Will there be more adrenaline in the soul?

Things got out of hand between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre last Friday Night SmackDown, but will it all happen again in Arizona?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Rey Fenix & Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tama Tonga & JC Mateo w/ MFT; Tama Tonga & JC Mateo win.
• Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James w/ Giulia; Tiff wins.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Aleister Black w/ Zelina Vega; Ilja wins and retains the title.
• No Disqualifications: Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre; Drew wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is backstage.

Jimmy Uso says hey, and he says he appreciates Cody for what he did for Cousin Jacob Fatu last week. Cody says sure, but what’s #BigJim here for? Does he need to talk to Aldis? Jimmy says he’s here to look for Nick Aldis because yeah, he wants to talk about what happened. Cody says the office is around the corner. And as far as Jacob goes, Cody was glad to step up, it is a shame Jacob didn’t get his match. Furthermore, is everything okay with Jimmy and Jey? Jimmy says Cody saw what happened. How would Cody feel? Cody gets that, his brother is in the game, Cody knows. Jey will do what’s right for Jey, but Jimmy has to do what is right for Jimmy.

Jimmy appreciates that. He’ll go talk to Aldis, Cody says he’s gonna talk to the people. They shake on it and Cody heads to gorilla. The fans cheer and sing along with the song. The American Nightmare steps out on stage, we get the “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro, then Cody high-fives fans along the narrow rampway. Cody goes to the ring and we get the second, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody grabs the mic and the fans cheer again. Cody smiles as they chant his name, and he gets them even more fired up. Cody then asks, “Tempe, Arizona! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says they could talk about his opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The fans boo even before Cody says Drew McIntyre’s name, and Cody says he felt a bit out of pocket last week. He did something uncharacteristic of him. He took the title belt and smacked it right across the head of Drew McIntyre. The fans cheer that, but Cody wonders… Does he need to apologize for that? The fans chant, “NO! NO! NO!” But then Drew McIntyre interrupts! Drew doesn’t want apologies or excuses. Drew walks out from the crowd side, and he can’t believe Arizona is cheering Cody and booing Drew. With all the evidence we’ve seen, Arizona tell cheers Cody. And they boo Drew? Yes, they do.

Drew says at this point, they’re all complicit in Cody’s crimes! In fact, it’s not even that. It’s that the fans are brainwashed by Corporate Cody’s propaganda! No matter what Cody does, the fans keep cheering. WrestlePalooza: Cody screws Drew with the ref. Last week: Cody cracks Drew with the belt. And the fans still cheer! Yes, they do! Drew seethes, but he tells Cody that he’s been screwed so many times, it is become about Drew McIntyre finishing the story! The fans are torn on Drew using that phrase, but Drew vows to do it at SNME. Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Who attacked Jacob Fatu?

The fans boo and are pretty sure it’s Drew. Drew says oh, of course! He’s alweays the scapegoat. Yes, Drew hates that family, but he is innocent. Drew saw Jimmy, the black sheep of the family. Jey has another world title match but Jimmy doesn’t. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Maybe Jimmy borrowed a page from Naomi’s playbook- Cody shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! Let’s just start off right where we ended last week! You’re clearly looking for a fight, I’ll fight you right here, I’ll fight you right now, let’s just do this here and now!” Cody drops the belt, throws off his jacket, and even takes off his tie and vest!

The fans fire up and Drew chuckles. Drew goes to ringside, but JIMMY LEAPS IN! Big Jim fires big hands and then SMACKS Drew off the desk! The fans fire up but security rushes out here! Drew and Jimmy are kept apart, but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Jimmy and Drew get loose, and Jimmy DIVES from the ring! Drew is sent into the desk! The fans fire up as Jimmy HAMMERS Drew down! The producers rush out here now and they drag these two apart! Jimmy dares Drew to say something about his family again, but Drew gets out of there. Cody calms Jimmy down, and wait! Here comes MFT!

Solo Sikoa leads his henchmen, from JC Mateo to Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Talla Tonga. They’re prepared to settle things with the Firebird and the King of Strong Style, but will they still be on top? Or will Solo’s pawns lose to the kings?

Drew argues with Aldis backstage.

The Scottish Terminator is furious, but he tells the SmackDown General Manager that Aldis would never have put Drew in the title match if Aldis thought he was guilty, right? Then he’s gotta do something about Jimmy! But then JIMMY ATTACKS AGAIN! He sends Drew into road cases, CLUBS him, then THROWS him into more boxes! Security rushes back in, they separate the two again, but this clearly isn’t ending tonight! Drew is furious, what will Aldis do about this?

Rey Fenix & Shinsuke Nakamura VS MFT!

SmackDown returns and we find that Tama Tonga and JC Mateo are stepping up for MFT. Solo sits in a chair with Loa & Talla as his bodyguards while Fenix makes his entrance, followed by Nakamura’s. The teams sort out and Nakamura steps up to the Good Bad Guy. The fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up. Tama fires body shots and CLUBS and HEADBUTTS Nakamura down! Tama taunts Nakamura with “YEYEYEYEYEYE!” and the fans join in. Tama sliding FOREARMS Nakamura down, then drags him up for a scoop. Nakamura slips free, fires forearms with Tama back and forth, and the fans fire up! Nakamura fires a strike fest!

Nakamura runs, but Tama ELBOWS him down! Tama fires up, the fans boo, but Tama runs, into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura stomps Tama, then KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura drags Tama over, but Tama slips away before Fenix tags in. The fans applaud as Fenix jumps in just to show off. JC tags in and the fans cheer as the Imperial Unit runs up, Fenix dodges to fire off forearms! Fenix whips, JC reverses, but Fenix BOOTS him! And wrenches, to CHOP! Fenix knuckle locks, goes up, up, and jumps around to FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up and Fenix DROPKICKS JC down! Cover, ONE!!

JC gest up but Fenix CLUBS him! Tag to Nakamura, he and Fenix double whip, and then SOBAT! AX KICK! Basement DROPKICK! JC goes to a corner, Nakamura & Fenix give him DOUBLE GOOD VIBRATIONS~! The fans cheer, JC flounders out, and MFT regroups. Fenix & Nakamura then both tell MFT, “C’MON~!” The fans fire up again while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

JC paces, Tama coaches him, and then Tama slide sin. That’s just to distract so that JC can get in and go after Nakamura! Nakamura kicks and KNEES in return, then KICKS and KNEES again! Nakamura facelocks JC, tags to Fenix, and Fenix CLUBS JC. Fenix CHOPS JC, CHOPS him again, then whips. JC reverses but Fenix grabs ropes. Fenix SUPERKICKS, JC distracts the ref, and Tama CLOBBERS Fenix! Nakamura protests but Solo applauds as Fenix is down. JC storms over to stomp away on Fenix. JC clamps onto Fenix to fishhook his mouth! The ref counts, JC stops and he smothers Fenix into the mat.

Fenix flounders, JC stalks him to the ropes, and he drags Fenix up. Tag to Tama, they whip Fenix to then LARIAT! Tama taunts Nakamura, then pushes Fenix to a cover, TWO! Fenix stays in this but Tama rains down fists! Tama HEADBUTTS Fenix, then huffs ‘n’ puffs as he paces. Tama drags Fenix up, but Fenix CHOPS! Tama BODY BLOWS, then reels Fenix in for a snap suplex! Tag to JC, Tama HEADBUTTS Fenix down and JC stomps him down. JC puts Fenix in the corner, stomps away on his back, then stops as the ref counts. Fenix CHOPS JC, JC CHOPS Fenix! JC CHOKES Fenix, then CHOPS him again!

Fenix flounders, JC drags him back up, and he ROCKS Fenix! JC whips Fenix hard into the corner! Tag to Tama, he runs and STINGER SPLASHES! Fenix flops down, Tama drags him up and around, then wrenches. Fenix reaches out for Nakamura, fires hands on Tama, then HEADBUTTS! SmackDown returns to single picture and teh fans rally up. Fenix fires more hands but Tama keeps him from Nakamura! Fenix fires more shots, but Tama whips Fenix at the corner, and LARIATS! Fenix is practically turned inside-out! Tama snarls, he tags JC, and JC brings Fenix around. JC wrenches and pump handles Fenix for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fenix stays in this and the fans rally up, but JC clamps on with shoulder claws! The fans continue to rally but Solo tells them to hush. Fenix fights up, fights the waistlock, but JC CLUBS him! JC back suplexes, Fenix lands out! ENZIGIRI for JC! The fans fire up as both men are down! Fenix crawls, as does JC, hot tag to Nakamura! Nakamura dodges JC to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Then he BLASTS Tama! The fans fire up for Nakamura, he runs up to KICK JC! And KICK! KICK! But JC blocks one! Nakamura ENZIGIRIS! Nakamura whips but JC blocks! JC whips, but Nakamura dodges the splash and ENZIGIRIS!

Nakamura puts JC up top, and he serves up a TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Nakamura clinches JC, but JC fires elbows! JC runs, but Nakamura BOOTS him! JC just gets mad! Nakamura KNEES low, whips, but JC reverses to scoop and ATHLETIC PLEX! Tag to Tama and Tama watches Nakamura. Nakamura is in the corner, Tama STINGER SPLASHES! Tama fires hands, whips, but Nakamura grabs ropes! Nakamura BOOTS Tama, Fenix tags in, GAMANGIRI to Tama! Nakamura DROPKICKS Tama down, Fenix goes up, up, MOONSAULT ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Tama survives, but Fenix aims from a corner!

Fenix somersaults, but Tama catches him! Tama pops Fenix up, Fenix slips free, but Tama ROCKS Fenix! Fenix goes to ropes, but he dodges Tama’s boot! SUPERKICK to Tama, then an ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Then Fenix goes back up, for the FROG SPLASH ATTACK! Cover, JC breaks it! Nakamura runs up but JC ducks a kick, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit! Loa gets up, Nakamura BOOTS him! Tama CLOBBERS Nakamura, then TOSSES him out! The fans boo but Fenix DUMPS Tama out! Fenix goes up, up, and SUPER TORNILLOS onto Tama & Loa! Fenix puts Tama in the ring, but Solo distracts the ref now!

The fans boo but Talla YANKS Fenix off the apron! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Fenix flounders, Tama aims, HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, MFT wins!

Winners: Tama Tonga & JC Mateo, by pinfall

That #Cutthroat attack finishes it off, and Solo mocks Nakamura as they exit. Will Solo and his guerrillas be unstoppable until they own it all?

Aldis talks with Jimmy.

Aldis cannot have any more chaos tonight! Does Jimmy understand? Jimmy says Aldis knows that’s some BS. Everybody and they mama knows Drew did Jacob dirty! And after this week of Jimmy dealing with Jey’s BS and now Drew’s BS, Jimmy is ready to take things into his own hands. Aldis understands, and he can put Drew and Jimmy in a match. Jimmy says he doesn’t want a match, he wants a fight! Aldis says okay, he’ll make some arrangements, and if he can, it will be Drew VS Jimmy in No Disqualifications. Jimmy says that’s what he’s talking about! #BigJim heads out, but is he taking a big risk against an angry Scottish Warrior?

Giulia is on the phone.

She speaks in Japanese, and she finishes her call right before Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre walk in. The Hot Mess asks “G” what’s going on. Where is her little secretary? Is Kiana James not doing her job? Well, they have something to talk to her about. This is a very exciting idea. Chelsea says they can merge their respective brands, and Chelsea knows a thing or two about being Women’s US Champion, obviously. She was the first, the longest reigning, and the best. Alba says yes, a trailblazer. So how about they run a campaign of Chelsea Green as the NEW WWE Women’s Champion, with Miss G as VP.

But then Kiana arrives! Miss Management tells them yeah, no, “Discount Divas” are not on the Giulia agenda. Chelsea only heard the “diva” part and takes it as a compliment. Kiana says it looks like the future longest-reigning Women’s US Champion is booked and very busy. Now if you excuse them, Kiana actually has a match against said WWE Women’s Champion. See you around. Alba still hands Giulia a flyer, but “G” slaps it down. Arrivederci. The Beautiful Madness heads out, Chelsea thinks that means “yes” in Italian, and… Is that Nikki Cross in the background…? Will someone sort out this Hot Mess before it gets off the rails?

Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James w/ Giulia!

Indeed, it is #TiffyTime in Tempe, and the Wrestling Barbie looks to humble Miss Management while also sending a message to the WWE Women’s US Champion and the rest of the SmackDown roster. Will Tiff stay cool in Arizona? Or will Kiana book herself a title match here tonight?

SmackDown returns as Kiana makes her entrance, her client, Giulia, right behind her. The bell rings and the fans rally for Tiff as she circles with Kiana. They tie up, Tiff wrenches and wristlocks, but Kiana reaches for ropes. Tiff wrenches her again, WRINGS her out, but Kiana cartwheels through! The fans applaud, that is pretty good. Kiana says she can gymnastics just like Tiff. They tie up, Kiana wrenches and wristlocks, but Tiff rolls, kips up, and WRINGS Kiana! Kiana could not flip through that and the fans fire up. Kiana runs up, Tiff blocks a kick, and she FLIPS Kiana, but Kiana does handspring through that.

Kiana dusts herself off, dodges Tiff, but Tiff handsprings over the dropdown! The fans cheer and then Tiff goes Matrix! Kip-up, arm-drag, and another arm-drag! Tiff has the armlock and she grinds Kiana down. Giulia coaches her manager up, and Kiana fights up to KNEE low! Kiana whips Tiff to a corner, stomps away, but the ref counts. Kiana snapmares Tiff ,talks trash, and she kicks the legs. The fans rally as Kiana runs, and Tiff dodges to roll Kiana up! ONE, but Tiff is up, only for Kiana to KNEE low! Kiana whips, Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Tiff pop-up DROPKICKS! Tiff says it is time, and she runs to HIP ATTACK against the ropes!

Kiana bails out, Tiff builds speed again, but Kiana avoids the dropkick! Kiana ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, but Tiff avoids the moonsault! Then she ROCKS Kiana with a forearm! The fans rally, but Giulia talks trash. Kiana then uses the distraction to THROW Tiff into barriers! Giulia applauds, the fans boo, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kiana stomps a mudhole into Tiff in the corner. The ref counts, but Kiana RAMS into Tiff again and again, Kiana handsprings back, runs back in, and RAMS Tiff again! Kiana then runs to BOOT Tiff down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff while Kiana huffs ‘n’ puffs. Giulia coaches Kiana and Kiana CLUBS Tiff. Kiana drags Tiff up, ROCKS her with a right hand, then runs, but Tiff meets her in the middle! DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take both women down! The fans rally up and both women stir. A standing count starts, and it climbs to 5 as both women sit up. Kiana fires a forearm, but Tiff fires back!

The fans rally as the shots keep going, and then Tiff blocks to ROCK Kiana again and again and then KNEES Kiana! Tiff LARIATS, then LARIATS again! Kiana staggers, Tiff handsprings corner to corner to ELBOW! Tiff keeps moving, cartwheel and Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! The fans fire up while Kiana flounders, and Tiff fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON, then PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Kiana avoids it! Tiff rolls through, Kiana SUPERKICKS! Kiana suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Kiana is beside herself! Giulia tells Kiana to keep going, and Kiana whips Tiff to a corner.

Kiana hoists Tiff up, then ROCKS her! Kiana climbs up, CLUBS Tiff, but Tiff resists the lift! Tiff GOURD BUSTERS Kiana, then adjusts position, SWANTON BOMB! Tiff hurries back up top, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Tempe fires up for Tiff, but then Giulia CLOBBERS her! The fans boo as Giulia HAMMERS Tiff down! The ref reprimands but Giulia sits Tiff up for the ARRIVEDERCI KNEE! Giulia still beats up on Tiff, but here comes JADE CARGILL! The Storm has hit Tempe, and Jade slides into the ring! She ROCKS Giulia, SUPERKICKS Giulia, and Giulia flounders! Jade aims to BOOT Giulia down! Kiana gets up, jade DECKS her, too! The fans fire up as Kiana & Giulia are in retreat! Jade then looks to Tiff, and offers a hand. Tiff accepts it, and the fans applaud as Jade has Tiff’s back. But will Jade want another shot at the top title? Or will she shift gears and go after Giulia instead?

Wait, Jade CLOBBERS Tiff!! Guess that answers that! Jade then RAMS Tiff into the corner, fires off hands and stomps! Then she POSTS Tiff! Tiff flops right out to the floor, but Jade isn’t done with her! Jade drags Tiff up, THROWS her into steel steps, and stalks her by the Prime Hydration Station. The fans are torn as Jade POSTS Tiff again! And then TOSSES her over the desk! Maggle & Corey move aside as Jade stomps away on Tiff! And she rains down fists! Producers and refs rush out here to stop Jade, but Jade just slips through them to STOMP Tiff down! Then she drags Tiff up to TOSS her back over the desk!

The fans boo but Jade is far from done! She THROWS a ref aside to then STOMP TIFF’S LEG!! The refs reprimand and the fans boo, but Jade picks up the title. Jade wants to be the Alpha Female of SmackDown, will nothing and no one stop her now?

Ilja Dragunov heads to gorilla.

But on the way, he crosses paths with Sami Zayn. Sami is exiting the doctor’s room, and Sami says he didn’t get a chance to talk last week, what with MFT getting involved. Seems like MFT is getting involved in everything lately. But Sami just wanted to say congratulations. He and Ilja shake hands and Ilja thanks Sami on that. And Sami must know, Ilja respects him so much as a fighter. What Sami did with his Open Challenges were simply chef’s kiss, legendary. Sami says Ilja should understand, the Open Challenge is no joke. This is something John Cena started, he passed it on to Sami, and now Sami proudly passes it on to Ilja.

This kind of match is not something just anyone can do. It takes a special person who is willing to go to war every single week. It takes someone willing to have a target on their chest every single week. Someone who will leave every fiber of their being in the middle of that ring every single week! And Ilja… Sami knows you’re the man to do it. Now go out there and do it. Ilja is fired up, who will be the one to step up to the challenge? And will they be the one to regret stepping up to the Mad Russian Dragon?

Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.

Cathy Kelley hurries to catch up with The Storm, and she hurries to ask why Jade did that to Tiff. Is she not worried about consequences? Jade says, “Consequences? You only face them when you make a mistake. And the only mistake I made was thinking that this world rewards patience. It rewards power. And I’m not gonna ask for it, I’m taking it, starting with the WWE Women’s Championship.” Jade heads out, will her might make right when it comes to being THE woman around here?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS ???

Just as Sami said, it takes a true warrior to be ready for anything, and given his victorious return after over a YEAR out of action, Ilja is one such warrior. Ilja grabs a mic as the fans cheer, “You Deserve It!” Ilja is honored, and he says he missed all of us, really. This past year of recovery had a lot of highs and some extremely devastating lows. He has to be honest with us, at a lot of points, he didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But he knows we know that there is one thing that is not in Ilja’s genetics, and that is giving up! Because of the obsession he carries in his heart, he stands here today in front of us as the NEW United States Champion!

The fans cheer, and Ilja says where he comes from, they like to say, “How you do one thing, you do all things.” So Ilja will defend this belt with all his obsession! He won this title from a great man in Sami Zayn. So it is his duty now, it his his duty to continue the legacy of the Open Challenge! The fans cheer that! “So my dear friends and enemies, tonight… PAIN… shall entertain you.” And then ALEISTER BLACK answers the call! The fans are fired up already, but will the Dark Father soon shine with gold? Or will #UNBESIEGBAR not #FadeToBlack?

The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, go around, and Aleister puts Ilja on the ropes. The ref counts, Aleister lets off, and he KICKS! Ilja CHOPS! And CHOPSS! And then scoops, but Aleister slips free to KCIK! KICK! But Ilja blocks to then ROCK, SPIN CHOP, and LOW CHOP! And then KNEE! The fans rally up and Ilja runs to CONSTANT- BOOT! Aleister ruins the special, but then the ref backs him off. Zelina goes up the apron to FLYING RANA Ilja into barriers! And then Aleister PENALTY KICKS Ilja from the apron! Ilja is down, the fans still fire up, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Aleister drags Ilja up. Aleister fires body shots and fast hands, then repeat. Ilja fires back, eggs Aleister on, and they go back and forth! The fans rally as Ilja fires a flurry, but Aleister knees low, ROCKS Ilja, then shoves to JUMP KNEE! Ilja still BOOTS back! Aleister BOOTS Ilja! Ilja rebounds to ENZIGIRI! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Zelina coaches Aleister up while he and Ilja crawl to corners. Ilja rises, huffs ‘n’ puffs, then runs up to KNEE Aleister in the corner! Then side to side for a BOOT! Aleister staggers around, the fans fire up, and Ilja waistlocks. SNAP GERMAN! Ilja holds on and he drags Aleister up.

Aleister fires elbows, but Ilja still SNAP GERMANS again! Ilja still holds on, he drags Aleister back up, then clamps on for a COBRA TWIST, with some HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then a clinch for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Aleister survives and Ilja is frustrated but “This is Awesome!” Ilja goes up, up, but Zelina slithers over! The ref reprimands her, but Aleister YANKS Ilja down! Ilja hits buckles on the way down! Aleister goes up, METEORA! And a ROUNDHOUSE! SNAP GERMAN and bridge! TWO!! Ilja escapes and Aleister seethes. Zelina coaches Aleister, he storms up on Ilja, and suplexes, only for Ilja to cradle counter! TWO!!

Aleister escapes in time, but the JUMP KICK hits! Aleister goes to a corner, Ilja runs in, but he has to block a boot first! Aleister KNEES, then JUMP AX KICKS! Cover, TWO! Aleister and Zelina are both frustrated with Ilja’s toughness. Aleister brings Ilja up again, waistlocks, but Ilja fires elbows! Ilja wrenches, waistlocks, but Aleister fires elbows! Aleister runs, QUEBRADA, but Ilja dodges! CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Aleister is down and folded up but Ilja can’t make the cover, and SmackDown goes back to break!

SmackDown returns again and Ilja is up top! He aims at Aleister, leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Ilja drags himself to the other corner, goes up top again, and he SUPER SENTONS!! Cover, TWO!! Aleister survives but Zelina is still worried. The fans rally up for Ilja as he goes to another corner. “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- JUMP KNEE!! Aleister hurries to suplex, SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are upset with the ref, but Ilja is just that tough! Zelina tells Aleister to end this! Aleister runs in, but Ilja ducks the Black Mass! Ilja rebounds to TORPEDO MOSCOW!! But he can’t make the cover!

Ilja clutches his head and neck, that move is double-edged by nature. But as Sami said, Ilja is gonna leave it all in the ring! Ilja rises up, takes aim again, and he builds that energy for the- NO, Zelina trips Ilja!! How’d the ref miss that?! Aleister CLOBBERS Ilja, but the ref knows something is up! He EJECTS Zelina!! The fans cheer but Zelina throws a fit! Aleister is upset, too, but Zelina got herself caught! And then DAMIAN PRIEST storms out here! The fans fire up as The Archer of Infamy returns after being burned and thrown down into tables! Aleister glares at Priest, and Priest shows the burn on his face! But then TORPEDO MOSCOW again!! Cover, Ilja wins!!

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

Aleister took his eye off the prize, and the title slips through his fingers! Will Ilja be able to do this all over again next week? As for Aleister, Priest is right on him now! The fans fire up as Priest rains down fists! Priest then looks to the desk, drags Aleister up, and TOSSES him out of the ring! Priest storms out after Aleister, BOOTS him onto the desk, and then HAMMERS away again! The fans fire up with Priest, and he grabs a pair of chairs! Priest sets those down to then keep Aleister from running away! Priest THROWS Aleister back onto the desk, then he places a chair under Aleister’s head! He’s taking a page out of the Rated R Superstar’s book!

But ZELINA jumps onto Priest! She CLAWS the bad eye, then gets Aleister out of there! The fans boo as Aleister & Zelina are in retreat! Priest sees with his one good eye that they’re long gone, but will they have to keep their heads on a swivel for when Priest might try again?

Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.

Cathy Kelley is now with H1M and brings up the tension between Melo and Miz. Would he care to share from his perspective what caused this? Melo says he’s sure everyone thinks he’ll just start berating The Miz, and as much as it kills Melo, he won’t do that. Because yes, Miz is a future Hall of Famer, a TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion, and he taught Melo so much inside and outside the ring. For that, Melo is forever grateful. But what Miz did was cross the line. Miz put his hands on Melo, and as a man, that is a point of no return. Melo had to do what he had to in order to get even. The old Melo wouldn’t let it go, but this Melo will let it slide.

Revenge is a double-edged sword, no one comes out winning in the end. So Melo wants Miz to know, they’re even. Now, Melo can get back on track to fulfilling his destiny on SmackDown. Melo sees the support, he hears the support, and he feels the support. Melo owes it to the people and himself to get back on track to being H1M. Cathy says that is a very mature response, but then Kit Wilson walks in. Kit says it always has to be about H1M. How about Melo wakes up?! Melo is just poisoning a young mind of generations, all of them. And Melo needs to think, Kit will explain. Melo’s language is hyper masculine, hierarchal, and a crime on emotional intelligence.

Melo says it’d be a crime if he lets Kit interrupt without paying for it. See you next week in the ring. Melo leaves, Kit says yes, isn’t that like a real man? Time for Melo to get a taste of his own toxic medicine as he exposes H1M next week. Will Kit actually teach anyone anything next week? Or will he learn not to meddle in someone else’s business?

Ilja returns backstage.

And Fraxiom is there to say welcome back. So, when is Nathan getting a US Championship match? Axiom says whoa, whoa, whoa. What Nathan meant to say is, congratulations. But to be fair, they’d both love to challenge Ilja for the title any time. Ilja says then it’ll be any time they ask. That is the beauty of the Open Challenge. It is for everyone and anyone. Even tag team wrestlers. See you around. Ilja heads out, Frazer says see, Ilja didn’t wait for an opportunity, he just went and took it. Axiom says yes, yes, but then DIY barges in. Johnny Gargano says here we are again! Tommaso Ciampa says it is his favorite cartoon characters, Pinky & The Brain, plotting to take over the world!

They’ll win all the titles on SmackDown, right? Piece of advice from the locker room leaders who have actually held titles on SmackDown: Make your dreams much smaller. Candice says a good start would be getting rid of the mask. Axiom says here is what he doesn’t understand: What happened to their confidence last week? Didn’t Gargano wanna face Axiom? Or is Gargano scared? Frazer says yeah, that’s why DIY hasn’t done anything about it. Ciampa says they’re “terrified.” Sense the sarcasm. Candice says they’re a waste of the time anyway. Gargano says get some ear holes on that mask. DIY heads out, but then in steps Tama Tonga.

Tama tells Fraxiom that he’s got his eyes on them. YEYEYEYEYE. Fraxiom is a bit worried now. Will they still be able to go for the gold with all these obstacles in there way?

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Cathy Kelley is now with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and asks if they noticed Bayley’s social media post challenging them to show up on Raw to prove they’re the champs they say they are. Charlotte says they did see it, and Alexa says they do accept. Bayley & Lyra need to see what a real tag team is like, since they’re hardly on the same page. Are they even friends? But then Nia Jax walks in and says, “Isn’t this so cute?” Nia says these two are pretending to be besties~! Nia is just waiting for when one stabs the other in the back. Aw, Nia. That’s called projection. Nia has been hurt so many times, she assumes everyone else will do the same.

Charlotte used to be like that, then she learned how to develop healthy relationships built on trust. Nia should try it. Oh please. Nia WAS in a friendship with someone. If Nia’s the bully, well, she learned it from the best. Look out, Charlotte, Alexa will hug you with one arm and stab you in the back with another. Alexa says yes, super cute that Nia is taking a page out of her book. People do change. But if you’re looking for the old Alexa, she’s not hard to find. Oh, big words for such a little girl. Willing to back it up in the ring? Alexa says Nia’s on! Then see you next week. Nia leaves, Charlotte says Nia is clearly going through something.

But between the tag challenge on Monday and now a 1v1 challenge next week, will Alexa Bliss survive through October? Or will someone catch #Charlexa slipping?

No Disqualifications: Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre!

Jey’s got an ego, Jacob’s got an injury, Jimmy’s got a baby on the way, there is a lot going on in the Samoan Dynasty right now, so all of the Scottish Keyboard Warrior’s whining and complaining is getting on Jimmy’s last nerve. Will #BigJim go big or go home with this main event where anything can happen?

SmackDown returns and Drew seethes as he waits in the ring. Jimmy makes his entrance, and Drew rushes him at the ramp! They brawl, the bell rings, and Jimmy CHOPS! And then he sends Drew into barriers! Then he goes to the apron, but Drew stops the bump to SMACK Jimmy off the apron instead! Drew pushes Jimmy in the ring, stalks him to a corner, and he fires haymakers! Drew huffs ‘n’ puffs but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Drew reverses, Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him outta the sky! The fans rally while Jimmy writhes and Drew checks his chin. Drew snarls and storms up on Jimmy.

Drew ROCKS Jimmy, CHOPS him, and fans want tables. Drew CLUBS Jimmy down, then brings him up to whip. Jimmy KICKS Drew, runs up, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Jimmy builds speed and DIVES into a FOREARM! Jimmy flops to the apron, Drew drags him up, but Jimmy stops the bump off steel steps to SMACK Drew off the steps! Drew staggers away, but he throat chops Jimmy! Jimmy sputters, Drew goes into the crowd, but Jimmy pursues! No count outs so the brawl can happen in the aisle! Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS Drew, but Drew CLAWS Jimmy’s eyes! The fans boo, Drew drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy suplexes first!

The fans fire up while both men are down on the floor! Jimmy rises, brings Drew up, and he THRWOS Drew back to ringside! The fans fire up as Jimmy storms up on Drew, steps over him, and then goes looking under the ring. The fans fire up as Jimmy brings out a TABLE! Jimmy slides the table into the ring, just like the fans want! Big Jim is ready to snap into a Slim Jim, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! Drew catches his breath, then drags Jimmy up to THROW him into the barriers! Drew huffs ‘n’ puffs, then brings Jimmy up to put in the ring. Drew drags Jimmy to the table to STOMP him on it! The ref checks on Jimmy as he writhes and clutches his head. Drew taunts Jimmy, brings him around, then ROCKS him with a right hand. Drew ROCKS Jimmy again, and Jimmy goes to the corner. Drew storms up on Jimmy, stands him up, and brings him around to wind up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOP! Jimmy whips, Drew reverses, and Drew ELBOWS Jimmy down! Cover, TWO!

Jimmy survives, Drew seethes, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Drew watches Jimmy flounder, the fans rally behind Jimmy, and Drew drags Jimmy up. Drew fireman’s carries, but Jimmy fights free! Jimmy kicks, Drew blocks, but Jimmy DRAGON WHIPS! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Jimmy goes to the barriers, and he gets hep standing up! Jimmy tightrope walks, and leaps, but into Drew’s arms! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Jimmy tried to be Jeff Hardy but pays for it. Drew drags Jimmy back up, puts him in the ring, and covers, with feet on the ropes! TWO, and Drew is frustrated.

Drew goes back outside, goes around the way, and he hops the barriers just to get chairs from the timekeeper’s area! Drew brings the chair to the ring with him, to JAM Jimmy up! And SMACK him on the back! Jimmy writhes, Drew grins, and even the fans want that “One More Time! One More Time!” Drew sits the chair up, presses Jimmy’s head against the seat, then SMACKS him off it! Drew chuckles while Jimmy sputters and the fans rally up. Drew tells Jimmy that he chose this. Drew is innocent! Drew sits Jimmy up in the chair to throw down fists! Drew then gives the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Jimmy drop toeholds Drew onto the chair!

The fans fire up as Jimmy grits his teeth. Jimmy tells himself to get up and fight! Jimmy crawls to ropes, “This is Awesome!” as he aims from the corner. Mule kick! Then pop ‘n’ lock and UPPERCUT! Fireman’s carry, but Drew slips free! Jimmy ELBOWS in return! Jimmy goes up, USO IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO! Drew survives but now Jimmy has the chair! The fans fire up and Jimmy winds up! SMACK on the back! And SMACK and SMACK and SMACK into the chest! The fans fire up more, and Jimmy finally sets up the table! Jimmy puts the table in the drop zone, then goes back for Drew.

But Drew kicks low! FUTURE SHOCK DDT! Jimmy sputters and flounders, Drew pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Drew is beside himself! Both men stir, and Drew kips up! Drew snarls and aims from the corner. Jimmy rises, Drew runs in, but SAMOAN DROP through the table!! Jimmy drags Drew to a drop zone, goes up the corner, and the fans fire up! Jimmy reaches the top, to USO- CHAIR SHOT!! Drew threw the chair at Jimmy to knock him outta the sky! And now, CLAYMORE!! Cover, Drew wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Innocent or guilty in the Jacob Fatu Whodunnit, that doesn’t matter with Drew now victorious over Jimmy Uso. But wait, Drew isn’t done with Jimmy! The fans boo as Drew puts the chair around Jimmy’s neck! Drew CHOKES Jimmy like this and the ref reprimands! The fans boo, Drew says Jimmy brought this upon himself! Once again, refs and producers rush out here to stop Drew, but then here comes Cody! The American Nightmare fires hands on the Scottish Warrior, and the brawl goes out of the ring! The fans fire up as Drew ROCKS Drew, TOSSES Drew over barriers, and throws off his track jacket!

Drew sputters, Cody cools off and Cody goes to check Jimmy. The fans cheer as Cody helps Jimmy stand, but Drew is back! CLAYMORE for Cody!! Drew shouts at the refs and they back off, and now Drew stands tall over the Undisputed WWE Champion. Drew tells Cody that he’s only got one week left as champion. Will the countdown to the Claymore also be the end of Cody’s story? Or will Drew be denied his moment one more time?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for SmackDown with just a week left before Saturday Night’s Main Event. Great stuff with the Undisputed Championship story, and with Jimmy stepping in while Jacob Fatu is out. Good promos from Cody and Drew, but great brawls both ringside and backstage. Great No DQ main event, great showing for Jimmy, but of course Drew won to build momentum towards his match with Cody. Drew even standing tall when Cody made the save don’t quite bode well for Drew’s chances at SNME. Granted, we’re still a week out, things could happen next week where Cody gets the better of Drew, but even now, I doubt that happens.

Great tag match from Tama & JC VS Nakamura & Fenix. I also like the subtle detail of Michael Cole saying MFT is like a “united empire,” and Jeff Cobb was in the match tonight. Good win for MFT, they do kinda need some momentum if they’re gonna dare go after the Wyatts and the tag titles. Really good promo from Sami hyping Ilja up for the match, and an awesome match from Ilja VS Aleister. Zelina and Aleister had an entrance a bit akin to Kross & Scarlett, I wonder if WWE is just going to do what fans were hoping to see Kross do, but now it’s Aleister. Anyway, Priest going after Aleister was a given, so good way for Ilja to win without hurting Aleister’s power level too much.

Very good promo with Fraxiom each wanting a shot at Ilja, and then DIY and MFT each warning Fraxiom in their own way. Ilja VS Frazer, Ilja VS Axiom, those will both be awesome matches, but I would think Ilja wins each of those. Meanwhile, I do hope we get a second round of all the SmackDown tag teams going wild. DIY VS Fraxiom, DIY VS MFT, MFT VS Fraxiom, all three in a Triple Threat, those can all go a long way to naming #1 contenders for facing Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles at like WarGames or even just a go-home episode of SmackDown.

Good promo from Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre with Giulia & Kiana James, that’d be a great feud of Heels right there. Very good match of Tiff VS Kiana, and I figured Tiff would win, but great stuff with Jade making a save just to turn on Tiff. And while we’ve seen Tiff VS Jade before, throwing their rematch on SNME is not a bad addition. This SNME is stacked with Cody VS Drew, Punk VS Jey and now Tiff VS Jade. While Punk VS Jey is to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion one way or another, aka change the status quo, it’d be great for Heel Jade to win the Women’s Championship and shake things up on SmackDown as 2025 draws to a close.

Very good promo from Melo, and in Melo’s mind, he thinks things are over. I doubt that, Miz might even interfere in Melo VS Kit. Y’know what, Miz should manage Kit, Kit needs more than just his campaign against toxic masculinity while Elton Prince is still out injured. Good promo from Charlotte, Alexa & Nia to set up Alexa VS Nia for next week, but also to set up Bayley & Lyra VS #Charlexa on Monday. I guess that tag match is the birthday gift Bayley teased. This also feels like they’re subtly building a Women’s WarGames match that’ll be cross brand for Faces VS Heels as opposed to Raw VS SmackDown.

My Score: 8.8/10