Is Jey The Right Hand Man? Or a loyal brother?

Last week, SmackDown saw Roman Reigns reject Jimmy Uso’s proposal to do things as equals. Will Jey stand by his brother? Or with his Tribal Chief?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Santos Escobar w/ Rey Mysterio VS Mustafa Ali; Escobar wins and advances to MITB.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Bayley w/ Iyo Sky VS Mia Yim; Bayley wins and advances to MITB.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Baron Corbin VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins and advances to MITB.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Iyo Sky w/ Bayley VS Shotzi Blackheart; Iyo wins and advances to MITB.
• WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Jey Uso; Theory wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman are in the ring.

The Enforcer of the Bloodline and the Wise Man are here, and Heyman starts his introductions, until JEY USO makes his entrance! Jey goes to the ring, gets a mic, and fans cheer as he stares down Heyman and Solo. Fans chant “USO! USO!” for Jey and he tells Solo, “I let a lotta things slide, aight? But stabbing our big brother in the back is something you don’t do, Solo! I don’t know if I can forgive you for that, so say what you need to say to me, OG.” Jey throws down his mic and Heyman speaks.

“You got this all wrong. You got this all wrong, and here’s why you got this all wrong. It’s not Solo’s fault, it’s not my fault, it’s not The Tribal Chief’s fault, it’s not your fault. This is all Jimmy’s fault!” Fans boo as Heyman says Jimmy made up his own mind, and not just for himself. Jimmy made up his mind for Jey. Heyman has Solo calm down and take a step back, saying it is okay. Heyman is no physical threat, so Jey needs to understand, Heyman’s opening his heart to him. And here’s why: when Jimmy kicked The Tribal Chief at Night of Champions, did he check with Jey in advance? Was Jey in on that? No!

Jimmy pulled the trigger for himself and for Jey, that’s how he’s always been. Jimmy’s the older brother, the first born! No disrespect to Jimmy, but Jimmy’s always resented Jey and here’s why. Jimmy’s in on something and Jey isn’t. Jimmy’s in on the fact that the Tribal Chief wants to groom Jey, The Right Hand Man, to be the next Tribal Chief. Fans boo, not believing that. Heyman says that is Jey’s destiny, that is who Jey will be. It was never going to be Jimmy, Jimmy’s known that, and he resents Jey for that. Heyman says the fans are booing because they don’t know the truth, but Heyman will prove it to Jey.

Tonight, at the Tribal Chief’s behest, Heyman has made a match to set Jey’s trajectory towards becoming the next Tribal Chief. Jey will bring gold back to the Bloodline. Not tag team gold. Because unfortunately, all because of Jimmy, there is no more tag team in the WWE known as The Usos. Fans boo that now, but Heyman continues. He didn’t want it this way either, but this is what Jimmy caused. Jey will bring home gold because tonight, The Right Hand Man, successor to the throne, will defeat Austin Theory for the United States Championship! Fans cheer that, though. Jey’s path as a singles star, his path to becoming THE World Heavyweight Champion, starts tonight!

And then, Jey, then the Tribal Chief will embrace you and publicly groom you so that some day, when the time is right, Jey Uso will become THE Tribal Chief. But Heyman needs Jey’s answer now. Fans boo that, but Heyman holds out the mic to Jey. Jey takes it, and he tells Heyman, “I’ll take you up on that US challenge, though, OG.” Heyman smiles and offers a handshake now. Jey looks at the hand, looks at Solo, and fans boo. They don’t want him to, but Jey says he’ll get back to Heyman on that. Fans cheer as Jey stands up for himself! At least, for the most part. But will Jey still take that US Championship away from Theory?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Santos Escobar w/ Rey Mysterio VS Mustafa Ali!

El Hijo del Fantasma has been wanting an opportunity to win a title, but so has The Beacon! Will Escobar join Zelina Vega at MITB in London? Or will Ali be showing off this golden ticket when he returns to NXT?

SmackDown returns and Ali makes his entrance. But wait, LA Knight makes his entrance now? The Mega Star is already going to MITB, maybe he just wants to watch this up close. The bell rings, fans cheer for LA Knight but Escobar gets fans on his side. Ali says he’s going to get that briefcase! Ali swings, Escobar blocks and counter punches, and Knight joins commentary. Escobar puts Ali in a corner, Ali turns things around to CHOP, but Escobar turns things around to CHOP back! Ali throws forearms, Escobar throws them back. Escobar whips, Ali reverses but Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM!

Ali goes to a corner, Escobar has the fans spell out “L! W! O!” Escobar runs in, Ali goes up and over and ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Escobar bails out, fans fire up and Ali eggs Escobar on. Escobar trips Ali, drags him out, and CHOPS him! Knight likes that action, and Ali CHOPS back! Escobar and Ali fires forearms, Ali whips, but Escobar reveres. Ali goes up the steps but Escobar goes up the apron! ENZIGURI, and then Escobar brings Ali to the apron. Ali fights the suplex, throws body shots, and throws knees. Ali throws forearms, Escobar shoves Ali back into the post! Escobar storms up to KICK Ali again!

Escobar FLYING RANAS Ali off the apron! Rey checks Escobar, he also clips the stairs. Escobar is alright, and he gets Ali back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ali is still in this and he bails out of the ring. Escobar builds speed to DIVE! Arrow from Hell shoots Ali down at the ramp, and Knight says these guys know what this match is about! When you can change your career, you put your life on the line. The ring count starts, Escobar gets in the ring and climbs up a corner! Ali stands, Escobar SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit again and fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Escobar is on the apron while Ali is up top. Escobar ROCKS Ali, climbs up, but Ali CLUBS Escobar. They brawl up top, Ali CLUBS Escobar and throws hands. Escobar hits back, but Ali HEADBUTTS Escobar! Ali goes up but Escobar SHOVES him! Ali flips to land on his feet! But Escobar goes up, leaps, but into a DROPKICK! Fans lose their minds as Ali puts Escobar back in and climbs back up. Ali aims, 450 but he has to bail out as Escobar moves! Ali comes back, Escobar RAMS him into buckles! And then POISON-RANAS!! Cover, TWO!! Even Knight is impressed by this!

Fans rally up, both men go to corners, and Ali shakes out the stars. Escobar spells it out, “L! W! O!” DOUBLE KNEES in the corner and Ali staggers, into a fireman’s carry! But Ali slips free! Escobar throws elbows, Ali still O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Ali goes up the corner to leap, FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives and Rey coaches him up. Fans fire up as Ali skins the cat to the top rope! But Escobar GAMANGIRIS! Escobar climbs up after Ali, throws elbows, and then drags him up to a fireman’s carry! Ali fires off elbows to fight it, but Escobar still stands! SUPER PHANTOM DRIVER!!! Cover, Escobar wins!!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

The LWO is sending both Escobar and Zelina now! Rey waves to the rest of the LWO, they all celebrate with Escobar. Knight says this is as close as Escobar’s gonna get to the briefcase, but will Knight be able to put his money where his mega mouth is?

Sami Zayn finds Jey backstage.

Sami says it’s a big night for Jey tonight. Jey has a big decision, Sami knows that. But here’s something Sami never got a chance to say when they were all in the Bloodline together. The time they all had together was some of the best times in Sami’s career, maybe even his whole life. It was certainly the same for Jey. And in another life, they’d both still be in Bloodline. Honorary Uce, Usos, the handshakes, the dance, making them all laugh even when they’re trying not to. But that couldn’t happen because of one man. And it isn’t even Roman Reigns, it’s this “Tribal Chief.”

When The Tribal Chief takes over, bad things happen. When the Tribal Chief takes over, that’s when Heyman’s voice starts kicking in, the paranoia starts and the manipulation starts. He pushes too far and then pushes some more. Sami did it, too. Sami admits he did everything he could to put the family first. He tried to keep things together, just like Jey, and it was never enough. Sami’s loyalty was tested over and over until it came down to him and his own brother, just like Roman’s doing to Jey. So tonight, Jey has a big choice. If Jey wants to roll with Roman and be the next Tribal Chief, fine. Sami gets that, he really does.

And Sami sincerely hopes Jey wins the US title tonight. Because then, they’ll all see that they need Jey more than he needs then. Whatever happens, just know that there are consequences going down that road. It means no more Jimmy & Jey, and no more Usos. That’s Jey’s brother. Do what is in Jey’s heart, not what is being put into your ear. Jey doesn’t say a word as he leaves. One way or another, will Jey be his own man? Or will he just be The Right Hand Man?

Kayla Braxton introduces Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn.

The NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions make their way out, getting mics of their own, and Kayla welcomes them to SmackDown, only for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions to show up! Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler also have mics, and Shayna wants some “clarification.” There’s another team wanting to call themselves Women’s Tag Team Champions, huh? Well here’s a question for them: “How much do you know about the history of those titles right there?” Shayna & Ronda join Isla & Alba in the ring, and Shayna says SHE is the reason the NXT Women’s Tag titles are even a thing.

So technically, those “Shayna Baszler Commemorative Tag Titles” are hers. Ronda says she’s been crunching the numbers. They’ve been running through the division so fast, they’re gonna end up hungry soon. It’s true! But that made Ronda realize… Thijs division isn’t big enough for the two of them. Ronda & Shayna want what Alba & Isla have. Isla laughs and says, “How cute. So you two want to face us in a Unification Match? Oh, how exciting!” Alba says titles VS titles, “WE ACCEPT!” And then they DECK Ronda and Shayna! But Ronda throws Alba around in return! Shayna throws Isla out, Ronda isolates an arm, but Isla ROUNDHOSUES Shayna!!

Alba fights free, she and Isla mug Ronda, but then Shayna comes back! Shayna gets mugged, too! And gets a GOURD BUSTER, to a SHINING WIZARD! The Baddest Women on the Planet are in retreat from the Wicked Witches! Will Ronda & Shayna get beat at their own game?

WWE mourns the loss of The Iron Sheik.

Growing up in Iran, The Iron Sheik was as tough as they came. Sheik himself said that his country was known for two things: oil and wrestling. He was a wrestling champion in the Iranian National Army, then made the jump to sports entertainment. He used the political tension to become “one of the most despised villains” of his era. The flag, the clothes, the boots even. An impressive physique and strength, and his Camel Clutch was devastating. And in 1983, Sheik would shock the world by becoming a world champion. Sheik’s ability to get a strong reaction from fans was instrumental to bringing the WWE up in the 1980s.

Sheik’s impact and notoriety are undeniable, and he joined the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. From captivating persona to unparalleled charisma, the Iron Sheik’s legendary career puts him in a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Gone but never forgotten!

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Bayley w/ Iyo Sky VS Mia Yim w/ AJ Styles!

The Role Model already promised that Damage CTRL would dominate the Women’s MITB, win that briefcase, and then take a title for their own. Will Bayley be able to lead by example? Or will Michin take control of her own future?

SmackDown returns as Mia makes her entrance. The bell rings and Styles joins commentary, but Bayley throws a shirt at Mia! Bayley fires off with punches, they go out of the ring, and Bayley says she’s a genius! She SMACKS Mia off the desk, puts her in the ring, then mocks Styles’ pose. But then Mia DIVES out to wipe Bayley out! Fans fire up and Styles throws up the Too Sweet. Mia puts Bayley back in, Oklahoma Rolls, ONE! Another roll-up, ONE! Bayley staggers up, Mia trips her and fires off hands! The fans rally, Mia stacks to a cover, TWO! Mia drags Bayley up to CHOP! And haymaker! And repeat!

Mia has Bayley in a corner, fires off more, but the ref counts. Mia lets off, whips corner to corner, but Bayley reverses. Mia goes up and over and keeps moving, to duck ‘n ‘dodge and redirect to RANA! Bayley tumbles, fans fire up with Mia and she runs in, but Bayley puts her on the apron, Mia blocks, ROCKS, steps in and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Mia brings Bayley up and fires off Kawada Kicks! Bayley clutches her jaw as she goes to ropes, and she crawls to the apron. Mia storms up, the ref has her stay back to check on Bayley. But Bayley grins, she’s faking us out. But Mia BOOTS Bayley down first!

Mia didn’t fall for the tricks, and she has Bayley in the ropes. But Bayley pulls hair to RAM Mia into buckles! Styles protests, the fans boo, but Bayley hooks Mia up for a ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Styles is upset, but Bayley did what she promised to do. Wait, Scarlett Bordeaux is here! And she walks right up to Styles, to blow DUST in his face! Styles reels back, and KARRION KROSS is there! He grabs Styles in the KROSSJACKET!! Styles can only kick and flail. But Mia rushes over! Kross shoves styles down, scoops Scarlett up, and fans boo as Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday get away. Will Styles look for revenge once he can see again?

Bianca Belair paces in Adam Pearce’s office.

She asks him if this is for real. He understands. Bianca wants to get after Asuka, but tonight, she is being presented with a brand new Women’s Championship belt. Oh, that’s cute. But once Bianca gets her hands on Asuka, she’s taking that title. Right, but between that and the women’s tag title unification, there is a lot going on. All he is saying is that he is asking her not to attack Asuka tonight. With respect, that has nothing to do with her. You expect her to do nothing after what Asuka’s done to her? Asuka stole Bianca’s title and tried to blind her! He gets it, he gets it! But she is in line for a rematch, so just for tonight, leave it alone.

Bianca likes that news. Since she’s getting her rematch, cool, she’ll give Asuka her moment. She won’t get involved, because she has her rematch. What will this new title look like? We’re about to see because that is up next, after the break!

Styles regroups with The OC backstage.

Styles is furious at Kross, but the Good Brothers have him calm down. Mia tells Styles they’ll get Kross AND his ratty witch, Scarlett! Styles wonders what Scarlett even used on him! When and where will The OC get revenge?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of presenting the new WWE Women’s Championship. And so, without further ado, please join me in welcoming the current Raw Women’s Champion, the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka!” Fans cheer as Asuka makes her way out and Pearce says on behalf of the WWE, it is his pleasure to present the brand new WWE Women’s Championship. And yes, it is white strap with gold face plate to parallel Roman’s Universal Championship. Pearce takes the old belt, and helps Asuka put on this belt. But then CHARLOTTE FLAIR appears?! The Queen returns to step on the Empress’s moment!

Fans go wild as Charlotte struts her way to the ring, Asuka is upset and Pearce looks as if he should’ve known better. Charlotte enters the ring, gets a mic, and Pearce asks, “What’re we doing, Charlotte? Listen, I know what you’re trying to do. At least I think I do.” Charlotte has to get in line. Charlotte asks, “Excuse me? I don’t wait in line! I MADE the line!” Fans cheer that! And Charlotte gives a “WOO~!” Charlotte says hi to Asuka. And she says no one respects Asuka more than her. But she still wants the title, so she’s challenging Asuka for the title! Asuka tells Charlotte in Japanese to bring it on!

Oh really? YES! SHE ACCEPTS!! Fans like that, but Pearce wants everyone to hold no. Charlotte says when he makes this official, he can put the belt around her waist. Charlotte avoids the mist!! She SMACKS Asuka off the podium to then BOOT her down! Asuka bails out, the new belt around her waist, but what is Adam Pearce to do? Charlotte wants a shot, he promised Bianca a shot, and MITB is coming, who is getting their match with Asuka?

Heyman meets with Jey in the locker room.

Heyman says Jey got him. That was really slick. He left Heyman hanging, a cliffhanger makes for good TV. Heyman’s whole life has been a cliffhanger. But what Jey needs to put in Heyman’s hand now are his passport and suit measurements. Heyman planning a wedding or something? Oh, this is much bigger than that. The passport is because Jey is going to fly on the Tribal Chief’s private jet, which will one day be Jey’s private jet, all the way to the UK for MITB with Roman, Heyman and Solo. The measurements is cuz next week, live on SmackDown, they will have a TRIPLE celebration!

One: Roman Reigns will be here live, that is always a celebration. Two: the NEW United States Champion, The Right Hand Man, Jey Uso! And three: a public acknowledgment that Jey Uso shall be groomed by Roman himself as the NEXT Tribal Chief. And now… Jey says he loves it! Next week, big celebration, Main Event Jey is the new US Champion. Yes! Count him in! But OG, why you so happy? Jey pats him on the shoulder as he says that if he’s in the Bloodline, that means Heyman’s out. YEET. Jey heads out, and Heyman scowls. Is this all going to blow up in the Wise Man’s face?

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He explains the situation as best he can, but this opportunity fell right into their laps. If you’re asking him, why not make it the night before MITB? Oh but Bianca walks in… Pearce hangs up and says he’ll figure this out. He better. And just so he knows, when Bianca gets her payback, it’ll be justified. Will the EST have her revenge one way or another?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Baron Corbin VS Pete Dunne!

The Lone Wolf is already acting like the gatekeeper to the main roster with how he’s treating the superstars of NXT, but will he also be a gatekeeper on who gets into the MITB match? Or will the Bruiserweight break Corbin and head for a golden opportunity in his home country?

SmackDown returns and we see Trick Melo Gang is in the front row! Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams have beef with Corbin, so it makes sense they’d be here. Corbin makes his entrance and fans boo, as per usual. Corbin gets a mic and says he hopes Trick Melo Gang are enjoying the show, because he’s about to put on another one when he beats Butch right here and now to go on to win MITB again! And Corbin is surprised they showed up. Melo saw what happened on NXT, right? So stay on the other side of the barrier where it’s safe, because Corbin doesn’t wanna have to drop Melo again. So sit down like the fans they are, and watch as Corbin punches his ticket.

The bell rings, Dunne runs in to ENZIGURI! And GAMANGIRI! Dunne keeps moving, to GAMANGIRI again! And then he shoves Corbin down, goes up, and TORNADO DDTs! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is still in this but Dunne goes up top! MOONSAULT, but Dunne rolls through as Corbin moves. Dunne comes back, but into a BACKBREAKER! Corbin rains down fists, then CLUBS away on Dunne. Fans boo but Corbin lets off to glare at Melo. Fans boo more as Corbin whips and scoops, but Dunne slips free to ENZIGURI again! Corbin flops to the apron, Dunne goes after him! Dunne hooks an arm, bends the fingers, but Corbin throws elbows!

Corbin swings but Dunne gets that arm! Dunne bends, then SNAPS the fingers!! Corbin clutches that hand, but he still DECKS Dunne with it! Corbin taunts Melo, Melo taunts him back. Fans boo Corbin as Corbin says this is how the big boys play. Corbin choke grips but Dunne jumps up to drag him down! Dunne traps an arm and hooks a leg for a cradle, DUNNE WINS!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Corbin is stunned! Dunne snatches this away from him, and Trick Melo Gang tell him that’s what he gets! Will Dunne use this chance to become Mr. MITB? As for Corbin, he gets after Trick Melo Gang, the ref wants them to stay back, but Corbin DECKS Trick! So Melo DECKS Corbin! Corbin runs away, Trick Melo Gang jump the railing! Refs and security stop this from getting worse, but fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” Will Corbin return to NXT on Tuesday to finish this with HIM?

Backstage interview with The Brawling Brutes.

Megan Morant congratulates Butch on the big win to get into his first ever MITB ladder match. How is he feeling? Dunne says he’s coming home, and he’s taking that briefcase! Every night they’re in the UK, it’ll be FIGHT NIGHT! FIGHT NIGHT! FIGHT NIGHT! But Corbin storms over and complains that that was not fair! Melo was there, causing problems, but then Cameron Grimes CLOBBERS Corbin! The Lone Wolf has nothing but enemies around him, is it all going to catch up to him?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Iyo Sky w/ Bayley VS Shotzi Blackheart!

Bayley made it into the ladder match, now the Evil Genius has her chance! Will DMG CTRL take over the UK? Or will the Wild Child #TCB and move on to MITB?

SmackDown returns as Iyo makes her entrance, Bayley by her side. The bell rings and Bayley distracts Shotzi. The ref reprimands, Shotzi swipes at Bayley, but Iyo CLOBBERS Shotzi! Cover, ONE, but Iyo underhooks. Shotzi slips out of the bomb to KICK Iyo, reel her in, and snap suplex her into a corner! Shotzi runs in but into a BOOT! Iyo goes up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Shotzi’s arm! Iyo wrenches that arm, CLUBS away on it, then wrenches again. Iyo knuckle locks, goes up and up, then HOTSHOTS the arm! Shotzi staggers away, Iyo climbs, and Iyo leaps, but Shotzi avoids the missile dropkick! And then hits a SLING-DOG!

Shotzi runs to KNEE Iyo, ROCK her, QUESTION MARK KICK, and then TIGER PLEX! Iyo flounders to a corner, Shotzi runs in to CANNONBALL! Iyo bails out but Shotzi builds speed. Shotzi DIVES and takes Iyo out at the ramp! Fans fire up and Shotzi puts Iyo back in the ring. Bayley frowns as Shotzi goes up the corner. But then Bayley distracts again! Fans boo but Iyo SHOTEIS! Iyo goes up after Shotzi but Shotzi throws body shots! Shotzi SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Iyo, resets, but Bayley trips her up while the ref is checking Iyo! Fans boo but Iyo upts Shotzi in the drop zone. OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Big assist to Bayley, but the question is, did Bayley do that for Iyo? Or did she do that so she has an insurance policy in the ladder match?

Backstage interview with Austin Theory.

Kayla Braxton is with The Now, and asks him about tonight’s United States Championship match. How is he feeling? Well, that’s the thing. He was the last one to find out about that. Think about that! How disrespectful is that to the champ? But Roman Reigns pulls all the strings, does whatever he wants. Theory doesn’t make excuses. Sure, he had zero time to get ready, but all he gets are victories these days. And as far as tonight goes, Jey will get sent back to the Bloodline the failure that he is. Theory will beat him the same way he beat Cena at WrestleMania. And if Heyman is in need of a new client after tonight, then he’s invited to check out Austin Theory Live.

Kevin Owens meets with Sami backstage.

Kevin asks if Sami talked with Jey. Sami did. And how’d it go? Who knows. We’ll see. Then if that’s done, can they focus on the tag titles? Yes, of course. But then in walk Pretty Deadly. Sorry for interrupting, but Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have a quick question. When they come to SmackDown, have they ever thought about putting effort into how they look? Speaking of, how about defending those titles? Maybe against them? #YesBoy! But wait, Ridge Holland & Sheamus walk in. Pretty Deadly want a shot? Well, the Brawling Brutes think there should be a good ol’ fashioned fight to see who gets it.

Whoa, whoa, did someone mention a fight? Because Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows walk in, and say that the Good Brothers love a fight. Especially if it is for the tag titles. Hey, don’t leave the LWO out. Where’d Cruz & Wilde come from? And then with shout and a clap, in come the Street Profits! Montez Ford says if anyone’s getting a title shot, it’s them! But then Adam Pearce walks in to stop all the arguing. What’s going on here? Kevin explodes and says HE’LL tell Pearce what’s going on! He just wanted to have a chat with Sami, and then these guys showed up, and then them and them and them and everyone! They’re all too close, he can’t take it!!

Sami calms Kevin down, he has to think of his blood pressure. Sami explains that what Kevin’s trying to say is that apparently- EVERYONE WANTS A TITLE MATCH! That. Pearce says okay, let’s try this. Next week, a FIVE team gauntlet match. The winner will face Kevin & Sami for the titles. Everyone cheers, and Kevin says good, now leave them alone! Who from SmackDown will win their shot at the Undisputed Tag Team Championships?

Grayson Waller speaks.

“How does Grayson Waller wanna be remembered? That’s none of my concern, lad. History is nothing more than a set of lies agreed upon. But what I can promise you is I’ll never be untruthful to you. So let me tell you some absolutes. There is no one better in that ring than Grayson Waller. That entire locker room knows that I am the future of this company, and if they say otherwise, that is from fear or insecurity. But somehow, I’m the bad guy. I’m not evil! I’m inevitable. They paint me as a villain, I just autograph the artwork. And that is the Grayson Waller Effect.”

BREAKING NEWS on the various women’s title matches!

In three weeks, when SmackDown is in London, it will be Asuka VS Charlotte Flair for the brand new WWE Women’s Championship! Will the Queen once again take the throne? And in two weeks, the Women’s Tag Team Championship Unification happens! Will Ronda & Shayna or Alba & Isla be the first-ever Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Champions?

WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Jey Uso!

This match may be out of nowhere, and it may only be as a bribe to get The Right Hand Man to stay with the Bloodline, but will #MainEventJey still become a singles champion? Or will Theory stay The Now of the WWE?

SmackDown returns as Theory makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see the future unfold before our eyes!

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Theory headlocks, Jey powers up and out, but Theory runs him over! Theory talks trash, things speed up, and Jey CLOBBERS Theory! Theory goes to ropes, Jey runs in to clothesline Theory up and out! Fans fire up with Jey and chant “USO! USO!” Jey goes out, brings Theory up, and TOSSES him over the desk! Fans fire up more as Jey stands on the desk! Main Event Jey is in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Theory has Jey in a chinlock. Fans rally up for Jey as he fights up to his feet. Jey throws body shots, then haymakers! Theory throws the haymakers back, he and Jey go back and forth! Fans rally up, the two throw hands faster and faster, then Jey ducks to POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory flounders away to a corner while Jey keeps his cool. Jey says “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs corner to corner, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Theory then goes to the apron, slingshot somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory is upset but the count was fair.

Fans rally, but Theory brings Jey up. Theory suplexes but Jey wrenches free. Theory dodges to CLUB Jey in the back! Theory torture racks, TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Theory is furious! Fans rally for Jey but Theory says it’s time! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN- NO! Jey slips free, mule kicks and UPPERCUTS! Theory BOOTS in return, then he blocks a kick! But not the DRAGON WHIP! Theory comes back to ROCK Jey, but Jey comes back to SUPERKICK! Theory falls into the ref!! Jey goes up, USO SPLASH! Cover, but no ref! Jey would’ve won twice over by now!

But wait, Pretty Deadly are here! They CLOBBER Jey! Kit & Elton are watching the back of their new pal, but wait! JIMMY is here! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Kit, and brawls with Elton! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Elton! Jimmy watches the back of his brother! But Solo CLOBBERS Jimmy!! The Enforcer still has his mission to get rid of the betrayer! But Jey stops Solo from hitting the spike! Solo shoves Jey away, but then dodges as Jimmy rushes in! The SUPERKICK hits JEY!! Jimmy is stunned, but Solo runs in! Jimmy TOSSES Solo out, then PLANCHAS! The brothers all take each other out, Theory capitalizes! Theory covers, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Fans boo as Theory survives again! This already ruins the Tribal Chief’s idea of a triple celebration, but what about everything else? Solo stands with Heyman at the ramp while Jimmy gets in the ring to check on Jey. Jey is frustrated, but Jimmy does his best to apologize. The fans cheer for the Usos, but Jey shoves Jimmy?! Jimmy explains it was all an accident, but Jey storms out of the ring. Jey looks to Heyman who shrugs and says he’s sorry. Jey just moves on past Heyman, but Heyman puts in a call to Roman Reigns. Jey hasn’t made a decision, but are things going according to plan?

My Thoughts:

Another great SmackDown with a lot set up as we approach MITB. Really good MITB qualifiers, though maybe a little surprising in some ways. I didn’t think Bayley was going to win, if only because I expected another instance where she would be envious of Iyo Sky and passive aggressively cost her. But instead, Bayley wins with some shenanigans and is also in. Scarlett & Kross going after Styles here was a nice touch, and we’re definitely getting Mia going after Scarlett in return. Sky VS Shotzi was also a good match, and so far, Iyo Sky feels like a favorite to win the Women’s MITB. But at the same time, the DMG CTRL break-up feels like it’s coming, so maybe Bayley and Iyo cancel out and someone else wins.

Escobar VS Ali was a great match, and LA Knight was pretty good on commentary. I figured with Ali as an NXT “callback,” it’d be Escobar winning this match. Likewise, with Corbin also hanging around NXT, Dunne winning made sense. I thought Grimes was going to be more involved but it ended up being Corbin getting cocky talking trash to Melo that cost him. I did like that Grimes got at Corbin backstage, so that Grimes and Corbin can feud on SmackDown while Corbin also loses to Melo in NXT. Dunne is going to have that London crowd fired up, but I can’t be sure he wins MITB given all the other great names in the match.

Hilarious promo with all the tag teams of SmackDown. Short tempered Kevin Owens is hilarious, too. But a gauntlet match seems like a letdown to me. Sure, it fills time, but there’s only so much that can happen with that format. And a lot of the time, it feels like the teams that are in the second half are the winners. But of the five teams in that match, Pretty Deadly are the likeliest winners, given how they’re literally the only Heels in that bunch and the champions are Faces. But even then, I don’t see Pretty Deadly winning. Yes, they’re great, but Kevin & Sami are even better and deserve to explore the possibilities on Raw, SmackDown, and maybe even in NXT.

Big stuff is happening with the various women’s titles, too. I had a feeling we’d get an interaction of Ronda & Shayna with Alba & Isla at some point, but having it right now is surprising. Title unification also felt like the logical step, but I don’t know if two weeks gives enough real build. Unless Isla & Alba do spooky scary things on Raw to mess with Ronda & Shayna. As I said before, Shayna has had run-ins with the supernatural, it might get to her, but I feel like Ronda’s gonna no sell that stuff.

What a legit surprise that Asuka is getting THE WWE Women’s Championship without even once confronting or being confronted by Rhea. How’s Rhea gonna respond on Monday? But not big surprise, Charlotte returns to get right into the title scene. Bianca is understandably upset by that, but I suppose she’s getting the winner of Asuka VS Charlotte at some point, like at SummerSlam in Detroit. Asuka VS Charlotte in a few weeks will be awesome, could go either way, but I would prefer Asuka wins so that Charlotte doesn’t just immediately get to her 15th reign. At least, I think it’s 15, I forget how WWE is counting things.

And of course, great stuff in the Bloodline story. Did not think Roman via Heyman would try to bribe Jey. But I liked how Jey was throwing the mind games back at Heyman. Honestly, yeah, if Jey replaces Roman, the day that happens, Jey would just pardon Jimmy and fire Heyman to start things fresh. But anyway, great main event match, and of course it got overbooked. Theory & Pretty Deadly are sticking together since they’re all egomaniacs, and then Jimmy helping Jey backfires, all classic pro-wrestling tropes. I would think Jey still chooses Jimmy, but maybe he can string Roman along next week into thinking Jey’s “fallen in line.” Then surprise! Usos ruin things for Roman on his celebrating of whatever, then tag match of Usos VS Roman & Solo.

My Score: 8.7/10