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.
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.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to start tonight's show. He addresses the physical altercation with Gunther after Night of Champions, takes accountability for his part in the incident, and announces that he is now General Manager of the brand again. Aldis then introduces CM Punk to the ring, then gives Punk the floor and leaves the ring. Punk says that he missed the fans on SmackDown after two-and-a-half months of working to move to the blue brand, the attempts at which were expedited when a challenge for Sami Zayn was needed. He says that when opportunities fall from the sky, he catches them, and after getting ready for the match in his own home and kissing his wife goodbye, he is now Undisputed WWE Champion. Punk says that he is not like other wrestling, much like other champions, and that he plans to be a fighting champion every week and defend every chance he gets, for he draws a target on his back as the locker room is full of hungry, talented individuals who want what he has. Punk then throws an open challenge to anyone who thinks they have what it takes to wrestle "The Best in the World," for he is not hard to find and he will defend the WWE Championship with his blood, sweat and tears for the fans. Punk also addresses what Sami Zayn said about him on social media and says that he will give him a shot, as he certainly deserves a rematch. He also addresses Gunther, saying they remembered their last match, and also proposes that they square off again. He also mentions his recent two matches with Finn Balor and that he looks forward to facing him in neutral territory. Punk also mentions Royce Keys, Damian Priest and Trick Williams, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring.Cody asks Punk how his left eye, and Punk says that it looks a lot worse than it feels. Cody mentions how he had a black eye and how a championship opportunity fell into Punk's lap. He then says that while there are matches like the one Punk had, there are those that have been building for years. Punk mentions their history and their friendship and how he does not want the WWE Championship to come between it all. Punk says they may not be able to run away from each other anymore, to which Cody agrees, mentioning that he had told him "Just say when." Punk interrupts Cody as he speaks, saying "When." Cody says "SummerSlam." Both men shake hands. Aldis makes Cody vs. Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship an official main event match for SummerSlam.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Cargill says that she is already to go and is ready to break Alexa Bliss' face. Michin says Charlotte Flair needs as many lessons as it takes to get the picture like Alexa, and B-Fab says that Charlotte will get a front row seat to see Alexa get snapped for a twig. Cargill says that everything that will happen to Alexa tonight will be Charlotte's fault and that she will not be held responsible.
UFC middleweight fighter Dricus Du Plessis is seen in the crowd.
Finn Balor beats Tama Tonga.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he has done nothing but prove and deserve, then says Trick Williams may have the aura, but it will not help him against someone with his star power. He says his aim has never been more clear and that tonight is his moment.
Backstage, R-Truth has to pay up to Fraxiom (Nathan Fraser and Axiom) due to the United States losing in the World Cup, then The War Raiders show up. Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu show up looking for Solo Sikoa. R-Truth says he has yet to see Solo, but when Jacob says he is looking for Royce Keys, Truth says he has not seen him, either. Damian Priest shows up and says that Royce Keys is here and in the building, and when R-Truth asks Priest why he mentioned where Royce Keys is, Priest says that Royce Keys is not their problem.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is on the phone with Sami Zayn, who is on a mental health break, and Sami is not happy with Cody vs. Punk for the WWE Championship at at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Gunther shows up and says that Aldis made a big mistake, but he is going to give him a chance to fix this before the end of the night, as he deserves to be in the ring with the champion and he does not care if he even has to face both Cody and Punk. Aldis says he will take that into consideration.
Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are in the ring. Jimmy Uso calls out Solo Sikoa, but Royce Keys shows up and heads to the ring instead. Royce Keys addresses Jimmy Uso mentioning his name both last week and this week, then says that "the family business" is starting to affect everyone and is starting to affect him. Jimmy Uso says tonight is about "OTC business," and when Royce mentions that Roman Reigns is not here, Jacob Fatu steps up and says that they are good friends and that they should keep it that away. He tells Royce that he can say anything about anyone else, but warns him not to mention Roman Reigns again. Royce Keys says it does not have to be like this, and when Jimmy Uso says that nobody tells them what to do and that Royce Keys is not family, Royce Keys says that royalty, not blood, makes family, and that Jacob is his family and he will not let that fall. Jacob tells Royce that he will cross a line that he will not be able to come back from, and Royce says that he did not come here to fight, but he will cross that line. Jimmy thinks Royce is crazy for taking him and Jacob on, but Jacob tells Jimmy that there is no "we" here and that this is all on Jimmy, because he is out. Jacob then walks away, and Jimmy calls for a referee so they can have a match. Jimmy then goes for a cheap shot, but Royce makes him pay for it by immediately overpowering him.
Jimmy Uso beats Royce Keys. During the match, Solo Sikoa sneaks up on Jimmy Uso from behind on the outside and nearly hits him with a Samoan Spike, but Jacob Fatu comes back and beats up Solo Sikoa. Solo and Jacob go at it on the outside, and Jacob gets Solo in the Tongan Death Grip. Back in the ring, this allows Jimmy Uso to hit the Spear on a distracted Royce Keys for the pin and the win. After the match, Jacob gets Solo back in the ring to stomp a mudhole in him, then Royce Keys confronts Jacob. Jacob superkicks Royce and hits him with a senton, then takes a chair from Jimmy and wraps it around Solo's head. Jacob stops short of a hip attack on Solo and tells him to be ready next week on Raw, and this time, he will not stop.
We see Sami Zayn's message from after last week's Raw where Sami calls CM Punk a "piece of shit" for just waltzing in and taking the WWE Championship from him.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews CM Punk, who says that all challengers can get in line and that he has been called much worse by people other than Sami Zayn. Candice LeRae shows up, and Johnny Gargano is planking on a nearby box. Candice says Sami is the only one who did not give up on Gargano and was "the voice of the voiceless" and that Sami was their hope until Punk took that from them. Punk tells Gargano and Candice to get back in the ring, as this is not working. As he walks away, Punk runs into Finn Balor, who welcomes him to the blue brand.
We hear from Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), who talk about how they will be the center of attention in Madison Square Garden and how they will take the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from Paige and Brie Bella at Saturday Night's Main Event, courtesy of Chime.
Jade Cargill beats Alexa Bliss. During the match, B-Fab trips Alexa on the outside, and that allows Charlotte Flair to send Jade Cargill neck-first into the ropes behind the referee's back. "Michin" Mia Yim goes after Charlotte only to eat a big boot, then B-Fab sends Charlotte into the ring post. Alexa takes out B-Fab afterwards, but Cargill is soon able to hit Alexa with a pump kick followed by Jaded for the pin and the win. After the match, Michin grabs a chair, but Charlotte stops Cargill from grabbing it. Michin and B-Fab almost overpower Charlotte, but Charlotte fends them off until Cargill superkicks her. Cargill places Alexa's left arm inside the chair and bends the arm back to the point of injuring it as officials arrive too late.
Backstage, Trick Williams is looking for the WWE United States Championship and blames Ricky Saints for it, then Lil Yachty shows up with a United States Championship belt lined with white fur. Yachty then tells Trick to give "a diamond butt-whuppin'" to Carmelo Hayes tonight.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss is helped into the trainer's room by officials as well as Charlotte Flair.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams ends with both men being attacked by a returning Baron Corbin (formerly known as Bishop Dyer), who has not been seen in WWE in over a year.
Gunther heads to the ring. Gunther says that he gave General Manager Nick Aldis until the end of the evening to fix things, and demands that Aldis give him a decision. Aldis shows up and says that despite their history, he will give Gunther exactly what he wants. He gives Gunther "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Madison Square Garden on Saturday Night's Main Event, but Cody and Punk will team up against Gunther and Sami Zayn. Aldis says the mistake he needs to fix is thinking Gunther would not be a pain in his ass after signing him to SmackDown. Gunther attacks Aldis in response and puts him in a sleeper hold that officials have to break up. Gunther seemingly walks away, then puts Aldis in a sleeper hold and attacks him again. He lets go, then locks in a third sleeper to end the show. The show fades to black as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring. After the show goes off the air, Cody dares Gunther to fight him, but Gunther heads to the back.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Sami says it seems a lot of people came to ride or die with "the last real good guy," then thanks the fans for their support before finding it hilarious that the people who were previously booing him once wanted him to be world champion. He says he could be petty and tell those who gave up on him to kiss his ass, but he will not, because he is a good guy and he never changed. He says that he did not become selfish to win the WWE Undisputed Championship and that he won it his way and the right way. He also says that he could tell those who said he could never win the big one to kiss his ass, but he will not, because this is a celebration and he will forever go down as one of the all-time greats, a WrestleMania main eventer and a Grand Slam champion. As Sami states that nobody can take this away from him, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes suddenly shows up and heads to the ring. Sami asks Cody what he wants to talk about. Cody says that Sami was the first to celebrate with him when he won his first WWE Championship, and that he is here to return the favor before he shakes his hand. Cody is about to leave when Sami asks him to stay and just be himself for a moment, as he has something that Cody once had and will want again, and asks Cody why he is really out here when "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn do their old friendship handshake before Jey tells Sami that he is proud of him and that he deserves it, but tells him that he wants to bring the gold back to the family and that it is just business. Cody asks what year it is and asks when Jey was reduced to running errands for Roman Reigns, and Sami Zayn says that as far as he is concerned, the WWE Championship is still in the family and that it is not going anywhere. He tells Jey and Cody to stay away from him. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce shows up as Sami Zayn leaves, and says that as his first order of business taking over for Nick Aldis is to find a new challenger for Sami. Sami wants some say on his SummerSlam opponent, but Pearce says his new challenger will face him next week on Raw and it will be whoever wins between Jey and Cody tonight.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that Jade Cargill got what she deserved and that she will keep teaching Cargill lessons until she gets the picture. Alexa Bliss shows up wishing that Charlotte told her she was at Night of Champions. As Alexa and Charlotte argue, Tiffany Stratton shows up and says she did not need her help, but thanks her. Chelsea Green shows up and says Jade Cargill should be worried about them, then Charlotte says "You're welcome" to Tiffany.
Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair in a six-woman tag match.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce ends an angry phone call with Nick Aldis when Sami Zayn shows up. Pearce says he has given him a great opportunity to show he is a great champion on a great show, then runs off. Sami almost smacks another water bottle, then smacks it anyway when he sees Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae and tells Gargano that he won the big one and could not have done it without him. Sami says that one must stay true to themselves to win championship gold, then has Candice take a picture of him with Gargano.
Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia. Giulia says she does not back down from any fight, and if Blake Monroe stops being a coward, she will fight her anytime and anywhere. Kiana James shows up and says that Giulia is the kind of person to bite the hand that feeds her and that Giulia got lucky. Suddenly, Giulia is attacked from behind by Blake Monroe, and when Kiana mouths off at Giulia, Blake Monroe attacks her, too.
Backstage, Jimmy Uso is talking to Jacob Fatu when Royce Keys shows up. Jimmy wants to know where Solo Sikoa is on family business, and Royce says that blood does not make one family and that he has been loyal to Jacob for fourteen years, which makes him his family. Jimmy says "Not no more. Right, Jacob?" Jimmy leaves, and Jacob follows suit.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Before Lil Yachty can speak, Carmelo Hayes suddenly appears and makes his way to the ring. Carmelo says that Trick got the job done and that they have no choice but to run it back for the WWE United States Championship, then gives credit where credit is due to Trick Williams and says Trick is only unstoppable because he has not chosen to stop him. He says that Trick has changed the WWE United States Championship from a title to an accessory and that he can just buy him a replica title from WWEShop, then says the United States title is the workhorse title for those who are starving, and Trick looks like he has had too much to eat. As Carmelo tells Trick to put the title up against someone he knows best, saying that Trick has "two left feet and a mouth full of marbles" when in the ring with him, then Lil Yachty interrupts and tells Carmelo he has his match next week. He then says the match is not for the title, as Carmelo has had his chance and Trick needs to get his reps in, and that when Trick wins, Carmelo will have no more excuses as to why he cannot get the job done. Trick acknowledges that given their history, he knows Carmelo like the back of his hand, then turns around and backhands Carmelo before leaving with Lil Yachty. Carmelo responds with a dive over the top rope that takes out Trick. Trick has to stop Lil Yachty from retaliating.
Backstage, Danhausen has Kit Wilson and The Miz in his lab when Matt Cardona shows up. Danhausen mentions that he has a match with JD McDonagh on Saturday Night's Main Event, then says he has back-up local to New York City for the match. Dahausen then has Cardona twist a knob on a machine, which smokes when Cardona does so, and Danhausen thinks The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) sabotaged his equipment before leaving while Miz and Kit get shocked.
Lainey Reid beats Brie Bella after Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley get involved on the outside.
Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), R-Truth and Damian Priest have a hot dog eating contest, which R-Truth wins. Fraxiom leaves, the The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up and Ivar eats the hot dog while Erik asks if they will accept their challenges with both of their tag team titles on the line. R-Truth accepts their challenge to a winner takes all match, as does Priest, and Priest says it will happen on SmackDown.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Finn Balor. Cody welcomes Finn to SmackDown, and Finn says he has wanted to face him. He hoped that it would be for the title, however, and tells Cody to get the WWE Championship back. Cody leaves, then Tama Tonga shows up and says that he has thought about what Finn told him. Talla Tonga shows up from behind and attacks Finn, then Tama says he is closing the books from everything in his past and that Finn is next.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats "Main Event" Jey Uso to become #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship next week on Raw after hitting Cross Rhodes following a sleeper hold attempt by Jey Uso in the corner.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring to start tonight's show. Trick says that he had to miss SmackDown last week because he went to Jamaica and got married, stating that Lil Yachty, Lash Legend and his whole family were there. He then shows off his wedding ring. (This is in fact, real, as he and Lash Legend got married last week.) He then mentions that Ricky Saints is the next person he will defend the United States Championship, then says that he will beat Saints' ass and head to SummerSlam as champion. Saints shows up and says that Trick is not good at making life decisions, then warns Saints that he has smacked him once and he will smack him again now that he has interrupted him.Saints states that Trick's hype train will be coming to an end, but Trick says that Saints should be concerned about what he will do when he kicks his teeth down the back of his throat. Saints also asks if Lil Yachty comes with the United States Championship when he wins it before punching Lil Yachty and running out of the ring. When Trick helps Lil Yachty up, Saints runs back in and attacks Trick.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Alexa Bliss. Alexa says that Charlotte Flair is feeling the emotional and physical pain after what Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab did to her, and says that she will get revenge even if she has to team up with Tiffany Stratton, who says that she only cares about beating Cargill. Alexa knows Tiffany and Charlotte have history, but she wants to return the favor. Tiffany says they will get through tonight, then says Charlotte and Alexa can do whatever they want as long as they leave her out of it.
B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim beat Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton when Tiffany Stratton goes for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever only for Jade Cargill to show up and trip her off the top rope. After the match, Chelsea Green shows up as Cargill, Michin and B-Fab are about to attack Tiffany, who actually appreciates the favor. Tiffany, Chelsea and Alexa stand tall in the ring.
Backstage, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga meet with Solo Sikoa. Tama says they are tired of getting dragged into Solo's war with The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu), then also bring up Solo costing them tag team gold and Solo helping LA Knight. Talla says they have received word from "the elders," and that they are out. Solo says they cannot leave, but Tama says "We just did" before he and Talla leave. Solo says that nobody leaves him before the show cuts to a commercial break.
Backstage, Jade Cargill demands a match with Chelsea Green tonight from General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis says he will make it happen.
Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Nathan Frazer.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damian Priest and R-Truth. R-Truth is focused on getting the old Judgment Day back together, and Priest says that they want to face more tag teams. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up, surprised that Truth and Priest are still champions, and challenge them to a title vs. title match. R-Truth does a Razor Ramon/Scott Hall impression before Priest accepts their challenge.
Backstage, LA Knight shows up and Jackie Redmond interviews him. Knight says he is heading down to the ring to get some answers.
We see a video package for "Main Event" Jey Uso vs. Gunther in the King of the Ring Tournament finals.
LA Knight heads to the ring. Knight talks about what happened on Raw and how Jimmy Uso saw himself looking at the lights, then says that Jimmy got what he deserved even though he respected him before addressing the unexpected assist from Solo Sikoa. When Knight calls out Solo, Solo shows up and heads to the ring. Knight says that every time Solo heads to the ring, they always fight because he attacks or distracts him, but Solo says he is not here for a fight. Solo says that everybody in his family has left him, and Knight says that while he gets it, he does not feel sorry for him, and says that this will lead to Solo returning to The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu). Knight then wants to know why Solo did what he did, and Solo says he hates The Bloodline and hates being part of the group, and finishing them is the only way he will feel better. He then says that the only thing they have in common is that they do not like The Bloodline. Knight says Solo should hate Roman Reigns, much less The Bloodline, for what he did to him, and says the rest of The Bloodline should hate him, yet they went right back into the fold.At the same time, Knight says the has no reason to trust Solo and that nothing will be different, but Solo says it is different because he has no family and he has nothing to lose. He says it is just him now, and the enemy of his enemy can be friends. He says they can work together and watch each others' backs to take out The Bloodline, but Knight is not buying it, especially when he has heard "It's just me" before. Knight admits that he hates The Bloodline and has been outnumbered by them, and that he probably needs help, but he does not need Solo Sikoa, saying he lives and dies doing things his way. Knight then says "Thanks, but no thanks" and walks off.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Sami Zayn, who says he called last week's WWE Championship match down the middle until he was pushed around. He says nobody gets it except a planking Johnny Gargano near an embarrassed Candice LeRae. He then says good things happen to good people and that he will soon wrestle for the WWE Championship. Sami admits the last few months have not been great and that he has not been himself since he failed to win the WWE Championship and lost, but because he stayed true to himself, the universe has given him an opportunity to redeem himself. He looks to Gargano and realizes he could be WWE Champion.
Paige beats Jacy Jayne with a schoolkid pin after taking out Lainey Reid and countering a roll-up with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, Danhausen continues to experiment on The Miz and Kit Wilson, who now have white streaks in their hair. Matt Cardona shows up and says he has the craving to be Zack Ryder again. All of a sudden, Kit Wilson and The Miz. Danhausen leaves, then Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up wanting to find Danhausen and get their money, and Cardona has no idea and tells them to find him themselves. They leave, and Danhausen chides Zack Ryder for looking at the body under the sheet.
Backstage, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga run into Finn Balor, who is glad to see them and to see Tama make his own decisions. They mention their history, then Tama says it was a long time ago before mentioning Shinsuke Nakamura was part of his past too, and that everyone saw how that went.
Danahusen comes out with The Miz and Kit Wilson, and they all head to the ring. Danhausen welcomes everyone to "Danhausen TV." When asked about being replaced on his own TV show by Danhausen, Miz says "Awesome!" When asked about Los Garza's (Angel and Berto) recent actions by Danhausen, Kit Wilson says they are toxic. Los Garza run into the ring and attack The Miz and Kit Wilson, then confront Danhausen wanting their money. All of a sudden, Matt Cardona shows up. General Manager Nick Aldis then shows up and makes a tag team match between Los Garza and the team of Cardona and Danhausen, which happens right now.
Matt Cardona and Danhausen beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto) after The Miz and Kit Wilson stop Garza from using a chair and Berto goes up top only to be hit by corner pyro.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Gunther. Gunther says he is the one who needs to be redemption after being screwed out of WWE Champion twice, then says that Saturday will go down very differently.
Zuffa boxer Aaron McKenna is seen in the crowd.
We see a video package for Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring Tournament finals.
Jade Cargill beats Chelsea Green. After the match, Cargill attacks Chelsea, and Tiffany Stratton and Alexa Bliss run to the ring. Cargill retreats, and B-Fab and Michin run into the ring. The brawl ends with Cargill hitting Jaded on Tiffany Stratton.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Solo Sikoa. Royce Keys shows up and tells Solo that "Main Event" Jey Uso is coming for him, then wishes him good luck.
We see a video package for Bron Breakker vs. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins in a steel cage match at Night of Champions.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Trick Williams and Lil Yachty. Yachty tells Ricky Saints now has their full attention and has earned himself a tricky situation for his sucker punch. Trick Williams says Ricky Saints did everything to get in the ring with him, and now he is, and that Night of Champions will be "Night of Trick Williams."
Giulia beats Kiana James. After the match, Giulia is suddenly attacked from behind by Blake Monroe.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Before Cody can speak, Sami Zayn shows up and thanks his "ride or die" fans who have supported him since day one, then says that he regrets how he handled last week's WWE Championship match. When asked if this was a mistake by Cody, Sami says this was a mistake and that this is not what he wanted, but Cody has none of this and says that this is exactly what Sami wanted. Cody says that for a guy who claims not to get a break, thinks are looking up for him, and that he finds him exhausting to deal with, then finds him just as annoying as Kevin Owens. Sami tells Cody to keep Owens' name out of his mouth, then says that if were not for him, Gunther would be WWE Champion, and that Cody should be thanking him for that. He also says he will be the reason that Cody is no longer WWE Champion on Saturday. Gunther shows up and says he does not care about what is going on between Cody and Sami and that he only cares about the WWE Championship, and that Sami is right about last night and Cody knows it. He also says that Sami is wrong about leaving Night of Champions as WWE Champion, because he will. He says that as a referee, he caused a lot of damage to him, but as a wrestler, he is "a non-factor," as he has never been WWE Champion and never will be. Gunther then tells Cody to enjoy his last night as "golden boy," for he will be walking out of Night of Champions and into SummerSlam as champion and as King of the Ring, not him. "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up and heads to the ring, but Gunther stops the entrance theme reprises. Jey Uso says he will become King of the Ring and pull up on Cody at SummerSlam, and warns Sami that if he gets involved, he will get him, too. He then tells Gunther like he will make him tap out "like a little bitch" like he did at WrestleMania. This starts a brawl. Cody and Jey make quick work of Sami and Gunther, then have a staredown. Suddenly, Oba Femi makes his presence known, and he heads to the ring. Oba stands on the ring apron as Jey superkicks Cody out of the ring, then Gunther gets back in the ring and clotheslines Jey before confronting Oba. Sami then attacks Gunther from behind, then Cody gets back in and hits Sami with Cross Rhodes. Oba then stands before Cody as Cody picks the WWE Championship back up, and both men have a staredown as the show ends.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Aldis says he has not heard from Gunther yet, but he is assured they will hear from him tonight. Cody hopes that they have a good show tonight. Cody then runs into The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and fist bumps them, then Jey says that tonight is his King of the Ring match, and he will win tonight, win the tournament and face him for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody hopes Jey is right, as Jey deserves to chase his title, but he hopes it is his decision and not Roman Reigns'.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill. Cargill says she has built a career off of pressure and has nothing to worry about, and "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab are certain that Cargill will win tonight. Cargill tells Rhea Ripley that she will get her lick back, and that she will see her at SummerSlam.
Charlotte Flair beats Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca and Jade Cargill by submission with a Figure Eight to Lyra to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. During the match, Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton show up to fight "Michin" Mia Yim when they get involved in the match, and this leads to a brawl that makes its way to the back.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that Jade Cargill should not be champion, and when "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab confront Tiffany, Chelsea Green comes to the rescue with a shinai.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu meets with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). Jacob Fatu says he is here for Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy says he is here to ensure nobody stops Jey. Solo says that they have their business and that he has his.
We see footage of Carmelo Hayes with the New England Patriots, who are seen in the front row.
We hear from Blake Monroe, who admires Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss as she writes in her diary, then says they have deluded themselves into thinking they are stronger together only to become weak and soft. She says that stars shine brighter alone before stating that she is coming soon to SmackDown.
Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis backstage. Gunther says that he will be picking the referee for his match with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says that he will know who the referee is by the end of the night.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Finn Balor, who is excited to be on SmackDown. He says that he has old friends and old foes and that his past is not erased by being here, then he is met by R-Truth, who declares that The Judgment Day is back together. Damian Priest shows up, and he and Finn are not exactly happy to see each other. Finn leaves for his match, and Priest says that all they need are each other and that they will still be champions after their match with The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga).
Tiffany Stratton and Chelesa Green vs. "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab is official for later tonight.
Brie Bella and Paige beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Brie reverses Fallon's inside cradle on Paige behind the referee's back as the referee ejects Jacy Jayne for pulling Fallon Henley out of a submission hold from the outside of the ring.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking to Johnny Gargano again while Candice LeRae is on her phone. Sami takes Candice's advice to Gargano to "get up and do something about it" as advice for himself, and Sami then leaves to look for General Manager Nick Aldis.
Backstage, Los Garza (Angel and Berto) meets with Danhausen, asking him to re-curse the New York Knicks. They then hand him a bag of human money, then leave as Matt Cardona shows up. After Matt Cardona hands Danhausen his watch and a ring to keep the New York Knicks uncursed, Kit Wilson shows up with an electrified Miz, and Danhausen's like for a Frankenstein's Monster-like Miz causes Kit Wilson to swing a metal rod at Danhausen only to miss and hit a wire, which in turn electrifies Kit Wilson.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says that the "ride or dies" showed up in full force for him in Europe compared to Providence, Rhode Island, and says the fans can either sit there with a sour look on their faces and boo him or ride and die with "the last real good guy." Sami then says that something has been brewing for months and months, and that it needs to come to an end. He says that he needs to clear the air, and asks that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes come to the ring. Cody comes to the ring, and Sami says they have had months' worth of misunderstandings where he helps Cody and ends up paying for it while Cody stands all, and wants to know if this is in an accident. Cody says that he cannot just turn this off and that they should not be in the ring this way. As Cody mentions WrestleMania 40, Sami says he was and still is happy for him, but mentions that Cody has lost past friends and wants to if it is them of if it is Cody. Cody says that he could not be honest with them like he can be honest with Sami, then tells Cody that the fans hate him and tell him that he sucks because he whines and cries and has become desperate. He says that the Undipusted WWE Championship is the only thing between them, then apologizes for holding the championship and that it means he never will. Sami slaps Cody, then starts apologizing. Cody slaps Sami back. Sami slowly leaves the ring, then comes back with a chair. Sami stands on the apron with the chair, then tosses it to the side and leaves.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu confronts Solo Sikoa with a message from Roman Reigns. He says it has been way too long and long enough, and that Roman needs him to come home. Solo says that is not home and that Jacob is Roman's lap dog, then wants to know what happened to Jacob. He says that Jacob used to be a killer that everyone was afraid of and was so close to beating Roman. Solo says Roman has done nothing but embarrass and humiliate him, which is not how someone treats somebody they love. Solo then tells Jacob to tell Roman that he can go to Hell. Jacob says he knows where Solo is coming from, but he has made his decision and he will stand on business, and if Roman sends him for him, he will come for him. Solo tells Jacob to tell Roman that if he wants him to come home, then he can come and get him.
Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Axiom.
Backstage, Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis, stating that he has made a decision. He says that he needs somebody with experience as well as their heart in the right place. He says he needs a good guy - the last real good guy - and says Sami Zayn will be the referee for next week's WWE Championship match.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty show up at the arena.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Trick Williams is not happy that he lost in the King of the Ring Tournament, then says that it woke up something in him and lit a fire that he has not felt in a long time. Trick says he wants to step his game up and bring SmackDown to new heights. He says that he is the king of the new school and that he is still the United States Champion. All of a sudden, Ricky Saints shows up. As Saints makes his way to the ring, however, Carmelo Hayes shows up and shoves Saints out of his way to the ring. Saints beats Carmelo to the ring as Carmelo tells Trick to make up his mind, and Saints says that he beat Carmelo as Carmelo wants Trick to defend his title. Both men start arguing, and Trick tells them to battle it out so he can defend the title against the winner. As Trick leaves, Saints shoves Carmelo into Trick, and that leads to a brawl between Carmelo and Saints. Trick gets back into the ring and sends Carmelo into the ring post, then hits the Book End on Saints.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa shows up and tells him that The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu) is here to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight, and that Jacob Fatu is there to help him. He tells Royce that he does not have to fight with him, but he does not want Royce to be a casualty in Roman Reigns' war.
"Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green after Jade Cargill pulls Tiffany Stratton off the ring apron before Chelsea Green can tag her in, which allows Michin to hit Chelsea with Styles Clash for the win. After the match, Jade Cargill gets in the ring, and Tiffany Stratton ends up being the victim of a three-on-one beatdown.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kiana James. Kiana says she did everything for Giulia and that Giulia needed her, and the one time she asks her for help, she is useful. Giulia says she needed help with English and with contract, but Kiana says she did not need her for anything. Giulia says Kiana used her momentum, but Kiana says she eclisped her. Giulia says her English is better now, then slaps Kiana in the face.
Backstage, Tama Tonga welcomes Finn Balor to SmackDown, and he is also not happy to see Finn.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says that Sami Zayn is an emotional wreck and all over the place before Sami suddenly shows up. Sami uses Cody's words against him before sarcastically wishing him good luck next week.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews LA Knight. Knight says that he saw it coming and that Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are going to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight and are also trying to get Solo Sikoa back in the fold. He then says he will not make any promises, but if he can defy the odds, he will win the tournament and stomp Roman Reigns out.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Royce Keys, LA Knight and Finn Balor to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament after Royce hits Knight with a spinebuster only for Jey Uso to hit a top rope splash and pin Royce for the win. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up to watch from ringside, and LA Knight ends up booting Royce Keys into him near the end of the match.
Jade Cargill beats Alexa Bliss despite Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair brawling with "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab to the back, due to Cargill getting the knees up to block Twisted Bliss. After the match, Cargill pulls a metal folding chair out from underneath the ring and hits a second Jaded on the chair. Rhea and Charlotte rush back to the ring and chase Cargill out.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes when Sami Zayn shows up. Sami asks Cody if he has nothing to say to him. Cody says he has nothing, but Sami says he should, and he should start by apologizing, as he did not ask to fight his friend; Cody did. He says he had his back and tried to help him, but he stabbed him in the back with the Cross Rhodes. Cody says Sami walked away when Gunther choked him out. Sami says he wanted to help Cody because of how he is wired, and it took everything not to. He says that he left Cody there so that he could learn a lesson. Cody says that when he is done with Gunther tonight, he can teach him a lesson, too.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis wants Danhausen to appear in front of the fans. After Aldis tells Danhausen to improvise, The Miz shows up does not to wrestle Axiom due to Kit Wilson not being here tonight due to customs' liquid limit from the amount of moisturizer that he brought with him overseas. Aldis thinks The Miz need Kit Wilson's help, but The Miz denies this. Aldis tells him to prove this as Danhausen gathers materials in the background, then the lights dim above Aldis after Miz leaves.
Axiom beats The Miz after the flashing lights from Danhausen's new experiments distract The Miz as he is at the top turnbuckle, allowing Axiom to hit an avalanche Spanish Fly followed by the Golden Ratio for the win.
Backstage, R-Truth tells Damian Priest that he is still not medically cleared. He also tells Damian Priest that he has a tag team partner for tonight against The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga), who happens to be Royce Keys. Damian Priest does not want to team with him, let alone trust him, and Royce says that Priest wants to take on the world alone, and R-Truth has to verbally manipulate them into teaming by questioning their courage.
Backstage, Sami Zayn talks with Johnny Gargano about what just happened with him and Cody, with Candice LeRae caught in the middle. Matt Cardona shows up and says that things may not be going his way either, and this leads Sami to challenge Cardona to a match. Cardona accepts.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair leaves the trainer's room and runs into Rhea Ripley. Charlotte says that Alexa is in a lot of pain and pissed off and so is she. Rhea says she will take care of Jade Cargill, and Charlotte says that if Rhea does not, she will.
The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) beat Damian Priest and Royce Keys. During the match, R-Truth shows up and confronts Solo Sikoa for hitting Damian Priest with a Samoan Spike behind the referee's back only to be hit in the throat by Solo. When Royce Keys confronts Solo, Tama Tonga hits Keys from the top rope. Talla then choke slams Priest in the ring for the pin and the win.
Backstage, The Miz threatens to sue General Manager Nick Aldis for unsafe working conditions. Aldis agrees with The Miz, and says he is about to handle the electrical problems. The Miz confronts Danhausen only to be blasted with a fire extinguisher, and Danhausen refuses to let Aldis into the room.
The Pique Group is the recipient of the Twisted Tea Hard Ice Tea Seat Upgrade.
Backstage, Chelsea Green meets with Tiffany Stratton, who tells her "It's not that deep" as Chelsea tries to make more of an alliance between them. Chelsea awkwardly says she will see Tiffany after the match and wishes her luck, then Tiffany leaves.
Sami Zayn beats Matt Cardona.
We see a vignette for The King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring Tournaments.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Gunther, saying he has granted him and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes television time to say what they need to say and to keep it civil. Gunther is offended at first, but promises to keep it civil.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Lil Yachty introduces himself as the man with the money and the connections that makes it happen, and says that for the first time ever, "we are experiencing the Trick Williams campaign." Trick says he has been holding SmackDown down for quite some time, and that for the past couple weeks, he has taken out The Miz and Carmelo Hayes, and that nobody has proven themselves the future of the business better than him. Trick then declares himself for the King of the Ring Tournament, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and says Trick may be king of the entrance and the microphone, but King of the Ring is "grown folks business" and Trick is too little. Carmelo says he will take care of Ricky Saints tonight, then he will face him for the United States Championship. Trick says that "'Melo is being too melodramatic" and spouting off "what if," then says that if Carmelo sprouted an inch for every excuse he made, he could see Trick face-to-face and realize he is better than him. Ricky Saints shows up and says nobody wants to see "that telenovela stuff" right now and addresses last week, stating that he is two steps ahead and that after he deals with Carmelo, he will go after Trick and the United States Championship. Trick says that Ricky Saints lies and poses and looks like a bobblehead, then tells Saints to show up and tells Saints and Carmelo to handle things between them before facing him for the title. When Saints mouths off at Trick, Trick slaps him.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints ends in a double count-out. After the match, Saints attacks Carmelo from behind, but Carmelo soon sends him packing with a First 48.
Backstage, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) run into Tiffany Stratton and say that Tiffany made a wise decision not to be in Chelsea Green's corner, then state that after Nia is done with Chelsea, Tiffany will be next.
We hear from Blake Monroe, who writes a diary entry about the SmackDown women's locker room, then says not to get too comfortable because she is coming soon to SmackDown.
Chelsea Green beats Nia Jax after Tiffany Stratton shows up as Nia is about to hit the A-Nia-Lator and nails Nia with the Women's United States Championship behind the referee's back.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says the target has gotten bigger, but they have been successfully defending the women's tag titles. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up, and Jacy Jayne asks why Cathy is wasting her time before declaring for the Queen of the Ring Tournament. Fallon tells Brie Bella and Paige to hold on to their titles, while Lainey says they will be the next champions. Jacy then says that eventually, the women's division will be under their influence.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Before he can say much, however, he is joined in the ring by Gunther. Gunther tells Cody that for some reason, SmackDown has to be about him, and if it is not, he has to make it about him. He calls Cody a product of the culture he grew up in where egotism, narcissism and nepotism is rewarded. He also calls Cody "a perfect example of the crumbling concept of the American dream," then says that he has earned his position while everything was one phone call away for Cody. Gunther says that makes Cody "a little, entitled brat," and admits that while they have the same profession, they are nothing alike. He says that Cody has to scratch that itch for approval, but for him, it is unnecessary, and that protecting the sport from people like Cody is all that matters. Gunther says that Cody only cares about himself and is his own biggest fan, and instead of a champion, Cody is "a mark for [himself]." Cody says Gunther is a liar, stating that Gunther has implied does not want the attention or even the feeling of being the Undisputed WWE Champion and knows that Gunther wants that attention; otherwise, he would talk to a 330 lb. version of himself at an indie show. He says that Cody Rhodes tried to intimidate him from being champion, and while he did not succeed, he did not tell him that being is champion is addictive. Cody says that Gunther will get close to that attention only to find out he is just not that good. After Cody says that he is easy to find and hard to beat, both men have a staredown, Gunther stops Cody as he leaves, promising that he will choke Cody out, drop him like a wet towel, and take the Undisputed WWE Championship with him.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes that he is not to put his hands on Pat McAfee - who is on his way to the arena - under any circumstances, as per higher management. Jelly Roll shows up, and Nick Aldis tells Jelly Roll not to engage Randy Orton or McAfee. Aldis leaves, and Jelly Roll tells Cody his match at WrestleMania has everything to do with twenty years of betrayal.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. She congratulates Jade Cargill on using her brain and finding her one true weakness, and tells her that she made this personal by attacking Iyo Sky. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea is surprised that Iyo is here, and Iyo says she knows that Rhea is angry, because so is she, and she knows she will get Cargill at WrestleMania. Iyo then she wants to face Cargill tonight. Rhea says she trusts Iyo, but knows she is not at 100 percent. She asks Iyo if this is what she wants, and Iyo says she is sure and that she wants Cargill tonight. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and while he admits he had something different in mind, he never lets a good idea pass him by, and he makes Iyo Sky vs. Jade Cargill official for tonight's main event.
Alexa Bliss beats Bayley after Bayley is too focused on Charlotte - who throws her jacket at Bayley for mocking her - while the referee is telling Lyra Valkyria not to get involved in the match.
Backstage in the trainer's room, Matt Cardona tells Carmelo Hayes that he will have to wait for his WrestleMania moment when Trick Williams and Lil Yachty shows up. Carmelo Hayes mentions the situation as well as the fact that he will have to rehab his knee, then hopes that Trick Williams wins at WrestleMania so he can take his title back. Carmelo leaves, then Cardona says he is tired of guests running their mouths like they own the place. Yatchy says that Trick might as well whup Cardona tonight, and Cardona says that this is a good idea and that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis.
We hear from Drew McInytre, who calls Jacob Fatu a failure as a man and a father. He says that he is in Jacob's hometown and that his family will be at the show tonight, then we find out that McIntyre is in a prison cell, which McIntyre says Jacob is more familiar with. He says that the cell represents what Jacob is and will always be: a convict. He says that Jacob picked prison over feeding his family and that he will never change, and that Jacob belongs in a prison cell instead of WWE. McIntyre says he will beat Jacob within an inch of life and that he will screw up again and end up right back in prison. He says that Jacob stole from him and became a liability, and that he will make it right by being Jacob's judge, jury and executioner at WrestleMania. Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jacob Fatu during a photoshoot. The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) show up, and Solo Sikoa says that Jacob is not the only person with family in the Bay Area and that Jacob's past being brought up makes The MFT's look bad. Jacob tells Solo that they are not doing this today and that they can run it back and have a match tonight. Solo mockingly notes that Jacob is standing in the spot where his teeth got knocked out and that it would be a shame if it happened. Solo then addresses Tama Tonga as he says this, then mentions that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis so that Tama can take care of business tonight.
We see a vignette for Royce Keys in East Palo Alto, California. he talks about how choice was a luxury in East Palo Alto and grew up around crime as well as two grandparents who were not having any of it. We see Royce Keys' childhood home, and while Keys' family did not have a lot, they dreamed big, and he became a professional wrestler and managed to get out. He says that pro wrestling brings him peace and is what motivates him. Keys says that he will be defined not by where he is from, but by where he is going.
Royce Keys beats Berto in his SmackDown debut.
Pat McAfee arrives to the arena in a Dodge Ram and is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who tells McAfee that nobody is allowed to put his hands on him under any circumstances. When he enters the building, Jelly Roll confronts McAfee. McAfee says that he should have never been between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, then Jelly Roll asks McAfee why he is here. McAfee says that people like Jelly Roll should not be in the business. Jelly shoves McAfee to the wall, and Aldis has to stop Jelly Roll. McAfee tells Aldis to get "this ex-convict" out of the building as he heads to the ring.
Undefeated Zuffy Boxing lightweight boxer Tony Hirsch Jr. is in the front row.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys, who says that this has been a long time coming and that he gets to wrestle not just in the Bay Area, but around the world. Solo Sikoa shows up and says "long time, no see" and congratulates Royce Keys on his win, then says he runs things on SmackDown and that his door is always open if he needs anything.
Pat McAfee heads to the ring. McAfee calls San Jose, California "a shithole" and flips the fans off before saying it is crazy that people boo him but cheer CM Punk, and mocks the fact that CM Punk was covered in WWE merchandise and goes directly to him. He calls Punk a fraud, and says he is all talk and no action like a politician, and says that while Punk has the ability to change things, he gets down and rolls over "like the bitch that he is" before flipping the crowd off again. McAfee says he is man of action, an agent of change, and everything Punk says that he himself is, and while he agrees with Punk that ticket prices are too high, it is because of Orton that people want to go to WrestleMania. He then says that he will be the fans' hero, even though the "disgusting" fans do not deserve it, and says that he has called the Dodge Motor Company and that they will pay for 25% of the cost for WrestleMania tickets from now until the end of next week's Raw. McAfee calls WrestleMania "a once-in-a-century" night where Randy Orton will save the business while winning his fifteenth world title, then makes fun of the fact that the San Jose Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup. As McAfee calls "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes "a puppet" and boasts that he will be demoralized and pummeled by Orton, Cody shows up and heads to the ring. McAfee makes fun of Cody's entrance theme on the microphone, then Cody tells McAfee that he does not belong here. He then says that while he cannot touch him, McAfee can get a replica title and live out his WrestleMania moment at Fan Axxess before thanking whoever sent him. Cody says that McAfee is doing nothing but spouting catchphrases and mentioning the Attitude Era, then talks about how Paul Boesch says that "marks" are really "customers," and how the "customers" are really family to him. Cody tells McAfee has a gift, for as long as pro wrestling has existed, nobody has agreed on anything except for the fact that they want to see Randy Orton, but do not want to see Pat McAfee.Cody then says "Go...home...Pat," tosses the microphone to the site, has the fans chant "Go home," and is about leave when McAfee says he is home and born to be in the business while Cody was born into the business with a silver spoon in his mouth. McAfee goes on to call Cody the fakest person he has ever seen and "a cosplay champion" that he will rid the WWE of alongside Randy Orton, then tells him and the fans that if Orton does not walk out WrestleMania as champion, no one will ever see or hear from him ever again. Cody tells McAfee to take his sunglasses off, then calls McAfee for his hypocrisy about WWE and how McAfee says he is tired and states that they should bring Gunther in to put him to sleep once and for all before heading to the back. McAfee calls Cody "an elite runaway artist" and Stardust, then asks Cody if he will "suck Triple H's ass" to get a little bit more. Cody takes off his suit jacket and heads back to the ring when Randy Orton appears on the TitanTron. Orton reveals that he has attacked Jelly Roll backstage, and initially offers for Cody to "come get [his] boy" before deciding to bring Jelly Roll to him. Orton drags Jelly Roll to the stage and leaves, and McAfee approaches Cody as Cody checks on Jelly Roll. Cody confronts McAfee only for Orton to attack Cody from behind so that he and McAfee can gang up on him. Jelly Roll gets to his feet and grabs McAfee by the throat only to get clothesline by Orton, and Cody gets to his feet and fight back only to be attacked from behind by McAfee and hit with a draping DDT by Orton. McAfee then hands the Undisputed WWE Championship over to Orton, who then smacks Cody in the head with the center plate before he and McAfee celebrate over a downed Cody.
Backstage, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton are leaving. McAfee says that Orton is the focal point and saving the business, then mentions Cody Rhodes telling him to go home and does just that with Orton in his Dodge Ram after saying "You're welcome" to the fans. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega are briefly seen in the background.
Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson confront General Manager Nick Aldis about what happened to referee Dan Engler's arm in their tag team title match. Aldis says there is nothing to be done and that the man was cursed by Danhausen, and says that this is about his scope of control, but Kit Wilson insists something be done. Aldis puts Wilson in a match with Danhausen.
The Castaneda Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns Fan Seat Upgrade.
Jacob Fatu beats Tama Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu gets on the microphone only to be attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. Jacob hits McIntyre with a superkick, but McIntyre fires back with a Claymore. McIntyre then grabs a steel chair and smacks Jacob Fatu in the back with it before hitting him with a Future Shock DDT on the floor. As referee Charles Robinson checks on Jacob Fatu, McIntyre pulls out handcuffs with a long chain from his pocket. He handcuffs Jacob Fatu on one end, then drags him into the ring post and runs him into it before punching him a few times and handcuffing him to the top rope. He then wraps the chain around the ring post and boots him in the face. Referees are heading to the ring as McIntyre wraps the chain around the ring post again and asking Jacob Fatu what it is like to be in chains again before calling him an animal. Jacob Fatu headbutts McIntyre, and he falls down to the floor as McIntyre goes on the attack again. This time, McIntyre wraps the chain around Jacob's waist and handcuffs Jacob's hands behind his back. McIntyre then gets Jacob Fatu back in the ring and hits him with another Claymore, then shoves officials away before whipping Jacob with the leather belt off his blue jeans.
Backstage, R-Truth explains to Danhausen how to sign up to the ESPN App and watch WrestleMania. Danhausen says he cannot wait to beat Kit Wilson, then take over WrestleMania and the world. Damian Priest shows up and also meets Danhausen, who disappears when R-Truth and Priest argue over R-Truth getting Danhausen confused with Asuka. All of a sudden, Rhea Ripley attacks B-Fab, then says "One down, one to go," to R-Truth and Damian Priest. R-Truth says "I don't think Rhea wants her in The Judgement Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio)." Damian Priest leaves.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami calls the fans' boos "an interesting reaction" before addressing the topic of change and what "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have told him about change, then notes that the fans want to see change as well. Sami says he has strived to give the fans something more than a T-shirt, catchphrase or viral moments and has tried to give the fans himself and something real. He says he has given his heart, mind and soul, and while some fans boo, it steal means something to others. Sami says he cares about the kids who look up to him and the adults who talk about how he got them through the hardest parts of their lives, as well as the fans in California who have had his back since day one. He says that for those people, he loves them and he will not change until the day he dies. As for everyone else, he wants to know what he did at first, then says it is okay because he does not care because he realized his "ride or die" fans will have his back. Sami says the pressure was off when he realized he had "ride or die" fans, then says he will walk into WrestleMania as champion and walk out of WrestleMania as champion before Trick Williams shows up and heads to the ring. Lil Yachty joins Trick on the way there. Trick says that people are tired of hearing Sami Zayn talk, as he is always crying and whining, has funky breath, and cannot get the job done. He says having his first WrestleMania match with Sami makes him want to get some mouthwash and beat Sami up. Trick admits it did not take twenty years for him to get to this spot, but says he is "the anointed one" and that he will beat Sami's ass at WrestleMania, "because everybody loves Trick Williams." Sami says love takes a long time to build and that while the fans like Trick and have a crush on him after he has been here six months, then says he can make all the jokes he wants, because at WrestleMania, he is in the ring with a WrestleMania main eventer, and he will drag Trick into deep water. He says that Trick has yet to show him anything, and he will see if Trick can walk the walk or if Trick is just talk. Lil Yachty says Sami sounds like a hater, and says that Trick Williams makes Trick Williams, not materialistic things, and that Trick will become the new United States Champion. Matt Cardona then shows up and heads to the ring for the next match. Sami Zayn watches the next match from ringside at the commentary table.
Trick Williams beats Matt Cardona. Trick shoves Sami at the commentary table before sending Matt Cardona back into the ring, and Sami confronts Trick. Lil Yachty pulls Sami off the ring apron and sends him jaw-first into it, and Sami answers with a Helluva Kick. Despite Matt Cardona taking advantage of the situation, Trick hits Cardona with the Trick Shot for the win.
We look back on Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship from WrestleMania 24, courtesy of Snickers.
Danhausen beats Kit Wilson in his WWE debut match after rising off the mat and cursing Kit Wilson as Kit Wilson goes for an elbow drop off the top rope, burning Kit Wilson with pyro out of the corner. After the match, The Miz tries to attack Danhausen from behind, but the lights go out and Danhausen escapes.
Backstage, Jade Cargill finds "Michin" Mia Yim down on the floor with a broken shinai. When Cargill asks what happens, Michin says "Rhea," and Cargill says "I got you."
Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with Iyo Sky before her match with Jade Cargill. Rhea tells Iyo that she took "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab out, and has saved Jade Cargill for her. Iyo appreciates it, then tells Rhea to stay backstage so she is not distracted. Rhea tells Iyo to save some of Cargill for her for WrestleMania.
Jade Cargill beats Iyo Sky. After the match, Cargill grabs a metal folding chair, but Rhea Ripley runs to the ring before Cargill can hit Iyo with it. Cargill leaves the ring and leaves the chair behind as Rhea checks on Iyo.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Tiffany talks about how she lost the WWE Women's Championship three months ago after having a rookie year most women would dream of having. She says that she wants to qualify for the Elimination Chamber because when she says something, she will do it. Tiffany also says she is going into the chamber expects to win, and says that the WWE Women's Championship misses her. Suddenly, Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up, not exactly happy to see her, and Lash says that Tiffany got lucky last week. Tiffany asks Nia if she has learned her lesson after being obsessed with her and calls Lash Legend Nia's "replacement." Lash Legend says she is "the upgrade" and that after tonight, when they beat Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, Nia will win her qualifying match and pin Tiffany faster than she can say "It's Tiffy Time." Tiffany gets a "Tiffy Time" chant going, then Nia says they should save Tiffany the embarrassment and take care of this tonight. Nia tells Tiffany that she knows what she is capable of, to which Tiffany replies "Losing another title match." Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky show up, and Rhea Ripley says that neither Nia or Tiffany will be walking out of the Elimination Chamber as a winner because she is in it, and soon, Iyo Sky will be in there, and the two of them will work together until they are the last two standing. She then says that the two of them will beat the crap out of Nia and Lash for thinking they will walk out with the Women's Tag Team Championships.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky vs. Nia Jax and Lash Legend for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships ends in a no-contest when the match gets out of control. After the match, both teams continue to brawl on the outside, and the brawl ends with Iyo Sky putting Nia Jax through a table and Lash Legend tackling Rhea Ripley through the barricade of the timekeeper's area.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says he can do what he did last week and speak with conviction, or he can do the "Golden Boy" thing and control his emotions. He says there are posting along live with the show and streams broadcasting their reaction to everything the Superstars say, and that there are people who hope that he, Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu tear each other apart and bring the house down. He then says that when the pressure builds, he asks himself where he is, which is two matches away from the dream of main eventing WrestleMania, in Texas. Cody says not to bet against him, especially in Texas.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes meets with Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews. Apollo says he is loving what Carmelo Hayes is doing with the United States Open Challenge and would love to get back in the game, and Cardona also mentions holding the WWE United States Championship at one time and that he is back for some gold. Carmelo says that the challenge is open every Friday, but this week, it is closed. Carmelo then runs into The Miz, who says that Carmelo is just handing out title shots to anyone, to which Carmelo responds "Anyone but you." Miz says he is the locker room leader and is filling the role that John Cena left, and Carmelo is testing his three core values: master, inspire, zone in. Miz then says he is zoning in on teaching Carmelo a lesson in respect. Carmelo says he hopes Miz teaches better than he wrestle and leaves, then Apollo Crews shows up and says that "zone in" is two words, to which Matt Cardona shows up and agrees. Miz gets flustered and leaves.
We hear from Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Aleister gives Randy Orton credit where credit is due, and says that their match was shades of "2009 Randy Orton." He then says he cannot help but wonder what happens if "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes qualifies tonight, or the road that Orton will take and whether or not he will see Orton soon. Zelina tells Guilia and Alexa Bliss hold on to her title and a fragile friendship respectively, and she canot help but wonder but poke and play until those porcelain egos finally break. She says she knows who Alexa is, but that time will come. Tonight, shoe hopes to get to the Elimination Chamber, and tonight, change will come.
Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says that for the last 48 days that he has been WWE United States Championship, he has chosen to bring honor and prestige to the championship the same way the champions before him did, and as the "US-A-Champion," he is on the road to WrestleMania and he has earned his opportunity to WrestleMania, and since he can shoot his shot, he will shoot for the main event. Carmelo proclaims that next week, he will qualify for the Elimination Chamber, for when he shoots, he does not miss. He says that he made a promise to somebody that has been chasing him, and he owes it to him. Carmelo then calls out Ilja Dragunov, and after Dragunov heads to the ring, The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) show up, and Solo Sikoa says that Dragunov has already lost twice and should get to the back of the line, as the line starts with him. Dragunov reminds Solo Sikoa that his family abandoned him during his qualifying match, which Solo takes exception to before stating that what happened to The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) will happen to Carmelo and Dragunov. Dragunov takes this as Solo Sikoa looking for a fight, and that he and Carmelo are ready for one. Carmelo then says that he was hoping to leave with one title, but now he looks forward to leaving with two. Solo says it did not have to be like this before snapping his finger and siccing the rest of The MFT's on them. The numbers game quickly takes over, but Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews quickly show up to even the numbers game up slightly before Shinsuke Nakamura arrives to even them completely. Carmelo, Dragunov, Apollo, Cardona and Nakamura quickly clean house, and General Manager Nick Aldis shows up liking what he is seeing and pushing back the United States Championship back before making a ten-man tag match official.
The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) beat Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona and Shinsuke Nakamura in a ten-man tag match after Talla Tonga shoves Carmelo Hayes off the top rope into a Samoan Spike, allowing Tama Tonga to hit Cutthroat for the win. After the match, The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) show up in the crowd and stare down The MFT's.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with Alexa Bliss and apologizes about what happened in the women's Royal Rumble match. Alexa says Nia Jax eliminated her, and Charlotte Flair says that while Nia ruins everything, she will not ruin today, which is "Galentine's Day." Charlotte hands Alexa her favorite flowers and a signed picture of herself, then tells Alexa she will be at ringside for her match tonight.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with R-Truth and Damian Priest. Priest learns from Aldis that next week, he is in a Triple Threat Match with Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams in an Elimination Chamber qualifier. All of a sudden, Kit Wilson confronts Aldis, and says he has chosen to weaponise his words instead of his fists and recites a poem where he calls Nick Aldis toxic. R-Truth and Damian Priest laugh, and Kit Wilson accuses Priest and R-Truth of lacking emotional intelligence that allows them to be able to enjoy a poem from the most real man in the room. R-Truth makes fun of Kit Wilson's manhood, which causes Kit Wilson to call R-Truth "vile," and calls Priest and Aldis "children" for laughing, then says he is not toxic and that everyone is toxic as he leaves.
Alexa Bliss beats Zelina Vega and Giulia in an Elimination Chamber qualifier.
Backstage, Jordynne Grace welcomes Tiffany Stratton back. Tiffany admits that things have become different around here, and while she wants to beat Jade Cargill, she wants to see Jordynne Grace win the women's Elimination Chamber Match. Jordynne Grace that when she wins, she would not mind seeing Tiffany at WrestleMania. Jordynne leaves, then Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre bump into Tiffany. Chelsea Green, who is now in a wheelchair, says that her now-injured right foot is "grotesque," all because Tiffany had to take her spot at Elimination Chamber, then proclaims that jealousy is a disease and that Tiffany is riddled with it. Alba then demands an apology and compensation, and Tiffany tells Chelsea that if she wanted an apology, all she had to do was step up and ask, then realizes Chelsea is in a wheelchair and that she cannot.
We see a video package chronicling what has happened between "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu.
Backstage, Rey Fenix is met by Sami Zayn, who tells Fenix to teach Trick Williams a lesson for talking a lot of trash despite having all the talent in the world. Rey Fenix says he will take care of that, then Sami Zayn admits that the last time Rey Fenix talked to him, he was not all there and that the last few weeks have been rough, but tonight is a new chance to punch a ticket to WrestleMania, and Rey Fenix's words meant a lot to him. Fenix says that tonight, Sami Zayn has this.
Before the next match, Trick Williams says that nobody in Dallas, Texas wants to hear Sami Zayn tell another sob story after he comes out every single week begging for another opportunity, then says that Sami has another opportunity tonight and that if he comes out moping around, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu will eat him alive. Trick then says that next week, he will do whatever it takes to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, but as for tonight, he has Rey Fenix, and says the people of Dallas, Texas would rather see a lion like him get up than watch a squirrel do a flip.
Trick Williams beats Rey Fenix.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are disappointed with their match against Nia Jax and Lash Legend, then tells Iyo to let her focus on Nia while she qualifies for the Elimination Chamber. Suddenly, Giulia and Kiana James show up, and when Rhea Ripley mocks Giulia for not qualifying before Iyo Sky entertains the idea of taking the Women's United States Championship from her, Giulia becomes enraged and has to be held back by Kiana. Jade Cargill shows up and smiles, then leaves.
We see a video package for Jordynne Grace vs. Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship.
We hear from Jacob Fatu, who says that the odds have been stacked against him his whole life, and while he has never been in the Elimination Chamber is like, he has been in prison. He says he has been written off and scratched out, and that even "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn are wondering what he is going to do. He says that he will qualify tonight and that he has Elimination Chamber in the bag on the way to WrestleMania with nobody doubting what he will do then.
Before the next match, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio show up. Dominik says that Liv is watching this match up close, and Liv Morgan mentions that Jade Cargill has reached 100 days as champion. Dominik then announces that he has arranged a romantic Valentine's Day date between himself and Liv Morgan. Stage hands bring out two chairs and a table with candy and chicken nuggets, and Liv Morgan says that she will watch Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill tear each other apart.
Jade Cargill retains the WWE Women's Championship against Jordynne Grace. After the match, Jade Cargill tells Liv Morgan that if she challenges her at WrestleMania, what happened to Jordynne will happen to her.
Backstage, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) notice that Johnny Gargano is still sulking with Candice LeRae by his side. Gargano mentions that Tommaso Ciampa is gone and that he has no title and no friends and that he has nothing left. Gargano then lays on a road crate, and Candice says she will fix this as she pushes the road crate and wheels Gargano out. The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) soon show up and tells everyone else to take note and get in line if they want shots at the WWE Tag Team Championships. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa sees a picture of his head as a lantern as drawn by Dexter Lumis, and tears it off in anger.
We see footage from yesterday where WWE Superstars visited the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is handing a SmackDown contract to Oba Femi when Kit Wilson shows up. Aldis takes Kit Wilson's book and reads his poem about Oba Femi, and Oba Femi proposes that he and Kit Wilson meet in the ring next week so they can discuss their feelings. Kit Wilson calls Oba Femi "toxic" and leaves.
Backstage, Cathy Kelly interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says that the men currently in the Elimination Chamber want none of him, then promises that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will be nowhere near him, his title or the main event of WrestleMania after hearing what Cody has had to say. He says that Jacob Fatu has the best chances in the Elimination Chamber as he has spent the most time behind bars, and if Jacob Fatu makes it to the main event of WrestleMania, he will make Jacob wish he was back in the slammer. Sami Zayn shows up as McIntyre is about to address him, and says a big part of him wants Sami to win tonight, as he has paid his dues and he knows that he is going to win the big one tonight.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu in an Elimination Chamber qualifier. During the match, Cody hits a Cody Cutter on Sami, then Jacob throws Cody out of the ring and hits Sami with a top rope moonsault only to be booted in the head with a Claymore by Drew McIntyre during a pinfall attempt. McIntyre then grabs Jacob Fatu and throws him around on the outside, then Cody takes out McIntyre only to be sent into the ring post. McIntyre then powerbombs Jacob Fatu through the announce table before hitting Cody with a Claymore back in the ring and placing Sami on top of Cody for a pinfall attempt. The referee gets back in the ring and counts the pinfall attempt, but Cody gets a shoulder up. McIntyre becomes furious and gets back in the ring to attack Cody, but Sami boots him with a Helluva Kick. Cody then hits Sami with the Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.
