A United States Championship match has been made official for the Royal Rumble.
During Tuesday’s SmackDown, it was announced that United States Champion Rusev will defend his title against Shinsuke Nakamura at the Royal Rumble. Rusev won the title from Nakamura on the SmackDown episode that aired on Christmas Day.
Rusev and Nakamura’s feud has continued since Rusev won the title. Nakamura interrupted Rusev’s celebration two weeks ago, with the angle leading to Lana jumping on Nakamura’s back to try and stop him from attacking Rusev. Rusev gave Nakamura the Machka Kick, Lana crashed to the mat, and Nakamura laid out Rusev while he was distracted by checking on Lana.
On last week’s SmackDown, Nakamura told Rusev that what happened to Lana was Rusev’s fault. Rusev went after Nakamura backstage, but Nakamura ambushed him.
This year’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view is taking place at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on January 27. Here’s the updated card:
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Finn Balor
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
Men’s Royal Rumble match
Women’s Royal Rumble match
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Sasha Banks
SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Becky Lynch
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against Shane McMahon & The Miz
United States Champion Rusev defending against Shinsuke Nakamura
Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match
After being taped in Fresno last week, the Christmas Day edition of SmackDown will air tonight.
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against Rusev. A few weeks ago, Rusev pinned Nakamura in a tag match to earn this title shot. Last week, Nakamura showed embarrassing clips of Rusev from Total Divas to prove he doesn’t need to be afraid of him. Rusev promises to win the championship on the greatest day of the year — Rusev Day.
Shane McMahon will appear on a special Christmas edition of Miz TV. Miz has tried to convince McMahon to form a tag team. He even asked for Vince McMahon’s blessings last week but didn’t get it.
Jeff Hardy goes one-on-one with Samoa Joe. Joe has been taunting Hardy about his personal struggles. He even held a public service announcement a few weeks ago. Tonight, Hardy looks to gain some revenge.
SAnitY attacked Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson and The Usos as SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar watched on last week. The tag champs then attacked the already beaten babyfaces. Tonight, SAnitY continues on their path of rampage.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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R-Truth and Carmella came out to start SmackDown. Truth was dressed as Santa Claus and Carmella as an Elf. The entrance is decorated with Christmas Trees and presents. There are also Christmas trees and presents around ringside. Truth welcomed everyone to a special Christmas edition of SmackDown. Truth started naming the reindeer but then started naming members of the Jackson Family. Truth and Carmella broke into a carol break.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan came out and was upset that he’s here and not with his family. He revealed that this isn’t the real Santa Claus. He started yelling “Fickle” at Truth and Carmella. He’s here to expose the real Santa Claus. He noted the people’s obsession with materialistic products damaged the environment. He said in 20 years there would be no North Pole and no Santa Claus.
Truth called Bryan an angry little elf. Bryan called Truth’s career a joke. Truth said it might be but he’s going to be number 30 in the Royal Rumble. He noted he might be the one to beat Bryan for the belt if he’s still champion at WrestleMania. Bryan asked how Truth could win the Rumble if he’s can’t count to 30. Truth started counting to prove he can. He got to 7 and they broke into a dance break.
Bryan jumped Truth and attacked his leg. He rammed Truth’s leg against the ring post. Bryan then locked on the heel hook and continued the beat down.
Mustafa Ali defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Zelina Vega)
Almas jumped Ali with a drop kick to start to match. Almas had the early advantage until he missed a charge in the corner. Ali fought back and caught Almas with a hurricanrana.
Almas shoved Ali off the second turnbuckle to the floor to take over. During the commercial break, Almas was firmly in control and scored a near fall. They traded chops in the center of the ring.
Ali hit the rolling DDT for a near fall. He missed a super kick and Almas took over with a back elbow. Almas caught Ali in the tree of woe and hit a double foot stomp off the top for a near fall. Ali and Almas fought on the top turnbuckle. Ali attempted a sunset flip powerbomb but Almas landed on his feet. Almas missed the double knees in the corner and Ali hit a tornado DDT. He then hit the 054 for the win.
In the locker room, Samoa Joe discussed his upcoming match with Jeff Hardy. He continued to taunt Hardy. Joe believes he’s Hardy’s new addiction. He promised that everything around Hardy will fade away.
The Usos and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows defeated The Bar and SAnitY (w/Eric Young)
The New Day joined on commentary for the match. They had their own Christmas themed announce table.
The babyfaces were in control early. The heels took over when Eric Young distracted Jimmy and Killen Dain nailed him with a cross body. The heels isolated Jimmy on their side of the ring. Gallows got the hot tag and ran wild. The Usos took out SAnitY with super kicks. Finish came when Gallows and Anderson hit the Magic Killer on Cesaro for the win.
A video aired for the upcoming debuts of some new faces. This included Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, Nikki Cross and EC3.
Backstage, Mustafa Ali was walking in the back. Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa and Cedric Alexander congratulated him. Shelton Benjamin officially welcomed Ali to SmackDown. Daniel Bryan then jumped Ali from behind. He kept yelling that Ali doesn’t deserve to be on SmackDown as he beat him down.
The Miz hosted Miz TV with guest Shane McMahon. The Best In The World Trophy was in the middle of the ring with a Santa hat. He asked if McMahon saw his match last week. McMahon didn’t want to talk about that. Miz asked about the new changes. McMahon noted his family is running both shows now. He said they’re listening to the fans and they’ll decide the narrative.
Miz noted that since there are four people running SmackDown now then McMahon should be his tag team partner. McMahon’s not out here to talk about that. Miz pointed out that he and Mandy Rose defeated Truth and Carmella last week.
Miz revealed why he wants to be McMahon’s partner. He said this isn’t about him but his dad. Miz ran down his accomplishments but he never heard his dad say he was proud of him. Miz said his father was impressed with McMahon in the Best in the World tournament. Miz wants to be McMahon’s partner for his father.
Miz said the fans should make the decision if they should be partners. Miz asked the fans and they broke into a “Yes” chant. McMahon noted Miz’s story resonated with him. McMahon finally agreed to be Miz’s partner. Miz did the Yes chant. They held up the trophy and hugged.
In the back, Rusev noted today his birthday. He promised to win the belt tonight. He said it’s not going to just be the greatest birthday or Christmas day. It’s going to be the greatest Rusev Day.
Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy
Joe had early advantage and worked over Hardy. Hardy fought back and scored a two count. Joe slowed the pace down and locked on an abdominal stretch. Hardy fought back and hit a drop kick for a two count. Hardy hit the whisper in the wind for a near fall but Joe grabbed the bottom rope. Hardy hit the twist of fate and went up for the Swanton Bomb.
Joe rolled out of the ring to the floor. Hardy caught Joe with a clothesline off the apron. Hardy attacked Joe with knees on the floor. He wouldn’t stop so the referee stopped the match. Hardy threw Joe over the announce table. Joe fought back and choked out Hardy with the Coquina Clutch.
In the back, Shinsuke Nakamura said Rusev’s been naughty this year. The only thing he’s going to get is a knee to the face.
The Usos were walking backstage discussing their win. Jimmy went looking for Naomi. Instead he found Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Rose pointed out he was standing under mistletoe. Rose flirted with Jimmy when Naomi ran in. The heels ran off and Jimmy held Naomi back. Jimmy and Naomi ended up kissing under the mistletoe.
Rusev (w/Lana) defeated United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura to win the title
Rusev was in control early and went for a slam. Nakamura countered into an armbar but Rusev slipped out. Back from commercial, Nakamura was firmly in control. Nakamura missed a knee and Rusev took over. Rusev hit a back suplex for a near fall. Nakamura regained control with a kick to the back of the head. He followed up with a running knee for a near fall. Rusev tried to suplex Nakamura to the floor. Nakamura fought out and drop kicked Rusev to the floor instead.
Nakamura rocked Rusev with a series of knees. He slowed the pace down with a front face lock. Rusev fought out and tossed Nakamura across the ring. Nakamura fired back with stiff kicks. Rusev fired up and made a comeback. He hit a fall away slam, splash in the corner and spinning heel kick for a near fall. He rocked Nakamura with a kick to the side of the head for a two count.
Nakamura regained control on the floor. He sent Rusev into the steps and announce table. Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa but Rusev hit the Machka kick for a very close near fall. Rusev went for the Accolade but Nakamura reversed into the triangle submission. Rusev powered out and slammed Nakamura down.
Nakamura regained control and set up for the Kinshasa. Rusev missed the Machka kick. He rocked Nakamura with a clothesline and then hit the Machka kick to win the United States Championship.
Backstage, AJ Styles entered Vince McMahon’s office. McMahon asked him what his name is and who is he. Styles noted he’s a former two-time WWE Champion and SmackDown is the House AJ Styles built. McMahon wondered why he’s walking in the back while Daniel Bryan is raising hell.
McMahon noted some stars make their money and go home. He knows Styles isn’t like that. He’s more like McMahon. He noted Styles has a tortured soul. There’s an animal inside of Styles begging to come out.
McMahon wants to see that animal and he slapped Styles. Styles snapped and he attacked McMahon. He hit him and knocked him to the ground. Referees and officials came in and pulled Styles out. The referee checked on McMahon. He said he’s good as he lay on the floor.
Next Week: John Cena returns on the New Years Day SmackDown. Plus, The New Day hosts a special New Day New Year’s Celebration.
Here are next week’s SmackDown spoilers from Fresno, California. WWE is taping tonight as they’re now off the road until 12/26.
– Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows and The Usos defeated Sanity and The Bar
The New Day were on commentary wearing Santa outfits during the bout. Anderson and Gallows got the win after hitting the Magic Killer on Cesaro.
R-Truth and Carmella came out. Truth was dressed up like Santa Claus. They are interrupted by Daniel Bryan, who calls the crowd “fickle” for buying into the comedy act and calls Truth’s career a joke. This eventually led to a dance break where Bryan jumped Truth before it could conclude.
– Mustafa Ali defeated Andrade Cien Almas
Ali defeated Almas after hitting the 054.
Shane McMahon was on Miz TV. After asking the WWE Universe (which was said to have gotten a mixed reaction), it appears that they are now a tag team.
– Jeff Hardy defeated Samoa Joe by count out
The finish had Joe escape the Whisper in the Wind by rolling out to the floor. Hardy then attacked him on the outside which eventually led to the cout out. Hardy went for a twist of fate on the announce table after the match but Joe countered with the coquina clutch and choked him out.
– Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the WWE United States title
Rusev won the title after hitting the machka kick. He and Lana celebrated in the ring to close out the show.
WWE is promoting a Miz TV segment for Starrcade 2018.
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Rey Mysterio appearing on Miz TV has been announced for WWE Starrcade, which is taking place at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday. The show won’t air live, but a one-hour special from it will premiere on the WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time this Sunday (November 25). WWE tweeted that Miz TV with Nakamura and Mysterio will be on the special.
The U.S. Bank Arena has been advertising that Nakamura will defend his US title against Mysterio at Starrcade. The Miz vs. Rusev is also listed on the most recent advertised card.
This is the second year in a row that WWE has used the Starrcade name for a live event during Thanksgiving weekend. Last year’s Starrcade house show took place in Greensboro, North Carolina. Ric Flair appeared at Starrcade 2017 and is being advertised for a concert segment with Elias this year.
Ahead of the show taking place tomorrow, another match has been added to the card for Crown Jewel.
WWE announced this afternoon that Shinsuke Nakamura will defend his United States Championship against Rusev on the Crown Jewel pre-show. The pre-show will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow morning, with the main card starting at noon Eastern.
Nakamura was supposed to defend the US title against Tye Dillinger on this week’s episode of SmackDown, but Dillinger had to be pulled from the match due to suffering a legitimate hand injury.
On Tuesday’s SmackDown, it was confirmed that the United States Champion will face the Intercontinental Champion in a non-title match at Survivor Series in Los Angeles, California on November 18.
The updated lineup for Crown Jewel is listed below. The show is taking place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and will feature Hulk Hogan as its host.
Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker & Kane
Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar for the vacant Universal Championship
WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Samoa Joe
World Cup tournament finals
World Cup tournament semifinals
Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins in a World Cup tournament first round match
Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler in a World Cup tournament first round match
Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz in a World Cup tournament first round match
Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton in a World Cup tournament first round match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The New Day
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defending against Rusev (kickoff match)
A number of news notes regarding Crown Jewel and Survivor Series emerged from tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
SmackDown when Shane McMahon met with Randy Orton, The Miz, Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy ahead of their participation in the Crown Jewel World Cup tournament. McMahon said that he couldn’t allow Stephanie McMahon and Raw to win the World Cup tournament, saying that that if someone loses against the Raw partcipant in the finals, they would no longer be on SmackDown.
Meanwhile, General Manager Paige met with Charlotte backstage. Paige offered Charlotte the opportunity to captain the Smackdown women’s team in the Raw vs. SmackDown Survivor Series elimination match. Charlotte rejected the offer, saying that she didn’t feel she was the right person for the job. Paige told her to think about it.
It was also mentioned during commentary that the Intercontinental champion would meet the United States champion at Survivor Series. That would mean a Seth Rollins/Shinsuke Nakamura bout, but that has yet to be officially confirmed. Ronda Rousey, the Raw women’s champion, is already set to challenge SmackDown women’s champion Becky Lynch.
Though WWE had announced that Shinsuke Nakamura would defend his United States Championship against Tye Dillinger on tonight’s SmackDown, that match won’t be happening.
After Nakamura vs. Dillinger was pulled from the SmackDown preview today, WWE uploaded a video with Mike Rome announcing that Dillinger injured his hand at last night’s house show in Macon, Georgia and will require surgery. Nakamura will instead face R-Truth in a non-title match on tonight’s show.
Tonight’s SmackDown is the go-home show for Crown Jewel. While Daniel Bryan reportedly won’t be traveling to Saudi Arabia for Friday’s event, WWE is advertising that AJ Styles will confront Bryan tonight ahead of their WWE Championship match. Rey Mysterio & Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton & The Miz, Becky Lynch appearing, and a Trick or Street Fight between one member of The Bar and one member of The New Day are also set for tonight.
Two matches have been announced for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
On the night before Halloween, one member of The Bar (Big Show is also included on the graphic for the match with Cesaro & Sheamus) will face one member of The New Day in a Trick or Street Fight. The match comes in advance of New Day getting their rematch for Cesaro & Sheamus’ SmackDown Tag Team titles at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this Friday.
Paige also announced via Twitter that Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States Championship against Tye Dillinger on this Tuesday’s SmackDown. Nakamura vs. Dillinger stems from a title match they had last month ending without a finish due to an angle where Randy Orton attacked Dillinger.
A confrontation between AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan is set for SmackDown, with WWE still currently advertising that Styles will defend his title against Bryan at Crown Jewel. SmackDown will also feature the final build to Friday’s World Cup tournament, where Orton vs. Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz will be SmackDown’s first round matches.
Decent match. Asuka was dominant at the end, winning with the Asuka Lock.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte Flair to retain her title
Very strong match. Near the finish, Lynch was outside of the ring and threw a chair into the ring. The referee grabbed it and started talking to the ring announcer on the side. As the ref was handing them the chair, Lynch grabbed another and hit Charlotte in the stomach. She jumped back in the ring for the pin.
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) defeated The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) w/ Kofi Kingston to retain their titles
Standard decent match between these teams. Cesaro poked Big E in the eye and Sheamus pinned him after a slam.
– Daniel Bryan defeated The Miz
Miz did a lot of stalling before the match. About 10 minutes were devoted to him removing his sunglasses and robe. The match had a lot of punching and kicking, with Bryan pinning Miz after the running knee.
– WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain his title
I thought this was the best match of the night. Both hit good moves, and it was as solid as you’d expect. Styles retained with the Styles Clash.
Styles was originally advertised to face Samoa Joe.
WWE held a dual-brand house show at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts last night. Disappointing attendance. No Roman Reigns, Alexa Bliss, or Rey Mysterio.
– Jeff Hardy defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas
Decent enough action that saw Hardy win with the Swanton. After the match, Randy Orton ran out and attacked Hardy, who was held by Almas. Orton beat on Hardy until hitting the RKO.
– Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley by DQ
Balor won by disqualification after Lio Rush pushed him off the top rope. Again, there was solid action in this match. Rush spoke the whole time on the mic while Lashley was in control.
Balor fought off Lashley after the DQ and chased Rush around ringside after a failed sneak attack. Balor threw Rush back inside, hit a shotgun dropkick, and followed that with the Coup de Grace.
– Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal & The Revival defeated The B-Team, Chad Gable, No Way Jose & Tyler Breeze
Elias’ pre-match bit was really brief, with him basically only saying that Boston wasn’t worthy enough to hear his music.
Besides a nice opening sequence between Gable and Scott Dawson, this was forgettable. Corbin won when the match broke down and he hit Jose with the End of Days.
– Rusev defeated Aiden English
Rusev interrupted English’s singing. English yelled at Lana that she was the reason he was fighting Rusev. She slapped English, then Rusev won with the Accolade soon after that. The match only went a few minutes.
– Charlotte Flair defeated SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch by DQ
Charlotte got cheered coming out. Lynch got some cheers too, but not much more than Charlotte. After a few minutes, The IIconics came out to attack Charlotte.
Carmella and Asuka made the save, which led to a six-woman tag match. The crowd liked Carmella, who compared The IIconics to the Chicago Bears after they lost to the New England Patriots earlier in the day. Carmella called herself a Patriots fan.
– Charlotte Flair, Asuka & Carmella defeated SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & The IIconics
Charlotte submitted Peyton Royce with the Figure Eight. Carmella and The IIconics did most of the work. The match was a little messy but kept the crowd’s interest.
– Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose defeated Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre by DQ
This was the best match of the night and went about 16 minutes. They had some good near falls that the crowd bought. The finish came when Ziggler hit Rollins with a low blow and the referee called for the bell.
After the match, Ziggler and McIntyre took chairs and hit them against the stairs and post — but Braun Strowman came out and punched the chair out of McIntyre’s hand before hitting Ziggler with a powerslam. Strowman left and Rollins and Ambrose got some revenge before leaving.
– Sasha Banks, Bayley & Dana Broke defeated Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Alicia Fox
Banks received a great hometown reaction. Most of the match was the heels getting the heat on Bayley. There was a triple suplex spot that got over great, and Banks submitted Riott with the Banks Statement to get the win. Fun match.
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defeated The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) to retain their titles
A lot of this match was shtick. New Day threw pancakes at Cesaro and Sheamus before the match and Kingston twerked at the start of it. Sheamus pinned Kingston with a roll-up while holding his tights. Not much to this.
– Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey & Nia Jax defeated Mickie James & Tamina
Great reaction for Rousey. James did a great job in her comedy spots with Jax and in the ring with Rousey. For the finish, Rousey escaped a roll-up and turned that into an armbar.
– WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match to retain his title
Bryan’s entrance got the loudest reaction from the crowd. The match went about 16 minutes, with the finish coming when Styles hit Nakamura with the Styles Clash after a Tower of Doom spot.
There was a loud dueling chant for Styles and Bryan in my section. They did a lot together, and Nakamura would run in and attack from behind.
A video package looking back at the history of SmackDown started the show.
R-Truth and Carmella were already in the ring for a special edition of Truth TV. Truth said there have been a lot of special Truth TV episodes but this is the most special. Carmella pointed out they only had one episode and they were cancelled.
Truth and Carmella then had a brief dance break. The fans chanted “one more time” but Truth said he had to get to work. He went to introduce the next guest but they had another dance break instead. Truth went to announce his guest when Stephanie McMahon’s music hit.
Stephanie pointed out that she was the first SmackDown General Manager. She asked Truth to ask his first question when Shane McMahon’s music interrupted. The crowd popped huge for Shane. He thanked the fans and Stephanie acted disgusted.
Shane welcomed her to the A show but she pointed out that Raw’s the longest running show. She said Raw wouldn’t start off with something like Truth TV. The crowd broke into a loud “Truth TV” chant. Shane and Stephanie continued to argue until Vince McMahon’s music hit.
The crowd erupted for Vince. He said nobody wants to see Shane and Stephanie argue. He said they want to be entertained. The crowed started a “What?” chant. Stephanie pointed out that Vince has a hearing aid and can hear them. Vince said the fans want a dance break. Vince, Truth, Carmella, Shane and Stephanie all started dancing to end the segment.
The Usos defeated WWE Champion AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan
Styles was halfway down the ramp when Daniel Bryan’s music interrupted. Styles seemed a bit annoyed.
Jimmy rocked Bryan with chops in the corner. Bryan fought back and used a dragon screw whip. Styles continued to target the leg. The Usos gained the advantage with a double kick in the corner. Styles caught Jimmy with the Calf Crusher and Bryan applied the Yes Lock on Jey. Jimmy was able to make it to the ropes.
After the commercial break, both Styles and Jey were down. Bryan got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a suicide dive and missile dropkick. Bryan used the Yes Kicks for a near fall.
Bryan tried to hit Jey but he moved and punched Styles instead. Jey then went to superkick Bryan but he moved and hit Styles as well. The Usos then hit a double superkick on Bryan for the win. Styles was clearly unhappy with Bryan.
General Manager Paige was in her office. Vicki Guerrero, Teddy Long and John Laurinaitis all showed up.
Randy Orton, Ric Flair, HHH and Batista came down to the ring. Tom Philips pointed out this is the first time Evolution’s been together on SmackDown. The crowd broke into a “Batista” chant. HHH and Flair spoke positively about each other and the fans.
Orton noted that HHH has been running things, Flair lives vicariously through his daughter and Batista spends most of his time in a make up chair. Orton’s been in the WWE dominating.
Batista said he’s nervous and going to ignore Orton’s comment. He pointed out that they’re in his hometown. He thanked the fans and said he loves them. He never cared when they called him “Bootista”. All he wanted to do was entrain the fans. One of the reasons he came back was to reunite with Evolution.
He said Evolution is a special group. He said when he first saw Orton in OVW he knew he was special. He said Orton has more talent in his pinky then anyone else that stepped in the ring. He said there’s nothing he can say about Flair that you don’t already know. Then he noted there are a few stories he can’t share. Batista said to Flair “Keep it in your pants”.
Battista started talking about HHH. He noted he’s the greatest and there’s nothing he can’t do…except beat him. The crowed erupted. Batista and HHH went face-to-face and the situaion got tense. Flair calmed them down. They hugged and smiled. However, their smiles slowly faded away.
The Miz defeated Rusev in a World Cup qualifying match
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle joined in on commentary. This was a short match. Rusev was on fire but Aiden English ran out and distracted Rusev. Miz then rolled Rusev up to qualify for the World Cup.
After the match, Lana gave English a low blow. Rusev beat English all around ringside and threw him over the announce table.
Backstage, Edge met with his former Edge head Curt Hawkins
Edge came down to the ring to host a special edition of Cutting Edge. He said he felt he had to be here for SmackDown 1000 because he feels it’s his show. He talked about facing The Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero and marrying & divorcing Vickie Guerrero.
He noted he’s been watching the show the last few weeks. He feels he needs to be the moral campus. He introduced SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. The fans broke into a “Becky” chant. They booed when Edge mentioned Charlotte Flair.
Edge sees a lot of himself in Lynch. She thanked him for having the champ on his show. Edge said he wasn’t meant to be in the main event. He had to fight for everything he got just like Lynch.
Edge noted that Lynch chose the championship over friendship but it was a mistake. He said that he stills see a good person in Lynch. He said it ends with Lynch at home looking at her championships and reminiscing all alone.
Lynch said he’s right and she doesn’t like herself. She loves herself. The fans popped big. She told Edge to get out of her ring and not to break his neck on his way out. Awesome line. This got a huge reaction.
Flair came out and was disgusted with Lynch. The fans chanted “Becky”. Flair and Lynch brawled. Several referees tried to break them up. This was a really good segment. The fans love Becky Lynch.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio ran into Jeff Hardy.
The Bar defeated The New Day (w/Kofi Kingston) to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The New Day gave up their special orange announce table to Jerry “The King “ Lawler and Booker T. Throughout the match they cut away to King and Booker. King and Booker never seemed ready to speak.
The Bar had the early advantage and isolated Xavier Woods. Big E got the hot tag and ran wild. Big E dropped Cesaro on the top of his head for a near fall. This looked scary.
Sheamus missed a brogue kick and Big E hit the spear to the floor. Woods hit a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Big E hit the Big Ending on Sheamus but he had made a blind tag. Cesaro scored a close near fall.
Sheamus and Cesaro gave Big E a powerbomb/uppercut combo for a near fall. Cesaro hit Kingston from behind. Woods tried to hit a dive but The Bar caught him and tossed him in the barricade. The Bar cleared the orange announce table but Big Show’s music hit.
Big Show came down to ringside and The Bar left. He helped Kingston up. Show suddenly gave Kingston a choke slam through the table. Big E was distracted and Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick to win the SmackDown tag team championship.
John Cena sent in a special video. He noted that without SmackDown there would be no John Cena. He mentioned his debut against Kurt Angle. He thanked the fans.
Rey Mysterio defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the World Cup
Nakamura started off with stiff kicks and knees. Mysterio fought back with his own strikes. Nakamura applied a front face lock and slowed the pace down. Mysterio attempted the 619 but Nakamura avoided the move. Mysterio hit a sliding dive underneath the bottom rope into a splash on the floor.
Mysterio gave Nakamura a hurricanrana off the top for a near fall. He went for springboard splash but Nakamura caught him with a knee. He followed up with a second knee for a two count. Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa but Mysterio reversed into a pin fall attempt.
Nakamura attempted a second Kinshasa but Mysterio ducked. Finish came when Mysterio hit the 619 and a springboard frog splash to win the match and qualify for the World Cup.
The lights went out and The Undertaker came down to the ring. He mentioned Crown Jewel and the fans booed. Undertaker said he has three words for DX, “Rest In Peace.”
Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match is set for next Tuesday’s SmackDown. The show is SmackDown’s 1,000th episode and will also feature appearances by Evolution (Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair) and The Undertaker.
This will be Mysterio’s first match since finishing up his independent wrestling dates at the beginning of September and officially signing a two-year deal to return to WWE. The contract includes an option for Mysterio to give notice at the 18-month mark.
The WWE World Cup is taking place at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. It’s being promoted as a tournament to determine “the best in the world.” There will be eight entrants, with four coming from Raw and four coming from SmackDown. John Cena, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and Orton are the first four wrestlers who have been confirmed for the tournament.
Tonight’s SmackDown from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma features the fallout from Hell in a Cell.
WWE Champion AJ Styles takes on Andrade “Cien” Almas in a non-title match. Styles defeated Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell, but the match ended in controversy due to Styles tapping out while pinning Joe. Styles and Joe are set to clash in a rematch at Super Show-Down on October 6.
Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte Flair at Hell in a Cell to become a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion. Lynch refused to shake Flair’s hand after the match. The former best friends are headed on a collision course towards their rematch at Super Show-Down.
Miz TV returns tonight with a “special mystery guest.” Miz and Maryse defeated Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella at Hell in a Cell. Miz takes on Bryan at Super Show-Down for a future WWE title shot. However, first Miz plans to steal the spotlight with his surprise guest.
Plus, United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against Rusev.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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Miz was in the ring to start off SmackDown with the latest edition of Miz TV. Before he brought out the special guest he had some breaking news. He announced that he takes on Daniel Bryan at Super Show-Down, although it was already announced. He promised to defeat Bryan and move onto capturing the WWE Championship.
Miz noted that he had to pull some strings to get his guest on the show. He introduced the special mystery guest his wife Maryse. Miz said it was an honor to have her as his guest. Maryse said that beating Brie Bella was the easiest thing she’s ever done. She feels Bella’s heart wasn’t in the match and Miz said Bella’s heart isn’t in her relationship either. They added Bella only married Bryan to stay relevant and Bryan just wants her to fight his battles.
Maryse announced that tonight is her last night on SmackDown for a little while. She’s going to return home to be the best mother in the world. Miz became enraged when fans began booing Maryse. Miz called out Bryan and promised to beat him down. Bryan came out and attacked Miz for insulting his wife.
Bryan dropkicked Miz and he crashed into Maryse. She went down for several minutes. Miz and Bryan were both concerned and checked on her. Bryan was distraught over his actions and expressed his remorse.
Maryse started to laugh and Miz jumped Bryan from behind. Bryan fought him off. Miz charged at Bryan but he moved and Miz collided with Maryse again.
Daniel Bryan was interviewed in the back. He was asked how he knew that Miz and Maryse were up to something. Bryan noted that he knows Miz’s tricks and he knew they had some type of plan. Not only is he going to punch Miz in the face at Super Show-Down but he’s also going to punch his ticket to a WWE Championship opportunity.
Before the match, Kingston recapped defeating Rusev Day and Woods promised to defeat The Bar at Super Show-Down. Big E started doing an Australian accent but Kingston said the accent was offensive. Big E said the IIconics said it was okay.
Cesaro had the early advantage and worked over Kingston’s leg. Kingston fought back and scored several near falls. Cesaro rocked Kingston with a European uppercut to take back over. Kingston hit a tornado DDT for a near fall.
Kingston bounced off the top rope and landed on Cesaro. This was a unique move that not even Woods had seen. Finish came when Cesaro kicked Kingston in the leg and hit the Neutralizer for the win.
Backstage, Aiden English met with Rusev and Lana. English has a good feeling about Rusev’s match tonight. Rusev doesn’t want English at ringside. Rusev and Lana left.
English was upset and started insulting Lana and Rusev to a random backstage worker. English blamed Lana for all of Rusev’s problems. English turned around and Lana was still there. She left to tell Rusev but English ran after her.
The announcers started talking about Hell in a Cell but Tom Philips said there was a commotion in the production truck.
In the truck, Randy Orton forced one of the workers to bring up the footage of Orton sticking a screwdriver in Jeff Hardy’s ear piercing at Hell in a Cell. Orton said what he did to Hardy will pale in comparison to what he does to his next victim.
Backstage, WWE Champion AJ Styles discussed the controversial finish from the pay-per-view. He felt that lady luck was shining down on him and the referee’s decision is final. He said maybe it was karma. He stopped himself from talking about Joe and focused his attention on Andrade “Cien” Almas.
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev (w/Lana & Aiden English)
Backstage before the match, Lana tried to tell Rusev what Aiden English had said. Rusev didn’t have time to hear because he’s heading out for his match. Rusev asked English to do his introduction.
Rusev was in control early in the match. Nakamura hung Rusev on the top rope throat first and hit a dropkick for a near fall. Nakamura was firmly in control while Lana and English argued at ringside. English got on the mic and started a “Rusev Day” chant but Lana was disgusted.
Rusev fired up and made a comeback. He rocked Nakamura with a kick to the head for a close near fall. They fought on the apron and Nakamura nailed Rusev with a knee. Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa but Rusev nailed him with a Machka kick.
English jumped on the apron and yelled, “Rusev Crush.” This distracted Rusev and Nakamura rolled him up to retain the title.
After the match, English attacked Rusev with the microphone. English then sang “Happy Rusev Day” and dropped the mic on Rusev.
WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Zelina Vega) in a non-title match
Almas jumped Styles from behind before the bell rang. The referee checked to see if Styles was able to continue. Almas jumped Styles when the bell rang but Styles fought back. Almas hit a vicious kick to regain control. Almas hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. He attempted a second tilt-a-whirl backbreaker but Styles reversed into a DDT.
Almas rocked Styles with a back elbow for a near fall. Vega slapped Styles but it only fired him up. Almas attempted a moonsault but Styles moved. Almas landed on his feet and attempted a standing moonsault but Styles got the knees up. Styles attempted the Phenomenal Forearm but Almas pulled out his feet. Styles was hanging on the second rope and Almas hit a double foot stomp to the floor.
During the commercial break, Styles worked over the leg and used the Calf Crusher. Almas missed a knee in the corner and crashed on the floor. Styles hit a running knee on the apron. Styles hit a Phenomenal Forearm to the back of the neck for a two count.
Almas hit the double knees in the corner for a very close near fall. Almas attempted the Hammer Lock DDT but Styles countered into a pin but rolled out into the Styles Clash for the win.
After the match, Samoa Joe jumped Styles from behind. Styles fought back and Joe ran off into the crowd.
Asuka (w/Naomi) defeated Billie Kay (w/Peyton Royce)
Before the match, The IIconics called Naomi and Asuka the odd couple. They also mocked their dancing style.
Kay gained the advantage when Royce distracted Asuka. Kay rocked Asuka with a big boot for a near fall. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock out of nowhere for the win.
General Manager Paige introduced new SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch for her championship celebration. Fans broke into a loud “You Deserve It” chant. Lynch said she’s not going to be left off the magazine covers or talk shows anymore. She noted that she doesn’t need balloons and a big celebration. Lynch called out Charlotte Flair.
Flair came down to the ring. She promised Paige that she wasn’t there to fight. Paige left the ring. Flair said Lynch was the better woman and came out to congratulate Lynch for winning. Flair said that Lynch threw away more than a friendship. Flair promised to win the title back at Super Show-Down. Flair noted it took Lynch two years to get the title back but she could lose it in one night.
Lynch said she stopped listening after Flair said she was the better woman. Lynch will allow Flair to raise her arm now. She changed her mind and demanded she put the belt around her waist. The crowd cheered that and chanted “Becky.”
Lynch just wants Flair to call her Queen. As Flair walked away, Lynch called her a “bitch.” Flair attacked Lynch and they brawled around ringside. Lynch took over and locked on the Dis-arm-her. The fans popped huge for Lynch and broke into another loud “Becky” chant.
Two matches have been made official for tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown.
It was announced today that United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura will be defending his title against Rusev on this week’s post-Hell in a Cell edition of SmackDown. WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas in a non-title match will also be taking place on the episode.
Nakamura wasn’t on last night’s Hell in a Cell card. Rusev was involved in the pre-show match, with The New Day retaining their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Rusev & Aiden English when Kofi Kingston pinned English. Nakamura vs. Rusev is also listed as the United States Championship match for November’s WWE Starrcade event.
Styles retained his title against Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell, but the storyline coming out of the match was that Styles submitted in the Coquina Clutch while Joe was being pinned. Joe will again be challenging for the WWE Championship at Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia on October 6, and WWE indicated last night that it will be a no DQ, no countout match where there must be a winner.
Styles previously defeated Almas in a non-title match on the July 17 episode of SmackDown.
The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is hosting tomorrow’s show.
Hardy vs. Nakamura will be the first match to take place on the episode. It comes in advance of Hardy facing Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell match on Sunday’s pay-per-view.
Nakamura doesn’t have a match announced for the PPV.
In the main event of Tuesday’s SmackDown, Maryse will return to the ring to face Brie Bella ahead of Maryse & The Miz vs. Brie & Daniel Bryan at Hell in a Cell on Sunday. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Rusev & Aiden English for a shot at The New Day’s Tag Team titles at Hell in a Cell, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Sonya Deville in a non-title match, and R-Truth vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas are also set for this week’s go-home edition of SmackDown.
Tuesday’s show is taking place at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana and will also feature the final build to AJ Styles defending his WWE Championship against Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell.
