WWE Smackdown May 17th 2024 FullShow
Logan Paul
Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton
Tiffany
LA Knight
Solo Sikoa
Nia Jax
Logan Paul
Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton
Tiffany
LA Knight
Solo Sikoa
Nia Jax
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00:00To be the king or queen of the ring is one of WWE's most important responsibilities.
00:00:3016 Smackdown superstars begin and only 8 remain.
00:00:41Last week, LA Knight toppled Santos Escobar.
00:00:48And now steps into the ring with a new mercenary of a familiar foe.
00:00:53The irresistible force marched past the globe.
00:01:08And tonight meets an immovable object.
00:01:13As Nia Jax finds herself in the eye of the storm.
00:01:20And undefeated Jade Carvey.
00:01:27After ousting Candice LeRae, will Bianca Belair power through the pain.
00:01:33To defeat the self-proclaimed center of the universe, Tiffany Stratton.
00:01:46And after an impressive first round match with Baron Corbin.
00:01:49Will Smackdown's first round draft pick prove Mellow don't miss.
00:01:53And take down 14 time world champion Randy Orton.
00:01:57Or will Mellow fall victim to the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment.
00:02:10In Jedi, a new king and queen of the ring will be crowned.
00:02:14But before they become squared circle royalty.
00:02:17They must make it through the quarter finals.
00:02:20Tonight.
00:02:24Or whose crown is it?
00:02:27If you ask this megastar, LA Knight will tell you it's already as good as his.
00:02:32But standing between Knight and the throne, the unhymned Tama Tonga.
00:02:37And where Tama goes, so follows the bloodline.
00:02:42And there's a storm brewing in the queen of the ring tournament.
00:02:45As Jade Cargill advanced last week.
00:02:48But how will this force of nature fare against the irresistible force, Nia Jax.
00:02:53Two physical specimens collide tonight.
00:02:57And for all the accomplishments in his career, one honor has eluded Randy Orton.
00:03:02The king of the ring crown.
00:03:04Well tonight standing in his way, Carmelo Hayes.
00:03:08And after a grueling title defense at Backlash.
00:03:11There is no rest for the weary.
00:03:13As the undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes and his next challenger.
00:03:18The United States champion Logan Paul.
00:03:20Signed the contract for their showdown in Saudi Arabia.
00:03:25This is Friday Night Smackdown on Fox.
00:03:28Sponsored by Progressive.
00:03:30A triple threat of protection with Hulk, Otto and more.
00:03:38I'm on my own.
00:03:39Against the rocks.
00:03:41The pressure's on.
00:03:42I know I will never fall.
00:03:44Instead of crying.
00:03:45They hear me roar.
00:03:47And now I see that I'm way better than before.
00:03:49I never needed you at all.
00:03:51The following is a quarter finals match.
00:03:54In the queen of the ring tournament.
00:03:59Introducing first, from Knoxville, Tennessee.
00:04:03She is one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
00:04:09Bianca Belair.
00:04:15Wait, I've got to ask you.
00:04:16Is there anything in this world that Bianca Belair cannot do and do well?
00:04:23She's already half of the Women's Tag Team Champions.
00:04:26The first overall pick in the 2024 draft.
00:04:29And perhaps our next queen of the ring.
00:04:32Bianca Belair clearly has an insatiable hunger to achieve more and more and more.
00:04:37I'm not sure when she will ever hit that limit.
00:04:40But I'm enjoying the show in the meantime.
00:04:49And her opponent, from Prior Lake, Minnesota.
00:04:54Tiffany Stratton.
00:05:01Tiffany Stratton, a young lady who many members in the WWE Universe find to be borderline intolerable.
00:05:08How bad do you think it could be if Stratton becomes queen of the ring?
00:05:12She's arrogant.
00:05:13She's conceited, self-centered.
00:05:16But more than anything, she's really, really good when it comes to professional wrestling.
00:05:21As she's proven over the past couple of years in NXT and now here on SmackDown.
00:05:26And yeah, I guarantee you that, Corey.
00:05:28Stratton becomes queen of the ring.
00:05:30We will never hear the end of it.
00:05:35Let's take a look at our queen of the ring brackets and how we arrived at this point.
00:05:39Tiffany Stratton getting the best of knee chin.
00:05:44And Bianca Belair getting past Candice LeRae, leading us to this matchup.
00:05:50Who will be the next to advance in the queen of the ring tournament
00:05:54and head to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the king and queen of the ring premium live event
00:06:00one week from tomorrow.
00:06:11This is two women who for me are the two best athletes in the entire women's division.
00:06:17And that is really saying something.
00:06:19The interesting thing is they may be equals in terms of athleticism.
00:06:24That is their main advantage in every match they ever have.
00:06:28Well, in this case, it's completely neutralized.
00:06:30And I would imagine that's almost unfamiliar territory for Bianca Belair
00:06:34who has not really had a physical equal since her arrival in WWE.
00:06:38Yeah, but enter the Olympic level gymnast, Tiffany Stratton.
00:06:44Throwing everything at Belair from the word go.
00:06:50Tiffany Stratton seemingly extremely confident in the early moments of this matchup.
00:06:57And that could be Stratton's best weapon.
00:06:59Not buying into the aura of the EST.
00:07:02Yeah, a lot of times the EST has women beat before the bell rings, but not in this case.
00:07:09Tiffany Stratton believes she is the best on the planet,
00:07:14regardless of resume or experience.
00:07:17First we take a look back at Tiffany Stratton utilizing the braid to rip Belair off of her feet.
00:07:22And a cover at the top of your screen momentarily.
00:07:26And Stratton capitalized, but here comes Belair.
00:07:30Of course, we've got Bianca's tag team partner,
00:07:33tag team championship partner, Jade Cargill in action tonight against Nia Jax.
00:07:41Belair having a little bit of fun at the expense of the center of the universe.
00:07:45Great athleticism by Belair and Stratton a step ahead.
00:07:52These two women so well matched up,
00:07:54it may well come down to a mental battle between these two.
00:07:58Who can outfox the other?
00:08:00Because physically, they are a complete match.
00:08:03I agree with you, Wade.
00:08:04I think this could come down to which of these two superstars makes the first mistake.
00:08:16You can hear the WWE universe trying to rally behind Bianca Belair.
00:08:23Oh, gut buster by Bianca.
00:08:28Now, Wade, notice Belair favoring her left knee,
00:08:31which presented a bit of a problem in her matchup last week with Candice LeRae.
00:08:35Belair fighting through the pain.
00:08:37Moonsault connects, cover here.
00:08:41Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that knee issue from last week with LeRae.
00:08:44I brought it up with Bianca earlier today.
00:08:46She said it will not be an issue at all tonight.
00:08:49However, clearly moving quite gingerly at the moment.
00:09:00Now it's Bianca Belair raining down heavy rights on Stratton,
00:09:04who escapes and again looks to use the braid of Belair.
00:09:09Good old-fashioned tug-of-war that the EST won.
00:09:14Stratton gets a face full of turnbuckle for her troubles.
00:09:17And the EST giving chase, but again, Stratton utilizing the braid.
00:09:23And Bianca's leg caught in the ropes.
00:09:25This could prove catastrophic for the EST's queen of the ring dreams.
00:09:29Yeah, twisting that previously damaged knee in a horrible fashion
00:09:35that wasn't playing up earlier today.
00:09:37It certainly is now.
00:09:38And that is a game-changing moment in this match.
00:09:43Stratton in complete control.
00:09:45Is the EST outgunned tonight?
00:09:50Back to this queen of the ring quarterfinals matchup
00:09:53as the EST, Bianca Belair, goes one-on-one with Tiffany Stratton.
00:09:57We notice the knee of Belair giving her some issues
00:10:02before the commercial break and throughout the break.
00:10:05Tiffany Stratton continued her onslaught.
00:10:08Smashing that previously damaged left knee around the turnbuckle.
00:10:12Now, listen, you heard Belair screaming there.
00:10:15How many years have we been watching Belair?
00:10:17You can count on one hand.
00:10:19You've heard that kind of pain coming from Belair,
00:10:22who is still in agony, just about making it to the rope,
00:10:26causing the hold to break, but back into the fire.
00:10:29Immediately on the attack is Stratton.
00:10:32A great deal of damage can be done to a knee in a matter of moments,
00:10:35and Bianca has sustained a great deal of punishment.
00:10:38Is the EST able to create a little separation,
00:10:41kicking Stratton all the way to the floor?
00:10:43Can she follow it up? That's the question.
00:10:45I'm not even sure Belair can stand up at this point.
00:10:48It has been a tactical masterclass from Tiffany Stratton.
00:10:56Belair not familiar with the meaning of the word quit,
00:10:59trying to fight through the pain to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
00:11:03Wade, you have to wonder if Bianca does somehow get past Stratton.
00:11:07Will this knee play a factor as the tournament progresses?
00:11:10Well, Bianca Belair is obviously determined as they come.
00:11:15She won't be thinking about that right now.
00:11:17The task in hand is survive this matchup,
00:11:20and it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how Belair can win this match.
00:11:29Here comes Stratton, Belair out of the way.
00:11:32And this is what Tiffany wanted to avoid.
00:11:37Belair now looking to build some momentum.
00:11:41Fall away slam on essentially one good leg.
00:11:44Yeah, it's ludicrous what he's trying.
00:11:46Power moves at this point in a match when you've got one good leg,
00:11:49but somehow the EST temporarily at least pulling that off.
00:11:53Stratton out the back door for the moment, but eats an elbow from Bianca.
00:11:58Stratton staggers to the corner and a big forearm.
00:12:04And this is really where experience comes into play for Belair,
00:12:08a lesser experienced competitor who has given up by now.
00:12:13Cover here by Bianca.
00:12:16And Stratton kicks out.
00:12:18Belair has been in this kind of deep water before.
00:12:22It's about as deep as it gets for her.
00:12:25Such is the desire to progress here and ultimately become the queen of the ring.
00:12:30She's going to keep on fighting.
00:12:31Listen, Bianca realizes the responsibility that comes with being the number one overall pick in this year's WWE draft.
00:12:40Bianca takes great pride in that honor.
00:12:42Shoulders down.
00:12:45Wants to represent the WWE universe in the strongest way possible.
00:12:49Double underhook. Up we go.
00:12:51Great counter by Stratton.
00:12:52Shoulders down.
00:12:53Tiffany's going to head to the next round.
00:12:54Countered by Belair.
00:13:00And a sickening thud with a forearm across the chest.
00:13:04Bianca has Stratton up.
00:13:07KOD, but the sure-footed Stratton able to avoid the impact.
00:13:12Got Olympic-level gymnastic skills of Stratton keeping her in the fight for now.
00:13:18Big double stomp into the cover.
00:13:21Bit of a lackadaisical cover by Tiffany Stratton.
00:13:24Tiffany's hurting in a big way, as is Bianca Belair.
00:13:27And here's why.
00:13:28That is the prize at stake.
00:13:30This is a quarterfinal matchup.
00:13:32Only one of these women can progress.
00:13:35The WWE king and queen of the ring takes place one week from tomorrow.
00:13:40Streaming live on Peacock.
00:13:46What an out-and-out war this has turned out to be.
00:13:50Did you expect anything less bad news?
00:13:52I was hoping for exactly what we're getting.
00:13:54What a way to kick things off.
00:13:58Stratton utilizing her otherworldly athleticism to no avail.
00:14:03Waist lock by Belair.
00:14:05Big German suplex.
00:14:07Scrambling into the cover is Bianca.
00:14:11And Stratton survives.
00:14:14Shock written on the face of Belair.
00:14:16Here is why.
00:14:17A one-legged Belair explosively hurling the body of Tiffany Stratton around the ring.
00:14:24That is just raw power.
00:14:26Nothing fancy from the EST.
00:14:28She's able to pop her hips even with one good wheel to execute the suplex.
00:14:34But it wasn't enough to shut Stratton down.
00:14:38Tiffany, you're awesome!
00:14:40Tiffany, you're awesome!
00:14:43The WWE Universe tonight in Jacksonville showing their appreciation for both of these superstars.
00:14:49Belair trying to drag Tiffany back into the center of the ring.
00:15:00Stratton went for the eye.
00:15:02Crawled in the eyeball.
00:15:04Defenseless now is Belair.
00:15:06Oh, and back on that knee.
00:15:10Stratton with a big sliding clothesline.
00:15:13Belair is stacked.
00:15:14Leg hooked.
00:15:16And Belair kicks out.
00:15:21You can see the frustration on the face of the center of the universe.
00:15:25Stratton believes she should have advanced.
00:15:27She should be one step closer.
00:15:30Oh!
00:15:31Stratton with the prettiest moonsault ever.
00:15:34Ready to pounce is Belair.
00:15:36Take two on the KOD.
00:15:38On one good leg.
00:15:42KOD!
00:15:51Here is your winner,
00:15:54one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
00:15:59the Young Cops, Belair!
00:16:03The WWE Women's Tag Team titles were not on the line tonight.
00:16:08But to say this performance from Belair was anything short of championship worthy
00:16:13would not be correct.
00:16:15A KOD, Belair able to fight through the pain
00:16:20and topple a very, very game.
00:16:23Tiffany Stratton.
00:16:25Belair advances in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
00:16:28Two out-and-out pure thoroughbred athletes,
00:16:32delivering everything you could have possibly hoped for a month.
00:16:36I sincerely hope we see those two do battle again in the future.
00:16:40I want to stick it up to Cathy Kelly who's mid-ring with the EST.
00:16:46Bianca, congratulations on advancing to the semifinals.
00:16:50Now, do you foresee your knee being an issue moving forward?
00:16:54Now, I'm not going to lie, my knee is not 100%.
00:16:58But I didn't become the EST by making excuses.
00:17:02I show up and I show out every single time.
00:17:05I am the strongest, the roughest, the toughest, the quickest, the greatest, the best.
00:17:09And next week?
00:17:11EST! EST! EST! EST! EST! EST! EST! EST!
00:17:23They're saying it for me next week, injury or not,
00:17:25nothing is stopping me from becoming Queen of the Ring.
00:17:33I'll tell you this, Corey.
00:17:35As great as the EST Bianca Belair is,
00:17:38whoever she ends up facing in the semifinals,
00:17:41and we will find out who that is later on tonight,
00:17:43has to be licking their chops after witnessing the damage to that knee.
00:17:47We are all left wondering, what is next for the EST?
00:17:50What does the future look like in the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments?
00:17:53One superstar, however, who isn't worried about what's next
00:17:56because he already has his answer,
00:17:58our undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes.
00:18:02Let's take a look in our progressive Match Glow.
00:18:06Match Glow is sponsored by Progressive,
00:18:09a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
00:18:16Cody, your next challenger has been determined.
00:18:24The United States Champion, Logan Paul.
00:18:30So, Logan Paul
00:18:35I think I know what you want to talk about.
00:18:38Main eventing the King and Queen of the Ring
00:18:42in a champion versus champion match.
00:18:46Three years ago at WrestleMania,
00:18:48Cody Rhodes and I debuted on the same night.
00:18:51And since then, I have been the rocket fuel
00:18:54for the spaceship that is WWE.
00:18:58I am the longest reigning champion.
00:19:01I am the greatest attraction in this company.
00:19:05And I am a superstar.
00:19:09So, what do I want to talk about, Cody? How about this?
00:19:11Me, knocking you out and pinning you on top of my logo
00:19:16and walking out of Saudi Arabia
00:19:18as the WWE Undisputed Champion.
00:19:27I bet a lot of people stand across from you
00:19:30and assume, what a dumbass.
00:19:34I'm not going to call you a podcaster, an outsider.
00:19:38I'm not going to pretend that this is a fad for you.
00:19:41I've actually gotten a sense of who Logan Paul really is.
00:19:48I am not done.
00:19:50You are disrespectful, self-centered, delusional.
00:19:54You cannot go a single match without grabbing those brass knucks.
00:19:58And you are out here taking credit for something that doesn't belong to you,
00:20:02doesn't belong to me, this right here.
00:20:05It's a team.
00:20:07And at the queen and king of the ring,
00:20:10you are going to find out where you stand on that team.
00:20:29Make sure you tell him that I said it.
00:20:43Logan, right this way.
00:20:48See you, champ.
00:20:58You want to know who's the boss? It's this guy.
00:21:01In celebration of Military Appreciation Month and in support of the USO,
00:21:05WWE superstars spent the day with service members
00:21:08at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville.
00:21:11They seem like big fans of us, just like we're big fans of them.
00:21:13I know that for the crew, seeing things like this is super important.
00:21:17WWE has stood by the men and women of the US military for decades.
00:21:22It's always amazing to give these individuals
00:21:25the appreciation that they solely deserve.
00:21:28Join WWE and the USO in honoring our troops.
00:21:35WWE is proud to celebrate Military Appreciation Month
00:21:39this May with our partners at USO.
00:21:41Tonight we're joined by members of the USO Naval Air Station here in Jacksonville.
00:21:46To learn more about how you can celebrate Military Appreciation Month
00:21:49and support the USO, visit USO.org.
00:21:56Coming backstage to Byron Saxon.
00:22:00Thank you so much, Corey.
00:22:01Right now I'm standing by with one half of the Women's Tag Team Champions,
00:22:05Jade Cargill and Jade tonight.
00:22:07You take on Nia Jax in the quarterfinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
00:22:11How are you preparing for someone who is so dominant?
00:22:15I heard all about Nia.
00:22:18She's one of our best. A beast. The irresistible force.
00:22:23But to Jade Cargill, she's just in my way.
00:22:29What's up, bitch?
00:22:30What's up?
00:22:31Congratulations. Great match.
00:22:32Thank you. Girl, that match was tough,
00:22:34but it was worth putting a little tiffy in tiffy time out
00:22:37because I straight clocked her.
00:22:38And what time is it?
00:22:39Time to go night-night.
00:22:40Night-night.
00:22:42No, for real. How's your knee?
00:22:44Girl, don't worry. It'll be fine next week
00:22:48if I have to stand in the ring across from you.
00:22:51Okay, girl.
00:22:52Let's just take it one match at a time.
00:22:54All right.
00:22:55Go do your thing.
00:23:00Well, tonight's Friday Night Smackdown on Fox
00:23:02is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
00:23:05Save when you want no auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
00:23:10Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero,
00:23:13two WWE reigning Tag Team Champions
00:23:16who have faced each other previously.
00:23:18We might get something similar in Belair and Cargill
00:23:21if they meet in the next round of the Queen of the Ring.
00:23:23There's gonna be a little bit of controversy on our hands
00:23:26as the tournament progresses.
00:23:27But speaking of controversy, bad news,
00:23:29for the past several weeks,
00:23:30we've been left with questions week after week
00:23:32as to who, in fact, is running things
00:23:35within the rapidly evolving bloodline.
00:23:37Well, last week, we got our answer shortly.
00:23:41You haven't spoken to Roman
00:23:43since he lost our title at WrestleMania.
00:23:47Right?
00:23:52Right.
00:23:54Well, I have.
00:23:57I've spoken to him.
00:23:59And until he comes back,
00:24:01I'm in charge of the bloodline.
00:24:04I call the shots.
00:24:06And you will be my wise man.
00:24:11My audience.
00:24:13My audience.
00:24:15I'm in charge.
00:24:17I love you.
00:24:20I love you, wise man.
00:24:24Yeah.
00:24:37Time to go.
00:24:39Yeah.
00:24:44Solo, have you talked to him today?
00:24:50All the time, wise man.
00:24:52All the time.
00:24:57I'm here with L.A. Knight,
00:24:59who is moments away from his quarterfinals match
00:25:02in the King of the Ring tournament
00:25:04against Tama Tonga.
00:25:05Now, L.A., how are you feeling heading into tonight?
00:25:07You ain't gotta ask me all these personal questions.
00:25:09Let me talk to you!
00:25:13You talk about King of the Ring,
00:25:14you talk about Tama Tonga,
00:25:15you talk about the bloodline.
00:25:17Bloodline ain't looking quite like they used to.
00:25:19I don't know half these guys,
00:25:20but old Tommy, Tommy Tonga!
00:25:22I tell you what,
00:25:23tonight you can get yourself introduced to a BFT,
00:25:25and then I'll move on and introduce my head
00:25:27to that crowned King of the Ring.
00:25:29Yeah!
00:25:32Hey, what's up, man?
00:25:33Hey, look, man.
00:25:34I just wanted to give you the opportunity
00:25:36to welcome me to SmackDown.
00:25:38Considering the fact that I was a first-round draft pick,
00:25:42no big deal.
00:25:43Yeah, it is.
00:25:44You know what, you're right.
00:25:45That is a big deal.
00:25:46I'm thinking about it now,
00:25:47and I don't know if I agree with this necessarily,
00:25:50but a lot of people look at me,
00:25:51and they say,
00:25:52there's certain things about you
00:25:54that reminds me of Tom Brady.
00:25:56And I say, okay, maybe you're right.
00:25:57But let's say that is right.
00:25:59Who was the first draft pick
00:26:01the year Tom Brady was selected?
00:26:03Yeah, I don't know his name either.
00:26:05That's your first mistake.
00:26:07The second is looking past Randy.
00:26:09No, no, no, no, no.
00:26:10Okay.
00:26:11Since we're talking about sellouts,
00:26:12after tonight,
00:26:13the most important letters in WWE
00:26:16won't be R-K-O.
00:26:18They'll be H-I-M.
00:26:22Oh, look at that.
00:26:23Look who won the spelling bee.
00:26:25Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:26:27With nobody saying,
00:26:28because nobody's going to say that stupid crap.
00:26:30I'll tell you what.
00:26:31You want to hear something?
00:26:32You want to hear something for real?
00:26:33How about this?
00:26:34With everybody saying...
00:26:36L-A-M-B-E.
00:26:39Yeah.
00:26:40Now go play somewhere.
00:26:41I'm busy.
00:26:53Carmelo Hayes vs. Randy Orton
00:26:55still to come tonight.
00:26:58But boy does L.A. Knight have his hands full.
00:27:10The following is a quarter-finals match in the King of the Ring Tournament, accompanied
00:27:31by WWE Hall of Famer, The Wise Man Paul Heyman, Solo Tinchoa, and Tundra Loa.
00:27:40Tama Tonga!
00:27:46A way, far be it from me, to question the parental skills of one Haku.
00:27:53But it seems as though Haku didn't spend their upbringing teaching his sons morals, he taught them how to hurt people.
00:28:00And that's what Tama Tonga does best.
00:28:02Tama will have the opportunity to take out the megastar in the King of the Ring quarter-finals matchup.
00:28:09One-on-one, live, next.
00:28:19Sunday on FS1, NASCAR returns to North Weltsboro Speedway for the 2024 All-Star Race,
00:28:26where the biggest stars in racing battle it out for a million dollars.
00:28:30The All-Star Open begins at 5pm Eastern, with the race going down at 8 Eastern, Sunday on FS1.
00:28:39And SmackDown is sponsored, in part, by C4 Energy, the official energy drink of WWE.
00:28:48Available anywhere, energy is sold.
00:28:51Shop the newest flavor, Nectarine Guava Knockout, exclusively at Circle K.
00:28:58I certainly hope LA Knight's loaded up on C4, because he's gonna need unlimited energy to take down Tama Tonga of the bloodline.
00:29:07L.A. Knight.
00:29:22And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 240 pounds, L.A. Knight!
00:29:34Well, this has to be the people's joint for 2024 King of the Ring, the megastar has landed.
00:29:44L.A. Knight definitely has his eyes fixed on the crown, but the path will not get any easier for the megastar this evening.
00:29:54L.A. Knight, of course, getting past Santos Escobar in the first round,
00:29:59Tama Tonga knocking off Angelo Dawkins of the Street Profits.
00:30:04We're moments away from this quarterfinal matchup, the first of two tonight.
00:30:10We take another look at the intimidating Tama Tonga.
00:30:15We take another look at the intimidating Tama Tonga.
00:30:25What was that you said about a fan's favorite bad news?
00:30:28Yeah, I know the people pretty well. They're like me, they love the megastar.
00:30:34But I'll tell you this, you mentioned Haku a little earlier, formerly King Haku,
00:30:40that's some royal blood that has gone into Tama Tonga.
00:30:43Will we see a King of Tama Tonga in the not-too-distant future?
00:30:47Tama off of the opening bell, rushing at L.A. Knight, but Knight was prepared,
00:30:52and now the megastar bringing the fight to Tama Tonga, who escapes out the back.
00:31:00The sleeper hold applied, this could be over sooner than later for L.A. Knight.
00:31:04Much to the chagrin of the WWE Universe tonight in Jacksonville.
00:31:08If you see your opponent warming up with guttural, animalistic growls,
00:31:15panic mode has to kick in, and then you see this mob on the outside.
00:31:20That's a shot caller on the outside, Solo Sokoa.
00:31:24Tonga Loa, the brother of Tama Tonga.
00:31:28Tama just nearly took Knight's head clean off with a clothesline.
00:31:33Mentioned it before, not to insult Haku's parenting, but he didn't raise sons, he raised weapons.
00:31:38Well, this gentleman, if I may call him that, Tama Tonga,
00:31:42is nothing but a reckless, uncontrolled thug.
00:31:46And he has been a highly effective addition to the bloodline.
00:31:50I would say what Tama Tonga lacks in civility, he more than compensates with relentlessness.
00:31:55Well, hats off to the apparent interim leader of the bloodline, Solo Sokoa,
00:32:00for drafting in the reinforcements.
00:32:02The bloodline at one point after WrestleMania looked like they may have been in a death spiral,
00:32:08but have recovered magnificently.
00:32:11Well, Tama Tonga launched into the lights courtesy of L.A. Knight.
00:32:16You can almost feel Knight's confidence growing as this match progresses,
00:32:20as he inches ever closer to the king of the ring crown.
00:32:24Simply cannot take your eyes off the shots on the outside of this ring, however.
00:32:31The mere presence, and here we go, Corey.
00:32:35Solo Sokoa, the man who is calling the shots for the bloodline, Tonga Loa on the other side.
00:32:44L.A. Knight's attention understandably split.
00:32:47You've got so many lethal competitors surrounding you, but L.A. Knight needs to focus on Tama Tonga.
00:32:54From behind.
00:32:55Well, the actions of the bloodline at ringside have not been illegal,
00:32:58but what a handicap it has been on the megastar in this matchup.
00:33:03The mere presence of the bloodline is that big a threat.
00:33:08You've got a competitor with a motor like Tama Tonga, who is relentless, who is ruthless,
00:33:13who continues to soldier forward.
00:33:17Oh my god, case in point.
00:33:19Even L.A. Knight struggling to solve Tama Tonga.
00:33:25Can the megastar get back in this, or is it bloodline rules again?
00:33:32From the ViStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida,
00:33:36this is a king of the ring quarterfinals match,
00:33:39as the megastar L.A. Knight tries desperately to fight his way back into this encounter
00:33:45with Tama Tonga of the bloodline.
00:33:49We are bloodline!
00:33:52And ever since the bloodline got involved in this matchup,
00:33:56it has simply all been about Tama Tonga.
00:34:00Complete control, the butcher of the bloodline decimating the megastar before our eyes.
00:34:07The bludgeoning of fallen L.A. Knight in a clothesline to follow.
00:34:11Wade, I know you're about as big of an L.A. Knight fan as anyone walking the earth.
00:34:14How does Knight get back into this fight? Can L.A. Knight get back into this fight?
00:34:18You're almost dealing with an impossibility.
00:34:21You, to the personnel at ringside, we really haven't seen that much of Tama Tonga.
00:34:26What I have seen, I have been beyond impressed with him.
00:34:29But your question, how on earth can you find a window?
00:34:33Well, that might be it, Corey.
00:34:36L.A. Knight out of the way just in time to avoid the splash,
00:34:40but Tonga again, still the first to his feet.
00:34:43Still soldiering forward, but here comes the megastar.
00:34:49Megastar tapping into those reserves of energy from this audience.
00:34:54He needs every ounce of it right now.
00:34:59That's a cross body by Knight.
00:35:03Tama Tonga out of sorts for the first time in this matchup.
00:35:06L.A. Knight needs to try and finish this as quickly as possible,
00:35:10but with Tama Tonga on the outside, that seems unlikely.
00:35:13L.A. Knight doing the right thing here by continuing to pour on the punishment.
00:35:17Deliver an onslaught of offense for this maniacal Tonga.
00:35:23With every shot that L.A. Knight gives to Tama Tonga,
00:35:26understandably, he has to stare over at the bloodline
00:35:30to make sure they're not encroaching.
00:35:32You can see Tonga Loa wincing every time Tama Tonga's head made impact
00:35:37with the ring apron.
00:35:39The brother of Tama Tonga eager to inflict some punishment of his own
00:35:44on L.A. Knight.
00:35:45Tonga Loa is the muscle of this new format of the bloodline.
00:35:49Uh-oh, power slam!
00:35:51Very little he can do to help right now.
00:35:55L.A. Knight picking up the pieces, putting them back together,
00:35:59and Knight could be on the precipice of a win.
00:36:03The MFT Tama Tonga down in the center of the ring.
00:36:07L.A. Knight lining it up.
00:36:09Could we be in for a BFT?
00:36:12BFT! BFT! BFT!
00:36:15Wounds of war all over the body of L.A. Knight.
00:36:18Finish this quick, Megastar.
00:36:20Tonga Loa coming to the aid of his brother.
00:36:25Look out!
00:36:27Knight dropkicking Tonga Loa into the announce desk.
00:36:34Get your ass up!
00:36:36Come on up and do it.
00:36:37Back it up, Solo.
00:36:38Come on up and do it.
00:36:39Right there.
00:36:42Come on, back it up.
00:36:43There's a lot of bad blood between Solo Sokoa and the Megastar L.A. Knight,
00:36:47but keep your eyes on Tama Tonga, who may have just ended this L.A. Knight
00:36:52Keep your eyes on Tama Tonga, who may have just ended this L.A. Knight down.
00:36:57Tonga hooks the leg.
00:36:59Tama Tonga is going to the next round.
00:37:03Here is your winner, Tama Tonga!
00:37:08And we must continue counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of Tama Tonga's war cry.
00:37:15I simply cannot compliment the interim leader of the Bloodline enough.
00:37:20L.A. Knight was goading Solo Sokoa into punching him.
00:37:24Had Solo taken the bait, Tama Tonga would have been disqualified.
00:37:29No can do. That's great leadership from Solo Sokoa.
00:37:34I was about to draw attention to Paul Heyman as we take a look at the closing moments.
00:37:38Nothing pretty about that. Just a face full of Kansas for L.A. Knight.
00:37:43And this maniac, Tama Tonga, has punched his ticket to the next round,
00:37:49to the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
00:37:53Who will oppose Tonga? Will it be Orton? Will it be Hayes?
00:37:57We'll get our answer tonight.
00:37:59Tonight.
00:38:08Heyman.
00:38:09The ice has thinned under Heyman lately.
00:38:12But we're not slowing down because it's champion versus champion at King and Queen of the Ring next Saturday.
00:38:18But first off, Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul must meet face to face to sign the contract.
00:38:24And that is coming up next right here on SmackDown.
00:38:31In case you've been living under a rock.
00:38:34Professional wrestling is electrifying once again.
00:38:38WWE is on fire right now.
00:38:42And next year, we're bringing the show of shows.
00:38:46The Las Vegas.
00:38:48Vegas.
00:38:53WrestleMania in the entertainment capital of the world.
00:39:00Only question is, are you ready?
00:39:04T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T
00:39:34T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T
00:40:04T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T
00:40:34Ladies and gentlemen at this time allow me to introduce one half of the king and
00:40:40queen of the ring main event the United States champion Logan Paul
00:40:56a less than favorable response in the Jacksonville WWE universe for our United
00:41:02States champion but Wade you can't help but admit Logan Paul may be a little
00:41:07rough around the edges maybe a bit abrasive but the United States champion
00:41:11is the real deal
00:41:13What did he call himself last week? The rocket fuel that propels the WWE spaceship or something to that effect well I've
00:41:21got to agree with him on that since Logan Paul hit the scene a couple of
00:41:25years ago WWE has gone from strength to strength in large part because of the
00:41:30additional eyeball that this man his entourage and his natural star appeal
00:41:36brings to the show Logan Paul has the opportunity to continue his upward
00:41:40trajectory one week from tomorrow at King and Queen of the Ring in Jeddah
00:41:45Saudi Arabia as Cody Rhodes defends his undisputed WWE champion against Logan
00:41:51Paul who defends his WWE United States championship it's champion versus
00:41:56champion
00:42:00and now ladies and gentlemen please welcome the undisputed WWE champion
00:44:00Wade, do you remember when this arena used to have a roof on it? I remember when people used to use the seats in this arena too Corey!
00:44:12This is electric! What an ovation for the American nightmare!
00:44:30I've never forgotten my name!
00:44:32Don't follow me to the end!
00:44:36I am my kingdom!
00:44:38You try to tell me what to do!
00:44:42I'm gonna go to the end!
00:44:44Now this right over is my throne!
00:44:48Cody! Cody! Cody!
00:45:06So!
00:45:18Dude!
00:45:32Jacksonville what do you guys want to talk about?
00:45:38Oh!
00:45:40I love this place!
00:45:42You all know that!
00:45:44You know it's brought to my attention
00:45:46and I want to ask you
00:45:48on this day
00:45:5032 years ago
00:45:52on this day
00:45:54Logan do you have any idea what happened
00:45:56on these grounds with which we sit right now?
00:46:00I didn't expect you to
00:46:04don't think you were born yet
00:46:06but
00:46:08the reason I know
00:46:10and the reason
00:46:12for you not knowing is
00:46:14important
00:46:16see 32 years ago to the day
00:46:18right here in Jacksonville Florida
00:46:20was War Games
00:46:221992
00:46:24There's a stinger squadron against the dangerous alliance
00:46:30it is widely considered
00:46:32the best War Games match of all time
00:46:34again the reason that I know this
00:46:38is because just like
00:46:46just like this lady with the
00:46:48my dogs love to wrestle sign
00:46:54just like my friend
00:46:56all the way at the tippy top
00:46:58up there
00:47:02just like you
00:47:04shouting out the answer
00:47:06oh see
00:47:08the reason I know
00:47:10all this Logan is because
00:47:12like them
00:47:14I am a fan of professional wrestling
00:47:16I am a fan
00:47:18of what I do
00:47:24and you're not a fan
00:47:26the only way I know how to describe you
00:47:28is
00:47:30a tourist
00:47:32you're passing through
00:47:34you're making viral memories
00:47:36and I think it is time to get off the train
00:47:38I think it is time
00:47:40when you do get off the train
00:47:42to drop that United States Championship
00:47:44making me for the first time
00:47:46ever in my career
00:47:48Cody Rhodes a WWE
00:47:50Grand Slam
00:47:52Champion
00:47:58Cody you're saying
00:48:00the same thing that the last guy said
00:48:02and the same thing that the guy said before him
00:48:04I've heard
00:48:12we've heard it
00:48:14I don't understand what you're doing
00:48:16are you stalling right now
00:48:18because I didn't come here to listen to you
00:48:20talk Cody Rhodes
00:48:24I came here to sign a contract
00:48:38I came here to sign a contract
00:48:40to wrestle you Cody
00:48:50USA! USA! USA!
00:48:52USA! USA! USA!
00:48:54USA! USA! USA!
00:48:56USA! USA! USA!
00:48:58USA! USA! USA!
00:49:00USA! USA! USA!
00:49:02USA!
00:49:04What a horrible crowd
00:49:10I'm gonna do what I came here to do
00:49:12let's sign a contract Cody
00:49:20I'm looking at the contract here
00:49:22it all looks
00:49:24look it's all here
00:49:26it's all here
00:49:28there's just one little thing here
00:49:38USA! USA! USA!
00:49:40USA! USA! USA!
00:49:42USA! USA! USA!
00:49:44USA! USA! USA!
00:49:46USA! USA! USA!
00:49:48USA! USA! USA!
00:49:50USA! USA! USA!
00:49:52USA! USA! USA!
00:49:54USA! USA! USA!
00:49:56USA! USA! USA!
00:49:58USA! USA! USA!
00:50:00USA! USA! USA!
00:50:02USA! USA! USA!
00:50:04USA! USA! USA!
00:50:06USA! USA! USA!
00:50:08USA! USA! USA!
00:50:10USA! USA! USA!
00:50:12USA! USA! USA!
00:50:14USA! USA! USA!
00:50:16I had my litigator
00:50:18Jim Guillory, one of the best lawyers in the country
00:50:22draw up a contract that we made
00:50:28so look, this one looks good to me
00:50:30here's the bottom line, Cody
00:50:32your contract is on the line
00:50:34mine isn't
00:50:36Nick, get this done!
00:50:38come on Nick, do your job
00:50:40have Cody sign the contract
00:50:42it's executed
00:50:44it's done
00:50:50you know what Logan
00:50:52I've had just about enough of you
00:50:54and your broccoli haired entourage
00:50:56this isn't what we agreed to
00:50:58this isn't what we agreed to in my office
00:51:00I know it, you know it
00:51:02your lawyer knows it
00:51:04this isn't what we agreed to
00:51:06I know it, you know it
00:51:08your lawyer knows it
00:51:10it's bad business, it's unprofessional
00:51:12and I won't stand for it
00:51:18excuse me
00:51:20are you threatening my client?
00:51:28ok, ok, ok
00:51:30hold up, hold up Nick
00:51:32I've known you for a long time
00:51:34I know you're angry
00:51:36listen, Smackdown is an outstanding job
00:51:38don't let anyone convince you
00:51:40that you're not doing a great job
00:51:42you're doing a great job
00:51:48they put us all on the spot here
00:51:50do me a favor
00:51:52let me and Logan
00:51:54let me finish up the paperwork here
00:51:56and I'll bring it by your office
00:51:58let us have the ring
00:52:00and I'll take care of this
00:52:02situation for the evening
00:52:04thank you very much Nick
00:52:06it's all good
00:52:16hey Jacksonville, here's the hard truth
00:52:18I signed the contract
00:52:20it's done
00:52:22the match is made
00:52:26I got some news for you
00:52:28you might not like it
00:52:30Cody Rhodes
00:52:32has not done anything
00:52:34to deserve a shot at my
00:52:36United States Championship
00:52:42for real Cody, what have you done?
00:52:44because I have proven
00:52:46every single time that I'm in this ring
00:52:48that I am worthy of every title
00:52:50in this industry
00:52:56you can't say the same
00:52:58about Jake Paul's next victim
00:53:00Mike Tyson would say
00:53:02sign the contract
00:53:04big boy
00:53:20let me tell you something
00:53:22you fly by night, human hat rack
00:53:24here's the situation
00:53:28the honeymoon
00:53:30with you is over
00:53:32I've seen you do a flip
00:53:34after our match at King and Queen of the Ring
00:53:36you will find out exactly
00:53:38who Logan Paul is
00:53:40on the inside
00:53:42and you mention Mike Tyson
00:53:44good, because in 8 days
00:53:46a WWE Hall of Famer is going to knock your brother out
00:53:48and in Saudi Arabia
00:53:52a future
00:53:54WWE Hall of Famer
00:53:56is going to beat you
00:53:58so you want me to sign the contract?
00:54:00is that what you want?
00:54:08Logan looking for a cheat shot
00:54:10for the United States
00:54:12Championship on the floor
00:54:18Cody Rhodes is on a rampage
00:54:26hey guys get in there
00:54:36that is mine
00:54:44that is mine
00:54:50certainly some dishonorable business practices
00:54:52executed by
00:54:54the United States Champion
00:54:56Logan Paul
00:54:58off the line
00:55:00at King and Queen of the Ring
00:55:02but one thing remains certain
00:55:04Logan Paul and Cody Rhodes showdown
00:55:06one week from Saturday
00:55:08let's send it backstage to our very own
00:55:10Cathy Kelton
00:55:14thanks Corey, I'm here with the irresistible force
00:55:16Nia Jax and Nia earlier tonight
00:55:18we heard from Jade Cargill
00:55:20what is your response to
00:55:22Jade Cargill
00:55:23well Cathy just stop it
00:55:25of course Jade has to hype herself up
00:55:27you hear all these things
00:55:29Jade is so strong
00:55:33Jade is so impressive
00:55:36Jade is going to be
00:55:40Jade is going to be the Queen of The Ring
00:55:42and she is not
00:55:48Jade Cargill is not going to be Queen of the Ring
00:55:50Nia Jax will be your new Queen of the Ring.
00:56:20From San Diego, California, Nia Jax!
00:56:26A cold declaration moments ago from the irresistible force, Nia Jax, declaring she will be the
00:56:34Queen of the Ring, but Nia's got to get past Jade Cardio first.
00:56:41Weekend on Fox as the push for the playoffs is underway.
00:56:44Tomorrow, the Memphis Showboats take on the Michigan Panthers.
00:56:47Then on Sunday, the Arlington Renegades battle the San Antonio Brahmas, all on Fox and the
00:56:53Fox Sports app.
00:57:00This is a Queen of the Ring quarterfinal matchup.
00:57:09A storm is coming.
00:57:17And to her opponent, from Vero Beach, Florida, she is one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team
00:57:42Champion, Jade Cardio!
00:57:50Well, bad news.
00:57:51Jade would love to advance past this matchup and step into the ring with her Women's Tag
00:57:58Team Championship partner to EST, Bianca Belair.
00:58:02But with that said, Jade Cardio has the unenviable past of trying to make it past the irresistible
00:58:09force, Nia Jax, who has been on an absolute tear since arriving on Friday Night SmackDown.
00:58:15Yes, she has.
00:58:17But hats off to Cardio.
00:58:18She passed a massive physical test last week in the form of Piper Niven to get herself
00:58:24through to this quarterfinal.
00:58:27However, you're right, Corey.
00:58:28I have to agree.
00:58:29Nia Jax is a completely new level of brute force.
00:58:33Well, Nia had an encounter with Jade Cardio in this year's Royal Rumble match.
00:58:38It left Nia Jax, quite frankly, humiliated.
00:58:41Nia looking to serve up a little vengeance tonight in this Green of the Ring quarterfinals
00:58:46matchup.
00:58:50Not only is Nia Jax not buying into the hype train behind Jade Cardio, Nia wants to derail
00:58:56the entire train.
00:58:59And Jax, with two displays of power, off the opening bell.
00:59:03Nobody home.
00:59:08Off the bat.
00:59:09Two alpha females refusing to take a backwards step from one another.
00:59:19Oh my goodness.
00:59:20Look at Nia.
00:59:22Imposing her will on Jade.
00:59:24Jade Cardio really used to being thrown around like this.
00:59:32That was too far.
00:59:33Nia Jax taking a moment to insult Jade's daughter.
00:59:37And Cardio going to make Jax pay.
00:59:39Jade Cardio's daughter is braver than most.
00:59:42And now she's getting a ringside seat to see mommy get beaten up.
00:59:46If you had those genetics, would you not be braver than you are?
00:59:48Because I know I would.
00:59:49Not in the face of Nia Jax, that's for sure.
00:59:52Nia looking to finish the task.
00:59:54And again, Jax sent spilling to the outside.
00:59:57Got a fired up mommy coming after Nia Jax.
01:00:01Face first off our announce table goes Nia Jax.
01:00:04Nia Jax Jade now.
01:00:07Bouncing Nia off the ring apron.
01:00:09Here comes Cargill.
01:00:11Nobody home.
01:00:13Both women going hell for leather from the word go.
01:00:16Completely ignoring the official.
01:00:24You can see the look in Nia's eyes.
01:00:26That is a woman who means business.
01:00:28That is a woman who wants the throne.
01:00:30Who wants the crown.
01:00:31And is going to stop at absolutely nothing to get it.
01:00:34What is Nia thinking?
01:00:36I dread to think, Corey.
01:00:37This is absolute bedlam at ringside.
01:00:40Jax rearranging the furniture here at ringside.
01:00:43And has a steel chair.
01:00:45Nia's going to get herself disqualified.
01:00:49Jade.
01:00:52Oh!
01:00:55But that's...
01:00:57That's going to cause a disqualification.
01:01:02Here is your winner by disqualification.
01:01:06Nia Jax.
01:01:08I understand Jade Cargill being beside herself with anger.
01:01:11Got herself eliminated from the queen of the ring tournament.
01:01:15Goaded into it by Nia Jax.
01:01:17And this ain't stopping.
01:01:18These two women may flatten the entire town of Jacksonville.
01:01:22Get some security out here.
01:01:24Oh God!
01:01:25Both women spilling back over the barricade to ringside.
01:01:29Nia Jax and Jade Cargill.
01:01:31This is a female kaiju fight on SmackDown.
01:01:34My God!
01:01:35Now the referee is finally trying to do his job and separate these two.
01:01:39Too late.
01:01:40To hell with that.
01:01:41Let them fight.
01:01:42You ain't going to stop them.
01:01:43I'm not going to stop them.
01:01:44Well, this referee definitely isn't stopping.
01:01:46Oh God!
01:01:49This is an absolute meltdown here.
01:01:53Cargill.
01:01:54Get some help out here.
01:01:55Thank God.
01:01:56Here come the parade of zebras.
01:01:57The officials coming out the ringside.
01:01:59I don't know if they're going to do anything.
01:02:10Nia Jax and Jade Cargill.
01:02:14Highly enraged.
01:02:15Jade Cargill at last.
01:02:17But look at Nia Jax grinning from ear to ear.
01:02:21It didn't go according to plan,
01:02:23but the desired result was achieved for Jax.
01:02:26But here comes Jade.
01:02:28There's multiple ways you can beat people.
01:02:31Nia Jax was the smart veteran in that moment.
01:02:35But this one is a long way from over.
01:02:38Jade's emotions just got the best of her.
01:02:45This box is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
01:02:48Save when you bundle auto, home, or motorcycle insurance.
01:02:54What a wild night it has been thus far on Friday Night SmackDown
01:02:58as we await tag team action and the arrival of D.I.Y.
01:03:08The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
01:03:15Introducing Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
01:03:22D.I.Y.
01:03:24Oh wait, we are not about to enjoy this tag team matchup on our own.
01:03:28We are joined here at the commentary desk
01:03:31by our reigning WWE Tag Team Champion, Austin Theory,
01:03:35Grayson Waller, A-Town Down Under.
01:03:38Gentlemen, welcome to ringside.
01:03:41The greatest undefeated tag team champions of all time.
01:03:44What a treat for you guys. You're welcome.
01:03:46We're bringing some entertainment for the show for once.
01:03:48You are welcome here whenever you like.
01:03:50Let me ask you right off the bat.
01:03:51How is the championship schedule treating you two?
01:03:54Mate, we had to come to Jacksonville. That sucks.
01:03:57You gotta do what you gotta do.
01:03:59I'll give credit where it's due.
01:04:00I saw the champions first thing this morning bright and early
01:04:02coming back from doing media in Jacksonville.
01:04:05These guys were working hard, Bad News.
01:04:07The news wants us.
01:04:09I'm just here so I don't get fined, you know?
01:04:12Here we see Johnny Gargano starting things off
01:04:14with Birdo of Legato Del Fantasma.
01:04:17D.I.Y. New arrivals here on Friday Night SmackDown
01:04:20in the 2024 draft.
01:04:22Wade, how can a change of scenery benefit a superstar?
01:04:25In this case, a tag team.
01:04:26Well, if you look at D.I.Y., they're two guys
01:04:28who had a hell of a lot of success in NXT.
01:04:31Two of the pillars of NXT won tag gold there
01:04:33amongst other championships.
01:04:35Haven't quite reproduced that kind of form since moving to Raw
01:04:38on SmackDown.
01:04:39Change of scenery, though, can change things.
01:04:41Cover here by Birdo.
01:04:42Completely.
01:04:43Especially when you know you have the backing
01:04:45of the general manager, Nick Aldis,
01:04:46who selected you two in the draft.
01:04:48Big plans.
01:04:49I would be remiss to not ask the champions.
01:04:51In your world view as the kingpin of the tag team division,
01:04:54what are you seeing on SmackDown?
01:04:55Cover here by Birdo.
01:04:57That has impressed you.
01:04:58Has any team stood out thus far?
01:05:00You know who impresses me on SmackDown?
01:05:01Tell me.
01:05:02Grayson Waller.
01:05:03Yeah, and Austin Theory's pretty good.
01:05:05You got these two co-ops who did well in NXT.
01:05:07Congrats.
01:05:08These are the major leagues, lads.
01:05:09Keep cosplaying as your bosses.
01:05:10Maybe you'll get something good.
01:05:12There we see the mechanical marvel.
01:05:13Johnny Gargano, takedown, and Birdo.
01:05:15Here comes Gargano.
01:05:17You two might be talking a little trash.
01:05:19You have to think the potential future championship implications
01:05:23based on the winners of this match.
01:05:25You guys need a new number one contender,
01:05:27someone who wins this.
01:05:28Maybe Nick Aldis might think to themselves,
01:05:30yeah, those are the guys.
01:05:32Everybody that I'm seeing in front of me in this ring right now,
01:05:35none of them are on our level.
01:05:36None of them.
01:05:37Big clothesline by Tommaso Ciampa,
01:05:39taking down Birdo.
01:05:40Now Angel legal for Legado.
01:05:42More tag team offense from DIY.
01:05:46Hey, calm down, lads.
01:05:47We're down here.
01:05:48Hey, stay over there, please.
01:05:50Uh-oh, uh-oh.
01:05:51Stereo suicide dives by Gargano and Ciampa.
01:05:55Ooh.
01:06:01A-Town down, refusing to clap along with DIY.
01:06:04Now let me ask you, Theory,
01:06:06you've got a little history with Johnny Gargano in particular
01:06:08from your days in the way together.
01:06:11Yeah, tell me, what do you think, Theory?
01:06:12I remember those days in the way.
01:06:14Never being a champion.
01:06:15Never having huge moments.
01:06:16But what happened?
01:06:18I left the way.
01:06:19I had huge moments.
01:06:20And look at me now.
01:06:21Angel legal for Legado Del Fantasma.
01:06:26DIY just lost control of this one.
01:06:29Do you know what this means?
01:06:33Tag team action continues on Friday Night SmackDown
01:06:36as DIY battles Legado Del Fantasma.
01:06:39We are joined at ringside by the reigning WWE Tag Team Champions,
01:06:43Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
01:06:45A-Town down under as Ciampa looks to make a tag.
01:06:50Birdo thwarted the attempt.
01:06:52And Legado maintains control of this one.
01:06:56Still, Tommaso Ciampa keeps swinging away.
01:06:59What a cardio machine.
01:07:01Even you two at ringside have to be impressed with Tommaso Ciampa.
01:07:04Look at this. Look at this.
01:07:05Rest. Rest is a big word.
01:07:07And Birdo.
01:07:08Oh, they've been working on this, Corey.
01:07:10And the Garza Special.
01:07:12And that may be the end of DIY.
01:07:15Right on the chin of Ciampa.
01:07:17Hooks the leg.
01:07:18Birdo.
01:07:19Birdo.
01:07:20See, here's the thing.
01:07:21DIY, they're like those guys who peaked in college.
01:07:24They were real good in college.
01:07:25They were real good in NXT.
01:07:26But now they're in the leagues.
01:07:27They can't handle it against these big guys.
01:07:28They can't handle it against Legado.
01:07:30They can't handle it against us.
01:07:31It's kind of sad to see.
01:07:33You peaked in college, too.
01:07:34Didn't you, Wade?
01:07:35Say you, bro.
01:07:36Come on, mate.
01:07:37Peaked in college?
01:07:38We didn't even go to college, right?
01:07:40We didn't have to.
01:07:41We don't have them in Australia yet.
01:07:43We're working on it.
01:07:44A seesaw suplex battle between Ciampa and Birdo.
01:07:47Which of these two superstars will get the upper hand?
01:07:51It's Ciampa.
01:07:53Ah, whatever.
01:07:54Yeah, a battle of wills.
01:07:56You will rarely bet against Tommaso Ciampa.
01:07:59The man is as gritty as they come.
01:08:02But even he needs this tag in the worst way.
01:08:05I'll bet against him.
01:08:06Here comes the mechanical marvel Johnny Gargano.
01:08:10Swinging at everything that moves.
01:08:12Grayson Waller's favorite wrestler.
01:08:16Face first goes Birdo.
01:08:19And Johnny Wrestling is feeling it.
01:08:23Up and over to the outside.
01:08:25Birdo out of the way.
01:08:26Here he comes.
01:08:27There's a spear from Johnny.
01:08:29Slingshot spear.
01:08:31Taking out Garza on the outside.
01:08:35I can't stand this, Blake.
01:08:36I don't know why people cheer him.
01:08:37Yeah, look at him.
01:08:38Well, we're getting the greatest hits of Johnny Gargano.
01:08:41And it might just be for you two to watch.
01:08:43Oh, wait a minute.
01:08:44On the apron, far side of the ring.
01:08:46Doing some safety.
01:08:47Safety issues.
01:08:48Electra.
01:08:49Oh, very smart.
01:08:50That rope was very, that was a slippery rope.
01:08:52Electra Lopez jarring the footing of Gargano.
01:08:56It was an accident.
01:08:57Why was he going to the top?
01:08:58Ref, it was an accident.
01:09:00No.
01:09:01Ref.
01:09:02Oh, that's a terrible decision.
01:09:04That's a terrible decision.
01:09:05Come on.
01:09:06Oh, no.
01:09:08Not this.
01:09:09No, no, no, no.
01:09:10Meet me in the middle.
01:09:13Cover by Gargano.
01:09:16One, two, three.
01:09:21Here are your winners, B-R-Y.
01:09:28Well, the champs wasting no time getting off of their headsets
01:09:31to mock and ridicule D-I-Y.
01:09:37D-I-Y hungry for championship opportunities.
01:09:40They may have just gotten themselves a little bit closer to one.
01:09:43And a town down.
01:09:45Down under is tag goal.
01:09:47There's no doubt about it.
01:09:49Impressive showing tonight for D-I-Y on Friday Night SmackDown.
01:09:53I want to take a second to apologize for a technical glitch we saw
01:09:56just before the commercial break.
01:09:57Recently, we've seen it as well.
01:09:59It's not just you at home.
01:10:00There have been random QR codes popping up everywhere.
01:10:03Time and time again.
01:10:04Look, I've asked the locker room.
01:10:05I've asked management.
01:10:06I've asked producers.
01:10:07No one seems to have a clue what on earth is going on.
01:10:09Well, there was a QR code this past Monday night on Raw,
01:10:11which led to this happening on WWE's Twitch channels.
01:10:19Hi.
01:10:23Really good to see you.
01:10:27I just want to check in after our last meeting
01:10:29and see how things have been going for you.
01:10:33Unfortunately, much like yourselves,
01:10:35we are left with more questions than answers.
01:10:37We'll do our best to keep you posted.
01:10:38I just seem to remember what happened the last time the QR codes started showing up.
01:10:42Hey, either way, let's send it backstage to our very own Byron Saxton,
01:10:45who's standing by.
01:10:49Thank you so much, guys.
01:10:50AJ Styles, it's no secret you've had a challenging couple weeks here in WWE.
01:10:56With that in mind, where do you go from here?
01:11:03Where do I go from here?
01:11:06You saw the match in Lyon, France.
01:11:09Backlash, Cody Rhodes, AJ Styles.
01:11:11Unbelievable.
01:11:14I was this close, and I lost.
01:11:18Then I had a chance to redeem myself.
01:11:20King of the Ring tournament, and I lost in the first round to Randy Orton.
01:11:28Where do I go from here?
01:11:33I go to Nick Alder's office,
01:11:37and we'll find out where we go from there.
01:11:41Thank you, AJ.
01:11:45AJ Styles has a lot on his mind,
01:11:48and this is the man who got past Styles to advance in the tournament.
01:11:53The following is a quarter finals match
01:11:57in the King of the Ring tournament.
01:12:01Introducing first, from St. Louis, Missouri,
01:12:05weighing in at 275 pounds,
01:12:09the Viper, Randy Orton!
01:12:17A 14-time World Heavyweight Champion.
01:12:20Almost too many other titles to count.
01:12:23The one honor that has eluded Orton,
01:12:26the King of the Ring crown.
01:12:29That could all change in the next few moments.
01:12:35But this past weekend, the Viper was cage-side
01:12:39with our good friends over on the ring.
01:12:43Randy Orton was about as big an attraction
01:12:46as the Fikes themselves.
01:12:48And even one of their top prospects,
01:12:50Joaquin Buckley, won his fight
01:12:53and goes over to celebrate with the Viper.
01:12:56Randy Orton, USP, showing their love
01:12:59to one of the greatest to ever do it here in WWE.
01:13:04Well, it all goes down in a matter of moments
01:13:07as the Viper goes one-on-one with a new upstart
01:13:10here on Friday Night SmackDown.
01:13:12A man who has ruffled as many vines
01:13:14as he can in the ring.
01:13:16Randy Orton, USP, showing their love
01:13:19to one of the greatest to ever do it here in WWE.
01:13:34Carmelo Hayes looks to throw his legend
01:13:37at the expense of the Viper in our quarterfinals match.
01:13:46Orton Hayes, next.
01:13:57Bayley, I know you had your eyes on Jade Cargill
01:14:00in the Queen of the Ring tournament,
01:14:02but after what happened out there,
01:14:04do you have a new prediction?
01:14:06I mean, man, it's packed now.
01:14:07Now we got Nia and Bianca and we got...
01:14:12P, wake up!
01:14:13Queen Bayley's done speaking.
01:14:15Oh, thank goodness for that.
01:14:17You, Miss Bayley, are the only reason
01:14:19that Piper lost last week because you
01:14:21sprinkled your bad Bayley juju all over us.
01:14:25Thank you.
01:14:26You know what?
01:14:27We actually don't have time to talk right now,
01:14:29so let's talk next week, okay?
01:14:32Let's talk in the ring.
01:14:33That sounds good.
01:14:34I'll see you next week.
01:14:41Sounds like Bayley has issued a challenge
01:14:43for next week, and we know this much is true.
01:14:46The semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament
01:14:49take place next Friday with the EST Bianca Belair
01:14:53battling the irresistible force Nia Jax.
01:14:56Spandu Bali, I like it.
01:14:57And the Bloodlines Tamatonga has already qualified.
01:15:01Will he meet the winner of tonight's main event?
01:15:05Either Carmelo Hayes or Randy Orton
01:15:08in the King of the Ring semifinals next week
01:15:12here on SmackDown from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
01:15:16For Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes,
01:15:19the time is now.
01:15:32You want your shot?
01:15:33Well, I guess you wait till next year.
01:15:35I'm at the top, get respect while I get big.
01:15:38Who got a problem, huh?
01:15:39Tell them to step here.
01:15:46And his opponent from Boston, Massachusetts,
01:15:50weighing in at 210 pounds,
01:15:54Carmelo Hayes!
01:15:59Some would say that Carmelo Hayes is brash,
01:16:01but, Wade, Carmelo has certainly proven to be
01:16:04as advertised since being drafted from NXT.
01:16:07Well, what a debut here on SmackDown it was
01:16:10against Cody Rhodes, of all people.
01:16:12The entire world simply had to sit up
01:16:14and take notice that Carmelo Hayes
01:16:17has arrived on the big stage,
01:16:20and he truly is, as he says, his.
01:16:23Well, we're talking about taking notice.
01:16:25How about this, Wade?
01:16:26Individual event tickets for Friday Night SmackDown
01:16:29and Clash at the Castle at the Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland
01:16:33on Friday, June 14th and Saturday, June 15th
01:16:36are on sale now via Ticketmaster.co.uk.
01:16:44Friday and Saturday night in Glasgow, Scotland.
01:16:47Welcome to hell, and I mean that lovingly.
01:16:50What a season.
01:16:51They turn up losing Glasgow.
01:16:53I don't know what's the worst that could happen back there.
01:16:55An Englishman out in Glasgow,
01:16:57not necessarily a good thing.
01:16:58You've got to look after me that night.
01:17:00Well, let's talk about the task at hand.
01:17:01This King of the Ring quarterfinals matchup.
01:17:04A legend, a surefire Hall of Famer in Randy Orton
01:17:08against a young upstart on Friday Night SmackDown.
01:17:11Carmelo Hayes is eager to earn the respect of the locker room.
01:17:15In fact, Carmelo has basically demanded it.
01:17:18Is there any better way to gain respect
01:17:20from the whole locker room
01:17:21than taking down someone the caliber of Orton?
01:17:24I actually spoke to Carmelo Hayes earlier today.
01:17:27He told me he has zero apprehension
01:17:30about stepping in with the legendary Randy Orton.
01:17:33He also told me he was ready for this moment two years ago
01:17:37and blames WWE management for holding him back.
01:17:41Well, case in point,
01:17:42Carmelo made sure everybody knew how he feels
01:17:44because Carmelo found me backstage earlier today
01:17:46to tell me that he's studied more Randy Orton
01:17:50than even the Viper himself.
01:17:52Carmelo said he is a student of the game.
01:17:54There is nothing Orton hasn't done or can do
01:17:57that I can't do better or counter.
01:17:59What a claim, man.
01:18:01I've been in the ring with Randy Orton many times.
01:18:04I didn't get close to matching his ability.
01:18:07It's very few who have made that claim,
01:18:09and that is insane.
01:18:11Carmelo, you might want to just take your stuff
01:18:13out of the locker room now, man.
01:18:16Oh, dear.
01:18:18The entire facial structure of Randy Orton just changed.
01:18:22I ain't worried about these dudes.
01:18:23He changed the definition of him
01:18:25to that dude about to get taken out
01:18:28by the Apex Predator.
01:18:34I like the size disparity between these two athletes,
01:18:37but Carmelo certainly packs a punch,
01:18:40but Orton just imposing his will.
01:18:44Come on, Hayes.
01:18:45Welcome to old-school Randy Orton.
01:18:48This ain't the happy version we've seen in recent months.
01:18:51My God.
01:18:53We used to call this intermittent anger disorder
01:18:56or something like that.
01:18:58I think there was an explosive issue in there somewhere.
01:19:01Same effect, regardless of what it was.
01:19:04Carmelo Hayes is finding out firsthand
01:19:07why you do not mess with the Viper.
01:19:09Well, Wade, I think you and I have watched enough
01:19:11Randy Orton to know that, at this point,
01:19:13we should probably move.
01:19:16The announce table,
01:19:17a.k.a. Randy Orton's sometime tag partner.
01:19:22All yours, Randy.
01:19:29Oh.
01:19:35Nimble moves from Carmelo Hayes,
01:19:38but you've got to back it up with something.
01:19:42Well, that happens.
01:19:51Now, this is all about the Viper
01:19:53laying out Carmelo Hayes smartly.
01:19:56The veteran breaking that count.
01:19:58Got a match to win here
01:20:00to get himself through to the semifinals.
01:20:03And Carmelo Hayes has simply infuriated,
01:20:06angered the Viper.
01:20:08And now he is paying the price for it.
01:20:17Carmelo Hayes in a world of hurt.
01:20:19Can he get back into this quarterfinal matchup?
01:20:27Randy Orton not done yet.
01:20:29Enough damage done to our table.
01:20:31And perhaps for the spine of Carmelo Hayes,
01:20:35Randy Orton in full effect here.
01:20:37Or perhaps on his way to the semifinals.
01:20:41This is a king of the ring quarterfinals match
01:20:44live from the ViStar Veterans Memorial Arena
01:20:47in Jacksonville, Florida.
01:20:48The Viper, Randy Orton, one-on-one with Carmelo Hayes.
01:20:52And Hayes has been in complete control
01:20:54for the past several moments,
01:20:55including throughout the break.
01:20:57Yeah, and hats off to Carmelo Hayes
01:20:59for riding out that early storm
01:21:01and coming back at the Viper with offense like this.
01:21:05This is a man, Carmelo Hayes,
01:21:07who is showing his durability
01:21:09against one of the greatest we have ever seen here in WWE.
01:21:13Durability is a great, great descriptor
01:21:16of what we're seeing from Carmelo Hayes tonight.
01:21:19Moments ago, Hayes was launched into our announce table
01:21:22multiple times by Randy Orton.
01:21:24Took out all of our microphones,
01:21:25took mine out for a minute.
01:21:26It was absolute chaos.
01:21:28But Hayes has been able to rally
01:21:30and take down the Viper.
01:21:32I thought Hayes had made a massive mistake
01:21:34by angering the Viper early on.
01:21:36He's used that to his advantage now.
01:21:38Randy overcommitted in his attacks
01:21:41with that anger.
01:21:44And now Carmelo Hayes navigated himself back on top
01:21:47and is attacking the leg of the Viper.
01:21:49Intermittent explosive disorder.
01:21:51There we go.
01:21:52It was about 15 years ago.
01:21:53My memory's a little hazy.
01:21:55Kicked in the face by Randy Orton
01:21:57amongst others in that time.
01:21:58Carmelo Hayes looking to capitalize
01:22:00on what AJ Styles started last week,
01:22:03focusing his attack on Randy Orton's knee.
01:22:06It's a smart strategy by Carmelo Hayes.
01:22:10Orton out of the way just in time.
01:22:12Carmelo Hayes isn't used to this level of competition.
01:22:16Hats off to his time in NXT,
01:22:18but this is the absolute tippy-top level
01:22:23against a man who simply transcends generations.
01:22:28A man who transcends generations
01:22:30is arguably as large as he's ever been in his career.
01:22:33As we see Orton fletching at his knee again.
01:22:36Randy wanted the snap power slam,
01:22:38one of his go-tos.
01:22:40And Hayes was a step ahead.
01:22:43Hayes is admiring his handiwork.
01:22:46The cogs are turning in the mind of In.
01:22:49And he's planning how to dismantle...
01:22:52I think Carmelo tried to punt Randy Orton
01:22:55and caught a power slam for his trouble.
01:22:58Cover by Randy.
01:23:01Orton perhaps baiting in the youngster there,
01:23:04knowing exactly what the cocky Carmelo Hayes
01:23:07was going to try and pull off.
01:23:12Just that quickly,
01:23:13Orton has turned the tides back into his own favor.
01:23:18Mentioned it before,
01:23:19that motivator for Randy Orton
01:23:21having never won the king of the ring in his entire career.
01:23:27Kick to the knee yet again by Hayes.
01:23:31Oh my!
01:23:32Down goes Orton.
01:23:33Hook of the leg by Carmelo Hayes.
01:23:37It was a patented first 48 move from Carmelo Hayes.
01:23:41Won a litany of matches in NXT with that exact move.
01:23:45Not quite enough to put away the Viper.
01:23:48Look at Hayes now trying to...
01:23:51dismantle the protected wrap on the knee of Randy Orton.
01:23:55Yeah, Hayes the high flyer, the technician,
01:23:57but man can he go downright nasty when he needs to.
01:24:04Carmelo now lining up Randy Orton.
01:24:08Stalking...
01:24:10from the top rope.
01:24:15I think Hayes was thinking about nothing but net.
01:24:18Orton sensed it coming,
01:24:19and you can watch all the tape you want,
01:24:21but you can't stop this Mr. Hayes.
01:24:25Vintage Orton!
01:24:26Spiked right on the top of the head of Carmelo Hayes.
01:24:31On a slow moving Randy Orton,
01:24:33now perhaps has Carmelo Hayes exactly where he wants him.
01:24:38And a chance of RKO beginning to echo throughout the arena.
01:24:51The Viper is coiled.
01:24:54Injured wheel and all.
01:24:59RKO!
01:25:01Rolled up!
01:25:02Hayes has Orton stacked!
01:25:04Rolled up!
01:25:05Hayes has Orton stacked!
01:25:06What a smart move by Carmelo Hayes.
01:25:08He told you he'd studied the Viper.
01:25:11Great counter by Randy.
01:25:16RKO!
01:25:19From out of nowhere!
01:25:23You just cannot teach that kind of timing.
01:25:27One!
01:25:28Two!
01:25:29Three!
01:25:33Here is your winner,
01:25:35The Viper,
01:25:37Randy
01:25:39Orton!
01:25:43The Viper takes the next step.
01:25:48Moving to the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
01:25:54Hats off to Carmelo Hayes,
01:25:56the newcomer who was there every step of the way
01:25:59with the Viper, Randy Orton.
01:26:03But it was the veteran,
01:26:04the man who's already won almost everything,
01:26:07who progresses.
01:26:08There's the first 48 by Hayes.
01:26:10Into the cover.
01:26:11The best shot Carmelo had all match.
01:26:15But Orton was able to survive.
01:26:18Orton was able to overcome.
01:26:20And Randy was able to deliver an RKO.
01:26:25Where from, Wade?
01:26:27From out of nowhere!
01:26:30Boom!
01:26:31Absolutely incredible.
01:26:33And look who Randy gets to face in the semifinals, Wade.
01:26:38Exactly who he would have wanted.
01:26:41He gets Tama Tonga off the bloodline.
01:26:45Well, Daffy Kelley's in the ring with Randy Orton.
01:26:50Randy, congratulations.
01:26:52Punching your ticket to the semifinals.
01:26:57We know what the battle drums mean.
01:27:00They are here in full effect.
01:27:03The bloodline has arrived.
01:27:09This is a worn down Viper with a bad will.
01:27:12Think back to backlash.
01:27:14Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on.
01:27:17Are you meaning to tell me right now
01:27:19the bloodline is going to come out and try to intimidate me?
01:27:22Ladies and gentlemen, maybe the bloodline forgot who exactly I am.
01:27:28Let me reintroduce you to me.
01:27:31My name is Randy freaking Orton.
01:27:34I am a four time, 14 time world heavyweight champion
01:27:38and soon to be king of the ring.
01:27:42And since we're doing introductions,
01:27:45Tama, next week in Saudi Arabia
01:27:48I'm going to introduce my foot directly up your ass.
01:27:55Following that, I will reintroduce you
01:27:58to the three most deadly, dangerous letters in sports entertainment.
01:28:04R.K.O.
01:28:09Orton is ready. Tonga is ready.
01:28:11We'll see you next week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.