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.
Rey Fenix heads to the ring. He is blessed to be back in Puebla, and tonight, history will be made, because they celebrate Rey de Reyes 2026. He says tonight is very special, and that there are a lot of surprises for the fans, and one of them is very special for Mexico, for lucha libre, for the fans, and for him, because he is his brother, his blood and his favorite wrestler: Penta. Penta makes his way to the ring, with Fenix helping into the ring out of respect. Fenix is about to leave the ring after Penta enters, but Penta tells Fenix to stay in the ring with him. He says the dream that they had as kids was about to come true, but he got injured. However, Rey Mysterio took his spot that night, and there is no better person to represent Mexico that night, but now, they are together. Fenix asks if the fans would love to see them team up again, as does Penta, who then asks if the fans want to see them team up when they come back to Puebla for Triplemania. He then says that if the fans want it, they can make it happen, as it is time for the fans to see them team up again. Penta then says that tonight is an important night for Puebla, for it is Rey be Reyes, a beautiful tradition of AAA, and lists some of the past winners, including El Hijo del Vikingo. He says that four men have the opportunity to win the sword and go for the championships, then dedicates his reign as Intercontinental Championship to the fans in Mexico who get up every morning to work hard in life for their dreams and fight every single day. He hopes to make the title different, as he will not just put the line on Raw, but in Mexico in AAA, as he wants the AAA fans to be the first to see that progress. He tells the locker room to prepare themselves, as he will be waiting if anyone takes the step forward. He says that if the fans want it, he will bring the Intercontinental Championship to AAA, and that he will wait for a challenger and even drop names if he has to.
Flammer's open challenge for the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship is answered by Bayley.
Flammer retains the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship against Bayley. During the match, Maravilla gets involved in the match, distracting the referee so that La Hiedra can attack Bayley behind the referee, allowing Flammer to send Bayley head-first into an exposed turnbuckle for the pin and the win.
El Grande Americano II beats Santos Escobar, La Parka and El Grande Americano I to win the 2026 Rey de Reyes Tournament. During the match, both El Grande Americanos brawl their way to the concourse and out of the match after headbutting each other with loaded masks, then Santos Escobar swings at La Parka with a metal folding chair only for La Parka to duck and fight back, but he ends up missing a moonsault from the top rope. Escobar plants La Parka onto the steel chair, but La Parka kicks out as El Grande Americano II makes his way back to the ring. El Grande Americano I is seen being attacked and handcuffed to the skybox railing by Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano). El Grande Americano II gets back into the ring, and as he and Escobar fight, Escobar grabs the chair that is in the ring only for the chair to be grabbed by a man in Santos Escobar's old El Hijo del Fantasma, who soon attacks Escobar with the chair and flees throught he crowd. El Grande Americano II takes out both La Parka and Escobar with headbutts from the loaded mask to win the match and the tournament.
UFC fighter Hidalgo "Lazy Boy" Rodriguez is seen in the crowd.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio retainst he AAA Mega Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo in a no-disqualification Lucha de Apuestas match. During the match, Dorian Roldan gets involved in teh match, and when Dominik confronts him, Roldan calls out Omos. Omos stops Dominik from attacking Vikingo with a trash can by grabbing it out of his hands and then throwing it at him. Roldan then hands the AAA Mega Championship to Vikingo to use as a weapon, and Vikingo puts it around his waist for a frog splash only to miss. Dominik readies Vikingo for the 619, but gets choke slammed by Omos. Omos choke slams Dominik in the center of the ring, then assists Vikingo with . All of a sudden, Mini Vikingo shows up and hits a hurricanrana on Vikingo, sending him down to the mat. Omos grabs and chokes Mini Vikingo, but that allows Dominik to hit Omos with a low blow followed by a chair shot to the back, with Mini Vikingo also hitting Omos with one. Dominik hits Vikingo with a chair followed by the 619 and the frong splash, and Dominik wins the match and the title. As per pre-match stipulation, El Hijo del Vikingo can no longer challenge for the AAA Mega Championship as long as Dominik is champion. (Had Dominik lost, he would have been forced to leave AAA.)
El Hijo del Vikingo beats Dinamico. After the match, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up on the TitanTron and congratulates El Hijo del Vikingo, then says that next week will be different and that he can bring his entire family, as he will not become anything in this life. He tells El Hijo del Vikingo that he will show him that he is a real champion and the king of the luchadors.
We hear from Flammer, who brags about being the greatest and longest reigning champion in AAA as well as being included in WWE 2K26, and that it is time she is recognized as one of the greatest in WWE. She wants to now where the competition and the challengers are, and issues an open challenge to any woman on Raw or SmackDown to take the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship from her only to warn them that they will fail and end up in flames.
Santos Escobar beats Mr. Iguana, Psycho Clown and Abismo Negro in an Rey de Reyes qualifier. During the match, El Fiscal shows up as Abismo Negro is about to hit Psycho Clown with the Martinet, and El Fiscal and Abismo Negro brawl their way into the crowd. Soon after, Psycho Clown hits Santos Escobar with the Psycho Driver, but The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up and gang up on Psycho Clown. Pagano shows up and strikes The War Raiders with a shinai. Mr. Iguana and Santos Escobar are the only two men left in the match, but Santos Escobar gets his hands in both of Mr. Iguana's eyes to hit the Hands of Destiny for the win and to qualify for the Rey de Reyes tournament.
Backstage, Pagano and Psycho Clown are psyched to defend the AAA World Tag Team Championships against The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik). All of a sudden, Psycho Clown cannot find Murder Clown. Pagao says Murder Clown was with him in the locker room, and the two of them head back to the dressing room where Psycho Clown asks Pagano if he knows something. Pagano asks Psycho Clown if he is accusing him of something when they hear something drop in a toilet stall. They look in one of the bathroom stalls, but find nobody. They then hear a toilet flush in the other stall. Murder Clown comes out of the bathroom, and the two of them are relieved.
El Grande Americano I beats La Parka after turning La Parka's mask backwards before hitting the Chaos Theory suplex for the win. After the match, Santos Escobar shows up and glances as the Rey de Reyes sword, then El Grande Americano II shows up and stares down El Grande Americano I.
Backstage, two men lead "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to his locker room, which is "courtesy of The Final Boss."
Trish Stratus heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Trish says "It's the jersey, isn't it?" referring to her Toronto Maple Stars, thanks ring announce Lillian Garcia for the intro, then asks what year it is, as she is wrestling in Toronto, Ontario, Canada tomorrow night. After addressing a man and his daughter in his front row - the man being old enough to have a Trish poster on the wall - she says tomorrow night will be the first time her children will see her wrestle live with the next generation. Trish says she will be teaming with someone who has been taking the women's division by storm: Tiffany Stratton, who heads to the ring. It is declared both "Trishy Time" and "Tiffy Time" before they both reveal they are wearing custom-made Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys, which they then throw into the front row. It then becomes apparent that they have spent time together and that they agree that they will beat Nia Jax and Candice LeRae tomorrow, then Chelsea Green and Piper Niven show up. Chelsea says nobody wants Trish and Tiffany hogging the airtime, because she deserves it and she is WWE United States Women's Champion, and she is the best thing to step into the arena tonight like Austin Matthews and that, unlike Austin Matthews, she actually wins. She says that since she left Canada, she became a champion and became honored to represent the people of North America, as it has better people. Tiffany says Chelsea does not represent her, but Chelsea says she does not represent losers. She says it is not "tacky time" and that it is her time, then mocks Trish's age before Tiffany challenges her to a match so they can see who the real center of the universe is. Chelsea tries to wriggle her way out of it, but Trish says the fans think this is a good idea and that if General Manager Nick Aldis thinks it is a good idea, he can send a referee out right now. A referee then runs to the ring to Chelsea's dismay.
Tiffany Stratton beats Chelsea Green by disqualification when Nia Jax and Candice LeRae show up to attack Tiffany and Trish Stratus. After the match, Nia and Candice toss Trish and Tiffany into the ring to attack them some more. While Tiffany gets back on her feet, she is still overpowered. Trish Stratus soon gets back up, and it is then that she and Trish clean house, with Nia helping Candice out of the ring.
We hear from General Manager Nick Aldis in footage from earlier today. Aldis says he will give six men the opportunity to face off in three matches, with the winners of these matches squaring off to become #1 contender for the United States Championship.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu tells Solo Sikoa that last week was an accident, then mentions Solo's qualifying match tonight. Solo says they need to make a statement tonight, and asks Jacob Fatu to bring the United States Championship home to the family. He says he is doing this to show Jacob how much he loves him.
We see "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' locker room, which has a gigantic wine rack and lots of sushi and shrimp. Somehow, R-Truth is in the room, and he is in awe. Cody tells R-Truth to help himself, and R-Truth says The Rock should add some jelly rolls to the list next time.
Jacob Fatu beats Andrade in a WWE United States Championship #1 contender's qualifier.
In backstage footage from earlier today, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) talk with General Manager Nick Aldis when Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Berto, Garza) show up and demand an apology for falsely accusing them of taking them out. They refuse, and Santos Escobar says they will beat an apology out of them. Aldis tells Santos to save that energy for LA Knight, then puts the Street Profits in a tag match with Berto and Garza.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. Los Garza (Angel and Berto) ends before it can begin. Before the match, The Street Profits are attacked from behind by #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Angel and Berto attack #DIY and go at it in the ring, and this leads to a three-way tag team brawl. As The Street Profits stomp mudholes in #DIY, they are attacked by Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Officials and security show up before The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) run in to fight #DIY, then get in the ring with The Street Profits only for Pretty Deadly and Los Garza to jump back into the brawl. Los Garza and Pretty Deadly get dropped, and The Street Profits and The Motor City Machine Guns beat down #DIY before brawling with each other and being separated by security.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He looks back on their days at the bottom of the card and mentions that Cody did not reply to The Rock right away, which he thinks says a lot. He then says he will not know what The Rock will do when he finds out that Cody sold his soul a long time ago.
It is announced that WWE will return to Perth, Australia later this year.
Drew McIntyre shows up from out of the crowd and says that John Cena will either die the hero or live long enough to see himself the hypocrite, then says he cannot help but wonder what past Cena would say about present Cena. He says past Cena would make some childish jokes before being shocked at present Cena's part-time status and making fun of his bald spot, then says Cena can snap his fingers and end a career. After McIntyre says that he will bury Cena, he then talks about how everyone cheered as he was screwed out of the World Heavyweight Championship after cashing in the Money In The Bank Briefcase before Damian Priest shows up. Priest tells McIntyre to shut up, as all he does is ask the fans for sympathy, and says R-Truth makes more sense than McIntyre does. He says that McIntyre's "weird obsession with CM Punk" - which McIntyre then denies before making a reference to - is the cause for McIntyre's downfall. Priest says he will take pride in beating McIntyre in the Elimination Chamber tomorrow, then says he has dropped him before and he will do it again. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and says that if it were not for some questionable refereeing, CM Punk laying in the middle of the ring and McIntyre having the worst cash-in of all time, he would have beaten Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship. He then says he is here to talk about the future, not the past, and proclaims that Priest and McIntyre do not stand a chance before CM Punk shows up. Punk says Rollins looks like an oven mitt and that he cooked him once and will cook him again. He says he has no issue with Priest, but if it is just the two of them, he will be collateral damage. He says that he is obsessed with WrestleMania like McIntyre is obsessed with him, and if he has to beat everyone else, he will do it. He talks about The Rock wanting "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' soul and how he snatched McIntyre's in Hell In A Cell in October, then says that if nobody else feels like waking up in the morning after tomorrow night, he will understand. Rollins says Punk will not main event WrestleMania over his dead body, and says if he cannot, neither can Punk. McIntyre says he will take Punk out again, but Punk says he will do the same for McIntyre for fun. Priest says McIntyre will just complain on the Internet when he loses, and Rollins says Punk's chants will die tomorrow with his WrestleMania dreams. John Cena's music hits, but Logan Paul shows up instead, and Logan Paul makes fun of the crowd, saying Cena does not care about them, and while they can't see Cena, they can see him. He calls Cena a "classic celebrity wrestler" who could not even show up, then makes fun of Rollins' clothes, says McIntyre cannot win a title just like the Toronto Maple Leafs, and says Priest is irrelevant, saying you can have a Priest in the ring while he is still the answer to WWE's prayers. After Logan Paul makes fun of punching CM Punk in the jaw, he then runs away and CM Punk runs up to him.
LA Knight beats Santos Escobar in a WWE United States Championship #1 contender's qualifier after catching Escobar out of the air to hit a BFT.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. He says that Kevin Owens may be doing a lot of hiding, but he knows that Owens is here tonight. He says that he is in the middle of the ring, and if Owens has anything to say to him, then he invites him to stand in the ring with him and say his final piece so he can say his. After Sami says that there will be nothing left to say after tomorrow night, we see footage of Kevin Owens in the arena where tomorrow night's show will take place is. Owens says that this will be the biggest match he and Sami will ever have against each other and that Sami is painting him as the bad guy in the situation when he is not, and that everything that happens to Sami tomorrow night will be deserved. He then says that after he ends Sami's career and that Sami is stuck in a wheelchair unable to provide for his family, he will do nothing and watch his family suffer, as this is all Sami's fault. Sami admits he has been nervous about this match all week, but he is not nervous about what will happen to him; he is nervous about what he will do to Owens and what his family will have to go through. He says that if Owens' family will not forgive him, that is okay, for he is prepared to end this and to end Owens. Owens tells Sami he will see him tomorrow night.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes has warmed up to The Miz, who continues to make "Melo Don't Miz" a thing. Carmelo leaves, Cody Rhodes shows up, and The Miz says that The Rock is giving him a great offer and Cody will only become more if he takes it before someone else does.
Carmelo Hayes beats Braun Strowman in a WWE United States Championship #1 contender's qualifier by disqualification. During the match, Tama Tonga runs into the ring and distracts the referee so that Solo Sikoa can smack Strowman in the back with a metal folding chair. It has no effect, and Solo gets smacked with the chair before Strowman choke slams Tama. He then places the chair in the ring, and that allows Carmelo to grab the chair, smack it on the mat, toss the chair to Strowman and lie on the mat just in time for the referee to turn around and see Strowman with the chair, which gets Strowman disqualified. After the match, Strowman grabs Tama Tonga and throws him into the ring, where he powerbombs him.
Backstage, Bayley meets with Bianca Belair and Naomi. The three of them entertain what they want to do tonight and tomorrow night, then agree that it is every woman for themselves at Elimination Chamber.
Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Bianca Belair, Naomi and Bayley after Roxanne hits Bayley with a chop block and hits the Pop Rox on the second attempt. After the match, Alexa Bliss gets in the ring and hits Roxanne Perez with Sister Abigail. We then see a Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Hody, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) image.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus are a "cute" tag team, but when the smoke clears, Tiffany will have her to deal with. She says nobody is going to help Tiffany, and that she will see Tiffany at WrestleMania 41.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamaura. He says a dog is satisfied with scraps from his master's table, and says that if everyone wants a fight for the opportunity to be humbled by him, then he will allow it. Nakamura then warns that he will make an example out of whoever wins while the others will see what happens when one bite the hand that feeds them, and that the winner prays that they lose as they will experience absolute hell.
Before the next match, Solo Sikoa tells Jacob Fatu to get the job done, then Jacob Fatu says that the United States Championship is coming to him and that he will dog walk whoever gets in his way.
LA Knight beats Jacob Fatu and Carmelo Hayes in a Triple Threat Match to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship after pulling Jacob Fatu out of the ring following a top rope moonsault on Carmelo to get the pin and the win.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs into CM Punk, who wants to know what is going on between Cody and The Rock and what The Rock could possibly offer Cody. He says he would have taken that if he were younger, but he is wise enough to know now that he is glad that the offer never came to him. He feels that Cody should take the offer, shine it up, turn it sideways and stick it up The Rock's ass, as he got here by listening to his heart, but tells him to make his own decision.
Michael Cole interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the ring. As this goes on, however, Michael Cole finds out that there is a gift for Cody, which ends up being delivered on the stage. It is a red Ford truck with Cody's logo on it. On the TitanTron, footage of The Rock from earlier today plays. Near him is a private jet as The Rock says that Cody will be making the decision of a lifetime and will do the right thing. He then tells Cody to enjoy the gift, then makes a reference to Cody's father before saying that even he knows Cody will do the right thing.The Rock then says Cody will embrace him as a brother while he will embrace Cody as a champion while all of Cody's dreams will come true when he gives The Rock his soul. The Rock then produces a weight belt with the words "Cody's Soul - June 11th, 2015" - the date of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes' death - before getting on the private jet.
"Big" Bronson Reed and Solo Sikoa's Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Solo says that he and his crew are ready to dominate WarGames, and that Roman Reigns is not ready because he is not even here yet. He then demands that Roman meet him in the ring by the end of the night to acknowledge his terms of surrender so he and his crew can finally acknowledge him.
Chelsea Green beats Blair Davenport and Bianca Belair to advance in the WWE Women's United States Championship Tournament. During the match, is is revealed that Jade Cargill has been slammed onto the hood of a car backstage, which causes Belair to run to the back to check on Jade.
Bianca Belair catches up with Naomi, Bayley and General Manager Nick Aldis before getting in the ambulance with Jade Cargill.
Comedian Adam Ray is seen in the front row.
Before the next match, we hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that he has watched and learned LA Knight and knows him better than he knows himself. He says Knight is riddled with insecurities and begs the fans to chant his name with a growing aura of desperation. He says the fans do not know how frightened he is and consumed with fear that all he obtained will slip through his fingers. He says Knight's fears are justified and that this is the beginning of Knight's end. This allows Escobar to attack Knight before the bell rings.
LA Knight retains the WWE United States Championship against Santos Escobar after Shinsuke Nakamura shows up near the end of the match. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura gets in the ring and attacks LA Knight, then leaves.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano speaks with The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) regarding Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano tries to iron things out by getting a tag team title match set up, but Sabin says that The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are more deserving of a title shot. The Street Profits show up and say Ciampa is a bad guy and a snake waiting in the grass.
Roman Reigns' Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) is seen backstage.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis asks Nia Jax about the attack on Jade Cargill. Nia says she knows nothing and that she was helping Candice LeRae and Tiffany Stratton with their match tonight, and that she wanted to take Jade out at WarGames. Suddenly, Aldis finds "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and tells him that he has not heard from Kevin Owens, but Cody says that Kevin would not miss tonight's face-to-face meeting and heads to the ring. Cody says that Randy Orton is not here and that he is being told that Kevin Owens is also not here, then says he does not believe the latter and calls Owens out for their face-to-face meeting. Owens shows up from inside the crowd and says he is a little insulted, as he was summoned to be here tonight because Cody wanted him here and while he is wearing his best, Cody is not wearing a suit. Cody says Owens was summoned to stand in the ring, not in the crowd, but Owens says Cody does not get what he wants just because he wants it, and security tires to get Cody back in the ring before Owens asks why Cody is so upset when everything is his fault. Owens then makes his way to the announce table and says that for four years, he fought The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) every week with everything he had at the risk of his career and supported Cody in his fight with them. He then says that when Roman Reigns, who tried to end his career, needed a partner months later, Cody teamed him, and that since then, everything that has happened to him is his fault. Cody says that if this is how Owens wants to justify his actions, that is great, then says teaming with Roman had nothing to do with Owens, as it was the right thing to do. He then says Owens is painting himself as a victim and that nobody holds him down more than himself. Cody calls what Owens is doing "next-level sabotage" and that while he has obsessed over being world champion, he has become synonymous with WWE and has achieved so many accolades, and yet he does not know it. He says Owens did not pull the trigger when his knee was hurt and become world champion when he could, then says he pulled the trigger on the wrong guy and crossed the line by hitting Orton with a piledriver. Cody tells Owens he will beat a lesson into him and that this lesson will be coming, then tells Owens that the ball is in his cord. Owens says that if Cody wants to fight him, he will get his match, but only when he says it will happen. He then says that when it does happen, he will be doing his job, and while he loved Orton, he hates Cody. Owens then leaves through the crowd, but not before Cody says Owens hates himself, not him. He then says that when they have their match, there will also not be a single line that he will not cross.
Backstage, Roman Reigns' Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) meet concerning Solo Sikoa's terms of surrender, saying they are not going through with them, with Sami saying that he is out of ideas. Jimmy considers asking "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to join them, but Roman shoots him down, saying he is old news. He also shoots down asking Seth "Freakin'" Rollins again, saying they need no one else and that they are all they need. He then says that if they die, they die together. Everyone is in agreement, then Sami asks what the plan is. Roman says "I don't know."
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes gets "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' attention, saying Kevin Owens is telling the truth. This leads to a shoving match that General Manager Nick Aldis has to stop, and Cody says it is time for Aldis to re-evaluate his first round draft pick.
Bayley and Naomi beat Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae by disqualification after Nia Jax pulls Naomi off the ring apron and attacks her. Iyo soon fights back, but she is attacked by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Rhea Ripley then shows up, this time with a black face mask, and swings a shinai, causing Nia's team to retreat.
Montez Ford beats Tommaso Ciampa with a sit-down pin after countering the Fairytale Ending. After the match, Ciampa attacks Montez, and Angelo Dawkins gets in the ring and fights Ciampa. Johnny Gargano gets in the ring, and when Dawkins grabs Gargano, Ciampa attacks Dawkins from behind. Ciampa tries to calm Ciampa down, but Ciampa shoves him, and when The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) run into the ring, Ciampa escapes.
It is announced that Jade Cargill will be replaced with a mystery competitor in next week's WWE Women's United States Championship Tournament match with "Michin" Mia Yim and Piper Niven.
"Big" Bronson Reed and Solo Sikoa's Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Roman Reigns' Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) arrives. Roman Reigns' Bloodline heads to the ring, then Solo says he is not here to fight Roman, as he still loves him and his Bloodline and always has, and says that if they join his Bloodline, they can run WWE for decades. He says that they do not have a fifth man or a wise man, and that they have no choice. Solo then demands Roman and his Bloodline surrender and join his team, or else they will all die where they stand. Solo hands Roman the microphone, then Paul Heyman suddenly shows up and apologizes for being put through a table in Madison Square Garden before saying that five versus four is no way to do WarGames. He says that this math does not compute to the wise man, then evens the odds by brings out Roman's fifth man: CM Punk. This leads to a five-on-five brawl in the ring in which Roman Reigns' Bloodline comes out on top.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: "Michin" Mia Yim! Carmelo Hayes! Andrade!
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!
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody says that all eyes are on what happens next as he calls the Undisputed WWE Championship "the North Star of the industry" and is wanting to know who he will defend against at Bash In Berlin. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) shows up, and Solo Sikoa says he does not care what Cody wants to talk about or what the fans want to hear, and says he would be champion had it not been for Roman Reigns. Solo demands a championship rematch, but Cody says he could not get the job done, got Jacob Fatu hurt, caused Roman Reigns to go on a warpath when he cosplayed as Tribal Chief, and got himself beaten in the middle of the ring. Cody then says Solo is delusional if he thinks he has any claims to a rematch, and The Bloodline soon approach Cody. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up with two metal folding chairs and hands one to Cody. The Bloodline soon back off. Solo says that the title will be his after he finds Roman Reigns, and Cody says he will be right here waiting for him. Afterwards, Cody tells Owens he wants to talk to him about something, and Owens re-enters the ring. Cody admits that what he is about to mention will be awkward, then mentions that he would like to face Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Owens says he appreciates it, but he does not deserve a title match, as he has done nothing to earn one. The fans soon chant that Owens deserve it, and Cody says that he and the fans have not forgotten the sacrifices that Owens has made. He says that Owens is still the prizefighter in the prime of his career, and that he is about to talk with General Manager Nick Aldis about why Owens deserves a title match, and that Aldis will see what he and the fans see and he will see him at Bash In Berlin.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. B-Fab says The Street Profits are more than eager; they are motivated, determined and on point. Ford says The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) are shaking in their boots, as Roman Reigns is back and they cannot get it together. Dawkins says it has been three years since they held championship gold and that A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) are in the way.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) in a WWE Tag Team Championship #1 contender's qualifier.
Backstage, Kevin Owens shows up as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes speaks with General Manager Nick Aldis about giving Owens a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. When Aldis says that it is a moot point as he is considering giving a title shot to Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens is flabbergasted, saying Roman is only getting it because of a rematch clause, and that he never got a rematch when he lost the Universal Championship. After Owens states that virtually anybody in the locker room is more deserving of a title shot, Aldis says that he and the fans both see what Cody sees in Owens and that Owens has gotten a title shot at Bash In Berlin.
Backstage, as Tiffany Stratton plans her party for next week, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) show up and ask Tiffany to plan their party for when they win the WWE Tag Team titles. Tiffany leaves, claiming he is busy, then runs into Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Chelsea says she can see through Tiffany and knows she plans on cashing in on Nia Jax, but Tiffany calls Chelsea arrogant, oblivious and delusional and whips her hair at her as she leaves.
Jade Cargill beats Alba Fyre. After the match, Blair Davenport and Isla Dawn attack Jade and Bianca Belair, and Alba joins in. All of a sudden, Naomi shows up and runs into the ring, and when she gets double-teamed, Bianca and Jade make the save.
LA Knight heads to the ring with a new theme song. Actor Lou Ferrigno is seen in the front row. Knight says SummerSlam has come and gone, and that Logan Paul deserved to be stomped out and that he has arrived. Knight says the United States title makes him a marked man, but he has always been a marked man, that the game is still the same, and that he will hit it and quit it with each new challenger that comes his way. Suddenly, Legado del Fantasma shows up, and Santos Escobar congratulates LA Knight on winning the United States Championship and getting a taste of gold. He then says that LA Knight as a champion does not fit and that it will be a fleeting moment and an opening act to his championship reign, as it is "a fact of life" that he is the one who truly deserves to be United States Championship with everyone saying "Escobar, Si!" Knight says Escobar deserves to have the break beaten off of him one more time, and that nobody is taking the United States Championship off of him because he is not letting them.
We hear from Giovanni Vinci, who speaks in Italian as he states that he has become the man he has always wanted to be and that there are no losses, only lessons, and that he knows no limits and accepts no shortcuts. He says he does everything with style and hopes to bring that to SmackDown.
Santos Escobar beats Andrade to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship following interference by Carmelo Hayes, who pulls Santos Escobar out of the way of a Meteora as Elektra Lopez distracts the referee.
We hear from #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) backstage. Tommaso Ciampa says The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu) stole the WWE tag team titles while Johnny Gargano says The Bloodline beat him up in friends and family and that they will do whatever it takes to become champions again. Ciampa says that it starts tonight with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), as it is not "Pretty Deadly: The Musical," but "#DIY: The Redemption."
In memory of Kevin Sullivan, 1949 - 2024.
Backstage, A-Town Down Under meet with General Manger Nick Aldis, miffed that Kevin Owens can get a match just by asking for it while they have to qualify for a title. When Theory jokingly asks for a match between Grayson and Owens, Aldis makes it official for next week.
#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) in a WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's qualifer.
Backstage, Tama Tonga tells Solo Sikoa that Roman Reigns is still not at the arena. Solo tells Tama not to worry, as he will soon show up. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa) then head to the ring. Solo tells Roman Reigns that he is the Tribal Chief now, and if Roman calls himself the Tribal Chief and wants the Ula Fala back, then he can come and get him. Roman Reigns shows up, and Tama Tonga rushes at Roman only to get taken down. Tonga Loa goes after Roman only to be thrown into and smashed with the ring steps alongside Tama Tonga. Roman then gets in the ring with Solo, and the two of them brawl. Roman comes out on top with the Superman Punch, and Roman goes for the Spear only for Tonga Loa to save Solo. Solo leaves the Ula Fala behind, and as Roman takes it, he is attacked from behind by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, allowing Solo to take the Ula Fala back. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa both receive Superman Punches as Solo retreats, and Roman hits Tonga Loa with the Spear. Roman then hits Tama Tonga with a Spear on the outside, and plows him straight through the barricade before grabbing a metal folding chair and smacking Tonga Loa in the back with it while Solo declares he is Tribal Chief now and dares Roman to get the Ula Fala.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody calls out Solo Sikoa, who shows up, and as the crowd chants "We want Roman!", Solo demands that the fans acknowledge him. This leads to a "Solo sucks" chant, and Cody says that Solo has done was not easy and that he almost admires it, but soon, the bell will ring, and Solo will have nothing to lose and he will have everything on the line. Solo asks Cody if he is done, as Cody is wasting his time and he is running out of patience. Cody calls Solo a self-appointed Tribal Chief while he is WWE Champion sitting on a throne that he once broke. Cody says he plans to pay Kevin Owens and Randy Orton back with Solo's and his cousins' blood, just like when he beat Roman Reigns in a Bloodline Rules Match. Solo calls Roman "a weak Tribal Chief" and proclaims that he is not weak and that he is dangerous. Solo says Cody talks a big game and proposes that they make tomorrow night a Bloodline Rules match as Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa show up and surround the ring. Cody says he has looked in Solo's eyes, then tells the rest of The Bloodline that he is not scared of them, even calling Jacob Fatu "a dumb son of a bitch." The fans soon chant for Cody as Cody accepts Solo's sudden challenge, admitting it is a dumb decision he can make yet the only decision he can make. Solo says he could snap his fingers right now and have the rest of The Bloodline tear him apart, but he will not, because tonight, the WWE Tag Team Championships come back to The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) before the WWE Championship comes back at SummerSlam. Cody says The Bloodline may all hate him, but all he has to do is beat the Tribal Chief, and since he is not here, he will settle for the wanna-be.
We hear from Carmelo Hayes, who says that Andrade has no idea how to be a player, and when he and Andrade get in the ring, it will be a whole new ballgame, but he will win every time.
Andrade beats Carmelo Hayes following a series of roll-ups.
Backstage, Elektra Lopez tells Santos Escobar that it is time to take care of business. Escobar says that Legado del Fantasma needs to get back on track and that Angel and Berto's failure is not representative of them, and that he will take care of business with Apollo Crews tonight.
Santos Escobar beats Apollo Crews after Angel and Berto gang up on Baron Corbin on the outside.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Jade says that they are confident tonight and that they stand on business, and that they will take back the women's tag titles. Bianca says The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) can bring their best, but it will not be good enough.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring with dignitaries of Cleveland, Ohio to introduce Logan Paul for his homecoming. Logan Paul says he has never met a man so eager to take his belt off of him like LA Knight, then says he is not his type and that he is delusional if he thinks he can beat him for the United States Championship in his hometown. Logan says that he has inspired the city of Cleveland and that he represents it, even going so far as to say that he is Cleveland. He then says that while he has only defended the United States title twice in more than 273 days, that is more than LA Knight will ever have and declares that he is great and that he has "made it." After Logan Paul addresses the dignitaries, Aldis cuts in and says that he could not find anything about the dignitaries only, but Logan dismisses it as Aldis not being from around her before unleashing his championship banner to show that he is "Cleveland's finest." A banner drops, but the word "Yeah" is painted on it in red and white. LA Knight shows up and acknowledges the vandalism, then says that losing the United States title tomorrow is not the worst thing happening to him right now. LA Knight also mentions that Logan Paul is really from Westlake, and since he ruined the banner, he will give LA Knight another one. LA Knight heads to the back, then finds Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and asks them for a banner only to be propositioned about their musical. LA Knight then finds Logan's light blue Prime Energy truck, and Logan Paul runs to the back. LA Knight sees Logan coming, gets in the truck, and drives off in it.
Backstage, Logan Paul accuses General Manager Nick Aldis of allowing his Prime Energy truck to be stolen. Aldis tells Logan that he will take it up with his "dignitaries."
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair beat The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) by disqualification after Jade is attacked on the outside by Blair Davenport. The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. After the match, Blair, Isla and Alba attack Bianca Belair, and while Jade fights back, the numbers game proves too much. Jade Cargill gets thrown into the announce table before Blair Davenport and the Women's Tag champs celebrate their handiwork on the ring apron.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Nia Jax and Bayley.
Backstage, Nia Jax surprises Tiffany Stratton with her own custom Money In The Bank briefcase, and tells her to promise not to cash in tomorrow or else she will have to answer to her. Tiffany promises. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven show up after Nia Jax leaves, and Chelsea shows her irritation towards Tiffany for costing her the women's Money In The Bank contract. Tiffany says green is definitely not Chelsea's color, then flips her hair at her and leaves.
Before the next match, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) introduce themselves to The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) on the way to the ring. Gargano tells The Bloodline that they will be surrounded by ten thousand members of his family in Cleveland, Ohio during their match.
The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become the WWE Tag Team Champions!
Here is the recap for tonight's show!
Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Andrade! Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill! The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab!
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) arrives backstage. Paul Heyman asks Solo Sikoa where Jacob Fatu is, and Solo merely pats Heyman on the chest before gesturing towards the ring. The Bloodline and Paul Heyman then make their way to the ring to start tonight's show. All of a sudden, Paul Heyman looks towards the Minitron and notices that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are making their way to the ring. This leads to a brawl on the stage. The brawl makes its way all over the arena, and Owens puts Tama Tonga through a table on the outside. Finally, General Manager Nick Aldis show up with security, who keeps both teams separated. After the commercial break, General Manager Nick Aldis wants Cody, Orton and Owens to leave. When they refuses, a security officer gets in the ring and receives an RKO as a results. This leads to Orton, Cody and Owens fighting the rest of security and laying them out. Nick Aldis has no choice but to walk to the back, and Kevin Owens tells The Bloodline that they are not waiting until Money In The Bank. Orton talks about how The Bloodline put him on the shelf for over a year and how they will put The Bloodline down for good. Cody says The Bloodline looks at them and sees three victims, but Cody says he sees three of the most dangerous men on the planet and a sold-out Madison Square Garden. He says he should be defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against a credible opponent in front of a crowd like this, but he is fighting The Bloodline in a war that he thought he finished at WrestleMania. General Manager Nick Aldis comes back with New York City police officers as Cody says he sees nothing but a seat-filler for their match at Money In The Bank.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton tries to get an interview with General Manager Nick Aldis, who refuses to give one at the current time as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are escorted out of the arena.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is seen in the crowd.
Tiffany Stratton beats Candice LeRae and Jade Cargill in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. During the match, Nia Jax shows up to watch from ringside, and she is soon confronted by Bianca Belair before the commercial break as Bianca also shows up to watch the match from ringside. Later on in the match, Nia Jax is about to make fun of Jade Cargill when Bianca confronts her, and this allows Indi Hartwell to show up and shove Jade into the ring post. Bianca chases Indi to the back, and Tiffany gets the win after getting the knees up for Candice's springboard moonsault and hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Backstage, Naomi is met by Bayley, and Naomi says that she is going to take care of business tonight. Naomi mentions that this may lead to her cashing in on Bayley, and as Bayley says they will deal with this down the road, Blair Davenport shows up and says that Naomi is not winning tonight and that Bayley should hold on to her championship because her days are numbered.
Backstage, "Michin" Mia Yim tries to get a match with Nia Jax from General Manager Nick Aldis, then B-Fab and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up wanting a match with The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu). Aldis says this is not happening tonight and it is possible for next week, then Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) show up to interrupt to announce their return and try to pitch a musical. B-Fab and The Street Profits take offense to this, and this leads to The Street Profits getting a match with Pretty Deadly, who are absolutely livid.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is seen in the crowd before the next match.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Solo Sikoa that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens have been escorted from the building, then asks Solo to let him serve him and asks where Jacob Fatu is. Solo says Jacob is dangerous and that he is not here as per Heyman's advice, which he states that he is now taking, and that he will officially make Heyman his wiseman tonight.
Before the next match, Logan Paul announces that he will perform in tonight's legendary venue, and that he has put someone in his corner who knows how to win in Madison Square Garden: Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. As Logan and Haliburton make their way to the ring, Haliburon has a brief staredown with Jalen Brunson at the front row.
LA Knight beats Logan Paul and Santos Escobar in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after countering a roll-up from Logan with one of his own while grabbing the tights. During the match, Tyrese Halibuton grabs the brass knuckles for Logan Paul, but he is soon confronted by Jalen Brunson after Brunson jumps the barricade. This distracts Logan, and almost costs him the match, and when Knight hits the BFT on Escobar, Logan tries to roll Knight up only for Knight to counter with one of his own while grabbing the tights. After the match, Logan and Haliburton confront Knight, but Jalen Brunson gets in the ring with a metal folding chair and stands with Logan Paul. Logan and Haliburton soon leave the ring.
Backstage, Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews talk about the previous match and laugh about Santos Escobar not qualifying when Carmelo Hayes shows up and pitches a "Melo In The Bank" T-shirt. Apollo tells Carmelo that he is naive and in over his head, but Carmelo says he pinned Randy Orton last week and that people should be putting their money on him.
In memory of Leati Sika Anoa'i, 1945 - 2021.
We hear from Andrade, who says that Money In The Bank is where careers are made and destroyed. He says it is a chance at glory for some, but for him, it is his destiny. Andrade says he fights to destroy, for he is here to take over, and he is not taking just the briefcase; he is taking everything.
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark is seen in the crowd before the next match.
Naomi beats Indi Hartwell and Blair Davenport in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Jade Cargill shows up and attacks Indi Hartwell at ringside, allowing Naomi to get the win.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Ciampa says he and Gargano have a lot of history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, then Austin Theory shows up and says he had plenty of time to think about what Gargano had to say. Gargano says they were talking to Grayson, then Theory says he and Grayson will show up and defend their titles, but Gargano tells Theory that Grayson is not his friend and is only using him to keep the WWE tag titles. #DIY is suddenly attacked from behind by Grayson, and Theory has to pull Grayson off of Gargano.
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) head to the ring. Solo Sikoa introduces Jacob Fatu, who suddenly shows up and heads to the ring despite Solo Sikoa telling Paul Heyman that Jacob Fatu was not here tonight. After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa aggressively demands that everyone acknowledge him, much to the shock of Paul Heyman. Solo then demands that Tama Tonga step up and acknowledge him, which Tama does. Solo then demands Tanga Loa step up and acknowledge him, which he does. Solo then demands Jacob Fatu step up and acknowledge him, which he does. Solo then gives Heyman his one chance to lead, and demands that he acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief as Tama Tonga produces the red shell necklace that Roman Reigns once wore from a black bag. Heyman says he loves Solo, but he does not acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief. Solo hits Heyman with the Samoan Spike, then Jacob Fatu goes up to the top rope and hits Heyman with a flying headbutt as referees surround the ring. Jacob, Tama and Tanga Loa then powerbomb Paul Heyman through the announce table before Jacob places the red shell necklace around Solo Sikoa's neck.
Here are the highlights from tonight's show!
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Tiffany Stratton! #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)! Naomi!
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.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee are in the ring to start tonight's show. They announce that there will be a battle royal to determine a new Women's World Champion in tonight's main event, then we see a video package of Rhea Ripley being forced to vacate the Women's World title due to injury last week.
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring. He says that Backlash is in two weeks and he has a lot to prove, and as he says that he to prove himself and beat Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship, Priest shows up and heads to the ring. Priest compliments Jey Uso on his presentation, then brings up the one night that Jey whupped him so bad that he went up to him in the locker room and told him that he earned his respect, and then the two of them went out for drinks. He almost mentions Jey telling him "We next, Uce," and tells him that he was right and that he is proud to stand in the ring with him. He then corrects himself, saying Jay was half-right and that he ended up being next with the World Heavyweight Championship proving it and showing why he is "now." Priest says that Jey is the first person thrown in the machine to make him look good with the World Heavyweight Championship, as well as the first to lead the fans into rising for "Le Campeon." As Priest leaves, Jey tells him to wait, then asks if Priest sees him as "just another tag team guy" before saying Priest is only leader of The Judgment Day because Rhea Ripley got hurt. He also calls Priest "Dominik Mysterio's bitch" before saying Priest did what he did to become World Heavyweight Championship, and that Priest is being fed to him and that he will be the next World Heavyweight Champion. All of a sudden, JD McDonagh tries to attack Jey Uso from behind, but Jey sees him coming and tries to superkick him only to hit Priest.
The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) retain the World Tag Team Championships against #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Tommaso Ciampa refuses to shake hands after the match in the post-match sign of respect.
Backstage, as Damian Priest is irritated with JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up wearing a sling, stating that he has asked Santos Escobar, who is with him, to take his place in tonight's tag team match. Priest tells Santos to handle his business before Santos leaves, then demands that Dominik and McDonagh do the same.
Shawn Michaels announces that Battleground will take place to UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) heads to the ring. Gunther says he took some time away to digest what happened at WrestleMania, and states that for 666 days, he elevated the WWE Intercontinental Championship to heights never seen before and became the greatest champion in its history. He says that his name will forever be embedded in the history of the Intercontinental Championship, but that also means that for almost two years, he walked around with a big target on his back while living up to high expectations. Gunther says that weight has been lifted off his shoulders before he thanks Sami Zayn, then says that he is not a target and is going from being the hunted to being the hunter and being able to do whatever he wants. He says that this is a brand new era, and whatever happens, he will embed his name into this new era. As a result, he has declared his participation in the King of the Ring Tournament. Gunther then says that after this, it is up to him to decide which title to take next in WWE, then gives fair warning that the champions of WWE will be hunted and challenged by someone who is able to win titles, but hold them longer than anybody else. He says that he is already general of the ring, and soon to be King of the Ring. Suddenly, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) shows up, and while Kofi agrees with Gunther that it is a new era, there is nobody better than The New Day to usher it in. Xavier Woods mentions that he is the reigning and defending King of the Ring, which makes Gunther a usurper and pretender to his throne, and that he plans to cement his legacy by becoming two-time King of the Ring. Gunther says that after he wins King of the Ring, he will re-establish the image of the tournament, and Xavier Woods will be remembered for pretending to be a champion as well as a king. Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston remind Gunther that he used to be champion and make fun of him for it. Gunther says this is beneath him, and sics Kaiser and Vinci on them. Woods says they have already fought so many times, but if the fans want it, they will gladly beat them. Gunther then watches the next match from ringside.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci). Gunther gets angry and walks off after the match, disappointed in Kaiser and Vinci. Kaiser helps Vinci up and out of the ring, and when both of them are out of the ring, Kaiser shoves Vinci into the LED board of the ring and spits on him before taking out his anger out on him and attacking him further. Officials eventually show up to stop Kaiser from attacking Vinci on the ring steps, and Kaiser is escorted to the back. Kaiser soon turns around, makes a beeline back to Vinci, and drop kicks him. When Kaiser makes his way back to the back, Gunther is waiting for him, and he is pleased with Kaiser's results.
We see a vignette for Andrade. He says to be careful when you hear about somebody, as you may hear it from the problem. He says that he is not somebody's fool, then asks how you can pressure someone when they were not loyal from the beginning. He says The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) did not want a business partner; they wanted a servant, and nobody tells him what to do. Andrade says that he is now The Judgment Day's biggest problem.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. McIntyre shows irritation with the fans chanting for CM Punk every time he comes out, saying that CM Punk actually hates the fans and hates himself more than he hates them. After making fun of the fans' love lives, he refrains from complaining about what happened at WrestleMania and the Raw afterwards, even though he calls everyone involved "cowards," and says he will come back swinging and become King of the Ring. Before he can say much else, Sheamus shows up and calls McIntyre out for not taking accountability for his own mistakes, saying it makes McIntyre a coward. He says that McIntyre finally got his live WrestleMania moment in front of fans and family only to blow it over some social media spat, and that McIntyre should be standing in the ring as World Champion, but threw it all away over a meme and a spat. Sheamus says they are friends and have been up and down the road together, then tells him the hard truth: a one-armed CM Punk kicked his arse. McIntyre says Sheamus knows better than anybody what CM Punk did to him, but Sheamus tells him that his obsession is destroying his career and he needs to get it out of his head. McIntyre says that before Sheamus got injured, it was banger after banger, but since he has returned, it looks like "burger after burger after burger" in reference to Sheamus' appearance during his return last week. Sheamus laughs and admits McIntyre has been getting good with the one-liners, and says that while he can lose the weight, McIntyre "can't lose stupid." He tells McIntyre to stop blaming everyone else for his mistakes, but McIntyre says it is everybody else and that they were joking about his weight while he stuck up for him as a friend. He says that he is past fighting over a couple of pints and would rather fight over something worthwhile, and that this is not worthwhile. He then says he will watch Sheamus' back in the next match from ringside.
Sheamus beats Shinsuke Nakamura.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he is angry and hurt, and while he has a lot to say right now, he is holding his tongue, as Chad Gable is showing up to explain his actions from last week. Suddenly, "Big" Bronson Reed shows up behind him and tells him to forget Gable, as he has bigger problems to deal with. Sami says that if he wants a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, he can have it any time and any place. When Sami continues his interview, Bronson Reed blindsides him. Officials back Bronson away from Sami, but Bronson gets the last word by attacking Sami again.
Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) heads to the ring. Chad Gable says that after what happened to Sami Zayn backstage, it is safe to say that Sami has had a rough couple of weeks. He also says that what he did to Sami was justified. He says that what happened last week was good enough for him, but not for Sami, and when Sami placed the Intercontinental Championship, he took it on the chin and gave Sami his moment, but it was not enough, and he had to celebrate with his wife. Gable says that Sami knew that should have been his moment and it should have been him celebrating with his daughter at WrestleMania, but he was wasting his time training Sami Zayn and "a bunch of freakin' losers." Gable dares Tozawa to say something if he has a problem, as he has a problem with him doing his dance and racking up losses. He also calls Maxxine "pretty as a princess, but dumb as a box of rocks" as he gave her everything and got nothing in return. He then chews out Otis, saying that he has proven himself beyond a shadow of a doubt to be the biggest disappointment of them all. He then says that they signed up for honest feedback and cannot be upset with him for this. Gable then says that they will all win his Intercontinental Championship and that they will all help him no matter what. Otis says "No matter what" when forced to by Gable, with little conviction.
Backstage, Ricochet is met by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, who says that he is lucky that he is not cleared tonight. Ricochet says there is nobody more upset than him not being cleared than him, and that he and Andrade have to settle for Santos Escobar and JD McDonagh. Ricochet then mentions their Speed match this Wednesday where he proves to embarrass him again. Dominik mocks Ricochet as he leaves, then runs into Liv Morgan.
Backstage, we hear from Nia Jax, who says that "thirteen females and one monster" will be in tonight's battle royal, and that she is the monster. She says she will terrorize every single one of them and eliminate them one by one until she is the last woman standing and Women's World Champion.
Ricochet and Andrade beat Santos Escobar and JD McDonagh. After the match, Damian Priest attacks Andrade and Ricochet from behind, with Ricochet getting the Razor's Edge before Andrade gets South of Heaven. Afterwards, Priest gets angry with Dominik and McDonagh, saying they need him, not the other way around.
We hear from Zoey Stark, who says it has been a year since she was drafted to Raw, but instead of staying in the corner and being patient, she beat Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch, came close to winning Money In The Bank and the Women's World Championship. She says that it has been a hell of a year, and that she is just getting started.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. Candice says they are not here to defend their victories before a brawl been Nia Jax and Liv Morgan explodes nearby and has to be stopped by officials. Becky Lynch shows up and thanks Jackie for covering things before taking over her job, then gets the fans fired up for the women's battle royal for the World Women's Championship, and stops to tell Maxxine Dupri to prove that her first battle royal will not be her last. She says that when Rhea Ripley is ready, she will be waiting, then says she is here for a fight before heading to the ring.
Becky Lynch last eliminates Liv Morgan in a fourteen-woman over-the-top battle royal to become the Women's World Champion! After the match, Becky celebrates in the crowd to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: "Big" Bronson Reed! Sheamus! Chad Gable!
Santos Escobar beats Rey Mysterio after a person in a Rey Mysterio mask trips up Rey on the outside. The person reveals themselves to be none other than "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
Backstage, Bayley thanks Naomi for her help next week, and Naomi says that she has her and that she is just doing the right thing. She says her anger is towards Iyo after what she did to her, and that Iyo will feel her anger tonight. Bianca shows up and confronts Bayley, saying she is only sorry because her past is catching up to her. Both Bianca and Bayley start to argue, and Naomi has to take Bianca aside.
Backstage, Bianca Belair tells Naomi that she is putting herself in the same position that she was in for the last two years. Naomi tells Bianca that everything she is saying is valid, but she cannot do anything about the past. She says she has Bianca's back and that she will take care of business, but she cannot do it alone and neither can Bianca.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory beat The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) in the SmackDown Tag Team Qualifier Bracket #2 after Theory gets his feet on the ropes for leverage on a schoolkid pin.
Before the next match, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) shows up without Iyo Sky at first. Iyo Sky is then seen attacking Bayley backstage before showing up.
Iyo Sky beats Naomi following the interference by the rest of Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane). After the match, Naomi fights off Damage CTRL, but is blinded by Asuka's blue mist. Bianca Belair shows up and makes the save, but Dakota Kai hits her with a chop block as she goes for the K.O.D. on Kairi Sane. Damage CTRL then gang up on Bianca, and Naomi gets on top of Bianca to protect her.
We see a vignette for Jade Cargill, who makes her first official appearance as a SmackDown Superstar next week.
Backstage, Bianca Belair and a medical team member helps Naomi clean out her eyes when Tiffany Stratton shows up, calls the blue mist a good look for Naomi, and walks off.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is talking with General Manager Nick Aldis when Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) interrupt wanting a match. This leads to Pretty Deadly saying Kevin Owens knows nothing about tag team wrestling. Owens mentions being a tag team champion and punching out Grayson Waller and Austin Theory at one time before challenging them to a tag team match with Randy Orton, who is suddenly in the room and admiring Elton Prince's jacket. Orton and Owens leave, then Aldis tells Pretty Deadly that they have a match next week and that standing close to each other is not a good idea. Owens suddenly comes back to punch both members of Pretty Deadly in the face at the same time.
In interview footage from last night, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is at his home when he finds out that LA Knight is outside. This leads to a brawl that ends with LA Knight being arrested and carried away by police.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) in the SmackDown Tag Team Qualifier Bracket #2 with an inside cradle from Montez to Akam to face Grayson Waller and Austin Theory for a spot in the 6-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
Backstge, Paul Heyman is on the phone with Roman Reigns, and tells him that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is in the arena alone and that the public awaits.
Roman Reigns is seen entering the arena before he and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman then states that Heyman made a promise, and that he his kept his word. He says that he is here alone with only Heyman, then states that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will soon join them. Cody is seen backstage heading towards the ring before the commercial break, and after the commercial break, Cody enters the ring. Cody says that if Roman came alone, then he came alone. Roman says Cody is a fool and that Cody is "stupid to [him]," and that from his perspective, he is not fit to be on top and to be face of the company because he is an idiot. He says that Cody thinks with his heart and that he thinks people have his back when he should be thinking with his head as nobody cares. He also questions Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' true colors, bringing up the fact that Seth stabbed him in the back and broke their bond. Roman then says that the same thing will happen to Cody. Cody says he remembers The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Rollins, Reigns), and reminds him that he was part of the first team that beat The Shield. Cody then says that he appreciates the history lesson and notes the "Family Above All" slogan on Roman's jacket, then asks the fans if he can trust Rollins before stating that Rollins might hate his guts, but he hates Roman even more. He then asks Roman if he can trust The Rock at WrestleMania, and asks if Roman or The Rock is really in charge. Roman mentions Cody asking The Rock the same question the other way around, and says he is spinning the question and trying to run for governor, then says Cody does nothing but promise things and never deliver. He says that this is because Cody Rhodes is "number two" and "the greatest number two of all time," then says that is all Cody will ever be because he is number one forever. Cody mentions that the both of them grew up in the industry and that Roman wanted to grow up and become the face of a generation, then says he has ceded to the idea that the next generation wants to be "the next Roman Reigns." He says that this is Roman's destiny, yet Roman is unfamiliar with his, and that when it comes to who will beat him for the title he has held all this time, he is not number two; he is "The One." Cody wishes Roman good luck and extends his hand, but Roman drops his microphone in disgust and refuses to shake his hand. He then shakes hands with Heyman before the two of them leave. Roman then stops to snap his fingers, and his theme plays before he and Heyman stand across from the ring. Suddenly, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa are spotted in the crowd, but Cody sees them coming as they climb over the barricade. Jimmy and Solo soon move across ringside to stand alongside Roman and Heyman, but Jey Uso and Seth Rollins are soon seen in the crowd and hopping over the barricade. Jey and Rollins stand near the ring alongside Cody Rhodes to end the show.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Bianca Belair! Bobby Lashley, B-Fab and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)! Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince)!
