Time to see who faces the champions, YEAH!

Andrade and Carmelo Hayes battle one last time! It is “Game 7,” and to keep things under control, LA Knight will be special guest referee, YEAH!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match, Special Guest Referee LA Knight: Andrade VS Carmelo Hayes; No Contest.
• Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Naomi; Naomi wins.
• WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns; MCMG wins and will challenge The Bloodline for the titles.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: The Guerrillas of Destiny w/ The Bloodline VS Motor City Machine Guns;  MCMG wins and become the new WWE Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Crown Jewel Championship arrives.

The attendants bring the belt into the building here in Brooklyn, ahead of THE Crown Jewel event. The American Nightmare and Der Ring General will be face-to-face later tonight, will they fire off before their big champion VS champion match in Saudi Arabia?

Randy Orton heads to gorilla.

The Viper gets his music, but he makes sure to check with Triple H first. Orton is telling The Game something but The Game says save it for later, he’s gotta make his entrance. Orton heads out on stage and the fans cheer! They sing Voices as Orton goes to the ring, and he grabs himself a mic. Orton says he’s been doing everything he can to get his hands on Kevin Owens for Crown Jewel. Orton also quickly thanks Brooklyn for the cheers. But for some reason, Kevin is off limits! Orton asked Nick Aldis last week, and Aldis said it is above his paygrade. Orton said that he knew then who he needed to talk to, and that man is backstage.

So Orton asks here and now, Triple H, please sir, come on down! Because if Orton didn’t know any better, he would swear to God that Triple H was protecting Kevin from Orton! The fans boo that idea, but here comes Triple H! HHH has a mic and says he would’ve preferred not to do this out here, but since Orton seems to never show up on time, an issue they can also talk about later, seems they’ll do this now. Orton knows that HHH is protecting Kevin. He knows it, HHH knows it, the fans know it! And of course Kevin knows it! HHH says he is not protecting Kevin, but he is trying to do his job. Orton says HHH has a soft spot for Kevin, Orton gets it.

Kevin used to be likeable, but HHH is protecting the guy. Just admit it! HHH again says he is not. The match Orton wants is not going to happen. Because he’s protecting Kevin? HHH says it is not going to happen, Orton says it’s because HHH is protecting Kevin, repeat. Just admit it! Then it’ll be fine and- HHH says he is not protecting Kevin, he is protecting ORTON. The fans gasp and Orton isn’t sure what to make of that. The fans cheer Randy on as he leans back against ropes. HHH says he’s known Orton since he walked in here, and same for Kevin. Kevin wanted to be The Prizefighter because it was only about business, and that was true.

Kevin has never had a friend in this business. No matter what he has said or who he has been around, it was always just, so long as Kevin could get something where no one was in his way. If they were in his way, he’d take them down, and Orton knows what that’s like. And for the first time ever, Kevin let his guard down. Kevin trusted Orton and he trusted Cody. HHH isn’t sure if Kevin sees the good he wants to be in Cody, or sees the “miserable p*ick” he doesn’t wanna be in Orton, who knows. but whatever this is, Kevin liked Cody and Randy. And in Kevin’s mind, they were the ones who turned on him.

HHH is telling Orton now, after speaking with Kevin, there is something “disconnected” in Kevin. He is not the same man he was before, and quite frankly, HHH doesn’t want Kevin int he ring with Orton. Oh, so HHH is protecting Orton? HHH says take this with all due respect: Orton came back after 18 MONTHS on the shelf. Orton didn’t tear an ACL or blow a shoulder out. Orton had steel rods put in his back! The doctors weren’t sure he’d ever wrestle again and yet here Randy is, and Randy just got back. HHH does not want Orton to go back on the shelf. HHH tells Orton he does NOT want to see Orton go back on the shelf permanently.

Orton says that won’t happen. So stop all this. Orton did not ask “Paul Levesque” to come out here. Orton did not ask the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company in a suit to come out here. Orton wanted the Cerebral Assassin, The Game, the man who wore a leather jacket to the ring and brought a sledgehammer to the ring. The man who once went to Orton’s home, busted the door down, threw Orton out of his own dining room window, and proceeded to built the hell out of Orton’s miserable ass right there on the lawn. THAT is who Orton wants to hear him out! What would HHH do if he was in Orton’s shoes?

Orton knows HHH wouldn’t let this slide! And this isn’t the old Orton being impulsive. This is Orton talking to HHH man to man. Orton knows what is at stake more than anybody! Just like more than anybody, HHH knows what it is like to have all of this taken away from him in an instant. If HHH was in Orton’s shoes, he would not let this go. HHH would do what he and Orton have always done, and that is handle business the only way they know how: right in the middle of this ring! The fans cheer that! Orton wants Kevin at Crown Jewel, please! The fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT!” and Orton fires up with it.

HHH thinks on it, and the chanting just gets more fired up. HHH says, “I hope to God you all know what you’re asking for. You want Kevin Owens at Crown Jewel? You got him!” The fans cheer but HHH tells Randy, from this moment forward, protect yourself at all times. The Game is going to let the Apex Predator play with fire, but will he get burned? Or can Orton RKO KO outta nowhere?

SmackDown hears from Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.

Ahead of their final showdown, both men sent a message to the other. This is Game 7, and the most important of them all. Three months, Melo feels it was Andrade chasing clout off H1M, thinking he’s better than Melo. But guess what? Andrade is not. Andrade says like every match in this series, he will show you that El Idolo is the best. But it won’t just be them 1v1 this time, as The Mega Star becomes The Mega Ref. Andrade and Melo both vow to seal the deal, but who shoots that game winner?

WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match, Special Guest Referee LA Knight: Andrade VS Carmelo Hayes!

Speaking of the Mega Ref, the United States Champion makes his entrance first, ready to call it down the middle and smack down whoever doesn’t respect his authority. The series is about to have its finale, we see who takes it all, after the break!

SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and both men run up! Boot feint to ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Knight’s count seemed fair. Melo bails out, Knight has Andrade hold on, and Knight tells Melo to get back in. But Andrade slips out to side to storm up on Melo. Melo fires body shots and he SHOVES Andrade into barriers. Melo puts Andrade in, hurries to the apron, but Andrade slingshots Melo in! Andrade CHOPS Melo, stomps a mudhole, but Knight waits to start his count. Knight then has Andrade stop at 4, and dares Andrade to swing on him.

But Melo reaches over Knight to SMACK Andrade! Melo puts Andrade in a corner, stomps a mudhole now, but Knight counts much sooner. Knight brings Melo back at 4, he argues with Melo, and Melo goes back for Andrade. Melo whips, Andrade reverses, but Melo goes up. Andrade SHOVES Melo up and over! Melo tumbles to the floor and Andrade grins. Knight starts a count as Andrade builds speed, but then Knight ends up in Andrade’s way! The fans boo but Knight says no, he was counting. Knight restarts his count on Melo, but Andrade shrugs. Andrade FLIES over Knight to take out Melo! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Andrade stretches out his back, Knight reprimands him for disobeying, but Andrade goes back for Melo. Melo kicks Andrade low! Melo brings Andrade around, only for Andrade to whip! Melo reverses and Andrade hits barriers! Andrade hobbles his way into the ring, but Melo follows to kick Andrade around. Melo slingshot SENTONS! Melo argues with Knight again but he brings Andrade up through ropes. Melo pulls Andrade back, Knight counts, and Melo stops at 4. Melo tells Knight to chill, but Knight says he’ll throw Melo right out. Andrade fires forearms om Melo! And CHOPS! Andrade whips corner to corner, but Melo goes up and comes back, FLYING LARIAT!

Melo says count, and he covers, TWO! Melo argues but Knight says he’s the ref and the champ, respect his count. Knight puts the belt aside, and Melo snap suplexes Andrade. Cover, TWO! Melo drags Andrade into a chinlock and grinds him down. Melo grinds Andrade with forearms to the face but Andrade fights up. Only for Melo to wrangle him back down! Melo throws down elbows, then grinds Andrade into the mat. Andrade still endures, still fights, and he rises to his feet. Andrade fires body shots, but Melo clamps on tight. Andrade fights free, the forearms start flying between him and Melo! Andrade then ELBOWS Melo down!

Andrade blocks Melo’s kick to DRAGON SCREW! Melo is up fast, but Andrade dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down, Knight checks them both, and they’re okay to continue so a standing count starts. Andrade kips up at 5 of 10! Andrade soaks up the cheers, then rallies the fans. SmackDown returns to single picture as Andrade goes corner to corner. Melo moves, Andrade hits buckles! Melo ELBOWS Andrade, runs to ropes, but Andrade follows! Andrade goes up to join Melo this time, INVERTED SPANISH FLY! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Knight starts the standing count, “YEAH!”

We pass 5 of 10, “YEAH!” Then we hit 8! “YEAH!” Both men fire hands at 9! The fans rally, Andrade runs, but Melo dodges! Melo tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo seethes, but that count is still fair. Melo brings Andrade up, “This is Awesome!” as he reels Andrade in. Melo suplexes, but Andrade fights it! Andrade shoves Melo, kicks low, and underhooks! Melo fights The Message, so Andrade shifts gears to DESTROYER!! Even Knight is stunned seeing taht! Knight checks on Melo in the corner, but Andrade rallies the fans. “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade goes corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS!

Andrade drags Melo to a cover, TWO!! And Melo sends Andrade onto Knight! Andrade apologizes, but Melo rolls Andrade! Knight is upset, he misses the count! Melo is upset but he cools off. Andrade runs up, Melo dodges! Andrade stops from knocking Knight over! But now Andrade dodges, Melo’s SUPERKICK hits Knight! The ref is down and Melo is shocked. Andrade hits Melo! Snap suplex for Uno Amigo! The fans fire up for Dos Amigos! And then THREE- NO, Melo fights that! Melo suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, Knight is still out! Melo again misses out! But then Knight YANKS Melo out, to SMACK him off the desk!

The fans fire up and Knight storms into the ring. Knight and Andrade argue about what happened, Andrade swings on Knight! Knight dodges to kick low and B F T!! The fans are torn, but here comes Melo! Knight kicks him, too! B F T!! Knight is the only one standing, so he goes to the timekeeper. Knight rings the bell himself then takes a mic. “To hell with Game 7! I’ll tell you what this is! I’ll tell you exactly what this is! With a pile of losers in that ring, there is only one man, only one man who is still the United States Champion! The winner of Game 7, with everybody saying…” “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!”

The Mega Ref was impartial until he got hit in the face. But then what are we to do about Knight’s next challenger?

Nia Jax talks with Tiffany Stratton backstage.

The Queen checks in with Miss Money in the Bank and hopes she enjoyed her “vacation.” Tiff says if she could’ve been here last week, she would have. But she’s here now, and whatever Nia needs, Tiff can get her. Well, Nia can’t get Naomi off her back. Nia did need someone to face Naomi tonight- Tiff will do it! And Tiff promises, when she’s done with Naomi, she will never bother Nia ever again. Nia says that’s sweet, but she already found someone. Candice LeRae really stepped up last week, she pinned Bayley, something Tiff still hasn’t done. Tiff tries to make an excuse but in steps Candice & Indi.

Nia says good timing, they were just talking about her. Candice says she will take care of Naomi for Nia, and Tiffy can just… relax. Nia agrees, we don’t want more Tiffy Sniffles. Nia heads out with Candice & Indi, is Miss MITB in trouble of being replaced?

Nick Aldis finds LA Knight.

The SmackDown General Manager asks Knight what the hell was that, and Knight says Aldis already knows what the hell that was. Knight said himself had no business being out there, but here’s the thing- Aldis stops Knight and says no, here is the thing! Knight better keep his hands to himself next time. Knight wants to be the center of attention? Fine, because now it’ll be a Triple Threat! At Crown Jewel! The Mega Star will have to deal with double the trouble, but will he come out double the winner in Saudi Arabia? Or will there be a new champion one way or another?

Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Naomi!

The Poison Pixie did help out The Queen of the Ring in that tag match last week, checking off The Role Model. But now, will she #FeelTheGlow? Or will the WWE Women’s Speed Champion find the way to win two weeks in a row?

The bell rings and the fans rally. Candice and Naomi circle, tie up, and Candice trips Naomi to a cover. ONE, but Candice keeps her eyes on Naomi. Naomi stands, the two reset, but Candice kicks low! Candice CLUBS Naomi, wrenches her arm, and YANKS it. Candice wristlocks but Naomi rolls, spins, and trips Candice to then BOOT her from the mat! Naomi smiles as Candice scrambles away. The fans rally, Candice runs up to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE, but Candice stays close. Candice throws Naomi by her hair, covers< ONE! Candice runs up, Naomi slides to dodge! Naomi then mule kicks hard!

Naomi runs, and she SCISSOR KICKS! Cover, TWO! Candice stays in this but Naomi stays on her, BUCKLE BULLDOG! Candice staggers back, Naomi climbs, but Candice goes to the apron. Candice runs up, Naomi dodges, but Candice catches her for an APRON FLATLINER! Naomi looks out cold while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Candice has Naomi in a corner. Candice snapmares Naomi, then step-up SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Naomi toughs it out but Candice clamps on with a neck wrench. Candice steps over to twist Naomi’s head, then shifts to facelock. Naomi fights up and RAMS Candice into a corner! The ref counts, but Naomi RAMS Candice in again. Naomi SCORPION KICKS , goes to run, but Candice throws Naomi down by her hair! Naomi sits up, into a BASEMENT THROWBACK! Cover, TWO! Candice grows frustrated but she HAMMERS away on Naomi! The fans boo but Candice clamps onto Naomi with another neck wrench.

Naomi endures, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights. Naomi rises, and she THROWS Candice to the apron! Candice stands up but Naomi KICKS her! Naomi has Candice in the ropes, for a HEATSEEKER! Indi is worried for Candice while she and Naomi are both down. The fans rally, Naomi rises, but so does Candice. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Candice down! And DROPKICK again! Naomi runs to slingshot BULLDOG! The fans fire up while Candice staggers up. Naomi goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Candice survives, but Naomi drags her up to BUCKLE- NO, Candice shoves Naomi into the ropes!

Candice has Naomi for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Naomi falls to the floor, the ref has Indi stay back, and Candice DIVES, but into a GAMANGIRI! Candice distracts the ref, Indi POSTS Naomi! Indi puts Naomi in, but here comes Bayley! Bayley dodges Indi, ROCKS Indi, then THROWS Indi! Candice panics, but Naomi has the full nelson! BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor cradle cover, Naomi wins!

Winner: Naomi, by pinfall

Bayley evens things up for Naomi and that helps Naomi win out! Naomi & Bayley tell ’em what’s up now? Will Bayley continue to have Naomi’s back all the way to the eventual title match with Nia Jax?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Brooklyn fires up for The American Nightmare, and they sing along with his song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The Undisputed WWE Champion gets his pyro and high-fives fans, and even signs autographs and gives hugs. Cody goes to the ring, the Crown Jewel Championship shining on a pedestal, but then Gunther makes his entrance to interrupt the second “WHOA~ OH!” The fans boo as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his entrance, but he does at least shake hands with the one young fan cosplaying the Cody WrestleMania gear. Gunther joins Cody in the ring, and each man grabs a mic while the fans cheer.

Gunther speaks first, “So Cody… What do you want to talk about?” Gunther grins as fans boo because we know he’s copying Cody. Cody does say that he would say it is fairly obvious, because he asked Gunther last week, Gunther accepted the invitation, and Cody wants to know why Gunther wants to leave Crown Jewel as champion. Gunther says he is only here because Cody wants to know why, but Gunther wants to talk about Cody first. It was completely unnecessary for Cody to mention his daughter last week. This CJ Championship has nothing to do with her, and everything to do with a Champion VS Champion match at Crown Jewel.

So let’s find out who the better champion out of the two of them is. The fans cheer for Cody, but Gunther says he doesn’t understand. Every single time, Cody drags the people closest to him into his business. Just look at WrestleMania 40. He fulfilled his story, and it is all for the legacy of Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer that, but Gunther says Cody wants to be WWE’s quarterback. he wants the John Cena schedule, just to live up to someone else’s standards. What Gunther thinks is that Cody is only doing this to make things a little more dramatic than they really are. Gunther will be fully honest now.

Gunther’s reason why is himself. Gunther is the greatest wrestler in this company right now! So Gunther’s reason for all of this is to live up to his own expectations! Now Cody, do Gunther a favor, and imagine all the people here not being in the building. It is just Gunther and Cody, and give Cody that honesty back. What is the real reason why for Cody, if there is any. Cody says for a men so well educated and so well dressed in that nice suit, Cody admits that is the dumbest question that has ever been asked of Cody in a wrestling ring. The fans cheer, and Cody says Gunther wants to strip away the veneer, see what is behind Cody. He’s not the only one!

But then Gunther says take everyone in the crowd out of this? Newsflash, brother, none of this exists without all of them! The fans cheer that! Cody says Gunther had the nerve to take away a “Whoa!” Time to give it to Gunther! Let’s do it, Brooklyn. One, two, three, “WHOA~ OH~!” And “dramatic,” huh? Has Gunther seen Cody’s family? Damn right Cody is dramatic! They don’t call the fans “Cody Crybabies” for nothing! They’re badasses, too! They are proud to be dramatic, they are proud to be messy! But question to Gunther: where was Gunther yesterday? The day before that even? Because Cody was at Allegiant Stadium talking up WrestleMania 41.

Cody was making media rounds, doing everything asked of him. But Gunther couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed, could he? All that prestige, how good he looks with the world title, Gunther has part of this down. The part he’s missing is the giant responsibility that comes with it! Responsibility? Gunther says look at the title. Gunther is the WORKHORSE champion of this company! He knows everything about responsibility! Fans are torn, but Gunther says doesn’t Cody think Gunther gets the same requests as Cody does? The difference is, Gunther says no. Gunther has the guts to say no! Gunther has the guts to say no to the boss! To the media! To the charities!

And Gunther especially has the guts to say no to all the fans. The fans boo, but Gunther says the reason Cody doesn’t say no, the reason Cody doesn’t put himself first, is because if Cody stops being the servant of everyone else, his little story is OVER. The fans boo more but Gunther says all that makes Cody into is a gutless champion. And a gutless champion will always be secondary to GUNTHER. Cody says what do they say about Gunther? Der Ring General, is that it? A Ring General cuz he’s 6’4″, 250 pounds, terrorizing the planet long before he was “Gunther.” But Cody does not see a general. Gunther commands no one, leads no one but himself.

And we wanna talk guts? All Cody has done his whole career is built on guts! The path less traveled is paved with his guts! You wanna know about guts? Guts is ending a civil discussion like this to take the first shot! Kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Cody fires hands and stomps! But here comes Ludwig Kaiser! Cody DECKS Kaiser, fires hands, but Gunther grabs Cody! Kaiser winds up to BODY SHOT! Kaiser shoves Cody down, then Gunther winds up, to LARIAT Cody down! But here comes Orton! The Viper still has Cody’s back, and that sends Imperium running! Orton picks up the Undisputed Championship, and hands it to Cody.

The fans cheer as Orton and Cody stand their ground. What will happen when champion and champion collide for the Crown Jewel title?

Damage CTRL, Meta Four and Chelsea & Piper wait in Aldis’ office.

The three teams are squabbling, but the three GMs are there, too. Ava Raine has everyone calm down, and now the StrongEST Duo, Bianca & Jade, arrive. Ava has a big announcement. Pearce says since all these teams have been at each other’s throats for weeks now, the three GMs have created a great solution to nip this in the bud. Aldis tells the champs that at Crown Jewel, they will be defending their titles against all three teams in a Fatal 4 Way! Everyone is excited for that! Bianca & Jade says they did this, and they stay ready so they don’t have to get ready. All these ladies wanna shoot their shots, so they better come correct.

The StrongEST Duo heads out, the challenger teams are ready, but which way will this one go when the odds are in no one’s favor?

WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns!

Well speaking of tag team titles, these two teams are one step away from challenging Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa! Will Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa earn one more shot at The Guerrillas of Destiny? Or will Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin go from new kids on the block to new challengers for the gold?

SmackDown returns and MCMG make their entrance, RATATATAT! The teams sort out and Gargano starts against Shelley. They circle, feel things out, and Shelley waistlocks. Shelley wrenches, but Gargano spins, and slips through to wristlock. Shelley wrenches, wristlocks, but Gargano rolls and hooks Shelley to wrench again. Shelley slips around, headlocks for a takeover, but Gargano headscissors. Shelley kips up, goes for a leg, but Gargano steps over to roll Shelley up! ONE, but Gargano wants the crossface! Shelley rolls to a cover, ONE! The fans cheer and Gargano says it was that close. The two shake hands and back away, Ciampa tags in.

The fans rally up as Ciampa and Shelley circle. They feel things out, and Shelley slips to a waistlock. Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Ciampa throws an elbow! Ciampa CHOPS, and the fans “WOO~!” Ciampa taunts Sabin, brings Shelley up, but Shelley fires forearms. Ciampa headlocks but Shelley powers up, Sabin tags in as Shelley powers out. Shelley atomic drops Ciampa, Sabin dropkicks the legs out, and we start up the DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up and Sabin covers, TWO! Ciampa is tougher than that, but Sabin JABS! Sabin CHOSP, the fans “WOO~!” and rally for “MOTOR CITY!”

Sabin wrenches, whips, but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges. Gargano tags in, Ciampa slides under to CHOP! Gargano LARIATS, Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Gargano then feeds Sabin to Ciampa’s LARIAT! Gargano covers, TWO! Gargano drags Sabin up, snapmares, and runs to CALF KICK Sabin! Cover, TWO! Sabin is tougher than that but Gargano stays on him. Gargano CHOPS Sabin, wrenches, and then brings him over to tag Ciampa. Gargano whips Sabin to a corner, then he sends Ciampa in. Sabin ELBOWS Ciampa, dodges Gargano, tag to Shelley! MCMG DOUBLE LARIAT Gargano! Ciampa runs up but Shelley trips him up

Shelley drags Ciampa out to SMACK him off the apron! Sabin & Shelley are on the apron, they PENALTY KICK SUPERKICK SANDWICH! Then Shelley holds the way open and Sabin builds speed, only for Gargano to slingshot SPEAR Sabin down! Ciampa YANKS Shelley down, POSTS him, and then CHOPS him! Ciampa stomps away on Shelley, and he’s all fired up! DIY applaud themselves while the fans cheer, and then Ciampa CHOPS Sabin, right as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Shelley fights against Ciampa’s facelock. The fans rally as Shelley heads for the MCMG corner, but Ciampa DECKS Sabin! But then Shelley hip tosses Ciampa! No Sabin to tag, but Ciampa tags Gargano! Gargano runs up, Shelley BOOTS him! Ciampa runs up, Shelley BOOTS him! Sabin is back and he tags in! Sabin DOUBLE CROSSBODIES DIY! The fans fire up as Sabin fires hands and CHOPS on DIY! Sabin runs, but has to duck a double lariat! Sabin sends Ciampa into Gargano, SOBATS Ciampa, then kicks Gargano to TORNADO DDT Ciampa! The fans fire up and Sabin nruns in to ELBOW Gargano!

Tag to Shelley, he and Sabin run up to RAM & ELBOW! Ciampa runs up, MCMG dodge to kick, kick and KICK SANDWICH! Ciampa sputters, Shelley stacks Gargano on top of him! Sabin goes up, leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER COMBO! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up but Shelley grows frustrated. “This is Awesome!” as Shelley tags Sabin. Sabin storms up on Gargano, spins him to wrench him, and fireman’s carry! Gargano flails and Ciampa YANKS Shelley down! Gargano sunset flips, Sabin rolls through but Gargano avoids a kick! Gargano schoolboy rolls and KICKS Sabin! Tag to Ciampa and DIY gets Sabin up.

Ciampa underhooks Sabin, lifts, SUPERKICK into FAIRYTALE ENDING! Gargano DIVES onto Shelley! Ciampa brings his kneepad down, to PSYCHO KNEE Sabin! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives and Ciampa is seeing why MCMG have held gold all over the world! But Ciampa fires up, tags Gargano, and the fans rally. DIY set up in corners, but Shelley drags Ciampa out! Sabin avoids the superkick to victory roll, ONE! Gargano has it back, TWO!! Sabin escapes, then JAWBREAKERS Gargano! Both men stagger, Ciampa has Sabin! Gargano runs up, Sabin ducks, the SUPERKICK hits Ciampa! Sabin rolls Gargano, TWO!!

Gargano scrambles up, Shelley tags in! MCMG dodge to then BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO! They haul Gargano up, turn him, SKULL & BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

In just two matches, Shelley & Sabin have gone from hottest new signees to hottest new contenders! DIY falls short again, what will it take for them to return to the top? As for MCMG, will they grow their impressive list of accolades with those WWE Tag Team Championships?

Wait, wait, wait. Speaking of those championships, The Bloodline is here! Solo Sikoa leads the way for Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. They head to the ring but MCMG is standing their ground. We see if things pop off, after the break.

SmackDown returns and…

Nick Aldis has joined everyone in the ring. He tells Solo & The Bloodline that while the tag title match is set, it isn’t going down tonight. Solo says they’re good, they’re alright. There is no problem here. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” and Solo scowls. He tells Brooklyn to shut their mouths, but they boo instead. Solo says he was just coming out here to introduce themselves to the new #1 contenders. The fans boo more, Solo again tells them to shut their mouths. Before Solo gets started, “Brooklyn, New York… ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans just boo more. Solo welcomes MCMG to SmackDown, this is The Bloodline.

And Solo is YOUR Tribal Chief! The fans still chant “O T C! O T C!” Sabin has a mic to say, “Well, it’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Tribal Chief. And since we’re doing introductions, allow me to introduce us. I’m Chris Sabin, and this is Alex Shelley, the Motor City Machine Guns, now the #1 contenders to those WWE Tag Team Championships.” The fans cheer that. Sabin says they are always ready, so whenever The Bloodline wants to hand over the championships, just let them know. They’re down for any place, any time. Solo mocks Sabin and says that’s funny. Any place and any time?

Well, since they’re new to SmackDown and they wanna make an impact here… How about a tag team title match right here and now in Brooklyn? The fans cheer, Aldis says no, these two have fought, sacrificed, and given everything to this business for over 20 YEARS. Aldis will be damned if he will let them get their earned and fair title shot when they’re nowhere near 100%. But Shelley says no, no, Nick, stop. They’ve known Aldis a long time, and he knows more than anyone else what MCMG has put into this industry. Those belts, those are the most important titles on this planet! So if Bloodline wants it right here, right now… THEY’VE GOT IT!

The fans fire up as MCMG wants their shot here tonight! Aldis asks if that’s what they really want… And it’s what the fans want, then let’s get a referee! It’s official! The fans fire up, but is going back-to-back against top tier teams really the smart thing to do?

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Guerrillas of Destiny w/ The Bloodline VS Motor City Machine Guns!

Solo & Jacob hurry out of the way as the ref raises the belts. The fans fire up, but will Tama & Loa take advantage of Shelley & Sabin? Or is there more ammo inside these Motor City Machine Guns?

The bell rings and the teams just brawl! The fans fire up but the Guerrillas have the edge. They whip, but MCMG stop themselves! MCMG DUMP out the champs, to then WRECK them with dropkicks! MCMG keep moving, but the Guerillas slide in! DROPKICK from Tama to Shelley, LARIAT from Loa to Sabin! The fans boo but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tama fires hands on Shelley, then HEADBUTTS him down! Tama drags Shelley back up, snap suplexes, then covers, TWO! Loa takes Sabin out on the outside, right behind the ref’s back! Solo is annoyed, the fans are surely still chanting for the OTC. But then Tama CHOKES Shelley on ropes! The ref counts but Tama stops at 4. Shelley sputters and coughs but Tama tags Loa. The Guerrillas DOUBLE HEADBUTT, then Loa drags Shelley up. Loa CHOPS, Shelley goes to ropes, and Loa CHOKES him some more! The ref counts, Loa lets go, but Jacob sucker punches Shelley! Sabin protests but the ref missed it all.

Loa drags Shelley up, brings him around, and he tags Tama. Loa snap suplexes Shelley, then Tama slingshot SENTONS! Tama taunts Brooklyn, then he stomps Shelley. Tama HEADBUTTS Shelley, rains down fists, then stomps him more. Tama drags Shelley up, tags Loa back in, and Tama whips Shelley. Tama BODY BLOWS, Loa UPPERCUTS, and Tama NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Loa growls as he looms over Shelley. Loa drags Shelley up, CLAWS at his face, then HEADBUTTS him as SmackDown returns to single picture. Loa puts Shelley on ropes to CHOKE him again, but the ref counts.

Loa stops, Shelley coughs, but then Loa DECKS Sabin! The fans rally for Roman and that annoys Solo. Loa scoops Shelley, he tags Tama, and then POWERSLAM for Shelley! Tama goes up, as does Loa, and they DOUBLE DIVING FLOP as Shelley moves! Shelley crawls but Solo gets on the apron to shout at Tama & Loa! Solo wants them to get up, but someone in a hoodie drags Solo down! They SMACK Solo off steps, and surprise! It is HIM, Big Jim Uso! The fans fire up, and Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jacob! But Solo CLUBS Jimmy from behind! Solo POSTS Jimmy! Jacob & Solo beat up on Jimmy but here comes THE OTC!

Brooklyn goes nuts because yes, here comes Roman Reigns! Solo & Jacob move to intercept, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES the Samoan Werewolf! Roman then dodges Solo, and Jimmy runs up to UPPERCUT! Roman & Jimmy brawl with Jacob & Solo up the ramp and take this to the back! Now things are fair in the ring as Shelley hot tags Sabin! Sabin fires hands on Tama! Sabin whips, Tama reverses, but Sabin goes up and out! Sabin blocks Tama to ROCK Tama! Sabin climbs, MISSILE DROPKICK! Tama tumbles, the fans fire up, and Sabin runs in, but the ref is used as a shield!

The fans boo but Loa is in to SPINEBUSTER Sabin! The Guerrillas take advantage of no ref by grabbing some chairs! The fans boo but Loa slides one chair to Tama. Wait, another man in a hoodie is here! SUPERKICK for Loa!! And the fans are thunderous as they YEET Loa over the desk! Yes, it’s Jey Uso! Tama then runs up, but Jey SUPERKICKS! And he JAMS Tama with a chair! And SMACKS him with it! And then SPEAR! Jey finally takes off the hood to reveal it is indeed the Main Event Uce! MCMG get Tama up, SKULL & BONES!! Cover, MCMG WINS!!!

Winners: The Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall (NEW WWE Tag Team Champions)

The Prodigal Uce returns to SmackDown, and he gets payback on Solo’s Bloodline for screwing him out of a title! MCMG win gold in just THREE matches!! And as MCMG heads out, the fans “YEET!” while Jimmy makes his way back to ringside. Uso spots Uso and vice-versa, and the fans chant for the “USOS! USOS!” Jimmy steps into the ring to be face to face with his brother. They HUG IT OUT! The fans are thunderous for this Uso reunion! Roman returns now, seeing his cousins embrace. What does the OTC say about this? Will he give in and YEET? Or will it take time to get Roman to feel that Ucey?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with an awesome ending, I did not think they’d do what they did in the main event. But first, I  did figure they would do what they did with Andrade VS Melo. Knight as a ref was good, he was on point, but of course things got chippy, things got all chaotic, and Knight takes his frustrations out on both Andrade and Melo. No one contender, it is now two, Triple Threat for Crown Jewel is going to be great stuff. Likewise, so glad my idea of a Fatal 4 Way for the Women’s Tag Team Championships is happening. Bianca & Jade only lost in a Triple Threat because someone else got pinned, now we raise the ante to see if they can survive this.

Very good promo from Orton with HHH to set up Orton VS Kevin, and I like that Orton referenced that one feud of his and HHH when Orton was himself a ruthless Heel. HHH also did a good job selling that this Heel Kevin is going to be the meanest, most ruthless Kevin ever because in Kevin’s mind, he’s lost everything. No title, no friends, no more trusting anyone, #JustKeepFighting. As such, perhaps Kevin wins because then Kevin can go after Cody for a rematch in a No Disqualification type match. That is Cody’s pattern, after all, from Rollins to Nakamura to Styles. Granted, I don’t see Kevin winning that, the same as Rollins, Nakamura and Styles, but it’ll be awesome.

And speaking of Cody, he and Gunther had a good promo segment, even though their dialogue was just remixing what they’ve said before. The brawl was better, especially with Kaiser joining Gunther and then Orton helping Cody. That’s obviously a tag match right there for the go-home, and while Kaiser is surely taking the loss, the match gives Kevin an opening to go after Orton. That tag match will give a good idea of the go-home math, but even then, Cody VS Gunther could really go either way.

Really good stuff in the WWE Women’s Championship story. Tiffany is certainly in danger of being replaced as Nia’s sidekick with Candice & Indi hanging around now. Very good match from Candice VS Naomi, even with Indi getting involved to bring Bayley out. Naomi will definitely challenge Nia on the other side of Crown Jewel, but I feel like we could see Naomi & Bayley VS Candice & Indi first. And with Tiffany continuing to be pushed around by Nia, you can bet Tiffany will go through with her cash-in next time, end up Face against Nia and the fans will love it.

Finally, the great surprise of the night was the tag title scene. MCMG VS DIY was a great match, but what else did we expect from those two teams? Great win for MCMG, who knows where DIY goes from here. Break up again so that one can go after the US or even Undisputed Championship? Maybe. HHH & HBK did such a great job with that in NXT, they could surely give us a great sequel here. As for MCMG, them going for the tag titles tonight was a great surprise, and it was the perfect way to set up more Bloodline story. Jey of course had to help cost Tama & Loa those titles, no more titles held hostage by Bloodline.

Jey and Jimmy hugging it out was so awesome to see, as was Roman being uncertain. I’m a bit paranoid about a TV network cutting off the ending, but I don’t think that happened this time. Roman being conflicted one more week is the right move, it gives more time to tell the story of Roman changing his mind and accepting Jey as an equal. This will go to Survivor Series WarGames in a month from now, Bloodline: Civil War, Roman’s side just needs one more person to be 4v4 with Solo’s team, and we can only hope it’s Honorary Uce, Sami Zayn.

My Score: 8.9/10