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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 Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This will be the last show of the blue brand before Saturday Night's Main Event, and it will feature several matches and segments of interest, including a new appearance by Gunther, who will respond to the attack suffered at the hands of Cody Rhodes last week.
Additionally, Tiffany Stratton will put the United States Women's Championship on the line in an open challenge, and Shinsuke Nakamura will face Talla Tonga one on one. As always, we invite you to comment on the note to give your opinion on what happens on this week's blue brand show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
We see a video summary of last week's episode, focused on the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists: Cody Rhodes, Shinsuke Nakamura, MFT (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga), and Tiffany Stratton.
THIS IS MY BRUTALITY!
Rhea Ripley is in charge of opening tonight's show. The fans welcome her with a great ovation. The Women's WWE Champion heads to the ring, where she is handed a microphone. "Welcome to Friday Night Mami!", she exclaims. "I took a week off and it seems like someone really missed me, because Jade and her crew decided they would try to send a message. However, all they have achieved is to anger me. And now that I'm back, I'm ready for a fight. Jade, if you want your rematch, then I'll gladly beat you again. So, you against me at Clash in Italy, for the WWE Women's Championship!". The Australian raises her belt.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupt the scene!
Charlotte respects that Rhea wants to defend her championship, but she shouldn't jump the gun, as tomorrow they will have to join forces at Saturday Night's Main Event. "Which means we all need to be on the same page", Bliss adds. Charlotte agrees with her companion, which leads to the next point: where was Ripley last week when they needed her help? "Look Charlotte, I'm sorry, but I wanted to go home to see my family. Can't I have a day off like everyone else?", asks "Mami". Charlotte understands, but last week they really needed her help, especially when she and Alexa are fighting their own battles. "Charlotte, weren't you the one saying you didn't need me?", asks Rhea. Flair responds that she was. She said it when they were facing Fatal Influence. However, things have changed, because now they are also dealing with the Australian's problem. Bliss tries to make peace, but Ripley interrupts her. Rhea regrets what happened last week, although from home it seemed that Alexa was the most affected in that attack. If she can't protect her partner, how does she expect her to trust her? Bliss stands between them, but now it's Charlotte who interrupts. Flair assures that Rhea won't get what she wants. She won't cause a problem between her and her best friend. The Australian points out that it is "The Queen" who is causing it, not her. Suddenly...
Fatal Influence appears on the scene!
Jacy Jayne is delighted with this situation. "Nothing would please us more than to see the SmackDown women's division fall apart before our eyes", says Jayne. "And you know what's funniest? It seems that all this started the moment Fatal Influence set foot in this place". The fans respond with boos. Jacy points out that they have risen to the top of the division while Rhea and company were facing each other. "Because when we see an opportunity, we take it. In fact, I think we are seeing one right now", she says. Charlotte likes Jayne's confidence, but she's not here to talk. That's why she proposes a tag team match for tonight. "Perfect, that's all I needed to hear," Jacy replies. Flair's theme music starts playing, and this segment comes to an end.
Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga walk backstage. Cathy Kelley approaches them. Kelley asks Talla about his match against Shinsuke Nakamura. Solo takes the floor to respond for his partner, making it clear that he is ready. Sikoa wants everyone to be aware of this match and what will happen to the Japanese. "And I mean EVERYONE", he says as he looks at Tama. Royce Keys appears on the scene to confront Solo for what happened last week. Keys accuses the leader of MFT of costing him his title opportunity, making it clear that they will have a problem if he interferes in his affairs again. Talla tries to confront Royce, but Solo stops him. Sikoa insists that Keys is family, and that's why he wanted to help him last week. Also, if he didn't need that help, he just had to say so. Not throw a chair in his face. "You need someone to watch your back on SmackDown. Who better to do that than family? Right?", asks a smiling Solo before heading to the ring with his men.
Charlotte Flair approaches Alexa Bliss backstage to ask if she is ready for tonight. Bliss informs her companion that she does not have medical clearance to compete. Charlotte doesn't understand, as she was fine when they arrived at the venue. "Achís, I'm sick," says Alexa. Flair still doesn't understand anything. Bliss acknowledges that she is fine, but she won't fight tonight. She's tired of the constant quarrels between Charlotte and Rhea Ripley, so tonight they will have to work together. "Have fun," says Alexa before leaving.
Talla Tonga (with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Talla pushes Shinsuke after a brief struggle. "¡Nakamura! ¡Nakamura!", chant the fans. Shinsuke dodges his opponent's next attack to respond with a direct knee to the stomach. Talla quickly regains control. Talla takes the Japanese to one of the corners to unleash a flurry of punches. Talla violently throws Shinsuke against the opposite corner.
Talla traps Nakamura to apply a powerslam. Shinsuke dodges a charge in one of the corners to kick his opponent, whom he expels from the ring with a clothesline. "C'mon!", exclaims Shinsuke to provoke his rival. He surprises Nakamura in the ropes to throw him out of the ring. After that, he throws him against the public barrier.
Talla continues to hit the Japanese in front of the front row fans. After that, he takes him back into the ring. Talla hits his opponent again, trapping him in a painful submission hold. Shinsuke tries to counterattack, but is knocked down with a tremendous clothesline. 1..2..NO. Talla takes the Japanese to the apron area. Talla throws a punch, causing his rival to fall to ringside.
Talla brings Shinsuke back into the ring to apply an elbow drop. The fans boo. Nakamura prepares to counterattack, but is knocked down by a powerslam. Talla tries to lift him, but the Japanese catches him in a submission hold. Talla breaks free from a Guillotine Choke, only to receive a direct knee strike to the back of the head.
Shinsuke continues to kick Talla, who kneels on the canvas. Nakamura dodges a big boot in the corner to respond with a direct knee to the stomach. The Japanese finishes Talla off with a Scorpion Kick. 1..2..NO. Shinsuke prepares to execute a Kinshasa, when Solo climbs onto the apron. Sikoa tries to attack the Japanese, but he makes him fall with a kick. Nakamura runs towards Talla to execute his finisher, but his opponent intercepts him with a scoop powerslam. A definitive chokeslam ends the match. 1..2..3.
Winner: Talla Tonga
Solo orders Talla to immobilize Shinsuke. Sikoa prepares to execute a Samoan Skipe, but Tama stops his leader's hand! Sikoa confronts Tama. "What are you doing? What are you doing, huh?", asks an annoyed Sikoa. Suddenly, Tama lunges at the Japanese. Tama and Talla immobilize Nakamura. Sikoa prepares to finish him with his finisher, but Damian Priest comes to the rescue with a metal chair! MFT decide to leave the ring to head back to backstage. Meanwhile, Damian helps Shinsuke to stand up.
Nick Aldis talks with Charles Robinson backstage when they experience an electricity problem. The General Manager asks the official to find out what's going on. Cody Rhodes approaches Aldis. He informs him that Gunther has not yet arrived. Also, he has not signed the contract for his match at WWE Clash in Italy. Rhodes has no problem with that. He will go out and force him to sign. Nick reminds him that he already tried last week and it didn't work, so he asks him to leave it in his hands this time. Aldis promises that he will take care of everything. He can guarantee it. "I hope so," says Rhodes as he shakes his hand. Cody turns around, ready to leave, when he comes face to face with Sami Zayn. He knows that things haven't been right between them lately, and all because he's been dealing with too many things. However, he has faced Gunther before, so he can ask for help with that if he needs it. "Thanks, but no thanks," says Cody before leaving. Furious, Sami heads to Nick, the man he really wanted to talk to. Aldis regrets to inform him that there is no room for him on the show. Sami explodes, pointing out that he is being disrespected. He is one of the biggest superstars on the brand, but can't he have a little time to go out and address his fans? However, if it's about Cody, things change, because he is the "golden boy". Suddenly, Rhodes appears behind the Canadian. Cody scolds the Canadian for his tantrum. However, if what he wants is time, he will grant it to him. Tonight he can compete in a match, and he will be his opponent. Cody leaves to end the segment.
Tiffany Stratton makes her entrance in the ring, where she will issue her open challenge for the United States Championship.
Tama Tonga talks with Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga in the locker room. Tama believes Solo has shown weakness in front of the others, and that image affects MFT as a whole. That is why he must take care of Damian Priest. "You need to show them that our family is not weak. You have to do it yourself. For the family," he says as he extends his hand. "For the family," Solo replies as he bumps fists with Tama. "I'm going to speak with Mr. Aldis," he adds before walking away.
We head back to the ring, where Tiffany Stratton awaits her opponent.
¡The Irresistible Forces make their entrance!
Nia Jax wants to make one thing clear: tomorrow night she and Lash Legend will put an end to Brie Bella and Paige’s pathetic "nostalgia tour" and reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Lash points out that gold looks very good on them, and that’s why tonight she’s going to take Tiffany’s away from her. "Sounds like the perfect plan to kick off our golden weekend," says Legend before asking the referee to ring the bell.
United States Women’s Championship Match
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Lash Legend (w/ Nia Jax)
Legend wastes no time taking control of the match. Lash throws her opponent from one side of the ring to the other. Tiffany surprises her opponent with several kicks to send her out of the ring. Stratton tries to launch herself with a tope, but her legs get tangled in the top rope. As a result, the champion crashes awkwardly onto her rival. Lash catches Stratton to deliver a chokeslam onto the apron. Lash returns to the ring to pose. Meanwhile, Chelsea Green appears at ringside to support the champion.
Legend continues dominating the fight. The challenger punishes Tiffany with the help of the ropes. Lash delivers several corner spears to Stratton before throwing her from one corner to another. Legend catches Tiffany to slam her against the ring ropes. After that, she finishes the sequence with a clothesline. 1..2..NO. Lash takes the champion to one of the corners to hit her with more corner spears.
Stratton tries to recover, but once again she is taken down by her opponent, this time with a precise right hand. 1...2...NO. Tiffany escapes a submission hold before dodging a charge in the corner. Lash crashes into the ring post. Legend blocks a handspring corner back elbow, only to fall victim to a handspring cutter. 1..2..NO. Tiffany tries to set Lash up for an Alabama Slam, but her opponent blocks the move and responds with a powerbomb. 1...2...NO.
Stratton reverses a Lash Extension into a Crucifix Pin. 1..2..NO. Tiffany climbs to the top turnbuckle to prepare her finisher. Nia gets on the apron to grab the champion’s leg. Tiffany shakes off "The Irresistible Force" before diving onto Legend, but her opponent dodges and counters with a big boot. Chelsea approaches Jax and shoves her into one of the ring posts. Furious, Lash tries to grab Green, allowing Stratton to surprise her with a roll-up. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL United States Women’s Champion: Tiffany Stratton
Green hands the championship belt to Tiffany, who is seated on the entrance ramp. Chelsea celebrates Stratton’s victory, although Tiffany doesn’t seem too enthusiastic about it. Meanwhile, an annoyed Jax and Legend watch them from the ring.
Lil Yachty and Trick Williams make their way to the ring.
A production crew member approaches Nick Aldis to inform him that they have discovered the source of the technical problems plaguing the show tonight. The General Manager enters the room in question, where he finds Danhausen plugging multiple cords into outlets for one of his experiments. Nick wants to know what he’s doing. "I am conducting a scientific experiment," Danhausen replies before pressing the "Enter" key on his computer. A spark causes a brief blackout, startling the General Manager. The Brit turns around to scold Danhausen, but he has already disappeared. Aldis notices a stretcher with what appears to be a corpse covered by a sheet. Nick approaches, ready to see what’s underneath. "Don’t touch that!" exclaims Danhausen’s voice. And with that, the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz and Kit Wilson backstage. Kelley reminds them that the Cleveland Cavaliers are losing to the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs. A result many are attributing to Danhausen’s curse. The Miz admits it’s bad news, just like his failed wedding vow renewal ceremony with Maryse and his loss in his most recent title match. But this isn’t a curse. He isn’t cursed. Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer) appear on the scene. "Then how do you explain everything going so wrong lately?" asks Axiom. The Miz insists he is not cursed. Kelley asks The Miz why he hasn’t attended any Cavaliers games if he’s such a fan. "I’m superstitious," replies The Miz. "Do you believe in the curse?" asks Frazer. "Yes," answers Wilson. "Noooo!" shouts The Miz. "Nooooooooo!" Kit quickly corrects himself. He then scolds Fraxiom for disrespecting The Miz. "Are you trying to embarrass me? How about I embarrass you next week in your hometown?" he asks Axiom. "You can try. But let’s be honest, Mike. Everything you touch turns to trash," replies the masked wrestler in his native language. Fraxiom walk away from the area. The Miz asks Kelley what Axiom said. "Do you speak Spanish?" he asks her. "Un poquito," replies the interviewer. And with that, the segment comes to an end.
Lil Yachty and Trick Williams make their entrance. "Whoop that Trick!" chants the crowd to welcome the United States Champion. Williams believes the fans in Lexington are thrilled to see them. Yachty praises his partner following last week’s victory. After all, Trick defeated none other than The Miz, a two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion and future Hall of Famer. Armed with a kendo stick, the rapper makes it clear that anyone daring to interrupt the champion won’t get away unscathed.
¡Carmelo Hayes interrupts the segment!
Hayes addresses Trick, pointing out that they both knew this day would come sooner or later. Williams was responsible for him losing the United States Championship, and now he has to do the right thing. Hayes acknowledges that Trick has experienced a meteoric rise since arriving on the main roster. But that doesn’t surprise him, because he always believed in him. As for Hayes, he put his soul, blood, and sweat into elevating the title Williams now carries. And that’s why he insists that Trick do the right thing and put it on the line against him right here and now.
Yachty takes the microphone to respond on Williams’ behalf. He pulls an agenda out of his pocket and starts checking it. The rapper lists all of Trick’s commitments, such as going to the barber and getting a pedicure. Carmelo interrupts Yachty before addressing Williams directly. Hayes hopes Trick can make some time in his "busy" schedule to defend the championship. "Only if your secretary allows it," he adds. "You and I have known each other since day one. The old Trick Williams wouldn’t have let anyone tell him what to do and when to do it. But then again, I guess you were always better at standing in the background," says Carmelo.
Annoyed, Williams makes it clear that he’s not falling into the same trap twice. However, since they’re both already in their gear and the people of Lexington want to see some action, he has no problem giving them what they want. That said, he wants to make one thing very clear: open challenges for the United States Championship ended when he won the gold. So tonight, the title will not be on the line. With that said, he calls for a referee so the show can continue.
Trick Williams (w/ Lil Yachty) vs. Carmelo Hayes
Both men lock up. Trick takes Carmelo down with a shoulder tackle before following up with a powerslam. Hayes responds with a dropkick straight to the face. Carmelo avoids a chop in one of the corners to answer with two of his own. Hayes once again dodges a chop from Williams to fire back with two more in the opposite corner. Trick blocks another chop to counter with authority. Williams kicks his rival while the fans chant "Whoop that Trick!".
Carmelo blocks another kick to respond with an enzuigiri. Williams surprises his opponent with two spinning kicks before dropping him with an uranage. 1..2..NO. Trick shoves Hayes into one of the corners before knocking him down with a spinning kick. 1..2..NO. Williams executes a suplex. "Get up!" the United States Champion yells at his opponent.
Trick catches Hayes and drops him across the top rope. Carmelo dodges a spinning kick to send his opponent out of the ring. Hayes tries to dive onto him, but Yachty steps into his path. Melo exits the ring in pursuit of Trick, throwing him into the steel steps. Carmelo approaches Yachty. Meanwhile, the rapper swings the kendo stick around, ready to attack if Hayes gets any closer. The referee warns the rapper. He promises not to interfere in the match.
Hayes goes back after Williams and slams him into the barricade. After that, he brings him back inside the ring. Carmelo unleashes a barrage of punches on the champion in the corner. "Whoop that Trick!" the fans chant with every punch. Williams tries to recover, but Carmelo quickly shuts him down with a superkick. Hayes sets up for a springboard, but Trick shoves him out of the ring.
Williams goes after Carmelo and drives him into the barricade. Trick brings him back into the ring and locks in a grounded headlock. Hayes escapes with a jawbreaker. Williams and Melo trade shots in the center of the ring. Trick surprises his rival with a neckbreaker.
Melo blocks an uranage attempt and looks for a facebreaker, but now it’s Williams who blocks the move. Hayes catches Trick with a springboard clothesline before following up with a tilt-a-whirl facebuster. 1..2..NO. Melo notices Ricky Saints at ringside. The action continues, with Trick surprising Carmelo with a big boot. 1..2..NO. Williams sets up for a Trick Shot, but Melo stops him with a facebreaker. 1..2..NO.
Hayes climbs to the top rope, at which point Ricky decides to get involved. "The Absolute" slaps the apron to distract Carmelo. Trick takes advantage and sends his rival crashing to ringside. Saints crouches beside Hayes to mock him. Williams suddenly appears and forcefully shoves "The Absolute," sending him flying into the barricade.
Trick brings his opponent back into the ring. Furious, Saints climbs onto the apron to confront the champion. The referee approaches him to order him back to ringside. Carmelo takes advantage to surprise Trick with a roll-up, but the official is unavailable to make the three-count. Enraged, Hayes punches Ricky, allowing Williams to recover and hit a Trick Shot. 1..2..3.
Winner: Trick Williams
An angry Sami Zayn walks through backstage complaining about the treatment he has received. Suddenly, the Canadian runs into a depressed Johnny Gargano, who for yet another week remains lying face down on a production crate. Sami continues his monologue, this time directed at Gargano. Zayn points out that they are the only truly good men left in this place. "Never change. Always do what your heart tells you is right. Don’t let anyone change who you are," says Sami before walking away. Suddenly, Gargano moves one hand to push over a water bottle.
Cathy Kelley interviews Ricky Saints backstage. Ricky knows he may be a newcomer, but he’s not new to this. "Carmelo needs to learn that..." says "The Absolute" before being knocked out by a right hand from Carmelo Hayes. "If you screw with me, you screw yourself. Stay out of my business!" Hayes yells before storming off. Despite his sore jaw, Saints can’t help but crack a smile.
Tag Team Match
Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley (w/ Alexa Bliss) vs. Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) (w/ Jacy Jayne)
Charlotte and Fallon start the match. Flair surprises Henley with a clothesline before attacking Lainey in her own corner. "The Queen" traps Fallon in a headscissors to swing her around the mat. Flair and Henley struggle near Charlotte’s corner. Rhea takes advantage to tag herself in. Ripley and Charlotte argue, allowing Fallon to tag in Reid.
Ripley quickly takes control of the situation. The Australian catches a springboard crossbody from Lainey and answers with a Fallaway Slam. Rhea creates distance for her next attack, but gets too close to her corner, where Charlotte decides to tag herself back in. The two women begin arguing again. Lainey tries to capitalize, but "The Queen" avoids her and instead encounters Jacy on the apron. Flair reacts quickly and knocks her down with a big boot.
Charlotte turns around, only to be knocked down by a right hand from Reid. She tags in Henley before sending Flair out of the ring. Fallon catches "The Queen" and slams her against the announce table and the apron before finishing with a clothesline. Fatal Influence pose over Charlotte, who remains laid out on the floor.
Fallon and Lainey bring Flair back inside the ring and work together against her. Reid locks "The Queen" in a grounded headlock. "We want Mami!" the fans chant. Charlotte fires several right hands to break free, but Lainey quickly takes her down with a back elbow. 1..2..NO. Reid keeps attacking Flair as she drags her toward their corner. Lainey and Fallon take turns punishing Charlotte.
Flair fights back against both opponents at the same time. However, Lainey stops her with a superkick. Charlotte regains momentum once again, only for Jacy to pull her down to ringside. Jayne sends her back into the ring so Reid can greet her with a double stomp. Henley gets the tag and traps Charlotte in a crossface. "The Queen" breaks free and reaches for her partner, but Reid cuts her off with a chop block. A simultaneous clothesline leaves both women laid out on the mat.
Flair escapes from Lainey to tag in Rhea, who comes in on fire. The Australian takes on both opponents at the same time. Rhea delivers a german suplex to Henley. After that, she drops Reid with a Razor's Edge before finishing her off with a running knee strike. 1..2..NO. Fallon breaks up the pinfall. The action quickly descends into chaos.
Charlotte launches herself onto Jacy and Fallon with an apron cannonball. Meanwhile, Rhea deals with Lainey. "The Queen" returns to her corner, where she is accidentally struck by a superkick from Reid. Furious, Charlotte tags herself in just as Ripley hits Lainey with a Riptide. Flair enters the ring to finish Reid with a Bow Down to the Queen. 1..2..3.
Winners: Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair
Alexa climbs into the ring to raise the arms of Rhea and Charlotte. Suddenly, the three women are attacked from behind by Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin. Fatal Influence joins the assault, separating Bliss and Flair from the WWE Women’s Champion. Rhea squares off with Cargill in the ring. Ripley surprises Jade with a headbutt, only for "The Storm" to respond with a pump kick. Cargill finishes off the Australian with a Jaded. The former champion poses over her victim before heading back backstage.
Cathy Kelley approaches Cody Rhodes backstage for an interview. Rhodes no longer sees Sami Zayn as the man he once considered a friend. However, he understands exactly how Sami feels because he went through the same thing ten years ago. Back then, he knew he had to look himself in the mirror and take responsibility. And that’s exactly what he plans to make the Canadian do tonight. "I’m going to make him look in the mirror and be accountable," Cody promises. As for Gunther, Cody doesn’t care how he handles his business. The Austrian may have control over many things, except for one: the fact that he will face him at Clash in Italy. Cathy thanks him for his time and wishes him luck in tonight’s match, bringing the interview to an end.
Cathy Kelley approaches Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin backstage. Michin points out that what happened tonight can be seen as a message to the SmackDown women’s division. B-Fab adds that their victims deserved punishment. And even then, they’ve still saved the best for tomorrow. Cargill, meanwhile, makes it clear that the division should revolve around her, and once they secure victory at Saturday Night’s Main Event, their next step will be reclaiming her championship at WWE Clash in Italy.
Solo Sikoa (w/ Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) vs. Damian Priest
Priest surprises Solo with a clothesline before the bell can even ring. As a result, the Samoan rolls out to ringside. Damian goes after him to continue the attack. Priest throws Sikoa into the steel steps before bringing him back inside the ring. Solo tries to recover, but the Puerto Rican won’t allow it. Tama distracts Damian while he’s near the ropes, allowing Solo to surprise his rival with a samoan drop.
Sikoa punishes his opponent using the ropes. The referee is forced to intervene, giving Tama the opportunity to strike Priest. Solo headbutts Damian, sending him into one of the corners. Sikoa repeatedly attacks his opponent, forcing the referee to step in once again. And, once more, Tama takes advantage to hurt the Puerto Rican. "Come on, Priest!" a confident Sikoa shouts.
Damian catches the Samoan with a thunderous chop. Sikoa quickly responds with authority. Solo delivers a running hip attack to Priest before climbing to the top rope. Damian quickly follows him up there and executes a superplex. Both men are left laid out on the mat. Priest and Sikoa trade strikes in the center of the ring. Damian gains control. Priest crushes Sikoa in the corner before delivering a Broken Arrow. 1..2..NO.
Damian prepares to finish off his opponent, but Tama distracts him yet again. Sikoa attacks Damian from behind, trapping him against the ropes. The referee pulls Solo away from his opponent. Talla takes advantage by striking Priest in the face, allowing Sikoa to follow up with a Spinning Solo. 1..2..NO. Damian recovers and launches a counterattack. Tama climbs onto the apron to distract Priest. Damian avoids a Samoan Spike and responds with a clothesline. Now it’s Talla who gets on the apron. Priest tries to knock him down, but the powerhouse refuses to budge. Sikoa capitalizes on the situation to surprise the Puerto Rican with a Samoan Spike. 1..2..3.
Winner: Solo Sikoa
MFT launch an assault on Damian, prompting Royce Keys to appear. He takes out Tama and Talla before entering the ring. Solo chooses to back away. Keys helps Priest back to his feet. Still dazed, the Puerto Rican grabs Royce by the throat. Keys quickly breaks free and confronts Damian. "What the hell was that!? I’m trying to help you!" Royce shouts. "He’s trying to take you out too! Don’t trust him!" Solo yells from the entrance ramp, adding more fuel to the fire. And with that, the segment comes to an end.
Paige and Brie Bella appear in a video promo to make it clear that they have been fighting champions ever since winning the titles at WrestleMania. They also don’t need to cheat to win. Because what Nia Jax and Lash Legend describe as "cheating," they call "experience" and "survival instinct." "We are two of the most influential and history-making women on this roster. So The Irresistible Forces can underestimate us all day long, because at Saturday Night’s Main Event, when we’re in that ring, they won’t know what hit them," says Brie to close the promo.
Blake Monroe approaches Chelsea Green backstage. The Brit stares ahead. Chelsea leans closer to "The Glamour" to see what she’s looking at. Blake regains her composure. "Hi, I’m Blake Monroe," says the Brit. "Hi, I’m Chelsea Green, but you probably already knew that," replies the Canadian as she extends her hand toward "The Glamour." "Yeah, I already knew that. I saw you out there earlier, and I wish I hadn’t," says Blake while brushing Chelsea’s hand aside. The Brit walks away. Suddenly, Nia Jax appears out of nowhere and charges at Chelsea, sending her crashing into a production crate. "Look at you. Trying to make new friends. But all you’re doing is making enemies," says Jax. Lash Legend grabs Green by the hair. "Let’s see how helpful you are now," she says. Several officials rush in to separate The Irresistible Forces from the Canadian.
Royce Keys approaches Damian Priest demanding an explanation for what happened tonight. "Your partner called me to make sure I had your back tonight!" Keys exclaims. "You stick your nose into my business and then ask me what my problem is!? You’ve got some nerve asking me that!" Damian responds. He makes it clear that he doesn’t care what his partner told Royce, because unlike him, he doesn’t trust Keys. As far as he’s concerned, Royce could easily be another member of MFT. Besides, if someone approaches him from behind right after he’s been attacked, how exactly is he supposed to react? Keys understands. However, if the Puerto Rican is looking for trouble, then trouble is exactly what he’ll get. Him and anyone else who goes looking for it. With that said, Royce walks away, ending the segment.
Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn
Sami extends his hand to Cody, who shakes it. The two begin with a feeling-out process. Zayn surprises Rhodes with an armdrag. Sami extends his hand once more. Cody shakes it before forcefully pulling away. The action resumes. Cody catches Zayn with a Drop Down Punch. Now it’s Rhodes who offers his hand to the Canadian, but Sami refuses to shake it. Instead, he dares the champion to keep attacking him.
Rhodes tries to leap from one of the corners, but Sami shoves him off, sending him crashing to ringside. Cody injures his left knee in the fall. Zayn goes after his opponent and surprises him with a chop block. The Canadian brings the champion back into the ring and continues targeting the injured leg. "Sami sucks!" the fans chant.
Zayn prepares to unleash a barrage of punches in the corner, but Cody causes him to lose balance and fall. Sami counters by dropping Rhodes with a powerslam. The fans boo him once again. Sami traps Cody’s injured leg in a painful hold. Rhodes fires several right hands to escape. Sami attempts a suplex, but it’s Rhodes who ends up executing it.
The Undisputed WWE Champion continues attacking Zayn before finishing the sequence with a Cody Cutter. 1..2..NO. Sami blocks a Cross Rhodes attempt and drags his rival onto the apron. Zayn rebounds off the ropes to shove Rhodes, who crashes onto the announce table. The referee begins counting. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9.. Cody barely makes it back in time.
Sami sets up for a Helluva Kick. Rhodes avoids it and runs toward the opposite corner. Zayn charges after him, only to be caught with a Cody Cutter. 1..2..NO. Zayn blocks another Cross Rhodes and counters with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Sami immediately grabs Cody and delivers a Blue Thunder Bomb. 1..2..NO. Furious, Sami kicks Rhodes’ injured leg before locking him in a Figure Four Lock. Cody turns over to reverse the pressure onto the Canadian, who crawls to the ropes to force the break.
Sami and Cody exchange strikes in the center of the ring. Rhodes surprises Zayn with a Disaster Kick. The referee checks on Sami while Cody prepares for his final move. Suddenly, Gunther appears out of nowhere and locks Rhodes in a Gojira Clutch from the apron. Sami notices what’s happening and pushes the referee aside to charge at Rhodes. Cody avoids the Canadian, who accidentally collides with "The Ring General." Cody takes advantage of the situation to catch Zayn and finish him off with a Cross Rhodes. 1..2..3.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Gunther returns to attack Cody, knocking him down with a clothesline. The Austrian prepares to trap him once again in a Gojira Clutch when Zayn approaches them. Gunther releases the Undisputed WWE Champion and waits to see what Sami will do next. However, the Canadian chooses to do nothing. Gunther turns his attention back to Rhodes, trapping him once more in the Gojira Clutch. Zayn slowly backs away, unable to make a decision. Eventually, he decides to leave the ring. Sami stops on the entrance ramp to watch "The Ring General" release an unconscious Cody before posing with his championship. And with that, this week’s episode of the blue brand comes to an end.
