WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton are set to face off in a six-man tag match.
WWE has announced that McIntyre will team with Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits against Orton, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in a six-man tag match on Monday’s episode of Raw. This past Monday’s show ended with Orton attacking Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, and Christian after they got involved in his ambulance match against McIntyre at Clash of Champions. Orton also warned McIntyre earlier in the night that things between them aren’t over until he says they’re over.
Roode returned to WWE television on Raw this week and lost to McIntyre in the main event. McIntyre had issued an open challenge to anyone who hasn’t challenged for his title before. Ziggler told Adam Pearce that he knew the perfect person to answer the challenge.
The Street Profits retained their Raw Tag Team titles against Andrade & Angel Garza at Clash of Champions.
WWE is also hyping that Kevin Owens has invited Bray Wyatt to appear on the KO Show on Monday’s Raw. On SmackDown tonight, Owens appeared as part of the brand-to-brand invitational and hosted the KO Show with Alexa Bliss. After asking Bliss about how she’s been changed by The Fiend, Owens was attacked by The Fiend and put in the Mandible Claw.
Owens will face The Fiend on SmackDown next Friday. Next Friday’s SmackDown is also night one of the WWE Draft. The draft will then conclude on the Monday, October 12 episode of Raw.
In addition to the beginning of this year’s WWE Draft, three matches have been announced for next Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
– Sasha Banks will challenge Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
After being beaten down twice by Bayley, Banks got revenge on her former tag team partner when she attacked Bayley at Clash of Champions this past Sunday. Banks has vowed to take the one thing Bayley loves most — the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Banks said during a promo on SmackDown tonight that Bayley doesn’t stand a chance against her.
– Kevin Owens will face “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
As part of the brand-to-brand invitational, Raw’s Owens made an appearance on SmackDown tonight and hosted a KO Show segment with Alexa Bliss as his guest. He questioned Bliss about how she’s been changed by The Fiend. The Fiend then appeared and put Owens in the Mandible Claw. After that, The Fiend and Bliss held hands after The Fiend extended his hand to her.
This will be the first time Wyatt has wrestled as The Fiend on a weekly WWE television show.
– Big E will take on Sheamus in a falls count anywhere match.
Video of a promo aired on SmackDown tonight where Big E challenged Sheamus to the falls count anywhere match for next week. Sheamus also quickly defeated Shorty G on tonight’s show.
Sheamus attacked Big E last month, taking him out of a scheduled number one contender’s fatal four-way match that Sheamus was also part of. Big E returned two weeks ago and started to attack Sheamus before Sheamus ran off.
– Also on next week’s SmackDown, Otis will “represent himself in court” as he attempts to prevent his Money in the Bank contract from being taken by The Miz.
The WWE Draft will begin on SmackDown next Friday (October 9) and then conclude with night two taking place on Raw (October 12).
WWE is hyping that a “new friend” is coming to Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House next Friday.
On last night’s Payback fallout edition of SmackDown, Wyatt appeared in a brief Firefly Fun House segment. He said he was down in the dumps after losing the Universal Championship at Payback, but he has something that will cheer everyone up. Wyatt then announced that a new friend is coming to the Firefly Fun House on SmackDown next week.
A backstage segment with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross aired right after Wyatt’s appearance last night. Bliss still had her hair in pigtails after reverting back to her previous look due to the storyline where she’s been changed by her encounters with The Fiend. Bliss said she doesn’t know what came over her last week and apologized to Cross for smashing her coffee mug. Ramblin’ Rabbit from Wyatt’s Funhouse could be seen in the background of the Bliss-Cross segment.
The Fiend lost the Universal Championship to Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match at Payback. The match also included Braun Strowman. Reigns didn’t come out for the match until after The Fiend giving Strowman a superplex collapsed the ring. The Fiend ended up trying to put Reigns in the Mandible Claw, but Reigns low blowed him and then pinned Strowman.
Just one week after SummerSlam, WWE returns to pay-per-view with Payback tonight.
The show will be headlined by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending his Universal Championship against Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match. After The Fiend won the Universal title from Strowman at SummerSlam, Reigns made his return and attacked both of them.
It was revealed on Friday’s SmackDown that Reigns is now aligned with Paul Heyman.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre won’t be in action at Payback after the storyline where he was given three punts by Randy Orton on Raw. Orton will instead face Keith Lee tonight. Lee made his official Raw debut against Orton on Monday, but the match was interrupted by McIntyre.
The Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line as Bayley & Sasha Banks defend against Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax. The United States Championship will also be up for grabs as Apollo Crews defends against Bobby Lashley.
In a rematch from Monday’s Raw, Rey & Dominik Mysterio will team up against Seth Rollins & Murphy. Plus, Big E vs. Sheamus and Matt Riddle vs. Baron Corbin round out the main card.
The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time and will feature Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan vs. The IIconics. The main card will then begin at 7 p.m. Eastern.
**********
Pre-Show
The show opened up with the pre-show panel featuring Charly Caruso, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, JBL, and Pete Rosenberg. Caruso noted that SummerSlam was just one week ago in the same arena. Lawler said he’s the not so good looking replace for Renee Young. Caruso praised Young.
The panel then ran down the card for tonight. They focused on the triple threat match between Universal Champion The Fiend, Braun Strowman, and Roman Reigns. They recapped the feud, including the reveal that Reigns and Paul Heyman are aligned.
Caruso noted that Reigns hasn’t signed the contract yet and is on his way to the arena. She confirmed that Reigns is in the match. They discussed Regins aligning with Heyman.
JBL said Heyman is one of the worst human beings but is one of the greatest managers of all time.
The panel then discussed the Randy Orton and Keith Lee match. They recapped the Randy Orton and Drew McIntryre angle from last Monday night.
Caruso changed the subject to Sasha Banks & Bayley against Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler. They aired a good video package on Bayley and Banks. Booker praised Banks and Bayley but thinks Jax and Baszler have something special. Lawler and Booker pointed out that Jax and Baszler hate each other, but that might be their advantage. JBL and Rosenberg disagreed.
They briefly discussed Apollo Crews defending against Bobby Lashley. They recapped the arm-wrestling match and Lashley’s appearance at Raw Underground.
R-Truth interrupted and apologized for being late for Raw Talk. The panel had to explain to him that it’s the wrong show and night.
Back from the break, they recapped Big E’s comments from Talking Smack and his confrontation with The Miz. Rosenberg applauded Big E’s remarks, but Booker T disagreed. He thinks Big E needs to take things more seriously.
They recapped the Rey Mysterio & Dominik versus Seth Rollins & Murphy feud. The panel recapped and discussed the feud between Matt Riddle and King Corbin.
Caruso then introduced the Raw commentary team Tom Philips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe.
Liv Morgan & Ruby Riott defeated The IIconics
They worked a slow pace, and it dragged a lot. They did try to tell a story that Morgan’s wary about trusting Riott.
Morgan had the early advantage, but Riott tagged herself into the match. Riott chased Peyton Royce around ringside but ran into a boot from Billie Kay. The heels isolated Riott and cut her off form Morgan.
Royce slowed the pace down and applied a chin lock on Riott. Riott fought back and crawled towards her corner. Kay tried to pull Morgan off the apron, but she held onto the top rope. Royce then knocked Morgan off to the floor.
Kay tried to convince Morgan that Riott was the one that hit her. Morgan teased leaving but changed her mind and got the hot tag. She ran wild on the heels. Mogan gave Royce a double foot stomp to the back for a near fall. The IIconics recovered and hit the Deja Vu for a two count.
Mogan dragged Riott to her corner to make the tag. Morgan fought off the heels and countered Deja Vu. The finish came when Morgan hit double knees on Kay, and Riott hit the Riott Kick for the win.
Morgan and Riott joined the panel right after the match. Morgan referred to the team as The Living Riott. Morgan pointed out that she thought Riott hit her, but Riott said that’s not her. The panel said it was a huge win and match for them. They praised Morgan and Riott.
They recapped WWE Champion Drew McIntyre against Randy Orton from SummerSlam and the angle from the next night. It also included Keith Lee’s debut on Raw and his match against Orton.
Main Show
Bobby Lashley (w/ MVP & Shelton Benjamin) defeated Apollo Crews to win the United States Championship
Lashley and Crews had a good opening match. It started at a slow pace but picked up towards the end.
Earlier today, MVP promised that Lashley is going to win the US title and make Crews a permanent stay at home dad.
They started with a lock-up. Lashley took Crews down with a waist lock, but Crews fought out. Crews followed up with a standing dropkick and tried to pick the pace up, but Lashley cut him off.
Crews avoided Lashley and hit a standing dropkick. He knocked Lashley to the floor and hit a standing moonsault off the apron.
MVP and Benjamin got in Crews’ face. Lashley recovered and dropped Crews on the top rope. Lashley ran Crews into the ring post and slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Lashley followed up with a fallaway slam and a shoulder tackle in the corner. Lashley attempted a suplex, but Crews slipped out the back and hit an enziguri. Lashley quickly recovered and hit the Dominator for a near fall. Lashley was confident he had the win and became frustrated.
Crews fired up and made a wild comeback. He hit a splash in the corner and standing moonsault for a near fall. Crews attempted a press slam, but Lashley slipped out and went for the full nelson. Crews avoided and hit a German suplex. Lashley jumped right to his feet, but Crews hit a second German suplex. He followed up with a frog splash for a close near fall.
Lashley recovered and slammed Crews down hard. Lashley then locked on the full nelson to win the United States Championship.
After the match, the heels celebrated and posed with the title. Crews jumped the heels as they celebrated and promised to win the title back.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves recapped Roman Reigns aligning with Paul Heyman.
In the back, Kayla Braxton ran into Heyman. Braxton asked if Reigns is going to sign the contract. Heyman believes that he will, but Braxton has to ask Reigns. Heyman entered Reign’s locker room.
Braxton asked if she could ask Reigns, but Heyman said no.
Keith Lee was in his locker room, getting ready for his match later. JBL approached Lee. He noted if Lee wins, it’ll change his career, but if he doesn’t win, he shouldn’t feel bad.
They recapped Big E’s appearance on Talking Smack.
Big E defeated Sheamus
They worked at a very slow pace, and the match dragged.
Sheamus had the early advantage with a side headlock. He sent Big E to the apron and hit the forearms to his chest. Big E briefly fought back, but Sheamus regained control. Sheamus slowed the pace down and worked over Big E’s knee.
Big E tried to fight back, but Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a near all. Sheamus continued to work over the leg and applied a half-crab. Big E fought out of the hold, but Sheamus quickly took back over.
Sheamus jumped off the top, but Big E caught him and hit a belly-to-belly suplex. He followed up with a second suplex. He attempted the spear through the ropes, but Sheamus hit him with a knee.
Big E recovered but started dancing.
Sheamus took advantage and hit the Alabama Slam. Sheamus struggled to get Big E up for the move.
They traded shots in the middle of the ring.
Sheamus regained control and worked over Big E’s injured knee. Big E fired up and hit the running spear through the ropes off the apron. Big E attempted the Big Ending, but Sheamus went back to the injured knee.
Big E jumped to his feet, but Sheamus rocked him with a knee to the jaw for a close near fall. Sheamus attempted the Brogue Kick, but Big E countered with a powerbomb. He followed up with the Big Ending for the win.
In the back, Alyse Ashton interviewed Matt Riddle. He promised to defeat Corbin and take his crown. She asked for his reaction to a tweet from Corbin. Corbin’s tweet said Riddle would be a failure in the ring like he’s a failure at home. Riddle’s smile faded from his face, and he walked off.
In the back, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler argued and got into each other’s faces. They agreed to stop arguing for now and get ready for their match.
Matt Riddle defeated King Corbin
Riddle and Corbin had a fine match. They worked a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Corbin jumped Riddle as he entered the ring, and his pyro went off. Corbin dominated Riddle and was firmly in control. Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Riddle fought back and went for the kimura lock, but Corbin fought back with a slam.
Riddle recovered and locked on a sleeper hold. Corbin fell backward to break the hold, but Riddle locked the sleep back on. Corbin tossed Riddle across the ring to break the hold and hit the around the corner clothesline for a two count.
Corbin slowed the pace back down. Riddle briefly recovered, but Corbin regained control with a back elbow for a near fall. Corbin attempted the around the corner clothesline again, but Riddle rocked him with a kick to the head.
Riddle hit running forearms in the corner, a broton, and running knee for a near fall. He caught Corbin with a kick to the gut.
Corbin recovered and hit the Deep Six for another near fall. Riddle fought back and applied an armbar. He followed up with the Bro To Sleep and the Floating Bro for the win.
In the back, Riddle felt good and said it was time to move on to brighter things. He was happy to be done with Corbin finally. Suddenly, Corbin jumped Riddle from behind and beat him down.
Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defeated Sasha Banks & Bayley to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
This was a good match with a cool finish. All four worked hard and told a good story.
The story of the match was Jax and Baszler hate each other and can’t get along. Jax told Baszler to follow her lead, but Baszler tagged herself into the match.
Baszler trapped Banks in the corner and kicked her in the head several times. She then stood on Banks’ hand. Banks tagged in Bayley, but Baszler threw Banks to the floor.
Banks then grabbed at Jax’s leg, which caused a distraction. Bayley then threw Baszler into Jax. Jax grabbed her knee after falling to the floor.
The heels were briefly in control. Bayley attempted a pin, but Jax threw Banks into the ring to break the count. Jax then tossed Banks into the barricade.
Jax dominated the match until Banks hit Jax with a chop block. The heels took over and isolated Jax on their side of the ring. Jax recovered, but instead of tagging in Baszler, Jax tried to take the heels on her own.
Jax attempted a leg drop, but Bayley went back to the leg. Jax finally tagged in Baszler. She ran wild on the heels and hit running knees on both. Baszler and Jax got on the same page and agreed they could win.
Jax attempted a powerbomb, but Banks countered.
Bayley hit a flying elbow on Jax and knocked Baszler off the apron. Banks then hit a frog splash on Jax for a near fall.
The heels gave Jax a double back body drop, but Baszler made a blind tag.
The finish came when Baszler applied the Muta Lock on Banks and the Kirfuda Clutch on Bayley at the same time. Banks tried to help Bayley break the hold, but Baszler grabbed Banks’ hand to apply more pressure on Bayley to win the match.
After the match, Charly Caruso tried to interview Baszler and Jax. Jax celebrated like crazy, but Baszler pointed out they’re still not best friends. Bayley and Banks were devastated that they lost.
Keith Lee defeated Randy Orton
Lee and Orton had a fine match while it lasted.
Orton applied a headlock immediately to start the match. Lee took Orton down with a shoulder tackle.
Lee avoided Orton with a leapfrog and hit a crossbody block. Orton demanded Lee’s respect and rocked Lee with a series of chops.
Lee fought back and trapped Orton in the corner. Lee missed a charge and went shoulder-first into the ring post. Orton then gave Lee a huge back suplex onto the announce table.
Orton slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Lee fought back and launched Orton to the floor.
Lee then gave Orton a back suplex on the announce table. Orton recovered and caught Lee with the draping DDT as he entered the ring.
Orton was firmly in control. He attempted the RKO, but Lee hit the Spirit Bomb out of nowhere for the win. The announcers pushed this has the biggest win of Lee’s career.
In the back, Kalya Braxton approached Paul Heyman. She wondered if Reigns signed the contract yet. Heyman promised that Reigns would keep his word and win the Universal title.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Seth Rollins & Murphy
This was a really good tag team match and told a good story.
Rey teased starting the match, but Dominik ran in and jumped the heels. Rollins had the early advantage on Dominik. Dominik fought back and hit a springboard arm drag on Rollins. Rollins was frustrated and tagged in Murphy.
Rey competed with an eye patch and demanded Rollins get in the ring. Rollins tossed Rey to the floor, and he landed on Murphy’s knees. The heels took over and isolated Rey in their corner.
Rey fought back and tagged in Dominik. Dominik hit a flying crossbody, but the heels caught him, and Rollins hit the falcon arrow for a close near fall. The heels regained control and cut Dominik off from his corner.
Dominik fought back and sent Murphy into the barricade. Dominik avoided Rollins, and he crashed into the barricade. Dominik fought back, and Rey got the hot tag.
Rey hit a moonsault for a near fall. He attempted the 619, but Rollins avoided. He tried a powerbomb, but Rey followed through and scored a near fall.
Dominik caught Murphy with a tornado DDT, but Rollins took him out with the sling blade. Rey hit a seated senton, but Rollins countered with a backbreaker.
Dominik and Murphy brawled around ringside. Rey avoided Rollins and hit a suicide dive on Murphy. Rey attempted a flying crossbody, but Rollins hit double knees to the ribs. Rollins followed up with a superkick for a near fall.
Rollins attempted the curb stomp, but Mysterio countered. Rollins recovered and tried a pin, but Dominik made the save. The heels threw Dominik and Rey into the barricade.
Rollins attempted a running powerbomb into a kick from Murphy, but Rey countered with a hurricanrana, and Murphy kicked Rollins.
Rey hit the 619 on Murphy, and Dominik hit the frog splash for the win.
After the match, Rollins seemed upset with Murphy and walked away from him.
In the back, MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin were happy as they left the building.
No Holds Barred Triple Threat Match: Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman to win the Universal Championship
This was a good match, although they used a lot of smoke and mirrors. The Reigns and Heyman alliance has a lot of potential.
The story of the match was Reigns didn’t sign the contract and didn’t appear for the first half of the match. Strowman and The Fiend went one-on-one for most of the match, which dragged at times.
The Fiend made his entrance and posed when Braun Strowman suddenly jumped him in the dark. Strowman scored a near fall, but The Fiend fought back. He followed up with Sister Abigail for a near fall.
The Fiend then slammed Strowman through the announce table at ringside. He pulled a giant mallet from underneath the ring. Strowman avoided at first, but The Fiend nailed Strowman with the mallet in the chest.
The Fiend then rocked Strowman with the steel steps. In the back, Alexa Bliss watched the match and seemed like she was in a trance.
They fought up the rampway to the stage. Strowman tossed The Fiend into the screen on the stage. The Fiend attempted Sister Abigail, but Strowman fought back and tackled The Fiend off the stage.
Back in the ring, Strowman climbed to the top, but The Fiend cut him off. The Fiend then gave Strowman a superplex, and the ring exploded. The ring partially fell apart, and The referee even fell out of the ring.
Suddenly, Roman Reigns music hit, and he walked out with Paul Heyman. Reigns signed the contract and entered the ring. He attempted pins on both The Fiend and Strowman.
Reigns grabbed a chair and destroyed Strowman for a near fall. The Fiend locked on the Mandible Claw, but Reigns used a low blow to break the hold. Reigns jumped back in the ring and hit the spear on Strowman to win the Universal Championship.
After the match, Reigns and Heyman posed together on the stage to end Payback.
SmackDown’s fallout from SummerSlam and build to Payback takes place at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida tonight.
After returning at SummerSlam, Roman Reigns will be back on SmackDown tonight. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt won the Universal Championship when he defeated Braun Strowman on Sunday. Reigns made his return after the match by attacking and spearing both The Fiend and Strowman.
The Fiend will defend his Universal title against Strowman and Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match at Payback this Sunday. Tonight, all three meet for the official contract signing.
A Miz TV segment with Big E joining The Miz and John Morrison was originally announced for tonight’s show, but WWE posted a pre-SmackDown video with The Miz uninviting Big E from appearing. The video instead teased that Big E will team with Heavy Machinery against The Miz, John Morrison & Sheamus tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
The show opened up with an in Memorium for “Bullet” Bob Armstrong.
They recapped The Fiend against Braun Strowman match and Roman Reigns returning at SummerSlam.
In the back, Adam Peace talked to the security about The Fiend, Reigns, and Braun Strowman being in the building at the same time. He warned them to be ready and mentioned that Retribution is always around.
He then revealed that Mr. McMahon is here tonight and entered his office. He was intimidated by his boss. McMahon has a mission for Pearce to accomplish tonight. He noted that he needs the signatures of Bray Wyatt, Reigns, and Strowman on the contract.
Pearce has to find each one and get them to sign the contract. He also gave Pearce an outfit to wear and noted he might find Wyatt in the FIrefly Funhouse. McMahon warned Pearce not to fail him.
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy Promo
Jeff Hardy made his way down to the ring. They recapped AJ Styles injuring Hardy’s knee and Hardy later winning the title last week.
Hardy limped to the ring and sold the knee injury.
Hardy noted he’s happy he can still stand. Before he could continue, Styles interrupted. He claimed Hardy cheated last week because he used the knee brace to win the title. Styles said Hardy worked the system.
Styles claimed Hardy cried to the doctor to get a knee brace so he could use it in the match. He then pointed out that the same doctor won’t clear him to compete.
Hardy said that’s good because he was just about to issue an open challenge to anyone except Styles. Styles freaked and yelled that Hardy’s taking advantage of the system.
Hardy punched Styles in the face as they cut to a break.
Intercontinental Champion Jeffy Hardy defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the title
Hardy and Nakamura had a fine match.
Styles joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Styles was furious that Hardy punched him in the face.
Hardy had the early advantage as he worked over Nakamura’s arm. Nakamura backed Hardy into the ropes. He briefly locked on a headlock, but Hardy fought back and hit an elbow for a near fall.
Nakamura took over after attacking the injured knee. He was firmly in control as he targeted the knee.
They cut to an interview with Cesaro from moments ago. He said he stepped away for one second to get some champagne, and Nakamura took the challenge. He pointed out that Nakamura didn’t even tell him.
Nakamura rocked Hardy with kicks, but Hardy recovered. Nakamura suplexed Hardy into the ring and tried to land on his feet, but his leg gave out.
Hardy clotheslined Nakamura to the floor and followed up with a sliding dropkick. They briefly fought at ringside when Hardy tossed Nakamura into Styles at commentary.
Back from the break, Nakamura was firmly in control as he worked over Hardy’s knee. Graves apologized to Styles for Hardy throwing Nakamura into him before the break.
Hardy briefly took back over after hitting the whisper in the wind. Nakamura recovered and hit a sliding German suplex. He followed up with a knee off the second turnbuckle for a near fall.
Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa, but Hardy avoided. He tried the twist of fate, but Nakamura escaped. Hardy then hit Nakamura with a knee to the face and hit the twist of fate. He followed up with the Swanton Bomb for the win.
Styles was furious that Hardy used the same knee with the knee brace to win. After the match, Hardy got in Styles’s face and walked off.
Hardy stood on the stage as Styles yelled at him from the ring.
Suddenly, Sami Zayn’s music hit and he made his SmackDown return. Zayn came out with his Intercontinental title, which he never lost in the ring. He yelled at Hardy and called him a fraud.
All three had a brief staredown until Zayn nailed Hardy with a boot to the face.
Back from the break, Kayla Braxton approached Sami Zayn and asked why he attacked Hardy. Zayn noted nothing changes around here because the questions are still terrible. That was a funny line.
Zayn called Hardy and Styles frauds. He’s the real I.C. champion. Braxton wondered why Zayn wasn’t around for several months to defend the title. Zayn said there are many reasons. Zayn was really good in his brief appearance.
Firefly Funhouse
Bray Wyatt was happy to be back in the Firefly Funhouse. He couldn’t help but feel that something is missing. Wyatt then revealed the Universal title. He said he was pleased to see Roman Reigns back.
The doorbell rang. Wyatt opened the door, and Adam Pearce appeared as a mailman. Wyatt called him Postman Pearce and let him in.
Pearce asked for The Fiend’s signature, but Wyatt didn’t understand why he would sign. Pearce pointed out that Wyatt and The Fiend have a connection. Pearce got Wyatt to sign the contract for Payback and ran out.
Pearce still has to get Reigns and Strowman’s signatures.
Last week, Graves claimed that The Firefly Funhouse is in an alternate universe. Apparently, Braun Strowman and Adam Pearce are the only ones that know the entrance.
They recapped Matt Riddle’s feud with King Corbin.
Matt Riddle Promo
Matt Riddle made his way to the ring. He brought up his recent problems with King Corbin and called him out. Suddenly, they cut to break as Riddle was still talking.
Back from the break, Riddle was still standing in the ring with his music playing. He was still waiting for Corbin and kept calling him out.
Corbin’s music hit, and he finally walked out to the ring. He slowly approached the ringside area.
Suddenly, Shorty G jumped Riddle from behind.
Corbin accepted the challenge on behalf of Shorty G. Michael Cole pointed out that Shorty G is trying to win the King’s Ransom bounty.
Matt Riddle defeated Shorty G
This was kept short, so there wasn’t much to it.
Shorty G was in control early in the match. Riddle fought back and hit a gut wrench suplex, but Shorty G blocked the second attempt. Shorty G then hit a tiger suplex for a close near fall. Riddle fought back, but Shorty G hit a German suplex. Riddle landed on his feet and hit Bro Derek for the quick win.
After the match, Corbin attacked Riddle, but Riddle fought back, and Corbin ran off.
They recapped The Miz and Big E’s confrontation from Talking Smack.
Earlier, Big E and Heavy Machinery had a confrontation with Sheamus, The Miz, and John Morrison. Cole announced a six-man tag team match between the two teams for later.
Backstage, Sasha Banks and Bayley approached Big E and Heavy Machinery. Bayley told Big E not to be upset about Miz’s comments. She said some people are just good at being a tag team champion. Big E kept pointing at Banks during the segment.
In the back, Adam Pearce knocked on Roman Reigns’ locker room door. He was back in regular clothes. He noted he needs to get his signature, but Reigns didn’t open the door. Pearce just walked off.
Kayla Braxton was just standing around when Corbin walked by. Corbin was furious with Riddle and challenged him to a match at Payback this Sunday.
Bayley and Sasha Banks Promo
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley made their way to the ring.
They recapped Bayley and Banks matches against Asuka at SummerSlam. Cole noted Banks helped Bayley retain the title, but Bayley didn’t return the favor.
Bayley noted this is one of the most challenging weeks of their lives. They both had to defend against Asuka at SummerSlam, and on Sunday, they defend against Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax. However, they can handle it because they’re the best.
Bayley apologized to Banks for letting her challenge Asuka for the Raw Woman’s title. That’s how this whole messed started. Banks was unhappy that she lost the Raw Woman’s title.
Baszler and Jax interrupted on the screen. They both don’t like each other and took shots at their partner. Of course, they hate Bayley and Banks more. Banks was furious that she’s not two belts Banks anymore but isn’t going to lose her WWE Tag Team titles.
In the back, Adam Pearce approached Drew Gulak. He asked if he knows where Braun Strowman is. Gulak’s looking for him too. He grabbed a chair, walked over to Strowman, and hit him in the back. He threw the chair at Pearce, and he caught it.
Strowman was furious as he approached Pearce. Pearce noted Gulak hit him with the chair. He asked for his signature, but Strowman talked about Reigns instead.
Strowman then promised to sign after he destroys Gualk in the ring.
In the back, Cesaro confronted Nakamura about accepting the challenge earlier without telling him. Cesaro takes on Kalisto later tonight and needs Nakamura in his corner.
Sami Zayn approached and celebrated reuniting with them.
Cesaro and Nakamura weren’t excited to see him. Cesaro noted that things have changed since he disappeared. Nakamura pointed out he disappeared for four months and didn’t even call.
Zayn was excited to hang out in the champion’s lounge, but they asked him to leave. Zayn didn’t seem happy.
Braun Strowman defeated Drew Gulak
This was a total squash.
Strowman completely dominated the match with Gulak getting no offense. Strowman even hit a senton at one point. He followed up with a chokeslam and power slam for the win.
Strowman walked off and met Peace at the top of the stage. Strowman signed the contact. Reigns is the only one left to sign.
In the back, The Lucha House Party was talking before Kalisto’s match. Kalisto noted he learned from Lince Dorado’s mistakes last week. He told Dorado and Gran Metalik to stay in the back and watch how it’s done.
Kalisto walked off. Suddenly, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura jumped Dorado and Metalik from behind.
Cesaro (w/Shinsuke Nakamura) defeated Kalisto
Cesaro and Kalisto had a good short match with a lot of innovative action.
Cesaro jumped Kalisto to start the match. Kalisto fought back and sent Cesaro to the floor with a tilt a whirl head scissors. He followed up with a dive into a hurricanrana.
Kalisto attempted a springboard crossbody, but Cesaro countered into a backbreaker for a near fall.
Cesaro took back over, but Kalisto scored a near fall. Cesaro quickly regained control. In a cool spot, Cesaro lifted Kalisto, and he stood up on Cesaro’s shoulders. He then transitioned into a crazy looking DDT.
Nakamura tried to interfere, but Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik ran out and attacked Nakamura. Kalisto was distracted, and Cesaro rolled him up for the win.
After the match, Kalisto blamed Dorado and Metalik for the loss but they eventually made up.
Adam Pearce approached Mr.McMahon in his office. Pearce revealed that he got Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman’s signature but not Roman Reigns. McMahon wasn’t pleased and sent Pearce to get Reigns to sign the contract.
In the back, Tamina approached Nikki Cross. She was holding a mug, which was the first present Alexa Bliss gave her. Suddenly Alexa Bliss showed up. She hugged Cross and was happy to see her.
Cross noted Bliss put her hair up in ponytails and had a single braid.
Cross thinks the hairstyle is a bad idea because it’s like The Fiends. Bliss went into a brief trance. She then freaked out and threw the mug down to the ground and shattered it to pieces.
Sheamus walked up to John Morrison and The Miz in the back. He asked them what their game plan is for the six-man tag team match. Morrison’s idea was to keep Big E, Tucker, and Otis from entering the match. Sheamus was furious with the plan and walked off.
Adam Pearce entered Roman Reigns’ locker room and gave him the contract. Reigns needs to read the contract over first. Michael Cole teased that Reigns might not sign the contract.
Big E & Heavy Machinery defeated Sheamus, John Morrison & The Miz
This was a fine main event although it dragged at certain times.
The faces had the early advantage until Sheamus hit Tucker in the back with a knee. The heels took over by isolating Tucker in their corner. Tucker fought back and rocked Sheamus with a standing dropkick on the floor.
Tucker attempted to pin Morrison in the ring, but Sheamus rang the ring bell, which stopped the action in the ring.
Back from the break, Morrison and Miz were firmly in control. They continued to keep Tucker from his corner.
Sheamus tagged himself in, but the referee didn’t see because he was trying to get Otis and Big E out of the ring. Morrison jumped back in the ring, and Tucker knocked Sheamus off the apron.
Sheamus was furious and walked out of the match. Miz tried to stop him but backed off when Sheamus got mad.
Big E got the hot tag and ran wild on The Miz. He hit a series of belly-to-belly suplexes. He followed up with a big splash. Miz hung Big E on the top rope, but Big E quickly took back over. Big E pinned The Miz but Morrison hit a double foot stomp on Big E to break it up.
Otis ran wild on the heels. He attempted the Catapillar on Morrison and Miz, but Miz moved out of the way.
Big E jumped back in the ring and hit the Big Ending on Miz for the win.
In the back, Adam Pearce was still in Roman Reign’s dressing room. Reigns promised to show up at Payback and win back his title. He looked to his side and said that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.
The camera pulled back to reveal Paul Heyman sitting next to Reigns. The final segment seemed to imply that Heyman and Reigns are somehow aligned.
Adam Pearce trying to get the signatures throughout the show seemed silly at certain moments but had a pretty good payoff with the Paul Heyman appearance.
After returning to WWE television at SummerSlam, Roman Reigns is getting a Universal Championship shot at Payback.
It was announced on Raw tonight that new Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt will defend his title against Braun Strowman and Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match at Payback. The pay-per-view is taking place this Sunday (August 30).
A contract signing for the match will take place on SmackDown this Friday.
In the main event of SummerSlam last night, The Fiend won the Universal Championship from Strowman in a falls count anywhere match. Reigns then made his return, appearing on WWE programming for the first time since March. He dropped The Fiend with a spear and then continued to attack both The Fiend and Strowman. Reigns posed with The Fiend’s Universal title belt as the show went off the air.
Reigns had been set to challenge Goldberg for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36 prior to pulling out of the event. Strowman instead took Reigns’ place and won the title from Goldberg.
Here’s the updated lineup for Payback:
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending against Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against Bobby Lashley
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending their titles (opponents to be announced)
Bray Wyatt, under his fiend persona, defeated champion Braun Strowman tonight at SummerSlam in a falls count anywhere match. The finish had Strowman grab a boxcutter and tear open the ring mat, exposing the wood paneling. The Fiend cut off Strowman with a uranage, then pinned Strowman after two Sister Abigails.
After the match had ended, Roman Reigns returned to the company and took out The Fiend with a spear. He also speared Braun Strowman on the outside. After attacking The Fiend with steel chair shots, Roman closed the show by spearing The Fiend once more.
Reigns hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. He was originally set to face Goldberg for the Universal title at WrestleMania 36, but pulled out.
Strowman was put in the title match and defeated Goldberg for the championship on the April 4 card.
A stipulation has been added to one of the top matches for SummerSlam.
It was announced on Talking Smack that Braun Strowman vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam will now be a falls count anywhere match. Talking Smack made its return today and will be hosted by Kayla Braxton and Xavier Woods, though The Miz was Braxton’s co-host for this episode.
After Strowman invaded Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House on last night’s SmackDown, they brawled and Strowman slammed Wyatt off a ledge backstage onto concrete. Wyatt was loaded into an ambulance as part of the angle, but the show then ended with the ambulance reversing and The Fiend emerging.
SummerSlam is taking place at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida this Sunday and will be the first pay-per-view with the WWE ThunderDome. Here’s the updated card for the show:
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Randy Orton
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in a falls count anywhere match
Raw Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defending against Asuka
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Asuka
Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defending against Andrade & Angel Garza
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against MVP
Dominik Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins in a street fight
Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a no DQ, loser leaves WWE match
WWE’s residency at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida began with last night’s SummerSlam go-home edition of SmackDown.
Vince McMahon kicked off the WWE ThunderDome until being interrupted by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt. After Braun Strowman made his way out to the ring, Strowman and The Fiend were surrounded by RETRIBUTION. The Fiend disappeared and left Strowman to fight RETRIBUTION on his own. The SmackDown locker room then came out to help him, but Strowman snapped and laid out Drew Gulak and Jey Uso after RETRIBUTION retreated.
Later in the show, Strowman invaded Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House. He brawled with Wyatt and slammed him off a ledge backstage and onto concrete. Wyatt was loaded into an ambulance, but the show ended with the ambulance reversing and The Fiend emerging.
A Beat the Clock Challenge on last night’s episode decided the order for the Women’s title matches at SummerSlam.
A change was made to Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville’s match at Sunday’s pay-per-view. Instead of hair vs. hair, it will now be a no DQ, loser leaves WWE match.
The Intercontinental title changed hands last night. Jeff Hardy defeated AJ Styles to win the title, with the finish playing into a show-long storyline where Styles injured Hardy during the brawl with Retribution. Hardy kicked Styles in the face with his knee brace and then hit the Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb to get the win.
A confrontation between Universal Champion Braun Strowman and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt had been set to close last night’s episode of SmackDown.
Strowman made his in-person return with a new look where his head is now shaved. He called out The Fiend but got Alexa Bliss instead.
Bliss said they owe it to their friendship to have a conversation. She told Strowman she doesn’t believe that he doesn’t care about her. Strowman accused Bliss of trying to use him as a pawn and attempting to turn him into something he’s not. Strowman said Bliss thinks he’s some kind of clown she can lead around by his beard and make him sing songs inside of her stupid car.
Bliss asked Strowman what the hell is going on here. Strowman said everyone who comes into contact with The Fiend changes, including Bliss. Strowman then told her to get out of the ring. Bliss told Strowman to look at her when he’s talking to her. Bliss said if she couldn’t talk sense into Strowman, she’d have to slap some sense into him.
After Bliss repeatedly slapped Strowman, he picked her up for a press slam. The lights then started to go out. He threw Bliss into the air, then The Fiend was in the ring with Bliss when they came back on. Strowman appeared on the video screen and laughed maniacally to end the show.
Earlier in the episode, Bliss did a sit-down interview and spoke about her friendship with Strowman and experiences with The Fiend. She said being around The Fiend is terrifying but also compelling.
Ahead of their title match at SummerSlam later this month, Universal Champion Braun Strowman promises to confront “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt on tonight’s SmackDown.
Strowman vs. The Fiend was set up for SummerSlam last week when Strowman returned to WWE television for the first time since his Swamp Fight against Wyatt at Extreme Rules.
Also on tonight’s show, Alexa Bliss sits down for a one-on-one interview to discuss her run-ins with The Fiend. The Fiend applied the Mandible Claw on Bliss two weeks ago in an attempt to provoke Strowman. Last week, The Fiend attempted the Mandible Claw again but backed off when Bliss touched his face. Strowman showed up on the Titantron as The Fiend approached Bliss, although Strowman claimed he doesn’t care about her.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship match for SummerSlam will be made official tonight as a triple brand battle royal decides Bayley’s next challenger. The battle royal will feature wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
Plus, Big E takes on John Morrison. Big E looks to build momentum in his singles career after defeating The Miz two weeks ago.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They recapped the Retribution angle and the attack last week. On commentary, Michael Cole noted the group is hiding behind current events. Corey Graves pointed out that WWE increased security for tonight.
Cole and Graves then ran down the line-up.
Big E vs. John Morrison (w/The Miz)
As Big E and Morrison made their way to the ring, they aired interviews from earlier today. Big E discussed his singles career and noted he’s a former NXT Champion. Morrison mocked Big E and promised to put an end to his singles career.
They never ended up having their match because Retribution ran in. This was the same basic angle as last week except they attacked Morrison and Big E.
Morrison and Big E squared off in the ring when the lights flickered in the arena.
Suddenly, a member of Retribution jumped up on the apron. Cole screamed that’s there’s more of them, and Retribution swarmed the ring. Cole and Graves took off and ran to the back.
Retribution beat down Big E and John Morrison. Big E tried fighting back, but there were too many of them. They targeted his knee and ran off.
The Miz ran out to check on Morrison as they cut to commercial.
In the back, the roster was checking on Morrison and Big E. The Miz apologized to Morrison for not being at ringside. He was on the phone with Maryse.
Miz blamed Big E for sending out a tweet that upset Retribution. Miz and Morrison left. King Corbin approached and said he’s the leader they need.
Big E got fired up and promised to defeat Morrison later and get revenge on Retribution. Sheamus mocked Big E for not having Xaiver Woods or Kofi Kingston.
Sheamus said Retribution wouldn’t target him because they’re scared. Big E got in his face and noted he’s not alone. He walked out with Lucha House Party, Drew Gulak, and Shorty G.
They increased security around ringside although they didn’t do a very good job earlier.
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley and Raw Woman’s Champion Sasha Banks were in the ring. Banks noted she defends against Asuka at SummerSlam, and they have to defend their tag team titles at Payback. Bayley mocked Stephanie McMahon for making the triple brand battle royal.
Bayley noted they’re good at everything and are better commentators then Graves and Cole.
Asuka Won The Triple Brand Battle Royal
Participants: Asuka, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Tegan Nox, Shotzi Blackheart, Naomi, Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, Nikki Cross, Bianca Belair, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, Tamina, and Shayna Baszler.
This was a typical battle royal with quick eliminations until the end. It picked up when it came down to the final few entrants and was really good when it came down to Asuka and Baszler.
Bayley and Banks did the ring announcing for the match, and they were excellent. They announced the rules of the match and introduced the participants. Banks and Bayley mocked everyone and were so great.
After introducing the first entrants, Bayley read the next name and said it’s a mistake. Asuka’s music hit and she ran down to the ring. She attacked Bayley and Banks, but they escaped.
The rest of the participants just ran out.
The IIconics worked together to dump out Riott and Morgan. Morgan ended up on the apron and pulled out Royce and Kay. The IIconics then pulled Morgan off the apron.
Cross went under the bottom rope and caught Brooke in the ring apron skirt. On the other side of the ring, Belair almost went out, but she held on. Tamina ran wild and beat down everyone. Cross and Tamina squared off. Cross ended up on the apron, and Tamina hit the superkick to eliminate her.
Belair got the better of Tamina and dumped her over the top rope in an impressive spot. Naomi ran wild, but Evans caught her with the Woman’s Right to eliminate her from the match.
Blackheart then eliminated Evans. Evans recovered and pulled out Blackheart.
Belair charged at Nox, but she ducked, and Belair fell to the floor. Baszler took over and dominated the action in the ring. In a scary spot, Baszler picked up Nox but lost control and nearly dropped Nox on her head.
Nox ended up on the apron, but Brooke pulled her out. Brooke jumped back in the ring, but Asuka quickly eliminated her.
The final two entrants were Asuka and Baszler. Asuka ended up on the apron, and Bayley tried to pull her off. Asuka fought back and nailed Bayley and Banks with a running knee.
Baszler hit a running knee on Asuka, but she landed on top of Banks and Bayley, which prevented her elimination. She jumped up on the apron, and Baszler locked on the Kirifuda Clutch. Asuka fought back and pulled her out of the ring for the final elimination.
Asuka takes on SmackDowm Woman’s Champion Bayley at SummerSlam in addition to taking on Banks for the Raw Woman’s title.
In the back, Bayley and Banks were furious that Asuka could even enter the battle royal. Banks pointed out that Bayley lost to Asuka on Raw, but the title wasn’t on the line.
Suddenly, Asuka jumped Bayley. Banks tried to help, but Asuka got the better of both of them.
They recapped the Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville angle.
In the back, Rose said Deville’s not the first person to say she got everything because of her looks. It still hurts that everyone thinks she got everything easily in life. She worked three jobs while she won the Bikini championship.
Rose then challenged Deville to a hair vs. hair match at SummerSlam.
Sheamus ran into two security guards in the back at the entrance. He told them to take the night off because Retribution’s not going to attack on his watch. Apparently, security takes their orders from anyone.
Backstage, Nikki Cross approached Alexa Bliss and hugged her. She apologized for pushing her to the mat two weeks ago. Bliss seemed uneasy. Cross tried to get her to leave, but Bliss wants to get answers from Braun Strowman.
Sheamus defeated Shorty G
This was a fine match. There wasn’t much to it and featured Sheamus dominating.
Sheamus had an early advantage, but Shorty G fought back. He was briefly in control and hit a series of cross faces. Sheamus recovered and beat down Shorty G.
Shorty G made a comeback and hit a missile dropkick. He then got the ankle lock, but Sheamus broke free. Shorty G rolled up Sheamus for a near fall.
Sheamus took back over with White Noise and won the match with The Brogue Kick.
In the back, AJ Styles spoke with Joseph Park aka the former Abyss from Impact. Styles is about to head to the ring.
AJ Styles Promo
Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles and Joseph Park made their way to the ring.
Styles isn’t worried about Retribution. He’s got more pressing matters such as defending his title at SummerSlam. Styles started talking about statistics. On Twitch, users keep asking about his next title defense and statistically who he should defend the title against next.
Styles hired a statistic team called the Phenomenal Intercontinental Statistic System. Styles revealed a board with his name at the top. He then showed the top contenders, but the board was empty. Styles noted there’s nobody good enough to challenge him.
Jeffy Hardy’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Hardy has a lot of respect for Styles. He pointed out that he should have faced Styles in the semi-final of the IC tournament, but Sheamus framed him.
Hardy then challenged Styles to a title match. Styles praised Hardy and noted he deserved to be on the board. Styles teased agreeing but said hell no.
Hardy has to earn the title shot. Styles got in Hardy’s face.
Hardy snapped and attacked Styles. He hit the twist of fate and signed his name on the board.
This was a good segment. Styles and Hardy were both good in their roles.
In the back, Lucha House Party stole the tag team titles from Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Backstage, Styles was furious that Hardy attacked him and vented to Joseph Park, who was still holding the board. Kayla Braxton tried to interview him. Styles noted Hardy doesn’t respect him or analytics.
In a funny moment, Styles said he was going to erase Hardy and tried to wipe his name off the board, but it was a permanent marker. Park just looked at Styles and whimpered. Styles and Park are good together.
On Commentary, Michael Cole twice noted there are rumors that next week SmackDown will be in a different location. Corey Graves pointed out the WWE Universe would be involved.
Gran Metalik (w/Lince Dorado) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Cesaro)
This was a decent match while it lasted.
Lucha House Party came out with the belts, but Cesaro and Nakamura took them back before the match.
Nakamura had the early advantage, but Metalik took over with a chin lock. Metalik hit a huge crossbody block and springboard back elbow for near fall.
Nakamura attempted the exploder, but Metalik landed on his feet. He hit a superkick and jumped to the top, but Cesaro jumped on the apron to cause the distraction.
Nakamura regained control and set up for the Kinasha, but Lucha House Party’s music hit. Kalisto walked out, making his return. Dorado and Kalisto worked together to take out Cesaro with a tornado DDT.
Metalik recovered and hit a springboard elbow on Nakamura for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Matt Riddle. She asked about King Corbin and the King’s Ransom bounty. Riddle mocked Corbin and gloated about costing him his match last week.
Suddenly, Shorty G walked in and apologized for trying to attack Riddle. Riddle accepted his apology. Corbin attacked Riddle from behind. He thanked Shorty G for his help, but Shorty didn’t seem happy about it.
Alexa Bliss Interview
Bliss discussed her friendship with Braun Strowman. They showed highlights of their friendship and teaming together. The interviewer asked if she had romantic feelings.
Bliss said maybe. Bliss noted she cares about Strowman, and he cared about her. She doesn’t know why The Fiend attacked her.
She said, being in the ring with him is scary and compelling. Bliss understands the idea of a moth to a flame.
They showed Strowman saying he didn’t care about Bliss last week. The interviewer asked Bliss how that made her feel.
Bliss became sad and looked away.
In the back, Sonya Deville mocked Mandy Rose and her interview earlier. Deville accepted Rose’s challenge for the hair vs. hair match at SummerSlam.
Big E defeated John Morrison (w/The Miz)
The Miz joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. He mocked Mandy Rose throughout the match.
Morrison had the early advantage as he targeted Big E’s injured knee. They aired footage of Retribution injuring Big E’s knee earlier.
In a cool spot, Morrison attempted a springboard move into the ring, but Big E pushed him to the other side of the ring to the floor. He followed up with a big splash on the apron.
Miz distracted Big E, and Morrison used a chop block on the injured knee. Morrison continued to target Big E’s knee.
Otis then made his way to ringside to confront Miz.
The lights started to flicker, and Cole freaked out. He screamed for security as they cut to commercial.
Back from commercial, the entire roster was standing at ringside. The lights started to flicker again.
Retribution showed up backstage and attacked the referees and crew. They locked a guy in the bathroom as they destroyed the backstage area.
The roster was unaware that Retribution was attacking in the back. Cole and Graves didn’t try to inform the roster though. Referee Jessika Carr ran out and told the roster about the attack.
The roster ran to the back expect for The Miz.
Morrison was firmly in control, but Big E made a comeback and used the Strech Muffler for the win. The angle with Retribution took away from the match.
After the match, Sheamus ran out and hit the Brogue Kick on Big E.
Braun Strowman made his way to the ring to confront The Fiend.
Braun Strowman Promo
Strowman was furious and challenged The Fiend to come to the ring. He promised The Fiend that he was going to be a different person when he came out of the swamp.
Alexa Bliss made her way to the ring instead. She said this isn’t the Strowman that she knows. Strowman said that he doesn’t care about her, and claimed she used him as a pawn. He didn’t look at her and told her to leave.
Strowman told her that everyone changes that encounter The Fiend, including her. She said he’ll regret getting what he wants. Bliss demanded he looks at her and slapped him several times.
Strowman then picked her up into the press slam. The lights slowly went off as Strowman held her in the air. As the lights went off, Strowman dropped Bliss to the mat.
Then the lights came back on. The Fiend was standing in the ring with Bliss. Somehow, Strowman was on the Titantron laughing hysterically.
This was a weird segment. Strowman came across like a total heel. The Fiend was still portrayed as the heel, but he essentially made the save for Bliss.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles defends against Jeff Hardy.
WWE has announced another match and two segments for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
Big E vs. John Morrison is set for this week’s SmackDown. The match comes after Big E defeated The Miz two weeks ago, getting the first win of his current singles run.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman confronting “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt has also been announced for this week’s SmackDown, along with a sit-down interview with Alexa Bliss. Bliss will discuss her experiences with The Fiend from the past two weeks.
The main event angle of SmackDown two weeks ago saw The Fiend attack Bliss by putting her in the Mandible Claw. Last week, The Fiend appeared with Bliss again but backed off when Bliss touched his face. Strowman then appeared on the video screen, returning for the first time since his Swamp Fight against Wyatt at last month’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Strowman said he doesn’t care about Bliss — all he cares about is destroying Wyatt. He agreed to defend his Universal Championship against The Fiend at SummerSlam.
Friday’s SmackDown will also feature a triple brand battle royal to decide SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley’s challenger for SummerSlam. The battle royal will feature wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. SummerSlam is taking place on Sunday, August 23.
Two more title matches have officially been added to the card for SummerSlam.
Sasha Banks will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka at SummerSlam. After it was set up on SmackDown last Friday, WWE has also officially confirmed that “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt will challenge for Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship at the pay-per-view.
Asuka defeated Bayley on Raw tonight to be confirmed as Banks’ challenger for the PPV. The story was that Banks said last week that she’d give Asuka a title shot at SummerSlam if she could defeat Bayley tonight.
Asuka vs. Banks at Extreme Rules last month ended in controversy, setting up a rematch on Raw two weeks ago. Banks won the title by countout after Asuka went to save Kairi Sane when she was being attacked by Bayley backstage.
There will be a triple brand battle royal on SmackDown this week to decide who will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
For the first time since their Swamp Fight at Extreme Rules, Strowman returned to WWE television on SmackDown last Friday. He appeared on the video screen and agreed to face The Fiend at SummerSlam.
SummerSlam is taking place on Sunday, August 23. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Randy Orton
Raw Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defending against Asuka
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defending against Andrade & Angel Garza
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against MVP
The build to SummerSlam continues on tonight’s SmackDown.
Tonight’s show will feature Bray Wyatt hosting a new edition of the Firefly Funhouse. Last week, The Fiend attacked Alexa Bliss — who is friends with Braun Strowman — after Nikki Cross shoved her to the ground and left. Strowman’s been missing since losing the Swamp Fight to Wyatt at Extreme Rules. WWE.com is teasing Wyatt will reveal his motivations for attacking Bliss tonight.
Sonya Deville will be The Miz & John Morrison’s special correspondent on The Dirt Sheet. Deville viciously beat down Mandy Rose and cut chunks of her hair off last week. Rose was in the process of getting ready for a date with Otis when Deville attacked. Later, The Miz & Morrison mocked Rose until Heavy Machinery confronted them.
Matt Riddle takes on Sheamus tonight. Baron Corbin has placed a King’s Ransom bounty on Riddle for anyone to collect.
Plus, Corbin goes one-on-one with Jeff Hardy. Corbin interrupted Hardy last week as Hardy addressed his personal problems and winning the Bar Fight against Sheamus. Drew Gulak attempted to stand up for Hardy, but Corbin defeated him.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They recapped the Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman from three weeks ago. It highlighted Alexa Bliss’s appearance in the match and Strowman disappearing in the water.
Wyatt stressed that The Fiend wants Strowman’s Universal Championship.
They recapped Cross losing to Bayley and pushing Bliss to the mat. After the match, The Fiend appeared and applied the Mandible Claw on Bliss.
The Firefly Funhouse
Wyatt welcomed everyone to the Firefly Funhouse. He wanted to clear something up that the haters keep DM’ing him about. Wyatt noted it’s not his fault that The Fiend attacked Bliss last week.
Wyatt blamed Strowman for Fiend attacking Bliss. Wyat promised that “He” will be here later and with a surprise. Wyatt promised Strowman that if “He” doesn’t get want he wants, she’ll suffer.
Matt Riddle defeated Sheamus
Riddle and Sheamus had a good hard-hitting match until the finish.
They recapped Shorty G attacking Riddle last week in an attempt to collect the King’s Ransom bounty.
Sheamus took over with a side headlock, but Riddle broke free. Sheamus regained control with a knee to the gut and slowed the pace down. Riddle reversed into an armbar then transitioned into a pin attempt.
Sheamus recovered and rocked Riddle with a sick looking powerbomb. Riddle dropped Sheamus over the top rope, but he landed on the apron. Sheamus hit a series of shots to the chest. Sheamus climbed to the top. Riddle got back to his feet and knocked Sheamus off the top to the floor with a forearm.
Back from the break, Sheamus was back in control with a chin lock. Riddle broke free, but Sheamus hit three Irish curse backbreakers in a row for a near fall. He slowed the pace back down with a chin lock.
Riddle got back to his feet, but Sheamus attempted a back suplex. Riddle landed on his feet and rocked Sheamus with a kick to the head. Riddle followed up with two forearm shots in the corner and a suplex.
He followed up with a penalty kick and Broton for a near fall. Riddle attempted the Floating Bro, but Sheamus moved, and Riddle landed on his feet again. Riddle charged, but Sheamus hit White Noise for a close near fall.
Riddle avoided the Brogue Kick and hit a German suplex for a two count. Sheamus went shoulder-first into the ring post after missing a charge in the corner.
Riddle and Sheamus brawled around ringside. Sheamus rocked Riddle with a stiff knee. Riddle struggled to get back in the ring when Shorty G suddenly attacked for the disqualification.
Shorty G was briefly in control, but Riddle took over and beat him around ringside. He rocked Shorty G with a kick against the steps.
Riddle won the match by DQ, but it didn’t seem to bother him. He was happy that he won.
Sheamus was furious at Shorty G for interfering and trying to collect the King’s Ransom. Sheamus then gave Shorty G a Brogue kick.
They treated Shorty G like a complete joke getting beat up by both the face and heel.
Michael Cole noted The Fiend will be here tonight and teased a possible confrontation with Braun Strowman.
Sheamus confronted King Corbin in the back. He was furious that Corbin sent out Shorty G to interfere in his match. Corbin didn’t back down and noted he’s busy with Jeff Hardy tonight.
The Dirt Sheet
They recapped Sonya Deville attacking Mandy Rose last week.
Their mics stopped working, and they had other issues. They blamed Retribution, but Miz assumed they’re only on Raw.
They introduced their guest, Mandy Rose’s hair. Rose’s hair appeared on the big screen with googly eyes. They both did a weird voice pretending to be her hair. They mocked Rose and Heavey Machinery.
Miz then said it was time to speak with the real victim from last week and introduced Sonya Deville.
Deville talked about how great it felt to attack Rose and cut her hair off. She mocked Rose and has no respect left for her. Deville got upset with the fans and noted Rose’s music isn’t going to play. She’s not coming out to get her revenge.
Deville pointed out that Rose only made it to the WWE because she won some bikini contests. She was disgusted that Rose won an award for making out with Otis.
They continued to mock Rose until Heavy Machinery ran out, and a brawl broke out. The faces cleared the ring, and the heels took off.
Deville was good in this segment, but Miz and Morrison’s Rose’s hair bit went long and dragged towards the end.
They recapped Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura winning the SmackDown Tag Team titles when they defeated New Day in a tables match.
Cesaro and Dorado worked well together and had a good, fast-paced match while it lasted.
Michael Cole claimed that Cesaro and Nakamura have been acting like teenagers since winning the titles.
The lights flickered during the match. Corey Graves was concerned that Retribution came to SmackDown.
Cesaro was firmly in control, but Dorado sent Cesaro to the floor with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Dorado attempted a dive, but Cesaro caught him. Dorado fought back and pulled himself onto the barricade. He then hit a hurricanrana sending Cesaro into the apron.
Dorado attempted a crossbody, but Cesaro caught him and hit a backbreaker. Cesaro slowed the pace down, but Dorado fought back, and the pace picked up.
Cesaro lifted Dorado, and he stood on Cesaro’s shoulder and did a backflip onto his feet. Dorado then hit a springboard stunner for near fall. He then used a hurricanrana for another near fall.
Cesaro recovered and hit the Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Heavy Machinery. Otis noted that Miz and Morrison could say whatever they want about him but not his girlfriend, Mandy Rose.
The Fiend made his way to the ring.
The Fiend/Braun Strowman Promo
Back from the break, The Fiend was standing in the ring with his music playing and the red lights. He walked around the ring.
Suddenly, Alexa Bliss appeared in the ring sitting on the mat like last week. Fiend walked around the ring and crawled towards Bliss.
Fiend teased applying the Mandible Claw on Bliss again. Bliss stopped him and touched his face.
Suddenly, Universal Champion Braun Strowman appeared on the screen. He claimed he didn’t care about Bliss. He’s an evil monster, and he’ll give The Fiend whatever he wants. Strowman agreed to face The Fiend at SummerSlam.
This was a weird segment. It felt like a weak follow up to last week’s angle. Strowman not caring about Bliss seemed strange unless they’re planning some kind of trap for The Fiend. There was no explanation of how Bliss ended up in the ring during the commercial.
Jeff Hardy defeated King Corbin
They worked a slow pace in a short match, although the finish worked into the story of the opening match.
Hardy had the early advantage, but Corbin avoided the twist of fate and hit a vicious clothesline for a near fall. Corbin beat down Hardy at ringside on the announce table.
Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Hardy broke free and hit a sliding dropkick.
He rammed Corbin’s head into the barricade. Corbin recovered and hit the deep six for a close near fall.
Corbin rocked Hardy with a knee that sent him to the floor.
Suddenly, Sheamus ran out and hit the Brogue Kick on Hardy for the disqualification. Corbin was furious that Sheamus interfered. They argued at ringside.
Sheamus defeated King Corbin
They had a fine match but worked a slow pace. The Performance Center fans didn’t know what to do since they’re both heels and just made noise.
Back from the break and the match was in progress. Corbin rocked Sheamus with a clothesline at ringside. He slammed Sheamus headfirst into the announce table.
Sheamus recovered and gave Corbin a clothesline to the floor.
Sheamus sent Corbin into the barricade, announce table, and ring post. He missed a top rope move, and Corbin hit a side slam for a near fall.
Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Sheamus powered up and attempted White Noise, but Corbin slipped out and hit a clothesline.
Suddenly, Matt Riddle caused a distraction, and Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the win.
In the back, Bayley and Sasha Banks discussed Bayley’s match with Asuka on Raw. Bayley wished that Banks asked her first before volunteering her for the match.
An office worker approached and informed them they need to go to the ring for a conference call with Stephanie McMahon.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Big E in the back and wondered what’s next for him. He went over his history with The New Day. He’s ready to see what he can do in singles competition.
Bayley and Sasha Banks Conference Call with Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon praised Bayley and Sasha Banks for winning all the titles. Banks mentioned McMahon’s daughters and said they’re just finishing what she started. McMahon noted they found loopholes in her rulings.
Banks and Bayley tried to apologize, but she wasn’t mad. McMahon then announced a triple brand battle royal next week with the winner getting a title shot against Bayley at SummerSlam.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed The Miz, John Morrison, and Sonya Deville. They mocked Otis and Heavy Machinery.
Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz & John Morrison (w/Sonya Deville)
Tucker used some mat wrestling to keep Morrison grounded. Morrison got to his feet, but Tucker avoided a kick and hit a clothesline. Otis and Tucker sandwiched Miz with a splash. Tucker then hit a senton off the apron onto the heels.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control as they isolated Tucker. Morrison hit a double foot stomp and running knee. Miz followed up with a DDT for a near fall.
Tucker fought back, and Otis got the hot tag. Otis ran wild on the heels and threw them around the ring. He hit the splash in the corner and followed up with the Catapiller, but Miz broke up the three count.
Tucker charged at the heels, but they moved, and he ran into the barricade. Miz then sent Otis into the steps.
Suddenly, Mandy Rose ran out with short hair and attacked Deville. Rose and Deville brawled around ringside and in the ring.
Heavy Machinery and Miz & Morrison tried to break up the brawl.
This was a fine tag team match, but there wasn’t much to it. However, Rose and Deville had a good post-match brawl.
In the back, Rose and Deville continued to argue when the lights went out.
Suddenly, Michael Cole and Corey Graves freaked out at ringside as a bunch of men and women in black masks and hoodies ran out with crowbars and baseball bats. Cole assumed they must be Retribution.
They chased off Cole, Graves, and the cameramen. They attacked a few of the fans in the audience and then flipped over the announce table.
They spray painted the ring mats, steps, and ring apron skirt.
One of the guys brought in a chainsaw and cut the ring ropes. Retribution then celebrated.
The closing angle was chaotic and similar to the Nexus attack in 2010. However, none of the SmackDown roster came out or were involved in the beat down. The angle was done well, but it felt like something was missing to make it a big deal. It depends on where the story goes from here.
Next Week: Triple Brand Battle Royal for a title shot against SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at SummerSlam.
WWE has revealed much of the lineup for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
Two matches and two other segments have been announced for this Friday’s show. Matt Riddle will take on Sheamus, Jeff Hardy will face Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt will host a new edition of the Firefly Fun House, and Sonya Deville will be The Miz and John Morrison’s guest on The Dirt Sheet.
Corbin has offered a King’s Ransom bounty to anyone who can take out Riddle. After losing to Hardy in their bar fight the previous week, Sheamus cut a promo last Friday where he sent a warning to the SmackDown roster. Sheamus said Hardy will self-destruct on his own and declared that he’s moving on from his feud with Hardy.
Corbin interrupted Hardy on SmackDown last week and then defeated Drew Gulak.
Last week’s SmackDown ended with an angle where The Fiend put Alexa Bliss (who is friends with Braun Strowman) in the Mandible Claw. WWE is teasing that Wyatt may reveal the motivations for that attack during tomorrow’s Firefly Fun House segment.
Deville attacked Mandy Rose backstage last week, cut some of Rose’s hair, and then attempted to shave her head until being stopped.
