Will the Knight dethrone the King of Strong Style?

Shinsuke Nakamura gives LA Knight his rematch for the United States Championship, and SmackDown celebrates that it’s truly Tiffy Time!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim; Chelsea wins and retains the title.
• Pretty Deadly VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Los Garza win.
• WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight; Knight wins by disqualification, Nakamura retains the title.
• Motor City Machine Guns VS A-Town Down Under; MCMG wins.
• WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Nia Jax VS Bayley VS Naomi VS Bianca Belair; wins and will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title.
• Cody Rhodes & Jimmy Uso VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; Jacob & Tama win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Paul Heyman is in the ring!

“Ladies and gentlemen,” The Wise Man gives his introduction, and he tells Portland, Oregon that “there comes a time in everyone’s career where you just cannot wait to walk down that aisle, stand in the middle of this ring, and address the entire Island of Relevancy. Tonight is one of those nights.” The fans cheer that! Heyman says it is among the greatest honors in his career to announce officially that there is only ONE reigning, defending, undisputed Tribal Chief of the WWE Universe, and of the entire Island of Relevancy! And that Tribal Chief is… ROMAN… REIGNS! The fans fire up and raise their ones as they chant for the “O T C! O T C!”

Heyman says yes, the only Tribal Chief is Roman… Reigns. And their Tribal Chief has authorized Heyman to let all of us know what he intends to accomplish next. And Heyman won’t just share this with everyone at home, and with everyone there in Portland, Oregon. Heyman wants to share this news with one man in particular, one man who deserves to hear this news face-to-face. And that man is the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, and if he would please come out to the ring, Cody… Rhodes! The music hits, the fans fire up, and Cody is here! The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~” and we get the pyro!

Cody high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp, then he steps up into the ring to join Heyman. Cody and Heyman both listen to the fans cheer on “CODY! CODY!” Heyman says Cody deserves every bit of that, and a whole lot more. But he has to say, Cody has done something very few men have ever done: Cody earned the respect of Roman Reigns. Heyman has respected Cody since he was a little boy, and the fans have every reason to respect Cody, “and my God, what a champion you have demonstrated yourself to be. You, sir, are a credit not just to WWE SmackDown, but to WEW in its entirety.” The fans cheer that.

Heyman says because Cody is such a great champion, Roman has asked Heyman to come out here to tell Cody to his face, now that Roman has won back the ula fala, Roman wants the championship back. The fans have a mixed reaction to that, but Cody smirks. Heyman says just so there are no surprises, Roman will tell us how he’ll get the title back. And this is not a prediction, this is a spoiler. Roman hereby declares for the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, with full intentions of winning and going on to WrestleMania to once again face Cody for the championship! So with that in mind, Cody, whaddya wanna talk about?

Cody smirks at Heyman using his line, and then gets himself a mic. Cody looks to the title, then takes a breath. But then Kevin Owens interrupts by saying, “You know what I wanna talk about?” The Prizefighter is up in the stands, and he says he wants to talk about how, just when he thought Cody couldn’t get worse, that things couldn’t get worse than Cody teaming with Roman, it all does! Because Monday Night on Raw, Cody goes and shakes hands with The Rock!? WHY!? Because he kissed Cody’s ass?! And now Cody shakes hands with Paul Heyman and what happens? Thirty seconds later, Heyman looks Cody in the eyes and says Roman Reigns~ wants the title back~!

And y’know what? That is Cody’s fault! Cody did that to himself! Cody should’ve just let The Bloodline rip Roman to shreds! But instead, no, Cody chose to help Roman, and now look! Forget betraying Kevin, if Cody lets Roman get that title back, he’s betraying the entire WWE! Cody has had it, and he rushes from the ring into the crowd! The fans fire up as Cody and Kevin brawl in the stands! Security hurries up there, but this is moving up and up and up! The fans fire up as the brawl is on in the back, but Heyman doesn’t realize Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu have arrived! Heyman turns around and he might as well be in there with hungry lions!

Heyman wants The Bloodline to stand down, Solo Sikoa lost to Roman so they ALL should fall in line behind Roman Reigns! But Tama & Jacob creep closer! But “USOOO!” It’s #BigJim! Jimmy dodges Tama, SUPERKICKS Jacob, then fires off hands on Tama! SUPERKICK for Jacob again! SUPERKICK for Tama! The fans fire up as Jimmy HIP ATTACKS Jacob, then HIP ATTACKS Tama! Jimmy high-fives Heyman, then grabs himself a chair! Jimmy gets in the ring, and he SAMCKS Tama on the back! Then he SMACKS Jacob! But the Samoan Werewolf just gets pissed! He CLOBBERS Jimmy with that back elbow!

Jacob stomps Jimmy, puts him in a corner, and Tama stomps away !The fans chant for “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but the chair is put around Jimmy’s neck! Refs rush out here, but Jacob SUPERKICKS the first one in! Then Tama & Jacob dig their boots ion to choke Jimmy! But wait, Cody comes back, having run Kevin off! Producers get in, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Kenny Dykstra! The fans fire up as Cody returns to ringside! Cody fires hands on Tama, then TOSSES him! Jacob turns around to see Cody and Cody dares him to bring it! Jacob roars, runs up, but Cody dodges! Cody fires hands, Jacob shoves him back, but Cody dodges again!

Cody LARIATS Jacob up and out! The fans fire up and The Bloodline’s rogue element regroups. Cody may have Kevin at the Royal Rumble, but will he still have to fight Solo’s minions along the way?

SmackDown returns and…

Security is doing their best to get Tama & Jacob out of the building. Nick Aldis is there as the guards shout and usher them to the door. Jacob starts shoving them back, and tells them to start thinking about their lives right now. Ain’t no way these guys are getting him outta here! But then LA KNIGHT CLOBBERS Jacob out the door! The Mega Star says Jacob didn’t use his inside voice so he just put Jacob’s ass outside. Now if you’ll excuse him, he’s got a title to win, YEAH! Aldis nods, will Knight be able to dethrone the King of Strong Style?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim!

Speaking of titles, this is a direct rematch from the championship finals at Saturday Night’s Main Event! That night, SmackDown became #RedWhite&Green, but will it stay that way? Or can Michin truly become the Head Baddie in Charge?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and history is going to be made again in this first-ever defense!

The bell rings and Mia dodges Chelsea to then wrench and0 NO, Chelsea fights off Da Feet! Chelsea bails out, talks with her Secret Service captain, Piper. Piper peps Chelsea back up, she slides back in, but Mia dodges again. Mia CHOPS, ROCKS, and CHOPS again! Mia fires off in the corner, then HEEL KICKS! Chelsea staggers, Mia runs, and Mia DROPKICKS Chelsea down! Cover, TWO! Chelsea flounders away to ropes, but Mia waistlocks! Chelsea fires elbows, then bumps Mia off buckles. Chelsea runs up, but Mia BOOTS her! Mia goes up, reels Chelsea in, and has her in a TARANTULA! The fans fire up but Piper protests!

The ref counts, Mia lets go at 4, then she goes up top! CROSS- NO, Chelsea moves! Mia rolls through, comes back, but is sent into ropes! Chelsea TOSSES Mia out, says hi to Wade & Joe on commentary, then says watch this. She THROWS Mia into the barriers, then she and Piper salute. The ring count climbs, Chelsea leaves Mia behind, but Mia hurries in at 8! Chelsea is upset with the slow count, and she HAMMERS away on Mia! Mia scrambles to a corner and Chelsea fumes while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Chelsea digs her boots into Mia at the corner, Piper talks trash, but Chelsea stops as the ref counts 4. Mia sputters along ropes but Chelsea CLUBS her down. Chelsea says yeehaw, then she HIP DROPS! Chelsea talks some smack on Portland, but it may have to do with how there aren’t cowgirls in Oregon. Chelsea HIP DROPS, but onto knees! Mia turns over to get the better of Chelsea, and then she sunset flips! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet. Chelsea BACKHANDS, then ENZIGIRIS! Mia flounders to ropes, Chelsea stalks her, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Chelsea lets off, then YANKS the ropes to jam Mia up!

Chelsea runs, slides, and BASEMENT FLATLINERS! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and Chelsea is upset with the ref. Chelsea stalks Mia, talks more trash, then pie faces Mia around. Mia stands to fire body shots and forearms! Mia then rolls Chelsea up, TWO! Chelsea hurries up and LARIATS Mia down! Chelsea cools off, and grins as she shakes out her arm. Cover, TWO! Mia is still tougher than that, so Chelsea TOSSES her out! Chelsea distracts the ref so Piper can SLAP Mia down! Piper puts Mia back in, Chelsea drags her to a cover, TWO! Still not enough and now Chelsea is frustrated. Chelsea soaks up cheers and jeers, but Mia rolls her up! TWO!

Chelsea DROPKICKS Mia to a corner! Mia bounces off buckles and flops down. Chelsea soaks up more cheers and jeers, then she storms up on Mia. Chelsea SMACKS Mia, snapmares her, then clamps on a chinlock. Mia endures while Chelsea leans on the hold, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally, Mia fights up to fire body shots, but Chelsea keeps her from running the ropes! Chelsea grabs Mia in a SLEEPER! The fans rally, Chelsea thrashes Mia around, but Mia arm-drags free! Chelsea hurries back and has the SLEEPER again! Mia reaches out, drops to her knees, but gets a second wind!

Mia fires body shots, whips, but Chelsea reverses, and has the SLEEPER again! But Mia hits a SAIDO! Both women are down and Piper is panicking! Chelsea staggers up but she’s loopy. She runs up, but Mia avoids the elbow drop! Chelsea runs up again but Mia ELBOWS her! Mia goes to a corner, Chelsea runs in, but into a BOOT! Mia goes up for a RANA! The fans fire up and Mia RANAS again! Mia then SHOTGUNS Chelsea into a corner! The fans fire up, and Mia says get this twerk! CANNONBALL! High stack cover, TWO! Piper coaches Chelsea but Mia brings her up,> Chelsea blocks the whip, then clinches, for a lift and ELEVATED FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!!

Chelsea is shocked, furious, and she covers again, TWO! Mia is still in this and Chelsea hurries to think what she has to do. Chelsea goes up a corner, but Mia stands! Mia avoids the missile dropkick! And then SOBAT! PELE! Run and PENALTY KICK! Mia drags Chelsea to a drop zone, goes to the apron, but has to avoid Piper’s sweep! PENALTY KICK for Piper! Piper staggers around, so Mia CANNONBALLS! Mia sees the belt, is fired up again, and she heads right up top! Chelsea sputters and stands, into Mia’s CROSSBODY! But a roll through, roll up, and with tights!! CHELSEA WINS!

Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s US Champion)

Chelsea stole this one, but Mia won’t let Chelsea get away with it! Mia grabs Chelsea’s legs, drags her back, but Piper CLOBBERS Mia! Then runs to SENTON! The fans boo but Mia shakes her head. Will Michin not stop until she’s gotten that gold and her revenge?

Nick Aldis meets with the many tag teams of SmackDown.

Chris Sabin says everyone knows Motor City Machine Guns would be the champs again if not for Pretty Deadly AND Los Garza showing up. Those four defend their innocence, but Aldis has a solution. But then Grayson Waller & Austin Theory walk in, and the Aussie Icon says wow, these guys all get tag title opportunities! Theory says that’s weird, since A-Town Down Under has more tag title reigns than all three combined. Maybe ATDU should use the Transfer Window to take their talents to Raw, where a certain handsome, bald-headed GM might actually know how to use real superstars. But go ahead, have fun.

The teams argue again, Aldis shouts, “ENOUGH.” First off, Los Garza and Pretty Deadly obviously have their issues, so they can settle that in a match. Second, MCMG and ATDU are both former champions, so they can prove themselves worthy in their own match. And third, never interrupt him like that again. Oh~! Maybe they’ll finally get fair treatment. ATDU heads out, and they tell MCMG that they’ll see them out there. Which teams will rise above and be that much closer to the tag titles? We find out, after the break!

Pretty Deadly VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns and #YesBoy, Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have made their entrance. But then Angel y Berto go after them! The bell rings, Los Garza run to DROPKICK Kit and RANA Elton! Pretty Deadly bail out, Berto DIVES onto them! Angel then hurries out after, but Elton runs away! Berto puts Kit in, RAMS him, then slingshot sunset flips! Kit rolls through, Berto ducks the Penalty Kick, then Berto kips up. Kit ducks one kick but not the PELE! Berto fires up and Portland is with him as he rolls back and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Berto kicks Kit to the corner, tags Angel, but Kit begs for mercy!

The fans boo, Lopez & Santos say no go, and Los Garza catch Kit! They shove, double hip toss and TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Garza puts Kit on ropes, then under them. Tag back to Berto, and Angel runs so he and Berto can KNEE ENZIGIRI COMBO! Cover, TWO! Berto storms up but Kit kicks low. Kit fires forearms, Berto knees low, then runs. Berto springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Then DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Berto keeps Kit from Elton with a headlock, but Kit powers out and Elton tags in. Kit drops, Berto BOOTS back, but Elton HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS Berto right over the top rope!

Portland fires up, Elton talks trash on Berto, then keeps on him while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Elton clamps onto Berto with a chinlock. The fans rally up, Berto fights up, and he fires body shots. But Elton keeps Berto from Angel! Berto fires hands, reaches out, repeat! Berto DECKS Elton, both men crawl, but Elton grabs a foot again! Then he ducks the enzigiri! Elton RAMS Berto to the corner, tags Kit, and Kit runs up, only for Berto to dodge! Kit hits buckles, Elton staggers around, and then Berto dodges Elton! Hot tag to Angel! Angel rallies on Pretty Deadly, BACKBREAKER after BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Angel and he runs in again. Kit puts him on the apron, but Angel GAMANGIRIS!

Angel goes up, up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kit survives but Angel drags him up. Angel whips, Kit reverses, but Angel tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Kit flounders to the ropes, he shouts for DIY! Angel TAKES OFF HIS PANTS! SUPERKICK to Kit! Cover, TWO!! Kit survives, and he stomps Angel’s foot! Kit whips, Angel KICKS back, but Elton grabs Angel’s hair! Kit distracts the ref and Elton THROWS Angel down! The fans boo but Kit tags Elton. Elton talks smack but now Lopez distracts the ref. Santos sneaks up on Elton to YANK him down! Elton lands on his prince, hot tag to Berto! BOOT for Kit, then Los Garza give Elton the double press and THUNDER VALLEY!! Cover, Los Garza win!

Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall

Johnny Wrestling & the Sicilian Psycho left Pretty Deadly hanging, which is why Elton took that hard fall! Will Legado climb the mountain and finally reign on SmackDown?

WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight!

Chelsea Green retained her gold in her first defense, and now The King of Strong Style looks to do the same. Will the sinister samurai cut down the Knight? Or will The Mega Star be golden again?

SmackDown returns and Nakamura makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has whose number now!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Nakamura and Knight tie up, then break, then circle again. They go again, another tie up, and another break. The fans rally up as the two circle again, then Nakamura kicks! Knight dodges, headlocks, but Nakamura power sup and out. They RAM shoulders, the fans cheer, and the two tie up again. They go around, end up in a corner, then on ropes, then in another corner. Knight has Nakamura caught, but then Nakamura pulls hair to turn things around! The ref calls the break, Nakamura lets off slowly, but Knight blocks the cheap shot to fire off haymakers!

Knight whips, Nakamura reverses, but Knight NECKBREAKERS! Knight storms after Nakamura in a corner, stomps a mudhole in, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner, but Nakamura bails out to the apron! The fans boo but Knight drags Nakamura up. Nakamura PELES Knight down! Nakamura then drags Knight to the apron, runs up, and KNEE LIFTS! Knight flounders away but Nakamura storms in. Nakamura kicks Knight, stomps him, then has him at the ropes. Nakamura bumps Knight off buckles, then CHOPS him! Knight fires hands and CHOPS, but Nakamura fires a strike fest in return!

Nakamura kicks Knight back to the corner, then fires a forearm. Nakamura puts Knight up across the top rope, CLUBS him, then gets space. Nakamura runs up, TOP SHELF KNEE! Then he SHOVES Knight to the floor! The fans boo but Knight crawls back in. Nakamura storms up, avoids a shoulder tackle and KNEES Knight! Knight is stick, Nakamura runs up, but Knight manages to LARIAT back! Knight then DUMPS Nakamura out! Knight then runs to WERCK Nakamura with a dropkick! Nakamura hits the desk and the fans fire up! Knight DRIBBLES Nakamura off the desk, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!”

Knight winds up and SMACKS Nakamura off the desk one more time! The fans fire up and Knight puts Nakamura in. Knight storms in, stalks Nakamura, and then LARIATS Nakamura up and out! The fans fire up as Knight goes back out and hauls Nakamura back up. Knight scoops and aims for a corner, but Nakamura slips free! Knight hits POST, then Nakamura THROWS him at it! Knight falls in a heap, the fans boo, but Nakamura seethes while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Nakamura storms back over to Knight, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. Nakamura storms in, goes up a corner, and waits for Knight to rise. FLYING KNEE! Knight falls, Nakamura covers, TWO! Knight survives and Nakamura seethes. Nakamura drags Knight up and facelocks, suplexes, but Knight slips free to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight hurries after Nakamura to whip him corner to corner. Knight runs up, but Nakamura BOOTS him down! Nakamura storms up and drops a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura grows frustrated with Knight but he stalks him to a corner. Nakamura stomps away, but the ref counts.

Knight backs off, comes back, but Knight fires hands! Nakamura fires knees in return! Nakamura KICKS Knight to ropes, Knight sputters, but Nakamura brings him up into a SLEEPER! Knight reaches out but Nakamura grinds him to the mat. Knight endures, even as Nakamura squeezes tight. Knight fights up, fires body shots, but Nakamura KNEES him low! Knight goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but Knight ELBOWS him away! Knight goes up and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally up, Knight crawls but Nakamura stands. Nakamura fires forearms but Knight fires back!

The fans cheer Knight, boo Nakamura, and the forearms go back and forth! “YEAH! BOO! YEAH! BOO!” Nakamura winds up but Knight dodges, and he LARIATS! Knight rains down fists on Nakamura and the fans fire up! Knight lets off to stand Nakamura up for a whip. Knight scoops to POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again and Knight paces. He spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nakamura survives but Knight grits his teeth. Knight drags Nakamura up, torture racks, but Nakamura CLAWS Knight’s face! Nakamura is free, but Knight fires JAB after JAB! But Nakamura ducks the haymaker!

Nakamura waistlocks, Knight switches, and Knight RAMS Nakamura into the corner! O’Conner Roll, but a buckle pad has come loose! TWO, Knight avoids the bare steel! Nakamura runs up, he blocks boots and he puts Knight int he ropes! ROUNDHOUSE and then SLIDING GERMAN! Knight flounders, the fans rally, and Nakamura snarls. Nakamura storms back to the ring but he might be running out of gas. Nakamura climbs, but Knight storms up! Nakamura blocks a punch to ROUNDHOUSE! Nakamura goes up, but Knight is right up top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and the fans can’t believe it!

Both men are down again, this one is pushing them to their limits! The fans rally for Knight and he brings Nakamura up. But Nakamura breaks free! Knight stops the kick, trips Nakamura, and he has both legs! Knight turns Nakamura over for a SCORPION SURFBOARD! Nakamura endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Knight lets go in frustration, and he drags Nakamura to the center! But Nakamura trips Knight into an ARMBAR! Knight clasps hands, Nakamura CLUBS the grip apart! Knight stacks Nakamura, TWO! Knight ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims, KINSHA- NO, Knight roll shim!

Nakamura rolls through, Knight barely blocks the kick! Nakamura denies the BFT for that BACK ELBOW! And then KINSHASA!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Knight survives by a literal foot and Nakamura can’t believe it! Nakamura storms around, drags Knight to his feet, and Portland rallies for Knight. But Nakamura puts Knight against the bare buckle! Nakamura runs in, Knight dodges! Knee hits steel, Knight hits the B F T!! But wait! TAMA & JACOB ATTACK!!

Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification (Nakamura is still WWE US Champion)

The fans boo as the rogue Bloodline ruins the match! They beat Knight down, then get Knight up for a whip and POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!! Then they put Knight in the corner, HIP ATTACK!! HIP ATTACK!! Knight flops over but Tama puts him in a drop zone! Jacob goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Knight writhes in pain but the Samoan Werewolf and the Good Bad Guy are all fired up! But wait, Cody and Jimmy rush out here! They fire hands with Jacob & Tama! They TOSS Tama, then SUPERKICK after SUPERKICK for Jacob! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cody then SMACKS Jacob off the steel steps before they TOSS him to join Tama!

The fans fire up as Solo’s Bloodline is regrouping. Cody grabs a mic and tells Aldis that they are NOT just sending The Bloodline home! They’re here, Cody and Jimmy are here, so why not do this here tonight?! The fans fire up, and Aldis says if that’s what they want, then it’s on! Cody & Jimmy VS Jacob & Tama, will this be the final nail in the coffin of Solo’s rogue Bloodline? Where even is Solo right now?

Motor City Machine Guns VS A-Town Down Under!

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have a point about how close they were to regaining the WWE Tag Team Championships if not for outside interference. But Grayson Waller & Austin Theory are themselves former champs, so could this be their way back to the top? Or will we see MCMG > ATDU?

SmackDown returns and ATDU makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Waller starts against Shelley. They circle, tie up, and Shelley wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Waller spins, JABS, and the fans boo. Waller talks smack, UPPERCUTS Shelley, then tags Theory. They whip, Shelley reverses, but Waller slides out. Waller stops Sabin’s Penalty Kick to trip him up, then Theory CLOBBERS Shelley! Waller says ATDU is the best team in the world, and Theory sits Shelley up so he can fire punches again and again! Theory whips Shelley hard into buckles, then covers, ONE! Theory laughs that off, and he bumps Shelley off buckles.

Theory whips corner to corner hard, then LARIATS in the corner! The fans boo but Theory soaks up the heat. But Shelley fires off forearms! Theory headlocks, Sabin tags in as Shelley powers out, and Shelley drop toeholds. Theory stays up, so Sabin BULLDOGS him down! Cover, ONE! Theory gives that same toughness back, but Sabin brings him up. Theory RAMS Sabin into the corner! Tag to Waller, he cravats for a neck wrench, and he tries to get fans to join in on “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! OI OI OI!” It doesn’t work. Sabin fires body shots but Waller fires knees! Sabin arm-drags free, then fires a foreartm!

Sabin runs, Waller hurdles then bypasses to ROLLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Waller clamps onto Sabin with a cording hold but Sabin endures. Waller CLUBS Sabin down, drags him up, and whips. Shelley sneaks a tag, Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges to slide out. Sabin YANKS Theory down. Shelley has Waller in a SLEEPER! Waller sits down, into a PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! The fans fire up, MCMG DOUBLE LARIAT Waller up and out! Shelley holds the ropes open as Sabin builds speed, but Theory trips Sabin up! Theory drags Sabin out, DECKS him, but then Shelley DECKS Theory! Waller SOMERSAULT FLATLINERS! Cover, TWO!

Waller snarls, clamps onto Shelley and HAMMERS him down, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and it seems ATDU kept MCMG from making a tag. They put Shelley in the corner, then Waller whips Theory in for a LARIAT! Theory feeds Shelley to Waller’s BACKBREAKER, and then “ALL DAY!” DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOWS! Waller BLASTS Sabin off the apron while Theory covers, TWO! Theory CLUBS Shelley down, then clamps on a chinlock. Shelley endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Shelley fights to his feet, fires body shots, but Theory shoves him and ELBOWS him down! The fans boo but Theory says “SUCK IT!” Theory then tags Waller, scoops Shelley, and Waller grins as he goes to the ropes.

But Shelley slips free and shoves Theory into Waller! Waller is down, Shelley SUPERKICKS Theory! The fans fire up as Shelley crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Sabin! Sabin fires hands on Waller, dodges him, then fires more hands! Sabin DECKS Waller, DROPKICKS Theory, then BOOTS Waller! Sabin goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Sabin then goes out to PENALTY KICK Theory! Sabin goes back in, runs up on Waller, GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Sabin tags Shelley. MCMG double DROPKICK ATDU into the barriers! Shelley holds the way open again and Sabin DIVES! Direct hit on ATDU and they go back into barriers!

The fans fire up with MCMG and Sabin puts Waller in. Shelley is there to clinch, then fires knee after knee! Sabin goes up, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Waller survives but Shelley storms after him. Shelley wrenches an arm, tags Sabin, and “This is Awesome!” as MCMG double whip. Theory sneaks the tag, Waller KICKS Sabin and KNEES Shelley! Waller TOSSES Sabin, then runs to slide, but Sabin dodges! SUPERKICK for Waller! Sabin slides back in, builds speed, but Theory CLOBBERs him! Theory DECKS Shelley, tags Waller back in, and ATDU get Sabin back up.

ATDU double whip, then DOUBLE POP-UP HAYMAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives and the fans rally up! Waller is frustrated, maybe even exhausted, but he drags Sabin up. Sabin JAWBREAKERS free! Theory tags in, Shelley is still down! Waller runs up but Sabin DUMPS him! Theory fireman’s carries, Sabin slips free and O’Conner Rolls, but SOMERSUALT- NO, Sabin DECKS Waller first! Theory tries again, Shelley sneaks a tag! Theory ROCKS Shelley! Sabin SUPERKICKS Theory! Waller LEG LARIATS Sabin! All four men are down and Portland fires back up! Sabin goes to the corner, Waller scowls at Shelley.

Waller whips, Sabin sneaks a tag! Shelley hits the atomic drop! The DREAM SEQUENCE hits! The fans fire up again and MCMG focus on Theory! BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO in the corner! Tag to Shelley, he climbs, and we get SKULL ‘N’ BONES! Cover, MCMG wins!

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall

Truly a battle worthy of the tag titles between these four former champions, but it is your favorite tag team’s favorite tag team that comes out on top! Will MCMG be taking aim at DIY one more time? Or will they have to get past Los Garza first?

DIY is watching this backstage.

And they are NOT happy! Gargano says stupid Theory & Waller…! DIY moves on but then Pretty Deadly finds them. What happened to their agreement? They scratch DIY’s backs, DIY scratches theirs. Ciampa thought he made it clear that he doesn’t want them scratching his back. Gargano says DIY appreciates Pretty Deadly having their backs, but there’s a lot of heat on them right now. Gargano & Ciampa couldn’t go out there to help them, y’know? Kit says that “heat” is what makes Pretty Deadly glow! DIY owes them for the save! Save?! Ciampa gets heated, Gargano calms “Kip” down. No, it’s Kit. Kit, with a T.

Yeah, no, Gargano knows that. Kit. They’re friends, #YesBoys! And they’ll get the title match, for sure. They can do the backstage politics and stuff, but DIY has them, just wait. Gargano & Ciampa head out, Pretty Deadly discusses it among themselves, but then Apollo Crews walks over. Apollo says if they’re dumb enough to believe DIY, then you deserve what is coming. And trust Apollo, it won’t be the tag titles. Just saying. Apollo leaves, Pretty Deadly figured that was the case. What will Kit & Elton do if DIY leaves them high and dry?

Candice LeRae talks with Nia Jax.

The Poison Pixie knows the Irresistible Force is upset, but she just saw Tiffany Stratton heading for gorilla. Nia wonders what Tiff will say tonight. In fact, Nia should go “congratulate” Tiff herself. It’s almost time for the Tiffy Time Celebration, but will the Queen of the Ring crash the Princess’s party?

Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring!

The fans cheer as the NEW WWE Women’s Champion makes her entrance, and SmackDown is finally on Tiffy Time! She holds up the title, steps into the ring, and Byron Saxton is there to say Tiffy shocked the entire world when she cashed in on Nia Jax to become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. The fans cheer, and Tiff smiles. But Byron says also, congratulations. Tiffy thanks Byron, and says IT’S TIFFY TIME~! And what a Tiffy Turn of events, amirite? The fans also cheer, and Tiff says less than a year ago, she debuted here on SmackDown. In no time at all, she became Miss Money in the Bank, and at the young age of 25, she is already better than your favorites!

And yes, she is the NEW WWE Women’s Champion~! Byron then says before last week, she and Nia were “best of friends.” But then, the reason Nia bullied Tiff was- Tiff stops Byron there and takes the mic. Nia didn’t bully Tiff. Tiff befriended Nia and got Nia to trust her. Nia thought Tiff was stupid? Well, who’s the stupid one now?! The fans cheer Tiff, and Tiff says Nia thought Tiff was “just a dumb blonde.” But she only thought that because Tiff let Nia think that! And Nia let her guard down. Because of that, Tiff stole Nia’s most prized possession! And now, Tiffy is at the Tiffy Top of her game.

Without further ado, put some respect on her name, and tell her what time it is! Well, Nia is making her entrance, so time to face the music. Nia tells Tiff, “You ungrateful little s*it!” Tiff, Nia could KILL you right now. Tiff is standing there, saying she made a fool of Nia and is at the Tiffy Top? Tiff would be NOTHING without Nia! Nia practically made Tiff! Congrats on rubbing two brain cells to come up with that plan! Tiff finally took advantage, and it took her long enough. Nia steps closer and closer to the ring, and she says Tiff is having her moment. Sure, alright. Yay, it’s Tiffy Time~! The fans do cheer, but now Nia steps into the ring.

Tiff stands her ground, but she is very wary of Nia. The fans chant “TIFFY TIME! TIFFY TIME!” But Nia says time’s up. Now, either Tiff just gives Nia the championship back, or Nia takes it from her. But wait! Is that Bayley? The fans cheer as The Role Model makes her way out, a mic in her hand. “Uh, ding dong, Nia, how ’bout you shut the hell up, okay?” And Tiff, if that was her plan all along, then she got Bayley, too. Bayley also thought Tiff was stupid. But Nia, Bayley knows you’re that stupid. Nia “made” Tiff, groomed her, put her under your wing, and Tiff STILL outsmarted you? Bayley laughs while she joins the others in the ring.

Bayley knows this is Tiff’s moment and all, but she doesn’t want Tiff to think Bayley forgot that the only reason Nia even had the title was with Tiff’s help. And the only reason Nia kept Tiff around was to make sure that didn’t change. So as Bayley sees it, it is only fitting that she takes the title from Tiff. But now Naomi joins the party, Bianca by her side! The fans fire up and Naomi says, “Hey, y’all!” But Naomi says everyone knows that Naomi had Nia beat last week. And if not for Lil’ Miss Tiffer, Naomi would be holding two titles now. So if anybody gets a fight with Tiff for the championship, see Naomi first.

Nia tells Naomi that no one cares! But then Bianca steps in the way! Nia gets in her face, then SMACKS Naomi and Bianca off each other! Bayley goes after Nia! The fans fire up, Tiff bails out, and now Naomi & Bianca go after Nia again! The 3v1 doesn’t work, Nia shoves them all away! Bianca jumps on for a SLEEPER, but then Tiff goes up a corner? Tiff aims at all four, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER on them all! The fans fire up as SmackDown is still on Tiffy Time! But then Nick Aldis makes his way out here! He wants the ladies to calm down so he can interrupt. He has just had an idea.

Seeing as four women want their hands on Tiff and the title, then it will be a FATAL 4 WAY #1 Contender’s Match, and uh, it’s now! The fans fire up as we get a star-studded surprise, but who comes out on top to go after the #TiffyTop?

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Nia Jax VS Bayley VS Naomi VS Bianca Belair!

SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Nia again fights 3v1, and she RAMS Bianca into a corner! Naomi & Bayley go after Nina but she shoves them away. Nia TOSSES Bayley out, whips Naomi into Bianca, and then soaks up the heat. Nia runs in, Naomi gets clear and Bianca BOOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Nia, fires body shots, then CLUBS away on Nia! Naomi & Bianca reel Nia in, but she fights the double suplex! Nia DOUBLE SUPLEXES the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Nia rises, the fans boo, but Bayley CLUBS Nia! BULLDOG! Bayley fires forearms and body shots, and she puts Nia in a corner for even more!

Nia SHOVES Bayley away, but Bianca sends Naomi in! SPLASH! Naomi sends Bianca in and she RAMS Nia! Bianca RAMS Nia gain and again, Bayley and Naomi add on and the fans fire up. But then Nia EXPLODES free of the 3v1! Nia bails out, she’s fed up with this! The fans boo but then Naomi, Bianca and Bayley watch each other. The fans rally as the three circle, but of course Nia YANKS Bianca out of the ring! Nia sends Bianca into barriers, the fans boo, but Naomi & Bayley DOUBLE DROPKICK Nia down! Bayley and Naomi have the ring to themselves now and they circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Bayley headlocks.

Naomi powers up and out, Bayley RUNS Naomi over, then things speed up. Naomi hurdles, arm-drags, but Bayley arm-drags back! Naomi slips around to crucifix takedown, TWO! Bayley is up to trip Naomi, jackknife bridge! TWO! Bayley and Naomi hurry to their feet and Bayley whips. Naomi slides under, twerks, then drop toeholds! Naomi hooks an arm, steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO, but Naomi hurries after Bayley. Naomi whips, Bayley KICKS her back! But then Nia YANKS Bayley out of the ring and sends her into barriers! Nia storms in, storms up on Naomi, but Naomi RAMS into her!

Nia smothers Naomi but Naomi JAWBREAKERS free! Naomi runs, but Nia stops the rana! Nia POWEROMBS Naomi, covers, Bianca breaks it! The EST came in hot but now she has Nia up! Bianca fires forearms, then tries to torture rack! Nia fights that off, CLUBS Bianca down, and then Nia whips. Bianca goes up and over, then DROPKICKS Nia! Bianca kips up, the fans fire up, and Bianca RAMS into Nia! Bianca climbs up, the fans cheer, and Bianca rains down fists! The fans count along and Bianca goes past TEN, only for Nia to stop her at 13! POWERBOMB! Cover, Bayley KNEES Nia down!

The fans fire up while Bayley snarls. Bayley looms over Nia, tells her this is for SummerSlam! Bayley fires forearms, then whips, but Nia blocks! Nia whips, Bayley reverses and SAIDOS! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives being thrown around, but Bayley goes up a corner! The fans fire up, Nia stands, and Nia ROCKS Bayley first! Nia clears out the cobwebs, then climbs up to get Bayley. The fans boo but Bayley fires body shots! Bayley shoves Nia back, but Nia HEADBUTTS Bayley! Nia climbs up again, gets under Bayley to fireman’s carry, but Bianca & Naomi join in! TOWER OF DOOM!! All four women are down from the double bomb Samoan drop, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Nia looms over Naomi. Nia drags Naomi up but Naomi JAWBREAKERS again! And mule kicks! Naomi runs, but into a scoop! The fans boo but Nia hits a SWINGING SLAM! Cover, Bayley AND Bianca break it! Bayley and Bianca stare down, but they agree to work on Nia. They fire forearms back and forth, pinballing Nia between them! The fans rally up as they mug Nia at the ropes! Bayley & Bianca both run, and they DOUBLE RAM Nia out of the ring! The fans rally up as the two circle. They start firing forearms on each other! The fans fire up as it is fast ‘n’ furious! Bayley shoves, Bianca dodges, then wrenches!

Bianca suplexes, Bayley fights to a cradle! TWO! Bianca is up but Bayley has her! BAYLEY2- NO, Bianca slips free and torture racks! But Bayley slips free! Bayley ducks a lariat, but Bianca bucks the O’Conner Roll! Bianca gets around, Bayley switches, O’Conner Roll after all! TWO, and Nia CLOBBERS Bayley! Nia then CLOBBERS Bianca! Naomi returns to LARIAT, but Nia stays up! Naomi UPPERCUTS, then ENZIGIRIS! Nia wobbles, the fans fire up, and Naomi runs to tilt-o-whirl, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Naomi puts Nia in a drop zone to go up, up, SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Nia survives, but Bayley is up top! MACHO ELBOW DROP! Cover on Nia, Naomi YANKS Bayley away! Bianca is up top now, 450 SPLASH on Nia!! Cover, but Bayley YANKS Bianca away! They ALL cover Nia, the ref says no, that doesn’t work! Wait, Candice runs out here while the three scrap. The ref notices Candice and tells her to watch herself. Nia tumbles out, Candice goes to her side. Naomi & Bianca get Bayley, but Bayley ducks a roundhouse! Bianca and Naomi both wrench Bayley to then DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Bayley tumbles out, so now the tag champs have to square off!

The fans fire up as Bianca and Naomi figure they might as well, but then wait, Bianca and Nia are both getting up! Bianca PLANCHAS Bayley! Naomi DIVES onto Nia, but Nia catches her! Nia RAMS Naomi into the apron! The fans boo but Nia soaks it up. Nia goes back to the ring, fireman’s carries Bianca, but Bianca slips free! Bianca ducks ‘n’ dodges and SPEARS Nia! Cover, Bayley breaks it! BAYLEY2BELLY for Bianca! Cover, Naomi breaks it! REARVIEW on Bayley! Cover, Nia breaks it!! Nia scoops Naomi to SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Bianca breaks it!! The fans are thunderous as all four women are down!

Bayley and Bianca go to ropes, Nia is after Bianca. Nia POSTS Bianca, but Bayley anchors Nia’s legs! Naomi SHOTGUNS Nia down! Naomi kicks, Bayley blocks and KNEES Naomi down! Bianca SPINEBUSTES Bayley! Then Bianca handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and Bianca grows frustrated. Bianca stalks Bayley, stands her up and torture racks her! But Candice pulls Bianca’s ponytail! The ref reprimands but then Candice lets go, the braid LASHES Naomi!! Bianca can’t believe what just happened, but then Nia YANKS Bianca out! Bianca fights back, she DECKS Candice, and TACKLES Nia over the desk!

Naomi gets Bayley, but Bayley wrenches free! Bayley hooks Naomi up, for the ROSE PLANT!! Cover, Bayley wins!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Championship)

An epic was just made at a moment’s notice, and now The Role Model is on her way back to the title! Will Bayley make sure Tiffy Time’s days are numbered?

Cody Rhodes meets with Jimmy Uso backstage.

#BigJim says sup to “C-Dawg,” and that all this talk about Roman Reigns… Cody knows, as far as Roman’s concerned, when it comes to this championship, this was a long time coming. But hey, they’ve got each other tonight, right? They shake hands on that and Cody heads out, but then Carmelo Hayes walks in. Melo says sup to Big Jim, and says last week was 3v1. Now it’s just Jimmy and H1M. What’s good? But hey, Melo will let it slide. But he wants Jimmy to know that Melo and Solo, they tapped in. If Jimmy wants that again, he’ll end up like Braun Strowman. He’s just saying. Melo turns to leave but Jimmy has him hold on.

Jimmy asks what that line is Melo’s always saying. Oh, Melo Don’t Miss. Yeah? Because with all those bricks, he could build a damn house. Oh, and, uh, (NO) YEET. Jimmy heads out, but will Melo not miss getting

WWE and Red Cross team up against the Los Angeles wildfires.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation today to help all those devastated by this disaster.

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton congratulates her on winning that impromptu #1 contender’s match, meaning she challenges Tiffany for the title. But we also just learned that the match takes place next week. How does she feel about her chances? Bayley says her whole career’s been built on chances. Taking advantage of those opportunities, like Aldis just telling them to wrestle when they weren’t even scheduled, that is what this is about. Tiff took her big opportunity last week, and look at her now. Bayley practically grew up in this business, she has known people like Tiff her whole career, and she’s wrestled Tiff herself all 2024.

So Bayley knows one thing: Tiff’s never beaten Bayley. Bayley leaves it at that, but will she be leaving San Diego the NEW WWE Women’s Champion?

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga head for gorilla.

The Samoan Werewolf is fired up again. “Yeah! Oh, yeah! Come on with it! Y’all been seeing what me and Tama been doing all day! And yo, Big Jim! The difference between our bloodline and your bloodline is that your bloodline left you on the frontline to dead line! And Cody Rhodes, I suggest you wake your ass up! This ain’t Elm Street! Because your nightmare is here!” Jacob & Tama make their entrance, will they avenge their Tribal Chief with their own hands?

Cody Rhodes & Jimmy Uso VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga!

SmackDown returns and Jimmy makes his entrance, followed by Cody’s, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off again, and Cody presents his weight belt to a young fan in the front row. We get another “WHOA~ OH~!” and more pyro, then Cody & Jimmy go to the ring. The teams sort out and Cody starts against Tama. The fans rally up behind “CODY! CODY!” as he circles with the Good Bad Guy. They tie up, Cody waistlocks, but Tama fights with elbows! Cody kicks low, RHODES UPPERCUTS, then brings Tama in to suplex. Cody holds Tama up, then GOURD BUSTERS! Cody dares Jacob to do something, but then Tama kicks low!

Tama wrenches, Cody wrenches back, but Tama goes to the ropes. Cody brings him away, tags Jimmy, and Jimmy goes up to AX HANDLE! Jimmy wrenches Tama, but Tama fires body shots and forearms! Tama puts Jimmy in the corner, tags Jacob, and the rogues mug Jimmy! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Jacob stomps away! The ref counts again, Jacob puts Jimmy in another corner for a SPLASH! Jacob snarls, HEADBUTTS Jimmy, then whips corner to corner, Jimmy stops himself to UPPERCUT! Jimmy whips, Jacob reverses, but Jimmy ELBOWS back! Jimmy DECKS Tama, CHOPS Jacob, but then Jacob POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!

The fans boo but Jacob snarls, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Jacob stomps Jimmy to the outside, tags Tama, and Tama goes out to LARIAT Jimmy against barriers! The fans boo but Tama stalks Jimmy. Tama then runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Jimmy flounders, Tama puts him in the ring, and then taunts him. Tama runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Jimmy flounders but Tama tags Jacob. Tama CHOKES Jimmy on the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and now Jacob CHOKES Tama! The ref counts again, Jacob stops at 4, but Tama gets a cheap shot in! The rogues soak up the heat while Jimmy writhes. Jacob drags Jimmy up, whips him to a corner hard, then watches Jimmy fall to the mat.

Jacob paces, staying between Jimmy and Cody. Jimmy fires counter punches! Jimmy goes for the corner but Jacob holds him back! Jimmy fires hands, reaches for Cody, but Jacob whips Jimmy to the corner! Jacob talks trash on Jimmy, then FALLING HEADBUTTS! Jimmy sputters, but Jacob FALLING HEADBUTTS again! Jimmy writhes, Jacob soaks up the heat from Portland, then Jacob drags Jimmy up. Jacob DECKS Jimmy, then glares at Cody. Cody rallies the fans, Jimmy rises up, but Jacob brings Jimmy around. But Jimmy UPPERCUTS first! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Jimmy kicks, Jacob blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP hits!

Both men are down and SmackDown returns to single picture. Jacob and Jimmy rise, and Jacob LARIATS Jimmy down! Tag to Tama, SLINGSHOT SENTON! Tama says, “YEYEYEYEYEYEH!” then he DROPKCISK Cody! The ref has to keep Cody from storming in, and that lets Tama drop elbows on Jimmy’s leg! Tama clamps onto Jimmy’s shoulders, Jimmy endures, and the fans rally up again. Tama HEADBUTTS Jimmy down, but the fans continue to rally. “Let’s Go, Jimmy!” Jimmy reaches out, then reaches up, JAWBREAKER for Tama! Jacob tags in, and he hurries to BLAST Cody! Then SENTON on Jimmy! Cover, TWO!

Jacob stalks Jimmy to a corner, then runs corner to corner for the HIP ATTACK! Jacob is all geeked up but the fans boo. Jacob taunts Jimmy, runs again, ANOTHER HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives but he sputters at the ropes. The fans rally, Jacob stalks Jimmy, and Jacob puts Jimmy on the top rope. Jacob climbs up, HEADBUTTS Jimmy in the back, then HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob taunts Jimmy, and says, “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” But Jimmy fires elbows! The fans fire up and Jimmy sends Jacob tumbling away! Jacob gets up, as Jimmy WHISPERS IN THE WIND! Direct hit and the fans fire up while both men are down!

Jimmy and Jacob crawl, hot tags to Tama and Cody! Cody fires hands, runs, and rallies with forearms! Tama runs up, Cody goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up, Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! The fans fire up more and Cody has Tama for a scoop. Tama slips free, shoves Cody, but Cody stops. Tama runs in, Cody DUMPS him out! Jacob runs in, Cody DUMPS him out! Cody builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on the rogues! The fans are thunderous and Cody puts Tama in the ring. Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop, fly, BIONIC ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Cody BLASTS Jacob fitst!

Cody gets Jacob’s leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Tama runs up, Cody catches him! But Tama knees free of the dragon sleeper! VENOM DDT! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this and Tama snarls. Tama stalks Cody, brings him up, but then Tama DECKS Jimmy! Cody fireman’s carries Tama and puts him up top! Cody UPPERCUTS Tama, Jimmy tags in! Jimmy goes to the other corner, so we get a SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! USO SPLASH for the Glory!! Cover, Jacob drags Jimmy up! Jimmy UPPERCUTS Jacob, Cody goes up, up and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Jimmy DIVES onto Jacob on the outside, and Jacob tumbles over the desk!!

The fans are thunderous, but wait! Kevin is here! Cody intercepts Kevin at the ramp! The fans fire up as Cody throws Kevin around, fires hands, but now he’s away from the ring! Jimmy is alone, Tama rolls him up! TWO!! SUPERKICK from Jimmy! Jimmy runs to SPEAR Tama!! Jimmy hurries up a corner, takes aim, USO SPLASH!! Cover, JACOB DRAGS HIM AWAY! Jimmy lands on the floor hard, and now Jacob tags in! Jacob DRIBBLES Jimmy off the desk again and again! Jacob puts Jimmy in, drags him back up, and IMPALER DDT!! But that’s not the end of it! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, the rogues win!!

Winner: Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga, by pinfall

Cody’s grudge with Kevin completely derailed this match! And speaking of, they’re still fighting backstage! They end up coming around the stage and into the crowd! Kevin throws Cody onto a road case, then climbs up there to stomp away on Cody! The refs rush out here but Kevin is aiming for tables! Cody fights back and the fans fire up! Both men throw hands, then Kevin HEADBUTTS Cody! Cody runs up to TACKLE Kevin off the cases and down through the tables!! The fans are losing their minds while refs and producers check on both men.

The American Nightmare and The Prizefighter stir, and then Cody stands tall! Will this be the scene at the Royal Rumble? Or will Kevin be the one atop the ladder, holding both corporate logo and winged eagle championships?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, really packed full of action to propel stories forward in all the title divisions. Getting both US Championships tonight was quite the surprise, as there was theories and rumors that Chelsea VS Mia wouldn’t happen again until Saturday Night’s Main Event on the 25th. At the same time, what could they possibly do to keep stretching the story? Chelsea VS Mia was a great rematch, but of course Piper was again a factor, and so Chelsea retains. Maybe Mia fights her way back, maybe someone new steps in using the Transfer Window, we’ll just have to see.

Knight VS Nakamura was great, but there’s clearly more story for Knight and Solo’s Bloodline to be had, which allows Nakamura to retain and perhaps move on. Though, I don’t think anyone would complain if someone like Jacob Fatu got in on the US Championship story, as Nakamura VS Jacob would be awesome. Carmelo Hayes might also get in on the Solo Sikoa story since he namedropped him and kayfabe’d why Braun Strowman’s out. The real reason is a nasty flu that Braun himself confirmed took 36 pounds off of him. Well wishes to the Monster of All Monsters, hopefully he can come back to continue his part in this story.

Great stuff with the tag division, Los Garza VS Pretty Deadly was a natural move, and MCMG VS ATDU was a great bonus. Legado del Fantasma is oddly turning Face by default, so technically both Face teams won tonight. That’s totally fine as it all works in story. Los Garza needed to give Pretty Deadly their comeuppance for falsely accusing them, and we got a very good promo between Pretty Deadly, DIY and Apollo. And while MCMG’s win brings them closer to a tag title rematch, I also hope we get a little closer to ATDU’s meltdown. We waited so long in 2024, maybe 2025 is the time. DIY was even upset seeing MCMG win, that moment could be used to have DIY get Theory away from Waller to unofficially reestablish The Way.

That Women’s Fatal 4 coming outta nowhere was great stuff, and I’m sure they just wanted it to look “impromptu.” It was something resulting from the brawl after that very good promo segment, and it was perhaps the best match of the night because of how great Nia, Bayley, Naomi & Bianca all are. Bayley makes a natural choice as Bianca & Naomi are tag team champions and have those to defend, and Nia can’t get her rematch just yet, that needs a bigger stage, such as Saturday Night’s Main Event or the Royal Rumble PLE. Bayley VS Tiff next week will still be great stuff, but surely that is so Tiff has a solid first defense on her reign before facing Nia again.

And of course, we still got more good stuff from The Bloodline. Heyman being here without Roman is certainly a throwback to those earlier days, and I do appreciate that Roman is actually willing to work for his rematch by entering the Royal Rumble. Plus, that pumps the star power of that match up even more, as John Cena just declared on Monday and CM Punk declared weeks ago. Then of course Kevin Owens had to get on Cody’s nerves, and then Jacob & Tama started trouble so that Cody & Jimmy would go out after them. Great main event tag match, but obviously Kevin was getting involved there, giving Tama & Jacob the win.

Solo Sikoa’s return to SmackDown will be next week, and there will surely be some interesting interactions between him and his team. Solo lost, the rules are that he must acknowledge Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief, and that could upset Jacob, Tama, and by extension Tonga Loa. And with Hikuleo still on standby (cuz he sure isn’t in AEW or NJPW), maybe Jacob builds his own faction, Hikuleo as the fourth man, and they start going wild on SmackDown, sending Solo crawling back to Roman. The punctuation on that can be Roman forgiving Solo, because he’s family and that’s what matters. It’d be a great moment for Roman to show he has changed for the better, and it fits what the OG Bloodline was saying going into WarGames.

My Score: 8.9/10

Well we kicked the year off with a great episode of TNA. Only a three match card, but the segments and promos were great, Ryan Nemeth’s new gimmick is wonderful cringe and the show was just generally a fun and easy watch. Let’s hope we get more of the same this week.

Here’s to hoping that last week didn’t set the bar too high.

.@theraveneffect has ideas for @WeAreRosemary!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/xVir5pHHoL

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

Ratings:

• The System (Eddie Edwards, Dango & Brian Myers) w/Moose & Alisha vs Steve Maclin, Eric Young & Jonathan Gresham: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – ** 3/4
• Savannah Evans vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei Ying wins via Thunderstruck – ** 1/4
• The Northern Armoury Gauntlet Match: Northern Armoury vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via bad booking – zero
• The Good Hands vs The Rascalz: Rascalz win via Feed ‘Em To The Lions – **
• X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Andrew Everett: Moose wins via Last Ride – N/A
• Rhino & Joe Hendry vs The Kaiba Boys (Ryan & Nic Nemeth): Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ***

Results:

NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!

If @PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan can defeat the Hardys, they’ll earn a spot in the TNA World Tag Team Championship match at #TNAGenesis!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/7o7NENN5wQ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

The System (Eddie Edwards, Dango & Brian Myers) w/Moose & Alisha vs Steve Maclin, Eric Young & Jonathan Gresham

Eddie and Gresham kick off the action, Gresham gets a few early shots before an Eye Gouge slows Gresham down. Eddie starts firing back but a Reverse Crossbody out of the corner turns it back around for Gresham and he tags in EY. EY and Gresham double up on Eddie for a bit, Gresham even lays the boots in a bit longer and the referee has to make him stop with the 5 count. EY tries to pull Eddie to the middle, but Eddie manages to slip away and tag in Myers. A little back and forth that ends with Alisha distracting EY and The System taking a few shortcuts to finally gain a measure of control. Dango tags in, lays into EY with some basic striking offense, nothing flashy but at least effective. Myers tags back in and they start playing coy with Maclin which forces him to try and get in the ring and distracts the referee so the heels can continue the onslaught.

The isolation game is strong on EY, Myers hits a Back Body Drop, lays out Gresham on the apron, taunts Maclin, looks for the Roster Cut but gets caught by EY and Spicolli Driver from EY! EY finally tags out, Maclin comes out hot and starts beating on everyone. Thesz Press meets Dango, Eddie tries to run in but eats a Busaiku Knee, Maclin levels both System members, Backbreaker on Dango, looks for the pinfall but Myers breaks it up. All six brawl a little until Dango tries a Blindside Bulldog, but Maclin sees it coming, throws Dango into the buckles, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs! K.I.A. and Dango is out, no break, Maclin wins!

Aftermath: System attacks the faces with Chairs, gives Gresham the old steel chair necklace and runs him face first into the post! Gresham is down, EY and Maclin run them off, but the damage is done.

Savannah Evans vs Lei Ying Lee

Xia Brookside comes out to accuse Savannah of injuring people but has the surprise of Lei Ying being back. I do like the small wink that Xia reintroduced Lei Ying Lee. 

Lee comes out hot, lays into Savannah, hits a quick Crossbody that Savannah catches sloppily, Savannah tries to powder but the next few steps are sloppy looking (all on Savannah) until Lee just hits a nice Thrust Kick to rock Savannah and a few more nice high impact moves before Savannah just finally gets a chance to use her power and One Armed Sitout Powerbomb Lee. Savannah tries to keep the pressure on with the neck crank but Lee powers up, tries to go for some quick offense, looks for a Frankensteiner but Savannah blocks it and its a Speed Striker vs Powerhouse exchange where Lee just tries to stick and move while Savannah picks a few spots to dig in and counter with a big Lariat.

Savannah looks for her Full Nelson Bomb but Lee slips it with the Arm Drag counter, Savannah tries to turn around to run Lei Ying over and instead Savannah eats Thunderstuck (Trouble in Paradise) for the win.

It’s very shoehorn feeling to just have Xia say that Lei Ying was injured when it’s not like commentary even mentioned it (maybe because of Chris Bey’s legit injury) but, I’m just glad to have Lei Ying back. 

TNA+ Moment of the Week: Kurt Angle vs Jeff Jarrett – NoDQ Genesis 2009

The Northern Armoury Gauntlet Match: Northern Armoury vs Mike Santana

Santana comes out first, the jabronis come out second without Josh. So we all know this isn’t going to matter until Josh shows up. This is like a Pokemon Gym but the Junior Trainers are inept morons with the skill set of a level 14 Magikarp.

Jabroni one tries to do death by 1000 cuts, Santana no sells all of his offense even with cheating, he tries some kind of Ripchord Rainmaker but Santana turns it into a Spin the Block and dude is dead. Santana beats Jabroni number 1, bald one is second…and he’s gonna do nothing worth talking about either. Remember I said I wouldn’t learn these two morons names because they are portrayed as nobodies, so no reason for me to care.

Bald Jabroni is so underwhelming we go to commercial, thank you Commercial Jesus, I didn’t want to watch a Jobber do useless things for 3 minutes to get blown up in a 20 second flurry from Santana. We come back, Santana tries for the Rolling Buck 50 but Bald Jabroni catches him into a Crucifix Bomb, but Santana powers out, Buckle Bomb, Reverse Powerbomb and Sitout Powerbomb puts the Jabroni to bed. Josh’s music hits again and he slowly walks down the ramp and looks dismayed.

Josh just has the nerd mug Santana after the bell, so its a three on one gang attack, Josh is DQ’d, so Santana technically wins. Josh punctuates the beatdown with a C4 Spike and then grabs his Headgear back from Santana. Lame finish, but when it involves two nobodies, I don’t think anyone is surprised.

The Good Hands vs The Rascalz

Wentz and Hotch start, Wentz dog walks him quick with a Tornillo out of the corner and then a little ACS Rush homage to the Machine Guns. Trey with a few shots, tags back in Wentz but a shortcut gives the Job Hands an opening. Granted, I like the Good Hands for their position in the card and they’re just a good classic heel team. They bait out Trey to distract the referee and then Double Crotch Standing whilst Wentz is in the Tree of Woe. Skyler tries to keep the pressure up, throws him into the ropes, Wentz runs by Skyler, Lethal Injection! Simultaneous tags and Trey takes out everyone, hangs Hotch on the middle rope and does this Cartwheel Spinning Rope Assisted DDT thing. It looked cool, that’s all that matters.

Skyler manages to dump Trey out, they double up on Trey, Hotch hits a Splash for two and then Wentz stops the Good Hands’ momentum with the Back Handspring Knee Lift into Feed ‘Em To The Lions!

The finish was never really a question, at least this was kinda fun coming off some awkwardness and a poorly booked gauntlet match. 

.@TheEricYoung and @SteveMaclin are FURIOUS after The System’s brutal attempt to end @TheJonGresham’s career! @AJFrancis410 and @KCwrestles couldn’t care less!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/inm0HIFPTr

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Andrew Everett

Moose comes out to say he’s going to unveil a new belt a Genesis because he thinks the current X Division title is garbage. Andrew Everett randomly comes out to literally no reaction, tries to say he’s X Division and Moose ain’t the face of shit. Moose kicks his head off in what looks like Neon Green Crocs (they’re sneakers, they just look silly as hell). Moose calls for a referee and makes an impromptu title match.

Skywalker gets in a couple shots at best before Moose just has his way with him. Single Arm Powerbomb from the Buckles to the apron, another Apron Bomb, goes into the ring, Last Ride and puts a foot on his chest, easiest duel of his life. Moose wins in street clothes and barely breaking a sweat.

Jordynne comes out to call out Tessa, amusingly says that Tessa should be afraid that she has a live mic, but she won’t stoop to her level. Says a few things and then Tessa comes out of the crowd, they brawl for a little bit until broken up by security and we go to commercial.

Rhino & Joe Hendry vs The Kaiba Boys (Ryan & Nic Nemeth)

Points to the real ones who understand the Kaiba Boys reference. Oh and Kaz comes out to commentary during the commercial break.

Ryan and Rhino start, Ryan powders, plays coy and then tags in his big brother Seto, I mean Nic. Rhino turns around Nic’s early attempt at a Headlock with Arm Wringers, Should Tackles and then he eats a Dropkick from Nic. Ryan tags in, Double In and Out Wringers into Short Clotheslines for a near fall. Rhino quickly flips the script on Ryan, shoves him into his corner and tags out to Joe. Joe gets one Knife Edge Chop and then tags out, they take turns tagging in and out for Chops, Ryan tries to fire against Hendry, lays in a Chop of his own and Hendry no sells it. Lays out Ryan, Ryan tries to get away from Hendry, run the ropes and eats another Shoulder Tackle. Hendry lifts up Ryan for the Stalling Suplex as he also decides to walk around the whole ring with Ryan inverted, just toying with him. Stalling Suplex connects, Hendry tags out and Ryan turns things around Rhino pretty quick and tags out to Nic.

Nic with some of his more signature offense, Rude Awakening, Shot to the Heart Elbows, but tags back out to Ryan. Mokuba needs to get his reps in. Ryan chokes Rhino on the ropes and then tags out to Nic as they gang up on Rhino a little. Nic strings some offense together, looks for the FameASSer, but Rhino catches him, Powerbombs him and simultaneous tag time! Ryan gets dog walked early, Attitude Adjustment from Hendry, Nic tries to jump in literally, Hendry catches him, Sack of Shit, Kip Up and looks for the Standing Ovation on Ryan, but the thumb to the eye stops that. Hendry Cutter with a pinfall but Nic breaks it up. Belly to Belly from Rhino to Nic, Ryan stops Rhino from Goring Nic, so Ryan eats the Gore instead. Superkick from Nic sends Rhino reeling, Joe Lariats Nic to the outside, Standing Ovation on Ryan, Mokuba is a card.

Overall Score: 5/10

Potentially the dictionary definition of average. Some aspects of this episode were enjoyable, Xia Brookside, Lei Ying Lee, Raven, Joe Hendry, DeathMeat and KC Navarro existing. But plenty of other things to lull me to sleep or make me ask why, like why book a gauntlet match when we all know the jabronis suck and you just cock teased us with an immediate Josh DQ. Yes yes, “It sets up Genesis” – but wait – NO IT DOESN’T! It’s just like the SDL broken neck angle, there is no reason to promote a match happening just to bait and switch or ‘swerve’ the logic. It just comes off desperate because you booked yourself into a corner, and proves the booker is an imbecile.

And we didn’t get any whiny Ryan promos! How dare you ram it down our throats last week, and it was wonderful cringe, to just ignore it the next week. Stop with not knowing how to right cohesive stories. Christ on a crutch, did no one on the writing staff pass sixth grade? Or did everyone score less than a 1000 on their SAT? Because damn…I mean damn.

Write better.