Will Sami’s second run be a better one?

Sami Zayn is once again Undisputed WWE Champion, but was using interference and distractions really “justice” for the Last Real Good Guy? Or is that still to come?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Trick Williams VS Rey Fenix VS Randy Orton; Trick wins and advances to MITB.
• MFT VS BAKUSAI; Bakusai wins, by disqualification.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jacy Jayne VS Alexa Bliss VS Jade Cargill; Jacy wins and advances to MITB.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens; Sami wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis is in the ring!

The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us all to the show live from Corpus Christi, Texas! And folks, sometimes in his job, you have to deal with people who just rub you the wrong way. But you dig deep, put on a smile, and you act professional. With that in mind, and per the never-ending, over-the-top requests… Aldis welcomes out the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, Sami Zayn! The fans boo but Sami makes his way out, and he holds up the belt triumphantly. Sami then goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the boos. The fans even chant “Sami Sucks!” and “C M PUNK!” Sami asks if that’s all funny to Aldis.

Sami says we’re gonna address that in a second, but first… Sami knows how much it hurt Aldis to do a warm yet disingenuous welcome. It must kill Aldis to say it: Undisputed WWE Champion, Sami Zayn! Well, it sure feels good coming outta Sami’s mouth. And to be honest, he’s surprised about the reaction from the fans here tonight. Sami means what he says and says what he means. When Sami said #Justice4Sami wasn’t just about him, he meant it! This is about justice for all! Even the ones right now booing him. If they realize it or not, he fights for them! This is justice for them, too, you understand?!

This title is a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world. Sorry if you don’t get that, maybe one day you will, but justice has been served, and this right here is what it looks like! The fans still boo, but he says he gets it. They’re not used to having a champion with a strong sense of mentality. But guess what? And this also pertains to Aldis. Justice is not the only core tenant of Sami’s belief system. He also believes in equality! Which means when you have these other top superstars knocking on your door asking for an opportunity, Sami expects Aldis to treat them all equally like how he treated Sami!

The way Aldis put obstacle after obstacle in the way! How he constantly stepped in Sami’s way and did everything he could to stop him! Sami expects EQUALITY! But here comes Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae! The fans are a bit torn given Johnny’s part to play last week. Johnny & Candice join Sami in the ring, and they hug it out. Sami says, “Johnny Wrestling, ladies and gentlemen!” The fans do cheer, and Sami tells Gargano, from the bottom of his heart, he would not be out here celebrating with this title without them, it means the world to him that they’re here. Gargano says they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

But… There is one other reason why they’re out here. If Sami remembers last week, they had a deal: If Johnny & Candice helped Sami with CM Punk, Johnny would be first in line for a title shot! He’s here to collect! The fans cheer, and Sami says he doesn’t wanna split hairs here, but they never made a deal. Gargano said all that about being first in line. The fans boo, Sami tells them to give him a damn second, but Gargano tells Sami that he made a promise! Sami says he promised he would take care of Gargano, and Gargano says then take care of him! Sami’s here, Gargano’s here, Sami’s champion! Gargano’s first in line!

So tonight, it should be Sami Zayn VS Johnny Gargano for the Undisputed WWE Championship! The fans cheer, and Aldis says whoa, whoa. Johnny, Aldis doesn’t know what’s going on here, not his concern. The fact of the matter is, Sami doesn’t make title matches here, Aldis does. Sami says that’s what he was just trying to tell Gargano. It isn’t all up to Sami, we have to deal with Aldis. Aldis says to be honest, Gargano had his championship match a couple weeks ago in his hometown. As far as Aldis is concerned, the man next in line isn’t here tonight, but that man is CM Punk. The fans cheer that while Sami gets upset.

But then here comes Kevin Owens! The fans cheer The Prizefighter as he walks out, mic in hand. Sami tells Aldis to keep this under control as Kevin approaches the ring. Kevin steps in, Sami backs up as far as he can, and Kevin tells Aldis, “If we’re talking about people that deserve title matches… I think you’re looking at someone-” Candice interrupts and says she knows what Kevin’s trying to do. Gargano is next. Sami said so! The fans boo but Kevin says excuse him a minute. STUNNER on Gargano! Sami gets mad and blames Aldis. Aldis has Kevin stop and he knows what Kevin is saying. But again, Sami doesn’t make matches, Aldis does.

And after what Kevin did last week, Aldis is sorry, but he can’t reward bad behavior. Kevin asks if Aldis is high, but Sami says they don’t reward bad behavior! Kevin says Sami screwed up how many main events just to get that title back? Three or four, wasn’t it? Aldis admits that is true. Then the Triple Threat: Kevin, Finn, and Gunther, yet it goes to No Contest all because of that idiot right there! Aldis says that’s also true. And let’s not forget this whole mess started when Sami started Kevin the WWE Championship in Kevin’s match in Toronto! Aldis says that’s also true. Kevin adds that Sami is an arrogant jackass!

Aldis says he can’t argue with that one. And to be frank, this has Aldis thinking. Sami says there’s nothing to think here! What’s Aldis trying to do? You don’t think Sami can see it? Sami knows what Aldis did to him last time, throwing CM Punk at him last minute! Is that what Aldis thinks he can do here? Sami grabs Aldis by the collar! The fans boo, but Sami says Aldis is not doing that to Sami again! Understand?! Aldis tells Sami to understand this: Get your hands off him, NOW. Sami lets go, Aldis says he’ll say this for the third time. Sami doesn’t make matches, Kevin doesn’t make matches, Aldis make the matches!

And Aldis was on the fence about this, but Sami just made this real easy for him. Lace ’em up tight, because Sami’s defending against Kevin TONIGHT! The fans really like that! Aldis says also, that last reign was what, nine days? Let’s see if we can make it past seven. Sami is flabbergasted, but he’s the one who stepped in it. Will Sami be able to get his foot out of his mouth before he loses the title? Sami hurries after Aldis to try and change things, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper wants number 15, and he looks to the title in Sami’s hand. Orton shines it up real quick before he goes to the ring. Will Orton book himself a flight to New Orleans tonight?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Trick Williams VS Rey Fenix VS Randy Orton!

SmackDown returns as the AAA World Cruiserweight Champion makes his entrance, followed by the WWE United States Champion. Corpus Christi is ready to “Whoop Dat Trick!” as Tricky Two Times and Lil’ Yachty go to the ring. The bell rings and Orton DECKS Fenix! Trick is rather surprised by that, but he and Orton stare down. The fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up. Trick headlocks, Orton powers up and out, but Trick RUNS him over! Then Fenix DROPKICKS Trick! Orton is up but Fenix fires fast hands! Fenix ROCKS Orton, whips, but Orton reverses. Orton runs in, but Fenix BOOTS him back!

Fenix SOBATS, front KICKS, but Orton SHOVES him away. Orton runs up, Fenix dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Trick runs up, Fenix DUMPS him out! Fenix goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Trick but Fenix puts him back in. Fenix goes up, up, and QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Trick survives, Fenix runs, but Trick pops him up for a FLAPJACK! The fans fire up with Trick, and he powers up the TRICK SLAP! Down goes Fenix and Trick fires up again. Trick stalks Fenix to a corner, stomps him down, “WHOOP! DAT! TRICK!” Trick then runs up, and he LARIATS Fenix up and out!

Orton is there, and he gives Fenix a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Fenix flounders around, but Trick runs up! Orton gets Trick for a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Yachty tells Orton to back off on his man, and Orton says right, sorry. But then a poke to the eyes sets Yachty up, for a DESK BACK SUPLEX! The Viper shows no mercy, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Orton stomps Trick on the leg, on the hand, then drags him up to put in a corner. Orton hoists Trick up top, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again. The fans rally and duel as Orton climbs, but here comes Fenix! Orton DECKS Fenix! Orton goes back for Trick, CLUBS him on the back, then brings him up. But Fenix jumps back in, and flips into the TOWER OF DOOM! Fenix goes right back up, and he FROG SPLASHES onto Orton! Cover, TWO! Orton survives and Fenix is surprised, but the fans fire back up. Fenix rallies the fans, even as they duel between the three men. Fenix has both men up, and he KICKS Orton! Then KICKS Trick!

Fenix KICKS Orton, KICKS Trick, repeat! But then Orton blocks a kick, and sends it into Trick! Then Orton kicks Fenix low, whips him, but Fenix rewinds in the ropes to HEEL KICK! The fans fire up as Fenix rises, and Fenix GAMANIGIRIS Trick in a corner! Fenix runs but Orton LARIATS! Orton LARIATS Trick! Orton dodges Fenix to SNAP POWERSLAM him! The fans fire up again, and Orton senses Trick! SNAP POWERSLAM for Trick, too! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Trick. Orton has Trick in the ropes, but Fenix says ADIOS AMIGO! The fans fire up as Orton falls and Fenix climbs! Fenix aims, but Trick SHOVES him down!

Fenix hits the floor, Trick hits a BOOT on Orton! Cover, TWO! Orton survives, the fans rally up, and Trick lets his hair down! Trick fires up, brings down his kneepads, but Fenix somersaults in and RANAS! Cover, TWO! Trick survives, but Fenix aims! “UNO! DOS! TRES!” SUPERKICK! Trick is down, the fans fire up, and Fenix goes back to the corner. Fenix jumps up, up and- R K O!! Orton talks trash on Fenix, but gets a TRICK SHOT for it!! Trick covers Fenix, Trick wins!!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

The Viper struck, but he let his eyes off the ball! Hollywood Trick is headed to the Big Easy, will he be Mr. Money in the Bank?

Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae regroup backstage.

Johnny Wrestling has a big bag of ice on his face, still upset and confused. Candice isn’t sure what he expected, though. Gargano says she knows what he expected and he doesn’t understand why it didn’t happen. Candice says she did but she also knew he’d be disappointed. But then Sami storms in and asks them if they see what’s going on. “They” are trying to do it again! “They” are trying to take his title from him again! Do they see it?! Never mind him, did they see what “they” did to Gargano?! Aldis said Gargano already had his match, he doesn’t get to be on the list. And that is crap! Sami says Gargano deserves it, he does!

Sami apologizes, they got their wires crossed last week, and Gargano deserves his title match. Sami will work on Aldis, he will get that title match for Gargano. But Johnny… Sami cannot lose the title tonight after just seven days. Sami cannot go through that again, he won’t go through that again! If he loses this title… And Aldis already said Gargano had his opportunity… Then if Sami’s not champion, does Gargano think he’ll ever get his shot at this title ever again? Does Gargano understand what Sami’s saying here? Gargano sighs, but he says yes, he understands. Sami says okay, they’ll talk a little later. Sami’s got Gargano, believe him,

Sami say she appreciates Gargano & Candice. They can talk. Gargano & Candice head out, and Sami clings to the belt. Will history repeat itself tonight? And in what way?

MFT speaks.

Tama Tonga asks, “You see these titles? We did that. My family did that. Shinsuke, I never needed you. But you know what I think? You needed me! And when I refused, you brought in Kyoki. You should’ve left him in Japan. Because whatever happens to him now will be on your hands!”

BAKUSAI responds.

Kyoki tells MFT in Japanese, “Hurry up and fight us already!” Nakamura says in Japanese and then in English that MFT has it confused. They are not the hunters, they are the prey! These teams will battle in mere moments, but will The King of Strong Style & Ticking Timebomb blow up the Mother Effin’ Tongans? Or will the Good Bad Guy & Tongan Titan prove why they’re on top?

Tatum Paxley is backstage.

And she has a lot of candles… Alexa Bliss is also there, warming up, and Charlotte Flair hip bumps her. Charlotte asks if “Blisster” is ready. After all, Jacy Jayne doesn’t have experience in qualifiers, and they all know Jade… Then she asks Tatum what she’s doing with the candle. Tatum says these are her special candles. This one represents- Charlotte blows it out. Charlotte says Alexa does not need the candles, she needs to focus. Who knows what Jacy and Jade have up their sleeves! Alexa calms Charlotte, says she loves her and knows Charlotte has her back. Alexa also knows Tatum has her back, but Alexa needs to focus on what she needs to do.

Tatum and Charlotte will each get their own opportunities, but right now, Alexa needs to focus on what she can do on her own. Tatum says this is also a good time for her and Charlotte to bond! They won against Fallon & Lainey, so the tag titles are as good as theirs! Charlotte thinks on that, Alexa says Charlotte’s got this. Charlotte says that’s her line! Alexa leaves, and Tatum says this candle represents serenity. Charlotte says she can use that. Tatum brings up another candle, Charlotte blows it out. That was for fighting bad luck! Charlotte gets upset that Tatum didn’t say so, but Tatum says she was trying to! Charlotte hurries to reignite it, but did she already jinx Alexa?

MFT VS BAKUSAI!

We heard from both teams, and we know there’s history from when they were all in NJPW. Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga have the titles, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki want them, will this be an explosive battle of Strong Style?

The teams sort out and while Kyoki wants Talla, he gets Tama. The fans rally, but then Kyoki runs up to throw hands on Talla! Talla guzels Kyoki, Tama drags him back by his hair, then takes a swing. Kyoki dodges to then BLAST Talla off the apron! The fans cheer as Kyoki slides out, but Tama follows to CLOBBER Kyoki! The fans boo as Tama pushes Kyoki back in. Kyoki comes back and he DROPKICKS Tama to the floor! Kyoki aims from the apron, and he FLYING DROPKICKS MFT! The fans fire up with Kyoki while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Nakamura and Tama are down, but then Nakamura crawls. Hot tag to Kyoki! CROSSBODY on Tama! CROSSBODY again! Then a RA- NO, Tama stops the rana, but Kyoki fights free of the bomb! Tama CHOPS Kyoki, but Kyoki fires up! Tama CHOPS again, but Kyoki fires up again! Tama CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS. but Kyoki CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Kyoki runs up, Tama BOOTS him away, and Talla sneaks the tag. Tama runs up but Kyoki RANAS him away! The fans cheer, but here comes Talla! Kyoki dodges, CROSSBODIES, but Talla catches him! Talla pops Kyoki up, but Kyoki slips free!

Kyoki dodges Talla and SHOTGUNS Talla! Talla stays up, so Kyoki runs up. Talla guzels and CHOKE- DDT COUNTER! The fans fire up as Talla tumbles out! Kyoki goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and SUPER SENTONS! Direct hit with that big cannonball, and the fans fire up with Kyoki! Kyoki & Nakamura get Talla up and in, then Kyoki tags Nakamura. Kyoki SHOTGUNS Talla down, then Nakamura helps Kyoki, EXPLODER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Talla is tougher than that but Nakamura fires back up. Nakamura brings Talla up but Talla UPPERCUTS from his knees! Talla then runs corner to corner, but Nakamura dodges!

Talla hits POST, Nakamura ENZIGIRIS! Nakamura goes up, FLYING KNEE! Talla falls, Nakamura covers, TWO! Talla survives again and Nakamura grows frustrated. The fans rally as Nakamura aims from the corner, “YAO~!” But Tama YANKS Kyoki off the apron! Then Tama runs up, but Nakamura puts him in the ropes! CHOP and SLIDING GERMAN! But Haku JAMS Nakamura up with his walking stick! The ref sees that plain as day, Bakusai wins!

Winners: BAKUSAI, by disqualification

Haku keeps going as he throat chops Nakamura! The fans boo but then Haku sticks the stick under Nakamura’s chin, and DRIVES him into the steel steps! Nakamura falls, Kyoki LEAPS in, but Talla catches him! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Haku tells his sons to destroy them! Talla shoves Kyoki into the ring, and MFT coordinates, HIGH LOW ATTACK!! Bakusai just got blown up, but the record books will still say they won. Will Nakamura & Kyoki make sure the sons pay for the sin of their father?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Cathy Kelley excuses the interruption but she knows tonight is big. Kevin says it is big, not just because of the title match, but because of where they are. Corpus Christi is the arena where Kevin had his first official WWE match, against none other than John Cena! And uh, do you know what happened that night? Cathy says Kevin beat John Cena. That’s right, he beat John Cena! And now, the stars have aligned perfectly so that in this same arena where Kevin beat Cena, Kevin beats Sami to become Undisputed WWE Champion! But then in steps Finn Balor, and he says sup. Kevin says hey, what’s up?

Finn says it’s just nice to see the stars aligning for someone. What’s that supposed to mean? Well, Kevin and Sami have been friends for as long as anyone can remember, so it’s convenient how Kevin gets first crack at Sami, especially after Kevin helped Sami win it. But hey, to each their own. Kevin will do things his way, Finn will do things the right way. Whoever is champion after tonight, Finn’s coming for them. If that means Finn has to win Money in the Bank to do it, then so be it. Best of luck tonight. Finn heads out, Kevin thanks him for that. The Prince might be a bit paranoid, but will his passion make him Mr. Money in the Bank?

Nick Aldis talks with Chelsea Green & Tiffany Stratton.

The SmackDown GM congratulates The Hot Mess on winning and retaining the title. They’ve been through a lot, but she’s proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that she deserves to be champion. Chelsea says she never thought she’d hear those words, but she really could not have done it without- Danhausen!? He pops out of Aldis’ office and says he’s glad to see “Suit Guy,” because “Gooner” is on the phone complaining about Human Moneys in the Bank. Why does Danhausen have Aldis’ phone?! Why doesn’t Danhausen have human moneys? Oh, also, someone named “Mickey” keeps calling, they sound really angry, but don’t worry, Danhausen blocked their number.

Aldis is the angry one now and demands his phone back. Aldis chases Danhausen into the office, and Tiffany says she talked to Aldis earlier. Tiffany has a spot in a MITB qualifier! She hopes Chelsea doesn’t mind. No, of course now! That means there can be two hottie champions! The besties turn the corner, and Nikki Bella is there. She says she saw Chelsea on the Andy Cohen Show last night. Oh, she did? Did she like what Chelsea said about Nikki? Yes, just keep her name out of your mouth. But she- Nikki doesn’t care. And while Chelsea was busy barely squeaking by Nia Jax, hopefully she saw what Nikki did to Paige.

Nikki is coming for that title, and unlike Tiff, Nikki doesn’t need qualifying matches. She is a legend, she is an icon, she IS Nikki Bella, and she’s coming for the title, got that? Nikki heads out, Tiff says that’s rude. But will #FearlessNikki become a Bully Bella to get the belt?

Exclusive sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes.

Michael Cole thanks The American Nightmare for taking this time. Cole brings up the seeming pattern. Sunday Night’s Main Event, Cody could not “pull the trigger” on someone he cared about in Randy Orton. What happened? Cody says Cole isn’t wrong. He may not like the phrasing, “couldn’t pull the trigger.” Cody could cite mercy, but that wasn’t it, that’d just be an excuse. Cody isn’t here to do that. Cole brings up calling Cody “QB1,” and many in this company also call him QB1. Cole is personally very proud to have someone like Cody representing WWE. The problem is, it seems there is no longer a team, the players are gone.

WrestleMania 40, Cody was able to #FinishTheStory, and he was hoisted onto their shoulders. If we look back at those pictures, from Kevin Owens to Randy Orton to Sami Zayn to John Cena to Jey Uso, all those people eventually stabbed Cody in the back. Now, that comes with the territory as champion, but… Cody knows, maybe he should’ve seen some of it coming. All that time Cody was growing up in this industry, maybe he should’ve struck first. Whether that was Sami, Cena, Kevin, or Randy, everyone, Cody included, they all get “seduced” by the WWE Championship. Maybe Cody is arrogant or naive thinking that it would’ve been different for him.

It did not, but Cody maybe disagrees that this is not the end of “QB1.” That’s not the only team. Cole is the voice of the WWE, which is a large team, and not just the gentlemen fighting over the WWE Championship. Cole says Cody must know it’ll happen again, right? Cody will be in the ring with Randy Orton again. And when Cody looks in Randy’s eyes, just a few feet away, what will Cody do? Cody says one thing he’s not immune to is every week, whether it is in the locker room, in the arena, or online, he hears the conversation about Cody’s own morality. Will he? Won’t he? Is there a different path? A darker path? Is he going to turn?

Cody asks Cole, does Cole or anyone else here know something Cody doesn’t? All of Cody’s success, which is beyond his wildest dreams, has been him, this guy is sitting right here, who came back to WWE at WrestleMania 38. Cody experimented and disrupted in the pro-wrestling and sports entertainment space more than anyone except for maybe Mr. Heyman. Cody knew who he was, and he was uncompromised. Uncompromised got Cody back-to-back Royal Rumble wins. Uncompromised got him two wins over Brock Lesnar. Uncompromised helped Cody beat a man who had not lost in four YEARS!

Fast forward to SummerSlam against The Greatest of All Time, his mentor, John Cena! And Cody didn’t ask for the torch, he took it! Then this year, WrestleMania 42, Cody beat Randy. Cody doesn’t care how he looked how he walked out of there. So he is amused that he needs to change, but credit to this question, because that situation will come up again. And when it does, Cody is not going to make the same decision as he did on Sunday Night’s Main Event. Cole thanks Cody for his time, but is Cody going to keep that promise he just made?

Backstage interview with The Baddies.

Cathy Kelley is at gorilla position with Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab, and Cathy knows Jade is looking to qualify for MITB tonight. But as a former WWE Women’s Champion, and after The Baddies were successful on Saturday Night’s Main Event- Fab stops Cathy there and wants them to back up a bit. They heard Tatum saying Tatum & Charlotte are next in line for the Women’s Tag Team titles?! The Baddies laugh at that, and Michin says they done mopped the floor with all three of ’em! Make that make sense. Jade says as far as anyone being in line for the tag team titles, her girls are, because tonight, she comes back for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Jade ain’t letting Alexa, “Lacey,” or anybody else get in her way. MITB is hers, she’s coming for it. The music hits, and The Storm heads to the ring. Fab says that’s the future, bet on it. But will Jade punch her ticket to the top? Or will the odds not favor #ThatB1tch?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jacy Jayne VS Alexa Bliss VS Jade Cargill!

SmackDown returns as Jacy makes her entrance, Women’s US Championship around her waist. Then Alexa makes her entrance and the fans cheer. The bell rings, the three watch each other, and Jacy points to the briefcase, saying that’s hers. Jade says she already beat Alexa, and that Jacy just runs her mouth. Alexa swings, Jacy dodges, and Jacy THROWS Alexa down by her hair! The fans boo while Jacy gloats, but Jacy bumps into Jade and freaks out. Jacy runs away, and she says she can go n her time, she’s already a champion. Everyone will respect her! Jacy stands on the desk, but the fans boo harder. But then Alexa goes out and YANKS her down!

The fans cheer Alexa, and she puts Jacy in the ring for Jade. Jace storms up but Jacy crawls away. Alexa tries to roll Jade up, but Jade YANKS Alexa up off the mat to whip her to ropes. Alexa ducks ‘n’ dodges but Jacy trips her up! Jacy says payback’s a b*tch so stay out of it! Jacy slides into the ring, watches Jade closely, and Jacy says hold on now. Then she tries a cheap shot! Jade blocks a kick, Jacy headlocks, but Jade powers out and RUNS Jacy over! Jade scoops Jacy to SLAM her! Then she cocky covers, ONE! Jade drags Jacy up, whips, but Jacy dodges to RANA! Jade tumbles, Jacy swaggers, and fans boo.

Jade runs up, Jacy DUMPS her out, but Jade trips Jacy up! Alexa WRECKS Jade with a dropkick, then sees Jacy. Alexa stands on Jacy, and SKATEBOARD STOMPS! The fans cheer but Jade drags Alexa out of the ring! Jade shoves Alexa down, brings Jacy around, and sends Jacy into Alexa! Jade then guzels, but Jacy slips free of the choke slam! Jacy mule kicks, runs, but into a BIG BOSS SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jacy survives but Jade is unbothered as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Jacy has Alexa in the corner. Jacy runs up, BACK BODY BLOCKS, then puts Alexa up top. Jacy SMACKS Alexa, CHOPS her, then tells the fans to shut up. Jacy climbs, but Jade adds on! The fans fire up for the TOWER OF DOOM! Cover on Jacy, TWO! Cover on Alexa, TWO! Jade grows frustrated, but she SMACKS Alexa off buckles. Then she THROWS Jacy into the other corner. Jade runs to ELBOW Jacy, then runs to ELBOW Alexa! Jade keeps going, but Jacy dodges and Jade POSTS herself! Jade falls out of the ring, Jacy rises up, and Jacy runs at Alexa, but Alexa RUNS her over! And RUNS her over again!

Alexa wrenches, kicks, SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Jacy, then DDTS her down! The fans fire up for Alexa and she runs the ropes. Tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Jacy tumbles onto ropes, Alexa runs up to DROPKICK her out! Alexa then goes outside, and she CANNONBALLS! Down goes Jacy and the fans fire up again! But then Jade guzels Alexa! POP-UP KNEE! Alexa falls but Jade gets her back in the ring. Only for Jacy to SHOVE Jade into the steel steps! Jacy then runs to KNEE Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Jacy is frustrated, maybe even twitchy, but the fans fire up. Alexa goes to a corner, Jacy runs in, but Alexa sends Jacy into buckles!

The fans fire up as Alexa drags Jacy into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, the fans cheer, but Jacy bails out! The fans boo, but Alexa just changes course! Alexa SUPER CROSSBODIES onto Jacy and Jade! The fans fire up as Alexa hurries to get Jacy back in. Jacy sits up, Alexa clamps on, TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, but Jade pushes the ref!! The fans boo as Jade stoops to new lows to save the match! Alexa is furious, she hits a THESZ PRESS and rains down fast hands! Jade gets free, runs up, but Alexa dodges the boot! Alexa then catches Jade to a clinch, but Jade pulls hair! Jade powers up to chicken wing, and JADED!! Cover, Jacy SUPERKICKS it apart!! Jacy covers, JACY WINS!

Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Jade is shocked, but her hard work is now sending Jacy to New Orleans! Fatal Influence celebrates with their opportunistic leader, will they just keep on collecting gold?

Backstage interview with Giulia.

Cathy Kelley is with the Beautiful Madness, and says that it was just announced, Giulia will be in a Money in the Bank Qualifier. Charlotte Flair and Lash Legend stand in her way, is there any concerns heading in? Giulia says she is standing in their way, the same as they’re in her way. But then speaking of, Nia Jax & Lash Legend step in. Nia says big deal, Giulia kicks in Blake Monroe’s “fake teeth” and now she thinks she’s ready for THE Lash Legend? Giulia laughs sarcastically before she says she does not like them. And she beats people she doesn’t like. Lash says she’s gonna clean house, including Giulia.

Then Lash will grab the briefcase, and bring home the WWE Women’s Championship to the Irresistible Forces, and look damn good while doing it. Nia & Lash snap snap, but Giulia says we’ll see how good Lash looks after she’s kicked Lash’s teeth out, too! Then Giulia snap snaps! Oh no she didn’t! Giulia storms off, but will it be a snap for her to win that Triple Threat? Will the Bougie Bully head for Bourbon Street? Or are they both counting out The Queen too soon?

Trick Yachty Gang regroups backstage.

Yachty says that’s how you do it! That is how a champ does it! And Trick is one step away from being Tricky Two Belts, baby! Oh, whoa, whoa, Yachty just had a thought. They can’t forget what “Baron Boring” did to them last week. Trick says yeah, but he’s got this! Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the flyest of them all? Tricky~! He has a plan for Baron, but for now, they gonna focus on MITB, and they will get what’s theirs, and that’s Tricky Two Belts. Yessir! But then look who we have here! What’s up, Gingerbread? Long time, no see! Sami says maybe Trick hasn’t been paying attention, but it’s not “Gingerbread” anymore, it’s Two-Time Undisputed WWE Champion.

And maybe it is time Trick shows a little respect to the champ. Champ, huh? Barely. Last time, his reign was a week, and it might be even shorter. That’s what she said! Sami says they can laugh, but he’ll stay champion. Trick says he hopes Sami retains the title. Then Trick can win MITB and take Sami’s title again. Now let’s talk about it. Trick Yachty gang heads out, Sami slaps a water bottle in frustration, but will things go as they both want? Or will someone else change their plans for them?

Damian Priest speaks.

“A lot of you are asking why I had to do Truth like that. What you should be asking is, ‘What took so long?’ Because we were tag team champions, and for six months, you, Truth, were giving out title shots left and right, and I had to win those matches for us! Instead of laughing, I should’ve been focused. Instead of bitching about change, I should’ve looked in the mirror and said, ‘YOU need to change.’ After we lost the titles, I tried to move on. I tried to explain to you why this needed to be over, and you failed again. Then I had to explain to you the only way I know how. And y’know what? I don’t think you get it yet. But you will.

“You wanna call me a villain? Truth, you wanna call me a backstabber? Fine! But make sure you call me a bad man, because I am a bad man!” The Archer of Infamy has issued his warning, but will Truth get the message?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens!

For the first time since their days in NXT, these two will fight 1v1 over a title, and they’re fighting over THE title! The Last Real Good Guy wants justice to be served, but does that mean he gets what he wants? Or will he only get what he deserves at the hands of his own best frenemy?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has their moment in the spotlight!

Kevin goes after Sami before the bell! The ref reprimands but the fans fire up! The bell rings as Kevin fires hands in the corner, then fires knees and stomps! The ref counts, Kevin stops at 4, but he and the fans are all fired up! Kevin storms back up to throw more hands, then whips. Sami grabs ropes, bails out, and the fans boo. The ref wants Kevin to wait but Kevin goes out to LARIAT Sami down! And then SENTON on the floor! The fans cheer Kevin, Kevin says this is his show and his title, b*tch! The Prizefighter is indeed in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again as Kevin whips Sami to ropes, but again Sami grabs ropes. Sami goes to bail out but Kevin grabs at him through the ropes! The fans cheer, but Sami HOTSHOTS Kevin down! The fans boo, but Sami storms in and rains down fists! Sami stops to then ELBOW Kevin in the head! Cover, ONE! Kevin pie faces Sami, Sami SMACKS Kevin, then Sami SMACKS him again and again! The fans boo Sami as he hobbles and stalks Kevin. Sami has Kevin in a corner, whips corner to corner hard, and Kevin falls to the mat! The fans boo but Sami stomps away on Kevin in the corner. The ref counts, Sami stops at 4.

Sami argues with the ref, the fans boo again, then Sami goes back to Kevin. Kevin kicks, Sami fires hands! Sami SMACKS Kevin off buckles, then goes up to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives but Sami drags him around. Sami goes back up the corner while the fans boo more. Kevin anchors Sami’s foot, Sami kicks at him, and they both throw hands! The fans fire up as Kevin fires a flurry, but Sami CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands, Kevin runs up, but Sami leaps over! Kevin SUPERKICKS Sami down! The fans fire up as both men stir. Kevin crawls to the corner, rises up, and the fans fire up even more!

Kevin runs to SENTON! And SENTON again! Sami scrambles, but Kevin runs corner to corner! CANNONBALL! Kevin then fireman’s carries Sami, and gives a “You Can’t See Me!” ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and the fans can’t believe it! Kevin drags Sami up, whips him to ropes, and POP- NO! Sami lands out! Kevin kicks, but Sami blocks the stunner! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives, Sami is beside himself, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more as Sami and Kevin throw hands on the top rope! The fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious, and then Kevin HEADBUTTS Sami down! Sami is in the drop zone, Kevin rises up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and no one can believe it! The fans rally harder and harder, but here comes Johnny Wrestling! The ref stops Gargano, but this is a distraction from CANDICE jumping in! She TORNADO DDTS Kevin! Johnny & Candice slip away, Sami takes aim! HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and the fans are thunderous! Sami is furious with the ref but the count was fair!

Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs as he goes back to the corner and takes aim again. HELLU- POP UP BOMB!! But Kevin can’t cover! So he just kicks and STUNNERS!! Cover, Gargano gives Sami the ROPEBREAK!! The ref missed it, but Kevin kniows! And he goes out to THROW Gargano into barriers! And THROW him again! Then Kevin clears the desk! The fans fire up as Kevin hauls Gargano up, reels him in, but Gargano fights the lift! Sami CLOBBERS Kevin! Sami swings, but Kevin ducks it, DESK BACK SUPLEX breaks the desk!! Randy doing all that earlier must’ve weakened it. Kevin hurries to drag Sami up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring.

The fans fire up as Kevin rolls in, but Gargano has the belt! Sami distracts the ref, Gargano slides in, but Kevin hits a STUNNER on Gargano! Now Candice distracts the ref, and CM PUNK IS HERE!?! Punk BELT SHOTS Kevin!! And that was no accident, either! But then Sami BOOTS Punk! Sami then crawls back to Kevin for the cover, TWO?!!? Kevin survives by a nanosecond and Sami is right in the ref’s face about it! The fans cheer on Punk, but Kevin goes to the corner. Sami runs up, HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, now Sami wins!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

But then Punk gets up and in the ring! Punk fires off hands on Sami and the fans fire up again! Punk ELBOWS Sami, DECKS him, then fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! The Second City Saint screws the Prizefighter, but he also gets his payback on Sami. Speaking of Kevin, Kevin claws at Punk, but Punk picks him up! GO TO SLEEP on Kevin! Sami and Kevin are both on his hit list, but will Punk have to become Mr. Money in the Bank one more time to prove he’s still the Best in the World?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of SmackDown, with just a few surprises. I didn’t think Trick was getting into MITB, I thought that was Orton so that Cody could also get in, or even cost Orton his chance on the way to their third match this year. But that said, that’s a great win for Trick, he could have some fun in that match. Then Cody had his interview, good stuff with him going worked shoot on fans discussing Heel Cody in WWE. Cody finding a way to mention Paul Heyman, they are just giving it away at this point that Heyman and Cody are going to be a partnership going into 2027, and that is going to be a lot of fun. Pull that trigger, Cody!

Very good promos all over tonight, though maybe more than we usually get? I liked the little trio promo of Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum with the gag about the candles, and a good promo from The Baddies to hype Jade up. Jacy is herself a bit of a surprise, but I guess this explains away the US titles on both sides not being defended at MITB. Tatum & Charlotte want their tag title shot, B-Fab & Michin want theirs, we either get a #1 contender’s match, or we get a Triple Threat for the Women’s Tag titles. The latter is more fun to me because then that’s Heels interacting with Heels. Giulia had a good promo with the Irresistible Forces to hype up a qualifier, but I’m pretty sure Blake Monroe costs Giulia so that they can have their own match.

Good promos from MFT and Bakusai, very good tag match, but they clearly protected Bakusai with Haku attacking. Hopefully the tag title match these teams have will give us the full Strong Style I’m hoping for. Damian Priest had a good promo to explain his Heel turn, and I suppose he and Truth will have a pretty good match out of this. Priest likely wins so that he can move on towards I would think the US title. Good promo from Chelsea and Tiff with Aldis and Danhausen, especially the Danhausen part. Equally good interaction from Chelsea & Tiff with Nikki, and while Nikki thinks she’s past Paige, Paige surely comes back to ruin things for Nikki.

And great stuff in the main event scene, even with the tiny bit of botch at the end of the match. Gargano confronting Sami, Sami trying to weasel out of things only to get caught in the middle with Gargano and Kevin, and then setting up the main event, very good opening segment. Good follow-ups from Sami and Gargano, and then Finn confronting Kevin, claiming conspiracy. Great main event match, even with the overbooking, and Punk’s surprise appearance was good, too. But with all that, I figured Sami would win. Punk standing tall, though, I wonder if he is already the choice for Mr. MITB this year. That’s be pretty historic, being a three-time Mr. MITB, and him taking the title that way would absolutely send Sami off the deepest deep end yet, something Sami is really good at portraying.

My Score: 8.7/10