What will be the fate of the Tribal Chief?

After suffering his first loss in three YEARS, Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown to be put on trial in the Bloodline’s court! What will be the verdict?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory w/ Pretty Deadly VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes;  Theory wins and retains the title.
• AJ Styles w/ Mia Yim VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Styles wins.
• Edge VS Grayson Waller; Edge wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Usos are here!

Madison Square Garden fires up as Jimmy & Jey make their way to the ring, and they sing along with the song! #TheRealOnes were triumphant at Money in the Bank, with Jey getting the first pin on Roman Reigns in three YEARS! The fans chant for the Usos as they get the mics, and Jey says, “Hey hey! The Usos are now in your city!” The fans cheer that and raise up the fingers. Jimmy says it feels good! “They said that he couldn’t be beat.” “Nope.” “They said he’s unbeatable.” “They did.” And guess what happened at MITB? HE. GOT. BEAT! One-two-three! Jey & Jimmy are having a real good July, but “Ladies and gentlemen…”

Fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out with Solo Sikoa, the old WWE World and Universal Championships on his shoulders. “Ladies and gentlemen, those who still subside in New York City, my name is Paul Heyman. I serve as Special Counsel and The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman…! Reigns…!” Fans boo more while Heyman and Solo get in the ring with the Usos. Heyman says tonight, he serves as the Defense Counsel in the Tribal Court, to wit, he offers item number one. Jimmy and Jey use their twin powers to tell Heyman, “Please,” “Shut,” “Your,” “Mouth.”

Heyman laughs that off and wants to spell this out so that even the Usos can understand. Neither of the Usos are the ones to tell Heyman when to stop. There is only one man in the WWE that will ever tell Paul Heyman to stop talking. But then Solo makes Heyman stop!? Fans chant for Solo as he takes the mic from Heyman and tosses it out of the ring. The Usos aren’t sure what to make of that, but he doesn’t make a move on them, either. And then here comes Roman Reigns himself! Roman wears the new Universal Championship belt as he passes 1,041 DAYS as a champion. And he raises that belt to cue the pyro.

The tension is palpable as Heyman, Solo and the Usos wait for Roman to enter the ring. What will be the fate of the Tribal Chief? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Roman is in the ring.

Heyman stands beside The Tribal Chief while fans are torn. Roman glares at the Usos over his shoulders, especially as the fans chant “USOS! USOS!” Heyman passes the mic to Roman as the fans chant “YOU GOT PINNED!” Roman says, “Madison Square Garden! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn again, but Roman says yeah, they’re right. He got pinned. Fans cheer that! But last time he checked, he is STILL Tribal Chief. Fans chant “Not Our Chief!” But Roman wants to get this right. Do the Usos hear it? The fans aren’t talking to them. Lord knows Jimmy ain’t Tribal Chief. And whether Jey believes it or not, he ain’t Tribal Chief either. Yet.

Roman is having trouble understanding why we’re here tonight. If the Tribal Chief didn’t call for Tribal Court, then this ain’t official! This ain’t legitimate! Why are they wasting his time?! Who has the authority to call Roman out and put him on trial? Is it Jey? Is it Jimmy? The fans chant for the Usos, and Jimmy says no, Roman, not this time. Jey agrees. What Roman ain’t gonna do is manipulate them like always. You can check this video package out and try to spin it. Exhibit A! Roman telling the Usos off when they dedicated a win to him and then loss. And then he pie faced Jimmy. “I whooped you then, I’ll whoop you now.”

All the other examples of Roman emotionally abusing the Usos and physically embarrassing them. His gaslighting of Heyman, that time he Superman Punched him, and then claiming he is head and shoulders above everyone. He even told Solo that while the Elders sent him, he belongs to Roman. And more recently, Roman saying he is the ONLY one that matters. Fans boo Roman in the present as he tries to smile and shrug that off. Fans are chanting “YOU EFFED UP! YOU EFFED UP!” and Roman shakes his head. “No, I didn’t.” Roman defends he did not mess up. “YES, YOU DID! YES, YOU DID!”

Roman says that video is not who he is! It’s not! That’s who he was forced to be. The fans don’t buy that as Roman says, “You think I wanted to lower myself? You think I wanted to do all that? I did it for you (Jey). And I did it for you (Jimmy). And for you (Solo).” Fans boo and call BS while Jey paces. Roman insists that he didn’t need them. He was a WrestleMania main event player LONG before the Bloodline! He didn’t need them, they needed him! He bent his moral compass for the family! He put himself in situations he shouldn’t have been in for Jimmy, for Jey, for Solo, for the Elders, for their representation of the family!

And this is what he gets? They compile footage of his worst moments to embarrass him?! As his children are watching?! His daughter doesn’t understand who he is because of the Usos! Roman takes on the weight of the world, everyone’s families, and lifts them all up. You think he needs more responsibility? He has five kids. You think he needed to take on theirs, too? When they showed him the vision, when they showed him what needed to be done, they never told Roman this would happen. He doesn’t need this in his life. He doesn’t need money, power or any of it. Right about now, umbrella service sounds real nice.

But this is what they want. right? This is what this is about? Roman doesn’t want it. He doesn’t need it. Fans boo again but Roman says he’s done. Heyman is confused as Roman says it again. Roman is done with all of this. He no longer wants it. If Jey wants it, fine. Roman’s done. Roman drops the mic, fans aren’t sure what to make of this, but then Roman steps closer to Jey. Fans sing “Nana na na” as Roman reluctantly lifts the red lei, and offers it to Jey. Roman says this is what Jey was going to be groomed for in the first place, but they could’ve done this together. Roman puts the lei on Jey! And Heyman is just as distraught as Roman!

Roman even takes off the Undisputed title!? He drops that, too!? And then he drops to his knees?!? Fans still don’t trust this, but Jey consoles Roman. But Roman LOW BLOWS Jey!!! Fans knew it and Jimmy is furious for not seeing it! Jimmy fires off on Roman! Fans fire up as Jimmy stomps Roman, but what is Solo to do? Solo goes after Jimmy! Solo stands between them, but then sees the lei! Is Solo gonna do what fans think he’s gonna do?! The Usos did put their names behind him before MITB, what about now? Jimmy still wants after Roman, but he gets a SAMOAN SPIKE!! Fans boo but then Solo picks up the lei!

Fans are torn again, and Roman is confused. Fans start chanting “PUT IT ON! PUT IT ON!” but then Roman steps to Solo. The two stare down, glance at the lei, and Roman expects it back. Solo considers that option, but then Jey CLOBBERS them both! Jey fires off on Roman, but Solo gives him a SPINNING SOLO URENAGE! Fans boo as Solo again defends Roman. Jimmy staggers up, Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Jimmy down! They kick Jimmy out of the ring, and then stalk him to the desk. They mug Jimmy, clear the desk, and fans go nuts! Roman SMACKS Jimmy off steps but Jey goes after Roman!

Solo stops Jey with a BIG forearm! And a HEADBUTT! Roman steadies himself while Solo puts Jey on the apron. Jey then traps Jey’s arms between ropes! Roman says Jey will NEVER be chief while Roman is still alive! Roman then looks at Jimmy, grabs the Undisputed Universal Championship, and though fans chant for the Usos, Roman runs in to CLOBBER Jimmy!! Roman rains down BELT SHOTS on Jimmy while Jey can only watch! Roman then SMACKS Jimmy off the steel steps! Roman pulls the steps apart, and he RAMS Jimmy down with them! Jimmy sputters but Roman isn’t done yet.

Roman places the belt on the steps, then drags Jimmy up. Roman gets the top half again, and he RAMS Jimmy down again! Jimmy stays up only because he’s against the barriers, but Roman raises the finger. He says he is the one, but then Jey kicks Solo away! Jey gets free and CLOBBERS Roman!! Jey rains down fists, Solo storms up again, and he SAMOAN SPIKES Jey over the steps! Solo drags Jey up, and TOSSES him over the announce desk! Roman says to finish this! Solo drags Jimmy up, puts him on the desk, and Roman tosses the armchairs onto Jey! Roman gets refs and producers to back off as Solo goes up the barriers.

Solo aims at Jimmy, to FLYING SPLASH through the desk!! Solo roars and fans boo while Roman looks at the devastation they’ve wrought. Roman says there’s no middle ground here. It is either up or down. Heyman returns the red lei to Roman, and as far as Heyman is concerned, Roman is STILL Tribal Chief. Roman holds up the title as he stands over Jimmy & Jey. Will the Elders have something to say about this?

SmackDown returns as medics get Jimmy to the ambulance.

Jey says he’s staying by Jimmy’s side. The rest of the roster and faculty is worried for Jimmy, will there be any repercussions in Roman’s future?

WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Sheamus!

The Now made it through Ridge Holland last week, but he just had to add on after the fact. The Celtic Warrior made the save, and now he is getting this title match as karma on Theory. Will Sheamus once again be United States Champion? Or will Theory survive another Fight Night Friday?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Sheamus ends Austin Theory Live!

The bell rings and the two tie up. Sheamus RAMS Theory right to a corner! And he fires off heavy hands! The ref counts, Sheamus hauls Theory up, but Theory throws elbows. Theory gets free, BOOTS from the corner, and runs, into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Theory staggers, Sheamus clotheslines him up and out! Sheamus then climbs to SUPER FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Theory goes down in a heap and the fans fire up with Sheamus as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Sheamus is climbing a corner. Theory ROCKS him first! Theory then climbs up, brings Sheamus from the corner, and has Sheamus against the ropes! Fans boo as Theory gives Sheamus BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! But Sheamus blocks at three to fire elbows in return! Then Sheamus WALLOPS Theory! Theory staggers up, into a SLINGSHOT SHOULDER! Sheamus then goes back up the corner, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Theory up, clinches, but Theory throws elbows to get free.

Sheamus hits low with a hard body shot! Sheamus runs, Theory follows and CLOBBERS Sheamus! Cover, TWO! Theory stomps away on Sheamus then jump stomps him! Theory goes to the apron and tells fans to shut up. The fans boo instead, and Theory climbs up. Sheamus stands to UPPERCUT first! Theory wobbles, Sheamus goes up after him, but Theory throws haymakers. Sheamus gives those back, Theory CLUBS Sheamus so Sheamus CLUBS Theory! And again and again and again! Sheamus Alabama Lifts, tucks Theory in, but Theory slips free to CLUB Sheamus! Theory then torture racks Sheamus!

Theory spins for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Theory is furious while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sheamus rallies on Theory! Theory goes to a corner, Sheamus clotheslines! And clotheslines! And clotheslines again! Then Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM! MSG fires up with The Fella, and he brings Theory back up. Sheamus reels Theory in but Theory blocks the lift. Sheamus powers through to the Canadian rack, then the crucifix, but Theory slips free! Theory goes to the apron, HOTSHOTS Sheamus away, then slingshots, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Fans fire up, but here comes PRETTY DEADLY! They get on the apron but Sheamus CLOBBERS Kit!

Sheamus has Elton caught, and gives him BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to nine, but Theory SHOTGUNS Sheamus down! Then A-TOWN- NO!! Sheamus slips free and KNEES Theory! Cover, TWO!! And here come the Brawling Brutes! Dunne & Ridge CLOBBER Kit & Elton! Dunne CLOBBERS Elton into the crowd! Ridge APRON SLAMS Kit, and then rains down furious fists! The ref reprimands Ridge, Kit kicks him away, but Sheamus BROGUES Kit down! Theory rolls Sheamus up! With tights! THEORY WINS!

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

Pretty Deadly help out their pal once again, Theory is still The Now. But if Theory can only win by the skin of his teeth, will he soon crash and burn?

SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.

The Dynamite From Down Under, the Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker is already in the ring for his introduction, and he says he is living the dream. He hasn’t even had a match on SmackDown and yet he is in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden! And he knows what they’re all thinking: they’ve never seen such a handsome bloke in their lives. But enough about him. There have been huge moments and events in the history of MSG, but none bigger than the announcement his guest tonight has. It’s the 11 time world champion, the WWE Hall of Famer, the RATED R SUPERSTAR, EDGE!!

Fans fire up as Edge makes his return to SmackDown, and they sing along with his theme. Edge joins Waller in the ring and then at the desk. Edge says, “Oooh~! Oh yeah! It is a steaming hot summer night in New York City!” Fans cheer that, and then Waller has Edge stop. We know all about MSG. Let’s get to the big news! Tell the world, Edge. Edge doesn’t know what Waller is getting at. This is the 25th anniversary of Edge’s WWE career, though. We can celebrate that here, and next month in Toronto- And? AND? And what? Waller says Edge is too embarrassed to say it.

Waller says Edge has had a historic career in the WWE. He only gave up being World Champion because of a neck injury but he saved up, made some good investments. So why is Edge back? It’s pretty simple: the fans. The fans cheer, and Edge will get back to Waller so he can talk to the fans. “We go way back, don’t we? My first PLE for this company: SummerSlam 98. I was the mystery partner for Sable against Mark Mero & Jacqueline.” He made his way out through the crowd in the back right corner. That area stands up to cheer. Edge says the aisle used to be here at center. The fans there stand up now.

Edge ran, dove, and made it over the ropes, when he still could. And from there, the fans opened up their arms to him. Edge knows that in NYC, respect is hard earned. And NYC is a city full of hard workers and big dreamers. Edge has always been a hard worker and a big dreamer and he still is! NYC, that is why you and Edge work. Waller says that is why it is so exciting that here, in MSG, Edge’s big news is that he is RETIRING! Waller wants everyone to get up on their feet for the last time we ever see Edge here. Say thanks for everything Edge has done! Waller applauds but fans boo, they can sense the BS.

Edge tells Waller, “Last week, you were standing eye to eye with John Cena in London. Less than a week later, you’re standing eye to eye with the Rated R Superstar in a sold out Madison Square Garden. So someone somewhere sees something in you. But you have been here for half a hiccup. You haven’t even had a match on the main roster yet. But… You have doggy paddled your way into some deep waters. And it is time to sink or swim. See, I’m not retiring.” Fans cheer that! In fact, Edge talked with the powers that be, and he’s gonna have a match here tonight! Fans fire up even more! Edge smiles, and says, “And it is gonna be the Rated R Superstar, one on one, against Grayson Waller.”

Waller is shocked to hear that and Edge goes to the back. Is the 21st Century Success Story about to have its own tragic end? Or can the Grayson Waller Effect bring down even one of the greats?

AJ Styles w/ Mia Yim VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!

The OC may have lost to Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday in a Mixed Tag, but only because rules don’t seem to matter to Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday. Will The Phenomenal One teach Kross that there are consequences for bending the rules? Or will Kross & Scarlett have yet another trick up their proverbial sleeves?

SmackDown returns and Kross has already made his entrance. The bell rings and Kross CLOBBERS Styles! Kross bumps Styles off buckles, fires off haymakers, but the ref has him back off. Kross says he owns Styles, fires off more shots, then DECKS him! Kross brings Styles to center, throws off his elbow pad, and winds up the arm. Styles stands, KROSS HAMMER!! “I TOLD YOU, AJ! I TOLD YOU!” Kross drags Styles up into the KROSS- NO, Styles blocks the Krossjacket hold! Styles JAWBREAKERS free, then dodges another forearm to PELE! Kross staggers, Styles runs in but is put o the apron. Styles ROCKS Kross first!

Kross distracts the ref but Scarlett grabs at Styles! Mia BOOTS Scarlett down! And TOSSES her into the barriers! Styles springboards but Kross catches him! Styles fights free, ROCKS Kross again, and then springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

Michin was the equalizer, and that allowed Styles to cross off Kross in quick fashion! Will this end things between them? Or will Kross look to still affect Styles’ future?

Asuka is here!

MSG fires up for the Empress of Tomorrow as she and her WWE Women’s Championship make their way to the ring. She is going to meet face to face to face with Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair, will they decide the title picture themselves? We find out after the break.

SmackDown returns and Asuka laughs on the mic. “No one is ready for Asu-” But here comes Bianca! Asuka is upset, but The EST isn’t slowing down, either! Bianca fires off with Asuka, TACKLES her, but then here comes The Queen! Fans fire up as Bianca is ready! She goes out to meet Charlotte, and Charlotte RAMS her into the apron! They brawl but Asuka runs to WRECK them both with a dropkick! Asuka then climbs up, but IYO SKY smacks her with the briefcase!! The fans fire up as she and Bayley beat Asuka up! ROSE PLANT to the briefcase! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Is it time?!?

Bayley tells the ref, but Bianca trips Bayley up! And Charlotte goes after Iyo! Bianca sends Bayley into barriers, Charlotte BOOTS briefcase into Iyo! Fans boo but Asuka’s challengers ended up saving her. Is the Empress the one not ready for everyone else?

Edge VS Grayson Waller!

A return to action for both men, but only one of them is really ready for this! Will the Rated R Superstar get back on track towards former glory here tonight? Or will the 21st Century Success Story have a brand new viral moment with his SmackDown in-ring debut?

SmackDown returns and Waller makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans cheer and Edge makes sure Waller hears it. The two circle more, the fans chant for “EDGE! EDGE! EDGE!” and Waller is annoyed. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Edge headlocks. Waller slips away and shows off with drop steps. Fans boo but Edge runs Waller over! And again! Waller staggers up into a GUT BUSTER! Waller sputters and Edge looms over him. Edge brings Waller up, another GUT BUSTER! Waller sputters, Edge runs to kick Waller in the side! Edge then gut wrench suplexes!

Fans rally as Edge stalks Waller. Edge CLUBS Waller, has him on ropes and CLUBS him again. Waller staggers to more ropes, fans chant “YOU STILL GOT IT!” for Edge. Edge ROCKS Waller, but Waller JABS Edge! Waller CLUBS Edge, and says “I got it, too!” Waller whips, Edge reveres but Waller ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Edge to duck the leap! Waller comes back but Edge catches him to a FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up and Edge aims from a corner. Edge runs in, but into a KNEE! Waller smirks and TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Fans boo as Waller does more drop steps. Waller runs, slides, and LARIATS Edge down!

Fans boo but Waller taunts Edge, “Sink or swim? I’ll swim, mate!” Fans boo Waller more but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Waller brawls with Edge. Edge ROCKS Waller, runs in at the corner, but Waller ELBOWS him away! Waller goes up to DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO!! Waller is annoyed but he keeps his focus on Edge. Waller stands on Edge’s leg, Edge reaches for ropes, but Waller AX HANDLES him down! Fans rally for Edge but Waller drags him up. Waller cravats to wrench the neck but Edge fights up. Waller throws knee after knee and Edge drops to a knee. Edge endures as Waller says, “I’m Australian! I was born in the water, lad!” Fans rally and Edge fights back up! Edge throws body shots!

Edge is free, he fires forearm after forearm! Edge runs, but into a knee! Fans boo but Waller CLUBS Edge down. Waller drops another ax handle, then says, “This your guy? This is a Hall of Famer? He’s in the Hall of Fame, huh?” Waller pulls Edge back with a chinlock, then drops another elbow! Fans boo but Waller goes to the corner. Waller soaks up the heat, but Edge throws a body shot! Fans fire up and Edge positions Waller up top. Edge throws a forearm, then CLUBS Waller on the stomach! Edge climbs up after Waller, CLUBS away on Waller’s back, and fans fire up with every shot!

Edge brings Waller up but Waller throws body shots back. GOURD BUSTER! Edge is down in the drop zone and Waller adjusts. Waller goes along the rope, to “KOBE!” But onto Edge’s knees! Edge and Waller are both down, Waller clutching his ribs. Fans rally up and Edge crawls away to ropes. Edge drags himself up, BOOTS Waller down, and then FLAPJACKS! Waller flops to the apron but Edge storms over. Waller goes to hotshot but Edge blocks it! Edge ROCKS Waller, slides out to POWERBOMB Waller to the floor!! Fans fire up and Edge has a sadistic grin on his face. Edge looms over Waller and brings him up.

Edge puts Waller in, fans again chant “YOU STILL GOT IT!” Edge climbs up a corner, and he CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Waller survives and fans boo but Edge looks rather surprised. Edge drags Waller up and reels him in, but Waller fights the lift! Waller wrenches out, ROCKS Edge, and fireman’s carries! Edge slips free, shoves Waller to a corner, but Waller BOOTS back! ROLLING UNPRETTIER!! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives Waller’s twist on Captain Charisma, but Waller rains down furious forearms! Waller pushes Edge to a cover, TWO! Waller grows further frustrated but he stomps Edge!

Waller shouts, “Sink or swim, mate?! You don’t know who I am! I run this!” Edge ROCKS Waller back! Edge runs, Waller dodges and ROLLING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives and Waller huffs and puffs. Fans rally as Waller drags Edge up. Waller fireman’s carries, pops Edge up, but Edge turns that to an IMPALER!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO! Waller is still swimming but he flounders to a corner. Edge gets up and goes to the other corner. Fans fire up as Edge takes aim, runs in, but Waller ducks! Edge hits buckles and Waller goes to the ramp.

Waller runs, somersaults, but into a SPEAR!!! Cover, Edge wins!

Winner: Edge, by pinfall

Waller tried for his somersault stunner but got caught! But Edge does get the mic to say, “Hey, Waller. You swam.” Waller may have lost the match, but he just won Edge’s respect. Will this be a sign of great things in Waller’s future? And as for Edge, is he going to aim right for the top of the WWE?

Roman Reigns is in his private suite.

He holds onto the lei with all three world title belts beside him. Heyman tentatively walks in and tells the Tribal Chief that Jey… is back in Madison Square Garden. And he’s looking for Roman. Roman says Jey won’t have to look for long. The Tribal Chief will be in the ring waiting for him. Will what started SmackDown tonight be finished to close it?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s SmackDown!

After the confrontation(s) we saw between Asuka and her challengers, it is BIANCA who gets her shot next week. This is the one Adam Pearce owed her, will The EST once again be champion?

The Bloodline is back in the ring.

Heyman again hands a mic to Roman and Roman says, “I didn’t even wanna come out here the first time, so we’re gonna do this one more time. Madison Square Garden… And ALL of New York… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans definitely boo more than they did before, but here comes Jey! Roman & Solo are on guard, and Roman says they’re gonna finish this. Heyman steps out of the ring just to be sure, but where is Jey? Wait! Jey is coming down through the crowd! Roman & Solo watch him closely as he reaches ringside. Jey waits, Solo goes out after him, and Jey LEAPS over barriers to CLOBBER Solo!

Jey rains down fists, then he POSTS Solo! Jey then looks at Roman and it is just the two of them. Fans fire up for Jey as he paces. Roman says Jey should just go home, but Jey gets a chair! Jey rushes in, JAMS Roman, and then SMACKS away on his back! But Solo stops Jey, only to get a SUPERKICK! Jey then JAMS Solo, and SMACKS him with the chair! And again! And again! Roman stays out of the ring as Jey wears out his own younger brother! Heyman joins Roman at the ramp, both of them in shock at the fury inside Jey. Jey glares at Roman, slams the chair down, and he picks the Undisputed Universal title up!

Fans are thunderous and Roman shakes his head. Roman tells Jey to put the belt down, but Jey gets a mic to say, “It’s like that? It’s like that now? What you did to Jimmy, you took Jimmy from me. Guess what? Trial of the Tribal Chief. You looking at the judge, the jury, and the executioner right now! Hey, hey! NOW, I gots to get you! Hey, hey! This right here? This trial by combat now. I don’t give a damn about no brothers, no Wise Man. Just me and you, one on one!” Fans like the sound of that! Jey says Roman better accept this challenge so Jey can whoop Roman’s ass one more time!

Jey throws down the mic as he has thrown down the gauntlet! Will Roman have no choice but to put everything on the line if he wants to keep everything how it is? Or will Jey not inherit but take the title of Tribal Chief from him?

My Thoughts:

A really good SmackDown tonight, but it sure suffered from the same Aftermath Show Syndrome Raw did on Monday. And in this case, it wasn’t even so much a lot of recaps, just not very strong matches. Styles VS Kross, for as much hype as they put into it, was underwhelming, especially for what these two are capable of. Maybe we’ll get one more match between them at SummerSlam or on the road to SummerSlam that actually lives up to what they’re both capable of. Then while the US Championship was a good opener, of course Pretty Deadly helps Theory survive. Sheamus has had the US title, he doesn’t need it, but it does make me wonder what is supposed to be in store for Sheamus and the Brawling Brutes while on SmackDown.

Great confrontation between the various women in the title scene. Asuka brawling with Bianca, Bianca brawling with Charlotte, Iyo and Bayley jumping in because Iyo has MITB briefcase, all great stuff in a quick segment. Asuka VS Bianca being made for next week is of course going to have another similar situation to tonight, where either Charlotte, DMG CTRL or both “mess up” the match. I’m thinking more Charlotte. Asuka VS Bianca VS Charlotte in a Triple Threat at SummerSlam with Iyo & Bayley watching from the shadows just makes sense for SummerSlam. Hell, July 30th is the one year anniversary of DMG CTRL’s debut, it’d be fitting if Iyo came close to the title around that time.

Really good Grayson Waller Effect, and I do like that Waller just assumes Edge is retiring. Great way to give us the surprise main event match, too. Waller really did “swim” against Edge, and Waller really does have promise, that was clear down in NXT. As for Edge, while he won’t be able to go for the Universal title while it’s still tied up in the Bloodline story, I would love if Edge went after Theory and the US title. Theory “beat” Cena but Edge knows all the tricks, so that could be some good promo and match work between them.

And of course, the best stuff tonight, that ended up sandwiching tonight, was the Bloodline story. Great move to open with the Tribal Court, it had time to breathe because of that. I had a feeling Roman was just suckering Jey in. I said way back three years ago when this story started that Roman was the “Samoan Sociopath” (as a parallel to McIntyre being the ‘Scottish Psychopath’ back then). Great stuff with Solo almost taking the lei for his own, too. But this setting up Roman VS Jey for essentially both the Undisputed Universal title and the title of Tribal Chief is a great move, I can’t wait to see what more they do with this.

My Score: 8.6/10