A preview of Crown Jewel, if you will.

It’s the Friday Night SmackDown before Crown Jewel, and before battling over THE Crown Jewel title, all WWE’s top champions meet face to face!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tiffany Stratton w/ Nia Jax VS Liv Morgan w/ Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv wins.
• The Street Profits w/ B Fab VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win.
• Bayley & Naomi VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell; Bayley & Naomi win.
• Fatal 4 Way: Bianca Belair w/ Jade Cargill VS Iyo Sky w/ Kairi Sane VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson; Iyo wins.
• Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton VS Imperium; Cody & Orton win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nia Jax is here!

The fans boo but the Irresistible Force doesn’t care as she goes to the ring. Nia has a mic and says, “Right now, there’s only one thing on my mind: The Women’s Crown Jewel Championship. I want it. And if you haven’t noticed, I usually get everything that I want. The last time I was in Saudi Arabia, I wanted to become Queen of the Ring, and I did. At SummerSlam, I wanted to become WWE Women’s Champion. And I did! Anything and everything that gets in my way gets A-Nia-Lated. Which is exactly what’s gonna happen to that insufferable Liv Morgan at Crown Jewel.

“I will be walking out the first-ever Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, and Liv will be crying on the floor with her disgusting, dirty little-” Wait, Liv interrupts! Or rather, Raquel Rodriguez leads the way for Liv and Dirty Dom. The fans boo more, but Liv tells Nia, “You keep bragging about your accomplishments like you’re special, but you’re not.” Liv also walked out of King & Queen of the Ring successfully, by retiring Becky Lynch to become the GREATEST Women’s World Champion of all time! All thanks to a little help from the most gorgeous man in the entire world, “Daddy” Dominik Mysterio!

The fans really boo now, but Liv says that was just months before SummerSlam. Liv’s held her title longer, so she knows what it takes to become Crown Jewel Champion. And also, if Liv’s memory serves right, she also knows what it takes to beat Nia, too. Last time they fought, Liv won! So if Liv was Nia, she’d stop dreaming now. If anyone’s becoming the first Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, it’s Liv. But then “It’s Tiffy Time!” Tiffany Stratton struts her way out, holding her Money in the Bank briefcase up. Tiff says they can argue all they want, because at Crown Jewel, it’ll be Tiffy Time~! She is taking her briefcase to cash in and become the NEW Women’s World Championship!

The fans cheer and Nia is at least pleased to hear that. She says that’s right, Liv! Liv doesn’t have just Nia to worry about, Liv has- Tiff stops Nia there. Don’t get too comfortable, Nia, Tiff could still cash in on you, too. Excuse me!? Liv says this is great! Nia has to worry about Tiff and Liv! Liv at least has people around her she can trust. Oh, Liv, don’t you get too excited. Because Tiff hasn’t even made up her mind. Plus, they’re both starting to piss Tiff off, so here’s what’s gonna happen! At Crown Jewel, Tiff cashes in, and she’s taking home one of their titles. But hey, there is one thing that could help her make a decision faster…

If Tiff takes Liv’s title, does that mean Dom comes with it? Tiff could use a little dirty in her life. Dom shakes his head, and Liv tells Tiff that it seems that she already has enough dirty in her life. Tiff DECKS Liv! Liv falls out of the ring, Raquel & Dom shield her, and Tiff says Liv is nothing without them! Liv says get a ref, she wants to fight! Will Tiff look to soften Liv up for Nia before Crown Jewel? Or is Tiff doing this all for herself for once?

Tiffany Stratton w/ Nia Jax VS Liv Morgan w/ Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez!

SmackDown returns and the fight is on! Liv rains down fists but the ref reprimands. Liv drags Tiff up to TOSS her out! Liv goes out after Tiff to THROW her into barriers! And then Liv brings Tiff around to throw into the Hydration Station! The fans cheer that, who cares about Prime? Liv CLUBS Tiff, nuzzles noses with Dom, then puts Tiff in the ring. Tiff gets up to BOOT Liv down! Tiff pie faces then rains down fists! Liv has the ropes, Tiff lets off, but Tiff kicks Liv again. Tiff THROWS Liv down, then goes corner to corner. Handspring but Liv dodges! Liv SHOTGUNS Tiff, then runs up to BACK BODY BLCOK!

Liv keeps moving, and she SHINING- NO, Tiff stops that to POWERBOMB Liv! High stack, TWO! Liv survives, but Tiff rains down more fists! Nia says it IS Tiffy Time, and Tiff says Liv is NOTHING without Dom! Tiff CLUBS Dom, fireman’s carries, but Liv fights free to a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays in this, Liv glares at Nia and they talk trash. Liv runs up, O- NO! Tiff holds ropes to stomp the flatliner, and she TIFFY STOMPS! Nia distracts and slides the briefcase to Tiff! Tiff aims but Liv ducks the cheap shot! Roll up, with tights, Liv wins!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall

Liv cheats the cheaters, but Nia storms in! Liv DROPKICKS Nia in the ropes, then SMACKS Tiff with own briefcase! But then Nia grabs Liv to HEADBUTT her down! And Nia SMACKS Raquel! And she SMACKS Dom! And SMACK to Liv again! Nia goes up, and up, and A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia sits on Liv like Yokozuna, and then regroups with Tiff. Will nothing stop Nia from taking the Crown Jewel Championship? Will Tiff still stand up to her using the MITB briefcase?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“Randy… I’ve been trying to call you all week. You just won’t answer, so I’m sending this video to WWE in hopes that you will actually see it and listen, because I really need you to hear me. I don’t wanna do this. I don’t wanna fight you. I’ve looked up to you for so long. I still do now, actually. I just don’t understand why you’re making me do this. And I need you to remember something: I really never wanted to hurt you. Now I’m going to. Crown Jewel, I’m gonna hurt you like you hurt me, and it’s your fault, because you did this. You did this to us. I’ll see you Saturday, buddy.” The Prizefighter has spoken, but will he really be that reluctant to tear down The Apex Predator?

The Street Profits w/ B Fab VS Pretty Deadly!

While neither of these teams got to go after the WWE Tag Team Champions, the chase is never-ending. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins show the Profits are still up? Or will Elton Prince & Kit Wilson say #YESBOY to a big rebound win?

SmackDown returns and Pretty Deadly makes their entrance. And they are trying to pitch their musical to Lin-Manuel Miranda as he sits at ringside. LMM politely accepts their playbill and CD, but then signals to the camera that it’s a no already. But then Pretty Deadly ATTACK Th ePHrofits! The fans boo as Elton drags Dawkinso ut and Kit stomps away on Ford. Kit KNEES Ford, Ford ends up in the Pretty Deadly corner, and Kit runs up to ELBOW! Tag to Elton, and they fireman’s carry Ford for an ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this but Elton stomps away! Elton stomps a mudhole, then calms down.

Elton mocks the Profits’ running man dance, then he stomps Ford again! Tag to Kit, and Kit drags Ford up. Ford fights them off but they whip, leapfrog, and DDT! Cover, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Kit keeps on him with fists! Kit then taunts Ford, but the fans rally up with “YEP~!” Kit ROCKS Ford, tags Elton, and Elton sends Kit in. Ford dodges the splash! Ford slides under Elton, but Elton has a foot! Ford fights forward but Elton reels him in,> Back suplex, but Ford lands out! Ford and Pretty Deadly stare down, and then Ford LEAPS over them both! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins POUNCES Kit, CLBOBERS Elton, and keeps going!

Elton reverses the whip but Dawkins hurdles to UPPERCUT! Kit runs up, into a FLAPJACK! The fans fire up with Dawkins, and he CYCLONE SPLASHES Elton! Then CYCLONE SPLASH for Kit! Elton staggers into a scoop, but he slips free! Dawkins shoves Elton away, but Elton FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS him! Tag to Kit, and Kit gets the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, Ford breaks it! The fans fire up, but Elton TOSSES Ford! Ford lands on the apron to GAMANGIRI! But Kit BLASTS Ford! Kit wrenches and UPPERCUTS Dawkins! Dawkins BOOTS back! Kit distracts the ref so Elton can CHOKE Dawkins!

B-Fab YANKS Elton down! And she scoops Elton to SLAM her! The fans fire up, and then Dawkins ROCKS Kit! Dawkins lifts Kit, Ford tags in! Ford goes up, BLOCKBUTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

Pretty Deadly tried to write their happy ending, but B-Fab flips the script! Will The Profits be the one with a second act in the tag title picture?

Nia and Tiff regroup backstage.

Nia is confused. Tiff thought she was gonna cash in on Nia? No, no, Tiff just wanted Liv to think Tiff might cash in on Nia. It is all just part of the plan. Okay, fine, just- Bayley & Naomi walk in chuckling. How smart, Tiff. Is that lump on her head part of the plan? Nia asks, “Can we help you?” Naomi says yeah. Keep the title warm for her. Then talk to the hand, Tiff. The Glow & The Role Model head out, ready to face Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell. Will Bayley & Naomi find the way to build momentum towards a title match with Nia?

Bayley & Naomi VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell!

SmackDown returns as Naomi makes her entrance, followed by Bayley. Then The Poison Pixie & #IndiWrestling make their entrance and the teams sort out. The Way doesn’t even care, they just attack! Candice & Indi stomp Naomi out, and then Indi drags Bayley up. Indi CLUBS Bayley, looms over her, then CLUBS her again. The fans rally for Bayley but Indi talks trash. Bayley fires forearms and haymakers! Indi blocks a kick, throws Bayley down, then CLUBS Bayley! Indi DECKS Bayley, then shakes out her hand. Indi stomps Bayley, stomps again and again, but Bayley goes to ropes. The ref reprimands but Indi grins.

Indi drags Bayley into ropes, UPPERCUTS, then tags Candice before a BOOT! Bayley flops down, and Candice goes up to springboard CROSSBODY! Candice smiles and says, “That’s what you get. This is your Role Model right here.” The Way is on top, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Candice HIP DROPS Bayley! Tag to Indi and she clamps onto Bayley with a chinlock. Bayley endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Bayley reaches out but Indi keeps her from Naomi! SIDEWALK SLAM! Tag to Candice, and they coordinate to INVERTED WHEELBARROW SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Candice gets mad and she HAMMERS away on Bayley! Candice drags Bayley around to an armlock, but the fans rally for Bayley. Bayley endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! But then Candice BLASTS Naomi off the apron! The ref reprimands Candice, but then has to stop Naomi from storming in!

Candice drags Bayley away, puts her in ropes, and tag to Indi. Bayley avoids the boot this time to ROCK Indi! Bayley RAMS Candice into the post! Bayley slips in, dodges Indi, and she puts Indi in the ropes! Bayley goes up, STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss, and Bayley crawls for her corner. Candice tags in first, and she drags Bayley back. Bayley stands up, hops and hops, and still hot tags! Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Candice, then runs her side to side, BUCKLE BULLDOG! Another ROUNDHOUSE, and Naomi hits a HEATSEEKER! Candice flops back, Naomi goes up, up, SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, Indi breaks it!

Bayley whips Indi but Indi reverses to TOSS Bayley! Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Indi, but Candice rolls Naomi up! TWO! ENZIGIRI! Candice hurries but Naomi goes up and over, to STOMP away on Candice’s back! Tag to Bayley, Naomi FLYING LARIATS Indi! But Candice HOTSHOTS Bayley down! Candice DUMPS Naomi out, ROCKS her, and then drags Bayley up. Bayley HOTSHOTS Candice! Bayley swings, Candice ducks to waistlock, and she RAMS Bayley into Naomi! That counts as a tag?! Indi ROCKS Bayley, Bayley fights off Candice, BAYLEY2BELLY for Indi! But Candice STEP-UP SENTONS Bayley!

Candice hurries to LIONSAULT! Cover, but Bayley is not legal! Candice is confused, and Naomi runs in to REARVIEW!! Cover, Naomi & Bayley win!

Winners: Bayley & Naomi, by pinfall

The Poison Pixie may be the Women’s Speed Champion, but that one came at her fast! Will Naomi keep this “glow-mentum” going until she’s once again WWE Women’s Champion?

Roman Reigns is here!

The fans cheer The OTC as he walks out, accompanied by #BigJim Uso. The pyro goes off as Roman raises the one, but we already know that he, Jimmy and Jey Uso will be in a big Six Man Tag match against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline. Roman & Jimmy go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Jimmy has the mic to say he and The OTC are now in your city! Can he keep it 100 with y’all, though? The fans chant, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” And Jimmy tells Big Uce, HIS Tribal Chief, that stronger together is what he would always say. And from the looks of it, they’re not solid even one bit. Roman knows Jimmy loves him, so just hear him out.

The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jimmy wants Roman to just drop the beef with Jey. Jimmy made up with his brother. The fans chant, “Squash The Beef! Squash The Beef!” Jimmy asks Roman, and says he needs Roman, to squash it. Jimmy made up with Jey, so now is time for Roman to make up with him. To make good with their brother! Because if they don’t get right, if they’re not strong like they can be, they will lose to Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline. So just listen, please. Jimmy is just trying to say- Roman holds out his hand for the mic. Jimmy sighs and hands the mic over.

But then here comes Jey! The fans fire up and bounce along as Main Event Jey comes in from the crowd! Jey makes his way to ringside, Roman watching him closely. Jey stands on the corner and the fans bounce along again. Jey then steps inside the ring, grabs a mic, and the fans still sing along, “It’s Just Me, Uce! Day One Ish!” Then the “YEET! YEET! YEET!” returns. Jey paces, but he and Roman lock eyes. The fans again chant, “Squash The Beef!” and Jey takes off the sunglasses. Jey says, “Let’s get one thing clear, Uce. This match… This fight… I only took it to get back at Solo. Because he cost me my championship, and he messing with the family.”

Jey says this here, though, the three of then, it ain’t all the way fixed yet. If he could be honest, Uce, it is taking all he can to even be standing with Roman side by side. Cuz Jey remembers, ain’t forget, what Roman did to Jey, and how he did Jey. Physical damage, emotional damage, mental damage, but Jey still showed up because that is what family does. The fans cheer that! But the ones before them and the ones after them, these three have to show that family is above all. But this round, Uce, Roman won’t be telling Jey what to do, how to do it. He is not a lackey, Uce. He is not the Right Hand no more, Uce. Jey is Roman’s equal now!

The fans really fire up for that! Jey says yeah, all three of them are equals now. Side by side, and they’ll run this like they used to do back in the day. Roman, Jey is telling you right now… If Roman even speaks or treats Jey with the slightest disrespect, he is gone, he is out. And if Roman doesn’t like that, then he can walk, too. Or… Roman can act like a cousin and not like a chief, and they’ll see each other tomorrow. They can do this together. What does Roman say? They gonna do the damn thing or no? Roman takes the mic back from Jimmy, and the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Roman shakes his head as he looks down at the mat.

Roman finally speaks, and he says, “YEET!” The fans cheer and Jimmy is all fired up! The fans then chant, “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Jimmy raises the one, the fans join in, and then Jey raises the one! The fans fire up and keep the fingers high, because then Roman raises the one! They are united again, and feel even stronger than before! But then will the Original Bloodline be able to bring down Solo and his renegades?

Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.

Byron Saxton is with the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions and asks them about their goals for the SmackDown Tag Division. Chris Sabin says their goal is the same as the one when he and Alex Shelley started this team way back in 2006. That is to be the best damn tag team in- A-Town Down Under walks over and Austin Theory says, “Look what got over here, Grayson. The new tag team champions!” Waller says they know everything MCMG has down even before WWE, and now they’re the champs. And when you’re the champs, you gotta be on a pedestal. Biggest stage, brightest lights, and the best talk show in WWE.

They’re gonna be on Miz TV? Waller laughs that off and says Shelley is new here, but there’s no Miz. He was talking about his show, The Grayson Waller Effect. And what better thing to do than next week, have MCMG on the show. Shelley says sure, see you then. But will MCMG make sure ATDU don’t get to pull any cheap shots on them, both verbally and physically?

Fatal 4 Way: Bianca Belair w/ Jade Cargill VS Iyo Sky w/ Kairi Sane VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson!

While Crown Jewel sees all four teams fight for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, one member from each team is going to battle in this appetizer. The EST, the Evil Genius, the Scottish Viper and the Bougie Bully, who defies the odds here to give their team the advantage tomorrow?

SmackDown returns, DMG CTRL and Meta Four waiting as Chelsea & Piper, or rather “Chelseapool and Piperine,” make their entrance. Bianca & Jade walk ‘n’ talk: Ever since they won these titles, they said they’d defend them against anyone who wanted an opportunity. NXT, SmackDown, Raw, anybody can get it. And luckily for them, there are contenders stepping up to the plate. Everyone’s getting a preview of what happens at Crown Jewel, because they always stand on business. #FACTS. The StrongEST Duo makes their entrance, and the fans fire up. Chelsea keeps her distance as Bianca swings her braided ponytail.

The bell rings, all four watch each other, and Lash DECKS Bianca! Iyo rolls Lash up, but Piper drags her away. Piper HEADBUTTS Iyo but Bianca is back to ROCK Piper! Lash is up to go after Bianca by her ponytail, but Iyo ROCKS Lash! Bianca keeps after Piper, Lash puts Iyo on the apron. Piper turns things around on Bianca while Lash DECK Iyo! Lash goes to the apron, but Iyo blocks a kick to YANK her down! Piper runs, but Bianca slips out! Piper hits buckles, Bianca hits Piper! Bianca RAMS Piper, Piper rebounds to CLOBBER Bianca! Chelsea cheers, and then Lash FLAPJACKS Iyo off the apron!

Lash storms in, and she stares down Piper. The fans rally up, and they RAM into each other! Piper wags her finger, but Lash knees low! Lash fireman’s carries, but Piper slips free! Piper scoops Lash! Lash slips free, and shoves Piper. Piper dodges, both women run, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! They both fall, and then Bianca has them side by side! HANDSPRING MONSAULT! Double cover, Iyo breaks it! Iyo drags Lash up, whips, but Lash blocks! Lash whips Iyo, but Iyo holds ropes. Iyo TOSSES Lash, then goes up, over, and mule kicks Lash! Iyo goes up but Piper BLASTS her down! But Bianca DUMPS Piper!

The fans fire up and Bianca aims, to PLANCHA! But Piper and Lash catch her! They THROW Bianca into barriers! The EST is down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Lash and Piper argue a bit, Chelsea shouts at commentary, but Lash & Piper work together to whip Iyo into steel steps! Jade and Kairi are each upset but nothing they can do here as Lash and Piper put Bianca back in. But Bianca fires body shots! Lash CLUBS Bianca, brings her around, and whips her to a corner. Piper sends Lash in to SPLASH, then Piper SPLASHES for herself! Lash and Piper dance a bit while Bianca writhes. Lash drags Bianca up but she fires forearms on Lash and Piper! Lash KNEES low, then Piper storms up. Bianca BOOTS Piper, DUMPS Lash, and then Bianca goes to roll Piper! Piper stays up, to ELBOW DROP! Cover, Iyo breaks it!

Iyo drags Piper up but Lash is on Iyo with a waistlock! Iyo fights the lift, victory rolls and STOMP 182! Piper storms up but Iyo SHOTEIS! SHOTEIS! And then dropkicks the legs out! Iyo runs, but has to duck ‘n’ dodge Piper. Piper avoids the handspring attack, but Iyo still SHOTGUNS! The fans rally for Iyo as she runs in at the corner, SLIDING D! Iyo uses Kairi’s move, and then runs at Lash to stomp her down! The ref reprimands but Iyo swings to DOUBLE KNEE! Iyo then runs in to ROCK Piper! Iyo keeps moving, but Piper CLOBBERS her! Piper huffs ‘n’ puffs while Jakara taunts Kairi. Piper drags Iyo up to HEADBUTT!

Piper and Lash regroup, and Lash runs up to SPLASH Iyo! Lash snapmares Iyo, and Piper drops an ELBOW! Lash drops an ELBOW! Piper stomps Iyo, Lash drops another ELBOW, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Piper and Lash keep the teamwork going as they THROW Iyo into Bianca! Bianca falls off the apron, Chelsea says Piper is smart and pretty! Lash choke grips Iyo for a SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Piper adds the SENTON! But Lash covers! Piper pushes Lash off, and the truce is starting to fall apart. Lash says whatever, but then Piper tells her no, she’s whatever! Lash CHOPS! Piper CHOPS!

Lash CHOPS again! Piper ROCKS Lash, but Lash CHOPS again! They both ROCK each other! Lash and Piper both wobble, and Bianca is up top! DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Bianca, then she runs in to DROPKICK Lash! Bianca SPINEBUSTERS Piper! The fans fire up, and Bianca runs to RAM Lash! Bianca climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, Piper runs in, Bianca backflips over! Bianca RAMS Piper into Lash, then climbs up to rains down more fists! Piper slips free at 4 but Bianca goes to TEN on Lash! Lash and Piper still lift Bianca in an Electric Chair! But Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS them all down!!

The fans fire up as all four women are down! “This is Awesome!” and Iyo kips up. Iyo aims, runs in, SHINKANSEN for Lash! SHINKANSEN for Piper! Piper is in the drop zone, Iyo steps on her and goes up. But Piper rises and CLUBS Iyo first! Piper climbs up to join Iyo, fireman’s carry, but Bianca gets under Piper! POWERBOMB SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Chelsea panics for Piper, and Bianca high stacks! Lash SPLASHES it apart! The fans fire up and Lash hauls Bianca up! Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack, for the LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, CHELSEA YANKS LASH AWAY! Well, No Disqualifications but still!

Jakara CLOBBERS Chelsea for it! The fans fire up, Kairi kicks Jakara, AX KICK, but no uraken as Jakara ducks! Jakara CLOBBERS Kairi! But Jade waits on Jakara, for a BOOT!! Jade almost sent Jakara back to Orladon with that! But Lash DECKS Jade! Lash runs up on Piper, but Piper picks her up, URENAGE! SENTON! Iyo is back, but Piper catches her, too! SLAM and SENTON! Bianca is back, but Piper wrenches her to a scoop, and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Piper drags Bianca up, runs, but Lash BOOTS Piper down! Lash fires up and the fans fire up! But then Jade steps into the ring! The fans fire up for a further preview of the tag match!

But then Jakara and Kairi drag Jade out! Jade DECKS Kairi, SUPERKICKS Jakara, and Bianca torture racks Lash! But Iyo is also up top! KISS OF DEATH on Lash, but OVER THE MOONSAULT for them both!! Iyo hurries to cover Lash, IYO WINS!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall

The Evil Genius proves she’s just that by waiting out the chaos! Will we see this happen all over again tomorrow? Or will this loss help The StrongEST Duo be ready for anything?

Cody Rhodes laces up the boots,

Randy Orton walks in and asks if Cody’s ready to go. Cody says yes, he’s ready for tonight, and for Crown Jewel. Cody knows Orton has Kevin Owens, but Cody simply asks that Orton leave a little something of KO left for Cody. Orton says that’s the thing, he isn’t sure there will be anything left. Sorry ahead of time. If that’s the case, then Cody isn’t sure what he’ll do. Orton says he’ll think of something. See you out there. Orton heads to gorilla first, but will he and The American Nightmare deal with Imperium before worrying about Crown Jewel? Or will Der Ring General and his lieutenant, Ludwig Kaiser, stand tall even before tomorrow?

SmackDown hears from Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, and LA Knight.

El Idolo says, “LA Knight. Melo. All of you, are in my way. But I feel tranquilo. Because at Crown Jewel, I have the opportunity to beat both of you at the same time, and become the new champion of the United States.” As for H1M, he says, “I can’t think of a better place to become THE United States Champion than in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Now that I think about it, maybe I pin Andrade. Or maybe I pin LA Knight. Or maybe I pin them both because honestly, I’m really like that. LA Knight, you’re gonna pay for taking away my Game 7 moment. You know why? Because I am… HIM. Oh, and Andrade, make sure to put extra ketchup with those fries.”

The Mega Star says we’re talking about two guys coming into this thing, Knight understands that the deck is stacked against him. Doesn’t make a difference to him. As far as he’s concerned, Andrade and Melo got exactly what was coming to them. Does he regret what he did? NAH-NAH! He dropped each of ’em on their head, and that’s how it’ll go at Crown Jewel, #AndStill your United States Champion, YEAH! But in a Triple Threat, will the numbers spell disaster for LA Knight in Saudi Arabia?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“I can’t believe that I’m sitting right here, talking about a match against Roman and my two brothers. The three men that have one thing in common, and that’s believing that I’m the bad guy. I’m the bad guy? How? Because I went and found family that loved me? That would never hurt me? That would never let me down? Unlike you three. I’m the bad guy because Lil’ Brother made Tribal Chief and the older brothers didn’t? I’m the bad guy because every time Roman needed help, I was always there to help him, but he was never there to help me. I’m the bad guy? No. I’m the Tribal Chief. Come Crown Jewel, the three of you will respect them.

“And you will… ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Solo has spoken, but will he, Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu make Roman, Jimmy & Jey bow the knee?

Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton VS Imperium!

The American Nightmare and Der Ring General will battle as champion VS champion to become the inaugural Men’s Crown Jewel Champion, but perhaps to Gunther’s point, there is a lot of collateral damage in Cody’s wake. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens fight it out tomorrow, as well, but will the legacy stay intact? Or will this be where everything starts to fall apart for “The Quarterback of the WWE?”

SmackDown returns again and Orton makes his entrance, followed by Cody. The fans sing along with both songs, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, Cody high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp, even signs autographs and gives hugs, then joins Randy in the ring. Cody climbs the corner because we gotta get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro. The teams then sort out, and Gunther starts against Cody. The fans cheer this preview of Crown Jewel, until Gunther tags out. Cody is annoyed but Kaiser CLOBBERS him! Kaiser rains down fists, then soaks up the heat. Kaiser drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrench esout.

Cody reels Kaiser in, suplexes, and he holds Kaiser up! The fans count and Cody GOURD BUSTERS at 10! Kaiser flounders, Cody runs up to LARIAT Kaiser up and out! Gunther is upset but Cody DIVES to take Kaiser down! Cody glares at Gunther, drags Kaiser up and in, then glares at Gunther again. The fans cheer and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Cody keeps his eyes on Gunther as he steps in, then brings Kaiser up. Kaiser fires a haymaker! Kaiser wrenches, wrangles Cody, btu Cody turns things around on Kaiser. Cody wrenches Kaiser to a wristlock, then tags in Orton. Orton gets the fans fired up, before he kicks Kaiser low! Orton scrapes laces off Kaiser’s face, then brings him up. Orton hangs Kaiser out to dry and lets him fling right off the ropes! Orton then grabs Kaiser’s legs, to STMOP him in the gut! Orton stomps Kaiser’s leg, then his hand. It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Orton pick apart someone like this, but then Orton tags Cody.

Orton wrenches Kaiser, brings him around, and Cody AX HANDLES the arm! Cody fires forearm son Kaiser, whips him to a corner, but Kaiser reverses. Kaiser runs up to UPPERCUT! And GAMANGIRI! Kaiser stands Cody up to ROCK with a haymaker! Cody staggers, Kaiser brings him around, but Cody RAMS him into the corner! Cody CHOPS Kaiser, then bumps him off buckles. Tag to Orton, and Orton scoops. Orton hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Gunther is upset, but the ref has him stay back. Orton stomps Kaiser on the leg, then he tags in Cody. Orton clamps onto Kaiser, and Cody gets some stomps in.

SmackDown returns to single picture and Orton lets off of Kaiser. Cody drags Kaiser up, headlocks, but Kaiser powers out. Gunther gets a cheap shot in! Cody is mad, but Kaiser turns him around. Cody kicks first, then drops to RHODES KICK! Cody goes up ropes, but Kaiser trips him up! Kaiser has Cody in ropes, the ref back shim off, and Gunther BOOTS Cody down! The fans boo, Orton protests, but the ref stops Orton from getting in as Kaiser rains down fists. Kaiser brings Cody up, the fans rally, but Kaiser POSTS Cody! Tag to Gunther, and Imperium has Cody stuck in the ropes! Kaiser and Gunther DROPKICK BOOT SANDWICH!

Cody falls out of the ring and Gunther stalks him to the desk. Gunther brings Cody up to UPPERCUT! The ref starts the ring count but Gunther pie faces Cody. Cody rolls into the ring at 4 of 10, but Gunther storms in after him. Gunther stands Cody up to DECK him! Gunther stays between Cody and Orton, scuffs Cody, then kicks him around. The fans rally but Gunther soaks up the heat. Gunther kicks Cody around, then drags Cody up. Cody fires haymakers in return! Gunther ROCKS Cody, and Cody sits back down. Gunther CHOPS Cody! Tag to Kaiser, and Gunther snapmares Cody. Kaiser runs up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!

Kaiser clamps onto Cody, squeezes tight, but Cody fights around. The fans rally up for Cody as he rises. Cody fires body shots, CLUBS at Kaiser’s leg, but Kaiser CLUBS Cody’s neck! Kaiser clamps onto Cody with a COBRA TWIST! Cody endures, the fans rally up, and Cody powers up! Cody pries free to HIP TOSS Kaiser away! Kaiser comes right back, but Cody TOSESS him! Gunther is annoyed with Kaiser again, but Kaiser hurries back in. Kaiser back suplexes, Cody lands out, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up again as Cody and Kaiser crawl. Hot tag to Orton! Orton rallies on Kaiser with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Kaiser swings, misses, and Orton SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up and Orton drags Kaiser up. But Kaiser knees low! Tag to Gunther, and he goes around the outside. Orton still kicks Kaiser, puts him in the ropes, but the ref counts. Gunther CHOPS Orton! So Orton KICKS Gunther! Orton has Gunther in ropes, DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up and Orton hears those voices! Gunther slowly rises, RK- NO, Gunther SLAMS Orton! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Gunther crawls, hot tag to Kaiser! Hot tag to Cody! Cody fires hands on Kaiser, then JABS, JABS, JABS! Flip, flop, fly, BIONIC ELBOW!

Cody goes up and up to SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Kaiser flops over and Cody roars! Cody dragon sleepers, but he has to duck Gunther! Orton is in, RKO for Gunther!! CROSS RHODES for Kaiser!! Cover, Cody & Orton win!

Winners: Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton, by pinfall

Imperium loses to the legacy of Rhodes & Orton, but then Kevin Owens slides in! We didn’t even know he was here! Kevin SMACKS Orton down with a chair! Cody realizes what happens, hops off the corner, but Gunther snatches him with a SLEEPER!! The ref reprimands but there’s no stopping Gunther now! Kevin just looms over Orton while Gunther fights off security while still squeeze Cody’s neck! Gunther drops back into body scissors! Cody flails in a panic, and Nick Aldis tells Gunther to let go! Gunther refuses, and Cody is grasping for ropes, but he’s also fading! SmackDown has to wrap, but will this be how the story goes at Crown Jewel?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode for SmackDown, especially when you consider this was prerecorded. Though, to that point, it makes for an awkward situation with Indi Hartwell. Only three releases were made today, but she was one of them, alongside Baron Corbin and Tegan Nox. So Indi didn’t know until today that last week was her last match. A real shame, too, as it felt like she and Candice were finally being given a chance on main roster. Like I said before, Indi and Candice could’ve been the tag team in a faction with Nia, but I guess they’re only concerned about who could replace Tiffany as the main sidekick.

Because after all, we got a pretty good promo from Tiffany, Nia and Liv to tease Tiffy turning on Nia. Tiffy claims it was a scheme to lure Liv into a false sense of security, but if the opportunity presents itself, maybe Tiffy will try and take down Nia. At the same time, Rhea Ripley is now out with injury, so she can’t exactly feud with Liv. Maybe Tiff cashes in on Liv after all, she gets away from Nia by going to Raw, and Tiff feuds with Liv in Rhea’s place. They did test the waters a couple weeks ago in Tiff & Rhea teaming against Liv & Raquel, and it seems no matter what, fans really like Tiffy Time, so what’s there to stop the move?

Great Fatal 4 Way singles match tonight, great win for Iyo, but that makes me think DMG CTRL is NOT winning the titles back so soon. Go-home math puts it as either Bianca & Jade retaining or another of the teams taking the titles. And of those teams, I’m a bit torn. Lash & Jakara may be from NXT, but that may not be for much longer if they get called up. They could get those belts as a huge surprise, and return to NXT triumphantly before saying their goodbyes. Good promo from Andrade, Melo and Knight, and while the promo doesn’t really add anything, Knight got a brand new custom strap on the US Championship. They’re not gonna make that and then have someone else win so soon. Knight makes it through Crown Jewel, and then maybe someone else takes the title in a month or two.

Great tag match from Profits VS Pretty Deadly, and a great win for Profits. It feels like they’ll be building back up to the titles, but the next opportunity might go to A-Town Down Under. Theory & Waller get on MCMG’s case for being an old team yet new to WWE, and they’re going to put them on their talk show. Shelley & Sabin will get a solid first defense from former tag champs, and this could even add to the break-up of ATDU. Or rather, it needs to, because that story has been a slow burn for a little too long. Gotta do something with it before it burns out and no one cares anymore.

Great stuff again with The Bloodline story, because for one, Jey puts it to Roman that this needs to be a family, not a dictatorship, and Roman accepts that. This moment was one that I think leaked most of all because fans were just too excited not to show these three standing together, but it was also one we all kinda knew was happening. Solo had a very good promo in response, because he really does have a point about Roman not helping anyone else when they were all helping him. A shame that it’s Solo, Tama & Jacob stepping up, though. I guess Loa is good enough to be tag team champion, but not enough to be in a PLE match. At the same time, Solo being in the mix does make us wonder who is really winning. There’s still that scene with Sami from Monday, maybe there’s a swerve on that.

And very good stuff with the build to Cody VS Gunther, as well as the overall Cody Rhodes story. Kevin had a good promo, he also effectively uses the “I’m not the bad guy here” trope like Solo. Great match for the main event, Cody & Orton of course win with Kaiser taking the loss, but the math gets muddy with Kevin going after Orton and Gunther still getting Cody with that sleeper. The math could say Orton wins, but if Kevin’s this new vicious Kevin, he might resort to anything to win. But Gunther, I don’t know, I thought he was going to win the Crown Jewel Championship, but now maybe Cody triumphs as the underdog hero.

Also, turns out the winners tomorrow don’t get the belt, they get a diamond ring like Super Bowl winners. I’m not surprised or upset that this would happen with the giant, gaudy belts Saudi Arabia made for WWE, but I am disappointed. This is the same as the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship, except we never got to acknowledge Braun Strowman won that on Raw or SmackDown. And given we’re talking diamond rings people get to show off, I feel like Heels can use those best. See: MJF in AEW.

My Score: 8.8/10