Results by Roy Nemer and Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com

September 15, 2023
Denver, Colorado – Ball Arena
Commentary: Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick

Quick Match Results

1. Finn Balor defeated AJ Styles via roll up while Styles was distracted by Jimmy Uso
2. Street Profits defeated Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro via Revelation on Wilde
3. LA Knight defeated The Miz via BFT
4. Asuka defeated Bayley via roll up after a distraction by Shotzi

In-Ring: Pat McAfee, Austin Theory, The Rock

WWE SmackDown kicks off with Pat McAfee walking down to the ring!

He says he was just at a College Gameday coverage and he wanted to come down and feel the greatest universe, the greatest crowds! He welcomes everyone to the show and out comes Austin Theory.

Both men are face to face in the ring and Theory tells him this is not SmackDown, this is Austin Theory live. And look at what the cat dragged in. He says the fans have to boo him, he is 26 and everything. But when Pat was 26, he was on a mugshot.

Theory tells him that he will drop him in a couple of seconds, Pat will go back to his show injured, just like Aaron Rogers. Pat tells him he won’t do anything as the two begin to insult each other. Pat says he doesn’t want to fight him but Theory’s problem is he is disrespectful to everyone. He tells Theory this will never be his show, this is the show of the fans. He asks him if he knows what that means and “IF ‘YA SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKING!”

The Rock comes out! A pop of the night if not year for The Rock as he walks down to the ring.

The three men stand in the ring as the fans chant “Rocky” and “Holy shit” chants. Theory asks The Rock if he knows who’s ring he’s in. It has been a long time but The Rock cuts him off and tells him “Shut your bitch ass up”.

Rock says he clearly doesn’t know how all of this works. Rock takes off his jacket and says “Finally, The Rock has come back to Denver” and that gets a pop from the crowd and the fans chanting “Rocky”. Theory says “Finally, the ignorant people get to see The Rock and Austin back in the ring again, one last time”. He says only this time it’s not Stone Cold but a real Austin, a real ass kicker. He will be the entire Mount Rushmore. The Rock begins to talk and Theory tells him “It doesn’t matter what The Rock says”.

He tells Theory it actually does matter what The Rock says. And what the people say matters even more. He brought on Stone Cold, that’s The Rock’s boy. And if he was here right now, this is what you would hear him say “If you want me to beat this jabroni’s ass, give me a hell yeah” and the fans pop once more.

Rock tells him he is Austin Theory and he is from A-Town and Theory tells him he is right. Rock says he clearly is an A-hole and he will show him because in about three seconds, the left side of the arena will chant “You are” and the right will chant an “asshole”. The fans chant “You are an asshole”.

Austin Theory gets angry as The Rock tells them that was amazing. But it’s the people’s show and now they are going to give the fans on the right side the chance to say “You are” with the left side chanting “an asshole” and the fans begin to chant it. Theory gets angry and tells them to shut up but the fans continue. Pat says the show is two hours, Rock tells him he knows it’s two hours but the Rock and the people are having fun.

Rock tells Theory that he doesn’t know who he is but he knows what he is and that is an asshole. He comes out on The Rock’s show, the people’s show and he runs down the people. The Rock’s theory is that in about three seconds, he will whip his candy ass all over Denver. Theory with a right hand as The Rock throws him to the ropes and hits him with a spinebuster. The Rock stands and looks at the crowd. He runs to the ropes and he hits the People’s Elbow as The Rock’s music hits and he points to Pat and tells him to do the People’s Elbow!

Pat kicks Austin’s arm and runs to the ropes and lands the People’s Elbow onto Theory! The Rock and Pat celebrate on each side of the ring as the fans pop.

Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles

Priest distracts AJ as Finn hits him with a right hand. He stomps on AJ in the corner. He throws AJ to the ropes and goes for a hip toss but AJ reverses it into a Russian leg sweep followed by a back breaker. AJ rolls Finn up but Finn gets out of it and hits him with a dropkick. A headlock by Finn as AJ gets to his feet but a kick by Finn takes AJ down. Finn to the ropes and a dorpkick by AJ as Finn rolls to the outside of the ring.

Back from commercial, AJ with a forearm to the face. He places Finn on his shoulders but Dominik distracts the referee and Finn rakes him in the eyes. Finn runs towards AJ but AJ slams him onto the mat. He places Finn on the top turnbuckle as AJ climbs the top rope. AJ goes for a hurricanrana but Finn holds onto the ropes and AJ slams onto the mat. AJ gets up and trips Finn up. AJ goes for the Styles Clash but Finn gets out of it as AJ reverses it, slamming Finn neck first onto his knee. Finn rolls to the outside of the ring and AJ with a forearm over the top rope onto Finn.

He throws Finn into the ring and clotheslines Dominik. Priest tries to get involved as the referee kicks both Priest and Dominik to the back. AJ on the ring apron, he jumps off the top rope but Finn moves out of the way. AJ hits him with a kick but out comes Jimmy Uso as the referee is distracted by the Judgment Day. Finn rolls AJ up and gets the pin.

Winner: Finn Balor

Backstage: The Rock, Pat McAfee, John Cena

Back from commercial, The Rock and Pat McAfee are backstage talking about the opening segment. The Rock turns around and John Cena is standing behind him. The Rock tells Cena he sees him trying to smile as they shake hands and hug. The Rock thanks him as Cena walks away.

Backstage: Jey Uso, Finn Balor, Paul Heyman

We cut to another segment and Jimmy Uso and standing and in comes Finn Balor. He thanks Jimmy for helping him out. Jimmy says they helped them last week, he helped him this week, they are even. Finn tells him he saw his brother on Monday and how he misses his brothers, he is sure he must miss Jey. He tells him that he asked Jey to join the Judgment Day and he didn’t say no. And it got him thinking, what if both of them joined the Judgment Day. Finn tells him there is no Roman and walks away.

In comes Heyman as he points to Finn and we cut to the ring.

In-Ring: The LWO, Bobby Lashley & Street Profits

The LWO are standing in the ring. Rey says he has nothing but love and respect to the fans and the LWO. About a year ago when he came to SmackDown, personally, he was going through one of the hardest times of his life. And he felt devastated and heartbroken. But the LWO reminded him of who he is and what family represents. And now he is the United States Champion and he has a family that is united and stronger than ever.

Santos tells him they are family and their family are Champions. When Theory attacked him, Rey stepped up. And he is happy he did it. Because Rey took his place, he took Austin out and he became the United States Champion. Santos tells Rey that his career dream has been to face his idol Rey Mysterio with a title on the line. He asks Rey if he will face him for the United States Championship. Rey asks if he is serious, after all they have been through, he is asking for a title opportunity. Santos tells him he has nothing but love and respect for him. Rey says he knows he feels the same way and of course he accepts as they hug.

Out comes Bobby Lashley with the Street Profits.

Bobby says that a few weeks ago, they said they were going to take over. And by the looks of it, this will be easier than they imagined. Dawkins says Escobar is out here asking for an opportunity and Rey is just giving him a match. Wilde and Del Toro challenge the Street Profits to a match.

Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro vs. Street Profits

Back from commercial, Street Profits get the quick win on Wilde via Revelation.

Winners: Street Profits

Bobby Lashley tells them to attack the LWO. Street Profits attack Wilde and del Toro. Santos Escobar and Rey get in the ring to break it up. Lashley attacks Escobar from behind. Rey goes to attack Lashley but the Street Profits attack Rey.

LA Knight vs. The Miz

The bell rings and we are under way. A head lock by Miz as LA Knight throws him to the ropes and a shoulder tackle by LA Knight takes Miz down. Both men back up and The Miz distracts LA Knight using the referee as he trips LA Knight up into the corner. Right hands by Miz and a chop to the chest but LA Knight with a chop to the chest. He throws Miz to the ropes and a powerslam by LA Knight. He goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. A swinging neck breaker by LA Knight. He goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. He runs to the ropes but Miz with a knee takes LA Knight down.

Miz goes for a back drop but LA Knight lands on his feet and hits Miz with a neck breaker. LA Knight climbs the second rope and hits Miz with a bulldog. He goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. LA Knight grabs Miz but Miz grabs the ropes and distracts the referee. Miz with a rake to the eyes onto LA Knight.

Back from commercial, Miz with a big boot. He runs to the ropes and a knee to the face. He goes for the cover but LA Knight kicks out. Miz runs towards LA Knight but LA Knight with an elbow to the face. He throws Miz to the ropes and a clothesline by LA Knight. A Russian leg sweep and a DDT by LA Knight. He stomps on Miz in the corner. He goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. LA Knight goes for a suplex but Miz lands on his feet. Miz rolls him up but LA Knight kicks out. A kick by Miz as he goes for the DDT but LA Knight folds onto the second rope. LA Knight on the ring apron but Miz with a boot to the face. A knee to the face followed by the double knees. He goes for the cover but LA Knight kicks out. Miz goes for a kick, LA Knight ducks and both men to their feet. Right hands by LA Knight but Miz with a kick. Miz to the ropes but LA Knight hangs him up on the top rope. LA Knight with the BFT. He goes for the cover and gets the pin.

Winner: LA Knight

The Miz rolls out of the ring as LA Knight grabs a microphone. The fans chant “LA Knight” as he tells them “Let me talk to ya”. From the day he set foot on SmackDown, he told everybody that he is coming for gold. He looks at the top of the mountain and it doesn’t matter if it’s Rey Mysterio, Gunther, Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns. He says you have to understand something, it’s not just a catchphrase, he is easily top two and he isn’t number two. Because it’s a game with everybody saying LA Knight.

Backstage: Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa

He walks to the back with Paul Heyman and Solo watching him backstage. Solo tells Heyman he will handle this as Heyman tells him that order comes from Roman and he hasn’t gotten that order yet. They need to concentrate on Jimmy. Heyman tells him that Jimmy is cutting deals with Judgment Day and when that falls apart, Solo will have to fight them. He is making fights with John Cena and when Cena comes to collect, Solo will have to fight him. And they can only make moves like that when Roman gives them that order. Solo tells him he already knows what he needs to do and he will finish this tonight.

Backstage: Pretty Deadly

Back from commercial, Adam Pearce is with Pretty Deadly. He tells them that they will soon be back as Adam asks Elton why he is in a wheelchair if he hurt his shoulder. Elton says it’s something he wouldn’t understand as they leave Adam’s office.

Backstage: Bayley & Dakota Kai

Bayley is backstage with Dakota Kai and she tells her that they have to win next week. And she hopes IYO is ready for Asuka. Dakota tells her she has to be ready for Asuka tonight. Dakota tells Bayley that she has been distracted by Shotzi and needs to be ready for her match tonight.

Bayley vs. Asuka

The bell rings and we are under way. Bayley with right hands but Asuka with kicks. Asuka tries to run to the ropes but Bayley trips her up. She goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. She throws Asuka over the top rope but Asuka lands on the ring apron. Asuka with a right hand. Asuka climbs the top rope and lands a drop kick onto Bayley as Bayley falls to the outside of the ring. Asuka on the ring apron goes for a kick but Bayley moves and trips her. She gets on the ring apron and pushes Asuka into the ring post.

Back from commercial, Bayley hangs Asuka up on the second rope and she hits her with a knee to the face. Bayley goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. Bayley goes for a sunset flip but Asuka reverses it into an arm bar. She goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Asuka with a German suplex. Asuka with a knee to the face followed by a kick to the face. She goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Asuka goes for the double knees but Bayley grabs her by the legs and drops Asuka onto the mat. Asuka grabs Bayley and goes for the ankle lock but Bayley rolls out of it. Asuka with a double knees. She goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. ASuka with the arm bar but Bayley rolls out of it to the outside of the ring. She slams Asuka face first onto the ring apron. She throws ASuka into the barricade and clears the announce table. Bayley grabs Asuka but Shotzi stands up from behind the barricade and Bayley runs away into the ring. Asuka rolls her up from behind and gets the pin.

Winner: Asuka

In-Ring: Grayson Waller, John Cena, Jimmy Uso, AJ Styles

He says he has been able to have a lot of stars on the Grayson Waller Effect. But the truth is his guest has headlined WrestleMania, won World Championships, been in Hollywood blockbusters, his star is facing quicker than his hairline. But his rise back to the top starts tonight, courtesy of the Grayson Waller rub. He introduces John Cena as the greatest of all time.

Cena’s music hits and out he comes to a big pop from the crowd.

Cena has a seat as the fans chant “Cena” and Grayson says this feels like a dream. It must be a real honor for him to be on the Grayson Waller Effect. But when he talks to grown ups, he takes off his hat, like his mother told him. He tells Cena he needs advice about being a host. He says Cena steals the spotlight but he has to be more like Grayson Waller, just sit back and let the stars shine. Cena is about to talk but Waller cuts him off and says at Payback, he was a special guest referee. Once more, Cena is about to talk abut Waller says Cena is lying to the people. He does not want to be an in ring competitor anymore. And there is no doubt that he is the greatest of all time. But there is also no doubt that he is not even close to being the greatest right now. He has not been the same since WrestleMania when his boy Austin Theory, who just whipped The Rock, beat him.

John Cena stands up, throws his hat to the crowd and takes his shirt off. Waller says this is a talk show and it is his time to speak.

Jimmy Uso’s music hits and out he comes. Jimmy walks down to the ring and as Cena is about to speak, Jimmy takes the microphone away from him. Jimmy tells Grayson that he has a point, no one wants to see Cena anymore. People are here to see him, Jimmy Uso. The fans chant “Cena” and Jimmy says he came out to tell him that if he tries to embarrass him again and if he won’t, to get out of his ring. Out comes Solo with Paul Heyman. They get in the ring and Solo goes face to face with Cena. Jimmy asks Cena what he is going to do. Solo turns around, grabs Jimmy but Solo turns around and hits Cena with a super kick. Jimmy goes for a hug but Solo turns to Cena and stomps on him.

Out comes AJ Styles to the ring. AJ with right hands onto Jimmy as Solo grabs AJ but Cena with right hands and he throws Solo to the outside. AJ with right hands onto Jimmy and Cena with the five knuckle shuffle onto Jimmy. Heyman tells Solo to save Jimmy as he grabs Jimmy to the outside of the ring. Cena and AJ hug in the ring as SmackDown goes off the air.