WWE SmackDown took place at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The show continued the build toward Money in the Bank. Sami Zayn appeared after regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship. He later defended the title against Kevin Owens in the main event.
Randy Orton, Trick Williams, and Rey Fenix competed in a Money in the Bank qualifier. Jacy Jayne, Alexa Bliss, and Jade Cargill also competed in a women’s qualifier. Cody Rhodes also sat down for an interview.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki faced WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. The match was contested without the titles on the line.
WWE SmackDown Highlights
Sami Zayn Set to Defend WWE Title
Newly crowned two-time Undisputed WWE Men’s Champion Sami Zayn celebrated his title win with General Manager Nick Aldis. Johnny Gargano then interrupted and demanded the title match he believed he had earned. Aldis said Sami was champion but did not control the matches. Kevin Owens soon entered and argued that he also deserved a title opportunity. Owens then attacked Gargano with a Stunner.
Aldis told Owens he would not reward his recent actions, but Sami grabbed Aldis and demanded respect. Aldis then changed his mind and booked Sami to defend the championship against Owens in the main event. Sami protested before Randy Orton appeared and stared at the title.
Randy Orton vs Rey Fenix vs Trick Williams (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)
Randy Orton, Rey Fenix and Trick Williams battled for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The three wrestlers traded control early, with Fenix using quick strikes and high-flying moves while Orton relied on his power. Orton also suplexed both Williams and Lil Yachty into the announce desk.
After the break, the match featured a Tower of Doom and several close nearfalls. Orton hit snap scoop powerslams on both opponents and later caught Fenix with an RKO. Williams then hit the Trick Shot on Orton before covering Fenix. Trick Williams scored the pinfall victory over Rey Fenix and qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Bakusai (Kyoki & Shinsuke Nakamura) vs MFTs (Talla & Tama Tonga)
Bakusai, Kyoki and Shinsuke Nakamura faced the MFTs, Talla and Tama Tonga. Kyoki attacked Talla early and landed a double dropkick before the commercial break. After returning, Kyoki used crossbodies and a tijeras, while Tama answered with heavy chops. Talla caught Kyoki but was hit with a DDT.
Nakamura later entered and hit a diving Kinshasa, but Tama broke up the pin. Nakamura then sent Tama to the floor with a sliding German suplex. Haku attacked Nakamura with his walking stick, causing a disqualification. After the match, Haku attacked Nakamura again, while Talla and Tama hit Kyoki with Total Elimination. Haku then raised his sons’ hands.
Cody Rhodes Explains Randy Orton Decision
Cody Rhodes sat down with Michael Cole to discuss his recent decision involving Randy Orton. Rhodes said he does not like the phrase “pull the trigger” but admitted he could not do what many expected. Cole noted that Rhodes is WWE’s “QB1”, but many people who celebrated his title win have now turned against him.
Rhodes said he may have been naive to think things would be different. However, he believes WWE is bigger than the wrestlers fighting over the title. Rhodes also addressed questions about his morality and a possible turn. He said his success came without changing who he was. Rhodes then made it clear he would not make the same decision against Orton again.
Alexa Bliss vs Jacy Jayne vs Jade Cargill (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)
Alexa Bliss, Jacy Jayne and Jade Cargill battled for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The three women traded control early, with Cargill using her power while Bliss and Jayne relied on quick attacks. After the break, Jayne and Bliss fought on the top rope before Cargill hit a Tower of Doom on both opponents.
Bliss later hit a DDT and sent Jayne to the floor before taking both women out with a diving crossbody. Bliss tried to hit Sister Abigail on Cargill, but Jade countered into Jaded. Jayne broke up the move with a kick and quickly covered Bliss. Jacy Jayne scored the pinfall and qualified for Money in the Bank.
Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn (c) (Undisputed WWE Men’s Championship)
Kevin Owens attacked Sami Zayn before the bell as their Undisputed WWE Championship match began. Owens controlled the early action, while Zayn fought back with a Blue Thunder Driver. Johnny Gargano then interfered, with Candice LeRae attacking Owens and helping Zayn hit a Helluva Kick.
Owens still survived and later sent Zayn through the announce desk. Gargano tried to interfere again, but Owens hit him with a Stunner. CM Punk then appeared and struck Owens with the title belt while Zayn covered him. Owens kicked out, but Zayn hit another Helluva Kick to win and retain the title. Punk attacked both men after the match.
FAQs
Q. Who qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match?
A. Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne qualified.
Q. What did Cody Rhodes say about Randy Orton?
A. Rhodes said he would not make the same decision again.
Q. Who won the WWE Championship match?
A. Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens and retained the title.
Q. Who attacked Owens and Zayn after the match?
A. CM Punk attacked both men after the match.
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