It’s a Friday Night of Champions!

SmackDown is in Riyadh, and has THREE title matches! Street Profits VS Wyatt Sicks, Zelina Vega VS Giulia, and Tiffany Stratton VS Nia Jax in a Last Woman Standing match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa VS Jimmy Uso; JC wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega VS Giulia; Giulia wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.
• #DIY VS Andrade & Rey Fenix; Andrade & Fenix win.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6; The Profits win, by disqualification, and retain the titles.
• WWE Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Nia Jax; Tiffany wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Riyadh sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” as the American Nightmare makes his entrance. The pyro goes off, Cody feels the energy from the crowd, then he continues down the ramp and high-fives some fans before going to the ring. We get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and the second round of pyro before Cody steps inside. The fans continue singing to finish the song themselves, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” Cody has the mic, but then Randy Orton makes his entrance! Cody sighs, it’s just like last week with all the interruptions. But now the fans get to sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring.

Orton steps in and grabs a mic, but the fans finish singing the song themselves, just like with Cody’s. Orton nods and the fans applaud. Orton says before he gets into what it is he wanted to talk about with Cody, Orton does have a question for the fans. Did they watch Monday Night Raw? They cheer, so that’s a yes. Did they see Cody VS Jey in that semifinal? Yes! Okay, then Orton is sure they feel the same way he does. If Cody and Jey (YEET) aren’t in match of the year for the Slammy’s, then something is wrong. That was a pleasure to watch. The fans sing for Cody, and SmackDown does note there were technical issues during the recording of this segment.

But that said, Orton is here to tell Cody that he wants the crown, he wants to be King of the Ring. If it was any other circumstance, Orton would agree, the crown should be on Cody’s head, too. But the circumstances aren’t different. Cody may want the crown, but Orton needs the crown! Orton needs to be King of the Ring! Not just because the winner goes on to SummerSlam, meaning Orton gets one more shot at being 15-time world champion. That’s just icing on the cake. But another reason Orton wants this crown is because this stands for redemption. Orton was here last year, same time, same place, and he fell short against Gunther.

Orton has to right that wrong, but that crown is also retribution. Retribution against John Cena! At Backlash, in Orton’s hometown, Cena embarrassed Orton! Not only that, he embarrassed Orton in front of his friends and family, his wife and kids! Orton needs to right that wrong, as well. The fans applaud that, and Orton says we all know how Orton and Cody respect each other. But Orton can’t let those feelings get in the way of the goal. That is why he is laying all his cards on the table. Out of respect, face to face, man to man, there is nothing Orton won’t do to make sure he leaves Saudi Arabia with that crown.

The fans cheer again, and even chant for “RKO! RKO!” Cody hears that, and Orton says that goal is going to come true. Because tomorrow at Night of Champions, Orton reintroduces Cody to the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O. The fans applaud, but now Cody responds. “Randy, I have heard everyone in this tournament talk about why they want to be King of the Ring, and I would say that my need to be King of the Ring is more justified than anyone’s. But no one has let me get a word in edgewise lately. And here you are, telling me, if I heard correct, that John Cena embarrassed you? Embarrassed you?

“Between you and John Cena, you have 30 world championships. ‘Embarrassment’ is never a word I would attach to that pair.” The fans applaud, and Cody says he remembers everything. Everything. His first first night in the WWE. It was on a Monday Night Raw. Does Randy remember that night? Randy slapped Cody’s dad across the face. Cody remembers the bad, but he also remembers the good. Just a few months ago, standing in this ring, hearing everything that a student could ever want to hear from his teacher, Cody is so thankful and grateful to Orton. The fans applaud, and Orton nods.

Cody says he knows that Orton thinks he needs this. But Cody says no matter if it is John Cena or CM Punk, Cody needs this just a little bit more. Tomorrow night, when it is all said and done, RKO will still be the three most dangerous letters in ALL the WWE. But Cody needs Orton to understand, Orton will not be King of the Ring, because Cody will. Mic drops from both men, but who will stand tall and be crowned this year’s King of the Ring?

Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo backstage.

Solo awnts JC to listen. Tonight, they’ll give Jimmy Uso one last opportunity to rejoin the family. Jimmy’s all alone, and JC can go out and remind him what it is like to have absolutely nobody. Tonight, JC handles Jimmy, and tomorrow, Solo handles Jacob Fatu. After this weekend, everyone will see that they are just getting started. These two head out, but will it really be that easy to take down #BigJim and the Samoan Werewolf?

JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa VS Jimmy Uso!

SmackDown returns as the Imperial Unit makes his entrance, Solo by his side. The bell rings and the two run up! JC picks Jimmy up, RAMS him into a corner, then RAMS him again and again! The ref counts, JC lets off at 4, and JC brings Jimmy up to throw hands! The fans rally for Jimmy and the ref counts, but the ref has to back JC off at 4 this time. JC jukes the ref but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy CHOPS, CHOPS, and bumps JC off buckles. Jimmy CHOPS, CHOPS, and brings JC around to whip. JC reverses to CLOBBER Jimmy! The fans rally for Jimmy but JC stalks him to ropes. JC stands Jimmy up to throw hands!

JC whips, Jimmy grabs ropes to stop himself, and he ELBOWS JC away! JC comes back but Jimmy DUMPS him out! Jimmy kicks, JC blocks, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! JC tumbles down, Jimmy builds speed, and Jimmy stops as Solo stands in the way. The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy they can still be in this together. Jimmy doesn’t think so, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Jimmy CHOPS away on JC! Jimmy whips, JC reverses, but Jimmy BOOTS from the corner! Jimmy goes up, leaps, but JC catches him! JC swings and URENAGES Jimmy down! Then he says No Yeet! FALLING HAMMER! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and the fans fire up! JC waistlocks Jimmy and has a bearhug. The fans rally as Jimmy endures, and Jimmy fights up to throw elbows! The fans fire up but JC shoves Jimmy to a corner, JC runs up, but into an ELBOW! Jimmy goes up, up, UCE IN THE WIND! Direct hit and the fans fire up again!

Solo is worried and he coaches JC up, but the fans rally behind “USO! USO!” Jimmy stands and he blocks a punch to give a punch! And repeat! Jimmy CHOPS, then mule kicks, then pops, locks ‘n’ uppercuts! JC swings, Jimmy dodges, and Jimmy fireman’s carries, but JC is a bit too big for that! JC slips free and shoves Jimmy! Jimmy kicks, JC blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP hits again! JC tumbles to a corner and the fans fire up. Jimmy goes to the other end, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs to HIP ATTACK! JC sputters, Jimmy aims, and he SUPERKICKS! JC falls out of the ring! The fans rally while Solo tells JC to get up! Jimmy DIVES and takes JC down!

The fans fire up and Solo coaches JC, but Jimmy hurries to put JC in. Jimmy goes up the apron but Solo grabs at him! The fans boo but Jimmy glares at Solo. Solo gets away with one but Jimmy climbs. Jimmy leaps, JC gets under! Jimmy tumbles, comes back, but into the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!

Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall

Solo plays his part in screwing over his brother, but that isn’t enough. Solo helps Jimmy up and offers him one last chance. They can still be a united front. The fans tell Jimmy “NO! NO! NO!” Jimmy SLAPS Solo! So JC CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo but Solo says get him up! JC drags Jimmy to his feet, Solo takes aim, but here comes Jacob Fatu! The fans fire up as the WWE United States Champion rushes to the ring! He fires hands on JC, but JC shoves back! Jacob dodges to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP on JC! Jacob now stares Solo down with a wild grin. Solo bails out! Solo will leave this for tomorrow night’s United States Championship match, but Fatu still has JC!

BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans fire up with Jacob Fatu as he stands tall. Then he eyes Jimmy. There’s family here, too. But then Jimmy shoves Fatu? So he can SUPERKICK Solo!! Solo was trying to sneak one over on the Samoan Werewolf, but #BigJim had his back. Will Jimmy make sure his brother can’t mess over his cousin when the title is on the line?

DIY rallies the SmackDown Tag Division.

Johnny Gargano says that if the Wyatts were to win the tag titles tonight, it’d be the end of the division that DIY built. Tommaso Ciampa says, “As the leaders of this tag team division…” But Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns, and the NEW AAA Tag Team Champions, Los Garza, all laugh at that. Gargano says okay, DIY knows they haven’t been the easiest to deal with, and they can talk that all out later. But tonight, they have to fight for the survival of their tag division. Oh, now it’s everyone’s? Ciampa says just look. The Wyatts winning tonight means not any one of them has a chance at winning those titles for the foreseeable future.

Nick Aldis walks over and says he heard this ruckus all the way down the hall. What is going on? DIY are just trying to motivate this division! Gargano says Axiom likes it! Axiom shakes his head. Ciampa says apparently, DIY are the only ones who give a damn! Because Aldis, sir, you apparently do not! Why did Aldis give the Wyatts their title opportunity? They’re not as deserving as DIY! Aldis says okay, he will do something about it. He ushers in Andrade and says how about Andrade finds as partner for tonight to face DIY. DIY hates that idea, but Andrade says he’s game. El Idolo goes on the search, who will join him against Johnny Wrestling & The Sicilian Psychopath?

Giulia speaks.

“Oi, Zelina. We’ve been calling each other out for as long as you’ve been the champion. You talk about how hard you work. I don’t have to do that. My hard work is evident. The championship means a lot to you. It doesn’t to me. To me, it’s just a stepping stone. You act like the title belongs to you. I will prove it does not.”

Zelina Vega responds.

“Giulia. Where I come from, if you’ve got a problem with somebody, you go out into the street and you handle it. But the streets weren’t made for everybody. That’s why they make sidewalks: for girls like you who have to do sneak attacks. I have suffered and starved and sacrificed for this championship. So if you want this, you are gonna have to pry it from my cold, dead body. So just like you are gonna use me to establish your dominance here, I am going to use you to show why I am the United States Champion.” La Muneca is ready, but will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega VS Giulia!

SmackDown returns and Giulia makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the footnote in the other’s story!

The bell rings, the two approach, and Zelina trips down to trip Giulia! Cover, TWO, and Giulia ghost pins, TWO! Giulia sweeps and covers, ONE as Zelina goes Matrix! Zelina flips Giulia over, covers, ONE! They each block kicks, then DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES collide! The fans fire up, Giulia rises and Zelina kips up! Giulia THROWS Zelina down by her hair! Giulia flips Zelina over and stands her up to snap suplex! The fans rally, Giulia goes up a corner, but Zelina runs up to GAMANGIRI! Giulia falls to the apron, Zelina BOOTS her down! The fans duel and Zelina goes to the corner. Zelina climbs up to ASAI MOONSAULT!

Fans fire up but Zelina seems to be worse for wear from that attack. Both women are down from that collision, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Zelina is still in this match, but she’s stuck in Giulia’s wheelbarrow camel clutch! Zelina endures, Giulia SLAMS her down, and then Giulia ties up the legs! SURFBOARD STOMP! The fans rally, Giulia covers, TWO! Zelina stays in this but she does bail out of the ring. The fans rally, Giulia goes out to fetch Zelina, and Giulia smirks as she drags Zelina up. Zelina arm-drags Giulia away! Giulia tumbles into the steel steps, and Zelina METEORAS! A risky move given her own bad leg, but Zelina puts Giulia in the ring. The fans rally, Zelina stands Giulia up and throws hands! Giulia fires back and the fans rally!

Giulia CHOPS, ROCKS, and whips Zelina, but Zelina LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick to ELBOW Giulia, then she reels Giulia in. Giulia fights with elbows of her own, and she scoops, but Zelina handsprings through! Zelina knuckle locks, drops back, and she reels Giulia in for a pop-up KNEE! Giulia sputters, Zelina brings her around, and bumps her off buckles! Then METEORA! Zelina kicks Giulia down and climbs up the corner, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Zelina is stunned! Zelina hurries back to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally as she aims. But Giulia BOOTS Zelina first!

Giulia climb, and she underhooks for a SUPER DUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!! Giulia hurries to hammerlock, lift, and- NO, Zelina fights free! Zelina kicks, hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Giulia’s toes save her, and Zelina cannot believe it! Zelina pushes Giulia to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and MOONSAULTS! But she FLOPS as Giulia moves! ARRIVEADERCI KNEE!! And then another KNEE!! Giulia isn’t done, she scoops for the NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, GIULIA WINS!!

Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)

Zelina fought as hard as she could, but she couldn’t fight harder than Giulia! But if this title is just a stepping stone for her, when and where will Giulia become THE WWE Women’s Champion?

PROGRAMMING NOTE for SmackDown in Pittsburgh.

Next week, when WWE returns stateside, Friday Night SmackDown will be just two hours!

Charlotte Flair is backstage.

And she runs across Alexa Bliss. Charlotte tells her that if this is about last week, she doesn’t wanna talk about it. Alexa says it just seemed like Charlotte needed the help. Charlotte says she doesn’t need friends. Alexa says she wasn’t trying to be a friend. But it wouldn’t hurt to be on the same page. Maybe just… Allies of convenience. Alexa will let Charlotte think about it. Will The Queen be able to tolerate a partnership with Lil’ Miss Bliss?

Wade Barrett is in the ring.

SmackDown returns and the fans cheer for the former King of the Ring, the former Bad News Barrett, and he welcomes Riyadh to the Weekend of Champions! And his guests tonight only compete for the dashing Queen of the Ring crown, they also battle for an opportunity to compete against their brand’s top champion at SummerSlam. First, welcome The Storm, Jade Cargill! The fans cheer and Jade makes her entrance, dressed in shining silver and black. Wade now welcomes out the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka! The fans cheer again, and Asuka makes her way out in her best Yakuza three-piece suit.

Jade and Asuka have mics while the fans cheer Asuka on. Wade thanks them both for joining him. To start with Jade, what makes her so confident that she’ll defeat Asuka in the QOTR finals? Jade says when people see Asuka, they get nervous. But Jade sees an opportunity to show us all why she came to the WWE. See, Jade has heard it. This is not pressure, this is purpose. And Jade doesn’t plan on just taking the crown, she plans on taking the whole damn throne! Asuka shrugs that off while the fans cheer her on, and she tells Jade, “You are strong. But power is not everything. I have skills and experience.

“Do you know who I am?! I am Asuka!” The fans cheer, and Asuka tells Jade off in Japanese. Then in English, “Because NO ONE is ready for Asuka!” Jade promises Asuka, you will regret- WAIT! Naomi is here!? And she says break it up, break it up! The fans boo Naomi as she holds up the briefcase. Naomi points out that this briefcase means they can fight over the crown, but SHE has all the power! Naomi can do whatever Naomi wants! And maybe she’ll cash in after Nia and Tiffany destroy each other in tonight’s Last Woman Standing match. Or maybe she waits until Asuka or Jade is fighting for the title.

Jade hates the fact that no matter what she does, Naomi has the power to take it all away! Just like she took those tag titles! Just like she took months from Jade’s career! And just like Naomi took away the “Big 3!” It brings Naomi pure pleasure when she thinks about how sweet it would be to ruin the biggest night of Jade’s career. The fans chant “You Suck!” but Naomi tells everyone to proceed- Jade rushes Naomi! Naomi gets away, and Asuka doesn’t like that Jade had to push er aside. So Asuka KICKS, KICKS, SOBATS, and URAKENS! Then she BUZZSAWS! The fans fire up with Asuka, but will she cut Jade down to size? Will Naomi ruin the good times for whoever is Queen of the Ring?

Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce talk.

Both GMs are on the same page, and while details still need to be ironed out, they’re good. The Women’s Tag Team Championships issue does need to be settled and settled quickly. But then in steps Aleister Black. Aldis asks what’s going on, and Aleister says he’ll cut to it: he wants a redo with- “I’M DRIVING NOW!” Ron Killings storms in and wants to talk with Aldis & Pearce. He also asks Aleister to back up and give him some space. But we all saw last week, right? Truth wants John Cena again, right now! Whoa, okay, calm down. He is calm, Adam! But Nick, you gonna help or what?

Aldis says with all due respect, Truth, Cena is here for CM Punk, not Truth. Well, Truth’s here for Cena. And y’know what? Don’t even worry about it. Truth storms off, Aldis tells Aleister they’ll get back to this, but Aleister has them hold on. Aleister follows Truth out. Will Aleister change his plans and tear down The Truth?

#DIY VS Andrade & ???

Ciampa & Gargano ran their mouths and stepped right in it. But at the same time, who did El Idolo find as a tag team partner? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Andrade makes his entrance, followed by REY FENIX! Andrade has the Immortal Firebird on his side, will they show DIY how to #ANIMO?

The teams sort out and Andrade starts against Ciampa. The fans rally, the two circle, and they knuckle lock. Andrade slips around to waistlock but Ciampa fights the hold. Ciampa ELBOWS Andrade, but Andrade CHOPS! Andrade tags Fenix, they double whip Ciampa to SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and FOREARM! Then a feed to a drop toehold! Gargano runs up, Andrade drop toeholds him, too! Fenix slides outside, Andrade runs the ropes, DROPKICK GAMANGIRI COMBO! The fans fire up while DIY tumbles out, and then Andrade y Fenix go up! DOUBLE SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit on DIY and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and DIY sets up, Ciampa sends Fenix into Gargano’s knees! Gargano tags Ciampa back in, they whip Fenix to a corner, and Ciampa sends Gargano in. Fenix TOSSES Gargano and Gargano hits off the steel steps! Ciampa runs in but Fenix BOOTS him! Fenix somersaults, but into Ciampa’s fireman’s carry! Fenix slips down to ripcord, ROUNDHOUSE, SOBAT, and FRONT KICK! The ENZIGIRI knocks Ciampa down and the fans fire up! Fenix crawls, but Gargano YANKS Andrade from the apron! Ciampa KNEES Fenix down! Cover, TWO!! Fenix survives and Ciampa argues the count.

Ciampa drags Fenix up, CHOPS him down, then soaks up the heat. Ciampa taunts Andrade with an LIJ fist bump! The ref has to stop Andrade from going after Ciampa, and Ciampa puts Fenix in the corner. DIY mugs Fenix with the ref missing it all, and Andrade finally goes back to his corner. DIY gets away with that, then Ciampa stalks Fenix to the corner. Ciampa CHOPS, then he hoists Fenix up top. Ciampa CHOPS again, mocks the fans applauding, then climbs up. Ciampa gets under Fenix with a fireman’s carry, but Fenix fights with elbows! Fenix CHOPS Ciampa down, stands up, and ADIOS AMIGO! Direct hit with the tightrope kick!

The fans fire up and rally as both men crawl! Ciampa and Fenix reach out, hot tags to Gargano and Andrade! Andrade LARIATS Gargano, blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW, then he dodges Ciampa! FLYING FOREARM! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade has Gargano in a corner. “SI! SI! SI!” and Andrade goes corner to corner, CIEN- NO, Gargano dodges the knees! Gargano shakes out his own bad leg, SLINGSHOT- NO, Andrade blocks the spear to ELBOW DROP! And then TORNADO REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and “This is Awesome!” Andrade stands Gargano up but Gargano RAMS him to the corner!

Ciampa tags in but Andrade fights them both off! Andrade BOOTS Gargano down, goes up, MOONSAULT- NO, Gargano moves! Andrade rolls through, but DIY sets up, SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and DIY is stunned! The fans are loving this, though, as SmackDown goes back to break.

SmackDown returns again and Gargano crawls to the corner. The fans rally as Gargano climbs up with one good leg, but Andrade ROCKS him first! Gargano ROCKS Andrade, climbs up more, but Andrade CHOPS! Andrade goes up top now, but Gargano fights the superplex! Gargano fires body shots, and he gets up and over Andrade, SUPER SUNSET BOMB, but Andrade backflips through! Andrade comes back to CIEN KNEES!! Andrade goes up again, for the MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa was there a split second late, but Fenix is after him! Ciampa kicks Fenix, whips, but Fenix goes Spider-Man to come back and HEEL KICK!

Ciampa tumbles out but Fenix DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up, and Gargano crawls over to Andrade. These old rivals stand, they fire hands, and the fans are loving it! Andrade fires off forearms and knees! Andrade suplexes but Gargano slips free! Gargano waistlocks, pushes Andrade to the corner, but Fenix tags in! Fenix goes up and over to MOONSAULT GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and the fans are loving this! Fenix puts Gargano up top, tucks him in, and fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Andrade goes up, but Ciampa SHOVES him down! Spin and- NO, Gargano victory rolls it! TWO!!!

Fenix escapes, Gargano blocks a kick! POISON-RANA!! Gargano hobbles, hot tag to Ciampa! Ciampa tucks Fenix in, Gargano adds the SUPERKICK, FAIRYTALE ENDING!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix survives but Ciampa says forget it! PROJECT CIAMPA!! High stack, but Andrade breaks it!! The fans are thunderous, but Gargano fires shots on Andrade! Gargano runs, but Andrade SHADOW ELBOWS! Ciampa whips and BOOTS Andrade! Fenix is up, Ciampa brings his kneepad down! Ciampa runs in, but Andrade YANKS Fenix out of the way! Ciampa’s knee hits buckles! Fenix hits the JUMP SOBAT! Fenix puts Ciampa up top, tag to Andrade!

Fenix tucks Ciampa, BLACK FIRE BUSTER!! Feed to the MESSAGE!! Cover, Andrade y Fenix win!!

Winners: Andrade & Rey Fenix, by pinfall

A wild showdown results in a massive victory for El Idolo and the Firebird, and this combination is 2-0! Will they continue on until they’re fighting for the WWE Tag Team Championships?

Ron Killings storms into the ring!

The fans cheer for R-Truth, and he asks Riyadh, “What’s up?!” “WHAT’S UP!” He’ll tell us what’s up! He is Ron Killings, The Truth, The Whole Truth, and NOTHING BUT the Truth! Now put some respect on the name! John Cena, he ain’t letting it slide, he ain’t letting it ride, Killings wants another fight right now! Where he at?! Let’s go! But wait! Aleister Black has appeared! Truth turns around, into the BLACK MASS!! Aleister says he told Ron not to “drink from this cup.” But in a weird way, they’re even now. Aleister leaves Truth behind, will this be the end of it?

Backstage interview with The Street Profits.

Byron Saxton asks Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins if they have time to talk. They say sure, and Byron says in just a few minutes, the Profits have the unenviable task of defending their tag titles against the Wyatts. What is the game plan? Ford says he wants to ask Byron and Saudi Arabia, when is the last time that the Profits have even had tag team gold? FOUR YEARS! FOUR!! They had to fight through fire to get back to the mountaintop. So the Wyatts or ANY team must be out their minds if they think they’re taking the titles any time soon. Dawkins says they are the class of this division.

People asked why Dawkins & Ford are defending the titles against the Wyatts, and the answer is simple: The Wyatts are the only threats the Profits have, so the Profits approach that threat and eliminate that threat. Ford says it is Friday, so that means it’s time to go to work. They secret handshake, but then B-Fab is there. She tells them it doesn’t need to be explained, but if need be, she has their back. They fist bump on it and the Profits head out. They want the smoke, but will the Profits still be up after facing Gacy & Lumis? Or is SmackDown about to follow the buzzards?

Aleister returns backstage.

And Damian Priest finds him. Aleister smirks, and Damian smirks, but the Archer says Aleister must feel real tough right about now. No, but if Priest is Truth’s friend, he’ll tell Truth to leave it alone. As far as Aleister is concerned, the debt is paid. Priest says, “You know I know Truth. I know what he’s capable of. Next time you’re looking for payment, why don’t you do it face to face with him? I’m pretty sure the result will be a lot different.” Aleister steps closer and tells Priest, “Sure it will be.” Aleister leaves, and Carmelo Hayes walks in saying, “Pssh, this guy.” But who is Melo to tell Priest what to do? At the same time, if he was Priest, he’d mind his own business.

Especially when it comes to this R-Truth/Ron Killings thing. If Priest is really Truth’s boy, he’ll let Truth handle this before he ends up a casualty. Priest tells Melo that he should walk away. Melo says he gets it, the truth hurts. Melo does leave, but will Priest show H1M what minding his business looks like?

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6!

SmackDown returns and the lights start turning out. The fireflies shine in the dark as the piano plays. And with that, the Wyatts make their entrance. The introductions are skipped, the belts are raised, and we see if the champions survive!

The teams sort out and Lumis starts against Ford. But Lumis slithers up on Ford and that creeps Ford out a bit. But Ford can’t go too far, Gacy is at the corner waiting. The fans rally, Ford decides to go to Lumis’ level. They stare down on all fours, then they fire off hands! The fans fire up, Lumis knees low, and he CLUBS Ford to ropes. Lumis stalks Ford but Ford fires a shot. Lumis CLUBS Ford, whips, but Ford reverses. Lumis hurdles, Ford hurdles, and then Ford DROPKICKS! Lumis scrambles, Gacy tags in, and Ford runs up. Gacy ROCKS Ford, Lumis hits a SPINEBUSTER! Gacy runs to SENTON, but Dawkins breaks the cover!

Gacy and Dawkins stare down, but wait! MCMG appears ringside! As does Fraxiom, and Los Garza, and DIY! Maybe what DIY said got through to everyone as they all surround the ring. Gacy covers Ford, TWO! Gacy blocks a kick, FLIPS Ford, but Ford lands out! Gacy snarls, Ford runs up, but Gacy dodges! THE UPSIDE-DOWN!! Both men are down and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

DIY argues with Dawkins while Gacy pursues Ford on the outside. Gacy puts Ford back in the ring, stomps away on him, then tags Lumis. Lumis stomps Ford, drags him up and scoops to SLAM! Lumis runs for AX HANDLES! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this but Lumis stays on him with a facelock. Tag to Gacy and they double whip Ford to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then Lumis gives Gacy the boost, HIP TOSS SENTON! Cover, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Gacy snarls. Gacy has Ford on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Gacy lets off at 4, and he tags Lumis. They mug Ford in the corner, then Lumis brings Ford out for an UPPERCUT!

Lumis puts Ford back on ropes and CHOKES him! The ref counts, Lumis stops, and Ford sputters. Lumis stalks Ford, drags him up, but Ford fires body shots! Ford then shifts around, rolls Lumis up and has a cover, TWO! Lumis stands and LARIATS Ford down! Lumis drags Ford back to the corner, tags Gacy, and the mugging continues. Gacy CLUBS Ford down and Ford flops to the apron. Gacy drags Ford up and in, tags Lumis back in, and the mugging continues. Lumis suplexes Ford into Gacy’s POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Lumis clamps onto Ford with a neck wrench. Ford endures and reaches out while the other teams look on.

Lumis puts as much pressure as he can on Ford’s neck, but Ford refuses to give in. SmackDown returns to single picture as Ford fights up, but Lumis back suplexes! Ford lands out to SUPERKICK! Ford runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Ford rebounds, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Both men roar, Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men fall and the fans fire up! The other teams rally for the Profits, hot tags to Gacy and Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on Gacy, BLASTS Lumis, then whisp Gacy. Gacy reverses, Dawkins hurdles, and Dawkins FLYING ELBOWS!

The fans fire up, “SI!” Dawkins gives the Renaldo shoutout and runs corner to corner, CYCLONE SPLASH! PELE! And then the underhooks, but Gacy wrenches out! HEADBUTT! Tag to Lumis, and Gacy whips him, only for Los Garza to trip Lumis up! The ref was too busy reprimanding Gacy to see that! The fans are torn but Dawkins goes out to run up on Lumis! Dawkins POUNCES Lumis into Los Garza! Some thanks they get for helping. Dawkins puts Lumis back in the ring, but then DIY drag Dawkins out!? Dawkins DECKS Ciampa, DECKS Gargano, but Los Garza attacks Dawkins!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification; still WWE Tag Team Champions

Well, mission accomplished in the sense that the Wyatts don’t take these titles! But now it is chaos as everyone brawls! The fans fire up as Garza & DIY keep MCMG & Fraxiom out! They stomp away on Gacy & Lumis, but then Erik Rowan is sent in! He FLAPJACKS Ciampa, LEG LARIATS Gargano, and then breaks the double clothesline to DOUBLE CROSSBODY Los Garza! The fans fire up with #BigRed, but MCMG are in! Rowan gets them, they break free, and Fraxiom DOUBLE SUPERKICK! MCMG DOUBLE SUPERKICK! MCMG & Fraxiom QUADRUPLE SUPERKICK! Rowan tumbles out, Frazer DIVES! But Rowan catches him!

Rowan pops Frazer up, but MCMG WRECK him with a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Rowan finally falls over! Axiom wants his, but Howdy is in! SISTER ABIGAIL for Axiom!! The fans cheer that, but then Ford ENZIGIRIS Howdy! Dawkins LARIATS Howdy up and out! Then Dawkins builds speed and he FLIES! Dawkins topples Frazer and the Wyatts! Ford FLIES over the corner to take out everyone else! The fans are going nuts as the Profits regroup! Howdy says okay then! Will things only get wilder before someone comes out of this as THE WWE Tag Team Champions?

Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso cross paths backstage.

Big Jim says he didn’t need Jacob’s help tonight. Jacob says he didn’t need Jimmy’s help last week. Matter of fact, is there a problem? No problems, Uce. But it’s a matter of respect. Jimmy gives respect where it is due, and the way Jacob is stepping up to Solo, that is something Jimmy should’ve done a long time ago. That’s all he’s saying. Jacob says okay. Then check this out. If Jimmy gets in where he fits in, then they’ll be aight. And that’s keeping it 100? You feel him? Yeet. Yadada mean? Jacob heads out, but will Jimmy put aside his desire for gold to help an Uce out?

WWE Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Nia Jax!

The Wrestling Barbie knows the Irresistible Force wants both revenge and this title, and she decided to up the ante herself! Only one of them can be THE champion, but who will survive when there’s nothing to stop them from going to the extreme?

SmackDown returns and Tiffany makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who finally settles the score!

But then Nia CLOBBERS Tiff before the bell! The fans boo, the bell rings, but Nia DECKS Tiff! Nia soaks up the heat, stands Tiff up to POST her, then she rips buckle pads off a corner! Nia brings Tiff around, Tiff shoves her away! Tiff then dodges Nia to DUMP her out! Tiff runs and WRECKS Nia with a dropkick! Tiff fires off on Nia, but Nia DECKS Tiff! The fans boo but Nia pulls the steel steps apart. Tiff runs up to CLOBBER Nia! Tiff SMACKS Nia off the steps, then goes to the apron. Tiff runs, but Nia RAMS her with the steps! Tiff falls in a heap and the standing count begins. Tiff rises at 4 of 10 but Nia CLOBBERS her!

Nia clears off the English announce desk! Tiff fires hands, but Nia fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP on the desk! The desk did not break but Tiff might have! Tiff rises as the count reaches 6 but Nia CLOBBERS her again! The fans boo, the count resets, and Tiff rises as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Nia goes looking under the ring, and she finds a table! Nia puts the table in the ring, then brings out another table! Tiff flounders but she stands up, for long enough to break the count. Tiff slumps back down, a new count begins, but Nia sets up her second table nearby. Nia throws wires at Tiff, Tiff fires hands on Nia! Nia HEADBUTTS Tuff down, then looks under this part of the ring. Nia brings out kendo sticks! Nia uses one to smack Wade’s water away! Nia aims at Tiff, but Tiff BOOTS the kendo stick down! Tiff then fires hands on Nia! Tiff hurries to grab that kendo stick, and she SMACKS Nia! And SMACKS, SMACKS, SMACKS!

Nia blocks the stick! She SMACKS Tiff in return! They go around the way, and Nia SMACKS Tiff on the back! Tiff falls over but Nia drags her back up. Nia whips Tiff hard into barriers! Nia leaves Tiff behind, soaks up that heat, but Tiff rises as the count reaches 6. Tiff hobbles but Nia just uses this time to bring out more items. A few chairs, and another kendo stick. Nia stalks Tiff, winds up, but Tiff BOOTS the stick again! Tiff SMACKS Nia again and again, and they go into the ring! Nia wants mercy and Tiff lets the count climb on Nia. SmackDown returns to single picture as Tiff climbs up. Nia stands at 6, but into the CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as Tiff goes to the other corner! Tiff climbs, Nia is still down, so Tiff SWANTON BOMBS! The count starts anew, and Tiff watches Nia sputter. Nia stands at 5 but Tiff KICKS and SLAPS her! Tiff runs to TIFFY STOMP! Nia is down again and the fans fire up! The count begins again, and Tiff hurries to a corner. Tiff goes up, up, but Nia gets under her! Electric Chair SLAM on the exposed buckle!! The fans boo but Tiff is down in a heap! The count begins, Nia watches as Tiff stirs, but we pass 5! Then 7! Tiff uses the ropes to stand at 8, only for Nia to SPLASH her! Nia TOSSES Tiff to the outside and the fans boo.

Nia steps outside to stalk Tiff. Nia brings Tiff up, SMACKS her off the steel steps, and the fans rally for Tiff. The count climbs, Nia swaggers, and we pass 5. Nia says stay down, but Tiff crawls to the barriers. Tiff stands at 8 again, but Nia RAMS her into more barriers! Nia brings Tiff to the table, puts her on there, and then soaks up heat as she goes up to the apron. The fans rally for Tiff as Nia salutes and takes aim. DIVING BODY PRESS down through the table!! Tiff just ended up a Tiffy Sandwich! The count climbs, Nia gloats already, but Tiff sits up at 7! Tiff manages to stand at 9.5!! The fans fire up and Nia is furious!

Tiff is back down and the count restarts. Nia hurries to go looking for more things. Nia finds yet another table! And then another table! Tables three and four are by the ramp as Tiff stands at 8. Tiff shakes her head, refusing to give in. Nia sets up her tables while SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Tiff SMACKS Nia with the kendo stick! Tiff chases Nia up the ramp as she SMACKS away! Nia grabs the stick, takes it from Tiff, and SMACKS her in return! Tiff stumbles away but Nia stalks her. Nia toys with Tiff a bit as she gives more smacks, and then she SMACKS again! Nia brings Tiff up the ramp and to the stage! Nia SHOVES Tiff and Tiff tumbles. Nia runs up, but Tiff dodges! Nia collides with LED screen! The screen glitches out, and Tiff hurries to SMACK Nia with the kendo stick! Wait, Tiff goes backstage? And she brings out a road case! Tiff RAMS Nia down with it! Nia tumbles, stumbles, and hurries away down the ramp!

Tiff pursues and RAMS Nia from behind! Nia stumbles again, Tiff POSTS her! Tiff finishes setting up those tables, but then Nia CLOBBERS Tiff! Nia drags Tiff up, mockingly says Tiffy Time is almost up, and she THROWS Tiff into barriers! Nia whips Tiff into more barriers! Nia soaks up the heat, but Tiff manages to grabs a chair! Tiff runs up on Nia to JAM her up! And SMACK her on the back! Nia goes into the ring, Tiff pursues, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia has a chair of her own! Nia JAMS Tiff, SMACKS her on the back, then JAMS Tiff in the ribs again! Nia puts Tiff in a drop zone and goes up the corner! A-NIA-LATOR!!

Nia smiles as she then puts a chair on Tiff’s chest! Nia wants to go again! FULL METAL A-NIA-LATOR!! Tiff feels more like a panini now as the count begins. Tiff sputters at 5, grabs at the ropes to sit up at 6, and drags herself up! She stands at 9.99!! But Nia SMACKS Tiff with the kendo stick! Tiff falls in a heap all over again! Nia then sets up that very first table near a corner. Nia grins, brings Tiff up and around, and she fireman’s carries! Nia climbs up a corner, the fans anticipate what’s coming and chant “NO! NO! NO!” But Tiff fights around, and she SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS Nia THROUGH THE TABLE!!

The fans go nuts while both women are down! The count is on them both, and we hit 5! Then 6! 7! Nia stirs but so does Tiff. We hit 8! 9! Both women stand at 9.99!! AND HERE COMES NAOMI!! Miss Money in the Bank mentioned it, so she’s going to do it! She wants to cash in! Tiff BOOTS Naomi! And then CLOBBERS her with the briefcase! Nia runs up, Tiff dodges and CLOBBERS her! Then BULLDOG onto Naomi! Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The count starts on Nia while Naomi flounders away! Tiff dares Nia to get up, because she has the briefcase again! Nia stands at 9.99, but Tiff runs up!

Nia ELBOWS Tiff, and then drags Tiff to the apron! The fans already worry what’s coming, but Tiff stops the suplex! Tiff fights free, ROCKS Nia, and then ROCKS her again! Nia holds onto the ropes, but Tiff runs and CLOBBERS her with the briefcase! Nia falls through the tables!! Nia is down in the wreckage as the count begins! We hit 5, then 6! 7! 8! 9!! TEN!! TIFF WINS!!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Tiffy Time continues on! She made it through the Irresistible Force AND Miss MITB in one go! Will Tiff now be able to focus on SummerSlam and possibly facing the Queen of the Ring?

John Cena is here!

The fans immediately sing, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he makes his way out in Riyadh royal purple and green. Cena has his music cut, and he cues Mark Nash in giving the “proper” introductions: “Please welcomes the Greatest of All Time, The Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Riyadh one final weekend, he is the Last Real Champion, JOOOHN! CENA!” Cena approves and he grabs himself a mic. “Get used to it, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is what a winner looks like.” The fans are torn, but Cena says he is a winner! CM Punk is a loser! Punk has been out-cornered, outmaneuvered, and he is out of tricks because Cena is a genius!

The Night of Chanmpions is now a formality, and CM Punk can do nothing about it! The fans are again torn, but then wait. Is that Word Life playing? No, wait, the tron says PUNK LIFE! Cena is absolutely at a loss for words as Punk walks out here as early 2000s “Chain Gang” John Cena, in a Chicago Cubs jersey and a Chicago Bulls hat! Punk even has the jorts! He puts up the hang loose with the brass knuckles that read “Drug Free!” Punk storms into the ring, mic in hand, and the fans cheer him on! “Yo! Yo, check it, this is Basic Punkanomics! Don’t adjust ya television set, your eyes are working just right. This clown plagiarized my Pipebomb so now I’m stealing Word Life.

“And you had to rip me off to cut your best promo, just to distract from the fact that we all see you move in slow-mo. Remember when he used to rap? Yeah, you deserve all the criticism. You like a Temu Macklemore but with Mackle-less rhythm. And he said I’m a problem? He called me a player hater? Pfft, let’s be honest, John Cena’s buried more talent than the Undertaker. That’s why he’s the champ, and he went and lost all his respect. But hey, John, I get it. I’d retire, too, if this place rehired my ex. If you never said your prayers, ate your vitamins, or fixed your bald spot, you wouldn’t be a pro-wrestler, you’d be a Boston mall cop!

“But hey, he gets good movie roles, that much is a fact. But then we see Batista act, and we realize John ain’t that. Same shirt, same hat. Man, your persona’s straight tragic. You’re like a fish-bellied Hulk Hogan, but somehow more problematic.” The fans chant for Punk on that one! Punk says, “Yo, yo, when it comes to Best in the World, I’m your vessel. Because millions chant my name, but at you? They chant, ‘You Can’t Wrestle.'” And the fans do that now! Punk says get that in while you can, cuz in six months, Cena’s gone. Punk will still be here having fun. But Cena won’t have time for the little people anymore, he’ll be busy washing the undies of James Gunn.

Yeah, Cena is a superhero now, he works for DC. But no matter how hard Cena tries, he’ll still be The Marine to me. And that’s straight to DVD, try to find yourself a PS3. Now Punk understands why You Can’t See Me. It is a hell of a catchphrase, John, but now it’s all done. Cuz we all see Cena, and we’re looking at a washed up bum! “14 years ago to the day, I dropped a legendary Pipe Bomb, and you tried to make it all about you cuz that’s what you do, John. You’re a leech, a phony, a fraud, an ass kiss. 17-time world champion, but ain’t never been in my class! Before you go, John, there’s one more wish to make: Tomorrow night, call me Kendrick, cuz b*tch, you’re my Drake!”

The fans fire up for that one! Punk leaves to his song and fans get to sing Cult of Personality. Riyadh is loud as Cena is left completely silent, but will referencing the past only make Cena violent?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown as the go-home to Night of Champions, but also just a great episode in general. Very good opening promo from Cody and Orton, though the technical difficulties was a shame, but c’mon, now. Choose ONE camera to stick with. They were so all over the place, I could not look at my TV, I was getting dizzy. But in the end, nothing changes, Cody will win KOTR and go on to challenge Cena at SummerSlam. And that closing segment of Punk and Cena was awesome, because for one, they went and made a Punk Life logo just for this. It will never be used again and they did that for Punk to do this.

And Punk’s “rap” really was in the same spirit as Thuganomics Cena, so it really just depends if you cared for that gimmick at all or not. I wonder how long Punk took to get it down like that, or if it just came naturally. But much like Orton and Cody, I don’t see this swaying the math. Actually, I should say this factors in: Punk stood tall with those jabs at Cena, Cena will win the match, regardless of Rollins trying to cash-in. Cena VS Cody for SummerSlam is set in stone, and who knows if Punk goes back to the World Heavyweight Championship in the meantime. A lot of that does depend on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Great promos from Zelina and Giulia to hype up their match, which was a great match, and what a great surprise that Giulia wins. Giulia going right to a midcard title does make sense, she can’t stall out after her call-up. Charlotte and Alexa had a good promo together, though short, and with the women’s tag titles being in jeopardy, I could see Charlotte & Alexa being an odd couple team to take on Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez. Great stuff from R-Truth and Aleister, and while Priest’s involvement makes sense, Melo being thrown in is kinda weird. I suppose Melo has been beefing with Aleister, and all four men make for great US Championship contenders.

Speaking of which, great stuff in the “Rogue Bloodline” story. Great match from JC VS Jimmy, with Solo and Fatu both getting in there for the brawling. Good promo from Jimmy and Fatu afterward, and I would think Jimmy does counter JC Mateo when Solo challenges for the title tomorrow. That also cues up a tag match, and maybe we get JC and Jimmy in on the US Championship contender story, whether that be a tournament or a huge Six Pack Challenge. Very good promo from the tag division to set up that awesome DIY VS Andrade & Fenix match, but also to give reason for the tag teams showing up during the tag title match.

Profits VS Wyatts were good, but they literally wasted Gacy’s solo finisher on a double knockdown spot. But then the chaos with all the teams fighting and the Profits standing tall was a great move. I imagine we get another big contenders story like before, maybe a tournament or series of matches. And while the Profits make a good point that four years was a long time to be without titles, the Wyatts need something, so I feel like the Wyatts find a way to win out in the end. Then Wyatts and Profits can feud for the rest of the year, maybe teasing a Profits break-up, only for the Profits to stick together even stronger.

And great stuff with the WWE Women’s Championship and the Queen of the Ring stories. Very good promos from Jade, Asuka and Naomi, and that quick brawl makes the math say Jade wins. Asuka VS Iyo can just happen to happen, it’s that awesome a feud. Awesome main event match from Tiff VS Nia, though they kinda repeated the kendo stick stuff to fill time. Great table spots, and I like that Naomi tried a cash-in. It was not only thwarted, but it helped Tiff win out in the end. So now, it is pretty much a given Naomi will ruin Jade’s title shot with a cash-in at SummerSlam, but that makes for a fun feud of Jade and Naomi for the title going into the Fall.

My Score: 8.9/10