Will Der Ring General demand are rematch?

Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash In Italy, but there might be a reason Gunther won’t accept that!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 2026 Queen of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Bayley VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Jacy Jayne VS Kiana James; Raquel wins and advances.
• Royce Keys VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT; Talla wins.
• Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill & Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Jade & Mia win.
• Carmelo Hayes VS Ricky Saints; Saints wins.
• Chelsea Green VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax; Lash wins.
• 2026 King of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Trick Williams VS Damian Priest VS Dominik Mysterio VS Bron Breakker; Dom wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Gunther throws a fit!

Der Ring General is already making a mess of the Italian announce desk, then he THROWS armchairs around! Then he does the same to the American desk! Gunther grabs a mic as he stands on one desk to shout, “NOTHING HAPPENS HERE TONIGHT BEFORE I GET WHAT I WANT!” The fans boo, but Gunther says he wants JUSTICE for what happened at Clash In Italy! You all saw it! He is the greatest pro-wrestler in the world! He has ring awareness like no one else before! He intentionally put his foot under the rope, so the pinfall cannot be counted! The refs know that, Cody knows that! Cody did not beat Gunther, he took advantage and CHEATED!

The fans boo but Gunther says Cody took away what is rightfully his, so here we are! Gunther standing here without the WWE Championship, and Golden Boy can carry on, kissing everyone’s butt! Gunther tells Cody to look at him. They both know- WAIT! Cody Rhodes makes his way out here! The fans sing along with Kingdom as the Undisputed WWE Champion steps out through the smoke, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, and Cody high-fives the fans along the aisle. We get the second, “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro before Cody reaches ringside. Cody steps into the ring while Gunther paces on the desk shouting at him.

Cody gets a mic while the fans cheer him on, and he tells Gunther, “I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but… You’re right. Yeah.” The fans sing for Cody, Cody revels in it for a moment, but Cody says yes, Gunther’s leg was under the ropes. But Gunther’s a 20 year veteran. Hasn’t he ever had matches that end in controversy? And yet he’s out here all big mad, clodhoppers all over the desk, upset, yelling at the fans, tearing stuff up. Hey, you’re a student of the game, so you’ll understand the reference: Sometimes you’re the heroes and you save all the piggies from the cold-hearted sausage maker. And sometimes, you are the sausage maker.

When it comes to Cody and Gunther, Cody knows which one he is. But we don’t need to do this whole formal discussion. It’s Friday night, the lights are bright, and Cody only needs to make a phone call. He might not even need to make it! If Gunther wants his rematch, then they can do it here tonight in Bologna! The fans love it, but wait! Sami Zayn makes his entrance! The fans still sing along with Sami’s theme, but Sami has a mic to say, “First of all, I have to say, grazie. Grazie to all my Ride or Die fans here in Italia! That’s the kind of respect that I have been looking for, and I appreciate it. I do, I really do.”

The fans cheer Sami, and Sami says he really tried to just stay back there and let these guys deal with the business. He was trying, but at a certain point, he can’t hear this anymore! Gunther is out here complaining about getting robbed of a world title opportunity. Sami knows how that feels, trust him. And then there’s Cody! Of course! Golden Boy is ready to fight here and now! What else is new? But they’re both ignoring the fact that they did Sami wrong! Gunther says this is WWE Championship business, it doesn’t involve Sami. So shut up and get outta the ring!

The fans boo, but Sami says yeah, Gunther’s right. Sami doesn’t know much about world title business, he’s never held one, but he knows a thing or two about beating Gunther for championships. Cody says okay, Sami, he doesn’t even know which Sami we’re getting. The Last Real Good Guy or the one who watched Cody get choked out? Sami is a good guy, yes, and he got a win on Matt Cardona. He wants a title match, but Cody’s a little busy right now. Yes, of course. It’s always something. Sami will tell Cody this is why the friendship is in the state it is! Because over the last few months, whenever things get a little hairy, Cody is always too busy.

Cody is blowing Sami off, looking past him, looking tot he next threat to him and his world title. Maybe Cody should realize the biggest threat is the one looking you in the eyes right now. The fans are a bit torn here, but Cody asks, “Is that so, Sami?” Sami says he’s just saying. Cody said he’d beat Gunther then teach Sami a lesson. Well, Cody beat Gunther. When is he teaching Sami the lesson? But then Gunther gets in and CLOBBERS Cody into Sami! SLEEPER on Cody!! Cody flails, but Sami saves Gunther this time! The fans cheer but Gunther TOSSES Sami out! Cody TACKLES Gunther! The fans cheer as Cody rains down fists, but Gunther turns things around!

Sami drags Gunther out to fire hands, and Cody DIVES onto Sami! Gunther got away before the shot was taken! Cody is furious, but he goes to help Sami up. Cody says this has gone too far, they have to cool off. Sami stands up on his own, and he refuses to shake Cody’s hand. The fans are torn again, but how are Sami and Cody to make amends?

The Miz walks the halls.

He’s on his phone with Kit Wilson, who unfortunately got detained by customs again. Miz told him to not bring so much moisturizer! Kit says it wasn’t that, the TOXIC TSA didn’t let him in with his emotional support cat. Wait, Miz notices this strange cable going through the hall. He shows Kit via the video chat and Kit says Danhausen’s at it again! You can smell the toxicity from here! Miz says first his Cavaliers lose in the playoffs, then Myles Garrett gets traded, and now this! Kit says enough of American basketball. Miz says don’t worry, he’ll handle this right here and now.

Miz finds Danhausen’s lab! He look at the thing under the tarp, but Danhausen says don’t touch! Oh, hey, Miz, what’re you doing in his home? Oh, so Danhausen doesn’t like it when people come in uninvited? No, who would? Miz decides to touch some things! He SLAPS the “family heirlooms” and BOOTS the brand new tech. Okay, definitely don’t touch that machine. Miz decides to touch all over it, until he gets SHOCKED! O M G! Danhausen’s been looking all over for this! He eats his cannoli then moves on. Is Miz okay?

Nick Aldis is on the phone.

He’s talking with someone about what’s been going on, assuring them that he’s got this, but then Gunther barges in, saying they need to talk. Aldis says Gunther must be so proud of himself, and Gunther says yes, he is proud of himself! Gunther is the only one here looking out for himself. And he is sick and tired of it! Instead of treating Gunther like the gift that he is, he’s being treated like he doesn’t belong! He is tired of the disrespect! Aldis says he’s just meeting Gunther where he is, and that’s with the same level of respect Gunther’s showing Aldis! Gunther warns Aldis that he better fix this, or he’ll get his legal team involved!

And y’know what his lawyers are gonna do? They’re gonna drown in him so much lawsuit paperwork that even Aldis’ grandchildren will need lawyers!! Gunther storms off, but just how will Aldis “fix” things for him?

2026 Queen of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Bayley VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Jacy Jayne VS Kiana James!

The Genius of the Sky is already through to the next round, and now another Fatal 4 Way sends another forward to the semifinals! Will it be the Role Model, La Ruda, the Toxic Rockstar, or Miss Management that takes one step closer to the crown?

SmackDown returns as Bayley makes her entrance, joining Raquel in the ring. Following her is Jacy Jayne, seen off by her Fatal Influence teammates, leaving Kiana James for last. Giulia sees Kiana off, but Kiana says no, stick by her side! Giulia obliges, will the Beautiful Madness be the X factor tonight?

The bell rings and the fans sing for Bayley already. “HEY~ Bayley~! Hoo, hah, I wanna knoooOoOow, will you be my girl?” Bayley makes sure everyone else hears that, then she fires off on Raquel! Raquel SHOVES Bayley, but Kiana & Jacy attack together! Raquel SHOVES them both away, then scoops Bayley. Bayley slips free, SHOVES Raquel into buckles, then LARIATS Raquel up and out! Bayley blows kisses to the fans, then circles with Kiana and Jacy. Bayley ELBOWS Jacy, puts Kiana in ropes and HOTSHOTS! Jacy runs up, but into a BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer Bayley on as she has control.

Kiana returns, Bayley dodges, and she WRECKS Raquel with a dropkick at the same time. Bayley steps inside but Kiana rolls her up, ONE! Bayley jackknife bridges, TWO! Kiana wrenches and hooks the arms, then backslides, TWO! The two are still hooked up, Jacy pushes them over for a double cover, TWO! Jacy kicks, Bayley blocks, and Bayley THRWOS it into Kiana! Bayley headlocks, Jacy powers up and out, Kiana hurdles, Bayley rolls, Jacy ROCKS Bayley! Kiana ROCKS Jacy! Bayley ROCKS Kiana! Raquel TRIPLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Raquel stomps a mudhole on Kiana, then she RAMS Jacy into the other corner. Raquel RAMS Jacy again and again, but Bayley throws forearms! Raquel THROWS Bayley to a third corner, then SPLASHES! The fans rally behind Bayley as she fires forearms in return! Bayley fires a flurry, then whips, but Raquel reverses hard! Bayley falls, Raquel goes after Jacy, but Jacy fires hands! Jacy whips but Raquel reverses to send Jacy into buckles! Raquel fires back elbows again and again, but here comes Kiana! Raquel catches her, pops her up, and THROWS her down! Cover, but Bayley breaks it! Bayley shoves Raquel, Raquel ROCKS Bayley!

Raquel scoops Kiana for SNAKE EYES! Then she TOSSES Jacy! Raquel has Bayley all to herself, but then Bayley DUMPS Raquel out! But Raquel drags Bayley out and scoops her! SNSKE EYES off the desk! Jacy PENALTY KICKS from the apron! And CANN- NO!! Raquel stops the cannonball, brings Jacy up, but Jacy ROCKS Raquel! Jacy whips, Raquel blocks, so Kiana joins in! SmackDown returns to single picture as Raquel blocks the double whip! Jacy & Kiana mug Raquel, Raquel still blocks the whip, but Bayley RAMS Raquel into the ring! The fans fire up, but then Jacy CANNONBALLS Kiana & Bayley!

The fans are torn but Jacy soaks up that heat. Jacy puts Bayley in the ring, runs up, and NECKBREAKER DROPS! Cover, TWO! Jacy keeps after Bayley with a whip to the corner. Jacy runs up, BACK BODY BLOCKS, then Jacy stomps a mudhole in! Jacy digs her boots in, then soaks up the heat. Jacy snapmares Bayley, KICKS her in the back, then basement SUPERKICKS! Jacy adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jacy argues with the ref but Kiana waistlocks Jacy! Jacy bucks the O’Conner and CLOBBERS Kiana in return! Jacy talks trash, then she brings Kiana up. Jacy whips Kiana to the corner, runs up, but Kiana dodges to RAM into Jacy!

Kiana handsprings and RAMS Bayley! Then she runs up, but Jacy dodges! Kiana POSTS herself, Jacy CANNONBALLS Bayley! CANNOBNALL on Kiana! But Raquel POUNCES Jacy! Bayley SUNSET BUCKLE- NO, Kiana drags her up, only for Raquel to CLOBBER them both! Raquel goes up, TWISTING VADER! Double cover, TWO! The fans rally up again as Raquel drags Bayley up. Raquel hoists Bayley to the top rope, then ROCKS her! Raquel climbs up, fires haymakers, but Bayley hits back! Jacy CLUBS Raquel, brings her down, and SUPERKICKS! Then she GAMANGIRIS Bayley! Jacy climbs up, SUPER STEINER!

Raquel is there to lift Bayley, POWERBOMB onto Jacy! The fans fire up again as Raquel drags them both up to guzel. DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But then Kiana slingshots onto the cover to break it! All four women are down but the fans know, “This is Awesome!” as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Jacy slumps out of the ring, Kiana fires hands on Raquel. Raquel fires back, they go back and forth, but Kiana gets the edge! Raquel shoves Kiana and CLOBBERS her! Raquel sees Jacy coming, sends her into the corner, then GERMAN- NO, Jacy fights with elbows! Jacy slips around and jumps on for a SLEEPER! Raquel THROWS Jacy down, then RUNS her over! Bayley runs up, RAMS Bayley, and RAMS her again and again! Bayley rolls back, wacky waving inflatable arm ELBOW! Bayley then LARIATS Jacy, BOOTS Raquel, and goes up the corner. Bayley ELBOW DROPS on Raquel! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives but Bayley stays focused.

Bayley runs up on Jacy, dodges her, and SAIDOS! The fans fire up as Bayley lines up another shot, SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! High stack, TWO! Jacy also grabs at the ropes for good measure as SmackDown returns to single picture. Kiana rolls Bayley up, TWO! Kiana huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Raquel guzels! CHOKE- NO, Kiana flips through, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the SOUTHPAW LARIAT finds her! Cover, Jacy KNEES it apart! The fans rally as Jacy CLUBS away on Kiana. Jacy SMACKS Kiana off the mat as fans actually sing for her. But then Bayley KNEES Jacy through the ropes! Bayley climbs up, aims, and MACHO ELBOWS onto Jacy! Cover, Kiana breaks it up!

The fans fire up again while Kiana stalks Bayley. Kiana drags Bayley up, fireman’s carries, but Bayley fires elbows! BAYLEY2- NO, Kiana slips through, roll up, and DEAL BREAKER! SUPERKICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Bayley survives and Kiana is furious! Giulia coaches Kiana, but Jacy CLOBBERS her! Kiana runs up but Jacy ROCKS her first! Bayley DECKS Jacy, Kiana rolls Bayley, and feet on the ropes! But Jacy pushes the feet off! Giulia CLOBBERS Jacy! Kiana misunderstands who did what, and Giulia defends it was Jacy! Bayley snatches Kiana, ROSE PLANTER!! But ROLLING ENCORE from Jacy! BOOT from Rauqel!

Raquel has Kiana for the TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, RAQUEL WINS!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

She didn’t need back-up, Big Mami Sexy did bad all by herself! Will Raquel make herself La Reina del Ring? Or will she have a hard time getting past Iyo Sky?

Giulia helps Kiana up, still trying to explain the misunderstanding. It was Jacy who stopped the stacked pin! But Kiana says NO, it was all Giulia’s fault! After everything Kiana’s done for Giulia, she’s done with this! Giulia tries to calm Kiana down but Kiana shoves her away! The fans boo Kiana, Kiana says she is DONE with Giulia! Giulia says fine, and she THESZ PRESS for fast hands! The fans cheer as Giulia then SHOTGUN BOOTS Kiana out! The fans cheer Giulia on as she tells Kiana SHE is the one that’s done!

Sami Zayn fumes backstage.

And he slaps another water bottle! He looks and looks, and yes! There’s Johnny Gargano! Did Johnny see? Everyone says Sami is bad for watching Cody get choked out! And what happens? This time Sami does what he always does: the right thing! And yet still, Cody finds a way to leave Sami laying. And once again, guys like them get the short end of the stick. But Aldis wants to talk to Sami about this? Oh, there he is! So, Nick, you wanted to see him? Yes, and he is gonna keep this short and sweet: Stay out of Gunther’s and Cody’s business. Sami is in disbelief! Stay out of THEIR business?! They made it HIS business first!

Aldis doesn’t care, Sami took a bad situation and made it worse. HOW?! Sami is supposed to stand down, not defend himself? No one else gets asked that. Aldis says he has no time for this, he has an important meeting. Oh, once again, Sami being blown off! Aldis can’t give him a minute? Who is so important that Sami can’t get one minute? Actually, if you must know… CHAD GABLE! No longer El Grande Americano, Mr. American Made is back! So, Sami, let’s put a pin in this. Chad, thank you for coming. Gable steps into Sami’s office, and Sami is speechless. Will Sami be able to hold his tongue and pick his moments?

Royce Keys VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT!

The Powerhouse and The Punisher took the fight to MFT last week but MFT used numbers to their advantage. Priest has King of the Ring to worry about, so Royce said #AIGHT, he’ll handle this solo. But will Royce be able to topple this Tongan titan? Or will this somehow be Solo’s newest sales pitch on why Royce should join the family?

The bell rings and Royce steps right to Talla. Talla is very tall, and he pie faces Royce! Royce ROCKS Talla, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to JAB, JAB, JAB! Talla shoves but Royce RAMS Talla! Royce runs and RAMS Talla again, but Talla is still up! Royce tries again but Talla RUNS him over! But Royce is right back up! Royce LARIATS, then scoops, but Talla fights free! Talla CLUBS away on Royce, HEADBUTTS him, and Royce wobbles. Talla UPPERCUTS Royce, but Royce ROCKS Talla! Talla UPPERCUTS again, Royce ROCKS Talla, and he fires haymaker after after haymaker! But Talla UPPERCUTS again! Royce drops to his knees but the fans boo.

Talla scoops Royce, but Royce slips free! Royce ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LARIATS! Talla staggers to ropes but Royce keeps moving! Royce LARIATS Talla up and out! the fans fire up for Royce but Solo has Talla calm down while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Talla gets on the apron, Royce BLASTS him back down! Royce goes outside, but Talla RAMS him into the apron! Talla scoops Royce to POWERSLAM him on the desk! Talla soaks up heat from the fans, Solo says this is why Royce should join up. Talla refreshes the ring count, then drags Royce up. Talla POSTS Royce and Royce falls to the floor. Talla paces, drags Royce up, and he puts Royce in the ring. The count is 5 of 10 as Talla steps back into the ring. Royce fires body shots, then he scoops! Talla fights free again, and he CLUBS Royce down! Royce falls on the ropes, Talla CHOKES him, but the ref counts.

Talla stops at 4, argues with the ref, then goes back to Royce. Talla stands Royce up, whips him to a corner hard, then scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Talla soaks up heat but Solo applauds. Talla motions that he cradled Royce like a baby. Talla then ROCKS Royce with a forearm to the back, then with another! Talla hears the fans taunting him in song, but Royce fires body shots. Talla CLUBS Royce, runs and ELBOW DROPS! Royce writhes but Talla looms over him. Talla paces, then he brings Royce up for shoulder claws! SmackDown returns to single picture as Royce endures and the fans rally up behind him.

Royce fights up, up, and scoops, but falls over! Talla makes it a cover, TWO! Royce survives but Talla argues with the ref again. Talla waits on Royce to rise up, then he runs in, but Royce dodges! Talla’s leg is stuck on the top rope, and Royce CLUBS away on Talla’s back! And his chest! Royce then LARIATS front and back, again and again! The fans cheer as Royce runs to LARIAT again! Talla staggers, Royce tries again, LARIAT! Royce runs again, but Talla guzels! Royce breaks fere, scoops, but still nothing! Royce goes to a corner, Talla runs up, and Royce dodges! Talla hits buckles, Royce SPLASHES! And SPLASHES!

The fans rally as Royce keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up while Talla flounders! Royce fires up, and fifth time’s the charm! Scoop and POWERSLAM!! The fans fire up as the straps come down! But Solo gets on the apron! The fans boo, but then Tama is also up! Royce runs at Tama, Tama drops down, but then Tama swipes at Royce’s feet! Royce goes out after Tama! Tama dodges, goes up the steps, and FLYING- LARIAT from Royce! The fans cheer, Royce goes to the ring, but Talla BOOTS Royce! Guzel and TALLA T-BOMB!! Cover, Talla wins!

Winner: Talla Tonga, by pinfall

Again, the numbers work out for MFT! Solo shakes Talla’s hand, and now MFT beats up on Royce! No more playing nice! They stomp and CHOKE Royce, but R-TRUTH is here! The fans cheer but Truth is still not medically cleared! He dodges Tama to fire off on Solo! But Talla UPPERCUTS Truth! Tama rains down fists on Truth, stomps away on him, and Solo joins in! BUT WEAIT! Damian Priest is here! Priest drags Truth out of the ring and says this is not their business! This is the same as last week! Truth tries to defend that they can’t abandon Royce! Priest doesn’t care, he drags Truth away. CUTTHROAT ELBOW on Royce!!

Solo tells Royce that it doesn’t have to be like this, but Royce doesn’t listen. Join up or it’ll just get worse. Will Royce really give in and join up? Or is he only going to fight back harder?

Judgment Day meets backstage.

JD McDonagh asks where Roxanne Perez is, and Liv Morgan says Roxie is just sulking from Monday. But Raquel steps in and they all cheer her victory! Sister, you did so amazing, and all on your own! And if they both keep winning, they meet in the finals! Then no matter what, one of them takes that title off Rhea! Dom says plus, he has his match! They’ll all have the gold! Liv says won’t she and Dom make the perfect Queen & King of the Ring? They can get matching robes! Um, didn’t Liv just say Raquel could be Queen? Y-yes, she can, but let’s just focus on the now. Dom will win his match! It’ll be so fun! Is he excited? Yeah, of course.

The AAA Mega Campeon wants to be King of the Ring, but can the King of the Luchadores even make it past Priest, Trick, and Bron? Or will the dream of the Judgment Day power couple sitting on the thrones be ruined already?

Finn Balor speaks.

“I’ve proven myself time and time again in this business. Any night, any situation, any match, and I will shine. Any time an opportunity falls my way, I prove that I can stand toe-to-toe with the best of them. But I want more. I want it all.” Finn Balor is officially part of the SmackDown roster now, but will he go from being The Prince to being The King of the Ring?

Damian Priest & R-Truth regroup backstage.

Priest says it’s the same thing week after week. Truth says shouldn’t they help? Why would Priest want to help Royce? He wants to help his tag partner, Truth is the only one that matters! But they’re here in Italia, focused on KOTR and Night of Champions. Shouldn’t they at least check on Royce? For what? If Royce is hurt, what can Truth do? He’s not a doctor. Truth knows some, cuz of his brother. Truth doesn’t have a brother… How DARE you! His brother was the Doctor of Thuganomics! You can’t see me! Sigh… Priest just leaves, and then the NEW AAA World Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders, step in!

Erik knows Truth has a lot going on, but he and Ivar are the new AAA Tag Team Champions. So when Truth & Priest want to put up their belts against these belts, they’ll be waiting. The Raiders are ready for everyone, but no one is ready for war. Truth says he ain’t met these two a day in his life! Truth leaves, Erik & Ivar are as confused as anyone, but when and where will we see these champions do battle?

Rhea Ripley is here!

Speaking of champions, Mami is still the WWE Women’s Champion after her Clash In Italy with Jade Cargill! She high-fives fans along the ramp, then goes to the ring. She’s still very sore from that match, and even has her right knee wrapped up. The fans cheer as Rhea grabs a mic and she says, “Hello, Bologna~!” The fans cheer “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea smiles. Rhea says this past Sunday, Clash In Italy, she finally put the Jade Cargill chapter behind her. The fans cheer that! Obviously, Rhea didn’t come out completely unscathed. This knee is a bit banged up. The fans sing for Rhea and she smiles again. She loves them, too.

Rhea says Jade came into that match with a game plan. She came in with the plan to try and take Rhea out, to try and use the numbers against Rhea. The fans boo that, but Rhea tells Jade that she failed to take her out. Rhea is still the W W E Women’s Champion! The fans cheer that! Rhea says as for the numbers game, well, she had a nice, unexpected “friend” come out and help with that. The fans “WOO~” and yes, Charlotte Flair is here! The fans cheer as The Queen walks out, gets her pyro, and already has a mic in hand. Charlotte lets out a “WOO~” and the fans join in. Charlotte then goes to the ring and says yes, champ, listen…

Charlotte knows Rhea didn’t ask for help, and here’s the thing. Charlotte understands not asking for help. But she had Rhea’s back because she respects Rhea. And to be honest, Charlotte’s had fun teaming with Rhea, getting a new tattoo, and wrestling beside Rhea given their history. But the thing is, QOTR is happening, and Charlotte is a competitor at heart. She is THE Queen, Charlotte Flair, the FOURTEEN TIME WOMEN’S CHAMPION! So if she’s being honest, as much fun as it was to team alongside Rhea… Charlotte steps into the ring before she says it’ll be her at SummerSlam standing in front of Rhea.

Because Rhea still has what Charlotte wants. But then TIFFANY STRATTON makes her entrance! The Women’s United States Champion struts to the ring, and she says, “Hi, Rhea~! Hi, Bologna~! And hi, Charlotte. I know it’s been awhile, but y’know, if someone were to tell me that we’d be out here and not beating the crap out of each other, I’d call them crazy.” Charlotte says hello, Tiff. Is she here to apologize? Tiff, apologize to Charlotte? Now that would be crazy. But Tiff’s not here for Charlotte, she’s here for Rhea. Tiff may be US Champion, and she looks damn good with the title, but she also wants that one.

Wait, now JADE CARGILL is here! Rhea groans as The Storm is in Bologna, accompanied by The Baddies. B-Fab hands Jade a mic and she tells them all to wrap it up. These three look so stupid together! Yes, go ahead, boo her. Now, Charlotte… You didn’t save Rhea, but you damn sure put yourself next in line! And seeing as how they’re all in QOTR, that little side quest will be rewarded. Look at your stupid little friend, Alexa! Aw, where is she? The fans taunt Jade but she says shut up! And as for Tiff… They’ve been doing this so many times, so Jade suggests Tiff learns her lesson and stays out of grown folk business.

And Rhea, enjoy her title while you can! Cuz Jade’s still coming for what’s hers. In fact, she’ll come for it now! Jade leads her Baddies, Charlotte & Tiff say bring it, but Aldis hurries out here. Ladies, please! Hold your horses. Rhea, we all know you’re in no condition to compete tonight, so let’s calm down. Charlotte says wait, hold on. She and Tiff don’t like each other, but Charlotte doesn’t like Jade more! So here’s an idea. Jade and one of her back-up dancers face Charlotte & Tiff here in Bologna!! And RIGHT NOW! Jade says bet, and Aldis says that is interesting. He never lets a good idea pass him by, so Bologna, you get Jade & Michin VS Charlotte & Tiff, RIGHT NOW!

The fans cheer as we get a tag match, player! Holla holla! But will The Baddies beat a champion and a Queen at the same time? Or are Charlotte and Tiff about to humble #ThatB1tch?

Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill & Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

SmackDown returns as the teams sort out, and Charlotte steps up, daring Jade to do the same. Instead, Jade leaves it to Mia. The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte and Mia tie up. They go around, Charlotte SHOVES Mia to the corner and she dares Jade to tag in! The fans rally, Mia reaches out, but then she jukes Charlotte to waistlock! Charlotte switches, but Mia ELBOWS free! Mia swings, Charlotte BOOTS her, then Charlotte waistlocks. Mia bucks the O’Conner, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Jade cheers, the fans are torn, but Charlotte blocks a kick to KNEE Mia! Mia falls, the fans cheer, and Charlotte wraps on headscissors!

Charlotte THROWS Mia around again and again, then kips up! The fans cheer, then Charlotte swings on Jade! Jade avoids the shot, and Mia GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tiff tags in and runs up to dodge Mia. Mia blocks a kick, ROCKS Tiff, then whips. Tiff reverses to drop toehold Mia onto ropes! Tiff runs to TIFFY HIP ATTACK! Then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff but Mia gets away, and she tags Jade! Tiff runs up, but Jade catches her to FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade mocks the “WOO~,” then runs up to ELBOW Tiff, and SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff but Jade drags her over.

Jade tags Mia, Mia ROCKS Tiff, and CLUBS her down! The fans cheer on Tiff and Charlotte but Mia scoops. Tiff slips free, Charlotte tags in, DISCUS LARIAT from Tiff! Charlotte goes up to CROSBODY! Charlotte runs and handsprings to LARIAT Mia down! The fans cheer, Charlotte tells Jade to “SUCK IT!” Charlotte CHOPS Jade, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~” as the CHOPS continue! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS Mia, whips her, but Mia reverses. Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS Mia, then has to BOOT Jade, too! B-Fab runs up but Charlotte PENALTY KICKS! Then Charlotte CROSSBODIES the Baddies!

Charlotte fires up, but she turns around into a DIVE from Mia! Michin fires up but the fans boo, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Mia puts Charlotte in the ring, covers, TWO! Mia rains down fists on Charlotte, talks a lot of trash, then drags Charlotte up. Mia bumps Charlotte off buckles, Jade CHOKES Charlotte, but the ref counts. The Baddies stop, Mia “apologizes” to the ref, but that lets Jade CHOKE Charlotte again! Jade stops before she’s caught, and Charlotte falls for Mia to cover, TWO! Mia stays between Charlotte and Tiff, whips her to the corner, then she tags Jade. They mug Charlotte, then Jade stomps away. Jade digs her boots in, even climbs the ropes, but the ref counts. Jade backs off, Charlotte CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Jade BOOTS her down!

Jade drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO! Jade stands Charlotte up, snap suplexes, then covers, TWO! Jade drags Charlotte up again, UPPERCUTS her back down, then she soaks up the heat. But Charlotte rolls Jade up! TWO! Jade LARIATS Charlotte down, covers, TWO! Jade drags Charlotte up, tags Mia, and the mugging continues. The ref counts, Mia stops at 4, then she clamps on a SLEEPER! SmackDown returns to single picture as Charlotte endures the squeeze! Mia wrangles her to the mat but the fans rally up. Charlotte fights up, fires body shots, then slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! Both women are down and the fans fire up!

Charlotte crawls, Mia anchors a foot, but Charlotte ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Mia whips Charlotte away, but Charlotte uses that to ROCK Jade! Charlotte BOOTS Mia, but Jade ROCKS Charlotte! Mia reels Charlotte in, lifts, and she tucks the arms! STYLES CLASH! Cover, Tiff breaks it! The fans cheer and Mia protests, but the fans cheer “AJ STYLES! AJ STYLES!” Mia drags Charlotte around, mocks the “WOO~,” then steps through, but Charlotte reels her into a cradle! TWO, and Mia goes to a corner! Mia runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia POSTS herself! Charlotte hurries, hot tag to Tiff! The fans fire up as Tiff LARIATS Mia again and again!

Tiff blocks a kick, ELBOWS Mia, then DROPKICKS Jade! Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges Mia to cartwheel and ALABAMA SLAM! The fans fire up with Tiff and she drags Mia to a drop zone. B-Fab coaches Mia but Tiff is up top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Mia survives and Tiff is frustrated. The fans rally for Tiff as she runs up. Mia dodges, returns, but Tiff ELBOWS her away! Mia PELES Tiff down! Mia crawls, hot tag to Jade! Jade runs up, Tiff dodges to handspring and STUNNER! Cover, but Mia breaks it! Charlotte is in, DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES take her and Mia down! Tiff and Jade fire forearms now, and the fans cheer Tiff while they boo Jade!

Tiff KICKS, KNEES, and runs, cartwheel, but Jade blocks it! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and the fans fire up again! Tiff crawls now, but Mia YANKS Charlotte down! But Charlotte sends Mia into a POST! But Fab BOOTS Charlotte! Jade BOOTS Tiff! Jade chicken wings for JA- NO, Tiff somersaults for the cover, TWO!! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, and- NO, Jade trips Tiff up! Chicken wings and a JADED!! Cover, Baddies win!

Winners: Jade Cargill & Mia Yim, by pinfall

The numbers game pays off for The Baddies, and Tiff is once again Jaded after facing #ThatB1tch! Will nothing stop The Storm from reigning in WWE again?

Fatal Influence regroups backstage.

Jacy says she was so close, Fallon & Lainey agree, but Cathy Kelley steps in hoping for an interview. Jacy says now is NOT the time, Cathy! Read the room! Cathy knows Jacy was hoping to advance in QOTR, but- Oh, does Cathy think she’s funny with this? Hee-hee ha ha? Anyone with eyes can see that Jacy was clearly better than all those other women! She’s on a different level! Oh, wait. Jacy looks over and interrupts the photoshoot of none other than Brie Bella & Paige. Jacy has the photographer beat it, and Paige asks, “Can we help you, baby girl?” Brie says they can’t. Jacy just suffered her first big loss here.

But don’t worry- OH NO, Fallon & Lainey rush up! Fatal Influence beats the champs down 3v2! They even send Brie into road cases! Fallon & Lainey pick up the belts, and they smile before dropping them on the champs. Will SmackDown soon be under The Influence? Or will they fail to deactivate #ScreamMode?

R-Truth checks on Royce Keys.

Despite what Priest said earlier, Truth still talks with Royce, and asks how he feels. How he feels? He feels like he got jumped. Truth knows where he’s from and what he’s about. Royce has been jumped before, and Royce knows he’ll surely get jumped a dozen more times while he’s here. He does appreciate everything Truth’s been doing. Truth just wanted to return the favor. Truth knows Priest is a hard nut to crack, but once you get to know #DP, you gonna love DP. Wait, is that even PG? Anyway, the three of them need to handle MFT! Let’s do it! Royce would love to believe that, but Priest don’t give a damn about Royce, so Royce don’t give a damn about him.

Royce is okay with Truth, but if Priest wants an issue, it’s an issue he gon’ get. Royce heads out, will either he or Priest see the truth of the issue?

Carmelo Hayes VS Ricky Saints!

These two fought it out before, then they got in each other’s face last week with Trick Williams involved. Melo is not going to let some “revolution” get in the way of his mission to retake the US Championship, but will he hit Nothing But Net tonight? Or will The Absolute get the better of H1M?

Saints attack Melo while his back is turned! The fans boo, the ref checks on Melo, but Melo still wants the fight. The bell rings, Saints fires off and CHOPS away! Saints whips, Melo reverses and Saints is sent flying! Melo then FLIES! Direct hit, and Melo hurries to get Saints back in the ring. Melo goes up the corner, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Saints survives, even with Melo still wearing his leather jacket and chains! Melo finally takes his jacket off, then runs up, but Saints avoids the First 48! Saints bails out, Melo pursues, and they go around the outside. Saints slides in, he stomps Melo down, then he wrenches to CHOP!

The fans rally as Saints fireman’s carries, and Melo slips free. Melo dodges, springboards, NO LOOK LARIAT! Melo then LARIATS Saints up and out! The fans fire up for H1M while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo goes back out after Saints, brings him around, and whips him into barriers! Saints flounders around while the fans cheer Melo on. Melo puts Saints back in the ring, then goes after him in the corner. Melo CHOPS, CHOPS, then climbs up the corner. Melo rains down fists, the fans count along, and Melo goes all the way to nine before Saints YANKS him down! Saints THROWS Melo into the ropes, then he runs to LARIAT! Saints huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rains down fists, then he soaks up the heat. Saints wrenches Melo, CHOPS him, then puts him in the corner to CHOP again! Saints wrenches Melo’s arm, then he goes up the corner.

Saints tightrope walks for a little Old School, AX HANDLE! Then a scoop and SLAM! And KNEE DROP! Melo flounders while Saints strikes his pose. Saints then talks trash on Melo, kicks him around, but Melo stands to CHOP! Saints CHOPS in return! Melo falls, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Saints CLUBS Melo on the neck. Saints stalks Melo to the ropes, whips him to ropes, and kitchen sink KNEES! Saints CLUBS away on Melo, then drags him up. Saints whips Melo to a corner, runs up, and ELBOWS! Then he BULLDOGS Melo down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Melo, but Saints soaks up the heat.

Saints runs in, but Melo BOOTS him away! Melo goes up and leaps, but Saints stops the DDT to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Saints NORTHERN- NO, Melo DDTS this time! The fans fire up while both men are down! Saints and Melo slowly rise up, and Saints runs up, only for Melo to counter punch! Melo ROCKS and CHOPS but Saints SMACKS Melo! Saints fires hands in the corner, Melo hits back, and they brawl again! Melo fires a flurry and the fans cheer! Melo ROCKS Saints, but Saints BOOTS Melo! Melo rebounds, DIRTY DIANA! Cover, TWO! Saints survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally as Melo waits on Saints to rise.

Melo runs up, FIRST- NO, Saints blocks and jackknife bridges, TWO! Melo sunset flips, TWO! Saints has the cover, TWO! Saints wrenches, but Melo denies the DDT with a roll-up! Saints rolls through, comes back, REVOLUTION DDT! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Saints is beside himself! Saints snarls as he rises up, and the fans rally as he brings Melo up. Saints Canadian Racks, but Melo slips free! FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives and Melo can’t believe it! The fans rally up again as Melo fires up! Melo goes up the corner, takes aim, but Saints hits ropes! Melo is tripped up and Saints shoves him to the floor!

Saints goes out, THROWS Melo over the barriers, then soaks up heat. But Melo is back! Melo leaps, but Saints throat chops! Saints leaves Melo behind for the count! Melo stands at 8, hobbles, and he rolls in at 9.9! The fans fire up but Saints HAMMERS away! The ref counts, Saints stops to argue with the ref, but Melo is up! Melo rolls Saints, TWO!! Saints swings, Melo dodges, SUPERKICKS, and springboards, but Saints dodges the shot! Saints waistlocks, Melo waitslocks, O’Conner, but Saints rolls through with tights! SAINTS WINS!

Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall

Melo is shocked, but Saints grins as he ties up the series. Will these two just have to go a third round to decide who is next in line?

Trick Williams watches backstage.

Well, speaking of, the US Champion is impressed with what he just saw. Cathy Kelley walks in and brings up that while he has Melo and Saints both eyeing his title, tonight is about Trick being in King of the Ring. How is Trick preparing for a big opportunity that could take him to SummerSlam? First thing’s first, Trick Williams is concerned with only one man and that man’s name is Trick Williams. But he must admit, he is entertained watching those Siamese twins fighting over what Trick’s got. So keep fighting, peasants! Trick is the king! He is in KOTR, and now we’re talking! We gonna put Trick on the list alongside some greats!

Trick is talking about Booker T, Triple H, and Stone Cold! Trick will punch his ticket to Minneapolis, punch his ticket for SummerSlam, and win himself the Undisputed WWE Championship! And won’t it look good? Won’t it sound good? Trick Williams, the man with two chains, two lemon pepper steppers, and two titles on his shoulders, let’s talk about it. But Bron Breakker walks by. The two stare down, US Champion to World Tag Team Champion, an then Bron says, “See you out there.” Trick ain’t the only one trying to become a double champion, but who will survive the opening round?

Tiffany returns backstage.

And Chelsea Green finds her! Chelsea asks Tiff why she didn’t mention going out there, you know Chelsea would’ve been with her. And out there with Charlotte? That was weird. But nonetheless, let Chelsea know next time, she’ll be by her side. Tiff says she didn’t think she needed Chelsea out there. Aw, all because she didn’t want Chelsea risking herself and getting injured. This is why they’re the dream team! Especially after last week, that was crazy. Anyway, Chelsea’s going out there, but Tiff will be there with her, right? She could really use the support. Tiff says sorry, she has to check in with the trainers. But Chelsea will be fine, Tiff’s sure of it.

Tiff heads out, and Chelsea is worried. Will The Hot Mess survive the Bougie Bully when it’s just Chelsea?

Blake Monroe speaks.

“Dear Diary, we have to talk about it. Tiffany Stratton. Oh, you are quite the star. Your rise to the top was very impressive. And looking at you is like looking into a mirror, which I do love to do. When we finally meet, it will be the box office event that the fans are dying to see. But the difference between you and I is that if you scratch just a little bit below the surface, you’ll see a princess like you isn’t used to getting her hands dirty. Tiffy Time is about to run on Monroe Minutes. So run whilst you can, because The Glamour is coming to SmackDown. Yours Truly, Blake Monroe.”

Chelsea Green VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax!

SmackDown returns as Chelsea makes her entrance. Chelsea is certainly worried with Nia ringside, but she still steps into the ring. The bell rings and Lash dares Chelsea to bring it. Chelsea tries to get away but Lash steps in the way! Lash wags her finger this time, then stops Chelsea from running away again. Lash corners Chelsea quite literally, but Chelsea dodge to SLAP Lash! Chelsea regrets it right away, then bails out of the ring! Lash gives chase, then Nia is there! Chelsea slips into the ring, then BOOTS Lash in the ropes! Chelsea hits a CODE BREAKER, then she runs up, but into an UPPERCUT! Lash then sits Chelsea up to SMACK her off the mat!

Lash talks trash, then drags Chelsea around by a leg. Lash stomps Chelsea, runs the ropes, and SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Lash clamps on a BEARHUG! Lash THRASHES Chelsea, Chelsea is all but a ragdoll! Lash THROWS Chelsea away, and Nia is there to SMACK Chelsea off the apron! The fans boo as the ref misses it, but Lash runs up. Chelsea ducks to RAM Lash, then slingshots up and over! Lash waves and flails, leans back, then she brings Chelsea up for a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Lash is annoyed but the fans cheer as Chelsea survives. Lash runs the ropes, but Chelsea avoids the splash!

Chelsea BOOTS from the corner, then goes up to KNEE Lash! Chelsea then dodges and comes back to RAM Lash! Lash staggers, Chelsea runs and LARIATS! Chelsea runs again, ducks ‘n’ dodges to slide and DROPKICK Nia! The fans cheer, but Lash YANKS Chelsea up! But Chelsea HOTSHOTS free! Then she DUMPS Lash out! The fans cheer Chelsea as she climbs, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down go the Irresistible Forces! The fans fire up and Chelsea hurries to put Lash in. Chelsea climbs the corner again, and salutes before the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lash survives and Chelsea is a bit stunned!

The fans rally for Chelsea as she hooks the arms, turns Lash, but Lash powers out! They spin around again, Lash brings Chelsea around, LASH EXTENSION!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

Chelsea fought hard all on her own, but she just doesn’t have the size and strength of a Legend. Will Chelsea leave things at this? Or will The Irresistible Forces not stop until the Hot Mess is in the trash?

Solo Sikoa finds Royce backstage.

The Powerhouse tells Solo watch what he says, but Solo wants him to calm down. Why is Royce being so difficult? Didn’t Royce see what happened on Monday? Roman Reigns made Royce’s guy, Jacob Fatu, kneel down like a dog! What’s that gotta do with them? It has everything to do with them! Royce has no one to watch his back! Jacob’s gone, Priest wants nothing to do with Royce, so Solo is the only family Royce has left! Royce asks does Solo really think Royce busted his ass all these years to get here, just to fall in line behind Solo? Solo says yeah, okay, Royce did bust his ass. But did anyone come calling?

Did the Usos call Royce? Did Jacob call Royce? Did Roman call Royce? No, Roman was the one calling Royce out! But you know who did make the call? Solo! Y’know who brought Jacob here? Solo! You know who brought Tama & Talla here? Solo! And who made them champions here? Solo! Because they follow and listen to Solo! Listen, that other side, they’re ready. But this side, they gotta get ready for war. Think about it. Stop being so difficult. Or Solo will make it difficult. Solo leaves Royce to think on that, but will these veiled threats really work? Or will nothing change Royce’s mind?

Danhausen goes to the stage!

The fans cheer as the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord, and his merchandise minion, step out on stage. “Hello~, Bolognahausen! It is I, Danhausen! Very nice, very evil. And I have not been allowed to bring my T-Shirt Cannon, but I brought my human t-shirt cannon” And indeed, the guy is throwing shirts to the fans as hard as he can. Danhausen brings up The Miz breaking into Danhausen’s lair and wrecking his priceless family heirlooms. And Danhausen knows who put Miz up to it! Danhausen goes to ringside to point at Wade Barrett! BOO THIS MAN! The fans boo but Danhausen says it can still be louder.

The fans boo more, and then Danhausen gets fans to cheer Michael Cole. Now remember, love that Danhausen. If not, YOU! ARE! CURSED! The lights go out, Danhausen scurries away, but not quite fast enough before the lights come back on. “Okay, see you later!” Will Danhausen continue to curse those who oppose… whatever he’s up to? What even IS Danhausen up to?

Fraxiom talks with Rey Fenix backstage.

In Espanol, Axiom congratulates the Firebird on winning the AAA Cruiserweight Championship, he thanks them for that, and Nathan Frazer says sorry, he doesn’t understand Spanish. But being Cruiserweights themselves, what does he say, amigo? Fenix says he wants to defend the title all over the world. If they want a shot, just ask. Chad Gable steps in and asks for a quick second alone. Fraxiom leaves them to it, and Gable tells Fenix that he came to talk to Aldis for a few reasons. First was so he could talk to Fenix. They had an awesome match at WrestleMania match last year, but that was under false pretenses.

At the time, Gable was being El Grande Americano to poke fun at the rest of the luchadores, to frustrate them for how they were giving him trouble. But the longer he wore the mask, the more time he spent in Mexico, he learned that it isn’t just a joke. He wasn’t putting on a costume. He was taking on a responsibility to a culture, people, an entire country and an artform. So Gable is here to apologize. He doesn’t know if it’ll be tonight, tomorrow, or next week, but he is simply asking for forgiveness. Fenix says now that Gable understands lucha libre, losing the mask is painful enough. Fenix forgives Gable.

But hey, Fenix isn’t the only one Gable offended. Good luck in apologizing to the rest. Fenix heads out, will Gable be able to receive the same absolution from the rest of lucha libre?

Aldis finds Cody Rhodes on his way out.

The SmackDown GM hopes Cody’s offer to face Gunther again was still valid, and Cody says yes. He was hoping to do it tonight but then Gunther left. Yes, well, Aldis just finished talking to Gunther’s legal team. That was no fun, but long story short, they accept the rematch. But there is one condition. Then what it is? Well, see, Gunther is going to wait until next week. Oh, well, that IS a good legal team. So we have to wait until next week for the condition, which means we have to wait until the week after that for the match in Kansas City. Cody won’t wait any longer than that, so that is where we do the title match.

Aldis says that works for him. They shake hands on it, and Kansas City is about to strike gold! But what will Gunther’s special stipulation be now that he has a week to think about it?

2026 King of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Trick Williams VS Damian Priest VS Bron Breakker VS Dominik Mysterio!

The WWE United States Champion, one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, one half of the WWE World Tag Team Champions, and the AAA Mega Champion all meet in the opening round of this tournament, all looking to add the crown and the WWE Championship to their collection. Will someone #WhoopDatTrick? Will the Archer of Infamy live forever? Will the Unpredictable Badass break everything? Or will the King of the Luchadores be one step closer to a real crown?

SmackDown returns and Dirty Dom makes his entrance, Liv Morgan accompanying him. Bron makes his entrance next, followed by Trick Williams. But then Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES Trick at the bell! Dom bails out, so Bron and Priest fire hands with each other! Priest runs up, Bron dodges, and Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bron runs up on Trick, Trick BOOTS Bron, but Bron slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dom gets on the apron but Bron BLASTS him down! Priest ROCKS Bron, whips him, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds up speed to LARIAT! The fans bark as Bron sees targets on the outside.

Bron slides out, he builds speed, and he FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Dom! The fans fire up with Bron and he box jumps to the desk! “Who’s the man!?” Bron is standing tall while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Bron hops down, the fans cheer him on, but Liv is upset. Bron drags Dom up, SMACKS him off the apron, but Trick CLUBS Bron! Trick TOSSES Dom over the Italian desk! Trick stands tall, Liv is still upset, and Trick brings Dom up. Dom KNEES Trick, CHOPS him, then pushes him to ringside. Dom puts Trick in the ring, Liv cheers him on, and Dom brings Trick up. Dom ROCKS Trick, but Priest is back! Dom panics a bit, says they should work together, but Priest kicks and ROCKS Dom! Priest ROCKS Dom again, then stalks him to a corner. Priest whips Dom to ropes, but Dom KICKS him away! Dom runs, but Priest BACK ELBOWS him down!

Trick spins Priest around, Priest ROCKS Trick but Trick ROCKS Priest! They brawl, and Trick CHOPS Priest in the corner again and again! Priest CHOPS Trick again and again, then shakes out the hand. Priest whips Trick corner to corner, runs up, but Trick RUNS Priest over! Dom fires hands on Bron on the outside while Trick brings Priest up. Trick CLUBS Priest, Bron SMACKS Dom off a desk. Trick fetches Dom into the ring, CLUBS him again, and Bron goes after Priest. Trick puts Dom in a corner, CHOPS him, but Priest ROCKS Bron! Trick CHOPS Dom, Priest TOSSES Dom, and Priest is after Trick again!

SmackDown returns to single picture as Trick fights off Priest and Dom, but then Priest & Dom work together! KICK, KICK, FOREARM, ENZIGIRI! Trick tumbles away, Priest and Dom stare down, but Bron is back! Priest and Dom dodge to DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Dom and Priest stare down, but Priest lbocks the cheap shot! Priest knew better than to trust Dom! He DECKS Dom again and again, then whips Dom to FLAPJACK! Trick runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Bron runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! ROUNDHOUES for Trick, ROUNDHOUSE for Bron! The fans fire up as Priest has targets in the corners!

Priest runs to ELBOW Bron, then he runs to ELBOW Trick! Priest TOSSES Trick, then DUMPS Bron out! Dom is back but Priest guzels! Dom ROCKS Priest, but Priest SUPERKICKS on the rebound! The fans fire up for Priest, he powers up the arm, and he runs to COME- NO, Dom BOOTS, KICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Priest goes to a corner, he BOOTS Dom down! Priest goes up, but so does Bron! SUPER STEINER! Cover, Dom breaks it! The fans rally up and Dom brings Bron up. Dom gives some Latino Heat, but Bron wrenches free to guzel! Bron military presses for the POWERSLAM! Cover, Trick breaks it!

The fans fire up while all four men are down! Dom rolls away, Liv fans him off and coaches him up. Trick eggs Bron on, talks some trash, but Bron fires a hand! Trick fires back! Bron fires another! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Bron fires a flurry! Bron whips, Trick reverses, then LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT for Dom! Trick fires hands and an UPPERCUT on Priest, then whips. Priest reverses, then ducks, and the LARIAT hits Dom! But then Trick dodges to NECKBREAKER Priest! Trick kips up, the fans fire up, and Trick goes after Dom in a corner. Trick stomps away on Dom, “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!”

But Bron runs up, only to get a BOOKEND! Cover, Priest breaks it! The fans rally as Priest and Trick stand, and Priest runs up. Trick DUMPS Priest to the apron, but Priest spins to ROUNDHOUSE! Priest goes up but Dom is after him! But then Trick adds on! Trick Electric Chair Lifts Dom, Priest brings him closer to fire hands! Then he BELL CLAPS Dom! The fans cheer as Trick then drops Dom to TRICK SLAP him! Bron goes up after Priest but Priest stops the steiner this time! Trick goes up to join Bron, and they work together on Trick! DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Everyone is down around ringside but “This is Awesome!” as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Bron, Trick, and Priest are in the ring, they stir, and Dom hurries! Cover on Priest, TWO! Dom hurries to cover Bron, TWO! Dom hurries to cover Trick, TWO!! No luck for the vulture yet, but Dom rains down furious fists on Trick! Then he goes after Bron in a corner! Then he stomps away on Priest in a corner! Trick stomps Bron, but Dom brings Trick around. Trick SMACKS Dom down! Trick CLUBS Dom, then CHOPS in the corner! And CHOPS again! Dom puts Trick in the corner to CHOP, but Trick turns things around to CHOP! Dom turns things around to CHOP! Trick turns things around to MACHINE GUN CHOP!

Priest has Bron in a corner, bumps him off buckles, and then DUMPS him out. Trick and Dom keep trading shots, but Priest DECKS Dom! Priest stands Dom up to whip him in at Trick, HIP ATTACK! Dom falls, Priest covers, TWO! Bron rolls back into the ring while Priest stomps Trick. Bron drags Dom up, puts him in a corner, Trick ROCKS Priest! Bron RAMS into Dom, Trick fires hands on Priest, but Priest ROCKS Trick! The four seem to be running low on gas as Liv shouts at Bron. SmackDown returns to single picture as Bron CHOKES Dom! Bron stands Dom up, talks some trsh, but Trick and Priest fire hands!

Bron ROCKS Trick, runs at Dom, but Dom BOOTS Bron first! Priest ROLLING ELBOWS Trick while Dom smothers Bron! Bron turns htings aroudn to throw hands but Dom pushes him away. Bron comes back, but Dom dodges! Bron POSTS himself! But Priest guzels Dom! SOUTH OF- NO, Dom slips free to CHOP! Priest just frowns. Dom goes to run but Priest reels him in! Canadian Rack, and RAZOR’S EDGE! But Liv distracts, the ref misses the cover! Priest storms up on Liv, Liv taunts Priest, and Bron is there to guzel Priest! And military press SLAM! Trick is back, Bron dodges, BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Bron storms up on Dom while the fans bark.

Bron sees Trick floundering, and he decides to aim at Trick. But then Dom is up to SUPERKICK! And he DROPKICKS Bron onto ropes! The fans fire up as Dom dials it up, but Priest DECKS Dom first! Bron is up, he ducks a roundhouse, and comes back to SPEAR! But Dom whips, only for Bron to TOSS Dom! TRICK SHOT on Bron, cover on Priest! DOM YANKS THE REF OUT!! The fans cheer the savvy, but Trick YANKS Dom up to TRICK SLAP him back down! But then Bron LARIATS Trick up and out! Bron then aims, FLYING BULLDOG through the table!! The fans bark it up for Bron and Trick while they’re down in the wreckage!

Dom sneaks up on Priest to DROPKICK him onto ropes! Dom dials, but Priest LARIATS him down! The straps come down and the fans fire back up! Priest waits on Dom, but JD MCDONAGH leaps in! Priest catches him, to go SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Priest gets Dom, SOUTH OF- LOW BLOW from Liv!! Dom DROPKICKS Priest onto ropes, redials, 619!! Priest flounders, Dom goes up, and FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Dom wins!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Judgment Day watches each other’s back as always, but now… Dom is up against Oba Femi in the semifinals! Did Judgment Day actually doom Dom rather than save him? Or can they find a way to overthrow The Ruler together?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown for Italy, though you could feel this was three hours this time. I don’t remember them advertising Melo VS Saints or Chelsea VS Lash but those did make sense as follow-ups from last week. Great match from Melo VS Saints, and naturally Saints wins to tie things up with Melo. Their tiebreaker will surely be a #1 contender’s match, the winner facing Trick for the title, maybe even at Night of Champions. Chelsea continues to not understand that Tiff doesn’t want a tag team with her, and Chelsea even looked good on her own in that match. But Lash winning out on stats alone also works, and they might still steer things to a tag match.

Speaking of Tiff, very good promo and match with her, Charlotte, and The Baddies. Rhea not staying ringside kinda guaranteed The Baddies would cheat the win, and good stuff for Jade to rebound after her loss at Clash. Not sure anyone from their Fatal 4 Way wins the QOTR given this story with Judgment Day, but it’ll still be a very good match. Great Fatal 4 Way tonight, and Raquel winning was good stuff to feed said story. Liv still thinks she and Dom are gonna be the King & Queen together, and naturally Judgment Day made sure Dom won to keep that going. It’d be amazing if something cost Liv her Fatal 4 Way, but she’s also kinda bringing it upon herself with how she keeps talking so selfishly around Raquel and Roxie.

Kiana and Giulia breaking up here might’ve been a bit sudden, but it was a good a time as any since they were in Italy and the fans were on Giulia’s side. Giulia is Face by default given Kiana is the one upset with her, and they’ll have a very fun feud from this. Very good stuff in the MFT story, but I swear if this turns into Royce turning Heel because “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” that’s gonna be very annoying. And while I don’t really want more OG Bloodline VS MFT, I do appreciate Solo made it at least sound like it was also about Raw VS SmackDown like we’re actually going to do that again for Survivor Series or something.

Good stuff seeing Gable back tonight, and I appreciate him starting on a journey of forgiveness, like he’s in the 12 Step Program. I think there’s going to be a match or two from this, where regardless of Face or Heel, the luchador Gable is facing is reluctant to forgive. Hilarious stuff as always with Danhausen and The Miz, and they’re definitely biding their time on this clone reveal. They’ll likely skip Night of Champions and save this for SummerSlam, probably night one, and it’ll basically be MizKit VS Danhausen & mystery partner the sequel from WrestleMania.

And good stuff in this Undisputed Championship story and how it also combines with the Sami story. I expected Gunther to throw a fit and he did, and then Sami stepping in the middle of this, that’s good stuff for his passive-aggressive Face persona. Cody VS Gunther set for Kansas City is good stuff, and I feel like Gunther’s stipulation should be something about No Ropebreaks or Falls Count Anywhere so that Cody can’t “cheat” him again. And you can bet Sami goes after Cody one way or another to set up a match for Night of Champions, because they’re not giving themselves a lot of time for anything else.

My Score: 8.7/10