Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 11, 2022

WWE official Sonya Deville - whose left arm is now in a cast - welcomes everyone to tonight's show, then acknowledges Ronda Rousey's attack on her last week. She says people like Ronda and Naomi think they can do anything without consequence because they have no respect for authority and says that there will be consequences for actions regardless of who does them. She announces that she has gone to the Board of Directors and proposed that Ronda Rousey be fined $100,000 and suspended indefinitely, but WWE official Adam Pearce shows up with an e-mail from Board Chairman Vince McMahon. Vince makes it clear that he knows what Sonya has been doing and says that she has been abusing her power, and that he will exercise some of his by declining Sonya's proposal and announces she cannot lay a hand on Naomi tonight, even during her match. The e-mail also announces that if Sonya disobeys, her job will be in serious jeopardy. Naomi then shows up and asks Sonya if she had ever been ripped a new one by her boss before saying that while she can't touch Naomi, the e-mail said nothing about putting a hand on her. Naomi then slaps Sonya in the face.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel). Angel says they are not only the most lethal lovers, and Humberto says they are the most serious competitors. Angel says that they will not lose again because they are "The Lethal Lovers." When Los Lotharios come out, they have a "kiss cam" where they kiss a woman in the front row.

Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E).

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). They are suddenly attacked by The Usos before they can get much of a word in, then The Usos take away their helmets.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews Roman Reigns. Roman says that if he were in WCW, everyone would be winning and they would still be in business. He says that Brock Lesnar and Goldberg are both old news and that nobody cares about Goldberg because he is here and he is the best Universal Championship of all time, and that he would smack Goldberg out of WWE, too. Roman says all the pressure is on Goldberg, not him, because while Goldberg could have had a chance two years, everything has changed now and he is unbeatable. He then says he will "Goldberg" Goldberg.

Natalya beats Aliyah with the Sharpshooter in a pinfall or submissions only "Dungeon Match" when Aliyah finds out that she cannot break the hold by grabbing the bottom rope. After the match, Natalya attacks Aliyah, but Xia Li runs in and overpowers Natalya.

WWE looks back on the life and career of Rocky Johnson for Black History Month, with narration by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

It's time for In-Zayn. Tonight's guests are Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs. We see footage from earlier today where Johnny Knoxville writes the word "loser" on a poster of Sami Zayn and puts a "Sami Zayn Forever" shirt through a wood chipper for copyright infringement, saying it is not over between himself and Sami Zayn. Sami says he will not dignify the video clip, as Knoxville has spent too much time getting in his head and it is time to reclaim the WWE Intercontinental Championship and host his live podcast. Sami then goes on to mock the intelligence of the New Orleans, Louisiana fans before Rick Boogs introduces Shinsuke Nakamura. Sami Zayn accuses Nakamura of ducking him while he is #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship, then says he cannot wait to see the look on Nakamura's face when he beats him next week to reclaim the title. He also accuses Nakamura of secretly working with Johnny Knoxville, but Nakamura stops him and asks him if he saw the movie being made called "Jackass Defeated." Sami says he had a lot of respect for Nakamura until Nakamura suddenly decided to have Rick Boogs with him and side with Johnny Knoxville, then says Rick Boogs can work out and play guitar all he wants. Boogs tells Sami to shut up, then gets shocked when he goes for the microphone. Sami then hits Nakamura with a Helluva Kick from behind when Nakamura tends to Boogs.

Backstage, Happy Corbin talks with Madcap Moss - who is sporting a black eye - about his match tonight, but Madcap Moss says he will sit the match out due to the black eye he got from Drew McIntyre's Claymore Kick, saying he could do with "a little Clay-less."

Happy Corbin beats Cesaro.

Backstage, Madcap Moss tells the trainer that his vision is bad, but when the trainer tests his vision, Drew McIntyre's sword is in front of him. McIntyre catches Moss in a lie, then reminds him that their match at Elimination Chamber is falls count anywhere and anything goes.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews Goldberg. Goldberg admits he has listened to some of the naysayers and that it has affected his game, but he has turned the page and he does not give a damn about what anyone has to say. He says that his match with Roman Reigns will be everlasting and call upon "the old Goldberg," and while Reigns may want to call himself several nicknames and change himself, he is still the same Goldberg and their match has been a long time coming. As for Roman's claims of beating Goldberg, Goldberg says Roman is his next victim, and after he destroys Roman, Roman will acknowledge him and he will walk into WrestleMania as Universal Champion against Brock Lesnar. As for Roman's claims of wanting to "Goldberg" Goldberg, Goldberg says "Good luck with that, kid," and says there is only one Goldberg.

Charlotte Flair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Naomi. After the match, WWE official Sonya Deville gets in the ring and mocks Naomi only for Naomi to beat her up. Charlotte Flair gets back in the ring and hits Naomi with a big boot, and when Sonya proceeds to stomp on Naomi, Ronda Rousey runs into the ring. Naomi beats up Charlotte, then goes for Sonya's other arm before Charlotte helps Sonya out of the ring.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 4, 2022

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Heyman says he is here as special counsel to Reigns and the acknowledge what really happened. He then says that there was no plot or scheme to make Brock Lesnar look foolish, though Lesnar looks foolish anyway. He says that he made a mistake admitting that Roman needed to be protected from Brock Lesnar, then says that he seized the moment and put Brock Lesnar in the WWE Championship match, which Lesnar won. Heyman then says that when Lesnar aimed for Roman Reigns again for a potential title vs. title match, he looked and acted like a schmuck when he did not accept his place in history on Raw. He then says that he was stuck with "a happy Saskatchewan farmer who wanted to take everyone to Suplex City" until Royal Rumble, when he proved that a GOAT can slay a beast. Heyman says that the fans will never hear him introduce Brock Lesnar ever again after Roman smashed him, and he realized that he did not have to protect Roman from Lesnar; he need to protect Lesnar from Roman. He goes on to say that Roman offered him the hand of forgiveness, love, family, the bloodline and acknowledgement, and he handed him the WWE Championship and he smashed Lesnar with it so Bobby Lashley could become WWE Champion. Heyman says that Lesnar will do what Roman Reigns wants him to do, and that Roman will make Lesnar acknowledge him. Paul Heyman then acknowledges Roman as his tribal chief, then allows the fans of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to do the same. Suddenly, Goldberg shows up, then acknowledges Roman...as his next victim. He challenges Roman to a match at Elimination Chamber for the Universal Championship before telling him he is next.

Ricochet beats Ridge Holland after Cesaro confronts Sheamus on the outside.

Sheamus and Ridge Holland beat Ricochet and Cesaro after Ridge Holland tags in as Cesaro hits a Superplex and hits Cesaro with Northern Grit afterwards.

Jimmy Uso beats Erik.

Aliyah beats Natalya by count-out after Natalya fails to listen to the referee's ten count as she beats up Aliyah on the outside.

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Drew says that after Day 1, a doctor told he would not make Royal Rumble or WrestleMania, but he told the doctor he could kiss his ass and rehabbed three hours a day for six days a week. He says that Royal Rumble did not go as planned and that Brock Lesnar got one up on him, but he will deal with that later, as he still has Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss to deal with. Happy Corbin shows up and says that by some miracle, McIntyre eliminated him and Moss, then asks if it was worth it after what they did to his neck. As he says that the thought of McIntyre not going to WrestleMania makes him happy, Moss sneaks up on McIntyre. McIntyre sees Moss coming and points his sword at Moss, then forces Moss to make a Drew McIntyre joke and threatens to draw blood if Corbin gets in the ring. Moss says that a criminal found not criminal is like a WrestleMania main event, as they will both get off Scot-free. McIntyre laughs, then Moss gets Claymored. McIntyre then tells Corbin that he will make his life a living hell and that this is just the beginning.

We see Sami Zayn get tossed out of the Jackass Forever premiere while Johnny Knoxville zaps him with a cattle prod. Backstage, Sami Zayn gets mad at WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce for letting that footage be played and wants to know when he will get his Intercontinental Championship match. He finds out he will get it in two weeks. Sami leaves, then Natalya shows up and wants Aliyah in a match that is pinfall or submission only, "Dungeon style." Sonya makes the match official.

Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats Jinder Mahal in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender's Match.

WrestleMania 38 is 57 days away!

Backstage, Naomi confronts WWE official Sonya Deville and tells her to meet her in the ring in five minutes. When Sonya mentions she has business, Naomi challenges her for next week. Sonya tells Naomi she already has a match for next week: Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship. Naomi does not believe her (for obvious reasons), but WWE official Adam Pearce tells her the match is official. Naomi tells Sonya she is safe...for now. She then fist bumps Adam Pearce.

We see a video package of Goldberg's career.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Natalya, who heads to the women's locker room only for Xia Li to come out. Natalya decides to tell Aliyah about their match next week.

In footage from earlier today, we find out that the next match was caused after The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and Big E) crashed Los Lotharios' (Angel and Humberto) photoshoot.

The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Los Lotharios (Angel and Humberto).

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. After the commercial break, WWE official Sonya Deville is also in the ring, and Sonya tells Charlotte that Becky Lynch has chosen "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey as her opponent for WrestleMania. She then says that after next week, Charlotte will need a WrestleMania opponent. Charlotte says she has been on top since 2015 and has been fighting, winning and competing to do that. She says she would be worried if she were Ronda, who has went the safe route with a "mom versus mom" match and that she is confident in herself that she is the main event for WrestleMania. She then picks Sasha Banks as her opponent. Charlotte says that WrestleMania will be the best and worst day of Sasha's life and that she will have a contract waiting for her, then Ronda Rousey shows up. Ronda says she drove through an ice storm to teach her daughter the family business of kicking ass and that she owes Charlotte an ass-beating. She says Charlotte is not special and that she is not first, then says "I'll see you at WrestleMania, bitch." Charlotte says that the SmackkDowm women's title is her baby and prettier than Ronda's. Ronda takes her jacket off and Sonya stops her, but Ronda shoves Sonya and goes after Charlotte. Sonya gets on top of Ronda, and when Charlotte retreats, Ronda puts Sonya in an arm bar to end the show.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 28, 2022

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Charlotte says that she will win the women's Royal Rumble match despite how unpredictable it can be, and says that she takes control of the situation instead of waiting for things to happen, which makes her the most dominant champion in WWE. She then says that she will change the game again when she wins the match and picks a challenger for WrestleMania, then "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up. Shayna says Charlotte is an incredible performer, but she will not hesitate to snap her like a twig limb from limb, and after she throws her over the top rope, she will not hesitate to challenge her and hope she is healed up in time. Aliyah shows up and admits she has a lot of butterflies in her stomach from being in her first Royal Rumble and hopefully her first WrestleMania, but Charlotte says she has no chance. She mentions her win against Natalya, then Natalya shows up. Natalya says Aliyah is rude, clueless, delusional and lucky, but not optimistic, and says her win against her was a fluke and that she will hold a fourth Guinness World Record before Shotzi shows up. Shotzi says the situation allows her to sneak right in and seize the spotlight, then Charlotte says nobody belongs in the ring with her and has no chance tomorrow night when Sasha Banks shows up. Sasha says she is back and ready to rumble, then slaps Charlotte in the face. This starts a brawl, but Charlotte stands tall until she notices Sasha in the ring. Sasha tosses her over the top rope to be the last woman standing.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Ridge Holland and Sheamus. Ridge says he can still hear the crunch when his nose got injured, and he plans to stomp out Ricochet like the parasite that he is. Sheamus says that Ridge is just like him, then hands him his own face mask after saying that Ridge will smash Cesaro and Ricochet just like him.

Sheamus and Ridge Holland beat Cesaro and Ricochet after Ridge headbutts Cesaro with the mask as he goes for the Cesaro Swing on Sheamus. Before the match, it is announced that Ricochet will participate in the men's Royal Rumble match this year.

We see a video package of the Royal Rumble, by the numbers.

Before the next match, Sonya Deville demands to the referee that he call the match in her favor, but he refuses to listen to her and says he will call this down the middle.

Naomi beats Sonya Deville in a fair match called down the middle. After the match, Naomi says that after 153 days of Sonya Deville throwing everything she could at her, Sonya could not stop the glow and she shined through like she will shine through at the women's Royal Rumble match. Naomi then tells Sonya not to slip on her tears on the way out. Sonya heads to the back and grabs a microphone to tell Naomi that she cannot put her in the Royal Rumble without a little surprise: she is entering the match as well.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Jey says that just because they are banned from ringside, it does not mean that Roman Reigns will lose the Universal title. Suddenly, The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up. The Usos make fun of them, but they admit that they love a fast and command a very manly odor before stating they love their axes, which they pull out before saying they can trim a beard or cut a championship belt in half with them. The Usos leave.

It's time for In-Zayn. Tonight's guests are Jinder Mahal and Shanky. Sami says the show has been re-tooled thanks to stunts being dangerous and Johnny Knoxville, and that the segment is now a live podcast. Sami says the show has been re-tooled thanks to stunts being dangerous and Johnny Knoxville, and that the segment is now a live podcast. Jinder says that he has beaten Shinsuke Nakamura before and that tonight will be no different, and when Sami apologizes for Shanky not knowing who Knoxville is, Jinder says Jackass is big in India, and Shanky says he likes the bungee port-a-potty. As Sami disagrees and says that all of the boos will be edited out of the live podcast, Rick Boogs then shows up and introduces Nakamura, then both men head to the ring. Sami yells at Nakamura only to get kicked in the head.

Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs beat Jinder Mahal and Shanky after Sami Zayn yanks Nakamura off the apron and Boogs hits the Boogs Cruise on Shanky.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sir Kofi Kingston and Big E. Kofi says it feels great to have Big E at his side once again and that it will feel great to be in the Royal Rumble. Big E says Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss will feel the power.

The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.

Roman Reigns heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Seth Rollins heads to the ring. Seth brags that he played Roman like a fiddle last week and thanks him for doing the right thing and getting The Usos disqualified so their match can be one-on-one. Roman says it was a simple decision of letting Rollins embarrass the family by pinning The Usos or punching Rollins in the face, then says that he is in "God Mode" now. Seth then talks about how he cashed the Money In The Bank briefcase on him or beating Roman, sent him packing for thirty days after coming back from injury and turned on him to break up The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns). Roman calls the first two things "water under the bridge," but the third one visibly gets under Roman's skin, and Rollins says that when he put the chair in his back, he did it for his own good and knew it would rocket him to superstardom. Seth then says that Roman has done it all except beat him when it matters most, and tomorrow night, it will not be personal when he beats him for the Universal Championship, because he will always love him. Roman says he tried to forgive Seth for destroying The Shield, then says he will never forgive what Seth did to them and says that he hates him, and Rollins says he will hate him even more when he makes him and his family a joke and makes it all end up in smoke. Roman shoves Seth, and Seth laughs before Roman feigns walking away only to go for a Superman Punch. Seth ducks it, then prances away to end the show.

This week on Talking Smack: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso)! Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs! Sheamus and Ridge Holland!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 17, 2021

Backstage, Paul Heyman is seen waiting for Roman Reigns.

Sasha Banks and Toni Storm beat Shotzi and Charlotte Flair with a bridge pin from Toni to Charlotte.

Backstage, King Woods sits on his throne and thanks the Superstars for their admiration. Rick Boogs gets to kiss Woods' hand, then The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up and mock Woods, but Woods says he and Sir Kofi Kingston will beat them again tonight and again at Day 1. Jimmy Uso says he and Jey Uso have no problem beating them twice, either, then they leave.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Natalya, who says that Xia Li had the audacity to viciously attack her, but she is a Guinness World Record holder and the best of all time, and if Xia Li steps up to her again, she will be the one needing a protector.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Jinder Mahal and Shanky.

Backstage, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss still have Adam Pearce's desk and Drew McIntyre's sword Angela.

Backstage, Paul Heyman is met by Brock Lesnar, not Roman Reigns as Heyman expected. When Lesnar asks Heyman if he was expecting Roman, Lesnar then says "Good luck with that."

It's time for another edition of Happy Talk. Adam Pearce's desk - and Drew McIntyre's sword Angela - is in the ring. Corbin says that to McIntyre, the sword is just a sword, but to him, it can be used as a hat rack and a cigar cutter. He says he cannot picture a better addition to the set, then Madcap Moss calls Drew McIntyre with his sword left behind in a desk "the Glasgow Diss." Moss also says he does not know where a discount kilt can be found, and to ask "Bargain Basement Braveheart." He then says Drew McIntyre's girl wore a suit because one person in the relationship should wear the pants. Corbin says he was planning to keep the sword in the desk forever, but he has decided to give the sword to Moss in honor of his razor sharp wit. When Moss tries to remove the sword, however, he cannot. Corbin thinks it is a joke at first, but Moss says he actually cannot get it out. Corbin tries but fares no better, and the two of them together still cannot dislodge it. Drew McIntyre then shows up. McIntyre asks Corbin and Moss if they are having performance issues, then lays Moss out when he charges at him before hitting Corbin with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre then removes the sword from the desk, and Moss has to help Corbin out of the ring.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. He wishes them a happy holiday, saying he genuinely cares about the spirit of the holiday and the spirit of giving, and when asked, says he does not expect to be given something. As Sami talks about how he was robbed of a Universal title shot and, thanks to Sonya and Pearce, loved the Intercontinental Championship, Sonya and Pearce put Sami in a "Twelve Days of Christmas" twelve-man gauntlet to decide a #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship next week.

Ridge Holland beats Cesaro following the distraction from Sheamus.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre looks for Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.

Before the next match, Naomi talks about how she makes herself a Christmas list. She says there is never much on it, and this year, the only thing on the list is a one-on-one match with Sonya Deville. Knowing that she is listening, Naomi says Sonya has done everything but face her one-on-one, and tells her that she wants the match tonight. Sonya shows up and says that when she has the suit on, she can't touch her. She then says she has another opponent. Once again, it is a match with "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Naomi dares Sonya to get in the ring, and Sonya gets in the ring. When Sonya takes off her jacket, Naomi is then attacked from behind by Shayna. Sonya then tells the referee to ring the bell. It is not long before Naomi gets a surprise win against Sonya with a roll-up. Naomi beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.

Backstage, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss are interviewed by Megan Morant as they hide from Drew McIntyre. Corbin says he is happy because he is rich, fortunate and can look down on people and smile. Corbin says he and Moss will laugh their way to the new year, as Drew McIntyre will be beaten by Moss at Day 1.

The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).

Backstage, Paul Heyman welcomes Roman Reigns, but Roman leaves through the other door. Roman says to Heyman "Let's talk in my office."

Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman says he does not like it when his cousins The Usos lose, then says that they are family and that they can get through anything, because they are blood. He then says Heyman is not his blood, and that he should know better than anybody that no one disrespets him. Once again, Roman says that by disrespecting him, his family is disrespected. Roman asks Heyman if he can trust him, and says that last week, Heyman seemed a little shady to him. He asks Heyman if he knew Brock Lesnar would return at SummerSlam, if Lesnar would be at Madison Square Garden, and if he knew Lesnar's suspension would be lifted. Roman then asks Heyman if he is special counsel or an advocate. He asks Heyman if he knew Brock Lesnar would return at SummerSlam, if Lesnar would be at Madison Square Garden, and if he knew Lesnar's suspension would be lifted. Roman then asks Heyman if he is special counsel or an advocate. Heyman tells Roman that he is protecting Brock Lesnar from him, and that he is protecting him from Brock Lesnar. Roman hugs Heyman and tells him he loves him, and thanks him for his honesty. He also thanks him for 40 years of servitude to his family before firing him and hitting him with a Superman Punch. Roman then gets not one, but two chairs. As Roman is about to perform a Con-Chair-To on Heyman, Brock Lesnar shows up. The Usos run at Lesnar only to be decimated, even after Jimmy Uso hits a superkick. Lesnar runs into the ring, and while Roman is able to hit him with a chair, Lesnar get Roman up and hits him with the F5 not once, but twice.

This week on Talking Smack: Sheamus! Ridge Holland! Drew McIntyre! Toni Storm!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 3, 2021

Brock Lesnar shows up to start tonight's show. Lesnar says he is here for one reason only: the WWE Universal Championship. Before he can say much more, Sami Zayn shows up. As Sami says that their path have finally crossed and that they have so much in common, he says that he is a fan of Lesnar. Lesnar tells Sami Zayn to show up, as he does not even know who he is. Lesnar also tells Sami he has a lot of balls interrupting him, and tells him that he hunts, kills and eats things in Saskatchewan, then tells Sami who he is and why he has not ripped his head off yet. Lesnar says that WWE is playing him and says he should be facing Roman Reigns for the championship tonight, then says he can see the match happening. Sami is reluctant, but Lesnar says he is a fan now and that he should fight Roman Reigns tonight. As Sami says he feels he needs more preparation, Lesnar keeps goading Sami into facing Roman tonight. Sami declines, then puts his hand on him. Lesnar grabs his hand and squeezes, and forces Sami into saying he will face Roman tonight. Lesnar also says he will be at Sami Zayn's side tonight and that he has his back, as he wants to see all this play out. Sami then heads to the back.

Backstage, Sami Zayn tells WWE official Sonya Deville what happened earlier in the show when Brock Lesnar shows up. Sonya Deville makes Sami Zayn vs. Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship tonight, much to Sami's reluctance.

Sasha Banks beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler with a roll-up.

Backstage, WWE official Sonya Deville what is going on with Sami Zayn and Brock Lesnar with fellow official Adam Pearce. Pearce says he does not want the show disrupted and tells her to "remember the Alamo." After the phone call, Drew McIntyre wants to know whose idea was it for him not to be in the Black Friday Battle Royal. When he finds out from Sonya that it is Pearce, then pulls out his sword Angela and tells Sonya to tell Pearce that he is looking for him.

It's time for another edition of Happy Talk. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss talk about last week's battle royal, then the two of them make fun of Jeff Hardy, with Moss saying that Jeff would be "a Swanton Mom" if he were a woman with a child. The two of them also make fun of Drew McIntyre, and Moss says that McIntyre checking a battle royal list "a Scottish worrier." Suddenly, McIntyre shows up with his sword Angela, then points at the ring, where Jeff Hardy hits Corbin a Twist of Fate. After Madcap also gets on, McIntyre hits him with the Claymore Kick.

We see another vignette for Xia Li, who talks about a night where she walked home until two thieves approached her and mistook her for a weakling when they tried to take her purse. Not surprisingly, she beats them up. Xia Li debuts next week.

Los Lotharios (Angel and Humberto) beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) after Rick Boogs' guitar playing inadvertently backfires and distracts the wrong team. (Humberto Carrillo has been refereed to as just "Humberto" on Main Event, having his name shortened at the same time as Angel's, but this is the first show outside of Main Event where his last name is not mentioned.) After the match, Rick Boogs plays The Viking Raiders' theme as a peace offering, and he, Nakamura, Pat McAfee, and The Viking Raiders rock on.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Toni Storm. Toni says that Charlotte Flair can try to embarrass her all she wants, because it will not stop her from getting a title match. She says she is not intimidated by Charlotte, who does not know what to do and only embarrassed her when she embarrassed her first. She says she is in Charlotte's head and that Charlotte has said she is not on her leave, but she will prove Charlotte wrong and become SmackDown Women's Champion.

Before the next match, Jey Uso says something is wrong with Sami Zayn if he wants to challenge Roman Reigns. After Jimmy Uso says that it is a bad look, Jey says Brock Lesnar intimidating Sami Zayn is even worse. Jimmy then says that the only intimidating man in SmackDown is Roman Reigns, who will go on to smash Sami Zayn and then Brock Lesnar. Afterwards, King Woods shows up and says that The Usos do not like surprises, then says he always likes to bring a gift to the party before bringing out Sir Kofi Kingston.

King Woods beats Jey Uso by disqualification after Jimmy Uso pulls Woods off the top rope from in the outside. After the match, Kofi Kingston and King Woods clean house, and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) have to retreat.

Backstage, Roman Reigns is not happy with that Sir Kofi Kingston is back, WWE official Adam Pearce is not here, and that he does not know a lot of things tonight. Heyman, when asked about tonight's happenings, says he has been caught off guard. Roman says he will defend the Universal Championship and smash Sami Zayn tonight, and if Brock Lesnar comes anywhere near the match, he will smash him, too.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods). Kofi Kingston says Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) tried to end his career but failed and that he was forced to see the crown and scepter get destroyed. Kofi says it will be "an eye for an eye" and that The New Day will destroy The Usos' SmackDown tag team title reign at Day 1.

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. She says Toni Storm had a lot to say, and that the only way to get noticed in the women's division is by challenging the most decorated woman in sports entertainment. Charlotte says she knows what Toni Storm is doing and says "number one doesn't talk about two," then says that Toni should be thanking her, especially after she hit her in the face with two pies last week. She says Toni can wash the pies off, but that she cannot wash the stink of embarrassment off of her, and that what she can do to Toni in the ring is a lot worse than what she already had done, as it is a fact that Toni is not on her level. Charlotte says she considered Toni Storm's challenge, and then said no. As Charlotte Flair leaves, she is suddenly hit in the face with a pie by Toni Storm.

We see a vignette for Ricochet.

Sheamus beats Cesaro.

Backstage, Naomi confronts WWE official Sonya Deville, saying she could not enjoy her win with Sonya at ringside following everything Sonya had done to kill her glow. She demands a one-on-one match. Sonya says she will give her match when she takes off the suit. She says that it is one thing if she is in her ring gear, but as long as she is in her suit, she is her boss, and if she lays a finger on her, it will cost her. When Naomi asks Sonya if she accepts, Sonya slaps her and says yes.

Before the next match, Sami Zayn says that this match is probably the biggest match of his career, then says that Texas is his least liked state in America and thought he would never win the Universal Champion, but Brock Lesnar spoke to him like a guardian angel. He then says that he will do something that has not been done in a long time, and that he upset and defeat Roman Reigns and walk out Universal Champion, and when he does, he will only have Lesnar to thank for having his back and not the fans. Brock Lesnar shows up, and after Sami Zayn thanks him for having his back, Sami says that Brock would have an easier time with him than Roman, saying his track record with Roman is not all that great. Lesnar responds by suplexing Sami multiple times and hitting the F5 twice. Lesnar then places Sami Zayn in the corner and leaves.

Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn with a Spear followed by a guillotine choke.

This week on Talking Smack: Charlotte Flair! The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso)! Naomi!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for November 26, 2021

Kayla Braxton is in the ring to start tonight's show. She welcomes everyone to the show, and she is about to address Brock Lesnar's suspension when Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman show up. Heyman asks if rumors about Brock Lesnar is the best she has, saying that he and Roman do not do rumors on the island of relevancy and that Kayla just wants to put the spotlight on herself. He tells Kayla to dig through sources and come with a confirmation or denial, and to come with facts in Roman's presence and that she lives through an Instagram filter before telling her to leave the ring. Kayla leaves. This leads to the crowd chanting "We want Brock," and Roman tells Heyman that the problem with rumors is that they give losers false hope, and compared to him, everyone is a loser around here. Roman says he has beaten them all and that Brock Lesnar is the number one loser around here, saying he faced him in less than ideal conditions and still smashed him. After saying that he does not care about rumors, Roman also calls Big E a loser after smashing him last week, and says they are two people in a long list and that he is now running laps around the roster. He addresses the Black Friday Battle Royal for later tonight to determine his next opponent for the Universal Championship, saying four people could win it and he would still smash them all because he is the best of the best. He also says he is the greatest of all time, and that when his days are done around here - which may be sooner than later - the whole world will acknowledge him.

Jeff Hardy and Drew McIntyre beat Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.

Backstage, Aliyah talks with Kayla Braxton when Paul Heyman shows up. Heyman tells Kayla to get a confirmation or a denial, and says there are no rumors, saying Brock Lesnar is hiding and that he fears Roman. He also implies that he will get Kayla fired if he does not get a confirmation or a denial on Brock Lesnar's suspension being lifted before the end of the night.

King Woods plugs WWEShop.com's Black Friday deals.

Sheamus guests on commentary for the next match.

Cesaro beats Ridge Holland with a surprise roll-up pin.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce, hoping to be part of the Black Friday Battle Royal later tonight.

Angel beats Rick Boogs in a Thanksgiving Leftovers Throwdown despite Shinsuke Nakamura trips Humberto Carrillo into falling through a table full of food as Humberto plays Boogs' guitar.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Adam Pearce, who says that he will post the list for the Black Friday Battle Royal on his wall later tonight. Kayla then asks about the state of Brock Lesnar's suspension. Pearce says he has not heard about any changes about Brock Lesnar's suspension, and says that considering all of the damage Brock Lesnar has done, Lesnar is a menace and he would be surprised if the suspension were lifted any time soon.

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Michael Cole interviews her in the ring, and Charlotte says the only way Becky Lynch could have beaten her was to cheat and that Becky's win was a hollow victory, stating that she is not the superior athlete and was just lucky. Charlotte says that Becky is the person she said she was and that she is the better woman, and that Becky's success is because of her. She says that as Becky is still "Big Time Bex" in fantasy land, she is still the most dominant woman in sports entertainment. Toni Storm then shows up and says that Becky won as predicted because Becky got to Charlotte, then says she will make it easier for Charlotte and tells her she is right here. She says she is not coming after Toni because she barely remembers she exists and that she is on a different level. She then goes for a cheap shot, but Toni sends her out of the ring. When Toni goes after Charlotte, Charlotte hits her with a pie, then hits her with another one when she dares Toni to come at her.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Sasha Banks confronts WWE official Sonya Deville, saying she gave her a team full of traitors and blames her for her Survivor Series loss, saying she would have won if she had her own team with Naomi on it. Sonya tells her to watch her tone and that she has nothing against Naomi, but Sasha Banks says she is lying and is angry that Naomi has always been better than her. After Sasha says that Sonya Deville has been "downgraded to a suit," Sonya says that makes her "the boss" and puts her in a tag team match with Naomi against Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.

We see a vignette for Xia Li, where Xia Li talks about a school bully who picked on her older brother, who she considers too good and kind for a violent world, and how she beat him up while stating that she has vultures.

WWE official Sonya Deville guests on commentary for the next match.

Naomi and Sasha Banks beat Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. After the match, Naomi confronts Sonya Deville.

When the list of participants for the Black Friday Battle Royal is posted, Drew McIntyre finds out that he did not make the list, and Sheamus mocks him for it.

We get a closer look at The Miz and Maryse, courtesy of Kay Jewelers.

Before the next match begins, Drew McIntyre runs into the ring with the sword, causing everyone to clear out and WWE official Adam Pearce to show up to talk sense into McIntyre. McIntyre leaves on his own accord during the commercial break.

Sami Zayn last eliminates Jeff Hardy by getting thrown over the middle rope and playing possum until the end to win the Black Friday Battle Royal and earn a shot at the WWE Universal Championship. After the match, Kayla Braxton announces that the suspension has been lifted and that Brock Lesnar will be appearing next week. Adam Pearce is disappointed, and Roman Reigns' camp is disappointed and angry at Paul Heyman.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for November 19, 2021

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are in the ring to start tonight's show. Jimmy says Roman Reigns will be here any moment, then says they and Roman sent the message to Big E loud and clear. Jey says that they also sent a message to RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) before he and Jimmy introduce Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring, and Heyman says that he is overwhelmed and looking forward to this all week, and that there is nobody more worthy of being crowned king as much as Roman. He also states that everyone will agree with him that the honor does not belong to someone like King Woods, will never belong to Brock Lesnar, and will never belong to Big E, who will be smashed this Sunday by Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns asks whose idea this was, then says that this must be a joke and that he does not really care about the throne or the crown, saying he does not need them to be acknowledged. Roman says he only took the crown last week because he could, then King Woods shows up and says that while all the material things in the ring belong to him, they do not make a king, as being king means you know you can do good for the fans. He says that if Roman really was a king, he would have faced him and settled things face-to-face. Woods then decides to "sweeten the pot" by challenging Roman to a one-on-one match without The Usos around so he can show what a real king is made of. Roman then asks if nothing in the ring means anything to him, then Jey blows his nose in the cape and Roman stomps on it. Woods says "Clothes don't make the man." Jey breaks the scepter over his knee. Woods says nothing. The Usos then throw down and stomp the throne before tossing it out of the ring, but Woods points at his heart. Jey is about to throw down the crown, but Roman takes it and asks Woods if the crown means anything to him. Roman is about to stomp on the crown when Woods rushes into the ring, but The Usos gang up on him. Roman tells Woods he is the only king around and that he does not need props because he is the one. He then stomps the crown and breaks it before slamming Woods' head into what is left.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews King Woods. Woods says Roman Reigns will accept his challenge, then says that while the Roman Empire was not built in a day, it will fall tonight.

Sheamus beats Cesaro, Ricochet and Jinder Mahal in a Fatal 4-Way Match to replace Sami Zayn in SmackDown's men's Survivor Series team after Ridge Holland shows up and distracts Cesaro. After the match, Ridge Holland and Sheamus celebrate together.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Jeff Hardy. Jeff says he has teamed with some incredible Superstars over the years at Survivor Series, but he has never teamed with someone like Drew McIntyre, who he says is on another level. He also says that King Woods is the real king because he is the real deal. As he talks about his other teammates, including Happy Corbin, Corbin and Madcap Moss show up and make a Jeff Hardy facepaint joke. Adam Pearce shows up and tells Corbin to knock it off and act like a member of the team, then asks Moss if he will still be laughing after his match tonight with Jeff Hardy. Hardy laughs for a second, then gets serious again and leaves.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Sheamus and Ridge Holland. Sheamus says Ridge Holland believes in him and is amazed Ridge became a WWE Superstar after watching him, and the thought bring a tear to his eye before he laughs. Ridge says if it were not for Sheamus, he would still be in England, broke and fighting bums on the street. Sheamus and Ridge then head to the bar.

We see a video package for Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch at Survivor Series.

Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Naomi and Aliyah after a fast count by the referee.

We see a video package about Bruno Sammartino and his limited shirts that will be only be sold at Barclays Center at Survivor Series.

Backstage, Sami Zayn talks with WWE official Sonya Deville about the status of his documentary and being removed from Survivor Series. Deville says that she has a 25-man battle royal based on the 25th anniversary of The Rock's debut, and Sami will be in it and hopefully win it. Suddenly, the referee who officiated Aliyah and Naomi vs. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Natalya shows up and asks if she did a good job. Sonya says he does not associate with crooked referees and tells her to leave.

Before the next match, Jeff Hardy says the odds are not in his favor and that if Madcap Mass can have Happy Corbin in his corner, he might as well have someone in his. That someone is Drew McIntyre.

Jeff Hardy beats Madcap Moss with an inside cradle after Drew McIntyre stops Happy Corbin from interfering in the match. After the match, McIntyre hits Corbin with a Claymore Kick, then Moss gets a Glasgow Kiss. Hardy then goes up top for the Swanton Bomb.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton scares the heck out of - and interviews - Paul Heyman. Heyman says he has heard King Woods' challenge, and that Roman Reigns does not need The Usos or him, as he loves them. He says that Woods wants to call Roman's bluff, but there are no bluffs in the island of relevancy and Woods' challenge is hereby accepted.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats Angel Garza - now known as just Angel - after Rick Boogs stops Humberto Carrillo from interfering. After the match, Humberto Carrillo hits a cheap shot, then he and Angel retreat.

Backstage, Sonya Deville gets between Sasha Banks and Shotzi. Shotzi calls Sasha "a vindictive, petty little brat" and that she doesn't forget being betrayed. Sasha does not seem to care, because payback is a bitch and so is she. Sonya Deville makes it clear that she expects Sasha and Shotzi to shake hands after their match is over.

Sasha Banks beats Shotzi with the crossface using her legs after Shotzi injures her left arm during the match. After the match, Sasha and Shotzi shake hands, but Sasha puts Shotzi in the Backstabber afterwards.

Backstage, Roman Reigns asks Paul Heyman if it is time. Heyman says it is time. Roman tells The Usos he will handle this by himself as he leaves.

We see a vignette for Xia Li. Xia Li talks about how her father - and protector - suddenly died and nearly got tossed out of her home by a landlord only for Xia to beat up the landlord, saying vultures will never get to her family again for she is her father's daughter and the protector.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Toni Storm, who is happy to represent SmackDown on Sunday. She says that she challenged Charlotte Flair because she is obsessed with being champion and will be vulnerable when she loses and will come after her. She says that when Becky Lynch beats Charlotte on Sunday, she will take it out on her. Charlotte then shows up and says that after she beats Becky, Toni will be next and she will do to her what she will do to Becky on Sunday.

King Woods heads to the ring. Woods calls out Roman Reigns, saying he had Roman beat until The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) got involved. He says that this means that Roman cannot beat him on his own, and calls Roman out. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman show up, but suddenly, The Usos are tossed onto the stage. Big E shows up, and he and Roman meet on the middle of the ramp and brawl. Big E then throws Roman into the ring, where he and Woods stomp a mudhole in him. The Usos charge into the ring, but Woods and Big E overpower them. Suddenly, Roman gets back in the ring and Superman Punches Big E. Roman goes for a Spear only for it to be countered with the Big Ending, which Roman escapes before leaving with Paul Heyman.

This week on Talking Smack: Sasha Banks! Shinsuke Nakamura! Sheamus!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for November 5, 2021

Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman says he was not at SmackDown, saying that when you smash someone like Brock Lesnar, you have to celebrate, and he took a vacation. He then tells the fans to acknowledge him before he talks about his vacation, then says that everybody else had a bad week, including Brock Lesnar, whose fine and suspension he takes credit for. Roman then asks Paul Heyman about what happened last week, and Heyman admits that The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods) beat The Usos. Roman says that while The New Day are entertaining, they are not better than the bloodline, and he cannot understand how The Usos lost to them. The Usos point at each other when Roman asks who got pinned, then Roman tells Jimmy that the crowd is cheering for The New Day because of him. When asked how he will fix this, Jimmy says he will make King Woods acknowledge Roman Reigns. The New Day show up, and they make fun of Roman Reigns' "Head of the Table" and "Island of Relevancy" references, saying Roman is alone on the island and his table does not exist. Woods then says he will have no problem acknowledging Roman if Jimmy beats him, but if he beats Jimmy, Jimmy will have to bend the knee. The Usos state that the bloodline does not bend the knee to anybody. Heyman makes Jey Uso put the microphone in Roman Reigns, and Roman accepts the challenge. Kofi then decrees that the match is official.

Before the next match, Kayla Braxton interviews WWE official Sonya Deville, who says that Naomi has never had a fire in her or confidence until she got to her, and says that one day, she may challenge Naomi to a one-on-one match.

Naomi beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler by reversing the Kirifuda Clutch into a roll-up...almost After the match, WWE official Sonya Deville says that Naomi grabbed the rope before the roll-up and that therefore, the pinfall shouldn't count. She then restarts the match. Baszler puts Naomi in the Kirifuda Clutch, and this time, Naomi fades. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Naomi with the Kirifuda Clutch.

Backstage, Roman Reigns talks about how everything falls apart when he goes on vacation for a week. Jimmy laughs, and Roman immediately chews him up. Roman and Jey Uso say that they do not lose, because they are the ones.

We see another vignette for Xia Li, who is coming soon to SmackDown.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Ridge Holland, who says he looks forward to meeting Sheamus, who he says it tough, rugged and handles his business like he does and would fit in back home. He talks about how he and friends celebrated Sheamus' major accomplishments, saying Sheamus is an inspiration for him and bad news for the rest of SmackDown.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Shotzi. Shotzi says she has had enough, saying that since she has shown up, she has lost title opportunities, her tag team partner and the support of the fans. She also says that she lost the biggest match of her career thanks to Sasha Banks and that she will not smile and pretend things are okay. She says Sasha's condescending attitude was her breaking point. Shotzi says she will run over Sasha and anyone who gets in her way, and she won't need a tank to do it.

Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo - now known as "Los Lotharios" - beat Cesaro and Mansoor.

Backstage, Aliyah talks with Jeff Hardy when Kayla Braxton interviews Jeff. Suddenly, Jeff and Aliyah both meet Sami Zayn, who tells Aliyah that she needs to show people she means business, and - as locker room leader - proposes wearing a pantsuit.

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to issue an open challenge. The open challenge is answered by Ricochet. Ricochet says that while McIntyre is the biggest and baddest guy he knows, he is playing with fire and that someone will step into the ring and smack him right in the mouth. Ricochet then slaps McIntyre in the mouth.

Drew McIntyre beats Ricochet after knocking Ricochet out of a moonsault with a Claymore Kick. During the match, Megan Morant interviews Mustafa Ali, saying that he and Ricochet have a lot in common.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods). Woods says the only thing he will acknowledge is that if Roman moved to the ring any slower, he would be moving in reverse. He also says that the outcome tonight is not in doubt and that Jimmy Uso will bend the knee.

Backstage, Mustafa Ali proposes to Ricochet that they should team up, but Ricochet refuses, saying that Mustafa is a whiner, not a winner, and that he blames everyone but himself, has treated Mansoor like dirt, and is a jerk.

It's time for Happy Talk. Tonight's guest is The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). After Madcap Moss makes fun of Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs, Happy Corbin says there is no serious competition on SmackDown, and says that their guests tonight are proof of that. Ivar says they are here not to be their guests or be happy, and Erik says they are here to raid the show because it is corny and it sucks. Corbin says The Viking Raiders are in a sour mood for two guys still in their Halloween costumes, and Madcap Moss says a young woman died from body odor "by taking a liking to a Viking." The Viking Raiders almost immediately tear up the set upon hearing that.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss by count-out after Corbin and Moss retreat.

Backstage, Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla) runs into Sami Zayn, who says that their entrance a few weeks ago was flat and "sucked." As Sami says that Top Dolla could be a pillar with a little bit of work, Top Dolla asks Sami what he thinks is a proper entrance. Sami tells them to follow him to show them a real entrance as locker room leader.

Sami Zayn shows up and dances around on the stage, saying that this is how you make a real entrance, calling it "being fearless," "having presence" and "being in the present," which he says are qualities one must have to be in the locker room. He says Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla) can have those same qualities with his leadership, then introduces Hit Row. Sami makes the entrance about him, then Hit Row promptly mock Sami, with Top Dollar saying "Sami Zayn? Nah. Sami sucks." Sami tries to leave, but Swerve and Thee Adonis won't let him. Top Dollar gets out of his way, then Hit Row lets him leave, with Sami saying he will not forget this.

Backstage, as The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring, Jimmy Uso asks Roman Reigns if he is heading to the ring with them. Roman asks "How many of your problems do I have to fix around here?"

King Woods beats Jimmy Uso after Sir Kofi Kingston distracts the referee and Jey Uso gets caught putting his feet on Jimmy's back during a schoolkid pin to give Jimmy leverage. As per pre-match stipulation, Jimmy Uso must bend the knee. After the match, Roman Reigns runs into the ring and hits King Woods with the Superman Punch before Jimmy bends the knee. Jimmy and Jey Uso then beat up Kofi before Woods fights back against Roman, and Woods gets superkicked by Jimmy and Jey. Roman then lays out Kofi with a Spear, and Jimmy and Jey attack the back of Kofi's right leg in order to further injure it. Roman then tells Woods that if he shows up next week, he will show him what a king looks like.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 8, 2021

WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville oversee a contract signing for Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks' Triple Threat Match for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Crown Jewel. Bianca enters the ring while Becky is at a table near the ramp and Sasha is standing on the announce table. Becky says Bianca is feeling good about a losing streak before calling Sasha "a disco ball-looking fool" who attacked her from behind and could not get the job done before threatening payback. Sasha says Bianca and Becky are jealous her spotlight is bigger than either of theirs, but Bianca says Sasha should be concerned about signing the contract and that Becky got lucky, saying she is the common denominator in all of this. She says that she is in the ring and yet Sasha and Bianca don't want to be, and dares the two of them to get in the ring now. She then throws a chair out of the ring, then Becky flips her table and heads to the ring. As Becky approaches, Sasha attacks Becky from behind, starting a brawl in the ring. The brawl ends with Bianca lifting both Sasha and Becky up. Sasha escapes only to be knocked onto a table before Becky is slammed through her and the table.

Backstage, Rey Mysterio talks with Dominik Mysterio when Kayla Braxton interviews Rey. Rey says that being King of the Ring is the next best thing to being a world champion, and says it would make him sick if Sami Zayn became king, which he says will not happen. As Rey heads to the ring, Dominik tells Rey that he will stay backstage and let him handle things.

Backstage, Sami Zayn tells Dominik Mysterio that while his father Rey Mysterio is a great man, it is time for him to be his own man and that he is better than his father.

It is announced that King Nakamura - now Shinsuke Nakamura again - has given away his crown in respect to the soon-to-be King of the Ring.

Sami Zayn beats Rey Mysterio to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament. During the match, Dominik Mysterio makes his way to ringside to watch the match despite telling Rey that he would hang back and watch from backstage. Near the end of the match, Sami removes a top turnbuckle cover, and Dominik tries to put it back on. When Rey confronts Dominik, Sami shoves Rey into Dominik and wins with a schoolkid pin to advance.

We see a vignette for Hit Row: B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott. Hit Row is coming soon to SmackDown.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Seth Rollins, who says that he had been embarrassed, humiliated, mocked and ridiculed until SummerSlam and yet he still beat Edge in a regular match with a legal maneuver. He then says that he has been demonized despite that, and that he has still been the bigger man and has challenged Edge to a match to declare who is the bigger man. He says Edge has not responded, and says he told Edge he would go to his house to get an answer. After stating that he did what he said out to do, he says that he has yet to get an answer from Edge. He then questions why he is having this interview as Kayla has no power backstage, and says he will find somebody who does have power.

Zelina Vega beats Toni Storm with a Code Red to advance in the Queen's Crown Tournament.

Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman tells the San Jose fans to acknowledge him, then says Paul Heyman had one job to do before tonight: make sure The Usos were drafted to SmackDown. He then asks the fans to acknowledge Heyman. Roman puts his arm around Heyman and says he and his cousins both love him, and asks him to be the wise man like he always has and come clean about his involvement with Brock Lesnar. Roman then tells Heyman to admit that he was responsible for Brock Lesnar's free agency. Heyman says he is in a bad situation, as it will sound like he is spinning things, but he says that Roman saved him and made him counsel because he knew he was wise. He says that while he has been accused of much and guilty of even more, he has never been guilty of being stupid, and that it would be stupid to pull the trigger on their friendship and betray him to Lesnar. He says that Roman would not choose a stupid man as his counsel and that Brock Lesnar will be conquered, but Roman takes the microphone and tells him to look into the camera and tell Brock, not him, and that he will protect Heyman because he can. Heyman looks into the camera and gives Brock Lesnar credit for outsmarting him, then tells him that he has met his match in Roman Reigns, saying that Roman will walk in as tribal chief, fight as a tribal beast and come out the winner.

Backstage, Seth Rollins meets with WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce, and Pearce reminds him that Edge was supposed to be here until he broke into his house. Seth then says he will wait for his answer in the ring at the end of the show and says it will be on Sonya and Adam if he does not show up, then asks them to return a picture of Becky Lynch kissing Edge to Edge if they see Edge before he does.

Carmella - wearing the carbon fiber mask again - beats Liv Morgan to advance in the Queen's Crown Tournament.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Mace. Mace says that he is not going to compete, as that implies competition, as he sees nobody shares his strength, demeanor and disposition to dominate. Mace says that all he sees is prey and that he is here to annihilate.

It's time for Happy Talk. Happy Corbin says that Madcap Moss is one of the people that makes him happy, and Madcap Moss makes a joke about how "a tuba toothpaste" is the only instrument once can find in a bathroom. Kevin Owens then shows up, beats up Madcap Moss, then runs into the ring and attacks Happy Corbin. As Moss trikes from behind only to nearly get a Stunner, Corbin gets a cheap shot and the numbers game catches up to Owens. Madcap Moss then hits Owens with a neckbreaker into a head drop driver.

Backstage, Naomi confronts WWE official Sonya Deville for not being put in the Queen's Crown Tournament. Sonya says Naomi is not worthy and should be lucky she is even here, and when Naomi asks to be traded to Raw, Sonya says he is not done with her on SmackDown yet. Sonya then reveals that Naomi has a match next week and that it is against her. Naomi says "It's on."

Finn Balor beats Cesaro to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament.

Backstage, Becky Lynch meets with WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville, saying Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar have not changed the game like she has and that SmackDown is her domain. As Becky says that she has been put in a corner despite creating the best match possible and that she is the best, Sonya tells her that all she has to do is prove it to the rest of the world sign the contract. She does.

It is announced that next week's episode of SmackDown will be called Supersized SmackDown and will be two-and-a-half hours instead of the usual two, and will air on FS1.

Seth Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins says the time has come, and he demands Edge show up and answer his challenge, saying that Edge can name the time, place and stipulation and that they can have the match in his living room. When Edge does not show, Rollins asks what happened to Edge before saying that he ended him with one stomp in Madison Square Garden. He then says that if Edge will not answer the challenge, then it is an admission that he is not "Edge Light" and that he is better than Edge in every possible way, then says Edge is not only disappointing him, but the fans and his family. As Rollins says that Edge's daughters can no longer look to him as an inspiration, a black vehicle shows up backstage and Edge walks out of it to the ring. Rollins grabs a chair, but Edge hits him with a Spear and attacks him at the announce table, using Pat McAfee's headset as a weapon when it gets caught in the crossfire before going for a crossface with a metal rod from a chair. Rollins elbows out of it and escapes, then Edge says "You...me...Hell In A Cell."

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 3, 2021

Corey Graves replaces Pat McAfee on commentary this week.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. The Usos conclude that The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) wanted to get into family business to prove themselves, but ended up disrespecting Roman Reigns and the family bloodline. They then declare they are "the ones." The Street Profits show up, and mockingly make fun of what they did to The Usos before Angelo Dawkins asks The Usos what they are doing in the ring without permission slips. Montez Ford then says The Usos are spitting facts, saying The Usos are indeed the ones to get beaten tonight.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender's Match ends in a no-contest when the match goes out of control. Both teams continue to brawl after the match, and The Street Profits come out on top.

Backstage, Roman Reigns tells Paul Heyman to take care of family business. As Heyman heads out from Roman's dressing room and has his cellphone out, he is interviewed by Kayla Braxton. Heyman tells Kayla Braxton to just enjoy the moment. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar's entrance theme plays on his phone repeatedly. Heyman answers Lesnar's call, and tells Lesnar he will deliver the message. After Kayla Braxton says she is enjoying this moment, Heyman then runs into a janitor, who is revealed to be a laughing Big E.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Lynch mentions being interrupted by the entire SmackDown women's division last week, then says she never got a chance to talk about Bianca Belair, who she calls "one hell of an athlete" and one of the most athletic women WWE has ever head. She says that she was excited to face Bianca at SummerSlam, but now, she is being portrayed as the bad guy. She says that she saved the show at SummerSlam and that she had prepared to become champ since she left, and that Bianca was not ready while she was. Becky says that just because she hasn't played the game in a while doesn't mean she's forgotten how to win, and says that while Bianca might be able to fool the fans, she cannot fake experience, and all it took was one first to her face to end her title reign. Bianca shows up and says that the championship was more than a title for her and that it was part of her identity for the last four months only for it to be lost in twenty seconds, and that while she is hurt, she will not bring herself up by putting another down. She says that she will not make excuses for herself, and says that she made herself the best while Becky was gone. She says she will bounce back, beat Becky for the title and become the greatest, even if she had to earn her rematch. Bianca then proposes that they have their title match tonight, since Roman Reigns is defending his championship tonight. Becky says she does not give a damn what Roman is doing, and says no before leaving.

Backstage, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are backstage when Dolph runs into Toni Storm and asks her to check out his match, even offering her a spot in his corner. Toni Storm admits that while Ziggler is great, she is rooting for Rick Boogs.

Rick Boogs beats Dolph Ziggler.

Backstage, Becky Lynch is met by WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce, who state that she will defend the SmackDown Women's Championship at Extreme Rules and that the contract for the match will be signed to make it official next week.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Seth Rollins, who says tonight is the perfect opportunity for a new beginning, and after watching his SummerSlam match with Edge, he has found what led Edge to victory over him and that he will use that to beat Cesaro.

Cesaro beats Seth Rollins by disqualification after Rollins counters a running European uppercut on the outside with a chair. After the match, Rollins attacks Cesaro with the chair some more before grabbing another chair after another referee shows up. Both referees run away after Rollins stomps the bottom bar off the chair and crossfaces Cesaro with it. A third referee shows up just before a livid, hysterical Seth Rollins hit Cesaro with The Stomp, then Rollins pulls out two more chairs. Rollins then goes for the Con-Chair-To on Cesaro, but all of a sudden, Edge runs out with a chair and chases Rollins away.

Backstage, Roman Reigns talks with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), then Paul Heyman tells Roman that they have a problem. As Roman says he has no problems because he will smash Finn Balor, Heyman says the problem is with Brock Lesnar. Roman says Heyman is the one with the problem and that he will smash him when the time comes, and Heyman informs him that Lesnar will be on next week's show because Heyman called him and told him. Roman asks Heyman what makes him sure Lesnar is not here tonight.

Backstage, Happy Corbin shows up in a Rolls Royce and treats Megan Morant like his valet.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Edge, who says that he gets Rollins and understands the game Rollins is playing, and says the game has to stop. Edge then challenges Rollins to a match next week, and says that next time, Rollins will not be the same.

It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guest is Happy Corbin. Corbin thanks Owens, saying that if it weren't for him, he would not be where he is today, but Owens says not to put this on him. Corbin then mentions his owing him $100, and says his special guest might have it. Corbin's special guest is Logan Paul, who shows up, and Owens asks how Corbin and Logan Paul are friends, but Corbin and Logan says what happened a few weeks ago is water under the bridge. Corbin also mentions that they watch Jake Paul's latest boxing fight. After Owens calls Corbin and Logan the most useless people to ever be in a WWE ring, Logan asks Owens if he would say that to someone who will give him $100. Owens tells Logan he does not need his money and tells him to leave the ring and never enter it again. Logan shoves Owens, Owens shoves Logan, and Corbin punches and choke slams Owens when Owens tries to charge at Logan.

Backstage, Liv Morgan watches Carmella as she stares into a video camera.

Sami Zayn beats Dominik Mysterio after Rey Mysterio inadvertently distracts Dominik after he keeps Sami Zayn from running out of the match.

Backstage, WWE official Sonya Deville is on the phone when Naomi shows up about her match. Sonya asks Naomi to get with her again next week.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Finn Balor, who says that tonight, he answers the question of "What if Finn Balor didn't get injured in 2016?"

Before the next match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) attack Finn Balor during his ring entrance and smash the ring steps into Finn Balor's ribs. Suddenly, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) run out and chase The Usos away before they can do any more damage.

We get a sneak peek at the new look of NXT, which is coming September 14th.

Before the next match, medical staff check on Finn Balor, who refuses to forfeit the match.

Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship against Finn Balor with the guillotine choke. After the match, the arena lights briefly turn red and a heartbeat sound can be heard before the show ends.

Talking Smack: Cesaro is hurt at Seth Rollins' hands.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 27, 2021

Corey Graves and Kevin Owens replace Pat McAfee on commentary this week.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Becky says she is glad to be back and on top, and that she missed the fans. She says that when she had to give up the Raw Women's Championship, it was one of the hardest things to do as she was also giving up an identity. She says she had to work back to where she once was, and while she has a new life and new priorities, and she is deadler than ever now that she has a family to fight for. On the subject of SummerSlam, Becky says she is sorry for absolutely nothing, as she has been in WWE long enough to know that everything is about timing and preparation, and all she needed was an opportunity. Suddenly, Bianca Belair shows up. Bianca says she is not here to make excuses, and tells Becky Lynch that she is not okay with what happened at SummerSlam, as she has been working too hard and too long for Becky to erase it all in twenty-six seconds. She then proposes that the two of them tear it down for the SmackDown Women's Championship tonight, then Zelina Vega shows up and says Bianca has been reduced to crying for a rematch. Zelina tells Bianca that she has embarrassed herself once before and that nobody wants to see that again, and that she should fall back and let her have the match with Becky Lynch. Suddenly, Carmella shows up. Carmella tells both Bianca and Zelina to step out of the way so Becky Lynch faces the most beautiful woman in WWE, then mentions being Sasha Banks' last-minute replacement before Becky showed up. Suddenly, Liv Morgan arrives. Liv says Carmella and Zelina are undeserving of the title picture when they lose week after week, and tells Becky that if she is looking for a contender, she is right here. Bianca tells Carmella, Zelina and Liv that they have lost their minds and that this is all between her and Becky, then asks Becky to give the people the match they want, which is the two of them tonight. Becky says "Nah," and leaves. After Becky leaves, Zelina and Carmella make fun of Bianca, and Bianca punches Zelina. As Carmella attacks Bianca, Liv pushes Carmella out of the ring. Zelina and Carmella keep Bianca out of the ring, but Liv levels them, too.

Bianca Belair beats Zelina Vega, Carmell and Bianca Belair in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match to face Becky Lynch for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman. Paul Heyman says he stands where he always stands: behind and somewhat to the side of Roman Reigns. He then says he has to help Roman prepare for his family celebration. Suddenly, he finds that the door to Roman's dressing room is locked.

Backstage, Paul Heyman asks Kayla Braxton if she has anything better to do as he waits for Roman Reigns. Suddenly, the door opens and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) come out, saying Roman has not arrived yet. When The Usos ask if Heyman will re-join Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman asks why he would tear down all they have worked to build up and that he did not know Lesnar would be here. When The Usos asks why they were sent back to the locker room, Heyman says Roman sent the order, not him, but The Usos doubt this.

Cesaro beats Chad Gable by disqualification after Otis attacks Cesaro during the Cesaro Swing. After the match, Chad Gable and Otis attack Cesaro, then Otis splashes Cesaro from the middle rope.

Kayla Braxton reports that Roman Reigns is arriving shortly when a white Bentley arrives. Baron Corbin steps out of the driver's seat with a new suit and hat, and asks to be addressed as "Happy Corbin." Corbin says that luck is finally on his side for the first time in months and that he is finally happy.

Happy Corbin heads to the ring. He asks the fans if they ever thought he would have a smile again, saying he thought his career and life was over and at rock bottom, but now, he looks incredible. Corbin also says that he did it all by himself and that he is the happiest man in the world before we see a video package where Corbin goes from rags to riches after taking $35 and getting lucky in the Las Vegas casinos. Corbin then says he was "the mayor of Jackpot City" and says he deserves it after betting on himself, and says he has new expensive clothes and that his wife welcomed him home with roast beef on the table. Corbin says again that he deserves it, then asks the fans to call him "Happy Corbin" before saying that there is something that could make him happier and asks Big E to come to the ring. Big E arrives. Big E says he is happy for Corbin and glad he does not smell anymore, and Corbin makes up for stealing the Money In The Bank contract by buying it for $20,000. Big E declines. Corbin goes for $50,000. Big E declines again. Corbin says Big E might cash in and lose it, and after Big E reminds Corbin that he also cashed in and lost it, Corbin admits he did and puts out one last offer: $100,000. Big E is tempted, but he says "Hell no." He then says he has a list of things Corbin can spend $100,000 on, such as a half-eaten sandwich, a pencil he found outside, and an Arkansas Razorback plushie. Corbin says it is fine, and that he is way too rich and way too happy for this. He then tells Big E to be miserable, cash in, lose and regret not taking the $100,000. Big E tells Corbin he is tired of him and his game and tells him to leave before he slaps him. Corbin leaves.

We hear from Edge, who says he defeated a generational talent in Seth Rollins. He says he does not like having to go to a dark place to find a savage version of himself, as it affected him wherever he went, but he did it. Edge says that the albatross around his neck that is Seth Rollins is over and done with, and that he is now moving on to the WWE Universal Championship. We then hear from Seth Rollins, who says that he has only one thing to say to Edge: congratulations. He says he has had a week to think about things, as it has been a great match and a great victory for Edge while it was a loss for him. He says their match taught him something about himself, and as much as he hates to admit this, Edge has his respect and admiration for what he has done for himself, and says that if he has to fight his way to the Universal Championship, he should be more like him.

Backstage, Roman Reigns finds Paul Heyman outside of his dressing room door and asks him what he is doing. A nervous Heyman apologizes and opens the door, then enters the dressing room with him.

King Nakamura and Rick Boogs beat Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. During the match, we hear from Apollo Crews, who says that King Nakamura will soil the Intercontinental Championship that he made and that everyone - including his ancestors - is ashamed about what happened.

Backstage, WWE official Sonya Deville is met by Naomi, who is thrilled to be the newest member of the SmackDown roster once again and is ready to show and glow up. Deville admits nobody told her Naomi was coming, then says she will not measure up to the current roster. As Naomi says she is a two-time SmackDown Women's Champion, Deville says she will get with her next week. Noami leaves the room feeling discouraged and flustered.

Backstage, Rey Mysterio talks with Dominik Mysterio, saying it is time for him to step back and let Dominik fly on his own. He says he does not know who his opponent is, but is Dominik goes in focused, he can get the win.

Dominik Mysterio's opponent is Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn beats Dominik Mysterio. Rey Mysterio shows up during the match to get a closer look at ringside. After the match, Rey tries to console Dominik, but Dominik just heads to the back.

Backstage, Paul Heyman is about to hand Roman Reigns the WWE Universal Championship on the way out, saying it is a family celebration, but Roman says Heyman is family and that he loves him. Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) then head to the ring. Heyman announces that Roman Reigns has given the fans permission to acknowledge him, and that they have the unique opportunity to acknowledge The Usos as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. He then says this is the moment in the show where everyone gets to celebrate the fact that "we've Cena 'nough" after Roman beat John Cena at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Finn Balor shows up. Finn states that Cena screwed them out of a Finn Balor vs. Roman Reigns match at SummerSlam and that he will deal with Cena in due time, and now that Cena is gone and Brock Lesnar is back, he does not trust anyone and he is not waiting in line. Finn Balor challenges Roman Reigns to a match for the WWE Universal Championship anext week, then punches Roman. Roman and The Usos gang up on Finn Balor, then The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) run into the ring to even the odds. Roman Reigns walks away as Jimmy Uso gets a Street Profits beating and the Coup de Grace from Finn Balor to end the show.

Talking Smack: This week: Happy Corbin, Liv Morgan and Finn Balor!

Here are the top ten moments from this week's show!