Who gets the final golden ticket?

With Money in the bank fast approaching, SmackDown holds two last Triple Threat Qualifiers! But can Cody Rhodes book his trip to New Orleans?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Women’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Tatum Paxley VS Candice LeRae; Tiff wins and advances to MITB.
• Six Man Tag: Rey Fenix & Fraxiom VS Ricky Saints & The War Raiders; Saints & The Raiders win.
• Blake Monroe VS Giulia; Blake wins.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifier: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens VS Johnny Gargano; Kevin wins and advances to MITB.

PLAY BY PLAY

Women’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton VS Tatum Paxley VS Candice LeRae!

The Wrestling Barbie pulled off the Miss MITB to Women’s Champion maneuver last year, but one year changes a lot in WWE! But even with #FridayAddams and The Poison Pixie in her way, will it still be Tiffy Time? Or will someone else get their shot at the briefcase?

The bell rings, Candice kicks Tatum, sends her into Tiffy, then NECKBREAKER DDT COMBOS! Cover on Tiff, TWO! Candice runs up on Tiff in the corner, ELBOWS her, then slips outside to APRON FLATLINER Tatum! Tatum’s down, Candice takes a quick bow, then hurries back in. Tiff blocks a kick to BACKHAND Candice! Then Tiff handsprings to ELBOW Candice! Tiff runs, Candice dodges, but Tiff still SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Candice flounders to ropes but Tiff runs, for TIFF HIPS ENZIGIRI COMBO! Tatum helps out, but Tiff cartwheels to Alabama Lift Candice! Candice sunset flips, but Tiff stays up!

Tatum runs up, she sunset flips Tiff, TWO as Candice ghost pins Tatum! TWO as Tiff rolls Candice! TWO as Tatum drags Tiff up! Tiff buckles the O’Conner, Candice rolls Tatum up, TWO! Tiff DROPKICKS Candice, then covers, TWO as Tatum drags Tiff up! Tatum snap suplexes! The fans fire up but Tiff is a bit woozy. Tatum shakes it off, runs up on Tiff, and RAMS her in the corner! Tatum snapmares then KNEE SMASHES Tiff! Tatum BLASTS Candice for good measure, but she has to dodge Tiff! Tatum SHOTGUNS Tiff off the apron! The fans fire up as Tatum ASAI MOONSAULTS Tiff & Candice down! Denver fires up with Tatum while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns as all three women are down after a Tower of Doom! The fans rally up, all three stand, and Tatum ROCKS Candice! Then she mule kicks Tiff, and ROCKS Candice again! ARM WRINGER ENZIGIRI COMBO! The fans fire up with Tatum as she rises again. Tatum rallies on Candice with running forearms, then a wrench, ROUNDHOUSE, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Candice tumbles away, Tatum runs up, but Candice dodges to SNAP GERMAN! Tiff is back, she handsprings and DOUBLE STUNNERS! The fans fire up as Tiff then cartwheels, Alabama Lifts, and ALABAMA SLAM on Candice!

Tiff goes up, up, and away with a SWANTON BOMB! But Tatum WHEEL KICKS Tuff! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Tatum and Tiff stir first, followed by Candice. Tatum drags Tiff over, but Candice uses Tiff as a step, CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives again but Candice goes to the ropes. Tatum trips Candice, Tiff rolls Tatum, TWO! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, but Tatum slips free! CEMETERY DRIVE! But Candice THROWS Tatum out! Candice snipes the cover, but Tatum breaks it in time! The fans fire up as all three women are down again!

Tatum, Tiff, and Candice all stir as the fans rally up. Candice stalks Tatum, SMACKS her off buckles, then scowls as she drags Tatum up again. Candice puts Tatum up top, CHOPS her, then climbs up to join her. Tatum HEADBUTTS Candice in return! Candice drops back, Tiff fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tatum adds a 40 SPLASH! Cover, but PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER breaks it!! Tiff covers Candice, and wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

It is indeed still Tiffy Time! But will Tiffy go back-to-back as Miss MITB? Or will the odds not be in her favor?

Backstage interview with Chelsea Green.

Cathy Kelley notes the big win we just saw for Tiff, but is with the WWE Women’s Champion. We now know the full field for the Women’s MITB, any predictions on who wins? Chelsea says all six women deserve their spot in that match, they all earned it. But the woman that wins is going to be a looming threat to her, and that is the worst kind of threat. Also is Danhausen in the background? Nevertheless, Chelsea is banking on Tiff. Tiff is her twin flame, the Nikki to Chelsea’s Brie. Uh, before Nikki Bella became a raging b-

Oh, Nikki steps in… And she tells Chelsea that she clearly hit her head too many times, which is why Nikki has to repeat herself. Nikki will spell this out for Chelsea: Do not worry about MITB, because Nikki is gonna take that title faster than you can say, “Hot mess.” Paige steps in and tells Nikki no, no, no. Because Nikki won’t even make it past Paige. Nikki thinks she can step back in here and just have a championship match? No, baby girl, you’re not special anymore. And after the stunt Nikki pulled last week, she’s gotta face Paige first. Oh, because losing once wasn’t enough for Paige?

Paige says it doesn’t matter about losing, because she didn’t wanna beat Nikki, she wanted to beat the crap outta Nikki! And she did! So how about this? Nikki gets two weeks to prepare so that she doesn’t embarrass herself again. Paige VS Nikki in Sacramento. And one more thing. SLAP!! Paige leaves, Chelsea says that counts for her, too. Chelsea follows after Paige, will #FearlessNikki be ready to put up or shut up?

Six Man Tag: Rey Fenix & Fraxiom VS Ricky Saints & The War Raiders!

The AAA World Cruiserweight Champion not only had a great time with his brother, Penta, at Worlds Collide, but he also announced on Monday that he’s gonna be bringing his title to ALL the brands in WWE! But for now, can Fenix & Fraxiom slow down this revolution? Or will The Absolute help Erik & Ivar declare war on the tag division?

SmackDown returns as the former AAA World Tag Team Champions make their entrance, joining Fenix & Fraxiom in the ring. That leaves Ricky Saints to make his entrance last but certainly not least. The trios sort out and Frazer starts against Erik. They circle, tie up, and Frazer waistlocks. Frazer headlocks, Erik powers up and out, but Frazer slides under. Erik still DECKS Frazer, then he storms up to ROCK him at the ropes. Erik throws hands, KNEES Frazer, then tags Ivar. The Raiders mug Frazer as they CLUB and BODY BLOW on repeat! The ref reprimands, the Raiders stop, and the fans boo. Ivar drags Frazer up to tag Erik back in.

The Raiders mug Frazer again, but with just one hard shot to the ribs. Erik RAMS Frazer into the corner, Saints tags in, and the mugging continues. The fans boo Saints but he tags Erik. Erik whips Frazer to the open corner, but Frazer goes up and over to handspring away! Then ENZIGIRI! Hot tag to Axiom and the speed blitz starts up! DDT from Frazer to Erik! Ivar runs up, Frazer hurdles and that sends Ivar tumbling out! Frazer DIVES onto Ivar! Axiom DIVES onto Erik! And repeat! The fans fire up as the aerial assault knocks The Raiders down, but here comes Saints! Fraxiom DUMPS Saints out, tag to Fenix!

The fans fire up as now Fenix builds speed, and he ESCALARA- OH, he trips up a bit! Fenix lands on the apron, clipping Saints with a leg. Ivar whips Fenix into barriers right after! Axiom goes after Ivar & Erik, then checks on Fenix while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Saints soaks up heat from Denver. Saints stands Axiom up, but Axiom CHOPS, ROCKS, and SOBATS! Axiom ducks a cheap shot from Erik, but Saints SWEEPS the legs! The fans boo but Saints CLAWS at Axiom’s mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Saints CLUBS Axiom down! Saints stomps away on Axiom, then drags Axiom up. The fans rally, and Axiom ENZIGIRIS! Saints falls over, but he reaches out for his corner. Erik tags in, he stomps Axiom down, then rains down forearms. Cover, TWO! Axiom is tougher than that, but Erik drags Axiom up. The fans rally as Axiom endures the guillotine facelock.

Axiom fires body shots, but Erik slips around to a chinlock. Axiom snapmares free, and DROPKICKS Erik down! The fans cheer as Axiom crawls! Saints runs in so he can CLOBBER Frazer! Axiom PELES Saints, but Erik whips Axiom to the corner. Axim BLASTS Ivar, goes up and over Erik, hot tag to Fenix! Fenix fires off with Ivar, but Ivar blocks the whip. Fenix SOBATS, FRONT KICKS, and SOBATS again before he BOOTS Ivar! Saints whips Fenix, Fenix handsprings for a CUTTER! The fans fire up, and Fenix ducks Erik to then Spider-Man HEEL KICK! Fenix SOMERSAULT FOREARMS Ivar! Fenix then goes up, ADIOS AMIGO for Erik!

Fenix dodges Saints, waistlocks and ripcords, then fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Fenix kips up, the fans fire up again, and Fenix tunes up the band. Fenix runs up on Ivar, but ducks a heel kick to SUPERKICK! Not quite Sweet Chin Music, but Fenix goes up to FROG SPLASH! Cover, Erik KNEES Fenix down! Axiom SUPERKICKS Erik! Saints LARIATS Axiom! Frazer springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Saints! Ivar BOOTS Frazer! Fenix DROPKICKS Ivar! Erik CLOBBERS Fenix! Fraxiom fires off on Erik, RAILGUN DROPKICK sends Erik out! Frazer DIVES, but Erik catches him this time!

But then Axiom ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down goes Erik! But Ivar is going up!? But Fenix SHORYUKENS! Ivar sputters and Fenix climbs! Fenix jumps up to SUPER- NO! Ivar stops the rana to bring Ivar up! Saints sneaks the tag, Fenix SUPER STEINERS after all! Fenix fires up, climbs, but Saints brings him down into ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, Saints & Raiders win!

Winners: Ricky Saints & The War Raiders, by pinfall

What sounds like an NFL report is really a big win for The Absolute! And on top of that, this was a pin on the Cruiserweight Champion! Will Saints jump the line to get his shot at the title? Or will Fenix make sure the revolution is stopped?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Cathy Kelley is now with the American Nightmare and brings up the Money in the Bank qualifier against Johnny Gargano and Kevin Owens. However, she also wants to talk the war of words with Randy Orton. Can Cody comment on that at all? Cody says last week, he started the interview saying the Triple Threat would be next week’s battle, and next week is this week, so he won’t be lulled into underestimating a very talented Johnny Gargano. And as for Kevin, well, they have history. But this is Denver! Ball Arena! Cody learned how to ski with Uncle Larry, looks just like Dusty but with long hair.

Anyway, they’ve got a main event with over 10 THOUSAND people watching. Cody will beat Johnny, he’ll beat Kevin, punch his ticket to becoming Mr. MITB! But in steps Trick Williams. The US Champion says he wants to wish Cody luck tonight. Trick hopes Cody makes it to MITB, but the only problem with that is that Trick Williams is in MITB. And that means the American Nightmare Story ends, and it’s time for a new dream! Picture this: A big ladder in the middle of the ring, Trick standing right there, all oiled up and shining like a tall glass of chocolate milk. Trick climbs with his lemon pepper steppers!

Trick will grab the briefcase, cash in, beat the frosting off Sami the Gingerbread Man, and become the NEW WWE Champion! Let’s talk about it. Cody smiles and says, “Sounds like we just did. Good luck, Trick.” Cody heads out, but who has the last word on this story in New Orleans?

Damian Priest speaks.

Back on the streets of New York, The Archer of Infamy says, “If you can make it out of this city, you’re a real one. Because you survived something. Here, if you want respect, you gotta bleed. You want to be the boss? You want to be the man in charge? You throw hands. This place is the foundation for El Campeon. But somehow, I lost my way. I forgot who I was. I put their needs ahead of my own, and I won’t ever, ever make that mistake again. I’m going to make this real simple for you, Truth, so you understand me. The pain I caused you, it was personal. Don’t come looking for trouble. But if you come back looking for trouble, I’m gonna put you down, and I’m gonna enjoy it professionally.

“Because this city made me. This city made me thrive. So I needed to come back to this city to remind myself of who I really am, not who you think I am. What I am is a bad man. What I am is a violent man. And that’s all you’re gonna see from now on. Because I am El Malo!” Priest has put Truth, and everyone, on notice, but who will heed the warning?

Tatum Paxley regroups with Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair backstage.

Tatum feels awful for failing in her match! She knew she should’ve been more careful with the candles! Alexa calms Tatum down and says trust her, don’t get this upset about losing. Plus, when one door closes, another opens. Right, Charlotte? Yes, Alexa talked with Aldis. Er, they talked with Nick Aldis… And now Charlotte & Tatum are facing Fatal Influence for the tag team championships. They are?! They are. Tatum wants to hug but Charlotte has her stop. They’ve won together and they’ve lost together. No more room for mistakes. Still no hugs, but Charlotte lets Tatum have her hat. Then Charlotte hugs Alexa.

There’s still some tension and dysfunction, but can #CAT turn their luck around just in time for Spooky Season? Or will their run of bad luck continue?

Sami Zayn is here!

Denver is a bit torn over the Last Real Good Guy making his way to the ring. Sami holds up the Undisputed WWE Championship, but the fans only boo more. Sami has the mic, and he says, “I got a question, Denver. I hear the noise, but I gotta know… How many of you here tonight came to ride or die with the Last Real Good Guy?!” Sounds like very few… Sami says he’ll be honest, that reaction is disappointing. No WWE Champion in history, go ahead and look it up, has had the journey Sami’s had to get here! None! And after YEARS of some fans clamoring for Sami to become champion, he finally does it not just once but twice! And this is the reaction he gets?!

Sami says he might be naive. Maybe he thought #Jsutice4Sami would arrive after he won the title twice. But he is still plagued with a certain amount of injustice, and this time in the form of inequality! In that Sami is not given the equal respect the WWE Champion is supposed to get! Sami hears how he is talked about on this program! He heard Cody Rhodes saying he for sure can beat Sami! Sami sees the vultures circling overhead, every single one of them thinking all they gotta do to become champion is just get the match with Sami, because it is a foregone conclusion that they will win. Here’s a reality check for them and for everybody: This right here is proof that Sami is a survivor!

Sami overcomes, that’s what he does! He finds a way! Don’t believe him? Just ask CM Punk. Just ask Kevin Owens! Just ask Cody Rhodes! Ask them all what happened when the title was on the line! Sami finds a way! And it is about time Sami gets the respect that, as champion, he is entitled to. That is all he’s- Je’Von Evans is here?! The Young OG is a Monday Night Raw star, and even he isn’t sure why he’s here on Friday Night SmackDown! Evans climbs a ladder to look at the crowd first, then he heads to the ring. The fans cheer as Evans grabs a mic, climbs up the corner, and waves his arms. The fans join in, “Hey~! Hey~!”

Evans hops down, and says his bad, he didn’t mean to interrupt. Oh, but he did! Evans still walked out here, stood on a ladder, and went hey ho hey. But he didn’t meant to? Oh, okay. Evans says no, he did not. But hey, it’s okay, because Sami’s out here, getting all red, looking like one of the Angry Birds. Sami looks like he’s crashing out. He okay? Sami says yeah, he’s fine, thanks for the concern. He’s WWE Champion, in case you haven’t noticed. The fans boo, but Evans says oh, he noticed. But since MITB is around the corner, Evans just- Sami stops him there, and he can guess what Je’Von was gonna say.

Sami wants to tell Je’Von this, because he likes Je’Von and Je’Von has a bright future. Sami’s been where Je’Von is, and- Je’Von stops Sami now with a “Uh uh uwuwu~.” He already knows what Sami’s about to say, too: The Young OG’s time is coming. That’s what everyone says, right? But here’s a question for Sami: What if Je’Von’s time isn’t in the future, but it’s right now? The fans cheer that! Sami’s saying he’s been in the Young OG’s shoes, but what about this? What if it doesn’t take Je’Von 20 YEARS to finally get a WWE Championship? Sami does his best to smile and laugh that off, but Je’Von says he’ll be real with him: Je’von’s coming for the title.

And what if Je’Von wins MITB and becomes the youngest Mr. MITB in history? What’s gonna happen? here’s what: Maybe Young OG pulls back up on SmackDown, and then maybe he comes into the ring, with the briefcase, finds Sami, cashes in, and right when the bell rings, maybe he just beats the snot out that ass? The fans like the sound of that! Then when Sami finally opens his eyes, he’ll se Je’Von Evans holding the belt over his head while Michael Cole is saying he IS The Young OG! He IS Mr. Bouncy! He IS the sugar, honey, ice and the tea! And he is your NEW WWE Champion, Je’Von Evaaaaans~!

The fans cheer, but Sami tells him to listen. But wait! Now PENTA is here! Another Raw superstar, but also another MITB contender, is here on SmackDown! The fans cheer as Penta fist bumps them along the ramp. Penta then goes to the ring to join Evans and Sami, mic in hand. Evans and Penta dap it up, but Sami is not amused. The fans cheer Penta on, and Penta says, “Okay, okay, okay. Je’Von, I respect you, you know, right? But if you want that contract, you have to beat me. And that’s not gonna happen. And you, Sami! Listen to me. When I become Mr. Money in the Bank, I don’t care if it’s you, or Roman Reigns. I will cash in, and I will become a WORLD CHAMPION! Because I am Penta, and CERO! MIEDO!”

The fans cheer, and Sami goes to speak, but now Trick Williams makes his entrance! The fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” as the WWE US Champion is on his rotating platform. Trick fires up, then goes to the ring. Trick gets a mic, and he says he couldn’t help but notice there’s been a lot of talk about respect. So Penta, Je’Von, Trick sees what they’ve got going on over on Raw, so he wants to say he respects everything they’ve been doing. But the both of them have the same problem so he’ll be the one to inform them: Tonight’s Friday, this is SmackDown, and there’s only one man on SmackDown that holds down the brand, and that’s Trick Williams.

Which brings him to his next point. Trick turns to Sami and says, “What’s up, Gingerbread? I hear you talking int he back, too. Two-time WWE Champion. I came out here to say, congratulations, you did that. But the only thing is, I hear you talk about respect, but you don’t respect nobody neither. It’s been months, MONTHS, and you still ain’t combed your hair, still got Sketchers on your feet… Breath still smells like ten pounds of bounce dat ass, and I will never, Trick Willy will never, respect a champ who can’t brush his damn teeth!

“Now back to MITB. Because when it comes to MITB, there’s only one man who looks like MITB, that talks like MITB, that smells like MITB, and that’s because Trick Williams is money, let’s talk about it!” The fans cheer that. Trick says no one knows that better than Sami? Trick beat Sami two times before, the cash-in will be the third time. Sami asks if Trick’s done. Are they all good? Got it out of your systems? Sami will explain something to them! To all of them! Nobody can do what Sami does, understand? They just think it is as simple as winning MITB and cashing in, it’s that easy? Sami has news for them: Three of them here, but there can only be one winner.

So Sami knows for a fact, he’s looking at two losers. And in all probability, it’ll be more like three. So here’s the question: What happens when they lose? What happens when the losses pile up The years pile up? The reactions aren’t what they used to be? Trick calls Sami “Gingerbread,” but he survived being that, and he came out on top! Sami survived getting pinned in a mouse trap at WrestleMania to main event the next year! He’s been thrown into dumpsters, made a mockery of his entire time here, and he survived! Here’s the proof! You think you can do what he does?! You think you can overcome what he’s overcome?! Nobody can! NOBODY!

Sami gets in Trick’s face especially, daring him to sniff. Trick can’t handle it! He can’t do what Sami can! No one can! As far as he is concerned, until they’ve overcome such obstacles, they don’t deserve to stand in the same ring as the WWE Champion. Mic drop from Sami, and he storms off. He may be out of line but he’s got a point. Who can endure and make their way to the top? Oh, well, as Sami’s on his way up the ramp, Finn Balor appears! The fans cheer as The Prince eyes the champ, and he tells Sami that briefcase or not, he’s coming for the title. So when Sami’s done playing games, Finn will win.

Sami says Finn isn’t special! He’s got a million people breathing down his neck! Finn wants his shot? Then earn it! Finn DECKS Sami! Then he fires off hands! GUNTHER SNATCHES FINN INTO A SLEEPER! The fans boo as Der Ring General then ripcords and LARIATS Finn on the stage! Sami wants Gunther to take it easy, but then Gunther LARIATS him, too! And THROWS him into ladders! Then Gunther does the same to Finn! Gunther dares anyone else to try him! Will nothing stop the Career Killer from being a reign-ender this time around?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Cathy Kelley congratulates Tiff on qualifying for MITB again, how is she preparing this go around? Tiff says ladder matches are kinda her thing, so she’ll just climb up, grab the briefcase, and become a TWO-TIME Tiffy in the Bank! Chelsea hurries in and she celebrates with her bestie! Chelsea is so proud of Tiff! Tiff is def gonna win! Yes, Tiff will cash-in on Raw to become Women’s World Champion, and then they can reign together! Tiff & Chelsea both love it, but then Lash Legend mockingly laughs as she steps in. Then Lash says ew, sounds like a lot of wishful thinking when the reality is, she is THE powerhouse who will dominate that entire match.

And when she does, she will bully her way to the briefcase, and go straight for Chelsea’s title. Lash leaves, Tiff calms Chelsea down, but does Lash have a point? Will the Bougie Bully be unstoppable on her way to the top? Or can Tiff make sure she and Chelsea become BCFF (Best Champion Friends Forever)?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Cathy hurries after Der Ring General to ask him why he went out there to attack Finn and Sami. Gunther says why does she think, after all- Wait, Danhausen steps in, and is he using some kind of Danhausen branded metal detector wand? No evil detected on Cathy. Oh, wait, maybe Gunther? Gunther grabs the wand and THROWS it away! Then he puts Danhausen up against the wall and tells the “privileged freak” that his English has been plain and simple. Maybe Danhausen will understand this way! Gunther THROWS Danhausen into road cases and other boxes! Gunther leaves Danhausen behind, will the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord finally get a hint?

Blake Monroe VS Giulia!

The Glamour felt a random SmackDown wasn’t good enough for her, so she ruined what would’ve been her debut match. But then The Beautiful Madness decided to ruin the redo as revenge, chipping one of Blake’s teeth! Now these two are ready to fight tooth ‘n’ nail to finally get this grudge on record! Will Blake have her moment in the spotlight? Or will it be Arrivederci already?

SmackDown returns as Blake makes her entrance, Giulia already waiting in the ring. The bell rings and the two run up! They fire fast ‘n furious forearm sand the fans cheer! Blake KNEES low, suplexes, but Giulia fights free! Giulia spins Blake, ROCKS her, then eggs her on. The fans cheer, Blake BODY BLOWS, then she talks trash. Giulia puts Blake on the ropes, headlocks, and hits a takeover to then rain down fists! The fans cheer but Blake scrambles away. Giulia runs corner to corner, but Blake goes up and over! Blake then stomps a mudhole into Giulia! The ref counts, Blake stops at 4, then she hoists Giulia up top.

Blake CHOPS, swaggers, then runs up to get some STRATUSFACTION! Then a SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives but Blake is right on her. Blake drags Giulia up, but Giulia wrenches and snapmares. Giulia KICKS Blake in the back, then KICKS again! Giulia runs to DROPKICK! Blake flounders, the fans fire up, and Giulia goes out after Blake. But Blake RAMS Giulia into the apron! The fans are torn, but Blake KNEES Giulia down! She practically stole the Arrivederci! Blake smiles and winks while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Giulia and Blake are in corners. They run up, and Giulia RUNS Blake over! And RUNS her over again! The fans cheer as Giulia slips around, fires off, and SHOTEIS! Blake goes to a corner, Giulia runs corner to corner and ROCKS her! Giulia then snapmares Blake, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Blake flounders, Giulia covers, TWO! Blake survives but Giulia keeps the fans fired up. Giulia aims, runs in, but Blake rolls her up! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet. Giulia runs, Blake dodges, and Blake SLINGBLADES! The fans boo but Blake drags Giulia up, reels her in, and SAIDOS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Giulia survives, but Blake is frustrated. Blake huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up. Blake drags Giulia up, reels her in, and GOTCH- NO, Giulia BACKDROPS free! The fans fire up again, and Giulia reels Blake in. Giulia scoops, Blake slips free, and HEADBUTT! Giulia just laughs it off! ARRIVEDERCI KNEE! But Giulia isn’t done with Blake, she drags her around, ties up the legs, and grabs the arms! Giulia gives Blake a SURFBOARD STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!? Blake survives and shocks Giulia! Blake crawls away but Giulia storms over. Giulia drags Blake up from the apron, brings her to the corner, then drags her up the ropes!

The fans rally, but Blake YANKS the legs out! Giulia hits off post and buckles! Blake realizes what happened, she covers, Blake wins!

Winner: Blake Monroe, by pinfall

Even The Glamour is surprised she turned things around on Blake, and the ref wants medics to check Giulia. Blake smiles as she steals away this victory, but will it just be the first of many?

Johnny Gargano talks with Candice LeRae backstage.

Johnny Wrestling feels for his wife, but he wants her to know all is not lost. He still has his chance to be Johnny in the Bank. Sami steps in, Johnny asks if he’s still good for tonight, but Sami says Nick Aldis just talked to him. Aldis said there would be big consequences if he gets involved. Johnny & Candice stress out, but Sami says Johnny doesn’t need Sami’s help! They’re cut from the same cloth, Ride or Die! Everything they say about Sami, they say about Johnny! Johnny’s overcome obstacle after obstacle! He’s not even supposed to be in this match! He’s not supposed to have this opportunity. but Johnny does!

Johnny is in the same match as Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, and he is just as good as they are! Better even! He can do this! Now just go out there and do it! Be Johnny Wrestling! Johnny fires up, slaps a water bottle like Sami would, and shouts LET’S GO! Johnny heads out, Sami crosses his fingers, but will their prayers be answered? Even if they’re just a bit self-serving?

Men’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifier: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens VS Johnny Gargano!

SmackDown returns as The Prizefighter waits in the ring. Johnny Gargano makes his entrance, with his classic Rebel Heart playing! And that leaves The American for last but certainly not least. The fans sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody gets his pyro. And while Cody climbs a ladder on stage, will he get his chance to become Mr. MITB? Or is someone about to sack QB1?

The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cody fires off on Kevin! Gargano waistlocks, Cody elbows free, but Kevin kicks Cody. Kevin fires off in the corner, then CLUBS Cody down. Kevin KICKS Cody, CLUBS him, then whips. Cody reverses and kitchen sink knees! Cody then blocks Gargano’s kick, rolls him up, TWO! Cody dodges Kevin to hook him up in a backslide! TWO, and Kevin DECKS Cody! Kevin kicks and CLUBS Gargano! Kevin ROCKS Gargano, then LARIATS Cody in a corner! And LARIATS again! Then Kevin whips Cody corner to corner, only for Gargano to ROCK Kevin! Kevin KNEES and ROCKS Gargano in return!

Kevin TOSSES Gargano out, then short arm LARIATS Cody! The fans are torn as Kevin goes outside, but Cody CLOBBERS Kevin! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Cody! Gargano SUPERKICKS Kevin, then slingshots to SPEAR Cody! Gargano keeps moving and he DIVES! Just enough to get Kevin! The fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Gargano talks a bit of trash, then he goes back to the ring. Gargano stalks Cody, ROCKS him, but Cody puts him in a corner. Cody fires hands, Gargano fires back, and Gargano DECKS Cody! Gargano scrapes his sole off Cody’s face, then DECKS Kevin off the apron! The fans are torn but Gargano whips Cody to ropes. Cody slides under, kicks low and RHODES UPEPRCUTS! But Kevin SENTONS Cody right after! Kevin kicks Gargano out, then goes back to Cody to stomp him. Kevin drags Cody up, whips him to a corner, and Cody sits down. Kevin goes corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Kevin drags Cody to cover, TWO!

Cody rolls away but Kevin is right after him. Kevin whips Cody to ropes, but Cody reels him in! But Kevin BACKDROPS! Cody sunset flips it, Kevin stays up, but Gargano slips in! Gargano has Cody’s legs, and he CATAPULTS Cody into Kevin’s prizefighter! Kevin falls over, Johnny takes a bow, and the fans do applaud. Gargano covers Cody, but the ref is late to it! ONE, but Gargano keeps on Cody with elbows and fists. Gargano has Cody in a corner, stomps a mudhole in, then stops to bring Cody up. Cody fires body shots, then haymakers! Cody ROCKS Gargano, but Gargano rolls him, SCHOOLBOY KICK! Cover, TWO!

Cody scrambles to the apron, Gargano pursues, but Kevin drags him out! Kevin SMACKS Johnny off the desk! And SMACKS him off it again! Kevin stalks Gargano around the way, then SMACKS him off steel steps! SmackDown returns to single picture as Kevin goes looking. Fans want tables, so Kevin brings out a table! Denver fires up as Kevin sets this table up nearby. Kevin then sends Gargano back into steel steps! Kevin fireman’s carries Gargano, but CANDICE is here! She saves Gargano and Kevin is furious! But Gargano SUPERKICKS Kevin, then SMACKS him off the steps! Gargano goes to the ring, but Cody ROCKS him!

Cody ROCKS Gargano, runs, and RUNS him over! Gargano runs up, Cody goes up and over to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Cody rises. Cody springboards, DISASTER KICK! But Kevin’s back! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS! Cody flips, flops, flies, and BIONIC ELBOWS Kevin down! Gargano tilt-o-whirls in, LA MYSTICA into the GARGA-NO ESCAPE! But Kevin drags Gargano up! Kick and- NO, Gargano stops the Stunner, but Kevin dodges the SNAP GERMAN! Kevin tucks Gargano in, but Gargano flips free of the Package Driver! GARGA-NO ESCAPE!! The fans fire up as Kevin endures, rolls to a cover, TWO!

Gargano BUZZSAWS Kevin! Cody kicks Gargano to suplex, GOURD BUSTER onto Kevin! The fans fire up as Cody roars! Cody reels Gargano in, but Gargano KNEES free! And ROLLING ELBOW! Cody staggers, Candice grabs Cody! Gargano nods and runs up, but Cody slips free! Gargano stops short of kicking his wife! But then Cody runs up, and BOOTS Gargano into Candice, and she SMACKS off the table! SmackDown returns to single picture, the table is only dented, but it might be Candice who got broken! Cody hurries to put Gargano through ropes, throws hands, then runs up, and he BLASTS Gargano down through the table!

Kevin fires off hands with Cody! The fans fire up, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Everyone is down all around ringside, and SmackDown goes back to picture in picture!

Cody stirs, Kevin sits up, and Kevin goes to ropes. Kevin stands, he hobbles his way over to Cody, and Kevin sits Cody up to rain down fists! Another ref helps Candice to the back, and Kevin looks out at Gargano in the wreckage. Kevin runs back up on Cody, SENTON onto knees! Cody turns things around just in time, and now both men are down again. Both men slowly rise up, and Cody stalks Kevin to the corner. Cody climbs up, and he rains down fists! Cody goes all the way to nine, winds up, and hits TEN! Cody reels Kevin into a fireman’s carry, then uses that to put him up top. Cody UPPERCUTS Kevin, Kevin ROCKS Cody!

Kevin ROCKS Cody again, but Cody comes back! Cody climbs the corner, fires body shots, but Kevin fires back. Gargano is up! And he SHOVES Cody down! Cody tumbles to apron then floor, but Kevin brawls with Gargano now. Kevin HEADBUTTS, but Gargano ROCKS Kevin! And ROCKS him again! Gargano climbs up, but Kevin fights the suplex with body shots! SmackDown returns to single picture again as Gargano fires hands! Gargano still wants it, but Kevin suplexes for a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! Kevin’s streak of being un-superplex-able continues! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and the fans fire up!

Cody rises up on the outside while Kevin stands in the ring. Kevin stomps Gargano, then goes back to the corner. The fans duel as Kevin climbs, but Cody springs up after him! Cody wants to try!? Kevin resists, but Cody HEADBUTTS! Cody fires hands, and Gargano joins in by going after Cody! Gargano climbs up, keeps fighting with Cody, and then hits a SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB on Cody!! But Kevin adds a SWANTON BOMB!! But then Gargano SUPERKICKS Kevin and covers Cody!! TWO!! Denver is thunderous as Cody survives and all three men are down! The fans rally as hard as they can as all three men stir.

Kevin goes to a corner but Cody and Gargano rise at center. Cody runs to a corner to go up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER! But Kevin SUPERKICKS Cody! Kevin drags Gargano up, whips him to ropes, and POP-UP- NO! Gargano slips free, but Kevin blocks a kick to kick and STUNNER!! Cover, BUT CODY STOPS THE REF!! Kevin is pissed and he stomps Cody down! Kevin argues with the ref, the ref defends his innocence, that was all Cody! Cody sputters but Kevin brings him up. Kevin snarls as he ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Kevin! Kevin CHOPS Cody! Cody CHOPS Kevin! Kevin ROCKS Cody, Cody ROCKS Kevin, and both men fire up!

Kevin and Cody fire fast ‘n’ furious fists and Denver loves it! Kevin kicks low, then SLAPS Cody! Kick and- NO, Cody turns stunner into dragon sleeper, and CROSS RHODES!! Cover, BUT RANDY ORTON YANKS THE REF OUT!! The fans go nuts as The Viper screws Cody! Cody rushes out there, they brawl, and Cody whips Orton, only for Orton to reverse! Cody hits steel steps! Orton brings Cody around, UPPERCUTS, then he clears the desk! Orton drapes Cody off the desk, but Cody slips free to RAM Orton into the apron! Then Cody SMACKS Orton off the desk! Cody POSTS Orton! Orton falls, Cody goes back to the ring, but then he sees Orton is down…

Cody thinks about it. He said himself he wouldn’t hesitate! Cody lines up a shot, but Gargano DIVES onto Cody! Gargano hurries back in, slingshots at Kevin, ONE FINAL BEAT!!! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives one of Gargano’s best shots, and Gargano has no idea what to do now! But Denver knows “This is Awesome!” Kevin sputters, staggers to his feet, and Gargano runs up. Kevin SUPERKICKS! Then whips and POP-UP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, Orton keeps Cody out of the ring! KEVIN WINS!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

The Viper slithers away, having accomplished his mission! Cody is at a loss for words now that he’s lost out on his chance at MITB! But is Orton only asking for trouble now that Cody is a man with nothing to lose? As for Kevin, he’s headed to New Orleans! Will he #JustKeepFighting until he’s not only Mr. MITB, but until he’s Undisputed WWE Champion?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown to really turn up the heat towards MITB. The majority of the focus was on the Men’s MITB and all the stories connected to it. Very good promo from Sami being interrupted by Evans, Penta, and Trick, and there might’ve even been a hint of actual heat here with Sami and Trick but who’s to say. Finn going after Sami and Gunther going after them both, I almost wonder if we get some sort of title match for MITB to make Sami an “easy target” for Mr. MITB. We’ve had same-night cash-ins on both men’s and women’s champions, so that possibility isn’t off the table. At the same time, Gunther would be out in the open for a Danhausen curse after Gunther threw him around backstage.

Great Women’s Triple Threat, and while it would’ve been nice for Candice to get in, it also makes sense for Tiff to be in. She can tease going back to back, maybe even win it, so that there’s half a chance Tiff cashes in on Chelsea. We also got a good promo from Chelsea with Nikki Bella and Paige. Nikki VS Paige 2 will be good stuff for the go-home, and I would think Paige wins to get even with Nikki. Lash Legend had a good promo with Tiff & Chelsea after, as well, and y’know, it would be something if Lash and Trick both won so that we’d have the first-ever Mr. & Mrs. MITB since they are indeed married.

We also got a good interaction from Cody and Trick, and a very good interaction from Sami and Gargano. The Triple Threat main event was awesome stuff, and while I was still hoping Gargano would pull it off, it makes sense for Kevin Owens to get in the MITB match instead. For one, it wasn’t going to be Cody, his part played out exactly how I figured with Randy Orton “screwing him over.” Kevin is also a great choice because he not only has beef with Sami but with CM Punk, Kevin and Punk could all but take each other out of the running, leaving the MITB result up in the air.

As for non-MITB build, we got a very good match from Giulia VS Blake, but it’s hard to tell if the fans really care or not. I go back to how they inexplicably delayed Blake actually doing anything on SmackDown, so now it’s an uphill battle to give fans a reason to care. Also an interesting move for Blake to win like that, where it wasn’t a finisher but Giulia being knocked out. And hopefully just kayfabe knocked out, despite the ref calling for medics. Either way, I figured Blake would win, but it just seems like Toni Storm’s final curse on Blake is coming true: She’s stuck in midcard mediocrity as punishment for her pride.

Good promo from Damian Priest, but I’m just not sure how the feud for him and Truth is going to go. The Six Man Tag, while good, was a bit outta nowhere. The irony of SmackDown going down to two hours for this half of the year is that they’ve got all this extra material they have no TV time for. Why couldn’t they do this during the three hour SmackDown run? Saints & War Raiders definitely needed the win, but I’m also not sure how the Fenix VS Saints feud goes. Maybe Saints gets a singles win to even the score from the previous loss, but he’d have to win in non-title matches, right? I don’t see Saints becoming AAA Cruiserweight Champion.

My Score: 8.8/10