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Louisville, August 25, 2023 - Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on August 25, 2023, live from KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY. ##
Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ##
WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ##
WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ##
WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ##
SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ##
SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 5:30 am. While SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014. ##
WWE Friday Night SmackDown, August 25, 2023 Play-By-Play Results
We start by displaying graphics in memory of Terry Funk and Windham Rotunda. All the wrestlers and staff gather on the stage. ##
Michael Cole acknowledges the passing of two WWE family members, Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt. He states that tonight is dedicated to honoring their legacy and celebrating their lives. These two remarkable men left an indelible mark on all of us through their passion, creativity, and spirit. ##
Cole requests a moment of silence, and a ten-bell salute follows. Next, we're presented with a video package highlighting Bray Wyatt. The crowd joins in singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." ##
A spotlight focuses on a rocking chair as we head into a commercial break. Returning from the break, we're treated to a segment from the video package dedicated to Terry Funk. ##
Michael notes that Cody Rhodes will be performing a tribute to Terry Funk later in the show. He emphasizes that Terry and Bray's shared goal was to entertain the fans, which is precisely what tonight is all about. Cody Rhodes will be a guest on a special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect at Payback. ##
Rey Mysterio Vs Grayson Waller in a Non Title Match ##
They engage in a lock-up, with Waller forcing Rey down to the mat. Waller applies a wrist lock, but Rey responds with an arm drag. Rey playfully imitates Waller's mannerisms. Rey delivers a forearm, but Waller counters with a knee strike. Waller gains control with a side headlock. He follows up with a shoulder tackle and maintains the headlock before taking Rey down. ##
Rey retaliates with a head scissors that propels Waller into the corner. After striking Waller with forearms and punches, Rey evades an Alabama Slam attempt by clutching the ropes. He executes a head scissors that sends Waller rebounding into the ropes, only for Waller to counter with a back body drop that sends Rey to the apron. Waller's boot catches Rey mid-springboard, knocking him off the ropes. Waller attempts a clothesline but misses as Rey employs a head scissors, sending Waller into the ringside barrier. ##
After the break, Rey whips Waller to the corner, but Waller counters with a float-over and a double stomp, nearly pinning Rey. Waller targets Rey's ribs with punches and executes a springboard elbow drop for another close count. A leg lariat from Waller earns him yet another near fall. Waller then delivers a head kick to Rey as he rises. Waller subjects Rey to a pair of forceful Irish whips. He gears up for a powerbomb, but Rey turns the tables with punches, transitioning into a hurricanrana that sends Waller crashing into the ring post. Rey ascends the turnbuckle, executing a seated splash followed by a springboard crossbody. ##
Following an Irish whip by Waller, Rey maneuvers out of the way and counters with a tornado DDT for another near fall. Waller responds with a back elbow and a boot to Rey. He then pulls off a flip Unprettier, earning a two-count. Waller hoists Rey onto his shoulders, but Rey manages to escape. Rey delivers a clothesline and follows up with a back senton. A drop toe hold from Rey sends Waller into the ropes. ##
Austin Theory's entrance music hits, and he walks down the ramp, positioning himself at the ring's edge. Waller scores a near fall with a roll-up. Both Rey and Waller execute simultaneous cross body presses, leading to both wrestlers being downed. ##
Santos Escobar suddenly assaults Theory from behind. Theory retaliates by clipping Escobar. Rey lands a dropkick to Theory outside the ring. Waller slides out and lands a clothesline. Waller strikes Santos, and Rey avoids a slingshot rolling cutter, turning it into a head scissors and a 619. Theory holds Rey on the apron, but Santos delivers a super kick. Rey finishes with a springboard splash, securing the three-count victory. ##
WINNER: Rey Mysterio ##
We revisit the initial Wyatt Family promos. Returning, we see posts from various social media platforms about Bray Wyatt. ##
Corey brings up the Tampa warehouse where he collaborated with Bray. He reminisces about Bray's ability to bring smiles to everyone's faces and recalls his infectious laughter. A recap follows of Zelina Vega's recent wins over Iyo Sky. Damage CTRL, accompanied by Kayla, inquire about Iyo's previous matches against Zelina and her upcoming contest. ##
Bayley accuses Kayla of showing favoritism and jests if she's aiming to join the LWO, given their preference for shorter individuals. Bayley hails Iyo as an extraordinary talent, having held the NXT Championship and Tag Team Championship, while currently reigning as the Women's Champion. Bayley asserts that this era belongs to Iyo. With a laugh, Bayley taunts Kayla and makes her way to the ring.##
After the break, footage rolls showing the debut of The Fiend. ##
Iyo Sky (with Bayley and Dakota Kai) Vs Zelina Vega for the World Championship ##
They engage in a lock-up, with Iyo applying a waist lock and Vega countering with a wrist lock. Iyo swiftly reverses the hold. Vega employs the ropes for a flip, reversing the situation. Iyo asserts a side headlock. Displaying agility, Iyo performs a cartwheel followed by a round-off. Vega executes a wheelbarrow into an arm drag. When Iyo seeks a breather near the ropes, Vega seizes her, yet Iyo manages to send Vega into the ropes, catching her throat, and follows up with a back kick. Iyo slams Vega for a near fall, delivering a series of forearms. Another slam attempt by Iyo is thwarted by Vega, who rolls her up for a near fall. Vega counters with a rolling kick, ascends the turnbuckle, but Iyo interrupts her momentum and performs a press slam, earning another close count. Iyo then transitions into a crossface submission. ##
A knee strike from Iyo is met with a side headlock from Vega. Iyo endeavors a belly-to-back suplex, but Vega lands gracefully. Iyo misses a splash, allowing Vega to retaliate with a kick. Vega propels Iyo into the turnbuckles, then proceeds with a clothesline and a hammerlock DDT. Vega climbs the turnbuckle for a Meteora, nearly pinning Iyo. Vega maintains pressure with a series of near falls. When Vega's splash attempt meets empty corner space, Iyo seizes the opportunity for a springboard dropkick. Iyo endeavors a slam, but Vega counters into a DDT. Both competitors find themselves down. Iyo repositions Vega for a moonsault, but Vega pulls her off the turnbuckle. Vega manages to execute Code Red, but Iyo rolls out to the floor. Vega retrieves Iyo and aims to use the ring steps, but Iyo reverses, sending Vega into them. ##
Iyo returns Vega to the ring, gearing up for a running double knee strike, which connects. Iyo then positions Vega for a moonsault, securing the three-count victory. ##
WINNER: Iyo Sky (retains Championship) ##
Cody Rhodes walks in the back as we go to commercial. Returning with further social media posts, the topic still centers around Bray. Cody Rhodes strides into the ring, ready to share his thoughts. ##
Addressing the Louisville crowd, Cody dives into a personal memory. He recalls a distinct incident from his childhood in Denver when he was just eleven years old. During his travels with his father, he encountered an odd occurrence on a people mover. A man's voice caught his attention, hurling a rather peculiar insult in his father's direction – "Egg Sucking Dog." Cody cheekily questions the appropriateness for a Fox broadcast. He amusingly recalls the man having choice words for his own grandmother. Perplexed, Cody couldn't identify the man, and he suspected a potential domestic issue. Little did he know, it was none other than the owner of the Double Cross Ranch, Terry Funk. ##
Cody segues into contemporary terminology that allows people to be labeled WWE superstars once they step into the ring. He reminisces on the varied terms used to describe those in the wrestling world – from wrestlers and athletes to competitors and carnies. However, Cody emphasizes a rare distinction: the title of "cowboys." Both Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt embodied the spirit of cowboys in their own remarkable ways. Cody delves into paying tribute to Terry Funk, hailing him as a second-generation star hailing from Amarillo. He proudly acknowledges Terry's tenure as a wearer of the ten pounds of gold. Terry's attendance and dedication to his education at West Texas State underscored his authenticity. Cody acknowledges Terry's impressive fifty-year presence in the wrestling industry. ##
Throughout this span, Terry Funk's versatility shines. Cody introduces the concept of "the rub," where a legendary figure elevates less experienced talents to their level. Cody credits Terry Funk for accomplishing this feat for an entire company and movement. Transitioning, a video package offers a glimpse into Terry Funk's legacy. ##
Cody proceeds, acknowledging Terry's relentless passion that stretched from Texas to Tokyo. Terry was fervent, especially in the realm of hardcore wrestling, encompassing tables, ladders, and chairs. With great significance, Cody reveals that the forthcoming match will be a Terry Funk Hardcore Match. ##
Butch and Ridge Holland Vs Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins in a Terry Funk Hardcore Match##
As the bell rings, all four men launch into a flurry of punches. Butch delivers chops to Ford, while Dawkins propels Ridge into the ring steps. Butch targets Ford's back with a forearm, followed by raking at his face and gripping his ears. Dawkins hurls Ridge into the steps once again. Inside the ring, Butch and Ford engage, with Ford applying a side headlock and executing a solid shoulder tackle. Butch responds with a dropkick on Ford and another to knock Dawkins off the apron. Butch seizes Ford's leg, transitioning into a spinning toe hold, only to be sent to the floor by Dawkins. Ridge capitalizes with a spinning front face lock, swiftly transitioning into a DDT. Dawkins retaliates with a kick and a twisting butterfly neck breaker. Ford follows up with a splash, narrowly missing the victory. Butch utilizes kicks and chops on Dawkins, while Ford and Dawkins collaborate for a double face plant on Butch. ##
Ford and Dawkins unleash a barrage of kicks and punches on Ridge, who finds himself cornered. Butch capitalizes, striking Dawkins with a boot as he charges in, and Ford similarly meets the boot as he follows suit. Butch ascends the turnbuckle, delivering a moonsault that impacts both opponents. Ridge employs Butch to knock down Ford and Dawkins with a skillful airplane spin. He then heads to the outside, connecting with a running shoulder tackle on Dawkins. Attempting a pile driver, Ridge's plans are thwarted by Dawkins, who counters with a back body drop. Butch contributes a running knee to Dawkins, while Ford executes a flip dive onto the entire group. ##
Interrupting the action, Bobby Lashley's entrance music resonates, drawing him into the ring despite the ongoing match. ##
A commercial break follows. ##
Returning from the break, Ridge executes a powerful slam on Ford, followed by a series of punches. Butch and Ridge team up, delivering forearms to Ford on the apron while Dawkins falls to the outside. Ridge splashes into the corner, and Butch adds a kick to the corner. Ridge lifts Ford, and Butch follows up with a leaping powerbomb, securing a near fall. Butch exits the ring, only to be met with a forceful POUNCE from Dawkins. A punch exchange ensues between Ridge and Dawkins. Dawkins takes to the air with a flying back elbow, followed by a spinning splash in the corner and an enzuigiri. Dawkins hoists Ridge onto his shoulders, as Ford contributes a blockbuster, but Butch intervenes, breaking up the pin attempt. Butch dishes out an enzuigiri to Dawkins and Ford consecutively. Ford counters with his own enzuigiri to Butch and follows up with a superkick to Ridge, leaving all participants grounded. ##
Dawkins ascends the turnbuckle, and Ridge intercepts his ascent. Ridge positions for a superplex and executes it effectively. Ford scales the ropes, executing a Seven Star Frog Splash on Ridge, but the pinfall is disrupted by Butch. Retrieving a table from under the ring, Butch encounters an unexpected obstacle in the form of Lashley. ##
Butch retrieves the table, positioning it within the ring. Ridge proceeds to set up the table, while Butch's attention shifts towards Lashley. Ford intervenes, launching punches directed at both Ridge and Butch. Subsequently, Ford situates the table inside the ring. He readies himself for a uranage through the table, but Ridge counters effectively using his elbows to block the attempt. Ridge successfully elevates Ford and follows with a well-executed back drop and DDT combination. Meanwhile, Butch targets Dawkins' fingers, applying pressure with a pull. ##
Ridge's powerful punch sends Dawkins onto the table, setting the stage for Butch's aerial maneuver. However, Lashley disrupts Butch's ascent, forcefully pushing him off the turnbuckles before delivering a decisive spear on the floor. ##
Ford seizes the opportunity, employing a swift kick to propel Ridge onto the table. As they synergize their efforts, Ford and Dawkins execute the Revelation through the table, sealing the victory with a decisive three-count. ##
WINNER: Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ##
A glimpse into the past brings us to the inaugural Firefly Fun House. In the backstage area, LA Knight makes his entrance. ##
Following a commercial break, the broadcast resumes, showcasing further social media posts related to Bray. ##
TMZ Sports presents Miz's comments on LA Knight. When asked about Knight, Miz dismisses him as a mere trend. He warns that if Knight continues to show him disrespect as he has been, Knight won't make it to WrestleMania. ##
LA Knight strides to the ring, a microphone in hand, ready to address the audience. ##
Knight acknowledges that he will address Miz shortly, but emphasizes that the focus tonight is on Bray Wyatt. As he gazes upon the audience representing the fireflies, he reflects on the notion that sometimes one's fiercest adversaries can also be instrumental guides. Recounting the trials he endured with Bray, Knight acknowledges their intense battles, which prepared him for any challenge. Knight admits he remained composed until he encountered the images of Bray's family. The deep emotions connected to those visuals and the fireflies' presence enveloping the arena manifest the enduring spirit of Bray Wyatt. ##
Knight acknowledges that he and Bray weren't best friends, but he expresses gratitude, uttering a heartfelt "Thank You, Bray." While not claiming an unbreakable bond, Knight believes that just as the audience feels Bray's spirit, he, too, feels the same, prompting him to close with Bray's signature catchphrase – "Let me talk to ya." ##
Miz appears on screen, echoing worn-out rhetoric. He reiterates Miz's previous words, and Knight responds unphased, expressing his contentment with being considered a fad, especially when Miz never truly was the focal point. Knight brings up instances when Miz's prominence was overshadowed by a stunt double or when he became a backdrop to a storyline between The Rock and John Cena. Challenging Miz's intent to end him, Knight affirms his readiness, regardless of the location. ##
Knight adds a final statement, recounting advice from a wise individual that the next time Miz encounters him, he should "RUN." ##
The broadcast shifts to a retrospective look at Bray's return to WWE, followed by a commercial break. ##
Singles Match: Finn Balor Vs LA Knight ##
Finn starts off with a well-executed waist lock takedown, transitioning fluidly. They engage in a lock-up, and Knight responds with a hammerlock, punctuating it with a slap to the back of Finn's head. Swiftly, Knight counters Finn's kick, although his subsequent clothesline misses its mark. Finn seizes control with a side headlock, but Knight counters with a shoulder tackle. The action spills to the outside as Finn finds himself on the floor. Knight gives chase, and upon Finn's return to the ring, he attempts an elbow drop that misses its target. Knight focuses on Finn's hand, delivering stomps before heading back to the outside. Knight proceeds to forcefully send Finn into the announce table multiple times. Finn is eventually returned to the ring, where Knight executes a slingshot shoulder tackle, earning a near fall. ##
Knight follows up with a kick and shoulders Finn in the corner. An Irish whip from Knight leads to Finn's nimble evasion, although he runs into an elbow from Knight. Finn capitalizes by pulling Knight off the turnbuckles, causing him to hit his head against the corner post. ##
As the broadcast continues, it is momentarily interrupted by Bray's promo from a past SmackDown episode in Tampa last December. This serves as a segue into a commercial break. ##
The action resumes as Finn applies a reverse chin lock to Knight. Following a knee strike to the midsection, Finn attempts an Irish whip but misses an elbow. Knight capitalizes with a neck breaker, unleashing a series of punches and a kick, followed by a DDT that secures a near fall. Knight sends Finn crashing face-first into the mat and then follows up with a forceful boot to the head for another near fall. ##
Finn counters by delivering impactful kicks to Knight's midsection. He proceeds to execute his signature sling blade maneuver, only to be met by a sudden clothesline from Knight. Knight then executes a running hip thrust into the corner. Attempting to gain the upper hand, Knight hoists Finn into a Torture Rack position, but Finn manages to escape and counters with a well-placed boot to Knight's chest. Following this, Finn executes a running dropkick that propels Knight into the turnbuckles. Seizing the opportunity, Finn ascends the turnbuckles, but his Coup de Grace attempt misses its target. Knight quickly retaliates with a powerful power slam. ##
Knight surveys the situation before delivering his signature YEAHple's Elbow for a close near fall. Finn counters Knight's BFT finisher into a rollup for another near fall. Elevating the intensity, Finn executes an elevated elbow drop, then ascends the turnbuckles once again. However, Knight counters Finn's momentum by crotching him on the top rope. Knight sets up for a superplex, but Finn responds with an elbow to dislodge Knight from the turnbuckles. In a surprising turn of events, Knight manages to leap back to the turnbuckles, executing a superplex. With momentum on his side, Knight delivers his BFT finisher, securing the victory with a three-count pinfall. ##
WINNER: LA Knight ##
The lights go down and the lantern appears in the ring. ##
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