The more things change, the more they stay the same!

Just as John Cena loses the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, BROCK LESNAR returns to the WWE! What happens now?!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Motor City Machine Guns VS JC Mateo & Talla Tonga w/ MFT; JC & Talla win.
• Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ MFT; Sami wins.
• Charlotte Flair w/ Alexa Bliss VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
• John Cena & Cody Rhodes VS Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre; Cena & Cody win, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

JOHN CENA is here!

Montreal, Quebec, Canada fires up as The Greatest Of All Time is not only back but back to his old self, even after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. Cena shows the towel, “The Last Time is Now,” and he says we’re getting closer. Cena then runs to the ring, slides inside, and the fans fire up again! The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” but in the end, everyone cheers. Cena cues Mark Nash to still do that introduction, “Please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, The Never-Seen Seventeen, celebrating with each and every one of you in Montreal for one last time…! He is the Last Real Champion, JOOOOHN CEEENAAA~!”

The fans are thunderous and only getting louder! Cena has the mic to say, “Daaayumn! Man, we have come a long way. You know, for the longest time, WWE was afraid to come to Montreal. Oh, hey, hey, that’s no secret, y’all know what I’m talking about. A lot of history in this building, you know what I’m talking about. They were afraid, right? They were afraid because they thought the audience would hijack the show.” The fans cheer that! Cena says he has never, ever been afraid of that, because he’s always known that the audience IS the show. The fans cheer that, too!

Cena says if you’re watching at home, sometimes you gotta let ’em go. And Cena knows the home audience wishes they were here. And look around! There are people everywhere! The noise in here is deafening, he can barely hear himself! You can feel the energy through the screens! SO imagine being someone back there trying to plan a show around the fans. Or maybe, someone standing here, it can get scary when the fans start singing. The fans do indeed sing, “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” Cena says some might get scared, might be afraid, might wonder, “What do I do?”

If there is one thing the fans have taught Cena that he is very grateful for, is that even though he might be afraid, he can face his fears, let the fans do their thing, and embrace every single second! The fans cheer Cena again, and Cena says, “Because trust me, it doesn’t last forever.” The fans chant, “Thank You, Cena!” Cena smiles and says that for over two decades, he has shared many, many valuable moments in the ring. For that, he thanks the fans. He also brings up that after tonight, he has only 11 more appearances left. The fans boo and Cena says he understands. Speaking of being afraid, every day goes by and Cena is a little more and more afraid.

Cena wants to lean into this for a second, because it is important he gets it off his chest. The fans put up with him, so he wants to be vulnerable. No matter how much he can give, it’ll never be enough, and he’ll let us all down. The fans boo that, but Cena says he’ll also admit that he is afraid that after he is gone and the WWE moves on, as it should, the fans might forget about him. The fans boo that, too! Cena says with all these fears, he’s even afraid of Brock Lesnar. Cena doesn’t know in what universe the Cena right now would actually choose Lesnar as an opponent. But they’ve known each other a long time, and you know there’s no universe where Cena ever backs down from Lesnar.

Is Cena afraid? Yes! Hell yes! He is afraid Lesnar just got himself a John Cena problem! Cena is afraid every WWE superstar just got themselves a Cena problem! Time is running out, and if you saw SummerSlam, then you know Cena isn’t going down without a fight! So Lesnar, WHEN you want some, come get some! And to anyone else brave enough to walk the aisle and stand on the canvas to face off with the Last Real Champion, just know Cena is going down guns blazing! The last time is now, so if YOU want some… COME GET SOME! Cena waits for someone, anyone, and we get Logan Paul…

The fans boo as The Maverick grins and walks to the ring. “John, John, John…” The fans boo but Logan says just hear him out. Whatever this is with Cena, whatever version this is, it is making Logan sick. Logan respects Cena, he really did. But now he doesn’t even know Cena! The fans boo, but Logan says at least he never switched up! The fans tell off Logan, but Logan waits it out. Logan steps into the ring and Cena says easy now. Logan may have just made the biggest mistake of his life. Logan says we’ll see about that. Logan says Cena doesn’t know who he is, the fans don’t know who he is, but Logan’s been real since day one.

And whether you like it or not, Cena said it himself: Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler, and that includes Cena! Oh, hold on, maybe Logan’s right. Cena did say that. Logan does WWE better than anyone else, even Cena. But Cena will now add that Logan is the biggest dumbass Cena’s ever seen in his life! Logan says Cena is a liar then! Cena came out here, says what he says, people tell him what to say, Montreal is the show, FALSE! Logan is the show! And Cena turned into a charity case, just giving out matches. Then maybe Logan wants one. Really? Logan wants a match Cena? Sounds damn good to Cena!

But be careful what you wish for! Is this what Logan wants? Logan asks Montreal if they want that. The fans cheer! Logan VS Cena, in a beautiful French speaking country… Right in the middle of France itself! The fans boo, but Logan says yeah, no, c’mon, Montreal doesn’t deserve this. Logan VS Cena, Clash in Paris, THAT is box office. That is headlines! The French fans will be lining out the door, AND THEN DREW MCINTYRE ATTACKS! The fans boo as Drew & Logan mug Cena! They then mock the “Thank You, Cena!” chants before they stomp Cena more! But here comes CODY RHODES!

The fans fire up as the American Nightmare is here to throw hands with Drew! Cena fires off on Logan! Cody & Cena TOSS Drew & Logan! Cena says Cena VS Logan, Clash in Paris, challenge accepted! Logan grins, but Cena says it seems like these boys wanna fight tonight. The fans cheer as they feel what’s coming! Cena says he even has a partner! Drew & Logan VS Cody & Cena… TONIGHT! The fans erupt for that one! Cena says the champ IS here, as he points to Cody Rhodes! Will the Last Real Champion and the NEW Undisputed Champion humble #Mavericktyre?

Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.

Cathy Kelley walks over to talk with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin about the SummerSlam TLC match. It was as physically taxing as it was as it was unforgettable, but do they feel ready to take on Solo’s MFT? Shelley asks if he looks recovered with the rib tape on. If Sabin takes his jacket off, you’ll see his shoulder is taped up like a mummy. And there’s no getting around how brutal the TLC match was. But they’ve made a career off of brutality. Nay, they’ve built a legacy off getting knocked down and getting back up. So to get back to the WWE Tag Team Championships, they just gotta get back up.

Sabin will be honest, they’re a bit disappointed in themselves. They didn’t get the job done at SummerSlam. They aren’t the champs. But they know what it takes, they’ve been champions their entire careers, so the road back to the top begins now. MCMG heads out, but will they be able to turn things around? Or will they fail to get through the Imperial Unit and the Towering Tongan?

Motor City Machine Guns VS JC Mateo & Talla Tonga w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns as MFT makes their entrance all together, Solo and his United States Championship leading the way. The teams sort out and Shelley starts against JC. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and JC Puts Shelley on the ropes. JC backs off, but Talla takes a swing! Shelley dodges, but JC CLOBBERS him! JC stands Shelley up but Shelley fires hands! Shelley headlocks, JC powers up and out, but Sabin sneaks a tag! Shelley KICKS JC, then reels him in for a clinch! Sabin leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER! Then Sabin DROPKICKS Talla down! The fans fire up and Shelley WERCKS JC with a dropkick!

Shelley holds the way open, FIVE HOLE DIVE from Sabin! The fans fire up and Sabin puts JC in the ring. Shelley avoids Talla’s leg sweep and Sabin PENALTY KICKS! Shelley mule kicks Talla, then MCMG hurry into the ring. They run up on JC, RAM and ELBOW combo! Tag back to Shelley, but Loa gets on the apron! The ref tells Loa to get down, but Talla YANKS Shelley off the apron! Talla RUNS Shelley into barriers, and he looms over Shelley while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Talla looms over Shelley while Solo sits in a nice armchair. Talla puts Shelley in the ring, JC drags Shelley up, and JC BODY BLOWS! Shelley sputters and stumbles while clutching his ribs. JC stands him up, Shelley JAWBREAKERS free, and Shelley runs for the corner! JC stops him, throws him back, then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON LARIATS! JC then bumps Shelley off buckles, tags Talla in, and Talla runs up to LARIAT! Talla whips Shelley just to ELBOW him down, then he ELBOW DROPS! Talla watches Shelley go to the ropes, then drags him up again. Shelley fires body shots, but Talla CLUBS him and HEADBUTTS him down!

Talla stalks Shelley to the apron, digs his boots in, but the ref backs him off. That lets Loa get shots in! Solo is amused as MFT gets away with that one. Talla crossface forearms Shelley, then rips at the rib tape. Talla ROCKS Shelley in the back! Shelley goes to a corner, Talla whips him corner to corner, then he scoops Shelley for a BACKBREAKER! Talla bends Shelley against his knee! Shelley endures, fires hands, and is free! Talla stays between Shelley and Sabin, picks him up with a BEARHUG, and he thrashes Shelley around! Shelley endures, even though he’s almost a ragdoll, and SmackDown returns to single picture.

Shelley fires hands, fights free, but Talla CHOPS him down! Talla talks trash, then he scoops Shelley, but Shelley slips free! Shelley shoves Talla into the corner, JC tags in, and JC waistlocks! Shelley fires elbows, JC shoves him to a corner, but Shelley BOOTS back! Hot tag to Sabin !Sabin goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Sabin fires off on JC! Sabin LARIATS, but that was his bad arm! Sabin still LARAITS again, then runs, but he ducks a shot to SUPERKICK! Sabin runs, springboards, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! JC is tougher than that and Sabin is shocked! The fans rally and Sabin tags Shelley.

MCMG watch JC stand, and they SOBAT! SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK & ENZIGIRI! Roll-up, TWO! JC survives but Shelley tags Sabin. MCMG BLAST Talla, but JC DOUBLE LARIATS them down! ATHLETIC PLEX on Sabin! Cover, Shelley breaks it! The fans fire up as Shelley fires off on JC. JC BODY SHOTS Shelley, ELBOWS Sabin, and runs, but into the BOOT SUPERKICK COMBO! Sabin turns JC, Shelley climbs, but Talla tags in! Talla BOOTS Shelley down! Then Talla grabs Sabin, TALLA CHOKE SLAM! Cover, MFT wins!

Winners: JC Mateo & Talla Tonga, by pinfall

MCMG may have big hearts, but not bigger than everything JC & Talla have! MFT high-five and Solo has a mic. Solo tells Montreal, “Take a look, because this is what greatness looks like.” The fans boo, but Solo says they are looking at the soon-to-be WWE Tag Team Champions! They are looking at the most dominant United States Champion! And it is a shame, because Solo is all dressed up and ready to go! But there’s no one back there to fight Solo! So here’s what we’ll do: MFT are gonna leave this crappy city, because this is the last place Solo wants to wrestle at. Time to celebrate! They turn to go, but then Nick Aldis says, “Not so fast, Monsieur Sikoa.”

Aldis says if Solo is so ready to fight, it just so happens Aldis has a special guest in the house ready to go. And it is someone Solo knows quite well, but someone that Montreal knows very well. IT’S SAMI ZAYN! The fans fire up as the hometown hero is here! Will the Underdog from the Underground, the Honorary Uce, knock Solo down a peg or two? We find out, after the break!

Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns and the bell rings on this match. The fans fire up already and sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” Sami smiles but Solo is annoyed as it just doesn’t stop. Solo covers his ears to tune it out but that’s not enough. Sami gets fired up and that fires the fans up more! The two tie up, are in a deadlock, and the fans rally for “SAMI! SAMI!” Solo powers Sami to a corner, the ref counts, and Solo backs off. Solo says Sami is still one of the ones, they can still be boys. But Sami fires haymakers instead! The fans fire up, but Solo TOSSES Sami back to the corner. Sami clinches Solo but Solo fights free!

Solo fires hands, then a CHOP! Sami climbs up and he rains down fists! The fans count along, but Solo stops Sami at five. Solo CLOBBERS Sami and tells the fans to shut up! Solo CHOPS Sami, climbs up, and Solo rains down fists. The fans boo instead of count, but Sami YANKS Solo down at seven! Then Sami goes up, rains down fists, and he goes PAST TEN to get to like TWENTY! The fans are all fired up and Sami CHOPS Solo against the ropes. Sami whips, Solo reverses, but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT Solo up and out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Solo and MFT is furious!

The fans are thunderous, Sami rises up, and he sees the MFT all around. Sami pushes Solo into the ring, slides inside, but Solo swings! Sami counter punches and CHOPS! Sami whips, Solo reverses, but Sami holds ropes to ELBOW back! Solo distracts the ref, Talla CLOBBERS Sami! The fans boo but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Solo has Sami on the top rope! Solo goes up, but Sami fights to go up and over! SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives and Sami is beside himself! The fans rally up for Sami and he rises again. Sami hurries to waistlock Solo, but Solo is a ragdoll! Solo then wakes up to throw down elbows! Solo swings, but into the BLUE- NO, Solo slips free to URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and wags his finger. Solo is furious and he rains down fists! The fans boo as Solo HEADBUTTS Sami! Solo prepares his thumb and the fans boo more. Solo stands Sami up, winds up, but Sami BOOTS the Samoan Spike!

Sami BOOTS Solo, then goes to a corner. Solo runs in, but into a clinch! CORNER EXPLODER! MFT is freaking out while Montreal is electric! Loa gets on the apron, but Sami DECKS him! Solo runs in but into another CORNER EXPLODER! Sami resets in the other corner, but now JC gets up! Sami runs in to DECK JC! JC falls into the ring! Talla gets up on the apron and Sami dares him to do something then! But Solo SUPERKICKS Sami! Solo then stands Sami up, SAMOAN- NO, Sami ducks to roll up Solo! SAMI WINS!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall

Sami gets outta the ring before MFT can swarm him! The hometown hero snatches victory from the “most dominant” US Champion! Will this momentum propel Sami all the way to a world title just like he wants?

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss meet up.

They’re still wearing the “We’re Not Friends” shirts, but The Queen brings up Lil’ Miss Bliss’ birthday. Charlotte saw it was coming up on the company calendar, so Charlotte went and got her something. Aw, thank you! But where is it? Oh, no, Charlotte wasn’t going to give Alexa her gift in a random hallway. Alexa needs something much more grandiose, like a stage and a crowd of people. Alexa will love. Charlotte heads out and Alexa already dreads what this means. Alexa follows, will it be the thought that counts?

ESPN and WWE are collaborating!

Starting in 2026, ESPN will bring WrestleMania and all PLEs to their streaming platform! The greatest entities in sports and entertainment working together, the sky is the limit!

The Wyatt Sick6 have a message.

Uncle Howdy says, “We will never lead you astray. When we speak, it will always bear truth. That is what we’ve always sought out to do.” Joe Gacy says they have shown them all that their power is nothing more than a harmless illusion. Dexter Lumis says they woke everyone up from their dreams, and showed them their reality. Nikki Cross says they’ve made it very clear that this is not about fear or glory. Erick Rowan says this is about something so much bigger. There are more lessons to be learned. The Wyatts’ story has only just begun. They laugh as the video cuts out, but what could it all mean?

The Street Profits finish watching that.

Montez Ford still ices his shoulder from that TLC match, and B-Fab herself asks what the Wyatts are talking about. DIY walks in, just as sore, and Ciampa says first, the Profits lose DIY’s titles to The Wyatts. Then, The Profits nearly kill Candice! Ciampa snatches Ford’s icepack and says he does NOT need that as badly as she does! You MOTHER KILLERS! Look at that bruise on her leg! B-Fab says Candice looks alright to her. And last time she checked, it was Candice’s man and her man’s best friend that pushed her off the ladder. No, no, that’s not how dominos work! And Candice says they’re lucky her leg is even still attached to her body. Secondly, how dare you!

Dawkins says hold on, no one told Candice to climb on the ladder in the first place. Ciampa says it’s a ladder match, what else would she do? Ford says they should be talking to Mr. Husband of the Year! The arguing intensifies, Aldis steps in, and he says enough. He would’ve thought after everyone nearly killed each other in the TLC match, they’d all calm down. But what a silly goose Aldis was for thinking that. He will get control of this tag division if it is the last thing he does, and it starts next week with DIY VS Profits. DIY says they’ll consider it. They leave, but will there just be more carnage from here on out?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

The fans cheer as The Queen struts out in her robe and ring gear but also wearing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Then Alexa makes her entrance, and the champs high-five fans on their way to the ring. And waiting in the ring is a pair of tables, one with a cake and the other with a present. Charlotte has a mic to say hey to Montreal, and says “Lexi” has her birthday as the same time as this championship celebration. Charlotte could have made this all about her, but she decided to be gracious and share the spotlight. Two celebrations, one stage, and Charlotte would’ve said “You’re welcome,” but let’s just start with the cake.

Alexa looks at the cake, and it reads, “Congratulations, Charlotte Flair! and Alexa. PS Happy Birthday.” Charlotte points out that her name is right there. Clearly that was added after the fact. But Charlotte says she got a present that of course feels very her. Or every Alexa. Or both. Okay, it’s a gift for them both. She’s so excited either way. Alexa says Charlotte didn’t need to do that. They’re just tag team partners. But Charlotte had to, it’s Alexa’s birthday. Alexa says she’s scared so Charlotte opens it up. Charlotte asks if Alexa remembers what she got her four years ago. Oh, right! So it’s a custom Lily with the “We’re Not Friends” shirt!

Alexa says they match now, how cute. And since they’re tag partners, Lily needed a partner, too. Yes, Charlotte knows, she did keep you-know-what, even if it was really ugly. But who knew it’d work out? It’s CHARLIE~! Yes, really ugly, but the sentiment is what counts. The fans cheer for “CHARLIE! CHARLIE!” and Charlotte says she knew Alexa would like it. Charlotte & Alexa are tag partners, Charlie & Lily are tag partners. Charlotte & Alexa aren’t friends, neither are Charlie & Lily. Alexa thanks Charlotte, Charlotte appreciates that, but she says this isn’t enough. Charlotte needs something, Montreal needs something, and… Alexa may hug Charlotte!

The fans cheer for that! Alexa is rather surprised, and isn’t sure this is necessary. No, no, you may hug The Queen. Bring it in. Alexa smiles and scoots closer, only for Chelsea Green to interrupt! The fans are torn as The Hot Mess returns home, and Chelsea says whoa, whoa, whoa. She is a proud Canadian, but to hear the fans cheer these self-absorbed, American-born weirdos is making Chelsea wanna turn in her passport. But then again, we are in Montreal, and given what we’ve seen from the #Habs, the fans aren’t used to seeing champions.

Chelsea tells Charlotte & Alexa that she doesn’t know what they think they’re doing parading around their freaky dolls and celebrating God only knows what, but this is CHELSEA’S country, they should be celebrating HER! Celine Dion who? The fans boo, but Charlotte tells Alexa that here’s one more gift. It’ll be kicking Chelsea’s ass here tonight! The fans cheer that and Chelsea is already scared. They’re busy! No, Chelsea, get in here. Aldis appears and he has a ref! Aldis figured such a special occasion, he’ll let wrestlers make their matches. This is his gift to Alexa: a brand new referee! His first assignment will be Charlotte VS Chelsea, right now!

Chelsea has a meltdown but the fans all cheers! Will The Hot Mess come to regret ruining the fun?

Carmelo Hayes knocks on Aldis’ door.

The Miz steps out? Melo says no, no, no. Where’s Miz even been? He left Melo high and dry for the last two months after promising to take him to the top! What’s up with that? Miz says Melo is right, he deserves better than that. Melo says that’s right he deserves better. That’s why he’s going to ask Aldis for a shot at the US Championship right now. Miz says yes, Melo does deserve that. But it takes time. Miz has been here 20 years! Cena waltzes back in, gets main events handed to him, and Miz beat Cena! Logan Paul gets marquee matches, Miz brought Logan into the WWE! Alexa Bliss gets her birthday celebration, Miz has never gotten that!

Melo says yeah, but this is about H1M now. That’s why he’ll handle his business on his own now. But Miz says that’s why he went to Aldis to get a tag match for them! They need to remind people exactly who they are! They are #MeloDon’tMiz, and they are AWES-HIM! Miz asks if they’re good, and Melo says yeah, they’re good. They shake hands, Melo heads out, and Aldis just now walks over?! Aldis asks what that was about, and Miz says just the man he wanted to see. Miz wants to talk, and they go into his office. Miz manipulates Melo, but will he pay for it?

Charlotte Flair w/ Alexa Bliss VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!

SmackDown returns and the bell rings on this match. The fans rally as Chelsea and Charlotte circle. The two tie up, Chelsea wrenches and wristlocks, but Charlotte cartwheels and wrenches back. Charlotte whips and CLOBBERS Chelsea! The fans cheer, Charlotte runs, but then she steps on Chelsea’s dropdown! Charlotte mule kicks Chelsea out of the ring! Piper & Alba coach Chelsea up, and she HOTSHOTS Charlotte! But Charlotte avoids a boot to CHOP! Chelsea kicks low, then brings Charlotte around to bump off buckles. Chelsea bumps Charlotte off more buckles, the fans duel, but Charlotte sends Chelsea into buckles!

Charlotte CHOPS, GAMANGIRIS, then “WOO~!” Charlotte whips, Chelsea reverses, but Charlotte goes up and out to BOOT Chelsea away! Piper storms up, Charlotte PENALTY KICKS her away! Alba runs up, Charlotte jumps over the sweep! Charlotte goes up the corner, and she CROSSBODIES Chelsea down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte waistlocks, Chelsea elbows free, and Chelsea shoves Charlotte to the ropes. Piper & Alba trip Charlotte up, then Chelsea THROWS Charlotte down by her hair! Chelsea whips Charlotte to a corner, Charlotte goes up and over, and Charlotte O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and Charlotte hits buckles!

Chelsea drags Charlotte up to hook the arms, and then she BOOTS Charlotte into the buckles! The fans boo as Chelsea steps on Charlotte to climb the corner. Chelsea and her Secret Her-vice salute, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and both Chelsea and Charlotte are down. The fans rally, Chelsea crawls over to Charlotte, but Charlotte blocks a shot to fire a shot! Chelsea fires a shot, Charlotte fires more! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Charlotte CHOPS more and more, the fans “WOO~” with each one! Charlotte dodges Chelsea to then handspring LARIAT! The fans fire up and Charlotte GERMAN SUPLEXES! Chelsea flounders, Charlotte kips up, and the fans fire up! Charlotte runs in, but into a SUPERKCIK! But then Charlotte BOOTS in return! NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives and the Secret Her-vice breathes easier.

Chelsea goes to a corner, the fans rally up, and Charlotte runs in. Chelsea BOOTS Charlotte, then puts her on the apron. Charlotte RAMS Chelsea, goes up the corner, but Chelsea SLAPS Charlotte! Chelsea climbs up, brings Charlotte to the top, SUPERPLEX! Chelsea crawls to a cover, TWO! The entire Green Administration is furious that Charlotte survives! But then Chelsea signals to Piper & Alba, and they take the cake! They put the cake in the ring, Chelsea positions it just right, but then Alexa CANNONBALLS the Secret Her-vice! Chelsea stands Charlotte up, turns her, but Charlotte turns that around! UNPRETTY-HER on the cake!

The fans fire up as Chelsea gets her just desserts! Charlotte steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Charlotte then takes a quick taste of the frosting off Chelsea’s face, then puts in the FIGURE EIGHT! Chelsea taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

Alexa joins Charlotte in the ring, and they have some of the “birthday” cake! It tastes sweet like victory! Will these two “totally not friends” continue to celebrate win after win after win?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Cathy Kelley says hopefully some of that cake is sent backstage, because another celebration is in order as Tiffany is still WWE Women’s Champion. A high caliber showing at SummerSlam in retaining the title against Jade Cargill. Tiff has been on quite the run, but what is next? Tiff says she’ll keep doing what she has been doing for the past 216 days, and that is keeping this title and defending it. So if… Jade walks in, and she tells Tiff to be thankful that Tiff’s foot found the ropes, or she would be here empty handed. And next time, the story will be different. Tiff says the story might be different, but the ending will always stay the same: Tiffy as the WWE Women’s Champion. Trust that.

Tiff leaves, but in steps Kiana James and Giulia. Kiana dismisses Cathy to say this is “off the record,” despite there still being the cameraman… Kiana tells Jade may not know her, but she represents Giulia. And if Jade is serious about getting that title, don’t hesitate to call. Jade says if she’s taking a title, she’s doing it on her time, her way. Well, just hang onto the card anyway. Just in case. Kiana & Giulia leave, but now in steps Mia Yim. Michin asks Jade if she gonna do something with the card or not. No, she can have it. Jade lets Mia have Kiana’s number, and Mia says she’ll use it to get a US Championship match.

Mia heads out now, and Jade is unsure what is going on. But will the Head Baddie in Charge finally get herself some gold? Or will even she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

Aleister Black speaks.

“I believe that I’m allowed to use violence to stop a greater violence from happening. And if you think that, for some reason, makes me evil… There is no such thing as good or evil. You wanna know the difference between good and evil? It’s your convictions. See, the entire crowd cheered and laughed Damian on as he was planning to throw me through the table. I’m not an eye for an eye kind of guy, I am an eye for a head, an eye for a limb, an eye for a life kind of guy, and that’s why I exacerbated the violence I put upon you. And I even told him that violence begets violence. And where is he now? Oh, that’s right, he’s sitting at home nursing a hairline fracture in his jaw.

“You wanna know what the difference between you and me is, Priest? When somebody pushes you, you push back. When someone pushes me, I push them off the cliff. And I will stand at the edge of that cliff, waiting to hear that smack. If that’s what makes you people consider me to be the scapegoat, so be it.” The Dark Father has shared his point of view, but will the Archer of Infamy see it that way?

John Cena is backstage.

And he runs across R-Truth! They look at each other, they almost mirror each other, and Truth says “You back! You’re really back! If you back, I’m back! We back! HAYAO~!” Truth hugs it out with Cena and Cena says he was really worried about Truth. Truth was acting weird for like five months. Truth changed his hair, was really mean to people, beat people up, even made that one kid in Brussels cry. Then he said he wanted to ruin wrestling? C’mon, did he really think that would work? But good to have you back. Cena pats Truth on the shoulder and Truth is actually certain that wasn’t him. But does this mean Truth is back in the driver’s seat?

John Cena & Cody Rhodes VS Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre!

The Last Real Champion lost himself for a bit there, but then he found himself, only to lose the title to the American Nightmare. However, these two are now working together against some common enemies! Will Cena & Cody be a truly unstoppable dream team? Or will the match made in social media hell be tweeting and vlogging all about this one?

SmackDown returns as #Mavericktyre waits in the ring. Cena makes his entrance first, followed by Cody’s. The fans sing along with The Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody gets his pyro. The teams sort out and Logan starts against Cody. The fans cheer Cody on and even sing for him as he circles with Logan. The two tie up, Cody headlocks, Logan powers up and out, but Cody RUSN Logan over! Cody cartwheels and the fans fire up! Cody wrenches, wristlocks, but Logan knees low! Logan headlocks, Cody fires body shots then powers out. Cody drops down, kicks low, and RHODES UPPERCUTS! The fans tell Logan off as Cody brings him around.

Cody suplexes, he holds Logan up, and the fans cheer as Cody GOURD BUSTERS Logan at TEN! Then Cody points to Cena! The fans cheer, Cody reaches out, but Logan rolls Cody up! TWO, and Logan kicks low! Logan shoves Cody to the corner, and he tags Drew. Drew ROCKS Cody, CHOPS Cody, then CHOPS again! Drew whips corner to corner, runs in, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Cody has Drew. Cody wrenches, whips, but Drew reverses. Cody grabs ropes, ELBOWS Drew, but Drew distracts the ref. Logan runs up but Cody dodges to DECK Logan! But then Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS!

The fans boo but Drew grins and shrugs. Drew drags Cody up, TOSSES him out, then distracts the ref by talking trash on Cena. That lets Logan LARIAT Cody down! The fans boo but Logan sneaks away before the ref sees. Cena coaches Cody up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew goes out after Cody, but Cody fires haymakers! Drew throat chops! Drew SMACKS Cody off the steel steps, then puts him in the ring. Drew storms in, mockingly tells Cody to go tag Cena, then Drew stomps Cody’s hand! Drew drags Cody over, tags Logan, and they DOUBLE SUPLEX Cody! Cover, ONE! Cody is tougher than that but Logan clamps on with a chinlock. Logan grinds Cody down but the fans rally up. Cody fights with body shots but Logan CLUBS him down. Logan then drags Cody back up to wrench, and GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Logan is annoyed but he drags Cody away from Cena.

Logan puts Cody in the corner, throws body shots, but the ref counts. Logan throws Cody back into the corner, then he tags Drew. Drew brings Cody around, suplexes, and he carries Cody around! Drew taunts Cena before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up for Cody. Drew keeps Cody from Cena! Cody fires hands, the fans fire up, but Drew whips Cody away! Cody comes back but Drew catches Cody! Drew throws Cody to an open corner, then he runs in, but Cody dodges! Drew POSTS himself! The fans fire up as Cody crawls, hot tags to Cena and Logan! Cena dodges Logan to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES!

The fans fire up as Cena gets around, SPIN-OUT BOMB! Montreal is thunderous as they get to say it one last time live and in person, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” Cena runs for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then the fireman’s carry, and the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Cover, DREW BREAKS IT! The fans boo but then Drew aims at Cena! CLAY- SUPERKICK from Cody first! Cody then LARIATS Drew up and out! Cody then builds speed and he DIVES! Down goes Drew in front of commentary! Cena drags Logan up, but Logan LOW BLOWS!!

Winners: John Cena & Cody Rhodes, by disqualification

The fans boo as Logan takes the easy way out! But then he fires off hands on Cena as they go up the ramp! The fans boo as Cena and Logan disappear backstage! Cody POSTS Drew, SMACKS him off steel steps, and then he clears off commentary! The fans fire up for this at least! But Drew CLOBBERS Cody with the title belt! The fans boo but Drew looks at the belt. Clearly this is what the Scottish Terminator really wants. Drew refuses to give the belt up, and he just gets angrier! CLAYMORE through the desk?!?! Drew sends Cody through the front side of that desk, and the fans are going nuts! Drew tells Cody he knew this was coming, and now it’s too late.

Producers and security usher Drew away from Cody, but the damage has been done, and the mission is clear. Will Drew McIntyre stop at nothing until he is THE Undisputed WWE Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, and they really gave Montreal far more than anyone expected. For one, I didn’t think Sami would be here tonight, but it was a great little moment for everyone. Therefore, don’t read too much into it, Sami wasn’t traded to SmackDown but just on loan since it’s his hometown. But that was a great match with Solo Sikoa to humble him after he was all high and mighty just for winning at SummerSlam with MFT’s help. JC & Talla had a great tag match with MCMG, too, great win for them. Very good promo from The Wyatts, and given Profits and DIY right after, it feels like the talk of illusions and reality was about those teams barely holding it together.

Great promo from Profits and DIY, and the tag match next week is going to be great. It’d be pretty wild if a team broke up now, especially when Melo & Miz seem to be set to do that next week, too. Miz tricking Melo there was some dastardly Heel stuff, but I would love if Melo ditched Miz and referenced how the cameras were still rolling. Speaking of, that is a bit of a logic gap in that women’s division promo where quite a lot of the other names on SmackDown got involved. I appreciate Jade saying it was Tiff that got lucky, that’s how we should see it as opposed to Jade not having ring awareness like many took it. And then Kiana offering Jade help was an interesting move. I wish Jade referenced how Mark Sterling didn’t do anything useful while she was in AEW.

Very good promo from Charlotte and Alexa, though maybe a little stiff. I liked the cake being a “last minute change” to a birthday cake, and great use of continuity bringing back the “Charlie” doll. Chelsea VS Charlotte was very good stuff, especially with the cake being involved. Good win for Charlotte, and I would think Chelsea gets Piper & Alba a title match or something. Good promo from Aleister to give us that medical update on Priest, but to also claim he is a tweener, not Face or Heel. Basically, it’s his theme song’s lyrics.

Great promo from Cena to open the show, with him calling out Lesnar and everyone else. Though, we should’ve figured Lesnar wouldn’t show up here, they’re setting up for Clash in Paris, NOT a “big four” PLE. Logan showing up was fine, it all works given how he is coming off a SummerSlam win and has beef with Cena over how their Heel team-up failed. Cena VS Logan in Paris will be good stuff, and I would hope Cena wins so that he goes strong into whatever last feud he has with Lesnar to end the year. I also liked Cena interacting with Truth so that Truth could be back to R-Truth, and for Cena to poke fun at his own Heel run.

As for the tag match tonight, great stuff just for a SmackDown main event. Logan getting disqualified was a fitting move, so that Cena & Cody win without Logan & Drew suffering a loss in power levels. But Drew hitting Cody with the belt then kicking him through the desk was a great way to close, and that clearly has to be a title match, right? It’d make sense for Clash in Paris, because there’s nothing announced in September, and they can’t push all the way to Crown Jewel Perth in October. That might actually be where Cena VS Lesnar happens…

My Score: 8.8/10