Goldberg tweeted after his match against Undertaker: “Knocked myself out and thought I could finish…. love my fans…..but let u down. Everyone else that found ‘pleasure’ ….. hope ur happy”
Meltzer wrote about Goldberg facing Ziggler at SummerSlam: “The biggest news not yet announced is that Bill Goldberg will return on the show to face Dolph Ziggler. Currently they are advertising Ziggler vs. The Miz, which has been the match built up on television. But Ziggler vs. Miz is a red herring and the idea is that Ziggler by disrespecting Shawn Michaels and superkicking him, disrespected the legends. The idea was that Ziggler would have the locker room against him and that Goldberg, who Ziggler has mentioned in passing in every program, would come back.”
SummerSlam is taking place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 11.
Dave Meltzer reports that — despite being announced for SummerSlam — The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler is a red herring and will be changed.
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Ahead of tonight’s SmackDown, WWE has added another match to the card for SummerSlam.
The Miz will take on Dolph Ziggler at the pay-per-view. It’s taking place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 11.
On last week’s SmackDown, there was a segment where Ziggler interrupted Shawn Michaels’ appearance on Miz TV. Ziggler went to hit Michaels but accidentally struck Miz. Ziggler then laid out Michaels with a superkick.
Miz and Ziggler’s current program began when Ziggler appeared on Miz TV earlier this month and accused Miz of selling out. Ziggler insulted Maryse, which led to Miz attacking him before Ziggler bailed out of the ring.
Here’s the updated card for SummerSlam:
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Natalya
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Randy Orton
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Ember Moon
Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon (Owens will “quit WWE” if he loses)
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor
United States Champion AJ Styles defending against Ricochet
A WWE Network special will air live tonight as Smackville takes place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will defend his title against Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler in a triple threat match. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was supposed to face Finn Balor, but WWE has announced that match won’t be happening: “During the week, @FinnBalor suffered an undisclosed injury. @WWE Medical has unfortunately not cleared him for competition tonight at #SMACKVILLE. It is unknown who or if @ShinsukeN defends his title tonight. Stay tuned as we learn more.”
Joe and Ziggler are Kingston’s two most recent pay-per-view opponents. Kingston retained his title against Joe at Extreme Rules earlier this month, which came after he retained against Ziggler at both Super Showdown and Stomping Grounds.
Kingston and Joe faced off in a non-title match on SmackDown this week, with Randy Orton causing a disqualification when he tried to give Kingston an RKO. Orton will challenge for the WWE title at SummerSlam on August 11.
A musical performance by Elias has also been announced for Smackville. The special is an hour long and will begin on the WWE Network at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show opens with David Otunga and Tom Philips on commentary speaking about the injury to Finn Balor. Just as they finish mentioning it, Nakamura’s music hits.
Nakamura grabbed a mic and said, “No Finn, no match! I win by forfeit. Ring the bell!”
The bell rang and the ref started to count out Finn Balor. Ali’s music hit as the ref hit 8, and it looks like he’s going to step in for Finn. Ali challenged Nakamura, and Nakamura accepted.
Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ali to retain his title
Davit Otunga said Ali wasn’t ready because he saw him out back eating a sandwich. Apparently eating food means you can’t be ready for a match. Nakamura and Ali exchanged some holds, but Nakamura couldn’t get the the better off him as Ali was too fast. Ali hit a spinning heel kick and flying crossbody for a near fall. Nakamura cut him off, then hit a baseball slide.
Nakamura put Ali stomach down on the apron and then hit a running knee on Ali for a 2-count. Nakamura did his foot choke in the corner and began to get the heat on Ali. Nakamura maintained control for the next few minutes and locked in a sleeper hold.
Ali rolled Nakamura forward, but Nak kicked out. Ali hit a dropkick and a did a forward roll into a facebuster. Ali put Nakamura on the top rope, went for a superplex , but Nakamura shoved him off. Ali did a backflip, landed on his feet, and then hit a dropkick as Nakamura went for a flying knee. Nakamura kicked out.
Nakamura hit a back heel kick and then a sliding German suplex. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa but Ali superkicked him and hit a satalite DDT. Nakamura kicked out, but the crowd woke up a bit. Ali went for the 450 splash, but Nakamura dodged. Ali landed on his feet and charged at Nakamura. Nakamura dodged and sent Ali face first into the middle turnbuckle. Nakamura hit the Kinshasa for the win! Solid match.
Joe cut a promo about how he was going to win the title tonight because he doesn’t have to lose tonight to lose, but he was walking into a target rich environment where he could take anyone out.
Elias played his concert. He cut a promo about how the the Titans would never win the Super Bowl. He then sung a song about how Shane was great. Vince called him and said he could have all the time he needed. Kevin Owens came out and sent him out of the ring. Owens wanted a match, and the ref ran down and made it official.
Kevin Owens defeated Elias
Owens was attacked by Elias as the bell rang, and Elias got the heat on Owens for a bit. Elias bent Owens against the ring post and then walked across the ropes while holding Owen’s hands and hit a Meteora. Owens ended up on the top rope, and Elias went up for a superplex.
Owens headbutt Elias and he fell from the top rope. Owens hit a senton bomb, but Elias kicked out. Elias hit a flying knee and went for a flying elbow, but Owens moved. Elias went for a clothesline, but Owens hit ducked and hit a stunner for the win.
A hype video aired for Ziggler vs. Joe vs. Kingston.
Kofi was interviewed and they said a triple threat was insurmountable odds. It isn’t. Kofi’s promo was great.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler and Samoa Joe in a triple threat match to retain his title
It didn’t take long for the match to spill to the outside and Kofi was sent into the guardrail by Ziggler. Joe and Dolph teamed up and started to beat on Kofi. The y double teamed him for a few minutes, but the alliance didn’t last long, and both were arguing as Kofi began to run wild on the both of them.
Kofi called for the Trouble in Paradise on Dolph, but Dolph rolled to the outside and Joe hit a Samoan Drop on Kofi and got a two count. Joe put Kofi on the top rope but Kofi fought him off. Dolph ran in and tried to hit a run up superplex, but Kofi blocked. Joe came underneath him and went to powerbomb Dolph.
Dolph slipped out and hit a DDT. Kofi tried to powerbomb Dolph, but Dolph rolled through and went for a sunset flip. Kofi kicked out. Dolph hit a Fameasser. Joe cleared the ring and destroyed both men on the outside. Joe sent Kofi into the steps and sent Dolph flying onto the announce table.
Joe put Kofi back in the ring and picked him up. Kofi started to fight back, but Joe dropped him with an elbow. Kofi kicked out. Joe went for the rear naked choke, but Kofi fought out and went for Trouble in Paradise, but Joe caught him with an ankle lock. Kofi fought out again, but Joe caught him again. Dolph zoomed in with a superkick, but Kofi broke up the pinfall attempt.
Kofi and Dolph exchanged strikes, but Dolph headbutt Kofi and then hit the Zig Zag. Kofi kicked out. Dolph called for the superkick, but tuned up the band. He went for it, but Joe caught him with a capture suplex. Kofi rolled up Joe, Joe kicked out. Kofi hit the ropes and Joe absolutely killed him with a clothesline. Kofi kicked out.
Joe picked him up and went for the rear naked choke again, but Kofi rolled out, hit Trouble in Paradise, and scored the pinfall victory. This was a fun match. It had potential to be very good if they didn’t cut it down to about 13 minutes after the 10 minutes of hype they had before it.
David Otunga was awful on commentary. Tom Philips was fine.
WWE has added two matches to the lineup for Tuesday’s SmackDown.
Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler is set for the episode, along with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) vs. Drew McIntyre & Elias in what looks to be a non-title match.
WWE is hyping that Balor is “out to teach Ziggler some respect” after Ziggler superkicked Shawn Michaels during Michaels’ appearance on Miz TV this week. The New Day agreeing with Kevin Owens in his feud against Shane McMahon is the reason for Big E & Woods vs. McIntyre & Elias.
Balor issued a SummerSlam challenge to Bray Wyatt this week and will face “The Fiend” version of Wyatt at the August 11 pay-per-view in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins has been announced for Monday’s Raw.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Trish Stratus will appear on a King’s Court segment with Jerry Lawler, and Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay) vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville in a non-title match has also been set up for the episode.
Two matches and a Roman Reigns-Samoa Joe segment have been announced for Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has confirmed Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler, Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss in a non-title match, and a “Samoan Summit” where Reigns and Joe will hash out their differences for Monday’s Raw. The show is taking place at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rollins will challenge for Brock Lesnar’s Universal Championship at SummerSlam on August 11. Lynch is defending her title against Natalya at the pay-per-view.
On Raw Reunion, Rollins defeated AJ Styles by disqualification when Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson got involved. In a post-match angle, DX and The Kliq helped save Rollins from an attack by Styles, Gallows, and Anderson.
Ziggler interrupted Shawn Michaels’ appearance on Miz TV on this Tuesday’s SmackDown. The segment ended with Ziggler striking Miz and laying out Michaels with a superkick.
Lynch appeared on a Moment of Bliss on Raw Reunion and brawled with Natalya.
Reigns defeated Joe in their match at Raw Reunion. The match was set up by Joe cutting a promo about the episode indulging the fans’ “ridiculous addiction to nostalgia.” He criticized The Usos and Rikishi, which brought out Reigns.
A 12th match has been added to tonight’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view in Philadelphia.
WWE has confirmed that Kevin Owens will face Dolph Ziggler at tonight’s PPV. Post Wrestling’s John Pollock first reported that the match would be added to the show.
Owens and Ziggler have been in a program since the storyline where they were forced to team together on the July 2 episode of SmackDown.
Kofi Kingston, who was advertised for the main event of last night’s house show in Petersburg, Virginia, but didn’t wrestle due to a back injury, is expected to wrestle his match with Samoa Joe tonight.
Kingston was injured one week ago and did do a Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler as a run-in during the Elias & Sami Zayn vs. Xavier Woods & Big E match at last night’s house show. Ziggler interfered and Kingston made the save and hit his finisher. Kingston vs. Ziggler was locally advertised as the main event of that show.
Here’s the updated card for Extreme Rules:
The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre in a no holds barred match
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans in an extreme rules match (winners-take-all stipulation with both titles on the line)
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Samoa Joe
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross in a handicap match
United States Champion Ricochet defending against AJ Styles
Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley in a last man standing match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan defending against Big E & Xavier Woods and Heavy Machinery in a triple threat match
Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against The Usos
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler
Aleister Black vs. Cesaro
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak defending against Tony Nese (pre-show)
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor defending against Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
SmackDown’s go-home show for Extreme Rules takes place at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight.
Kevin Owens takes on Dolph Ziggler on the episode. Shane McMahon forced Owens & Ziggler to be a tag team last week, and they lost to Heavy Machinery after Ziggler accidentally superkicked Owens. Owens then gave Ziggler a stunner after the match.
A Tag Team Championship Summit takes place tonight featuring SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Big E & Xavier Woods, and Heavy Machinery. All three teams will square off at Extreme Rules.
Aleister Black’s Extreme Rules opponent is scheduled to be revealed. After Black challenged someone to pick a fight with him, Black finally got a knock on his door two weeks ago.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor faces Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match tonight. Nikki Cross vs. Carmella has also been announced.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Earlier today, Dolph Ziggler arrived at the arena parking lot. Kayla Braxton approached and asked about Kevin Owens. Ziggler ranted about Owens.
Owens showed up in his car and honked his horn. They argued and ended up brawling in the parking lot. Shane McMahon showed up and ordered Ziggler into the arena. He then ordered Owens to get in his car and leave.
Backstage, Shane McMahon addressed the brawl from earlier. He said that Owens instigated the fight, so he’s gone. He’s got a few ideas about a new main event. Owens vs. Ziggler is officially off.
The commentators were running down the lineup for tonight when Kevin Owens interrupted. He walked through the crowd and grabbed a mic. He said that he remembers the McMahons promising change, but the only thing that happened is Shane got more power and TV time. Owens screamed that nobody wants to see more Shane.
Owens jumped on the table and noted he’s sick that Shane calls himself the best in the world. Shane cut his mic twice, so Owens spoke in Byron Saxton’s headset. He complained that Shane takes TV time from Apollo Crews, Buddy Murphy, Ali, Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Security came out, and Owens left through the crowd. On commentary, Corey Graves pushed the idea that Owens just committed career suicide and there’s a better way to do this. The crowd broke into a huge “Kevin Owens” chant.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor In a Non-Title Match
Nakamura had the early advantage and worked on the neck. Bálor fought back, but Nakamura caught him with a kick to the neck. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Bálor hit the Sling Blade.
Bálor climbed to the top, but Nakamura cut him off. Nakamura hit a knee off the second turnbuckle on the apron. They fought around ringside and just barely broke the ten count.
Nakamura sent Bálor back to the floor and hit the Kinshasa. He tried to win by count out, but Bálor made it back in.
Nakamura threw Bálor back out and beat him around ringside. Bálor just barely beat the count again. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa for the win.
In the back, Shane McMahon spoke with Drew McIntyre and Elias. They discussed Roman Reigns and Cedric Alexander from last night. Elias noted he wrote a funeral song for Undertaker.
Dolph Ziggler approached and was mad about not facing Kevin Owens in the main event. Instead, McMahon announced Ziggler vs. Roman Reigns in the main event. McMahon noted they would all be at ringside for the match.
They recapped the Samoa Joe vs. Kofi Kingston feud. Joe cut an awesome promo backstage. He promised to defeat Kingston for the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules.
Kayla Braxton hosted the contract signing for SmackDown Woman’s champion Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross. Cross is representing Bliss. Bayley’s happy that Bliss isn’t out there.
Bayley pointed out they’re the same. She was star struck when she first came to the WWE and let people take advantage of her. Bayley pointed out that Bliss would blame Cross when she loses on Sunday.
Cross noted that Bliss promised her they’d be Smackdown Co-Woman’s Champion. Cross wants Bayley to pay close attention to her match with Carmella.
Nikki Cross defeated Carmella
Bayley watched the match from ringside. Cross jumped Carmella to start the match. She was firmly in control and used a suplex for a near fall. She slowed the pace down and locked on a submission. Carmella made a comeback after Cross missed a cross body. Carmella used an inside cradle for a near fall. Cross fought back and hit the spinning neck breaker for the win.
They recapped The Kabuki Warriors defeating SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Champions the IIconics in a non-title match in Tokyo, Japan two weeks ago.
Backstage, Paige and The Kabuki Warriors approached The IIconics. They demanded a tag title shot tonight but Peyton Royce said Billie Kay’s sick with mad cow-bird flu disease. Paige slapped Kay and promised they’d win the titles.
They recapped the angle involving Cedric Alexander from last night. In the back, Roman Reigns discussed his upcoming match against Dolph Ziggler and tagging with Undertaker Sunday night. He said Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre would Rest In Peace.
Big E and Xavier Woods came out to address their match Sunday night. Woods talked about the triple threat tonight and the three-way at Extreme Rules. Big E said he thought it was a different kind of three-way. He said their championship tips would touch at Extreme Rules.
SmackDown tag team champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan interrupted. Bryan noted New Day’s a joke and nobody takes them as champions seriously. Woods pointed about that Rowan took orders from Bryan Wyatt, Luke Harper and now Bryan. He wondered who Rowan’s daddy is. Rowan became furious.
Bryan said this is what New Day does. He pointed out New Day is some of the best athletes, but all they do is make jokes. Bryan said New Day winning the titles is the worst thing that can happen. He corrected himself and said the worst thing is Heavy Machinery winning.
Heavy Machinery interrupted. They mocked Bryan and promised to win the titles Sunday night. They intimated New Day as well.
Otis (w/Tucker) defeated Daniel Bryan (w/Rowan) and Xavier Woods (w/Big E)
Otis had the early advantage after hitting a double suplex on Bryan and Woods. Rowan interfered and rocked Otis with a clothesline.
Big E and Tucker went after Rowan on the floor. Rowan attempted a double Iron Claw, but they countered. The referee then threw all three out of the match.
Back from the break, Woods caught Bryan with a missile dropkick for a near fall. Woods attempted the Honor Roll, but Bryan applied the Labelle Lock.
Otis broke up the submission. Bryan then rocked Otis with kicks, but Otis caught him and slammed him. Otis splashed Bryan in the corner and hit the Caterpillar.
Woods caught Otis with a superkick and hit a press slam into a gut buster on Bryan. The finish came when Otis caught Woods with a pop-up slam for the win.
In the back, Ember Moon was in the line for catering. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville approached. They said the loss last week brought them closer. Rose challenged Moon to find a tag team partner to face them next week. It appeared that Drake Maverick was hiding underneath the table.
Ali cut another excellent promo on the street. He talked about his time as a police officer. He said evil only wins when you don’t show up to fight.
Tom Philips interviewed Aleister Black on a split screen. It was supposed to be Black and his opponent, but he didn’t show up. Black started speaking when Cesaro showed up. He said he’s the one that knocked on the door because he wants to pick a fight with Black. Black was happy and is looking forward to fighting Cesaro.
In the back, the interviewer asked Shelton Benjamin if Ziggler beat Roman Reigns would it finally be him. Benjamin looked around and smiled.
In the back, Kayla Braxton was about to interview WWE Champion Kofi Kingston. Paul Heyman showed up and walked pass Braxton. He never spoke a word.
Kingston talked about the controversy from last week when he flipped off Samoa Joe. He welcomes the challenge because by defeating guys like Joe, he’s going to become the greatest WWE Champion of all time.
Roman Reigns defeated Dolph Ziggler
Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre, and Elias came down to ringside. McMahon joined in on commentary and told Elias and McIntyre they can get a closer look if they want.
Ziggler took over with a standing dropkick and elbow drop for a near fall. Reigns fought back and hit the drive-by. Elias distracted Reigns, and McIntyre pushed him into the ring post.
Ziggler slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Reigns made a comeback and hit a Samoan drop.
Reigns rocked Ziggler with clotheslines in the corner. He then hit the Superman punch on Elias, but Ziggler hit the Zig Zag on Reigns for a close near fall.
Ziggler set up for the superkick, but Reigns hit the Superman punch for another close near fall. McIntyre pulled Ziggler out of the ring. Reigns hit a huge dive over the top rope onto McIntyre and Elias.
McMahon jumped in the ring and distracted Reigns on the floor. Ziggler rocked Reigns with a superkick.
Suddenly, Kevin Owens ran through the crowd and hit the Stunner on McMahon. Ziggler attempted the Zig Zag again, but Reigns countered and hit the spear for the win.
WWE has made a few announcements for Tuesday’s SmackDown.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor will face Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match on the episode, which is the go-home show for Extreme Rules. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler is also set.
Nakamura interrupted a backstage interview with Balor on the June 25 edition of SmackDown and indicated that he wants Balor’s Intercontinental title.
Owens & Ziggler teamed against Heavy Machinery in the main event of this past Tuesday’s show. The stipulation was that the winning team would get added to the SmackDown Tag Team title match at Extreme Rules. Ziggler accidentally hit a superkick on Owens near the end of the match, then Owens gave Ziggler a stunner after Heavy Machinery won.
Ahead of their triple threat title match at Extreme Rules, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Big E & Xavier Woods, and Heavy Machinery will take part in a Tag Team Championship summit on Tuesday.
WWE is also advertising that Aleister Black’s opponent for Extreme Rules will be revealed on Tuesday’s episode. Weeks of videos where Black challenged someone to pick a fight with him led to Black getting a knock on his door, but Black revealed that there was no one there when he went to answer. Black applauded the person who knocked, said they’re now fighting on a spiritual level, and challenged them to face him at Extreme Rules.
The SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire is hosting Tuesday’s SmackDown.
In a match with implications for Extreme Rules, Kofi Kingston and Dolph Ziggler again faced off on last night’s SmackDown.
The stipulation was that — if Ziggler defeated Kingston in their two-out-of-three falls match — he’d get added to Kingston and Samoa Joe’s WWE Championship match at Extreme Rules. Kingston won the first and third falls to keep Ziggler from getting the title shot.
Kingston retained the WWE title against Ziggler in a steel cage match at Stomping Grounds on Sunday.
There were also Extreme Rules implications for Bayley vs. Nikki Cross on last night’s SmackDown. Cross defeated Bayley, which means that Alexa Bliss will get another shot at Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules.
Shinsuke Nakamura had a staredown with Finn Balor and looks to be the next challenger for Balor’s Intercontinental title. Aleister Black also finally got a knock at his door, though the person knocking wasn’t revealed.
SmackDown’s go-home show for Stomping Grounds takes place from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California tonight.
Dolph Ziggler will face New Day member Xavier Woods. That comes in advance of Ziggler challenging WWE Champion Kofi Kingston in a steel cage match at Sunday’s pay-per-view.
Roman Reigns takes on Drew McIntyre at Stomping Grounds. Last night on Raw, Reigns attacked McIntyre and Shane McMahon. WWE.com is teasing that McIntyre and McMahon are looking for payback against Reigns.
Alexa Bliss hosts A Moments of Bliss with guest SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley. Bayley will defend her title against Bliss at Stomping Grounds.
Heavy Machinery issued a challenge to SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan last week. Instead, Heavy Machinery defeated the “Yolo County Tag Team Champions.” Bryan & Rowan have yet to accept the challenge.
Plus, 24/7 Champion R-Truth and Carmella are scheduled to appear.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started with The New Day making their way down to the ring. WWE Champion Kofi Kingston came out throwing pancakes. Woods discussed Kingston defending against Dolph Ziggler at Stomping Grounds. Woods noted Ziggler would have to get through him first tonight.
Big E talked about his pitch of changing to the second hour of SmackDown to the freaky hour. Dolph Ziggler interrupted. He feels Kingston doesn’t deserve to be champion. He said without New Day Kingston’s nothing.
After Kingston loses the title, he’s going to have to do an apology tour in Ghana. Ziggler promised Kingston would apologize for being locked in a cage with him and failing without New Day.
Ziggler promised to defeat Kingston in the cage at Stomping Grounds. Kingston pointed out he’s familiar with cages. He’s fully aware of cage matches. His journey started at the Elimination Chamber. He promised to beat Ziggler by pinning him, climbing out the cage or walking out the door.
He promised to remain the WWE Champion, but that’s Sunday night. Ziggler needs to worry about tonight. Kingston said Woods is itching to knock him out again. Ziggler wants Kingston to pay close attention to his match with Woods. He promised that after tonight Woods wouldn’t be able to help Kingston ever again.
Ziggler promised that all of Kingston’s positivity and everything he pretends to be would come crumbling down when he’s locked in the cage with him. Ziggler repeated that it should be him.
In the back, SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley walked around and admired her poster.
Dolph Ziggler defeated Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston & Big E)
Woods and Ziggler started with some mat wrestling. They traded quick pin attempts. Woods sent Ziggler into the second rope and hit a dropkick to the back of the head.
Ziggler attacked the knee to gain control. He hit a neck breaker for a near fall. Woods made a brief comeback, but Ziggler took back over. Woods fought back with the honor roll. He climbed to the top when Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn ran down. They attacked Big E and Kingston.
Woods hit a cross body to the floor, taking out Owens and Zayn. The referee ordered Owens, Zayn, Kingston, and Big E to the back. As Woods re-entered the ring, Ziggler hit a DDT for a near fall. Ziggler applied a chin lock to slow the pace down. Woods made his comeback during the break. He fought back and used a backslide for a near fall.
Woods hit a sliding dropkick to the floor. In an impressive spot, Woods lifted Ziggler in a military press and dropped him into the double knees for a two count. They fought on the apron. Ziggler pushed Woods into the ring post and hit a superkick knocking Woods to the floor.
Back in the ring, Ziggler hit the Zig Zag, but Woods rolled under the ropes. Ziggler wrapped Woods arm around the rope. He then hit a superkick with Woods leaning on the ropes for the win.
They recapped the angle with Universal Champion Seth Rollins from Raw last night. Rollins warned anyone considering being the special referee for his match against Baron Corbin Sunday night.
They highlighted Rollins attacking Brock Lesnar, Sami Zayn, Elias, Baron Corbin and EC3 with the steel chair. Corbin attacked Rollins at the end of Raw last night.
In the back, Shelton Benjamin and the B Team stood in front of Baron Corbin’s locker room. B Team knows it’s a risk being the referee. Benjamin promised to use Corbin to get what he wants.
Matt Hardy walked out of Corbin’s locker room. He called Shelton, “Senor Benjamin.”
Backstage, Alexa Bliss spoke with Nikki Cross about the upcoming Moment of Bliss.
A Moment Of Bliss with SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross came out for a Moment of Bliss. Bliss demanded someone bring her a coffee. Instead, Bayley came out drinking Bliss’ coffee. Bayley promised Cross she’s didn’t say anything negative about her. She told Cross that Bliss is just using her.
Bliss told a story about being in NXT and Bayley being mean to her. Only Charlotte Flair was nice to Bliss. Bayley said she was making things up again and called her an entitled princess. Bliss isn’t entitled she’s just better. She mocked Bayley for imitating her heroes and trying to get autographs.
Bliss said Bayley peaked in NXT. Bayley and Bliss brawled until Cross pulled Bayley off. Cross yelled at Bayley, which allowed Bliss the chance to attack her from behind.
In the back, Zelina Vega was looking in the mirror when Apollo Crews approached. Crews wants a chance to face Andrade. Vega wondered if he was just there to flirt with her. Andrade jumped Crews from behind and beat him down.
Chad Gable watched from the side and took notes.
SmackDown tag team champions Daniel Bryan and Rowan spoke backstage.
Heavy Machinery defeated The B Team
Before the match, they announced Bryan & Rowan defending against Heavy Machinery at Stomping Grounds. Rowan and Bryan joined in on commentary. Bryan was exceptional on commentary.
Byron Saxton compared Heavy Machinery to The Bushwhackers. Bryan mocked the comparison.
B Team had the early advantage and isolated Tucker in their corner. Tucker fought back and hit a huge clothesline.
Otis got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a splash in the corner on the B Team. He followed up with the Caterpillar. On commentary, Saxton warned Bryan that could be him on Sunday. Bryan responded that he’d just move. Heavy Machinery hit the Compactor for the win.
After the match, Universal Champion Seth Rollins attacked the B Team and beat them down viciously with the steel chair.
Outside, Shane McMahon arrived at the arena in a limo. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens approached McMahon. They complained about Rollins showing up and attacking The B Team.
They said there’s a problem with Rollins and Kofi Kingston. They called them bad people. McMahon announced Owens & Zayn vs. Kingston & Rollins in a 2 out of 3 falls match for later tonight. Owens and Zayn weren’t happy with this news.
Shane McMahon, Elias, and Drew McIntyre made their way down to the ring. McMahon’s not going to talk about Roman Reigns attack last night. Instead, he’s putting the spotlight on McIntyre. He said McMahon wanted to end Reigns career tonight. They’re not like Reigns, and McIntyre wants him to be 100 percent for Sunday.
The Miz interrupted and showed footage of Reigns attacking McIntyre at a private function and attacking McMahon. Miz then showed the footage in slow motion. Miz said he didn’t know it was possible to sweat faster in slow motion. McMahon pointed out that Miz always has daddy issues. Miz noted McMahon gives all the TV time to himself and his friends.
Miz blames himself because, for the first time in his career, he got injured. Then McMahon won the Best In The World. McMahon is Miz’s responsibility. Miz promised to end McMahon. McMahon then announced McIntyre and Elias vs. Miz and any partner of his choice. The only catch is he has 10 seconds to find a partner.
24/7 Champion R-Truth came out from underneath the ring. Truth tried to leave, but Miz picked him to be his partner anyway.
In the back, AOP walked out of Baron Corbin’s locker room and ran into the Women’s tag team champions The IIconics. Paige, Asuka and Kairi Sane approached the IIconics. They challenged the champions to a match in Tokyo.
Drew McIntyre & Elias (w/Shane McMahon) defeated The Miz & R-Truth in an Elimination match
The 24/7 rules are not in effect during the match.
McIntyre threw Truth across the ring to take over. The heels isolated Truth in their corner and cut him off from Miz. Truth tried to make the tag, but McMahon pulled Miz off the apron. Elias then rocked Truth with a knee for the first elimination.
A bunch of guys ran down. Shelton Benjamin grabbed the 24/7 belt, and everyone chased him around the ring. The referee tried to explain to Benjamin that he had to pin Truth. Truth grabbed the belt and ran off in the crowd.
McIntyre charged at Miz on the floor, but he moved, and McIntyre went over the barricade. Miz made a comeback and rolled up Elias for a near fall. He followed up with a DDT for a two count. Miz tried to roll up Elias, but he pushed off, and McIntyre hit the Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre then hit the Claymore Kick for the win.
After the match, McIntyre hit two more Claymore Kicks on Miz.
Ember Moon ran into Carmella in the back. Moon’s looking for Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Carmella’s looking for Truth, but she’s not done with Rose and Deville either. Moon found Rose and Deville eating donuts. They ended up getting into a brawl.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston met backstage and spoke.
Bray Wyatt hosted another Firefly Funhouse. He knows what if feels like to not belong. Wyatt and the puppets asked for everyone to let him in. The video then became distorted. Wyatt put on the horrifying mask and asked for the fans to let him in.
Drake Maverick defeated R-Truth to win the 24/7 Championship
Outside, 24/7 Champion R-Truth tried to leave. The referee pulled up in his car because he’s also an Uber driver. Drake Maverick wore a Carmella disguise. He rolled up Truth to win the title and drove off in the car.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match In Two Straight Falls
The bell rang, and Kingston immediately hit the Trouble in Paradise on Zayn to win the first fall.
Back from break, the faces isolated Owens in their corner and worked over the arm. Rollins attempted a springboard, but Owens caught him and threw him in the ring. He hit a DDT for a near fall.
Paul Heyman is watching the match backstage.
The heels took over and isolated Rollins, but he fought back and hit a blockbuster on Owens. Kingston got the hot tag and hit a springboard on Zayn. He followed up with a dropkick and Boom Drop. He set up for the Trouble in Paradise, but Zayn backed off.
Kingston hit a cross body for a near fall. Zayn fought back and hit the Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Owens made the tag, but Kingston hit a dropkick and sent him to the floor. Rollins got the tag and hit suicide dives onto Zayn and Owens.
Rollins set up for the Curb Stomp, but Zayn grabbed the leg. Kingston took out Zayn on the floor. The finish came when Rollins hit the Curb Stomp on Owens to win the match in two straight falls.
Before Kofi Kingston and Dolph Ziggler’s rematch at Stomping Grounds, Ziggler will be facing off with Xavier Woods on Tuesday’s go-home edition of SmackDown.
WWE has announced Ziggler vs. Woods for Tuesday’s SmackDown, with the match stemming from Kingston vs. Ziggler at Super ShowDown. After Ziggler superkicked Woods outside the ring, Woods kicked Ziggler when the referee wasn’t looking. Kingston then hit Trouble in Paradise and pinned Ziggler to retain the WWE Championship.
Kingston is defending the WWE title against Ziggler in a steel cage match at Stomping Grounds in Tacoma, Washington on June 23.
The New Day (Kingston, Woods & Big E) defeated Ziggler, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a six-man tag match on SmackDown this past Tuesday.
A Moment of Bliss segment has also been announced for Tuesday’s go-home show. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley will be Alexa Bliss’ guest ahead of their title match against each other at Stomping Grounds.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
For the first time since suffering a torn meniscus in April, Big E returned to the ring last night.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E & Xavier Woods) defeated Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in the main event of SmackDown. Big E got a hot tag near the end of the match, and New Day won when Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Zayn and pinned him.
Kingston will defend his WWE Championship against Ziggler in a steel cage match at Stomping Grounds on June 23.
Also on SmackDown, Bayley took on Nikki Cross after Alexa Bliss accused Bayley of liking a mean tweet about Cross, Heavy Machinery didn’t get a match against Daniel Bryan & Rowan — but they got to face the YOLO County Tag Team Champions, and a Miz TV segment at the start of the show led to The Miz getting matches against Elias, Drew McIntyre, and Shane McMahon.
The build to Stomping Grounds continues as SmackDown takes place from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California tonight.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler at Super ShowDown, and they’ll meet in a rematch at Stomping Grounds in a steel cage on June 23. Before that takes place, The New Day takes on Ziggler, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a six-man tag team match tonight. Big E returns from his knee injury and competes for the first time since April.
Last night on Raw, Shane McMahon celebrated defeating Roman Reigns in Saudi Arabia. Reigns is scheduled to appear tonight to address McMahon and his loss.
Alexa Bliss and Lacey Evans defeated Raw Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley in a tag team match on Raw. Bayley hopes to bounce back after being pinned by Evans last night.
Plus, 24/7 Champion R-Truth appears on the show as well.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started with The Miz forced to host an edition of Miz TV.. Miz said he’s being forced to follow the script tonight. He read off a card and noted he was forced to read these words.
Miz then introduced Drew McIntyre and purposely screwed up Shane McMahon’s intro. First, he called him the “Breast in the World” and then the “Pest In the World.”
McMahon, McIntyre, and Elias made their way to the ring. They aired a recap of McMahon defeating Roman Reigns at Super ShowDown. McMahon forced ring announcer Greg Hamilton to give him a proper intro.
McMahon pointed out that all great talk shows have a musical guest. Elias then played the guitar. At first, the crowd cheered, but then they chanted, “You Suck.” McMahon reminded the fans that he beat Reigns in the middle of the ring.
Miz noted that all of McMahon’s accomplishments are tainted. He pointed out all the times McMahon got destroyed. They aired Reigns interview from Super Showdown. Reigns said McMahon didn’t earn anything and McIntyre gave McMahon the win. He promised to defeat McIntyre.
McIntyre cut a good promo and promised to defeat Reigns at Stomping Grounds. Miz admitted McIntyre could match Reigns, but it’s too bad he’s McMahon’s lackey. Miz pointed out that McMahon used him to win the tag team belts. He said it’s a matter of time before he turns on McIntyre.
Miz said there’s nothing special about McMahon. McMahon insulted Miz’s family. Miz and McIntyre went face-to-face.
McMahon offered to face Miz in a rematch tonight. First, Miz has to defeat Elias and then has to defeat McIntyre. If he’s successful Miz takes on McMahon.
The Miz defeated Elias (w/Shane McMahon)
Elias was firmly in control and had the early advantage. Miz made a brief comeback, but Elias rocked Miz with a knee for a near fall. Elias attempted Drift Away, but Miz fought out. Elias hit a powerbomb for a close two count. He missed an elbow off the top and Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Drew McIntyre (w/Shane McMahon) defeated The Miz
Back from break, McIntyre was firmly in control, but Miz fought back. McIntyre rolled to the floor and Miz hit a sliding dropkick. Miz hit a DDT for a near fall. He set up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but McMahon distracted Miz. McIntyre rocked Miz with the Glasgow Kiss and hit the Claymore Kick for the win.
After the match, Miz was still down, and McMahon got on the mic. He decided to give Miz his rematch despite not beating McIntyre.
Shane McMahon defeated The Miz
McMahon beat down Miz, but he fought back. Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale, but McMahon went to the ropes. McMahon then applied the triangle on Miz for the win.
In the back, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville spoke with Ember Moon. Moon said she saw what they did to Carmella last week. Deville promised to do that to Moon, but Rose calmed her down. Rose told her to focus on her match with Carmella later. Rose and Deville left. Moon snapped and threw a trashcan.
The commentators congratulated John Cena for landing a role in Fast and the Furious 9.
SmackDown tag team champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan came down to the ring. Bryan announced that the planet’s tag team champions take on the YOLO County tag team champions AJ Kirsh and Dave Dutra in a unification match. The Yolo belts are made of cardboard. The fans chanted “Yolo.”
Heavy Machinery made their way to the ring and promised to win the tag team titles. Bryan said they hadn’t earned anything. He challenged them to take on the Yolo Country Tag Team champions.
Heavy Machinery defeated YOLO Country Tag Team Champions AJ Kirsh & Dave Dutra
Heavy Machinery dominated the match. Otis hit the Caterpillar. Tucker tossed one of the guys in the air, and Otis caught him. They hit the Compacter for the win.
After the match, Rowan wanted to jump in the ring, but Bryan convinced him not to.
24/7 Champion R-Truth and Carmella walked backstage. Truth talked about all of his title defenses and how it’s draining him. He complained about being the “7/11” champion.
They heard a sound, so Truth jumped into a blue box. Carmella locked the lid but couldn’t open it. A backstage worker told Carmella her match is next. She told Truth to wait there, and she’ll be right back. Truth screamed to let him out.
Jinder Mahal approached and pretended to be Carmella. He ran off to find a crowbar.
Sonya Deville (w/Mandy Rose) defeated Carmella
Deville had the early advantage. She slowed the pace down and locked on a chin lock. Deville hit a running knee on Carmella for a near fall. Deville rolled up Carmella, but she reversed into a submission. Rose put Deville’s leg on the bottom rope to break up the hold. Carmella chased Rose, but Deville rolled her up for two count.
Carmella sent Deville to the floor and hit suicide dive. Carmella tried to re-enter the ring, but Rose stopped her. Carmella took out Rose with a superkick on the floor. As Carmella entered the ring, Deville rocked Carmella with a knee for the win.
Nikki Cross approached Alexa Bliss in the back. Bliss told Cross that there was a lot of hurtful things said about her on social media. Bayley even liked one of the tweets. Bliss got Cross a match with Bayley. She said to see all the bullies that hurt her on social media when she faces Bayley.
The New Day made their way down to the ring. WWE Champion Kofi Kingston pointed out this is the actual return of Big E. Xavier Woods talked about their upcoming match against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Dolph Ziggler. They pointed out that Kingston defeated all three in singles matches.
Kingston promised to defeat Ziggler in the steel cage at Stomping Grounds. He said Ziggler has nowhere to run. Kingston vowed to retain the title.
Ziggler interrupted and said there’s only one reason Kingston is still champion. He showed footage from Super Showdown of Woods helping Kingston retain the title. Ziggler promised to defeat Kingston and win the title. Kingston pointed out that Ziggler didn’t show when he kicked Woods.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn made their way out. Zayn said if it were the other way around the fans would be enraged. He called the fans hypocrites. Big E said they enjoyed watching Seth Rollins beat him with a chair. Ziggler called Kingston the biggest hypocrite. Big E said Kingston’s title run is about proving that he’s the best at what he does.
Kingston promised to kick ass and take names, and he’s starting with Ziggler. Kingston promised to leave Stomping Grounds the WWE Champion.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Bayley backstage. She asked Bayley about Alexa Bliss’ allegations of liking offensive tweets about Nikki Cross. Bayley said to consider the source.
Aleister Black spoke backstage. He said there are so much conflict but no resolutions. He offers both. It’s so simple. You pick a fight with him, and he fights you. He said they wouldn’t fight over trivial things like the love of a man or woman. He asked someone to open the door. He screamed that the door is wide open and to pick up a fight with him.
Bayley sent Cross to the floor and hit a sliding dropkick under the turnbuckle. Bayley attempted the dropkick a second time, but Cross trapped her in the ring curtain and took over.
Back from break, Bayley made a comeback and hit a rolling splash for a near fall. Bliss jumped on the apron and distracted Bayley. Cross used an inside cradle for a two count. Bayley fought back and hit the elbow off the top for the win.
Backstage, Jinder Mahal had crowbar and referee. He couldn’t find the box with Truth. Someone told him the boxes are loading on the truck. Mahal found some more boxes, but they’re going to L.A. Mahal ran to L.A. to find Truth.
Truth is still in one of the boxes. Carmella searched for him in the back but couldn’t find him.
Bray hosted another edition of The Firefly Fun House. Wyatt gave Ramblin Rabbit the floor to speak. Rabbit said it was time to reveal the truth about what’s going on in the fun house. Wyatt attacked Ramblin Rabbit with a mallet.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Apollo Crews. Last week, Andrade attacked Crews before their match. Crews wants to gain some revenge. Zelina Vega interrupted and warned Crews not to anger Andrade. She left, and Chad Gable showed up taking notes.
The New Day defeated Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
The heels had the early advantage by isolating Xavier Woods. Woods fought back and The New Day hit the Unicorn Stampede. Kingston attempted a splash, but Zayn moved, and Kingston crashed to the floor. Ziggler nailed Kingston with a forearm on the floor.
Ziggler locked on a chin lock and taunted New Day. He caught Kingston with a dropkick, which sent Kingston to the floor. Owens then hit a senton on Kingston. The heels isolated Kingston on their side of the ring.
Woods got the hot tag and ran wild. After a quick exchange, Woods sent Zayn to the floor with a forearm. He followed up with a sliding dropkick taking out Zayn and Ziggler. Woods climbed to the top, but Owens distracted the referee. Ziggler tripped up Woods. The heels isolated Woods again in their corner.
Owens hit a power slam and second turnbuckle moonsault for a near fall. Woods hit a DDT, and Big E got the hot tag. Big E hit three huge belly-to-belly suplexes and a big splash on Ziggler. New Day tried to set up Ziggler, but he fought out.
Zayn made the blind tag. Ziggler went to superkick Kingston but hit Zayn instead. Kingston fought back and hit the Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler. The finish came when Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Zayn for the win.
WWE has announced The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E) vs. Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a six-man tag match for this week’s SmackDown. The show is taking place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
This will be Big E’s first match since the post-WrestleMania 35 edition of SmackDown. He suffered a torn meniscus while teaming with Kingston & Woods against Cesaro, Sheamus & Drew McIntyre on that episode.
Kingston will defend his WWE Championship against Ziggler in a steel cage match at Stomping Grounds in Tacoma, Washington on June 23.
Kingston retained against Ziggler at Super ShowDown last Friday. Ziggler superkicked Woods on the outside during the match, then Woods kicked Ziggler when the referee wasn’t looking. That led to Kingston hitting Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler and getting the win.
Ziggler did a backstage interview after facing Kingston at Super ShowDown. He called Kingston a coward and demanded the steel cage match.
Three title matches have been added to the card for Stomping Grounds.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins will defend his title against Baron Corbin, Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a steel cage match, and Becky Lynch will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans. All three of those matches were announced during today’s Super ShowDown broadcast.
Rollins vs. Corbin and Kingston vs. Ziggler are both rematches from Super ShowDown.
Rollins retained against Corbin at Super ShowDown after Corbin argued with the referee. Corbin tried to bring a steel chair into the ring, Corbin and referee John Cone argued, and Rollins rolled up Corbin to get the win.
Corbin gave Rollins the End of Days after the match. Brock Lesnar came out with a steel chair and his Money in the Bank briefcase, but he never cashed in. Rollins low blowed Lesnar, repeatedly hit him with chair shots, and gave him a curb stomp on the MITB briefcase.
The steel cage stipulation for Kingston vs. Ziggler at Stomping Grounds was set up by their match today. After Ziggler superkicked Xavier Woods on the outside, Woods kicked Ziggler when the referee wasn’t looking. Kingston then hit Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler to win.
Ziggler did a post-match interview backstage, calling Kingston a coward and demanding the steel cage match.
Lynch and Evans’ storyline has continued since Lynch defeated Evans at Money in the Bank last month. On this week’s Raw, Lynch caused Evans vs. Charlotte Flair to end in a disqualification.
Stomping Grounds is taking place at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on June 23. Bayley will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss at the pay-per-view, and Roman Reigns will face Drew McIntyre.
