WWE star Sheamus is currently dealing with an injury.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained why Sheamus hasn’t been in action of late. Meltzer said Sheamus has a “really bad” shoulder injury.
“By the way, Sheamus — really bad shoulder injury,” Meltzer said. “That’s why he hasn’t been on TV or at the house shows.”
Sheamus hasn’t wrestled since facing Edge on the August 18 episode of SmackDown. That bout, which was in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Edge’s WWE debut, was the last match on Edge’s WWE contract. It was the first time Sheamus and Edge had ever faced each other one-on-one.
Last Friday’s SmackDown episode saw Ridge Holland & Butch lose a tag team match to Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. Sheamus didn’t appear on the show with his Brawling Brutes stablemates.
Sheamus was one of the entrants in WWE’s SummerSlam battle royal this August. The match was won by LA Knight.
A segment involving Drew McIntyre is slated for Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that McIntyre will be The Miz’s guest on Miz TV this Monday. The segment comes after McIntyre defeated Jey Uso in the main event of the most recent episode of Raw. Following the match, McIntyre hesitated to save Jey from a Judgment Day attack.
Judgment Day had recently been attempting to recruit Jey into their ranks. They interfered to help Jey during his match against McIntyre, but Jey made the decision to reject Judgment Day. He took out Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor with superkicks. But with Jey’s attention turned away, McIntyre capitalized on the situation by dropping Jey with a Claymore and pinning him to win the match.
In storyline, McIntyre doesn’t trust Jey because of his past association with The Bloodline.
McIntyre had the chance to save Jey from a Judgment Day beatdown after their match. But when McIntyre hesitated, Cody Rhodes ran out and saved Jey instead.
An appearance by Rhodes will kick off Monday’s Raw, which is being held at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Here’s everything that’s been announced for the episode:
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) defend against Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio defends against Dragon Lee
Edge is thankful to have shared the ring with Sheamus on last Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
In what may have been Edge’s final match, he defeated Sheamus on SmackDown in Toronto. The match was part of WWE’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of Edge’s debut.
Edge wanted Sheamus to be his opponent because they had never faced each other one-on-one before. While challenging Sheamus to the match, Edge brought up that it was an appearance on Sheamus’ Celtic Warrior Workouts that inspired him to return to the ring in 2020. Edge said Sheamus became part of his extended family while they trained together for the return.
Following their SmackDown match, Edge reflected on the moment in an Instagram post on Sunday. Edge wrote that he knew Sheamus was great, but he didn’t know how great until facing him. Edge called Sheamus “the epitome of work ethic” and said wrestling him was pure joy.
Full circle pints of Guiness. From Dublin to Toronto and 19 years in between. Back now after an amazing trip home to Toronto. What can I say? I’ll take that experience with me to the grave. Toronto you brought it. Speaking of bringing it, @wwesheamus is a beast. As strange as this sounds it was pure joy in there. Just two buds beating the hell out of each other. I knew he was great. But I didn’t know how great. That dude is so insanely talented, spectacular at what he does, and just a damn hard worker. He is the epitome of work ethic. Can’t teach that. Thanks fella. It was an honor.
While giving a speech to the crowd after SmackDown, Edge said he doesn’t know what the future holds for him. He said he’s going to talk to his family this week and see what they want him to do. Edge indicated that this was the final time he would ever wrestle in the city of Toronto.
Though his future may be uncertain, Edge had a successful night as he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his WWE debut.
Edge celebrated the milestone on last night’s SmackDown from his hometown of Toronto. He was in action in the main event, defeating Sheamus. Edge’s wife Beth Phoenix and their two daughters were in the front row for what could have potentially been his final match.
This was the last match on Edge’s current WWE contract. After SmackDown went off the air, Edge spoke to the crowd and said he doesn’t know what the future holds. Edge said he would be talking to his family this week and would see what they want him to do. Edge thanked the crowd and told them that this was the last time he would ever wrestle in Toronto.
A video package celebrating Edge’s 25 years in WWE was also shown earlier in the episode.
Edge will celebrate 25 years in WWE by squaring off with Sheamus on tonight’s SmackDown from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The match was set up when Edge called out Sheamus last week, saying they had never faced each other one-on-one. Sheamus joined Edge in the ring to accept his challenge.
Also slated for SmackDown is a tag team match that pits Bianca Belair & Charlotte Flair against WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY & Bayley.
SKY and Bayley interrupted Charlotte’s match with Asuka last week as SKY attacked both wrestlers to end their match in a no contest.
The Grayson Waller Effect will welcome in Santos Escobar and new United States Champion Rey Mysterio. Last week, Escobar was unable to compete in a scheduled title match due to an attack by Austin Theory. As a result, Mysterio took Escobar’s place, ultimately beating Theory to win the US title.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Patrick, Michael Cole and Corey Graves then hyped up the card for the night.
The Grayson Waller Effect with Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar
Escobar was selling his leg injury from last week with a brace on his knee. Waller started out by congratulating Mysterio on winning the U.S. title last week. Mysterio said it felt great to be U.S. Champion again. Waller asked Mysterio if Mysterio and Escobar were co-champions, but Mysterio said that wasn’t the case. Waller made the case for why Escobar had his chance at the U.S. title stolen from him. Waller said Mysterio wasn’t ready to pass the torch. Waller kept yelling until Escobar told Waller to shut up.
Escobar said the only person he’s mad at is Austin Theory. Escobar said he gave Mysterio his blessing because he has enormous respect for Mysterio. Escobar called Mysterio his mentor. Escobar said Waller’s attempts to break them up won’t work. As Escobar spoke, Austin Theory’s music hit and Theory came out in his wrestling gear with a microphone. Theory congratulated Mysterio on becoming a three-time U.S. Champion. Theory said what happened last week was a tragedy. Theory said Escobar wasn’t man enough to step up to Theory last week. Theory called himself the greatest U.S. Champion ever. Theory said Adam Pearce was going to come out to hand Theory back his U.S. title.
Pearce made his way down to the ring. Pearce said nobody wanted to hear Theory complain and out of nowhere, L.A. Knight’s music hit. The crowd went wild. Knight had a microphone in his hand. Knight started with his “Let me talk to you” line. Knight said Theory fumbled the ball. Knight congratulated Mysterio but said at some point, the title will go to Knight. Knight referenced going through 24 other men at SummerSlam. Knight challenged Theory to a match with the winner getting a shot at the U.S. title. Pearce made the match.
Austin Theory defeated L.A. Knight to earn a shot at the U.S. title [10:14]
This was a fine television match. Knight’s clothesline to the Miz was rough – and, while there’s no mistaking that Knight is super-over with live crowds, there always seems to be an awkward wrestling spot in his wrestling matches, but I digress – but they rebounded and Theory rightly got the cheap win. Does this set up a triple threat for the U.S. title or will it simply be Theory vs. Mysterio? Time will tell. As for this, the guys worked hard despite their limitations and it forwarded the story between Miz and Knight. All told, mission accomplished.
Before the match started, The Miz’s music hit and The Miz walked to the ring. The Miz joined the commentary team. The bell rang and Theory attacked Knight. Theory controlled the first minute of the match until Knight landed a clothesline and a suplex to even things out. Knight hit a powerslam for a two-count. Theory threw Knight outside and Theory grabbed Knight’s face while Miz jawed at Knight. Knight fired up and slammed Theory onto the commentary table repeatedly while Mix screamed at Knight. Miz and Knight exchanged words and Theory kicked Knight in the face, but Knight came back quickly by throwing Theory into Miz. Knight posed and the show went to a commercial break.
Back from break, Theory was working a side head-lock. Theory landed a rolling dropkick for a two-count. Theory hit a strong clothesline and went to the apron, where he went for another rolling move, but Knight caught Theory and hit a back suplex. Knight ran Theory into corners and then landed a neck-breaker. Knight got in a Russian Leg Sweep and a boot for a two-count. Knight was bleeding from his forehead. Knight landed a running knee to Theory’s head. Knight lifted Thoery, but Theory rolled out and chop-blocked Knight. Theory went for A-Town Down, but Knight got out of it and countered into a body slam. Miz jumped to the apron, and Knight turned his attention to Miz until Knight landed a DDT on Theory. Knight then went to the outside and chased the Miz everywhere until Knight clotheslined Miz to the floor. Theory rolled up Knight and held the tights for the win.
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– John Cena sent a video in congratulating Edge for 25 years. Sheamus and Natalya offered up videos, too. The Miz, Charlotte, and Sami Zayn did the same.
– Michael Cole spoke affectionately about Edge at the commentary table and Kevin Patrick threw to a montage of Edge moments.
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Bayley and Dakota Kai made their entrance. Bayley had a microphone and introduced IYO SKY, who then made her entrance to set up the women’s tag team match.
Who says these wrestling companies don’t give women significant TV time?! OK, yeah, WWE, AEW and everyone in between could do better, but this took up a significant amount of time and while it felt a tiny bit over-long, I have to give WWE credit for carving out space for this. The match had its moments both good and bad, but in the end, it’s a good thing to have these women on television this much on the company’s biggest television show. I half-expected Shotzi involvement, but perhaps WWE really wants to eventually get behind Charlotte and Bianca as a tag team? We’ll see. Also of note: IYO SKY is just great.
Bayley and Belair began the match. Bayley went for a takedown, and eventually stepped on Belair’s foot. Belair came back with a slam and then worked a side head-lock. Belair landed a suplex and danced before tagging in Charlotte. Charlotte put the boots to Bayley. Charlotte chopped Bayley to the ground. Charlotte lifted Bayley, but Bayley countered by pulling Charlotte down via her hair. SKY tagged in and Charlotte chopped SKY. Charlotte hit a boot to SKY’s head, which took SKY to the outside. Charlotte then landed a rolling splash onto both SKY and Bayley as the show went to break.
Back from the break, Charlotte had control over Bayley and climbed to the top. Bayley cut Charlotte off and slammed Charlotte from the top. SKY tagged in and kicked Charlotte’s head before sinking in a head-lock. Charlotte worked her way out of it, but SKY came back with a submission attempt. SKY went for a suplex, but Charlotte reversed it with a back body-drop and went for the hot tag, but somehow didn’t get it. SKY landed a dropkick on Charlotte. From there, Charlotte finally got the hot tag to Belair.
Belair attacked SKY and hit a vertical suplex before firing up the crowd. Belair landed a series of punches onto SKY’s head until Bayley ran in and Bayley was the victim of a back-breaker. SKY slowed things down when she dropkicked Belair’s knee. Bayley tagged in and worked on Belair’s knee. There was blood on Charlotte’s face. Belair slammed both SKY and Bayley and Belair got the tag to Charlotte, who came off the top and took both SKY and Bayley out. Charlotte landed a fallaway slam on Bayley and then hit a clothesline for a two-count on Bayley. Charlotte went to the top, but Bayley pushed Charlotte off to the outside. Charlotte clutched her ankle and SKY attacked Charlotte.
Back in the ring, Bayley went for a pin and got a two-count. SKY tagged in and went for a moonsault, but Charlotte moved. SKY followed that up with a strike to Charlotte’s jaw. Bayley tagged in and went for a figure-four, but Charlotte cut her off and tagged in Belair. Almost instantly, Belair landed the KOD on Bayley for the win.
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– Cody, AJ Styles, Bayley, Ricochet, Kevin Owens and more sent in videos giving their thanks to Edge.
– Bianca Belair was being interviewed backstage, but was then attacked by Damage CTRL. IYO SKY hit Belair’s leg with a chair and Belair screamed in agony.
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The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated The O.C. (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) [3:12]
As basic as it gets. The Profits are in the middle of a reboot and Anderson & Gallows are in the middle of … well … not much. Still, The O.C. got in way more offense than I anticipated they would, so good on the Profits for giving them what they did. It still feels like the crowds aren’t ready to completely hate the Profits, so it’ll be interesting to see what WWE does with the trio of them and Lashley as it evolves. As for this match, it was just kind of there.
Gallows and Ford began the match with Gallows coming out strong. Anderson tagged in quickly and hit a series of strikes on Ford, until Ford came back with a strong clothesline. Dawkins tagged in and went after Anderson, eventually hitting a pump-handle slam. Ford tagged in and landed a frog-splash for a two-count that was broken up by Gallows, who was instantly thrown outside. Dawkins put Anderson on his shoulders, but Anderson worked out and hit a spine-buster on Dawkins. Gallows tagged in and and The O.C. went for the Magic Killer, but Ford broke it up. Ford tagged in and the Profits hit their (new?) finisher for the win. After the match, Bobby Lashley’s music hit and Lashley came out to celebrate with the Profits.
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– Paul Heyman was shown backstage and Kayla Braxton approached him asking for an update on the Bloodline. Heyman said he wouldn’t give an update. Braxton said she had been hearing rumors. Heyman asked her about what rumors she heard. Heyman said Jey Uso abandoned the WWE Universe. Heyman asked about Braxton’s mom and dad because he said he heard rumors about her family. Heyman worked in a jab at L.A. Knight which was funny. Heyman answered his phone and stepped away. Heyman said the caller told him that Jimmy Uso will be live on SmackDown next week.
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Edge defeated Sheamus [19:03]
This was fantastic. Edge looked like he might have had enough after about eight minutes, but he gutted it out and those false finishes were a lot of fun. Who knows what happens from here. Who knows if Edge is really done wrestling. Who knows if Edge goes on to wrestle somewhere else. Whatever it is, put it away and just consider how close those two dudes must be because the emotions felt like they were running wild from the second the bell rang. Both guys worked hard and while the outcome probably wasn’t much in doubt, this was one of the better wrestling matches SmackDown has seen in a little while. Add in the extra curricular stuff, and this was very good. It’s not often SmackDown produces a wrestling match that I’d say you should seek out if you missed it, but this was one of them. A tip of the cap to everyone involved.
The two shook hands after the bell rang. They locked up and Edge shoulder-blocked Sheamus to the mat. Sheamus returned the favor. Sheamus landed an Irish Curse to take Edge down and the show went to break. When it returned, Edge landed a back elbow on Sheamus and kept control. Action spilled to the outside, where Edge hit a powerbomb off the apron on Sheamus. Edge rolled Sheamus back into the ring and went to the top to hit a cross-body for a two-count. Edge went for a Sharpshooter, but Sheamus kicked his way out of it. Edge rolled to the apron and Sheamus picked him up for 10 Beats, but Edge cut him off and landed 10 punches on Sheamus. Edge got in a series of knees to Sheamus’s midsection. Edge then went through the ropes and speared Sheamus off the apron as the show went to commercial.
When the show returned, Sheamus was working a submission as the crowd fired Edge up. As a result, Edge punched his way out of it and worked a cross-face on Sheamus. Sheamus made his way to the ropes for a break. The two made it to their feet and Edge ran at Sheamus, but Sheamus got his legs up and then went to the top. Edge cut Sheamus off with a boot and went to the top, too, where he hit a super-plex and then rolled that into the Edge-E-Cution for a two-count. The crowd chanted “You still got it!” Edge went to the top, but Sheamus cut Edge off with a kick.
The two battled while Edge sat on the top rope. Sheamus went to the second rope and hit White Noise from the second rope. Sheamus then landed the Celtic Cross and went for a pin, but it resulted in a very good near-fall. Edge rolled to the apron and Sheamus hit the 10 Beats. Edge flipped Sheamus off and Sheamus went back to the 10 Beats. The whole thing went further than 10 Beats, but who’s counting? Sheamus jawed at Edge, but Edge slapped Sheamus and then clotheslined him. Edge fired up and the crowd did so with him. Edge went for a spear, but ran into a knee from Sheamus. Sheamus followed up with a boot to the face for another great near-fall. Sheamus went for another boot, but Edge rolled him up and hit a spear for another very good near-fall. Edge then landed another spear for the win.
After the match, Edge looked like he was going to cry. Beth Phoenix looked like she was crying in the audience. The commentary team laid out and the show went off the air as Sheamus and Edge hugged.
Edge will wrestle Sheamus on next week’s WWE SmackDown as the promotion celebrates the 25th anniversary of his WWE debut.
As announced during a promo segment on this week’s show, Edge will take on Sheamus in singles competition on the Friday, August 18 edition of SmackDown in Toronto. The show has been promoted as an Edge 25 years celebration.
The match with Sheamus will be the first for Edge since a July 7 SmackDown match against Grayson Waller at Madison Square Garden.
Also announced for next week’s SmackDown, Waller will host The Grayson Waller Effect talk show with guest Rey Mysterio. Mysterio defeated Austin Theory to win the United States Championship in an impromptu match on this week’s SmackDown.
Theory had been set to defend against United States Championship Invitational tournament winner Santos Escobar, but attacked Escobar before the match, giving him a storyline leg injury. On-screen authority figure Adam Pearce then inserted Mysterio in Escobar’s place for Theory’s title defense, and Mysterio captured the US title for the third time in his career.
The announced lineup for next week’s SmackDown:
Edge 25 years celebration
Edge vs. Sheamus
The Grayson Waller Effect with guest United States Champion Rey Mysterio
Sheamus says he’s frustrated by how his character has been handled following WWE Clash at the Castle.
Gunther vs. Sheamus at WWE’s event in Wales last September was widely praised and received a rating of five stars from our own Dave Meltzer. However, Sheamus recently told the Daily Star that he feels the company didn’t capitalize on the organic momentum he had coming out of the PLE.
“I’m not upset about that at all,” Sheamus said about losing to Gunther at Clash at the Castle. “I felt it was great, it was just the type of character Sheamus is, all fits and elbows.“
“What I was upset about and what really bothered me was the creative after that.”
“I came out of that with so much organic momentum, and it was just wasted. It didn’t go anywhere.”
“It was a dead end, just like with WrestleMania. Drew went away because he was injured, but I was ready to go and then just nothing.”
“There were no avenues and nowhere to go and that’s frustrating.”
“I did the War Games thing [after Clash at the Castle] but that was s*** – that’s how I felt, though others might have felt differently.”
Sheamus continued to say that the story of him chasing the one title in WWE he’s never won, the Intercontinental belt, is still a fresh story.
“It’s still a fresh story. Even with Gunther and Drew’s match at SummerSlam, people are still mentioning me because it’s still my story,” Sheamus continued.
“I’d definitely like to retire with [the title], but that stuff is out of my control. I can just do what I can do.”
Following Clash at the Castle, Sheamus would team with the rest of the Brawling Brutes and wrestled Imperium at Extreme Rules in October. That match was awarded four and a half stars from Meltzer. Sheamus would then earn the second five-star match of his career at WrestleMania earlier this year in a triple-threat match against Gunther and Drew McIntyre. The 45-year-old hasn’t wrestled on a WWE PLE since, having been left off the cards for Backlash, Night of Champions, and Money in the Bank. He is scheduled to be in the SummerSlam Battle Royal on Saturday.
Sheamus will take on LA Knight on the SummerSlam go-home edition of WWE SmackDown.
In a match set up with a backstage promo segment on this week’s episode, SummerSlam Battle Royal participants Sheamus & Knight will square off in a singles contest on the Friday, August 4 SmackDown episode.
After the Battle Royal was announced, on-screen authority figure Adam Pearce was shown discussing the match backstage on SmackDown this week. Knight then entered and demanded to be put in the Battle Royal. Sheamus then entered with The Brawling Brutes and verbally sparred with Knight, and Pearce suggested a match between the two to establish momentum ahead of SummerSlam.
The SummerSlam Battle Royal will feature talent from both Raw and SmackDown, but no stipulations or stakes have been established for the match.
Knight vs. Sheamus is the only bout announced for the SummerSlam go-home SmackDown.
A triple threat match for the Intercontinental Championship is official for WWE WrestleMania 39.
As announced during Friday’s SmackDown show, Gunther is set to defend the IC title against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus in a three-way at WrestleMania.
McIntyre and Sheamus scored simultaneous pinfalls in a five-way match to determine Gunther’s WrestleMania contender on last week’s SmackDown, setting up a one-on-one contest on this week’s show.
After simultaneously hitting each other with their finishers during this week’s bout, McIntyre and Sheamus were both down in the ring. Gunther got in and exhorted both to get to their feet, but it was a ruse to allow Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci to attack McIntyre and Sheamus.
On-screen authority figure Adam Pearce then appeared on the video wall to announce the triple threat match for WrestleMania.
Eleven bouts have been announced for WrestleMania, set for Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Here is the updated card:
WWE WrestleMania 39, Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against John Cena
The road to WrestleMania continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
In a match with WrestleMania implications, Drew McIntyre goes one-on-one with Sheamus. The winner challenges Gunther for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 39.
Last week’s number one contender’s fatal five-way ended in controversy when McIntyre and Sheamus simultaneously scored pins on Xavier Woods and LA Knight. Later that evening, Adam Pearce announced McIntyre vs. Sheamus for tonight to determine the number one contender.
The next step in the war between Sami Zayn and The Bloodline will take place when Zayn confronts Jey Uso tonight. Last week’s SmackDown ended with Zayn and Cody Rhodes standing tall after a brawl with The Usos.
Rhodes is also set to appear tonight. We’ll hear from him in advance of his match against Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
Plus, tonight’s show features a mixed tag match with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio facing Zelina Vega & Santos Escobar. Our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern time.
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– After Michael Cole and Wade Barrett run down the lineup, Cody Rhodes’s music hit to a big pop.
Cody Rhodes Segment
Loved this segment. Rhodes, Owens, and Zayn were outstanding in their roles. It revolved around Rhodes trying to get Zayn and Owens on the same page. Owens turned them down.
Cody Rhodes entered the ring as the fans broke into a giant “Cody” chant. Rhodes discussed his upcoming title shot at WrestleMania 39. He considers Roman Reigns the best champion in sports and sports entertainment. Rhodes praised Reigns as a great champion and can’t wait to beat him for the WWE title at WrestleMania 39. The fans erupted into another massive “Cody” chant.
However, Rhodes doesn’t want to talk about someone; he wants to talk to someone. Rhodes called out Kevin Owens. Owens made his way to the ring. The fans gradually broke into a loud “KO” chant. Owens knows what Rhodes wants to talk about, but Rhodes cuts him off. Rhodes feels another person needs to be part of the conversation. Thus, Rhodes called out Sami Zayn.
Zayn entered the ring; The fans broke into a loud “Sami” chant. Rhodes is going to pull the curtain back. He admitted to having respect for Owens. He discussed leaving the WWE six years ago, and Owens offered advice and introduced him to his friends. Rhodes wants to repay the favor. Owens isn’t listening to Zayn again. He heard all of this already. The fans broke into a loud “Hug it out” chant.
Zayn wants to know how Owen is feeling. Zayn’s confused because they fight and makeup all the time. He didn’t understand the difference this time. Zayn told Owens to yell at him or punch him in the face so that Owens can get past it. He told Owens they needed to go back to working as a team. They could be the ones to end the ones, The Bloodline.
Owens asked Rhodes if he got everything he needed. Rhodes noted they’re in the people-pleasing business. Rhodes told them to get back on the same page. The fans broke into another “Hug it out” chant. Owens again said he had heard everything already. He asked, “Why would I fight with someone who doesn’t want to be my friend?” Zayn seemed confused by the statement. Owens gave the mic back to Rhodes and walked off.
After the break in the parking lot, Owens was walking to his car when Zayn stopped him. Zayn told him to forget everything they talked about in the ring. Zayn said they are friends and that he loves him. Owens got into his car and drove off.
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Mixed Tag Team Match: Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley defeated Santos Escobar & Zelina Vega (7:11)
Ripley and Mysterio beat Escobar and Vega in a fun match. Everyone looked great, but Vega had a good showing and was the highlight of the match.
Dominik Mysterio caught Santos Escobar with a dropkick at the bell. Ripley tagged in and tried to kick Escobar, but he grabbed her leg. Zelina Vega came off the top rope, wiping out Ripley. Escobar caught Mysterio with a clothesline from the apron to the floor. Vega then hit a moonsault to the floor, wiping out Mysterio and Ripley as they went to a break.
Mysterio was firmly in control until Escobar hit a perfect-looking dropkick. Ripley came in and dropped Mysterio onto Escobar for a near fall, but Vega broke up the pin. Escobar and Mysterio collided in mid-air when they both went for a crossbody.
Vega ran wild on Ripley with a running knee and tilt-a-whirl DDT for a near fall. Mysterio broke up the pin attempt to a ton of heat. Ripley sent Vega to the floor as Escobar and Mysterio fought on the top rope. They did a tower of doom spot with Escobar superplexing Mysterio as Ripley gave Escobar a powerbomb. Vega took out Mysterio with a hurricanrana. Ripley took advantage and hit the riptide on Vega for the win.
After the match, Dominik took the mic and mocked his father. He called Rey a deadbeat dad and claimed he didn’t belong in the Hall of Fame.
They showed Rey Mysterio walking on the big screen as they went to a break.
******
Rey Mysterio/Dominik Mysterio Segment
Dominik and Rey were great in the segment. They added another layer to their story teasing the WrestleMania match. Rey cut an awesome promo.
Rey asked Ripley to let him talk to his son. Ripley stood in the background. Dominik got in Rey’s face and mocked him for being a bad father. Rey admitted to missing birthdays and important events. He added that he still loves his son. The fans cheered. Rey noted the business is selfish, but he did everything for his family. He wanted to give his wife, daughter, and son everything he never had. Rey added that the Mysterio name got Dominik out of trouble more than once.
Rey became emotional and started talking about the Hall of Fame. He wishes his son would be by his side that night. Rey’s tone changed, and he noted that if some punk kid called him out for WrestleMania, he would kick his ass. The fans popped and broke into a “kick his ass” chant. However, Rey still refuses to face Dominik. The fans broke into loud boos. Rey walked off. Dominik mocked his father for walking away again.
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WrestleMania Showcase qualifying match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defeated Emma & Tegan Nox (3:45)
The crowd was dead at times, but they came alive for the finish. Morgan and Rodriguez got a great reaction.
Wade Barrett explained that this year, WrestleMania features a men’s and women’s fatal four-way showcase match. The qualifying matches start tonight.
Morgan and Rodriguez worked together for the early advantage. Nox fought back and rocked Morgan with a knee to the face. Nox and Emma isolated Morgan on their side of the ring.
Emma used a suplex for a two-count. Morgan recovered and hit the backstabber. Rodriguez tagged in and hit a series of clotheslines. Rodriguez hit a fallaway slam and twisting elbow for a near fall. Rodriguez hit the powerbomb on Emma, allowing Morgan to hit oblivion for the win.
Rodriguez and Morgan qualify for the fatal four-way at WrestleMania.
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Charlotte Flair/Rhea Ripley Segment
Another excellent segment tonight building up a key WrestleMania match. Flair and Ripley were incredible in their back-and-forth. But the post-match brawl was off the charts. They fought around the ringside, beating up security guards as they tried to fight each other.
Flair entered the ring and noted that the more things change, the more they stay the same. When she was a baby in her mother’s arms, the business was built on Rhodes as a challenger and Flair as the champion. This year at Wrestlemania, Rhodes is the challenger, and Flair’s the champion once again.
Flair turned her attention to Rhea Ripley. If Ripley wants to be a star, she has to beat Flair. Flair noted Riply couldn’t beat her three years ago. She noted the same would happen this year at WrestleMania because the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio interrupted and made their way to the ring. Ripley noted that men and women in the locker room fear her, except for Flair.
Ripley praised Flair for being a champion and a star. She admits that Flair is one of the biggest stars in the company. But Ripley wants, no, needs the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Ripley needs to be a star. She promises to beat Flair for the title, and Flair will finally learn to fear Ripley.
Dominik got in Flair’s face, allowing Ripley to cheap-shot her. Ripley and Mysterio jumped out of the ring. Flair got back to her feet and attacked Ripley. Flair and Ripley go into a massive brawl at ringside. Flair accidentally kicked a security guard, sending him over the barricade. Ripley threw Flair over the announce table. Flair recovered, jumping off the table onto Ripley.
Referees and security struggled to keep Ripley and Flair apart. Ripley rocked a security guard with a head butt. Officials finally broke up the brawl.
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– Kayla Braxton spoke with Sami Zayn in the back. Zayn discussed Kevin Owens driving off and Jey Uso wanting to confront him. He brought this on himself and will accept whatever happens later.
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Xavier Woods defeated LA Knight (2:19)
Knight got a big pop during his entrance. The fans chanted “Yeah” with Knight. Knight hit a DDT for the early advantage. As they fought on the top rope, Woods knocked Knight off and hit a middle rope missile dropkick. Woods followed with a broken arrow for a near fall.
Knight fought back and dropped Woods face-first. He set up for a suplex, but Woods countered into a small package for the win.
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– Cole and Barrett discussed The Great Muta going into the Hall of Fame this year.
-Kayla Braxton tried to approach LA Knight, but he saw Rey Mysterio. He offered to face Dominik since Rey won’t. Knight will change his name to LA Mysterio and be a deadbeat dad too. Mysterio got in Knight’s face and slapped him.
*******
Number One Contender’s match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus DQ (11:38)
Sheamus and McIntyre beat the hell out of each other in a great match until the finish. The DQ finish worked into the storyline, setting up the triple threat with Gunther for WrestleMania.
Sheamus came to the ring with his shillelagh while Drew McIntyre brought his sword. They pointed at the WrestleMania sign.
Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci came down to ringside to get a closer look.
McIntyre offered a handshake, but Sheamus refused. Sheamus and McIntyre went back and forth, with neither getting the advantage. They traded stiff shots until Sheamus hit the Irish curse backbreaker for a near fall. Barrett tried to talk to Gunther on commentary. Gunther yelled at Barrett for being unprepared.
Sheamus went for the ten beats of bodhran, but McIntyre broke free. Sheamus climbed to the top rope, but McIntyre cut him off. McIntyre hit a massive superplex as they went to a commercial.
Back from the break, McIntyre and Sheamus traded hard chops against the ropes. Sheamus finally hit the ten beats of bodhran to take over. He set up for the Brogue kick. McIntyre avoided and hit a neck breaker. He went for the Claymore, but Sheamus countered with a knee for a near fall. The fans erupted in a “This is Awesome” chant.
Sheamus and McIntyre traded hard clotheslines. McIntyre and Sheamus hit the Claymore and Brogue kick at the same time. They were both down when Gunther stopped the referee’s count. Gunther yelled at McIntyre and Sheamus, allowing Kaiser and Vinci to jump McIntyre and Sheamus for the disqualification.
Imperium beat down the faces. It ended when Gunther powerbombed Sheamus onto McIntyre.
As Imperium walked away, Adam Pearce appeared on the big screen. He announced Gunther defends his title against McIntyre and Sheamus in a triple threat at WrestleMania. He pointed out that Gunther claimed he only wanted one opponent, but his actions indicate otherwise.
*******
Sami Zayn Confronts Jey Uso
Not usually a fan of a lot of talking segments, but they were all awesome tonight. Each segment built up its respective storyline masterfully.
The closing segment was terrific, adding another layer to The Bloodline story. Owens and Zayn finally hugging got a massive reaction from the fans. They did a great job building up to the hug in the last few weeks.
Jey Uso and Sami Zayn wasted no time going face-to-face. Jey noted he never trusted Zayn, but Zayn slowly won over everyone in The Bloodline. Jey was furious that Zayn betrayed him. Jey let his guard down, and Zayn made him look like a fool. He called Zayn a fake ass Uce.
Zayn knows Jey is tired of Roman Reigns’ abuse. He thinks Jey wasn’t mad that Zayn hit Reigns with a chair. Zayn thinks Jey wanted to hit Reigns with the chair, and that’s why he’s mad.
Jey and Zayn ended up brawling, with Zayn getting the better of Jey. Jimmy Uso ran out to help his brother. The Usos beat down Zayn around ringside, hitting him with the stairs. They threw him back in the ring.
Suddenly, Kevin Owens’s music hit to a big pop. Owens appeared in the ring behind The Usos. Owens ran wild on the Usos and hit the pop-up powerbomb and stunner.
Owens and Zayn were left alone in the ring. They stood across from each other as the fans broke into a loud “Hug it out” chant. Owens and Zayn finally hugged to a gigantic pop. They showed Cody Rhodes watching in the back with a subtle smile.
Owens and Zayn watched The Usos leave as SmackDown ended.
**********
Next Week: Rey Mysterio goes one-on-one with LA Knight.
A match that will determine Gunther’s WrestleMania 39 opponent will take place on next week’s SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus will meet to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental championship. That was intended to be determined on Friday’s show. However, two different referees ended up covering pins for both McIntyre and Sheamus during the five-way match that opened SmackDown on Friday. McIntyre and Shemaus argued about the result after the match. Later, after Gunther complained about the result, Adam Pearce made the match between the two winners for next week.
Sheamus and McIntyre first came to odds on last week’s SmackDown, when Sheamus confronted McIntyre after he announced that he was issuing a challenge to Gunther. Sheamus was upset that McIntyre didn’t consult him first before making the challenge. Eventually LA Knight, Kofi Kingston, and Karrion Kross came out, setting up the five-way for this week’s show.
Kingston, who was injured during a brawl in that segment, did not wrestle on Friday’s show. Xavier Woods ended up taking his place.
The first SmackDown of 2023 takes place tonight from the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos will defend their titles against the team of Drew McIntyre & Sheamus. The title match was planned for a few weeks ago, but that changed when McIntyre went down with an injury. McIntyre returned last week to save Sheamus from a Bloodline beatdown.
Charlotte Flair made her shocking return to SmackDown last Friday and promptly defeated Ronda Rousey to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Flair returned moments after Rousey retained the title against Raquel Rodriguez.
The new SmackDown Women’s Champion makes an appearance on tonight’s episode to celebrate her win.
Ricochet goes one-on-one with Top Dolla in a Royal Rumble qualifying match. Last week, Ricochet and a bunch of the guys made fun of Top Dolla for messing up a dive. Top Dolla shoved Ricochet when he felt they went too far.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Bloodline Segment
As Micheal Cole and Wade Barrett opened the show, Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and The Usos ran out. They went crazy at ringside, destroying random stuff.
Roman Reigns music hit, and he made his way to the ring with Paul Heyman. They recapped Kevin Owens & John Cena defeating Reigns & Zayn last week. Cole noted Reigns was furious about losing, so he sent The Bloodline to invade Raw.
Reigns demanded the fans acknowledge him. The fans popped and cheered the Bloodline. He then turned his attention to Zayn. The fans popped for Zayn and broke into a “Ucey” chant. Zayn took the mic and talked about making 2023 their year. He added that they started right with wins on Raw.
Reigns doesn’t want to talk about this year. He wants to talk about last year. Reigns noted he never loses because it’s not in his makeup. He realized that he didn’t lose last week. The fans booed when Reigns blamed Zayn for losing. He added that Zayn lost, not him.
Reigns calmly began asking Zayn if he wants to be him. Maybe, Zayn wants to be the tribal chief. Reigns lost his cool and started yelling at Zayn.
Kevin Owens’ music hit, and he walked out onto the ramp. Owens thinks Reigns’ problem is with him and not Zayn. Owens challenged Reigns to a title match at the Royal Rumble. Reigns just wants Owens to leave. Owens agreed to go. As he walked away, he told Zayn that he’d see him when he digs his balls out of Roman’s pocket.
*********
New SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair arrived at the arena.
Kingston and Escobar had a fun, fast-paced match. However, the story revolved around Royal Rumble eliminations. So it was odd when Kingston and Escobar tried not to get eliminated, even though it doesn’t apply here.
Earlier today, Escobar interrupted Kayla Braxton interviewing Kingston. Escobar mentioned Kingston’s Royal Rumble history with avoiding eliminations. They argued, leading to the upcoming contest.
Escobar sent Kingston to ringside with a forearm. Kingston wouldn’t let his feet touch and did a handstand to the steps as a preview for the Royal Rumble. Kingston rocked Escobar with a kick to the head and sent him over the top rope. Cole noted that would be an elimination in the Rumble.
Back from the break, Escobar was firmly in control with a running knee in the corner. Kingston recovered and hit a second rope missile dropkick. Kingston sent Escobar over the top rope, but he landed on the steps. Of course, that proves he would avoid elimination in the Rumble. As he celebrated, Woods played the trombone, scaring Escobar, who jumped off the steps with both feet hitting the floor.
Kingston fired up and hit the SOS for a close near fall. They fought on the top rope, but Kingston knocked off Escobar. As Kingston jumped off, Escobar rocked him with a knee to the face.
Kingston then hit a double foot stomp for another close two-count. He followed with the boom drop and set up for trouble in paradise. Joaquin Wilde and Zelina Vega caused a distraction. That allowed Escobar to hit a superkick and the phantom driver for the win.
*******
Michael Cole announced Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble.
Sami Zayn tried to enter the Bloodline locker room. Heyman wouldn’t let him into the room. The Usos then walked by and ignored Zayn. Heyman noted he warned Zayn last week.
********
Liv Morgan talked about the Royal Rumble and promised to win even if she’s number one.
Kayla Braxton spoke with LA Knight. They recapped the Bray Wyatt-LA Knight-Uncle Howdy angle. Knight promised to defeat Wyatt at the Royal Rumble in the Pitch Black match.
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Mixed Tag Team Match: Karrion Kross & Scarlet defeated Madcap Moss & Emma (3:09)
The match had no heat or crowd reactions except for one spot when Kross broke up a pin attempt. It felt thrown together and rushed.
They recapped Emma slapping Scarlet last week.
Kross and Scarlett made their entrance as they went to a break.
Back from the break, they joined the match in progress. Moss and Emma didn’t get an entrance.
Kross and Moss went back and forth but quickly tagged in the women. Emma ran wild on Scarlet and had the match won. Kross jumped in and broke up the pin attempt. That got the most heat in the match. Emma slapped Kross, leading to Moss running wild on Kross. Kross regained control with a forearm to the back of the head. At ringside, Scarlet sent Emma into the ring post while Kross locked on the Kross Jacket in the ring for the win.
After the match, Kross and Scarlet put a Rey Mysterio mask on Moss.
*********
A video package recapped Charlotte Flair’s return last week and her defeating Ronda Rousey for the title.
Charlotte Flair Segment
Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring. She got a good reaction coming out. She mocked Rousey, leading to a loud “Thank you, Charlotte” chant. Flair mentioned being a 14-time champion. It doesn’t matter if the fans boo or cheer Flair; she’s never complacent. A champion always needs to be ready for the unexpected.
Sonya Deville interrupted, and the fans broke into a “whoop that trick” chant. Deville mocked Flair for beating Rousey after she had a match. Deville then challenged Flair to face a fresh fighter. Flair asked the fans, and they erupted in a “whoop that trick” chant.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Sonya Deville (6:46)
Deville jumped Flair to start the match. Flair fought back and sent Deville to ringside as they went to a break. Deville took over during the break by working over the knee. She slowed the pace with a chin lock.
Flair broke free and caught Deville with a kick to the head. After a series of chops, Flair hit a back suplex. Flair avoided a running knee. She then did a forward flip into a clothesline for a near fall. Deville briefly fought back. Flair recovered and hit a spear. She locked on the figure eight for the win.
********
A video package recapped Cody Rhodes’s return to WWE and suffering his injury before Hell in a Cell.
They aired a Lacey Evans vignette. They showed her beating up a bunch of women at the performance center with the cobra clutch.
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Ricochet defeated Top Dolla (w/Ashante “Thee” Adonis & B-Fab) (1:56)
Somehow, Ricochet had a bad match. They only got two minutes, and Top Dolla was in control for most of it. The story revolved around Top Dolla’s botch a few weeks ago.
Cole used the word “botch” and talked about it the entire match. Hit Row turned heel and attacked Ricochet after the loss.
Michael Cole mentioned Top Dolla botching the dive a few weeks ago. He noted that the botch was trending for several days, and fans were making fun of him. Cole explained that Top Dolla shoved Ricochet when he made fun of him too.
Ricochet went for a springboard, but Top Dolla cut him off. Dolla continued the beat down with a boot to the face. Ricochet fired up and gained control. The finish came when Ricochet hit the shooting star press for the win.
After the match, Top Dolla and Ricochet shook hands. Suddenly, Adonis rocked Ricochet with a superkick. B-Fab caught Ricochet with a knee to the face. Hit Row beatdown Ricochet until Braun Strowman ran down for the save.
*********
In the Bloodline locker room, The Usos headed to the ring for their upcoming match. Roman Reigns turned to Paul Heyman and demanded to see Sami Zayn.
After the break, Zayn entered the locker room. He acknowledged Reigns as the tribal chief and apologized. Reigns refused to accept his apology. Reigns noted he should control his temper better. Nobody has the right to talk to Zayn that way in public like Reigns did earlier. Surprisingly, Reigns apologized instead. Even Heyman was surprised that Reigns was sorry.
Reigns admitted that Kevin Owens was right. He’s mad at Owens, not Zayn. Reigns isn’t worried because he has a solution. Heyman then announced Zayn vs. Owens for next week. Zayn accepted the match and promised to beat Owens. Reigns asked Zayn to stay and watch the title match with him.
WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos (w/Solo Sikoa) defeated Drew McIntyre & Sheamus to retain the titles (13:14)
The Usos retained the titles in a hard-hitting, fast-paced main event with tons of near falls. Two near falls, in particular, got a big reaction because the fans thought it was the finish.
They showed Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns, and Paul Heyman watching in the Bloodline locker room several times. It turned into a funny running joke by the end.
The Usos took over when Jimmy interfered from the apron, allowing Jey to hit a Samoan drop on McIntyre. The Usos isolated McIntyre on their side of the ring. Jimmy slowed the pace with a chin lock. McIntyre broke free, but Jimmy yanked him down by his hair.
McIntyre ended up on the apron. He tried fighting off The Usos, but they overwhelmed him. McIntyre rocked Jimmy with a clothesline at ringside. Jey took advantage and caught McIntyre with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Sheamus was running wild on The Usos. Apparently, the hot tag happened during the break. Sheamus was on his own as he gave Jey the ten beats of the bodhran. Jey rocked Sheamus with a superkick, allowing Jimmy to hit a splash for a near fall.
In the Bloodline locker room, Zayn had a bucket of popcorn. He offered Reigns and Heyman popcorn as he talked about the action in the ring. They gave him weird looks.
In the arena, The Usos went up for a double splash, but McIntyre and Sheamus cut them off. McIntyre and Sheamus hit white noise on each Uso off the middle ropes.
McIntyre fired up, hitting a dive over the top rope onto The Usos. McIntyre then hit the claymore on Jey, but Jimmy broke up the pin attempt to a big reaction. After taking out McIntyre, the Usos hit a double superkick on Sheamus and the 1-D. That appeared to be the finish, but McIntyre broke up the pin attempt with another big reaction.
They went back to The Bloodline locker room. Now, Zayn, Reigns, and Heyman each had their own bucket of popcorn.
In the arena, Sikoa pulled out McIntyre and hit the spinning Solo onto the barricade. Butch and Ridge Holland ran out and fought Sikoa to the back. Sheamus fought The Usos on his own for several minutes. The finish came when Jimmy rolled up Sheamus, and Jey held him down from the apron for the win.
Zayn celebrated The Usos winning by throwing his popcorn all over the locker room. Reigns and Heyman gave him weird looks for making a mess.
The Usos celebrated their title win as SmackDown went off the air.
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Next Week: Sami Zayn goes one-on-one with Kevin Owens. Plus, Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends his title against Braun Strowman.
WWE has also announced that Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) will appear on SmackDown tonight.
**********
WWE has revealed the opening match for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
In a video uploaded by WWE this afternoon, it was announced that Sami Zayn vs. Sheamus will kick off SmackDown tonight. The episode is airing on FS1 due to college footbal’s Pac-12 championship game being on Fox.
Zayn and The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos & Solo Sikoa) defeated Team Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch, Drew McIntyre & Kevin Owens) in the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series last Saturday. Zayn stayed loyal to The Bloodline in the match, betraying Owens and helping The Bloodline defeat Owens to get the victory.
Tonight’s SmackDown is being held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Along with featuring SmackDown’s fallout from Survivor Series: WarGames, the finals of the SmackDown World Cup will take place on the episode.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, December 2) —
SmackDown World Cup finals: Ricochet vs. Santos Escobar
Tonight’s SmackDown features the final build to Survivor Series: WarGames.
Saturday’s men’s WarGames match will pit The Bloodline against The Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre & Kevin Owens. Tonight, Sheamus & McIntyre take on The Usos in a WarGames advantage match.
Bianca Belair reveals the final member of her WarGames team tonight. The women’s WarGames match features Belair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Mia Yim, and a mystery partner facing Damage CTRL, Nikki Cross & Rhea Ripley.
The SmackDown World Cup continues with both semifinal matches taking place on tonight’s show. The Brawling Brutes’ Butch goes one-on-one with Legado Del Fantasma’s Santos Escobar, while Ricochet will look to advance to the finals as he takes on Braun Strowman.
Plus, SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler team up against Shotzi & Raquel Rodriguez. Shotzi is set to challenge Rousey for the title tomorrow night.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Becky Lynch Returns
In a short, simple, and good opening segment, Becky Lynch returned to a big reaction. They didn’t draw it out and quickly brought out Lynch for a brawl.
Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross, and Rhea Ripley were already standing in the ring to start SmackDown. Wasting no time, Bayley demanded that Bianca Belair announce their fifth partner.
Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim made their way to the ring. Belair kept it short and noted they didn’t come alone.
Becky Lynch made her return to a big reaction. Lynch jumped in the ring and got in Bayley’s face kicking off a wild brawl. Lynch sent Bayley out of the ring. Ripley teased fighting Lynch, but she backed off. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant.
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Wade Barrett and Michael Cole ran down tonight’s lineup.
SmackDown World Cup Semi-Final: Santos Escobar (w/Zelina Vega & Legado Del Fantasma) defeated Butch (w/The Brawling Brutes) (9:12)
Escobar finally got a chance to shine on the main roster in this fun opening match.
In an inset interview, Santos Escobar promised to defeat Butch and advance to the finals.
Zelina Vega joined Cole and Barrett on commentary. She teased going after The Bloodline someday.
Using joint manipulation, Butch worked over Escobar’s arm. Escobar recovered and took over with a dropkick. He briefly slowed the pace down, but Butch fought back. The pace picked up with Butch chopping Escoboar against the commentary desk. Back in the ring, Escobar regained control after pushing Butch off the top rope. Butch took a nasty fall, hitting the apron on the way down.
Butch caught Escobar with a German suplex back from the break. He followed with a moonsault off the apron, taking out Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro. Escobar recovered and caught Butch with a suicide dive. Escobar and Butch fought on the top rope until Butch snapped Escobar’s fingers.
Butch took out Del Toro and Wilde with a moonsault off the top rope. He followed with a middle rope tornado DDT on Escobar for a near fall.
Backstage, The Bloodline attacked Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens. The Brawling Brutes watched the attack on the big screen in the arena.
Sheamus and Ridge Holland ran to the back to make the save. However, they left Butch without any help. Del Toro and Wilde interfered again, leading to Escobar hitting the Phantom driver for the win.
Santos Escobar advances to the SmackDown World Cup finals.
*********
They recapped the Bray Wyatt and LA Knight angle.
Bray Wyatt Segment
Wyatt got another giant reaction. The fans broke into a loud “Wyatt” chant. Wyatt knows people look at him like a rabid dog. He can hear the whispers and feels the people looking at him.
He added that everyone wants him to be a monster. Everyone wants him to be The Fiend. The fans popped for the mention of The Fiend. He doesn’t want to be The Fiend anymore, which got boos. Wyatt claimed that he didn’t attack LA Knight last week.
The lights went out. An Uncle Howdy video appeared on the screen. It included highlights of Wyatt’s career. With a tear on his face, Uncle Howdy told Wyatt to wake up.
Megan Morant spoke with LA Knight. He talked about the attack and noted he didn’t believe Wyatt.
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The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) defeated Hit Row (w/B-Fab) (2:45)
The Viking Raiders looked strong as they squashed Hit Row.
Sarah Logan is now known as Valhalla.
The Raiders had the early advantage as they beat down Ashante “Thee” Adonis on their side of the ring. Adonis tweaked his knee, as he tagged in Top Dolla.
Top Dolla briefly ran wild until Ivar knocked him out of the ring. Adonis missed a crossbody but landed on his bad knee. The Viking Raiders took advantage and hit Ragnarok for the win.
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Michael Cole discussed Dominik Mysterio attacking Rey last night on Thanksgiving. He was disgusted with Dominink’s actions.
They showed footage of Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley showing up at the Mysterio home for Thanksgiving. Dominik smashed a family picture and broom over Rey’s injured leg.
***********
Someone attacked LA Knight again backstage.
SmackDown World Cup Semi-Final: Ricochet defeated Braun Strowman (3:44)
Ricochet and Strowman had a short, fun big man-little man contest. Surprisingly Ricochet won, but he needed Imperium’s help. Ricochet didn’t turn and sided with Strowman after the match.
Ricochet enraged Strowman with a slap to the face. Strowman backed Ricochet into the corner. Ricochet used his speed to avoid Strowman. He followed with a series of dropkicks, including one off the apron. After Ricochet celebrated, Strowman sent Ricochet flying over the commentary table with a tackle.
Strowman was firmly in control with a splash in the corner. He then tossed Ricochet across the ring. Suddenly, Gunther and Imperium ran out to cause a distraction. Ricochet took advantage and used a crucifix to pin Strowman for the win.
After the match, Imperium attacked Strowman until Ricochet ran back for the save. They overwhelmed Ricochet, but Strowman cleared the ring.
Strowman helped Ricochet to his feet to a huge pop. Ricochet advances to the World Cup finals next week.
********
As Sami Zayn was about to enter The Bloodline locker room, Kevin Owens approached him. Zayn told him to leave, but Owens gave him some advice. He noted that The Bloodline would eventually turn on Zayn. Owens told Zayn to strike first. Jey Uso was secretly listening in the background.
After Owens left, Jey approached Zayn and asked if he had talked to anyone yet. Zayn lied and denied speaking to anyone. He entered the locker room, but Jey was furious.
********
They showed an excellent War Games video package. They went over the War Games rules too.
Megan Morant tried to interview Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi. Suddenly, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler jumped them. They slammed Rodriguez’s arm into the giant road case. Rodriguez screamed in pain and fell to the floor.
Back from the break, Cole announced that they rushed Rodriguez to the hospital with a possible broken arm.
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler entered the ring. Rousey assumed there wouldn’t be a match tonight since they injured Rodriguez. Instead, Shotzi came out for the match anyway.
They did an injury angle with Rodriguez and said she went to the hospital. She came out during the match anyway. Even with the injury angle, having Rodriguez tap felt like a mistake.
Shotzi decided to fight without a partner. Shotzi ran wild early until Baszler caught her with a knee to the face. The heels took over, targeting Shotzi’s bad arm.
Despite Cole claiming Rodriguez went to the hospital, Rodriguez’s music hit. She ran down and jumped in the ring. Rodriguez ran wild until Rousey went after the arm. Baszler forced Shotzi to watch as Rousey made Rodriguez tap to the armbar.
Kayla Braxton spoke with Shotzi in front of the trainer’s room. She called Rousey and Baszler bullies. She’s used to bullies but never had anyone watching her back before. Shotzi noted Rodriguez has a broken arm and a dislocated elbow. She vowed to win the title and get revenge for Rodriguez.
*********
They showed Jey explaining something to Jimmy backstage.
For the War Games Advantage: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus (w/Kevin Owens & The Brawling Brutes) defeated The Usos (w/Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa) (17:36)
They started with a slow pace, but it turned into a wild match by the end. They told multiple stories, mainly Jey Uso’s issue with Sami Zayn. Earlier in the night, Jey overheard Owens talking to Zayn, but Zayn lied to Jey about it. Zayn’s unaware that Jey overheard the conversation. With McIntyre and Sheamus winning, the face team has the advantage in the War Games match.
McIntyre and Sheamus were in control early as they sent The Usos to the floor. Back from the break, Jey made a blind tag and sent Sheamus to the floor by pulling down the top rope. Zayn got in Sheamus’ face, but Jey pushed him away. Jey got in Zayn’s face. Zayn was confused as Owens pointed out that The Bloodline doesn’t really like him.
McIntyre tagged in and ran wild with a neck breaker on Jey. He followed with a spinebuster on Jimmy. McIntyre set up for the Claymore kick, but Jey grabbed his leg, allowing Jimmy to hit a superkick. The Usos took over and threw McIntyre into the steps.
The Usos were firmly in control back from the break. Jimmy hit the Umaga splash in the corner and posed. He went for it a second time, but McIntyre rocked him with a knee.
Sheamus got the hot tag and ran wild. He caught Jey with the Irish Curse backbreaker and seventeen beats of bodhran. Jey pulled the legal man Sheamus out of the ring. In the ring, McIntyre caught Jimmy with the Claymore, but Jey responded with a superkick.
Sheamus caught Jey with a knee for a two-count. He set up for the Brogue kick, but Zayn jumped on the apron. Sheamus knocked Zayn down. Jey took advantage and rocked Sheamus with a superkick for a near fall.
Jey climbed to the top, but Sheamus cut him off. Zayn interfered and knocked Sheamus off. Jey hit the flying splash for a close near fall. A brawl broke out at ringside with Jimmy, Sikoa, Holland, and Butch.
Zayn tried to give the tag team belt to Jey, but Owens stopped him. Zayn pushed Owens out of the way. Owens then grabbed Zayn and threw him into the ring. However, the referee caught Zayn and sent him to the back. As the referee was distracted with Zayn, Owens hit Jey with the stunner allowing Sheamus to hit the Brogue kick for the win.
McIntyre, Sheamus, Owens, Holland, and Butch have the War Games advantage tomorrow night in War Games.
*******
Next Week: On FS1, Ricochet takes on Santos Escobar in the SmackDown World Cup final.
