SmackDown in the Big Apple!

Tonight, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk meet up just 24 hours before their star-studded tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Finn Balor VS Talla Tonga w/ Tama Tonga; Finn wins.
• Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Jacy Jayne; Tiff wins and advances to SummerSlam.
• Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax; Jade wins, by disqualification, and advances to SummerSlam.
• The War Raiders VS Fraxiom; The War Raiders win.
• Cody Rhodes VS GUNTHER; Cody wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

GUNTHER is here!

Albany, New York boos Der Ring General as he makes his way to the ring, especially after what he did to SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, last week! Gunther steps inside, grabs a mic, and waits out the fans booing him. The fans also chant, “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Gunther shakes his head and says, “Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we? My whole career, I pride myself on being an outstanding professional. But ever since I joined SmackDown, I have been mistreated!” The fans boo, but Gunther says yes, and he doesn’t know what it is with Nick Aldis. If Aldis is jealous, then it makes sense.

Gunther is the greatest pro-wrestler in WWE, and he SHOULD be WWE Champion right now, and everyone knows it! The fans boo more, but Gunther says the only thing preventing him from being champion is Nick Aldis himself! Aldis made this whole thing personal! So now, we’re going to SummerSlam, and what’s Aldis’ great idea? Gunther is being forced to team with Sami Zayn at Saturday night’s Main Event against Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. Sami Zayn is a BUM! Sami Zayn is beneath Gunther! To put Gunther in this position is unacceptable, and he will not stand for it! But then Raw General Manager, Adam Pearce is here!

And Pearce tells Gunther enough! Is Gunther done? Albany has certainly heard enough. Gunther can feel however he wants, but when it comes to Aldis, the only thing Gunther should be saying is “Thank you!” For what?! For saving Gunther’s job! Think about it! Rewind a couple weeks ago. Gunther kicks Cody’s head into a car door, he affects the championship match in Chicago, and then as if that’s not enough, he puts his hands on Nick Aldis, his boss, and for what?! If it were Pearce, Gunther would be FIRED! The fans like that! But Pearce says lucky for Gunther, the decision was made way above their heads.

And for reasons Pearce has yet to understand, Aldis asked and begged that Gunther’s tag match for SNME goes on as scheduled, including the stipulation. Yes, of course, stipulations! Gunther complains but Pearce says this is Gunther’s problem! He doesn’t understand, and he doesn’t deserve it! Because had he waited on choking Aldis out, Aldis would’ve told Gunther that IF Gunther and Sami are successful at SNME, they’ll be added to the title match and it becomes a Fatal 4 Way! Gunther smiles, the fans boo, but then that flips as Cody Rhodes makes his entrance! The fans sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!”

The pyro goes off, Cody throws off his windbreaker, and he rushes the ring! Cody TACKLES Gunther, rains down fists, and Pearce lets it happen! Cody DECKS Gunther, Gunther scrambles out of the ring, and Cody shouts for himself, “ENOUGH!” Look at Gunther! Handed another opportunity! But where’s the logic?! Gunther kicked Cody’s head into a car, and Gunther doesn’t expect Cody to whip that ass on sight!? Gunther’s not gonna make it past Saturday with Cody and Punk! But guess what?! It’s Friday night, the lights are bright, and the road to SNME runs through Albany! The fans like the sound of that!

Cody says he’s ready, he knows Gunther’s ready, so 1v1, tonight! Cody just needs Mr. Pearce to give it the OK. The fans cheer, Pearce tells Mr. Rhodes, “It is official!” The fans fire up but Gunther is pissed! Will the American Nightmare make sure tonight is a nightmare for Gunther? Or can Gunther use this to make tomorrow night a little bit easier?

Adam Pearce has a video message.

“As many of you know, WWE Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, has been spending the last couple of weeks recovering from a torn meniscus. Throughout her recovery, she has worked tirelessly with WWE Medical, and she’s close to returning. But due to the tricky nature of the injury, it is my unfortunate duty to report that Rhea Ripley will not be able to compete at SummerSlam. With the timetable uncertain, we have made the decision to crown an interim WWE Women’s Champion. Beginning tonight and over the next two weeks, five women will have the opportunity to win their way into a ladder match at SummerSlam.

“The winner of the ladder match becomes the interim WWE Women’s Champion. And when Rhea does return to competition, we find out who the one and only WWE Women’s Champion truly is. And that is official.”

Finn Balor VS Talla Tonga w/ Tama Tonga!

The Prince managed to get one over on MFT when it was The Good Bad Guy in the ring, but now he has to handle the Tongan Titan! Will Finn still get the win? Or will Talla throw him away with the past?

SmackDown returns a MFT makes their entrance. The bell rings and Finn is wary as he circles with Talla. The fans rally for Finn, and Talla almost mocks Finn by raising his hand. Talla corners Finn, but Finn dodges to fire off fast hands! Finn whips but Talla blocks, then guzels! Talla THROWS Finn to a corner, runs up, but Finn dodges to CHOP! Talla just brushes that off! Finn ducks Talla’s chop, KICKS and KICKS and KICKS the leg, then runs, but gets RUN over! Talla stomps Finn around, then THROWS him back to the corner! Finn flops down, the fans boo, but Talla soaks up the heat. Talla drags Finn up, then UPPERCUTS him down!

Finn flops to the ropes but the fans rally behind him. Talla CHOKES Finn on the ropes, the ref counts, but Talla sits on Finn as he argues with the ref! The ref counts, Talla steps off, and Finn fires fists! Talla UPPERCUTS again, then scoops, but Finn slips free! Finn DUMPS Talla out, but Talla is right back up! Finn fires hands on Talla, then runs the ropes, but into a guzel! Talla lifts but Finn fights it! Talla SMACKS Finn off buckles! Then he LARIATS Finn down! The fans boo more but Talla just soaks it up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Talla drags Finn out of the ring, scoops him, and aims. He mocks the Too Sweet before he hits a SNAKE EYES off the desk! Finn falls over, Talla goes to the ring, and Tama gets a cheap shot in! The fans give thumbs down among other things, but Tama gets away with that one. The ring count climbs, Finn sits up at 6 of 10, and flounders at 7. He stumbles around at 8, but lunges in at 9! The fans cheer, but Talla stomps away on Finn! Talla stands on Finn, the ref counts, and Talla steps off. Talla storms up on Finn, whips him corner to corner hard, and Finn falls down again. Talla drags Finn to a cover, TWO!

Talla looms over Finn, brings him up, and clamps on a neck wrench. Finn endures as Tama watches. Talla THROWS Finn down by his head! Finn goes to ropes, Talla CHOKES him, then backs off again. Finn sputters and crawls but Talla is right back on him. Talla clamps on with the shoulder claws, but Finn endures, fights up, only for Talla to wrangle him back down! Talla digs those claws in deeper, but Finn rises up again! Finn fires body shots, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Finn is free, he goes to a corner, but Talla LARIATS! Talla whips corner to corner, but Finn goes up, only for Talla to catch Finn!

Finn fights but Talla hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Finn survives but Talla waits on him. Finn is in the corner, Talla runs up, but Finn dodges the splash! Finn fires hands and KICKS on Talla, but Talla shoves him. Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKICK the leg! Talla hobbles, Finn runs, tilt-o-whirl and EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! The #WicklowDrop doesn’t do it but Finn stays focused. The fans fire up with Finn as he storms up, but Talla SAMOAN DROPS him! Finn flounders to the apron but Talla storms his way over now. Finn RAMS into Talla, GAMANGIRIS, and Talla falls down!

The fans fire up as Finn climbs up, but Talla guzels! Talla carries Finn off the corner, but Finn DDT counters! The fans fire up as Finn even BLASTS Tama! Finn aims, runs up, but Talla BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Finn survives and Talla is stunned! The fans rally up but Talla drags Finn up. Talla puts Finn through the ropes, hooks him up, and HEADBUTTS! Talla runs, but Finn slips free! Talla gets stuck on the ropes, and Tama argues with the ref! Finn SHAKES the ropes to get at Talla’s “fried onions,” as Joe Tessitore puts it. Tama runs in around the way but Finn SLINGBLADES Tama down!

The fans fire up as Finn goes to the corner, runs up, SHOTGUN! Talla bounces off buckles, falls down, and Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE! The fans fire up as Finn isn’t done! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Two weeks, two wins, MFT cannot bring Finn down! Will MFT have to go back to the drawing board? Will Finn prove himself worthy of title opportunities?

CM Punk finds Adam Pearce backstage.

The WWE Champion apologizes, he didn’t want to interrupt Pearce’s phone call. Pearce says that’s alright. Punk just wants to check about tomorrow night. If Gunther and Sami win, they get in on the title match? Yes, that’s the stipulation. Punk hates that. He’s not a chicken, but he’s just old school. Pearce understands because he agrees. But that was the decision, that’s what we’re doing. Then to tonight, we all know Gunther won’t fight Cody, he’s gonna try and hurt Cody. Pearce agrees, because that’s what he would do. But Cody wants the receipt, tonight’s his chance to get it. Punk says he’ll go talk to Cody about that then.

Punk turns around, and there’s Damian Priest. Champ says hey to champ, and Punk hopes they’re cool now. Priest says yeah, they’re good. He appreciates the shoutout from last week, too. But Punk should understand, if he’s the champion after SummerSlam, Priest will be right here waiting for him. Punk says he hopes so, and he hopes Priest is still champion after SummerSlam, too. Punk & Cody might go on a tear beating Gunther & Sami in Madison Square Garden, who’s to say they don’t go after the tag titles? Double Champ Punk sounds good to him. Fair enough. They fist bump and Punk heads out.

R-Truth then surprises Priest, and Truth asks, “You wanna know how I got these scars?” What? Never mind. Who was priest talking to? Truth, were you here the whole time? Truth looks around, maybe he was. Will the WWE Tag Team Champions make sure they’re still champions knowing the War Raiders are still after them?

Jade Cargill speaks.

“When opportunity comes knocking, I kick down the damn door. You telling me I have a clear shot at MY title after taking out Rhea? Bet. See, what these women don’t understand is, they can’t see me when it comes to this champ talk. We are not cut from the same cloth. Not one woman in that locker room, including Nia, can step to me or stop me. And at SummerSlam, I’m taking MY title home with me.”

Nia Jax speaks.

“I’m not feeling pressure coming for my third world championship. But these women? These women should feel the pressure. I mean, even Jade knows just how dominant I am. I’ve been to the top before, and I think it’s time to climb back up there and make a permanent home. Because at SummerSlam, everyone is gonna be calling me your new champion.”

Jacy Jayne speaks.

“Fatal Influence shook the table when we arrived on SmackDown a few months ago. But since then, it seems like the girls around here are getting a little too comfortable. So we’re gonna remind everyone exactly who we are when I put Tiffany out of her misery tonight, my girls win the tag team titles tomorrow, and then I go on to win the title at SummerSlam.”

Tiffany Stratton speaks.

“At SummerSlam, I have the homefield advantage. And tonight, I beat Jacy Jayne, and in a couple weeks, Minnesota’s gonna have a front row seat to #Tiffstory, because #Tiffy2Belts has a nice ring to it.” Everyone is ready for this opportunity, but who proves they are worthy of going for the gold at the Biggest Party of the Summer?

Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

SmackDown returns as Jacy makes her entrance, Fallon & Lainey right with her. The Influence huddles up, then they all rush Tiff! But Tiff was ready as she DECKS Lainey, then ELBOWS Fallon! Fallon ROCKS Tiff, Jacy RAMS Tiff, and then all three stomp away! The fans boo, but here comes Brie Bella & Paige! The fans fire up as #ScreamMode HEADBUTT Lainey & Fallon, then YANK them out of the ring! Jacy is mad, she talks trash on them like their 2v1 is unfair compared to her 3v1. But then Lainey & Fallon YANK Paige & Brie down! The brawl continues up the ramp, and now things are truly 1v1 for Jacy and Tiff! Which Jacy does not like…

The bell rings, and Tiff ROCKS Jacy! Tiff bumps Jacy off buckles, CHOPS her, then CLUBS her! Tiff bumps Jacy off more buckles, stomps her, but Jacy kicks in return! Jacy bumps Tiff off buckles, is still upset about her backup going away, but Tiff CHOPS in return! The fans rally as Tiff whips, but Jacy KICKS back! Jacy runs up, Tiff drop toeholds her! The fans cheer as Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Then she basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Tiff stands tall while the fans cheer, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tiff puts Jacy in a drop zone, goes up a corner, but Jacy scrambles away. Tiff hops down, hurries over, then fires forearms. Tiff whips, Jacy reverses, but Tiff sunset flips! Jacy rolls through and PENALTY KICKS! Jacy snarls, then she rains down forearms! Tiff guards against most, but Jacy still SENTONS! Jacy talks trash, does her dance, then drags Tiff up. Jacy bumps Tiff off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. Jacy argues with the ref, then digs her boot in. The ref counts again, Jacy backs off and says too easy! Jacy taunts the fans, then CHOKES Tiff on the ropes! The ref counts, Jacy YANKS Tiff back, then ELBOWS her down! Cover, TWO!

Jacy is annoyed but she drags Tiff up and mocks Tiffy Time. Jacy says shove Tiffy Time, then whips Tiff to a corner. Jacy runs up, BACK BODY BLOCKS, then snapmares Tiff for a KICK to the back! And a basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Jacy is upset and argues the count, but the ref defends it. Jacy taunts the fans now, then brings Tiff around into a chinlock. Tiff endures, fights up, but Jacy THROWS her down! Jacy grinds Tiff down, talks more trash, but Tiff still endures. The fans rally for Tiff even as Jacy thrashes her around, but Tiff still fights up. Tiff JAWBREAKERS free and Jacy staggers.

Tiff ROCKS Jacy, ROCKS her again, then again! But Jacy blocks a shot to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! SmackDown returns to single picture as Jacy winds up and LARIATS Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Jacy talks trash that it’s “Jacy Time.” The fans boo but Jacy ELBOWS Tiff again and again. Then Jacy SENTON FLOPS as Tiff moves! Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Tiff and Jacy slowly rise up, and Jacy fires a haymaker! Tiff fires back, so Jacy fires another! The shots go back and forth, Albany strongly behind Tiff! Tiff fires a flurry, but Jacy shoves her back!

Jacy mule kicks, FRONT KICKS, then ENZIGIRIS! Tiff is down and the fans boo. Jacy says this is her time, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Tiff LARIATS again, blocks a kick, and ELBOWS Jacy! Tiff runs, cartwheels, and Alabama Lifts for the ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff puts Jacy in the drop zone, goes up the corner again, but Jacy trips her up! Jacy shakes her head, then CLUBS away on Tiff! Jacy drags Tiff out for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still in this and Jacy grows frustrated. Jacy goes to a corner, air guitars like a Toxic Rockstar, then she runs up, but Tiff dodges the Encore to TIFFY STUNNER!

Tiff then scoops for the ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to SummerSlam)

Tiffy Time has not been cancelled, and now it might be her time in her own hometown! Will Tiffy climb the ladder and climb the ranks to once again to be (Interim) WWE Women’s Champion?

Baron Corbin speaks.

“Y’know what’s funny? I’ve been watching the shows, and I see all these guys running around thinking they’re legitimately tough. Thinking they can walk the walk and talk the talk. Well, their reality is about to come crashing down. I am the real deal and the world knows it. Trick, you’re the first name on a long list. And Melo, unfortunately for, you were just collateral damage, but that’s a message to everybody on this roster, top to bottom. You get in my way, you get run over. And Trick, I’m gonna give you some advice: Smile while you can, enjoy what you have, because I am Baron Corbin, and I am coming for it all.”

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Jackie Redmond brings up those strong words from Baron Corbin after his shocking return, which shocked the WWE United States Champion most of all. Trick, you’re at the top of the list- Trick says Corbin comes out and decides to dial 1-800-WHOOP-DAT! Corbin hops on Trick, hops on Melo, and calls himself the Big Bad Wolf! Trick says he’s just a big, bald-headed b*tch! Corbin doesn’t like Trick cuz he’s champion? NO! He’s upset with Trick cuz Trick’s got the title that has more hair on it than Corbin! But then in steps Melo. Jackie lets H1M and Trick talk. Trick tells Melo he better be here to apologize for what happened to Lil Yachty!

Melo says if that’s what Trick wants, then fine! Melo is sorry for what happened to Yachty, but somehow, someway, Trick found a loophole on not defending the title against him. But Melo won’t blame Trick, he puts that on Corbin for wanting to come back for employment. But Melo sees the hesitation. He sees Trick hold that title real tight. That’s cuz they both know that Trick is not better than H1M. Or, so Melo’s better than Trick? He is! Is he?! HE IS! Then answer us this, Melo: How long you been on SmackDown? And what’ve you been done? NOTHING! Seven months and counting and Trick is the hottest thing on SmackDown!

Matter of fact, take notes! Pull out the Handy Dandy Notebook and write, “I will mind my business when grown folks talking!” Melo smirks as Trick heads out, and it seems that only proves his point. But which one of them will handle Corbin before he handles them?

Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Jade Cargill w/ The Baddies VS Nia Jax!

The Storm has come to Albany, but so has the Irresistible Force! This is going to be a clash of titans, but who will survive to head for SummerSlam?

The bell rings and Jade rushes Nia! Nia dodges the boot, then reels Jade in for a SAMOAN DROP! Then Nia runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Nia drags Jade to a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she SUPER LEG FLOPS! Jade SUPERKICKS Nia, then SPINEBUSTERS! Jade fires up, the Baddies are with her, and the fans even seem on her side, but wait! CHARLOTTE FLAIR is here, and she POSTS B-Fab! Then she TOSSES Michin! The fans “WOO~” but Jade says bring it! Charlotte dodges, and she BOOTS Jade down!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by disqualification (advances to SummerSlam)

Well, The Queen just handed Jade her ticket to SummerSlam, but she might take it away because she’s grabbing a chair! Charlotte puts that chair around Jade’s arm! The fans fire up as Charlotte lines up a shot, but The Baddies save Jade from a broken arm! Charlotte dares Jade to come back and fight, but then Nia gets up! Nia is mad at Charlotte and CLOBBERS her from behind! The fans boo but Nia says Charlotte should’ve minded her own business! Nia storms off in a rage, and now The Baddies look to pick the bones! Jade drags Charlotte up with the chicken wings, and JADED! Jade stands tall, but will she soon have the title back?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Jackie Redmond hurries to ask Der Ring General. She knows he’s getting ready for the main event, but how does he feel about the massive stakes going into SNME’s tag match? If Gunther & Sami can win as a team, they both get added to the title match at SummerSlam. Gunther asks if Jackie saw what Cody did tonight. Typical Golden Boy! When things don’t go his way, when attention is not on him, he finds a way to force himself into Gunther’s business. That guy solely acts on emotions! Tonight, Gunther beats rationale into that man. As for tomorrow, sure, Gunther may not care about Sami, but he will win his opportunity-

And then Candice LeRae wheels Johnny Gargano in. Gunther stops them there, and Candice says Gunther doesn’t care about Sami, yet he will be Gunther’s partner. And if Gunther does win, then Sami will be the fourth man in a Fatal 4 Way! So for tonight, don’t do anything stupid, because they need this win. They need a win? Yes! Well, whatever they want, tell your friend, Sami Zayn, to show up, shut up, and stay out of Gunther’s way. Gunther leaves, apologizing to Gargano, and then BLAKE MONROE ATTACKS CANDICE!! And THROWS her into a road case! Then another road case! Then a third road case!

Blake stands over Candice as she says, “Candice~! This seemed like the perfect time to introduce myself. I’m Blake Monroe, I’m the new girl. See you around.” The Glamour then passes by Gargano, and says he needs help. Blake scampers off, will no one be able to stop her from stealing the spotlight?

Nia Jax & Lash Legend protest.

They want Adam Pearce to understand Charlotte cost Nia that match, that is ridiculous, and there need to be consequences! They don’t know how Pearce runs Raw, but here on SmackDown, there ARE consequences! They, she, ruined and disqualified her qualifying match! Nia’s so mad, she can’t even think right! Lash says look what they did! Pearce says he will give Nia another opportunity to qualify next week, against Charlotte. Nia says finally, someone does something right around here! Nia & Lash head out, but will Nia use revenge to win her opportunity?

The War Raiders VS Fraxiom!

Erik & Ivar keep wanting after the WWE Tag Team Championships, but they’ll keep their edge sharp while they wait. But are Nathan Frazer & Axiom going to be a bit more than an appetizer? Or will the AAA World Tag Team Champions send Fraxiom to Valhalla?

The teams sort out and Frazer starts against Erik. They tie up, Erik trips Frazer, then flips him over for the waistlock and SLAM! Erik stalks Frazer to a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Frazer goes up, over, and handsprings away! Frazer wheelbarrows, victory rolls, TWO! Then Erik DECKS Frazer! Erik drags Frazer over, tags Ivar, and Ivar SPLASHES Frazer! Feed to Erik for the BIG forearm, and the fans cheer the War Raiders. Ivar drags Frazer up, puts him in the corner, and fires elbow after elbow! The ref counts, Ivar stops at 4, then drags Frazer up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Erik and Erik brings Frazer around.

Frazer fires body shots, but Erik KNEES low! Erik stalks Frazer, DECKS him again, then grabs his legs. Frazer kicks Erik away but Erik comes back to try again. Erik YANKS Frazer up, but Frazer lands out to PELE! Hot tag to Axiom and the speed blitz begins! BASEMENT FLATLINER! Ivar runs up, Frazer hurdles and that sends Ivar tumbling out! Axiom coordinates with Frazer, and Frazer DIVES! But he gets caught! Only for Axiom to GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Down goes everyone and the fans fire up with Fraxiom while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Axiom gets Erik in the ring, boots him down, but Ivar distracts. That lets Erik CLOBBER Axiom from behind! Erik tags Ivar, they mug Axiom against the ropes, and the ref counts. The War Raiders stop at 4, the fans are torn, but Ivar CLUBS Axiom down. Tag to Erik, then Ivar scoops Axiom to SLAM! Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto Axiom! Cover, TWO! Axiom toughs it out, but Erik stays between him and Frazer. Erik SMACKS Axiom down, tags Ivar in, then feeds Axiom toa KNEE! Ivar feeds Axiom back to another KNEE! Axiom is down, Ivar talks to camera at #WepaUp, and Erik brings Axiom up.

Axiom endures as Erik grinds him down with a facelock. Axiom fights up, but Erik whips him into the corner. Ivar ELBOWS Axiom down, then Erik clamps onto the facelock. Axiom endures the guillotine squeeze, fights around, but Erik puts on the pressure. Frazer rallies the fans, Axiom fires body shots, and Axiom wrenches out. Erik keeps Axiom from Frazer but Axiom throws hands! And throws hands again! But he’s still so far away! Erik whips Axiom but Axiom BLASTS Ivar! Axiom then goes up and over Erik to hot tag Frazer! Frazer ROCKS Erik, slingshots up and over, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to SLINGBLADE!

Frazer aims from a corner, SHINING WIZARD! Erik is down as SmackDown returns to single picture, and Frazer goes up the corner! The fans rally as Frazer aims, PHOENIX- NO, Erik dodges! Ivar and Axiom each sneak a tag before Erik BUSAIKU KNEES Frazer! Axiom fires off on Ivar, then runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Frazer is back, he dodges Ivar, but Ivar SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Ivar drags Frazer over to the drop zone. Ivar adds Axiom to the stack, then goes up the corner! MAGNUM-SAULT FLOPS as Fraxiom dodges! Erik runs in, but Fraxiom dodges to DOUBLE SUPERKICK!

PENALTY KICK on Ivar, then tag to Frazer for the SPRINGBOARD 450! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives and Frazer is stunned! Axiom keeps focus and has Frazer tag him in. Axiom clinches Ivar, but Ivar short arm LARIATS! Axiom CROSSBODIES, but Ivar catches him! Axiom slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the LEG LARIAT finds him! Tag to Erik, then a SPLASH in the corner! Erik lifts Ivar, SPINEBUSTER ATTACK! Then a RIPCORD into URENAGE! Cover, but Frazer breaks it! The fans fire up while Erik hobbles away. Tag to Ivar, Axiom dodges Erik to trip Ivar up! Axiom ELBOWS Erik, ELBOWS Ivar, and DROPKICKS Erik!

Axiom tags Frazer back in and he tags back before the DIVE! Ivar takes a glancing blow, Axiom DIVES and gets a direct hit! They hurry to get Ivar back in, and Frazer builds speed again! Frazer FLIES to take out Erik! But Ivar BOOTS Axiom! Ivar goes back to the corner, climbs back up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs, Frazer tags in! Frazer climbs, and together, Fraxiom DOUBLE SUPERPLEXES Ivar! Frazer hurries back up, PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Erik KICKS it apart! The fans fire up as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” as the teams crawl. Hot tags to Erik and Axiom! Erik and Axiom step up, Axiom bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire shots!

Erik KICKS, ROCKS, and ROCKS Axiom again! Axiom dodges, but Erik denies the suplex! Tag to Ivar, full nelson KNEE STRIKE! Frazer runs, but into THOR’S HAMMER! And then Ivar guzels Axiom! Erik joins in, RAGNAROK!! Cover, War Raiders win!

Winners: The War Raiders, by pinfall

Fraxiom brought the fast, but The War Raiders brought the fury! The raid is still picking up speed, will they take those WWE Tag Team Championships soon enough?

CM Punk finds Cody Rhodes backstage.

And as Punk promised earlier, he asks about Cody wanting to fight Gunther on a Friday night, before a big tag match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody says don’t act like you don’t understand, Gunther kicked him into a car door. Punk says he understands, he just doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Oh, no, Cody understands that. But Punk would’ve done the same thing, right? Punk says that’s not the point. What Punk’s gonna do now is watch Cody’s back tonight to make sure Gunther doesn’t purposefully hurt Cody. Punk feels part of this given the tag team stipulation and all. Cody says sure, watch from the monitor while Cody handles this.

Cody says see you tomorrow, but Punk says see you out there. Cody says yeah, tomorrow, because Punk’s staying here to watch on the monitor. Punk says out there, tonight, and tomorrow, and at SummerSlam. Whether or not these two are on the same page, can they at least work towards the same goal? Or is this all playing into Der Ring General’s hands?

Backstage interview with Danhausen.

The Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord is messing around with a computer and a power drill when Jackie Redmond knocks on the door. Danhausen recognizes her as Jackie, and she says yes, nice to meet you. Now, she wants to ask about his match with JD McDonagh for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Who? JD McDonagh. Oh, the guy with the big head! Right. Jackie says we can all assume Dominik Mysterio will be in his corner. And yet, Danhausen turned down help from Matt Cardona (Danhausen sneaks a “Woo woo woo”) even though Judgment Day loves the numbers game. Oh, she’s worried he’ll be outnumbered?

Never fear, Danhausen has a secret weapon! Someone tosses Danhausen a bird cage, and inside is a cat. Uh, with all due respect, that’s a stuffed animal. No, it’s not. Well, okay, but how is a cat supposed to help Danhausen win a match? Danhausen says that, as we all know, never cross paths with a black cat, because if you do, you are CURSED! And then his computer sparks! Well, we should probably run. They both get outta there, Danhausen grabbing the stuffed animal. But will there be a lot of bad luck in store for Judgment Day? Or can the Luck of the Irish counteract it all?

Cody Rhodes VS GUNTHER!

The American Nightmare told Der Ring General there would be a receipt coming, so here it is! Cody even attacks Gunther during his entrance! The fans fire up as Cody throws Gunther into railing, DECKS him, then chases him to ringside! Cody SMACKS Gunther off the apron, SMACKS him off the steel steps, then ROCKS him! Gunther kicks low, whips, but Cody reverses! Gunther hits barriers, Cody HAMMERS away, and the fans fire up! Cody SMACKS Gunther off the desk, then drags him back up to put him in the ring. The ref reprimands, but the bell still rings! Cody kicks, drops, and RHODES UPPERCUTS!

Cody trips Gunther, rains down fists, but Gunther kicks free. Gunther slips around to back suplex, but Cody lands out! Cody goes to ropes, but Gunther messes up the springboard as he SHOVES Cody out! Cody tumbles to apron then floor, and the fans boo Gunther while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Cody manages to stand, but Gunther is right on him for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Cody writhes, Gunther stalks him in the ring, and Gunther paces. Gunther brings Cody up to CHOP him, and Cody goes to the ropes. Gunther CHOPS Cody again, but Cody turns things around to fire hands! Cody whips, Gunther reverses, and Cody hits buckles hard! Gunther then CHOPS Cody down! Gunther mocks Cody’s pain, then stalks him to center. Cody rises up, Gunther stands him up, and Gunther whips Cody, only for Cody to slide under! Cody tries to scoop but Gunther CLUBS him down! And then Gunther ELBOWS Cody in the head!

Gunther stalks Cody to the ropes, CHOKES him, but the ref counts. Gunther stops, Cody sputters, and Gunther paces around. Cody stands, goes to a corner, but Gunther CLUBS him again! And CHOPS him again! Gunther follows Cody to another corner, reels him in, and the fans give Gunther thumbs down. But Cody wrenches, kicks, and scoops, but falls over under Gunther’s weight! Gunther covers, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Gunther clamps onto him for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Gunther wants a top wristlock but Cody fights up to his feet. Cody fights up, fights around, but Gunther puts him on the ropes.

The ref counts, Gunther whips, and he ELBOWS Cody down! Gunther paces, soaks up heat, and SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans boo. Gunther drags Cody up, CHOPS him, then stalks him. Gunther whips Cody to KNEE him low, then whips again to KNEE him low! Gunther reels Cody in, turns him, and CHOPS him down! The fans boo but Gunther paces. Gunther signals he will be champion again, and the fans just boo that more. Gunther drags Cody up, back suplexes, but Cody lands out! Cody springboards, but into a waistlock! Ripcord, but Cody ducks to springboard and CODY CUTTER!

The fans fire up as Cody keeps on Gunther with haymakers! Cody runs to ROCK Gunther! Then he goes up and over in the corner, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Cody as he rises again. Cody springboards, DISASTER KICK! The fans continue to rally as Cody keeps going, springboards and CODY CUTTER again! Cody is feeling it now and he brings Gunther around to dragon sleeper! But Gunther snapmares free! And CHOPS! Cody staggers to a corner, Gunther whips corner to corner, and Gunther runs up. Gunther blocks a boot, puts the leg in ropes, and KICKS the leg! The ref reprimands, but Gunther KICKS Cody’s legs out!

Gunther drags Cody around, puts him in a corner, then goes outside. Gunther drags Cody into the corner, and he SLAMS the leg against the POST! The fans chant for Punk, and here comes Punk! The fans cheer as the Undisputed Champion warns Gunther. Gunther gets in the ring, he drags Cody from the corner, and Punk coaches Cody to get back in the fight. Gunther mocks Punk by saying night-night! Gunther fireman’s carries, GO TO- NO, Cody slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Punk rallies the fans while SmackDown goes picture in picture again.

Gunther sputters, Cody stirs, and Punk continues to coach Cody up. Cody crawls, rises up, and Punk keeps the fans going. Cody stands, but Gunther is right behind him! Gunther brings Cody around, but Cody ROCKS Gunther! Gunther ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Gunther! And repeat! They go back and forth, but then Gunther kicks low! The fans boo but Gunther looms over Cody. Gunther drags Cody up, CHOPS him, but keeps him up with a wristlock. Gunther soaks up the heat, then swings, but Cody dodges! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flips, flops, and flies! BIONIC ELBOW! Gunther staggers into a kick!

Cody reels Gunther in, underhooks, PEDIGREE! But the bad knee takes damage, too! Punk coaches Cody to keep going, and Cody crawls his way over. Gunther sits up at center, he and Cody stand, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Gunther CHOPS, then reels Cody in, GENERAL BOMB! High stack, TWO, but into a HALF BOSTON CRAB! The fans boo Gunther but Cody endures! Punk glares at Gunther, Gunther talks trash on Punk, then Punk coaches Cody to fight! Cody crawls, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Cody fights around, around, but Gunther drags him back! Cody turns over and he kicks at Gunther!

Cody kicks free, Gunther staggers back, and the fans rally again. Cody stands, hobbles, and goes to a corner. Gunther runs up, but Cody dodges! The boot gets caught up on the ropes, and Cody KICKS Gunther’s leg! Now Gunther hobbles, and Cody KICKS it! Then Cody blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Gunther writhes, Cody steps through, FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~” and fire up while Gunther flails! Gunther reaches out, fights around, but SAMI ZAYN GOES AFTER PUNK! The fans boo as the Last Real Good Guy is being a sore loser! Sami TOSSES Punk over the desk! Gunther makes the ROPEBREAK!

Cody lets Gunther go, he sees what Sami just did, but then Gunther clamps on! SLEEPER, but Cody slips through to SLEEPER back! Gunther powers up and out, but Cody ducks ‘n’ dodges to DIVE onto Sami! The fans fire up, Cody DECKS Gunther, but Sami YANKS Cody down! And POSTS him!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification

The fans boo as Sami puts an end to the match, and then he clears the desk! Gunther reels Cody in, and Sami gives the green light. But Punk CLOBBERS Gunther! The fans fire up as now Punk and Sami scrap! Gunther is up to CLAW Punk’s eyes! Punk slips free to fire hands! Cody goes after Sami on the desk! The fans are fire dup as the brawls are all over, but then refs and producers rush out here! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” as Sami TACKLES Cody, Pun goes after Sami, and Gunther storms in, only for Cody to TACKLE Gunther! It is chaos as the officials try to separate these four, but easier said than done! Will these four brawl all the way to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of SmackDown as the go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event, though they also filled time with video packages to recap Raw and hype SummerSlam. And quite the interesting development with the Undisputed Championship, where SNME now has some real stakes, not just “momentum” at risk. Not sure why Aldis would put something like that in the works for Gunther and Sami, unless there’s more to it than this. Maybe Aldis really does want to cost Gunther his opportunity, and looks to do that personally either tomorrow night or all the way at SummerSlam. At the same time, I really hope we’re that much closer to Gargano getting up and helping Sami since Candice confronted Gunther on both their behalf.

Blake going after Candice was an interesting move, too, but it might be a long game where she’s gonna make enemies out of everyone and they’ll all go after her in some sort of battle royal or even ladder match. Speaking of the ladder match, that and an “interim” champion is an intriguing way around Rhea’s situation. Hopefully all is well for Rhea, but WWE has shown they can pivot under pressure. Charlotte costing Nia and helping Jade was a bit clunky, but with Charlotte VS Nia set up for next week, I would think Charlotte somehow finds her way into the ladder match. I mean, she would just go after Jade during that match anyways, right? That’s been the story as of late.

Very good match from Tiff VS Jacy, especially with Paige & Brie making sure Fallon & Lainey couldn’t help Jacy win. I don’t see #Tiffy2Belts happening, but with more possibilities for qualifiers, we’ll have to see who else gets in the match. Very good match from War Raiders VS Fraxiom, and a good win for the AAA World Tag Team Champions. R-Truth and Priest had a decent interaction, but it felt like something was missing at the end there. I suppose with Royce Keys moving over into the Six Man Tag story with Solo Sikoa & LA Knight, there isn’t as much dysfunction to play off of, unless they go back to Finn.

Finn getting wins over MFT two weeks in a row is surprising, and there wasn’t even an attack afterward. Do they just not care about the OG Judgment Day story anymore and just want to build Finn back up? Good promo from Danhausen and Jackie, though it didn’t really touch on this “help” Danhausen has waiting for him in New York. Again, it might just be the entire Knicks starting line-up, but they should be hinting at it then. Though perhaps WWE learned not to overplay their hand like they did at Night of Champions and Danhausen “cursing” Liv right before her match.

My Score: 8.7/10