore] We are here in Greensboro that has such a rich history
in sports entertainment,
and they have seen quite the night.
Alexa Bliss has advanced herself to the women's Money in the Bank.
Fraxiom's earning themselves a title shot.
Didn't get a finish between Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] Well, there's been a hot crowd here in this historic arena
in Greensboro, NC.
We've all been all gas and no brakes with it, yadadamean?
[Tessitore] I yadadamean, Wade.
[Barrett] You've got a better one than me, but this young man loves The Megastar.
"Marry me, Tiffy," get in line, there's quite a few suitors heading her way.
"Alexa Bliss," that young fan got a happy moment earlier seeing Alexa qualify
for the Money in the Bank.
Never too young. Two-year-old with his ear defenders.
Good job, it's been loud this evening.
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
♪ There's only one of me ♪
♪ Look it up I'm written down in history ♪
[Tessitore] A few weeks ago we were all stunned when Nia Jax returned.
She brutally attacked Tiffany Stratton at the end of her match with Jade Cargill,
and Nia clearly signaling the target and the prize
and what she wants to reclaim.
And now it is right in front of her as this crowd is roaring in anticipation
of this WWE Women's Championship match.
[Barrett] Major victory last week over fellow powerhouse, Jade Cargill,
to secure this opportunity at the gold,
albeit thanks to a major assist from Naomi.
[Tessitore] You can enter WWE's dream trip to Universal Orlando Resort sweepstakes
-["Tiffy Time" plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Drop, I'm going in Bass so loud, it's in my skin ♪
♪ I wanna see you drop Drop, drop, drop, drop ♪
[Tessitore] The last time Tiffany Stratton was in a singles match with Nia Jax,
it was their February rematch that ended in DQ.
Candice LeRae, Trish Stratus got involved.
Tonight there's no one in their way.
It is simply time to decide it. The former friends, the bitter foes.
Tiffany, of course, took the belt off of Nia Jax,
cashing in her Money in the Bank contract.
[Barrett] Tiffany Stratton got a ringside view
of Nia Jax against Jade Cargill last week and got jumped for her troubles,
but there is no doubt in Tiffany's mind,
despite the confidence she's showing right now,
just how tall a task it is to put away the former champ, Nia Jax,
who is hell bent on regaining the gold
that her former protégé took from her back in January.
[Tessitore] For the official introductions,
here's the always at the ready, Mark Nash.
[bell rings]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and is for the WWE Women's Championship.
[crowd cheers]
Introducing first,
the challenger from San Diego, California,
Nia Jax!
And her opponent from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
-she is the WWE… -[crowd cheers]
…Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Tessitore] It's Tiffany Stratton, who holds that up high
after ending Nia Jax's reign as WWE Women's Champion.
That is what is on the line.
[Barrett] Could potentially be the last time Tiffany Stratton holds that gold
for a hell of a long time.
This is about as calm and focused as I have ever seen Nia Jax,
-and that means one thing in my book… -[bell rings]
…that means confidence.
[Tessitore] They know each other so well, staring right through each other.
[Barrett] Looking for vindication this evening is Nia Jax.
It's one thing taking the title from Nia when you have the advantage
of the Money in the Bank contract, and what an advantage it is.
It's another thing entirely when it's a straight up one-on-one match.
[Tessitore] She goes for that kick to the leg,
but the headbutt comes in against her by Nia.
[crowd boos]
Playing to the crowd already,
saying, "I don't wanna hear that Tiffy Time anymore."
[Barrett] If you don't let Tiffy out of the blocks,
she quite simply can't lose this one, Nia.
Sends that drop kick low there.
And then Nia with that shoulder tackle.
[Barrett] And look, Nia Jax really looks down her nose at Tiffany Stratton.
The truth is this, this is a very different Tiffany Stratton
to the one who learned the ropes under Jax.
The WrestleMania 41 match against Charlotte Flair
was a massive coming out party for a different version of Stratton.
We know she can fight it out in the trenches now,
she can do the ugly stuff.
Tiffany Stratton, where needed can be a scrapper,
and she does need it this evening.
[Tessitore] She comes in for the back handspring
but instead gets caught by Nia Jax
-and sent over the top rope. -[Barrett] Oh. Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] That is so painful the way she draped her from that height.
[Barrett] Yeah, all that power, all that weight,
on a very small condensed area on your rib cage,
thanks to that top rope.
I don't care how strong your abs are Tiffy,
they're not going to help you there.
[Tessitore] I agree with what you said about her development.
Oh, she's in such a compromised position there.
She has her head dangling there.
-Oh, the hip attack! -[Barrett] Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] Her head smashed into the post. Oh, Wade!
[Tessitore] Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you ringside.
There have been two critical moments in this WWE Women's Championship match
as Nia Jax has had control.
Tiffany had her head draped in the corner just like this moments ago,
and Nia came in with a hip attack that smashed into the post.
Oh, but this time… this time she gets out of the way!
[Barrett] Yeah, hip first into that steel for Nia Jax, that's not gonna help.
[Tessitore] Oh, and the sliding…
Baseball slide gets the best of her.
[Barrett] And Tiffany Stratton really has to make this count.
There's been very little in the way of offense coming from the champ.
Immediately trying to turn things around.
I think Stratton rode it out though.
[Tessitore] Into timekeeper but off the top!
-How about that? -[Barrett] Oh!
[Tessitore] Hurricanrana into the post! Nia gets sent headfirst into the post.
[Barrett] Well, let me tell you, that impact by Nia Jax
was right on the top of the head.
That's practically the impact of a piledriver into steel,
and Nia Jax is wobbled all over the place.
[Tessitore] This is the comeback that Tiffany Stratton's been looking for.
The champ is flying. Crossbody to retain!
A count of two.
[Barrett] Just one big hit there from Tiffany Stratton
has completely turned this match on its head
after utter dominance from the challenger.
Well, this one's pretty. Tiffany Stratton really can do it all.
[Tessitore] Nia Jax returns after some time away,
with her sights set on Tiffany Stratton and reclaiming this championship.
Pop-up Samoan. Samoan drop!
-Senton! -[Barrett] Oh!
[Tessitore] Nia to get gold again.
But that left shoulder gets up by Tiffany.
[Barrett] Yeah, just a staggering amount of force on that Senton, especially there,
knocking the stuffing out of the champ, Tiffany Stratton,
just when it looked like Tiffany Stratton had built up a major head of steam,
regained the advantage…
Jax shuts it down once again.
[Tessitore] Nia going for that squash.
Oh, we've got a roll-up attempt.
A roll up by Stratton!
But Nia able to kick out.
And then the big knee by Tiffy Time.
[Barrett] You gotta keep moving if you're Tiffany Stratton,
you've gotta keep peppering this opponent with shots.
[Tessitore] Oh, the back elbow off the back handspring.
-[crowd cheers] -Stratton's got momentum.
-[Barrett] Oh! -Spinebuster into the cover to retain!
[Tessitore] And the shoulder up by Nia.
[Barrett] And Nia is running on fumes right now,
Tiffany Stratton's cogs are whirring trying to come up with something else.
What a superb effort, muscling up the challenger there.
Getting close to a three count but not close enough.
[Tessitore] This is great stuff between these two,
-the current champ, the former champ. -[crowd chants] Let's go, Tiffy!
[Barrett] Stratton might be running out of ideas here, that's the problem.
[Tessitore] Oh, the cartwheel goes nowhere.
Instead it's a power bomb.
[Barrett] Might get two for the price of one here, Joe.
[Tessitore] Right back into position. Sit-out power bomb by Nia Jax!
And Jax still not going for the pin. We're not done yet.
[Tessitore] Leg drop.
Nia Jax. Does she get gold back?
No, left shoulder somehow gets up.
[Barrett] Yeah, really intelligent of Nia Jax there,
just one of those moves would have beaten a lesser competitor.
There is a reason why Tiffany Stratton is the champ,
there is a reason many call her the future of the women's game.
Jax knows that and Jax knows it's gotta be something big
if she's gonna take the gold from Tiffy tonight.
[Tessitore] What a scene here at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.
Over 12,000 plus for Friday Night SmackDown
to see this World Championship main event.
Nia's getting in position.
Tiffany was able to get to her feet.
[Barrett] You cannot give Tiffany Stratton an extra beat,
so durable, so much endurance,
she's gonna be back swinging before you know it, as Jax found there,
but it might be for nothing, looking at this.
[Tessitore] Nia's trying to get her up into position.
Oh! Oh, my, look what Tiffany's done.
[Barrett] Oh, my God, how adaptive there was Tiffany Stratton?
Just when it looked like all hopes were lost.
[Tessitore] The body control, Wade, the incredible body--
[Naomi theme song plays]
[Tessitore] What?
In the middle of the women's championship match?
Naomi with a steel chair in hand.
[Barrett] Well, we were getting a barn burner,
but Naomi has made it clear for weeks she wants next on whoever has the gold.
[Tessitore] She has said, "Proceed with caution."
And now with both of our championship…
spirited fighters laid out in the ring.
-She's on the apron with a steel chair. -["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
Oh, but she's got company. She's got company!
The Storm's arrived. Jade Cargill.
[screams] The big kick!
[Barrett] After Naomi cost Jade Cargill
the number one contender's match last week.
It's payback time.
[Tessitore] On sight again.
Jade and Naomi fighting through the crowd.
[Barrett] And that means this match continues.
[Tessitore] Oh, Nia charges, and Tiffany gets out of the way.
[Barrett] That major distract has massively helped Stratton.
[Tessitore] She's going for it. Prettiest Moonsault ever!
To retain.
-What, what, what? -[Barrett] No, no way!
What?
Nobody has ever kicked out of Tiffany's Prettiest Moonsault. Nobody.
[Barrett] They have now, Joe, and that was perfectly struck!
It's beaten everyone over the past four years,
NXT, Raw, SmackDown, PLEs.
[Tessitore] Nia Jax, the first to survive it.
[Barrett] Nia Jax refusing to be denied this evening.
There is something special driving Jax. She wants the gold in a big way.
[Tessitore] This is outrageous.
Stratton back to the top. Oh!
And Nia pushes her all the way down to the floor.
[Barrett] And Tiffany Stratton landed horribly on that side.
[Tessitore] What is she doing?
What in the world is she doing now?
[Barrett] I think Stratton's hurt.
[Tessitore] Clearing off our announce desk.
[Barrett] Well, it's not gonna get any better either.
Nia Jax has all the time in the world to--
[Tessitore] Oh, no, oh, no.
Samoan drop!
Right onto the reinforced desk.
[Barrett] Referee being incredibly giving with that count,
knowing this is a major championship match.
Stratton's body has been wrecked.
[Tessitore] Oh, she's going for the Annihilator.
She's gonna finish this thing right now.
[Barrett] Don't speak too soon, Joe.
[Tessitore] Wait a minute, how is Tiffany getting to her feet?
How in the world?
-[Barrett] Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh, no. Oh, no!
Nia's done it.
At the last possible second, Tiffany grabs that rope
-and Nia's in complete disbelief… -[Barrett laughs]
…she feels she had it won.
[Barrett] Oh, we've got an absolute classic here,
this should have been over at least twice by this point.
Ryan Tran says, "No, no, she had the rope."
Nia says, "Forget this, I just won this championship and I'm taking it."
-She grabs the title. -[crowd boos]
Nia Jax is walking off with the Women's Championship.
[Barrett] Get control, Jax, you cannot win gold like that.
Get back in here and finish the job.
[Tessitore] Oh, she's grabbing the chair that Naomi brought out.
She's got the… Drop kicks the chair right into her face!
Tiffany Stratton just put the steel chair right through her face with that kick.
Prettiest Moonsault Ever. To retain in a classic!
[bell rings]
["Tiffy Time" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
and still WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Tessitore] That match had everything, Wade! Absolutely everything.
[Barrett] What an absolute banger.
That was about the heaviest annihilator I've ever seen,
and Tiffany Stratton was equal to it
after Nia Jax had already kicked out of a Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
[Tessitore] It is Tiffy Time, right here, right now.
Tiffany Stratton retains, defeating Nia Jax.
Oh, what a night on SmackDown. ting Nia Jax.