Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (1/2/19)

Published

5 years ago

January 3, 2019

To give Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy the challenge he craves, he’ll face THREE superstars at the Royal Rumble! Who earns the first two spots tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Lio Rush VS Kalisto w/ Lucha House Party; Kalisto wins and advances to the Royal Rumble Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way.
Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and advances to the Royal Rumble Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of “Mean” Gene Okerlund.

Drake Maverick welcomes us to the first 205 Live of 2019!

The GM of the Cruiserweight Division has an important announcement later tonight on what’s in store for WWE’s fastest brand in the New Year. But first, we have some high stakes matches on the card! Buddy Murphy wants to prove he’s THE best Cruiserweight in the world, and will take on not one but three challengers at the Royal Rumble. Tonight, two matches will determine two of the three. The Lucha Dragon, Kalisto, will take on the Man of the Hour, Lio Rush. This match will personify speed as Kalisto looks to become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion while Lio could earn his first shot at the title.

Then the main event features one of 205 Live’s fiercest rivalries as The Stamina Monster, Akira Tozawa, takes on the Philly Fury, Drew Gulak. Tozawa and THE Brian Kendrick got even with Gulak and Jack Gallagher weeks ago in their Street Fight Tag match, but the war doesn’t end there. Will Gulak make Tozawa tap and win a ticket to the Royal Rumble? Or will Tozawa himself earn a chance at becoming a two-time champ?

Lio Rush VS Kalisto w/ Lucha House Party!

Between the New Year and WWE’s “fresh start”, the 24 Year Old Piece of Gold wants to renew his aspirations for championship gold. Meanwhile, the Lucha House Party would love some gold of their own to make the fiesta even more festive. Who will be the first of three contenders challenging the Juggernaut at the Royal Rumble?

The bell rings and Kalisto circles with Lio. Fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” and “Lio Sucks!” and Kalisto makes sure Lio hears it. Then things speed up, but Kalisto doesn’t let Lio take the lead. “Lucha! Lucha!” starts up again and Kalisto blocks a kick. Kalisto flips Lio but Lio speeds things up as he rebounds and runs around. Kalisto matches with a handspring and Lio backs off. The matracas rattle and the fans chant “Lucha!” while The Body Guys, Buddy Murphy and Tony Nese, watch backstage and enjoy some protein shakes. Kalisto keeps his eyes on Lio but Lio takes his time returning. Lio then rushes in but Kalisto’s ready for him. Lio SLAPS Kalisto, but that only angers the Lucha Dragon! The chase is on!

Lio goes up and around a post then back in the ring. Kalisto handsprings off the steel steps to then get in, roll Lio and hit him with a Listo Kick! Kalisto keeps kicking but Lio knees back. Lio whips but Kalisto dropkicks Lio! Kalisto kicks Lio more, then runs, but Lio dodges. Kalisto tumbles to the apron, but Lio dropkicks him off! Lio then builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit onto Kalisto! Lio grimaces as he drags Kalisto up and into the ring. Lio stomps Kalisto to the corner, then throws haymakers. He stomps a mudhole but fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” Kalisto CHOPS back! Lio kicks Kalisto then suplexes him down. Lio drags Kalisto up and elbows him in the back. Cover, ONE! Lio keeps his cool as he grabs Kalisto in a camel clutch. Kalisto endures as Lio pulls back, a knee into the back.

Fans rally and Kalisto feeds off the energy. Kalisto fights up and out, then victory rolls! TWO, and Lio clobbers Kalisto with a clothesline! Lio rains down lefts then covers, TWO! Lio puts the camel clutch back on, then grinds Kalisto’s face into the mat. He goes after the face and mask, but the ref reprimands him. Fans rally up but Lio clubs Kalisto. Lio throws Kalisto out, and both Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik check on him while Lio lounges on the top rope. The ring count climbs but Kalisto gets back in at 4. Lio lines up a shot and kicks Kalisto in the head. Lio throws body shots in the corner, then a chop. Kalisto hits back with CHOPS, then runs but into a back elbow! Metalik and Lince coach Kalisto as Lio covers, TWO! The “Lucha! Lucha!” starts again while Lio puts Kalisto in a keylock.

Kalisto endures and the matracas sound. Lio shifts to make it a half straitjacket but Kalisto endures. Kalisto gets up and fights his way out. Kalisto fires off but Lio hits back. They brawl, Lio lets off a strike fest! Lio runs in but is put on the apron. Kalisto swing kicks Lio down! Kalisto aims and knee-boards for a senton! Both men are down but fans fire up. Kalisto gets up first and brings Lio into the ring. Kalisto and Lio stand, Lio heel kicks Kalisto! Lio buzzsaw kicks Kalisto down, but he doesn’t cover. He heads for the corner and climbs up top. Kalisto springs to life to kick Lio back! Kalisto climbs to join Lio now, and the two fight up top. Lio headbutts Kalisto but Kalisto holds on. Lio punches Kalisto down but Kalisto kicks Lio again!

Kalisto climbs back up, picks Lio up, and hits a SUPER back flip power slam! Cover, TWO!! Lio lives and Kalisto can’t believe it! Fans rally and Kalisto stirs. Kalisto stands and fires up with more “Lucha! Lucha!” Lio stands and turns around, but denies Salida to go for the underhook. Lio spins Kalisto for the overdrive unprettier! Cover, TWO!! Kalisto survives and shocks Lio! Lio is furious, and he drags Kalisto up to punch him down. He does it again, then tries again. Kalisto counters and jawbreakers! Kalisto springboards, corkscrew crossbody! He kicks away on Lio, mule kick and runs. Lio runs to pump kick! Lio runs into a heel kick! Kalisto walks into a fireman’s carry, and hotshot!

Kalisto goes down and Lio recovers in the ring. The ref counts and the Lucha House Party coach Kalisto up. The count passes 7 as Kalisto stands. Kalisto gets up and gets in at 9.5! Lio is furious now, and goes to a corner. Lio climbs with Kalisto in a drop zone. But the matracas rattle and Lio gets annoyed. Lio tells them to stop, then aims at Kalisto. Lince still shakes the matraca but then Lio kicks it away! Lince gets mad and Metalik keeps hims back. Lio then hits both of them with a dropkick! Lince is ready to fight but he can’t because it’ll disqualify Kalisto. Lio uses that to his advantage, but walks into Salida del Sol!! Cover, Kalisto wins!!

Winner: Kalisto, by pinfall; advances to the Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way

Don’t blame Dorado for this one, Lio let himself lose focus, and that lost him the match. Now that Kalisto is headed for a title shot, will he be the one to stop the unstoppable? And who else will join him and Buddy Murphy in that championship match?

Backstage interview with Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher.

Does Gulak see himself as the underdog in tonight’s match after Akira Tozawa and THE Brian Kendrick defeated him and Gallagher in that Tag Team Street Fight? There are many words Gulak would use to describe himself, such as “leader” and “submission specialist”, but also “realist”. That match only proved that Tozawa and Kendrick are “low rent brawlers” and got lucky. Is Gulak an underdog? No. Because tonight is not a Street Fight, it is a wrestling match, and rules will be enforced. That puts Tozawa at the disadvantage. When Tozawa steps to Gulak, he will tap out.

Meanwhile, Kendrick helps Tozawa get in some last minute training. Tozawa fires off punch after punch into the pads with Gulak’s face on them, then throws them down on the ground. Both men are determined to settle the score while scoring themselves a spot in the championship match. Their main event is up next!

Drake Maverick speaks.

“Here on 205 Live, a new year means new opportunities.” 2018 saw a remarkable transformation, and with Maverick as GM, there won’t be any resting on our laurels. Maverick did some planning over the holidays, talked with the GMs of other brands, and even scoured all four corners of the globe for any and all great Cruiserweight talent to raise the standard of competition. The WWE Universe can expect new faces to join the roster, and the roster can expect fiercer competition. Maverick wants everyone to step up and rise to the occasion. 205 Live will remain the premier place for the world’s Cruiserweight Division! When and where will we see these new faces make their debuts?

Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa!

The Tag Team Street Fight was intense and innovative as The Stamina Monster and the newly shaven Man with a Plan overcame the Submission Commission. However, Gulak spins it that a no disqualification match means nothing to a technical specialist like himself. Will Gulak make up for that hardcore defeat with a sound and traditional victory? Or will Tozawa ring in his new year with a golden opportunity?

The Body Guys watch this match backstage, too, and Nese is still shaking up his drink. The bell rings and fans “AH! AH!” along with Tozawa. Gulak grimaces as he still hates chants and general crowd noise. The two circle and tie up. Gulak gets a headlock and takeover, but Tozawa gets the headscissor. Gulak headscissors back and then hammers Tozawa in the chest. Tozawa moves around and gets free, and the two stand off. Gulak swaggers about and fans boo. Tozawa and Gulak tie up, and Gulak gets the headlock again. Gulak brings Tozawa to the mat, but Tozawa gets up and reverses to a hammerlock and headlock. Gulak drops down to roll Tozawa up but Tozawa denies a cover. Tozawa holds on as they stand up again.

Gulak reverses out to a wristlock, then hooks Tozawa’s face to get the headlock back. Tozawa powers out but Gulak runs him over. Things speed up and Gulak rolls to catch Tozawa in a roll up! TWO, and Gulak narrowly avoids the Penalty Kick. The two stand off again, then tie up. Gulak grabs an ear and puts Tozawa in a corner. Gulak lets go at 4, then grinds his fingers into Tozawa’s face. He backs off at 4 again, and Tozawa fires back elbows. Tozawa scoops but Gulak blocks. Tozawa fakes the chop to hit the jab! Then he hits the scoop slam! And the shouting senton! Cover, TWO! Gulak rolls away and Tozawa takes aim. Gulak goes running, so Tozawa pursues. Tozawa runs into a boot, but blocks the snap suplex.

Tozawa hits back and Gulak gets into the ring. But Tozawa grabs the feet, only for Gulak to shove him into barriers! Gulak drags Tozawa up to scoop and slam him back. Gulak grins as he stands over Tozawa. He drags Tozawa up and into the ring, then covers. TWO, but Gulak smirks as he stomps Tozawa’s back. Gulak springboard stomps, then sits Tozawa up for a half surfboard on the arms. Tozawa endures as Gulak pulls back. Fans “AH! AH!” and Tozawa feeds off that energy to get the ropebreak. Gulak lets go at 4, but drops more springboard stomps. Gulak pulls Tozawa up by his nose, then scoop slams Tozawa fast. Cover, TWO, but Gulak is back on with a chinlock. Tozawa endures and fans rally up again.

Tozawa fights against the hold, but Gulak knees low. Gulak runs, but into Tozawa’s back kick. Tozawa swings, slides under, and swings another kick, but into Gulak’s powerbomb lift. Gulak aims for ropes, but Tozawa huricanrans Gulak out! Tozawa builds speed, Gulak gets back in but gets another huricanrana, for the rolling roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Tozawa keeps going and the fans “AH! AH!” again. Tozawa throws forearms and kicks, then stomps Gulak down. He pushes Gulak into the drop zone and climbs up top. Gulak sees that and gets to the apron. Tozawa kicks Gulak down but Gulak forearms him back. Gulak shoulders in but gets a kick. Tozawa climbs again, guillotine senton! But it’s double edged as Tozawa’s back takes damage from the impact!

A ten count begins and Tozawa slowly stands up. Gulak follows and they’re up at 6. Tozawa fires palm strikes and kicks, then runs in. Gulak dodges the shining wizard for a one handed bomb into the corner! Gulak roars now, and goes for the GuLOCK! Tozawa resists, and uses the corner for leverage. Cover, TWO! Gulak blocks the wizard to hit a discus lariat! Cover, TWO! Gulak grows frustrated while Tozawa gets to a corner. Gulak runs into a boot, and Tozawa hops up. Tozawa leaps to sunset flip but Gulak rolls through to powerbomb! High stack, TWO!! Gulak is shocked as well as frustrated as Tozawa survives. Gulak grits his teeth as he glares down at Tozawa. Tozawa fires himself up but Gulak stomps him. Gulak throws hands but Tozawa eggs him on.

They brawl now with back and forth haymakers and forearms. Tozawa gets an edge, runs, and rocks Gulak with a right. Tozawa runs again for another but Gulak still wobbles. The third time, Gulak boots Tozawa, only to run into Tozawa’s boot. Tozawa tries again, tilt-o-whirl into the Octopus Stretch! But Gulak pops out into a horse collar, aka the stretch muffler! Gulak spins Tozawa around, then make sit a cover! ONE, but the hold stays on. Tozawa crawls and reaches as Gulak pulls and stretches. Tozawa endures and gets the ropebreak! Gulak lets go, and both men are down from exhaustion. Fans rally up and Tozawa feeds off the energy. Tozawa and Gulak slowly stand. Gulak goes after Tozawa first with big forearms. Tozawa pushes Gulak into buckles! Tozawa ducks Gulak for the saido suplex! But Tozawa doesn’t cover, he goes up top!

Tozawa aims, but that bad leg slows him down. He leaps, but into the GuLOCK!! Gulak has the body scissors and the dragon sleeper, and Tozawa can only flail and kick! Tozawa moves around then rolls over to the ropes! Gulak lets go but only as both men fall out to the floor. Tozawa gasps for air while a ring count begins. Gulak stands first, and refreshes the count. Gulak CHOPS Tozawa, then throws him at a post! Tozawa blocks and fires off haymakers! Gulak body shots and puts Tozawa in the ring. Tozawa boots Gulak down, then builds speed to DIVE! The Tozawa Torpedo hits its target! Fans fire up with Tozawa as he puts Gulak back in. Tozawa climbs up top once more, but Gulak trips him up! Tozawa’s bad leg is part of the bad landing, and now Gulak gets an idea.

Gulak SLAPS Tozawa, then climbs! Gulak is bending his own personal rules for the sake of victory. Tozawa resists the superplex but shoves Gulak down. Gulak lands on his feet, and tries from the very top! Tozawa still resists, and Gulak gets nervous knees! Tozawa headbutts Gulak all the way down, and has his target. He stands, and leaps for the Tokyo Tower Senton!! Cover, Tozawa wins!!

Winner: Akira Tozawa by pinfall; advances to the Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way

Gulak gambled and lost! Tozawa outlasts Gulak’s ground game and wins with his aerial assault. THE Brian Kendrick celebrates with his new friend, ready to support the Stamina Monster in that title match. Will Tozawa’s stamina be the key to dethroning Buddy Murphy?

Tony Nese and Buddy Murphy aren’t worried.

The Premier Athlete even feels it just got that much easier for the champion. However, there’s one more match-up to determine the final contender. And speaking of…

Cedric Alexander speaks.

“Hideo Itami needs to understand that I don’t scare easy.” Itami walks around all intimidating, but it doesn’t work. Alexander doesn’t’ care about Itami’s past, because in their future, their rematch will end the same way as the first: Itami on the mat with a bad back, and Alexander having his hand raised.

Ariya Daivari and Hideo Itami respond.

“Cedric, your resilience in the face of adversity is absolutely admirable.” Even after his only friend, Mustafa Ali, left him for the bright lights of SmackDown, Alexander can still pick himself up after every setback. But Daivari assures that Alexander isn’t facing the same Itami from last year. This Itami is a tornado headed for the Royal Rumble. Itami tells Alexander in Japanese and Daivari translates in English, that Alexander may want his title back, but all he’s getting is a “lesson in respect.” Who wins this high stakes rematch to join Kalisto, Tozawa and Murphy at the Royal Rumble?

My Thoughts:

A pretty great episode right here, and perfect for 205 Live’s first 2019 episode. We get right down to it with two great and lengthy matches, but I do appreciate Maverick’s State of the Cruiserweight Division Address. Maverick uses kayfabe terms to essentially assure us that 205 Live will go on for as long as it can while acting as a Cruiserweight NXT. That is to say, any Cruiserweight class wrestler not quite ready for the main roster will join the purple brand and get some great play. Mustafa Ali could be seen as the prototypical Cruiserweight Call-Up. Ali has had great matches on 205 Live, he’s a complete character and very popular, and even has a great push on SmackDown with pinning Bryan and being in the #1 Contender’s Fatal 5. I can’t wait to see who else joins to then potentially go main roster.

The matches tonight also served to prove a point that 205 Live is where great matches will happen. I think each match got roughly 20 minutes and told great stories. I’m surprised Lio didn’t win, but I suppose him being annoyed and distracted by the matracas was plausible. Tozawa and Gulak had a great match that told the story of their past rivalry over Gulak’s distaste for chanting and high-flying moves. Gulak even made a similar mistake as their past feud when he risks going up top and it blows up in his face. Tozawa wins, but that makes two Faces and one Heel in the match. I was hoping Lio would win because then that’s two Heels and one Face. Cedric being Face and Itami being Heel, the math could dictate that Daivari helps Itami win and we have two and two.

Or WWE could get away from strict Face-Heel dynamics and allow for three Faces and one Heel. It would work really well if Cedric gets his shot, but then can’t get it done because this is a Fatal 4 Way and one of the others capitalizes. As I said for Raw and SmackDown this week, the “fresh start” isn’t really happening until things are completely shuffled. Alexander can detour to face Itami and Daivari, Murphy will lose and not have an automatic rematch, so that way either a two-time champion Kalisto or two-time champion Tozawa gets to use the belt in a program with any number of Heels. Murphy and Alexander could even go from the title to either being another Cruiserweight Call-Up like Ali, or helping get these new Cruiserweight stars up to speed.

My Score: 8.4/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Related Topics:205 Live Coverage Featured Featured Coverage Lio Rush WWE

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (5/4/24)

Contrecoup en France!

Published

2 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will Backlash be truly phenomenal?

Cody Rhodes’ first defense of THE WWE Championship could also be his last, because he is up against The Phenomenal A J STYLES! Will The American Nightmare have finished his story only for the next chapter to be cut short?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman; win.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill; win and
WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; wins and
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest VS Jey Uso; wins and
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS AJ Styles; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Backlash in France Kickoff Show!

The countdown to showtime is on! Join Jackie Redmond, Big E and CM Punk as they discuss, analyze and predict what happens at the first-ever Premium Live Event to ever air from France!

BREAKING NEWS!

Make sure to watch the Kentucky Derby’s kickoff show on NBC today, right after Backlash, because there will be news about WWE WrestleMania 41!

Backstage interview with Jey Uso.

Byron Saxton brings up that Jey Uso was Raw’s number one draft pick. Now he can build on that by becoming the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. How is he feeling? Jey says he’s got goosebumps, Uce. You can’t see ’em, but he’s got ’em. He appreciates Byron being there from day one on Jey’s career, to tonight. This is a career defining moment. Damian Priest is a beast, but Jey’s gotta prove he can stand on his own two feet. And by the end of tonight, Lyon, France and the world will YEET with the new champion, Main Event Jey Uso! Gimme a yeet. Byron says “YEET!” and says we could be looking at the new WHC. Will Jey finally have his moment?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill.

Byron is now with the strongEST duo, and says they are going after Damage CTRL and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bianca immediately says she is so tired of talking about DMG CTRL. She is done, ready to be done with Kairi, with Asuka, with Iyo, with Dakota, and even Bayley. Taking those titles means DMG CTRL gets stuck on Raw. Why does she have to keep repeating herself? She is tired of hearing herself talk about it! She wants to be done! Jade steps in and says they’re just excited to be NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. They don’t have time for this, they gotta go. Jade & Bianca head out, will they soon be the newEST champions?

WWE shares a special interview with AJ Styles.

Kayla Braxton sat down with The Phenomenal One, and wanted to talk about his new attitude since returning. Styles seems confused as to that phrasing, and she asks what brought this on. New attitude? No, this is focus. He was out, got his mind right, dialed in, that’s where he’s at right now. Then to her next question, he hasn’t been world champion in six years. Is frustration over that what brought this change about? Styles says he looked back and realized he’d gotten complacent. So again, he got his mind right and focused himself. Kayla knows Styles and Cody have never faced each other. Styles says he still respects Cody, but that won’t stop him from beating him.

Then to add to that, these two have been ships in the night. Styles comes into WWE, Cody makes his way out. Does this match resonate on a personal level? Styles say sit isn’t personal, it’s business. But he also takes this business personally. He doesn’t wanna beat Cody, but he has to. Then what happens if he doesn’t? That possibility isn’t in Styles’ mind. He doesn’t want this, he needs this, and he needs it much more than Cody. It took Cody two YEARS to get this title, but it’ll only be 27 days when he loses it. Will Styles bring about a phenomenal end to The American Nightmare’s dream?

Now this is cinema.

Time to make hot, new headlines, and to start some new stories. When the stakes are this high, the world tunes in, and the superstars turn it up. “When one good story ends, an even better one begins.” Are you ready? Ready for war!? History is being made before your eyes as WWE is live from France! Welcome to Backlash!

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman!

The Viper and the Prizefighter have proven to be a powerful duo, and they’ve both had their beef with The Bloodline, plus they have initials that line up, so this just seemed like a natural move! Will #R-KO #JustKeepFighting until they’ve torn down the Enforcer and the Good Bad Guy? Or will The Wise Man’s warning from last night come true?

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/3/24)

C’est vendredi soir!

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Le Cauchemar Américain et Le Phénoménal!

That is to say, The American Nightmare and The Phenomenal One! Before Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles fight over the WWE Championship at Backlash, they have one last face-to-face to say whatever needs to be said!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL; Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade win.
The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic; The AOP win.
LA Knight VS Angel Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Knight wins.
WWE Tag Team Championships: A-Town Down Under VS The Street Profits; A-Town Down Under wins and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL!

Lyon, France fires up for the Role Model as she joins forces with The #BIG3 against the Spoiled Rich Girl, as well as Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane, all ahead of the big title matches at Backlash! WrestleMania saw Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade all take down DMG CTRL, but will things be different now that they’re on #TiffyTime?

The teams sort out, and Naomi starts against the Pirate Princess. The fans sing for Bayley while Naomi and Kairi tie up. They go around, Naomi wrenches but Kairi DECKS her! Kairi drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up to get Kairi for a TWERK ATTACK! Naomi then kicks Kairi away, and the fans rally behind Naomi as she runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! And then ENZIGIRI! Naomi drags Kairi over, tags in Bianca, and Bianca slingshots in to handspring and MOONSAULT! The fans cheer, Bianca covers, TWO! Kairi survives but Bianca keeps on her. Bianca brings Kairi up, scoops, but Kairi kicks free!

Kairi whips but Bianca blocks! Bianca whips, catches Kairi and reels her in, to suplex! The fans cheer as she marches around, then SLAMS Kairi down! And kips up, too! Asuka runs up but is sent right back out! Bianca gets Kairi up, but Kairi URAKENS! Bianca wobbles, Bayley tags in! Bianca BOOTS Kairi but is upset Bayley tagged in. The fans want Bayley anyway, but Asuka drags Bianca out! Then Tiff tags in to attack the champ! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Bayley but Tiff keeps her composure as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and fans rally for Bayley, but The Kabuki Warriors bring her up. Bayley fights the double suplex, fires off hands, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Kairi adds a SLIDING D, then Asuka adds a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Bayley stays in this, but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to CLUB her, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Tiff lets off at 4. Kairi has fun throwing up the double peace as Bayley flounders. Dakota tags in, she stomps a mudhole into Bayley, but Dakota tags Kairi. Kairi tags Asuka back in, then brings Bayley up.

Asuka climbs the corner, Kairi brings Bayley around, and sends her into Asuka’s HIPS! Asuka hops down to cover deep, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to whip her to a corner. Tiff runs corner to corner and handsprings in to BACK ELBOW! Tiff snapmares Bayley, runs, and cartwheels into an Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! High stack, Naomi breaks it! The fans fire up while Tiff is upset. Tiff frowns, stomps Bayley, then taunts the fans. But Bayley fires hands! Tiff CLUBS Bayley, stomps her, then sucker punches Jade! The fans boo but Tiff CLUBS Bayley, then sends Bayley into Naomi!

The fans boo more, but Bayley hits a SAIDO! Both Bayley and Tiff are down, and the fans are thunderous! Bayley and Bianca lock eyes, and are both conflicted being enemies for so long. But tonight is about common enemies, so Jade tags in! And she BOOTS Dakota! And grabs Asuka, for a CHOKE SLAM! Kairi runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jade catches her for a BACKBREAKER! Jade tags Bianca and then she SPLASHES Dakota! Jade reels Dakota in, brings her up, and POWERBOMBS her down! Bianca then handsprings, gets a lift from Jade, DOMINATOR SPLASH COMBO! Cover, but Kairi breaks it!

Jade TOSSES Kairi out, but Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Jade down! Naomi runs up, gets around, BUBBA BOMB for Asuka! But TIFFY STOMPS get Naomi! But then BAYLEY2BELLY for Tiffy! Dakota SCORPION KICKS Bayley! Bianca torture racks Dakota for the KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca’s team wins!

Winners: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall

The fans cheer “OUI! OUI! OUI!” as the EST finishes this one off! Bianca & Jade are going strong into their tag title match, and Bayley will now have to turn around and treat Naomi as much of an enemy as she does Tiff. Will the Role Model hold onto the gold? Or will she #FeelTheGlow?

A-Town Down Under speaks.

Austin Theory tries French by saying, “Bonjour, France. You get a gift tonight. You get the greatest undefeated tag team champs in their first title defense.” Grayson Waller then asks, “What’s that smell?” They both sniff and Theory says that’s red wine. No, Waller isn’t smelling that. It’s strong. Theory takes in a bigger whiff, and says that’s cheese. Nah, that’s just how the audience smells. Waller realizes what it is: smoke! Because that’s what The Street Profits want, right? Well, ATDU will show The Profits that they ARE the smoke! Will Theory & Waller return to the US still holding onto the titles? Or will The Profits be up as they take the gold?

Backstage interview with Bianca & Jade.

SmackDown returns, and Kayla Braxton says after tonight’s great win out there, are they confident in their chances at taking the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at Backlash? Jade says she and Bianca are always confident. Tomorrow night will be no different. And Bianca says with all this history against DMG CTRL, she is so ready for closure, for this to be done, because she is sick of talking about it! DMG CTRL has been coming at her for practically her entire career, and she’s ready for this to be over. We pan over to see Naomi and Bayley are here, too. Bianca says once they take the tag titles, she’ll be done with DMG CTRL for good. Hopefully.

Jade calms Bianca down and Bayley leaves. The EST apologizes for being the angriEST, but will that at least help her and Jade finally humble DMG CTRL once and for all?

Nick Aldis is with Carmelo Hayes backstage.

The SmackDown General Manager knows Melo belongs here on SmackDown after last week’s match with Cody Rhodes. Because two things Aldis asks of you on his brand: show up, and show out. Melo says thanks to “Slick Nick.” And despite what people are saying, Melo knows he almost beat Cody. Melo’s got momentum, he wants to keep it going, so he is declaring for the King of the Ring. Well, alright then. Aldis is sure they can talk about that. At the same time, here’s Bobby Lashley! Lashley says hey to Aldis and Melo, and congratulates Melo for being drafted to SmackDown. More importantly, congratulations on that impressive showing against Cody Rhodes.

And, now that they’re both on the same brand, if there’s anything Lashley can do for Melo, just call him. Melo says thanks, but he’s good. If you didn’t see last week, Melo’s a first round draft pick, went toe to toe with THE WWE Champion, he’s pretty much got it figured out. He appreciates the offer, though. Well, alright, big time. But Lashley will tell him that it’s not about the shots he shoots. It’s about making those shots count. Last week, Melo lost. Oh? Well when was the last time Lashley shot his shot? Melo looks to go but Lashley stops him. Here’s another piece of advice: be careful who you disrespect around here.

Lashley lets Melo exit, will the All Mighty have to teach HIM a lesson?

The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic!

Akam & Rezar thought they were writing off The Big Strong Boi & Bruiserweight last week, but they only gave Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne motivation! New Catch Republic kept AOP from becoming NXT Tag Team Champions, will they also put a dent in their main roster plans? Or will this end up being the Final Chapter after all?

SmackDown returns and The AOP make their entrance. Akam and Dunne start, and Akam grabs Dunne by the neck! Akam SHOVES Dunne up and out, taunts him, then storms out, but into a GAMANGIRI! Dunne gets in to DROPKICK Akam, then DROPKICK again! And DROPKICK again! Akam stays up so Dunne runs up to HOVERBOARD KIMURA! Bate tags in and KICKS Akam! Then NCR fire off fast hands! The fans fire up, Bate goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then again for another UPPERCUT! Bate keeps going, but Akam LARIATS him inside out! The fans boo but Akam tags in Rezar.

The AOP mug Bate, then shove Bate down. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Rezar talks trash on them in return. Rezar drags Bate up to suplex, but Bate throws knee after knee! Bate gets free, then he fires hands and UPPERCUTS! Bate reels Rezar in, but even he can’t suplex someone that big! Rezar fireman’s carries, so Bate slips around to a SLEEPER! Rezar goes to ropes, Dunne tags in and climbs up! Dunne FLYING STOMPS Rezar’s arms! Bate DROPKICKS Rezar out! Akam runs in but NCR DUMP him out! The fans fire up as Bate tags back in, then goes up top! Dunne sets up for Bate’s KNEE-BOARD SENTON!

The fans fire up as AOP goes down! Bate hauls Rezar up and into the ring, then springboards in to FLYING UPPERCUT! Rezar stays up so Bate runs, but into a pop-up! Rezar fireman’s carries Bate to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Rezar roars, the Final Testament is fired up, but the fans boo and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Rezar looms over Bate. The fans rally up while Rezar brings Bate over. Tag to Akam, and the AOP hit a SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Kross is annoyed with the fans, but Akam dribbles Bate off the mat! Akam tags Rezar, the AOP mug Bate again, and then Rezar clamps on a BEARHUG! Bate endures the squeeze, even as Rezar thrashes him around! Bate fights up as the fans rally even harder! Bate wriggles free as he goes up and over to sunset flip, but Rezar YANKS Bate right up, only for Bate to DROPKICK! Rezar staggers back, Akam tags in and runs up on Bate!

Akam drags Bate away, but Bate fires hands! Akam keeps hold of an arm but Bate fires hands! “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Akam whips but Bate hits the REBOUNDER! The fans fire up as Bate crawls, hot tag to Dunne! The fans erupt as The Bruiserweight ENZIGIRIS Akam, GAMANGIRIS Rezar, then ENZIGIRIS Akam! Dunne STOMPS the hands then BUZZSAWS Akam down! Dunne fires up, the fans are with him, and he goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT Rezar down! Dunne runs back in, mule kicks and serves Akam SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Dunne goes up top, MOONSAULT, but he lands on his feet as Akam dodges!

Dunne rolls through to tag Bate! Akam runs up, but Bop up, BANG! Dunne BOOTS, Bate fireman’s carries!! The fans are thunderous for the AIRPLANE SPIN!! Bate goes around and around and around with Akam, then THROWS him away! Bate kips up, tags Dunne, then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Dunne roars before the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Rezar breaks it! The fans are loving this, but then Rezar grabs both men by the necks! Only for both men to bend those fingers! And DOUBLE SNAP! Then NCR run to CLOBBER Rezar outta the ring! The fans fire up, Dunne runs but Scarlett stands in the way!

The fans boo the femme fatale, but Bate DIVES past her to take out Rezar! But then Kross gets Bate for an F5 to the floor! Dunne PLANCHAS Kross for it! Dunne gets back in, but Akam hits an URENAGE! Tag to Rezar, the AOP set Dunne up, DRAG THE LAKE! Cover, AOP wins!

Winners: The Authors of Pain, by pinfall

The entire Testament was needed, but they still take down New Catch Republic! These teams are going to Raw via the Draft, will the feud only get wilder from here?

Nick Aldis is visited by Paul Heyman.

The Wise Man asks if Aldis got his memo. Aldis did. And request denied. Heyman wants Aldis to pull Kevin Owens & Randy Orton out of the tag team match set for Backlash? Why? How about for the sake of Kevin Owens? Or for Randy Orton, or for SmackDown as a whole. Heyman says he has tried and tried with Aldis, but fine, leave them in the damn match. What happens to Kevin and Randy is no longer on Heyman’s conscious. It is all on Aldis now. Good night. Heyman storms off, but Aldis asks if that’s by orders of The Tribal Chief. Heyman turns back around to say that’s not funny. Well, Aldis just knows that all communication with Roman Reigns goes through Heyman.

So, is Heyman in charge or not? Heyman says there is a difference between being in charge, and being in control. Heyman has not spoken to Roman since WrestleMania. Heyman then realizes he shouldn’t have admitted that, and Aldis asks him to repeat it. Has Heyman really not spoken to him since Mania? So when “Roman Reigns” pulled Roman Reigns from The WWE Draft, who really did it? Heyman says it wasn’t Roman who withdrew from the Draft. Heyman withdrew Roman from the Draft. But please understand what is going on here. Heyman had no choice. He cannot subject Roman to the chaos going on within The Bloodline right now.

And Aldis cannot subject Kevin & Randy to what will happen to them at the hands of The Bloodline tomorrow night. Aldis says if Heyman can take it on himself to pull Roman out of the Draft, then try pulling Kevin & Randy outta this match. Even right now, on the R-KO Show. Aldis wishes Heyman luck, Heyman storms off completely this time, but just what is going on with The Bloodline?

It’s time for the R-KO Show!

The fans fire up as Randy Orton makes his way out to the ring, sporting the new R-KO shirt! Then Kevin Owens makes his entrance, wearing a matching R-KO shirt. Kevin has the mic, and in French, he welcomes them to the R-Kah-Oh. Then he explains to Orton that is how you would say “K” in French. The fans cheer, and Kevin says good evening, welcome to THE R K O Show! They sit in the armchairs, and Randy says normally, Kevin would have to talk him into something like this. But it didn’t really, because the fans here are so AMAZING! The fans cheer again, and chant for “RANDY! RANDY!”

And Randy says y’know what else didn’t take much convincing? Him and Kevin teaming up for Backlash to kick The Bloodline’s asses! Kevin says yeah, before that, he has a concern about their “guests” tonight. At first, Kevin didn’t want a guest, he just wanted to give France a good, fun episode. But after getting some calls from a number he didn’t want to answer, it was someone he didn’t wanna talk to. But Wednesday, 4 AM, Kevin was worn down, and that is when Paul Heyman asked to be a guest. The fans boo and Kevin said that’s how he felt. But Heyman said he had something very important to tell them so… Why not bring him out?

Oh, does Randy wanna introduce him? The fans cheer but Randy says not really. But he’ll introduce Heyman to the three most dangerous letter in sports entertainment: R K O. Nice. But then Heyman introduces himself to the “ladies and gentlemen” here. The fans fire up for “E C DUB!” as Heyman continues by saying he IS Paul Heyman. The fans know it so well, they say it with him. Heyman says he is a WWE Hall of Famer, the bon vivant, blah blah blah, and without question, Heyman is WWE’s undisputed Wise Man. The fans cheer that. And so therefore, tonight, Heyman comes out here with respect, with admiration, and of course, with wisdom.

Heyman steps inside, but Kevin tells Randy that he can’t just RKO him. Heyman gets worried, and Randy says no, he’s an outta nowhere kinda guy. Heyman steps back out while the fans chant “R K O! R K O!” Heyman says ladies and gentlemen, there will be NO RKOs this evening! The fans boo, and Randy begs to differ. Kevin says he’s never met a man who says so much but yet says so little. Heyman, what do you wanna tell them? Heyman understands why they doubt a man who has very little conscience. The fans chant “We Want Roman!” Heyman says more than you’ll ever know, he wants Roman back, too.

But Heyman came out here for a simple reason: he has great respect for Randy, and for Kevin. When they stepped into the ring with Roman, to was competition, there was a title, and Heyman understood just as they do, that Roman had to do what he had to do! But the rules with Solo Sikoa are a whole lot different. Do yourselves and SmackDown and WWE and the fans, and each of their families a favor, back out of the match. Randy says the absolutely biggest trash is trying to tell him and his partner not to take a match? Heyman is not in position to give advice when everything around him is falling apart.

In fact, that begs the question, Heyman. Who exactly is the real Tribal Chief now? Heyman sweats this question, and he is sure the whole world knows… There is only one Tribal Chief. SOLO SIKOA & TAMA TONGA ATTACK!! They throw the R-KO set away, but then Kevin and Randy fight back! The fans fire up as we get a preview of tomorrow, and things spill out o f the ring! Security and producers rush out, but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” But then Randy TOSSES security, and gives on a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin goes up to CANNONBALL Solo, Tama and everyone else!!

The fans are thunderous as Team R-KO get in the ring and throw stuff at Solo! The Bloodline retreats, but will they have the final say tomorrow at Backlash?

The Street Profits react.

And DAAAAANG! That was wild! But what’s also wild is A-Town Down Under think they know French. Ford says they’ve been practicing French themselves. Triple Crown that always puts it down, the Profits, oui oui! And tonight, they’re gonna take on Waller & Theory here in Lyon, France! Oui oui! And tonight, they are gonna become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! OUI OUI!! Then that’s how you do it! The Profits are up, and we want the smoke!

LA Knight VS Angel Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

The Mega Star is also here to say OUI! But will we instead have to say “Si” as Garza represents for his familia? Or will that be a NON NON as Knight humbles the wannabe Lothario?

SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance. We get a QR code blink in, then the bell rings. The fans rally for Knight as he and Garza circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, but Garza powers up and out. Knight runs Garza over and the fans cheer! Knight tells Garza, “YEAH!” Garza gets up, he and Knight circle again, and they tie up. Garza kicks low, CLUBS away on Knight, then mocks the ‘YEAH!” The fans boo but Garza ROCKS and UPPERCUTS! Garza whips corner to corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT! Knight whips but Garza reverses, only for Knight to hit a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Knight scrapes Garza outta the ring nthen pursues.

Garza swings but Knight fires counter punches! Knight SMACKS Garza off the apron again and again, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then brings Garza around for one more SMACK! Garza sputters, Knight puts him in the ring, then he tells off Humberto. Garza runs up, Knight dodges to clothesline Garza up and out! The fans fire up as Knight builds speed, to WRECK Garza with a dropkick! The fans fire up with Knight again and he brings Garza back up. Knight puts Garza in, fires more haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight bumps Garza off buckles, “YEAH!” then whips corner to corner! Knight clotheslines, but he has to watch out for Legado.

Knight then reels Garza in for a BIG suplex! Cover, ONE!! Garza is toughing it out but Knight keeps cool as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as now Garza CHOPS Knight in a corner! Knight CHOPS back! And CHOPS, and HAYMAKERs, repeat! Knight whips Garza to a corner, but Humberto gets on the apron! Knight takes a swing, Humberto gets away, and Garza storms up to HEADBUTT! Garza stomps Knight, mocks the spelling of the name, then whips. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Knight stomps a mudhole in, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes corner to corner to KNEE Garza down! Knight reels Garza in to whip and scoop, then POWERSLAM! Then he runs to drop the ELBOW!

Knight fires up and the fans are with him! Knight waits on Garza to get up, but Humberto gets back on the apron! Knight DECKS Humberto this time, but Garza rolls him up! TWO!! Knight escapes, spins Garza, B F T! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

Santos has Humberto stand down, Knight already got the better of them. And then Knight gets a mic! The fans cheer him on, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says all around the world, it’s the same song. Another SmackDown, another dummy dropped on his head, three the hard way, YEAH! “YEAH!” Now, if Knight wanted to be cliche, he’d say this is his ring, right? “YEAH!” But nah nah, he wont’ do that. Instead of saying it, NAH NAH! He will MAKE this his ring. And what does he mean? He means he is now entered in the King of the Ring! Santos has a mic now to stop Knight there.

Santos says it is impressive that Knight just keeps talking and talking. The fans tell Santos “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Santos says he’ll show who sucks! Knight keeps running his mouth, now he wants to be King of the Ring. But while Knight will be busy running his mouth, Santos will be busy winning. Knight says sorry, he couldn’t hear anything Santos said while the fans were saying Santos sucks. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” again, but Knight is pretty sure Santos said Knight talks too much. Should Knight keep on talking, Lyon? “YEAH!” That’s what Knight thought! Because when Knight stops talking, that’s when Santos gets stomped out!

And while Santos is down, he’ll think to himself, “My god, what was I just doing? I know whose game it is!” And before anyone else tells him, he’ll hear it the whole damn world saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Mic drop! The tournament is coming, will the Knight rise up to be a king? Or will we have to change the name to The Emperor of the Ring?

Backstage interview with Carlito.

Byron Saxton is with Caribbean Cool, and asks the same question everyone else is: Why did he attack Dragon Lee? Carlito says he’d been away from the WWE for many years. And all he wanted was to have a WrestleMania moment with his familia, The LWO. So when Rey challenged Dom & Santos, Carlito thought Rey would make the right choice and choose Carlito. But instead, Rey chose Dragon Lee. Someone who’s been here what? Five minutes? That’s not cool. So Carlito took matters into his own hands. It wasn’t personal, Dragon. But it would’ve worked out if not- DRAGON ATTACKS CARLITO!!

The refs and producers rush in, Rey stops Dragon, but it is clear Boy Wonder wants vengeance! Will he get it as the LWO and Carlito move over to Monday Night Raw?

WWE Tag Team Championships: A-Town Down Under VS The Street Profits!

Grayson Waller & Austin Theory already had massive egos, but those egos only inflated exponentially after being one of the teams to win at WrestleMania. Will they only get more and more arrogant with every day they’re still champions? Or will those egos be deflated as Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins go for gold?

SmackDown returns as ATDU makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly championship material!

The teams sort out and then Waller sucker punches Ford! Theory gets in, he will be the legal man against Dawkins! Theory fires hands, then stomps Dawkins into the corner. The ref counts, Theory tags Waller, and they mug Dawkins. Waller stalks Dawkins to a corner, wrenches and whips, but Dawkins hurdle and FLYING UPPERCUT! Dawkins tags Ford, whips Waller, and Ford DROPKICKS! They taunt Theory, Theory runs in but into a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Ford says “OUI~” but Waller sucker punches him again! Ford gets Waller in a clinch, ROCK BOTTOM! Dawkins tags in and goes up, for a SWANTON BOMB!

Theory drags Waller outta the ring to save him, but Dawkins tags Ford. Ford builds speed, “OUI OUI!” and he FLIES! Direct hit on ATDU and the fans are thunderous! Ford then fetches Waller into the ring, tags Dawkins in, and they get Waller up for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! “Oui oui!” The fans cheer, “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Dawkins puts Waller in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then CYCLONE SPLASHES! Then ENZIGIRI! Dawkins brings Waller to a cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Dawkins looms over Waller, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Theory tags in, only for Ford to rally on him and Waller! Ford ducks ‘n ‘dodges then LARIATS Theory down! The fans fire up as Ford runs at Theory in a corner, but Theory puts him on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS, then springboards to FLYING ELBOW! The fans fire up, Theory staggers around, into a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up and the fans fire up again! Ford raises the roof, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Theory stays in this but the fans are still loudly behind the Profits. Tag to Dawkins, he and Ford get Theory up for another DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, only for Theory to land out!

Waller tags in, Theory DECKS Dawkins, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Theory! Waller is up top, but Ford sees him! Waller tightrope walks, Ford dodges his leap, but that lets Waller go COAST2COAST on Dawkins! Waller drags Dawkins to a cover, Theory keeps Ford out, TWO!! Dawkins survives on his own but Theory throws Ford to the floor! Theory goes to his corner, reaches out, and gets the hot tag! Theory talks trash on France, then slingshots in to somersault, into a POUNCE!! Dawkins sees Waller somersault in, into a SKY HIGH! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins gets Theory in an Electric Chair Lift! DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!

Theory shocks everyone as he survives, but he and Ford are both down. The fans are thunderous all the same, and Ford tags Dawkins. The Profits mug Theory, then Dawkins fireman’s carries. Ford goes up, but Theory claws Dawkins’ face! Theory trips Ford, but Dawkins ROCKS Theory! Dawkins waistlocks and O’Conner Rolls, but the ref is checking Ford! Waller SOMERSAULT FLATLINERS! Theory covers, the ref sees that, A-Town Down Under wins!!

Winners: A-Town Down Under, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Theory & Waller found a way to snatch this one away, leaving The Profits without their prize. Will Ford & Dawkins just have to work that much harder to get back to a title shot?

AJ Styles is here!

Lyon fires up for the Phenomenal One as he heads to the ring, ready for a final face-to-face with Cody Rhodes before they battle over the title. Will both men keep it civil this close to Backlash? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns once again, and now The American Nightmare makes his entrance. The fans fire up again, and they sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, continues to the ring, and the fans continue to sing. Cody gives the title a kiss before he steps in the ring and holds it up for everyone to see. Cody then gets a mic, the song fades out, and the fans cheer Cody on. Cody then asks Lyon, in French, what they wanna talk about. The fans chant “OUI! OUI! OUI!” and Styles says he doesn’t care what the fans want, Cody’s in the ring with The Phenomenal One. The fans taunt Styles with a song and everyone joins in!

Cody holds up the belt and the fans cheer again! Styles says it’s almost like Cody isn’t focused. Cody’s focused on all the energy, and not what he should be focused on. Cody tells Styles that if Styles wants his full focus, he absolutely has Cody’s attention. From one Georgia boy to another, from one Dawgs fan to another, c’mon now! Cody broke into the industry in Georgia, he grew up watching Styles! Styles stops Cody there. He doesn’t need that crap! That “You’re my hero!” crap. No, Styles may be older than Cody, but he’s still in his prime. Cody asks who is saying otherwise. Styles says Cody didn’t have to say it, we knew what he meant.

But here’s the problem with Cody. The fans “WHAT?” and Styles figured they’d do that. These are the most disrespectful fans! That’s why nobody comes to Lyon! The fans boo Styles, but Styles says he and Cody were never on the same path. Cody had a path laid out for him. Because everyone wanted the Son of the American Dream! And that included the WWE. The WWE welcomed Cody with open arms. The fans sing “CODY~, CODY CODY CODY~! CODY~, CODY~!” Styles says Cody loved it here in the WWE, until things got rough and he couldn’t handle it. The fans boo but Cody just smirks at that.

Styles says Cody packed his bags and left WWE, his own decision. One Styles never got to make. Styles was kept from the WWE for YEARS! And when he finally made it here, Styles wasn’t welcomed with open arms like Cody. Styles had to prove himself, make his way to the top, and he did, all by himself. The fans do applaud that because that is true. Styles says, “Unlike you, who had Hall of Famers and Legends watching your back at WrestleMania so you could ‘finish your story.’ That’s great. A bunch of guys I’ve beaten before!” Styles beat them all the same way he’ll beat Cody tomorrow night at Backlash.

The fans boo more but Styles says he will climb his way to the top again, and remind Cody and everyone else, that he IS Phenomenal! The fans have another sing to taunt Styles with and it gets everyone fired up! Cody asks Styles who he’s trying to convince. Certainly not Cody, as Cody knows Styles is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. The modern day Bret Hart, reputation unmatched! But don’t disparage Cody just to build yourself up. Cody’s sacrifices, mistakes, he endured, and there were many, all to stand here THE WWE Champion! The fans cheer that because it’s also true! And Cody points out that his very first title defense just so happens to be Styles!

Some call it a dream match, and Styles will always be Phenomenal! The fans sing again, but Cody tells Styles he isn’t looking at Styles as “phenomenal,” but as his first of many. And that itself is just too sweet. The fans cheer and throw it up, and so do Cody and Styles. But then Styles SLAPS Cody! Cody manages to smile through that, but Styles storms off. This dream match will surely be phenomenal, but will Cody make it through? Or will SmackDown once again be the House that AJ Styles Built?

Wait, there’s a brawl going on backstage!

The Bloodline has found Randy Orton & Kevin Owens again!! They’re all brawling it out while refs and security shout! Solo sends Orton into a cart, then takes aim with a chair! Orton dodges the chair shot, throws more hands, then Kevin gets his shots in! Orton JAMS Solo with the chair, SMACKS him down, and Kevin goes back after Tama! Are these teams going to tear each other apart until there’s nothing left but the blood, sweat and tears?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, especially as a go-home to Backlash. There were some recap packages here and there, but many were in response to the Draft moves and similar stories. Very good promo from Carlito and then attack by Dragon Lee to hype up their feud going forward. Also a very good promo from Melo with Aldis and Lashley. Melo’s ego is gonna get him in trouble, but would not have thought this would be Melo’s first feud. And great promo from Heyman with Aldis to reveal that detail about Roman being radio silent for the last month. It really adds to how Solo Sikoa’s been able to do what he wants while Roman’s been gone.

As such, great “R-KO Show” segment with Heyman as the guest and then the sudden attack by Solo & Tama. The camera framing really helped add to the ambush, and then the brawling reigniting at the very end of the show was a great detail. Both brawl segments went Team R-KO’s way, so I would think The Bloodline finds their way to win. Perhaps the WWE debut of Jacob Fatu? Great 8 Woman Tag to open the night, with a great moment of Bianca and Bayley unsure about working together. But in the end, the Faces win, making me wonder if there will be shenanigans keeping the tag titles on Kabuki Warriors. That promo from Bianca after could be part of it, where her obsession in getting past DMG CTRL costs her and Jade.

Great match from AOP VS NCR, but I should’ve figured the Final Testament would help AOP win. This would’ve worked as a blowoff match if one team was staying on SmackDown but they’re both moving to Raw this Monday, so maybe NCR can get some reinforcements? Really good match from Knight VS Garza though it certainly felt one-sided on the way to Knight winning. Knight and Santos both getting in the King of the Ring tournament is good stuff, those brackets will apparently come out next Monday, and I’m sure both Knight and Santos will have a strong showing. The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments are gonna have to move fast, though, with the finals in Arabia on the 25th.

Good promo from A-Town Down Under and great promo from The Profits ahead of their title match, but the champs retaining the titles make sense. This may have been a special episode in France, but it was still “free TV” so there weren’t going to be new champs so soon after WrestleMania and the new belt designs being introduced. And speaking of this being in France, the crowd was fired up all night, they’ve clearly been hungry for some meaningful WWE content. Cody and Styles almost couldn’t get through their face-to-face with how fired up the fans were to see them both.

Cody and Styles still had really good promos, and Styles with the slap after Cody references Bullet Club was some good stuff. It isn’t just kayfabe and catchphrases that they’re gonna have a great match, but outside of a shoot injury or complete botch, Cody’s definitely retaining the title.