Roman Reigns and his cousin Jey Uso are set to team up again on the road to their Universal Championship match at Clash of Champions.
WWE has announced that Reigns & Uso will face Baron Corbin & Sheamus in a “Samoan street fight” on SmackDown this Friday. Reigns & Uso defeated Corbin & Sheamus in a tag match in the main event of SmackDown last week, but Reigns didn’t come out for the match until it was almost over.
As Sheamus was going for a Brogue Kick in last week’s match, Reigns began to make his way out to the ring with Paul Heyman. Uso gained control after Reigns’ music caused a distraction. He hit a splash off the top rope on Sheamus, but Reigns tagged himself in when Uso was going for the move. Reigns then came into the ring and hit a spear on Sheamus to get the win.
Uso raised Reigns’ arm in the air as they were on the stage after the match, but Reigns wasn’t happy with Uso touching the arm that his Universal Championship was in.
In an interview to promote the match, Paul Heyman told Sports Illustrated that Reigns will be the first one in the ring for the Samoan street fight: “Don’t be fooled thinking that this is a prediction, it’s a spoiler. There was a bit of a misunderstanding the way everything went down last week on SmackDown, but there won’t be that misunderstanding this week. Roman Reigns will enter first and declare his turf in the center of that ring.”
Uso became the number one contender to Reigns’ Universal title by defeating Matt Riddle, Corbin, and Sheamus in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown two weeks ago. Uso wasn’t originally announced as one of the participants for the match, but he was added after an angle where Sheamus attacked Big E earlier in the show. Uso thanked Heyman for getting him into the match, but Heyman said Reigns is his boss and it was all Reigns’ idea. Clash of Champions is taking place on Sunday, September 27.
Roman Reigns & Jey Uso defeated Baron Corbin & Sheamus in the main event of last night’s SmackDown, but Reigns wasn’t there for his cousin for most of the match.
Corbin and Sheamus interrupting Reigns and Uso in last night’s opening segment set up a tag team match for later in the show. But like he did at Payback, Reigns didn’t come out for the match until it was almost over. As Sheamus was going for a Brogue Kick, Reigns’ music hit and he made his entrance with Paul Heyman. Uso gained control after that distraction. He hit a splash off the top rope on Sheamus, but Reigns tagged himself in when Uso was going for the move.
Reigns came into the ring, hit a spear on Sheamus, and pinned him to get the win.
As they were on the stage after the match, Uso raised Reigns’ arm in the air. Reigns wasn’t happy with Uso touching the arm that his Universal Championship was in.
Reigns also didn’t help Uso when Uso fought off Corbin and Sheamus in the opening segment.
Reigns will defend the Universal title against Uso at Clash of Champions on Sunday, September 27.
A segment with new Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Reigns “will address the WWE Universe this Friday on SmackDown with Paul Heyman in tow.” WWE hyped that Reigns will talk about his Universal title win and his alliance with Heyman.
The alliance between Reigns and Heyman was revealed at the end of last week’s episode of SmackDown. There was a show-long storyline where Adam Pearce had to get Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, and Reigns to sign the contracts for their no holds barred triple threat match at Payback. Reigns told Pearce to fix the changes they need and he’d be at Payback on Sunday. Reigns said him winning the Universal Championship wasn’t a prediction — it’s a spoiler. It was then revealed that Heyman was sitting with Reigns. Heyman told Pearce to “Believe that.”
At Payback, the story was that Reigns didn’t sign the contract for the match until after it started. After The Fiend giving Strowman a superplex collapsed the ring, Reigns’ music hit and he came to the ring with Heyman. Reigns ended up pinning Strowman to win the Universal Championship.
The Fiend was Universal Champion going into Payback. He defeated Strowman to win the title at SummerSlam, but Reigns returned after the match and attacked both of them.
This week’s SmackDown will also feature a four-way match to decide Reigns’ challenger for Clash of Champions. Big E, Matt Riddle, Baron Corbin, and Sheamus will face off to determine Reigns’ challenger for the pay-per-view. Big E defeated Sheamus and Riddle defeated Corbin in singles matches at Payback.
Clash of Champions is taking place on Sunday, September 27.
A new match has been added to the card for Sunday’s Payback pay-per-view.
Big E vs. Sheamus has been made official for Payback this Sunday. The announcement of the match was made on this week’s episode of Talking Smack.
This will be Big E’s first PPV match of his current singles run. On SmackDown last week, Big E defeated Sheamus in a singles match. He rolled up Sheamus to get the pin after Sheamus was distracted by Matt Riddle and Baron Corbin fighting on the outside.
Big E and Sheamus were then on opposite sides of a six-man tag match on SmackDown last night. Big E teamed with Heavy Machinery to defeat The Miz, John Morrison & Sheamus after Sheamus walked out on his partners. The finish of the match was Big E pinning Miz after hitting the Big Ending.
Kayla Braxton and The Miz were again the hosts of Talking Smack this week. Braxton and Xavier Woods have been announced as the regular hosts of the show.
There are now seven matches confirmed for Payback. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending against Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match
Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against Bobby Lashley
Two matches have been added to Friday’s SummerSlam go-home episode of SmackDown.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro will defend their titles against The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) on SmackDown this week. This is the second title match set for the show. AJ Styles will also defend his Intercontinental title against Jeff Hardy on the episode.
Big E vs. Sheamus is the other new match that’s been announced for this week’s SmackDown.
Metalik defeated Nakamura on SmackDown last week after Nakamura was distracted by Kalisto making his return. Kalisto and Dorado took out Cesaro at ringside.
Big E defeated John Morrison last Friday. Earlier in the show, their first attempt at facing each other was interrupted by RETRIBUTION. Big E rallied the SmackDown roster backstage after that until being interrupted by Sheamus. Sheamus said Big E was alone, vulnerable, and scared.
This week’s SmackDown will see the debut of WWE’s ThunderDome virtual fan experience at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The show will also feature the final build to Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship defense against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at SummerSlam.
The build to SummerSlam continues on tonight’s SmackDown.
Tonight’s show will feature Bray Wyatt hosting a new edition of the Firefly Funhouse. Last week, The Fiend attacked Alexa Bliss — who is friends with Braun Strowman — after Nikki Cross shoved her to the ground and left. Strowman’s been missing since losing the Swamp Fight to Wyatt at Extreme Rules. WWE.com is teasing Wyatt will reveal his motivations for attacking Bliss tonight.
Sonya Deville will be The Miz & John Morrison’s special correspondent on The Dirt Sheet. Deville viciously beat down Mandy Rose and cut chunks of her hair off last week. Rose was in the process of getting ready for a date with Otis when Deville attacked. Later, The Miz & Morrison mocked Rose until Heavy Machinery confronted them.
Matt Riddle takes on Sheamus tonight. Baron Corbin has placed a King’s Ransom bounty on Riddle for anyone to collect.
Plus, Corbin goes one-on-one with Jeff Hardy. Corbin interrupted Hardy last week as Hardy addressed his personal problems and winning the Bar Fight against Sheamus. Drew Gulak attempted to stand up for Hardy, but Corbin defeated him.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped the Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman from three weeks ago. It highlighted Alexa Bliss’s appearance in the match and Strowman disappearing in the water.
Wyatt stressed that The Fiend wants Strowman’s Universal Championship.
They recapped Cross losing to Bayley and pushing Bliss to the mat. After the match, The Fiend appeared and applied the Mandible Claw on Bliss.
The Firefly Funhouse
Wyatt welcomed everyone to the Firefly Funhouse. He wanted to clear something up that the haters keep DM’ing him about. Wyatt noted it’s not his fault that The Fiend attacked Bliss last week.
Wyatt blamed Strowman for Fiend attacking Bliss. Wyat promised that “He” will be here later and with a surprise. Wyatt promised Strowman that if “He” doesn’t get want he wants, she’ll suffer.
Matt Riddle defeated Sheamus
Riddle and Sheamus had a good hard-hitting match until the finish.
They recapped Shorty G attacking Riddle last week in an attempt to collect the King’s Ransom bounty.
Sheamus took over with a side headlock, but Riddle broke free. Sheamus regained control with a knee to the gut and slowed the pace down. Riddle reversed into an armbar then transitioned into a pin attempt.
Sheamus recovered and rocked Riddle with a sick looking powerbomb. Riddle dropped Sheamus over the top rope, but he landed on the apron. Sheamus hit a series of shots to the chest. Sheamus climbed to the top. Riddle got back to his feet and knocked Sheamus off the top to the floor with a forearm.
Back from the break, Sheamus was back in control with a chin lock. Riddle broke free, but Sheamus hit three Irish curse backbreakers in a row for a near fall. He slowed the pace back down with a chin lock.
Riddle got back to his feet, but Sheamus attempted a back suplex. Riddle landed on his feet and rocked Sheamus with a kick to the head. Riddle followed up with two forearm shots in the corner and a suplex.
He followed up with a penalty kick and Broton for a near fall. Riddle attempted the Floating Bro, but Sheamus moved, and Riddle landed on his feet again. Riddle charged, but Sheamus hit White Noise for a close near fall.
Riddle avoided the Brogue Kick and hit a German suplex for a two count. Sheamus went shoulder-first into the ring post after missing a charge in the corner.
Riddle and Sheamus brawled around ringside. Sheamus rocked Riddle with a stiff knee. Riddle struggled to get back in the ring when Shorty G suddenly attacked for the disqualification.
Shorty G was briefly in control, but Riddle took over and beat him around ringside. He rocked Shorty G with a kick against the steps.
Riddle won the match by DQ, but it didn’t seem to bother him. He was happy that he won.
Sheamus was furious at Shorty G for interfering and trying to collect the King’s Ransom. Sheamus then gave Shorty G a Brogue kick.
They treated Shorty G like a complete joke getting beat up by both the face and heel.
Michael Cole noted The Fiend will be here tonight and teased a possible confrontation with Braun Strowman.
Sheamus confronted King Corbin in the back. He was furious that Corbin sent out Shorty G to interfere in his match. Corbin didn’t back down and noted he’s busy with Jeff Hardy tonight.
The Dirt Sheet
They recapped Sonya Deville attacking Mandy Rose last week.
Their mics stopped working, and they had other issues. They blamed Retribution, but Miz assumed they’re only on Raw.
They introduced their guest, Mandy Rose’s hair. Rose’s hair appeared on the big screen with googly eyes. They both did a weird voice pretending to be her hair. They mocked Rose and Heavey Machinery.
Miz then said it was time to speak with the real victim from last week and introduced Sonya Deville.
Deville talked about how great it felt to attack Rose and cut her hair off. She mocked Rose and has no respect left for her. Deville got upset with the fans and noted Rose’s music isn’t going to play. She’s not coming out to get her revenge.
Deville pointed out that Rose only made it to the WWE because she won some bikini contests. She was disgusted that Rose won an award for making out with Otis.
They continued to mock Rose until Heavy Machinery ran out, and a brawl broke out. The faces cleared the ring, and the heels took off.
Deville was good in this segment, but Miz and Morrison’s Rose’s hair bit went long and dragged towards the end.
They recapped Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura winning the SmackDown Tag Team titles when they defeated New Day in a tables match.
Cesaro and Dorado worked well together and had a good, fast-paced match while it lasted.
Michael Cole claimed that Cesaro and Nakamura have been acting like teenagers since winning the titles.
The lights flickered during the match. Corey Graves was concerned that Retribution came to SmackDown.
Cesaro was firmly in control, but Dorado sent Cesaro to the floor with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Dorado attempted a dive, but Cesaro caught him. Dorado fought back and pulled himself onto the barricade. He then hit a hurricanrana sending Cesaro into the apron.
Dorado attempted a crossbody, but Cesaro caught him and hit a backbreaker. Cesaro slowed the pace down, but Dorado fought back, and the pace picked up.
Cesaro lifted Dorado, and he stood on Cesaro’s shoulder and did a backflip onto his feet. Dorado then hit a springboard stunner for near fall. He then used a hurricanrana for another near fall.
Cesaro recovered and hit the Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Heavy Machinery. Otis noted that Miz and Morrison could say whatever they want about him but not his girlfriend, Mandy Rose.
The Fiend made his way to the ring.
The Fiend/Braun Strowman Promo
Back from the break, The Fiend was standing in the ring with his music playing and the red lights. He walked around the ring.
Suddenly, Alexa Bliss appeared in the ring sitting on the mat like last week. Fiend walked around the ring and crawled towards Bliss.
Fiend teased applying the Mandible Claw on Bliss again. Bliss stopped him and touched his face.
Suddenly, Universal Champion Braun Strowman appeared on the screen. He claimed he didn’t care about Bliss. He’s an evil monster, and he’ll give The Fiend whatever he wants. Strowman agreed to face The Fiend at SummerSlam.
This was a weird segment. It felt like a weak follow up to last week’s angle. Strowman not caring about Bliss seemed strange unless they’re planning some kind of trap for The Fiend. There was no explanation of how Bliss ended up in the ring during the commercial.
Jeff Hardy defeated King Corbin
They worked a slow pace in a short match, although the finish worked into the story of the opening match.
Hardy had the early advantage, but Corbin avoided the twist of fate and hit a vicious clothesline for a near fall. Corbin beat down Hardy at ringside on the announce table.
Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Hardy broke free and hit a sliding dropkick.
He rammed Corbin’s head into the barricade. Corbin recovered and hit the deep six for a close near fall.
Corbin rocked Hardy with a knee that sent him to the floor.
Suddenly, Sheamus ran out and hit the Brogue Kick on Hardy for the disqualification. Corbin was furious that Sheamus interfered. They argued at ringside.
Sheamus defeated King Corbin
They had a fine match but worked a slow pace. The Performance Center fans didn’t know what to do since they’re both heels and just made noise.
Back from the break and the match was in progress. Corbin rocked Sheamus with a clothesline at ringside. He slammed Sheamus headfirst into the announce table.
Sheamus recovered and gave Corbin a clothesline to the floor.
Sheamus sent Corbin into the barricade, announce table, and ring post. He missed a top rope move, and Corbin hit a side slam for a near fall.
Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Sheamus powered up and attempted White Noise, but Corbin slipped out and hit a clothesline.
Suddenly, Matt Riddle caused a distraction, and Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the win.
In the back, Bayley and Sasha Banks discussed Bayley’s match with Asuka on Raw. Bayley wished that Banks asked her first before volunteering her for the match.
An office worker approached and informed them they need to go to the ring for a conference call with Stephanie McMahon.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Big E in the back and wondered what’s next for him. He went over his history with The New Day. He’s ready to see what he can do in singles competition.
Bayley and Sasha Banks Conference Call with Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon praised Bayley and Sasha Banks for winning all the titles. Banks mentioned McMahon’s daughters and said they’re just finishing what she started. McMahon noted they found loopholes in her rulings.
Banks and Bayley tried to apologize, but she wasn’t mad. McMahon then announced a triple brand battle royal next week with the winner getting a title shot against Bayley at SummerSlam.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed The Miz, John Morrison, and Sonya Deville. They mocked Otis and Heavy Machinery.
Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz & John Morrison (w/Sonya Deville)
Tucker used some mat wrestling to keep Morrison grounded. Morrison got to his feet, but Tucker avoided a kick and hit a clothesline. Otis and Tucker sandwiched Miz with a splash. Tucker then hit a senton off the apron onto the heels.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control as they isolated Tucker. Morrison hit a double foot stomp and running knee. Miz followed up with a DDT for a near fall.
Tucker fought back, and Otis got the hot tag. Otis ran wild on the heels and threw them around the ring. He hit the splash in the corner and followed up with the Catapiller, but Miz broke up the three count.
Tucker charged at the heels, but they moved, and he ran into the barricade. Miz then sent Otis into the steps.
Suddenly, Mandy Rose ran out with short hair and attacked Deville. Rose and Deville brawled around ringside and in the ring.
Heavy Machinery and Miz & Morrison tried to break up the brawl.
This was a fine tag team match, but there wasn’t much to it. However, Rose and Deville had a good post-match brawl.
In the back, Rose and Deville continued to argue when the lights went out.
Suddenly, Michael Cole and Corey Graves freaked out at ringside as a bunch of men and women in black masks and hoodies ran out with crowbars and baseball bats. Cole assumed they must be Retribution.
They chased off Cole, Graves, and the cameramen. They attacked a few of the fans in the audience and then flipped over the announce table.
They spray painted the ring mats, steps, and ring apron skirt.
One of the guys brought in a chainsaw and cut the ring ropes. Retribution then celebrated.
The closing angle was chaotic and similar to the Nexus attack in 2010. However, none of the SmackDown roster came out or were involved in the beat down. The angle was done well, but it felt like something was missing to make it a big deal. It depends on where the story goes from here.
Next Week: Triple Brand Battle Royal for a title shot against SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at SummerSlam.
WWE has revealed much of the lineup for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
Two matches and two other segments have been announced for this Friday’s show. Matt Riddle will take on Sheamus, Jeff Hardy will face Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt will host a new edition of the Firefly Fun House, and Sonya Deville will be The Miz and John Morrison’s guest on The Dirt Sheet.
Corbin has offered a King’s Ransom bounty to anyone who can take out Riddle. After losing to Hardy in their bar fight the previous week, Sheamus cut a promo last Friday where he sent a warning to the SmackDown roster. Sheamus said Hardy will self-destruct on his own and declared that he’s moving on from his feud with Hardy.
Corbin interrupted Hardy on SmackDown last week and then defeated Drew Gulak.
Last week’s SmackDown ended with an angle where The Fiend put Alexa Bliss (who is friends with Braun Strowman) in the Mandible Claw. WWE is teasing that Wyatt may reveal the motivations for that attack during tomorrow’s Firefly Fun House segment.
Deville attacked Mandy Rose backstage last week, cut some of Rose’s hair, and then attempted to shave her head until being stopped.
Last night’s Extreme Rules fallout edition of SmackDown was headlined by a match originally intended for the pay-per-view.
Jeff Hardy and Sheamus faced off in a bar fight in the main event of last night’s SmackDown. The match took place in a bar and was done cinematic style.
Two matches on last night’s show set up title matches for next week. Nikki Cross defeated her tag team partner Alexa Bliss and will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship next Friday. In a fatal four-way match, Gran Metalik defeated Shorty G, Drew Gulak, and his Lucha House Party stablemate Lince Dorado. Metalik will challenge AJ Styles for the Intercontinental title next week.
After being put through two tables at Extreme Rules, Kofi Kingston claimed that he’ll be out of action for six weeks or more and said it’s now Big E’s time. Plus, a new Firefly Fun House segment aired following Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman’s swamp fight at Extreme Rules, Naomi appeared on Miz TV, and Matt Riddle took on Tony Nese.
A bar fight between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus headlines tonight’s Extreme Rules fallout edition of SmackDown.
Their story began with Sheamus taunting Hardy and mocking his past issues with alcohol and substance abuse. Later, Hardy claimed that Sheamus framed him in the hit-and-run incident involving Elias. A few weeks ago, Hardy attacked Sheamus’ personal bartender during Sheamus’ toast to Hardy. Hardy and Sheamus look to settle their issues tonight.
Naomi will appear on Miz TV to address Lacey Evans and her fans on social media. Last week, Evans defeated Naomi after tying her hair up in the ropes. After the match, Naomi trended on Twitter and received a great deal of fan support from people who believe she deserves better.
After the controversial finish to their match at Extreme Rules, Asuka and Sasha Banks are set to face off for the Raw Women’s title next Monday. Before that can happen, Women’s Tag Team Champions Banks and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley plan on addressing the title situation tonight.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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In the back, Jeff Hardy discussed tonight’s Bar Fight against Sheamus. Hardy promised to overcome his demons and defeat the bully Sheamus.
They cut to Sheamus, giving his thoughts on the match. He mocked Hardy and promised that Hardy was going to end up in the gutter.
Sheamus’s personal bartender was busy getting the bar ready for the fight later.
JBL gave his thoughts on the match by Zoom. He’s saving his prediction for later but is confident it’s going to be great.
WWE Women’s Champion Tag Team Champions and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks made their way to the ring. Banks came out carrying the Raw Woman’s Championship. They celebrated having all the belts and showed the new dictionary definition of greatness, which included a picture of Bayley and Banks. Bayley noted they ushered in the Women’s revolution, but now the revolution is over. It’s the beginning of the Bayley and Banks era.
Bayley and Banks were great in this opening segment.
Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss interrupted. Cross was furious and demanded a rematch against Bayley. She pointed out that Banks stole the title from Asuka.
Bayley agreed to give Cross a rematch as long as she can win a match against a former SmackDown champion and future Hall of Famer. Bayley teased it was Banks but instead announced Alexa Bliss. The winner takes on Bayley next week.
Cross and Bliss briefly shared words. Cross then shoved Bliss to the ground and headed to the ring. Bayley and Banks couldn’t hide their glee when Cross pushed Bliss.
Nikki Cross defeated Alexa Bliss
Bayley and Banks joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cross and Bliss had a fine match that dragged at times. However, Bayley and Banks were awesome on commentary and were the highlight of the match.
Cole apologized to Banks and Bayley for doubting their friendship in the last few months.
They went back and forth early. Bliss slapped Cross, and she snapped. Cross rocked Bliss with a clothesline for a near fall. She followed up with a bulldog for another near fall.
Bliss took over with a dropkick, which sent Cross to the floor. Bliss attempted a sliding dropkick, but Cross caught her in the ring apron skirt. Bliss recovered and rocked Cross with a boot to the face.
Banks and Bayley loved the action and were cheering Bliss and Cross to hurt each other. Suddenly, Cross and Bliss attacked Bayley and Banks knocking them down.
Back from the break, Bliss was firmly in control as she attacked Cross’s injured ribs. Cross rolled to the floor, but Bliss threw her into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Bliss hit the double knees to Cross’s stomach for a near fall. Bliss slowed the pace down and continued to work over Cross’s ribs. Cross fought back and backed Bliss into the corner. She rammed Bliss’s head into the turnbuckle.
Cross attempted a tornado DDT, but Bliss avoided the move. Bliss then hit the Canadian Destroyer for a close near fall. Cross made a comeback and hit a reverse DDT for a near fall.
Cross missed a flying crossbody and landed hard on her ribs. She was in severe pain, so Bliss backed off. Cross then used an inside cradle to win the match. Bliss was disappointed to lose. Cross takes on Bayley next week.
In the back, Bliss approached Cross. Bliss admitted that Cross got one over her. Bliss congratulated Cross on her win and hugged her. Bliss told Cross it’s time to focus on Bayley and winning the title next week.
They showed highlights from the Swamp Fight from Extreme Rules between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt.
The Firefly Funhouse
It opened up with a shot of the Fiend’s lamp. Bray Wyatt celebrated that Braun Strowman came home. The lamp started talking to Wyatt. He laughed and noted that The Eater of Worlds Bray Wyatt already had his chance against Strowman
Wyatt turned to the screen and said it’s now the Fiend’s turn. Wyatt revealed that he unleashed The Fiend at Extreme Rules. Wyatt laughed and waved goodbye.
They recapped A.J. Styles defeating Matt Riddle last week. They highlighted Styles shaking Riddle’s hand and King Corbin attacking Riddle.
Matt Riddle defeated Tony Neese
This was kept short and was more a showcase for Riddle.
Riddle dominated the match. He hit a series of gut-wrench suplexes for a near fall. He followed up with the broton. Neese took over and hit a moonsault for a near fall. Riddle fought back and attempted Bro Derek, but Neese fought out.
Riddle kicked Neese in the back and followed up with a forearm in the corner. Riddle then hit a second broton and the Bro Derek for the win.
After the match, Riddle grabbed the mic and noted he’s doesn’t have a lot of experience with this, but he’s calling out King Corbin.
Corbin came out and noted that Riddle doesn’t know how things work around here. He said that Riddle doesn’t belong in his kingdom. Corbin told Riddle to go back to NXT for more seasoning, or maybe he should go to 205 Live.
Corbin is so confident that Riddle doesn’t belong on SmackDown that he’s announcing the King’s ransom. Anyone wrestler that takes out Riddle can collect the payment.
Riddle told Corbin that he’s got it all wrong. He promised Corbin that he’s going to be the next person on the bro show. Neese tried to jump Riddle, but Riddle saw him coming and rocked him with a kick to the head.
In the back, Miz and John Morrison discussed Naomi trending on Twitter last week. Morrison attempted to come up with a series of hashtags, but Miz wasn’t impressed.
JBL gave his thoughts on the bar fight between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus later. He picked Hardy to win the match.
Miz TV with Naomi
This was a typical Miz TV segment. Miz and Morrison made a bunch of jokes and just kept trying to be funny.
Miz and John Morrison talked about keeping up with current trends. Morrison tried to get #moremorrison trending. Morrison mocked Seth Rollins for throwing up at Extreme Rules.
They introduced their guest Naomi. Miz and Morrison both danced to her music. Miz noted that social media got behind Naomi after she lost to Lacey Evans last week. She pointed out that she does it for the fans.
Miz and Morrison didn’t understand why she trended. They pointed out that she lost to Evans, but she trended. Naomi noted they’re making her sick, so they made more Seth Rollins puking jokes.
Naomi got in their faces. She worked hard for over a decade and won’t let them insult her or her fans. Miz and Morrison then introduced their surprise guest Lacey Evans.
Evans came to the ring and noted that Naomi lost so badly she trended. Naomi slapped Evans as she was putting on lipstick. The lipstick spread across Evans’s cheek. The lipstick spot was done well, and the camera angle was perfect.
Naomi took Evans’s hat and danced in the ring. Evans was furious as Naomi danced.
They recapped Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura defeating The New Day for the titles. They highlighted Cesaro power bombing Kofi Kingston through two tables.
In the back, Kingston walked out of the trainer’s room. He told a concerned Big E that he’s going to be out of action for six weeks. Kingston is excited to spend time with the family. Big E promised Kingston they’re going to get the titles back.
Kingston thinks this is a sign that it’s time for Big E to shine. Kingston told Big E to be a single star while he and Woods heal up. They embraced to end the segment.
Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles made his way to the announce table to join the commentators. Michael Cole noted they’re going to determine Styles’ next challenger.
Fatal Four Way Number One Contenders Match: Gran Metalkik defeated Shorty G, Lince Dorado, and Drew Gulak
This was a really good fast-paced match with a lot of action. All four guys worked hard. At first, it seemed odd that these four guys were in the number one contender’s match, but in the end, it didn’t matter.
Dorado and Metalik cleared the ring and faced off. Gulak pulled Dorado out of the ring. Metalik jumped out of the ring and gave Gulak a hurricanrana off the apron.
Shorty G tried to give Metalki a German suplex, but he landed on his feet. Dorado hit a suicide dive on Gulak.
Metalik attempted springboard crossbody, but Shorty G hit a dropkick. Shorty G then hit a huge moonsault to the floor on all three guys.
Back from the break, Shorty G used a backslide for a near fall, but Gulak countered for a near fall. Shorty G rocked Metalik with hard chops. Gulak pushed Shorty G out of the way and beat down Metalik. Gulak and Shorty G briefly worked together. Metalik hit a double springboard elbow.
Dorado hit a huge flying crossbody for a near fall. Dorado then hit a springboard stunner on Gulak, but Metalik broke up the pin attempt. Shorty G pushed Metalik into Dorado. Shorty G then hit a back suplex for a near fall.
Gulak applied the Gulak lock on Shorty G, but Shorty G made it to the ropes. Shorty G used the ropes to reverse into the ankle lock. Dorado hit a massive splash on Shorty G while he had the ankle lock on Gulak for a close near fall.
Dorado hit a series of moonsaults, but Gulak stopped the third attempt. The finish saw Shorty G give Dorado a huge German suplex off the top of the turnbuckle. Dorado flipped over and rolled out of the ring.
Metalik then hit an elbow off the top rope onto Shorty G for the win.
After the match, Styles got in Metalik’s face and slapped him. Metalik slapped Styles back and hit a springboard DDT on Styles.
In the back, Kalya Braxton interviewed new SmackDown Tag Team Champions Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro. Cesaro mocked Kofi Kingston. He said it was too bad he didn’t get to put Big E through a table. Cesaro doesn’t agree that it’s Big E’s time.
They recapped the Jeff Hardy and Sheamus feud.
Bar Fight: Jeff Hardy defeated Sheamus
Hardy and Sheamus had a good brawl with some fun moments.
They cut to the bar, and a referee was sitting having a drink. The opening image was funny. Sheamus then walked in dressed like a guy from the 1920s looking for a fight.
Jeff Hardy walked in and sat next to Sheamus. Sheamus asked if Hardy wants a drink. The referee wanted to know if they were ready to start. Hardy pointed out the ref is just here to count the three. Hardy has something he wants to say to Sheamus first.
Hardy said his brother had to delete his WWE career, but he’s here to recapture his career. Sheamus’s ready to start, so he took his hat off and gave it to the bartender. Hardy threw beer in Sheamus’ face, and they started brawling.
Hardy rocked Sheamus with forearm shots, but Sheamus recovered. He slammed Hardy on the bar and dragged him across it. Sheamus pounded on Hardy’s chest.
Sheamus asked for a drink but wants the good stuff. Hardy ran across the bar and jumped onto Sheamus. Hardy was firmly in control and threw tiny basketballs at Sheamus.
They fought in the hallway. Sheamus took back over after hitting Hardy with a keg. Sheamus then hit the bathroom door on Hardy’s head. He dragged Hardy into the bathroom.
Sheamus shoved Hardy’s head into the urinal, which was gross. Hardy fought back and threw Sheamus into the stall. Hardy crawled out of the bathroom.
Sheamus recovered and walked up the hallway looking for Hardy. In a cool shot, Hardy emerged from behind Sheamus with a ladder. He beat Sheamus with the ladder and then jumped off the bar again.
Sheamus caught Hardy and slammed him against the brick wall several times. He tried to hit Hardy with a guitar, but Hardy ducked. Hardy attacked Sheamus, but Sheamus recovered and whipped Hardy into the drums.
Back from the break, Sheamus was firmly in control and attempted the Brogue Kick. Hardy avoided, and Sheamus’s leg went through a drum. Hardy took back over and beat Sheamus all over the bar.
Hardy then gave Sheamus the twist of fate. Hardy set up the ladder and started climbing it, but the bartender jumped Hardy from behind.
Hardy fought back, and power bombed the bartender through a table. Sheamus recovered and smashed a chair over Hardy’s back. Sheamus put his hat on Hardy’s face and poured himself a drink.
Sheamus finished his drink and told the referee to get ready.
Sheamus pulled the hat off of Hardy, but Hardy was now wearing face paint. Hardy opened his eyes and made his comeback. He beat down Sheamus again and then hit the Swanton Bomb off the ladder for the win.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles defends against Gran Metalik. Also, SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley defends against Nikki Cross. Otis and Mandy Rose return, and their love story continues. Plus, Naomi goes one-on-one with Lacey Evans.
A “bar fight” will be the next step in the feud between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Hardy and Sheamus will face off in a bar fight at Extreme Rules. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, July 19.
Hardy joined The Miz and John Morrison for a Miz TV segment at the start of tonight’s SmackDown. Miz said they think Hardy needs to redeem himself after losing to Sheamus at Backlash and needs to face Sheamus in a bar fight. Morrison said Hardy would be facing his physical enemy Sheamus and his metaphorical enemy alcohol at the same time.
Hardy questioned if Sheamus put them up to this. Hardy said Sheamus thinks he’ll crumble in the bar fight, but Hardy vowed that Sheamus is wrong. Hardy said he’ll never go back to where he was and he’ll prove once and for all that he’s on the right path to redemption.
Hardy told Miz and Morrison to tell Sheamus that he accepts. Hardy also took exception to Miz and Morrison mocking him and challenged one of them to face him. He attacked Miz and Morrison and then faced Miz in a singles match. Sheamus appeared via video with a beer in his hand in an attempt to distract Hardy. Miz tried to roll Hardy up while he was distracted, but Hardy reversed it and rolled up Miz to get the win.
Sheamus hasn’t made an in-person appearance on SmackDown since June 19. He also appeared via video for last week’s segment where he presented a toast to Hardy.
Here’s the updated card for Extreme Rules:
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Dolph Ziggler (Ziggler will pick the stipulation for the match)
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Sasha Banks
Universal Champion Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt in a non-title Wyatt swamp fight
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Nikki Cross
Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins in an eye for an eye match
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against MVP
The feud between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus will continue with a match at WWE’s next pay-per-view.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Hardy vs. Sheamus has been added to the card for Backlash. The PPV is taking place on Sunday, June 14.
Tonight’s SmackDown opened with Hardy giving his side of the story after last week’s hit-and-run angle where Elias was hit by a car outside of the Performance Center. Hardy said the last thing he could remember before being taken into custody was it feeling like someone hit him with an anvil. Hardy said he knew he didn’t slip up, and eye witnesses told police that the person who got out of his car and fled the scene had red hair and a red beard.
Sheamus came out to the stage and told Hardy not to point fingers at him. He said Hardy was doing what he’s done for his entire life — blame other people for his problems. He also claimed that the eye witnesses were fans who lied to the police on Hardy’s behalf and are enabling him.
Sheamus told Hardy to be a man for once in his life and admit to what he did. He said that Hardy isn’t a man, he’s just a junkie. Sheamus also said Hardy shouldn’t worry about the disappointment his wife and daughters will feel because they’re used to it.
Hardy then went to attack Sheamus but was beaten down by him.
Here’s the updated lineup for Backlash:
Edge vs. Randy Orton
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Bobby Lashley
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Nia Jax
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against The Miz & John Morrison in a handicap match
A hit-and-run angle was the focus of last night’s SmackDown.
The show opened with the revelation that Elias had been hit by a car outside of the WWE Performance Center. The driver of the vehicle wasn’t around, but it was revealed to be Jeff Hardy’s rental car and a bottle of alcohol was found inside of it. A disoriented Hardy was then found and taken into police custody, while Elias was also removed from WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament due to being unable to compete.
Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and Elias vs. AJ Styles were supposed to be the semifinals of the tournament. Styles advanced to the finals automatically, but Bryan said he wasn’t a coward and wanted to face a new opponent. Sheamus, who lost to Hardy in the first round, won a 10-man battle royal and went on to face Bryan in the main event.
Bryan defeated Sheamus in the semifinals, hitting him with a running knee after Hardy made his return at the end of the match. Hardy then attacked Sheamus until Sheamus fled.
WWE.com furthered the storyline by posting an update after SmackDown went off the air:
WWE Digital has learned Jeff Hardy was released from custody by the Orlando police after successfully passing the required sobriety tests, therefore absolving Hardy of the charges of public intoxication, driving under the influence, and the hit-and-run on Elias earlier tonight.
Elias was found injured in the parking lot with an abandoned car nearby before Friday Night SmackDown began. Hardy was taken into custody after being found in a dazed state not far from the scene, but he reemerged as Sheamus battled Daniel Bryan in the night’s final match.
Stay tuned to WWE social and digital channels for the latest updates on the developing situation.
The first round of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament concluded on last night’s SmackDown.
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura renewed their rivalry, with Styles hitting the Phenomenal Forearm to defeat Nakamura and move on to the semifinals of the tournament. It was also announced that Styles has been traded to SmackDown for “future considerations.”
Jeff Hardy and Sheamus faced off in a tournament match in last night’s main event. Sheamus dominated throughout, but Hardy managed to pin him and move on to the semifinals.
Both semifinal matches will air on SmackDown next week. They are Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and Styles vs. Elias.
Charlotte Flair also faced off with Bayley in a non-title champion vs. champion match last night, Mandy Rose & Otis took on Sonya Deville & Dolph Ziggler, and the build to Backlash continued with it being announced that Braun Strowman will defend his Universal Championship against The Miz & John Morrison in a handicap match at the pay-per-view.
Much of the lineup for next Friday’s SmackDown has already been revealed.
– NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley will face off in a non-title champion vs. champion match on next Friday’s show. That was set up when Charlotte appeared on SmackDown tonight as part of the brand-to-brand invitation.
Bayley challenged Charlotte to the champion vs. champion match and Charlotte accepted. Charlotte also asked if Sasha Banks is her own woman or if she’s happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
– The first round of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament will conclude with the remaining first round matches taking place on next week’s SmackDown. Jeff Hardy will face off with Sheamus, and AJ Styles will take on Shinsuke Nakamura. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Daniel Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will advance to a semifinal match against Elias.
– A mixed tag grudge match is also set for SmackDown next week. It will be Mandy Rose & Otis vs. Sonya Deville & Dolph Ziggler.
Following his win in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Otis appeared on a Miz TV segment at the start of SmackDown tonight. It led to Braun Strowman later agreeing to team with Otis in the main event and them defeating Miz & Morrison.
A promo with Deville and Ziggler also aired on SmackDown tonight, with Deville saying Rose will never be a winner like her and will never have the skill, talent, charisma, and mind that Deville has. Deville said she’s just getting started ruining Rose’s life.
The bracket for WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion has now been revealed.
It’s an eight-man, single-elimination tournament. The left side of the bracket has Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus as its first round matches, while Elias vs. Baron Corbin and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the first round matches on the right side of the bracket.
Styles is taking part in the tournament despite being a Raw wrestler. When the bracket was announced on SmackDown tonight, it was said that Styles was going after one of the only titles that he hasn’t won in WWE.
The brand-to-brand invitation was announced on Raw this week, allowing for a limited amount of crossover between the Raw and SmackDown brands.
It was first announced on WWE Backstage this week that the Intercontinental title has been declared vacant. Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to that announcement. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since he retained the Intercontinental title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
