Will Norfolk become Suplex City?

Just eight days before facing John Cena at WrestlePalooza, BROCK LESNAR returns to SmackDown! What will The Beast have to say about The GOAT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship: Sami Zayn VS Rey Fenix; Sami wins and retains the title.
• Giulia w/ Kiana James VS B-Fab; No Contest.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill; Double Count-Out, Tiffany retains the title.
• Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton; Drew wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

BROCK LESNAR is here!

Last Friday may have been John Cena’s last SmackDown ever, but that’s not the case for The Beast! Lesnar gets his pyro, goes right to the ring, and he grabs himself a mic. The fans are torn but mostly boo given what Lesnar did to Cena last week. Lesnar just smirks as they chant, “You Suck!” Lesnar then takes off the cowboy hat, only for R-Truth to interrupt! Norfolk fires up as Truth asks, “What’s Up?” “WHAT’S UP!” “What’s Up?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth goes to the ring as he raps his theme, and he gets Norfolk to get loud. “What’s Up?” “WHAT’S UP!” But Lesnar says to shut up! Truth tells Lesnar, “Y’know what? I’mma go a different route.

“I’mma be the first WWE Superstar in this WWE ring, in front of this WWE Universe, live on TV, to say… Brock! Welcome back!” The fans oddly applaud and Lesnar is a bit surprised. But Truth says he used to be scared of Brock. But not no more! Lesnar says he doesn’t even know who this is. The fans boo, but Lesnar tells Truth to have a damn good reason for coming out here. Truth says Lesnar has been disrespecting his childhood hero, John Cena, for the past 25 YEARS! Wait, how old is he? What’s his name? This is R-Truth! The fans cheer Truth, and Truth says he’s done with disrespect.

Lesnar says timeout. He is only here for one thing tonight: John Cena. Does Truth know where Cena is tonight? No, Truth does not know. Then why is he in the ring right now? Because he is here to defend his “older brother,” John Cena! The fans cheer that! So Cena is Truth’s brother? Yes, older brother. And this is R-Truth? No, he is Ron Cena! The fans cheer “RON CENA! RON CENA!” Lesnar is now just annoyed as he says, “So you don’t know where John is?” “No, I don’t.” Then why is he here? To stop the disrespect! Cena is built different! He went crazy, you didn’t see it! He made kids cry! But Super Cena is coming for Lesnar, and he is fueled with Hustle, Loyalty, Respect, and those tears!

So Cena won’t be running from the Beast, he’ll be feasting on him! The fans fire up for that. Oh, okay, and Truth is Cena’s brother from another mother? Well, no, they got the same daddy. So this is R-Truth Ron Cena? Yes. Ok. Does he know he’s missing a tooth? He is? Fireman’s carry and F5!! The fans boo but Lesnar grins. He ripped his jeans on that one! Lesnar tips his hat to the crowd and heads back out. Will Lesnar have to start looking for Cena on Mondays?

Sami Zayn talks with someone backstage.

Sami says if he’s being honest, it means a lot that Cena gave him the blessing to keep the Open Challenge going. And he’s also glad that this person will be Sami’s opponent. Sami feels they’ve had parallel careers, from traveling the world before arriving in WWE, and now their paths finally cross. No matter who wins, they’ll give Norfolk one hell of a match, so good. Sami shakes hands with Rey Fenix! Fenix thanks Sami for this, see you out there! ANIMO! The US Championship is on the line, will Sami prove he’s no longer the Underdog from the Underground but a main event player? Will the Immortal Firebird soon be forged in gold?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“Did you know what I had to sacrifice to get that championship in my hands, Sami? Hmm? I’ve sacrificed love, loyalty, my own flesh ‘n’ blood. Just to prove what, huh? Just to prove what!? For it to be taken outta my hands?!” Solo seethes but he cools down. “I’ve lost my Bloodline, I’ve lost the Ula Fala, and I’ve lost my United States Championship. Change is going to happen, and it is going to happen sooner than later. Because I am going to lead this family, and I am going to take back what I lost. I have lived in the shadows of others for far too long. It is time for others to live in the shadow of me and my family tree.”

WWE United States Championship: Sami Zayn VS Rey Fenix!

SmackDown returns as Sami makes his entrance, ready to defend this title once more. His first defense against John Cena was marred by Brock Lesnar’s involvement, but will he and Fenix get a conclusive result? Or will Solo’s warning have to be heeded?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who carries the banner forward!

The bell rings and the two shake hands to show respect. They then tie up, Fenix headlocks, but Sami powers up and out. Things speed up as Sami hurdles, then arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Then he spins through to fake Fenix out before an arm-drag! Sami has the armlock, Fenix kips up, and Fenix KICKS! Fenix knuckle locks, goes up and up and jumps around to FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up as Sami tumbles out. Fenix builds speed, but Sami slides back in to bypass Fenix. Fenix goes to the apron, RAMS Sami, then steps in and RANAS! Sami tumbles back outside, and Fenix fakes Sami out to show off! The fans cheer and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again, Sami has Fenix down, then brings him up and around. Sami wrenches, whips, and scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives that impact but Sami stays on him with an armlock and chinbar. The fans rally as Fenix endures and Fenix pries the hold open. Fenix rises, fires body shots, and he whips. Sami reverses, runs in, but Fenix puts Sami on the apron. Fenix goes up to triangle jump DROPKICKS! Sami falls, Fenix builds speed, and Fenix TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Down goes Sami and the fans fire up again! The fans fire up, Fenix puts Sami in the ring, and Fenix climbs up.

Fenix leaps to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Fenix stays focused. Fenix ROCKS Sami, Sami pushes through to waistlock, but Fenix fights Blue Thunder! Sami keeps Fenix from getting away, though, BLUE THUNDER- RANA! Cover, TWO!! Sami escapes and Fenix can’t believe it! The fans fire up as Fenix whips, but Sami reverses. Fenix goes Spider-Man to rewind and SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and the fans fire up again! Fenix drags Sami to a drop zone, goes up the corner, and MOONSAULTS! But he FLOPS as Sami dodges! Fenix staggers to a corner, Sami runs in, HELLUVA- NO, Fenix dodges!

Sami hits buckles, hobbles around, SOMERSAULT DDT from Fenix! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives by nanoseconds and Norfolk is thunderous as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Fenix has Sami down again. The fans rally up as Fenix climbs the corner. But Sami ROCKS Fenix first! Sami climbs up to get Fenix, but Fenix throws hands! Sami fires back, then he turns around. Sami brings Fenix up to a fireman’s carry? A shoutout out to Cena?! Fenix fights free with elbows, then adjusts position to SUPER DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives that impact and fall, but Fenix aims from the apron! Springboard and DOUBLE JUMP MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!?!? Sami survives the #FireFlip and Norfolk is shocked! Fenix keeps on Sami and the fans duel.

Fenix suplexes, Sami fights it, and now Sami suplexes! Fenix fights it, Sami fights free, and Sami blocks a kick! BLUE- NO, Fenix lands out! Fenix handsprings, but into BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix survives by nanoseconds and Sami is speechless! Norfolk is going nuts, too, but Sami refocuses. Sami drags Fenix up, but Fenix JAWBREAKERS! Sami staggers back, Fenix runs up, but into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami goes to the far corner, the fans fire up again, and Sami runs in! HELLUVA- SOMERSAULT RANA!! Cover, TWO!!! Sami escapes by an even smaller margin, and “This is Awesome!”

Fenix and Sami catch their breath while they rise back up. Fenix hurries up a corner, ADIOS AMIGOS! Sami is in the corner now, Fenix fires himself up, and Fenix runs up, JUMP- NO! Sami gets under the sobat, to CORNER EXPLODER again! Sami hurries and the fans are thunderous! HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, SAMI WINS!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Norfolk gives a standing ovation for this instant classic! But if this is how hard Sami had to fight in just his second defense, how much harder will have to fight in the next one?

Kiana James & Giulia find B-Fab backstage.

Miss Management & The Beautiful Madness see Fabulous B finishing up a frustrating phone call, and Kiana asks for a reminder: What happened to Michin last week? Giulia says they made an example of her, like they said they would! Kiana says that’s right. Because that’s what happens to those who step to them. B-Fab says they were jumping her girl, Michin. But that’s cuz both of them know B-Fab’s been busy with the Profits’ drama. But hey, she ain’t busy now. Oh, wait, B-Fab is still here? What gives her the audacity to speak to Giulia like that? But Giulia says no, it is okay. B-Fab can talk like that, if she backs it up tonight.

B-Fab puts her hand in Kiana’s face while she tells Giulia that’d be perfect. B-Fab heads out, but perhaps she fell into their trap? Either way, will B-Fab get herself a golden opportunity by beating the Women’s US Champion directly? Or will Giulia tell her, “Arrivederci?”

The Wyatt Sick6 speak.

Bo Dallas says, “Where do the Profits go from here? In Paris, we tried you. We tested you. And you failed. But I told you, you were not at war with flesh, but the principalities.” Erick Rowan steps up to tell “Tez, Dawks, it pains me to see you both like this. Cracking at the seams already. And as people never truly appreciate what they have ’til it’s gone… Your brotherhood is infected. Rotting. Which means you both have a tough choice ahead of you. Amputate and save yourselves, or let the disease consume you.” Bo says, “We’re not the ones to blame. We just sewed the seeds, and now they’re sprouting worms. So where do the Profits go from here?”

Bo laughs, and then says, “Follow the buzzards.” Will Montez & Angelo pay heed to these words? Or do they go on with the wool pulled over their eyes?

Giulia w/ Kiana James VS B-Fab!

SmackDown returns as B-Fab makes her entrance, joining the Women’s US Champion in the ring. Kiana gets in B-Fab’s face right as she’s on the apron, so B-Fab HOTSHOTS her down! Giulia is furious, then she runs up to BOOT B-Fab! The fans boo but Giulia storms out to get in B-Fab’s face! And she THROWS B-Fab into barriers! And then more barriers! The fans are torn but the ref reprimands. Giulia puts B-Fab in the ring, Kiana adds on, and the fans boo. Kiana stands B-Fab up for Giulia, ARRIVEDERCI KNEE! Giulia talks trash on B-Fab, pushes her down, and Kiana says you respect the champion!

But wait! MICHIN is here! The fans fire up as the Head Baddie in Charge runs down the ramp, and she has a kendo stick! She SMACKS Kiana! And then SMACKS her again! Giulia is even angrier now! But then she dodges the kendo stick and goes in retreat! Kiana & Giulia leave, Michin holds up the belt and tells Giulia that she’s coming back for more. Will Miss Management & The Beautiful Madness come up with a better business plan for handling this?

BREAKING NEWS!

WWE has announced that in 2027, WrestleMania 43 makes history by being the first WrestleMania not only outside of the United States, but the first WrestleMania live from Saudi Arabia! This might be the biggest event not just overseas, but in WWE history!

Aleister Black speaks.

“After I decided to dig my heel into your jaw, when I tricked you into thinking I was a wounded animal, I knew I had poisoned you enough. Not with venom, but with doubt. It might not be tomorrow, it might not be next week, but the venom will run its course. Understand this, Priest. I am both sickness and cure. You can keep fighting this and live by your code, and I will remain to be the sickness. Or not, and you can show the entire world how destructive and hateful and talented I know you are. Priest, the consequences are yours. Keep fighting and you can die by that code. As I said before, violence begets violence, and I, Priest, I shall be it’s prophet.”

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill!

Tiffy Time survived The Storm at SummerSlam, but now that force of nature has come back around. Jade has learned from her mistake, will tonight be her crowning achievement? Or will the Wrestling Barbie make sure Tiffy History repeats itself?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly at the Tiffy Top!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Jade runs up, Tiff avoids the boot to fire forearms! But Jade picks Tiffy up with both hands, THROWS her to ropes, but Tiff rebounds. Jade blocks arm-drag to whip Tiff, but Tiff FLAPJACK DROPKICKS! The fans cheer, Tiff fires up, and she handsprings to back elbow, into a waistlock! Jade brings Tiff out to back suplex, but Tiff lands out! Tiff avoids an elbow, runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Jade says she’s got this. Jade hauls Tiff up to suplex, but Tiff knees free! Tiff goes to a corner, Jade runs up, but Tiff dodges! Roll-up, TWO!

Both women hurry to their feet, and Jade runs up. Tiff dodges, Jade tumbles out, and Tiff PLANCHAS! Down goes Jade again and Tiff asks, “What time is it?!” “TIFFY TIME~!” Norfolk fires up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tiff drags Jade up, puts her in the ring, and then climbs up the corner. Tiff aims, but Jade rises to ROCK Tiff! Jade climbs up, and she hits a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down while the fans applaud. Jade and Tiff stir, and Jade storms up on Tiff first. Jade puts Tiff through the ropes to bend her back! Jade CLUBS Tiff in the chest, not quite Beats of the Bodhrain, but effective all the same. Jade stops as the ref counts, and she brings Tiff around. Jade CHOPS Tiff, then stomps her in the corner. The ref counts again, but Jade digs her boot in. Jade stops at 4, argues with the ref, then bumps Tiff off buckles.

Jade brings Tiff around to TOSS her out, then goes out after her. Jade SMACKS Tiff off barriers, hops up to flex, and the fans applaud. Jade then CLUBS Tiff and puts her in the ring. Jade rolls in, storms up and KICKS Tiff in the back! Jade clamps onto Tiff with a chinlock and squeezes tight. Tiff endures, fights up, but Jade THROWS her down! Jade runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her into ropes! Tiff runs corner to corner and HIP ATTACKS! Tiff keeps moving, but Jade hits a BIG BOSS SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Jade rains down fists! Jade clamps on with another chinlock but Tiff still endures.

Tiff pries at the hold, fights up to her feet, and fires body shots. Jade CLUBS Tiff, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Jade whips, only for Tiff to CROSSBODY! But Jade catches Tiff and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jade kips up, the fans fire up, and Jade flexes again. Tiff goes to a corner, Jade runs in, but Tiff dodges! SKY HIGH from Tiff, but she can’t make the cover! Tiff and Jade rise up again, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Jade stays up, Tiff runs, DOUBLE LARIATS! Jade drops to a knee, Tiff keeps moving, and Tiff dodges a lariat to roll and- NO, Jade stops the rana! Jade brings Tiff up, but Tiff RANAS through!

Tiff fires up, the fans are with her, and she handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Tiff then snapmares Jade, runs, TIFFY STOMPS! Tiff then hurries up to the top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and “This is Awesome!” Tiff drags Jade up, fireman’s carries, but Jade fires elbows! SUPERKICK! Tiff tumbles out, but Jade slingshots! Tiff moves, then YANKS Jade down! Jade staggers, Tiff builds speed, but Jade blocks the dropkick to wheelbarrow SLAM Tiff on the apron! Jade puts Tiff back in, stalks her, but Tiff dodges the boot again! Fireman’s carry and ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST- NO, Jade trips Tiff!

Jade then lifts Tiff off the corner, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and Jade is frustrated. Jade watches Tiff stir, the fans rally up, and Jade then clamps onto Tiff’s neck! Jade gets a taste before she SLAM- NO, Tiff victory rolls through! TWO!! Jade catches Tiff, Tiff slips through to Alabama Lift! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Jade moves! Tiff rolls through, but into a PUMP KICK!! Both women are down and Norfolk is thunderous! The fans duel between Tiff and Jade as the ref checks. Jade and Tiff are both able to continue, and they slowly rise to their feet.

Jade fires a forearm, Tiff fires back! Jade fires another forearm, Tiff fires back! The fans duel, Tiff fires a flurry! Jade shoves and ROCKS Tiff! Then she runs up, but Tiff dodges! Jade tumbles to the apron, but she hurries to ROCK Tiff! Jade drags Tiff up, but Tiff lands safe on the apron! Jade ROCKS Tiff, Tiff ROCKS Jade, repeat! The fans cheer, Jade SUPERKICKS Tiff, and then Jade lines up a shot. Jade runs up, Tiff dodges! Jade POSTS herself! Tiff goes up to TIFFY STOMP on the apron! Jade flops down, Tiff goes up! Tiff ARIHARA MOONSAULTS but Jade moves! Tiff crash lands, Jade runs up! SPEAR through the barriers!

The fans are going nuts as both Jade and Tiff are down! The ring count is climbing! IT HITS TEN!! DRAW!!

Double Count-Out Draw; Tiff retains the title

NIA JAX ATTACKS! The Irresistible Force POSTS Jade! Then she RAMS her into steel steps! The fans boo but Nia soaks it up as she SAMOAN DROPS Jade on the floor! Tiff runs up on Nia, but Nia grabs her first! Nia puts Tiff in the ring, but Tiff runs up! Nia POP-UP HEADBUTTS! Tiff is down, but Nia puts her in the corner! Nia goes up, A-NIA-LATOR!! The fans boo but Nia says she will be the champion again. Will no one be able to stop Nia now that she’s on a path of destruction?

Nick Aldis encounters Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre.

Considering they were waiting right outside his office, it was inevitable. But The Hot Mess tells Aldis that they have been more than patient in waiting on the tag title opportunity. What are we waiting for? Charlotte’s “injury” to be magically healed? Aldis understands Chelsea’s frustration, but Charlotte’s injury was very legitimate. Chelsea says it’s giving collusion. So Charlotte’s protected, noted. But here’s a message in return: If Aldis doesn’t do what Chelsea wants, then Aldis and his nasty little misfits will find out why Chelsea is the Hot Mess!

Aldis says how about this? Charlotte & Alexa are going to defend their titles this Tuesday at NXT: Homecoming. But maybe Chelsea & Alba face the winners? Chelsea is very pleased, Aldis excuses himself, but then The Miz finds him. Miz brings up the other tag title opportunities. Aldis says he already talked with Melo. If Melo wants to grab opportunity, it’s all his. Miz says that’s so forward thinking of H1M. Time to snatch the tag team titles! Uh, no, Aldis meant… Never mind, Melo can tell Miz later. Aldis leaves, Chelsea says, “Look who has his big boy pants on today.” But is The Hollywood A-Lister going to find Melo didn’t do exactly what he expected?

Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.

Vero Rodriguez and the King of Lucha are live in Las Vegas right now, preparing for another great night of WWE and AAA, especially as Mexico celebrates its Independence Day. Rey says yes, this is another historical night, especially with the AAA Mega Championship on the line tonight. A multi-generational battle at that as El Hijo Del Vikingo- Dominik Mysterio interrupts his father by saying, “When I beat Vikingo tonight, I’m going to be the first Mysterio to become Mega Campeon, and the first Mysterio to be double champion!” Rey says Dom must think it’ll be that easy. Dom says it will be!

How about this? How about after Dom wins, Rey comes out to raise his hand, and even put the belt around his waist. Rey says he’ll be a man of his word. If Dom wins, Rey will celebrate his victory. IF. Rey leaves and Dom says yeah, he WILL celebrate! And then Finn Balor steps in, and Dom says hi to “Stepdad” Finn! Finn says, “Y’know what’s the best way for you to show the world that you’re the best luchador of all time is? If you go out there tonight and you win the championship alone. Good luck tonight, brother. You’ve got it.” Finn fist bumps Dom then asks Miss Vero to come along. Vero says okay. Dom is left alone, but will he be able to get the job done on his own?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Cathy Kelley is with the US Champion and says “And Still!” Sami, that was a hell of a match with Rey Fenix tonight. Sami thanks Cathy, and says Fenix is unbelievable. Fenix is a true superstar, he will be a huge name in WWE. Cathy agrees, and says there are still big things in store for Sami. Can we expect more Open Challenges coming up? Sami is interrupted by Melo stepping in. And Melo says they may not always get along, but if Sami’s handing out opportunities, then Melo has to call his shot. He’s got next. Sami nods and says alright. Just don’t miss. Melo smirks and Sami leaves, but then Melo turns around to see Miz!

Miz is not happy, and he brings up how Melo said, “Meet me here in ten minutes, I’m here five minutes early.” Melo says yeah, but that’s five minutes too late. Miz knew Aldis talked with Melo, but this was the opportunity? Not the tag titles, the US Championship. Wow, first showing up in NXT and now this! Does Melo have any idea what it takes to be US Champion? Oh, is Miz saying Melo can’t do it? Miz says Melo can do anything he wants, he has the talent! But he needs someone to guide him down the right path! And who is that supposed to be? Miz says MIZ, obviously! ANd he is trying to guide him to the tag titles!

But what if Melo can win the US title and then they both win the tag titles? Miz asks if he has any idea how difficult THAT is? Yeah, but Miz did it. Melo Don’t Miz, bro! They fist bump, and Melo wants Miz to trust H1M for once. Miz does his best to smile, but is he just putting on a brave face? Also, was Nakamura lurking in the background? Is the Ronin of Strong Style just waiting for his chance to strike?

Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!

Did the Scottish Terminator target The Viper because of his friendship with Cody Rhodes? Did he do it because of his own selfishness? It doesn’t really matter when it was still a dangerous move to anger the Apex Predator. Will Drew be taken down by the three most dangerous letters in WWE? Or will his Claymore strike first?

SmackDown returns and Orton makes his entrance, Norfolk singing along with Voices. The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two stare down. The two tie up, go around, and Drew puts Randy in a corner. The Drew stomps low, throws hands, and bumps Randy off buckles. Drew whips corner to corner, but Randy comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up, Randy UPPERCUTS Drew, and UPPERCUTS again! Randy climbs up, and the fans count along as he rains down fists! Randy goes to nine, hops down, and he runs up to LARIAT Drew up and out for ten! The fans fire up while Drew flounders, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Drew drags Randy up. Drew reels Randy in, give a mocking thumbs up, but Randy suplexes first! The fans fire up while Drew sputters. Randy storms up to stomp Drew’s arm! Then he SLAMS the other! And he stomps Drew’s foot! Then he stomps Drew’s other foot! Drew writhes, Randy lines up a shot, and Randy runs up to KNEE DROP! Drew sputters while the fans cheer. Drew goes to a corner, Randy shakes out his legs, but Drew KICKS the bad knee! Randy hobbles, Drew runs, CHOP BLOCK! Randy falls in a heap, Drew rises up, and Drew runs in. Drew powers through the boot to ELBOW Randy!

Drew grabs the leg, KNEE JAMMER! Randy falls, the fans boo, but Drew seethes. Drew drags Randy around, and he YANKS the leg! The fans rally up for Randy but Drew steps over and through, FIGURE FOUR! Drew makes Randy suffer with the iconic hold of Randy’s mentor, Ric Flair! Randy reaches out, Drew thrashes around, and the fans “WOO~!” The fans rally for Randy, Randy powers up to turn things, and he succeeds! The fans fire up as now Drew endures! Drew reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Randy and Drew are separated and Drew goes to the ropes. Drew stands, Randy rises up, and Randy counter punches!

Randy fires shots on Drew, the fans cheer, then Randy ducks a shot to hit a BIG back suplex! Drew tumbles out of the ring to walk it off, but he still slumps against the desk. Randy heads out after Drew, hobbles over, and he SMACKS Drew off the desk! Randy brings Drew around, but Drew fights the lift! Drew CLAWS the eyes and the fans boo! And now Drew gives Randy a DESK BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo but Drew lines up another shot! CHOP BLOCK to the bad leg! Randy is down in a heap, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Randy writhes, Drew rises, and the ref reprimands. Drew grins as he rolls into the ring. He wants the count-out so the ref starts the count. Randy writhes as the count hits 5 of 10, and Drew counts along. Randy stands at 7, and he lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed, and he drags Randy around to drop an ELBOW on the leg! And again! And again! Drew pulls on the leg, but Randy endures. Drew STOMPS the leg! Randy writhes and clutches the knee. Drew drags Randy around again, puts the leg on ropes, and HIP DROPS! Randy clutches the knee but Drew just soaks up heat from the fans. Drew looms over Randy while he writhes.

Drew drags Randy up, then winds up, but Randy counter punches! Drew hits back, Randy fires a shot, and SmackDown returns to single picture! Randy gets the edge with those haymakers, but Drew kicks the leg! Then scoop SLAM onto ropes! Drew YANKS the legs, Randy bails out, and Randy walks off the pain. But Drew is right after him with forearms! Drew pushes Randy into the ring, Randy hobbles, but then Randy pokes Drew in the eye! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands, but Randy bumps Drew off buckles. And off more buckles! And off more buckles! Randy completes the lap with a fourth buckle bump, but we keep going!

Randy bumps Drew off buckles, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Drew reverses and Randy falls! Drew drags Randy around by the leg, steps through again, but Randy BOOTS Drew into the POST! Drew falls to the floor and the fans fire up again! Randy rises up, and he waits for Drew to return. Randy LARIATS, LARIATS, then dodges, but Drew avoids the snap powerslam! Drew runs up, but Randy TOSSES him! Drew is on the apron, he HOTSHOTS Randy, and he hurries inside! But into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Even with one good leg, Randy manages it! Drew rolls away to the apron while the fans rally up for Randy!

Randy storms up on Drew, reels him in through the ropes, but Drew gets away! Drew goes back to the desk, but Randy pursues! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew flops down to the floor and the fans fire up again! “One More Time! One More Time!” Randy obliges, and hits another DESK BACK SUPLEX! Randy then puts Drew in, slides in after him, but CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Randy rolls out of the ring, staggers around, but Drew brings him back in. Drew then steps through the ropes, but RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! But now Drew rolls to the apron! The fans are thunderous all the same, only for Drew to flop to the floor!

Randy seethes, busted open slightly on the forehead, and he goes back out after Drew. “This is Awesome!” but Drew RAMS Randy into the apron! Drew pushes Randy back in, storms up, but Randy KICKS him! Randy has Drew in the ropes, the fans fire up, and we get the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up again as Randy drags himself back up. Randy sees Drew sputtering, and he hears the voices! But not the ones for the RKO, but for the kick! The ref says don’t?! Randy is furious, the ref backs off, and Randy resets! But Drew avoids the punt! And he shoves Randy at the ref! Randy stops short, turns around, CLAYMORE!! Cover, Drew wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

But he’s not done!! He TOSSES Randy out! Drew stole this match, but he wants to steal time from Randy’s career!  Just like he did to Cody! WAIT! CODY RHODES is here! The American Nightmare TACKLES Drew! The fans fire up as Cody rains down fists on Drew! Drew shakes free, but Cody dodges to fire off more hands! Drew shoves Cody away, but then Cody dodges again! Springboard and CODY CUTTER!! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Cody throws off his track jacket, and he grabs a mic! “DREW MCINTYRE! The Champ IS BACK! We can do this dance! I’ll see you, my friend, at WrestlePalooza!!”

The fans love that, and even Drew grins! American Nightmare or Scottish Terminator, who will survive in Indianapolis?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, though maybe with some haphazard results in the matches. I said last time that Giulia, Kiana and Michin deserve better in this Women’s US Championship story, and now maybe so does B-Fab. But I suppose this “No Contest” is to give us a tag match that then leads to a better US Championship match of Mia VS Giulia. I still don’t see Giulia losing the title through it, but at least we’re keeping the division active. Very good promo from Bo & Rowan to play on The Profits’ dysfunction, and who knows how it goes for Ford & Dawkins. Good promo from Solo to make it clear, he’ll be back for the Men’s US title soon enough.

And speaking of, Sami Zayn VS Rey Fenix for the Men’s US Championship was awesome, and Sami is definitely the guy to be the workhorse champion on SmackDown. Very good promo from Aldis with Chelsea and Miz to plug a few different stories, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Chelsea & Alba showed up on NXT this Tuesday to watch Charlotte & Alexa VS Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley. Melo talking with Sami and Miz confronting Melo about it was also a good promo. I like the ambition Melo has of becoming double champion with US and tag titles, but I’m pretty sure Miz’s selfishness ruins that somehow. Nakamura lurking again, he and Sami having a feud fits given they were allies years ago during an Intercontinental Championship story.

Great title match from Tiffany and Jade, and that spear through barriers for the double count-out was great. Nia Jax attacking should’ve been expected, she isn’t just gonna leave the top title scene so easily. I wonder if they set up a bigger women’s title match for Survivor Series, because I don’t see them building a Women’s WarGames match out of this story. Very good promo from Rey, Dom and Finn to hype up tonight’s Worlds Collide (which I’ll be getting to soon). Vikingo VS Dom as a truly 1v1 should be great stuff, but I feel like Dom will call upon El Grande Americano since he won’t be getting help from Judgment Day. Plus, Judgment Day will be busy with their own matches at Worlds Collide.

Great opening stuff with Lesnar and R-Truth, though it felt a little clunky because Lesnar couldn’t keep it straight about Truth pretending to be “Ron Cena,” John Cena’s younger brother and biggest fan. Plus, Lesnar coming here for Cena when we all know last week was Cena’s last SmackDown was a little dumb. But that video package they gave to review Lesnar and Cena as feuding, parallel superstars was good. Randy VS Drew was a great match, but even in kayfabe, that ref was stupid for getting in Randy’s way over a punt kick. But whatever, Drew was gonna cheat either way.

And at the same time, of course Cody was going to make the save to set up his match with Drew, that of course adds to how big WrestlePalooza is going to be. Cody didn’t mention the title, but I think next week’s go-home makes it for the title just to up the ante even more.

My Score: 8.9/10