Tonight, we'll be bringing you another live coverage of WWE SmackDown, which will be broadcast live from the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia. This week's show will feature a Halloween theme and several championship matches, including defenses of the blue brand's men's and women's top titles.
Additionally, Rey Fenix will put the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship on the line against Ricky Saints. As always, we invite you to leave your comments on this post and share your thoughts on everything that happens during the show.
WWE SmackDown is now underway on Netflix!
Danhausen welcomes us to a very special episode of SmackDown (Very nice, very evil). Danhausen runs down tonight's card, which features three championship matches. He also promises to reveal his great scientific experiment to the world. Danhausen returns to his laboratory duties as the show gets underway.
We see some of tonight's stars arriving at the venue: Sami Zayn, Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Trick Williams (with Lil Yachty), Chelsea Green, and Nikki Bella.
Cody Rhodes kicks off the show. The fans welcome him with a huge ovation. "Well, Charleston, West Virginia, what do you wanna talk about?!" an energetic Cody exclaims. He reminds everyone that next week, he will compete in his first-ever Last Man Standing Match. A type of match built around a very simple concept. "It's simple, but barbaric. No pinfalls. No submissions. No disqualifications. You have to incapacitate your opponent. You have to leave them down until they can't answer the count of ten," he explains.
Cody wants to use his time on screen to do something different: apologize. And he will do so because Randy Orton has five children, a wife, and fans all over the world. "I want to apologize for having to keep my promise. I want to apologize. I want to apologize to God and to the entire world for having to change his appearance, just as he changed mine. For having to change the way Randy Orton sees things and the way people see him," Rhodes says. He asks the production team to show a black-and-white picture of his face after WrestleMania 42 on the arena's big screen.
"Believe it or not, I won that match," Cody says, turning his back to the photograph. Rhodes points out that WrestleMania 42 was supposed to be a night to remember, but Orton had other plans. "That's the barbarity I was talking about," he states. Rhodes has unfinished business with "The Viper." A debt that is far too big to ignore, and one he now intends to collect. "You've kicked dozens of WWE Superstars, some of whom are no longer with us. I want you to know that every single one of them is right here, concentrated in this foot, as it goes through your damn enormous skull!" he exclaims.
Rhodes is well aware that this Last Man Standing Match carries implications that go beyond his rivalry with Orton. "The implications of who the last man standing is are crystal clear. And it doesn't matter whether the champion is Trick Williams or our current WWE Champion, Sami Zayn. It's clear that whoever is the last man standing will probably become the number one contender, and the last man standing will be the only one delivering a Punt Kick, and that's me!" he exclaims. Cody bids farewell to the Charleston fans and drops the microphone onto the mat. Rhodes heads backstage, bringing the night's opening segment to a close.
Cathy Kelley interviews Chelsea Green (dressed as Nikki Bella) and Tiffany Stratton backstage. Stratton insists that she has yet to become WWE Women's World Champion because The Judgment Day keeps interfering with her cash-in attempts. However, that will change at Crown Jewel. Green points out that after the PLE, they will become an iconic championship duo. Kelley asks the Canadian about her unusual outfit. Chelsea replies that she is dressed as a monster because she has finally been able to see Nikki Bella's true face. With that said, she promises that tonight she won't step out as someone trying to become the new "Nikki Bella," but as "THE" WWE Women's Champion. Chelsea puts on Nikki's cap, bids farewell to her partner, and heads toward the ring. At that moment, Danhausen appears on the scene holding a jar full of teeth. Danhausen proposes a trade to Tiffany: his briefcase full of "human money" in exchange for her briefcase, which he claims is worth more. "No, thank you," Stratton replies before walking away. "Oh, I thought that would work," Danhausen says. "You know? I think you scared her away," he says, pointing at Kelley. "Me?" the interviewer asks, looking puzzled. And that brings this segment to a close.
We see NXT Women's North American Champion Zaria sitting in the front row.
WWE Women's Championship Match
Chelsea Green (c) vs. Nikki Bella
Both women lock up. Chelsea takes her opponent down with several arm drags before sending her into one of the turnbuckles. Green climbs to the top rope, looking to dive onto Bella, but Nikki stops her by sending her crashing to ringside. Nikki hurls Chelsea into the ringside barricade. She then brings her back into the ring and finishes her off with a faceplant. 1..2..NO.
Nikki continues to wear down the champion. Bella hits Chelsea with a suplex. She then does a few push-ups to mock her opponent. Nikki locks Green in a Bow And Arrow submission hold. Chelsea escapes and sends her opponent over the top rope to the floor. Green dives onto her with a suicide dive. Chelsea brings Bella back into the ring. Once inside, the two women exchange slaps and punches.
Nikki catches Green with an elbow before hitting her with a Disaster Kick. 1..2..NO. Bella imitates Matt Cardona as she sets up for a Broski Boot, but Chelsea dodges it. Nikki ends up near the ropes, where the champion catches her with a running meteora to the back of the head. Green follows up with a Rough Ryder. 1..2..NO. Chelsea then sets up for an Unprettier, but her opponent slips out of her grasp and takes her down to the mat.
Bella attempts to lock the champion in an STF, but Green fights back. Chelsea manages to break free, but she can't avoid an Rack Attack 2.0. Nikki covers the Canadian. 1..2..NO. Green places her foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Nikki goes after Chelsea again, but Green takes advantage of the opening to catch her with a roll-up. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL WWE Women's Champion: Chelsea Green
Green celebrates in the middle of the ring when "Trouble" begins playing throughout the arena.
Liv Morgan makes her way onto the entrance ramp!
Morgan congratulates Chelsea on her victory... even if it took her quite a while to defeat her opponent. Liv also acknowledges that they have a lot in common. Both were underestimated early in their respective careers, but now they are WWE's top champions. Green smiles. However, there is one big difference between them. "And that's because I'm a real champion. And you, Chelsea, are a joke. You're useless. You bring absolutely nothing to this women's division. And, to be honest, if you got fired for a third time, nobody here would even notice," Liv says. "You've been a very, very, very lucky girl. But your luck will run out at Crown Jewel, because I promise you, I'm going to eat you alive," she adds.
IT'S TIFFY TIME!
Tiffany Stratton makes her way onto the scene!
Stratton makes her way toward the ring with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Suddenly, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez appear on the scene and attack her from behind. Liv mocks Tiffany, giving Chelsea the opportunity to catch her off guard with an Unprettier. The Women's World Champion is left lying on the mat. Raquel and Roxanne are distracted by what has just happened in the ring. Stratton picks up her briefcase from the floor and uses it as a weapon against the Texans.
Tiffany heads into the ring. Green encourages her to cash in her briefcase on Liv. Both women call for a referee to come out. While the official makes his way to the ring, Tiffany hits Morgan with a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Stratton hands the briefcase to the referee, only to be met with a big boot from Rodriguez. Raquel and Perez launch an assault on Tiffany and Chelsea. A recovered Morgan picks up the Money in the Bank briefcase, intending to use it to strike Green. But then...
IYO SKY bursts onto the scene!
"The Genius of Sky" rushes into the ring, sending the heels running for cover as they quickly retreat to the entrance ramp. The two groups exchange glares as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn backstage. The Undisputed WWE Champion expresses his frustration over the constant disrespect he has had to endure ever since winning the title. First, Nick Aldis joked about the possibility of his title reign lasting more than nine days. Later, Roman Reigns suggested that he might not make it to Crown Jewel with the championship around his waist. And now Danhausen is joking about the possibility of him losing the gold to Trick Williams tonight? Not a chance! Sami makes it clear that what makes Trick special is something anyone can easily obtain. By contrast, what makes him great is something that has to be earned. Zayn proclaims himself the most versatile WWE Superstar of all time. "There will never be another me! NEVER!" the Canadian exclaims. He makes it clear that he won't wait 20 years to receive the respect he deserves. "Trick Williams, I'm going to beat you. And then, Roman, we'll see each other again," Sami says. He walks away, bringing the interview to a close.
Cathy Kelley interviews Blake Monroe backstage. "The Glamour" points out that now that she has finally put her rivalry with Giulia behind her, it's time to refocus on her main goal. Anyone with eyes can see that she has what it takes to become Women's World Champion. And, to be honest, she believes Chelsea Green is struggling to handle the pressure that comes with carrying the championship. Blake insists that she is ready to step up and... Paige interrupts the interview. "Just because you've won one match doesn't mean you have what it takes to be Women's World Champion," she says. "The Glamour" cuts her off, saying that she is a huge fan of hers... or at least she was... about a decade ago. With that said, Monroe advises her not to meddle in matters that don't concern her. "I've got some advice for you: Be careful what you say," Paige replies before walking away.
AAA World Cruiserweight Championship Match
Rey Fenix (c) vs. Ricky Saints
Rey Fenix and Saints exchange strikes as soon as the bell rings. The champion catches Ricky and delivers several chops. Rey Fenix sends his opponent over the top rope before diving onto him with a suicide dive that transitions into a spinning tope. Rey Fenix brings him back into the ring and follows up with a diving crossbody. 1..2..NO.
"The Absolute" blocks a charge from Rey Fenix and sends him crashing to ringside. Ricky repeatedly kicks the champion next to the ringside barricade before throwing him over the announce table. Saints continues to beat down Rey Fenix, both at ringside and inside the ring. Saints poses, only to be met with boos from the fans. Rey Fenix catches Ricky off guard and delivers several painful chops.
Saints stops the Mexican's offense with a big boot. 1...2...NO. Ricky crushes Rey Fenix's face with a knee drop. Saints tries to unmask Rey Fenix, but the referee orders him to stop. Ricky hits Rey Fenix with a side suplex. 1..2..NO. Saints kicks Rey Fenix in the back with a Penalty Kick. He then goes for the cover. 1..2..NO. Ricky once again tries to rip off his opponent's mask, leaving it torn.
Rey Fenix kicks Ricky in the face before climbing to the top turnbuckle. Saints follows him up and hits a superplex. 1..2..NO. Rey Fenix dodges a charge from his opponent in the corner and launches a counterattack that ends with a discus roundhouse kick. 1..2..NO. Rey Fenix dives onto "The Absolute" with a moonsault. 1..2..NO.
Saints blocks a rolling cutter and counters with a tornado DDT. 1..2..NO. Rey Fenix dodges a moonsault and responds with a Roundhouse Kick. This time, Ricky ducks to avoid the kick and counters with a Death Valley Driver. 1..2..NO. "The Absolute" takes Rey Fenix to the top of one of the turnbuckles. Rey Fenix escapes his opponent's grasp and hits him with a powerbomb.
Rey Fenix goes for a moonsault. Ricky moves out of the way to avoid it, but fails to realize that his opponent is still rotating. The champion catches him with a rolling cutter. Rey Fenix hits a second rolling cutter on Saints. 1..2..NO. The fans go wild. Rey Fenix takes Saints to the top of one of the turnbuckles, setting up for his final move.
Ricky prevents the masked wrestler from lifting him onto his shoulders. Rey Fenix blocks a tornado DDT and takes Saints back to the top turnbuckle. The Mexican prepares to hit a Frankensteiner. Ricky shoves Rey Fenix, sending him crashing down to the mat. The champion lands on his feet and quickly rushes toward Saints, finally catching him and delivering a devastating Mexican Muscle Buster. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL AAA World Cruiserweight Champion: Rey Fenix
Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin backstage. Kelley asks them about their controversial title victory last week. B-Fab makes it clear that they don't care what the fans think of them. All that matters is that they accomplished their goal of winning the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Cargill points out that the outcome might have been different if Charlotte Flair had competed in that match. However, she personally took her out of the equation. As for Tatum Paxley, if she has anything to say about it, Jade will be more than happy to punch her in the face again. Fatal Influence interrupt the interview to congratulate Cargill and her teammates. "I hate to say it, but I'm impressed. You clearly used one of our playbook moves to win last week," Jacy Jayne says. Fallon Henley makes it clear that they will never beat them at their own game, though. "You can keep learning from the best, so we don't mind you taking a few notes," Lainey Reid says. The members of Fatal Influence walk away. Annoyed, B-Fab and Michin try to go after them, but Cargill holds them back. And that brings the segment to a close.
Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams and Lil Yachty backstage. Trick is fed up with Sami Zayn acting like he's the most important man on SmackDown just because he holds the Undisputed WWE Championship. "Breaking news! Having a title around your waist doesn't give you magical powers!" Trick says before reminding everyone that he has already beaten Sami twice. "You can put a wig on a pig, but all you've got is a pig wearing a wig," he says. Williams promises that he will beat Sami again tonight to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Then he can head straight to Monday Night Raw to face Roman Reigns. That way, the world will get to see two true action figures standing side by side. "Two grown men getting into a fight," he says. "The Trick Williams era is just getting started, and we're only going up from here," Yachty adds. Both men walk away, bringing the interview to a close.
Suddenly, the rapper stops in front of a closed door bearing a "Top Secret" sign. His curiosity gets the better of him, and he decides to enter the room. As he does, the screen switches to the classic black-and-white look. Yachty finds Danhausen conducting an experiment. Danhausen is standing in front of a gurney covered with a sheet. "Is it working?" he wonders. Yachty watches with interest. Suddenly, his expression changes completely. The rapper backs away until he bumps into the wall. The camera cuts back to Danhausen, who watches gleefully as a patched-up "Gingerbread Man" is brought back to life, covered in stitches from head to toe. Terrified, Yachty runs out of the room. And that brings the segment to a close.
Tatum Paxley (with Alexa Bliss) vs. Jade Cargill (with B-Fab and Michin)
Tatum dives onto Cargill while she is posing during her entrance. Paxley tries to lock "The Storm" in a sleeperhold, but her opponent manages to throw her off. At that moment, the referee calls for the bell to start the match. Tatum takes control once again. Paxley hits two corner crossbodies on Jade before following up with a knee strike to the face. 1..2..NO.
The action spills to ringside. Paxley drives Jade into the edge of the apron. Tatum climbs onto it and goes for a standing moonsault. Cargill dodges it and responds with a superkick. Jade sends Tatum into the ropes and catches her with a knee strike on the rebound. Cargill brings Paxley back into the ring and continues the assault. Jade takes a moment to do a few push-ups, mocking her opponent in the process.
Cargill crushes Tatum in one of the corners. Paxley rolls out to ringside. Jade quickly follows her and kicks her. Back inside the ring, Tatum catches Cargill with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Jade responds with a clothesline. Cargill locks Tatum in a painful Single Boston Crab. Paxley kicks Jade to break free. Tatum catches Jade with a superkick and launches a counterattack. Paxley hits two enzuigiris on Cargill before finishing with a spinning axe kick. 1..2..NO.
Tatum tries to lift Jade onto her shoulders. Cargill throws an elbow to escape. Both women exchange strikes. Tatum knocks Cargill off the turnbuckle. While the referee checks on Jade, B-Fab takes advantage of the distraction to knock Paxley down onto the apron. Enraged, Alexa dives onto B-Fab with a diving crossbody. Michin takes Bliss down with a dropkick, only for Tatum to knock her out with a spinning heel kick. Paxley gets back into the ring, where Cargill catches her with a pump kick. A Jaded puts an end to the match. 1..2..3.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest backstage. The Puerto Rican is upset that Trick Williams has a title opportunity tonight. Priest asks Kelley if she knows how many opportunities he has had since arriving on SmackDown. "Zero, but that's what I get for wasting my time with R-Truth," Damian says. Now his former partner has taken himself out of the equation and is no longer a problem. Finally, Priest can focus on his main goal: taking down every clown who calls themselves a champion. And if Nick Aldis doesn't do the right thing and give him a title opportunity, he'll start piling bodies up outside his office door until he comes to his senses. Priest soon realizes that someone is watching him.
The Puerto Rican approaches Nathan Frazer and Axiom. "You two got something to say to me?" he asks. Axiom tries to calm his partner down, but Frazer isn't willing to stay quiet. Nathan confronts Damian over what happened two weeks ago, when he tried to attack an injured R-Truth with a steel chair. Axiom points out that there's something even more important: Priest laid his hands on them. "What are you gonna do about it?" Damian asks threateningly. Kelley decides to leave. Nathan replies that they will go to Nick Aldis' office and ask him for a singles match against Priest. "And when we do, we're gonna make you feel everything Truth felt," Frazer says. Damian laughs. "What I did to Truth, stabbing him in the back, hurting him... I did all that and I still like the guy. Imagine what I'll do to the two of you," the Puerto Rican says before walking away. Axiom confronts his partner for acting impulsively. "Dude, if we've got a plan, stick to it," the Spaniard says. "We have to stand up for ourselves!" Nathan exclaims. The two Europeans continue arguing as the segment comes to an end.
Danhausen appears on the entrance ramp to show the fans his great experiment. However, before lifting the sheet covering the gurney, he has something else to do. Danhausen tries to connect some wires to a pumpkin when Gunther appears on the scene. The Austrian attacks Danhausen from behind before powerbombing him through a table, completely destroying it. Gunther continues assaulting Danhausen as he drags him toward the ring. "You suck!" the fans chant. Once inside the ring, "The Ring General" prepares to deliver a second powerbomb. Suddenly, the arena lights go out and Danhausen's cloning machine springs to life. Several Minihausens emerge from inside it. Gunther laughs.
Gunther quickly fights off the Minihausens. With the situation completely under control, "The Ring General" hurls several pumpkins at some of his tiny attackers. He then smashes a prop table with the bodies of two Minihausens. Gunther sets up a second table, placing it against one of the turnbuckles. "You suck!" the fans chant again. Danhausen returns, only to be caught in a sleeperhold. Danhausen desperately struggles to break free, but he can't. However, he soon realizes that his arms are free, so he resorts to his last option. "You... Are... Cursed!" the fans chant. Suddenly, the arena lights go out and "Catch Your Breath" begins playing. The camera focuses on Danhausen's gurney on the entrance ramp. Finally, his great experiment comes to life...
"Demon" Finn Bálor awakens!
Bálor makes his way to the ring with his trademark entrance. The fans go wild. Gunther, meanwhile, watches in disbelief as the demon approaches with a determined and menacing stride. Finn enters the ring. "The Ring General" shouts at the Irishman, but he doesn't flinch. Gunther charges at Bálor, but Finn dodges him and launches a quick counterattack. The Austrian blocks a kick and delivers a chop. However, it has no effect whatsoever on "The Demon".
Finn takes Gunther down with a reverse DDT. Gunther takes off his belt and tries to strike his opponent in the stomach, but once again, it has absolutely no effect on him. "The Demon" hits "The Ring General" with a slingblade before following up with a Shotgun Dropkick. The Austrian crashes into the table propped up in the corner, completely destroying it. Gunther seeks refuge at ringside, but that won't stop "The Demon".
Bálor reaches under the ring skirt and pulls out a ladder. Finn uses it as a weapon against Gunther, who ends up sprawled across the announce table. "The Demon" climbs to the top of the ladder. Then, he dives with a Coup de Grace! Bálor lands on Gunther, and the impact destroys the table. "Holy shit!" the fans chant. Bálor returns to the ring, where he poses alongside a battered Danhausen. And that brings the segment to a close.
A promotional video airs for next week's SmackDown match between CM Punk and Kevin Owens.
NXT Champion Grayson Waller is shown sitting in the front row.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
Sami Zayn (c) (with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae) vs. Trick Williams (with Lil Yachty)
Williams and Zayn lock up as they make their way toward one of the turnbuckles. Trick catches Sami with a flying clothesline before hitting him with a powerslam. Williams unleashes a flurry of punches on his opponent in the corner. Sami escapes Trick's grasp and sends him crashing to ringside. Zayn goes after Williams and hurls him into the steel steps. Sami brings the United States Champion back into the ring and continues the assault.
Sami poses for the fans. Williams takes advantage and catches the Canadian with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Zayn responds furiously. The Undisputed WWE Champion mocks his opponent, who answers with several punches. Zayn quickly takes him down with a clothesline. 1..2..NO. Furious, Sami berates the referee for not counting fast enough. Sami goes for a suplex, but Trick reverses it and delivers one of his own. Williams charges at Zayn, but the champion stops him with a big boot.
Sami unleashes a flurry of punches on his opponent while he is lying on the mat. Zayn keeps hitting Trick, but all he manages to do is fire him up. Williams launches a counterattack. Trick slaps Sami with the back of his hand before kicking him in the corner. The fans chant "Whoop that Trick!" with every kick. Sami recovers and charges at his opponent, but Trick dodges him and responds with a spinning kick. 1..2..NO.
Sami blocks a uranage and counters with an Exploder Suplex. Zayn sets up for a Helluva Kick, but Williams stops him with a flying clothesline. Both men are left lying on the mat. Suddenly, Gargano climbs onto the apron to distract the referee. This allows LeRae to hand the championship belt to Zayn. He tries to use it against Trick, but the challenger dodges the attack and responds with a uranage. 1..2..NO. Gargano pulls the referee out of the ring to interrupt the count. The official then decides to call for the bell and end the match.
Winner by disqualification: Trick Williams; Zayn retains the championship
Nick Aldis appears on the entrance ramp and makes it clear that tonight's main event will not end this way. The SmackDown General Manager orders the referee to restart the match, but announces some changes to the rules. First, LeRae, Gargano, and Yachty are banned from ringside. Second, the match will now be contested under No Disqualification rules.
No Disqualification Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship
Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
Leaning against the ropes, Sami expresses his frustration with Aldis' decision. As he turns toward Trick, Williams strikes him directly in the head with a kendo stick. The Canadian collapses onto the mat. Williams goes for the cover. 1..2..NO. Zayn escapes to ringside. Trick quickly follows him and continues the assault. The action spills into the crowd. Sami hits Williams with a trash can.
Zayn grabs another trash can and slides it toward his opponent, sending it crashing into his face. "Sami sucks!" the fans chant as the Canadian continues to strike his rival. Trick recovers and starts exchanging blows with Zayn. Trick grabs a trash can and quickly uses it as a weapon against the Canadian. Williams brings his opponent back into the ring. Trick picks up Lil Yachty's kendo stick. Sami rolls out to ringside to avoid his opponent's imminent attack.
Williams goes after Zayn, giving the champion an opportunity to get back into the ring. Trick follows him, but his opponent is waiting for him. Sami kicks Williams and then unleashes a flurry of punches. Zayn picks up Yachty's kendo stick and uses it as a weapon against the United States Champion. Trick dodges one of the attacks and counters with a neckbreaker. Williams picks up the stick and turns it against Sami. Trick snaps the stick in half before taking Zayn down with a spinning kick. 1..2..NO.
Trick brings several chairs into the ring. Once he has piled them up, Williams prepares to hit a uranage. Zayn blocks the move and counters with a Blue Thunder Bomb. 1..2..NO. "This is awesome!" the fans chant. Sami tries to use his championship as a weapon. Williams dodges the attack and responds with a Trick Shot. 1..2..NO. Now Williams wants to use the title against its rightful owner. However, Sami takes cover behind the referee. Trick stops himself to avoid hitting the official. At that moment, Zayn catches him with a low blow. Sami retrieves his championship and smashes it into his opponent's head. Trick collapses onto the mat. The Canadian goes for the cover. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL Undisputed WWE Champion: Sami Zayn
Zayn poses with his championship over Williams as the show comes to an end.
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