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Watch WWE SmackDown 22/05/2026 Full Show (Part-1) online for free. 😍
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00:00:13Then, now, forever.
00:00:31Together.
00:01:02A contract for a WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy.
00:01:09Gunther, please come to this ring, sign this contract,
00:01:14so that you're guaranteed to get your ass kicked at Clash in Italy.
00:01:20You find a way to make it all about yourself, just like a typical American.
00:01:28Rephrase that.
00:01:30Please, Mr. Gunther.
00:01:35If you won't sign it, I will.
00:01:40Royce Keys!
00:01:41Jump the line!
00:01:42You know, Gunther, this was very simple.
00:01:47You've overplayed your hand, and now that title shot is up for grabs.
00:01:53Royce Keys and Gunther.
00:01:56Winner of this one gets the champ.
00:02:01The sleeper's in.
00:02:03Solo Sokola's ringside down.
00:02:05Solo Sokola spent recent weeks trying to get Royce Keys to join up.
00:02:10Solo sliding in a steel chair.
00:02:12Pick him up!
00:02:14Splash him!
00:02:15Splash him!
00:02:17Go!
00:02:17Go!
00:02:18No, thank you, Solo!
00:02:22The ring, General!
00:02:24Massive power bomb!
00:02:26Stacks him up!
00:02:27Go!
00:02:27Go!
00:02:31Go!
00:02:33Go!
00:02:37Oh, the American Nightmare is here.
00:02:42Ross Rhodes.
00:02:46Cody versus Gunther and Clash in Italy.
00:02:55The champ is here at Rock.
00:02:58The undisputed WWE champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes,
00:03:02closing in on a European road trip and trying to keep his hold on goal.
00:03:09Also tonight, there is Shinsuke Nakamura on the left.
00:03:11There is Solo Tsukoa on the right.
00:03:14Shin's been trying to talk sense into Tama Tonga.
00:03:16The advice comes with a price.
00:03:17Solo has put Tala Tonga on cleanup duty.
00:03:20Now the big man is opposite Shin inside the ropes.
00:03:23Nakamura against the MFT Enforcer comes your way.
00:03:26And just past the top of the hour here in Kentucky, you know it's tiffy time.
00:03:30And the United States champion has fighting spirit.
00:03:34Tiffany Stratton holding an open challenge.
00:03:36Who will answer the call and try to land the Women's U.S. Championship tonight?
00:03:42Oh, we love being here inside Rupp Arena.
00:03:45So much history on the hardwood here.
00:03:48Eight NCAA championships.
00:03:50And now more to be made inside the ring tonight.
00:03:54Look at this crowd for SmackDown.
00:03:57Five, six, seven, eight.
00:04:01This is what you've ever said!
00:04:31Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
00:04:33the WWE Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley!
00:04:39How about a little brutality in Kentucky?
00:04:41Mommy is here and wait.
00:04:43It's been a couple weeks when a WrestleMania rival Jade Cargo and her crew were on the attack recently.
00:04:50Yeah, let's take you back two weeks ago on SmackDown, as Rhea Ripley soaks in the adulation.
00:04:59This was six-woman tag action. Now, amidst the chaos, Jade Cargill made her post-WrestleMania return,
00:05:07attacking Ripley, handing victory to the newcomers of Fatal Influence.
00:05:12Although post-match, Meechan and B-Fab also arrived, beating the hell out of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
00:05:20Rhea Ripley tried in vain to fight back, but ultimately it was a major show of force from Cargill,
00:05:27who is desperate to regain the gold she lost at WrestleMania 42 to that woman.
00:05:43And every time I watch that clip, just the sound of that thud as Jade took out her legs and
00:05:49sent her to the steel steps.
00:05:50And that has set the stage for this.
00:05:53I'll eat, sleep, bleed. The demons in your dreams. I'll eat, sleep, bleed.
00:06:19I'll eat, sleep, bleed.
00:06:23I had one week off, and it seemed like someone really missed me.
00:06:35Cuz Jade and her crew, they decided to try and send a message.
00:06:41But all they managed to do was really piss me off.
00:06:44So now that I'm back, I'm itching for a fight.
00:06:53So Jade, if you want your rematch, then I will happily beat you again.
00:07:07So you versus me at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women's Championship.
00:07:26We're nine days away from that, but we're only 24 hours away from Saturday night's main event.
00:07:32And the six-woman tag, that includes the Queen, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
00:07:40Yeah, these are some uneasy tag partners.
00:07:44Partners of convenience, perhaps.
00:07:47Gotta boy get work tomorrow night against Jay Cargill, BFAP, and MeChic.
00:07:52That'll be streaming on Peacock, Saturday night's main event.
00:08:03Look, champ, I appreciate you wanting to defend your title, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
00:08:10We still have a six-woman tag team match tomorrow against Jade, BFAP, and MeChic.
00:08:16Let's go.
00:08:17Which we all need to be on the same page for.
00:08:21Actually, Lexi, you make a really good point, but I need to address the elephant in the room.
00:08:28So Rhea, Lexi and I needed your help last week, so could you answer us, where were you?
00:08:42Look, Charlotte, I'm sorry, but I actually wanted to go home to see my family.
00:08:48Do I not get a day off like everyone else?
00:08:51No, I'm actually, I'm happy you went home to see your family.
00:08:55I get that more than anyone, but we needed your help last week against Jade and her crew.
00:09:01And here's the thing, Lexi and I have our own battles to fight.
00:09:08Charlotte, weren't you the one that said that you didn't need me?
00:09:14No, no, no, no, yes.
00:09:16I did say that when we were facing Fatal Influence, but now I'm saying,
00:09:22Lexi and I need your help with your problem.
00:09:26Maybe we should all just, you know, take a breath.
00:09:28Seriously?
00:09:29You know, I'm sorry that you guys got ambushed, but from where I was watching,
00:09:35it looked like Alexa took most of it.
00:09:37So if you can't even have your partner, your best friend's back,
00:09:42then how am I supposed to trust you with my back?
00:09:44Guys, seriously, we really need to stop here.
00:09:47This is getting ridiculous.
00:09:48No, no, no, no, no.
00:09:48I see what you're doing.
00:09:50You're trying to make a problem that's not there.
00:09:52You're trying to draw a wedge between my bestie and I.
00:09:56No, I see it.
00:09:56Go ahead.
00:09:57You're the one drawing the wedge here, not me.
00:10:03Now they're here.
00:10:06You're bringing this head shit.
00:10:09We got company.
00:10:11Yeah, the most disruptive recent force in the women's division.
00:10:14Fatal Influence.
00:10:15This is great.
00:10:17Please keep this going.
00:10:19I love it.
00:10:21In fact, there's nothing I love more than watching the SmackDown women's division
00:10:27unravel before our very eyes.
00:10:32And you know what's funny?
00:10:33It seemed like this all started the second Fatal Influence step foot on the scene.
00:10:41Right?
00:10:50Okay, pipe down.
00:10:52I'm not done talking, okay?
00:10:55Thank you for your respect.
00:10:59You see, while you all have been at each other's throats, Fallon, Laney, and yours truly,
00:11:08JC Jane, have ascended to the top of this division with ease.
00:11:13Because when we see an opportunity, we take it.
00:11:19In fact, I think we're looking at one right now.
00:11:25Are you?
00:11:29You know, JC, we love your confidence, but I'm not here for the back and forth.
00:11:34So how about any two of you face Lexi and I tonight?
00:11:43That's perfect.
00:11:45That's all I needed to hear.
00:11:48Bye-bye.
00:11:53The young upstarts stepping to the living legends again.
00:11:59I'll tell you right now, Fatal Influence are a major problem here.
00:12:03On SmackDown.
00:12:05And it sounds like we're gonna have ourselves a little tag action later on tonight.
00:12:10And I am totally down for that.
00:12:12Yeah, I love it.
00:12:13Nothing has been calm in the women's division lately at all.
00:12:16We've seen that with Fatal Influence.
00:12:18Nor has that been the case with anything involving-
00:12:22Gonna pay the electric bills here in Kentucky.
00:12:24Nor has that been the case with anything involving Solo Sokoa and his MFT.
00:12:29And Wade, that was the case again last week.
00:12:32Backstage with the enforcement of Talatanga to Solo's pursuit of Royce Kings.
00:12:36Yes, indeed.
00:12:37Let's take you back to that incident last week.
00:12:42I know, you decided already.
00:12:47Look.
00:12:48Well, whatever Tama had decided was suddenly unimportant as the massive Talatanga launched a blindside attack on Nakamura culminating in
00:12:59being slammed through a table.
00:13:01Well, that was only the start of the chaos because later on in the main event, Solo Sokoa arrived to
00:13:07try and help Royce Keys in his number one contender match against Gunther.
00:13:12The offer thrown back literally in the face of Sokoa, whose efforts to recruit Keys continue to fail.
00:13:23Excuse me, gentlemen.
00:13:24One question.
00:13:25What, Cathy?
00:13:26What do you wanna ask?
00:13:28I actually wanted to ask Talatanga his final thoughts before heading out to face Shinsuke Nakamura.
00:13:37He's ready, Cathy, okay?
00:13:38He's more than ready, all right?
00:13:40And tonight, I want everyone to watch.
00:13:45And I mean everyone to watch what's about to happen to Shinsuke Nakamura tonight.
00:13:54You got your answer, right?
00:13:55You cost me a title shot last week.
00:13:58So if it's an issue you want, it's an issue you can get.
00:14:02So stay out of my business.
00:14:05Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on.
00:14:08Calm down, all right?
00:14:10Last week, if you didn't need help, all you had to do was just say something.
00:14:13You threw the chair at my face, okay?
00:14:15You're lucky we don't beat your ass right here, but I'm not gonna do that.
00:14:18Because we're family, right?
00:14:21And you need somebody to watch your back on SmackDown.
00:14:25Who better to do that?
00:14:27The family.
00:14:29All right?
00:14:32Come on, boys.
00:14:38Interesting how it plays out with Royce in Solo.
00:14:42I'll tell you right now, it's a compelling offer.
00:14:44If I had anyone watching my back, I would like it to be in Solo and the MFTs.
00:14:52Not you, Joe Tess.
00:14:54I'm good without you watching my back.
00:14:56Feel it, good part.
00:14:59The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
00:15:02Introducing first, accompanied by Solo Sokoa and Tala Tonga.
00:15:07From the Isle of Tonga, weighing in at 300 pounds, representing MFT, Tala Tonga!
00:15:15And it just feels like anyone that comes near Tala Tonga lately has paid the price.
00:15:22Solo's right-hand, heavy-handed man, the enforcer.
00:15:25It'll be the veteran King of Strong Style to deal with it.
00:15:28Nakamura versus Tala is next in this match.
00:15:49The first ever premium live event to be held in Italy.
00:15:55High stakes, high pressure.
00:15:58This is what we call must see.
00:16:14Well, you can bring home all the action with the new LJN WWE Superstars vintage-style action figures.
00:16:20Wave 2 has some of the all-time great King Kong Bundy,
00:16:23Hall of Famers like the Ultimate Warrior, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jesse Tabati Ventura.
00:16:28You can look for these figures now at-
00:16:39Match gears?
00:16:40I brought a black gear.
00:16:42Yeah, so I spoke to medical.
00:16:43I'm not cleared for this match tonight.
00:16:45Lexi, you were like fine two seconds ago.
00:16:46What do you mean you're not cleared?
00:16:48Achoo.
00:16:49I'm sick.
00:16:50What does achoo mean?
00:16:52Okay, I'm fine.
00:16:53But I am sick of you and Rhea.
00:16:55Because every time you bicker, I'm in the middle of it.
00:16:57So here's what's gonna happen.
00:16:59You two are gonna have the match.
00:17:01Ugh.
00:17:01You two are gonna tag together.
00:17:03And you two are gonna get your acts together.
00:17:05Ugh.
00:17:07It's not me.
00:17:10So have fun.
00:17:20It's not me.
00:17:21I'm gonna work for the opponent of Tella Tonga tonight.
00:17:24Because that man is seven feet tall of menace.
00:17:28I mean, look at that.
00:18:03I mean, look at that.
00:18:32And his opponent, from Kiyojo, Japan, playing in at 220 pounds, Shinsuke Nakamura!
00:18:43And that time spanks in Japan with Tama Taga had built up enough trust to have very direct conversations lately.
00:18:53Direct conversations, perhaps, but conversations that have not been wanted by the leader of the MFT crew, Solo Sikawa.
00:19:02Now, time and time again, Joe, Shinsuke has got in the ear of Tama Tonga saying,
00:19:08why on earth is somebody with your capability relying on this MFT group to fight your battles for you?
00:19:15Grow a spine, stop being a coward, and walk away from the MFTs.
00:19:19Now, I will say, Joe, on at least five occasions, Solo Sikawa and the MFTs have warned Shinsuke to back
00:19:27off.
00:19:27Shinsuke repeatedly hasn't listened, and now he's in this mess.
00:19:31Shin against Tala is presented by Masters of the Universe.
00:19:35Witness the rise of He-Man only in theaters on June 5th.
00:19:39Oh, smart move when you go up against a nearly seven-footer, try to chop down the tree.
00:19:45Went right for the legs, did Shin.
00:19:49Shin looks ultra confident, and why wouldn't he be with his skill set and resume?
00:19:53However, when you consider he's facing somebody with this kind of capabilities,
00:19:59that confidence might ever way rather quickly.
00:20:03And that is the case now, as Tala Tonga, just a couple of strikes, and all of a sudden, he's
00:20:09in position.
00:20:10By the way, Tala Tonga, who ragdolled Shinsuke Nakamura a week ago, and now getting the best of him early
00:20:17on.
00:20:18It has been impressive what he has been doing inside the ropes.
00:20:21We know about his size and presence as an enforcer, but inside the ropes, we both have been impressed.
00:20:28Yeah, this industry has a long history of these massive, massive competitors,
00:20:34who, quite frankly, aren't particularly good at moving around the ring.
00:20:38They don't have the balance, they don't have the poise.
00:20:40What they have is the intimidation factor and the strength.
00:20:43Tala Tonga has everything.
00:20:45He checks every box, and under the guidance of Solo Sokoa,
00:20:50is testing for big things in this industry, and Shinsuke Nakamura is now finding that out firsthand.
00:20:56Tiffany Stratton, an open challenge tonight.
00:20:59Women's United States Championship, be interesting to see which direction that goes in,
00:21:04and who comes out to face Stratton.
00:21:07And the direction this match is going in is the one we were all expecting.
00:21:12One-way traffic, a beatdown once again being delivered to Shinsuke Nakamura.
00:21:18This time, legally, unlike last week's jump.
00:21:21Yeah, already damage done to the lower back of Shin.
00:21:25The velocity, he was sent into the corner and then slammed down moments ago.
00:21:30Well, this is really a punishment beating here for Shinsuke,
00:21:33who certainly won't give up without a fight,
00:21:35and he's slowly trying to build a little momentum here.
00:21:39What a way to turn it around, though.
00:21:41The strike and then the knee.
00:21:43Strike's just bouncing off Tala Tonga.
00:21:46They are hurting the big man, though.
00:21:48Sends him out and over.
00:21:50Back onto his feet, still upright, is Tala Tonga.
00:21:55Perhaps time to have a little chat with Solo on the outside and come up with a plan B.
00:22:00Big knee, and now Shin on the attack as he has Tala Tonga bent over that middle rope.
00:22:06But all it takes is one equalizer right hand from Tala Tonga.
00:22:13Tala Tonga's armor is as big as Shinsuke's leg.
00:22:17Come on, Shin.
00:22:19The force that he can throw a grown man with sent him into the burial.
00:22:42Friday Night Smackdown here from Lexington, and Tala Tonga is getting the best of Shinsuke Nakamura.
00:22:49Oh, shit!
00:22:51Draping him over the top of that barrier.
00:22:54I mean, Shinsuke Nakamura is just getting wiped out here.
00:22:57We know how tough Shinsuke Nakamura is.
00:22:59The fact that the stuffing has been knocked out of the Japanese superstar so easily just tells you everything you
00:23:06need to know about the power of Tala Tonga.
00:23:09Tala Tonga is enjoying every bit of it, isn't he?
00:23:12And so is Solo Sokoa on the outside, looking on in admiration of his lead attack dog in the MFTs.
00:23:21Now back in the center of the ring, Shin trying to mount retaliation in some form of attack.
00:23:27But as we have said, all it takes is one big blow from Tala Tonga.
00:23:35Well, with all the experience that Shinsuke Nakamura has, 20-plus years competing in Japan and indeed here in WWE
00:23:43against the best,
00:23:45so little of that experience applies to the situation that he's in now.
00:23:50You simply just don't have the reps against a competitor like a Tala Tonga to fall back on anything.
00:24:03Just trying to mount an attack with body shots, but then running into the big boot.
00:24:07Does that assuage things here?
00:24:11From the second rope, oh boy.
00:24:13Trying to break free, and he does successfully, but then absolutely floored.
00:24:20And able to kick out.
00:24:21Once again, Joe, we mentioned it earlier, it's the speed and movement of Tala Tonga that will catch you.
00:24:26The power is obvious, but that was just fantastic reactions there from Tala Tonga, who has no right being as
00:24:33quick as he is.
00:24:35He is twitchy.
00:24:37Rarely say that of an athlete of his size, of his height, of his weight, but he is twitchy.
00:24:45And he also listens to orders, follows them to a T.
00:24:50And how effective have those orders been in completely neutralizing Shinsuke Nakamura here?
00:24:58There is the man who puts forth those orders, week in and week out, Solo Sotoa.
00:25:11Massive right uppercut.
00:25:16Audience desperately willing a fight back here from Nakamura, but you do sense these chants are completely in vain at
00:25:25this point in the match.
00:25:34Outro Music
00:25:38Outro Music
00:25:44.
00:25:54.
00:26:05Stunum crushing power slam once again when it
00:26:09look like nakamura may have a chance and it could be good night now oh hold on could this be
00:26:16the
00:26:16opportunity locking up that arm is shin that's a little reversal there from shinsuke nakamura
00:26:22trying to turn it into a triangle choke here choking out the big man would be incredibly
00:26:27impressive although perhaps oh man possibility that is pure power still though nakamura
00:26:36guillotine choke locked in now look at that left arm around though
00:26:41validesma is tamatanga out the back door gets the back of the knee
00:26:50shin in position and finally dropping the big man down to his knees
00:26:57shin has been a thorn in that man's side sobo sokoa he's been constantly trying to convince
00:27:02tamatanga to break free from solo in the mft and stand on his own it's been talatanga in the ring
00:27:08here who's been the enforcer to quiet shin now they face off right in the middle of the ring
00:27:14well shinsuke nakamura driven a major wedge between solo and tama over the past several months this
00:27:20is supposed to be a punishment beating to mak nakamura but nakamura just will not quit
00:27:26this just a week removed when tamatanga put shin through a table
00:27:34and now with that right leg draped over the rope a compromise position for the big man
00:27:40smart strategy by nakamura attacking the limbs of the big man and now taking down the midsection
00:27:45and suddenly this monster of the mfts doesn't quite look so threatening
00:27:52and a scorpio rising connecting could shin do it right here
00:28:03shinsuke nakamura may be about to pull off a major shocker as he lines up for kinshasa
00:28:09kinshasa is lined up but solo gets up on the apron
00:28:13solo sokoa
00:28:15beating to the punch by nakamura
00:28:17whoa
00:28:18school power slam by talatanga
00:28:20crazy talk from the big man here
00:28:23at his size with that dynamic speed
00:28:29talatanga
00:28:30shokeslam
00:28:34and victory
00:28:37here is your winner
00:28:38talatanga
00:28:42while talatanga scoring a major win against a valiant fight from shinsuke nakamura
00:28:49with a major piece of assistance from solo sakura and things are about to get ugly here
00:28:54do you want to hit me
00:28:55do you want to hit me if you miss me
00:28:58oh the spike is lined up
00:29:17Tama Tonga delivers instead
00:29:22a show of loyalty to solo
00:29:25hey still
00:29:27that's the tension there for a second but Tama Tonga fully on side with solo sakura
00:29:35let this be a warning to everyone keep your nose out of mft affairs
00:29:40hold on
00:29:42just in time
00:29:45oh and damian priest has a steel chair in hand
00:29:49damian priest another victim of multiple attacks from the mft crew ready to throw down here
00:29:57come on
00:29:58come on
00:29:59come on big man
00:29:59let's go
00:30:01let's go
00:30:02yes my boy
00:30:05power
00:30:06power
00:30:07sakura calling the troops off perhaps wisely
00:30:10damian priest holds that steel chair
00:30:13a weapon he's only too happy to use but the damage already done to shinsuke nakamura
00:30:20and suddenly all is sweet with the mft clap
00:30:28damian priest comes and doesn't let jim fall victim to anything more from the mft
00:30:34reminder we are only now nine days away to clash in italy one of the most top loaded cards we
00:30:41can recall with
00:30:42yeah no doubt about it one absolute banger of a card that is going to be cannot wait for clash
00:30:47in italy nine days away joe
00:30:50roman reigns jacob fatu the family feud that has now gone to the next level now wade it has reached
00:30:57the level of tribal combat
00:31:00that is incredible we will take a look back at what transpired between roman reigns and jacob fatu this past
00:31:09monday later tonight
00:31:11of course it will be streaming on the espn app
00:31:15clash in italy
00:31:18by the way the first hour will be on espn one as will the countdown show and it all leads
00:31:25to this
00:31:26tribal combat roman reigns jacob fatu the loser acknowledges the winner as tribal chief the family feud it is elevated
00:31:42two samoan warriors bound by blood torn apart by ambition
00:31:52to a bloodline revered for decades of dominance
00:31:57the tribal chief roman reigns is the unwavering pillar of the anewa'i family
00:32:05but leadership comes at a cost
00:32:08chaos emerged
00:32:10now the time has come to decisively define the family's future
00:32:15this is tribal combat
00:32:18there are no rules
00:32:20you win via pinfall or submission
00:32:25and the winner becomes the tribal chief
00:32:41the partners
00:32:44the
00:32:45the
00:32:49dr
00:32:50j
00:32:51I'll do it. Thanks.
00:32:53Hey, Cody.
00:32:55You wanted to see me? I did.
00:32:57I'll get right to the point, Cody.
00:33:00Gunther isn't here yet.
00:33:02So as of now, the contract for Clash in Italy is still unsigned.
00:33:07Why don't you give me the contract?
00:33:08Why don't we just do what we did last week, get him in the ring,
00:33:10I'll get him to sign the contract.
00:33:13Not what I was insinuating.
00:33:15Let me handle this.
00:33:17Look, as far as I'm concerned, he's the number one contender.
00:33:19Your match in Italy is set.
00:33:21I will make sure that the contract gets signed, all right?
00:33:25I hope you're right.
00:33:36I know we've been a little up and down lately, but
00:33:38I know you're dealing with Gunther, okay?
00:33:41If anybody knows what it means to be Gunther, it's me.
00:33:45So if you need help with anything, all you gotta do is ask.
00:33:49Right?
00:33:50Sami?
00:33:52Thanks, but no thanks.
00:33:58Thanks, but no, of course.
00:34:00Right?
00:34:02Cuz how could Sami Zayn help the great Cody Rhodes?
00:34:05Is that it?
00:34:06What is with everybody around here?
00:34:08Nick, I can't talk to you, actually.
00:34:11What am I doing?
00:34:12I've been texting you all day, what am I doing tonight?
00:34:14Look, Sami, time is tight, right?
00:34:17And I may not have a spot for you tonight.
00:34:19No, not a spot for me.
00:34:21Nick, am I not entitled to a little bit of respect?
00:34:24Am I not one of your top talents on this show?
00:34:28I can't get a few minutes to go out there and address my ride or die things.
00:34:33I can't, just tell me what I did so wrong to get disrespected like this.
00:34:38I'm sure if Cody Rhodes asked for a little bit of time, you would give it to him,
00:34:42no questions asked, right or wrong.
00:34:44Cuz, of course, Golden Boy gets anything he asks for, right or wrong.
00:34:53Cody.
00:34:55You don't need to explain.
00:34:56No, I'm sorry.
00:34:57I'm sorry.
00:34:58I think you've got a good point.
00:34:59He's got a good point, right?
00:35:00He should get time on SmackDown.
00:35:02This is Sami Zayn, right?
00:35:04You're healthy, right?
00:35:04You look well.
00:35:05He's cleared.
00:35:05You're medically cleared, right?
00:35:06You always are.
00:35:07Healthy as a horse.
00:35:08A Kentucky racehorse.
00:35:10You need a match?
00:35:11He needs a match.
00:35:12We should do a match, right?
00:35:13Do we have any opponents for Sami?
00:35:14Sami, anybody?
00:35:15That's right.
00:35:16I'm standing right here.
00:35:18You want a match?
00:35:19Let's do it tonight.
00:35:21Let's do it in Lexington, Kentucky.
00:35:22I'll see you later.
00:35:25What?
00:35:28Nick.
00:35:30Ooh, Cody's ready to go.
00:35:31Careful what you wish for Zayn.
00:35:35Easy to find, hard to beat, right?
00:35:37Yeah, he just found him.
00:35:46The following contest is the Women's United States Championship Open Challenge Match!
00:35:53Introducing first, from Briar Lake, Minnesota, she is the Women's United States Champion, Tiffany Straten!
00:36:02And she's acting like a fighting champion, opening the door for anyone out there.
00:36:09A new era of tippy time, ready for a fight.
00:36:12But who will it be?
00:36:14An open challenge for the Women's United States Championship.
00:36:18That is next, right here on SmackDown.
00:36:24Let's go!
00:36:34Let's go!
00:36:38Let's go!
00:36:41Let's go!
00:36:43Let's go!
00:36:45Let's go!
00:36:46Let's go!
00:36:47Let's go!
00:36:47Let's go!
00:36:48Let's go!
00:36:49Let's go!
00:36:49Let's go!
00:36:50Let's go!
00:36:50Let's go!
00:36:50Let's go!
00:36:50Let's go!
00:37:01Let's give you the replay of what just happened, presented by Masters of the Universe.
00:37:04Witness the rise of He-Man, only in theaters June 5th.
00:37:07This was a Tala T-bomb to Shinsuke Nakamura, scoring a major win for Tala Tonga of the MF T
00:37:14-group.
00:37:15Now post-match, Solo Sokoa going for the Samoan Spike, however,
00:37:19Tama had other ideas, major tensions between these two over the past several months,
00:37:26about to come to a head perhaps, or perhaps not,
00:37:32as Tama Tonga wanted to prove his loyalty to the MFT group.
00:37:36That was until Damian Priest ran down another victim of MFT beatdowns over recent weeks.
00:37:44Just a little too late for Shinsuke Nakamura, as Solo Sokoa called the troops off.
00:37:50Come on, man, let's go.
00:37:53No, no, hell no, no, that ain't it.
00:37:58They think you're weak.
00:38:01The reason why everyone's coming at us is because they think you're weak,
00:38:05that we're weak, that the family is weak.
00:38:12That's the problem, Solo.
00:38:14You got to handle Priest on your own.
00:38:18You got to show them that our family ain't weak.
00:38:24You got to do this on your own.
00:38:28For the family.
00:38:31For the family.
00:38:39I'm gonna go talk to Mr. Hawkins.
00:39:20And the regret must already be washing over the United States champ Tiffany Stratton,
00:39:28because here come the irresistible forces.
00:39:37Let's get one thing straight.
00:39:40Tomorrow night at Saturday night's main event, Lash and
00:39:43I are going to end this pathetic nostalgia tour of Brie and
00:39:47Paige when we take back our tag team championships, right, Lash?
00:39:53That's right, because gold looks so good on us.
00:39:57And that's why, after tonight, I beat on Little Miss Tiffy Time and
00:40:02snatched the United States championship.
00:40:04That just sounds like the perfect plan to the start of our golden weekend.
00:40:11So, yes, Tiffy, I accept.
00:40:14Ref, let's get it.
00:40:16What a 24 hours this could be for Lash Legend now.
00:40:21Saturday night's main event comes tomorrow, the Women's World Tag Team Championships there.
00:40:29Paige and Brie will defend against the irresistible forces.
00:40:32But this open challenge is met with Lash Legend, the powerful one half of irresistible forces.
00:40:42This is right here, right now.
00:40:44This is what Tiffany wants.
00:40:46This is what she gets.
00:40:47So, this is what Tiffany thought she wanted.
00:40:49And she suddenly realized that offering an open challenge is an absolutely terrible idea
00:40:56if you want a long championship reign.
00:40:59Because that reign might end tonight at the hands of Lash Legend.
00:41:03The only surprise to me is that Nia Jax isn't the one taking her up on this.
00:41:07Because, let's not forget, a couple of years ago, Tiffany Stratton was the understudy to Jax.
00:41:13Ended up stabbing her in the back, catching in Money in the Bank briefcase,
00:41:17and taking her world championship.
00:41:19But I'm sure Nia Jax would enjoy seeing Lash Legend take some gold from Tiffany tonight.
00:41:25Oh, man.
00:41:26That shoulder tackle just sent her nearly heels overhead.
00:41:37Looking for that big pump kick.
00:41:39Man, she landed that.
00:41:40Who knows?
00:41:41Right to that left leg.
00:41:43And again, what a smart tactic from Stratton.
00:41:46Smart tactic.
00:41:46It may well be a desperation tactic here, taking Lash down finally.
00:41:52But knowing Tiffy, she is in a world of trouble here against a majorly powerful superstar.
00:41:59Oh, out onto the floor.
00:42:01See, Lash tried her best to catch that dive, but simply toppled over,
00:42:05such as the momentum that Tiffany Stratton had built up there.
00:42:09But bouncing back immediately.
00:42:11That's the problem.
00:42:12You take Lash down is one thing.
00:42:14Oh!
00:42:15Keeping her down is something else.
00:42:18There's a choke bomb onto the apron there.
00:42:20Oh, that choke slam right to that edge of the apron,
00:42:23that impact to the spine of Tiffany Stratton.
00:42:26I'll tell you right now, offering these open challenges
00:42:29is like putting your reign on fast forward.
00:42:32Chelsea Green is coming down.
00:42:33Chelsea's coming down to support and check on Stratton.
00:42:56Joe and Wade with you ringside here in Kentucky.
00:42:59Was Nia just drawing on your notes?
00:43:01She was getting ready for the European tour.
00:43:04So she's showing off her heart.
00:43:06She's visiting the Louvre next week.
00:43:09This is Lash Legend who answered the call for the open challenge.
00:43:14Chelsea Green to try to win the favor of Tiffany Stratton recently.
00:43:18She just came down to check on Tiffany after that choke slam on the apron,
00:43:23had her out on the floor.
00:43:24Yeah, much to the annoyance of Lash Legend who has laser focused
00:43:29on acquiring two pieces of gold over the next 24 hours.
00:43:33First up, the United States Championship,
00:43:35and then tomorrow night, Saturday night's main event,
00:43:39looking to win tag gold alongside Nia Jax against Paige and Brie Bella.
00:43:44What a glorious 24 hours it could be for Lash Legend.
00:43:48Come on, Lash!
00:43:49I'm still surprised that Chelsea Green is out here.
00:43:53We know full well she's been trying to ingratiate herself to Tiffany Stratton
00:43:58over the past several weeks,
00:44:00although those efforts have been rebuffed by the champ.
00:44:04Clearly does not give up without a fight.
00:44:08But Tiffany Stratton may well be on the verge of giving up
00:44:12because this has been a rough beatdown from the word go
00:44:15from a much more powerful opponent.
00:44:25Finally, a little momentum coming here from Tiffany time.
00:44:29But once again, just not powerful enough to take down Lash Legend.
00:44:36It's snake-ized onto that top buckle.
00:44:42Lash looking for her first singles win in WWE.
00:44:46Of course, so much success pairing with Nia Jax.
00:44:49Recent tag team champions looking to regain gold tomorrow.
00:44:57And now just toying with Stratton.
00:45:00Neck adjustment for free is Tiffany Stratton,
00:45:03although not the kind of adjustment
00:45:04that makes you feel better in the morning.
00:45:11And this has just been a masterclass from Legend.
00:45:14Trying to get the U.S. championship right there,
00:45:15but the shoulder comes up.
00:45:18Nia Jax on the outside already celebrating that victory.
00:45:22A little premature perhaps,
00:45:23although if you're a betting man,
00:45:25you are sticking the house on Lash Legend at this point.
00:45:29So many physical gifts
00:45:31and complete control against Stratton.
00:45:56So many physical gifts and complete control against Stratton.
00:45:58Saturday night's main event, Lash Legend will join Nia Jax,
00:46:03the Uriza School Forces, trying to regain the women's tag team championships
00:46:07against Paige and Bree.
00:46:08But tonight, it's Lash Legend, who you see in control here
00:46:13against Tiffany Stratton, answering the call for the open challenge,
00:46:17trying to claim the Women's United States Championship,
00:46:21the start of what could be an incredible career-altering weekend for Lash.
00:46:27And it's also a potentially career-altering night for Tiffany Stratton,
00:46:31who has struggled from the word go against this big, powerful superstar Lash.
00:46:36Oh, shoulders up now.
00:46:38Clearly not giving up in a hurry is Tiffany Stratton,
00:46:41but now desperately clinging on to this championship reign.
00:46:46Oh, it doesn't take much, just like that.
00:46:51Oh, and that right shoulder barely gets up to survive
00:46:55and hold on to the U.S. Championship.
00:46:58We see Chelsea Green on the outside of the ring.
00:46:59Now, Chelsea's been trying to ingratiate herself to Stratton for several weeks.
00:47:04It's all been rebuffed, but Stratton out here,
00:47:07excuse me, Chelsea out here as Stratton's cheerleader.
00:47:11And boy, does Stratton need the help at this point.
00:47:15Able to break free.
00:47:21Flash out onto the floor.
00:47:24Stratton managing to finally be elusive here, but only for a beat.
00:47:28Oh, right into the post.
00:47:29That left shoulder right to the post.
00:47:31Well, that elusivity coming in key at the right time for Tiffany Stratton
00:47:36as she desperately tries to maintain this championship reign.
00:47:41Stratton looking to rally all the way back, but instead, great counter by Tiffy.
00:47:48Nice little jawbreaker there to Lash Legend,
00:47:50and Lash for the first time in this match is now wobbled.
00:47:53And now Stratton finds her form.
00:47:59How about that stunner off the springboard?
00:48:02Right into the hook of the leg.
00:48:04And Legend with enough to survive.
00:48:07And this one has just done a complete 180.
00:48:09Tiffany Stratton, the United States champs,
00:48:12slowly finding an extra gear when it really counts.
00:48:17Chelsea Green liking what she's seeing, as is this packed out audience.
00:48:24Lash, quick move.
00:48:28Nice maneuverability there from Lash Legend.
00:48:32Right into the corner.
00:48:33Smart counter by Stratton.
00:48:37Oh, she was looking for that cartwheel Alabama slam,
00:48:40but instead, Lash Legend showing you the power, stacking her up.
00:48:45And we were that close to having a new women's U.S. champion.
00:48:50And the bougie bully is really living up to her nickname in that ring,
00:48:54just physically bullying Tiffany Stratton at every opportunity, Joe.
00:48:59Lash extension is locked in for delivery.
00:49:04Oh, look at this.
00:49:05Crucifix.
00:49:07And Legend survives it.
00:49:10Yeah, such an impressive reversal there from Tiffany Stratton.
00:49:14Just when it looked like her number was up,
00:49:18Lash extension incoming but denied.
00:49:21And Stratton looking to finish the job now.
00:49:23And she's going up top.
00:49:24Meanwhile, Nia Jax, she had to kick Nia Jax away.
00:49:29Lash gets out of the way.
00:49:32Big, massive pump kick.
00:49:34I mean, massive.
00:49:35Oh, Chelsea runs Nia right into the post.
00:49:38That was brave, but perhaps unwise.
00:49:41Lash Legend just picks up Chelsea to deal with her.
00:49:44Oh, we got a quick roll-up.
00:49:45A quick roll-up.
00:49:46And retains.
00:49:49Here is your winner.
00:49:51And still, Women's United States Champion, Tiffany Stratton.
00:49:59While Chelsea's help has somehow been enough to stifle the power of the irresistible forces,
00:50:08and somehow, someway, Tiffany Stratton retains.
00:50:13I don't know if Tiffany knows what to make of Chelsea in the role she just played there.
00:50:17Well, she does still have the gold, so I'm sure she'll smile in the end.
00:50:21So good.
00:50:22So good.
00:50:33Speaking of the rise-up of a He-Man, I think the WWE Universe wave is still in shock after
00:50:40what happened Monday night.
00:50:41For weeks, we thought we would never see Brock Lesnar in the ring again.
00:50:45Can you ever trust anybody associated with Paul Heyman?
00:50:49I don't think you can.
00:50:51And, well, Brock Lesnar is back.
00:50:53And, boy, did Obafemi pay a major price for that.
00:50:57Yeah, the Beast roared back on Raw.
00:51:00And coming up later, we will take a look back at Brock's return coming up later tonight on SmackDown.
00:51:08SmackDown.
00:51:08But then she's killing Oba-Rack, rapping in the trash can.
00:51:12One, two, three, four.
00:51:20Let them know we're on the way.
00:51:24Counting zeros every day.
00:51:25Trick Willie.
00:51:27Oh, Piki's chicken sounds so good right now.
00:51:30Those lemon pepper steppas coming our way, Wade.
00:51:37With Club WWE, you're at the front of the line every time.
00:51:42You'll be notified of merchandise drops before anyone else.
00:51:45And given your own personal early access, including exclusive merchandise and items not available anywhere else.
00:51:52Like my Never Seen 17 collection.
00:51:58Plus, you'll receive discounts on purchases.
00:52:01This is the epicenter of fandom.
00:52:05This is Club WWE.
00:52:09Become the ultimate insider.
00:52:20So much action all summer long.
00:52:23And SummerSlam is coming to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota August 1st and 2nd.
00:52:29Two-day combo tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
00:52:33What a weekend that is gonna be in the Twin Cities, SummerSlam in Minnesota.
00:52:38I'm gonna get back to you on that, but right now I have to get to the bottom of this
00:52:40power situation.
00:52:41Because if we can't sort this out, I mean, the whole show is just there, I'll call you back.
00:52:45The building is telling us that the power issue is coming from in there.
00:52:59Dan Housen, what the hell is going on in here?
00:53:01What are you doing?
00:53:02What do you mean, who am I, Dan?
00:53:03I'm the gentleman.
00:53:04What are you doing?
00:53:05Uh, science experiment, obviously.
00:53:07Science experiment.
00:53:08Hold on.
00:53:10This must be what's causing the power issues, Dan Housen.
00:53:13We're alive and we keep losing power.
00:53:15Uh, no.
00:53:15Everything here is up to code and plugged in properly.
00:53:18See?
00:53:19You mean up to code?
00:53:20No, but.
00:53:21Dan Housen, what are you doing?
00:53:24Why are you doing this?
00:53:25I am doing science experiments.
00:53:28Speaking of which.
00:53:30No, no, no, no, no, no.
00:53:32Nothing.
00:53:33Ah.
00:53:35Dan Housen.
00:53:45Don't touch it.
00:53:51Only Dan Housen.
00:53:53By the way, the power of Dan Housen is now undeniable, Wade.
00:53:58It's recognized by all mainstream sports media.
00:54:00Look at this.
00:54:01He's altered the NBA playoffs.
00:54:05Blonsenhausen.
00:54:06He's uncursed the Knicks on a nine-game playoff winning streak.
00:54:09And they came back by 22.
00:54:11Dan Housen has cursed the Cavaliers.
00:54:13The Knicks are one.
00:54:15And Dan Housen is one.
00:54:16And then the curse will continue.
00:54:19It's a comeback, Housen.
00:54:21MSG is hanging Dan Housen's cape in the rafters among the retired jerseys.
00:54:26That needs to happen.
00:54:28Retire the cape, MSG.
00:54:31I am here with Kit Wilson and The Miz.
00:54:34And as someone who's been cursed, I was hoping he cursed.
00:54:37If you had any guesses as to what might be in Dan Housen's laboratory.
00:54:41I don't care what's in his laboratory.
00:54:42All he is is face paint with an IQ of a science fair volcano.
00:54:46Well, as Dan Housen is under the impression that the Cavs birthed you,
00:54:49they are 0-2 against the Knicks after he cursed.
00:54:51This on me, read the shirt, I am not cursed.
00:54:55Now, was my wedding vow renewal a disaster?
00:54:59Yes.
00:54:59Was our tag team title victory stolen from us?
00:55:02Yes.
00:55:02Is there a curse?
00:55:03Yes.
00:55:03No.
00:55:04No.
00:55:04There is no curse.
00:55:06Well, then, how can you explain everything going so badly for you recently?
00:55:10Listen, if I had to guess, I would say that Dan Housen has cursed you.
00:55:14Don't say his name.
00:55:15Dan Housen?
00:55:16Don't.
00:55:17It's bad enough he stole my daughter's bike.
00:55:19Now he's costing my Cleveland Cavaliers the playoffs because he's sitting front row
00:55:23at the Knicks game.
00:55:24If you're such a big Cavs fan, why aren't you courtside?
00:55:30I'm superstitious.
00:55:31Wait, do you believe in the curse?
00:55:33Yes.
00:55:33No.
00:55:34No.
00:55:35You two think you're so funny.
00:55:38Well, wake up, Fraxium.
00:55:40Disrespecting our locker room leader is toxic.
00:55:44You wanna try to embarrass me?
00:55:46How about I embarrass you next week in your hometown?
00:55:51You can try.
00:55:52But if we're sincere, Mike, everything you have to do is become a mess.
00:55:57What did he say?
00:55:58I just said he's looking forward to it.
00:56:03What did he say?
00:56:04Do you speak Spanish?
00:56:05Rupo Quito.
00:56:08I'll tell you, the Axiom is a very different animal in Barcelona.
00:56:12I remember him fighting Goethe last year.
00:56:14Yeah, Barcelona for SmackDown next week.
00:56:16By the way, potent arguments from Fraxhauser.
00:56:18Stop!
00:56:41A week removed from homecoming in Columbia, South Carolina.
00:56:45And the beat goes on for Trick Willie and Lil' Yachty.
00:57:02Is that a diamond-studded candle that Johnny's got that way?
00:57:05I mean, you gotta have a little bling if you're gonna hang out with Trick Willie.
00:57:09Major hype man and physical asset at times, Lil' Yachty in the house.
00:57:16What a house it is.
00:57:18The roof always comes off when Trick Willie is in town.
00:57:22Let's talk about it.
00:57:23Oh, yeah.
00:57:23Ladies and gentlemen, accompanied by Grammy Award nominee Lil' Yachty, please welcome the
00:57:29United States Champion, Trick Williams!
00:57:38What a great reception.
00:57:42For Trickie two times, Mr. Whoop That.
00:57:46There is no other kind of reception for this man.
00:57:52What?
00:57:54Huh?
00:57:54What?
00:57:55Uh-huh.
00:57:56What?
00:57:57I like it.
00:58:04Hey, yo, boo.
00:58:05Huh?
00:58:07You know what I think?
00:58:09What's that?
00:58:10I think the people here in Lexington love some Trick and Yachty.
00:58:19Let's talk about it.
00:58:22Hey, that's right, baby, especially after what we did last week.
00:58:26The way you was beating down on the Miz, stomping on him,
00:58:29leaving him death with no breath for air.
00:58:32Hold on, Bo, hold on, Bo, I mean, he is a future Hall of Famer.
00:58:37That's debatable.
00:58:39Come on now, seven time tag team champion.
00:58:43Seven times he was carried, I mean.
00:58:47Two time Grand Slam champion.
00:58:49And now that just means you've been here too long.
00:58:51Look, look, moral to the story is this, all right, this is the moral to the story.
00:58:55You come out, you interrupt the champ, Mr. Lemon Papa Stepper, you're gonna get stepped on.
00:59:00And if anybody else come out here and interrupt the champ.
00:59:05Well, somebody's gonna interrupt him now.
00:59:17Say hello to the former United States champ, a man that Trick Williams knows only too well.
00:59:24Major history between these two.
00:59:28Go as far back as you can in this biz that they've been in.
00:59:32To the Trick Melo gang, to everything that happened at NXT.
00:59:39Trick, my boy, let's talk about it.
00:59:45You and I, we both knew this day was gonna come, right?
00:59:49So here I am, and I'm asking you, Trick, you need to do the right thing.
00:59:56Because whether you wanna admit it or not, you and I both know that you screwed me out of my
01:00:01championship.
01:00:01And if it wasn't for you, I'd still be United States Champion.
01:00:10And here's the thing you need to understand, Trick.
01:00:12I'm not trying to come out here and discredit you.
01:00:15What you've done, listen to the people.
01:00:18Pull that, Trick.
01:00:20Pull that, Trick.
01:00:22You did that.
01:00:24Pull that, Trick.
01:00:25Pull that, Trick.
01:00:28Trick, you came in to SmackDown.
01:00:31You took over.
01:00:32You rose to the tippy top of the ranks in record time.
01:00:35And I applaud you for that, Trick.
01:00:37Here's the thing.
01:00:38I've always believed in you.
01:00:39I always knew that you were capable of doing that.
01:00:42But Trick, I wanna tell you something.
01:00:44There's a huge difference between carrying a title and being a champion.
01:00:50And what I did for eight weeks was I was a champion.
01:00:54I defended that title night in, night out.
01:00:58I won these people over with my hard work and my effort, with my blood, my sweat, and my tears.
01:01:09So Trick, I'm asking you again, give me what I want, give the people here in Lexington what they want.
01:01:20Trick vs. Mellow for that United States Championship right here, right now.
01:01:33Mellow, check it out.
01:01:34Trick would love to give you a chance to get this title.
01:01:37The people of Lexington would love to get it, to see this match.
01:01:40But you gotta understand, when you a champion as big as Trick Williams, you got a schedule from head to
01:01:45toe.
01:01:46It was filled, baby.
01:01:46My man got things to do.
01:01:47Uh-uh.
01:01:48Let me see.
01:01:50Let me see.
01:01:51Uh-uh.
01:01:51Hold on.
01:01:52What?
01:01:53Trick gotta get his hair retwisted in about 40 minutes.
01:01:56Trick gotta get a pedicure in about an hour.
01:01:58I'm just saying.
01:02:00And Trick's muscles need a deep tissue massage.
01:02:02I booked that appointment with Luscious from Heavily Hands about a week ago.
01:02:05You can't miss that appointment.
01:02:06You need that.
01:02:06Hey, hold on.
01:02:07Can anybody here understand what this guy's saying?
01:02:12Hey, bro.
01:02:13Trick, listen.
01:02:14If you find time between your nail appointment and your hair appointment,
01:02:17how about you go ahead and defend that United States Champion?
01:02:21But wait.
01:02:22But wait.
01:02:23Listen.
01:02:24That's only if your secretary will allow it.
01:02:30But wait, Trick.
01:02:32Look, I'm gonna bring it back here.
01:02:33You and I, we go way back.
01:02:36Day one.
01:02:36The old Trick Williams, he wouldn't let somebody tell him what to do and when to do it.
01:02:41But then again, I guess you were always better at playing second fiddle.
01:02:51I knew what I wanted.
01:02:53First thing first, Melo.
01:02:55Mind your business while grown folk talking.
01:02:59And secondly, I don't eat no dirty rice and I don't chew my cabbage twice.
01:03:05That means Trick Williams doesn't play with his leftovers.
01:03:08But since we are here in Lexington, come on, Trick.
01:03:14And I think that people do want to see Trick Williams versus Carmelo.
01:03:20Hey, come on, Trick.
01:03:22Come on, Trick.
01:03:24Since we got space and opportunity, I got on my boots, you got on your boots.
01:03:31Let's get it.
01:03:32Damn it, tonight it's Trick versus Melo.
01:03:34Come on.
01:03:35Let's talk about it.
01:03:35Let's talk about it.
01:03:37Let's do it, let's do it, let's do that party on the line.
01:03:40But don't get it twisted.
01:03:42The open challenges were done the moment I won the championship.
01:03:48But because I like you and because I respect everything that we've been through,
01:03:52you're gonna get your match tonight.
01:03:54But this ass whooping is on the house.
01:04:01Get the referees out here, let's get this thing going.
01:04:04Yeah, let's do that.
01:04:05Yeah, I agree.
01:04:07We got space, we got opportunity, and we got Trick versus Melo on the spot right now
01:04:12on a SmackDown that's completely over delivering in every way possible now.
01:04:24This summer, the world arrives.
01:04:27Guarantee your place at the FIFA World Cup when it comes to North America.
01:04:34Elevate every minute of match day and experience the very best of the beautiful game
01:04:39with a ticket-inclusive hospitality package.
01:04:47The countdown to kickoff is on.
01:04:52Well, we didn't see this coming, but how happy we are to have it.
01:04:55Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes.
01:04:58Of course, Carmelo Hayes reminding Trick Williams moments ago, Wade, of their shared history.
01:05:05Yeah, if you go back to their days together in NXT several years ago,
01:05:09Carmelo Hayes, the NXT champ, the sidekick was Trick Williams,
01:05:13a lot less experienced than Melo.
01:05:15But over time, Trick kept developing, got better and better, and one day said,
01:05:20nah, I'm not one to be the sidekick.
01:05:22Give me the spotlight, give me the kingdom.
01:05:25And that is where the tensions began.
01:05:27These two fell apart and haven't quite been the same since.
01:05:31Back and forth in the center ring, standing switch, testing the best of each other.
01:05:35And I got a little sympathy for Carmelo Hayes.
01:05:38You go back to pre-wrestlemania, that hell of a championship run.
01:05:41He was on, it fell apart, it seems really, because Trick Williams got involved in a defense
01:05:48against Sami Zayn, inadvertently punching Carmelo Hayes, costing him the match.
01:05:54And things haven't quite been the same for Carmelo Hayes ever since that day.
01:05:57No, that was back on March 27th.
01:06:00And because of that, Hayes has very good reason to believe that the US Championship
01:06:06should still be around his waist weight.
01:06:09Yeah, it's a fair argument.
01:06:10I think a lot of people have a lot of sympathy for Carmelo Hayes,
01:06:13the way things went down pre-wrestlemania.
01:06:15Well, now is the time to get back on track.
01:06:18A win against the champion, surely he'll be banging down the GM's door,
01:06:25demanding a championship opportunity ASAP.
01:06:28And this is a Carmelo Hayes.
01:06:30Oh, he denied it.
01:06:32Carmelo Hayes beat Ricky Starks last week.
01:06:35The man who was claiming he wants an opportunity at the goal.
01:06:38So that division is really hotting up.
01:06:41Oh, the trick slash.
01:06:43I mean, he had an uppercut that lifted him off his feet.
01:06:46And then the trick slap.
01:06:48And now just beating down Carmelo Hayes.
01:06:53There's a potential knockout trick slap right to the jaw.
01:06:57And Melo's barely moved since.
01:06:58Referee Charles Robinson might want to get in there and check.
01:07:02Melo is still compost mentis.
01:07:05Oh, he's looking to continue the whoop that stomps.
01:07:08But Melo locks him up.
01:07:14Yeah, what have we seen from Melo time and time again?
01:07:16Especially during that US Championship open challenge era.
01:07:21Here's simply no quit and no writing him off.
01:07:25And that open challenge and that stretch of matches that Hayes put forth.
01:07:29It was so impressive.
01:07:31Oh, wow.
01:07:34Look at Trick Williams.
01:07:36Trick Williams just built like an action figure.
01:07:39Melo, shoulders down.
01:07:42Carmelo Hayes, the maneuverability of a cat.
01:07:45Incredible reflexes.
01:07:47Oh, he's looking for the springboard but instead.
01:07:49Oh.
01:07:49Yeah.
01:07:50Tricky book it.
01:07:53That's part of the problem for Carmelo Hayes.
01:07:55Trick Williams knows all of his moves only too well.
01:07:59Stood at ringside for his entire run in NXT.
01:08:02And that's why he was able to sidestep that.
01:08:04The reply with that urine argue that is not the wind out of Carmelo Hayes.
01:08:09Side by side for a couple years through 2023 when Hayes had that reign as NXT champion.
01:08:15And Trick was new to the scene.
01:08:17Was acting as his heavy.
01:08:18His enforcer.
01:08:19His hype man.
01:08:21In a somewhat acrimonious breakup.
01:08:23And now, as you mentioned, in recent months, the US Championship.
01:08:29Both men have had it.
01:08:30But it's been undeniable what really the last month lost with that man.
01:08:34Little Yachty by Trick's side has been this tidal wave of energy for Trick Williams.
01:08:41Williams has got the industry excited in ways we haven't seen in quite some time.
01:08:46Just put him on camera.
01:08:49Give him a mic.
01:08:49Give him a match.
01:08:50It works.
01:08:51Simple as that.
01:08:53Just a natural born star.
01:08:56And you simply cannot stop the momentum with these kind of abilities.
01:09:00And you have heard the way crowds all over the country have reacted to him.
01:09:05And I've no doubt that will continue around the world when we go on our travels starting next week.
01:09:12SmackDown will be in Barcelona next week.
01:09:15And then it is Clash in Italy.
01:09:18Nine days away from that loaded premium live event that will be streaming on the ESPN app.
01:09:26The full countdown show plus the first hour of the main card will be on ESPN.
01:09:32ESPN won.
01:09:35Oh boy.
01:09:37I was playing a little possum there was Carmelo Hayes completely baiting.
01:09:43Did he ever scout that and read that properly?
01:09:49And now Melo, is he set for takeoff here?
01:09:53But instead, Lil Yachty to his aid.
01:09:58Melo and Trick Williams from Lexington.
01:10:20Well, Carmelo said you knew it was just a matter of time, Trick.
01:10:24The recent US champ, ooh, Lil Yachty picking up that bedazzled bejeweled kendo stick.
01:10:29Well, we're not in Louisville, but he's close to a Louisville slugger territory.
01:10:34And Carmelo Hayes may wanna back off here.
01:10:37Charles, that's not, I apologize.
01:10:39I'm sorry, Charles.
01:10:40Says he apologizes to the referee Charles Robinson as the steel steps come into play for Melo.
01:10:47Nice edge right across the chest.
01:10:50I'll tell you right now, I would love an ice cold rapper to be my hype guy.
01:10:54Telling the world how cool I am every single night.
01:10:57But Lil Yachty instrumental in several matches for Trick Williams and certainly provided
01:11:04enough distraction for Carmelo Hayes a few moments ago.
01:11:10Hey, how many carrots on that thing?
01:11:12Look at that thing there.
01:11:15Oh, it's a trick stick.
01:11:16The trick stick, it's got the label right on it, Wade.
01:11:19The trick stick.
01:11:19I'm staying well clear of that trick stick.
01:11:22Nice name, but can cause major damage.
01:11:24And Carmelo Hayes now looking to pummel the forehead of the US champ.
01:11:31And now the whoop that trick chant goes the other way.
01:11:43Carmelo Hayes has just out-thought the champ here tonight.
01:11:47Trick Williams in major disarray.
01:11:49And there's very little the trick stick, although Yachty can do about it.
01:11:57Trick Williams back to his feet, delivers a massive series of right hands.
01:12:03What a kick from Hayes.
01:12:06Just precision, timing, and accuracy.
01:12:10And the kick out from Williams.
01:12:13And nobody hits moves cleaner than Carmelo Hayes in this entire industry.
01:12:18Once again, showing exactly how special the former United States champ is in that ring.
01:12:25Bell to bell, nobody finer.
01:12:30Oh, trick Williams followed him right up.
01:12:33Yeah, completely.
01:12:33He knew what potentially was coming his way, and he said, it's not gonna happen.
01:12:38Very difficult to be a step ahead of Carmelo Hayes inside of that ring.
01:12:42But Trix pulled it off a couple of times.
01:12:45A little extra venom on that reverse knife edge job.
01:12:49Uh-oh, here we go.
01:12:50Oh, slams his head right into the top of our announce desk.
01:12:56Woo!
01:13:00Yeah!
01:13:02Woo!
01:13:06Woo!
01:13:11Woo!
01:13:20Tripp Williams and Carmelo Hayes right here on Friday Night SmackDown from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
01:13:28You know the recent history between these two.
01:13:30You know the long arc history going all the way back to NXT.
01:13:33And Melo, who says, Tripp lost me the US title weeks before WrestleMania.
01:13:39Of course, WrestleMania ended up being a massive spotlight moment for Tripp Willie.
01:13:44And Carmelo Hayes has done a hell of a job with his superior movement so far in this one.
01:13:50But now it's the power game of Tripp Williams that is coming to the fore,
01:13:54completely grounding Carmelo Hayes and squeezing the life out of his jugular.
01:14:01And you can hear this crowd,
01:14:03this massive crowd here at Rupp Arena with the Let's Go Melo chants.
01:14:09They've been chasing, whooped that Tripp and Let's Go Melo.
01:14:11Well, Carmelo Hayes really needs a victory here.
01:14:14If he wants to earn himself a future championship opportunity at some point,
01:14:19a loss simply will not do for the former champ.
01:14:27Back and forth they go, center of the ring.
01:14:30And that has to favor Tripp Williams, you would think.
01:14:35Much more range, much more power, but Carmelo Hayes once again a step ahead here.
01:14:43Oh, the jumping neck breaker!
01:14:51And Tripp Williams with that championship endurance.
01:15:00Oh, it looks at Ricky Saints' ringside.
01:15:04Ricky Saints has been saying he wants a championship opportunity but lost to Carmelo Hayes last week.
01:15:10Looking for first 48 for a moment, it was Melo.
01:15:13Pleasant is trying their best to ignore Ricky Saints, who bizarrely has showed up at ringside here,
01:15:19not quite sure why.
01:15:20He's caught the attention of both men.
01:15:22Oh, what a springboard!
01:15:25As Ricky Saints looks on.
01:15:28The Saints does not look impressed by any of this, but right now the match continuing.
01:15:33With both men, going in for the kill!
01:15:35Dirty Diana, to put it away!
01:15:39And Tripp Williams survives in getting that left shoulder up,
01:15:43as Melo looks over and sees Ricky Saints.
01:15:45Focus on the match.
01:15:47Yeah, don't miss!
01:15:48Don't miss!
01:15:49Focus on the match right there!
01:15:51Focus on the match right here, come on!
01:15:54Focus on the match was the message from Ricky Saints.
01:15:57A little difficult to do that with Saints prowling the ringside area, but Melo back to business now.
01:16:03And Melo says, you remember last week, they went back and forth.
01:16:07And Melo got the best of hope.
01:16:08A pop-up uppercut from Tripp Williams.
01:16:12Both men now going shot for shot, hold for hold.
01:16:17Was looking to deliver another kick.
01:16:19Suck it in.
01:16:20Williams covered up for just a moment.
01:16:24Oh, man!
01:16:25Melo laid out!
01:16:28And somehow finds the energy to survive.
01:16:34Breathing heavily, clearly fatigued now as Tripp Williams thought that was the money shot right there to put this one
01:16:41away.
01:16:42Not quite enough against Carmelo Hayes.
01:16:45And Tripp Williams acutely aware of our friend Ricky Saints lurking at ringside.
01:16:50No, that trick cyclone wasn't enough, but perhaps the trick shot will be.
01:16:55He's looking to line him up.
01:16:59Oh, what an incredible counter! First 48 by Melo!
01:17:05And frustration abounding for both men in the ring.
01:17:09Have had their opportunities to win this.
01:17:12And looking home with a scowl still is Ricky Saints.
01:17:15Look at the connection here with his first 48.
01:17:18Just as Tripp Williams saw his name up in lights with a trick shot denied by Carmelo Hayes.
01:17:26And look at the effect on Williams.
01:17:28And you know if Hayes goes up top, this could be over Wade.
01:17:32He's gotta keep an eye on Lil' Yachty, an eye on Ricky Saints, and an eye on his opponent here,
01:17:37and Wade up.
01:17:37Oh, and that's the case with Saints.
01:17:39And with that distraction, enough for Williams.
01:17:43Nice uppercut there, but it was the distraction from Saints.
01:17:47And hold on.
01:17:53Tripp Williams wanted nothing to do with Saints either.
01:17:57Now Saints up on the apron.
01:17:59Oh, he gets rolled up.
01:18:01The ref is distracted.
01:18:02The ref is dealing with Ricky Saints.
01:18:06I mean, Melo arguably had it won right there.
01:18:11Trick shot, and a big one.
01:18:13One, two, three, one.
01:18:17Here is your winner, the United States Champion, Tripp Williams.
01:18:23Yeah!
01:18:24Well, I'm not quite sure what Ricky Saints' motivations were here, but he sowed chaos in this match, and ultimately
01:18:31ended up costing Carmelo Hayes.
01:18:34I don't think you'll get a thank you from the champ Trick Williams, but there may be consequences in the
01:18:40future from Hayes.
01:18:41Take another look at this.
01:18:43First of all, jaw jacket.
01:18:45Distracting the referee when Melo, with the roll up, certainly had at least a three count on that one.
01:18:51And then, amidst that distraction, Tripp Williams with the trick shot.
01:18:56That connects with anyone.
01:18:58It's a three count.
01:18:59And the champ goes home, a happy man tonight.
01:19:04Melo says Tripp cost him the US title before Mania.
01:19:07Will Ricky Saints just cost him there?
01:19:15I can't help.
01:19:16Didn't I beat the third WrestleMania?
01:19:18Didn't I?
01:19:19Didn't I do that?
01:19:21I don't know what I'm doing.
01:19:24It's just.
01:19:28You know what?
01:19:30Am I glad to see you.
01:19:32Someone who actually understands around here.
01:19:34Do you see what I'm dealing with?
01:19:36Cody Rhodes is my friend.
01:19:38Johnny, he's my friend.
01:19:40And yes, I said some things I maybe shouldn't have said because I was so angry.
01:19:43But just like that, just like that, he's ready to fight me all of a sudden?
01:19:49You think you know someone?
01:19:50You know how many times I've been there for that guy?
01:19:52Even when I was going through my own stuff, I was always there for him.
01:19:56And I was happy for him.
01:19:58You know why?
01:19:58Because that's what friends do.
01:19:59You do the right thing.
01:20:01You get that.
01:20:03I swear, man, I'm starting to see how it is around here.
01:20:06I feel like I'm the last real good guy left.
01:20:12Never change.
01:20:14You never change who you are.
01:20:16You always do what's right in your heart.
01:20:18No matter how unpopular it gets, you don't let anybody change who you are.
01:20:37Sammy versus the American Nightmare is ahead.
01:20:40Plus, one of the most shocking returns of all time.
01:20:45The Beast lives.
01:20:48A look back at Brock Lesnar's attack on Obafemi this week on Raw.
01:20:54That's next.
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