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00:00:00Then, now, forever.
00:00:30We are live tonight in San Jose.
00:00:43The host of premium live events such as the Royal Rumble and SummerSlam.
00:00:48Tonight, for the 14th time, it hosts SmackDown.
00:00:52And our capacity crowd of 11,114 is ready to feel the fallout of a shocking
00:00:58week in the WWE.
00:01:00Burns Australia!
00:01:08In case you don't know, the official knockdown, Cody with an opportunity.
00:01:14Rollins used the watch to knock out Rhodes.
00:01:19I am the crown jewel champion, and this is the vision, the greatness that I have assembled.
00:01:41By Oracle, with my vision, we have solidified you as the undisputed GOAT.
00:01:52Braun Breaker, with my vision, you are without a doubt the undisputed future of this industry.
00:02:03Bronson, bring with my vision.
00:02:10You are the new tribal team.
00:02:14One, two, three.
00:02:16I don't need the men in this ring.
00:02:21In this ring, I have chosen the men in this ring, and they have chosen me, because I am Seth.
00:02:32Bring it, Rollins!
00:02:40Jey Uso, LA Knight, CM Punk, for an opportunity to face Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
00:02:47CM Punk going asleep.
00:02:50One, two, three.
00:02:51One step closer to recapturing the World Championship.
00:02:56Burn it down.
00:03:00And Braun Breaker now, with a spear to Jey Uso.
00:03:04And the vision, marching to the ring.
00:03:07And now CM Punk is cornered.
00:03:10A massacre by design.
00:03:15Pump laid waste by Rollins' vision.
00:03:20Rollins' vision.
00:03:25.
00:03:30.
00:03:43.
00:03:47.
00:03:57.
00:04:02.
00:04:06.
00:04:08.
00:04:10.
00:04:11.
00:04:12.
00:04:13.
00:04:14Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the General Manager of SmackDown, Nick Aldis.
00:04:24.
00:04:27San Jose, welcome to SmackDown.
00:04:30.
00:04:32Now, as many of you know, there is a contest scheduled for tonight between Drew McIntyre.
00:04:39.
00:04:42.
00:04:46And Jacob Batu.
00:04:48.
00:04:49.
00:04:50.
00:04:51.
00:04:52Now, I am out here to inform you that that matchup is now a number one contenders match for
00:04:56the WWE Championship.
00:04:57.
00:04:58championship, which means the winner of that match will face this man.
00:05:28I swear to the last in my soul, every spot out of control, do it all to get them on their feet.
00:05:42Crying tears about to blow, paying for me to start the show, I've to cut the lights, go out from home.
00:05:58When I was younger, I don't deserve it.
00:06:04Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the undisputed WWE Champion,
00:06:10the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
00:06:18What a way to kick off our evening here in San Jose.
00:06:25And with our quarterback, our champion, the one and only,
00:06:29the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
00:06:55Welcome in ringside, I'm Vic Joseph.
00:06:59And someone who's excited with Cody coming out, about to jump out of your suit,
00:07:03the returning Corey Graves.
00:07:05I could not be any more excited to be right back here in this saddle, but
00:07:08I also can't wait to hear what is on the mind of the undisputed WWE Champion,
00:07:13Cody Rhodes, after coming up short in Perth, Australia.
00:07:16Welcome back, I'm glad you're in one piece.
00:07:18As far as you know, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.
00:07:21My dreams are not my day, and you'll follow me until you're in one piece.
00:07:28I am the king of me.
00:07:30I am the king of me.
00:07:31I am the king of me.
00:07:32I am the king of me.
00:07:36I am the king of you.
00:07:37Let's continue with me.
00:07:39Come on, a 1950, a50, a50, a50, a50.
00:07:42Let's see.
00:07:43Boys and gentlemen, come on.
00:07:45We are going to close this Atlanta body Aye, 90, a50, a50, a60!
00:07:49One, two, three, four, one, two, one, two, one, two.
00:07:53Stand COM, on.
00:08:29This past Saturday at Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins beat me.
00:08:39For
00:08:44the Crown Jewel Championship.
00:08:47It split him to the bone to do so.
00:08:52And after this dance that Seth and I have done in the last few years,
00:08:57I feel I can say I don't think Seth Rollins and I need to be in the ring with each
00:09:02other ever again.
00:09:02But you guys know that's not how it works around here.
00:09:07And you don't need 2020 Vision to see that Seth has some issues of his own,
00:09:14issues with the bronze, issues with an Oracle that is rewriting his future as we speak.
00:09:23Seth needs to handle his business, and I will handle SmackDown business.
00:09:32And
00:09:38the business of SmackDown is being with you all here tonight in the Bay Area to watch a
00:09:45number one contenders match.
00:09:52Now I heard our general manager say it earlier, who's it going to be?
00:09:59Will it be the Scottish warrior Drew McIntyre?
00:10:04I'm gonna try it again.
00:10:14Will it be the Scottish warrior Drew McIntyre?
00:10:19Will it be someone you are rather familiar with?
00:10:32Someone from right around here, the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Batu.
00:10:54I don't know how this one shakes out, but I do know I will be ready.
00:11:04And I do know it's Friday night, the lights are on bright, and
00:11:08the roads to Saturday night's main event runs through San Jose.
00:11:15Well, Graves, we got some combustible elements in our main event.
00:11:24Two of the heaviest hitters on the roster doing battle for
00:11:27the right to be the number one contender.
00:11:29Two weeks from tomorrow at Saturday night's main event.
00:11:34In my toe, every fight out of control, do it all to get them all to be.
00:11:44Hey, yo, cameraman, cameraman, stop.
00:11:47Take my pictures right now.
00:11:48I'm ready to go.
00:11:49Tranquilo, couple more pictures, okay?
00:11:52You can wait for your turn.
00:11:53Wait for my turn.
00:11:54No, Phoenix, you're done now.
00:11:56Move.
00:11:57What is your problem, Solo?
00:11:59I don't have a problem.
00:12:01No?
00:12:02But you didn't.
00:12:04Me?
00:12:05Help, we need help again.
00:12:09Get your answer.
00:12:11I'm gonna show you the real meaning of Ghost Ride the Whip.
00:12:17And you will know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brace with it.
00:12:25Got it right, man?
00:12:27Hope you're right.
00:12:31Who will be the number one contender after our main event here tonight?
00:12:43But in moments, we'll hear from Aleister Black and Zelina Vega in the wake of the full
00:12:48rising last man standing match against Damian Priest.
00:12:52next.
00:12:53Next.
00:13:03Like a dream.
00:13:06ITSAR!
00:13:08You walked into my life juxt like a dream.
00:13:14Fill your heart, fill your heart, fill your heart, victory.
00:13:44Light it up, represent, had to do it hella big, had to run it back again. Light it up, go, go, go, go it hard, I've been on the job, I can't take a laugh, watch your mouth and the way you come.
00:14:04You know what I'm the most proud of? Four weeks, no months. I've been setting this in motion.
00:14:11The reality is, everything I have done has been a calculated move in my head.
00:14:20And I have not felt this accomplished as me aligning with my wife.
00:14:28This isn't new.
00:14:29This was always part of the plan.
00:14:31Always by our design.
00:14:33This was the inevitable truth.
00:14:36None more methodical.
00:14:38There's none more violent than my wife.
00:14:41We are not the infection.
00:14:43Just the mirror that shows it.
00:14:47See, I'm not a big fan of, uh, putting all my cards on the table.
00:14:52But I'll let you know this.
00:14:54We are what you would perhaps call a necessary evil.
00:15:00We are the balance.
00:15:02The venom isn't poison.
00:15:05It's salvation.
00:15:08One, two, three.
00:15:10Move over, Mickey and Mallory, Knox, Alistair, and Zelina, making the future here on SmackDown a little darker for everybody.
00:15:18I could have said it any better.
00:15:19But right now, I want to go back to last week here on SmackDown.
00:15:23It was when Shinsuke Nakamura made his return and answered an open challenge from Sami Zayn.
00:15:30What a matchup.
00:15:31A back and forth it was until this happened.
00:15:34Changing the whole complexion of the matchup.
00:15:37Wiping out Shinsuke.
00:15:38Then turning the focus to the champion, Sami Zayn himself.
00:15:42And it would be the return out of nowhere.
00:15:44The MFTs off the chain, more violent, more vicious than ever before.
00:15:52No one is safe on SmackDown from the fury of the MFTs.
00:15:58And that man, Solo, Sakoa.
00:16:03Yeah, I do.
00:16:06I want it to be big, big, think big.
00:16:09All right.
00:16:10All right?
00:16:11I'll take it into consideration.
00:16:13All right.
00:16:14Hey, Nick.
00:16:14Sami.
00:16:15Nick, what's going on here, man?
00:16:17I'm supposed to do this US title open challenge.
00:16:19I'm not even on the show tonight.
00:16:20Okay, look, Sami, you know I'm a big supporter of the US Open Challenge.
00:16:24That's why I signed off on it in the first place.
00:16:25Right.
00:16:26But look, here's the thing, first of all, I wanted to make sure that Shin got a proper
00:16:29rematch, okay?
00:16:30And Shinsuke is not here, as you know, he's still in Japan.
00:16:32The other thing we have to take into consideration are the MFTs.
00:16:36I saw what they did to you last week and to Shinsuke.
00:16:38And look, they're already causing trouble for me tonight.
00:16:40I can't have any more of that happening with the MFTs running around.
00:16:43Nick, since when is that how things work around here?
00:16:46That's not how it works, that's not how I work.
00:16:47What, I'm supposed to just hide back here?
00:16:50We're supposed to be intimidated because bullied and hide in the shadows?
00:16:53Because what, because they got a problem with me, they got a problem, they got something
00:16:57to prove?
00:16:58Nick, I'm sorry, it doesn't work for me.
00:17:00No.
00:17:01This actually means something, Nick.
00:17:03Okay?
00:17:04This means something to me.
00:17:06This means something to the fans.
00:17:08This means something to a walkroom full of guys who are hungry for opportunities.
00:17:13Nick, I'm sorry.
00:17:14I'm sorry, I'm going out there and I'm gonna defend this United States Championship.
00:17:20And anyone who wants a piece knows where to find me.
00:17:23Cuz I'll be in the middle of that ring.
00:17:25Did you need something else, Miz?
00:17:32No, I'm good, real good.
00:17:36We're gonna have an open challenge, and it's next.
00:18:06Saturday morning cartoons are back.
00:18:20Full episodes of the classic Hulk Hogan's Rock and Wrestling are now available on
00:18:24the WWE Vault YouTube channel.
00:18:27Episodes post first thing Saturday morning.
00:18:29So head to youtube.com slash wwe vault to enjoy every episode from the series and
00:18:34more nostalgic WWE archived content.
00:18:40Here's a look at a classic.
00:18:43I think I'll check and see how Captain Lou's doing.
00:18:48How you coming, Captain?
00:18:49Captain Lou, you okay?
00:18:52Whoa!
00:18:54Tito, look at that.
00:18:55With all the dirt washed off him, Captain Lou looks just like the Hulkster.
00:19:00I am the Hulkster.
00:19:02And where's Captain Lou?
00:19:04If I were you, I'd check behind the shower curtain.
00:19:10They are my favorites from my childhood.
00:19:11They are my favorites from my childhood.
00:19:12They are my favorite.
00:19:13They are my favorite.
00:19:14The following contest is the United States Championship Open Challenge.
00:19:26Introducing first, from Montreal to Canada, playing in at 212 pounds.
00:19:35He is the United States Champion, Sammy Zay!
00:19:44He's a determined champion, always ready to defend his title.
00:19:57They're gonna follow in the footsteps of the great John Cena.
00:20:00We heard Sammy Zayn talking to our general manager, Nick Aldis.
00:20:19He was, I mean, he could be more clear.
00:20:21He didn't care what happened last week, what happened yesterday in the airport.
00:20:25He wanted to defend his title for everyone here tonight, everyone watching at home.
00:20:29Sammy Zayn takes great pride in the United States Championship, and
00:20:33any championship he has ever held throughout his career.
00:20:36Sammy wants to be a representative of the WWE Universe, and
00:20:39he is proud to fight to show the world what's most important to him.
00:20:45The only question is now, who will answer the Open Challenge?
00:20:49I have my guesses.
00:20:50Awesome!
00:20:51Yeah.
00:20:52Were you not paying attention a few minutes ago, Vic?
00:20:57I am so sick of these Open Challenge.
00:21:09Treating that championship like a charity.
00:21:13I am so, Carmelo Hayes getting himself a little bit of payback.
00:21:19Carmelo didn't miss that one, obviously.
00:21:20Obviously, he certainly did not.
00:21:22Certainly a lot of bad blood between these two.
00:21:26Carmelo Hayes returning the favor just like Miz did to him.
00:21:30We might need a few more bodies out here to pull Carmelo Hayes off the Miz.
00:21:34But Sami Zayn waiting for someone.
00:21:40One, two, one, two, three.
00:21:44Graves!
00:21:49Yes!
00:21:50My!
00:21:53He's back!
00:21:56And his opponent, from Monk, Palo Rocha,
00:22:05weighing in at 210 pounds,
00:22:09Gia Dragunov!
00:22:13I know I'm going to repeat myself, but Dragunov is back!
00:22:18One of the most exciting superstars in the game today.
00:22:23Back after nearly a year away with a knee injury,
00:22:27the Mad Dragon is on SmackDown!
00:22:33This man is intensity personified.
00:22:36Did you see in those eyes?
00:22:37I mean, there's, I'm trying to keep it under control here.
00:22:41There's no way Sami Zayn was prepared for someone like the Mad Dragon.
00:22:47Like you said, he's been out for over a year with a right knee injury,
00:22:51but what a time to make a return.
00:22:54Sami Zayn made his bed, now he's got to lay in it.
00:22:58Ilya Dragunov answering the United States Championship Open Challenge.
00:23:05Welcome back, Ilya.
00:23:07Sami, get ready, grit your teeth.
00:23:10Well, what a night it has been on SmackDown.
00:23:12The fireworks hit the start with the-
00:23:24As I was saying, the fireworks hit the start with Cody Rhodes.
00:23:28Then this is our second championship match of the night.
00:23:32And the return of Ilya Dragunov, which by the way, welcome to SmackDown.
00:23:37I think Dragunov's even bigger than before.
00:23:40Added a couple pounds of lean muscle, standing toe to toe with the US Champion.
00:23:45But look at Sami go.
00:23:47He's breaking down into a slugfest right off the bat.
00:23:49Dragunov trying to fire back.
00:23:50He's got a lot of pent up aggression after a year away.
00:23:53Bam!
00:23:53Running right over Sami Zayn.
00:23:55I can only imagine Dragunov was doing his recovery trying to get back in ring shape
00:24:00and seething each and every moment that he wasn't able to do what he loves most.
00:24:05Well, I'm glad you bring up the word seething because before his injury, I mean,
00:24:09it was just masterful how he's able to balance all that rage that was inside him.
00:24:14Ilya Dragunov possesses a unique ability to turn rage into fuel.
00:24:21Fury into fuel to use his anger and aim it at his opponent.
00:24:26It has brought him great success.
00:24:28You, of course, Vic, called most of his tenure in NXT.
00:24:31Look, I've called his NXT Championship win, his NXT UK Championship win.
00:24:35I mean, he always was able to move forward, push forward, fight through the pain,
00:24:40always persevere.
00:24:42I don't know if anyone on the roster has the ability to embrace pain in quite the same
00:24:47way as Ilya Dragunov.
00:24:49An absolutely explosive specimen.
00:24:52Big boot.
00:24:53Big combination offense rocking Sami Zayn.
00:24:56What an open challenge.
00:24:57What a surprise here on SmackDown.
00:24:59Whatever you're watching around the world, that is Ilya Dragunov making his return to the WWE after a year away due to a knee injury.
00:25:16And this is for the United States Championship.
00:25:19Vic, I don't know if you were able to hear it, but Dragunov was just screaming to the WWE Universe, I have been starving for a year.
00:25:25Starving for combat, starving for competition.
00:25:29Big senton.
00:25:30It's what defines Ilya.
00:25:31Into the cover, forearm right across the face, and a kick out.
00:25:34And look, this is a man who we've talked about, just the anger, the rage, the persevering, he, and I would also say Sami Zayn.
00:25:42The one word to describe both, passionate.
00:25:45No doubt about that.
00:25:46When we talk about the perseverance of Ilya Dragunov, you have to say the same about Sami Zayn.
00:25:51It's truly defined Sami's WWE career.
00:25:53When it comes to tenacity, perseverance, never giving up, Sami Zayn has embodied that perfectly.
00:26:00Well, early on, and you can't blame Sami Zayn.
00:26:04I know he came out hot, but he's kind of trying to settle into this matchup.
00:26:07I mean, out of nowhere comes in the Mad Dragon.
00:26:10And Dragunov pulling himself now to the top, and Sami Zayn, this could be a turning point.
00:26:15In the matchup, nasty spill all the way to the outside.
00:26:19That could be the tide turner Sami Zayn needed.
00:26:21If nothing else, it provides Sami with a few seconds to catch his breath, replan his game.
00:26:26And Sami Zayn, yeah, this is crucial, too, and that's a great point you just brought up,
00:26:31Corey, because for Sami Zayn right now, an open challenge, you gotta be ready for anybody,
00:26:35let alone someone who's been away for almost 13 months.
00:26:39Letting himself regroup, refocus.
00:26:41And that's absolutely a factor, and Ilya Dragunov to this juncture seems to be
00:26:46extremely focused in fantastic physical condition.
00:26:49But anybody on the roster will tell you, Vic, there's nothing quite like being in ring shape.
00:26:54It's a different kind of cardio.
00:26:56You can be, spend all the time you want on a treadmill.
00:26:58You can do all the reps you want, but until you're in the ring, up and down, boom!
00:27:03You never really know what kind of shape you're in.
00:27:05Cover by Zayn.
00:27:06Off the suplex and a kick out.
00:27:08And I assure you, Sami Zayn right now is looking to test that.
00:27:11Sami weathered the early storm of Ilya Dragunov, now Zayn can sink into his game.
00:27:16Right back is Sami Zayn with another elbow right to the teeth.
00:27:22You see Ilya Dragunov checking his teeth and see if they're all still there.
00:27:26Sami Zayn right now trying to slow the momentum of this matchup.
00:27:30And that may be another good strategy too for Sami Zayn to try to weather that storm
00:27:34early on but slow the pace a little bit against Dragunov.
00:27:36Yeah, you wanna delay the onslaught that is Ilya Dragunov as long as possible,
00:27:41if you're Sami Zayn, if that is possible at all.
00:27:44Because here comes Dragunov again with a series of heavy artillery strikes.
00:27:48Boom!
00:27:49Sami Zayn answering right back.
00:27:50Seventh consecutive week defending the United States Championship.
00:27:53And I mean, if that isn't the definition of a fighting champion, Graves, I don't know what is.
00:27:58It should absolutely be celebrated, but you'd be remiss if you didn't ask the question,
00:28:02is Sami Zayn burning the candle at both ends?
00:28:04That's fair.
00:28:05Is Sami wearing himself thin by being such a fighting champion?
00:28:12Feel the capacity crowd rising in this matchup.
00:28:15United States Championship on the line.
00:28:23United States Championship on the line.
00:28:26Open challenge answered by the returning Ilya Dragunov.
00:28:30After a year on the sidelines due to a right knee injury, he's in there with Sami Zayn.
00:28:37And Zayn just dropping the challenger, center of the ring, off the clothesline,
00:28:40into the cover, hook of the leg, and a kick out.
00:28:43Graves, let's go back to some of the action before the break.
00:28:46Dragunov looked to take it high, but Sami Zayn just a step ahead of the challenger,
00:28:51sent Ilya crashing hard to the outside, and it has been all Sami since.
00:28:56That really was a turning point in the matchup because it allowed Sami Zayn to slow down,
00:28:59the pace of this matchup down, and sort of refocus his energy in this matchup.
00:29:04Well, Sami was able to weather the early emotional storm of Ilya Dragunov,
00:29:08and now Sami needs to dig down into his bag of tricks.
00:29:12Sami's a world-class veteran.
00:29:14He has done and seen just about everything there is to do in this game.
00:29:18So he can figure out a way to get past Dragunov.
00:29:20It just might take a few minutes.
00:29:21Sami Zayn who talked to Nick Aldis earlier really wanted to have this open challenge
00:29:26tonight no matter what transpired last week on SmackDown.
00:29:29But I do gotta ask, and not to take away from this matchup for a moment, but
00:29:32should Sami be careful with the words he uses about Solo Sokoa in the MFTs?
00:29:37Big DDT out of the corner.
00:29:39In the future, absolutely, but right now Sami Zayn should have a singular focus.
00:29:43Batman, the mad dragon Ilya Dragunov, who wants Sami's gold.
00:29:47Set aside, charges in.
00:29:49He might have been looking for the Luva kick.
00:29:51Got caught by Dragunov, falls into the cover.
00:29:53And Sami Zayn just, just got that left shoulder up.
00:29:58Whoa, take another look, feel the impact.
00:30:02First, bam, big tornado DDT, then this.
00:30:06Dragunov would answer with a jumping kick right on the temple of the champion.
00:30:11And it doesn't get any closer than that without the bell ringing.
00:30:15Back to live action, just saw a German suplex and Dragunov holding on.
00:30:21And then talking a little bit of smack to the champion.
00:30:24Dragunov is absolutely relentless.
00:30:26We heard him during the commercial break screaming to the crowd,
00:30:29I have been starving for a year.
00:30:31Tonight, Dragunov wants to feast on Sami Zayn.
00:30:35And what Dragunov's doing here is by maintaining the waist lock, he's squeezing nonstop.
00:30:40He's driving every bit of breath out of the body of the United States champion.
00:30:44Brilliant strategy by the Mad Dragon.
00:30:46The champion is also doing what we talked about at the start,
00:30:48showing that perseverance and ability to fly through.
00:30:50Counter, roll through, shoulders down, and near fall to retain.
00:30:55Both men back up, swinging a miss from the challenger.
00:30:57Champion with a German suplex of his own.
00:30:59And now it's Sami Zayn returning it to Ilya Dragunov.
00:31:03You can see Sami Zayn almost sluggish in his attempt to try to regain a vertical base to
00:31:07perhaps execute another German suplex.
00:31:10Dragunov tried to put a side headlock on to no avail.
00:31:14Still with that waist lock and another German suplex is Sami.
00:31:17And you have to appreciate the head positioning of Sami Zayn.
00:31:20Notice he kept his head out of the reach of Dragunov's elbows as Ilya was trying to escape.
00:31:24That's the sign of a true pro, a veteran's veteran, Sami Zayn.
00:31:27WrestleMania main eventer is Sami Zayn.
00:31:29And I think when you start to break this down at its purest form,
00:31:32both these men are so technically gifted in the ring.
00:31:35No doubt about it, two of the best in the world.
00:31:37Both men possess extremely deep arsenals.
00:31:39They're always looking to dig into that bag and show the world a few new tricks.
00:31:44Dragunov could have been looking for a knockout instead, just overpowering.
00:31:47Wow.
00:31:48Sami Zayn into the cover.
00:31:50Referee's right there in great position.
00:31:52And I gotta be honest, Vic, I think if Ilya had the wherewithal to hook the leg,
00:31:57this might have been it.
00:31:59Lifting Sami up before driving the champion down spine first,
00:32:03we very nearly had a new United States champion.
00:32:06This has been high impact offense against Sami Zayn had no way to know
00:32:10who his opponent would be with this open challenge.
00:32:13It was Ilya Dragunov, who now is perched up top.
00:32:16Looking for this, had to roll through, was looking for the senton.
00:32:20Sami Zayn sensed it, charging in, got caught, and bam!
00:32:24It's a no-goo driver, center of the ring!
00:32:27And again, and Graves, there wasn't a lot on that kick out.
00:32:30And this goes back to being in ring shape that you brought up.
00:32:33We were talking about it before.
00:32:34It's one thing to have a strong five minutes in you when you return to the ring.
00:32:38Dragunov missed a year of action.
00:32:40Obviously, he appears to be in tremendous physical condition, but
00:32:43there is nothing quite like being in ring shape.
00:32:46We know Sami Zayn can go for an hour if he has to.
00:32:49Does Dragunov have that much fuel in the tank tonight?
00:32:51And the one thing we haven't talked about for Ilya Dragunov is how difficult is it to return from a knee injury,
00:32:56let alone your first match being in there against someone the caliber of Sami Zayn.
00:33:00Ordinarily, I would agree with you, Vic, but when it comes to Ilya Dragunov,
00:33:04there ain't a damn thing about this man that's ordinary.
00:33:06Dragunov, borderline superhuman when it comes to his physical abilities.
00:33:13You can feel the tension in the air here.
00:33:16God.
00:33:17In San Jose capacity crowd right now, second championship match tonight.
00:33:21Sami Zayn relentless with the elbows right to the jaw, breaking the hole for the moment.
00:33:25Sami Zayn right now.
00:33:26Where steel meets wood.
00:33:28No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:33:30And he went over, that was shoulder first, over that middle rope.
00:33:34Nasty, gnarly, fall for Dragunov.
00:33:37United States Championship is on the line.
00:33:40God.
00:33:53Wherever you're watching around the world, the United States Championship is on the line.
00:33:58The official, Charles Robinson.
00:34:01Look, Graves, nobody wants to see this end in a count out.
00:34:04But both men barely moving because of all the high impact offense throughout this matchup.
00:34:09The champion able to get into the ring.
00:34:11Referee's count is at nine.
00:34:12It's so close.
00:34:13Dragunov just broke the ten.
00:34:16Dragunov getting in by the skin of his teeth.
00:34:20Might be ill-advised, but Dragunov is calling Sami Zayn on.
00:34:24The challenger wants more.
00:34:27This is what I'm talking about when I talk about Dragunov's ability to embrace the pain
00:34:32and use it as fuel.
00:34:34This man lives for combat.
00:34:36Let's go!
00:34:37And Sami Zayn answering it, you want some, he's coming right in.
00:34:40One after another, beating down the challenger.
00:34:44I mean, you're right, and you know, for Iliad Dragunov,
00:34:47the only other championship opportunities he's had on Raw or SmackDown was for
00:34:50the Intercontinental title.
00:34:52He has been waiting for a long time, not only to get back into the ring, but
00:34:55have this sort of opportunity.
00:34:57And now it's starting to break down once again.
00:35:02Look at this, rapid fire chops and headbutts from the challenger.
00:35:08Zayn is rocked, Vic.
00:35:09Sami Zayn is rocked.
00:35:10Certainly is, out on his feet, dragging off, realizing it.
00:35:13This time, push the leg, and it's still not up.
00:35:15Look at Sami, getting right back up.
00:35:17Oh, it's breaking down in San Jose.
00:35:20The SAP Center coming unglued.
00:35:26Dragunov, Dragunov, powerbomb.
00:35:28He fell to the cover, hook at the inside leg.
00:35:31No, man.
00:35:33Damn, that was close.
00:35:35Wow.
00:35:36Iliad Dragunov, who has been starving for a year,
00:35:40could taste the United States title in that near fall.
00:35:45But Sami Zayn refusing to quit.
00:35:49My God, what a battle.
00:35:52And it all started with an open challenge.
00:36:10Because Sami Zayn didn't want to let the WWE Universe all over the world down.
00:36:16He went in to Nick Aldis' office, Graves, and said, I still want to do this.
00:36:21Marched out.
00:36:22Miz thought he was answering the challenge until Carmelo Hayes came out of left field.
00:36:26And then Iliad Dragunov, shocking us all, making the return.
00:36:30And there it is again, just that look in the eyes.
00:36:33And if you're asking Sami Zayn to punch you in the mouth, Sami Zayn's gonna punch you in the mouth.
00:36:37And unfortunately for Sami Zayn, I'm pretty sure Iliad Dragunov is certifiable.
00:36:42The man isn't right.
00:36:44The guy lives to fight.
00:36:45He says pain makes him feel alive.
00:36:49Well, the sounds of that conversation earlier from Sami Zayn.
00:36:52He wants another match with Shinsuke Nakamura.
00:36:54He's gotta worry about surviving this one here tonight with his championship on the line.
00:36:59And now what is going through the mind of Iliad Dragunov?
00:37:03What a matchup this has been.
00:37:06United States Championship hanging in the balance.
00:37:09Back on SmackDown, we are live.
00:37:23United States Championship is on the line.
00:37:25And these two have just been beating the hell out of one another.
00:37:29Zayn's down, Zayn's down, Graves.
00:37:31Looking for the sin, Todd.
00:37:33He got all of it into the cover for the Todd.
00:37:37How?
00:37:41This is Sami Zayn we're talking about, Vince.
00:37:44How?
00:37:45Graves, go back to some of the action during the break.
00:37:48This was unmitigated brutality from both competitors.
00:37:53It has been back and forth, both warriors giving it their best.
00:37:57Here, a potential exclamation point for the challenger, Senton, on the money.
00:38:03But Sami Zayn reminding the world why he is who he is.
00:38:0811,144 here live in San Jose.
00:38:18Showing their admiration for both these men.
00:38:21As the championship hangs in the balance, the United States Championship.
00:38:25As this matchup progresses, Vic, I have to ask you once again, what kind of toll is this taking on Sami Zayn?
00:38:31Week after week after week, seven in a row to this point.
00:38:35How long can Sami keep this breakneck pace?
00:38:37And I think the other part is it's seven in a row, but it's also seven times you're going into a matchup not knowing who your opponent is.
00:38:43That has to weigh on the back of your mind, but falling to the mat was Dragunov.
00:38:47Zayn looking around trying to catch his breath, but the mad dragon right back up.
00:38:52Hey, Dragunov, you talk about an exclamation point looking for a superplex floating right over.
00:39:00Zayn in prone position.
00:39:04Here he comes, Vic.
00:39:05Dragunov looking for the angel counter.
00:39:10Sami got a boot up just in time.
00:39:12That was a matter of self-preservation for the champion.
00:39:15You ain't lying, my friend.
00:39:18And now it's Sami Zayn.
00:39:20Target acquired.
00:39:21Haluba kicked.
00:39:22Nobody home.
00:39:23Side step by the challenger.
00:39:24Turning right back around.
00:39:26And look at the strength.
00:39:27How does he have this much strength dragging off this late in the match?
00:39:30Floats over.
00:39:31Into the cover.
00:39:32And another near fall.
00:39:37Let's take a look at this boot from Sami Zayn at the last possible
00:39:41second.
00:39:42Right in the grill of Ilya Dragunov, who was looking for the H-bomb to finish this off.
00:39:48But Sami Zayn again, refusing to relent.
00:39:51Here comes Ilya.
00:39:53Caught with a kick by Zayn.
00:39:55Charge it back in though.
00:39:56The big knee, throw to the cover.
00:39:57Is this it?
00:39:58My God.
00:40:00I mean, I just looked up from the monitor.
00:40:04Did you see our referee Charles Robinson?
00:40:06He started rubbing his face in his hair because he's even in shock at the match we've been witnessing.
00:40:12And Charles Robinson, the best in the game.
00:40:14Had the best bird's eye view possible.
00:40:16Right there making sure Sami got his shoulder up before the count of three.
00:40:21But Dragunov showing no signs of slowing.
00:40:24And that's almost amazing at this point.
00:40:26To keep up this pace to this point in the matchup for both of these guys.
00:40:30Hats off.
00:40:31Another chop, third one didn't connect.
00:40:33Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, going up.
00:40:34Maybe looking for the blue thunder bomb, countered.
00:40:36Duck in the clothesline.
00:40:37Dragunov going right through.
00:40:39Constantine Special turning Sami Zayn inside out.
00:40:43And there again is that rage.
00:40:45And it's coming out of the body of the challenger.
00:40:49The Mad Dragon looking to go scorched earth.
00:40:52Torpedo.
00:40:53Got caught with the move.
00:40:55Zayn now pulling up a prone challenger.
00:40:59Blue thunder bomb.
00:41:01To retake.
00:41:04I don't even know what else to say.
00:41:10Let's watch and enjoy again a hallouba kick in mid air.
00:41:15Followed immediately by a blue thunder bomb.
00:41:18And what does Dragunov do?
00:41:20This maniac kicks out.
00:41:23Sami Zayn even thought this was over.
00:41:25He had his hand held high.
00:41:27I think Dragunov's body might have just told him that's enough.
00:41:39Live to fight another day.
00:41:41First match back in over a year.
00:41:43And now Sami Zayn possibly looking for that hallouba kick.
00:41:48And now what's he looking at?
00:41:53It's Solo Sokoa.
00:41:55What's Sokoa doing out here?
00:42:00Right now?
00:42:01Sami Zayn took his eye off the ball and cut.
00:42:07Exploder.
00:42:09That's the prelude to the end.
00:42:15The United States champion lining it up.
00:42:18Torpedo Moscow.
00:42:20Is that gonna be it?
00:42:22Right back up.
00:42:23Boom with an H-bomb.
00:42:25Dragunov into the cover.
00:42:27Two.
00:42:28And Dragunov dethrones Zayn.
00:42:31Wow.
00:42:34Here is your winner and new United States champion.
00:42:43Ilya Dragunov.
00:42:47I know I've said it.
00:42:49Wow.
00:42:50But Graves, what a match.
00:42:55Vic, say it 10 more times.
00:42:57Say it 20 more times.
00:42:58You'll get no disagreement from me.
00:43:00But Solo Sokoa played a hand in the outcome.
00:43:04Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, Sami took his eye off the ball.
00:43:08Was able to recover here.
00:43:10But as Zayn looked to finish the job.
00:43:12Boom.
00:43:13Boom.
00:43:14Torpedo Moscow.
00:43:15Followed immediately by a thundering.
00:43:18Hey.
00:43:19H-bomb.
00:43:20And new.
00:43:23Ilya Dragunov said he has been starving for a year.
00:43:27Well, Feast, Ilya Feast.
00:43:30Bones and all.
00:43:32The United States title belongs to the Mad Dragon.
00:43:36After a year on the shelf due to a devastating right knee injury.
00:43:41How good must it feel for Ilya Dragunov to not only return to the WWE,
00:43:49not only return to SmackDown, but to finally wear a championship.
00:43:55What a moment.
00:43:58And it has to be said Sami Zayn take a bow.
00:44:02A fighting champion was beaten by a better man tonight.
00:44:06Whoa, whoa, whoa.
00:44:07Tama Tonga.
00:44:08No, come on.
00:44:09Damn it.
00:44:10The NFTs strike again.
00:44:12Tala Tonga, Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga, and JC Mateo have hit the ring again.
00:44:20This is a damn massacre.
00:44:23After that classic we just witnessed.
00:44:28Coming out here and picking up the scraps.
00:44:32And there again we see Solo Sokoa calling the shots.
00:44:37Solo let the NFTs off the chain.
00:44:42Rey Fenix.
00:44:43Fenix who was left laying earlier tonight.
00:44:46He's got a bone to pick with all these men doing his best to fight.
00:44:50And Rey Fenix now added to the front.
00:44:54No, no.
00:44:56It's a long way up.
00:45:01Tala Tonga with an epic choke slam to Rey Fenix.
00:45:07And the NFTs have been unleashed once again.
00:45:11Did you all forget?
00:45:25Did you all forget?
00:45:28I said, did you all forget?
00:45:30Let me remind you then.
00:45:35MFTs run SmackDown.
00:45:40They are going to get back everything that my family has lost.
00:45:49And I will make my family tree champions again.
00:46:09Seek.
00:46:10And ye shall find.
00:46:12Knock.
00:46:14Knock.
00:46:15And the door will be opened.
00:46:19But are you prepared for what's waiting on the other side?
00:46:44.
00:46:51.
00:46:56.
00:47:01.
00:47:06.
00:47:13Solo Sokoa issuing a warning, and now backing off the MFTs.
00:47:21How about the warning that Bo Dallas just issued, Vic?
00:47:24What the hell is waiting on the other side?
00:47:31Monday.
00:47:32Pure power before our eyes.
00:47:35The vision has shifted.
00:47:39Wait a minute, my God!
00:47:41What the hell is going on?
00:47:43As Braun Brinker and Bronson Reed speak out.
00:47:46And the futures of both Intercontinental Championships are on the line.
00:47:50Maxine Dupree with the opportunity of a lifetime as she takes on Becky Lynch.
00:47:56Dominant Mysterio, a defense against an incredibly angry Rousset.
00:48:00When the chaos clears, who will stand tall?
00:48:03On RAW, Monday, 8 Eastern, 5 Pacific, only on Netflix.
00:48:11SmackDown is live tonight in San Jose, 11,144.
00:48:16A capacity crowd on hand, just like it was during our most recent international tour.
00:48:22This past week, WWE was on an unforgettable international tour that started in Perth,
00:48:28Australia for a total combined three-day attendance in Perth of 40,503 fans.
00:48:38Wow!
00:48:40Many WWE superstars also got to interact with the natural wildlife and explore the beautiful waters
00:48:44off the coast of Western Australia.
00:48:49Our time in Australia did not stop there as Melbourne was the next stop on the tour.
00:48:58And finally, we visited Tokyo, Japan with WWE's first live event in the Land of the Rising Sun in over a year.
00:49:14We couldn't be more thankful to the entire WWE Universe all around the world,
00:49:20and we can't wait to get back again soon.
00:49:23Arigato!
00:49:25Raising the Steaks is presented by Arby's new tender bite-sized steak nuggets.
00:49:35The following is a champion versus champion match to determine the women's crown jewel champion!
00:49:52It's hard to believe Tiffany Stratton just four years ago made her first appearance in a wrestling ring.
00:50:02Not in WWE, an actual wrestling ring for Stephanie Bacare.
00:50:05She's only been in WWE for 15 months.
00:50:08And now these two are battling it out on the grand stage of crown jewel.
00:50:12Just shredding the knee ligaments of Tiffany Stratton.
00:50:17Now up to the top rope looking for the prettiest moonsault with nobody home.
00:50:27Stratton made a mistake and there's that corkscrew splash!
00:50:30One, two, three!
00:50:32Stephanie Bacare is the crown jewel champion!
00:50:37As the WWE Women's World Champion, and now crown jewel champion.
00:50:52Guys, I'm here with WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton.
00:50:55And Tiffany, we saw you suffer a rare setback at crown jewel.
00:50:59So does that loss to Stephanie Bacare affect how you move forward as champion?
00:51:04I'm not gonna pretend like I'm happy about losing.
00:51:07But no, Stephanie Bacare is a great champion, and she took me to my limits.
00:51:12But I've been undefeated for the past year, so one loss does not define me.
00:51:17And I'm still the WWE Women's Champion, so I am focused on what is next.
00:51:22That's inspiring and all, but at the end of the day, you still lost.
00:51:26So let me put this into words that you'll understand.
00:51:29That loss is precisely the reason why I offered my professional expertise to
00:51:34Stephanie and not to you.
00:51:36I know you didn't have what it took.
00:51:38I only represent premium talent like your United States Champion Julia.
00:51:43She is the type of high value investment that pays off every single time.
00:51:48Or maybe it's because you know that you don't have it.
00:51:52What's that saying again?
00:51:53Those who can do and those who can't represent.
00:51:58I'm perfectly capable of getting the job done in the ring.
00:52:00Okay, then prove it.
00:52:02Face me in a match next week.
00:52:03Gladly.
00:52:05Bye.
00:52:08Well, we'll see if that one gets made official.
00:52:10But look, one loss certainly does not ruin anything.
00:52:13I mean, the numbers don't lie, Graves.
00:52:15The WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton has been nothing short of dominant here this year.
00:52:22Look at that, 17-1.
00:52:25In this day and age, a number like that is almost unfathomable.
00:52:28Tiffany Stratton continues to impress and improve each time we see her.
00:52:32But I want to take it back to what we just saw a few minutes ago between the MFTs and our WWE Tag Team Champions, the Wyatt Six.
00:52:39There's a war brewing, Vic.
00:52:40This is going to get ugly.
00:52:41And it certainly is.
00:52:42I don't really want to talk about it.
00:52:44I don't want to hear about it anymore.
00:52:45What I do want to hear and hear from is a pair of former Tag Team Champions, that being the Motor City Machine Guns.
00:52:53Hey, happy anniversary.
00:52:54Happy anniversary.
00:52:55Motor City Machine Guns, one year anniversary in the WWE Universe, only took two weeks for us to win the WWE Tag Team Titles.
00:53:02That's right.
00:53:03Hey, you know what?
00:53:04We should celebrate.
00:53:05We should celebrate by winning the WWE Tag Team Titles again.
00:53:09We can do that.
00:53:10Oh, my first anniversary with WWE.
00:53:15The only thing I remember from these guys, how they started, these were like a Ferrari.
00:53:21But since then, you guys look more like my grandfather's lawnmower.
00:53:25My gosh.
00:53:28Good one.
00:53:29Your comedians too, I get it.
00:53:30Ferrari, a really fast car, lawnmower, not a car.
00:53:33Hey, since you're funny guys, I got a joke for you.
00:53:35Do you remember who we beat in that debut match?
00:53:37You guys remember?
00:53:38No, no, no.
00:53:39We have it.
00:53:40We have it.
00:53:41You remember?
00:53:42No?
00:53:43No?
00:53:44Never happened.
00:53:45We remember.
00:53:46Yeah, it was you guys.
00:53:47It was you!
00:53:48What do you think?
00:53:49It was a really thing.
00:53:50And tonight, since the anniversary, we can beat you guys again.
00:53:53Are you sure you want to do it?
00:53:54Yeah.
00:53:55We're pretty sure.
00:53:56We're pretty sure.
00:53:57We're pretty sure.
00:53:58We're pretty sure.
00:53:59We're waiting for your game.
00:54:00Okay.
00:54:01We're waiting for our game.
00:54:02We'll wait for it.
00:54:03We'll wait for it.
00:54:04Coming up.
00:54:05No problem.
00:54:06Okay.
00:54:07Well, this is going to be high octane.
00:54:36The following tag team contest is scheduled for one call.
00:54:42Introducing first, with a combined weight of 412 pounds, Alex Silly, Chris Saban, Motor City Machine Guy!
00:55:06It's hard to believe it's already been a year since the Motor City Machine Guns debuted in WWE, as I christened them, your favorite tag team's favorite tag team.
00:55:20What a tall task ahead.
00:55:22Can they repeat history?
00:55:24This is quite a gift, not only for the Motor City Machine Guns, so to speak, but also the WWE Universe.
00:55:31And their opponent, representing El Elgado del Fantasma, with a combined weight of 425 pounds, Angel Berto Los Garza!
00:55:48And Graves, you are very well aware of the headlines that these two men have made this summer in AAA.
00:55:55Impressive reign as AAA tag team champions for Angel and Berto Los Garza.
00:56:01They would love to parlay that success into more gold here in WWE's tag team division.
00:56:07You've got the Machine Guns, who truly revolutionized the sport of tag team wrestling.
00:56:12Then you've got Angel and Berto, who believe they are capable of taking tag team wrestling to a whole new level.
00:56:18Building off the foundation of the Machine Guns, this one is gonna be memorable.
00:56:23I'm sure Los Garza looking for a little bit of a payback.
00:56:28And from what happened last year, as we heard from Motor City Machine Guns earlier,
00:56:33celebrating that one year anniversary, so to speak.
00:56:35And look, Graves, you've been very familiar with the game of Shelly and Saban, but
00:56:39it's right now Los Garza is taking control.
00:56:42Alex Shelly used to sleep on my floor back when we were on the Independence and
00:56:45he would come to Pittsburgh.
00:56:46I mean, I've known these guys for years and years and years, and they continue to improve,
00:56:50continue to evolve, the problem with being your favorite tag team's favorite tag team
00:56:55is the amount of tape that has been studied on you.
00:56:58Everything the guns do, boom, has been studied by every tag team competitor on the roster.
00:57:03I promise you this.
00:57:04You gotta show them something new, something different, and figure out what that secret
00:57:07sauce is for the guns to get back on top.
00:57:09Always said this is gonna be high octane, not taking your foot off the gas.
00:57:13Chris Saban wiping out the opposition.
00:57:17Speaking of all gas, no breaks, Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre still to come,
00:57:21number one contender's main event.
00:57:23There's Chris Saban, who's the legal student, and the referee right now,
00:57:26distracted for a moment, and that opens the door.
00:57:29Berto, who is able to hold on to Saban, opens the door.
00:57:33The situational awareness by Los Garza, who continue to improve.
00:57:38Again, every time they step into the ring, they show their opponents a new look,
00:57:42a new move, a new scheme of some sort.
00:57:45And you have to think that success in AAA has almost reignited their own inner
00:57:49belief in themselves.
00:57:50No doubt about it.
00:57:51No doubt about it.
00:57:52I think that may have been the best possible thing for Los Garza in their
00:57:55careers recently.
00:57:56A reminder of where they came from, what they're capable of, and what they want
00:58:01to do next.
00:58:02But tag made, here comes Alex Shelley.
00:58:04And Shelley a big block and answers quickly.
00:58:06This man is an absolute encyclopedia of technical wrestling maneuvers.
00:58:11You know, you broke down these two teams, and really though,
00:58:13how do you view the tag team division here on the blue brand?
00:58:16I mean, if this is any indication, it's extremely healthy and should be paid a lot
00:58:20of attention to.
00:58:21Los Garza and Machine Guns.
00:58:23Super kick.
00:58:24Looking to do their parts to raise the stakes in the tag team division.
00:58:29Which team's walking out with the W tonight?
00:58:36Got ourselves a tag team showcase between the Motor City Machine Guns, Los Garzas.
00:58:47And you know, right out here in front of us, you can hear Alex Shelley screaming in pain.
00:58:54We talk about high octane flying around.
00:58:56It's actually been the striking ability from Baritone Angel, and this matchup is going
00:58:59into the cover hook of the leg and Shelly having to kick out.
00:59:02Thus far, yes, that's been the key to success.
00:59:04But make no mistake about it, when it comes to aerial abilities, when necessary, Los Garza can do it all.
00:59:10They can take to the skies just as well as anybody.
00:59:13This could boil down to experience.
00:59:15Which of these two teams makes the first mistake?
00:59:18Because chances are, you're only going to get one in a matchup like this.
00:59:21You know, I think back to what happened already tonight with the MFTs.
00:59:25And I hate to ask you this, but shouldn't the entire tag team division be looking over their shoulders?
00:59:30Shouldn't everybody here on SmackDown?
00:59:32Everyone needs to keep their head on a swivel.
00:59:34It's about gold.
00:59:35It's about being the representative, the faces of the tag team division on SmackDown.
00:59:40The machine guns have tasted it.
00:59:42Los Garza have come close on numerous occasions.
00:59:44Right now it all belongs to the Wyatt Six, but there's a war brewing with the MFT.
00:59:49There is a lot happening in the SmackDown tag team division.
00:59:52Here comes Angel.
00:59:53Wow.
00:59:54What a knee right under the jaw.
00:59:57Increible, Vic.
00:59:59Obviously you've been picking up on your Spanish down there in Mexico City.
01:00:03I use Babel.
01:00:04That's fair enough too.
01:00:05His close scars are though.
01:00:07Might have just hit Alex Shelley so hard he may not be able to talk for a week,
01:00:11no matter what the language is.
01:00:13And this has really been the difference in Los Garza in the past few months or so,
01:00:17since the beginning of the summer.
01:00:18Just the aggression, the ruthlessness, the ability to tune out the WWE Universe
01:00:23and take care of business as needed.
01:00:25Is that what the, I don't wanna call it the missing ingredient, but
01:00:28is that what Los Garza has to do to start separating themselves?
01:00:31I mean, look, Angel's out here going into the cover, shoulder not quite down.
01:00:35Great job by the official.
01:00:36I think Los Garza are on the right track.
01:00:38I think it's a matter of stringing together a couple of Ws, a few in a row,
01:00:42picking up one over the Motor City machine guns of all teams tonight on SmackDown.
01:00:46That can go a long way toward Nick Aldis giving you what you want,
01:00:49which is a title opportunity.
01:00:51Well, you said it to me a number of times over the years,
01:00:53especially when you were down with NXT with myself and Booker T.
01:00:56You have to win to get opportunities.
01:00:58This is a pivotal matchup in the tag team division.
01:01:02As you start to look ahead past Saturday night's main event two weeks from tomorrow.
01:01:06Past Survivor Series coming up next month is right back on top looking for the win.
01:01:11And my, I've never seen a pin adding in a punch right to the jaw.
01:01:16Alex Shelley completely unable to protect himself from a series of straight right
01:01:20hands from Angel.
01:01:21Alex Shelley by, and this is no, I'm not trying to be disrespectful.
01:01:26Alex Shelley hasn't been the same since he took that knee right to the jaw from Angel.
01:01:31I agree with you.
01:01:32Los Garza came out here with a game plan.
01:01:34As I was talking about earlier, no doubt about it, Angel and
01:01:37Berto have studied the Motor City Machine Guns.
01:01:39And I'm talking prior to the Machine Guns arrival in WWE.
01:01:42And again, I feel like that might be a downside for Saban and Shelley.
01:01:47That's fair enough.
01:01:48The amount of times that their opposition has been able to study them over the years.
01:01:52Swinging away, Los Garza has been in control.
01:01:57Are they gonna pick up a statement victory on SmackDown?
01:02:00Graves, Alex Shelley has not been the same since.
01:02:10He almost got his teeth knocked down his throat by a big knee from Angel.
01:02:14As a matter of fact, let's go back and relive that moment.
01:02:17Look at that.
01:02:18That impact, not to mention, Berto on the outside with a kick.
01:02:21He took the words right out of my mouth.
01:02:23Let's not overlook the fact that Berto executed a kick right to the base of Shelley's skull.
01:02:27Well, Chris Saban baiting in maybe for a moment, turning around.
01:02:31And here's where that expertise comes in.
01:02:33Two men who know each other so well.
01:02:35Big neck breaker.
01:02:36And this could be that moment Alex Shelley has been looking for to make his way,
01:02:40make a tag, and Chris Saban can check into the match.
01:02:42A rare moment of disorientation for Alex Shelley in the ring.
01:02:45This is a man who always knows where he's at at all times.
01:02:48But obviously, his brains have been scrambled a little over the past several minutes.
01:02:51Whoa.
01:02:52Chris Saban desperately needs a tag.
01:02:54Here he comes.
01:02:55And on a night where we've seen two championships defended.
01:02:58Big high cross body from Chris Saban, a man who's no stranger to championships.
01:03:03Knows the Motor City Machine Guns who won the titles within just a few weeks of their debut
01:03:08nearly one year ago here on SmackDown.
01:03:11And look it.
01:03:12Backslide.
01:03:13Shoulders down, rolling right through.
01:03:14Chris Saban now tying him right back up into a not crucifix style.
01:03:18Is it enough in another near fall?
01:03:20Again, I cannot overstate the encyclopedic wrestling knowledge of both Chris Saban and
01:03:26Alex Shelley.
01:03:27They can tie you up.
01:03:28They can stretch you.
01:03:29They can knock you out when they need to.
01:03:31One of the reasons they're one of the greatest tag teams of the generation.
01:03:34Both men who came up to me talking about this match so excited.
01:03:37Not only for an opportunity here over the last year, but everything going on in NXT.
01:03:41The TNA X Division title will be defended this Tuesday.
01:03:44Leon Slater versus Stax.
01:03:46A title that Chris Saban held more than anyone.
01:03:48Big super kick from Saban.
01:03:49Saban got caught.
01:03:50Birdo.
01:03:51Birdo.
01:03:52Birdo.
01:03:53Birdo.
01:03:54Man.
01:03:55Power on display.
01:03:56Sit down style powerbomb.
01:03:57And no.
01:03:58Not quite enough.
01:03:59But that was also in a very hard part of the ring.
01:04:02Chris Saban just bounced right off the mat.
01:04:05Great display of power by Birdo.
01:04:08Executing the sit out powerbomb as a counter.
01:04:11Tag made.
01:04:12Here comes Angel once again.
01:04:13And you know Los Garzas would love to ruin this one year celebration.
01:04:18This incredible first year here in the WWE for the Motor City Machine Guns.
01:04:22Turning right around.
01:04:23Uh-oh.
01:04:24Modified gory special here by Angel.
01:04:26Saban in a world of trouble.
01:04:28Making the tag.
01:04:29Tag.
01:04:30And now take a look at this text tag team wrestling.
01:04:34Incredible.
01:04:35Into the cover.
01:04:37And at the last moment Shelly just able to break this up.
01:04:41Great job by our officials and take another look at this high impact offense.
01:04:47That's innovative style.
01:04:49Wasn't able to get it done again.
01:04:51We are live tonight for SmackDown San Jose, California.
01:04:5611,144 capacity crowd on hand is Alex Shelly.
01:05:01Baseball slide going right over, charging right back in, got caught for a moment.
01:05:05And that's a unique position to be in.
01:05:08Super kick under the chin of Shelly, but Saban right there with a kick for Angel.
01:05:12Birdo drops Saban.
01:05:14Here comes Birdo.
01:05:15Uh-oh.
01:05:16Uh-oh.
01:05:17Looking to fly.
01:05:18Wiping out the Motor City Machine Guns.
01:05:22And Los Garzas are rolling right now, Graves, rolling.
01:05:26Los Garza came to play tonight.
01:05:30No doubt about it.
01:05:31They understand the opportunity at hand.
01:05:33Picking up a W over a decorated tag team like the Motor City Machine Guns.
01:05:37And All-Star when Los Garzas were interrupting their opponents earlier tonight.
01:05:40Los Garza.
01:05:41Nick.
01:05:42Los Garza, sorry.
01:05:43Los Garza.
01:05:44I'll say both of them are in the ring.
01:05:45Same last name.
01:05:46I get what you're saying.
01:05:47Big boot though by Saban, Shelly though on the outside.
01:05:49Referee right now.
01:05:50I mean, this is almost the official right now.
01:05:52I don't know how he's keeping up with all the action, but I believe a tag was made.
01:05:55And I believe Alex Shelly is a legal superstar.
01:05:57Looking for Skull and Bones.
01:05:58Skull and Bones, this could do it for the Machine Guns.
01:06:02There it is.
01:06:03Skull and Bones connects.
01:06:05And the Motor City Machine Guns will be celebrating tonight.
01:06:11Here are your winners, Motor City Machine Guns.
01:06:17What a way to celebrate for this duo here on SmackDown.
01:06:23From the top rope, Alex Shelly, Chris Saban, Skull and Bones.
01:06:30One of many reasons why they are regarded as the greatest tag team of the generation
01:06:36by their peers.
01:06:37Two pioneers who continue to raise the bar in the tag team division.
01:06:42Yeah, well, all right, okay, look, Motor City, they've just built some momentum.
01:06:52The MFTs and the Wyatts are now in a flat out freaking war.
01:06:55Like, bro, we gotta do something, all right?
01:06:58Let's go punch someone in the face.
01:06:59Let's skip the queue.
01:07:00Let's make an impact.
01:07:01Let's just do something.
01:07:02Or we wait, basically, find the right spot and then maybe take the titles with us.
01:07:07You know what I mean?
01:07:08I don't know about that.
01:07:11These two goofs scheming about titles.
01:07:14Newsflash, boys, ain't gonna happen for you.
01:07:17Did you guys miss us?
01:07:18I mean, I could tell by your face.
01:07:20You definitely missed us.
01:07:22And you wanna know where we've been?
01:07:23Tell them.
01:07:24The last two months, we've been staying out of the way so that the Street Profits could
01:07:29no longer point fingers at DIY.
01:07:32And you know what they did while we were gone?
01:07:34They showed the world that they are who we thought they were!
01:07:38Joke artist!
01:07:39Matter of fact, nothing's changed around here.
01:07:41You two are still delusional.
01:07:43The Garzas are still a couple of losers.
01:07:45And the Wyatt Six are still running around like it's Halloween every damn day of the week!
01:07:50That's two weeks from today.
01:07:51It's disgusting!
01:07:52Matter of fact, weren't you guys just talking about earlier how Quill wants a stupid mask for Halloween?
01:07:56Where are we gonna find a stupid mask?
01:07:58He has a stupid mask.
01:08:00Huh?
01:08:01That is a stupid mask!
01:08:02Hey!
01:08:03Mom, Dad!
01:08:04If you wanna keep disrespecting me like that, why don't you try it inside that ring?
01:08:09Anytime you want.
01:08:10And then you'll see who's behind this mask.
01:08:13And Bethy, definitely was talking to you.
01:08:15That guy's probably ugly, right?
01:08:19Yeah.
01:08:20Yeah.
01:08:21Tufauga.
01:08:22Tensions rising in our tag team division.
01:08:26Baby, Bay Area, stand up!
01:08:30The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
01:08:45And is to determine the number one contender for the undisputed WWE!
01:08:52What the hell?
01:08:55My God, Corey.
01:08:57Get medical right now.
01:09:06Medical.
01:09:07Hey, hey, take it easy, Jacob.
01:09:08Jacob.
01:09:09Don't move.
01:09:10Hey, Jacob, Jacob.
01:09:11Hey, relax.
01:09:12Relax.
01:09:13Salt Lake City.
01:09:18Are you ready?
01:09:23Tonight's of back-to-back action.
01:09:26Friday night's SmackDown brings the hype.
01:09:29Then Saturday night's main event takes it over the top.
01:09:32Big energy, big moments.
01:09:35WWE, Salt Lake City, the stage is set.
01:09:39Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st.
01:09:42Tickets until now.
01:09:46Jacob, okay?
01:09:47Hey, did you see anything that happened?
01:09:50Jacob, just take it easy.
01:09:53Hey, hey, just take it easy, Jacob.
01:09:54They're here to help you.
01:09:55All right?
01:10:01I mean, what could we go through the mind of our general manager right now?
01:10:05I don't know.
01:10:06Were those Fatu's teeth on the ground?
01:10:08I don't wanna speculate.
01:10:09But Graves, there is the man that obviously has a big smile on his face.
01:10:21You can see.
01:10:22He was set to face.
01:10:26Jacob Fatu.
01:10:28Well, McIntyre understandably grinning from ear to ear as I would imagine.
01:10:33The matchup's not gonna take place.
01:10:35Does that put McIntyre directly in the number one contender spot?
01:10:39Aldis certainly has a big decision to make.
01:10:41As I said, there's gotta be a lot going through his mind.
01:10:43Very rarely is myself and Corey Graves at a loss for words as we sit here ringside again live.
01:10:56San Jose for SmackDown.
01:10:59Main event was set.
01:11:04Well, apparently Drew McIntyre would like to address the WWE Universe.
01:11:09San Jose.
01:11:16It appears your boy bleeding gums Fatu is no breaks.
01:11:28All gas, no breaks.
01:11:34The referee, do me a favor.
01:11:38And raise the hand of the new number one contender.
01:11:43Hold on a second.
01:11:53Hold on a second, Drew.
01:11:55Don't you say another word.
01:11:56Now, I don't know what just happened back there, but I know that it's bad, really bad.
01:12:03But I promise you this, I swear to God, if I find out that you had anything to do with this-
01:12:10I'm gonna cut you off right now.
01:12:11I had absolutely nothing to do with that.
01:12:14I'm always jumping through hoops to get what's mine.
01:12:20You've known me for 20 years, man.
01:12:24Don't be like the rest of them back there.
01:12:26Please tell me you're not working for corporate Cody.
01:12:29Do the right thing and name me the number one contender.
01:12:33Give me the match right now.
01:12:35Enough, enough.
01:12:47This is not, we're done with all this.
01:12:49Absolutely, you know what you did.
01:12:52And you think this entire group of people want to sit here and watch you talk?
01:12:57They wanted a number one contender match.
01:13:02Man.
01:13:04I think we should.
01:13:06I think we should, right?
01:13:07I think we should give them something right now.
01:13:10You want your title match, Drew McIntyre?
01:13:14Let's do it right here, right now.
01:13:17Come and get it.
01:13:18Come and get it.
01:13:19Come and get it.
01:13:20What the hell?
01:13:21My God.
01:13:22Cody lost it.
01:13:23Cody, McIntyre, they're starting to meet.
01:13:26The fight is on.
01:13:27Graves, the fight is on.
01:13:28The American Nightmare, the Scottish Warrior is kicking off there.
01:13:33This is chaos.
01:13:44I don't know what the hell's going on, Corey.
01:13:46Right over here to your right.
01:13:48The champion, Drew McIntyre.
01:13:51Cody Rhodes.
01:13:52I'm looking around for Nick Ovis.
01:13:54Cody is irate because he feels that McIntyre screwed the fans out of a number one contender match.
01:13:59Can you blame him after everything Drew's done over the last, not only months, years or so?
01:14:05But Rhodes isn't dressed to compete, he's wearing them dress shoes and a suit.
01:14:08Cody Rhodes doesn't give a damn.
01:14:10That's what separates him from everyone else.
01:14:12That's why he's our quarterback.
01:14:14That's why he's our champion.
01:14:16He's here to fight for the people, for the universe, and he's taking it to Drew McIntyre.
01:14:22The American Nightmare is seeing red.
01:14:25Longstanding issues, of course, between these two.
01:14:30I mean, they were once partners.
01:14:31There's so much history, but listen to this place.
01:14:35Rhodes taking McIntyre on a tour of the SAP Center.
01:14:44I don't mean to get technical about anything, but you saw Cody Rhodes look at the official.
01:14:48We haven't heard a bell.
01:14:49Nothing has sounded.
01:14:50The official hasn't looked one way or another.
01:14:52Nothing's official.
01:14:53I think Ryan's just trying to get a handle on the situation.
01:14:56I'm not blaming him, I'm just letting everybody know nothing has officially begun.
01:15:02This is truly a fight.
01:15:05We know Cody Rhodes is in a hell of a mood already after coming up short at crown jewel to Seth Rollins.
01:15:12And now Rhodes taking out his angst on the new number one contender.
01:15:17I'm not jumping to conclusions, but what I do know is Cody Rhodes is beating the hell
01:15:22on a Drew McIntyre here in front of San Jose.
01:15:26And it hasn't been official, but Cody Rhodes said the words championship match.
01:15:31We're not the general manager.
01:15:32That's why I was looking around for Nick Aldis.
01:15:34I'm looking at the timekeepers area.
01:15:35I mean, this is, what the hell is going on?
01:15:45This is the true definition of chaos.
01:15:49This is getting ugly in a hurry.
01:15:56Get the hell out of the way.
01:15:58We unfortunately have no answers compared to when we just left you a moment ago.
01:16:13We're still trying to figure out what the hell is going on, but what we do know is Cody Rhodes and
01:16:17Drew McIntyre have been beating each other all over the S&P Center, all over San Jose.
01:16:24Finally, they're back in the damn ring, and the referee's looking at the champion.
01:16:27The champion said ring the damn bell, and we got ourselves a match.
01:16:31We got ourselves a clash, and it's McIntyre, it's Rhodes, and Rhodes just got tossed all the way across the ring.
01:16:38This is an absolutely insane turn of events.
01:16:43Well, you can say that again.
01:16:45It's been a chaotic night all the way from the start.
01:16:47I still wonder what the hell happened to Jacob Fatu?
01:16:50You mentioned it, were teeth lying all over the back?
01:16:53Was it laying on the concrete?
01:16:54I don't know.
01:16:55But what I do know is Cody Rhodes was not gonna let a main event slip away from everyone here,
01:17:00and everyone watching at home.
01:17:02That's what separates Cody from everyone else.
01:17:05Cody's intentions man to honor him.
01:17:07Get him, bam!
01:17:08Cody's right back on top.
01:17:09Rhodes has been guilty of faking with his heart too frequently.
01:17:12This could be one of those instances, Cody's gonna take his eye out.
01:17:15You saw Drew McIntyre smiling when he came trotting out here,
01:17:19telling the official, declare me the number one contender.
01:17:23He wasn't smiling for a moment, but that's just how dangerous Drew McIntyre is.
01:17:28Just how dangerous, just how quick he can turn things around just like that.
01:17:36McIntyre now stalking the WWE Champion.
01:17:44How personal, I mean, Corey, how personal is it for Drew McIntyre to be champion?
01:17:50It's exceeded the lines of obsession for McIntyre.
01:17:54But Cody Rhodes now looking for his pound of flesh.
01:17:57Both men have a deep burning desire to be the best.
01:18:01Cody taking it to Drew, and I know we talked about it.
01:18:05Cody's not even dressed to compete.
01:18:08Cody is in what he arrived in, in that suit.
01:18:10Hook of the leg and a kick out left shoulder coming off the mat.
01:18:13We still haven't got clarification, but Cody mentioned the championship match.
01:18:17You want it?
01:18:18Here it is.
01:18:19Didn't hear anything from our general manager.
01:18:21I don't know.
01:18:22He's in the truck.
01:18:23Brian, have you heard anything?
01:18:24Any updates?
01:18:25What are the rules?
01:18:26I don't know.
01:18:27This has been madness.
01:18:28This has been chaos.
01:18:29And Cody Rhodes, a fighting champion, looking to defend his kingdom,
01:18:33which is SmackDown.
01:18:34When it comes to the title, these two of course were the main event of the first
01:18:37premium live event to stream on ESPN.
01:18:39It was Wrestle Palooza.
01:18:40McIntyre on that night was very close.
01:18:42Becoming champion.
01:18:43No, no, no, no.
01:18:44Future Shock DDT just dropped the champ.
01:18:46Into the covers, McIntyre, and no, that left shoulder just off the mat.
01:18:50McIntyre, what's going through his mind?
01:18:53Same thing for the champion, feel this.
01:18:55Bam!
01:18:56Future Shock taking out the American nightmare.
01:19:00QB1 is flat on his back right now, and the Scottish warrior can smell blood.
01:19:06There was something you said during the commercial break.
01:19:09Cody's gotta get the bad taste of Crown Jewel out of his mouth.
01:19:13Maybe that's what he's thinking right now, but it also, it could be a huge mistake made
01:19:18by Cody Rhodes.
01:19:19It absolutely could be.
01:19:20Cody's been guilty of thinking with his heart on more than one occasion
01:19:24throughout his career.
01:19:25Yes, Cody's passionate, but sometimes that passion outweighs his intellect.
01:19:30And Drew McIntyre now slowly, methodically breaking down and beating down the American
01:19:40Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
01:19:42And now he's cranking up the intensity right there in the corner.
01:19:44Cody just trying to get his hands up to fight.
01:19:46And Drew McIntyre listening to the official.
01:19:48I don't know.
01:19:49But I would be afraid of the official to step in between Drew McIntyre and anything,
01:19:54the way McIntyre's been operating.
01:19:56Ryan Strand showing a little bit of leeway, understanding that emotions are extremely
01:20:00high right now.
01:20:01There has been a chaotic ending to the evening here at SmackDown.
01:20:06We were expecting Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu.
01:20:08Fatu's attack backstage, his teeth have fallen out of his head.
01:20:12And now here we are, the American Nightmare and the Scottish Warrior trading heavy artillery.
01:20:18Referee checking on Cody Rhodes, and in this moment right now, Drew McIntyre,
01:20:24like a shark in water, can be smelling the blood right now.
01:20:28Looking to put an end to Cody Rhodes.
01:20:31Rhodes with a counter, turning around, bam, right to the jaw.
01:20:34Rocking McIntyre.
01:20:36And Rhodes now, Cody, counter.
01:20:39Cody fired up, over 11,000 here in San Jose, fired up.
01:20:48McIntyre looking for respite here on the outside, steer clear, Vic.
01:20:52Here comes the American Nightmare.
01:20:55McIntyre putting a stop to Cody Rhodes in that moment.
01:21:00McIntyre has enough power to turn your lights out.
01:21:05Watch out!
01:21:06With one clean shot.
01:21:08And Cody right now may be running on fumes alone.
01:21:11I'm worried for Mark Nash right now, just get the hell out of the way.
01:21:16Goal!
01:21:18Well, Cody just dropped Drew.
01:21:24Rose understandably feeling desperate, but
01:21:29He's pissed off.
01:21:33And Cody.
01:21:34Did you see his eyes?
01:21:39Corey, you've known him a lot longer than I have.
01:21:41Did you see that man's eyes?
01:21:42Who the hell?
01:21:43Cody.
01:21:44Jesus.
01:21:45Cody, get the hell out of the way.
01:21:49Don't try to talk any sense into him.
01:21:51Did you see the man?
01:21:52Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew.
01:21:54Right to the eyes.
01:21:55The bell rang.
01:22:00This thing's been thrown out.
01:22:01Send some security out here.
01:22:02Some more officials smacking everyone.
01:22:04Destroy Rhodes.
01:22:06Cody trying his best right now.
01:22:08You're right, Corey.
01:22:09We need everybody out here.
01:22:10Nick Aldis is probably checking on Jacob Fatu.
01:22:13You know what Cody's setting up.
01:22:23Cody looking for crossroads.
01:22:26All right, finally.
01:22:31Corey, a little bit of sense of order.
01:22:38Security.
01:22:40Nick Aldis, our general manager.
01:22:43Nick Aldis saying it's over.
01:22:48Cody saying- It ain't over.
01:22:49It ain't over until the champion says so.
01:22:52Drew again dropped by Rhodes.
01:23:01The American Nightmare holds the high ground.
01:23:09Cody Rhodes once more.
01:23:11This score is far from settled.
01:23:18Listen to this place.
01:23:19Cody Rhodes didn't back down one inch.
01:23:29He brought the fight right to Drew McIntyre.
01:23:32And you can see the eyes of McIntyre.
01:23:38But if Drew has championship dreams,
01:23:41he's gonna have to overcome an American Nightmare.
01:23:45I don't care to trust me ever since.
01:23:47I'm gonna say it.
01:23:48I'm gonna say it.
01:23:49About to blow, waiting for me to stop the show.
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