Recap by: Andrew Hatcher, rajah.com reporter
Hello again wrestling fans, and welcome to the Talking Smack Recap. This weeks guest on the show are Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Carmella, and The Riott Squad. The hosts of this week's show are Paul Heyman and Kayla Braxton.
Kayla welcomes the viewers to the Thunder Dome, and introduces Paul Heyman, but Heyman stops her. Paul tells Kayla she is owed a "profound apology", and what happened inside the ring on Smackdown was wrong. Paul says Kayla was there to do her job, and was put in the middle of a "potentially violent situation". Paul apologizes on behalf of the WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, for the actions of Kevin Owens. Paul says it was a disrespectful and unprofessional act, and the reason why Owens shouldn't be champion. Paul then goes on to say Reigns' mother raised a gentleman, and "Kevin Owens' mom raised a misogynist,a sexist and a savage". Heyman apologizes to Kayla again, tells her that Roman apologizes to her, and says as long as Roman is the tribal chief, that will never happen inside his ring again. Kayla doesn't know how to respond, and Paul mocks her. Kayla says thanks for advocating for her, and Paul says he's the special counsel now.
Kayla welcomes the first guest of the night to the desk, two time women's champion, former miss money in the bank holder, and 24/7 champion Carmella. Carmella runs down her accolades, and gives Kayla a hard time. Kayla asks Carmella about her match against Sasha Banks. Carmella tells us that she took some time off, but she's right back where she needs to be. Kayla questions Carmella about past comments made about Sasha Banks, and Carmella says getting to WWE was Sasha's only goal in life. Carmella states she cheered in the NFL, NBA, covered magazines, and traveled the world before WWE. Carmella says she feels sorry for Sasha, because this is her one goal, and she's doing it better than Sasha. Kayla asks Paul for his thoughts on Carmella, and he calls her compassionate. Heyman says she knows how much better Carmella is than Sasha. Heyman drives his point home more, and states that a line of WWE superstars couldn't equal the talent Carmella has. Heyman tells Kayla she should apologize to Carmella for not understanding what a "wonderful, compassionate human being she is". Carmella talks about defending her title against Asuka and Charlotte in the past, and how her one reign was longer than all of Sasha's combined. Kayla questions how sorry Carmella really is, and asks Carmella how her next possible title reign will be better than the last. Carmella asks the hosts who they think has been a more entertaining champion than her. She says she put the E in WWE. Kayla then asks if Carmella respects Sasha, and Carmella says Sasha has put in the work, but she is better. Kayla asks how she will handle the boss at TLC, and Carmella says that's for her to know. Kayla wishes Carmella luck, but she declines, and says "she doesn't need it", then walks away.
Kayla introduces us to our next guests, the Riott Squad. The ladies exchange fashion tips, while Heyman looks on, confused. Kayla talks about Liv Morgan's documentary on the network, and Liv says it's been amazing. She goes on to say all of the support means the world to her, and it's all been overwhelming, but she's grateful. Kayla reminds the tag team that they have had a troubled past, but Ruby says that's behind them now. Kayla wonders how it's been for Ruby to watch her friends journey. Ruby says the story didn't come to a climactic end, and that's because the story hasn't ended. Liv declares that they will soon challenge for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Billie Kay interrupts them, and makes fun of the Riott Squads name. She passes around her resume, and tries to offer guidance to the Riott Squad. Ruby asks Liv what she's thinking, and Liv says she will see Billie in the ring next week, if she can find a partner. Ruby says she will give Billie a chance to show her why they need that guidance. Billie tells them to wait for an answer, because she's in high demand. Heyman suggests her partner should be Kayla. Kayla congratulates them for what they've accomplished, and wishes them well on their championship quest. Paul says his favorite thing about the Riott Squad is that they are "in sync".
The Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn makes his way to the desk, and makes sure his championship is perfectly in the picture. Sami says his hand isn't 100%, and Big E should apologize for it. Sami goes on to say Big E caused inflammation in his hand, as well as a "bruised phalange". Heyman apologizes for Big E, and Sami says people depend on him on every continent. He believes everyone needs him for motivation. He tells Big E; shame on him, and Kayla says this episode of Talking Smack is a positive show. Kayla talks about the Intercontinental Championship, and ask Sami about WWE legend Pat Patterson, who passed away this past week. Sami says he appreciates the chance to talk about Pat. He tells us Pat used to sing his praises, and it was humbling, especially "at a time when he was still trying to make his name". Sami says from a personal standpoint, Pat knew how to live. He says he and Pat have a lot in common, and he admires Pat's lust for life. Sami says holding the IC title at this time is nice, since Pat Patterson was the first Intercontinental Champion. Kayla wishes Sami well, and mockingly says "no matter how" Sami chooses to have a lengthy title reign. Sami wonders out loud to Heyman what the implication is, as Kayla tells us goodbye, and the show fades to black.
That's all for this weeks episode of Talking Smack! Have a great week, and see you next Saturday, right here on Rajah.Com!
