One way or another, LWO wins!

Austin Theory will defend his United States Championship against a member of the Latino World Order, but will it be Rey Mysterio or Santos Escobar?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Invitational Finals: Santos Escobar VS Rey Mysterio; Escobar wins and will challenge Austin Theory for the title in two weeks.
• LA Knight VS Ashante THEE Adonis w/ Hit Row; Knight wins.
• Bianca Belair & Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green; Bianca & Charlotte win.
• Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Karl Anderson w/ The OC; Kross wins.
• Jey Uso VS Grayson Waller; Jey wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

“Main Event” Jey Uso is in the ring!

New Orleans cheers as #TheRealChief is here, and he has the mic to say, “Hey, hey! Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city!” But then here comes ROMAN REIGNS! Jey stares at the stage as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion leads Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa out. Fans are torn but plenty still throw up the ones with Roman for the pyro. Roman smirks as he continues down the ramp, Heyman holding on tight to the red lei that represents being Tribal Chief. Heyman holds it up as Roman steps into the ring. Roman smiles as he raises the belt for the second round of pyro. Jey stays in the corner while Heyman hands Roman the mic.

Roman hears the fans chant “USO! USO!” but Roman says, “Nawlins…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn but the “USO!” chant returns. Jey steps forward and Roman says, “You wanna know what you like the Usos? Because of me!” Fans boo but Roman tells Lil’ Jey he must’ve forgot that The Tribal Chief was scheduled to appear, and that means the Tribal Chief opens up his show. Lil Jey is forgetful, but Roman will remind him. Why do you think they called Jey the Right Hand Man? Because Roman made him that! Why does you think he’s Main Event Jey Uso? Because Roman made him that!

Fans boo more but Roman says that now that Jey doesn’t have any of that, he’s trying to do what Roman does, he’s trying to be Head of the Table. Jey thinks he’s the face of the WWE? Does Jey think he’s Tribal Chief now? Jey shakes his head, and says no, he never wanted any of that. Roman rolls his eyes but Jey says he’s serious. All Jey did for Roman was watch his back. Do what family do. Jey supported Roman! He was Roman’s right hand man for three YEARS! Through the mud, through the trenches, no questions asked, cuz he believed in Roman! He believed Roman could lead this company, and more importantly, lead the family.

“But you broke this family. And now I gotta do what I have to do, Uce.” Roman broke the family, broke the Bloodline, and he broke Jimmy! And it is all Roman’s fault! Roman laughs and tells the fans to shut up, but they boo him. Jey says it IS that way, though. Roman says he won’t take that blame, that’s on Jey. That’s Jeys’ fault! Jey’s jealously brought this on Jimmy! As soon as Jimmy got hurt, what’d Jey do? He asked for a title match! Because Jey is selfish! Backtrack to three years ago. The only reason Jey became the Right Hand Man is because Jimmy was hurt. If Jimmy wasn’t hurt, Jey didn’t have a chance! Jey took that from Jimmy!

Roman says Jey doesn’t even get it! Jey is gonna be all alone. Jey screwed his twin brother. His younger brother loves and respects Roman more than he does Jey. So when Roman beats Jey, Jey’s done! Outta here! Wiped off the face of the earth! No longer part of the history! DONE! As the Wise Man might say, let’s turn every stone, let’s think hypothetically. Let’s just say Jey actually beats Roman. That means Jey takes the Universal title, the leil, and everything from Roman. Roman will no longer be Tribal Chief cuz of Jey. But in the end, Roman will always be Roman. So that means he can do whatever it is he wants!

But Jey… Nah, Jey ain’t got anybody. He’s got nothing! The fact Jey still wants to do this blows Roman’s mind. He doesn’t get it! Lil Jey can’t beat Roman, so what is going on in his mind? Cuz Roman can’t understand how Jey thinks he can beat Roman! Fans are riled up, Heyman is laughing, but the “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” chants echo out. Jey tells Roman, “It’s because I already beat you. I pinned you. I’m the only one to do it. And at SummerSlam…” Jey steps in real close and puts a hand on Roman’s shoulder. “I’ma beat you again.” Fans fire up and Roman is scowling. Jey’s confidence is not shook, will he tear down Roman Reigns, ego and all?

Jey is feeling good backstage.

And then he comes across Grayson Waller. Uce, Waller loved the passion! It was so invigorating! It gave Waller an idea. Win or lose at SummerSlam–and just between them, Jey’s gonna lose–but afterwards, how about the Grayson Waller rub? Be on Waller’s talk show! The Grayson Waller Effect, with special guest: Lil Jey! How’s that sound? Great, right? Jey laughs it up with Waller, then UPPERCUTS Waller! Waller just never learns, does he?

WWE United States Championship Invitational Finals: Santos Escobar VS Rey Mysterio!

The Emperor of Lucha Libre won the first Fatal 4 Way qualifier, and then went after Austin Theory for trying to keep the King of Lucha Libre from winning the second. Then Escobar would beat Theory that same night in non-title action! Can Escobar beat his mentor and role model to get another shot at The Now? Or will Mysterio prove he is still the best luchador today?

SmackDown returns as Escobar makes his entrance. The two shake hands to show there is respect, and they say that tonight, they give it their all. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Escobar waistlocks and rolls Rey up, ONE! Escobar holds onto Rey, Rey wrenches out, but Escobar trips him. Escobar hits a spinning toehold, then ties Rey up in a deathlock! Escobar rolls Rey around, has the Butterfly Deathlock now, but up in the skybox is Theory. Theory is watching, big bucket of popcorn on hand. Rey moves around but Escobar inside cradles, TWO! The two say it was that close, and they reset.

The two knuckle lock, Escobar wrenches and wrangles Rey with a top wristlock. Rey fights up, Escobar shoots to a waistlock to SLAM Rey down! Rey kips up, spins out, but Escobar dodges the punch to KICK a leg! Rey SLAPS Escobar! Rey wants Escobar to bring it, so Escobar SLAPS back! Escobar headlocks. Rey powers out, things speed up, and Rey dropkicks legs out! Escobar ends up on the ropes, but he hurries out before Rey can dial it up. But then Rey FLIES out onto Escobar! Direct hit and fans fire up with Rey as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Escobar runs in at the corner but is put on the apron! Rey ROCKS Escobar, HIP TOSSES him in, and fans fire up! Escobar gets up, Rey runs back in, but now Escobar puts Rey on the apron! Escobar ROCKS Rey but Rey ROCKS Escobar! Rey goes up, FLYING SEATED SENTON! Things keep moving, springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Escobar stays in this. Theory is munching popcorn but he isn’t amused. Rey drags Escobar up, whips him to ropes, but Escobar reverses. Rey dodges but Escobar CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again!

Rey goes to a corner now, Escobar runs in but is put on the apron again. But this time, Escobar GAMANGIRIS Rey! Escobar climbs up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey hangs tough. Escobar rises, Rey follows, and fans rally while Theory keeps on munching. Rey flops over, Escobar storms over, but Rey KANGAROO KICKS! Escobar gets annoyed, he blocks the next kick and he spins Rey around! Rey keeps Escobar back with a monkey flip to a sunset flip! TWO!! Escobar escapes and both men look at the other. Fans rally up, Rey runs in, and Rey shoves to then follow. Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER from Escobar! Cover, TWO!

Escobar is seeing firsthand how tough Rey is, which is why Rey is a Hall of Famer. Fans rally up, Escobar pushes Rey over and gets the legs to CATAPULT! Rey goes up the corner! Escobar grabs at Rey but Rey fires hands! Escobar CLUBS Rey, Electric Chair Lifts, but Rey grabs ropes! Rey RANAS Escobar out, but he holds on! Escobar still has Rey up, but Rey SPINNING RANAS! Escobar hits the apron! Fans fire up as Rey hurries in and builds speed! Rey SLIDING FLOPS as Escobar moves! Escobar builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL! Direct hit and fans fire up, but Theory acts unimpressed as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns yet again, and medics are checking Rey. Escobar keeps fans rallying for “L! W! O!” Flashbacks suggest that maybe Rey took a harder fall than originally thought from the Arrow from Hell Tope. The ref goes out, and she calls it. The announcement is made, Rey cannot continue, so Escobar wins by default!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by referee stoppage (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE United States Champion)

Escobar is frustrated, he wanted to have a true classic with his mentor. He and Rey hug it out, and now Rey wants Escobar to take that title off Theory. Escobar beat Theory last week, will he do it again in two weeks for the gold?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

Kayla Braxton is with The EST and says we are just eight days away from SummerSlam. Bianca will be in a Triple Threat for the WWE Women’s Championship, where is her mind? The numbers don’t favor anyone in a Triple Threat, but Bianca stays ready so she doesn’t have to get ready, and oh… Here come Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green. And Chelsea says, “Did I just hear ‘numbers?'” Normally, math isn’t her thing, but Triple Threat is three. Try this number: 11. Sonya loves that number. Cuz that’s the number of days the two of them have been tag team champions. For that matter, that’s the number of days they’ve gone without a celebration!

Chelsea says that is very insulting. They are the best women’s tag team ever, after all. Champ Chelsea asks Champ Sonya, “Y’know what really gives me the ick?” “The fact that Bianca Belair is no longer champion but the attention’s still all on her?” They laugh about that, and much like on Raw, Chelsea says if SmackDown isn’t about Bianca, it’s about Charlotte, and if it’s not about Charlotte it’s about Bianca. But hey, Champ Sonya, who is Chelsea being? She strikes a pose, and Sonya says that’s Charlotte! Bianca says don’t be disrespectful. First off, you’re already interrupting Bianca’s interview.

But if you wanna keep on talking, let’s have our own Triple Threat! This is three, since they’re so good at math! Oh, relax, Bianca, relax. But then in steps Charlotte! Now that’s four. And look at these bullies! Gossiping behind Charlotte’s back no less. She can’t let Bianca get outnumbered, she needs to be 100% for SummerSlam. So wanna tag up against the new champs? Bianca repeats, “Tag with you? Girl I love you, but girl, uh-uh!” Well that makes Charlotte just wanna team up more. She’s gonna go find Adam Pearce. Tootles. Whoa, wait, what? The Queen and EST head out, and the tag champs are trying to catch up. Will the number 11 end up bad luck from now on?

Hit Row is here!

Top Dolla, B-Fab & Ashante THEE Adonis are in the ring, and Adonis says Dolla should spit somethin’ for ’em. “But make sure you say it really, really slowly so they can understand.” B-Fab says that’s a good idea. Do it letter by letter or something. Dolla says he only needs two bars to get it live. Two words for Louisiana: ROLL TIDE! HEY~! Fans boo but wait! L A KNIGHT is here! Fans explode as The Megastar makes his way down to the ring, ready for a match! But first, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight hears the “YEAH~!” echo out, and he wants us to wait a minute. He knew Will Smith was in the game, but who knew Uncle Phil became a rapper.

Who hotta than Top Dolla? A lotta lotta, YEAH! And what was that he said before they got back on air? New Orleans is corny? But he isn’t sure, the way B-Fab’s been going, she might have a tingle in tha loins, she might be HORNY! YEAH~! Knight steps into the ring and says business before pleasure, and business is with “Shante.” So tell you what, a lot of people claim to be undeniable and inevitable. Knight LIVES it! And that means tonight, Adonis can be the next go get dropped on his head, with everybody saying “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Will the Megastar be the one dropping bars when he drops Adonis?

LA Knight VS Ashante THEE Adonis w/ Hit Row!

The bell rings and the two approach. Dolla storms up to the apron and that distracts Knight, and Adonis attacks! Adonis fires off hands, body shots, and haymakers! Knight staggers, Adonis CLUBS Knight to ropes and then CHOKES him! Dolla says LA is gonna get beat in a New York minute! Adonis lets off as the ref counts, fans rally for Knight, but Adonis CHOKES Knight again! The ref counts, Adonis lets off, but then he HOTSHOTS Knight! And then B-Fab distracts to Dolla can get a cheap shot in! Adonis covers, TWO! Adonis puts Knight in a corner, UPPERCUTS, then he runs corner to corner, but misses the splash! Knight hits the NECKBREAKER!

Fans are all fired up but Dolla gets on the apron! Knight DECKS him! Adonis runs in but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up again and they spell it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG ELBOW DROP! Kick and B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

And it was a good night for LA Knight, and he is gaining momentum! Will it only be a matter of time before he wins the big one?

Adam Pearce finds Jey backstage.

Pearce says after what happened earlier, Waller has been beating down the door looking for a match with Jey. Oh, well, Waller has been running his mouth. Jey will make it nice and quick. Yeet. Pearce says it’s official then. Main Event Jey will take on the Aussie Icon, will Waller be a nice tune-up for facing the Tribal Chief?

The Street Profits are having a good time.

Montez Ford thanks Bobby Lashley and says they really appreciate this. Lashley appreciates them meeting with him again. Last week, he also talked with Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes, those guys had a lot of great things to say about the Profits. As they should, since they’re stars. These two should be treated as such, and they should dress like stars. Lashley and Ford slowly look over at Dawkins, who is swirling his wine while in sneakers and a hoodie. Oh, what? Him? Especially him, man! What do they got against sweats? Nothing! But um… Here’s something a little more fitting.

Lashley calls in some assistants, and courtesy of the All Mighty, a whole new wardrobe! Well thank you, fam! Are the Street Profits going to be rolling in style now that they’re with Lashley?

Bianca Belair & Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green!

The EST & The Queen are both going to be facing The Empress of Tomorrow in just eight days, and that match will surely be every woman for herself. However, can they hold it together here to humble the Complaint Department?

SmackDown returns as Bianca makes her entrance to join Charlotte, then Champ Sonya & Champ Chelsea make their entrance. The teams sort out and the bell rings as Chelsea starts against Bianca. The two tie up, go around, and Bianca headlocks. Chelsea powers out but Bianca runs her over! Fans fire up with Bianca and she says kiss this. Bianca runs, Charlotte sneaks a tag and then Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea! Charlotte says bye to Bianca as she then wraps Chelsea in a headscissors. Charlotte dribbles Chelsea off the m at like that! Then she THRWOS Chelsea, turns over, and THRWOS Chelsea again!

Charlotte kips up and fans “WOO~” with the Queen. But Chelsea BOOTS back! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS, then she brings Chelsea out. Bianca tags in, she takes the handoff and wrenches Chelsea’s arm. Chelsea stomps a foot and wrenches back! Fans rally for Bianca and she scoops to SLAM Chelsea! Chelsea scrambles away to tag Sonya! Sonya runs in, into a scoop and SLAM! Bianca runs the other way, handsprings to knock Chelsea down and then MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Bianca brings Sonya up, but Sonya throws body shots! Fans boo as Sonya fires off in the corner, and the ref counts.

Sonya lets off to soak up the heat, and then she brings Bianca up. Sonya whips corner to corner, Bianca goes up and over and handsprings away to then DROPKICK back! Bianca kips up and fans fire up! Bianca has Sonya in a corner, she climbs up, and she rains down fists! Fans count along but Chelsea storms in at 5! Bianca backflips up and over Chelsea! Then whips Chelsea out of the ring! Sonya runs in to BOOT Bianca! Even Charlotte felt that one! Cover, TWO! Bianca is hanging in there as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sonya has Bianca down with a cravat neck wrench. Fans rally, Bianca endures and fights her way around, and Bianca gets to her feet. Bianca pries free to arm-drag Sonya! Sonya runs back in to BOOT Bianca back down! Tag to Chelsea, she and Sonya mug Bianca. Chelsea whips Sonya in but Bianca ELBOWS her! Chelsea runs in but Bianca BOOTS her! Bianca dodges them both now, but Sonya gets a leg to keep Bianca from Charlotte! The Complaint Department double kick, then double suplex! But Bianca fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX the champs! Fans fire up as Bianca crawls! Hot tag to Charlotte!

Fans fire up as Charlotte climbs and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up even more as she CHOPS away on Chelsea! The “WOO~!” echoes out with every CHOP! Charlotte then scoops and carries Chelsea around, for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up and the fans fire up with Charlotte again! Charlotte handsprings in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte is amused. Charlotte storms after Chelsea but Chelsea holds ropes. Chelsae ELBOWS Charlotte, tags Sonya, and then Cheslea runs in. SPEAR from Charlotte, and she dodges the knee! Roll-up, TWO!! Charlotte scoops to a FALL AWAY SLAM!

Sonya staggers up, Charlotte trips her! Step through but Sonya BOOTS Charlotte into buckles! Bianca returns and tags back in! The EST rallies with big shoulders and a dropkick! And then a kip up! Fans fire up as Bianca reels Sonya in, BIG suplex! Fans fire up and Bianca runs in to RAM into Sonya! Bianca climbs up, and she rains down fists! Bianca goes all the way to TEN, then keeps going! But Sonya slips out at 12 to YANK Bianca down by her hair! The ref reprimands, Sonya whips, Bianca dodges, but Chelsea tags in! SPINEBUSTER for Sonya, then HANDSPRING, but Chelsea trips her!

Chelsea gets the arms, turns Bianca, but Charlotte drags Sonya out! Bianca powers out, Chelsea hits buckles! Torture rack, and Charlotte tags in! Bianca is upset by that, but Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea off Bianca’s shoulders! Charlotte says go on, get. Sonya drags Bianca out! Charlotte covers, she and Bianca still win!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair, by pinfall

The team was dysfunctional the whole time, and yet they somehow won! Bianca is upset, but now she doesn’t have to worry about getting along anymore. Will she beat Charlotte AND Asuka in one match? Or will it be the other way around?

Bayley finishes watching this backstage.

She laughs, it is so embarrassing seeing other people try. But then Iyo Sky walks in. She asks Bayley why she ditched her last week. They talked about this! Bayley didn’t leave Sky, she was going to get the keys from the valet so Sky wouldn’t have to wait. Everyone knows how long that all takes, right? Sky doesn’t accept that. But Bayley admits that after Shotzi’s creepy video, it was best they got their things and left. And good thing they did, right? Cuz Sky’s stuff was fine, but Shotzi got to Bayley’s.

Speaking of… Bayley opens her backpack to find a message on construction paper. It has magazine clippings of eyes and smiling mouths, and in very ransom-letter style, “Bayley! See You Soon!” The green hair taped to it makes it clear Shotzi sent it. SEE?! Sky agrees, this is bad. But then in walks Asuka! And she says “Iyo-chan, Iyo-chan.” She will face two of the best ever at SummerSlam in Charlotte and Bianca. But you can’t even get past Shotzi! Iyo-chan, Iyo-chan, Iyo-chan! If she is thinking about cashing in, Asuka will make sure she regrets it forever! Forever, forever, FOR! EVER!

Sky tells “Asuka-nee-san,” Sky does respect you, but it won’t matter who wins at SummerSlam. Because Sky will be leaving as the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! So be careful, nee-san! Sky laughs, and Bayley tries to do the same taunt but Asuka scares her off. With all this chaos going on, who comes out on top in the end?

BREAKING NEWS for SummerSlam!

As if the Biggest Party of the Summer wasn’t big enough, now there will be a MEN’S BATTLE ROYAL on the card! Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown competing for dominance!

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He is talking with someone about said battle royal, and has them picture it: The SummerSlam Battle Royal, sponsored by Slim Jim. And yes, he is working on who is in it by next week. But in walks LA Knight! Pearce finishes his phone call and Knight wants to talk with him. “After last week’s debacle, you’re looking at what? SummerSlam, the United States Championship? The biggest misstep not having the one guy, the biggest rising star in WWE history, not having that match. Let’s make that right. I tell ya how we do that! The Slim Jim Battle Royal? You wanna make that mean something? Then there’s only one man who can be in that and you’re looking at him. We’re talking about L A Knight.”

But then Sheamus steps in! And what’s the crack? The Brawling Brutes heard Knight blabbing all the way from Bourbon Street. Pearce, tell Mr. Catchphrases that the battle royal can’t go on just promos. You gotta fight like your bleedin’ life depends on it. And when it comes to promos, the Brutes here have a line of their own. It goes BANGER! AFTER BANGER! AFTER BANGER! AFTER BANGER! Knight says the only thing getting banged is Sheamus upside his head courtesy of Knight! Pearce says here’s this: they’re both officially in the battle royal! And next week, we see who walks into SummerSlam with momentum.

So wait, next week is Knight VS “This marble mouth?” Sheamus says YEAH! The Celtic Warrior heads out, but will he be ready for Fight Knight?

Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.

Cathy Kelley interrupts Waller warming up to ask that now he has the match, is he concerned that he has provoked Jey? Provoked?! Waller did nothing to deserve that cheap shot! He was just trying to be a good bloke, promote his show, and that’s what he gets. But that’s okay, cuz Jey’s gonna pay! Jey’s so stressed about Roman Reigns and the Bloodline, and the biggest match of his career at SummerSlam. So he ain’t ready for the Grayson Waller Effect. The 21st Century Success Story thinks he can bring down #TheRealChief, but will he be the one getting got?

Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Karl Anderson w/ The OC!

To ruin the Phenomenal One’s chances of becoming champion, Mr. Doomsday went after his Good Brothers! And while AJ Styles wants to break Kross for it, the Machine Gun wants the first shot! Will Anderson make sure to leave Styles something to mop up? Or will Anderson #FallAndPray?

SmackDown returns as The OC is backstage, hyping Anderson up. Styles says they have his back, but then Karl says he appreciates that. But this tonight is personal. He needs them to let him do this on his own. Styles says okay, and the OC throw up the Too Sweet. Will Anderson really be okay riding solo when Kross always has Scarlett?

The bell rings and Anderson UPPERCUTS! And fires off haymaker! The ref counts, Kross shoves Anderson away but Anderson dodges his haymaker to CHOP! Anderson fires off forearms and CHOPS, but Kross TOSSES Anderson! Anderson UPPERCUTS back, and UPPERCUTS again! And again! Anderson CHOPS but Kross knees low. Kross runs in, but into BOOTS! Anderson goes up and leaps, FLYING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Anderson grows frustrated but he fires off on Kross in a corner! The ref counts, Scarlett doesn’t like this, but Anderson claws at Kross! The ref backs Anderson off and checks Kross.

Scarlett trips Anderson up behind the ref’s back! Anderson glares at Scarlett but Kross KICKS Anderson’s leg out! Fans boo but Kross runs in to clothesline !AN elbow! And ROLLING ELBOW! Kross eggs Anderson on, then reels him in, while calling out Styles! DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! Kross throws off the elbow pads and he winds the hands of time. Anderson stands up, KROSS HAMER!! Anderson flounders, Scarlett wants Kross to end this! Kross pump handles, lifts, and then spins Anderson for a DDT!! The Final Prayer! Cover, Kross wins!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by pinfall

The devious duo celebrates, but then Kross wraps on the KROSSJACKET!! Kross shouts for Styles to look what he did! But here comes Styles & The OC!! They run Kross & Scarlett off! Styles dares Kross to fight now! Kross & Scarlett retreat, but this battle isn’t over. When and where will Styles settle this with Kross?

The Bloodline is in the private suite.

Roman sits and stews while Solo is stoic. They then hear the music hit, and are ready to watch the main event. Will Jey humble Waller before he goes to humble the Head of the Table?

Jey Uso VS Grayson Waller!

SmackDown returns and Waller makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Waller and Jey tie up, and Jey powers Waller to ropes. The ref counts, Waller complains, but Jey lets off at 3. They reset, tie up again, and Waller headlocks. Waller grinds the hold but Jey powers up and out. Waller runs Jey over, runs again but Jey drops to then CLOBBER Waller! Waller flounders to a corner, and fans “UCE! SO!” with Jey. Jey storms up but Waller dropkicks legs out! Jey hits buckles and Waller stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts as Waller digs his knee in, but Waller lets off at 4.

Waller stomps Jey then CLUBS him! Waller drags Jey up, HEADBUTTS, but that hurts Waller more! Never headbutt a Samoan! Jey scoops to SLAM Waller! Jey then stomps Waller down! Fans rally and Jey eggs Waller on. Jey clamps onto Waller’s head, CLUBS away on him, and he brings Waller up. But Waller knees low! Waller CLUBS Jey, jams his knee in again and again, then smothers Jey into the mat! Waller says he does what he wants! The ref reprimands, Waller lets off, and Waller blocks a kick! But the DRAGON WHIP hits! Waller goes to a corner and sits down! Fans fire up and Jey grins. “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!”

Jey aims, but here comes Roman! At least, his music hits. Jey is skeptical, but then Roman, Heyman and Solo all appear! Jey shakes his head, turns around, into a LEG LARIAT! Waller takes control as Roman watches on, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again, and Waller has Jey in a cravat neck wrench. Roman has taken a seat at ringside, Heyman watching Roman while Solo watches Jey. Jey endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Waller shakes his head but Jey throws body shots! And then JAWBREAKERS free! Waller staggers, goes to a corner, and Jey hoists Waller up! Jey climbs up after him, they brawl up top, and Waller ROCKS Jey, then DECKS him! Waller goes along the ropes, KOBE! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jey is still in this and Roman is annoyed. Waller rains down forearms on Jey, then shouts, “You wanna disrespect me?!”

Waller scuffs Jey, and Roman is amused. Jey goes to ropes, he smirks back at Roman, and he dodges the Leg Lariat to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Roman isn’t happy anymore as Jey fireman’s carries! But Waller slips free, shoves Jey, and SPINEBUSTERS! Roman’s happy again. But then Waller, continuing to call out The Rock past social media, takes off the elbow pad! Roman is actually very amused as Waller runs to do the People’s Elbow but misses! Jey then fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up and join in on “UCE! SO!” Jey runs in but Waller avoids the hip attack! Waller somersaults, but into a SUPERKICK!

Fans fire up with Jey and he stares Roman down. Jey then sees Waller go to the other corner, and Roman scowls as Jey runs in, TO SPEAR!!! Fans are thunderous as Jey uses Roman’s own move! Jey asks what’s up, Uce?! Jey then goes up top, aims, USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey wins!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

Roman is no longer amused. Main Event Jey takes ownership of that nickname, but here comes Solo! Solo attacks Jey and stomps away on him! Solo shows the thumb, and Roman gives the nod. Solo drags Jey up, for the SAMOAN- NO, Jey dodges! SUPERKICK!! Roman gets up now and runs in, but Jey blows past Roman! SPEAR!!! JEY SPEARS ROMAN!!! Heyman is stunned as Jey drags Roman into the drop zone! Jey climbs up, but Solo returns to SHOVE Jey down! Jey hotshots off ropes, and Solo drags him up! URENAGE!! Solo drags Jey up again, prepares the thumb, and Roman stands up.

Fans boo as Roman shakes out the cobwebs. Roman is all fired up, and he coordinates with Solo! “OOAH!!” SPEAR SPIKE COMBO!! Fans boo as the Tribal Chief and his Enforcer stand tall over Jey, with Roman holding up both title and lei. “You want this, huh?! This is what it’s all about!!” Jey wants it, but he can’t handle it! Fans boo more, and they chant “YOU GOT PINNED! YOU GOT PINNED!” Roman is furious hearing that, and he has Solo get Jey back up! “OOOAH~!!” SPEAR SPIKE COMBO AGAIN!! Fans boo even harder but Roman just soaks it all up as he holds both prizes up. Will Solo help Roman destroy Jey once and for all at SummerSlam? Or can Jey still find a way?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for SmackDown, a lot of stuff paved for SummerSlam and even past SummerSlam here. As always, great stuff from the Bloodline, and good bookending of the night. That opening promo segment was great with Jey have such a great line to leave it on. Waller getting smacked for talking smack was great, and naturally that turns into the main event match. Jey wins but Roman stands tall, but we still have the go-home next week to figure into the “math.” I hope that by Roman rubbing in that Jey is alone, Jimmy makes a great return at SummerSlam to help Jey, mostly to counteract Solo’s involvement.

The US Championship contender’s match was off to an awesome start, so it is a shame Rey goes down with what was at least a concern of a concussion. Escobar VS Theory rematch in two weeks is going to be great stuff, but it is interesting that we’re not getting a US title match on SummerSlam. Instead, we’re getting a battle royal. Now, I do understand that being a battle royal, it gets a lot of people on the Premium Live Event to get them paid, and that can be where a lot of midcard stories have it out. We know Knight and Sheamus are in it, and Knight VS Sheamus will be great. I bet we also get Bronson Reed, Nakamura, Ciampa, Miz, maybe even Gargano, just a lot of guys who need to be on our screens more.

Great little moment with Lashley & The Profits as we get closer and closer to the New Yet Not Hurt Business faction. And with Melo & Trick involved, is this a sign that Melo doesn’t win at Great American Bash so that he and Trick can jump right into this faction with Lashley & The Profits? That’d be a great tradeoff for Trick Melo Gang. Melo has had NXT’s top title and North American title, and the tag division is getting too crowded for Trick Melo Gang to get those titles to make Melo a Triple Crown Champion. Instead, they can help Lashley’s new group conquer the tag division while Lashley is top title guy, and heck, Profits can be singles guys now so that one of them (probably Ford) gets the US title.

Kross borderline squashes Karl Anderson, which is a shame for Karl, he’s better than this but apparently that’s only when he’s not in WWE. Kross angers Styles, they might be in the battle royal, they probably have a grudge match post-SummerSlam where it’s like No Disqualifications or a Steel Cage, meaning Scarlett still interferes but Mia Yim counters her again. Either way, Styles should win and move on to a title. There’s also a lot of potential for faction matches, like OC VS LWO, OC VS Theory & Pretty Deadly, or OC VS Brawling Brutes. Now only one of those is Faces VS Heels, but anything could happen.

And great stuff in the women’s division for tonight. Chelsea & Sonya put their feet in their mouths as they have been going, but at least they’re traveling champions. Great match with them against Charlotte & Bianca, with a nice little twist on the usual “can they coexist?” cliché. And great stuff from DMG CTRL and Asuka backstage. Shotzi continues to creep Bayley out without even having to be there, can’t wait for Shotzi to strike in person. And nice interaction between Asuka and Iyo to further play off their history, as well as Japanese honorific culture. The whole thing about “-chan” was to demean Iyo, but even “nee-san” (older sister) was meant to taunt Asuka. The Triple Threat in itself will be hard to call, Iyo having MITB could make it even more exciting, that could be a show stealing segment.

My Score: 8.7/10