Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 18, 2026

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to start tonight's show. He says that sometimes, he has to deal with people who rub him the wrong way in his job, and he has to dig deep, wear a smile and stay professional. With that in mind, Aldis introduces Sami Zayn to the ring. Sami thinks that Aldis finds it funny that the crowd boos him and that it must eat Aldis up to declare him the Undisputed WWE Champion, then says it feels good coming out of his own mouth and says that he meant it when justice for him was justice for all. He then says that he fights even for the people who boo him, saying that it is also for them, then says that justice has been served and that the Undisputed WWE Championship is what it looks like. Sami Zayn says that justice is not the only core tenet in his belief system and that he also believes in equality, and says that when other Superstars are knocking down his door, he expects Aldis to treat them like he treated him and make them go through hoops. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up and head to the ring, and Sami says he would not be celebrating tonight if it were not for him. Gargano says they would not miss it for the world, then brings up their deal, saying that if they helped him last week, then he is first in line. Sami says that Gargano was the one to say something, not him, and that leads to Gargano demanding that Sami uphold the deal. Aldis steps in and says Sami may be the champion, but he does not make the matches. Aldis says he has CM Punk in mind as next in line, but Punk is not here. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up. Sami tells Aldis to control the roster as Owens heads to the ring, and Owens says that when it comes to people who deserve title matches, he is in the picture. Candice LeRae insists that Johnny Gargano is next, and Owens hits Gargano with a Stunner. Aldis tells Owens that he cannot reward bed behavior, but Owens reminds Aldis that Sami screwed up multiple SmackDown main events to become champion again. Owens specifically mentions Sami costing him a title shot and making a no-contest out of a #1 contender Triple Threat Match in addition to Sami being "an arrogant jackass," all which Aldis notes as true. Sami grabs Aldis by the suit as he demands that Aldis not throw him under the bus. Aldis demands Sami take his hands off him, then makes Sami defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens tonight before asking if Sami can make it past seven days. Sami catches up to Aldis afterwards, but as he talks to him, Randy Orton shows up, shines the front of the WWE Championship, and tells Sami to keep it warm for him before he heads to the ring for the next match. When Owens and Orton meet near the ring, they nod at each other.

We see footage of WWE on tour in South America and Mexico.

Trick Williams beats Rey Fenix and Randy Orton in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifier after Orton RKOs Fenix out of the air only for Trick to hit him with a Trick Shot before pinning Fenix to qualify.

Backstage, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae are met by Sami Zayn, who says that "they are trying to do it again" and take the Undisputed WWE Championship. He also tells Gargano that what General Manager Nick Aldis said to him is "crap" and says that he will work on a title match between them. Sami then says that if he loses the Undisputed WWE Championship and he is not champion anymore, Gargano may never get another shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship again. Gargano says he gets it, then Sami says they will get together later.

We hear from The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Haku). Tama Tonga says that they became tag team champions themselves and that they needed Shinsuke Nakamura, and that Nakamura made a mistake bringing Kiyoki to WWE, saying that whatever happens to him will be on Nakamura. We then hear from Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki). Nakamura tells The MFTs that they are the prey, not the hunters.

Backstage, Tatum Paxley is lighting special candles as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss focus on tonight's match. Charlotte blows one of the candles out, and Alexa says that she needs to focus on what she needs to do on her own. Alexa leaves, then Charlotte accidentally blows out the candle for bad luck.

Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki) beat The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) by disqualification after Haku hits Nakamura in the throat with his cane on the outside. After the match, The MFTs double-team and lay out Kiyoki.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kevin Owens. Owens mentions Corpus Christi being where he had his first official main roster match against John Cena and won, then says the starts have aligned perfectly and that he will beat Sami Zayn to become WWE Champion. Finn Balor shows up and says it is convenient that Owens has a title shot against Sami Zayn, then says that he is coming for whoever wins tonight, even if he has to win Money in the Bank to do it.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis congratulates Chelsea Green when Danhausen shows up with Aldis' phone in his hand, saying that Gunther is mad at Aldis. Aldis chases Danhausen into his office, then Tiffany Stratton tells Chelsea that she will be in the Money in the Bank qualifiers. They both run into Nikki Bella, who tells Chelsea to keep her name out of her mouth and that she is coming for her title without having to qualify for Money in the Bank because she is a legend.

Michael Cole interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody admits that he could not pull the trigger on Randy Orton and he does not want to give excuses. On the subject of being called "QB1" and how everyone he celebrated with at WrestleMania 40 have stabbed him in the back, Cody says he should have seen it coming and beat them to the punch, saying everyone gets seduced by the biggest title in the game. He says that this is not the end of "QB1" as there is still a team in the form of those calling the action in WWE. On the subject of facing Randy Orton in the ring again, Cody says he is not immune to the discussions about his morality and says that all his success beyond his wildest dreams came down to knowing who he was and being uncompromised. He says that "uncompromised" led to two Royal Rumble wins, two wins against John Cena, and beating Roman Reigns for the first time in four years, and that he is amused to the belief that he needs to change. Cody says he will face Orton again, and when he does, he will not make the same mistake twice.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Michin. B-Fab and Michin says they have all mopped the floor with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley. Cargill then says that B-Fab and Michin are next in line for the women's tag team titles while she is coming for what is hers in the WWE Women's Championship.

Jacy Jayne beats Alexa Bliss and Jade Cargill in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after Cargill counters Sister Abigail with Jaded only for Jayne to kick Cargill in the head, allowing her to pin Alexa and qualify.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia, who says that Charlotte Flair and Lash Legend are in her way just like she is in theirs. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up, but Giulia says she does not like them and she beats up people she does not like. Lash says she will qualify for Money in the Bank and go on to become champion, but Giulia says they will see how that will go after she kicks Lash's teeth in.

Backstage, Lil Yachty talks with Trick Williams. Trick says he has a plan for Baron Corbin, but right now, he is focused on Money in the Bank. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty catch up with Sami Zayn, who takes offense to being called "Gingerbread Man" and demands respect. Trick hopes Sami is still champion when he wins Money in the Bank so he can beat him for championship gold again.

We hear from Damian Priest, who says the real question is why is took so long to get rid of R-Truth, especially after R-Truth put him through so much. He says that R-Truth should have been the one to change and that R-Truth should have let him move on, then says that R-Truth does not get it yet and that he will make sure he does.

Sami Zayn retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens following the interference and distractions by Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae and the sudden appearance of CM Punk, who blasts Owens in the face with the Undisputed WWE Championship. After the match, CM Punk attacks Sami Zayn and hits him with the GTS. As Punk's music plays, Punk then hits the GTS on Owens.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 28, 2026

Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens admits that this is not how he wanted to come back to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as he has lost many WWE Championship matches and yet none of them felt as bad to lose as the one on Friday in Toronto. He says that it was perfect, as he did not know if he would ever get back in the ring, and when he was medically cleared, he got in the ring as soon as he could so he could be in that #1 contender's match and win the WWE Championship not just to do it in front of his own countrymen, but because his parents would be able to be at that show, as when he was here two years ago, his mother was fighting for her life, and luckily, she kicked out and is still here. He mentions that travel is more difficult for her now, but she and her father came to Friday's show. Owens then says that Sami Zayn made sure he did not win the WWE Championship in front of his parents, and that while he and Sami have done horrible things to each other, he cannot forgive or forget, as it was not just about winning the WWE Championship, but because he will never get another opportunity like Friday again. Owens tells Sami that he will deal with him when the time comes, but on that night, everyone knows that he had CM Punk beat and that he was better than the best in the world. Owens says that Punk got lucky and capitalized on Sami's actions, then tells Punk that they are far from done and just getting started, and that he will not stop until he takes the WWE Championship from him. All of a suddenly, CM Punk suddenly shows up and says he does need Sami's help and that he will send Owens packing again. General Manager Nick Aldis quickly gets between them as Punk gets to the ring, then Gunther shows up. Gunther says that if he keeps listening to this, his ears will start to bleed, then realizes that Punk and Owens hate each other so much because when they look at each other, they see themselves, then says that he is here to remind them of what matters now. Gunther tells Owens that while he is glad that his mother kicked out, he is glad that Owens did not. Before Gunther can address Punk, however, Finn Balor shows up, and Gunther interrupts Finn only for Finn to tell him to shut up and that everyone is getting tired of his act. He says that Owens already had his opportunity and that Owens and Gunther have yet to beat him, then says that the line now begins with him. General Manager Nick Aldis says that there is nothing more to discuss, and has Owens, Gunther and Finn Balor face each other in a #1 contender's Triple Threat Match in tonight's main event.

Backstage, Chelsea Green is met by Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea says she is heading out to the ring, and Tiffany says that she does not want anything to jeopardize Chelsea's championship reign. Chelsea tells Tiffany that she will be by her side and that she will see her out there.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) beat Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton. During the match, Nia Jax re-breaks Chelsea Green's orbital bone with a headbutt, forcing Tiffany Stratton to wrestle on her own for a while as medical checks on Chelsea, but as medical helps Chelsea to the back, Chelsea gets back to the ring and tags herself in to save the match. The match ends with Nia Jax hitting Chelsea Green with the A-Nia-Lator.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Danhausen, then Gunther shows up. Danhausen is impressed to meet Gunther, who is not happy that Aldis is making him jump through hoops. Aldis tells him that there are no shenanigans and no other hoops to jump through, confirming that if he wins tonight, he gets a shot at the WWE Championship. To Danhausen's disappointment, Danhausen cannot get into the match to make it a Fatal 4-Way.

Jacy Jayne retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Paige with an inside cradle following the distraction by Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After the match, Paige is attacked from behind by Nikki Bella, who then hits Paige with the Rack Attack 2.0.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Finn Balor, who mentions tonight's main event and tells Cody that by the time Cody is done with Randy Orton, there will be a new WWE Champion around here, and they can face each other for the title. Cody tells Finn that he will see him on the other side.

Backstage, Trick Williams meets with Lil Yachty regarding last week, asking him if he is ready for Baron Corbin, as Corbin is a monster. Lil Yachty says he has had bigger fish fried in his pan and that Corbin disrespected both of them. Lil Yachty says he will do the impossible and last the five minutes, then Trick will whup that trick and get the United States Championship back. Yachty leaves, then Trick runs into Corbin, who says that he does not ahave friends because friends make people do stupid things, then says he will whup Yachty. Trick says Corbin is not as entertaining as he is, but Corbin says he does not have to be entertaining because he is the champ.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Rhodes addresses Orton, saying that while he wants to beat Orton up right now, he does not think it accomplishes the whole "killing the Legend Killer" thing. Cody says that a fifteenth world championship is not in the cards for Orton anymore, as every time Orton moves up, he screws up and beats himself. Cody talks about how he was there first-hand when others got shown the door while Orton got slaps on the wrist and do-overs, and says that Orton screwed up again by getting between him and the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, and that it will be him killing the Legend Killer and not Randy beating Randy. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring, and says that he had zero accountability for his actions and made bad decision after bad decision while Cody was in the driver's seat for it, both figuratively and literally, and says that if he were Cody, he would punch him right in the face. Orton dares Cody to take a swing at him, which Cody refuses to do, then Orton says that he came back after a 100-day vacation to ensure that Cody did not beat Punk for the WWE Championship, and asks Cody if that makes him want to take another swing. Orton then mentions Cody's dog Pharaoh, and Cody takes his jacket off and walks in a circle around the ring before Orton tells Cody that he will beat him in his hometown at Sunday Night's Main Event. Orton then asks Cody if he will make sure that his "trailer park trash" mother is watching in the front row as he beats his ass, which causes Cody to loosen his tie. Orton then mentions Brandi Rhodes, asking if Brandi will be there before daring Cody to take a swing again. Cody says that he knows what Orton is doing and that he knew Orton would do this just to get out of their match, and that he is counting the days until Sunday Night's Main Event to find out if Orton really is the once-in-a-lifetime superstar like Dusty Rhodes or a first-class screw-up like "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr. Cody then tells Orton that he will see him in Atlanta, Georgia.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Tatum Paxley. Tatum says her mind has been racing, then whispers a secret into Jackie's ear. Jackie thanks Tatum, then laves. Tatum then meets with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss and thanks them for the brunch, then finds out that they will face Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab in a six-woman tag match at Sunday Night's Main Event. Charlotte tells Tatum not to make her regret this as Tatum high-fives her and Alexa, then Tatum says she will see Charlotte and Alexa in the ring.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rey Fenix. Fenix says he loves his brother Penta, but this is his moment, and he will be a World Heavyweight Champion. Ricky Saints shows up and says that Fenix will lose the tournament, come back with his tail tucked between his legs, and give him a shot at the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship. Fenix says he will win the tournament, then win the title, come back, and shut Saints up.

Tatum Paxley beats "Michin" Mia Yim in her main roster debut match.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says her match with Giulia was beneath her, and asks why General Manager Nick Aldis would put her in a match like that in the first place. Blake then says that she will make her debut when she gets an opponent of her caliber, then she is suddenly attacked from behind by Guilia.

Backstage, Kevin Owens runs into Randy Orton, who says that while Owens was right about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, he has not forgotten how Owens dropped him on his head.

We hear from The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) and Haku. Tama Tonga says Damian Priest and R-Truth brought everything they had, but it was not enough, and they put them down. Tama says that not everybody has gotten the message. Talla Tonga says that he put Nakamura on the shelf for months, but Nakamura is now back and he has brought Kyoki with him. Tama says that Kyoki is not in Japan anymore, and that he is in his territory just to get put in the dirt. Haku says they must not undestimate their enemies, and that their challengers should be destroyed because they are "the motherfuckin' Tongans." Backstage, Damian Priest has watched the promo, and R-Truth walks in and says that he and Priest are going to get the WWE Tag Team Championships back. Priest says the past summer has been incredible, but they no longer have the titles and that it is time to move on. Priest says he wanted to focus on singles championships, then tells R-Truth that he still has his back. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up wanting to give R-Truth and Priest the beating they wanted to give to The MFT's, but R-Truth takes this as a challenge and dares The War Raiders to put the AAA World Tag Team Championships on the line. Erik says they can do this in Mexico City, Mexico, and R-Truth says they have a match, much to Priest's chagrin.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia Jax wants a championship match, but Aldis says Chelsea Green needs to be re-evaluated. Nia reminds Aldis of Chelsea's 30-days defense clause, and tells him that if she does not get a shot at the Interim WWE Women's Championship in two weeks, she will take it by force. The Irresistible Forces leave, then The Miz and Kit Wilson - who are now back to normal - show up and mention what Danhausen did to them and that Aldis owes them for what they had to go through with Danhausen. Aldis puts The Miz and Shinsuke and Kyoki.

Kevin Owens vs. Gunther vs. Finn Balor in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Triple Threat Match ends in a no-contest. During the match, Finn Balor hits Gunther with the Coup de Grace only to be pulled out of the pinfall attempt by Sami Zayn, who then punches out referee Dan Engler when confronted by Engler. Owens hits Gunther with a Stunner, but the referee is down. Another referee heads to the ring, but Sami Zayn takes him out as well. CM Punk arrives and beats Sami up, saying "This is justice!" before throwing him into a ring post. Punk chases Sami into the ring only for Owens to brawl with him, and Owens lays Punk out only for Sami to hit Owens with the Undisputed WWE Championship and do the same to Finn Balor. Gunther gets in the ring and puts Sami in a sleeper hold, but Sami hits him with the WWE Championship. Punk then runs at Sami only to be hit with the title as well. Sami then lifts up the Undisputed WWE Championship and says "No justice, no peace" as the show ends.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 27, 2024

Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton says he can count the amount of people in the business that he can trust on one hand and that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is one of them, as they both know each other very well, and that it concerned him when Cody teamed up with Roman Reigns for Bad Blood. He says that something does not add up, and invited Cody Rhodes to the ring to explain what is going on. Cody shows up and heads to the ring. Cody says that he knows about what Orton has been through with The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) and seems to be a fool for teaming with Roman Reigns, but asks him if he would be a fool or a coward. He says that Roman gave him his word and has continued to give him his word and that he will take him at his word, as will the fans, and hopes that Orton would understand and that it is not a problem for him. Both men shake hands, with Orton saying it is not a problem at all unless it becomes one, then Kevin Owens shows up and heads to the ring. Before Owens can even speak, however, The Bloodline arrives. Solo says he is happy that Owens, Orton and Cody are all in the ring as this makes things easier for him, then tells Cody to trust Roman as he is going to need him, as Orton and Owens will not be good for him at all. He says that Owens and Orton have let Cody down every time he has tried to stop The Bloodline, and that Cody is only teaming up to Roman because of this. Owens laughs and says nobody cares what Solo has to say, then challenges them to a tag match tonight. Cody says it does not have to be a tag team match, but Owens tells Cody that he has his tag team match at Bad Blood and makes it himself and Orton against The Bloodline.

Backstage, Nia Jax talks about the aftermath of last week's tag team match, then grabs Tiffany Stratton by the neck and demands an explanation. Tiffany says she was hurt, and says she is sorry. Nia says that if this ends badly for her, then it will end really, really badly for her. She lets go, then says they can be friends again before leaving the room.

Bayley beats Naomi to become #1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship.

Backstage, Andrade notices LA Knight and says that where he comes from, real men shake hands to show respect, and LA Knight lost his respect. Suddenly, LA Knight is jumped from the side by Carmelo Hayes, who then eggs Andrade on before their sixth match.

Carmelo Hayes beats Andrade, tying up their series matches at three wins apiece, after LA Knight shows up. Carmelo runs into the ring and into a boot to the face, and when Andrade confronts Knight at the ring apron, Carmelo shoves Andrade into Knight before winning with a schoolkid pin and running out of the ring. After the match, Andrade confronts LA Knight, and LA Knight tries to shake Andrade's hand. Andrade refuses and leaves the ring.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meets with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton, wanting to talk with Owens about what has been happening as of late. Owens says they will talk later, then asks him not to get involved in their match tonight. After Owens leaves, Orton tells Cody that if things get out of hand, he will welcome Cody's help, then says he will talk to Owens.

We see a vignette for "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who returns next week.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Piper Niven after Chelsea distracts referee Jessica Carr so that Piper can put Michin through a trash can with a cannonball senton only for it to backfire.

We see a vignette for #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) for the WWE Tag Team Championships in a ladder match next week.

We hear from Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, who announce that they are the hosts for Bad Blood.

Backstage, Bayley meets with Naomi. Naomi - who seems angry with Bayley at first but is actually pulling her leg - is confident that Bayley will win the WWE Women's Championship so that they can both compete for the title one more time. After Bayley leaves, Naomi runs into Tiffany Stratton, who mocks her for losing before Naomi comes up with the idea of setting up a match with Tiffany next week.

The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu) beat Kevin Owens and Randy Orton. During the match, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa show up, but soon "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and fights them. As the match rolls on, Jacob Fatu throws Cody Rhodes into the referee's legs, knocking the referee down, and that allows both Jacob and Solo to take advantage and get the win. After the match, Cody meets with Owens, who shoves Cody and chews him out. Orton has to stand between them and play peacemaker. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa makes fun of the fact that Owens, Orton and Cody are not on the same page.

This week on The Smackdown LowDown: Bayley! Andrade! Chelsea Green and Piper Niven!

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 20, 2024

Backstage, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa stop themselves from being searched at a metal detector. Jacob Fatu, however, lets the man searching him do his job before hitting him, beating up a few other security guards, and asking if anyone else wants a patdown.

LA Knight retains the WWE United States Championship against Andrade. After the match, LA Knight offers a fist bump, but Andrade shakes hands with him.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton tells Nia Jax how her day went before saying it will feel so good to send either Bayley or Naomi packing tonight. Nia Jax smacks her on the shoulder and says "You go, girl," but says that if Tiffany loses tonight, it may be a good idea for her to leave SmackDown.

Backstage, Andrade is met by Carmelo Hayes, who says he has not seen a choke since the Kings beat the Lakers and that it could not be him. Carmelo then tells Andrade to sit back and watch, and Andrade hits him, starting a brawl. Referees move in to restore order.

In footage from last night in Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, Roman Reigns and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meet in the same stadium where Roman played college football. Roman says that everything Cody puts his eyes on in the stadium is his, as years ago, he shed blood, sweat and tears on this field many times, which makes the field, the stadium and the city his own. Roman asks Cody what he has done for his city, and Cody mentions Techwood Studios down the street, once known as "The Omni," where his family has bled for the city and in the city. He says this may be Roman's field, but this is his home. Roman agrees, then cuts to the chase, saying Cody has put himself in a lose-lose situation and has everything to lose in a situation where everyone else has nothing to lose. Roman says The Bloodline took Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman, his bloodline and his ula fala from him, and he does not have anything to lose for the first time in a long time. He says that he has no weight for the first time in a long time, unlike Cody, who has everything on his shoulders, and says he is a man without a country. Cody says he told Roman that he would be a chief without a tribe, but says Roman still has something to lose. Cody then asks Roman to look around WWE, as Roman is no longer the tribal chief or the champion anymore, and says that Roman must go back to who he once was before becoming the Tribal Chief. Cody then asks Roman to give him his word to have his back so that he can have Roman's. Roman gives him his word, then says that when it is all done, he is taking back what is his. As Roman leaves, Cody stops him, telling him that the Undisputed WWE Championship is not his to take. Roman says Cody is in his way, and when Cody moves out of his way, Roman says Cody is in his way in life.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Kevin Owens. When asked about his history with both "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, Owens is silent, then turns around and leaves.

Backstage after the commercial break, Kevin Owens is deep in thought.

Apollo Crews beats Giovanni Vinci with a schoolkid pin from out of nowhere. After the match, Vinci attacks Apollo and hits him with a brainbuster in the middle of the ring.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Kevin Owens again, but Owens says he will talk about what is going on with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in the ring.

Kevin Owens heads to the ring. Before Owens can address his thoughts on what is going on regarding "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) shows up. Tama Tonga says that last week, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns embarrassed Solo Sikoa, and says that this was a big mistake. He says they will get what is coming to them at Backlash, but Owens will get what is coming to him tonight by orders of the Tribal Chief. Owens says they all know how this will end, then tells The Bloodline to get in the ring so he can punch them all in the face. Owens takes out Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, then goes at it with Jacob Fatu only for the numbers game to take over. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) suddenly shows up to even the odds, and Tama Tonga falls victim to the Shatter Machine. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with security before things can get more physical, and Aldis makes a six-man tag match between both sides tonight's main event.

Backstage, Bayley and Naomi talk about their match tonight. Bayley says they have to get the win to get the title opportunity and stay on SmackDown, and that they are in the goal of taking the WWE Women's Championship off of Nia, which both of them promising to make the other the first challenger.

Undefeated professional boxer "King" Callum Walsh is seen in the crowd.

Bayley and Naomi beat Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax in a tornado tag match with a double pin on Nia Jax after Nia Jax hits Bayley with a Samoan Drop only for Naomi to go for a jackknife pin and Bayley to help Naomi pin Nia down further. This leads to a pin by Bayley and Naomi on Nia at the same time, leading to confusion as to who will get a shot at the WWE Women's Championship.

We see a vignette of Chelsea Green as a garbagewoman as she prepares to face "Michin" Mia Yim in a Dumpster Match.

Backstage, Bayley and Naomi meet with General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis says there can only be number one contender, and that they will face each other next week, with the winner facing Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Championship.

Before the next match, The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) attack #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) backstage. Kevin Owens advances towards The Bloodline and takes them on three-on-one. Owens get ganged up on, but The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up to make the save. Owens then goes up top for a Swanton Bomb and takes out everyone.

Kevin Owens and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) ends in a no-contest afer referee Dan Angel is unable to restor order. After the match, both teams continue to brawl, and Owens tries to fight out of being powerbombed through the commentary table. All of a sudden, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up, but they are quickly wiped out by The Bloodline. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes soon shows up as The Bloodline refocuses on Owens and cleans house, then turns around as Owens carries a metal folding chair. Owens drops the chair, then shakes hands with Cody.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Carmelo Hayes! "Michin" Mia Yim (and Piper Niven)! Giovanni Vinci!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 13, 2024

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Triple H says it feels like only yesterday when he was facing The Rock in the main event of the first-ever episode, and now, 25 years later, he stands in the ring before "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship in a steel cage. He welcomes to the show, then pyro goes off at the stage before the steel cage lowers.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a steel cage match. After the match, the rest of The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) climbs into the ring, and Solo hits Cody with a Samoan Spike before The Bloodline goes on the attack. After a moonsault off the top rope, Jacob Fatu goes for another off the top of the cage at the behest of Solo. All of a sudden, Roman Reigns shows up. Roman gets in the ring and shuts the cage door before fighting off Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa with the greatest of ease. He is soon attacked from behind by Solo Sikoa. Solo goes for a running hip attack in the corner, but Roman counters with a Superman Punch. Jacob Fatu pulls Solo out of the cage as Roman calls for the Spear. Roman then dares Jacob to get in the ring with him, and Jacob gets in the ring and shuts the cage door behind him. As he is about to fight Roman, Solo pulls Jacob out, and Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa attack Roman again. At this point, Cody Rhodes gets back up and makes the save for Roman, hitting Tama Tonga with the Cross Rhodes so that Roman can hit Tonga Loa with the Spear. Roman and Solo have a staredown from across the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Nick Aldis says tonight is off to a rough start and that both Cody Rhodes and The Bloodline have been sequestered in their locker rooms. He also says that Solo Sikoa has proposed another match, then says that tonight is a long way from being over.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Piper Niven. After the match, Chelsea Green attacks Michin, and Piper Niven hits Michin with an elbow drop before Chelsea produces a trash can and throws it into the ring. Chelsea then hits Michin with an Un-Pretty-Her onto the trash can.

We look back on past SmackDown moments.

Rob Van Damn, Katie Forbes, Vickie Guerrero, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser are all seen in the front row.

Kevin Owens' tag team partner for the next match is revealed to be West Coast-area independent wrestler "Rockin'" Ricky Gibson. Kevin Owens states that his real partner could not show up in time and introduces Ricky Gibson as "Ricky," then the match starts before a ring worker gets Owens' attention and tells Owens that his real partner is here. Owens gives Ricky a Stunner, then Randy Orton shows up.

Kevin Owens and Randy Orton beat A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) with stereo draping DDT's followed by stereo RKO's.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Nick Aldis, who has a contract in his hands. Aldis announces that Solo has proposed a tag team match at Bad Blood, with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu facing Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. As he says that Solo and Jacob have already signed, Cody shows up and says he is done with The Bloodline. Cody says that The Bloodline is Roman Reigns' problem and that he has no intention of signing the contract. Aldis says he will have to speak with Roman.

We look back on more classic SmackDown moments.

Booker T, Sharmell, Sheamus and Michael P.S. Hayes are seen in the crowd.

Nia Jax heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Nia Jax says that ever since she has returned to the WWE, the women's division has realized why she is "The Irresistible Force" and has a good reason to fear her. She then announces that General Manager Nick Aldis has told her that she will be defending the WWE Women's Championship at Bad Blood, then says she does not know or care who her opponent is as they will suffer the same fate as the rest when she annihilates them. Bayley shows up and heads to the ring and gives credit where credit is due to Nia Jax before saying she is happy that Nia Jax is feeling confident, as she wants her rematch. Nia tells Bayley that she is in no position to demand anything, as she runs the women's division and does not need a posse to do it. Bayley says she did not need Damage CTRL to win the title, but Nia needed Tiffany Stratton to win. Tiffany shows up, saying this is pathetic coming from Bayley and that Nia does not need to listen to her, but Bayley reminds Tiffany that she beat her last week. Tiffany says it is only because Nia got involved, which almost gets Nia mad at Tiffany. As Nia says that Bayley does not have a prayer against her, especially in a two-on-one situation, Naomi shows up and says that if they want a fight, they can have a fight. Naomi says she is not letting this happen today, then says it has been a while since she held a title and that it is time that she does it again before telling Nia to put her money where her mouth is. Nia proposes that they have a match to see who faces her at Bad Blood in a tag team match, and whoever gets the win will face her at Bad Blood. Bayley and Naomi accept the challenge. Nia and Tiffany then raise the stakes as they leave, stating that if Bayley or Naomi get pinned, whoever gets pinned has to leave SmackDown permanently. Tiffany then goes for a cheap shot after Bayley insults her, but Tiffany runs right into a Rear View by Naomi and has to be helped out of the ring by Nia Jax.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis says that Roman Reigns will address the current situation in the ring after the next match.

We look back on even more classic SmackDown moments.

Ron Simmons, Teddy Long, William Regal, Bobby Roode and Damian Priest are seen in the crowd.

Andrade beats Carmelo Hayes in their fifth match, with Andrade leading three wins to two, to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship. After the match, LA Knight shows up and congratulates Andrade on the win before telling him that he won the "hit it and quit it" sweepstakes and being dropped on his head.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Bianca says they are excited to be here tonight and even more excited to have the women's tag titles back, and Jade says that they will take on all comers anywhere. Bianca says they will continue to defend their titles, and Jade says they will continue to win. Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton show up, and Nia says that if Naomi sticks her nose in their business, something bad will happen to her. Nia then reminds Bianca and Jade that she beat both of them to become Queen of the Ring and WWE Women's Champion.

Roman Reigns heads to the ring. After the commercial break, General Manager Nick Aldis is with him in the ring. As Aldis speaks, Roman just sticks out his hand. Aldis hands him the match contract, then Roman sticks out his other hand and Aldis gives him the microphone. Roman says some things change, but not him, and he does not need Aldis or a contact as this is Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) business. He says he does not need a partner, not even "The American Nighmare" Cody Rhodes, and whether he has the ula fala or not, he is the Tribal Chief. He says that is not just the original Tribal Chief, but the only Tribal Chief, and that this is his ring, his show and his WWE. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring. Cody questions what Roman states is his, then says it was Roman's and has not been since WrestleMania. He then tosses his microphone aside, as down Roman, then Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu show up. Cody and Roman are suddenly attacked from behind by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, but Cody and Roman quickly clean house. Roman takes the contract and looks at it, then signs the contract. Cody then sticks his hand out for the contract, and Roman hands it to him so that he too can sign it.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Chelsea Green (and Vicki Guerrero and General Manager Nick Aldis)! LA Knight! Bayley and Naomi!

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Layin 'da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 6, 2024

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody has the feeling that he is going to be interrupted tonight, and to that end, he extends an invitation to The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu), who show up. Solo asks Cody if he done playing around and ready to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against him, as he could have been champion and would have beaten Cody had it not been for Roman Reigns. Solo demands a championship rematch, and Cody agrees that there should be a championship match, but instead of Solo, it will be against Jacob Fatu, who Cody asks to step up. Solo looks at Jacob as Jacob stands on the ring apron, and Jacob acknowledges Solo as his Tribal Chief before stepping off the ring apron. Cody admits that he will one day be looking up at the lights after losing the championship, but it will not be next week. Solo sees all this as Cody trying to turn Jacob Fatu against him, then accepts his challenge for next week before saying they do not have to wait. Solo summons the rest of The Bloodline, but The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up and stand with Cody. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and demands order under threats of fine and suspensions, and tells everyone to wait until the main event before going at it. He also makes Cody vs. Solo for the WWE Championship official for next week. Aldis then agrees that the numbers game with The Bloodline is getting old, and announces that next week's WWE Championship match will take place in a steel cage.

Backstage, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and Tiffany Stratton talk about the premiere of SmackDown on USA Network next week as well as the premiere of their musical when Nia Jax shows up. Pretty Deadly leaves before Nia Jax addresses Tiffany Stratton trying to cash in on her, but Tiffany chalks it up to rumours being spread by Chelsea Green. Tiffany asks Nia if she will be in her corner, and Nia says she will help her like Tiffany did last week.

Bayley beats Tiffany Stratton after Nia Jax, who shows up near the end of the match, inadvertently costs Tiffany the match as she distracts the refeee, causing Bayley to hit the Rose Plant for the win.

Backstage, Kevin Owens is met by A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory), who make fun of Owens for losing to Cody Rhodes and ready about Wayne Gretzky on the nearby wall. Owens calls them idiots and morons and says that he and Cody are fine much like A-Town Down Under. He then proposes that Grayson and Theory face each other like he did with Cody and that the three of them have a Triple Threat Match, then takes the Edmonton Oilers commemorative belt from Grayson, saying it is too nice for him before walking off.

Santos Escobar meets with the rest of Legado del Fantasma (Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez) in a restaurant. Escobar tells Angel and Berto not to be shocked by success, and Angel, Berto and Elektra state that things are starting to fall into place. Escobar says SmackDown will soon belong to them before they all have a toast.

Apollo Crews beats a re-debuting Giovanni Vinci in a matter of seconds with a crucifix pin as Vinci is taking off his jacket.

Backstage, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven chew out General Manager Nick Aldis when "Michin" Mia Yim shows up. When Chelsea decides to give Michin a hard time, Michin reminds Chelsea of what recently happened on NXT, and that leads to Aldis making a match between Michin and Chelsea.

Edmonton Oilers right-winger Corey Perry is seen in the crowd.

Kevin Owens beats Austin Theory and Grayson Waller in a Triple Threat Match with a Stunner to Theory that launches Theory into the air. After the match, Grayson attacks Owens from behind, and Theory joins in. Together, they both lay Owens out.

We see a video package of the feud between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves thank Fox on behalf of WWE for the last five years. We then look back to the Fox season premiere from October 4, 2019 as well as the last five years.

LA Knight heads to the ring. Knight brags about having two successful title defenses and crossing borders while doing it, then says that he will not let anyone beat him for the United States Championship before Carmelo Hayes shows up. Carmelo says that if anyone should be bragging, it should be him, as he has been putting SmackDown on his back and stealing the show while LA Knight keeps running his mouth. He also brags that he is two matches up on Andrade and is next in line for the United States title, then Knight says he has as many title defenses in one month as Logan Paul had in ten. As they both argue, Andrade shows up. Andrade says Carmelo may have beaten him twice, but he has also beaten Carmelo twice, but Carmelo says nobody remembers that. Andrade says everybody remembers, then asks Carmelo if he thinks he deserves a United States title shot when he is the one to deserve it. LA Knight says he is a busy man, and proposes that the two of them fight over who is the next man he drops on their head. Andrade says he was once United States Champion and will be again in Spanish, but LA Knight takes offense to that. Carmelo shoves Andrade into LA Knight, and Andrade boots Carmelo in the face before Knight takes Andrade out. Knight pretends to leave, and as Carmelo yells at a downed Andrade, Knight returns and gives Carmelo a BFT.

Backstage, A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) meet with General Manager Nick Aldis, wanting a tag team against Kevin Owens and whoever Owens can find.

Chelsea Green beats "Michin" Mia Yim after Piper Niven hits Michin with a senton on the outside behind the referee's back.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. Gargano says both teams are not family, yet they have known each other for some time and there is respect. Montez Ford say they all have something against The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu), and Tommaso Ciampa says that nobody wants to see the WWE Tag Team titles held hostage. Angelo Dawkins says that if they have to team with DIY to become tag team champions, then so be it.

The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) beats #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in an eight-man tag team match.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Bayley! The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu)! "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 23, 2024

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect to start tonight's show. Tonight's guest is "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Grayson stops Cody's intro before it can reach its second "whoa," then tells Cody to get in the ring so they can start the show already. Grayson also interrupts Cody's "Whaddya wanna talk about?" catchphrase and accuses Cody of making everything about him, then asks what kind of friend Cody is getting all the glory while Kevin Owens and Randy Orton keep getting beaten up. Cody says Owens' championship shot is not charity, and says that Owens has not stopped fighting despite everything he has been through with The Bloodline, and that he would not be sitting here as WWE Champion without Owens. He says that he has not once even used Owens, then asks if Grayson can say the same, asking if he is really friends with Austin Theory or is just using him. Grayson takes offense to Cody trying to convince Theory, and says that he and Theory will never turn on each other before showing off a video package of Kevin Owens that makes it look like Owens is going to turn on Cody like he did others. As Grayson says that Owens does not look like a good friends to him, Owens suddenly shows up and says he cannot stand in the back any longer, and says that everyone in the video except Kofi Kingston had it coming. He says that he and Cody are already good friends, then asks General Manager Nick Aldis to come out and make a tag team match between the team of Cody and Owens and A-Town Down Under (Grayson and Theory). Aldis does just that, then Owens then asks for permission to start a brawl. Aldis tells him to make it, and A-Town Down Under get a beatdown.

LA Knight retains the WWE United States Championship after the rest of Legado del Fantasma (Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez) after Angel and Berto attack Knight before the bell.

In footage from earlier today, Carmelo Hayes talks from the barbershop, saying that he is the only person keeping Andrade relevant. Andrade shows up and confronts Carmelo for his post-match actions last week, and says that he will get him back.

Backstage, Angel, Berto and Elektra Lopez are arguing when Santos Escobar shows up and says nothing Angel can say will make up for tonight, then Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews show up laughing at Escobar. Escobar takes offense to this and says he will sort things out with General Manager Nick Aldis for next week.

Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi beat The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) and Blair Davenport in a six-woman tag match.

We see a video package of WWE's history in Germany prior to Bash In Berlin, narrated by Natalya.

Before the next match, Solo Sikoa says that "The OTC" Roman Reigns is "D-O-N-E" and "dead," and that regardless of who wins the Undisputed WWE Championship, he will take on the winner and bring the title back to his family and to himself. Solo says that there is something wrong with the WWE Tag Team titles, then tells Jacob Fatu to step up, which he does, and asks him to give him his championship belt, which he also does, before telling him to give it to Tanga Loa. Jacob Fatu complies. He says that Jacob Fatu cannot be a tag team champion if he is to be his own personal enforcer, then hugs Jacob, who thanks Solo. Suddenly, B-Fab and The Street Profits show up. B-Fab says nobody cares who Solo's bodyguard, then The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) make it clear that The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu) are going to be former tag team champions.

Backstage, LA Knight brags about retaining the United States Championship tonight and says he is going to go across the ocean to Berlin, Germany and retain it one more time, and issues an open challenge for anyone who wants to take the title from him.

The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) after Solo Sikoa distracts the referee so that Jacob Fatu can take out The Street Profits. After the match, The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) continues to attack The Street Profts, then #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up and brawl with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa before taking out Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. They go for Meet In The Middle on Solo, but Jacob and Solo outsmart and outpower them.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are confident that they can beat A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) tonight, then Owens mentions Grayson Theory's video and that he is not the turncoat that he used to be, but Cody says all he can do is take him there and see what happens next.

Backstage near the trainer's room, Byron Saxton interviews B-Fab, who says The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are fine when Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell show up to check on #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton and Pretty Deadly are looking at Nia Jax's crown when Nia Jax shows up. Nia says that she will get "Michin" Mia Yim for touching her crown and coming for her title before asking Tiffany and Pretty Deadly to fix her crown. Nia then overhears Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, who think that Tiffany is going to ash in on Nia Jax, before scaring them off.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens beat A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory). After the match, Kevin Owens quickly runs up to Cody and gives him the Undisputed WWE Championship before daring A-Town Down Under to get back in the ring and raising Cody's hand.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin! Nia Jax! Andrade!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 16, 2024

Tiffany Stratton is in the ring for a WWE Women's Championship celebration for Nia Jax, with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) in the corner. Tiffany introduces Nia, who heads to the ring. Nia is carried out on a platform throne to a ramp, which she is helped down on her way to the ring. Nia says Tiffany didn't have to, but Tiffany says she wanted to give back after all Nia has done. Nia admits destruction - not pink and the unicorns - in the corner are not her style, then says that she did what she said she would do and beat Bayley to become champion. Nia then demands that everyone in the locker room bow down to her. Pretty Deadly bows down in the corner, then demands Tiffy do the same. Tiffany has Pretty Deadly sing a song for Nia first, with Tiffany saying "men should bow down too." Pretty Deadly sing a song called "Ode To The Queen," but during their dance break, "Michin" Mia Yim shows up with a shinai and goes on the attack. Tiffany and Nia retreat as Pretty Deadly get smacked, then Michin grabs the champagne bottle.

Backstage, Naomi, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair are watching. Jade Cargill hopes she and Bianca have a better celebration when they become women's tag champs again. As they talk about Naomi's match tonight, Carmelo Hayes shows up and says they will be celebrating when he beats Andrade, but Jade says Andrade has two wins on him before she, Bianca and Naomi leave. Carmelo says "They still watchin' my matches, though."

Carmelo Hayes beats Andrade with a sit-down pin after countering The Message. After the match, Carmelo keeps boasting, and when he tries to get Andrade's attention, Andrade beats him up, and officials have to show up to stop the ensuing brawl.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa is met by Tama Tonga, who hands him the ula fala before saying he will handle Roman Reigns when he gets in the ring. Solo says that he is Tribal Chief for now, and if Roman takes the ula fala back, he will become Chief, and they will have to acknowledge him. He then says that this is only if Roman is able to take it back.

Roxanne Perez is seen in the front row before the next match.

Blair Davenport beats Naomi.

Backstage, Grayson Waller meets with Austin Theory, who says that tonight's match is a big opportunity. Grayson asks what Kevin Owens has done for a title shot besides being Cody Rhodes' friend and getting beaten by The Bloodline while calling him an easy win, then Owens stops him and agrees with everything except the "easy win" part and asks who refuses a potential title shot before saying he will see them both out in the ring.

In memory of Afa Anao'i, Sr., 1942 - 2024.

"All Ego" Ethan Page is seen in the crowd before the next match.

Kevin Owens beats Grayson Waller with the Stunner followed by the pop-up powerbomb. After the match, Owens beats Grayson up some more, and Theory has to stop Owens from hitting a pop-up powerbomb on Grayson on the ring apron. Grayson and Theory soon have metal folding chairs, but "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up with chairs of his own, and he and Owens swing for the fences before standing tall in the ring. As Cody walks up to the Undisputed WWE Championship, Owens picks it up, then hands it to Cody and pats him on the shoulder on the way out of the ring.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa holds the ula fala when Tama Tonga shows up to place it around his neck. Tama says he loves Solo, and Solo reciprocates before stating that Roman Reigns needs to acknowledge him.

Titus O'Neil is seen in the crowd. His new book, Wrestling With Fatherhood, will be available on September 3rd and is now available for pre-order.

Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez) meet in a restaurant. Escobar says that they are getting complacent, and tells them not to allow others to make them forget who they are. He says Legado del Fantasma is not a name, but a legacy, and their legacy will not be diminished. Escobar says that he will take the United States Championship, and that they will remind the locker room of the taste of fear, which they have forgotten.

LA Knight shows up on the stage. After mocking Legado del Fantasma's restaurant dinner, Knight says Santos Escobar is trying to be like him, and that he will forget where he is, much less who he is, when he puts him in the dirt. He says he has no time to worry about some "cross-eyed halfwit" calling him trash, and admits that while he may be a little bit of trash with a little bit of flash, he will put Escobar on his ass and retain the United States Championship.

Backstage, "Michin" Mia Yim comes out of General Manager Nick Aldis' office when she is met by Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, who thank her for trashing Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton's celebration. As Chelsea says that she and Piper could have done but didn't due to the celebration being an enjoyable potential car crash, Michin then mentions that she now has a WWE Women's Championship match, which causes Chelsea and Piper to walk into Aldis' office. Suddenly, Michin is shoved into Aldis' office doors by Nia Jax. Officials quickly move into place, with Aldis quickly having realized what has happened.

Trick Williams is seen in the crowd before the next match.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga head to the ring. Solo calls out Roman Reigns, saying he calls himself "The Tribal Chief" and "OTC," and tells him that if he wants the ula fala, then he must come to the ring and take it from him. Roman Reigns shows up and get in the ring, then Solo removes the ula fala and hands it to Tama Tonga. Solo then dismisses Tama Tonga, who stands in the corner. Solo and Roman brawl in the ring, and Roman soon hits the Superman Punch. Tama Tonga then charges at Roman and attacks him, but Roman hits him with the Rock Bottom. Roman then tosses Tama out of the ring before breaking down the announce table to put Tama through it, but Solo strikes back and goes for the Samoan Spike. Roman ducks and hits Solo with the Superman Punch. Roman goes for the Spear, and he hits Solo with it. Roman then notices the ula fala and takes it. Roman then places the ula fala around his neck in the middle of the ring. All of a sudden, Roman is attacked by Jacob Fatu from out of nowhere. Jacob sends Roman into the ring post, then hits the hip attack in the corner before tossing Roman out. Tama, Solo and Jacob then powerbomb Roman Reigns through the announce table before Jacob sends Roman back into the ring and lays him in front of Solo, who takes back the ula fala.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab (and #DIY [Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa] and Candice LeRae)! Blair Davenport! LA Knight!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for July 19, 2024

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Professional boxer Terence Crawford is seen in the front row. Cody says that he has the honor of calling Randy Orton a friend even when Orton was a mentor, and says he would not be Undisputed WWE Champion without him. He admits that he felt guilty when he watched The Bloodline put Orton through a table, saying Orton is family and a brother, and if he were here, he would not want him to wax poetic about their friendship. Cody then addresses Solo Sikoa, having told him before that he was not ready only for him to cost him the WWE Championship in response, telling him that he is once again not ready. Suddenly, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller show up, and blames Cody for Jacob Fatu for attacking him and leaving him with a swollen cheek, but Cody says the swollen cheek was from Grayson inadvertently hitting him. Grayson says Cody cannot take accountability for his actions and also blames Cody. Cody brawls with the two of them only to get beaten down and thrown out of the ring, but all of a sudden, Terence Crawford gives Cody a metal folding chair. Cody lays Grayson and Theory out with the chair, and Theory eats a Disaster Kick before rolling out of the ring.

We hear from Carmelo Anthony as he gets his hair cut. He says it is just him and Andrade and it is all about who will miss first, saying it will not be him.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes asks General Manager Nick Aldis for a match with Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. Aldis tells him he must have a tag team partner and that he has until the end of the night to find one.

Andrade beats Carmelo Hayes.

Corey Graves interviews Nia Jax and Bayley in separate rooms. Nia tells Corey to start feeling sorry for Bayley right now, as she will beat her for the WWE Women's Championship and put her down like an old, sick dog. Bayley says Nia is the same heartless woman with the same big mouth who walks around like she owns the place since day one and took her out of her SummerSlam match in 2017 and changed her career. She also says Nia hurt her because she is big, clumsy and reckless, and Nia says she is content being Queen of the Ring and queen of the women's division and that she is coming to take the WWE Women's title off of her. Bayley says that if Nia has changed, then she has too, and she is walking both in and out with the WWE Women's Championship and there is nothing Nia can do to stop her. Nia impatiently walks out of the interview.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are heading to General Manager Nick Aldis when Chelsea Green and Piper Niven confront them over who meets Aldis first. This leads to a tag team match.

Bianca Belair beats Chelsea Green by countering a roll-up with one of her own after Chelsea counters the K.O.D. After the match, The Unholy Union (Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre) show up on the TitanTron and says they will give Bianca and Jade Cargill a small glimpse of their titles - and their power - next week.

General Manager Nick Aldis moderates the contract signing between LA Knight and Logan Paul for the WWE United States Championship at SummerSlam. Aldis makes it known that both he and Knight have signed the contract before introducing Knight, then Logan. Logan Paul asks why he would give LA Knight a shot at the WWE United States Championship, and Knight says that every time they have come face-to-face, he has cooked Logan. He also mentions that Logan is the man around here as long as he is United States Champion, but when Logan refused to give him a shot, it led to him taking things into his own hands, which lead to Knight beating him again. Logan calls Knight "Shaun" as he says that Knight wants the match more than he does and that they are not the same, as Knight's entire existence is defined by what he does in the ring while he interviews former Presidents and builds million-dollar businesses. He also says that he likes Knight's gimmick, yet Knight wants his accolades while he is not him and has not had a single defining moment in the last 20 years, and calls him a gym bro with a spray tan and a catchphrase trying to be The Rock. Knight calls Logan a fraud who pretends to be a champion, and says Logan's brother Jake has more balls to jump in the ring with someone. Logan says that if Knight wants the match, then he will sign the contract and give Knight his shot at glory, and after SummerSlam, he will have nothing. Logan signs the contract, then tosses it at Knight, and Aldis has to stop a brawl. Logan Paul leaves the ring, but slides back in to get a cheap shot. This starts a brawl, and Logan retreats just before Knight can hit him with the BFT.

We see a video package for Tiffany Stratton.

Backstage, LA Knight is met by Santos Escobar and Elektra Lopez. Santos congratulates Knight on getting his United States Championship match, then reminds Knight that he was not pinned in their Triple Threat Match which also had Logan Paul in it. Knight takes this as a challenge, which Santos is eager to answer.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Tiffany Stratton with a schoolkid pin after Bayley shows up, distracts Tiffany, takes out Nia Jax and vandalizes the Money In The Bank briefcase.

We hear from Solo Sikoa, who says life is so good when you are the Tribal Chief on the Island of Relevance, but it is also business. Solo says he never has a moment to himself, and asks who will step up and disrespect him by teaming with Cody Rhodes tonight. He mentions the attack on Randy Orton, then says that anyone who it with Cody is against him and The Bloodline (Solo, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu). Solo then wishes that the main event be a handicap match, or else someone will pay the price.

Backstage, Kevin Owens meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and tells him that he will see him in the ring before heading out to the ring for the next match.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens beat Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. After the match, The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) show up. Cody and Owens somehow get the upper hand with Cody diving on Solo and Tanga Loa and Owens going for Tama Tonga's eyes, but Jacob Fatu suddenly shows up and goes on the attack. Once again, Cody Rhodes is forced to watch as Jacob Fatu lays out Kevin Owens, then Cody Rhodes is powerbombed through the announce table. A chair is then wrapped around Owens' neck before Tama Tonga throws Owens neck-first into the ring post, then The Bloodline stand over Cody to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: LA Knight! Grayson Waller and Austin Theory! #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 21, 2024

CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says that welcoming everyone to tonight's show in front of your own hometown is pressure, and he asks if he can handle the pressure before bringing up how he walked out of Chicago as WWE Champion without embarrassing the town. Punk also talks about how people thought he was going to get jumped in Glasgow, Scotland after ruining everyone's day and getting revenge on Drew McIntyre for kicking him while he was down, and he was ready to send someone to the morgue. He mentions that he promised to send Drew McIntyre's career six feet under, but he did not think it would be this easy after making bad things happen to him. Suddenly, Paul Heyman shows up. Heyman says he is out here after having just gotten to the building, saying it was "hot as balls" outside and "hot as balls" with Punk in the building, even mentioning their recent history and that they were friends then and still friends now. Heyman then says he is here on urgent business, and after Punk allows him in the ring, both men hug. Heyman then tells Punk that Solo Sikoa is angry that Chicago is "CM Punk's town" and that Solo wants every town to be his town. Heyman asks Punk a favor, saying that when Punk is medically cleared, everyone will find out he is the best in the world, and tells Punk that if he does not leave, The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) will come for him. When Punk asks if this is true, this leads to a "Fuck You Solo" chant before The Bloodline shows up. Solo says that if Punk wants to be on his show and in his city, he can either pay his respects to The Bloodline or The Bloodline can make sure he is never cleared to compete again. Punk asks Heyman the favor he wants, and Heyman says "Take me with you." Punk then tells Solo he acknowledges the fact that he sees "Fake ass Usos" and "a phony cosplay Tribal Chief." The Bloodline enters the ring, but Punk is soon joined by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who hands Punk a baseball bat. The Bloodline quickly back down, and Cody says he has already beaten one head of the table and challenges Solo to a one-on-one match tonight.

Backstage, Jade Cargill talks with Bianca Belair regarding their Women's Tag Team title rematch. Bianca says she will handle her business and qualify for Money In The Bank, then focus on getting their titles back.

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman and his family are seen in the front row.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Orton asks Cody if he is sure he wants to face Solo alone, but Cody says Solo is not ready. Owens says he has does not like this, as The Bloodline always have a plan. Cody says he has a plan, too.

Chelsea Green beats "Michin" Mia Yim and Bianca Belair in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Bianca hits Michin with the K.O.D. only for Chelsea to toss Bianca out of the ring and pick the bones.

Backstage, Bayley is met by Blair Davenport, who tells her to tell Naomi that she looks forward to facing her next week, and that when she becomes Miss Money In The Bank, she looks forward to cashing in on Bayley.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa confronts Paul Heyman, telling them to make sure either Randy Orton or Kevin Owens qualifies for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. He also tells Heyman that they need to have a talk when he gets back.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Grayson Waller, who says that he will win Money In The Bank and win it for him and Austin Theory. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) shows up and says Grayson only cares about himself, and that Grayson sacrificed Theory as a means to and end. Suddenly, there is a bang on the nearby garage door, and when it opens, Drew McIntyre is attacking CM Punk. McIntyre carries Punk to the stage and drops him, revealing him to be bruised and bloodied, then kneels down and takes something from Punk's hand. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and confronts McIntyre, and McIntyre shoves him. Punk is placed on a stretcher as McIntyre heads to the back.

We see footage during the break of CM Punk being helped to the back, then we see CM Punk being helped into the ambulance.

Carmelo Hayes beats Randy Orton and Tama Tonga in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. During the match, Tanga Loa shows up and distracts Orton, and Orton knocks him off the ring apron and Kevin Owens shows up to attack Tanga. Tama is lying in wait, but Orton sees him coming and tosses him out of the ring only for Carmelo to pin Orton with a schoolkid pin to qualify.

LA Knight heads to the ring. Knight immediately calls out Logan Paul, but Logan does not show up, even after everything he has done to send a message saying he wants a face-to-face message. He says that Logan cannot run next week and that he will beat him again in a match with Santos Escobar. Escobar shows up, but Knight says he wants Logan, not him. Escobar says Knight is chasing Logan like "a delusional Chicago fanboy" and that he will be facing him next week. Knight says he has beaten him every time and that he is looking past him, not at him, and when Escobar tries to attack him, Knight hits him with the BFT. As Knight gives Logan a choice, he is attacked from behind by none other than Logan. Logan then punches Knight with a hard right hand and knocks him out.

Before the next match, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa attack Kevin Owens as Owens makes his entrance, but they are chased away by Randy Orton, who swings at them with a metal folding chair. Despite the attack, Owens gets in the ring.

Andrade beats Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Grayson pulls Owens out of a pinfall attempt by his hurt leg and rolls into the ring only to run into The Message, which allows Andrade to qualify.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton makes fun of Michin for losing tonight. Michin makes fun of Tiffany for trying to suck up to Nia Jax and blocks her slap and slaps back, then Michin gets smashed into a road crate by Nia herself.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton announces that CM Punk will be in the hospital overnight for further evaluation.

Backstage, Paul Heyman meets with Solo Sikoa, saying he has done his bidding and that business has been handled, but reminds Solo that he is breaking commandments by Roman Reigns, that CM Punk is off-limits as Solo is not ready to handle him yet and that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes must be kept in check. Solo tells Heyman that Roman is not coming back, then heads to the ring. Heyman is shocked, and asks "How can that be?"

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa ends with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa attacking Cody. As Cody is held down for the Samoan Spike, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens show up and even the numbers game before they and Cody corner Solo in the corner. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu shows up and attacks Cody, Orton and Owens, and Orton gets sent through the barricade with a Spear. Cody tries to fend Jacob Fatu off, but Jacob gets the upper hand and splashes Cody through the announce table.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

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

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Carmelo Hayes! LA Knight! Chelsea Green!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 14, 2024

Before the next match, Chelsea Green tells the fans that they are lucky, because they get to see tonight's crushing defeat of Naomi at her hands before Piper Niven crushes Bayley to become WWE Women's Champion tomorrow at Clash at the Castle.

Naomi beats Chelsea Green after Bayley confronts Piper Niven on the outside after stopping Chelsea from using the ropes for leverage on a pinfall attempt, and this allows Naomi to counter the Un-Pretty-Her with a Backstabber followed by a bridge pin for the win.

Backstage, Baron Corbin thanks General Manager Nick Aldis for giving him a fresh start on SmackDown when Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez) show up. Corbin leaves, and Aldis tells Legado del Fantasma that they have been fined for their attack on Apollo Crews and that next time, a fine will be the least of their worries. Santos Escobar is not worried, and upon finding out that Apollo is cleared to compete, he tells Aldis to tell Apollo that he is facing him.

We see a video package for Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. At the start of the show, another QR code and a message stating "The Reckoning Is Inevitable" is shown. Tonight's guests are #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). After Grayson Waller tells Johnny Gargano that he would take a bullet for Austin Theory like he did last week, Gargano says he has footage, which Grayson does not want shown as it is because Grayson used Theory as a shield. Grayson says that was AI and not real footage and that Gargano did not show him beating Gargano. Ciampa says he loves not only Grayson's fake confidence, but having a fight for the WWE Tag Team Championships tonight. Grayson says he and Theory will not defend their titles in a place like Glasgow, Scotland and that attempts to drive a wedge between himself and Theory will not work, but Gargano says that they are coming for their championships. Gargano then says he is tired of hearing from Grayson and that he wants to hear from Theory, as they go way back and he has always believed in him. He says he respects what Theory has done on his own, then tells Grayson that he is using him. Theory shoves Gargano to the mat, starting a brawl that ends in Grayson using Theory as a shield again before the set dressing gets destroyed.

Backstage, Kevin Owens is met by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab, and The Street Profits mention their history together and common distaste for The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa). B-Fab tells Owens that they have his back against Solo Sikoa tonight.

Backstage, as Grayson Waller talks to Austin Theory regarding #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), Bayley and Naomi come out of another room. The QR code from earlier is shown again as Bayley and Naomi run into Blair Davenport, who mocks them before leaving. Bayley thanks Naomi for having her back when Chelsea Green says that the WWE Women's Championship will be hers and Piper Niven's before the two of them attack Bayley and Naomi.

Santos Escobar beats Apollo Crews. During the match, Baron Corbin shows up and beats up Angel and Berto on the outside. Later on, Angel and Berto strike back at Corbin, but Corbin fights them off. This distracts the referee, allowing Elektra Lopez to push Apollo off the top rope so that Escobar can get the win.

Andrade, Cedric Alexander, Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Pretty Deadly are seen in the crowd.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody says that he thought "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles was going to retire until he tricked him, then says that AJ is starting to become "that guy." As he says that Styles is bent on making him say he quits, The O.C. (Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) shows up. Styles is surprised by how easy it was to get Cody Rhodes worked up, then Cody asks Styles why he is so far away when they could be having a conversation, man-to-man, in the ring. Styles gets in the ring as the Glasgow, Scotland keeps loudly chanting for Cody and tells Cody that they are nothing alike and that it took him seventeen years to get to where he is in WWE. He says that while Cody was welcomed with open arms, he quit when the going got rough, and that Cody also quit New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling because he could not handle the pressure, for "when the going gets tough, Cody Rhodes gets going." Cody says he walked away from all of those companies because he has never been afraid to leave and chase something greater, and that he has always bet on himself as being something more and that he was right. He says that if he did quit, he would not be standing in the ring as Undisputed WWE Champion, and if anyone quit, it was Styles, as he had to be "Mark Henry for a night" to get another title shot. After Cody says that he will make Styles say "I quit," Styles questions now naturally Cody says "I quit," as he cannot quit being phenomenal, and that he is done when he says he is done. He knows that Cody did not quit in his Hell In A Cell Match against Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, but he will be in the ring with him tomorrow and not Seth Rollins, and he will do whatever it takes to become WWE Champion, including tearing him to a pulp to the point that saying "I Quit" will be a gift to Cody.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. The Street Profits are soon attacked by The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) for getting involved in their business, and officials have to break up the brawl. Kevin Owens soon shows up to get his hands on Solo Sikoa, and General Manager Nick Aldis has to hold him back.

We see a video package for Zoey Stark and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, who promise to tear their opposition limb from limb and become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

Tiffany Stratton guests on commentary for the next match.

Nia Jax beats "Michin" Mia Yim after Tiffany Stratton gets in Michin's face and gets thrown across the announce table.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Kevin Owens, who says that The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) will not be in his corner tonight and that he will face The Bloodline alone like he has done before.

We see footage of Logan Paul at the Classic Tetris World Championships. After the event, he comes back home and finds out that L.A. Knight is in his pool. L.A. Knight leaves, but not before telling Logan he will see him in Chicago, Illinois.

Carmelo Hayes is in the upper seats, where he tells L.A. Knight that he did not "cook" Logan Paul like he thought he did, and that the difference between himself and Knight is that opportunities chase him. He says that this is why he already has an opportunity to qualify for the Money In The Bank Ladder Match so he does not have to beg for one, and when he wins, he will be one step closer to being "Melo In The Bank."

Backstage, Solo Sikoa is informed by General Manager Nick Aldis that Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa are barred from ringside, and if he sees either of them, The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) is suspended. Paul Heyman tells Solo that if he loses, he will lose leadership to men who are not deserving of it, but Solo says that if he loses, he will come after Heyman.

Jackie Redmond interviews The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) at the ramp. Alba says that tomorrow night, they will both make history in Glasgow, Scotland, and Isla says they did not come all the way home just to come home and that they will become the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

Solo Sikoa beats Kevin Owens after Paul Heyman puts Solo's foot on the bottom rope during a pinfall attempt, which causes Owens to go after Heyman only for Solo to hit the Samoan Spike twice for the win. After the match, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa show up and attack Owens. As Solo is about to hit Owens with the Samoan Spike again, Randy Orton shows up and takes out Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, then gets the upper hand on Solo Sikoa. Tama Tonga gets hit with an RKO, which allows Solo Sikoa to escape.

Here are the full highlights for tonight's show!

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