This match has been a long time coming!

WWE SmackDown returns to Toronto, and Kevin Owens challenges CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Tag Team Championships: MFT w/ Haku VS Damian Priest & R-Truth; MFT wins and retains the titles.
• Blake Monroe VS Giulia; No Contest.
• Tiffany Stratton VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax; Lash wins.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk VS Kevin Owens; Punk wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sami Zayn complains to Nick Aldis.

Once again, the Last Real Good Guy says this is an injustice! Sami should be the one defending the Undisputed WWE Championship here in Toronto, in his home country of Canada! But no, it’s CM Punk, because of Aldis! When Sami asked for justice, he didn’t ask for much. He just wanted to know when he gets his rematch. Aldis told him to have a #1 contender’s match, and Sami was set to face Finn Balor. But then at the last second, here’s Gunther! And oh, at the very last second, here’s Kevin Owens! Don’t get Sami wrong, he’s happy for Kevin, but in the end, it’s an injustice. And once again, Sami asks for a chance, and Sami was to go get a #1 contender’s match.

But oh, broken hand! Jeopardizing his career! Tough stuff, take it or leave it! So Sami puts on his boots and goes out there, but he doesn’t get the match because Randy Orton got involved! What business did Orton have getting involved? HE LOST! But then Aldis points behind Sami and Orton is there. Orton says no, by all means, continue. Sami says it is simple, he- But then we hear Cody Rhodes shouting for Randy! And yes, Cody is in the ring already, mic in hand, telling Orton to come on out! Cody says they got abruptly cut off last week, so get out here! What’re we waiting on? Send Sami, too, Cody’s got one for him, too!

Aldis hurries off, Sami says he wants to take justice into his own hands, but Orton says him first. Sami slaps a water bottle, and Aldis tells Cody we are not doing it like this. Last week was almost a complete catastrophe! They have the match for Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta- Randy interrupts by making his entrance! Randy also says there’s already a time and a place. Two weeks from this Sunday, in Cody’s hometown, Orton is whooping Cody’s ass in front of his family as they sit in the front row! They don’t gotta do this right now, Orton will whoop Cody’s ass soon enough, no doubt about it.

But Cody says they both know they ain’t gonna wait two weeks. So what’s stopping them from doing it right here, right now?! The fans like the sound of that! But Aldis says NO! We’re not doing this again! Aldi s is sick of them both putting officials in danger, of putting fans in danger, and disrespecting his authority! So here’s what happens now: SNME, they can tear each other apart, but not one minute sooner! And seeing as how they’re both so obsessed with being WWE Champion again, if either of them lays a finger on the other before SNME… Mark his words, they will NEVER challenge for the WWE Championship, and they can take that to the bank!

Orton is riled up but Aldis says he is dead serious. So, what’s it gonna be? Do they wanna keep screwing up the show? Or do they want a title shot? Orton says he’ll tell us one thing, there is no way in hell he gets in the ring and jeopardizing him becoming a FIFTEEN TIME world champion. Call him “Mr. Professional.” That is the key term, right? But Orton does have a question: Cody said something about finishing where they left off. Orton watched the footage back, Cody had the chair, he was ready to crush Orton’s head like a grape! And Cody would have everyone believe he was stopped from doing such a thing.

But Orton knows Cody better than Cody knows himself, and Orton knows that was a lie! If Cody had swung the chair, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. Orton, though, before WrestleMania, he swung as hard as he could, he saw red, and he had ZERO remorse! Wanna know why? Cuz Orton knows how to go there! To do what needs to be done! To be his worst self! The worst version of Cody Rhodes? Seriously? Cody is a “good guy.” Always have been! Always will be! The Golden Boy! American Nightmare? More like the American Daydream! Two weeks ago, Cody asked, “Who is going to kill the legend of Randy Orton?”

But Cody didn’t answer the question, and Orton knows why: Because it won’t be Cody. Cody says Orton is operating under a very dangerous assumption. He’s assuming Cody swinging the chair is the wrong thing to do. Orton said it himself, he shook Cody’s hand, called him brother, then painted the table with Cody’s blood! Then at WrestleMania, Orton lost! But before Orton left, he kicked Cody so hard in the head that Cody’s still got makeup covering it up! So what stops Cody from doing that? Is that really the wrong thing? Is Orton sure? Cody has learned from friends, heroes, enemies, and Orton.

Take this as a moment of Cody trying to teach Orton something. Say Orton is right, he wins number 15, maybe a 16th or 17th, maybe every record ever to become the greatest of all time! But here’s what happens after: Orton still comes back to Cody. The one who kills the Legend Killer is QB1, and Randy… that is not a prediction… That’s a spoiler! WHAT?! Is there something to Cody quoting Paul Heyman here? Can Orton and Cody contain their anger until the bell rings in two weeks?

MFT walks ‘n’ talks.

Tama Tonga asks, “Do you hear that? Nothing. I don’t see y’all talking trash now. We warned you. It’s about our family now.” Talla Tonga says these titles are theirs now. They dare anyone to step up and challenge them. Damian Priest, R-Truth, if you want these back, come and get ’em! Haku steps in and says now, they will show them who are the Mother Effin’ Tongans! With that, MFT continues towards gorilla, ready for the rematch! Will SmackDown continue to be Tongan country? Or will it be #WepaUp once again?

WWE Tag Team Championships: MFT w/ Haku VS Damian Priest & R-Truth!

SmackDown returns as MFT makes their entrance, joining Priest & Truth in the ring. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who truly runs SmackDown!

The teams sort out, but MFT just attacks! The fans boo as Talla TOSSES Truth, then goes out after him. Tama keeps after Priest, then fires body shots. Priest fires off on Tama in return, and the fans rally up. Tama KNEES low, CLUBS Priest, then whips. Priest reverses, Tama KICKS Priest, but Priest rebounds to RUN Tama over! The fans rally as Priest then guzels Tama and THROWS him to a corner! Priest fires off windmill haymakers! The War Raiders are watching backstage, still upset they also lose that Triple Threat. Priest whips Tama corner to corner, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Tama then runs up, but into a BOOT!

Priest points to Truth, the fans cheer, and Priest bumps Tama off buckles. Priest UPPERCUTS Tama, tags Truth, and the fans cheer! Truth shouts, “WHAT’S UP?!” Truth does his splits, then the SPLASH! Talla runs up, but Truth & Priest DUMP him out! Talla gets back up, but Priest BLASTS him down! Tama is up, Truth & Priest DOUBLE LARIAT him up and out! The fans cheer, and Priest signals to Truth to go up and out. The fans fire up for that! Truth says aight, and he aims, to PLANCHA! Down goes Tama and the fans cheer again! Truth stands up on the desk, “What’s up?!” The fans cheer as Priest then CLOBBERS Talla!

Truth puts Tama in the ring, hurries after him, and SMACKS him! “What’s up?!” The fans cheer, and Truth SMACKS Tama again! Truth whips Tama, Tama reverses, and Tama FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Truth! The fans boo but Tama storms over to Truth, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Truth is tougher than that, but Tama rains down a flurry of fists! Tama drags Truth up, TOSSES him out, then tags Talla. Talla storms over to Truth while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Talla scoops Truth, brings him around the way, and he hits SNAKE EYES off the barriers! Talla soaks up heat, then he drags Truth back up. Talla puts Truth in the ring, stomps him, then sucker punches Priest! The ref reprimands, but Talla drags Truth up. Truth fires forearms, but Talla CHOPS him down! Talla soaks up more heat, tags in Tama, and Tama drags Truth up. Talla & Tama double whip, then BODY BLOW, and LARIAT! Tama covers, TWO! Truth is toughing it out as he goes to ropes, but Tama CLAWS Truth’s face! The ref reprimands but Tama CHOKES Truth! The ref reprimands again, Tama stops, then HEADBUTTS Truth!

Tama tags Talla, Talla brings Truth up, and he CHOPS! Truth slumps down, Talla tags Tama back in, and Truth scrambles. Tama stops Truth with a SLEEPER, but Truth fires body shots! Tama CLUBS Truth, whips him to the open corner, then runs up. Truth dodges! Tama hits buckles, rebounds, but Truth does the splits to dodge again! Then he CALF KICKS Tama down! The fans cheer as both men are down! Priest rallies the fans as Truth and Tama stir! Both men crawl, Tama grabs at a foot, but Truth kicks free! Hot tags to Priest and Talla! Priest dodges Talla to ROUNDHOUSE, then he dodges again to fire haymakers!

Talla shoves Priest, Priest rebounds to SUPERKICK! Priest climbs up in the corner to rain down fists! Priest gets five before Talla carries him! SmackDown returns to single picture as Priest fights free! BELL CLAP! ROUNDHOUSE! Tama runs up, into a FLATLINER! Talla runs up, Priest dodges to hit DIRTY DEEDS! The fans fire up with Priest, and Priest climbs up the corner. Priest powers up the arm, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, ONE?!? Talla surprises Priest there, and the Raiders aren’t liking Priest’s odds. Priest still brings the straps down and the fans fire up! Priest winds up, Talla stands, and Priest guzels!

But Talla guzels in return! The fans rally for Priest, but Talla’s the stronger giant! But then Priest fires elbows! Priest runs, but Talla LARIATS him down! Talla stands, Priest founders, and Talla puts Priest in the MFT corner! Talla stomps away, then stands on Priest! The ref has Talla back off, but Tama CHOKES Priest behind the ref’s back! The fans boo, but Tama stops before he gets caught. Priest still BOOTS Talla, ELBOWS Tama, then dodges Talla! Talla hits buckles, Priest crawls, and teh fans fire up! But Tama tags in! Tama anchors Priest’s foot, but Priest hops up! Priest DRAGON WHIP KICKS Tama down!

The fans fire up as Priest hurries, hot tag to Truth! The fans fir eup as Truth ducks ‘n’ dodges, and starts up the CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up for this one! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” Truth hits the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then the fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TALLA BREAKS IT! The fans boo but #RonCena couldn’t finish this! Priest fires off forearms, and an UPPERCUT! Priest roars, runs, and he LARIATS Talla up and out! The fans fire up as Priest then hurries back to his corner. “This is Awesome!” as Priest then runs to LEAPING AX HANDLE Talla!

The fans fire up again as Priest hurries back up. Priest wants another shot, but Tama BLASTS him off the apron! Talla guzels! APRON CHOKE SLAM! But Truth rolls Tama up! TWO!!! Tama escapes in time, but Truth fires haymakers! The fans fire up with Truth, he kicks and suplexes, but Tama slips free! TONGAN TWIST! Tag to Talla, and MFT takes aim! Truth rises up, RED CROSS!! Cover off the vicious high-low combo, MFT wins!

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

Truth is gonna need the other Red Cross after taking that boot and leg sweep! But now, MFT is moving on, titles still around their waists. Will Erik & Ivar be next in line to take their shot? As for Priest, he is frustrated, but he goes back to Truth and checks on him. The fans cheer as Priest helps Truth to his feet and they hug it out. Wepa Up may be feeling down, but can they find a way to rebound?

Backstage interview with CM Punk.

Cathy Kelley is with the Best in the World and brings up how tonight, he’s entering hostile territory. His title is on the line against Kevin Owens in Canada, does this change Punk’s strategy at all? No, not at all. Punk thrives under pressure, he thrives in hostile territories. Kevin Owens has been fighting these imaginary, one-sided beefs in his head, these ghosts from 20 years ago. Kevin says Punk hasn’t changed, and Kevin is proud he hasn’t changed, but Punk has changed. Punk has grown, evolved, gotten better, and he’s champion for a reason. But when he looks at Kevin, Punk does see the same guy from 20 years ago.

But for Kevin to come back at this level after 17 months to have his second match- Orton steps in… Orton says Punk’s looking good. yeah, he’s feeling good. Okay, so fair warning… After Orton whoops Cody’s ass in Atlanta, in front of his family, in his hometown, Orton wants Punk to have a heads up: Orton will be coming for number 15. Orton leaves, Punk says looking forward to it. But will that plan still be reality? Or could something change in tonight’s main event?

Chelsea Green waits outside the Trainer’s Room.

Tiffany Stratton steps outside, and Chelsea is so relieved she’s okay. Injury twins? Oh, no, sorry, sorry! But Chelsea has an idea on how to make up for last week. She and Tiff can get a nice steak dinner, have some waffle fries- Tiff has Chelsea stop apologizing, she understands Chelsea was just trying to help last week. But please, don’t come out tonight, they can’t jeopardize Chelsea’s title reign. Chelsea says that’s so sweet of Tiff! Oh, hi, Paige. Paige sees them and has them both hold on. What Chelsea said last week was so powerful! Chelsea should be so proud of herself. Paige knows what it is for an injury to take away something she loves.

Paige just wants to say, she feels Chelsea will be champion for a long time. Chelsea thanks Paige, but then Fatal Influence walks by. Jacy Jayne says look at this cute little bonding moment. But Chelsea, Jacy wouldn’t take advice from people who don’t know how to keep championships. Fallon Henley says especially when they’re going to take that WWE Women’s Championship soon enough. Lainey Reid says that speech last week was… cute… But they all know words don’t matter when you get in the ring. Chelsea says if anyone’s taking titles, it’s them taking Fatal Influence’s! Paige says well said.

But speaking of, Paige already misses having gold. And since Nikki “Backstabber” Bella isn’t here, always running away from Paige, Paige oughta take the US title from Jacy! Tiff says then Fatal Influence can go back to being irrelevant like when they first showed up! Jacy says Tiff can keep wrapping tape around her waist while they keep wrapping gold around theirs. Fatal Influence leaves, Paige says they leave a rather bad smell behind, don’t they? But will Tiff be tasting sweet victory later tonight?

Blake Monroe looks at her wardrobe.

Everything is pink and sparkles, no wonder she can’t decide. But Cathy Kelley steps in, wanting to ask her questions, and she kinda spooks Blake. Cathy apologizes, but ever since coming to SmackDown, Blake’s been anything but subtle. Calculated attacks, intimidating words- Yes, astute observation, “Catherine,” but what can she help you with? Well, tonight is Blake’s first match on SmackDown, against Giuila. Is this the debut she envisioned? Blake mocks Cathy’s question before saying no, of course not. She is world championship material. She thinks her debut should’ve been for the WWE Women’s Championship, even if it’d be against Chelsea Green.

But no, she’ll have a rendezvous with an old “friend” in Giulia. And instead of in Paris, France or Milan, Italy, she’s sifting through a clothing rack in this dump, Toronto… Cathy understands Blake is upset, but surely, whatever she chooses, she’ll look great in. Well, Cathy is right. Blake reveals she was already wearing gear, and says even when they give her nothing, she does what she does best and make everyone talk about her. Now move, she’s gotta finish fixing her hair. The Glamour storms off, will she steal the spotlight on her first night? Or will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?

Blake Monroe VS Giulia!

SmackDown returns as Giulia makes her entrance, but then Blake ATTACKS outta nowhere! The fans boo as Blake HAMMERS away, then stomps Giulia! Blake KICKS Giulia, gets in her face, and SMACKS her off the apron! The ref reprimands but this isn’t a match yet! Blake whips Giulia into steel steps! Blake puts Giulia in the ring, then stalks Giulia. Giulia stands, but Blake HEADBUTTS her! And KNEES her! The ref reprimands, this still isn’t on record yet! Blake drags Giulia back up, reels her in, and GOTCH NEUTRALIZER! Or perhaps, the Glamourizer! The ref says enough, the match is off! Blake says she’s championship material, don’t waste her time.

No Contest

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss talk backstage.

The Queen knows she’s been busy, but she’s so excited for Bliss’s belated birthday brunch. Mimosas, Bloody Mary, Prosecco! The three of them are going to have a great time. Three? Oh, right, Lily counts. Uh, actually… Tatum Paxley says she can’t wait to spend time with them! Wait, who’s Mary? Is she bringing blood or do they bring their own? Charlotte asks what’s going on and Alexa says it’d be rude, Tatum’s- The Baddies step in and Jade Cargill says here’s what’s happening: Charlotte needed the freak show to bail her out of the match. Pathetic. Tatum introduces herself and asks if they’re coming to brunch with them. And are any of them Mary? They need her blood.

Charlotte says okay, Tatum might be strange with no sense of personal space, but she still handled B-Fab & Michin like that. Oh, well, if she’s so impressive, let’s see what she can do on her own. Next week, Tatum VS Mia Yim, 1v1. Tatum’s so excited for her first SmackDown match! She’d love that! Tatum smiles and laughs, and The Baddies head out. Tatum says Charlotte defended her~! N-No… But while Tatum’s all smiles now, will she still be excited after facing Michin? Or will Mia end all the fun?

Trick Williams is here!

Toronto fires up as Hollywood Trick heads to the ring, once again accompanied by Lil’ Yachty. Trick then gets the mic, has them cut his music, and tells Toronto, first thing’s first, he knows it’s been a minute. But he got his dawg back in Lil’ Yachty! But he doesn’t have the title back. One thing for sure, two thing for certain, that big, bald-headed bum, Baron Corbin, doesn’t wanna see Trick 1v1 without taking shortcuts or cheating! So tell you what, Baron! Since you walk around backstage lookin’ like a cue ball, come out here to get hit with the Trick Shot so Trick can get his title back, let’s talk about it!

But with that, Baron Corbin makes his entrance! Corbin drives out on a red motorcycle this week, then he goes to the ring. But where’s the US Championship? Corbin gets a mic, then steps to Yachty. Yachty gets clear, and Trick tells “Cue ball” that Trick’s the one he’s looking for, the one he cheated outta the title. Trick Williams, Trick Willy Wonka, Mr. Lemon Pepper Steppers! How about Corbin stop ducking Trick, stop dodging Trick, and give the people what they want. Trick says Trick VS Corbin 3, right here, right now, in Toronto, and for the title, wherever it went.

Corbin says Trick wants the title, but the title is getting a pretty little haircut. Trick isn’t getting another shot anyway. Corbin wants to make it clear: They had a match, Trick lost; they had a rematch, Trick lost again! So why would Trick get another shot when he has nothing to offer Corbin? Corbin beat Trick each time they stepped int he ring, so get this through your skull! It ain’t happening! Not here, not anywhere! Get outta his sight, they are done! Btu speaking of Yachty, he SMACKS Corbin with the Trick Stick! Then Trick LARIATS Corbin outta the ring! Corbin hurries back up, but gets another SMACK!

Trick grabs the mic while the fans cheer him on, but Corbin grabs a mic to say fine! How about this? Sunday Night’s Main Event, Atlanta, Georgia! yeah, that’s right, Toronto ain’t worth it! But first… Corbin wants a match with Yachty! In Yachty’s hometown! Even just five minutes! If Yachty lives, Trick gets his match. If Corbin wins, they are done, and for good! Understood!? Yachty, put your money where your mouth is! What’s he say? The fans cheer Yachty on, Yachty looks to Trick, and Yachty takes the mic to shout, “YOU’RE ON!!” Corbin smirks and says, “Good. Yachty, this is gonna be the longest five minutes of your life.”

Corbin leaves, but is he going to sink Mr. Boat along with Trick’s title dreams?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Cathy Kelley is now with The Prizefighter and brings up that he was out for 17 months, thought he might never wrestle again. So how poetic is it for him to have a title match in Toronto? Kevin says it’s obviously great, but uh, seems we’re being interrupted. Finn Balor steps in, and he says he was so glad to see Kevin back at SummerSlam. But… As a friend, a little heads up that Kevin was coming back in his match. No one knew he was coming! Yes, Kevin understands, but seems they’re being interrupted, too. And in steps Gunther! Gunther says big night, lot of pressure. Kevin wanted to get his hands on CM Punk for 10+ years, so tonight’s the night.

And all of that is going to happen in front of Kevin’s people. So Gunther will take pressure off Kevin’s shoulders. Kevin doesn’t have to worry about Finn Balor, that guy is a shadow of his former self. So if Kevin wins tonight, he only has to worry about Gunther! Der Ring General chuckles and leaves, and Kevin asks if Gunther was upset or that was just the accent. Finn says no, Gunther’s always upset. But hey, don’t worry about Gunther, just go out there and win the WWE Championship! But as a friend, Finn is giving Kevin the heads up that if Kevin wins, Finn’s gonna be coming after him for the title.

Kevin hopes Finn is. They fist bump, Finn heads out, and Kevin prepares for the main event. Will tonight cap off the comeback story with a happy ending?

Tiffany Stratton VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax!

While Tiff is thinking about Chelsea Green’s health having her stay in the back, that might be a mistake when the Bougie Bully has the Irresistible Force behind her. Will it still be #TiffyTime in Toronto? Or will Lash clear a path to the Hot Mess and the WWE Championship?

SmackDown returns as The Irresistible Forces make their entrance, Tiff already in the ring. The bell rings, and Tiff DROPKICKS a leg! Then she SHOTGUNS Lash to a corner! Then she handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Tiff keeps moving, but Lash UPPERCUTS her down! Lash RAMS Tiff in the ribs, then KNEES low again and again! Lash brings Tiff up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff toughs it out, but Lash drags her up for a BEARHUG! Lash THRASHES Tiff around, then RAMS her into a corner! And RAMS her again! Lash then carries Tiff out to BACK- NO, Tiff sunset flips! Lash flails to stay up!

Lash reaches back to brace herself, then stands back up. Lash YANKS Tiff up, but Tiff dodges the boot! Tiff CHOP BLOCKS Lash! Then she BACKSTABBERS! Lash tumbles out of the ring, Tiff builds speed, and Tiff DIVES, but Lash catches her! Then Lash POSTS Tiff! And SLAMS her on the apron! Lash says it is Legend Time, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Tiff fires forearms on Lash! Lash shoves Tiff, then DECKS her! Lash brings Tiff up, suplexes high and hard, then kips up! The fans boo but Lash brings Tiff back around to ELBOW FLOP! The fans rally as Tiff goes to a corner, but Lash runs up. Tiff dodges then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! Tiff dodges Lash to then cartwheel, but Lash stops her to lift her up! But Tiff RANAS through! Lash hits buckles, Tiff handsprings, STUNNER! The fans fire up again as Tiff goes up the corner. Tiff aims, SWANTON- NO, Tiff has to roll through! Tiff then dodges Lash, swings and CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally behind Tiff but Nia coaches Lash. Tiff goes to the corner, goes up, up, and- NO, Lash trips Tiff up! Then drags her off the corner, torture rack, LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

Tiff may not have been 100%, but Lash still pins a former champion. Then Nia drops the leg, brother! The fans boo as Lash clamps on a BEARHUG, then the IRRESISTIBLE SANDWICH! But here comes Chelsea, armed with a kendo stick! She SMACKS Lash, SMACKS Nia, repeat! The fans fire up as Chelsea chases these Bougie Bullies off! Will the Hot Mess fight back no matter what? Or will she go down in a blaze of glory?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“MFT… For weeks, I have warned you, but you haven’t been listening. Well… What’s in the dark… has finally come to light.” And in steps HIROMU TAKAHASHI! Or as he’s known now, “Kyoki!” And after spending years competing around the world, he’s finally in the WWE! Champions, legends, monsters, he doesn’t care. The stronger they are, the more fun he’ll have! Kyoki does not fear chaos, he enjoys it! More fights, more gold, more madness, more, more, more, more, more! MFT, you have the championships… for now. But when Strong Style and madness collide, there will be an explosion! The clock is ticking, BAKUSAI!

Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk VS Kevin Owens!

It was 20 years ago, long before WWE ever even cared about the Second City Saint or the Prizefighter, that these two had an encounter that was more than just a match, but became a personal grudge. You can go back and forth on who was in the right and who was in the wrong forever, but that doesn’t matter once the bell rings. Only one man can be the Best in the World, so who proves it’s been them all along?

CM Punk being a big hockey fan, he wears a special Jason Vorhees hockey goalie mask as part of his entrance. Tensions are already running high but the ref keeps the two apart. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see who is undisputed!

The bell rings and the two fire fists! The fans fire up for the hockey scrum, and Kevin has Punk in a corner! Kevin WINDMILLS away, but he stops as the ref counts. Kevin then whips corner to corner but Punk reverses, only for Kevin to come right back and LARIAT! Then Kevin LARIATS Punk up and outta the ring! The fans fire up as Kevin pursues, but Punk hurries back into the ring. Punk stomps Kevin at the ropes, and the fans boo as Punk drags Kevin up. Kevin blocks the suplex to suplex Punk, and hang him out to dry on the ropes! Kevin DECKS Punk, Punk falls out of the ring, but Kevin is right on him!

Kevin stands Punk against the apron to CHOP! And CHOP again! Punk sputters but Kevin ROCKS him! The ring count is climbing but Kevin puts Punk in the ring. Then Kevin clears the desk! The fans fire up but Punk attacks! Punk puts Kevin in the ring, and Punk works to put things back together! Punk shakes hands with commentary, then goes into the ring. But Kevin blocks a kick, KICKS the leg, then trips Punk to SENTON! The fans cheer Kevin on as he then waits on Punk. Kick and STUN- NO, NECKBREAKER! Punk stands up, soaks up heat, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Kevin sits up slowly, the neck still a concern. Punk stomps Kevin around, even going for the neck. The ref reprimands and has Punk back off a moment. Punk brings Kevin up, and Mongolian Chops! Shoutout to the Raging Bull, now retired, but Kevin ROCKS Punk in return! Punk fires a shot, Kevin CHOPS, then Kevin ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! Kevin fires off in the corner with body shot after body shot! The ref counts, Kevin stops, then he whips corner to corner. Punk reverses again, and Kevin hits buckles hard! Kevin falls in a heap, the ref tells Punk to again consider the neck. Punk is, as he KNEE DROPS on Kevin’s back!

Punk drags Kevin up, snapmares, then sits Kevin up to CHOP him on the back! Punk KICKS Punk down, then runs to KNEE DROP! Cover, ONE!! Kevin is toughing it out but Punk keeps on him with a facelock. Kevin endures as Punk grinds him down, and the fans don’t seem to be slowing down either. Punk scoops to SLAM, then cover, TWO! Punk clamps onto Kevin with a chinlock and pulls him back! Kevin endures again, fights up, but Punk HIP DROPS him! Punk smirks as he flexes, soaking up cheers and jeers. Punk HIP DROPS again, then mockingly does a Hulk Hogan “can’t hear you” pose. Punk HIP DROPS again, then paces around Kevin.

Punk stands Kevin up but Kevin ROCKS him! And ELBOWS him! And CHOPS! But Punk kicks low! Punk fireman’s carries, Kevin slips free! Roll up, TWO! Punk is up to LARIAT Kevin down! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives, stands, but then falls over! Punk stomps away on Kevin in the corner! The ref counts, Punk digs his knees in! The ref backs Punk off, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans boo but Punk soaks that up. Punk puts Kevin in a corner, SMACKS him off buckles, and Toronto is actually dueling! Punk tries again, but Kevin blocks the buckle bump! Kevin BODY BLOWS Punk, then fires forearms!

Kevin CHOPS, whips, but Punk KICKS! Kevin LARIATS back! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Kevin goes to ropes, Punk goes to a corner, and Kevin runs up! They trade shots, and Kevin gets the edge! Kevin fires off on Punk in the ropes as the fans cheer him on! The ref counts, Kevin stomps away on Punk, and the fans are thunderous! The ref backs Kevin off and Punk slumps out of the ring. Kevin runs up to LARIAT Punk down! The fans cheer Kevin as the ring count starts. Kevin brings Punk up, puts him in the ring, and Punk scrambles to a corner. Kevin lines up a shot, and he mocks the Straightedge before he says “SUCK IT!”

The fans cheer as Kevin hits the CANNONBALL! Kevin drags Punk to a cover, TWO! Punk survives but the fans continue to fire up for Kevin. Kevin goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Punk rolls all the way to the far side. Punk grins, but Kevin is just right after him! SUPERKICK! Punk flops onto the desk! The fans fire up as Kevin then hops up onto the barriers! FROG SPLASH down through the table!! The fans go nuts while both men are down in the wreckage! Kevin gets up, gets Punk in the ring, then goes back up top! Kevin aims for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives and the fans can’t believe it!

“This is Awesome!” as Kevin rises back up. Kevin watches Punk sit up, then rise to his feet. Kevin looks Punk in the eye before he SLAPS him! Then a whip and POP- NO! Punk lands out, kicks, KICKS, and ROUNDHOUSES! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives and Punk is frustrated, but the fans continue to cheer. Punk shakes his head, and says stop booing him, Toronto (hockey) hasn’t won anything since 1967! Punk runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Then a short arm LARIAT! The fans boo but Punk drags Kevin to the drop zone. Punk goes up, up, and “SUCK IT!” MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives, but Punk’s right on him with an ANACONDA VICE!!

The fans boo as Punk taunts Kevin while pulling on the arm! Kevin fires hands, rolls Punk to a cover, TWO! Both men stand, Punk hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but Punk is right back on Kevin. Punk turns Kevin for another NECKBREAKER! Punk isn’t done, he drags Kevin up again. Kevin SLAPS Punk! Punk fires a flurry of forearms! Punk CLUBS away on Kevin’s neck, and the fans boo as Kevin flops down! Punk soaks it up as he says night-night! The fans boo as Punk drags Kevin up, fireman’s carries, and GO TO- NO, Kevin blocks the knee! And he trips Punk, to step through and SHARPSHOOTER!!

The fans are thunderous for Kevin’s Hitman shoutout, which also hurts Punk cuz he admires Bret Hart, too! Punk endures, fights forward, ROPEBREAK! Kevin lets go, more from exhaustion than anything. Punk goes to the apron, but Kevin locks on again. Kevin KICKS Punk in the side! Kevin drags Punk up, but Punk HOTSHOTS Kevin away! The fans boo as Kevin falls, but Punk hurries back in! ROUND- NO, Kevin ducks, kicks, STUN- NO! Punk shoves Kevin into the ref! Punk then fireman’s carries, but Kevin slips free! Kevin SHOVES Punk into the ref! The ref falls out of the ring! STUNNER!! Cover, but no ref to count!! Kevin would’ve won by now!

Kevin realizes the mistake made, and he shouts for the ref to get up! Kevin looks if there’s another ref coming, btu Punk fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, but again, no ref to count! Punk realizes that, and he throws hands on Kevin! Punk goes outside to check on the ref, and SAMI ZAYN POSTS PUNK!! The fans fire up as Sami is helping Kevin! Sami puts Punk in the ring before Kevin is any the wiser! STUNNER!! Sami gets the ref in the ring, the ref counts, TWO?!!? Punk survives and no one can believe it!! Kevin goes to the corner, but Sami grabs the belt?! Sami slides the belt to Kevin and tells him have at it.

Kevin looks at Sami, he looks at the belt, and Sami says yeah, go ahead and do it! Kevin picks up the belt, he watches Punk stir, but then Kevin says no, not like this! Sami argues with Kevin, but Kevin shoves the belt into Sami’s arms, So Sami CLOBBERS Kevin!! The fans boo as the Last Real Good Guy screws his best friend! Punk fireman’s carries, GO TO SLEEP!!! Cover, the ref is awake again, and PUNK WINS!

Winner: CM Punk, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

Sami wanted justice, but Kevin didn’t want it that way. In the end, Sami helps the guy he hates in CM Punk, where is the “good” in that? But then Sami CLOBBERS Punk! The fans boo as Sami ruins Punk’s celebration, which is his fault anyway! Sami still holds onto the belt, but Kevin storms back in. Sami CLOBBERS Kevin again!! The fans boo even harder, then Sami CLOBBERS Punk again! Sami says Punk STOLE this title from him! This is Justice For Sami!! The fans boo, but is The Last Real Good Guy only in it for himself?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, though maybe some clunkier things going on. For one, it seems they did all the things they had to cut from last week this week to make up for it. Blake has her “debut” but she just attacks Giulia to completely undercut everything, all because her character is spoiled to where she won’t do anything less than a title match. Pretty sure Aldis is gonna force Blake to take a match with Giulia, maybe dangle a title opportunity in front of her. Then we get the tiniest bit of Paige showing up to be part of the Fatal Influence story since Nikki Bella wasn’t here. Paige interacting with Fatal Influence is a lot more fun of an idea than with Nikki, honestly.

Very good match from Tiff VS Lash with Tiff selling bad ribs, and that was good enough for Lash to win. And naturally, Chelsea ran out there to stop Lash & Nia from beating up on Tiff. Not sure how they’re going to handle Chelsea’s defense when she’s still not 100% herself. And good promo from Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum with The Baddies. They’re delaying the obvious Six Woman Tag by having Tatum VS Mia first, and hopefully that’s a win for Tatum. Also, Jade’s eyebrows looked weird, just saying. There’s not much more to this story until Charlotte and Jade have like, Last Woman Standing and finally put this to bed.

Very good tag title match, but I figured MFT would win. Priest really made us worry he was turning on Truth, but he held back. I’m personally still hoping for OG Judgment Day to work together against common enemies, but we did get a good promo from Nakamura to help introduce Hiromu, now Kyoki. Hiromu/Kyoki is at least keeping much of his mannerisms, such as “Moto! <More!>” and the Ticking Timebomb concept, and we can only hope Nakamura & Hiromu VS MFT can actually be Strong Style. Erik & Ivar were watching, I wonder if it’s more that they’re going to have a feud with Truth & Priest for like the AAA tag titles at TripleMania.

Very good promo from Trick Yachty Gang with Corbin, namely Trick’s part. Corbin wanting a five minute time limit match with Yachty, I bet Yachty finds a way to survive, because we gotta get Corbin VS Trick 3 somehow. Though oddly enough, if Corbin’s redesign of the US Championship is actually really cool and not just returning to default, Corbin might win so the new designer belt can get merch sales or something. Too bad we won’t ever get Ilja Dragunov in this title scene again now that he’s gonna be leaving WWE, because c’mon, it’d be great to see him rough Corbin up.

And of course, great stuff in the swirling Undisputed Championship story and how Sami Zayn is practically the cornerstone of it all. Great promo from Sami, Aldis and Orton, which turned into a promo from Cody, Aldis and Orton. I like that Aldis has put a No Physicality Agreement on his guys, because it’s at least an authority figure thinking ahead on this stuff. Very good promo then from Punk with Orton, and then from Kevin with Finn and Gunther. I also appreciate Gunther acting like Finn wasn’t even there as he talked bad about him. Punk VS Kevin was an awesome match, but I should’ve known Punk was going to win, and with shenanigans from Sami.

If Kevin was gonna win, that initial attack from Sami on Punk would’ve been enough and then they could’ve played up the drama of Sami going against Kevin’s wishes. Instead, they decided to have Sami screw Kevin because they want Sami to go further Heel already. I feel like Cody, Orton, Sami, Kevin, Finn, and Gunther could be our Men’s Money in the Bank field right there. Well, no, maybe one or more of them will challenge Punk for the title instead, leaving spots open for some up-and-comers.

My Score: 8.8/10