A dream matchup between two of WWE’s best in-ring wrestlers is set for November’s house show tour of the United Kingdom.
WWE has announced that WALTER vs. Cesaro will be taking place at their UK tour house shows in Liverpool (Sunday, November 7), Leeds (Monday, November 8), Nottingham (Tuesday, November 9), and Manchester (Wednesday, November 10). All four events are SmackDown-brand house shows.
WALTER will be returning to action for the first time since losing the NXT United Kingdom Championship to Ilja Dragunov at NXT TakeOver 36 this August.
The UK tour features eight events in total. There are Raw house shows in Brighton (Wednesday, November 3), Sheffield (Thursday, November 4), and Birmingham (Friday, November 5), along with a dual-branded supershow house show in London (Saturday, November 6).
The full lineups for the house shows are listed below. Universal Champion Roman Reigns and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos won’t be on the tour.
Brighton, Sheffield & Birmingham —
Street fight: Big E vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship
Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop in a triple threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship
RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in a triple threat match for the Raw Tag Team titles
Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins in a fatal four-way match for the United States title
Reggie vs. John Morrison for the 24/7 Championship
Liv Morgan vs. Carmella
London —
Street fight: Big E vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship
Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop in a triple threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in a triple threat match for the Raw Tag Team titles
Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins in a fatal four-way match for the United States title
Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) vs. Jinder Mahal for the Intercontinental title
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship
Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham & Manchester —
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) vs. Jinder Mahal for the Intercontinental title
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn in a triple threat match for the NXT Championship
WWE has added two matches to the card for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos will face off with The Street Profits in a non-title match on tonight’s show. Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro will also take place on SmackDown tonight.
Tonight’s SmackDown will be headlined by Roman Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Finn Balor. Last week, The Street Profits came to Balor’s defense and helped him even the odds in a brawl with Reigns and The Usos. Balor and The Street Profits took out The Usos as Reigns got away.
“Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins have the opportunity to catapult themselves back into the SmackDown Tag Team Title picture if they can beat The Usos in an intriguing Championship Contenders Match,” WWE.com wrote.
Rollins defeated Cesaro in their two most recent singles matches against each other. Prior to that, Cesaro had defeated Rollins twice earlier this year.
Edge defeated Rollins at SummerSlam two weeks ago. Promos from both Edge and Rollins aired on SmackDown last Friday. Edge said he’s moving on from Rollins and wants to challenge for the Universal Championship.
Rollins seemed to disingenuously congratulate Edge, saying that the loss taught him something about himself. Rollins said Edge won his respect and admiration. Rollins said that — if he wants to fight his way back to the Universal Championship — maybe he needs to be a little more like Edge.
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida is hosting tonight’s SmackDown.
Two grudge matches will determine the final participants for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
WWE has announced that the final two men’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches will take place on SmackDown next Friday. The qualifying matches are Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin.
The winners will join Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, and Kevin Owens in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
In storyline, Rollins wanted to challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at Money in the Bank. But Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville instead gave the title shot to Edge. Rollins was told by Pearce and Deville on SmackDown tonight that he’ll be facing Cesaro in a Money in the Bank qualifying match next Friday.
Money in the Bank is being held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18. Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Zelina Vega are the first six wrestlers announced for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
WWE has made a couple of announcements for Friday’s Hell in a Cell fallout episode of SmackDown.
A mixed tag team match will take place on SmackDown this Friday as SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair & Cesaro team against Bayley & Seth Rollins. After retaining his title against Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match on SmackDown last week, Universal Champion Roman Reigns will hold a victory celebration on this Friday’s show.
Reigns vs. Mysterio was originally scheduled for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view but was moved up to last Friday’s SmackDown. Reigns won the match by submitting Mysterio with a modified guillotine. As Mysterio struggled to get to his feet after the match and used the ropes for assistance, Reigns put him in the guillotine again.
The rivalries between Belair & Bayley and Cesaro & Rollins continued at Hell in a Cell. Belair retained her SmackDown Women’s Championship by defeating Bayley in a Hell in a Cell match. Rollins defeated Cesaro in their match at the PPV.
The card for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view is now up to six announced matches.
It was announced on SmackDown tonight that Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn have both been added to the card for Sunday’s PPV. Neither match will be taking place inside of Hell in a Cell.
Cesaro has defeated Rollins twice in singles matches this year. He defeated Rollins at WrestleMania 37 in April and on an episode of SmackDown in May.
There was an angle on SmackDown four weeks ago where Cesaro was stretchered out after being attacked by Rollins. Cesaro then returned last week and got revenge by attacking Rollins. Rollins was left in his underwear after Cesaro ripped off his suit.
Tonight’s SmackDown featured a segment where Cesaro was interviewed backstage. Rollins interrupted the interview but told Cesaro that he was only there to have a conversation. Rollins said Cesaro disgusts him. He said everything Cesaro does and everything Cesaro stands for is a disgrace. Rollins said Cesaro doesn’t deserve a single ounce of respect. Rollins told Cesaro that he’ll put him in his place on Sunday.
Cesaro responded by saying that he respects Rollins as a competitor. But as Cesaro got up to leave, he pushed Rollins down. The push made Rollins fall over in his chair.
Owens and Zayn also faced off at WrestleMania 37. Owens defeated Zayn in that match.
Owens vs. Zayn was made for Hell in a Cell after Zayn cost Owens & Big E a tag match against Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews & Commander Azeez on SmackDown tonight. Zayn, who was on commentary for the match, distracted Owens on the outside. Owens then went back into the ring and was given the Nigerian Nail by Azeez. Azeez pinned Owens to get the win.
Azeez gave Owens another Nigerian Nail after the tag match. Zayn laughed as he watched Owens gasp for air.
Owens later went to authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville and told them that he wanted to face Zayn. Pearce announced the match for Hell in a Cell.
Here’s the updated lineup for Hell in a Cell:
Hell in a Cell match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre (if McIntyre loses, he can’t challenge for the WWE Championship again while Lashley is still champion)
Hell in a Cell match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Charlotte Flair
A tag match featuring four wrestlers involved in the Intercontinental title picture is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews & Sami Zayn will face Kevin Owens & Big E in a tag team match on SmackDown tonight. On SmackDown last week, Crews defeated Owens to retain the Intercontinental title.
Last week’s Crews vs. Owens match had a stipulation where Crews’ bodyguard Commander Azeez was banned from ringside. But Azeez instead attacked Owens backstage before the match. Following the match, Zayn ran down to the ring and gave Owens a Helluva Kick.
Crews retained against Big E, Owens, and Zayn in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown three weeks ago. The finish to that match involved Aleister Black, who has since been released by WWE, attacking Big E to start what was a planned feud with him.
WWE has also announced that there will be a “Ding Dong, Hello!” segment on SmackDown tonight with Seth Rollins appearing as Bayley’s guest. There was an angle on SmackDown three weeks ago where Cesaro was stretchered out after being attacked by Rollins. Bayley is challenging for Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, June 20.
The Street Profits vs. Chad Gable & Otis is also set for tonight’s SmackDown. Plus, WWE is teasing that Rey Mysterio will be out for payback after Roman Reigns beat down Rey and Dominik Mysterio last week.
WWE’s first pay-per-view since WrestleMania 37 takes place tonight.
For the first time in his WWE career, Cesaro will get a one-on-one World title shot as he challenges Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Reigns retained against both Daniel Bryan and Edge in a triple threat match at WrestleMania.
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley also retained his title at WrestleMania, defeating Drew McIntyre. Lashley will defend the WWE Championship against McIntyre and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match tonight.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley both won their titles at WrestleMania. Belair will make her first title defense when she faces off against Bayley tonight. Ripley will put her title on the line against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match.
Plus, Rey & Dominik Mysterio will look to become the first father-son Tag Team Champions in WWE history as they face Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode for the SmackDown Tag Team titles. Damian Priest and The Miz will also face off in a lumberjack match.
Tonight’s pre-show starts at 6 p.m. Eastern time. The main card then begins at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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Kick-Off Show
Kayla Braxton introduced the panel members Booker T, JBL, and Pete Rosenberg. Rosenberg started by praising Booker’s A&E Biography. They ran down tonight’s lineup.
They recapped the Roman Reigns and Cesaro feud, including Reigns beating Daniel Bryan and Jimmy Uso’s return. The panel discussed the Universal title match. JBL and Rosenberg picked Reigns to retain the title, but Booker thinks Cesaro’s leaving champion tonight.
They recapped Bianca Belair winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship and her feud with Bayley. Sonya Deville joined the panel to talk about Belair vs. Bayley.
The panel turned their attention to Damien Priest vs. The Miz in a lumberjack match. They recapped Priest beating John Morrison to pick the lumberjack stipulation. Booker picked The Miz to win because he’s old school.
They recapped the Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair feud. It highlighted Ripley winning the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37, Flair’s return, and her suspension.
Deville joined the panel again. Braxton noted Deville lifted Flair’s suspension and added her to the title match. Deville defended her decision and praised Flair.
The panel discussed Rey and Dominik Mysterio taking on SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. They aired clips of Mysterio beating Ziggler last Friday.
In the back, Dominik was warming up when he ran into Ziggler and Roode. He tried to walk away, but they jumped him and beat him down. They dropped some big object on top of him and ran off.
Referees ran over but struggled to get the object off of him.
Sheamus came out and made an open challenge but in a non-title match. He mocked past champions that defended the title against anyone. He pointed out he’s not one of those champions.
He issued a challenge to anyone in the back, and Ricochet accepted.
Non-Title: United States Champion Sheamus defeated Ricochet
Ricochet and Sheamus had a good kick-off show match.
Ricochet rocked Sheamus with a dropkick right at the bell. He had the brief advantage until Sheamus hit Ricochet with a clothesline.
Sheamus stomped on Ricochet and gave him the Dublin smile. He tried slowing the pace down, but Ricochet fought back. Sheamus tried to pull Ricochet out of the corner, but he held on.
Ricochet hit a springboard clothesline, standing shooting star press and Asai moonsault for a near fall. Sheamus tried to pick up Ricochet, but he rolled through. Sheamus recovered and rocked Ricochet with a knee to the face.
Ricochet regained control with a backstabber. He followed up with a springboard 450-spalsh for a very close two-count.
Ricochet missed a 450-splash but avoided the Brogue kick. He rolled up Sheamus for a near fall. Sheamus jumped to his feet and rocked Ricochet with brogue kick for the win.
After the match, Sheamus put his hat and jacket back on. He started talking about issuing more open challenges than anyone else. Suddenly, Ricochet jumped Sheamus from behind. He then put on Sheamus’s hat and jacket. Sheamus was furious and chased after Ricochet.
The panel discussed the WWE Championship match. They recapped the feud between Drew McIntrye, Braun Strowman, and WWE Champion Bobby Lashley.
Main Show
Batista narrated the opening video, which had a tie-in with his new movie Army of Darkness.
Triple Threat Match: Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka and Charlotte Flair to retain the title (15:22)
Flair, Asuka, and Ripley had a good match.
They did the special ring introductions with all three standing in the ring. Flair rolled to the floor, but Asuka and Ripley went after her.
Ripley rolled up Flair for a near fall, but Asuka broke up the pin attempt. Flair ended up on the apron, and Asuka knocked her off with the hip attack.
Ripley and Asuka went back and forth until Flair pulled Asuka out of the ring. Flair took over and isolated Ripley in the ring. Flair ended up back on the apron, and Asuka pulled at her leg.
Ripley knocked Flair off the apron. Asuka climbed up the turnbuckle, but Ripley knocked her off too. Flair recovered and knocked out Ripley on the floor. She isolated Asuka in the ring and hit a boot to the face for a two-count.
Asuka recovered and caught Flair in an armbar. Flair broke free, but Asuka locked the armbar back on. Ripley jumped back in to break up the submission. Flair fought back and regained control.
Flair was firmly in control until Ripley started running wild. She hit a series of clotheslines and knees to Flair. She followed up with a Northern Lights suplex, but Asuka broke up the pin attempt.
Asuka gave Flair two German suplexes and hit the hip attack on Ripley in the corner. Asuka hit Flair and Ripley with a series of kicks. She followed up with a sliding knee on Flair for a near fall.
Asuka caught Ripley with a missile dropkick. Ripley then pulled Asuka off the apron. Flair followed up with a moonsault of the top rope to the floor. She threw Asuka back in the ring, but Ripley cut Flair off. Ripley attempted a superplex, but Flair held on.
Asuka then joined Ripley, and they gave Flair a double superplex. Ripley, Flair, and Asuka traded shots in the middle of the ring. Ripley caught Flair and Asuka with headbutts.
Asuka and Ripley gave Flair a double suplex, but Flair landed on her feet. She gave them both chop blocks and Natural Selection. Flair covered both for a close near fall.
Flair attempted a moonsault on Asuka and Ripley, but they both moved. Ripley tried to give Asuka the Rip Tide, but Flair made the save. Flair ended up back on the apron again.
Asuka charged at Flair on the apron, but Flair caught her with a boot. Flair fell off the apron, and Ripley hit the Rip Tide on Asuka for the win.
Ripley taunted Flair after the match.
They showed Bobby Lashley and MVP arriving at the arena.
In the back, John Morrison promised to talk to the lumberjacks to make sure Damien Priest falls into their thirst trap. Miz doesn’t think Morrison knows what a thirst trap is.
They recapped Ziggler and Roode attacking Dominik Mysterio on the kick-off show. Michael Cole noted The Mysterio’s dream of winning the tag team titles might not happen.
In the trainer’s room, Dominik couldn’t even stand because of his injury.
Rey told Dominik he can’t compete tonight and to stay in the back.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles (17:00)
This was a fun tag team match that told a good story.
Michael Cole pointed out that Rey’s daughter and wife are watching on Watch Along.
Rey decided to compete in the match without a partner because of Dominik’s injury. Rey jumped the champions to gain the early advantage.
Rey sent Ziggler to the floor and whipped Roode into the ropes. Rey then hit a sliding splash through Roode’s legs to the floor on Ziggler. Rey was firmly in control and gave Roode a senton off the apron.
Rey rolled up Roode for a near fall. Roode recovered and took over with a vicious clothesline.
The heels took over and slowed the pace down. Rey fought back and knocked Ziggler off the apron. Rey climbed to the top rope, but Ziggler knocked him off. Rey ended up in the tree of woe and injured his knee.
Roode worked over Rey’s knee. The referee asked if Rey wanted to give up, but he refused. Rey fought back, but the heels hit an assisted famouser for a close near fall.
Roode threw Rey under the bottom rope, and Ziggler caught him with a superkick. Rey beat the ten count, but the heels were firmly in control. They went for a double suplex, but Rey reversed.
Rey fought back and sent Ziggler shoulder-first into the ring post. Dominik Mysterio then walked down to the ring and got on the apron.
Dominik begged to get tagged in, but Rey refused. Rey set up Ziggler for the 619, but Ziggler recovered and hit the Zig-Zag for a near fall.
The heels isolated Rey on their side of the ring. Roode climbed to the top rope with Rey on his shoulders. Rey fought back and hit a bulldog off the top rope.
Rey crawled to his corner but hesitated to tag Dominik. Rey caught Roode with a dropkick and fell into the corner. Dominik tagged himself in and briefly ran wild.
Roode caught Dominik with a spinebuster to take over. The heels hit an assisted neck breaker for another near fall.
Ziggler set up for a superkick, but Dominik hit a superkick first. Rey got the hot tag and briefly ran wild. Roode caught Rey with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a close two-count.
Rey fought back and hit the 619 on Roode. Rey tagged in Dominik and took out Ziggler with a sunset powerbomb into the barricade. Dominik then hit the frog splash on Roode for the win.
After the match, Kayla Braxton interviewed Rey and Dominik in the ring. They celebrated winning the tag team titles and becoming the first-ever father and son SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
They aired a commercial for Army of Darkness.
In the back, John Morrison approached the lumberjacks locker room. He knocked on the door, and a bunch of zombies walked out. Yes, zombies.
Jimmy Uso entered Roman Reigns’ dressing room. Jimmy got in Jey’s face and noted that Reigns locker room is a lot better than his.
Reign showed up and approached them. Jimmy just wanted to wish Reigns good luck in his match.
John Morrison tried to tell The Miz that the lumberjacks are zombies. The Miz didn’t believe him. Morrison agreed that he must be wrong, and they walked off.
A bunch of zombies then walked by.
They showed a tweet from Batista. He noted he couldn’t be at Backlash, but some of his friends will be there. It turns out that Batista’s friends with zombies.
Lumberjack Zombie Match: Damien Priest defeated The Miz (7:00)
This wasn’t good. The zombies dragged the match down and took away all the focus.
Suddenly, this turned into a horror movie. Smoked filled the arena, and zombies came out of the crowd.
The Miz and Morrison tried to run away, but there were too many zombies.They ran over to the commentators, but a zombie came out from under the table.
The focus of the match was on the zombies at ringside. The Miz took over with a boot to the face. Miz fell to the floor, so he crawled under the ring to get away from the zombies.
Priest took advantage and scored a near fall. He followed up with a spinning heel kick off the top rope for a near fall. Miz avoided a kick and locked on the figure four leg lock.
The zombies pulled Miz and Priest to the floor.Miz and Priest then worked together to fight off the zombies. Priest rocked a zombie with a kick to the head.
Miz tried to high five Priest, but Priest hit a falcon arrow for a near fall. Morrison ran back to the ring, but Preist knocked him off the apron. The Miz then hit a running knee on Priest for a near fall.
Morrison took out the zombies with a dive. He attempted a move off the barricade, but a bunch of zombies dragged him to the other side of the barricade.
Preist then caught Miz with hit the lights for the win.
After the match, the zombies all climbed in the ring and crawled all over Miz. The idea appeared to be that the zombies were eating The Miz.
Jey Uso approached Jimmy Uso in the back. Jey was furious with Jimmy for the way he talked to their cousin. Jimmy got in Jey’s face and mocked him.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Bayley to retain the title (16:00)
Belair and Bayley had a good match. They both worked hard and told a good story.
Belair had the early advantage as she caught Bayley with a dropkick. Belair chased Bayley around ringside. She avoided Bayley with a leapfrog and hit a shoulder tackle.
Belair followed up with the hand-spring splash for a near fall. Bayley grabbed Belair’s earring to take over. Bayley slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Bayley caught Belair with a back suplex for a two-count. Belair fought back and hit a suplex. Bayley recovered and used an inside cradle for a near fall.
They fought around ringside. Bayley regained control after she dropped Belair on the steps. Belair kicked out and sent Bayley to the floor. Bayley mocked Belair and laughed in her face.
Belair fired up and ran wild. She missed a charge in the corner, and Bayley regained control. Belair caught Bayley with a spinebuster for another near fall.
Bayley recovered and hit the flying elbow for another close near fall. Bayley then sent Belair into the ring post.
Bayley missed a suicide dive, and Belair drove her into the apron. Bayley used a back slide with her feet on the ropes for a near fall. She tried to cheat again, but the referee caught her.
Bayley then raked Belair in the eyes to regain control. Bayley did the ripcord using Belair’s hair. She then hit the Bayley-to-Belly for a two-count.
Bayley attempted the Rose Plant, but Belair reversed into a roll-up and used her hair for the win.
In the back, Kevin Patrick interviewed MVP. He noted Braun Strowman turned down his offer. He promised that Bobby Lashley would retain the WWE Championship tonight.
Triple Threat Match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Drew McIntrye and Braun Strowman to retain the title (14:11)
This was a good triple threat match with lots of hard-hitting action that went all over the arena.
Strowman had the early advantage as he threw Lashey and McIntrye around the ring. Lashley and McIntrye worked together and hit a double suplex on Strowman.
McIntyre took over and hit a cross body on Lashley. He scored a near fall on Strowman, but Lashley broke up the pin attempt. Lashley slammed Strowman down for another near fall.
Strowman hit Lashley with the steps to gain control briefly. McIntrye hit the Claymore kick on Storwman, which sent him over the barricade.
Lashley then gave McIntrye a suplex on the ramp to regain control. McIntrye fought back and sent Lashley into the LED board on the ramp.
He threw Lashley into the LED board again, and it exploded with sparks flying everywhere. Graves pointed out that Lashley disappeared.
Strowman attacked McIntrye to retake control of the match. He tossed McIntrye back in the ring and hit a senton for a near fall. Strowman missed a charge in the corner, and McIntrye hit the Michinoku Driver for a close near fall.
Strowman ran at McIntrye at ringside, but McIntrye countered with a suplex. Mcintyre attempted the Claymore kick, but Strowman caught him and power bombed him onto the announce table.
Strowman went for the running power slam, but McIntyre slipped out the back. McIntrye responded with the Claymore kick.
McIntyre had the match won, but Lashley returned. He threw McIntrye out of the ring and hit the spear on Strowman for the win.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Cesaro to retain the title (27:31)
Reigns and Cesaro had great match. They worked a fast-paced, hard-hitting match that told a really good story.
Behind the curtain, Reigns was preparing to enter for his title defense. He told Jey Uso to stay in the back. Uso noted he’s always in Reigns’ corner and said, “what if”. Reigns wanted to know what he meant by that. He compared Jey to Jimmy and noted he doesn’t need Jey. He told Jey to find his brother.
They battled over a lock-up until Reigns backed Cesaro in the corner. Reigns slowed the pace down with a headlock, but Cesaro broke free. Reigns hit a shoulder tackle for a one-count. Reigns got the headlock back on, but Cesaro broke free again.
Cesaro caught Reigns with a shoulder tackle for a one-count. Reigns became frustrated and rolled out of the ring.
Reigns tossed Cesaro to the floor, and he landed on his arm. Reigns worked over Cesaro’s arm and slammed him into the announce table. Reigns slowed the pace down with a headlock. Cesaro attempted a suplex but Reigns reversed into a suplex of his own.
Reigns slowed the pace down again. Cesaro broke free, but Reigns hit a flying clothesline for a one-count.
Reigns went back to the chin lock. Cesaro tried to fight back, but Reigns hit a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Cesaro avoided the superman punch and hit a pop-up uppercut. Cesaro followed up with a series of uppercuts in the corner. He hit a big boot for a near fall.
Cesaro targeted Reigns leg and locked on the sharpshooter. Reigns crawled to the ropes to break the hold.
Cesaro then hit a corkscrew plancha to the floor. He followed up with a running uppercut at ringside. Cesaro then hit a flying crossbody in the ring for a near fall.
Reigns fought back and worked over Cesaro’s arm. He followed up with the drive-by to the arm. Cesaro briefly fought back, but Reigns went back to the arm.
Reigns was firmly in control. He backed Cesaro in the corner caught him with a big boot. Reigns taunted Cesaro and stomped him in the corner. Cesaro fought back with uppercuts and a clothesline.
Cesaro and Reigns traded shots in the middle of the ring. Cesaro then gave Reigns a superplex from the apron for a near fall.
Cesaro attempted the sharpshooter but Reigns fought back. Cesaro then hit a double-foot stomp. Cesaro went for the Neutralizer, but his arm gave out. Cesaro fought back and went for the springboard uppercut, but Reigns hit the superman punch for a near fall.
Reigns went for the spear, but Cesaro hit an uppercut. Cesaro attempted the pop-up uppercut, but his arm gave out again.
Reigns locked on the guillotine submission, but Cesaro broke free. Cesaro then locked on the sharpshooter. He then transitioned into the cross face, but Reigns broke free. Reigns hit Cesaro with a series of shots. He then hit a sit-out powerbomb for a close near fall.
Cesaro tried to fight back, but Reigns got the guillotine submission. Cesaro lifted Reigns up and almost broke free. Reigns tightened his grip, and Cesaro passed out.
After the match, Jey Uso ran out and congratulated Reigns for his win. Reigns whispered in Jey’s ear. Jey then hit Cesaro with a superkick and beat him down.
Suddenly, Seth Rollin’s music hit, and he walked down to the ring. Rollins got in Reigns’ face. He then smiled and attacked Cesaro. Rollins threw Cesaro out of the ring. He beat him around ringside and grabbed a chair.
Rollins attacked Cesaro with the chair and targeted the injured arm. He trapped Cesaro’s arm in a chair and slammed it against the ring post. He then hit the curb stomp on Cesaro and celebrated to end WrestleMania Backlash.
Last night’s SmackDown was a special Throwback edition of the show.
The episode, which helped promote NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend on Fox Sports, featured retro WWE branding and a look back at some classic moments in SmackDown’s history. Teddy Long also made an appearance, which included him adding a stipulation to Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins. If Cesaro defeated Rollins, he would get a Universal title shot against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash.
Cesaro pinned Rollins to earn the WrestleMania Backlash title shot. The finish involved Rollins arguing with The Usos. Rollins said he didn’t need their help and told them to stay out of his business. Jimmy Uso, who returned earlier in the show, then gave Rollins a superkick. Cesaro hit a plancha on Jimmy, threw Rollins back in the ring, and hit the Neutralizer to get the win.
Reigns wasn’t happy with Jimmy after Cesaro defeated Rollins. Jimmy told Reigns that Reigns wasn’t going to talk to him the way that he talks to his brother Jey. Jimmy said he’s nobody’s bitch.
Reigns wanted to know where Jimmy stood by the end of the show. He told Jimmy to fall in line and acknowledge him or go back home. Jimmy then left the ring and Jey went to go talk to him. With Reigns by himself in the ring, Cesaro attacked him. Jey tried to make the save but was also beaten down by Cesaro.
Jimmy decided to try and help his brother, but Cesaro gave Jimmy a pop-up uppercut. The show then ended with Cesaro laying out Reigns and Jey with Neutralizers.
Cesaro is getting his shot at Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship.
Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Cesaro at WrestleMania Backlash. It will be Cesaro’s first one-on-one shot for a WWE World title.
Cesaro getting the Universal title shot was confirmed when he defeated Seth Rollins on tonight’s Throwback edition of SmackDown. Before Cesaro and Rollins’ match, Teddy Long made an appearance and announced that Cesaro would challenge Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash if he defeated Rollins. Cesaro pinned Rollins after hitting the Neutralizer.
Rollins argued with The Usos when they tried to get involved in his match against Cesaro. Jimmy Uso, who returned to WWE television earlier on tonight’s show, then dropped Rollins with a superkick. Cesaro hit a plancha on Jimmy, threw Rollins back in the ring, and hit the Neutralizer to get the win.
Reigns talked down to Jimmy Uso for messing things up after Cesaro defeated Rollins. Jimmy told Reigns that Reigns wasn’t going to talk to him the way that he talks to his brother Jey. Jimmy said he’s nobody’s bitch.
Cesaro had interrupted Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman in the opening segment of tonight’s SmackDown. Heyman started the show by eulogizing the career of Daniel Bryan and giving it a 10-bell salute. After Cesaro interrupted, Rollins ambushed Cesaro and started brawling with him. Rollins also threw Cesaro into the steel steps before their match after Reigns knocked Cesaro out of the ring.
Cesaro also defeated Rollins when they faced off at WrestleMania 37 last month.
On SmackDown two weeks ago, Reigns told Cesaro that he would never give him a shot at the Universal Championship. Reigns said Cesaro isn’t on his level.
Reigns retained the Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan in the main event of last week’s SmackDown. As a stipulation of the match, Bryan has been banished from SmackDown. Reigns laid out Bryan with a con-chair-to after the match as Cesaro was forced to watch on. Cesaro had tried to make the save for Bryan, but he was attacked by Jey Uso and tied up in the ropes.
WrestleMania Backlash is taking place on Sunday, May 16. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cesaro
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defend against Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Tonight’s Throwback SmackDown is a special retro episode and continues the build to WrestleMania Backlash.
Last week, Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Daniel Bryan to retain his title and banish Bryan from SmackDown. Bryan’s WWE contract legitimately expired last Friday at midnight.
After the match, Reigns went to give Bryan a con-chair-to, but Cesaro made the save. Cesaro beat down Reigns but was eventually tied up in the ropes after being attacked by Jey Uso. Reigns then gave Bryan a con-chair-to as Cesaro was powerless to help Bryan.
Cesaro goes one-on-one with Seth Rollins tonight. Cesaro defeated Rollins at WrestleMania 37 last month, but Rollins has continued to target Cesaro since. Rollins was offended that Cesaro wants a Universal title shot and promised him that their feud isn’t over.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler is also set for tonight’s show. Ziggler & Robert Roode are defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Rey & Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 16.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They used the old 80s WWE signature at the start. The opening video featured old clips from the 80s and 90s. It focused on The Rock and included the voices of Gene Okerlund, Gorilla Monsoon, and Vince McMahon.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee opened up the show at ringside. McAfee dressed like Vince from the 90s WWF Superstars, and Cole dressed like late 90s Cole.
They showed clips of the first SmackDown main event from August 26, 1999, featuring The Rock against Triple H.
The set features the old WWE 80s and 90s logo. Sadly, there’s no giant fist, although they did have a CGI version.
Roman Reigns Segment
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring. They recapped Reigns beating Daniel Bryan last week.
Cole stressed that Bryan’s barred from SmackDown.
Heyman held the title and did a eulogy for the career of Daniel Bryan. All three stood in the ring with their heads down as Heyman did a ten-bell salute for Bryan’s career.
They piped in loud “you suck” chants. Reigns noted he’s a man of his word, and he gives everybody what they want. He said Bryan didn’t want to be on SmackDown or, he’d acknowledge him as the head of the table.
Reigns said they replaced him and introduced the returning Jimmy Uso. Jimmy was thrilled to be back and hugged Jey. He then embraced Reigns and shook Heyman’s hand.
Cesaro’s music interrupted, and he walked out. He noted that Reigns claimed he replaced Bryan, but that’s not possible.
Seth Rollins jumped Cesaro, and they brawled around ringside. Suddenly, Teddy Long’s music hit, and he danced onto the ramp. Long announced that if Cesaro beats Rollins tonight, he gets a Universal title shot at WrestleMania Backlash. Long noted Adam Pearce gave him the power to make the match.
Reigns knocked Cesaro to the floor from behind, and Rollins sent him into the stairs. This was a good opening segment.
Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins
Cesaro and Rollins had a really good fast-paced match.
The Usos stayed at ringside but Reigns watched the match from the back.
Back from the break, Rollins jumped Cesaro and hit the sling blade for a near fall. He threw Cesaro into the barricade and side of the ring for a two-count.
Rollins slowed the pace down. Cesaro blocked a suplex attempt and countered with a suplex of his own. Cesaro fired back and hit a series of uppercuts in the corner. He followed up with a discus clothesline for another near fall.
Cesaro climbed to the top rope, but Jey jumped on the apron. Rollins took advantage and hit a superplex into the falcon arrow for a close near fall.
Back from the break, Rollins and Cesaro traded pin attempts until Cesaro locked on the sharpshooter. Rollins avoided the cross face and scored a close near fall.
Rollins attempted the curb stomp, but Cesaro caught him and placed him on the top rope. Cesaro went for a gut-wrench superplex, but Rollins slipped up.
Rollins then hit a buckle bomb, but Cesaro bounced out of the corner and rocked Rollins with a clothesline. Rollins regained control and sent Cesaro to the floor.
Rollins prevented Jey from attacking Cesaro. He yelled that he’s not Roman and to stay out of his business. Rollins threw Cesaro back in the ring, and Jey tried getting his attention again.
Rollins pushed Jey down, so Jimmy rocked him with a superkick. Cesaro hit a plancha onto Jimmy and threw Rollins back in the ring. He followed up with the Gotch neutralizer for the win.
Cesaro takes on Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash.
Back from the break, Rollins went into Reigns’ dressing room. Rollins was furious. He wanted to know if he should be mad at Reigns or his cousin. Reigns noted he’s also upset because Rollins lost. Reigns promised to deal with his family.
They played the old WrestleMania theme from the 80s. They showed Stone Cold Steve Austin attacking Booker T in the supermarket from the December 2001 SmackDown.
In the back, Teddy Long spoke with Sonya Deville. Deville’s excited to run SmackDown with Long tonight. Sami Zayn approached and talked about his conspiracy theories against him.
Long tried to help Zayn and announced a match against The Undertaker. Zayn pointed out that Undertaker’s retired. Long then announced at ten-man tag match and said one of Zayn’s partners is King Booker. Deville corrected him that it’s King Corbin. Long, Deville and Zayn danced to end the segment although Zayn wasn’t in the mood to dance.
Roman Reigns spoke to Jimmy and Jey in his dressing room. Reigns was furious that Jimmy helped Cesaro win earlier. He pointed out that Reigns and Jey had a good operation going, and he let Jimmy be a part of it.
Jimmy stood up for himself and told Reigns not to talk to him like he talks to Jey. Jey glared at Jimmy.
Jimmy left, and Reigns told Jey to speak to him. This was a great segment.
Carmella defeated Ruby Riott (w/Liv Morgan)
This was fine, and they kept it short.
Carmella had the early advantage until Riott sent her head-first into the middle turnbuckle. Riott climbed to the second turnbuckle, but Carmella cut her off. She followed up with a superkick for a near fall.
Morgan jumped on the apron, but Carmella knocked her off. Riott and Carmella trade pin attempts until Carmella locked on the code of silence for the win.
The SmackDown Moment of The Week featured Edge and Hulk Hogan winning the SmackDown tag team titles on July 4, 2002.
They showed clips from June 12, 2003, SmackDown featuring Brock Lesnar against Big Show and the ring imploding.
Bayley Segment
This was a good segment. Belair and Bayley were good in their roles.
Bayley talked about her long reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion. Bayley noted she’s not out here to talk about herself. She wants to talk about former champions. She showed images of Alundra Blayze, Jacquline, Lita, Trish Stratus, Ivory, Beth Phoneix, and Molly Holly. She praised them all but also took shots at them too.
Bayley then showed a picture of current SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. She mocked Belair and called her insecure. Bayley noted she’s not only Belair’s first challenger but also her last. She promised to win the title at WrestleMania Backlash.
Belair’s music hit, and she made her way to the ring. Belair noted she lives her best life, and it’s only about to get better at Backlash. Belair appreciates Bayley’s concern but thinks she should worry about herself.
Belair said she’s on her way to becoming the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion. Bayley started laughing in Belair’s face. Eventually, Belair and Bayley started brawling.
Belair beat down Bayley around the ring. Bayley fought back and pulled at Belair’s earring. She beat down Belair to end the segment.
In the back, Jey approached Jimmy. Jey wanted to know if Jimmy meant what he said. Jimmy got in Jey’s face and noted he’s the reason Roman Reigns is the Universal Champion. Jimmy noted they’re family, and he’s asking for his bother’s support.
Jimmy then talked about The Usos becoming the tag team champions and to think about that. This was another good segment involving this angle.
The Throwback SmackDown Moment of the Week featured the June 27, 2002 match between John Cena and Kurt Angle. It was Cena’s debut and included Undertaker praising Cena after the match.
Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/ Robert Roode)
Ziggler dominated the match, with Dominik getting very little offense.
Before the match, Ziggler mocked Dominik and noted he doesn’t belong with them in the ring. He claimed Dominik doesn’t belong in the ring or the company. Ziggler noted he’s just Rey’s son and told him to get out of the ring.
Dominik demanded to be in the match instead of his father.
Ziggler got in Dominik’s face and slapped him. Dominik fought back and slapped Ziggler back.
He sent Ziggler to the floor and jumped onto the apron.
Ziggler recovered and dropped Dominik on the apron.
Ziggler continued to mock Dominik throughout the match. Ziggler attempted a suplex, but Dominik countered and used a small package for the win.
They recapped Tamina and Natalya beating Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler in a non-title match last week. They also showed Tamina’s promo from Talking Smack.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Reginald, Jax, and Baszler. Braxton noted Reginald takes on Tamina tonight. Reginald promised to defeat Tamina.
They showed an old 80s commercial for the WWF Ice Cream bars featuring Hacksaw Jim Duggan and the voice of Lord Alfred Hayes.
Paul Heyman approached Roman Reigns in his locker room. Reigns told Heyman to bring him his cousin. Heyman asked which cousin, and Reigns glared at him. Heyman knew what that meant.
This wasn’t good and wasn’t really a match. It was more of a showcase for Reginald and had a weak finish as well.
Tamina tried to attack Reginald, but he avoided her with flips and rolls. He tried to slide between her legs, but Tamina caught him. She threw him into the corner, so he climbed to the top.
Tamina chased him, but he flipped over her. He started celebrating and dancing, but Tamina rocked him with a superkick. Tamina climbed to the top rope, but Jax pulled Reginald out of the ring. Baszler shoved Tamina off the top for the disqualification.
The heels beat down Tamina and Natalya after the match. Baszler stomped on Tamina’s elbow, and Jax gave her a Samona Drop into the barricade. They announced that next week Jax & Baszler defend the titles against Tamina & Natalya.
In the back, Apollo Crews, Otis, Chad Gable, Sami Zayn, and King Corbin talked about the upcoming ten-man tag team match. Crews praised everyone on his team but had nothing for Zayn.
Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, and The Street Profits cut a promo too.
Apollo Crews (w/Commandor Azeez), Otis, Chad Gable, King Corbin & Sami Zayn defeated Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Street Profits & Kevin Owens
This was a good ten-man tag team match.
The faces had the early advantage. Montez Ford caught Gable with a standing dropkick for a near fall. Apollo Crews gained control for his team, and they worked over Ford.
Ford fought back and rocked Zayn with a dropkick. Big E and Corbin went back and forth. Big E rocked Corbin with a back elbow. Corbin pushed Big E into his corner, and the heels attacked him.
The faces jumped in, and a brawl broke out between all ten men. Owens hit a frog splash off the apron onto Zayn.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. Otis hit a big splash on Owens in the corner. Michael Cole noted that during the break, Gable worked over Owens’ leg.
Crews avoided a stunner and kept Owens from tagging his partners. Otis attacked Big E on the floor, Owens rocked Zayn with a spinning heel kick in the ring, and Nakamura got the hot tag.
Nakamura caught Zayn with a knee of the second turnbuckle, but Corbin broke up the pin attempt. Owens jumped in the ring and caught Crews with a stunner.
Otis dragged Owens to the floor, but Owens fought back. He rocked Otis with a series of superkicks, but he wouldn’t go down.
Gable then caught Owens with a German suplex.
Dawkins knocked down Gable, but Otis rocked Dawkins with a clothesline. Ford then hit a dive onto Otis.
Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa, but Zayn avoided the move. Corbin made the blind tag and hit the end of days on Nakamura for the win.
Roman Reigns spoke with Jey Uso in his dressing room. He talked about everything they accomplished and noted they’d deal with Jimmy Uso in the ring.
They aired clips of Eddie Guerrero and Vince McMahon in Guerrero’s low rider in a SmackDown flashback.
Roman Reigns, Jey, and Jimmy Uso Segment
This was a good closing segment. The angle played out well throughout the show.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman stood in the ring. Reigns began to speak, but Jimmy Uso interrupted. Jimmy wanted to know where Jey stands.
Jimmy showed clips from Hell in a Cell from last October. Reigns battled Jey in an I Quit Hell in a Cell match. Jey wouldn’t quit until Jimmy jumped in the ring. Reigns caught him in the guillotine submission, and Jey quit to save Jimmy.
Jimmy got in Reigns’ face and noted he wouldn’t quit. Reigns told Jimmy to fall in line and acknowledge him. Reigns noted if Jimmy doesn’t want to, he can go home and watch SmackDown with his kids.
Jimmy turned around and jumped out of the ring. He started to walk away but stopped. Jey chased after Jimmy in the aisle. He tried to convince Jimmy to align with them.
Suddenly, Cesaro jumped Reigns in the ring and beat him down. Initially, Jimmy stopped Jey from saving Reigns. Jey finally jumped in the ring, but Cesaro beat him down too.
Jimmy jumped in to save Jey, but Cesaro rocked him with a pop-up uppercut. Cesaro then gave Jey the Gotch neutralizer.
Cesaro then picked up Reigns and hit the Gotch neutralizer on him as well. Michael Cole yelled that Cesaro proved he could beat Reigns for the title.
Next Week: WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Tamina & Natalya.
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
“There have been reports going around regarding the status of Cesaro,” Meltzer wrote. “Either he signed or verbally agreed to a new deal a few weeks ago. The gauntlet match that Adam Pearce won on SmackDown, the babyface star making spot of running through the field and then getting screwed at the end was an idea of [Daniel] Bryan, and his pick for the spot was Cesaro. However, since Cesaro hadn’t signed yet, it was switched to [Shinsuke] Nakamura, so Cesaro was going to be the face originally. But even if some thought Nakamura got over in that match, and without live fans there’s really no way to know, since he was a replacement, the plan wasn’t to follow up much which is why he’s basically in the same spot, only on the face side.”
The 40-year-old Cesaro (real name Claudio Castagnoli) defeated Daniel Bryan on the January 15 episode of SmackDown and defeated Dolph Ziggler on the January 22 episode of the show. On last week’s Royal Rumble go-home show, he was on the losing side of a 10-man tag team main event. Bryan, Big E, Nakamura, Otis & Sheamus defeated AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, The Miz & John Morrison.
Cesaro entered the men’s Royal Rumble match at number 28 and was eliminated by Braun Strowman.
Cesaro has been with WWE since signing with the company in 2011.
Two new entrants have declared for the 2021 men’s Royal Rumble match.
It was announced on tonight’s episode of SmackDown that Jey Uso and Cesaro will both be entrants in this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match. The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31.
Tonight’s SmackDown opened with Uso cutting a promo where he declared for the Royal Rumble. Uso said he’ll win the Royal Rumble, go to Raw, and defeat either Drew McIntyre or Goldberg for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Uso said he and his family are the whole WWE.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Uso on tonight’s SmackDown. Cesaro joined the commentary team during the match and announced that he’s declaring for the Royal Rumble as well. Cesaro said that if he wins the Royal Rumble, he’ll challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at WrestleMania and get revenge for Reigns and Uso’s attack on Nakamura from last week.
Cesaro later defeated Daniel Bryan on tonight’s SmackDown.
Reigns is defending his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble.
Here’s the updated list of entrants for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches:
Eight-man tag team action is set for tonight’s TLC pre-show.
WWE has announced that Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura will be the pre-show match for tonight’s TLC pay-per-view. The one-hour pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time and will air on the WWE Network and WWE’s social platforms.
Big E and Bryan have both lost to Zayn by countout in non-title matches on SmackDown in recent weeks. On this past Friday’s SmackDown, there was a segment where Big E got back at Zayn by ruining his “first annual Sami Awards.”
After Gable & Otis lost to Cesaro & Nakamura the previous week, Otis defeated Nakamura in a singles match on this past Friday’s SmackDown.
Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler returned to WWE television earlier this month as Corbin’s Knights of The Lone Wolf.
There are now seven matches in total announced for tonight’s TLC event. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends his title against Kevin Owens in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends his title against AJ Styles in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Randy Orton vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Inferno match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends her title against Carmella
Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defend their titles against Asuka and a partner of her choosing
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend their titles against The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander)
Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
Two matches have been announced for next week’s season premiere episode of SmackDown.
Roman Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Braun Strowman on SmackDown’s season premiere next Friday. After being split up in the WWE Draft, The New Day will have their “farewell to SmackDown” match next Friday. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E will face Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura & Sheamus in a six-man tag match.
The Reigns vs. Strowman title match comes in advance of Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Jey Uso at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, October 25. It was announced on SmackDown tonight that Reigns vs. Uso will be the first-ever Hell in a Cell I Quit match. Reigns also warned Uso that — after Uso says I Quit — there will be consequences.
Kingston & Woods returned to the ring on SmackDown tonight and defeated Cesaro & Nakamura to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles. After the match, it was announced that Kingston & Woods have been drafted to Raw and Big E has been drafted to SmackDown. Big E also defeated Sheamus in a falls count anywhere match tonight.
Reigns stayed on SmackDown in tonight’s draft. Strowman, Cesaro, Nakamura, and Sheamus are in the night two draft pool and are eligible to be selected by SmackDown or Raw on Monday.
There will be a special 30-minute pre-show airing on Fox before next week’s SmackDown season premiere. The pre-show is a Fox broadcast that will be hosted by Renee Paquette (formerly known as Renee Young in WWE) and Booker T.
