Feeling as though Team Hell No was not worthy of their SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity at WWE Extreme Rules, The Usos challenged Daniel Bryan & Kane in the main event. If Jimmy & Jey won, they would be added to Bryan & Kane’s championship bout against The Bludgeon Brothers.
The Usos confronted the reunited Team Hell No.
Following their shocking reunion last week, Team Hell No kicked off SmackDown LIVE by chatting with Renee Young. Kane explained to the WWE Universe that he figured it would only be a matter of time before Daniel Bryan could use some backup and that The Beard’s run-in with The Bludgeon Brothers last week was the time to come to the rescue. However, as the two friends tried to express their excitement about their upcoming SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity at WWE Extreme Rules, they also couldn’t help but fall back into their old patterns of arguing over… well, pretty much everything. The two soon found themselves in a shouting match, but they were quickly interrupted by The Usos.
Jimmy and Jey were happy to see that Team Hell No were back together but took great exception to Bryan & Kane receiving a title opportunity right out of the gate. The Usos believed that Bryan and Kane had been awarded the title match for all the wrong reasons, a claim that Team Hell No of course refuted. Seeing tensions rising between the two teams, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Paige hit the scene with a blockbuster announcement: Team Hell No would receive their opportunity against The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles at WWE Extreme Rules no matter what. However, if The Usos could defeat Team Hell No tonight in the main event, Jimmy & Jey would be added to the match to make it a Triple Threat.
And, well, how do you say “no” to that?! (Via WWE.com)
Jimmy and Jey were happy to see that Team Hell No were back together but took great exception to Bryan & Kane receiving a title opportunity right out of the gate. The Usos believed that Bryan and Kane had been awarded the title match for all the wrong reasons, a claim that Team Hell No of course refuted. Seeing tensions rising between the two teams, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Paige hit the scene with a blockbuster announcement: Team Hell No would receive their opportunity against The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles at WWE Extreme Rules no matter what. However, if The Usos could defeat Team Hell No tonight in the main event, Jimmy & Jey would be added to the match to make it a Triple Threat.
And, well, how do you say “no” to that?! (Via WWE.com)
United States Championship: UNITED STATES CHAMPION, Jeff Hardy defeated The Miz. (Independence Day United States Open Challenge)
With the Fourth of July just one day away, United States Champion Jeff Hardy issued the Independence Day United States Open Challenge to anyone on the roster… enter The A-Lister.
Yes, The Miz, who defeated Jeff Hardy to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match in a barnburner last month, answered the call and took the fight to The Charismatic Enigma.
The Miz constantly attempted to ground Hardy’s aerial mastery, but The Charismatic Enigma battled back, and after the referee caught The Miz red-handed trying to use the ropes for leverage during a pinfall attempt, Hardy caught an irate A-Lister with a Twist of Fate and a must-see Swanton Bomb for the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Yes, The Miz, who defeated Jeff Hardy to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match in a barnburner last month, answered the call and took the fight to The Charismatic Enigma.
The Miz constantly attempted to ground Hardy’s aerial mastery, but The Charismatic Enigma battled back, and after the referee caught The Miz red-handed trying to use the ropes for leverage during a pinfall attempt, Hardy caught an irate A-Lister with a Twist of Fate and a must-see Swanton Bomb for the victory. (Via WWE.com)
SAnitY spoil The New Day's first annual Third of July Pancake eating contest.
Trying to spread some positivity (and pancakes) on the night before Independence Day, The New Day unveiled their First Annual Third of July Pancake Eating Contest. Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods competed in a flapjack-eating challenge set to last for a staggering five minutes. During the contest, however, the lights went out, and SAnitY attacked The New Day from behind. SmackDown LIVE officials rushed out to try to stop the attack, but SAnitY couldn’t be contained. Eric Young, Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe continued the savage beatdown, and Dain and Wolfe held Woods down on a table while Young elbow-dropped him through it to cap off the assault. (Via WWe.com)
Asuka vs. James Ellsworth ended in a double count-out. (Battle of the Sexes)
With SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella on commentary, Asuka and James Ellsworth engaged in a battle of the sexes after Carmella seemingly gave her lackey one simple instruction: Take Asuka out.
Ellsworth seemed ready to follow the orders until the bell rang and then the ultra-focused Empress of Tomorrow laid in, and an absolute pounding began. Making Ellsworth pay for his pivotal involvement in Carmella’s successful title defense at WWE Money in the Bank, the unrelenting Asuka forced Ellsworth to run away after catching him with an echoing slap. Asuka chased him, which resulted in a double count-out since Ellsworth had sprinted over the barricade and beyond. Carmella took complete advantage by blindsiding The Empress of Tomorrow while she was in hot pursuit.
The job didn’t go according to plan for the SmackDown Women’s Champion, but the night ended with Asuka briefly downed all the same, giving Carmella the edge heading into their match at WWE Extreme Rules. However, Ellsworth wasn't totally in the clear as it SmackDown LIVE General Manager Paige announced that Ellsworth would face Asuka again next week, this time in a Lumberjack Match with the entire blue brand Women's division surrounding the ring. (Via WWE.com)
Ellsworth seemed ready to follow the orders until the bell rang and then the ultra-focused Empress of Tomorrow laid in, and an absolute pounding began. Making Ellsworth pay for his pivotal involvement in Carmella’s successful title defense at WWE Money in the Bank, the unrelenting Asuka forced Ellsworth to run away after catching him with an echoing slap. Asuka chased him, which resulted in a double count-out since Ellsworth had sprinted over the barricade and beyond. Carmella took complete advantage by blindsiding The Empress of Tomorrow while she was in hot pursuit.
The job didn’t go according to plan for the SmackDown Women’s Champion, but the night ended with Asuka briefly downed all the same, giving Carmella the edge heading into their match at WWE Extreme Rules. However, Ellsworth wasn't totally in the clear as it SmackDown LIVE General Manager Paige announced that Ellsworth would face Asuka again next week, this time in a Lumberjack Match with the entire blue brand Women's division surrounding the ring. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Champion, AJ Styles defeated Aiden English by submission.
WWE Champion AJ Styles arrived on SmackDown LIVE ready to declare why he would defeat Rusev to retain his title at WWE Extreme Rules (aka Rusev Day), but The Phenomenal One was quickly interrupted by The Bulgarian Brute and Aiden English. Rusev let Styles know that he’s never faced anyone quite like The Super Athlete before promising to defeat him soundly at WWE Extreme Rules and move into “the house that AJ Styles built” as champion. Styles’ ensuing contest against English saw The Mozart of Mayhem try to get revenge after AJ dropped him several weeks ago, and English took advantage of a distraction from The Super Athlete right as the bell rang. That wouldn’t be enough, though, as Styles defeated English with the Calf Crusher for the tapout win.
However, The Phenomenal One would have no time to celebrate, as Styles was then met by an unexpected Machka Kick from Rusev, who locked the champion in the Accolade. Statement made.
However, The Phenomenal One would have no time to celebrate, as Styles was then met by an unexpected Machka Kick from Rusev, who locked the champion in the Accolade. Statement made.
Becky Lynch defeated Peyton Royce by submission.
Looking to continue her hot streak, Becky Lynch took on Peyton Royce (with Billie Kay by her side) on SmackDown LIVE.
The Irish Lass Kicker took Royce’s best, persevering through several expertly placed kicks by Peyton, locking her in the Dis-arm-her and notching the tapout victory to keep her winning streak alive. (Via WWE.com)
The Irish Lass Kicker took Royce’s best, persevering through several expertly placed kicks by Peyton, locking her in the Dis-arm-her and notching the tapout victory to keep her winning streak alive. (Via WWE.com)
Team Hell No defeated The Usos.
With the stakes as high as could be for The Usos, Jimmy & Jey took on Team Hell No with a place in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match at WWE Extreme Rules on the line for them if they could prevail.
The two legendary tag teams went all out in a hard-hitting thriller that absolutely captivated the WWE Universe. As the match progressed, Jimmy & Jey caught fire, kept The “Yes!” Man down and continued to apply the pressure with high-impact offense. However, showing no rust at all, Daniel Bryan and Kane fought back, and when Kane incredibly caught both Usos in Chokeslam position from his back, Bryan knocked out Jimmy with the Running Knee, and The Big Red Machine connected with the Chokeslam on Jey for the win.
Team Hell No couldn’t bask in their victory as much as they would’ve liked, however, as their celebratory “Yes!” chant was cut short when The Bludgeon Brothers arrived at the top of the stage, staring holes into Bryan and Kane and reminding them of the challenge that awaits them at WWE Extreme Rules. (Via WWE.com)
The two legendary tag teams went all out in a hard-hitting thriller that absolutely captivated the WWE Universe. As the match progressed, Jimmy & Jey caught fire, kept The “Yes!” Man down and continued to apply the pressure with high-impact offense. However, showing no rust at all, Daniel Bryan and Kane fought back, and when Kane incredibly caught both Usos in Chokeslam position from his back, Bryan knocked out Jimmy with the Running Knee, and The Big Red Machine connected with the Chokeslam on Jey for the win.
Team Hell No couldn’t bask in their victory as much as they would’ve liked, however, as their celebratory “Yes!” chant was cut short when The Bludgeon Brothers arrived at the top of the stage, staring holes into Bryan and Kane and reminding them of the challenge that awaits them at WWE Extreme Rules. (Via WWE.com)
On the latest episode of WWE 205 Live, Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali brought the WWE Universe to the edge of their seats in a hard-hitting battle. Plus, Noam Dar made his WWE 205 Live return to face TJP.
Noam Dar defeated TJP.
For weeks, inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP has felt disrespected by WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick, believing that he wasn’t receiving high-level opportunities. Furthermore, The Duke of Dab doesn’t believe that his recent opponents have been up to his standard. Still looking for a respectable opponent to complement his in-ring ability, TJP was shocked when his mystery adversary was revealed to be the returning Noam Dar. Sidelined for months with a knee injury, The Scottish Supernova re-emerged during the U.K. Championship Special looking better than ever.
Of course, before the contest, The Cruisergreat was disappointed that the match was not the main event, nor for the Cruiserweight Championship. After TJP completed his tirade, Dar made his way to the ring and immediately got in his opponent’s face. TJP charged forward, but Dar was ready, taking down The Fil-Am Flash with remarkable speed and executing a running knee strike for a quick and impressive victory. (Via WWE.com)
Of course, before the contest, The Cruisergreat was disappointed that the match was not the main event, nor for the Cruiserweight Championship. After TJP completed his tirade, Dar made his way to the ring and immediately got in his opponent’s face. TJP charged forward, but Dar was ready, taking down The Fil-Am Flash with remarkable speed and executing a running knee strike for a quick and impressive victory. (Via WWE.com)
Akira Tozawa defeated Jaysin Strife.
Looking to continue building on his recent momentum and winning ways, Akira Tozawa battled Jaysin Strife. However, before the contest got underway, Lio Rush made his way to the ring to observe the action.
As the opening bell sounded, Tozawa wasted little time launching his offense, putting his fast and hard-hitting ability on display. As The Stamina Monster took control of the contest, he was distracted by Rush’s presence, and that allowed Strife to briefly turn the tables. Tozawa recovered, though, rolling away from a high-risk maneuver and unleashing a flurry of strikes before hitting his patented Senton for the win.
As Tozawa celebrated his victory, Rush addressed the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion while standing atop the announce table. At first, Rush praised Tozawa’s ability, but he soon questioned what the Japanese Superstar has done since his one championship reign. Rush told Tozawa he should be ashamed for sitting around and waiting for opportunities. The Man of the Hour then laid down a challenge to Tozawa whenever he’s ready. (Via WWE.com)
As the opening bell sounded, Tozawa wasted little time launching his offense, putting his fast and hard-hitting ability on display. As The Stamina Monster took control of the contest, he was distracted by Rush’s presence, and that allowed Strife to briefly turn the tables. Tozawa recovered, though, rolling away from a high-risk maneuver and unleashing a flurry of strikes before hitting his patented Senton for the win.
As Tozawa celebrated his victory, Rush addressed the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion while standing atop the announce table. At first, Rush praised Tozawa’s ability, but he soon questioned what the Japanese Superstar has done since his one championship reign. Rush told Tozawa he should be ashamed for sitting around and waiting for opportunities. The Man of the Hour then laid down a challenge to Tozawa whenever he’s ready. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali defeated Buddy Murphy. (No Disqualification Match)
After their rubber match was interrupted by Hideo Itami last month, Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali looked to finally settle the score in their intense rivalry in a No Disqualification Match.
As soon as Murphy made his way to the ring apron, Ali attacked, taking down Murphy and immediately flattening him with a high-risk move to the outside. Ali tossed Murphy into the barricade before they made their way back into the ring.
The Juggernaut of WWE 205 Live countered, striking back and eventually grabbing Ali by the hair and tossing him to the arena floor from the barricade. Murphy then showed off his ruthlessness by suplexing Ali into the steel ramp before moving back into the ring and applying excruciating pressure to Ali’s back and neck.
In control of the bout, Murphy moved the ring steps onto the apron and tried to throw his opponent face-first into the steel. Ali countered and slammed Murphy into the announce table, and as he prepared to use the table to his advantage, Murphy – back inside the ring – dropkicked the steel steps into Ali’s shoulder. The Australian Superstar immediately followed with a jaw-dropping leap off the steps to the outside, taking out Ali.
Murphy continued to show his aggression, setting up the steel steps in the corner and throwing Ali into them twice. Refusing to quit, Ali again battled back, driving Murphy into the steel steps following an incredible hurricanrana. Seizing the opportunity to strike, Ali attempted the 054, but he was stopped with a kick to the jaw and powerbombed twice by Murphy.
Murphy prepared a high-risk move with Ali laid out on the steps. The Heart of WWE 205 Live countered and adjusted the steps upright to execute a – believe it or not – superplex off the top of the steps.
Once again on the outside Murphy launched Ali into the announce table, and he prepared another high-risk move from the barricade, but he was met with a Spanish Fly onto the table instead.
Back inside the ring, Murphy hit Ali with a running knee strike that caused The Heart of WWE 205 Live to get caught in the ropes. Murphy executed four knee strikes, but Ali still refused to quit after being dragged to the center of the ring.
Frustrated, Murphy again prepared to use the steel steps – even trying to just drop them on top of Ali – but the Chicago native avoided Murphy’s strikes. Countering Murphy’s charge with a kick, Ali quickly capitalized and took Murphy down with an incredible tornado DDT off the steps to finally secure a hard-fought and well-earned pinfall victory. (Via WWE.com)
As soon as Murphy made his way to the ring apron, Ali attacked, taking down Murphy and immediately flattening him with a high-risk move to the outside. Ali tossed Murphy into the barricade before they made their way back into the ring.
The Juggernaut of WWE 205 Live countered, striking back and eventually grabbing Ali by the hair and tossing him to the arena floor from the barricade. Murphy then showed off his ruthlessness by suplexing Ali into the steel ramp before moving back into the ring and applying excruciating pressure to Ali’s back and neck.
In control of the bout, Murphy moved the ring steps onto the apron and tried to throw his opponent face-first into the steel. Ali countered and slammed Murphy into the announce table, and as he prepared to use the table to his advantage, Murphy – back inside the ring – dropkicked the steel steps into Ali’s shoulder. The Australian Superstar immediately followed with a jaw-dropping leap off the steps to the outside, taking out Ali.
Murphy continued to show his aggression, setting up the steel steps in the corner and throwing Ali into them twice. Refusing to quit, Ali again battled back, driving Murphy into the steel steps following an incredible hurricanrana. Seizing the opportunity to strike, Ali attempted the 054, but he was stopped with a kick to the jaw and powerbombed twice by Murphy.
Murphy prepared a high-risk move with Ali laid out on the steps. The Heart of WWE 205 Live countered and adjusted the steps upright to execute a – believe it or not – superplex off the top of the steps.
Once again on the outside Murphy launched Ali into the announce table, and he prepared another high-risk move from the barricade, but he was met with a Spanish Fly onto the table instead.
Back inside the ring, Murphy hit Ali with a running knee strike that caused The Heart of WWE 205 Live to get caught in the ropes. Murphy executed four knee strikes, but Ali still refused to quit after being dragged to the center of the ring.
Frustrated, Murphy again prepared to use the steel steps – even trying to just drop them on top of Ali – but the Chicago native avoided Murphy’s strikes. Countering Murphy’s charge with a kick, Ali quickly capitalized and took Murphy down with an incredible tornado DDT off the steps to finally secure a hard-fought and well-earned pinfall victory. (Via WWE.com)
Hideo Itami set to challenge WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Cedric Alexander.
Next week on WWE 205 Live, both Hideo Itami and Cedric Alexander will have their wishes granted when they battle for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
After interrupting a match between Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy last month, Hideo Itami made his championship intentions clear while demanding respect. Although WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick was less than impressed with Itami’s attack, the Japanese Superstar defeated Ali and Murphy in a Triple Threat Match, making a very strong claim for a WWE Cruiserweight Championship opportunity.
Cedric Alexander was eager for the challenge and implored Maverick to make the match. After some deliberation, Maverick scheduled the match for next week on WWE 205 Live! After the battle was set, both the champion and challenger displayed their animosity – and eagerness to compete – during an interview after WWE 205 Live.
Don’t miss WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander put his title on the line against Hideo Itami next Tuesday at 10/9 C on the award-winning WWE Network! (Via WWE.com)
After interrupting a match between Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy last month, Hideo Itami made his championship intentions clear while demanding respect. Although WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick was less than impressed with Itami’s attack, the Japanese Superstar defeated Ali and Murphy in a Triple Threat Match, making a very strong claim for a WWE Cruiserweight Championship opportunity.
Cedric Alexander was eager for the challenge and implored Maverick to make the match. After some deliberation, Maverick scheduled the match for next week on WWE 205 Live! After the battle was set, both the champion and challenger displayed their animosity – and eagerness to compete – during an interview after WWE 205 Live.
Don’t miss WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander put his title on the line against Hideo Itami next Tuesday at 10/9 C on the award-winning WWE Network! (Via WWE.com)