Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 2, 2023

We see a video package for Roman Reigns' 1,000 days as champion.

Austin Theory is in the ring. Theory says that if Roman Reigns' reign was combined with his United States Championship reign, there would be a total of 1,209 days, which he calls almost as inspiring as beating John Cena. He says that he will have a 1,000 day celebration one day, and as long as WWE gives him people like Sheamus, he will be United States Champion forever, as he is 25 years old and the best to ever do this. He says that with talent like his, there are people who want to gravitate to it, then introduces two people who "did what was right" in Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) to the ring. Kit Wilson says it was a pleasure destroying The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) and that Theory is a champion the people deserve, and that they want to show how much they appreciate him as champion with a big "Yes boy!".

Austin Theory and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch).

Backstage, Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa about the preparations for Roman Reigns' 1,000 day celebration, and says that he wants tonight to be special. He then says he will talk to WWE official Adam Pearce to make sure that The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are nowhere to be found so that Roman is acknowledged tonight.

In backstage footage from earlier today, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles meets with the rest of The O.C. (Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, "Michin" Mia Yim) After admitting his loss to Seth Rollins, he hopes to see Gallows and Anderson take down Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) tonight as part of his birthday.

The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla). After the match, Top Dolla attacks Gallows and Anderson, but "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles hits him with a Phenomenal Forearm.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Paul Heyman. Pearce tells Heyman that The Usos will not be here tonight as their travel has been cancelled and that security has been doubled in case they do show up. Heyman smiles, calls Roman Reigns and leaves.

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Asuka. Waller mentions the Money In The Bank briefcases above the ring and the women who think they are ready for Asuka, and Asuka reveals the blue mist in her mouth when Waller mentions the possibility of Bianca Belair coming back for her title. Iyo Sky then shows up, and Asuka and Iyo argue in Japanese before Bayley shows up and states that Damage CTRL (Bayley and Iyo Sky) will win the Raw Women's title. Shotzi shows up and says she would love nothing more than to crush Bayley's dream with some cold hard steel, then Lacey Evans shows up. As Lacey says that the Money In The Bank Contract is coming home to her after she puts Zelina Vega in the Cobra Clutch, Zelina shows up and says everyone is underestimating her like Rhea Ripley did at Backlash. She tells Lacey Evans to keep that energy up all tonight and tells her that she will never be half the woman she is, for she will qualify tonight and become the next Miss Money In The Bank. She tells Lacey Evans to keep that energy up all tonight and tells her that she will never be half the woman she is, for she will qualify tonight and become the next Miss Money In The Bank. Asuka, at this point having moved to the stage, says nobody is ready for her before Bianca Belair shows up and brawls with her until officials restore order.

Backstage, Cameron Grimes meets with WWE official Adam Pearce. When Pearce says Baron Corbin will not be here until next week, Grimes says he will take care of Corbin next week like Carmelo Hayes will take care of him on NXT.

Zelina Vega beats Lacey Evans to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Backstage, Santos Escobar tells the rest of the Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro) that he will qualify for the men's Money In The Bank and become co-briefcase holder with Zelina Vega.

LA Knight beats Montez Ford to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after using the middle rope for leverage.

We see a vignette for Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre.

Triple H heads to the ring. He says that once in a while, stars come that are so dominant in their sport that they are talked about for decades to come, and that this greatness will be witnessed live tonight and be talked about for generations in Roman Reigns. As he says this, there is a table with a new championship belt covered up with a mantle. Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa make their way to the ring. Triple H congratulates Roman on surpassing 1,000 days as champion on behalf of the fans, and says this has not happened in almost 40 years. He then presents a brand-new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, which looks like the other two belts but is entirely gold. Roman Reigns holds the new golden belt as pyrotechnics fire off, and after Roman demands the entire universe acknowledge him, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns stare down, then Roman demands Jey Usos kick Jimmy Uso in the face in revenge for costing him the tag team titles at Night of Champions. Roman then demands that Jey Uso fix everything right now, but Jimmy says Jey cannot fix it and that he was the one who kicked him in the face because he was being a brother, and brothers treat brothers with respect and Roman has not been a good brother. He asks what kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts, then says that he will protect Jey and that he will protect Solo even as Roman uses him. Roman says Jimmy is talking for everyone like he is crazy and that he would rather hear from Solo, then hands Solo the microphone. Solo says he acknowledges his Trial Chief, then says The Usos are his brothers. Solo then hands Roman the microphone and stands with The Usos, then Jimmy asks Roman if he want to run things together with respect or if he wants to be Tribal Chief alone. Roman tells Jimmy to shut up only for Jimmy to shove him. Roman advances at Jimmy, but Jey stops him and tells Jimmy and Roman that he needs both of them and that they cannot fight like this, for they are better than this. Jimmy says they are stronger together, and asks Roman to be their brother so they can "run this place." Roman cries as he hugs Jimmy, then says "No." Solo then hits Jimmy with the Samoan Spike, and leaves with Roman and Heyman. On the way out, Heyman asks about Jey, and Roman says Jey will do what he always does: fall in line.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Austin Theory and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince)! Damage CTRL (Bayley and Iyo Sky)! LA Knight!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 27, 2023

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa make their way tot he arena. Sami Zayn shows up as Jey Uso makes his way into the arena, thanks Jey Uso for having his back in Tribal Court, then tells him to give him a call if he needs anything before getting away from the arena.

Rey Mysterio beats Karrion Kross with a crucifix pin.

We hear from Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai). All three members say that they will win the women's Royal Rumble.

Austin Theory heads to the ring. Theory brags about retaining at Raw Is XXX and says that he will be heading straight to the men's Royal Rumble match, and win. All of a sudden, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) show up. Kofi says he only represents Austin Creed, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Austin, Texas, and Xavier Woods tells Theory to get down to business as the show is two hours long. The New Day say that they will win the men's Royal Rumble match, but Theory says he is the biggest star that there is in WWE. Suddenly, The Miz shows up. Miz tells Theory he has participated in Royal Rumble matches since before he hit puberty, but Theory responds with "Doesn't that mean you're old?" Miz replies by saying he is better than he will ever be and he will eliminate him and 29 others to win the Royal Rumble. Miz says there is no one more dangerous than him with a chip on his shoulder, then decides to give an example of what will happen tomorrow. Miz and Theory then attack The New Day, then Bobby Lashley gets in the ring and fights everyone. Lashley says that since Brock Lesnar interrupted his United States Championship match, he will terrorize everyone around here. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar shows up from out of the crowd and attacks Lashley before telling him he will see him tomorrow in the Royal Rumble.

We hear from Rhea Ripley, who says that she has had her fair share of Royal Rumbles and has come close to winning and that 2023 is her year to win it and main event WrestleMania.

Lacey Evans beats Jazmin Allure with the Cobra Clutch. After the match, Lacey Evans says Jazmin Allure learned that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable, then says that she will win the women's Royal Rumble match and tells the fans to salute her. She then picks Jazmin up and tosses her out of the ring.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. Drew thinks Sheamus will win the Royal Rumble, but Sheamus bets on Drew to win it as they both smack each other. As for Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis), Sheamus says they will send them back to Skid Row.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) attack Drew McIntyre and Sheamus from behind before the next match. After the commercial break, Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) heads to the ring, but finds out that Drew McIntyre and Sheamus have given up their spot in the tag team tournament to go after The Viking Raiders. The replacement team is Ricochet and Braun Strowman.

Braun Strowman and Ricochet beat Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) to advance to the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Title Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Kevin Owens. Owens says he is facing Solo Sikoa tonight so he can become the undisputed champion tomorrow. He says that two years ago, the title was his, but The Bloodline did everything they could to stop that and tomorrow will be no different. As he says that he has to take out as many members of The Bloodline as possible to win tomorrow, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Officials - including Adam Pearce - quickly rush into place to stop a potential brawl. After the commercial break, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are escorted out of the arena. Jey Uso then calls Sami Zayn for a favor.

Bray Wyatt's original entrance theme hits, but it is really LA Knight holding a tiny lantern while wearing Bray Wyatt's original white slacks, black shirt, Hawaiian shirt and Trilby hat. Knight heads to the ring and takes the disguise off, then says the biggest moment in Raw history happened this week when he showed up and talked to the fans even when they did not deserve it. He then says that The Undertaker showed up to assist Bray Wyatt "like a turd in the punch bowl" because neither of them wanted him one-on-one, then says Bray Wyatt has 24 years to bring all the advice The Undertaker gave him because his future will be torn up and laid out. Suddenly, the real Bray Wyatt shows up and says that LA Knight is not smiling on the outside and that the time to talk has come and gone. He says Knight will meet the man he has been looking for, then tells him to take his time tonight because tomorrow, "[he'll] see." Uncle Howdy then shows up in the rafters.

Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) beats Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) to advance to the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Title Contender's Tournament.

We take a look at Royal Rumble by the numbers.

We hear from Xia Li, who says that she has more skills than any other woman in the women's Royal Rumble and that she will make it painful for everyone else in the match.

We see footage of Sonya Deville interrupting Ryan Satin's interview with Charlotte Flair on "Out of Character with Ryan Satin" earlier today.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with WWE official Adam Pearce. Charlotte wants to give Sonya Deville a title match to get Sonya out of her hair, and Pearce schedules it for next week. Pearce and Charlotte high-five.

Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens ends in a no-contest Sami Zayn saving Sikoa from a pinfall attempt and Owens hitting Solo Sikoa with a chair.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Braun Strowman and Ricochet! Rey Mysterio! Charlotte Flair!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 20, 2023

The show starts with The Bloodline making it to the arena. The Usos do their handshake with Sami Zayn, but when Sami goes for a fist bump from Roman Reigns, Roman leaves him hanging, much to Sami's surprise.

Sheamus and Drew McIntyre beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman check on things when Sami Zayn asks for some of Roman's time. Sami asks about the frosty greeting from earlier, and Roman says that Sami is covering things up and tells him to set it straight. Sami admits that he feels a bit slighted after last week's match with Kevin Owens and says that he did not know the plan, but he has put all that behind him. Roman tells Sami to leave, as he does not want to hear Owens' name and feels he does not need to run anything by Sami Zayn.

We hear from Raquel Rodriguez, who says that everything is bigger in Texas and that she is making the women's Royal Rumble the biggest moment of her career, and she is counting down the time until she wins the match and main events WrestleMania in front of friends and family.

Before the next match, LA Knight says Bray Wyatt cannot decide if he is or is not Uncle Howdy, then says that he can tell Bray Wyatt exactly who he is. He then says that he will make Bray Wyatt think that he should not have come back, because it is his game, and that he will end Bray Wyatt whether it is pitch black or in daylight.

LA Knight quickly beats Brent Jones despite the mind games on the TitanTron by Bray Wyatt. After the match, we see the Firefly Fun House, where the puppets suddenly come back to life and Bray Wyatt is back in his kids' show gimmick. Bray Wyatt says he has missed everyone and that he cannot wait to have friends with his friends once again. Rambling Rabbit admits he is cool with LA Knight and that he is scared of the dark. Bray asks who would name their kid "LA Knight," then tells Rambling Rabbit that it is normal to be afraid of the dark, as there are things in the dark that want to eat him, then says LA Knight should be scared of the dark. Uncle Howdy's image then appears on the old television, with Howdy saying "I told you so" and "All you need is a little push." Bray Wyatt then says he hopes LA Knight understands that he is the one who opened the door and that whatever comes out of it is his problem.

Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) beat Los Lotharios (Humberto Garcia and Angel Garza) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament after Adonis distracts the referee and B-Fab distracts Humberto.

We hear from Brawn Strowman, who says that he has made a career out of chucking bodies around and that the men's Royal Rumble was made for him, and that anyone who gets in his way will get these hands.

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte says that Sonya Deville has a real problem with her, and tells Sonya that if she has a problem with her, she can say it straight to her face. Sonya shows up and says she only cares about what she deserves, which is a title opportunity, and says Charlotte thinks she is unworthy. She says that if everyone got off their high horse, they would realize she is a star every time she heads to the ring and that people need to shut up and listen every time she speaks. Sonya says that it took six people to rip her off of Charlotte before asking Charlotte how arrogant she is. Charlotte says she has always told Sonya she is a star, then calls Sonya out for saying the rest of the division is not before saying Sonya tapped out. She then tells Sonya to focus on the women's Royal Rumble, then says that if Sonya wants to fight her, she will fight her tonight. Sonya declines, saying there is no reason for her to do it unless there is something in it for her, and dares Charlotte to put the SmackDown women's title on the line. WWE official Adam Pearce shows up to address Sonya, and as soon as he does this, Sonya attacks Charlotte from behind.

Backstage, Roman Reigns talks with Paul Heyman. Heyman tells Reigns that he has always supported the visions for the island of relevancy, and asks Roman to consider that when it comes to Sami Zayn, it is better to have him in the castle "pissing out than pissing in."

We see a vignette for Lacey Evans.

Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) beat The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Paul Heyman, who tells him that Roman Reigns would like to see him now.

We hear from "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, who tells the fans to imagine being in the Royal Rumble while injured. She says the women's division should stay away from her, because she will not just eliminate them, but tear them apart limb by limb.

We see a video package celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first episode of Raw.

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross says that in one week, he will step into the ring with Rey Mysterio. He says that normally, he gets really amped up before a fight, but this time, not so much. He says Rey cannot figure out whether to be a family man or the greatest of all time, and that he cannot be both. He says that he will take Rey out followed by everyone in the men's Royal Rumble match. Kross then says time is running out for everyone.

Zelina Vega guests on commentary for the next match (and declares for the women's Royal Rumble match).

Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Roman Reigns again. Roman says it is no secret that he has a temper, and that he puts people in their place to counsel that anger. He says that he did not hear Sami Zayn and that Sami just wanted communication. He admits that Sami is a perfectionist and concentrates about the details, and says that one does not become the greatest without focusing on detail. Sami thanks Roman for understanding, and Roman says that this is on him. Roman says he expects the same love and loyalty that he gives out, but Sami reminds Roman that he is the head of the table and that there is nothing without him, and tells Roman that he will put what is best for The Bloodline first. He asks Roman to tell him what to do, and that he will do it. Roman asks Sami to find The Usos, find out that the SUVs are in place and that the private jets are ready to go while he, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman head to the ring for the contract signing. Sami says it is done and thanks Roman. Roman says he owes Sami a fist bump, and gives him one.

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa ahead to the ring for the contract signing for his match against Kevin Owens for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship. WWE official Adam Pearce oversees the contract signing. All of a sudden, Kevin Owens tosses Solo Sikoa out of the ring from behind and hits Roman Reigns with a stunner. The Usos show up, but Owens fends them off as well. Owens then gets back in the ring and puts Roman Reigns through the table in the ring with a pop-up powerbomb, much to the horror of Paul Heyman. Owens then approaches Heyman, takes the contract from him and signs it. Sami Zayn then shows up. Owens smiles and tosses the contact to him, then flees through the crowd to end the show.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 23, 2022

The Bloodline head to the ring to start the show. Paul Heyman declares that The Bloodline will have two big weeks back-to-back after The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) retain the undisputed tag team titles before Solo Sikoa takes out Sheamus and Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn smash Kevin Owens and John Cena. Roman Reigns says that there is money to be made in smashing Owens and Cena because smashing people is what he does, then says he wonders what Sami Zayn is going to do as he looks frustrated. Sami says he always wanted a little respect, and that he found that - and family - in The Bloodline, and now everyone loves him. He says this should put him on top of the world, but he has a black cloud over his head and it is Kevin Owens. He says that his moment last week was ruined by Owens' existence and the fact that his name is connected to his, and says that Owens has a problem with him. He also says Owens is trying to bring John Cena back to upstage The Bloodline, but The Bloodline is the show. Sami Zayn says The Bloodline will rip John Cena and Kevin Owens apart, for when they step up, they get smashed, and they will acknowledge the Tribal Chief.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) retain the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships against Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis).

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Kaiser says their match is an abomination and a mockery of what they do, and Vinci says Braun Strowman and Ricochet are rejects and freaks who belong in a circus. Kaiser says that tonight, they will bring honor back to the ring and what they do.

Raquel Rodriguez beats Emma, Tegan Nox, Xia Li, Liv Morgan and Sonya Deville in a gauntlet match despite an injured left arm to become #1 contender for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship. After the match, Ronda Rousey tells Raquel to wipe the smile off her face, as she still has one more opponent: Shayna Baszler, who goes after Raquel's left arm, tearing off the cast and stomping the injured arm. Raquel rolls Shayna up with a schoolkid pin, and she manages to beat Shayna and survive.

Bray Wyatt heads to the ring. Bray says that heading to the ring to speak to the fans is the hardest thing in the world for him to do, and that he will never truly understand why people are excited to see him, as he presents his truest self to the fans. He says that L.A. Knight owes him an apology and that nobody, including L.A. Knight, listened to him. Bray says he is not and never was Uncle Howdy, then loses his train of thought and crouches in the middle of the ring before dropping the microphone. He then attacks a cameraman who gets in the ring, and Adam Pearce and officials have to get the cameraman away from Bray.

Rey Mysterio beats Angel Garza as Karrion Kross and Scarlett watch from the crowd.

Backstage, we hear from Ricochet and Braun Strowman. Ricochet says Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci do nothing but talk, and after Ricochet mentions how they said they belong in a circus, Strowman says "Maybe we do," then says they will show who runs the big top.

Backstage, Karrion Kross and Scarlett are confronted by Emma. Emma confronts them for disrespecting Rey Mysterio, then slaps Emma for calling Riddick Moss a fool. Kross stops Scarlett, then tells Emma she has no idea what she has just done.

We see a video package of John Cena's 20-year career in the ring and on the screen.

We see another vignette of Lacey Evans, who is in combat training with other Marines. It is then announced that she is in action next week.

Ricochet and Braun Strowman beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Braun Strowman) in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight that sees The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) kick Imperium in the crotch while dressed as nutcrackers, a ballerina in a box that dances away and Strowman reviving Ricochet with a kiss under the mistletoe by ring announcer Samantha Irvin.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 16, 2022

The show begins with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and a cleaned-up Sami Zayn arriving at the arena.

Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan and Tegan Nox after a black-clad figure in a hoodie attacks Tegan Nox from behind the barricade. (The black-clad figure is later revealed on social media to be Xia Li.)

We hear from Gunther, who says that he is here to defend "the grand prix of wrestling" in the Intercontinental Championship and that he is not impressed with Ricochet before promising to break him.

We hear from Ricochet, who says that he made good on winning the World Cup and says that while everyone has stated that Gunther already has the match won, he will do what he does best and flip the odds in his favor.

Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Sami Zayn go over Sami Zayn's wardrobe, then Sami Zayn asks where Solo Sikoa is. Solo Sikoa is revealed to be with Roman Reigns, then Sami Zayn leaves to take care of things. After he leaves, Jey Uso is convinced that Roman Reigns will make Sami Zayn "a full-blown Uce," but Jimmy feels Sami may be getting set up for a big disappointment.

A video from a recently-revealed QR code shows the aftermath of the attack on LA Knight. LA Knight is seen unconscious with a mask on and tape on his mouth, and a white gloved hand tells him to be quiet.

LA Knight is in the ring. Knight says he has been blindsided, cheap shotted, abducted and tied up in the last few weeks, but he is still knocking on Bray Wyatt's door. He acknowledges Bray Wyatt's WWE accomplishments, but says all Bray does is whine and cheap shot him. He says that he knows Bray Wyatt attacked him, then tells him to fight him in the ring so he can stomp him out. The arena soon gets dark, and Bray Wyatt soon shows up. Bray says he has missed Chicago, Illinois, but he is sick of LA Knight and the game that they keep playing, then says Knight is barking up the wrong tree and that he has not touched him. He then says that they both know how this story ends, and gives LA Knight one more chance to deliver his message and make it worth his while. LA Knight attacks Bray Wyatt, then Uncle Howdy shows up on the TitanTron and asks "What have you done?" He then asks "Do you want to see something really scary?" before Uncle Howdy shows up for real for the very first time. Uncle Howdy laughs, and LA Knight leaves the ring as Howdy's laughter echoes throughout the arena.

Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman are seen backstage.

Before the next match, WWE official Adam Pearce ejects Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser from ringside.

Gunther retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet. After the match, Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser show up to help Gunther attack Ricochet again, but they and Gunther retreat when Braun Strowman runs into the ring. Strowman then helps Ricochet up.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso meets with Roman Reigns, and says that if Roman plans on making Sami "a full-blown Uce," he is with it, but at the same time, he loves the family. He says that if Roman does not want to do that, then he understands. Jimmy leaves, then Roman asks Paul Heyman to call WWE official Adam Pearce.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce with Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman proposes a tag team title between the team of Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn and the team of Kevin Owens and a partner of his choice. He also proposes that the match takes place in SmackDown in two weeks in Tampa Bay, Florida. Roman says Tampa is better than Chicago, Illinois, then Heyman says the match is a done deal.

Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) beat Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match to become #1 contenders for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Raquel Rodriguez. She says that next week's battle royal to determine a #1 contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship is personal and that she wants payback for what happened to her and to Shotzi, then she is attacked by "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Ronda holds down the left arm while Baszler kicks at it.

The Bloodline head to the ring. Roman Reigns brags about how The Bloodline dominated their WarGames Match before high-fiving everyone, then says "tonight is the night" and that tonight would be the night for Sami Zayn if it were not for "the Kevin Owens problem." He says that Kevin Owens will not stop stalking Sami Zayn and that a problem for Sami is a problem for him and for The Bloodline, and that he and Sami will team up against Kevin Owens and a partner of his choose and smash both of them. After Roman says nobody will see Kevin Owens again after this, Sami Zayn admits that Owens was his only friends and that Owens is indeed a problem. Suddenly, John Cena shows up on the TitanTron. John Cena says he loves a holiday surprise more than anyone and that he got a surprise text from Kevin Owens saying that Cena has not had a match this year before asking him to be his tag team partner. Cena accepts Owens' offer to be his tag team partner and bring the fight to The Bloodline in the final SmackDown of 2022.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler! Hit Row (B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis)! Rey Mysterio! During Rey Mysterio's interview, Los Lotharios (Humberto Garcia and Angel Garza) show up and call Rey an embarassment to his son before saying that they sit on the sidelines so that Rey can feed his ego. This leads to Rey challenging one of them to a match next week to see who the embarassment is.

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

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

Backstage, Sami Zayn has a word with Jey Uso, who tells him that it is "all hands on deck" tonight and that Roman Reigns needs to see their hands raised in victory when he makes it to the arena. Jey Uso is happy to oblige.

The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) beat Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa with an inside cradle from Butch to Sami Zayn after Jey Uso pulls Sami Zayn out of the ring as Sami is about to avoid a top rope move, causing an argument between Jey and Sami that Solo has to stand in between until Ridge Holland takes out Jey and Solo. Sami gets back in the ring, but Butch rolls him up for an inside cradle for the pin and the win. After the match, Sami, Solo and even Jimmy Uso get on Jey's case for costing them the match, then Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman show up. After the commercial break, Roman Reigns says that people are going to act like kids, then they will be treated like kids, then says that he wants what is going laid out on the table and fixed right now. Sami Zayn admits that there is a communication breakdown as of late and that it is specifically with Jey, and while he likes Jey and has tried to get along with him, Jey has a problem with him and he wants it to stop. Sami Zayn apologizes to Jey Uso for whatever he did and asks to bury the hatchet before offering to shake his hand. Jey hesitates, then pulls out a microphone and tells him to get his hand out of his face. Jey tells Sami that he does not like him, his hair, his face, his "Honorary Uce" T-shirt or him being around his family because he is not a true blood relative and never will be, calling him "a fake-ass Uce." Jey says he will shed blood for the family and asks Sami if he is willing to do it too, and when Sami wants peace because Roman says there should be peace, Jey says he does not give a damn what Roman says. Sami has to get between Jey and Roman and say that Jey did not mean what he said as he has gone through a lot and has not been himself and has not been "very Ucey." Roman smiles, and Jey Uso is really trying not to corpse as Roman says that if Jey cannot find his "inner Ucey" again, he is going to do something Jey is not gonna like. Roman threatens to take the "honorary" away from Sami Zayn and make him "a full-blown Uce," and also threatens to rename him "Sami Uso." This starts a "Sami Uso" chant. Paul Heyman then plugs Roman's match against Logan Paul for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel before counting down to another commercial break.

We see another vignette for The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). In this vignette, Ivar and Erik drink a clear liquid out of sheep horns.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor).

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sonya Deville. Sonya says Liv Morgan will not answer "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey's open challenge because Ronda broke Liv. Once again, Liv Morgan rushes in and attacks Sonya Deville, and officials have to intervene.

Backstage, we hear from Braun Strowman. He says it is clear that Omos is bigger than him, but everyone has seen that he can be stronger than Omos and that everything he did to prove his strength was exciting and a challenge. He says that he felt that excitement with Omos and that when it comes to challenges, the bigger, the better. Strowman then says that Omos will find out that there is no challenge too big for "the monster of all monsters."

Before the next match, Ronda Rousey says that the Smackdown Women's Championship is back where it belongs and that the fans are in luck to see her issue an open challenge tonight. She says that she does not expect the fans to be grateful, as only the great can recognize greatness and everyone is too mediocre to recognize what they are looking at. Ronda then asks who her challenger tonight is, and it is Tennille Dashwood, who returns to WWE as Emma.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Emma after gouging the eyes prior to Piper's Pit and the arm breaker.

Backstage, Jey Uso meets with Paul Heyman regarding Logan Paul's knockout punch from last week, and Paul Heyman tells Jey Uso that he has his back.

Backstage, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler congratulates "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey before Natalya shows up and says that if she took the open challenge, she would beat Ronda. Shayna chokes her out before she finishes her sentence.

Before the next match, B-Fab says Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab) has friends in high places and introduces Shinsuke Nakamura as their tag team partner.

Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) and Shinsuke Nakamura beat Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro).

Backstage, Paul Heyman asks Roman Reigns to watch footage of Logan Paul practicing in a boxing ring. When Roman asks why they are watching this, Heyman says it takes one lucky punch. Heyman talks about how Logan Paul once broke his knockout hand and had steel pins inserted into it, and when Roman says it is Logan Paul's third match, Paul Heyman mentions that Brock Lesnar won the UFC World Heavyweight Championship in his third match. This angers Roman, and Paul Heyman decides to take his leave.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews LA Knight. LA Knight mentions the ring announcer not getting his hometown right last week, then Ricochet shows up and says LA Knight would get a warmer reception if he did not act like "God's gift." He also says that when shows up with a big head, one is more likely to knock it around. LA Knight leaves after saying he is God's gift to SmackDown, then Ricochet tells him to keep going, as somebody is going to shut his mouth.

Karrion Kross beats Madcap Moss. After the match, Kross puts Moss in the Kross Jacket and tells McIntyre that Moss put up more of a fight than he did because Moss is not a hypocrite and a coward. He then says that history will repeat itself when he beats McIntyre at Crown Jewel while two referees try to break the hold.

We briefly see Bray Wyatt backstage.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Rey Mysterio. Rey Mysterio says he is excited to be back on SmackDown and competing for the Intercontinental Championship when Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) attack him.

Bray Wyatt heads to the ring. Bray says it is just him and the fans right now, and that there is no mask and no smoke and mirrors. He says that he wants the fans to get used to "the real" him and the best version of himself that will ever be. He says he is proud to be here today and that he will spectacular things while he is here, then says that for much of his life, he has been out of control and he cannot help that, as his emotion do not work like most other people's. He says that sometimes he does not have control and can go to a very dark place, and other times, he does not feel anything at all. Bray says that is part of what makes him "him," and that he has to do horrible things and part of him likes doing it. Bray then says that is not the end of it and that there will come a time when he is forced to do something completely horrible when the lights on the ring darken. He then see images of an old man in a hat wrapped in barbed wire. He says "You killed the world," and says that Bray Wyatt still wears a mask and that he will never be able to hide from his Uncle Howdy. We then see a tear fall down Uncle Howdy's face as the show ends.

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

This week on The SmackDown Low Down: Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci)! Liv Morgan! The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn)!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 30, 2022

Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa beat Ricochet and Madcap Moss. After the match, Madcap Moss grabs Sami by the jaw, and Solo Sikoa beats him up in the corner for it.

Backstage, Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa are met by Jey Uso. Jey says he is here to make sure Solo is doing alright, then tells Sami that he can see through him and that if he thinks about putting the family in jeopardy, he will get him. Sami tells Jey that he will have to take it up with Roman Reigns.

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross says that Drew McIntyre has been trying to lure him out of the darkness for quite some time, and that McIntyre has been on top for some time as well. Kross says he is the kind of guy one has to put in the hospital to put down, and at Extreme Rules, he will take McIntyre to a point of no return, as they both want the same thing and only one has it; because of that, they are bound together through suffering. He says that once the world knows what he has seen through the cards and McIntyre is out of the way, he will soon become undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Kross says that when the strap is on, he will drag McIntyre through hell and leave him lying to burn away forever when he has had enough. (Right after this, a QR code is show; it leads to this.)

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Austin Theory. Theory says that Brock Lesnar and Tyson Fury may have ruined his cash-in attempts, then calls Wales "Europe's version of Winnipeg." He then says Drew McIntyre embarrassed himself more than he did to himself before McIntyre shows up behind him. McIntyre watches Theory as Theory says that he is not very smart, then McIntyte puts his hand on Theory's shoulder and says "You. Me. In the ring. Now."

Austin Theory is accompanied to the ring by Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) before the next match.

Drew McIntyre beats Austin Theory by disqualification after Otis pulls McIntyre out of the ring to throw him into the ring steps. After the match, Austin Theory, Chad Gable and Otis gang up on McIntyre before Johnny Gargano runs into the ring and fending off all three men only for the numbers game to take over. Kevin Owens soon shows up to even the numbers game.

Backstage, Max Dupri is met by Maximum Male Models (Mansoor, Mace, Maxxine Dupri). Mansoor and Mace say they will make Dupri proud, and Maxxine Dupri says it will be when they break the Canadian record for the longest pose. The pose is soon ruined by Hit Row (B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis), and they start over.

Backstage, Shotzi says that Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) showed what they were all about - a bunch of scheming jackals - and says she will shove her nose and her boots wherever she wants. She says Bayley will find out what it is like when her boots stomp all over her.

Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) beat Los Lotharios (Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza).

Someone is seen holding a sign saying "REVEL IN WHAT YOU ARE" behind the announce table.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who says that she could still kick Liv Morgan's ass and that she is still the most dangerous woman on the planet.

Drew McIntyre, Johnny Gargano and Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory and Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) is official for later tonight.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey beats Natalya with the ankle lock. After the match, Liv Morgan shows up with a baseball bat and stands in Ronda's way. Both women brawl, but Ronda hits Liv with Piper's Pit. Both women then fight over the bat, then security steps in. At this point, Ronda has the baseball bat, and she teases hitting security with the bat before leaving. Liv Morgan gets up and goes after Ronda, and security has to separate both of them.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre, Johnny Gargano and Kevin Owens have a conversation. The three of them agree that Austin Theory needs his ass kicked, then Kevin Owens only to run into Maximum Male Models, then Sami Zayn. After telling Maximum Male Models (Maxxine Dupri, Mansoor, Mace) that one of their hands needs to be higher to be more effective, Owens tells Sami he needs a new shirt.

Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura checks out Mansoor and Mace posing, as does Sonya Deville.

Imperium (GUNTHER, Giovanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser) head to the ring. Kaiser says there have been few things more insulting to the mat than the presence of The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch). Vinci says none of them exhibit the qualities of a champion, and that GUNTHER is what a champion looks like. GUNTHER says that he will beat Sheamus next week and grind him down for the final time and enjoy the look of defeat in his eyes when he breaks his spirit once and for all. He then says Imperium will obliterate all three of The Brawling Brutes before Sheamus shows up. Sheamus says Imperium loves talking a big game about The Brawling Brutes, then says that while Ridge Holland and Butch are stuck in Florida, he is here, and he is more than happy to kick all three of their heads right off their shoulders. Sheamus pulls out a shillelagh as Vinci and Kaiser charge at him and lays them out with it, then confronts GUNTHER. Sheamus tosses the shillelagh out of the ring and tosses his hat off, then both men brawl. Sheamus nails GUNTHER with a knee to the jaw, but Vinci and Kaiser stop the Brogue Kick, allowing GUNTHER to rip Sheamus's shirt off in the corner and chop him several times before hitting him with a powerbomb. As Imperium leaves, Sheamus grabs the microphone and says "Is that all you got?" He tells GUNTHER he will have to do better than that, then Vinci and Kaiser gang up on Sheamus. GUNTHER then knocks Sheamus out with his own shillelagh.

Backstage, Bayley says Shotzi loves to run her mouth, then says she beat Bianca Belair, not Shotzi. She says she will shut Shotzi up all by herself, then become Raw Women's Champion at Extreme Rules.

It is announced that WWE Hall of Famer, Japanese wrestling legend and former Japanese politician Antonio Inoki has passed away earlier today at the age of 79. (In memory of Antonio Inoki, 1943 - 2022.)

Shotzi arrives in her trademark tank for the first time in months before the next match.

Bayley beats Shotzi. After the match, Bayley hits Shotzi with another Rose Plant before putting a ladder out from underneath the ring and placing Shotzi in the middle of it. As Bianca goes up top, Bianca Belair shows up. Bayley retreats, but as Bianca saves Shotzi, it proves to be a cheap shot. Bianca gets Bayley up for a K.O.D., but Bayley escapes over the top rope.

Backstage, as Maximum Male Models (Maxxine Dupri, Mace, Mansoor) are about to break the record for the longest pose in Canada, Max Dupri bumps into Mansoor, throws his leather belt down, and says this is not for him.

Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargano and Drew McIntyre beat Austin Theory and Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis). After the match, Drew McIntyre hits Austin Theory with a leather strap.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 16, 2022

Logan Paul heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Logan says he has a habit of opening his mouth and "saying stupid stuff," then mentions Roman Reigns being on his Impaulsive podcast. He says that after Roman left, he said that if he wrestled Roman, it would be his match. Logan says he has opened his mouth against Floyd "Money" Mayweather before, and issued a challenge to Roman Reigns, having taken the liberty of setting up a press conference tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada. He says that if Roman has the guts, he will meet him face to face. Suddenly, Paul Heyman shows up for the first time since SummerSlam with The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn), who enters the ring alone while The Bloodline watches from the outside. Heyman and Logan shake hands, and Heyman says that if there was anyone outside of WWE who could be "a Paul Heyman guy," it could be Logan. He also mentions how Logan and his brother Jake Paul have changed the fight game, then tells Logan to reconsider fighting Roman. Logan tells Heyman that he knows he is a promoter and knows how good this could be, and accuses Heyman of being scared of him challenging Roman Reigns for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship. He says that Roman could definitely smash him, then asks what would happen if he struck with one lucky shot, dropped Roman Reigns for the championship like a sack of potatoes and won the title. Heyman says he does not like "if's," he does not like scenarios and he does not like Logan Paul, and now, he has to handle him. He then sics Solo Sikoa on him, but Logan bets that he can knock Heyman out before Solo gets to him. Sami Zayn steps in and tells Solo he has this, then tells Heyman that while he has respect for Heyman, he should handle Logan Paul. Heyman lets Sami deal with Logan, but Logan knocks Sami out when Sami approaches him. Logan retreats as The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa charge at him, then Ricochet shows up for the next match.

Ricochet beats Sami Zayn when Jey Uso tries to get in the ring to stop Logan Paul as Sami Zayn has the match won. As Sami Zayn and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) argue, Ricochet takes them out, then hits Sami Zayn with a top rope Shooting Star Press for the win. After the match, The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn) gets on the apron, but soon leave after Madcap Moss shows up with a chair.

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlet. Kross says that last week, Drew McIntyre was publicly executed by "the people's executioner," and that the difference between two of them is that Kross never lets anything goes. Kross says that he will make history while McIntyre will be in an endless loop of suffering that he will never get out of which only he can control.

Max and Maxxine Dupri are in the ring. The two of them introduces the Maximum Male Models Back To School Collection, which is modeled by Mace and Mansoor. Suddenly, Mace and Mansoor are attacked by Braun Strowman, and Strowman powerbombs Mansoor in the middle of the ring before Chad gable shows up. Otis attacks Strowman from behind, but Strowman is completely unfazed. Otis soon drives Strowman into the corner, but after he hits Strowman with the fireman's carry slam, Strowman gets back up and wants Otis to fight him some more. Gable has to hold Otis back.

Jojo Siwa is seen in the front row.

Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) head to the ring. Bayley says she is back on SmackDown, then re-introduces Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky as Women's Tag Team Champions. Dakota says they can go to any brand at any time and do anything they want, and Iyo says SmackDown is their show now. After bragging about putting Aliyah on the shelf, Bayley says they are what one looks like when one does what they will say will they do, then says they have the power to win championships and plow through anyone who gets in their way. Raquel Rodriguez shows up and says she sees three bullies who hurt her partner and are powerless against her getting revenge. She forces Damage CTRL out of the ring before the next match begins.

Bayley beats Raquel Rodriguez following the distractions and interference by Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky. After the match, Damage CTRL attack Raquel Rodriguez, then Shotzi suddenly shows up and chases Damage CTRL out of the ring after attacking Dakota Kai.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Liv Morgan soon shows up, and Kayla Braxton leaves. Liv says she has never met someone say so many words that mean nothing like her, and says that Ronda has been saying things everyone has said to her for her entire career. She says that she has beaten Ronda fairly twice, but since nothing she says will get Ronda to respect her, she will have to earn her respect. Liv Morgan then challenges Ronda to an Extreme Rules Match with the SmackDown Women's title on the line. Ronda tells Liv "It's your funeral" and leaves.

Drew McIntyre suddenly shows up. He says that Karrion Kross has his attention but does not want to face him like a man, and tells Kross to "finally grow a set" and step up so he can finally Claymore Kick him.

Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) fire up Solo Sikoa before his match. Solo tells Jey that he is off his game, then asks Sami Zayn to come with him.

Solo Sikoa retains the NXT North American Championship against Madcap Moss after Sami Zayn pulls Solo Sikoa out of the ring and Madcap Moss chases him around the ring.

The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), Imperium (Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser) and Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) after Imperium hit Kofi Kingston with the Imperium Bomb and Ridge Holland tags in, throws Kaiser out of the ring and makes the pinfall.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 9, 2022

It is announced that Corey Graves will be replacing Pat McAfee on commentary, as Pat McAfee has college sports obligations for the next couple of months.

Imperium (Gunther, Gionvanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser) beat The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) in a six-man tag match.

WWE acknowledges the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sami Zayn and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. After Sami Zayn gets the crowd fired up, Jey Uso proclaims that Roman Reigns has successfully defended the undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle, and that Drew McIntyre does not know how deep their bloodline runs. Jimmy Uso then introduces the man who helped Roman keep the undisputed WWE Universal title at Clash at the Castle: Solo Sikoa. Solo Sikoa says that if anyone comes for his family, he will come for them; if anyone causes problems, he will finish them. Solo then says that he is here to stay, and that the bloodline just got bigger and stronger. Drew McIntyre suddenly comes to the ring with a chair. Sami and The Usos leave the ring, but Solo Sikoa stands his ground and takes a chair shot. Drew aims for Solo's back, but Sami Zayn takes the shot for him. Solo, Sami and The Usos retreat. McIntyre tells Solo Sikoa that he wants him tonight, and Solo Sikoa tells McIntyre that if he wants a fight, he has it.

Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah beat Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne).

It is announced that "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey has been disciplined via an internal investigation, the results of which will not be disclosed, following what happened between her and WWE official Adam Pearce last week.

Drew McIntyre vs. Solo Sikoa is official for later tonight.

Liv Morgan is seen watching the next match from the skybox.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey beats Natalya, Xia Li, Lacey Evans and Sonya Deville in a Fatal 5-Way Elimination Match to become #1 for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.

Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) get Solo Sikoa pumped for his match with Drew McIntyre when Sami Zayn shows up. Solo thanks Sami for the help earlier, and Sami tells Solo that they all have his back. Jey Uso says that Solo needs to do this on his own, and Solo agrees. When Solo tells Sami that he would ask him if he needed help, Jey changes plans and says they are all going out to the ring as a foursome.

Backstage, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler meets with Ronda Rousey. Shayna gives Ronda good luck against Liv Morgan, and Ronda tells Shayna that the only thing better than winning is revenge and to let her know when she is ready to break some bones.

Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor) and Los Lotharios (Humberto Carillo and Angel Garza) in an eight-man tag match that also sees B-Fab almost throw down with Maxine Dupri.

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) head to the ring. Chad Gable announces that they are back on SmackDown and thanks the crowd for their warm response even though they are being booed, and says they are here to ruin Braun Strowman's return to SmackDown like he ruined their potential tag title opportunity on Raw. He says that they had the match won and that if Otis had seen Strowman coming, he would have left him laying. He also says that much like himself, Otis is a superior athlete, then says Seattle, Washington known nothing about superior athletes because they couldn't keep the Sonics, which causes the fans to rain down boos on Alpha Academy. Before Gable can say much else, Braun Strowman shows up and beats up Otis. Gable attacks Strowman from behind, but it has no effect and Gable gets booted. Otis goes at it with Strowman in the corner, but it does not faze Strowman for long. Gable gets powerbombed, and Otis suffers the same fate.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says Clash at the Castle should have been the biggest moment of his life after 21 years in the business and he should be standing undisputed champion, but he is not champion because of Solo Sikoa. McIntyre tells Solo Sikoa that Roman Reigns may be happy for him, but actions have consequences and he will not like the consequences of his actions.

Solo Sikoa vs. Drew McIntyre ends with The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beating up The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Sami Zayn for interfering and Karrion Kross suddenly putting McIntyre in the Kross Jacket to end the show.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 2, 2022

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in a Viking Rules match after powerbombing Xavier Woods through two tables.

We see part one of a video package chronicling the undisputed WWE Championship reign of Roman Reigns narrated by Paul Heyman.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Sami Zayn mentions his plans for Roman Reigns' championship celebration, but Jey Uso is still mad at Sami Zayn for not helping him against Kevin Owens.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Baszler says that she will become SmackDown Women's Champion and make Liv Morgan suffer by tearing her apart limb by limb and contorting every joint until Liv Morgan is crying. Liv Morgan shows up and says that whatever Baszler says, she is not afraid and she will not tap out. She also says that she will rip Baszler's arm off. Baszler says she would like to see her try. Liv says "Watch me."

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross says a moment in time can mean so many things. For Drew McIntyre, it is a chance to fight him, and for Roman Reigns, it is a chance to celebrate. As for his opponent tonight, he will have one that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

We see part two of a video package chronicling the undisputed WWE Championship reign of Roman Reigns narrated by Paul Heyman.

Karrion Kross beats Drew Gulak with the Kross Jacket. After the match, Drew Gulak is tied up on the ropes.

We see part three of a video package chronicling the undisputed WWE Championship reign of Roman Reigns narrated by Paul Heyman.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey heads to the ring with a piece of paper in her hand. She says it is a letter from WWE's global headquarters regarding her suspension, and says that she would like nothing more than to have WWE official Adam Pearce read it. Pearce says that it is nothing personal and that he was just doing his job, but Ronda does not buy it. Pearce reads the letter saying that Ronda has not done anything at a criminal level and that her suspension is lifted, albeit on a probationary basis. Pearce takes offense to Ronda being un-suspended, then says he would have fired her if it were up to him. Ronda asks Pearce if he thinks the board of directors would take his opinion over that of someone like her. Pearce takes her anger out on Ronda, asking if this is a joke for her and that he is tired of doing an unthankful job running two shows while everyone gives him grief, and while he is proud of his job and wishes the board would show up and try to do his job only to find out that they can't, he is not proud of busting his ungrateful, undermining and criticizing, and while he does not have a problem with the board, he has a problem with her. He goes on to say that Ronda walks around like she owns the place, then calls Ronda "the single biggest bitch [he] ever met," which leads to Ronda breaking Pearce's arm.

Backstage, Sami Zayn gets a delivery of black roses meant for Roman Reigns. When he smells the roses, he finds out they have a putrid smell. He then finds a note saying "Tick tock" connected to the bouquet.

Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor) despite the distraction from Los Lotharios (Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza). After the match, Los Lotharios gets in the ring and brawls with Hit Row, but The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up and even the numbers game.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Happy Corbin. He says that he is happy and that he does not live in the past, then says he is the best man in the locker room and has to double down. He then heads to the ring to issue an open challenge, and says that anyone who gets in the ring with him will be crawling back.

We see part four of a video package chronicling the undisputed WWE Championship reign of Roman Reigns narrated by Paul Heyman.

Happy Corbin's opponent for the open challenge turns out to be Shinsuke Nakamura.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats Happy Corbin.

Backstage, Happy Corbin suddenly sees JBL's limousine. JBL opens the window and asks Corbin what happened to him, then tells him to get in the limo. Corbin gets in the limo, then the limo then drives off.

Butch beats Ludwig Kaiser. After the match, Gunther wants to fight Sheamus. Sheamus takes off the hat and jacket and drops his suspenders, and Kaiser has to hold Gunther back.

We see part five of a video package chronicling the undisputed WWE Championship reign of Roman Reigns narrated by Paul Heyman.

Backstage, Sami Zayn and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are ready for Roman Reigns' championship celebration. Sami asks if they should wait for Roman, but Jimmy says they should all go out there and put the spotlight on Roman.

We hear from Tyson Fury, who says that he will be ringside at Clash at the Castle.

Sami Zayn and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring for the two-year championship celebration of Roman Reigns. Sami Zayn welcomes everyone to the celebration, then Jey Uso says that Roman Reigns has put down everyone who has stepped up while Sami Zayn tries to pretend to be cool, much to The Usos' chagrin. Jey then introduces Roman Reigns, who arrives in the arena in a black Cadillac SUV. Suddenly, Roman is attacked by Drew McIntyre, who soon heads to the ring. Sami Zayn runs at McIntyre only to eat a Glasgow Kiss, then The Usos stomp at McIntyre when he gets to the ring only to be overpowered. McIntyre destroys all of the easels in the ring, then hits Sami Zayn and The Usos with a dive to the outside before tossing Sami Zayn back into the ring.Sami hits McIntyre with a chair, but McIntyre rebounds with a Claymore Kick. He then grabs Jimmy Uso and slams him into the announce table. McIntyre then hits Jey Uso with a Spear through the barricade into the timekeeper's area, then takes a microphone and tells Roman that he will never, ever stop. He says that Sami and The Usos are torn apart and that "G.O.D. Mode" is deactivated, and that Roman will be looking up at the new WWE Champion after he kicks his head off his body.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 22, 2021

Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman asks Heyman if he is holding the WWE Universal Championship for him or for Brock Lesnar, saying he did the right thing with the microphone and the wrong thing with the title when he put his hand out. Roman puts his hand out, and Heyman hands him the title. Roman tells Heyman he is not great at his job, then says he is good at his own and that he is the best of the best. He says that he has carried WWE on his back for over a year-and-a-half as the Tribal Chief and the head of the table, and proclaims himself the greatest Universal Champion of all time. Roman says this is because he has smashed everyone and the list of people he smashed has gotten so long he cannot go back to the beginning, then asks Heyman what Lesnar said about tonight. Heyman says that as per Twitter, Lesnar has stated in Saudi Arabia that when he shows up at SmackDown tonight, he will beat Roman Reigns senseless. Roman smacks the phone out of Heyman's hand and says he has gotten Lesnar so mad he is tweeting now, and tells Lesnar he is not going anywhere. Roman smacks the phone out of Heyman's hand and says he has gotten Lesnar so mad he is tweeting now, and tells Lesnar he is not going anywhere, saying he does not mind smashing Lesnar two nights in a row. Roman waits for Lesnar to show up, and after a few seconds, he says that Lesnar is scared of him and that he is not leaving the ring until Lesnar shows up. After the commercial break, Roman says nobody can blame Lesnar for not showing up, for he is the greatest of all time and Lesnar fears him. Roman wonders why Lesnar has run his mouth only to no-show and that he has given the people too much time. He says there is nothing else for him to do here before the crowd chants "We want Lesnar." Roman says he wants Lesnar, too, then says Lesnar doesn't want any part of him. As he tells the fans of Wichita, Kansas that this is where they part ways, Lesnar suddenly shows up. Lesnar rushes at Roman and attacks him, and this starts a brawl where Lesnar throws Roman into the ring steps. Lesnar looks at Heyman briefly before grabbing part of the ring steps and ramming them into Roman. As Lesnar goes for an F-5 into the announce table, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) run out and attack Lesnar, but they easily get thrown around by Lesnar as multiple referees and officials show up. Roman charges at Lesnar, but Lesnar rams him into a ring post. A cameraman runs into Lesnar only to be shoved down, and Lesnar takes the camera and throws it at Roman. Roman dodges, and the camera hits the ring post. Lesnar then tosses a referees and an official around, and Adam Cesaro shows up to send the locker room at Lesnar. Lesnar stands tall in the ring as referees and officials surround the ring, andLesnar raises up the WWE Universal Championship after Heyman, The Usos and Roman retreat.

WWE official Adam Pearce is in the ring. He says that taking the show hostage will not be tolerated, and says that Brock Lesnar's behavior is unacceptable, saying Lesnar has endangered everyone from the fans down to the Superstars and camera crew. As a result, he hereby indefinitely suspends Brock Lesnar. Suddenly, Lesnar shows up, grabs Adam Pearce and dares Pearce to tell him he is suspended again. Pearce says it, then Lesnar shoves him into a corner, pretends to show mercy and ultimate hits Pearce with the F-5. Lesnar then picks Pearce back up, tears his clothing apart, and hits him with the F-5 again. He then leaves.

We see footage of WWE official Adam Pearce being helped to the back. Meanwhile, Sonya Deville is on the phone when she is confronted by Naomi, who says she wants a fair match. Sonya says she has other things to do and tells Naomi to get out of her face. Suddenly, Sonya Deville runs into Drew McIntyre, who says he will head to the ring and issue an open challenge to anyone who has the balls to face him in the ring tonight. McIntyre asks the nearby gathering of Superstars who wants to get their ass kicked as he makes his way to the ring.

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring and asks the fans who is ready for a wrestling match, then dares anyone in the back to get in the ring so he can kick their ass. Sami Zayn shows up and says that while McIntyre did not make a reference to him earlier, then says he is the longest-tenured member of SmackDown and something of a locker room leader. He says that McIntyre might be a former WWE Champion, but he is still a newbie. He then says that if McIntyre is looking for someone brave enough to accept his challenge, then he is the best Superstar on SmackDown. Sami then accepts McIntyre's open challenge, and says that he will remain the best on SmackDown when he beats him.

Drew McIntyre beats Sami Zayn.

Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab) debuts tonight!

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) heads to the ring for Xavier Woods' King of the Ring coronation. Kofi Kingston shows up first. Kofi announces the coronation of Xavier Woods as King of the Ring and introduces Woods to the ring. He then bestows upon Xavier Woods the clock that signifies the protection that he will bestow upon the people, and the fans chant "You deserve it!" to Woods. Kofi then bestows the scepter that represents the power that he will protect his reign and people with, followed by the crown that serves as a physical representation that Woods has earned and will receive from now until the end of time. Xavier Woods thanks the WWE Universal for showing him so much love and helping him turn his dream into a reality, and while his reign will be fun, it will also be fair, and there will be plenty of opportunity. Kofi then shares "The King's Gospel" before starting a "Hail King Woods" chant.

We hear from Becky Lynch, who says that the SmackDown Women's Championship is still drenched in history from last night and that she never lost the Raw Women's Championship. She then proposes that "Becky Two Belts" should make a comeback.

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

Mansoor beats Mustafa Ali in a Crown Jewel rematch after sitting down on a Sunset Flip attempt.

Backstage, we hear from Ridge Holland, Aliyah, Humberto Carrillo, Angel Garza, and Sheamus as they are about to debut to SmackDown in the near future.

Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab) shows up on the stage. B-Fab says everyone has been hearing about them. Adonis says that the detail is crucial, and as Top Dolla tells everyone to pay him top dollar so he can show up, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott says he is about to go nuts. B-Fab says they call her "B-Fab" because every time she shows up, she "be fab." Top Dolla then proclaims that SmackDown has just gained four bright new stars.

Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve' Scott and Top Dolla) beat Dustin Lawyer and Daniel Williams.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton is outside of the trainer's room. Sonya Deville shows up and says that Adam Pearce will be okay, then says the show must go on.

Happy Corbin beats Shinsuke Nakamura in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender's Match. During the match, Madcap Moss stops Rick Boogs from playing guitar, and when Nakamura attacks Moss, Corbin attacks Nakamura and gets him back into the ring to hit End of Days for the win.

We hear from Charlotte Flair, who says that Becky Lynch would not hand the SmackDown Women's Championship over and tells her to pretend it's her suitcase that she's spent half of her career in and hand it over.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Sonya Deville is already in the ring with Becky as Charlotte Flair also heads to the ring. Sonya Deville oversees the trade of the championships so that both women can go to their respective brands as their brands' championships. Both women are reluctant at first, and when Sonya tries to take the SmackDown Women's title, Becky goes for the Raw title. Becky then throws the SmackDown Women's Championship at Charlotte to receive the Raw Women's Championship, and Charlotte raises up the SmackDown Women's Championship. Charlotte notes that Becky wants to be "Becky Two Belts" and proposes they have a winner takes all match tonight, then Sasha Banks shows up. Sasha says she runs the blue brand and says that Charlotte is out of her mind if she thinks she can take over. Charlotte asks Sasha if she feels left out, then Becky says she will go to Raw and let them sort things out before seeing one of them at Survivor Series. Becky leaves, then Sasha says she is the star of whatever show she is on and that Friday night is "Boss Time." Charlotte asks Sasha if anyone remembers being champion when she had the title, and Sasha punches her in the face, starting a brawl. Sasha goes for a Backstabber, and when Charlotte escapes the move and tries to retreat, Sasha goes after her. Sonya Deville separates both women before things get worse to end the show.

This week on Talking Smack: Drew McIntyre! Sasha Banks! Xavier Woods!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for August 24, 2021

The show begins with Cameron Grimes and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted Biase entering the arena after leaving the back of a limousine. Grimes and DiBiase then make their way to the ring. DiBiase talks about how he came to NXT to look for the special someone who was worthy of being a Million Dollar Champion and carrying on his legacy, and how that someone had to be strong of body, mind and heart. He says that strength of heart is important, and says that Cameron Grimes is no quitter, and because of that, Cameron Grimes is a champion right now. Grimes admits DiBiase first drove him nuts, as he was looking only at his money and thought he was something, but says he did not have the accomplishment to make him something. When he was LA Knight's butler, he knew that he had to do something, and at NXT TakeOver 36, he became the Million Dollar Champion. Grimes then asks "Where does Cameron Grimes go now?" Grimes and DiBiase agree that they both have to go to the moon, then laugh as smoke and dollar bills with Cameron Grimes' face on them spray throughout the arena.

Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab) is seen entering the arena.

Ridge Holland beats Timothy Thatcher. After the match, Pete Dunne and Ridge Holland attack Thatcher, and when Tommaso Ciampa jumps in, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch attack him, and Ridge Holland lays him out. As Holland leaves, Thatcher pulls Ridge out of the ring. Ridge attacks Thatcher, but Dunne soon holds him back.

Backstage, Arash Markazi interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo Hayes says that he has never seen himself as an underdog, and that he worked hard to beat men twice his size just to get to the finals of the NXT Breakout Tournament. Carmelo says that when it comes to Odyssey Jones, you cannot prepare for a man like him. He says he cannot get ahead of himself when it comes to winning the finals.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell. After Indi Hartwell talks about their time together, Dexter produces an invitation to the wedding, which takes place on September 14th.

Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter beat Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Raquel Gonzalez. Raquel says she meant every word she said, and says that while Dakota Kai is tough, it is not over between them if she knows her well enough. She also says she has been waiting for Kay Lee Ray and knows about her NXT UK Women's Championship reign, and says that she will beat anyone who challenges her, Franky Monet shows up and says she will take Raquel's shine and title.

Backstage, Arash Markazi interviews Odyssey Jones, who says tonight is the biggest night of his WWE career, and that he never thought things would come to fruition for him so quickly. He plans to be the best man he can be just like every other night, and that he does not know what is next for him after this. He also admits Carmelo Hayes is his toughest opponent yet, but he has to win.

Kay Lee Ray beats Valentina Feroz.

Samoa Joe is seen entering the arena.

Backstage, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne are not in the mood for an interview. Suddenly, they are met by Mandy Rose, who asks them to come with her and never look back if they do not want to lose again. They follow Mandy.

Samoa Joe heads to the ring. Joe talks about how he stood across the ring from the most dominant champion in NXT history and beat him to become the first-ever three-time NXTHe says that being a three-time champion should be cause for celebration, but experience tells him that to be champion, one must be king in the land of savages, where there is no time to celebrate. Joe says he has noticed that the air is more palpable, the handshakes colder and the stares bolder, then asks who in the locker room is waiting to step up. His challenge is answered by Pete Dunne. Champion. Dunne heads to the ring in street clothes and says Joe has faced him enough times to know the truth, and says that he is the baddest around here, not Joe. Dunne tells Joe to head to the back and tell General Manager William Regal to make the match. Dunne then says "Don't make me provoke," then LA Knight shows up, says Joe is afraid of him and says he would have beaten Karrion Kross in 43.5 seconds before challenging him for the NXT Championship, saying he will be Joe's first and last challenger. Dunne threatens to break Knight's fingers if he gets in the ring, but Knight says he is just here to chat. Suddenly, Kyle O'Reilly shows up and says the only thing Knight has a chance of winning is a "Stone Cold" Steve Austin knock-off vest competition. He then says he respects Joe, then says he has earned a title match and does not have to talk his way into one when he is suddenly attacked by Ridge Holland. Dunne tries to cheap shot Joe, but Joe sees him coming and Dunne is attacked from behind by Tommaso Ciampa. Ridge Holland punches out Ciampa, then LA Knight rushes at Joe only to be headbutted out of the ring.

Backstage, Cameron Grimes and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase leave the arena, then Grimes tells DiBiase that the Million Dollar Championship is his legacy and hands it back. DiBiase tells Grimes that he should have it to remind him of who he is. When Grimes finds out that the belt suddenly feels lighter and cheaper, he checks the back only to find out it is a replica title. DiBiase laughs as the white limousine speeds off.

Backstage, Kyle O'Reilly is approached by Duek Hudson, but as soon as Hudson insults him, O'Reilly slaps him. Hudson attacks him, but O'Reilly strikes back, and referees and officials have to hold both men back.

General Manager William Regal watches the next match from ringside.

Carmelo Hayes beats Odyssey Jones to win the NXT Breakout Tournament after reversing a pinfall attempt by Jones into a crucifix pin. Both men shake hands after the match, then General Manager William Regal congratulates Hayes with a contract for a match for any championship of his choice, then Hayes thanks Odyssey Jones for putting a fight before stating that when he calls his shot, he does not miss.

We hear from Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, Danny Burch and Ridge Holland. Pete Dunne says he does not care who stakes their claim to the NXT Championship, as he knows that Joe knows he will beat him. Danny Burch says things will change after five months on the shelf, and Oney Lorcan says he and Burch will be champions again. Ridge Holland says that he will put Tommaso Ciampa on the shelf just like he did Timothy Thatcher, then says that they started this and that they will end this.

We hear from Boa, who says another victim will fall to Tian Sha (Xia Li, Boa, Mei Yinh).

Next week: Ilja Dragunov returns to NXT!

In a stunning upset, Xyon Quinn beats Boa with a clothesline in his NXT debut. After the match, Xyon Quinn jumps over the barricade to leave after seeing Mei Ying at the stage. (Xyon Quinn is formerly known as rugby standout Daniel Vidot.)

Backstage, Johnny Gargano tells General Manager William Regal to cancel Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis' wedding. Regal refuses. When LA Knight shows up complaining about Samoa Joe and Tommaso Ciampa, Regal kicks him and Gargano out of his office.

We hear from Malcolm Bivens as Roderick Strong teaches a masterclass with Julius and Brutus Creed, which is also overseen by Hachiman (who is mentioned by name for the first time). Bivens says Roderick Strong will be in the ring next week to show what kind of champion he truly is against KUSHDA.

Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) beats Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla) in a six-man tag match. During the match, B-Fab shoves Santos Escobar into the ring post behind the referee's back, and is then confronted by Electra Lopez, who hits B-Fab with a pipe before tossing it to Swerve, distracting him. Electra Lopez is also heard saying the word "Familia." This allows Escobar and Legado del Fantasma to get the win.

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