With just over a week until his next title defense, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will kick off tonight’s SmackDown from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
After weeks of going back and forth, Rhodes will defend against former ally Kevin Owens at the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.
WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) have a title defense against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) tonight. The match was made despite protests from Tommaso Ciampa that DIY are more deserving of a title shot.
The next match in the inaugural Women’s United States title tournament will take place as Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Elektra Lopez will battle to see who takes on Michin in the second round.
Following their WarGames loss at Survivor Series, Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline is slated to make an appearance to address what’s next.
Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– A video recap of what happened at Survivor Series opened the show. Michel Cole and Corey Graves checked in from ringside and explained that Bronson Reed suffered a broken foot at Survivor Series. In other injury news, Tonga Loa suffered a torn bicep and Jimmy Uso came out of War Games with a broken toe. Video of all three injuries was shown.
– Apollo Crews was entering the building and it just so happened Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline was entering the venue at the same time. Jacob Fatu kicked Crews in the head and then beat up the security crew. Back at ringside, Cody’s music hit.
The Cody Rhodes Segment
This was a pleasant surprise. I’m not a fan of making a mockery out of the phoney baloney brand split, but WWE has done it so often, so shamelessly through the years, that it’s hard to get as annoyed as I once did (and, as Cole explained, we are getting into the season where brand loyalty is all but gone). Cody showed good fire and Gable felt like he belonged in there with one of WWE’s biggest attractions, so this was a win for everybody involved. The match between Gable and Cody screams “KO interference,” but it should be fun while it lasts.
Cody yelled into the microphone, “So, Minneapolis, what do you want to talk about?” The crowd cheered. Cody touted the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody said it’s the honor of a lifetime just to compete on SNME, but it’s not that simple for him because of Kevin Owens. Out of nowhere, Chad Gable’s music hit and Gale made his entrance flanked by American Made.
Gable spoke in the entranceway and called himself the greatest athlete to ever come out of Minnesota and the crowd responded favorably. As it goes, Gable said there is a transfer window and Gable and his crew may come to SmackDown permanently. Gable then called everyone in the crowd simple minded and gullible. Gable entered the ring and loud “You suck!” chants broke out for Gable. Gable said Cody was once the beacon for what Gable wanted to be – unmatched work ethic, dressing the part, etc. Gable said that’s easy, but what’s not easy is being a good friend, and Cody has not been a good friend to Kevin Owens.
Gable said Cody isn’t who he thought he was. Gable called Cody superficial because all Cody cares about is what everyone thinks about Cody. Gable mentioned how Cody went so far as to team with “the one guy who made Kevin Owens’s life a living hell.” Gable said whatever Cody has coming to him, Cody deserves it. Cody asked the crowd if they’d be his friend and the crowd cheered. Cody said he’s disappointed that Gable said what he said because he sees a lot of himself in Gable. Cody said Gable has taken things not special and made them special and maximized his minutes. Cody brought up “Shorty G” and the crowd promptly started a “Shorty G!” chant.
Cody said, “Shorty G, you’re looking at Stardust.” A “Stardust!” chant ensued. Cody said he knows all about what Gable is going through and he said Gable probably thinks he has nothing to lose, but Cody asked Gable what happens when he fails again. Cody referenced losing at WrestleMania 39 and asked Gable about being the leader of American Made. Cody put over everyone in American Made until Gable cut Cody off. Gable said if he didn’t have a suit on, he’d whoop Cody’s ass. Cody asked Gable if he really said what he said. Cody asked Gable to talk to Nick Aldis about going one-on-one with him tonight. Cody threw the mic at Gable to end the segment.
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– Cole, from ringside, explained how wrestlers will move from show to show in the coming weeks.
– Backstage, Naomi and Bianca Belair were shown talking. Belair wished Naomi good luck in her triple threat match. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven walked into the frame and mocked Belair for looking into who attacked Jade Cargill. Belair wondered if Niven was the one to attack Cargill. Belair went after Green and Niven, but Green and Niven fought back and Belair sold pain from War Games as well as the attack.
– Jesse Ventura was shown in the front row as Cole touted Ventura joining the broadcast team for SNME.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi and Elektra Lopez to advance in the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [7:16]
A feel-good win for Stratton, who should settle in nicely as a full-time babyface sooner than later. No better place to test the waters than her home state and the proof of concept worked here. Of the four first-round matches, this result felt the most predictable, but the women did a good job making sure the match didn’t suffer because of that. This was a fine end to the beginning of the tournament.
Naomi and Tiffy started brawling to beign the match. Lopez inserted herself and threw Naomi out of the ring, but Naomi came right back and Stratton then attacked Lopez, with a ton of support from the live crowd (Stratton is from Minnesota). Stratton kicked Lopez and shoulder-blocked Lopez to the canvas. Stratton then landed a basement dropkick on Lopez for a two-count. “Tiffy Time!” chants broke out. Stratton posed for the crowd and Naomi re-inserted herself in the match with a cross-body on Stratton. Naomi nearly fell over the top rope, but caught herself and the match got back on track as Naomi slammed Lopez.
Stratton pounded on Naomi until Naomi fought back and hit a double Stunner on Stratton and Lopez all at once. Naomi then landed a splash on Lopez and went for one on Stratton, but Stratton got her elbow up. Stratton then double-stomped on Naomi on the apron. Stratton turned her attention to Lopez and landed a snap suplex on Lopez. Before long, Lopez sank in a half-crab on Stratton. Lopez rolled Stratton up for a two-count. The women all traded multiple pin attempts to no avail. Lopez caught Naomi when Naomi leapt at Lopez and Lopez slammed Naomi. Lopez hit a version of a Blue Thunder Bomb on Naomi, but Stratton broke up the pin attempt and all three women were down.
Everyone got to their feet and brawled and Naomi got the best of it, complete with a Rearview on Stratton. Candice LeRae showed up and distracted Naomi. Lopez briefly took advantage of that, but Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Lopez. Stratton came back and took care of Naomi before hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Lopez and pinning her for the win.
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– Cole threw to the backstage area, where Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were shown laid out. Nick Aldis was there and said they both needed medical attention badly. Aldis then ran into MCMG and told them the Profits got attacked. Johnny Gargano showed up and said if Aldis needs a title match, #DIY can step in. Shelley said if Gargano wants their match, they got it. Aldis made the match for later on.
Bianca Belair defeated Piper Niven [12:17]
This was very good. SmackDown does this more often than it gets credit for: throws an unannounced match out there and said unannounced match ends up kind of/sort of stealing the show. If I’m not mistaken, this is how the Andrade/Carmelo Hayes saga began. Anyway, it was great to see Niven wade into the deepest television waters she’s ever been in on the main roster, going nearly 15 minutes, and even better yet, holding her own against one of WWE’s most established women. It felt like this might be a good spot to give her a big win, with Belair still selling injuries from Survivor Series, but it was not to be. Still, Niven earned a lot in defeat here and Belair deserves a good amount of credit for that – to take nothing away from Niven’s effort, too.
Belair had control early and the two fought over Belair’s braid. Niven won that battle and hit a splash on Belair to gain the advantage. Niven worked over Belair in a corner and lifted Belair for a slam, but Belair countered with a kick. Belair ran the ropes and Green caught Belair’s foot. Niven followed that up with a sidewalk slam for a two-count. The show then went to its first commercial break about 38 minutes into the program.
The show returned and Niven still had control. Belair tried to fire up, but Niven cut her off with a running Senton, two times over. That was enough to earn Niven a two-count. Niven worked a waist-lock, which turned into a bearhug. Belair fought her way out of it and eventually tried to choke out Niven, until Niven shook Belair off and went for a splash, but Belair moved. Belair ran between corners and smashed Niven’s face off the turnbuckles. Belair went to the top and hit a cross-body for a nice near-fall.
Belair punched Niven repeatedly and before long hit a spear for a two-count. Belair tried to lift Niven for her finisher, but that didn’t work and Niven countered with a Saito belly-to-back suplex. Niven ran at Belair and Belair countered with a spinebuster. Belair went for a moonsault, but Niven got her knees up. Niven then went for a Cannonball, but Belair moved and Niven tumbled into a corner. Belair ran at Niven, but Niven caught Belair for a Piper Driver, which is really just a stiff powerbomb. “This is awesome!” chants began.
Niven went to the second rope, but Belair cut Niven off. Green hopped onto the apron and Belair dragged Green into the ring. Belair then successfully lifted Niven and hit a KOD on Niven, slamming Niven onto Green. That was enough to earn Belair the win.
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– A video package on Nakamura winning the U.S. title aired.
– Belair was shown walking backstage and ran into Naomi. Belair apologized for Naomi losing earlier. Byron Saxton showed up and told the two that he knew Piper Niven didn’t attack Cargill because he saw where Niven was during the attack. Naomi listed off all the women who could have done it. Belair said when she finds out who did it, it will be “on site.”
The U.S. title/Bloodline segment
I really like the unexpectedness of a lot of what’s happened so far tonight. Knight and Andrade being involved with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline? I’m all for it. Nakamura barfing up black ooze and not going to battle with Sikoa and his fellas? Even better. The best parts of SmackDown these days are the parts where things seem fresh and this felt fresh in its own way. Does this mean we get a triple threat between Knight, Nakamura and Andrade for the U.S. title? Or, perhaps, will Fatu be inserted into that mix as well? Maybe none of this interaction matters in the long run, but even if that ends up being the case, it made for a welcome change of pace on an early-December episode of SmackDown.
Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance for … reasons unknown? … because as Nakamura posed in the ring, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out with a microphone. Knight correctly noted that he was “in the building in Minneapolis.” Knight said Nakamura isn’t the real deal and Nakamura was holding something that belonged to Knight. Knight said he wanted his rematch and he wanted it right away (despite Knight not being in his wrestling gear). Nakamura did and said nothing. Knight put on his “LA Knight mist-blockers” (sunglasses) and walked into the ring … or at least tried to because Andrade’s music hit and Andrade walked out with a microphone.
Andrade hopped onto the ring apron and Tama Tonga attacked Andrade. Jacob Fatu then attacked Knight. Nakamura just sort of stood around and eventually, black goo came out of Nakamura’s mouth. Nakamura then left the ring and Solo Sikoa went for a Samoan Spike on Andrade, but Knight made the save. It was only for a short moment because Sikoa went through with the spike on Knight. Sikoa grabbed a microphone.
Sikoa said to anyone who thinks they aren’t The Ones anymore, he dares them to step up because The Bloodline will lay everyone out every single time. Sikoa said he’s tired of people not taking him serously and that he’s a joke. Sikoa said everyone can laugh all they want because he’s still their Tribal Chief. Sikoa said he is still the head of the table. Sikoa said he still has the Ula Fala. Sikoa said if anyone comes down to the ring, they will do what everyone else has to do – acknowledge him. The segment ended with Fatu, Tonga and Sikoa’s fingers raised in the air.
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– Ciampa and Gargano were shown talking backstage and Ciampa was still ornery about Gargano. Ciampa said he’d see Gargano out there and left the scene.
– Kevin Owens cut a promo in his car. Owens said it sucked to be told to be in Minneapolis for a Michael Cole interview. Owens said he’s been showing up to SmackDown for weeks and if Cole wants to interview Owens, Cole would have to go out to the parking lot and find Owens in his car because Owens was not going to come inside the building.
#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) to win the WWE Tag Team Championship [10:39]
I have mixed feelings on this. Sabin and Shelley simply were not getting any reactions any time they appeared on WWE TV, but I was hoping the powers that be would see it through a little longer to see if perhaps the crowds could come around. Either way, it’s really neat to see them in WWE and was even neater to see them hold gold in WWE. The turn here was very well done and I’m into a heel #DIY running a smug ruckus on the SmackDown tag division. The match told a great story, with Ciampa showing fire and us all (or, well, at least me) being convinced that this would end in a manner we’ve seen a million times in WWE: Ciampa and Gargano break up and MCMG retain their titles. The swerve here was warranted and welcome. My only fear is that we never see MCMG come close to WWE gold again, no matter the brand. Time will tell.
Ciampa jumpstarted the match and attacked Sabin. Sabin came right back with a pair of arm-drags and a knee to Ciampa’s midsection. Shelley tagged in and the two hit a fury of moves on Ciampa before Shelley worked a head-lock. Ciampa worked out of it and tagged in Gargano, who worked Shelley’s arm. Ciampa tagged himself in and chopped Shelley repeatedly. Ciampa yelled at Gargano to “pay attention.” Shelley elbowed Ciampa and Sabin tagged in to take out Ciampa on the outside. The show went to a commercial break as MCMG posed on the apron.
The show returned and Ciampa had the upper hand on Shelley, working a head-lock. Shelley worked out of it with a chin-buster and then when Ciampa went to give Shelley a boot, Shelley moved and Ciampa kicked the hell out of Gargao. Ciampa yelled at Gargano that he was stupid. Ciampa went for a Fairytale Ending, but Shelley countered it and got the hot tag to Sabin, who cleaned house, complete with a cross-body from the top on Ciampa for a two-count.
Shelley tagged in and MCMG worked over Ciampa. Shelley went for a pin after they planted Ciampa and got a two-count. Gargano was still down at ringside. Ciampa got in some strikes on Sabin and Shelley and ultimately landed a twisting neck-breaker for a two-count. Gargano reappeared on the apron. Ciampa threw Shelley to the outside and tagged Gargano in. Gargano rolled Shelley back into the ring and Ciampa confronted Gargano for doing that. Gargano and Ciampa traded shoves. Gargano told Ciampa to leave and Ciampa stormed off to grab a chair. As MCMG set up their finisher, Ciampa distracted the referee and Gargano hit a low blow on Sabin. Gargano then super-kicked Shelley and Ciampa smiled. Gargano tagged in Ciampa and hit Meet In The Middle on Sabin to win the titles.
Gargano smirked a knowing smirk after the match and ran around the ring, Young Bucks style.
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– Gargano and Ciampa were shown celebrating backstage. Candice LeRae showed up and was super pumped about the whole thing.
The Kevin Owens/Michael Cole interview
This was sort of fun in a Carpool Karaoke kind of way (mind you, I never liked Carpool Karaoke, but the game is the game). Silly. Moved Owens’s frustrations forward. Made Cole look dumb. I half expected Owens to attack Cole to write him off SmackDown so Cole can reunite with his buddy Pat McAfee on Raw, which became a headline this week. But instead, we got innocent fun – with a new batch of very reasonable complaints from Owens, even. My only complaint is that I could have used another three to five minutes of it.
Cole walked outside and Owens invited Cole into his car. Owens noted how many times he’s been told he wasn’t allowed to come inside the arena in recent weeks. Cole said he wanted to do an unbiased interview and Owens mocked him for that idea. Cole cited their friendship and how he’s been a big supporter of Owens. Owens said he doesn’t understand how Cole doesn’t see things the way Owens sees them. Owens ran through his grievances about Cody and Roman Reigns again. Owens mocked Cody for leaving WWE in 2016. Owens then mocked Cody’s pyro for his entrances.
Cole said everyone thought it was good to help Roman. Owens said that Jimmy and Jey were always pawns for Roman anyway and one day, he’ll catch up with Sami Zayn. Owens said Cody stabbed Owens in his back. Cole told Owens he was being petty and Owens should look in the mirror. Cole said Owens is the problem. Owens yelled at Cole and told him to get out of his car. Owens called Cole back to his car, only to roll up the window on Cole. Owens drove off in his rental car.
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– Next week, Bayley will face Chelsea Green and Michin will take on Tiffany Stratton in the semifinals of the women’s U.S. title tournament.
– Gunther was shown talking to Aldis backstage and Carmelo Hayes walked in. Melo was mad at Aldis for not talking to him and Melo wanted to know where he fit in. Melo said “Monday Night Melo” sounds good and Aldis said that would be good for Aldis because Melo is such a headache. Aldis said he has someone special in mind for Melo and walked away.
Cody Rhodes defeated Chad Gable [12:27]
Good storytelling here. Gable softens Cody up for his match with Owens. And maybe – just maybe – Owens gets the upset at SNME because of Cody being banged up? It’s probably wishful thinking, but in the meantime, this was a very good match and one of the better SmackDown main events in recent months. We all know Gable can go and all told, Cody benefited the most from that reality in this match. Nothing against Cody, but Gable seemed to bring out something more in Cody, enough to take what could have been a fine-enough main event and turn it into a very good main event. Here’s hoping Gable gets a true reboot and/or push sooner than later. It felt like he was on that track for a minute, but that momentum has subsided recently. Maybe 2025 will be his year. This performance alone proves more than anything that he deserves it to be.
The two felt each other out to start the match. There was some fine capital “W” wrestling and then Gabel took Cody down, but Cody kicked his way out of it and the match reset. Cody went on the offensive from there and landed the drop-down punch, followed by a suplex with a sustained vertical hold. Cody went to run the ropes and Ivy Nile hopped on the apron to stop Cody. Gabe went right to work on Cody’s ankle/leg with a dragon-screw leg-whip. Gable slammed Cody’s leg on the ring post and the show went to its final commercial break.
The show returned and Gable kept his focus on Cody’s leg. Angle went for an ankle lock, but Cody sent Gable into the second rope. It didn’t matter much because Gable dropkicked Cody’s leg. Gable then roughed Cody up with a ton of chops to the chest. Gable hit a flying headbutt from the top rope for a two-count. Gable went to the top rope, but Cody cut him off and landed an inverted super-plex, which proved to be a wild spot.
The two got to their feet and traded blows. Gable ran at Cody and Cody turned that into his snap powerslam. Cody hit a Disaster Kick despite selling leg pain. A Cody Cutter followed that. Julius Creed pulled Gable to the outside and the referee sent all of American Made back to the locker room as a result. Gable took Cody’s boot off and worked an ankle lock. Cody countered by sending Gable into the second rope turnbuckle. Cody went to the top and hit a Cody Cutter from the top rope. With one boot on, Cody went for a Cross-Rhodes, but Gable countered into an ankle lock until Cody made it to the ropes for a break. Gable German Suplexed Cody and went to the top rope, but missed the moonsault and then finally, Cody landed the Cross-Rhodes and got the win.
After the match, Kevin Owens appeared and stomped on the ankle that had no boot on it. Officials quickly ran out and separated Owens and Cody …. until Cody leapt at Owens and the brawl continued with a suicide dive from Cody onto Owens. The two kept going at it on the outside of the ring. The show went off the air as Cody broke through the officials and the two went back to brawling. “Let them fight!” chants echoed throughout the arena.