Aleister Black made his return to SmackDown tonight, attacking Big E to close out the show.
Black made an appearance towards the end of the fatal four way match for the Intercontinental title between Big E, Apollo Crews, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens. Big E posted Commander Azeez and went to finish Crews off when smoke filled the arena, and Black appeared. Crews grabbed E’s legs, allowing Black to hit the Black Mass. Crews then pinned Big E to retain the title.
The show closed with Black standing on the entryway, smiling as the show went off the air.
In recent weeks, vignettes featuring Black have aired on SmackDown, where he talked about his father and what he has taught him, reading from a book called Tales of the Dark Father.
Prior to the new character, Black had not been seen on television in six months, last appearing on the October 12 edition of Raw where he lost to Kevin Owens in a No Disqualification match. Black was then drafted to SmackDown as part of the 2020 WWE Draft, but had not been seen on television until recently.
The Intercontinental title will be on the line in a fatal four-way match on tonight’s WrestleMania Backlash fallout edition of SmackDown.
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends his title against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens tonight. Tensions have been building between all four wrestlers for weeks and resulted in a wild brawl last Friday.
At WrestleMania Backlash, Roman Reigns defeated Cesaro to retain the Universal Championship. After the match, Jey Uso attacked Cesaro and beat him down. Reigns and Uso left, but Seth Rollins came out and continued to beat down Cesaro.
Earlier in the night, Jimmy Uso had a tense conversation with his brother and cousin. He wished Reigns good luck but insulted Jey later in the night.
WrestleMania Backlash also saw SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair make her first title defense as she retained against Bayley. Plus, Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles and become the first father-son tag team champions in WWE history.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Sonya Deville was standing in the ring to start SmackDown. She announced that WWE is going back on the road in July. Deville then talked about the current champions.
All the champions except Roman Reigns were standing on the stage. She introduced each one as part of the parade of champions.
Deville got to Apollo Crews, but Commander Azeez demanded they cut the music. He handed the mic to Crews.
Crews noted he could lose the title without getting pinned in the fatal four-way in the main event. Regardless, he promised to defeat all of them. Deville thanked Crews and then introduced the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.
Deville then introduced the tribal chief and Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Reigns’ old Sheild music hit, but Paul Heyman walked out instead. He mocked the parade of champions and said they’re all just title holders.
Reigns isn’t a titleholder. He’s the preeminent champion of the WWE Universe. Heyman promised that the fans would gladly purchase tickets to see Reigns.
Heyman noted Reigns would have his own parade of champions at his leisure and walked off.
Bayley jumped in the ring and noted that Belair used her ponytail to beat her. She demanded that Deville strip Belair of the title.
Belair heard enough and marched down to the ring. She got in Bayley’s face, but Bayley backed off. Bayley said it’s not time.
Suddenly, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax jumped Belair from behind. All three beat her down until Natalya and Tamina jumped in for the save. The heels overpowered the faces and beat all three down. They focused their beat down on Tamina.
Michael Cole noted that Raw’s Jax and Baszler are appearing because of the quarterly draft-to-draft invitation.
The heels were firmly in control and cut off Natalya from her corner. Jax slammed down Natalya for a near fall.
Belair got the hot tag and ran wild. She avoided Baszler with a moonsault and hit a spinebuster.
Belar climbed to the top rope, but the heels dragged Baszler out of the ring. Belair changed direction and hit a crossbody to the floor, but she seemed to injure her knee on the landing.
Back from the break, Bayley worked over Belair’s knee. Belair fought back and tagged in Tamina.
Tamina ran wild and tagged in Natalya. Tamina rocked Bayley with a superkick, and Natalya locked on the sharpshooter. Baszler made the tag and broke up the hold.
Belair attempted a handspring moonsault, but Bayley dragged her out of the ring. Bayley then hit the Bayley-to-Belly on the floor.
Natalya knocked Bayley off the apron, but Baszler took advantage. She locked on the Kirifuda clutch on Natalya for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Big E about his upcoming match. Braxton noted Big E’s in a good mood. He noted he’s going to be in the ring with dogs. Big E promised to win the Intercontinental championship later.
Aleister Black read from the Tales of the Dark Father again. Black read from the next chapter, The Beautiful Pain.
It focused on the story behind his tattoos and the lessons his father taught him. He said the people are sick and dying animals. It’s time to separate the weak from the strong.
Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) defeated King Corbin
Nakamura and Corbin had a fine match. It dragged at times and had the typical distraction finish.
King Corbin made his way to the ring. They recapped Shinsuke Nakamura taking King Coribn’s crown and wearing it throughout the week. Corbin was furious and talked about being a real king. He mocked Nakamura for taking a picture with a cat. Corbin promised to punish Nakamura and take back his crown.
Ric Boogs interrupted playing his guitar. He then introduced Shinsuke Nakamura.
The match started during the commercial break. Corbin had the early advantage and hit a powerbomb on Nakamura.
Nakamura recovered and hit a sliding knee for a near fall. Corbin avoided Nakamura and hit a German suplex for a two-count.
Nakamura briefly fought back, but Corbin hit the Deep six for a very close near fall. Boogs started playing Nakamura’s music on his guitar. Corbin became distracted, and Nakamura used small package for the win.
In the back, Jimmy Uso approached Sonya Deville. He noted The Usos are ready to get back into the tag team division. Jimmy wants the smoke. Deville asked if Jimmy’s sure that Jey is ready to reform the team.
Jimmy’s certain Jey’s got his back. Deville agreed and announced The Usos vs. The Street Profits for next week.
In the back, Kevin Owens talked about the fatal four-way title match tonight. He promised to win the title and become a three-time Intercontinental Champion.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Paul Heyman Segment
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jey Uso made their way to the ring.
They recapped Reigns beating Cesaro to retain the title at WrestleMania Backlash. It also included the post-match beat down. They piped in loud “Roman sucks” chants.
Reigns called himself a humble man and said he doesn’t like to brag on live television. Instead, he’s going to let his advisor Heyman celebrate him.
Heyman was excited and thanked Reigns for the surprise. Heyman pointed out that Reigns sent The Fiend to Raw, pinned Kevin Owens, and made history when he pinned Daniel Bryan and Edge at the same time.
Heyman noted that Edge hasn’t been back since WrestleMania and Reigns ended Bryan’s career. He praised Reigns for beating Cesaro on his own. Heyman said it’s a career highlight to acknowledge Reigns.
Heyman noted he’d do anything for Reigns. He asked Reigns what he wants him to do for him next.
Reigns demanded to see his cousin. Heyman yelled for Jimmy Uso to come to the ring.
Cesaro’s music and he came out with his arm in a sling. Reigns demanded they cut off his music.
Cesaro noted he’s looking for Seth Rollins in the back. He heard Reigns talking, so he decided to come out.
Cesaro demanded another title shot and challenged Reigns to a match at Hell In A Cell. Reigns laughed and asked if he should break Cesaro’s other arm.
Suddenly, Seth Rollins jumped Cesaro and attacked the arm. He viciously beat him around ringside. Referees and officials ran out and separated them.
Rollins ran back to the ring and continued the attack. He hit the curb stomp on Cesaro at ringside.
Referees and officials pulled Rollins off again. Rollins walked away but ran back and hit one more curb stomp on the ramp. Medical personal ran out with a stretcher.
Reigns and Heyman were great in this segment.
Back from the break, they recapped Rollins attacking Cesaro and hitting two curb stomps on the ramp.
In the back, EMTs were taking Cesaro away on a stretcher when Rollins ran over to him. He yelled at Cesaro. Rollins blamed him for making Rollins act like this.
Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) defeated Robert Roode (w/Dolph Ziggler)
This was a fun short match.
They recapped Rey & Dominik Mysterio beating Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles. They showed Aalyah Mysterio and her mother celebrating the win at home.
Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler walked out. Roode pointed out that Rey did all the work on Sunday. He said, bring your son to work day is over and that Dominik doesn’t belong in the WWE.
Roode wasted no time and attacked Dominik. He backed Dominik into the corner and hit two suplexes. He attempted a third, but Dominik countered into a small package for a near fall.
Roode and Dominik fought on the top rope. Dominik pushed Roode to the mat and followed up with a cross body for a near fall.
Dominik attempted a tornado DDT, but Roode pushed him off. Roode went for a powerbomb, but Dominik set up for the 619.
Ziggler distracted Dominik, but Rey attacked him at ringside. Roode rolled up Dominik for a near fall.
The finish came when Dominik hit the 619 on Roode and followed up with the frog splash for the win.
In the back, Jimmy Uso approached Jey Uso. Jimmy celebrated and noted they got a match with The Street Profits.
Jey didn’t like that Jimmy made the match without asking him. Jimmy noted Jey won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal without Reigns.
Jey thought about it and decided he needs to tell Reigns about the match next week.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee discussed fans returning in a few weeks. McAfee was so excited that he jumped to his feet.
In the back, Jey Uso approached Roman Reigns in his dressing room. Jey pointed out that Jimmy made the match without asking him.
Reigns talked about everything they’ve done together. Reigns whispered in his Jey’s ear and walked off.
The Street Profits talked about The Usos in the back. They mocked The Usos and promised to defeat them next week.
Behind the curtain, Kayla Braxton approached Sami Zayn. He called her a corporate hack, and he knows what she’s trying to do.
Zayn promised to regain his title tonight.
They announced Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina on Raw this Monday.
Fatal Four-Way: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews (w/Commandar Azeez) defeated Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E
This was a good match with everyone working hard. They worked at a fast pace.
Owens went after Zayn at the bell. They rolled to the floor and brawled around ringside.
In the ring, Big E rocked Crews with a back elbow. Owens took advantage and caught Big E with a step-up enziguri.
Zayn jumped Owens and choked him on the top rope. Big E recovered and pulled Zayn to ringside.
Big E placed Zayn and Crews on the apron and hit the big splash.
Owens took advantage and hit a flip dive onto Big E wiping him out.
Back from the break, Crews rocked Big E with a standing dropkick. Crews sent Owens into the ring steps. He then hit a moonsault off the apron onto Big E.
Zayn attacked Crews and hit a moonsault off the barricade. Owens rocked Zayn with a clothesline and hit a Swanton in the ring. Big E broke up the pin attempt and traded shots with Owens.
Crews took over after dropping Big E on the top rope. He followed up with three rolling German suplexes.
Owens broke up the pin attempt with a senton.
Zayn gave Owens the exploder suplex in the corner. Owens avoided the Helluva kick. He went for the stunner, but Zayn reversed into a pin for a near fall. Zayn followed up with a Michinoku Driver for another close near fall.
Zayn attempted to give Owens a superplex, but Owens reversed into the fisherman’s buster. Crews broke up the pin attempt.
Crews avoided the spear through the ropes. Owens and Crews fought on the apron. Crews knocked Owens down, but Big E caught Crews with the spear off the apron.
Back from the break, Crews hit a suplex on Big E for a near fall. Crews hit everyone in the ring but focused his attack on Big E.
Big E fought back and hit a belly-to-belly on Crews, Zayn and Crews again. He went for a splash, but Zayn caught him with a boot to the face.
Zayn avoided the pop-up powerbomb, but Owens hit a fisherman’s neck breaker for a near fall.
Owens climbed to the top rope, but Crews cut him off. Big E gave Crews and Zayn a German suplex. Owens then hit a frog splash on Crews for a close near fall.
Owens took over and hit a cannonball in the corner on Big E and Crews. Zayn recovered and hit the blue thunder bomb for another close near fall.
Zayn climbed to the top rope, but Crews and Zayn cut him off. Zayn avoided Owens and jumped off.
Big E went for the Big Ending on Zayn, but Owens hit a superkick on both. He then hit a pop-up powerbomb on Crews for close two-count.
Zayn took out Owens on the floor. In the ring, Big E caught Zayn with a uranage and hit the Big Ending on Crews.
Azeez pulled Big E out of the ring to break up the pin attempt. Big E fought back and sent Azeez into the ring post.
Big E jumped back in the ring, but the lights dimmed, and smoke filled the arena.
Suddenly, Aleister Black walked out of the smoke. Big E was shocked and confused. Crews then grabbed Big E’s legs, and Black hit the Black Mass on Big E. Crews then pinned Big E to win the match.
Apollo Crews’ next Intercontinental title defense is set — but it won’t be taking place at WrestleMania Backlash.
WWE has announced that Crews will defend his Intercontinental title against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown next Friday. It will be the first SmackDown episode following this Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.
There was a segment on tonight’s SmackDown where Crews presented the “Nigerian Medal of Honor” to Commander Azeez. Crews said a swarm of gnats have been coming after him since he became Intercontinental Champion, but Azeez has thwarted them time after time. Crews said he’s restored glory to the Intercontinental title with the help of Azeez and has brought honor to his home of Nigeria. Crews said there’s no end in sight to his reign of prosperity.
After Crews gave the Medal of Honor to Azeez, Big E appeared on the video screen and interrupted them. Zayn and then Owens came out to the ring. Crews and Azeez brawled with Owens while Zayn bailed. Big E came out to even the odds, but Owens accidentally gave him a superkick during the brawl. Zayn attacked Owens but was laid out with a stunner. Big E recovered and gave Owens the Big Ending. He then tried to give Crews the Big Ending too, but Azeez helped Crews get away.
Crews approached authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville backstage later in the show and demanded consequences for Big E, Zayn, and Owens. Pearce said he was trying to figure out who would challenge for Crews’ Intercontinental title next week. Crews said it was outrageous that Pearce would reward them for their misbehavior.
Deville told Crews that he better be careful or Pearce might make him face all of his challengers at once like he did with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Pearce liked that idea and made Crews vs. Big E vs. Zayn vs. Owens for the Intercontinental title official for next Friday’s SmackDown.
Crews has been Intercontinental Champion since winning the title from Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight at WrestleMania 37 last month. Azeez debuted as Crews’ bodyguard during that match and interfered to help Crews win the title.
Daniel Bryan is putting his SmackDown career on the line in a Universal Championship match next Friday.
WWE has announced that Roman Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Bryan on SmackDown next week. If Bryan loses, he’ll be banished from SmackDown.
A show-long storyline on tonight’s SmackDown revolved around Reigns responding to Cesaro’s challenge for a Universal Championship match. Bryan advocated for Cesaro to get the title shot and teamed with Cesaro to defeat Seth Rollins & Jey Uso.
Paul Heyman promised that Reigns would give an answer to Cesaro’s challenge by the end of the night. In the main event segment, Reigns told Cesaro that his answer is no and will always be no. Reigns said Cesaro doesn’t deserve it and isn’t on his level. Reigns said the Universal Champion issues the challenges around here. Reigns then turned his attention to Bryan.
Reigns said he doesn’t like Bryan and has never liked him. Reigns then said he was going to give Bryan one more title shot. Cesaro told Bryan that he has to take the opportunity. Bryan went to respond, but Reigns said he doesn’t want to see Bryan on his show again after Bryan loses. Bryan accepted the challenge.
Reigns retained the Universal Championship by defeating Bryan and Edge in a triple threat match in the main event of WrestleMania 37 night two earlier this month. After getting help from Uso, Reigns stacked Bryan and Edge on top of each other and pinned them both to win the match.
WWE has also announced that Apollo Crews will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Big E on SmackDown next Friday. With assistance from Commander Azeez, Crews defeated Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight at WrestleMania 37 night two to win the Intercontinental title.
Crews made his first Intercontinental title defense on SmackDown tonight, retaining against Kevin Owens after a distraction by Commander Azeez. Big E attacked Crews during a backstage interview later in the show.
The build to WrestleMania Backlash continues on tonight’s SmackDown.
Cesaro confronted Universal Champion Roman Reigns last week on the SmackDown after WrestleMania 37. Reigns bragged about beating Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. He claimed the rest of the roster was afraid to face him until Cesaro interrupted. Reigns disrespected Cesaro by leaving the ring.
Cesaro demanded a title shot against Reigns but had to face Jey Uso first. The match ended when Seth Rollins jumped Cesaro for the disqualification.
Cesaro had defeated Rollins when they faced off at WrestleMania. On SmackDown last week, WWE showed footage of Cesaro giving Rollins the giant swing and UFO several times.
The Street Profits threw new SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair a victory party last week. In a backstage interview, former champion Sasha Banks was still upset about losing the title. In a separate interview, Bayley demanded a title shot against Belair.
WWE has announced that Belair will defend her title against Bayley at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 16.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature Apollo Crews making his first Intercontinental title defense. Crews’ challenger hasn’t been announced.
At WrestleMania, Crews won the Intercontinental title by defeating Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight. Crews won the match with help from Commander Azeez. Commander Azeez will be in Crews’ corner tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Cesaro confronting Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his match against Jey Uso.
Cesaro Segment
Cesaro was standing in the ring about to speak when Seth Rollins interrupted immediately. Rollins noted Cesaro reached his potential because he faced Rollins at WrestleMania 37.
Rollins was upset that Cesaro’s moving on to challenge Roman Reigns. He promised that it’s not over between them. Rollins discussed their WrestleMania match and claimed Cesaro couldn’t beat him. Rollins blamed the weather and rain delay for his loss.
Cesaro challenged Rollins to a match tonight. Rollins agreed to the match, but Jey Uso interrupted. Uso yelled at Cesaro that he couldn’t beat Reigns, Uso, or Rollins. Uso challenged Cesaro to a match.
Rollins stopped Uso, and they agreed to work together. They surrounded the ring and were about to jump Cesaro.
Suddenly, Daniel Bryan’s music hit, and he jumped in the ring. Bryan noted he came out to make sure that Cesaro gets what he deserves. He said that Cesaro worked harder than him, Rollins and Uso. Bryan even thinks Cesaro worked harder than Reigns and deserves a shot at the Universal title.
Bryan wondered if Reigns is going to come out. He then realized that Reigns doesn’t like to wrestle. Bryan figured it out and said that Reigns, Rollins, and Uso are going to jump them.
Bryan is happy to fight alongside Cesaro. Reigns music hit, and he walked out with Paul Heyman. Reigns mocked Bryan and taunted him for beating him at WrestleMania. Reigns got a new t-shirt that shows him pinning Edge and Bryan.
Reigns called Bryan and Cesaro losers. He promised that they’d beat them down. Reigns left, and Uso walked towards the ring. Rollins seemed confused that Reigns left.
Daniel Bryan & Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins & Jey Uso
This was a great match. All four worked hard in a fast-paced match that told a good story.
Back from the break, all four guys were brawling in the ring. The referee restored order and officially started the match. The faces had the early advantage as Cesaro hit a suplex on Uso for a near fall.
Rollins hit a sling blade on Cesaro to take over. The heels isolated Cesaro on their side of the ring. Rollins slowed the pace down with a chin lock, but Cesaro fought back.
Rollins jumped off the second turnbuckle, but Cesaro caught him and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Bryan got the hot tag and ran wild on Rollins. Rollins attempted a Pele kick, but Bryan caught him in an ankle lock. Bryan hit a German suplex for a near fall.
The heels regained control after Rollins hit a buckle bomb on Bryan. Uso followed up with the splash for a near fall.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. They isolated Bryan on their side of the ring and cut him off from his corner. Rollins hit Bryan in the back of the head for a series of near falls.
Bryan made a brief comeback, but Uso hit a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Rollins whipped Bryan into the corner. Bryan ran up the corner and collided with Rollins in the middle of the ring.
Cesaro tagged in and rocked Uso with an uppercut. Uso avoided the giant swing but got caught with another uppercut.
Bryan sent Rollins to the floor and hit a suicide dive.
Uso knocked Cesaro to the floor. He attempted a suicide dive, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. Cesaro jumped in the ring, but Uso caught him with a superkick.
Back from the break, Cesaro and Rollins traded shots back and forth. Cesaro attempted the giant swing, but Rollins rolled him up for a near fall.
Cesaro recovered and locked on the sharpshooter on Rollins. Uso rocked Cesaro with a superkick to save Rollins from the sharpshooter.
Uso climbed to the top, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. Rollins walked away and left Uso on his own.
Cesaro hit a superplex on Uso, and Bryan followed up with the running knee for the win.
After the match, Bryan called out Reigns. Uso tried to jump Cesaro and Bryan. Cesaro caught Uso in the giant swing and knocked him out with an uppercut. Bryan sat on the turnbuckle and continued to mock Reigns and Uso as Cesaro did the giant swing.
Bryan and Cesaro noted Reigns still didn’t come out to save his cousin. Cesaro gave Uso the giant swing again as Bryan taunted Reigns to save his cousin. Bryan noted Uso always saves Reigns.
Bryan wondered if Reigns is scared. He believes Reigns is afraid to face Cesaro because he knows Cesaro will be the new Universal Champion.
In the back, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville discussed the previous segment. Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez approached them, so Deville left. Crews were furious that he has to defend his title tonight. Pearce noted Big E gets a rematch when he returns, but tonight Crews defends against Kevin Owens.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Jey Uso backstage. He was furious and yelled about Cesaro.
This was okay and kept short, although it dragged at times.
Jax picked up Tamina and backed her into the corner. She followed up with a splash on the other side of the ring. Jax taunted Tamina, but that fired her up. Tamina fought back and knocked Jax down.
Tamina attempted to slam Jax, but Baszler interfered. Tamina knocked Jax to the floor and continued to beat her down.
Back in the ring, Reginald jumped on the apron. Baszler saved him from Tamina but got knocked down. Baszler got in Reginald’s face, and he fell over the steps.
Jax was distracted, and Tamina rocked her with a superkick. Tamina then rolled up Jax for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Kevin Owens. Owens discussed his title shot against Apollo Crews later. Big E interrupted and pointed out that Owens jumped the line.
Owens noted he’s getting the title shot next. They both pretended to laugh and then abruptly stopped.
In the back, Daniel Bryan approached Adam Pearce. Bryan asked if Cesaro’s getting a title shot. Peace told him he’s trying to make it happen. Bryan told him to try harder.
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) defeated Kevin Owens to retain the title
Owens and Crews had a good match, but the finish was a little weak. It was the same distraction finish with a roll-up as the last match.
Owens had the early advantage with a side headlock. Crews tried to fight back, but Owens went right back to the headlock. Crews broke free, but Owens hit a standing dropkick to regain control.
Crews locked on a side headlock, but Owens broke free. He hit a back elbow and senton to take over. Owens sent Crews to the floor and went for a suicide dive, but Azeez stood in the way.
Crews took advantage and regained control. He followed up with a suplex for a near fall. Crews tossed Owens to the floor. Crews attempted a moonsault off the apron, but Owens moved and hit a superkick.
Owens hit a Swanton Bomb for a near fall. Suddenly, Sami Zayn’s music hit, and he walked towards the ring. Zayn joined Pat McAfee and Michael Cole on commentary.
Back from the break, Crews and Owens fought on the top turnbuckle. Crews knocked Owens to the mat. Owens avoided Crews and hit a superkick for a near fall. Crews dropped Owens on the top rope. He followed up with a clothesline for a near fall.
Crews hit the rolling German suplexes on Owens for another near fall. Crews missed a splash, and Owens hit a German suplex to take back over. Owens hit two cannonballs for a close near fall.
Owens attempted the stunner, but Crews avoided it. Owens rocked Crews with a superkick and pop-up powerbomb for two-count. Owens climbed to the top, but Crews rolled to the floor.
Owens hit a splash off the apron. Owens threw Crews back in the ring, but Azeez jumped on the apron. Crews took advantage of the distraction and rolled up Owens for the win.
After the match, Owens gave Crews the stunner, but Azeez attacked Owens and hit the Nigerian Nail.
Zayn then jumped in the ring and danced around Owens’s fallen body. Zayn’s dancing is always great.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman and asked if Roman Reigns would accept Cesaro’s challenge. Heyman praised Cesaro. He promised that Reigns is going to answer everyone’s questions later.
Back from the break, Megan Morant interviewed Apollo Crews. Crews bragged about retaining the title and being the champion. Crews noted he left Azeez in the locker room.
Suddenly, Big E jumped Crews and beat him down.
Michael Cole introduced the next segment and said it’s a new vision from the twisted mind of Aleister Black. Black sat on a chair in a room surrounded by candles. He said most people are not honest. He read from a book, The Tales Of The Dark Father.
Black read Chapter 1 The Dragon and narrated a cool animated video.
Black told the story of a boy. His father took him to rituals to face life and death. The boy’s father became colder and distant.
The boy didn’t learn to slay the dragon. Instead, he learned to be the dragon. Black then mocked and ranted about the people watching.
Kayla Braxton interviewed SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. They picked Alpha Academy to win against Rey & Dominik Mysterio later.
The Street Profits interrupted and had a brief staredown with the champions.
Bayley showed up and took over the interview. She promised to defeat Bianca Belair at WrestleMania Backlash. Bayley mocked Belair when Montez Ford walked back. He had Belair on the phone and told her what Bayley was saying. Belair said she’s on her way.
Back from the break, Belair and Bayley were face-to-face. Bayley was suddenly nice to Belair and praised her. She’s excited to be Belair’s first title defense. Bayley left but came back and laughed at Belair.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Chad Gable & Otis
This was a fine match but dragged a bit.
They recapped Rey defeating Otis last week.
Otis beat down Dominik to gain the early advantage. He slammed Dominik down and started climbing up the corner.
Rey pulled out Dominik to the floor. Otis then ran around ringside and wiped them out with a double clothesline.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. They isolated Dominik on their side of the ring and cut him off from Rey. Otis hit a splash in the corner for a near fall. Gable slowed the pace down and worked over Dominik’s arm.
Gable attempted a German suplex, but Dominik landed on his feet. Rey got the hot tag and ran wild. Rey gave Gable a hurricanrana off the top for a near fall. Rey knocked Gable off the apron, and Dominik hit a sliding sunset powerbomb into the barricade.
Dominik sent Otis into the announce table at ringside. Rey then hit the 619 and frog splash on Gable for the win.
Cesaro and Daniel Bryan made their way to the ring and congratulated The Mysterios on their win.
Cesaro, Daniel Bryan And Roman Reigns Segment
Cesaro and Bryan called out Universal Champion Roman Reigns for an answer. Cesaro threatened to go to the back and find Reigns.
Reigns, Jey Uso and Paul Heyman, walked to the ring. Reigns got in Cesaro’s face. He was furious that Cesaro’s demanding a title shot. Reigns turned down Cesaro and said it’s always going to be no.
Reigns noted the champion makes the challenges. Reigns turned his attention to Bryan and said he’s the challenger. He’s tired of Bryan. Reigns wants to face Bryan next week and offered him the title shot.
Bryan was conflicted, but Cesaro told him to take the match. Reigns noted if Bryan takes the match and loses, then he never wants to see Bryan again. Bryan accepted the challenge.
Reigns and Bryan had a brief staredown with Cesaro watching in the background.
On commentary, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee stressed that Bryan’s career is on the line next week. McAfee noted if Bryan loses his banished from SmackDown.
Next Week: Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan. Plus, Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends against Big E.
The Intercontinental title will be on the line on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that new Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews will make his first title defense on SmackDown tonight. His opponent for tonight’s show hasn’t been revealed.
Crews won the Intercontinental title by defeating Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight at WrestleMania 37 night two earlier this month. Crews got the win with help from the former Dabba-Kato, who is now going by the name Commander Azeez.
On SmackDown last week, Crews cut a promo officially introducing Commander Azeez. Crews said Commander Azeez is a former member of the Nigerian Elite Guard.
Commander Azeez will be in Crews’ corner for his Intercontinental title defense tonight.
Commander Azeez’s real name is Babatunde Aiyegbusi. Aiyegbusi played as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2015 NFL preseason.
Before losing the title to Crews at WrestleMania 37, Big E had been Intercontinental Champion since defeating Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match on the Christmas Day episode of SmackDown last December.
Dabba-Kato made his return to WWE television on night two of WrestleMania 37, aligning with Apollo Crews in Crews’ Intercontinental title win in the Nigerian Drum Fight.
Intercontinental Champion Big E had Crews pinned after hitting a Big Ending. Dabba-Kato then appeared and broke up the pinfall. He connected with a chokeslam, then placed Crews on top of Big E for the pinfall and the title change. Dabba-Kato is of Polish and Nigerian descent, explaining the alignment with Crews as he plays a descendant of Nigerian royalty.
Dabba-Kato was prominently featured on Raw during the late summer of 2020 in Raw Underground segments. He was drafted to the Raw brand in the WWE Draft in October 2020, but had not made an appearance since Raw Underground’s hiatus.
Dabba-Kato was part of the WWE Performance Center class of April 2016.He had a career as a professional football player prior to joining WWE, playing in American football leagues in Europe for nearly a decade. He was a late cut from the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 NFL preseason. His highest-profile appearance prior to tonight was at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018 under the Babatunde ring name. Additionally, he wrestled for EVOLVE while under WWE contract in 2019.
Apollo Crews won his first WWE Intercontinental title Sunday at WrestleMania 37, defeating Big E in a Nigerian drum fight match thanks to a surprise return.
After hitting the Big Ending following Crews missing a frog splash through a table, Big E was about to win the match when the wrestler formerly known as Dabba Kato from last year’s Raw Underground segments appeared from under the ring. Dressed in military garb, he attacked Big E and following a chokeslam, he dragged Crews onto him for the pin and the title change.
WWE announcers didn’t name Kato and acted like they didn’t know who he was.
The match was essentially a hardcore match but with kendo sticks, stand-up drums, gongs and tables. The ringside steps were also used liberally, a tie-in to when Crews dropped them on Big E several weeks ago on SmackDown.
This is Crews’ second WWE title as he is a former U.S. titleholder while the loss ends Big E’s second I-C title reign. He had held the title since last December when he defeated Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match on SmackDown.
He also joins a list of short list of wrestlers to have competed in five or more WrestleMania main card matches without getting a win (Goldust, Ron Killings, Sasha Banks).
A stipulation looks to be set for Big E and Apollo Crews’ Intercontinental title match at WrestleMania 37.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Crews cut a backstage promo challenging Big E to make their Intercontinental title match at WrestleMania 37 a Nigerian Drum Fight. Big E putting his Intercontinental title on the line against Crews will be part of the WrestleMania 37 night two card on Sunday, April 11.
Crews said the Nigerian Drum Fight is an ancient duel created by his ancestors for those who are wronged to get a chance to make things right. Crews said there are no rules or limitations — just a beating so loud it sounds like a drum. Big E has yet to respond to Crews’ challenge.
Crews debuted a character change this February, embracing his Nigerian heritage and claiming to be a descendent of Nigerian royalty. Big E had said Crews wouldn’t be getting another shot at the Intercontinental title. But after an angle where Crews attacked Big E with the steel steps, they again faced off for the title at Fastlane last month.
Big E retained against Crews at Fastlane, but Crews then attacked him after the match. Crews pinned Big E to get the win in a six-man tag match on SmackDown last week.
WrestleMania 37 is taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Both nights will air live on Peacock in the United States and live on the WWE Network everywhere else.
Three new matches have been made official for WrestleMania 37.
On tonight’s SmackDown, it was announced that Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro will be taking place at WrestleMania 37 night one. The other two new additions will be part of the card for WrestleMania 37 night two. Big E will defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews, while Kevin Owens will face Sami Zayn.
WWE has also confirmed that The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. AJ Styles & Omos for the Raw Tag Team titles and Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon are set for WrestleMania 37 night one. Both matches had already been announced for WrestleMania, but the night they’ll be taking place on wasn’t revealed until now.
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida is hosting WrestleMania 37 on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Both nights will air live on Peacock in the United States and will be live on the WWE Network everywhere else.
Here are the updated cards for WrestleMania:
WrestleMania 37 night one (Saturday, April 10) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Bianca Belair
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre
Bad Bunny vs. The Miz
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend against AJ Styles & Omos
Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon
Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro
WrestleMania 37 night two (Sunday, April 11) —
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
WWE has announced that Michael Cole will host a sit-down interview with Big E and Crews on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Big E is defending his Intercontinental title against Crews at Fastlane this Sunday.
There was an angle last month where Big E was stretchered out after Crews attacked him with the steel steps. Prior to that, Big E had told Crews that he wouldn’t be getting another shot at the Intercontinental title.
For the first time since Crews’ attack, Big E returned to SmackDown last week. He called out Crews to face him in a title match, but Crews didn’t come to the ring. Big E then issued an Intercontinental title open challenge that was answered by Sami Zayn. Big E defeated Zayn but was laid out by Crews after the match, with Crews again hitting Big E with the steel steps.
In a post-show interview after last week’s SmackDown, Crews was asked why he didn’t accept Big E’s challenge. Crews said he wasn’t going to cater to Big E by answering when Big E called his name. Crews said he would instead challenge Big E for the Intercontinental title at Fastlane.
Here’s the updated lineup for tonight’s SmackDown:
Edge vs. Jey Uso (winner becomes the special guest enforcer for Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane)
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Nia Jax
Michael Cole hosts a sit-down interview with Intercontinental Champion Big E and Apollo Crews
An Intercontinental title match has been made official for Fastlane.
WWE announced tonight that Big E will defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews at Fastlane. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, March 21 and will air live on Peacock and the WWE Network.
On SmackDown three weeks ago, Big E was stretchered out as part of an angle where Crews attacked him with the steel steps. Big E had told Crews that he had already gotten enough chances and wasn’t going to get another shot at Big E’s Intercontinental title.
Big E returned to SmackDown tonight for the first time since Crews’ attack. Big E called Crews out and agreed to give him a title match, but Crews didn’t come to the ring. Big E then issued an Intercontinental title open challenge that was answered by Sami Zayn.
Big E retained the Intercontinental title against Zayn but was attacked by Crews after the match. Crews gave Big E two Angle slams and hit him with the steel steps. In a post-show interview, Crews was asked why he didn’t accept Big E’s challenge for a title match tonight. Crews said he doesn’t cater to Big E and will face him at Fastlane instead.
Crews has recently undergone a character change where he’s embraced his Nigerian heritage and has claimed to be a descendent of Nigerian royalty.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge and Jey Uso are facing each other on SmackDown next week to determine the special guest enforcer for the match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
The Intercontinental title will be on the line in a triple threat match on tonight’s Royal Rumble fallout edition of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Intercontinental Champion Big E will defend his title against Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match on SmackDown tonight. Big E and Crews faced off in an Intercontinental title match on SmackDown two weeks ago, but it ended in a disqualification when Zayn interfered. Zayn laid out Crews and Big E with Helluva Kicks.
Big E won the Intercontinental title by defeating Zayn in a lumberjack match on the Christmas Day episode of SmackDown. Crews was a lumberjack for that match and helped stop Zayn from walking out during it. Big E defended the Intercontinental title against Crews on the January 8 episode of SmackDown. After originally ending in a double pin following a superplex from Crews, the match was restarted and Big E defeated Crews to retain.
There was a backstage segment on SmackDown three weeks ago where Crews got advice from Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Crews defeated Zayn later that night by holding onto Zayn’s tights for leverage right after the referee had stopped Zayn from doing the same thing to Crews. Crews then confronted Big E and grabbed the Intercontinental title belt before throwing it back to him.
Zayn is involved in a storyline where he’s claiming there’s a conspiracy against him in WWE.
Dominik Mysterio vs. Baron Corbin has also been announced for tonight’s SmackDown. The show will feature appearances by Royal Rumble winners Edge and Bianca Belair.
An Intercontinental Championship match is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews. Big E retained against Crews two weeks ago, but the match originally ended in a double pin before being restarted. Last week, Crews seemed to align himself with Roman Reigns. Later, Crews cheated to defeat Sami Zayn and then confronted Big E at ringside.
The build to the Royal Rumble will also continue tonight. Kevin Owens returned last week as Reigns’ new Universal Championship challenger for the Royal Rumble. Initially, Reigns manipulated WWE official Adam Pearce into the Universal Championship match at the pay-per-view.
Pearce attempted to get Reigns to sign the contract for their match throughout last week’s show, but he refused until Pearce agreed to a Last Man Standing match. After signing the contract, Pearce faked an injury and introduced his replacement, Kevin Owens.
Bayley and Bianca Belair will also compete in an obstacle course tonight. Bayley debuted her new talk show “Ding Dong, Hello!” last week with Belair as her first guest. After arguing back and forth, Bayley challenged Belair to an obstacle course.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped the Roman Reigns and Adam Pearce angle from last week. It ended with Kevin Owens making his return.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring to start SmackDown. The fans gave Reigns a thumbs down, and they piped in fake “You Suck” chants.
Reigns noted Kevin Owens wouldn’t appear tonight because he said so. He brought up Pearce and Owens’s plan from last week. Reigns mentioned some fans said Owens and Pearce got one pass them. He doesn’t like the phrase card subject to change.
Reigns was furious that Pearce got out of the match because of an injury. He said it took a serious health risk during the pandemic to keep him out of the ring. Reigns talked about all of his injuries and noted his back hurts from carrying the company.
Reigns said his back injury might keep him from the Royal Rumble. Adam Pearce interrupted and said things are getting out of control. Reigns got in Pearce’s face and was mad that he complained of his body hurting.
Reigns pointed out that he never complains about his injuries. He mocked Pearce for complaining and said he’s not surprised that Pearce never made it to the WWE.
Heyman thought that was funny and started laughing. Pearce didn’t like that Heyman laughed.
Pearce said he’ll back down from Reigns but won’t take it from Heyman.
Reigns noted he just disrespected Heyman, which means he disrespected Reigns. Heyman got in Pearce’s face and talked about his history with Reign’s family.
Heyman decided to give Pearce a huge main event for tonight. Heyman then challenged Pearce to a match for later tonight. Pearce agreed, and Heyman versus Pearce is official for the main event.
This was a good opening segment. Reigns was awesome, but all three played their roles well.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves ran down the line up for tonight, but Sami Zayn interrupted. Zayn was with the documentary crew and handcuffed himself to the barricade.
Back from the break, Zayn brought up Apollo Crews cheating last week. Zayn noted he got caught cheating moments earlier, but Crews didn’t get caught. Suddenly, Asuka’s music hit and cut him off.
Zayn remained handcuffed to the barricade for several segments and matches.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Charlotte Flair defeated The Riott Squad (w/Billie Kay) in a non-title match
They showed Natalya and Tamina Snuka watching in the back.
This was a fine match although it dragged at times.
The champions had the early advantage and isolated Riott on their side of the ring. Kay jumped on the apron and distracted Flair. Flair sent Riott to the floor and tried to drag Kay into the ring.
Morgan got the tag and hit a flying crossbody on Flair for a near fall.
Back from the break, Flair was firmly in control of Morgan. Michael Cole noted that Morgan was very impressive during the break. The Riott Squad took over and isolated Flair in their corner.
Sami Zayn’s still at ringside handcuffed to the barricade.
Flair recovered and hit a suplex on Morgan. Asuka tagged herself in, but Morgan fought back. The Riott Squad regained control.
Riott rolled up Asuka and had the match won, but Kay distracted the referee. Asuka hit the hip attack on Morgan, which sent her into Kay on the floor.
Flair then hit natural selection on Riott for the win. Cole pushed the idea that the Riott Squad had the match won, but Kay cost them the match.
Cole and Graves ran down more of the line up for tonight, including Sasha Banks against Reginald.
In the back, Kay tried to apologize to Riott and Morgan. Riott pointed out she had Asuka beat, but Kay caused a distraction. Kay tried to make up with them and got them both entered into the Royal Rumble.
The Riott Squad turned down Kay and noted they’re better when it’s just them two. Kay was devastated as they walked away.
Daniel Bryan Segment
Daniel Bryan made his way down to the ring. He talked about the uncertainty of the Royal Rumble match. Bryan noted there are many challenges to the Rumble but the winner receives a title shot at WretleMania. He said he’d had a great career, but he never won the Rumble.
Suddenly, Cesaro’s music hit, and he walked down to ringside. He noted he can speak in five different languages and briefly spoke to Zayn, still handcuffed to the barricade. Cesaro said he won the first Andre The Giant battle royal. Bryan didn’t forget that he lost to Cesaro last week.
Bryan challenged Cesaro to a match right now. Cesaro turned down Bryan because he’s sick of having to prove himself. He then made an open challenge to anyone in the back.
Dolph Ziggler’s music hit, and he walked out. Ziggler promised to win the Rumble and praised his tag team partner Robert Roode. Ziggler told Bryan it’s not 2014 anymore and accepted Cesaro’s challenge.
Cesaro defeated Dolph Ziggler
Bryan joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary.
Cesaro and Ziggler had a fun short match.
Cesaro gained the early advantage with an uppercut in the corner. He followed up with the giant swing.
Ziggler recovered, and they traded a series of pin attempts. Cesaro avoided a superkick, but Ziggler hit the Zig-Zag for a near fall.
Ziggler slowed the pace down with a sleeper hold. Cesaro broke free and lifted Ziggler in the air. Ziggler countered with a hurricanrana, but Cesaro reversed into the neutralizer for the win.
Carmella sat at ringside and drank some chamgpange.
This was a fine match. It was mostly Reginald using different rolls and moves to avoid Banks. The match had a Cirque du Soleil feel to it.
Reginald gave Banks a flower at the start of the match. Reginald blocked a slap from Banks, so Banks rocked him with the other hand. Reginald avoided Banks with a series of rolls and dives. Banks sent Reginald to the floor and hit a Meteora off the apron.
Banks got in Carmella’s face and slapped the glass out of her hand. Banks attempted the backstabber, but Reginald rolled out. He lifted Banks in the air, but she hit a second Meteora. The finish came when Banks locked on the Bank Statement for the win.
In the back, Paul Heyman gloated that their plan worked out perfectly. He knew what Reigns wanted him to do and challenge Adam Pearce to a match.
Reigns noted there isn’t a plan. He hired Heyman to do a job but also expects him to be a man. Reigns told him to handle his business and to be a man.
Intercontinental Champion Big E vs. Apollo Crews ended without a winner
Big E got in Sami Zayn’s face as he entered the ring.
Big E and Crews had a good short match until the finish.
Big E hit a belly to belly suplex to gain the early advantage. Crews fought back and hit an enziguri and standing moonsault for a near fall. He followed up with rolling German suplexes, but Big E fought out.
Crews charged at Big E, but he caught him with a uranage for a close near fall. They fought around ringside. Crews regained control with a standing moonsault off the apron.
Big E attempted a superplex, but Crews knocked him off with a series of headbutts. Crews then hit a missile dropkick.
Zayn took off the handcuffs and jumped in the ring. He rocked Crews with a helluva kick and gave one to Big E as well. The referee called for the bell as Zayn yelled at Crews and Big E.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves noted that Roman Reigns left the ThunderDome and won’t be around for the Paul Heyman and Adam Pearce match. They pointed out that Kevin Owens isn’t at the ThunderDome either.
They showed a promo from Owens from earlier today.
Owens noted that Reigns couldn’t beat him without help from his family. Owens talked about his tattoos and his grandfathers. He admired both of them and was disappointed they never got to see him make it to the WWE. He learned from them and won’t stop fighting. He promised to be the last man standing at the Royal Rumble.
In the back, The Street Profits were walking down the hallway with a fruit basket. They approached Sonya Deville. Ziggler walked away as they walked up to Deville. They congratulated Deville on her new job and office.
They requested a return match for the titles. Deville turned them down because of Montez Ford’s injury. She told them to stick to doing funny segments in the back and let other teams have a chance. She promised them a match once he heals up.
They reluctantly agreed but seemed uneasy as she walked away with the fruit basket.
Michael Cole hosted and introduced the participants. Bayley grabbed the mic from Cole and sent him away. Bayley walked Belair through the course and pointed out that Chad Gable is going to help out.
Bayley went first, but her course was easier. Bayley did a tire flip, tiny hurdles, ran around the walls, carried Gable on her shoulders, and dunked a basketball, although she missed the first time.
Bayley then made the course more challenging for Belair, including having to carry Otis on her shoulders. Belair easily beat Bayley’s time and dominated the course. Bayley jumped Belair from behind and beat her down.
Bayley then dropped the basketball net on Belair.
In the back, Rey Mysterio gave Dominik last-minute pointers for his match with King Corbin. Dominik’s confident in his abilities.
King Corbin defeated Dominik Mysterio
Corbin and Mysterio had a fine match.
Mysterio caught Corbin with a dropkick to gain the early advantage. He attempted a plancha, but Corbin avoided and rocked Mysterio with a clothesline. Corbin backed Mysterio into the corner and rocked him with body shots.
Corbin attempted the end of days, but Mysterio fought back. He set up for the 619, but Corbin blocked the move. Corbin then hit the end of days for the win.
Michael Cole noted Dominik might want to start doing things his father’s way.
In the back, an angry Paul Heyman headed towards the ring but doesn’t seem dressed to compete.
Paul Heyman vs. Adam Pearce
This wasn’t a match and was more of an angle.
Heyman taped his fists as he walked towards the ring but tripped on the steps.
Heyman tried to get in the ring again but pretended to have an injury. Heyman then noted that the card is subject to change.
Roman Reigns music hit, and he walked to the ring. He rocked Pearce with the superman punch. Pearce tried to fight back, but Reigns hit a low blow. He tossed Pearce into the screens and beat him into the stands.
Reigns put Pearce in the stands. Suddenly, Kevin Owens in a hoodie jumped Reigns. They fought down the ramp and into the ring. Owens avoided the superman punch and hit the stunner.
Referees tried to hold Owens back, but he continued to attack Reigns. Owens hit a second stunner, and a pop-up powerbomb through the announce table. Owens yelled at Reigns as SmackDown went off the air.
An Intercontinental title match — as well as an obstacle course challenge — have been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
Big E will again defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews on SmackDown next Friday. The episode will also feature Bayley and Bianca Belair competing in an obstacle course challenge.
Last week’s SmackDown saw Big E retain his Intercontinental title against Crews. The match had to be restarted after it initially ended in a double pin when Crews gave Big E a superplex. On last week’s Talking Smack, a frustrated Crews said he was demanding a rematch against Big E.
Big E was on commentary while Crews defeated Sami Zayn on SmackDown tonight. Crews got the win after grabbing Zayn’s tights during the pin, which Zayn had tried to do to Crews just seconds earlier. After the match, Crews grabbed Big E’s Intercontinental title. The two had a confrontation, with Crews eventually tossing the title back to Big E and the two exchanging words.
Belair was the guest on the premiere edition of Bayley’s “Ding Dong, Hello!” talk show on SmackDown tonight. Bayley mocked her rival Belair’s “EST” catchphrase throughout the interview and said that she didn’t care about Belair’s past accomplishments. Bayley then issued the challenge for her and Belair to face off in an obstacle court competition on SmackDown next Friday, which Belair accepted.
Bayley and Belair have both declared for this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31.
