Post by blackHEART on Nov 27, 2018 23:03:56 GMT -5
On the Kickoff show for tonight's No Mercy event:
This concludes a Kickoff show, and Rosenberg wishes everyone to enjoy tonight's event!
Exclusively on the WWE Network...
Tuesday Night SmackDown presents...
NO MERCY!
SmackDown's exclusive PPV event begins with the arrivals of Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio. During Del Rio's entrance, everyone is reminded of his attack on Sheamus that has ruled Sheamus out of action for the foreseeable future. Tom Phillips and JBL welcome everyone to No Mercy tonight and mention that Edge worked fast and has found a replacement for Sheamus in this match, one made to determine the next challenger for the WWE Universal Championship. Edge then steps out onto the stage and explains when Sheamus was taken out of action, he had one of two choices. Edge said it could have been Kalisto versus Alberto Del Rio, because it only takes two to tango. Instead, Edge decided to find a replacement that would be suitable enough to compete in this match, and if he won, would be viable to wrestle the WWE Universal Champion. Edge described this man as one he has went to war with and against, and he is a former world champion. Edge then let his music play, and it was KURT ANGLE! The entire crowd roared as Angle stepped out in gear ready to compete. Angle returned to the WWE by wrestling Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania.
#1 CONTENDER MATCH FOR WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto vs. Kurt Angle
This match began with just an admiration from the crowd for Kurt Angle's return. Angle took a moment to relax in it, but Del Rio attacked him and cut it short. Del Rio was beating up on Angle before Kalisto came in and chopped Del Rio down with some kicks to the leg before Kalisto would hit a hurricanrana sending him through the middle ropes. Kalisto then executed a suicide dive. Kalisto, then locking eyes with Angle inside who was impressed, got inside the ring and the two went at it with respect.
Throughout the match, each individual had their moments. Angle was having trouble keeping up with a faster paced Kalisto, but Del Rio would allow Kalisto's offense on Angle before stepping in, and this is how Del Rio kept Angle down. At one point, Del Rio had locked the Cross Armbreaker in on Angle and had Angle about to tap, before a springboard splash by Kalisto broke it up. Another near-fall attempt was a few moments later by Kalisto trying to hit Salida del Sol on Angle, but Angle countering in an Angle Slam. Angle nearly won the match then, but Kalisto got a shoulder up.
The match ended a few moments later when Del Rio tried fighting Angle, but Angle got the upperhand. Angle let the straps down, ready to hit an Angle Slam, but Del Rio countered and hit a backstabber on Kurt Angle. Kalisto then came in and hit a springboard hurricanrana on Del Rio. Kalisto then tried hitting a Salida del Sol, but Del Rio countered by sticking him in the corner. Del Rio then lashed out on the back of Kalisto and went for a double foot stomp while Kalisto was stuck in the tree of woe. However, Angle sprang out of nowhere and hit a belly-to-belly off the top rope! This exploded the crowd. Kalisto then realized his opportunity and he got out of the tree of woe. Kalisto then waited for the first to get up, which was Del Rio as Angle rolled over to the edge of the ring. Kalisto went for Salida del Sol again, but Del Rio countered into a Cross Armbreaker! With so much being taken out of Angle, he wasn't aware of the hold by Del Rio that Kalisto could not get out of, and Kalisto had no choice but to submit. Time: 17:46
Alberto Del Rio's music hit and Del Rio celebrated a hard-fought victory, spoiling Kurt Angle's return and making Angle 0-2 on the year, including the loss to Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Del Rio celebrated securing a title opportunity at the WWE Universal Champion, as focus is then switched to the first title match of the evening for the WWE Trios Championships.
A package is played prior to the match, that includes Cultural Revolt's reign as the inaugural champions and this is followed by The New Day's original tenure as a trio, and then how they came back together as Big E and Xavier Woods saved Kofi Kingston a couple weeks ago on SmackDown. Out come The New Day first, wearing new merchandise, and the crowd is behind them. Following are the WWE Trios Champions as Blake, Murphy, and Justin Gabriel come out to a negative crowd reaction.
WWE TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champions] Cultural Revolt vs. [challengers] The New Day
The contest started in The New Day's favor as Kofi Kingston would use his agility and athleticism to outdo Blake and Murphy, while Gabriel then gets tagged in and in comes Big E, who used his strength and power to overcome Gabriel. Once The New Day established themselves this match, Cultural Revolt regrouped and in came Xavier Woods for the first time to wrestle Justin Gabriel. Gabriel would get the upperhand on Woods, only because of Cultural Revolt's Blake and Murphy providing distractions as they lurked on the ringside area of their ring. These mind games landing Cultural Revolt in the driver's seat and they maintained it for much of Xavier's time in the ring. Once Woods tagged out, The New Day got an edge and nearly came away with the titles then as Kofi hit S.O.S. on Blake but Murphy saved the day. This only sat in back and forth moments, including an Unicorn Stampede in The New Day's favor, that went on the middle portion of the match.
Towards the end, Kofi Kingston was in trouble. Woods and Big E kept reaching for Kingston, but Cultural Revolt kept him back. However, it was Blake getting knocked out cold by Kingston hitting Trouble in Paradise out of the blue to provide an opening! Kingston crawled for the corner, and Gabriel saw the moment, so he got inside and physically dragged Blake to the corner before instructing Murphy to tag in. Murphy tagged in as Kingston reached Big E, and Big E was off. Big E took care of business against Murphy and Justin Gabriel before Xavier Woods got the tag in, and Big E then hit a spear on Gabriel to the floor. Murphy was dazed by Woods and then Woods hit Honor Roll. The New Day had it in the bag as Woods and a recovered Kingston worked on Murphy. The two then hit Murphy with a UpUpDownDown finishing move, and while Gabriel and Big E were taken out by Big E's spear, Kingston made the cover as Woods held off a stirring Blake to capture the titles! Time: 18:13
The New Day began a celebration in the ring as they were crowned the new WWE Trios Champions, and the fans were having a celebration of their own behind the barricades. Kingston and Woods got handed the titles first, and Big E rolled in and got his, as the three celebrated. Woods then had them pause before he grabbed the trombone and began to play the New Day Rocks tune as No Mercy crowns its first champions, while the replay truck shows some key moments in the match.
Dolph Ziggler is interviewed by Renee Young backstage and when Young asks about his thoughts headed into the match, Ziggler admitted he watched the Kickoff show where not one of the so called analysts picked him to win tonight. Ziggler then directed the question to Renee, who she is picking to win, but Ziggler was so caught up that Renee didn't have a chance to answer. Ziggler claimed to still be the best in the world, still claimed to be the Showoff, and when he's done with The Miz, he'll let everyone know that the pick should've been him before Ziggler storms off upset.
The Miz enters the ring first before this singles match, which his opponent that storms out second, has made to be a personal attack on him.
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
The start of this match was obvious that Dolph Ziggler wanted to prove he had what it took to beat The Miz. However, this built up frustration was only having Ziggler make costly mistakes. Ziggler would continue to get the upperhand on The Miz and then make mental errors to allow The Miz to either stay in the match, or to get control. One example of this was Dolph Ziggler hitting a Superkick on The Miz, knocking him out cold, but rather than going for the pinfall, Ziggler wanted to shout down at The Miz and wait at least a full minute to hit a Zig-Zag. When Ziggler went for the Zig-Zag, The Miz held onto the rope that sent Ziggler off his back, and Ziggler ran toward The Miz and was catapulted to the outside where Ziggler crashed hard. This was a huge turning point in the match that allowed The Miz to have control.
The Miz maintained control toward the end after that spot, and when Ziggler reversed a Skull Crushing Finale into a huge tornado DDT, the momentum was starting to swing back in his favor. Ziggler crawled to the corner and scaled to the top rope, ready to pounce on The Miz, but waited for Miz to get up and when he jumped, Ziggler caught a forearm. The Miz then pulled Ziggler to the center and locked in the Figure Four. Ziggler was in agony as The Miz desperately wanted him to tap, but Ziggler turned the Figure Four over and The Miz grabbed the rope himself and the hold was avoided. Ziggler crawled to the perpendicular side of the ropes and pulled himself up and would spring for a Superkick, but The Miz avoided it, kicked Ziggler in the sternum, and hit a DDT. The Miz then went for another Skull Crushing Finale, but Ziggler elbowed The Miz until he gave up his grip and Ziggler hit a Superkick on the money! The Miz looped around because of the Superkick, and this was prime position for Ziggler to hit a Zig-Zag and cover him for the win! Time: 15:32
Dolph Ziggler celebrated a massive victory and shouted to everyone he told them so. Ziggler demanded the official raise his hand a second time before leaving the ring, satisfied with a win tonight against The Miz.
Sam Roberts, who helped with the Kickoff show, was backstage with Kurt Angle. Roberts admitted to being a big fan of Kurt Angle and that it was great to see him tonight return. Angle then said he is trying to catch his breath still, crediting Alberto Del Rio and Kalisto for a great match. Angle, however, said this is the second match back and he's lost both of them. Angle again gave credit to Alberto Del Rio, but he wants to work his way back to where he once was, and this is why he has signed LONG TERM to SmackDown. You could hear the roar from the crowd as they hard this on the titantron, and Tom Phillips and JBL had time to react before moving into the replay from this past SmackDown where Alexa Bliss captured the WWE Matrons Championship from Becky Lynch, who competed at not 100%. We then saw where Edge named Paige the #1 contender for the Matrons Championship.
The champion would arrive first on the scene with Nia Jax by her side, glowing after her big title win on Tuesday, but this glow fades when her challenger Paige comes out to a more positive reaction from the fans.
WWE MATRONS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Alexa Bliss (w/Nia Jax) vs. [challenger] Paige
After the bell rang, distance was closed by the champion Alexa Bliss who decided to get in the center of the ring and talk trash to her challenger. Paige kept her calm and then Alexa began poking Paige in the chest claiming that Paige did not belong in this match and isn't on her level. This only had Paige grab Alexa's arm and toss her to the outside, in which Nia was there to catch her and set Alexa Bliss down. Paige stood her ground until Bliss came back inside and Paige went at her, dominating the early on-set of the match. Paige looked to be handling business before Nia Jax began to come up the steel steps as Paige set up for a Paige Turner. Nia stood on the apron in the corner and this caught Paige's attention, when Bliss got up and pushed Paige face-first into the second turnbuckle. The official was able to get Nia Jax off the apron, but the tables had been turned. However, Paige did get her shoulder up at that moment to stay alive.
Alexa Bliss maintained control after Nia's presence was felt by Paige, and while Bliss had Paige in a neck wrench, Paige used the crowd's support to make it to her feet and begin making a run. A couple clotheslines before Paige just grabbed Alexa's hair and slammed her to the mat. Paige let out a scream as Bliss got scared to go on the outside. Paige then chased Alexa Bliss on the outside before Paige's tracks were stopped when she came face-to-face with Nia Jax. Alexa had used the separation to get on the apron and have a running dive at Paige, connecting knees to the face, as made famous by Raw's Sasha Banks. Alexa Bliss used this opening to throw Paige into the ring and hit a Twisted Bliss and made the cover, and Paige kicked out, but the official had already counted three! Time: 13:58
Alexa Bliss snatched her title and got out of dodge immediately as her music played in the background. Alexa was relieved but Nia Jax showed no real emotion or amusement towards Bliss retaining. Yet, inside the ring, Paige could not believe she didn't get her shoulder up and the official was adamant. A replay shown on the titantron did in fact show the official got the right call, as explained by JBL, and Paige could only sit in the ring and accept the reality that she wasn't good enough this night.
Backstage, Cody Rhodes was with Renee Young prior to his Steel Cage match tonight. Renee asked what was going through his mind as the Steel Cage match with Randy Orton looms, and Cody seemed troubled. Cody recalled the date of April 18th that is etched in his mind, the day that Randy Orton prevented his ascent to greatness. Cody explained why this was personal, because that wasn't only for his professional career, but that was for his father. Cody wanted to make his father proud as he looks down from Heaven at his baby boy. Cody blames Orton for not having that moment then. Cody says that moment will be coming soon, and it starts after he ends Randy Orton.
In the booth, Tom Phillips and JBL briefly talk about the Steel Cage encounter that is still to come. However, they switch gears to talk about the United States Championship match to come now. The challenger Shinsuke Nakamura enters the ring first, followed by the arrogant champion Kevin Owens.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Kevin Owens vs. [challenger] Shinsuke Nakamura
The bell for Owens and Nakamura rings and Owens appears hesitant to engage with Shinsuke Nakamura. The energy is in the air and Nakamura taunts at Owens to "come on" in which Owens responds with going to fight, yet dropping to his back and rolling outside the ring. Owens wasn't having any of it and while he had his eyes off Nakamura, the challenger ran outside and grabbed Owens to throw him back into the ring, but Owens reverses it and throws Nakamura into the steel steps. The plan worked to perfection as Owens stomped away at Nakamura and welcomed boos from the fans. Owens would roll inside and roll outside as he then tried hitting a Popup Powerbomb on the outside of the ring, but Nakamura avoided and the two brawled. Nakamura seemed to have an edge while the official wasn't counting, but wanted them back inside. Nakamura had gained control on this brawl before Owens would send Nakamura face-first into the ring post. Owens then rolled Nakamura inside and went on the offense.
Owens would have control for a little while and shouted toward the camera and the Japanese fans they'll be getting their beloved Shinsuke Nakamura back. Owens then went for a Popup Powerbomb, but Nakamura stopped at the ropes. Owens charged at him and caught an elbow, and then a flurry of offensive from Nakamura. This gave Nakamura back the edge and the momentum of this match and allowed an opening. Nakamura would even set Owens up in the corner on the ropes and charge with the knee. This seemed to be setting up nicely and Nakamura went back to Owens, but Owens thumbed Nakamura in the eye. The official didn't disqualify, but didn't appreciate it, as Owens regained control here. Owens would apply some offense and hit a Sidewinder Suplex that only garnered a two count. Not knowing what to do, Owens would execute a Pumphandle Neckbreaker! This was sure to do it, but Nakamura barely raised the shoulder up. Owens got up frustrated and nearly took out the ref, but willed against it. At this moment, Sami Zayn's music hit. Owens then went livid as he waited the longest time for Sami's arrival, and Sami Zayn finally showed up! Owens dared him to come to the ring, but this distraction allowed Nakamura to hit an inverted exploder suplex! Nakamura quickly followed it up with the Kinshasa! Nakamura opportunistically made the cover and just like that, we have a new champion! Time: 16:08
Shinsuke Nakamura laid in the ring for a moment before scooting himself up in the corner when he is handed the United States Championship and raises it high. Nakamura then looks over at Sami Zayn, who made his way down to the ring and onto the apron. Zayn entered and as Owens was stirring on the mat, Zayn and Nakamura locked eyes and it was Zayn pointing to the newly won United States Championship of Nakamura's that made it clear what Zayn was after. Nakamura stepped aside and exited the ring, leaving it to Zayn, who then saw Owens in the corner getting up and Zayn used this opportunity to hit the Helluva Kick! It switched to Sami Zayn's music as Zayn stood tall over his arch nemesis, not only costing him the title, but leaving him in the ring with a souvenir.
Tom Phillips and JBL recap a massive turn of events with Sami Zayn coming back and making his first appearance as a member of the SmackDown roster. In addition to that, Shinsuke Nakamura has won the United States Championship! JBL admitted he wants to see Sami Zayn versus Shinsuke Nakamura, but Kevin Owens is going to be due his rematch. Tom Phillips said that will be settled hopefully on SmackDown this Tuesday, but something is going to be settled right now inside a Steel Cage!
A video package is introduced, showing what Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes had been through as members of Legacy. Fast forward to this year when Cody Rhodes earned the opportunity to wrestle Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania, yet fell short thanks to Ric Flair's antics. It was then Rhodes earning an opportunity once more against Randy Orton. Two weeks later in Cody's second chance at Rollins, it was Randy Orton who hit an RKO outta nowhere to cost Cody the opportunity once more. This has incited a Steel Cage match to settle the differences between the two. The Steel Cage lowers, and out comes Cody Rhodes first. Cody has his fists taped, which is a new look, and ready to go. Randy Orton comes out second and takes his time to slowly and methodically make his way to the ring. Orton pauses at the cage's door, looking inside, before choosing to step in for the match.
STEEL CAGE MATCH
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
When Randy Orton stepped inside the cage, he glanced at Cody and went to the corner to get up and pose, yet it was Cody Rhodes who went on the attack and started this match early as the cage door gets locked while Cody punches Orton in the gut in the corner. Cody then took Orton and threw him face-first into the cage wall, and then to the opposite cage wall, and Cody let this frustration out six different times. Orton then fell onto the mat and Cody was stomping away with the official inside being able to do nothing about it. Cody began to feed off the crowd and he went back to Orton, who had stood up in the corner, and Orton kicked Cody in the gut and threw him into the corner, getting punches in at Cody. Orton then would use this turn of momentum to put some offense on Cody. Orton would attack Cody's limbs, as well as toss him over the ropes and into the cage wall, and began working on the leg against the rope, as well as kick the knee into the cage wall.
Orton's momentum carried for a while as Orton dished out some more punishment and began to enjoy. Orton went for a cover several times, just to wear out Cody and toy with him. Orton would eventually prop Cody up in the corner and execute a beautiful superplex to the center. This only got a two count for Orton, but he continued to beat Cody up. Orton stopped any momentum by Cody he was gaining by hitting a powerslam. Cody rolled to the cage wall and stood up, as Orton laughed and charged at him, squishing Cody into the cage wall. Orton went back and did it again, but Cody dropped to his back and Orton crashed into the wall. Cody rolled back in the ring and was able to use this momentum to get some offense in, punching Orton and using those taped fists.
Cody's momentum had continued until he went for a Cross-Rhodes and was countered by an RKO Outta Nowhere! Orton covered Cody, but Rhodes barely got the shoulder up. Orton couldn't believe it, before he began to crawl to the cage door, being the very first time one has went for the escape method, as they came in wanting to inflict punishment on the other. Orton got the cage door opened and he began to make his way out, but instead of crawling, chose to use the ropes at the door to get up on a knee and then to his feet, but this cost him as Cody Rhodes came back and prevented Orton from getting out, but Cody caught an elbow. Orton then tried stepping through as Cody grabbed Orton once more and threw him into the opposing cage wall, and the door shut. Cody would then avoid a clothesline and hit a Beautiful Disaster Kick on Orton, that dropped both of them. Cody Rhodes got up and signaled the end, and it appeared to be after executing a Cross-Rhodes. Rather than going for a pin, Cody then decided he would win by escape. Cody got up and began to scale the cage wall. Orton was not moving and Cody, despite the pain suffered in the match, pulled himself up to the very top. Cody then looked back and saw Orton began to stir. Cody had the match won if he would drop quickly to the floor, but he made another decision. Cody let the frustration build up and he decided to stand tall on the cage and wait for Orton to get up, and Cody leaped off the cage wall trying to hit a crossbody, but is caught by a dropkick! Orton sprung up with a dropkick!
After Cody's decision to not win the match at that moment, both men were laid out. Orton and Rhodes got up and then the two would exchange blows, and then Cody put so much effort into a right that he almost rearranged Orton's jaw! Orton wobbled after it and Cody then grabbed Orton by the face and prefaced what he would do next by saying this was for his father, but Orton snapped out of it and hit a RKO outta nowhere! JBL swore it was off instinct as Cody Rhodes laid in the center of the ring. Orton was sitting up, barely, and asked the official on the outside to open the cage door. Orton slowly made it to his feet and looking back at Cody's motionless body, he gave off a smirk, as the boos got louder as Orton stepped outside the ropes and emphatically took each step down before he reached the floor and the bell rang. Time: 25:03
After a grueling steel cage match between these two combatants, Randy Orton leaned back on the barricade, admiring his work inside the ring as Cody Rhodes still had not moved. Orton was hearing it from a middle aged fan in his ear and the smirk just got bigger. Orton then slowly walked up the ramp, not looking back until he got to the top of the stage as the cage had risen up and both officials were checking on Cody Rhodes, who was slowly reviving. Orton then was satisfied to walk to the back as Cody had regained consciousness and was being helped to sit up in the middle of the ring when reality had set in... he had lost. Cody fought back his emotions as he pushed the referees away and he scooted out underneath the bottom rope and hung his head low as he made his way to the back.
Tom Phillips and JBL continue their recap of what just happened, as JBL said that Cody Rhodes will regret the decision to leap off the cage. JBL explained the worst thing a wrestler can do is let their emotions overtake them. JBL gave Orton as an example who doesn't do it, and that is why Orton is a 12-time world champion. Phillips then sent it backstage to Renee Young with a four-time world champion, Alberto Del Rio.
Renee Young asks Alberto Del Rio for his thoughts after defeating Kalisto and Kurt Angle tonight to earn an opportunity at the WWE Universal Championship. Del Rio said he not only approved he is the best Mexican pro wrestler, but he can beat America's best, beating an Olympic Gold Medalist and American hero in Kurt Angle. When Renee Young asks who Del Rio would rather challenge for the WWE Universal Championship, Seth Rollins or Bray Wyatt, Del Rio made it clear he doesn't fear the Face of Fear and he can craft a better strategy than The Architect. Alberto Del Rio foretells a fifth world championship in his future, and plugs in that he is better than Booker T, too.
At the panel from the Kickoff show is Peter Rosenberg with Hall of Famers Rob Van Dam, Michelle McCool, and yes, Booker T himself. Booker T immediately reacts to Alberto Del Rio's comments and says to even be in the conversation, he has to get to the 5 first. Rosenberg says he very well might, and reminds fans to stay tuned to the WWE Network immediately following because the panel will stick around as part of a live Post-Show with reactions to what has went down. Rosenberg then tells fans to enjoy the main event next, that introduces a video package.
The video package played for the WWE Universal Championship match. It began back at Night of Champions of last year, the final PPV in an unified roster. Seth Rollins walked in as WWE World Heavyweight Champion against Cesaro and in a match that originally was a double count out, then a disqualification, was restarted a third time when Mr. Money in the Bank Bray Wyatt appeared and made it a triple threat. Wyatt would pin Cesaro and end Seth's 546 day reign as champion. Following that, a WWE Draft would take place and Seth Rollins would be the first overall pick to SmackDown, and Bray Wyatt followed second overall to Raw. In a battle for the title at the inaugural Rage in the Cage event, champion Bray Wyatt introduced the first ever Valley of Shadows Deathmatch. Wyatt would emerge victorious and would go on a run on Raw as the champion, while Rollins recovered. Rollins would then return to action on SmackDown once the WWE Universal Championship was introduced and won by Dean Ambrose, and Rollins would go on to win that title at the Royal Rumble. At WrestleMania, Seth Rollins successfully defended his title at WrestleMania, due to help from the legendary Ric Flair. That night, Bray Wyatt's reign fell at the hands of Royal Rumble winner Finn Balor. Fast forward to a few weeks ago on SmackDown. A Fatal 4-Way would determine the number one contender for Seth's WWE Universal Championship at No Mercy, and coming from Raw, is Bray Wyatt! Wyatt would earn the right to wrestle Rollins, and that is where we are now. Words are exchanged by both on the go-home episode of SmackDown where Rollins vows to put to rest the enigma that is Bray Wyatt, and Wyatt claims to use his vast knowledge of Seth Rollins to defeat him tonight.
After the video package, out first comes Bray Wyatt with the signature lantern. Wyatt has thousands of fireflies in the crowd and it feels like a home-field advantage to him. The lights come back on after Wyatt blows out the light and Wyatt takes off his trench-coat and awaits the arrival of the champion. Ric Flair's music hits instead and Flair comes out with a microphone. Flair tells Bray Wyatt he needs to fear the man coming down to the ring right now, and if by the time Seth Rollins steps in that ring he wants to run away, nobody will look at him differently. Flair warns him that if the bell rings, Seth Rollins will show 'no mercy' on him. Then, the music of WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins hits and Rollins makes his way confidently to the ring as he enters along with Ric Flair. Flair whispers a last minute word before he is asked to leave the ring. Rollins offers the official the title and the referee for the contest takes it over to Bray Wyatt for his approval and then raises the WWE Universal Championship high for the cameras. The referee hands it over to the timekeepers and just as he is about to signal for the bell, Bray Wyatt turns around and hops out of the ring.
Seth Rollins begins to laugh and so does Ric Flair on the opposite side of the ring. Tom Phillips mentions Ric's comments a few moments ago that Bray Wyatt could leave before the match begins. JBL asked if the Face of Fear is finally afraid of someone. Bray looks back into the ring at Seth Rollins waving goodbye, as the fans are confused. Bray Wyatt walks to the other side of the ring to walk up the ramp and Ric Flair is there laughing at Bray Wyatt's cowardice. The Nature Boy applauds Bray for doing the smart thing and leaving, but Bray Wyatt stops. Ric Flair steps up closer and tells Wyatt to keep on, before Wyatt turns and grabs Flair in an immediate position for Sister Abigail. Rollins flips as a wide-eyed Wyatt sticks his tongue out before hitting Flair with Sister Abigail on the steel ramp! Wyatt then goes back to the ring, up the steel steps, and gets inside. Rollins immediately leaves the ring, running to Flair, and demanding medical attention. Medical personnel rush to Ric Flair and in follows the General Manager, Edge. Edge checks on Flair but tells Seth Rollins he still has to defend his title right now. Rollins says he can't focus, but Edge forces Rollins to look in at Wyatt, who drops to his knees in the center, holds his arms out wide, and Wyatt teases him to come inside. Rollins is more than frustrated and he looks back at Flair, only to be prodded by Edge to go in the ring and fight in the main event. Rollins steps closer to the ring as it appears a stretcher is coming out for Flair and that he is being loaded onto a stretcher. The official in the ring tells Rollins to get inside for the match, as Wyatt stands up while Rollins takes his time walking up the steps, getting on the apron, and looking back at Flair who is being loaded onto a stretcher. Rollins steps inside and the official rings the bell.
WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Seth Rollins vs. [challenger] Bray Wyatt
Seth Rollins somehow had to fight the urge to look back at his manager and mentor Ric Flair being stretchered away prior to the match, and this seemed to take Rollins out of his element. Rollins and Wyatt locked up in the center and Wyatt got Rollins into a headlock and then scored a takedown. Wyatt popped back up and Rollins looked on at his opponent on one knee before raising up. The two locked back up again, and the same thing happened. Wyatt taunted Rollins, calling for him to come get him after what he did to Ric Flair. Rollins then charged out of frustration and Wyatt took the beating. Rollins was throwing lefts, rights, kicks, and everything he could at Wyatt to rock him at the ropes. Rollins then charged and hit a lariat to topple the challenger over the top rope. Rollins then pounced on the opportunity to do a suicide dive, but that was caught with a right hook by the challenger, flooring Rollins. Wyatt then got Rollins up with a mean streak and threw him into the guardrail, and then to the other guardrail. Wyatt would then take Rollins and set up for Sister Abigail, right where Ric Flair was taken out moments ago, but Rollins got out of it and started throwing lefts and rights before Wyatt began retreating closer to the ring, when Rollins hit a Slingblade!
Tom Phillips: "We're seeing a whole other side to Bray Wyatt tonight."
JBL: "I don't know what's gotten into him, but he is the master of mind games."
Tom Phillips: "The fans have no idea how to react. Wyatt came in as a crowd favorite and now fans aren't even cheering him."
JBL: "Well they're not exactly cheering for Seth, either. Not many fans liked Flair or Rollins."
It was obviously an unique atmosphere in the arena this night. Once the action had gotten back inside the ring, Rollins was letting all his frustrations out for Wyatt taking out Flair. If Wyatt wanted inside Rollins' head, he was in there. Rollins pulled out all the stops with going aggressive with just laying into Bray Wyatt with fists while he was on the mat. When the official pulled him away, Rollins ran back with a running shooting star press. Seth then felt agile enough to hit a springboard moonsault and go for the cover, but only getting two, Rollins punched Wyatt in the face a few more times before he would drag him over to the corner and stomp away. Rollins was pulled away once more but came running back, hitting a corner dropkick right in the kisser. Wyatt rolled out from the corner and Rollins hit a Phoenix Splash, but only to get a two count. Rollins then got up and took a deep breath, but it didn't help. He went back over to Wyatt, but he was suckered into the second turnbuckle and this was a turning point.
Wyatt took over after that, applying some offense like the drop suplex followed by a Half-Nelson Slam, and would ground Rollins to the mat with a headlock. Rollins fought his way out of it, with a portion of the crowd on the heel champion's side, but this was met with Wyatt turning around and leveling Rollins with a lariat before instantly dropping down and pounding Rollins with a series of egregious headbutts. The official pulled Bray Wyatt off, and while the official goes to check on Seth Rollins, Wyatt mocks Rollins and demands he get up and keep fighting. A closeup of Wyatt's forehead shows a tiny cut from the headbutts he delivered, before he pushed the official out of the way and lifted Rollins up by the hair and says he knows the number of hairs on his head, to let him count it. Wyatt, maintaining a left-handed grip of his hair, stands up and stomps Seth's head into the mat with his right foot. In the meantime, Wyatt is counting as if he is counting the hairs on Seth's head, getting to 17 before the official steps in. The official tries getting control and backs Wyatt up in the corner, as he goes back to checking in on Rollins. In the meantime, Wyatt has a peaceful grin on his face as he leans back and begins a "He's Got The Whole World" tune, in which some of the fans join in. Majority of the fans remain unsure of what to do or think. The official puts the gloves on as not only Wyatt got a cut, but Seth Rollins is wounded above his eye.
Bray Wyatt turns to the crowd and shouts to him that he is their WWE Universal Champion. Wyatt then gets the bright idea of exiting the ring and getting a microphone, courtesy of the timekeepers area, and stands outside looking in to a brutalized champion.
Bray Wyatt: "WWE Universe - I am your champion! I have more than just the world in my hands, I have the whole universe in my hands! Seth, I have your hairs in my hands. I have numbered the hairs on your head."
Bray Wyatt rolls into the ring with a microphone still in possession, as Wyatt army crawls toward Seth Rollins as the official backs away.
Bray Wyatt: "Hey Seth, not only have I numbered the hairs on your head, but that means I have the authority to pluck them out."
Bray Wyatt slings the microphone aside as he sits Seth Rollins up and he begins pulling at Seth's hair, and after a few attempts, he pauses and the cameras catch a glimpse of Wyatt looking menacingly at a hand with a few of Seth's hairs in it. Wyatt then picks Rollins up and shouts at Seth for him to bow down, as Wyatt sets up for a Sister Abigail, but Rollins punches out of it. Wyatt lets go of his grip and stumbles, but doesn't fall. Wyatt goes back to Seth and Rollins connects with a jumping knee strike to Wyatt. Seth puts Bray between his legs and goes to hook his arms for a Pedigree, but can't get a grip, as Wyatt pushes him away and to the outside. Rollins takes the opportunity and tries for the suicide dive, and gets it this time, even landing on his feet! Seth can feel the momentum turning and quickly gets Wyatt up and rolls him back into the ring while Rollins gets in position on the apron. Rollins waits and goes for a springboard clothesline, but Wyatt catches him and hits a Ura-nage! Wyatt drops to his knees and casually hooks a leg, but the champion powers out at two.
Tom Phillips: "The champion is showing a lot of fight tonight! He won't give up."
JBL: "Seth is gaining more respect each moment this match carries on."
Tom Phillips: "The question is, how much longer will this match continue?"
Bray Wyatt picks Seth Rollins up and tosses him over the top rope, but Rollins hangs on to prevent from crashing to the floor. Wyatt then steps out onto the apron with Rollins and hits a DDT onto the ring apron! Seth's head is planted and he just lays on the ring apron. Wyatt basks in his own glory for a moment before pushing Rollins back between the ropes before Wyatt climbs back in and goes for a cover, taking too long, and only getting a two. Wyatt pulls Seth up by his hair, and then waits for Rollins to get to his own two feet, before he executed a running body block and Rollins tumbled under the bottom rope and to the floor. Wyatt followed Seth Rollins and after stomping away a few times, he picked him up and threw him into the steel steps. Wyatt went over to the padding and uncovered the concrete floor underneath.
Tom Phillips: "Whatever is going on in Bray's mind, it isn't good!"
JBL: "Seth Rollins might lose more than his title tonight."
Wyatt walks over to Seth Rollins and drags the champion over to the exposed concrete floor. The official isn't counting at this point, and is only wanting Bray Wyatt to stop, but Wyatt isn't listening and sets up for Sister Abigail. Wyatt about executes, but Rollins counters it! Rollins kicks Wyatt in the gut and quickly sets up for a Pedigree and nails it! Seth hurt his knees, but Wyatt isn't moving after having his face planted onto the concrete floor. The referee reluctantly begins a ten-count, knowing some order has to be taken. The official makes it to six when the WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins begins to try making it to his feet, yet he can't put much weight on his right knee, which seemed to take the worse of it. Rollins finally manages to get to his feet and Bray Wyatt isn't moving, but Rollins uses the ring apron to stay up and then roll under the bottom rope after a count of eight. At the count of nine, Rollins tugs on the official's pants leg as the champion lays on the mat. Seth waves his finger before rolling outside the ring, breaking the count. The fans are getting behind Seth Rollins and his efforts, yet they despised him earlier in the night! Bray Wyatt still hasn't moved and Seth Rollins uses all of his might to pick Bray Wyatt up to his feet. Rollins lifts Wyatt up to the ring and pushes him inside, before limping into the ring himself. Seth then waits as Wyatt pushes himself up with his hands, and as he rests on his knees, Rollins lines up and hits a superkick! This superkick rocks Wyatt, but Rollins sets back up and hits a second Pedigree, this one on the mat! This didn't seem to be wise, as Rollins clutched his right knee again, but he flipped Wyatt over and hooked the leg and the referee counted three. Time: 24:48
At the sound of his music, more fans cheered Seth Rollins than they did when he originally came to the ring. It seemed in a manner in which he carried himself after Ric Flair was taken out, and then fighting relentlessly to not only retain the title but do so by pinfall, it gained him a new fan or two. Not the entire crowd was cheering, but Seth Rollins was a winner tonight. Rollins was given the WWE Universal Championship as he went into a seated position in the corner, the title resting on his lap and Rollins obviously in pain. Seth manages to scoot under the bottom rope and limp his way up the ramp with his title in hand. A replay is shown of the carnage that happened, beginning with Ric Flair being taken out, and then the headbutts that busted the champion open, followed by a Pedigree on the concrete floor, that then led to a second Pedigree in the ring for the win. At the end of the replays, Seth Rollins hoists the title in the air and this is how SmackDown goes off the air as Tom Phillips asks everyone to stay tuned for the post-show following.
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- A Kickoff panel of Peter Rosenberg with Hall of Famers Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and Michelle McCool all preview tonight's big event.
- Renee Young interviews United States Champion Kevin Owens prior to his title defense tonight against Shinsuke Nakamura. Owens wasn't so respectful to Renee Young and wouldn't give her much detail and avoided each question, before Owens finished it off with asking himself his own question. Owens asked himself how badly would Nakamura feel after tonight, in which he replied that Nakamura will be buying a plane ticket to Japan after he's embarrassed tonight.
- Edge is asked by Sam Roberts who is the man replacing Sheamus tonight in the triple threat. Edge confirmed that match would be opening the show tonight, so there won't be much of a wait to find out.
- Several previews are shown for tonight's card, including matches for the Steel Cage grudge match, the Matrons Championship match, the WWE Trios Championship match, and the WWE Universal Championship match.
- Christian and Tomko came to the ring and Christian said that No Mercy peaks at this moment because since he was not included in the triple threat for later tonight, nor in the WWE Universal Championship match, he is issuing an open challenge to anyone on the SmackDown roster. Christian warned the one who accepts will only be used as a stepping stool for Christian to solidify a future world title opportunity. Apollo Crews accepts the challenge. Crews and Christian battle it out and it is even throughout. Crews had control towards the end, and nearly won it with a standing shooting star press, but Tomko put the bottom foot on the rope, in which the official didn't see Tomko's involvement, but Crews did. Crews mouthed off to Tomko and almost got caught in an Unprettier, but Apollo pushed himself out of it, elbowed a rebounding Christian off the ropes, and hit a spin-out powerbomb in the center of the ring as Tomko could do nothing, with Crews winning the match.
- At the end, the Kickoff panel were asked for their predictions for tonight's card.
- Michelle McCool is picking: TBA, The Miz, The New Day, Alexa Bliss, Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Seth Rollins. McCool explained that Nia Jax would be a factor in tonight's Matrons Championship match, Randy Orton's killer instincts would be brought out in a steel cage, and Seth Rollins has Ric Flair in his corner.
- Rob Van Dam's picks: Alberto Del Rio, The Miz, Cultural Revolt, Alexa Bliss, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Bray Wyatt. Van Dam thinks Orton has pushed Cody too far and we will see a different version of Rhodes tonight, as well as Bray Wyatt being inside Seth's head will factor in tonight.
- Booker T's picks: Alberto Del Rio, The Miz, Cultural Revolt, Paige, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins. Booker T mentioned he is a fan of The New Day, but the Cultural Revolt has been a well-oiled machine. Booker T also said that Paige is someone who Alexa Bliss hasn't had to mess with and now has to, along with saying that it's not safe to bet against Randy Orton.
- Peter Rosenberg finished it with his picks: Kalisto, The Miz, The New Day, Alexa Bliss, Cody Rhodes, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Bray Wyatt. Rosenberg was surprised nobody picked Kalisto who is Mysterio-esque in being the underdog and defying the odds. Rosenberg feels while The New Day is just coming back, they won't be hard to overcome some chemistry issues, in which Booker T emphatically disagreed. Rosenberg then cited Wyatt having Seth's number back from Rage in the Cage and he may be the one person who knows how to beat Seth Rollins.
This concludes a Kickoff show, and Rosenberg wishes everyone to enjoy tonight's event!
Exclusively on the WWE Network...
Tuesday Night SmackDown presents...
NO MERCY!
SmackDown's exclusive PPV event begins with the arrivals of Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio. During Del Rio's entrance, everyone is reminded of his attack on Sheamus that has ruled Sheamus out of action for the foreseeable future. Tom Phillips and JBL welcome everyone to No Mercy tonight and mention that Edge worked fast and has found a replacement for Sheamus in this match, one made to determine the next challenger for the WWE Universal Championship. Edge then steps out onto the stage and explains when Sheamus was taken out of action, he had one of two choices. Edge said it could have been Kalisto versus Alberto Del Rio, because it only takes two to tango. Instead, Edge decided to find a replacement that would be suitable enough to compete in this match, and if he won, would be viable to wrestle the WWE Universal Champion. Edge described this man as one he has went to war with and against, and he is a former world champion. Edge then let his music play, and it was KURT ANGLE! The entire crowd roared as Angle stepped out in gear ready to compete. Angle returned to the WWE by wrestling Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania.
#1 CONTENDER MATCH FOR WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto vs. Kurt Angle
This match began with just an admiration from the crowd for Kurt Angle's return. Angle took a moment to relax in it, but Del Rio attacked him and cut it short. Del Rio was beating up on Angle before Kalisto came in and chopped Del Rio down with some kicks to the leg before Kalisto would hit a hurricanrana sending him through the middle ropes. Kalisto then executed a suicide dive. Kalisto, then locking eyes with Angle inside who was impressed, got inside the ring and the two went at it with respect.
Throughout the match, each individual had their moments. Angle was having trouble keeping up with a faster paced Kalisto, but Del Rio would allow Kalisto's offense on Angle before stepping in, and this is how Del Rio kept Angle down. At one point, Del Rio had locked the Cross Armbreaker in on Angle and had Angle about to tap, before a springboard splash by Kalisto broke it up. Another near-fall attempt was a few moments later by Kalisto trying to hit Salida del Sol on Angle, but Angle countering in an Angle Slam. Angle nearly won the match then, but Kalisto got a shoulder up.
The match ended a few moments later when Del Rio tried fighting Angle, but Angle got the upperhand. Angle let the straps down, ready to hit an Angle Slam, but Del Rio countered and hit a backstabber on Kurt Angle. Kalisto then came in and hit a springboard hurricanrana on Del Rio. Kalisto then tried hitting a Salida del Sol, but Del Rio countered by sticking him in the corner. Del Rio then lashed out on the back of Kalisto and went for a double foot stomp while Kalisto was stuck in the tree of woe. However, Angle sprang out of nowhere and hit a belly-to-belly off the top rope! This exploded the crowd. Kalisto then realized his opportunity and he got out of the tree of woe. Kalisto then waited for the first to get up, which was Del Rio as Angle rolled over to the edge of the ring. Kalisto went for Salida del Sol again, but Del Rio countered into a Cross Armbreaker! With so much being taken out of Angle, he wasn't aware of the hold by Del Rio that Kalisto could not get out of, and Kalisto had no choice but to submit. Time: 17:46
Alberto Del Rio's music hit and Del Rio celebrated a hard-fought victory, spoiling Kurt Angle's return and making Angle 0-2 on the year, including the loss to Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Del Rio celebrated securing a title opportunity at the WWE Universal Champion, as focus is then switched to the first title match of the evening for the WWE Trios Championships.
A package is played prior to the match, that includes Cultural Revolt's reign as the inaugural champions and this is followed by The New Day's original tenure as a trio, and then how they came back together as Big E and Xavier Woods saved Kofi Kingston a couple weeks ago on SmackDown. Out come The New Day first, wearing new merchandise, and the crowd is behind them. Following are the WWE Trios Champions as Blake, Murphy, and Justin Gabriel come out to a negative crowd reaction.
WWE TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champions] Cultural Revolt vs. [challengers] The New Day
The contest started in The New Day's favor as Kofi Kingston would use his agility and athleticism to outdo Blake and Murphy, while Gabriel then gets tagged in and in comes Big E, who used his strength and power to overcome Gabriel. Once The New Day established themselves this match, Cultural Revolt regrouped and in came Xavier Woods for the first time to wrestle Justin Gabriel. Gabriel would get the upperhand on Woods, only because of Cultural Revolt's Blake and Murphy providing distractions as they lurked on the ringside area of their ring. These mind games landing Cultural Revolt in the driver's seat and they maintained it for much of Xavier's time in the ring. Once Woods tagged out, The New Day got an edge and nearly came away with the titles then as Kofi hit S.O.S. on Blake but Murphy saved the day. This only sat in back and forth moments, including an Unicorn Stampede in The New Day's favor, that went on the middle portion of the match.
Towards the end, Kofi Kingston was in trouble. Woods and Big E kept reaching for Kingston, but Cultural Revolt kept him back. However, it was Blake getting knocked out cold by Kingston hitting Trouble in Paradise out of the blue to provide an opening! Kingston crawled for the corner, and Gabriel saw the moment, so he got inside and physically dragged Blake to the corner before instructing Murphy to tag in. Murphy tagged in as Kingston reached Big E, and Big E was off. Big E took care of business against Murphy and Justin Gabriel before Xavier Woods got the tag in, and Big E then hit a spear on Gabriel to the floor. Murphy was dazed by Woods and then Woods hit Honor Roll. The New Day had it in the bag as Woods and a recovered Kingston worked on Murphy. The two then hit Murphy with a UpUpDownDown finishing move, and while Gabriel and Big E were taken out by Big E's spear, Kingston made the cover as Woods held off a stirring Blake to capture the titles! Time: 18:13
The New Day began a celebration in the ring as they were crowned the new WWE Trios Champions, and the fans were having a celebration of their own behind the barricades. Kingston and Woods got handed the titles first, and Big E rolled in and got his, as the three celebrated. Woods then had them pause before he grabbed the trombone and began to play the New Day Rocks tune as No Mercy crowns its first champions, while the replay truck shows some key moments in the match.
Dolph Ziggler is interviewed by Renee Young backstage and when Young asks about his thoughts headed into the match, Ziggler admitted he watched the Kickoff show where not one of the so called analysts picked him to win tonight. Ziggler then directed the question to Renee, who she is picking to win, but Ziggler was so caught up that Renee didn't have a chance to answer. Ziggler claimed to still be the best in the world, still claimed to be the Showoff, and when he's done with The Miz, he'll let everyone know that the pick should've been him before Ziggler storms off upset.
The Miz enters the ring first before this singles match, which his opponent that storms out second, has made to be a personal attack on him.
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
The start of this match was obvious that Dolph Ziggler wanted to prove he had what it took to beat The Miz. However, this built up frustration was only having Ziggler make costly mistakes. Ziggler would continue to get the upperhand on The Miz and then make mental errors to allow The Miz to either stay in the match, or to get control. One example of this was Dolph Ziggler hitting a Superkick on The Miz, knocking him out cold, but rather than going for the pinfall, Ziggler wanted to shout down at The Miz and wait at least a full minute to hit a Zig-Zag. When Ziggler went for the Zig-Zag, The Miz held onto the rope that sent Ziggler off his back, and Ziggler ran toward The Miz and was catapulted to the outside where Ziggler crashed hard. This was a huge turning point in the match that allowed The Miz to have control.
The Miz maintained control toward the end after that spot, and when Ziggler reversed a Skull Crushing Finale into a huge tornado DDT, the momentum was starting to swing back in his favor. Ziggler crawled to the corner and scaled to the top rope, ready to pounce on The Miz, but waited for Miz to get up and when he jumped, Ziggler caught a forearm. The Miz then pulled Ziggler to the center and locked in the Figure Four. Ziggler was in agony as The Miz desperately wanted him to tap, but Ziggler turned the Figure Four over and The Miz grabbed the rope himself and the hold was avoided. Ziggler crawled to the perpendicular side of the ropes and pulled himself up and would spring for a Superkick, but The Miz avoided it, kicked Ziggler in the sternum, and hit a DDT. The Miz then went for another Skull Crushing Finale, but Ziggler elbowed The Miz until he gave up his grip and Ziggler hit a Superkick on the money! The Miz looped around because of the Superkick, and this was prime position for Ziggler to hit a Zig-Zag and cover him for the win! Time: 15:32
Dolph Ziggler celebrated a massive victory and shouted to everyone he told them so. Ziggler demanded the official raise his hand a second time before leaving the ring, satisfied with a win tonight against The Miz.
Sam Roberts, who helped with the Kickoff show, was backstage with Kurt Angle. Roberts admitted to being a big fan of Kurt Angle and that it was great to see him tonight return. Angle then said he is trying to catch his breath still, crediting Alberto Del Rio and Kalisto for a great match. Angle, however, said this is the second match back and he's lost both of them. Angle again gave credit to Alberto Del Rio, but he wants to work his way back to where he once was, and this is why he has signed LONG TERM to SmackDown. You could hear the roar from the crowd as they hard this on the titantron, and Tom Phillips and JBL had time to react before moving into the replay from this past SmackDown where Alexa Bliss captured the WWE Matrons Championship from Becky Lynch, who competed at not 100%. We then saw where Edge named Paige the #1 contender for the Matrons Championship.
The champion would arrive first on the scene with Nia Jax by her side, glowing after her big title win on Tuesday, but this glow fades when her challenger Paige comes out to a more positive reaction from the fans.
WWE MATRONS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Alexa Bliss (w/Nia Jax) vs. [challenger] Paige
After the bell rang, distance was closed by the champion Alexa Bliss who decided to get in the center of the ring and talk trash to her challenger. Paige kept her calm and then Alexa began poking Paige in the chest claiming that Paige did not belong in this match and isn't on her level. This only had Paige grab Alexa's arm and toss her to the outside, in which Nia was there to catch her and set Alexa Bliss down. Paige stood her ground until Bliss came back inside and Paige went at her, dominating the early on-set of the match. Paige looked to be handling business before Nia Jax began to come up the steel steps as Paige set up for a Paige Turner. Nia stood on the apron in the corner and this caught Paige's attention, when Bliss got up and pushed Paige face-first into the second turnbuckle. The official was able to get Nia Jax off the apron, but the tables had been turned. However, Paige did get her shoulder up at that moment to stay alive.
Alexa Bliss maintained control after Nia's presence was felt by Paige, and while Bliss had Paige in a neck wrench, Paige used the crowd's support to make it to her feet and begin making a run. A couple clotheslines before Paige just grabbed Alexa's hair and slammed her to the mat. Paige let out a scream as Bliss got scared to go on the outside. Paige then chased Alexa Bliss on the outside before Paige's tracks were stopped when she came face-to-face with Nia Jax. Alexa had used the separation to get on the apron and have a running dive at Paige, connecting knees to the face, as made famous by Raw's Sasha Banks. Alexa Bliss used this opening to throw Paige into the ring and hit a Twisted Bliss and made the cover, and Paige kicked out, but the official had already counted three! Time: 13:58
Alexa Bliss snatched her title and got out of dodge immediately as her music played in the background. Alexa was relieved but Nia Jax showed no real emotion or amusement towards Bliss retaining. Yet, inside the ring, Paige could not believe she didn't get her shoulder up and the official was adamant. A replay shown on the titantron did in fact show the official got the right call, as explained by JBL, and Paige could only sit in the ring and accept the reality that she wasn't good enough this night.
Backstage, Cody Rhodes was with Renee Young prior to his Steel Cage match tonight. Renee asked what was going through his mind as the Steel Cage match with Randy Orton looms, and Cody seemed troubled. Cody recalled the date of April 18th that is etched in his mind, the day that Randy Orton prevented his ascent to greatness. Cody explained why this was personal, because that wasn't only for his professional career, but that was for his father. Cody wanted to make his father proud as he looks down from Heaven at his baby boy. Cody blames Orton for not having that moment then. Cody says that moment will be coming soon, and it starts after he ends Randy Orton.
In the booth, Tom Phillips and JBL briefly talk about the Steel Cage encounter that is still to come. However, they switch gears to talk about the United States Championship match to come now. The challenger Shinsuke Nakamura enters the ring first, followed by the arrogant champion Kevin Owens.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Kevin Owens vs. [challenger] Shinsuke Nakamura
The bell for Owens and Nakamura rings and Owens appears hesitant to engage with Shinsuke Nakamura. The energy is in the air and Nakamura taunts at Owens to "come on" in which Owens responds with going to fight, yet dropping to his back and rolling outside the ring. Owens wasn't having any of it and while he had his eyes off Nakamura, the challenger ran outside and grabbed Owens to throw him back into the ring, but Owens reverses it and throws Nakamura into the steel steps. The plan worked to perfection as Owens stomped away at Nakamura and welcomed boos from the fans. Owens would roll inside and roll outside as he then tried hitting a Popup Powerbomb on the outside of the ring, but Nakamura avoided and the two brawled. Nakamura seemed to have an edge while the official wasn't counting, but wanted them back inside. Nakamura had gained control on this brawl before Owens would send Nakamura face-first into the ring post. Owens then rolled Nakamura inside and went on the offense.
Owens would have control for a little while and shouted toward the camera and the Japanese fans they'll be getting their beloved Shinsuke Nakamura back. Owens then went for a Popup Powerbomb, but Nakamura stopped at the ropes. Owens charged at him and caught an elbow, and then a flurry of offensive from Nakamura. This gave Nakamura back the edge and the momentum of this match and allowed an opening. Nakamura would even set Owens up in the corner on the ropes and charge with the knee. This seemed to be setting up nicely and Nakamura went back to Owens, but Owens thumbed Nakamura in the eye. The official didn't disqualify, but didn't appreciate it, as Owens regained control here. Owens would apply some offense and hit a Sidewinder Suplex that only garnered a two count. Not knowing what to do, Owens would execute a Pumphandle Neckbreaker! This was sure to do it, but Nakamura barely raised the shoulder up. Owens got up frustrated and nearly took out the ref, but willed against it. At this moment, Sami Zayn's music hit. Owens then went livid as he waited the longest time for Sami's arrival, and Sami Zayn finally showed up! Owens dared him to come to the ring, but this distraction allowed Nakamura to hit an inverted exploder suplex! Nakamura quickly followed it up with the Kinshasa! Nakamura opportunistically made the cover and just like that, we have a new champion! Time: 16:08
Shinsuke Nakamura laid in the ring for a moment before scooting himself up in the corner when he is handed the United States Championship and raises it high. Nakamura then looks over at Sami Zayn, who made his way down to the ring and onto the apron. Zayn entered and as Owens was stirring on the mat, Zayn and Nakamura locked eyes and it was Zayn pointing to the newly won United States Championship of Nakamura's that made it clear what Zayn was after. Nakamura stepped aside and exited the ring, leaving it to Zayn, who then saw Owens in the corner getting up and Zayn used this opportunity to hit the Helluva Kick! It switched to Sami Zayn's music as Zayn stood tall over his arch nemesis, not only costing him the title, but leaving him in the ring with a souvenir.
Tom Phillips and JBL recap a massive turn of events with Sami Zayn coming back and making his first appearance as a member of the SmackDown roster. In addition to that, Shinsuke Nakamura has won the United States Championship! JBL admitted he wants to see Sami Zayn versus Shinsuke Nakamura, but Kevin Owens is going to be due his rematch. Tom Phillips said that will be settled hopefully on SmackDown this Tuesday, but something is going to be settled right now inside a Steel Cage!
A video package is introduced, showing what Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes had been through as members of Legacy. Fast forward to this year when Cody Rhodes earned the opportunity to wrestle Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania, yet fell short thanks to Ric Flair's antics. It was then Rhodes earning an opportunity once more against Randy Orton. Two weeks later in Cody's second chance at Rollins, it was Randy Orton who hit an RKO outta nowhere to cost Cody the opportunity once more. This has incited a Steel Cage match to settle the differences between the two. The Steel Cage lowers, and out comes Cody Rhodes first. Cody has his fists taped, which is a new look, and ready to go. Randy Orton comes out second and takes his time to slowly and methodically make his way to the ring. Orton pauses at the cage's door, looking inside, before choosing to step in for the match.
STEEL CAGE MATCH
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
When Randy Orton stepped inside the cage, he glanced at Cody and went to the corner to get up and pose, yet it was Cody Rhodes who went on the attack and started this match early as the cage door gets locked while Cody punches Orton in the gut in the corner. Cody then took Orton and threw him face-first into the cage wall, and then to the opposite cage wall, and Cody let this frustration out six different times. Orton then fell onto the mat and Cody was stomping away with the official inside being able to do nothing about it. Cody began to feed off the crowd and he went back to Orton, who had stood up in the corner, and Orton kicked Cody in the gut and threw him into the corner, getting punches in at Cody. Orton then would use this turn of momentum to put some offense on Cody. Orton would attack Cody's limbs, as well as toss him over the ropes and into the cage wall, and began working on the leg against the rope, as well as kick the knee into the cage wall.
Orton's momentum carried for a while as Orton dished out some more punishment and began to enjoy. Orton went for a cover several times, just to wear out Cody and toy with him. Orton would eventually prop Cody up in the corner and execute a beautiful superplex to the center. This only got a two count for Orton, but he continued to beat Cody up. Orton stopped any momentum by Cody he was gaining by hitting a powerslam. Cody rolled to the cage wall and stood up, as Orton laughed and charged at him, squishing Cody into the cage wall. Orton went back and did it again, but Cody dropped to his back and Orton crashed into the wall. Cody rolled back in the ring and was able to use this momentum to get some offense in, punching Orton and using those taped fists.
Cody's momentum had continued until he went for a Cross-Rhodes and was countered by an RKO Outta Nowhere! Orton covered Cody, but Rhodes barely got the shoulder up. Orton couldn't believe it, before he began to crawl to the cage door, being the very first time one has went for the escape method, as they came in wanting to inflict punishment on the other. Orton got the cage door opened and he began to make his way out, but instead of crawling, chose to use the ropes at the door to get up on a knee and then to his feet, but this cost him as Cody Rhodes came back and prevented Orton from getting out, but Cody caught an elbow. Orton then tried stepping through as Cody grabbed Orton once more and threw him into the opposing cage wall, and the door shut. Cody would then avoid a clothesline and hit a Beautiful Disaster Kick on Orton, that dropped both of them. Cody Rhodes got up and signaled the end, and it appeared to be after executing a Cross-Rhodes. Rather than going for a pin, Cody then decided he would win by escape. Cody got up and began to scale the cage wall. Orton was not moving and Cody, despite the pain suffered in the match, pulled himself up to the very top. Cody then looked back and saw Orton began to stir. Cody had the match won if he would drop quickly to the floor, but he made another decision. Cody let the frustration build up and he decided to stand tall on the cage and wait for Orton to get up, and Cody leaped off the cage wall trying to hit a crossbody, but is caught by a dropkick! Orton sprung up with a dropkick!
After Cody's decision to not win the match at that moment, both men were laid out. Orton and Rhodes got up and then the two would exchange blows, and then Cody put so much effort into a right that he almost rearranged Orton's jaw! Orton wobbled after it and Cody then grabbed Orton by the face and prefaced what he would do next by saying this was for his father, but Orton snapped out of it and hit a RKO outta nowhere! JBL swore it was off instinct as Cody Rhodes laid in the center of the ring. Orton was sitting up, barely, and asked the official on the outside to open the cage door. Orton slowly made it to his feet and looking back at Cody's motionless body, he gave off a smirk, as the boos got louder as Orton stepped outside the ropes and emphatically took each step down before he reached the floor and the bell rang. Time: 25:03
After a grueling steel cage match between these two combatants, Randy Orton leaned back on the barricade, admiring his work inside the ring as Cody Rhodes still had not moved. Orton was hearing it from a middle aged fan in his ear and the smirk just got bigger. Orton then slowly walked up the ramp, not looking back until he got to the top of the stage as the cage had risen up and both officials were checking on Cody Rhodes, who was slowly reviving. Orton then was satisfied to walk to the back as Cody had regained consciousness and was being helped to sit up in the middle of the ring when reality had set in... he had lost. Cody fought back his emotions as he pushed the referees away and he scooted out underneath the bottom rope and hung his head low as he made his way to the back.
Tom Phillips and JBL continue their recap of what just happened, as JBL said that Cody Rhodes will regret the decision to leap off the cage. JBL explained the worst thing a wrestler can do is let their emotions overtake them. JBL gave Orton as an example who doesn't do it, and that is why Orton is a 12-time world champion. Phillips then sent it backstage to Renee Young with a four-time world champion, Alberto Del Rio.
Renee Young asks Alberto Del Rio for his thoughts after defeating Kalisto and Kurt Angle tonight to earn an opportunity at the WWE Universal Championship. Del Rio said he not only approved he is the best Mexican pro wrestler, but he can beat America's best, beating an Olympic Gold Medalist and American hero in Kurt Angle. When Renee Young asks who Del Rio would rather challenge for the WWE Universal Championship, Seth Rollins or Bray Wyatt, Del Rio made it clear he doesn't fear the Face of Fear and he can craft a better strategy than The Architect. Alberto Del Rio foretells a fifth world championship in his future, and plugs in that he is better than Booker T, too.
At the panel from the Kickoff show is Peter Rosenberg with Hall of Famers Rob Van Dam, Michelle McCool, and yes, Booker T himself. Booker T immediately reacts to Alberto Del Rio's comments and says to even be in the conversation, he has to get to the 5 first. Rosenberg says he very well might, and reminds fans to stay tuned to the WWE Network immediately following because the panel will stick around as part of a live Post-Show with reactions to what has went down. Rosenberg then tells fans to enjoy the main event next, that introduces a video package.
The video package played for the WWE Universal Championship match. It began back at Night of Champions of last year, the final PPV in an unified roster. Seth Rollins walked in as WWE World Heavyweight Champion against Cesaro and in a match that originally was a double count out, then a disqualification, was restarted a third time when Mr. Money in the Bank Bray Wyatt appeared and made it a triple threat. Wyatt would pin Cesaro and end Seth's 546 day reign as champion. Following that, a WWE Draft would take place and Seth Rollins would be the first overall pick to SmackDown, and Bray Wyatt followed second overall to Raw. In a battle for the title at the inaugural Rage in the Cage event, champion Bray Wyatt introduced the first ever Valley of Shadows Deathmatch. Wyatt would emerge victorious and would go on a run on Raw as the champion, while Rollins recovered. Rollins would then return to action on SmackDown once the WWE Universal Championship was introduced and won by Dean Ambrose, and Rollins would go on to win that title at the Royal Rumble. At WrestleMania, Seth Rollins successfully defended his title at WrestleMania, due to help from the legendary Ric Flair. That night, Bray Wyatt's reign fell at the hands of Royal Rumble winner Finn Balor. Fast forward to a few weeks ago on SmackDown. A Fatal 4-Way would determine the number one contender for Seth's WWE Universal Championship at No Mercy, and coming from Raw, is Bray Wyatt! Wyatt would earn the right to wrestle Rollins, and that is where we are now. Words are exchanged by both on the go-home episode of SmackDown where Rollins vows to put to rest the enigma that is Bray Wyatt, and Wyatt claims to use his vast knowledge of Seth Rollins to defeat him tonight.
After the video package, out first comes Bray Wyatt with the signature lantern. Wyatt has thousands of fireflies in the crowd and it feels like a home-field advantage to him. The lights come back on after Wyatt blows out the light and Wyatt takes off his trench-coat and awaits the arrival of the champion. Ric Flair's music hits instead and Flair comes out with a microphone. Flair tells Bray Wyatt he needs to fear the man coming down to the ring right now, and if by the time Seth Rollins steps in that ring he wants to run away, nobody will look at him differently. Flair warns him that if the bell rings, Seth Rollins will show 'no mercy' on him. Then, the music of WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins hits and Rollins makes his way confidently to the ring as he enters along with Ric Flair. Flair whispers a last minute word before he is asked to leave the ring. Rollins offers the official the title and the referee for the contest takes it over to Bray Wyatt for his approval and then raises the WWE Universal Championship high for the cameras. The referee hands it over to the timekeepers and just as he is about to signal for the bell, Bray Wyatt turns around and hops out of the ring.
Seth Rollins begins to laugh and so does Ric Flair on the opposite side of the ring. Tom Phillips mentions Ric's comments a few moments ago that Bray Wyatt could leave before the match begins. JBL asked if the Face of Fear is finally afraid of someone. Bray looks back into the ring at Seth Rollins waving goodbye, as the fans are confused. Bray Wyatt walks to the other side of the ring to walk up the ramp and Ric Flair is there laughing at Bray Wyatt's cowardice. The Nature Boy applauds Bray for doing the smart thing and leaving, but Bray Wyatt stops. Ric Flair steps up closer and tells Wyatt to keep on, before Wyatt turns and grabs Flair in an immediate position for Sister Abigail. Rollins flips as a wide-eyed Wyatt sticks his tongue out before hitting Flair with Sister Abigail on the steel ramp! Wyatt then goes back to the ring, up the steel steps, and gets inside. Rollins immediately leaves the ring, running to Flair, and demanding medical attention. Medical personnel rush to Ric Flair and in follows the General Manager, Edge. Edge checks on Flair but tells Seth Rollins he still has to defend his title right now. Rollins says he can't focus, but Edge forces Rollins to look in at Wyatt, who drops to his knees in the center, holds his arms out wide, and Wyatt teases him to come inside. Rollins is more than frustrated and he looks back at Flair, only to be prodded by Edge to go in the ring and fight in the main event. Rollins steps closer to the ring as it appears a stretcher is coming out for Flair and that he is being loaded onto a stretcher. The official in the ring tells Rollins to get inside for the match, as Wyatt stands up while Rollins takes his time walking up the steps, getting on the apron, and looking back at Flair who is being loaded onto a stretcher. Rollins steps inside and the official rings the bell.
WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
[champion] Seth Rollins vs. [challenger] Bray Wyatt
Seth Rollins somehow had to fight the urge to look back at his manager and mentor Ric Flair being stretchered away prior to the match, and this seemed to take Rollins out of his element. Rollins and Wyatt locked up in the center and Wyatt got Rollins into a headlock and then scored a takedown. Wyatt popped back up and Rollins looked on at his opponent on one knee before raising up. The two locked back up again, and the same thing happened. Wyatt taunted Rollins, calling for him to come get him after what he did to Ric Flair. Rollins then charged out of frustration and Wyatt took the beating. Rollins was throwing lefts, rights, kicks, and everything he could at Wyatt to rock him at the ropes. Rollins then charged and hit a lariat to topple the challenger over the top rope. Rollins then pounced on the opportunity to do a suicide dive, but that was caught with a right hook by the challenger, flooring Rollins. Wyatt then got Rollins up with a mean streak and threw him into the guardrail, and then to the other guardrail. Wyatt would then take Rollins and set up for Sister Abigail, right where Ric Flair was taken out moments ago, but Rollins got out of it and started throwing lefts and rights before Wyatt began retreating closer to the ring, when Rollins hit a Slingblade!
Tom Phillips: "We're seeing a whole other side to Bray Wyatt tonight."
JBL: "I don't know what's gotten into him, but he is the master of mind games."
Tom Phillips: "The fans have no idea how to react. Wyatt came in as a crowd favorite and now fans aren't even cheering him."
JBL: "Well they're not exactly cheering for Seth, either. Not many fans liked Flair or Rollins."
It was obviously an unique atmosphere in the arena this night. Once the action had gotten back inside the ring, Rollins was letting all his frustrations out for Wyatt taking out Flair. If Wyatt wanted inside Rollins' head, he was in there. Rollins pulled out all the stops with going aggressive with just laying into Bray Wyatt with fists while he was on the mat. When the official pulled him away, Rollins ran back with a running shooting star press. Seth then felt agile enough to hit a springboard moonsault and go for the cover, but only getting two, Rollins punched Wyatt in the face a few more times before he would drag him over to the corner and stomp away. Rollins was pulled away once more but came running back, hitting a corner dropkick right in the kisser. Wyatt rolled out from the corner and Rollins hit a Phoenix Splash, but only to get a two count. Rollins then got up and took a deep breath, but it didn't help. He went back over to Wyatt, but he was suckered into the second turnbuckle and this was a turning point.
Wyatt took over after that, applying some offense like the drop suplex followed by a Half-Nelson Slam, and would ground Rollins to the mat with a headlock. Rollins fought his way out of it, with a portion of the crowd on the heel champion's side, but this was met with Wyatt turning around and leveling Rollins with a lariat before instantly dropping down and pounding Rollins with a series of egregious headbutts. The official pulled Bray Wyatt off, and while the official goes to check on Seth Rollins, Wyatt mocks Rollins and demands he get up and keep fighting. A closeup of Wyatt's forehead shows a tiny cut from the headbutts he delivered, before he pushed the official out of the way and lifted Rollins up by the hair and says he knows the number of hairs on his head, to let him count it. Wyatt, maintaining a left-handed grip of his hair, stands up and stomps Seth's head into the mat with his right foot. In the meantime, Wyatt is counting as if he is counting the hairs on Seth's head, getting to 17 before the official steps in. The official tries getting control and backs Wyatt up in the corner, as he goes back to checking in on Rollins. In the meantime, Wyatt has a peaceful grin on his face as he leans back and begins a "He's Got The Whole World" tune, in which some of the fans join in. Majority of the fans remain unsure of what to do or think. The official puts the gloves on as not only Wyatt got a cut, but Seth Rollins is wounded above his eye.
Bray Wyatt turns to the crowd and shouts to him that he is their WWE Universal Champion. Wyatt then gets the bright idea of exiting the ring and getting a microphone, courtesy of the timekeepers area, and stands outside looking in to a brutalized champion.
Bray Wyatt: "WWE Universe - I am your champion! I have more than just the world in my hands, I have the whole universe in my hands! Seth, I have your hairs in my hands. I have numbered the hairs on your head."
Bray Wyatt rolls into the ring with a microphone still in possession, as Wyatt army crawls toward Seth Rollins as the official backs away.
Bray Wyatt: "Hey Seth, not only have I numbered the hairs on your head, but that means I have the authority to pluck them out."
Bray Wyatt slings the microphone aside as he sits Seth Rollins up and he begins pulling at Seth's hair, and after a few attempts, he pauses and the cameras catch a glimpse of Wyatt looking menacingly at a hand with a few of Seth's hairs in it. Wyatt then picks Rollins up and shouts at Seth for him to bow down, as Wyatt sets up for a Sister Abigail, but Rollins punches out of it. Wyatt lets go of his grip and stumbles, but doesn't fall. Wyatt goes back to Seth and Rollins connects with a jumping knee strike to Wyatt. Seth puts Bray between his legs and goes to hook his arms for a Pedigree, but can't get a grip, as Wyatt pushes him away and to the outside. Rollins takes the opportunity and tries for the suicide dive, and gets it this time, even landing on his feet! Seth can feel the momentum turning and quickly gets Wyatt up and rolls him back into the ring while Rollins gets in position on the apron. Rollins waits and goes for a springboard clothesline, but Wyatt catches him and hits a Ura-nage! Wyatt drops to his knees and casually hooks a leg, but the champion powers out at two.
Tom Phillips: "The champion is showing a lot of fight tonight! He won't give up."
JBL: "Seth is gaining more respect each moment this match carries on."
Tom Phillips: "The question is, how much longer will this match continue?"
Bray Wyatt picks Seth Rollins up and tosses him over the top rope, but Rollins hangs on to prevent from crashing to the floor. Wyatt then steps out onto the apron with Rollins and hits a DDT onto the ring apron! Seth's head is planted and he just lays on the ring apron. Wyatt basks in his own glory for a moment before pushing Rollins back between the ropes before Wyatt climbs back in and goes for a cover, taking too long, and only getting a two. Wyatt pulls Seth up by his hair, and then waits for Rollins to get to his own two feet, before he executed a running body block and Rollins tumbled under the bottom rope and to the floor. Wyatt followed Seth Rollins and after stomping away a few times, he picked him up and threw him into the steel steps. Wyatt went over to the padding and uncovered the concrete floor underneath.
Tom Phillips: "Whatever is going on in Bray's mind, it isn't good!"
JBL: "Seth Rollins might lose more than his title tonight."
Wyatt walks over to Seth Rollins and drags the champion over to the exposed concrete floor. The official isn't counting at this point, and is only wanting Bray Wyatt to stop, but Wyatt isn't listening and sets up for Sister Abigail. Wyatt about executes, but Rollins counters it! Rollins kicks Wyatt in the gut and quickly sets up for a Pedigree and nails it! Seth hurt his knees, but Wyatt isn't moving after having his face planted onto the concrete floor. The referee reluctantly begins a ten-count, knowing some order has to be taken. The official makes it to six when the WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins begins to try making it to his feet, yet he can't put much weight on his right knee, which seemed to take the worse of it. Rollins finally manages to get to his feet and Bray Wyatt isn't moving, but Rollins uses the ring apron to stay up and then roll under the bottom rope after a count of eight. At the count of nine, Rollins tugs on the official's pants leg as the champion lays on the mat. Seth waves his finger before rolling outside the ring, breaking the count. The fans are getting behind Seth Rollins and his efforts, yet they despised him earlier in the night! Bray Wyatt still hasn't moved and Seth Rollins uses all of his might to pick Bray Wyatt up to his feet. Rollins lifts Wyatt up to the ring and pushes him inside, before limping into the ring himself. Seth then waits as Wyatt pushes himself up with his hands, and as he rests on his knees, Rollins lines up and hits a superkick! This superkick rocks Wyatt, but Rollins sets back up and hits a second Pedigree, this one on the mat! This didn't seem to be wise, as Rollins clutched his right knee again, but he flipped Wyatt over and hooked the leg and the referee counted three. Time: 24:48
At the sound of his music, more fans cheered Seth Rollins than they did when he originally came to the ring. It seemed in a manner in which he carried himself after Ric Flair was taken out, and then fighting relentlessly to not only retain the title but do so by pinfall, it gained him a new fan or two. Not the entire crowd was cheering, but Seth Rollins was a winner tonight. Rollins was given the WWE Universal Championship as he went into a seated position in the corner, the title resting on his lap and Rollins obviously in pain. Seth manages to scoot under the bottom rope and limp his way up the ramp with his title in hand. A replay is shown of the carnage that happened, beginning with Ric Flair being taken out, and then the headbutts that busted the champion open, followed by a Pedigree on the concrete floor, that then led to a second Pedigree in the ring for the win. At the end of the replays, Seth Rollins hoists the title in the air and this is how SmackDown goes off the air as Tom Phillips asks everyone to stay tuned for the post-show following.
The post-show begins with Peter Rosenberg, Booker T, Michelle McCool, and Rob Van Dam all welcomed.
That's it for the Post-Show, and a night filled of SmackDown action!
- Beginning with the aftermath of the main event, everyone seemed shocked. RVD and McCool were impressed with Rollins for overcoming the obstacles thrown in his way, and McCool suggested that perhaps he's overlooked as champion, while RVD says that the fans found one way to appreciate him. Booker T focused more on Bray Wyatt and the side of him. Booker T reflects on Wyatt's reign on Raw being maniacal. Booker T said it appeared we had seen a newer Bray when he came to SmackDown, but he reverted to his old self, and perhaps a more darker version of himself. Everyone on the panel agreed that the world title can get to someone's head, and while Wyatt wanted inside of Seth's head, he may have gotten inside of his own.
- The prediction results are in! McCool went 5-2, Van Dam went 2-5, Booker T went 3-4, and Rosenberg went 3-4. McCool boasted about her big win tonight on the panel.
- Each analyst highlighted a match of the night. McCool highlighted the Matrons Championship match, knowing that Nia Jax would prove to be a factor, and she did. Van Dam highlighted the United States Championship match with Nakamura winning the United States Championship, despite RVD's prediction earlier in the night. Van Dam said Sami Zayn's return creates controversy there, and perhaps Kevin Owens can claim he wouldn't have lost if it wasn't for Zayn. Booker T highlighted the Steel Cage match between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. Booker T mentioned the mistake made by Cody Rhodes, going for the kill than going for the win, and this is what will prevent Cody from reaching the main event level. Rosenberg highlighted the big main event, claiming to be shocked by Rollins' victory and how the fans got behind him. Rosenberg then mentioned that it is setting up to be Alberto Del Rio versus Seth Rollins, which the entire panel agrees will be a good match.
- General Manager Edge is welcomed on by the panel. Edge is asked about Ric Flair's update, and that he was taken to a medical facility for further evaluation, and hoping for the best. Edge is asked about his overall thoughts on the show, in which he replied that while there were bumps in the road he will be addressing this Tuesday, he felt the show was top-notch for a SmackDown-exclusive event. When asked about the situation with the United States Championship, Edge assured that will be addressed this Tuesday. In addition, he is asked when Alberto Del Rio will receive his opportunity at Seth Rollins, in which he replied that the next event for SmackDown will be July 2nd and is The Bash. Edge stated it is a possibility to main event then, but he'll discuss further with Del Rio to see when the challenger wants the title opportunity.
That's it for the Post-Show, and a night filled of SmackDown action!
