Friday Night SmackDown notes: Hit Row Returns, Baszler/Rousey Confrontation
August 12, 2022
PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
By: John Kleinchester
Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah advanced over Shotzi & Xia Li in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament. They go on to face the winner of Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville next week on SmackDown.
Karrion Kross appeared in a backstage promo stalking Drew McIntyre. McIntyre’s following in-ring promo was interrupted by Scarlett allowing the Usos to jump him. Afterward, The Usos told Scarlett that if Kross steps up to Roman Reigns, they’ll take him out. Scarlett responded by saying “that’s funny, he had the same message for you”
A promo aired highlighting the illustrious history of the Intercontinental Championship featuring footage from its lush history.
A scheduled match between Kofi Kingston and Ivar of The Viking Raiders never occurred as Kofi attacked The Viking Raiders with a Kendo stick during their entrance. The Viking Raiders quickly took control and laid out Kofi with their shields and a giant splash off the guardrail by Ivar.
Sami Zayn tried to talk to The Usos but McIntyre attacked them and ran off Sami.
Hit Row returned and defeated Brandon Scott & Trevor Irvin.
Before the contract signing between Shayna Baszler and Liv Morgan could begin, Ronda Rousey appeared and dumped “double” her fine from last week on the table. After attacking one of the security guards escorting her out of the arena, she ran into Shayna Baszler on the stage. Baszler told Ronda that she has to play by the rules to get what she wants. Ronda responded by saying “you used to be a killer” and stormed off.
After the contract signing, Baszler attacked the injured arm of Liv Morgan. Morgan finally countered and bulldogged Baszler through the table.
Madcap Moss joined Drew McIntyre in a match against The Usos. Sami Zayn tried to interfere in the match but was unsuccessful. After the match, Zayn sacrificed himself to McIntyre’s Claymore Kick.
A Maximum Male Models photoshoot was interrupted by Los Lotharios. The team suggested Maxxine should leave MMM and join them.
Ricochet was interviewed backstage announcing his intention to challenge the winner of the Gunther/Nakamura Intercontinental Championship match. Happy Corbin attacked Ricochet to end the segment.
Gunther successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura.
Announced for Next Week on SmackDown in Montreal:
- Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville
- A face-to-face between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre
- A “Viking Funeral” for The New Day
Friday Night SmackDown results:
*Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament: Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah over Shotzi & Xia Li in 9:33
*Hit Row over Brandon Scott & Trevor Irvin in 1:38
*Drew McIntyre & Madcap Moss over The Usos in 9:06
*Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther over Shinsuke Nakamura in 13:26
