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.
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.
Trick Williams heads to the ring, accompanied by Lil Yachty and Cocky the Gamecock (the South Carolina Gamecocks' mascot) to start tonight's show. Trick is excited to be back home and references the special chicken wing sauce from Kiki's Chicken and Waffles, which were used to accidentally christen "the lemon pepper steppers." He also talks about his time playing football for the University of South Carolina and mentions that his family is here, then declares that South Carolina has created a star. The Miz and Kit Wilson suddenly show up, and The Miz says that Trick's career is starting to look like rejected mascots from his daughter's birthday party, and asks if this is WWE or Sesame Street before asking if Big Bird is going to come out. Lil Yachty takes exception to The Miz's interruption, and says this is why he and Kit Wilson were attacked by Minihausens and cursed. Miz insists that he is not cursed, and Kit Wilson reads slam poetry where he mocks Trick and Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty decides to hit them both with a rebuttal of his own, and also says that Miz has tiny balls. A furious miz wants to leave Columbia, South Carolina, which he calls "a dumpster fire of a city" before stating that if he lived in Columbia, he would volunteer to move to Tennessee. He then calls for a referee so he can whup Trick in front of his mama, and when Kit Wilson opens his mouth, Trick slaps him before sending him and Miz out of the ring.
Trick Williams beats The Miz. During the match, The Miz produces a shinai from underneath the ring, but Lil Yachty takes ita way from him before he can use it and strikes Kit Wilson with it before tossing him into the announce table. Trick then hits the Trick Shot for the win.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he may have been gone for a month, but he has watched Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes make a mockery of the WWE United States Championship and that he is shooting for the title again. Suddenly, Ricky Saints shows up and says that SmackDown has changed, but Carmelo Hayes takes this as a challenge and warns him that the main roster has a way of humbling people and that Saints will eventually be humbled. Saints says that Carmelo needs to learn a lesson and that he will see him in the ring tonight.
General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Rey Fenix, then meets with Sami Zayn, who says that he did things at WrestleMania that he is ashamed of and wants a rematch at the WWE United States Championship so he can do things the right way, but Aldis tells him he will have to earn it. Sami goes back to mentioning his "ride or die" fans and that the last several years have to have proven something, then Aldis says that Sami has things to deal with that he needs to deal with and that all he sees out of Sami is entitlement. Fenix tells Sami to calm down, and has to tell him to calm down and that he does not even recognize him when Sami insists he is the same person while everything around him has changed.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says the women's division is competitive and that holding the women's tag titles is like being in a shark tank and everyone wants to take a bite, including The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez). Paige says that it took years to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and that they are not giving them up easily, then The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up wanting Paige and Brie to win so they can get the titles back.
Paige and Brie Bella beat Giulia and Kiana James.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. All of a sudden, Giulia and Kiana James are heard arguing with each other, then Chelsea Green shows up and says that Giulia and Kiana have been bickering since she beat both of them. Tiffany says that some people are not meant to be a team and are oblivious to it. Chelsea says that would never be them, and Tiffany agrees, saying they were never meant to be a team before walking away.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and sets up his own contract signing in the middle of the ring, complete with a contract for a match with Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship as well as a contract for Gunther to come to SmackDown. Gunther shows up and accuses Cody of making this all about himself "like a typical American," and says that Cody cries and complains when the attention is not on him. Gunther says that this is his deal and his title match, and that the Undisputed WWE Championship will be his title. Gunther tells Cody to be professional, address him nicely and say "please." Cody reminds Gunther that he is the one to get the drop on him, got a favor from "The Oracle" Paul Heyman, and refused to sign last week. He says that Gunther is making it weird and that he will make it simple, and tells him to sign the contract so he can guarantee himself an ass whipping at Clash in Italy, remembering to say "please" in the process. Gunther says that Cody did not mean anything he said, and as he rephrases things for Cody, Royce Keys shows up and says that if Gunther will not sign it, he will. Royce Keys gets in the ring, but Gunther gets in the ring and argues with Royce Keys over the contract. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and tells Gunther he has overplayed his hand to the point that his title shot is up for grabs, then makes a match between Gunther and Royce Keys where the winner will sign the contract to face Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Crash in Italy. A furious Gunther leaves the ring, and Cody tells Royce that while he is proud of Royce, he is still easy to find and hard to beat.
Backstage, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) meet. Solo tells Tama to take Damian Priest out tonight, then leaves with Talla to talk to Royce Keys. Shinsuke Nakamura shows up, but he is taken out by Talla Tonga, who choke slams him through a table.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Gunther again that he overplayed his hand and that he will have to earn his title shot.
Carmelo Hayes beats Ricky Saints with a schoolkid pin while using the ropes for leverage after Saints gets caught by referee Charles Robinson for using the top rope for leverage during a stack-up pin in the corner.
Backstage, R-Truth meets with Royce Keys and thanks him for last week, then says that they are making a clubhouse for The Judgment Day and that Royce should fill out an application to join. Damian Priest shows up after Royce leaves and figures out what is going on, and he finds it suspicious that The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) are attacking everyone but Royce. He says that Royce has yet to earn his respect because of that, and tells R-Truth to be careful. R-Truth tells Priest that he was right about last week and says it will not happen again. Priest says that whatever happens tonight happens, but at least R-Truth will be safe, ashe is not medically cleared and cannot be out at the ring tonight.
Backstage, Danhausen heads to his laboratory for another experiment, which he expects to be bigger, better and larger. He drags out a body on a gurney for his next creation.
Damian Priest beats Tama Tonga. (The match was originally Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga vs. Damian Priest and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championships, but R-Truth is not medically cleared after last week.) After the match, Priest is attacked by Talla Tonga as Solo Sikoa gets in the ring to hit a Samoan Spike.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is seen talking about his recent meeting with General Manager Nick Aldis and complaining that SmackDown is not the same to a planking Johnny Gargano. Candice LeRae shows up not happy that Gargano is not doing any better, and Sami tells Gargano to block out the noise before leaving.
Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim head to the ring. Cargill says everyone acts tough when she is not in the building, but when her music hits, everyone gets real quiet. She says that Rhea Ripley found out that pressure busts pipes, and at Clash in Italy, she busts champions, too. Jade Cargill says that the WWE Women's Championship is coming home to her, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up. Charlotee says that nobody wants to hear Cargill talk, as this is Flair Country, and that Cargill finally pissed her off last week. Cargill wants to know where Rhea is, and Alexa wants to know why Michin and B-Fab are not making Cargill look good. Charlotte then tells Cargill to take a seat and take some notes, and Cargill tells Charlotte and Alexa to entertain her, as she is getting bored of them.
We see another vignette for "The Glamour" Blake Monroe, who is coming soon to SmackDown.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beats "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab by disqualification after Jade Cargill pulls Alexa out of a pinfall attempt and hits her with a forearm on the outside. After the match, both teams continue to brawl, and Charlotte makes quick work of Michin and B-Fab before daring Cargill to face her.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid). Fallon says that in this business, you are either predator or prey, and Tatal Influence is at the top of the food chain. Lainey says all the team wants to act like best friends, but nobody can stand each other. Jacy says they are a unit and loyalty is their currency, and it will pay dividends when they are draped in gold. She tells the women's division to take this as a warning shot before they all fall at the feet of Fatal Influence.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss have a conversation. Charlotte says she is working hard on being a team player, but wants to know where Rhea Ripley was this week. She says they have been outnumbered for the last six months, and Alexa say they need help. Charlotte says she does not need help, but Alexa says theya re outnumbered and Rhea owes them.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa meets with Royce Keys, saying he can help him beat Gunther and become champion. He tells Royce to listen to him, not Jacob Fatu, and that the two of them can take over SmackDown and take everything. He also says that he does not want what happened to Shinsuke Nakamura to happen to him. Royce says he has this, and Solo says that Jacob Fatu said the same thing.
Gunther beats Royce Keys in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's match. During the match, Solo Sikoa wills Royce Keys to get up from Gunther's sleeper hold, and eventually slides a metal folding chair to Royce only for Royce to throw the chair at Solo. Gunther hits Royce Keys with a clothesline followed by a powerbomb for the win. After the match, Gunther grabs and speaks into the camera only to be hit with a Cross Rhodes from out of nowhere by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to end the show.
CM Punk makes his way to the ring to start tonight's show. Punk says he has a history of things that happened and things that should have happened in the building. He mentions Paul Boesch and states that he loves to hear about "the old-timers" and how they would operate in times like this. Punk mentions that Roman Reigns is not here tonight, and talks about how Roman powerbombed him through the announce table with the help of The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and strutted out like the king of the world, and he hoped to get his revenge and he got his receipt. He mentions that he put Roman through the announce table before mentioning that Roman hates him, which means that he has Roman where he wants him to be. Punk says being hated by losers is the price to pay for not being one of them. Punk says he gets why Roman hates him, then says the feeling is mutual as he states that they have the tools to reach the top. He then says his tools are self-made and sharpened to a point due to the work he has done while Roman's tools are store-bought, hand-delivered and plastic. He says he used to be too young to understand, but he is now too hold to give a damn, and says TKO has Roman represent WWE in the ring because he is fake, manufactured and saccharine while he is dangerous. Punk says he can do numerous TV appearances and still make it to the show while Roman uses them as a crutch and an excuse not to show up, and when he does show up, he shows up late and leaves early with his chest puffed up like he is The Rock. Punk says that The Rock was a Hollywood superstar just like Roman was a champion, but that dream is over because this is wrestling and not cinema. Punk says he does not have a cousin on the board of directors and a bunch of yes men who shield him from the truth, and that he has earned everything he was worked for while Roman ate dog food from a weird old man. He says that weird old man treated him like a dog for years, but he had "F-U money" and walked out on him, and he cannot be controlled. Punk says Roman can brag about how many times he has been at WrestleMania, yet if anyone talked about how Roman sucked at the first eight of them. Punk says he cannot be blackballed, because he can blow up a bridge and survive because he knows how to swim. Punk says that "everyone is getting it tonight," and even calls out Pat McAfee for thinking he can come to his business and run his mouth when he cashed a check that his narrow ass cannot cash. He tells McAfee to tell his agent who shoehorned him into the show to lower the ticket prices, as he will be damned if someone who kicked a football for a living talked to him about selling tickets and putting asses in seats, as McAfee has a receipt coming to him. Punk then demands the ticket prices be lowered so that whole families can see him standing on Roman Reigns' throat at WrestleMania. Afterwards, Punk spends some time with the first four rows opposite the hard cam.
We see footage of LA Knight showing up unexpectedly on iShowSpeed's recent livestream and attacking him. We then see iShowSpeed backstage looking for Danhausen, and he soon finds him. iShowSpeed begs for Danhausen to lift the curse, and Danhausen wants his mountain as payment for undoing the curse. When General Manager Adam Pearce shows up, Danhausen disappears, and Pearce tells iShowSpeed he should go home and let The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) hash things out. The Vision shows up, and Theory tells iShowSpeed to listen to them instead. iShowSpeed is about to leave, but Logan tells him that the only safe space is with them, and The Vision bring iShowSpeed to the ring as Pearce says this is a terrible idea.
Austin Theory beats LA Knight after Knight goes after iShowSpeed when Logan Paul shoves iShowSpeed into him. iShowSpeed runs away from Knight only for The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) to show up. iShowSpeed jumps over Knight and tries to run away, but gets caught. Logan Paul distracts Knight, and when Knight knocks Logan Paul off the apron, Theory pins Knight with a schoolkid pin for the win. After the match, LA Knight and The Usos confronts iShowSpeed, then The Usos go for the 1D on iShowSpeed only for Logan Paul to make the save. LA Knight calls for General Manager Adam Pearce before The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and iShowSpeed can leave, and proposes a six-man tag match between the team of himself and The Usos and the team of iShowSpeed and The Vision. Pearce tells iShowSpeed he should have stayed home, but now he is going to WrestleMania, and it is official.
Grayson Waller and Kofi Kingston are seen arguing in the background as Finn Balor makes his way to the ring for the next match.
Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh ends before it begins thanks to a cheap shot from behind by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Finn Balor is able to fend them off, but Dominik blasts Finn Balor with the AAA Mega Championship before attacking him with a metal folding chair.
We see a brief video package for AJ Lee. We then see Michael Cole's interview with AJ Lee from earlier today. As AJ Lee says it is surreal to be back at WrestleMania, however, Becky Lynch interrupts the interview to insult Michael Cole. Michael says he does not need this and leaves, and this becomes a confrontation between AJ Lee and Becky. Becky says she remembered AJ Lee's final WrestleMania, and mentioned that AJ Lee came off as fake and saw her as her replacement. She tells AJ Lee that she will not have home field advantage at WrestleMania, because WrestleMania is her home. AJ Lee dares Becky to keep underestimating her, then says she is proud of Becky Lynch and everything she has done for the locker room. She then says that none of it happened without her, because she shattered the glass ceiling and knocked the walls down for her. She says that WWE kept calling her and that the fans never forgot her, then says she is not only her favorite wrestler's favorite wrestler, but also her daughter's favorite wrestler. Becky is angry after AJ Lee says she will see her at WrestleMania and leaves.
Bayley beats Lash Legend. During the match, Nia Jax trips Bayley on the outside, and when Nia slams Lyra Valkyria into the apron when Lyra goes after her, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up and attack Nia. Nia takes Charlotte, Alexa and Nia out with a splash to the outside, but Lash Legend catches up with Bayley when Bayley heads back to the top rope. Lash hits a Superplex, but Lyra grabs Lash by the feet and keep them held down so that Bayley can get the pin and the win.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, rapper Bun B, and WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry are seen in the crowd.
We see a preview of Hulk Hogan: Real American, a brand-new documentary about Hulk Hogan coming to Netflix on April 22nd.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins says he has been gone for six months and has been waiting to hear the fans again, and the fans sing his theme before Rollins declares that he is back. He then talks about his match with Gunther at WrestleMania, admitting that there is no long history or personal issue between the two of them before concluding that Gunther has entered a business relationship with "The Oracle" Paul Heyman. Rollins says he has two missions: take back the World Heavyweight Championship, and kill The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory). He mentions Logan Paul and Austin Theory's blood feud with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso), saying it will not end well, then mentions that Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed are on the shelf and that Brock Lesnar is on a silver platter for Oba Femi to Heyman's chagrin thanks to him. Rollins says that if Gunther is acting as a business partner and a shield for Heyman, then it has become business for Gunther and personal for him. All of a sudden, Gunther gets in the ring, but Rollins counters Gunther's sleeper with one of his own. Gunther avoids The Stomp, but throws Rollins over the announce table only for Rollins to hit him with the ground and pound. Officials have to separate both men, and that allows Gunther to boot Rollins in the face before he is forced to the back. Backstage, Gunther notices Heyman and smiles. Heyman says he does not know why Gunther did what he did at Madison Square Garden, as there is nothing personal between him and Rollins, then says he owes him a very big "thank you." Gunther says he is glad it is personal for Rollins, as it is also personal for him for the reasons he is thinking of. Gunther and Heyman then shake hands, then Gunther says Heyman owes him so much more than a very big "thank you."
We hear from Stephanie Vaquer, who says that Liv Morgan is not as clever as she thinks she is. She then says that if Liv Morgan wants to play dirty, she will play dirty. Vaquer says Liv talks a lot but says nothing, claims to run Raw, and handles her daddy issues with a pathetic excuse of a man who is jealous of his own father's success. Vaquer says she inspires girls everywhere to forge their own paths. She says that if Liv says it is on sight, then Liv will not see her coming, and at WrestleMania, she will not get her hands on the Women's World Championship, as she will take Liv where nobody can follow.
We see a brief scene of what looks like young dancers on chairs, similar to a music video. It only lasts a few seconds before we see Je'Von Evans' entrance.
Penta, Dragon Lee and Je'Von Evans beat Los Americanos (El Grande Americano II, Rayo Americano, Bravo Americano) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Rey Mysterio heads to the ring and says it is an honor to see Penta's career take off as WWE Intercontinental Championship, stating that his ladder match in WrestleMania has the potential to be one of the best in history. He says that he missed last year's WrestleMania due to injury, then says that he has spoken with General Manager Adam Pearce regarding this year's WrestleMania. He says that the ladder match is missing one more person: himself. Penta then says to Rey Mysterio "Let's make history."
We hear from Asuka. She says that she and Iyo Sky were once a family, but Iyo tried to take everything rom her. She says that Iyo destroyed what they had and tore their family apart even after everything she did for her and Kairi Sane. She never expected Iyo to thank her, as she did everything for her out of love. Now she realizes she loved Iyo too much, as she took advantage of her kindness and used her, and now, she must pay. Asuka says she will always be Iyo's senpai, and as senpai, she will teach her one last painful lesson in the ring and take everything from her.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky beat "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab after Iyo pins B-Fab with a surprise victory roll. After the match, Michin and B-Fab gang up on Iyo Sky as Jade Cargill directs traffic, and Rhea Ripley shows up as Michin gets in the ring with a shinai and cleans house only to be laid out with a pump kick by Cargill. Michin and B-Fab hold Rhea down in the corner, and Rhea dares Cargill to hit her before Cargill grabs the shinai and striking Iyo Sky instead while Rhea is forced to watch. Cargill then hits Iyo Sky with Jaded before she, Michin and B-Fab leave.
We hear from Finn Balor. He says that he brought the beating from earlier tonight on himself, and hoped that he would do things the easy way. Unfortunately, he taught "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh how to play dirty, then says playtime is over and that Dominik is about to see a side of him that he thought he would never come back. He says that side of him is back, and at WrestleMania, it is coming for Dominik. Backstage, The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Raquel Rodriguez) briefly talk about Finn Balor before mentioning their plans to bring new championship gold to the faction. Dominik and McDonagh leave, then Roxanne Perez meets up with Liv and Raquel. Raquel leaves, then Liv thanks Roxanne for her help before stating there is an elephant in the room with Roxanne joining at Finn Balor's behest. As Liv said that what happened to Finn Balor had to be done, she is suddenly shoved into Roxanne and thrown into the nearby television by Stephanie Vaquer.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque and General Manager Adam Pearce head to the ring for the contract signing between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar for their WrestleMania match. After the commercial break, Pearce says that the match will be a true clash between two titans before Paul Heyman suddenly shows up and hypes the match up as "one of the most anticipated WrestleMania matches in decades, if not ever." Heyman then introduces Brock Lesnar as "the conqueror of the ruler," stating that the ruler cannot measure up. Heyman and Lesnar then head to the ring, then Oba Femi is introduced. Oba Femi then makes his way to the ring. Oba stares down Lesnar from the apron, and Lesnar charges at Oba as he enters the ring. This leads to a brawl on the outside, and Pearce quickly calls for security as both men brawl. Both men are separated in opposite corners, and security has to go through hell to separate both men again as one keeps lunging at the other with a splash in the corner. Lesnar throws a chair at Oba, but Oba tosses it back at Lesnar. The show then ends.
Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton asks the fans what they want to talk about, much like "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, then says that it is no secret that St. Louis, Missouri is his hometown and has been for years, and that the next time he is here, he will be world champion. Orton then says he is becoming world champion again for him and for his family, who he considers his real home, and that Cody Rhodes will be heading home from WrestleMania empty-handed. He says that Cody gave him his blessing and told him that he needed to be "The Viper" and be the best version of himself, then says that the voices are talking to Cody and that Stephanie McMahon was right when she said Cody cannot beat him. He says that Cody is not a killer that and that there is no putting back to bed what Cody has awoken. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring. Cody and Orton brawl, and Cody quickly gets the momentum. All of a sudden, Pat McAfee gets in the ring and kicks Cody in the groin, revealing himself to be the one that Orton talked to on the phone. Orton then grabs a chair and hits Cody with it, then McAfee makes fun of the local sports team as General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with officials and states that it is a tough night for St. Louis. McAfee says that a month ago, he was asked when he would return WWE, and he said that he thought the business passed him by and that it was "absolute shit." He says Orton called him and told him it went in a direction that some people did not like. He says that the older fans who put WWE on their back to take it where it is now feel forgotten about as Orton chokes Cody with the chair, and says he has to watch two 5'5" guys wrestle each other in 45-minute Iron Man Matches for ten weeks straight for no rhyme or reason while Randy Orton is around. He says that gorilla positions keeps circlejerking themselves, that tickets are WrestleMania are somehow still available, and SmackDown has a puppet for a champion after its worst-rated episode of the year while Orton is around, and tells Orton to kick Cody's ass. Orton attacks Cody as McAfee says he has been the one on the phone telling Orton to kill everything, as the business Cody is leading is terrible and that Orton is going to "save the fucking business." Randy places the Undisputed WWE Championship on Cody before whispering into Cody's ear and leaving with Pat McAfee. Officials check on Cody.
Backstage, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton celebrate what they have done to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes on their way out of the building.
Rhea Ripley beats "Michin" Mia Yim by submission with the Prism Trap. Jade Cargill shows up shortly after the beginning of the match to watch from ringside. After the match, B-Fab attacks Rhea, and while Rhea takes her out, Michin attacks Rhea from behind as Rhea is focused on Cargill, which leads to a beatdown. As Cargill is about to hit Rhea Ripley with Jaded, Iyo Sky shows up and fends off Michin and B-Fab, and she and Rhea clean house.
Backstage, Matt Cardona is met by Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Aleister says that Randy Orton went back to being himself and that the universe is right again, and Zelina says that Cardona cannot accept that. Cardona says he has talked to General Manager Nick Aldis, and that they can fight tonight. Aleister says that Cardona is a fan of making bad decisions before he leaves.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa talks with the MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). He says that Uncle Howdy wants to challenge for the lantern, and wants to know who will take care of Uncle Howdy. Tama Tonga says that the lantern has been nothing but trouble for all of them, including Solo. Solo tells Tama to take care of Howdy, and while Tama obliges, he will do this alone. Solo says he is okay with this, then tells him not to mess this up.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley tells Iyo Sky that she owes her one before Cathy Kelley interviews her. Rhea says that Jade Cargill has proven that she cannot do this one on her own, and that she did not know she had a back-up plan. She says Cargill has followers while she has friends, and Iyo tells Rhea she will always have her back. Rhea says she will always have Iyo's back and that she will walk out of WrestleMania as champion.
Uncle Howdy beats Tama Tonga when Solo Sikoa shows up and almost hits Uncle Howdy with the lantern only to get caught by the referee. This leads to Solo arguing with Tama followed by Uncle Howdy hitting Tama Tonga for the win. After the match, Solo and Tama argue, and Tama takes the lantern, saying that Solo does not need this. He lets Howdy take the lantern and holds Solo back, telling Solo to let the lantern go.
Backstage, Kit Wilson and The Miz - the latter looking sweaty and having had a rough day - are worried about Danhausen's curse when they run into R-Truth, who is setting up a new clubhouse. Miz says R-Truth takes nothing seriously and challenges R-Truth to inspire someone, saying he has never earned anything in WWE. R-Truth takes this as a challenge for the WWE tag team championships and goes to talk to General Manager Nick Aldis.
We hear from Jacob Fatu, who says that is just him and Drew McIntyre one-on-one in an unsanctioned match at WrestleMania. He says his life has been one big rollercoaster, and one is forced into the gutter, one is forced to be part of the environmental and that it all comes down to survival. He says that every decision he made and every day he was locked up brought him to this moment, and in this match, there are no rules, no one to stop him, no one to break it up and no one to tell him what to do. Jacob says that at WrestleMania, McIntyre is in his world, and he will see if McIntyre can make it out.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. He finds out that he has pyro, then apologizes for last week. Aldis says it is not necessary, saying that Sami did what he had to, then tells him to go out to the ring and talk to the fans before Trick Williams' theme plays. Rapper Lil Yachty accompanies Trick to the ring, and Trick celebrates having his first WrestleMania match before stating that since the guests are rolling out, it was only right to bring out Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty says that WrestleMania is for legends in the making like Trick, and Trick mentions that the two of them have history before stating that he will do what it takes to win the United States title and that he will "take no lip from no Gingerbread Man." He then says to hit Sami Zayn's pyro, because Trick Williams runs SmackDown. Sami Zayn shows up and says Trick Williams is celebrating before he has won and that pageantry has never really been his thing. He says that he is focused on winning, then says that 50,000 signs will be pointed at the ring at WrestleMania and that all the presentation, pageantry and celebration will not save him from one of the best to ever do it in the ring. Sami tells Trick that he will "humble [his] ass" at WrestleMania, and Trick tells Lil Yachty that "Ginger Snap is pretty upset" and fails to realize that he only has the United States Championship and is going to WrestleMania because of him. Carmelo Hayes shows up and heads to the ring and says he cannot sit back and watch things go down like this, then mentions his history with Trick, saying that he will spin the block and give Trick his receipt. Carmelo says that the end of their match does not sit well with him and that he carried the United States Championship on his back only for Sami to win it in the fashion that he did, and that the fans want him, not Sami, at WrestleMania. Carmelo tells Sami to listen to the fans and give him his rematch. Sami agrees with Carmelo and that he deserves a rematch and does not want to take anything from him, and that while he is sorry that this happened at his expense, he will have to wait until after WrestleMania. Sami acknowledges that Trick Williams got involved in their match, and says the same thing happened to him regarding Cody Rhodes. He says this may have worked in his favor this time around, but he is not happy about it. Carmelo tells Sami to do the right thing. Sami tells Carmelo that he has his rematch tonight. If Carmelo wins, he gets Trick Williams; if he wins, he gets Trick, and this is the last he hears of this. Carmelo accepts and heads to the back. Trick laughs and thanks Sami for finally saving some time, and Sami clotheslines Trick out of the ring.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa confronts Tama Tonga for returning the lantern to Uncle Howdy. Tama says the lantern tore them apart and that it is time to get back to business and take all the titles. Solo agrees, then says that once they finish The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), they will get back to business. Tama looks at the MFT's (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) while Solo looks at Tama with a side eye.
Aleister Black beats Matt Cardona.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Bayley says that losing last year's opportunity sucked, but she has made a career out of fighting with her back against the wall, and they will win the women's tag titles on Monday after Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss get a taste of what will happen at WrestleMania. Lyra Valkyria says that if Charlotte and Alexa had gone through what they did, they would not be a team. Lyra says this is more than about friendship or championship gold, but about making it iup to Bayley and making the last year worth it.
Backstage, R-Truth speaks with Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano. R-Truth admits that he thought Gargano was dead when he found him on the floor, but Gargano says that he is still alive and about to win the North American Championship before he and Candice leave. Damian Priest then shows up wanting to know why they are facing The Miz and Kit Wilson with their titles on the line, but R-Truth says that Asuka cursed them. Priest reminds him that he is really talking about Danhausen, but R-Truth insists that it is Asuka who did it and that it will not only be like taking candy from a baby, but that St. Louis, Missouri gets to see that it "It's 'Wepa' Time."
We hear from Drew McIntyre. He says that his family was about to see him walk out as Undisputed WWE Champion, but the title was stolen from him again, this time by Jacob Fatu. He says that Jacob has made excuses, justifications and lies as well as a criminal and a thief who has the potential to change but never will because he is a convict. He says Jacob's family made his life hell and that Jacob is the worst of all to the point that he cannot outrun his past. McIntyre says he will prove Jacob "guilty as charged" and show who Jacob really is.
It is announced that Nikki Bella has suffered an ankle injury last week and that she will hopefully get better by WrestleMania 42.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. After the match, both teams are laid out by The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend).
Backstage, The Miz tells Kit Wilson that the curse is a myth, as they have a WWE Tag Team Championship match, and the universe corrects itself. Danhausen shows up with his jar of teeth, and offers to accompany them to the ring to show them how to be him. Kit Wilson calls Danhausen toxic, but Danhausen offers to undo the curse. The Miz tells Danhausen to stay away from the ring, then Danhausen disappears the moment Miz looks away.
Rapper Sexxy Red is seen in the crowd.
Damian Priest and R-Truth retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Kit Wilson and The Miz. During the match, Danhausen shows up and tries to tag out The Miz, but both the referee and The Miz are having none of it. R-Truth tags in Danhausen, and The Miz tells Danhausen to get out. Danhausen tries to curse The Miz, but The Miz uses referee Dan Engler as a human shield and Engler gets cursed instead. The Miz is able to hit R-Truth with a Skull Crushing Finale soon after, but Engler's wrist suddenly hurts as he makes the three count. This allows Priest to tag in and hit South of Heaven on the Miz to retain, with referee Dan Engler making the count with his other hand. After the match, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes suddenly shows up, hits Kit Wilson with a Cross Rhodes, then addresses Pat McAfee. He says this is like The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) talking about the third man, except it was Disco Inferno instead of Hulk Hogan. Rhodes says that McAfee will get his receipt and that he and everyone who represents him can kiss his ass, saying that firing him "went well the last time," then mentions everyone telling him he must go to a dark place and become a bad guy to beat Randy Orton. Cody admits he does not know if he can do it anymore, as he has two children and his dream job, and says that while he was wrestling current greats in WWE, they were also wrestling him. He says that he is finally hearing those voices in his head, then says that the fans do not want to hear what they have to say.
Trick Williams and rapper Lil Yachty show up to watch the next match from ringside.
Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes after hitting Carmelo with the Helluva Kick when Carmelo tweaks the right knee when he misses Nothing But Net. After the match, Lil Yachty congratulates Sami Zayn before putting Trick Williams on a pedestal. Sami confronts Yachty for calling him "The Gingerbread Man," and Trick attacks Sami from behind with Yachty holding Sami down for the Trick Shot to the jaw.
Paul Heyman is in the ring to start tonight's show. He says there is a lot to talk about, but promises he will not go two hours. He asks the fans what they want to talk about in a reference to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who eventually shows up. Cody admits he made a mistake last week in calling Heyman a goon, as he is one of the smartest men he knows and he loves to disrupt and stir things up. He then asks Heyman to tell him about Brock Lesnar now that the locker room is stirred up. Cody thinks that Paul Heyman getting back together with Brock Lesnar is more than "a one-night thing," and asks if he is talking to an oracle, a wiseman, or an advocate. Heyman says he is talking to "the GOAT." Heyman tells Cody he knows just as well as anyone else does that when Lesnar is here, everyone is in danger, then tells him that Lesnar is not here as Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed show up. He then asks Cody what makes him think he is not in anger right now, then Cody advises Breakker than he grew up around people like Heyman and that he can tell that Heyman is doing what he does for some reason and questions who he is loyal to before saying it is not Breakker. Breakker rips his shirt, then Cody removes his watch and jacket, then Cody and Breakker brawl. Bronson dives at Cody for a corner splash, but hits Breakker instead. Cody goes for a Cross Rhodes on Bronson, but Breakker attacks Cody and the numbers game takes over. Randy Orton runs out to the ring and brawls with Bronson, then takes Bronson out and brawls with Breakker. Breakker shoves Orton away to block an RKO only for Bronson to eat the move instead, and Cody clotheslines Breakker out of the ring.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Montez says The Wyatt Sicks took a lot out of them, but they are past that, and they are hungrier for what is there. Dawkins says they have each others' back even as they disagree from time to time.
Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles is seen in the crowd.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo and The Miz) in a WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Match after Miz tags himself in, which causes tension between Miz and Carmelo. When Miz gets pinned, Carmelo does not make the save. After the match, The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick rowan, Nikki Cross) are seen at the announce table.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill. Cargill says she is sick and tired of both Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax, and that she will be glad to be WWE Women's Champion. Stephanie Vaquer shows up, and Jade tells Vaquer that she will soon be coming her way. Vaquer says she looks forward to it.
Kiana James and Giulia beat "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab after Kiana rakes Michin's eyes.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair have been watching the last match when Sol Ruca and Zaria arrive. Zaria says she and Sol Ruca admire them, but admiration only goes so far, and demands a tag team title shot. Charlotte says there are other teams gunning for their titles and that Sol Ruca and Zaria have not earned it. Alexa questions how much of a real tag team Sol Ruca and Zaria are despite their talent, then tells them to get in line.
We see a video package for the WWE Men's Crown Jewel and WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship matches.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring, his right foot in a protective boot. McIntyre looks back on his memories in tonight's arena from the past eight years and says he should have become champion, then says he is not champion because of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He says that Cody was one step ahead and "a master chess player," that the referee took six seconds to count a pinfall he had and that the referee stopped him from kicking Cody's head into the commentary table, protecting Cody and costing him the WWE Championship. He forgives the ref, then blames Cody, saying he has great power, which means great responsibility and even greater corruption. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and says he can see where McIntyre is coming from, then says that was not his night and that McIntyre is better than that. He also mentions that the boot McIntyre is from is not from the WWE medical team. He then says McIntyre is not champion because of corruption, then tells McIntyre to have a good night and leaves. As McIntyre continues to retort Aldis after he has walked away, Jacob Fatu suddenly shows up. Jacob yanks the microphone from McIntyre's hand and tells him to shut up and stop bitching, saying that he cries, complains and blames everyone else for his wrongdoing every week and tells him to "sit [his] peg leg ass down." McIntyre yanks the microphone back and asks Jacob Fatu who he thinks he is, but Jacob yanks it away again and warns McIntyre that he is all gas and no brakes only to receive a Glasgow Kiss, which only sets Jacob Fatu off. Jacob hits a thrust kick before yanking McIntyre's protective boot off and hitting him in the forehead with it, then leaves.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton is met by Stephanie Vaquer, who tells Tiffany that she will be watching her and that they will hopefully meet in the ring at Crown Jewel. Tiffany tells Vaquer she respects her, but she will beat her to become Women's Crown Jewel Champion. Vaquer says "We'll see."
Backstage, Sami Zayn thanks Dragon Lee, then Dragon Lee asks Sami who will challenge him. Sami says it could be anybody before he heads to the ring.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, who summons JC Mateo as he talks about his accomplishments in and out of wrestling and says that he means more than that. He knows that Mateo believes in him, and tells him to put anyone who steps out of line back in place.
Sami Zayn's open challenge opponent is revealed to be Je'Von Evans. Josh Briggs is seen in the crowd.
Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Je'Von Evans. Sami Zayn raises Je'Von Evans' hand in a sign of respect after the match.
Backstage, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre offer Nia Jax a spot in the Secret Hervice, but Nia Jax turns it down. Stephanie Vaquer shows up and wishes Nia Jax, and Nia says she could drop her right now, but she will wait until after she becomes WWE Women's Champion.
Backstage, Damian Priest is confronted by Kit Wilson and called an example of toxic masculinity as he wears a cast on his right arm as Aleister Black watches in the background. When Priest approaches him, Kit Wilson runs away and trips on his wheelchair, then Aleister gets Priest's attention and roundhouse kicks him in the face before stating that they are both going to do this until one of them is left standing and wishing Priest a happy birthday.
Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax and Jade Cargill in a Triple Threat Match. Near the end of the match, Jade Cargill is busted open above her left eye, but still hits a Samoan Drop on the ring steps on Nia Jax. Also, the ref makes a two-count despite Nia Jax not kicking out before Tiffany hits the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to win and retain. After the match, Stephanie Vaquer shows up and has a staredown with Tiffany in the ring to end the show.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena says that tonight is a special night and looks back on the start of his retirement tour, and says that he was coming off some bad years and wanted to make up for it by doing great work and leaving it all in the ring. He says that he has nothing planned and that tonight is about having fun, for he has given everything he has during this tour and, and tonight, he is taking it in. Cena states that Chicago, Illinois being unable to use their voices is what makes Chicago special, and that everyone is in for one exciting night, for it is the last time he will be here in WWE and his last time on SmackDown. He says that in this exact same city, he debuted and slapped Kurt Angle and started the ride that has lasted for over two decades. He talks about how he has faced Triple H, has held United States Open Challenges and even lost to CM Punk in this city. He says he was honored and thankful to start in Chicago and experience everything that he could in the city, which leads to "Thank You, Cena!" chants as he says that the city let him experience joy. Cena thanks the fans for "a beautiful ride" and tells everyone to enjoy tonight's show before Sami Zayn suddenly shows up. Sami says he has watched Cena over the past year and that it would not feel right not to thank him on behalf of the locker room for everything he has done for them as well as for him. He talks about how he made his main roster debut against John Cena for the United States Championship and how he now holds the title, then says he wants to pay it forward like Cena did with honor and dignity. Sami asks for Cena's blessing to start his own United States open challenge, which Cena gives him before Sami states that if this is the last chance they share a ring together, then he must pay Cena back with a United States title match right now. Cena accepts the challenge and shakes Sami's hand before calling for a referee.
John Cena vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship ends in a no-contest. During the match, Brock Lesnar shows up, pulls the referee out of the ring and hits Sami with an F-5 before doing the same to Cena. Lesnar then picks Cena up again for a second F-5 before leaving.
Backstage, Brock Lesnar tells John Cena that he will see him at Wrestlepalooza.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz), who get a tag team title match from a distracted Aldis. After Aldis leaves, Becky Lynch shows up at the arena.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he hoped that WWE would change only to find that the well is still poisoned. He says that he must purify the well and if that leads to his own ruin, so be it. He says that Priest will be the king who falls on his sword and that Priest always follows the rules, unlike him, who follows them until he does not.
Aleister Black beats Damian Priest after attacking him mercilessly before the match and grabbing onto referee Ryan Tran's shirt collar to block Priest's choke slam before hitting Priest with Black Mass for the win.
We see a video package for the feud between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that all the talk from Jade Cargill will come to an end next week. Meanwhile, Cargill watches the interview from elsewhere before Nia Jax shows up. Jade says that when she wins the WWE Women's Championship, Nia can come get her shot.
Backstage, Becky Lynch is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who warns her that she cannot have any more issues tonight, as CM Punk is in the building.
Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is seen in the front row.
Giulia retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against "Michin" Mia Yim following the distraction by Kiana James. Kiana punches Michin a few times after the match.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss meets Charlotte Flair in the trainer's room. Charlotte wants revenge, but Alexa says now is not the time and that Charlotte needs to rest up.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up in the crowd. He says that tonight, the legend of CM Punk dies, right here, right now, and to do the honors, he introduces Becky Lynch. Becky heads to the ring and chastises the fans for chanting for Punk while she is in the ring, then goes on to ask Chicago, Illinois if they know what greatness looks like before bashing all of the city's sports teams (except the Chicago Bears) as well as the fans and Punk. CM Punk soon shows up and heads to the ring, then says it is not about Becky and more about Rollins, who he calls a coward. Becky asks Punk if he is embarrassed, but Punk says he has nothing to be embarrassed about, unlike Rollins, who keeps hiding. Becky asks Punk how his face and pride are feeling as the crowd chants "AJ Lee." Becky tells the crowd to shut up, but Punk takes offense to that and says he has people who can kick her ass. Becky eventually slaps CM Punk multiple times again while Rollins has fun in the crowd. Punk leaves the ring, and Becky tells Punk to run away and calls him an embarrassment to Chicago. Punk says he was trying to avoid this situation, as he would never put his hands on a lady, then says he has somebody who will: AJ Lee, who shows up for the first time in over ten years. Becky charges at AJ Lee, but AJ Lee gets the upper hand with the ground and pound before slapping Becky in the face. Becky flees before Punk joins AJ Lee in the ring and Rollins regroups with Becky to end the show.
Logan Paul arrives in a Mercedes-Benz and heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Logan mentions John Cena calling him a parasite, then says that the fans booing him have a problem with change. He says that he is a disruptor and "the opposite of a parasite," and after he signed with WWE, WWE started getting multi-billion dollar deals. Logan mentions John Cena calling him a parasite, then says that the fans booing him have a problem with change. He says that he is a disruptor and "the opposite of a parasite," and after he signed with WWE, WWE started getting multi-billion dollar deals. He says that John Cena should be the one brining his A-Game, because he will be the one pushing Cena to his limit. He then starts insulting Cena in French before stating that when he beats Cena, he will show that he is the future of wrestling. Cena shows up, saying that Logan is stupid and that without the fans, there is no show; he says that the fans are the ones who hold the keys, especially for Logan. He says that everyone wants to root for Logan, especially with the kind of potential he has, but everyone knows that Logan will not put one ounce of effort to understand what is truly done in WWE. Cena says that if Logan did his homework, he would realize he is "a wanna-be," and that he is standing in the ring with one of "the original disruptors," and calls Logan "a dollar store John Cena." As for Logan's claims that his influence has carried WWE to where it is now, his influence is not what it once was, and everyone knows it. Cena says he saw a list of the twenty-five most influential people in the world recently and that Logan Paul's name was nowhere to be found, especially when Logan now makes front page news for the wrong reasons. He says that Logan Paul is losing relevancy and is needing a new revenue stream, and that Logan is not here to save wrestling; he is here to save his own ass. He says that the fans do not reject him, but they do see through "fake." Both Cena and Logan speak French briefly, then Cena says that he is real while Logan is a gimmick and that as long as Logan is a gimmick, people will always see through him, especially when he keeps being disrespectful. Cena says he will show Logan the meaning of respect, then leaves the ring, says that respect is apologizing to somebody and that someone knows you were having a bad day. He finds the kid that he turned heel on in the Raw at Brussels, Belgium and apologizes to him. Cena then gets in the ring and tells Logan Paul to polish his game and be the best he can be, or else wrestling will ruin him.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. Dawkins says that they just have to focus and the WWE tag team titles are theirs, while Montez says that Melo Don't Miz are not as great as they think they are. All of a sudden, Bo Dallas shows up and asks if the blood in Montez runs through Dawkins and if both men really are family. He says that Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) is a real family, and when they come for them and fail, Montez will find out if Dawkins really is his brother.
Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre attack Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss during the latter team's entrance before the next match, and officials have to restore order. Charlotte's left knee is seemingly reinjured afterwards.
Alexa Bliss beats Chelsea Green with a schoolkid pin after Chelsea Green gets the knees up for Twisted Bliss and avoids Sister Abigail. After the match, Alba Fyre attacks Alexa on the latter's way out, and she and Chelsea gang up on Alexa before Charlotte Flair limps back to the ring on one good leg to make the save. Chelsea hits Charlotte with the Un-Pretty-Her, and Alba hits Alexa with a Gory Bomb.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he feels renewed after the last month of not feeling like the best version of himself, and that he is confident in himself. He says that all there is to do is to go out there and become a champion.
"The American Nightmare" Cody and Brandi Rhodes celebrate the birth of their second child, Leilani Ella Runnels, on social media.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says it is time to take off the mask and show Damian Priest what Hell looks like. He plans to show Priest how hollow and misguided Priest is, especially when he feels the pressure on his chest and he cannot move.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest, who admits that Aleister Black comes off as educated, but cannot be like him, and that his threats of violence prove how unprepared he is. He says that Aleister Black will learn to be like him and learn a lot about pain, and that he will enjoy every bit of violence that he inflicts on him when they meet in the ring again.
"Michin" Mia Yim beats Kiana James in seconds with a schoolkid pin as Kiana James has her purse in her hands from trying to attack Michin with it. After the match, Kiana and Giulia gang up on Michin and attack her, and Giulia curb stomps Michin into the ring steps.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Once again, McIntyre wants - and cannot get - a medical update on Cody Rhodes, then calls out Randy Orton, saying he will fight him if he wants to face him like a man before calling Orton out. Orton heads to the ring, and McIntyre tells Orton that Cody is "nobody's friend" as well as a manipulator and a politician, and that Cody used the injury that put him on the shelf against him. He says that Orton is an idiot if he still thinks that Cody is his friend, and Orton says that while McIntyre makes a compelling argument, he really hit McIntyre with an RKO last week because he thinks McIntyre is a prick. McIntyre hits Orton with a Glasgow Kiss almost immediately, but Orton ducks the Claymore Kick and hits McIntyre with a draping DDT. He goes for the RKO, but security steps in. Security soon gets dropped with an RKO, but Orton stops himself before he can hit Shane Helms. He then hits Helms with an RKO, anyway. Orton then goes for a punt on McIntyre, but McIntyre rolls away.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes tells The Miz that they need to be on the same page. The Miz says that they need to be a team, then Bo Dallas shows up and says that he, not perception, is reality, and asks if they can handle that. Carmelo tells Bo Dallas not to write checks his mouth cannot cash.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis confronts Randy Orton for his actions, and Orton makes it up to him with a small bottle of Fireball whisky and leaves. R-Truth shows up and asks Aldis if he is going to drink that, and Aldis says he will after the day he's had. R-Truth asks Aldis if he has anything else, then lets him keep the Fireball whisky.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz) in a WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Match after Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) shows up and distracts The Miz.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton is met by Jade Cargill. Both of them have a war of words regarding their recent history as Jade Cargill tells Tiffany Stratton that she will be taking her title at Clash in Paris.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells MFT (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) that Sami Zayn has no chance of taking his title and that it will be over after one Samoan Spike.
Sami Zayn beats Solo Sikoa with two Helluva Kicks to become the WWE United States Championship after Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu show up to attack MFT (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) and chase them through the crowd.
At the start of the show, Jacob Fatu attacks Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and JC Mateo outside of the arena until security and officials show up.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody talks about his King of the Ring victory and states that it not only signifies where we have been, but where we are going, then Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton talks about how he said he would not hesitate to beat Cody only to hesitate when he had him dead to rights. He says Cody did not hesitate, and pulled the trigger, and for that, he respects him. After he admits that he will not forget this, he asks Cody not to squander this opportunity and to kick John Cena's ass at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre returns for the first time in weeks. McIntyre says Orton lost the psychological battle before he hesitated due to Cody buttering him up before their match, and reminds him that Cody attacked Orton's back the moment he tweaked it. He wants to know what happened to Orton, as he went from punting legends in the head to becoming a dead legend in a few years, then tells Cody that he wants him to win at SummerSlam, as he wants to face him and rip the WWE Championship from his hands. McIntyre then says that he will not hesitate, unlike Orton, who then hits McIntyre with an RKO out of nowhere before he and Cody have a brief staredown.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Charlotte Flair meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. Charlotte finds out that she is in a tag team #1 contender's match, and if she wins, she and her partner get a tag team title shot. Alexa Bliss shows up and says they are tag partners, not friends, and Charlotte is forced to reluctantly go along with this after Alexa says Charlotte has not been in the spotlight for a while and Aldis says that Charlotte does not always know what is best for her. Charlotte tells Alexa to stay out of her way.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre runs into General Manager Nick Aldis, wanting a match with Randy Orton. Aldis says Orton has left the building, but he can get a match next week at Saturday Night's Main Event. McIntyre then runs into Jacob Fatu, then walks away after a brief staredown. Aldis tells Jacob to find a tag team partner so he can take on Solo Sikoa and company later tonight. Jimmy Uso shows up right after Aldis leaves and becomes Jacob's tag partner.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) and the team of B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim in a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Match after Charlotte pats Alexa on the head sarcastically, which counts as a tag. This allows Charlotte to boot Chelsea Green off the top rope so that Alexa can hit Twisted Bliss on Alba Fyre for the win.
In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis chews out the SmackDown tag team division for their interference from last week. This leads to an argument between #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), which leads to Fraxiom getting a tag team match against Andrade and Rey Fenix. As for the rest of the tag team division, one man from each of the remaining teams will face The Wyatt Sicks while everyone else stays backstage, and if The Wyatt Sicks win tonight, they will be back in contention for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Gargano tries to unite the tag team division to no avail.
The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) beat Montez Ford, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin and Berto in an eight-man tag match after Johnny Gargano steps off the ring apron before Chris Sabin can tag him in, as Gargano wants nothing to do with Erick Rowan.
We hear from Giulia, who says that she knows what the WWE Women's United States Championship means and that opponents will come to her and they will all fall. She hopes to take the title where it have never been before before daring anyone to challenge her.
WWE acknowledges Independence Day in the United States.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany says that she knows there has been a target on her back and that she would not let Nia Jax's revenge keep her from being last woman standing. As she states that she is ready to beat Jade Cargill at SummerSlam well as whoever she defends the WWE Women's Championship against at Evolution, Jade Cargill shows up and heads to the ring. Jade says Tiffany was barely standing while she made quick work of Asuka, then tells Tiffany that she has a choice to make and that if she chooses wrong, she will not make it to SummerSlam. Tiffany reveals that her choice is none other than WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, then mentions how they teamed up in the past before giving her the opportunity to face her for the WWE Women's Championship. Jade says it does not matter if she faces Tiffany or a legend at SummerSlam, and Trish Stratus thanks Tiffany for allowing her to wrestle in front of her kids, yet she has never been a champion in front of her kids. Tiffany warns Trish that it will not be easy as it is not the Attitude Era, but Trish says she wants that fight. Tiffany says that whether she faces Trish or Cargill, everyone will know the world runs on Tiffy Time.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Solo Sikoa introduces Hikuleo - now known as Tala Tonga - then says his group is more dangerous than ever. He then says that he and JC Mateo will take care of Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso as he declares his family complete.
Backstage, Trish Stratus runs into Jade Cargill. Cargill tells Trish Stratus that if she wins at Evolution, she will see her at SummerSlam. Trish tells Cargill she will see her at SummerSlam. After Trish leaves, Cargill is attacked from behind by Naomi. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and Cargill demands a match with Naomi.
Andrade and Rey Fenix beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).
Backstage, Damian Priest meets Aleister Black. Priest mentions that Aleister has a match with Ron Killings next week.
Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso beat Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. After the match, Jacob Fatu clears the announce table, but Tala Tonga shows up and stops Jacob from putting Solo through it. Jimmy fights Tala, but Tanga Loa joins in, and JC Mateo takes Jimmy for A Tour of the Islands. Jacob Fatu is then held down for Solo Sikoa to hit him with a Samoan Spike, then Jacob is powerbombed through the announce desk.
