Rocket Arena — Cleveland Arena
Results
- Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley def. Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) (6:49)
- Nia Jax def. Tiffany Stratton
- Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki) def. The Miz & Kit Wilson (9:26)
- WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) def. Johnny Gargano (13:13)
Joe Tessitore welcomed us to SmackDown this week and the show with a recap of last week’s main event.
Everybody hates Sami
Gunther came out to the ring and said that the show would not move forward until Sami Zayn met him in the ring. Sami emerged from the crowd and wanted to keep his distance because of his broken hand. He noted that not only was Gunther mad at him, but everyone was mad at him. However, he wanted them to take a breath and get some perspective.
Zayn said he is the victim because he was robbed and should still be the WWE Champion, who should be a good guy, the last real good guy. Instead, the WWE Champion is the biggest fraud, hypocrite, piece of trash, snake in the grass, and shouldn’t be breathing the same air as Sami, CM Punk. The crowd chanted, “CM Punk,” and Sami called the fans delusional for cheering for Punk when they have a real working-class hero who is looking to get another opportunity at the WWE Championship.
Sami told Gunther and everyone else to get comfortable because the future of SmackDown will look like last week: No one gets a No. 1 contender’s match nor a free ride. If Sami doesn’t sleep, they don’t sleep. If Sami doesn’t eat, they don’t eat. “No one gets theirs until I get mine. No justice, no peace.”
Gunther had had enough and was going to where Sami was. Finn Balor emerged from the other side of the arena and said he would get justice for Finn. Sami ran away, but Kevin Owens came out from the ramp and chased him to the back.
Johnny Wrestling rises
CM Punk was watching from the back, and Nick Aldis came to talk to him about how there isn’t a No. 1 contender. They ran into a planking Johnny Gargano, and Punk asked if he was still doing this. He asked Gargano if he worked his career to lay on a box or become world champion. He said he knew Johnny Wrestling was down there somewhere, the guy who grew up in Cleveland; Cleveland’s favorite son. That didn’t elicit a response, but Candice LeRae asked for a few more minutes. LeRae then gave a shocked reaction as the camera cut to a standing Gargano, who told Punk, “Let’s do it.”
Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs. Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Before the match, Alexa Bliss surprised Charlotte when she told her that she would be tagging with Tatum. There was more of their quirky dynamic as Charlotte reluctantly agreed to tag with Paxley. This was a quick non-title match to showcase Paxley more. Charlotte Flair got a hot tag after Fatal Influence worked over Paxley, who hit a top-rope crossbody on Fatal Influence outside. Alexa Bliss handled Jacy Jayne, who tried to distract Paxley. Charlotte assisted Paxley, who pinned Reid after hitting Cemetery Drive.
After the match, Jade Cargill and The Baddies laid out Flair, Bliss and Paxley. Fatal Influence teased interfering but left the ring.
Paige and Nikki get personal
Cathy Kelley was backstage with Nikki Bella, who said she took her trust in Paige too far. She claimed Paige tarnished the Bella brand and is a “D-grade skank.” She said Paige had more passion behind closed doors and added that Paige was the reason why Brie is hurt and why her big return was ruined.
Paige confronted Nikki, telling her she wasn’t going to touch her. Paige pointed out that Nikki has never liked her from Day One because she built her career on hustle, loyalty, and respect. As for Nikki, she just slept with it. She told Nikki to bring it to Mexico City next week because, if not, she will end her career quicker than her last relationship.
Gunther worried for Aldis
Nick Aldis was on the phone in his office with a doctor when Gunther interrupted. Gunther hasn’t liked Aldis’ decisions, pointing out that he had to go out there and call out Sami. He mentioned the “ghost” of Finn Balor, and Danhausen appeared out of nowhere. Then, he gave Gargano a title match. Gunther claimed that Aldis is addicted to the limelight because of their match at SummerSlam, so that’s why he’s making crazier and crazier decisions. Gunther was worried and wanted Aldis to fix things. Aldis brushed him off and said he had something more important to deal with regarding the women’s division. Danhausen tried to comfort Gunther, but Gunther pulled his wrist away and told him to never touch him again. Danhausen then put a picture of himself with a tape that read “Employee of the Month” on Aldis’ desk.
Fighting Champion Chelsea Green
Aldis was in the ring with Dr. Woodruff and called Chelsea Green to the ring. Chelsea didn’t let anyone speak and told Aldis that she didn’t care what the doctor said and that they had already played this game before, so she wouldn’t cry or beg. She told the fans they weren’t getting waterworks; they were getting a pissed-off WWE Women’s Champion, which she reminded Aldis of. Chelsea said she knows there’s a bullseye on her back, but she’s waited 13 years to be champion, and if they think it’s so easy to take the belt from her, then let them. “I’m not concerned about my safety. I’m concerned about my legacy.”
Aldis said he respects that, but it’s his job to worry about her safety. Dr. Woodruff told her that her fractured orbital bone is healing, so she’s cleared to compete as long as she wears a face mask. The Irresistible Forces came out, and Nia Jax came out for the Women’s Championship. She demanded a title match, or she’ll break Chelsea’s other orbital bone. Chelsea called them bullies, and Tiffany Stratton came out for the save. Aldis said Jax could get her title match next week, but this week, she’ll face Stratton.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax
Nia laid out Tiffany outside, and it was in the middle of the match after an ad break. Late in the match, Stratton hit two springboard stunners and a crucifix bomb for a nearfall. Lash Legend distracted Tiffany when she was going for the PME. Jax hit a Samoan Drop and won with the Annihilator.
After the match, Jax took off Chelsea’s mask and tried to bait her into the ring. The crowd chanted for Chelsea, who got into the ring and confronted Jax. The Irresistible Forces rolled out of the ring and walked off.
KO keeping an eye out
Byron Saxton was backstage with Kevin Owens and asked him about how Gargano was in a similar situation to what he was in: a title match against Punk in Gargano’s hometown. Punk respected Gargano, but he pointed out that Punk doesn’t do things out of the kindness of his heart. He theorized that Punk might be trying to get Sami out, and if he does, he won’t be alone.
Orton tries to bait Cody
Corey Graves was with Cody Rhodes for a sit-down interview. He asked Rhodes how we got here with Randy Orton, who interrupted and talked about last week and how they couldn’t touch each other. He continued to try to bait Cody, pointing out that he called Cody’s mom “trailer park trash,” and he didn’t do anything. He asked Cody what kind of son doesn’t stand up for his mother. He asked Cody if he wanted to hit him and begged him to. He then recalled what he said about Brandi and Pharaoh, but Cody sat still. Orton called Cody an “addict” because he loves the WWE Championship more than his family, which is why he’s fulfilling the stipulation so that he can get another shot at the title. Orton noted that people call him sick and twisted, but he thinks Cody is more sick than anybody.
Cody got off his chair and admitted that he might be more sick than others, and if Randy is right, this Sunday, he’s screwed. Cody walked off, and Orton sat down, frustrated.
Lil Yachty focused for SNME?
Trick Williams met with Lil Yachty in the locker room to talk about Sunday Night’s Main Event. Yachty said he’s been training all week. We saw a video of Yachty not really training for his match and just partying with other wrestlers, including Eric Young and Ace Steel. Trick was confused, wanting Yachty to be serious, because he didn’t see him lift weights, and all he saw moving during that video was booty.
Baron Corbin then came in and said this was all a joke, just like how Yachty’s music career is a joke. What won’t be funny is what Corbin does to Yachty at SNME in Yachty’s hometown. Trick defended Yachty against “Mega Mind and Mr. Clean,” telling Corbin to bring that energy Sunday because when Yachty survives, he’ll take his title back. Corbin pointed out that his title hopes are on Yachty, who he’s going to slaughter. Yachty made fun of Corbin as he walked off.
Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki) vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
Before the match, Bakusai cut an English promo. “What we do is an art.” The exquisite defeat of an opponent is an art.” They said that the explosion of energy and madness can’t be kept inside. Now, they will act on their impulses. “We are Bakusai.”
Kyoki got to start the match and hit running crossbodies on Kit, who had to retreat to tag in The Miz. There was a spot where The Miz chopped Kyoki to show off his strong style. Kyoki kept calling for more as The Miz continued to chop him. Kyoki took it to The Miz and tagged in Nakamura, who went after The Miz, hitting the sliding German Suplex. Kit distracted Nakamura, allowing Miz to get the advantage over him.
Nakamura eventually fought his way to tag in Kyoki, who hit a hurricanrana on Kit and forced Miz out of the ring, using Kit. Kyoki landed a top-rope senton on Miz and Kit. Kyoki hit a Falcon Arrow that was broken up by The Miz. Nakamura ran into the corner post. Kyoki stunned The Miz, and Nakamura took out The Miz with the Kinshasa. Kyoki won with some sort of sit-out flatliner.
The MFTs came out after the match to stare down Bakusai.
Prelude to Mexico City
The War Raiders, R-Truth and Damian Priest cut pre-taped promos. They said the match won’t end well, and they won’t lose the AAA Tag Team Titles the way Truth and Priest lost their titles. Priest said he was about done with the tag division, but The War Raiders walk around like they’re the only tag team specialists and treat them like a joke. He pointed out that he and Truth have individual accolades, but The War Raiders have none. The War Raiders said they would show everyone that they’re ready for everyone, but everyone is not ready for war. Truth threw in some lucha “jokes,” which Priest tried to correct him on.
Blake Monroe & Giulia run it back
Cathy was backstage with Blake Monroe, who said her match with Giulia wasn’t suitable for her and that she demanded a better opponent and entrance. Giulia attacked Monroe, and they went at it on the ramp until the officials separated them. Giulia knocked Monroe down with an Ariverdecci knee.
Sami calls dibs
Gargano was looking at himself in the mirror with Candice. Sami Zayn surprised them and talked about how proud he was of him. He said this was still justice and big for guys like them. He said he’s still out there with Johnny, even if not physically. He told Gargano that if an opportunity falls in his lap, he takes it. He also told Gargano that if he took the title off Punk, then he’s first to challenge him.
WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Johnny Gargano
The crowd was fully behind Gargano with “Johny Wrestling” chants throughout, and Punk had mixed reactions with boos and “CM Punk” chants at different points in the match.
The end of this match was chaos. Gargano flashed the GTS taunt, but Punk caught a superkick and turned it into a Michinoku Driver/Blue Thunder Bomb hybrid. Sami Zayn came out when Punk had Gargano for the GTS. Punk immediately went after him. Sami went inside the ring, distracting the ref, which allowed Candice to hit Punk with a hurricanrana into the steps. Gargano landed a tope suicida and One Final Beat for a nearfall.
Sami tried to roll the WWE Title belt to Gargano, but Kevin Owens stopped him. He went for an arpon bomb, but Gunther hit him with a boot. Balor cut off a Gunther powerbomb, and Sami hit all three men with the belt. Punk hit Gargano with a GTS, but Candice distracted the ref, allowing Sami to hit Punk with the belt. Gargano laid on top of Punk, who kicked out at 2.99. Sami tried to give Candice orders, but Aldis kicked him out, and Punk won with the GTS.
Punk called out Sami after the match, saying he wants to break Sami’s face in just as much as he wants the title. He told Sami he could have his title match next week.
The following was announced for next week’s SmackDown in Mexico City:
- AAA Tag Team Championship: War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) (c) vs. Damian Priest & R-Truth
- WWE Women’s Championship: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Nia Jax
- Paige vs. Nikki Bella
- WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Sami Zayn
