- 2 days ago
WWE Smackdown December 26th 2025
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00:00:00Did a member of law enforcement get thrown into the water? Did things get physical? Yes.
00:00:05He asked for it! He asked for it!
00:00:08That little yard brawl was one-tenth of what should happen right here, right now, with me and Drew McIntyre in this very ring.
00:00:20Cody, I don't think you appreciate the situation you've got yourself into.
00:00:27And to make things worse, I had to make a bad deal.
00:00:31If I come back, I get my WWE Championship match with Cody Woods, but I want to pick the stipulation.
00:00:37I can live with that, okay? Pleasure doing business with you, buddy.
00:00:42Yes, you're the champ, but you're not above the law.
00:00:46When Drew comes back, if he pays the fine and makes that public apology to Dan Engler,
00:00:53Cody, you can't lay a finger.
00:00:57On Drew McIntyre.
00:01:00Or what?
00:01:02Or I have to strip you of the WWE Championship.
00:01:09You're out of control.
00:01:11You're not good for that championship.
00:01:13You're not fit for the job, but I am.
00:01:16I feel like you've forgotten who you're talking to.
00:01:19And here you are saying that I'm not above the law as long as I have this title.
00:01:26I am the law.
00:01:30Mr. Aldis, my friend, your demand, his demand, remember one thing.
00:01:36And while I am holding this, I don't work for you.
00:01:40I work for them.
00:01:44And you, my friend, you work for me.
00:01:48Is Drew here yet?
00:02:04He's not, but he's on the way.
00:02:06So it's a good time to remind you that he has signed the contract.
00:02:11So once he makes that public apology and pays that fine, not one finger, Cody.
00:02:18Or I have to strip you of the title.
00:02:21Let me know when he gets here.
00:02:22All right, I will do that.
00:02:27Mick.
00:02:28Miz.
00:02:29Where is he?
00:02:31Who?
00:02:32You know who.
00:02:34I'm just playing with you.
00:02:35You mean Joe?
00:02:35No!
00:02:36Don't see his name.
00:02:37That imbecile ruined my Saturday night's main event and my holidays.
00:02:40I don't want to hear his music or see his face unless I'm punching it.
00:02:44Come on, Mick.
00:02:45You're being a grumpy Grinch.
00:02:46Besides, shouldn't you be more concerned with getting ready for your match with Joe?
00:02:51It's the holiday season.
00:02:52Why don't you give me a gift?
00:02:54Don't play his music.
00:02:56Nobody wants to hear his music.
00:02:58Just send him out to that ring and let him get what's coming to him.
00:03:03Well, you know, tis the season, Miz.
00:03:07No music for Joe Hendry.
00:03:09I like it.
00:03:29Hey, hey, hey, you look awesome.
00:03:34Elf on the shelf.
00:03:35Loving it.
00:03:36You're angry.
00:03:37Ladies and gentlemen, Merry Christmas.
00:03:56And in the holiday spirit, I've decided to give the gift of a holiday song.
00:04:05He talks about his balls every single day.
00:04:17I guess that's why he says that he came to play.
00:04:22I think he's better off throwing them away.
00:04:27Because the truth is, he can't get a win without Carmelo Hayes.
00:04:34Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:04:40Every time he's in a team, he takes all the falls.
00:04:45Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:04:51He'd rather be in Hollywood, but they won't return his calls.
00:05:00He was playing with his balls on John Cena's last show.
00:05:06Then he got beat up by R-Truth and Joe.
00:05:10This song is getting weird, but now something is clear.
00:05:16Why, he got kicked out the locker room for half of his career.
00:05:22Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:05:29Every time he's in a team.
00:05:32No, no, no, no, no, no.
00:05:36This is not sing along with Joe.
00:05:40Oh, trying to spice up the holidays, are we, Joe?
00:05:46Miz, I know you're upset.
00:05:48And the reason you're upset is that we started the song without you.
00:05:52So now that you're here, let's all sing it together.
00:05:57Everyone.
00:05:58Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:06:05Every time he's in a team, he takes all the falls.
00:06:12Jingle bells, jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:06:17He'd rather be in Hollywood, but they won't return his calls.
00:06:22Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells, Miz has tiny balls.
00:06:29Do you know what this means?
00:06:33Do you know what this means?
00:06:36When my hand goes up, your mouth goes shut.
00:06:43You think some cheap jingle's gonna turn me into the joke?
00:06:50I spent 20 years outlasting people that laughed at me harder than you sing.
00:06:56You're chasing choruses.
00:06:57I'm chasing a legacy, earned with pain, not punchline.
00:07:01And now that John Cena is gone,
00:07:05I've earned the right to be the locker room leader
00:07:13and take this company to the future.
00:07:17The jokes stop now.
00:07:20Clear this ring, clear this stuff.
00:07:22Me and you have a match right here, right now.
00:07:26All right, I can tell you're upset.
00:07:30Oh, whoa, Miz, Miz.
00:07:31Over here, just one little thing I forgot to mention.
00:07:36Your match, here's the season.
00:07:40It is now a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
00:07:45All right, the holiday tradition is back.
00:07:48That's it, cancel Christmas.
00:07:50Anything goes.
00:07:51Christmas already happened.
00:07:52The holidays!
00:07:56Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown.
00:07:59Happy holidays, everybody.
00:08:01It's a holiday tradition.
00:08:02A Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
00:08:05Anything goes.
00:08:06Tozawa is an elf.
00:08:08Otis is Santa Claus.
00:08:09There's an Easter Bunny at ringside.
00:08:11And in the ring, Miz and Joe Hendry from NXT set to go one-on-one.
00:08:16Miz still upset Corey over the fact that he was embarrassed at Saturday night's main event by Joe Hendry.
00:08:20Understandably so.
00:08:21Miz was an integral part of John Cena's career here in WWE.
00:08:26And to be disrespected like that again in DC, in our nation's capital, with the world watching on John Cena's last night.
00:08:33Of course, Miz has every right to be upset.
00:08:35I don't get this Joe Hendry guy.
00:08:37I don't get it.
00:08:39He brought the Island of Misfit Toys to SmackDown.
00:08:42Everybody's excited, and he still feels the need to insult The Miz, a two-time Grand Slam champion.
00:08:46You are a grand champion.
00:08:48You get in the holiday spirit.
00:08:49Joe Hendry was just trying to make people laugh here tonight.
00:08:52And there's Hendry, the shoulder tackle The Miz.
00:08:54Now, I was doing some research during the break, Corey.
00:08:56This is the 12th Miracle on 34th Street Fight in the history of WWE.
00:09:01And look at the strength now of Hendry.
00:09:03Miz has got a bit of experience in this in 2020.
00:09:06He was in a tag team match.
00:09:07Technically a holiday street fight, but the same thing.
00:09:10Oh!
00:09:11There's all the more reason Miz should be taken as a very serious threat in this scenario.
00:09:17In any scenario, a guy who's got a Hall of Fame resume, but he's been out of control.
00:09:21And he's perpetually disrespected by the rest of the roster.
00:09:25Is he really?
00:09:25By Joe Hendry, who's been here for, what, a cup of coffee?
00:09:27Is he really, or does he bring that upon himself?
00:09:30What man insults the size of their own testicles, Michael Cole?
00:09:36Miz sure doesn't do that, yet everybody who gets a microphone around him seems to feel that that's appropriate.
00:09:41So Joe Hendry opened a gift, there was a guitar, and a little ukulele now for Miz.
00:09:46You know, they always say Miz's got small things, right?
00:09:49No, no, no, Michael.
00:09:51They don't always say that.
00:09:52You say that.
00:09:53Well, he does have small, well.
00:09:55Those are perfectly regulation-sized ornaments.
00:09:58Well, they're balls that hang on the tree, but.
00:09:59They're ornaments, perverts.
00:10:01Oh, and using those ornaments, and Miz now is trying to.
00:10:06Thank goodness.
00:10:07Driven into the Christmas tree.
00:10:09There we go.
00:10:10Skull-crushing finale through the.
00:10:12They were rocking around the Christmas tree there.
00:10:14Oh, and a nice hip toss by Hendry.
00:10:17And let me ask you, Cole, what is it about this Hendry guy that you find so captivating?
00:10:21Maybe he's entertaining.
00:10:23Okay.
00:10:23Maybe the WWE fans love him.
00:10:25Maybe he's actually good in the ring.
00:10:26Maybe he likes to have a good time.
00:10:27Maybe he doesn't brag about himself all the time like a guy like Miz does.
00:10:32Anything else?
00:10:33Do you know who else appears when I say their name?
00:10:35My dog.
00:10:36Okay?
00:10:36That's not a talent.
00:10:38That's not a skill.
00:10:39That's obnoxious.
00:10:40How many times do I have to say his name to make him go away?
00:10:51And Hendry now sending the table into the ring, which is perfectly legal under these rules.
00:10:55This is the most wonderful time of the year.
00:10:58Watching Miz get beat up in a miracle on 34th street fight.
00:11:02Oh, I'm sure that's very enjoyable.
00:11:03And I'm the Grinch.
00:11:04Poor Miz had to leave his beautiful family from behind.
00:11:07They're going to throw up on Hendry now to kick out.
00:11:09And Miz now ducks underneath.
00:11:11They're looking for a skull-crushing finale.
00:11:13And Joe Hendry going to turn things around.
00:11:16Oh, no.
00:11:17Oh, no.
00:11:17Hendry could be thinking about the standing ovation.
00:11:20And if Miz trying to counter and does.
00:11:24Do you think Miz has got chestnuts roasting on an open fire?
00:11:27I refuse to participate in this anymore.
00:11:29I think it's disrespectful to a future Hall of Famer.
00:11:32A wonderful father to two wonderful children.
00:11:36A wonderful loving husband who had to leave his family to come here and hang out with these
00:11:40deerlings.
00:11:41But I believe.
00:11:42Do you believe?
00:11:46Bah humbug.
00:11:47Miz has lost it.
00:11:56Miz has completely lost it.
00:11:58Can you blame him?
00:12:00And the miracle on 34th street fight continues between Joe Hendry from NXT and The Miz.
00:12:08The man who embarrassed Miz back at Saturday night's main event.
00:12:13Miz wanted revenge and attempting to get it here tonight.
00:12:16And again, Santa and Elf and the Easter Bunny, I guess, at ringside.
00:12:23Oh, and a big clothesline by Hendry.
00:12:30Is Joe Hendry requesting the Christmas tree?
00:12:34Oh, the Christmas tree.
00:12:36Oh, the Christmas tree.
00:12:40Oh!
00:12:41Good way to use it.
00:12:46Now Hendry with that patented fall-away slam to The Miz into a kip-up.
00:13:01Well, that was unique.
00:13:04A fall-away slam to the Christmas tree.
00:13:08Courtesy of Joe Hendry.
00:13:09Man, I believe, I really do believe.
00:13:22What has happened to you, Cole?
00:13:23You're over here acting like you're in a damn Springsteen concert.
00:13:25This is ridiculous.
00:13:26Uh-oh.
00:13:27Miz trying to use the Christmas tree to his advantage.
00:13:30Looking for a standing ovation, and Miz now sent up over the top rope and to the floor.
00:13:37Put that cookie down!
00:13:41It's cookies, and it's a cookie sheet.
00:13:43And Miz-
00:13:44Thank God!
00:13:45There we go!
00:13:46You know, that's just gonna tick Otis off.
00:13:49Well, Otis isn't even a participant in this match, and the Easter Bunny's not even due
00:13:53for another month.
00:13:54Yeah, but anything goes, and here's the candy cane kendo stick.
00:13:58It's high, it's deep.
00:13:59I don't think it's playable.
00:14:01Uh-oh.
00:14:02Bell ball.
00:14:03Oh-oh!
00:14:05Miz, uh, turn around!
00:14:07Bang!
00:14:07Oh, he's gonna lose!
00:14:12No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
00:14:15Well, it's the holiday season.
00:14:18Get off the park, Randy!
00:14:21Miz could sing in Henry's band, you know, higher note now.
00:14:27Henry doesn't have a band.
00:14:29He's a one-man delusion.
00:14:31He can't even play Wonderwall, for God's sake.
00:14:33We've got Tozawa out here with a plethora of Christmas cookies.
00:14:39Oh, don't get into Otis.
00:14:41Why is Otis in the ring with the Easter Bunny?
00:14:44I get that it's all legal, but why does Henry have half the holidays on his team?
00:14:47Well, because it's a miracle, Corey.
00:14:49Don't you get it?
00:14:50It's the miracle of the Christmas season.
00:14:52No, no, no, no.
00:14:55You want this?
00:14:58You want this?
00:14:59You want this?
00:15:00You want this?
00:15:02You want this?
00:15:03I don't even know what to say anymore.
00:15:06Uh-oh.
00:15:08Miz is going to go for a ride again.
00:15:12Beautiful!
00:15:16Oh, yeah.
00:15:18Can you see it?
00:15:20What would you call this in the Christmas spirit?
00:15:26We paused the worm.
00:15:27Oh, well, he's trying to cookie break.
00:15:29Well, he carved up.
00:15:30And now Tozawa.
00:15:33You know, reindeer fly, but...
00:15:35I guess elves do as well.
00:15:43Of course they do, Cole.
00:15:44How do you think they get to and from the North Pole?
00:15:46Miz just threw up the cookies.
00:15:47Of course, of course it's truth.
00:15:54Of course it's truth in the bunny outfit.
00:15:56I'm having flashbacks to the rose butts, Michael Cole.
00:16:14Oh, the guitar just smashed through the Miz, and a standing ovation coming.
00:16:23Henry puts Miz through the cable.
00:16:26One, two, three.
00:16:28Embarrasses Miz again.
00:16:31Here is your winner, Joe Henry!
00:16:38I believe in the magic of Christmas.
00:16:41I believe in Joe Henry!
00:16:44Oh, stop.
00:16:48Put your hands down, Michael Cole.
00:16:50What does Miz tell his kids now when he goes home?
00:16:54That he got beaten up by Santa?
00:16:56He got beaten up by an elf?
00:16:58He got beaten up by the Easter Bunny?
00:16:59And he got beaten up by Joe Henry?
00:17:01God, I can't wait to hear your expert analysis on what happened in the Miracle on 34th Street
00:17:14fight here tonight.
00:17:16Well, first of all, I'm thinking about converting, because this just ruined Christmas
00:17:20for me and everybody watching the Easter Bunny, a.k.a. R-Truth, deliver a five-knuckle shuffle
00:17:28to the Miz, a guitar shot from Joe Henry, and a standing ovation snapping through a Slim Jim table.
00:17:40One, two, three, one!
00:17:46I'm ready for Halloween.
00:17:47Get in the holiday spirit, Graves.
00:17:50I thought you were wearing your costume already.
00:17:55One night only.
00:17:57I think Tony Hinchcliffe crowd.
00:17:58I'd rather shoot my eye out.
00:18:03Yeah, not fair play, mate, right?
00:18:06I did not miss.
00:18:07Respect.
00:18:08You did what you said you were going to do.
00:18:09Gentlemen, can you just use us?
00:18:13We're going to talk to you now.
00:18:14Absolutely.
00:18:16All right, chef.
00:18:18Listen, what we did last week together against DIY was just, it was beautiful.
00:18:25But something really has been eating me alive.
00:18:30Really.
00:18:31The way our US title match went down, I just can't live that way.
00:18:38I can't.
00:18:38Well, if it makes you feel any better, it eats me alive, not knowing what could have been, or
00:18:44what should have been.
00:18:46That's good.
00:18:48Consider the open challenge closed.
00:18:51Because whether you like it or not, tonight, it's you versus me for the United States Championship.
00:19:00I won't miss.
00:19:10I won't miss.
00:19:15Better get ready.
00:19:16I can't wait.
00:19:22Drag it off and haze tonight for the US title.
00:19:24Meanwhile, this rivalry is heating up.
00:19:27Charlotte and Alexa, the former tag team champions, have had their hands full with the brand new team of Nia Jax and Lash Legend.
00:19:37Tonight, Charlotte and Lash Legend, one-on-one on SmackDown.
00:19:49Excuse me, Drew.
00:19:50Drew, you came to an agreement with General Manager Nick Aldis for an undisputed WWE Championship opportunity against Cody Rhodes.
00:19:58You decide when, you also decide a stipulation.
00:20:02Can you give us any insight into what that might be?
00:20:05Absolutely.
00:20:07Just not right now.
00:20:08I'm really tired.
00:20:09I just flew in from Scotland.
00:20:11I've got jet lagged.
00:20:11So I'm gonna have myself a little lie down.
00:20:14But I promise, before the end of the night, everybody will have all the answers to all the questions.
00:20:20But for now, night-night.
00:20:25Thank you so much.
00:20:32Once upon a time, there was a man.
00:20:35A very talented man.
00:20:38A man so talented that he reached things far beyond his wildest dreams.
00:20:45So far, that he reached the absolute pinnacle that this industry has to offer.
00:20:54But for some reason, all of a sudden decided to give all of himself away.
00:21:06The Judgment Day.
00:21:10Maria Ripley.
00:21:12R-Truth.
00:21:15You poured your time into everyone else.
00:21:20And all they did was take from you.
00:21:23In come the ones dressed in black.
00:21:27Not to save you.
00:21:29Not to guide you.
00:21:31No, but to remind you of what you buried.
00:21:36Because man doesn't descend into violence.
00:21:41He returns to it.
00:21:42For six months, we stripped you down.
00:21:46We made you unpredictable.
00:21:50We made you hateful.
00:21:52And violent.
00:21:54We made you honest.
00:21:56And still, you don't get it.
00:21:59All things that are reminded of this answer to something, Damien.
00:22:04And you, you answer to us.
00:22:08You weren't hiding from the truth.
00:22:12You simply couldn't carry it.
00:22:15So this ends when I say it ends.
00:22:18Win or lose, we have already changed you, Damien.
00:22:22Man doesn't hesitate now.
00:22:25He is reminded of what he really is.
00:22:28But if that creation can't understand its purpose, it doesn't get a second chance.
00:22:35It gets ended.
00:22:45Based on what we just heard from Aleister Black, it seems very likely that Priest and Black are going to inflict unimaginable harm upon each other as they look to settle this conflict next week here on SmackDown.
00:23:08Well, speaking of settling things, that leads me to my guest.
00:23:11She is the WWE Women's Champion, Jade Cargill.
00:23:17Jade, we've seen things escalate between yourself and Meechan verbally, physically, week after week after week.
00:23:24How do you foresee this thing coming to an end?
00:23:27With me stumping a hole through her chest.
00:23:29See, Meechan come face me face to face.
00:23:31She came at me with a Kendo stick, and that told me everything I needed to know.
00:23:37She's scared, and she should be.
00:23:39Her and her love friend, B-Fab, hell, the whole locker room.
00:23:42See, I don't need weapons.
00:23:45I am the weapon.
00:23:49Meechan, bring your Kendo stick, because you're going to need it.
00:23:53Oh, I'm watching the Goofy, too.
00:24:03I know you're just trying to stick up for me, but I don't want you getting hurt behind this, okay?
00:24:08No one is scared, but being smart and cautious is not dumb.
00:24:12This could get bad really quick.
00:24:14Listen, her thinking that we're scared, we can use that to our advantage.
00:24:18She's just getting that confused, because we're not scared, we just don't respect her.
00:24:23Why?
00:24:23She's no locker room leader, she has a horrible attitude, and what, because she got a big muscle,
00:24:28she thinks all of a sudden she's better than us, and she could walk all over us?
00:24:32No.
00:24:33She needs to get humbled, and with or without the weapon, next week, class is going to be in session.
00:24:40We're going to humble her.
00:24:42All right.
00:24:44Lashley change.
00:24:45Meechan looking to put Jade in her place.
00:24:48Next week.
00:25:04The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
00:25:08Introducing first, accompanied by Nia Jax, from Atlanta, Georgia,
00:25:14Lash Legend.
00:25:19Corey, talk about making an impact.
00:25:22In short order, since arriving on the scene once again, Lash Legend is forcing the WWE fans
00:25:30to pay attention.
00:25:32And what better way to do that than to topple one of the best of all time.
00:25:36Lash Legend goes one-on-one with the Queen, Charlotte Flair.
00:25:41Next.
00:25:48Set to do battle tonight.
00:25:54Lash Legend, accompanied by the irresistible force, Nia Jax.
00:26:00Legend and Jax have made their intentions crystal clear.
00:26:03They want the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
00:26:06All hail the Queen.
00:26:06And her opponent, accompanied by Alexa Bliss, from the Queen's.
00:26:11From the Queen's City, Charlotte Flair.
00:26:23And her opponent, accompanied by Alexa Bliss, from the Queen's City, Charlotte Flair.
00:26:36Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, likewise, would love to once again hold the Tag Team Gold.
00:26:50But tonight, it's one-on-one, Charlotte Flair, Lash Legend.
00:26:56Well, remember what happened to Alexa Bliss a couple of weeks ago at the hands of Lash Legend?
00:27:05Well, I assure you, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair have game plan.
00:27:10Bliss utilized what she learned about Lash from being a victim of Lash Legend.
00:27:16It's likely that we won't see Charlotte Flair make the same mistakes.
00:27:20But does the Queen have what it takes to take down Lash Legend, who is proving her worth week after week?
00:27:27Nia Jax just scares me.
00:27:30She just doesn't like you.
00:27:31I find Nia to be very enjoyable.
00:27:34And she just stole my phone.
00:27:39Charlotte Flair, Lash Legend, first time ever tonight.
00:27:42This should be a great matchup.
00:27:49There aren't too many women on the roster who may be able to match the raw physical ability of Lash Legend.
00:27:57Charlotte Flair could be one of the few.
00:28:01You mentioned the Tag Team titles.
00:28:03The question is, who will be the champions?
00:28:05A week from Monday, the first Monday Night Raw of the new year from Brooklyn.
00:28:09And the Kabuki Warriors defend against Rhea Ripley and Io Sky.
00:28:18So if you're Charlotte, Corey, your strategy to approach this newcomer Lash Legend.
00:28:22Charlotte's in-ring IQ is second to none.
00:28:25I think Charlotte's going to get in there.
00:28:26There might be a slight feeling out process as she's not too familiar with Lash Legend.
00:28:30But once the Queen finds a weakness, or at least perceives one, that's what Charlotte's going to attack.
00:28:36Legend and Nia Jax been on a roll.
00:28:38They beat the Kabuki Warriors past Friday.
00:28:43Charlotte Flair finding out in the opening moments of this matchup.
00:28:47She's not going to have a power advantage over Lash Legend.
00:28:49Lash powerhouse in her own right.
00:28:51We saw what she was capable of doing inside war games.
00:28:53She's the only other time these two have been in the ring with each other.
00:28:58Lash looking to win a test of strength here early against the Queen.
00:29:02This is a good strategy by Legend.
00:29:03Keep it simple early on.
00:29:05Don't go for broke because Charlotte Flair will capitalize on any mistake that you make.
00:29:10Nia owns a victory over Charlotte a couple of months back.
00:29:13As Lash Legend again shows off her power.
00:29:15This is Charlotte's first matchup one-on-one since she beat Asuka in that War Games Advantage match back at the end of November.
00:29:24I like the confidence we're seeing out of Lash Legend.
00:29:26Taking a moment to verbally berate Charlotte Flair.
00:29:30Oh, what a clothesline!
00:29:32If we're doing something painful like that.
00:29:35Do you think that confidence comes from hanging out with Nia Jax?
00:29:38It certainly doesn't hurt.
00:29:39And when it comes to defeating Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax knows all about what it takes to mix it up with the Queen.
00:29:46Charlotte sent face first into the corner and Legend now has taken control of this match in a big way.
00:29:56Think of what a win over Charlotte Flair would mean to the confidence of Lash Legend.
00:30:00Who's already not lacking in that department.
00:30:02But that would take Lash to a whole new stratosphere.
00:30:05Oh, she already knocked off Alexa Bliss, a former multi-time world champion.
00:30:09But Charlotte, a 14-time world champion.
00:30:12Up over the top, Charlotte now.
00:30:14Oh!
00:30:15Runs right into that big uppercut by Legend.
00:30:18Cover by Lash.
00:30:22Take another look at this running uppercut from Legend.
00:30:27That would knock the Queen into next week.
00:30:29Let's get me!
00:30:30Legend just having her way, toying a bit here with Charlotte.
00:30:39I'm appreciating the deliberate pace of Lash Legend.
00:30:42Again, Lash knows she's in there with one of the best of all time.
00:30:45And Lash knows that mistakes cannot be made.
00:30:49Because if you make one mistake against Charlotte Flair, that's likely all you're going to get.
00:30:52Oh!
00:30:53Oh, goodness.
00:30:54Wow!
00:30:56I go for a cover, Lash.
00:30:58I have to come back to Biter.
00:31:02And we are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
00:31:04It has been the last Legend show so far.
00:31:07I've got to be honest.
00:31:08I expected a little more fight out of Charlotte Flair to this point.
00:31:12Look at Legend.
00:31:13Just woman handling the Queen.
00:31:16It's been a long time since you've seen Charlotte dominated like this.
00:31:19And again.
00:31:21Did you expect this tonight out of Legend?
00:31:24It's tough to answer, because Cole, you know as well as anybody, I've been a big fan of Lash dating back to her time in NXT.
00:31:31I've had her earmarked to be a megastar.
00:31:34Cover by Legend.
00:31:35And a hook of the leg and a kick out by Charlotte.
00:31:38But I did not expect it to be as one-sided as it's been to this junction.
00:31:42Charlotte Flair has been rendered almost ineffective.
00:31:46She's had a few flurries of offense, but this has been domination from Lash Legend.
00:31:53Well, trying to do anything she can to fight back into this, but Legend just will not allow that to happen.
00:31:58I just love how smart Lash Legend has been in this matchup.
00:32:04Not trying to do anything fancy, not trying to get cute, just sticking with what works.
00:32:08Using her power game, keeping it simple, and it's been extremely effective.
00:32:12Yeah, concerned Alexa Bliss looking on at ringside as Charlotte looks to rally here.
00:32:19Legend with a reversal.
00:32:22Charlotte Flair up and over to the outside.
00:32:25Oh, and a big boot by Charlotte to Legend.
00:32:28Charlotte now perched up top.
00:32:34Charlotte tears across body.
00:32:37And Charlotte Flair now firing up.
00:32:41Come on, D.J., let's go.
00:32:46Trademark Flair chops.
00:32:51Bringing the WWE fans to their feet here tonight.
00:32:55Lash Legend.
00:32:56Look at why Charlotte's a 14-time world champion.
00:33:02Flair out of the way just in time.
00:33:04Front walkover.
00:33:05Look at, oh, ho, ho, ho.
00:33:06Legend to step ahead.
00:33:08And here's a cover.
00:33:09What a win this would be.
00:33:10Charlotte just kicked out at two.
00:33:12And I think Lash got a little overzealous and pulled Charlotte, actually, unintentionally pulled Charlotte's shoulder off of the mat.
00:33:19That's the kind of strength Lash possesses by trying to execute a textbook cover.
00:33:30Unintentionally backfired.
00:33:31Look at this.
00:33:32Charlotte now trying to find a way out.
00:33:34Sunset flips.
00:33:34Is it up here?
00:33:35Kick out by Legend at two.
00:33:37Now we're getting into the deeper waters.
00:33:44The longer this match goes, the more likely it is to favor Charlotte Flair, who is no stranger to matches of longer durations.
00:33:52But Lash just put the queen down yet again.
00:33:55And how impressive has Legend been here?
00:33:56I mean, we've been talking about it since the opening bell.
00:33:59Lash Legend has been dominant tonight.
00:34:05Lash thinking about ending this one.
00:34:07Could be looking for the Lash extension.
00:34:10Charlotte able to muscle her way up and over.
00:34:12It turns into a DDT.
00:34:13Great counter by Charlotte.
00:34:17Looking for a cover.
00:34:20Charlotte Flair, I think, is all out of sorts.
00:34:22This has been a beatdown courtesy of Lash Legend.
00:34:25And Charlotte needs to compose herself.
00:34:29A little disrespect from the queen.
00:34:31Making the climb to the top.
00:34:35Charlotte, top rope.
00:34:39Moonsault by Flair.
00:34:40Here's the cover.
00:34:42Oh, and Legend just able to kick out.
00:34:45And you know, honestly, Cole, I think Charlotte has to blame herself.
00:34:48Let's take another look at this.
00:34:50A picture-perfect moonsault from Flair.
00:34:52We've seen her do it a million times.
00:34:54But Charlotte got a little cute on the cover.
00:34:57She used an unorthodox hook of the leg.
00:35:00And that may have cost the queen the win.
00:35:04And now attacking the base of Lash Legend.
00:35:08A smart strategy.
00:35:10I'm a little surprised that Charlotte didn't employ it earlier.
00:35:14But Flair kicked into the turnbuckle after she took her eye off the ball.
00:35:18Look out, Nia.
00:35:19Nia Jax now Alexa Bliss from behind.
00:35:22Gonna make Nia Jax pay.
00:35:24And Lash Legend.
00:35:27Looking on.
00:35:29And Charlotte Flair.
00:35:30Up and over.
00:35:30Gonna make Lash pay.
00:35:32Shoulders down again.
00:35:34Charlotte with the win.
00:35:35Here is your winner, Charlotte Flair.
00:35:44The problem there was Legend got distracted by the Bliss-Nia Jax situation outside the ring.
00:35:50And Charlotte Flair able to take advantage and pick up the victory.
00:35:53That's what it all boiled down to, the experience of battle.
00:35:58Charlotte took her eye off of Lash and nearly paid for it.
00:36:02But Lash made the same exact mistake.
00:36:04Watching Alexa Bliss launch an attack on Nia on the outside.
00:36:08And you can't take your eye off the queen and still win the match.
00:36:16Lash Legend just learned that lesson firsthand.
00:36:18You know, when I said, make yourself at home, this isn't exactly what I had in mind.
00:36:34Hey, look, man, you talking to Trick Williams.
00:36:37I'd like to put my lemon pepper steppers on the desk.
00:36:41Let's talk business.
00:36:44Because Monday Night Raw is ready to throw me the bag.
00:36:46Are you going to match the offer or not?
00:36:48Because I ain't here to play games.
00:36:49This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
00:36:51Trick.
00:36:56Okay, champ.
00:36:59As Drew apologized to Dan, has he paid this fine yet?
00:37:03He's in the building.
00:37:05He hasn't done it yet.
00:37:06What are we waiting on?
00:37:06I don't understand the diplomacy.
00:37:08Cody, let me tell you this as your friend.
00:37:10I know I work for you, but indulge me for a minute.
00:37:16Control your damn emotions.
00:37:19Need I remind you, one finger I have to strip you at that time.
00:37:25Okay?
00:37:27You know what, Cody?
00:37:29I ain't done.
00:37:30I'm talking to an Iron Survivor winner.
00:37:32I am a North American champ, two-time NXT champ, former TNA, excuse me,
00:37:37tricking a world champion.
00:37:38I'm the hottest free agent in the game.
00:37:40Yes, yes.
00:37:41If Nick makes the right decision, better be holding on to that title real tight.
00:37:49Okay, Drew, okay.
00:37:51A lot of free agents floating around.
00:38:08The following contest is scheduled for one call and is for the United States Championship.
00:38:18Introducing first, from Moscow, Russia, playing in at 210 pounds,
00:38:26he is the United States Champion, Ilya Dragunov!
00:38:34There is no doubt, Dragunov is a proud champion.
00:38:37He defends the title again tonight against Carmelo Hayes, live next.
00:38:48Howdy.
00:38:59You think you've got it all figured out, huh?
00:39:03You think you scare us?
00:39:05You walk around here preaching about family, when in reality, you don't even have one.
00:39:10You run around with a bunch of men that hide behind their mask.
00:39:13But you see, me, what I've created, I've created a family.
00:39:20Something you know nothing about.
00:39:23Howdy.
00:39:24You don't run from fear.
00:39:27We create fear.
00:39:29So you better hang on to those tag team titles as long as you can.
00:39:33Because the fireflies, they're fading away.
00:39:37The lantern is burning real, real low.
00:39:43And those broken souls that gave you purpose or questioning when their blood is on your hands.
00:39:52And when your world is in mind.
00:39:55He's got the whole world in his pants.
00:40:13A proud United States champion.
00:40:17Closing the Open Challenge for the night.
00:40:19To personally invite this challenger.
00:40:22Cause I'm the greatest, ain't no hatin', I'm the best, yeah.
00:40:25You watch your side, well I guess you wait till next year.
00:40:28I'm at the top, get respect while I get big.
00:40:31Who's got a problem, huh?
00:40:33Tell them to step in.
00:40:34Step in.
00:40:36What?
00:40:36Yeah.
00:40:37You sound the greatest, so are you a little bit, yeah.
00:40:41And in the moment, from Boston, Massachusetts.
00:40:44Playing in at 210 pounds, Carmelo Hayes.
00:40:53You know, Corey, this statement is overused a lot.
00:40:57But I think it really fits here tonight when it comes to Carmelo Hayes.
00:41:01Because this match is a must win for Hayes.
00:41:05I agree wholeheartedly, this is a do-or-die scenario for the challenger.
00:41:12Carmelo Hayes pushed Dragunov to the limit several weeks back.
00:41:16But the matchup ended in controversy.
00:41:18Dragunov wasn't happy about it.
00:41:20And Ilya loves to know that he defeats his challengers at their very best.
00:41:25Dragunov fights with honor.
00:41:27That's what tonight is about.
00:41:28You get one more shot, but you better make it count.
00:41:32And for Carmelo Hayes, this is just yet another opportunity, and
00:41:36which has been a fall of opportunities for Carmelo Hayes in the United States Championship.
00:41:41You're gonna run out of opportunities, especially if you don't win this one tonight.
00:41:44Hayes has got to win to try to win his first championship on the main roster here in WWE.
00:41:50When Carmelo Hayes was drafted from NXT, it was in the very first round.
00:41:56And Hayes hears the whispers.
00:41:57He sees the chatter online.
00:41:59He hears the whispers in the locker room.
00:42:00But Carmelo Hayes may not turn out to be him, as he so eloquently likes to put.
00:42:06Carmelo Hayes is in danger of being viewed as a bust.
00:42:11These two men were teammates last week in a win over DIY tonight.
00:42:15They are enemies as they battle for the prestigious United States Championship.
00:42:2024 times in 2025.
00:42:22The U.S. title has been on the line the most in 10 years.
00:42:26Five title changes.
00:42:27Well, think about how impressive Ilya Dragunov has been.
00:42:31Missing a year of his career due to injury.
00:42:34And has defended the championship seven times already.
00:42:38And it's showing no signs of slowing.
00:42:40It defies human logic.
00:42:42When you compete at this level, week after week after week, you're gonna wear down.
00:42:47You're gonna slow down.
00:42:48But Dragunov seems to be the exception.
00:42:50Dragunov seems to be something a little bit more than human.
00:42:53And Dragunov now is in control, taking the fight to Carmelo Hayes.
00:42:58JD, Johnny Gargano, Axiom, Nathan Frazier, Carmelo Hayes, Tommaso Ciampa.
00:43:07Those are the men that Ilya Dragunov is defended against.
00:43:12Of course, winning the championship than Sami Zayn.
00:43:15One chop to the side of Carmelo's jaw.
00:43:21And another German suplex by the champion.
00:43:24Let's go.
00:43:27Carmelo trying to create a little bit of space here.
00:43:30I mean, it's just full-on intensity.
00:43:32No wasted motion when it comes to Dragunov.
00:43:35Yeah, these two very familiar with one another dating back to their time in NXT.
00:43:40It's the sixth time in their career they've gone one-on-one.
00:43:43Had a great rivalry over the NXT championship a couple of years ago.
00:43:47And you think back when you've got so
00:43:50much history with someone like Carmelo Hayes has with Ilya Dragunov.
00:43:54And you see Dragunov succeeding with the United States Championship,
00:43:58with the Open Challenges, with all the success the Mad Dragon has tasted recently.
00:44:02And it frustrates you.
00:44:03And if you're Carmelo Hayes, it may even make a little doubt creep into your mind.
00:44:07And Dragunov just out hustling, Hayes here, what a throw by the champion.
00:44:13And again, the butterflies, the nerves, could be getting to Carmelo Hayes.
00:44:17Putting a lot of pressure on himself here in this match tonight.
00:44:19Wow.
00:44:24And Hayes fighting back with what he can, Dragunov now.
00:44:31And a big blow.
00:44:32And that'll drive Hayes to the apron and out to the floor.
00:44:35A vicious attack by the champion.
00:44:38Will Dragunov hang on to the title?
00:44:40Let's go!
00:44:42Carmelo Hayes with yet another opportunity at the United States Championship.
00:44:49But the champion, Ilya Dragunov, is putting on a clinic right now.
00:44:54Hey!
00:44:55This reign for Ilya Dragunov as United States Champion has been,
00:44:59to me, one of the most memorable in recent history.
00:45:02Dragunov has come out week after week, pedal to the metal, full speed ahead.
00:45:07No rest, no fear.
00:45:12Dragunov is truly redefining what it means to be United States Champion.
00:45:16But with that being said, if you're Carmelo Hayes, what's your strategy?
00:45:19How do you combat all that?
00:45:20Maybe this, focus on the surgery to repair the knee.
00:45:25My God!
00:45:27And now fighting back, Carmelo Hayes, something.
00:45:30Maybe it's fight fire with fire.
00:45:32That's what Hayes needs to do tonight.
00:45:33Into the corner by Dragunov, and both men run into each other.
00:45:40Hayes got the best of it.
00:45:41My God!
00:45:46Jaw-rocking forearms from both superstars.
00:45:49Hayes first off his knee.
00:45:52Hayes with a clothesline, and now Hayes starting to pick up the intensity.
00:45:56This is what has made Carmelo Hayes so special in the past.
00:45:59He has a way of finding that next gear, that championship level internally when
00:46:04you get into the deep waters.
00:46:05Look at this!
00:46:06Off the second rope, that springboard flying clothesline.
00:46:09And Carmelo Hayes now has a chance.
00:46:17Carmelo Hayes has to understand the value of this opportunity.
00:46:21It may never come again.
00:46:23Yeah, Dragunov just like that.
00:46:25Shrugging off.
00:46:26That runny knee by the champ, cover now.
00:46:28Hook of the leg and a kick out.
00:46:29You can have all these fancy nicknames, you can call yourself him.
00:46:33You can say, Melo, don't miss and all that stuff.
00:46:35But you gotta win a title at some point.
00:46:38Absolutely.
00:46:39Look at all the great college athletes or minor league baseball players who really set
00:46:43the world on fire, and then they make it to the big time.
00:46:45And they don't quite live up to the hype.
00:46:48Carmelo Hayes is in danger of that territory!
00:46:50Oh, nobody home as Hayes roll out of harm's way as Dragunov went for a senton.
00:46:55Carmelo looking to take advantage here.
00:47:01Round we go, what a face buster!
00:47:03And both men here as Hayes now will crawl toward the cover.
00:47:06Is it enough to win the championship?
00:47:08Not quite.
00:47:09Near far for Hayes.
00:47:11Carmelo Hayes digging deep.
00:47:12Can he wrestle the championship away from Ilya Dragunov tonight?
00:47:20Prestigious United States championship.
00:47:26Dragunov following in the illustrious footsteps of none other than the greatest of all time,
00:47:30John Cena, who innovated the United States Championship Open Challenge.
00:47:34The tradition was continued proudly by Sami Zayn, who was dethroned by the Mad Dragon.
00:47:40And right now, Dragunov being put through it by the challenger.
00:47:44But you cannot count Ilya out under any circumstance.
00:47:49I don't know where he gets it, but he just keeps coming.
00:47:52Let's go!
00:47:57Dragunov very open about the fact that pain makes him feel alive.
00:48:03It's an integral part of his game, suffering through, channeling the fury.
00:48:08Nice.
00:48:09Vicious series of knife-edge chops and a boot.
00:48:14The gritty, brutal United States Champion.
00:48:22Dragunov lining up a downed Hayes.
00:48:26Whoa!
00:48:27He was going for the H-bomb and Hayes caught him with a kick.
00:48:30Now Carmelo Hayes, springboard.
00:48:35Oh, what a DDT!
00:48:38Hayes down, looking for the title.
00:48:39One, three, one!
00:48:41So close, just drag it off, got the shoulder up at two and a half.
00:48:47Senior official Charles Robinson in perfect position.
00:48:50Take another look first at the Enzigiri to counteract the H-bomb, and then beautiful flying blind DDT takes down the champion.
00:48:59But when you connect with that, and it's a near fall of two and a half, what does that do for your psyche if you're Carmelo Hayes trying to win the big one?
00:49:06Well, if you're one of the greats, it gives you a signal.
00:49:10You know you need to tap into that next gear.
00:49:12If you're not meant to be one of the greats, it can crush you.
00:49:15What is Carmelo Hayes made of?
00:49:17We're about to find out before our very eyes.
00:49:19Caught out of midair.
00:49:22You can almost see the desperation in the movements of Carmelo Hayes.
00:49:28Ilya Dragunov, here comes the constant pain special.
00:49:31Turns Hayes inside out, and Dragunov now could be closing in on yet another successful title defense.
00:49:39This time the Senton connects.
00:49:46That's gotta do it.
00:49:47Cover by Dragunov.
00:49:49Hayes kicks out near fall.
00:49:52Our United States Championship match continues.
00:49:55Dragunov can't believe it.
00:49:57This has been a hell of a battle for the United States Championship between the champion Dragunov,
00:50:07the challenger Carmelo Hayes, who's in a do or die situation tonight.
00:50:12No doubt about it, this is the second time we've seen Carmelo Hayes push Dragunov,
00:50:17the United States Champion, to his limit.
00:50:20But Ilya keeps fighting.
00:50:23Now exposing the knee, that can only spell bad things for the challenger.
00:50:28And you heard him screaming at Hayes, let's go, get up, let's go, let's fight.
00:50:32This is Dragunov's MO, he wants his opponents at their very best.
00:50:38And Hayes going toe to toe with Dragunov.
00:50:43Iron sharpens iron.
00:50:46Super kick under the chin of the champion.
00:50:51These two have been through so much in this matchup, looking for the first 48.
00:50:56Dragunov able to catch him in midair.
00:50:59Hayes still fighting.
00:51:01Still fighting here.
00:51:04Sent all the way onto the top turnbuckle is the challenger.
00:51:08Ooh, wow.
00:51:11Echoing through the arena.
00:51:14The way Hayes covered up, he may have a fractured jaw after that.
00:51:19Hayes smarting after that.
00:51:20Oh, man.
00:51:21Carmelio in the right of his own, that may have stunned the champion.
00:51:24And another one, and Dragunov could be stunned here.
00:51:26A head bump by Hayes, and Carmelio's got a chance.
00:51:29Hayes from the top.
00:51:37Oh, and a kick by Dragunov.
00:51:39Hayes may be out, but can Dragunov capitalize?
00:51:42Does the champion have enough left in the tank to execute a cover?
00:51:46Hayes' eyes rolling back in his head after that kick by Dragunov.
00:51:50Watch his impact.
00:51:52Boom!
00:51:53Melo caught off guard by Dragunov.
00:51:57And Hayes just had his world rocked.
00:52:00And this right here, Corey, could be the turning point of this match.
00:52:04Who will get to their feet first?
00:52:05Who will take control?
00:52:07This is a test of will.
00:52:08This is a test of skill.
00:52:10Who wants the United States Championship more?
00:52:13Dragunov, a proud champion, wants the best from his challengers.
00:52:18Does Hayes have enough left to topple the dominant Mad Dragon?
00:52:22Well, Dragunov getting the best to Hayes tonight as they wrestle outside toward the apron.
00:52:31Dragunov just non-stop.
00:52:33It's a dynamo, a machine.
00:52:39Dragunov, putting the power into a superplex.
00:52:45Here it comes.
00:52:46H-bomb time.
00:52:47H geri's got the knees up!
00:52:49And a kick stopped right to the face.
00:52:52Oh!
00:52:57Draganov planting Hayes cover now to retain the Championship.
00:53:00Kick out at two!
00:53:03They are on their feet here.
00:53:06Look in the eyes of the Champion, Cole, as we take another look at the brutal stomp followed by this slam by the Champion.
00:53:16Watch Dragunov's eyes when Hayes kicked out.
00:53:19I don't know that we've seen that level of doubt in Ilya's face since he's returned.
00:53:24Now maybe a frustrated Dragunov.
00:53:29Chopping away at Hayes.
00:53:32Man, the punishment these two have put themselves through here tonight.
00:53:35Precarious position for both superstars.
00:53:44Dragunov once again looking for a superplex from the very top rope.
00:53:51Whoa!
00:53:52Oh my god!
00:53:55Hayes turned it into a cutter.
00:53:58What a counter by Carmelo Hayes.
00:54:01Superplex turned into a cutter.
00:54:03Hayes into the cover for the title.
00:54:05Dragunov kicks out.
00:54:07How the hell did he kick out?
00:54:09And that may have been Hayes' last chance.
00:54:11That was it.
00:54:12You could see Carmelo's heart break.
00:54:16Good god, man.
00:54:18What a fight this has been.
00:54:20A last gasp attempt by Hayes.
00:54:22And Dragunov still kicked out.
00:54:24Carmelo Hayes in mid-air.
00:54:28Able to adjust into a cutter, but it couldn't put the champion away.
00:54:34This capacity crowd loving it as are we here at ringside.
00:54:40That young man has the expression that we're feeling here tonight watching this matchup.
00:54:47And Hayes now out to the apron looking for a DDT, but Dragunov caught it.
00:54:52To still possess this type of power this deep into a matchup speaks volumes about the physical condition of Ilya Dragunov.
00:54:59What is Dragunov going to do here?
00:55:01Hayes in desperation delivering elbows to the jaw.
00:55:05Both men bruised, battered, but too proud to quit.
00:55:15Beating the hell out of each other.
00:55:19Dragunov now.
00:55:19No!
00:55:20Out of the apron.
00:55:21Hayes may be out.
00:55:25I'm not sure Carmelo Hayes has any idea where he is.
00:55:33Dragunov does though.
00:55:34He's got Hayes in his sights.
00:55:36Dragunov from the top rope.
00:55:38First 48!
00:55:39First 48!
00:55:40First 48!
00:55:41First 48!
00:55:42Melo's got a chance!
00:55:43Melo's got a chance!
00:55:44Melo's got a chance!
00:55:45He's gonna do it!
00:55:46Carmelo Hayes!
00:55:47Nothing but net!
00:55:48The cover!
00:55:49Case closed!
00:55:50Case closed!
00:55:51Case closed!
00:55:52Hayes is a champion!
00:55:53Here is your winner and the new United States Champion!
00:56:07Carmelo Hayes!
00:56:12How sweet it is!
00:56:15Carmelo Hayes gets the proverbial monkey off his back as he wins his first championship
00:56:23here on Friday Night SmackDown!
00:56:28This was a war!
00:56:32Iliad Dragunov dumping Hayes with a Death Valley driver and the champion got caught!
00:56:40First 48 from Carmelo Hayes and they said it once!
00:56:45Now we have to believe it!
00:56:47Melo don't miss!
00:56:49Nothing but net and new!
00:56:54Carmelo Hayes can say, I am him!
00:56:58I am champion!
00:57:00What a fighting champion Iliad Dragunov was!
00:57:15And what a tremendous show of sportsmanship!
00:57:18Dragunov did not have to take this fight tonight!
00:57:21Dragunov did not have to take this match!
00:57:23But he had a bitter taste in his mouth!
00:57:26After the way Hayes lost a couple of weeks ago!
00:57:29Tonight, he gave Carmelo Hayes an opportunity!
00:57:32And as Corey just said, on this night, Melo didn't miss!
00:57:37Iliad Dragunov went out on his shield!
00:57:41Dragunov can sleep well tonight!
00:57:44Because he knows that in this instance, the better man won!
00:57:58Man, how good that must feel for this young man!
00:58:01Who never thought he'd win the big one here on Friday Night SmackDown!
00:58:05All the doubts that had creeped in!
00:58:07All the whispers that he had heard so far in his career!
00:58:10That's all put to bed tonight!
00:58:12That's all put to rest!
00:58:13Because Carmelo Hayes is the brand new United States Champion!
00:58:35Not gonna lie, after last week, it was nice to see Lashley's!
00:58:47Well, as long as we do that to every team every week, and bring the tag team titles back!
00:58:51Are you guys talking about the tag team titles?
00:58:58Mm-hmm.
00:59:00Hmm.
00:59:01Because you seem, uh, very confident.
00:59:04And I feel like I need to remind you that, Io and I, we have a tag team championship match coming up.
00:59:10You do?
00:59:11Yeah.
00:59:12And once we ring, they're gonna stay with us!
00:59:16Oh, I don't think so!
00:59:17Why don't you count us out?
00:59:18The kind of bull crap you pulled out there!
00:59:20What happened to that year?
00:59:21What happened to that year?
00:59:22What happened to that year?
00:59:23What happened to that year?
00:59:24What happened to that year?
00:59:25Where did you go?
00:59:26Where did you go?
00:59:27Where did you go?
00:59:29Stop!
00:59:31Stop!
00:59:32All right, this chaos has gone far enough.
00:59:42So here's what we're gonna do.
00:59:44Next week on SmackDown in Buffalo, New York,
00:59:47you're gonna be in an eight-woman tag team match.
00:59:49So you can all face off before your big tag title match on Raw in Brooklyn.
00:59:53Maybe that way you can get this intense dislike for each other out of your system.
00:59:58It's a little bit more than an intense ball.
01:00:02Hey, that's a great way to kick off the New Year's decision by Mr. Aldis.
01:00:11And I'm sure you're going to tell us this is a great way to close 2025.
01:00:15We've been working together too long, Michael Cole.
01:00:17You know how my mind works.
01:00:24The following tag team contest is scheduled for one call.
01:00:27Introducing first, the team of Albafire and
01:00:32the Women's United States Champion, Chelsea Breeze.
01:00:39Come on, idiot.
01:00:43Come on, Cole.
01:00:44She's a double champion.
01:00:45Go ahead and tell us all about it.
01:00:46I'm just standing up and paying my respects.
01:00:49I consider myself quite the Patriot.
01:00:51The reigning United States Women's Champion,
01:00:56as well as one half of the Triple-A Mixed Tag Team Champions with all-ego Ethan Page.
01:01:05Chelsea Green and Albafire of the Secret Hervis join forces to battle Julia and
01:01:12Kiana James coming up next.
01:01:20Congratulations and new United States Champion, Carmelo Hayes.
01:01:24Carmelo Hayes, Carmelo, I know you've envisioned this moment many times in your career.
01:01:27But what was it like having that belt around your waist in the middle of the ring tonight?
01:01:31Listen, I was delayed, but I was not denied.
01:01:34Ilya Dragunov, I just want to thank you for elevating the championship.
01:01:38I want to thank you for elevating me and I want to thank you for reminding me who I am.
01:01:42And that is him, because the jerseys are going back in the rafters.
01:01:47The division is on notice.
01:01:49It is all your fault.
01:01:52You ruined everything.
01:01:54I will take everything from you.
01:01:57Everything.
01:01:58That time is mine.
01:01:59It's mine.
01:02:00And now there is the women's United States Champion Chelsea Green and
01:02:13her Secret Hervis Alva Fire set for tag action.
01:02:17But you're a leading dummy!
01:02:20And they're opponents, the team of Tiana James and Julia!
01:02:48The Beautiful Madness Julia has not been the same since losing
01:02:53the United States Championship, I call it a fluke victory by Chelsea Green.
01:02:58And Julia wants her title back.
01:02:59The Beautiful Madness has been on an absolute war path since
01:03:04losing her coveted title.
01:03:06And tonight, Julia has a chance to gain a measure of revenge in tag team action.
01:03:12Well, last week she knocked off Alba Fire in one on one action.
01:03:16Tonight she came to their business manager, Kiana James.
01:03:20Who's a hell of a wrestler in her own right.
01:03:23No doubt about it, Kiana James.
01:03:25I'm actually grateful to have her around because of what Julia may potentially do
01:03:29to Chelsea Green.
01:03:37A mutually beneficial business partnership between Julia and
01:03:42and Kiana James has served them both very well since its inception.
01:03:46No surprise, Chelsea's hiding behind her bodyguard.
01:03:50That's what the secret Harvest is for, Cole.
01:03:53Well, Chelsea- That's why you have personal security.
01:03:56So they can protect you from harm.
01:03:58Starting this matchup off against Kiana James.
01:04:01Kiana former tag team champion in NXT.
01:04:07Who do you think you are?
01:04:09You're blowing my hair!
01:04:10Sort of a stalemate of nefarious tactics there.
01:04:13Go on, Chelsea complaining to the official that Kiana's ruining her hair.
01:04:17And here's a roll-up now by the champ and a kick out by James.
01:04:20Keanu James, pin green here in the kick out.
01:04:25Very aggressive, Keanu James out of the blocks here tonight.
01:04:31Keanu James, very explosive competitor.
01:04:34Continues to improve each and every time she steps in between the ropes.
01:04:38Leana spends a ton of time in the ring, almost as much time as she spends in the gym.
01:04:43And Julia wants to make a tag.
01:04:44And Chelsea does not want that to happen.
01:04:47Tag made, here comes Julia quickly.
01:04:49The attack made to Albafire by Chelsea Green, who has nothing to do with Julia.
01:04:53Trying to get to Chelsea.
01:04:59Trying to focus too much on Chelsea Green, Albafire trying to take advantage.
01:05:06Well, that could backfire if you're Julia.
01:05:08If you spend too much time worrying about Chelsea and
01:05:11you neglect to take care of Albafire, it will be the end of your night.
01:05:15Albafire, a highly talented competitor.
01:05:18Fire caught Keanu with the elbow to the jaw and now, look at that, nice.
01:05:22No, no!
01:05:23Uh-oh, Keanu, Keanu James, it looked like Albafire was going for a Tornado DDT and James was able to counter it.
01:05:28Yeah, James just stuffed it.
01:05:30The woman is an athletic freak.
01:05:33I've been very impressed with what we've seen out of Keanu James.
01:05:38It helps her business, right?
01:05:39It helps the brand if she can bring that United States title back to Julia.
01:05:46And now, Fire able to finally hit the Tornado DDT into the cover.
01:05:50Is it enough?
01:05:51Near fall by fire.
01:05:53Come on, let's see it!
01:05:55Official in this matchup, Felix Fernandez.
01:05:59Tag made, here comes Chelsea Green.
01:06:01I think Felix pays for a whole haircut.
01:06:04That's half of the dough.
01:06:05Mullet, right?
01:06:06And Chelsea face first goes James, cover, hook for the leg now.
01:06:11Green would love a win and get out of town quickly.
01:06:14Chelsea Green is an incredibly busy woman, by the way.
01:06:22She's a double champion.
01:06:23Not only is she representing the United States of America, she's one half of the
01:06:27Triple-A Mixed Tag Team Champion, so she's representing Mexico.
01:06:30She's also Canadian by birth.
01:06:32This woman is pretty much the greatest North American, other than Ethan Page,
01:06:37who said it first, but that's why they're tag team partners.
01:06:39No doubt, I mean, I couldn't agree with you any less.
01:06:42You know what they should do?
01:06:43What?
01:06:43Put her on the new penny.
01:06:45I, didn't they stop making, I see what you try to do there, Cole.
01:06:49Real clever.
01:06:50Look at this, oh no, oh no.
01:06:53Alba.
01:06:54Yeah, Julia finally gets her hands on Green.
01:06:57Peeling her across the ring.
01:06:59Handful of hair.
01:06:59Oh, God.
01:07:01Now the fire runs into her right hand by Julia as well.
01:07:06And the beautiful madness has her sights set on the United States Champion.
01:07:10Running knee, right on the ear of Chelsea Green.
01:07:13Snap suplex from Julia.
01:07:16I'm gonna put Chelsea's hurt.
01:07:19You said that with sarcasm.
01:07:24I heard it, Cole.
01:07:26I was choosing not to address it out of respect for our United States Champion.
01:07:30Julia top rope now, missile drop kick.
01:07:33Sends Green into the corner.
01:07:35Now the fire gonna try her affair with Julia.
01:07:39Not, didn't work out too well.
01:07:40She's dumped over the top rope to the floor.
01:07:42One, two, three, two.
01:07:47And Julia with a Northern Lights bomb.
01:07:49Good night.
01:07:54Good night.
01:07:55Chelsea Green, cover by Julia.
01:07:58Two, three, two, three.
01:07:59She just pinned the United States Champion.
01:08:01Here are your winners, Piana James and Julia.
01:08:12Piana James proving once again that this partnership means big business.
01:08:19And unfortunately for the United States Champion, Chelsea Green, nothing has been resolved.
01:08:25She still finds herself in the crosshairs of the beautiful madness.
01:08:28And one of these days, she's gonna have to defend that title against Julia.
01:08:32My New Year's resolution to get rid of toxic masculinity here on SmackDown.
01:08:48So how about a new opportunity for the new and improved Kit Wilson?
01:08:53You know what, Kit?
01:08:56There will be an opportunity for something new for you next week on SmackDown.
01:09:01Cheers.
01:09:03All right.
01:09:04Okay.
01:09:06Nick, it's the end of the night.
01:09:07Have you been apologized to yet?
01:09:08Not yet.
01:09:09Who are you waiting for?
01:09:10He is absolutely enjoying every second of this.
01:09:13This is, it is, it is my fault, but this isn't unreasonable.
01:09:16I know. I don't know.
01:09:16Is it?
01:09:17This is not unreasonable.
01:09:18We're at the end of the night.
01:09:19He hasn't been apologized.
01:09:20He paid to find it.
01:09:21No, I'm getting yours in too.
01:09:22I don't know what it's going to do.
01:09:24I don't know what it's going to do.
01:09:25It's just holding it.
01:09:32Okay.
01:09:32Hey, Cody.
01:09:33Hey, remember what we're talking about?
01:09:36Control your emotions.
01:09:38Let me handle this.
01:09:39Okay?
01:09:39I got this.
01:09:40Okay?
01:09:41Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Drew McIntyre.
01:10:06Three questions need to be answered.
01:10:16Will McIntyre apologize to official Dan Engler for the claymore he delivered to him a number
01:10:21of weeks back?
01:10:23Will Drew McIntyre pay the fine, led by general manager Nick Aldis?
01:10:28Well, Drew McIntyre, if all that happens, let us know what the stipulation is for his championship
01:10:35match with Cody Rhodes.
01:10:37Drew McIntyre promised all the questions will be answered.
01:10:49Will that be the case?
01:10:54We'll find out next.
01:11:09ents.
01:11:10We'll find out next.
01:11:32He is the ruler, he is the bringer of war, and just ask Cody Rhodes.
01:11:46Obafemi is gonna be a game changer here at WWE.
01:11:50Well, ladies and gentlemen, next week, Buffalo, New York,
01:11:53the very first SmackDown of 2026, and SmackDown will be three hours.
01:11:59Starting next week, kicking the new year off with a bang.
01:12:03This match made earlier tonight, per general manager, Nick Aldis.
01:12:07A huge eight-woman tag team match.
01:12:10Ripley, Sky, Blizz and Flair against the Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend.
01:12:17Also next week, the WWE Women's Champion, the Storm Jade Cargill in action.
01:12:22But what an opportunity for Meechan.
01:12:24You beat the champion, earn a title opportunity.
01:12:27Takes place next week.
01:12:29Damian Priest thought Alistair Black was in the rearview mirror.
01:12:33Well, Alistair Black has other plans.
01:12:36Perhaps these two dark souls can settle this once and for all to kick off 2026.
01:12:44Three hours of Friday Night SmackDown starts next week.
01:12:49After the ring and the general manager, Nick Aldis.
01:12:52All right, Drew.
01:13:00We all know that this situation with you and Cody has gotten way out of hands.
01:13:05But I'm not even gonna put all the blame on you.
01:13:09Cody's been out of line as well.
01:13:12Both of you have gone way over the line.
01:13:15But in my estimation, when this thing really went off the rails was when you assaulted this man.
01:13:25Now, I'm a man of my word.
01:13:26It's your chance to be a man of your word.
01:13:29All we have to do is get this business transacted and the deal is yours.
01:13:35And you can focus on your title match.
01:13:37I'm a man of my word, so let's start with the fine.
01:13:55Here's your big old check.
01:13:58Don't spend it all at once.
01:14:02Now the apology.
01:14:03Dan, I'm genuinely sorry I claymored you in the face.
01:14:26It's been keeping me up for weeks.
01:14:28No matter what happened or what you did, I should never attack a WWE official.
01:14:32So please accept my humblest apology.
01:14:43Thank you for that, Drew.
01:14:46Wasn't easy, but I appreciate it.
01:14:50That wasn't easy for me.
01:14:52But this is, I also apologize that it was obviously your dream to be a wrestler right
01:14:58here in this ring doing what I do, former world champion.
01:15:01But you weren't good enough, so you had to be a referee.
01:15:07Let me come down to your level.
01:15:08I apologize that your lovely wife, Melissa, had to watch me claymore you in the face.
01:15:19And she had to think to herself, I wish I had a husband like Drew that stood up for
01:15:24his convictions no matter the consequences.
01:15:27I get why you did it, you had to save yourself.
01:15:30You had to screw me to save yourself, protect Cody.
01:15:34But I feel sorry and I apologize for your children.
01:15:41That they have such a coward, corporate stooge for a father.
01:15:48I'm not finished there.
01:15:49I could go on all day.
01:15:50You want to do something?
01:15:51You want to be a man?
01:15:52Do you want to hit me?
01:15:53Do you want to get revenge on me right now?
01:15:57Go for it, Dan.
01:16:09That was some apology.
01:16:10McIntyre knows exactly what he's doing.
01:16:13Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, Cody.
01:16:29Do it, Cody.
01:16:29Hit me, hit me.
01:16:31I know you want to do it.
01:16:34And I can see it in your eyes, you want to hit me so bad.
01:16:38The people are fired up.
01:16:40They want to see a fight.
01:16:41They want to see some physicality.
01:16:43What did you say?
01:16:45Yeah, yeah.
01:16:45You don't work for him.
01:16:47He works for you.
01:16:48You work for all these people.
01:16:50Grand Rapids, Michigan.
01:16:52Do you want to see Cody Rhodes punch me in the face right now?
01:16:59Do it, Cody.
01:17:01Or maybe you want to cry, you're so good at that too.
01:17:04Shed those tears like a teenage girl trying to get daddy's credit card.
01:17:08Come on, Cody, do it, do it, I dare you.
01:17:18I know why you're so upset.
01:17:20It's because they attacked you on your tour bus, your home away from home,
01:17:26where your family sleeps.
01:17:28But your family weren't there when I attacked you, were they?
01:17:31But I wish they were there.
01:17:37I wish your children could see a real man put the boots to you.
01:17:45I wish your wife Brandi could see what a real daddy looks like.
01:17:52Come on, Cody.
01:17:53Come on, I know you want to do it.
01:17:55You want to know the stipulation?
01:18:05You want to know?
01:18:06Help me!
01:18:07We're not doing this match in America.
01:18:09You've screwed me three times here.
01:18:12We're taking this to Berlin, Germany.
01:18:16Try to make my life hell.
01:18:17I'm obviously in your head making it hell.
01:18:20How about this?
01:18:23Drew McIntyre against Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
01:18:29Three stages of hell.
01:18:36Absolutely.
01:18:38You agree?
01:18:38I agree.
01:18:40We're agreed.
01:18:41There's one more thing.
01:18:52When I torture you in Berlin.
01:18:56When I send you straight to hell.
01:19:04Say hi to your dad for me.
01:19:06Claymore!
01:19:26McIntyre knows exactly what he's doing.
01:19:30Cody Rhodes is handcuffed.
01:19:32He can't touch Drew McIntyre for another two weeks.
01:19:42The title match two weeks from tonight on Friday Night SmackDown from Berlin.
01:19:50Three stages of hell for the WWE Championship.
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