SmackDown takes place from the Target Center in Minneapolis tonight and features the appearance of Vince McMahon.
After it was announced this morning that McMahon is stepping down from his role as chairman and CEO until the investigation into his alleged misconduct is completed, McMahon will likely address the situation tonight. McMahon is still at the forefront of WWE creativity, while Stephanie McMahon serves as interim CEO and acting president.
“WWE announced today that Mr. McMahon will appear on SmackDown tonight at 8 pm ET live on FOX,” WWE wrote.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature Roman Reigns’ first television defense of the undisputed WWE Universal Championship. If Riddle does not defeat Reigns tonight, Riddle will not be able to challenge the title again while Reigns is champion.
In addition, Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin will face off in a “Last Laugh” match. Max Dupri’s first client of Maximum Male Models agency will also be revealed.
Our live coverage starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
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Sr. McMahon Segment
This was probably not what people expected. McMahon spoke briefly, but never discussed the allegations, walked away or Stephanie McMahon became interim CEO.
Vince McMahon’s musical hit to start SmackDown. He had a positive reaction from the fans as they sang his musical theme.
McMahon is happy to be at the Target Center in Minneapolis. He mentioned the signature at the beginning: “Now. Then. Forever.” He then welcomed everyone to SmackDown and left. The fans gave him a positive reaction as he walked backwards.
They cut out the opening introductory video for SmackDown.
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Riddle segment
The audience has been warm during the first two segments. Riddle was good in the segment. Fans loved him and treated him like a star.
Riddle had a great pop when he played his music. Before Riddle turns his head to Roman Reigns, he wants to discuss his feud with Reigns.
They showed a long video package summarizing the dispute between Riddle and Reigns
After the video, fans gave Riddle a massive reaction and applause. Riddle mentioned that Orton had a major operation. Fans erupted in a loud chant “Randy”.
Riddle added that he misses Orton and loves her. He thanked Orton for everything he did for him. Fans started singing “Thank you, Randy.” Riddle focused his attention on his title game tonight. He dedicated the party to Orton and left it to Orton’s music.
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They showed a Madcap Moss dispute against Happy Corbin.
Last Laugh: Madcap Moss Defeats Happy Corbin (9:22)
Moss and Corbin had a good game. He crawled when Corbin was in control. Moss turned in a dismal performance, however.
No one explained the rules of a “Last Laugh” party. It’s just a normal game.
Corbin had control briefly until Moss grabbed him with a boot in the face. Moss hit a second block of rope shoulder. Corbin regained control and slowed down with a chin lock. Fans burst into a “Corbin sucks” song.
Moss fired back and hit a shoulder tack in the corner. It was followed by a fall. Corbin took over after sending Moss off the shoulder first to the ring post. They fought briefly next to the ring. Corbin shook Moss with a clothesline over the barricade.
Back from the break, Corbin and Moss fought in the apron. Corbin caught Moss with a deep six for a close fall. Michael Cole noted that Moss is from Minnesota.
Corbin caught Moss with a chokeslam for a fall nearby. They fought again next to the ring. Moss sent Corbin to the bulletin board and they made fun of a discount win. Instead, Corbin returned to the ring, but Moss hit the Punchline. Then Moss hit a second Punchline for the win.
After the match, Moss laughed at Corbin.
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Behind it, Street Profits was excited to be on SmackDown tonight. They talked about the main event of Riddle Vs. Reigns. They chose Riddle to win. They point to The Usos and promised to win the titles.
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They returned to the ring with Cole and McAfee. Corbin was still next to the ring.
Corbin confronted Pat McAfee about his negative comments. He called McAfee for criticizing him, making fun of his talk show, and thinking he didn’t deserve a pyro. He warned McAfee that he would hit him in the ring.
McAfee grabbed the microphone and teased Corbin. The crowd chanted with him as he told Corbin to leave. McAfee got the whole crowd laughing at him. McAfee was great in the segment. Looks like they’re setting up McAfee vs. Corbin.
New Day headed to the ring for his match. They laughed at Corbin.
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The highlight of the week on SmackDown was Edge & Hulk Hogan winning the team titles.
They summed up Natalya by attacking Ronda Rousey and injuring her with the pointer.
Megan Morant interviewed Natalya. He boasted of having attacked Rousey last week. She promised to be the first person to force Rousey to play.
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New day vs. Jinder Mahal and Shanky