It's Friday, you know what that means--time to order Domino's! Coming to you LIVE from the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN is the premiere Friday-night wrestling program for at least this week, WWE's Friday Night SmackDown! Your host tonight is the original Rajahmaniac and a man with over one hundred hours of safely operating a pizza cutter, Mike "Redundant AF" Hogan. Refresh this page frequently as we'll have live coverage with updates every five to seven minutes. So what's in store for tonight, you ask?
Our official preview was as informative as a blank wall, but we do know we've got a big contract signing (yay) and we'll see Rey Mysterio taking on Jimmy Uso in single's competition. But the less we know, the more surprised we'll be, right?
All this and much more, next on SmackDown! So with all that said, let's get things started! For those of you who want just the results and not the novella, click here!
WWE Friday Night SmackDown Live Results (7/30/2021): Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Show Opening
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcome us to the Target Center in beautiful Minneapolis, Minnesota and we waste no time to getting to the Summer of Cena
In the Ring: John Cena
Cena comes out to a loud pop and an excited crowd. The sixteen-time world champ tells the camera the crowd's starting to get into the groove of things, and he rushes the ring before playing to the crowd to loud pops both digital and physical. We get a video recap from last week, in which Reigns refused to give Cena a title shot, but agreed to give one to a returning Finn Bálor. We also see the hilarious moment when Heyman mocked Cena and his theme. Back in the ring, Cena goes for a cheap pop to work the crowd before laying into Roman's decision to choose Bálor instead of Cena. Cena points out that Roman rejected Cena because he's not changed his music, look, or his heart. Cena tells us that is so stupid, and "that is like asking Stone Cold Steve Austin to come back to the WWE as Sasquatch Steve Houston. Or if the Rock finally came back to the WWE...he would come back as Duane 'Too-Small' Johnson. And instead of saying 'if you can smell-la-la-la-la what the Rock is cooking?'" the Rock would, instead, if you consent to touch what the Small Johnson is cooking. Cena catches the crowd in the start of a "What?" and tells them to get ready with a lot of "whats". He tells the crowd--and they call back with "What?" at every pause--that Roman is a bitch who is afraid to fight Cena. He calls him a loser Joe and continues to lay into Roman, telling Reigns "Roman, I'd embarrass your ass at SummerSlam and you know it!" He tells Roman that Roman only rejected Cena because he knew Cena would destroy and embarrass him. Enter...Baron Corbin.
Corbin walks down the ramp on the mic. The crowd cuts him off immediately with a loud "you suck" chant. John Cena tells him he doesn't even know who he is...pauses...then realizes it's Baron Corbin. He tells Corbin he looks horrible and the crowd cracks up. Corbin tells Cena that they've never been close, but he's desperate and desperate men do desperate things as his life is falling apart. He points out he lost his car, house, his credit, his identity, and his crown. The crowd starts a loud "asshole" chant, haha. Corbin then says to add insult to injury, he suffered an injury to a very special of his anatomy and now he's unable to-- Cena cuts him off, and asks "surf the internet?" The crowd cracks up again. Corbin implores Cena's charitable side. Cena asks the Twin Cities for a definitive answer--"do we help this man?" The crowd loudly chants "no" with a lot of mixed reactions. Cena pulls out a few bucks from his pocket and gives it to Corbin, telling him that's all he has on him. Corbin scoffs at it, and asks if Cena can get him in the Suicide Squad. Cena with a cheap plug for the Suicide Squad, opening in theaters on Friday. Corbin offers to be Cena's stunt double, much to the laughter of the crowd. Cena decides to help Corbin with an attitude adjustment, then barely hoists him up and hits an AA in the middle of the ring to a huge pop. Cena heads up the ramp, playing to the crowd, as we get a Progressive Match Flo.
Backstage: the Mysterios
Dom, in street wear, reassures his dad that he'll keep an eye on Jey tonight. Mysterio is grateful but tells Dom he's got to step up his game if they want the tag titles back. Dom hugs his dad and promises to do better.
Men's Singles Match: Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik vs Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions, the Uso's, make their way down to the ring as we go to break. Upon returning, the Mysterios make their way out and our competitors set up. The bell rings and both men lock up before breaking. Side headlock from Rey with a whip to the ropes. Rey and Jimmy battle in the ring briefly, then against the ropes. Uso is sent outside. Rey follows but Dom fails to prevent a Jey distraction, and Rey eats a desperation Superkick out of nowhere to leave both men down as we go to break. When we return, Jimmy maintains control for a few brief moments. Rey begins to fire up, using the middle ropes to his advantage. Rey with a springboard senton. Rey with a Hurricanrana, and Dom does his bit to keep Jey from interfering as much as he can. Rey with a 6-1-9 on an interfering Jey. Rey looks for another 6-1-9, streaking across the ring but Jimmy catches him between the ropes. Rey pivots and rolls Jimmy up in a modified Crucifix. Dom hits the ring, out of sight of the ref, and uses the ropes plus his feet to give his dad leverage in pinning Jimmy--using the same dirty tactic the Uso's used on the Mysterios to steal the titles at Money in the Bank. Rey and Dom run up the ramp, celebrating.
Your Winner, Rey Mysterio!
SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair's 100-Day Celebration
Belair makes her way down in an adorable street attire (at least I'm not writing an article about it) and hops down to the ring to a decent pop. We'll be back after this commercial break. When we return, Bianca is in the ring, joined by the beautiful-as-ever Kayla Braxton. Braxton points out that this is, technically, day 110 of her reign. The crowd with a loud, supportive chant for Bianca that almost makes her choke up. Belair tells us that she's so grateful for the WWE Universe...and is interrupted by Carmella. Carm, who's lost to Belair two straight title shots, lobbies for a third. She calls herself the most beautiful woman in the WWE and a 130+ day champion. She enters the ring and tells Belair, "You know I deserve it!" She blames the lighting as being too bright and starts to complain when Zelina Vega comes out. Vega tells Carmella "you better slow your roll, chica, because we all know you're too pretty to be a third-time loser. And Bianca, what I'm going to say to you, I'm going to say to your face." Vega enters the ring and does just that. "I think that the WWE Universe wants to see you challenge a rising star like me." Loud boos. "Because I am the moment and no one is more deserving than me." Zelina challenges Belair, and Belair fires back "oh, you're on Zelina!" Carmella immediately attacks Belair, and Vega start to beat down on the champ until...
Sasha Banks Returns!
As I reported earlier, the rumor appears to be true as Sasha Banks hits the ring in her ring gear. HUGE pop from the in-attendance crowd. Sasha makes the save, battling back Vega and Carmella. Banks nails Carmella in the corner with a Meteora then hits a stiff side kick to Vega. Belair and Banks then dance in the ring to Banks' music.
Backstage Interview: Kayla Braxton with Reginald the Sommelier
Reginald asks Kayla to call him Reggie. He points out that he saw the perfect opportunity with the 24/7 title and he doesn't know who, he just got a call to show up tonight for a match. He tells Kayla he's grateful the 24/7 title will be defended in a match as he's always having to look over his shoulder. He has to keep his head on a swivel. He tells Kayla that whomever challenges him should expect the unexpected as he's got a rear-view mirror everywhere he goes. He hears his music and tells Kayla it's time to go.
24/7 Championship Match: Reginald the Sommelier(c) vs Chad Gable with Otis
Reginald comes down to the ring to a decent reaction from the live crowd, and Pat McAfee praises Reginald's physical freak agility. We get a plug for the next dumpster fire that is WWE 2K22, and out comes his mystery opponent...Chad Gable of the Alpha Academy with Otis. Gable excitedly makes his way down to the ring with Festus Otis, both men wearing matching attire with a bit of an Olympic flair. Otis is given a mic and gets on the mic beforehand. "It's not me, it's him." He then chest bumps Reggie, knocking him down hard. The ref warns him to get out the ring and checks on Reggie as Gable crouches, stalking his opponent. The ref calls for the bell and the 2012 former Olympian Gable throat-chops Reggie. Gable comes out hot, hitting a streaking lariat and a snap suplex. Reggie briefly displays his agility as he dodges a corner charge, but Gable with a big inverted sidewalk slam. Gable takes Reggie up top and looks for a release German Suplex off the top rope, but Reggie rolls through! Gable charges the corner and Reggie dodges again! Reggie with a buster. Otis hits the ring, attacking Reggie and causing the disqualification. Afterwards, Reggie once again shows off his insane agility to escape the ring with his title.
Your Winner and STILL 24/7 Champion, Reginald the Sommelier!
Backstage: WWE Officials Adam Pearce & Sonya Deville
Sonya and Adam make it official--Sasha Banks & SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair will take on Zelina Vega & Carmella in a tag match later tonight. We go to break.
Universal Championship Match Contract Signing
When we return from the break, WWE Officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce are in the ring. Pearce reminds us that we all know how contract signings go, and that's why he and Sonya are here to keep the peace. They introduce first the challenger and the first-ever Universal Champion, "the Prince" Finn Bálor. Bálor makes his way down to the ring. At 9:02pm, Roman Reigns is announced and begins his entrance. Go fix a snack. Five minutes later, Reigns is in the ring and we're ready to proceed. We're reminded that Reigns has held the title for nearly a year now. Mostly boos greet the Acknowledged One, with a few minor "Roman" chants. Heyman moves the leather chair from the opposite side of Finn's, to the head of the table position, and Roman sits with a big grin. Pearce points out that they've both had ample time to review the contracts and if they don't have any issues, they should sign on the dotted line. Roman sticks out a hand and Heyman hands him a mic. The crowd with a loud "Cena" chant. Roman speaks. "We've already seen Mister Missionary tonight! As a matter of fact, Finn, did you catch his opening promo? You know what he said, right? John said that by accepting your challenge I'm ducking him. I'm ducking him. Which means that he thinks...you're less of a man than him. That's what he thinks, that's what he said." The crowd boos and Roman quips, "I'd boo, too, I think that's a jerk thing to say!" He goes on to reassure Finn that he's worthy to challenge, and he's worthy of catching a beatdown at SummerSlam. "But just for the record, I don't think you're anything like John. You don't come out here with that same, tired old thing that's not working anymore and...using old catchphrases." Reigns warns Finn, "If you sign this contract, I'm gonna smash you and send you right back to NXT!" More loud boos. Roman has Paul drop the mic for him, then gets a pen from Heyman. The crowd starts a loud "Roman sucks" chant. Roman finally signs and it's Finn's turn to speak.
"You think pretty highly of yourself, don'tcha Roman? And perhaps, justifiably so. But it will be my privilege to return to NXT once again Universal Champion!" He slams his mic down and signs the contract. Out of nowhere, Baron Corbin attacks! Corbin slams Finn's face into the desk then throws the contract out of the ring. Corbin takes Finn outside and beats him across the announcer's desk. Corbin grabs the contract and enters the ring and the crowd begins to pop as Corbin hints at signing the contract. Out of nowhere, John Cena hits the ring and attacks Corbin! Cena picks up the contract, makes a gasping face, then signs it! The crowd pops loud as Cena shows the contract to the camera and hands it off to Pearce before heading up the ramp. Roman is pissed, and McAfee and Cole are unsure if this is even legal but they're excited at the prospects.
Backstage: WWE Officials Sonya Deville & Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman
When we return from break, Heyman approaches the officials backstage and questions the legality of the contract. Pearce and Deville agree that they see two names signed on the contract--Cena & Reigns--and that's the match. So it's official, Cena v Reigns at SummerSlam!
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez & the Dirty Dawgs vs Cesaro, Mr. Money in the Bank Big E, and King Shinsuke Nakamura
We return to the ring as Big E makes his way out with his MitB case, greeting Cesaro at ringside. Boogz gets on the mic and informs us he came here to rock with the One True King, Shinsuke Nakamura! The crowd loudly sings along to Nakamura's theme and he gets a decent pop from the crowd. The crowd continues singing along to Nakamura's theme long after it ends. We start this match with Big E and Crews. Big E starts with running into a high knee from Crews. Crews distracts the ref as Big E is double-teamed on the outside by the Dirty Dawgs, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, who double slam him on the ringside floor as we go to break! Back from the break. Cesaro and Ziggler fight in the ring, with Cesaro picking up a close two. Cesaro calls for the King of Swing, working up the crowd, then impressively swings Ziggler ten times before converting the swing into a Sharpshooter! Ziggler is stuck but Roode reaches in, dragging his partner to the ropes. Cesaro with a fist to Roode's face for his trouble. Cesaro tags in Nakamura and holds Ziggler, allowing Nakamura to strike and cover. Nakamura calls for the Kinshasa but Dolph counters with a Zig-Zag! Both men are down. Dolph leaps to tag in Crews. Crews with a Standing Moonsault for a close cover, but Cesaro hits the ring to make the save. Roode hits the ring to take out Cesaro; Big E enters and takes out Roode; Ziggler with a Famouser on Big E; Ziggler is sent out the ring and Crews hits a modified sidewalk slam for a close two. Crews climbs the turnbuckles when Boogs gets on the guitar, distracting him. Commander Azeez yanks the guitar free and attacks Boogz. Crews looks for a diving attack but Nakamura dodges, catches Crews on the roll-through with a strong strike and puts the IC champ down fast to end this match quick and fun.
Your Winners, King Shinsuke Nakamura, Big E, & Cesaro!
In the Ring Promo: Seth Rollins
Edge appears to make his way out to a loud pop as we go to commercial mid-entrance. When we return, however, Rollins is the Superstar in the ring. Maybe I'm having an aneurysm. After a break, we get a comprehensive video package showcasing the animosity and conflict between Rollins & Edge, going back to Money in the Bank when Seth Rollins cost Edge the title. Back in the ring, we have Seth Rollins in ring instead of Edge. Rollins states that if he can't be the Universal Champion, then neither can Edge. He drops the mic to loud boos and leaves the ring.
Women's Tag Team Main Event Match: Carmella & Zelina Vega vs Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
After our break, our competitors all make their way out with Banks entering last and to the loudest pop. Cole and McAfee praise the Banks/Belair match from WrestleMania 37, considered by many to be one of the best WM matches in history--a match which won the two Superstars an Espy award. We start with Banks and Carmella. Banks with a scoop slam and a cover. Banks looks for another scoop but Carmella with a rear hair-yank head slam. Carmella takes Banks into the corner and tags in Vega. Vega and Carmella work together, looking for a double-team Suplex, but Belair hops through the ropes and grabs Bank's legs, helping her teammate counter the move. Banks and Belair send Carmella and Vega to the outside. In an extremely impressive display of strength, Belair military press holds Banks and throws her onto Carmella and Vega, wiping them out at ringside! The two WrestleMania opponents high-five and celebrate as we go to break.
Back from the break. Vega works over Belair before locking on a very unique submission. Banks works the crowd, getting them to chant "E-S-T" as she encourages her partner. Vega takes Belair into the corner and tags in Carmella, who stomps away at Belair to loud boos. Carm charges the corner but Belair pops up just quick enough to drop Carmella with a lariat. Belair crawls to her corner but Vega makes the tag to her partner and hits the ring in time to stop Belair from reaching Banks. Again Vega locks on that unique submission, in which she pulls Belair's right arm behind Belair's back while using her thighs to hold Belair's face, and putting Vega's weight on Belair's back. Belair whips Vega off and both are down. Belair makes the hot tag to Banks, who hits Vega with a Meteora as she enters the ring. Banks attacks Carmella, knocking her off the apron, then hits the Three Amigos in homage of her hero, the late great Eddie G. Banks heads up to and hits a five-star Frog Splash, covering for one...two...no! Carmella with a big boot to make the save! Carmella tags in and hits another hair-slam on Banks. Belair and Vega both hit the ring and battle to the outside. Banks reverses Carmella's attempted suplex into a Bank Statement in the middle of the ring! Carmella taps!
Your Winners by Submission, SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks!
After the Match: Totally Shocking and Unforeseen Events
We get several replays as Banks & Belair hug in the ring, celebrating together. They dance together in the ring as Belair holds up her title and they both dance to Belair's music until Banks hits a Backstabber to Belair! The crowd with huge boos as Banks holds up the title and laughs. Banks attacks Belair with a mount and pound, then holds the title and talks smack to Belair again. Banks wails away at Belair in the corner before hitting a middle rope, springboard-assisted Tornado DDT! Banks locks in the Bank Statement. Belair can't get out and taps. The ref physically forces Banks' hands apart to break the hold and yells a warning at her. Banks holds the title up, all grins as the crowd loudly boos. Banks again slaps the Bank Statement on Belair and again the champ taps, writhing in pain as the physical audience is in shock and the digital crowd boos loudly. Banks laughs as McAfee exclaims that the Boss is back and we end our program.
In Closing
That does it for tonight's program! Have a great weekend, stay cool, stay frosty and stay safe out there, Rajahmaniacs. See you all Monday Night for Raw.
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