Title matches are brewing in Milwaukee!

SmackDown puts up double the gold as Nia Jax defends her WWE Women’s Championship and the Motor City Machine Guns defend their WWE Tag Team Championships! Who will hold the gold in The Good Land?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab; Bayley wins and advances to the next round.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Knight wins and retains the title.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits; Profits win by disqualification, MCMG retain the titles.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi; Nia wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin fires up for The American Nightmare, and of course they sing his song! “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro, then Cody continues to the ring. He isn’t in a suit, but you can tell the Undisputed WWE Champion is all business tonight given what Kevin Owens has been up to lately. The fans fire up more as Cody grabs the mic. Cody tells Kevin Owens, “You have crossed quite the line. I know you are back there. Would you please come out here right now?” The fans fire up again while Cody watches the stage. No response, so Cody tells Kevin to get out here, RIGHT NOW! Instead of Kevin, we get Nick Aldis.

Aldis knows Cody is angry, because so is Aldis and so are the fans. Randy Orton, one of the greatest ever, is laid up with severe cervical trauma after coming back from having his back fused together! Aldis understands this is a very different situation. Kevin used a piledriver, a move banned in the WWE for a reason. We don’t want this generation ending up in wheelchairs in 20 years. No one knows better than Aldis how long it takes to get to the WWE. And yeah, they do whatever it takes to make the paydays and win the titles, but they do NOT cross that line. Kevin did cross that line, that’s all there is to it.

So the fact is, until they can figure this out, Aldis cannot have Kevin here. The fans boo and Cody sighs. Aldis is making a martyr of Kevin Owens. This is what Kevin wants! This isn’t exactly a man who drives a Lamborghini, the message of fines will not hit like Aldis thinks. Let Cody handle this. Kevin is self-righteous, indignant and an ass- Aldis wants Cody to stop before he says something he’ll great. The fans say it for Cody. Aldis says this isn’t about money. This is about the roster knowing that Aldis knows, if you give someone an inch, they’ll take a mile. And the next thing we know, the inmates are running the asylum.

Bottomline: Kevin cannot be here until they resolve the issue internally. The fans boo again and Cody repeats, “Internally…” Cody wants Aldis to be real with him for a moment. Cody knows in Aldis’ position, he has to be objective and dispassionate, but Cody knows what is under that suit. Aldis is a former wrestler, still a wrestler in his heart, and a good man. So put yourself in Cody’s shoes here: Imagine you were in that ambulance, calling Orton’s wife and family, saying, “I don’t know if his neck is broken.” And when they ask, “Why?” the only answer is that, as Kevin is telling everyone, “It’s because of me.”

WrestleMania 40 is the highlight of Cody’s life. A moment in that ring, he was on Orton’s shoulders. Then when Orton set him down, he looked Cody in the eyes and said, “Hey, Code Man, I’m proud of you.” The fans cheer that. And as much as Cody loathes that nickname, it is still a moment he will treasure forever because that is what Orton means to Cody. But now Orton is on the shelf again, time taken away, time he might not even have, and all because of Cody!? If Cody cannot handle his business in a WWE ring, what’s he to do? Buy a ticket to a show? Go to Kevin’s house? Knock on Kevin’s door and beat his ass in his front yard?! Is that what he’s supposed to do!?

Cody knows that that is not what Aldis wants from the WWE Champion. That is not how Aldis wants Cody representing the brand. But this ball is in Aldis’ court, and Cody won’t be waiting very long. Cody drops the mic and heads out, what will it take for him and The Prizefighter to settle this?

Jimmy Uso is on the phone.

Sporting the new OG Bloodline shirt, Jimmy tells Roman Reigns that he’s got this, Uce. Jimmy ends the call, and he meets up with Jey & Sami, also wearing the OG Bloodline shirt. Jimmy explains that Roman’s on his way and wants them all to meet in the same room together to go over their WarGames game plan. Okay, but they still need their fifth man, bruh. Sami says hold on. He has one more person to ask, and it’s worth a shot. He’ll catch the Usos later. Jimmy doubts Sami again, but will the Honorary Uce come through?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab!

It was big news last week when Nick Aldis announced the WWE Women’s Division was getting a brand-new belt, and now we begin the journey to crowning the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion! Will the Role Model lead the way to making history again? Will the Poison Pixie look to have more than just the Women’s Speed Championship? Or will B-Fab be fab when she beats two top stars in one go?

SmackDown returns as Candice makes her entrance, joining Bayley in the ring, leaving B-Fab for last. The bell rings and the three watch each other. They approach, and Candice dropkicks Bayley’s legs out! Candice HAMMERS Bayley, B-Fab goes after Candice, but Candice SLAPS B-Fab! B-Fab DECKS Candice! And LARIATS! And then she scoops Candice, holds her up with one arm, and the fans fire up for the SLAM! B-Fab runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! B-Fab rains down fists on Candice, the fans rally, but Candice kicks free. Candice then RAMS B-Fab, CLUBS her, and stomps her.

Candice drags B-Fab up, reels her in, but B-Fab wrenches out to HOOK KICK! Bayley is up, she RAMS into B-Fab, but B-Fab blocks the buckle bump. B-Fab mule kicks Candice, lines up a shot, and DOUBLE LARIATS Bayley and Candice! The fans fire up while B-Fab brushes herself off, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

B-Fab waits and sees Candice get up. B-Fab fires off on Candice, puts her in a corner and stomps away. B-Fab then digs her boot in, then lets off to snapmare. B-Fab pushes Candice to a cover, TWO! Candice stays in this but B-Fab stays on her. But then Candice CLAWS B-Fab’s face! Candice ELBOWS Bayley off the apron, covers B-Fab, TWO! Candice rains down fists on B-Fab, then soaks up the heat. Candice bumps B-Fab off buckles, snapmares her, then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, but Bayley breaks it! Candice bails out but Bayley pursues. Bayley drags Candice up on the apron and HOTSHOTS her in the ropes!

Candice falls to the floor, but Bayley goes after her. Bayley rains down fists over her own, and fires up as she stands by the belt. Bayley storms up on Candice, puts her in the ring, then pushes her to a cover. TWO, but Bayley runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley is a bit annoyed, but she stalks Candice to ropes. Candice drop toeholds Bayley onto ropes! Bayley sputters, Candice runs and DROPKICKS Bayley in the back! Cover, TWO! Bayley toughs it out and bails out of the ring. Candice runs to WRECK Bayley with a dropkick! B-Fab is there to YANK Candice down!

B-Fab puts Bayley in, runs up to RAM her in the corner, then backs up to LEG LARIAT! B-Fab whips Bayley side to side, runs up, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Bayley drags B-Fab up, puts her on ropes now, and gives her another HOTSHOT! SmackDown returns to single picture as Bayley snapmares B-Fab, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS to the back! Cover, Candice breaks it! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Bayley and Candice rise first, and Candice CLUBS Bayley! Bayley hits B-Fab, B-Fab hits Candice, Candice hits Bayley! The shots go around in a circle, but then Bayley and B-Fab mug Candice!

Candice shoves them both away, all three run up, TRIPLE LARIATS! Or is it more like, double double? The fans fire up all the same as all three women stir. The three rise, and Candice hits a STEP-UP SENTON CODE BREAKER COMBO!! Cover on Bayley, TWO! Cover on B-Fab, TWO! Candice is frustrated but she hurries to a corner. Candice climbs up, but B-Fab is right after her! They brawl, and Candice SHOVES B-Fab to the mat! Bayley goes up to ROCK Candice now! Bayley climbs, CLUBS away on Candice, then brings her to the very top! The fans fire up as B-Fab adds on! TOWER OF DOOM! CROSSBODY from Candice! B-Fab breaks the cover!!

The fans fire up again but Candice HAMMERS away on B-Fab! Candice runs, leaps, but B-Fab catches her! SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Candice survives and B-Fab is frustrated. Bayley has B-Fab but B-Fab kicks her low! B-Fab turns Bayley, TWISTING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! B-Fab is beside herself, but she hurries to straitjacket. Bayley fights free, clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Candice TOSSES Bayley and goes for B-Fab, but B-Fab cradle counters! TWO!! Candice scrambles to BOOT B-Fab down! Candice lines B-Fab up for the LIONSAULT FLOP as B-Fab moves! And then Bayley POSTS Candice!

But B-Fab hits the CROSSOVER! And the BOOKEND!! Cover, Candice drags B-Fab up! B-Fab TOSSES Candice, BOOTS her, and goes back for Bayley. B-Fab resets with a wrench, but Bayley ducks the hook kick to high stack! BAYLEY WINS!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

B-Fab can’t believe it, but Bayley is all fired up! The first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion could soon become the first-ever FIVE-STAR Champion! But that means making it through a semifinal round, will Bayley make it to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The Women’s US Championship Tournament Bracket is revealed!

We just saw Bayley win her Triple Threat, and she waits the winner of Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green VS Blair Davenport! Then we see Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim VS Piper Niven, and Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton VS Elektra Lopez round out the field. Will Naomi be shining with gold for the holidays? Or will Nia Jax make sure to A-Nia-Late Naomi once and for all?

Sami Zayn is talking with LA Knight.

The Honorary Uce seems to think the Men’s United States Champion might want to help, but it looks like that’s the opposite of what he wants. The Mega Star is heading to the ring, to hold an OPEN CHALLENGE! Who will answer the call of LA Knight? We’ll find out, after the break.

The Street Profits regroup with B-Fab.

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins tell her it’s alright that she didn’t win tonight. She’ll get it next time. Speaking of next, The Profits are going for the tag titles, they’ll get this done. B-Fab wishes them luck as they head out, but Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. They mockingly saw, “Aww…” Did “B-Flop” really think she was going to win the tournament? So cute. But don’t be sad, Fab, it was a good shot. Not everyone is championship material. But Chelsea & Piper are. So when one of them becomes the inaugural Women’s US Champion, they’ll let B-Fab hold the title. How about that? Just kidding.

Okay, “Trash Can Chelsea,” you both are right about one thing. Only one of them can be the champion. So what happens should they meet in the finals? Well, while you’re worried about B-Fab, they should be more worried about something else. They don’t know what she means but in walks Mia Yim! And Michin has a kendo stick! She doesn’t need a match to fight, so is there a problem here? No, Michin, except you. Mia steps, Chelsea flinches. Chelsea says she and Piper are gonna go strategize. They leave, and Mia tells B-Fab hey, you win some, you lose some. B-Fab’s got people watching her back, but will Michin make sure “Lil’ Miss P” can’t watch Chelsea’s?

LA Knight heads to the ring.

All this gold on the line tonight, clearly that has the Mega Star’s juices flowing! The fans cheer him on as he grabs a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight has been around the world and ay-yai-yai, everyone’s looking for this title! Knight has come and gone, still your United States Champion! “YEAH!” And apparently, that caught some eyes. Sami Zayn wants Knight to join the Bloodline Civil War? Let’s be honest, that ain’t Knight’s fight. He doesn’t need that, he doesn’t want that. As far as he’s concerned, if the whole Bloodline destroyed each other, he’d be just fine with it, YEAH!

Knight has his own investment, and that is the US Championship. But this isn’t the Logan Paul Show, we aren’t just defending this title two times a year no more. “YEAH!” The fans boo and Knight says that’s more than fine. But while Knight’s here with this title, he will be the man. Here’s what we do: The LA Knight US Championship Open Challenge, YEAH! And wait, here comes Santos Escobar! Knight is annoyed but the Emperor of Lucha is accompanied by Legado Del Fantasma. And the entire LDF steps into the ring, keeping Knight guessing on who’s really accepting the challenge.

Escobar grabs a mic now and he tells Knight, “Lemme tell you something. Why can’t you say something cool? Something interesting? Something that has a ring to it? Shut up, Milwaukeeans! Milwaukeeans? Really? It sounds like you’re from a different planet!” The fans boo more but Escobar says what’s cool is “ES-CO-BAR! SI!” Knight chuckles at the parody, but Escobar says Knight must be disgusted of hearing himself speak. Maybe the Milwaukeeans aren’t, but Escobar sure is, so Escobar is going to shut Knight up. Elektra Lopez has the unique opportunity to become the first-ever Women’s United States Champion.

So Escobar is thinking on top of that, why not bring THE US Championship back home to Legado? Knight stops Escobar there. Knight appreciates the ambition, he hears everything Escobar is saying, but he feels “this goof,” Humberto, staring a hole into him. Humberto is looking at Knight like Knight’s covered in barbecue sauce, maybe Berto’s just hungry. But see, Knight and Escobar, been there, done that, Knight won. But Berto can have an opportunity of a lifetime. See, just a few nights ago, right here in this building, Giannis scored 59 points! The fans cheer that. Escobar says that was all luck.

Knight says he might not hit 59, but he’ll get three the hard way as Berto gets dropped on his head! Berto can get beat like his “daddy” here. But the only one who can call Knight “Daddy” is Mamacita Elektra! YEAH! The fans fire up for that. So while Elektra’s calling Knight “Daddy” and Berto is screaming “Uncle,” everyone will be saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Escobar is furious, but he lets Berto CLOBBER Knight! The fans boo and the ref rushes in, but the match is made, for after the break.

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns and Knight fires CHOP after CHOP on Berto! Berto ducks one to ROCK Knight! Berto whips Knight to a corner, runs in, but Knight puts Berto on the apron. Berto ROCKS Knight right back! Berto goes up top, but Knight jumps up right after him! Berto SHOVES Knight back down! Berto MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Berto rains down fists! Berto soaks up the heat from Milwaukee, then he clamps onto Knight with a seated cobra twist. Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight fights up. Knight fires body shots, but Berto UPPERCUGTS! Berto whips, Knight reverses, but Berto holds ropes.

Knight runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS Berto and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up and Knight has Legado back off. Knight SMACKS Berto off the desk again and again! The fans fire up for the dribbling, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops to then SMACK Berto one more time! Knight puts Berto in the ring, kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Knight stays calm as he brings Berto back up. Knight whips, Berto slips free of the scoop to O’Conner Roll! TWO, but Berto springboards, BASEMENT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives, Legado grows frustrated, but Berto hurries to put Knight in a drop zone.

Berto climbs the corner, MOONSUALT into a BOOT! Angel freaks out while Knight scoops Berto, POWERSLAM! ELBOW FLOP as Berto moves! Berto DROPKICKS Knight in a corner! Berto hurries to put Knight up top, and he CHOPS! Berto climbs, brings Knight up, but Knight fires body shots! Knight HEADBUTTS Berto down, adjusts position, and the fans fire up for the “L! A! KNIGHT!” MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Knight spins Berto for the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Knight tells Escobar that’s what he gets, and he blows a kiss to Lopez because that’s what she likes! Legado goes into retreat, but someone new appears! SHINSUKE NAKAMURA?! He ELBOWS Knight down, then hits a KINSHASA!! The fans boo but Nakamura is like a specter in the night! The King of Strong Style is now a sinister samurai, will this ronin slay the Mega Star to again be champion?

The Usos talk backstage.

Jey says they’re in trouble, Uce. Still no fifth man in the WarGames, they gotta tighten up! Jimmy asks why Jey’s after him now. Jimmy is the one who said earlier that- Sami walks in. Sami shakes his head and says it isn’t looking good. Jimmy knew that. Well, where is Roman? They gonna talk or what? Yeah, Roman said to meet him in this room. Then let’s go talk to him. Jey opens the door, the three walk in, and The OG Bloodline meet. Will they have a plan for how to find a fifth? Will they also have a plan for how to overcome Solo Sikoa’s fearsome faction?

SmackDown returns and…

Wait, Roman isn’t in here? He said he was gonna be here. Sami says it’s not looking good. Oh, now Roman walks in. Roman takes a seat in the big armchair, and Sami asks who’s gonna tell him. Okay, no one? Sami will just say it: They tried Raw, they tried SmackDown, they got nothing. There is no one The Bloodline hasn’t dropped, no one who wants to work with them. So sorry, there’s no fifth man. Jey tells Roman… He has to make “the call.” But then Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline are headed to the ring! The “Undisputed Tribal Chief” leads Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa to the ring, and the OGs are seeing this on their TV.

Roman gets up and he leads the way out of this room, ready to confront Solo’s side. Solo goes to the ring, he raises the one to the sky, joined by his rogues, and the fans all boo. Solo then grabs a mic, and while fans boo, he tells Milwaukee, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo harder but wait! Here comes the OG Bloodline! The fans fire up for OTC as he leads the way for Jimmy, Jey & Sami. They get the pyro while they stare down Solo, Jacob, Tama & Loa. The fans fire up as the OGs head down to the ring! The line in the sand is drawn, and then the hands start flying! The fans fire up more as Roman has Solo, Usos have Guerrillas and Sami has Jacob!

The OG Bloodline turns the tides on Solo’s side! Jey FLIES to wipe out Tama, Loa and Jimmy! Jacob DECKS Sami, CLOBBERS Roman, and the fans boo. Jaco then hurries outside to SUPERKICK Jey! And SUPERKICK Jimmy! The Samoan Werewolf roars, and Solo grabs Sami! Solo wants to make Sami pay for swerving him twice! SAMOAN- SPEAR from Roman to Solo!! The fans are thunderous as Roman and Sami nod. Then Sami builds speed to FLY onto Tama & Loa! But that leaves Roman and Jacob! The fans are electric as these two stare down. They circle, the fans cheer on “O T C! O T C!” BUT BRONSON REED ATTACKS?!

The fans boo as now The Colossal Aussie gets involved!? Werewolf and Auszilla stare down, but then Bronson SPLASHES Roman in a corner! And Jacob adds a HIP ATTACK!! The fans boo but somehow, someway, Solo got a BIG ally in this fight! But now Sami & The Usos are back! Tama & Loa join in, it’s another brawl, but Jaco b SPLASHES Jimmy in a corner! Tama CLUBS Sami, Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Then Sami is fed to a LARIAT from Bronson! The fans boo but Jacob gives Sami the BEST MOONSAULT EVER! And Bronson is up top to TSUNAMI Jimmy!! The fans boo but now they want Roman!

Loa CLUBS Roman, and then whips, but Roman reveres! Loa is sent into POST! Roman brings Loa up to TOSS him over barriers, only for Tama to CLOBBER Roman! Tama puts Roman in the ring, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Tama! Roman avoids Bronson, SUPERMAN PUNCH for Jacob! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Bronson! But SAMOAN SPIKE for Roman!! Solo stands over Roman, and he tells Jacob to finish this! Jacob puts Roman in the drop zone, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Bronson wants his turn! Bronson puts Roman back in the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo and producers shout for them to stop!

The OG Bloodline is down and out as Bronson stands over the former Undisputed Champion. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, and Solo says this is what happens when you mess with the REAL Bloodline! Solo has two Guerrillas, a Werewolf and now a kaiju, is there nothing to stop his Bloodline from dominating the WWE?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“I showed up to the arena in Milwaukee earlier, and I was turned away. I was told that I’m not welcomed and that I had to leave. Because of what I did to Randy Orton last week. But what I did to Randy Orton last week was, I did my job. All I did was do what they asked me to do, because Randy showed up, called me out to the ring, and then I showed up. And now I’m in trouble because I put Randy Orton on the shelf? That is absolute nonsense. It’s not fair. But guess what the best part is? Just now, a few minutes ago, I got a call from Nick Aldis asking me to be at SmackDown in Salt Lake City next Friday.

“Why? Because the little golden boy, Cody Rhodes, wants me there! OH MY GOD, Cody wants me there!? I have to be there, right?! Can’t disappoint Cody Rhodes! Well you know what, Cody? I shouldn’t show up. But I will. I’ll be there. Not for you. Not for Nick Aldis. Not even for the WWE, because they hardly deserve me at this point. I’m gonna show up next week for myself. Because I happen to love Utah. The mountains, the fresh air, all that stuff. It’s good for me. But everyone needs to remember one thing. When I show up next Friday, I’m just doing what you all want me to do. I’m just doing my job.”

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits!

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are truly one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling, but they’re going up against the WWE Triple Crown that holds it down. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins prove this is their comeback season? Or will the Profits go belly up against the Guns?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s really the best!

The teams sort out, Sabin and Ford start, and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Ford puts Sabin in a corner. Ford lets off, but then stomps Sabin and CLUBS him down. Ford whips Sabin, but Sabin sunset flips! Ford sits on the cover, TWO as Sabin finishes the sunset. TWO, and Sabin blocks a kick. Sabin flips Ford, Ford lands on his feet, and the fans fire up for the standoff. Sabin offers a handshake, but Ford smirks. Ford runs up, but Sabin arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Sabin has the armlock, brings Ford up, tag to Shelley. The MCMG double whip, atomic drop, dropkick to the legs! DREAM SEQUENCE!

The fans fire up while Shelley covers, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Shelley covers again. TWO, and a third cover, TWO! Shelley wrenches Ford’s arm, but Ford pushes free. Ford then blows past Shelley to LARIAT on return! The fans fire up while Shelley bails out. Tag to Dawkins, and he runs in from the outside! Dawkins POUNCES Shelley over the desk! The Profits are up and ready to be champs again, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Shelley fights out of the Profits’ corner. But Dawkins catches Shelley to RAM him into the corner! Dawkins then runs up, but Shelley dodges! Dawkins hits buckles, Ford tags in, and Ford anchors Shelley’s leg! Shelley BOOTS Ford away, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin dodges Ford, DROPKCIKS Dawkins, then BOOTS Ford. Sabin goes up to FLYING RANA! Ford tumbles, Sabin WRECKS Dawkins with another dropkick, but Ford runs up! Sabin TOSSES Ford out next to Dawkins! Sabin takes aim while fans are torn, and Sabin slingshots. The Profits move, so Shelley FLYING KNEES Dawkins! Sabin CANNONBALLS Ford!

The fans fire up with MCMG as Sabin goes back to the ring. Ford is in a corner, Sabin runs up to ELBOW! Tag to Shelley and Sabin feeds Ford to the clinch. Sabin climbs, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Shelley drags him back up. Shelley wrenches an arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Sabin, MCMG mugs Ford, and Sabin fireman’s carries. Ford fights free, tags Dawkins, and then runs up to BLAST Shelley! Sabin ROCKS Dawkins, ROCKS Ford, but Dawkins POUNCES Sabin into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Dawkins says keep going, and he tags Ford in!

Ford climbs, Dawkins lifts Sabin, but CIAMPA SHOVES FORD!!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification (MCMG retain the titles)

Ciampa attacks Dawkins, then POSTS him! The fans boo as the Sicilian Psycho ruins this match! Ciampa stomps away on Ford, then rains down fists! Shelley pulls Ciampa back but Gargano is here now! Gargano wants everyone to stop, and he wants Ciampa to calm down. Ciampa says okay, sorry. But then he SHOVES Gargano?! Ciampa says he’s doing this for DIY! Ciampa storms off saying they talked about the titles! Ciampa wants the titles, DIY should have the titles, but they don’t have the titles! Gargano hurries after Ciampa while MCMG apologize to the Profits. Dawkins DECKS Shelley! The fans boo but it seems The Profits are as frustrated as Ciampa.

MCMG regroups, unsure what to make of any of this. But it’s not like they aren’t familiar with having targets on their back in the form of gold. Will they just have to be quicker on the draw next time?

Bayley finds Naomi backstage.

The Role Model says, “There’s my main event! The living legend!” Bayley is so excited to watch Naomi win the title. Naomi thanks Bayley for that, and congratulates Bayley on her own win in the Women’s US Championship Tournament. Bayley thanks Naomi, and they could be a couple champions! But before getting too carried away, Bayley brings up watching Monday Night Raw, and Bayley wants Naomi to watch out for Iyo Sky. We know we can’t trust her. We know the past beef- Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill walk in. And Bianca says, “Trust? Well, well, well…” But no, The EST won’t get into the beef she and Bayley have because it’s not about them.

Bianca says this is about their girl, Naomi, and her title match tonight. And Jade says they got this. If anyone wants to try Naomi, she knows Jade & Bianca have her back. They’ll snatch and drag! Bayley says okay, she’ll catch Naomi later. Bianca, Jade and Naomi power up as the Big 3, but can’t there be room for more?

WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi!

This moment has been building for a month, though not without some footnotes and disclaimers. But a win is a win, and the Queen of the Ring owes Naomi this title match. Will the Irresistible Force be able to A-Nia-Late another contender? Or will she and the WWE Universe all #FeelTheGlow?

SmackDown returns and Nia makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who sits upon the throne!

The bell rings and Nia runs right up! Naomi DROPKICKS Nia, kips up, then fires off hands! The fans rally but Nia RAMS Naomi right to a corner! Nia RAMS into Naomi again and again, then lets off to bring Naomi out. Nia SWINGS Naomi with a facelock, then TOSSES her away! The fans boo but Nia runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Naomi flounders but Nia soaks up heat. Nia runs, but Naomi avoids the elbow drop! Naomi hurries to ghost pin, ONE! Nia sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that, but Bianca & Jade are cheering Naomi on from backstage.

Tiffany Stratton is watching, too, as Nia whips and ROCKS Naomi! Nia whips Naomi out of the ring, then soaks up more heat. The ref starts the ring count, and Naomi climbs up. Naomi RAMS into Nia, slingshots up and over to sunset flip, ONE!! Nia LARIATS Naomi right down! Cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed and tells the ref to shut up already. Nia clamps on a chinlock and grinds Naomi down. Naomi endures and the fans rally up. Naomi fights to her feet, Nia whips, but Naomi slides under the lariat! Naomi mule kicks, front KICKS, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Nia snarls, and she storms up on Naomi to dribble her off the mat!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands about hair pulling. Nia taunts Naomi while she stalks Naomi to ropes. Nia CHOKES and thrashes Naomi on the ropes! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Nia stops to soak up more heat. Nia shoves Naomi, pops her up, and HEADBUTTS her down! The fans boo more but Nia just revels in it. But Naomi is right up to put Nia through ropes! Naomi KCIKS Nia, then hits the HEATSEEKER! Nia flounders out of the ring, but Naomi DIVES! Nia hits barriers, but Naomi fires off more hands! The fans fire up with Naomi while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Naomi catches her breath, then pushes Nia into the ring. Naomi steps in but Nia is right on her! Nia throws Naomi down, then drags her back up. Naomi JAWBREAKERS back! And then she kicks off the ropes to STUNNER! Nia flops back and goes to a corner. Naomi runs in to DROPKICK! Naomi drags Nia to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays calm and stays on Nia. Naomi tries to suplex but Nia’s too big and strong! Nia suplexes Naomi in return! Cover, TWO! Nia calms herself, then drags Naomi into a COBRA CLUTCH! Naomi endures while Nia leans on her. Nia thrashes Naomi around, steps over, and stretches Naomi back!

Naomi endures, fights around, and fights up, only for Nia to TOSS her away! Nia soaks up more heat, then drags Naomi back up. SmackDownr eturns to single picture as Nia whips and CLOBBERS Naomi! Cover, TWO! That pin was a bit lax but Nia still argues with the ref. Nia talks trash on Naomi, pushes her around, then runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Nia then clamps onto a leg for a HALF CRAB! Nia sits deep on the hold but the fans still rally behind Naomi. Naomi endures, turns over, and she kicks Nia away! Nina runs back up, reels Nia in, and Canadian Rack, but Naomi makes it a SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Nia escapes, hurries back up, but Naomi BOOTS her! Naomi goes up, Nia blocks a kikc, but not the rebound ENZIGIRI! Naomi then leaps, CROSSBODY! Naomi bounces off the cover, but she gets moving! Naomi dodges to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up with Naomi, and she runs to slingshot- NO, Nia shoves her away! But Naomi comes back with the REARVIEW! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives but Milwaukee rallies behind Naomi. Naomi brings Nia up but Nia RAMS her into a corner! Nia gets space, but Naomi runs up! But into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The ref almost gets taken out as collateral!

The fans boo but Nia eyes the corner. Nia puts Naomi in the drop zone, then goes up the corner! But Naomi hurries to SHOVE Nia over! Nia tumbles to apron then floor! Naomi hurries up the corner, and she SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and “This is Awesome!” Wait, Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan are beating up on Bianca & Jade! The fans boo as Judgment Day has wiped out the StrongEST Duo! The ref is checking Naomi and Nia, and both are okay to continue. Naomi drags Nia up and into the ring, but here comes Tiffany! The ref is busy with Nia as Tiff sucker punches Naomi! LEG DROP by Nia!!

Nia drags Naomi to the drop zone and Tiff cheers her on. Nia goes up, but Naomi rises! ENZIGIRI!! Nia wobbles, Tiff worries, but Naomi climbs up! Only for Nia to scoop! SUPER POWER- ARM-DRAG?!?! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi can’t believe how close she was, and neither can Milwaukee! Tiff calls to the ref, but Naomi runs her off! And then BAYLEY shows up! Bayley ROCKS Tiff, then THROWS her into barriers! Naomi dodges Nia, rolls her up, TWO!! Nia is up, Naomi POSTS her! Naomi has Nia down, then she goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives and Bayley is just as stunned!

Naomi grows frustrated, unsure what she has to do. Naomi just goes back up and the fans cheer her on. But then Candice POSTS Bayley! Naomi is distracted, Nia gets her for a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! And then, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

It took a lot of factors in this one, but again, a win is a win! But then Candice and Tiff are adding on with stomps to Naomi! They stand tall with their Queen of the Ring, will nothing stop this twisted trio from running SmackDown?

The OG Bloodline regroups.

Roman Reigns sits in his armchair, but he also looks at his phone. Jey said to make “the call.” But to who? Roman says, “Call… The Wiseman.” Roman is ready to talk to Paul Heyman again! But then the phone responds, “The number you have reached is not in service.” What?! Heyman changed his number? Is the OG Bloodline truly without hope?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, really jampacked with action that also moved stories along. There was still promo stuff, of course, such as Cody Rhodes arguing with Nick Aldis to get at Kevin Owens. You’ve got to appreciate Cody bringing up all the same wrestler tropes Randy Orton and Triple H had in their feuds. And good response from Kevin in his car, and their confrontation next Friday could definitely become a brawl that then sets up Cody VS Kevin Part 2, some kind of No Disqualification match at Survivor Series. They can even make it a wild opener to get the energy going for the night.

Great stuff with the Men’s United States Championship, with Knight putting Legado Del Fantasma in their place both physically and verbally. Berto got a good showing but of course Knight won. Nakamura making his return here was great stuff, and this new, darker persona for him is already working just on looks. Now, it’d be a shame if Nakamura were to lose here, but the custom strap on Knight’s title only just happened so I can’t be sure of Nakamura’s chances. Maybe Nakamura and Knight have a back and forth of matches before Knight drops the belt at like Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Speaking of which, that’s a great place for this Women’s US Championship story to culminate. Great Triple Threat match with B-Fab looking good even in the loss. B-Fab also had a good promo with Chelsea, Piper and Michin to hype up the rest of the opening round. All Triple Threats makes it so we could get some “unlikely” winners, like Piper helping Chelsea win over only for Piper to not make it out of her own. At the same time, it’d be a shame for Blair Davenport to return and not get anything. But there are a lot of great combinations possible through this tournament, can’t wait to see who wins it all.

And we got great integration of all the women’s division stories as we head for Survivor Series. Liv & Raquel attacking Bianca & Jade, Tiff & Candice screwing Naomi over while beating up Bayley, we have our Women’s WarGames all set right there, just as I knew since Monday. Bayley distrusting Iyo but Bianca distrusting Bayley, it’ll be pretty clear the Heel team wins, especially given what we’ll get in the Men’s WarGames. But first, great stuff in the tag title match and story as Ciampa “ruins” it all and even gets mad at Gargano. Profits are also going Heel in their own way as they don’t care for any of the other teams.

To keep things fresh while using the same contenders, I feel like Profits, DIY and MCMG need to have something more like an Elimination Triple Threat. There was already the ladder match with Tama & Loa, so they can’t just do that again so soon. Given of how popular and how talented all these teams are, maybe they can even come up with something new just for this, to really make it feel special. At the same time, it feels like DIY is about to fall apart with Ciampa going Heel and not happy with Gargano not going Heel with him here. Then Gargano and Ciampa can feud as they both build up to be singles title contenders.

And of course, great stuff with The Bloodline story. LA Knight was definitely gonna say NAH NAH to joining The Bloodline story, Sami talking to him seemed more like an excuse to give us the US Championship segment. At the start of the night, it seemed like Roman was still stuck in his ways, sitting in the big chair without really caring what the others were doing. Great brawl with Solo’s Bloodline, some real wild stuff, and with Seth Rollins being asked on Raw, Bronson Reed joining this story on Solo’s side oddly makes sense. For one, it’ll get Rollins to join in on OG Bloodline’s side so he can get at Bronson, which will probably be discussed on Raw.

Secondly, Bronson Reed is Samoan Australian, and all Solo needs to have someone on the team is that they’re mean and Polynesian. As if Jacob Fatu wasn’t dangerous, Bronson really brought the chaos and the destruction to the OG Bloodline, so that really puts the pressure on the OG Bloodline. And then what a great double tease: they give us Roman calling Heyman, which got the crowd fired up, only to have the automated message and number not in service that brought us all down. Roman certainly sold his defeated look, but Heyman’s return will be an awesome moment. Especially if Heyman’s the one who brings someone to the team that can tip the scales back in the OG Bloodline’s favor.

My Score: 8.9/10