Adrenaline in San Jose!

In the aftermath of Crown Jewel: Perth, Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, is back on SmackDown, but NOT as the 2025 Men’s Crown Jewel Champion! Who will step up to him with WarGames on the horizon?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Sol Ruca & Zaria; Charlotte & Alexa win and retain the titles.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov; Ilja wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
• Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza; MCMG wins.
• Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Jacob Fatu; canceled.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre; Drew wins, by disqualification, and Cody retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis is in the ring!

“San Jose, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer, and the SmackDown General Manager brings up how we were to have Drew McIntyre VS Jacob Fatu… But now he is out here to inform us that the match is now a #1 Contender’s Match to the Undisputed Championship! That means the winner will go on to face this man… Cody Rhodes is here! The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his way out, and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, then he high-fives fans on his way down the ramp. We get the second, “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro before Cody steps into the ring to join Aldis.

The fans cheer as Cody is handed the mic, and they even sing, “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Cody looks to the fans, then raises the title, and the fans cheer more. Cody then says, “This past Saturday at Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins beat me for the Crown Jewel Championship.” The fans boo, but Cody says it split Rollins to the bone to do so. After this dance they’ve had these past few years, Cody says he and Rollins don’t ever need to be in the same ring, but we all know that’s not how it works around here. And we don’t need perfect vision to know that Rollins has some issues of his own now with The Bron-Brons, with The Oracle who is rewriting the future as we speak.

Cody knows Rollins has to handle his business, and Cody will handle his. The fans cheer that! Cody says the business of SmackDown is being with us all here in the Bay Area to watch the Number 1 Contender’s match! The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he just heard Aldis ask, “Who’s it gonna be?” The Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre? The fans boo that name. Hold on, Cody will do that again. Drew McIntyre?! The fans boo even harder this time. Cody asks if it is someone San Jose is rather familiar with. The fans already fire up with “FATU! FATU!” Cody nods and says it is someone from right around here, the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu!

The fans cheer again, and Cody say she doesn’t know how this one shakes out. But he knows he will be ready, he knows it is Friday night, the lights are bright, and the roads to Saturday Night’s Main Event all run through San Jose! The fans cheer that as Cody kisses the title, but will he end up kissing it goodbye on November 1st?

MFT arrives backstage.

And they take notice of Rey Fenix getting a new photoshoot. Solo Sikoa says the cameraman should stop right now, and just move on to Solo. Fenix says tranquilo, just a couple more. Wait your turn, Solo. Uh, no, Fenix is done now. Move. Fenix asks what’s Solo’s problem, and he says he doesn’t have a problem. Fenix does, though. Then Tama Tonga BODY BLOWS Fenix! Talla sits Fenix up and Solo says when he says you’re done, you’re done. Now take his ass out! Talla TOSSES Fenix onto road cases! Security and refs rush in but MFT still mugs Fenix! They move on, but will Fenix make them regret getting on his bad side?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Sol Ruca & Zaria!

While The Queen & Lil’ Miss Bliss aren’t always on the same page, the proof is in the pudding, as they say. However, the Soul Surfer & The Agent of Change are on some rocky waters with everything happening in NXT. Can #ZaRuca hold it together to prove they’re a team through and through? Or will these titles still belong to #Charlexa?

SmackDown returns and ZaRuca makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see whose teamwork makes the dream work!

Wait, in the crowd! Blake Monroe is here in the crowd! Will The Glamour have a part to play here tonight? The fans “WOO~” while the teams sort out, and Charlotte starts against Sol. Charlotte and Sol circle, tie up, and go around. Charlotte goes for the arm, wrenches and wristlocks, but Sol rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Charlotte cartwheels, wrenches, and wristlocks again. Sol cartwheels through the arm-wringer and the fans cheer. Charlotte applauds, that was good. They tie up, Charlotte wrenches, then whips, but Sol reverses. Charlotte goes up, out, and BOOTS her way back in! Zaria runs up but into a BOOT!

Charlotte slingshots to roll Sol, but Sol rolls through to KICK! Sol runs up, charlotte dodges and GAMANGIRIS! Charlotte bumps Sol off buckles, then tags Alexa. The fans fire up for Bliss as Charlotte whips her in, and Alexa tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Sol tumbles, Zaria tags in, but Alexa dodges! Alexa jumps on for a SLEEPER! But Zaria THROWS her down! Alexa mule kicks, SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Zaria to then DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Alexa runs, but into a scoop! Zaria pops Alexa around, Alexa slips free to waistlock, but Zaria switches. Alexa fights the lift, clinches, but Zaria fights free! Zaria shoves Alexa to SPINEBUSTER!

The fans are torn as Zaria flexes, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Zaria stalks Alexa to the outside, drags her up, and SMACKS her off the apron! Zaria puts Alexa in the ring, covers, TWO! Zaria whips Alexa into the corner hard, then climbs up to reel Alexa in, HANGING SLEEPER! Charlotte protests but Zaria lets go at 4. Alexa sputters, Zaria hops down to stalk her, and she pushes Alexa to a cover, TWO! Charlotte was ready but the ref has her back down. Zaria whips Alexa at the corner, but Alexa BLAST Sol! Then she BOOTS Zaria, and runs up to THESZ PRESS! Alexa rains down fast hands, but Zaria pushes her way, then LARIATS her down! Zaria stares Charlotte down before she covers Alexa, TWO!

Alexa toughs it out but Zaria drags her up. Zaria bumps ALexa off buckles, tags Sol, and Sol waves to Charlotte before she ELBOWS Zlexa! Then Zaria runs in and LARIAST! Then Zaria gives Sol a boost for the SHOTGUN on Alexa! Sol drags Alexa to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Charlotte was again ready, but Alexa survives on her own. Sol drags Alexa up, but Alexa cradle counters, TWO! Sol escapes, but Alexa drop toeholds her right outta the ring! Sol flounders, Alexa crawls, and Sol hurries in! Sol BLASTS Charlotte first! The ref has to stop Charlotte from getting in, and that lets Sol whip Alexa to the corner.

Tag to Zaria, ZaRuca mugs Alexa, then they whip her to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Alexa, and then handshake DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Zaria keeps on Alexa as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally as Alexa fights up. Alexa fires body shots, Blake is annoyed, but Zaria whips Alexa to a corner! Zaria goes up the ropes again, the fans rally back up, and Zaria has the HANGING SLEEPER again! The fans are torn, but Alexa stands on the ropes to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Then she HEEL KICKS Zaria off the top! The fans fire up while both women crawl, but Zaria drags Alexa back!

Zaria drags Alexa up, puts her in the corner, and tags Sol. Feed to Sol’s SPIN-OUT ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Then tag back to Zaria, and Sol goes up! KEGSTAND FLOPS! They tried to party a little too soon and they pay for it! Zaria hurries up on Alexa, but Alexa BOOTS her down! Sol runs up but Alexa TOSSES her out! Zaria hurries and gets Alexa’s feet! Alexa BOOTS free, hot tag to Charlotte! The fans fire up as Charlotte climbs, DOUBLE CROSSBODY on ZaRuca! The fans fire up and Charlotte CHOPS away! “WOO~! WOO~! WOO~!” The CHOPS just keep going, then Charlotte dodges Zaria, HANDSPRING LARIAT!

The fans fire up with Charlotte, she BOOTS Zaria, then BOOTS again! Then BOOTS again! Then a scoop and EXPLODER! Charlotte kips up, the fans fire up, and Charlotte says “SUCK IT!” But then she dodges Zaria, BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Charlotte drags Zaria up, but Zaria fights the waistlock. Zaria bucks the O’Conner, Sol tags in, but Zaria takes the BOOT! Sol springboards to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And ELBOW! Sol BLASTS Alexa, wrenches Charlotte, then whips her to a corner! SNAP GERMAN! Sol goes up, aims, and MISSILE- NO, Charlotte catches the legs!

Charlotte fights and turns Sol over, BOSTON CRAB! Sol powers out to a seated cover, TWO! Charlotte is up, she trips Sol, and steps through, but Sol BOOTS free! Charlotte hits buckles, SOUL SNATCHER!!! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! Zaria storms in and TOSSES Alexa! Zaria then runs, but Alexa avoids the dropkick! Alexa is up and FLYING RAN- NO!! Zaria stops it just in time, and SWINGS Alexa into the barriers! But Charlotte BOOTS Zaria! But then Sol goes up, ASAI MOONSAULT on Charlotte! Charlotte saves Alexa at the last second, and Blake sarcastically applauds. Sol asks why Blake is even here. Charlotte runs up and CHOP BLOCKS Sol!

Blake plays innocent and mocks Sol’s pain. Charlotte puts Sol in the ring, drags Sol around, step through and FIGURE FOUR! Sol flails, reaches out, but Charlotte drags her back, KNEE DROP on the knee! Then FIGURE FOUR, and FIGURE EIGHT!! Sol endures, but she TAPS, Charlexa wins!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by submission (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion)

While Charlotte & Alexa retained, Blake is the happiest of them all because she screwed over her new target. Will the Woman From Hell add insult to injury when she goes after the NXT Women’s North American Championship at Halloween Havoc?

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

The Undisputed Champion crosses paths with Jacob Fatu. Fatu tells “Codel” welcome to the YEA AREA~! San Jose! The Shark Tank, baby! But hey, when Fatu is finished dog-walking Drew from San Jose to Oakland to San Francisco, to hell, even the Bay Bridge, Fatu shows us the real meaning of ghost ride the whip! And you will know that Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! Yadada mean? Cody shakes hands and daps it up with Fatu, then says he hopes Fatu is right. Will Fatu represent and soon bring gold home to the Golden State? Or will the Scottish Terminator only need one Claymore to get back to the title scene?

Aleister Black speaks.

The dark Father, a snake on his shoulder and La Muneca by his side, says, “You know what I’m the most proud of? For weeks… No, months… I’ve been setting this in motion. The reality is, everything I have done has been a calculated move in my head. And I’ve not felt this accomplished as me aligning with my wife.” Zelina Vega says this isn’t new, and Aleister says it was always part of the plan. It was always by design. This was the inevitable truth, and there are none more methodical and violent than Vega. They are not the infection, but the mirror that shows it. They’re not big fans of putting all their cards on the table, but Aleister will tells us this.

“We are what you’d perhaps call a necessary evil. We are in balance.” Vega adds that, “The venom isn’t poison, but salvation.” Then will Aleister & Zelina become WWE’s new power couple?

The Miz talks with Nick Aldis.

The Hollywood A-Lister wants it to be big, so think big. Aldis says okay, he will take it into consideration. Miz thanks Aldis for that, then Sami Zayn walks in. The US Champion asks Aldis what is going on. He is supposed to do the Open Challenge, but he noticed he wasn’t on the card. Aldis says Sami knows Aldis supports the US Championship Open Challenge, that’s why he signed off on it. But the thing is, he wanted to make sure Shinsuke Nakamura got a proper rematch, but Nakamura is still in Japan. The other thing is, they have to worry about MFT. We all saw what MFT did to Sami and Nakamura last week, they’re already trouble tonight, Aldis can’t have anymore of that.

Sami asks, “Since when is that how things work around here?” That’s not how Sami works! Is he supposed to just hide back here? He’s to be intimidated and bullied because MFT has a problem? Because MFT has something to prove? Sami’s sorry, but no, this title means something! This title means something to Sami, to the fans, to the locker room full of hungry superstars! Sami is going out there, he is going to defend the title, and whoever wants a piece, Sami will be ready in that ring. Sami heads out, Aldis double checks with Miz if he needed something else, and Miz says no, no, he’s good. Real good. Three guesses to what “big thing” Miz wants to try tonight.

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

#BigMatchSami knows what was promised to the fans, and he keeps his promises! But with MFT on the prowl, who is going to step up for this golden opportunity? Well, duh! THE MIZ! The Most Must-See Superstar made sure to follow Sami right to gorilla, and Miz grabs the mic to say, “I am so sick of these open challenges treating that championship like a charity!” BUT THEN MELO ATTACKS! The fans fire up as Melo gets payback for when Miz ruined his shot last time! Melo sends Miz into the tron screen, but refs and producers hurry out to stop H1M from beating Miz down more! This all goes backstage, so now who challenges Sami?

ILYA DRAGUNOV!? The fans fire up as the Mad Russian returns from injury! But will his first match back result in his first title here on the main roster?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Sami nods as he and Ilja step up. They shake hands to show respect and the fans cheer, “Welcome Back!” Then the forearms fly! Sami gets the edge, but Ilja fires back! Ilja whips, then he ELBOWS Sami down! But Sami LAIRTS Ilja down! Ilja gets up slowly but Sami CHOPS him! Sami reels Ilja in, suplexes, but Ilja slips free to waistlock! Sami fires elbows, then switches, only for Ilja to wrench free. Sami pries the grip open to fire forearms, ROCKS Ilja, then runs to ROCK Ilja! Ilja bounces back to ENZIGIRI! Iljia runs up on Sami in the corner, and KNEES low! Then he goes side to side to BOOT WASH!

Sami flops down, Ilja huffs ‘n’ puffs and the fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans duel as Sami brings Ilja up for forearms in the corner. Sami then wrenches and whips to then LARIAT Ilja! Cover, TWO! Ilja shows that grit, but Sami clamps on with a cravat. Sami drags Ilja up, CHOPS him, and the fans “WOO~!” Ilja fires a forearm, then eggs Sami on! Sami ROCKS Ilja, Ilja UPPERCUTS Sami, repeat! Ilja fires boxing elbows, then KICKS and ROCKS Sami! Sami staggers to a corner, and Ilja fires up again. Ilja storms up, but into an ELBOW! Sami goes up to TORNADO DDT! Ilja flounders to ropes, the fans fire up, and Sami runs in, but into a JUMP KICK! Cover, TWO!

Sami survives but Ilja huffs ‘n’ puffs as the fans fire up. Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES Sami, then holds on. The fans rally as Ilja eggs Sami on. Sami fires elbows, but Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Ilja still holds on, brings Sami up again, but Sami fires more elbows. Sami then drops down, victory rolls, TWO! Ilja gets up, Sami gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX from Sami now! Sami holds onto Ilja, drags him back up, but Ilja fires elbows of his own. But Sami GERMAN SUPLEXES again! San Jose is Suplex City now as Sami drags Ilja up again. But Ilja wrenches free and hooks Sami up, HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!

Sami sputters, Ilja clinches, SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Ilja goes to the corner and climbs up top! Ilja aims, for the SUPER SEN- NO, Ilja lands out as Sami moves! Ilja comes back, but into a scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives the sudden turnaround and Sami is beside himself. But “This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Ilja up. Sami stands Ilja to CHOP! Ilja falls against ropes and then falls to the apron. Sami storms his way over, goes out after Ilja, but Ilja fires body shots! Ilja fireman’s carries, but Sami fires elbows! Sami is free, he reels Ilja in, but APRON BRAINBUSTER!

The ropes made that fall even wilder for both men, and the fans lose their minds as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and both men are up top. Sami and Ilja trade SLAP for SLAP, but then Ilja SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and then SHOVES Sami down! Sami’s in the drop zone, Ilja rises up, SUPER SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives, San Jose is shocked, and Ilja is beside himself! The fans rally up as Sami and Ilja rise. Ilja puts Sami in a corner, puts him up top, but Sami CLAWS at Ilja’s face! Ilja fires hands, but Sami CLUBS Ilja! Sami adjusts up top, but Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Ilja climbs, but Sami fires forearms! Sami CHOPS Ilja back down! Ilja roars as he rises back up!? And he SLAPS Sami again!

Ilja is up top, on the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! And a roll through!? Ilja roars, powers up, and H- BOOT!! Sami intercepts that forearm bomb, and he goes to the corner! San Jose is thunderous as Sami runs in, but Ilja dodges the Helluva Kick! PUMP HANDLE PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives again! The fans rally even harder as Ilja gest moving, but Sami BOOTS! Ilja rebounds, KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!! Sami survives and shocks everyone! Ilja is at a loss for words, the fans rally as hard as they can, but Ilja SPIN CHOPS Sami! And SPIN CHOPS the leg! Then SPIN- NO, Sami gets under, to BLUE- NO, Ilja fights free!

Ija runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL!! The fans are thunderous again and Ilja says, “UN-BE-SIEG-BAR!!” TORPEDO MOS- BOOT!! Sami intercepts and BLUE THUNDER BOMBS!! Cover, TWO?!!? Ilja survives and no one can believe it!! They’re losing their minds as Ilja flounders his way to a corner. Sami goes to the other side, and he vows to finish this! The fans are torn, but then they all boo as Solo Sikoa is on stage! Sami dares Solo to do something, but Solo wags his finger. But then Ilja runs in! Sami catches him, CORNER EXPLODER! Sami reloads, runs up, HELLUVA- TORPEDO MOSCOW!!! Ilja hits the H-BOMB FOREARM!!! Cover, ILJA WINS!!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)

San Jose is electric as The Mad Dragon, missing roughly a YEAR with his knee injury, comes out on top! Solo’s distraction screwed Sami, but it was still Ilja who had to finish this one off! Ilja is no longer a starving fighter but a victorious one! Will this moment be just the foundation of a historic reign? As for Sami, he shows respect to Ilja, only for MFT TO ATTACK! The fans boo as Tama, Loa, Talla & Mateo all mug Solo’s enemies! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS for Ilja! SPINEBUSTER for Sami! The fans boo but this is what Aldis was worried about! Solo returns, but here comes Fenix! Fenix DUMPS Loa, then ROCKS Tama! GAMANGIRI for Mateo!

Fenix springboards, but into Talla’s hand! TALLA CHOKE SLAM!! The fans boo again, but MFT stands tall once again. Solo has the mic to say, “Did you all forget? I said, did you all forget?” The fans boo, but Solo says he’ll remind us then: MFTs run SmackDown! And they are going to get back everything that Solo’s family has lost, and he WILL make his family tree champions again. BUT WAIT! The lights turn out! And on the tron, it’s Bo Dallas! “Seek and ye shall find. Knock, and the door will be opened. But are you prepared for what’s waiting on the other side?” Bo laughs, and clearly the Wyatts are watching.

In fact, the WYATTS ARE HERE! They sneak in from the crowd side, and they stare down with MFT like they did in Australia. The fans are losing their minds all over again, and then the Waytts step into the ring! Solo has MFT stand down, if only for now. The fans boo that, but when and where will MFT and the Wyatts battle for those WWE Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says we saw that rare setback at Crown Jewel. Does that loss to Stephanie Vaquer affect how she moves forward as champion? Tiff won’t pretend she’s happy with losing, but no. Stephanie Vaquer is a great champion, she clearly took Tiff to her limit, but Tiff was undefeated for the past year. One loss does not define Tiff, and she is still a champion anyway, so- Kiana James walks in. Miss Management says that’s inspiring and all, but at the end of the day, Tiff still lost. To put this into words Tiff can understand, that loss is precisely why Kiana offered her professional expertise to Stephanie and not Tiff.

Kiana knew Tiff didn’t have what it took, and Kiana only bothers with premium talent like Giulia. Giulia is the type of high value investment that pays off every single time. Tiff says maybe it’s because Kiana knows Kiana doesn’t have “it.” What’s that saying? Those who can, do. Those who can’t, represent. Kiana says she can get the job done in the ring. Then prove it against Tiff in the ring next week. Kiana says that’s a done deal. Kiana heads out, but can she come up with a business plan to bring down the champ? Or will it still be Tiffy Time on SmackDown for the rest of 2025?

The Motor City Machine Guns celebrate one year as WWE superstars.

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin mark that they’ve been here for one year, it only took two weeks to become WWE Tag Team Champions, and they should really win those belts back. But Los Garza walk in and mock the “emotional moment” for MCMG. The only thing Angel remembers these two doing was having that hot start, like a Ferrari. Berto says since then, MCMG looks more like their grandfather’s lawnmower. Berto makes a sputtering sound to mock MCMG, and MCMG laughs that off. Such comedians, comparing cars and not cars. But Sabin has a joke for them: Do they remember who they beat in that debut match?

Angel says he and Berto don’t remember, but MCMG says it was Los Garza! They should make it an annual tradition! So maybe they can beat Los Garza again tonight on the anniversary. Well, Los Garza already know what to get them as a gift: a loss! Who comes out of this fast ‘n’ furious rematch?

Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza!

The teams sort out, Shelley and Angel start, but Berto takes a swipe. That distracts Shelley so Angel can CLOBBER him! Angel stomps away on Shelley, the ref counts, but Angel stops to talk trash. Angel headlocks but Shelley fires body shots. Sabin tags in as Shelley powers out. Shelley blocks a kick, spins Angel, and MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER! Sabin BLASTS Berto off the apron, Shelley DROPKICKS Angel, then Shelley holds the ropes open, Sabin DIVES on Los Garza through the five hole! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Sabin puts Angel in, but Angel distracts the ref so Berto can anchor Sabin! Angel PENALTY KICKS Sabin against ropes!

Angel CHOKES Sabin, CLUBS away on him, but stops as the ref counts. Angel drags Sabin up, puts him in a corner, and CHOSP! The fans “WOO~” and Angel whips corner to corner. Sabin dodges, hot tag to Shelley! Shelley CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! The fans fire up but Angel shoves Shelley. Shelley runs back in but Berto pulls Angel outta the way, Shelley hits buckles! Berto FLAPJACKS Shelley into the KICK from Angel! Berto BLASTS Sabin, Angel SUPERKICKS Shelley, and Los Garza soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Angel has Shelley’s leg. Shelley fights the turn to deny the Half Crab, so Angel CLUBS him down! Sabin avoids the sucker punch, and Shelley wrenches Angel for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shelley and Angel crawl, hot tag to Berto! Berto drags Shelley back, but Shelley BOOTS him away! Hot tag to Sabin! Sabin goes up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! then he DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Sabin then slips around Angel to GERMAN SUPLEX! He does the same for Berto, but into a backslide! ONE, but into a roll and ghost pin, TWO!

Sabin hurries to bring Berto up, RAMS him into the corner, then tag to Shelley. MCMG DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Then Shelley tags Sabin back in, and they wait on Berto. SOBAT, SUPERKICK! Angel is in and BOOTS Shelley! Sabin SUPERKICKS Angel! Berto rolls Sabin, ONE but DEADLIFT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives and Berto snarls. Berto drags Sabin around, tags Angel, and Angel stomps away on Sabin. Angel drags Sabin up, avoids the kick, and hooks Sabin up in the Gory Especial! Berto tags in and slingshot CUTTER GORY BOMB COMBO! Cover, Shelley BARRELS in and breaks it!

The fans fire up and the teams regroup. Shelley TOSSES Angel, then runs, but Angel avoids the baseball slide. Angel pops Shelley up to SUPERKICK! But Sabin PENALTY KICKS from the apron! Berto BLASTS Sabin, and he builds speed to FLY! Down go MCMG! The fans fire up again as Berto hurries to put Sabin in. Berto tags Angel then drags Sabin up. They hook Sabin up, but Shelley saves Sabin! Sabin BOOTS Angel, then TOSSES Berto! Shelley dodges Angel, MCMG DOUBLE KICK COMBO! Then Sabin turns Angel, Shelley is up top, SKULL ‘N’ BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall

One year later, the story is the same! A high octane fight and a high level win, will MCMG repeat history by getting the tag titles in record time?

Fraxiom watches this backstage.

Nathan Frazer says MCMG just built momentum. MFT and Wyatts are in a freakin’ war. Why not go do something? Maybe punch someone and make an impact! Axiom wants Frazer to hold on. Maybe they wait patiently, find the right spot, and snatch the titles out from under everyone’s noses. But in step DIY. Johnny Gargano says watch these two goofs scheme about tag titles. Newsflash, boys: Ain’t gonna happen! Tommaso Ciampa asks if they missed DIY. He can see it in Axiom’s eyes that they did. But where to begin? The last two months, DIY has been staying out of the way so that The Street Profits could no longer point fingers at DIY.

The Profits showed the world that the ARE who we thought they were! CHOKE ARTISTS! And nothing else has changed. Fraxiom are still nerds, the Garzas are still losers, and the Wyatts are still thinking it is Halloween every damn day of the week! Disgusting! But what was that conversation they were having earlier? About finding stupid masks for Halloween? Where would they find stupid masks? Oh, Axiom knows! Axiom doesn’t let Gargano even reach out for it, and he tells Gargano off in Espanol while he’s at it. But they wanna keep disrespecting Fraxiom, try it in the ring, any time DIY wants it. Then we’ll see who is really hiding behind a mask.

Fraxiom heads out, Candice says Axiom has to be ugly under there. But are things going to get ugly now that Fraxiom and DIY are back and ready for action?

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Jacob Fatu!

The Scottish Warrior has been more like a keyboard warrior these days, and it got on the Samoan Werewolf’s last nerves. But- WAIT! Something’s wrong! Fatu is pinned down under a light truss!! He’s bleeding from the mouth, he may have even lost a tooth! Medical is called but three guesses as to who did this and why! Will Drew make himself the #1 contender by default? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns, Aldis asks if Fatu saw who did this to him. Fatu is still spitting blood from his mouth, but that angry glare might be answer enough. Meanwhile, Drew makes his entrance, smiling ear to ear. Drew gets his pyro, but will he get his hand raised over a forfeit? The fans boo, they can sense what’s up. Drew grabs a mic to tell San Jose, “It appears your boy, Bleeding Gums Fatu, is all gas, no brakes! Referee, do me a favor, and raise the hand of the new #1 contender.” The fans boo again, but the ref refuses. They still need an update on Fatu. Aldis storms out here to tell Drew to not say another word.

Aldis doesn’t know quite what happened back there, but he knows it is bad. Really bad. But he promises us this, and he swears to God, if Drew had anything to do with it- Drew stops Aldis there and claims he had nothing to do with that! He is always jumping through hoops to get what’s his. Aldis has known him for 20 YEARS, so don’t be like the rest of them! Don’t protect “Corporate Cody,” do the right thing and name Drew THE #1 contender and give him the title match here tonight! Cody shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! This is not… We’re done with all this!” Cody knows Drew did it! The crowd is NOT here to watch Drew talk, they wanted a contender’s match!

Cody talks with Aldis, and says yeah, let’s give the fans something right now! If Drew wants his title match, then they can do this here and now! Come get it! Drew storms out, he and Cody brawl! Cody’s in a suit and tie but he won’t sit by and let Drew do what he wants! Drew kicks Cody in return, and SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Drew whips, but Cody reverses, and Drew hits barriers so hard, he falls into the crowd! Cody throws off his jacket and goes out after Drew! Cody fires hands, SMACKS Drew off barriers, then ROCKS him again! They brawl their way into the crowd, this isn’t a match but a fight! Drew hits back, but Cody blocks a barrier bump to give a barrier bump! And a BOOT! And then he JAMS Drew up with a chair! And sends him into railing! The ref reprimands! If this is to be a match, go to the ring! Cody SMACKS Drew off a trash can! Cody and Drew continue on around the way, Cody ROCKS Drew and they head back to ringside.

Cody CLAWS Drew’s face, the fans cheer him on, and Cody HEADBUTTS! Drew staggers away, Cody throws more punches! Cody CHOKES Drew with his tie! Cody TOSSES Drew over the barriers, then stalks Drew. Drew THROAT CHOPS! But Cody blocks the desk bump to SMACK Drew off the desk! Cody CLAWS Drew’s back, but Drew ROCKS Cody in return! Drew SMACKS Cody off barriers, SmackDown returns to single picture, and the haymakers keep going! The fans want tables but Drew whips, only for Cody to reverse! Drew hits POST, Cody puts Drew in the ring, and finally the bell rings! This IS a championship match, but who leaves San Jose with the gold?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre!

Cody runs in, Drew dodges, and Drew OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Drew huffs ‘n’ puffs but he crawls over to Cody, and he rains down fists! The fans boo but Drew stops to stomp Cody’s head! Drew leans against ropes to catch his breath, but Cody throws his vest at Drew! Cody TACKLES Drew, then rains down more fists! The fans cheer, Cody CLAWS Drew’s face, but the ref reprimands. Drew ROCKS Cody in return! Drew BROKEN ARROW suplexes Cody away! The fans boo as Drew goes to the corner. Drew snarls as he watches Cody rise up. Cody turns things around to CHOP! Cody climbs up to rain down fists!

The fans count as Cody quickly goes to nine, then winds up to BITE Drew’s forehead! Cody stops, whips, but Drew reverses. Drew ELBOWS Cody down, covers, TWO! The fans rally but Drew clamps onto Cody with a chicken wing and chinbar. Cody endures, the fans rally again, and Cody fights to his feet. Cody pries free, then JABS! JABS! JABS! The fans fire up for the flip, flop, fly, but Drew kicks low! FUTURE SHOCK DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and Drew is frustrated but the fans rally up. Drew stalks Cody, soaks up the heat, then drags Cody up. Drew rips Cody’s shirt open to CHOP him! Cody goes to a corner, and Drew CHOPS again!

Drew ROCKS Cody, ROCKS him again, then stomps a mudhole! Drew CLUBS away on Cody, then glares at the ref as the ref counts. Drew seethes, then CHOPS Cody against the ropes. Cody goes to a corner, but he CHOPS in return! Drew and Cody CHOP back and forth, then the GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT sends Cody to the ropes. Drew storms up, drags Cody up by his dress shirt, and CHOPS again! Drew whips, Cody reverses, kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs, springboards, CODY CUTTER! Cody fires up, the fans are with him, and Cody roars! Drew bails out, but Cody builds speed! Cody DIVES into a forearm!

Cody flops to the apron, Drew brings him around and THROWS him into the timekeeper’s area! The fans rally for Cody, but Drew storms up, Cody CLOBBERS Drew with the title belt!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification; 

The fans boo, but Cody ended up in survival mode here against the Scottish Terminator! Cody then looks to the desk, and he clears it off in a rage! The fans fire up as Cody drags Drew up, but Drew CLAWS Cody’s eyes! Drew fireman’s carries Cody, but Cody fights free! Cody SMACKS Drew off the desk! Cody climbs up onto the desk, the fans fire up as he brings Drew around, dragon sleeper and- NO, security and producers rush out here! The fans boo as these two are separated, but Cody isn’t having it! Cody gets loose, he runs up to the apron and the top rope! SUPER CROSSBODY onto Drew and the security guards!!

Cody goes back to the ring and stands tall while Drew sputters and staggers. Drew vows to get Cody, but the fans are thunderous for “CODY! CODY!” Will the American Nightmare avenge the Samoan Werewolf by dismantling the Scottish Terminator once and for all? Or will Drew finally and emphatically have his moment as champion?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with a lot of action to follow up the Perth trip. However, it is a shame about Jacob Fatu. That kayfabe attack was to cover up Jacob needing time off for an injury he supposedly got outside of wrestling. But they still did a masterful job of hiding it in story, considering how bloody they made it look. And I think they can do something with how Cody had to DQ himself to “survive” Drew. I mean, obviously it leads to SNME having Cody VS Drew 3, but I also mean like getting us that much closer to Homelander Heel Cody. Cody was angry, sure, but I’m not sure Cody’s blatantly broken rules like that before. Maybe SNME’s title match ends up No Disqualifications for that reason.

MCMG and Los Garza had a good promo together, but a much better match together, with a great win for MCMG. Very good promo from Fraxiom and DIY, though DIY making that excuse was definitely just to cover for them not being used/needed. Hopefully that changes, the SmackDown Tag Division sure cooled off after the big TLC match they had. Good promo from Tiffany and Kiana to set up a match, and I feel like they could easily bridge this into Tiff VS Giulia for one or both titles. Probably not, though. But them making such a big deal behind Tiff’s win-loss record, I also feel like that sets Tiff up for losing the title before the Rumble.

Speaking of titles, great tag title match from Charlexa VS ZaRuca, with a great showing from Sol & Zaria, but I figured they were going to lose. Making Blake partly to blame was a good move, though, it also helps build Sol VS Blake at Halloween Havoc. At this point, Zaria surely costs Sol, but I guess we’ll see next week. And great stuff with the US Championship and the MFT story at large. Melo getting back at Miz was a fitting move, and Ilja returning and winning the title is awesome all around. Of course MFT attack, and they’ve made enemies of Fenix and Nakamura on top of Sami. You can probably count Ilja, too, and I feel like we could end up with a solely SmackDown WarGames match of MFT VS Sami, Nakamura, Fenix, Ilja, and another as MFT continues to take over SmackDown.

My Score: 8.8/10