Are yous ready for a bloody ripper SmackDown?

No, it won’t be violent, necessarily. For the first time ever, Friday Night SmackDown is live from Australia, just 24 hours before the first ever Crown Jewel: Perth!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Open Challenge: Sami Zayn VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Sami wins by disqualification and retains the title.
• Stephanie Vaquer & Tiffany Stratton VS Giulia & Kiana James; Vaquer & Tiff win.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6 VS The Street Profits; The Wyatts win and retain the titles.
• Last Man Standing: Damian Priest VS Aleister Black; Aleister wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Operation: Crown Jewel – The Royal Transfer

From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the WWE Experience, the team of experts carefully place the Men’s & Women’s Crown Jewel Championships into their secure carrying cases, and then those cases into the SUVs, all with the white glove treatment. Then a private jet takes those cases 7,065 MILES to Perth, Australia. And from there, two more SUVs arrive at the arena, and the championships are prepped. Now they simply await the winners of tomorrow’s epic showdowns!

Cody Rhodes is here!

Perth fires up for the American Nightmare and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, and Cody shows off his 2024 Crown Jewel Championship ring before he high-fives the front row along the ramp. Cody then goes to the corner for the second, “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro. The fans then sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” as he gets the mic. Cody stands in front of the display case housing the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship, and he holds up the Undisputed WWE Championship to fire the fans up more. Cody then asks Perth, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says they could talk about Seth Rollins…

The fans boo that name, and Cody nods. Cody says Seth Rollins and his “Doom and gloom outlook” on the match that, according to Rollins, has something to do with the future of the industry. Cody poked fun at how Rollins talked about it, but after hearing Mr. Heyman… The fans boo again, and Cody says after hearing Heyman describe the actual stakes, Cody thought that maybe, just maybe, Seth is right. There’s so much to Rollins’ role now that mirrors his role at WrestleMania 40 when he helped Cody #FinishTheStory. Yet, it is Seth and not Roman that is becoming the type of man he sacrificed himself to defeat.

“Crown Jewel might be Seth Rollins’ Achilles Heel, I might be Seth Rollins’ Achilles Heel.” The fans cheer, and Cody says dismantling The Vision has now fallen on his shoulders. Lucky Cody. But Cody can’t blame Seth for falling into the trap. When you love the WWE, and Perth sounds like they love WWE, which the fans do cheer and sing, Cody says it sounds like they’re gonna have fun tonight. But when you love WWE like Seth loves it, you’ll do anything to protect it, keep it sacred, and even let reality get a bit skewed. But when you start to think that you are the only one who can carry all of this, that is the downfall.

Cody says that is a quest for control, for power, and it tips the scales from the original intention. Seth doesn’t like the QB moniker, but it is just a nickname, a shared one at that. As much as Cody likes and wants to be a leader, this team in WWE is the greatest team it’s ever assembled. And if Cody is not pulling his weight, there is someone who can step up and do it. The fans cheer that, too. And Cody will go ahead and name some names, not just for the cheap pop, but to illustrate the point. Superstars like: Randy Orton, who the fans cheer; Roman Reigns, who the fans ACKNOWLEDGE; Rhea Ripley, who the fans definitely cheer; Jey Uso, who the fans “YEET!”

Heck, Cody is pretty sure he even means C M Punk. The fans also cheer and chant that name. Cody says he also could be talking about Seth himself. The fans boo that, and Cody sees they don’t really like Seth. But the spot Seth is so envious of, it is the spot he can fill. The fans chant, “Seth is a Wanker!” Cody says this is going off the rails. He will confirm with The Voice of WWE, Michael Cole, what is it they’re saying? Maggle says he has no idea. No, say it! Cody tosses the mic to Cole! Cole says he still doesn’t get it, so Wade Barrett will say it! “Seth Rollins is a Wanker!” The fans cheer Wade for saying it! “Thank You, Barrett!”

Cody takes the mic back and says he wanted to be serious here. But anyway! No matter what Cody has tried, he doubts Rollins is listening. But he’ll give into the idea that the world revolves around Seth: Then who is Cody to Seth? Cody can’t just be any wrestler, he’d have to be THE wrestler, right? The one who wears his gear to his own funeral; the one who is buried in his boots; the one that on any night, in any era, under any circumstance, the one in Rollin’s world and in Cody’s, that Rollins cannot beat! The fans cheer and Cody gives us the mic drop! But will Cody go back-to-back as the Men’s Crown Jewel Champion? Or will The Visionary find a way to #BurnItDown?

Stephanie Vaquer prepares backstage.

La Primera has her tag team match with Tiffany Stratton against Giulia & Kiana James, but “The Hot Mess,” Chelsea Green, walks over first. Chelsea congratulates Vaquer on her Women’s World Championship. Chelsea remembers what it was like to become the first-ever Women’s United States Champion. And so champ to champ, Chelsea just wants to say Vaquer has “It.” So spicy, the secret sauce! That said, Chelsea offers Vaquer a spot as “Slaygent V” in the Secret Her-vice! Isn’t she lucky? Now, Chelsea would never ask “Tacky Time” Stratton to do it, this is exclusively for Vaquer. Did you see what Tiff was wearing? It’s giving-

Oh, Tiff walks in. Chelsea nervously says hi, then excuses herself. Vaquer throws the application form away, and tells Tiff that she will have her back, just as she’s sure Tiff will have hers. But Vaquer will say again: Tomorrow, may the best woman win. Tiff says she’s glad they’re on the same page. Vaquer heads out, but will the two champions hold it together? Or will it all far apart this close to Crown Jewel?

Cody returns backstage.

And he comes across Jacob Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf says, “The American Nightmare, huh? Now you know you got nothing but love from the Samoan Werewolf. But on the other side of Crown Jewel, when you finished with Seth Rollins, oh you know what’s popping with me!” Jacob looks to the title, and Cody says, “Good.” Cody heads out, but then the SmackDown General Manager walks in. Nick Aldis says there’s nothing he loves more than seeing someone level up in real-time. Speaking of which, he needs to talk with Jacob about something. Let’s go to Aldis’ office. Okay, keep it 100 then, Nick. But then DREW MCINTYRE ATTACKS JACOB!

Drew POSTS Jacob, then THROWS him into road cases! Then he drags Jacob up to THROW him into more road cases! Drew gets in Jacob’s face and shouts, “What’d you think was gonna happen? You called my ass out, what’d you think was gonna happen!?” Drew then lines up a shot with another case! Aldis returns, and he has producers and refs with him! Don’t think about it, Drew! What is wrong with you!? Drew says forget that piece of crap, DREW needs to talk with Aldis. They leave, Jacob gets up in a rage, not wanting help. Will the Samoan Werewolf and Scottish Terminator soon fight it out in the ring?

WWE United States Open Challenge: Sami Zayn VS ???

Speaking of champions, #BigMatchSami is ready to keep this Open Challenge series going! But who will step to the United States Champion here in Australia? We find out, after the break!

SmackDown returns and Sami’s opponent for tonight is… SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! Perth fires up for the return of the King of Strong Style! There is much history here between Sami and Shinsuke, both good and bad, but are we about to see another banger? The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who brings the gold home from Australia!

The bell rings and the fans sing Nakamura’s song. This is rather nostalgic to TakeOver: Dallas. The two tie up, Sami wrenches, Nakamura wrenches back, but Sami wrenches to WRING the arm. Sami grinds the arm, Nakamura rises, and Nakamura rolls, kips up, and cartwheels to then wrench and snapmare. Sami avoids a stomp, and the Buzzsaw, and the fans fire up! Nakamura paces, he and Sami reset, and the fans duel between “NA-KA-MU-RA!” “SAMI ZAYN!” The two tie up again, Sami wrenches then whips Nakamura to ropes. Nakamura stops himself before he KICKS Sami! Nakamura then snapmares, and KNEE DROPS!

Sami sputters, the fans rally up, and Nakamura watches Sami go to a corner. Nakamura runs in, blocks boots, and he puts Sami in the ropes to ROUNDHOUSE! Then SLIDING GERMAN! The fans fire up as Sami is down, and SmackDown goes to picture in picture.

Nakamura stands Sami up to throw knees and corner Sami. Nakamura puts Sami on the top rope, fires body shots, then he gets space. Nakamura runs in and TOP SHELF KNEES Sami down! Sami flounders but Nakamura covers, TWO! Sami survives that but Nakamura stays cool. Nakamura goes corner to corner, runs in again, but Sami ELBOWS him away. Sami goes up to AX HANDLE! Sami paces, the fans applaud, and Sami drags Nakamura up to throw hands. Sami ROCKS Nakamura, whips him to ropes again, and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is tougher than that but Sami stays cool.

Sami paces, brings Nakamura up, and gut wrenches for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami stays focused and the fans rally up. Sami drags Nakamura up to bump off buckles. Then Sami CHOPS Nakamura. Nakamura snarls, so Sami CHOPS again! Nakamura is stinging from that one, and Sami fires forearms! Sami snapmares Nakamura, drops an ELBOW, and SmackDown returns to single picture! Cover, TWO! Sami drags Nakamura up, ROCKS him again, but Nakamura fires back! The fans duel as the shots go back and forth, then Sami CHOPS, ROCKS, and reels Nakamura in. But Nakamura suplexes Sami first!

The fans fire up and rally for Nakamura. Nakamura rises, and he tells Sami, “C’MON~!” Sami runs up, but Nakamura dodges to fire off fast hands! And KICK! KICK! KICK, but Sami blocks! ENZIGIRI! Sami stumbles to a corner and Nakamura storms over. The fans cheer, but Sami stops the Good Vibrations before they begin! Nakamura dodges, ducks ‘n’ dodges again, then DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Sami survives that but Nakamura is right on him with KICKS! He scuffs Sami, KICKS Sami, and repeat. Sami stands to fire forearms! Nakamura KNEES, AX KICKS, and then KNEES again! Nakamura KICKS Sami against ropes!

The fans rally as Nakamura scuffs and KICKS Sami against ropes. The ref counts, Nakamura stops at 4 to whip, but Sami goes up and over! LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Sami rises! Sami goes up the corner while Nakamura is still down. Nakamura rises, Sami leaps, but Nakamura gets under! Nakamura swings, Sami gets under, BLUE- NO, Nakamura slips free! Sami ducks the roundhouse but not the ENZIGIRI! Another hit and Nakamura powers up! The fans fire up and Nakamura runs in, but into a scoop! MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Sami is stunned! The fans rally harder as Sami thinks on what to do next.

Sami drags Nakamura up, reels hi min, but Nakamura cradles! TWO and Sami has it, TWO! Both men are up, but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Sami has his target! Sami runs in, but Nakamura dodges! Sami hits buckles and falls back! Nakamura is up, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Nakamura is frustrated, but the fans rally up again as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Nakamura paces around Sami, and KICKS! And scuffs Sami! Sami grabs at Nakamura but Nakamura pushes him down to KNEE him in the shoulder! And KNEE him again! Nakamura pushes Sami around, drags him up, and reels him into the facelock. Nakamura grinds the facelock, then KICKS Sami! Sami wobbles, Nakamura KICKS again! Nakamura KNEES Sami again and again, then KICKS! But Sami stays on his feet, and he tells Nakamura, “C’MON~!” Nakamura BOOTS Sami for using his gimmick! Nakamura fires forearms in the corner, the ref counts, and Nakamura stops at 4. Nakamura paces, then he storms up to lift Sami to the top rope!

Nakamura CHOPS Sami, climbs up, and they go to the very top! Sami fights the lift, fires body shots, and then he CLUBS away on Nakamura’s back! Sami adjusts, the fans fire up, and Sami SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives, SmackDown returns to single picture again, and Sami has the fans singing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Sami drags Nakamura up, fires shots, but Nakamura fires back. They go back and forth, Sami fires a flurry, but so does Nakamura! The shots keep going, Sami gets the edge, but Nakamura HEADBUTTS! And then ROUND- NO, Sami ducks! But Nakamura stops Blue Thunder!

Nakamura goes to run but Sami reels him in! Back suplex, but Nakamura lands out! BLINDSIDE KINSHASA!! But Sami tumbles all the way out of the ring! Nakamura is beside himself, but he hurries out to fetch Sami. But Sami clinches! BARRICADE EXPLODER! Sami leaves Nakamura behind, only to turn around and HELLUVA KICK against the barriers! The fans fire up, but the ring count is climbing! We hit 5 of 10, Sami rises at 6 and bring Nakamura around. Sami puts Nakamura at 8, rolls in at 9, but into a KINSHASA!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Sami survives by a literal foot, and Nakamura is absolutely stunned!

The fans are torn, but they rally up again as Nakamura rises. SCORPIO RISING!! The fans fire up and Nakamura calls upon the powers of Strong Style! But wait, who is this dragging Nakamura out?! He CLOBBERS Nakamura, ruining the match!!

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

The mystery man storms into the ring, and reveal! THAT’S TAMA TONGA!! He has the Ghost Face Killer face paint back, and he’s ready to destroy Sami! In fact, the rest of MFT is here, all wearing the face paint! These guerrillas attack Sami 4v1!! The fans boo but there’s nothing Sami can do against any of them! Nakamura rushes back in, but now it’s just 4v2! They stomp and punch away on Nakamura, then drag Nakamura up. Tama feeds Nakamura to Talla’s BOOT! Loa SMACKS Sami off buckles, and then LARIATS! Then a feed to the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! The fans boo but the mugging continues!

Tama then sets up as Talla drags Nakamura to his feet, HIDDEN BLADE!! And now Solo Sikoa strolls on out here. The fans tell Solo off, but HIS thugs set Sami and Nakamura side by side on the mat. Solo stands over his enemies, his brothers-in-arms with him. MFT is back at 100%, will they take over SmackDown by force?

Nick Aldis talks with the refs.

The SmackDown GM wants this thing with Solo Sikoa handled, go find MFT and tell them Aldis wants to talk with Solo immediately. The refs head out, and then Aldis sees Drew walking back in. Before Drew says anything, Aldis says Drew jumped Jacob right before Aldis was going to tell them both: SmackDown, San Jose, October 17th, Drew VS Jacob 1v1. Drew nods and says 1v1 in front of Jacob’s own people as Drew beast some respect into him. “You’re on.” But then JACOB ATTACKS DREW! The brawl is on, refs and producers and security all rush in, and they manage to separate these two! Will these two absolutely demolish each other in San Jose?

Stephanie Vaquer & Tiffany Stratton VS Giulia & Kiana James!

La Primera and the Wrestling Barbie already said all they needed to say last week during the contract signing, but this match is because The Beautiful Madness & Miss Management had to go and interrupt proceedings. Will the top two women in the WWE humble the United States Champion and her representation? Or will everyone succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

The teams sort out and Vaquer starts against Kiana. The fans cheer for Tiffy Time but Kiana says she can still be Vaquer’s manager going into the Crown Jewel Championship match. Kiana offers a handshake, but then she KNEES Vaquer low! Kiana says that’s for refusing last week! She had her chance, now it’s gone. But then Vaquer reels Kiana in for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up, Vaquer sits Kiana up, and now the fans really fire up! Vaquer says this is for Eddie Guerrero on his birthday, DEVIL’S KISSES! AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH, YEEEEAH~! Kiana sputters, the fans cheer, and Vaquer smiles.

Giulia tags in and she stares down her rival. Fans want more of the Devil’s Kisses while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Giulia and Vaquer circle, tie up, and Giulia whips Vaquer. Vaquer catches Giulia to an arm-drag! Vaquer runs up, wheelbarrow, and swings around, but Giulia rebounds off ropes to sunset flip! ONE as Vaquer now has a cradle, ONE as Giulia gets free! The two stand and the fans applaud. Vaquer and Giulia go again, and Vaquer waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Giulia flounders to a corner, Vaquer runs corner to corner, but Giulia puts her on the apron. Vaquer blocks to buckle bump Giulia, but Kiana YANKS her down! The fans boo but Giulia storms out to BIG back suplex to the floor! Giulia grins but the ref reprimands.

Giulia drags Vaquer up, clamps on a chinlock, then SMACKS Vaquer off the apron. Giulia puts Vaquer in at 6 of 10, then she digs her boot in at the corner. The ref counts, Giulia stops at 4, and she brings Vaquer up. Giulia bumps Vaquer off buckles, tags Kiana, and Kiana bumps Vaquer off buckles. Vaquer sputters, Kiana stomps her, then drags her up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Kiana seethes, and she drags Vaquer over. Tag to Giulia, ELBOW DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture as Giulia drags Vaquer around. Giulia THROWS Vaquer by her hair! Vaquer ends up in the corner, and Giulia tags Kiana.

Kiana RAMS Vaquer again and again, the ref counts, but Giulia tags in. Kaian handsprings to RAM Vaquer again! Kiana snapmares Vaquer and Giulia climbs up, MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer flounders, Giulia hurries to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Giulia drags Vaquer away. Giulia pie faces Vaquer, stomps her down, then brings her up. But Vaquer JAWBREAKERS and SUPERKICKS! Kiana tags in, she drags Vaquer, and the fans boo! Vaquer rises up, and ENZIGIRIS! Kiana staggers, Vaquer hot tags Tiff! Perth fires up for Tiffy Time as she rallies on Kiana with LARIATS! Then she BLASTS Giulia, dodges Kiana, and LARIATS again!

The fans fire up with Tiff as she flexes, and she asks, “What time is it?!” “TIFFY TIME!” Handspring BACK ELBOW! Whip and TIFFY SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kiana survives but Tiff cartwheels and Alabama Lifts! But Kiana sunset flips! Tiff rolls through, high stacks, TWO! Tiff SHOTGUNS Kiana down! Kiana ends up on ropes, Tiff runs, but Giulia is in the way! Kiana then back suplexes, but Tiff lands out! SUPERKICK from Kiana! Tag to Giulia, and she runs in, ARRIVEDERCI KNEE! But Giulia isn’t done, she wrenches, hammerlocks, lifts, and spins for the GLORIOUS DRIVER GIULIA!! Cover, Vaquer breaks it!

The fans fire up, but Kiana TOSSES Vaquer! Giulia snarls then tags Kiana in. Kiana drags Tiff up, reels her in, and lifts, but Tiff slips free! Tiff blocks a kick, spins Kiana, and Alabama Lifts for an ALABAMA SLAM! Tag to Vaquer and she DROPKICKS Giulia! Then she clinches Kiana to spin, tuck, and S V B MKII! Cover, Giulia breaks it! Tiff storms in, she and Giulia brawl, and Giulia HEADBUTTS! Giulia runs, but Tiff TOSSES her out! Vaquer tags in, then goes up top! Tiff tags back in, and Vaquer SUPER CROSSBODIES Giulia! TIFF- NO, Kiana stops the stomps to sunset flip, TWO! Kiana runs up, Tiff dodges, and fireman’s carries!

ROLLING SENTON for Tiff, then the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff & Vaquer win!

Winners: Stephanie Vaquer & Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

The top champions win together, but now they shift gears back to being rivals. They stand by the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship belt before they each lift their own. Who will be the one to prove themselves as THE Women’s Champion tomorrow at Crown Jewel?

#ZaRuca is backstage.

And Sol has a question for the hometown girl. Has Zaria ever owned a koala? No, but there was a rabid one that ran around. Did he have a name? They called him Benny. But now #Charlexa steps in. They say hi, and they watched ZaRuca last week. That was impressive. But surely they know facing THE Charlotte Flair & THE Alexa Bliss is no ordinary match. They are going to be in her spotlight. Uh, their spotlight? That’s what Charlotte meant. Alexa says this isn’t their first rodeo. You step into the ring with them, you find there is a big difference between winning a match and facing the very best. Alexa isn’t sure they’re ready yet.

Zaria chuckles. She says they hear the compliments, and they appreciate it. But they’re not just gonna sit around and wait for their turn. If Charlexa doesn’t think ZaRuca is ready yet, prove it. Unless you’re scared to risk it. Oh, rude. Borderline disrespectful. But bold. Charlotte respects that. Reminds her of her. Sol says they respect what Charlexa has done, but at some point, it was because someone gave them their opportunities. That’s all they’re asking for: A chance for ZaRuca to prove themselves. Charlotte says, “Request granted.” But Alexa adds, “Just don’t expect us to hold back. We’re not here to make your dreams come true, we’re here to win.”

Sol says, “Good.” ZaRuca turns to leave but they bump into each other. They sort it out then leave, and Charlexa says that’s not even being on the same page. As they then leave in opposite directions… Alexa says they’re this way, and Charlotte says that she knew that. These two odd couples are going to have it out soon enough, but who proves they’re the more dynamic (or possibly dysfunctional) duo?

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

Well, speaking of dysfunction, the Wyatt Sick6 keep trying to point out what’s going on between Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, but “Tez & Dawks” don’t wanna hear that. Instead, they just want to be back on top of the world as tag team champions! Will the Profits be up? Or will their bond as brothers go up in smoke? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns as The Wyatts make their entrance. The piano plays, the lights dim, and the fireflies come out as a spotlight shines on the rocking chair and lantern. From out of the mist, the Wyatts walk up, Uncle Howdy conspicuous by his absence. In his stead, “Sister Abigail” Nikki Cross picks up the lantern to lead the way. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which family survives another fight!

Speaking of fight, the teams don’t sort out, they just throw hands! The bell rings and the fans fire up! Ford TOSSES Lumis, Dawkins fires a flurry of fists on Gacy, but Gacy ROCKS Dawkins in return. Gacy whips, Dawkins hurdles, and Dawkins FLYING ELBOWS! The fans fire up, Dawkins drags Gacy over, and he tags Ford. The Profits whip, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Ford & Dawkins set up, BACK SUPLEX SPLASH! Lumis runs up, but into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK onto Gacy! The fans cheer, Ford TOSSES Lumis back out, and Dawkins whips Gacy. BACKDROP! Gacy flounders out of the ring to regroup with The Wyatts.

Dawkins goes out, the fans fire up, and Dawkins runs in, POUNCE! He sends both Gacy & Lumis into the barriers! The fans join in with “SI~!” and the fist pump. Dawkins is feeling is as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Dawkins storms up on Gacy, puts Gacy in, and then drags him up. Dawkins whips, Gacy grabs ropes, and then Gacy BOOTS Dawkins! Tag to Lumis, and they get Dawkins for a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Lumis is frustrated already, but he rains down fists! Tag to Gacy, and Lumis lifts Dawkins for an atomic drop! Gacy LARIATS! Lumis SENTONS! Gacy ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Gacy senses Ford behind him and stares him down. Gacy then drags Dawkins over to tag Lumis back in. The Wyatts mug Dawkins, Lumis whips Dawkins, and Lumis ELBOWS Dawkins down! The fans rally, Lumis paces, and Dawkins writhes.

Lumis sits Dawkins up to ELBOW him in the head! And ELBOW him again! Lumis clamps onto Dawkins with a neck wrench but he endures. Dawkins rises, fires body shots, but Lumis KNEES low! Lumis whips, Dawkins ducks ‘n’ dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fist pump with Ford as Dawkins and Lumis crawl. Hot tags to Gacy and Ford! The fans fire up and Tez GAMANGIRIS Gacy! Ford goes up to LEAP over Gacy, then LARIAT! And another dodge to then blow past Gacy and LARIAT again! The fans are with Ford but Gacy puts him on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS again!

Ford goes back up, and he CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Gacy is still in this but Ford tags Dawkins. Wrench, KNEE, whip and REVELATION!! Cover, Lumis SUPERKICKS it apart! SmackDown returns to single picture as Lumis then goes after Dawkins. Lumis stomps him, then runs up on Ford. Ford GAMANGIRIS again, then goes up, but Lumis UPPERCUTS! Lumis calls to Gacy, they both climb up, only for Dawkins to get under them! The fans fire up for the Double Electric Chair Lift, and then Ford stands up! DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous with the fist pumps!

Dawkins crawls, finds Gacy to cover, NIKKI helps the ROPEBREAK! So B-Fab grabs Nikki and TOSSES her into the steps! But now Erick Rowan steps up. B-Fab is worried, but then Nikki LEAPS onto Fab! But Ford FLIES onto Rowan! Down goes Redbeard, but Gacy dodges Dawkins! Into the UP- NO! The ANOINTING! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins FLIES onto Rowan! Now Ford is up top, but Lumis saves Gacy from the splash! THE PLAGUE!!! Cover, Wyatts win!

Winners: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

The Profits used their usual teamwork, but it didn’t work against the sheer numbers of The Wyatts! But while the Profits crash, the MFTs move in! They’re creeping up on The Wyatts! The fans fire up and lose their minds as we see these teams stare down under the spooky lights! And then Solo Sikoa steps in so he can stand between them all. The fans tell off Solo, and NIKKI gets in his face! The fans cheer Nikki for being just crazy enough to stare him down. But then Solo has his guys back down, the message has been sent. But when and where will MFT and the Wyatt Sick6 fight to be THE family of SmackDown?

Backstage interview with The Miz.

Cathy Kelley is with The Hollywood A-Lister and brings up last week’s vicious blindside attack on Carmelo Hayes. Why did Miz turn on Melo? Uh, why did Miz turn on Melo? Rephrase the question, Cathy. Miz saw the potential in H1M, Miz believed in Melo, the potential, the talent, the attitude, the swagger! Miz donated his time and effort to helping Melo as the mentor Miz never had. And yet Melo had the audacity to say he was done with Miz! Like Miz was lucky to be in his presence! Do you know who he is?! Yes, you’re The Miz. The Miz is a TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion! Main eventer of WrestleMania, future Hall of Famer!

Cathy says some would say he’s also the spotlight stealer. Uh, he IS the spotlight! Everything Miz shines on becomes a star! Melo blew it. Sometimes, winners can’t elevate losers. What Melo, Cathy, and everyone else needs to understand is that the closer you get to Miz, the faster you find out who the real star is. You either rise with him or fall beneath him! And Melo… You missed! Cathy didn’t even wish Miz a happy birthday. Some journalist she is. Miz storms off, but when and where will Melo have his response?

Last Man Standing: Damian Priest VS Aleister Black!

The Archer of Infamy was told that violence begets violence, and The Dark Father vowed to be the prophet of that violence. But at the same time, Priest told him he would be the consequences of Aleister’s actions. What started with The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth has led to these two throwing away the limitations of morality. Who will be THE Last Man Standing?

The bell rings and the two run up! Aleister avoids a boot to KICK, then he bobs ‘n’ weaves and even blocks a shot. But Priest blocks a kick in return to ROCK Aleister! The fans already chant for tables as Priest fires off on Aleister. Priest UPPERCUTS Aleister, then TOSSES him out of the ring. Priest pursues, and he goes looking under the ring. The fans cheer, Aleister stands at 3 of 10, and Priest finds a kendo stick! But Aleister BOOTS him first! Aleister fires hands, then a KICK! Priest sputters against the apron but Aleister brings him around. Priest blocks a smack off the steps to SMACK Aleister off the steps. Priest then pulls the steps apart!

The fans cheer as Priest runs up and RAMS Aleister down! The count begins again but Priest waits, steps at the ready. Aleister stands at 4, but Priest RAMS him down again! The fans cheer that, and Priest stalks Aleister up the ramp as we go picture in picture.

Priest HEADBUTTS Aleister, KICKS him, then ROCKS him! Aleister fires back, Priest ROCKS him again, and they go to the stage. Priest sends Aleister into a stage truss! They go around the way, they brawl, and Priest ROCKS Aleister against the truss! The fans cheer as Priest gets space, and he runs up, only for Aleister to move! Priest hits truss, Aleister BOOTS Priest! Priest staggers, Aleister KICKS and CLUBS him, then UPPERCUTS him! They go around the wide ride side of the stage, Priest ROCKS Aleister, but Aleister JUMP KNEES Priest! Priest staggers away, Aleister pursues and throws knees! Then he THRWOS Priest into barriers!

Priest hobbles, Aleister ROCKS him, and they start going down the ramp towards ringside. Aleister KICKS Priest, SMACKS him off barriers, but Priest ROCKS Aleister! And ROCKS him again! Priest drags Aleister along, winds up, but Aleister blocks to KNEE and KICK Priest! Aleister drags Priest along to SMACK him off the apron! SmackDown returns to single picture as Aleister brings out another kendo stick. But Priest SUPERKICKS first! Aleister falls back against the apron, and fans still want tables. Priest drags Aleister up to whip him hard into barriers! The standing count is on Aleister, but Priest goes to get the base steps!

Aleister rises at 5 to stand at 6, but Priest has put the steps in the ring. Aleister storms inside, but into a FLATLINER! The fans rally, Priest brings the base steps around, then he brings Aleister around. But Aleister blocks, ROCKS, and JUMP KNEES Priest again! Priest staggers, Aleister goes up, but Priest GAMANGIRIS! Priest then lines up a shot, and he goes to the very top! But Aleister gets under him! The fans freak out already but Priest ROCKS Aleister! Only for Aleister to drop toehold him onto the steps! Aleister and Priest go to corners, but the standing count is on Priest. Priest rises up at 4, but Aleister uses the steps to LEAP!

But Priest catches him! SOUTH OF- NO, Aleister KNEES free! Aleister goes up, METEORA onto the steel steps!! The fans fire up and lose their minds as the standing count begins again. Priest is down at 5, manages to slump off the steps at 6, and he uses ropes to stand at 7. Aleister tips the steps over onto their side, and he GRINDS Priest’s face into that diamond plated steel! But Priest elbows free! Aleister fires a strike fest, runs, but into a scoop! SNAKE EYES off the steps! Aleister staggers, Priest kicks him low and reels him in! Canadian Rack, but Aleister fights free! And he DUMPS Priest out! Priest stumbles to the desk!

Aleister goes up, out, up, ARIHARA- NO, Priest dodges the moonsault! Aleister runs up, Priest BACKDROPS, but Aleister sunset flips through to BOMB Priest into the other steps! The ref hurries to check Priest and he’s somehow okay to continue. But then Aleister DRIBBLES Priest off the side! The fans are torn but Aleister wants the count. Priest sputters, the count begins, and the fans cheer. Aleister watches closely, and Priest rises at 5 to stand at 7. The fans still want tables, but Aleister runs up! Priest POUNCES Aleister over the announce desk! The fans go nuts again as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

The fans rally as the count climbs, and Aleister is up at 4. Priest storms up to UPPERCUT! Aleister is in a daze, but Priest drags him up to ROCK him again! Aleister staggers away, Priest ROCKS him again, and SMACKS him off the apron. Aleister is down, Priest goes up, and the count returns. Priest leaves Aleister be, and the count is 5 of 10! Aleister rises up, but Priest hoists up the base steps! Aleister sees that and scrambles away before Priest DROPS the steps! The steps hit the ground, Aleister leans on the barriers. Priest goes out after Aleister again, and he brings Aleister around to ROCK him again!

Aleister rolls into the ring, Priest has the kendo stick. But Aleister has one, too! Priest blocks the kendo stick to BELL CLAP! Then he ELBOWS Aleister in the corner! And he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Priest winds up as Aleister rises, and Priest runs to COMEBACKER LARIAT! SmackDown returns to single picture as the count climbs. Aleister is down at 5 but stirring. Aleister sits up at 6, but Priest has the kendo stick! Aleister is up at 9, but Priest SMACKS him in the leg! And then wrenches Aleister to bring him over to the corner. Priest goes up and tightrope walks! But Aleister SMACKS Priest with a kendo stick!

Priest stays up and SMACKS, SMACKS, SMACKS in return! But Aleister YANKS Priest down for a KNEE! Both men fall, but Priest falls out of the ring! The fans fire up as the standing count is on both men. “This is Awesome!” as we reach 4 of 10, then 5. Priest sits up, Aleister stirs, and both stand at 8. Priest leans against the post, Aleister goes out after him, and Aleister drags Priest up to ROCK him again. Fans still want tables, but Aleister takes a chair instead. The afns still like that, and Aleister jAMS Priest up! And JAMS him again! And then again, and again! Priest drops to his knees, the count starts, but Aleister aims!

Priest choke grips Aleister first! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Then Priest reels Aleister in, crucifix for the RAZOR’S EDGE on the commentary desk! The table didn’t break but maybe Aleister just did! The fans fire up, they want that again! The count climbs, Aleister is still down at 5 of 10. Then 7! 8! 9! Aleister slumps off the desk to stand at 9.5!! The fans fire up but Priest snarls. Priest drags Aleister back around, lifts again, another RAZOR’s EDGE on the desk! Despite what the fans want, the desk does not break! We’re again at 5 of 10, then 7, and again Aleister slumps down to survive at 9.5! Priest TOSSES him into the crowd!

The fans fire up as this moves towards the back area, and Priest TOSSES Aleister onto a shelf unit! The fans fire up as Priest hops up to join him. Priest reels Aleister in, BROKEN ARROW onto a road case! Aleister sputters, the fans lose their minds as this is literally escalating! Priest climbs up, Aleister wants mercy, but Priest says didn’t Aleister want to show us Hell? Stand up, big man! WAIT! Zelina Vega rushes out here! Aleister’s wife wants Priest to show him mercy. The fans boo, Priest asks if Aleister is really letting his wife be his shield. Aleister tells Zelina to step aside, they have to settle this.

Priest brings down his straps, and he grabs Aleister, but Aleister uses FLASH PAPER to blind and startle Priest!! Then BLACK MASS!! Priest falls down through tables!! The fans lose their minds and the count begins! The count is 5 of 10 but Priest is barely stirring! We hit 7, then 8! Then 9! TEN!! ALEISTER WINS!!

Winner: Aleister Black

Zelina helps Aleister stand, but did La Muneca have something to do with that final trick? Will Priest ever stand again after what Aleister did to him?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown from Australia, even as the go-home to Crown Jewel: Perth. That vignette of taking the Crown Jewel titles from Riyadh to Perth was neat, but could’ve honestly been saved for Crown Jewel tomorrow. Though at the same time, it worked well with Cody opening the show and having his promo to put a punctuation on this before the match tomorrow. Also, Rollins didn’t show up because per their “Kickoff Show” live conference with the fans and all that, Rollins had no comment, he didn’t want to talk anymore. Honestly, at this point, I feel like Rollins HAS to win. Not only has Cody won the other three times, but Heyman’s ultimatum of breaking up The Vision, Rollins has to find a way to win just so things don’t absolutely fall apart.

Though as I’ve been saying, that really depends on if Raw and SmackDown will split the Crown Jewel wins or not. Vaquer & Tiff had a good little promo that was really more helped by Chelsea thinking Vaquer would degrade herself to being Secret Her-vice. The tag match was good stuff, maybe a little clunky from just less reps together since Vaquer is Raw and we haven’t really had interactions of Tiff with Kiana and Giulia. But great win for the Faces to keep Vaquer and Tiff even, and this really could go either way at this point. It also depends on who will challenge each champion after Crown Jewel on the road to WarGames, or who even is in the Women’s WarGames, should there be one.

Good promo from #ZaRuca and #Charlexa to essentially set up a tag title match. Fun little detail at the end with each team not knowing where they’re literally going, too, showing both sides still have some work to do to be in sync. It also worked as a perfect segue to the tag title match, though we oddly didn’t get as much dysfunction from The Profits as they’ve been implying. It was really just more classic “This team has more people, that’s why they win.” But MFT made great moves tonight, and I just knew it was all waiting on Tama’s return. Sami VS Nakamura as two Faces was an awesome match, but MFT “ruining” it did help keep Nakamura strong without having a real win or lose.

And then after the great tag title match, great move for MFT to be out there and essentially issue their challenge. Though, the WWE production team should’ve realized having the strobe lights going that entire time was BS. It hurt my eyes, they still hurt, and it might as well have come with a seizure warning it was that bad. But still, great stuff, and I’d love if the WarGames match was actually MFT VS Wyatts, provided Bo Dallas is alright to wrestle. Bo not being there really was curious, but I haven’t heard word of injury. Though even then, I’m not sure who the Wyatts could get as a fifth man if it’s all five men from MFT.

Great stuff with Drew and Jacob, from Jacob telling Cody that he wants next to Drew attacking him to then Jacob attacking back. Drew VS Jacob itself could be made into a #1 contender’s match so that the winner faces Cody at like Saturday Night’s Main Event or something. It’d fit SNME cuz I don’t think Cody is losing this Undisputed title until 2026, so Drew can get a rematch and lose again or Jacob can get his first try and lose while looking awesome. And of course, great stuff with Priest VS Aleister. Zelina showing up and Aleister using flash paper was great stuff, too, because for one, the mist is Asuka’s thing, she’s the only one in WWE that can spray mist. But also, feels a little like they handed the flash paper mantle from Karrion Kross & Scarlett to Aleister & Zelina.

Either way, great win for Aleister, he could also position himself as a contender, but that depends on how much more they want to do of Aleister VS Priest. Also, R-Truth keeps “missing” foreign SmackDowns because he kayfabe goes to the wrong destinations. At some point, we need to have that real blowoff of Ron Killings VS Aleister Black to finish this story.

My Score: 8.8/10