Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Renee Young interviews "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura. Dolph Ziggler interrupts before the interview can even start, and says if Shinsuke wants to play interview, they'll play interview. Ziggler doesn't give Nakamura much of a chance to speak, and says Nakamura is really Michael Jackson, who really disappeared into obscurity and came back as Shinsuke Nakamura, which means "petty, pathetic, overrated freak." Nakamura takes the microphone away, turns the tables by asking Ziggler what his problem is and calling Ziggler a jackass. Ziggler kicks Nakamura in the gut, but Nakamura replies with an exploder suplex, forcing Ziggler to retreat.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles beats Baron Corbin with a roll-up despite interference from Kevin Owens. Owens and Corbin attack Styles after the match, but Sami Zayn runs in. Owens retreats, and Corbin eventually ends up eating a Helluva Kick. Owens then runs back in and hits Sami Zayn with a pop-up powerbomb.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Charlotte. She says gold runs through her veins, and that she needs it to exist. Tonight, she will complete "the drive for five" and prove she is the best WWE Superstar in history.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat The Colons (Primo and Epico Colon) in the first match of a Beat The Clock Challenge to decide the #1 contenders for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships with a time of 5:17 (5 minutes and 17 seconds).
We see footage from Rusev from earlier today, stating that he hates SmackDown Live's management and the Superstar Shake-Up. Unless he is given a championship match at Money In The Bank, he will pack his bags and go back home to Bulgaria.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky Lynch. She isn't the biggest fan of Charlotte due to what has happened between them on main roster. Carmella, Natalya, James Ellsworth and Tamina show up, wanting to know where Becky Lynch stands on Charlotte, and tell her to choose wisely.
Randy Orton beats Erick Rowan in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Orton says he doesn't exactly know what a House of Horrors Match is, but he'll find out Sunday when he makes it Bray Wyatt's hell. Jinder Mahal shows up, saying Orton is overlooking and disrespecting and that he is the real threat to the WWE Championship as he has more talent, culture and class than anyone else in the arena. He says Orton overlooks him due to how Jinder looks as well as due to arrogance and lack of tolerance, and that he will bring the WWE Championship back to his people, who he will address in Punjabi. Jinder tries to fight Orton, and Orton gets the upper hand until The Bollywood Boyz (Harv and Gurv Sihra) pin Orton down. After the beating to Orton, Jinder lifts the WWE Championship over his head.
We see Lana dance in another vignette.
During the break, Jinder Mahal and The Bollywood Boyz (Harv and Gurv Sihra) are seen leaving in a Hummer limousine with the WWE Championship.
Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) with 2:36 left on the clock in the second match of a #1 Contender's Beat The Clock Challenge to become #1 Contenders for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Neville says he will dismantle "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher tonight on 205 Live, and tells Austin Aries he will suffer the same fate at Payback.
We see a video package of the events leading up to the House of Horrors Match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt at Payback.
Renee Young interviews Naomi. Naomi says Charlotte is a stand-out competitor, but she's no Muhammad Ali and she's going to feel the glow.
Charlotte vs. Naomi for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship ends with the interference of Natalya, Carmella, Tamina and James Ellsworth, who all attack Charlotte after a brawl that also involves Naomi.
On Talking Smack, Sami Zayn is viciously attacked by Baron Corbin.
Charlotte Flair appears to start tonight's show. Last week, she arrived at SmackDown Live, and she wants to know why she has not been granted a SmackDown Women's title match yet. Naomi shows up instead of Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan, who tells Charlotte there are no kings or queens on SmackDown Live, but there are champions, and she finds it amazing she's begging for a title shot. Naomi decides to give her what she wants, right here, right now...and belts her in the face. Shane finally dances in and makes the match official, then Shane tells Charlotte she has to earn her opportunities here. If Charlotte beats Naomi tonight, she'll be able to face her again for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship next week. After this, Charlotte and Naomi continue to brawl.
Natalya confronts Commissioner Shane McMahon for giving Charlotte Flair a chance at a title shot. Carmella shows up with James Ellsworth, and agrees with Natalya, but James Ellsworth says Carmellla should be the face of SmackDown Live, not Natalya. Tamina also shows up, also angry about Charlotte Flair getting a chance at a title shot. After some arguing, Natalya tells Carmella and Tamina that she has a plan. The three of them then leave.
Jinder Mahal beats Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, Luke Harper and Mojo Rawley in a Six-Pack Challenge to become #1 contender for the WWE Championship after The Bollywood Boyz (Harv and Gurv Sihra) crawl out of the ring and stop Sami Zayn from hitting Jinder with his Helluva Kick. Renee Young interviews Jinder Mahal after the match, and Jinder Mahal accuses the crowd of racism for booing him before announcing that they will accept him as their new WWE Champion. After the match, Randy Orton shows up and congratulates him, but tells him his prize won't be the WWE Championship. Instead, it will be an RKO. Before he can take out Jinder, he's got to take out Bray Wyatt and burn down his House of Horrors. Bray appears on the TitanTron, and wants Orton to feel his pain. Bray then states that nothing will compare to the House of Horrors, and promises that Orton won't be able to walk out.
We get a look at "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles, who doesn't care who he faces for the United States Championship. Baron Corbin suddenly shows up and says Styles didn't pin him and that he and Sami Zayn stuck their noses in his business. Styles says he's in the business of winning, and tells Corbin he can give him an encore performance tonight. Corbin says he's okay with that, and tells Styles to just remember that "he asked for it."
Charlotte Flair is backstage when she runs into Natalya, Carmella, James Ellsworth and Tamina. The four of them sarcastically welcome Charlotte to SmackDown Live as she makes her way to the ring.
Charlotte Flair beats Naomi to become #1 contender for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship after booting Naomi in the back during the Rear View and hitting Natural Selection.
The hosts of Team Ninja Warrior, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Matt Iseman are in the front row.
Backstage, Natalya, Carmella, James Ellsworth and Tamina look down on Charlotte Flair.
Primo and Epico Colon (who are no longer called The Shining Stars) get a surprise victory on American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) after Primo scores a surprise roll-up pin on Jason Jordan.
We see another vignette of Lana dancing, as she is coming soon to SmackDown Live.
Dasha Fuentes interviews "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger. We then see a video package of Dillinger that explains why people are excited to see him on SmackDown Live and why he's "The Perfect Ten."
Kevin Owens quickly beats Gary Gandy in a Face of America Challenge. Before the match, Owens dismisses ring announcer Greg Hamilton and introduces himself (and hails from Montreal, Quebec, Canada as opposed to Marieville) before asking his opponent to state his name. After the match, he tells "the lazy citizens of the United States of America" to shut up, put the hot dogs down and listen to him as he states that he will become "The Face of America" and that Chris Jericho and AJ Styles will not take the United States title from him. He then guests on commentary for the next match.
Austin Aries promises to wipe the smile off TJ Perkins' face tonight on 205 Live.
AJ Styles beats Baron Corbin by count-out after Baron Corbin heaves him into Kevin Owens and Styles sends Corbin over the barricade.
On Talking Smack, Jinder Mahal declares himself "the new American dream."
General Manager Daniel Bryan is approached by AJ Styles backstage, who says Styles would be fired if he had it his way. Daniel tells Styles that Commissioner Shane McMahon is a different kind of animal altogether, and tells him he has no idea what he's in store for at WrestleMania. Styles, apparently having no remorse for what he did last week, says he will head to the ring to brag about how good it felt to beat up Shane McMahon.
AJ Styles heads to the ring. He says he is not sorry for what he did to Commissioner Shane McMahon last week, saying that what he did made his heart swell. He brags about putting Shane through a car window, and says Shane is crazy for wanting to have a match with him. He accepts the match without hesitating, saying he wants to be part of WrestleMania and that Shane only wants to be in the ring with him because SmackDown Live would fail without him. He tells General Manager Daniel Bryan he is untouchable, and that he is going to WrestleMania after lacerating Shane's head in a parking garage. He plans to do what he did last week all over again...and teases making it worse than last time.
General Manager Daniel Bryan tells Commissioner Shane McMahon what AJ Styles plans to do to him. Shane apparently has a plan, and Daniel Bryan supports it. Baron Corbin shows up, wanting to know if Dean Ambrose has accepted his challenge for the Intercontinental Championship. Daniel Bryan says no, and Baron Corbin says he'll go to the blackjack table. Daniel Bryan tells him he's not off yet, as he showed up at the wrong place at the wrong time. He puts him in a match against Randy Orton.
Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots is in the audience tonight.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships after one Uso pulls Jason Jordan's leg while the other manages to hit the Superkick for the win in a close tag team match.
AJ Styles waits for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot again.
Luke Harper says he has seen what Sister Abigail can do, and what her powers are capable of. He says that she has turned good men mad, and that Bray both opened and eviscerated Pandora's Box, and a new evil permeates the earth. He says that Bray Wyatt unleashed a new evil, and next week, he will destroy him.
The Miz and Maryse make fun of John Cena and The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) in what is presented as a "lost episode" of Total Bellas.
Randy Orton beats Baron Corbin. During the match, Dean Ambrose appears on top of a forklift near the entrance ramp, and Randy Orton is able to hit a distracted Baron Corbin with an RKO for the win. After the match, Ambrose gets off the forklift and into the ring, and tells Corbin that if he wants a match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania, he's got it. He then hits Corbin with Dirty Deeds.
AJ Styles continues to wait for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot.
Renee Young interviews Randy Orton, who says he can't quite get rid of Bray Wyatt. Suddenly, the lights dim in and out, and when they come back, he is surrounded by men in sheep masks. Orton is unable to fight them off, and he comes face to face with Bray Wyatt. Wyatt says that Orton exposed his one flaw in Sister Abigail, but it will become his greatest strength as she is one with him now.
Tyler Breeze shows up dressed like Nikki Bella before the next match. Fandango then says that John Cena was exposed for "being a lousy boyfriend," and "wearing jorts in 2017." He then plans to expose Cena for being the "lousy wrestler that he is." All the while, Cena is ticketed by "Breezy Bella." John Cena then brings out the real Nikki Bella.
John Cena quickly beats Fandango by submission. Tyler Breeze aka "Breezy Bella" gets in the ring only to get Speared by Nikki Bella. After an Attitude Adjustment on Fandango and a Rack Attack 2.0 on Breeze, both Breeze and Fandango are put in an STF at the same time.
Once again, AJ Styles is seen waiting for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot.
Natalya guests on commentary for the next match.
Becky Lynch vs. Carmella quickly ends after James Ellsworth grabs Becky by the leg and Natalya goes after Carmella. Mickie James and Alexa Bliss quickly join in on the brouhaha, and Alexa Bliss eventually comes out on top.
Neville takes on Mustafa Ali tonight on 205 Live.
We see more "lost footage" from Total Bellas, where "John Cena" and "Nikki Bella" give a tour of the house. All the while, "Nikki" gets a DDP Yoga DVD set and a toy WWE ring before tying the knot...on one of his shoes.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles when a car pulls up. Instead of Commissioner Shane McMahon, out comes Heath Slater and Rhyno, much to Styles' disappointment.
Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up, somehow having evaded AJ Styles. Shane tells Styles that he's looking for him. Back at the parking lot, Renee Young tells Styles that Shane is in the ring right now.
After the commercial break, Commissioner Shane McMahon says he's still waiting for AJ Styles so he can prove how tough he is. He says that everything between them could have ended differently, and tells him that whatever issue he has with him, it just got worse. He tells Styles to either come to the ring or he'll come looking for him in the back. Styles slowly makes his way to the ring, and tells Shane to calm down. He asks Shane to see where he is coming from, acknowledges that Shane is not like the rest of the McMahons, and proceeds to get in the ring to apologize. When he does, Shane gets a few jabs in and the two men brawl. The brawl ends with a top rope elbow drop on Styles on a broken-down commentary table.
On Talking Smack, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) call their newly-won SmackDown tag team titles their hall pass to WrestleMania, and also want to face Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) for the Raw tag team titles and unify them. They also consider starting a hip-hop group with General Manager Daniel Bryan until D-Bry wants to call their group "Smooth Beets."
On Talking Smack, John Cena responds to The Miz and Maryse making fun of him and Nikki Bella, saying that after next week, the jokes - which Cena did not have a problem with - stop and The Miz has to go back to being himself.
General Manager Daniel Bryan is making some matches when AJ Styles shows up, wanting to speak to Commissioner Shane McMahon. Daniel Bryan tells Styles that Shane is not here, which causes Styles to decide to take his issues to the ring.
AJ Styles heads to the ring. He says he is sick and tired of being messed with by General Manager Daniel Bryan and Commissioner Shane McMahon, as well as having to jump through hoops only to see his one-on-one rematch with John Cena happen and see his potential WrestleMania moment go up in smoke. He says he is the reason why people are watching SmackDown Live and subscribed to the WWE Network, and after all that, he doesn't even have a match at WrestleMania. He plans to have a conversation with Shane McMahon about his career tonight...if he has one.
Becky Lynch beats Natalya with the Disarmher, then is attacked by Carmella after the match.
AJ Styles waits in the parking lot for Commissioner Shane McMahon.
We see footage of John Cena and Nikki Bella at the 2017 Kids' Choice Awards.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Carmella. Carmella makes it known she wants to be the next SmackDown Women's champion.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's special guest is...The Miz and Maryse themselves, who plan to expose John Cena and Nikki Bella as frauds. After showing some footage of them talking about Cena and Nikki last week on Talking Smack, Miz says that Cena is a plastic personality who only likes himself and that Nikki will never have an engagement ring. Maryse talks about how Nikki kept her off the first season of Total Divas by promising to get her a better contract, only for the contract to be taken away from her and cost her opportunities for the last three-and-a-half years. After Maryse says she will expose Nikki as "a lying, backstabbing bitch," Cena and Nikki show up while Miz and Maryse retreat. Nikki asks why Maryse is in the WWE right now if she has the power to block her job, and says that they were never best friends and that Maryse stabbed her in the back. Nikki dares Maryse to get in the ring so she can kick her ass, but Miz says she can't make matches and that he and Maryse are heading to the back. General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up, stopping them from leaving and saying that all Miz does is run his mouth, cut people off, steal his moves and make him want to punch him in the face even though he can't. He does know people who can, and at WrestleMania, Miz and Maryse will face Cena and Nikki in a mixed tag team match. Miz is livid.
AJ Styles is still waiting for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot...
Mickie James beats Alexa Bliss.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles in the parking lot when Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up. When Shane steps out of his car and heads into the building, AJ brutally attacks him and even rams Shane's head into a car window. Fit Finlay checks on Shane afterwards and calls for medical help.
Shane has a scalp laceration, and has to be helped to the trainer's room. After The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) confront AJ Styles for his behavior, Styles leaves the locker room when he runs into General Manager Daniel Bryan, who fires him before ordering security to escort him out of the building.
Mojo Rawley beats Dolph Ziggler by count-out after Ziggler walks out of the match.
Neville advertises tonight's 205 Live, saying he doesn't care who the new #1 contender to the Cruiserweight title is as he will break them at WrestleMania.
Randy Orton shows up. He says he has been waiting for months for his opportunity to hit Bray Wyatt where it hurt the most, and he did that by becoming a member of the Wyatt Family. The moe he stood by Bray Wyatt's side, the deeper the venom went into his veins, and when he was able to get "the keys to the kingdom," he burned down the Wyatt Family compound and the body of Sister Abigail. Bray then appears on the TitanTron. Bray says Orton was right about being helpless, naked and stripped of power until he made his way back home. Bray then says that Sister Abigail is still very much alive and has given him her power. Now that Sister Abigail lives through him, he plans to destroy Orton. He then covers himself in the ashes of Sister Abigail.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Baron Corbin, who says there are no lines; only actions and consequences. Dean Ambrose was looking for him, so he put him in the hospital. If Ambrose can get out of a hospital bed and come back at WrestleMani, he will take everything from him.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) after stopping a double-team attempt. During the match, Fit Finaly and Jamie Noble help Commissioner Shane McMahon to the hospital backstage, but Shane wants to head to the ring.
The show ends with Commisioner Shane McMahon heading to the ring and saying "AJ Styles says he doesn't have an opponent for WrestleMania? Well, he does now."
During Talking Smack, an argument erupts in the SmackDown Women's Division between Natalya, Mickie James, Carmella, Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch.
General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up to start tonight's show by introducing Naomi, who shows up wearing a knee brace. Daniel Bryan acknowledges the hard work that Naomi has done to become SmackDown Women's Champion, then says that he has to make a very hard decision. He talks about how he climbed to the top only for injury to send him toppling back down multiple times, and after having a conversation with Commissioner Shane McMahon, they know that she will be unable to defend the title in the required 30 days, and she will have to relinquish the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship immediately. Naomi thanks Daniel Bryan for the kind words, as he knows what she is going through, and says that it is funny how quickly life can change. As soon as she is on top of the mountain, she is knocked back down and feels bad that everyone who was on the ride with her has to go through this with her. She hands the SmackDown women's title, and as she leaves, Alexa Bliss shows up, and demands that Daniel Bryan return the SmackDown Women's title to her. Daniel Brayn then says he now has to make an even more difficult decision, and says that Alexa isn't getting the title back. She makes her work for it by putting her in a match for the title right now against Becky Lynch.
Alexa Bliss beats Becky Lynch with a roll-up to win the vacant WWE SmackDown Women's Championship! After the match, Mickie James congratulates Alexa Bliss, then fights Becky Lynch in the ring only to quickly get sent out of the ring.
Dean Ambrose talks about what happened to him last week, and says he is taking the WWE Championship back.
Kalisto says he was never supposed to be a WWE Superstar, but here he is, and says there is no limit to what he can do...including main eventing WrestleMania.
The Miz runs down his list of accolades, then says he will be the most must-see WWE Champion at WrestleMania.
Renee Young interviews Natalya backstage. Natalya says that Nikki Bella only has support because everything about her is manufactured in a lab, and that she will expose her for what she is tonight.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Cad Gable) quickly beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango). After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) mock American Alpha's victory from the crowd while stating they will be the next SmackDown tag champs. They tease getting in the ring with American Alpha, then say they'll only fight them on their time and tell them that they're not ready for The Usos.
AJ Styles tells everyone backstage he's headed to the main event of WrestleMania.
Dolph Ziggler says he has cancelled the new era of the WWE, and if anyone thinks they can replace him, they've got another thing coming.
Mojo Rawley is ready to win another battle royal, because this time, it's for the main event of WrestleMania.
Luke Harper says he's followed and obeyed Bray Wyatt for years, but at the flick of a switch, that all changed. Now he is free, and after he wins tonight, there will nowhere left for Bray to run.
Renee Young interviews Nikki Bella, who now has no sympathy for Natalya. She is the longest-reigning Divas champ for a reason, and she will prove why, for after tonight, Natalya will be known as "the broken Hart."
Natalya beats Nikki Bella in a Falls Count Anywhere match after Maryse attacks Nikki Bella while she has the Fearless Lock on Natalya, even though it was Natalya who sent Nikki into Maryse in the first place. The Miz holds Maryse back and sends her to the back, but Natalya wins anyway. Referees have to check on Nikki, who is holding on to her right knee after the match.
Baron Corbin says he likes destruction and plenty of pain, but he likes the spotlight the most. When he tosses nine other people out of the ring, it will be on him when he is in the main event of WrestleMania.
Apollo Crews says Dolph Ziggler thought he could keep him down, and that people think he can mistake his smile for weakness. But tonight, if anyone gets in his way, they're getting rolled over, boweld over and otssed over quickly.
Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt says that the winner of tonight's battle royal will be his sacrificial lamb at WrestleMania.
"Gentleman" Jack Gallagher advertises his match tonight on 205 Live against Tony Nese.
Luke Harper and AJ Styles eliminate each other seemingly simultaneously in a 10-man battle royal to decide a new #1 contender for the WWE Championship. General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up, declares the match the draw, and announces that a winner will be declared next week. After the match, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton appear on the TitanTron, and Bray Wyatt laughs.
On Talking Smack, AJ Styles evaluates Daniel Bryan's job performance as SmackDown Live General Manager.
It is announced on Talking Smack that John Cena will guest on Miz TV next week on SmackDown Live.
Bray Wyatt starts tonight's show. Sister Abigail told him that this would not easy, and that they would lie to him and denounce him and steal his gift. He can now say that he finally has "the whole damn world in my hands." He goes on to say that too much power can be a scary thing, not for him, but for the fans, whom he promises to lead to paradise as he says that all who stand in his way will burn. He welcomes the WWE Universe to the Era of Wyatt. John Cena shows up, acknowledges the crowd's excitement, then congratulates Bray Wyatt on winning the WWE Championship as well as "brainwashing the fans," implying that he has brainwashed them into saying he deserves the title. Cena says people aren't handed things in WWE; instead, they have to earn them, and that the WWE Championship is a big target on his shoulder and the entire world is looking at it. They have a rematch for the title, but Cena wants to get it over with right now. AJ Styles shows up and says Cena's not getting his rematch before him, calling his rematch "line-jumping" and saying that this is bout him, not Cena, who he says has a private plane and doesn't live like regular people. Styles says he knows he can beat both Cena and Wyatt, and demands his one-on-one rematch for the WWE Championship right now. General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up, congratulates Bray Wyatt on winning the WWE Championship, then acknowledges that Cena and Styles are both owed a rematch for the WWE Championship and that a WWE Championship match has been advertised to the fans. He makes official a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship between John Cena, AJ Styles and Bray Wyatt.
Dean Ambrose looks for Baron Corbin backstage.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor). After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up on the TitanTron, making it clear they are gunning for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, James Ellsworth asks Carmella to accompany him to dinner tonight, but Carmella wants to keep it professional. Meanwhile, Dean Ambrose is looking for Baron Corbin, then notices Ellsworth she's using him. Carmella calls Dean a "gas station attendant" and wants Ellsworth to stand up to Ambrose. General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up and asks what the problem is. Ambrose says he wants Corbin, but at the same time, Ellsworth and Carmella have a problem with him. Daniel Bryan understands what's going on and knows Ambrose needs to take his aggression out on somebody, so he puts Ambrose and Ellsworth in a match tonight, knowing that the two of them still have some unfinished business.
Before the next match, James Ellsworth demands respect for Carmella and introduces her. When Dean Ambrose's music hits, however, Baron Corbin is seen dragging Dean Ambrose to the stage, and he and Ambrose brawl next to it. Corbin hits a Deep Six on Ambrose into some production gear.
Backstage, General Manager Daniel Bryan talks with Nikki Bella, saying the feud between Nikki and Natalya has to stop. Suddenly, Natalya shows up, saying Nikki always gets what she wants, especially when the General Manager of SmackDown Live is her brother-in-law. The two of them verbally come to blows before it becomes physical. D-Bry calls for security, who quickly move into place to break it up, and puts Nikki and Natalya in a Falls Count Anywhere Match next week in an attempt to finally settle this. Nikki and Natalya struggle to get at each other even after Daniel Bryan leaves.
Baron Corbin says he owes no explanation for his attack on Dean Ambrose, saying that he is not WWE Champion due to Dean Ambrose.
Renee Young interviews Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler says he's been sore and a loser, but the only sore losers are Kalisto and Apollo Crews, thanks to him. What he did to them on Sunday was a wake-up call to them, He says all the new guys think they are here to replace him, but he isn't letting someone steal his pace is far from done and if he has to wipe out an entire generation of wrestlers, so be it. Some people want to steal the show from him and take his place, but he's about to put some people in theirs.
Mickie James beats Becky Lynch by faking an arm injury after a tumble out of the ring, allowing for an easy Mick Kick to get the win.
Renee Young interviews Naomi in the ring. It is taken her eight years to get here, but now she's injured. Nevertheless, she's taking the SmackDown Women's title to WrestleMania one way or another. Alexa Bliss shows up, saying that Naomi has dreamed up the injury and that her victory is a fluke and that she is a fluke. Naomi calls Alexa Bliss "a little flea" and tells her that she can still snatch her bald right here, right now and that she is not to be trifled with. Alexa Bliss gives Naomi one week to either forfeit the title back to her or she will take it by force in her owed rematch.
WWE celebrates Black History Month with a quote from Nelson Mandela.
TJ Perkins advertises his match with Neville tonight on 205 Live, stating that he will beat Neville and get one step closer to bringing the Cruiserweight title "back to the man where it all began."
Luke Harper attacks Bray Wyatt before the next match begins, and is ordered to the back by referees.
Bray Wyatt retains the WWE Championship against John Cena and AJ Styles in a Triple Threat Match. Randy Orton shows up and stares down Bray Wyatt after the match, then tells Wyatt that though he won the Royal Rumble and the privileges that come with it, Wyatt is WWE Champion. However, as long as Wyatt is the master and he is the servant, he refuses to face him at WrestleMania, and pledges his undying allegiance to Wyatt. As Orton gets down on his knees and spreads his arms, Wyatt tells him "You have the keys to the kindom, my friend," then laughs.
On Talking Smack, it is announced that Dean Ambrose has been released from a local medical facility.
On Talking Smack, it is announced that there will be a battle royal next week, and that the winner will face Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Dean Ambrose shows up to start tonight's show with Ambrose Asylum. Ambrose announces that he is entering the Royal Rumble match, then rues that the proper permits to have a live alligator on set are not in place. The Miz and Maryse show up, and Miz says that Ambrose taints the Intercontinental Championship with each day he holds it, and now that Ambrose is tainting the integrity of . Miz then says Ambrose stole the title from him, as the match should have ended via interference. He tells Ambrose to give it back to him so he can spare him lawsuits and legal fees. Ambrose says he has something that belongs to The Miz, and that he should give it back to him: a Miz Participation Award. This leads to Miz attacking Ambrose and letting Maryse slap him only for Ambrose to duck so that Maryse accidentally slaps Miz instead. After a Dirty Deeds to Miz, Ambrose hands the Participation Award to Maryse before leaving.
Natalya attacks Nikki Bella from behind backstage, hurting Nikki's leg.
The match between Natalya and Nikki Bella ends before it can even begin when Natalya and Nikki brawl all over the ring.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Dolph Ziggler, who remains stone-faced and silent when asked to explain his actions from last week before leaving.
Kalisto gets a surprise win on Dolph Ziggler with a crucifix pin after a lazy pinfall attempt, then Ziggler attacks Kalisto after the match, first with his fists, then with a steel chair. As Ziggler leaves, Apollo Crews shows up, but Ziggler is able to attack him with the steel chair as well. After attacking Kalisto with the steel chair again, Ziggler leaves.
Dasha Fuentes interviews American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable), who admit that The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Randy Orton) are entertaining, but proclaim that Wyatt is not the alpha and the omega like he thinks he is. As long as they are tag champs on SmackDown Live, they are the only alphas around. They plan on retaining the tag titles tonight, as they've beaten them before and they can beat them again.
Renee Young interviews John Cena. He tells Baron Corbin he's ready to make a statement tonight by pointing out the toughest guy in the room and knocking his teeth out.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Randy Orton) tells American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) that they hope they have relished their time as tag champs, as nothing last forever and the devil is at their doorstep.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships after Chad Gable knocks Luke Harper off the apron and rolls Randy Orton up. After the match, Randy Orton and Luke Harper argue in the ring, and when Bray Wyatt tries to play peacekeeper, he gets levelled by a kick in the face from Harper. Wyatt stares down Harper and Orton before they all leave.
We see a video package of Baron Corbin before his match with John Cena.
We look back at John Cena's Royal Rumble win from 2008.
Becky Lynch and General Manager Daniel Bryan look at last week's footage of Becky's match. Alexa Bliss shows up, saying she was trying to find out who La Luchadora was when Becky attacked her. Daniel Bryan then makes Alexa Bliss defend the SmackDown Women's title against Alexa Bliss next week, and it will be in a steel cage in case La Luchadora tries to interfere.
Carmella beats CJ Lunde with the Code of Silence after James Ellsworth distracts Lunde.
Carmella and James Ellsworth are backstage, where Carmella surprised Ellsworth with a shopping spree.
Baron Corbin doesn't care what John Cena has to say, and tonight, he makes Cena into a liar and turns his glory days into the End of Days. AJ Styles shows up and tells Corbin tonight is his night, and that he'll be on commentary tonight. He tells Corbin to do his best AJ Styles impression and beat up John Cena.
Noam Dar says that when he wins against Cedric Alexander on 205 Live tonight, he'll get another slap from Alicia Fox.
AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
John Cena beats Baron Corbin.
On Talking Smack, Dolph Ziggler announces that he is entering the Royal Rumble match.
The Miz and Maryse start tonight's show. Miz has only one New Year's resolution this year: be more forgiving. He then announces that Renee Young owes him an apology, and calls her out. He says that SmackDown Live will not continue until he gets that apology. He complains that Renee is on everybody's good side, and risked her journalist integrity to get with someone like Dean Ambrose. Ambrose shows up instead of Renee Young. Maryse blocks Ambrose from getting near The Miz and slaps him before she leaves. Ambrose then says his night is over, because Maryse hits harder than Miz does.
NXT's recent live show from Melbourne, Australia airs tomorrow night in a two-hour special on the WWE Network!
Baron Corbin beats Dolph Ziggler. After the match, Corbin grabs a steel chair, but Kalisto rushes into the ring, back from injury. He knocks the steel chair out of Corbin's grasp and outwits him, and is repaid by Ziggler with a superkick. An enraged Ziggler tells Kalisto he doesn't need anyone, especially not Kalisto.
James Ellsworth talks to Carmella backstage, and literally hands her the shirt off his back. Carmella appreciates the effort, and asks Ellsworth to escort him to the ring tonight.
Apollo Crews, Mojo Rawley and Rhyno meet an enraged Dolph Ziggler. When Apollo Crews confronts Ziggler for his actions earlier in the ring, Ziggler snaps and attacks him.
Becky Lynch beats La Luchadora with the Disarmher, then unmasks her to reveal Alexa Bliss is under the mask. Becky is suddenly attacked from behind by another La Luchadora, and this La Luchadora double teams with Alexa Bliss on Becky. Alexa hits Becky with a DDT.
General Manager Daniel Bryan arrives to moderate a contract signing for the WWE Championship match between John Cena and AJ Styles at Royal Rumble. John Cena shows up first, followed by AJ Styles. Styles says Cena should not have a title shot against him, as Cena has been gone from TV for four months. Daniel Bryan says that SmackDown Live has beaten Raw in the ratings for the first time ever last week thanks to Styles and Cena, and says he wants to keep that momentum going, calling this the match that everyone wants and is going to get. He also reminds Styles that he has beaten Cena three times already before leaving. Styles says Cena has been gifted a title shot from his brother-in-law, but admits they must do what's best for business. He also says that the tables have turned, as he is now the one telling Cena that if he doesn't beat him for the WWE Championship, he doesn't belong in WWE. Styles then tells Cena that the ratings win is all due to him being the champ, not Cena, and that SmackDown Live doesn't need Cena. He says that Cena ahs been great for the WWE...with emphasis on "has been," and that Cena will never be as good as The Rock in Hollywood or be as good in the ring as him. Cena tells Styles that he has made the biggest mistake of his life by pissing him off and causing him to lose all respect for him, and calls Styles a little bitch. He admits that Styles is right in saying that he needs a win, and that Styles has convinced everyone that he is the guy to replace him. At the same time, he has made a career out of making people eat their words, and he says he will do it again with AJ Styles. He says Styles does what he does every night because he has to, but Cena himself does what he does because he wants, and that the difference between the two of them is simply passion. Cena says everyone needs this match, and that it is more than just the two of them. He tells AJ Styles to bring it, because in the end, he'll kick his ass and take the title. Suddenly, Baron Corbin shows up, announces he is entering the Royal Rumble match and winning it before leaving WrestleMania as WWE Champion. Cena immediately goes into fight mode, but Styles blindsides him. Corbin then tells Cena that AJ Styles is right and that his time is up.
Backstage, Maryse finds Renee Young and slaps her before telling her not to touch The Miz again.
Carmella beats Aliyah with the Code of Silence after James Ellsworth distracts Aliyah.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) quickly beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango). The Wyatt Family show up on the TitanTron, telling them to cherish the moment as tag team champions as nothing lasts forever and reality will hit them. He says that instead of taking their light away, American Alpha has only made their light stronger, and next week, they take back what is theirs and become SmackDown tag champs again.
Nikki Bella and Natalya are in the ring. Nikki cannot despite Natalya, and says she got everything on her own while Natalya rode on her family's history, going so far as to call Natalya "the nothing of the Hart Family." Natalya says Nikki is selfish and expected as much from her, saying that she turned her uncle Bret "The Hit Man" Hart against her and caused him to favor her, and that she is better than Bret ever was. She tells Nikki that she only has everything she has due to her looks, and that beauty eventually fades. She then says that when that beauty fades, John Cena will leave Nikki and Nikki will die alone. Nikki punches her in the face and leaves.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Dean Ambrose, who is ready to take the Intercontinental title from The Miz.
"The Extraordinary Gentleman" Jack Gallagher will be on tonight's episode of 205 Live! Nikki Bella takes on Natalya on next week's SmackDown Live!
With Maryse tossed out of the match for getting in Dean Ambrose's face and slapping him, Dean Ambrose beats The Miz to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
On Talking Smack, The Miz goes absolutely ballistic following his Intercontinental title loss, blaming Renee Young for his loss and showing extreme irritation towards the SmackDown Live brand.
John Cena returns to start tonight's show. Cena jokes around with the crowd, then announces that SmackDown Live's titles are all on the line tonight. He then says that people are speculating about his future and admits this year wasn't exactly a good year, but he's not done, he's not finished and this is the "My Time Is Now" era. He is watching the main event very closely, as he will challenge the winner at Royal Rumble...because he can.
Dasha Fuentes tries to interview The Miz and Maryse, who are guarded by a bevy of security guards. The Miz tells Dasha that if she wants the scoop, she'll have to get it from Renee Young, who slapped him last week, as she is the only interviewer he will speak to.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beats the team of Heath Slater and Rhyno, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper and Randy Orton) to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions when Randy Orton inadvertently pushes Luke Haper off the apron during an attempted superplex. When The Usos are eliminated, they attack American Alpha in revenge for eliminating them. Harper and Orton argue after the match, and Bray Wyatt has to play peacekeeper.
Renee Young interviews Dolph Ziggler backstage. He says Baron Corbin came looking for a fight last week, and he got one. Now the World title is on the line in a Triple Threat match, and he does not plan to let that opportunity go to waste, as he knows this is his chance.
Dasha Fuentes interviews James Ellsworth. Carmella shows up, saying she finds Ellsworth "uniquely attractive."
Alexa Bliss retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Becky Lynch. During the match, someone shows up dressed as La Luchadora, and nearly costs Becky Lynch the match. When Dasha Fuentes asks Alexa Bliss who the woman behind the mask is after the match, Alexa Bliss doesn't even know, saying it could be Sasha Banks or Nia Jax.
Renee young has found The Miz. Maryse confronts Renee, but The Miz cuts Maryse short. Miz shoos the security guards away, and as he says that 2017 will be the year of The Miz, Dean Ambrose, who is standing nearby, starts throwing punches at The Miz. Miz's security shows up, but they don't fare any better.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Nikki Bella. Nikki says she has worked too hard to be where she is, and she says she will say what she wants to say to Natalya to her face.
Renee Young interviews Baron Corbin, who says that AJ Styles and Dolph Ziggler are the only ones feeling pressure and are about to see the End of Days.
Next week: Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
AJ Styles retains the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin. After the match, John Cena runs in, confronts Styles and extends his hand. Styles lays the WWE Championship on the mat and shakes Cena's hand.
Neville says that his inferior competiton will respect him as the king of the Cruiserweights on 205 Live.
On the pre-show, it is announced that Dean Ambrose will host The Ambrose Asylum with special guest James Ellsworth. Also, Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch will have a contract signing for their WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.
During the pre-show, James Ellsworth wishes Dean Ambrose a happy birthday and gives him a James Ellsworth T-shirt as a gift.
Renee Young is in the ring for the start of the show to moderate the contract signing between Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch for their WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs. Alexa says that Becky still has the title due to "dumb Irish luck." Becky says Alexa acts like a four-year-old child. Becky signs the contract, and says that being relentless, not being nice, has kept her Women's champ. Alexa says that every time she hears Becky speak, she wants to vomit, then tells her that life isn't like the Disney channel as there is always somebody better, and she's looking at her. Alexa signs the contract, then mocks how Becky speaks. Becky wants to ask Alexa one more thing, but she does this to get a cheap shot on her before the two of them brawl. The brouhaha ends with Alexa sends Becky off the top rope and into the table.
Dolph Ziggler and Kalisto beat The Miz and Baron Corbin by disqualification after Baron Corbin hits Kalisto with a steel chair after hitting the Salida del Sol on The Miz.
Dasha Fuentes ineterviews American Alpha. American Alpha are prepared, but they didn't expect The Wyatt Family. Nevertheless, they plan to dominate tonight and prove they are SmackDown Liv premiere team. They say The Wyatt Family should be the ones running.
The Wyatt Family is on the TitanTron Bray Wyatt says American Alpha are delusional. Orton says he used to be naive and closed-minded like American Alpha, but now he has opened his eyes and says that he belongs. He hopes that Luke Harper can do what must be done against Kane. Wyatt tells Harper to send Kane back to Hell.
Carmella sends a message to John Cena before the next match: she is sorry for what she will do to Nikki Bella at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, as she will hit her so hard with a chair that "her own own Bella Twins will be popping out of her back" and that she will rearrange her face so much that a wedding will be the last thing on his mind. Nikki Bella rushes in and attcks Carmella, and the two of them brawl until Carmella flees the ring.
It's time for The Ambrose Asylum with special guest James Ellsworth. Ellsworth is introduced, and he says he never imagined he would be on SmackDown Live, but he kept showing up and kept fighitng until he was at the right place at the right time, and now he's here. Ellsworth says he's here if he needs him. Ambrose says Ellsworth doesn't have to thank him. Ellsworth says he's beaten AJ Styles three times, and that he has his number. Styles shows up, wondering how this is quality entertainment and saying that Ellsworth is just a tool to eliminate him and that Ambrose is better off with a puppet on a string. Ambrose asks if Styles just said that he lost to a dummy three times. Styles says he is sick and tired of Ambrose making him out to eb a joke, and threatens to beat him so hard he won't be able to stand if he doesn't give him the respect he demands. He also dares Ellsworth to show up at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs. Ambrose says Styles is scared, and that the fun and games are over as soon as they're in the ring and he takes the World title abck. Styles pushes Ellsworth into Ambrose before forearming him, then sends Ambrose into the steel steps. He gets back into the ring, but Ellsworth is in no condition to fight and Styles easily takes him down before hitting him with a Styles Clash from atop the steel steps outside of the ring. Ellsworth is out cold as he is placed on a stretcher..
Dean Ambrose sees James Ellsworth to the hospital on the ambulance.
Kane beats Luke Harper.
Renee Young interviews Becky Lynch backstage. Despite having to ice her back after what happened earlier tonight, she will defend the SmackDown Women's title against Alexa Bliss on Sunday. We also find out that the SmackDown Women's title match will be a Tables match. Becky says she will "get revenge on that little bitch."
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton) beat American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) to become #1 contenders for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships after Luke Harper materializes, distracting Jason Jordan and allowing Bray Wyatt to connect with the Sister Abigail. After the match, Dasha Fuentes interviews Heath Slater and Rhyno, but AJ Styles shows up and brags about what he did to James Ellsworth. Both sides are telling each other to shut up, when someone screams "Hey, you bastard!" Suddenly, AJ Styles is attacked by Dean Ambrose as Slater and Rhyno cheer Ambrose on.
On Talking Smack, Dolph Ziggler quizzes The Miz on what he plans to do in their Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship. Needless to say, the argument gets heated and both of them talk over each other constantly. Ziggler hopes that TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs will be the end of their feuds, and says that he will take whatever Miz can dish at him.
On Talking Smack, Becky Lynch says she is angry and ready to fight on Sunday. She has fought through worse, and has fought the very best to get to where she is now. She says that Alexa Bliss has not achieved what she has achieved and has not done all that she has done. Becky plans to go through hell and back to keep the SmackDown Women's title. Becky Lynch then talks about the status of the SmackDown Women's Division, saying that it is getting better despite being a new division. She then tells Alexa Bliss that she will make her "WWE's resident bleeding beauty" on Sunday.
On Talking Smack, AJ Styles says that nobody likes James Ellsworth except for Dean Ambrose, who he says is the reason that Ellsworth has three wins over him. He also says that the problem with Ambrose isn't just knocking him down, but keeping him down. He says that Ellsworth has made him out to be a joke due to Ambrose, and that he plans to take Ambrose down and retain the World title on Sunday.
James Ellsworth is seen entering the arena at the beginning of the pre-show.
Dasha Fuentes reports from backstage during the pre-show. Baron Corbin has said that SmackDown Live management made a huge mistake not putting him on Team Blue, and Curt Hawkins says that Team Blue needs and deserves him. Also, James Ellsworth's actions last week have been the talk of the locker room as of late.
James Ellsworth shows up to start tonight's show. Ellsworth thanks Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan for giving him the opportunity to say goodbye, saying that he has been unable to live with himself since last week. He asks Dean Ambrose to come to the ring so he can make this right. Dean Ambrose shows up, and tells Ellsworth he doesn't owe him an apology. Ellsworth feels otherwise, since he knows he cost him a shot at the World title. Ambrose tells Ellsworth to promise him to never get in his way again. Ellsworth then apologizes to Amborse, saying if he could build a time machine and go back, he would. AJ Styles shows up and mocks Ellsworth for apologizing to Ambrose, and tells Ellsworth that Ambrose has been using him the past couple of weeks to get to the World title in an effort to drive a wedge between them. He says Styles owes him an apology, as he also owes the shirts and his WWE career to him. Ambrose says that Ellsworth is an honest, hard-working man who doesn't take the cheap way out, unlike Styles. This starts a staredown between Styles and Ambrose, and when Ellsworth tries to stop the arguing, he gets pushed into Ambrose by Styles before Styles tosses him out of the ring. Styles then hits Ambrose with a Phenomenal Forearm.
General Manager Daniel Bryan meets with James Ellsworth and Dean Ambrose, and Ellsworth can't stop apologizing. Daniel Bryan gives Ambrose another shot at AJ Styles, and if he wins, he is #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series. He also stresses that this is Ambrose's last chance. Daniel Bryan bans Ellsworth from ringside.
Randy Orton beats Kane in a no-disqualification match thanks to the assistance from Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper. Harper and Wyatt continue to attack Kane after the match, then Orton and Wyatt pose at the same time.
We see a black-and-white vignette of Baron Corbin.
Carmella and Alexa Bliss beat Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch. Carmella says not one woman on Raw can hang with the SmackDown Women's division. Alexa Bliss says Becky Lynch's fifteen minutes of fame are over, and that she will take the SmackDown Women's title next week in Glasgow, Scotland.
Naomi finds out from Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon that she is the fifth woman on Team Blue in the Women's Survivor Series match. Natalya shows up, still wanting to be on Team Blue. Daniel bryan makes her the official coach of Team Blue's Women's team.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat The Spirit Squad (Mikey and Kenny) to become part of SmackDown's squad in the tag team Survivor Series match.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's special guest is General Manager Daniel Bryan, and as soon as Daniel Bryan shows up, Miz TV becomes the Daniel Bryan show for a few minutes. Daniel Bryan announces there are two more qualifying matches for the tag team Survivor Series match, and whoever wins those will be on Team Blue for the tag team Survivor Series match. Miz is more focused on the men's Survivor Series match. Daniel Bryan announces that Randy Orton, Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles will be on Team Blue for the men's Survivor Series match. Not surprisingly, The Miz is not happy about this, and thinks Daniel Bryan has it out for him. Daniel Bryan says Miz was considered, but unlike the people chosen, he was afraid to fight at anytime as he turned down an opportunity for the Intercontinental title because "it wasn't on his time." Miz tells Daniel Bryan that he is the one who is scared to fight. Daniel Bryan tosses a chair to the side and forces The Miz to retreat. He then tells Miz he's no good at wrestling, and that he should go run his mouth at the commentary table and leave the fighting to everyone else. He then issues an open challenge for Dolph Ziggler's Intercontinental Championship, and Dolph Ziggler heads to the ring.
Curt Hawkins answers the open challenge for Dolph Ziggler's Intercontinental Championship...and loses after one superkick while The Miz and Maryse watch on commentary. Renee Young interviews Dolph Ziggler after the match, and Ziggler says he proved The Miz wrong when he said he wasn't a fighting champion when he won the Intercontinental title. He is now heading to Survivor Series, and he's challenging anyone on Raw to see if anyone from the red brand will take the title. This raises the ire of The Miz.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Dean Ambrose. Ambrose says there are no excuses in his rematch with AJ Styles tonight. James Ellsworth shows up, still wanting to come to ringside, but Ambrose tells him it's not happening as him getting emotional was the point of him being barred from ringside.
Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper tell Randy Orton that a serprent represents treachery and evil, and that treachery and evil towards others is welcome in the Wyatt Family. Randy Orton says that he was born with the devil whispering in ear, that Bray Wyatt is indeed a god, and that he is tired of avoiding the voices. Randy's eyes then glow.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) to qualify for the tag team Survivor Series match.
Dasha Fuentes interviews AJ Styles, who says that there are no excuses tonight...and no James Ellsworth to get in the way.
Dean Ambrose shows James Ellsworth the door, putting him out of the arena before the main event.
Dean Ambrose beats AJ Styles to become the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after James Ellsworth still manages to make it to ringside and distracts AJ Styles not once, but twice.
Natalya shows up during Talking Smack and hands Daniel Bryan a shirt with one of her cats on it for letting her be the coach for SmackDown's Divas team. She talks about her fellow SmackDown Divas, saying that there is some work to do with all of them.
Commissioner Shane McMahon announces on Talking Smack that at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 4th, there will be a TLC Match to determine the WWE World Championship between challenger Dean Ambrose and champion AJ Styles. General Manager Daniel Bryan announces there is one more qualifying match for the tag team Survivor Series match next week.
On Talking Smack, American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) celebrate their victory tonight, and find it interesting that The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) have nothing bad to say about them. They say that they will make sure their team does whatever it takes to win the tag team Survivor Series match.
On Talking Smack, Daniel Bryan admits that the General Manager is not his natural disposition and is doing the best he can, but he makes it clear he does not like The Miz and that The Miz knows he doesn't like it. He admits that The Miz has stepped his game up since the last time appeared on Talking Smack, but not enough to get into the Survivor Series matches.
On Talking Smack, Dean Ambrose says he cannot wait to beat the crap out of AJ Styles in the TLC Match on December 4th. As for Survivor Series, he says he's great to work with as long as people don't piss him off. He also admits that James Ellsworth is more or less part of the SmackDown Live fabric. He plans to take AJ Styles to the limit at TLC.
During the pre-show, Baron Corbin is interviewed via Skype. He calls the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal his first taste of real success, and that he wants more of that kind of success. He's not here for respect; instead, he's here for money and he doesn't his time wasted fighting the same guys over and over again when he knows he can beat them. He says that Daniel Bryan is not doing a good job. He says that Kevin Owens had a title handed to him, while he wants to earn one. He wants to keep putting beatings on anyone who wants a piece of him on SmackDown, and that he's bred to be tough and will accept nothing but first place.
During the pre-show, Charly Caruso reports that The Miz and Maryse are in the arena, and that The Miz is in high spirits due to being back home and because of his recent win at Backlash. Carmella also had choice words for Nikki Bella. Becky Lynch is also reported to be in in-ring action tonight.
Randy Orton starts tonight's show. Orton says Bray Wyatt talks about fear because he himself is afraid, and dares him to come to the ring and face him. Wyatt appears on the TitanTron and tells Orton that this is his world and that he is a god. He tells Orton he is in no position to make demands, and dares Orton to hurt him, as he doesn't have all the time in the world. After Bray's image disappears from the TitanTron, Orton leaves.
Charly Caruso interviews Dean Ambrose, who says that AJ Styles stole the title form him at Backlash and that he plans to destroy him for that tonight as he takes back the WWE World Championship after calling Styles "the guy who's going to cry."
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) beat Heath Slater, Rhyno and American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) after the double-team and submission to the knee on Heath Slater.
Charly Caruso interviews John Cena, who says AJ Styles has no guts. Cena says he's watching the World title match closely, and regardless of who wins, he plans on becoming the 16-time World Champ at No Mercy.
Miz is not a fan of LeBron James, and has his picture replaced with a picture of The Miz backstage.
Randy Orton finds a wooden arrow backstage. After turning it around, he looks deeper into the locker room. We then see that the arrow has been turned back in its original direction by Erick Rowan.
Bray Wyatt appears on the TitanTron. He jokes that Randy Orton was never good at taking direction, and says he's about to be sucked into the underbelly of life.
Carmella and Natalya beat Nikki Bella and Naomi.
Randy Orton finds messages from Bray Wyatt in the boiler room. He almost finds Erick Rowan, too, but he closes the door.
The Miz and Maryse show up. After a video package of The Miz's career, The Miz tells the Cleveland, Ohio that he is home and that the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals. He then says he is dissatisfied with his hero's welcome as he is the only hero in Cleveland. He says he was the hero of Cleveland before "Lebron James turned traitor." We see The Miz's parents again, and then Dolph Ziggler's parents. Dolph Ziggler shows up after Miz tells his parents that Ziggler is a world-class loser, and tells Miz that if he has something to say to him, to say it to his face. Miz says he said it when he beat him, but Ziggler says he cheated. The Miz goes on to verbally crap all over Ziggler, saying that he won and that Ziggler's is just a mid-level guy with an embarassing career who happens to be an embarassment to everyone around him. He then denies Ziggler a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. As he leaves and Maryse, Ziggler tells him he was right and that while the ring is all he has, he still does it because he can't stop. He tells Miz to put the title on the line...and he'll put his career on the line. The Miz cannot believe what he is hearing, and he accepts the challenge.
Bray Wyatt says that when one door closes, another one opens. He tells Randy Orton the door is wide open yet he watches him like he's stuck in a maze. He tells Orton to be careful.
Alexa Bliss beats up Becky Lynch before she can have her match, and tells Becky she doesn't deserve the SmackDown Women's Championship.
We get more Curt Hawkins facts. Curt Hawkins says he will make a huge announcement next week.
Bray Wyatt continues to mock Randy Orton, saying that Orton is taking the fun out of his game. He asks where Orton is...and Orton is right behind him. He beats up Randy, then sits down and puts on the sheep mask. We then find out this is yet another Bray Wyatt mind game.
Charly Caruso interviews AJ Styles. AJ Styles says he's beaten both Cena and Ambrose, and that all eyes are on him. He plans on retaining the World title tonight.
WWE and NBC Universo celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the life and career of the gone-too-soon Richie Valens.
John Cena guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles retains the WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose after AJ Styles hits Cena with a forearm and Cena tries to get in the ring as Ambrose has Styles rolled up. Styles is able to kick out, and Dean is yelling at Cena when Styles rolls him up and grabs the jeans to retain. After the match, Ambrose and Cena argue, and Cena reverses Dirty Deeds into an Attitude Adjustment. Styles gets into the ring, but he also eats an Attitude Adjustment to close out the show.
On Talking Smack, Becky Lynch says she has a target on her back, but she is used to it. She says people knew she was a threat before she became a champion, and now fighting is all she has and all she knows. Now that she has something to lose, she is holding on to the SmackDown Women's title tightly, as everyone is out for it like hungry people coming after her for carrying a big steak. Becky goes on to say that the SmackDown Women's Division is the division to watch, as there are some serious up-and-comers on the brand. She then goes on to say that the SmackDown Women's title is her life, and if anyone wants to take it from her, it's on.
On Talking Smack, John Cena says that he has been in the WWE for a long time and has done a lot there, and recently he's been facing his mortality. He has decided to make the WWE World Championship a goal of his, as he is not getting any younger. Cena says being a 16-time world champion is in the forefront of his mind, and he wants to make history and be in the conversation. He replies to Dean Ambrose's "lazy part-timer" comment by saying that he's always at work when others are at rest, and says that if Ambrose were to keep working as hard as he is, Ambrose can be in his position. Cena continues by saying that he's doing all right for himself right now, saying it's okay that he wasn't at Backlash and that he wasn't the top draft pick, because he knows that when he's in the ring, something special always happens. He tells Ambrose he is the sum of the five people he spends the most time with, and Cena says the people he surrounds himself with just go. He says that Ambrose is right about the "part-timer" part as he's doing it all, but Ambrose is wrong for calling him lazy.
On Instagram, The Miz says that Dolph Ziggler is not deserving of a shot against him for the Intercontinental Championship.
During the pre-show, American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) say they are the best tag team right now, and they plan to prove it tonight as they treat their match against The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) like it's the tournament finals.
The show starts with Daniel Bryan in the ring. He says that at Backlash, six women will walk into the ring, and all but one will be eliminated to become the SmackDown Women's Champion. He states that there will be a six-woman tag match tonight, but right now there will be a Women's Division conference, with Becky Lynch being the first woman introduced. Nikki Bella is mentioned, with Nikki being his sister-in-law, and Daniel Bryan plugs Total Bellas. As Becky Lynch talks about wanting to be SmackDown Women's Champion, Natalya shows up and calls the WWE Draft the worst night of her life because she got stuck with Becky. Alexa Bliss shows up and calls Natalya and Becky whiners, then Carmella shows up only to get interrupted. Natalya tells Carmella and Alexa that Becky is turning the three of them against each other, and almost gang up on her until Naomi and Nikki Bella show up. The three faces quickly brawl with the three heels, and the three faces quickly come out on top.
Dean Ambrose is at catering...being Dean Ambrose.
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan talk about the six-woman tag amtch tonight when The Miz shows up, not happy that he has to defend the Intercontinental title against Dolph Ziggler. Daniel Bryan tells The Miz that the women of SmackDown Live are more willing to fight than him, and if he doesn't like the match, he can always hand the title to him. The Miz walks away shortly after his entrance theme starts playing.
Dolph Ziggler guests on commentary for the next match.
The Miz beats Apollo Crews after The Miz messes with Dolph Ziggler outside of the match and Apollo Crews almost hits Ziggler on his way to the outside. The Miz takes advantage of the slight hesitation to get the win. After the match, Ziggler chases Miz out of the ring. Ziggler dares Miz to get back in the ring to take the Intercontinental title back, but Maryse walks in, picks it up and walks off with it, much to the chagrin of Ziggler.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles. Styles harasses a member of the camera crew, threatening to get him fired.
We see a video package of American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) prior to the semi-finals of the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) respect American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable), but they plan to prove who runs the SmackDown tag team division.
Bray Wyatt appears on the TitanTron. He tells Randy Orton he is not the predator he once was and that he himself is the evolution of man. He says that at Backlash, he will be the predator.
Carmella, Natalya and Alexa Bliss beat Nikki Bella, Naomi and Becky Lynch with a Code of Silence on Nikki Bella.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in record time. The Usos seem to show respect to American Alpha after the match, but it ends up being a trap as The Usos and attack American Alpha and target one of Gable's legs, signifying a heel turn.
Randy Orton tells Charlie Caruso that at Backlash, Bray Wyatt won't know what hit him.
Fandango says Tyler Breeze isn't here, as he is in Dubai looking for silks for their upcoming fashion line. After dancing with a member of the WWE Universe - and not liking it - he wants a different dance partner. Kane shows up, and Fandango thinks he's here to dance. Instead, Kane is here to choke slam Fandango.
AJ Styles harasses more members of backstage staff, destroying a man's cellphone in the process.
Curt Hawkins returns to SmackDown Live next week!
Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) to continue to the finals of the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
Renee Young reports that American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable)'s status in the tag team tournament are questionable, and that we will hear more from Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan on Talking Smack. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up and state that the fans are fickle before proclaiming that they are done with the WWE Universe, cementing their heel turn.
Dean Ambrose has a member of the make-up crew spray his hair.
Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles both show up, the former with a gift. He hands it to Styles, and it happens to be an old bowling participation trophy. He tells him it's the only trophy he'll ever get from him. AJ Styles is incensed with Dean Ambrose making fun of him, especially for the rope incident last week. Styles then calls the John Cena wristband a real trophy, drops the bowling trophy on the mat, and says he's taking the World title this Sunday by beating Ambrose just like he beat Cena. Ambrose says he beat Styles the last time they met, and that he'll do it again Sunday before making fun of the "face that runs the place" nickname that Styles has given himself, telling him that trophies aren't given out to "the face that comes in second place." Styles kicks Ambrose in the nuts and breaks the bowling trophy over his knee to close the show.
On Talking Smack, Shane McMahon announces that American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) is out for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament finals at Backlash as Chad Gable will be out for two to four weeks after the leg injury he received from The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). There will be a "second chance" match at Backlash between The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), with the winners going on to face Heath Slater and Rhyno in the finals.
The show begins with Baron Corbin, Erick Rowan, Apollo Crews and Rhyno in the locker room when AJ Styles shows up. He brags about beating John Cena and says he's the new face that runs the place, and puts a "Never Give Up" headband on his head. He then sees Dolph Ziggler sitting on a chair, and when Styles tells him he doesn't like losers, Ziggler punches him in the face, Styles is sent out of the room, and officials (and Crews and Rhyno) have to hold Ziggler back.
The SmackDown Live roster is in the ring as Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan show up as two of the SmackDown titles. Shane says there is a huge opportunity in front of everyone in the ring. It is announced that there will be a Women's 6-Pack Challenge at Backlash. There will also be a tag team tournament culminating in a SmackDown tag team title match at Backlash. Heath Slater shows up wanting some tag team gold, but Shane doesn't know if Slater's equipped to be championship material, as he's not on the SmackDown roster and he doesn't even have a partner. Slater says he can guarantee he can get a partner. Daniel Bryan tells him if he can find a partner by the end of the night, he's in the tag team tournament. Shane tells Slater if he wins the titles, he wins a spot on the roster. Slater tells them they won't regret this, and heads to the back. All of a sudden, AJ Styles shows up wanting the spotlight to be on him, but he is attacked from behind by Dolph Ziggler, and the Superstars of SmackDown have to break the brawl up.
Naomi and Natalya guest on commentary for the next match.
Becky Lynch beats Alexa Bliss with the Disarmher.
Heath Slater tires to ask The Miz to be his tag team partner, but it turns out Miz was on his phone all along, and he just became the next Indiana Jones.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) to continue to the semi-finals in the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
AJ Styles shows up. Styles says he sees a lot of jealous and frowning faces due to his win over John Cena, especially from Dolph Ziggler. He then brags about beating John Cena, and says you don't have to bea Cena fan anymore when you can be an AJ Styles fan instead. Styles says that he is the face that runs this place, and says he should be #1 contender for the WWE World Championship. Ziggler shows up looking for Styles, with officials holding him back. Daniel Bryan shows up and congratulates both men for their SummerSlam efforts, and says Styles is deserving of a World title shot, but it's obvious that they both want to fight...so he lets them. He puts Styles and Ziggler in a match for later tonight. If Styles wins, he gets his shot at the World title at Backlash. If Ziggler wins, he gets added to that match and it becomes a triple threat match.
Renee Young interviews Nikki Bella before the next match, but Carmella attacks her from behind and hits her with the Bella Buster before the match can even begin.
Randy Orton shows up. Randy is still standing after Sunday night, and he knew what he was going into against Brock Lesnar. He says Shane had the right idea when he tried to stop Lesnar. All of a sudden, Bray Wyatt shows up, asks Orton how his head is doing, and says Orton is a great man...but still just a man, while he is a god, and unlike man, a god cannot die. He says Bray will learn this in time. He then disappears.
When Andrea D'Marco asks him about Brock Lesnar and the repercussions Stephanie McMahon says there will be, Shane McMahon says Stephanie isn't taking it seriously as Lesnar was only fined $500. He says the thing between him and Lesnar is far from over.
Heath Slater asks "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson to be his tag team partner, but Anderson feels even he can't get him out of the mess he's made. Suddenly, Rhyno shows up and volunteers to be Slater's tag team partner.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) to continue to the semi-finals in the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
Andrea D'Marco interviews Dean Ambrose, who says that he just learned about the #1 contender's match between Dolph Ziggler and AJ Styles. He also tips the waitress who gives him coffee with casino chips.
Dean Ambrose guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles beats Dolph Ziggler to earn a shot at the WWE World Championship at Backlash. Styles stares down with Dean Ambrose after the match, and knocks the headset off his head. Dean stands up, and AJ Styles eventually leaves after a further staredown.
On Talking Smack, Carmella attacks Nikki Bella again. Also, The Miz shows up, and Daniel Bryan tells him that while he respects the Intercontinental Championship, he does not respect the man holding, telling Miz that he fights like a coward. This fires Miz up, and he goes off on Daniel Bryan, saying that Daniel is the real coward because he promised to come back and never did, and that Daniel should quit and go back to bingo halls. Daniel leaves the set as The Miz's tirade continues.
