SmackDown Live Episode 1

 

- Welcome ladies and gentlemen to SmackDown Live! It’s indeed a new era in WWE and with the recent brand split in full effect, lots of surprises are coming our way! Speaking of surprises, out comes the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens, who seems in a very good mood tonight. “The Prize Fighter” asks for the mic and quickly welcomes everyone to The Kevin Owens Show. He states the Brand Split was the best thing that could have happened in WWE, starting with the fact that this way, he doesn’t need to beat Roman Reigns again. Owens goes on and says the defeats hurt Reigns so badly that he turned to a bitter and arrogant prick, just like him! He then tells Reigns “You’re Welcome”. Then the second motive is that, as everyone already noticed, he’s the only champion on SmackDown Live and therefore, he’s the top of the food chain. He’s the king, the boss and he is untouchable so whoever gets to be General Manager better know his place and get on his best graces.

- Suddenly, a familiar theme song plays! It’s Shane McMahon! The son of the Chairman comes down to the ring to a massive pop from the crowd, much to the shock of Owens. After soaking in all the love from the fans, Shane begins by thanking everyone and how good it is to be back in a WWE ring. He says everyone must be wondering why he is here right now and why haven’t we seen him in so long. Shane-O states that he didn’t enjoyed the path that WWE was taking and didn’t had any appeal to him whatsoever but after he recently heard about the news of a Brand Split, he thought to himself that this could be a game changer and he decided to step his foot on the door and enter right in! There’s lots of news he wants to share with the fans and he will start with this one: he is officially the new SmackDown Live General Manager! The crowd pops and chant “YES” while Owens looks on. 

- Shane then quickly addresses the fact that Owens is indeed right, he is the only champion on SmackDown Live right now but that’s going to change soon enough. He announces a SmackDown WWE Tag Team Championship tournament to crown the new champions but that’s not all! He thought the brand needed something big and golden…. Shane then announces a tournament to determine a new World Heavyweight Champion! Owens finally interrupts Shane and rips into his ideas, stating that he’s only doing that to humiliate him. Shane denies it and says Owens should actually thank him as he is in the tournament and could become a double champion…… If he manages to defeat his opponent of the first round…. Sami Zayn! The crowd pops as Owens looks furious and shocked! Shane ends by saying that he better be ready because that match will be on tonight’s Main Event!

-  Owens gets to Shane’s face before angrily leaving as the crowd begins another “YES” chant. What a way to start the show! Coming up next, a World Heavyweight Championship Round Match, as “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles faces “The Devil’s Favorite Demon” Kane!

 

Match 1 –   VS   

Hightlights:

- Kane quickly imposes his will by throwing Styles all over the ring!

- "The Devil's Favorite Demon" then hit a tremendous Side Slam! A hard start for Styles here!

- "The Phenomenal One" finally manages to catch a break and countered Kane with a huge clothesline!

- AJ then hits a fantastic Springboard Inverted DDT! Finally getting some momentum!

- Kane puts a stop to AJ's momentum by grabbing him by the neck!

- Amazingly, Styles counters what it looked like a Chokeslam from Hell into a nasty DDT!

- With an opening in sight, AJ Styles goes for the finishing blow with the Phenomenal Forearm!

- Unfortunately, "The Demon" caught Styles mid-air and delivered a tremendous Chokeslam! Still, wasn't able to put him out for good! So close!

- Kane looks to put it all to rest with another Chokeslam, slowly waiting for Styles to get up and deliver the final chapter of this intense battle!

- Surprisingly, Styles manages to get a fast one on Kane, rolling him up for the 3 count! There it is! Styles wins a very difficult bout!

                                                              Winner: AJ Styles 

- Styles quickly leaves the ring, celebrating outside this hard fought win while a very frustrated Kane can't believe it and actually strikes the referee with a strong punch! That won't please SmackDown Live GM Shane McMahon at all, putting the hands on an official..... 

- We go backstage where we see Finn Balor and Karl Anderson talking. Balor asks where Gallows is, stating that they need to be focused on tonight’s SmackDown Tag Team Championship Round Match. Anderson says it’s all good, Gallows is just getting ready and he has nothing to worry about. Balor says they need to start living up to what they used to stand for in Japan, a force to reckon with and start making this place theirs. Anderson agrees and says it’s good to see old Balor back, the true guy that created the Bullet Club. “The Real Rock N Rolla” says The Balor Club is truly going worldwide before both Too Sweet each other. 

- Back at ringside, Ranallo and Phillips welcome us back and reminds us of the explosive start of the show. Not only is Shane McMahon back but he’s also the new SmackDown Live General Manager and already set the wheels in motion. A tournament to determine a new World Heavyweight Champion was set and is already under way, with AJ Styles being the first man securing a position on the next round but we still have much more tonight! Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who have a very personal history with each other, will battle out on tonight’s Main Event. The events that transpired years ago, on NXT, are surely not forgotten by Sami, who was betrayed and viciously assault by a debuting Owens, who not only burned bridges with Zayn but took the NXT Championship at the time but now finally “The Underdog from the Underground” has an opportunity to get some payback on his nemesis! But right now, get ready for the first match of the SmackDown Tag Team Tournament!

Match 2 –   VS  

- As there's no information about who's the opponent team, Tyler Breeze & Fandango patiently wait on the ring until.....

- It's The New Age Outlaws!! The iconic team is here on SmackDown Live much to the excitement of this packed crowd! Shane McMaon did mentioned we were getting some surprises and he was not lying!

Highlight:

 

- With all the euphoria surrounding The Outlaws return, Breeze took the opportunity to get the control of the match early on with a strong Russian Leg Sweep.

- Soon, Billy Gunn managed to get his composure and hit a beautiful running neckbreaker!

- I didn't lasted much as Breezango regained control by hitting a double team move and preventing any kind of comeback!

- The overconfident Fandango playing to the crowd with his usual dancing.

- After some resistance, Gunn managed to hot tag Road Dogg who cleaned house and hit a fantastic suplex on Fandango followed by his signature Shake, Rattle and Roll!

 - Billy Gunn gets tagged in again and makes quick work out of Fandango by hitting The Famouser and securing the victory!

                                                    Winners: The New Age Outlaws 

- The New Age Outlaws advance in the SmackDown Tag Team Championships Tournament in convincing fashion! They pose with the DX sign as the crowd pops! The rest of the tournament teams better get ready because they definitely are!

- We return backstage where Renee Young is ready to interview “The Big Guy” Ryback. Renne asks Ryback what are his thoughts about the new Brand Split and if he thinks it’s good for him. Ryback says everyone is going crazy over the Brand Split but to him, this just means there’s more little insects ready to jump in and take the spots of real stars like himself. He looks at the Styles, the Zayns, the Gables and can not stop shaking his head in disappointment. What has happened to the WWE he once knew? Where everyone wanted to see those larger than life superstars? Now it seems all they want is see monkeys doing jumps right and left to get a little pop. It makes him sick. Ryback reminds Roman Reigns words on last RAW and says he nailed it, everything is about the little ones and we, the real big men, are marginalized and criticized because we actually look tough and strong. Ryback then states how that’s going to end here on SmackDown Live as he is making his mission to win the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament and he will be doing that by destroying every single midget he finds because “RYBACK RULES!”. He storms off as we go to a commercial break. 

- We return to the broadcast team where Ranallo and Phillips mention the surprise return of The New Age Outlaws from earlier, stating how both men seemed in great shape and more than ready for another run. Ranallo goes on to say that it seems Shane McMahon is indeed full of surprises and wonders what else are we getting tonight but right now it’s time for another World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Match as “The Bulgarian Brute” Rusev faces the exciting Tyson Kidd! It’s NEXT!

Match 3 –   VS   

Highlights: 

- "The Bulgarian Brute" quickly went to the offensive and delivered a nasty backbreaker!

- Keeping up the pace, Rusev begins manhandling Kidd by delivering some strong suplexes!

- This time its a Belly to Belly suplex! Tyson Kidd is being destroyed here....

 - Finally, Kidd shows some life by countering Rusev with a neckbreaker followed by a picture perfect DDT!

- "The Super Athlete" quickly made sure the match wasn't escaping by hitting a brutal Savate Kick, almost ripping Kidd's head off!

- Despite the valient effort, Rusev was too much and Tyson Kidd had no solution than to submit to  The Accolate. Total domination by "The Bulgarian Brute"!

                                                                         Winner: Rusev 

- Rusev showing is a sign that the Bulgarian is putting everything into this tournament and wants to become the first World Heavyweight Champion of the New Era over here, on SmackDown Live! After this display, one must wonder if Rusev isn't a favorite right now..... 

- Backstage we see The Brian Kendrick wanting to have a word with Daniel Bryan, his first opponent in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament. Kendrick says he’s thrilled to be back in the WWE and thanks Bryan for everything he has done for him, mentioning their long-time friendship. Bryan says he only put a good word out there but it was all Kendrick and how good he really is. Kendrick thanks him but says that it seems fate as put both of them in the first round of this tournament and he wants to make the most out of it. Daniel goes on to say he wasn’t expecting anything else from Kendrick and wishes him good luck and may the best man win. Kendrick finishes by shaking his hand and saying “yeah, the best man will win…"

- Back on commentary, Phillips wonders if Kendrick and Bryan friendship may be affected by their upcoming match since both men want to make an impression on the new SmackDown Live regime. Ranallo considers it a friendly dispute for now but we can’t know for sure when things get more serious. Daniel Bryan has been through some hard times in recent years, between finally overcoming The Authority and reaching the very top, to getting a career ending injury that put everything on a stop. Fortunately for him, he managed to get back to do what he loves and he wants nothing more than to prove he can get to that point once more but let’s not forget that Kendrick has also been through hard times, leaving the company and falling into obscurity and “The Man With a Plan” definitely sees this return as a last chance to make a mark in WWE. Moving on, next we have another round of the SmackDown Tag Team Championships Tournament, when the Hype Bros face against the dangerous Balor Club members, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson! 

Match 4 –   VS 

Highlights: 

- Gallows quickly used his size as advantage, bullying Ryder around the ring!

- Anderson & Gallows continued isolating Zach from his teammate and delivered a strong double team combination!

- A fast Snap DDT finally allowed Ryder some air to breathe!

- "The Long Island Iced-Z" kept the momentum going and hit a strong neckbreaker on Anderson!

- Ryder finally tagged Rawley, who went all over the place, hitting a Lou Thesz Press followed by some hard punches!

- Karl Anderson continued to be punished, being on the receiving end of a Front Powerslam!

- The Hype Bros then tried to secure the win by hitting their finisher, The Hype Ryder! Still, Gallows was able to break the pin just in time! The match goes on!

- With the referee distracted by trying to take Gallows out of the ring, Finn Balor pulls Rawley outside and sends him violently crashing against the steel steps as the crowd boos!

- Anderson takes advantage of the situation and hits a brutal Rocket Kick!

- The Balor Club then puts an end to the bout by hitting The Magic Killer and securing a spot in the next round!

                                   Winners: The Balor Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)   

- Finn Balor joins his brothers on the ring, posing to the crowd with the Too Sweet gesture. The faction just showed their strength tonight and how resourceful they can truly be!  

- Backstage we see a still very angry Kane, who encounters Darren Young and viciously attacks him and leaves him unconscious. “The Big Red Machine” is definitely not pleased with the conclusion of his match against AJ Styles! 

- Back to our broadcast and immediately we hear Chris Jericho’s theme playing to a mixed reaction! Out comes "The Man of 1,004 Holds", who shockingly returned last Sunday at SummerSlam and played a crucial role in Rock’s defeat at the hands of Bray Wyatt. After some time, Jericho grabs the microphone and begins by saying that “FINALLY…….. THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT WHAT HE DOES IS BACK”, apparently taunting Rock’s known catchphrase. The crowd begins to boo Jericho as he smiles. Chris then says that everyone must be thrilled to see him get back at SummerSlam and now he graces everyone with his presence on SmackDown Live. He then calls this presence a gift, The Gift of Jericho. He then gets serious and says that once he saw The Rock was returning for one last match, he knew this meant only one thing: ego. Jericho goes on to say that everytime Rock comes “back” to WWE, it’s to satisfy his own ego and has nothing to do with any of these fans. That’s the crap he spits every time because it suits his million dollar smile and his Hollywood presentation. So, after hearing Wyatt's words, calling out the true nature of Dwayne, an idea came out. Jericho goes on to state how Wyatt exposed Rock for all his flaws and lies and it gave him a strong motive to return, to save the WWE once again from a person like him, who was always trying to outshine him during the Attitude Era and never truly respected him. Why? Because he’s The Rock and all he cares is himself so, because of this and so much more, Bray Wyatt HAD to win. And he did. It was his own Gift of Jericho to Wyatt. Drink it…..

- Suddenly, The Wyatt’s flash comes and “The Eater of Worlds” makes his presence felt alongside his Family members, Braun Strowman and Luke Harper. Wyatt begins by saying lies are lies. Doesn’t matter where they come from and if there’s one thing he doesn’t do, is lie. But Jericho does. Wyatt goes on to accuse Jericho of ruining his moment at SummerSlam and that his win over The Rock is stained for eternity and that’s something that makes him sick. He feels the disappointment of Sister Abigail, that awful feeling that is slowly eating him inside. Bray Wyatt then susprises everyone and says that despite never lying, he does make mistakes and admits he might have been mistaken about The Rock. Wyatt states that Rock showed him, in the ring, in our own world, that he was more than first thought and he felt the flames inside him, so strong that they could defeat a God. A God like him. Wyatt continues and says that despite everything, when they entered his realm, The Rock showed his true colors and they were strong and powerful and then something happened. Respect. Bray then goes to say Rock earned his respect much to the confusing looks on both Strowman and Harper, who don’t seem to agree with it. Wyatt then finish it off by warning Jericho that when they face each other, he’s afraid he’s not going to feel the same way about him and if that’s the case, there’s only thing Jericho can do…… Run! The Wyatt Flash comes and we go to a commercial break.   

- On the backstage area, we see the SmackDown Live General Manager Shane McMahon busy until Mark Henry stops him. “The World Strongest Man” doesn’t seem happy and quickly demands explanations for why he isn’t included on the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament. Shane says he felt those selected were the best he could…. Before Shane could end his own sentence, Henry gets on his face and tells him to stop it right there. Henry knows what’s going on. He knows Shane doesn’t trust him and that he’s seen as an old veteran with nothing else to give, after everything he has done for his father’s company. Mark Henry states he could have seen this coming from his sister but never from him but this just tells him where he stands on SmackDown Live but if there’s something he never admitted, was being pushed to the sidelines and it won’t be starting now. Henry then threatens Shane that perhaps he needs to re-open The Hall of Pain to get some deserved attention around here and says that he better be ready because things are about to get extremely……. Violent. Henry storms off, leaving Shane preoccupied.    

- We return to the announcers table and Ranallo has some breaking news! Next week, on SmacKDown Live, “The Great One” The Rock returns home! There isn’t much information about why Rock is coming but one must wonder if it’s to address what happened at SummerSlam and tonight’s harsh words from Chris Jericho. It’s well known that The Rock’s schedule is beyond busy but if “The People’s Champion” has found time to come to SmackDown Live, then it’s surely not to be missed! But now it’s time for our Main Event of the night, as the United States Champion Kevin Owens battles “The Underdog from Underground” Sami Zayn for a spot in the next round of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament! It’s NEXT!   

 

Main Event –   VS   

- As Sami Zayn is making is way to the ring, Owens goes for a blind attack from behind!

 - The United States Champion keeps the assault going, ignoring the referee's attempt to calm him down!

- The situation then requires security coming down to the ramp to immobilize Owens and stop the vicious beatdown.

 - Zayn finally regained his senses and wouldn't stand for this cowardly attack, going after Owens himself all the way to the stage area! It's chaos right now!

- Once again, referees and security had to intervene and push both mean aside!

 - It was no use as both Zayn and Owens managed to overcome the security force and continued their brawl into the backstage area!

 - As Owens trash talked, Zayn took the chance to hit a painful neckbreaker on the floor!

 - "The Prize Fighter" tried to hit Zayn with a trash can but instead got sent head first against a TV screen!

 - After such a shot, Owens managed to grab Zayn and hit a tremendous Exploder Suplex into a table! It's complete destruction backstage!

 - The brawl wouldn't stop for nothing as both men did everything they could to hurt the other!

 - Sami then delivers a nasty chair shot right in the head, leaving Owens almost unconscious!

 - Playing possum, the United States Champion fools Zayn, sending him crashing against the lockers and hitting a scary Super Kick right in the face! This is getting out of hand!

 - Kevin Owens then drags a hurt Zayn to the hall and puts an exclamation point to the whole situation with a brutal Pop-Up Powerbomb on a table! Sami is out cold!

 - Owens slowly backs away after seeing the destruction, leaving everyone in the arena speechless as the show slowly fades away.......