Tag: Wwe Smackdown Results

WWE SmackDown live results: Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar US title match

Posted on by Chris Maloney

Two LWO members are set to clash for the United States Championship on tonight’s SmackDown from Sacramento, California.

Santos Escobar is challenging Rey Mysterio for the US championship. Last month, Escobar was supposed to get a title shot against Austin Theory but was taken out by Theory before the match. Mysterio took Escobar’s place and defeated Theory to become United States Champion. Mysterio recently agreed to give his friend Escobar a title shot when Escobar asked for it.

Bayley and Charlotte Flair will meet in their first televised singles match since 2020. Last week, Charlotte stopped Bayley from interfering in IYO SKY’s title defense against Asuka. But Asuka was distracted by Charlotte and wasn’t able to defeat SKY for the title.

Bobby Lashley appears on The Grayson Waller Effect tonight and will discuss his recent unhappiness with The Street Profits.

We’ll also see if John Cena is able to find a tag team partner for Fastlane. Cena is currently slated to face Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso in a handicap match at the October 7 PPV.

SmackDown opened with Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman of The Bloodline heading to the ring. Heyman introduced himself on the mic to a chorus of boos by the crowd and after Heyman responded by telling the Sacramento crowd he was in a hell hole tonight, he acknowledged Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief.

Heyman followed up by stating that the second greatest of all-time, John Cena, took a beating last week, a beating that he hadn’t taken in a very long time before calling for footage from last week’s assault on not only Cena, but AJ Styles as well.

After the footage aired, Heyman stated that he heard that Cena was having transportation issues tonight and wasn’t at the building. Heyman followed up by stating that Styles also wasn’t in the building tonight due to being in the hospital with medical issues before Jimmy grabbed the mic.

Jimmy started bragging about the chaos that’s been caused by messing with the Bloodline but as he was talking smack, Karl Anderson hit the ring and attacked Jimmy. Anderson sent the Bloodline to the outside and stated that because Styles was in the hospital, it was now O.C. business.

Jimmy stalled at responding and Sikoa looked at Jimmy and stated that he better do something before he does as we headed to commercial.

Jimmy Uso (w/Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa) defeated Karl Anderson

We’re back from commercial and a match is officially underway between Anderson and Uso.

Anderson was hitting a lot of offense but because he was flying solo, Sikoa became a distraction on the outside. After a rake of the eyes, Jimmy soon found himself on the top rope and nailed a huge splash for the easy victory.

After the match, Anderson attempted to attack Uso but Sikoa made the save and laid him out with the Samoan Spike. As the Bloodline headed up the entrance ramp, Mia Yim headed to the ring and nailed Uso hard on the way by causing Jimmy to be almost somewhat amused.

– Backstage, Cathy Kelley was with Santos Escobar of the LWO. Escobar stated that while he was focused, he had butterflies. He stated that it was his dream to challenge Rey Mysterio in a championship match and that Rey was in for the fight of his life tonight.

Back to ringside and the ring crew was setting up for The Grayson Waller Effect as we headed to commercial.

– We’re back from commercial and the Bloodline was heading through the hallways as a very frustrated Jimmy Uso was attacking anyone that got in his way. Paul Heyman then decided to call Roman Reigns.

The Grayson Waller Effect with Bobby Lashley

Lashley stated that he made a mistake when it came to aligning with The Street Profits. Lashley stated that the Profits just didn’t have what it took to be successful before Waller stated that himself and Austin Theory could be that tag team he was looking for.

Lashley stated that he knew all about Theory and what he stood for and as Waller attempted to defend Theory, The Street Profits music hit and Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford headed to the ring.

Dawkins and Ford stepped up to Lashley but Bobby stated he didn’t want to hear it and that the Profits needed to prove it to him before leaving the ring. Dawkins and Ford caught up with him but Lashley reiterated that they needed to prove it to him as the Profits looked confused.

Waller got back on the mic and said that he needed to liven things up again before introducing Austin Theory to the Sacramento crowd for his upcoming match against Cameron Grimes as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and a video promo aired for Dragon Lee and some of his highlights in WWE NXT before he was shown in attendance live at SmackDown tonight.

Austin Theory (w/Grayson Waller) defeated Cameron Grimes

Waller was apparently upset that the Dragon Lee promo aired as it should have spotlighted Theory.

Grimes managed to control the majority of the match but with Waller ringside, Theory capitalized when Waller distracted Grimes allowing him to shove Cameron flying into the post on the outside of the ring.

Back inside the ring and Theory sent Grimes packing after nailing his A-Town Down.

After the match, Theory got in the face of Dragon Lee and a scuffle broke out before Theory headed to the back.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with Rey Mysterio. Mysterio stated that the LWO was all about family. Mysterio stated that when he’s in the ring, he expected the best out of his opponent and that he would give the fight of his life tonight before heading to the ring.

As we headed to commercial, a video promo aired featuring an upcoming special on FOX titled the Top 25 SmackDown Moments in History airing on October 8th.

We’re back from commercial and Jimmy Uso was attacking Ashante “Thee” Adonis backstage as B-Fab looked on helplessly. As Uso looked to be leaving the scene, Solo Sikoa attacked Adonis as well, sending him through a table.

Rey Mysterio defeated Santos Escobar (w/Zelina Vega) to retain the United States Championship

The match began with both men feeling one another out, attempting to gain a technical advantage. As Vega looked on, Mysterio was sent to the outside followed by a diving crossbody by Escobar as we headed to a commercial break.

We’re back from commercial and Escobar has Mysterio trapped in an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Mysterio escaped and as Rey was bouncing off of the ropes, Escobar nailed a huge dropkick sending the champion down.

Mysterio mounted a comeback and after Escobar was sent to the outside, Mysterio hit the second rope and nailed Escobar with a crossbody of his own to the outside. After the match was back in the ring and Mysterio nailed an awkward crossbody, Jimmy Uso was shown attacking people once again backstage in a split screen. 

Mysterio attempted to nail the 619 but Escobar dodged it and after Rey soon found himself on the outside again, Santos nailed him with a dive through the ropes knocking Mysterio down hard. Escobar followed up with a moonsault off of the barricade before sending the match back to the inside.

Escobar feeling the momentum going his way, battled Mysterio on the top rope and after gaining the upperhand, he sent Rey crashing to the mat with a hurricanrana but could only follow up with a two count as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Escobar was still on the attack but Mysterio was holding his own but you could tell the damage had been done as Santos locked Rey in a Gory Special.

Escobar attempted to follow up with a diving crossbody from the top rope but missed and then Mysterio missed with a flying crossbody of his own. Escobar then nailed a huge tilt-a-whirl backbreaker followed by a modified torture rack but again could only get a two count on his mentor.

Escobar attempted a power bomb but Mysterio countered and managed a close two count of his own. Mysterio attempted a top rope hurricanrana but Escobar blocked it, attempted to nail his Phantom Driver but Mysterio blocked it and finally nailed a top rope hurricanrana.

Mysterio attempted to hit the 619 but Escobar caught him. Mysterio escaped and sent Escobar back into the ropes and successfully managed to hit the 619 but as he headed to the top rope to hit his Drop the Dime, he missed. Escobar attempted to pin Mysterio with a cocky cover and he paid the price as Mysterio almost gained the victory with a backslide.

A frustrated Escobar picked Mysterio up and attempted to again nail Rey with his Phantom Driver but Mysterio was too quick and rolled him up with a quick modified small package to get the 1-2-3 and retain the United States Championship.

After the match, a frustrated Escobar and a concerned Vega were collecting their thoughts as Mysterio celebrated his victory with the championship. Before Mysterio and Escobar could pay respect to one another however, The Street Profits hit the ring and attacked but Rey and Santos.

Bobby Lashley’s music hit and as he was heading down to the ring, the other members of the LWO attempted to make the save for Mysterio and Escobar but were laid out as well. Lashley smiled and celebrated the work of The Street Profits as we headed to a  commercial break.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with a beaten down LWO. Mysterio told Braxton that he was challenging Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits to a match at WWE Fastlane.

Michael Cole referenced this week’s huge WWE signing of Jade Cargill and what her potential and future could look like in the WWE.

Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring with her upcoming match with Bayley before we headed to commercial. Before the break took place, John Cena finally arrived to the arena in a sports car. Cena got out of the car with his WWE Fastlane contract in his hand and headed towards to backstage area as we headed to break.

We’re back from commercial and a video promo aired on the massive injury Elton Prince had suffered back in July and his road to recovery since. The conclusion of the video showed Prince hopping up from his wheelchair in celebration of a full recovery.

– Backstage, Butch and Ridge Holland of The Brawling Brutes shared their thoughts on what they just saw and stated that they should have done more damage back in July.

Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley (w/Damage CTRL)

Before the match began, Flair asked Bayley what happened to her as she was one of the four horsewomen. Flair then stated that after she beat her tonight, she was challenging IYO SKY to a WWE Women’s Championship match at WWE Fastlane.

After the bell rang, both women looked to gain the upperhand but after Flair was sent to the outside, Bayley flew off of the ring apron with a diving elbow drop sending Flair down hard as we headed to a quick commercial break.

We’re back from commercial and Flair was on the top rope and managed to land a massive crossbody on Bayley to gain control of the match. Flair followed up with a fallaway slam but as she was looking to weaken the legs of Bayley to set up for the Figure 8, Bayley made a comeback.

The comeback wouldn’t last long however. Bayley was fired up but wasn’t as focused as she could have been and because of it, Flair managed to nail a spear out of nowhere and score the victory.

After the match, Bayley grabbed the mic and stated that it was her goal tonight to destroy Flair. As Damage CTRL looked like they were about to fulfill Bayley’s promise, Asuka’s music hit and she headed to the ring.

Asuka cut a promo in Japanese and Bayley attempting to translate, stated that SKY would defend the title in a Triple Threat match against Flair and Asuka at WWE Fastlane. As you could imagine, SKY wasn’t happy.

– Backstage, John Cena with his WWE Fastlane contract in hand was on his way to the ring as we headed to commercial.

– We’re back from commercial and it was announced that The Judgment Day would return to SmackDown next week. On top of the Judgment Day’s appearance, it was also announced that Dragon Lee would face Austin Theory on next week’s episode as well.

John Cena promo

Cena made his way to the ring with his WWE Fastlane contract in hand. Cena stated that he didn’t have a partner to face Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa and that he could simply rip up the contract and move on or he could step up and fight them both in a handicap match. Cena followed up by stating that he would take them on by himself if he couldn’t find a partner before Jimmy Uso’s music hit.

Uso and Sikoa came down to the ring and Jimmy stated that Cena wasn’t going to make it to Fastlane before the attack on Cena ensued. Cena attempted to fight them off but the numbers game was just too much and Cena found himself down and out.

Jimmy attempted to setup Cena on the announce table to land his splash but Sikoa stopped him, wanting to end Cena on his own. As it looked like Cena was all but done for, the music of the one and only LA Knight hit… Yeah!

Knight rushed down to the ring and after nailing Sikoa with Blunt Force Trauma, he landed a powerslam on Uso before hitting his Yeah Elbow in the middle of the ring. As Cena reentered the ring, Knight picked up the Fastlane contract and signed it as a surprised Cena and a packed arena cheered as the show came to a close.

Final Thoughts:

The return of LA Knight officially alongside John Cena for WWE Fastlane should be a great main event against The Bloodline next weekend.

You’ve got the LWO challenging a unified Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits for the PLE as well as what looks to be a Triple Threat match between IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair and Asuka with the continuous dissension of Damage CTRL with regards to Bayley and her blinded jealousy of SKY’s success.

Speaking of sky, I think the sky is the limit for Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. Their chemistry with regards to their young arrogant attitudes and these two could be one of the greatest tag teams we’ve seen in a while.

Solid show by SmackDown tonight!

WWE SmackDown live results: John Cena appears, IYO SKY vs. Asuka

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Asuka will get her WWE Women’s Championship rematch when she goes one-on-one with IYO SKY on tonight’s SmackDown from Glendale, Arizona.

The match was made after Asuka interfered in a tag team bout that featured SKY & Bayley losing to Charlotte Flair and Shotzi on the September 8 edition of SmackDown. Asuka cost the Damage CTRL team the win when she appeared at ringside. 

Also set for tonight, John Cena will make an appearance after he was a guest on The Grayson Waller Effect last week. Cena didn’t get a word in during the interview and instead was involved in a confrontation that featured AJ Styles, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa.

In addition to that, The Street Profits are scheduled to take on the LWO’s Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar. The Street Profits beat LWO’s Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde last week before attacking them after the match.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Kevin Patrick welcomed viewers into the show. John Cena’s music hit and off, we went. 

The John Cena segment

Before saying anything, Cena played to the crowd, who went bonkers for him. Cena welcomed everyone to “another sold out Friday night SmackDown.” Cena said he’s been able to do a lot of things since he’s been back. He said he’s been a host, a referee, a backstage correspondent. The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment and Cena gave it back in his own way. Cena said since he’s been back, the shows have been sold out, but they haven’t been like this night. Cena said it’s a special night because he doesn’t want to be a ref, host or backstage correspondent. Instead, Cena said he came back to WWE to compete, and because of that, tonight is the night he wants to have a match. 

Cena said he’s both excited and angry – angry at the Bloodline. Cena said he wants to fight both Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso himself, but instead, he found a partner. That partner, he said, was phenomenal. Cue AJ Styles’s music and entrance. Styles looked like he was wearing a wig at first, which was both weird and funny, but it only took him a few head shakes to remedy that. Styles took the mic from Cena and the crowd chanted Styles’s name. Styles asked Cena if Cena was sure that he wanted Styles and Cena to team up. Style said, “Bloodline, if you want some, come get some.” 

Jimmy Uso’s music hit. Jimmy and Sikoa walked to the ring and hopped onto the apron. Jimmy jawed a little bit, smiled and hopped off the apron. Sikoa followed suit. Jimmy and Sikoa walked back up the entrance way to end the segment – and I remained baffled as to why WWE wouldn’t officially announce a match like that ahead of time, if that match is ultimately going to happen. 

**********

– Backstage, Adam Pearce was shown talking to Cena and Styles. Pearce said he was going to talk to Paul Heyman to see if they could make the tag match for later. 

The LWO (Rey Mysterio Jr. & Santos Escobar) defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) [10:47]

The story here was that Dawkins hesitated to capitalize on Lashley’s interference and that caused some strife between the Profits and Lashley. It’d be a shame if WWE pulled the plug on those three before it even really has a chance to get going. The crowds are still cheering the Profits, so perhaps the creative minds are calling an audible on the Profits being heels because of their popularity … but damn, man. At least let it breathe. Anyway, the match was fine and the outcome was mildly surprising. I half-expected to see the LWO lose due to miscommunication between Escobar and Mysterio as a means to set up their U.S. title match next week, but so it goes. The four guys worked hard and it was refreshing to see Escobar get somewhat of a spotlight. Ford especially had a good outing reminding everyone that at least he can work an interesting heel style. But the post-match stuff may indicate that he won’t be doing that for long.

Dawkins and Escobar started the match and locked up. After going back and forth, Escobar landed a dropkick to take control. Mysterio tagged in and Dawkins gained control quickly. Ford tagged in and hit a dropkick for a two-count. After running the ropes, Mysterio landed a splash from the second rope. With Ford on the outside, Mysterio went for a slide splash, but Dawkins moved Ford and Mysterio landed on nobody. Escobar tried to came to help, but Dawkins slammed Escobar and the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from break, Ford hit a strong clothesline on Mysterio for a two-count. With Mysterio in the Profits’ corner, Rey fought his way out, but came up short on a hot tag. Eventually, Mysterio ran Ford into the second turnbuckle and then got the hot tag to Escobar, who came in and and landed a pair of flying forearms. Escobar went to the top and hit a cross-body block for a two-count. There was a clunky moment that resulted in Ford kicking Escobar and hitting a running frog splash. Ford went to the top, but Escobar cut him off and landed a Frankensteiner from the top rope. That got Escobar a two-count. 

Escobar hit a double-knees on Ford and lifted Ford, but Ford fought out and landed a knee to Escobar’s head. Dawkins tagged in and slammed Escobar, and that was good enough for a two-count. Escobar hit a knee on Dawkins and tagged in Mysterio, who immediately landed a tornado DDT. Mysterio set up for a 619, but Dawkins countered with a Sky High powerbomb. Dawkins body-dropped Mysterio over the top rope and Mysterio landed on Ford. Bobby Lashley then chokeslammed Mysterio as the referee was distracted. Dawkins lifed Mysterio for a powerbomb, but Mysterio rolled Dawkins up for the pin. After the match, Lashley left ringside without the Profits. 

**********

– A video aried on The Rock’s return last week. Michael Cole was yelling about “Smeeeellllllling what The Rock is cooking,” but he was interrupted by an angry Austin Theory, who threw a fit and had somewhat of an awkward exchange with the commentary team off mic. The show then went to a commercial break. 

– Backstage, Adam Pearce was shown scolding Austin Theory. The Brawling Brutes showed up and Ridge Holland said Theory was embarrassed by The Rock. Grayson Waller showed up and Butch chimed in, challenging Theory and Waller. Pearce made the match for later on the spot. 

– The Street Profits were shown backstage. Bobby Lashley yelled at Dawkins and said he wants all his stuff back – the watches, suits, etc. Lashley said he’s going to find someone back in catering if the Profits can’t get it done, and, well, the Profits didn’t get it done. A video on Asuka vs. IYO SKY then aired. 

– Backstage, Adam Pearce found Paul Heyman. Pearce tried to talk to Heyman, but Heyman was talking on his phone and we went back to the ring. 

**********

IYO SKY defeated Asuka [19:30]

Wow, these women worked their asses off. It wasn’t always pretty, but good on WWE for giving these wrestlers three segments and 20 minutes and good on SKY and Asuka for delivering quite a fight. I feared a screwy finish, and we kind of/sort of got that, but to be fair that came after almost 20 minutes of really good wrestling. There were times I thought both women genuinely had their bells rung, and there were moments that I was certain they were three seconds away from the end of the match, but Asuka and SKY clearly work so well together, I’d love to see this with no BS from the outside, and hell … take it to a half-hour. Some of those strikes were gnarly and by the time it was all said and done, it felt like both ladies left every tiny inch of everything they had in the ring. It’s not often SmackDown produces a match that it feels like everyone should see, but I’ll vote for this one, even with the commercial breaks. Great stuff.

Before the bell rang, Charlotte Flair’s music hit and Charlotte walked to ringside. The two locked up to begin and they traded a series of moves until Asuka worked a side head-lock. SKY returned the favor. SKY ran the ropes and cartwheeled her way past Asuka. Asuka hit some kicks, and ultimately landed a pair of arm-drags. Asuka went to the second rope and SKY followed her to land an arm-drag from the second rope. Asuka went to the outside and SKY went for a moonsault, but Asuka moved. Asuka then hit a high kick to SKY’s head and the show went to commercial break. 

Back from break, the two women were on the top rope and SKY stretched Asuka’s arm over the top rope. SKY then hit a pair of springboard shotgun dropkicks. SKY hit a double stomp and a double knees for a two-count. SKY went to the top, but Asuka cut her off and slammed her on the top turnbuckle. SKY came right back and slapped the hell out of Asuka. Asuka came right back and hit some Kowada Kicks. Asuka then landed a super-plex, which led to a good near-fall. 

SKY fired up, but ultimately ran into a knee, which got Asuka a two-count. SKY came back with a throat chop, which was good enough for another two-count. SKY hit a German Suplex, but Asuka countered into a modified Kimura. SKY fought her way out of it and landed a kick to Asuka’s head. Asuka kicked SKY and went to the top to hit her own missile dropkick. Asuka followed that up with a hip attack and a series of back-fists and kicks. Asuka landed a sliding kick for another good near-fall. 

Asuka sunk in an arm-bar and eventually got up to climb the ropes. Asuka was on the second rope, but SKY cut her off and landed a dropkick, which took Asuka to the outside. With Asuka on the apron, SKY went for something, but Asuka held on … until she didn’t. Asuka then kicked the ring post after SKY moved. SKY then hit a moonsault onto Asuka, who was still outside the ring. The show went to another commercial break. 

Back from that commercial break, SKY was working a rear chin-lock inside the ring. SKY hit another German Suplex for another good near-fall. SKY went for a cross-face, but Asuka went for the bottom rope. Before long, Asuka rolled into an Asuka Lock. SKY countered with a pin attempt, which broke up the submission attempt. Asuka came back and kicked SKY in the head, which got Asuka a two-count. Asuka went to the second rope and hit a missile dropkick, which was good enough for another good near-fall. The two traded elbows while on their knees. Asuka rolled into an arm-bar, which turned into another Asuka Lock, but SKY fought out of it. Asuka came right back and went for the Asuka Lock again, but SKY fought out. Asuka went for another Asuka Lock. SKY was fading, but Bayley put SKY’s leg on the rope for a break. Charlotte walked over to get rid of Bayley, but SKY took advantage and hit a wild knee. SKY followed that up with a moonsault for the win. 

**********

– The Bloodline were seen backstage and Adam Pearce appeared. Pearce brought a contract for the tag-team match and Heyman said that’s fine as long as the match won’t be tonight. Jimmy Uso said they’ll be in the ring to sign the contract while Heyman and Sikoa looked nonplussed. Heyman told Jimmy that decisions like that need approval from the Tribal Chief first. Jimmy told Heyman to let him know what the Tribal Chief says. Sikoa told Heyman not to worry about it because after tonight, there won’t be anyone left to fight them at Fastlane. 

**********

– A video on Pretty Deadly aired and it was everything you thought it would be. 

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller defeated The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) [10:50]

And here, I thought this was going to be the famed “let me up” match that WWE loves to slot. At nearly 11 minutes, color me wrong (again). Michael Cole probably went a tiny bit overboard when he said it was a great match, but it’s fair to say that this was a surprisingly good match. The Brutes need some wins, though. For as good as they look in the ring and for as much as WWE half-protects them, they rarely come out on the winning side with these things. Still, Waller keeps adjusting nicely to the main roster and pairing him with Theory was a smart move. Who’s to say if they are in for a true run as a tag-team, but if they are, WWE could do worse. 

Waller beat up Butch to begin the match. Butch came back and did the fingers spot on Waller and Butch tagged in Holland. Holland swung Waller around and lifted Waller for a suplex, which he completed. Butch tagged in and hit a shotgun dropkick on Waller. Butch ran the ropes and Theory held up the ropes, which meant Butch went spilling to the outside. Butch and Waller fought on the outside. Butch and Holland did 10 Beats on Waller and Theory before Butch rolled back into the ring and the Brutes played to the crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. 

When the show returned, Theory had control and was pounding on Butch. Waller and Theory clotheslined Butch repeatedly. Waller went for his version of 10 Beats, but Butch countered with his fingers spot again and got the hot tag to Holland, who fired up and landed a series of slams on Waller. Theory tagged in and Waller chop-blocked Holland. Theory hit an elbow, but Butch broke up a pin attempt and things broke down. Waller rolled into the ring, but Holland cut him off with a spear. Holland then power-slammed Theory for a two-count. 

Butch landed a moonsault on Waller, who was on the outside. Meanwhile, Holland lifted Theory, but Theory rolled out of it. Holland followed that up wiht an Alabama Slam for a two-count. Holland worked a Boston Crab, but Waller broke it up with a rolling Stunner. Theory followed that up with A-Town Down for the win. After the match, Michael Cole said, while sounding surprised, said, “That was a great match.”

**********

– Next week, Charlotte Flair will face Bayley, Escobar vs. Mysterio for the U.S. Title will happen and Bobby Lashley will be the next guest on The Grayson Waller Effect. 

The contract signing segment

Adam Pearce introduced John Cena as “The Greatest Of All Time.” Cena ran to the ring and signed the contract instantly. AJ Styles’s music hit, but a camera backstage picked up Jimmy Uso beating up AJ Styles. Cena ran to the back. Solo Sikoa jumped off a bunch of travel cases onto Styles and the backstage crew went nuts. Sikoa and Jimmy left the scene while Styles was unconscious. Cena finally got to the back and yelled for help as the show went to a commercial break. 

The show returned and Styles was being stretchered out of the building. Paul Heyman walked slowly to the ring by himself without any entrance music. Karl Anderson was with Styles as they loaded him into the ambulance and Anderson said to Cena that he told Styles not to get involved in the Bloodline stuff. The ambulance drove off. Sikoa and Uso then also walked to the ring without any entrance music. Sikoa threw all the chairs and the contract signing table out of the ring. The crowd booed accordingly. 

Heyman tried to talk, but the crowd’s boos were quite loud. Heyman hit his “My name is Paul Heyman” line. Heyman said he had in his hands a contract signed by John Cena without any tag-team partner for Fastlane. As Heyman was going on, Jimmy grabbed the microphone from Heyman. Jimmy said, “Look what happens when you mess with The Bloodline!” Jimmy said if Cena was smart, he would have jumped in the ambulance with Styles and gone far away from The Bloodline. Jimmy said Cena is going to end up in an ambulance anyway. Cena ran to the ring and shoulder-blocked JImmy. Cena slammed Jimmy and lifted Sikoa for an AA, but Jimmy super-kicked Cena. 

Sikoa set up for the Samoan Spike and landed said Samoan Spike. Jimmy and Sikoa put the boots to Cena. Jimmy went to the second rope and applauded Sikoa. Jimmy went to the top and and hit the Uso Splash on Cena. Jimmy grabbed the contract from Heyman and signed it. Jimmy gave it to Sikoa and Sikoa signed it. Jimmy slammed the contract on Cena’s chest and went to the top again. Jimmy hit another Uso Splash. Jimmy and Sikoa gave the point to the sky and stood over Cena. From there, the show just kind of ended, which was odd because it felt like they were stretching things out for a surprise, but no surprise was to be had. Until next week …

WWE SmackDown live results: The Grayson Waller Effect with John Cena

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After a week away, John Cena returns to WWE television on tonight’s SmackDown from Denver, Colorado.

Cena will appear as a guest on The Grayson Waller Effect. An interaction between the two at Money in the Bank this summer ended with Cena laying Waller out. The talk show segment was announced last week as Waller sat in on commentary for Austin Theory’s match with LA Knight. 

Knight, meanwhile, will face The Miz in a rematch from Payback. Cena was the special guest referee as Knight defeated Miz in that showdown.

Bayley is set to go one-on-one with Asuka tonight. The match comes in advance of IYO SKY, Bayley’s Damage CTRL stablemate, defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Asuka on SmackDown next Friday.

In a battle of two former Bullet Club members, AJ Styles will wrestle Finn Balor. Last week’s SmackDown ended with Balor and Damian Priest attacking Styles in what was an apparent attempt to recruit Bloodline member Solo Sikoa to Judgment Day’s side.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The Rock/Pat McAfee/Austin Theory segment

Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show and Pat McAfee’s music hit. McAfee got a microphone and stood in the ring. McAfee said he loved the Mile High City and called SmackDown “the greatest wrestling show to ever be on television.” McAfee called the WWE Universe the greatest universe on earth. MaAfee welcomed everyone into Friday Night SmackDown and on cue, Austin Theory’s music hit. 

Theory had a mic in his hands and said it’s not SmackDown; it’s Austin Theory Live. Theory said people in Colorado don’t get oxygen in their heads and that there’s nothing Theory can’t do. Theory said he has unfinished business with McAfee and mocked McAfee for covering college football. Theory said McAfee would go back to his show injured like Aaron Rodgers is injured and the crowd booed. McAfee said he was pumped that Theory was trying to dress and be like McAfee. Theory said McAfee looks like he should be flipping fries. McAfee referenced enjoying the local laws (i.e. legally smoking weed) which popped the crowd. McAfee said SmackDown will never be Theory’s show because it’s the people’s show. McAfee asked Theory if Theory knew what that meant and wouldn’t you know it, The Rock’s music hit and The Rock entered to a gigantic ovation. 

The crowd chanted “Rocky!” after Rock took his sweet good time making his way to the ring. Rock soaked it all up. The crowd “Holy s—” but the censors blocked it out, leaving the show with dead audio for a bit. Theory told Rock that Rock is in Theory’s ring. Theory tried to keep going, but Rock said, “Shut your bitch-ass up.” Rock said Theory doesn’t know how everything works. Rock gave McAfee his microphone and took off his jacket. Rock got the microphone back and said “Finally, The Rock has come back to Denver!” As a result, “Rocky!” chants broke out again. Theory tried the “Finally …” line, but the crowd booed Theory. Theory said he’s going to one day be so great, he will be the entire Mount Rushmore. The Rock started to talk and Theory interrupted him by saying “It doesn’t matter what The Rock says!” 

The Rock said it does matter what The Rock says. Rock asked the crowd if they wanted to see Rock beat Theory down and the crowd said, “Hell yeah!” Rock called Theory an “A Hole.” Rock led the crowd in a split chant of “You are” and “an asshole.” The censors responded accordingly, and it was even more annoying than you could imagine. The Rock broke it up by saying he was having fun with the people. The Rock said he has a theory of his own, and it’s that in three seconds, he was going “whoop Theory’s candy ass,” but Theory attacked Rock first. Rock rebounded quickly and hit a spine-buster before setting up for the People’s Elbow. Rock hit the People’s Elbow and The Rock’s music hit. McAfee followed that up with a People’s Elbow of his own. The Rock’s music hit again and Rock posed to end the segment. 

**********

Finn Balor defeated AJ Styles [8:30]

Maybe the most frustrating thing about watching WWE TV anymore is seeing two wrestlers you know are really very good and then see them execute the WWE style with little to no fanfare in the middle of a card. This match went eight-and-a-half minutes, two of those were lost to commercial, and then we got a distraction finish. Color me hopelessly romantic, but after all these years, I still believe Styles and Balor could work to put on a hell of a match if they even just had 15 minutes. Instead, this. I suppose this keeps the Styles vs. Bloodline story going, and if some reports are to be believed, it’s going to lead to Styles facing off against Roman Reigns in Saudi Arabia in November, but for now, give guys like these more pro wrestling booking love? Maybe? Please?

Balor put the boots to Styles early. Styles fought back until Balor landed a basement dropkick on Styles and worked a chin-lock. Styles eventually worked out of it and landed a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker. Balor then rolled to the outside. The show went to break from there. After that, Styles and Balor went for simultaneous cross-body-blocks and the two were down in the middle of the ring. Styles was up first and landed a forearm and a leaping clothesline. Styles lifted Balor, but Dirty Dom got on the apron, which was enough for Balor to rake the eyes. Styles came right back and face-planted Balor for a two-count. 

With both wrestlers on the ropes, Styles went for a Frankensteiner, but Balor held on to the ropes for a counter. Styles got himself in order and went for a Styles Clash, but Balor fought out of it and ultimately, Balor found himself outside the ring. Styles hit a splash on Balor and clotheslined Dirty Dom. Styles got on the apron and set up for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Damian Priest held Styles’s ankle. The ref ejected the Dom and Priest, but out of nowhere, Jimmy Uso showed up and distracted Styles enough for Balor to roll Styles up for the win. 

**********

– Rock and McAfee were shown talking backstage. Rock turned around and saw John Cena, who shook Rock’s hand and said “Welcome home.” The camera cut to Jimmy Uso backstage. Balor approached Jimmy and thanked Jimmy. Uso said he was just paying Balor back for his help last week. Balor said he saw Jimmy’s brother at Raw and pitched the Usos joining the Judgment Day. Jimmy said they were good on that. Balor said the good thing about the Judgment Day is that there’s no leaders, which means there’s no Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman was shown walking out of the dark, but the camera went back to the ring, where the LWO was in the ring. 

The LWO segment

Rey Mysterio asked Denver what was good. The crowd cheered. Mysterio said a year ago, his career was at a crossroads and personally, he was going through one of the hardest times of his life. Mysterio said he was devastated and heartbroken. He said the LWO reminded him what family really represents and because of that, he’s the U.S. Champion. Santos Escobar hopped on the mic and said their family is full of champions. Escobar noted how Rey stepped up against Austin Theory and Escobar was happy because of that. Escobar said his career dream has always been to face Rey with a title on the line. Escobar asked Rey if he’d face him for the U.S. title. Rey said that of course, he’ll accept. 

Bobby Lashley’s music hit and Lashley came out with the Street Profits. Lashey said a few weeks ago, they said they were taking over and after looking at the LWO, it looks like it’s going to be easier than he ever imagined. The Profits weighed in and compared Mysterio to Oprah saying “You get an opportunity! And you get an opportunity!” The Profits walked the rest of the way to the ring and it looked like we were in for a tag team match after a commercial break. 

**********

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde) [0:45 of TV time]

The match was joined in progress and it was one big piece of nothing. After the predictable and useless pin, Lashley and Mysterio had a tiny moment after the Profits kept attacking their opponents, but it was clear that The Rock’s opening segment ran long and at least these guys in this spot got their time cut. I’m not sure anyone is to blame (how the hell are you going to say no to The Rock?), but it was unfortunate. 

**********

– A package on the announcement of the 2024 Royal Rumble aired. The commentary team set up The Miz vs. LA Knight. 

LA Knight defeated The Miz [11:32]

I preferred this match over their match at Payback. It was almost a living, breathing argument for why running house show loops actually mattered when it came to developing programs. Give these guys four weeks on the road to hone this match, and I promise you it’d be even five times better than this. Anyway, this must have (mercifully) been the blowoff for this program as Knight made his intention for gold clear after the match. God bless Miz, man. He’s some sort of high-mid-level gatekeeper that always seems to elevate The Next Big Thing whenever the company calls upon him to work with whoever that is. And somehow, it always works – probably mostly because The Miz is a professional. Neither of these guys were going to have a five-star match in the Tokyo Dome, but as I said a few sentences ago, this was far better than the first Big Match they had. Good on them for it. 

The crowd was ruckus with their “LA Knight” chants to begin the match. The wrestlers locked up and Miz worked a side head-lock. Knight hit a shoulder block and yelled “Yeah!” The crowd followed suit and chanted a “Tiny balls!” chant. Miz begged off, but then rammed Knight into the turnbuckle to gain the upper hand. Miz and Knight traded chops until Knight hit a power-slam for a two-count. Knight landed a neck-breaker and followed that up with a leaping shoulder-block for another two-count. Miz came back quickly with a knee to Knight’s midsection. 

Miz kicked Knight in the head. Miz jawed at the crowd and lifted Knight, but Knight kind of/sort of worked out of it (it looked like Knight slipped at one point) to hit a neck-breaker and a bulldog from the second rope. Miz fired up quickly, though, and face-planted Knight for a two-count. From there, the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Miz had control and kicked Knight in the midsection repeatedly. Miz hit a running knee to Knight’s face and got a two-count out of it. Miz went for his finisher, but Knight fought out and ultimately hit a clothesline, Russian Leg Sweep and DDT to fire everyone up. 

Knight hit some boots and a running knee for a two-count. The two traded roll-ups and two-counts. Miz thought he hit a DDT, but Knight grabbed the rope and didn’t hit hard. Miz responded by landed a knee and a modified draping Codebreaker for a near-fall. Miz jawed at the referee and set up for a kick, but Knight moved and hit some punches. Somewhat out of nowhere, Knight landed the BFT for the win. 

After the match, Knight grabbed a microphone and the crowd went nuts for him. Knight did the “Let me talk to ya!” bit and everyone screamed. Knight said he told everyone that he’s coming for gold. Knight said he has different options. Knight said it doesn’t matter if it’s Gunther, Seth Rollins, Rey Mysterio or Roman Reigns. The crowd ate it up. Knight said it ain’t just a catchphrase when he says he’s top two and he ain’t No. 2. The crowd responded with a hearty “Yeah!” and while Knight walked to the back, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa were shown watching Knight on a TV. Heyman said he hasn’t received an order from Reigns to take out Knight yet. Heyman told Solo about how Jimmy Uso is cutting deals with Judgment Day. Heyman told Solo that Jimmy thinks he’s back in the Bloodline, but Jimmy isn’t back in the Bloodline. Heyman said they can only make moves when Reigns calls him. Solo said he already knows what he needs to do. Solo said he’s going to finish something … tonight. They segment ended with Heyman telling his cellphone to call Roman Reigns. 

**********

– Backstage, Pretty Deadly rolled up on Adam Pearce. Elton Prince reflected on how his shoulder was and is still broken. Pearce asked them why Prince would be in a wheelchair if the problem was his shoulder. Kit Wilson chimed in and said they will be back before anyone knows it. Prince gave a loud “Yes, boy!” and the two rolled out of frame. 

– Bayley and Dakota Kai were shown talking backstage. Kai told Bayley that Bayley has to show up against Asuka later. Kai mentioned how Bayley has been distracted by Shotzi and asked Bayley if Bayley is actually ready for Asuka. We then went back to the ring for Asuka’s entrance. 

Asuka defeated Bayley [8:57]

I wrote a lot of things that were just magically deleted before they were published, so I’ll keep it short. Asuka has a ton of wins over Bayley and Asuka is the one wrestling for a belt next week, so this was predictable. But the women worked hard and this was worthy of the main event slot. Here’s hoping we get at least 15 minutes out of IYO SKY vs. Bayley next week. 

Asuka had control early until the two traded roll-ups and Bayley retreated to slow things down. Asuka went to the top and hit a missile dropkick, which took Bayley to the outside. Bayley immediately lured Asuka in and took control. From there, the show went to break. Returning to the show, Bayley was working a headlock. Asuka worked out of it briefly, but Bayley came right back with a knee and a two-count. Out of nowhere, Asuka went for an arm-bar, but Bayley kicked out of it. Asuka hit a German Suplex. 

Asuka landed a hip attack and a knee to the head of Bayley for a two-count. Asuka went for some kicks, but Bayley countered and ultimately went for a figure-four, but Asuka turned it around with an ankle lock. Asuka went to the second rope and landed a pseudo Codebreaker from the second rope. Asuka went for an arm-bar, but Bayley rolled to the outside. Bayley threw Asuka around and ripped apart the commentary table. Suddenly, Shotzi poppped up out of the crowd and chased Bayley back into the ring …  where Asuka got the pin with a backslide. After the match, Shotzi and Asuka went for a fist bump. 

**********

The Grayson Waller Effect with John Cena

Waller started out by saying it must be a dream for Cena to be on his talk show. Waller made a reference to the Coach Prime controversy surrounding taking hats off and wearing sunglasses. Waller said Cena needs to be more like Waller and Cena needs to sit back and let the stars shine. Waller said Cena has to make everything about him one more time. Waller said Cena got back in the ring at Packback … but not as a competitor and as a special guest referee. Waller said Cena has been lying to people because Cena doesn’t want to be an in-ring competitor. Waller said there is no doubt that Cena is the greatest of all time, but he’s not the greatest right now. 

Waller mentioned how Austin Theory beat Cena and WrestleMania. Cena stood up and took off his shirt. Cena went to speak, but Jimmy Uso’s music hit and Jimmy walked to the ring. Jimmy and Cena stood in the ring. Cena walked to Jimmy nad Jimmy took the microphone out of Cena’s hand. Jimmy called Waller “Kangaroo Jack” and Jimmy said nobody wanted Cena there. The crowd chanted “Cena!” Jimmy said he was out there to tell Cena that he should fight him or get out of the ring. Solo Sikoa’s music hit and Solo came out with Heyman. Solo and Cena engaged in a stare down. Solo turned around and choked Jimmy before super-kicking Cena. Soli and Jimmy hammered away on Cena until AJ Styles’s music hit and Styles ran to the ring and pounded on Jimmy. Cena then threw Solo outside the ring. Cena lifted Jimmy, but Solo broke it up. Cena’s music hit and that effectively ended the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Jimmy Uso vs. AJ Styles

Posted on by Colin McGuire

A match between Jimmy Uso and AJ Styles headlines tonight’s SmackDown from TD Garden in Boston.

Jimmy is apparently looking to get back into The Bloodline after helping Solo Sikoa defeat Styles last week. Issues between Jimmy and Styles began earlier in the episode when Jimmy disrespected O.C. member Michin.

A tag team bout with Charlotte Flair & Shotzi taking on IYO SKY & Bayley has also been announced for tonight. Last Friday, Shotzi defeated Bayley in a singles match after Charlotte assisted her in evening the odds against Damage CTRL.

Tonight is the first SmackDown since Payback. At last Saturday’s PPV, Finn Balor & Damian Priest defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a Steel City Street Fight to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles. Balor & Priest are facing Ridge Holland & Butch in a non-title match on tonight’s show.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– The show opened with a video package recapping last Saturday’s Payback event. From there, a new SmackDown opening, complete with a new Smackdown theme song, aired. Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show on commentary. 

Shotzi & Charlotte Flair defeated IYO SKY & Bayley [9:04]

This was fine for what it was. It was a pleasant surprise to see Asuka back and even more of a pleasant development to see Asuka go right after SKY after the match because I think that’s a match we’ve all been waiting to see on the main roster with big time stakes for a long time now. Shotzi is good for one or two spots a match where you kind of/sort of wonder if she actually might have just severely injured herself and this match had a couple of those, but I’m happy to see her get some booking love last week and this week. Sure, they protected the heels here, but until a couple months ago, you could be forgiven if you forgot Shotzi was even hired to wrestle on the main roster in 2023. So, good stuff all around. Shotzi got a win and we started the (hopeful) road toward Asuka vs. IYO SKY. 

Bayley and Charlotte started the match and pushed each other. Charlotte fired up and attacked SKY and Bayley. Shotzi ran in for reinforcements and things broke down. With Shotzi and Charlotte on the outside, SKY landed a springboard moonsault off the second rope. The show then went to commercial break. When the show returned, SKY had control on Shotzi and Bayley tagged in to hit a stereo kick to Shotzi’s head. Bayley got a two count out of it. 

Bayley worked a chin-lock on Shotzi until Shotzi worked out of it … until Bayley kicked Shotzi in the leg. No matter because Shotzi ultimately kicked Bayley in the ear and Shotzi got the hot tag to Charlotte. Charlotte landed a cross body on both Bayley and SKY. Charlotte hit a series of chops on Bayley before landing a fallaway slam. Charlotte followed that up with a walkover clothesline and a fallaway slam on SKY. Charlotte went for a figure-eight, Bayley rolled Charlotte up for a two-count. Charlotte came right back and sunk in a figure-four until SKY broke it up with a Meteora. 

SKY tagged in and hit a top-rope Frankensteiner. Bayley went to the top, but was stopped as she saw Asuka grab the women’s title from Dakota Kai on the outside. Charlotte hit a boot on Bayley and tagged in Shotzi, who hit her finisher on Bayley for the win. AFter the match, Asuka threw the title down in the ring and engage in a stare down with SKY. Asuka then left the ring. 

**********

– Paul Heyman was backstage and Jimmy Uso came up to tell Heyman that Jimmy is happy to be in the Bloodline. Heyman said both Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa weren’t there. Heyman advised Jimmy to handle AJ Styles business and at the same time, Heyman said if Jimmy does that, Heyman will bring the family back together. Jimmy with for a handshake, but Heyman walked away before shaking it. Heyman ran into AJ Styles as he was walking. Heyman told Styles he has too many problems in his life and Styles grabbed Heyman … until Jimmy saved the day, attacked Styles and threw Styles over some crates. The segment ended with Heyman telling his phone to call Roman Reigns. 

**********

– Backstage, Bayley yelled about Asuka until SKY chimed in and said she will fight Asuka for the title. 

– LA Knight made his entrance to a massive pop. Knight grabbed a microphone and soaked in a ton of cheers and chants. Knight did his “Ley me talk to ya!” catchphrase. Knight mocked the Miz and the Miz’s song. Knight recalled the Kevin Nash adjective moment from Nitro and corrected it to a verb. Knight talked about Miz fighting invisible John Cena. Knight mocked Miz for crying about Cena. Knight said he has all the respect in the world for Cena, and Cena counted to three at Payback and was about to say Miz can consider his challenge … but Grayson Waller’s music hit and the crowd booed. 

Waller told Knight to hold on. Waller said Miz ran through Cena on Raw and before Knight accepts Miz’s challenge, Waller wanted to bring out Austin Theory. Waller said Waller and Theory are the only tag team on the roster that is undefeated after last week. Knight responded by telling the heels to talk to their mommy … and to say Knight said hi. Theory noted that he beat both Cena and Knight previously. Theory reminded everyone at 26 years old, he’s been a two-time US Champion. Theory told Knight to soak in his 15 minutes of fame. Theory said when he’s done with Knight, the Miz won’t waste his time on Knight. Knight then welcomed Theory and Waller into the ring. Knight said TD Garden stands on Legends Way and Theory can “get his keister kicked tonight.” The match was made for after a commercial break. 

**********

LA Knight defeated Austin Theory [9:29]

This was a solid television match. The nonsense was fairly useless and even a bit gratuitous by the end. Theory and Waller are supposed to be annoying, but we can talk all day about Theory and still probably never find a way to properly end the conversation. Waller is off to a nice start on the main roster by being a pest, but I fear his association with Theory will hurt more than it helps. Knight, meanwhile, is still very over, though his Kevin Nash callback didn’t seem to land with the live crowd, which disappointed this viewer. Knight isn’t the smoothest performer and Theory isn’t the most refined 20-something-year-old on the roster, but the match made sense and the right guy went over. It was never going to be Omega vs. Ospreay and that’s OK. 

Grayson Waller sat in on commentary and announced that John Cena will be on the Grayson Waller Effect next week on SmackDown. Theory and Knight locked up to start the match and exchanged momentum until Knight landed a European Uppercut and a neck-breaker to gain slight control. Theory eventually came back and hit a snap suplex for a two-count. With Knight on the apron, Knight fought Theory off and hit a shoulder block. The action spilled to the side of the outside where the commentary team was and Knight slammed Theory’s head off the top of it repeatedly. 

Back inside the ring, Knight ran at Theory, but Theory countered and eventually hit a neck-breaker on Knight from the apron to the floor on the outside. The show then went to commercial break. The show returned, Knight fired up inside the ring and landed a DDT before putting the boots to him. Knight lifted Theory, but Theory punched Knight and hit a rolling Blockbuster for a two-count. Theory ran at Knight and Knight dropped Theory over the top. Knight landed a dropkick through the bottom ropes and went for a suplex on the outside, but Theory countered into a suplex of his own. 

With the wrestlers down, Waller ran to a corner and untied a turnbuckle to expose it. Knight and Theory got back into the ring and Knight hit a powerslam before hitting the big elbow drop. Waller got on the apron to distract Knight and Theory rolled Knight up to no avail. It looked like the exposed turnbuckle might come into use, but Knight stopped it and hit the BFT on Theory for the win. 

**********

– AJ Styles was interviewed by Cathy Kelly backstage. Styles said he’s standing and as long as he’s standing, he can fight. Styles said Jimmy Uso can jump Styles as much as he wants, but nothing is going to stop Styles from tearing Uso’s head off. The Judgment Day’s entrance began back at ringside (sans Rhea Ripley). 

– Backstage, Paul Heyman was talking to Adam Pearce and wanted to know who SmackDown was receiving after Jey Uso was traded to Raw. LA Knight interrupted things and asked Pearce to make the Miz vs. Knight match for next week and Pearce obliged. Heyman told Knight he’s a huge admirer. Heyman did the “Yeah!” catchphrase. Heyman also told Knight to knock on the door the next time he wants to enter a room in which Heyman is doing business. Knight didn’t appear happy about that, but said “Yeah!” when Heyman asked if he was clear. 

– Damian Priest told the crowd to all rise for the crew that holds all the gold, the Judgment Day. Finn Balor introduced himself as “Grand Slam Finn.” Balor introduced Dirty Dom and the crowd booed. Dom tried to talk, but the crowd erupted in boos. It was hard to make out what Dom was saying because of the boos. Priest chimed back in and said he was proud that his group accomplished something not even the Bloodline could do. Priest said not only did they beat Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, but they took the Undisputed Tag Team Championship from Owens and Zayn. Dom called out Jey Uso, but it was still hard to hear Dom because of the boos. Dom (I think) was saying Judgment Day is the most dominate … something until the Brawling Brutes music hit and Butch and Ridge Holland came out with microphones. Holland said they were looking to put on a banger in Bean Town. Holland said it wasn’t him they needed to worry about and rather, it was Butch they had to worry about. Balor laughed until Butch went to snap Balor’s fingers. The Brutes shot Balor off into the ropes, but Balor rolled to the outside and the show went to commercial while the match was set to begin after the break. 

**********

The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) defeated the Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) [12:20 of TV time]

Good for the Brutes for getting in a lot of offense and showing a lot of fight, but there was no way anyone could have thought they’d get the win here. The new tag champs aren’t coming out of a PLE and losing the first time the crowd sees them as champs on TV. Still, Holland and Butch worked hard and this was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be – especially considering how the match went through two commercial breaks, which was yet another welcome surprise of the night. I’m more intrigued to see where this Judgment Day vs. Lashley & Profits thing goes. Last I read, Lashley’s new group was internally listed as heels and I can’t imagine WWE is going to run a long-term program between two heel factions. The crowd was up for Lashley, though, so perhaps we actually have a new hot babyface trio that was at first mischaracterized? Time will tell. 

The match was shown in progress when the episode returned. The Brutes had control and worked over Balor. Holland spun Balor around and slammed him, but Balor shot back up and tagged in Priest, who took control with a shoulder-block on Holland. Holland fired up and had both Balor and Priest on separate shoulders before slamming them. Priest came right back with a clothesline and Balor tagged in. Pretty Deadly were shown watching the match on a TV backstage. Balor worked a headlock on Holland until Holland fired up and got the hot tag to Butch. Butch landed a moonsault on both Priest and Balor, who were on the outside, and the show went to another commercial break. 

Coming back from that break, Butch hit a super-plex on Balor inside the ring. Butch went for something, but Balor countered into a falling elbow. Priest and Holland tagged in and traded blows. The exchange ended with Holland hitting a suplex and tagging in Butch, who ran at Priest, but Priest got a boot to the face for a two-count. Priest kicked Holland and landed some version of a bulldog/headlock driver on Butch for a two-count. Balor tagged in and ran at Butch, but Butch countered while Dominik got on the apron. Butch went for 10 Bells on Butch, but Balor interrupted it with a Slingblade. Balor went for a Coup De Gras, but Butch moved and Balor hit an enziguri before tagging in Priest. 

Butch kicked Priest and tagged in Holland. Holland lifted Priest and Butch went to the top, but Balor pushed Butch off the top. Priest landed South of Heaven on both Holland and Butch. Balor went to the top and hit the Coup De Gras on Holland and that was enough for Balor to get the pin. After the match, Bobby Lashley’s music hit and Lashley came out with the Street Profits. Lashley and the Profits entered the ring and engaged in a stare down with Balor, Priest and Dominik. Lashley said the Bloodline is crumbling, but it won’t be the Judgment Day that takes over and instead it will be Lashley and the Profits that will take over. 

**********

– Backstage, Gallows, Anderson and Michin were shown watching a phone. AJ Styles came into the frame and asked the Good Brothers about Jimmy jumping Styles. Styles knocked the phone out of Karl Anderson’s hand and Styles screamed that they always had each other’s back. Styles told them he doesn’t want them anywhere near his match with Jimmy as the segment ended. 

– Kevin Patrick and Michael Cole narrated a highlight package of the Superstar Spectacle in India from earlier Friday. The commentary team ran down what’s booked for next week, which will include LA Knight vs. The Miz and Cena on the Grayson Waller Effect. In two weeks, Asuka will face IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship. 

**********

AJ Styles defeated Jimmy Uso [15:55]

Well, now isn’t that something. I don’t know where WWE is going with the Judgment Day/Bloodline/OC/Lashley group stuff, but color me intrigued. I was happy to see Styles go over because it’s been far too long since he’s earned a meaningful win on WWE TV (no, whatever that was with Karrion Kross doesn’t count), but adding another layer of all these faction wars makes me interested in seeing what happens next week, and if I’m honest, it’s been a little while since I’ve been interested in seeing what happens next week. The match finish was a little flat and the crowd faded during the end, but the question of whatever is next made it worth it for me. Very interesting. 

Styles had control early and kicked Jimmy in the back of the neck. Jimmy came back with a rollup, but Jimmy put his feet on the ropes and the ref stopped counting. Styles followed that up with some chops and a snap suplex. Styles landed a back-breaker. Styles jawed at Jimmy and kicked Jimmy a few times in the mouth. Styles set up a Styles Clash, but Jimmy rolled to the outside. After getting back into the ring, Jimmy hit an elbow to take Styles to the ground. Jimmy ran the ropes and held himself up before rolling to the outside. Styles landed a sliding dropkick and went for a knee, but Jimmy hit a superkick to slow things down. Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa (who Heyman said wasn’t there!?) appeared in the entrance way. Jimmy smiled and slammed Styles’s head off the ring steps. The camera showed Jimmy smiling as the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, Jimmy had control inside the ring and Jimmy kept smiling. Jimmy did the “Uce!” chant with the crowd and landed a hip attack on Styles in a corner, which was good enough to get Jimmy a two-count. Jimmy worked a chin-lock. Styles tried to elbow his way out of it, but Jimmy cut him off with a clothesline. Jimmy went back to the chin-lock. Styles countered with a belly-to-back suplex and both guys were down. On their knees, the wrestlers traded slaps. Styles eventually hit a Pele Kick to slow stuff down again. Styles clotheslined Jimmy over the top rope and followed that up with a leaping forearm. 

Inside the ring, Styles set up for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Jimmy moved. As a result, Styles slammed Jimmy on his neck and got a two-count out of it. Styles landed a clothesline, but Jimmy fought back with a punch, which was enough for a two-count of his own. On their feet, the two traded strikes until Styles hit a DDT, which led to a nice near-fall. Styles went to the apron, but Heyman and Sikoa distracted him. The lull was enough for Jimmy to hit a superkick on Styles. Styles was on the outside and Jimmy rolled out with him. Jimmy tried to talk to Sikoa, but Sikoa turned his back and Styles hit both Sikoa and Jimmy. Styles then confronted Heyman and ran Jimmy into the ring post. From there, Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Jimmy, which was enough for the win. 

After the match, Damian Priest and Finn Balor attacked AJ Styles and threw Styles back into the ring, where Sikoa and Jimmy were. Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Styles and stared at Priest and Balor. The show ended as Sikoa stared down the Judgment Day. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk tributes

Posted on by Chris Maloney

WWE SmackDown takes place from the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky tonight.

The company announced on Friday that the show will pay tribute to the late Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda). Wyatt passed away at 36 years old on Thursday due to a heart issue.

WWE hasn’t announced what the tribute will look like, but Director of Longterm Creative Rob Fee posted that tonight “is gonna be really special.”

The show will also pay tribute to Terry Funk, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79.

It’s been confirmed that WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY will defend her title against Zelina Vega tonight. It’s SKY’s first defense since cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase at SummerSlam to become champion.

A non-title match with United States Champion Rey Mysterio facing Grayson Waller is also set.

WWE had advertised that Jimmy Uso would be on SmackDown to continue the Bloodline story, but that segment is no longer included on WWE.com’s rundown for the show.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

SmackDown opened with a graphic paying tribute to both Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt. The top of the entrance ramp was met by the WWE locker room including Braun Strowman and Wyatt family member Erick Rowan. Michael Cole then dedicated the show to the memories of Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk before we witnessed a moment of silence with a ten bell salute. After the ten bell salute, we were honored with the accomplishments, memories and lasting images of Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda and what he meant to the WWE Universe.

After the tribute played, WWE Superstars remained on stage, choking up as fans sang “He’s got the whole world in his hands…” before we saw a lone rocking chair sitting on stage before the camera faded away into darkness.

– A video tribute followed of Terry Funk’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Michael Cole stated that Cody Rhodes was in attendance tonight and followed up by mentioning Dusty Rhodes’ rivalries with the late Terry Funk. Cole then stated that the WWE wanted to provide entertainment tonight as Rey Mysterio’s music hit.

Rey Mysterio defeated Grayson Waller in a non-title match

Waller was hungry to gain the victory against the current United States champion as quickly as he could but Mysterio remained resilient. Waller misstepped and action spilled to the outside and Mysterio gained momentum as we headed to commercial.

We are back from commercial and action was back in the ring and as Mysterio charged Waller in the corner, Grayson side-stepped and Mysterio was now in trouble. Waller followed up with a diving elbow but could only land a two count however.

Waller followed up by sending Mysterio corner to corner but as Waller attempted a powerbomb, Mysterio maneuvered and landed a seated senton and a tornado ddt but could only manage a two count himself.

Myterio with the momentum in his hand, managed to land Waller in a position to hit the 619 but before he could hit it, Austin Theory’s music hit causing the distraction. Santos Escobar hit the ring and countered Theory’s interference and after Mysterio was able to gain control of the match once again, he nailed Waller with the 619 followed by the Drop the Dime to get the 1-2-3.

– A video promo aired on the birth of The Wyatt Family.

– It was announced that on top of IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s Championship against the LWO’s Zelina Vega tonight, we would also see Butch and Ridge Holland of The Brawling Brutes battle The Street Profits.

– A video promo aired on the return to WWE Friday Night SmackDown of the one-and-only John Cena live next week.

– A video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Michael Cole announced that two of Bray Wyatt’s former foes would go to battle in the main event tonight as LA Knight would face Finn Bálor.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviewed Damage CTRL. Bayley stated that this was IYO SKY’s era and it would remain that way.

IYO SKY (w/Damage CTRL) defeated Zelina Vega to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

After both competitors were introduced, we headed to commercial.

– Back from commercial and a video promo aired on the debut of The Fiend equipped with a QR code in the corner.

The bell rang and it was all SKY as Damage CTRL cheered on loudly from the outside. Vega attempted a comeback by climbing to the second rope but SKY caught her and Zelina was grounded hard to the mat.

Vega finally managed to gain momentum and managed to nail SKY with the Meterora but only managed a two count. SKY countered but so did Vega as she attempted to land Code Red but SKY escaped. SKY followed up and attempted to hit the air but Vega countered and nailed Code Red but SKY luckily rolled to he outside.

Vega followed SKY to the outside but IYO was able to execute an assault and send Zelina into the post switching momentum in her favor. SKY followed up by heading back into the ring, nailing Vega with the Over the Moonsault to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.

– Backstage, Cody Rhodes was shown heading to the ring to honor the career and legacy of the late Terry Funk.

– Another video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring. Rhodes stated that he knew what he wanted to talk about tonight and shared a story when he was 11 years old, hearing a guy calling his father an “egg sucking dog”.

Cody paid tribute to the 50-year legacy of Terry Funk before introducing a video package honoring the career of the WWE Hall of Famer. Clips were shown of Funk’s highlights in the NWA, WWE and ECW before ending the package with Terry and Dory Funk Jr.’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

After the package ended, Rhodes announced that the tag team match taking place next would be a Terry Funk Hardcore Match!

– A video promo aired on The Era of Wyatt, focusing on Bray winning the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber in 2017.

The Street Profits defeated The Brawling Brutes in a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match

No count outs, no disqualifications and the new edge Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford gained control of the match early on but it wouldn’t last long as in tribute to the late “Funker”, Holland picked up Butch in a fireman’s carry and swung him around, knocking out Dawkins and Ford, reminiscent of Funk’s infamous ladder spot in ECW.

The Street Profits would rebound and after Ford took out his opponents on the outside, Bobby Lashley made his presence known as we headed to commercial.

Back from commercial and Butch and Holland were in control but Lashley was now ringside and watching on like a shark. Momentum  changed and Ford nailed Holland with a double team blockbuster but Butch was able to make the save.

Ford followed up with his “From the Heavens” frog-splash but Butch once again was able to make the save. Butch grabbed a table from under the ring but with no rules, Lashley got involved and laid out Butch. The Street Profits followed up with The Revelation through a table on Holland to score the 1-2-3 after a hard fought battle.

– A video promo aired on The Firefly Funhouse.

– Backstage, LA Knight was shown heading to the ring.

– Another video promo aired on the return of John Cena to WWE Friday Night SmackDown live next week.

– Another video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Highlights were shown of this week’s past Monday Night Raw where LA Knight helped Akira Tozawa score a victory over The Miz.

 – Video was shown of TMZ catching up with The Miz, questioning him about his feud with LA Knight.

LA Knight defeated Finn Bálor

Knight took the mic before the match to honor the career and legacy of the late Bray Wyatt. Knight stated that sometimes your greatest foe can become your greatest helper and said he held it together tonight until he thought about Bray’s family.

Knight then went into character and cut a promo on The Miz and his current feud with him. Knight finished the promo, telling The Miz to “run” . 

– A video promo aired on Bray Wyatt’s return at Extreme Rules last year.

– Another video promo aired on the return of John Cena to WWE Friday Night SmackDown next week followed by the announcement of Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar battling Austin Theory & Grayson Waller and the return of Jimmy Uso to Friday Night SmackDown as well.

Knight was quick to gain control of the match using his size and power and as he was capitalizing, it was announced that Knight would battle The Miz at WWE Payback early next month before we headed to commercial.

– A video promo aired on Bray Wyatt’s “Heartfelt Message” promo on SmackDown earlier this year.

We’re back from commercial and Bálor had gained momentum but Knight went back on the attack fairly quickly, landing some stiff shots but could only manage a two count. Bálor followed up with a sling blade but failed to capitalize any further.

Bálor nailed his running dropkick in the corner but missed the Coup de Grâce and Knight followed up with a massive powerslam. Knight furthered his momentum and after nailing a suplex from the top rope, hit the B.F.T. and picked up the victory.

– After the match, a lantern sat in the middle of the ring as a silhouette of Bray Wyatt was shown on the screen. Fans chanted “Thank you Bray” as the show came to an end.

Final Thoughts:

Touching tributes to both the late Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk but not what I expected with regards to the tribute shows the WWE produced for the late Owen Hart and Eddie Guerrero.

Nonetheless, the WWE honoured both men tonight with class and after seeing the presence of Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan on the entrance ramp tonight at the beginning of the show, you couldn’t help but shed a tear.

Hug your loved ones and let them know how much you appreciate them.

WWE SmackDown live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown will emanate from San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum — one night before Backlash from the same city and venue.

Native son Bad Bunny will appear on the show the night before he is set to face Damian Priest of The Judgement Day in the musician’s first-ever singles match. The two will have a San Juan street fight on Saturday.

Ahead of his grudge match with Brock Lesnar on Saturday, Cody Rhodes will be on hand to share some thoughts about his match.

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura will face Karrion Kross in Nakamura’s last night on the blue brand.

After getting into a brawl last Friday, The O.C.’s Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson will face Erik and Ivar of The Viking Raiders.

Plus, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will appear ahead of her title defense against IYO SKY at Backlash.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the first-ever SmackDown in Puerto Rico. The stage was less a stage and more an entry way as Rey Mysterio and the LWO made their entrance to a hot crowd. 

The LWO/Judgement Day Segment

Mysterio spoke in mostly Spanish before Zelina Vega went to speak, but the Judgement Day’s music hit and interrupted her. Dominik took an LWO shirt from someone in the crowd and ripped it in half to a chorus of boos before the faction entered the ring. 

Dominik began to speak, but the boos forced him to stop. Dom eventually called Rey a deadbeat dad. Rey responded in Spanish to huge pops from the crowd. Rey called for a WrestleMania rematch and Rhea Ripley stepped forward to say that Rey should fight her. 

Vega then stepped forward and the two women had a stare down. Dominik came back and challenged Vega and Rey to fight Rhea and Dom. Rey spoke in Spanish again to a huge reaction from the crowd. Rhea said they’re on and the Judgement Day left the ring – but not before Dom got in a cheap shot on Rey. 

**********

The OC [Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson] defeated The Viking Raiders [Ivar & Eric]  [8:07]

This was a fun opening match made almost entirely by the hot crowd. Turns out Puerto Rico loves them some OC and to be fair, it was one of the rare instances Gallows looked inspired in a WWE ring. The crowd chanted “Uno, Dos, Tres” as the pinfall commenced and it was a ton of fun. Man. This crowd made this show. 

AJ Styles sat in on commentary. The Viking Raiders had control early. Anderson fought back and eventually took Erik down with a dropkick to the leg before Gallows and Ivar tagged in and the two big men fought. The OC introduced something Styles called the “Brother Me Softly,” which was essentially an assisted kick to the head. The break spot came when Michin and Valhalla confronted each other on the outside.

Back from break, The Viking Raiders had control until Gallows received the hot tag and the crowd was as excited as he was. Gallowed cleaned house. Gallows landed a modified power-bomb on Ivar for a good near-fall. Erik tagged in and slammed Gallows and Ivar came off the top for another good near-fall that Anderson broke up. 

On the outside, Michin laid out Valhalla. Inside the ring, The OC hit the Magic Killer for the win.

**********

– Bianca Belair made her entrance and had a microphone. Michael Cole said if Belair wins at Backlash, she’ll be the “longest reigning women’s champion of the modern era,” and I’m not quite sure what that entails, but let’s go with it. Belair said Iyo Sky is unpredictable and dangerous, but Belair has faced the best of the best. Belair said she will show up and show out. Belair reiterated Cole’s assertion about being the longest reigning champion, but Damage CTRL’s music cut Belair off. 

Bayley had a microphone and she mocked Belair as her faction walked to the ring. Bayley said she made Belair on SmackDown. Bayley called Belair conceded. Bayley said Sky will put an end to Belair’s “history party” at Backlash. Bayley noted that her and Dakota Kai want to become the new women’s tag champs. Damage CTRL surrounded the ring and ultimately, Sky got the best of Belair with a shotgun dropkick. Damage CTRL was working over Belair, but Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez ran down to even the odds. They cleared the ring of the heels. 

**********

– Karrion Kross was shown backstage talking about how people don’t know who they think they are. Kross said he will plant another seed tonight to reap and that would come in the form of Nakamura. 

– The Street Profits made their entrance through the crowd. 

**********

– We got a video package recapping The Usos vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens last week. From there, we went backstage to find the Usos trying to hype up Solo Sikoa, who remained mostly silent until Sikoa said at Backlash, he will do his part. Sikoa said the Usos better do their part at Backlash and walked away. 

The Street Profits defeated Imperium [Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci] [2:42]

This was far too short. I understand the appeal of having these teams on the show – especially with Imperium heading to Raw – but with even three more minutes, this could have been consequential. Instead, it felt like an elongated squash that hurt Imperium more than it helped it. 

Ludwig Kaiser and Montez Ford started the match, with Kaiser getting the best of it. Giovanni Vinci hit a frog splash onto both Profits on the outside, which was impressive. Kaiser worked over Ford for a good portion of the first third of the match. Ford eventually came back with a back suplex and a hot tag to Angelo Dawkins, who took out Vinci. Ford hit the big frog splash from the top and that was it. 

**********

– We got a video package recapping the Cody Rhodes/Brock Lesnar program. 

– Cody Rhodes made his entrance and the crowd sang every gosh-darn word of his theme. Cody asked what the crowd wanted to talk about in Spanish. Cody talked about how Brock Lesnar is standing in the way of Cody getting to the kingdom. Cody said Brock picked a fight with him and he said Brock has yet to explain why he picked the fight. Cody said he will beat the reason out of him at Backlash. Cody fired up the crowd to end the promo. 

– Nakamura was interviewed backstage and Nakamura said “Come on!” before his music began to play. Michael Cole congratulated Pat McAfee on the birth of his child. Nakamura made his entrance. 

**********

– Riddle, Zayn and Owens cut a backstage promo and Riddle said there is only one thing left to do, which is beat the Usos and Sikoa at Backlash. Zayn and Owens walked out of the frame to end the segment. 

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Karion Kross [8:41]

This was perhaps the match of the night. We don’t see much of Kross anymore, but maybe that will change with the draft and the proposed restart. If so, they did a good job of protecting him in subtle ways throughout, especially with him getting as much offense as he got. Here’s hoping Nakamura gets a little bit of a lift up the card from this. Seeing is believing. 

Nakamura had control early as the action spilled outside, where Kross clotheslined the hell out of Nakamura. Kross ran Nakamura into a ring post and we went to break. 

Back from break, Kross was toying with Nakamura. Kross said Nakamura was the “King Of Trash,” abnd Nakamura responded with a knee to Kross’s face. Nakamura landed an enziguri and placed Kross on the top turnbuckle to hit a running knee for a two-count. 

Scarlett got on the apron and distracted Nakamura. As a result, Kross suplexed Nakamura for a two-count. Kross went for the Kross-Jacket, but Nakamura countered into an arm-bar. Kross fought out of it, but Nakamura worked a guillotine. Kross eventually worked out of it and hit a strong lariat to slow things down. 

Kross landed a knee to Nakamura’s chest. Kross suplexed Nakamura for a two-count. Kross took off his elbow pad, setting up for the Kross-Hammer, but Nakamura countered with a knee. From there, Nakamura hit the running knee for the win. 

**********

– Back from break, we got a recap video from the draft. Cameron Grimes was shown with Adam Pearce. Baron Corbin interrupted Grimes’s vibe. Grimes said Corbin wasn’t picked at all. Corbin played off the idea that Grimes was picked last, saying Grimes is Mr. Irrelevant. Pearce booked Corbin vs. Grimes for next week. 

– Michael Cole threw it to the Backlash press conference recap, which featured the showdown between Bad Bunny and Damien Priest. Rey Mysterio’s music hit and we had our introductions for the mixed tag main event. 

Rey Mysterio Jr. and Zelina Vega defeated Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio [9:36]

It’s just so hard to think Zelina Vega comes out of Backlash as the SmackDown’s women’s champ, but damn it if WWE isn’t try to get us to believe. Vega had a ton of offense against Ripley here and it worked to at least create a tiny bit of doubt … right? Maybe? I don’t know. Either way, the match was awfully entertaining and again, this Puerto Rico crowd deserves a paycheck from WWE because man, a good, hot crowd can take a regular show and make it a fabulous show. This crowd did just that.

Vega and Ripley started the match and Vega slapped the hell out of Ripley. Zelina had control and tagged Rey, which meant Dom came in and worked over his dad until Rey kicked Dom. Rey tagged in Vega, who set up Dom for the 619, but Ripley cut Vega off. Vega rolled to the outside and we had a commercial break. 

Back from break, Ripley was working over Vega. As Vega went for a tag, Dominik pulled Rey off the apron. Ripley threw Vega to the mat and stared down Rey. Before long, Ripley ran at Vega in a corner and Vega moved, so Ripley hit the post, shoulder-first. Rey was then the recipient of the hot tag. 

Rey landed a cross-body on Dom. Rey was on Dom’s shoulders and Dom ran Rey’s head into the top turnbuckle. Rey set up Dom for the 619, but Ripley stopped Rey … until Vega took down Ripley. Rey went to the top, but Dom cut him off and went for the Three Amigos, but Rey countered on the third suplex for a roll-up and the win. 

After the match, Judgement Day attacked Rey. Naturally, Bad Bunny’s music hit to massive pop and the LWO took out the Judgement Day while Bad Bunny and Priest had a stare-down. Bunny had a kendo stick and wound up, but only to hit Dominik. Bad Bunny put on an LWO shirt to end the show as the crowd truly and honestly went wild. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes face-to-face

Posted on by Dave Bath

The road to WrestleMania continues on tonight’s SmackDown from Capital One Center in Washington, D.C.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes will both appear ahead of their WrestleMania 39 main event. A face-to-face with Reigns and Rhodes will kick off the episode.

Paul Heyman warned Jimmy Uso last week that he needed to handle the Jey Uso situation — or Reigns would deal with it when he returns to SmackDown. Later that night, Jey showed up but didn’t help Jimmy when Jimmy was brawling with Sami Zayn.

Zayn is facing Solo Sikoa on tonight’s show.

Rhea Ripley goes one-on-one with Liv Morgan. Last week, Ripley briefly confronted her WrestleMania opponent SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. Dominik Mysterio spoke with Flair first, discussing their famous fathers. Dominik then cost Rey Mysterio a match with Karrion Kross later that night. After the match, Dominik taunted Rey to hit him — but Rey walked off instead.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes Face-to-Face 

Wow, an electric and fantastic segment. Reigns and Rhodes hit a home run for this back-and-forth promo. They made their WrestleMania match feel incredibly important and special. They were both great in their role. The fan reaction was strong, adding to the atmosphere. 

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso made their way to the ring. Reigns grabbed the mic and demanded Washington, DC, acknowledge him. Without missing a beat, Cody Rhodes’s music hit to a big pop. Michael Cole noted it was Rhodes’s first appearance on SmackDown in seven years. 

The fans erupted into a massive “Cody” chant. Contrary to what Paul Heyman told Reigns, Rhodes is there to talk with his WrestleMania opponent man-to-man. Rhodes felt the rest of The Bloodline didn’t need to be in the ring. Reigns ordered The Bloodline to leave. 

The fans applauded The Bloodline leaving. Reigns then set the titles down, which got the fans buzzing. Rhodes noted Reigns is an impossible mountain to climb. But that’s Rhodes’s thing. Everyone always doubted Rhodes, saying he’d always be Randy Orton’s understudy, he’ll never get away from Stardust, and he and his friends couldn’t draw 10,000 fans to his little indy show. The fans applauded. Rhodes pointed out that defeating Reigns isn’t impossible for him. The fans broke into a loud “Cody” chant. 

Reigns laughed and congratulated Rhodes for practicing his speech all week. Reigns pointed at the WWE title and asked Rhodes if he ever won it. Rhodes never competed for the title or was in a WrestleMania main event. Reigns has done it all. He was groomed for this position by his father and Dusty Rhodes since he was a child. 

Reigns doesn’t have a bad thing to say about Dusty. He praised Dusty for his guidance and advice. Reigns even did a Dusty impression. Reigns added that Dusty never talked about Cody with him. Reigns admitted he misses Dusty. Reigns promised if there is something Dusty didn’t teach Cody, Reigns will teach him at WrestleMania. Reigns wanted a handshake. 

Rhodes realized he was not playing on the same field as Reigns. Maybe Reigns is the son Dusty always wanted. Rhodes needs to beat Reigns. For Rhodes to matter and exist, he must complete his story and beat Reigns for the title. They shook hands to end the segment. 

**********

Rhea Ripley (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Liv Morgan (8:04) 

Ripley and Morgan had a fun opener with a hot crowd. Ripley came across as a monster, but they gave Morgan lots of chances to shine. 

Morgan hit a dropkick out of the gates for the early advantage. Ripley briefly took over, but Morgan fired back with a middle rope dropkick. Morgan went for a suicide dive, but Ripley knocked her down in mid-air. Ripley then cut a promo on Charlotte Flair as they cut to a break.

Ripley continued to dominate Morgan. Morgan avoided a back suplex and caught Ripley with a hurricanrana. She followed with a second rope code breaker for a close near fall. Ripley countered oblivion. Morgan fought back with an enziguri. Morgan leaped off the top rope, but Ripley caught her in a powerbomb. Ripley hit rip tide and locked on an inverted cloverleaf for the submission win. 

***********

– In the Bloodline locker room, Roman Reigns asked Jimmy Uso about his brother Jey. Jimmy defended Jey, pointing out that Jey’s a hot head. Jey just needs time to calm down. Reigns admitted he’s losing patience. Jimmy understands and promises to talk to Jey. Reigns isn’t losing patience with Jey. He’s losing patience with Jimmy. Jimmy understands and went to call his brother. 

********

-The Progressive Match Flo of the Week recapped Dominik Mysterio taunting his father, Rey Mysterio, to hit him. 

-Santos Escobar approched Dominik and Ripley. He thinks Rey should have punched Dominik in the face. Escobar went to Adam Pearce and got a match with Dominik. Esocbar’s going to the ring to see if Dominik’s a man. Escobar called Ripley mami and made a kissy face as he walked away. 

Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated Santos Escobar (8:35)

Another solid match with Mysterio vs. Eccobar. They noted Escobar’s a member of Legado Del Fantasma, but there was no sign of Zelina Vega or the other members. 

Mysterio was briefly in control. Escobar quickly took over and locked on a submission. Escobar came to the ring with the mask Rey gave him two weeks ago. Mysterio escaped and lured Escobar in. He tossed him to ringside and hit a dive as they went to a break. 

Mysterio was firmly in control, setting up for the 619. Instead, he choked Escobar on the middle rope. Mysterio yelled at Escobar about respecting his legacy and pointing at Rey’s mask on the corner.

Escobar recovered, hitting a tilt-a-whirl into a leg drop. Both guys hit the ropes and collided in mid-air. Mysterio slowly got to his feet and blatantly pulled out brass knuckles to distract the referee. Ripley pulled Escobar out behind the referee’s back and hit the rip tide. Mysterio then hit the frog splash for the win. 

After the match, Dominik grabbed Rey’s mask from Escobar. Dominik ripped up the mask as he walked away. Rey Mysterio came out and demanded the mask. Dominik got in Rey’s face again and demanded he hit him. Dominik knocked down Rey when he went to pick up the mask. 

********

– Earlier today, Sami Zayn was walking among the fans. he knows his match with Solo Sikoa is about sending a message and not winning. Zayn has a message of his own to send. 

*******

Drew McIntyre/Sheamus/LA Knight/New Day/Karrion Kross Segment 

This segment started strong with McIntyre and Sheamus. They both want a title shot against Gunther at WrestleMania. Then it turned into a typical WWE segment where a bunch of people interrupted each other. In this case, nobody has a WrestleMania match, and everyone wants one. 

Drew McIntyre entered the ring. He pointed out that he doesn’t have a WrestleMania opponent. He wants a match with Intercontinental Champion Gunther and called him out. 

Instead, Sheamus entered the ring. Sheamus was furious that McIntyre went behind his back to get a match. McIntyre knows how badly Sheamus wants to win that title. McIntyre noted Sheamus isn’t his parent. He doesn’t have to run everything past Sheamus first. Sheamus thought they were brothers, but McIntyre’s not his brother. 

McIntyre told Sheamus the hard truth. He got two title shots and lost twice. LA Knight’s music interrupted. He noted they couldn’t have WrestleMania without LA Knight. 

The New Day’s music hit, and they walked to the ring. Kofi Kingston made fun of Knight for wanting a match at WrestleMania. Kingston correctly pointed out that Knight can’t even win a match on SmackDown.

Karrion Kross interrupted and made his way to the ring with Scarlet. Kross caused a distraction, allowing Knight to attack New Day. Sheamus sent Knight to ringside. McIntyre and Sheamus went face-to-face. McIntyre hit a dive wiping out everyone at ringside. Kross jumped Sheamus from behind, clearing the ring. Kross was the last one standing to end the segment. 

*****

Earlier today, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler brawled with Natalya and Tegan Nox in the back. During the fight, Rousey somehow injured her arm. Due to Rousey’s injury, the tag team match is now Nox vs. Baszler.

Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) defeated Tegan Nox (w/Natalya) ) (2:01)

They shot an angle to change this to a singles match. Rousey had her arm in a sling and didn’t get involved. Basic two-minute match. 

Tegan Nox was on fire early as she hit a cannonball in the corner. Baszler recovered and attacked Nox’s arm. Nox tried to fight back, but Baszler went back to the arm. Baszler rocked Nox with a knee to the face and locked on an arm bar for the submission win. 

After the match, Nox yelled that Baszler broke her arm as Natalya checked on her. 

*******

– Gunther and Imperium spoke with Kayla Braxton. Gunther was upset that Adam Pearce didn’t have a match for him for WrestleMania. He said it was a disgrace and demanded a WrestleMania match. 

*******

Bobby Lashley Segment 

Typical Bray Wyatt/Uncle Howdy segment with magic. 

Bobby Lashley made a surprise appearance on SmackDown. Bray Wyatt’s symbol flashed on the screen as Lashley entered the ring. 

They recapped Lashley addressing Wyatt on Raw and Wyatt’s muscle man dance. Lashley knows Wyatt’s not man enough to meet him to his face. So, Lashley came to SmackDown to confront Wyatt. Lashley called out Wyatt.

Instead, Uncle Howdy’s music started playing. Howdy jumped Lashley from behind. Lashley fought back with a spine buster and set up for the spear. Suddenly the lights turned off. When they came back on, Howdy was gone. Lashley looked around, confused. 

**********

– In the Bloodline locker room, Jimmy spoke with Jey on the phone. Jey still needs more time to think. Reigns was annoyed. Jimmy admitted Jey said to leave him the hell alone. Reigns blamed The Bloodline’s problems on Sami Zayn. Reigns believes if they get rid of Zayn, Jey will come back to The Bloodline. Reigns told Jimmy to join Sola Sikoa for his match and to take out Zayn. 

After Jimmy left, Reigns told Paul Heyman that Jey has one week to return. If he doesn’t return, Reigns won’t blame Zayn; he’s blaming Jimmy. 

*********

Solo Sikoa (w/Jimmy Uso) defeated Sami Zayn (7:46)

Sikoa pinned Zayn after Jimmy’s brief interference in a solid main event. The show’s long story revolves around Reigns demanding Jimmy find out what’s happening with Jey Uso. Right now, Reigns blames Sami Zayn for all the problems in The Bloodline. Reigns gave Jey Uso one week to return. If Jey doesn’t return, Reigns will blame Jimmy, not Sami. 

Zayn jumped Sikoa and Uso before the match. Zayn dumped Sikoa and Uso ringside. He followed up with a dive wiping out the heels. Uso caused a distraction, allowing Sikoa to wipe out Zayn. Sikoa took over and tossed Zayn over the barricade. 

Sikoa continued to punish Zayn and beat him down. Zayn tried fighting back, but Sikoa hit a Samoan drop. He followed with a splash in the corner. Zayn fought back with a flying crossbody for a near fall. Zayn set up for the blue thunder bomb, but Sikoa escaped. Zayn recovered and hit the blue thunder bomb after Sikoa missed a splash in the corner. 

Zayn went for the helluva kick, but Jimmy pulled Sikoa out of the way. Sikoa then hit the Samoan spike for the win. 

After the match, Sikoa and Jimmy beat down Zayn. Jimmy placed the chair around Zayn’s head. Sikoa went for the splash, but Jimmy stopped him. Jimmy wanted to hit the splash instead. Jimmy kept talking trash, allowing Zayn time to recover. Zayn fought back with the chair and escaped through the crowd. 

In the locker room, Reigns was furious that Zayn escaped. Jimmy was distraught in the ring. The fans broke into a loud “Sami” chant. 

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Next Week: A fatal five-way number one contender’s match featuring Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, LA Knight, Kofi Kingston, and Karrion Kross. The winner takes on Intercontinental Champion Gunther at WrestleMania. Plus, Ricochet & Braun Strowman take on The Viking Raiders. 

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WWE SmackDown live results: Number one contender’s match

Posted on by Dave Bath

The final Friday Night SmackDown of 2019 takes place from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, tonight.

The show will be headlined by a triple threat number one contender’s match, with Daniel Bryan, The Miz, and King Corbin facing off. The winner will challenge “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.

Last week’s opening segment saw Bryan, Miz, and Corbin all state that they want the next Universal title shot. Bryan and Miz were ambushed by Dolph Ziggler, which led to Bryan and Miz teaming up and defeating Corbin and Ziggler in the main event.

Alexa Bliss hosts A Moment of Bliss with guest Lacey Evans tonight. Evans has been feuding with SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks. Evans took on Banks last week until Banks taunted Evans’ daughter. Evans snapped and brawled with Banks and Bayley.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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SmackDown started with Elias in the ring. He sang a song about 2020, the line up for tonight, and mocked the Bobby Lashley-Lana wedding angle. 

Triple Threat Match: Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin vs. The Miz 

Daniel Bryan made his way down to the ring first. Corbin came out being carried to the ring on his throne. 

Corbin pointed out that Bryan and Miz have families, are terrible fathers, and headlined Wrestlemania. He told Bryan to step aside and that he earned his opportunity when he beat Roman Reigns twice. 

Corbin said he should be Universal Champion and be the one to vanquish the WWE of Bray Wyatt. He’s the only one with the ability to beat Wyatt. 

Suddenly, Roman Reigns music hit, and Corbin fell off his throne. Michael Cole noted this wasn’t part of the program for tonight. 

Reigns came down to ringside and brawled with Corbin. He rocked Corbin with a superman punch. Reigns then set up for the spear, but Corbin ran off.

Reigns and Bryan briefly stared at each other. 

In the back, Corbin spoke with Adam Pearce and complained about Reigns’ attack. 

On commentary, Corey Graves pushed postponing the triple threat match because of Reigns attacking Corbin.

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day & Braun Strowman defeated Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sami Zayn  

Kofi Kingston caught Nakamura with an elbow and sent him to the floor. Kingston went for a dive, but Zayn grabbed the legs. 

Nakamura jumped Kingston from behind. The heels isolated Kingston on their side of the ring. In a cool spot, Cesaro rocked Kingston with a vicious uppercut on the floor. The uppercut sent Kingston over the announce table into Corey Graves’s lap. 

Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. Kingston rocked Cesaro with a dropkick off the second turnbuckle. Cesaro regained control and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. 

Kingston fought back and rolled up Cesaro for a near fall. Cesaro fired back with an uppercut for a close two count.

Nakamura slowed the pace back down with a chin lock. He applied the abdominal stretch and mocked Big E to his face. Nakamura knocked Big E to the floor. 

Kingston attempted a tag, but Zayn grabbed Strownman’s leg. Cesaro rocked Strowman with a dropkick to take him out of the match. 

The heels isolated Kingston and scored a near fall, but Big E made the save. Strowman got the hot tag and ran wild. 

Strowman nailed Nakamura with a splash in the corner. He chased Zayn around ringside, which allowed Nakamura to attack Strowman with a knee.

In the ring, Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Strownman countered with a clothesline. Nakamura went to hit Strowman with the pancake tray, but Kingston grabbed it and hit Nakamura. Strowman then hit the running power slam for the win. 

After the match, Kingston noted everyone knows Strowman is the monster among men, but he’s also a great dancer. Big E said somebody might get these hands, but somebody is going to get these hips for sure. 

The fans broke into a “Get These Hips” chant. Strowoman then began to dance, which the fans loved. 

In the back, Kayla Braxton noted that King Corbin is refusing to compete tonight because Roman Reigns attacked him. She announced that Corbin is out of the match and The Miz goes one-on-one with Daniel Bryan to determine the number one contender. 

They recapped Corbin attacking Reigns a few weeks ago with dog food. 

In the back, Mandy Rose approached Sonya Deville. She asked Deville to accompany her to the ring for her match. Deville noted Rose wasn’t in her corner last week, but Rose said she was covered in Otis’ sweat. Deville agreed to come to the ring but had a few more autographs to finish signing. 

Otis approached Rose and gave her a cake that his mother made. He apologized for getting his sweat on her last week. 

They announced Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler for FOX’s New Year’s Eve special this Tuesday night. 

Carmella defeated Mandy Rose 

Rose had the early advantage and caught Carmella with a dropkick. She followed up with a knee for a near fall. Rose slowed the pace down with a chin lock. 

Rose slapped Carmella in the face, and Carmella snapped. She jumped on Rose and nailed her with a series of shots. 

Rose sent Carmella into the second turnbuckle to take over. The finish came when they traded a series of pinfall attempts, and Carmella rocked Rose with a kick for the win. 

Sheamus appeared in another vignette and is looking forward to returning to a brand new SmackDown.

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz For A Universal Championship Opportunity 

Bryan worked over Miz’s wrist, but Miz fought back. They brawled around ringside with The Miz gaining the advantage. Bryan regained control by attacking the knee. The Miz and Bryan collided in the middle of the ring. 

King Corbin’s security ran out and attacked both Bryan and Miz. Bryan and Miz worked together to clear the security from the ring. 

Kayla Braxton interviewed Corbin with his security behind the curtain. Bryan and Miz watched on the big screen. 

Braxton informed Corbin that Reigns left the building. Corbin noted he felt safer competing knowing Reigns is gone. 

Bryan and Miz ran from the ring and attacked Corbin in the back. 

Michael Cole and Corey Graves announced that the triple threat between Corbin, Bryan, and Miz for the title shot is back on. 

A Moment Of Bliss With Guest Lacey Evans 

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross introduced their guest Lacey Evans. Bliss recapped Evans taking on Sasha Banks last week. Banks taunted Evans’ six-year-old daughter, which caused Evans to snap. 

Evans noted Banks crossed a line and snapped when she saw Banks taunting her daughter. Evans pointed out she’s not going to sit out there because she knows what happens on shows like this. 

Evans expected Bayley and Banks to attack her. Instead, she is heading to the ring to get her hands on Bayley and Banks. 

SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks defeated Dana Brooke & Lacey Evans

Bayley and Banks jumped Brooke before she could make her way to the ring. All four women brawled on the stage. 

Back from the break, the faces were in control early. Brooke hit a cartwheel into a splash for a near fall.

The heels took over and isolated Brooke on their side of the ring. Banks attacked Evans to draw her into the ring. This allowed the heels to attack Brooke. 

Evans got the hot tag and ran wild. She rocked Bayley with a swinging neck breaker. 

Evans hit a slingshot elbow and a massive moonsault for a close near fall. Banks broke up the pin attempt. Evans chased Banks around ringside, and Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly, but Brooke broke up the pin attempt.

Evans went for the Woman’s Right, but Banks ducked, and Evans hit Bayley. Banks sent Evans to the floor and locked on the Bank Statement on Brooke for the win. 

In the back, Dolph Ziggler approached Mandy Rose as she admired the cake from Otis. He asked her what her plans were for New Year’s Eve and flirted with her. Ziggler noticed the cake, which Rose pointed out Otis’s mother made.

Ziggler picked up the cake and put it on the floor. He stepped on it and asked her about New Year’s again. 

King Corbin ran in and demanded Ziggler’s help. 

In the back, Mustafa Ali talked about the tough times he faced in 2019. He promises that 2020 is going to be different, and he’s going to be a champion.

Backstage, Otis found the cake his mother made for Mandy Rose on the ground. 

Triple Threat Match: Daniel Bryan defeated The Miz. and King Corbin

Bryan and Miz attacked Corbin and sent him to the floor. Bryan rolled up Miz for a near fall. They went back and forth until Bryan took out Corbin with a suicide dive. 

Corbin recovered and sent Bryan into the time keepers area. He rocked Bryan with a clothesline and hit a chokeslam into a backbreaker on Miz. 

Bryan and The Miz worked together and hit a series of running dropkick and knees in the corner. Corbin backdropped Bryan to the floor, but he landed on the apron. He then caught Miz with the deep six, but Bryan rocked Corbin with a missile dropkick. 

Back from the break, Bryan rolled up Miz for a two count. Miz took over and hit a DDT on Bryan. 

Miz applied the Figure Four leg lock on Corbin, but Bryan hit a splash on Corbin for a near fall. Bryan turned over Corbin, which reversed the pressure on Miz. Bryan then applied the Lebell Lock on Corbin. 

Miz attempted the Skull Crushing Finale, but Corbin hit End of Days. Bryan broke up the pin attempt and hit the running knee on Corbin.

Dolph Ziggler ran out and hit the superkick on Bryan. Corbin made the cover, but Roman Reigns ran out. He pulled Corbin out of the ring. 

Reigns and Corbin continued to brawl. 

Back from the break, Michael Cole revealed that Reigns and Corbin brawled to the back. Bryan gave Miz a superplex but Bryan held on. 

Miz recovered and gave Bryan a shin breaker off the top. Miz hit the It kicks, but Bryan caught his leg and hit an open hand strike. 

Bryan hit the Yes kicks, but Miz went back to the knee. Miz continued to work over Bryan’s knee and leg. 

Miz attempted a springboard, but Bryan countered into an armbar. Bryan applied the Lebell Lock, but Miz bit the hand. 

Bryan rocked Miz with a hard kick. Bryan went for the running knee, but Miz countered into the Skull Crushing Finale for a close two count.

Miz applied the Figure Four, but Bryan fought out and applied the LeBell Lock for the win. 

Daniel Bryan takes on Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at the Royal Rumble. 

The Firefly Funhouse interrupted. Bray Wyatt congratulated Bryan on his victory. He noted Bryan is going to have so much fun, but he might not be finished with him. Wyatt wondered if Bryan is going to do whatever it takes to win. Will Bryan let him in. Bryan led the fans in a “Yes” chant.