WWE SmackDown was taped at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The show served as the blue brand’s go-home episode for Sunday Night’s Main Event.
Kyoki, formerly known as Hiromu Takahashi in New Japan Pro Wrestling, made his WWE debut in tag team action. He teamed with Shinsuke Nakamura against Kit Wilson and Cleveland’s own The Miz.
Giulia also got another chance to face Blake Monroe after their previous match did not take place. Cody Rhodes addressed the WWE Universe ahead of Sunday Night’s Main Event.
The show also featured developments around the Undisputed WWE Championship. Sami Zayn had disrupted the previous week’s No. 1 contender’s match. His actions left the title picture needing further clarification.
WWE SmackDown Highlights
GUNTHER, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens Confront Sami Zayn
GUNTHER called out Sami Zayn and demanded that he come to the ring. Sami appeared in the crowd and said he was not cleared because of his broken hand. Sami claimed he was still the rightful WWE Champion. He also attacked current champion CM Punk and demanded another opportunity to regain the title. Sami said nobody would get what they wanted until he got justice.
GUNTHER then went into the crowd to confront Sami. Sami backed away and reminded him about his injured hand. Finn Balor then appeared and chased Sami toward the ring. Kevin Owens soon arrived and joined the chase. Owens followed Sami through the crowd and toward the backstage area.
This left GUNTHER and Finn Balor standing in the arena.
Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley faced Fatal Influence in a tag match. Fatal Influence controlled the opening before Charlotte entered and changed the pace with several big moves. Jacy Jayne tried to interfere, but Alexa Bliss stopped her. Tatum then caught Lainey Reid with Cemetery Drive for the pinfall. Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley won by pinfall.
After the match, Jade Cargill and the Baddies attacked Charlotte, Alexa, and Tatum. Fatal Influence also joined the attack before stepping aside. The Baddies then hit Tatum with a double facebuster and Jade finished Charlotte with Jaded.
Nia Jax vs Tiffany Stratton
Chelsea Green confronted Nick Aldis and insisted she wanted to keep defending her WWE Women’s Championship. She said she had waited 13 years for the title and was willing to face anyone. The doctor cleared her to compete as long as she wore her protective facemask.
Nia Jax and Lash Legend then confronted Chelsea and demanded a title match. Tiffany Stratton came out to help Chelsea and fought off the attack. Aldis announced that Nia would challenge Chelsea for the title next week in Mexico City. He also booked Nia against Tiffany that night.
Tiffany used quick counters to fight back against Nia. She hit a handspring Ace Crusher and crucifix driver. Nia answered with a Samoan drop before hitting her Banzai Drop. Nia Jax won by pinfall.
Cody Rhodes Confronts Randy Orton Ahead of Sunday’s Match
Randy Orton interrupted Cody Rhodes’ interview with Corey Graves. Orton mocked Cody for not defending his family after his earlier comments about Cody’s mother and wife. Orton said Cody cared more about the WWE Championship than his family. Cody finally stood up and confronted Orton face-to-face.
Cody said he might be sick, but if Orton was right about him, then Orton would be in trouble on Sunday. Cody then calmly walked away. Orton was left frustrated as his mind games failed.
Bakusai (Kyoki & Shinsuke Nakamura) vs Kit Wilson & the Miz
Bakusai faced Kit Wilson and The Miz in a tag match. Wilson and Miz tried to control Kyoki early, but Kyoki and Nakamura answered with strong strikes and quick teamwork. Miz isolated Nakamura after Wilson interfered. Nakamura eventually made the tag and Kyoki entered with a burst of offense. Kyoki later countered Wilson and hit an inverted Stunner. Bakusai won by pinfall with an inverted Stunner from Kyoki on Kit Wilson.
CM Punk (c) vs Johnny Gargano (Undisputed WWE Men’s Championship)
CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. Gargano attacked quickly and sent Punk outside with an enzuigiri and plancha. After the break, both men traded several near falls.
Sami Zayn then appeared and distracted Punk. Candice LeRae also interfered and helped Gargano hit One Final Beat. Punk survived another pin attempt.
Sami later grabbed the championship belt, but Kevin Owens stopped him. GUNTHER then attacked Sami before Finn Balor cut him off. Sami eventually struck Punk with the title belt.
Despite the chaos, Punk kicked out and later hit Gargano with Go to Sleep. CM Punk won by pinfall and retained the Undisputed WWE Championship.
After the match, Punk challenged Sami Zayn to a title match next week in Mexico City. Sami responded with more trash talk before the show ended.
FAQs
Q. Who confronted Sami Zayn on SmackDown?
A. GUNTHER, Finn Balor, and Kevin Owens confronted Sami.
Q. Who will challenge Chelsea Green for the title next week?
A. Nia Jax will challenge Chelsea Green for the title.
Q. Who won the match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton?
A. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton did not wrestle on this show.
Q. Did CM Punk retain the Undisputed WWE Championship?
A. Yes, CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano and retained the title.
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