The SmackDown season premiere has a brutal start!

Solo Sikoa gets another shot at Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship, but it will be inside a STEEL CAGE! Who will escape with the gold?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Undisputed WWE Championship Steel Cage Match: Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa; Cody wins and retains the title.
• Mia Yim VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green; Mia wins.
• Kevin Owens & ??? VS A-Town Down Under; Kevin Owens & Randy Orton win.
• Andrade VS Carmelo Hayes; Andrade wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The first 30 minutes of SmackDown are COMMERCIAL FREE!

Triple H is here!

Seattle, Washington fires up as The Game is here, live and in person! He goes to the ring, the fans cheer him on, and he gets a mic to say, “It seems like juts yesterday, I was standing in this ring for the first episode of this show, going one-on-one with The Rock. And it’s hard to believe that where we are, 25 YEARS later.” The fans fire up for that one! HHH then says there is no better place to be than right here, right now, sold out, standing room only, Seattle, Washington! And there is no better way to start this off than with the Undisputed WWE Championship match, inside of a STEEL CAGE! So Seattle, ARE, YOU, READY!?

The fans are all fired up, and HHH welcomes us to SmackDown! Pyro goes off and the cage is lowered as we prepare for a match that could change the WWE landscape forever!

Undisputed WWE Championship Steel Cage Match: Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa!

The American Nightmare told the Usurper of the Table that if he wanted a rematch from SummerSlam, he’d have to be willing to raise the stakes! They’ll both be locked inside, but who will be the one to leave with head held high and title in hand?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised and the cage is ready, but who will be THE man in WWE today?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as the two circle. Cody blocks a punch, fires hands, then kicks to RHODES UPPERCUT! Duck, kick, RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody brings Solo over but Solo stops from hitting steel! Solo hits Cody, but then Cody blocks the same move! Cody and Solo fire hands, and Solo UPPERCUTS! Solo whips corner to corner, runs up and ELBOWS! Solo storms around, then comes back to whip corner to corner. Cody dodges this time and Solo hits buckles! Then Cody BULLDOGS! The fans fire up but Solo’s right back up! Solo runs up, but is sent into steel! And then into more steel! And then more steel!

The fans fire up as Cody completes the lap, Solo feels all four walls! The fans fire up as Cody fires hands, then runs. But Solo poops Cody up into the steel! Cody tumbles down between ropes and steel, but he drags himself back up. Solo runs up to SPLASH Cody against steel! Cody sits down and Solo runs to HIP ATTACK! The fans boo as Cody writhes, but Solo soaks up the heat. Solo looms over Cody as fans tell him off, but Cody hits back. Solo HEADBUTTS Cody, waistlocks, and puts him on the top rope. Solo puts Cody in a Tree of Woe to stomp away on him! Solo runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Cody dangles in the tree, forehead busted open!

Solo snarls, runs side to side again, for another- NO, Cody sits up! Solo flops off the mat, and Cody climbs! Solo hurries to grab a foot, and he drags Cody down. Cody kicks at Solo, tries to climb again, but Solo YANKS Cody down! A rough landing, and Solo PENALTY KICKS! Cody sits up, but Solo KICKS him again! Cody flounders, Solo drags him up, and Solo THROWS him into steel! The fans sing for Cody but Solo stays nearby. Solo pie faces Cody, Cody staggers up, and the fans rally. Cody fires body shots and then SAMCKS Solo off the steel! Solo ELBOWS back, then THROWS Cody back into steel!

Cody falls back, the ref checks him, but Cody refuses to stop here. Solo paints himself with Cody’s blood, then rains down HEADBUTTS! Solo raises the one to the sky, but the fans boo. Solo drags Cody up, whips him, but Cody slides under the boot! Cody kicks, runs, springboards, but Solo catches the Disaster to STEEL CAGE BOMB! And then BOMB again! Cody is now stuck upside-down in the ropes! Solo taunts Cody, drags him back up, and though fans rally for Cody, Solo reels him in. Solo soaks up the heat, brings Cody up, but Cody grabs the cage! Cody climbs free of Solo, but solo grabs at a foot! Cody kicks Solo away, to then SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are stunned that Solo survives, but Cody rises again. Cody fires up and the fans are with him! Cody climbs up the cage again, but Solo rises. Solo grabs a foot, Cody clubs at Solo, but Solo still holds on! Cody kicks and kicks, but Solo YANKS him down again! HEADBUTT! Solo looks up, and now Solo climbs! The fans boo, but Cody CLUBS Solo’s legs! Cody climbs up to go after Solo but solo fires elbows! They brawl up top, and Cody SMACKS Solo off steel! Cody climbs up ahead of Solo, but Solo pursues! They’re both on the top of the cage! The fans fire up as Cody CLUBS Solo, and SMACKS Solo off the steel!

Solo drops back, Cody starts his descent! But Solo grabs Cody’s head! Solo reels Cody into a SUPER DUPER PLEX!!! A rough landing for both men and the fans lose their minds! The ref checks both men, but somehow they’re both okay to continue. Solo crawls to a cover, TWO!! Cody stays in this, so Solo says he’s getting out! Solo heads for the door but Cody anchors his foot! “This is Awesome!” as Cody rises again., Solo grabs Cody but Cody SLAPS him! Solo is pissed! URENAGE!! And then Solo drags Cody up, for another URENAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives again, the fans rally as hard as they can, but Solo looks to his thumb.

Solo drags Cody up, tells him to look to the fans, and then SAMOAN- NO, Cody blocks! Cody fires haymakers, then whips, but Solo reverses. Cody ROCKS Solo! Cody springboards, DISASTER KICK! Cody keeps moving, springboard and CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives the onslaught and both men are down! The fans continue to rally, and Cody rises up! Cody roars, and then dragon sleepers! But Solo slips out, shoves Cody, and RAMS him in the corner! Solo goes corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Deadlift and SAMOAN DROP! Solo won’t stop, he goes up top!  Cody sputters, and the FLYING SOLO lands!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Cody survives another one! Cody crawls, Solo rises, and the fans continue to rally. Both men rise, and Cody’s in a corner. Solo aims, the fans boo, but Solo runs in to HIP ATTACK!! The door opens! Cody crawls while Solo gloats! Solo hurries to drag Cody back in! Solo drags Cody up to back suplex, but Cody lands out! Dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO?!? Solo survives and Seattle is shocked! Cody rises, the fans fire up, and Cody goes to a corner. Cody climbs the corner, then climbs the cage! But then he looks at Solo. Cody turns around, to SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Cody goes for broke but Solo survives! The fans lose their minds again, and the ref checks both men. Cody crawls, he wants the door again. “This is Awesome!” and Cody crawls his way over, but Solo SLAMS the door shut on him! The fans boo as Solo keeps Cody in the cage! SAMOAN- NO, Cody ducks it and dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

Solo tried, but Cody found a way to turn things around in the blink of an eye! And Cody tells Solo himself, they’re done! Solo’s last shot misses, but now The Bloodline has arrived! Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa AND Jacob Fatu are all climbing their way in! Cody is watching them, and gets a SAMOAN SPIKE from Solo!! The Bloodline beats down Cody and the fans boo! Loa drags Cody up, scoops and SLAMS him, then Fatu goes up! Tama & Loa make sure Cody’s in the right spot, for the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says go even higher! The fans are booing as the Samoan Werewolf rises tot the VERY top!!

Fatu says this is for his Tribal Chief, but then THE ORIGINAL TRIBAL CHIEF appears!! Seattle goes wild as Roman Reigns is here!! Roman storms down to the ring, then into the cage! And he shuts it! Roman dodges Tama to PHOST him, then he fires hands on Loa! The fans fire up with every shot! Tama runs in, Roman sends him into Loa! And then into the cage! And then he sends Loa into the cage! But Solo attacks from behind! The fans boo as Solo beats down Roman, and Solo puts Roman in a corner. Solo backs up, takes aim, and runs in, into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman turns things around and the fans are thunderous!

Roman aims at Solo now, but Fatu gets Solo out of the ring! Solo’s Enforcer stares down with the OTC, and Roman dares him to do something! Fatu steps up and the fans are thunderous already! Fatu closes the cage again, and then fires up! But then Solo gets Fatu out of there?! The fans boo, but the Guerrillas beat up on Roman now! Tama & Loa stomp away on Roman, but Cody rises! Cody THROWS Loa into steel! And then he catches Tama for a CROSS RHODES!! Roman SPEARS Loa!! The fans are thunderous as now, American Nightmare and OTC stand tall together. Roman slowly turns around to look at Cody.

Fatu still adorns Solo with the ula fala, and Roman says he’s coming for that first! Will Roman Reigns take back his seat at The Head of the Table?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Cathy Kelley says that was a chaotic start to SmackDown to say the least, how is the General Manager looking to handle it? Aldis says there are a lot of moving parts, but here’s what he can say: All major parties involved, from Cody to Roman to The Bloodline, they’ve been sequestered in their dressing rooms because this is Aldis’ show, not theirs, and there will be law and order. Solo did reach out, and has put out a challenge for another match for him and Fatu. It is an offer that Aldis can’t refuse. Aldis will hear him out, but he will say that tonight is a long way from being over. Three guesses what Solo wants to do, player. Holla holla!

Mia Yim VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green!

Michin was trying to teach Chelsea a lesson in barking up the wrong tree, but “Lil’ Miss P” had to get involved. Will Mia remind Piper and the Hot Mess who’s the Head Baddie In Charge? Or will Piper start to make her own way to the top around here?

The bell rings and Mia fires forearms! Piper shoves her away, but then Mia DUMPS Piper out! The fans fire up as Mia runs and DIVES! Down goes Piper but now Chelsea shouts at Mia. Mia ROUNDHOUSES Chelsea down! Piper scrambles into the ring, but Mia looks under the ring. Mia doesn’t find what she’s looking for, but she refreshes the count, and she fetches a kendo stick! She SMACKS Chelsea with it! The fans cheer, Chelsea runs away, but then Piper CANNONBALLS down onto Mia! The fans fire up, Piper drags Mia up, and Piper puts Mia in the ring. Piper stomps Mia in the drop zone, then goes up the corner!

Mia CLUBS Piper’s leg! Then she CLUBS Piper on the back! Mia climbs up, ducks an elbow, and she gets Piper for a SUPER SAIDO! Both women are down, but Mia drags herself back up! Mia storms over, brings Piper around, wrench and EAT DA FEET! Cover, Mia wins!

Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall

But Chelsea attacks! The fans boo Chelsea being a sore loser, but then she has Piper do the same! SENTON! Chelsea grabs a trash can! Chelsea sends that in, Piper drags Mia up, and together, they set Mia up for the UNPRETTY-HER onto the can! Mia writhes as the “Piping Hot Mess” really makes a mess of things. But will Mia only come back stronger and wilder to get even with them?

Kevin Owens & ??? VS A-Town Down Under!

Speaking of sore losers, The Prizefighter beat both Austin Theory & Grayson Waller in a Triple Threat that might as well have been a 2v1 Handicap Match, only for them to beat him down after. But now, Kevin is allowed a tag team partner to make this a 2v2 showdown! Who is going to help KO against ATDU? Uh, wait, who is this? Bald yet hairy chest, bright magenta and blue tights, and Kevin gets a mic to ask, “What’re you laughing at, you idiots?” Kevin will admit, this guy wasn’t his first choice, but his actual partner couldn’t make it here because of travel issues. But this here is… Who is he again? The guy whispers his name, and this is RICKY!

The fans cheer Ricky, and Kevin is fired up! Time to give ’em hell! The teams sort out, but then wait. Someone calls to Kevin. Kevin hurries over, and they say, “He’s here!” Wait, HE made it!? Oh, thank goodness. Hey, Richard, no offense, but STUNNER! Thanks for coming, Rick. Because HERE’S RANDY ORTON! The fans fire up as The Viper reunites with Kevin, and ATDU is no longer laughing. Will Theory & Waller regret their decision to not just leave Kevin alone?

The teams sort out and Waller starts against Kevin. Kevin runs up to kick and fire off hands! The fans fire up as Kevin stomps a mudhole into Waller in the corner! Kevin lets off to run corner to corner, but Theory saves Waller from the cannonball. So Orton runs in around the way to LARIAT Theory! The fans fire up, but Waller POSTS Orton! Kevin goes out to DECK Waller! Kevin then SMACKS Waller off the desk, and SMACKS him again! What a way to christen the new logo on the hood. Kevin puts Waller back in, but Theory drags Kevin out! Kevin DECKS Theory, and SMACKS him off the desk!

Waller runs up to LARIAT Kevin! Waller taunts Orton, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Waller then mocks Orton’s signature pose, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

ATDU regroup, they get Kevin into the ring, and Waller tags Theory. Waller holds Kevin down and Theory stomps! Theory mocks the pose now, then he stalks Kevin> But Kevin fires body shots! Theory swings, but Kevin counter punches! And again, and again! Theory kicks low, then DDTS! Cover, TWO! Kevin stays in this but Theory stays on him, and brings him over to tag Waller. ATDU mugs KO, then Waller POSTS him! Kevin sputters while Theory mockingly applauds. Waller brings Kevin around to fire knees. Waller reels Kevin in, but Kevin fights the suplex! Waller fires body shots, but Kevin suplexes Waller up and over!

The fans fire up but Theory tags in, and he rains down fists! Theory mocks Orton, then sucker punches him! The ref stops Orton from going after Theory, and Theory drags Kevin to the corner. Tag to Waller, ATDU stomps away on Kevin. Waller then drags Kevin around, goes to the corner and tightrope walks, for the BALLER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Kevin stays in this, but Waller stalks him to ropes. Waller CHOKES Kevin, the ref counts, and Waller lets off. Theory gets a cheap shot in! Waller drags Kevin up, tags Theory, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Theory whips Kevin but Kevin reverses to atomic drop! And LARIAT!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Kevin and Theory crawl, hot tag to Waller and he CLOBBERS Kevin! Waller taunts Orton, then puts Kevin up top. Waller climbs, not having learned from just last week. Kevin fires body shots, and he HEADBUTTS Waller! And HEADBUTTS again! And again and again and again! Waller falls, the fans fire up, but Theory tags back in! Theory ROCKS Kevin, climbs, but he hasn’t learned, either! Kevin fires body shots and headbutts, then an ELBOW! Theory holds onto ropes, but Kevin DECKS him! Kevin adjusts, and he SWANTON BOMBS! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!

Kevin reaches out, Orton reaches back, but Waller YANKS Orton down! The fans boo but Theory attacks again! Theory brings Kevin over, tag to Waller, and ATDU DOUBLE SUPLEX! Waller covers, TWO! Waller taunts the fans for cheering Kevin, then brings Kevin up to talk trash. Kevin ROCKS Waller! And he ROCKS Theory! Waller JUMP KNEES Kevin out of the ring! Waller runs, slides, but Kevin dodges! Kevin SMACKS Waller off the desk! Kevin hurries to the ring, but Waller anchors his feet! Kevin BOOTS Waller away, DUMPS Theory out, but Waller returns fast! Waller RAMS Kevin into the ATDU corner!

Theory tags, he fires hands, but Kevin fires back! Kevin fights out of the corner, runs up, but Theory blocks him! Theory RAMSA Kevin back in, Waller tags, and Waller sends Theory in, into  BOOT! Kevin BOOTS Waller, too! But then Kevin dodges Waller, goes around the outside, tag to Orton! Orton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT on Waller! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are thunderous as Theory gets a SNAP POWERSLAM, too! Orton puts Waller in ropes, but Theory drags Waller down! The fans boo but Orton goes out after them both! Orton ROCKS Theory< kick sand UPPERCUTS Waller, then DESK BACK SUPLEX for Theory!

Waller runs up, DESK BACK SUPLEX for him, too! The fans are thunderous and the Apex Predator loves it! Orton puts Waller in, has him in the ropes, but Theory slides in! Kevin kicks Theory, and puts him in the ropes! The fans are thunderous as both Kevin and Orton DRAPING DDT!! The fans are electric in Seattle as both Orton and Kevin hear the voices! ATDU rise up, into STUNNER and RKO!! Cover, #RKKO wins!

Winners: Kevin Owens & Randy Orton, by pinfall

Just when Theory & Waller thought they were going to have an easy night, it all goes the other way! Will the Prizefighter & Viper #JustKeepFighting until they’re taking on even bigger and better teams?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis, again.

Cathy is again with the SmackDown GM and he has a folder in hand. Aldis spoke with The Bloodline, so what is the update on this challenge? Aldis says Solo has made a tag team challenge for Bad Blood. Solo & Fatu want to take on Cody Rhodes… and Roman Reigns! Aldis has a contract drafted already, and Solo & Fatu both signed, no questions asked. Now to talk with Cody and Roman- Wait, Cody storms in already. Cody knows Aldis heard him. Cody is done with The Bloodline. That is Roman’s problem now. So sorry, he has no intention of signing the contract. Aldis is disappointed, but he’ll still speak with Roman. What will come of Bad Blood if The American Nightmare refuses?

Nia Jax is here!

Seattle boos the WWE Women’s Champion as she makes her way down to the ring, and she is going to address her own championship situation for Bad Blood. Who will she call out? Who will take liberties and call her out first? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Nia has a mic. “I was just thinking, a year ago, I returned to the WWE. And ever since, every woman in that locker room has realized why I am the Irresistible Force. They realized why I am unstoppable. I won the Queen of the Ring Tournament, and that was easy. You know what? I became YOUR WWE Women’s Champion~! And that was even easier. Every woman in that locker room fears me, and every woman in that locker room has a good reason to fear me. Well, today, Nick Aldis informed me that I will be defending my title at Bad Blood. I don’t know who my opponent is, and I don’t care who my opponent is.

“Because they will see the same fate that Michin, Naomi and Bayley have seen. I’m going to… A-NIA-LATE them!” The fans boo, but wait! Here comes Bayley now! The Role Model has a mic to tell Nia, “Ding dong, ya idiot!” The fans cheer Bayley on and she takes a moment to enjoy it. Bayley thanks Seattle, then says she’ll give Nia credit where it is due. Nia has had the greatest year of her career. But it isn’t like Nia set the bar very high. But Bayley is happy that Nia is feeling confident. Because Bayley wants her rematch! The fans cheer that! Nia tells Bayley that she is in no position to demand anything from Nia.

This isn’t like last year when Bayley was running around with Damage CTRL. Nia runs the Women’s Division! And Nia doesn’t need a posse to do it. Oh, then what’s she using Tiffy for then? Because if Bayley remembers, Bayley didn’t need DMG CTRL to win the title, yet Nia needed Tiff to win it. Does Nia owe Tiff? Does Tiff owe Nia? How does that work? But here comes Tiffany Stratton! And Tiff tells Bayley, “This is just soooo~… Pathetic.” Nia knows better than to listen to Bayley. And besides, Bayley is just like every other woman that is jelly that Tiff has the Money in the Bank briefcase, meaning she doesn’t have to beg for a title match like a peasant.

The fans are torn as Tiff joins the others in the ring and Bayley says if she’s a peasant, than this peasant beat the youngest Miss MITB just last week. Does anyone else remember that? Tiff says it was only cuz Nia got involved! Oh…! So it’s Nia’s fault? Nia glares at Tiff and Tiff apologizes. She didn’t mean it like that! Nia says Bayley is good, she’s smart. She almost had Nia. Like she almost has a prayer if she ever faced Nia again. Or if Nia & Tiff just beat Bayley down right now! But wait! Here comes Naomi! The fans fire up as The Glow and her alien eyes sunglasses head out to the ring. Naomi says if they wanna fight, then they can fight!

Naomi says she won’t sit back and let anyone attack her Bay! Nuh-uh, not today. Naomi joins everyone in the ring, and Naomi says while she’s at it, it has been a minute since she’s held a title. Maybe it’s time to do it again. Bayley is a little unsure, but Naomi says put your money where your big ol’ mouth is, Tiff, and #LetsGlow! Nia sees that Naomi and Bayley both want the title, so maybe they should have a match to see who faces Nia at Bad Blood. Oh, like a Triple Threat? they can do that. No no no. It should be Naomi & Bayley VS Nia & Tiff. Whoever gets the win faces Nia at Bad BLood. Naomi & Bayley talk about it, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Nia & Tiff head out, but then Nia says one more thing. If- No, when Nia & Tiff win, whoever gets pinned leaves SmackDown, PERMANENTLY! Tiffy says tootles, then goes to leave. Yeah, yeah, go Tiffy Toe off your mama, idiot! Tiff gets mad, takes a swing, but Naomi gives her a REARVIEW! Nia gets Tiff out of the ring, but she’s put quite the stipulation on next week’s match! Will someone win their tickets to Atlanta? Or will someone end up expelled?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis, yet again.

Cathy finds him coming from Roman Reigns’ room, and asks for a quick update. Aldis says he will tell us what Roman told him. Roman wants to address this situation in the ring, after this match. So stay tuned. What will the OTC have to say about the Bloodline’s Bad Blood challenge?

Andrade VS Carmelo Hayes!

In four matches, El Idolo has gone 2-2 with H1M, and neither man is going to back down. It is time to break that tie, and possibly move on to a title opportunity. Will Andrade prove that it’s his time now? Or will Melo Not Miss the game winning shot?

But as Andrade gets in the ring, Melo attacks from behind! The fans boo but Melo stomps away on Andrade! The ref backs Melo off, Andrade finally gets out of his jacket, and the bell rings! Melo fires off in a corner, then fires body shots! Andrade falls, Melo kicks him around, and Melo drags Andrade up. Melo CHOPS, whips, but Andrade reverses. Melo goes up but Andrade SHOVES him out! The fans fire up, Andrade goes up the corner, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Melo and the fans fire up again! Andrade puts Melo in, but Melo bails out the other side. Andrade pursues, but Melo kicks low.

Melo brings Andrade around, and CHPOS him against the post! Melo then whips, but Andrade reverses., Melo goes up, leaps, but Andrade dodges and then BOOTS Melo down! Andrade refreshes the ring count, then smirks as he looms over Melo. Andrade throws hands, KICKS Melo, then drags him into position. Andrade goes up the barriers, but he takes too long! Melo jumps up first! They brawl on the edge, and Andrade hits an INVERTED SPANISH FLY onto the floor! The fans lose their minds while both men writhe, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref checks both men, and though they’re in pain, they’re somehow okay to continue. Andrade rises first, he brings Melo up, but Melo POSTS him! Melo stalks Andrade back into the ring, and then Melo slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Andrade stays in this but Melo stays on him by pulling on the arm. Andrade endures, but Melo drops knees on the elbow! Melo clamps back onto the arm, throws elbows into Andrade’s back, then shifts around. Andrade fights the wristlock, fires body shots, and then ROCKS Melo with forearms! Melo ROCKS Andrade back, but Andrade ROCKS Melo, then CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Andrade whips corner to corner, runs up, but Melo dodges! Andrade hits buckles and falls back! Melo drops an elbow, covers, ONE!! Andrade is tougher than that, but Melo drags him into a top wristlock. Andrade endures again, but Melo wraps on body scissors. Andrade fights around, rises up, and JAWBREAKERS! Melo rebounds, Andrade dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS bring both men down! Andrade sits up fast, and the two rise up. Andrade fires counter punches, blocks a kick, then DRAGON SCREWS! Melo springs up, but Andrade dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down again, and then Andrade kips up!

SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans fire up for Andrade. Melo is in a corner, Andrade runs corner to corner, but Melo dodges the knees! Melo gets moving, springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Melo runs up, LA MSYTIC- NO, Andrade stops that to underhook! But Melo slips out to waistlock! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Andrade body scissors, roll, TWO! Melo runs up, Andrade rolls him up, TWO!! Andrade deadlifts Melo, but Melo slips free! Melo CLUBS Andrade, then avoids the boot feint and elbow! FIRST 48! Andrade staggers, Melo runs up, but into the boot feint ELBOW!! Both men are down, Andrade manages to cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up while both men are down again! They rally up, and Andrade rises. Andrade drags Melo around to a drop zone, then goes up the corner. Andrade MOONSAULTS, DOUBLE! Onto knees! Melo saves himself, gets moving, but Andrade scoops, LA MYSTICA! Melo covers, TWO! Melo goes to a corner, climbs up, and he aims for that three pointer. NOTHING BUT- NO! Andrade dodges, kicks, underhooks! Melo fights out, but Andrade shifts to a DESTROYER!! Melo is in the corner, the fans are thunderous, and Andrade feels that energy! Andrade rises, “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade builds speed, CIEN SHADOWS!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!!

The fans can’t believe it, but Andrade’s miscalculation costs him there! Andrade puts Melo back in the drop zone, then he climbs up. Andrade drops into the SPLIT LEG- FLOP!! Melo avoids that one just in time, and now he sets Andrade up in the corner! Melo puts Andrade up top, climbs, but Andrade shoves him back! So Melo GAMANGIRIS! “This is Awesome!” as Melo goes up! SUPER- NO! Andrade stops the Steiner, shoves Melo down, then BOOTS him! Melo GAMANGIRIS again! Melo goes up, but Andrade catches him! EL GRANDE MESSAGE!! Cover, Andrade wins!!

Winner: Andrade, by pinfall

Part 5 goes to El Idolo! And here comes L A KNIGHT! The United States Champion is here, and he grins at Andrade from the stage. Seattle cheers, and Knight says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight congratulates Andrade. According to Nick Aldis, Andrade is now the next contestant for the US title. So hopefully Andrade’s feeling the tingles and jingles, but don’t get lost in the sauce! All Andrade did was win the Hit It ‘n’ Quit It Sweepstakes! And the grand prize for that is one week from tonight, Andrade gets a first class ticket to getting dropped on his head and catching three the hard way from the man they call The Mega Star! YEAH!

And while Andrade’s down, trying to figure out who, what and where, it ain’t gonna be too hard to figure out whose game this is, and who is still the champ, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” The champ has spoken, but will El Idolo change the script in just seven days?

Backstage interview with Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and says what a week it has been. Monday, they successfully defended their titles, and now they are here on SmackDown’s USA Network premiere. Bianca says yes, theya re soc excited. And even more now that they have these belts on their shoulder. They lost them for a few months, but they got them back, so it’s all good. Jade says they aren’t letting them go, either. Whoever wants to come get it, they’ve got it and giving out work, come apply. Any time, any place, from Raw to NXT to SmackDown. These two will step into the ring to continue defending these titles.

And we will continue to hear #AndStill WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! But then in steps Nia & Tiff. Oh, do they have something to say? Well, did they hear what happened to Naomi? Wait, what happened? Well, nothing yet. But if she continues to stick her fat nose in Nia’s business, something very bad is going to happen. Tiff says have a nice show. Oh, and Nia also wants to “congratulate” them on the win. Those belts look good on them. But um, don’t forget that Nia beat both of you in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. So while they’re the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, SmackDown is Nia’s kingdom. Tootles.

The StrongEST Duo says, “Bet.” They aren’t backing down from the Irresistible Force, but will they have to face her again in the near future?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Seattle fires up as the OTC once again makes his way out here, ready to address the Bad Blood challenge. But his entrance is still long, so SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Roman raises his one at the apron and the fans join in. Roman steps inside the ring, and he looks around, coming to terms with the fact he is a man apart. Aldis appears in the ring now, holding onto the match contract. SmackDown returns to single picture, and Roman lifts his one to the sky again. Seattle joins in and the pyro goes off. Aldis brings a mic out while the fans cheer for “O T C! O T C!” Roman soaks it all in, and Aldis starts by saying it has been a chaotic night, and that they have their own unique history. Aldis just wants to say that… Roman holds out his hand. The fans cheer, Aldis hands over the contract, and Roman chuckles.

Roman holds out his hand again, and the fans cheer again. Aldis gets it this time, and hands over the mic. Roman says he won’t confuse anyone here. Something has changed. But not Roman! The fans cheer that. Roman says he doesn’t need Aldis, he doesn’t need a contract, because this is family business! Bloodline business! Roman doesn’t need a partner, and definitely not Cody Rhodes! And let’s just get one thing straight. Whether Roman has his family’s ula fala or not, he IS The Tribal Chief! The fans cheer that! Roman says he isn’t just The Original, he is the ONLY Tribal Chief! And don’t ever get it confused: This is HIS ring, HIS show, and HIS WWE!!

The fans fire up, but here comes Cody Rhodes! Roman sighs but smirks as Cody returns, now dressed casually but still with title in hand. The fans get to sing along with his song again, “WHOA~ OH~!” but no time for pyro. Cody goes to the ring to stand face to face with Roman Reigns. Cody then gets his own mic, and the fans are dueling between “CODY! CODY!” and “O T C! O T C!” Cody says, “Your ring? Your WWE? Well, it was. But it hasn’t been since WrestleMania.” Fans are torn, but Cody then drops the mic. Roman drops his mic, and the two just stare down. The fans fire up, but here comes The Bloodline!

Roman and Cody both frown as Solo & Fatu make their way out. Solo and Fatu watch closely, but then TAMA & LOA attack from behind! The fans boo but we all should’ve known better! Cody fights back, goes up and up, SUPER CODY CUTTER for Loa! Tama lets off Roman, but Roman gets him for an URENAGE!! Cody and Roman are wary of each other, but then Roman grabs the contract. Roman looks it over, and the fans chant, “Sign The Contract!” Roman takes the pen, and puts his name to paper! Roman smirks at Solo, but what about a tag partner? The fans cheer for Cody, and Roman looks over at him. Cody holds out his hand!

Roman sighs, reluctant to do it, but he does hand the contract over. The fans cheer as now Cody signs on the dotted line! So it is official! Cody doesn’t like it any better than Roman, but perhaps the only way for them to get past the past is to work together! Are The American Nightmare & Tribal Chief going to light it up in Hotlanta? Or will it be a catastrophic meltdown?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown for the return to USA Network, as well as a return from Roman Reigns. Great Steel Cage match to open the show, especially commercial free. While I figured Cody would win, the finish kinda came outta nowhere. And of course Bloodline showed up after, cuing up Roman making the save. Now, we’re getting quite the interesting move with this “Can They Coexist?” tag match pitting Roman & Cody against Solo & Fatu. And unless there’s a WWE Tag Team Championship match on the show, there’s no reason Tama & Loa aren’t just gonna interfere. Maybe Jimmy Uso makes his return but that’s just one Uce against two Guerrillas of Destiny, but it does give us the tease for WarGames.

I was honestly hoping more for Roman VS Solo for the ula fala, but Roman’s promo at the end of the show basically stated that he doesn’t need it. But maybe it still comes into play a la the friendship bracelet in McIntyre VS Punk story. To be fair, there is also Crown Jewel before Survivor Series, so maybe Roman VS Solo for the title of rightful Tribal Chief is on the line there before they each form a team to go into WarGames.

We also got very good stuff from the women’s division in setting up big moves. Great promo from Nia, Tiff, Bayley and Naomi to set up a very unique tag team match. But given the “loser leaves SmackDown,” you have to think someone from Bayley’s side wins. Naomi is surely staying on SmackDown given this is where Jimmy would return to, and Bayley ending up on Raw just to revisit things with DMG CTRL? Granted, DMG CTRL could use the help, but it all feels too soon to have those fences be mended. Plus, forcing Nia into a match because Tiff takes the pin from Bayley or Naomi is a better story, because now Nia will expect Tiff to help her retain again. Or rather, there’s tension because Nia won’t be able to live down Bayley’s accusations of using Tiff.

Speaking of using Tiff, Nia & Tiff interacting with Bianca & Jade was good stuff. That’s seeds planted for a coming tag team feud there, especially if Nia makes it through her next challenge. Mia probably needs a teammate, too, as she beat Piper but then got jumped. Mia’s win over Piper was a little quick, too, but maybe they just needed to have time for everything else. Y’know, Tegan Nox has made it known that she wants to do something, anything, so maybe being Mia’s teammate to get in on the tag division would be the right start.

Fun little gag of this random local wrestler, “Ricky,” showing up. Not quite the wrestler with the first initial “R” we were thinking of, but then duh, it was of course Randy Orton as Kevin’s real partner. Great match with ATDU, great win for RKKO, and maybe RKKO can go for the tag titles. Though, that’s more Bloodline mess for RKKO and I’m not sure they’ll want to do that. But perhaps RKKO can be the reason ATDU falls apart because RKKO are better friends and partners than ATDU, even though Orton is The Viper and Kevin is Kevin.

And then another awesome match from Andrade VS Melo, though they were maybe going too hard, too fast at the start, it threw the timing off. But in the end, Andrade wins the tiebreaker, and now he is facing Knight next week for the title. I have a feeling Melo interferes as a sore loser, so as to protect Andrade because I don’t see the title changing hands on TV, even with SmackDown on a new network. Though, that would just naturally give us a Triple Threat, wouldn’t it? Maybe Melo lets Andrade pass or fail on his own, and then Melo just claims he’s got next, and probably for Bad Blood so it’ll be on a bigger stage.

My Score: 8.8/10