Friday Night SmackDown Notes: McIntyre Stands Tall, Happy Corbin Seemingly Aligns with JBL
By: John Kleinchester
September 2, 2022 (Show Taped on 8.26.22)
Little Caesar’s Arena – Detroit, MI
The show opened with the ring made up to look like a Viking ship for the Viking Rules Match. “Viking Rules” was explained that it meant “no rules” and falls would count anywhere. Michael Cole & Pat McAfee noted that The New Day were dressed as Vikings as well. But in reality, they were dressed as Thor & Loki which was later confirmed when Kofi pulled out a Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) from under the ring.
The Viking Raiders won with a move that commentary called “The Ragnarok” which was a double powerbomb on Xavier Woods from the bow of the ship through two tables onto the floor.
Roman Reigns Two Year Championship Celebration began with a promo package narrated by Paul Heyman highlighting the early days of his title reign.
Sami Zayn appeared in a tuxedo backstage and was approached by The Usos. Sami was planning for the Championship celebration and convinced The Usos that he had it handled.
Shayna Baszler was interviewed backstage when she was interrupted by Liv Morgan. The two exchanged threats to break each other’s arms.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett appeared in a promo continuing to tease that he was ready for whoever won between Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns. Kross then turned his attention to his opponent tonight Drew Gulak saying he would take him out.
A second Roman Reigns package aired recapping some of the opponents Reigns has defeated over the last two years.
Karrion Kross easily defeated Drew Gulak with the Kross Jacket submission.
A third Roman Reigns package aired listing even more opponents that Reigns has defeated.
Ronda Rousey forced Adam Pearce to read a statement by the “WWE Global Office” which stated that her suspension was over and she would resume in-ring competition immediately. Pearce went on to call Rousey “the single biggest bitch he’s ever met” to which Rousey responded with a Rousey armbar.
Sami Zayn, still preparing for the Reigns celebration accepted a delivery of flowers in the back. Zayn smelled the flowers and nearly dry-heaved. He opened the card and it simply said “Tick Tock”.
Hit Row defeated Maximum Male Models in just over 3 minutes. After the match, Los Lotharios and MMM were beating down Hit Row until The Street Profits ran down and evened out the odds.
Happy Corbin was interviewed backstage saying how he’s had a string of bad luck and it was time to double down.
A fourth Reigns promo package aired with Heyman listing all the different types of matches Reigns has survived.
Happy Corbin issued an open challenge which was answered by Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura defeated Corbin in less than three minutes. The commentary team noted that Corbin had finally hit rock bottom. Backstage JBL’s limo pulled up in front of Corbin and someone said “What happened to you” Get in!” and Corbin happily obliged.
After Butch defeated Ludwig Kaiser, Sheamus and Gunther squared off in the ring until Kaiser convinced Gunther to back off.
A fifth and final Roman Reigns package aired comparing Reigns to previous longest-reigning world champions.
Yet another backstage segment with Zayn and The Usos was up next where they determined that they would all go to the ring together to introduce Roman.
Zayn and The Usos finally introduced Roman only to have Drew McIntyre Claymore Kick Roman the moment he stepped out of his limo. McIntyre stormed down to the ring taking out all three men.
Friday Night SmackDown results:
*Viking Rules Match: The Viking Raiders over The New Day in 22:17
*Karrion Kross over Drew Gulak in 1:16
*Hit Row over Maximum Male Models in 3:03
*Shinsuke Nakamura over Happy Corbin in 2:22
*Butch over Ludwig Kaiser in 9:03
