[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Cole] This is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Home to more than seven million people.
It's the largest city in the Kingdom.
We'll spend the next two days in the state-of-the-art Kingdom Arena.
It's housed international football matches, heavyweight boxing title bouts,
and for the first time this weekend, WWE.
And ladies and gentlemen, you are looking live
in the jam-packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WWE fans are ready for Friday Night SmackDown.
The WWE women's champion is here. It's Tiffy Time.
Tiffany Stratton defends her title against her one-time bestie,
the woman she took the title from,
none other than Nia Jax, but tonight it's last woman standing.
Incapacitate your opponent until she can't make it to her feet by a count of ten,
and you'll be the champion.
The Street Profits are here,
but boy, oh, boy, do the champs have their work cut out for them tonight.
They defend against the mysterious, the dangerous, eerie,
Wyatt Sicks on SmackDown.
She's the current women's United States champion.
Zelina Vega claims she'll do whatever it takes to keep her first singles title,
but upstart Guilia stands in her way.
Guilia has targeted Vega for weeks.
Tonight she finally gets the United States championship shot she's been waiting for.
Tomorrow is the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament
from SmackDown.
She's The Storm, Jade Cargill, and she's here tonight,
and from Monday Night Raw, her opponent tomorrow,
none other than the Empress of Tomorrow,
hoping to become a queen.
Asuka, Jade Cargill here live tonight on Friday night SmackDown.
[crowd cheers]
Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" plays]
♪ 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!) ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Cole] What a rousing ovation
for the former Undisputed WWE champion.
Cody Rhodes, who finds himself tomorrow night in the finals
of the King of the Ring tournament, Wade,
Monday night on Raw, semifinal match against Jey Uso.
What a match it was.
[Barrett] Oh, man, what a barn burner.
And just when it looked like Jey was gonna hit that big old splash,
Cody Rhodes found that top gear only he can hit.
Connected with a Crossroads
to advance to tomorrow's King of the Ring final
at Night of Champions.
And of course being great friends with Jey Uso.
A major show of respect between these two champs post-match.
[Cole] Well, hello again everybody.
I'm on Friday Night SmackDown this week. I'm glad to be back.
Michael Cole alongside Wade Barrett. Wade, are you ready for a great weekend?
Oh, it's gonna be so good. It's 110 °F outside.
I think we're gonna top it inside this arena
because we've got some hot action coming your way.
Well, ladies and gentlemen,
let's check in with our Arabic announce team.
Here's Jude and Faisal.
[speaks in Arabic]
[crowd] ♪ Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me until the end I am my kingdom ♪
[cheers]
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They council me, they understand They talk to me ♪
["Voices" plays]
[Cole] I thought Cody had something to say.
[Barrett] Well, I thought he had something to say last week
and he kept getting interrupted, spotless feet.
♪ You got your rules and your religion All designed to keep you safe ♪
♪ But when rules start getting broken You start questioning your faith ♪
♪ I have a voice that is my savior Hates to love and loves to hate ♪
♪ I have a voice that has the knowledge And the power to rule your fate ♪
♪ I hear voices crying ♪
♪ I see heroes dying ♪
♪ I taste blood that’s drying I feel tension rising ♪
I hear voices in my head
♪ They council me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me, they talk to me ♪
[Cole] Pretty incredible scene here tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Randy Orton takes on Cody Rhodes tomorrow night.
That's because Orton knocked off Sami last week.
[Barrett] And Sami, the nearly man came within milliseconds of victory
in the semifinal,
but then the Viper did what the Viper tends to do.
One RKO missed.
And then Sami Zayn went for broke,
and RKO out of nowhere connecting
to seal Randy Orton's place in the final tomorrow
at Night of Champions,
where he will face Cody Rhodes to be crowned King of the Ring.
♪ I see darkness falling I hear voices calling ♪
♪ I feel justice crawling I see faith has fallen ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
♪ They council me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me, they talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things that I will do They show me things I’ll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me, they talk to me ♪
♪ I hear voices crying I see heroes dying ♪
♪ I taste blood that’s drying I feel tension rising ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head They council me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me, they talk to me ♪
[cheering]
Before I get into what it is I wanted to talk about with you tonight, Cody,
I got a question for all of you.
Did you watch Monday Night Raw this past Monday?
[crowd cheers]
[Orton] Thought so.
Did you see my man Cody Rhodes face Jey Uso in the semifinal match?
So I don't know, I have a feeling you all feel the same way I do
if you and Jey Uso, yeet,
you aren't in the running for match of the year, come slammy time,
then something is wrong in this world.
Hell of a match, dude, on Raw.
-It was a pleasure to watch. -[crowd applauds]
Now that being said, the reason why I'm out here is because…
[crowd chanting] Cody, Cody Rhodes!
The reason… the reason I'm out here
is because I know what you're gonna say already.
You want this crown, you want to be King of the Ring.
And if it was any other different circumstances under the sun,
I would agree. I would want to see that crown on your head too.
But the circumstances aren't different.
Well, you may want this crown,
I need this crown.
I need to be King of the Ring.
Not just because if I win that crown I go on to SummerSlam,
and I have the opportunity to be a 15-time world champion.
-That's all… -[crowd cheers]
…that's all well and good.
But another reason I want that crown,
is because that crown stands for redemption.
Redemption because I was here last year, same time, same place,
I made it to the finals of the King of the Ring tournament
and I fell short to Gunther.
And I gotta right that wrong.
I gotta right that wrong.
But another thing that that crown stands for is retribution.
Retribution against John Cena.
Retribution because at Backlash, Cody, in my hometown,
John Cena embarrassed me.
Not only in my hometown at Saint Louis at Backlash did he embarrass me,
he embarrassed me in front of my friends, in my front of family.
My wife and kids were sitting in the front now.
I need to right that wrong as well.
Now, Cody, everybody knows how we feel about each other.
How much we respect each other.
But I can't let how I feel about you personally get in the way of this goal,
which is why all the cards,
I'm laying my hand out on the table for you to see 'em, man,
and I'm gonna tell you out of respect, face-to-face, man-to-man,
there is nothing, there is no single thing that I won't do
to make sure I leave Saudi Arabia with that crown atop my head.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO! RKO!
And that goal, that goal is gonna come true,
because tomorrow night at Night of Champions
I'm going to reintroduce you
to the three most dangerous letters in WWE.
-RKO. -[crowd] RKO!
[crowd applauds]
Randy, I have heard everyone in this tournament
talk about why they want to be King of the Ring,
and I would say that my need to become King of the Ring
is more justified than anyone's,
but nobody has let me get a word in, edgewise, lately.
And here you are telling me, if I heard correctly,
that John Cena embarrassed you.
Embarrassed you?
Between you and John Cena, you have 30 World Championships.
Embarrassment is never a word that I would attach to the pair.
Randy, I…
I remember everything.
Everything.
I remember my very first night in this company on Monday Night Raw.
You know what happened?
You slapped my dad across the face.
I remember the bad. Sure, sure.
But I remember the good.
Just a few months ago, standing in this ring,
hearing everything that a student could ever want to hear from his teacher.
I am so grateful for you, Randy Orton.
I am so thankful for you, Randy Orton.
[crowd applauds]
I know… I know that you think you need to win this.
But I'm telling you, no matter it be John Cena or CM Punk…
[crowd boos]
…Randy, I need it just a little bit more.
Tomorrow night, when it's all said and done,
RKO will still be the three most dangerous letters
in all of WWE.
But, Randy…
[crowd chants] RKO! RKO! RKO! RKO!
Randy, you won't be King of the Ring
because I will.
[crowd cheers]
Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the last 30 minutes.
Technical difficulties here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
but we are about to get going with the rest of the show.
And I also apologize that the first face you had to see
when we came back on was this man, Wade Barrett.
Oh! Well, this never happens when Joe Tess is sat there, by the way.
Bring back Joe Tess ASAP.
JC. Ayo, JC. JC.
Tonight, let's give Jimmy one more opportunity to come back to the family.
Okay? Since he's all alone, all right?
Go out there and remind him what it's like to have nobody, to have no backup.
Okay? Take care of Jimmy.
And tomorrow night, I'm gonna take care of Jacob.
Time to take out the Wolf.
After this weekend, everyone will see
that we are just getting started.
All right? Let's go, baby.
["Born A King" plays]
[Cole] And Jimmy Uso indeed goes it alone.
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 251 pounds,
Jimmy Uso!
[Cole] Big Jim's got his work cut out for him tonight, Wade.
[Barrett] Yes, he does.
JC Mateo is a massive, massive problem,
and he's out tonight to teach Big Jim a lesson in how it feels to be alone.
[Cole] "Keep your nose out of our business," says Solo Sikoa.
Jimmy, JC. Next on SmackDown.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso going to battle with a monster of his own tonight.
[theme music plays]
[Nash] And his opponent, accompanied by Solo Sikoa,
from Honolulu, Hawaii,
weighing in at 265 pounds,
JC Mateo!
[Cole] Wade, you heard the warning earlier from Solo Sikoa to Jimmy Uso,
"Stay out of our business."
It's going to be tough to go it alone.
And we'll show you what he's talking about.
This was last week on Friday Night SmackDown,
the double-team by JC and Solo.
[Barrett] Doing a number on Jacob Fatu when Jimmy Uso hit the scene,
made the save, albeit too briefly.
But just as Solo and JC thought they had stemmed the tide,
back bounces the Samoan Werewolf, springing to life,
leaving Solo and Mateo scrambling for the exits.
And of course Solo Sikoa tomorrow night at Night of Champions
will take on JC-- I'm sorry. Will take on, uh, Jacob Fatu
for the United States Championship.
There's JC Mateo.
[Barrett] The powerhouse for Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] Of course, Solo, the younger brother of that man, Jimmy Uso,
as we get set to go in this matchup tonight.
The power of Mateo.
I was gonna ask you, what is it about JC Mateo that makes him so dangerous?
[Barrett] Well, he's just a bundle of muscle, isn't he?
He's got that low center of gravity.
He's got massive experience around the world where he's conquered the US,
he's conquered Japan, and now with the guidance of Solo Sikoa,
they're looking to conquer the entirety of WWE.
[Cole] Referee Charles Robinson admonishing JC Mateo,
who was beating down Jimmy in the corner, but Jimmy fights back with the right hand
and then a chop now to the chest.
Jimmy Uso trying to pave his own way as a singles competitor here in WWE,
much like his brother, Jey Uso, as Jim takes the fight to Mateo.
[Barrett] You're right. One half of statistically
the greatest tag team in history.
Looking to match that in the singles ranks,
but good luck against this absolute earthmover that is JC Mateo.
[Cole] Yeah, NEVER Openweight Champion in New Japan.
A three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion as well.
JC Mateo, an Olympian from Guam in 2004.
So not only is he a powerhouse, he's a tremendous technical wrestler.
[Barrett] These two competed against each other on SmackDown
about 3 weeks ago with Jimmy getting the win on that occasion
thanks to a major outside interference that backfired from Solo.
Hoping to fix that this evening, of course.
[Cole] And Jimmy Uso now and--
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Solo Sikoa standing in front of Mateo.
And Jimmy Uso taking the fight to JC Mateo in this matchup.
Solo Sikoa is at ringside as he prepares
for the United States Championship match
with Jacob Fatu tomorrow night at Night of Champions.
Look at the power of Mateo just planting Jimmy Uso.
[Barrett] Got an ability to manhandle human beings that should be illegal.
Absolute freak genetics as the mockery of Big Jim Uso continues, and that offer--
[Cole] And look at the standing moonsault now.
And Mateo went to the cover, gonna hook the leg, and a kick out.
It reminds me a lot of Tazz, a former partner of mine
and also a great in-ring competitor in ECW and here in the WWE as well.
Low center of gravity, tremendous ability with suplexes and throws.
A powerhouse, powder keg as I described him before.
[Barrett] Mateo's so well-rounded.
He can throw in a standing moonsault whenever he wants to.
Really is a hybrid-level superstar
with all the power of your favorite powerhouses from history.
[Cole] Jimmy Uso trying to build some momentum here.
Up to the top rope now.
Jimmy with a corkscrew, taking out Mateo. Both men down.
[Barrett] Little Uso in the Wind there, and now panic in the eyes of Solo Sikoa.
Has tried time and time again during this match
and in the preceding weeks to get Jimmy Uso back in the fold.
So far, it's been a no.
[Cole] Jam-packed crowd here tonight. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Arena.
First time WWE has played the state of the art facility
that's hosted international soccer matches and heavyweight boxing matches.
Now Jimmy Uso and Mateo kicking things off on SmackDown,
and a big right hand by Jimmy.
-Mateo misses wildly. -[Barrett] No way! No!
[Cole] Jimmy went for the Samoan Drop. Just didn't have enough.
And Jimmy will catch him on the ear, and Mateo stumbles to the corner.
[Barrett] Yeah, you're not gonna match power for power with JC Mateo,
but I don't care how big you are, that kick to the temple
is gonna drop anyone.
[Cole] And Jimmy gonna back it up in the corner.
Shades of the late, great Umaga.
[Barrett] Skull of JC Mateo bouncing around now with every shot.
[Cole] And that kick drives Mateo outside the ring,
and Solo Sikoa is not happy.
[Barrett] Right hand man getting dropped by his big bro.
[Cole] Suicide dive! The shoulder into Mateo and drops him.
[Barrett] So much have been taken out of Big Jim right now.
That man is in pain, but he's got the advantage here,
needs to make it count,
but that is a big frame to try and throw back in the ring.
[Cole] And as Solo Sikoa grabbing the leg of Jimmy Uso,
the official was dealing with Mateo.
As Jimmy was looking to go up top perhaps for the Uso Splash.
And that momentary distraction by Solo allowed Mateo to make it to his feet.
Jimmy's got roll through now, and JC Mateo, look at this.
Good night, Jimmy! Cover!
Off the Tour of the Islands, JC Mateo with the win.
[theme music playing]
[Nash] Here is your winner,
JC Mateo!
[Barrett] What a pivotal distraction from Solo Sikoa it was.
One window, and JC Mateo capitalizes with a Tour of the Islands,
one of the most devastating moves we've seen on SmackDown in some time.
And Solo Sikoa and his now one-man army next to him
get the job done tonight.
Ready? Are you done?
Ready to come back?
You, me, together. As one.
All right?
[crowd boos]
[Cole] An offer Jimmy couldn't refuse,
and from behind, JC Mateo attacking Jimmy Uso.
Wade, Solo offering Jimmy an opportunity to come back into the fold,
and Jimmy said, "Hell no."
[Barrett] Well, here's what you could have won.
You could be part of this, beating the hell out of fools like we--
-["Samoan Destroyer" plays] -[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] Hold on.
[Cole] Little déjà vu.
This time it's Jacob Fatu coming to Jimmy Uso's aid.
The United States Champion goes right after JC Mateo.
[Barrett] Perhaps repaying the favor to Big Jim from last week.
[Cole] Pop-up Samoan!
And now staring off with the man
he defends the United States Championship against tomorrow night.
[crowd chants] Fatu! Fatu! Fatu!
A man who used to say, "I love you, Solo," as his enforcer,
and now bitter enemies as Solo Sikoa decides to wait till tomorrow night.
[Barrett] Without the numbers game, it ain't so easy, is it?
Especially against the Samoan Werewolf with bloodlust in his eyes.
[Cole] And Jacob Fatu with a massive moonsault to Mateo!
[Barrett] See you tomorrow night, Solo.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] And now Jimmy Uso shoving Solo out of harm's way
to deliver a kick.
Jimmy Uso shoving Jacob Fatu out of harm's way
to deliver a kick to Solo Sikoa.
[Barrett] Fatu and Jim have had major issues over recent months,
but they are cousins.
Perhaps one good turn deserved another.
[Cole] Tomorrow night, Fatu, Solo, for the United States Championship.
Okay, the Wyatts win the tag team titles would mean the end
of the division we built.
As the leaders of this tag team division, we cannot allow all the hard work
-that we put into this… -[clamoring]
What are you all laughing at?
Guys, look, I know we haven't been the easiest to deal with.
We can talk about that later. We'll talk about it later.
Tonight is about the survival of the tag team divisions.
-Our tag team-- -[clamoring]
Look. Look, guys, if the Wyatts win tonight,
then none of you, not one,
has a chance at winning those tag team titles for the foreseeable future.
I can hear you all the way down the hall.
What are you talking about? What is going on?
We are trying to motivate this whole tag team division
to come together and fight against the Wyatt sicks
because apparently we are the only ones who give a damn
about this division.
Because, sir, you do not!
Nick, why would you give the Wyatts a tag team title shot?
-They're running crazy. -[clamoring]
You want me to do something about it? You're right. I will do something.
In fact, hey…
What do you got? Cook something up, okay?
How would you like to find a tag team partner for tonight
and have a tag team match against DIY?
-No, no, no! Bad idea! -What? Why against us?
-What are you doing? -Bad idea!
-I'll see you tonight. -Shut up.
[clamoring continues]
That's not what we're doing here!
-Candice isn't even here! -Candice isn't here!
Zelina…
We've been calling each other out
as long as you've been the champion.
You talk how hard you work.
I don't have to do that.
My hard work is evident.
This championship means a lot to you. It doesn't to me.
To me, it's just a stepping stone.
You act like the title belongs to you.
I will prove it does not.
Giulia, where I come from, if you have a problem with somebody,
you go to the street, and you handle it.
But the streets weren't made for everybody.
That's why they made sidewalks
for girls like you who like to do sneak attacks.
I have suffered and starved and sacrificed everything for this championship.
So if you want this, you are gonna have to pry it from my cold dead body.
So just like you are gonna use me to establish your dominance here,
I am gonna use you.
So I am the United States Champion.
["The Visual" plays]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and is for the Women's United States Championship.
Introducing first from Queens, New York,
she is the Women's United States Champion,
Zelina Vega!
[Cole] I believe that's a king cobra outfit
that Zelina is parading to the ring in.
See the fangs and stuff, Wade?
[Barrett] Wow, very perceptive, Michael Cole.
[Cole] Well, nonetheless, Zelina, Giulia for the United States Championship.
The very proud Zelina Vega.
The Women's United States Champion set to defend her title here on SmackDown.
["Time Of Arrival" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Introducing the challenger from Tokyo, Japan,
Giulia!
[Cole] The Beautiful Madness.
Wade. she has targeted Zelina Vega for many weeks now,
this being the most important matchup of Giulia's career in WWE to this point.
[Barrett] Yeah, and what did she just call the United States Championship?
"A stepping stone?"
That is kind of a slap in the face to every great champion
who has ever held the women's United States Championship,
or indeed the men's United States Champion.
But I like that. That's a cockiness.
That's an assuredness that I'm not just here to win one title on SmackDown.
I'm here for everything. I'm here to run this show.
[Cole] Oh, jeez, already won the NXT Women's Championship.
The United States title next in her sights,
and I have no doubt after watching this woman over the last number of years,
Wade, that she will indeed be a world champion
at one point in her career here in WWE.
[Barrett] World Champion, United States Champion,
Tag Champion, Royal Rumble winner,
just keep adding those accolades to the list.
There are massive expectations on the shoulders of Giullia,
but even those aren't as big as the expectations she puts on herself.
Well that woman there, Zelina Vega,
four years ago,
won the Queen of the Ring Tournament back in 2021.
So this weekend, of course means a lot to Zelina.
Back in April of this year,
Zelina Vega beat Chelsea Green to win her first singles championship at WWE.
She was so emotional that night.
It meant so much to her, Wade, and she's been a very proud champion
over the past couple of months and intends to keep going.
She said she wants to get the summer slam.
[Barret] Here's the interesting thing.
For the past two months, it has been all about the…
-Green Regime, Chelsea Green… -Again!
[Barret] The United States champ, and finally Zelina seems to have…
[Cole] Cover.
[Barret] …shrugged them off and immediately a new challe--
-[Cole] And again-- -Just steps up.
[Cole] Zelina Vega. Looking for a quick win here, as is Giullia.
Now both women exchanging kicks and both women down
in the early going of this matchup.
[Barret] Both women rumbled there, but immediately back up.
It's the kind of motivation that championship will give any competitor.
Shake off the cobwebs.
[Cole] A nice duplex by Giullia who, in her career,
have knocked off the likes of Roxanne Perez and Stephanie Vaquer.
Jordynne Grace who will now face Jacy Jane at evolution for the NXT women's title.
Grace winning a big matchup this past week as…
Zelina Vega delivers a knee to Giullia
and now Zelina, who's very comfortable going up top and flying, Wade.
-[Barret] Well, Zelina is the physical… -Oh!
…underdog in pretty much every match.
[Cole] Uh-oh, but Zelina may have hurt her knee.
Zelina Vega may have tweaked her knee, folks.
[crowd chanting]
Julie now with a submission move locked in on Zelina Vega after Zelina
went face first in the mat and, uh,
Giullia's been dominating the United States champ.
[Barret] Yes she has,
and Zelina Vega got the sting knocked out of her early in this one
and really has struggled to get a foothold in the match ever since,
-and Giullia's done a great job of… -[Cole] Cover again,
for the title, kick out at two by Vega.
We've talked about Giullia's natural charisma.
Talked about her being calm and confident.
But she can brawl with the best of them,
punishing her opponent here tonight in Zelina Vega.
[Barret] The smile has been wiped off the face of Giullia somewhat at this point.
Now getting a little frustrated with Vega, but you know Vega is not gonna give up.
[Cole] And again there's the resilience… A meteora driving.
Giullia into the steel steps and again favoring the knee
that Zelina tweaked earlier on in the matchup.
[Barret] I saw Giullia grabbing the bottom row of teeth there
checking they were all still there.
Might need a recount, but now it's all Vega, the underdog is biting back.
[Cole] Yeah, the resilient champion staying in the fight
but Giullia, bringing that strong style.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Zelina!
[Cole] And now Zelina Vega looking to pick up the pace here, use her quickness,
durability, a couple of close lines, takes the, uh, challenger down.
I thought she was gonna go for a Dragon Screw, but it was a back elbow delivery.
[Barret] Didn't quite get all of that
and that is why Giullia's straight back on the offense.
Crazy maneuverability now from Vega.
[Cole] But Giullia was going for her finisher moments ago,
and Zelina was able to counter.
[Barret] Propped her up, kneed her in the jaw,
and now it is Giullia completely rocked and at the mercy of the champ.
[Cole] And Vega with double knees to the spine.
Zelina Vega beginning to build momentum may have the challenger in trouble.
Oh, meteora from Zelina again and a kick out by Giullia at two.
[Barret] And viva la Vega!
How many times have we written off this woman?
It's like Rey Mysterio, you mentioned it earlier, you have to
fight from underneath, but keep fighting.
Stay in the fight however you can, and Vega's doing that.
[Cole] And Giullia though, Zelina took a bit too much time getting to the top rope,
perhaps the knee bothering more than she's letting on.
[Barret] Both women hurting at this point, this is a championship level
match up with the gold on the line, and we are getting a treat from these two women.
[Cole] Oh goodness, Giullia just got her over, just enough.
[Barret] You saw Vega trying to scramble out of the move,
but Giullia just had enough power… and wait up!
[Cole] And Zelina…
able to drop back behind Giullia
and now code red delivered by Zelina for the win, is it enough?
And Giullia gets her feet on the bottom rope, Wade.
[Barret] Just that little extension.
When Vega thought she had this one put to bed,
she hit her nuke right on Giullia.
And what is it gonna take to put this Japanese superstar away?
[Cole] And this could be it. Moonsault, no, Giullia moves out of harm's way.
Zelina Vega, back up, center of the ring running knee now by Giullia.
[Barret] Arrivederci, maybe the kiss of death.
[Cole] And another knee by Giullia
continues to torture and punish the champion.
-Giullia lifts her up, and Zelina is down. -[Barret] Oh, here we go!
Giullia with the cover. The Northern Lights Bomb brings her the Championship!
[announcer] Here is your winner and new Women's United States champion,
Giulia!
[Cole] Giulia's biggest win on Friday Night SmackDown
brings her United States championship gold.
[Barret] While Zelina went big,
this was after a code red didn't quite get the job done,
but that maneuverability of Giullia, a couple of arrivedercies, and then this.
The Northern Lights Bomb just simply put all comers away.
Since arriving at NXT a few short months ago, it's grabbed gold there.
And now it has grabbed gold here on Smackdown
in the form of the Women's United States championship.
[Cole] Tremendous reign by Zelina Vega, a gutsy performance here tonight,
but in the end, Giullia is your brand new Women's United States Champion.
The disappointment on the face of Zelina Vega.
She told us on many occasions how much the United States championship meant to her,
but again, congratulations to Giulia, the new United States champion.
You really feel for anyone who loses a championship, but with Giullia
you do get the feeling that is a glimpse into the future of Smackdown and beyond.
One programming note, Friday Night SmackDown next week,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania goes to two hours.
Two hours for Friday night's smackdown.
So, there are some strange things going on between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair,
as of late, case in point, Charlotte was in trouble last week
after her matchup with Chelsea Green.
After Chelsea tapped out, here comes, well, Chelsea Green's secret service.
[Barret] Yeah. Big attack but along came former friend
Alexa Bliss to save the day, dropping Green with this Abigail DDT.
Now once again, however, Charlotte seemed to have zero gratitude
or even acknowledgement for that.
[crowd shouting]
Lexi, if this is about last week.
I don't want to talk about it.
Seems like you needed my help, just saying.
Lexi, I don't need friends.
Not trying to be your friend, Charlotte, but it wouldn't hurt for us
to be on the same page.
Think of it as… Allies of convenience.
Think about it.
[Cole] Interesting proposition. Well, partner, you better get ready.
I'm expecting to get some hard hitting questions out of our
own broadcast journalist Wade Barrett.
He's gonna interview the queen of the Ring finalists up next on SmackDown.
[Barret] Show you what a real journalist does here on SmackDown, Cole.
King Barrett.
Wade Barrett would go on to win the 20th King of the Ring tournament
with a victory over Neville.
[referee] One, two, three!
And with the win, Wade Barrett would celebrate.
As king.
Speaking of Wade Barrett,
Let's head up to the ring to my broadcast colleague.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
[crowd cheering]
It is an entire weekend of champions here
and my guests this evening will not only be competing for this
rather dashing Queen of the Ring crown tomorrow night at Night of Champions,
they will also be battling for an opportunity to compete against
their brand's world champion at SummerSlam.
So. Without further ado, please welcome
my first guest, the Storm, Jade Cargill.
[Gargill] A storm… [laughs] …is coming.
[Cole] You know, the sensational Jade Cargill
has never had an opportunity in her WWE career
to battle for a singles championship.
Well, she could get that opportunity if she wins Queen of the Ring.
This past Monday night on Smack… on Monday Night Raw,
it was of course the semi-finals.
Roxanne Perez, Jade Cargill.
Roxanne went for pop rocks, but instead, Jade Cargill.
It overpower Perez delivered jaded.
[crowd] One, two, three! [cheers]
And advance in the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Jade Cargill, the powerhouse who was taken WWE by storm.
[no audible dialogue]
[crowd chanting] Asuka!
And her opponent tomorrow night in the final of the Queen of the Ring tournament,
the Empress of tomorrow, Asuka.
[crowd cheering]
["The Future" playing]
The empress of tomorrow, who would like to become a queen.
Well, an opportunity for Asuka to do just that.
Last Friday night on SmackDown, semifinal matchup.
Asuka versus Alexa Bliss, and what a competitive matchup it was.
For moments we thought Alexa Bliss was gonna advance
as she went for Twisted Bliss,
but Asuka would get her knees up, and the efforts of tomorrow would connect.
Asuka with the Empress impact knocks off Alexa Bliss and it's Asuka and Cargill,
Queen of the Ring tomorrow night at Night of Champions.
[crowd chanting]
Ladies, thank you both for joining me. Jade, I would like to start with you.
What makes you so confident that you are going to defeat Askar
tomorrow in the Queen of the Ring final at Night of Champions?
You know what way, when people see Asuka, they get nervous.
Me?
I see an opportunity to show you all exactly why I came here.
[crowd jeering]
You see, I have purpose.
This is not pressure, it's purpose and that summer slam…
I don't plan on just taking the title.
I plan on taking the whole damn throne.
[crowd chanting] Asuka!
Okay, okay.
You're strong.
But the power is not everything.
I have skills and experience.
Whoo! Do you know who I am?
[crowd cheering]
I'm Asuka!
[speaks Japanese]
Bacause no one is ready for Asuka!
[crowd cheering]
I promise you you're going to regret…
[metal music playing]
Yo, yo, you. Wake it up, wake it up.
You see this?
This briefcase means that you two can fight over the crown,
but I have all the power.
I can do whatever I want.
[crowd cheering]
Maybe I'll cash in after Tiffany and Iyo destroy each other
in the last woman standing match.
Or maybe I'll wait until one of you are fighting for the championship to cash in.
Jade.
You hate the fact that no matter what you do, I'm the one with the power
to take it all away.
Just like I took away the tag titles, just like I took away months from your career,
just like I took away the big 3.
It brings me pure pleasure
when I think about how sweet it would be
to ruin the biggest night of your career.
I advise you to proceed with… [screams]
[Cole] Jade has heard… heard enough.
She blasted through Asuka. right after Naomi.
[Cole] And Asuka is not taking too kindly to this, Wade.
And Asuka now taking the fight to Cargill.
[Barrett] Well, preview ahead of tomorrow night.
And Asuka getting her licks in early.
[Cole] Tomorrow night it's about becoming Queen of the Ring
and earning an opportunity at a world championship at SummerSlam,
but, Wade, Naomi put everyone on notice here tonight.
[Barrett] Said it herself, "I have the power,"
and the power is contained within that briefcase,
the Money in the Bank contract.
Every woman is on notice.
Yeah, look, we're definitely on the same page.
We just need to get together and figure out the last few details,
but, uh, I think we're good to go.
And I agree with you,
but whatever we're doing about the women's tag titles, we need to do it quickly.
-Agreed. -Yeah, let's put this to bed.
-Aleister. -Gentlemen.
[crowd cheers]
I want to cut right to it.
-I wanna redo-- -I'm driving now!
-What's up, Nick. -[crowd cheers]
Look… Back up. Back up, dog.
I know you saw what happened last week.
-I want John Cena right now. -Truth, Truth.
-I want John Cena. -Okay, Truth.
-I want my-- -Calm down.
I am calm, Adam.
Nick, are you gonna help me or are you gonna be in the way?
Truth, with all due respect, John Cena is here,
but he is here for CM Punk.
He's not here for R-Truth, not tonight.
I'm here for John Cena.
You know what? Don't even worry about it.
Aleister, I apologize, we're gonna get to your stuff, I promise you that.
-Same SmackDown, different continent, huh? -Yeah, something like that.
Yeah, not good.
["It's Our Moment" plays]
[Cole] Probably not what Aleister wanted to hear.
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
with a combined weight of 497 pounds,
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano,
DIY!
[Cole] You know, Wade, trying to play locker room leaders again,
running their mouths and DIY once again in trouble.
[Barrett] Yeah, talked a little too much smack in the locker room earlier tonight.
GM Aldis is now trying to teach them a lesson by putting DIY to work.
[Cole] Andrade will be one of their opponents.
Who will the other one be?
We find out next on SmackDown.
[Cole] It is the start of what is going to be an unbelievable weekend
in the capital city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This is Riyadh.
We're at the Kingdom Arena tonight for Friday Night SmackDown.
Of course tomorrow it will be a Night of Champions.
And speaking of champions, Legado Del Fantasma now has some gold.
It happened a couple of weeks ago at Triplemanía Regia III
in Monterrey, Mexico.
Wade, Angel and Humberto, Los Garza, put on a show.
Part of a fatal, part of a four-way matchup
to win the AAA world tag team titles.
[Barrett] Got some incredible history south of the border.
Well, they've extended it further by grabbing AAA tag gold.
Congrats, Los Garza.
[Cole] And former tag team champions in their own right, NXT tag team titles,
two-time WWE tag team champions, DIY.
[crowd cheering] DIY!
["Ánimo" plays]
[Cole] Oh, yeah!
[Barrett] Oh, what an ace to pull out of your sleeve, Andrade.
[Nash] And their opponents with a combined weight of 412 pounds,
Andrade and Rey Fenix!
So Gargano and Ciampa were running their mouths
and Aldis had enough and said,
"Hey Andrade, you want a tag match? Find a partner."
What a partner he found, Rey Fenix,
and they lit things up a few weeks ago, Wade.
[Barrett] Yes, they did.
They have tagged one time previously, beating Los Garza,
who we just saw win the AAA tag titles.
That was back in May.
These two showed some immediate chemistry together
and they're gonna need that tonight,
because DIY are chemistry personified.
It pays to be popular when you need an emergency tag partner
and to call through your list of contacts and come up with Rey Fenix,
hats off, Andrade.
Jaw-dropping superstar.
Rey Fenix has been since his debut on SmackDown,
he's been cutting through the entire roster
-with electrifying moves… -[bell rings]
…and we should see some more of that imminently.
[Cole] So here we go.
Ciampa starting things off against Andrade.
Big opportunity for the both these tag teams tonight.
A win could propel them to a tag team championship opportunity.
Remember, Street Profits defend against the Wyatt Sicks later tonight.
[Barrett] Yeah, the whole division has really been thrown into chaos
since the return of the Wyatt Sicks,
who've attacked pretty much every single tag team on the list.
We'll see if they grab gold later on tonight
against the Street Profits.
But you're right, whoever wins that match
will need a number one contender,
so put your foot down, lads.
[Cole] Nice double team and Andrade now, drop toehold again.
Rey Fenix slides outside the ring. And here comes Andrade now.
Oh, and a double team by Andrade and Fenix!
High-caliber action.
Oh!
Fenix, Andrade fly and take control of this tag team match.
[Cole] We are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
It's DIY against Andrade and the partner he picked for this matchup, Rey Fenix,
but right now, Gargano and Ciampa dominating.
Frequent tags in and out of the ring.
Interesting to see Gargano and Andrade back in the same ring together.
Back in 2018 those two had the match of the year in NXT.
-Oh, goodness. -[Barrett] Oh, my god.
That landing by Gargano was absolutely horrific,
landed on the steps with his shin, hoping he's okay.
And for the moment at least, Ciampa's gotta go it alone.
[Cole] And now Rey Fenix picking up the pace.
Ciampa down and an opportunity now to make a tag.
To Wades point, some concern perhaps for Johnny Gargano who landed hard.
[Barrett] It's about as awkward a landing as you can have over the top row,
contacting those steel steps on the way down.
Could have easily tore something in his neck. Wait up!
[Cole] Obviously, well, he may be a bit injured,
but it did not prevent him from pulling Andrade…
Oh… off the apron so he couldn't make the tag.
Cover now by Ciampa. Wraps the arm and the leg.
Great cover by Ciampa. Great kick out by Rey Fenix.
Hey, Wade, a new era is born.
Jurassic World Rebirth takes you to the most dangerous island on Earth,
only in theaters Wednesday.
[Barrett] Talk about dangerous, Ciampa--
No one's dumb enough to go where we're going.
That's kind of our specialty.
-Hang on. -Let's go.
[narrator] Rated PG-13.
[Cole] What were you saying about being a tremendous broadcast journalist?
We take cues here, pal.
[Barrett] My headset temporarily wasn't working, Michael Cole.
-[Cole] Ciampa… -Did you pull the plug on me or something?
…taking the fight now again to Rey Fenix.
Tremendous tag team battle here tonight by both of these teams.
We mentioned before the jockeyed position for a future
tag team championship opportunity.
Profits, Wyatt Sicks later on tonight for the titles.
[Cole] How crucial was that
when Johnny Gargano pulled Andrade off the apron,
just when Fenix was finally going to get that tag.
[Cole] Well, Johnny Wrestling apparently feigning a knee injury.
[Barrett] Oh, no, he's still shaking it off, it's legit.
I'm telling you, he is hurt.
[Cole] Rey Fenix walking the tightrope and connecting with Ciampa.
Fenix is a human highlight reel.
[Barrett] Johnny Gargano, to his credit, battling through the pain here
with that left knee injury, still wanting to get back in the fight,
perhaps because Ciampa is down and maybe out.
[Cole] Andrade looking for a tag.
Gargano's legal, so is Andrade.
And, uh, Johnny Gargano came up a bit…
Oh, and a dragon screw by Andrade.
[Barrett] Right on that bad knee. How smart was that from Andrade?
And now the favor fully on the side of Andrade and Fenix.
[Cole] And Gargano howling in pain.
[Barrett] Well, Gargano should not even be in the fight at this point.
It tells you what a competitor he is.
Simply has no quit in his soul.
[Cole] And the third-generation superstar Andrade went for the meteora.
Gargano rolled out of harm's way, slingshot spear caught by Andrade.
Oh, and what an elbow to the back of the neck!
Down goes Gargano off that reverse tornado DDT.
And a kick out at two by Johnny!
[Barrett] Well, hats off to Johnny Gargano
and he's unrelenting passion for this game.
You might not like his attitude of late,
but you have to respect a man fighting past the pain barrier here.
Just how much it means to guys like Ciampa and Johnny Gargano,
two gritty dudes who've come up the hard way,
but that ain't gonna help you now.
[Cole] Andrade lands, rolls through.
-And doubles team! -[Barrett] Oh.
[Cole] For the win! Ciampa, cover.
And a kick out.
I believe using his knees hurt Johnny Gargano's knee even more.
And what a tag team matchup this has been here on Friday Night SmackDown.
DIY against Andrade and Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] Been an absolute banger,
and it's still ongoing despite the war wounds shown by all four men.
[Cole] Yeah, suffering a knee injury early on in the matchup,
Gargano has fought through.
Andrade with a chop.
[Barrett] Looking for something huge here to finally put this one away,
but of course there's fight left in Johnny Wrestling.
[Cole] What are they going to do here? High-risk maneuver.
-Gargano… Andrade lands on his feet! -[Barrett] Oh.
Running knees!
[Barrett] Just crazy athleticism and reflexes from this man.
Watch out.
-Oh! -[Cole] Goodness, stuck it.
Ciampa!
No, Gargano actually kicked out before Ciampa got in to make the save.
[Barrett] Gargano tried to roll out the way,
he didn't roll far enough and basically got a double stomp
to the chest as his reward.
[Cole] Fenix using the ropes to his advantage.
Rey Fenix gonna fly!
[Barrett] So much acceleration and so much impact.
Taking the Sicilian Psychopath, Tommaso Ciampa down.
And then they were two.
[Cole] And then Gargano turns his attention
to an old, familiar foe, Andrade.
This place is electric for this tag team match.
[Barrett] What an absolute unexpected treat these four have thrown on here.
[Cole] Uh-oh.
Fenix makes the tag, he's legal.
[Barrett] I don't think Johnny Gargano saw that.
[Cole] He's gonna know now.
Fenix, incredible! Turned that into a German suplex.
Bridging cover now!
Almost had him. What a move by Rey Fenix.
[Barrett] Oh, man, if that pin had been a little more crisp,
that surely would have been the end there.
What a massive leverage German suplex there,
but perhaps after the beating Fenix has taken,
didn't quite have the core strength to stick the pin.
[Cole] Fenix…
with Gargano up on his shoulders, Andrade top rope.
Ciampa sends him spilling out to the floor.
Gargano rolled through, is it enough for the win.
Almost had him. Two-and-a-half!
Just when Fenix was trying for that Mexican Muscle Buster.
-Wait up! -[Cole] Fenix hurt his knee.
Gargano capitalized, tag to Tampa.
[Barrett] Nailing that poisonrana,
and now Ciampa looking to capitalize on this and put this to bed.
[Cole] Looking for Fairytale Ending.
Gargano with a kick to the face.
Down goes Fenix.
Cover off the double team.
Somehow Fenix is in it. Somehow Rey Fenix is alive.
And Ciampa looking to put Fenix away.
Oh!
Project Ciampa.
-Cover. Andrade breaks things up! -[Barrett] Oh.
Perfect timing from Andrade 'cause this one was as good as over.
Just a volley of offense thrown the way of Rey Fenix.
[Cole] Oh, Andrade caught him with a back elbow.
Ciampa now gonna send Andrade into the ropes.
Kick drops Andrade to his knees.
And now Tommaso Ciampa looking to put Rey Fenix away.
Exposes his knee. Into the corner. Nobody home.
Fenix! Tremendous balance.
Ciampa up on the top rope.
Tag made to Andrade, who's legal.
[Barrett] Things suddenly looking bleak!
[Cole] Oh!
Andrade!
The Message!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Rey Fenix and Andrade!
[Cole] Absolutely incredible action here in this tag team matchup.
[Barrett] Oh, man, that match was an absolute treat for all of us,
complete pandemonium from start to finish, and what a victory for this team,
who are now basically 2-0.
See this Mexican Muscle Buster here from Rey Fenix.
We've seen that in the past and you called it, Cole.
The Message, the one-two whammy.
Puts Ciampa away as Rey Fenix plays God on the outside.
[Cole] Rey Fenix calls it the Black Fire Driver,
and he connected with it here tonight to allow Andrade to hit the message.
And once again victorious for this high fly and exciting tag team
of Andrade and Fenix on Friday Night Smackdown.
Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow night appears to be the final confrontation
in one of the most heated rivalries in WWE history.
We look at Cena versus Punk next.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, we are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight
for an unbelievable weekend of WWE action.
Tonight it's Friday Night Smackdown in this capital city.
Well, John Cena will be here live a bit later on tonight.
But he talked about his retirement tour on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
this past Tuesday.
-So we-- we have-- we have "Cena sucks!" -[audience laughing, cheering]
But we also have "Let's go, Cena!"
All right. Hold on, hold on. If you'll indulge me.
[audience chanting] Let's go, Cena!
Cena sucks!
Let's go, Cena!
Cena sucks!
Let's go, Cena!
Cena sucks!
I now pronounce you full WWE fans.
-Congratulations! -[cheering]
Wow. Oh.
[Cole] I can't believe there's less than 6 months left
in John Cena's retirement tour.
A lot of people will be happy when John Cena retires based on his attitude.
However, they won't be happy if he retires with the WWE title intact.
Well, tomorrow night it is our main event.
It is the culmination of one of the greatest rivalries in the history of WWE.
Night of Champions, Cena versus Punk.
[narrator 1] Yin and Yang.
Two seemingly opposite forces that, in truth,
compliment and interconnect with the other.
Two entities in constant flux and transformation.
Totally interdependent to exist.
John Cena and CM Punk.
Yin and yang.
[Garcia] From West Newbury, Massachusetts.
[narrator 2] John Cena.
The clean-cut untouchable chosen one.
[Cena] If you want some, come get some.
[narrator 2] A decorated champion.
A valiant in-ring competitor and above all else, a man of the people.
And after more than 2 decades in the spotlight,
an icon who once set the standard
-of hustle, loyalty and respect. -[Cena] Hustle, loyalty and respect.
[Garcia] From Chicago, Illinois.
[narrator 2] CM Punk.
The loud, defiant voice of the voiceless.
The rebel who was never meant to be king.
[Punk] I've been the best ever since day one.
There's one thing you're better at than I am, John,
and that's kissing ass.
[narrator 2] Raging against the system brought him adulation,
but never enough to fill the hole deep within.
His desire to sit alone atop the summit would lead to bitterness and resentment,
self-destruction, and banishment.
But time…
Time changes everything.
-Yin becomes yang. -[crowd chanting] Cena sucks!
-[narrator 2] Yang becomes yin. -[crowd booing]
[narrator 2] In an infinite dance, struggling to find harmony.
Contrasting dualities, destined to be bound.
And the battle in which these two have been endlessly engaged
finds itself with new motivation.
That title has corrupted you.
I've been the victim of an abusive relationship,
because all you've ever done there for 25 years
is sit on your ass and watch me be great.
[narrator 2] Instead of a graceful exit, John Cena detached.
And, disillusioned,
-has vowed to… -[Cena] …ruin wrestling for everyone.
[booing]
[narrator 2] While CM Punk has returned from exile,
a beacon of hope and change.
A new face for the company he once vowed to burn down.
The balance has shifted.
Light becomes shadow. Shadow now stands in the sun.
I have shut your mouth and beaten your best.
You can't beat me when I'm at my best, you never could.
I won the title. I left with the title.
You're trying to follow in my footsteps.
I hate this idea that you're the best in the world. You're not.
I'm the greatest of all time.
The truth is, Punk, I'm jealous of you.
I am jealous that you have conned these people into believing the myth
that you're the best in the world.
Remember who gave you the stage for your pipe bomb, pal.
What have you done with it since then, huh?
Because you change your values as much as I change my t-shirts.
You're just a loud mouth opportunist who will step on the necks
of people who actually work hard if it gets you ahead.
[narrator 2] The greatest of all time.
Night of Champions, Ball's in your court, hero.
[narrator 2] The best in the world.
You can't see me? I see through you.
[narrator 2] Yin and Yang,
positioned once again upon opposing shores.
For a final reckoning.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, John Cena will join us a bit later on tonight,
here on Friday Night SmackDown,
but Wade, you and I are gonna have the privilege
to be able to call the final match in this great rivalry.
Oh, man, it's been incredible. I mean, go back 14 years and it was--
Well, uh…
Okay.
R-Truth.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, what's up?
[crowd] What's up?
I'm gonna tell you what's up. I am Ron Killings.
I am the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Now put some respect on my name.
John Cena.
I ain't letting it slide. I ain't letting it ride.
Get out here right now!
I want you right now.
Come on, John Cena, where you at?
Let's go, buddy.
-[Cole] Oh, Truth-- -Let's go!
[Cole] Oh! Uh-oh.
Truth, you better turn around.
Black Mass from Aleister Black.
[Barrett] Who has been interrupted two weeks in a row by a ranting R-Truth.
I told you, Ron, not to drink from this cup.
And I guess in a weird way we're even now, Ron.
[crowd member 1] Why, Aleister, why?
["Root of All Evil" playing]
[Cole] Well, Alastair Black had warned R-Truth.
Black Mass took out Truth here tonight.
Hey, Street Profits, mind if I talk to you guys for a second?
No, it's good.
So in just a few minutes, you have the unenviable task
of defending your WWE Tag Team titles against the Wyatt6.
What's your game plan?
Byron, Saudi Arabia. Let me ask you a question.
What's the last time that the Street Profits
have had Tag Team gold?
4 years, Byron!
And we had to go through fire to get back to the mountain top.
So the Wyatt6 or any tag team
must be out their damn mind if they think they're gonna take
these Tag Team Championships from us anytime soon.
Look, fam, we're the class of this division.
People keep asking, "Dawgs,
why are you intent on defending your titles against the Wyatts?
The answer is simple.
They're the only threat we got.
So we approach that threat and we eliminate that threat.
You heard what he said, Byron.
It's Friday.
So that means it's time to go to work. Let's go, baby.
-Ha! -Let's go.
Boys, look, what's understood doesn't have to be explained.
But if need be, I got y'all back.
-Appreciate that. -Yeah.
Go take care of business. I know y'all got this. Mm-hmm.
["We Will Smoke" playing]
[Cole] Tag Team Championship time.
[bell rings]
[Nash speaks indistinctly]
He's scheduled for one fall
and it's for the WWE Tag Team Championships!
Introducing first, with a combined weight of 492 pounds.
They are the WWE Tag Team Champions.
Angelo Dawkins. Montez Ford.
The Street Profits!
[Cole] No way, the prophets have their work cut out for them tonight.
[Barrett] This is a team who have been transformed
since returning back in January.
It took them all the way to the gold.
If anyone can stop the Wyatts, it's these two.
[Cole] We're gonna see how it all plays out.
Street Profits, Wyatt6 Tag Team Title on SmackDown.
["We Will Smoke" ends]
You're feeling real tough right about now, huh?
Yeah.
No, but if you're truly our friend, you'll tell him to stay away.
Besides, as far as I'm concerned, his debt is paid.
You know, I know Truth.
[indistinct audio] …next time you're looking for payment,
why don't you do it face to face with him?
I'm pretty sure… [indistinct audio] …will be a lot different.
-I'm sure he will be. [chuckles] -[clicks tongue]
[scoffs] This guy.
Look, who am I to tell you what to do, okay?
But if it was me.
I'd mind my own business, especially when it comes to
this whole R-truth Ron Killer situation, man.
If you're really his boy, you let him handle his business
and you stay out the way,
before you end up a casualty.
Melo,
you should walk away now.
I get it.
Truth hurts.
[Cole] Melo can't stay out of anybody's business, can he?
["We Will Smoke" playing]
[Barrett] He doesn't have to. He's that good.
[Cole] Now Street Profits set to defend the Tag Team Titles.
["We Will Smoke" fades out]
["Shatter" playing]
["Shatter" ends]
[Cole] Well, the Wyatt 6 are here.
Made their appearance on Friday Night Smackdown
about a month ago, Wade,
when they interrupted a Street Profits Tag Team Championship Match
and then went on to take out all the tag teams
on Friday Night Smackdown.
So here we go. Montez Ford is going to start things off
against Dexter Lumis, who portrays Mercy the Buzzard.
[Barrett] The Wyatt6 have attacked every single tag team on Smackdown
since returning, showing no mercy.
Now they've finally got what they wanted, a shot at the gold.
[Cole] Yeah. Montez Ford, Dexter Lumis starting things off now.
Tag Team Championship Match is underway.
Street Profits, the current Tag Team Champs
and Lumis, who has been described as a tortured artist
throughout much of his career.
Finally found a group that he could cling to
that shared a lot of the same ideals and tag made.
And here comes Joe Gacy with a big right hand.
[Barrett] Well, this entire crew of Wyatts are a bunch of whack jobs
no matter how you slice it, and Lumis isn't even legal.
[Cole] And Gacy now, who portrays Huskus the Pig Boy,
off the senton, into the cover now.
Angelo Dawkins is gonna pull Gacy off the potential victory.
[Barrett] Just get the sense that these Wyatts--
Someone's not quite… [speaking indistinctly]
[Cole] At ringside, speaking of the tag teams,
the Wyatt6 have targeted Fraxioms out here.
Los Garzas.
We saw the Motor City Machine Guns.
And Montez Ford trying to steal the victory off the distraction.
[Barrett] A couple of weeks ago,
the Motor City Machine Guns had their match with the Wyatt6,
ultimately ended up losing and got beaten the hell out of afterward.
[Cole] Gacy with a clothesline delivered to Montez.
Tag Team Titles on the line.
#DIY is out here as well. Everyone looking on.
-You're here for your own good. -[speaking indistinctly]
The Wyatt 6 of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy have been dominating
Montez Ford of the Street Profits with the tag titles on the line.
Ford looking to rally here.
[Barrett] And the powerhouse team of the Street Profits have really been…
-[Cole] Oh! -[Barrett] …manhandled
and dominated by the Wyatt 6.
It's something we have not seen
since the Prophet's return to SmackDown in January.
[Cole] And the rest of the tag teams on SmackDown have surrounded the ring
looking on at this matchup.
Collision, both men down, center of the ring,
could be the turning point of the match!
Angelo Dawkins on the apron, wants to get in here, knows Tez needs to make a tag.
[Barrett] That is a fired up Dawkins on the outside and he's in.
[Cole] and so's Gacy.
And Angelo Dawkins taking out Gacy with a couple of clotheslines,
knocks Lumis out to the floor.
Dawkins, wow, what agility.
Ah, there's that Spinning Corkscrew Elbow by Dawkins, who's fired up.
[Barrett] Well, nod to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Plays right here in Riyadh for Al Nassa FC.
[Cole] Why'd you do that?
Oh, and a big headbutt by Gacy.
[Barrett] Signed a new 2 year contract yesterday.
[Cole] I did see a picture of him on social media, celebrating.
Oh, and from behind now Los Garzas gets involved.
They rip Lumis out of the ring.
[Barrett] It was only a matter of time before someone took a cheap shot.
I have to say the Wyatt6 are certainly owed at least that.
[Cole] Dawkins.
Wiping out everybody.
[Barrett] Turning Lumis into a human missile.
[Cole] Lumis back into the ring. Angelo Dawkins now dragged out by #DIY.
-The fight gets underway outside the ring. -[Barrett] There we go.
-[bell ringing] -[Cole] Los Garzas gets involved.
The official has to call for the bell. The official calls for the bell.
It'll be a disqualification. And now everyone getting involved.
There's bodies everywhere.
[Barrett] Suddenly it looks like the Royal Rumble in there.
Such a heated environment and the Wyatt6 are at the boots of everybody.
[Cole] Lumis and Gacy are down.
Bo Dallas, Uncle Howdy, sends Big Red Erick Rowan into the ring.
And Rowan now, Pancaking #DIY.
[Barrett] A one man army.
[Cole] Los Garzas taken out.
Motor City Machine Guns may want to think twice.
[Barrett] God, I want this guy on my side.
[Cole] And Fraxiom gets into the fray.
Four on one, Rowan finally sent over the top rope.
[Barrett] And still on his feet somehow.
Absolute freak of nature.
[Cole] Frazer caught.
Rowan.
With a big smile on his face.
Los Garzas.
[Barrett] Finally, Erick Rowan hits the deck… [speaks indistinctly]
Chaos went on.
[Cole] Sister Abigail.
Uncle Howdy runs into a kick by Martez Ford.
[Barrett] Simply cannot celebrate too soon around this crew of tag teams.
Dawkins gonna fly!
[Barrett] Oh, God!
[Cole] Tez Ford as well!
Everybody's down.
[Barrett] Montez Ford playing high stakes ten pin bowling,
and got a strike!
[Cole] And the Street Profits, the Tag Team Champions, standing tall.
["We Will Smoke" playing]
But I don't believe the Wyatt6 are through yet.
This mess between these tag teams on Friday Night's Smackdown, Wade,
far, far from over.
It is the best tag team division on planet Earth by far.
So much chaos, so much talent, and so much to look forward to.
A programming note; next week's Friday Night Smackdown from Pittsburgh
is a two-hour, two-hour Friday Night Smackdown.
The Smackdown goes to two hours starting next week.
Well tonight on Friday Night Smackdown we kick things off with a big matchup
between Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa's enforcer, JC Mateo.
[Barrett] It turned pretty ugly.
Jimmy Usa was looking good, an Olive Branch extended by Solo Sikoa,
but it served as a distraction,
and JC Mateo took Big Jim on a Tour of the Islands,
grabbing the three-count, but things didn't really end there.
[Cole] Yeah, Solo Sikoa offering Jimmy Uso an opportunity
to come back to the family, come back in the fold.
Jimmy Uso said, "No way."
Big slap. Mateo would attack from behind,
and then Jimmy Uso would get some help from an unlikely source.
[Barrett] It was a source that Big Jim had helped
in the same scenario a week earlier.
This is the man, Jacob Fatu,
the United States Champ who will be fighting Solo Sikoa
tomorrow at Night of Champions.
Getting a chance to send a message to Solo ahead of that.
And Solo wanted no part of it one-on-one.
Tomorrow, different story,
but once again, Big Jim coming to the aid of Jacob Fatu.
Yeah.
[crowd cheers]
Tonight, I didn't need your help.
Last week, I didn't need your help.
Matter of fact, is there a problem here?
Ain't no problem, uce. It's just respect.
I give respect where it's due at,
and the way you stepping up to Solo,
that's what I should have done a long time ago.
That's all I'm saying.
Okay. Okay.
Check this out.
If you just get in where you fit in,
then we're gonna be all right, Big Jim.
And that's just keeping it one hunnid, you feel me?
Yeet.
Yadadamean?
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Jacob defends the United States Championship
tomorrow night at Night of Champions.
Meanwhile, here on Friday Night SmackDown,
the WWE Women's Championship is up for grabs.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[Cole] The former champion,
the Irresistible Force, Nia Jax,
looking to take her title back in a Last Woman Standing Match.
♪ Most girls Most girls ♪
♪ So take a seat… ♪
Incapacitate your opponent so they can't make it back to their feet
in the count of 10, and you're the champion.
One of the most brutal matches in WWE.
Nia, Tiffany, for the title, Last Woman Standing.
Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Last Woman Standing.
♪ It's Tiffy Time… ♪
-["Tiffy Time" plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Drop I'm going in ♪
♪ Bass so loud It's in my skin ♪
♪ Drop I wanna see you drop… ♪
[Cole] Well, back in January of 2025,
Tiffany Stratton would cash in her Money in the Bank contract
to defeat Nia Jax and win the championship.
Tonight, Nia wants her title back, but things have been heating up
over the past couple of weeks,
especially last week on Friday Night SmackDown.
This is going to be a Last Woman Standing.
[Barrett] And it is always a bad idea to talk smack to the face of Nia Jax,
and once again, just like a week earlier,
Tiffy was flattened by the Irresistible Force.
An attempted cash in by Miss Money in the Bank, Naomi,
was foiled by Nia Jax, and while their backs were turned,
Tiffy struck and stood tall.
[Cole] And Naomi is the wild card in all this.
We'll get into that story in just a couple of moments.
[bell rings]
The following contest is a Last Woman Standing Match
and is for the Women's WWE Championship.
The only way to win is to incapacitate your opponent
until she cannot stand and beat the referee's count of 10.
Introducing first, the challenger,
from California, San Diego, California,
Nia Jax!
[crowd boos]
And her opponent,
from Prior Lake, Minnesota,
she is the Women's WWE Champion,
-Tiffany Stratton! -[crowd cheers]
[Cole] You know, for a long time, Tiffany Stratton,
a protegee of Nia Jax, did a lot of Nia's bidding for her
over the past year or so until--
Oh, wait a minute, Nia Jax wasted little time going after Tiffany Stratton
as referee Dan Engler calls for the bell, and we're underway.
Remember the rules. Last Woman Standing.
No pinfalls, no submissions, no disqualifications, no count outs.
You incapacitate your opponent till they can't make it to their feet
by the count of 10.
[Barrett] This is the ultimate physical test in WWE.
You have to quite literally break your opponent
to secure victory.
[Cole] And Nia Jax already ripping the protective pad off the top turnbuckle.
Tiffany Stratton sends Nia Jax outside the ring.
And Tiffany Stratton now,
the Women's Champion, with a baseball slide,
driving Nia into the Arabic announce table.
And now Stratton taking the fight to Nia Jax here outside the ring.
This is going to be a physical battle.
And what shocks me most of all in all this, Wade,
is that Tiffany Stratton was actually one to make the challenge
for Last Woman Standing against the irresistible force, Nia Jax,
-who goes hip first into the steps, -[Barrett] And I agree with you, Cole.
I have no idea what Tiffany Stratton was thinking.
Your advantage against…
-Oh, geez. -[Cole] Oh, goodness.
[Barrett groans]
[Cole] Steps right to Stratton.
Floors the champion.
Now… Now the official.
Gonna begin the count.
[Barrett] I'd love to say that those steps hit Tiffany Stratton's knee,
but they didn't, they hit a knee, her ribs, and the point of her jaw.
[Cole] And now Nia drives her into the apron and continues the assault now
on Tiffany Stratton.
And Nia Jax is gonna clear off our announce table.
You're right, just as I was…
I was saying, Tiffany Stratton's advantage against Jax's movement.
How are you gonna move well when Jax is about to break
-every bone in your body! -[Cole] Samoan drop!
Right on top of our announce table, about breaking the champion in half.
[Barrett] Find a part of Tiffany Stratton's body
that is not bruised and battered already.
We're about two minutes in.
[Cole] The official on a count of five now.
Tiffany makes it back to her feet, but Nia will drive her back down again.
Nia Jax dominating the early going in this matchup.
[Cole] We're on a count of five with Nia Jax down,
back to her feet, though.
Tiffany Stratton, the champion, top rope crossbody.
Lateral press will be no cover in this match.
It's Last Woman Standing for the WWE Women's Championship.
Tiffany Stratton now, up to the top rope.
Measuring Nia, center of the ring.
Tiffany gonna fly for the Swanton, connecting.
Count of two. Tiffany drags herself back to her feet.
Now the focus goes to the challenger, Nia.
[Barrett] Nia is stirring and Nia is briefly, anyway, back up.
[Cole] Yeah, great move by the champion, though.
As soon as she saw Nia Jax getting back to her feet,
right back on the attack, didn't waste any time.
[Barrett] I'm really impressed with Tiffany Stratton
shrugging off the amount of offense that has already been thrown her way.
[Cole] And now Tiffany gonna launch herself up to the second rope.
Nia Jax, though, able to regain herself.
Tiffany up on Nia's shoulders, this isn't gonna be good.
Exposed turnbuckle. Face-first, goes Stratton.
[Barrett] And that might be a knockout.
Start counting referee.
[Cole] Count of two,
Nia Jax could be closing in
on what would be her third World Championship.
[Barrett] Stratton is fairly stirred
and this count is starting to get dangerously high.
[Cole] Count of seven, now.
Tiffany trying to use the ropes to her advantage.
Count of eight.
Makes it back to her feet at eight, but Nia Jax, right back on the assault.
[Barrett] Well, weakening clearly now, is Tiffany Stratton.
That's as high as the count has got thus far.
Two more seconds and Nia Jax has the gold once again.
[Cole] And Nia back outside on the hunt.
Listen, Tiffany Stratton is a tremendous athlete.
One of the best in WWE today.
She's been a great champion, but it takes a different type
of individual to be able to compete in a match like Last Woman Standing.
[Barrett] Yeah, and I think Tiffany Stratton
made a major strategic error tonight.
I think she wants to get rid of Jax for good.
And again, this count continues getting high
because Jax has just been stalking her like a zombie who will not go away.
[Cole] Count of seven.
Count of eight. Stratton barely makes it back to her feet
before the ten-count again.
And Nia Jax, driving her into the barricade.
This has been a fairly, well, uneven match.
Nia Jax really taking out the champion.
And now placing her on the table.
This could be a disaster for Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Bit of swagger in the step now of Nia Jax
who is concocting something nasty.
[Cole] Splashes through Tiffany and through the table!
Splat goes the champion, and this could be it.
Will Tiffany Stratton somehow rally here?
A count of five, halfway to the title is Jax.
We're at six.
We're at seven.
Stratton trying to get up. A count of eight.
Using the barricade.
At a count of nine, drags herself barely to her feet.
[Barrett] 9.5, you couldn't get much closer,
but what's it worth, Stratton?
What the hell can you throw back after absorbing that?
[Cole] Well, you saw the look of disbelief on the face of Nia Jax
that Tiffany Stratton, somehow, maybe instinctively,
made it to her feet before the count of ten.
But it could just be a matter of moments before Jax wins another world title.
Oh, she already got crushed one table, might as well take out another.
Or two.
Count of eight, once again,
Stratton makes it back to her feet.
Nia Jax with a steel chair to the ribs, one to the spine, drops the champion.
Tiffany brought the chair into the match, perhaps she wishes she didn't.
[Barrett] Both women gotta be hurting so bad at this point,
but clearly got the worst of it.
[Cole] Yeah, this could be the end of things here for Tiffany Stratton
if Nia Jax hits this.
[Barrett] The biggest weapon in the match.
[Cole] Annihilator!
And Nia's not done yet.
One more time, this time with a steel chair.
-Annihilator on the steel chair! -[Barrett] Oh!
[Cole] And Tiffany Stratton may be down and out.
[Barrett] Completely splattered Tiffany Stratton.
[Cole] Count of five, halfway there.
Halfway to the championship for Jax.
Count of six now.
Count of seven. Stratton trying to pull herself up
at the ropes, and a count of eight, a count of nine.
Stratton makes it to her feet.
Jax catches her in the ribs again with a kendo stick.
[Barrett] Right on that weak spot.
Although saying that, where is a weak spot not on the body of Stratton
after this level of abuse?
And Jax, although she's taken a lot herself,
is looking fresh as a daisy.
If you're the champ, glancing up at that, that is truly terrifying.
[Cole] And Nia Jax setting up the the table now.
Looking for the, uh, final blow.
Uh-oh. With Tiffany on her shoulders, Nia is going to climb the ropes here.
Gonna go up at least one more to the second,
looking for a Samoan drop through the table,
much like she did to the announce table earlier on tonight.
Tiffany, though, trying to slide down,
lands on her feet, looking for a powerbomb.
[Barrett] Oh, no.
[Cole] Powerbomb through the table by Stratton!
[crowd cheering]
Both women are down for the WWE Women's Championship.
Count of five.
Nia Jax beginning to stir.
Count of six, now.
Who will make it back to their feet first?
Count of seven.
Count of eight.
Count of nine,
Nia Jax beats the count, so does Stratton.
[Barrett] Both women up at nine and a half,
although up perhaps isn't the right word.
-["Last Warning" plays] -[Cole] Oh, God.
Well, Naomi said earlier tonight, "I'm gonna pick my spot."
Maybe it will be tonight and Miss Money in the Bank
heading to the ring.
Naomi may be looking to cash in Money in the Bank!
And if she does, that means…
I guess she'd be a part of the Last Woman Standing match.
[Barrett] Well, a cash in didn't quite happen.
-Tiffany Stratton… -[Cole] Oh!
…cut Naomi off of the pass!
[Cole] But she's gonna use the Money in the Bank briefcase as a weapon.
She knows very well how to do that, as she drives Jax into Naomi.
[Barrett] Well, yeah. Two for the price of one, here.
[Cole] Stratton…
Oh! Prettiest Moonsault!
And now Jax is down.
Naomi,
did not officially cash in.
It was thwarted by Stratton.
[Barrett] Split-second away from it, but the damage might be done here,
[Cole] Count of six. Nia Jax, down and out.
Stratton looking to retain the championship.
Nia trying to make it back to her feet.
One last gasp by Nia Jax.
Just beats the count.
[Barrett] You cannot keep Nia Jax down for ten.
It is impossible.
-Too strong. -[Cole] Uh-oh.
Two tables perched outside the ring there.
Nia Jax…
Evil intentions, looking for a suplex of Stratton.
And Nia hung up on the top rope.
Stratton…
[Barrett] About as dangerous a place as you can be for Jax!
[Cole] And using the briefcase…
Jax through both tables!
Nia Jax is down and may be out!
Count of four.
Count of five!
Nia Jax yet to stir, she may be out.
Jax may be out cold.
Tiffany Stratton is the Last Woman Standing.
["Tiffy Time" plays]
[Nash] Here is your winner.
And still, WWE Women's Champion,
Tiffany Stratton!
[Barrett] Wow, what an absolute car wreck of a matchup.
The entire ringside area has been destroyed,
but Tiffany Stratton showed the drive, the durability,
the desire to retain the gold.
[Cole] Yeah, incredible performance tonight
by the Women's Champion.
[Barrett] And how that wasn't the end is beyond me,
but this is the moment we thought history was about to be made,
Miss Money in the Bank, Naomi, trying to cash in,
split-second later, it would have happened.
[Cole] And then Tiffany Stratton would use the Money in the Bank briefcase
to her advantage,
driving Nia Jax through two tables.
We learned a lot about Tiffany Stratton tonight.
Tiffany Stratton is the Last Woman Standing.
Tiffany Stratton is still your WWE Women's Champion.
Well, what a hell of a match up here tonight on Friday Night Smackdown, Wade.
Last Woman Standing, Tiffany Stratton, impressive tonight.
Incredible stuff from Stratton.
Matches like that make guys like me feel so happy to be retired
and able to watch from the relative safety of this booth.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, a couple of programming notes.
I want to remind everyone that this coming Monday Night Raw on Netflix
has a special start time, live from Pittsburgh.
It will be 6:00 Eastern,
3:00 on the West Coast in the United States.
Again, 6:00 p.m. Eastern, 3:00 p.m. Pacific
for Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
And then next week, Friday Night Smackdown will move to 2 hours each and every week.
Now we get ready for tomorrow night's Night of Champions.
Special start time, 8:00 here in Saudi Arabia,
1:00 on the East Coast, 10:00 in the morning on the West Coast.
And it's the King of the Ring tournament finals
where we'll see Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare.
Take on Randy Orton.
The winner gets a World Championship opportunity at SummerSlam.
[Barrett] And not only that, United States Champ,
the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu
puts it on the line against family member, former buddy, Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] Karrion Kross has been the devil on the shoulder of Sami Zayn
for many months now.
Finally, Sami Zayn has had enough.
The Underdog from the Underground, Sami Zayn,
will try to take out Karrion Kross, live tomorrow night.
[Barrett] And we just saw some carnage between Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax.
We're getting even more tomorrow in a Street Fight.
There's two powerhouses, Rhea Bloody Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez,
who have so much history together and even more bad blood.
They go one-on-one tomorrow at Night of Champions.
[Cole] And tomorrow night at Night of Champions,
we will crown the Queen of the Ring.
Will it be the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka from Monday Night Raw
or The Storm from Friday Night Smackdown, Jade Cargill.
We'll find out the winner for the world title opportunity at SummerSlam.
Hanging in the balance in the finals of Queen of the Ring.
[Barrett] Fourteen years after their history-making clash back in 2011,
CM Punk and the WWE Champ, John Cena,
are gonna do it again tomorrow night.
WWE Championship on the line.
Can CM Punk prevent John Cena from ruining wrestling?
[Cole] And here tonight on Friday Night Smackdown.
CM Punk is here.
John Cena is here.
They go face-to-face for the final time before Night of Champions
next, on Friday Night Smackdown.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
-["The Time Is Now" plays] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Krrr, Amadou! ♪
[crowd chanting] John Cena sucks! John Cena sucks!
♪ Your time is up, my time is now ♪
♪ You can't see me, my time is now ♪
♪ It's the franchise Boy I'm shinin' 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 ♪
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome,
The Undisputed WWE Champion,
John Cena!
♪ 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… ♪
-[music fades out] -[crowd chanting] John Cena sucks!
[crowd booing]
[Nash] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome, The Greatest of All Time.
[crowd cheering]
The Never-Seen Seventeen.
Gracing Riyadh, one final weekend.
-[crowd cheering] -He is the last real champion,
John Cena!
[crowd clamoring]
Get used to it, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This is what a winner looks like.
[crowd cheering]
I am a winner.
CM Punk is a loser because he's been out cornered,
he's been outmaneuvered
and he is out of tricks because I am a genius.
Night of Champions is now a formality
-and CM Punk can do nothing about it. -[crowd cheering]
-["Basic Thuganomics" plays] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole chuckles]
♪ So, you think you're untouchable? ♪
-♪ Word life, this is basic thuganomics ♪ -[crowd sings along]
♪ This is ba-basic thuganomics ♪
♪ Word life ♪
♪ I'm untouchable But I'm forcin' you to feel me ♪
♪ Word life, this is bas-basic Thuga-thuga-thuganomics ♪
-♪ Word life ♪ -[Cole laughs]
♪ I'm untouchable But I'm forcin' you to feel me ♪
♪ Whether fightin', or spittin' My discipline is unforgiven ♪
♪ Got you backin' up In a defensive position ♪
♪ An ass-kickin' anthem Heavyweight or bantam ♪
♪ Holdin' camps for ransom The microphone phantom ♪
♪ Teams hit the floor This the new fight joint ♪
♪ Like a broken needle, kid You missin' the point ♪
♪ We dominate your conference with offense That's no nonsense ♪
♪ My theme song hits Get your reinforcements ♪
♪ We strike quick with hard kicks Duckin' night sticks ♪
[Cole] Wade, John Cena looking in a mirror from, like, 20 years ago.
[Barrett] I forgot how much I love this entrance theme.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
Although the outfit, maybe not so much.
♪ Takin' over Earth And still kickin' in Uranus ♪
♪ Word life This is basic thuganomics ♪
♪ This is ba-basic thuganomics ♪
♪ Word life ♪
♪ I'm untouchable But I'm forcin' you to feel me ♪
♪ Word life, this is bas-basic Thuga-thuga-thuganomics ♪
♪ Word life ♪
♪ I'm untouchable But I'm forcin' you to feel me ♪
♪ You ain't advanced enough to process Potential phonetical concepts ♪
♪ The objects are foreign Like blot test ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ Regardless of your finesse Or your fitness ♪
♪ It's the condition of business ♪
♪ Your lame vision of a underground Physical image ♪
♪ You're underneath to undermine Your whole, typical image ♪
[music fades out]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
Yo, yo, check it.
This is basic "Punkanomics".
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole laughs]
Don't adjust your television set.
Your eyes are working just right.
This clown plagiarized my Pipe Bomb, so now I'm stealing Word Life.
-[Barrett chuckles] -[crowd cheers]
And you had to rip me off to cut your best promo,
just to distract from the fact that we all see you move in slo-mo.
[crowd exclaims]
Remember when he used to rap?
Yeah, you deserve all the criticism.
You're like a Temu Macklemore but with Mackle-less rhythm.
-[Barrett laughs] -[crowd exclaims]
And he said, I'm a problem.
He called me a player hater. [scoffs]
Let's be honest, John Cena's buried more talent than The Undertaker.
[crowd exclaims]
That's why he's the champ, and he went and lost all his respects.
But hey, John, I get it.
I'd retire too if this place rehired my ex.
[crowd exclaims]
If you never said your prayers, ate your vitamins,
or fixed your bald spot, you wouldn't be a pro wrestler,
you'd be a Boston mall cop.
[crowd exclaims]
But hey, he gets good movie roles,
that much is a fact,
but then we see Batista act and we realize that John ain't that.
Same shirt, same hat, man, your persona stay tragic.
You're like a Fishbelly White Hulk Hogan, but somehow more problematic.
-[crowd exclaims] -[Cole chuckles]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
Yo yo, when it comes to best in the world,
I'm your vessel, because millions chant my name
and at you they chant, "You can't wrestle."
[crowd exclaims]
[crowd chanting] You can't wrestle! You can't wrestle!
Get it in while you can.
In six months, he'll be gone, and I'll still be here having fun.
He won't have time for you little people anymore.
He'll be busy washing underwears for James Gunn.
[crowd exclaims]
Yeah, yeah, he's a superhero now.
He works for DC, but no matter how hard you try,
you'll still always be The Marine to me.
[Cole chuckles]
And that's straight to DVD.
Better find a PS3.
I now understand you can't see me.
[crowd exclaims]
It's a hell of a catchphrase, John,
but now it's all done because we all see you.
And we're looking at a washed-up bum.
[crowd exclaims]
Fourteen years ago today,
I dropped a legendary Pipe Bomb
and you try to make it all about you because that's what you do, John.
You're a leech,
you're a phony,
you're a fraud, you're an ass-kiss.
Seventeen-time World Champion, but ain't never been on my class.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
Before you go, John, there's one more wish to make.
Tomorrow night,
you're gonna lose to Kendrick because bitch, you're my Drake.
[crowd exclaims]
["Cult of Personality" plays]
♪ Look in my eyes, what do you see? ♪
[Cole] A bit of verbal payback for CM Punk tonight.
♪ I know your anger ♪
[Cole] As we get set for tomorrow night.
Perhaps for the final time in this long, storied rivalry.
Yin and yang concludes.
It is Punk versus Cena
for the Undisputed WWE Championship
at Night of Champions.
♪ The cult of personality ♪ hip