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00:00:00Then, now, forever, together.
00:00:311, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
00:00:37Let them know we on the way
00:00:39Counting zeros every day
00:00:41You know that we never play
00:00:43Time out, never been one to play with
00:00:45Money talkin', it's my first language
00:00:47Me and RM gangin', we gangin'
00:00:48Walks over, he ain't even a rankin'
00:00:49Ain't no smell, what the hottie be cookin'
00:00:51They on rock when they see me at a cookin'
00:00:52Just know when it's time for me to kick my dick back
00:00:54All y'all finna be finishin'
00:00:57You are looking live at a jam-packed
00:01:01climate pledge arena in Seattle, Washington
00:01:04Sold out, over 14,000 strong
00:01:07As we welcome you to the series premiere
00:01:10To the season premiere of Friday Night Smackdown
00:01:14Now exclusively on the USA Network
00:01:19Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
00:01:22WWE Chief Content Officer
00:01:27Paul Triple H
00:01:32The Man!
00:01:48The Man!
00:01:53The Man!
00:01:58The Man!
00:02:03The Man!
00:02:08The Man!
00:02:13The Man!
00:02:18The Man!
00:02:23The Man!
00:02:28The Man!
00:02:33The Man!
00:02:38The Man!
00:02:43The Man!
00:02:48The Man!
00:02:53The Man!
00:02:58The Man!
00:03:03The Man!
00:03:08The Man!
00:03:13The Man!
00:03:18The Man!
00:03:23The Man!
00:03:28It seems like just yesterday I was standing in this ring
00:03:33for the first episode of this show
00:03:36going one-on-one with a rock
00:03:44And it's hard to believe that here we are
00:03:4725 years later
00:03:51And there is no better place to be
00:03:54than right here, right now
00:03:57sold out, standing room only
00:04:00Seattle, Washington
00:04:03And there is no better way
00:04:06to start this off
00:04:09than with a match for the undisputed
00:04:12WWE Championship
00:04:15Between Cody Rhodes
00:04:18and Solo Shakoa
00:04:21inside of a steel cage
00:04:25So Seattle
00:04:28are you ready?
00:04:37Then welcome to SmackDown
00:04:42Then welcome to SmackDown
00:04:58And there is the steel cage
00:05:01It will be lowered to surround the ring
00:05:04The undisputed WWE Championship
00:05:07is up for grabs
00:05:10Check off this 30 minute commercial free
00:05:13first hour on Friday Night SmackDown
00:05:16You win via pinfall, submission
00:05:19or escape from the cage
00:05:22Hello again everybody and welcome to Ringside
00:05:25I had the privilege to be here for night number one
00:05:28of SmackDown 25 years ago
00:05:30And I'm back again with my friend Corey Graves
00:05:33Set to call all the action on this historic night on USA
00:05:36I'm sure you'll agree with me, there's been a different energy
00:05:39here in the Emerald City, like something special is on the horizon
00:05:42And we are kicking things off with a bang tonight on SmackDown
00:05:45It is the battle between the number one contender
00:05:48The tribal chief of the bloodline, Solo Shakoa
00:05:51And the undisputed WWE Champion
00:05:54Cody Rhodes
00:05:57This right here if you play our game
00:06:00is the North Star of the industry
00:06:03It is the undisputed WWE Championship
00:06:09Cody Rhodes has never backed down from a fight
00:06:12A proud fighting champion
00:06:15Are you ready to defend that undisputed title
00:06:18against a real challenger?
00:06:21We both know if it wasn't for Roman Reigns
00:06:24Bloodline rules
00:06:27I would have been champion
00:06:33Roman Reigns with a spear
00:06:36So I deserve a rematch
00:06:41We are witnessing the decimation of the Roman Empire
00:06:46I took out Roman Reigns
00:06:49A fallen original tribal chief
00:06:52At the feet of the new head of the table
00:06:56Bloodline numbers game thing is getting a little old
00:06:59That's why Solo Shakoa, Cody Rhodes
00:07:03For the undisputed WWE Championship
00:07:08In a steel cage
00:07:16The WWE revolves around this
00:07:19And perhaps one day
00:07:22I will be looking up at those lights
00:07:24Courtesy of that iron thumb of yours
00:07:26But it sure as hell ain't gonna be tonight
00:07:30I am going to bring back the undisputed title to my family
00:07:35And I am going to bring back that title to me
00:07:39If you come at the king, you best not miss
00:08:00The jury was out
00:08:03On the leadership ability of this man Solo Shakoa
00:08:06But he has proven in the last number of months
00:08:08That he is indeed the tribal chief
00:08:11The head of the table in the Bloodline
00:08:13Corey, in Solo Shakoa's career
00:08:15He's only been locked inside a steel cage one time
00:08:18That was war games a couple years ago
00:08:20But tonight he walks into a cage
00:08:22In a one-on-one environment
00:08:24For the first time in his career
00:08:26Will that affect him tonight here on SmackDown?
00:08:28I think Solo Shakoa is so locked in tonight
00:08:32So laser focused
00:08:34Solo's mission is much like Cody's several years ago
00:08:37Tonight Solo has a chance to prove himself undeniable
00:08:42And Solo will do just that
00:08:44By defloating the American nightmare
00:08:47So no, I don't think the lack of steel cage experience
00:08:50Is going to play much of a factor for Solo tonight
00:08:52It was back at the Money in the Bank premium live event
00:08:56In July where Solo Shakoa
00:08:59Pinned the champion Cody Rhodes
00:09:01In a six-man tag team matchup
00:09:03At SummerSlam
00:09:05Many believe he would have won the title
00:09:07But it wasn't for the return of Roman Reigns
00:09:09So tonight Solo Shakoa
00:09:11With an opportunity in his words
00:09:13To make Cody Rhodes quote
00:09:15Acknowledge me
00:09:27It's SmackDown
00:09:30Royal Family
00:09:57The crowd is here
00:09:59About to blow
00:10:01Waiting for me to start the show
00:10:04I'm the good life
00:10:06You are the fool
00:10:08Whoa!
00:10:10I always did what I said
00:10:14When I was younger
00:10:17My country's never been
00:10:21Yeah
00:10:23You can get it all the way
00:10:25I can get it all the way
00:10:27You take my freedom
00:10:29Need to change the game
00:10:31I've been a man of faith
00:10:33I've built my kingdom
00:10:35Now I'm the emperor
00:10:37There's a reason this match
00:10:39Takes place inside a steel cage
00:10:41The bloodline that decimated
00:10:43Everyone in their path
00:10:45Under the reign of Solo Shakoa
00:10:47Think about Jimmy Uso
00:10:50Think about what they've done to Kevin Owens
00:10:52Randy Orton
00:10:54Roman Reigns
00:10:56Just this past Tuesday night at NXT
00:10:59The bloodline wiping out the Tag Champs
00:11:01Actually even Frazier
00:11:02And also the Street Profits
00:11:04And tonight Solo Shakoa on the bloodline
00:11:06Looking to put the final nail on the coffin
00:11:12Of Cody Rhodes
00:11:14For the bloodline it is about absolute power
00:11:18By any means necessary
00:11:20And what better to sway the power in their favor
00:11:23Than capturing the undisputed WWE Universal Championship
00:11:29Cody Rhodes has been involved in many steel cage matches
00:11:32Throughout his career
00:11:34This is his first traditional steel cage match
00:11:37In almost 10 years though with WWE
00:11:47The following
00:11:49Is a steel
00:11:51CAGE
00:11:53MATCH
00:11:56And it is for
00:11:58The undisputed
00:12:00WWE
00:12:02CHAMPIONSHIP
00:12:08Introducing first
00:12:10The challenger
00:12:12From Las Vegas, Nevada
00:12:15Weighing in at 250 pounds
00:12:20Representing the bloodline
00:12:25Solo
00:12:27Shakoa
00:12:36And his opponent
00:12:38From Atlanta, Georgia
00:12:41Weighing in
00:12:43At 222 pounds
00:12:48He is
00:12:49The undisputed
00:12:52WWE
00:12:55CHAMPION
00:12:57The American Nightmare
00:13:00Cody
00:13:02RHODES
00:13:07Our own Alicia Taylor
00:13:09Killing the ring announcements for this championship match
00:13:13As Cody
00:13:18Will hand the title to veteran referee Charles Robinson
00:13:21For over 60 years
00:13:23The WWE Championship
00:13:25Has defined
00:13:27The all time greats
00:13:29Of our industry
00:13:31A title that Cody's dad
00:13:33The late great American Dream, Dusty Rhodes
00:13:35Never really had the opportunity
00:13:37To carry in the manner that he wanted to
00:13:39Cody Rhodes trying to make his family proud
00:13:41And trying to continue
00:13:43This legacy
00:13:45That he built back
00:13:47At Wrestlemania
00:13:49And here we go, Cory, rules are simple
00:13:51Pinfall submission or escape over the top
00:13:53Or through the door of the cage
00:13:55Both feet must hit the floor
00:13:57Strategy now tonight, first for the challenger, Solo Shakoa
00:13:59Solo needs to stick to his guns
00:14:01Utilize the smash mouth style
00:14:03That has brought Solo so much success
00:14:05In his WWE career
00:14:07And make an escape
00:14:09Don't waste time, don't get cute
00:14:11Smash Cody and get out of the cage
00:14:13Cody a couple of drop downs early
00:14:15And Cody Rhodes in order to keep the title
00:14:17Against the dangerous Shakoa
00:14:19What does he need to do, Cory?
00:14:21I think Cody needs to rely on the WWE Universe
00:14:23To soldier him through the undoubtable pain
00:14:25He will be in in a matter of moments
00:14:27And I wouldn't think it's a bad idea for Cody
00:14:29To try to climb out of the cage
00:14:31Separate himself as quickly as possible
00:14:33From the tribal chief
00:14:35And Solo now
00:14:37Cody across into the corner
00:14:39And follows it up with an elbow
00:14:41The methodical pace of Solo Shakoa
00:14:45Hoping that it will help him tonight
00:14:47Against Cody Rhodes
00:14:49And Cody steps out of harm's way
00:14:51And Rhodes now with a bulldog
00:14:53And Solo right back up
00:14:55Almost no effect
00:14:57But the steel cage will
00:14:59And Cody quickly using the cage
00:15:01As a weapon in this match
00:15:05I expect the steel to be used
00:15:07Liberally as a weapon
00:15:09In this one
00:15:11Yet again face first into the cage
00:15:13Goes Solo
00:15:17Cody has admitted
00:15:19That in his battle with the bloodline
00:15:21Over the last few years
00:15:23It has hardened him
00:15:25Oh and now center to the cage
00:15:27And Cody felt awkwardly
00:15:29It may have hardened Cody Rhodes
00:15:31But it didn't make Cody superhuman
00:15:35Nasty landing for the champion
00:15:37Caught between the cage and the rope
00:15:39In a well already building on the back of Cody
00:15:43Solo as dangerous
00:15:45As they come
00:15:47Shows no remorse at all
00:15:51This could be the beginning
00:15:53Of the end
00:15:55For the American Nightmare
00:15:57And Cody again
00:15:59And Solo launching Rhodes
00:16:01Into the steel cage
00:16:03And following it up
00:16:05With a crushing impact
00:16:15Cannot afford any mistakes
00:16:17With someone as talented as Cody Rhodes
00:16:19Sakoa now with a headbutt
00:16:21To Cody Rhodes
00:16:23Solo I'm sure watched his older brother
00:16:25On the night
00:16:27Qualify to become the number one contender
00:16:29For the intercontinental title
00:16:31As Jey Uso
00:16:33Seeks his first singles championship
00:16:35In WWE
00:16:37The only singles gold Solo ever held
00:16:39The NXT North American title
00:16:41And the flying headbutt by Sakoa
00:16:43And Rhodes is in trouble
00:16:45Look at the intensity
00:16:47On the face of the new tribal chief
00:16:49The new head of the table
00:16:51Solo just having his way
00:16:53Solo promised Cody
00:16:55Would acknowledge him tonight
00:16:57And nobody home as Cody
00:16:59Uses tremendous core strength
00:17:01To the top rope now
00:17:03Rhodes perhaps gonna look for escape
00:17:05This is smart Cody keep climbing
00:17:07You don't have much time
00:17:09And Solo Sakoa there to intercept
00:17:11And play defense early
00:17:15To Cody's credit
00:17:17He also said that if Solo beats me tonight
00:17:19I will acknowledge him
00:17:21Back down into the ring
00:17:23Cody's been busted open already
00:17:25That didn't take long
00:17:27The American nightmare
00:17:29Showing the wounds of battle
00:17:31Inflicted by Solo Sakoa
00:17:33And things are about to get much much worse
00:17:35For the champion
00:17:37Yeah Solo Sakoa smile on his face
00:17:39When he realized Rhodes was bleeding
00:17:43Whipped into the cage again
00:17:47And this is how Cody got
00:17:49Busted open
00:17:51Flying headbutt by the challenger
00:17:53Solo Sakoa
00:17:55Solo's got a skull about 2 inches thick
00:17:57Feels like concrete
00:17:59When you get hit by it
00:18:01And unlike boxing there's no corner men here
00:18:03No one to throw in the towel
00:18:05Nobody to stop this
00:18:07Nobody to patch
00:18:09Cody up
00:18:11As he's locked inside the cage
00:18:13Savage of a man
00:18:15Solo Sakoa
00:18:17I have a feeling things are about to get
00:18:19Even more gruesome on this
00:18:21Friday the 13th
00:18:23Solo
00:18:25Inside the steel cage may be the only place
00:18:27More dangerous than
00:18:29Camp Crystal Lake
00:18:31And Sakoa now attacking the wound
00:18:33On the forehead of
00:18:35Cody Rhodes
00:18:37And this is smart
00:18:39This is smart strategy by Solo
00:18:41Just unleashing the brutality
00:18:43Battering Cody Rhodes
00:18:45Sakoa has been
00:18:47Unbearable
00:18:49As the leader of the bloodline
00:18:51Imagine if he walks out of here with the
00:18:53Undisputed WWE Championship
00:18:55It will validate every claim Solo has made
00:18:57Thus far
00:18:59It will ensure that the WWE Universe
00:19:01Respects and acknowledges Solo
00:19:03As he sees fit
00:19:05Cody looking to rally
00:19:07Launches himself off the second rope
00:19:09Caught by Solo
00:19:11Went for a disaster kick
00:19:13Into the cage
00:19:15And doing everything he needs to do
00:19:17To use the cage as a weapon
00:19:19And Cody almost looks
00:19:21Helpless, Corey, as he was
00:19:23Dropped back into the cage and onto the ropes
00:19:27Cody still looks
00:19:29Helpless, the way he melted between
00:19:31The ropes and the steel cage
00:19:33Our champion
00:19:35Certainly feeling the effects of this
00:19:37Onslaught from Solo Sakoa
00:19:39It is the season
00:19:41Premiere of Friday Night Smackdown
00:19:43On the USA Network
00:19:45We are sold out tonight
00:19:4714,551
00:19:49In a commercial
00:19:51Free first half hour
00:19:53Inside a cage for the Undisputed
00:19:55WWE Championship
00:19:57Rhodes and Sakoa
00:19:59And Cody trying to hang on
00:20:01Trying to climb now up the cage
00:20:03Remember, escape from the floor and you win the thing
00:20:05Cody though
00:20:07Launches himself into a Cody
00:20:09Now for the win
00:20:11On Sakoa and a kick out by Solo
00:20:13At two
00:20:15My God
00:20:17What a desperation
00:20:19Cody Cutter by Rhodes
00:20:21Take another look
00:20:23At this, the champion
00:20:25Throwing caution to the wind
00:20:27Taking the shot as it was presented
00:20:29Cody Cutter
00:20:31Takes down Solo
00:20:33But couldn't end this for the champion yet
00:20:35The proud champion
00:20:37Cody Rhodes
00:20:39Took him a few years to finally
00:20:41Finish the story
00:20:43And he's not going to give up the championship without a fight
00:20:45Rhodes now back up to the top rope
00:20:47Is he thinking escape here?
00:20:49Gotta believe that's what's going through
00:20:51Cody's mind but Solo
00:20:53Again putting the brakes on the upward ascent
00:20:55Of the Undisputed
00:20:57WWE Champion
00:20:59Cody trying to kick Solo away
00:21:01And Solo rips him off the ropes again
00:21:03Cut right back to the wound
00:21:05And notice how Solo has kept Cody in close quarters
00:21:07For the majority of this matchup
00:21:09Solo knows if he's got his hands on the champion
00:21:11Things are looking good for the bloodline
00:21:13And Solo Sakoa now could be
00:21:15Looking to escape the cage
00:21:17Cody Rhodes realizing it
00:21:19And I've gotta question this, perhaps Solo got a little too confident
00:21:23Now both men looking to scale the cage
00:21:25As they deliver blows from high above the ring
00:21:29Solo is deceptively agile
00:21:31For an athlete of his size
00:21:33Cody up top
00:21:35Cody's got one foot over the top of the cage
00:21:37It's a long way down
00:21:39Solo trying to meet him there
00:21:41Rhodes and Sakoa now high above the ring
00:21:43Top of the cage
00:21:45For the Undisputed WWE Championship
00:21:51Solo face first
00:21:53Off the top of the cage
00:21:55And the challenger slipped down
00:21:57And Cody now trying to get over the other side
00:21:59Cody trying to get down
00:22:01And touch the floor with both feet
00:22:03Sakoa trying to keep him in the ring
00:22:05I'm getting crazy
00:22:07Oh my god
00:22:09Cody Rhodes
00:22:11Falling right on the back of his head
00:22:13Critical moment in this matchup
00:22:15Turning point perhaps
00:22:17I don't know if that landing could have been any...
00:22:29Rhodes high across his shoulders
00:22:31And neck
00:22:33The base of Cody's skull
00:22:35Crashing down, that was almost a brain buster
00:22:37Absolutely terrifying
00:22:39An incredible look at the entranceway
00:22:41Here on Friday Night Smackdown
00:22:43As you get a chance to cover here by Solo
00:22:45For the title
00:22:47And a kick at it too
00:22:49As you peer inside the steel cage
00:22:51At these two gladiators
00:22:53Doing battle for the WWE Championship
00:22:55WWE Championship
00:22:59Veteran official Charles Robinson
00:23:03Looking on as the door is open
00:23:05Solo looking to escape
00:23:07Cody Rhodes hanging on
00:23:09Almost a look of annoyance on the face of the challenger
00:23:15And Cody with a right hand
00:23:17Didn't do anything except
00:23:19Kick off Solo
00:23:21Finish Solo from Sakoa
00:23:23That's gonna do it
00:23:25He's not done yet
00:23:27Another spinning Solo
00:23:29For Sakoa
00:23:31Covered out to win the title
00:23:33And Cody gets the shoulder up
00:23:37Is Cody Rhodes just
00:23:39Delaying the inevitable
00:23:41Take a look at this
00:23:43The first of two spinning
00:23:45Solos
00:23:47Is Yuranagi delivered by the challenger
00:23:49Immediately
00:23:51Followed by a second
00:23:53Again high across the shoulders
00:23:55And neck of Cody Rhodes
00:23:57Solo Sakoa
00:23:59Promised to make Rhodes acknowledge him
00:24:01Would love to deliver the Samoan spike here
00:24:03And pin the champion in the ring
00:24:05To win the title
00:24:13Cody Rhodes did what it took
00:24:15To become undeniable
00:24:17Solo looks to do the same thing
00:24:19In this moment
00:24:21Cody Rhodes able to block
00:24:23And deliver a right hand
00:24:25And here comes the American Nightmare
00:24:27Cody Rhodes fighting back
00:24:31Rhodes with a forearm
00:24:33Oh and he got it
00:24:35Disaster kick
00:24:41Cody cutter
00:24:43Cody looking to retain
00:24:45Hooks the leg
00:24:47Oh and it's two
00:24:49Another near fall
00:24:53Take another look at this
00:24:55The second Cody cutter of this matchup
00:24:57The traditional style
00:24:59Right in the center of the ring
00:25:01But the challenger Sakoa
00:25:03Still with a little too much left in the tank
00:25:05Both of these men have been
00:25:07Beaten and punished
00:25:09Absorbing a ton of it here
00:25:11Inside the cage
00:25:13Cody trying to will himself back in this matchup
00:25:15If there's one thing we learned about Rhodes
00:25:17In his career
00:25:19It's his perseverance
00:25:23Cody fighting through the pain
00:25:25Relying on the adrenaline
00:25:27Here we go
00:25:29And Sakoa
00:25:31Backs it up into Rhodes in the corner
00:25:33And now a full head of steam
00:25:35For Solo Sakoa
00:25:37And Cody may be down and out
00:25:39And now
00:25:41Drop to the champion
00:25:43A relentless challenger
00:25:45Sakoa now
00:25:47Climbing to the top rope
00:25:49Solo from the top
00:25:51Cody in trouble
00:25:53Middle of the ring
00:26:03And a flying splash
00:26:05And here's the cover
00:26:07Is it enough to put him away from the title
00:26:09And Cody kicks out again
00:26:11Patience displayed by Solo
00:26:13Realizing he couldn't afford
00:26:15To not connect on this
00:26:17Splash
00:26:19Luckily for Solo in the bloodline
00:26:21He got every ounce of it
00:26:23Full impact down on the champion
00:26:25And I'm not sure if you noticed Corey
00:26:27But the concern
00:26:29On the face of official Charles Robinson
00:26:31As he was down talking to Cody Rhodes
00:26:33Trying to figure out how bad Cody's hurt
00:26:35Think of the trauma that Cody's body
00:26:37Has endured thus far in the matchup
00:26:39A couple crash landings
00:26:41High on his neck and shoulders
00:26:43You can see it seemed like Cody was having trouble
00:26:45Walking a few moments ago
00:26:47It could be a lower back issue
00:26:49Who knows, great job by Charles Robinson
00:26:51Remember a couple of weeks ago, Bash in Berlin
00:26:53A well documented knee issue that Kevin Owens
00:26:55Took advantage of
00:26:57Cody less than 100% in this matchup
00:26:59Solo now backs it up in the corner to Cody Rhodes
00:27:01And the champ is in trouble
00:27:03Cody though able to push the door open
00:27:05Cody may be able to survive
00:27:08Cody's trying to claw out of the ring
00:27:10And Solo Sokoa
00:27:12Not allowing it to happen
00:27:14That was a desperate move by Rhodes
00:27:17I think it just excited Solo Sokoa
00:27:19Who realized how close he came to losing
00:27:22Cross Rhodes
00:27:24Cody
00:27:26Into the cover, hooks the leg
00:27:28Sokoa kicked out of the cross Rhodes
00:27:31And at this point, if you're Cody Rhodes
00:27:33Doubt has got to be creeping into your mind
00:27:37Cody hitting Sokoa
00:27:39With his best shot
00:27:41The cross Rhodes
00:27:43And the challenger able to survive
00:27:45The steel cage match rolls on
00:27:48This is for the undisputed
00:27:50WWE Championship
00:27:55Cody Rhodes the champion
00:27:58Solo Sokoa the challenger
00:28:01Rhodes has lived up to his promise
00:28:03Of being a fighting champion
00:28:05And that's even to his own detriment
00:28:07Burning it at both ends
00:28:09Rhodes has represented WWE tirelessly
00:28:12Will this be Cody's last stand?
00:28:15Cody has never backed down from a challenge
00:28:17Cody Rhodes looking to retain the championship tonight
00:28:19Climbing up to the top rope
00:28:21Looking perhaps to escape the cage
00:28:23Over the top rope, feet must hit the floor
00:28:25In order for Rhodes to retain the title
00:28:27Cody is up top
00:28:29Cody Rhodes could be closing in
00:28:31On winning the championship here tonight
00:28:34I'm not even sure Cody knows where he's at
00:28:36I don't know if Cody's body and his brain
00:28:38Are on the same page right now
00:28:40Cody's mind knows what he wants to do
00:28:42Oh wait, no, no, no
00:28:43Wait a minute, Cody, what are you doing?
00:28:45Get out of the damn cage!
00:28:47Not like that! Crossbody!
00:28:49Lateral press to retain!
00:28:51Solo kickdown!
00:28:55And that has got to be soul crushing
00:28:57For the champion
00:28:59Rhodes just risked it all
00:29:03For Cody Rhodes
00:29:09Wanting to
00:29:10Pinch Sakoa
00:29:11Win the match in the ring
00:29:13Not be an escape
00:29:14But he was so close up there
00:29:16Again, Cole, I don't know if Cody's thinking straight
00:29:18I think Cody is running on pure instinct right now
00:29:21The American Nightmare is in survival mode
00:29:24Period
00:29:25Cody trying to drag himself toward the corner
00:29:28Asking The Official now to open the door
00:29:30the door. Jason Ayres, the official outside, has opened the door for Rhodes, the champion,
00:29:37looking to escape and retain the title. And to your point, Cody, I don't believe he knows where
00:29:42he's at. And Sokoa now, oh, using the door to his advantage. Rhodes is on autopilot right now,
00:29:51and somehow Sokoa still keeps summoning the will. Right for the spike! Crossroads by Cody!
00:30:00Cover! Rhodes retains the championship! Dividing win for Cody Rhodes! Here is your winner,
00:30:10and still the undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes!
00:30:23Oh! What a gutsy performance by the champion! And Rhodes reminding Sokoa,
00:30:33we're done. That's it. The American Nightmare can move on.
00:30:42What an incredible match. The champion putting it all on the line.
00:30:47Cody Rhodes throwing caution to the wind. Showing the WWE Universe, he will fight
00:30:55till the very end, no matter how high the risk. The American Nightmare takes down Sokoa,
00:31:02but Solo is back up. Oh, no, no, no, no. Wait, what? Oh, God, guys. Wait a minute, guys. We got
00:31:06company. This is how Rhodes won, but an entire situation now, out here, out here at ringside,
00:31:12as Rhodes picking up the win there in the replay. The bloodline has now surrounded the ring. Fatu
00:31:17and Tama Tonga and Tango Loa. And you said that Cody may be done with Solo Sokoa. I don't believe
00:31:23he's done with the bloodline, though. And look at Jacob Fatu scaling the cage with ease. Oh,
00:31:28and a Samoan Spike by Solo! And the champion's been wiped out. And now Cody Rhodes, right for
00:31:34the ticket. The bloodline, gonna tear the meat off the bones of a champion. The champion locked
00:31:41in the cage with four rabid jackals. And the bloodline is not through. Three jackals and a
00:31:52Samoan werewolf. The beatdown continues right by the bloodline. Somebody's got to get this damn
00:32:00cage up. Somebody get the cage up and get Cody out of there. Who in the hell's gonna stop Jacob
00:32:06Fatu? This is an assassination. Solo's calling the shots inside the ring. Solo just ordered
00:32:13Jacob to go up top. Well, somebody raise the damn cage. Get Fatu off of there.
00:32:19Are you gonna set these animals loose? Somebody get down. Say your prayers, Cody. Not like this.
00:32:30Cory, I think Cody's prayers have been answered! John Bone engaged!
00:32:57The original tribal chief, whose demise has apparently been greatly exaggerated!
00:33:17The OTC is here!
00:33:27And now it's the bloodline who's locked inside the cage.
00:33:46And the bloodline now going after Reigns and there comes Roman. Roman unloading.
00:33:51Roman has got hell to pay tonight.
00:33:59Using the cage to his advantage. Solo from behind. But now the new tribal chief.
00:34:10The unfamiliar scene of Roman Reigns being victimized by the numbers game
00:34:15that he practically mastered. That Solo Sokoa has now.
00:34:21This could be a dark day on SmackDown. Reigns helpless in the corner.
00:34:40This building is rocking right now.
00:34:43And Jacob Fatu now saving Solo Sokoa. Dragging him out of the steel cage.
00:34:56Fatu, Solo's personal enforcer, paying dividends.
00:35:05And Reigns wants some of the werewolf.
00:35:13Oh baby!
00:35:22Be a throw down for the ages. Fatu in the cage with Reigns.
00:35:29And Solo Sokoa dragging the Samoan werewolf out of the cage.
00:35:45And from behind now, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa picking the bones.
00:35:52The tag team champions beating the hell out of Roman Reigns.
00:35:58Solo and Fatu in retreat. Cody Rhodes now back on his feet. Low into the cage.
00:36:08Talk about unlikely allies. Tonga off the crossroads.
00:36:52It's you. It's you. You are the chief. Five months ago, this would be reality.
00:37:08Cody and Roman Reigns, allies against a common enemy. Tonight on the season premiere of SmackDown,
00:37:19the Roman Empire has been resurrected.
00:37:26Season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network. We are live in Seattle. Sold out
00:37:31over 14,000 witnessing the steel cage match. The undisputed WWE championship moments ago.
00:37:37On the return, Roman Reigns, the unlikeliest of allies. Roman Reigns bringing the big fight to
00:37:45the bloodline in the wake of Cody's successful championship defense. The OTC was wrecking
00:37:52shock, but the numbers game would eventually catch up to Roman. Yeah, by the new tribal chief Solo
00:37:57Sokoa. Cody Rhodes would drag himself back to his feet. This was after Solo and Fatu were able to
00:38:05escape the cage. And you mentioned the unlikely allies of Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns taking out
00:38:12the tag team champions. Let's head backstage now for an update with our own Cathy Kelly.
00:38:19Thanks, Cole. Yeah, I'm here with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Chaotic start to
00:38:24this evening to say the least. How do you plan on handling everything that we just saw transpire?
00:38:29Chaotic start to say the least, Cathy. A lot of moving parts. Here's what I can tell you.
00:38:32All the major parties involved, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, the bloodline, they've been sequestered
00:38:37in their private dressing room areas because this is my show and we will have law and order.
00:38:40Now, Solo Sokoa has reached out. He says he has a challenge along with Jacob Fatu for a match,
00:38:47and he says it's an offer that no one can refuse. I don't know what that is, but I'm going to find
00:38:51out. One thing I can tell you this night, it's a long way from being over. Well, hopefully I'll get
00:38:58some answers as well. In the meantime, Corey Cole, back to you. We'd like to send a special thanks to
00:39:05Megan Thee Stallion for Never Play, featuring RM of BTS, the official theme song of WWE Friday Night
00:39:13SmackDown. Never Play is available now on Apple Music and Spotify. With my music background,
00:39:19you should allow me to handle that. I'm going to call you Mr. K-Pop these days. I know you're a
00:39:22big BTS fan. Introducing from Montana, California, B-Chin! Speaking of, how was the Moneybag Yo
00:39:35contest? Awesome. Phenomenal. So it's Piper Niven against Mee Chin. Remember last week,
00:39:40Piper Niven was an important part of Chelsea Green's win over Mee Chin in their contest.
00:39:46They've been making fun of Mee Chin because of the way that she lost the street fight,
00:39:49deny attacks for the Women's Championship a couple of weeks ago in Berlin, when she got
00:39:53crushed in a trash can. Let's be perfectly honest, Cole. It was humiliating. Here comes Mee Chin!
00:39:58And Mee Chin with a suicide dive. The Piper's rocking her right here in front of us.
00:40:05And Chelsea Green, kick right to the face.
00:40:11And now Mee Chin, who loves to use hardcore tactics. It's served Mee Chin fairly well
00:40:18recently, but not quite sure what she was looking for. She gets back into the ring to break the
00:40:23count. Looking for Chelsea Green. Did Chelsea climb under the ring to safety? Oh! Chelsea's
00:40:33not a legal participant in this matchup, so that's not going to force a disqualification.
00:40:39Through Mee Chin right in front of us. My god. Piper Niven steamrolling Mee Chin.
00:40:46Can't be quite sure, but it looks like Niven might have a busted nose in the early moments
00:40:55of this matchup. And that will only anger Piper Niven. It does not bode well for Mee Chin.
00:41:03In fact, this could be the beginning of the end. Piper headed up now to the second rope. Mee Chin
00:41:11causes Piper to lose her balance. You know, it has been a good week for Chelsea Green. You saw
00:41:16what happened to her on NXT Tuesday night. Julia's first match in NXT, destroying Chelsea.
00:41:23Oh my god! Oh man! Mee Chin, a suplex to Piper. Massive belly to back suplex from the ropes.
00:41:31And Mee Chin capitalized.
00:41:37Now Mee Chin with Piper back to her feet. He needs to beat.
00:41:42Cover by Mee Chin on Piper. Hook of the leg. Mee Chin with the win.
00:41:48And now Chelsea Green attacking Mee Chin.
00:41:55Mee Chin picked up the victory, but I believe Chelsea and Piper looking to destroy Mee Chin
00:42:00here tonight. And Chelsea with a trash can. Yeah, we mentioned the use of the trash can by Nia Jax
00:42:09a few weeks ago in Berlin. Crushing Mee Chin inside by the Annihilator.
00:42:16And now a double team by the former tag team champions and an
00:42:21unpretty hurr to Mee Chin by Chelsea Green.
00:42:31Well, Chelsea happy with her handiwork as they destroy Mee Chin here tonight.
00:42:39Well, you heard Nick Aldis mentioned earlier, this night is far from over. It is a massive
00:42:46night here in the Emerald City. A-Town down under. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
00:42:51will battle Kevin Owens and a mystery partner. Cole, do you know who it is yet? No idea.
00:42:58McCoy Survivor Series War Games like never before with a WWE priority pass package available
00:43:03through On Location. Here's your chance at exclusive experiences, including premium seating,
00:43:08all-inclusive pre-show hospitality, interactions with WWE superstars and much more. Find your
00:43:13package at OnLocationExp.com slash Survivor Series. Meanwhile, Survivor Series tickets
00:43:19are selling faster than events like SummerSlam and Funding the Bank and all the other premium
00:43:25live events beside WrestleMania this year. This is the season premiere. Friday night SmackDown
00:43:31on Fox as we celebrate 25 years of SmackDown.
00:43:36And many of those who have been a part of Friday night SmackDown over the years are
00:44:02here with us tonight, including the Hall of Famer, the whole damn show,
00:44:08Rob Van Dam, former WWE Champion, ECW original Mr. Money in the Bank here. Look at, excuse me,
00:44:16Vickie Guerrero, SmackDown General Manager is here tonight and also here for Monday Night Raw,
00:44:22the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther and his Imperium sidekick, Ludwig Kaiser. I've got to say,
00:44:29I'm a little disappointed in Seattle for that sort of reception for the World Heavyweight
00:44:33Champion and Kaiser. Maybe they'll do better for these international icons.
00:44:59You know, Corey, last week on Friday Night SmackDown, Kevin Owens was trying to do
00:45:15prey on the perceived issues between Waller and Theory of A-Town Down. Go to them into a triple
00:45:22threat match. A triple threat matchup, which inevitably began to break down between
00:45:29A-Town Down Under, opening the door for Owens to slam it shut, deliver a stunner to Theory
00:45:35and pick up a victory in the triple threat match. Yeah, but after the matchup, A-Town Down Under,
00:45:42laying waste to the prize fighter, a two-on-one attack.
00:45:47Trying to teach Kevin a lesson, which leads us to our tag team match tonight. The question is,
00:45:51Corey, who's Kevin Owens going to pick to be his partner? I don't know if you know this Cole,
00:45:57but Kevin Owens isn't exactly well thought of in the locker room as a trustworthy partner.
00:46:28So, Kevin Owens set for tag team action tonight against the former tag team champions,
00:46:37Waller and Theory. You think there's issues between Theory and Waller?
00:46:43I think Waller and Theory are best mates, as they so eloquently put it, and I think all friends
00:46:49get into arguments, get into spats. Once in a while, even you and I don't get along, Cole.
00:46:54You just move on. It's water under the bridge. That's what friendship's all about.
00:47:04Do you tell people that you and I are best mates? And his tag team partner.
00:47:10What the hell is this? You mean who the hell is this?
00:47:23No, I think I was right the first time.
00:47:31What happened to the days when the wrestlers used to shave their chest?
00:47:35How about to shave your back? You're going to be on television.
00:47:40It's about to get messy.
00:47:41This guy's out here dressed like a Miami sub shop.
00:47:47He's got a thick layer of fur on his back. Maybe this guy's some sort of
00:47:51virtuoso in the ring. Maybe KO has found the unsung hero.
00:47:54What are you laughing at, you idiots?
00:47:59Look, okay, okay, I'll admit he wasn't my first choice,
00:48:05but my actual partner couldn't make it. He had some travel issues. So, you know what?
00:48:10That's my partner. He's my partner. That's, that's, what's your name?
00:48:15That's Ricky and he's my partner, okay? Hell yeah, we're going to do it.
00:48:20All right, Ricky, let's, let's give him hell. Let's get this started.
00:48:24George Animal Steel's son.
00:48:29Well, the Ricky chance of filling the arena here in Seattle.
00:48:40He made it. He's here.
00:48:44Good job. No offense.
00:48:49Poor Ricky.
00:49:10Lewis, Missouri.
00:49:23Theory and Waller are not laughing now.
00:49:26In fact, a theory was just looking at us and he, he mouthed a very bad word.
00:49:31I think a theory and Waller are absolutely shocked right now.
00:49:35Randy's been on a bit of a sabbatical from SmackDown handling business on Monday Night Raw.
00:49:40But the Viper is back.
00:49:42What we've learned in recent months that, uh,
00:49:44Owens and Randy Orton are, how did you describe it?
00:49:48Best mates. Best mates. That's okay.
00:49:58The 14 time world champion.
00:50:03Waller actually is out here requesting Ricky to get back in the ring.
00:50:07I can't really blame him.
00:50:08I can't stand this.
00:50:11Ricky should have lost that.
00:50:17Someone will get it.
00:50:18I got it.
00:50:27Randy Orton and Kevin Owens.
00:50:29The season premiere of SmackDown trending number one in the United States.
00:50:39Hey, our audio engineer, Frenchie said he got the joke too.
00:50:43That makes two of us.
00:50:45Well, the only people laughing right now are the Viper and the prize fighter
00:50:50who just pulled one over in spectacular fashion.
00:50:53Hey, buddy.
00:50:55Kevin Owens says to Randy Orton.
00:50:59So if you're a Waller in theory,
00:51:10in theory, what do you do to try to knock out Orton and Owens tonight?
00:51:14Oh, if you're Waller in theory, you need to somehow isolate Owens.
00:51:18Stay away from the Viper and inflict a two on one beat down at any given opportunity.
00:51:25And maybe now would be a good time to call it the backup.
00:51:27I'm just saying, look at the size of Orton.
00:51:29Randy Orton took the world champ Gunther to limited Berlin a couple of weeks ago.
00:51:35Had a great sit down interview with Randy for the countdown show for that event.
00:51:40He's just loving his career.
00:51:42He's loving his life right now.
00:51:45Enjoying performing in front of sold out crowds like we have here tonight in Seattle.
00:51:52Kevin Owens is pretty ecstatic that Randy's here to be his partner tonight.
00:51:59And here we go now.
00:52:05Kevin Owens starting things off against Grayson Waller in this tag team matchup.
00:52:10And Ozzy Icon being stomped out in the corner courtesy of the prize fighter.
00:52:15And clear the deck.
00:52:17Uh oh, and it's a theory saving his mate Waller.
00:52:21That's what best mates are for.
00:52:24And uh oh, the apex predator.
00:52:28And Randy Orton driven into the steel post by Waller.
00:52:31Now Kevin Owens on the attack and Waller just fell right on top of his partner Theory.
00:52:36And now bounced off our announce table.
00:52:39Divide and conquer.
00:52:40That's what A-Town down underneath to focus on if they ever get out of the gates.
00:52:44Because right now this is a one-sided ass kicking courtesy of Owens and Orton.
00:52:50How can Waller focus when his eyes just roll back at his head?
00:52:54And now Austin Theory trying to drag KO out of the ring.
00:52:57KO follows it up with the right hand.
00:52:58And now Theory going to be bounced right off the uh the announce table.
00:53:02Look out, throw ball and Waller now with a clothesline taking advantage.
00:53:06It just took a few moments for Waller and Theory to get back on the same page.
00:53:10And look at Waller now.
00:53:11That's Randy Orton's move.
00:53:13That's what Randy Orton does.
00:53:16And now mocking Orton.
00:53:18Yeah, that's smart for your career.
00:53:20Real smart for your career, Waller.
00:53:22I got a kick out of it.
00:53:29A-Town down under the former tag team champions.
00:53:33Have suddenly started to take over this match against Owens and Orton.
00:53:36Waller and Theory.
00:53:37Oh!
00:53:38Weathered the early storm.
00:53:39But here comes Owens again.
00:53:42Collision.
00:53:43Now it's an opportunity to tag in that man.
00:53:45The viper Randy Orton.
00:53:47Things about to go from bad to worse for Theory and Waller.
00:53:51Here comes the Aussie icon with the quickness.
00:53:59Grayson Waller, the loquacious superstar.
00:54:05Got in, flicked his will.
00:54:07Waller, you know better than to try this.
00:54:11No one successfully superplexes Kevin Owens.
00:54:14It's not something I made up.
00:54:15It's just reality.
00:54:21And now Kevin Owens with some headbutts.
00:54:26Tag made.
00:54:26Austin Theory now legal for his team.
00:54:30Trying to pick up where his best mate left off.
00:54:35Big heavy body shots from the prize fighter.
00:54:37And Theory now teetering.
00:54:39Precarious position.
00:54:40Elbow right between the eyes.
00:54:44Owens with a right hand.
00:54:45Theory's down.
00:54:48KO from the top.
00:54:49Oh, swamped on by Owens.
00:54:56Owens desperately needs to make a tag.
00:54:59Orton more than ready to deliver.
00:55:04And Waller from the outside.
00:55:06Smart move by Grayson Waller to drag Orton off the apron
00:55:10and allow Theory now to go on the attack.
00:55:12Fantastic intellect displayed by the Aussie icon now.
00:55:16Great teamwork.
00:55:17Oh, double team.
00:55:19Cover.
00:55:20Isn't it up to put Owens away.
00:55:21Hook of the leg and a kick out.
00:55:28Hey, did you see what I got?
00:55:29A-Town down under have done a fantastic job
00:55:32in the past several minutes of cutting the ring in half.
00:55:34Keeping Owens isolated away from Randy Orton.
00:55:38Quick tags from Waller and Theory.
00:55:40But if we know anything about Owens,
00:55:42it's that he'll just keep fighting.
00:55:46Uh-oh, here comes Waller.
00:55:47Grayson Waller now slides through.
00:55:49Kevin Owens missed with the attempted club claw.
00:55:52And Waller now bounced over table again.
00:55:57And Waller trying to prevent Owens from making a tag.
00:56:03Here comes Theory.
00:56:03There goes Theory.
00:56:05With a top rope as well.
00:56:06Here comes Theory.
00:56:07There goes Theory.
00:56:08With a top rope as well.
00:56:10Waller into the ring.
00:56:11Again intercepting Owens and driving him back into their corner.
00:56:14That is fantastic tag team IQ being displayed by A-Town down under.
00:56:23Two superstars essentially using one brain.
00:56:27Owens almost there.
00:56:28Can he get there?
00:56:33Tag made again.
00:56:37Oh, and a kick right to the face by KO.
00:56:40And another one as Kevin Owens tries to fight out of this.
00:56:44KO has a lot of ground to cover.
00:56:46Smart move by Owens.
00:56:48Owens back.
00:56:49Here comes Orton.
00:56:54And Randy Orton's on fire.
00:56:58Power slam by Orton.
00:57:04And another one.
00:57:06And a Austin Theory trying to save his partner Grayson Waller.
00:57:18Randy Orton now.
00:57:22Theory.
00:57:24Big uppercut by Randy.
00:57:26I don't think Theory wants to be there.
00:57:29Randy.
00:57:33One for Waller as well.
00:57:37You can get a partner to help here.
00:57:43Come on.
00:57:46Corey, you okay?
00:57:48I'm good.
00:57:49He's got sweat on by an Aussie.
00:57:57Uh-oh.
00:57:58There you go, Cole.
00:58:01And now Theory, Kevin Owens intercepts.
00:58:07Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
00:58:13Double vintage Orton.
00:58:21Randy feeding off this capacity crowd tonight.
00:58:31So is Kevin Owens.
00:58:33Stunner and low KO.
00:58:37Cover.
00:58:39KO and Randy with the win.
00:58:44Here are your winners.
00:58:46The team of Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
00:58:54That'd be a cathartic win for Kevin Owens,
00:58:57who has had his hands full with A-Town down under for longer than he cares to remember.
00:59:02Leave it to the Viper, Randy Orton, to take the next step.
00:59:08RKO stunner combination.
00:59:13And a big win for Orton and Owens.
00:59:19Well, Ricky had his 30 seconds of fame tonight.
00:59:26Well, Randy Orton came back to save the day.
00:59:28Orton and Owens with the win.
00:59:30Ricky, thanks, though.
00:59:32Thank you.
00:59:33Appreciate the effort.
00:59:34Sorry, Ricky.
00:59:40Thanks so much.
00:59:41This story is developing at a rapid rate,
00:59:43and I'm standing by again with the general manager, Nick Aldis.
00:59:46Now, Nick, I saw that you spoke to the Bloodline and Sola Secoa,
00:59:50so can you give us an update on that challenge?
00:59:52Yes, I can.
00:59:54Sola Secoa has made the challenge for a tag team match at Bad Blood.
00:59:58Sola Secoa and Jacob Fatu versus Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
01:00:04I've managed to get legal to draw up a contract very, very quickly.
01:00:08And remarkably, Sola and Jacob, they signed it.
01:00:12They didn't even read it.
01:00:13Now I just have to talk to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns and get those.
01:00:19Cody.
01:00:20Nick, I feel you heard what I said out there.
01:00:25I'm done.
01:00:26I'm done with the Bloodline.
01:00:28As far as I'm concerned, the Bloodline, it's Roman Reigns' problem.
01:00:33I'm sorry.
01:00:34I have no intention of signing that.
01:00:43I have to speak to Roman Reigns.
01:00:45Thank you so much for your time.
01:00:47I will update you guys as this story continues to develop.
01:00:49But in the meantime, send it back out to the arena.
01:00:53Cody Rhodes is pretty adamant there.
01:00:55I don't even think all of us predicted that answer to the American Nightmare.
01:01:05Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WWE Women's Champion, Nia Jax!
01:01:18A Friday night smackdown on the USA Network.
01:01:21It went in Seattle.
01:01:22Do as the tourists do.
01:01:24You know, I had a lot of ideas for how to spend my time here in Seattle.
01:01:28Never once did it cross my mind to throw fish at my friends.
01:01:31But that's what Nia and Tiffany Stratton pretty deadly did with their day earlier today.
01:01:38I went to a bar.
01:01:40Don't doubt it.
01:01:41I should have.
01:01:43The champ, Nia Jax.
01:01:48You know, I was just thinking.
01:01:51A year ago, I returned to the WWE.
01:01:55And ever since, every woman in that locker room has realized why I am the irresistible force.
01:02:05They realize why I am unstoppable.
01:02:09I won the Queen of the Ring tournament and that was easy.
01:02:15You know what?
01:02:16I became your WWE Women's Champion.
01:02:21And that was even easier.
01:02:29Every woman in that locker room fears me.
01:02:32And every woman in that locker room has a good reason to fear me.
01:02:40Well, today, Nick Aldis informed me that I will be defending my title at Bad Blood.
01:02:48I don't know who my opponent is.
01:02:51And I don't care who my opponent is.
01:02:55Because they will see the same fate that Meechan, Naomi, and Bayley have seen.
01:03:03I'm going to
01:03:07annihilate them.
01:03:16Hang on just a second.
01:03:22A former champion would like a word, Ms. Jax.
01:03:31Ding dong, you idiot.
01:03:42Thank you.
01:03:43Thank you.
01:03:45You know, Nia, I'll give you credit where credit is due.
01:03:50You've had the greatest year of your career.
01:03:54I'll give you that.
01:03:55But it's not like you set the bar really high for yourself in that first round.
01:04:03But, but, but, I am happy that you're feeling confident.
01:04:12Because I want my rematch.
01:04:13Bayley, you're in no position to demand anything from me.
01:04:20This isn't like last year when you were running around SmackDown behind damage control.
01:04:27I run the women's division.
01:04:31And I don't need a posse to do it.
01:04:35You don't?
01:04:35Well, what are you using Tiffy for?
01:04:37What's she all about?
01:04:38Because if I remember correctly, I didn't need damage control to win my title at WrestleMania.
01:04:45But you somehow needed Tiffany to win your title at SummerSlam.
01:04:50So do you owe her one?
01:04:51Or does she owe you one?
01:04:52Like, where are you guys at right now?
01:04:55It's Tiffy time.
01:04:58Do not adjust.
01:05:00I'm not going to do that.
01:05:02I'm not going to do that.
01:05:04I'm not going to do that.
01:05:06I'm not going to do that.
01:05:07Adjust your watches, ladies and gentlemen.
01:05:10It is Tiffy time.
01:05:13Bayley, this is just so pathetic.
01:05:23Nia knows better than to listen to you.
01:05:28And besides, you're just like every other woman in that locker room that's just jealous that I
01:05:33have the money in the bank briefcase and don't have to beg for an opportunity like a peasant.
01:05:44Peasant?
01:05:45I'm a peasant.
01:05:46Well, this peasant beat the youngest Miss Money in the Bank ever last week.
01:05:54Do you remember that?
01:05:55Or just me?
01:05:56You guys remember that?
01:06:00Only because Nia got involved.
01:06:03Oh, so it was Nia's fault that she lost?
01:06:15You know what, Bayley?
01:06:16You're good.
01:06:17You're smart.
01:06:18You almost had me.
01:06:20Just like you would almost have a prayer if you ever faced me again.
01:06:25Or like you would almost have a prayer if we beat you down right now.
01:06:32Let's go!
01:06:39Sounds like Bayley's got some backup.
01:06:50Oh, baby, if y'all want to fight, we can fight!
01:06:56Y'all know I ain't gonna sit back and let y'all attack my bae.
01:07:04Uh-uh, ain't gonna happen today.
01:07:14And while I think about it, it's been a while since I held a title.
01:07:19I think it's about time that I do it again.
01:07:27So what do you say?
01:07:28You put your money where your big ol' mouth is and let's go.
01:07:34My big mouth?
01:07:35My big mouth?
01:07:36Okay, okay.
01:07:37So you want my title and you want my title.
01:07:44Maybe you should have a match to see who faces me at Bad Blood.
01:07:51Oh, so you mean like a triple threat?
01:07:53Yeah, we've done that before.
01:07:54We can do that.
01:07:55No, no, no, not a triple threat, Bayley.
01:07:57Let's make this a little more interesting.
01:08:01Why don't you two face Tiffy and I next week?
01:08:05And whoever gets the win can face me at Bad Blood.
01:08:15Go ahead and chit-chat about it.
01:08:18We accept!
01:08:26Oh, oh, wait, and another thing.
01:08:28If, no, no, no, no.
01:08:30When Tiffy and I win, whoever loses leaves SmackDown permanently.
01:08:41Doodles!
01:08:43Yeah, go tippy-toe off your mom, you idiot.
01:08:49Uh-oh!
01:08:51To the rear view!
01:08:53And Miss Money in the Bank retreating.
01:08:56Victoria High Stakes Master, perhaps next week on SmackDown.
01:09:01Nia throwing that curveball at the last possible second.
01:09:04Incredibly high stakes, Feast or Famine.
01:09:07Someone's going to challenge Nia, or someone's going to have to leave SmackDown altogether.
01:09:18Excuse me, Nick Aldis.
01:09:20Excuse me, Nick Aldis.
01:09:21I understand that you've spoken to the original Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
01:09:24Can you give us an update on what he said?
01:09:25Yes, I can.
01:09:26In fact, I'll tell you exactly what Roman Reigns told me.
01:09:30He wants to address this situation in the ring right after this match.
01:09:35So, after this match, I guess we'll find out together.
01:09:41Well, it is confirmed that Roman Reigns is still here in the arena,
01:09:44and he plans to address the WWE Universe live tonight.
01:09:48Corey, Cole, back to you.
01:09:51Right after this upcoming matchup, because they are tied at two wins apiece, it's the rubber match.
01:09:57Carmelo Hayes versus Andrade.
01:10:00They square off live next on Friday Night SmackDown.
01:10:11You've got to be kidding me!
01:10:12That is Drew McIntyre from flying out loud!
01:10:16They have to stop him!
01:10:18It will be over at Man Blood.
01:10:20CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, hell in a cell!
01:10:25Monday, CM Punk returns to address his upcoming Hell in a Cell match with Drew McIntyre.
01:10:32We've got a lot to get to.
01:10:34While The Judgment Day defends their World Tag Team titles against The New Day.
01:10:38Your time is over, boys.
01:10:40The tag division belongs to The Judgment Day.
01:10:43Must-see action on a can't-miss night.
01:10:46This place is going to explode here.
01:10:48Raw, Monday, 8-7 Central.
01:11:10The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
01:11:14Introducing first, from Boston, Massachusetts,
01:11:18weighing in at 210 pounds,
01:11:22Carmelo Hayes!
01:11:26Carmelo's won the last two in this series against Andrade.
01:11:29Andrade won the first two.
01:11:31This is the rubber match here tonight.
01:11:34Well, Survivor Series War Games will be coming to Rogers Arena in Vancouver,
01:11:39Saturday, November 30th, a Saturday after Thanksgiving.
01:11:43Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
01:11:46You've got to get your tickets there selling faster than Summer Slam did,
01:11:49Money in the Bank, and most of the premium live events throughout this year.
01:11:53Don't waste your time.
01:11:54You want to be there.
01:11:55Vancouver, beautiful city.
01:11:57An unforgettable night awaits.
01:11:59But how about what's happening in a matter of moments, Cole?
01:12:02Match number five in this rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade.
01:12:08Both of these men would love a United States Championship opportunity down the road.
01:12:14And his opponent, from Gomez, Palacio, Durango, Mexico,
01:12:35weighing in at 230 pounds, Andrade!
01:12:41The man who began his career in Mexico as a match superstar known as La Sombra,
01:12:48The Shadow, Andrade, check for action here tonight.
01:12:58Both of these superstars have produced what many in the WWE universe are calling
01:13:03instant classics in their first four encounters.
01:13:07I fully expect the bar to be raised even further right now.
01:13:13Carmelo Hayes!
01:13:14And Hayes wasting little time before the bell with a cheap shot.
01:13:19And again, going right to work on Andrade here.
01:13:22Hasn't he even been able to get his ring jacket off?
01:13:24And referee Jason Ayers trying to separate the men.
01:13:27The bell has not rung to start this match.
01:13:32This thing has turned personal in a hurry.
01:13:34It began as a game of one-upsmanship.
01:13:38Two premier athletes looking to advance their rankings in the United States title picture.
01:13:43And this thing has just devolved.
01:13:45Yeah, bell rings.
01:13:46We are underway.
01:13:47Remember both of these men confronting the current United States champion, LA Knight,
01:13:51last week.
01:13:52Both suffered for it.
01:13:53The BFTs from the champ.
01:13:55You gotta wonder, a victory tonight could put one of these men in the driver's seat
01:13:59for a championship opportunity.
01:14:00Carmelo shoved off the ropes into the floor.
01:14:03I would agree with the mentality of these two superstars.
01:14:06Somebody has got to win definitively.
01:14:08Full shot from Andrade!
01:14:12Put the other one out to pasture and move on to your United States title aspirations.
01:14:17And this is a smart move by Carmelo Hayes.
01:14:19Yeah, Hayes rolling out of harm's way, at least momentarily.
01:14:22Catches Andrade as he rolls underneath the bottom rope.
01:14:27Oh, and chop!
01:14:33And now a reversal.
01:14:34Hayes on the barricade.
01:14:36Nobody home as Andrade ducked out of harm's way and caught him with a kick.
01:14:40Big boot by Andrade takes down Hayes.
01:14:44Andrade, of course, the current WWE speed champion.
01:14:48Catch him in spectacular action, exclusively on X Wednesdays.
01:14:55Get the voice of that champ.
01:15:03What is Andrade looking for here?
01:15:07Carmelo in trouble on the floor.
01:15:09Andrade now up to the barricade in the timekeeper's area.
01:15:14Put a little too much time.
01:15:16Carmelo Hayes going to meet him there.
01:15:18Oh, no, no.
01:15:18Good God.
01:15:19These two usually short-footed athletes looking to take each other out.
01:15:25Oh, my goodness!
01:15:28Andrade, man, just broke his...
01:15:33Look out, because he...
01:15:38We are back live on Friday night SmackDown.
01:15:40The season premiere on the USA Network.
01:15:4214,551 on hand in Seattle.
01:15:46Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, fifth match in their rivalry.
01:15:49Tied at two matches apiece.
01:15:51Andrade, nobody home for Hayes.
01:15:54And now Carmelo off the second rope.
01:16:03Up over the top.
01:16:04Beautiful reversal.
01:16:05Looking for the message was Andrade.
01:16:08Roll through now.
01:16:09Stacks him up.
01:16:12That's how Andrade won in the past.
01:16:14Great sequence by both these superstars.
01:16:17Former NXT champs.
01:16:18Andrade, shoulders down again.
01:16:20Lifts Hayes up.
01:16:21Tried to lift.
01:16:22Smart move by Hayes.
01:16:23Putting on the brakes for the moment.
01:16:26Heavy overhead elbow.
01:16:30Carmelo, first 48.
01:16:33Connects to Andrade.
01:16:37Oh, goodness!
01:16:38What a collision!
01:16:39Oh, my God!
01:16:40What a collision!
01:16:42Andrade just falls into the cover,
01:16:44and Hayes kicks out at two.
01:16:48Andrade uncorked this back elbow
01:16:51right under the chin of Hayes
01:16:54and nearly ended it.
01:16:56Andrade!
01:16:56Andrade!
01:16:57Andrade!
01:16:57Andrade!
01:17:00Brilliant crowd all night long here.
01:17:05And over the past four encounters,
01:17:07including tonight's fifth,
01:17:08the WWE Universe has truly developed
01:17:10a healthy respect for both of these superstars.
01:17:13For what they're capable of in the ring.
01:17:15From bell to bell, two of the best in the world.
01:17:20Andrade looking to take it high risk
01:17:22all the way up top.
01:17:23The former Luchador.
01:17:24Andrade lands on his feet,
01:17:26and he got caught.
01:17:31That's the thing about competing
01:17:32against the same opponent
01:17:33in five consecutive matches.
01:17:34You learn one another's tricks,
01:17:36one another's tendencies.
01:17:38Counters for your counters.
01:17:39Face first goes Andrade.
01:17:41Hooks the leg.
01:17:43And a kick out by Andrade.
01:17:48A little frustration washing over the face
01:17:50of Carmelo Hayes for the moment,
01:17:52who is now stalking Andrade.
01:17:55Remember, it was Hayes with a cheap shot
01:17:58before the opening bell.
01:18:03Hayes now once again perched on the top turnbuckle.
01:18:05Here it comes.
01:18:06Nothing but net.
01:18:07Andrade rolls out of harm's way.
01:18:09Kick to the midsection.
01:18:11Andrade wanted the message yet again.
01:18:13Countered.
01:18:14Destroyer!
01:18:17Incredible.
01:18:18Both men are down.
01:18:25If Andrade is able to execute a cover here,
01:18:28there's still time.
01:18:30Carmelo Hayes is on dream street.
01:18:36And the energy tonight in Seattle
01:18:39beginning to pulse through Andrade.
01:18:42Here it comes.
01:18:43Andrade into the corner
01:18:44with a double ace to Hayes.
01:18:46Cover by Andrade for the win.
01:18:49Oh, and he grabbed the bottom rope.
01:18:52Wisdom beyond his years.
01:18:55Oh!
01:18:57Carmelo Hayes keeping this matchup alive.
01:19:02Showing great ring awareness.
01:19:07These two men, every single match they've had,
01:19:10they've left it all in the ring.
01:19:14Spectacles, fireworks displays,
01:19:16whatever you want to call it,
01:19:17they have been can't miss.
01:19:21And now Andrade again from the top.
01:19:23Oh!
01:19:24What a split leg moonsault.
01:19:26Hayes rolled out of the way.
01:19:30But can Hayes capitalize?
01:19:32Can Carmelo Hayes make something happen?
01:19:41Hayes is getting desperate, Cole.
01:19:44Andrade shoving him out of harm's way.
01:19:47Hayes out with a kick to the ear.
01:19:52Precarious position for both men.
01:19:55Carmelo Hayes caught by Andrade.
01:20:01Kick right in the face.
01:20:03Another kick by Hayes.
01:20:05Andrade stunned.
01:20:07Poor jab to the ribs by Andrade.
01:20:09Look at this now from the second rope.
01:20:11Oh my God!
01:20:13El Grande!
01:20:17Message!
01:20:22Here is your winner,
01:20:24Andrade!
01:20:28Andrade with the win.
01:20:30Three wins to Hayes' two in this series.
01:20:36Cole, wait a minute.
01:20:43We expected the United States champion
01:20:45to be keeping a close eye on tonight's proceedings,
01:20:48but the megastar is here.
01:20:55The United States champion!
01:21:22Let me talk to you!
01:21:25What do you want to talk about?
01:21:28Congratulations, Andrade.
01:21:31According to Nick Artis,
01:21:32you're the next contestant for the U.S. Championship.
01:21:39So I hope you're feeling all the excitement,
01:21:41all the tingles and jingles down there.
01:21:43But don't get lost in the sauce,
01:21:45because all you did is you just won
01:21:47the hit it and quit it sweepstakes.
01:21:52And the grand prize for that sweepstakes
01:21:54is one week from tonight,
01:21:55you get a first-class ticket
01:21:58to getting dropped on your head,
01:22:00catching three the hard way
01:22:01from the man they call the megastar.
01:22:03Yeah!
01:22:07And while you're laying there
01:22:08trying to figure out who, what, and where you are,
01:22:11it ain't going to be too hard to figure out
01:22:13exactly whose game this is,
01:22:16who's still the U.S. champ,
01:22:17with everybody saying...
01:22:22Yeah!
01:22:25Well, congratulations, Andrade,
01:22:30the next challenger for L.A. Knights
01:22:33United States Championship.
01:22:36You can't have it, you want it,
01:22:40but you won't take it because you can't.
01:22:42How about something else to look forward to
01:22:44beyond the United States Championship match?
01:22:47How about this tag team contest?
01:22:49Bailey and Naomi join forces.
01:22:51If one of them wins,
01:22:53they will be the next to challenge
01:22:54for Nia Jax WWE Women's Championship.
01:22:57However, if Jax and Tiffany Stratton win,
01:23:00Bailey or Naomi, whoever gets pinned,
01:23:02has to leave SmackDown permanently.
01:23:05Go to Byron Saxton.
01:23:07Michael Corey, thank you.
01:23:08As you can see, I'm standing by
01:23:10with the women's tag team champions,
01:23:12Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill.
01:23:14What a week for you ladies.
01:23:16On Monday, you successfully defend your tag team titles,
01:23:18and now here you are tonight
01:23:20on the USA premiere.
01:23:22Yes, we are so excited to be here tonight,
01:23:25and we are even more excited
01:23:26now that we got our titles back on our shoulder.
01:23:29And I know we lost them for a few months,
01:23:32but we got them back now,
01:23:33so it's all good.
01:23:35And we ain't letting that go.
01:23:36Like I said, whoever won't come get it,
01:23:39we got it.
01:23:40We're giving our work.
01:23:42Come apply.
01:23:44You know what?
01:23:44Anytime, anyplace, Raw, NXT, SmackDown,
01:23:48anybody can get it.
01:23:49And every time we step in the ring,
01:23:50we're going to keep defending these titles.
01:23:52And you're going to continue to hear
01:23:54and still your women's tag team champions.
01:23:59Who won it?
01:23:59Who won it?
01:24:00Who won?
01:24:04You got something to say?
01:24:06Did you guys hear what happened to Naomi?
01:24:08What happened to Naomi?
01:24:10Well, nothing yet.
01:24:12But if she sticks her fat nose in my business again,
01:24:15something very bad.
01:24:19Have a nice show.
01:24:20Oh, and I forgot to say,
01:24:23congratulations on the tag titles.
01:24:25They look really good on you guys.
01:24:28But don't forget,
01:24:29I beat both of you to win the Queen of the Ring tournament.
01:24:33So while you're the tag team champs,
01:24:35SmackDown is my kingdom.
01:24:38Toodles.
01:24:43Bet.
01:24:46I just hope Saxon finds his shoes.
01:24:48See this, Sax?
01:24:49Unfortunately, it appeared that way.
01:24:50It's been quite the 2024 at WWE.
01:24:53Tonight in Seattle,
01:24:54our 38th television sellout,
01:24:5757 event sellouts throughout the year.
01:25:00Congratulations and thank you
01:25:02to all the WWE fans who made this possible.
01:25:47Roman Reigns returns tonight
01:26:05following Cody Rhodes' victory
01:26:06over Solo Sako and Inside a Steel Cage
01:26:10to help Cody Rhodes thwart the attack by the Bloodlines.
01:26:15But since that moment, Corey,
01:26:16there's been a lot of backstage negotiating
01:26:18going back for negotiations
01:26:20between General Manager Nick Aldis
01:26:22and the parties involved.
01:26:24Solo Sako and Jacob Fatu
01:26:26allegedly signed the contract sight unseen.
01:26:29The Bloodline that eager to fight.
01:26:32Cody Rhodes rejected the offer.
01:26:35Roman Reigns requested to address the WWE universe.
01:26:39That's why we are here.
01:26:41I cannot wait.
01:26:43Roman Reigns, the OTC, is live next Sunday night.
01:26:55We are back live on Friday Night Smackdown.
01:26:58The OTC, the original Tribal Chief,
01:27:00the returning Roman Reigns,
01:27:02is in the ring as we speak
01:27:04along with our General Manager Nick Aldis.
01:27:12And one to the sky.
01:27:18The sellout crowd at Seattle.
01:27:21Feels good, doesn't it?
01:28:12Roman, I know it's been a chaotic night
01:28:15and I know that you and I,
01:28:17we have our own unique history
01:28:20and I just want to say that with everything...
01:28:42I don't want to confuse anybody
01:29:12but not me.
01:29:18I don't need him.
01:29:22I don't need some contract.
01:29:27This family business, this is Bloodline business here.
01:29:34I don't need a partner.
01:29:35I just want to say that with everything
01:29:38that's going on right now,
01:29:40I don't need a partner.
01:29:42I definitely don't need the help of Cody Rhodes.
01:29:48And let's just get this one thing straight.
01:29:52Whether I have my family's ulufala or not,
01:29:58I am the Tribal Chief.
01:30:05And you see, I'm not just the original Tribal Chief.
01:30:09I am the only Tribal Chief.
01:30:16And don't ever get it confused.
01:30:19This is my ring.
01:30:22This is my show.
01:30:25This is my WWE.
01:30:39This is my show.
01:30:48This is my show.
01:31:00This is my show.
01:31:30I built my kingdom.
01:31:32Now you bow to me.
01:31:35You took my dreams and done my name.
01:31:39So follow me till the end.
01:31:42I am the kingdom.
01:31:44Lights go down.
01:31:46I'm ready now.
01:31:47Stab this roof off for the town.
01:31:50Gonna give them what they came to see.
01:31:56Hear the crowd on their toes.
01:31:59Ready for me to start the show.
01:32:02As the cut lights go off of home.
01:32:09My father said when I was younger,
01:32:15I'd die a pretty bad little man.
01:32:21He took it all away.
01:32:22I gave it all away.
01:32:29Your ring.
01:32:55Your WWE.
01:32:57Well, it was.
01:33:23But it hasn't been since WrestleMania.
01:33:53Well, that's gonna have to wait.
01:34:03Still feeling the effects of a cage match earlier tonight.
01:34:11He and Cody endured for the new tribal chief along with his personal enforcer,
01:34:19the Samoan werewolf, Jacob Batu, stalking their way to the ring.
01:34:25As mentioned, Nick Aldis has already obtained the signatures of Solo Sokoa and Jacob Batu
01:34:30for a matchup.
01:34:31It doesn't seem to be possible anymore.
01:34:45Oh, wait a minute from behind.
01:34:46Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa.
01:34:48Attack champs from the bloodline attacking Reigns and Rhodes.
01:34:54And Cody now fighting back.
01:34:58Off the top rope with a Cody Cutter.
01:35:02And Roman's not done yet either.
01:35:05Whoa!
01:35:06Oh, you're not.
01:35:13And again, much like earlier tonight.
01:35:26A rough alliance has been formed.
01:36:13We don't like you.
01:36:35Earlier tonight, Cody Rhodes did his business with the bloodline was done.
01:36:42Apparently not.
01:36:46Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have inked the contract.
01:36:52And as you mentioned earlier, Corey, so did the bloodline.
01:36:57A rare occurrence where Roman Reigns realizes it's gonna take more than the OTC to topple
01:37:04the bloodline.
01:37:11About to blow!