The American Nightmare returns triumphant!

After Night of Champions, Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown as King of the Ring! What will he have to say as he prepares for a rematch with John Cena?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Qualifier Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Secret Her-Vice w/ Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim & B-Fab; Charlotte & Alexa win and advance to Evolution.
• High Stakes 8 Man Tag: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, Humberto Carillo & Chris Sabin;  The Wyatts win and will challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
• Fraxiom VS Andrade & Rey Fenix; Andrade & Fenix win.
• Jacob Fatu & Jimmy Uso VS Solo Sikoa & JC Mateo; Jacob & Jimmy win.

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls up to the stadium.

The window rolls down, and it’s Solo Sikoa! The NEW WWE United States Champion asks his crew if they’re ready to celebrate. Yes, they are! Alright, then! Let’s go! BUT JACOB FATU JUMPS SOLO! Fatu TOSSES Loa aside, then SMASHES JC Mateo into the door! Fatu HEADBUTTS Solo, “All gas, no brains, huh!? Look at you now!” Security rushes in but Fatu shoves them aside. Producers tell Fatu to back off, Nick Aldis tells Fatu enough, but the Samoan Werewolf is all fired up! Is he going to be the fireworks for tonight’s Independence Day celebration?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Pittsburgh cheers The American Dream as he makes his way out, and they sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, signs an autograph, then continues down to the ring. Cody high-fives more fans in the front row, signs a few more autographs, then steps inside the ropes. “WHOA~ OH~!” and more pyro for our 2025 King of the Ring, and Cody holds up that crown. The fans cheer Cody on, and Cody also has a mic to say, “So, Pittsburgh…! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says before we talk about KOTR, he wants to point out the wristband he wears.

There is a young man in Club 66, Cam, battling leukemia at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, give it up for Cam! The fans cheer on Cam’s fight, and even chant, “Let’s Go, Cam! Let’s Go, Cam!” Cody says Pittsburgh is feeling wild tonight, huh? The fans cheer that! Cody asks, “What does this crown stand for? I left a piece of myself in Columbus, Ohio, fighting Jey Uso, just to hold this. I left a piece of myself in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, wrestling my mentor, Randy Orton, just to hold this. And what does it stand for? It stands for where we’ve been, it stands for where we are going. Where we’ve been, past kings like Booker T, Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H.

“And it stands for where we are going: the main event of SummerSlam. Myself, The King of the Ring, against the Undisputed WWE Champion… John Cena.” The fans are torn over that name, but wait! Randy Orton is here! The fans cheer and sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring. Orton steps inside, grabs himself a mic, and the fans cheer. Orton takes a moment before he tells Cody, “For weeks, and weeks and weeks, I told you that I would do whatever it took to win at King of the Ring. I told you for weeks and weeks that I would not hesitate. But at Night of Champions, I had you dead to rights. I had you laying there! I was about to rearrange your skull, brother!

“But I hesitated. You didn’t hesitate. You pulled the trigger. And for that, I respect you. Now, I won’t soon forget it, but for that, I respect you. But there is one thing that I ask of you. In fact, I want you to promise me, Cody, promise me, that you will not squander this opportunity. Promise me that you will go to SummerSlam and kick John Cena’s ass!” The fans cheer that! But before Cody can answer, DREW MCINTYRE makes his way out here!? The fans fire up as the Scottish Terminator returns after roughly six weeks of absence! McIntyre has a mic in hand to say, “You hang up. No, no, you hang up! No, you hang up! OH SHUT UP! That’s what you both sound like to me and it’s pathetic.”

McIntyre asks when the beat male energy took over? Thank GOD the alpha has returned! And where to start? Randy, you lost because you hesitated on the punt. But he lost the psychological battle way before that. Cody here has been buttering Orton up for months, talking about their past, how much Cody respects Orton. Just like a true politician! A big hug, and a knife right in the back! And speaking of Orton’s back… The surgically repaired back of Orton’s… He tweaked it at Night of Champions, yeah? And somebody attacked it like a shark with blood in the water. Huh. He was relentless on that back. Non-stop! Then Orton had the chance to punt Cody, he couldn’t do it.

What happened to you, Orton? You were the Viper, Legend Killer, Apex Predator. A few years ago, Orton was punting Hall of Famers in the head, and DREW was the one saving them from the monster Orton was. As far as Drew is concerned, the legend of Randy Orton is dead. And then there’s Cody. “Super Cody,” Drew wants you to win at SummerSlam. Drew wants Cody to be the NEW WWE Champion. Because this is the match he wants. It is as big as it gets, 20 years in the making, parallel careers, different destinations. Drew wants Cody to win the title so he can be the one to rip it out of Cody’s hands.

And Drew won’t hesitate unlike someone- R K O!! Talk about no hesitation! The Viper strikes Drew for running his mouth! Orton and Cody stare down again, but Orton calms down and moves on. Both Orton and Drew want Cody to take the title off Cena, but perhaps for different reasons. But will Orton make sure that Drew isn’t the one to find Cody on the other side of SummerSlam?

Nick Aldis talks with Charlotte Flair.

They say their pleasantries and greetings, and then The Queen asks about that WWE Women’s Championship opportunity at Evolution. And she takes a guess: Tiffany came to her senses and picked Charlotte. Not exactly… Tiffany will choose her opponent for Evolution, but Aldis was thinking of a different title for Charlotte. There will be a Women’s Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: Charlotte’s team VS The Secret Her-vice VS Mia Yim & B-Fab, winners go on to Evolution’s Fatal 4 Way. Tag team partner? Who’s that? Alexa Bliss steps in! And she says, “You’re welcome.”

Charlotte starts to complain about how many times she has to say it, but Alexa stops her to say she knows: they aren’t friends. They’re not going to be friends. BUT they can be tag partners. Charlotte says Alexa knows Charlotte doesn’t like sharing the spotlight. Aw, hate to break it to you, Char, but you haven’t been in the spotlight in a long time. Alexa is trying to give her a chance at it. Aldis calms Charlotte down and says maybe, just maybe, Charlotte doesn’t know what’s best for Charlotte. Let Aldis do his job. And c’mon, do you really expect Tiff to pick Charlotte after their Mania match? Alexa puts it plainly: Does Charlotte want gold or not?

Charlotte sighs, and accepts the terms. Great! Good luck! Charlotte tells Alexa not to get in her way. Aldis wishes Alexa extra luck on that. But can Queen of Flair and Lil’ Miss Bliss be the odd couple that goes all the way to the top? Or will they fail to overcome the odds?

Drew McIntyre returns backstage.

The Scottish Terminator is seething, but Aldis is there waiting. Drew tells Aldis that he saw what happened: Drew’s big bad words offended Orton and Orton struck first. Drew wants Orton! Aldis can’t do that, as Orton has left the building. But hey, if Drew wants Orton, he can have him next week, on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Drew says that works. Drew turns around, but then runs across Jacob Fatu. These two leave it at staring down, and Drew exits. Aldis tells Jacob that he knows Jacob is mad, but he can’t just attack Solo and his crew and smash up their car. If Jacob wants to fight, how about this? Tonight, find a tag partner to face any two of them in the ring.

And in steps Jimmy Uso! He heard Jacob needs a partner. Well, is Jimmy ready to get in where he fit in? YEET! Yadada mean, then! They shake on it, will the Samoan Werewolf and Big Jim bring down Solo and his rogues?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Qualifier Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Secret Her-Vice w/ Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim & B-Fab!

SmackDown returns as Michin & B-Fab make their entrance, joining Alba Fyre & Piper Niven in the ring. Then Charlotte makes her entrance, with pyro, followed by Alexa’s. The teams all sort out, and in this kind of Triple Threat, each team puts up one member, so Alexa starts with Piper and Mia. The fans “WOO~” as the three circle, but Charlotte reaches out to tag herself in! Alexa is annoyed, but then Piper DECKS her! Piper swings on Charlotte but Charlotte counter punches! Mia runs up, Charlotte swings but misses, so Charlotte BOOTS B-Fab! Mia waistlocks Charlotte, Charlotte fights the lift and elbows free.

Piper grabs Charlotte, Charlotte breaks free to CHOP! And CHOP! Mia grabs Charlotte to CHOP and ROCK her! And repeat! Charlotte kicks low, Mia kicks in return! Piper runs up, Mia ROUNDHOUSES her down, then PELES Charlotte! Mia brings Charlotte around, whips her to a corner, but Charlotte goes up and out! Mia runs up, Charlotte BOOTS her away! Piper BLASTS Charlotte, Alexa hurries to help her, and Piper salutes. Mia runs up, she dodges Piper, and she DIVES! Not the cleanest hit but she did take her targets down! But then Piper tags Alba, runs corner to corner, and Piper goes up, out, and CANNONBALLS!

Piper wipes out Mia & B-Fab and the fans fire up! Piper then sets up Alexa & Charlotte for Alba! SUPER SWANTON! The Green Administration is standing tall while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Charlotte sputters on the mat, as does Mia. Piper runs to SENTON Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Charlotte toughs it out but Piper just runs and SENTON FLOPS as Mia moves! The fans fire up as Mia crawls, hot tag to B-Fab! B-Fab fires forearms on Charlotte, SMACKS her, then dodges Piper! B-Fab SUPERKICKS and Piper falls! Chelsea says that was illegal! It wasn’t, and then B-Fab ENZIGIRIS Charlotte! LEG LARIAT on Piper! BOOT on Charlotte! The fans fire up and B-Fab drags Charlotte up. B-Fab turns Charlotte, Charlotte fights free and CHOP BLOCKS! Charlotte has the leg, B-Fab BOOTS free!

Alexa tags in as Charlotte hits buckles! The fans fire up as Alexa rallies on Alba and B-Fab! Alexa blocks a kick, DRAGON SCREWS B-Fab, then she SLAPs, ROCKS and KNEES Alba down! SHOTGUN for B-Fab! BLOCKBUSTER for Alba! The fans fire up with Alexa but B-Fab has her! Alexa fights the waistlock, clinches fast, TWISTED SISTER- SUPERKICK from Michin! But Alba kicks Mia and reels her in! DESTROYER! B-Fab is up, slips around, and she clinches for a BOOKEND! Piper is up and shoves B-Fab to then BLACK HOLE SLAM! Chelsea says keep going, and Piper helps Alba up. The Secret Her-vice coordinates as Piper hauls B-Fab up.

Piper has a COBRA CLUTCH on B-Fab, but Alexa YANKS Alba off the corner! Charlotte storms in and SPEARS Piper! Charlotte sets Piper and Alba side-by-side, then stomps on them as she goes to the corner! Charlotte goes up, pats Alexa on the head, and that counts as a tag. Charlotte hits the MOONSAULT! Chelsea shouts from the apron, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Then Alexa goes up, TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa & Charlotte win!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advance to Evolution)

The Queen HUGS Alexa! Then she stops, it was just for the win. But perhaps this dysfunctional pair can become a dynamic duo as they go for gold in Atlanta!

Nick Aldis meets with the SmackDown Tag Division.

The General Manager says he tried to mitigate the situation last week with Profits VS Wyatts in a tag title match. And all everyone else had to do was stay out of it. What happened? Couldn’t help themselves, could they? Johnny Gargano says DIY was just trying to help Aldis out on his show! Tommaso Ciampa says everything DIY has been doing, including last week, has been to save this division! They aren’t the bad guys here! And what do they get for their efforts? An impromptu tag match that they weren’t ready for, no Candice LeRae at ringside, against Andrade y Rey Fenix. Nathan Frazer says they remember that: DIY got absolutely whipped!

But hey, it was a good time for them watching it. Ciampa says Frazer & “Amigo” wouldn’t fair any better. Axiom says in fact, he and Frazer would love a go. Aldis says fantastic! That match can happen tonight! Fraxiom VS Andrade y Fenix is official! Fraxiom likes the sound of that, and all the other teams have their own reactions. Aldis tells the rest of them that given their actions last week, they obviously all want a piece of the Wyatts. The Profits say no, they just got theirs. Aldis says everyone’s getting their turn, whether they like it or not. One member of each team will join together as a super team to face the Wyatts tonight, in an 8 Man Tag! The rest are stuck back here with Aldis.

And he is going to make himself clear: The Wyatts are here to stay. And if they win tonight, they get right back in contention for the tag titles. Aldis leaves this for the eight men and Miss Candice to argue out, but Gargano then says all the others have to do is listen to DIY and it’ll be okay. SmackDown Tag Division on three! Hands in, guys! C’mon! No one else wants to do that. But which four poor souls will be as lambs to the slaughter?

High Stakes 8 Man Tag: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, Humberto Carillo & Chris Sabin!

SmackDown returns and the SmackDown All-Stars make their entrance. The teams sort out and Berto starts against Joe Gacy. The bell rings, Gacy runs up but Berto dodges to fire haymakers! Gacy waistlocks, Berto bucks the O’Conner, then he springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up while Gacy goes to a corner. Berto runs in, LARIATS, then goes corner to corner, only for Gacy to LARIAT! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Gacy keeps on Berto with a whip, then runs up, but Berto goes up and over! Berto springboards to FLYING BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up but Dexter Lumis tags in.

Berto dodges the lariat, Lumis ducks the roundhouse, but the ENZIGIRI finds Lumis! The fans rally, Berto swings but Lumis ducks to hit a BIG back suplex! Berto scrambles, tags in Gargano, and Gargano tries to appeal to Lumis. They used to be family! They can still be family! Thumbs up? UPPERCUT! Lumis scoops Gargano for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, Sabin breaks it! Uncle Howdy steps in and he grins at Sabin. The Wyatts and the all-stars step up to stare down and the fans fire up. Then the brawl busts out! The ref reprimands but it is chaos all over! Gargano, Ford & Sabin TOSS Howdy, Gacy & Lumis, but Rowan grabs Berto by the neck!

Rowan also gets Gargano by the neck, but Ford & Sabin double mule kick! Gargano & Berto are free, they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Rowan stays up, so the all-stars hit a QUADRUPLE SUPERKICK! Rowan tubmles out, Ford tags in, and he ENZIGIRIS Rowan off the apron! Ford goe sup, out, and “See ya!” PENALTY KICK! Rowan stays up so Ford leaps, but Rowan grabs him with both hands! Rowan shouts, “What’re you doing?!” Then he sends Ford into Lumis’ SUPERKICK! Nikki Cross creeps closer while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lumis has Ford in a headlock. The fans rally as Ford fights up, but Lumis THROWS Ford down! Tag to Gacy, and Gacy runs to LARIAT Ford in the corner! Gacy ROCKS Ford, the Wyatts all laugh maniacally, and Lumis tags back in. Lumis scoops Ford to SLAM him, then he runs for Gacy to POP-UP POWERBOMB him onto Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Lumis brings him around for a neck wrench! Ford endures, the fans rally, and Ford fights up again. Ford claws at the hold, pries it open, but Lumis CLUBS him on the back! Lumis then BLASTS Gargano!

Lumis gets Ford up, back suplexes, but Ford lands out! Ford dodges Lumis to hot tag Sabin! Sabin ROCKS Lumis, goes up the corner, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS! Lumis tumbles, Gacy tags back in, but Sabin LARIATS Gacy! And LARIATS again! Sabin dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Gacy tumbles, Lumis is back, but Sabin BACKDROPS him! Sabin DROPKICKS Howdy & Rowan down! The fans fire up and Sabin coordinates with Gargano! BOOT ENZIGIRI in the corner! Gacy BLASTS Gargano! Sabin dropkicks Gacy’s legs out! LA MAGISTROL! Lumis breaks it! Ford TOSSES Lumis, Gacy tags Howdy! Gacy runs up, Ford DUMPS Gacy out!

Ford huffs ‘n’ puffs and builds speed, and he FLIES! Down go Gacy & Lumis! The fans fire up for Ford, Berto runs but Howdy TOSSES him out! Sabin shoves Howdy to the corner, Howdy bucks the O’Conner, and he does the Wyatt Spider-Walk! The fans cheer that and Sabin has seen a ghost! But then Howdy hits Sabin for an URENAGE! Howdy says, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” The fans cheer as Howdy points to Rowan. Tag to Big Red and Rowan joins in with “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Rowan runs up to LEG LARIAT Ford! Berto is up, Rowan BLASTS him off the apron! Rowan runs but Sabin BOOTS him!

Sabin goes up, FLYING TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Gargano rises, Sabin crawls that way, but then Gargano sees Rowan on his feet. Gargano has second thoughts and ditches Sabin! The fans boo, but Rowan SPLASHES Sabin! Rowan shoves Sabin down, glares at Johnny Wrestling going Johnny Chicken, CROSSBODY on Sabin! “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Rowan clamps on the IRON CLAW for the SLAM!! Cover, Wyatts win!

Winners: The Wyatt Sick6, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Gargano claimed he wanted to save the SmackDown Tag Division, but he chose to save his own skin instead. Will Gargano’s cowardice cost the Profits their tag titles?

Giulia speaks.

“I know what this title means. One by one, opponents will come to me. And one by one, they’ll all fall. I didn’t get this by luck, I got this with my own power. Blue flames don’t flicker. Blue flames burn everything down. I’ll take this title where no one has dared to go. No mercy. No doubt. No fear. With fire, with fury, my way. So whoever is next, step closer. You’re about to feel the heat of the Beautiful Madness.” Then who will be the first to burn in Giulia’s light?

The WWE celebrates American Independence Day.

Michael Cole narrates, “July 4th, 1776, a new nation rose build on the unshakeable dream of freedom. 249 years later, that dream still burns bright, powered by a few simple but powerful words in the Declaration of Independence. ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, with certain unalienable rights; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ Tonight on SmackDown, we honor that spirit, we celebrate that freedom, and we remind the world why America is still the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Happy Independence Day!”

Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring!

Pittsburgh cheers on the WWE Women’s Champion as she makes her way out, ready to handpick her next challenger. But who will get to have some #TiffyTime at Evolution? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Tiffany is in the ring, mic in hand. The fans cheer as Tiff asks Pittsburgh, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” Tiff says since becoming champion, she has realized there is a target on her back, and Nia Jax’s revenge was not gonna stop Tiff becoming the Last Woman Standing! The fans cheer, and Tiff says now her sights are set on SummerSlam, where she defends her title against Queen of the Ring, Jade Cargill. The fans cheer, and Tiff says just like she is ready to beat Jade there, she is also ready to defend her title at Evolution. Iyo Sky had the opportunity of choosing who she wanted, and Tiff has the same opportunity for-

Wait, Jade is here now! The fans cheer as The Storm makes her way to the ring, dressed rather regally as she also holds up her Queen of the Ring crown. Jade smiles as she flexes, then puts the crown on for just a moment before getting herself a mic. “Okay, Tiffany, I see you out here looking like a champion beating Nia. Respect, respect.” The fans applaud, but Jade says Tiff was barely standing while Jade was crowning herself Queen of the Ring against one of the best in Asuka. The fans applaud that, too. Jade says tonight, Tiff has a choice to make. Choose wrong, and Tiff won’t be at SummerSlam.

But to be honest, it doesn’t matter who Jade faces, she vows to come out with the title anyway. Tiff says she’s happy to see Jade! She has a surprise for everyone! TRISH STRATUS?! The fans fire up as the Hall of Famer steps into the ring to join Tiff and Jade. Tiffy says she invited Trishy because of their team-up at Elimination Chamber. And Tiff thought to herself, “What would Evolution be without some Stratusfaction?” So Tiff offers Trish the opportunity to face her at Evolution for the WWE Women’s Championship! The fans cheer that idea! Jade says bet, Tiff chooses Trish, and that’s fine. Because again, it doesn’t matter if it’s Tiff or a legend at SummerSlam.

Trish says wow, she did not expect any of this. She thanks Tiff, and has to say, Evolution holds a very special place in her heart. It represents everything the women’s division fought for back in the day just to get even one women’s match on the card. Now, Evolution will have an entire card of incredibly talented women! The fans cheer that! Trish knows she’s always said careers are made of moments. Tiff gave Trish one of her most special moments by allowing her to wrestle live in front of her kids. But y’know what? Her kids have never seen Trish be a champion… Trish does feel “eight time champion” has a nice ring to it…

Tiff would like to make one thing clear to Trish: It won’t be easy, because it is not the Attitude Era anymore. Fans are torn on Tiff being spicy, but Trish says it’s fine, she wants that fight. She has been known to evolve. Good! Then whether it is Trish at Evolution or Jade at SummerSlam, everyone will realize that the WWE Universe runs on Tiffy Time~! The fans cheer that, and the Wrestling Barbie has certainly raised the stakes on herself. Will she make it through both the Stratusphere and The Storm to stay on top of the mountain?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

He claps and says, “Oh, oh, hello. Happy birthday, America, from your NEW United States Champion. I hope you got your fireworks ready. Please help me welcome the newest member of The Family, Tala Tonga.” The former Hikuleo steps in, and Solo says what we’re looking at now is nothing like The Bloodline. It is way stronger and more dangerous than ever. And boys, if Jacob wants to get involved in their business, well, Loa & Tala can hang back. Solo & JC will handle it. These are his MFTs, his family tree, and now the family is complete. But will Jacob & Jimmy cut down that tree starting with the root?

Trish Stratus returns backstage.

And Jade Cargill walks over. She brings up the title match at Evolution, and says she loves that for Trish. But Trish needs to remember, if she wins the title, she’ll be seeing Jade. Then see you at SummerSLam, Jade. Trish heads out, but NAOMI CLOBBERS JADE!! Naomi shows off the new customized briefcase as she tells Jade, “You should proceed with caution~!” Naomi laughs as she leaves Jade down and out. Aldis finds Jade and asks if she’s alright. Jade says she is tired of this! Once and for all, she wants Naomi! Aldis says alright. Now, let’s get you to the trainer’s room. Will The Storm make sure Naomi doesn’t even have a chance to cash-in for the rest of this year?

Fraxiom VS Andrade & Rey Fenix!

Nathan Frazer & Axiom say #NeverSlowDown, and they wanna test themselves against a team that can keep up. Will the Jersey Island Rocket and Undeniable Truth continue to skyrocket through the tag division? Or will El Idolo and Immortal Firebird send them a message they won’t soon forget?

The teams sort out and Frazer starts against Andrade. The fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up. Andrade wrenches and wristlocks but Frazer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Andrade! Frazer rolls to then step over, LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Andrade is up, Frazer headlocks, but Andrade powers up and out. Frazer redirects, redirects, Axiom tags in and Frazer ROCKS Andrade! Axiom adds on, the speed blitz is on, and Frazer reels Andrade in. Andrade powers out of the suplex, tags Fenix, and he springboards to FLYING LARIAT Frazer! Fenix then BOOTS Axiom down, but Frazer KNEES Fenix!

Andrade BOOTS Frazer, Axiom ENZIGIRIS Andrade! Axiom runs, tilt-o-whirls and DDTS, but Fenix handsprings through! The fans fire up as this is fast ‘n’ furious already! Fenix and Axiom step up, as do Andrade and Frazer. A CHOP sets it off and the teams brawl! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Andrade puts Frazer in corner, Fenix puts Axiom in the other. They then run and LARIAT Axiom and Frazer, respectively! They run and switch, but Axiom goes up while Frazer TOSSES Andrade out! Axiom ROCKS Fenix, TOSSES him, and then Frazer builds speed! Frazer DIVES to hit Andrade! Axiom DIVSE to hit Fenix!

Frazer DIVES onto Andrade again! Axiom DIVES onto Fenix again! The fans fire up with Fraxiom while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Frazer has Fenix down with a facelock. The fans rally, Fenix fights up, and Fenix fires body shots. Frazer wrangles Fenix back down, but not for long. Fenix RAMS Frazer into the Fraxiom corner and Axiom tags in. Axiom waistlocks but Fenix fights with elbows and BOOTS! Fenix is free, he runs up on Frazer, but Frazer goes up and over. Fraxiom combine to victory roll and FLING Frazer at Fenix! Frazer suplexes Fenix, Axiom ENZIGIRIS to add to the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fenix stays in this but Axiom brings him into a Ground Cobra Twist! The fans rally as Fenix endures, and he kicks from below!

Axiom cranks on the hold but Fenix fights up. Fenix switches and ROUNDHOUSES! Fenix reaches out but Axiom anchors him. Fenix CLUBS Axiom, Axiom kicks low! Axiom whips but Fenix BOOTS Frazer! Then he BOOTS Axiom! Somersault and SATELLITE DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Fenix and Axiom crawl, hot tags to Frazer and Andrade! Andrade rallies on Fraxiom, LARIAT after LARIAT! Andrade blocks Frazer’s kick and DRAGON SCREWS! Frazer writhes, Axiom is up, but Andrade blows past him to CLOBBER him with flying forearms! Then he kips up! The fans fire up, Andrade has Frazer in the corner!

The fans rally with “SI! SI! SI!” as Andrade runs, but Frazer dodges the knees! Andrade kicks Frazer, snap suplexes, and that’s Uno Amigo! Then Dos Amigos! Then THREE AMIGOS! The fans cheer for Eddie Guerrero as Andrade tags Fenix. Fenix gives some Latino Heat, and hits the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Frazer survives but Fenix BLASTS Axiom for good measure. Fenix then says “ANIMO!” The fans fire up as Fenix climbs, but Frazer springs up to GAMANGIRI! Frazer then climbs up, only for Fenix to fire hands! Fenix SHOVES Frazer, but Frazer backflips to land on his feet! And he GAMANGIRIS Andrade for good measure!

Frazer runs back up, springs up, tag to Axiom! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, CHASING THE DRAGON!! Cover, ANDRADE BARRELS IN! The fans fire up as all four men are down, and SmackDown goes back to break!

SmackDown returns again and Fenix ROCKS Axiom off the top rope! Axiom stands back up, but into Fenix’s MISSILE DROPKICK! But Frazer is still up top, and he PHOENIX FLOPS as Fenix moves! Fenix then WRECKS Axiom with another dropkick! Frazer waistlocks, Fenix fights with elbows, Andrade tags in! Fenix goes up, QUEBRADA into the waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Frazer flounders into the corner, for CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives and Andrade grows frustrated. The fans rally up and Andrade looks to the corner. Andrade climbs up as the fans rally even more.

Andrade hits the MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Fenix CLUBS Axiom, then whips. Axiom reverses, Fenix goes Spider-Man, but Axiom DROPKICKS Fenix out of the ropes! Frazer kicks, Andrade blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Andrade comes back to CHOP! Frazer goes to the corner, Andrade runs in, but Frazer puts him up top! GAMANGIRI! Tag to Axiom, he goes up, and then Frazer tags back in. Axiom has Andrade, SUPER SPANISH FLY! PHOENIX SPLASH! Cover, Fenix runs in and CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBOS!! The fans declare “This is Awesome!”

Fenix has Axiom, Frazer whips him away, but Andrade puts Fenix on the apron. Andrade BOOTS Axiom, SHADOW ELBOWS Frazer, and Fenix tightrope walks, ADIOS AMIGOS KICK! Frazer hauls Frazer up and Fenix FLIES over them to hit Axiom! THE MESSAGE!! Cover, Andrade y Fenix win!

Winners: Andrade & Rey Fenix, by pinfall

A fiery 3-0 for these super amigos, Andrade y Fenix are en fuego! But will they be poised right behind the Wyatts for a tag title opportunity?

Damien Priest finds Aleister Black backstage.

The Archer of Infamy wants to talk with the Dark Father about R-Truth, but Aleister stops him right there. Just as he said last week, they’re even now. Well, Priest feels Truth doesn’t see it that way. In fact, Aldis let Priest know that Truth and Aleister have a match set for next week. Aleister says if he didn’t know any better, he’d say Priest is setting his friend up for failure. But no, Priest wouldn’t do that, right? Because he’s a good guy. “Violence begets violence, Priest.” Priest asks Aleister who told him he was a good guy. And while we’re at it, who told Aleister that Truth is the victim? Well, yes, why would Aleister think that?

Aleister excuses himself, but will he make sure The Truth fades to Black? Or will Aleister find he can’t handle the Truth?

Jacob Fatu & Jimmy Uso VS Solo Sikoa & JC Mateo!

The Samoan Werewolf has been telling everyone that he’s #AllGasNoBrakes, but it seems like Solo never really listened to him. But will #BigJim help Jacob make it loud and clear? Or will Solo’s new “family” assert their dominance then, now and forever?

SmackDown returns as Jimmy makes his entrance. Then Solo & the Imperial Unit make their entrance, US Championship wrapped around Solo’s waist. The teams sort out, Jacob and Solo start, but then Solo tags out to JC. Jacob CLOBBERS JC off the apron! Then he fires off hands and SMACKS JC off the apron! And then throws him into barriers! Jacob glares at Solo, but he runs to ROCK JC! The ring count climbs, Jacob puts JC in at 6 of 10, then he ROCKS JC! Tag to Jimmy, and Jimmy CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jimmy runs but JC CLOBBERS him! The fans chant “Solo Sucks!” as JC stomps Jimmy around.

JC tags Solo and Solo looms over Jimmy. Solo stands Jimmy up to DECK him, then he mocks Jacob’s geeking out. Solo ROCKS Jimmy, whips Jimmy, but Jimmy BOOTS back! JC runs up but Jimmy ROCKS him! Only to run into a SPINNING SOLO URENAGE! Solo taunts Jacob some more, Jacob seethes, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Solo HIP ATTACKS Jimmy! Solo mocks Jacob again, but Jacob stays put on the corner. Solo stomps Jimmy, tags JC, and then JC clamps on a REAR BEARHUG! Jimmy endures the squeeze and the fans rally up. Jimmy rises up, JAWBREAKERS free, but JC ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON LARIATS! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! JC taunts Jacob, then he runs in at the corner! FLYING ELBOW! Jimmy sputters and slumps against the ropes while the fans boo. JC whips Jimmy back into the corner, then runs up again. Jimmy dodges! And fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP!

The fans fire up while Jimmy and JC are down! Jimmy and JC crawl, Solo is a bit worried, but we still get hot tags to Solo and Jacob! Jacob and Solo fire hands! Jacob gets the edge, then whips, but Solo KICKS Jacob away! Jacob fires up! And he CLOBBERS Solo! SENTON! The fans fire up and Jacob keeps moving, SPLASH i the corner! Jacob climbs up, rains down HEADBUTTS, and fans count along! Jacob goes to nine, then winds up before TEN! The fans fire up and Jacob keeps moving! Jacob ducks ‘n’ dodges to BODY CHECK! Jacob then runs, handsprings and he knocks JC down before the MOONSAULT onto Solo! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Jacob SUPERKICKS JC! And SUPERKICKS Solo! There are targets in the corners and the fans fire up! HIP ATTACK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! Jacob climbs while Solo is in the drop zone, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, JC breaks it! JC rains down fists, but Jimmy is in! JC blocks a kick, scoops Big Jim, but Jimmy slips fere to SUPERKICK! Jimmy dap sit up with Jacob, and then Jacob holds the ropes down so Jimmy can FLY onto JC! Jacob DIVES onto Solo! Jacob puts Solo in, Solo flounders around, and Jacob runs up. Solo dodges and the splash hits buckles! Solo SUPERKICKS Jacob down!

The fans boo as Solo stands Jacob up, but Jacob ducks the spike! IMPALER DDT!! Jacob hurries up the corner, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Jacob & Jimmy win!

Winners: Jacob Fatu & Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Now that is family working together! But Jacob isn’t satisfied, he starts clearing off the announce desk! Jacob SUPERKICKS Solo and Solo flops onto the desk! Jacob then goes up the corner, but wait! TALA TONGA grabs him! SUPER CHOKE SLAM! The fans boo but Jimmy fires off hands! Jimmy backs Tala down, but LOA pounces! The fans boo more as the guerillas mug Jimmy, then feed him to a GIANT BOOT! Solo storms in, as does JC. Solo tells JC to end this! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS! Loa drags Jimmy out to the apron, DRAPING MAGIC KILLER to the floor! But now to handle Jacob!

The MFT holds Jacob up, Solo tells Jacob, “I loved you!” SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo tells his guys to finish this with the table! They all drag Jacob out of the ring and over to the desk! The fans boo but nothing can be done in this 4v2 situation! Speaking of family, a shoutout to a classic! TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the desk!!! Solo holds up the US Championship, his renegades standing tall with him. Will no one be able to stop them from taking over SmackDown?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here to not just follow Night of Champions but to move things towards the big Atlanta takeover weekend. Also this episode was prerecorded right after Raw, that’s why they’re still in Pittsburgh. It was a very nice move of WWE’s, as it allowed the SmackDown stars to be home with family and friends for Fourth of July. But with that, a few spoilers spilled out to where I learned about the Drew McIntyre thing. Still a great promo from Cody, Orton and McIntyre to set up Orton VS McIntyre, and that will be a great match. Also nice tease of McIntyre VS Fatu with that backstage interaction.

Great stuff from Fatu going after Solo and his crew to then give us the main event. Jimmy was of course going to be the partner, but Jacob & Jimmy winning was a bit of a surprise. At the same time, Solo’s crew standing tall with that fairly brutal beatdown was a natural move, as well. Fans were chanting “YEET” for Jey Uso at that point, but I think they’re forgetting Jey is feuding with Rollins’ faction right now while waiting on title opportunities. But if things don’t go Jey’s way, perhaps then Jey defaults back to a Bloodline related story.

Great stuff with the men’s tag team division, the group promo was good stuff. Wyatts VS the all-stars was good stuff, but I could just tell Gargano was going to ditch his team. The Wyatts get another shot, and I would think Aldis puts on a ringside ban for the rematch, and perhaps then Gacy & Lumis take the titles from Profits. Andrade & Fenix VS Fraxiom was an awesome match, but tricky to type out because of two names starting with A and two starting with F. So many typos from trying to type Fenix but also Frazer, Andrade but also Axiom. But a great win for Andrade y Fenix, and I really do think they’ll be given a chance at the tag titles by SummerSlam.

And great stuff in the Women’s Division, especially since Evolution is coming and it needs matches. Tiffany surprising us with Trish was nice, and that’ll be a great match. I would think Tiff retains against Trish, but now with Naomi going to Evolution to face Jade, we could still get a cash-in. Naomi could even “let” Jade win so that she’s in better shape to cash in on the champ, which would then give us Jade VS Naomi for the title at SummerSlam. And very good Triple Threat tag, and the odd couple story of Charlotte & Alexa has truly kicked it into gear. Raquel & Roxie VS Charlotte & Alexa is already good right there, but we’re still getting a Raw and an NXT team, can’t wait to see who joins them.

My Score: 8.8/10