Who do you ACKNOWLEDGE?

Tonight’s SmackDown deals with both the Women’s US Championship tournament AND fallout from The OTC’s OG Bloodline winning WarGames! Will Solo Sikoa look for revenge on Roman Reigns?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton VS Elektra Lopez; wins and advances to the next round.
• Bianca Belair VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green; Bianca wins.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits #DIY; DIY wins and become the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
• Cody Rhodes VS Chad Gable w/ American Made; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown counts the casualties from WarGames.

Bronson Reed’s Tsunami from the top of the cage not only missed its target, but it cost Reed as he has a broken right foot. He is out for an indefinite amount of time after his foot surgery. CM Punk’s toolbox attack on Tonga Loa tore The Silverback’s bicep, another indefinite timeframe after his surgery. And lastly, Jimmy Uso’s SUPER Uso Splash from the cage is out with a broken toe, still an indefinite amount of time on his return. Will the Bloodline Civil War simply continue without them?

Solo Sikoa arrives backstage.

But the “undisputed” Tribal Chief grows impatient waiting behind Apollo Crews, so he just pushes through. Apollo gets mad with Solo, but Jacob Fatu SUPERKICKS him down! Security rushes in but Fatu and Tama beat them all down! Then Tama TOSSES Apollo over road cases! Clearly, that loss at WarGames has them all in a foul mood. Will the rest of SmackDown suffer for it?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Minneapolis fires up as the American Nightmare brings his Undisputed WWE Championship with him to the ring, and everyone sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro and has a big smile on his face as he looks out at the crowd. Cody high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp and towards ringside. Cody grabs a mic while the fans cheer, and he asks Minneapolis, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer and Cody says next week is Saturday Night’s Main Event, the return of the iconic showcase that featured legends, icons, pro-wrestling’s best, that set WWE on broadcast television aflame!

And it would certainly be the honor of a lifetime just to compete, just to etch your name on the list of those who’ve done so. But it isn’t that simple for Cody because of… Kevin Owens. Wait, what is Team American Made doing here? Chad Gable leads the way for Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers. Gable tells Cody, “You might be asking yourself why the greatest athlete to come out of Minnesota is here tonight.” The fans are torn on Gable but Gable says the “transfer window” is about to open and Nick Aldis put the call in to possibly get the greatest in-ring technician of all time on SmackDown! The fans are again torn but American Made heads for the ring.

Gable says that since they’re in Minneapolis, Gable’s hometown, he knows these people. And you have to understand, people from Minnesota are simple minded. They’re gullible! So Gable will speak some truth to both Cody and Minnesota. The fans boo as Gable steps into the ring, and even chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Gable tells Cody that when Cody first came back, he was the beacon of inspiration. Cody is what Gable wanted to be: a professional, a workhorse with an unmatched work ethic. Cody is a champion and even dresses the part. But that’s the easy part. Gable can do that.

What’s not easy is being a good friend, a loyal friend like Kevin Owens! Gable knows a thing about bad friends. Take that ungrateful IDIOT, Otis! When Gable was at rock bottom, Otis left Gable high and dry, just like Cody did Kevin! Gable looked this whole situation over, and has concluded Cody is a terrible friend. But that is not all! Gable sees now that Cody isn’t who he thought Cody was. Cody is the definition of “superficial.” All Cody cares about is what everyone else thinks about Cody! And if Cody’s friends fall by the wayside, then so be it, right? Just think about it: Cody went so far as to team with the one guy that made Kevin’s life a living hell.

Gable would never do that! As far as Gable’s concerned, what Cody has coming is what he deserves. The fans boo but Cody says, “Terrible friend? Superficial? I deserve it?” But the fans will be his friends, right? The fans cheer that! Cody say she is disappointed that it is Gable spewing this vitriol, because Cody sees a lot of himself in Gable. Gable is the same guy that took things that weren’t special and made them special. He’s maximized his minute! Failure is the greatest teacher, and these two should know. Gable was “Shorty G,” wasn’t he? The fans chant “Shorty G! Shorty G!” and Cody says he was once “Stardust.” The fans do remember that character!

So Cody knows what Gable is going through. Cody knows why Gable has accrued the respect of so many, but… Standing here, Gable must think he has nothing to lose while Cody has the North Star of this industry. But see, Gable still has so much to lose. What happens when Gable fails again? If Cody’s learned anything from WrestleMania 39, getting that three second tan, he had nowhere else to look but at himself. So what happens when Gable goes for the endgame again and doesn’t get it? Gable’s a leader, but then does he just go at Brutus? Run him down? Or maybe one of WWE’s most promising women in Ivy Nile. Does she get hurt in the wake of Gable’s self-destruction?

And what about Julius? Does he crumble because Gable can’t take the blame? Gable shouts, “ENOUGH! Cody, don’t talk like you know me! You think I’m not a guy that’ll step up and take an opportunity? Then you’re talking about the wrong guy! If I didn’t have this suit on, I’d whoop your ass!” The fans boo but Cody asks, “I’m sorry, you’d what? You’d whoop my ass?” Well, Gable might be here to talk about Aldis and a trade, but go ahead and talk to him about going 1v1 with Cody here tonight! The fans like the sound of that! Cody makes sure “Chad” knows that while Cody has Kevin Owens on his mind, that is no good for Gable.

The American Nightmare wants to turn up against Minnesota’s own, will the champ be rolling towards Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Bianca Belair helps Naomi warm-up backstage.

The EST and The Glow are still sore from WarGames, but hey, they can focus on the whodunnit: Who took out Jade Cargill? These two are united in that, but first, Naomi has to handle business in the Triple Threat. Bianca says go ahead, do your thing. Naomi heads out, and now Chelsea & Piper walk in. The Hot Mess tells Bianca, “Thank gosh WWE’s own personal Nancy Drew is on the case!” And oh, she has so much time, such a relief now that WarGames is over, so that Bianca can focus on her “mystery.” But there’s even more time because Bianca lost in the Women’s United States Championship tournament to Chelsea.

Bianca says Chelsea is just lucky Bianca took herself out. Or was it Piper who took Jade out? Piper wasn’t with Chelsea at ringside that night, and Chelsea usually can’t win a match without her. Piper tells Bianca to watch herself. Piper never touched Jade, but will happily put Bianca in the hospital bed next to her. And this is 2v1 so why not? Bianca SHOVES Chelsea, then throws hands with Piper! But Chelsea hits Bianca in the bad ribs! Piper knocks Bianca down, and Bianca says it’s on. See you in the ring! Chelsea & Piper head out, will Aldis have a very busy night will all that’s going down?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton VS Elektra Lopez!

Well speaking of the tournament, we wrap the first round with this final Triple Threat! Will Naomi make everyone #FeelTheGlow? Will Minnesota be on #TiffyTime? Or will La Madrina make big moves on behalf of Legado Del Fantasma?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Tiff. Naomi and Tiff brawl, but Lopez goes after Naomi! Lopez throws knees into Naomi, then TOSSES her out! Lopez talks trash on Tiff, but Naomi is back! Lopez BOOTS Naomi, but Tiff CLUBS Lopez! Lopez and Tiff brawl, then Lopez throat chops! Lopez fires knee after knee, then she throws Tiff down! Lopez talks trash, then runs, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lopez storms up on Naomi but Naomi RAMS her! Naomi slingshots, but into a HAYAMKER! Tiff BOOTS Lopez! Tiff headlocks, Lopez powers up and out but Tiff runs her over! The fans fire up and Tiff runs, but she handsprings over the dropdown!

Tiff comes back to basement DROPKICK in return! Cover, TWO! Lopez is tougher than that but the fans still rally for Tiff. Tiff watches Lopez go to a corner, and she handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Lopez sits down, Tiff and the fans fire up, but Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Tiff! Naomi climbs, CROSSBODIES, then she runs to DROPKICK Lopez! Naomi runs up on Tiff but Tiff reverses the whip. Naomi goes up and over in the corner to stomp away on Tiff’s back! Naomi tries to stand on Tiff, but has to grab ropes so she doesn’t fall out of the ring! Naomi course corrects, Lopez CLUBS Tiff and Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Lopez!

Naoim hurries in, brings Lopez around, BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor for the Gedo Clutch, but Tiff breaks it! Tiff HAMMERS away on Naomi, then stands her up. Tiff & Lopez double whip, but Naomi slides under to DOUBLE MULE KICK! Naomi then grabs both Tiff & Lopez, DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD STUNNERS! The fans fire up while Tiff and Lopez bail out. Naomi PLANCHAS Lopez! Naomi hurries back in, and she DIVES into a haymaker from Tiff! Tiff has Naomi on the apron, and TIFFY STOMPS her!! Tiff then meets Lopez in the ring and kicks her. Tiff snap suplexes, covers, ONE!! Lopez is tougher than that!

Tiff stays calm and she brings Lopez up. Tiff scoops but Lopez slips free to trip her up! Lopez has a leg for a HALF CRAB! Tiff endures, the fans rally up, and Tiff fights her way to ropes! Lopez drags Tiff away, clamps onto her with a CROSSFACE, but Tiff fights. Lopez shifts to a ghost pin, TWO! Naomi CLOBBERS Lopez, sunset flips, TWO! Tiff pushes Naomi to a high stack, TWO! Naomi has the sunset flip, TWO! All three women get up, Lopez LARIATS Tiff but Naomi comes back to CROSSBODY! Lopez catches Naomi for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives and Lopez is beside herself!

Lopez finds Tiff in a corner and KNEES her down! And then KNEES her again and again and again! The fans boo but Lopez kicks Tiff to the floor. Lopez talks trash on Minnesota, then goes to Naomi. Naomi kicks, Lopez ducks! Lopez hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, Tiff breaks it! The fans are thunderous as all three women are down! The fans rally for Tiffy and she CLUBS Naomi! And she CLUBS Lopez! Naomi CLUBS Tiff, Lopez hits Tiff, it is a wild brawl of all three! Lopez & Naomi both ROCK Tiff, then Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Lopez! Tiff runs up, but into a REAR VIEW! Naomi hits Lopez with a FACEBUSTER!

Naomi hurries to put Lopez in a drop zone, but Candice LeRae runs out here! Naomi DECKS Candice, goes up and up, but Lopez CLUBS Naomi first! Lopez drags Naomi from the corner, but Naomi turns that into a REVRSE DDT! Then up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Tiffy KNEE-BOARD SENTONS!! Tiff drags Naomi up, TOSSES her out, and the fans are thunderous for Tiffy! Tiff puts Lopez in the drop zone, goes up, up, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFFY WINS!

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

Give an assist to The Poison Pixie, Naomi would’ve had this if not for her appearance. But now Miss Money in the Bank heads to the next round, facing Michin for a spot on Saturday Night’s Main Event! Will WWE be on Tiffy Time forever after this?

Something is happening backstage!

Byron Saxton heads over and finds The Street Profits have been taken down! B-Fab is furious, Aldis says all we know it was an ambush. They needed medical attention, they’ve been hurt badly. Aldis hurries to get on the phone but he also runs across Motor City Machine Guns. Aldis says all we know is that The Profits got attacked, so the scheduled tag title match is- Wait, Johnny Gargano hurries over. He asks what happened, Aldis explains about The Profits being attacked, and that tonight’s WWE Tag Team Championship match might be- WAIT! Gargano volunteers DIY as replacements. Aldis says no, this is way too fresh.

But Shelley says hey, if DIY wants their shot, then they can have it. Aldis says fine, but just tell Ciampa to NOT make Aldis regret this. Gargano says no worries. Johnny Wrestling heads out, is The Profits’ misfortune about to be DIY’s golden opportunity?

Bianca Belair VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green!

The EST isn’t the strongEST and the toughEST for nothing. She made it through WarGames and now finds herself in a battle with “Lil’ Miss P.” Will she also be the bravEST for fighting even with bad ribs? Or will Piper & Chelsea be taking advantage of Bianca’s weakened state?

The bell rings, Piper runs up, but Bianca hurdles her! Bianca RAMS into Piper and RAMS again and again! The ref counts, Bianca lets off to reel Piper in, but the bad ribs won’t let her scoop! Piper runs up, Bianca goes up and over and returns to RAM Piper again! Bianca climbs up, Chelsea protests, but the fans cheer as Bianca throws down hands! Piper slips out at 3, and she has the braid! Bianca backflips and they tug-o-war! Piper whips, Bianca SHOTGUNS, but Piper just rebounds to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives and Chelsea protests more, but Piper storms around. Piper KICKS Bianca in the side, then has Bianca in a corner.

Bianca pushes Piper but Piper CHOPS the ribs! Piper stalks Bianca, bumps her off buckles, then throws body shots! The fans rally for Bianca but Piper stomps her around. Piper stands Bianca up to bump off buckles, then she soaks up the heat. Piper goes back to stand Bianca up. Chelsea cheers Piper on as she scoops, but Bianca fights free! Bianca kicks low, then whips, but Piper blocks! Piper whips, but Bianca KICKS her away! Bianca runs, but Chelsea trips her up! Bianca kicks free, runs, but into Piper’s SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives but is still fighting 2v1, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Piper drags Bianca up, TOSSES her out, and then distracts the ref so Chelsea can get a cheap shot in! Chelsea acts innocent but the ref is still suspicious. The ring count starts, Bianca rises up at 5 of 10, but then she flops over! Bianca drags herself up at 8 and rolls in at 9! Piper is right on Bianca to stomp her! And KICK her! Bianca goes to a corner, and Piper RAMS into her! Piper brings Bianca out to then TOSS her to the apron! Bianca HOTSHOTS in return! Bianca hurries back in and wrenches to reel Piper in! Bianca powers up, but those ribs won’t let her lift! Piper suplexes Bianca up and over! Cover, TWO!

Piper is frustrated but she stalks Bianca to ropes. Bianca kicks Piper, but Piper whips Bianca corner to corner hard! Bianca falls to the floor, and Chelsea fans Piper off. Piper storms up on Bianca, whips her corner to corner the other way, and Bianca bounces off buckles! Piper soaks up the heat while she looms over Bianca. Piper steps ON Bianca, digging her heels into the ribs! The ref reprimands, Piper steps off, and Piper drags Bianca up into a COBRA TWIST! Bianca endures as SmackDown returns to single picture, and Piper reaches out. Chelsea grabs her hand and pulls for added pressure! The fans boo but the ref misses the cheat!

Bianca still endures, powers out, but Piper blocks the hip toss! Piper BODY SHOTS, then TOSSES Bianca! Piper runs to SENTON! And then SENTON again! Bianca writhes, Piper covers, TWO!! Bianca continues to tough it out and it frustrates Piper. Piper stalks Bianca, waistlocks and deadlifts, but Bianca fights the suplex! Bianca throws elbows but Piper has the bearhug! The fans rally, Bianca throws elbows but Piper ducks! Piper picks Bianca up for a proper BEARHUG! Bianca CLUBS away on Piper! Bianca is free, then she bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire forearms! Bianca kicks low, but Piper blocks a shot to HEADBUTT!

Piper and Bianca both wobble, but Piper reels Bianca in! Piper suplexes but Bianca slips up and around to have a SLEEPER! Piper THROWS Bianca down, then runs, SPLASH FLOPS as Bianca moves! Bianca goes to a corner, dodges again, and then RAMS into Piper! Bianca bumps Piper off buckles, then runs her side to side to bump her off more buckles! The fans fire up as Bianca runs Piper side to side for another buckle bump! Bianca climbs the corner to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Bianca hurries to cover, TWO!! Piper survives but the fans rally behind Bianca! Bianca rises, Piper goes to a corner, and Bianca runs in! Bianca RAMS Piper again!

Bianca climbs, and she rains down fists! The fans fire up and count along, but Piper stops things at 6! But Bianca still fights as Piper carries her out! Bianca slips free, runs and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Bianca is frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Bianca hauls Piper up, and goes to torture rack!? No, the ribs won’t let her! Piper CLUBS Bianca, Bianca swings, but Piper ducks to then SAIDO!! Bianca flops into a corner in a daze! The fans boo as Piper gloats, and Piper runs corner to corner! But Bianca is up to SPINEBUSTER!! The fans are fired up as Bianca grits her teeth and handsprings, to MOONSAULT! But onto knees!

Piper has Bianca back in a corner, runs in again, but Bianca moves! Cannonball hits buckles! Chelsea shouts to get up, and Piper does rise, but here comes Bianca! Bianca rolls, but Piper catches her! And POWERBOMBS her!! Cover, TWO?!? “This is Awesome!” as Piper drags Bianca to a drop zone. Piper climbs up, but Bianca CLUBS Piper! Bianca tucks Piper, Chelsea is on the apron! Bianca TOSSES Chelsea into the ring! Chelsea flounders away, and Bianca manages a torture rack!! Bianca uses the KISS OF DEATH to SLAM Piper onto Chelsea!!! Cover, BIANCA WINS!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

StrongEST, toughEST, and no quit in her! Will this be a warning to whoever attacked Jade that Bianca is coming for justice?

Bianca returns backstage.

Wait, is that Dominik Mysterio talking with Nick Aldis? Anyway, Naomi is there and she says that felt good to get her hands on Piper, right? Bianca says it did, it did. But Bianca is sorry that Naomi fell short in hers. Naomi says she is so sick of Tiff and Candice. Naomi can’t get ahead with those two standing on her neck! Byron Saxton asks for a word. He knows Bianca suspected Piper as the person who attacked Jade, but he can confirm she was at gorilla, not in the back. Is there anyone else who Bianca thinks could’ve done it? Naomi says there is a list: Nia, Tiffany, Candice, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez.

Bianca says she doesn’t know whodunnit, but when she finds out, it is on sight! Bianca & Naomi head out, but will they find out just whodunnit?

Shinsuke Nakamura is here!

The King of Strong Style, the sinister samurai, is also the NEW WWE United States Champion after Survivor Series, but wait! L A KNIGHT is already here! The Mega Star keeps Nakamura from enjoying himself tonight, and he has a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA! THe man they call The Mega Star is in the buidling in Minneapolis! ANd as I stand here, I look at a man here, got ot be the single sorriest example of a US Champ, YEAH! Cheap shot, cheap victory, cuz you ain’t the real deal. The real deal is looking at ya right now! And I see you standing there with something that belongs to me!” Fans agree, “YEAH!”

Knight says he’ll not mince words and not waste time. He wants his rematch, and he wants it now! The fans like the sound of that! Nakamura is silent, but the fans all cheer Knight on. Knight figures Nakamura would stand there looking dumber than a box of rocks. But since Nakamura has done nothing in his return but attack Knight with his back turned, and the only thing he’s done face to face is hit Knight with mist, here’s the deal. Knight has his sunglasses on, and Nakamura hasn’t given him any other option other than getting what he wants by storming into this ring and making sure Nakamura gets stomped out! “YEAH!”

But wait, Andrade is here! And El Idolo tells Knight that he’s just here for Nakamura. They have unfinished business! Knight says no disrespect, but Nakamura is in debt with Knight, Knight’s here to collect, then Andrade can- OH NO! Tama Tonga YANKS Andrade down! Jacob Fatu CLOBBERS LA Knight! Solo Sikoa is here, too! Nakamura lets The Bloodline beat down his enemies, but he also shows he has the black mist ready in his mouth! Solo has his Samoan Werewolf and Right Hand Man stand down so that the venomous snake can slither away. As for Andrade, Solo brings him up and prepares his thumb!

But Knight fires hands on Tama! The fans fire up but this is still 3v2! SAMOAN SPIKE for Andrade! SAMOAN SPIKE for Knight!! The fans boo but Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, and then Solo has a mic. “To anyone that’s thinking The Bloodline is finished, or that The Bloodline is weak, or just because I lost two soldiers at WarGames last week that we ain’t the ones anymore, well guess what! I dare you to step up! Step up and take a shot! Because this is exactly what will happen! The Bloodline will lay your ass out every single time! I’m tired of people not taking me seriously. I’m tired of people thinking that I’m a joke! I’m tired of all of you thinking that it’s all fun and games!

“Well, guess what? You can laugh all you want! But I’m STILL your Tribal Chief!!” The fans boo but Solo says he is STILL The Head of the Table! And Solo STILL has the ula fala! So to anyone that wants to come down to this ring, you will end up doing the same thing that each and every one will do. “Minneapolis… ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, but will Solo Sikoa just make all of SmackDown suffer for his defeat?

DIY meets backstage.

So Gargano got them a title match, huh? Yep, he got them the title match! It’ll fix everything! Oh, Gargano thinks this fixes everything? Ciampa says no, Gargano only got them the match that they should’ve had months ago. And Ciampa hasn’t forgotten what he told Gargano. Gargano still hasn’t given an answer, but guess we’ll find out soon enough. Ciampa says he’ll see Gargano out there. Will the Blackheart be satisfied when he and Gargano are once again tag team champions?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“Do you have any idea the feeling you get when they call you and tell you, ‘Hey, you have to be in Minneapolis, Minnesota because Michael Cole is going to interview you.’ Do you understand the rush of excitement and adrenaline that hits you when you hear those words? I mean it’s a feeling, I, I can barely put it into words. Y’know what? I actually can. It SUCKS!! It sucks! I don’t wanna ever, ever be in Minneapolis, Minnesota, let alone for a Michael Cole interview. Is this supposed to be some kind of thrill or honor? Get outta here! But y’know what, Michael Cole, it’s the WWE, fine. But I’m not going in there. No.

“I’ve shown up to SmackDown several times over the last couple of months and have been told I couldn’t go in. So guess what? Michael Cole, if you want to interview me, well the pleasure is all yours. But you have to come out here to do it. I’m at the arena, find my car, come have a chat. Or don’t, I really don’t care.” The Prizefighter is turning the tables on WWE management, will Maggle have to appease him?

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS #DIY!

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin were preparing for The Street Profits, but Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins weren’t prepared for whoever attacked backstage. Will their misfortune be DIY’s gain? Or will MCMG stay golden through this last minute change?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who heats things up in Minnesota!

The teams sort out and Ciampa CLOBBERS Sabin at the bell! The ref reprimands, the fans are torn, but Ciampa RAMS Sabin into a corner and stomps away! The ref counts, Ciampa tells Gargano that this is what he has to do! Ciampa fires hands on Sabin but Sabin fires back! The fans rally up and Sabin whips, but Ciampa reverses. Sabin goes up and over, then arm-drags Ciampa! And arm-drags again! Sabin has an armlock but Ciampa fights up. Ciampa pulls hair, KNEES low, then runs, but Sabin KNEES Ciampa! Tag to Shelly and MCMG double whip. Atomic drop, basement dropkick, DREAM SEQUENCE!

The fans fire up and Shelly covers, TWO! Shelley keeps Ciampa down with a headlock but Ciampa fights up. Ciampa throat chops Shelley! Shelley sputters, Gargano tags in, and Ciampa has Shelley’s arms behind his back. But Gargano refuses to mug Shelley, and wrenches an arm instead. Gargano hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then he grinds the arm down. But Ciampa tags himself in! The fans are a bit stunned but Ciampa CHOPS Shelley! Gargano is annoyed as Ciampa tells Gargano to pay attention. Ciampa says he’ll do it himself, but Shelley fires hands! Shelley headlocks, Ciampa powers up and out, then runs up, but into an ELBOW!

Shelley tags Sabin, then DUMPS Ciampa out! Shelley DROPKICKS Ciampa, then he and Sabin DOUBLE KICK COMBO! The fans fire up and Gargano checks on Ciampa while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Sabin brings Ciampa around to push him into the ring. Sabin then RAMS Ciampa into a corner, then he climbs up. Sabin rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Ciampa sits down, Sabin tags Shelley, and Shelley storms up so he can climb up. But Ciampa DUMPS Shelley to the floor! Shelley hurries back up and he ROCKS Ciampa! But Ciampa KNEES Shelley to the floor! Shelley flounders into the Hydration Station, and Ciampa goes out after him. Ciampa SMACKS Shelley off the desk! Then he SMACKS Shelley off the apron! Gargano says to get Shelley in, Ciampa does but because he wants to. Cover, TWO!

Ciampa and Gargano argue, and Ciampa goes back to Shelley. Ciampa bumps Shelley off the buckles, then he stomps away! Ciampa backs off, only to run up and stomp Shelley some more! Gargano tags himself in, has Ciampa back off, and he brings Shelley up. Gargano snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Gargano drags Shelley up, tags Ciampa, and DIY mugs Shelley after all. Ciampa CLUBS Shelley, then ROCKS him. SmackDown returns to single picture as Shelley fires hands in return. Ciampa catches Shelley to a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley flounders but Ciampa clinches. Ciampa grinds Shelley with a headlock but the fans rally up.

Shelley fights to his feet, he throws body shots, and he backs Ciampa down. Shelley then JAWBREAKERS free! But Ciampa keeps Shelley from Sabin! Ciampa runs up, Shelley dodges, the BOOT hits Gargano! Ciampa says Gargano is at fault, and then he blocks Shelley from Sabin. Ciampa puts Shelley in another corner, runs up, but Shelley dodges again! Ciampa hits buckles, Shelley reaches for Sabin! Ciampa brings Shelley around, kicks and underhooks! But Shelley BACKDROPS free! The fans rally up and Shelley hot tags Sabin! The fans fire up as Sabin rallies on Ciampa! Then he dodges to atomic drop and whip.

Ciampa sunset flips but Sabin rolls through, PENALTY KICK! Sabin goes out, he PENALTY KICKS Gargano! The fans fire up and Sabin climbs, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this but the fans rally for MCMG. Sabin runs up and ELBOWS Ciampa! Tag to Shelley and he runs up to LARIAT! Feed to a forearm, forearm, and clinch! BACKBREAKER and DIVING KNEE! Then a feed to the clinch, ENZIGIRI COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives the onslaught, and he flounders out of the ring. Shelley storms over to the apron to drag Ciampa up. Ciampa HOTSHOTS Shelley away!

Ciampa storms back in, and he sucker punches Sabin! The fans boo but Ciampa brings Shelley up, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ciampa seethes, and the fans rally for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” Ciampa TOSSES Shelley out, and he tags Gargano. Ciampa tells Gargano to go get Shelley. Gargano storms up on his old friend, puts him in the ring, and CIampa says no, that’s not what he meant! Gargano says they can’t win out there! Ciampa shoves Gargano! Gargano SHOVES Ciampa! The fans fire up and Gargano says he’ll do this himself! But then Shelley cradles Gargano! TWO!! Ciampa is too busy complaining!

Gargano runs up on Shelley, but he gets a BUCKLE SHOT! Sabin tags in, and Ciampa has a chair?! The ref sees the chair, stops Ciampa, and MCMG hurries to get Gargano up! But Gargano wrenches out to LOW BLOW?!?! Ciampa grins and Shelley is shocked! Shelley turns Gargano around and asks what the hell! SUPERKICK from Gargano!! Gargano is finally doing things Ciampa’s way! Tag to Ciampa, and Gargano says this worked perfectly! DIY say MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover on Sabin, DIY WINS?!?

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (NEW WWE Tag Team Champions)

DIY used their weeks of dysfunction as the perfect disguise! They snatch these titles away from MCMG, will they make sure no other team gets in the way?

DIY returns backstage.

And they’re both very proud of themselves, and in comes Candice! She’s so happy for them! They gotta tell the kids now, their daddies aren’t the losers! They are the champions of the world!! Will Gargano & Ciampa

Michael Cole joins Kevin Owens in the parking lot.

As chilly as it is out there, Cole asks if Kevin would rather do this inside. Kevin says it’s fine, they can be in his car, it’s a nice and toasty 68 in there. Cole reluctantly sits in the front seat, and he asks how long Kevin is going to keep this up. They had a nice, cushy interview room here at the Target Center. Oh, c’mon. Does Cole know how many times since Bad Blood, since Kevin dropped “little golden boy” Cody, that he’s shown up and then told he can’t come in? So Kevin is doing a preemptive strike. Cole says he was planning on doing an unbiased interview- OH?! Cole, the unbiased interviewer? WWE’s number one Cody Rhodes fanboy? Get outta here!

Cole says that is unfair but Kevin says it is not. Cole says he and Kevin have known each other roughly 12 years by now. They were both in NXT, did interviews, talked about the business, and Cole was one of Kevin’s biggest supporters, until recently. Kevin says he was just trying to get people to like him back then. If he knew then what he knows now, Kevin would never have bothered. And he can’t believe Cole doesn’t see things the way Kevin does. How many times was Cole sitting at commentary watching Roman Reigns try and end Kevin’s career? And then Cody goes to Bad Blood to stand alongside Roman!?

And y’know what? It isn’t even just that! What about Cody calling Kevin an egomaniac? That he was obsessed with being the “top guy.” Which one of them left WWE in 2016 because he wasn’t happy with the opportunities he was getting? Was it Kevin or Cody? And then who came back and now it’s all about him? That stupid logo is everywhere! Then there’s pyro! Not just once, twice, but three sets! Cole wants Kevin to understand it isn’t just Cody. Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, they all thought it was good to help out Roman. Kevin asks if Cole really thinks he cares what the Usos and Sami do.

Those guys chose to be Roman’s pawns even long before. If The Usos wanna go back to that, fine. And if we’re talking Sami, Kevin will get to him soon enough. But right now, this is about Cody’s betrayal! Cole doesn’t have friends, that’s why he doesn’t understand betrayal! Cody stabbed Kevin in the back and spat in his face! Cole says with all due respect, this is Kevin being very petty. There is some advice for Kevin: Look yourself in the mirror. Kevin uses the rearview mirror of the car and asks what he’s supposed to see. Because Kevin sees a very handsome man who is in the right. Cole says this is all just Kevin! Kevin is the problem!

Kevin’s the problem!? Get out of his car! Leave this rental vehicle right now. Cole does leave, and Kevin then says hold on. Oh, what? He’s gonna apologize now? No, he just rolls the window up on Cole as one last insult. Cole sighs and Kevin drives off into the night. Will Kevin get what he wants when he takes the title off Cody? Or will Kevin just get what he deserves in a humbling at the hands of the American Nightmare?

Nick Aldis finishes meeting with Gunther.

Carmelo Hayes sees Der Ring General, and then asks Aldis what’s going on. He’s got time to talk to “these Raw guys” but not to H1M? Aldis says that’s THE World Heavyweight Champion. Yeah but Melo is THE first-round draft pick. Aldis asks if there’s something Melo needs. Melo says no, this is something SmackDown needs. They need to find out where Melo sits with this transfer portal Raw-SmackDown thing. And if Aldis can’t, then he likes the sound of #MondayNightMelo on Netflix. Just sayin’. Aldis says the idea of Melo going to Raw to be Adam Pearce’s headache is not a threat, it should be something that comes with balloons and a cake.

But since Melo brought it up, Aldis has someone very special in mind. Oh, see? That’s how you get things down around here! Melo turns around, but Aldis is gone. Melo plays it off, but who is it that Aldis will use to test H1M?

Cody Rhodes VS Chad Gable w/ American Made!

The WWE Champion wanted to talk about Kevin Owens and their coming Saturday Night’s Main Event, uh, main event. But “Master” Gable had to make a big to-do about showing up tonight and ended up on Cody’s bad side. Will the American Nightmare show American Made what that phrase is really all about?

SmackDown returns and Gable makes his entrance, Ivy & The Creed Brothers backing him up as usual. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Cody puts Gable in a corner. Gable turns it around but Cody turns it back on Gable. The two break as the ref counts, and the fans rally up. Cody and Gable tie up, then Cody headlocks. Cody hits a takeover and has Gable on the mat. Gable headscissors, Cody kips free, and the two go again. They tie up, Gable waistlocks, but Cody switches. Gable switches, Cody switches, repeat, then Gable trips Cody! Cody kicks Gable away and the fans cheer the standoff.

Gable and Cody reset, feel things out, but then Gable kicks low! Gable storms up but Cody puts him in a corner. Cody fires a forearm, Gable fires back, repeat! Gable CHOPS and CHOPS but Cody CHOPS in return! Gable headlocks but Cody powers out. Gable goes up and over, but Cody kicks low and drops for the RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody reels Gable in, suplexes, and he holds Gable up for a count of TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! Cody roars, the fans are with him, and Cody runs, only for Ivy to get in the way! The fans boo but Gable runs up! Gable blocks a boot, puts that in the ropes, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS!

Gable drags Cody to the corner, ROCKS him, and then has the legs against the post! The ref reprimands, but Gable SLAMS the leg against the steel! Brutus laughs like a hyena while Cody writhes, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Gable pulls Cody’s bad leg against the ropes! The ref counts, Gable stops, but then Gable CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and boo but Gable fires off forearm after forearm! Gable stops as the ref counts, and then he whips corner to corner. Cody goes up and over to sunset flip! But Gable rolls through to have an ANKLE LOCK! Cody fights around, rolls and he sends Gable into ropes! Cody hobbles, but Gable dropkicks the legs out! Cover, TWO! Cody is tougher than that, but Gable brings him up. Gable CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, and just BEATS Cody down to the mat! The fans boo but Gable puts Cody in a drop zone.

Gable climbs, aims, and DIVING HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Cody is still in this but Gable is just angrier than before. Gable goes back up, but Cody CLUBS him! Cody climbs up behind Gable to clamp onto him, for a dragon sleeper! INVERTED SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The Creeds are each losing their minds in their own way, and the fans rally for Cody as hard as they can! Cody rises, Gable follows, and Cody fires hands! Gable fires back! They go back and forth, the fans strongly behind Cody, and Cody KICKS! Cody then blocks a kick to throw Gable down! Cody runs, and he CLOBBERS Gable!

Cody goes up and over in a corner, then manages a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up even more as Cody grits his teeth. Springboard, DISASTER KICK! Cody waits for Gable to rise up and the fans rally again. Gable slowly stands, and Cody scoops! Gable slips free and he shoves Cody to a corner! Cody bucks the O’Conner, then BOOTS the lariat! Springboard, CODY CUTTER!! But Gable flounders away! American Made drags Gable to safety! The fans boo and the ref reprimands them! The ref EJECTS American Made!! The fans are thunderous while American Made throws a fit! Gable storms in, but Cody rolls him up! TWO!!

Cody hurries to swing, but Gable dodges! CHOP BLOCK to the leg! Gable unties Cody’s boot! Gable has Cody’s bare foot for an ANKLE LOCK!! Cody endures as Gable leans on that hold and twists that foot! Cody crawls, the fans rally, and Cody rolls again! Gable is sent into buckles this time! Gable flops back, Cody stands up, and even with the bare foot, Cody runs to go up the corner! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! The fans are thunderous and Cody feeds off that energy! Cody has Gable for the CROSS- NO, Gable drops to have the leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Cody flails, ROPEBREAK! Gable lets go fast, and he demands Cody get up!

Cody slowly rises, and he catches Gable first! CROSS- NO, Gable KNEES free and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Gable goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS! He has to land out as Cody moves, and Cody gets Gable for a CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Gable put up a top tier fight, but he still isn’t at the top of the WWE! The man who is, is the man with that Undisputed WWE Championship! BUT WAIT! KEVIN OWENS IS HERE! He didn’t leave like we thought, that was just a fake out! And now Kevin STOMPS Cody’s foot! Kevin mocks Cody’s pain, but Cody still fires hands! Kevin CLOBBERS Cody and rains down fists! Refs and producers rush out here to pull Kevin back! Kevin shouts at them, and he shouts at Aldis, but here comes Cody!! The fans fire up but Kevin bails out! Cody manages to build speed and DIVE onto Kevin! The brawling continues and the fans are thunderous!

Aldis says they have to separate these two! Saturday Night’s Main Event depends on it! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” and that’s just what they do! Cody and Kevin still claw at each other but SmackDown has to go off the air! Will these two be fighting all the way to next Saturday?

My Thoughts:

An awesome SmackDown with so many great developments going towards Saturday Night’s Main Event, and apparently also towards the move to Netflix. We got a lot of appearances from Raw superstars tonight, which makes me think this “transfer window” angle is all so Raw and SmackDown can trade superstars that we know Netflix would want on their Monday Night Raw for best views/ratings. Gunther was here because the top champs would surely be traded, Netflix will want THE WWE Championship on Raw, meaning SmackDown gets stuck with World Heavyweight Championship, the unofficially secondary world title.

That said, Melo getting in on that was also an interesting move. Melo might just get sent to Raw so he can revisit his feud with Bron Breakker, maybe even be there when Trick Williams gets called up so that their rivalry reignites, and who knows what else. Though Aldis’ tease might be that Gunther’s gonna smack Melo around in his SmackDown in-ring return. Dominik was another of the Raw superstars here tonight, teasing more of that Judgment Day split. It could even mirror nWo VS nWo Wolfpac, with Finn’s half (which might only be him and JD McDonagh) being the Wolfpac equivalent. Though to be honest, that also gives room for Finn to bring in more people.

Great promo from Naomi and Bianca to keep the “Who got Jade?” story going while also setting up Bianca VS Piper tonight. We’ve seen Bianca VS Piper quite a lot already, but this was probably the best Bianca VS Piper match yet. Bianca gets an awesome win, and as I said the week this whodunnit started, it wasn’t Piper in any way so Bianca’s invESTigation continues. The Triple Threat was great stuff, and while I thought Naomi was getting in on things, maybe she is falling back to helping Bianca find Jade’s attacker. This is great for Tiffany as she gets a hometown win and can tease a double championship reign. Just as long as she doesn’t waste her cash-in should she NOT win this US title.

In the midst of all these whodunnit stories, DIY taking advantage of attacking The Profits and getting this tag title match was some clever stuff. At least, I think DIY attacked The Profits. But them pulling off a mid-match Heel turn for Gargano was awesome stuff, and DIY winning the titles back like that was wild. Hooray for The Way, they all have gold right now as Candice is still Women’s Speed Champion the last I heard. A bit of a shame that we haven’t gotten more out of A-Town Down Under, because Austin Theory might actually embrace Heel DIY and want to join up again.

Great stuff with Solo’s Bloodline, and nice of HHH to bring Apollo back on TV just to be a victim. Though I suppose the same goes for the full US Championship scene right now. Nakamura being spared was mostly because he’s also a Heel, but also because this form of Nakamura is just that dangerous, Solo didn’t want to risk his remaining foot soldiers getting beat up by Nakamura. Good promo from Solo to put those legit injuries into perspective, and I’m thinking we get Solo, Tama & Fatu VS Apollo, Andrade & Knight while Roman has… Actually, Roman’s in worse shape because he’d need Jey & Sami to come over from Raw. Maybe part of the transfer window helps get everyone in The Bloodline story on the same brand.

And then great stuff in the Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens story. Very good promo with Cody and Gable to not just revisit both men’s pasts, but also to set up tonight’s awesome main event. Great promos from Kevin tonight, too, and I like them going outside the box to have Cole interview Kevin inside his car. And I could just feel how Kevin driving off was a fake-out. Kevin coming back to end the show brawling with Cody was great stuff, but I’m still leaning towards Cody winning in their title match. It’d be a great twist if Kevin cheated to win the title, but no, Netflix will probably want Cody to be champion going into the first episode, again assuming Cody is transferred to Raw.

My Score: 8.9/10