The Last Real Good Guy? Or just another villain?

Sami Zayn continues to demand justice from SmackDown, but he’s the one who ruined the #1 contender’s match! What is going to happen now?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tatum Paxley & Charlotte Flair w/ Alexa Bliss VS Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid w/ Jacy Jayne; Tatum & Charlotte win.
• Tiffany Stratton w/ Chelsea Green VS Nia Jax w/ Lash Legend; Nia wins.
• Shinsuke Nakamura & KYOKI VS The Miz & Kit Wilson; Nakamura & Kyoki win.
• Blake Monroe VS Giulia; No Contest.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae; Punk wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

GUNTHER is here!

Cleveland boos Der Ring General as he storms down to the ring. Gunther grabs a mic to shout, “I’ve been looking for Sami Zayn all day! I know he’s here, I know he’s hiding. This show will not go forward as long as Sami Zayn doesn’t bring his ass down here in this ring!” The fans do like the sound of that, but Sami responds from out in the crowd! Sami tells Gunther that if he wants Sami, he’s right here! Gunther doesn’t need to hold the show hostage. If Gunther’s got something to say, say it! But Sami will keep his distance, he’s still dealing with a broken hand. But Gunther seems pretty mad, huh? It seems that lately, everyone is so mad as Sami, huh?!

Let’s all take a breath, okay? Let’s get a little perspective around here, because Gunther is talking like he’s the victim. Sami will make something clear, Gunther is not the victim, SAMI IS! Sami is the one who was robbed, who should still be WWE Champion! The WWE Champion should be a good guy! He should be the LAST REAL GOOD GUY! But instead, our WWE Champion is the biggest fraud, hypocrite, piece of trash, snake in the grass, shouldn’t even be breathing the same air as Sami, C M PUNK! The fans chant for Punk, but Sami says they’re all so delusional. They’ve got the real deal, the working class hero, but they cheer for Punk.

That’s fine. Sami’s not asking for the world! Not for much! Just the opportunity to get back what was stolen from him, HIS WWE Championship. That’s it! And yet, week after week, Sami’s made to jump through obstacles, he’s kept out! Gunther was in that Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match, Sami wasn’t even included! So if Gunther’s not happy about what happened, here’s Sami’s advice: Buckle up, get real comfortable, because that is the future of SmackDown from h ere on out! NO #1 Contender matches, no easy rides, for anybody! Doesn’t matter if it’s Gunther, Finn Balor, or Sami’s oldest friend in the world, Kevin Owens!

If Sami doesn’t sleep, no one sleeps! If Sami doesn’t eat, no one eats! No one gets theirs until Sami gets his! No justice, no peace! Gunther says he’s heard enough. If Sami doesn’t wanna come to the ring, Gunther will just go out there and drag him to it! The fans fire up but Sami says stay where you are, Gunther, Sami’s not cleared! Gunther storms out of the ring, but Finn Balor appears in the crowd! Finn says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Gunther! Slow down, mate! Hold your horses! I’ve still got a bone to pick with you. But Sami Zayn, huh? You’re out here looking for Justice for Sami? Well after what happened last week, I’m out here for Justice for Finn. And I’m gonna take it right now!”

Finn chases Sami through the crowd and to ringside! They get in the ring, Sami hurries back out, but then KEVIN OWENS appears! Sami runs away as Kevin runs down the ramp! They jump into the crowd, run around the way, and to the back! Sami may not be champion, but he sure put a target on his back! Will someone take down “The Last Real Good Guy” before going after the Best in the World? Speaking of…

CM Punk is watching this backstage.

Punk laughs, then Nick Aldis walks in. Punk asks if Aldis is seeing this, and Aldis says yes, that’s why he came to talk. They can’t keep doing this. They need a #1 contender. Punk agrees. And every time they try to name one, Sami interferes. Punk wants to get after Sami, too, but we don’t wanna reward this bad behavior. Oh, hold that thought. Punk has an idea. Punk walks over to Candice LeRae & Johnny Gargano. Still doing this, huh? Johnny, you in there? Did you fight your entire career to get here just to lie down on a box? Or did you fight to get here and, oh I dunno, become world champion?

Candice says she’s been at this for months, it’s not gonna work. Good try, though. Cute. Punk says he has tricks up his sleeve that not even Candice has. Somewhere inside there lurks Johnny Wrestling, born and raised on the lake here in Cleveland, Ohio. Some say, he’s Cleveland’s Favorite Son. So what does he say to Johnny Gargano, Son of Cleveland, taking on CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship? … Well, thanks for thinking about it. Punk really thought that’d work. Candice says hold on, hold on! Maybe, maybe, just give it a few more minutes? Punk says sorry, time’s up. But wait! GARGANO STANDS!!

Gargano steps up to Punk, and says, “Let’s do it!” Punk smiles and says perfect! Candice is so excited for Gargano! Johnny Wrestling lives, but can he finally become Johnny Undisputed?

Tatum Paxley & Charlotte Flair w/ Alexa Bliss VS Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid w/ Jacy Jayne!

While #FridayAddams, The Queen & “Blisster” are preparing for The Baddies on Sunday, this is quite the test of teamwork, taking on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Will Tatum & Charlotte make for a winning combination? Or will even they fall under The Fatal Influence?

SmackDown returns as Charlotte is in gorilla position, and Alexa Bliss walks in. Charlotte asks where Lexi’s been, they have a tag match! And if they win, they’d have a future tag team championship waiting for them, along with momentum going into Sunday- Why is Alexa not dressed? See, there was a change of plans… Tatum jumps in excitedly and says they are gonna be a great team! Tatum always dreamt of tagging with The Queen! Charlotte asks Alexa if she’s kidding. Alexa says Tatum did so well last week, and they’re still warming up to each other, so what better way to bond? Just like how #Charlexa did.

Tatum says it’ll be great! She can tag Charlotte, Charlotte can tag her! That means multiple times, their skin touches! Charlotte says a heads up would’ve been nice. Given the opportunities that would come from a win, Alexa thought Charlotte would understand. Charlotte reminds herself this is for gold. She tells Tatum to take notes, do as she says, do as she does, and don’t touch without permission. They can hug after they win. The dysfunctional trio makes their entrance, and the teams sort out. Tatum asks Charlotte to let her start, and Charlotte obliges. The fans applaud as Tatum and Fallon start, only for Fallon to tag Lainey.

Tatum and Lainey circle, feel things out, then Lainey kicks low. Lainey CLUBS Tatum, bumps her off buckles, then soaks up heat before she runs in. Tatum BOOTS Lainey, swings on Fallon, but Fallon ducks. Lainey runs up, Tatum goes up and over, but Fallon tags in before the sunset flip! Fallon stomps Tatum, then KNEES her low! Feed to Lainey for the underhooks and SHOULDER BUSTER! Jacy cheers while Fallon & Lainey talk trash. Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon argues with the ref while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Fallon swings on Charlotte, misses, and Tatum SUPERKICKS Fallon! The fans fire up as Tatum crawls, hot tag to Charlotte! Charlotte goes up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Charlotte then CHOPS away on Fallon and Lainey! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then she dodges Lainey to handspring and LARIAT! The fans fire up with Charlotte, and she GAMANGIRIS Lainey in the corner! Charlotte whips corner to corner but Lainey reverses. Charlotte goes up and out, RAMS into Lainey, then BOOTS Fallon down! Charlotte slingshots to roll Lainey up, TWO!

Charlotte trips Lainey, steps through, but Fallon runs up! Charlotte scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up, the fans fire up, but Lainey SUPERKICKS her! But Charlotte comes back with NATURAL SELECTION! Tag to Tatum, she goes up to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down goes Fatal Influence and the fans fire up! Tatum puts Lainey back in, bobs ‘n’ weaves, and she trips Lainey! Charlotte says go for it, and Tatum steps through! Jacy distracts from the apron, then drops back before Tatum can get her! Alexa POSTS Jacy! Charlotte BOOTS Fallon! But Lainey CLUBS Tatum! Back suplex, but Tatum lands out!

Tatum waistlocks, Lainey switches, O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Charlotte BOOTS Lainey behind the ref’s back! Tatum hooks Lainey up, CEMETERY DRIVE! Cover, Tatum & Charlotte win!

Winners: Tatum Paxley & Charlotte Flair, by pinfall

The newest odd duo makes it work! But then THE BADDIES ATTACK! The fans boo, but then Jade, B-Fab & Michin brawl with Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum! Only for Fatal Influence to join in and make it 6v3! Then Fatal Influence lets The Baddies pick the bones. The fans boo but Mia THROWS Alexa to a corner, then she and Fab get Tatum up for the B T A! Then they drag Charlotte up so Jade can hit JADED! The Storm and her minions just wiped out Charlotte’s trio, but will revenge be coming in Atlanta?

Backstage interview with Nikki Bella.

Cathy Kelley is with #FearlessNikki and brings up the animosity towards Paige for what happened with the tag titles and Brie Bella. But what is Nikki’s response to those saying she’s gone too far? Nikki says, “Too far? You know what I took too far? My trust in Paige was too far. I mean, she failed the Bella Brand, and she’s nothing but a D Grade skank! You think Paige has passion for this? No, Paige has more passion behind closed doors. Paige is the reason why Brie is hurt, Paige is the reason why my big return was ruined. So y’know what? I’m gonna ruin…” Paige steps in, but she has Cathy stay, because there won’t be physicality.

But Paige does like how uneasy she makes Nikki feel uncomfortable right now. You know what Paige realized? Nikki hasn’t liked Paige since day one. And we’re not talking since WrestleMania, we’re talking back in the day! Because Paige built her career on hustle, loyalty, and respect. And in Mexico City next week, Nikki better bring it! If not, Paige will end Nikki’s return faster than her relationship. Paige leaves, leaving Nikki speechless. When and where will these OGs of the Women’s Revolution finally go to war?

Nick Aldis is on the phone.

The SmackDown GM appreciates the doctor doing this for him, he’ll talk more later. Gunther steps in, and he wants to talk. Aldis says okay. Gunther says he did some thinking about the decisions Aldis is making. Look at it: Gunther had to walk out there to handle Sami Zayn personally, because Aldis put Sami in a situation he shouldn’t have been in. Let’s not even talk about the ghost of Finn Balor! He shouldn’t even be in line! Wait, is that Danhausen in the background, dusting Aldis’ posters? Gunther says the cherry on top of it all is Aldis giving Johnny Gargano, the guy who has been napping on cases for a year, a title shot!

And Gunther finally figured it out: Aldis stepped into the ring with Gunther, and he felt the limelight! Aldis is addicted, he wants more! Now he makes crazy decisions so that the attention stays on him. So Gunther is just worried about Aldis, about this business, about his career. Aldis needs to get his stuff together and run this place properly. Oh, worried? Aldis appreciates the concern from “Doctor Gunther,” but if you don’t like it, take it up with Johnny Gargano and CM Punk. As for everything else, it’ll have to wait, because Aldis has important business to take care of regarding the Women’s Championship. More important than Gunther? He’s kidding, right?

Aldis leaves, and Danhausen pats “Gooner” on the shoulder as he tells him not to worry. Danhausen knows how he feels. Gunther grabs Danhausen’s hand and tells him to never touch Gunther again. Danhausen shakes out his hand, then sets his picture on Aldis’ desk, already labeled, “Employee of the Month.” Will things continue to be Very Nice, Very Evil here on SmackDown?

Nick Aldis and a WWE doctor are in the ring.

SmackDown returns and Aldis introduces Dr. Woodruff, and explains the good doctor is here to update us all on Chelsea Green’s condition in the interest of full transparency. So without further ado, please welcome out the WWE Women’s Champion, Chelsea Green! Cleveland cheers as The Hot Mess makes her way out to the ring, belt around her waist and face mask in hand. Chelsea joins Aldis and Dr. Woodruff in the ring, and she says with all due respect, she doesn’t care what he has to say! They’ve already done this before! She is not gonna beg, plead, and cry, they have played this game!

Cleveland, you’re not getting water works, you’re getting an extremely pissed off Women’s Champion! The fans like that! Chelsea says reminder, she is STILL champion! It was Aldis who said she could be a fighting champion! So don’t you dare take that from her! And before you say what she knows you’re gonna say, she realizes she has a bull’s eye on her face for every woman in the locker room, but she has waited 13 YEARS for this title! The fans cheer that! If those women think it’s that easy to take this off her, then let them! Let them try, Nick! Chelsea doesn’t need protecting. She’s not concerned about her safety, she’s concerned about her legacy.

The fans cheer, and Aldis says yes, he gets that, he respects that, and he respects her. She may not be concerned about her safety but Aldis is, because that’s his job. It all boils down to this: It isn’t up to him anymore. So, Doc, over to you. Dr. Woodruff tells Chelsea that as they discussed, she has a fractured orbital bone, and it is not fully healed. But it is healing. So it is Dr. Woodruff’s opinion, that as long as she wears the mask at all times, she is cleared to compete. The fans cheer and Chelsea is so grateful! But then here come the Irresistible Forces! Nia Jax says FINALLY, that’s what she was waiting to hear!

Nia Jax & Lash Legend continue down to the ring as Nia tells Chelsea they’re done playing games. Nia is getting that WWE Women’s Championship. So either they have a match right now, or Nia breaks the other orbital bone, since we all know Chelsea’s made of glass. Chelsea says they’re just bullies! Yes, Bougie Bullies! Lash & Nia step in, they argue with Aldis, but Tiffany Stratton rushes out here! Tiff ROCKS Nia, then DUMPS her out! But Lash fireman’s carries Tiff! Tiff flails, slips free, and BACKSTABBERS! Aldis says okay, hold on! Nia is right, we’re done waiting! Nia can get her title match with Chelsea in Mexico City!

But it looks like Tiff is ready to fight right now! Tiff VS Nia, right here tonight in Cleveland, right now! The fans fire up, and Tiff WRECKS Lash with a dropkick! But then Nia LARIATS Tiff down! Chelsea is here for her BFF, but will that be enough to save #TiffyTime? We find out, after the break.

Tiffany Stratton w/ Chelsea Green VS Nia Jax w/ Lash Legend!

SmackDown returns as Nia has Tiff down in a Cobra Clutch. The fans rally as Tiff endures, and she fights up to her feet! Tiff fires elbows, then a JAWBREAKER! Tiff is free and she goes to a corner. Nia runs up but Tiff dodges! Tiff runs up, and RANAS Nia away! Then Tiff runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lash cheers Nia on but the fans are with Tiff. Tiff runs, wheelbarrows, but Nia stops that to HOTSHOT Tiff off ropes! Then a whip and POP-UP HEADBUTT! High stack, TWO! Tiff toughs it out but Nia keeps cool. Nia steps over Tiff to go up the corner, but Tiff trips her up! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff as she fires up!

Tiff CLUBS away on Nia, then runs the ropes, to LARIAT! Nia doesn’t go down so Tiff LARIATS again! And wheelbarrows for a STUNNER! Nia wobbles, Tiff handsprings, TIFFY STUNNER! Nia staggers around but comes back, only for Tiff to swing through and CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Nia survives but Chelsea says Tiff’s so close! Lash coaches Nia but Tiff drags Nia to a drop zone. Tiff goes up but Lash is there to distract! Tiff HOTSHOTS Lash, but then Nia SAMOAN DROPS Tiff! Nia puts Tiff in the drop zone now, goes up, and A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

Tiff fought hard for her friend, but she got crushed for it! Will Chelsea have a chance in Mexico City? Or will- OH NO, Nia SNATCHES the medical mask away! The fans boo but Lash says Chelsea’s a loser! Nia mocks Chelsea with the mask, dares her to come get it, and Chelsea scowls. Cleveland cheers Chelsea on, and she rushes in anyway! The fans cheer as Chelsea is not afraid of Nia! Nia drops the mask, then she and Lash leave. Will The Irresistible Force be inevitable as WWE Women’s Champion? Or can the Hot Mess find a way to win while less than 100%?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Byron Saxton is with the Prizefighter and brings up the news that Johnny Gargano is in a situation Kevin is familiar with: An Undisputed WWE Championship match, with CM Punk, in his hometown. Kevin says yes, he’s very happy for Gargano getting this opportunity. But don’t think CM Punk did this out of the goodness of his heart. Punk doesn’t do anything unless it benefits Punk. Kevin knows what Punk is doing. By having this match with Gargano, he can draw Sami Zayn out. Kevin gets that, he almost respects it, but he’d never respect anything CM Punk does. But that said, if Punk is right and Sami goes out there…

Something tells Kevin that Sami won’t be alone. Kevin helps cue things back to commentary, but is Kevin right? Is Punk baiting a trap for “The Last Real Good Guy?” Will Sami fall for it?

Exclusive sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes.

Corey Graves met with The American Nightmare, and brings up Sunday Night’s Main Event, Cody Rhodes once again going 1v1 with one of his oldest friends, Randy Orton. We all witnessed Orton’s return at SummerSlam, but things seemed to really go South on the Road to WrestleMania. So to the question: How did we get here? Orton repeats that question as he barges in. They trying to hide back here to do an interview without him? Can Orton squeeze in here? And don’t worry about Orton, in case you missed an episode, they can’t touch. Orton mocks Cody with the stipulation. Cody remembers, right?

Of course he does! Because last week, Orton got right in Cody’s face, said terrible things about Cody’s mother, called her trailer park trash. Is that what Orton called Cody’s mom? And Cody did nothing about it! What kind of a son is this guy? What would Cody’s mom think when Cody didn’t defend her? Doesn’t Cody wanna hit Orton? Here they are, a week removed, Orton saying the same crap to Cody’s face. Does Cody wanna hit him? Hit him! No? Nothing? Really? What about the wife? Oh, he said pretty awful things, right? Called her trashy, too. Orton said awful things about Cody’s dog, but it seems his dog’s not even dead! But soon, huh?

Nothing? Interesting. Orton says he knows what it is now. Cody’s such a “good guy” that he respects the rules so much, he won’t lay a finger on Orton in honor of Cody’s family. It’s the Undisputed WWE Championship, too. Cody loves it so much! That’s what it is, isn’t it? Cody’s an addict! He needs help! He loves the WWE Championship more than he does his own family! That is SICK! People call Orton sick with the voices, but Cody’s more sick than anybody! Cody stands up, and he tells Orton, “Sick? Maybe. Maybe I’m aware I’m sick. Everyone else seems to be. But if you’re right… That means Sunday… You’re screwed.”

Cody smirks as he leaves, and Orton takes a seat. The Viper thinks on that. Could Orton be facing someone even more dangerous than him?

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty meet backstage.

Trick checks in “Boat,” and says the match is coming up in a couple days, how’s he feeling? Yachty says don’t trip, Trick, he’ll whoop dat trick, Baron Corbin, up and down Atlanta. Trick says yeah, but he doesn’t need that, he just needs Yachty to survive. Duck, dodge, bob, weave, whatever Yachty has to do for five minutes so Trick can get his rematch. Yachty says he’s been training all week. Watch, he’ll show you the highlight reel. Yachty queues the video up on screen, and it’s kind of a music video diss track. But yes, Yachty was learning from Danny Burch at the Performance Center, running the ropes, and hydrating with water in a wine glass.

Yachty works up a sweat, but also scrolls on two phones. He also makes it rain with some of the ladies while rapping about “Baron Borin’.” And instead of an ice bath, Yachty just had champagne chilling on ice. Trick says that was nice. But wasn’t this supposed to be his workout video? Yeah, that was it. Trick gets upset and tells Yachty to focus! Baron Corbin steps in and says he’s glad Yachty thinks this is a joke. Just like Yachty’s music career is a joke! But what’s not funny is what Corbin will do on Sunday, in Yachty’s hometown, in front of his family, without that kendo stick to hide behind.

Trick says okay, “Megamind, Mr. Clean.” Bring that same energy on Sunday, because Yachty will survive, and Trick will make sure Corbin doesn’t. Trick will get his title back. Corbin says Trick needs to understand, his only shot at this title depends on Yachty, and Corbin will slaughter him! Yachty is dead, just like Trick’s hopes and dreams. Got it? Corbin leaves, Yachty mocks the tough talk, but Trick tells Yachty he still needs to lock in. Can Yachty survive five with Corbin? Or will it be the End of Days for Trick Yachty Gang?

Shinsuke Nakamura & KYOKI VS The Miz & Kit Wilson!

The King of Strong Style is on a mission to tear down MFT, and he has brought in a Ticking Timebomb! Together, they are #BAKUSAI (Japanese for explosion), but will this be a bombastic debut? Or can #MizKit master, inspire, and zone-in here in The Land?

SmackDown returns as Miz coaches Kit up, and we get a message from BAKUSAI. Kyoki says, “What we do is an art.” Nakamura says they work to excite and defeat. It is an art! They bring colors, expression, and vision. And complete destruction! They are an explosion of energy and madness! And tonight, they are acting on their impulses. They are BAKUSAI! They make their entrance, Kyoki leading the way in one of his signature coats, Nakamura following behind. The teams sort out and Kit starts against Kyoki. The bell rings, they tie up, and Kit puts Kyoki in a corner. The ref counts, Kit backs off, and he throws off his shirt.

Kit flexes, swivels the hips, but Kyoki runs up to CROSSBODY! And CROSSBODY! And then LARIAT in the corner! Kyoki snapmares to basement DROPKICK! Kit scrambles away to tag Miz! The fans boo Miz but Miz challenges Kyoki to a Test of Strength. Kyoki says okay, but then he stomps Miz’s foot! Kyoki runs, but Miz scoops him! Kyoki slips free but Miz CHOPS! Miz says that’s strong style! But Kyoki fires up and says, “More! More!” Miz CHOPS, but Kyoki says, “More, please!” Miz snarls, swings, but Kyoki dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans fire up as Kyoki CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Kyoki runs side to side, tags Nakamura, then LARAITS!

Miz is stuck up top, so Nakamura serves a TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura dumps Miz down, covers, TWO! Kit coaches Miz but Nakamura brings Miz up, Miz swings, but Nakamura dodges to swagger! Then he says, “C’MON~!” Miz runs up, but Nakamura dodge shim! Miz ends up in the ropes, Nakamura hits the SLIDING GERMAN! The fans fire up for Nakamura, but Kit swipes at him. Nakamura says get outta here! Nakamura steps in, but Miz KICKS the ropes! Nakamura gets hit in his Strong Style, and Miz shouts something about “Lesson 32!” Kit CLOBBERS Nakamura! The fans boo but Kyoki chases Kit! The ref stops Kyoki, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Kit tags Miz. Kit then snapmares Nakamura, Miz runs to basement BOOT! Miz taunts Kyoki, the ref keeps them apart, and Miz goes to Nakamura. Miz facelocks Nakamura, grinds him down, but the fans rally up. Nakamura fights up, fires body shots, then reaches out. Kyoki reaches out in return, but Miz KNEES Nakamura! Miz puts Nakamura in the corner, but Nakamura fights back with forearms and elbows! Nakamura swings, but Miz catches him, A-LIST- NO, Nakamura stops the neckbreaker to sunset flip, TWO! Miz hurries to anchor a foot, but Nakamura stands up.

Miz spins Nakamura, but the WHEEL KICK hits! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and both partners reach out! Miz and Nakamura crawl, hot tags to Kit and Kyoki! The fans fire up as Kyoki fires a flurry! Kyoki whips, Kit reverses, but Kyoki RANAS! Kyoki dodges Miz, then sends Kit into him! Kyoki lifts Kit, puts him on Miz’s shoulders, Kyoki makes Kit RANA Miz! Then Kyoki SUPERKICKS Kit! Kit tumbles out, Kyoki goes up! SUPER CANNONBALL! Down goes MizKit and Kyoki is all fired up! Kyoki gets Kit in the ring, suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, Miz breaks it! Miz HAMMERS away on Kyoki while the fans boo!

Nakamura is in, he fires a strike fest on Miz, then runs up. But Miz DUMPS Nakamura out! Miz scowls as he goes to Kyoki, and he drags Kyoki up for the SKULL- NO, Kyoki arm-drags free, then JAWBREAKERS! KINSHASA outta nowhere! Nakamura hurries out, but Kit rolls Kyoki up! TWO, and Kyoki is up! A JAWBREAKER for Kit, then Kyoki covers, BAKUSAI wins!

Winners: Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki, by pinfall

A strong debut for this Strong Style duo! But then MFT makes their presence known! Tama & Talla walk out on stage, their father, Haku, right behind them. Kyoki signals about the tag title belts, will Bakusai blow up the Mother Effin’ Tongans soon enough?

We hear from The War Raiders and #WepaUp.

Erik says for weeks now, R-Truth & Damian Priest have been running from them. Now, they wanna take the AAA World tag Team Championships from them? This will not end well for Truth & Priest! Ivar says the Raiders aren’t like Truth & Priest, because these titles aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! They’re prepared to hurt Truth & Priest to do it. Priest says he was ready to move on from the Tag Division, but the Raiders dragged him right back in, walking around like they’re the only tag team specialists, and that Wepa Up is a joke. Aside from individual accolades, which Erik & Ivar have NONE!

Truth says Erik & Ivar walk around like they did something. Priest points out that they have a combined EIGHT tag title reigns, and so is Truth! W-What? But in Mexico City, Erik & Ivar vow to end the mockery that is Truth & Priest, and remind the entire world that the War Raiders are ready for anyone, but no one is ready for war! Truth says they’re taking their luchador status AND their masks! Priest says no, that’s not what this is. Truth says Erik & Ivar will be a disgrace to Vikingos worldwide! N-No… Priest leaves it at that, but Truth says those chicas won’t even be allowed in their own pueblo! Okay, language barrier aside, will it still be Wepa Up south of the border?

Blake Monroe VS Giulia!

SmackDown returns as Cathy Kelley is with The Glamour at gorilla. Cathy says two weeks ago, Blake savagely attacked Giulia, but last week, Giulia returned the favor. Blake keeps saying this isn’t a suitable situation for her debut, so what’s changed? Blake tells “Catherine, this still isn’t suitable. I deserve a grander opponent, I deserve a grander entrance. But if Giulia thinks she can slap me in the face-” GIULIA ATTACKS NOW! The Beautiful Madness has had enough of Blake’s arrogance, will she make sure to ruin more than Blake’s debut match?

These two brawl out on stage, then down the ramp! The fans fire up as Giulia THROWS Blake into the LED tron! Giulia HAMMERS and THRASHES Blake, refs and security rush out here, but Blake gets up to TACKLE Giulia! The fans fire up as these two keep going, and then Blake lifts Giulia. Giulia trips Blake, HEADBUTTS again and again, but the refs separate these two! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but then an ARRIVEDERCI KNEE knocks Blake down! No more debut match again, will Blake need a dentist after that shot to the mouth?

Johnny Gargano is all cleaned up.

Candice holds up the mirror and Gargano says that’s a nice looking reflection. But then knock knock, it’s Sami! Sami wants to talk, and Sami is so happy to see Gargano up and about! He’s so happy Gargano has this. Gargano says he knows Sami wanted the title match, but Sami says no, forget that. This is still justice! This is for guys like them! It’s not safe for Sami out there, but even if he’s not there, he’s still there for Gargano. Does Gargano understand? Y-Yeah… Sami wants Gargano to know, if an opportunity falls into his lap, he has to take it. Don’t be like Kevin Owens. Sami handed Kevin the chance on a silver platter, Kevin didn’t take it.

If something should happen and the opportunity presents itself, Gargano has to take it. Does he understand? Gargano says yes, he does. Okay. Good luck out there. And just so they’re clear… If Gargano takes the title off Punk, Sami’s first in line. Sami’s first. Got that? Gargano says got it. Gargano heads out, Sami goes back to hiding. Will Johnny Wrestling do everything just as The Last Real Good Guy told him? Or will he do it the Gargano Way?

Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae!

SmackDown returns as Gargano makes his entrance, with Cleveland cheering him on. Then Punk makes his entrance, and the fans still cheer and sing along with Cult of Personality. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes the most of this opportunity!

The bell rings and the fans cheer “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” Gargano and Punk tie up, Punk waistlocks and SLAMS Gargano! Punk asks where Sami Zayn went, then he scoops Gargano to SLAM again! The fans boo but Punk accepts that with a smirk. Punk scoops again, but Gargano slips free to fire off forearms! The fans fire up but Punk headlocks. Gargano powers up and out, but Punk RUNS him over! Punk runs, Gargano drops down, but Punk counters hip toss with hip- NO, Gargano MONKEY FLIPS through! Then he CHOPS Punk in the corner! Gargano rains down fists, then he climbs up to rain down more! The fans count to TEN, but Punk pushes Gargano.

Gargano goes to the apron, he RAMS into Punk, then slingshots, ONE FIN- NO, Punk stops the beat to fireman’s carry! GO TO- RANA! Gargano turns things around again, then ENZIGIRIS! Punk tumbles out, Gargano aims, slingshot and PLANCHA! Down goes Punk and the fans fire up again! Gargano truly is back, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Punk has Gargano down in a chinlock. The fans rally as Gargano endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Gargano ROCKS Punk, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Punk to CALF KICK him down! The fans boo but Punk aims from a corner. Gargano rises up, Punk runs in, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Then a short arm LARIAT! Punk fires up but the fans are torn. Punk climbs a corner, asks where Sami is, then takes aim. But Gargano runs up to ROCK Punk! The fans fire up as Gargano fires shots! Gargano then climbs up, but Punk fires back! Punk SHOVES Gargano down, adjusts, and CROSSBODIES! Gargano rolls it through, TWO!

Punk fireman’s carries, Gargano sunset flips, TWO! Punk kicks low, then front kicks! But Gargano ducks the roundhouse to SUPERKICK! Gargano falls on the cover, TWO!! Punk survives and the fans can’t believe it! Gargano and Punk slowly sit up, and they find each other. Gargano fires a forearm, and another forearm, but Punk fires back with haymakers! Punk is confused by the boos but Gargano ROCKS him! Punk CHOPS, Gargano ROCKS, repeat! The fans cheer as Gargano fires a flurry of haymakers! Gargano ROLLING- ROUNDHOUSE from Punk! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives and the fans fire up again!

Punk kicks at Gargano, kicks him around, and now he’s just getting mean. The fans boo but Punk has Gargano on the apron. Punk drags Gargano up, fires shots, but Gargano GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up as Gargano aims, SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Punk survives, Gargano goes to a corner, and the fans rally up. Candice coaches Gargano, the fans cheer him on, and Gargano feeds off the energy. Gargano aims, and though he is alone, he says night-night! SUPER- NO, Punk blocks the kick, and hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB?! Cover, TWO! A shot at Sami, but now Punk says night-night!

The fans boo but Punk brings Gargano up. Punk fireman’s carries again, but he still looks around. And yes, SAMI is here now! Punk runs up and fires off on Sami! The fans are torn as Punk keeps after Sami, but then Sami gets in the ring! The ref tells Sami to leave, and Candice FLYING RANAS Punk! Here’s the opening Sami talked about! Gargano DIVES to send Punk into barriers! Gargano puts Punk back in, ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Punk narrowly survives and no one can believe it! Sami has had it, and he grabs the belt! Sami signals to Gargano, but KEVIN OWENS rushes out here! Kevin fires off on Sami!

The fans fire up as Kevin hockey scrums Sami, then lifts him up, but Gunther BOOTS Kevin down! That’s so Gunther can CHOKE Sami and reel him in! But then Finn SLINGBLADES Gunther! The Prince gets Der Ring General, but Sami BELT SHOTS Finn! Then he BELT SHOTS Gunther! A repeat of last week as Sami BELT SHOTS Kevin! Gargano hurries to get Punk up, but Punk fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Candice distracts to save Gargano a little longer, and Sami BELT SHOTS PUNK!!! Sami hurries away, and now both men are down!! The ref isn’t sure what to make of this but Cleveland shouts for Gargano to move!!

Gargano crawls, covers, TWO?!!??! Punk still lives, and no one knows how!! Sami runs around the way, he huddles up with Candice, and this is basically Plan C. But then Aldis and other refs rush out here, they expel Sami from ringside! Gargano is distracted by this, and that lets Punk fireman’s carry again! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, Punk wins!

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

After emptying the entire bag of tricks, and busting up all the other contenders, Sami still couldn’t screw Punk out of this title! Aldis says Sami is out of line, but Punk gets a mic to shout that he’s got some juice, he can call a shot! He gleefully enters enemy territory, and accepts the boos he gets, but he still loves Cleveland. As for Sami, he doesn’t want this title half as bad as Punk wants to break Sami’s face for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong! If Sami wants a title shot, then he’s got one! Mexico City SmackDown, Punk VS Sami! Time for Sami to go to sleep!! Sami finally gets what he wants, but will he finally get what he deserves? Or will there be #Justice4Sami?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for SmackDown as not just a go-home to Sunday Night’s Main Event, but to pave the way for more events to come. Though on the nature of this being another prerecorded episode, I think there was a bit of a production flub where Charlotte & Tatum VS Fatal Influence was shown before the promo. Charlotte clearly didn’t know (in kayfabe) about the switcheroo, and it was a bit of a clever move from Alexa. Very good match, though, and a great win for Charlotte & Tatum. Naturally, The Baddies attacked and they got to stand tall, because somehow, someway, Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum, aka #CAT, will win.

Really good tag team match from BAKUSAI VS MizKit, but obviously Nakamura & Kyoki were going to win. This definitely only scratched the surface of what Kyoki/Hiromu Takahashi is capable of, hopefully the eventual tag title match of MFT VS Bakusai really gives us something you’d expect out of NJPW Strong Style. Good promos from War Raiders and Wepa Up, their tag title match will be great stuff, but hard to say who wins that when we’re talking two WWE teams fighting over AAA titles. I’m leaning towards Raiders retaining, they’ve been more established in AAA, and Priest really does seem eager to break free of tag teams and go for a singles title again.

Speaking of, good promo from Yachty, Trick, and Corbin, I appreciated seeing some Evolve talent in Yachty’s workout music video. I still think Yachty does find a way to survive, but I still can’t be sure of Trick’s chances in the third time around with Corbin. Good promo from Blake Monroe that turned into a brawl with Giulia, but it seems they really are waiting until something bigger for Blake’s first SmackDown match. Maybe it’ll be a Money in the Bank qualifier so that both women have a reason to actually see the match through. Great promo from Chelsea, Aldis, and “Doctor Woodruff” to clear Chelsea for competition, but then of course Irresistible Forces stepped all over the moment. Likewise, Nia naturally got a win tonight, but maybe Chelsea finds a way to survive the title match.

Good promo from Nikki and Paige, but not really sure they had to bring it back around to failed love lives… I would think/hope Paige wins the match against Nikki so they can both just move on and do other stuff after this, unless Brie is secretly 100% again and they cue up some kind of tag match. Very good promo from Orton and Cody, and I really like that Cody continues to really play with this idea that he’s going to go full Heel through this continued feud with Orton. And of course, awesome stuff with this Undisputed Championship story, from everyone wanting after Sami to Gargano “miraculously” rising from the road case. They really gave us some teases of Gargano getting the win, but no, Punk won out. Punk VS Sami is going to be great, though perhaps there will be even more shenanigans that compel an even bigger match to come.

My Score: 8.8/10