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.
The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).
Sol Ruca beats Candice LeRae just seconds after the bell rings with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Candice LeRae demands a rematch, which is granted, and Candice goes for a cheap shot as the referee calls for the restart. Sol Ruca beats Candice LeRae in the rematch after hitting the Sol Snatcher.
In backstage footage from SmackDown, Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki) tell The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) to keep their father Haku home on Friday, because Haku will not be able to save them.
In backstage footage from Raw, Jackie Redmond interviews Penta and Je'Von Evans. Penta and Je'Von Evans challenge The Vision (Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Logan Paul, Maxxine Dupri), with Je'Von stating that his little sister could take down Maxxine. They then remind everybody that "they outside" and that they have zero fear.
Austin Theory beats Otis following the distraction by Maxxine Dupri.
The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes) beat Mini Vikingo and Chaz "Starboy" Hall to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Backstage, Blake Howard interviews Saquon Shugars. Saquon says he should be fighting for titles, but Tristan Angels is biting his ankles. Grayson Waller shows up and insults Saquon by considering him less than championship material as Saquon says that he faces champions because Tristan thinks while he does, then tells him he should be focused on Tristan and not him. Saquon tells Grayson to sit down and watch his match, as he will see why Saquon is up next while Tristian is up never.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kali Armstrong meets with General Manager Robert Stone. Stone tells Armstrong that she has a shot at the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship against La Catalina tonight.
Tristan Angels beats Saquon Shugars.
In this week's NXT Focus, we hear from Tony D'Angelo, who says that Myles Borne thinks he can get somewhere with a new attitude, yet where he wants to go is where he lives. He says that Borne will not get the job done and that he is where he is because of results, then mentions Borne socking him with a roll of quarters and giving him credit where credit is due, then says he personally would have used a crowbar. D'Angelo says he may have traded a suit for jeans and a jacket, but he decides who sinks and who swims, and Borne's fate will be in his hands before he decides Grayson Waller's.
We hear from The Culling (Izzi Dame and Niko Vance). Izzi says that Zaria seems like some sort of untouchable woman, but Izzi says it must take a lot of effort to hold it all together. She says that Zaria is broken, which makes her "interesting." Izzi says that Zaria is hiding something and trying to convince everyone that she is dangerous, and says that she is a scared woman hiding behind a championship. She says this is more than about the NXT North American Women's Championship, and that she wants to reveal the true Zaria.
Wren Sinclair heads to the ring. Sinclair says that if there is one thing she can do, it is overthink, and while she could have kept her head down and played it safe, she decided to take a risk the old Wren would never do by disguising herself as Lady Shani. She says that when she won last week's battle royal and unmasked, she learned she did not have to back down anymore, and while she may not be the biggest name in NXT, she has to do this. Sinclair says that she and Kendal Grey losing their titles was a reminder of how everything they worked for can be taken away, then says Kendal believed in her even when she did not believe in herself, and that she needs to step up not just for her, but for herself. Kelani Jordan says that some people are getting too comfortable thinking they can bend the rules and get away with it, then says that Sinclair's win does not count because she is still suspended. She says that Sinclair manipulated the situation by committing identity theft and that she did not earn, then says that she is "the standout, not the handout" and refuses to face Sinclair with the NXT Women's Championship on the line at Halloween Havoc. Sinclair says that she will not get an opportunity and make a name for herself at her expense with that stunt, and says that Sinclair did not have the courage to step into the battle royal as herself. General Manager Robert Stone shows up and says that Sinclair's suspension is lifted, and that while Kelani makes some good points, Sinclair still accomplished something. He leaves it up to the fans as to whether Sinclair deserves a title opportunity, and the fans make it known they do. Stone makes it official for Halloween Havoc, and when Kelani goes for the cheap shot, Sinclair ducks and nearly strikes back, causing Kelani to fall to the mat.
Backstage, Lizzy Rain chats with Cruz Montana, who is impressed with Lizzy. Montana soon takes a phone call, and tells the person on the other end that he is proud of him for making him the man he is today. After Montana hangs up, he is attacked from behind from Dion Lennox, who takes Montana's phone, redials the last person who called Montana - who was his mother - and says that Montana will be needing her next week after he beats Montana's ass.
La Catalina retains the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship against Kali Armstong after launching Armstrong over the top rope and onto the concrete floor that Armstrong herself exposed.
Backstage, Myles Borne tells Wren Sinclair it feels good to stand up for herself, but Sinclair says that they are two completely different people due to the both of them handling things differently. All of a sudden, Kendal Grey shows up as Myles Borne says he will become one step closer to NXT Champion. Kendal and Sinclair catch up on things, and Kendal says that she is now medically cleared. Kendal and Sinclair then come up with a gameplan.
Backstage, EK Prosper meets with Mini Vikingo and Chazz "Starboy" Hall, who says it is about learning and not losing and that they will be all right. The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake, Myka Lockwood) show up and tell them to leave the locker room for the victors, but Prosper says they talk too much and Starboy proposes a six-man tag match just so the three of them can shut The Vanity Project up. Jackson Drake accepts, saying it is another easy win and that the three of them stand no chance.
Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Backstage, Blake Howard interviews The Wagner Brothers (El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. and Galeno). Galeno says there is a ton of pressure coming into the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as champions, but El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. says they will the tournament for AAA. Birthright (Lexis King, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Charlie Dempsey, Uriah Connors, Arianna Grace) show up and mock The Wagner Brothers, who says that they will beat Birthright to advance in the tournament. They leave, and Charlie Dempsey says that even the best AAA has to offer is no match for Birthright.
Tony D'Angelo beats Myles Borne in an NXT Championship #1 contender's match to face Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship at Halloween Havoc after Myles Borne is distracted by a cameraman who focuses his camera exclusively on him. After the match, D'Angelo looks at the cameraman briefly, then leaves. The cameraman then enters the ring and reveals that he is Tavion Heights, who attacks Borne and powerbombs him through the announce table.
Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone finds a anonymous note on his desk - from Danhausen - demanding he be made host of Halloween Havoc or else Robert Stone will be cursed.
Tiffany Stratton beats Tatum Paxley and Candice LeRae in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Chelsea Green. Chelsea Green says that all six women in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match have earned it and are all threats, but is banking on Tiffany Stratton, saying she is "the Nikki to her Brie." In the background Danhausen scans a moose head and a backstage worker with a security wand. Nikki Bella shows up and confronts Chelsea saying she will take the WWE Women's title from her, but Paige shows up and says Nikki will have to beat her first, then gives Nikki two weeks to prepare for a match with her before slapping her. Chelsea flips her hair at Nikki on the way out.
It is announced that WWE Main Event will be coming to Rumble on Wednesday, October 14th at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific.
Ricky Saints and War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Rey Fenix and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) in a six-man tag match after Saints tags himself in before Fenix counters a powerbomb from the middle rope from Ivar with a hurricanrana, allowing Saints to hit Fenix with Ro-Sham-Bo for the win.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says he will not be lulled into underestimating Johnny Gargano tonight, then mentions that he and Kevin Owens have history. He plans on punching his ticket to Money in the Bank, then Trick Williams shows up and tells him that "his American Nightmare is over" and that it is time for a new dream. Cody wishes Trick luck before leaving.
We see footage of WWE Superstars at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas as part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' "Get Active" campaign.
We hear from Damian Priest, who says that if you can make it out of the city, you're a real one. He says that to get respect, one has to bleed, and to be the boss, one has to throw hands. He says that The Bronx is the foundation for "El Campeon," but he lost his way and put "their needs" ahead of his own. Priest says that the pain he has caused to R-Truth was personal, and if R-Truth comes back looking for trouble, he will put him down and enjoy it professionally. He says that New York City made him thrive, and that he came back to remember who he was: a bad and violent man, which everyone will see from now on.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss tell Tatum Paxley they have a women's tag team title shot against Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), then hints that Tatum needs to work on the concept of personal space.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami asks how many fans came to "ride or die with The Last Real Good Guy," then gets disappointed by the fans' reaction, stating that no WWE Champion in history has had the journey that he has had to get to where he is now. He says that after years of people clamoring for him to be WWE Champion, he does it not once, but twice only to get a less than stellar reaction. Sami says that he thought that justice would have arrived for him, but he is still plagued with a certain amount of injustice in the form of inequality in that he is not given the equal respect that WWE Champions are supposed to get. He says he has heard how people talk about him, including "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, and says that vultures are circling him thinking they just need to get a match with him to become champion. Sami proclaims that the WWE Championship is proof that he is a survivor and that he overcomes and finds a way, and tells the fans to ask his most recent contenders what happened when the title was on the line. As Sami says it is time to get the respect that is owed him, Je'Von Evans suddenly shows up and heads to the ring. Je'Von says that Sami is turning red like "an Angry Bird" and is "crashing out," but Sami says he is fine and he is the WWE Champion. This soon leads to Je'Von asking what if his own time is right now and it does not take him twenty years to win the WWE Championship. Je'Von says he is coming for the title, and asks what will happen if he becomes the youngest Money in the Bank Champion ever. He entertains the idea of coming back to SmackDown, cashing in on Sami, and beating him to become champion. Before Sami can respond, Penta shows up and says that while he respect Je'Von, Je'Von will have to beat him to win the contract, which he says will not happen. Penta then tells Sami that when he becomes Money in the Bank winner, he will cash in and become a world champion. Trick Williams shows up and heads to the ring, and notes that there has been a lot of talk about respect. He says that he knows what Je'Von and Penta have going on and that he respects everything they have been doing on Raw, but there is only one man on SmackDown who gets the job done and it is him. Trick then says that Sami does not respect anybody and that it has months since Sami combed his head, and that Sami still wears Skechers, has a breath that smells like "ten pounds of Bounce That Ass," and does not brush his teeth. Trick says that he looks, sounds and smells like Money in the Bank and that nobody knows that better than Sami, who says that nobody can do what he does and asks Trick, Penta and Je'Von what happens when the losses and the years pile up and adversity starts. Sami says that he has survived so much and has been made a mockery of in his time here to become WWE Champion and that the three of them cannot do what he does or overcome what he has, and that nobody can. He also says that until any of them overcome some obstacles, none of them deserve to be in the same ring as him. Sami then rolls out of the ring and leaves, but Finn Balor soon shows up as Sami is on the stage and stares Sami down. Finn tells Sami that he will come for his title, briefcase or not, and when Sami is done playing games, he will beat him for it. Sami tells Finn to do something to earn a title shot, and Finn forearms Sami before Gunther shows up and attacks Finn. Gunther then hits Sami with a lariat and tosses him into a nearby ladder before Gunther tosses Finn to the side.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that she will become Money in the Bank winner before Chelsea Green shows up. Tiffany says that the two of them can both be champion, then Lash Legend shows up and says she will be the one to dominate and bully her way to the briefcase.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther, then Danhausen shows up with a security wand. Gunther grabs Danhausen, pins him against the wall, then throws him into some crates.
Blake Monroe beats Giulia after tripping Giulia off the top rope and into the ring post, knocking her out.
Backstage, as Johnny Gargano tells Candice LeRae that "Johnny in the Bank" can still happen, Sami Zayn shows up and says that there are big consequences if he gets involved in the main event and tells Gargano that he has this match, and all there is left to do is to become "Johnny Wrestling."
Kevin Owens beats Johnny Gargano and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier. During the match, Randy Orton pulls referee Charles Robinson out of the ring after Cody hits Owens with a Cross Rhodes. Cody and Orton brawl, and when Cody is about to kick Orton's head off, he is hit by a tope suicida from Gargano. Gargano hits Owens with One Final Beat, but Owens kicks out and hits the pop-up powerbomb on Gargano for the win after Orton stops Cody from saving the match.
Zaria retains the NXT Women's North American Championship against Thea Hail.
Backstage, Romeo Moreno and Noam Dar are talking with The Wagner Brothers (El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. and Galena) regarding the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic when Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) shows up. As Fraxiom look back on coming together as a team in a past tournament and look forward to the competition in the current one, The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake, Myka Lockwood) show up and look forward to facing The Wagner Brothers, if they can get that far.
Myles Borne heads to the ring. Borne says that he meant what he said to Tavion Heights, but he went back to being the man that he did not want to be. He says he wanted to just be himself, and that Tavion was never going to play him for a sucker, he was setting himself up for it. He says that in the moment, he thought he could have everything, but he lost both of his title, and he could only think of one man: "All Ego" Ethan Page, who kept telling him that he needed a killer instinct, and according to Borne, was right about the business. Borne says he was standing still and that he could continue to be "one half" or become the star he knew that he always was, which led to him attacking Tavion with the chair like he did to Ethan Page. He says that he became his true self, but in return, the fans just made him feel guilty. Borne says the fans only liked him because they felt sorry for him because he was deaf and because he was another way to fill "the fans' social justice warrior cup." Borne says that without him, Tavion would never have become a tag team champion, but without Tavion, he would still be North American Champion. He tells the fans not to feel sorry for him, as he feels sorry for the fans, as he is the deaf one and they all watch him. He says the fans acted shocked when he became champion, but his shoulders were meant to carry that burden. He then dares the fans to continue to make fun of him and tells them to turn closed captions on or else he can show him something they can understand. Borne says that he is done being the bigger person and that he does not need to listen to the fans, as it has only surrounded him with hypocrites. He then says he is done treating people the way he wants to be treated and that he will be "the successful version of Myles Borne," then tells the fans to go to Hell.
Backstage, Lizzy Rain meets with General Manager Robert Stone regarding opportunity. Chaz "Starboy" Hall and Mini Vikingo meet with Stone, who wishes them luck in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as both men look forward to winning tonight.
Backstage, Emily Agard interviews Grayson Waller. Waller says that Mason Rook was the rightful #1 contender, but Mason does not have to quit tonight, because the doctors did it for him. He then says he sees a fire in the locker room, but nobody is hungry enough to take his title. He says that if anyone wants to be champion, then they should do something about, as the first person who gets in the ring with him will get "the Grayson Waller rub."
Chaz "Starboy" Hall and Mini Vikingo beat Birthright (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Uriah Connors) to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. After the match, Birthright attack Mini Vikingo and Starboy, with Charlie Dempsey and Lexis King joining in, until Zilla Fatu runs in and cleans house against the whole of Birthright, with Stacks getting hit with the Triple Z. Zilla Fatu then tells Birthright that he is done with the numbers game and that he is taking them down one by one, then says he will answer Grayson Waller's open challenge for the NXT Championship and taking the title home.
On NXT Chronicle, we hear from Cruz Montana, who also plans to answer Grayson Waller's open challenge. He says that his fire has been burning forever, as he has been taught not to tolerate disrespect like that from Dion Lennox. He realizes that he is blessed that his daughter does not have to go through anything he had to go through, as he never really got to be a kid, as he had to help raise his siblings. Montana says his mother did what she had to do so that they could all survive, and he is proud of that woman, as she survived things that are unimaginable and she is now the greatest version of herself. He then mentions his late father, and tears up when he says that despite his father's flaws and shortcomings, his presence was the greatest gift his father gave him. Montana talks about how he got out of rehab and became his greatest version of himself, and says that if Dion Lennox wants to start something, he will finish it.
Backstage, Zaria runs into Izzi Dame before entering the rest of the locker room. Zaria then sees a lot of pink things, including a dress, at her locker, much to her chagrin.
Kelani Jordan heads to the ring. Kelani says that one of the things she loves about being NXT Women's Champion is that she is no longer an afterthought. She says that women can step up to take her title, but they will not, then wonders who she will be defending her title against next. She then says that she is just that good, as she has cleared just about every single challenger, then says that she will not just give anyone a title shot, as nobody has handed her anything. She says she is "the standout, not the handout." Kelani then states that when a true challenger steps up, she will defend her championship, and that regardless of who is up next now, the results will be the same, as nobody can do it like her. General Manager Robert Stone shows up and announces that there will be a 20-woman battle royal, with the winner facing Kelani for the NXT Women's Championship at Halloween Havoc. He also announces that Raw, SmackDown, AAA, Evolve and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstars will be in the battle royal. All of a sudden, Kelani is attacked from behind by Reina Vulcan, who declares for the battle royal.
Backstage, Naraku looks forward to answering Grayson Waller's open challenge. Saquon Shugars shows up and says the NXT Championship is his and that he is not waiting two weeks to face Tristan Angels. When General Manager Robert Stone mentions Naraku's upcoming match with Shiloh Hill, Saquon says that the only difference between Shiloh and the "evil" Naraku is that Shiloh has a brain, and when he feels that Shiloh will be Naraku, Naraku says "We'll see about that," laughing on his way out.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat DarkState (Cutler James and Osiris Griffin) to advance in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
This week on NXT Spotlight, Kendal Grey talks with the sports psychologist. Kendal Grey says that wrestling is her life and that she cannot focus on anything but wrestling outside of her career and is just focused on getting back in the ring. She says that "work harder" was always her answer to everything, and that she does not know how stop. She also does not know what to do when working harder is not enough.
Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone meets with Izzi Dame, who says that she made Zaria's locker more pink and wanted to show everyone the true NXT Women's North American Champion. She also finds out that she and Zaria are both in the 20-woman battle royal.
Grayson Waller heads to the ring. He says that the fans should be thanking him for showing up for work, unlike Mason Rook, then says that the locker room has their chance to show who is ready for him. He declares the first person in the ring the first person to get a shot. The men's locker room spills out, and more men backstage race to the ring. Numerous men and officials show up, and Zilla Fatu comes out ahead only to be joined by Cruz Montana. Montana and Zilla fight, and they soon get beat up. All of a sudden, EK Prosper shows up from behind, gets in the ring, and becomes Grayson Waller's opponent.
Grayson Waller retains the NXT Championship against EK Prosper.
Backstage, Zilla Fatu says that nobody wants to see him win and that Birthright is why he is not standing as NXT Champion. He then says he will "fuck Lexis King up."
Gunther heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Gunther says he has prided himself as a professional his entire career, but since he has joined SmackDown, he has been mistreated. He chalks it up to possible jealousy from General Manager Nick Aldis, then says he should be Undisputed WWE Champion right now and everybody knows it. Gunther says that all that prevents him from being champion is Aldis himself, as he made this personal. He then states that Aldis is forcing him to team up with Sami Zayn against "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Saturday Night's Main Event, then calls Sami "a bum" who is beneath him and calls being put in this position unacceptable. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and says that Gunther should be thanking Aldis for saving his job after his actions in the last few weeks, and says that if it were up to him, Gunther would have been fired. He then says the position came from the higher-ups and that Aldis has made sure that his match with Sami Zayn against Cody and Punk goes as scheduled, including the stipulation. Pearce announces that if Gunther and Sami win on Saturday, Gunther will be added to the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam, and the match will become a Fatal 4-Way. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes shows up and runs into the ring to attack Gunther, much to Pearce's chagrin. Cody sends Gunther out of the ring, then tells Gunther that it is on sight after what Gunther did to him and that Gunther will not make it past Saturday Night's Main Event. Cody then says that the road to Saturday runs through him and that he wants a one-on-one match with Gunther, and that all he needs is Pearce's blessing. Pearce makes the match official.
Backstage, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announces that Rhea Ripley is closing to returning from injury, yet it is his unfortunate duty to announce that Rhea will not be able to compete at SummerSlam. Pearce announces that tonight and over the next few weeks, there will be five matches to determine who enters a ladder match to decide an Interim WWE Women's Champion. When Rhea Ripley returns, an undisputed champion will be decided.
Finn Balor beats Talla Tonga after hitting Tama Tonga with the Sling Blade on the outside.
Backstage, CM Punk meets with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. He feels that Gunther wants to hurt "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes instead of win, but Pearce says that Cody wants his receipt. Punk says he will talk to Cody, then meets with Damian Priest, who thanks him for the shout-out from last week and is waiting for him if he still champion. Punk says he and Cody will be waiting if he and R-Truth stay tag team champions. Punk leaves, then R-Truth shows up, apparently having heard nothing that Priest and Punk were talking about.
We hear from Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Jacy Jayne and Tiffany Stratton, who are looking forward to winning tonight and advancing to the ladder match to decide an Interim WWE Women's Champion.
Tiffany Stratton beats Jacy Jayne in an Interim WWE Women's Championship ladder match qualifier. Before the match begins, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) attack Tiffany, but Brie Bella and Paige rush in to even the numbers and make the match truly one-on-one.
We hear from Baron Corbin, who says he has been watching everyone think they can walk the walk and talk the talk when he is the real deal and everyone knows it. He says that Trick Williams is the first name on a long list while Carmelo Hayes is collateral damage. He tells Trick to smile while he can and enjoy it while he can, because he is coming for it all.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Trick Williams, who calls Baron Corbin "a bald-headed bitch," then Carmelo Hayes shows up and says that Trick Williams is not better than him and that he can see it just by looking at him. Trick says he has been on SmackDown longer than him and has done nothing, then tells Carmelo to mind his business while grown folk are talking.
Actor Matthew Rhys is seen in the front row.
Jade Cargill beats Nia Jax by disqualification in an Interim WWE Women's Championship ladder match qualifier after Charlotte Flair shows up, attacks B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim at ringside, then hits Jade Cargill with a big boot in the ring in full view of the referee. After the match, Charlotte wraps a metal folding chair around Jade Cargill's right arm, but Michin and B-Fab pull Cargill out of the ring. Cargill is declared winner by disqualification, and an angry Nia Jax squashes Charlotte in the corner and leaves. Cargill then hits Charlotte with Jaded.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Gunther. Gunther says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes always finds a way to make everything about him and solely acts on emotion, and tonight, he will beat rationale into Cody. As for tomorrow, he does not care about Sami Zayn, and he will go into SummerSlam and become Undisputed WWE Champion. Candice LeRae wheels Johnny Gargano out, and tells Gunther that if he wins, Sami Zayn is also in the Undisputed WWE Championship match, and that she and Gargano need this win. Gunther tells Candice to tell Sami to show up, shut up and not get in his way. Gunther leaves, and Blake Monroe - who has been waiting in the background - attacks Candice from behind before introducing herself. Blake leaves, then tells Gargano he needs a haircut.
Backstage, Nia Jax and Lash Legend demand consequences for Charlotte Flair from Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, and Pearce gives Nia Jax another opportunity at the Interim WWE Women's Championship ladder match next week against Charlotte Flair.
The Relyea Family are the recipients of tonight's Papa John's Seat Upgrade.
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).
In footage from earlier today at Fantatics Fest NYC, LA Knight makes fun of The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) alongside Royce Keys and Solo Sikoa before stating that the three of them will beat The Usos and Jacob Fatu at SummerSlam. We then see even more footage from Fanatics Fest NYC.
Backstage, CM Punk meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes regarding his match with Gunther tonight, asking if it is a good idea. Cody says it is not, but Punk would have done the same thing. Punk tells Cody that he has his back tonight in case Gunther tries to hurt him, but Cody tells Punk to watch from backstage as he does not want him at ringside.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Danhausen. Danhausen says he will not be outnumbered, then puts a cage with a stuffed black cat inside it on a nearby table, saying the cat will curse JD McDonagh on Saturday. A nearby monitor sparks, then Danhausen says he and Jackie should run.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther ends in a no-contest. During the match, CM Punk heads to ringside to cheer Cody on, and later on, Sami Zayn comes out of the crowd to attack CM Punk at ringside. Cody confronts Sami, and Gunther goes for a sleeper hold on a distracted Cody only for Cody to slip out and hits Sami with a tope suicida. Cody gets back in the ring, and Sami drags Cody back out of the ring and attacks him in full view of the referee, ending the match. After the match, Punk and Cody brawl with Gunther and Sami, and officials rush in to break up the brawl as the show ends.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno. After the match, both men shake hands, and after Frazer tells Noam that he has found his tag team partner, Moreno hugs Noam.
Backstage, Wren Sinclair tells Kendal that she will do fine without her, and that she will talk to Robert Stone about starting a new tournament for the Women's Speed Championship. Lola Vice shows up after Sinclair leaves, and Lola wishes Kendal luck before telling her that she hit her on accident, but Kendal notes that this is the second time this has happened and that she is not exactly buying it.
Sarah Schreiber reports from the Mr. NXT Pageant. Aaron Rourke, Kit Wilson and comedian Matt Mathews are the three judges. The first category is attire. Matt Mathews gives Shiloh Hill the nod, saying "That's a man right there," but Kit Wilson picks Tristan Angels over Shiloh, calling Shiloh's choices of attire "T for tacky." Rourke says he likes what Shiloh has going on, but he gives the nod to Tristan.
Naraku beats Mason Rook to become #1 contender for the NXT Championship following the distraction by Kam Hendrix.
Backstage, Tavion Heights, still angry about last week, thinks that Myles Borne only cares about the North American Championship and threatens to challenge Borne for it. The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake, Myka Lockwood) shows up, and Jackson Drake sarcastically states that Myles Borne is a great champion for handing out title opportunities to friends, then calls Tavion Heights a charity case. Tavion says he does not do hand-outs, yet he does hand out ass-whuppings. This leads to Drake challenging Tavion to a match where the winner challenges Borne for the North American Championship at The Great American Bash.
Wren Sinclair wishes Kendal Grey luck before the next match.
Tate Wilder is this week's NXT Spotlight.
Kendal Grey beats Kelani Jordan to become #1 contender for the NXT Women's Championship.
Sarah Schreiber reports from the second round of the Mr. NXT Pageant. Shiloh Hill's special talent is completing the Rubik's Cube in seconds before balancing two dumbbells on strings. Tristan Angels butts in to try to better Shiloh on the Rubik's Cube, but he exposes himself when he goes way past time. Angels breaks the cube by throwing it to the ground, then juggles three balls. Shiloh beats him by juggling three balls while riding a unicycle, and wins the talent portion.
Backstage, Blake Howard intevrviews Tony D'Angelo. D'Angelo says that Naraku had an incredible match, but despite his accomplishments, he does not get Naraku. He says that Naraku will have to bring everything he has to beat him before Naraku arrives and hands D'Angelo a black envelope and bows before him. Inside is a card.
Dion Lennox beats Jasper Troy. During the match, Saquon Shugars appears on the TitanTron, which briefly distracts Lennox. After the match, we see a video from Saquon Shugars that keeps buffering. All of a sudden, Saquon shows up from out of the crowd with a baseball bat and attacks Osiris Griffin.
We see an Instagram video of Jaida Parker and Nattie going at it at the Performance Center while everyone nearby tries to break up the brawl.
The public speaking portion of the Mr. NXT Pageant takes place in the ring. Tristan Angels says being the inaugural Mr. NXT is a task fit most for one man, and brags about being Mr. England and representing the country in international pageantry as well as how he was born a humble sheepherder so he can relate to the fans, who he trashes. He also says that he is celebrating his 23rd birthday and has "Mister NXT" tattooed on his leg, and says that the judges should take a long walk off of a short cliff if they even consider voting for "a hillbilly." Shiloh Hill says that he found out that the hardest part of the pageant is figuring out how to represent himself, and says that things change so fast that he is a different person each week. He says that he has yet to find himself, but that is what NXT is all about, and as long as he is willing to roll with the punches, everything will be right, and he embodies that very well, which is why he should be Mr. NXT. Matt Mathews is impressed with Shiloh Hill's ability to be himself, then says that he is glad Tristan Angels got rid of his "ramen noodle" hair before saying he does nothing for him. He picks Shiloh. Kit Wilson calls Shiloh's "raccoon thing" toxic, but also says that while Tristan is also toxic, there is also something about him, and picks Tristan. Aaron Rourke says that while Shiloh Hill embraces who he is, Tristan Angels looks the part, and leaves the final vote up to the fans. The fan vote results are revealed, and Shiloh Hill becomes the first Mr. NXT. Tristan Angels attacks Shiloh Hill with his cane, then hits him with a lungblower. Tristan then grabs a metal folding chair and strikes Shiloh repeatedly with it before driving him head-first into it with his knee.
Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone congratulates Naraku on becoming #1 contender for the NXT Championship. Keanu Carver shows up wanting a shot at the NXT Championship, then says that he is losing patience and wants some action. Stone says Carver will have an opponent next week, and Carver says that if that does not happen, he will pick who he faces next.
Backstage, Izzi Dame finds out that she is in the upcoming Women's Speed Championship tournament thanks to Shawn Spears, who wants to keep her on top of the women's division. He also mentions that Izzi's first opponent is Thea Hail, who Izzi dominated to become NXT North American Women's Champion. Izzi thinks this is a great idea.
Zaria beats Tatum Paxley (who wears Rouge the Bat-inspired gear for the match) to become the NXT North American Women's Champion after Tatum Paxley misses on a moonsault from the ring apron to the outside, allowing Zaria to hit an offensive flurry that leads to a third Spear and a second F-5 for the pin, the win and the title.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody mentions that earlier tonight, he met with WWE medical staff as well as General Manager Nick Aldis, and now, he is medically cleared for action. He then states that this begets the question of what is next for him, and all of a sudden, Ricky Saints, fresh out of NXT, shows up and heads to the ring. Saints introduces himself as the hottest new star on SmackDown, then mentions his history with Cody, stating that the change Cody feels in the air is a revolution and that the revolution is him as he welcomes everyone to "Friday Night Saints." Cody asks Saints what the difference is between now and the last time he stepped up to him, and Saints says it is Cody himself, saying his three world title reigns have aged him thirty years. He also says that he has been an NXT Champion since then and while he has cheered him on in the background at the detriment of his career, he will be the one to relieve him of his duties. Cody says he is game for action and that Saints also looks game for action, then proposes that they have a match and shakes hands on it. Saints is about to leave, but Saints says he is not here to make a statement, but to change who the show is about. Cody reminds Saints that he is easy to find and hard to beat.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Rhea Ripley soon shows up and says she tried to take on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) alone last week and got ambushed, and she is willing to put differences aside if Charlotte is willing to. Charlotte says they have teamed before but they will not team again, but Rhea says there is three of Fatal Influence and only two of them. Charlotte says all she needs is Alexa, and three is a crowd, then Charlotte and Alexa head to the ring.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Saints is official for later tonight.
Before the next match, Jacy Jayne says that last week was a small taste of what Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) is bringing to SmackDown, and someone just could not get enough. She then says she thrives off that, because if there is anything Fatal Influence loves to do, it is embarrassing a legend. Jacy proclaims that Fatal Influence will take out everyone's legends one at a time, and that there is nobody better to start with than Charlotte Flair.
Jacy Jayne beats Charlotte Flair after hitting the Rolling Encore on Charlotte after Charlotte boots Lainey Reid off the apron in response to Lainey clobbering Alexa Bliss for Alexa clobbering Fallon Henley for pulling Charlotte out of the Figure Eight. After the match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) attacks Charlotte, and when Alexa comes to the rescue, they attack her, too. The fans chant for Rhea Ripley, who soon shows up and cleans house. Jacy slips out of the Riptide and nearly shoves Rhea into Charlotte as she escapes. Rhea and Charlotte shake hands.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says they are impressed by Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), but their actions will catch up to them. Paige agrees, saying they will deal with them when the time comes; for now, they are focused on beating The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) and staying champions. As for their match, Brie says that they are powerful former champions, but she and Paige have the experience to get the job done, as SmackDown is their house.
Backstage, Damian Priest meets with R-Truth speaking with Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), who R-Truth thinks is Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano). Priest says Fraxiom is deserving of a tag team title shot and looks forward to defending the title. Axiom is taken aback, but Frazer is delighted and goes to talk to General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the match. Priest then finds out that R-Truth was talking about taxes with Fraxiom, much to Priest's genuine confusion.
Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson try to trap Danhausen with a briefcase full of "free human monies." Danhausen opens the briefcase, takes only some of the money, and walks away with $40,000. When Miz opens the briefcase, he and Wilson gets blasted with white dust.
Damian Priest and The Miz retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). After the match, Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa show up, and Talla Tonga lays waste to both teams at Solo's behest.
After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga are still in the ring. Solo says that Jacob Fatu made a big mistake last week. After a replay of what happened last week, Solo says that Jacob may have taken out his army, Jacob also took out his own family, brothers and blood, which Solo also claims as his. He says they are not here because of Jacob. Solo then says that when Jacob Fatu gets into the building, he is a dead man walking. All of a sudden, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up and head to the ring. Jimmy says Solo may have an issue with Jacob Fatu, but so does Roman Reigns, and that Jacob made a mistake not by attacking Solo's army, but by putting his hands on Roman and put him in the Tongan Death Grip, which Talla's father used and is a sacred last effort. Jey tells Solo and Talla Tonga to hold their plans up until Roman Reigns is done with Jacob Fatu. As Solo says there is plenty of Jacob to go around, Jey says that they are telling them, not asking them. Solo laughs and says he does not have time for this, but when he tells Talla to go, he nods his head when he goes to the ropes. Talla then takes out The Usos in short order, and Solo tells The Usos to tell Roman that he is not his tribal chief and that they do not give a damn, and whether Roman likes it or not, Jacob Fatu is a dead man.
Backstage, Sami Zayn confronts "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for calling him "sarcastic" and "condescending" in response to him calling him "Golden Boy," saying it was a compliment and not an insult and addressing their history, saying they are "the last real good guys" and that they need to stick together. Cody says there is a lot in truth in that, but tells him that they are not the same.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) is official for later tonight.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Danhausen announces that another fan and not Stephen A. Smith paid him off with real human monies, and for that, the New York Knicks are no longer cursed and are still in the NBA playoffs. He also makes it clear that Stephen A. Smith is still cursed.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Ricky Saints. After the match, Cody Rhodes is suddenly choked out from behind by Gunther with a sleeper hold, and Gunther goes for a second sleeper hold as three referees try to pull Gunther off of Cody and succeed. Gunther then makes it clear he wants the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Danhausen heads to the ring. Danhausen says he has spent the money he found backstage on merchandise for the fans. As he tosses merchandise to the fans from out of a bag, The Miz shows up. The Miz says that horrible things have happened to him since Danhausen showed up, and that he has come to the realization that he is cursed. The fans chant "Yes, you are!" as The Miz reluctantly becomes Danhausen's mentor. As they shake hands, Kit Wilson shows up, saying that The Miz is mentoring him and that Miz is enabling him. Kit Wilson tells Miz to wake up, but Miz says that Danhausen has mastered, inspired and zoned in on what it takes to be a WWE Superstar, and asks Kit Wilson if he can say the same. He also says that Kit Wilson is not in the same league as him, and as Miz and Danhausen are about to shake hands, Kit Wilson begs for another chance. Kit Wilson says that Danhausen should not even be in the building and should be banned, and both men demand that Miz shake their hand. Miz ends up shaking hands with Danhausen and raising his hand. Miz then says there is only one thing left to do, and as Danhausen curses Kit Wilson, The Miz attacks Danhausen from behind, and Kit Wilson joins in. Miz hits Danhausen with the Skull Crushing Finale, and Kit Wilson hits a top rope elbow drop.
We see another vignette for Blake Monroe, who gets out of her bathtub and proclaims that nobody burns brighter than she does. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.
Royce Keys beats Angel.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. She wants more challengers for the Women's United States Championship, and issues an open challenge for the title when Chelsea Green shows up and stands up out of her wheelchair. As Chelsea says she will be champion, Kiana James and Giulia show up, with Kiana wanting to secure Giulia's rematch. Tiffany says she has the whole locker room to consider, then makes Kiana her first defense and wants to see how Kiana does when she is not being held back.
WWE backstage staff are seen bringing Trick Williams' gingerbread man costume to the ring.
Backstage, Royce Keys is met by Joseph Fatu, who congratulates him on the match. Royce says he has known Jacob for about fifteen years and he is still the same guy who would run with him seven days a week, even back when they worked at the warehouse. Royce says that The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) are back in business and are ready to take everything, and tells Jacob Fatu to "werewolf his ass up" and prove that WWE did not make him soft, as people like them take everything. All of a sudden, Royce Keys is attacked by Talla Tonga, and Solo Sikoa shows up and attack Jacob Fatu when he tries to make the save.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami stands next to the the gingerbread man costume in the ring as he says that he really loves coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma, then talks about how the fans turned on Bob Dylan went electric and says that he can relate. He says he cannot figure out what caused the fans to turn on him, but he can deal with it, because he knows his ride-or-die fan club is in the house tonight and will continue to have his back. Sami says that while he can deal with some bad reactions, he cannot deal with disrespect, and calls Trick Williams "a shell of a man wearing a costume" and says it is easy to do what Trick does as he compares him to the gingerbread man costume. Sami says he can do what Trick does in his sleep and that what he really does is hard, as he leaves everything in the ring every day, month and year, and when he looks at the gingerbread man costume, he sees Trick Williams not taking him seriously. He also states that Trick Williams takes nothing seriously and takes that as disrespect, and is about to punch the gingerbread man costume in the middle of the ring. He then shakes the costume's hand before kicking the costume in the groin. Trick Williams then attacks and tears at the costume before pulling a gumdrop button off the costume. Trick Williams rushes in and fights Sami Zayn, and Sami Zayn flees through the crowd.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says that they were not pinned to lose the women's tag team championships and that Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were pinned instead, then Lash Legend says that they have something in store for Brie Bella and Paige. Nia says that "the math is mathing" with two teams in the ring and that they will end Brie Bella and Paige's reign and send them back on the couch with Nikki Bella.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams, who says that Sami Zayn crossed a line by attacking both Lil Yachty and the gingerbread man, and that Sami is now messing with his money. Trick says he does not play with his money, then says that Sami has a big problem and that he is facing him at Backlash. Trick then finds out that the gingerbread man did not survive Sami's attack, and Trick says that he will whoop Sami.
Brie Bella and Paige retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) after Paige kicks Nia's legs out from under her during the A-Nia-Lator and Brie Bella pulls back on Nia's legs to pin Nia's shoulders to the mat, win and retain.
It is announced, as per Trick Williams, that The Gingerbread Man is dead. In Memoriam, Gingerbread Man, 2026 - 2026. Rest in Pieces.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking with General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the funeral of the Gingerbread Man next week, saying that it is proof that Trick Williams takes nothing serious. Sami wants his rematch with Trick Williams for the United States Championship at Backlash, and Aldis gives it to him. Sami leaves, then Danhausen shows up wanting a match with Kit Wilson and The Miz. Nick Aldis says he will get that match if he can find a tag team partner.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) ends with Jacob Fatu showing up and attacking Talla Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu smacks Talla Tonga with the ring steps, then confronts Solo Sikoa, who realizes too late from looking at Jacob's left hand that he is ready to hit someone with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob briefly chokes out Solo, and when Talla grabs Jacob, he gets the Tongan Death Grip before Jacob Fatu puts Talla through the announce desk with a Samoan Drop. Jacob then confronts The Usos, then walks right through them to end the show. Afterwards, Jacob Fatu tells The Usos to tell Roman Reigns that he will dog walk him at Backlash.
Drew McIntyre is seen attacking Jacob Fatu outside of the arena after smashing his car into Jacob's. Officials and security have to pull McIntyre off of a bloodied Jacob. Drew McIntyre then heads towards the ring, stating that he should have been in the main event of WrestleMania and that it was taken away from him. He warns anyone who tries to wrong him that their ass belongs to him. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with security calling McIntyre the most self-sabotaging person he has ever met as he asks what his problem is, and states that McIntyre is only on his way to unemployment. He says that Donovan - Aldis' son - should be ashamed of having such a corporate stooge for a father. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu shows up, and McIntyre and Jacob brawl again. This time around, Jacob gets the upper hand, and after tossing McIntyre over the announce table, security and officials try to force Jacob away from McIntyre, but Jacob runs through them in the crowd and splashes McIntyre through the table.
Damian Priest and R-Truth beat The MFTs (JC Mateo and Tama Tonga) to become the WWE Tag Team Champions! During the match, The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) show up and brawl with the rest of the rest of The MFT's (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, Solo Sikoa), with Uncle Howdy getting Solo Sikoa with a Mandible Claw on the outside while Rowan, Gacy and Lumis brawl with Loa, Talla and Tama. JC Mateo saves Solo Sikoa saves Solo from the Mandible Claw with a superkick, but runs into a flurry of offense and an Attitude Adjustment from R-Truth for the pin, the win and the championships when he runs back into the ring.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella). Brie says they can beat The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) tonight and that anyone underestimating them is making a big mistake. Nikki says they paved the way for the women's tag titles to exist, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up with pints of ice cream. Charlotte calls The Bellas selfish for getting to the front of the line by getting involved in their match, then says they have whoever wins the women's tag titles tonight. Nikki tells Charlotte to watch the match to see how legends get it done, then Brie takes Alexa's spoon.
Backstage, Danhausen shows up as Candice LeRae checks on Johnny Gargano, asks for "twenty human dollars" when Candice asks for help, then runs away before The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) pass by. Sabin reminds Shelley they have a match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he should be focused on his match with Aleister Black, as he is dangerous, but he cannot stop think about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes despite all they have been through recently. He says that Cody is a good person who goes the extra mile, and yet he gets taken out and put on a stretcher after Orton does what he does. Sami admits he does not know what to think about this, and feels the more he does the right thing, the more things go wrong and the more he believes that the world he believes in does not exist. Trick Williams interrupts, and Sami takes this as a challenge. Trick says he will be watching and might be giving a few pointers, and Sami tells him to get a very good look.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). During the match, Candice LeRae watches from the entrance ramp, and near the end of the match, Candice attacks Nathan Frazer on the outside, allowing Sabin to get the pin and the win.
Randy Orton heads to the ring. Once in the ring, Orton grabs a metal folding chair and sits in it in the center of the ring. Orton says that for years, when his entrance music hit, everyone sang along, and says that he showed love and gave back to the fans in return, which he admits puts a smile on his face. He then says that this smile is the most emptiest feeling he has felt in his entire life, and that while he has been in the business longer than most, nothing last forever, and he wants his legacy measured in the amount of world championships around his waist. Orton mentions winning the Elimination Chamber match, and while he knew who he needed to be to beat Drew McIntyre, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat McIntyre first. He says that he loves Cody and still does, but Cody took that burden off his chest by telling him to be the best version of himself not just for him and the fans, but for himself, and to listen to the voices. Orton states that sometimes when listening to the voices, he does not always have control, and while he and others can get hurt, he needs that killer instinct to become a fifteen-time world champion. Orton then says that he hears voices in his head, and that they counsel him, they understand, and they talk to him and tell him that he will beat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the main event of WrestleMania.
Backstage, Randy Orton receives stares from fellow Superstars, then confronts Matt Cardona. Orton says he has no beef with Cardona, who confronts him for what he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes last week. Orton asks Cardona if he has action figures to play with before calling him "a mark-ass stooge" and an "indy nerd" before forearming him and telling him to stay out of his business.
Before the next match starts, Trick Williams shows up to watch from the announce table.
Aleister Black beats Sami Zayn after Trick Williams throws his drink at Sami Zayn for shoving his foot off the announce table, which causes Sami to punch Trick a couple of times before sliding back into the ring only to run smack into a Black Mass.
Backstage, Matt Cardona wants General Manager Nick Aldis to give him a match with Randy Orton, but Aldis says it is not happening. Cardona leaves, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and finds out that the United Stats Open Challenge has been closed because somebody made a compelling argument to be the next opponent. Ilja Dragunov shows up and says he thought about what Carmelo told him, saying that Carmelo is right and that while he will always be fighting himself, he cannot be the best if he does not take the shots that are right in front of him. Carmelo says that for one of them, tonight will be champagne, but for the other it will just be pain. Dragunov says the pain will entertain, but asks if it will be his or Carmelo's.
We hear from The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says it has been years since since The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) have teamed up and have never won tag team gold, and that they have a snowball's chance in Hell of beating them. Lash Legend says that The Bella Twins are just trying to relive their glory days and trying desperately to stay on their heels, then says that other people want their titles and that it is time to put them all in check. Nia says The Bella Twins will be lucky to survive tonight after they demolish them, and all The Bella Twins can do about it is nothing and like it.
Jade Cargill heads to the ring. Cargill says she is not here to play around and calls out Rhea Ripley, as she knows she is backstage. Rhea Ripley shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea says that they said all that there is to say and that she does not feel like talking to her anymore, but Cargill says that while Rhea Ripley needs the WWE Women's Championship, she does not need the title or the fans. She says that Rhea Ripley has fought to be something, then says that with or without professional wrestling, she has always been "that bitch." Rhea is right about Cargill saying she needs the title, as she lives for this after having fought for this since she was sixteen years old. Cargill says she does not care about Rhea has had to sacrifice or the rest of the locker room, as she made wrestling matter, and without her, Rhea disappears. Rhea takes exception to the disrespect that Cargill is showing, and says that as long as the WWE Women's Championship has been around Cargill's waist, the title needs her, and now she wants that title and she is going to take it. Rhea then welcomes Cargill to the big leagues and dares Cargill to hit her after stating that they are done talking, but Cargill says she will do it on her time and leaves. As Cargill is on her way out, she is confronted by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab, the former carrying a shinai, but instead of being against Cargill, they join her, and the three of them surround the ring. Rhea fends them off, but the numbers game takes over, and Michin and B-Fab hold Rhea down for a superkick to the face from Cargill followed by Jaded.
Backstage, Kit Wilson speaks with The Miz as he talks about dealing with Jelly Roll. The Miz is preoccupied with how his recent vacation was ruined, then Danhausen shows up wanting to be The Miz's enforcer. Kit Wilson says neither of them want Danhausen around, and when Danhausen tells Miz he can stay cursed, a ladder falls behind him as Danhausen leaves. The Miz tells Kit Wilson to go out there and implement "The Miz Method," then another ladder falls and lands on him after Kit Wilson leaves.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa is furious with The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) with losing the WWE Tag Team Championships and blames it all on JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Tama Tonga tells Solo Sikoa to return the lantern back to The Wyatt Sicks, as he has not been acting like himself since he took it and that he is now sounding like Roman Reigns. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre brawl again, and McIntyre goes for Jacob's eyes as security and officials have to break up yet another backstage brawl.
Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Ilja Dragunov.
Backstage, Jelly Roll congratulates Damian Priest and R-Truth on becoming tag team champions, then Priest asks Jelly Roll to join them for drinks later. He and R-Truth leave, then Jelly Roll meets Randy Orton. Orton apologizes to Jelly Roll, but Jelly Roll says he is worried about him and knows what it is like to be the bad guy and judged for the worst thing he ever did, and reminds him of how he fought from being feared backstage to being loved and giving back. He says he does not understand why Orton would go back. Orton admits he was out of line with Matt Cardona and does not know where to begin, but Jelly Roll just tells him to do the right thing and work from there.
Kit Wilson heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Kit Wilson states that Jelly Roll started everything when he crossed a line, then says that they will finish this as he calls Jelly Roll out. Jelly Roll heads to the ring, and Kit Wilson rolls out of the ring as Jelly Roll gets in. Jelly Roll tells Kit Wilson says that if this is what he wants, this is what he gets. He then calls for a referee so they can have a match. Kit Wilson says that they should settle things like civilized gentlemen, saying he fights with his words, not his fists. Jelly Roll is surprised that Kit Wilson wants a rap battle, stating that he is a decent dancer, but not a rapper. Kit Wilson then proposes a slam poetry battle, then proceeds to mock Jelly Roll's face tattoos, criminal history and weight loss. Jelly Roll fires back by mentioning Kit Wilson's mother more than once. Kit Wilson attacks Jelly Roll from behind, then goes up to the top rope for a corkscrew elbow and nails him with it.
Backstage, Giulia tells Kiana James that she did not get the job done and that she is going to put Tiffany Stratton in her place. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up, and Chelsea proposes they team up against Tiffany. Giulia says she does not need any help from her, then she and Kiana leave. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up, and Nia shoves Chelsea - and her wheelchair - out of the way.
Backstage, Jelly Roll meets with General Manager Nick Aldis demanding a match with Kit Wilson. Aldis gives it to him for next week.
The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) by disqualification after Charlotte Flair attacks Nia Jax on the outside. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up early in the match to watch from ringside, and after the match, all three teams are going at it. The Irresistible Forces soon come out on top in the three-team brawl.
Backstage, Randy Orton is on the phone. He tells the person on the other end that he will go into the ring and "fix it."
Randy Orton heads to the ring again. Once again, he has a metal folding chair in his hand. At first, Orton sits down in the center of the ring, but decides against it before stating that he has an apology to make and asking that Matt Cardona come to the ring. Orton says that he has been out of his head and is legitimately sorry for how he treated both him and his hobbies, then asks Cardona to forgive him. Both men shake hands and hug, then Orton kicks Cardona in the groin, hits an RKO, rips his shirt off and tosses him out of the ring. Orton then pummels Cardona on the announce table. An official shows up to stop Orton as he ready the ring steps, and more officials and security show up soon after. Orton stops, then grabs Cardona and tosses him back in the ring. Officials and security flood the ring as Orton wraps the metal folding chair around Cardona's left arm, and Orton stops again. When Orton is given room, he turns around, then turns back to Cardona and stomps the chair, injuring Cardona's arm. Orton and Cardona are separated, and as Orton is forced to the back, something is happening in the parking lot. Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu are brawling again, and Nick Aldis shows up with security. Both men drop from a balcony on the side of a building as Aldis as officials yell at them to stop, and the show fades to black.
Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga and Tonga Loa head to the ring. Solo says that they run SmackDown, and if anybody does not like it, too bad. He talks about how Sami Zayn tried to show up on SmackDown, yet they showed up on Raw and stomped him out. Solo also brags about stomping out Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu, then Sami Zayn shows up and heads to the ring. Sami tells Solo and his family that he is just here to talk, and while Solo tells Sami that he is free to enter the ring, Sami takes the situation seriously, and Solo allows Mateo, Talla and Loa to leave the ring. Sami says that had he beaten Rusev, he would have been competing for the World Heavyweight Championship, but now that is not happening. He says he was furious as well as liberated after Solo's attack, as he has talked about being world champ that he kept spinning his wheels.Sami thanks Solo, as he now realizes that there are other things in WWE that he has yet to accomplish, including winning the only other title he has never won: the WWE United States Champion. Solo tells Sami that he will not hold the title anytime soon and will never hold it, then tells him to get out of his ring and that he does not want to see him again. Sami tells Solo that as of tonight, he is officially on SmackDown, then says Solo took something from him and that he will take something from Solo in the form of the United States Championship. Sami and Solo brawl, and Mateo, Talla and Loa quickly move into place to turn the brawl into a four-on-one attack. All of a sudden, Jimmy Uso shows up, but he also gets wiped out. Jacob Fatu soon shows up, and he, Jimmy and Sami are soon able to clean house. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a six-man tag match between the team of Sami, Jacob and Jimmy against Solo and his family.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre). Chelsea says she broke up a birthday celebration and took a cake to the face. Piper Niven says that nobody touches their Canadian hero, and Alba Fyre says that they will soon take care of their opponents tonight.
Alexa Bliss beats Piper Niven with a stack-up schoolkid pin after Piper charges at her only to run into the corner when Alexa dodges. After the match, Alba Fyre attacks Alexa from behind, and when Charlotte makes the save for Alexa, she is outnumbered and overpowered. Chelsea and the Secret Hervice then gang up on and lay out Alexa Bliss.
Backstage, Tiffany Sratton and Jade Cargill are arguing, and General Manager Nick Aldis get between them before Nia Jax shows up and tells Cargill to fall back. Cargill says she falls back for no one, and Tiffany tells Nia she is willing and able to beat her again.
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes (now officially known as Melo Don't Miz) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) after Miz tags himself in to hit the Skull Crushing Finale as Carmelo goes for Nothing But Net.
It is announced that there is no medical update of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes after what Drew McIntyre did to him at the end of last week's show.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton is met by Kiana James, who tries to sell Tiffany on a partnership. Tiffany is not interested, but Kiana tells her she is still champion because she has yet to face Giulia and that reminds her that if she is not with them, she is against them. Tiffany leaves, then Michin shows up and says she has Giulia next, but Kiana could care less.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Drew look backs on what he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes at the end of last week's show, then says he did not attack Cody. He then wants to know what has happened to Cody, then says he does not hate Cody and that he is worried about Cody, as he needs outside validation. He says he knows this because this was him five years ago. He says that when one is gone, they are forgotten, and to get things in while one can. He says he has been screwed out of a world title more than he can count, yet Cody needs the world title because he is a nobody without it. McIntyre then says that Cody attacked him, not the other way around, and says that he defended himself when Cody tried to take him out. He says Cody is good at pissing people off, but he is good at taking people out. McIntyre says he is not the bad guy, but if he is provoked, he will do very violent things and he will be the nightmare.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa and his family (Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa) show up, and Solo says that after they are done tonight, The Street Profits will have to run through them for tag team gold. Dawkins says Solo and his family will not stop The Street Profits from doing what they do best, and Montez says they are still up and they still want the smoke. Dawkins says Solo and his family will not stop The Street Profits from doing what they do best, and Montez says they are still up and they still want the smoke. Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu has been watching from the background.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).
Backstage, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and General Manager Nick Aldis are met by Melo Don't Miz (The Miz and Carmelo Hayes). Sabin questions if Carmelo is being manipulated by Miz, which raises Miz's ire. Aldis makes a match between Melo Don't Miz and The Motor City Machine Guns for next week.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews R-Truth. R-Truth says that everybody got his childhood hero John Cena back, then Aleister Black says he should be excited for Damian Priest before telling him he will see him next week.
Backstage, Sami Zayn thanks Jimmy Uso for having his back. Jacob Fatu, on the other hand, is more reluctant to team with Sami Zayn tonight.
Sami Zayn, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu beat Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo (now known collectively as MFT) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Sami and Jacob are on the same page to end the show.
At the start of the show, Jacob Fatu attacks Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and JC Mateo outside of the arena until security and officials show up.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody talks about his King of the Ring victory and states that it not only signifies where we have been, but where we are going, then Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton talks about how he said he would not hesitate to beat Cody only to hesitate when he had him dead to rights. He says Cody did not hesitate, and pulled the trigger, and for that, he respects him. After he admits that he will not forget this, he asks Cody not to squander this opportunity and to kick John Cena's ass at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre returns for the first time in weeks. McIntyre says Orton lost the psychological battle before he hesitated due to Cody buttering him up before their match, and reminds him that Cody attacked Orton's back the moment he tweaked it. He wants to know what happened to Orton, as he went from punting legends in the head to becoming a dead legend in a few years, then tells Cody that he wants him to win at SummerSlam, as he wants to face him and rip the WWE Championship from his hands. McIntyre then says that he will not hesitate, unlike Orton, who then hits McIntyre with an RKO out of nowhere before he and Cody have a brief staredown.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Charlotte Flair meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. Charlotte finds out that she is in a tag team #1 contender's match, and if she wins, she and her partner get a tag team title shot. Alexa Bliss shows up and says they are tag partners, not friends, and Charlotte is forced to reluctantly go along with this after Alexa says Charlotte has not been in the spotlight for a while and Aldis says that Charlotte does not always know what is best for her. Charlotte tells Alexa to stay out of her way.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre runs into General Manager Nick Aldis, wanting a match with Randy Orton. Aldis says Orton has left the building, but he can get a match next week at Saturday Night's Main Event. McIntyre then runs into Jacob Fatu, then walks away after a brief staredown. Aldis tells Jacob to find a tag team partner so he can take on Solo Sikoa and company later tonight. Jimmy Uso shows up right after Aldis leaves and becomes Jacob's tag partner.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) and the team of B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim in a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Match after Charlotte pats Alexa on the head sarcastically, which counts as a tag. This allows Charlotte to boot Chelsea Green off the top rope so that Alexa can hit Twisted Bliss on Alba Fyre for the win.
In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis chews out the SmackDown tag team division for their interference from last week. This leads to an argument between #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), which leads to Fraxiom getting a tag team match against Andrade and Rey Fenix. As for the rest of the tag team division, one man from each of the remaining teams will face The Wyatt Sicks while everyone else stays backstage, and if The Wyatt Sicks win tonight, they will be back in contention for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Gargano tries to unite the tag team division to no avail.
The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) beat Montez Ford, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin and Berto in an eight-man tag match after Johnny Gargano steps off the ring apron before Chris Sabin can tag him in, as Gargano wants nothing to do with Erick Rowan.
We hear from Giulia, who says that she knows what the WWE Women's United States Championship means and that opponents will come to her and they will all fall. She hopes to take the title where it have never been before before daring anyone to challenge her.
WWE acknowledges Independence Day in the United States.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany says that she knows there has been a target on her back and that she would not let Nia Jax's revenge keep her from being last woman standing. As she states that she is ready to beat Jade Cargill at SummerSlam well as whoever she defends the WWE Women's Championship against at Evolution, Jade Cargill shows up and heads to the ring. Jade says Tiffany was barely standing while she made quick work of Asuka, then tells Tiffany that she has a choice to make and that if she chooses wrong, she will not make it to SummerSlam. Tiffany reveals that her choice is none other than WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, then mentions how they teamed up in the past before giving her the opportunity to face her for the WWE Women's Championship. Jade says it does not matter if she faces Tiffany or a legend at SummerSlam, and Trish Stratus thanks Tiffany for allowing her to wrestle in front of her kids, yet she has never been a champion in front of her kids. Tiffany warns Trish that it will not be easy as it is not the Attitude Era, but Trish says she wants that fight. Tiffany says that whether she faces Trish or Cargill, everyone will know the world runs on Tiffy Time.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Solo Sikoa introduces Hikuleo - now known as Tala Tonga - then says his group is more dangerous than ever. He then says that he and JC Mateo will take care of Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso as he declares his family complete.
Backstage, Trish Stratus runs into Jade Cargill. Cargill tells Trish Stratus that if she wins at Evolution, she will see her at SummerSlam. Trish tells Cargill she will see her at SummerSlam. After Trish leaves, Cargill is attacked from behind by Naomi. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and Cargill demands a match with Naomi.
Andrade and Rey Fenix beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).
Backstage, Damian Priest meets Aleister Black. Priest mentions that Aleister has a match with Ron Killings next week.
Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso beat Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. After the match, Jacob Fatu clears the announce table, but Tala Tonga shows up and stops Jacob from putting Solo through it. Jimmy fights Tala, but Tanga Loa joins in, and JC Mateo takes Jimmy for A Tour of the Islands. Jacob Fatu is then held down for Solo Sikoa to hit him with a Samoan Spike, then Jacob is powerbombed through the announce desk.
