Welcome to SmackDown Live for the final time in November 2017!
Tonight’s show features a blockbuster main event in the form of Randy Orton Vs. Kevin Owens. The Viper Randy Orton is out for revenge following Owens and Zayn’s attack on he and Shane at Survivor Series. Owens and Sami have been walking a very fine line on SmackDown Live but tonight Owens may very well get his comeuppance.
Elsewhere on tonight’s show, Ruby Riott (yes they’ve apparently added an extra t onto her name) will lead her team into their first tag team match tonight, as she, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan take on Naomi, Natalya and Charlotte. The three NXT ladies made their debut last week and didn’t just knock on the door of SD Live, but kicked it wide open. Tonight they look to continue their dominance by defeating SmackDown’s last three Women’s Champions!
Also on tonight’s show, AJ Styles will feature in a handicap match. Styles has proven he is more than capable of defeating both Singh Brothers, but how about both at once? Tonight he will tackle both men before he heads on to face Jinder Mahal at Clash of Champions in December. Will Jinder interfere or let the match play out? The latter seems unlikely.
All that as well as a new episode of The Fashion Files, The New Day in action, and more. Remember to download the Ringside Talk app and enjoy the show!
SmackDown Live opens with a look back at last week, when Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens almost got fired but they beat The New Day to keep their jobs.
We go live to the arena and out comes Shane O’Mac. Shane comes to the ring and welcomes the fans in Lexington, Kentucky. He says they all bleed blue here, minus two Superstars who betrayed the entire SmackDown team. He says last week he was in the process of firing those two men because they said they had no respect for the office, the roster, or the fans. He was looking forward to firing them until Daniel Bryan came up with another idea. He says on paper this was a great idea, a Lumberjack match, and afterwards Bryan would fire them. However, rather than hear the explanation from him, let’s hear it from the horses mouth…
Bryan makes his way to the ring to a big “YES” chant. Bryan says he understands why a lot of people think Owens and Zayn should be fired. But as someone who has been fired more than once, he knows what second chances can do. He says that Sami and Kevin were both really wanted to be on the Survivor Series team, and it’s worth remembering that Shane has a bad temper.
Shane counters by listing all of the horrible things Zayn and Owens have done, like beating Vince and screwing SmackDown Live out of the Survivor Series match. He says he lost his temper on those occasions and rightfully so. Bryan says they did those things in the name of competition. Bryan says he sees real talent with them both. If they fire them, ultimately, they are just going to end up on Monday Night RAW. Shane is fine with that and says it will become Stephanie McMahon’s problem.
Bryan says he was left in charge last week and he took this job because he was under the impression Shane didn’t want a “yes” man. He thinks he’s the guy for Shane if he wants to utilize the best possible talent right here on Smackdown Live. “I just need you to trust me,” adds Bryan. Shane says he does trust Bryan and brings up booking Owens vs. Randy Orton tonight. He wants to add to that idea a little bit. Shane is barring Zayn from ringside and the match is now under No DQ rules. Shane shakes hands with Bryan as they continue to talk off mic.
*Commercial Break*
Backstage, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens approach Daniel Bryan. Zayn says Bryan can’t possibly agree with Shane McMahon barring him from ringside. Owens isn’t sure what Orton will do tonight under No DQ rules. Zayn wants Bryan to fix this. Bryan says they aren’t the only ones trying to keep their jobs around here and says the answer is “hell no.” Nice throwback.
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos are at ringside and they dance along to New Day’s music. New Day has pancakes with them. as well as Booty-O’s. Big E gives some to The Usos and the fans. Benjamin and Gable are out second.
The New Day Vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin
We start with Chad Gable and Xavier Woods – who partners with Kofi, with Big E taking a rare rest. Woods drops Gable early and makes the tag to Kofi, who kicks Gable in the chest. Woods follows that with a sliding clotheslines, Kofi with a splash, Woods with a flying elbow and Kofi with a springboard splash off the ropes for a two count. Tag to Woods who eats a kick to the face from Gable and then one from Benjamin who tags in. Benjamin is in complete control as we head to a break.
*Commercial Break*
Back live, Woods hits a quick jawbreaker on Benjamin. Benjamin throws big knees. Tag to Gable who hits a knee to the head of Woods who was held up by Benjamin. Gable also got in a shot on Kofi in the corner. Woods catches Gable with a missile dropkick. Hot tag to Kofi who tosses out dropkicks. Benjamin has the tag and eats a kick to the head in the corner from Kofi.
Kofi with a cross body off the top, but Benjamin rolls through for a two count. Kofi counters a monkey flip and drops Benjamin with a jumping clothesline. Kofi with a Boom Drop over Benjamin. Benjamin picks up Kofi. Kofi dumps Benjamin over the top rope. Kofi also dumps Gable over the top rope when he charges in. Tag to Woods who hits the ropes and flips over the top rope taking out Gable and Benjamin.
Woods tosses Benjamin back in. Kofi with a kick to the head, tags in Woods, Kofi has Benjamin in a backbreaker and Woods comes off the top with a stomp to get the pinfall.
Winners: The New Day
A solid match but the fans really don’t seem to care about Gable and Benjamin, and I guess why should they?
We see footage of Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan debuting and attacking members of the Smackdown women’s division backstage and in the ring. I still don’t get why they changed Ruby’s name.
Backstage, we see Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair when Naomi walks up asking if she wants some payback. Charlotte is ready after what went down last night. Natalya walks up and Charlotte suggests she sit this one out. Natalya is not happy and says they need to show Riott and crew that they cannot make a name for themselves at their expense.
*Commercial Break*
We return and The Hype Bro’s are in the ring. The Bludgeon Bro’s make their entrance and I still think it’s pretty awesome.
The Hype Bro’s Vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
We start with Harper and Zack Ryder. Ryder with a big knee, but Harper fires back with a right hand. Tag to Rowan. Harper slaps Rowan, they attack Mojo Rawley in the corner and Rowan with a splash to Ryder. Harper with a spinning side slam.
A tag to Rowan and then they hit a double chokeslam by and they pick up the quick win.
Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers
After the match, Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley are asked about losing another match. Ryder said a year ago they were top contenders for the tag titles. He said the landscape has changed and now they have to change. Rawley attacks Ryder from behind. He continues the attack kicking Ryder in the face and then kicking him in the gut. Rawley mounts Ryder and throws some right hands yelling, “The Hype Bros are dead! Do you hear me?” WWE officials hit the ring to break it up. Rawley backs off and then attacks Ryder more.
*Commercial Break*
Backstage, Mojo Rawley is asked about attacking Zack Ryder. Rawley said he agrees with what Ryder said earlier: the landscape has indeed changed.
Elsewhere ackstage, Bobby Roode says Baron Corbin has to know that someone better is going to take away his United States Championship. He says Corbin will lash out at anyone who he perceives as a threat. Roode says it just so happens that threat is absolutely…Baron Corbin walks up. Corbin isn’t afraid of him. Roode says he can prove it by putting the title on the line against him tonight. Corbin seems to agree, but then says no and walks off.
The Singh Brothers are on the stage and introduce the “soon to be 2-time WWE Champion” Jinder Mahal. Mahal will join them at ringside tonight.
Handicap Match
WWE Champion AJ Styles Vs. The Singh Brothers
Before the match officially begins, Jinder Mahal quickly attacks AJ Styles. The referee is trying to kick Mahal out of the ring. Samir and Sunil attack Styles. Mahal grabs Styles and launches him to the corner as he slides and hits the steel ring post.
*Commercial Break*
Back live, Styles fights his way back inside the ring and gets up in the corner. He signals to the referee that he is good to go. Samir and Sunil go on the attack. Styles tries fighting back, but they cut him off with kicks on the corner and then hit a double suplex. Sunil with shoulder charges in the corner to Styles. Styles with chops and right hands to fight them off. Samir with a shot to the knee of Styles. Styles fights off both Singh Brothers in the corner. Styles with a big kick to the face of Mahal who jumps up on the ring apron. Samir attempts a top rope huricanrana. Styles hangs on and gives Samir a second rope Styles Clash. Styles crashes over the top of Sunil and picks up the pinfall!
Winner: AJ Styles
After the match, an angry Jinder Mahal jumps in the ring and AJ Styles rolls out. Styles grabs the WWE Championship and smiles back at Mahal heading up the ramp. Mahal picks up Sunil and gives him his lifting Cobra Clutch slam. The crowd starts a “YOU STILL SUCK” chant. Mahal picks up Samir and does the same to him. As much as The Singh Brothers get paid, it isn’t enough to do the job they do.
Backstage, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan are interviewed about comments by Charlotte Flair earlier tonight. They are now calling themselves the Riott Squad. Ruby said they aren’t here to make friends or audition for Total Divas. They want to turn the women’s division upside down and she has two of the most dangerous women on her side.
*Commercial Break*
We return from break and get a WWE Shop commercial, which starts with Big E hilariously singing Sasha Banks’ theme music while dancing in her shades and rings.
Natalya, Charlotte, and Naomi make their entrances to face the Riott Squad!
Natalya, Naomi & Charlotte Vs. The Riott Squad
We start with Ruby Riott and Natalya. Ruby with a quick tag out to Sarah Logan who sends Natalya to the corner. Logan with an odd delayed clothesline to Natalya and Charlotte tags herself in. Natalya jumps down and says she wants nothing to do with this match. Charlotte with a big chop to Morgan after she misses a corner jump back spot.
*Commercial Break*
Back live, Charlotte sends Ruby out of the ring and knocks Morgan and Logan off the corner as well. Morgan and Logan distract Charlotte allowing Ruby to get in a shot. Morgan gets the tag and tosses Charlotte face first off the ring apron. Back inside, Morgan with a suplex into a float over into a mount.
Tag back to Ruby who gets Charlotte in a headlock. Charlotte breaks it up with a jawbreaker. Ruby cuts off a tag to Naomi. Morgan and Logan run over. Morgan is kicked in the face, but Logan goes after Naomi with shots. Morgan gets involved to help out. They send her shoulder first into the barricade. Morgan and Logan tosses aside the top of the steel steps and prop up the bottom steps. They send Naomi face first into the steel steps. They prop the steps over Naomi and the barricade, and Logan gives her a catapult face first into the steel!
Inside the ring, Ruby is standing over Charlotte who is looking at what just happened. Logan tags herself in, headbutts the chest of Charlotte and goes for a headlock. Logan wraps the arm of Charlotte across her neck. Ruby gets the tag. Charlotte is fighting back. Charlotte drops Ruby in the corner and spears Morgan. Logan with a knee to the jaw of Charlotte. Ruby with a kick to the face of Charlotte and picks up the win.
Winners: The Riott Squad
After the match Naomi is put on a stretcher. I like both Riott Squad and Absolution but they need some motives and also, maybe some acknowledgement that both these groups debuted at the same time.
Backstage, Charly Caruso is outside of Randy Orton’s room, and he ignores her request for an interview.
*Commercial Break*
The latest episode of The Fashion Files airs and it’s Saw themed. It’s as funny as ever, perhaps even a little better than the past few episodes.
Kevin Owens heads to the ring for tonight’s main event.
*Commercial Break*
Randy Orton makes his way to the ring to a great reception. Orton has a little hair on top of his head these days, it’s incredible how much younger it makes him look. Remember, Sami Zayn is barred from ringside for this one.
No Disqualification Match
Kevin Owens Vs. Randy Orton
Orton goes for an RKO right off of the bat, but Owens bails from the ring. Orton with a shot to Owens on the outside and then sends him shoulder first into the steel ring steps. Orton with more rights to Owens on the outside and tosses him over the announce table. More rights and Orton again tosses him across the announce table. Orton grabs the top part of the steel steps and hits Owens in the head with them. Orton with big uppercuts to Owens against the barricade. Orton sends Owens face first off the announce table.
Orton goes under the ring and produces a kendo stick, which he cracks it over the back and right arm of Owens. Orton with another shot to the chest of Owens. Orton cracks the kendo stick over the back of Owens at ringside breaking it. Orton grabs another kendo stick and smiles. Orton cracks it across the body of Owens repeatedly. Orton drops Owen back first off the ring barricade and tosses him back inside the ring. Orton grabs the kendo stick rolling in and Owens quickly rolls out. Orton didn’t see Owens grabbing a kendo stick of his own and cracks him in the leg. Owens sends Orton into the steel ring post and then gives him a fallaway slam into the ring barricade. Owens screams out to fire himself up as we head to a break.
*Commercial Break*
Back live, Owens is cracking a kendo stick across the body of Orton. Orton with a thumb to the eye of Owens. Owens gets Orton back down on the mat and applies a headlock. Owens grabs the kendo stick and cracks it off Orton going for a pinfall and getting a two count. Orton gets to his feet, but Owens cuts him off with a quick DDT. Owens misses his cannonball in the corner when Orton moves. Orton props Owens up on the top turnbuckle. Orton with a powerful superplex on Owens off the top turnbuckle!
Orton hooks the leg and Owens kicks out. Owens catches Orton with an elbow, but Orton fires back with a snap powerslam for another two count. Owens counters the DDT off the ropes by Orton, tosses Orton to the ring apron, Orton with a shot and sends Owens into the barricade. Orton with uppercuts and dumps Owens off the barricade. Orton drops Owens off the announce table. Something is going on in the crowd as Orton looks over. Cameras are avoiding it. Orton tosses Owens inside the ring. Owens bails avoiding an RKO. Owens runs into the crowd. Orton chases him down and they brawl back to the entrance ramp area.
Sami Zayn runs out with a steel chair and cracks it over the back and legs of Orton! Saxton reminds us that Zayn was banned but Graves points out they aren’t technically at ringside. Sami heads to the back. Orton is clutching his left leg. Owens grabs Orton and tosses him back inside the ring. Orton grabs Owens on his way back in and hits his DDT off the ropes. Owens avoids an RKO, drops down and hits the bad leg of Orton. Owens with a superkick that drops Orton. Owens heads up top and connects with a frog splash. Owens gets the pinfall.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Owens celebrates after the match as we see replays of the win. Corey Graves questions what repercussions will come of Zayn’s interference next week.
That’s it for this week’s SmacDown Live! Let us know what you thought of the show and jump on over to our 205 Live results. Until next time, safe travels.
