Tonight we will once again enjoy a new live broadcast of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The show will feature several attractions, including the first appearance of CM Punk as the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
In addition, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes will face off in a match where the United States Championship will not be on the line. On the other hand, Finn Bálor will face Tama Tonga in a one-on-one match. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened in the show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
The show begins with a video recap of the last episode of Monday Night Raw, which ended with the coronation of CM Punk as the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Nick Aldis welcomes us from the center of the ring. The Brit announces that his well-deserved suspension has ended and he has been reinstated as the General Manager of SmackDown. That said, he introduces the new champion of the brand, CM Punk. He is greeted with a great ovation. "The Best in the World" heads to the ring, where he shakes hands with Aldis. He welcomes him to the blue brand before giving him the floor.
"I missed you all," says CM Punk to start his promo. CM Punk reveals that in recent weeks he has been negotiating with the aim of landing on SmackDown. Negotiations that accelerated last Monday when he received a call from Aldis, who informed him that a challenger was needed for the Undisputed WWE Championship. "Ladies and gentlemen, when title opportunities fall from the sky, CM Punk picks them up", he says. "The Best in the World" points out that he was at home with his wife when he received that call. He immediately put on his fighting gear, said goodbye to his wife with a kiss, and got in his car to head to the stadium. And today he is here with the championship in his hands.
CM Punk promises to defend the title whenever he has the chance. He did it when he held the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw, and he will do it again now on SmackDown. CM Punk couldn't be more pleased with the locker room of the blue brand, as it is full of hungry men who undoubtedly will want to snatch the title from his waist. That's why he intends to make it very easy for them. Anyone who believes they have what it takes to take it away, simply has to step forward.
"The Best in the World" heard the words of Sami Zayn after his match last Monday. And, undoubtedly, the Canadian deserves a title shot. "I understand how you feel. If you want an opportunity, and you certainly deserve a rematch, I'll give it to you", he says. Another name that comes to mind - and one he might regret mentioning - is Gunther. Both have had their history in the past, but he knows he can defeat him. So, if the Austrian wants to try his luck, he knows where to find him. CM Punk also mentions Finn Bálor (whom he battled twice), Royce Keys, and Trick Williams. Suddenly...
Cody Rhodes interrupts the segment!
"The American Nightmare" heads to the ring. Cody observes CM Punk's black eye before asking for a microphone. "How's your eye?" Rhodes asks. "It looks much worse than it really feels. But you didn't come out here to ask me about my eye, so what do you want to talk about?" asks "The Best in the World" imitating his friend's famous phrase. He recalls the last time they saw each other. On that occasion, it was Rhodes who had the black eye. They talked about opportunities falling from the sky. And that's exactly what happened last Monday. CM Punk took advantage of one of those opportunities to win the championship. "We have these title opportunities and then other title matches that have been building for years", says Rhodes. CM Punk assumes that Cody wants to face him for his title. It's something he knew would happen, but he hoped that match would take place at WrestleMania. CM Punk believes that both have been unconsciously avoiding this fight for too long, but they can't continue to do so. That's why he asks Cody directly when he wants to do it. "SummerSlam!", exclaims Rhodes. Both men shake hands as Aldis makes the match official for the biggest event of the summer. After a tense exchange of looks, CM Punk heads backstage to end the segment.
Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin backstage. Kelley asks Cargill about her match against Alexa Bliss tonight. A fight that "The Storm" specifically requested. Jade states that she is ready to play the game that Charlotte Flair started. "The Queen" cost her the United States Championship, and now she will get her revenge by finishing off her companion. Michin recalls that they have made Charlotte's life a living hell, but she still doesn't seem to learn. That's why she believes that "The Queen" still has a few lessons to learn. For her part, B-Fab points out that Charlotte will have a front-row seat to see how Jade tears her little and fragile friend apart. Cargill concludes the interview by making it clear that she will not be responsible for what happens tonight. "As you all know, I'm going to put on a show, but I'm not responsible for what happens to Alexa. You can blame her little friend, Charlotte Flair", says "The Storm" before leaving with her companions.
Finn Bálor vs. Tama Tonga (with Talla Tonga)
Finn knocks down Tama as soon as the bell rings to unleash a flurry of punches on his opponent. He tries to recover, but the Irishman doesn't slow down. Talla surprises Bálor with a sunset flip, only to receive the impact of a dropkick. Finn throws his opponent out of the ring with a clothesline. Bálor propels himself on the ropes, ready to launch himself at Tama, but Talla grabs his leg to stop him. Tama takes advantage of the distraction of the Irishman to attack him from behind.
Tama knocks down Bálor with a neckbreaker before finishing him off with a sliding clothesline. Tama punishes his opponent with the help of the ropes, prompting the referee to intervene. Talla takes advantage to pull the Irishman out of the ring. Talla carries him on one of his shoulders to drop him on the apron. Tama jumps on Finn before returning to the ring. Bálor manages to return before the referee's count reaches 10, but once again falls into the clutches of his rival.
Tama traps Bálor in a headlock on the canvas. Finn dodges a corner splash to respond with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Tama counterattacks with a backbreaker. 1..2..NO. Bálor surprises Tama with a Russian Leg Sweep. Finn continues to hit his opponent, whom he knocks down with a forearm. The Irishman kicks Tama before leading him to one of the corners. Tama recovers to start a new offensive on Bálor, but he escapes his clutches to knock him down with an inverted DDT. 1..2..NO.
Finn kicks Tama in the ropes. Tama recovers to apply a spinning slam. 1..2..NO. Tama crushes Bálor with two consecutive corner splashes. Tama prepares to execute a third one, but Bálor avoids it with a slingblade. Finn continues his offensive with a Shotgun Dropkick before seeking height in one of the corners. Talla quickly approaches to distract the Irishman.
Finn refocuses on Tama, whom he tries to finish off with a Coup de Grace. However, his rival has had time to recover. Tama dodges Bálor's attack to respond with a direct Cutthroat to the back of the neck. Tama finishes him off with a double underhook facebuster. 1..2..NO. Bálor throws Tama out of the ring before launching himself with a tope. The Irishman lands on Tama and Talla. Finn brings his rival back to the ring to execute a Shotgun Dropkick. After that, he finishes him off - now - with the Coup de Grace. 1..2..3.
Winner: Finn Bálor
Bálor leaves the ring to avoid a possible attack by Talla. The Irishman celebrates the victory on the entrance ramp as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes backstage. Kelly reminds Carmelo that his match tonight against Trick Williams will not be for the title because the United States Champion and Lil Yachty believe he still needs to earn that right. Hayes makes it clear that he has proven more than enough that he deserves a title shot. Carmelo acknowledges that sometimes he hasn't been able to finish the job, as the rapper said. "What's your excuse? I'm only human. Yachty, you're a great assistant. I wonder if maybe it's because your most successful songs have been collaborations", he says. Regarding Williams, everyone talks about him as a man with "aura," destined for "stardom." However, none of that can compare to a man who has overcome as many trials as he has. "Melo don't miss" is not just a phrase for him, it's a life philosophy. "This is my chance to show Trick what he already knows: that I am HIM", he says to end the interview.
We see R-Truth paying Axiom and Nathan Frazer (both dressed in the official shirts of the Spanish and English soccer teams). Apparently, R-Truth bet on the continuity of the American team in the World Cup currently taking place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. "I can't believe the USA team lost!", exclaims R-Truth. Frazer points out that Americans are good at eating hot dogs, but not at kicking a ball with their legs. Axiom receives the money from R-Truth. "SPAIN!", he exclaims as he waves the bills. The Europeans leave the place happily.
The War Raiders approach R-Truth to ask him about the title vs. title match they were promised. However, they are soon interrupted by Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu. The presence of the Samoans leads Ivar and Erik to leave the place, but not before warning R-Truth that his patience has a limit. Jimmy greets R-Truth before asking him about the whereabouts of Solo Sikoa. R-Truth states that the former United States Champion is babysitting tonight. Jimmy asks him to contact him if he sees him. Fatu approaches R-Truth to ask him about Royce Keys. R-Truth assures him that he has never seen him in his life. At that moment, Damian Priest appears on the scene. The Puerto Rican informs "The Samoan Werewolf" that Keys is in the building tonight. Satisfied with the information, Fatu indicates to Jimmy that they must head to the ring. Once alone, R-Truth asks his partner why he revealed that information. "I told you. Royce Keys is not our problem. Forget about it", says Damian before leaving. Thus we reach the end of this segment.
Nick Aldis talks to Sami Zayn on the phone. The General Manager is aware that the Canadian is on leave to recover mentally from what happened last Monday. However, the title match for SummerSlam is already scheduled and he has no intention of changing it. The Brit must hang up after an annoyed Gunther bursts into the office. The Austrian hits the table before pointing out that the General Manager made a big mistake on his first day back at work. However, he will give him a chance to fix this problem because they both know that "The Ring General" deserves that opportunity for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Gunther doesn't care if he has to face Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, or both at the same time. That said, he gives him until the end of the show to do the right thing. Aldis assures him that he will take it into consideration. "Consider it well," says Gunther with a broad smile on his face before leaving the office.
Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu make their way to the ring. Jimmy wants to get straight to the point, so he demands that Solo Sikoa come out and meet them immediately. However, it is Royce Keys who appears instead. Royce stands in front of the Samoans and reminds them that they've been mentioning his name over the last two weeks. Keys points out that The Bloodline's family business is interfering with SmackDown, and that's affecting him as well. Jimmy makes it clear that these are "The OTC's" affairs. "The man you work for. The OTC who's not even here," Royce says before Jacob cuts him off. Fatu steps right up to Keys. The two exchange silent stares. "Royce, you and I go way back. So let's leave it at that. You can say whatever you want about anybody. But when it comes to The OTC, please, brother, I'm asking you not to go there," says "The Samoan Werewolf" before returning to his previous spot.
Jimmy, meanwhile, makes it clear to Keys that he doesn't get to give them orders. He told him last week, and he'll say it again: Royce isn't part of their family. Keys heard him loud and clear, but as he already said then, blood doesn't make your family. Loyalty does. Royce has watched the Samoan family do nothing but fight each other. As for him, he'd give anything to have brothers he could embrace. But as Jacob knows all too well, he has no family. "For the last fourteen years, this man has been my brother. And I refuse to let him fall," Royce says, pointing at Fatu. Jimmy warns Keys that he's about to cross a line. And once he does, there's no going back. "Jim, I didn't come here to fight tonight. But you know what? Looks like there's a line right here," Keys says as he points to the canvas. Royce steps across the imaginary line. "And I just crossed it," he adds. Uso laughs. The Samoan makes it clear that Royce's boldness will be punished. And Jacob and he are going to do it right now. Fatu speaks up to make it clear that this has nothing to do with him. "There is no we here, Big Jim. This is your business. I'm staying out of it," says "The Samoan Werewolf" before leaving the ring. Jimmy has no problem handling this himself, so he asks Nick Aldis to send a referee to the ring. Uso tries to catch Keys off guard, but Royce blocks the attack and sends the Samoan crashing to the floor with a clothesline.
Royce Keys vs. Jimmy Uso
Jimmy traps Royce in a headlock. Keys breaks free and knocks the Samoan down with a shoulder tackle. Royce unleashes a flurry of punches on Uso in the corner before dropping his opponent with a clothesline. Jimmy tries to recover, but his opponent catches him and delivers a Stalling Suplex. Jimmy retreats to ringside. Keys quickly goes after him. Royce charges at Uso, but Jimmy sidesteps him, sending Keys crashing into the steel steps. Jimmy rolls him back into the ring and follows up with a diving crossbody. 1...2...NO.
Jimmy sends Royce out of the ring before connecting with a suicide dive. Uso throws his opponent over the announce table. Jimmy smashes Keys' head into the steel steps before bringing him back into the ring. Uso locks in a grounded headlock. Royce fights free, only to be caught with a Samoan Drop. Keys retreats to the corner. Jimmy charges in for a Running Hip Attack, but his opponent cuts him off with a clothesline.
Royce crushes the Samoan in one corner before repeating the attack in the opposite turnbuckle. Jimmy tries to fight back, but his opponent quickly shuts him down with a scoop powerslam. Royce continues the assault, planting his opponent with another scoop powerslam. 1...2...NO. Jimmy rolls out to ringside. Keys follows him and delivers two bodyslams onto the announce table. Uso slips out of Royce's grasp and hurls him into one of the ring posts. Jimmy then rolls him back into the ring.
A smiling Jimmy leans against the crowd barricade to catch his breath. Suddenly, Solo Sikoa appears behind him. Solo attacks his older brother and looks to hit a Samoan Spike. However, Jacob Fatu arrives and ruins his plans. Sikoa jumps over the crowd barricade to meet Fatu, and the two immediately begin brawling. Meanwhile, Jimmy gets back into the ring. Uso takes advantage of a distracted and battered Royce to hit him with a spear. 1...2...3.
Winner: Jimmy Uso
Fatu drags Solo into the ring to continue the beatdown. Keys stops Fatu. Royce tries to reason with him, but instead eats a superkick. Jacob then crushes Royce with a senton. Afterward, "The Samoan Werewolf" places a steel chair in front of Sikoa's face and prepares to deliver a Running Hip Attack. However, he stops himself before striking his former ally. "Solo, you'd better listen to me!" he shouts before calling him out for next Monday on Raw. "Because next time, bastard, I won't stop!" Fatu promises before leaving the ring. Jimmy and Jacob head to the back, bringing the segment to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews CM Punk backstage. "The Best in the World" knows that many people on SmackDown are angry with him after winning the Undisputed WWE Championship. "I hope everybody's mad about it, because I want them to line up behind Cody and Gunther. As for Sami, I've been called worse things on the internet," CM Punk says before being interrupted by Candice LeRae. As usual, LeRae is accompanied by Johnny Gargano (lying face down on a production crate, as always). Candice hopes CM Punk is proud of himself for what he did on Monday. For ending the reign of the only man who still believed in her husband, the true voice of the voiceless. Because Sami's reign gave hope to underdogs like Gargano and herself. "I'm proud of myself. You had hope for nine days. Good for you. I hope you can hear me, Johnny Wrestling. Because that's how I remember Johnny Wrestling, not... whatever this is. And you too. Get back in the ring. Get back to what you do best, because whatever this is, it isn't working," CM Punk says. He is about to leave when he comes face to face with a smiling Finn Bálor. "I was hoping I'd run into you. Welcome to SmackDown, champ," the Irishman says before walking away.
Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid, and Fallon Henley) cut a video promo. Jacy mocks Brie Bella's loss to Lainey last week. Reid then addresses Paige, promising that they will bring her journey to the WWE Hall of Fame to an end. Jayne says that at Saturday Night's Main Event they will continue proving their dominance by capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships in the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. Fallon knows this will be the biggest match of their lives, but it's Paige and Brie who should be worried, because their careers are nearing the end and there's nothing they can do to stop it. "Girls, you've been riding this big horse ever since WrestleMania. But at Saturday Night's Main Event, you'll fall under our Influence," Jayne says to bring the promo to a close.
Alexa Bliss (w/ Charlotte Flair) vs. Jade Cargill (w/ Michin and B-Fab)
Cargill walks over to the ropes to confront Charlotte, completely ignoring Alexa. Bliss catches "The Storm" off guard with a sleeper hold. Jade quickly breaks free before turning her attention back to Flair. Alexa comes back with two consecutive chop blocks. Bliss drives both knees into Jade's back before going for the cover. 1...2...NO.
Cargill recovers and plants Bliss with two consecutive backbreakers. Jade sends her opponent to ringside. "The Queen" steps off the apron, only to stare down Charlotte. Jade hurls Bliss into the crowd barricade before posing for the fans. Cargill brings Alexa back into the ring and continues controlling the match. "The Storm" uses the ropes to punish Bliss. Alexa tries to fight back, but Jade cuts her off with a back elbow. 1...2...NO.
Jade traps Alexa in a grounded headlock. Bliss fires off several right hands to escape, but her opponent quickly grabs her by the hair and slams her back to the mat. Cargill sends Alexa crashing into one of the turnbuckles before doing a few push-ups to mock her. Bliss halts "The Storm's" offense in the corner and launches a counterattack.
Cargill and Bliss struggle for control. Flair takes advantage of the referee's distraction to catch Jade with a Rope Guillotine. Bliss immediately rolls her up. 1...2...NO. Furious, Michin charges at Charlotte, but Flair stops her with a kick. B-Fab blindsides "The Queen" and sends her crashing into the ring post. B-Fab climbs onto the apron, only for Alexa to knock her down with a right hand. Jade takes advantage of the opening to blast Bliss with a pump kick. "The Storm" finishes her off with Jaded. 1...2...3.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Michin hands Jade a steel chair, and Cargill prepares to use it on Bliss. Flair rushes into the ring to stop her. B-Fab and Michin immediately enter the ring and attack "The Queen." Charlotte manages to fight back, but Cargill soon knocks her out with a superkick. Michin and B-Fab pin Flair against one of the turnbuckles, forcing her to watch what comes next. Jade traps Alexa's left arm inside the steel chair before pulling on it. Bliss screams in agony. "The Storm" then stomps the chair against the mat, dislocating Alexa's arm. Several officials rush to the ring to remove the heels and check on Bliss, who cradles her injured arm with her right hand.
We head backstage, where an upset Trick Williams is searching for his United States Championship. Unable to find it, he assumes Ricky Saints has stolen it. Lil Yachty appears and tells Trick that he was the one who borrowed the title. The rapper felt Williams deserved a custom championship, so he took the liberty of giving it a special touch. Yachty presents Williams with a United States Championship featuring a white leather strap to match the coat Trick usually wears. Williams thanks him for the limited-edition title. Yachty asks Trick for one favor: kick Carmelo Hayes' ass—not once, but twice. Trick promises he'll do exactly that.
We see Charlotte Flair accompanying an injured Alexa Bliss into the trainer's room.
Trick Williams (w/ Lil Yachty) vs. Carmelo Hayes
Trick takes Carmelo down before mocking him. Williams unloads with a flurry of kicks in the corner. Hayes recovers and answers with a quick burst of offense. Trick fires back by slapping his former partner across the face with the back of his hand. Williams follows up with a spinning kick. 1...2...NO. Trick sends Carmelo to ringside. Both men exchange chops near the crowd barricade. Williams catches Melo with a shot to the throat before rolling him back into the ring.
Carmelo counters a Vertical Suplex into a roll-up. 1...2...NO. Williams violently launches Hayes into one corner before repeating the spot in the opposite turnbuckle. Carmelo answers with a springboard DDT. 1...2...NO. Hayes and Trick trade offense in the middle of the ring. Carmelo catches the United States Champion with a tilt-a-whirl facebuster. 1...2...NO. Williams lands two consecutive spinning kicks before planting Hayes with an uranage. 1...2...NO.
Carmelo stops Trick's offense in the corner before connecting with a diving DDT. 1...2...NO. Hayes blocks another slap attempt. Trick answers with another shot to the throat before following up with a neckbreaker. 1...2...NO. The action spills to the top turnbuckle. Melo knocks his opponent down before connecting with a frog splash. 1...2...NO. Meanwhile, an impatient Ricky Saints watches the match on a monitor backstage.
Trick and Carmelo continue exchanging offense. Melo rocks Williams with a superkick before going for another frog splash. This time, Trick gets out of the way and responds with a spinning kick. 1...2...NO. Hayes sends his opponent to ringside. Carmelo shoves Trick, who accidentally crashes into Lil Yachty. The action returns to the ring, where Hayes connects with a facebreaker. Carmelo climbs to the top rope, ready to finish Williams, when someone grabs his arm.
It's Baron Corbin!
Corbin yanks Melo off balance, causing him to crash onto the top rope. The referee immediately calls for the bell. "The Lone Wolf" continues the assault, planting Hayes with an End of Days. Corbin then turns his attention to Williams, hurling him into the ring post before delivering another End of Days. Baron exits the ring to grab the United States Championship. Corbin returns to the ring and carefully stares at the title. "Holy sh*t!" the fans chant. Baron drops the championship onto its rightful owner before heading backstage.
Match ruled a No Contest
Gunther makes his way to the ring to a chorus of loud boos from the crowd. "The Ring General" grabs a microphone and reminds everyone that the show is almost over. As he already explained to Nick Aldis, it's time for the General Manager to make a decision. Gunther orders Aldis to come to the ring. Nick quickly answers the call and heads down the ramp, informing "The Ring General" that despite everything that has happened between them, he's going to give him what he wants. Gunther smiles. Nick announces that Cody Rhodes and CM Punk will face each other at Saturday Night's Main Event. However, it won't be a title match—it'll be a tag team match instead. Gunther will team with Sami Zayn to face Rhodes and Punk. Furious, the Austrian warns Aldis that he's making a mistake. Nick replies that the only mistake he ever made was signing the paperwork that turned "The Ring General" into a SmackDown Superstar. Aldis then looks directly into the camera and makes it clear that the SummerSlam main event will remain unchanged. Gunther snaps and attacks Aldis from behind before locking him in a sleeper hold.
Several officials rush to the ring to restrain the Austrian. Gunther quickly breaks free and blasts Nick with a big boot before locking in another sleeper hold. The officials manage to pull him away, but Gunther immediately charges back in and reapplies the hold. Nick lies half-conscious on the canvas while officials once again drag Gunther away. "The Ring General" makes one more attempt to get at the Brit, who is no longer able to defend himself. At that moment, Cody Rhodes' music hits and "The American Nightmare" races to the ring! However, the show comes to an end before Cody can reach the squared circle.
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