WWE invades the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada for tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Due to some prior engagement, I’ll be slightly late with beginning the coverage.
We will celebrate Edge’s 25-year anniversary tonight in Toronto, and he’ll also be in action against Sheamus on tonight’s show. Plus, the new United States Champion, WWE Hall of Famer & GMOAT Rey Mysterio, will be a special guest on ‘The Grayson Waller Effect.’
Besides what’s advertised, expect some further developments in ‘The Bloodline Saga,’ a little bit of LA Knight (YEEAHHH!!), a lotta lotta Uncle Phil, and more!
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First up tonight is ‘The Grayson Waller Effect.’ Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar are in the ring with Waller, and after exchanging pleasantries, Waller gets down to business. He accuses Rey of stealing Escobar’s opportunity and title last week.
Escobar retorts, expressing his love for Rey and his mentorship and saying that the person he has problems with is Theory. He goes to warn Theory, and right on cue, A-Town Down’s music hits. Austin Theory, now in the ring, starts mocking Mysterio and Escobar. He calls out Adam Pearce and demands that he be awarded back the US title. Pearce fires back at him, saying he expected this from Theory.
WAIT A MINUTE!! LA Knight! YEAAAHHHH!! And the crowd’s wild! He milks the crowd before his shifting his focus to Theory. He insults Theory before congratulating Rey, but says the the title’s eventually coming to The Mega Star. He then challenges Theory to a one-on-one bout to determine the next challenger for Rey’s U.S. title. Pearce likes that. The match is official, and it is next!
#1. LA Knight vs. Austin Theory (Eliminator Match) – Winner: Austin Theory
The Miz came out for color here, right before the bell. The finish saw Miz distract Knight, allowing Theory to take advantage, grabbing Knight’s tights for a roll-up finish.
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There’s a video package of several wrestlers and legends talking about Edge, which then transitions to a beautiful video package documenting Edge’s career. This is where WWE is at its best.
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#2. IYO SKY & Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair – Winners: Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair
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There’s another video package where several more superstars talk about Edge and pay tribute to The Rated-R Superstar.
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Biance Belair is backstage for an interview and is viciously attacked by Damage CTRL, further injuring her.
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#3. The Street Profits vs. The O.C. – Winners: The Street Profits
Quick win for Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. After the match, Bobby Lashley hit the ring to celebrate with The Street Profits.
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There’s a recap of last week’s events in ‘The Bloodline Saga’ and Jey Uso quitting WWE last week on SmackDown. Live backstage, Kayla Braxton is with Paul Heyman backstage. Braxton asks him about certain rumors she has heard. Heyman plays with Braxton for a bit before getting serious.
Heyman get a call on his phone (that’s awfully unprofessional). He says he is on live TV. After hearing something on the line, he goes, “really? Thank you…hello?” The caller hangs up on him. Braxton’s curious.
Heyman declares that Jimmy Uso will be present on SmackDown live next week. Braxton would like to know Heyman’s source. That’s unfortunately not gonna happen.
#4. Edge vs. Sheamus – Winner: Edge
Awesome, awesome match! Edge hit the Spear for the 1-2-3! As an emotional Edge celebrated in front of his raucous hometown crowd, before Sheamus got up and both men embraced.
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Good night everyone folks, and thanks for sticking with me despite the late start. I’ll see you tomorrow night for the best two hours of professional wrestling each week, AEW Collision!