The Summer of Punk 2026!

After quite the homecoming in Chicago, CM Punk returns to Friday Night SmackDown in Oklahoma as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Finn Balor VS Tama Tonga w/ Talla Tonga; Finn wins.
• Royce Keys VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
• Jade Cargill w/ B-Fab & Mia Yim VS Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair; Jade wins.
• Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to SmackDown, live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.” The fans cheer, and Aldis says before we get into the big business at hand, he wants to address his situation. As many know, he was involved in a physical altercation with Gunther after Night of Champions. And while Aldis would like to say he’s completely justified in his actions, he also takes full responsibility for his part in the incident. He is pleased to report that after mediation, he has been reinstated as SmackDown General Manager. He is ready to work and work for you, the audience. Which brings us to this moment here and now.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, C M PUNK!” The fans cheer as The Best in the World indeed makes his entrance, and they sing along with Cult of Personality. They even join in with saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, holds up the title, and the fans cheer again. Aldis welcomes the champ, they shake hands, and Aldis says welcome aboard, he’s very glad Punk took his call on Monday. The floor is now his. The fans cheer Punk as he takes the mic, and he says, “I always pause before I come out in front of a live audience, and I wonder what the hell I’m gonna say. Three words come to mind: I missed you!” The fans cheer that!

Punk says the last two and a half months, he has been negotiating with WWE, NBC Universal, and the USA Network, all spearheaded by Aldis, to bring Punk to SmackDown. Last Monday night, those negotiations were expedited when he got the call that the Undisputed Championship needed a challenger. Ladies and gentlemen, when opportunities fall out of the sky, CM Punk catches them. He put his gear on in his house, kissed his beautiful wife on the lips, drove across town to the Allstate Arena, and now he can ask us the question, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday night in Oklahoma City as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion or what?!”

The fans cheer again, even giving a standing ovation! Punk continues by saying he is not like other wrestlers and not like other champions, If you saw what he did on Monday Night Raw with the World Heavyweight Championship, you know he intends to be that champion Friday nights on SmackDown. That means wrestling on TV, defending this title every chance he gets. Because when you call yourself The Best in the World, he doesn’t do it just to be cocky. He does it to put that pressure on himself! He likes a target on his back. Punk knows that locker room is full of hungry, talented individuals who all want what he has.

So just as they discussed prior to the show starting, he’ll make it real simple. If you think he has what belongs to you, come get it! If you think you have what it takes to wrestle the Best in the World, come wrestle him! He is not hard to find, and he will defend this belt with his blood, sweat and tears, and do it for all the fans! Sami Zayn… Punk heard what you said on social media, and he understands how Sami feels. If Sami wants his shot, he certainly deserves a rematch. Punk will give him that shot. Who else is back there? The fans cheer any sort of name, but Punk picks out Gunther! Gunther might be the one Punk regrets mentioning, but they’re no strangers.

Punk remembers the last time they wrestled. If Gunther thinks he can beat Punk, come and try it. Punk knows he can beat Gunther, so let’s find out. Who else? Who else is there? Seems someone he followed here, because all the best talent goes to SmackDown, Finn Balor! They went to war twice already, once in Finn’s home country, and once in Punk’s hometown. Any time, any place, neutral territory, Punk is your huckleberry. If you think you got what it takes, step up to the plate! Royce Keys! Damian Priest! Trick Williams! But wait! CODY RHODES is here! The fans cheer and sing along with Kingdom as The American Nightmare makes his entrance.

We get the “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro, then Cody high-fives the fans on his way to the ring. We get the second “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro, then Cody steps into the ring. Cody pokes a bit of fun at Punk’s shiner, then gets himself a mic. The fans cheer and Cody asks, “How’s your eye?” Punk says it looks worse than it is, but he knows Cody isn’t here to talk about the eye. Punk asks Cody, whaddya wanna talk about? The fans cheer that, and Cody smirks. Cody admits Punk is right. It’s just funny that the last time they were in this ring, it was the mirror. Cody had the title, his eye was blackened, and Punk said stuff about championship opportunities falling out of the sky.

And that’s what happened on Monday, huh? The title opportunity fell out of the sky and Punk was there to catch it. There are those opportunities, and then… There’s championship matches that have been building for years. The fans like the sound of that! Punk assumes he means Punk VS Cody. Maybe subconsciously, they’ve both been avoiding this. Maybe that’s why Punk didn’t think of him earlier. Punk and Cody are friends, he doesn’t want anything to come in between that. But Punk even thought that when this happened, it’d be the main event of WrestleMania. But they can’t run away from each other any longer. Cody agrees, they can’t.

And Cody again remembers back to the last time in the ring, Cody remembers that when he was champion, he told Punk, “Just say when.” And maybe that’s the situation now. Punk says, “When.” The fans like the sound of that! Cody says, “SummerSlam!” Not as fun for OKC, but still a big move from both champion and challenger. The two shake hands, the fans cheer that, and Aldis says ladies and gentlemen, it’s official! The main event of SummerSlam, CM Punk VS Cody Rhodes! Then Punk pulls Cody in close to make sure Cody understands he’s serious. Three weeks remain, how ready will both men be when the Biggest Party of the Summer arrives?

Backstage interview with The Baddies.

Cathy Kelley is with Jade Cargill, B-Fab & Michin, and tonight, Jade will go 1v1 with Alexa Bliss. She even requested this match, so can she give insight as to why? Jade says she’s already dressed and ready to go, she don’t get dressed for nothing. Since Charlotte Flair wants to play games, Jade is gonna kick her little friend’s face in! Charlotte wants to cost Jade titles, so Jade is gonna make Charlotte’s life a living hell! Mia Yim says Charlotte should know better after The Baddies stomped her out. Maybe Charlotte needs as many lessons as it takes until she gets the damn picture. B-Fab says Charlotte will, because Charlotte has a front row seat to Jade snapping Alexa in half like the twig she is.

Jade says as y’all know, she’ll put on a show. But she is not responsible for what happens to Bliss. Put the blame on her “friend,” Charlotte Flair! The Storm has come to OKC, but will Lil’ Miss Bliss be able to ride the lightning?

Finn Balor VS Tama Tonga w/ Talla Tonga!

The Prince thought he could reconnect with his old friend, but the Good Bad Guy is done following and is ready to lead. Will Tama put Finn in the past? Or are things about to get rrreeeeal?

SmackDown returns as Tama makes his entrance, Talla by his side. The bell rings and Finn runs up to trip Tama! Finn rains down fists, Tama gets free, but Finn BOOTS him away! Finn fires off in the corner, the ref counts, but Finn whips corner to corner. Tama reverses, Finn goes up and over, and Finn CHOPS! And CHOPS! Finn whips Tama, Tama reverses, then Tama UPPERCUTS Finn! Tama storms up on Finn now, brings him around, and whips him to ropes. Finn reverses, Tama sunset flips, but Finn rolls through to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, and Finn LARIATS Tama up and out! Then Finn builds speed, but Talla trips him up!

The fans boo but Tama CLOBBERS Finn! Tama brings Finn back up, bumps him off buckles, and JUMP NECKBREAKERS! Tama runs to then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Finn while SmackDown goes picture in picture. Tama stalks Finn to ropes, CHOKES him, but stops as the ref counts. Finn sputters, but Tama puts him back on ropes to CHOKE him again! The ref counts again, Tama holds on, so the ref backs him down. Talla YANKS Finn out to scoop and SNAKE EYES off the apron! Finn flounders but Tama goes out the side. Tama runs up to LEAPING LARIAT Finn down!

MFT soaks up the heat, then Tama goes back to the ring. The ring count climbs while Finn slowly rises up, and he leaps into the ring! Tama stomps away on Fin, then rains down fists! Tama stops to then CLUB Finn, and sits him up for more shots to the chest! Tama LARIATS Finn back down! Finn staggers to a corner, Tama snapmares and HEADBUTTS, then he clamps on a chinlock. Finn endures, even as Tama leans on the hold. Finn fights up, but Tama wrangles him back down! Finn still fights up, fights around, but Tama KNEES low! Tama puts Finn in the corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, only for Finn to dodge! Roll up, TWO!

Finn keeps moving, but Tama scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finn toughs it out and shakes his head, but Tama stalks him to the ropes. Tama CLAWS Finn’s back as SmackDown returns to single picture. The ref reprimands but then Finn fires haymakers! Tama BODY BLOWS, then whips, but Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and clinch! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down as the fans fire up! Finn rises, the fans cheer, and Finn storms up on Tama. Finn counter punches Tama again and again, then whips. Tama reverses but Finn FLYING FOREARMS! And then he trips Tama to DOUBLE STOMP!

The fans cheer while Tama flounders to a corner. Finn runs up, CHOPS, and he whips corner to corner. Tama reverses, but Finn goes up, only for Tama to catch him! But Finn fights that to a dragon sleeper, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Tama survives but Finn stays focused. The fans rally as Finn hurries to KICK Tama to the ropes. Finn stomps and stomps and stomps, but backs off as the ref counts. Talla protests, Finn runs up, but Tama RAMS low! Tama ROCKS Finn, whips, but Finn reverses to SLING- NO, Tama turns it into a SPINOUT BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

The fans rally as hard as they can for Finn but Tama hits the STINGER SPLASH! Tama huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs corner to corner again, STINGER SPLASH! Finn sputters but Tama slithers back. Tama runs in again, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn then aims while the fans fire up, SHOTGUN! Tama hits buckles then falls to into the drop zone! Finn goes up, Talla distracts, but the ref has him back off. Finn refocuses for the COUP- NO, Tama dodges! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And then an underhook, PINCHE LOCO! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and MFT cannot believe it! Tama seethes as he paces, but the fans rally for Finn.

Tama brings Finn up, but Finn cradles! TWO!! Tama escapes, but Finn DUMPS him out of the ring! Finn then FLIES to wipe out MFT! The fans fire up as Finn then hurries to get Tama in the ring! Finn aims again, for a SHOTGUN! Tama is back down, Finn goes back up! The fans fire up again for the COUP DE GRACE! Direct hit and Finn covers, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Talla is furious, but Finn gets away before Talla can storm into the ring! MFT tried to bully Balor, but he proved why he’s too sweet! Will Finn use this to prove he’s also still The Prince?

Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.

Cathy asks H1M that he shot his shot, but Trick Williams & Lil Yachty say Melo still has to earn his shot at the US Championship. Melo says he doesn’t want to interrupt, but there are two words they won’t talk about when talking about Melo: “prove” and “deserve.” All he’s done is prove, and all he does is deserve. Last week, Yachty might be right that Melo comes up short. But what’s Yachty’s excuse? Melo is only human. Yachty makes a great sidekick, because all his top songs have only been features. And Trick, when they say his name, they think aura, superstar, and that’s all valid.

But all the aura in the world won’t outwork someone who has been battle tested, dragged through the mud, and pushed to the side like Melo. He won’t catchphrase you to death like Trick, but #MeloDon’tMiss. That’s NOT a catchphrase, that’s a lifestyle, and his aim has never been more clear. This is his moment to prove to Trick what he already knows: Melo is H1M. Melo heads out, will he #WhoopDatTrick and earn his title match?

R-Truth and Fraxiom are backstage.

And it would seem that Truth lost a bet on the World Cup. USA is out, England and Spain are still in. Nathan Frazer says he’ll put it this way: Americans are better at eating hot dogs, so just leave the real football to the Europeans. Truth pays out to Axiom, Frazer insists England is still bringing the Cup home, but now Erik & Ivar step in. Truth says hola. Erik says he is getting sick of the games! Aldis is here tonight, so go talk to him so the War Raiders can take those tag titles off Truth’s hands. But then Jimmy Uso & Jacob Fatu step in. #BigJim asks for a moment, the War Raiders honor that. But Ivar lets Truth know, their patience is wearing thin.

Jimmy and Truth say sup. Jimmy says he’s looking for somebody. He’s about this tall, flat footed, kinda looks like Rikishi. Oh, you mean Solo? Yes. Well, Rikishi’s kids yeeted on themselves so Solo’s babysitting. Jimmy shakes that off and says if Truth sees Solo, let him know Jimmy’s looking for them. Jacob stops the secret handshake, and he tells Truth if he’s seen Royce Keys. Truth says he’s never seen him a day in his life! But if you see him, hide your chain. Then Damian Priest steps in, he secret handshakes Truth and Jimmy, then says sup to Fatu. Fatu says sup, and Priest says if they’re looking for Royce, Priest has seen him. He’s here.

Truth plays dumb, and Fatu tells #BigJim they’ll just go to the ring. Jimmy & Jacob head out, and Truth asks Priest what he’s doing! Priest says he’s already said that Royce is not his problem. Let that go! Priest leaves again, and Truth finds himself stuck in the middle of everything. Will The Bloodline settle up with both the prodigal son and the Powerhouse in one night?

Nick Aldis is on the phone.

And it’s Sami Zayn! Aldis tells Sami that he understands Sami is on a mental health break as Sami requested, and he gave it to him. That’s why he’s not here tonight. Aldis is here and he is GM again, so he has the authority to make the match of Punk VS Cody at SummerSlam. Now, if you’ll excuse him… Gunther storms into the office. And Der Ring General is just as upset about the title match that was made. Gunther says it is Aldis’ first day back, but he made a really big mistake. Gunther is here now to give Aldis a chance. Gunther could stooge Aldis out to his boss, but he won’t do that, he wants to give Aldis a chance to fix this.

Deep down, they both know that Gunther deserves to be in the ring with the champion! And it doesn’t matter if it’s Cody, Punk, or them both at the same time. Aldis knows and Gunther knows that the title match is where Gunther belongs. So he’ll give Aldis until the end of the night to fix this. Aldis says he’ll take it under consideration. Gunther leaves, but will he really get what he wants again? Or only what he deserves?

Jimmy Uso & Jacob Fatu are in the ring.

Just as they said, they’re out in front of the crowd, and Jimmy has the mic to say let’s just get to business. There’s only one reason why they’re here on SmackDown! Solo, bring your ass on out here! The fans cheer that, but instead of Solo Sikoa, we get Royce Keys! The Powerhouse heads to the ring, steps inside, and Jimmy says, “You don’t look like Solo. What the hell are you doing out here?” Royce says yeah, he knows he’s not Solo. But last week, they mentioned him. This week, they mentioned him. So guess what? He brought Royce to dat ass. But see, guess you’re here to handle that family business, huh?

See, their family business is affecting everyone around here, and it’s starting to affect him. Jimmy says family business or not, this is OTC business! OTC? The man Jimmy runs plays for? The man who ain’t even here? Fatu gets mad now! Fatu steps up while Jimmy smirks, and Fatu tells Royce, they tight. So let’s keep it like that. If Royce says anything else about OTC, please, he’s saying please, don’t go there. The fans are torn, but Royce tells Jacob that it ain’t gotta be like that. Jimmy says you don’t tell them what to do! He said it before, he’ll say it now, Royce ain’t part of this family. Oh, yeah, they said it loud and clear!

But guess what? Blood don’t make you family, loyalty does! And if you talk about family, you know how many family members Royce lost? Jimmy’s family has brother fighting brother, cousin fighting cousin. Royce wishes there were members in his family he could still hug, he could still text, he could still call. You know he ain’t got that! So for the last 14 YEARS, Fatu has been Royce’s brother, and he refuses to let his brother fall. The fans cheer that! Jimmy says out of respect, listen to him loud and clear: Royce is gonna cross a line he can’t come back from. Does he understand? Royce says he didn’t come here to fight tonight.

Biut guess what? Looks like there’s a line right there. Royce steps over it! Jimmy says Royce is crazier than he thought. Jimmy & Jacob will put a beating to Royce! The worst beating The Bloodline’s ever put- Jacob has Jimmy stop! “‘We?’ There ain’t no ‘we’ here, Big Jim. This one’s on you. I’m out.” The Samoan Werewolf steps aside, but Jimmy says aight! Guess #BigJim and Royce crossed the line. Let’s get a ref out here and make this official! Royce crossed a line and there’s no coming back. Jimmy takes a swing, but Royce blocks it! The fans cheer as Royce smiles, and short arm LARIATS Jimmy down! Then he LARIATS Jimmy up and out!

The ref finally arrives and Royce is ready to fight! Will Royce send The Bloodline back to Roman emptyhanded? Or will Jimmy manage to tear down the Powerhouse?

Royce Keys VS Jimmy Uso!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, Jimmy waistlocks then headlocks, but Royce powers up and out. Royce RUNS Jimmy over, then has him in the corner. Royce JABS, JABS, JABS again and again, then stops as the ref counts. Royce whips corner to corner, Jimmy bounces off buckles, and Royce LARIATS! Jimmy is slow to stand up, Royce scoops him, but Jimmy slips free. Jimmy mule kicks, pops ‘n’ locks, then UPPERCUTS! Royce wobbles, Jimmy reels him in, and Jimmy flexes, only for Royce to suplex first! And he holds Jimmy up before the SLAM! The fans fire up, Royce covers, ONE!!

Jimmy toughs it out but he also bails out. Royce goes out the side, runs in around the way, but Jimmy sends him into the steel steps! Jimmy drags Royce up, puts him in the ring, then climbs a corner. Royce stands, Jimmy CROSSBODIES him back down! Cover, TWO! Jimmy clamps on with a chinlock but Royce endures. The fans rally, Royce fights up, and Royce fires body shots. Jimmy kicks, Royce blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jimmy runs but Royce CLOBBERS him! Royce rises, brings Jimmy up and whips him, but Jimmy grabs ropes. Royce runs up, Jimmy DUMPS him out, then Jimmy DIVES! Direct hit and Royce hits the desk!

The fans cheer as Jimmy gets Royce back up, and he THROWS Royce over the desk! Jimmy says YEET while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Royce rains down fists on Jimmy, then RIPCORDS for a POWERSLAM! Not the easiest but Royce still covers, TWO! Jimmy survives, but the straps come down! The fans fire up for Royce but Jimmy bails out. Royce pursues, but Jimmy swings! Royce catches Jimmy, WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM on the desk! The fans want more, so Royce obliges! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM on the desk! Royce refreshes the count, then he drags Jimmy up. Royce scoops, takes aim, but Jimmy slips free to POST Royce! Jimmy hauls Royce into the ring, stumbles back, and asks for a breather. But SOLO SIKOA is there!

The fans are torn as Solo taps his brother on the shoulder. Jimmy turns around, Solo ROCKS him! But then Jacob rushes back out here! The fans fire up as Fatu and Solo storm up on each other and start throwing hands! The fans cheer Fatu but Solo gets the edge! SAMOANO- NO! TONGAN DEATH GRIP! Then Fatu THROWS Solo over the barriers! Royce is shocked, but Jimmy loads up! SPEAR from Big Jim!! Cover, JIMMY WINS!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Royce let The Bloodline’s business cost him again, but Fatu keeps on Solo! Fatu stomps away on Solo in the corner, but Royce storms up! Royce spins Fatu around, argues with Fatu about what just happened, and Fatu isn’t sure what to say. The fans are on Fatu’s side, though, as he SUPERKICKS Royce! And SENTONS on top! The fans are fired up as Jimmy then slides a chair into the ring! Fatu takes the chair, and he puts it around Solo’s neck! Fatu runs corner to corner, but then stops short! Fatu tells Solo that he better listen! This Monday, Solo better be on Raw for the family! Because next time, Fatu will not stop!

The ultimatum has been issued, will Solo finally return home? Or will he choose to be destroyed over falling in line?

Backstage interview with CM Punk.

Cathy Kelley congratulates him on being the NEW Undisputed Champion, but brings up what Sami Zayn had to say after the show. And then there’s Gunther, who also expressed his frustration to Aldis. What are Punk’s thoughts? Punk hopes everyone is upset about this, because he wants everyone to get in line behind Cody and Gunther. As far as Sami goes, Punk’s been called a lot worse, especially on social media. But then in steps Candice LeRae & Johnny Gargano. Or rather, she steps in and she wheels Gargano along. He asks what this all is. Is this some kind of Danhausen curse?

Candice says she hopes he is proud of himself. As annoying as Sami can be, he’s the only one who didn’t give up on Johnny! Sami IS the voice of the voiceless! And as long as Sami held that title, there was hope. Hope for the REAL underdogs like Gargano and Candice, and Punk stole that from them! So yeah, she hopes he’s proud of himself. Punk is proud of himself. But hey, you had hope for nine days, good for you. And hopefully Johnny Wrestling can hear Punk. Because yeah, that’s who Punk remembers. Not whatever this is! Same for Candice, for that matter. They should stop whatever this is and get back in the ring. Because whatever this is, it’s not working.

Punk turns to leave, and Finn is there! Finn says he was hoping he’d bump into Punk. Welcome to SmackDown, champ. Finn heads out, who will be next in line after Punk and Cody have it out?

The Fatal Influence speaks.

Jacy Jayne says, “Oh how the mighty have fallen. Y’know how satisfying it was watching Lainey mop the floor with Hall of Famer, Brie Bella, last week?” Lainey tells Paige, “Your road to the Hall of Fame is gonna end with us after we embarrass you and take your tag team titles at Saturday Night’s Main Event.” Jacy says Fatal Influence announced their authority the day they walked through the door. And next week, they’ll be the center of attention in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

Fallon Henley says that this might be the biggest match of their careers, but let’s be honest: Paige & Brie are the ones who should be worried. They know their time is up, and there is nothing they can do about it. Baby girls, you’ve been riding on the high horse since WrestleMania. But come Saturday Night’s Main Event, they will fall under their influence. Jacy, Fallon & Lainey are all confident, but will that pride come before the fall in MSG?

Jade Cargill w/ B-Fab & Mia Yim VS Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair!

The Baddies warned #Charlexa what was coming, and now The Storm is looking to strike down Lil’ Miss Bliss. Will Alexa leave Oklahoma Jaded? Or will Alexa find a way to humble #ThatB1tch?

SmackDown returns as Jade makes her entrance, The Baddies right behind her. The bell rings and the fans rally for Bliss. Jade eggs her on, then shoulder bumps Bliss. Jade talks trash on Charlotte, but Alexa spins Jade around. Jade shoves Bliss away, but Bliss jumps on and fires hands! The fans cheer but Jade THROWS Bliss away! Jade tells Charlotte off but Bliss CHOP BLOCKS a leg! And DOUBLE KNEES Jade on the ropes! Alexa YANKS the ropes to snap Jade back, then covers, TWO! Jade is tougher than that but Alexa SLAPS her back down! Charlotte high-fives Bliss while The Baddies coach Jade.

Alexa runs up, tilt-o-whirls, but Jade blocks that to hit a BACKBREAKER! Jade bends Alexa against her knee, then hits another BACKBREAKER! The fans boo but Jade soaks up the heat, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Alexa BOOTS Jade from the corner! Jade runs up, Alexa BOOTS back, then dodges Jade’s boot! Jade is stuck in the ropes, Alexa HAMMERS away, then she KNEE DROPS the leg! Alexa mule kicks, SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Jade before the SHOTGUN! Jade stumbles into the corner, the fans fire up, and Alexa runs up. Jade dodges, but Alexa comes back to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Alexa as she drags Jade up, SLAPS her again, then guzels. Alexa says, “Nice try, b*tch!” But Jade powers up to guzel Alexa! Jade says she’s THAT B*tch! And she THROWS Alexa to the corner!

Jade runs up, but Alexa goes up to CROSSBODY, only for Jade to catch her! Alexa fights with elbows, clinches, and SIS- NO, Jade powers through to scoop Alexa! But Alexa fights free! Alexa BOOTS from the ropes, but then B-Fab trips her up! The fans boo, so Charlotte HOTSHOTS Jade! Alexa rolls Jade with all her weight, TWO! Mia runs up on Charlotte, but Charlotte BOOTS her! Only for Fab to POST Charlotte! Bliss DECKS Fab, but Jade BOOTS Alexa down! Then the chicken wings! JADED! Cover, Jade wins!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall

It wasn’t as dominant as Jade wanted, but she’s not done! Mia gets a chair for Jade, but Charlotte CLOBBERS Jade! The Baddies go after Charlotte now, but she fights them off! She DECKS Mia, LARIATS Fab, but Jade SUPERKICKS Charlotte! The Baddies swarm again, the fans boo, but Jade puts Alexa’s arm through the chair! The Baddies hold Charlotte down while Jade bends Alexa’s arm with the chair! Then SLAMS it!! The refs rush out here, but too little, too late! Charlotte is finally let go, and she goes to Alexa’s side. Alexa’s arm is bending too far in the wrong way, did Jade just clip her wings?

Trick Williams is getting ready backstage.

He asks “Boat” if he’s seen the US Championship. Trick looks under his spare fur coat, and thinks Ricky Saints must’ve stolen it! Yachty says chill, man! Now, Yachty may have overstepped his bounds, but he had a conversation with “the office.” The higher-ups understand Trick is a great champion. Like, the greatest. What? Yachty got Trick a “legacy title!” Yachty brings it in, and Trick is amazed at the white fur strap! Trick says it’s like they did for John Cena back in the day! A limited edition Trick Willy fur edition! Yachty says he knew Trick would love it! Trick says Yachty a bad boy!

Yachty says this is on one condition: Tonight, Trick needs to go out there to give a diamond of a butt whooping to that munchkin man, Melo! Trick and Yachty secret handshake before they head out, but will things get hairy out there in the ring? Or can Trick deliver on that “diamond” level victory?

Charlotte & Alexa return backstage.

Charlotte helps Alexa walk while the medics keep the arm elevated with an icepack on top. Charlotte says please, urgency! Why not move at a glacial pace? They get into the trainer’s room, but can they do anything for what happened to Alexa’s arm?

Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns with Melo waiting in the ring. Trick makes his entrance, wearing the fur coat and now matching title belt, with Yachty wielding the “Trick Stick” as they go. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Trick SHOVES Melo down, then flexes. Melo shakes that off, resets with Trick, and they tie up again. They go around, Trick THROWS Melo tot he corner, but Melo dodges to headlock. Trick powers up and out, then he RUNS Melo over! Trick taunts Melo, then stomps him in the corner, “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick stops as the ref counts, then he stomps again, but Melo blocks!

We see Ricky Saints watching this, very upset, as Melo CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Trick KNEES low, whips Melo, but Melo slides under! Melo then hurdles over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DROPKICKS! Trick staggers around, Melo springboards, LAY-UP LARIAT! Trick bails out, Melo builds speed, but then Trick hurries in! Trick FLAPJACKS, kips up, and he TRICK SLAPS Melo down! Trick fires up, the fans are with him, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Melo runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! But Melo rebounds to hit DIRTY DIANA! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Yachty is a little worried. “This is Awesome!” as Melo rises, and he brings Trick in. Trick fights the suplex, then he suplexes, but Melo lands out! Melo waistlocks, Trick switches then back suplexes, but Melo lands out! But the LEG LARIAT finds him! And another LEG LARIAT! Trick whips, Melo sunset flips, but Trick stands Melo up! Clinch and BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Yachty is worried again. Trick and Melo stir, the fans duel, and Trick fireman’s carries.

Trick winds up for the ATTITUDE- NO, Melo lands out! Melo BOOTS Trick away, then goes up, DEEP IMPACT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and Melo is beside himself! Melo sits Trick up and talks some trash. Melo runs the ropes, but Trick scoops! Melo slips free, blocks the Trick Slap, and wags his finger! Trick throat chops instead! Then JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Melo survives again and Trick grows frustrated. Trick puts Melo up top, then SLAPS him! Trick climbs the corner, but Melo drops down! Melo kicks at the legs but Trick CLUBS away on Melo’s back! Melo ROCKS Trick, Trick falls, and Melo takes aim!

The fans fire up for Melo’s FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! It was almost five-stars, but it was not a game winner! Ricky is more and more annoyed at what he’s seeing, but the fans continue to rally. Melo and Trick stand, and Melo leaps! Trick stops the First 48, but Melo turns the Bookend into a Victory Roll! TWO, Trick has the cover, TWO! Trick blocks a kick, but then Melo blocks! Melo SUPERKICKS Trick down! Melo hurries up the corner again, and NOTHING BUT- NO, Trick dodges! Yachty is relieved, and then the TRICK KICK hits! Cover, TWO!! Melo shocks Trick Yachty Gang, and Yachty tells Melo to just give up!

Trick aims from a corner, he runs in at Melo, but Melo dodges! Trick tumbles up and out, but Melo BLASTS him down! Melo then PLANCHAS but misses as Yachty gets Trick outta the way! But then Melo SHOVES Trick into Yachty and the post! Trick Yachty Gang down! Melo hurries to bring Trick up but Trick shoves Melo into the ring first. Trick runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Melo hits the FIRST 48!! Melo hurries to the corner, climbs up top, but BARON CORBIN IS HERE?!? And he YANKS Melo down!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by disqualification

The Lone Wolf is back in WWE and he DRIBBLES Trick off the mat! The fans are torn but Corbin POSTS Trick! Then he HAMMERS Trick down! Then END OF DAYS for Melo!! But that’s not all! END OF DAYS for Trick!! Then Corbin grabs the fuzzy new title, and the fans are losing their minds as he holds it up high! Corbin then drops the belt on Trick, and storms off. Is this going to be the end of days for Trick’s reign?

Gunther goes to the ring.

Der Ring General told Nick Aldis to “make this right,” or else! The fans boo as Gunther goes to the ring, and he says he gave Aldis until the end of the evening. We’ve waited long enough! Nick Aldis, come out and tell us your decision! The fans boo Gunther as he paces, but Aldis walks out. Aldis says he has had time to think on everything Gunther said. And despite everything that’s happened between us, and despite how Gunther has talked to Aldis in his own office, Aldis has decided… He will give Gunther what he wants. Gunther wants Cody Rhodes? Aldis will give him Cody. Gunther wants CM Punk? Gunther will give him CM Punk.

And it’ll be in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Punk and Cody team up to face Gunther, and a man who equally wants to get his hands on them. It’ll be The Last Real Good Guy, Sami Zayn! Gunther is upset. He said Aldis should fix his mistake, but Aldis says the only thing he needs to fix is thinking Gunther wasn’t gonna be a giant pain in the ass if he joined this brand. As for SummerSlam, the main event remains the same: Cody Rhodes VS CM Punk! Gunther CLOBBERS Aldis!! The fans boo but Gunther clamps on and HAMMERS away with elbows!

Gunther THROWS Aldis around, then LARIATS him down! The fans boo more but Gunther clamps on the SLEEPER!! Refs and producers rush out here but Gunther is not letting go until Aldis is down on the mat! The producers all reprimand Gunther, but he BOOTS Aldis down!! And then it’s back tot he SLEEPER!! He even traps Aldis in the body scissors! No one can pry Gunther off Alodis, and he lets go once he knows Aldis is out! The fans boo as hard as they can, but Gunther leaves the ring. Aldis gasps back awake, but then GUNTHER RETURNS! SLEEPER!! Gunther then HAMMERS away on Aldis, then goes back to the SLEEPER!!

The fans boo but Gunther again lets Aldis go once he knows Aldis is out! BUT THEN HE DRAGS ALDIS BACK UP! SLEEPER!!! Aldis flails helplessly, is Gunther trying to get himself fired?! Maybe even arrested!! The fans boo, BUT HERE COMES CODY! The American Nightmare’s seen enough, but SmackDown has to go off the air! If you go to social media, Cody does get Gunther to let Aldis go, but then he dares Gunther to bring the fight! Gunther instead leaves, not wanting to fight with nothing on the line. The fans boo, but will nothing stop Gunther from doing the same thing to Cody and Punk in New York City?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of SmackDown with a great couple of ending segments. Nick Aldis being reinstated as GM was a little surprising, but it clearly won’t stick with how Gunther just treated him. Gunther obviously was not going to be part of another Triple Threat, they were not gonna do that for SummerSlam or even SNME. The tag match will be good stuff, if it’s still happening. Like, Gunther should be facing some kind of consequence for what he just did. And this is obviously so we can get Gunther VS Aldis at SummerSlam, which will also be awesome. As for Sami, maybe he gets a new tag partner for SNME, like… Johnny Gargano?

Great promo from Trick Yachty Gang to introduce the first-ever fur belt championship, and then a great match from Trick VS Melo. Even with rumors of certain people coming back to WWE, I don’t think I would’ve ever predicted Corbin returning like this. Great moment for Corbin, and the US Championship scene is certainly interesting now. Great promo from Truth, Fraxiom, War Raiders, Priest, and Bloodline. Truth truly is a cornerstone of the locker room with all these connections he’s able to make. Then good stuff from Jimmy, Jacob, Royce and Solo. Not too long ago, I was reluctant to see Royce “compelled” into teaming with Solo. But there’s a chance this is a long play for Survivor Series and WarGames, so perhaps Solo, Royce, LA Knight, and one other step to Roman, Fatu & The Usos by then.

I’m personally still hoping for something with Finn, Truth, Priest, and even MFT, but also kinda doubting it. Finn VS Tama was a very good match, with a good win for Finn. Maybe Finn gets another shot at a world title before the year is out, but who knows. Good promo from Fatal Influence to hype up the tag title match, still not sure who wins that. And great stuff in this ongoing story of Jade & The Baddies VS Charlotte and friends. Good match from Jade VS Alexa, and naturally there’s a lot of overbooking that affects the outcome. Jade escalating things by “injuring” Alexa certainly adds heat and stacks the odds.

But for those who have been watching long enough, you’ll recognize this as the same double-jointed trick Alexa used during her feud with (I wanna say) Nia Jax to make it seem like she was really hurt. I don’t think they’re gonna do Charlotte VS Jade at SNME, they are surely taking this to SummerSlam. Next week is the SNME go-home, Charlotte can certainly go after Jade in wanting revenge, and interim GM Adam Pearce can make it official for Minneapolis.

My Score: 8.8/10