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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Today we will once again enjoy a new live coverage of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be broadcast live from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This will be the first episode of the blue brand after WWE Saturday Night's Main Event and will feature the presence of some of the protagonists of that show, highlighting the current champions of the brand Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill.
Additionally, Giulia will put the United States Women's Championship on the line against Chelsea Green, while Ilja Dragunov will hold a new open challenge for the men's championship. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happens in the show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
The show begins with a video recap of Saturday Night's Main Event.
Cody Rhodes is in charge of opening tonight's show. The fans welcome him with a great ovation. "The American Nightmare" greets some fans, especially the youngest ones, as he heads towards the ring. "Cody, Cody!" chant the fans. "Well, Greenville, South Carolina, what do you want to talk about?" Rhodes asks to start his promo.
Cody recalls his victory over Drew McIntyre, in which the WWE title played a significant role. "He introduced a weapon into the match", says the champion. The fans chant Cody Rhodes' name. "This is going to be a fun show, right?" Rhodes asks before resuming his promo. Cody focuses again on McIntyre, describing him as the wrestler who has sabotaged himself the most in the history of the business. "Unfortunately, Drew, at this point, I keep moving forward. Drew McIntyre, you're in my rearview mirror", says Cody before pointing out that tonight is about the WWE Championship. That's why he wants to do something different. Rhodes is about to step out of the ring with the intention of sitting among the fans and watching the show. This way, everyone can decide who should be his next opponent.
Aleister Black and Zelina interrupt the promo
Black points out that he is also moving forward now that he has left his rivalry with Damian Priest behind. Aleister and Zelina enter the ring. "You see, I have a thorn in my side, Rhodes. And it's about the size of the WWE Undisputed Championship", says the Dutchman. Without a word, Cody takes off his tie, ready to fight. After that, he turns towards Black, but Zelina stands in his way. "It's a shame your nightmare begins now," Zelina says before slapping the champion.
Nick Aldis appears on the scene to calm the spirits. The General Manager is aware of the growing tension in the air, so he has an idea. "Aleister Black, if it's a fight you're looking for, my friend, you can face Cody Rhodes in the main event tonight", says Aldis. Black's entrance theme resonates in the arena as the segment comes to an end.
We see the arrival at the venue of some of tonight's protagonists: Charlotte Flair (alongside Alexa Bliss), Jade Cargill, and Ilja Dragunov, who once again meets Tama Tonga backstage. Both men face off in silence. After a few tense moments, the Russian resumes his path to the ring.
Microphone in hand, Ilja officially introduces the open challenge for his United States Championship, promising the fans that pain will entertain them tonight.
No One will Survive!
#DIY with Tommaso Ciampa at the forefront, appear on the scene. Ciampa reproaches Dragunov for refusing to put the title on the line against him last week and for the audacity of calling him a "stupid ass." "I am a two-time NXT Champion, and you call me a stupid ass!? I am a two-time Tag Team Champion in SmackDown! Nobody calls me a stupid ass!", exclaims Tommaso. "And now I've come from far away to Greenville, South Carolina, which is full of stupid asses, to tell you that title is mine! Let the damn bell ring!", shouts Ciampa before climbing into the ring. "You're right, so I accept the challenge for my United States title... from him", says the Russian pointing to Johnny Gargano. Tommaso calls Dragunov a coward before approaching his partner, who remains silent. "&Snatch the title from him!", exclaims Ciampa before leaving the ring.
Open Challenge for the United States Championship
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae)
Ciampa retreats backstage, but not before distracting Dragunov, allowing Gargano to surprise him from behind. Thus, Johnny takes the lead in the match. Ilja recovers to execute two consecutive german suplex holds. Gargano tries to block a third suplex, but the champion responds with a rain of elbows. After that, the Russian performs a new suplex.
Ilja seeks height, at which point Candice climbs onto the apron to distract him. Gargano takes advantage to make the champion fall from the corner. Johnny continues to hit Ilja at ringside. Gargano brings Ilja back into the ring, where he knocks him down with a slingshot spear. 1..2..NO. Johnny executes a painful chop on Dragunov in one of the corners before kicking him in the head. 1..2..NO.
Ilja traps Gargano. The latter throws several elbows, but the champion does not release him. Johnny runs towards the ropes so that Dragunov hits them. Once free, Gargano performs several corner spears on the Russian before trapping him in a painful submission hold. Ilja frees himself to start an exchange of attacks with the challenger. A enzuigiri from the Russian ends with both men lying on the mat.
The champion and the challenger exchange attacks in the center of the ring. Dragunov knocks down Johnny with a discus lariat. Ilja kicks Johnny in one of the corners before launching himself with a diving knee strike that hits the challenger's chest. 1..2..NO. Dragunov seeks height once again to jump, but Johnny receives him with a superkick. Gargano continues with a second superkick, this time to the back of the Russian's head, before finishing him off with a poisonrana. 1..2..NO.
Johnny takes Ilja to one of the corners to unleash a flurry of chops. Dragunov recovers to hit Gargano, whom he gets rid of with a headbutt. Ilja finishes him off with a diving senton. 1..2..NO. Ilja prepares for the H Bomb, but Gargano stops him with his legs. Ilja responds with a kick before applying a slam. Both men are left lying on the mat.
Dragunov prepares to perform a new discus lariat, but Candice catches him in full motion to make him fall to ringside. Johnny jumps on Ilja with a suicide dive turned into a DDT. After that, he takes him back into the ring to execute a One Final Beat. 1..2..NO. Johnny drags Dragunov to the ropes. Ilja stops his plans with a big boot before executing a superplex. Ilja finishes him off with a definitive H Bomb. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Ilja Dragunov
Nick Aldis talks to a referee in his office about the participants who will compete in the tournament that will determine John Cena's final opponent. Sami Zayn enters the room to once again ask the General Manager to allow him to be at ringside tonight when Rey Fenix faces Talla Tonga, reminding him of what MFT did last week. Aldis is aware that Zayn wants the best for his friend. However, he still does not have medical clearance, and being at ringside with the Solo Sikoa faction will put him at risk. That's why he asks him to prioritize his health and stay on the sidelines. Zayn understands Nick's decision but warns him that he won't stand idly by while MFT continue to wreak havoc on the brand.
Sami leaves, and R-Truth appears. Dressed in John Cena merchandise, R-Truth asks Aldis if the drum in his office will determine the participants in the tournament. Nick replies yes. "I want in. Come on, I need it", says R-Truth without letting the General Manager respond. "I've come here to show that I have balls and to put them in your hands", says R-Truth while literally placing two balls (presumably with his name inside) in the hands of the General Manager. He informs him that his name is already on a ball inside the drum. "Is that how it works? You know what? I don't want my balls touching yours anyway", says R-Truth before retrieving his balls and leaving the place. Aldis doesn't understand what just happened.
We see a promotional video starring the new WWE Women's Champion, Jade Cargill.
A pained Johnny Gargano approaches Tommaso Ciampa backstage. "I'm sorry, man. But that psychopath is good. Next time...", says Gargano before being interrupted by Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer). The Europeans mock Ciampa, who has not only been ignored by Ilja Dragunov for the second consecutive week but also his own partner has taken away his title opportunity. Maybe what the Russian says is true: Ciampa might be a stupid ass. Axiom and Frazer laugh as they leave the place. The members of #DIY remain silent.
Jade Cargill makes her entrance. Cargill poses with her WWE Women's Championship in the center of the ring before delivering her promo. "You all saw what happened to Tiffany Stratton, and this goes for all the women in that locker room: don't get it wrong, I'm that bitch!", exclaims Jade before leaving. Cargill poses again on the entrance ramp, at which point Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss appear. Jade raises the title in front of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, who decide to continue on their way. Cargill continues to provoke Flair, who pretends to go after her. However, Alexa stops her, reminding her that they have other matters to attend to tonight. Flair and Bliss continue their way to the ring.
An excited Chelsea Green talks with Alba Fyre backstage, sure that tonight she will regain the United States Women's Championship. B-Fab and Michin approach them to assure the Canadian that they know very well how her match tonight will end. Annoyed, Chelsea promises them that today she will become the first woman to win the United States Championship twice, in addition to reminding them that she holds an AAA title. Chelsea assures that she will become the greatest champion of SmackDown. No. In fact, she already is. Green turns to face Jade Cargill, who invites her to finish her sentence. Chelsea starts to stutter. "Keep talking, and I'll stomp a hole in your chest," says Jade. Green takes Fyre's hand and quickly leaves the place claiming they are busy. Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin head towards the women's locker room. "&Get out of the way!" exclaims Jade before entering. "I don't know why she thinks it's cool to walk around here talking like this," says B-Fab. Jade retraces her steps. "What did you just say?", asks the WWE Women's Champion to B-Fab. She doesn't think Jade should act like that. Cargill interrupts her, pointing out that if she has a problem with her, they can settle it in the ring next week. B-Fab doesn't hesitate to accept. Cargill returns to the locker room, leaving B-Fab and Michin behind, who continue to wonder why their partner is acting this way.
Charlotte Flair (with Alexa Bliss) vs. Nia Jax
Both women observe each other before starting the fight. Nia and Charlotte struggle. Flair tries to take down Jax, but she doesn't succeed. Nia pushes Charlotte, who responds forcefully. Jax lunges with a corner splash, but Flair dodges it. Charlotte continues her offensive with several kicks. Nia recovers to throw Flair against one of the corners.
Charlotte continues with several chops, but Jax soon crushes her against the opposite corner. Nia kicks her opponent before she can stand up. Jax continues to punish Charlotte, whom she knocks down with a clothesline. Nia traps Flair in a reinforced crossface. Charlotte manages to expel Nia from the ring before jumping on her with a crossbody. Nia quickly responds, throwing "The Queen" against one of the posts.
Jax throws Flair against the public barrier before confronting a fan. Nia takes her opponent back into the ring, where she slaps her repeatedly. Charlotte responds with several punches. Flair continues with a kick before launching herself with a diving crossbody. Charlotte unleashes a flurry of chops on Nia, followed by a superkick, a chop block, and a handspring clothesline. Flair finishes off Jax with a moonsault. 1..2..NO.
Nia blocks a Figure Four Lock to respond with a sit-out powerbomb. 1..2..NO. Jax drags Flair to one of the corners, where she executes an Annihilator, but her opponent dodges it. Charlotte prepares to counterattack, but Jax gets ready once again for her finisher. This time, Charlotte makes her fall to execute a diving knee strike. 1..2..NO.
The action continues. Charlotte surprises Jax with a tornado DDT. 1..2..NO. Suddenly, Lash Legend appears on the public barrier to surprise Alexa with a punch. Legend catches Bliss in a sleeperhold, shaking her from side to side until she loses consciousness. Charlotte is distracted by the scene, at which point Jax takes advantage to knock her out with a clothesline from behind. Nia finishes off Flair with an Annihilator. 1..2..3.
Winner: Nia Jax
Jax and Legend retreat backstage. Smiling, both women hug on the entrance ramp. Nia points to Lash. "She's my girl," says Legend. "She's my friend," says Jax. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Alexa remain lying on the mat and on the floor, respectively.
Nick Aldis reminds everyone that SmackDown and Raw will hold a tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent. That said, he goes on to announce two of the matches that the blue brand’s draw and luck have decided for the tournament. On one side, The Miz will face Jey Uso. On the other, LA Knight will go up against the man whose name he holds in his hands. The General Manager opens the ball and reads the name written on the paper. Nick seems pleasantly surprised. "You know what? I think I’ll keep this one as a surprise," he says with a smile.
Cathy Kelley interviews Nia Jax and Lash Legend backstage. Jax claims she already had Charlotte Flair beaten when Lash appeared on the scene. "But you know what? Teaming up with Lash was really hard because we’re not actually friends. We’re more like allies," Jax says mockingly. "Fine. Alexa and Charlotte said I should find a friend and made fun of it. I found a friend. I had a friend. I faced Lash in NXT and she’s a formidable opponent. I know she’s a badass, and that’s why she’s my friend. Can Alexa and Charlotte say their friend is a former NCAA champion with records to her name?" Jax asks. Legend hugs Nia before pointing out that she is everything she appears to be. Lash reminds everyone that she knocked Alexa unconscious. "You better believe we’re heading straight to the top. Tonight was just the beginning," says Legend before walking off with Jax.
Chelsea Green makes her entrance alongside Alba Fyre. The Canadian stops in front of the barricade. There we see Ethan Page, who is seated in the front row to watch the match. “All Ego” gives his partner a few last words of advice before her bout with Giulia. Chelsea hands him the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship and heads to the ring to face “The Beautiful Madness.”
Match for the United States Women’s Championship
Giulia (c) (with Kiana James) vs. Chelsea Green (with Alba Fyre)
Chelsea slaps Giulia, who answers with a right hand. The champion continues attacking Green, hitting her with a suplex. Chelsea tries to surprise the champion with a roll-up, but her opponent counters with a knee strike. Giulia knocks Green out with a right hand near the ropes. “The Beautiful Madness” punishes her opponent using the ropes, forcing the referee to intervene. James takes advantage to hit Chelsea with a punch.
Alba quickly retaliates, knocking out Kiana with a superkick. Furious, Giulia kicks Fyre from the ropes. Chelsea uses the distraction to roll Giulia up. Green puts her feet on the second rope for leverage, preventing the champion from escaping. 1..2..3.
Winner and NEW United States Women’s Champion: CHELSEA GREEN
Green celebrates with Page and Fyre among the crowd. “All Ego” lifts his partner onto one of his shoulders. Both pose with their championships to close the segment.
The entire MFT gathers backstage. Solo Sikoa addresses his teammates to congratulate them for last week’s work. However, it wasn’t enough. Sami Zayn is still walking around, The Wyatt Sicks have something that belongs to this family, as does Ilja Dragunov. "We’re going to take it all back," says Sikoa. Tama Tonga promises they’ll handle everything. Solo points out that tonight it’s Talla Tonga’s turn to set an example against Rey Fenix so no one ever dares to disrespect this family again. Solo asks if he understands. Talla yells in response. The faction heads to the ring. Suddenly, The Wyatt Sicks appear, ready to go after MFT, but Erick Rowan stops them. “Not yet,” he says.
Rey Fenix makes his entrance for the next match of the night.
We go to the medical room, where the injured Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair are recovering. The doctor leaves to get some ice. Alexa and Charlotte apologize to each other for what happened tonight. At that moment, someone hands them a bag of ice. Flair thanks her before helping Bliss place it on her neck. Alexa and Charlotte soon realize the person who handed them the ice is Asuka. She removes the mask covering her mouth and spits the poison mist into their faces. The tag team champions scream in pain. Meanwhile, Asuka celebrates with Kairi Sane, who was also disguised as a nurse to fool their victims. The Japanese duo walks away satisfied, leaving the blinded champions behind.
MFT make their entrance. Suddenly, Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Shinsuke Nakamura storm in to attack the faction. The three men brawl with JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, taking the fight backstage. Meanwhile, Rey Fenix dives with a suicide dive onto Talla Tonga, starting a fight that quickly moves into the ring. The referee calls for the bell.
Talla Tonga (with Solo Sikoa) vs. Rey Fenix
Talla quickly takes control. Tonga hits a big boot on the Mexican, sending him crashing into the barricade. Talla goes after his opponent, dropping him over the barricade. Meanwhile, Solo watches calmly from a chair near the commentary table.
Talla brings Fenix back into the ring, continuing his assault. Talla delivers a huge corner clothesline to Fenix before tossing him across the ring. Tonga presses his weight against the masked man’s face. “Let’s go Fenix!” chant the fans. Talla knocks down the Mexican with a shoulder tackle. Sikoa enjoys the show.
Talla keeps attacking mercilessly, while the Mexican tries to respond with a flurry of chops. Talla stops him with a single—but powerful—chop. Rey tries again. Fenix launches himself with a springboard crossbody, but his opponent counters with a shoulder tackle. Talla lifts Rey up, daring him to keep fighting. Talla floors the masked man with a massive clothesline.
Talla continues his punishment. Rey dodges a corner splash to start a comeback. Rey hits a superkick on Talla before kicking him in the corner. Talla blocks a sunset flip and counters decisively. Fenix uses the ropes to unleash another series of kicks on his rival, finishing with a Tightrope Penalty Kick. Rey connects a diving crossbody. 1..2..NO.
"Come on!" yells Rey before hitting another superkick. Fenix climbs the ropes to fly onto Talla. However, Talla catches him midair and counters with a powerful powerbomb. Talla lifts his rival to finish him off with a devastating chokeslam. 1..2..3.
Winner: Talla Tonga
Solo enters the ring. Once inside, he orders Talla to finish Rey with another chokeslam. However...
Sami Zayn bursts in with a steel chair!
Sikoa and Tonga leave the ring. Sami dares them to come back, but they retreat backstage instead. Solo points at Zayn as a warning. The Canadian checks on the masked man as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz backstage. The Miz says his attack on Carmelo Hayes wasn’t revenge, but a reminder of who he is. He made Melo relevant. And before that, he beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania. That’s why he should be the one to face “The Greatest of All Time” in his final match. Yet here he is, forced to win a tournament just to face the seventeen-time world champion—a tournament that even NXT talents can enter. "This shouldn’t even be a tournament! Especially when his final opponent is staring right at you!" yells The Miz while looking at the camera. Calmer now, The Miz promises to defeat Jey Uso in their first-round match. Then, he’ll make his critics and the entire internet cry when the headlines read that the man who beat Cena in the main event of WrestleMania also ended his career. “Because The Miz is AWESOME!” he shouts before leaving.
Cody Rhodes vs. Aleister Black (with Zelina)
Both men start with a feeling-out process, exchanging quick holds, blocks, and counters. Aleister drives Rhodes to a corner and hits a knee to the stomach. Cody counters with an inverted suplex. Black blocks a Disaster Kick with a direct kick to the head. Cody ends up at ringside. Aleister follows to continue the fight.
Black slams Rhodes onto the announce table before bringing him back into the ring. Aleister kicks Cody before taunting the fans. Rhodes rams the Dutchman into a corner. Black quickly recovers, sending Cody into the ropes. The referee intervenes, allowing Zelina to attack the champion illegally.
Aleister locks Cody in a headlock. Rhodes escapes and surprises him with a scoop powerslam. 1..2..NO. Cody continues his assault, only to be knocked down by a big boot. 1..2..NO. Black unleashes a flurry of strikes in the corner. Rhodes recovers to hit another scoop powerslam. Cody follows up with a Disaster Kick. 1..2..NO.
Rhodes sets up for his finisher, but Black blocks it with a knee strike. Aleister kicks Cody and covers him. 1..2..NO. Rhodes escapes and counters with a Cody Cutter. 1..2..NO. Rhodes throws several punches at his opponent, who answers with precise kicks. Aleister executes a German suplex hold. 1..2..NO.
Rhodes and Black exchange blows until both knock each other down with a double big boot. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre appears out of nowhere and knocks out the referee with a Claymore! The Scotsman yells at the unconscious official. Furious, Cody attacks Drew, throwing a series of punches. Aleister joins McIntyre to attack Rhodes. Chaos takes over the ring.
No contest
Damian Priest storms in to face McIntyre and Black, hitting the first with a Flatliner and the second with a body drop. Damian throws Aleister out of the ring with a clothesline. Drew surprises Priest, trapping him against the ropes. Cody saves the Puerto Rican, resuming his brawl with McIntyre. Meanwhile, Damian goes after Black, slamming him repeatedly onto the announce table.
Zelina rushes to help her husband, attempting a hurricanrana on Damian, but he blocks it, tossing her over the barricade. Black takes advantage to attack Priest directly in his injured eye. Damian collapses to the floor screaming in pain. Zelina and Aleister retreat through the crowd. Meanwhile, in the ring, Rhodes surprises McIntyre with a Cody Cutter.
Nick Aldis appears on the entrance ramp. "I’m sick and tired of you. I offer you my hand, and you take the whole arm. Well, that’s it, because effective immediately, Drew McIntyre, you’re suspended!" shouts the General Manager. McIntyre walks toward Nick to start an argument. "They asked for it! Everyone’s against me! My back was against the wall! My back was against the wall!" yells the Scotsman as the show comes to an end.
