Mami calls out The Storm in Lexington!

Just 24 hours before the Six Woman Tag at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rhea Ripley wants to tell Jade Cargill what she really thinks about #ThatB1tch!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT; Talla wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge: Tiffany Stratton VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins and retains the title.
• Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Carmelo Hayes; Trick wins.
• Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley w/ Alexa Bliss VS The Fatal Influence; Charlotte & Rhea win.
• Solo Sikoa w/ MFT VS Damian Priest; Solo wins.
• Cody Rhodes VS Sami Zayn; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Rhea Ripley is here!

The fans cheer as Mami makes her way to the ring, the WWE Women’s Championship in hand. Rhea revels in the cheers, and she grabs a mic to welcome Lexington to “Friday Night Mami!” Rhea says she had one week off, and it seems like someone really missed her. Jade Cargill and her crew tried to send a message, but all they did was piss Rhea off. So now that Rhea’s back, she’s itchin’ for a fight! So Jade, if you want your rematch, then Rhea will happily beat you again. The fans cheer that! Rhea tells Jade it will be them at Clash In Italy for THE WWE Women’s Championship! The fans cheer that, but then Charlotte Flair makes her way out here!

Rhea sighs as The Queen walks out on stage, Alexa Bliss with her, and mics in hand. The fans “WOO~” and Charlotte tells the champ she appreciates defending the title. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s still the Six Woman Tag tomorrow against Jade, Mia & B-Fab. Alexa says they need to be on the same page for that. Charlotte says that’s a good point, but she wants to address the elephant in the room. Charlexa needed Rhea’s help last week, but where was she? Rhea says she’s sorry, but she wanted to go home to see her family. Does she not get a day off? Charlotte says no, she’s happy Rhea did that, she gets that more than anyone.

But they needed Rhea against Jade and her crew. And Charlexa has their own battles to fight. Rhea says Charlotte the one who said she didn’t need Rhea. Well, yes, she did say that against Fatal Influence. But now she’s saying that Charlexa needs Rhea’s help with Rhea’s problem! Alexa tries to keep the peace but Rhea says sorry they got ambushed, but from where she was watching, it seemed like Lexi took the brunt of it. If Charlotte can’t even have her best friend’s back, how is Rhea supposed to trust Charlotte have her back? Alexa says they gotta settle down, this is ridiculous. Charlotte says Rhea is making a problem that’s not there, trying to drive a wedge between the besties.

Rhea says Charlotte is the one drawing wedges! But then Fatal Influence makes their entrance! Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid strut out here, and Jacy says please, keep this going, they love it! IN fact, there’s nothing they love more than watching the Women’s Division unravel before their very eyes. And what’s funny is, this all started the second Fatal Influence stepped foot on the scene. The fans boo, but Jacy just lets it roll. Then she says to pipe down, she wasn’t done talking. Now, while everyone has been at each other’s throats, Jacy, Fallon & Lainey have ascended to the top with ease!

Because when Fatal Influence sees an opportunity, they take it! In fact… Jacy thinks she’s looking at one right now. Alexa mockingly asks, “Are you?” Charlotte says she “loves” the confidence, but she’s not here for a back ‘n’ forth. How about any two of Fatal Influence faces Charlexa tonight? Jacy says that’s all she needed to hear. Charlotte says thanks, bye. Fatal Influence gets another fight with the icons of this division, but will they end up an appetizer before Saturday Night’s Main Event?

MFT arrives backstage.

Cathy Kelley hurries over to ask them a question and Solo Sikoa is already in a bad mood. What does she wanna bother asking? She was asking Talla Tonga’s final thoughts before facing Shinsuke Nakamura. Before Talla can speak, Solo says Talla is ready. More than ready! In fact, everyone, and he means everyone, should watch what’s about to happen to Shinsuke tonight. But then in steps Royce Keys. Royce says Solo cost him a title shot last week. So if it’s an issue Solo wants, he can get it. Stay out of Royce’s business. Talla steps up, Solo tells everyone to calm down. If Royce didn’t want help, he could’ve just said so. Didn’t need to throw a chair at Solo!

Royce is lucky they don’t beat his ass right here. But he won’t, because they’re family, and Royce needs someone to watch his back on SmackDown. Who better to do that than family? Aight? Solo leads MFT to gorilla, but will the Talla truly stand tall tonight? Or can the King of Strong Style topple the Tongan Titan?

Charlotte and Alexa regroup backstage.

Charlotte asks if Alexa has her gear, but Alexa says medical didn’t clear her. Wait, she was fine like two seconds ago? What does Alexa mean she’s not cleared? Alexa (badly) fakes a sneeze, but she admits she’s fine. She is sick of Rhea and Charlotte arguing with her in the middle of it. So surprise! Charlotte and Rhea are having the match! They’re gonna tag against Fatal Influence and get their acts together! Charlotte’s the one who feels sick now, and she says it isn’t her. Alexa says it better not be. Alexa leaves it at this, but will The Queen and Mami be able to win out? Or will they both be feeling sick after losing again?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance. The bell rings, Nakamura and Talla circle, and they tie up. Talla SHOVES Nakamura away but the fans rally behind Nakamura. The two reset, feel things out, and Talla taunts Nakamura but holding up his hand way up high as he asks for the Test of Strength. Nakamura just KICKS Talla’s leg instead. Nakamura then dodges Talla and struts. The fans cheer, Talla runs up, but Nakamura KNEES low and fires fast hands! Nakamura runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Talla stomps Nakamura, then HEADBUTTS him. Talla has Nakamura in a corner, stomps him, then HEADBUTTS again.

Talla stomps away in the corner, but the ref counts. Talla digs his boot in until the ref counts 4, then backs away. Talla storms back up on Nakamura to UPPERCUT him! Talla stands Nakamura up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Nakamura falls to the mat! The fans boo Talla but he soaks up the heat. Solo likes what he sees as Talla drops knee after knee on Nakamura’s head! Talla drags Nakamura up, scoops, and SLAMS him down! Talla drags Nakamura up, whips him corner to corner hard again, then runs up. Nakamura dodges, Talla hits buckles, then Nakamura ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Nakamura goes up, DYNAMIC DROPKICK!

Nakamura keeps going, DYNAMIC DROPKICK again! Talla staggers, Nakamura runs up, and Nakamura LARIATS Talla up and out! Talla lands on his feet, but Nakamura shouts, “C’MON~!” Talla gets up but Nakamura HAMMERS him in the ropes! Talla avoids the knee and he CLUBS Nakamura down! Talla brings Nakamura out and THROWS him into barriers! Talla talks trash on “Shin,” and soaks up heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Nakamura fires body shots on Talla. Nakamura then dodges a boot to fire off kicks! Nakamura runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Talla scoops and POWERSLAMS! The fans boo but Talla guzels Nakamura, only for Nakamura to reel him into an ARMBAR! Talla stays on his feet, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Talla deadlifts Nakamura, but then Nakamura shifts into a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Talla endures again, powers back up, and he suplexes Nakamura! Nakamura lands out, KICKS the leg, then goes up a corner! BLINDSIDE KNEE! Talla falls and the fans fire up!

The fans rally as Nakamura KICKS Talla again and again! Talla blocks one, but not the ENZIGIRI! Solo is not happy as Nakamura brings Talla up, whips, but Talla blocks! Talla whips Nakamura to the corner, then runs up, but Nakamura dodges to KICK a leg! Nakamura hoists Talla onto the top rope, runs and TOP SHELF KNEE! Talla sputters, Nakamura runs up, SCORPIO RISING!! Cover, TWO! Talla survives but Nakamura hurries to go to the corner. Talla rises up, but Solo runs up! Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES Solo, runs up on Talla, SNAP POWERSLAM! Talla drags Nakamura up, guzels, and TALLA T-BOMB! Cover, Talla wins!

Winner: Talla Tonga, by pinfall

Give the assist to Solo, but that’s how MFT always plays! And speaking of, they get Nakamura up and Solo winds up, only for Tama to stop him!? Solo asks what the hell Tama is doing, but then Tama CUTTHROAT ELBOWS Nakamura instead! Solo smiles and hugs Tama as he’s proud of his Right Hand Man. Solo tells them to get Nakamura up, and MFT obeys. But then DAMIAN PRIEST rushes out here! Priest has a chair and he runs MFT off! Priest dares MFT to fight, but they back down. Priest keeps his eyes on them as they go, but when and where will MFT’s many enemies get their revenge?

Nick Aldis talks with referee Charles Robinson.

The SmackDown General Manager wants Lil’ Naitch to check on Nakamura and give an update when he can. Then the lights flicker on and off. Look into that, too? Robinson heads out, and he shakes Cody Rhodes’ hand as he enters. The American Nightmare asks Aldis what he wanted to see him about, and Aldis says he’ll get to the point: Gunther is not here, yet. So right now, the contract for Clash In Italy is still unsigned. Why not give Cody the contract and they can do what they did last week? Cody will get Gunther to sign this time. Aldis asks that Cody let him handle this. As far as anyone is concerned, Gunther is the #1 contender and the match is set. Aldis will make sure the contract is signed.

Cody says fine, they’ll do it Aldis’ way. Cody shakes hands with Aldis, then turns to go, only to see Sami Zayn is there. Sami says he knows they’ve been up and down lately, and Cody is dealing with Gunther. If anyone knows what it means to beat Gunther, it’s Sami. If Cody needs any help, just ask. COdy tells Sami thanks, but no thanks. Cody leaves, Sami feels slighted again. How could Sami ever help the great Cody Rhodes, right? Sami gets heated again and he asks Aldis what he’s even doing. He’s been texting all week, what’s Sami doing tonight? Aldis says time is tight, and he may not have a spot. Oh, no, no spot for Sami?

Is Sami not entitled to a little respect? Is Sami not one of SmackDown’s top talents? He can’t get a few minutes to address his #RideOrDie Sami fans? Just tell him what he did so wrong. He’s sure if CODY asked, Cody would get time, right or wrong, because the Golden Boy gets everything he asks for! Cody stepped back in… Sami apologizes but Cody says no, Sami has a point! Sami should get time on TV! This is Sami Zayn! He’s healthy, 100% cleared, a Kentucky race horse! Sami wants a match, is that it? They can get Sami a match! Who wants to face Sami Zayn? Oh, wait, CODY is right here! So let’s do it right here tonight! See you out there!

Cody storms off, Sami is stunned, and Aldis has no words. Will the American Nightmare get it through to Sami that Sami is the reason Sami is being disrespected?

MFT regroups backstage.

Tama is upset by how Priest ran out there to stop them. Tama tells Solo, “They think you’re weak. Everyone’s coming at us because they think you’re weak, that we’re weak, that the family is weak.” Talla stands up and Tama says that’s the problem. Solo has to handle Priest on his own to show them all that MFT ain’t weak. Solo’s gotta do this on his own, for the family. Tama holds out his hand, Solo takes it. “For the family. I’m gonna go talk to Mr. Aldis.” Solo heads out, Tama nods, but will Solo be able to solo Priest?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge: Tiffany Stratton VS ???

Lexington cheers as The Wrestling Barbie is ready to defend her gold against anyone and everyone! But who will answer the call of #TiffyTime? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and the challenger is… Lash Legend! The Bougie Bully walks out here, Nia jax beside her, and mics in hand. Nia says, “Let’s get one thing straight: Tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Lash and I are going to end this pathetic nostalgia tour of Brie & Paige when we take back our tag team championships. Isn’t that right, Lash?” Lash says that’s right! Because gold looks so good on them. That’s why tonight, after Lash beats on lil’ Tiffy and snatch the title, it just sounds like the perfect start to their golden weekend! So yes, Lash is accepted the challenge, let’s get it. Lash steps into the ring, the belt is raised, and we see if there’s still Tiffy Time on the clock!

The bell rings and the fans rally for Tiff. Tiff and Lash tie up, Lash SHOVES Tiff down, then talks trash. Tiff frowns, runs up, and slips around to waistlock. Lash THROWS Tiff away, Tiff staggers to a corner, but Lash THROWS Tiff across the ring! Lash talks some trash again, but Tiff BOOTS her! Tiff fires forearms, but Lash THRWOS her again, only for Tiff to handspring through! Tiff runs, and FLAPJACK DROPKICKS! But Lash rebounds to RUN Tiff over! The fans boo but Lash soaks up the heat. Tiff gets up, she dodges the boot, and she CHOP BLOCKS Lash from the front! Then CHOP BLOCKS from the back!

Tiff runs and basement DROPKICKS Lash! Lash tumbles out of the ring, but Tiff aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Lash, and Tiff CLUBS away on her! Lash ELBOWS Tiff in return, then guzels for the APRON CHOKE SLAM! Tiff sputters while Lash leaves her behind, and Lash soaks up the heat. But wait, Chelsea Green hurries out here? The Hot Mess says how dare you hurt her friend! Wait, friend? Well, that aside, Chelsea is cheering Tiff on while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Lash knocks Tiff down again. Lash drags Tiff up, carries her to a corner, and RAMS her in the corner again and again! Lash then hoists Tiff to the top rope, but Tiff sunset flips! TWO, but Tiff fires forearms! Tiff whips, Lash blocks, and Lash DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives but Lash clamps on a SLEEPER! The fans rally as Lash leans on Tiff. Tiff endures, even as Lash thrashes her around. Tiff fights up, JAWBREAKERS, then she DUMPS Lash out! The fans rally as Tiff hurries away to a corner, but Lash runs back in! Tiff dodges, Lash POSTS herself! Tiff then winds up to LARIAT Lash!

Lash stays up so Tiff LARIATS again, and again! Lash guzels Tiff! CHOKE- STUNNER! Tiff turns things around, then handsprings corner to corner for the BACK ELBOW! Tiff gets moving, handspring and STUNNER! Cover, TWO! Lash survives but the fans rally for Tiff. Chelsea helps clap along for Tiff as she runs, but Lash avoids the stomps! Roll-up, TWO, but Lash hoists Tiff up! Tiff RANAS Lash into buckles! Tiff then cartwheels, but Lash holds on to lift Tiff back up! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Tiff survives and Lash is beside herself! Nia protests the count, but Lash stretches Tiff, for the LASH- CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!

Lash survives and Tiff frowns, but Tiff hurries to a corner. Tiff climbs, but Lash distracts the ref. Nia gets on the apron, but TIff kicks her away! Tiff leaps, Lash dodges, PUMP KICK! But Chelsea POSTS Nia! The fans cheer, but Lash grabs Chelsea! Tiff rolls Lash up, TIFF WINS!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s US Champion)

Chelsea celebrates with Tiff, and to be fair, Chelsea made sure The Irresistible Forces didn’t steal this one! Tiff still seems unsure, but will she come around on being aligned with The Hot Mess?

Lil Yachty knocks on Trick Williams’ door.

The WWE United States Champion steps out from his locker room, and he goes with Yachty to gorilla. What will Trick Yachty Gang have to say in Lexington? We’ll find out, after the break.

Aldis is on the phone.

He’ll have to get back to them on “that,” but right now, there’s a power situation that they need to solve or else the whole show could be- A staff member walks over and Aldis excuses himself from the call. The staff member says the building staff claims the issue is coming from that room over there. Aldis looks over, opens the door, and it’s Danhausen’s lab! Aldis asks what the hell, Danhausen! What’re you doing?! Uh, an experiment, duh. Wait, whoa, this is what’s causing the power issues! Danhausen, we’re doing a show, they can’t lose power. Danhausen shows his mess of a power strip and says no, everything is up to code and plugged in properly. Then it sparks…

Aldis asks WHY Danhausen is doing this, and he again says he is doing a science experiment. Speaking of which… Danhausen presses Enter on the keyboard, Aldis gets worried, and then a fuse blows. And then Danhausen’s gone! Aldis walks over to the tarp covering a stretcher, but Danhausen says, “Don’t touch that!” Where is he?! And seriously, what IS he up to?

Backstage interview with The Miz & Kit Wilson.

Cathy Kelley is with The Hollywood A-Lister & The Anti-Toxic Male, and says as two men with experience in the Danhausen curse, do they have any guesses as to what he has in that laboratory? Miz says he doesn’t care what’s in there! All Danhausen has is face paint and the IQ of a science fair volcano. Then, seeing as how the Cleveland Cavaliers spurned The Miz- Miz says no, read the shirt! He is NOT cursed! Were his vowel renewals a disaster? Yes. Was their tag title victory stolen from them? Yes. Is there a curse? Yes! NO! But then #Fraxiom steps in. Axiom says sorry about how things have been going so badly for them.

But if he had to guess, even Axiom would say Danhausen cursed Miz. Miz says do NOT say that name. Do not! It’s bad enough Danhausen stole Miz’s daughter’s bicycle, now Danhausen is cursing Miz’s favorite basketball team sitting front row at the Knicks game! Um, if Miz is such a big Cavs fan, why wasn’t he at the game? Miz says he is superstitious. So then he believes in the curse? Yes! NO! Kit says Fraxiom thinks they’re so fresh and funny, but WAKE UP! Disrespecting their locker room leader is toxic! They wanna embarrass Miz? Miz can embarrass Axiom in his home town! Axiom says Miz can try it, but he’ll make you look like trash!

Miz doesn’t understand Spanish, asks what that meant, and Frazer says Axiom is simply looking forward to it. Fraxiom leaves, Miz double checks on that translation. Does Cathy know Spanish? Un paquito… Well, will Miz be feeling anything but awesome when SmackDown arrives in Barcelona?

Trick Williams heads to the ring!

The fans cheer and chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” as he and Lil Yachty make their entrance. Trick gets the mic to add the Booker T reference, “What? Uh-huh! I like it” Trick then asks “Boat,” y’know what he thinks? What’s that? Trick thinks that the people here in Lexington love that Trick ‘n’ Yachty, let’s talk about it. The fans cheer and Yachty agrees, especially after last week, Trick beating down on Miz, stomping on him, leavin’ him deaf, gasping for air! Trick says hold on, hold on, The Miz is still a future Hall of Famer. Yachty says debatable. But c’mon, SEVEN TIME Tag Team Champion! Yachty says that means Miz was carried seven times.

Trick points out the two-time Grand Slam Championship. Yachty says that means Miz has been here too long. But in all seriousness, moral to the story is if you interrupt the champ, Mr. Lemon Pepper Stepper, you get stepped on! But then CARMELO HAYES interrupts! The fans cheer Melo as he makes his way to the ring, and he says, “Trick…! My boy! Let’s talk about it! You and I, we both knew this day was gonna come, right? So here I am, and I’m asking you, Trick, you need to do the right thing. Because whether you wanna admit it or not, you and I both know you screwed me out of my championship. If it wasn’t for you, I’d still be United States Champion.”

The fans are torn, but Melo says here’s something else Trick needs to understand. Melo isn’t out here to discredit Trick. Listen to the people. “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Melo says Trick did that. Trick, you came to SmackDown, you took over, rose to the top of the ranks in record time, and Melo applauds him for that. Melo’s always believed in Trick, he always knew Trick was capable of doing this. But there’s a huge difference between carrying a title and being a champion. And what Melo did for eight weeks was be a champion, defending the title night in and night out, winning the people over with his hard work, his effort, his blood, his sweat, and his tears!

So Trick, Melo wants to ask again, give H1M what he wants, and give the people in Lexington what they want: Trick VS Melo for the US Championship right here, right now! The fans cheer, and Yachty says Trick would love to do that, and the people would love to do that. But for a champion as big as Trick Williams, you gotta schedule things out. Yachty gets out his day planner! See, Trick’s gotta get his hair retwisted, he’s gotta get a pedicure, and then he needs a deep tissue massage. They booked this appointment like a week ago, they cannot afford to be late. Melo asks if anyone can even understand what Yachty’s saying. “NO!”

Melo tells Trick that if he finds time between the nail appointment and his hair appointment, go ahead and defend that title. But wait, wait, listen, that’s only of his secretary there will allow it. Or, wait, Trick, Melo will bring it back. They go way back. The old Trick wouldn’t let someone tell him what to do and how to do it. But then again, Trick’s always been better at playing second fiddle. Yachty and Trick look to each other, and Trick says first thing’s first, mind your business when grown folks talk. And another thing is Trick don’t need dirty rice or chew his cabbage twice. That means Trick doesn’t play with leftovers.

But since we are here in Lexington… And since the people do wanna see Trick VS Melo… Melo likes where thi sis going! Trick says there’s space and opportunity, he’s got his boots, Melo’s got his boots, so dammit, it’s Trick VS Melo, let’s talk about it! The fans cheer, but Trick says don’t get it twisted. The Open Challenges were done the moment he won this title. But cuz he likes and respects Melo and what they’ve been through, Melo gets the match. But the ass-whooping is on the house. Get a ref and get this going! The fans cheer, but will Melo be able to Whoop Dat Trick? Or will Trick prove he’s left H1M behind a long time ago?

Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and the two tie up. Trick headlocks, Melo powers up and out, but Trick slips around to whip and hurdle to then RUN Melo over! Melo staggers up, Trick scoops and SLAMS him! And scoops again, but Melo slips free. Melo waistlocks, Trick switches, but Melo switches. The fans duel as the two go to ropes, and Trick bucks the O’Conner Roll. Melo runs up, but then ducks Trick to hurdle over. Melo keeps moving, he rolls off Trick’s back and DROPKICKS him down! The fans cheer while Trick backs off to a corner. Melo runs up, Trick dodges and puts some stank on his hand. But Melo ducks the chop to give a CHOP!

Melo CHOPS again, the fans “WOO~,” and Melo stalks Trick to a corner. Trick puts Melo in the corner, but Melo dodges to CHOP! And CHOP again! Trick is stinging as Melo follows him to another corner. Trick blocks this chip, then puts Melo in the corner for an UPPERCUT! Trick BACKHANDS Melo! Melo sits down, Trick stomps away, “Stomp Dat Trick!” The ref counts, Trick stops, but then he’s right back to the stomp! Trick backs off again, goes back for a third round, but Melo stops the stomps to ENZIGIRI! Trick staggers away to ropes, Melo CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Melo runs, but Trick LEG LARIATS! And TRICK KICKS!

Trick whips Melo but Melo sunset flips through the backdrop, TWO! Both men stand, Trick swings but Melo dodges, only to springboard into a BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Trick stays cool. Trick bumps Melo off buckles, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Trick brings Melo around to another corner. Trick whips corner to corner hard, and Melo drops to his knees. Trick drags Melo up, whips him again, and LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Melo is tougher than that but Trick just brings him back up. Trick suplexes high and hard, then eggs Melo on. Melo rises up slowly, and Trick scoops Melo for the FLAPJACK HOTSHOT!

Melo coughs and sputters, then rises up. Trick runs up, but Melo ducks! The Trick Kick gets stuck on the ropes, and Melo DUMPS Trick down! Melo then builds speed to… Wait, Yachty stands in the way! The fans boo and Melo protests, but Yachty says he was checking his guy. Yachty steps aside while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo rolls out to fetch Trick, and whip him into steel steps! Melo catches his breath a moment before he then walks around the way. Melo tells Yachty to watch himself, and Yachty pretends like he’s gonna fight Melo with his kendo stick. Melo dares Yachty to try but the ref tells Yachty to back off. Yachty apologizes and backs up, and Melo goes back to Trick. The fans fire up as Melo CHOPS Trick! Melo stalks Trick around the way, Yachty has to back off more, and Melo DOUBLE CHOPS Trick! Melo mocks the chant, then tells Yachty to really back up now. Melo then brings Trick into the ring, storms up to him in the corner, and climbs up top.

Melo rains down fists, and he does it to the rhythm of “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Melo gets maybe twelve punches in all, then backs off. Melo thinks about it, but he won’t stomp the mudhole. But the fans seem to chant for it, so Melo starts up the stomps! But Trick blocks one, spins Melo, and fires off haymakers! Trick runs but Melo SUPERKICKS! Trick falls, Melo hurries to cover, TWO! Trick is tougher than that, but Melo brings him up and around to whip. Trick reverses, Melo goes up, but Trick DUMPS Melo out! Melo tumbles to the floor, but Trick goes out to SMACK him off barriers! And then CHOP him against barriers!

Trick brings Melo around, SMACKS him off commentary, then brings him over to CHOP against more barriers! The fans fire up as Trick swings again, but then melo dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Trick shoves Melo, they go into the ring, and Trick clamps on with a cravat. Trick then shifts to a chinlock as SmackDown returns to single picture. Melo endures, fights up, but Trick wrangles him back down. Trick grinds Melo down, the fans rally again, and Melo fights up. Melo fires body shots, then JAWBREAKERS! Trick flounders away and the fans rally up again. Melo is feeling it, and he meets Trick in the middle of the ring.

Trick fires a haymaker, Melo fires back, and repeat! The fans are torn with every shot, but Melo KNEES, whips, but Trick reverses! Melo wheelbarrows but Trick sets him down to NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, until Trick kips up! The fans fire up while Trick drags Melo around. Wait, Ricky Saints has appeared ringside, so Trick mocks Ricky’s pose before the cartwheel and ripcord! BOOK- NO, Melo arm-drags free! FIRST- NO, Trick denies Melo his 48! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, Melo runs, but DOUBLE LARITS collide again! Melo goes again, ducks the leg lariat, and springboards for the LARIAT! The fans fire up but Saints is upset.

Melo runs up, DIRTY DIANA! Cover, TWO! Saints and Melo argue, Saints says focus on the match so you don’t miss. Melo brings Trick around, but Trick POP-UP UPPERCUTS! Trick runs, but into a SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! And then SUPER feint, and a KICK! SUPER- No, Trick blocks that one, to TRICK KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Trick is frustrated. Trick goes to a corner, brings his kneepad down, and he aims at Melo! Melo stands, but he hits FIRST 48 first!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and now Melo is beside himself! Melo hurries to a corner, he climbs up, but Saints distracts him! Trick UPPERCUTS Melo down!

The fans boo Saints, but then Trick SHOVES him aside, this is Trick’s fight! Trick puts Melo in the ring, but now Saints is pissed at Trick! The ref stops Saints from getting in the ring, Melo rolls Trick up! Melo would’ve won by now if not for Ricky! Melo runs up to BLAST Saints down! Trick runs up, dodges, and TRICK SHOT!! Cover, Trick wins!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall

Saints smiles because one way or another, he stuck it to H1M. Will Saints make sure Melo’s failures are absolute? Or will Melo end Ricky’s revolution before it begins?

Sami Zayn grumbles backstage.

He SLAPS another water bottle, and another, and another, until he sees Johnny Gargano slumped on the road case. Sami is so glad to see Gargano, someone who truly understands how Sami feels. Doesn’t he see what Sami is dealing with? Cody is Sami’s friend! A friend! And yes, Sami said things he shouldn’t have because he was angry, but just like that, Cody is so ready to fight Sami all of a sudden? You think you know someone. Y’know how many times Sami has been there for Cody? Even when Sami was going through his own stuff, he was there for Cody, and he was happy for Cody, because that’s what friends do. You do the right thing! Gargano gets that, right?

Sami is starting to see how it really is around here. Sami feels like the last real good guy lift. Never change who you are, you always do what’s right in your heart! No matter how unpopular it gets, you never let anyone else change who you are! Gargano doesn’t respond so Sami leaves him alone. But then Gargano tips a bottle over! Is Sami getting through to Gargano?

Backstage interview with Ricky Saints.

Cathy Kelley catches The Absolute as he returns backstage and asks why he got involved in Trick VS Melo. Saints says he is not a rooky! He may be new to SmackDown, but he- MELO DECKS SAINTS! Melo tells Saints that if you try to screw him, he screws you back. Stay the hell out his business! Melo storms off, but Saints manages a smile because he’s in Melo’s head. When and where will these two have it out in that ring again?

Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley w/ Alexa Bliss VS The Fatal Influence!

The Queen and Mami were at odds again as they have always been, but a little trickery from “Blisster” has them teaming up with no buffer. Will Charlotte & Rhea make it work just 24 hours before the Six Woman Tag on Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or will they end up fighting each other instead of Fallon & Lainey?

SmackDown returns and Rhea makes her entrance once again. Then Fatal Influence makes their entrance, Jacy accompanying the Toxic Cowgirl and Southern Belle. The teams sort out, and while Rhea reluctantly lets Charlotte start, Fallon is already mocking the strut. The bell rings and Charlotte LARIATS Fallon and BLASTS Lainey! Charlotte runs back up, Fallon slips around, and Fallon ducks an elbow. Fallon waistlocks, Charlotte drop toeholds, then Charlotte wraps on the headscissors! Charlotte THROWS Fallon around again and again, then lets Fallon go to kip up. The fans “WOO~” for Charlotte and she CHOPS Fallon!

Charlotte stands Fallon up, brings her over, and Rhea tags in. The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte shoves Fallon down, but then Fallon tags Lainey! Lainey tells Rhea and Charlotte to figure this out, but Rhea wrenches, HOOK KICKS, and ATOMIC SLAMS! Then basement DROPKICK! Lainey goes to a corner, she dodges Rhea, and she CHOPS! Lainey runs corner to corner but Rhea dodges. Rhea comes back, Lainey BOOTS her, then Lainey leaps, but into Rhea’s arms! Rhea smiles while Lainey flails, FALL AWAY SLAM! Rhea fires up, but Charlotte tags in by patting Rhea’s head. Charlotte and Rhea bicker again, but Lainey runs up!

Charlotte dodges Lainey, she sees Jacy get up on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! Lainey DECKS Charlotte! Tag to Fallon, and Fatal Influence drags Charlotte outside to SMACK her off the desk! And SMACK her off the apron! And repeat! Fallon LARIATS Charlotte down, and Fatal Influence soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Fatal Influence mocks the strut again, then Fallon tells Rhea to back off. Fallon puts Charlotte in the ring, brings her up, and ROCKS her with a forearm. Fallon tells Rhea & Alexa to kiss this, but Charlotte fires body shots! Fallon LARIATS Charlotte down! Fallon talks more trash, then drags Charlotte up to bring her around and bump off buckles. Tag to Lainey, Fallon sends her in for the UPPERCUT! Lainey snapmares Charlotte and Fallon SLIDING FOREARMS! Lainey covers, TWO! Lainey keeps Charlotte down with ELBOWS to the shoulders, then a stomp on the arm! Charlotte writhes but Lainey stays between her and Rhea.

Lainey clamps on with a chinlock but Charlotte endures. Lainey shifts the angle but Charlotte still fights around. Charlotte rises, fires body shots, then whips Lainey. Lainey reverses, Charlotte goes up and over, then Charlotte keeps moving, only for Lainey to ELBOW her down! Cover, TWO! Lainey snarls, she drags Charlotte up and CHOPS! And kicks! And RAMS her into the corner! The ref counts, Lainey tags Fallon, and Fallon ROCKS Charlotte before she stomps her. Charlotte reaches out but Fallon tags Lainey. SmackDown returns to single picture as Fatal Influence double whips, but Charlotte KICKS Fallon away! Then she wrenches Lainey to ROCK her!

Charlotte CHOPS Fallon, ROCKS Lainey, and repeat! Then she blocks a superkick, throws it down, but Lainey SUPERKICKS on return! Charlotte falls and Lainey taunts Rhea. Lainey drags Charlotte up, mockingly holds her hand out to Rhea, then CLUBS her. Lainey whips Charlotte away, but Charlotte goes up and out! BOOT for Fallon, QUEEN for Lainey, but Jacy YANKS Charlotte down! Rhea protests but that only distracts the ref more! Lainey DOUBLE STOMPS Charlotte, then tags Fallon. ANARCHY PLEX and a basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! Fallon is frustrated but she clamps onto Charlotte with a top keylock.

The fans rally as Charlotte endures, even as Fallon grinds her down. Charlotte fights back to her feet, fires body shots, then whips, only for Fallon to reverse. Charlotte boots but Fallon blocks! Fallon smiles as she then pulls on the leg, reels Charlotte in, but Charlotte wrenches through! Charlotte ROCKS Fallon, but Fallon holds Charlotte from Rhea! They’re so close and yet so far! Fallon KICKS Charlotte’s leg, whips her to a corner, but Charlotte BLASTS Lainey! Charlotte dodges Fallon, Fallon goes up and up, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Charlotte hurries in but Lainey CHOP BLOCKS Charlotte first! Lainey wags her finger at Rhea.

Lainey goes back to Charlotte, but Charlotte dodges to roll Lainey up, ONE! Lainey and Charlotte DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up again as both women crawl! Lainey anchors Charlotte’s foot, but Charlotte BOOTS free! Hot tag to Rhea! The fans are thunderous as Rhea rallies on Fatal Influence! LARIAT after LARIAT, then a DROPKCIK for Fallon! Rhea ROCKS Lainey, whips, but Lainey reverses. Rhea goes up and over, SUPERKICKS Lainey, then sends Fallon into her! GERMAN SUPLEX for Fallon! EDDY GORDO KICK for Lainey! Then Canadian Rack, crucifix, RAZOR’S EDGE and DRPOKICK! Cover, Fallon breaks it!

The fans are going nuts but Charlotte BOOTS Fallon out! Charlotte then goes out, but Jacy is there! Charlotte just CANNONBALLS onto them both! Rhea hauls Lainey up, Canadian racks again, but Lainey slips free! Lainey dodges Rhea, Rhea dodges back, but that SUPERKICK hits Charlotte! Rhea HEADBUTTS Lainey, then pump handles! Charlotte gets up, tags in, RIPTIDE! And then NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, Rhea & Charlotte win!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

The dysfunction at the end aside, Alexa hurries to keep them focused on the celebration. But then THE BADDIES attack! The fans boo as Jade, Mia & B-Fab are here, and they POST Rhea! Then they TOSS Charlexa out for Fatal Influence to go after! It’s 5v2 as they go to the back! The fans boo but Jade brings Rhea up. Rhea HEADBUTTS Jade! But Jade BOOTS Rhea down! Jade then chicken wings, and JADED!! Jade stands tall over Rhea! Saturday Night’s Main Event is one thing, but is this a sign that Jade will redeem herself from WrestleMania when they Clash In Italy?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Cathy Kelley is with The American Nightmare in the private suite, and she brings up the match with Sami Zayn. They’re long time friends, so does tonight’s match differ in anyway from the title defense with Gunther? Cody says he and Sami are indeed friends, though he doesn’t really recognize Sami right now. Hell, hard to say if he recognized Sami from his behavior even before WrestleMania. Cody understands the anger, the passive aggressiveness, the mindset, the condescension. After awhile, it gets to be too much. Cody’s been there. 10 years ago, Cody felt all those same feelings. It was ten years ago to the day, actually.

Cody says he would look in the mirror and be accountable. So that is what he is going to do for Sami tonight, force him to look in the mirror and be accountable. As for Gunther, he can take a front row seat, or even join commentary, for all Cody cares. Whatever Gunther chooses, that’s on him. One thing Gunther is not in control of, though, is that he is facing Cody at Clash In Italy. Cathy wishes Cody luck, but will Cody be a powerful example to Sami, Gunther, and the entire locker room?

The Baddies regroup backstage.

Jade apparently chipped a nail beating up on Rhea, but she doesn’t mind it. Cathy Kelley steps in and brings up their very clear message sent to Rhea, Charlotte & Alexa. What were they hoping to prove with it, though? Michin says that wasn’t a message, that was an attack. They’ve got all these women lying to themselves trying figure out who the best is, when the best just left them laying! Now, there’s one dominant faction in WWE and that’s them! And tomorrow night, they prove it again! Fab asks, did you see them out there arguing like toddlers in need of a time out! Where’s her belt? She can put them over her knee right now.

But they’ll leave that for tomorrow night. After what they did now, maybe Rhea and Charlexa should save themselves the embarrassment and not show up. Jade says there is too much talking. These bobbleheads, the Fatal Influence or whatever, and then Charlotte and Rhea don’t even like each other. That’s a good thing, because The Baddies are the only ones that matter, and Jade is the only one that matters as head woman in this company. This time, Clash In Italy, luck won’t be on Rhea’s side. Jade and The Baddies learned their lesson, right? Right. So let’s do the work and get the title back. Jade pushes Cathy aside, but will Rhea make #ThatB1tch pay soon enough?

Solo Sikoa w/ MFT VS Damian Priest!

The Would-be Tribal Chief agreed with his Right Hand Man, he needs to prove the family is not weak, and that means handling things himself. But can Solo spike Priest for Priest protecting Nakamura? Or will the Archer of Infamy shoot Solo down on behalf of #WepaUp?

The moment Solo steps into the ring, Priest LARIATS Solo back outta the ring! The bell rings and Priest goes outside, to then go up the steps and FLYING AX HANDLE! Down goes Solo, but Talla & Tama are there to jaw at Priest. Priest ignores them to get Solo up and whip him hard into the steel steps! The steps go tumbling, Priest puts Solo in the ring, and Priest storms up again. But Solo UPPERCUTS! Both men take a moment, and Solo bumps Priest off buckles. Solo whips Priest to ropes, but Priest reverses to then ELBOW Solo down! The fans rally for Priest as he runs corner to corner at Solo, but Solo puts Priest on the apron.

Solo runs up but Priest dodges to then ROUNDHOUSE! Priest steps up the ropes, but Tama is there. Solo YANKS Priest off the ropes for a SAMOAN DROP! Priest coughs and sputters while the fans boo, but Solo is in control while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Solo is up top while Priest is down, and he soaks up heat, only for Priest to ROCK him! Priest climbs up, fires more forearms, but Solo fires back! The fans rally as Priest and Solo brawl up top, and Solo HEADBUTTS again and again! Solo then taunts the fans again, but Priest BELL CLAPS! And then SUPERPLEX! Both men are down but the fans fire back up! The fans rally up as Priest rises, and he roars as he RAMS Solo! They fire hands, UPPERCUTS, then Solo SUPERKICKS! Priest JUMP KICKS! Solo wobbles, but Priest KICKS, KICKS, KICKS, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Priest runs to SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans fire up with Priest, he runs up on Solo in the corner, ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, and he ELBOWS Solo again! Priest wants another, but Solo follows! Priest dodges, Solo hits POST! Priest hurries to suplex, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest winds up the arm. The fans fire up as Priest takes aim, but then Tama gets up again. Priest backs Tama off, but Solo grabs Priest by the hair! The ref counts, Solo lets go, but Talla UPPERCUTS! Then Solo URENAGES Priest! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo grows frustrated. Solo runs corner to corner, but into the JUMP KICK! Then SPIN KICK! Priest runs, and hits the COMEBACKER!

The fans fire up with Priest, but Tama gets on the apron again! Priest DECKS Tama! But Solo has his thumb ready! SAMOAN- FLATLINER from Priest! The fans fire up, but now Talla gets on the apron! Priest ROUNDHOUSES Talla! And ROUNDHOUSES again! Talla is still on the apron, so Priest runs, but into a SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall

What was that about doing this on his own? Because that sure wasn’t Solo soloing Priest. The fans boo as MFT now mugs Priest, but here comes Royce Keys! The fans fire up as the Powerhouse BLASTS Tama, then DUMPS Talla! Talla gets up but Royce BLASTS him, too! Now Royce and Solo stare down. Solo stands down, just like last week. Maybe discretion is the better part of valor, but Solo also keeps wanting Royce with him, not against him. Royce checks on Priest, Priest instinctually guzels Royce! Priest realizes who it is and Royce gets pissed! The enemies of MFT are growing, but will they be able to work together against MFT? Or just against each other?

Brie Bella & Paige speak.

#ScreamMode says as soon as the bell rang and they were victorious at WrestleMania, they knew their reign would be as fighting champions. They’ve come out ahead every single time. No tricks, no cheat codes, putting everything they have into keeping these tag titles, because they know what happens the moment you start taking things for granted. Nia Jax & Lash Legend, on the other hand, are used to walking all over people to get what they want. Brie & Paige already beat them, but Nia & Lash are desperate to come up with excuses. They claimed there was cheating, but that was just experience, survival instincts, and savvy.

There’s more to being a champion than just brute strength. They are two of the most influential, historic women in WWE. The Irresistible Forces can underestimate this team all they want, because at Saturday Night’s Main Event, when Paige & Brie step into the ring, they won’t know what hit ’em. Will these titles still be on that “nostalgia tour” the Bougie Bullies hate so much? Or will Nia & Lash be unstoppable in reclaiming the gold?

Chelsea Green encounters Blake Monroe backstage.

The Hot Mess tries to look off into the distance that The Glamour is looking off into, but she isn’t sure where to look. Blake says hello and introduces herself, and Chelsea introduces herself back, though she’s pretty sure Blake already knows her. Blake says yes she does, and she saw Chelsea out there earlier. Blake just wanted to say that… she wishes she didn’t know her. Blake leaves, Chelsea says that was rude, but then NIA CLOBBERS CHELSA! Nia tells Chelsea that in trying to make more friends, she’s only making more enemies! Lash says let’s see how helpful Chelsea is now! Security and producers rush in, Irresistible Forces leave, but will Chelsea be back in a wheelchair already?

Royce finds Priest backstage.

He asks what’s up with that guzel. Truth called Royce to make sure Royce had Priest’s back. Priest says Royce gets involved in his business, but Royce asks Priest what his problem is?! Royce has the balls to question Priest?! Priest doesn’t care if Truth called Royce, Priest doesn’t know Royce! He can’t trust Royce! For all Priest knows, Royce is with MFT! Priest is out there, gets jumped, something Royce knows about, then someone grabs him from behind so he grabs back. What would Royce have done?! Royce says yeah, he gets it. But remember this: the issue Priest wants is the issue he gonna get, and anybody can get it.

Royce storms off, are he and Priest going to lose focus of the real issue until they put this one aside?

Cody Rhodes VS Sami Zayn!

While the American Nightmare is preparing for Der Ring General and the title match in Italy, there’s a clash here in Lexington between two men who have tried to be friends, but just can’t let anything go. Will the Undisputed WWE Champion get it through to #BigMatchSami that the disrespect is his own fault? Or will “The Last Real Good Guy” prove he’s been the real hero of this story?

SmackDown returns as Cody makes his entrance, with the fans singing along to Kingdom. We get the “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then even the second, before Cody steps into the ring. The bell rings, the fans fire up, but Sami wants a handshake. Cody accepts, the two circle, and they tie up. Cody headlocks, Sami powers up and out, then drops down to hurdle over. Sami arm-drags Cody, and he smiles as he says he got Cody there. Cody shrugs that off and they shake hands again. Well, maybe a bit more tense from Cody this time. They circle again, tie up, and Cody headlocks. Sami powers up and out, then drops down to hurdle over.

Cody slides, comes back and kicks Sami low to then drop, RHODES UPPERCUT! Sami flounders, Cody suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Then he offers a handshake! Sami stands up, considers the handshake, but says okay, he gets it, let’s go. Cody storms up, Sami headlocks, but Cody powers Sami to the corner. Sami turns things around, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Cody whips, Sami reverses, then Sami runs up. Cody goes up and over, then catches Sami for the SNAP POWERSLAM! Cody goes up, up, but Sami trips him up! Cody hits buckles and flops in the corner.

Cody drags himself to the apron, Sami wants after him, but the ref has Sami hang back while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Cody hobbles but then falls to his knees on the outside. The ref hurries to check Cody while Sami paces. Cody stands up and he hobbles along the way. Sami goes out and he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The ref reprimands but Sami says it’s not against the rules! Cody rolls into the ring, Sami pursues, and Sami KICKS the leg out! Cody crawls and hobbles again, but Sami stomps him in the corner. The ref counts, Sami stops, only to go after the leg again! Sami wraps the leg around ropes, but he stops as the ref counts. Cody hobbles to another corner, but Sami storms over to CHOP! And CHOP! Cody hobbles away but Sami stomps the bad leg.

Sami climbs up the corner, winds up, but Cody trips him up! Sami hits buckles now and clutches his nose. Sami checks, there’s no blood, so he CLOBBERS Cody! And LCOBBERS him again! Sami scoops, SLAMS, and fires up again. But it sounds like the fans aren’t happy. Sami is confused again, where are his Ride Or Die fans? Sami grabs Cody’s leg, steps through, and has the toehold. Cody endures, keeps his shoulders up, and he grabs at Sami. Sami puts on the pressure, but Cody fires haymakers! Sami lets go, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Cody hobbles. Sami reels Cody in, but Cody fights the suplex.

Sami ROCKS Cody, ROCKS him again, then reels Cody back in. But Cody suplexes first! The fans cheer while Cody and Sami are both down. Cody stands, Sami storms up, but Cody counter punches! And counter punches! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flips, flops, flies, BIONIC ELBOW! Cody hobbles again as he builds speed, springboard and CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Cody waits on him. Sami stands, Cody dragon sleepers, but Sami snapmares free! Sami then TOSSES Cody out! Cody hobbles on the apron, Sami runs up to BLAST him off and onto the desk! Cody flops to the floor, and Sami is a bit apologetic for what he did to his friend.

The ring count is climbing, Cody drags himself up at 5 of 10, rolls over the desk at 7, hobbles at 8, but lunges in at 9! Sami is annoyed, but he goes to the corner. The fans boo as Sami aims, HELLUVA- NO, Cody dodges! Cody manages to go up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! But the bad leg slows him down on the cover, TWO!! Sami survives thanks to the delay, but Cody fires himself back up. The fans rally as Sami slowly rises, and Cody dragon sleepers. But Sami drops down, victory roll, TWO!! Cody swings, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and Sami is beside himself.

Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and grabs Cody’s leg. Sami kicks away on Cody’s leg, then steps through, FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~” while Cody endures the legendary leglock! The fans rally as Cody powers up and works to turn it over! Cody does! Now Sami endures the pain! Sami reaches out, he drags Cody along, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! Cody and Sami are freed, but then Sami grabs at Cody’s waistband. Sami ROCKS Cody, Cody ROCKS Sami, repeat! The fans cheer Cody, they boo Sami, but then Cody fires a flurry! Cody springboards again, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cody roars and fights through the pain s he stands back up.

But GUNTHER SNATCHES CODY IN A SLEEPER!! Sami runs up to BLAST Gunther! But then Cody grabs Sami! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

And then Gunther is back up! Cody fires hands on Gunther, but Gunther LARIATS Sami down! Gunther reels Sami in, hoists him up, GUNTHER BOMB!! The fans boo as Gunther then drags Cody up, only for Sami to rush back in! Gunther and Sami stare down, and Gunther dares Sami to do something. Sami doesn’t, so Gunther puts Cody in the SLEEPER!! And with body scissors!! Sami saved Cody earlier, but now he lets the air be squeezed out of him! How is Sami the last real good guy if this is what he’s letting happen right in front of his eyes!? Gunther finally lets Cody go, then holds the WWE Championship high overhead. Is this going to be how it ends when these two Clash In Italy?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown here as go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event but also a partial go-home to Clash In Italy. We got a lot of MFT, with a very good match from Nakamura VS Talla. Priest going after MFT to give us the later match was good stuff, too, but of course MFT got involved with both. For a moment, I thought Tama was going to mean it when he said Solo had to do this on his own, no help from Tama and Talla. But in the end, this was also to have Royce and Priest interact, which was a good interaction. I just hope they stay uneasy allies, and not make this a situation where Priest pushes Royce to join MFT.

Good Women’s US Championship Open Challenge, really thought this was gonna be Giulia and Kiana trying to answer at the same time, but I suppose having Nia & Lash here helps plug the SNME tag title match. Chelsea joining in on Tiff’s side was good story, too, feels like Tiff will be compelled to help Chelsea against The Irresistible Forces, and that is the feud for the Summer. Great stuff from Trick, Melo and Yachty, though I think WWE’s own SmackDown advertisement gave away this interaction. Great match from Trick VS Melo, but Ricky Saints getting involved was interesting. Maybe all three compete over the US Championship?

Very good promo from Rhea, Charlotte, Alexa, and Fatal Influence, and I like the bait ‘n’ switch Alexa pulled so that Charlotte and Rhea would have the tag match. But both the dysfunction between them and The Baddies attacking them were expected to hype up the Six Woman Tag for SNME. With Rhea VS Jade now set for Clash In Italy, which is becoming a much bigger PLE than I expected, I’d bet Mia or Fab takes the loss Charlexa so that Rhea and Jade are unaffected by go-home math. I would think Rhea wins the title match, but then I can’t be sure what Jade does after. Are we getting King & Queen of the Ring this year? Jade as Queen of the Ring could help keep her momentum up.

Hilarious promo from Danhausen and Aldis with the secret lab draining power and the further tease of the much bigger Danhausen clone. Good promo from Fraxiom and MizKit, and whether it’s just Miz VS Axiom or a tag match in Barcelona, that’ll be some fun stuff. And great stuff in Cody’s story tonight, especially with how it connects to Sami’s passive aggressive slow burn Heel turn. Cody VS Sami was great stuff, but I figured Gunther would get involved somehow. Sami letting Cody suffer was really well done. You could feel the moment Sami could’ve gone back in there, and had Sami done that, the crowd might’ve accepted him again. Which is exactly why Sami left Cody be, because Sami still has to go down that dark path.

My Score: 8.8/10

We have reached the halfway point!

While only A Block is in action tonight, don’t think that means Best of the Super Juniors is going to take it easy! But can Titan stay undefeated this deep into the tournament?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Tatsuya Matsumoto & Taisei Nakahara; Taiji & Gedo win.
• Daisuke Sasaki & Masatora Yasuda VS Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay; Jakob & Zane win.
• Six Man Tag: YOH, Toru Yano & Tiger Mask VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
• Six Man Tag: El Desperado, KUSHIDA & HYO VS The House of Torture; Desperado, Kushida & Hyo win.
• Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Nick Wayne VS Daiki Nagai; Nick wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Titan VS Ryusuke Taguchi; Titan wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Valiente Jr. VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Jun Kasai; Kasai wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Master Wato; Wato wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings!

Titan: 4-0, 8 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-1, 6 points
Jun Kasai: 2-1, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-2, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-2, 4 points
Nick Wayne: 2-2, 4 points
Master Wato: 2-2, 4 points
Valiente Jr: 1-2, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-3, 2 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-4, 0 points

Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Nick Wayne VS Daiki Nagai!

The Prodigy has had a roller coaster ride of a run already, but that’s still better than the Unbound Young Lion being stuck at the bottom. Will Daiki finally score a win? Or will he be lost in Wayne’s World?

Daiki’s impatient strategy continues as he DROPKICKS Nick the moment Nick’s in the ring! The fans fire up as Nick bails out, and Daiki builds speed! The bell rings right before the DIVE! Down goes Nick and Daiki throws his shirt to the crowd. A free souvenir, and Daiki stomps Nick. Daiki puts Nick in the ring, stomps him again, then brings him around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Nick is tougher than that but Daiki brings him back up. Nick fires body shots but Daiki kicks low. Daiki KNEES, runs, but Nick hurdles and UPPERCUTS! Nick kips up, the fans cheer, and Nick drags Daiki up now. Nick puts Daiki in a corner for a CHOP!

The fans cheer while Daiki leans on the ropes. Nick brings Daiki around, reels him in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Daiki is tougher than that but Nick keeps on him. Nick whips Daiki to a corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT! Nick snapmares Daiki, then goes up the corner. Daiki rises, Nick MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud while Nick waits on Daiki. Daiki sits up, Nick waistlocks, and Nick goes to full nelson. Daiki elbows free, runs the ropes, but Nick mule kicks! Nick runs, but Daiki DROPKICKS! The fans fire up again as Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki runs corner to corner at Nick to BACK BODY BLOCK!

Daiki sits Nick down, then runs again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Nick toughs it out but Daiki drags him up. Nick blocks the suplex, but Daiki still tries! Nick wrenches free to ROCK Daiki! Daiki CHOPS Nick in return! The fans fire up as Daiki suplexes, but Nick lands out! Daiki blocks the full nelson so Nick GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Daiki’s right up! Only to run into the DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Daiki escapes! Nick huffs ‘n’ puffs and he calls his shot! Nick goes up the corner, WAYNE’S- NO, Daiki ducks under, then runs up to trip Nick! But Nick twists and victory rolls, TWO!

Daiki runs up again, trips Nick, then blocks the victory roll! TWO, Nick kicks low, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! But Daiki holds the legs! Daiki turns Nick over, BOSTON CRAB! The fans fire up for Nick as he endures and crawls forward! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Daiki lets go. Daiki drags Nick up, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes to a corner! The fans rally as Daiki climbs, DIVING HEAD- CUTTER! Then Nick goes up the corner, WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, Nick wins!

Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)

The Young Lion keeps tryin’, but he just can’t seem to score. At 0-5, Daiki is mathematically out of the running, but can he at least get one win before the end? As for The Prodigy, he bounces back from his losses, but can he still reach the top?

Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Titan VS Ryusuke Taguchi!

El Inmortal certainly looks unstoppable at 4-0, but the Funky Weapon has been taking things seriously this time, which is why he’s right behind Titan at 3-1! Can Taguchi take over the block with a win tonight? Or will Titan thrive in round five?

Taguchi offers a handshake, Titan accepts, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship. The bell rings, the fans rally as the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, break, then tie up again. Titan waistlocks, trips Taguchi, then floats all over Taguchi just to show off! The fans cheer, but Taguchi wrenches out, and he floats all over Titan! The fans cheer again, and Taguchi swivels them hips. Titan shakes his head but Taguchi point-blank HIP ATTACKS! Taguchi brings Titan up, wrenches the arm, then wristlocks. Titan moves around, rolls, kips up, then cartwheels and handsprings to arm-drag free! Titan DROPKICKS and Taguchi tumbles!

Titan gets moving, and he DIVES! Direct hit on Taguchi at the ramp! The fans cheer and Titan holds up the Mexican flag. The fans cheer again as Titan represents his people, then he KICKS Taguchi! Titan puts Taguchi in, goes up the corner, and LA- NO, Taguchi dodges, then dropkicks the legs out! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Titan scrambles and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds until the ref counts, but then has OH MY GAH ANKLE in the ropes! The ref counts again, Taguchi lets go, and he brings Titan around to drop a knee on the knee! Taguchi steps over, bends the leg, but Titan fires kicks. Taguchi puts on the pressure but Titan still endures.

The fans rally as Titan reaches out, ROEPBREAK! Taguchi shifts angle to pull on the leg, but he still lets go. Taguchi brings Titan up, CLUBS him on the neck, and he brings Titan up. Taguchi back suplexes, Titan lands out, then Titan bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire fast hands and kicks! SOBAT, run, but Taguchi mule kicks! Taguchi fires faster hands, then ENZIGIRIS! The fans cheer while Titan slumps over! Taguchi whips, Titan reverses, then Titan goes Matrix! But Taguchi HIP ATTACKS the calf kick down! The fans cheer as both men’s butts are sore! The fans then rally as Titan and Taguchi slowly rise back up and head for center.

Titan CHOPS, Taguchi CHOPS, repeat, but then Titan SOBATS! Titan brings Taguchi up, underhooks, but Taguchi fights the lift. Taguchi powers Titan to the ropes, the ref counts the break, but Taguchi fires body shots! Taguchi stomps Titan’s feet, whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! Titan holds on, GOURD BUSTER and HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up as Titan shows he can get funky, too! Titan then skins the cat to go up the corner, LA LANZA Atomic Drop! Then OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Titan flails, reaches out, but Taguchi yanks him back! HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Titan survives, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!

The fans rally as Titan endures again! Titan reaches out but Taguchi reels him in again! DODON- NO, Titan victory rolls! TWO, and Titan steps through, but Taguchi cradles, TWO! SUPERKICK! Taguchi goes to a corner, Titan runs up, FRAME OUT LARIAT! Titan goes up the corner, aims at Taguchi, LA LANZA!! Cover, TWO!?! Taguchi survives, but Titan steps through! Trailer Hitch, death lock, then LLAVE INMORTAL!! Taguchi flails, reaches, but Titan traps the arm in a straitjacket! Taguchi TAPS, Titan wins!

Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

Taguchi was indeed serious, but being serious isn’t always enough! Will Taguchi still have a chance at proving he’s the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Titan still be spotless in the tournament’s second half?

Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Valiente Jr. VS Francesco Akira!

Just as The Valiant got going, he fell back down last round, but Akira can relate. Will Valiente rise up again? Or will he be burned by the Crown of Fire?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Valiente offers a handshake, Akira takes it, and the fans applaud, but then Akira trips Valiente! Akira runs but rolls over Valiente’s dropdown. Valiente runs up but Akira sweeps the legs, then rolls Valiente to whip. Valiente reverses but Akira RANAS, only for Valiente to handspring through! The fans cheer while Valiente wags his finger at Akira. Akira runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls for a DEJA VU RANA! Valiente tumbles and Akira gives some Latino Heat! Or maybe Italiano? Akira says he can do lucha, too! Akira CHOPS, then wrenches and whips Valiente corner to corner.

Valiente goes up, over, keeps moving, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA Akira! Akira tumbles out, gets back on the apron, but Valiente DROPKICKS him down! Valiente kips up into the superhero pose, then he builds speed. Akira ducks the baseball slide, kicks low, then snap suplexes to the floor! The fans are torn but Akira snatches the Mexican flag to CHOKE Valiente with it! The ref reprimands, the fans boo the disrespect, but Akira stops at 4. Akira drags Valiente up and pushes him into the ring, then covers, TWO! Valiente toughs it out and the fans applaud. Akira brings Valiente up, scoops and SLAMS, then covers, TWO!

Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Akira kneels for the cover, TWO! The fans applaud Valiente but Akira talks more trash. Then Akira CLAWS at Valiente’s mask! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Akira stops at 4 again. Akira taunts the fans, tells them to shut up, then drags Valiente up. Akira CHOPS Valiente, Valiente tumbles to the outside, but Akira goes out after him. Akira goes after the mask again! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, Akira stops at 4, and he tells the fans to shut up. Akira then whips Valiente to- NO, Valiente stops from hitting the post! Akira runs up, Valiente dodges, but Akira stops from hitting the post!

But then he turns around into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Valiente then whips Akira, but Akira reverses. Valiente handsprings up to the apron, then swings back to RANA Akira! The fans cheer while Akira tumbles away. Valiente rises up, the ring count climbs, but Valiente stands Akira up to CHOP! Akira staggers, he wants a timeout, but Valiente says nope! Snap suplex to the floor! Akira writhes, Valiente hauls him up and into the ring at 12 of 20. Cover, TWO! Akira toughs it out, and the fans rally behind Valiente. Valiente eggs Akira on, then dodges to mule kick! Valiente steps over, INVERTED FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!

Akira survives, but the fans rally as Valiente hauls Akira up. Valiente dares Akira to take a shot, so Akira winds up to CHOP! Valiente SOBATS, then tucks Akira in, VALIANT- NO, Akira flails and CLUBS the legs! Akira and Valiente trade forearms, Valiente eggs Akira on, and Akira ROCKS Valiente! Valiente fires a flurry in return, but Akira kicks the leg! Akira talks more trash as he brings Valiente around, but Valiente CHOPS him in return! Valiente storms up on Akira, then winds up to CHOP! The fans cheer while Akira is stinging. Valiente then whips Akira corner to corner, runs up, but Akira pops him to the apron.

Valiente kicks, Akira blocks, but Valiente spins through to GAMANGIRI! Akira staggers away, Valiente springboards, but Akira DROPKICKS Valiente down first! The fans rally while Akira brings Valiente back up. Valiente swings, Akira dodges, but Akira CHOPS, only for Valiente to SOBAT! Valiente runs, Akira LARIATS the ropes! Akira runs, Valiente follows, but Akira trips him! Akira puts Valiente under the ropes, CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Then a TRIANGLE LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Valiente survives and the fans fire up again! Akira drags Valiente up, reels him in, but Valiente fights, so Akira fires knee after knee!

Akira hooks Valiente up again, SPEED- NO, Valiente spins and handstands through, to then jackknife bridge! TWO as Akira bridges up! Akira spins things around but Valiente spins them back, backslide! TWO!! Akira ENZIGIRIS, then runs, but into a POP-UP KNEE! Valiente reels Akira in, tucks the arms, and VALIANT- NO, Akira CLAWS at the mas! He turns the mask sideways, rolls Valiente, then BUZZSAWS! Akira hurries to bring Valiente up again, hooks a leg, CROWN FALL!! Cover, Akira wins!

Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Valiente earns 0)

Akira conquers Valiente and heats things back up! Will he be able to take the block and a spot in the semifinals? Is Valiente already out of the running at this rate?

Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Jun Kasai!

Mr. Extreme won last round’s main event, but now he might have to get even more extreme against this Deathmatch junkie! Will the X Express stay on track? Or will he be derailed by a Crazy Monkey?

The moment Kasai is in the ring, he attacks Robbie! The bell rings as Kasai tosses Robbie out! Then Kasai pursues, kicks low, and he SMACKS Robbie off a fan’s chair! The fans rally as Kasai takes off his shirt to CHOKE Robbie with it! The ref reprimands, Kasai stops, and Kasai puts the shirt aside. Kasai whips Robbie, but Robbie WALL WALK MOONSAULTS off the post! Robbie knocks Kasai down, but he’s ready to get extreme! Robbie grabs a chair, he JAMS Kasai up with it, then he makes Kasai take a seat. Robbie SMACKS Kasai, then he confiscates a chair from commentary. Robbie makes sure it is sturdy as he sets it up.

Robbie runs up, and uses the chair as a launchpad for a CANNONBALL! Down goes Kasai and the fans fire up! Robbie goes back to Kasai, he puts the chair in the ring, then brings out another chair! And another chair! And another chair! Robbie puts all those in the ring, ROCKS Kasai, then pushes Kasai into the ring. The fans rally while Robbie climbs and Kasai crawls. Robbie springboards, but Kasai CHUCKS a chair at him! The ref reprimands while Robbie falls to the apron, then the floor! Robbie crawls back into the ring, but Kasai bumps him off buckles. Kasai fires forearms on Robbie in the corner, then climbs up. Kasai BITES Robbie’s forehead!

The fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Kasai SPITS out the taste, then he grins as he backs off. Robbie crawls, Kasai scoops him to SLAM him! Kasai runs to ROLLING THUNDER! Cover, TWO! Robbie survives and the fans rally up. Kasai gets the fans to chant for “ROB-BI-E!” while Kasai stomps him around. Kasai then snapmares Robbie, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Kasai smiles as he drags Robbie up. Robbie ROCKS Kasai, Kasai eggs him on, repeat! The fans cheer as Robbie fires a flurry, but Kasai still eggs Robbie on by sticking his tongue out. Robbie grabs Kasai’s tongue and CLUBS it!

The ref reprimands, but Robbie SOBATS Kasai to a corner. Robbie runs up, LARIATS, then hooks Kasai’s leg in the rope to KICK! And DREAMCAST KICK! Robbie snapmares Kasia, somersaults and SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Robbie and Kasai go to corners, then Robbie storms up on Kasai, but Kasai wants a timeout? Robbie says sure, okay. But then he winds up a middle finger! Robbie kicks, whips, and runs up, but into a BOOT! Kasai runs up, Robbie slips around to waistlock, but Kasai switches. Robbie fires elbows, runs, but Kasai LARIATS at the ropes! Kasai even does push-ups after!

Kasai brings Robbie up, suplexes, BRAINBUSTER! The fans cheer while Kasai flexes, then he covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Kasai puts aside his flannel, and brings out the FORK! The ref stops Kasai, Robbie CLUBS Kasai, but the ref gets knocked down! Kasai checks on the ref, Robbie runs in, but Robbie is sent into the ref! Robbie panics, but he stops the fork attack! Robbie kicks low, fireman’s carries, but Kasai JABS Robbie with the fork! Then he runs to JAB Robbie with the fork! Kasai underhooks for the TIGER DRIVER! Kasai calls to the ref as he covers, but the ref is down on the outside! Kasai is annoyed, but then says now we can get nuts!

Kasai goes looking, and he brings out a LADDER! When did that get put there?! The fans cheer Kasai on as he stands this ladder up in a corner, then scoops Robbie. Robbie slips free to SUPERKICK! Robbie fireman’s carries, ROLLING SENTON! Then Robbie fires up as he goes up the corner, and the fans cheer. But then Robbie realizes the ladder is there, so he decides to up the ante! The fans cheer Robbie on as he climbs the ladder! Robbie aims, and he SUPER X EXPRESS FLOPS! Kasai runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Kasai grins as he now climbs his ladder!

Kasai brings his goggles with him as he climbs to the top. But then Robbie climbs up the other side! Kasai says bring it then! Kasai fires a shot, Robbie eggs him on, so Kasai fires another! Robbie meets Kasai at the very top and they throw hands! The fans rally, and then Kasai HEADBUTTS! Robbie falls off the ladder! Then Kasai salutes, SUPER PEARL HARBOR SPLASH!!! The ref is back, Kasai covers, but then the ref asks about the ladder! Kasai is upset he got caught, but he goes back to Robbie. Kasai tucks the arms but Robbie fights the lift. Robbie powers out of the hold to SMACK Kasai! Kasai kicks low then ENZIGIRIS!

Kasai runs the ropes to build up speed, and he CRAZY LARIATS!! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans are thunderous as Robbie is going extreme! But Kasai gives him the kiss of death! Tuck and JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Kasai wins!

Winner: Jun Kasai, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)

In the battle of extremes, it is Kasai that comes out the most extreme! Will Kasai continue to go crazy all the way to the finals? Will Robbie still save his run and make this the X Block?

Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Master Wato!

The Japanese Young Punk has fallen, the Way to the Grandmaster is rising, yet they meet as they’re both 2-2. Will Fujita prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Wato prove he can beat the Best of the Super Juniors?

Wato attacks after introductions! He BOOTS Fujita to a corner, stomps away, and the bell rings. Red Shoes reprimands and he backs Wato down. But Fujita comes back to fire more forearms! They throw shots back and forth, fast n’ furious, but Wato ROCKS Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Wato! The gloves come off quite literally, and Wato CHOPS Fujita before he BOOTS him out of the ring! Wato drags Fujita up, brings him around, and BOWLS him into chairs! STRIKE! The fans hurry aside as Wato rains down fists on Fujita! Red Shoes reprimands but Wato drags Fujita up to put him in the ring. Wato stomps Fujita, then rains down more shots.

Red Shoes reprimands about closed fists, but Wato stands Fujita up to scoop and SLAM! Wato scoops and SLAMS again, and the fans fire up! Wato stands Fujita up but Fujita breaks away to bail out. Wato pursues, kicks Fujita low, then whips him at the chairs, only for Fujita to reverse! Fujita scoops and SLAMS Wato on the floor! The fans fire up, but then Fujita has them clear out. Fujita drags Wato up, takes aim, and BOWLS Wato into chairs! STRIKE! The fans cheer, but then Fujita wants even more fans to clear out. Fujita takes a lot of chairs, makes a big pile, and he brings Wato over. Fujita CLUBS Wato, CHOPS him, then has him take a seat.

Fujita gets space, and he runs up to then use a table as a launchpad to SHOTGUN Wato down! The fans fire up as Fujita is going extreme like Kasai and Robbie! Fujita then drags Wato up, brings him back over, puts him in the ring, then cocky covers with a knee. ONE, and the fans applaud Wato toughing it out. Fujita drags Wato up, grabs a leg, and SHIN BREAKERS! Then Fujita KICKS the leg and Wato falls! Fujita STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita paces, he drags Wato around, and he SMASHES Wato’s knee! Wato writhes but Fujita grabs the leg again, and turns Wato over for a HALF CRAB! The fans rally as Wato endures!

Wato crawls, reaches out, but Fujita cranks on the leg! Fujita changes the angle, but Wato still fights to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita stomps Wato, then stands him up to CHOP! Fujita whips Wato corner to corner, then runs up to CHOP! Fujita keeps moving, but Wato CALF KICKS! The fans cheer while both men are down! Wato pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and Wato stands Fujita up for forearms. Wato whips. Fujita reverses, but Wato ELBOWS Fujita down! The fans cheer again as Wato waits on Fujita. Fujita sits up, into a KICK! KICK! And KICK! Wato KICKS front and back, again and again!

Wato winds up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans rally up again. Wato fires up, brings Fujita around, and waistlocks, but Fujita fights the suplex! Fujita pulls hair, but Wato pulls hair! Fujita breaks free, but Wato ducks the lariat to sunset flip, and then VENDEVAL! The fans rally as now Fujita endures! Fujita kicks, flails, and fights his way around. Fujita reaches out while Wato puts on the pressure, and Fujita makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Wato lets go. Wato brings Fujita up, but Fujita ROCKS Wato first! Wato pie faces Fujita, Fujita fires another forearm, but Wato pie faces Fujita again.

Fujita SLAPS Wato, so Wato ROCKS Fujita! The fans rally as Fujita stands and he fires a forearm! Wato fires back, they fire shot after shot, and the fans rally again. Wato fires shot after shot, but Fujita returns to CHOP! Fujita then hooks Wato up, RECIENTE- NO, Wato wrenches free and ROCKS Fujita! And ROCKS him again! And again! But Fujita ROCKS Wato! Wato kicks, Fujita ducks! Fujita kicks, Wato ducks! Wato then SOBATS, and PENALTY KICKS! But Fujita is right up to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! The fans rally as both men stir, and Fujita stands first. Fujita brings Wato up, waistlocks, and SNAP GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!

The fans rally again as Wato toughs it out. Fujita shakes his head, drags Wato up, and suplexes, but Wato fights it! Wato wrenches, but Fujita catches Wato to the DOUBLE ARMBAR! Wato endures as Fujita pulls back, and Wato kicks his way around. The fans rally harder and harder as Wato reaches out, but Fujita adds a cording hold! Wato still makes the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go of his Clarky Cat Young Punk Edition, then drags Wato from the ropes. Wato is dead weight so Fujita stomps him. Fujita stands Wato up, whips, and pops Wato up, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Wato survives.

Fujita grins as he brings Wato up again, hooks a leg and suplexes into the torture rack. But Wato slips free, ducks an elbow, and he scoops Fujita for the T T D!! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives the Tenzan Tombstone Driver, but Wato fires up again! Wato drags Fujita up, reels him in, TSUTEN- NO, Fujita slips free, and steals RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives his own move but Fujita vows to end it with his! Deadlift and torture rack, for the THRILL- NO, Wato lands out! Fujita ROUNDHOUSES first! Fujita goes to run, but Wato spins him around to LARIAT!! The fans are thunderous as Wato roars!

Wato drags Fujita up, wrenches, and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Wato is frustrated, but he pounds the mat as he powers up. The fans are with Wato as he brings Fujita up, TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, Wato wins!!

Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can be knocked down! Fujita keeps falling down the block, will he fail to repeat as Best of the Super Juniors?

As for Wato, he grabs a mic and asks Fujita, “How does it feel to get attacked when your back is turned? Tell me about it later.” The fans applaud, and Wato tells them that he’s happy he got to win here in Osaka. The fans applaud that, too, and Wato thanks them for their hot, hot support. No matter what anyone says, Wato will walk this path that he believes in with all his might. The fans applaud again, and Wato promises a path will be created following the footsteps of those who came before. Those wrestlers reached “godhood” and the glory that lies beyond it. Wato vows to do the same. With this momentum, he’ll win BOSJ!

The fans cheer, but will Wato reach the mountaintop at the end of his path? Or is that a much steeper climb than he knows?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Titan: 5-0, 10 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-2, 6 points
Jun Kasai: 3-1, 6 points
Nick Wayne: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 2-3, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-3, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Valiente Jr: 1-3, 2 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-5, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

A great fifth night, and technically only half of round 5. Daiki Nagai being winless this deep is oddly not as surprising as Titan being undefeated this deep. I believe I said before, Daiki’s first win (maybe his only win) happens at a pivotal moment to spoil someone’s chances at the semifinals. Titan is feeling like a strong choice going into the semifinals, but four rounds left means anything can happen. Great showing from Valiente in a loss to Akira, there’s gonna be some close “with a win and a loss from [someone]” scenarios with Akira involved. Great stuff with Robbie and Kasai, always fun to add a little comedy to the hardcore.

And great main event, with Wato winning being somewhat surprising. Perhaps Fujita’s comeback is in the latter half of the round robin, because I still feel like he needs to make the semifinals.

My Score: 8.9/10