Who reigns in the City of Champions?

Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes, Tiffany Stratton VS Jacy Jayne, two United States Championship matches on one Friday Night SmackDown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• GUNTHER VS Matt Cardona w/ Chelsea Green; Gunther wins.
• WWE United States Championship: Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes; Corbin wins and retains the title.
• WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS The War Raiders VS MFT; MFT wins and becomes the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Jacy wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.
• Sami Zayn VS Cody Rhodes; No Contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis is in the ring!

Boston cheers the SmackDown General Manager, and he says that as many know, Chelsea Green suffered a broken orbital bone last week. After discussing with WWE Medical, they’ve made A decision. Firstly, please welcome out the champion, Chelsea Green! The fans cheer as Chelsea, big shiner and sad smile on her face as she wears the title to the ring. The Hot Mess joins Aldis in the ring, and the fans cheer her on as she gets the mic. Aldis says there’s no easy way around this. We all know how hard Chelsea worked, how much this means to her, and how much that moment at SummerSlam meant to her.

But Aldis cannot in good conscious let Chelsea compete with a broken eye socket! Chelsea says please don’t say it. It’s already healing! She’ll do whatever it takes. Don’t say what he’s about to say. Aldis says he hates this part of the job, but it is his job. The fans boo, and Aldis says he is sorry, but… She must relinquish the title. The fans boo even more, and Chelsea nods. The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but she says she knew it was too good to be true. She knew that when she climbed the ladder and took the title down, she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Every single time something good happens to her in this business, it is followed by something devastating.

That’s just the Chelsea Green Story, isn’t it? Chelsea Green: Comic relief! The perfect opponent for the rest of the girls. Never the champion! Never QB1! The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Chelsea says Aldis knows how much she’s sacrificed to be here! She’s missed weddings! She’s missed funerals! She’s broken bones and left her blood, sweat and tears in the ring! She’s had her face put through cakes and pies, her body thrown into dumpsters! She’s had the entire world laugh in her face! But every night, when she got into bed, she told herself it was all worth it, because this moment would come. And now, here we are. She made it!

The fans cheer Chelsea on, and she says Aldis should understand, ESPECIALLY after SummerSlam! Aldis says don’t do that! This isn’t the same. IT IS THE SAME! ALdis went out there, and the entire world applauded him, his wife, and his son! And then Chelsea went out there, and together, they proved that it doesn’t matter what “They” think! What matters is what WE think about us! Aldis was champion! Mickie James was a champion! And until someone takes this title off Chelsea, this title is hers! The fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Chelsea still takes off the belt, and as she hands it over, she says, “I thought you of all people would understand that.”

Chelsea storms off, still no longer WWE Women’s Champion. Aldis shouts, “Chelsea, wait!” The fans cheer, and Chelsea turns around. Aldis says as GM, he is doing the right thing. But as Aldis the man, he doesn’t give a damn what medical says. OH?! The fans cheer as Chelsea hurries back to the ring, and Aldis says she has 30 days to get cleared, get a mask, get whatever she has to do to defend this title. As far as he’s concerned, until someone takes the title from her, it IS hers! But then GUNTHER makes his way out here! The fans boo as Der Ring General ruins the moment, mic in hand as he storms down the ramp.

Gunther says, “Well, enough of that sob story, nobody wants to hear it. Let’s put all our attention to actual important things in this company.” Gunther steps into the ring and says he knows Aldis that “Hunter” has him on a short leash, so let’s answer professionally. Why did Aldis pull that stunt at SummerSlam? Aldis says this is not the time or the place, they can discuss this in the office like men. Right now, this is about the WWE Women’s Champion. Gunther says let’s be honest, if we’re talking SummerSlam, what’d Chelsea even do? She climbed a ladder, grabbed the belt, then a week later, bumps into a door and now she’s crying about it.

Y’know what Gunther did? He pulled double duty! He wrestled and competed both nights! One night, he made a man tap out in front of his family. But Aldis, why did you add Kevin Owens to Gunther’s match? Aldis says this is funny. He didn’t add Kevin to Gunther’s match, he added Gunther to Kevin’s match. Yeah! See, they’d been negotiating Kevin’s return for months. Gunther was the one who Aldis did a favor for, so you’re welcome, sorry you couldn’t get the job done. Chelsea says good one! Burn! Gunther says y’know what, Chelsea? Do us all a favor and shut up.

The fans boo but Chelsea says Gunther can puff his chest at a woman, fine. He can have his little temper tantrum go ahead. Stroke that tiny, fragile little ego. It’s really all Gunther has after SummerSlam, isn’t it? She looks around, and sees only one champion, and that’s her! Gunther gets heated, but then Matt Cardona slides in, defending his wife! The fans cheer, but Chelsea wants Cardona to take it easy, he doesn’t need to do this. Gunther says wow, all the way from catering to the rescue! But let’s be honest. What’s Cardona gonna do to Gunther? There’s nothing he can do! Gunther could call Cardona every slur in the world, and there’s nothing Cardona can do!

The fans boo Gunther but Chelsea says do not give Gunther the satisfaction. Cardona accompanies Chelsea out, and Gunther says like a dog listening to its owner. Cardona DECKS Gunther! Cardona rains down fists then stomps away! The fans cheer as Gunther is in retreat! Refs hurry out here to cool Cardona off, and Gunther shouts to do something about it! Are we about to see The Complete stand up to the bully in a match?

GUNTHER VS Matt Cardona w/ Chelsea Green!

SmackDown returns and indeed, even though they’re still in regular pants, Gunther and Cardona are having this match. Gunther drags Cardona up, wrenches an arm, then CHOPS Cardona back down. The fans boo but Gunther drags Cardona up to CHOP him back down! Gunther soaks up the heat now, then drags Cardona back up. Cardona ducks the chop to fire forearms! The fans fire up as Cardona HAMMERS away, then he runs side to side, only for Gunther to CHOP! Cardona falls again, but Gunther stands him up, just to CHOP again! Cardona dodges to fire forearms again! Cardona digs his knee in, but the ref counts.

Cardona goes side to side again, but Gunther bails out! So Cardona just WRECKS him with a dropkick! Cardona goes out, but Gunther RAMS him into barriers, then CHOPS again! And BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Gunther then reels Cardona in, and GUNTHER BOMB on the desk! Then a GUNTHER BOMB on the apron! Cardona flops down, Gunther leaves him behind, but only long enough to refresh the count. Gunther stares Chelsea down but she says he’s nothing! Gunther goes back to the ring to soak up the heat. Chelsea coaches Cardona, he rises, and he’s back in! But into a ripcord and LARIAT!

Gunther mockingly claps for Cardona, and says Chelsea should keep cheering. Gunther goes back to Cardona, drags him up, and SAIDOS! Cardona flounders to the ropes while Gunther soaks up more heat. Chelsea coaches Cardona on, the fans cheer Cardona on, but Gunther talks trash on Chelsea. Chelsea gets on the apron to shout back, Gunther turns around, LOW BLOW! The fans cheer as Cardona gets away with one! And then a ROUGH RYDER!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Cardona just reloads! ROUGH- GUNTHER BOMB!! Then another GUNTHER BOMB!! And then the BOSTON CRAB!! Cardona TAPS, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by submission

Cardona stood up to the bully, but he could not stand tall over the bully. Gunther grins as he soaks up more heat, will nothing and no one ever humble him? Chelsea goes to Cardona to check on him, but speaking of bullies… The Irresistible Forces are here! And Nia Jax says, “Oh, Chelsea, not even a week into your title reign, and you’re injured? Pathetic. Sounds like you have a ticking clock. And since you wanna be a ‘fighting champion,’ why waste time? I got screwed outta SummerSlam, and you know what I want? I want the WWE Women’s Championship.” The fans boo but Nia & Lash step into the ring.

Nia says if Chelsea doesn’t give her what she wants, well, let’s say Nia has a history of breaking faces. But wait! Tiffany Stratton rushes out here! Tiff may have a match of her own, but she goes after Nia & Lash with forearms! But she jumps into a BEARHUG, and a SANDWICH! Nia HEADBUTTS Tiff, and feeds her to Lash’s LEGENDARY RIGHT! Then Nia DROPS THE LEG! The refs finally get back in here, but the Bougie Bullies just did some damage. Will Tiff soon run out of time on her own reign because of this? Or can she still hold onto her Women’s US Championship against Jacy Jayne?

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss meet up backstage.

The Queen hugs “Blisster” and says how much she missed her. Alexa says she missed Charlotte, too. Charlotte thanks Alexa for kicking The Baddies’ butts last week. Alexa says you’re welcome, but that was all Tatum Paxley. But Alexa is proud how Charlotte was nice to Tatum, too. Charlotte says, “In the moment. I was nice in the moment.” It was a one-off, cute thing. Alexa says she likes Tatum, she reminds Alexa of herself. And since Charlotte loves Alexa, she can be nice with Tatum, and she’ll enjoy the surprise she has for them. Alexa opens a door toa small room, and it’s already Tatum’s shrine to #Charlexa.

Tatum says hi, and she has been working on their new locker room all day! Please come in! O-Oh… This sure takes Alexa back. Doesn’t Charlotte just love it? Yeah… It’s a collage… of herself… It’s… cozy in here… Will the Queen, Lil’ Miss Bliss and #FridayAddams make a dream team? Or a nightmare?

Nick Aldis talks with producers.

But then Cody Rhodes steps in. The American Nightmare apologizes to Jason Jordan & Shawn Daivari, shakes their hands, then asks Aldis about Randy Orton. Cody wants to settle things before it gets outta hand, they gotta get the match on paper. Aldis says he hasn’t seen Orton tonight, but he will throw this out there: Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta, Georgia. Aldis can call Orton and put that together. Cody says whenever, wherever, doesn’t matter. Cody turns to go, and Sami Zayn is there! Sami nods and says Cody and Aldis. The more things change, the more they stay the same: Cody wants something, and Aldis will move Heaven and Earth to do it!

Cody wants Randy Orton, so let’s find Orton! Oh, precious Golden Boy, let us give you what you want! But when Sami wants a title rematch, what does he have to do? Wrestle a #1 Contender’s Match, which turns into a Triple Threat, which turns into a Fatal 4 Way, and he wrestles with a broken hand! But Cody, he can just say “when.” Cody says here’s something that has changed: Sami used to be able to come up and do this. Sami used to be able to filibuster, Cody would let him talk and talk and talk. Maybe it was because of their previous friendship, maybe Cody felt he owed Sami something. Cody doesn’t own anyone a DAMN THING!

So enough, Sami, with your carpal tunnel gout fist! Wanna do something about it? Let’s do something about it! Sami says last time they were in the ring together, he did something no one else has been able to do. Not Drew McIntyre, not CM Punk, not Roman Reigns, not Brock Lesnar. Sami Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes, clean as a whistle, no funny business, no shenanigans. And he did it for the WWE Championship! Cody says Sami must think he can do it again. Sami wants to just say when? Then let’s do it TONIGHT! Sami says yeah, of course, on a night when he can’t go. Aldis asks can’t or won’t? What? Obviously it’s can’t! Aldis says what if there was something in it for Sami.

What if Aldis said that if Sami beats Cody tonight, Sami gets the winner of CM Punk VS Kevin Owens? B-But he’s hurt! Well, he was hurt at SummerSlam and made that choice, didn’t he? He can make that choice again. Just let Sami know. Sami is conflicted again. Is he willing to power through if it means getting the rematch he wants? Or will he choose to keep up the blame game?

WWE United States Championship: Baron Corbin VS Carmelo Hayes!

Speaking of titles, The Lone Wolf was able to #CauseThePain two times in a row against Trick Williams, but he overlooked someone still owed their own rematch. Will Corbin learn that Melo Don’t Miss? Or will Corbin find a way to cheat H1M like he did Trick?

SmackDown returns as Corbin makes his entrance on a shining silver motorcycle. The introductions are made, but then Melo FLIES out onto Corbin! The fans fire up as Melo fires off, and he chases Corbin into the ring. The bell rings, Melo dodges and DROPKICKS! Corbin staggers, Melo ROCKS him, then fires more shots. Corbin grabs Melo to THROW him to the corner! Corbin snarls, runs up, but Melo dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Melo climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but Corbin stops things at 5! Corbin throws Melo back, but Melo returns to ENZIGIRI! Melo springboards, LAY UP LARIAT! Cover, ONE!!

Melo keeps the fans fired up, runs corner to corner, and forearm SMASHES! Melo whips but Corbin blocks! Corbin TOSSES Melo out, but Melo ROCKS Corbin! Melo goes up, up, and CROSS- NO, Corbin catches Melo, CHOKE- NO, Melo slips free! And he DUMPS Corbin out! Corbin is back up but Melo KICKS him in the ropes! Then the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up as Corbin flops back, and Melo builds speed! Melo has to duck Corbin’s lariat, and FIRST- NO, Corbin blocks the First 48 to SPINEBUSTER, flip over, and BOOT! Melo tumbles out, but Corbin pursues! Corbin THROWS Melo into barriers!

Corbin drags Melo up, POSTS him, but the ring count is climbing. Corbin THROWS Melo into the timekeeper’s area! Corbin rolls into the ring, shouts that’s how it’s done, but the fans boo as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo sputters in the timekeeper’s area, but Corbin goes back out. Corbin soaks up heat, then goes to Melo. Corbin drags Melo up, brings him around the way, and soaks up heat as they go to the desk. Melo CHOPS Corbin, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! But Corbin KNEES low, and THROWS Melo into steel steps! Corbin refreshes the count again, talks more trash, then goes to Melo. Corbin looks at all the thumbs down, then turns around. Melo CHOPS! Corbin ROCKS Melo, puts him in the ring, then eggs the fans on. Corbin has Melo in a corner, ROCKS him, then stomps a mudhole in. Corbin CHOKES Melo, but the ref counts.

Corbin stops at 4, he argues with the ref, then he soaks up more heat. Melo crawls back in, but Corbin drags Melo up. Melo fires body shots from all sides, then runs the ropes, but into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Melo toughs it out but Corbin argues with the ref. Corbin sits Melo up, talks more trash on the fans, then CLUBS Melo. Melo goes to a corner, but Corbin stands him up to BODY BLOW! Corbin CLUBS Melo back down, then drags him up to CLUB him again! Melo sputters, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Corbin stands Melo up. Melo fires forearms, and the fans fire up! Melo ROCKS Corbin, then whips, only for Corbin to block!

Corbin whips Melo into the corner, then CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Corbin just drags Melo back up. Corbin scoops, aims for a corner, but Melo slips free! Corbin hits buckles, but he runs after Melo! Melo dodges again, kicks the legs out, then BOOTS Corbin! Melo runs, NO LOOK DDT! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives, but Melo goes up! The fans fire up as Melo hits the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives and Melo is beside himself! The fans rally up for Melo, and Melo kips up! FIRST- NO, Corbin still denies the 48 and BOOTS Melo! Corbin reels Melo back in, lifts, POWER- SUNSET FLIP! Cover, TWO!!

Corbin escapes, but Melo KNEES Corbin in the face! Melo runs, but into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and the fans fire up again! Corbin snarls, but the fans rally even harder for Melo. Corbin reels Melo in, but Melo slips free, FIRST 48! Corbin sputters, so Melo hits another FIRST 48! Corbin falls, Melo climbs, and Boston is thunderous! Melo is up top, but Corbin hits the ropes! Melo wobbles, and Corbin SHOVES him to the barriers! Corbin then hurries to get Melo back in, for the END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

It wasn’t quite as awful as how he cheated Trick, but Corbin still gets the upset win here in Boston. But wait! Speaking of Trick, he is here! Boston chants, “Whoop Dat Trick!” while Trick finishes rotating. Corbin says bring it then! Lil’ Yachty is in the ring, and he SMACKS Corbin with the Trick Stick! The fans cheer Yachty, but then Corbin SNATCHES the stick and swings on Yachty! Yachty gets outta there, but Trick is in! TRICK SHOT! Down goes Corbin, and Trick throws his jacket at him! Will Trick make sure the third time is the charm?

Chelsea and Tiffany regroup backstage.

Chelsea thanks Tiff for rushing out there to help her, but the last thing Chelsea wants is for Tiff to get hurt before her match. Tiff says she wasn’t gonna let her friend fight alone, and she’s fine! She’s not hurt, the match is still on. Okay, but… Is she sure? Yes. Tiff heads out, but will it be anything but fine when Fatal Influence has the numbers advantage?

Kevin Owens is here!

Boston cheers as The Prizefighter makes his entrance. Kevin takes a moment to take it all in before he heads to the ring. Kevin then takes a mic, the fans duel between “K O! K O!” and “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Before Kevin can say anything, CM Punk makes his entrance! Kevin sits on a corner and waits as Punk walks out on stage, surveys the crowd, then sings along with Cult of Personality, just like the fans. The fans then join Punk in saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk high-fives fans as he continues down to the ring, and he also gets himself a mic. Punk goes to the opposite corner from Kevin while the fans continue to cheer and duel.

Punk says, “Now, you’re a lot of things, Kevin Owens, but I don’t think you’re a coward. I’m pretty sure whatever you were about to say concerns me. So why don’t you go ahead, give these people what they want, say it to my face. The floor is yours.” But when Kevin doesn’t immediately speak, Punk asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday night in Boston, Massachusetts or what?” Kevin still just sits there, and Punk asks what he’s waiting for. Kevin says it is pretty ironic, Punk coming out here talking about Kevin saying things to his face. Last week, they were in this ring, a foot away from each other…

But then Punk waits until he’s all way up the ramp before he calls Kevin, what was it? A “fat slob?” Of course, cameras caught it, Kevin didn’t use the exact language Punk did, but that was the gist of it. Punk asks if Kevin really thinks he won’t say that to Kevin’s face. No, actually. Punk surely has no problems saying things to Kevin’s face, because many don’t know this, but their story really begins 20 years ago. Punk says okay, if Kevin wants to educate the people on why Kevin doesn’t like Punk, then go ahead. Kevin says see, 20 years ago, he and “Phil” wrestled for the same independent promotion, and Punk was the top guy. Kevin was just someone trying to make a name for himself.

And on that night, of all the things Punk could’ve done, of all the ways he could’ve chosen for things to go, Punk chose to berate Kevin, insult him, and yell at him in a locker room full of their peers. Punk says 20 years, he’s been holding onto this? Kevin says it’s not all that. Kevin doesn’t like Punk for a lot of reasons, that night was just one of them. There have been many reasons over the last 20 years. The way Punk’s been, the things he’s said and done, and to the people Kevin cares about. Good friends, even. Oh, which ones? Be more specific, Punk’s pretty sure Kevin’s “friends” hate him. Oh, Punk might think it’s just those three…

But trust Kevin when he says every friend Kevin has hates Punk. Punk says being hated by losers is the price he pays for not being one of them! Kevin says perfect example to why he despises Punk. Kevin sees it back there, a locker room full of people who look up to him, and why? Because Punk came back, made amends, made everything okay. There’s one guy left that still doesn’t like Punk, and that’s Kevin. And Kevin will never like Punk because everything Punk does and says is performative. LOOK AT HIM WHEN HE’S TALKING TO YOU! Kevin gets in Punk’s face as he says he is a phony!

The only reason Punk came back is because he had no choice. Because the kind of person Punk is led him to screw things up everywhere else he went. Kevin does not respect people like Punk. And while Punk was gone, regardless of what Punk thinks, and Kevin will step back cuz Punk’s breath is rough. But in 12 years, Kevin consistently performed in this ring before the injury. And what’d he do? Main evented everywhere, won titles, became Universal Champion. And here’s something Punk never gets to do: Main evented WrestleMania against Stone Cold Steve Austin! Punk stops sarcastically clapping to admit, Kevin did that.

Punk congratulates Kevin on that, he was happy for Kevin then, and happy for him now. But if Kevin honestly thinks he would’ve been afforded those opportunities if Punk was still here? That Punk wouldn’t have been picked before Kevin? Kevin says Punk clearly thinks that! So go ahead, tell everyone, finally, face to face! Stand a foot away and say why he would’ve gotten those opportunities instead. Because it’s the same thing Punk thought 20 years ago: Kevin’s a fat indie slob, some fan on the wrong side of the guardrail. Say it to his face! Punk asks if that’s what Punk thinks of Kevin, or is that what Kevin thinks of himself?

Kevin said it earlier, Punk has no problems saying it. Punk is here on Friday Night SmackDown, live in Boston, the UNDISPUTED Champion of the WWE. And there is a locker room full of guys who wanna be champion. Hell, he’s calling out Oba Femi, but he gets endometriosis instead! Punk sees a lot of things when he looks at Kevin. And Kevin wants to listen to Punk disparage him? It puts to light all the great things Kevin has done in his career. Punk sees a legitimately tough guy. Punk would be foolish to take Kevin lightly in Toronto. He sees a guy who can speak two languages when he can barely speak one. So in Punk’s book, Kevin is smarter than him.

But then Punk also sees a guy that avoids the work, who doesn’t try to be at least one percent better every single day, and that makes Kevin stupid. Punk sees wasted potential! Punk sees a tough guy, but he’s a bum. Kevin avoids the hard work. Kevin says Punk is a shapeshifter, but the word he should use is, “Evolved.” Punk evolved, adapted, has overcome. Punk wants to be 1% better than the day before. Hell, if Kevin has done even half the work Punk has done, the work Kevin has avoided, then maybe he could’ve avoided the Goldberg spear that ended that Universal Championship run!

Kevin paces as he chooses his words. Kevin says Punk thinks Kevin should be more like him. No chance! Kevin spent his entire career making sure he’d never be like Punk. Punk can see all that in Kevin, but Kevin sees someone who, even though he’s main evented, had world titles, has all the money, but when he looks in the mirror, he hates what he sees. Kevin doesn’t! Kevin loves who he is, he’s always been the same guy, the same guy Punk screamed at 20 years ago. But guess what, the fat indie loser is in the same ring as you, facing you for the WWE Championship next week!

And y’know what? Being like Punk probably wouldn’t have helped, because after all… Punk couldn’t avoid a Roman Reigns spear at WrestleMania! Punk takes a moment, and he says he looks at Kevin, and he’s reminded of the CM Punk of 20 years ago: stubborn, loud, always thinking he’s the smartest guy in the room. But Punk also still sees the same guy from 20 years ago. Kevin asks if that bothers Punk, the fact Kevin never caring what Punk thought of him, that Kevin never sought his advice. Kevin will tell Punk this: Kevin has regretted for 20 years, not just punching Punk out in that locker room.

Punk says there’s nothing but air and opportunity here, Kev! Why not do it now? The fans wanna see that! But Kevin says the reason he didn’t do it then is because if he did, he knows Punk would’ve ruined Kevin’s career. And the reason Kevin won’t do it now is because next week in Toronto, Kevin doesn’t just get to punch Punk in the face… Kevin has waited 20 years, he can wait 7 days to beat Punk’s b*tch ass and win the WWE title doing it! Punk says 20 years ago, Kevin was a greenhorn who stepped into Punk’s locker room, and thought he could speak disrespectfully to him. Kevin’s been crying about it for 20 years.

Kevin wants to wait 7 days, fine. Kevin never looked up to Punk? Fine. But in Toronto, Kevin will be looking up at Punk when he puts his fat ass to sleep! The fans are certainly fired up for this fight, but what happens when Punk and Kevin get to unleash 20 years of animosity?

Finn Balor meets with Nick Aldis.

The Prince tells the GM that to be honest, he went to Dublin to cool off. And while he gets why Kevin and Gunther were added, he just wish he’d gotten the heads up. Aldis says that’s fair, he’s in the wrong for that and he apologizes. Finn says there’s no need, he is willing- Gunther storms into the room and says they got interrupted out there. Gunther wrestling in street clothes? Did Aldis think that was gonna cost him the match? That was no issue. But he wants to sort out SummerSlam. Aldis says Gunther talking about interrupting but look what he’s doing, he’s interrupting this conversation. With who? Uh, with Finn.

Gunther doesn’t see Finn. Oh wait, if you look really closely, you can see the shadow of Finn. Finn says he’s getting tired of this act, and how Gunther speaks down, ya condescending p*ick! And as Finn was about to say, he’s willing to do anything it takes to get another shot. If that means going through Gunther, he’ll happily beat Gunther’s ass and show him who the REAL Finn Balor is! Gunther scowls and storms off again, when and where will Der Ring General run it back with The Prince?

WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS The War Raiders VS MFT!

The champs tried to go titles for titles with Erik & Ivar, but it didn’t really work out in anyone’s favor. And then Tama & Talla decided to go after them all! Now the WWE Tag titles are on the line, but there can only be one! Will The Raiders end up double champions after all? Will MFT get these belts back? Or will it be #WepaUp no matter the odds?

SmackDown returns as the War Raiders make their entrance, followed by MFT’s entrance. The introductions are made, the WWE belts are raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster in The TD Garden!

The teams sort out, and in this form of Triple Threat, every team gets one person. Truth steps up to Erik and Tama, they circle, and then Talla tags in. So Ivar tags in! And Priest tags in! All six men stare down, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up but the challengers mug the champions! Then Raiders and Tongans brawl! The fans fire up again, Tama TOSSES Erik out, Talla TOSSES Ivar. Erik ROCKS Tama, then he and Ivar drag Talla out! They keep brawling, and Truth gets an idea. Truth gives Priest help in going up, for the SUPER CROSSBODY! Priest takes out all the challengers and the fans fire up again as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Truth and Tama crawl. Tama clamps onto a foot, then brinsg Truth up. Tama whips, Truth grabs ropes, and then Truth DUMPS Tama! Hot tag to Priest! ROUNDHOUSE for Ivar, haymakers for Erik, then a whip! Erik reverses but Priest SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he ELBOWS Ivar down! And JUMP KICK on Erik! ELBOSW in the corner on Ivar, ELBOW on Erik, and repeat! SUPERKICK for Erik, FLATLINER for Ivar! The fans fire up, and Priest tags Truth back in. Ivar ELBOWS Priest, BOOTS Truth, then goes up! But Truth & Priest DOUBLE ROCK Ivar! Then they both climb up! But Talla joins in!

Talla DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS Truth & Priest! But he forgot about Ivar! CANNONBALL! Erik catches Tama but Tama slips free. Tama shoves Erik, Erik blocks a shot, to then KICK, KNEE, and ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Tama! Tama whips, Erik reverses, but Tama slides under! Only to run into MJOLNIR! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives, but The Raiders get him up. Only for Talla to make the save! Talla UPPERCUTS Erik, LARIATS Ivar, then BOOTS Priest! Erik dodges a lariat, but Talla LARIATS on the return! Talla scoops Truth, POWERSLAM! Talla fires up, the fans boo, but Haku says focus! Talla turns around to see Ivar AND Priest!

The fans fire up as Priest & Ivar dodge Talla, kick and CLUB away on him, then agree to do this together. They reel Talla in, and DOUBLE SUPLEX! The fans fire up as everyone is down around ringside! Truth stands, he sees Talla down, and he grabs a leg! STF!! Talla endures, he powers up, and he pries free, but gets ACE TEN MAOU! Then Erik catches Priest for an EXPLODER! Truth runs up, into a FULL NELSON SMASH! Erik drags Truth right up, and Ivar climbs! But Priest CLOBBERS Ivar! Truth slips free, Priest STOMPS Erik down! Priest hurries outside after Erik to ROUNDHOUSE! And SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!

The fans fire up as Priest gets moving, and he runs in at Erik, but into a MJOLNIR through barriers!! The fans lose their minds, and Tama SHOVES Erik over the desk! Tama goes back to Truth, but he ducks the Cutthroat Elbow! And then JOHNN CENS SHOULDER TACKLES! #RonCena hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! And then the fans join in, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! And a fireman’s carry! But Tama CLAWS the eyes! Tama sends Truth into Erik, then reels Truth back in, suplex into Talla’s POWERBOMB!! Cover, MFT WINS!

Winners: MFT, by pinfall (NEW WWE Tag Team Champions)

Tama and Talla are their Brother’s Keeper, and that’s exactly how they ended the reign of Truth & Priest! Is this new MFT going to run SmackDown from here on out? Or will they have as enemies after them as they did before?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

Helping out Chelsea Green against Nia Jax & Lash Legend earlier has literally left the champion sore, but she’s determined to fight all the same. Will that only make things easier for the Toxic Rockstar to steal this one away from her? Or will SmackDown still be on #TiffyTime?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really championship material!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Jacy RAMS Tiff to a corner! Jacy RAMS her again and again and again, then backs off as the ref counts. Jacy then runs back in for a BACK BODY BLOCK! Jacy snapmares and SENTONS, then covers, TWO! The Fatal Influence is upset as Tiff toughs it out. Jacy clamps on a body scissor squeeze but the fans rally for Tiff as she endures. Tiff pushes back to a cover, TWO! Jacy lets Tiff go, just to THROW her down by her hair! Jacy says it’s her time, but the fans boo. Jacy runs, but Tiff avoids the senton! Jacy comes back but Tiff drop toeholds her onto ropes! Tiff runs for the HIP ATTACK!

Tiff keeps going, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Tiff hits a DISCUS LARIAT! Jacy bails out, Tiff builds speed, but she has to BLAST Lainey off the apron! Fallon shouts at Tiff, but Jacy returns to BACKSTABBER! Jacy & The Influence gloat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Jacy stomps away on Tiff, then drags her up. Fatal Influence tells the fans to shut up but they’re still cheering Tiff. Jacy stomps a mudhole into Tiff, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Jacy stops, and Jacy argues with the ref so Lainey can CHOKE Tiff! Then Jacy CANNONBALLS! Jacy drags Tiff to a cover, TWO! Jacy nods and KNEES Tiff in the side. Jacy soaks up the heat while she paces around. Jacy stalks Tiff to the ropes, KICKS her in the back, and Tiff writhes. Jacy KNEES Tiff in the side, then CLUBS her down. Jacy gloats, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff fires off fists, then fires up! But Jacy THROWS her into ropes!

Tiff sputters, Jacy snarls, and Jacy mocks Tiffy Time before she KNEES Tiff in the back! And it’s back to the body scissor squeeze! Tiff endures, fires elbows, but Jacy clamps on a chinlock. Tiff endures, Jacy smiles a sinister smile, but Tiff is still fighting! Jacy traps the arm, turns Tiff away from the ropes, but Tiff fights up! Tiff RAMS Jacy into buckles, RAMS her in again, but Jacy THROWS Tiff! Jacy stomps Tiff, talks trash, and Fatal Influence applauds. Jacy runs up and BODY BLOCKS Tiff! Then Jacy puts Tiff up top, climbs up after her, but Tiff fights the superplex with body shots! Tiff SHOVES Jacy down!

Tiff adjusts, rises up, but Jacy SHOVES her down! Tiff hits apron then the floor as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally up, and Chelsea is here! She helps Tiff stand, but then Jacy CLOBBERS Tiff! Jacy talks trash on Chelsea, saying she’ll break that other eye! But then Tiff rolls Jacy up! TWO!! Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take both women down! The fans rally up and Tiff rises. Tiff runs up to fire forearms! Then she LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then she blocks a kick to BACK DLBOW! Tiff runs, cartwheels, and Alabama Lift! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up, up, and SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Fatal Influence can breathe again as Jacy survives, but the fans rally even harder for Tiff. Tiff rises up, brings Jacy to a fireman’s carry, but Jacy fights free. Jacy SUPERKICKS, then she snarls as she runs, but into a takedown! Cradle, TWO!! Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges to handspring and TIFFY STUNNER! The fans fire up as Tiff then fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTON! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT onto KNEES! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives by nanoseconds, and Jacy is seething as she scrambles to a corner. Jacy aims, ROLLING- SUPERKICK from Tiff! But Jacy ENZIGIRIS back! Tiff staggers, rebounds, and KNEES Jacy down!

Tiff hauls Jacy up, fireman’s carries, but Fallon gets on the apron! Chelsea YANKS Fallon down! ROLLING SENTON, and PRETTIEST CROSSBODY onto Fatal Influence! The fans fire up for Tiff, but Jacy ROLLING ENCORES!!! Cover, JACY WINS!!

Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)

Chelsea is as shocked as anyone, but perhaps her help only hurt Tiff… Fatal Influence is dripping with gold, is nothing going to stop them now?

Backstage interview with The Baddies.

Cathy Kelley is with Jade Cargill, B-Fab & Michin, and brings up the animosity between Jade and Charlotte Flair. Now that Alexa Bliss is back and has brought Tatum Paxley into this, how does that change Jade’s strategy? Jade asks, “Y’know what I find funny? For some reason, these women can’t mind they damn business. First Alexa, then Charlotte, and now this random chick, Tater Tot, wanna step up to the plate? That’s fine. Line ’em all up, knock ’em all down.” Fab says what Jade is getting at is that Charlotte’s just given them another victim! They’re looking forward to giving Tatum the proper “welcome” to their show. Now, they done?

Jade leads the way out, but when and where will The Storm look to strike Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum down?

Sami Zayn VS Cody Rhodes!

The Last Real Good Guy sure keeps blaming others for his shortcomings. But he did receive an offer he couldn’t refuse: Beat The American Nightmare, be next in line for a title shot. Will Sami get everything he wants? Or will Cody make sure Sami only gets what he deserves?

WAIT! RANDY ORTON ATTACKS CODY FROM BEHIND! The Viper strikes, and he POSTS Cody! The fans are torn as Orton drags Cody through the ropes, and hits the DRAPING DDT! The fans are still conflicted, but Orton hears those voices in his head! Cody rises up, RK- NO! Cody dragon sleepers! But Orton CLAWS the eyes! And he THROWS Cody out! The fans rally up as Orton goes out after Cody! Orton SMACKS Cody off the steel steps! Orton pulls the steps apart, and he runs up to SMASH Cody! Cody falls over barriers! Sami asks what this means for his match, but Orton clears the desk! And then he props the steps up against it!

Orton goes out into the crowd, but Cody SMASHES Orton with someone’s drink! Cody fires off haymakers and body shots, and the fans fire up as they get closer to the action! Cody SMACKS Orton off barriers, then grabs a trash can! Cody SMACKS Orton in the head with it! Cody ROCKS Orton, then brings him around to THROW into railing! The railing falls over with Orton! The fans are going nuts as Cody fires more shots! Orton kicks low, UPPERCUTS, then stalks Cody along the way. Orton CLUBS Cody, Cody fires back, but then Orton kicks low again! Orton TOSSES Cody over, then CLOBBERS the security guard!

Orton SMACKS Cody off the desk, then CLUBS him in the chest, then SMACKS him off the desk again! Aldis and producers rush out here but Orton rains down fists! Orton gets up on the desk, drags Cody over to the steps, and we’ve seen this set up before! Orton grabs a steel chair, brings it over, and Aldis pleads with him not to do it! Orton winds up, but Cody LOW BLOWS! Cody has the chair now, and he SMACKS Orton down! Orton ends up in place on the steps now, and Cody gets a sinister idea. Cody knows Orton wanted to do this to him, is Cody gonna do it first? Fans cheer Cody on, but the producers rush in there!

The fans boo and Cody is furious, but Orton has been spared the same viciousness he wanted to enact on Cody! Wait, Cody pushes through to get after Orton, but SmackDown’s going off the air!! Does Cody demolish Orton or not?!

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, some great moves being made, especially with some unforeseen circumstances. Chelsea getting that orbital bone break from Jacy’s errant elbow is a shame, but they’re doing a great job of adjusting. Chelsea got a little work-shoot on her promo about paying her dues and being the butt of the jokes, but yeah, she got herself over being that way, and this is her chance to finally be the star. Gunther really turned up being a Heel with how he was belittling Chelsea and how he got at Cardona. Great match there, but of course Gunther wins to then complain to Aldis and get into it again with Finn Balor. That 1v1 will be great stuff, can’t wait to see it.

Corbin retaining in Boston against the hometown hero is good for Heel heat, and then Trick & Yachty going after Corbin is good, too. I feel like we could get a Triple Threat of Corbin, Melo and Trick, but it’d probably be more likely we just get Corbin VS Trick 3 as a 1v1, but with Melo helping since Corbin won’t expect it. Then we get Trick Melo Yachty Gang, and that can freshen up the story. MFT winning that Triple Threat tag was fairly expected, MFT was going to have their resurgence given Haku was joining the story. Tiff being connected and affected by Chelsea’s story is a good way of protecting that loss to Jacy, on top of the usual Fatal Influence number game, and who knows if the BFF team lasts much longer after this.

Good promo from Charlotte with Bliss and Tatum, and a good promo from The Baddies. Again, another Six Woman Tag feels in the works, Tatum can really shine whether the Face team wins or loses. Charlotte VS Jade as a 1v1 blowoff might have to be some No Disqualification match, even though that’d just let interference happen anyway. I do need to question, though, where is Blake Monroe? Did her story have to pause because Rhea isn’t back? But also again because of things with Chelsea’s eye? Why isn’t she just showing up to at least make snide comments?

Very good promo from Punk and Kevin, but it could’ve been better if there was better pacing through that angry tension of theirs. And even then, half of what they said was repeating things from last week, then they tried to add new context to help move things forward. I did appreciate the very subtle hint at The Elite, though. That Toronto match is gonna be incredible, though, because we know these two can still go and the Toronto crowd itself will be hot. Good stuff with Cody and Sami to set up another match, but I should’ve known. We were really close to the end of the night, so something was gonna scrub the match. Sami can be upset about another opportunity being stolen, so that’ll stretch things along.

Great brawl from Orton and Cody, but a little annoyed they cut away right as Cody was about to hit some final spot. And as of right now, nothing on social media, either. I get WWE has to balance this show between Netflix and USA Network, meaning the latter needs a properly scheduled show, next to no overrun. If SmackDown ever gets exclusively onto Netflix, we might be able to avoid cutoffs. That aside, this is escalating, Orton and Cody might get like First Blood or Last Man Standing rather than just a standard No DQ match.

My Score: 8.8/10