[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Cole] Welcome to Tampa, where tonight championship dreams,
score to settle rivalries
and the retro feel of 80's nostalgia meets modern day momentum.
Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Cole] Cena. Truth. The Saturday Night's Main Event.
[R-Truth] I will beat the ever living hustle,
loyalty, respect right back in your ass.
[McAfee] Maybe John Cena has reconsidered.
[Cole] Maybe he has a conscience.
Oh!
Cena went low!
[bell dings]
Wouldn't it be something if I take this championship home with me,
that championship is around the waist of a YouTuber?
That would almost ruin wrestling.
[Cole] Logan Paul, big right hand.
Jey kicks at two.
Jey from up top. Frog Splash connecting.
Oh, Cena pulled the official out of the ring and now he's assaulting Jey Uso.
["Kingdom" playing]
Cody Rhodes is back for the first time since WrestleMania.
-Uso repaid! -[bell dings]
You got yourself a partner in Logan Paul?
I got myself a brother in the world heavyweight champion.
We'll see you at Money In The Bank!
[Tessitore] That was then, with Cody's return.
This is now Friday Night SmackDown in Knoxville,
as we are rocking on Rocky Top
at the University of Tennessee's home, Thompson-Boling Arena.
And Cody Rhodes is here in Tennessee as well…
after his stunning return to neutralize John Cena's disruptive attack.
Now those two men will be face-to-face. Rhodes, Cena here on SmackDown.
And look who's back home.
Bianca Belair,
the EST back where she was all SEC.
Where she was all everything. All American, Knoxville born and raised.
University of Tennessee track and field star.
The legend comes home in the midst
of her legendary in-ring career.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Knoxville's very own
Bianca Belair!
[Tessitore] What a reception and what a homecoming for Belair.
Of course since taking part in that epic triple threat at WrestleMania--
as family and friends are gathered ringside throughout the front row--
she's been dealing with an injury that's had her out of action.
But the smile gets big when you come back and you put on the Vols orange
here in Knoxville.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you,
with over 14,600 here on Rocky Top.
And mom and dad,
Leonard and Trevanda, everybody here so proud
of Bianca Belair.
[Barrett] Yeah, you've got every right as a Superstar,
occasionally to take a little time off, heal up from some major injuries,
but there was absolutely no keeping Bianca Belair away from home.
She's back, and don't they love her?
Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville.
[crowd chanting] EST! EST! EST!
EST! EST! EST! EST!
Uh, I love y'all so much.
Now y'all know I couldn't come to Knoxville
without singing good old "Rocky Top," right?
So y'all ready?
Hit the music.
["Rocky Top" playing]
[crowd] ♪ Oh, Rocky Top, you'll always be ♪
[Tessitore] Listen to this place.
♪ Home sweet home to me ♪
♪ Good ol' Rocky Top
Whoo!
♪ Rocky Top, Tennessee ♪
♪ Oh, Rocky Top, you'll always be Home sweet home to me ♪
♪ Good ol' Rocky Top ♪
Whoo!
♪ Rocky Top, Tennessee ♪
[music ends]
[crowd cheers]
Man, this city is so special to me and it's not just because it's my hometown,
but it's because it's my safe space.
I got the love and the support from my family
that are right there, front row.
Hey, Mama. Hey, Daddy.
And I got all of y'all, that y'all always show up and show out for me.
So, you know, with everything that I've just been going through with you…
you know, losing my first WrestleMania match, getting injured,
losing the tag team titles, losing my friends along the way.
I just… I just wanted to come right back here to my safe space.
[crowd cheers]
I had to come back to Knoxville to heal.
And while I'm not 100%, I promise you I am doing everything that I can
to get right back to this ring
so that I can continue to show people exactly why I am the EST of Tennessee
and the EST of WWE.
[crowd chanting] EST! EST! EST! EST!
EST! EST! EST!
So with all that being said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!
["Last Warning" playing]
Oh, my gosh!
Finally!
B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown.
Naomi, Naomi, right now it's not the time.
This is not the time for this.
Do you… This is my hometown. This is not the time for this.
Bianca, please, it's been way too long.
[crowd booing]
I mean, not a day has gone by
when I don't think about what's happened to us.
I just wanna talk to you, please.
W-What is there to talk about?
What could you possibly say? Naomi, what-what do you want from me?
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
B, I just want your forgiveness.
[crowd boos]
I'm begging for your forgiveness.
Look, I know our friendship has been off the rails lately,
but I'm here because I wanna fix it.
I'm trying to fix it, and I can't fix it.
Months have gone by and I've been trying to communicate with you
to just let you know, let's just let the past be the past…
and move forward.
I've sent you text messages, voicemails, and you haven't gotten back to me once.
Even when I landed here, I went by your parents' house
to try to get a hold of you.
You did what?
What?
[Naomi] I went by your parents' house, but unfortunately nobody was there,
so I just let myself in.
And you know what I saw, B?
I went through your photo album, you know the one you got there on the coffee table?
And in those photos you just looked so freaking happy
and it reminded me of how it was when we were together as tag team champions.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Oh, Naomi.
Please, B.
Okay, Naomi, I'm gonna make one thing perfectly clear for you.
We were best friends, and you betrayed my trust.
You took our friend and threw her on the windshield of a car
and then you lied about it to me for months.
I trusted you. So no, no, I said I was done with you.
I meant what I said, and if you ever come near my family again,
I promise you what you did to Jade will be nothing compared to what I can do to you.
[crowd chanting] EST! EST! EST! EST!
EST! EST! EST! EST!
You know, Bianca.
It wouldn't be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.
[laughing]
I would hate for something bad to happen to you right here and right now.
[inaudible]
["A Storm Is Coming" plays]
[Tessitore] Well, right here, right now, a storm is on its way to the ring,
Jade Cargill.
[Barrett] The aforementioned friend who was thrown through a windshield by Naomi.
-Oh! [chuckles] -[Tessitore] Oh!
A big pump kick just sent her entire body flying.
Here comes Naomi. She gets tossed out of the ring.
["Not Like Most Girls" plays]
[Tessitore] And as if the instant danger in the air
of Naomi and Jade being around isn't enough,
add Nia Jax into the mix.
Plenty on the line between the three of them.
The most emotion filled of our Money In The Bank qualifiers.
Jade, Naomi, Nia is next.
[Tessitore] That is what is on the line, an opportunity to be
in the women's Money In The Bank.
This, the triple threat qualifying match between Jade Cargill, Naomi and Nia Jax,
as Naomi, strategically for the past few minutes when things got under way,
just was out on the outside watching the action as Nia Jax and Jade Cargill
trying to get the best of each other and now comes in fresh
to try to take advantage against Jade Cargill.
[Barrett] Yeah, really nice start here from Naomi,
wisely staying out of trouble.
Let's take a look back at what we just witnessed.
As Jade Cargill was trying her best to power Nia Jax around,
that was when Naomi struck, just when her back was turned.
And this has turned into the Naomi show.
[Tessitore] And she comes charging in with Jade pinned in that corner.
Big right hand right across the face.
Naomi now looking to make an example of Jade Cargill,
the woman who she sees as jealous and backstabbing,
someone who's driven a wedge between-- oh-- Naomi and Bianca Belair.
Well, this is punishment time.
One-- Oh, that's one.
[Tessitore] Right in that corner able to get the hand up on the rope.
[Barrett] Naomi could just take her own sweet time now,
but wait up, look what's lurking in the background.
[Tessitore] Oh, she gets out of the way and the hip attack lands flush on Jade.
[Barrett] And Naomi has simply been a step ahead of both women
in the early goings here, which is surprising
after that initial beatdown she received before the match even started
at the hands of Jade Cargill.
[Tessitore] Night opened up with Bianca Belair coming out to a great reception.
Naomi interrupted things and eventually Jade showed up
and now Fallaway Slam, Jade Cargill.
[Barrett] Oh! Can be few things more terrifying for Naomi
than Jade Cargill catching a second wind here. Nice.
[Tessitore] And starts it off with a hammer attack and then into the cover,
broken up by Nia Jax.
[Barrett] Well, Nia Jax had to be twinkle-toed there.
Right on the money in terms of timing.
Because this opportunity to qualify
for the women's Money In The Bank matchup was slipping away.
Nice pop up headbutt too for good measure.
[Tessitore] Oh, Samoan drop as Nia looks to take control.
[Barrett] And how motivated must Nia Jax be?
Just think, she lost her championship
to that ingrate Tiffany Stratton via Money In The Bank Cash-in.
Imagine how poetic it would be
to get your championship back from the same woman the exact same way.
[Tessitore] She of course has had the opportunities
to reclaim the gold against Tiffany Stratton, but came up short.
[Barrett] Gets a lot easier with that contract in hand, Joe Tess,
and you know it. You can cash in whenever you want.
[Tessitore] Nia, making her way up to that second rope.
[Barrett, Tessitore] Oh!
[Tessitore] Devastating leg drop by Nia Jax,
and somehow, someway, Naomi's able to get that left shoulder up.
[Barrett] Call the cops. That one was absolutely devastating.
Take another look
at the size of the impact across the throat and chest of Naomi.
How Naomi kicks out of that one, I have no clue,
but that may have been a mistake from Naomi,
because it does not get any easier from here.
[Tessitore] That was echoing up to the rooftop here on Rocky Top.
A massive crowd has come out for Friday Night SmackDown.
Here at the University of Tennessee, over 14,600 for opening action,
Money In The Bank qualifier, as shoulders are down.
And we continue on. Jade, Nia, Naomi from here in Knoxville.
[Tessitore] Well, in the midst of this women's Money In The Bank
qualifying triple-threat match,
Nia Jax and Naomi teaming up to get the best of Jade Cargill
with a sustained attack.
And now into the cover, but Nia's not gonna have any of that.
She's not gonna let Naomi clean up all the work.
What the hell?
I thought we was working together!
[Barrett] Yeah, well, teamwork is great until one of the team goes for a bit.
[Tessitore] Oh! It's a roll up.
[Barrett] Too much left in the tank of Nia Jax to be caught out by that, Naomi.
[Tessitore] Yeah, now they go from working together
to chief rivals in there,
when so much is on the line.
[Barrett] Finally, a little respite for Jade Cargill.
[Tessitore] Running Senton!
[Barrett] Despite this breathing room for Cargill,
she's taken such a beating, she may be done.
This might be a cakewalk now for Nia Jax.
[Tessitore] Nia having a moment to admire her work.
Who will join the others for the women's Money In The Bank ladder match?
It's coming our way next weekend from LA.
And here comes Jade Cargill with a rally.
Oh, and a squash that misses and takes out Naomi.
-[Barrett] Amazing… -[Tessitore] Super kick!
…powers of rejuvenation here from Jade Cargill.
-What a-- -[Tessitore] Oh!
A spine buster against Nia Jax.
Jade Cargill showing you the power.
But, no. Naomi comes right in.
[Barrett] Naomi just as cutthroat as we have ever seen her
since sending Jade Cargill through a car windshield several months ago.
Went up.
[Tessitore] Jade… Jaded! She did it!
She's got her in position!
[Barrett laughs]
[Tessitore] And just steamrolling is Nia Jax to save it.
[Barrett] Just bulldozed to the jaw, breaking up that stack pin
after Jaded connects and Jade Cargill had already started the celebrations here,
but keep your eyes peeled at all times.
Two car crash victims down in the middle of the ring now.
[Tessitore] Nia trying to go up top. Jade quick to meet her there.
As is Naomi.
-As those two bitter rivals battle it out. -[Barrett] Oh!
Double cross body. Hooks the leg.
And Jade barely escaping.
Into the other pin of Naomi.
And that cover goes awry as the right shoulder gets up.
[Barrett] Well, both opponents pancaked there by Nia Jax,
who's now running through the gears,
figuring out just what she has to do to put one of these two away
and qualify for the Money In The Bank matchup.
Well she's got what she wanted.
This has turned into a one-on-one matchup.
Go big or go home. This, to qualify for Los Angeles one week from tomorrow.
[Tessitore] Super Samoan drop.
Nia Jax to advance.
-[Barrett] Ah! -[Tessitore] Oh!
Jade flying in.
And she pushes her off at 2.9.
[Barrett] Oh, this one is swinging all over the place.
Just when it looked like this Super Samoan Drop had got the job done,
out of nowhere a flying Jade Cargill almost steals it,
but the powerhouse Nia Jax had too much left in the tank.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] "This is awesome" endorsed, here at the University of Tennessee.
Up on Rocky Top, it has been a rocky road
for these three battling each other back and forth.
That pump knee, that pump kick into the cover.
Oh, runs right into that big boot.
[Barrett] Everyone dropping their biggest shots now.
It's gonna take something huge to win this, and Naomi is the one in control.
Look at Jade against Naomi,
able to rally up as she did before in this match.
-[Barrett] Not a position-- -[Tessitore] Nia Jax is in position, Wade.
[Barrett] Not a position you want to be in. Oh!
[Tessitore] Superplex Powerbomb, Nia Jax.
[Barrett] And right in the drop zone, two women getting stacked. Oh!
[Tessitore] She's stacking 'em. She's stacking 'em.
It's an An-Nia-Lator!
-[Barrett] Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh!
Jade takes the best of it.
Naomi looking to get shoulders down and she does.
-[bell dings] -[Tessitore] My, oh, my.
["Last Warning" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
Naomi!
[Barrett] Well, after all the hard work of Nia Jax,
it was squashing time on Jade Cargill, game over.
But the speed of thought, the speed of movement of Naomi
is what got this one won.
And Naomi now qualified for the women's Money In The Bank match.
[Tessitore] Proceed with caution, everybody.
Fifth time that she's made it to Money In The Bank.
What you gotta say now?
Me and you together? We can do it together? Money In The Bank.
You know what I'm saying? Either I go up…
[R-Truth] No, of course not.
You're not supposed to ask people that.
You might embarrass him, you know what I'm saying?
He won't feel good about himself if you say that.
So just don't do it.
Look at him, childhood hero beat him.
Now he's talking to little ghost. Ain't that pathetic.
Something you wanna say to me, dawg?
Man, you crazy, touching me?
Can I be honest?
I've never seen you a day before in my life.
Is this your son, dawg?
You husky.
Do you mind if I take your husky son to the ring and teach him a lesson?
Matter of fact I don't.
I'm gonna go talk to Nick.
Boy, y'all big boned.
Don't worry about that, all right? Take care of him.
Have fun with that tonight, all right?
Let's have fun, you know what I'm saying?
Aight, but let's keep it 100.
Y'all can go ahead and have your fun. I got my own business to take care of.
Yadadamean?
[Tessitore] We all "yadadamean" because Jacob Fatu's in a triple threat
for Money In The Bank qualifier.
Plus six weeks removed from WrestleMania and the Main Event,
six days removed from the stunning encounter on Saturday Night's Main Event.
Now here in Knoxville, it'll be Cody and John Cena, face-to-face tonight.
Nicholas, what happened on Saturday night was a deliberate--
Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, I can't understand a word you're saying.
[sighs]
[grunts, scoffs]
Nicholas, what happened on Saturday night
-was a deliberate-- [groans] -Chelsea, Chelsea.
Look at me while we're having a conversation, please.
Chelsea…
It was deliberate.
It was a hit job put on by crooked Zelina, okay?
Even the tippy top that the bureau hired,
my Secret Hervice, couldn't have stopped it.
Nicholas, I demand that you strip her of her title and you suspend her
and you give me the championship.
Well, Chelsea, there's no need to be so ugly about this.
-[all gasp] -Look, no one's getting stripped
or suspended.
You can talk about a rematch down the road,
but in the meantime, you have to be medically cleared,
so you're just gonna have to wait. Okay?
And you're saying you're gonna do nothing to reprimand Zelina for this?
No, no, no, no, do you know what, if you're not gonna do something
about this, we will.
Yeah, yeah.
Zelina versus Alba.
Chelsea knows best.
-What? -Alba against Zelina.
I actually like the sound of that.
I will make that official right now if you do one thing for me.
-What? -Please leave me alone.
[whispering] Okay, let's go. Let's go. Let's go.
I'm standing by with the WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton.
Tiffany, Money In The Bank is right around the corner, and as we know,
you successfully cashed in your own contract
to become WWE Women's Champion,
but how are you handling the pressure of knowing that the same thing
could happen to you?
Honestly, Byron, I cannot wait to see who wins Money In The Bank,
because then I'll be handling the pressure by being prepared.
And having this title makes me the number one threat in the division,
but let's be honest, Byron.
I've always been the girl that everyone's been obsessed with.
So whoever tries to cash in on me would be making a big mistake.
If you thought Nia was a problem, you ain't seen nothing yet.
I'm going to win Money In The Bank
and cash in for that title where I want and when I want.
And in case you forgot little Miss Tiffy,
when I was fighting for the championship, you stayed in my way.
You wanna know what happened when people play with me?
Just ask Jade.
I wouldn't be too worried about her winning Money In The Bank.
I would be worried about me winning Money In The Bank.
Alexa Bliss, Naomi, two of the six who will be trying to win
the women's ladder match, Money In The Bank,
comes your way June 7th from LA,
and on that day, remember, is Worlds Collide
and we have a compelling Fatal 4-way of Worlds Collide.
Ethan Page just won the NXT North American Championship,
and now he defends, Wade, in an outrageous matchup
of talents spanning multiple brands,
Rey Fenix, Je'Von Evans, Laredo Kid. Ethan Page defending a Fatal 4-Way.
NXT North American Championship.
Let's take a closer look at this matchup.
AAA, NXT, Worlds Colliding from LA.
I find this to be a fascinating matchup in this Fatal 4-Way, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, fascinating. I think the most fascinating part for me
is these are four high octane performers who really don't know each other too well.
We get a look here at Je'Von Evans, who has been a major star in NXT.
Of course, Rey Fenix, we know all about him
from the past few months here on SmackDown.
He has been nothing but the superlative best right here.
And then there's this guy, Laredo Kid,
who is rapidly becoming a major legend south of the border in AAA.
The people of Mexico love this guy.
If you've not got eyes on him before, make sure you tune in.
Worlds Collide, and of course the cold, calculating Ethan Page.
The new NXT North American Champion.
That title is going to get its first defense at Worlds Collide. Cannot wait.
[Tessitore] Yeah, the one time NXT Champion,
now the NXT North American Champion who's putting it on the line.
And tonight!
Tonight we get Rey Fenix and Je'Von Evans up against Los Garza.
Tag team action from right here in Knoxville, Tennessee.
That is still to come tonight.
["What's Up" plays]
[R-Truth] Do y'all know what time it is?
This the part where we crank it up. Let's crank it up.
Now here we go.
♪ People over there, what's up ♪
♪ If you feel me stand up And say what's up ♪
-♪ What's up ♪ -♪ What's up ♪
♪ You can get with this Or you can get with that ♪
♪ Knoxville, Tennessee This is where its at ♪
-♪ What's up ♪ -♪ What's up ♪
♪ I be skippin and jumpin Leaving the competition ♪
♪ Making them disappear Like your favorite magician ♪
♪ I ride until the wheel fall off ♪
♪ I bounce back to back Till they necks get soft ♪
♪ Most of the time you see me I'm just being simple ♪
♪ Then be the times I be bustin' 'em up… ♪
[Tessitore] R-Truth and JC Mateo coming your way when we come back.
♪ …OG's slayin' the game ♪
♪ Haven't even started yet ♪
♪ You can better believe I'ma take it off a sure shy bet ♪
-♪ What's up ♪ -♪ What's up ♪
Everybody here we go!
[Tessitore] R-Truth, who just stumbled into a little something backstage,
reacting to Solo Sikoa.
And that is how we arrived at this.
[Barrett] And I thought R-Truth had some brief moments of lucidity
in the run up to his match-up with John Cena.
Clearly we've reverted back to normal and the Merchant of Nonsense,
R-Truth is back and he's got himself in a major problem tonight.
[Tessitore] Yeah, I'm dying over the "husky son" comment.
[JC Mateo entrance music plays]
[bell dings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring accompanied by Solo Sikoa,
from Honolulu, Hawaii,
weighing in at 265 pounds,
JC Mateo!
So wait, JC Mateo's had two official matches,
and in both instances we've been impressed
with the pure power, the explosiveness,
the tour of islands that he has toppled LA Knight with
and then last week, team with Jacob Fatu defeating Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] Yeah, he's had a massive impact since debuting.
A major acquisition by Solo after his group were decimated through injuries.
[Tessitore] He's not wasting your time, is he?
[Barrett] Sikoa's building an army here. He wants to retake control of SmackDown,
and the muscle of Mateo is a central piece to Sikoa's game plan.
[Tessitore] And he's talked about getting the family back to where it belongs.
Wow, did he ever send R-Truth into that corner.
[Barrett] JC Mateo is just an earth mover of a human being.
As wide as he is tall, not someone you can muscle around the ring.
There's only one man doing the muscling and R-Truth getting shook back
to reality before our eyes.
[Tessitore] He just… He has that body type,
shaped like a box, a big square of muscle.
He was a 2004 Summer Olympian and he is so explosive,
but this time, R-Truth, smart to get out of the way.
Oh, and he comes in with the shoulder.
And again.
Let's go!
On Saturday, appearing nearly spot on as Ron Cena when we saw him
in Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Barrett] Well, R-Truth is tapping into something.
-Oh, my God. -[Tessitore] Oh, is he ever.
As JC Mateo.
The standing moonsault. That is exactly what we're talking about
with the explosiveness for this kind of body type, size and power.
[Barrett] While the free wheeling R-Truth got a little ahead of himself there,
overestimated his own abilities in trying to throw JC Mateo around
and what a mistake that was.
[Tessitore] Went for the Senton and Truth again able to get out of the way.
Oh, he's calling for the five knuckle shuffle.
[crowd] You can't see me!
Truth, a week removed from being in against Cena.
-[Barrett] Oh, God. Here we go. -[Tessitore] AA.
Can he get him up in the position?
Oh, he collapses down.
[Barrett] Well, what an effort it was from R-Truth,
but once again completely overestimated his own power
against this humongous human being.
[Tessitore] Tour of the Islands!
JC Mateo.
[bell dings]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
JC Mateo!
While Little Jimmy and R-Truth's imaginary crew of friends could not help tonight,
JC Mateo continues his streak of devastation.
And now it's just punishment time.
[Tessitore] Headbutt after headbutt against Truth.
-Oh, now-- -["Born A King" plays]
[Tessitore] Jimmy's on the way.
-[Barrett] Solo's… -[Tessitore] With a chair in hand.
…big brother, who Solo Sikoa is trying to woo back into his group.
[inaudible]
[Tessitore] Big Jim in the-- Oh, Mateo comes right in!
JC attacks from behind.
[Barrett] And Solo Sikoa is yelling at JC.
[Tessitore] There's a master plan for Solo that he wants.
[Barrett] Solo Sikoa wants Jimmy Uso back in the fold,
but JC Mateo is ready to fight anything that moves.
[Tessitore] He has said it is time to come home before to Big Jim…
[Sikoa] I was trying to talk to him.
…who comes to R-Truth's aid when he needed it.
Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, they are back.
The Street Profits making their way to the ring.
We will hear from the tag team champs next.
[Tessitore] Everybody's anticipating this.
The man who says he's set to ruin wrestling,
the former champ determined to save it all.
Cody Rhodes, John Cena face-to-face here in Knoxville later on SmackDown.
["We Want Smoke" plays]
You already know, baby. You already know.
We in the building now.
Yeah!
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford,
the Street Profits!
[Tessitore] Wade, I sit back and I think where we just were
with the Street Profits a week ago.
The two of us were in the midst of broadcasting
that thrilling world championship match against Fraxiom
and Montez Ford was climbing up there,
possibly to cap it all from the heavens.
And then, instead, came the complete demolition arrival of the Wyatt Sicks.
[Barrett] Yeah, well, ultimately the Street Profits held on to the gold
after an epic battle with Fraxiom, however, they held on to it by default.
It's not the kind of victory they would have wanted
or retention, I should say.
Um, but that scene of sheer chaotic devastation
caused by the Wyatt Sicks still needs some explanation.
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Oh, I love everything about you.
And what I have too, but let me wrap to y'all real fast.
This tag team division that we a part of?
The greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion?
It's on fire right now.
Talk to 'em.
[scoffs] But just like the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it.
Let's not forget who's leading the charge right now, the Street Profits.
I mean, hey, we got all these teams coming at us right now.
You got DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now the Wyatts?
[scoffs]
[Ford] Sick, sick, sick.
But you know what, basically what Big Bro is saying is,
it don't matter who it is,
we'll happily defend these tag team championships against anybody.
[Fraxiom entrance theme plays]
[Barrett] Well, pump the brakes
'cause here is a duo who may have a major ax to grind
with how things turned out last week.
The absolute blur that is Fraxiom.
[Tessitore] The recent title challengers Nathan Frazer and Axiom.
[Barrett] I mean, arguably Fraxiom were closing in on victory last week.
We were in the death throes of the matches before that huge opportunity
was ripped away from them.
All right. [snickers]
Well, since you're out here talking about defending those titles.
Yeah, me and my amigo here didn't exactly get a fair shake last week, so…
Fraxiom.
Fraxiom, is it?
Listen, man, congratulations to you guys.
You guys are on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sicks
got in our business last week…
[sucks teeth]
…we kind of had y'all beat, bruh.
-Smoked. -Wow.
Wow, wow, wow. I mean, sure, man, maybe you did.
But maybe you didn't.
And I guess thanks to the Wyatts, we will never know.
Yeah, yeah, and now that those shenanigans from last week are behind us,
I think it's fair to say that Fraxiom and the Street Profits
should run it back.
["Raise Your Fist" plays]
Okay. Sorry to interrupt, but, Fraxiom, let me see if I got this right.
So your entire basis for getting a rematch
is that the Street Profits never beat you, is that right?
Let me rack my brain, but last time I checked,
Street Profits, you never beat us.
So, If you're gonna hand out title matches, we'll take one.
["It's Our Moment" plays]
[Barrett] Well, it's now a free for all, isn't it?
[Tessitore] And you know these two are not going to be quiet about it.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm pretty sure you losers have had, like, a million chances
and you nerds, didn't you just get here?
Whoa, whoa, that they just got here?
See, I think you just got here,
so why don't you do us all a favor and just shut up, Candice.
Hey, hey, you shut up, idiot, okay? You shut up.
The reason we had to bring in my beautiful wife here is to even the odds
against whatever this is, okay?
It's obvious.
Everyone can see there's a conspiracy in the tag team division
to hold down the B-T-T-I-T-W.
And now with the Wyatt Sicks showing up.
Ixnay on the family. We don't we don't talk about them.
Forget that he said that, scratch that, back to business.
You, you, you, you, you.
You have all killed the tag team division that we built.
Matter of fact, matter of fact, let's hold a moment of silence right now
for the death of the SmackDown tag team division.
Everybody stand up, bow your heads.
[Tessitore] A moment of silence?
A moment of silence begins…
…now.
[electricity buzzing]
[crowd cheering]
[microphones thudding]
-[Barrett] Oh, no! -[Tessitore] Oh! Wyatt Sicks!
[Barrett] They're here!
[Tessitore] Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks.
Rowan takes out Motor City Machine Guns.
Lumis off the top rope.
A week ago they returned.
Joe Gacy double clothesline!
[Barrett] Back to Bedlam in the SmackDown tag division.
[Tessitore] Power bomb on top of Axiom!
[Barrett] What is the motivation?
What is the reasoning behind these attacks?
-[Tessitore] Nikki Cross! -[Barrett] Oh, God!
[Tessitore] What is she doing here? Takes out Candice LeRae!
She came out of nowhere.
[Barrett] She absolutely terrifies me, as does the rest of the Wyatt Sicks.
[Tessitore] Sister Abigail, Howdy delivers!
["Shatter" plays]
[Tessitore] Special night here in Knoxville.
We are on Rocky Top.
Over 100,000 fill Saturday afternoons for SEC football there.
And then here inside Thompson-Boling Arena,
the 7th edition of SmackDown to come here to Knoxville.
We have the largest WWE crowd ever.
Over 14,600 packing this place
on a night when Cody Rhodes and John Cena
will be face-to-face later tonight.
Meanwhile, moments ago, this is what happened.
[Barrett] Well, every tag team in the SmackDown division was out here,
but the shocking moment once again, the Wyatt Sicks hit the scene
and caused utter devastation, attacking everything that moves.
We still don't know what the motivations are,
but we do know what effects this group has.
They have completely wiped out every top team
and Nikki Cross once again gives me the heebie jeebies.
[Tessitore] Oh, man.
[Barrett] Capped off by this.
Sister Abigail by Uncle Howdy himself.
What to make of this? So many questions, we need answers.
[Tessitore] You're so right about Nikki Cross.
Sitting here broadcasting. All of a sudden you look off your left elbow,
and she's right on top of things.
Angel and Berto with Santos Escobar.
Legado Del Fantasma, they are set for action.
[Barrett] The trio of Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on
AAA's Dr. Wagner Jr., Pagano and Psycho Clown at Worlds Collide.
[Tessitore] And we're so happy that joining us here ringside,
just off your right hand, Wade Barrett,
is the new NXT North American Champion, Ethan Page.
-Congratulations. What a week out of you. -Hey, thank you so much.
-What a year for me if I'm being honest. -[Barrett] I agree.
Congratulations on your 12-month anniversary
capped off by capturing that championship.
You're completely color coordinated.
I don't know if a title has ever looked better on anybody than that on you.
[Page] Couldn't agree more.
[Tessitore] Defeated Ricky Saints.
First time winning that title, of course, the one time NXT champion as well.
[Rey Fenix's theme music playing]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring,
from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Tessitore] Rey Fenix, who's been more than just a thorn in the side
to Legado Del Fantasma, he's topped Santos and Berto in singles action.
Wade, a few weeks ago, we were on the call as he earned a tag team victory
against Los Garza as well.
[Barrett] Santos Escobar's clearly been impressed by Rey Fenix.
Attempted to bring him into the fold of Legado Del Fantasma,
but was rebuffed by Fenix,
and now there's some major bad blood between Legado Del Fantasma
and this scintillating Luchador.
[Je'Von Evans theme music playing]
[Nash] And his tag team partner,
from Greensboro, North Carolina,
weighing in at 190 pounds,
Je'Von Evans!
[Tessitore] Is he ever bouncy?
The young rising star, Je'Von Evans. He has dropped jaws at NXT.
He's springy. He's quick twitch.
He's got a style you just love and what a thrill it is for us
to have Je'Von Evans here on SmackDown.
[Barrett] If you've not seen Je'Von Evans before, get ready to be shocked.
NXT… voice of NXT, Vic Joseph, has been singing this man's praises for months
to me now, completely redefining what is possible in that ring.
And let me… Let me turn over to you, Ethan Page.
You are taking on two of those men who are tagging together now,
Rey Fenix and Je'Von Evans,
along with Laredo Kid at Worlds Collide in just over a week's time.
Who are you most concerned by of that trio?
[Page] Listen, I wouldn't say concerned,
but I'm here to specifically scout Rey Fenix.
He came into my home turf.
He came into my home turf to say hello to the new champ.
I wanted to come to his and say hello to his face.
[Barrett] We got the best seat in the house right now
to see exactly what this man can do.
[Tessitore] Fenix off to a good start against Angel.
Oh, but the headbutts come right in there,
and now here comes Je'Von Evans and Berto.
[Barrett] First taste of the young OG.
[Tessitore] Berto beating down on Evans early on, trying to establish the tone.
Je'Von Evans, who on that WrestleMania weekend,
was in that memorable triple threat that Oba Femi took, Stand and Deliver.
Now here he is with Worlds Collide right around the corner.
That is gonna be a thriller.
With Worlds Collide and then Money In The Bank.
[Barrett] Legado Del Fantasma now looking to step it up too.
They want to take back control of the world of Lucha.
-Whoa! "That-Boy-Bouncy-rana"! -[Tessitore exclaims]
The springboard off the ropes, hurricanrana.
"That-Boy-Bouncy-rana" indeed, Je'Von Evans!
[Barrett] And Ethan… Ethan Page has to be impressed with that.
Ethan, you're in your 12-month NXT anniversary.
How come Ethan Page has had so much success so quickly?
[Page] Oh, people get it wrong. They say that I take shortcuts.
But actually I just choose the right road to travel on,
and it's led me to a lot of success.
[Barrett] Smart man, cold and calculating.
And now Rey Fenix heading the same way for that success.
Berto nowhere to hide.
[Tessitore] Into the cover.
And Berto able to get that shoulder up. Great action early on here.
Je'Von Evans's SmackDown debut and desperate to get the tag on Rey Fenix
as Los Garza has been in complete control.
And now draping him in between the ropes in that neutral corner.
[Barrett] Torturing Je'Von Evans.
And let me ask you this, champ, Ethan Page,
next to me who's joined us for commentary.
How concerned are you at the dual threat of Luchadors
who you're going to be fighting at Worlds Collide,
defending that championship against?
[Page] Oh, you're talking to a Canadian-born, American-made,
world-traveled,
greatest North American to ever hold the North American championship.
I don't really care where these wrestlers come from
or what they wear across their face to cover their ugly mugs.
This championship will be staying with me.
[Tessitore] Ethan Page going to attempt to defend
that NXT North American Championship in 8 days. It's a Fatal 4-Way match.
Je'Von Evans, who's in there right now taking damage,
Rey Fenix, his tag partner,
and Laredo Kid from AAA, the cross promotional Worlds Collide.
[Barrett] Well, I'll give some credit to Je'Von Evans there.
Los Garza connecting with that Garza Special wasn't quite enough
to put the young OG away, but he is fading and he's fading fast.
And once again, Santos Escobar, perhaps inspired by the champ sat at ringside,
barking orders to his men,
the results for Los Garza of late have not been good enough.
Need to step up in a big way ahead of Worlds Collide.
[Tessitore] Je'Von Evans has to dig really deep here.
-[Tessitore] Oh! -[Page cackling]
[Tessitore] I mean inches. Just… What are you laughing at?
It's just a matter of inches, but what effort, Ethan.
[Page] Oh, every inch matters.
[Barrett] Just brilliant there from Berto.
Great reactions but didn't have the reactions
to block that last-second kick there from Je'Von Evans.
The window's open.
Rey Fenix is ready
and this place will come unglued if this tag finally happens.
-[Tessitore] Both men down, and finally! -[Barrett] There it is!
[Tessitore] Here comes Fenix!
Springboard!
And a stomp!
And now the kick attack.
[Barrett] Well, Fenix doing it all on his own right now.
This might be what you have to look forward to a week from tomorrow, Ethan.
[Tessitore] Oh! A step-up Hurricanrana!
A week away, Ethan, the Fatal 4-Way.
I could just see Ethan Page intently analyzing every single move
-of Rey Fenix here. -[Page] I told you I came here to scout.
-Oh! -[Tessitore] Oh! Double spring moonsault!
And the save from Berto.
[Barrett] Well, Berto just about in the nick of time.
He looks to throw Fenix out. Oh, it's a blind tag right there
as he spins out with that spider kick.
And Je'Von had the blind tag.
[Barrett] Well, legal now is Je'Von Evans. [exclaims]
[Tessitore] Oh! Did you see how far away…
Springboard crossbody from miles away but then taking the kick.
[Barrett] Je'Von Evans does not fly. That man floats.
He must have helium in his veins, but all four men now wiped out.
Let's take a look back at this athleticism.
First of all, from the Luchador, Rey Fenix, who thought he had it won.
No, not today, thanks to Berto.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Tessitore] All 4 of our competitors down and struggling to get back to their feet.
[Page] Are they chanting "This is awesome" 'cause I'm sitting out here with you guys?
[Tessitore] No, that would be the action in the ring,
but keep up that confidence for another 8 days.
[Page] Might be wrong, Tess, but I'll let you have it.
[Barrett] I'm going with Ethan Page on this one.
It's always awesome when he's in the building.
[Tessitore] Big week for Ethan Page, as he says, a big year for Ethan Page.
[Barrett] No, it's a big week for the industry when Ethan Page shows up.
-Get it right, Joe. -[Page] Dang right. Huge week for NXT too.
Ooh.
[Tessitore] Both men back on their feet, center of the ring,
back and forth they go.
Je'Von Evans.
[Barrett] Nothing fancy now, it's all about brutality.
Wait up!
[Tessitore] Oh. Look at the body control then sitting out.
And looking to put it away right here, but Evans finds a way.
[Barrett] Yeah, Angel just about overcoming
that unorthodox offense.
And Ethan Page is shocked by what he's seeing.
[Page] I'm surprised he's kicked out of that.
[Barrett] Shows you how deep Je'Von Evans can dig.
It's not all flashy with him.
There's some real grit inside that young man, just 21 years old.
Uh-oh.
[Tessitore] Oh, you know what they're going for here.
We've seen it before, trying to line it up.
But instead, here comes Fenix.
[Barrett] Well, Rey Fenix knew exactly what was coming there
and knew he had to stop it in its tracks,
or this one was gonna get away from the team of Je'Von Evans
and Rey Fenix in a hurry.
[Tessitore] Tightrope and the stomp.
And now Je'Von is gonna fly!
-[Barrett, Page exclaiming] -[Tessitore] Oh, my!
[Page] Don't come over here. Keep this in the ring, please.
[Barrett] Well, Je'Von Evans is out of his damn mind.
-But what… -[Page] Are you looking at me?
You looking at the champ?
Your business is in there.
It ain't with me tonight.
[Barrett] Just got a little preview of Worlds Collide right there.
Ethan Page out of his chest squaring off to…
-Wait! -[Tessitore] Oh! Now Ethan Page!
Slams Fenix and sends him over our announce desk.
Oh! And he eats a huge super kick.
His glasses just went flying 10 feet as Je'Von Evans laid him out.
[Barrett] Fenix is down. Ethan Page is down.
[Tessitore] There's a roll up! There's a roll up!
[Barrett] Attempted to steal a quick one was Berto,
but too fast is Je'Von Evans.
[Tessitore] Red Dot! Red Dot! Evans!
And the big kick on the outside!
And the young rising star is putting on a show.
Oh, what is Page doing?
[Barrett] A distraction from Santos Escobar.
Referee did not see a thing.
[Tessitore] What in the world is Ethan Page doing?
[Barrett] Well, they shouldn't have squared off to Ethan Page
who was minding his own business.
[Tessitore] MTY! Los Garza!
[Barrett] And that's what you get.
-[crowd boos] -[bell rings]
[Tessitore] That was a spectacular showing.
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Los Garza!
[Barrett] Wow, well, break that one down.
Massive momentum builder for Los Garza and Santos Escobar
ahead of Worlds Collide.
[Tessitore] You know, you're sitting here lauding Ethan Page,
what an honor it is to have him on our broadcast here,
and then he interrupts what was a spectacular showing
-from Je'Von Evans. -[Barrett] Hold on. No.
[Tessitore] That young man came up here and put forth an incredible effort.
[Barrett] Well, he should have focused on his match instead of squaring up
with my guest at ringside on commentary.
-You gotta be kidding me! -Ethan Page, minding his own business.
Your guest on commentary blew open the entire match.
Evans looked great there.
I'm not gonna complain at all about Evans,
but he should have minded his own business,
then none of that would have happened.
We won't stop. [echoes]
[laughing]
Not until we get… [distortion] …what's owed. [echoes]
["The Visual" playing]
[Tessitore] Zelina Vega, fresh off hitting a Code Red off the top rope.
One of the big moments from Saturday Night's Main Event.
That's how the United States Champion capped her match
with Chelsea Green to retain.
[Barrett] Crooked Zelina Vega.
[Tessitore] What do you mean by that?
She earned her way to the title and has retained it,
having just defeated Chelsea Green.
[Barrett] A woman has been disfigured thanks to our United States Champion.
[Tessitore] The physicality of this game you have to deal with,
and Chelsea Green is dealing with the realities now with a broken nose.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making her way to the ring,
accompanied by Chelsea Green and Piper Niven,
representing the Secret Hervice,
Alba Fyre!
[Tessitore] Would you please look at Chelsea Green's protective mask?
[Barrett] And who can blame her? She's got a busted nose.
Joe, I've just had a quick scan on social media.
They are calling Chelsea Green "Mrs. Hideous."
Have some sympathy for the woman.
[Tessitore] Listen, I give credit to any warrior who steps through the ropes.
You can see the bruising around the eyes.
You can see the broke… I-I don't need…
I-I don't need I don't need this. I don't need Chelsea on a stick.
Why am I being handed this?
-[bell rings] -[Barrett] Hold it in front of your face.
-You'll look so much better. -[Tessitore] I'm sure you want it.
[Barrett] I'll keep that one, yeah. They're going on eBay later.
Nice!
And, like, here's the deal when it comes to the Secret Hervice,
you don't desecrate the breathing apparatus of an entertainment goddess
like Chelsea Green and get away with it.
Alba Fyre doing exactly what she's employed to do right now.
[Tessitore] She is jumping on Zelina Vega early in this non-title match here.
Zelina, of course, the undersized underdog who answers every call.
Time and again, so gritty.
[Barrett] Well, this is one she should not have answered,
she should have stayed home, where it's much safer
because Alba Fyre is not gonna let you get away
with what you did at Saturday Night's Main Event
to Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] Alba was trying to go for the Sidewalk Slam,
instead counter into the head scissors.
And into the cover quickly is Vega.
Alba's been in control early on, but just these always these moments
with Zelina Vega where she can try to counter and try to be crafty.
[Barrett] Well, she's always fighting from underneath.
-[Tessitore] Oh, yeah. -[Barrett] I don't mean this impolitely,
but she is undersized,
much like her mentor Rey Mysterio,
and it's never really caused him any issues,
but this is a highly motivated Alba Fyre,
the veteran Scotswoman with a major mean streak
and a point to prove this evening in front of Chelsea Green.
[Tessitore] Incredibly skilled, of course.
Another opportunity for Zelina.
And she was able to counter that attack from Alba Fyre as well.
[Barrett] Zelina Vega has been a major thorn in the side
of the Green regime over the past several weeks,
handing L after L after L.
Well that has to stop tonight.
[Tessitore] There's the victory against Piper Niven,
the 3 consecutive victories against Chelsea Green.
What we saw at Saturday Night's Main Event
down there in Tampa, retaining the Women's United States Championship.
And now Fyre turning it right around into that corner and slamming Zelina Vega.
[Barrett] And you just see every single time Vega starts
to get a little ahead of steam, she gets shut down
by the much more powerful Alba Fyre.
Hurricanrana as she puts herself in position
and now Alba Fyre rolls out of the ring.
[Barrett] Little regroup on the outside. Piper Niven, fellow Secret Hervice member,
talking some tactics.
-And it's tactics that are paying off. -[Tessitore] And like that.
[Barrett] It's what you call a pendulum ball hammer, right to the jaw.
Should have aimed for the nose.
-[Tessitore] A little payback? -[Barrett] Yeah, a little payback.
Teach Zelina a valuable lesson.
[Tessitore] And again…
Oh, Zelina Vega able to counter that and put her in position
and look at… Chelsea's up on the apron.
She's lined up potentially for a 619 and Chelsea gets up on the apron.
And then Piper trips her up as she was revving the engine.
[Barrett] There you go, devastation. That one was very close to the nose there.
And right now we are pledging allegiance to the Green regime.
[Tessitore] Back here in Knoxville, capacity crowd of 14,600
as Zelina Vega, the Women's United States Champion
in there against Alba Fyre after that woman right there,
Chelsea Green, a week ago, her nose was broken
when she was defeated by Zelina Vega,
and then earlier tonight, complaining to general manager, Nick Aldis,
saying, "I demand that she is stripped," that Zelina's stripped.
"I demand I get my championship back."
Aldis laughed it off and gave us this match.
[Barrett] While this, for Zelina Vega right here,
in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a little taste of what we call "Southern justice."
You're just desserts for a ruthless, barbaric attack on Chelsea Green
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Tessitore] Don't you always marvel, though,
at how the diminutive Zelina Vega with all that spirit, all that heart,
constantly just tries to find a way to fight back like moments like that, Wade.
Just like that.
[Barrett] Bouncing off the ropes,
driving that knee into the side of Alba Fyre
gets a little breathing room for Zelina Vega.
And you just sense that Zelina Vega is making this beatdown worse
than it ever had to be by constantly kicking out
and having the audacity to fight back.
[Tessitore] Remember Cody Rhodes and John Cena
will be face-to-face later tonight
right here on Friday night SmackDown live from Knoxville.
Rhodes and Cena still to come your way.
[Barrett] This audience is just taunting Chelsea Green at ringside
who's had to deal with a lot over the past several days,
and the only thing that's gonna make it better
is seeing Zelina Vega get beat down.
[Tessitore] Fyre tracking her down again as Vega looks to land that elbow.
And now the big boot as Fyre came in offensively.
[Barrett] Well, Vega can scramble like no other
and she's built up a major head of steam here.
[Tessitore] And now the scrappy women's titlist comes in
with the clothesline and another.
[Barrett] It's all going wrong for the Green regime once again.
It's like déjà vu when it comes to Zelina Vega.
Vega's here reaching for that right shoulder,
she has taken so much punishment to this point.
She comes flying into the corner and delivers the knees.
And now Zelina.
Perhaps an opportunity for what she does best.
[Barrett] Big ideas here.
Viva La Vega!
[Tessitore] For the win, hooks the leg.
And a kick out by Fyre.
[Barrett] Well, that might have been Zelina Vega's biggest shot
at victory here.
She threw the big one, it wasn't quite enough.
Alba Fyre was just equal to it.
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, Chelsea Green,
just incessant with her yelling right in the face of Zelina Vega.
Vega, looking for the suplex gets locked up by Alba Fyre.
[Barrett] Alba Fyre's just too big and too strong
to take a move like that from Zelina Vega.
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, the counter when she went for the vertical suplex,
and now here goes Vega back up.
Right to the top,
looking for the moonsault but Alba rolls out of the way.
And now Alba Fyre goes up top, Wade.
[Barrett] So durable is Alba Fyre.
-[Tessitore] Swanton Bomb! -[Barrett] Devastating.
[Tessitore] This looks like it's over.
How in the world did Vega find a way out of that?
[Barrett] And that simply angers Alba Fyre even worse.
Take another look at Zelina Vega converting this suplex into a stunner,
but then eating this huge Swanton Bomb, kicking out.
And now find theirself majorly on the wrong side of the tracks.
-[Tessitore] Whoa, whoa, whoa. -[Barrett] Oh, my God, put it back on.
-[Tessitore] No, there's the broken nose. -[Barrett] Put it back on!
[Tessitore] Oh, she tried to use the mask as a weapon,
but she smacked Piper instead.
[Barrett] Well, now Piper Niven has a nose to match.
[Tessitore] And now chasing Vega with that broken nose.
Oh, that could have been dangerous as Alba nearly ran into the face.
Code Red! We got a Code Red!
-She did it again! -[bell rings]
["The Visual" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
the Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega!
[Tessitore] She always finds a way lately.
[Barrett] Well, Chelsea Green has a broken nose.
Now Piper Niven has a broken nose.
Who's next? Alba Fyre?
What an absolute disgrace once again from Zelina Vega.
It's staying with me.
You look good. You look it.
Tonight, we're gonna follow the plan.
If you follow the plan, we will win. No mistakes.
My credibility is on the line.
-Don't worry, bro. I know what I'm doing. -Do you? Do you?
Because I seem to be taking Black Mass after Black Mass after Black Mass
after Black Mass, sacrificing myself for you.
Do you understand that I gave up my chance to be in this match tonight for you?
I've done it twice. I've won. I've succeeded.
You win this one match tonight,
and I will guide you.
I will make sure that we are Mr. Money In The Bank.
-That we go on… -Hold on. Hold on.
What do you mean "we"?
[scoffs]
Who do you think got you in this position?
I did.
Look, Mike, I appreciate everything you're trying to do for me.
I appreciate you sacrificing yourself for me,
taking the Black Mass multiple times,
helping me win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal,
but nobody told you to do that.
Look,
I'm gonna run the play exactly like we designed it.
But what brought me to the dance is my talent.
It's the fact that I go out there and I do it better than anybody else does.
I put up 40 points on the board on a bad day.
I'm him. And I need for you to let me be him.
We good?
All right, let's do the thing, man. What is it?
Melo don't miss and we are…
Awes-him. Let's do this thing, man. Let's go Melo in the bank.
[Tessitore] We'll see Melo in the Money In The Bank qualifier coming up.
But Damian Priest is ready to move onward.
What's next for Priest? We will hear from him live next.
Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal…
It's not "to be the best."
Everyone say that. It's hollow and empty.
My goal is to be indisputable.
You can love me or hate me.
Admiration or disgust. It means nothing.
But I'm impossible to deny.
[Barrett] Giulia is going to Money In The Bank.
[Giulia] My opponent doesn't matter because I only view them
as an opportunity to build upon my legacy.
Evidence you cannot refute.
SmackDown, you will see.
I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper
and conquer everything just like I've always done.
The question isn't who's going to let me.
It's who's going to stop me?
[in Japanese] If you can stop it, stop it.
[in English] I see you, Zelina. But I see that title more.
[scoffs]
["Rise For The Night" plays]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Damian Priest!
[Tessitore] Wade, I think about this stretch that Priest has been on.
What a long and damaging road to endure that's been traveled by Priest
to meet Drew McIntyre every step of the way, match after match,
fight after fight, Sin City street style, no matter where or how,
and now with the last echo of a steel cage slamming.
[Barrett] Saturday Night's Main Event.
Twelve month blood feud between these two coming to a head.
One of the most intense matches of the year.
Priest finally putting McIntyre down for good
with that devastating con-chair-to.
And then Priest able to exit the cage in the most dominant fashion possible
after the most physical rivalry of his career.
What a statement from the pride of Puerto Rico himself.
Tennessee.
[crowd cheers]
Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday it's like I'm breathing in fresh air.
You know there was a time where if I lived on a street
and we were beefing with another street,
that war could go… Man, that war could go for years.
But in WWE you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it's over.
But Drew and I, we went well over a year and that's not normal.
But we took that beef into a cage.
Now I can feel it. You can see it in my face, we went to war.
At the end of this war, Saturday Night's Main Event,
I gave him a con-chair-to.
I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.
Now, I know Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains,
but I know he's watching, so I wanna say something to you, Drew.
I still can't stand your ass.
But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage
wasn't the guy that hides behind his phone on social media.
That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.
Now, I'm not gonna ask what's next for Damian Priest.
I'm gonna tell y'all. I'm gonna tell the locker room.
It's the same thing I wanted when I came to SmackDown: championships.
Now this war cost me an opportunity in being in Money In The Bank.
But that doesn't mean I don't have my eyes on a certain champion.
Somebody who I have unfinished business with
and a champion that I consider the most badass champion right now.
Y'all know who it is? Jacob Fatu.
Now, Jacob, I respect the hell out of you, man.
This is me.
I know where you came from. I know what you had to live through.
I know what it feels like to stand in this ring.
I know what it feels like to stand in this ring as a champion.
Real talk. I'm proud of you.
Congratulations. That's real.
What I don't respect is the crew that follows you around.
Check that.
What I don't respect is the crew you follow around.
At some point you and I are gonna get in this ring and we're gonna handle business,
but that's for you and me.
And if your crew, your so-called family wanna get involved
they could catch a fresh one too.
I don't want it to be a nickname anymore.
I don't want it to be a moniker. I want it to be a fact.
Damian Priest is and forever will be El Campeon Wepa.
-[microphone thuds] -["Rise For The Night" plays]
[Barrett] Wow!
Damian Priest, the kind of competitor
who does not do well unless he's in possession of
or in the hunt for gold.
And he has a certain Samoan Werewolf in his line of sight.
[Tessitore] I love how direct he was, how…
-["Samoan Destroyer" plays] -[Tessitore, Barrett exclaiming]
[Barrett] Ask ye shall receive.
[Tessitore] This timing couldn't be better.
A lot of acknowledgement right there.
[Barrett] I'll see you around, Damian Priest.
[Tessitore] The US champ, Jacob Fatu,
or, Wade, as we as we often note when this moment happens,
he's this human form of atmospheric change in the arena, the Samoan Werewolf.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is a Money In The Bank
qualifier triple threat match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
he is the United States Champion,
the Samoan Werewolf,
Jacob Fatu!
[Barrett] Well, I will applaud the remarkable restraint of Fatu there,
leaving Damian Priest for now because he has business to take care of.
Triple threat qualifying match to get into Money In The Bank next.
Andrade, former United States champion himself in there tonight in moments
against the current United States champion.
In our Money In The Bank qualifying triple threat match.
[Nash] His opponent, from Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico,
weighing in at 230 pounds.
Andrade!
["Melo Don't Miz" plays]
[Nash] And his opponent, 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] And for Melo, this time of year
should bring back some great memories.
Last year, won a Money In The Bank qualifying match,
found a way to come up with a stunning win over Randy Orton and Tama Tonga.
And now with Dre, the 10 pound gold medallion, Dre in hand.
[Barrett] Yeah, don't forget about Dre, whatever you do.
Melo added to this match thanks to his mentor, The Miz,
who negotiated an opportunity through GM Aldis.
Miz has been doing everything he can to get Melo to the top of this industry.
-What a benevolent mentor The Miz is. -[bell rings]
Never thought I'd say those words.
[Tessitore] Very interesting take there.
As last week Miz told him he'd give up his spot in the Money In The Bank…
-[Barrett] Oh, distraction… -[Tessitore] …qualifying.
[Barrett] …on Jacob Fatu allowed Melo to pounce although it hasn't worked.
[Tessitore] All right, so here's the deal here.
We've got four of the spots for the men's Money In The Bank ladder match set.
Seth Rollins, Penta, LA Knight, and Solo Sikoa, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, I like that you brought Solo Sikoa up.
How fascinating would it be
to see Solo Sikoa and Fatu competing against each other
in Money In The Bank. Do they team up? Do they rip each other apart?
Does Fatu fall in line behind Sikoa? A lot of questions.
Very intriguing.
[Tessitore] Spark early out of Andrade in there against Jacob Fatu.
Look at how quickly Andrade is managing with his ring generalship.
Crossbody comes flying in, looking to win this thing right away,
but immediately Fatu kicks out and Carmelo Hayes goes on the attack.
[Barrett] So fast moving is Carmelo Hayes. Major history between him and Andrade.
Of course they had that best of seven series last year.
There was no satisfactory conclusion to it.
Maybe we'll get one tonight.
[Barrett groans]
Perfect timing from the Samoan Werewolf, just as Melo took flight.
What a connection, right on the point of the jaw.
[crowd chanting] Fatu!
[Tessitore] And the chants of Fatu, Fatu.
When he does that shake and shimmer,
you know… Oh, The Miz grabs his foot.
[Barrett] Oh, dear.
[Tessitore] As he was lined up to come out and dive attack
and that's not gonna go over well.
Melo back in the ring looking for the roll up, but instead Fatu hangs on to it.
[Barrett] How many times is…
The Miz put his body on the line to help Melo.
He's taken Black Mass after Black Mass after Black Mass.
Now he gets in the face of Jacob Fatu.
Oh.
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, Andrade back in to take advantage.
[Barrett] Look at the shape Andrade is in.
[Tessitore] How would you like to be The Miz right now?
[Barrett] Oh, my God, start running, Miz.
I don't think you're fast enough, that's the problem.
[Tessitore] Oh, Andrade came diving after Fatu.
Fatu met him with the right hand.
Oh, and he sends The Miz right into the barrier.
[Barrett] Well, thanks for coming, Miz. Your mentorship days may end right now.
[Tessitore] Watch out. Watch out.
Destructive running hip attack.
The Miz is laid out on the outside.
[Tessitore] Big upper cut from Jacob Fatu.
Who just screamed out, "Fatu, all gas, no brakes,"
as we are in the midst of this men's Money In The Bank qualifier triple threat match.
Jacob Fatu on the attack,
but the running hip comes up empty against Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
[Barrett] Melo was trying to hold Andrade in the place,
but knew he had to get out of the way too from a charging Jacob Fatu,
and now all three men laid out… Wait up.
Not quite.
[Tessitore] A chance to battle in LA.
Who will join the four men who have already punched their ticket
to men's Money In The Bank?
Seth Rollins, Penta, LA Knight, and the dynamic of Solo Sikoa
when you consider Jacob Fatu is in this triple threat.
Meanwhile, Carmelo Hayes trying to get there right now.
[Barrett] Connected with La Mistica, not quite enough to put away Andrade.
Melo for months now been trying to step up to the very top level here.
What a victory against two opponents of this caliber would be a massive statement.
[Tessitore] Keep in mind, Melo had a unique advantage earlier
when The Miz was out here to support him.
And stopped one of the offensive assaults of Jacob Fatu.
Well, Jacob Fatu took care of that.
As he attacked The Miz with the big shot into the timekeeper barrier,
and The Miz has been brought back for medical attention,
so no advantage for Melo.
As… Would you look at Andrade, off the rope,
but the Senton from Fatu comes in.
[Barrett] Wow, you pull out a Spanish Fly and you don't even get to do a pin
because Jacob Fatu turns up and wrecks shop.
I mean, you went for broke Andrade, it looked incredible,
but look at what you are up against.
[Tessitore] Fatu has his prey lined up.
Jump up moonsault… Opportunity is thwarted by Andrade.
[Barrett] Andrade lying in wait there, perfect moment to strike.
You have to pull off something special, something unanticipated
against Jacob Fatu.
Where are we going here?
[Tessitore] Moonsault attempt, doubles it up and lands it.
One, two…
[Tessitore] And right at the last second, Melo saves it.
[Barrett] Well, I'll tell you right now, Money In The Bank is the kind of matchup
that's really gonna suit the likes of Andrade and Carmelo Hayes,
such great movers, such incredible reflex.
You gotta qualify first, but we just saw those reflexes right there.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome.
[Tessitore] 14,600 here in Knoxville
and in just moments they will see Cody Rhodes and John Cena face-to-face,
but right now they are chanting with respect as it has been awesome
in this triple threat to see who advances
to the men's Money In The Bank ladder match.
[Barrett] Double DDT there from Melo.
[Tessitore] Could it be Melo?
Jacob Fatu breaks it up.
[Barrett] It's Fatu on the back foot and, oh, my,
that is the last thing you want to look at,
those eyes burning a hole inside of you.
Now it's time to prove that you really are him.
Boot poison rana right on the top of the head.
Fatu's down.
[Tessitore] Executed beautifully, and such an opportunity now for Melo.
Into the cover, hook in the leg.
And that left shoulder getting up from Andrade.
[Barrett] Yeah, late, late kick out from Andrade,
a man who exudes class and style.
[Tessitore] Good offensive run from Melo.
The first 48. The attack on Andrade.
Looking to win. You can see him trying to shake things off.
Here in Knoxville, Tennessee.
[Barrett] Staring up to the heavens,
watching those briefcases swinging away above his head.
This is what it's all about, dig deeper than you ever have done before, Melo.
[Tessitore] Andrade bringing them back out to the floor.
Toe to toe they go.
These two who put forth such a fierce rivalry in 2024,
the intention seven match series.
[Barrett] You just cannot take your eye off…
[Tessitore] Would you look at those eyes.
[Barrett] …Jacob Fatu for more than ten seconds.
And look where they're lined up.
Remember what happened to The Miz just minutes ago.
[Tessitore] He had to be taken out by medical personnel
and now Fatu's got both of them lined up.
Here it comes, Fatu. Oh!
They separated and Fatu missed,
and he went through the barrier himself.
Fatu is down, he's down.
[Tessitore] The big story that has developed
in our men's Money In The Bank qualifying triple threat match
is what happened moments ago with Jacob Fatu, Wade.
[Barrett] Oh, yeah. We've seen many people
bust through that timekeeper's area over the years,
but that was about the most cataclysmic collision I have ever witnessed.
Fatu has barely moved since, and for all intents and purposes,
this is now one on one.
[Tessitore] Andrade and Carmelo Hayes
to determine who will be the 5th member
of the men's Money In The Bank ladder match coming your way
next weekend from Los Angeles.
[Barrett] And if you are either one of these two left in the ring,
you want to finish this as quickly as possible.
I'd count most men out, but this is Jacob Fatu we're talking about.
[Tessitore] Carmelo up in position, but quick to get to his feet was Andrade.
[crowd chanting] We want tables.
[Tessitore] These two have gone back and forth time and again.
[Barrett] One word to describe these two is stalemate.
You cannot pick a victor even from here as they scale the heights.
Oh, no, of course.
-[Tessitore] Fatu's back up. -[Barrett] Back from the dead.
-[Tessitore] Fatu is back up somehow. -[Barrett groans]
It's like an assisted Spanish Fly.
Assist by the man who we thought was down, we thought he was out.
[Tessitore] How does he do this time and again?
Fatu!
Swanton into the cover to get to Money In The Bank.
And Andrade breaks it up.
[Barrett] Normal rules just do not apply when you're dealing with Jacob Fatu.
All bets are off.
After what should have been the death blow to Jacob Fatu in this match,
he bounces back and almost grabs victory.
But how much is left in the tank of any one of these three men?
[Tessitore] Four qualifiers, who will be number five?
Andrade, Melo, Fatu.
[Barrett] The dogs are off the chain now.
[Tessitore] And when he gains momentum, when he gains control.
You gotta give everything you can.
Looking for the Samoan Drop as Melo tries to fight back.
And that spinning back elbow by Andrade.
Shoulders are down.
[Barrett] That was a double pin who would have won?
You can't have two winners,
but regardless, even two men pinning him,
Fatu refused to stay down.
[Tessitore] Oh, and look at the entryway.
Solo Sikoa, who has already made his way into Money In The Bank.
And JC Mateo.
[Barrett] Ostensibly down here to cheer their man on
and perhaps provide a little assistance to Jacob Fatu
as much as Fatu likes to do things on his own.
[Tessitore] Off the springboard for Melo, looking for the win.
[Barrett] Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Solo Sikoa apparently has a game plan here with JC Mateo in tow.
[Tessitore] You can hear Solo Sikoa yelling out support.
Remember Cena and Cody will be face-to-face in mere moments.
That's at the conclusion of this thrilling
Money In The Bank qualifying triple threat match.
[Barrett] Check out that look in the eye of Jacob Fatu,
he doesn't seem too pleased that Solo and Mateo are out here.
At times Fatu just wants to walk alone.
Oh, my God.
[Tessitore] He is doubling up,
looking for the Samoan Drop but he hits it on Andrade.
[Barrett] After Melo scrambled out of there just when he could…
Wait up.
[Tessitore] Now he's lining up what he does best,
that jump up, mighty moonsault.
Andrade gets out of the way.
Melo.
Nothing but Net, looking for it right here.
Andrade at the last possible second.
-[Barrett] Oh, God. -[Tessitore] The last possible second.
He's trying to deliver the message, but instead the roll up by Melo.
Melo, does he have it?
Countering it is Andrade, back and forth, the see-saw continues
to get to Money In The Bank.
[Barrett] There's still no separating these two.
Oh, nice back elbow to the jaw.
[Tessitore] First 48 by Melo.
That spinning elbow by Andrade.
[Barrett] Two men out cold, one werewolf stirring.
And Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo look on.
[Barrett] June 7th in LA, the ladder match. Money In The Bank.
One of these three men is trying to gain entry here
in front of 14,600 at the University of Tennessee.
We are high up on Rocky Top, and they have been rocking and rolling
in this triple threat.
[Barrett] Spiked down on the top of his head,
and this is Jacob Fatu about to dog walk some people.
From the implant DDT to just tossing Melo into the corner.
And now delivering that running hip attack.
And again.
The implant of that on Andrade.
[Barrett] No defending that if you're Andrade.
Double jump moonsault.
[Tessitore] He lands it, but Solo's up on the apron.
[Barrett] When's the match over?
Do it. Do a moonsault.
[Tessitore] He's saying do it again.
Meanwhile, he could have gotten into the cover there.
[Barrett] While Andrade's a powerful competitor.
Come on. One more.
[Tessitore] JC Mateo's ordering him around?
Look who's here. Are you kidding me?
Jimmy Uso has arrived.
[Barrett] Oh, no.
[Tessitore] Would you look at the ring now with Andrade delivering the message.
Andrade delivered the message.
[Nash] Here is your winner.
Andrade!
The confusion that Solo Sikoa caused.
The arrival of Jimmy Uso,
and then Andrade takes advantage.
[Barrett] Well, Fatu had this match won.
-He did the moonsault. -[Tessitore] He did.
[Barrett] Jimmy Uso shows up after the distract from Mateo.
[Tessitore] And then this is what happened to Jacob.
[Barrett] Bounced out of the ring and then connected with the message.
Amidst the chaos, Andrade punches his ticket to Money In The Bank.
Five spots now filled, one spot left.
But this is gonna take a major act of diplomacy from Solo Sikoa.
-It's for you. -Calm down. Calm down.
-It's for you. -Who the hell you think you are?
-[Tessitore] They got a lot to clear up. -Was trying to help you.
Congratulations to Andrade on punching his ticket
to the men's Money In The Bank ladder match.
Well, speaking of tickets punched, my next guest has punched his--
My God.
What is it with punching tickets around here?
Everybody talks about punching tickets.
WWE Instagram punching tickets.
Commentators punching tickets. You're talking about punching tickets.
I guess I punched my ticket to Money In The Bank.
It's only eight days away.
A few other guys punch the tickets. Who are they?
Well, you got Andrade. You got Penta.
You got Seth, uh, what's his name?
Seth Rollins. It's Solo Sikoa.
They're all in it. They all punching tickets.
And everybody's going to be climbing that ladder trying to get it.
Putting everything on the line that they can.
Now if this is a one-on-one match, I'd go ahead and I'd call my shot and I'd say
I'm going to run up there, grab that case, and I'm going to cash it in,
but you got to understand this is my third year in a row now,
so I understand what this is.
You could call me the vet in this match and some people say,
well, maybe that Seth is the vet in this,
and some people be wrong.
'Cause with three years in a row now,
you're talking about the most robust and the most recent experience.
Yeah, and what that means is now it's anybody's game.
Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that,
but with or without the case
what you need to understand is the WWE title, the world title.
They're all in my future.
With the way I've been running at this point,
they should be in my past, maybe even my present.
Why don't you go ahead and punch that ticket?
But while we're talking about…
What's up, my man?
That win was partially mine. You're welcome though.
[Tessitore] He is headed our way.
It is so good to have the American Nightmare back to business.
Cody Rhodes, face-to-face with John Cena. That's next.
Come on with it.
[shouting]
Come on.
I'm so tired of this.
I keep telling these guys.
I'm so tired of this.
[Sikoa] Hey! Jacob! Jacob!
Listen, I was just trying to help.
Listen.
For the last time,
I do not need your help.
["Kingdom" plays]
[Rhodes] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
♪ Adrenaline, in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
-♪ Whoa ♪ -[crowd] ♪ Whoa ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger… ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Tessitore] Great to have Cody back
and of course, yes, the championship,
that we're so used to seeing him with,
is in the hands of a distinctly different version of John Cena,
who had long been the face of the franchise.
But for fans it has become obviously understood
that this man making his way to the ring is the quarterback,
the current top man with the best intentions,
the QB1 of all of this, Cody Rhodes.
♪ Hear the crowd, on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
-♪ Whoa ♪ -[crowd] ♪ Whoa ♪
[Barrett] Yeah, I gotta agree with you, Joe Tess.
This is the figurehead of the industry.
In 2025, the man the rest of us have been orbiting around.
And things here on SmackDown just didn't feel complete
without Cody Rhodes on the scene post WrestleMania.
We're so thrilled he's back.
But Cody Rhodes doesn't look complete
without the gold around his waist, in my opinion.
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
[song fades out]
[cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody!
[crowd] ♪ Cody, Cody Rhodes ♪
So, Knoxville.
What do you want to talk about?
I'd be remiss if we didn't point out that we could talk about
the record crowd here this evening.
I love you too, buddy, thank you very much.
We can talk about WrestleMania 41.
After WrestleMania 41, I went home. I drowned my sorrows.
Might have touched the, uh, Tennessee cough syrup a little bit.
And I had a, uh… I had a doubtful moment.
And I reached out to a friend. Again, doubtful moment.
This is a friend who helps me prepare for moments like this.
When I'm speaking to a wonderful audience like we have here.
When I'm speaking to everybody at home,
and I asked him, I said,
"Was I a good champion?"
[cheering]
And his answer, it wasn't…
it wasn't as simple as yes or no, he said,
with everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all of you
and with everything that you faced behind the scenes
being pulled in different directions.
The waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate,
he said, yes, you were a good champion, and I felt good.
That was a hopeful moment.
That was a silver lining on a dark cloud,
and I started to think about my whole year.
I thought about AJ Styles feigning retirement and getting the drop on me.
I thought about my friend sucker punching me on the side of my own bus
while my family slept on the other side.
I thought about my boss who pushed me to the absolute limit.
Who sees something in me that I don't even see in myself.
I thought about the Final Boss.
[crowd boos]
I thought about the Final Boss asking me for my soul
and the entire world theorizing what he meant.
And as preposterous as it sounded,
the scary part was that he was 100% serious
and no matter how many times I say no, the offer still stands.
And I also thought about John Cena.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cena! Cena sucks.
I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do.
He forced me to make a choice.
And I hesitated.
I don't know if John Cena is going to ruin professional wrestling.
But if he does,
then I'm partially to blame.
And now I know I'd love to say this to John Cena's face.
Not sure if he's going to come out here right now, but if you are listening.
If you are listening, champ,
I need you to know
that I will never hesitate with you again.
I need you to know that no matter how much you tout
the amount of days you have left.
No matter how much you talk about what remains before you abscond
with the WWE Championship and you leave all of us forever.
I need you to know that is not your expiration.
Your expiration sits on the other side of these corneas right here,
and it is going to burn your ass up.
[crowd cheering]
I'm… I'm sorry.
I am sorry.
Guys, it's my first night back on SmackDown.
And I'm getting a little bit worked up.
I've thought so much about you.
What can I do for you when I get back? What can I do for the WWE universe?
Hey, I'm back on SmackDown. How about a surprise?
Oh.
[crowd chanting] Yeet.
Oh, you guys… you guys seem hungry.
Perhaps we should yeet.
I don't know. I mean, that would be a very big surprise.
That would be the biggest surprise.
That would be my partner riding into to battle at Money In The Bank
and hell yeah, he's here, ladies and gentlemen.
I need you to give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion,
your World Heavyweight Champion.
Main Event,
Jey Uso!
♪ Uso ♪
["Main Event Ish" playing]
♪ Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city ♪
♪ It's just me, Uce ♪
♪ Day one It's just me, Uce ♪
♪ Day one It's Jey ♪
♪ I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this… ♪
[Tessitore] What a combination.
Cody brings in Jey.
♪ Uso ♪
♪ It's just me, Uce ♪
♪ Day one It's just me, Uce ♪
♪ Day one… ♪
[Tessitore] Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes.
And John Cena's in the building when we come back.
[Tessitore] Rocky Top is bursting at the seams.
Knoxville, Tennessee for Friday Night SmackDown.
Where moments ago, Cody Rhodes just introduced Jey Uso
to this sellout crowd.
[song fades out]
-["Main Event Ish" plays] -Another go of it.
They can't get enough.
World Heavyweight Champion.
♪ Day one It's Jey ♪
♪ I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this… ♪
[Barrett] There's just steam coming off this audience.
What a major yeet fest.
["The Time Is Now" plays]
[Barrett] Uh-oh.
[crowd] ♪ John Cena sucks ♪
[Cena] ♪ Your time is up, my time is now ♪
♪ You can't see me, my time is now ♪
♪ It's the franchise Boy, I'm shining now ♪
♪ You can't see me, my time is now ♪
♪ In case you forgot or fell off I'm still hot, knock your shell off ♪
♪ My money stack fat Plus I can't turn the swell off ♪
♪ The franchise, doin' big bi'ness I live this ♪
♪ It's automatic I win this ♪
♪ Oh, you hear those horns You finished ♪
♪ A soldier And I stay under you fightin' ♪
♪ Plus I'm stormin' on you chumps Like I'm thunder and lightnin' ♪
♪ Ain't no way you breakin' me, kid I'm harder than nails ♪
♪ Plus I keep it on lock Like I'm part of the jail ♪
♪ I'm slaughterin' stale competition ♪
♪ I got the whole block wishin' They could run with my division ♪
♪ But they gone fishin' with no bait ♪
♪ Kid, your boy hold weight ♪
♪ I got my soul straight ♪
♪ I brush your mouth like Colgate ♪
♪ In any weather, I'm never better Your boy's so hot ♪
♪ You'll never catch me In the next man's sweater ♪
♪ If they hate, let 'em hate I drop ya whole clan ♪
♪ Lay yo' ass down For the three-second tan ♪
♪ Your time is up, my time is now ♪
♪ You can't see me, my time is now ♪
♪ It's the franchise Boy, I'm shining now ♪
♪ You can't see me, my time is now ♪
♪ It's gon' be what it's gon' be ♪
♪ Five pounds of courage, buddy ♪
♪ Base tan pants with a gold tee ♪
♪ Uh, it's a war dance and victory step ♪
[song ends]
I'm upset too.
If it isn't professional wrestling's biggest wannabes.
You are nothing more than a John Cena wannabe.
And you are nothing more than a John Cena wannabe.
You both wanna be me so bad, it makes me sick.
You want my fame, you want my money, but you will get neither
because you are too desperate and you are too lazy.
There is one.
One other human being in WWE
who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect.
And he got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up.
Surprise losers.
My partner for the main event of Money In The Bank is here as well.
["Still Humble" plays]
♪ Humble ♪
♪ How can I be so good lookin' And so humble? ♪
♪ How can I be so damn rich And still humble? ♪
♪ How can I do all this? ♪
♪ I'm still humble ♪
♪ My bloodline blessed ♪
♪ My family crest Is a couple hunnid' million ♪
♪ And some jewels on my neck ♪
♪ We gon' hit em' with a uh Hit em' with the flex ♪
♪ Make em' feel lucky If they see me in a flesh ♪
♪ Hit em with a one, two, pop That's a tennis chain ♪
♪ I know they gon' hate In they head free real estate ♪
♪ I know that I'm great like Alex That's the middle name ♪
♪ I know I'm da one most humble Let me set it straight ♪
♪ I been stayin' humble But I need more ♪
♪ We can have a convo If your money talks ♪
♪ Flyin' off the top rope Wait for the applause ♪
♪ Who they callin' GOAT, bro? It's gotta be a Paul ♪
[song ends]
Logan Paul.
[crowd boos]
Are you mad?
You're mad because Logan Paul
does WWE better than any professional wrestler.
Hey yo, Logan Paul does not need to pay his dues
because Logan Paul is paying your mortgage.
Everybody in this building did not come to see you.
No, no.
They came to see John Cena…
[crowd cheers]
…and Logan Paul.
[crowd boos]
What the hell you crying about, Knoxville?
Look, I could walk on water
and y'all would still find a way to tell me it's 'cause I can't swim.
John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul and that is the truth.
The truth, it's right in front of you.
You deny it all you want, but look around.
You stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people.
[crowd boos]
This is a moment in history all of you get to witness.
The moment that John Cena
stood side by side in the ring with Logan Paul.
And look, all of you will live long,
pathetic, miserable lives.
But at least you will get to say that you saw that.
[crowd booing]
Yeah, yeah, you people are ungrateful. You don't know what's good for you.
There is one problem though.
Although this does seem too perfect.
The problem is…
I should be standing next to the WWE Champion.
As a WWE champion.
I should have been the one to leave Saturday Night's Main Event
with that world heavyweight championship around my waist, but, Jey, look at me.
Look at me.
You got lucky, dawg.
You got lucky Jey. You got lucky, you know it.
I know it. They know it. He knows it.
Yeah, you, Cody Rhodes. You needed Cody Rhodes to save you.
Yeah, remember that, Jey?
Yeah, when Cody Rhodes interfered in the match
'cause you two cheaters can't do a single thing in this business
without it being handed to you.
These two nepo babies were born on third thinking they hit a triple.
Self-made man. Self-made man.
Five years ago,
nobody ever would have believed that Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar.
And they certainly never ever would have believed
that I would be tag teaming with the greatest of all time.
But look at me now.
I'm not just a superstar in the WWE.
I am the superstar in the WWE.
My time is now.
He has told the world that his time is almost up.
He is the last real champion.
I am the inevitable face of this company.
So, Jey, Cody. At Money In The Bank next weekend.
Boys, if you want some. Come get some.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, we ain't gotta wait for Money In The Bank.
We can handle this right now.
Uh, uh.
[crowd] Yeet!
Hey, hey. What are you guys arguing about?
Where are you heading? Are you gonna go back there and polish his peacemaker.
[Tessitore] It's on. It's on right here in Knoxville, Wade.
[Barrett] Yeah, that was a cheap shot from Cody Rhodes
that just about lit this powder keg on fire.
[Tessitore] Oh, he's got them up looking for the Attitude Adjustment.
Super kick. Disaster kick.
[Barrett] Little taste of what we're gonna see
at Money In The Bank.
[Tessitore] Over the rope, crossbody to the outside on Cena.
And spring boarded… Oh, but Jey meets him.
They meet Logan Paul.
How about some memories.
Cody!
-["Kingdom" plays] -From Jey and Cody Rhodes.
Money In The Bank.
Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso
against John Cena and Logan Paul.
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
-♪ Whoa ♪ -[crowd] ♪ Whoa ♪ m home ♪