There’re grudges galore in the Golden State!

SmackDown sees Paige settling things with Nikki Bella, R-Truth settling things with Damian Priest, and Cody Rhodes confronting Randy Orton!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Trick Williams VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae & Sami Zayn; Trick wins.
• Nikki Bella VS Paige; Paige wins.
• Damian Priest VS R-Truth; Priest wins, by referee stoppage.
• AAA World Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix VS Ricky Saints; Fenix wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
• Cody Rhodes VS Baron Corbin; Cody wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sami Zayn is here!

Sacramento is a bit torn seeing the Undisputed WWE Champion, but the Last Real Good Guy isn’t alone! He’s bringing his Ride or Dies, Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae! The trio goes to the ring, Sami gets a mic, and he high-fives with Johnny & Candice. Sami asks Sacramento, “Who here came to Ride or Die with the Last Real Good Guy?” The fans are torn, but Sami says he hates to say “I told you so,” but every single one of these vultures that have been circling him and gunning for the WWE Championship the last few weeks, every single one got what they deserved! Je’Von Evans disrespected Sami, and what happened? He came up short!

Sami looked Kevin Owens and CM Punk in the eyes, told them they’d come up emptyhanded, and they did! And Trick Williams, well, they’re not gonna waste breath on them. Penta, congrats! You’re the one who did it! You became Mr. MITB! But one piece of advice: Focus on Roman Reigns. The fans are torn, but Sami say Penta has a personal issue with Roman, Sami understands, so focus on Roman. Sami has his own history with Roman Reigns, and that is coming into focus. In a few short weeks, it will be Sami Zayn VS Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel! The fans do cheer that, and Sami says there’s a lot he could say there.

But Sami is gonna wait to say it on Monday Night Raw so he can say it to Roman’s face. Tonight, Sami is here, Johnny is here, and- Trick Williams is here! The fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” as the WWE United States Champion heads down the ramp. Trick stares Sami right down as he steps into the ring. Trick has a mic, he lets out the “WOOOOO OOOH~!” but then Sami has them cut his music, “Enough of that crap!” The fans still chant but Sami says if Trick wants to come out and interrupt him, don’t waste his time! Just say it! The fans keep chanting but Trick says, “What’s up, Ginger-vitis?”

Now, it’s no secret, Trick and Sami don’t like each other. Sami doesn’t like Trick, Trick doesn’t like Sami. Trick though tit was just a 10 month thing, but after last week, it might be personal. Like personal personal. Sami can’t stand Trick and Trick gets why: Sami sees Trick, he sees the people are turning on Sami; Sami sees Trick, he thinks back to WrestleMania; Sami sees Trick, he sees Backlash; he sees Trick, he sees a REAL superstar! And Trick will be honest, he doesn’t care nothing ’bout Sami or his Ride or Dies. Sami disrespected Trick, so Trick’s gonna beat Sami’s ass. The fans cheer that, and Sami is a bit upset.

Sami says, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, you think I disrespected YOU!? Because I put my head on the bridge of your nose? I gave you a wake-up call? That’s not disrespect, that’s trying to make you understand something, Trick! You had the WWE Champions, let me repeat that, you had THE WWE Champion, standing one foot away from you, looking you right in the eyes, telling you I will not tolerate the disrespect. I am not to be trifled with. This is not a game. And what’d you do? You tried to turn everything I was saying into some kinda joke, because that’s all you know, because that’s all you are.

“That’s it! You don’t get it! You don’t get it! You think you have it but you don’t! You can’t differentiate. You can’t take inventory of the moment! You don’t know when it’s time to joke, you don’t know when it’s time to get serious, you don’t know when there’s a danger level right in front of you! And you know what those are called? Those are called survival skills, Trick! And this is the jungle! And you need to learn how to survive if you wanna survive in MY jungle! I have it! I thrive int he chaos of the moment, do you understand?! Even right now, the way you’re looking at me, I taste the electricity on my tongue!

“I ALWAYS find a way to survive! And that’s why I am where I am today, Trick. And that’s why you are gonna stay right where you are.” Trick asks if he looks like he’s freakin’ joking! Look at Sami, look at Trick, who looks like a joke, Sami?! Usually Trick comes out to say let’s talk about it, but tonight, he’s done talking. And if Sami’s as bad as he says, take a swing right now and see what happens! The fans cheer this on, but Gargano says enough! That is the WWE Champion you’re disrespecting! And you’re not only disrespecting him, you’re disrespecting them, too! Y’know what guys like them have had to overcome just to be here?! He doesn’t!

Trick has been handed opportunities they would kill for! Sure, yeah, Trick has the swag, the entrance, the “it factor,” but Trick doesn’t have that title! And until Trick does, he will show them the respect they deserve! If they don’t, Gargano’s gonna show why they’re very different. He’s not Johnny Entrance, no. He’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! The fans boo but Trick says Johnny Wrestling, Sami Zayn, it don’t make no never mind. He doesn’t make excuses, he works as hard as everybody else to be right here. So how about we skip the talking, and Trick beats Johnny’s ass tonight? The fans like the sound of that!

Sami says yeah, Johnny can take Trick! Candice is torn, but the fans keep chanting, “Whoop Dat Trick!” Johnny says you’re on! Trick calls for a ref, a ref appears, but who will be the one getting whooped tonight?

Trick Williams VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae & Sami Zayn!

SmackDown returns as the match is already going. Trick wrenches but Gargano rolls to drop toehold, only for Trick to stay up! Trick YANKS Gargano up, THROWS him to the corner, and we see Sami has joined commentary for this. Gargano turns things around to fire hands on Trick! The fans boo but Trick shoves free. Gargano kicks and headlocks, but Trick powers up and out. Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges, Trick hurdles, but Trick’s leg jams! Sami mocks the pain and Gargano KICKS the leg! And KICKS! Trick shoves Gargano away, but Gargano grabs the bad leg. Trick ROCKS Gargano, then he scoops, but Gargano fights free.

Gargano shoves Trick, dodges, then slips around to redirect. But Trick RUNS Gargano over! Sami says don’t worry, Gargano overcomes, they’re cut from the same cloth. Trick whips corner to corner, Gargano tumbles up and out, but Trick drags him back in. Trick CHOPS Gargano, then stalks him to the corner. Gargano dodges the chop again, then KICKS the bad leg! Trick ROCKS Gargano, ROCKS him again, then brings him around. Trick suplexes, holds Gargano up, then flexes, but Gargano fires knees! Trick lets Gargano down, but then powers up to suplex up and over! The fans fire up as Trick aims, but Gargano bails out!

The fans boo but Sami says that’s being a thinker. Trick runs up on Gargano, though, and ROCKS him! And SMACKS him off the desk! And again! And again! The fans fire up but Sami says keep it in the ring! Trick puts Gargano in the ring, then he glares at Sami. Trick goes back to the ring but Candice distracts! Gargano DRAGON SCREWS the bad leg! Sami says this is what he’s talking about! Gargano aims, SUPERKICKS, then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Trick hits the desk! Trick tumbles over, Sami cheers Gargano, and they hug it out while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Gargano drags Trick up from behind the desk, then he throws hands. Gargano stalks Trick, Sami keeps his hands up to show he’s not doing anything. Gargano fires hands, and a CHOP! Trick hobbles, but he comes back to ROCK Gargano! Gargano KICKS the bad leg, then slips into the ring. CHOP BLOCK! Trick falls in a heap, Candice applauds but the fans boo. Gargano stomps Trick’s bad leg, stalks him to ropes, and Gargano SMASHES the knee off the mat! Gargano hits a SPIN TOEHOLD on the leg! Trick writhes but Gargano rains down shots. Gargano then takes the bad leg, hears the fans cheering Trick, and he stomps the bad leg.

Gargano mocks the Whoop Dat Trick stuff, then drags Trick up. Trick UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Gargano KICKS the bad leg! Gargano drags Trick around, traps an arm, then grabs the bad leg for a HALF CRAB! Trick endures and reaches out, even as Gargano pulls back on the leg! Trick powers up with the good leg to roll, and he KICKS and KICKS and KICKS at Gargano! Gargano lets go, stumbles away, but he comes back to ROCK Trick! Trick ROCKS Gargano! Gargano ROCKS Trick again and again! Trick wobbles as Gargano fires more shots! SmackDown returns to single picture as Gargano just keeps going!

Gargano runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Sami is frustrated on Gargano’s behalf while he sputters. Trick dodges Gargano, then LEG LARIATS! And LEG LARIATS! Trick whips Gargano to FLAPJACK again! Trick kips up, but he hobbles a bit. The fans rally up as Trick says Whoop Dat Trick! Trick powers up, and he TRICK SLAPS Gargano down! Gargano sits down, Trick says mind your business when grown folks talking! Trick stomps a mudhole in! The fans cheer “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” but Sami mocks the “aura.” Trick fireman’s carries, but Gargano sunset flips it! Cover, TWO! POP-UP UPPERCUT from Trick!

Gargano rebounds to ROCK Trick! And ENZIGIRI! Trick wobbles, Gargano runs, but into a CYCLONE KICK! Trick fireman’s carries again, for the SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives but Trick stays focused. The fans rally behind Trick as he goes to a corner. Trick brings kneepads down, then aims! But Candice trips Trick up! The fans boo but Gargano rolls Trick up! With tights! TWO!! Trick escapes, Gargano dodges, then feints a kick to mule kick the legs! Then Gargano goes up, up, and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and the fans fire up! Gargano is frustrated, Sami is upset, but the fans continue to rally.

Gargano goes to a corner, Sami says Trick hasn’t proven anything yet. Sami coaches Gargano, and Gargano runs corner to corner! But Trick pops Gargano up and out! Gargano SLINGSHOT- TRICK SHOT!! Trick fires up, he lets his hair down, and he YANKS Gargano up for the BOOKEND!! Cover, Trick wins!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall

Trick got Johnny Wrestling, but he also beat Johnny Wrestling! Sami is upset again, but will he have to settle things with Trick himself soon enough?

Nick Aldis talks with Blake Monroe.

The SmackDown General Manager tells The Glamour that those two previous altercations with Giulia, it’s getting out of hand. Blake says maybe Aldis should earn his paycheck and do something about it. Oh, don’t worry about that, he will. In fact, next week, Blake VS Giulia, IN A STREET FIGHT! Blake frowns, Chelsea Green comes in, and Blake says that’s her cue to leave. Also, this reign lasted longer than Blake thought it would. Oh yeah? How long has Blake even held it for? Blake leaves, Chelsea asks Aldis what is even with Blake. But also, he mentioned hearing from Tiffany Stratton?

Yes, he did. She is recovering and doing well. Perfect! Chelsea sent a beautiful gift basket with blue cheesed stuffed olives~! Good to know she’ll be A-OK. And y’know who won’t be A-OK? Liv Morgan! But she’s not here tonight, is she? No, not tonight, but he’s glad Chelsea brought it up. He just got off the phone with Pearce, and he mentioned how he does not appreciate his champion being put in jeopardy like that. So there is gonna come a time when Judgment Day will have to be here on SmackDown, especially if Roxanne Perez is looking for a title shot. Chelsea is upset, but then Nikki Bella steps in.

Nikki asks why the least relevant member of Judgment Day getting a title shot before her. After she beats Paige’s face in, she’s gonna beat Chelsea for the title. Chelsea says Nikki wanting a title match with the younger, hotter version of herself makes sense, Chelsea would want that, too. So okay, Chelsea would love nothing move. Next week maybe? Um, no, because Nikki’s got Hall of Famer things to do, not that Chelsea will ever know about that. So see you in two weeks, got that? Nikki heads out, Chelsea can’t even with the attitude. But will Paige make sure to humble this Hall of Fame Diva before she ever even touches the title?

Nikki Bella VS Paige!

SmackDown returns as #FearlessNikki makes her entrance, joining Paige in the ring. The bell rings and Nikki rushes Paige to TACKLE her! The fans boo as Nikki rains down fists, then Nikki drags Paige up to TOSS her out! Paige stumbles, Nikki pursues, and Nikki whips Paige into barriers! Paige falls in a heap while the fans boo Nikki. Nikki taunts the fans, then whips Paige, only for Paige to reverse! Nikki hits barriers hard, then Paige DRIBBLES her off the barriers! Paige ROCKS Nikki, then brings her around to SMACK her off the apron! Paige puts Nikki in, but Nikki scrambles out the other wide!

Paige hurries out after Nikki, THROWS her into barriers, then SUPERKICKS her down! The fans fire up with Paige, and she gets Nikki up into the ring. Paige stalks Nikki as she crawls, but then Nikki THROWS Paige back out! Nikki runs, but Paige catches the dropkick into an apron skirt trap! The fans fire up as Paige HAMMERS away on Nikki! Paige stops as the ref counts, then she shoves Nikki into the ring. Paige drags Nikki up through the ropes to KNEE again and again and again! Nikki staggers, Paige roars, and the fans cheer, but Nikki HOTSHOTS Paige! Nikki slides out, and she SLAMS Paige on the floor!

The fans boo but Nikki soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Paige and Nikki are both down. The fans rally up, the two rise up, and they run up. Paige dodges to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And wrenches through to facelock and FISHERMAN BUSTER! Paige drags Nikki up with a waistlock, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up with Paige as she drags Nikki back up. Paige reels Nikki in but Nikki CLAWS eyes! The ref missed it, but Paige still dodges to SAIDO! The fans rally again as Paige then raises her hand, and says, “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE- NO, Nikki drop toeholds Paige, and reels her into an STF! The fans are torn as Nikki pulls on the hold!

Paige fights, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Nikki lets go in frustration, but then Paige CLAWS Nikki’s face! Paige fireman’s carries, and no way! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Cover, TWO!! Nikki survives and Paige grows frustrated. Paige pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Paige goes back after Nikki. Paige drags Nikki up, reels her in, but Nikki wrenches out to CRAVAT SMASH! Then Nikki DECKS Paige! Cover, TWO!! Nikki throws a fit but the fans fire up! Nikki drags Paige up and calls her shot. She claps a la New Day to taunt Paige! Nikki fireman’s carries, but Paige slips down to facleock!

Nikki SHOVES Paige at the ref, O’Conner Rolls, TWO, and Paige rolls Nikki! With feet on the ropes!! PAIGE WINS!!

Winner: Paige, by pinfall

Nikki is furious, but turnabout is fair play! They’re tied 1-1, will Paige be in line for her own title shot before all is said and done?

Backstage interview with R-Truth.

Cathy Kelley says from one fractured friendship to another, she is here with Truth and knows he has a lot on his mind ahead of his 1v1 with former friend, Damian Priest. How does he approach a match this personal? Truth says he’s heartbroken. Priest was his friend, ain’t his friend no more. He’s just a rooster from Brewster! If Priest threw a party and invited everyone he knew, he would see the biggest gift is from Truth. The card would say, “Thank you for being a friend.” But nah, Priest had to stab Truth in the back and step on his pinkie toe. But now if Priest wants to get serious, Truth will make Priest wish he was in a bodega, eating some arroz con pollo.

Truth tells “Damian Pendejo,” that his ass is Truth’s, ese! The reckoning is coming, but will Ron Killings be able to wreck the friendship wrecker? Or will we see just how bad the Bad Guy can be?

Kevin Owens is in medical.

He is checking with the doctor how to tape up his shoulder, and Nick Aldis steps in. Aldis asks how Kevin’s doing, Kevin says he’s doing fine, thanks. The knee and shoulder aren’t the best, but his neck is good. And while he didn’t walk out with the MITB contract, neither did Punk, so still a good night. Aldis says those are priorities, sorta. But then Punk steps in! Aldis already gets between the two and wants them to calm down. Kevin asks if Punk is following him and Punk says never. Punk wants Aldis to do something about Kevin! Put Punk in the ring with “this piece of garbage.” Kevin says those are strong words. But do it.

Aldis says yes, he should. What they shouldn’t do is have it out here, in catering, the parking lot, anywhere else. But good thing that they’re both here. He needs them both at 100% for the good of SmackDown. Punk says he doesn’t need to be 100% to beat Kevin. Aldis gets that, but he needs them at 100% for the good of the show. Kevin adds, “Yeah, Phil!” Aldis says he’ll tell them what he told Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Fighting here, out there, or anywhere besides the ring where they can sell tickets, that’s not happening. Aldis promises them that this is something he wants to see, in the ring and in official capacity.

So in the meantime, do Aldis a favor and stay out of each other’s way. Please? Kevin says tell Punk that, he’s the one following Kevin. Kevin also passive aggressively throws the tape at the wall. Aldis can’t believe this, and Punk says Kevin’s a child. Aldis promises they’ll have the match. But when and where will we see these two have their grudge match rematch?

Damian Priest VS R-Truth!

Well, speaking of grudges, the Archer of Infamy claims he wanted to just get back to being his own man, but he didn’t have to do what he did to Truth last month in Mexico or in the weeks since. Now Priest must face Truth, but will he face the consequences? Or are things going to get very, very bad?

Truth goes right at Priest at the apron! The fans fire up as Truth then PLANCHAS! Down goes Priest, and Truth shouts, “What’s up!?” Priest is furious and he storms into the ring. The bell rings, Truth does the splits, then he CALF KICKS! Truth does the splits again, runs corner to corner, but Priest BOOTS him down! The fans boo but Priest drags Truth up. Priest throws Truth into a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans boo more but Priest just scowls. Priest drags Truth up again, but Truth fires body shots and forearms! Priest KNEES low, then UPPERCUTS! Priest runs corner to corner to ELBOW!

Priest then suplexes Truth for the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Truth toughs it out and goes to the ropes. The fans rally but Priest stalks Truth. Priest CHOKES Truth on the ropes! The ref counts, Priest stops at 4, but Priest drags Truth up to push him around. Priest winds up to ROCK Truth! Truth comes back but Priest ROCKS him again! Priest snapmares, then clamps onto the arms for a motorcycle stretch! The fans rally as Truth endures, and he fights up to his feet. Truth turns but Priest KNEES low! Priest whips Truth, but Truth KICKS him away! Truth says he knew that hurt! Then Truth dodges Priest to SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans fire up but Priest ROCKS Truth at the ropes! Then ELEVATED FLATLINER! The fans boo Priest again but he just snarls. Priest runs corner to corner, but Truth ducks! Priest hits POST, then Truth skins the cat! Truth leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Priest tumbles away! The ref checks Truth, he might be winded from his own attack. The fans rally up for Truth but he’s in rough shape. The ref has Priest hold back, and the medics hurry over. The ref calls it, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by referee stoppage

But wait, Priest isn’t satisfied! He doesn’t care if Truth’s hurt, and he brings in a chair! But then FRAXIOM rushes out here! Nathan Frazer & Axiom may have gotten beat up by Priest, but they plead with his better angels that he stop here. Priest drops the chair, steps out of the ring, and Fraxiom keeps their eyes on him this time. Priest gets the win, just not how he wanted. Will Priest move on and go after bigger targets?

Gunther walks into Nick Aldis’ office.

Der Ring General says he already knows what this meeting is about. Aldis wants to talk about Danhausen, and Gunther will say that Aldis put him in a match with someone he doesn’t even consider a wrestler. Gunther does what you always do to someone like that in this business: You break their arm or hurt them a bit so they go away and never come back. Gunther actually did Aldis a favor. And as far as Finn Balor goes, that’s what happens when you put your nose in Gunther’s business. Is Aldis even listening? Gunther pounds the desk, and DANHAUSEN turns around in the chair, upset that someone woke him up!

But then Danhausen, who is in a neck brace and sling, is scared to see Gunther! How can Danhausen help him? Gunther says look at Danhausen! Gunther beat the hell outta him and he’s still stupid enough to come back. Well, Gunther will give Danhausen one thing: He’s tougher than Finn! Gunther hasn’t seen Finn here all day. Danhausen says yeah, Finn’s the one guy Danhausen detected evil in, and he really needed Finn’s help. Also, Gunther didn’t actually pin Danhausen. Gunther YANKS Danhausen up and Danhausen says wait, give him until Halloween! Does Gunther look like he celebrates Halloween? M-Maybe?

Gunther says if it’s so important to Danhausen, he will make sure that Halloween is a very special night for Danhausen. Gunther shoves Danhausen back down into the chair, then leaves. Is Halloween Havoc going to be the last time we see the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord?

Alexa Bliss is here!

And naturally, she’s not alone! Tatum Paxley is here, and the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions go to the ring! The champs go to the ring, they get the mics, and Alexa tells Sacramento, “We did it!” The fans cheer, and Alexa says obviously, one person that wanted to be in the match last week was Charlotte Flair. The fans “WOO~” and Alexa says Charlotte has been such an amazing friend. The one opportunity Charlotte had to become champion again, she set that aside for friendship and to cheer them on to victory, because that’s the kind of friend she is! And speaking of friends, let’s introduce them to their new friend!

One half of the champions, it’s Tatum Paxley! The fans cheer, and Alexa says Tatum came into a difficult situation teaming with two people who are always a target. But Tatum always had their back, especially when they were outnumbered. Alexa thanks Tatum, and congratulates her on her first championship on SmackDown. The fans cheer, but Alexa says they can do better than that! It’s her first title on SmackDown! The fans cheer louder and Alexa thanks them. The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Tatum says, “Oh my gosh, guys! Okay, okay, first, I just wanna start off by saying Alexa, I am incredibly thankful to be standing in this ring with you as your NEW tag team champions!”

The fans cheer, and Tatum says she also wants to thank Charlotte. Last week, Charlotte didn’t want to, but she gave up her position so Tatum could still compete. Plus, thanks for all the times Charlotte defended Tatum. So when Charlotte’s all healed up and ready to come back, Tatum has a very special gift waiting for her! Can she tell us what it is? Tatum whispers it to Alexa, but then Fatal Influence storms out here! The fans boo but Jacy Jayne, arm bandaged up, leads the way for Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid. They all have mics, and Jacy starts by mockingly saying, “Aww, what a wonderfully cringey speech that was. It actually made me sick to my stomach.

“And instead of talking about all of this garbage, what everyone should be talking about…” The fans boo but Jacy asks if they’re done. Jacy says she’s injured! Respect her! She put her body on the line for you people! But what everyone should be talking about is how that boneheaded, ditzy blonde, Tiffany Stratton STOLE Jacy’s MITB right out from underneath her! It was hers! Fallon says yeah, it WAS hers! And it’d be so much better than listening to these two confess their love for a woman who doesn’t give a damn about ’em! Lainey says it is also obvious Charlotte thinks Tatum is a weirdo that Lexi just forces her to hang out with.

And speaking of Alexa, she can’t actually believe Charlotte is happy Alexa became champ when Charlotte didn’t. Fatal Influence goes to the ring as the fans keep booing. Jacy says let’s be real: The only reason Charlotte is Alexa’s friend is because it’s convenient. Once that tag titles are back around the waists of Fallon & Lainey, Alexa will be back to where Charlotte wants her to be: In Charlotte’s shadow. Tatum says if Fatal Influence wants to try and take the titles back, they don’t mind playing with them. Tatum smiles her crazy smile, but Fatal Influence thinks it over. They step inside, and Jacy doesn’t think she can do anything tonight.

But Fallon & Lainey can! And the brawl is on! The fans boo but Alexa mule kicks Fallon out! Tatum TOSSES Lainey! Then they dodge Jacy to ROCK and WRING her out! Fallon & Lainey hurry back in but Tatum & Alexa get clear! The fans cheer while Fatal Influence seethes. Will Tater & Blisster make sure SmackDown is never under the Influence again?

Backstage interview with Rey Fenix.

Cathy Kelley is with the AAA World Cruiserweight Champion and brings up his title match against Ricky Saints. Before going out there, she hopes to get his response to his brother, Penta, becoming Mr. Money in the Bank. Fenix thanks Cathy and says he’s ready for tonight. And as for Senor Dinero en el Banko, he is so proud of his brother. But then in steps Sami. He apologizes for interrupting, but just wants a word with Fenix. Cathy obliges, Sami thanks her, and they hug it out as amigos. Sami is so happy for Fenix that he’s AAA World Cruiserweight Champion. And Sami’s also champion, Fenix is surely proud, no need to say it.

But Sami wants to ask Fenix if he’s talked with Penta at all since Saturday. Fenix says no, but- Okay, Sami’s just thinking, he knows better than most what Penta went through. Sami’s also lost in front of his home country in front of friends and family, so he just thinks Roman is… Fenix stops Sami there, and says he knows where this is going. Fenix wants Sami to trust him, he doesn’t know what Penta’s gonna do. If he cashes in on Roman, or if he cashes in on Sami. But hey, good luck, amigo! Th-thanks… Sami is a bit worried now, and he more or less slaps the nearby water bottle out of habit. But will Fenix at least hold onto his gold here tonight?

Fatal Influence regroups backstage.

They’re all upset, obviously, but then they cross paths with The Baddies. Jade Cargill says they should thank her for taking out Charlotte, but seems it didn’t matter either way. Fallon says no one asked them to do that anyway. B-Fab says right, but the problem isn’t with y’all, it’s with Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum. Fatal Influence shouldn’t have even been in the ring with those two because that opportunity was B-Fab’s & Michin’s. Lainey says okay, when they get the tag titles back, they’ll- Mia Yim says yeah, they just spoke to Aldis, and they’ve got next. But when The Baddies get those titles, maybe they’ll see Fatal Influence on the other side. Maybe.

The Baddies head out, Jacy says yeah, be seeing you. But will anyone take the titles off Tatum & Alexa any time soon?

AAA World Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix VS Ricky Saints!

The Firebird is open to defend his title on any and all brands under the WWE umbrella, but who knew The Absolute was an absolute sore loser! Will Saints come marching in the challenger and go marching out the new champion? Or will he learn what it is to ANIMO?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who strikes gold in the Golden State!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Saints headlocks. Fenix fires body shots, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders. Neither man falls, but Saints kicks low. Saints ROCKS Fenix, whips, but Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Saints tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix knuckle locks to CHOP! Fenix goes up, up, and jumps around to FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans cheer as Saints bails out! Fenix counts it out, then builds speed, but Saints is back to LARIAT! Saints stomps Fenix, then drags him up to CHOP! And CHOP! Saints whips, Fenix grabs ropes, and Fenix tosses Saints out! Fenix UPPERCUTS, then goes up the corner!

The fans fire up for ADIOS AMIGO! Saints falls, Fenix goes up again, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Saints and the fans fire up again while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Saints KICKS Fenix to a corner. Saints then stomps Fenix again and again, but stops as the ref counts. Saints ROCKS Fenix, fires off more shots in the corner, but the ref counts. Saints stomps Fenix as he backs off, then he runs up again. Fenix SOBATS Saints! And KICKS! And SOBATS! Fenix runs, but into a BOOT! Saints hurries to haul Fenix up, reels him in, and ROSHAM- NO, Fenix slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges to handspring and CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives and Fenix is beside himself! The fans rally, “This is Awesome!” as Fenix drags Saints up. Saints fights the lift now, but Fenix CLUBS away on his back.

Fenix underhooks, but Saints wrenches free to whip. Fenix reverses, then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Fenix shoves Saints, then goes up to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Saints survives despite that landing being on his face! The fans rally again as Fenix builds that energy. “ANIMO!” Somersault and- NO, Saints fireman’s carries for a SNAP DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Saints is furious but he hurries to drag Fenix up. Saints hoists Fenix up top, then ROCKS him! The fans boo but Saints climbs up. Saints snarls as he claws at the mask! But Fenix slips under, and he KICKS the leg! Then Fenix tucks Saints in, but Saints grabs the ropes!

The fans rally as Fenix lets go. Saints BOOTS Fenix, then adjusts, but Fenix SHORYUKENS! Fenix goes up, up, and SUPER STEINERS! The fans fire up again as Fenix jump back up, but Saints shoves the ref into the ropes! That trips Fenix up, and he falls into the Tree of Woe! Saints hurries to haul Fenix out of the Tree and into ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, but the ref refuses the count! Not after what Saints did! Saints argues with the ref but the ref knows Saints did all that on purpose! The fans boo Saints as he gets attitude with the ref, but the ref DISQUALIFIES Saints!!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by disqualification (still AAA World Cruiserweight Champion)

Saints is furious, but it’s his own fault! Saints goes after Fenix in anger! The fans boo but Saints gets Fenix up, ROSHAMBEAUX!! More refs rush out here, but Saints stomps away on Fenix! Fenix eggs Saints on despite being down on the ground! Saints leaves Fenix alone for now, but when and where will these two settle things once and for all?

Cody Rhodes is backstage.

The American Nightmare finds Nick Aldis, and he hopes Randy Orton is ready to go out there. Aldis says he hasn’t seen Randy. Cody says that’s okay, Aldis did all he could, so now Cody will go and do what he can do. Cody heads for gorilla, but what will Cody do to get Randy to show? Will The Viper strike first?

Cody heads to the ring.

SmackDown returns as Sacramento sings along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp, and even signs a fan’s novelty Guile hair. Cody then goes around the ring to grab a mic and a chair! Cody goes to the ring with those, we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody takes a seat. The fans cheer and Cody says Sacramento was promised a face-to-face, he was promised a face-to-face, so he’s gonna sit here until Randy comes out and we get exactly that! But instead of Randy, Baron Corbin shows up? The Lone Wolf has a mic and says< “Aw, what? Not who you were expecting? Not who you wanted? Save it.”

Corbin tells Cody that he said a long time ago, he just doesn’t buy it. Corbin doesn’t see what everyone else sees in Cody. He didn’t see it then, doesn’t see it now. A lot of things may have changed around here, but one thing has stayed the same: Cody standing in the ring, whining about something. Whether it is Cody talking about finishing his story, or how his friends stabbed him in the back, or that Randy Orton doesn’t think Cody has the killer instinct and that Cody will hesitate in the moment. But look, it’s okay. Some people just don’t have it. And then some of us are born with it. Corbin steps in and he says his first day back, he destroyed everyone in the ring.

Corbin’s first match back, SummerSlam, he won the US Championship. He sure as hell doesn’t need friends, and he enjoys hurting people. Cody, on the other hand, is so concerned with being the good guy, with following the rules, signing autographs and shaking hands. Cody, none of that matters. The only thing that matters is Corbin getting back where he belongs. And he’s gonna do it at the expense of Cody. Cody puts the chair aside and says getting back to where Corbin belongs at his expense. Normally, Cody would have the patience for this, but do him a favor. Corbin swings, Cody blocks! Cody kicks and RHODES UPPERCUTS!

Cody LARIATS Corbin up and out! Cody says there’s still time on the clock, Randy’s not here, so get a damn ref or something! Let’s just do this right now! The fans fire up, and a ref rushes out here, so our new main event is happening! Will Cody make an example out of Corbin? Or is he too emotional to focus on anything other than Randy Orton?

Cody Rhodes VS Baron Corbin!

SmackDown returns as Corbin hurries back into the ring, only for Cody to be on him with haymakers! Cody kicks, runs, but Corbin scoops for a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Cody survives despite being in street clothes and not his gear. Corbin stomps away on Cody, drags him up, and puts him in a corner. Corbin whips corner to corner hard, and Cody stumbles and falls. Corbin talks trash on the fans, they talk trash back, but Corbin drags Cody up. Corbin rains down fists, eggs him on again, but the fans continue to rally up. Corbin stomps Cody, drags him up again, and KNEES him low! Cody goes to a corner, Corbin whips corner to corner, and Cody hits buckles.

Corbin runs up, Cody dodges, and Corbin POSTS himself! Cody and Corbin then DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Cody and Corbin stir, and Cody rises up. Cody blocks a shot to ROCK Corbin, then ROCKS Corbin again! Cody runs to ROCK Corbin, then he goes up and over in the corner to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cody rips off his new merch shirt to JAB, JAB, JAB, then flip, flop and fly for the BIONIC ELBOW! Then a BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Corbin is down but Cody fires up! Sacramento is with Cody, but ORTON YANKS CODY OUT!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification

The fans are torn as Orton fires off on Cody! Then he SMACKS Cody off the barrier, and off steps! The Viper keeps firing off on Cody with UPPERCUTS, then stalks him around to the desk. Cody turns things around as he SMACKS Orton off the desk! Cody clears the desk, but Orton kicks low! And he HEADBUTTS Cody! Orton rains down fists, then brings him around again. The fans are torn as Orton CLUBS away on Cody’s chest. Orton SMACKS Cody off the desk, then hauls him up to POST him! Orton stalks Cody, and the fans freak out already as Orton takes aim! But Cody avoids the punt! And he goes up the ropes, CODY CUTTER!

The fans fire up as Orton is down, and now Cody sees he has a shot! Is it time? Is Cody gonna do it? Cody himself seems conflicted, but then he lines up the shot! Only for Corbin to LARIAT! The fans boo as Corbin RIPS Cody’s shirt up, and Orton runs away! The Viper had his fill but The Lone Wolf wants the rest! Corbin kicks Cody around, drags him up, and ripcords for END OF- NO, Cody slips through! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! The fans cheer while Orton seethes. Cody looks around, and Orton says no, he’s not gonna do it! The fans cheer Cody on as he looks at Orton. Then he looks at Corbin. Cody snarls as he gears up again, and he’s gonna do it!!

Cody runs to PUNT Corbin!! Even Orton is stunned! Has Orton created a monster?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, and on some level, I appreciate that we got the most last minute version of an impromptu main event WWE has done in a long time, maybe ever. Cody wanted Orton, he got Corbin who is like a bootleg Orton, but then of course Orton attacks during the match to get a brawl in. Orton really sold the shock of Cody using that notorious punt. Wherever they have Orton VS Cody 3, they really do need to put a No Disqualification stipulation on it so they can just go nuts with it. And from there, maybe we get Heel Cody going for the title as we enter the Royal Rumble season.

Great stuff with Sami Zayn tonight. I like that he wants Penta to go focus on Roman, mostly because Sami doesn’t want to be a target of an anywhere-anytime title match. Trick confronting Sami turning serious was good stuff, and we got a great match of Trick VS Gargano. I figured Trick would win, but it would be a fitting part of the story if Sami convinced Gargano to go after the US title to both redirect Gargano from wanting the Undisputed title, and also to try and slow Trick down. Sami trying to get Fenix to give him the inside scoop on Penta was clever, too, and clearly, it did him no good because Penta is keeping everyone guessing, even his own brother.

We got a decent promo from Aldis with Blake to set up Blake VS Giulia in a Street Fight, which will be great stuff. Good segue into the promo with Chelsea and Nikki. Nikki continues to talk trash on an awful level, and I’m glad to see Paige won tonight. This brings Nikki going for Chelsea’s title in a couple weeks into question, and I feel like there should be a Paige VS Nikki tiebreaker before we get a real challenge for the title. Great promo and brawl from Alexa & Tatum with Fatal Influence, and then a good promo from Fatal Influence with The Baddies. I almost wonder if this year’s Women’s WarGames brings up the old 3v3v3: Baddies VS Fatal Influence VS Charlotte, Alexa & Tatum. At the very least, we might get a Triple Threat Tag of those teams with Jacy, Jade, and Charlotte on the side, maybe even for the Women’s US Championship.

Very good promo from Truth ahead of the match, and Priest VS Truth was off to a good start, but you could just tell from the moment Truth landed from his own missile dropkick that it wasn’t good. Truth’s still got it when it comes to getting up on the top rope, but he’s not a young guy anymore and that was a rough landing as it was. Hopefully he’s alright, but now it feels like we’re gonna copy-paste Big Cass VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, and just make it Priest VS Fraxiom, a 2v1 Handicap where the Heel is the one facing two opponents.

Good promo from Gunther with Danhausen to set up something either for Halloween Havoc or for Crown Jewel since that’s the week after. Punk and Kevin had a good interaction, too, I wonder if we get something for Crown Jewel. And Fenix VS Saints was an awesome match, kinda the real main event tonight, but that disqualification loss was probably the best way to protect Saints in the loss since he can’t fall down the rankings more than he already has. Fenix moves on to face Mini Vikingo at the next major AAA event, and then he and Saints can settle things some other time.

My Score: 8.8/10