The American Nightmare & Viper battle The Badass & Auszilla!

Randy Orton helped Cody Rhodes with Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed on last week’s SmackDown, so now they all throw down in a tag match here tonight!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Open Challenge: Sami Zayn VS Aleister Black; Sami wins and retains the title.
• The Green Administration VS #ZaRuca; ZaRuca wins.
• Je’Von Evans & Rey Fenix VS Los Garza; Je’Von & Fenix win.
• Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman; Bron & Bronson win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Code Rhodes is here!

Cincinnati, Ohio fires up for The American Nightmare and sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro tonight, then he hugs and high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp. Cody gets the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro at the ring, then grabs himself a mic. The fans cheer Cody on, he fires them up a bit more, then he says, “So, Cincinnatiii~! Whaddya wanna talk about?” But then Paul Heyman says, “Well, there’s plenty that we’d like to talk about.” The Oracle walks out from the crowd side and says he is glad Cody asked the question. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed follow Heyman, and Heyman says, “What would we like to talk about?”

The Vision gets on the apron, but then surprise! Randy Orton is already out here! He slips into the ring and Heyman says he owes them all an apology. That was rude, he didn’t even introduce himself. “Ladies and gentlemen… My name is Paul Heyman! Mr. Breakker, Mr. Reed and I didn’t come out here to talk to you, Mr. Rhodes. No, we came out here to talk to you, Mr. Orton. You’re a tough man to get a hold of. You never take my phone calls, never return my texts, never return my emails. So I said to The Brons, ‘Corner the champion and The Viper shall appear.’ And that wasn’t a prediction, that was a spoiler.”

The fans chant, “R K O! R K O!” Heyman sighs, and he “thanks” Cincy for their “most irrelevant opinion.” The fans boo, but Heyman continues with, “I would give any amount of money to be the fly on the wall when you two plot your strategy tonight. Because whatever that strategy is, hard facts: You’re going to lose tonight to Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed.” The fans boo, but Heyman claims that is also a spoiler. But here is what he wants to know: When Orton loses tonight, if they beat Cody Rhodes, then Orton knows, Cody knows, and everyone knows that Orton will look at Cody and say, “That’s the Undisputed Champion? I could do so much better than that.”

The fans boo again, but Heyman says that if Bron & Bronson happen to beat a legend like Orton, then how can Orton NOT look at Cody and ask, “Where were you, Champ?” Either way, no matter how you look at it, this can’t last. And that’s not a prediction from an Oracle, that is a prophecy. Heyman leads Bron & Bronson away, just waiting for the main event. But does Heyman have a point? Will The Viper and American Nightmare inevitably be torn apart?

The Miz finds Carmelo Hayes backstage.

The Hollywood A-Lister is not happy with H1M, but he won’t let Melo just walk off and not explain himself. Melo says there’s nothing to explain. Miz says Melo just watched him take the pin last week! He took three finishers! Does Melo not know how tag teams work? They’re supposed to have each other’s backs. Melo says yeah, and Miz was supposed to have his! But Miz just stands in his way! This is done! Miz can’t believe Melo is the one saying the team is done. Melo says he’s being cool about it, too. Because normally, Melo shoots first. Melo leaves, but will Miz leave it at that?

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

#BigMatchSami is ready for another night and another fight! But who answers his Open Challenge here in Cincinnati? We find out, after the break!

SmackDown returns and we see who answers the challenge: CARMELO?! Well, Melo was close the last time, he wants another go! Melo has a mic in hand, and he tells Sami, “You know exactly why I’m here. Me and you, we already did this thing. But here’s the difference. This time, I don’t have anybody holding me back. This time, I don’t have anybody clouding my vision, taking my focus away from beating you for that United States Championship. Because Sami, you know how great I am, I know how great I am, and tonight, here in Cincinnati, I’m the best I’ve ever been. So Sami, it’s about time I show you exactly why I am H1M.”

BUT MIZ HITS MELO WITH A SKULL CRUSHING FINALE ON THE STAGE! Miz says no go, Melo! Producers rush out here to back Miz off, but now Aleister Black walks out here! The Dark Father picks up the mic to say, “While that is just so unfortunate… US title challenge… I’ll take it.” The fans cheer that! Sami also can’t help but smile, this is definitely a top notch match! But will Sami stay golden? Or will he just #FadeToBlack?

The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Aleister headlocks, Sami powers up and out, then drops down to hurdle over and arm-drag! And arm-drag again! Then he spins and arm-drags Aleister to an armlock! Aleister fights up, pulls hair and puts Sami on the ropes. The ref counts, Aleister lets go slowly, and then he KICKS Sami down! The ref reprimands while Sami crawls to a corner. Aleister heads over, throws a haymaker then a KICK, and repeat. Aleister whips corner to corner, then he BOOTS Sami down! The fans rally for Sami but Aleister paces around. Aleister KICKS Sami against ropes again and again!

The ref counts, Aleister stops at 4, and then he ROCKS Sami. Aleister whips, but Sami KICKS in return! Sami runs up, Aleister dodges, QUEBRADA! Aleister sits cross-legged while Sami sputters, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Aleister KICKS away on Sami in the corner! But Sami turns things around to CHPO, CHOP, CHOP! Sami climbs up, the fans fire up, and Sami rains down fists! Sami goes all the way to TEN, then past that to about TWENTY! The fans fire up, and Sami stomps away on Aleister! Sami then brings Aleister up, whips, but Aleister reverses. Sami goes up and over to LARIAT Aleister up and out! Then Sami goes to the apron kicks Aleister, and he ARAIBIAN PRESS MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Aleister and the fans fire up again! Sami puts Aleister in, climbs the corner, and the fans fire up, but Sami has to leap over Aleister!

Aleister comes back, but into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Aleister is still in this and Sami is a bit surprised, but the fans rally up. Sami suplexes, Aleister waistlocks, but Sami switches. They switch again, Sami bucks the O’Conner, but Aleister BOOTS him! And ROUNDHOUSES! And SNAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO! Sami survives and Aleister seethes again. Aleister watches Sami sit up, and then he runs up, but Sami ducks the heel kick! BLUE THUNDER- NO, Aleister slips free to JUMP KNEE, LEG SWEEP, and roll-up! TWO!! Sami escapes and Aleister is stunned! Aleister storms his way to a corner and climbs up!

The fans rally and Sami stirs. Sami rises up to ROCK Aleister first! Sami climbs, he brings Sami up, and up, and SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! The ref checks, both men are able to continue, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Aleister is down, and “This is Awesome!” Sami hurries up a corner, but Aleister rises to ROUNDHOUSE! But Sami fires hands in return! Aleister stumbles back, Sami adjusts, AX- KNEE!! Aleister takes Sami out of the sky and covers, TWO!! Sami survives and Aleister is even further in shock! Aleister staggers, Sami sits up, and Sami shakes his head. Aleister kicks Sami, Sami CHOPS in return! Aleister fires a forearm, Sami fires back, and they go back and forth! Aleister then KICKS a leg, ROCKS Sami, and KICKS away in the corner! The ref counts, Aleister runs corner to corner and he ELBOWS Sami!

Aleister runs, Sami follows! But Aleister dodges the Helluva Kick! Aleister goes up to METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives, Aleister is furious, and Cincy is shocked! Aleister rises, the fans rally as hard as they can, but Aleister aims. WAIT! DAMIAN PRIEST IS HERE! Aleister and Damian stare down, and then HELLUVA KICK! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, Sami wins!!

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

Sami survives and Priest smiles as he got to cost Aleister this one. Who will be next for Sami and the series of Open Challenges? And as for Priest, he is surprisingly polite as he clears off the commentary desk. Priest then tells Aleister, “What did you think was gonna happen?” He drags Aleister out, RAZOR’S EDGE down through the table! Cincy fires up as Priest stands over Aleister! When and where will the Archer of Infamy and the Dark Father finally settle this?

Nick Aldis talks with #ZaRuca.

The SmackDown General Manager says Sol Ruca & Zaria have been very impressive as of late, and- He is interrupted by Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre. The Hot Mess says she was just thinking, but Aldis says he was just talking to Sol & Zaria here. Oh, perfect timing! Tell them that The Green Administration is giving them the opportunity of a lifetime! They can be “Slaygent S” and “Slaygent Z” of the Secret Her-vice. Last time she got in the ring with them, she kinda- ZaRuca both say they’re not interested. Also, didn’t they beat Chelsea? They shouldn’t need to audition, not that they want in. They want to prove themselves as contenders to the Women’s Tag titles.

Chelsea tells Aldis to tell ZaRuca that they would be lucky to get a chance of a lifetime! Aldis won’t do that. But Sol says why miss out on another chance of a lifetime? Zaria gets it, and agrees. They can make this a match tonight. Aldis likes that, too! Then Chelsea & Alba will face #ZaRuca. Chelsea says Aldis always ruins everything! The Hot Mess storms off, but will she cool off after the Soul Surfer & Agent of Change get through with her?

The Green Administration VS #ZaRuca!

SmackDown returns and ZaRuca makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Zaria starts against Alba. They circle, tie up, and go around. Zaria powers Alba back, but Alba pulls hair! Alba puts Zaria int he corner, grinds her forearm in, but the ref counts. Alba stops, talks trash, but Zaria grabs her by the neck! Zaria THROWS Alba to the corner, SPLASHES, then whips corner to corner. Alba dodges this time, but Zaria BOOTS in return! Zaria goes up, reels Alba in, and she grins as she has the HANGING SLEEPER! The fans fire up, the ref counts, but Zaria lets Alba go. Alba sputters and staggers, Zaria flexes and FLYING LARIATS!

Alba flounders away, tag to Chelsea, and Zaria grins. Zaria dodges Chelsea, fireman’s carries, but Chelsea fights free. Chelsea sunset flips, but Zaria stays up to YANK Chelsea up! HEADBUTT! Tag to Sol, and Zaria feeds Chelsea to the TARANTULA! Chelsea shouts for help but Alba is down. Zaria BOOTS Chelsea and Sol hits the X-FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives, she flounders away, but then she ELBOWS Sol! Alba tags in, Sol dodges Chelsea, then ELBOWS her away. But Alba pulls hair! Chelsea trips Sol, Alba slingshot DROPKICKS, and tag back to Chelsea. Chelsea PENALTY KICKS from the apron!

Alba DIVES onto Zaria! Chelsea salutes, Cincy is torn, and Chelsea puts Sol back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Chelsea rains down fists, then drags Sol over to tag Alba. Alba tags Chelsea back in, and then GOURD BUSTER to a SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK! And then SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Sol survives and Chelsea grows frustrated, but she calls to Alba. Chelsea SLAPS Sol, but Zaria YANKS Alba down! And THROWS her into barriers! Sol fights the chicken wings, shoves Chelsea into buckles, then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, ZaRuca wins!

Winners: #ZaRuca, by pinfall

A big win for Sol & Zaria on SmackDown, and this “opportunity of a lifetime” could lead them to the biggest opportunity of their careers! Will #ZaRuca become #1 contenders to #Charlexa?

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Speaking of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Cathy Kelley is with The Queen & Lil’ Miss Bliss to talk about ZaRuca. We just saw that great win, they have chemistry, but what do these two thinks? Charlotte says ZaRuca is impressive. Alexa says yes, those two came together to be a team, and Alexa knows about not always being on the same page with a teammate. Sometimes your tag partner thinks she’s the queen. Charlotte rolls her eyes and says yes, we get it. And yet Alexa carries a spooky doll. Anyway, ZaRuca has come so far, it makes sense they’d wanna face Charlotte & Alexa. And when that time comes, they better be ready. “WOO~!”

Charlotte wants Alexa to do one, she doesn’t wanna, so Cathy lets out a “WOO~!” Charlotte says see? Alexa just laughs and heads out, so Charlotte follows. But when and where will we see the “Allies of Convenience” take on the best friends for the belts?

Cody Rhodes talks with Randy Orton backstage.

Cody brings up what Heyman said, but Randy says, “Who cares what Heyman says?” Cody says Randy knows he has his back, and Randy says yes, right back at him. They fist bump, and Randy heads out. But is Heyman’s mind game going to work out on his favor in the end? Or is there no destroying the legacy of this duo?

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

And as he stands at the table, he says, “Ladies and gentlemen, one week from tomorrow at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, two of our brightest shining stars and two champions, Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer, face off for the coveted Women’s Crown Jewel Championship. Tonight, we make it official. So without further ado, please welcome the WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton!” The fans cheer for the Wrestling Barbie, undefeated in 2025, even after last week’s massive Triple Threat. Tiff goes right to the ring, and Aldis now welcomes out the WWE Women’s World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!

The fans fire up again as La Primera makes her way out to the ring, having a top tier 2025 in her own right. Vaquer joins everyone in the ring and goes to the table. She pushes her chair aside, preferring to stand, so Tiff stands back up to match. Vaquer tells Tiff she has respect, and Tiff is a great champion. Vaquer knows she’s only been world champion for two weeks, but she promises to show Tiff who she is. Because Vaquer won’t be losing any match from now on. So may the best woman win. The fans cheer that, and Tiff takes her turn. Since the moment Vaquer was signed, Tiff couldn’t wait for the moment she stepped into a ring with her.

Stephanie Vaquer VS Tiffany Stratton, two of the best, and they proved that when they won these titles. But in Perth, at Crown Jewel, there will be only ONE woman walking out as the Crown Jewel, and it will be Tiff. Because it doesn’t matter where they are, from Australia to France to Italy to Cincinnati, it is and always will be Tiffy Time. Both women sign their part of the contract, and they even shake hands. Aldis takes the contract, he thanks both ladies, and says it is set: Vaquer VS Stratton for the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship, next week at Crown Jewel in Perth! But then GIULIA attacks Tiff on the way out!

The fans boo but Miss Management, Kiana James, says hold on, hold on. Aldis shouldn’t notarize anything just yet. Kiana & Giulia have a business proposal for Vaquer. Vaquer has worked incredibly hard to become champion, it is commendable. But Kiana wants her and Giulia to be the first to tell Vaquer that she’s a star. We all know that. But… Vaquer just isn’t a superstar. Now, don’t listen to the fans. Kiana can make Vaquer a superstar, if she accepts Kiana’s services. Her rates are high, but the level of prestige Vaquer will reach is priceless. Kiana will take Giulia to the top of this division! She already outshines Tiff as the best champion on SmackDown.

Kiana has done all of that for Giulia, so just imagine what she can do for Vaquer! Vaquer could be THE Women’s Crown Jewel Champion! The choice is hers. Or, just end up like Tiffy- TIFF TRIPS KIANA! Tiff drags Kiana out, DECKS Her, so Giulia swings on Vaquer! Vaquer dodges, kicks her low, and hooks her up for the S- NO, Giulia slips free! Kiana gets Giulia to safety and the fans boo. But will Miss Management & Beautiful Madness learn a thing or two about respect?

Nick Aldis talks with Je’Von Evans.

It was just before the show that the SmackDown GM talked with the Young OG. Aldis knows Evans is making a name for himself. Evans has a lot going on, obviously, what with NXT VS TNA: Showdown next Tuesday. But Aldis will stay in touch, there is a bright future for Evans on SmackDown. Je’Von thanks Aldis, and then Rey Fenix walks over. Fenix says hey to Je’Von, and says that match with Sami last week was GOOD! Now, that got Fenix thinking on what they could do 1v1! Je’Von says that’s fire, dawg! But then Los Garza walks in and they talk some trash, claiming Aldis is babysitting Je’Von here.

Angel says a fresh reminder: Je’Von is goofy, and the former AAA World Tag Team Champion already beat Fenix and that was a long time ago. Je’Von says that is goofy! But since they wanna run their mouths, Los Garza can run it back with them. Aldis likes the sound of that, too. We get a tag team match tonight! Then will Je’Von and Fenix get BOUNCY~ in Cincy? Or will Los Garza win this for Legado?

Jacob Fatu speaks.

“See, what bothers me is I’m tired of people lying, I’m tired of people crying and wasting time on their BS stories. See, I had to do what was best for Drew, and that was shut his ass up! See, people like to talk a lot, until the situation gets spicy. And see, me? I’m on a whole ‘nother time. I was broke, foaming at the mouth, so what you think I’ma do if someone disrespects me, huh? I’ma apply pressure and wake they ass up for sleepin’ on me! But let’s keep it 100! I’m fresh off the scab with it. All raw, uncut with it! Lemme light you up! You coming for me? UH-UH! You goin’ straight to the bottom. And to the top is exactly where I’m going.

“And if you ain’t know, Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADADA mean?! FATU~!” The Samoan Werewolf is back on the hunt, but will he bring down the Scottish Terminator? Or will Fatu actually get Drew back to that form with this?

Je’Von Evans & Rey Fenix VS Los Garza!

SmackDown returns and Angel y Berto make their entrance. The teams sort out and Je’Von starts against Berto. The fans rally, Je’Von and Berto approach, then Je’Von dodges to springboards and flying roll-up! TWO, and Berto runs up again. Je’Von dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Je’Von runs, Berto dodges the lariat, Je’Von ducks a roundhouse but not the ENZIGIRI! Berto fires up, Angel fires up with him, and Berto covers, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von around, throws down fists, but Cincy rallies for Je’Von. Berto HAMMERS away on Je’Von, then talks some trash. The fans boo, but Berto CHOPS!

Je’Von CHOPS, but Berto stomps a mudhole in. Berto brings Je’Von up but Je’Von fires body shots. Je’Von runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Berto is annoyed, the fans rally, but Berto whips. Je’Von reverses, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! Berto flounders, Angel tags in, and Berto DUMPS Je’Von out! Angel BOOTS Je’Von, then SLINGSHOT into the HAYMAKER! Los Garza is fired up, but but here comes Fenix! He handsprings through the hip toss to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Then he FLIES out onto Angel! The fans fire up for the Tornillo, but Berto runs to FLY! He takes out Fenix with a Fosbury Flop!

But now Je’Von FLIES! Everyone wipes out at the ramp and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Angel rains down fists on Fenix in a corner. But Fenix slips free at five to then SHORYUKEN in return! The fans fire up, and Fenix brings Angel in for a tuck. Angel fights it, Berto slips in, but Je’Von LARIATS Berto and himself out of the ring! Angel slips free, but Fenix mule kicks! SOMERSAULT- NO, Angel catches Fenix first! Je’Von slips back in, but Berto CLUBS him now! Berto puts Je’Von up on top, then runs, FLYING CHUCK POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives and Angel is shocked! The fans rally up while Angel sits Fenix up. Angel ROCKS Fenix with a forearm!

Angel fires more shots, but Fenix JAWBREAKERS back! Angel drops to his knees, he ducks the buzzsaw, but not the BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Angel rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Je’Von rises, he is feeling it! Hot tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges to SUPERMAN PUNCH! But Berto BOOTS from the corner! Berto goes up, Je’Von KICKS the legs, then CHEEKY NANDOS! Then a PUNT NANDOS! Then a DIVE onto Angel and cameraman! The fans are going nuts as Je’Von goes back into the ring! But Berto RANAS Je’Von! Cover, with ropes! The ref sees that and sasys nope! Je”Von rolls Berto, TWO!

Je’Von runs, dodges, and KNEES Berto down! Cover, Angel breaks it! The fans boo but Angel drags Je’Von up to whip. Je’Von rebounds, RED DOT KICK! Je’Von runs up at th ecorner, Berto puts him outside, but Fenix tags in! Berto PELES Je’Von, but Fenix slingshots to SOBAT Berto! The fans fire up with Fenix, he hoists Berto up and tucks him back in! Je’Von springboards to O G CUTTER Angel!! Then MEXICAN MUSCLE BUSTER for Berto!! Cover, Fenix & Je’Von wins!

Winners: Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

A massive win for the Firebird and the Young OG, and Aldis is right, there is certainly a bright future for Je’Von here on SmackDown. But will Je’Von first win that X-Division Championship at TNA: Bound For Glory?

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

Cathy Kelley finds the Archer of Infamy and brings up how he’s been the “target of Aleister Black” for weeks now. The violence keeps escalating, and Priest turned the tables, as it were. How far is he willing to go to end this? Priest says Aleister has hit him with Black Mass for weeks. He isn’t the first to sneak attack, but everyone’s time runs out. There are always consequences, and Priest IS those consequences. Then in comes Kit Wilson, in a wheelchair, mockingly applauding Priest. “Bravo, bravo. A great example for the kids, as always.” Kit doesn’t know how many times he has to say this, but WAKE UP, DAMIAN! You think power is intimidation, when really, it is just overcompensation.

Kit says Priest can put him down as many times as he likes, but he promises to overthrow the “Toxic Aggression Era” to prove what REAL masculinity is! Kit stands up and Priest says wow, it’s a miracle! Kit really is masculine. Priest then pushes Kit back into the chair, and then pushes the chair downhill! Kit crashes into road cases! Priest says don’t worry, he’s fine. Toxic? Who knows. But to answer the question, he will take this as far as he has to. So SmackDown, Aleister, Priest, 1v1, LAST MAN STANDING! Let’s see who hits harder. Priest leaves, but will he regret daring Aleister to go all out in Australia?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“The big man from Japan. Seven feet tall and three hundred pounds of destruction, Talla Tonga.” Talla steps in, and Solo says he helped Solo win the US Championship by smashing the Samoan Werewolf. Solo loves him for that. There is a monster inside of Talla, and he needs to bring it out to show everyone just who he is. Because his loyalty will be rewarded, so long as he is part of “My Family Tree.” Talla says, “I love you.” Solo says, “I love you, too. I love all of you. But there’s something missing. There’s something missing for this family to be complete. Once I find that part, everyone, and I mean everyone, is on notice.”

Backstage interview with The Street Profits.

Cathy Kelley is with Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins & B-Fab, and she brings up the opportunity next week for the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Wyatts. How are they feeling? Are they on the same page? B-Fab assures us all that Tez & Dawks are on the same page. Dawkins says he and Tez have gone through a lot the past couple months, even past couple of years. But they both realized that this right here ain’t worth giving up. Ford says the Wyatts can play all the mind games they want, because next week ain’t just about the tag team championships. Next week is about fighting for each other.

The Profits do the secret handshake, and Ford says Profits & Fab stay up, because #WeWantTheSmoke! But then the screen starts going wonky, and it is a message from The Wyatts! Erick Rowan tells them, “You may be going into this fight as brothers, but will you still consider yourselves family when everything around you comes crashing down?” Joe Gacy says, “Your house is burning, surrounded by flames that will take everything away from you.” Dexter Lumis says, “And you will choke on the smoke you claim to desire.” Nikki Cross says, “Nothing more than a pile of ashes.” Rowan says from their family to yours, they all join in twisted laughter before Rowan says, “Run.”

Well, there’s a mind game for you… But will the Profits survive going Down Under? Or will they simply go down?

Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!

The American Nightmare didn’t get to talk about what he wanted to talk about, but The Oracle took care of that for everyone. Cody has the grandest prize in the WWE, and perhaps all of professional wrestling, but surely The Viper won’t strike him down for it, right? Or will it not matter should The Badass & The Colossal Aussie wipe them out first?

SmackDown returns and Cody finishes his entrance with the second “WHOA~ OH~!” before Orton makes his entrance. Cincy sings along with Voices, and Orton fist bumps the fans along the ramp. After Orton revels in the fans singing a bit longer, Bron & Bronson make their combined entrance, The Oracle following behind. The teams sort out, Bron starts against Randy, and fans are torn between barking and rallying for Orton. The two tie up, they end up in a corner, and Orton lets off slowly. Then he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! Orton climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! Orton goes to nine, then hops down, and he runs to LARIAT Bron up and out!

The fans fire up while Bron flounders! Orton paces, the fans cheer more, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Orton waits on Bron, the ring count starts, and Bron rises. Bron storms around, Heyman gives him some pointers, and Bron storms into the ring. Bron taunts Cody, circles with Randy again, and they tie up. But Bron kicks low! And he ROCKS Orton to a corner before he RAMS Randy again and again! The ref counts, Bron backs off, then he climbs up. Bron rains down fists, and he goes to nine before he backs off. Bron winds up, runs up, but Orton pokes him in the eye! Brons taggers away, Orton runs up and kicks low. Orton TOSSES Bron out, then goes out after him. Heyman stays back as Orton stalks Bron to the desk.

Orton stands Bron up, but Bron KNEES low! Bron storms back up on Orton to SMACK him off the desk! Orton wobbles, Bron box jumps to the apron, and Bron powers up to FLYING BULLDOG but Orton dodges! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Bron writhes, Orton holds up a finger, and the fans seem to agree, they’ll do that again! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Bron writhes, but Bronson CLOBBERS Orton! The ref has to keep Cody back, but that lets Bronson DESK BACK SUPLEX Orton! The ref restarts the ring count, Bron rises, and Bron brings Orton around to put in the ring. Bron rolls in, tags Bronson, and Bronson ROCKS Orton!

Bronson HEADBUTTS Orton to a corner. SmackDown returns to single picture as Orton kicks low in return. Orton throws hands, backs Bronson down, but Bronson BODY BLOWS! Orton falls to his knees but Bronson clamps on a chinlock. Orton endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Orton rises, even as Bronson squeezes tight. Bron taunts Cody, but Orton fires body shots. Orton ROCKS Bronson, the fans rally up again, but Bronson whips. Bronson runs up, Orton dodges, and Bronson POSTS himself! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bronson staggers, Orton crawls, hot tag to Cody! Cody fires haymakers on Bronson!

Cody runs to ROCK Bronson, and ROCK him, and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Then he baits Bronson to TOSS him out! Bron runs up but Cody dodges, to LARIAT him out! Bron & Bronson regroup, Cody DIVES! Down go the Brons! The fans fire up with Cody as he puts Reed back in! Cody hurries to push Bronson to a cover, ONE?! Cody hurries to clamp onto Bronson, Bronson fights up, but Cody wrenches. Bronson wrenches to whip, but Cody holds ropes. Cody BOOTS Bronson, but Bron CLUBS Cody! Bronson storms up on Cody to CLUB him down, too! The fans boo but Bronson HEADBUTTS Cody to a corner.

The fans rally for Cody but Bronson BODY BLOWS him! Bronson taunts Cody, brings him up, but Cody kicks low and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody springboards, but into Bronson’s arms! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Bronson mocks Roman’s battle cry and raises his finger, ACKNOWLEDGE the Tribal Thief! Bronson stomps Cody, tags Bron, and lets Bron build speed so he can LARIAT Cody inside-out! The fans either boo or bark as Bron taunts Orton. Orton lets it slide while SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Bron stalks Cody to a corner, digs his knees in, but the ref backs him off. Bron talks trash on the fans, on Cody, and on Orton. Then he brings Cody up, but Cody fires body shots. Cody reaches out for Orton, ROCKS Bron, and repeat. Bron ducks a shot to EXPLODER! He almost throws Cody a full 360! Cody flounders, Bronson tags in, and Bronson drags Cody up from the floor. Bronson puts Cody back into the ring, then clamps on with a neck wrench! Cody endures as Bronson tries to twist his head off! Randy reaches out, the fans rally up, but Bronson HIP DROPS! Cody sputters and Bronson taunts the fans.

Cody rises, he kicks low, then kicks again. Then he ROCKS Bron! But Bronson HEADBUTTS Cody down! Bronson drags Cody around, tags Bron in, and Bron stomps Cody. Bron drags Cody, hops onto Bronson’s back, HEAVY SPLASH! Bron taunts Orton, then stalks Cody. Bron pushes Cody around, has him under the ropes, and SmackDown returns to single picture again right as Bron hits the CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Cody sputters, Bron drags him over, and Bron taunts Orton. The fans rally for Cody as Bron whips, but Cody KICKS back! And leaps! But Bron keeps him from Orton! Bron RAMS Cody into the corner, then RAMS him again and again!

The ref counts, Bronson tags in, and Bronson CLUBS Cody! And ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Bronson taunts Cody, the fans still rally, so Bronson brings Cody around. Tag back to Bron, they mug Cody, and Bron pushes Cody around. Bron climbs up, he mocks the singing, and he rains down fists. But Cody YANKS Bron down at four! Cody crawls, Bron holds onto a foot, but Cody turns over to BOOT Bron away! Bronson stags in, he CLUBS Cody! Bronson stays between Cody and Orton, then he stalks Cody to an open corner. Bronson whips corner to corner, runs up, but Cody avoids the splash!

The fans fire up as Cody crawls! Bronson stumbles around, catches up to Cody, but Cody avoids the senton! Bronson writhes from his crash landing and the fans fire up more! Cody crawls, but so does Bronson, hot tags to Bron and Orton! The Viper rallies, LARIATS, then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Orton has Bron in a corner. Bron BOOTS back, Bronson tags back in! But Orton dodges and SNAP POWERSLAMS?!? Orton is feeling it and he brings Bronson up. But Bronson fireman’s carries! JAGGED EDGE!! Bronson then goes to a corner and climbs! The fans boo but Orton rises up!

Orton ROCKS Bronson! Orton fires more hands, then he climbs up after Bronson! The fans fire up for Orton, and he hits a SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up again as Orton pushes Bronson to a cover, but Bron breaks it! Cody stomps away on Bron for it! But Bron TOSSES Cody! Bron goes out, but Cody kicks low! Cody whips, Bron reverses, and Cody hits POST! Bron goes to the apron, takes aim, and he runs to leap, FLYING BULLDOG through the barriers!! The fans lose their minds, Orton is shocked, but he has Bronson in the ropes! The fans fire up for the DRAPING DDT! Cincy is fired up, and Orton hears those voices!

But Heyman gets on the apron! AND SETH ROLLINS CURB STOMPS ORTON!! Rollins in his dark leather cowboy get-up gets outta there, and Bronson puts Orton in the drop zone! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Vision wins!

Winners: Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, by pinfall

The Visionary joins his behemoths in celebrating, but Cody is up to see what happened! Cody storms into the ring but The Vision is already on their way out. Rollins says Bron & Bronson are to leave Cody alone, Cody is his soon enough. Bron & Bronson do as told and head up the ramp. And that’s when Rollins turns back to the ring. Even Heyman is a bit surprised by this. He says not to do it, this is Cody getting into Rollins’ head. But Rollins doesn’t care! CURB- NO! Cody dodges! CROSS RHODES!! The American Nightmare just got the better of Rollins again! It seems Heyman was right, just not in the way he wanted! Will Rollins get his head right before Crown Jewel?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, bordering on great, but this felt like filler on some level, only because SmackDown’s gotten into a habit of making the go-home episode feel like a preshow to the PLE with all the big matches that help lead into Saturday/Sunday. We of course got The Vision here on SmackDown to plug the Crown Jewel Championship story of Cody and Rollins, and I did like Heyman pointing out what fans have noticed: Orton keeps sneaking peeks at the title, so Orton clearly wants a shot at it against Cody. The tag match was really good for the main event, and I should’ve figured Rollins would show up to help his guys win.

But it’s almost comical that Rollins couldn’t just leave and then gets himself in trouble against Cody. As it stands, this could lead to Rollins winning at Crown Jewel, but I’m not sure. We also got a good contract signing from Vaquer and Tiffany, though they honestly didn’t have much more to say than they did on Monday or last week. And while Kiana & Giulia showing up for the sneak attack was good, Kiana’s sales pitch would’ve worked better way before this point. I guess it couldn’t happen since Vaquer is on Raw, not SmackDown. But whatever, this clearly gives us a quick go-home tag match of Tiff & Vaquer VS Giulia & Kiana that the champs will win so we really can’t be sure who wins at Crown Jewel.

Great stuff for Je’Von Evans and ZaRuca tonight, though. They’re all clearly going to be part of the next round of call-ups, with this as the test run. Very good promo from ZaRuca with Green Administration to set up their tag match, and a very good tag match, but with a very good win for ZaRuca. Good promo from #Charlexa to give ZaRuca their props, and I’m thinking they’ll do a tag title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1st. Je’Von and Fenix had a good promo with Los Garza, and an awesome tag match from them. Great win for Je’Von and Fenix, definitely best thing of the night.

Very good promo from Profits and Wyatts to hype up the tag title match, and at this point, if Profits are losing, this might as well be the moment they break up. The Wyatt Effect was always the subtle way they had someone be changed after facing Bray Wyatt, so the Wyatt Sick6 need to have that affect on people, too. It’ll be sad to see The Profits go, but Ford and Dawkins can each be great singles guys, they can challenge Sami for the US Championship, and we’ll get great stuff.

Speaking of which, really good stuff with the US Championship and the other stories connected to it. After that run-in between them Sami, Miz turning on Melo was a given, so now Miz VS Melo is also a given. And while Sami VS Aleister was a great match, Priest of course cost Aleister. Another hilarious promo with Kit Wilson, too, and of course Priest calls for Last Man Standing with Aleister, that is going to be great stuff. Now, it’s just a matter of time, but Nakamura has to make himself known and challenge Sami, that’ll be great stuff because it can also turn into a feud that uses their WWE history together, dating back to NXT.

My Score: 8.7/10