This is gonna be Outta This World!

Ricochet is still aiming for the AEW International Championship, but he has to stay sharp. Will Dante Martin’s high flying skill be just the thing for the King of Flight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Hikaru Shida VS Leila Grey; Shida wins.
• Mark Briscoe VS Ariya Daivari w/ Mark Sterling; Briscoe wins.
• Rocky Romero VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Komander wins.
• Rush & The Beast Mortos w/ Dralistico VS Alec Price & Richard Holliday; Rush & Mortos win.
• Ricochet VS Dante Martin w/ Top Flight; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hikaru Shida VS Leila Grey!

The Shining Samurai continues her comeback, looking to carve a path back to a championship. But the Top Flight Attendant only just called out the ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena, last night on ROH TV. Will Leila be flying high towards her Proving Grounds match with The Fallen Goddess? Or will Shida use Leila as just another tune-up?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Leila wrenches and wristlocks to YANK the arm. Leila keeps on the wristlock but Shida handsprings and wrenches back. Shida hammerlocks, headlocks, but Leila fires body shots. Leila powers up and out, but Shida runs Leila over! The fans fire up, and things keep moving. Shida rolls over Leila’s dropdown, then bypasses Leila. Leila stops the hip toss to fire body shots and knees! Leila goes to run but Shida reels her in. Shida lifts with the waistlock, and she swings Leila around, before the SLAM! The fans fire up with Shida and she goes outside.

Shida brings Leila to the apron, CLUBS her, then lines up a shot. Shida runs in to KNEE LIFT! The fans fire up again and Shida hurries back in. Shida brings Leila up, fireman’s carries, but Leila flails with forearms and elbows. Leila sunset flips, TWO! Leila ROCKS Shida, UPPERCUTS, then kicks low. Leila KICKS high, then kicks a leg out, to run and SHOTGUN! Shida tumbles, Leila covers, TWO! Shida stays in this but Leila stays on her. Leila bumps Shida off buckles, then she runs Shida side to side to bump off more buckles. Leila CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Leila smiles and puts some stank on the CHOP!

Leila swings but Shida dodges the third chop, to ROCK Leila! Shida whips, Leila reverses, and Leila SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Shida is tougher than that but Leila stalks her. The fans rally up, Leila brings Shida around, and Leila fires a forearm! Shida fires one in return! Leila fires again, but Shida ROCKS Leila! Leila ROCKS Shida! The fans rally up and Shida feeds off the energy. Shida fires forearm after forearm, but Leila takes a swing! Shida dodges, wrenches, and short arm LARIATS! The fans fire up and Shida is after Leila in a corner. Shida climbs up, and she rains down fists!

The fans fire up and count all the way to TEN! Shida roars then kicks Leila away. Shida MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Leila! Shida hurries to cover, TWO! Leila stays in this but Shida takes aim. KATA- NO, Leila deflects! Roll up, TWO!! Shida is up, blocks a boot, and swings, but into a full nelson! Shida wrenches out, BOOTS Leila’s lariat, then QUESTION MARK KICKS! Shida suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, Shida wins!

Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall

Leila kicks at 3.1, that’s too little too late! Will Leila at least last ten minutes against Athena next week? Will Shida be the one poised for a title shot after Full Gear?

Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.

Renee Paquette is with the crazy Aussie, who keeps pawing at her, and brings up the match Harley’s made for Collision with Mina Shirakawa. Harley asks Renee, does she know what Mina has that Harley doesn’t? No, what is it? NOTHING!! Mina is beautiful, charismatic, and talented. But can she do THIS?! Harley brings out a guitar and starts to play! Harley was a musician, y’know. Oh, wait, there’s a string missing. Never mind, she’s professional! Harley starts adlibbing a Blues-esque song. There once was a little girl. And by “little,” Harley doesn’t mean young child, she means just small in stature.

Anyway, and a five, six, seven, eight! Renee stops Harley there, there’s no time. What?! No! FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAM- The cameras cut away back to ringside, but will Harley show Mina and the world everything she’s capable of tomorrow night on Collision?

Mark Briscoe VS Ariya Daivari w/ Mark Sterling!

While Chris Jericho keeps disrespecting the legacy of Jay Briscoe, it will be Tomohiro Ishii that handles him. Tonight, the Sussex County Chicken is to focus on himself and the Premier Athletes’ son of privilege. “Smart” Mark takes over introductions by saying Ariya Daivari is about to wrestle “literally the dumbest person in AEW.” Mark is so stupid, really. So please, show the world that Bridgeport is smarter than a Briscoe by reading what is right on the Premier Athletes’ brand new merch shirt: Athletes Rule. Daivari says when he says “Athletes,” the fans should say, “Rule!” and NOTHING ELSE! Got it!?

Okay, hands in. Ohhh… “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Briscoe laughs because the only dumb Mark here is Mark Sterling. But will Briscoe prove that what matters in the ring is street smarts? Or can Daivari prove that Premier Athletes don’t suck?

The bell rings and Briscoe circles with Daivari. They tie up as fans rally, and Briscoe pushes Daivari back. Daivari turns things around to put Briscoe in a corner, and lets off as the ref counts. Daivari shouts, “ATHLETES!” but fans again shout “SUCK!!” Briscoe SHOVES Daivari down and the fans fire up. Briscoe and Daivari circle, tie up, and Briscoe headlocks. Daivari powers up and out, but Briscoe runs him over! The fans fire up and things keep moving. Daivari drops down, Briscoe slides under, and then Briscoe REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! And ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up more while sterling protests.

Briscoe whips Daivari, then UPPERCUTS again! The fans fire up as Daivari goes to a corner. Briscoe storms up to bring Daivari around, for a suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Daivari is tougher than that so Briscoe shrugs it off. Briscoe fires hands, Daivari staggers around, but Briscoe CHOPS him in a corner! Briscoe then REDNECK CRANE KICKS! The fans fire up and Briscoe brings Daivari up, but Daivari JAWBREAKERS back! Daivari TOSSES Briscoe out, but the ref has Sterling stay back. Daivari goes out to get Briscoe, but Briscoe sends Daivari into railing! The fans fire up while Daivari writhes, and Briscoe stands him up.

Briscoe CHOPS Daivari, high-fives fans, then CHOPS Daivari again. Briscoe then brings Daivari around to SMACK off a chair! The fans fire up as Briscoe makes Daivari take a seat. Briscoe refreshes the count, then runs up to BOOT Daivari down! The fans fire up more, and Briscoe UPPERCUTS Daivari again. Daivari goes to more railing but Briscoe CHOPS him down again. Briscoe tosses a chair into the ring, HEADBUTTS Daivari, then slides into the ring. Briscoe sets up the chair and the fans fire up! Sterling panics as Briscoe builds speed, so Sterling snatches the chair away! The fans boo but Briscoe goes out after Sterling!

Sterling defends his innocence but Daivari CLUBS Briscoe! And hits a NECKBREAKER on the floor! “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Well, clearly Sterling doesn’t learn, but Daivari is control as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Daivari drags Briscoe up and into the ring, then grabs the legs, so he can stomp Briscoe’s gut! Briscoe sputters his way to a corner but Daivari digs his boots in! The ref counts, Sterling cheers, but Daivari lets off. Daivari argues with the ref, so Sterling CHOKES Briscoe! The fans boo but Sterling gets away with it. Daivari whips Briscoe hard into a corner! Briscoe sits down, and Daivari stomps him some more! Daivari snapmares Briscoe, KNEES him in the back, then clamps on a neck wrench. The ref reprimands the fishhook in there, but Daivari shifts to a chinlock. Daivari grinds Briscoe down, but Briscoe endures.

Fans rally up and Briscoe fights to his feet. Rampage returns to single picture as Briscoe fires body shots! Briscoe fires forearms but Daivari knees low! Daivari CLAWS Briscoe’s face, puts him in a corner, then hoists him up top. The fans rally for “DEM BOYS! DEM BOYS!” but Daivari CHOPS Briscoe. Daivari climbs up, brings Briscoe up, but Briscoe fires body shots! Briscoe DECKS Daivari, the fans fire up, but Sterling springs into action! The ref reprimands, Sterling argues with him, and Daivari runs up! Briscoe leaps over Daivari, but Daivari dodges the boot! SLEEPER! The fans boo but Briscoe RAMS Daivari into a corner!

Daivari holds on but Briscoe RAMS him in again and again! Briscoe is finally free, but Daivari then hammerlocks! LION’S LARIAT! And then a wrench, spin, LION’S DDT! Cover, TWO!! Briscoe survives Daivari’s double down and the fans fire up! Daivari throws hands but Briscoe feeds off it! The fans fire up as Briscoe mans up! Daivari headlocks, Briscoe powers out, but Daivari RAMS Briscoe! Briscoe roars! Daivari runs and RAMS Briscoe again! And again! Then Daivari fires hands! But Briscoe blocks to ROCK Daivari! And ROCK him again! And again! REDNECK PALM STRIKES! Briscoe puts Daivari in a corner!

Briscoe rains down fists and the fans count to TEN! Briscoe hops down, the fans fire up, and Briscoe CLOBBERS Daivari! And CLOBBERS him again! Briscoe whips, Daivari reverses, but Briscoe FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up with Briscoe and he runs at the corner. LARIAT, and then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Daivari survives but Briscoe calls his shot! Briscoe drags Daivari up, reels him in, but Daivari fights the underhooks! Daivari wrenches, dodges a lariat, and SUPERKICKS! Briscoe wobbles, but he eggs Daivari on! Daivari runs up, into a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Daivari is down and Briscoe climbs up!

Sterling distracts Briscoe, and Daivari has time to hit the ropes! That trips Briscoe up! Briscoe tumbles to the m at, and Daivari hauls Briscoe up. Wait, Daivari underhooks the arms?! That’s blasphemy! But Briscoe powers up and out with a backdrop! And now Briscoe brings Daivari in, only for Sterling to get on the apron! The ref reprimands, Briscoe warns Sterling, but it’s ROCKY ROMERO that YANKS Sterling down! Daivari whips Briscoe, Briscoe reverses to TOSS Daivari! Rocky gets Briscoe the chair! Briscoe sets it up, and he takes FLIGHT! Down goes Daivari & Sterling! Briscoe puts Daivari in, climbs up, FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, Briscoe wins!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall

The Conglomeration comes through for each other again, and that helps Briscoe win! But Azucar has his own match tonight, will he be feeling even sweeter after taking on Komander?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

With the confrontations we’ve seen from them all, we see Will Ospreay join forces with Will Hobbs, Mark Davis & Ricochet against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! It’s the full Don Callis Family against the Aerial Assassin, the Powerhouse, Dunkzilla and The One & Only in an All Star 8 Man Tag! Which side will have all the momentum going into Full Gear?

Rocky Romero VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Rampage returns and the bell rings. The fans rally as Azucar and Commander of the Skies circle, but Montel Vontavious Porter is watching backstage…? Who business could MVP and The Hurt Syndicate have here? Rocky and Komander tie up, Komander wrenches and wristlocks. Rocky rolls then DROPKICKS! Rocky gives some Latino Heat, then waits on Komander. The two reset, circle, and tie up again. Rocky waistlocks, SLAMS, then flips Komander, maybe a little too much. Rocky flips Komander over again but Komander kips up to arm-drag! Komander gives some Latino Heat of his own, and Rocky can’t help but smile.

The fans rally as Komander and Rocky feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, and the fans cheer the Test of Strength. Rocky powers Komander back, then MONKEY FLIPS! Rocky rolls back but Komander blocks the mount to then go up and MONKEY FLIP back! It’s a double cover, TWO as both men bridge! The fans cheer this exchange, and the two roll to their feet. Komander kicks one knuckle lock apart to then go up and ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! Rocky is back up fast, and he hurdles, drops under, then hurdles again. Komander leaps over, keeps moving, and he springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG!

The fans fire up while Rocky bails out. Komander builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Rocky and the fans fire up again! Komander feeds off the energy to put Rocky in the ring. Komander goes up a corner, takes aim, but Rocky moves. Komander rolls through, comes back, and dodges to then handspring and- FACEBUSTER from Rocky! Cover, TWO! Rocky stays on Komander with a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Komander writhes, Rocky covers, TWO! Rocky drags Komander up again, whips him to a corner, and Komander hits buckles hard! Rocky snap suplexes Komander, drops a knee on him, then paces.

The fans rally but Rocky drops another knee. Rocky has Komander on the ropes literally, then brings him up to RAM him into a corner. Rocky reels Komander in, hoists Komander up top, and Rocky climbs up. Rocky ROCKS Komander and Komander wobbles! The two brawl, and Rocky ROCKS Komander again! SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Rocky crawls after Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Rocky manages the cover, TWO! Rocky grits his teeth, growing frustrated, but he stalks Komander to more ropes. Rocky drags Komander up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to a corner. Komander kicks back but Rocky CHOPS Komander again. Komander flounders along ropes, but Rocky has him again. Komander turns things around to CHOP back! The fans and Abrahantes fires up as Komander fires off CHOPS and KICKS! The ref counts, Komander lets off, but Rocky sucker punches him! Rocky has Komander in the corner now, hoists him up again, but then traps him on the top rope by lacing the legs!

Komander flails while Rocky gets space. Rocky runs up to TOP SHELF KNEE! Komander falls in a heap, but Rocky wants us to watch. Sliding pose! Rocky goes back for Komander but Komander kicks at him. Rocky brings Komander up to CLUB him down. Rocky then stalks Komander, CLUBS him again, and stalks him to ropes. Rocky brings Komander into a waistlock, but shoves him to ropes to ROCK him in the back! Komander drops to his knees, but Rocky stands him up. Rocky shoves and ROCKS Komander again! Cover, TWO! Komander stays tough but Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns and the fans fire up for Komander as he goes up, up, salutes, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Rocky down! The fans fire up and MVP is impressed. Komander puts Rocky in, the fans rally behind “KO-MAN-DER!” But Rocky intercepts the flight for a fireman’s carry! Komander slips free, suplexes, but Rocky slips free. Rocky shoves but Komander DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Komander runs corner to corner to go  up and up, MOONSAULT, into BOOTS! Komander staggers, into SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Rocky is frustrated but he hurries to bring Komander back up. Rocky whips, but Komander tiger feints and rolls!

Komander goes up and has Rocky with a dragon sleeper! Inverted suplex, for a POWERSLAM into the corner!! The fans fire up as Komander sets Rocky in the drop zone. Komander climbs, tightrope walks, CIELITO LINDO!! Cover, Komander wins!

Winner: Komander, by pinfall

MVP nods, maybe he saw things not even he expected out of this match. Will Komander prove he’s not just worthy of MVP’s attention but of AEW’s attention? And with it, perhaps a title opportunity?

Backstage interview with Anna Jay.

Lexy Nair is with The Queenslayer and notes her AEW Women’s World Championship match set for Collision tomorrow night. It is No Disqualifications, and if Anna wins, she is the NEW champion. But if she loses… Anna will never challenge Mariah May for the title again. Anna says it is worth that risk. It is worth seeing Mariah’s eyes bulging out of her head until she passes out. With no rules, Anna is capable of anything. But in steps Taya Valkyrie, applauding and saying yes, Anna is capable of anything. But so is Mariah. And Mina Shirakawa could be anywhere. Maybe Anna wants some extra insurance? And by the way, The Vendetta does accept cash.

Anna says she can handle her business, so Taya can mind her own. Taya tells Anna okay, okay. But Deonna Purrazzo sends her regards. Stay safe out there. Anna says no, she won’t. Will Anna finally be The Star of the Show when she tears down Mariah? Or will The Virtuosa & La Wera Loca have something to say about that?

Rush & The Beast Mortos w/ Dralistico VS Alex Price & Richard Holliday!

Just 24 hours ahead of their Collision with The Acclaimed, La Faccion Ingobernable’s two bulls are looking to stampede! Will they be more than ready for the Full Gear Contenders Series?

The teams sort out and Mortos starts against Price, and just CLBOBERS him at the bell! Mortos keeps moving, Price drops then jumps, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Mortos SMACKS Price! Mortos whips Price, Price ducks ‘n’ dodges, then goes up and over! Price DROPKICKS, DROPKICKS, and fires up! But then Mortos POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS him! Tag to Rush, and El Toro Blanco looms over Price. Rush stands Price up to CHOP him down! Rush eggs Holliday on, then SPITS at him! The fans boo but Price tags Holliday. Holliday steps to Rush, but Rush shoves him! Holliday UPPERCUTS!

The fans fire up but Rush CHOPS! Rush pie faces Holliday but Holliday fires up! Only for Rush to whip him into a corner and SPLASH! Snapmare and basement DROPKICK! Holliday bails out but Rush pursues. Rush CHOPS, then throws Holliday into railing. Rush dribbles Holliday off the railing, rains down fists, but the ref counts. Rush says leave him alone, but the ref warns him. Rush stops, then he puts Holliday in the ring. Rush snarls and storms back into the ring. Mortos CHOKES Holliday, the ref reprimands, but this lets Dralistico throw Price into steel steps! Rush whips Holliday corner to corner hard!

Rush DECKS Holliday with a forearm, stomps away on him, and goes corner to corner! “If you mess with the bull…!” BULL’S HORNS! Cover, LFI wins!

Winners: Rush & The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

This probably could’ve been over soon, but LFI likes to play with their food. But will they be much more to the point against Max Caster & Anthony Bowens?

Backstage interview with MVP.

Lexy is with Montel Vontavious Porter and brings up how he’s been watching matches here and there. Is he scouting talent? Absolutely! And as he’s been getting the lay of the land here in AEW, MVP sees so many young and gifted athletes with so much untapped potential. Some of them need motivation. Some need perhaps better management. And some just need to be hurt, beaten down again and again, to their knees. Because only when you’ve broken a man down to his knees can you teach him to stand and put him on the path to success. MVP says Swerve Strickland is a perfect example. So much to learn and yet he just won’t listen.

That is arrogance. It is that arrogance that the fans love, but it is also Swerve’s greatest weakness. Swerve thinks that one man can beat three. That is arrogance. Swerve calls himself the most dangerous man in AEW. With Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin around, that is arrogance. And arrogance, like pride, goeth before the fall. So MVP is paying attention to everything. For example, tonight, where MVP will be watching Ricochet in the main event. Oh, and that young luchador, Komander, what an impressive match. MVP likes that. And then tomorrow night on Collision, Shelton will find out exactly what Komander is made of, and what lessons he needs to learn.

The business plan has been set out, but will The Hurt Syndicate find the diamonds in the rough they are looking for? Or is it all fool’s gold compared to what they already have?

Ricochet VS Dante Martin w/ Top Flight!

MVP just told the world he is watching this match, but surely so is The Don Callis Family. Will The One & Only show them something #OuttaThisWorld? Or will Angel Dorado remind us why he was the hottest high flyer not too long ago?

Title matches are brewing in Milwaukee!

SmackDown puts up double the gold as Nia Jax defends her WWE Women’s Championship and the Motor City Machine Guns defend their WWE Tag Team Championships! Who will hold the gold in The Good Land?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab; Bayley wins and advances to the next round.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Knight wins and retains the title.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits; Profits win by disqualification, MCMG retain the titles.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi; Nia wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin fires up for The American Nightmare, and of course they sing his song! “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro, then Cody continues to the ring. He isn’t in a suit, but you can tell the Undisputed WWE Champion is all business tonight given what Kevin Owens has been up to lately. The fans fire up more as Cody grabs the mic. Cody tells Kevin Owens, “You have crossed quite the line. I know you are back there. Would you please come out here right now?” The fans fire up again while Cody watches the stage. No response, so Cody tells Kevin to get out here, RIGHT NOW! Instead of Kevin, we get Nick Aldis.

Aldis knows Cody is angry, because so is Aldis and so are the fans. Randy Orton, one of the greatest ever, is laid up with severe cervical trauma after coming back from having his back fused together! Aldis understands this is a very different situation. Kevin used a piledriver, a move banned in the WWE for a reason. We don’t want this generation ending up in wheelchairs in 20 years. No one knows better than Aldis how long it takes to get to the WWE. And yeah, they do whatever it takes to make the paydays and win the titles, but they do NOT cross that line. Kevin did cross that line, that’s all there is to it.

So the fact is, until they can figure this out, Aldis cannot have Kevin here. The fans boo and Cody sighs. Aldis is making a martyr of Kevin Owens. This is what Kevin wants! This isn’t exactly a man who drives a Lamborghini, the message of fines will not hit like Aldis thinks. Let Cody handle this. Kevin is self-righteous, indignant and an ass- Aldis wants Cody to stop before he says something he’ll great. The fans say it for Cody. Aldis says this isn’t about money. This is about the roster knowing that Aldis knows, if you give someone an inch, they’ll take a mile. And the next thing we know, the inmates are running the asylum.

Bottomline: Kevin cannot be here until they resolve the issue internally. The fans boo again and Cody repeats, “Internally…” Cody wants Aldis to be real with him for a moment. Cody knows in Aldis’ position, he has to be objective and dispassionate, but Cody knows what is under that suit. Aldis is a former wrestler, still a wrestler in his heart, and a good man. So put yourself in Cody’s shoes here: Imagine you were in that ambulance, calling Orton’s wife and family, saying, “I don’t know if his neck is broken.” And when they ask, “Why?” the only answer is that, as Kevin is telling everyone, “It’s because of me.”

WrestleMania 40 is the highlight of Cody’s life. A moment in that ring, he was on Orton’s shoulders. Then when Orton set him down, he looked Cody in the eyes and said, “Hey, Code Man, I’m proud of you.” The fans cheer that. And as much as Cody loathes that nickname, it is still a moment he will treasure forever because that is what Orton means to Cody. But now Orton is on the shelf again, time taken away, time he might not even have, and all because of Cody!? If Cody cannot handle his business in a WWE ring, what’s he to do? Buy a ticket to a show? Go to Kevin’s house? Knock on Kevin’s door and beat his ass in his front yard?! Is that what he’s supposed to do!?

Cody knows that that is not what Aldis wants from the WWE Champion. That is not how Aldis wants Cody representing the brand. But this ball is in Aldis’ court, and Cody won’t be waiting very long. Cody drops the mic and heads out, what will it take for him and The Prizefighter to settle this?

Jimmy Uso is on the phone.

Sporting the new OG Bloodline shirt, Jimmy tells Roman Reigns that he’s got this, Uce. Jimmy ends the call, and he meets up with Jey & Sami, also wearing the OG Bloodline shirt. Jimmy explains that Roman’s on his way and wants them all to meet in the same room together to go over their WarGames game plan. Okay, but they still need their fifth man, bruh. Sami says hold on. He has one more person to ask, and it’s worth a shot. He’ll catch the Usos later. Jimmy doubts Sami again, but will the Honorary Uce come through?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab!

It was big news last week when Nick Aldis announced the WWE Women’s Division was getting a brand-new belt, and now we begin the journey to crowning the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion! Will the Role Model lead the way to making history again? Will the Poison Pixie look to have more than just the Women’s Speed Championship? Or will B-Fab be fab when she beats two top stars in one go?

SmackDown returns as Candice makes her entrance, joining Bayley in the ring, leaving B-Fab for last. The bell rings and the three watch each other. They approach, and Candice dropkicks Bayley’s legs out! Candice HAMMERS Bayley, B-Fab goes after Candice, but Candice SLAPS B-Fab! B-Fab DECKS Candice! And LARIATS! And then she scoops Candice, holds her up with one arm, and the fans fire up for the SLAM! B-Fab runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! B-Fab rains down fists on Candice, the fans rally, but Candice kicks free. Candice then RAMS B-Fab, CLUBS her, and stomps her.

Candice drags B-Fab up, reels her in, but B-Fab wrenches out to HOOK KICK! Bayley is up, she RAMS into B-Fab, but B-Fab blocks the buckle bump. B-Fab mule kicks Candice, lines up a shot, and DOUBLE LARIATS Bayley and Candice! The fans fire up while B-Fab brushes herself off, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

B-Fab waits and sees Candice get up. B-Fab fires off on Candice, puts her in a corner and stomps away. B-Fab then digs her boot in, then lets off to snapmare. B-Fab pushes Candice to a cover, TWO! Candice stays in this but B-Fab stays on her. But then Candice CLAWS B-Fab’s face! Candice ELBOWS Bayley off the apron, covers B-Fab, TWO! Candice rains down fists on B-Fab, then soaks up the heat. Candice bumps B-Fab off buckles, snapmares her, then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, but Bayley breaks it! Candice bails out but Bayley pursues. Bayley drags Candice up on the apron and HOTSHOTS her in the ropes!

Candice falls to the floor, but Bayley goes after her. Bayley rains down fists over her own, and fires up as she stands by the belt. Bayley storms up on Candice, puts her in the ring, then pushes her to a cover. TWO, but Bayley runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley is a bit annoyed, but she stalks Candice to ropes. Candice drop toeholds Bayley onto ropes! Bayley sputters, Candice runs and DROPKICKS Bayley in the back! Cover, TWO! Bayley toughs it out and bails out of the ring. Candice runs to WRECK Bayley with a dropkick! B-Fab is there to YANK Candice down!

B-Fab puts Bayley in, runs up to RAM her in the corner, then backs up to LEG LARIAT! B-Fab whips Bayley side to side, runs up, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Bayley drags B-Fab up, puts her on ropes now, and gives her another HOTSHOT! SmackDown returns to single picture as Bayley snapmares B-Fab, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS to the back! Cover, Candice breaks it! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Bayley and Candice rise first, and Candice CLUBS Bayley! Bayley hits B-Fab, B-Fab hits Candice, Candice hits Bayley! The shots go around in a circle, but then Bayley and B-Fab mug Candice!

Candice shoves them both away, all three run up, TRIPLE LARIATS! Or is it more like, double double? The fans fire up all the same as all three women stir. The three rise, and Candice hits a STEP-UP SENTON CODE BREAKER COMBO!! Cover on Bayley, TWO! Cover on B-Fab, TWO! Candice is frustrated but she hurries to a corner. Candice climbs up, but B-Fab is right after her! They brawl, and Candice SHOVES B-Fab to the mat! Bayley goes up to ROCK Candice now! Bayley climbs, CLUBS away on Candice, then brings her to the very top! The fans fire up as B-Fab adds on! TOWER OF DOOM! CROSSBODY from Candice! B-Fab breaks the cover!!

The fans fire up again but Candice HAMMERS away on B-Fab! Candice runs, leaps, but B-Fab catches her! SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Candice survives and B-Fab is frustrated. Bayley has B-Fab but B-Fab kicks her low! B-Fab turns Bayley, TWISTING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! B-Fab is beside herself, but she hurries to straitjacket. Bayley fights free, clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Candice TOSSES Bayley and goes for B-Fab, but B-Fab cradle counters! TWO!! Candice scrambles to BOOT B-Fab down! Candice lines B-Fab up for the LIONSAULT FLOP as B-Fab moves! And then Bayley POSTS Candice!

But B-Fab hits the CROSSOVER! And the BOOKEND!! Cover, Candice drags B-Fab up! B-Fab TOSSES Candice, BOOTS her, and goes back for Bayley. B-Fab resets with a wrench, but Bayley ducks the hook kick to high stack! BAYLEY WINS!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

B-Fab can’t believe it, but Bayley is all fired up! The first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion could soon become the first-ever FIVE-STAR Champion! But that means making it through a semifinal round, will Bayley make it to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The Women’s US Championship Tournament Bracket is revealed!

We just saw Bayley win her Triple Threat, and she waits the winner of Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green VS Blair Davenport! Then we see Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim VS Piper Niven, and Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton VS Elektra Lopez round out the field. Will Naomi be shining with gold for the holidays? Or will Nia Jax make sure to A-Nia-Late Naomi once and for all?

Sami Zayn is talking with LA Knight.

The Honorary Uce seems to think the Men’s United States Champion might want to help, but it looks like that’s the opposite of what he wants. The Mega Star is heading to the ring, to hold an OPEN CHALLENGE! Who will answer the call of LA Knight? We’ll find out, after the break.

The Street Profits regroup with B-Fab.

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins tell her it’s alright that she didn’t win tonight. She’ll get it next time. Speaking of next, The Profits are going for the tag titles, they’ll get this done. B-Fab wishes them luck as they head out, but Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. They mockingly saw, “Aww…” Did “B-Flop” really think she was going to win the tournament? So cute. But don’t be sad, Fab, it was a good shot. Not everyone is championship material. But Chelsea & Piper are. So when one of them becomes the inaugural Women’s US Champion, they’ll let B-Fab hold the title. How about that? Just kidding.

Okay, “Trash Can Chelsea,” you both are right about one thing. Only one of them can be the champion. So what happens should they meet in the finals? Well, while you’re worried about B-Fab, they should be more worried about something else. They don’t know what she means but in walks Mia Yim! And Michin has a kendo stick! She doesn’t need a match to fight, so is there a problem here? No, Michin, except you. Mia steps, Chelsea flinches. Chelsea says she and Piper are gonna go strategize. They leave, and Mia tells B-Fab hey, you win some, you lose some. B-Fab’s got people watching her back, but will Michin make sure “Lil’ Miss P” can’t watch Chelsea’s?

LA Knight heads to the ring.

All this gold on the line tonight, clearly that has the Mega Star’s juices flowing! The fans cheer him on as he grabs a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight has been around the world and ay-yai-yai, everyone’s looking for this title! Knight has come and gone, still your United States Champion! “YEAH!” And apparently, that caught some eyes. Sami Zayn wants Knight to join the Bloodline Civil War? Let’s be honest, that ain’t Knight’s fight. He doesn’t need that, he doesn’t want that. As far as he’s concerned, if the whole Bloodline destroyed each other, he’d be just fine with it, YEAH!

Knight has his own investment, and that is the US Championship. But this isn’t the Logan Paul Show, we aren’t just defending this title two times a year no more. “YEAH!” The fans boo and Knight says that’s more than fine. But while Knight’s here with this title, he will be the man. Here’s what we do: The LA Knight US Championship Open Challenge, YEAH! And wait, here comes Santos Escobar! Knight is annoyed but the Emperor of Lucha is accompanied by Legado Del Fantasma. And the entire LDF steps into the ring, keeping Knight guessing on who’s really accepting the challenge.

Escobar grabs a mic now and he tells Knight, “Lemme tell you something. Why can’t you say something cool? Something interesting? Something that has a ring to it? Shut up, Milwaukeeans! Milwaukeeans? Really? It sounds like you’re from a different planet!” The fans boo more but Escobar says what’s cool is “ES-CO-BAR! SI!” Knight chuckles at the parody, but Escobar says Knight must be disgusted of hearing himself speak. Maybe the Milwaukeeans aren’t, but Escobar sure is, so Escobar is going to shut Knight up. Elektra Lopez has the unique opportunity to become the first-ever Women’s United States Champion.

So Escobar is thinking on top of that, why not bring THE US Championship back home to Legado? Knight stops Escobar there. Knight appreciates the ambition, he hears everything Escobar is saying, but he feels “this goof,” Humberto, staring a hole into him. Humberto is looking at Knight like Knight’s covered in barbecue sauce, maybe Berto’s just hungry. But see, Knight and Escobar, been there, done that, Knight won. But Berto can have an opportunity of a lifetime. See, just a few nights ago, right here in this building, Giannis scored 59 points! The fans cheer that. Escobar says that was all luck.

Knight says he might not hit 59, but he’ll get three the hard way as Berto gets dropped on his head! Berto can get beat like his “daddy” here. But the only one who can call Knight “Daddy” is Mamacita Elektra! YEAH! The fans fire up for that. So while Elektra’s calling Knight “Daddy” and Berto is screaming “Uncle,” everyone will be saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Escobar is furious, but he lets Berto CLOBBER Knight! The fans boo and the ref rushes in, but the match is made, for after the break.

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns and Knight fires CHOP after CHOP on Berto! Berto ducks one to ROCK Knight! Berto whips Knight to a corner, runs in, but Knight puts Berto on the apron. Berto ROCKS Knight right back! Berto goes up top, but Knight jumps up right after him! Berto SHOVES Knight back down! Berto MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Berto rains down fists! Berto soaks up the heat from Milwaukee, then he clamps onto Knight with a seated cobra twist. Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight fights up. Knight fires body shots, but Berto UPPERCUGTS! Berto whips, Knight reverses, but Berto holds ropes.

Knight runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS Berto and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up and Knight has Legado back off. Knight SMACKS Berto off the desk again and again! The fans fire up for the dribbling, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops to then SMACK Berto one more time! Knight puts Berto in the ring, kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Knight stays calm as he brings Berto back up. Knight whips, Berto slips free of the scoop to O’Conner Roll! TWO, but Berto springboards, BASEMENT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives, Legado grows frustrated, but Berto hurries to put Knight in a drop zone.

Berto climbs the corner, MOONSUALT into a BOOT! Angel freaks out while Knight scoops Berto, POWERSLAM! ELBOW FLOP as Berto moves! Berto DROPKICKS Knight in a corner! Berto hurries to put Knight up top, and he CHOPS! Berto climbs, brings Knight up, but Knight fires body shots! Knight HEADBUTTS Berto down, adjusts position, and the fans fire up for the “L! A! KNIGHT!” MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Knight spins Berto for the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Knight tells Escobar that’s what he gets, and he blows a kiss to Lopez because that’s what she likes! Legado goes into retreat, but someone new appears! SHINSUKE NAKAMURA?! He ELBOWS Knight down, then hits a KINSHASA!! The fans boo but Nakamura is like a specter in the night! The King of Strong Style is now a sinister samurai, will this ronin slay the Mega Star to again be champion?

The Usos talk backstage.

Jey says they’re in trouble, Uce. Still no fifth man in the WarGames, they gotta tighten up! Jimmy asks why Jey’s after him now. Jimmy is the one who said earlier that- Sami walks in. Sami shakes his head and says it isn’t looking good. Jimmy knew that. Well, where is Roman? They gonna talk or what? Yeah, Roman said to meet him in this room. Then let’s go talk to him. Jey opens the door, the three walk in, and The OG Bloodline meet. Will they have a plan for how to find a fifth? Will they also have a plan for how to overcome Solo Sikoa’s fearsome faction?

SmackDown returns and…

Wait, Roman isn’t in here? He said he was gonna be here. Sami says it’s not looking good. Oh, now Roman walks in. Roman takes a seat in the big armchair, and Sami asks who’s gonna tell him. Okay, no one? Sami will just say it: They tried Raw, they tried SmackDown, they got nothing. There is no one The Bloodline hasn’t dropped, no one who wants to work with them. So sorry, there’s no fifth man. Jey tells Roman… He has to make “the call.” But then Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline are headed to the ring! The “Undisputed Tribal Chief” leads Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa to the ring, and the OGs are seeing this on their TV.

Roman gets up and he leads the way out of this room, ready to confront Solo’s side. Solo goes to the ring, he raises the one to the sky, joined by his rogues, and the fans all boo. Solo then grabs a mic, and while fans boo, he tells Milwaukee, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo harder but wait! Here comes the OG Bloodline! The fans fire up for OTC as he leads the way for Jimmy, Jey & Sami. They get the pyro while they stare down Solo, Jacob, Tama & Loa. The fans fire up as the OGs head down to the ring! The line in the sand is drawn, and then the hands start flying! The fans fire up more as Roman has Solo, Usos have Guerrillas and Sami has Jacob!

The OG Bloodline turns the tides on Solo’s side! Jey FLIES to wipe out Tama, Loa and Jimmy! Jacob DECKS Sami, CLOBBERS Roman, and the fans boo. Jaco then hurries outside to SUPERKICK Jey! And SUPERKICK Jimmy! The Samoan Werewolf roars, and Solo grabs Sami! Solo wants to make Sami pay for swerving him twice! SAMOAN- SPEAR from Roman to Solo!! The fans are thunderous as Roman and Sami nod. Then Sami builds speed to FLY onto Tama & Loa! But that leaves Roman and Jacob! The fans are electric as these two stare down. They circle, the fans cheer on “O T C! O T C!” BUT BRONSON REED ATTACKS?!

The fans boo as now The Colossal Aussie gets involved!? Werewolf and Auszilla stare down, but then Bronson SPLASHES Roman in a corner! And Jacob adds a HIP ATTACK!! The fans boo but somehow, someway, Solo got a BIG ally in this fight! But now Sami & The Usos are back! Tama & Loa join in, it’s another brawl, but Jaco b SPLASHES Jimmy in a corner! Tama CLUBS Sami, Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Then Sami is fed to a LARIAT from Bronson! The fans boo but Jacob gives Sami the BEST MOONSAULT EVER! And Bronson is up top to TSUNAMI Jimmy!! The fans boo but now they want Roman!

Loa CLUBS Roman, and then whips, but Roman reveres! Loa is sent into POST! Roman brings Loa up to TOSS him over barriers, only for Tama to CLOBBER Roman! Tama puts Roman in the ring, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Tama! Roman avoids Bronson, SUPERMAN PUNCH for Jacob! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Bronson! But SAMOAN SPIKE for Roman!! Solo stands over Roman, and he tells Jacob to finish this! Jacob puts Roman in the drop zone, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Bronson wants his turn! Bronson puts Roman back in the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo and producers shout for them to stop!

The OG Bloodline is down and out as Bronson stands over the former Undisputed Champion. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, and Solo says this is what happens when you mess with the REAL Bloodline! Solo has two Guerrillas, a Werewolf and now a kaiju, is there nothing to stop his Bloodline from dominating the WWE?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“I showed up to the arena in Milwaukee earlier, and I was turned away. I was told that I’m not welcomed and that I had to leave. Because of what I did to Randy Orton last week. But what I did to Randy Orton last week was, I did my job. All I did was do what they asked me to do, because Randy showed up, called me out to the ring, and then I showed up. And now I’m in trouble because I put Randy Orton on the shelf? That is absolute nonsense. It’s not fair. But guess what the best part is? Just now, a few minutes ago, I got a call from Nick Aldis asking me to be at SmackDown in Salt Lake City next Friday.

“Why? Because the little golden boy, Cody Rhodes, wants me there! OH MY GOD, Cody wants me there!? I have to be there, right?! Can’t disappoint Cody Rhodes! Well you know what, Cody? I shouldn’t show up. But I will. I’ll be there. Not for you. Not for Nick Aldis. Not even for the WWE, because they hardly deserve me at this point. I’m gonna show up next week for myself. Because I happen to love Utah. The mountains, the fresh air, all that stuff. It’s good for me. But everyone needs to remember one thing. When I show up next Friday, I’m just doing what you all want me to do. I’m just doing my job.”

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits!

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are truly one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling, but they’re going up against the WWE Triple Crown that holds it down. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins prove this is their comeback season? Or will the Profits go belly up against the Guns?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s really the best!

The teams sort out, Sabin and Ford start, and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Ford puts Sabin in a corner. Ford lets off, but then stomps Sabin and CLUBS him down. Ford whips Sabin, but Sabin sunset flips! Ford sits on the cover, TWO as Sabin finishes the sunset. TWO, and Sabin blocks a kick. Sabin flips Ford, Ford lands on his feet, and the fans fire up for the standoff. Sabin offers a handshake, but Ford smirks. Ford runs up, but Sabin arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Sabin has the armlock, brings Ford up, tag to Shelley. The MCMG double whip, atomic drop, dropkick to the legs! DREAM SEQUENCE!

The fans fire up while Shelley covers, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Shelley covers again. TWO, and a third cover, TWO! Shelley wrenches Ford’s arm, but Ford pushes free. Ford then blows past Shelley to LARIAT on return! The fans fire up while Shelley bails out. Tag to Dawkins, and he runs in from the outside! Dawkins POUNCES Shelley over the desk! The Profits are up and ready to be champs again, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Shelley fights out of the Profits’ corner. But Dawkins catches Shelley to RAM him into the corner! Dawkins then runs up, but Shelley dodges! Dawkins hits buckles, Ford tags in, and Ford anchors Shelley’s leg! Shelley BOOTS Ford away, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin dodges Ford, DROPKCIKS Dawkins, then BOOTS Ford. Sabin goes up to FLYING RANA! Ford tumbles, Sabin WRECKS Dawkins with another dropkick, but Ford runs up! Sabin TOSSES Ford out next to Dawkins! Sabin takes aim while fans are torn, and Sabin slingshots. The Profits move, so Shelley FLYING KNEES Dawkins! Sabin CANNONBALLS Ford!

The fans fire up with MCMG as Sabin goes back to the ring. Ford is in a corner, Sabin runs up to ELBOW! Tag to Shelley and Sabin feeds Ford to the clinch. Sabin climbs, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Shelley drags him back up. Shelley wrenches an arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Sabin, MCMG mugs Ford, and Sabin fireman’s carries. Ford fights free, tags Dawkins, and then runs up to BLAST Shelley! Sabin ROCKS Dawkins, ROCKS Ford, but Dawkins POUNCES Sabin into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Dawkins says keep going, and he tags Ford in!

Ford climbs, Dawkins lifts Sabin, but CIAMPA SHOVES FORD!!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification (MCMG retain the titles)

Ciampa attacks Dawkins, then POSTS him! The fans boo as the Sicilian Psycho ruins this match! Ciampa stomps away on Ford, then rains down fists! Shelley pulls Ciampa back but Gargano is here now! Gargano wants everyone to stop, and he wants Ciampa to calm down. Ciampa says okay, sorry. But then he SHOVES Gargano?! Ciampa says he’s doing this for DIY! Ciampa storms off saying they talked about the titles! Ciampa wants the titles, DIY should have the titles, but they don’t have the titles! Gargano hurries after Ciampa while MCMG apologize to the Profits. Dawkins DECKS Shelley! The fans boo but it seems The Profits are as frustrated as Ciampa.

MCMG regroups, unsure what to make of any of this. But it’s not like they aren’t familiar with having targets on their back in the form of gold. Will they just have to be quicker on the draw next time?

Bayley finds Naomi backstage.

The Role Model says, “There’s my main event! The living legend!” Bayley is so excited to watch Naomi win the title. Naomi thanks Bayley for that, and congratulates Bayley on her own win in the Women’s US Championship Tournament. Bayley thanks Naomi, and they could be a couple champions! But before getting too carried away, Bayley brings up watching Monday Night Raw, and Bayley wants Naomi to watch out for Iyo Sky. We know we can’t trust her. We know the past beef- Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill walk in. And Bianca says, “Trust? Well, well, well…” But no, The EST won’t get into the beef she and Bayley have because it’s not about them.

Bianca says this is about their girl, Naomi, and her title match tonight. And Jade says they got this. If anyone wants to try Naomi, she knows Jade & Bianca have her back. They’ll snatch and drag! Bayley says okay, she’ll catch Naomi later. Bianca, Jade and Naomi power up as the Big 3, but can’t there be room for more?

WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi!

This moment has been building for a month, though not without some footnotes and disclaimers. But a win is a win, and the Queen of the Ring owes Naomi this title match. Will the Irresistible Force be able to A-Nia-Late another contender? Or will she and the WWE Universe all #FeelTheGlow?

SmackDown returns and Nia makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who sits upon the throne!

The bell rings and Nia runs right up! Naomi DROPKICKS Nia, kips up, then fires off hands! The fans rally but Nia RAMS Naomi right to a corner! Nia RAMS into Naomi again and again, then lets off to bring Naomi out. Nia SWINGS Naomi with a facelock, then TOSSES her away! The fans boo but Nia runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Naomi flounders but Nia soaks up heat. Nia runs, but Naomi avoids the elbow drop! Naomi hurries to ghost pin, ONE! Nia sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that, but Bianca & Jade are cheering Naomi on from backstage.

Tiffany Stratton is watching, too, as Nia whips and ROCKS Naomi! Nia whips Naomi out of the ring, then soaks up more heat. The ref starts the ring count, and Naomi climbs up. Naomi RAMS into Nia, slingshots up and over to sunset flip, ONE!! Nia LARIATS Naomi right down! Cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed and tells the ref to shut up already. Nia clamps on a chinlock and grinds Naomi down. Naomi endures and the fans rally up. Naomi fights to her feet, Nia whips, but Naomi slides under the lariat! Naomi mule kicks, front KICKS, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Nia snarls, and she storms up on Naomi to dribble her off the mat!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands about hair pulling. Nia taunts Naomi while she stalks Naomi to ropes. Nia CHOKES and thrashes Naomi on the ropes! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Nia stops to soak up more heat. Nia shoves Naomi, pops her up, and HEADBUTTS her down! The fans boo more but Nia just revels in it. But Naomi is right up to put Nia through ropes! Naomi KCIKS Nia, then hits the HEATSEEKER! Nia flounders out of the ring, but Naomi DIVES! Nia hits barriers, but Naomi fires off more hands! The fans fire up with Naomi while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Naomi catches her breath, then pushes Nia into the ring. Naomi steps in but Nia is right on her! Nia throws Naomi down, then drags her back up. Naomi JAWBREAKERS back! And then she kicks off the ropes to STUNNER! Nia flops back and goes to a corner. Naomi runs in to DROPKICK! Naomi drags Nia to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays calm and stays on Nia. Naomi tries to suplex but Nia’s too big and strong! Nia suplexes Naomi in return! Cover, TWO! Nia calms herself, then drags Naomi into a COBRA CLUTCH! Naomi endures while Nia leans on her. Nia thrashes Naomi around, steps over, and stretches Naomi back!

Naomi endures, fights around, and fights up, only for Nia to TOSS her away! Nia soaks up more heat, then drags Naomi back up. SmackDownr eturns to single picture as Nia whips and CLOBBERS Naomi! Cover, TWO! That pin was a bit lax but Nia still argues with the ref. Nia talks trash on Naomi, pushes her around, then runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Nia then clamps onto a leg for a HALF CRAB! Nia sits deep on the hold but the fans still rally behind Naomi. Naomi endures, turns over, and she kicks Nia away! Nina runs back up, reels Nia in, and Canadian Rack, but Naomi makes it a SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Nia escapes, hurries back up, but Naomi BOOTS her! Naomi goes up, Nia blocks a kikc, but not the rebound ENZIGIRI! Naomi then leaps, CROSSBODY! Naomi bounces off the cover, but she gets moving! Naomi dodges to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up with Naomi, and she runs to slingshot- NO, Nia shoves her away! But Naomi comes back with the REARVIEW! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives but Milwaukee rallies behind Naomi. Naomi brings Nia up but Nia RAMS her into a corner! Nia gets space, but Naomi runs up! But into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The ref almost gets taken out as collateral!

The fans boo but Nia eyes the corner. Nia puts Naomi in the drop zone, then goes up the corner! But Naomi hurries to SHOVE Nia over! Nia tumbles to apron then floor! Naomi hurries up the corner, and she SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and “This is Awesome!” Wait, Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan are beating up on Bianca & Jade! The fans boo as Judgment Day has wiped out the StrongEST Duo! The ref is checking Naomi and Nia, and both are okay to continue. Naomi drags Nia up and into the ring, but here comes Tiffany! The ref is busy with Nia as Tiff sucker punches Naomi! LEG DROP by Nia!!

Nia drags Naomi to the drop zone and Tiff cheers her on. Nia goes up, but Naomi rises! ENZIGIRI!! Nia wobbles, Tiff worries, but Naomi climbs up! Only for Nia to scoop! SUPER POWER- ARM-DRAG?!?! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi can’t believe how close she was, and neither can Milwaukee! Tiff calls to the ref, but Naomi runs her off! And then BAYLEY shows up! Bayley ROCKS Tiff, then THROWS her into barriers! Naomi dodges Nia, rolls her up, TWO!! Nia is up, Naomi POSTS her! Naomi has Nia down, then she goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives and Bayley is just as stunned!

Naomi grows frustrated, unsure what she has to do. Naomi just goes back up and the fans cheer her on. But then Candice POSTS Bayley! Naomi is distracted, Nia gets her for a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! And then, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

It took a lot of factors in this one, but again, a win is a win! But then Candice and Tiff are adding on with stomps to Naomi! They stand tall with their Queen of the Ring, will nothing stop this twisted trio from running SmackDown?

The OG Bloodline regroups.

Roman Reigns sits in his armchair, but he also looks at his phone. Jey said to make “the call.” But to who? Roman says, “Call… The Wiseman.” Roman is ready to talk to Paul Heyman again! But then the phone responds, “The number you have reached is not in service.” What?! Heyman changed his number? Is the OG Bloodline truly without hope?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, really jampacked with action that also moved stories along. There was still promo stuff, of course, such as Cody Rhodes arguing with Nick Aldis to get at Kevin Owens. You’ve got to appreciate Cody bringing up all the same wrestler tropes Randy Orton and Triple H had in their feuds. And good response from Kevin in his car, and their confrontation next Friday could definitely become a brawl that then sets up Cody VS Kevin Part 2, some kind of No Disqualification match at Survivor Series. They can even make it a wild opener to get the energy going for the night.

Great stuff with the Men’s United States Championship, with Knight putting Legado Del Fantasma in their place both physically and verbally. Berto got a good showing but of course Knight won. Nakamura making his return here was great stuff, and this new, darker persona for him is already working just on looks. Now, it’d be a shame if Nakamura were to lose here, but the custom strap on Knight’s title only just happened so I can’t be sure of Nakamura’s chances. Maybe Nakamura and Knight have a back and forth of matches before Knight drops the belt at like Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Speaking of which, that’s a great place for this Women’s US Championship story to culminate. Great Triple Threat match with B-Fab looking good even in the loss. B-Fab also had a good promo with Chelsea, Piper and Michin to hype up the rest of the opening round. All Triple Threats makes it so we could get some “unlikely” winners, like Piper helping Chelsea win over only for Piper to not make it out of her own. At the same time, it’d be a shame for Blair Davenport to return and not get anything. But there are a lot of great combinations possible through this tournament, can’t wait to see who wins it all.

And we got great integration of all the women’s division stories as we head for Survivor Series. Liv & Raquel attacking Bianca & Jade, Tiff & Candice screwing Naomi over while beating up Bayley, we have our Women’s WarGames all set right there, just as I knew since Monday. Bayley distrusting Iyo but Bianca distrusting Bayley, it’ll be pretty clear the Heel team wins, especially given what we’ll get in the Men’s WarGames. But first, great stuff in the tag title match and story as Ciampa “ruins” it all and even gets mad at Gargano. Profits are also going Heel in their own way as they don’t care for any of the other teams.

To keep things fresh while using the same contenders, I feel like Profits, DIY and MCMG need to have something more like an Elimination Triple Threat. There was already the ladder match with Tama & Loa, so they can’t just do that again so soon. Given of how popular and how talented all these teams are, maybe they can even come up with something new just for this, to really make it feel special. At the same time, it feels like DIY is about to fall apart with Ciampa going Heel and not happy with Gargano not going Heel with him here. Then Gargano and Ciampa can feud as they both build up to be singles title contenders.

And of course, great stuff with The Bloodline story. LA Knight was definitely gonna say NAH NAH to joining The Bloodline story, Sami talking to him seemed more like an excuse to give us the US Championship segment. At the start of the night, it seemed like Roman was still stuck in his ways, sitting in the big chair without really caring what the others were doing. Great brawl with Solo’s Bloodline, some real wild stuff, and with Seth Rollins being asked on Raw, Bronson Reed joining this story on Solo’s side oddly makes sense. For one, it’ll get Rollins to join in on OG Bloodline’s side so he can get at Bronson, which will probably be discussed on Raw.

Secondly, Bronson Reed is Samoan Australian, and all Solo needs to have someone on the team is that they’re mean and Polynesian. As if Jacob Fatu wasn’t dangerous, Bronson really brought the chaos and the destruction to the OG Bloodline, so that really puts the pressure on the OG Bloodline. And then what a great double tease: they give us Roman calling Heyman, which got the crowd fired up, only to have the automated message and number not in service that brought us all down. Roman certainly sold his defeated look, but Heyman’s return will be an awesome moment. Especially if Heyman’s the one who brings someone to the team that can tip the scales back in the OG Bloodline’s favor.

My Score: 8.9/10