Who will head to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

LA Knight and Gunther have both fought through strong competitors, and now they meet here on SmackDown in the Last Time is Now Tournament Finals!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Carmelo Hayes; Ilja wins and retains the title.
• Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka; Alexa wins.
• Jade Cargill VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green; Jade wins.
• The Last Time is Now Tournament Finals: LA Knight VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins and advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre is here!

But Nick Aldis and security already stop him. “What part of ‘suspended’ don’t you understand?” But Drew says he’s served his time! Has he spoken to Heyman? Yes, Aldis has, and honestly, that was Drew’s first mistake. Drew says that Heyman aside, Drew’s team won at WarGames, and Bron Breakker is getting a world title match, so Drew should, too! Fair is fair! No, it’s not, because Drew is SUSPENDED. That’s how it was before Survivor Series, that’s how it is now. Get back in your car and leave. Drew says okay, he’ll leave. But not for Aldis. It’s so the security team can go home safe to their families.

Drew says Aldis isn’t hurting Drew, he’s hurting the fans. No Drew for them, that’s on Aldis! BUT CODY IS IN THE TRUCK! Cody goes after Drew! Cody SMACKS Drew off the steering wheel, then CLAWS at Drew’s face! Aldis reprimands, security hurries to drag Cody out of Drew’s truck, but Cody says he’s not done with Drew! It takes multiple men to drag Cody back and Drew indeed drives off into the night! Aldis is upset with Cody but Cody just storms his way to gorilla! The fans in Austin are all fired up for The American Nightmare as he makes his entrance! Cody goes right to the ring while the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!”

Cody grabs a mic and shouts for Nick Aldis! “I need you to reinstate Drew McIntyre!” The fans like the sound of that! Cody says Drew broke an unwritten rule of this sport! Drew broke into Cody’s home-away-from-home, his tour bus, where his wife and children sleep and play, and Drew thought there’d be no repercussions?! Cody could drop 1.2 megatons on Drew, split the atom, and even then, Drew would be crawling on Cody’s feet, because he is WWE’s resident cockroach! The fans fire up behind Cody, and Cody says if you don’t want scenes like that, in a parking lot, at a church, at Drew’s house, on the Georgia red clay, the coast of California, or all over the Lonestar State!

But it should be in a WWE ring! Drew’s never beaten Cody, but he’s broken him! Aldis, PLEASE, Cody is begging you to reinstate Drew, all so Cody can show us what to do when you see a cockroach: STOMP HIM OUT! Cody throws down the mic as he has thrown down the gauntlet! Will Aldis acquiesce and give both men what they want? Or will the SmackDown GM choose to do what is “best for business?”

DIY talks backstage.

They admire the mask they stole from Axiom. Tommaso Ciampa says he’s gonna go have a talk with Aldis, because Ciampa wants his damn US Championship match! Johnny Gargano says once Ciampa’s through with Ilja, DIY will get back to the top of the tag division! BTTITW, Best Tag Team In The World! Ciampa says after he’s done with Ilja, he’ll be the NEW US Champion. Oh, yeah, Gargano knows it! Then they spot Carmelo Hayes walking by, and he asks if they just said something about the US Championship. Because maybe Ciampa should reschedule, Melo’s got next. Jackass! Melo laughs, Ciampa seethes, and Gargano says don’t worry about H1M, he clearly can’t read their shirts.

Ciampa holds it together for now, but will he ever get his shot at the Mad Russian Dragon? Or will Melo hit Nothing But Net and make that bank?

Damian Priest speaks.

“I’ve been listening to you talk in circles for way too long, Aleister. You think you’re gonna break me? Nah. You think I’m delusional? No, delusional is thinking you can burn my face and think you’re gonna walk away from this. See, all you’ve done is delayed the inevitable. You brought in your wife, you brought in your family, so now I get to bring in mine.” RHEA RIPLEY is behind him! And Mami says the mistake Aleister & Zelina made is thinking that they could poke the bear and that Rhea wouldn’t be there by Priest’s side. They’ve been through Hell and back together, and if Priest is going back into that fire, Rhea’s gonna be there by his side.

Zelina, you thought you could get under Priest’s skin? All you did was sign your own death warrants. Because next week, it is Aleister & Zelina VS Priest & Rhea. And you find out why no one survives… The Terror Twins! Will the Dark Father and his wicked queen soon feel the brutality?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really number one!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Melo puts Ilja in the corner, backs off as the ref counts, and the two tie up again. Melo headlocks, Ilja powers up and out, but Melo RAMS Ilja! Ilja rebounds to CLOBBER Melo! The fans fire up, Ilja has Melo in a corner to CHOP! Ilja stalks Melo to a corner, but Melo turns things around to CHOP! Melo stalks Ilja to another corner, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Melo clinches, whips, but Ilja BOOTS Melo down! Ilja hurries to get Melo up and bump him off buckles. Ilja goes corner to corner, KNEES Melo low, then keeps moving! But Melo SUPERKICKS Ilja on the return!

Ilja flops to the apron, Melo huffs ‘n’ puffs, and Melo stands Ilja up. Melo slingshots but into a CHOP! Ilja hurries back in, and he BOOTS Melo back down! The fans fire up, Ilja drags Melo around, and Ilja goes to the corner. The fans fire up, but Melo stops Ilja at the top! ROCKET LAUNCHER! The fans fire up with Melo now, but Ilja SLAPS him first! Ilja runs and he JUMP KICKS Melo to the floor! Melo clutches his leg, the ref goes to check him, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Ilja has Melo’s arm for a lock. Melo fights around to KNEE low, then he goes to a corner. Melo SUPER- NO, Ilja stops the kick, spins Melo around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on, the fans rally, and Melo fights with elbows. Ilja still holds on, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up, Melo fires more shots, but Ilja still holds onto the waistlock. Ilja GERMAN- NO, Melo fights the lift! So Ilja steps through and fires HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then he scoops but Melo slips free! Melo ROCKS Ilja! And CHOPS! Ilja ROCKS Melo, Melo ROCKS Ilja, repeat! The fans are torn, but Melo CHOPS and ROCKS Ilja again!

Ilja rebounds, but Melo wrenches to KNEE SMASH! But Ilja BOOTS! Ilja runs, CONSTANTINE- NO, Melo dodges it, FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up and Melo rises! Melo runs in, tilt-o-whirl for LA MYSTICA FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives and Melo is shocked! The fans rally and Melo rises up. Melo has Austin behind him as he aims again, and he runs up, FIRST- NO! Ilja stops the 48 to pop Melo up and POWERBOMB! Ilja drops back to a corner, shakes out his arms, and powers up again! H-BOMB but into KNEES! Ilja rebounds and Melo reels him in for a cradle! TWO!! ENZIGIRI from Ilja!

Ilja hurries to get Melo up, wrench and lift, SIDE SLAM! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. The fans cheer, “Let’s Go, Melo!” Ilja goes to a corner and  climbs up, but Melo jumps up to GAMANGIRI! Now Ilja falls to the floor! The ring count begins but Melo hurries to drag Ilja up. Melo then slingshots to APRON DDT!! Ilja slumps to the floor while the fans lose their minds, and Melo THROWS Ilja into barriers! Melo puts Ilja in, goes up top, but CIAMPA shows up! The ref is busy checking Ilja’s face and Ciampa YANKS Melo down! Melo hits buckles then the mat! Ilja doesn’t know what happened, but he hits TORPEDO MOSCOW!!

And the H-BOMB!! Cover, Ilja wins!

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

Ciampa grins as he hides behind the barriers. He not only stuck it to H1M, but he gets to have his shot at Ilja. Ilja now sees the replay, and he is FURIOUS! He will not let Ciampa sully the honor of this title! Will Ilja have no choice but to fight that jackass as revenge for this disgrace?

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Cathy Kelley is with #Charlexa and says it was a big win at Survivor Series. These two were very cohesive with their teammates inside WarGames, so she must ask, was any of that win attributed to Charlotte putting her differences with Rhea aside? Charlotte says let’s be clear: Charlotte joined because Alexa needed her, and because Charlotte means so much to Alexa. Alexa would be lost without Charlotte. Charlotte then pokes herself on the shoulder spikes on Alexa’s jacket. Alexa says they’re all proud of Charlotte, that match was good for her social skills. But it did make their bond stronger. Still can’t get the secret handshake, though…

But their bond won them the tag titles, and they have not forgotten about those. WarGames was fun and all, but now it’s back to winning those titles again, which starts with beating Kairi Sane tonight. Cathy wishes them good luck, and she can do the secret handshake with Alexa. But will #Blisster fire the first shot on the Kabuki Warriors when she sinks the Pirate Princess? Or will tonight be In-Sane?

Backstage interview with LA Knight.

SmackDown returns and Cathy is now with The Mega Star. He has overcome so much in this tournament, such as multiple mystery opponents, all to reach the finals. What would a win here against Gunther mean to him? Knight says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says he doesn’t wanna repeat himself too much, but he’s already said so he’ll say it again. Dream opponents isn’t really what he cares about. But if Knight beats John Cena, that means he cements his legacy. And one man stands in his way in this Last Time is Now tournament. The last time IS now for either Knight or Gunther.

Just think about it: Gunther is a former Intercontinental Champion, a former World Champion, but you don’t understand! You’re looking in the eyes of an unstoppable force! Something you ain’t ever seen before, something you ain’t ready for. So Knight will put it this way: It’s gonna be a bit of a fight, and if it’s a fight Gunther wants… Well alright, alright, alright. Gunther can get dropped on his head like all the rest, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Will Knight prove that everything, including upset victories, be bigger in Texas?

Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka!

As #Charlexa said, they want those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships back, and while Judgment Day ruined things on Raw, SmackDown gives them a much more direct shot at the champs. Will Alexa take that crucial first step with a win here tonight? Or will the Pirate Princess sink Alexa before she even sets sail?

SmackDown returns and Alexa makes her entrance, and she has Charlotte hold onto Lily for her. The bell rings, Bliss and Kairi stare down, then they circle. The fans rally and the two tie up. They break, reset, and tie up again. They go around and around, dig in their heels, but Kairi puts Alexa on ropes. Alexa turns that around, they go around and around, and Kairi pulls hair to put Alexa in a corner! The ref reprimands, Alexa protests, but Kairi kicks low! Kairi stomps a mudhole, the ref counts, but Kairi stops at 4. The fans boo but Kairi runs corner to corner, only for Alexa to put her on the apron. But Kairi RAMS low!

Kairi goes up the corner, but Alexa gets under the jump! Kairi rolls through and says kiss this! Kairi runs, sunset flips, TWO! Alexa sits on the cover, TWO! Kairi SLAPS Alexa! Kairi talks trash, mocks Alexa for being just a little bit shorter, but Alexa SLAPS back! And then SLAPS her again! Alexa hits the STO! Alexa steps on Kairi, then runs, somersault SENTON! Kairi sputters and bails out, but Alexa goes out to the apron. Kairi hurries away, but she runs into Charlotte! The ref wants Charlotte to stay back, but this distraction lets Asuka YANK Alexa down! The fans boo, Charlotte protests, but Kairi Alabama Lifts Alexa! ALABAMA SLAM against barriers!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but The Kabuki Warriors soak up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kairi is up top, only for Alexa to SMACK her first! Alexa climbs up, the two brawl, and Kairi CLUBS Alexa. Kairi HAMMERS away on Alexa, then HEADBUTTS her! Alexa is in the Tree of Woe and Kairi rises up! WOE STOMPS! The fans go nuts seeing Alexa folded up! Kairi covers, TWO! Alexa survives and Kairi is stunned but the fans fire up! Kairi storms her way over to the far corner but the fans rally for “LEXI! LEXI!” Kairi runs in, but Alexa avoids Sliding D! The fans fire up and Charlotte coaches Alexa. Asuka coaches Kairi, Kairi rises first, and she runs up! But Alexa dodges to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN!

The fans fire up with Alexa and she runs, BLOCKBUSTER! But Alexa isn’t done, she clinches for TWISTED- NO, Asuka shouts from thea pron! This lets Kairi roll Alexa up! TWO! Charlotte YANKS Asuka down, and BOOTS her! But the CUTLASS BACKFIST hits! Kairi puts Alexa in a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and IN-SANE ELBOW INTO THE CLINCH!? TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

The Kabuki Warriors tried their tricks, but Charlotte & Alexa were ready for them! But here come Nia Jax & Lash Legend! They CLOBBER Charlotte & Alexa from behind! The fans boo, but now Nia feeds Alexa to the HEAVY RIGHT from Lash! Lash feeds Charlotte to Nia’s SAMOAN DROP! The fans boo but Nia & Lash hug and high-five. Then they spot Kairi is down in a corner. Asuka hurries into the ring! URAKEN for Nia! Then an URAKEN and SOBAT and KICK and HAYMAKER for Lash! Then ROUNDHOUSE! But then Nia POP-UP HEADBUTTS Asuka down! Kairi jumps onto Nia for a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Kairi off! Lash PUMPS THE BRAKES!

The fans boo but Lash drags Kairi around to put her in the drop zone! Nia steps on Kairi, then goes up the corner! But Asuka drags Kairi to safety! No A-Nia-Lation tonight, but will the titles soon belong to the the Irresistible Bullies?

Nick Aldis talks with his referees.

Aldis wants to make sure everyone is on high alert, there cannot be another incident like with Cody and Drew in the parking lot. The refs understand and head out, and then Cody himself walks in. Cody says yes, he’s calm down. Then is he ready to do this? Yes, he is. Aldis leads Cody into the room, and both Ricky Saints and Oba Femi are here?! Aldis thanks both the NXT Champion and NXT #1 contender for coming, and Oba asks what is going on. Why’re they here? Saints agrees, because with all due respect, they have their big match tomorrow night at Deadline, so it was very surprising to get that text message from Aldis.

Aldis appreciates them being here on such short notice. All will be revealed, just not by him. Aldis hands things over to Cody. Cody shakes hands with both men and he also knows about Deadline. But next week, Saturday Night’s Main Event is embracing the spirit of what John Cena’s been talking about. There is an opportunity for the winner of tomorrow night’s NXT Championship match to be facing Cody 1v1 in DC. Good luck, gentlemen. Cody leaves, and now the stakes have just been raised! Will it be The Absolute or The Ruler that gets a Champion VS Champion showcase with The American Nightmare?

Nia Jax & Lash Legend regroup backstage.

They’re feeling good about what they did out there, but Cathy Kelley hurries over to ask them about the attack. Was that all really necessary? Um, first off, Cathy, do not run up on them as they’re walking. They’re dangerous! Second, Kabuki Warriors got what they deserved. They’re both idiots, just like Bayley would say, because Asuka misted Lash’s beautiful face and that is why they lost WarGames. Lash says you better know that was all just a taste of what they’re cdapable of. Big newsflash: They’re coming after the titles! And there is nothing the Kabuki Warriors, Judgment Day, #RheYo, and those fake wannabe besties, #Charlexa, can do about it!

Nia & Lash snap snap and head out. Will these two bully their way to the top of the tag division? Or will even they fail to overcome four top tier teams?

Jade Cargill VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green!

The Storm has come to Austin, and she’s ready to put out a Fyre! Will even The Hot Mess come to understand why you don’t piss off #ThatB1tch?

SmackDown returns and “Special Slaygent A” has made her entrance, the dual Women’s US & Mixed Tag Team Champion by her side. The bell rings and Chelsea already barks at Jade. Jade dares Chelsea to get in the ring then, but the ref wants them to settle down. Alba wants Jade’s attention, so she DROPKICKS her to get it! Alba HAMMERS away, Jade shoves her back, but then Alba ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Alba stomps a mudhole into Jade, fires hands, but the ref backs her off. Alba runs up to BOOT Jade, then reel her in, TORNADO- NO! Jade stops the DDT, but Alba SUPERKICKS! Jade sputters, Alba CHOKES her on the ropes, then lets off as the ref counts.

Chelsea SLAPS Jade! The fans are torn, but then someone taps Chelsea on the shoulder. Chelsea turns around and sees Kiana James! She asks what Miss Management wants, and Kiana says hi, this is on behalf of her client, Giulia. And then the Beautiful Madness steps up! Chelsea wants her to wait, but Giulia fires off forearms! Giulia chases Chelsea up the ramp to beat her down! Alba panics, she has to save Chelsea! But Jade gets up, Alba has to save herself first! Too late! SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up and Jade waits, to then BOOT Alba down! Then she chicken wings the arms, JADED!! Cover, Jade wins!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall

Chelsea didn’t just get on Jade’s bad side, she’s on, well, everyone’s bad side. But will Chelsea succumb to the Beautiful Madness? Who will step up to The Storm now that she’s this ice cold?

Fraxiom talks with Aldis.

Axiom & Nathan Frazer knows Aldis saw what everyone saw when it came to Ciampa and the US Championship match. Trust them, they don’t like DIY either. So that said, let them get their hands on Ciampa & Gargano again! And even Gargano’s wife, Candice! That Poison Pixie stole his mask! They have to do something about this! Ilja storms in and says DIY have dishonored the integrity of this championship OPen Challenge! If that jackass is begging for attention, then he’s got it! Aldis! Make the match! Aldis says he’s got it. Next week, Ciampa VS Ilja for the US Championship! Ilja promises that after he’s done with Ciampa, Fraxiom can have whatever is left.

Ilja turns around to leave, but Tama Tonga’s right there! As is the rest of MFT. But Solo Sikoa has the Good Bad Guy stand down. They’ve got their own business to handle first. MFT heads for gorilla, but what will Solo have to say about their Survivor Series style victory, and the subsequent attack by the Wyatts?

Jade returns backstage.

And she crosses paths with B-Fab. Jade asks if B-Fab said something. Funny how history repeats itself in a locker room of women who don’t respect her. Now, you’ve seen what she did to Alba. Does it remind B-Fab of something? But then Mia Yim steps in. This is what they are not gonna do together, okay? Jade says aw, it’s the lap dog. Uh, no, this is a friendship. Something Jade knows nothing about. Oh, well if Mia doesn’t like it, go get Aldis. In fact, she’ll go get him for Mia, so that Mia can step up and get stepped on. Mia says go ahead. Jade heads out, Mia and Fab are still frustrated with her bad attitude. But will the Head Baddie in Charge be able to quiet The Storm once and for all?

MFT heads to the ring.

Solo Sikoa leads Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa & JC Mateo out, victorious last Friday, yet not in any mood to celebrate. The fans boo as Solo gets the mic, and he says, “I told you. I told everyone that we were going to handle the Sami Zayn problem, and that’s exactly what we did. We took his ass out!” The fans boo, and even chant “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” Solo says since Sami is done, now he and his family can finally move forward. Which brings him to… The Wyatt Sick6. The fans cheer that! Solo tells Uncle Howdy, “I see that you’ve been watching us. You’ve been watching me and my family. But I’ve been watching you, too.

“And since I never had a chance last week to introduce myself, lemme go ahead and do that right now. The name, don’t forget about it, is Solo Sikoa. This is MY ring, this is MY show, and this is MY Family Tree!” The fans boo, but Solo continues, “Your family has something that belongs to my family: Those tag team titles. And since you wanna attack me last week from behind, the only difference is between me and you is, when I do it, they don’t come back. You see these men standing behind me? They’re my family. You hurt me, now they are gonna hurt you. Howdy, listen to me and listen to me very, very closely.

“Everything that was his…” Solo points to Heaven in reference to the late Bray Wyatt, and the fans boo that… “… that’s now yours, will become mine! I am going to take everything away from you. I am going to take away everything that you love, all the memories, and I am going to show everyone in this world that you do not deserve the name ‘Wyatt.'” The fans boo more, but Solo says, “I’m going to take it away because I can. Because all I have to do is Bo-lieve.” Another insult added on top, but will Solo regret making this that personal? BUT WAIT! The Wyatts are HERE! The lights change, the fireflies are out, and everyone is on the apron.

But then Solo turns around and Howdy is there! MFT gets back up on the apron, but the fans tell Solo that he messed up! Howdy throws hands on Solo, the rest of the family gets in there, and even Nikki Cross climbs a corner! She jumps onto JC! JC THROWS her off, but Erick Rowan BOOTS him down! And LARIATS Loa out! Talla SHOVES Gacy & Lumis out! And now the fans fire up as the giants meet! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Talla dares Big Red Rowan to bring it! They throw hands and the fans fire up! Talla BOOTS Rowan, but Rowan BOOTS Talla! Talla tumbles outta the ring! Solo has MFT regroup and retreat, if only for now.

The Wyatts want to rip into Solo’s family tree, will they cut it down limb by limb? Or will the tag titles soon belong to MFT?

The Miz protests to Aldis.

“It’s a travesty! I beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania!” Aldis says yes, we all know that. But Miz says even if he is NOT Cena’s last opponent, he should at least be the focus of that show. Miz, you’re not even on the show. What? Cody’s on it and he’s not? Who’s the bigger star? Uh, more like “Who’s the bigger con artist?” It might be the guy who switched the names out while Aldis wasn’t looking. But Miz is a veteran star, and as a veteran star, he should know that not just anyone gets booked on Saturday Night’s Main Event. DING DONG, HELLO~! Bayley is here, and she is so happy to be part of SNME in DC, thank you so much!

UNBELIEVABLE! Miz storms off, Aldis says sorry about that. But yes, she is part of SNME, which is why he invited her here tonight. He has been discussing with Adam Pearce, as well as NXT GM Ava, because Bayley’s opponent will be a star from NXT. And right on cue, it is Sol Ruca! Bayley says alright, alright, welcome! Bayley watches Sol on NXT, and she has to say, very impressive. But just to let Sol know, here on SmackDown, it is a whole different level. Sol says trust her, she knows that. But that’s what she wants and she is ready for it. Well, we will see, as Bayley will be watching Deadline tomorrow night.

The Role Model wishes Sol good luck, then heads out. Will Sol not only impress but be going to Washington, DC as the 2025 Women’s Iron Survivor?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Cathy is now with Der Ring General, and says he has absolutely dominated every challenger he has faced in the Last Time Is Now Tournament. With John Cena’s final match at stake, how does Gunther approach this match with LA Knight? Gunther says it doesn’t matter where you live or what language you speak, because the name Gunther internationally translates to victory. Gunther will beat Knight tonight, then he will beat John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. And Gunther is fully aware that there is a whole locker room of passionate and hungry superstars who wanted this chance.

His condolences to them, but this was a forgone conclusion. Gunther tells Cena that we can’t see him, but Cena will see Gunther. Gunther wants Cena to watch and pay attention. Not to the fact that Gunther will beat LA Knight, but to HOW he does it. Gunther smiles and heads out, will nothing stop him from having his moment at Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Aleister Black & Zelina Vega speak.

The Dark Father says, “There is something so broken about you, Damian. It was tragic to see a man drowning, claiming he was keeping his head above water. Too long have you stood by people that did not stand by you. Too long have you called people your friend that were not your friend. And I might be everyone’s enemy, but I am the one person that will give it to you straight. And we left you a perfect monster. And here comes Rhea Ripley.” La Muneca says, “Rhea is the succubus that tempts you with the family that you had in the past. She wants to keep you in her cage of control. The Judgment Day that you knew is over.

“‘The Terror Twins’ is just a ploy to leave you in that lonely and sad state that we found you in.” Aleister says if it is the inferno Priest wants, then like Virgil to Dante, he shall guide you through it! Then is it time to abandon all hope as we #FadeToBlack? Or can Rhea & Priest find light in the darkness?

The Last Time is Now Tournament Finals: LA Knight VS GUNTHER!

The Mega Star was dealt wild card after wild card but he always found a way to win. Gunther meanwhile just battered, bruised, and beat everyone put up against him straight up. Can this Knight overcome the General to head for the capital? Or will Gunther look to retire yet another living legend on a Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The big match introductions are made, and one way or another, someone’s headed to Washington, DC!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Gunther and Knight stare down, and Austin is strongly behind Knight. But Gunther pie faces him! So Knight DECKS Gunther! The fans fire up as Knight fires off on Gunther, then stomps a mudhole into the corner! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops at 4, but Gunther CHOPS! And then he reels Knight in! But Knight BACKDROPS free! Then he kicks and B- NO! Gunther powers out of the BFT to bail out of the ring! But Knight WRECKS Gunther with the dropkick! The fans fire up for Knight while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Knight drags Gunther up, SMACKS him off the desk, and Gunther slumps onto the desk. But Knight SMACKS Gunther off the desk again and again and again and again! Knight then winds up to THROW Gunther up and over! Knight revels in the cheers from the fans, refreshes the ring count, and he fires more hands on Gunther! Knight gets Gunther back up, but Gunther TOSSES Knight into the ring! Gunther storms in, brings Knight up, and UPPERCUTS! Gunther UPPERCUTS Knight, stalks him to the corner, and wrenches to wristlock. Gunther CLUBS the arm, but Knight kicks in return! Knight fire hands and backs Gunther down!

Knight whips Gunther to the corner, but Gunther BOOTS him in return! And LARIATS him down! Knight sputters while Gunther paces. Gunther stalks Knight, CLUBS him, then reels him in for a suplex! But Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gunther is up but Knight kicks low! Gunther still scoops and SLAMS Knight! Gunther stalks Knight to the ropes, CLAWS his face, and CLUBS him down! The ref has Gunther back off, but Gunther just storms back up on Knight. But Knight fires counter punches! Gunther ducks a shot to SLEEPER! Knight scrambles around, runs and THROWS Gunther out!

Gunther staggers to his feet, and Knight FLYING LARIATS him down! Knight hurries to stand Gunther up, but Gunther CHOPS Knight! Gunther wrenches Knight to then APRON BACK SUPLEX! SmackDown returns to single picture as Gunther pushes Knight into the ring. Knight founders, Gunther paces, and the fans rally up. Gunther KNEES Knight in the corner, KNEES him again, and brings Knight back up. Knight blocks a knee to then THROW Gunther down! Knight runs to ELBOW FLOP as Gunther moves! Knight goes to a corner, Gunther storms up, but the fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!”

Gunther whips corner to corner, but Knight reverses to kick and fire haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight puts Gunther in a corner, whips corner to corner, but now Gunther reverses and Knight hits buckles hard! Knight falls to the mat, Gunther stomps him down, and Gunther paces. The fans boo Gunther and rally for Knight, but Gunther drags Knight up. Gunther wrenches and wristlocks to then CHOP Knight down! The fans boo but Gunther soaks up that heat. Gunther drags Knight back up, CHOPS him back down, and he keeps the wristlock! Gunther drags Knight up again, wrenches, and he CHOPS!

Knight sputters, Gunther stands him up, but Knight ducks the chop! And dodges again, to then LEAPING LARIAT! Knight whips Gunther to the corner, then JUMP NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Knight waits, kick and- NO, Gunther waistlocks out of the BFT! Knight fires elbows to get free of the waistlock, then switches, O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Gunther reels Knight into a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Knight rolls back, TWO!! Gunther fireman’s carries, but Knight fights free! Knight fireman’s carries?! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT?!? The fans fire up as Knight then torture racks Gunther for the BURNING HAMMER!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous while both men are down, and SmackDown goes back to picture in picture!

Gunther and Knight stir, and Knight crawls to a corner. Gunther sits up, Knight rises, and Knight storms up to ROCK Gunther! Gunther ROCKS Knight! Knight staggers away, but he comes back to ROCK Gunther! Gunther wobbles but he ROCKS Knight! The hands go back and forth, but Gunther BOOTS Knight! Knight goes to ropes, Gunther BOOTS him again! Gunther stalks Knight to a corner, brings him up, and whips him to ropes. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! Gunther rebounds, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The ref checks both men while the fans rally up! Both men slowly rise again, and they head for each other.

Knight fires a shot first, but Gunther hits back! SmackDown returns to single picture once more, and the hands keep going back and forth! Gunther CHOPS, Knight CHOPS, and repeat! Knight CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOSP! Then he stomps a mudhole in the corner, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, and he goes corner to corner! KNEE WASH! The fans fire up with Knight and he says how about another? Knight runs up, but into a SLEEPER! But Knight slips around, BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Knight then crawls to the corner. Knight climbs up, BOX JUMP- NO, Gunther moves outta the way!

Knight rolls through his landing, but turns around into the T-REX SHOTGUN!! Then Gunther reels Knight in, lifts him up, but Knight slips free! DDT! Knight hurries back up the corner, and he spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans fire up again! Both men rise, and Knight waits on Gunther! Gunther staggers around, Knight reels him in! B F- NO, Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES free! Knight writhes, Gunther stands, and the fans boo. Gunther drags Knight around, to NECK TWIST! Gunther then hauls Knight up, short arm LARIAT!

The fans boo but now Gunther goes to a corner and climbs up! But Knight hurries to his feet! Knight ROCKS Gunther first! The fans fire up, Knight fires more shots, but Gunther CLUBS Knight! Knight ROCKS Gunther, Gunther ROCKS Knight, repeat! Knight climbs up, he reels Gunther in, but Gunther fights the suplex! Gunther SHOVES Knight down! GUNTHER SPLASH!! But Gunther isn’t done, he goes right back up! GUTNHER SPLASH on Knight’s back!! Cover, TWO!?!? Knight survives, but Gunther does not hesitate! GENERAL BOMB!!! High stack, TWO!?!?! Gunther is as shocked as anyone that Knight survives!

Gunther vows to end this, aiming from a corner as Knight rises. Gunther runs up to- B F T!!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!!! Gunther survives by a literal foot and no one can believe it! Knight is beside himself, but the fans rally as hard as they possibly can. Knight rises, Gunther clamps on with the SLEEPER!!! The fans boo while Knight endures, but Gunther rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! REAR NAKED CHOKE!!! Knight is caught n the body scissors! Knight flails, scrambles, moves around with everything he has left! The fans are thunderous as Knight stands back up! And fireman’s carries! But Gunther fires more elbows!

Gunther HAMMERS away on Knight until he’s down on the mat!! The fans boo , and Gunther has the REVERSE CRAVAT STRETCH!!! Knight endures, reaches out, and the fans almost plead with Knight to keep fighting! Knight reaches, reaches, but he TAPS!!!! GUNTHER WINS!!!

Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)

The Mega Star showed that mega heart, but he just could not withstand Der Ring General’s assault! Gunther tells Cena that at Saturday Night’s Main Event, even Cena will finally and definitively GIVE UP! Will Gunther put an end to The GOAT? Or will the Never-Seen Seventeen find a way to survive his final match?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here to not only follow WarGames but head for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Though, going back to Cody VS Drew is just tired at this point. Drew should’ve won one of the previous matches, because I don’t see him doing it now. Though, I do like the idea of Cody VS the NXT Champion next Saturday. Saints VS Femi Round 2 is already great, and getting to see one of them make their SNME debut to follow is great. Same for Bayley VS Sol, as Sol could also bring some hype from winning Iron Survivor tomorrow night. And even if she doesn’t, it feels like this could be a great window to Sol’s SmackDown call-up to really spice up the division.

And sad to say, the singles titles kinda need it. More the Women’s US Championship than anything, because it is not only taking a backseat to everything else, it is a very rough ride in that backseat. Jade getting another squash win is great for Jade, but WWE prioritized Chelsea in the wrong way. They wanted her to look good since she also got that AAA Mixed tag title, but cheating Giulia fast to take the US title and then turn around to be a joke compared to Jade is not the way. If the rumors are true and we’re getting three hour SmackDowns in 2026, yet they’re still under Road Dogg’s control… That rough ride is only gonna get worse…

On the flipside is how the Women’s Tag Division is heating up. Very good promo from #Charlexa, a very good match of Bliss VS Sane, and a very good win for Bliss, but Nia & Lash attacking should’ve been obvious. Though, said attack had a clunky start, feels like someone was out of position or just late to getting in position. Either way, Nia & Lash still looked strong running off all the others, and they had a good promo afterward. Whether it’s a gauntlet, a Fatal 5 Elimination, or a Ladder Match, I hope WWE does a big title match to parallel how the Men’s Tag Division had that TLC at SummerSlam.

Speaking of the Men’s Tag Division, it continues to intertwine with the Men’s US Championship story, but in a good way. Good promo from DIY and Melo ahead of the US Championship match, and another awesome US Championship match from Ilja with Melo. Ciampa interfering adds Heel heat, and it feels like we’re on the brink of another DIY breakup. That said, they also keep teasing Ilja VS Tama, but MFT VS Wyatts is happening first. We got a very good though perhaps controversial promo from Solo, and then a great brawl from MFT and Wyatts. That tag title match will be a lot of fun, could probably go either way, but I think the Wyatts are also feuding with AAA’s Psycho Clown & Pagano so not sure if they have to keep up their power level or not…

And of course, incredible stuff with The Last Time Is Now Finals. Great promo from Knight, really good promo from Gunther, and of course the match was awesome. Just for a moment, I really thought Knight could defy the rumors and win this match, but no, Gunther is inevitable. Gunther was given the honor of facing and defeating Goldberg, he’s getting the first part with Cena. I have the feeling Cena will give Gunther this honor of winning their match, but if anyone has earned to retire a winner, isn’t it Cena? This match, this moment, it’s all going to be bittersweet no matter how you slice it, so can’t we let it be a bit more sweet than bitter?

My Score: 8.9/10