Tonight we will once again enjoy a new live broadcast of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. This will be the first show of the blue brand after Money in the Bank and will feature the presence of Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, who will have a face-off.
In addition, Rey Fenix will put the AAA Cruiserweight World Championship on the line against Ricky Saints. On the other hand, Paige and Nikki Bella will face each other in a rematch, while R-Truth will try to get revenge on Damian Priest. 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!
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: Cody Rhodes, R-Truth, Damian Priest, Tatum Paxley, and Alexa Bliss.
Sami Zayn is in charge of opening tonight's show. He is accompanied by Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. The three head to the ring. With a microphone in hand, Sami addresses the Sacramento fans to remind them that he already anticipated what would happen at Money in the Bank. All those wrestlers who showed up on the blue brand to threaten him with taking his title failed miserably at the PLE: Je'Von Evans, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, and Trick Williams. On the other hand, he wants to congratulate the winner of that match, Penta. Zayn suggests that he directs all his energy towards Roman Reigns, a man with whom they have had their differences. Sami has a lot to say about the Samoan, but he prefers to keep it to tell him face to face. Trick Williams interrupts the segment!
The United States Champion heads into the ring, where he poses for the fans. Tired of this situation, Sami orders Williams' theme music to stop. Next, he suggests that he say what he has to say and stop wasting his time. "What's up, jengibritis?," Trick asks in a mocking tone. Williams wants Sami to admit that when he looks at him, he sees the man who defeated him at WrestleMania and a true superstar. Trick reminds him of what happened two weeks ago when Zayn hit him in the head. A lack of respect that he is not willing to tolerate. Zayn makes it clear that he did not disrespect him. It was quite the opposite. Williams was the one who should show respect for the Undisputed WWE Champion. In addition, the Canadian was also trying to instill a lesson: that Trick lacks survival instinct. A quality that he makes up for with his jokes. Sami, on the other hand, is a natural survivor, and that is the reason he is at the top, and Williams is not. Trick assures him that he is not joking. "Normally I come out here and say, 'let's talk about it.' But tonight I've already said enough. And if you're as bad as you say you are, throw a punch and we'll see what happens to you," he says.
Johnny stands in front of Williams to reproach him for his lack of respect for the Undisputed WWE Champion and, by extension, himself and his wife. Gargano asks Trick if he knows what they have had to go through to get where they are. Of course not, because Williams has been given opportunities that they would have killed for. Johnny acknowledges that Trick has style and that "It Factor." But what he doesn't have is the top title in this company. So, until he holds that title, he better start respecting them. Otherwise, he will have to deal with Johnny Freaking Wrestling. Williams assures him that he has worked as hard as the others to be where he is. "What if we stop chatting and I kick your ass tonight?," Trick asks. Zayn encourages Gargano to accept the challenge. "I accept," says Johnny. "Referee! Come here!," exclaims Williams.
Trick Williams vs. Johnny Gargano (with Sami Zayn and Candice LeRae)
Both men struggle. Williams throws Johnny into one of the corners. Gargano responds with a flurry of punches. Trick jumps on Johnny to dodge a charge, but hurts his left leg on landing. Gargano takes advantage of the situation to take the lead and focuses his offense on his opponent's injured area. Williams recovers to execute a Stalling Suplex on Johnny. Trick tries to finish him off with a Trick Shot, but Gargano escapes to ringside to avoid it.
Trick goes after Johnny to hit him against the commentator's table. Williams confronts Sami (who acts as a guest commentator) before returning to the ring. Johnny takes advantage to surprise him in the ropes area, where he applies a Dragon Screw. Trick ends up at ringside, where he receives the impact of a suicide dive. Gargano hugs Zayn before going back after Trick, whom he hits in front of the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Johnny brings Williams back into the ring to continue his offensive. Gargano focuses his punishment on Trick's injured leg. "Whoop that Trick!," the fans chant to encourage Williams. He throws several punches at Gargano before being knocked down again. Johnny applies a Single Boston Crab to his rival. Trick frees himself to start an exchange of punches with Gargano. Williams surprises his opponent with a body drop.
Trick continues his offensive to hit his rival with the back of his hand. Williams kicks Johnny to the rhythm of "Whoop that Trick." Gargano surprises Williams with a kick, only to receive the impact of a big boot. Trick finishes him off with a Michinoku Driver. 1..2..NO. Williams prepares to execute a Trick Shot. LeRae grabs one of Trick's legs, distracting him long enough for her husband to surprise him with a roll-up. 1..2..NO.
The action continues. Gargano executes a tornado DDT on Williams. 1..2..NO. Johnny charges at the United States Champion. He throws him over his head. Gargano lands on the apron. From that position, he launches himself with a slingshot spear, but Trick stops him with a knee strike. Williams catches his opponent to finish him off with a definitive uranage. 1..2..3.
Winner: Trick Williams
Sami and Candice assist Gargano by the commentator's table. Meanwhile, Trick poses for the fans in one of the corners. This concludes this segment.
We see a video summary of WWE Money in the Bank.
Nick Aldis talks with Blake Monroe backstage. The SmackDown General Manager believes that Monroe's rivalry with Giulia is getting out of control. Blake suggests that he does his job for which he is paid a good check. Aldis already has something prepared for next week: "The Glamour" will face "The Beautiful Madness" in a Street Fight. Chelsea Green appears on the scene, a moment that Blake chooses to leave. Before leaving, he touches Green's Women's Championship, confessing that she has held it longer than expected. Chelsea asks Aldis about Tiffany Stratton. The General Manager informs her that her friend is still recovering. Green is glad to hear that, as she has sent her a basket of olives stuffed with cheese. The one who will not be well is Liv Morgan after Monday Night Raw. "She won't be here, right?", asks Chelsea. Nick assures her that she won't. However, he has spoken with Adam Pearce, and they both agree that their champions should not risk themselves when we are on the verge of Crown Jewel. On the other hand, Green must face the fact that The Judgment Day will eventually come to SmackDown, especially now that Roxanne Perez wants a shot at the Canadian's championship.
Nikki Bella interrupts the conversation to express her displeasure that the least relevant member of The Judgment Day could have a title shot before her. However, she doesn't care because once she beats Paige tonight, she can have her own opportunity. "I bet you'd like to have a title shot against a younger, prettier version of yourself. I'd like that too. So, okay, Nikki. Nothing would make me happier. Next week?", Chelsea asks. Nikki points out that it won't be possible, as she has matters to attend to as a WWE Hall of Famer. Something that Green couldn't understand. So, they will have to leave that fight for two weeks from now. With that said, she heads towards the ring, thus ending this segment.
Paige vs Nikki Bella
Nikki charges at Paige to knock her down to the mat, where she delivers several punches. Bella takes her opponent to ringside to throw her against the audience barrier. Paige pays her back. The Brit continues to hit Nikki before bringing her back into the ring. Bella opts to leave the ring and prepares to head back backstage, but Paige stops her. The Brit knocks out Nikki with a superkick. "¡This is my house!" she shouts. Paige brings her opponent back into the ring to continue the fight.
Nikki throws Paige out of the ring. After that, Bella tries to hit her with a sliding kick, but her opponent lifts the ring skirt to trap her. Paige unleashes a flurry of attacks on Nikki. The latter surprises her with the help of the ropes and then throws her to the ground at ringside. Bella returns to the ring to taunt the fans. Meanwhile, the referee (Daphanie LaShaunn) starts the count of 10. Paige returns before being disqualified, only to fall into Nikki's clutches. The latter delivers several attacks in one of the corners before applying a snap suplex.
Bella throws Paige against one of the corners to continue hitting her. Meanwhile, she mocks her with The New Day's characteristic claps. Nikki carries Paige on her shoulders and then drops her face-first onto the corner. Bella catches Paige in a crossface in the center of the ring. Paige throws several elbows to free herself, but her opponent quickly knocks her down with a spinebuster. 1..2..NO. Bella prepares to finish her off with the Rack Attack 2.0, but Paige frees herself to respond with a knee strike.
Paige continues to hit Bella, applying several suplexes. "You can't see me!," exclaims Paige before executing a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Nikki dodges the attack to catch the Brit in a submission hold. Paige crawls to the ropes to force her release. Paige catches Nikki to apply an Attitude Adjustment. 1..2..NO. Bella surprises Paige with a knee strike to finish her off with a right hook. 1..2..NO. Both women struggle. Bella pushes Paige towards LaShaunn. The Brit stops to avoid colliding with the official. Nikki takes advantage to surprise her opponent with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Paige responds with her own roll-up, but using the ropes for leverage. The referee does not notice. 1..2..3.
Winner: Paige
Cathy Kelley interviews R-Truth backstage. R-Truth acknowledges that he will face his match tonight with a broken heart. R-Truth makes it clear that his friendship with Damian Priest is now a thing of the past. "Cathy, if Damian were to throw a party and invite all his acquaintances, he would realize that the best gift would come from me, and he would thank me for being his friend. But no. He had to stab me in the back. Step on my pinky toe. That's how he behaved. If he's going to get serious, I'm going to make him wish he was in a basement eating rice and chicken. Damian, you're going to find out," he says before leaving.
Nick Aldis approaches Kevin Owens in the infirmary. The Canadian acknowledges that his shoulder and knee are not in great shape, but his neck is. He also regrets not being able to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. On the other hand, CM Punk also couldn't win it, so it wasn't a bad night after all. "The Best in the World" appears on the scene. Aldis wastes no time getting between the two men to prevent a fight. "Put me in the ring with this piece of garbage," CM Punk says to the General Manager. "Strong words. You should do it," Owens tells Nick. He makes it clear to both of them that he won't grant them a match unless they are at 100%. It's best for business, and he hopes they understand. "I promise you this is something I want to happen. In the ring and officially. In the meantime, do me a favor and stay away from each other," says Aldis. "Okay. Well, stop following me," says Owens before leaving. The Canadian throws a roll of bandages that narrowly misses CM Punk and Aldis. "Really?" asks a surprised Nick. "Kids," points out CM Punk. This concludes this segment.
R-Truth vs. Damian Priest
R-Truth hits Damian before he can enter the ring. R-Truth dives onto Priest with a tope. R-Truth returns to the ring to wait for the Puerto Rican. The latter wastes no time in knocking down his opponent to take the lead in the match. Damian kicks R-Truth in one of the corners. R-Truth responds with several punches. Priest crushes R-Truth in one of the corners before applying a Broken Arrow. 1..2..NO.
Priest punishes R-Truth in the ropes area. Damian takes R-Truth to the mat to trap him in a Bow And Arrow. R-Truth frees himself to kick his opponent in the face. R-Truth prepares to start John Cena's classic combo, but the Puerto Rican doesn't allow it. Priest executes a Flatliner on R-Truth. The latter recovers to perform a Missile Dropkick on Damian. However, R-Truth seems to have been hurt on landing. The referee approaches R-Truth to check on his condition. After a few seconds, the official decides to end the match.
Winner by referee decision: Damian Priest
Furious, Priest heads to ringside to grab a metal chair. The Puerto Rican returns to the ring, ready to use the chair against his former friend, but Nathan Frazer and Axiom stand in his way. The Europeans ask Priest not to do it. Damian throws the chair onto the mat and leaves backstage.
We see a small video of the premiere of "Street Fighter: The Movie".
Gunther enters Nick Aldis' office, who is apparently sitting in his chair with his back to the desk. The Austrian knows why the General Manager has called him. And before the Brit says anything, he wants to make it clear that last week he simply did what he does best. And yes, Danhausen may have been hurt, but that's what happens when you mess with "The Ring General". "In fact, I did you a favor," he adds. "As for Finn Bálor, that's exactly what happens when you get involved in my business," says Gunther. Gunther asks the General Manager if he heard him. The chair turns, revealing that it is Danhausen who has been sitting on it all along. We see that Danhausen is wearing a neck brace, in addition to having one arm in a sling. Gunther smiles. "Look at you. Last week I beat you up, and you're still stupid enough to come back. Well, I have to admit one thing: you're tougher than Finn Bálor, because I haven't seen him around here," says the Austrian. Danhausen points out that Bálor is the only man he could detect evil in on SmackDown. That's why he needs him. As for what happened last week, Danhausen reminds Gunther that he didn't defeat him in a match. Annoyed, the Austrian grabs Danhausen by the collar. "Please, I need to live, at least until Halloween", begs Danhausen. "Do I look like someone who celebrates Halloween? But if it's that important to you, I'll make sure Halloween is a very special night", Gunther says with a sinister smile before releasing his prey. "The Ring General" walks away, bringing the segment to an end.
Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley make their way to the ring. The new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions celebrate their title victory from last week with the fans. However, they regret that Charlotte Flair was unable to enjoy this moment. Bliss recalls that "The Queen" put friendship ahead of her desire to become champion again. That gesture allowed her and Paxley to capture the gold last week. Alexa wants to thank Tatum for her constant support. "You deserve it!" the crowd chants. Paxley, meanwhile, feels lucky to be in the ring tonight alongside Bliss as tag team champions. As for Charlotte, she wants to thank her for everything she has done for her. That's why she has a very special gift to give "The Queen" when she returns. Tatum asks Alexa if she wants to know what it is. "Do you have to do this?" a suspicious Bliss asks. Paxley leans in to whisper the secret in her ear when suddenly...
Fatal Influence interrupt the segment!
"That was such a wonderfully embarrassing speech," Jacy Jayne says. The fans boo her. Jayne calls them out for their lack of respect, especially considering that she is injured. Jacy expresses her frustration that no one is talking about what really matters: Tiffany Stratton cost her the victory at Money in the Bank. Fallon Henley agrees with her partner. They should be talking about this, not a woman who doesn't care about friendship. "Tatum, it's obvious that Charlotte thinks you're a weirdo she's being forced to hang out with by Alexa", Lainey Reid says. "And as for you, Alexa, I hope you don't think Charlotte is happy that you've become champion while she hasn't".
Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey position themselves on the apron. Jayne points out that the only reason Charlotte is with Bliss is because it suits "The Queen." And once the Women's Tag Team Championships are back in Henley and Reid's hands, Bliss will return to where she was before: in Flair's shadow. "Well... if you want to try to win these titles back, we're more than happy to play with you", Tatum says. "Well... I don't think I can do anything tonight, but they can!" Jacy exclaims, ordering the attack. Lainey and Fallon charge at the champions, but they are soon thrown out of the ring. Paxley and Bliss knock Jayne down onto the mat before leaving the ring. Furious, Reid and Henley return to the ring, but it's already too late. The champions raise their belts on the entrance ramp as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews Rey Fenix backstage. The masked wrestler is happy and proud of his brother Penta following his victory at Money in the Bank. Sami Zayn interrupts the interview to greet Rey Fenix. The Canadian soon asks him if he has spoken to Penta recently. Rey Fenix knows exactly what Zayn wants to find out, so he cuts him off and tells him to stop beating around the bush. The Mexican assures him that he hasn't spoken to his brother about his plans as "Mr. Money in the Bank." He doesn't know whether Penta will cash in the briefcase on Roman Reigns or Sami, but he wishes him luck either way. Rey Fenix says goodbye to Sami and walks away. "Do you think he'll cash in on me?" a pensive Zayn asks before striking a water bottle. And with that, the segment comes to an end.
All of Fatal Influence cross paths with Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin backstage. "You should thank me for taking Charlotte out, but apparently it didn't matter in the end", Cargill says. Fallon Henley makes it clear that they never asked for her help. B-Fab, meanwhile, believes that they should have been given that title opportunity. Michin informs Fatal Influence that they have just spoken to Nick Aldis, who has granted them a championship match. "And once we have those tag team titles, maybe we'll see you on the other side", Michin says before leaving with her partners. "Yeah. We'll see you", Jayne replies. And with that, the segment comes to an end.
AAA World Cruiserweight Championship Match
Rey Fenix (c) vs. Ricky Saints
Saints traps Rey Fenix in a headlock. The Mexican breaks free and catches his opponent off guard with a hurricanrana. Rey Fenix sends Ricky out of the ring before bouncing off the ropes on the opposite side. Saints returns to catch him with a clothesline. Rey Fenix sends Ricky toward the ropes and strikes him with a Tightrope Penalty Kick. "The Absolute" ends up at ringside, where he is hit with a diving crossbody.
Saints catches Rey Fenix off guard and sends him crashing into one of the ring posts. Ricky continues his assault on the champion, hurling him into the ringside barricade. Saints brings Rey Fenix back into the ring and tries to rip off his mask. Frustrated when he fails, Saints delivers a knee drop directly to his opponent's face. 1...2...NO. Ricky takes Rey Fenix to one of the turnbuckles and continues the assault.
Saints delivers a series of corner clotheslines to the Mexican. Rey Fenix recovers and begins exchanging chops with his opponent on the top turnbuckle. Rey Fenix launches himself into a spinning attack, but "The Absolute" reverses it in midair into a sit-out powerbomb. 1...2...NO. Saints unleashes a barrage of attacks on Rey Fenix in one of the corners. Ricky catches Rey Fenix with a big boot before setting up for the Rochambeau. Rey Fenix escapes his grasp and counters with a handspring cutter. 1...2...NO.
Rey Fenix kicks Saints in one of the corners before executing a frog splash. 1...2...NO. Ricky counters the Mexican's rolling cutter into a Death Valley Driver. 1...2...NO. "The Absolute" carries his opponent toward the top of one of the turnbuckles. Rey Fenix escapes and catches his rival with a superkick. The Mexican strikes "The Absolute" again before taking him down with a Frankesteiner.
Rey Fenix prepares to launch himself from the top turnbuckle. Desperate, Saints shoves the referee (Charles Robinson) into the ropes, causing the champion to fall and become trapped upside down. "The Absolute" quickly grabs his opponent and executes the Rochambeau. Saints covers the Mexican, but Robinson refuses to make the count. Furious, Saints confronts the official and berates him. Robinson decides he has had enough and calls for the end of the match.
Winner by disqualification and STILL AAA World Cruiserweight Champion: Rey Fenix
Out of control, Ricky grabs Rey Fenix and delivers another Rochambeau. Two more referees rush to the scene and order "The Absolute" to leave the ring. Saints complies, but not before delivering a few kicks to the Mexican.
Cody Rhodes meets with Nick Aldis backstage. "The American Nightmare" asks the General Manager if Randy Orton is ready for the face-to-face confrontation scheduled for tonight. "I haven't seen Randy", Aldis admits. Rhodes is sure Nick has done everything in his power, so there's only one thing left for him to do: go out there and do his job. Cody continues making his way toward the ring, bringing the segment to an end.
Cody Rhodes makes his entrance. The fans welcome him with a huge ovation. Rhodes brings a metal chair into the ring and sits down on it. "Sacramento! You were promised a face-to-face confrontation! I was promised a face-to-face confrontation! I'm going to sit right here until Randy Orton comes out here and exactly that happens!" Cody exclaims.
Baron Corbin interrupts the segment!
"I'm not who you were expecting? I'm not who you wanted?" Baron asks the crowd mockingly. Corbin addresses Cody and makes it clear that he still feels the same way about him: he doesn't understand what the fans see in Rhodes. "I didn't see it before, and I can assure you I still don't," he says. "A lot of things have changed around here, but one thing remains the same: you complaining about something in the ring".
Baron recalls Randy Orton's words, in which he claimed that Cody lacks a "killer instinct." "It's okay, Cody. Some people just don't have it. Others, however, were born with it", he says. Corbin recalls the destruction he left in his wake when he returned to WWE and how he quickly went on to capture the United States Championship. Now, however, he's ready to return to where he belongs, and he'll do it at Rhodes' expense. "Return to where you belong at my expense? Excuse me. I usually have PATIENCE. But this? Look, do me a favor...", Rhodes says before being forced to block a punch from Corbin. "The American Nightmare" throws Baron out of the ring before picking up his microphone. "There's still time! Randy hasn't come out! I've got time! Get me a damn referee! Let's do this!" Cody exclaims. The official soon makes his entrance.
Baron Corbin vs. Cody Rhodes
Baron kicks Rhodes in the stomach to take the advantage. Corbin continues attacking his opponent. Rhodes recovers and unleashes a flurry of punches on "The Lone Wolf" in one of the corners. Rhodes tries to continue his offense, but Corbin stops him with a clothesline. Cody tries to catch his breath at ringside. Baron goes after him and hurls him into the ringside barricade. The referee orders "The Lone Wolf" to bring his opponent back into the ring.
The action returns to the ring. Rhodes surprises his opponent with a series of attacks, only to be taken down with a Deep Six. 1...2...NO. Corbin throws Cody into one of the turnbuckles. Baron continues attacking his opponent as he lies on the mat. Rhodes dodges a charge from Corbin, causing him to crash straight into one of the turnbuckles. A simultaneous clothesline leaves both men down on the mat.
The action continues. Rhodes surprises Baron with a scoop powerslam. Cody keeps striking Corbin, taking him down with a Disaster Kick. Cody prepares to finish off his opponent when a pair of hands grab him by the legs. It's Randy Orton, who drags "The American Nightmare" to ringside and attacks him. The referee immediately calls for the end of the match.
Winner by disqualification: Cody Rhodes
Randy continues attacking Rhodes and takes him over to the announce table. Orton hurls Cody into one of the ring posts before bringing him back into the ring. Randy prepares to deliver a Punt Kick. Rhodes dodges it at the last moment and counters with a Cody Cutter. "The American Nightmare" prepares to hit his former friend with a Punt Kick, but Corbin stops him. "The Viper" takes advantage of the moment to retreat to ringside.
Baron continues attacking Rhodes and tries to finish him off with the End of Days. However, the former Undisputed WWE Champion blocks it and counters with a Cody Cutter. Rhodes prepares to deliver a Punt Kick, but Orton doesn't believe he can do it. "You know you're not going to do it! You don't have it in you!" "The Viper" exclaims. Rhodes, however, heads toward one of the turnbuckles to create some distance. He then charges at Baron and delivers a Punt Kick that leaves Randy speechless. Still stunned, "The Viper" exchanges glances with Cody as the fans chant, "One more time!" And with that, this week's episode comes to an end.
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