[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Cole] It's a big sports weekend here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Tomorrow in a Big 12 college football showdown,
the 3-1 Cincinnati Bearcats take on the number 14 ranked
undefeated Iowa State Cyclones.
Sunday, the NFL's Bengals host the red-hot Detroit Lions,
but tonight it's Friday Night SmackDown live at the Heritage Bank Center.
-["Kingdom" plays] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Wrestling has more than one Royal family ♪
[crowd cheers]
♪ 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 gentleman,
please welcome the Undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you Bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams But not my name… ♪
[Booker T] You know, Cole, one of the greats told me a long time ago.
You gotta be a champion in the ring and out of the ring, all the time.
That's Cody Rhodes, man.
That's your champion right there, dawg.
[Cole] One hundred percent, Booker T, who's joining me,
Michael Cole, at ringside here tonight as Corey Graves continues to convalesce
after the attack by Brock Lesnar a couple of weeks ago.
♪ Ready for me to Start the show ♪
[Booker T] Looking very debonair.
Check out the threads, dawg. Check out the threads.
[Booker T laughs]
[Cole] Well, it's gonna be a busy week for the Undisputed WWE Champion.
It all starts a week from tomorrow.
It is Crown Jewel from Perth, Australia.
Rhodes, Rollins.
Champion versus champion for the Crown Jewel Championship.
♪ A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you Bow to me… ♪
[Cole] And later on tonight, Book, oh, my…
What a main event, a massive main event.
Cody Rhodes teams with Randy Orton
to take on The Vision's Breakker and Reed live on SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[Booker T] Well, I've been waiting and anticipating that matchup all day, baby.
♪ Bow ♪
♪ Now ♪
♪ I am the king And you're the crown ♪
♪ Now watch me As I take my throne ♪
♪ And rule my kingdom… ♪
[music ends]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Cody! Cody!
-Yeah! -[crowd cheers]
So…
Cincinnati…
[crowd cheers]
What do you wanna talk about?
[crowd cheers]
[Heyman] Well, there's plenty that we'd like to talk about.
[crowd cheers, boos]
[Heyman] Thank you for the invitation.
I'm glad you asked that question.
[crowd booing]
What would we like to talk about?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, Cody's not stupid.
He's got some backup.
The Viper's here.
You know, I… I owe you an apology.
It was very rude of me to interrupt you that way
without at least introducing myself first.
Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd boos]
-My name is Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman.
Mr. Breakker and Mr. Reed and I
didn't come out here
to talk to you, Mr. Rhodes.
No.
We came out here to talk to you, Mr. Orton.
You're a tough man to get a hold of.
Never take my phone calls. Don't return my texts.
Don't return my emails.
So I said to the Brons,
"Corner the champion, and the Viper shall appear."
And that wasn't a prediction.
That was a spoiler.
Here's another spoiler for you. Tonight…
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO!
Thank you, Cincinnati, for your most irrelevant opinion.
[crowd boos]
I would give any amount of money to be a fly on the wall
when you two plot your strategy tonight
because no matter what that strategy is,
hard fact's you're going to lose tonight to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
[crowd boos]
That's also not a prediction. That's also a spoiler.
But here's what I want to know.
When you lose tonight…
Easy.
It's just a conversation.
When you lose tonight,
if we beat Cody Rhodes,
you know, you know and everyone knows
Randy Orton is going to look at Cody Rhodes and say,
"That's the Undisputed Champion?
I could do so much better than that."
[crowd boos]
And if we happen to beat a legend like Randy Orton,
then how can Randy Orton not look at Cody Rhodes and say,
"Where were you, Champ?"
Either way, no matter how you look at it,
this can't last.
[crowd boos]
And that's not a prediction from an oracle.
That is a prophecy.
[theme music plays]
[Cole] Well, Paul Heyman, Booker, doing what he does best,
trying to create controversy,
drive a wedge between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton
as we get set for our main event later tonight.
-[speaks indistinctly] -[fan barking]
[Cole] Cody's got something to think about.
Randy as well.
Well, Tiffany Stratton is the WWE Women's Champion.
Tonight, she signs the contract for her Crown Jewel clash
with Stephanie Vaquer.
[crowd cheers]
Hey, you're just gonna walk by and not explain yourself?
There's nothing to explain.
You watched me get pinned last week.
Should have kicked out.
[stammers] I took three finishers.
Do you not know how tag teams work?
We watch each other's backs.
Yeah, you're supposed to be watching my back,
but you always standing in my way.
This? This is done.
You are telling me this is done?
You're telling me this is done?
Yeah, and I'm being cool about this whole thing
because normally, I shoot first.
Oh, we good.
["Worlds Apart" plays]
-[crowd cheers] -[Cole] Did Carmelo just dump Miz?
[Booker T] Dropped him! Dropped him, dawg! [chuckles]
-[Cole] Was that wise? -[Booker T laughs]
[crowd] Let's go!
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following contest is a United States Championship
open challenge match!
Introducing first, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Sami Zayn!
[Cole] In short time,
Sami Zayn has become one of the most fighting champions
in the history of the United States Title.
And Sami does it again tonight,
puts the gold on the line in an open challenge.
Who will step up? Find out live next.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Sami Zayn in a championship mood.
Who will accept the challenge to battle Sami
-for the United States Title? -[speaking indistinctly]
-Who's it gonna be? -[music fades out]
-[fans singing, shouting] -[fan] You suck, Sami!
["Melo Don't Miss" plays]
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest Ain't no hating, I'm the best here ♪
♪ You want your shot… ♪
[Cole] I guess Him wants another opportunity.
[Booker T] Whoa. Hold the phone.
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest No arguing or debating ♪
♪ He in my face Then I'm obviously gonna break him ♪
♪ I ain't never run from challenges I handle 'em and face 'em… ♪
[music fades out]
Sami, you know exactly why I'm here.
Me and you, we already did this thing.
But here's the difference.
This time, I don't have anybody holding me back.
This time, I don't have anybody clouding my vision,
taking my focus away from beating you for that United States Championship.
Because, Sami, you know how great I am.
I know how great I am,
and tonight, here in Cincinnati, I'm the best I've ever been.
So, Sami,
it's about time I show you exactly why I am Him.
[Cole] Oh, look at Miz! Skull-Crushing Finale…
[Booker T] Oh, you got to be kidding me.
[Cole] …from behind,
and I guess Miz just took Carmelo's focus off the matchup.
Miz extremely upset after being thrown to the curb,
dumped by Carmelo Hayes as a teammate just moments ago.
[clamoring]
[Cole] Book, I'm not sure Hayes is gonna…
Now what? Aleister Black?
Wow, that is just so unfortunate.
US Title challenge.
I'll take it.
[crowd cheers]
[Booker T] Oh, this is about to get interesting, man.
[Cole] Oh, I like this. Sami Zayn is going to have to defend
the championship against Aleister Black
here on Friday Night SmackDown.
Mentioned before, Book, Zayn, uh, one of the most fighting champions
in the history of the United States Title.
This will be his fifth defense in a little over a month.
-He's taken on Rey Fenix, John Cena… -[bell rings]
[Cole] …Carmelo Hayes. Last week, Je'Von Evans.
And tonight, Aleister Black, and this is gonna be a tough one for Sami.
No chance to prepare for Aleister Black.
Now, I understand that in open challenges, that's the way it works,
but Black is an unorthodox dude.
[Booker T] I mean, he's a guy that I really don't understand, myself.
-I mean, he's been here quite some time. -[Cole] Oh!
[Booker T] I mean, he's not had a lot of opportunities like this right here.
This is a chance to shock the world
and show how good Aleister Black really is.
[Cole] Couple of deep arm drags by Sami Zayn, who is now in control.
Doing a little bit of quick research here.
And, you know, Black's a former NXT Champion, Book,
but, uh, it doesn't look like Aleister Black has ever competed--
-Wow, what a kick by Black. -[Booker T] Wow! Big shot!
[Cole] The dangerous strikes of Aleister Black,
and that one floored Sami Zayn. May have broken his nose.
[Booker T] That's what I'm talking about.
Sami Zayn took a big shot right there from Aleister Black,
and he didn't… he didn't try to capitalize on it or anything.
I wonder if it's just about the reckoning
for this guy, Aleister Black, for the championship.
Big kicks like I talked about. Big shot right there!
[Cole] Ask Damian Priest what those kicks feel like
from Aleister Black,
but as I was mentioning before,
this is the first opportunity
as we take another look at the sudden impact of the kick by Black.
Booker, I find this hard to believe,
but apparently this is Black's first opportunity
at a singles championship on either Raw or SmackDown
since he's been in WWE.
[Booker T] Aleister Black, he's uber talented,
but like I say, sometimes when you're not thinking about,
you know, putting yourself in that championship position,
you just… you want to go out there and prove how good you are
in that locker room.
I think this is the opportunity that this guy can actually cash in on
and show the world, shock the world
-and win this championship tonight. -[Cole] Springboard moonsault by Black.
[Booker T] See what I'm talking about? Exactly.
Wasting a lot of time right here, man.
[Cole] It's another open challenge
for Sami Zayn's United States Championship.
Aleister Black, after Miz took out Carmelo Hayes,
took the challenge.
And now Sami Zayn trying to fight back
in a match that has been dominated so far by Black.
[crowd chanting, counting]
[Booker T chuckles] Oh, yeah!
[Cole] And Zayn now with kicks of his own driving Black down to the mat.
[Booker T] I don't know.
Sami looks a little out of control right here.
I don't like that right there.
Sami's… Sami's a little bit more in tune with what he wants to do right there.
But, right there, just got a little out of control. Oh, wait a minute.
[Cole] Leapfrog after he-- oh-- came off the bottom rope.
Black now face-first off the apron.
[referee] Sami!
Come on! Listen up! No!
[Cole] Sami… Top rope moonsault and takes Black out.
I'm not quite sure Black has all his wits about him.
[Booker T] Aleister Black's definitely confused because Sami Zayn right now
is definitely beginning to feel it.
And I always say body language.
Body language tells me a lot.
Sami Zayn has that air of that cloak of invincibility.
Once you win that championship,
it gives you about 20 to 30% more ability to go out there
and get the job done, and that's Sami Zayn right now.
[Cole] And there it is, the prestigious United States Championship.
It's been held by dozens of Hall of Famers,
-including the man to my right, Booker T. -[Booker T] I'm one of 'em.
[Cole] Sami Zayn, roll through now off the leapfrog and caught Black.
Turns it around!
-Michinoku Driver by Zayn. -[Booker T] That's it. That's it.
Cover and a kickout!
The Michinoku Driver by Sami Zayn almost put Black away.
Book, you mentioned you've been a former United States Champion
as we take another look at Sami Zayn here.
Booker, what does it mean to carry the prestigious United States Title?
[Booker T] I mean, it means everything.
But like Sami, I mean, he's… he's carrying it a little different.
Like I said, he's… I mean, even if Sami didn't have that championship,
people would still look at him as the people's champion,
but he's the champion out here.
He fights every night. He gives it 100%.
That's what this championship is all about.
[Cole] Number of standing switches. Sami Zayn able to hang on to the rope.
Aleister Black again with a kick. It's so effective!
-Kick right to the back of the neck. -[Booker T] Oh, baby.
[Cole] And a German suplex. Here's the cover on Zayn.
Almost had the title won before Zayn kicked out,
and maybe frustration beginning to build in Aleister Black.
[Booker T] Questioning himself right now.
He's wondering if he can get the job done.
And the thing is if he's sitting on his behind right there,
truly, he's not gonna be able to get the job done with Sami Zayn
'cause you're not gonna do it that way, man.
[Cole] I've been impressed with the aggressiveness
of Aleister Black here tonight.
Looking to win his first singles championship on Raw or SmackDown.
Looked for Blue Thunder Bomb.
-Knee caught him. -[Booker T] Wow!
[Cole] Oh, nice takedown at the knees.
[Booker T] What I'm talking about right here.
[Cole] Cover for the championship! Again, a kickout by Zayn.
But, again, these frequent near falls by Black
wearing the champion down.
[Booker T] I can tell you this. This is a different Aleister Black right here.
Going to try to win this matchup by any means necessary.
Staying on the gas this late in the match right here
because we are… we are truly in those deep waters right now.
[Cole] Black, not known as a highflyer,
gonna take every risk he can, however,
to try to secure the United States Championship.
Sami back to his feet. Gonna meet Black there.
-Again, when-- -[Booker T] Big shot.
[Cole] When you don't go to the ropes often, sometimes it costs you.
[crowd cheers]
-[Booker T] First on that top rope. -[crowd cheers]
-[Booker T] Oh, yes! -[Cole] Superplex!
[Booker T] Big, giant superplex off the top, baby!
[Cole] And both men are down,
and this could be a critical moment in this match.
Who's going to win the United States Title?
For just the second time ever
and the first time in over six years,
Sami Zayn and Aleister Black go on-on-one tonight
for Sami Zayn's United States Championship.
-[Booker T] Oh, yes! -[Cole] Top rope.
Again another kick by Black.
Those kicks are so devastating, but Sami fighting through them.
Aleister Black knows exactly what this means right here.
This championship…
This is… What are those called? Those make or break moments right here.
-[Cole] Oh! Sami may be out! -[Booker T] Oh, baby! Oh, yeah!
We got a new champ. We got a new champ!
-[Cole] No, we don't! -[Booker T] What?
[Cole] Sami got the shoulder up again. How the hell did Sami kick out?
I thought he was knocked out.
[Booker T] Aleister Black is on the cusp of cashing in
on the biggest prize of his career.
Look at this knee right here. Landed it picture-perfect.
-[Cole] Bam! -[Booker T] Oh, my God, man.
[Cole] What an impact, and Sami…
I'm not sure the champ has any idea where he's at.
Middle of the ring after that assault by Black.
[Booker T] Let me tell you something. That was one of those…
What we call an instinctual kickout right there.
You can hear the referee counting. And you can hear it.
And you know that three-count is coming, and you gotta do something quick.
That… that was Sami Zayn right there.
[Cole] And Black has got to be careful not to toy with the champion
because Sami Zayn may be down, but he's never out.
[Booker T] You gotta understand Sami Zayn has pretty much seen everything
in the book inside that 20 by 20, but right now,
Aleister Black is definitely bringing something a little extra here tonight.
Oh, yes!
[Cole] There's a little bit of extra pepper off that.
Now Sami Zayn, though… Helluva!
Oh! Went for the Helluva!
-Black moved out of harm's way! -[Booker T] Wait a minute!
[Cole] Aleister Black now with the Meteora!
-[Booker T] God, man! -[Cole] Black into the cover!
Sami kicked out again! You gotta be kidding me!
And now Black's about to lose it.
He's about to go off the deep end.
Aleister Black eluded the Helluva Kick, delivered a massive Meteora,
but Sami's still able to kick out.
[Booker T] Black can still stitch this thing in, man.
He can still stitch this win here tonight. Trust me.
[Cole] Booker, this has been a hell of a match
for the United States Championship.
[Booker T] It has been. That's what the championship is all about.
That's what Sami Zayn has made this championship.
-[crowd cheering] -[Booker T] I mean, this open challenge,
we haven't seen anything like this in quite some time.
[Cole] Oh, no. Oh, no, Book. Look who's in front of us.
-Damian Priest… -[Booker T] What the hell?
[Cole] …the archrival of Aleister Black.
And Helluva Kick off the distraction!
Blue Thunder Bomb!
Sami retains and Priest with a big old smile on his face.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Nash] Here is your winner
and still United States Champion,
Sami Zayn!
[Cole] Hell of a match.
Sami's been a hell of a champion,
but he got a little bit of help tonight, Book.
[Booker T] You ain't lying. He got a little help.
Landed that Helluva Kick right there.
And Blue Thunder Bomb, perfect position. Right in the middle of the ring.
One, two, three, man.
[Cole] You know, a number of weeks ago, Aleister Black told Damian Priest,
"I kicked you in the face because I wanted to expose you."
And, uh-- Thank you.
Hey, unlike Jey last week,
at least Damian was polite taking the hood off the table.
-[Booker T] Thank God, man. -[Cole laughing]
[Cole] And, uh… I don't think I've ever seen anyone clear off our table
as, I guess I'm going to say, as nicely as Damian Priest just did.
-[Booker T] Let's get out of the way here. -[Cole] You think?
[Booker T] I think something about to happen.
Aleister Black said that Damian Priest lives by a code.
What did you think was gonna happen?
[referee] Priest! Priest, what are you doing?
[Cole] And Priest going to show Black what that code is all about.
Razor's Edge through the announce table!
[crowd cheering]
-Priest! -[fans shouting]
["Rise for the Night" plays]
[Cole] Booker, you know what they say about payback.
[Booker T] What's that?
-[Cole] It's, uh… -[Booker T] It's a mother!
[Cole] Couple of Black Masses took out Priest over the last few weeks,
but Damian with some revenge tonight,
a Razor's Edge through the announce table.
I mentioned before, Black said that Priest lives by a code.
That code got Black in trouble tonight.
Well, you two have been very impressive as of late,
and I'm sure that there are a lot of big things on the horizon for you…
-[Green] Nicholas! -…hopefully on Smack--
[Aldis sighs] Chelsea.
I was just thinking--
Actually, Chelsea, I'm in the middle of discussing
an opportunity for Sol and Zaria.
Perfect timing.
You can tell them that we're giving them the opportunity of a lifetime.
Slaygent of my Secret Hervice.
They're gonna have to prove themselves, though,
because the last time I got in the ring with them, I kind of…
beat them up, if you know what I mean.
-First of all, we're not interested. -You sure about that?
Second of all, the last time I checked, we beat you and your Secret Hervice
down on NXT, so we shouldn't have to audition anyways.
Yeah, we're not looking to be part of the Secret Hervice.
We're looking to prove ourselves to be contenders for the tag titles.
Nicholas, tell them…
that they would be so lucky to get the chance of a lifetime
to be in my Secret Hervice.
-Tell them. Tell them. -Yeah, I'm not gonna do that, Chelsea.
Well, since we're all here, I would hate to miss out on this chance of a lifetime.
Oh, why don't we choose this chance of a lifetime into a match tonight?
Oh, I'm picking up what you're putting down.
-I like that a lot. Chance of a lifetime. -No!
Alba, Chelsea, you've got a match tonight with Sol and Zaria.
-[groans] -Why do you hate us, Nick?
You always ruin everything, Nicholas. Get out of here.
[muttering]
-[Cole] Well, that's what took place… -So dramatic.
[Cole] …earlier today.
♪ Pledge your allegiance To Chelsea Green ♪
[Cole] Sol Ruca and Zaria went from being possible recruits
by Chelsea Green to being opponents here tonight.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
the team of Alba Fyre
and Chelsea Green!
[Cole] A big match for both of these tag teams tonight.
Looking to jockey for position for a possible tag team title opportunity
down the road.
Sol and Zaria from NXT against her Secret Hervice next.
[Cole] Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre set for action here tonight.
Big tag team matchup on Friday Night SmackDown.
[speaking indistinctly]
[music fades out]
["Tortured Minds" plays]
["Chasing Surf" plays]
[Nash] And their opponents,
the team of Zaria
and the NXT North American Champion
and WWE Women's Speed Champion,
Sol Ruca!
[Cole] Before we talk about this odd couple tag team,
a little programming note,
Sol Ruca and, Booker, you're gonna be there,
is gonna be part of Team NXT on Tuesday night
when they take on Team TNA at NXT-TNA Showdown.
Traditional SurvivorSeries-type tag team matchup.
Four-on-four. Tuesday night. Booker, you get to call all the action.
[Booker T] Oh, yes. I'm gonna be there. And trust me.
TNA, they coming in force right now, so we got to be ready, dawg.
[Cole] Okay, so tell us about this tag team of Sol Ruca and Zaria
who have a big match tonight because remember,
the champs, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair said,
"Prove yourself. Maybe we'll give you a tag title opportunity down the road."
[Booker T] This thing's a little different.
Not off into buddies, pals, friends or anything like that.
-But Sol Ruca, she's a double champion. -[bell rings]
She's out there doing it at another level.
And Zaria, normally, it would be some… A little jealousy, but no, no, no, no.
Zaria is always pumping Sol Ruca up to that next level.
That's what's different about this team. They are in it to win it.
[Cole] And the intense Zaria will start things off against Alba Fyre.
Sol Ruca made mention of this
a little bit earlier on today when the backstage confrontation
with this group and Nick Aldis.
Sol Ruca and Zaria knocked off Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
back in NXT in March.
So they've had some success against Chelsea and company.
[Booker T] I can tell you this. Zaria is a champion in the waking,
a champion in the wings right now.
She's definitely playing that role, but trust me, when her time comes,
it's gonna be hard to stop her.
[Cole] Zaria's faced Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia in the past.
Monster energy and physical power, as you see here,
from the Australian Zaria.
[Booker T] Exactly what I'm talking about right there.
She can beat anybody in the middle of that ring on any given Sunday.
-Just waiting and patiently-- -[Cole] Oh!
[Booker T] Big shot. Big shot!
[Cole] What a flying clothesline, and Chelsea Green,
the inaugural United States Women's Champion,
former tag champ, will tag herself in.
[Booker T] Chelsea better be very, very careful
because we're still early right now.
Zaria is still pretty powerful at this point in the game.
[Cole] Yeah, but Chelsea Green, of course, the veteran…
-in a completely different game here. -[Booker T] Wow. You see that?
[Cole] Wow, what a headbutt.
[Booker T] Just snatched Chelsea Green up right there.
-[Cole] And now a tag made to Sol Ruca. -[Green screams]
-[Cole] And look at this move… -[Green] Help me!
[Cole] …as a full five-count here.
[Booker T] What do you call that, Cole? What is that?
[Cole] Uh, interesting. Oh, and Zaria with a kick right to the face,
and now Ruca, face-first with X-Factor.
Cover now by Ruca and a kickout by Chelsea Green.
[Booker T] Better watch those corners right there
because Sol Ruca is, what we should call, innovating.
And that Sol Snatcher can catch you quick as a hiccup, man.
[Cole] Tag by Alba Fyre, who's now legal.
Ruca did not see that tag by Chelsea Green. Pays dividends.
And now Fyre up over the top with a dropkick to the face.
Green, again, makes the tag.
[Booker T] Alba Fyre is the perfect leader, man.
[Cole] Oh!
[Booker T] You don't got to worry about her backing you up.
[Cole] Fyre, with a suicide dive on the other side, took out Zaria.
Chelsea now in control of Ruca.
-[Booker T] Big salute there. Big salute. -Pledge your allegiance, you idiots!
[Cole] Chelsea, maybe instead of talking to fans
should go back to work on Sol Ruca.
Sends her back into the ring.
Chelsea quickly into the cover.
Hook of the leg here.
Kickout at two by Sol Ruca.
[Booker T] Chelsea is very resourceful.
I mean, she comes to the game,
and she's always about checks and championship.
I mean, she's the first, right? She's the first of her kind.
[Cole] Tag to Fyre.
Yeah, double champion is Sol Ruca as Chelsea Green leaves the ring.
Another tag made.
Frequent tags allowing double teams by Fyre and Green.
Chelsea with a big kick.
And Green now…
Oh, face-first!
[Booker T] Beautiful combination there by those two.
-[Cole] Kickout by Sol Ruca. -Come on!
[Cole] Ruca, who had no prior wrestling experience, Booker,
before she came to NXT in 2022.
She was a gymnast at the University of Oregon,
but, boy, has she caught on quickly.
[Booker T] That's what's so impressive about Sol Ruca.
Like I said, her in-ring acumen,
her in-ring prowess, I mean, her balance and timing,
she's picked it up so quick.
And the thing is she's still in her infancy stages, I believe.
-[Cole] Green was looking for the Unpre-- -[Booker T] Wait a minute!
-Wait a minute! Wait a minute! -[Cole] Sol Snatcher!
[Booker T] That's exactly what I'm talking about!
[Cole] From out of nowhere, the Sol Snatcher…
-[bell rings] -["Chasing Surf" plays]
[Cole] …by Sol Ruca for the win.
-[Booker T] Didn't I tell you? -[Nash] Here are you winners,
Zaria and Sol Ruca!
[Cole] So, Book, what do you think?
Did they impress Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, the tag champs?
[Booker T] Hell of a team right there.
They could beat anybody on any given night.
Sol Ruca and Zaria, they are truly a tag team and friends.
Check it out right here. Sol Snatcher.
Oh, yeah. Beautiful.
Right in the middle of that squared circle.
One more time for your mind!
Oh, yes, man!
[Cole] That is a move to behold.
And the odd couple of Zaria and Sol Ruca impressive here tonight
on Friday Night SmackDown.
Guys, I'm here with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
Now, guys, I wanted to talk to you about Sol Ruca and Zaria
because we just saw their incredible performance.
They clearly have a lot of chemistry, but what do you guys think
from your perspective as champions?
I thought they looked impressive.
Yeah, you know, they came together for a win,
which I know can be difficult
when you're not always on the same page as your tag partner.
You know, sometimes you have a tag partner that, you know,
thinks as a queen.
We get it. I mean, she carries a spooky doll.
I mean, we've come… I mean, they've come so far.
I get why they want to face us.
And when that time comes, they better be ready.
-Woo! -[crowd] Woo!
Y-You do it.
No.
[stammers] Come on.
-Woo! [laughs] -[laughing]
-See? She did it. -[crowd] Woo!
Oh, I'm gonna go.
[Cole] Well, from the Women's Tag Champs to the Women's World Champion.
Stephanie Vaquer meets Tiffany Stratton at Crown Jewel a week from tomorrow.
Stephanie and Tiffany sign the contract live, next.
[crowd cheering]
[Tessitore] Jimmy and Jey reunited for tag team action.
A tornado tag team match against The Vision, Bron Breakker
and "Big" Bronson Reed.
Oh! They're wasting no time.
[Barrett] Utter carnage. Expect that in this match.
-Uso! -[crowd] Uso! Uso!
[Tessitore] Bron Breakker just crashes through the announce desk!
[Barrett] The Usos completely wiped out.
And it looks like The Vision are only just getting warmed up.
[Tessitore] Bronson Reed with a Jagged Edge!
And the Usos are down and laid out.
["I am Greatness" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Tessitore] OTC1, the tribal chief!
[Barrett] Four weeks after being wiped out by this duo.
And now there is hell to pay.
And Roman Reigns going to war with The Vision.
[Barrett] And this match is still ongoing. There's no disqualifications.
[Tessitore] The Usos back in business with a spear!
Double Uso Splash!
One, two, three!
[bell rings]
[Tessitore] Roman Reigns is back!
[crowd chanting] Roman! Roman Reigns!
[Cole] And there'll be ones to the sky
this coming Monday night on Raw. Live from Dallas, Texas.
Roman Reigns returns to Monday Night Raw.
Randy. Look, about what Mr. Heyman said…
-Cody, who cares what Heyman says? -Perfect.
You know I have your back.
Right back at you, Code man.
[Cole] Don't let Paul Heyman drive the wedge
because that's what he does best.
Tonight in our main event, the massive tag team matchup.
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes together again
to take on The Vision's Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed live tonight.
Let's head up to the ring now
and our general manager from SmackDown, Nick Aldis.
[Aldis] Ladies and gentlemen,
one week from tomorrow at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia,
two of our brightest shining stars and two champions,
Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer
face off for the coveted Women's Crown Jewel Championship.
Tonight we make it official.
So without further ado, please welcome the WWE Women's Champion,
-Tiffany Stratton. -[crowd cheers]
♪ It's Tiffy Time ♪
["Tiffy Time" playing]
♪ Drop, I'm going in Bass so loud it's in my skin… ♪
[Cole] The woman who is undefeated in the year 2025.
Tiffany Stratton, who last week, a big matchup,
surviving a triple threat with Nia Jax and Jade Cargill.
She has had a hell of a championship run, Book.
[Booker T] The hype is all real, man.
I'm talking about got the championship, got the rocket on the back.
Straight past the stars, past the moon to the nebula, baby,
to the tippy… to the tippy, tippy top. Oh, yes, man.
[Cole] An opportunity next week, a week from tomorrow at Crown Jewel
to show the world that she's the best Women's Champion.
[Booker T] Uh-huh. You ain't lying.
And now her opponent,
the Women's World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!
["Bury Me" playing]
[Cole] What a meteoric rise for La Primera.
The Women's World Champion.
She won a Battle Royal at Evolution over the summer to earn an opportunity.
And then, Book, a few weeks ago at WrestlePalooza,
a classic match.
Stole the show,
-beating Iyo Sky to win the gold. -[Booker T] Yes.
You need to roll those R's a little bit better, Cole.
That's Stephanie "Va-rar-quer," okay?
La Primera!
I'm talking about El Grand Campeon, man.
Oh, yes!
[Cole] You've been brushing up. I'm impressed.
-[Booker T laughs] -My wife would be proud.
[Booker T] She's bad, man.
[Cole] Oh, and she's good, real good.
[crowd chattering]
I respect you.
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] You are a great champion.
And I know I have only been champion for two weeks,
but Tiffany,
I will show you who I am.
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] Because I won't be losing any match.
So next week,
may the best woman win.
[crowd] Ooh!
Stephanie, since the moment you got signed,
I could not wait to step foot in a ring with you.
Stephanie Vaquer versus Tiffany Stratton.
We are some of the best.
And we proved that when we won these titles.
However, in Perth, Australia, at Crown Jewel,
there will be only one woman walking out of the Crown Jewel.
And it will be me.
[crowd cheers]
Because it doesn't matter where we are.
Australia, France, Italy, Cincinnati.
It is and always will be
Tiffy Time.
[crowd cheers]
Ladies and gentlemen, Tiffany Stratton versus Stephanie Vaquer
for the WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship
next week at Crown Jewel, Perth.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Great show of sportsmanship between these two, Booker.
The question is a week from tomorrow.
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Cole] Will it be Tiffy Time?
Or will it be Stephanie Vaquer's time?
[Booker T] This'll be good history.
-History will be made. -[Cole] Oh!
[Booker T] Oh, yes.
[Cole] The United States Champion, Giulia.
Whoa, whoa. Hold it.
Nick, don't you notarize that contract just yet,
because we have a business proposal for Stephanie.
Now, Stephanie, you've worked incredibly hard to become a champion.
Truly, it's commendable.
But let me be the first to tell you--
no, let Giulia and I be the first to tell you
that you're a star.
Right? You know that.
But…
-you're just not a superstar yet. -[crowd boos]
Now don't listen to them, okay?
I can give that to you if you accept my services.
Now, obviously, my rates are high.
But the level of prestige that you'll reach,
it's priceless.
I'm in the middle of cornering the market
and taking Giulia to the top of this division.
And as you can see, she outshines Tiffany
as the best women's champion on SmackDown.
[crowd boos]
I've done all of that, all of that for Giulia.
Just imagine what I can do for you, Stephanie.
I could make you the Women's Crown Jewel Champion, right?
The choice is yours.
Or… Or you can end up like Tiffy Time back there.
I mean, come on.
[Cole] Oh! And from behind, Tiffany Stratton recovering,
goes right after Kiana James.
And now turning their attention to the United States Women's Champion, Giulia.
-She was probably looking for the SVB… -[Booker T] Get out of there.
…the Stephanie Vaquer Bomb.
Giulia able to get out of harm's way.
[Cole] Gonna mention, maybe you should sign on with Kiana James.
Help your career out.
[Booker T] I might do that. How about that?
[Cole] Interesting to see Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer allied tonight
against Giulia and Kiana James.
They battle a week from tomorrow at Crown Jewel.
Booker, what do you make of Giulia and Kiana trying to get involved here tonight?
You know, that was a power play.
That was a money move more than anything. But I liked it.
Booker T with me here at ringside.
Corey Graves still convalescing at home
-after the attack by Brock Lesnar. -He's finished. He's done.
-He's not finished. -He's done.
He'll be back in a couple of weeks from what I understand.
But hey, let's take it back to what happened a bit earlier today
involving our general manager, Nick Aldis.
He's not done.
You've been making a big name for yourself.
And trust me, it is not going unnoticed.
Now look, I know you've got a lot going on,
especially with TNA vs. NXT Showdown this Tuesday.
-But look, let's stay in touch. -For sure.
There's a bright future for you here on SmackDown.
I appreciate you, boss man. Thank you.
Hey, Je'Von, sir. It's good to see you.
Hermano, that match against Sami Zayn last week…
[exclaims]
-That was impressive. -Appreciate you.
-We are cool, right? -Yeah.
But that made me think of what we could do if we went one on one.
Hey, that's fire. That's fire. Hey, uh--
-[speaks Spanish] -Oh, these guys.
-Hold on. -Gentlemen.
Are you babysitting now?
Why are you wasting your time with these two flying lizards?
Let me give you all a fresh reminder.
First of all, he's a rookie.
Also… Also, we, the former AAA Tag Team Champions,
already beat these guys.
-And that was on SmackDown. -Yeah.
-Man, y'all sound goofy as hell. -[laughs]
But since y'all want to keep running y'all mouth,
I say we run it back.
-I don't know. What you think? -Uh.
-Yeah? -I like the sound of that.
You know what? Let's do it.
Rey Fenix, Je'Von Evans versus Los Garza tonight.
-Yeah. -Let's do it. I'm gonna show the world
that ugly face without the mask, huh?
[Cole] Again, Book, that took place earlier today.
["Who Want It" playing]
[Cole] We got the tag team matchup right now.
[Booker T] Oh, yeah, man.
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ Who want it? I want the world… ♪
-[yells] -[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Greensboro, North Carolina,
weighing in at 180 pounds,
Je'Von Evans!
[Cole] So much fun to watch Je'Von Evans.
["Animo" playing]
[Cole] As is this man.
[Nash] And his tag team partner,
from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Rey Fenix!
[Cole] Hey, Booker, buckle up.
Tag Team action on the way, live.
See, what bothers me is I'm tired of people lying.
I'm tired of people crying.
And wasting time on they BS stories.
[crowd chanting] Fatu!
[Fatu] See I had to do what was best with Drew.
And that was shut his ass up.
See, people like to talk a lot.
Until the situation gets spicy.
You see, me, I'm on a whole another time.
I was broke, foaming out the mouth.
So what you think I'ma do if somebody disrespects me, huh?
Huh?
I'm gonna apply pressure.
And I'm gonna wake their ass up for sleeping on me!
But let's keep it 100.
I'm fresh off the scale with it,
all raw, uncut with it.
Let me lace you up.
You coming for me?
Uh-uh.
You're going straight to the bottom.
And to the top is exactly where I'm going.
And if you ain't know,
Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it!
Yadadamean!
Fatu!
[Nash] And their opponents, representing Legado Del Fantasma,
with a combined weight of 425 pounds,
Angel, Berto,
Los Garza!
[Cole] Jacob Fatu scares me.
[Booker T] You ain't jiving. That was real talk, dawg.
[Cole] And Drew McIntyre may want to be a bit concerned about Mr. Fatu.
Meanwhile, tag team action here tonight.
Los Garza's Berto and Angel,
who actually knocked off that team of Je'Von Evans from NXT
and Rey Fenix here on SmackDown
-a number of months ago. -[bell rings]
Rematch here tonight.
Je'Von Evans, Booker.
And again, I want to remind everyone,
Evans will be a part of Team NXT vs. Team TNA.
The showdown.
Roll up by Evans. And a kick out.
Those 4-on-4 traditional survivor series style matches.
Oh! And Evans…
A high flyer with a cover.
Evans has it all, doesn't he?
[Booker T] Man, this kid is here to prove that he's no fly-by-night,
here today, gone tomorrow.
He's here to prove that he can play with the big dogs.
-And tonight is gonna be a big task. -I like it!
[Cole] Yeah, Evans took Sami Zayn to the limit last week.
Cover now by Humberto. And a kick out.
Evans, uh, beat Josh Briggs at No Mercy last week.
And then, uh, won a big tag team matchup on NXT.
Los Garzas,
former AAA World Tag Team Champions,
cousins, know each other so well.
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Lost those tag titles to Pagano and Psycho Clown.
But had a nice reign.
-[Booker T] Oh! -[Cole] Oh! And Evans with a big chop.
[Booker T] I'm all about this kid. Je'Von Evans he don't mind fighting.
Tonight he's gonna have to actually let his hands do his work.
Right there. He's trying to fight out of it.
[Cole] Oh, Berto and Angel gotta a ground Evans and Fenix.
-Gotta be the number one strategy. -[Booker T] Oh, yes.
[Cole] Nice drop kick by Berto.
Cover again on Evans, who caught that one right in the mouth.
-And a kick out. -[Booker T] You gotta understand,
Je'Von Evans, he's no true tag team wrestler.
And right now, it's showing a little bit.
-[Cole] Evans looking for a reversal… -That boy bouncy!
…off the top rope and turns it into a Hurricanrana.
That's a classic Evans there.
Tag made by Angel.
Don't believe Evans understands now that Angel is the legal man.
But he does after the a boot to the face.
[Booker T] Exactly what I'm talking about right there.
-They're really on… -[Cole] Bang!
Angel, Garza is definitely on point right there,
as far as tag team wrestling go.
Well-oiled machine.
[Cole] Rey Fenix!
[Booker T] Oh, wait a minute.
[Cole] That's Los Garza's…
Fenix is gonna fly up over the top!
[Booker T] I'm talking about pro wrestling.
This guy right here, Rey Fenix, can do it all.
And from that move right there, all he needs is a cape.
-Oh, yes! -[Cole] Berto's gonna fly as well!
[Cole] Told you this was gonna be a high flying matchup.
-[Booker T] Wait a minute. -Je'Von Evans!
-[Booker T] Young OG about to get bouncy! -[Cole] Wow!
The elevation by Evans.
Look at this.
[Cole] Los Garzas has been dominating here on Friday Night SmackDown
over the team of Rey Fenix and Je'Von Evans
teaming for just the second time in their career.
Of course Los Garzas, former AAA tag champs.
And what an uppercut by Fenix.
[Booker T] He was trying to mount something right here.
And I'm gonna tell you right now this team of Fenix and Je'Von Evans,
they gonna have to lean on Fenix tag team expertise here.
[Cole] Well, Je'Von Evans just cleared Berto out of the ring.
Angel able to slip underneath.
Fenix caught him with a kick to the face.
Roll through now. Looking for a Crossbody.
-Caught by Angel. -[Booker T] Caught big time, right there.
[Cole] Things are starting to break down.
The official Jason Ayers, a handful in this matchup.
Now! One…
-[Cole] Los Garzas now… -[Booker T] The hell is this?
-[Cole] What a double team! -[Booker T] Oh, my god!
Covered by Angel.
That was incredible!
And somehow Fenix kicked out.
-Wow, that was great. -[Booker T] Now, Los Garza right there,
you could tell they called that play right there.
And it almost, almost got the victory for 'em.
-[Cole] Looked like you and Stevie. -[Booker T] Oh, no doubt, no doubt.
[Booker T] Check it out right here. Beautiful timing right there.
Precision right there by Garza and Carrillo, beautiful.
[Cole] Now Angel may be getting frustrated
trying to figure out what he needs to do to put this team away.
Fenix, a Jawbreaker.
Machka Kick caught him on the…
[Booker T] Caught him on a rebound right there.
[Cole] Oh! Angel again with a clothesline.
This is what I'm talking about.
Every time that Fenix and Evans try to get some momentum built,
Los Garza is able to stop them in their tracks.
[Booker T] And you wanna be with Rey Fenix.
You don't wanna let this guy get going.
Because like I say, once he start moving, he's quick.
-He's so fast. -[Cole] Tag.
[Booker T] And right now, here comes Je'Von Evans, Young OG.
[Cole] Je'Von and Berto are legal in this matchup now.
And Berto with a kick to the face.
-[Booker T] There again one step ahead. -[Cole] Ooh, right to the hamstring.
Nice kick by Evans.
And a big kick to the face of Angel.
-Oh! -[Booker T chuckling] Yeah.
[Cole] Je'Von Evans! What the…
[Booker T] Coming right to our screens right there, baby.
[Cole] Oh, my God, good thing for Sweaty holding the camera out there.
And meanwhile…
-Stacking him up. -[Booker T] Oh, that's it.
[Cole] Using the ropes and the referee caught him.
That was something by Evans.
I don't know how he's still in this.
Kick out. Near fall for Je'Von Evans.
[Booker T] This kid is destined… He's destined to be great.
-He truly is. -[Cole] Oh!
[Booker T] Big shot.
[Cole] Cover again.
This time it's Angel breaking things up for Los Garzas.
Man, what a tag team match.
That's some great action here tonight on SmackDown.
Je'Von Evans!
Oh, my goodness. Wow.
As acrobatic as they come.
[Booker T] The kid can do anything in the middle of that ring.
[Cole] Tag. Rey Fenix legal.
A kick now by Berto.
Fenix with a kick to the face.
[Booker T] Talking about a guy that's… that's amazing.
I'm talking about he could do anything in that ring.
That's Rey Fenix. And right now he's set up. He's set up.
[Cole] Rey Fenix looking to Je'Von. OG Cutter!
Fenix, meanwhile with the MMB!
-The Muscle… The Mexican Muscle Buster! -[Booker T] Wait a minute. Wow.
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
[Nash] Here are your winners.
Je'Von Evans and Rey Fenix!
[Cole] Wow, they're an incredible team.
Oh, what a joy to watch.
Evans and Fenix with the win here tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[Kelley] Excuse me, Damian.
You've been the target of Aleister Black for weeks now,
the violence just escalating.
But tonight you were able to turn the tables.
How far are you personally willing to go to end this chapter once and for all?
Well, Aleister has laid me out with a Black Mass for weeks.
Now he's not the first person to sneak attack me backstage,
but everybody's luck runs out.
There are consequences.
I am those consequences.
-So to answer… -[slow clapping]
Bravo, bravo.
A great example for the kids, as always.
And I don't know how many times I need to say it,
but wake up, Damian!
You think power is intimidation,
when really it's just over compensation.
So try and silence me.
Try and put me down as many times as you like.
But I promise you I will overthrow the toxic aggression era.
And show you what true masculinity is.
Whoa.
Wow, Cathy, it's a miracle.
You really are positively masculine.
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Priest! Priest! Priest!
Priest!
-[Wilson screaming] -Cathy.
-[wheelchair crashes] -[metal clanking]
He's good.
He's non-toxic. He'll be all right.
To answer your question, I'm willing to take this as far as I have to.
-[metal clanking continues] -Plain and simple, Cathy.
Aleister, SmackDown next week.
You and me, one on one, last man standing.
We'll see who hits harder.
[Sikoa] The big man from Japan.
7-feet tall. 300 pounds of destruction.
Talla Tonga.
You've helped me win my first championship
by smashing the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu.
And, man, was it a sight to see.
And I love you for that.
There's a monster inside of you.
I need you to bring it out.
And show everyone who you are.
Because your loyalty will be rewarded
as long as you're a part of my family tree.
[speaks Tongan]
I love you.
I love you too.
I love all of you.
But there's something missing.
There's something missing for this family to be complete.
Once I find that missing part,
everyone, and I mean everyone
is on notice.
["Kingdom" plays]
♪ Wrestling has more than one Royal family ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ 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… ♪
[bell rings]
[Nash] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
he is the Undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Cole] It has been a hell of a night on Friday Night SmackDown.
And what a way to wrap things up with our main event.
Cody, Randy against The Vision.
Live, next.
Well, Cole, Book, I am here with The Street Profits and B-Fab.
And, guys, you have another championship opportunity,
next SmackDown against the Wyatt Sicks.
How are you feeling? You feeling ready to go?
Are you on the same page?
Cathy, I can assure you that Tez and Dawks are on the same page.
Yeah, look, me and Tez have been going through a lot
the past couple of months.
Hell, the past couple years, but we realize this right here
ain't worth giving up.
Yeah, Cathy, so the Wyatt Sicks can play all the mind games that they want to,
because next week we're not just competing for the Tag Team Championships.
We're fighting for each other.
'Cause B-Fab and The Street Profits stay up.
And we want the smoke!
Tez, Dawks, you may be going into this fight as brothers.
But will you still consider yourself family when everything around you
comes crashing down?
Your house is burning, surrounded by flames
that will take everything away from you.
And you will choke on the smoke that you claim to desire.
Nothing more than a pile of ashes.
From our family…
[echoes] our family…
to yours.
[all laughing]
Run.
[Cole] Well, the mind games continue.
And let's run you through what is going to be
an unbelievable Friday Night SmackDown
next week from Perth, Australia.
The Wyatt Sicks defend the tag team titles against the number one contenders,
The Street Profits.
Sami Zayn will be at it again next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
Another United States Championship open challenge.
Who will step up to the task? Find out next week in Perth.
Tag team matchup made after what happened earlier tonight,
24 hours before they face off at Crown Jewel.
Tiffany Stratton, the WWE Women's Champion,
the Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer
will team up to take on the United States Champion Giulia
and her business associate Kiana James.
And it is official, Last Man Standing.
The rules are this,
incapacitate your opponent so they can't make it
to their feet by a count of ten.
Damian Priest, Aleister Black,
Last Man Standing next week.
Wade Barrett will be with me on the call from Perth, Australia.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes set for tag team action.
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
[music fades]
♪ I hear voices In my head ♪
♪ They counsel me They understand ♪
♪ They talk to me… ♪
["Voices" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ You got your rules And your religion ♪
♪ All designed To keep you safe… ♪
[Nash] And his tag team partner from St. Louis, Missouri,
weighing in at 280 pounds,
The Viper,
Randy Orton!
♪ 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 counsel me They understand ♪
♪ 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 ♪
♪ All the lawyers Are defenseless ♪
♪ All the doctors Are diseased ♪
♪ And the preachers All are sinners ♪
♪ And the police Just take the grease ♪
♪ All you judges You are guilty ♪
♪ All the bosses I will fire ♪
♪ All you bankers Will have losses ♪
♪ And politicians All are liars ♪
♪ I see darkness falling ♪
♪ I hear voices calling… ♪
[Cole] You know, Booker, Randy Orton told me
that he never thought he'd see the day
that thousands of WWE fans will be singing his song,
begging for his autograph, but the time has come for the 14-time World Champion.
[Booker T] You know, that speaks to, uh,
what Paul Heyman was talking about earlier,
you may look at it as stirring the pot,
but I think it was a lot of facts,
a lot of… a lot of truth was being told by Paul Heyman
as far as the way these two came up.
It was a lot of competition, man.
I was there, I saw it. These guys weren't friends or anything.
This is the mileage on the road,
miles down the road getting to this point.
I get it, but trust me, anything could happen in a match
between these two guys right here, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
Trust me. Trust me on that.
[Cole] Paul Heyman said at the start of the show tonight that there is no way
that Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes can last as allies and friends
as long as Cody Rhodes is holding the Undisputed Championship.
[Booker T] You don't become 14-time World Heavyweight Champion
being a pal, a buddy, or a friend.
[Cole] And, Book, remember Orton's chasing history.
John Cena, of course, the record 17-time World Champion.
There's only been one other man that's held more titles than Randy Orton,
and that's Rick Flair at 16.
Randy and Triple H at 14 each.
[Booker T] Like Tiger Woods, man,
Randy Orton still searching for one more major, just one more.
Well, maybe three more.
[Cole] I was trying to figure out in my head about the math,
but I figured it was Booker… it was Booker math.
[Booker T chuckles]
Truly a first ballot Hall of Famer right there, both of these guys.
[Cole] Oh, no doubt.
["Battle Tested" plays]
♪ I'm war ready I'm battle tested ♪
[Nash] And their opponents,
accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer, The Oracle, Paul Heyman,
representing The Vision, with a combined weight of 580 pounds,
Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed!
[Cole] It was interesting.
Cody Rhodes was on the Pat McAfee show yesterday, a very interesting interview.
He talked about teaming with Randy Orton tonight.
He said he isn't sure how many times they'll be… keep doing this together,
as of course, each gets older in their career,
so he said one more time, Book.
This is old-school mega powers-like, the team of Orton and Rhodes tonight
against The Vision.
[Booker T] No, I get it.
I get these guys have garnered a lot of respect over the years for each other.
I mean, both of these guys are world champions in their own rights
and their own perspectives.
Right there, Cody Rhodes is holding the gold,
but like you said earlier, Randy Orton is definitely a guy
who wants to get back to that point.
[Cole] So Orton will start things off with Bron Breakker in this tag team matchup.
I was doing a little research this week,
and you realize this is the 20th time, Book,
in their long careers,
that Orton and Cody Rhodes have actually been teammates.
[Booker T] That right there is definitely gonna help them
in a matchup like this
against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed,
because these guys, uh, seem to be unstoppable as of late.
[Cole] It's been a longtime friendship as well between Randy and Cody.
Remember, Randy in a group, The Legacy, with Rhodes and DiBiase
early on in their careers.
And how much Randy Orton has meant to them.
Cody Rhodes will tell you that on so many occasions…
As Breakker's sent over the top rope.
-Orton's fired up. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Randy Orton fighting back now against "Big" Bronson Reed of The Vision,
the 330 pounder.
Remember what this man did to Roman Reigns at Clash in Paris
with the Tsunamis.
Reigns, of course, returning at Raw this past Monday
to take out his anger on The Vision.
As we take a look at what happened during the break now.
Paul Heyman had the official distracted,
which allowed Reed to attack Orton outside the ring
and drop him on the announce table.
[Booker T] I mean, under the directive of Paul Heyman,
these guys are about mayhem and destruction.
And the thing is, I like that.
[Cole] Yeah, and I agree with you, Book.
We talked a lot about Orton and Rhodes in this matchup.
You cannot forget what Reed and Breakker bring to the table.
Paul Heyman said future WrestleMania main eventers.
As Reed goes shoulder first into the steel post.
And Orton's got an opportunity to make a tag.
[Booker T] Oh, that's definitely the modus operandi of the Heyman guy.
All Heyman guys normally go to the next level,
but here comes Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] The American Nightmare who faces, The Vision's Seth Rollins
a week from tomorrow at Crown Jewel.
Trying to take out Reed and Breakker.
[Booker T] Oh, yes!
Trust me, I've tasted that before and it doesn't taste good.
[Cole] Reed sent outside the ring.
Meanwhile, Breakker inside the ring.
And Bron Breaker clotheslined over the top.
-And suddenly Cody Rhodes… -[Booker T] Is he gonna do it?
-Is he gonna do it? -[Cole] Suicide dive!
[Booker T] Wow!
[Cole] And Cody, he's in a zone tonight.
[Booker T] That's the World Champion right there putting caution to the wind.
[Cole] Cover.
A kickout by Reed at one. Authoritative kickout.
[Booker T] Yeah, he drives it.
[Cole] Keylock applied now by Rhodes on Reed, who is back to his feet.
Bronson Reed built like a bowling ball.
[Booker T] Bad idea trying keep this guy too close to the body right there.
Bronson Reed, he's a big strong dude.
[Cole] Oh, and from behind! And, again, Reed learning.
He's already learning from Heyman and Rollins.
You see how he drew the official and it allowed Breakker from behind
to take the ambush attack.
[Booker T] That's Paul Heyman right there, the expert tutelage one Paul Heyman.
[Cole] It's amazing what Paul Heyman has done
to many careers here in WWE.
Probably considered one of the, if not the greatest manager,
in the history of WWE.
[Booker T] I second that. I second that.
I mean, Paul Heyman, you get this guy on your team,
he's truly that legitimizer.
He'd made you that much better.
Yeah, ask Brock Lesnar about it or Roman Reigns…
-[Booker T] Oh, got caught! -…or even CM Punk.
[Cole] Bam! World's strongest slam…
[grunts]
…by the Auszilla.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Mocking now… Mocking, Booker, the OTC, Roman Reigns.
[Booker T] That was just a little…
little slap in the face right there by Bronson Reed.
These guys… These young guys, man.
They're a little different, as far as respect go to the to the elder statesman,
that goes outta the window, man.
-Oh, yes. -[Cole] Massive speed.
[Cole] The clothesline turning Cody inside out.
Breakker and Reed have taken over.
[Cole] And Breakker now in control
of the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
You know, we've watched Breakker and Bronson Reed
in a number of main events over the past number of weeks,
and each and every week they just get better and better as a team.
[Booker T] And I watched Bron Breakker come up in NXT,
and this kid was on a fast track.
And right now it's all about being that dominator.
-[Booker T] Oh, yes! -[Cole] Oh, and Cody landed hard.
[Cole] Cody landed hard and tumbles out of the ring.
[Booker T] The strength of Bron Breakker right there.
He flipped him all the way over.
I think Cody landed on his right knee right there.
[Cole] Yeah, he landed, uh, a bit gingerly when he came down.
And now Bronson Reed sends Rhodes back into the ring.
The official checking on Cody to make sure he's okay.
Bronson Reed doesn't give a damn.
[crowd chanting] Cody, Cody, Cody!
[Cole] Reed and Breakker have been hell-bent on destroying people.
[Booker T] And I get it. When you're coming up in this business, man,
there is a saying from back in the day,
you gotta be willing to step on some toes and step on some toes
and keep on walking, Jack.
That's what these guys are about.
[Cole] And you gotta give Rollins credit.
Being able to put these two together on his team.
Saw what Bronson Reed did to Rollins last year.
Half a dozen Tsunamis one night.
Rollins said he earned respect from Reed on that evening.
Now look at Reed dragging Cody back to the corner.
Isolating Rhodes from his partner.
And Breakker makes the tag.
What the…
Oh, no!
What did Mark Nash, our ring announcer, say?
Combined weight of 580?
Crashed down onto Cody Rhodes.
[Booker T] Cody may have a broken rib.
[Cole] Or a broken ankle.
[Reed] You don't touch Mr. Heyman.
[Cole] Bron Breakker
just cutting off Cody's circulation on the bottom rope there.
And Breaker and Reed, Book, dominating.
And look at Breakker barking at Orton.
He said this a few weeks ago. He's a fry short of a happy meal.
[Booker T] No, it's not that.
This kid is… he's destined for greatness is what it is.
[Cole] Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Looking to make a tag.
Cody a fingertip away.
And Breakker powers him back into his corner.
And now Bron delivering the shoulders to the midsection.
[Booker T] Great tag team work there by Bron and Bron.
You gotta love it from a tag team perspective.
Ah, big shot there.
[Cole] And now Bronson hammering away on Cody Rhodes. The Auszilla.
[crowd chanting] Cody, Cody Rhodes!
[Cole] And Breakker in off the tag again.
As the WWE fans are trying to get Cody back into this matchup.
[Booker T] I mean, Cody's in dire straits right now.
He definitely needs to get out of this corner and do it quick.
[Cole] And Breakker now unloading.
You're right, but Cody's absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment here,
but may find an opening.
Breakker trying to hang on,
trying to prevent Cody from making a tag to Orton.
[crowd cheering]
-Rhodes creates a little bit of space-- -[Booker T] Tag made.
[Cole] And Bronson Reed not allowing Cody.
And look at how he knocks Cody down and steps between him and Randy.
[Booker T] You see that look.
That look in this big man's eye right there, just burned into Randy Orton.
[Cole] Cody whipped into the corner. Nobody home for Reed.
Cody's got a chance.
[Booker T] Gotta get there, and you gotta get there quick.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, went for the senton! Cody rolled out of harm's way.
[Booker T] Nobody home right there. Cody needs to make the tag.
[crowd cheering]
-[Cole] Can he get to Randy Orton here? -[Booker T] So close. He's so close.
[Cole] Tag to Breakker. Here comes Orton.
-[Booker T] Here we go. -[Cole] And Randy Orton.
[Booker T] Vintage. Vintage.
-Here we go. Oh, yeah. -[Cole] Powerslam!
And Breakker caught Randy with a boot. Tag made. Reed's legal.
The 330 pounder.
[Booker T] Can we get another one?
-[Cole] Another powerslam! -You got to be kidding me.
[Booker T] You got to be kidding me.
[crowd cheering]
[Booker T] Crowd behind Randy Orton.
[Cole] Uh-oh, and Reed just like that.
Jagged Edge, Death Valley Driver by Bronson Reed!
And Reed says it's over.
[Booker T] The limitations of this guy right here Bronson Reed
could be limitless. Trust me, man.
[Cole] Randy quick to get back to his feet.
[Booker T] Ah. Good shot.
[Cole] A little too much time getting to the top rope,
and the veteran Randy Orton capitalized.
[Booker T] Randy throwing those big…
those big right hands and laying everything in it.
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO! RKO!
[Cole] Listen to this place.
And now a superplex!
Cover.
Bron Breakker. How quick is he?
[Booker T] He's very quick. And I'm gonna tell you right there,
I'm surprised Randy had the wherewithal to make that cover right there.
Hard landing for both of those guys.
[Cole] Cody sent out of the ring. Bron Breakker now and Cody going at it.
Oh, bouncing Cody face first off the steel post.
What the hell is Breakker doing?
-Breakker on the apron. -Oh, he's picking up speed.
[Cole] Oh, my goodness!
Driving Cody and himself into the timekeeper's area
through the barricade!
[Booker T] God, man.
[Cole] Randy can't believe what he just witnessed.
But Randy's got to refocus on the match here.
[Booker T] Oh, wait a minute.
-Reed's in a bad position. -[Cole] That there is vintage Orton.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The Apex Predator looks ready to strike.
Where the hell is Heyman go… Wait a minute. Rollins with a stomp!
Heyman had the official distracted.
Seth Rollins with a stomp. Randy Orton is out of it.
-And it's gonna get worse. -[Booker T] Oh, my God.
-[Cole] Bronson Reed. Tsunami! -[Booker T] Oh, my God.
[Booker T] Wow!
[Cole] Reed and Breakker beat Orton and Rhodes.
["Battle Tested" plays]
[Nash] Here are your winners,
Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed!
[Cole] You know, Randy Orton was once called The Legend Killer.
"Big" Bronson Reed may soon take over that moniker.
Reigns last month, Randy Orton tonight.
And thanks to Seth Rollins,
Breakker and Reed with one of the biggest victories,
perhaps the biggest victory in their careers.
[Booker T] Look at Paul Heyman.
Paul Heyman just pulled off the master plan, man.
Oh, yes.
♪ We're ready for war We're battle tested ♪
♪ Made it through the fire Now we're here to wreck it ♪
♪ I'm ready for war I'm battle tested… ♪
[Cole] What a win for Breakker and Reed,
despite the fact Rollins delivered the stomp.
Looked like Breakker and Reed wanted more, but--
He's mine!
Job's done. Let's go!
Whatever you're thinking, don't do it.
Don't do it. Just don't do it.
He's in your head. Don't do this.
Please, don't do this.
Don't do this. Don't do it. Don't.
[Cole] Well, Rollins sees a vulnerable Cody Rhodes.
Going for a stomp.
Nobody home.
-Cody turns it around! -[crowd cheering]
-Cross Rhodes! -[Booker T] Oh, yeah!
[Cole] When it's one-on-one, Cody has Seth's number.
And you heard Heyman say it, Booker.
-What do you mean, no? -[Cole] Cody Rhodes is in Rollins's head! p!