The O2 Arena in London, England hosted the final edition of WWE SmackDown before Saturday’s Money in the Bank premium live event at the same venue.
The show was headlined by a showdown between Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa and The Usos in a preview of what is to come at MITB. The latest chapter in the Bloodline feud saw Reigns assert his love for The Usos, attributing their achievements to his influence.
He proposed a second chance for them, conditional on their recognition of him as the Tribal Chief.
"The truth is, WE ain't the ONES. I'm the ONE. I'm the ONLY ONE." ☝️😤@WWERomanReigns is done sharing the spotlight with The @WWEUsos. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/9hT3sRkwjh
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
The Usos retorted that the time for discussions was over, and it was now the era of repercussions. Jey Uso warned Reigns, who has avoided being pinned for three years, of a looming defeat at Money in the Bank.
They also sowed discord by suggesting Sikoa for the role of the next Tribal Chief.
The show concluded with a face-off between the two sides, punctuated by Jey Uso diving over the ropes and landing on Reigns and Sikoa at ringside.
Elsewhere on the show:
- The Undisputed Tag Team Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, successfully defended their titles against Pretty Deadly, with Sami Zayn clinching the win with a Helluva Kick on Kit Wilson.
🔥🔥🔥@FightOwensFight is FIRED UP by the WWE Universe here in London!
Can @SamiZayn and Owens successfully retain the Undisputed Tag Team Titles or will #PrettyDeadly secure a hometown victory? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TFOHR8BpuG
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
- Austin Theory bested Ridge Holland with a rolling thunder dropkick, after which Sheamus rescued Holland from a post-match attack.
If @RidgeWWE can defeat the United States Champion @_Theory1 tonight he'll earn himself a championship opportunity!
As you can see, he's not throwing away his shot! 👊😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/dmmI9feZHR
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
- In a video segment, Karrion Kross laid down a challenge to AJ Styles, which was later accepted.
- Bayley triumphed over Shotzi to secure her spot in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, with Bayley and IYO SKY ambushing Shotzi backstage afterward and cutting her hair.
Heeeeeeey @itsBayleyWWE… they wanna knoooOoOw…. 🎶
This London crowd is making their picks known as @ShotziWWE looks to QUALIFY for the Women's #MITB Ladder Match by DISQUALIFYING Bayley! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CTXtUo7Zwb
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
- LA Knight and Logan Paul exchanged verbal jabs on The Grayson Waller Effect, with Knight receiving massive support from the crowd.
"London, tell him whose game this is…" 🔊🔊🔊@RealLAKnight had some words for @LoganPaul ahead of #MITB… YEAH! #GWEffect #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/5kBSsAJ3CP
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
- Butch emerged victorious in a match against Santos Escobar and LA Knight, using a Bitter End on Escobar.
"Someone's life will be altered FOREVER!" 🔥
Will @PeteDunneYxB climb the ladder tomorrow night and retrieve the #MITB Contract? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CofnrfgPhS
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
- The SmackDown Women’s Championship bout ended with Charlotte Flair winning over Asuka by disqualification following an attack on Asuka by Bianca Belair. Belair, although banned from the show and a spectator at ringside, took down both competitors with a KOD. Asuka retains the title.
She's LOST IT! 😤🔥@BiancaBelairWWE just cost @MsCharlotteWWE her #WomensTitle Match and now she's on a path of destruction taking out both Charlotte and the WWE Women's Champion, @WWEAsuka! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/LgPuCrnGPh
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2023
