Tonight we will once again enjoy a new live follow-up of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be broadcasted on tape delay from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This will be the first show of the blue brand after Night of Champions, and it will feature the presence of some of its protagonists, including the new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn.
Additionally, Rey Fenix will once again put the AAA Cruiserweight World Championship on the line, this time against El Hijo del Vikingo. On the other hand, Charlotte Flair will continue her rivalry with Jade Cargill with a tag team match. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
We see a video recap of WWE Night of Champions.
Sami Zayn is the one to open tonight's show. The new WWE Undisputed Champion heads to the ring greeting the fans in the front rows. Fireworks resonate in the venue to conclude his entrance. With his entrance theme finished, the Canadian notices the mixed reception from the audience. Zayn, however, addresses his true fans, those who have come to this venue to see "The Last Real Good Guy."
Sami wants to thank all those people who have not stopped congratulating him in the last week. However, he finds it very curious this flood of affection towards him when in recent months he was constantly booed. "I could be petty and tell each and every one of those people who turned their backs on me to kiss my ass! But I won't. I won't. And you want to know why? Because I'm a good guy", he says. "And that's the reason I have this, because I have never changed. Everyone told me: 'if you want to win, you have to be a bit more selfish. You have to be a bit more ruthless. You need to do things you don't want to do.' But I didn't. I won this the way I said I would. I did it my way. I did it the right way!", he exclaims.
Sami insists that he could address all the people who advised him to change his attitude to tell them to kiss his ass. But he won't. Because tonight is not about that. "¡Sami! ¡Sami!", chants a part of the audience. Zayn agrees with them. Tonight they celebrate him. They celebrate that he is the new WWE Undisputed Champion. The Canadian points out that he will always be remembered as a WrestleMania main eventer, and from now on also as a Grand Slam Champion and a WWE Champion. And no one will ever take that away from him.
Cody Rhodes interrupts the segment!
"The American Nightmare" heads to the ring, taking his time to greet some fans. Cody stands in front of Sami. He steps forward to steal his characteristic phrase. "Cody, what do you want to talk about?", Zayn asks. Rhodes points out that his intention is very simple. Sami was the first to congratulate him when he won the championship at WrestleMania XL, so now he wants to be the first to congratulate the Canadian for being the new WWE Undisputed Champion. Cody extends his hand towards Zayn, who quickly shakes it. Rhodes is about to leave the ring, but the Canadian asks him to wait. Sami wants Cody to stop acting. He knows he didn't come out just to congratulate him. Zayn has something that Rhodes desires. Something he is addicted to, as he confessed not long ago. That's why he wants him to be honest and tell him exactly what he wants. However, before Cody can respond...
UUUUUUSSSSSSSOOOOOO!
Jey Uso interrupts the segment. The Samoan steps into the ring, where he quickly embraces Zayn. Jey wants to make one thing clear: Sami deserves the WWE Undisputed Championship. However, he needs it now. Uso points out that his presence on SmackDown is due to family matters. "I need to bring that gold back to the family", says the Samoan. Rhodes interrupts Jey to ask him when he became Roman Reigns' errand boy. Also, before they were interrupted, they were talking about HIS title rematch.
Sami interrupts the discussion. The Canadian reminds Jey that no one was happier than him when he won the World Heavyweight Championship. As for Cody, he reminds him that he never stabbed him in the back. Also, it was not his intention to aspire to the gold while it was around his waist. Both had their chances, and now it's his time to be the WWE Champion. Zayn recalls the words Rhodes told him not long ago: "As long as I have this, it will never be yours." "Well, now it's mine. And Jey, what did you say? You said the WWE Championship must return to the family. As far as I'm concerned, it's still in the family. It will remain on my shoulders. No one will touch it. Do you understand me? No one will touch this! So I'm going to say this as a friend and as family. Step away from me", he says. Sami is about to leave the ring, but the voice of Adam Pearce stops him.
The Raw General Manager appears on the entrance ramp. Pearce reminds those present that, after Nick Aldis' suspension, he will take care of the blue brand. And his first task will be to find Sami's first opponent for the WWE Undisputed Championship. "With all due respect, Adam. As the champion I am, don't I have the right to have a say, even a little, about who I will face at SummerSlam?", Zayn asks. Pearce points out that he wasn't talking about SummerSlam, but about the next episode of WWE Raw. Adam announces that Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes will face each other tonight in a singles match. The winner will face Sami on next Monday's red brand episode. Sami, Cody, and Jey exchange looks as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair in the Gorilla Position. Kelley asks Flair about her involvement in the United States Women's Championship match at Night of Champions. "The Queen" responds that Jade Cargill simply got what she deserved. "She ruined my opportunity, so I ruined hers. And I will continue to teach her lessons until she finally understands", she says. Alexa Bliss interrupts the interview to ask her partner why she didn't tell her she would be in Saudi Arabia. Charlotte admits she is an impulsive woman. Also, Cargill attacked them both, so she decided that was enough. Bliss understands, but still believes she should have informed her, as she was surprised to see her on TV while she was at home watching PLE. Flair assures that she was also surprised when she saw her on TV last week teaming up with Tiffany Stratton. "Look. We both know I'm stubborn enough to team up with Tiffany for you," Alexa replies. Stratton joins the group. "Jade should be very worried about us, right?", asks the Canadian. Charlotte interrupts her to address Stratton. "You're welcome. Ladies, I see you out there," says Flair before leaving with Alexa.
Tag Team Match
Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin
Stratton and Cargill start the fight. Jade knocks down Tiffany, who responds with a dropkick. Michin gets the tag. Stratton makes her stumble against the ropes before applying a running hip attack. Michin blocks an Alabama Slam to kick the stomach of the United States Champion, whom she knocks down to the mat. Michin tags in B-Fab. Together they perform a combined suplex on Stratton. 1...2...NO. Charlotte gets the tag to launch herself onto B-Fab with a diving crossbody.
Flair hits Jade and Michin in their corner before returning to B-Fab, whom she chops repeatedly. Charlotte kicks B-Fab from the apron before launching herself onto Michin with an apron cannonball. Cargill takes advantage to surprise "The Queen" with a clothesline. Jade poses for the fans as we reach a commercial break.
Back, we see Michin, B-Fab, and Jade combining on Flair. Cargill performs a Fallaway Slam on Charlotte before taunting her. "The Queen" dodges a charge from Jade in one of the corners. Flair escapes her rivals to tag Chelsea, who enters with determination. The Canadian unleashes a great offensive on Michin, whom she finishes off with a Rough Ryder. 1..2..NO. B-Fab interrupts the count.
The match descends into chaos. Chelsea throws Cargill out of the ring before applying a hurricanrana on Michin. Jade returns intending to surprise Green with a pump kick. Chelsea dodges it to catch "The Storm," whom she tries to hit with an Unprettier. Cargill blocks it to set up the Jaded, but her opponent reverses it into a roll-up. 1..2..NO. B-Fab distracts Green on the apron. Chelsea makes her fall after punching her, a moment that Cargill takes advantage of to surprise her with the Jaded. 1..2..3.
Winners: Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin
The winners pose in the ring to end this segment.
Sami Zayn approaches Adam Pearce backstage. Zayn doesn't understand why he has to defend his championship on WWE Raw, especially considering he is a SmackDown superstar. Pearce believes this is the perfect opportunity for him to prove that he is a great WWE Undisputed Champion. And if the brand issue is something that concerns him, he could invite other SmackDown superstars to turn next week's Raw episode into a Supershow. "See you on Monday. It's going to be great," says the General Manager before leaving.
Furious, Zayn is about to slap a water bottle when something catches his attention. Smiling, the Canadian approaches Johnny Gargano (as always, lying face down on a production box, and accompanied by his wife Candice LeRae). Sami shows him the WWE Undisputed Championship. "¡I did it! Didn't I tell you, Johnny? I did it!", he exclaims. "Look, man. I have to be honest with you. I don't know if I would have won it without you," he says. Sami thanks him for being by his side in his lowest moments. Gargano listened to him when he needed to vent to someone. He has always understood him. "You were my rock, man. Here's the proof, Johnny. Do you want to move forward? Do you want to win championships? You must stay true to yourself", he says. Zayn addresses Candice, pointing out that he is happy she is present... because she can immortalize this moment. Sami hands her his mobile phone to take a photograph. The Canadian crouches next to Gargano to pose for the picture. This is how we reach the end of this segment.
AAA Cruiserweight World Championship Match
Rey Fenix (c) vs. El Hijo del Vikingo
Rey extends his hand to El Hijo del Vikingo, but he responds with a roll-up. El Hijo del Vikingo surprises the masked man with a scissor kick. El Hijo del Vikingo kicks Fenix down. Rey stops a charge from El Hijo del Vikingo with a direct kick to the face before launching himself with a springboard crossbody. 1..2..NO. Both men continue to bring speed to the match.
Fenix surprises El Hijo del Vikingo with a handspring cutter. El Hijo del Vikingo ends up at ringside. Rey throws himself at his rival, but he moves the ring skirt so that the former gets caught in it. El Hijo del Vikingo returns to the ring to execute a dropkick against a defenseless champion. El Hijo del Vikingo finishes off his rival with an Asai Moonsault. El Hijo del Vikingo poses on the commentator's table as we reach a new commercial break.
Back, we see both men exchanging attacks. Rey dodges a charge from El Hijo del Vikingo before kicking him with a Tightrope Penalty Kick. Fenix finishes him off with a frog splash. 1..2..NO. "Wrestling!", chant the fans. El Hijo del Vikingo dodges a running meteora to respond with one from his own arsenal. El Hijo del Vikingo continues his offensive with a Corkscrew Poisonrana before executing a Corkscrew Kick.
El Hijo del Vikingo seeks height in one of the corners. Fenix quickly goes after him. Both men struggle on the top turnbuckle. El Hijo del Vikingo knocks down Rey with an Avalanche Poisonrana. "This is amazing!", chant the fans. Rey dodges a 630 Senton to respond with a double knee strike in one of the corners. Fenix carries El Hijo del Vikingo on his shoulders to finish him off with a Mexican Muscle Buster. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL AAA Cruiserweight World Champion: Rey Fenix
Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia backstage. Kelley reminds her of what happened last week when she was attacked by Blake Monroe after defeating Kiana James. "The Beautiful Madness" assures that she has left her rivalry with James behind. As for Monroe, she is willing to face her at any time and any place. Kiana quickly interrupts the interview to make it clear that Giulia was just lucky. "The Beautiful Madness" is about to respond when suddenly she is surprised by Blake. She violently throws her against a production box. "In case you forgot, I'm Blake Monroe, and it's good to see you again", says the British before leaving. James crouches next to Giulia to taunt her. "You know what? As fun as it was to see that, let's not forget who's in charge here," she says. "The Glamour" returns to attack James, who is also thrown against the production box. "It's good to see you too," says Blake to Kiana before leaving the scene.
We see a video recap of the segment starring Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in the last episode of WWE Raw.
Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso converse backstage when Royce Keys appears. Keys asks Jacob if the reason for his presence on SmackDown is solely because Roman Reigns ordered it. Jimmy informs Royce that they have come in search of Solo Sikoa. "Can you help us? Do you know where he is? Because if you don't, we'll take care of our family business," says Uso. Royce addresses Fatu to remind him that a family is not about blood ties, but about loyalty. Both know each other and have supported each other for the last 14 years. Keys has always been loyal to him. So, as far as he's concerned, they are family. "Not anymore, right Jacob?", says Jimmy before leaving. Fatu exchanges looks with Royce before following his partner.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty make their entrance. "Whoop that Trick!" chant the fans to welcome the United States Champion. Williams and Yachty head into the ring. The rapper takes a microphone, ready to address the audience, but before he can say a word...
Carmelo Hayes bursts onto the scene!
"Melo, Melo!" chant the fans. Carmelo recalls that Ricky Saints couldn't get the job done last Saturday, so now it's his turn to have a title shot. Trick remains silent. Hayes acknowledges that Williams seems unstoppable, but only because he hasn't stopped him yet. "I made that championship THE championship. You've turned it into an accessory. So, if what you and Yachty want is to walk around here with a title, I have a discount code for you at the WWE Shop. It's easy", he says. Hayes points out that the title Trick carries is a workhorse, the championship that headlines the night's match. "That championship is for hungry guys. And, it seems to me you're walking around here like you've eaten too much. Let's talk truth about that", he says. Carmelo hopes his former partner can prove him wrong.
Yachty interrupts Melo to proudly point out that Trick has continued to grow ever since he was promoted to the main roster. With that said, he asks the fans if they want to see Melo face Williams. The crowd responds positively. The rapper grants Hayes his wish. Next week, he will get to face Trick, but it will not be a title match, because title opportunities have to be earned. Yachty hopes that next week, once he is defeated, Carmelo will stop making excuses for not being able to get the job done.
Williams finally takes the microphone. "You know what, Melo? It's funny. I guess with all the history we share, I really know you like the back of my hand," Trick says. He pretends to walk away, only to catch his former friend off guard with a backhand slap. A furious Carmelo remains on his knees in the ring as Williams and Yachty make their way down from the ring. Carmelo then dives onto the champion with a tope to get his revenge. Yachty tries to strike Hayes with his kendo stick. Melo dares the rapper to step into the ring. However, Trick intervenes and leads his partner back to the backstage area. That brings the segment to an end.
We head to Danhausen's laboratory, where he is talking to someone on the phone. In the background, we see Kit Wilson and The Miz, both standing completely motionless. Matt Cardona arrives to pay Danhausen a visit. He saw what happened with The Judgment Day on the latest episode of WWE Raw, so he asks Danhausen if he needs any help dealing with them. "There's nothing to worry about. Danhausen will take care of that," the eccentric character replies before revealing that he will face JD McDonagh at WWE Saturday Night Main Event at Madison Square Garden. "Well, if you need any help, you've got me," Matt says. Danhausen assures him he already has help. In fact, he is talking to him right now. Cardona points out that the phone cord is unplugged. "Invisible help?" he asks. "No. He's real. He's from New York. I'll take a train and meet him. I'll explain the whole plan to him. It's going to be great," Danhausen says. However, since Cardona is already there, he could help him with one thing. Danhausen asks Matt to turn a threaded control knob to complete his experiment. Cardona starts turning it when the laboratory suddenly fills with smoke. The Miz and Wilson begin convulsing. Danhausen believes The Judgment Day sabotaged the machine. "Uh, I've got to go. Zack Ryder, you're in charge of these two," Danhausen says before leaving. "Aaaaawesome!" Wilson exclaims as the segment comes to an end.
Brie Bella (w/ Paige) vs. Lainey Reid (w/ Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley)
Brie dodges Lainey's opening attack before firing back with authority. Bella slams Reid to the mat. Reid recovers and drops the Women's Tag Team Champion with a side slam. Brie avoids an elbow drop and answers with a kick. Brie sends her opponent crashing into one of the turnbuckles. Bella repeats the spot. Reid prevents her from doing it a third time and returns the favor.
Brie escapes Lainey's offense and connects with a diving dropkick. Bella repeatedly kicks Reid in the chest. Brie suddenly traps Lainey in a Yes! Lock. Reid tries to crawl to the ropes but comes up short. Fallon decides to interfere by pushing one of the ropes toward her partner. Annoyed, Paige grabs Henley and slams her into the apron.
Jacy tries to catch Paige by surprise, but the Brit throws her into one of the ring posts instead. Fallon then blindsides Paige and sends her into that same post. Brie leaves the ring to attack Henley and get her revenge. Bella returns to the ring, where Lainey catches her with a running knee strike. 1..2..3.
Winner: Lainey Reid
Backstage, we find R-Truth and Nathan Frazer competing in a hot dog eating contest. R-Truth celebrates his victory by dedicating it to the United States on its "Independence Day." Axiom reminds him that it still is not July 4. The Spaniard leads his partner away, who looks ready to throw up. Damian Priest congratulates R-Truth on the victory (and on the money he just won by betting on him). At that moment, The War Raiders show up. Ivar and Erik want an answer regarding the proposal they made last week. R-Truth accepts on behalf of his team. As a result, both sets of tag team championships will be on the line... in a hot dog eating contest! Damian brings some seriousness to the segment by making it clear to the AAA World Tag Team Champions that the match will happen, and it will take place on SmackDown. With that, Priest walks away. R-Truth promises Ivar and Erik that they will lose everything, including their masks and their status as wrestlers. Damian calls out to his partner. In turn, R-Truth calls for Little Jimmy. "Little Jimmy, vámonos," he says in Spanish before answering the Puerto Rican's call. The War Raiders have no idea what is going on.
We see a video recap of the segment featuring Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar on WWE Raw.
Finn Bálor approaches Cody Rhodes backstage. The two shake hands. Bálor admits that one of the main reasons he came to SmackDown was to face him. However, he expected it to be for the Undisputed WWE Championship. That's why he wishes Cody luck tonight, because that way he can take the first step toward reclaiming the gold. Rhodes thanks him for his words and continues on his way. Tama Tonga then approaches Finn. Tama admits he gave a lot of thought to what Finn told him last week. That's why he went to speak with the elders. Bálor does not understand what he has to do with any of this. Suddenly, Talla Tonga attacks the Irishman from behind. Talla restrains him on top of a production crate. "I'm turning the page on everything connected to my past, and you're next," Tama says before leaving with his partner.
Undisputed WWE Championship No. 1 Contender's Match
Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso
Both men lock up to start the match. Cody avoids a superkick and looks for a Cross Rhodes, but the Samoan quickly blocks it. Cody drives Jey into one of the turnbuckles. Rhodes charges at his opponent, but Jey launches him over his head, sending him crashing to ringside. Jey follows up with a suicide dive just before the penultimate commercial break of the night.
Back from the break, Cody and Jey exchange offense. Rhodes blocks a superkick and counters with a Cody Cutter. 1..2..NO. Uso then blocks a Cross Rhodes and answers with a Samoan Drop. The action spills to ringside. Rhodes and Jey battle on top of the announce table. Uso returns to the ring, preparing for another suicide dive, but Rhodes cuts him off with a right hand.
Cody shoves Jey over the crowd barricade. Rhodes dives onto the Samoan before bringing him back into the ring. Once inside, both men level each other simultaneously with matching clotheslines. Both competitors lie flat on the canvas as we head into the final commercial break of the night.
Back from the break, Jey connects with an Uso Splash on Cody. 1..2..NO. Rhodes stops a spear with a kick. The former Undisputed WWE Champion follows up with a Cody Cutter. 1..2..NO. Rhodes runs toward the ropes for a Disaster Kick. Jey intercepts him with a superkick before hitting a spear. 1..2..NO. The Samoan heads to the top rope for an Uso Splash. Cody rolls out of the way and responds with a spear, followed by a Cross Rhodes. 1..2..NO. Cody cannot believe it.
Rhodes drags Jey toward one of the turnbuckles before climbing to the top. Cody flies with a frog splash. Jey gets his knees up and immediately goes for the cover. 1..2..NO. Jey and Cody trade strikes while kneeling on the mat. Uso ducks a right hand and traps his opponent in a sleeper hold. Rhodes reaches the turnbuckles to force the break. Cody ducks a clothesline, catches the Samoan, and plants him with a decisive Cross Rhodes. 1..2..3.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Cody climbs onto one of the turnbuckles to celebrate with the fans. The new challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship kisses the canvas as this week's episode comes to a close.
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