WWE SmackDown Results – July 8, 2023 – Theory vs. Sheamus

WWE

TPWW

Jul 7, 2023

Results by Roy Nemer of Wrestleview.com

July 7, 2023
New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Commentary: Michael Cole and Wade Barrett

Quick Match Results

United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) defeated Sheamus via roll up after a distraction by Pretty Deadly and Brawling Brutes
AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross via Phenomenal Forearm
Edge defeated Grayson Waller via spear

In-Ring: Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, The Usos

Live in the arena, The Usos make their way down to the ring with the fans in attendance singing their entrance theme. Jey Usos kicks off by saying that “The Usos are now in your city”. Jimmy mentions how every one said that Roman cannot be beat but guess what happened at Money in the Bank. He got beat. Paul Heyman’s voice is heard and he walks out with Solo.

Heyman introduces himself as both he and Solo get in the ring. The fans chant “You suck” towards Heyman. He says he serves as defense council and he presents them with defense item number one. The Usos tell him to shut up. Heyman laughs and says he will spell it out. They don’t tell him when to stop talking, there is only one person in WWE who will tell him to stop talking. As he says that, Solo puts his hand on the microphone and grabs it from Heyman as the fans chant “Solo”.

He throws the microphone to the outside of the ring and stands in the corner looking at the Usos. Heyman looks confused in the opposite corner as Roman’s music hits. Heyman leaves the ring as Roman walks down wearing the Ula Fala, the red necklace around his neck.

Back from commercial and every one is in the ring. Solo is standing in the corner as Roman has a microphone in his hand. The fans chant “You got pinned” and Roman looks at the crowd. Reigns tell Madison Square Garden to acknowledge him.

Roman tells them they are right, he got pinned but he is still the Tribal Chief. The fans chant “Tribal Chief” as Roman tells the Usos the fans are not chanting for them. And Jimmy isn’t the Tribal Chief. The fans chant “Usos” and Roman laughs. Roman looks at Jey and tells him he isn’t the Tribal Chief either… Yet.

Reigns says if the Tribal Chief didn’t call for a Tribal Court, then this isn’t official. He asks The Usos why they are wasting his time and asks them who has the authority to come out and put him on trial.

The Usos tell Roman he won’t manipulate them like he always does. Jimmy says he can watch this video and spin that how he wants. We see “Exhibit A” where Roman told Jimmy to apologize a few weeks ago. We also see when Roman gave Heyman the Superman Punch. Another video when Roman told Solo that Solo answers to him.

In the same video, we see all of the times in which Roman put down the Usos and Solo.

Back in the ring, Roman smirks and looks at the crowd. The fans chant “You f* up”. Roman says no he didn’t in which the fans reply “Yes you did”. Roman tells the Usos that’s not who he is, that’s who he was forced to be. Roman asks them if he wanted to lower himself and do all of that. He tells Jey he did it for him. He looks at Jimmy and says he did it for him. He looks at Solo and says he did it for him. The fans chant “Bullshit”. He says how could it be? He was a WrestleMania main event long before the Bloodline.

Roman says he did not need the Bloodline but the Bloodline needed him. He put himself in situations he should not have been for them, for the elders, for their family. And this is what he gets. He gets them compiling footage of his worst moments. His daughters are in the back watching and not understanding who he is because of them. He takes on the weight of everybody’s family and he lifts them all up. He says he has five children in his house hold, he didn’t need to take their kids too.

Reigns says he does not need this in his life. He doesn’t need the money, he doesn’t need the power. Roman says he doesn’t want it, he doesn’t need it. He looks at Jey and says he is done.

He says he is done with all of it. If Jey wants it, he it’s his because he is done. Roman drops his microphone, as does Jey and they go face to face. The fans chant “Na na na na, hey, hey, hey, good bye”. Roman takes off the Ula Fala (the red necklace) from around his neck. He places it around Jey’s neck.

Roman takes off the Undisputed Championship and throws it. He bows down on one knee and gets on both knees and begins to cry. Jey puts his arm around Roman and Roman low blows him.

Jimmy attacks Roman and begins to stomp on him. Solo throws Jimmy away and Solo looks at the necklace that is now on the mat. Solo looks at it and looks at Roman. Jimmy gets up and runs but Solo hits him with the Samoan Spike. Solo grabs the necklace and stares at it as the fans chant “Put it on”. Roman gets to his feet and looks at Solo.

Roman extends his hand but Jey attacks them both and hits Roman with right hands. Solo grabs Jey and hits him with the Rock Bottom. Jimmy gets back up and Roman hits him with the Superman Punch.

Roman kicks Jimmy to the outside of the ring as Solo clears the announce table. Roman slams Jimmy face first into the announce table. Jey jumps Roman on the outside but Solo hits Jey with right hands. Solo places Jey on the ring apron and ties his arms in between the ring ropes.

Reigns yells at Jey and tells him he will never be Tribal Chief. Jimmy gets to his feet and Roman hits him with the Undisputed Championship. He slams Jimmy face first into the ring steps. Roman grabs the ring steps and his Jimmy with them. Jimmy is leaning on the barricade and once more Roman hits him with the steps.

Jey kicks Solo away and he jumps Roman. Solo grabs Jey and hits him with the Samoan Spike. Solo places Jimmy on the announce table as WWE officials come down to try and break it up. Solo stands on the barricade and lands a splash onto Jimmy through the announce table. Roman and Solo stand over Jimmy. Heyman places the red necklace onto Roman as he stands holding the Universal Championship.

We come back from commercial and Jimmy is on a stretcher with Jey helping the medics. Several WWE superstars are backstage as Jimmy is put in an ambulance.

United States Championship
Austin Theory (c) vs. Sheamus

The bell rings and we are under way. Sheamus gets Theory in the corner and hits him with right hands followed by an Irish Curse Backbreaker. Theory gets to his feet and Sheamus clotheslines him to the outside. Sheamus climbs the top rope and he hits Theory with a clothesline.

Back from commercial, Sheamus on the top rope and he lands a knee to the face. He goes for the cover but Theory kicks out. Sheamus runs to the ropes but Theory with an elbow to the face. He goes for the cover but Sheamus kicks out. Theory stomps on Sheamus who is on the mat. Theory climbs the top rope as Sheamus gets to his feet and Sheamus hits him with an uppercut. Sheamus climbs the second rope and lifts Theory but Theory lands on his feet on the mat. Theory with a right hand. Theory lifts Sheamus up on his shoulders, spins him and slams him on the mat. He goes for the cover but Sheamus kicks out.

Back from commercial, Sheamus with a body slam. He goes for a Celtic Cross but Theory lands on his feet and onto the ring apron. Theory hangs Sheamus onto the top rope. Theory rolls into the ring but Sheamus hits him with a power bomb. He goes for the cover but Theory kicks out. Sheamus with the cloverleaf in the middle of the ring. Pretty Deadly runs to the ring but Sheamus knocks them down. Theory hits Sheamus with a drop kick. He goes for A-Town Down but Sheamus lands on his feet. Sheamus with a knee to the face. He goes for the cover but Theory kicks out.

Ridge Holland and Butch run down to the ring and they attack Pretty Deadly. Wilson on the ring apron, Sheamus hits him with the Brogue onto him. Theory rolls Sheamus up, grabs his tights and get the pin.

Winner: Still WWE United States Champion, Austin Theory

In-Ring: The Grayson Waller Effect with Edge

Waller starts by saying that he is living the dream. He hasn’t had a match on SmackDown but he is standing in the world’s most famous arena. He says tonight is not about him. There have been huge moments in this arena but no bigger than the announcement his guest has tonight. He introduces Edge to the show and out he comes to a loud pop from the crowd.

He stands in the ring and looks at the crowd as Waller tells him to have a seat. Edge says it is a steamy hot summer night in New York. Waller cuts him off and says we know all about the arena but to get to the big announcement.

Edge looks at Waller and says it’s the 25th anniversary of his career in the WWE. They can celebrate that tonight, next month in Toronto. Waller tells him and… as Edge looks confused. Waller says Edge is too embarrassed to say it. Edge has had a big career but Edge saved his money, hopefully has some good investments but he asks Edge why he is back in the WWE. Edge says it’s pretty simple, because of them as he points to the crowd and they cheer.

He stands up and tells the fans he wants to talk to them. He says his first PLE for the WWE was SummerSlam 1998. He was the mystery partner for Sable against Marc Mero and Jacqueline. He says the entrance used to be right there as he points to the short entrance in the arena. He says he ran, he dove over those ropes and they opened up their arms to him. And he knows that in New York City, the respect is hard won. But it’s a city full of hard workers and big dreamers. And he has always been a hard worker and big dreamer.

Edge says but that is why they work. Waller says it is so exciting that in MSG, Edge’s big announcement is that he is retiring. Waller gets to his feet and says it is the last time “you will ever see Edge in Madison Square Garden”. Waller begins to clap as Edge looks at him. Edge tells him last week he was standing eye to eye with John Cena in London. Less than a week later, he is standing eye to eye with the Rated R Superstar. Someone, somewhere, sees something in him. But he has not had a match on SmackDown but he is in deep waters. And it’s time to sink or swim.

Edge tells him he isn’t retiring. He talked to the powers that be and he is going to have a match tonight. And that gets a big reaction from the crowd. And it is himself against Grayson Waller. Edge throws the microphone onto Grayson and leaves the ring.

AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross

The bell rings and we are under way. Kross has tape all around his left thigh. Kross with right hands and a forearm to the face. Kross with the Kross Hammer from behind. Kross goes for the Krossjacket but AJ blocks it and hits him with a jaw breaker. AJ with an overhead kick. Kross in the corner, AJ on the ring apron and a forearm onto Kross. Scarlett grabs AJ by the leg but Michin grabs Scarlett and throws her into the barricade. AJ goes for the Phenomenal Forearm but Kross grabs AJ. Kross backs up but AJ lands on the right apron. AJ with a right hand. AJ with the Phenomenal Forearm. He goes for the cover and gets the pin.

Winner: AJ Styles

In-Ring: Asuka, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Sky, Iyo Sky, Bayley

WWE Women’s Champion Asuka makes her way down to the ring. She says “No one is ready for Asuka” and Bianca Belair’s music hits. Bianca runs down to the ring. Right hands by Bianca as she takes Asuka down. Charlotte’s music hits and out comes Flair to the ring. Flair runs down as Bianca gets out of the ring. They both fight on the outside. Asuka with a double baseball slide. Asuka climbs the top rope but IYO SKY hits Asuka with the Money in the Bank contract from behind. Bayley with a Rose Plant. IYO with a moon sault. IYO gives Bayley the briefcase and wants to cash in but Bianca grabs IYO and drags her to the outside. She attacks her as Asuka gets away and Flair stands in the ring.

Edge vs. Grayson Waller

The bell rings and we are under way. The fans are on their feet chanting “Edge”. A head lock by Edge but Waller gets out of it and Edge with a shoulder tackle. Edge kicks Waller on his ribs. Waller in pain and Edge with a gut wrench suplex. A right hand by Edge but Waller with a right hand. Waller to the ropes, he jumps for a cross body but Edge catches him and lands a fall away slam. Edge goes for the spear but Waller with a jumping knee to the face. Waller throws Edge to the outside. Waller slide to the outside and hits Edge with a clothesline.

Back from commercial, Waller with a flyinng DDT off the second rope. He goes for the cover but Edge kicks out. A head lock by Waller in the middle of the ring but Edge with right hands. Forearms by Edge as he runs to the ropes but Waller with a knee to the midsection. Waller climbs the second rope but Edge gets to his feet. A right hand by Edge followed by a forearm. Edge climbs the second rope as he goes for a suplex but Waller slams Edge down onto the mat. Waller walks across the second rope, jumps but Edge gets the knees up.

Edge gets to his feet first and he lands a big boot followed by a flapjack. Waller rolls to the ring apron. Edge rolls to the outside and powerbombs Waller on the outside.

Michael Cole mentions on commentary that Jey Uso is back at Madison Square Garden.

Edge throws Waller back into the ring and Edge climbs the top rope. Edge with a cross body. He goes for the cover but Waller kicks out. Edge pushes Waller into the turnbuckle. Edge runs towards Waller but Waller with a big boot. Waller with a twisting Unprettier. He goes for the cover but Edge kicks out. Right hands by Waller. He goes for the cover but Edge kicks out. Waller stomps on Edge in the middle of the ring. He yells “Sink or swim, sink or swim:”. Waller throws Edge to the ropes and he hits him with a spinning right hand. Grason grabs Edge but Edge reverses it into an Edgecution DDT.

Edge goes for the spear but Waller move sout of the way and Edge hits the second turnbuckle. Waller gets out of the ring. He runs, jumps into the ring and goes for the Stunner but Edge hits him with a spear. Edge goes for the cover and gets the pin.

Winner: Edge

After the match, Edge grabs the microphone and he tells Waller that he swam.

Backstage: Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns

We cut backstage and Heyman tells Roman that Jey Uso is back at Madison Square Garden and he looking for him. Roman says he won’t have to look long because he will be in the ring.

In-Ring: Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso

Back from commercial, Roman is in the ring with Solo and Heyman. Roman tells the crowd to acknowledge him.

The Usos’s music hits and Jey Uso is walking through the crowd, down the steps. Solo leaves the ring as Jey jumps the barricade and attacks Solo. He throws Solo into the ring post. Jey looks at Roman as the fans chant “Ucye”. Jey grabs a steel chair and gets in the ring. Roman goes to hit Jey with the Championship but Jey hits him with a chair. Solo gets in the ring and grabs the chair from Jey but Jey hits Solo with a super kick. Roman rolls out of the ring as Jey hits Solo with the steel chair several times. Jey grabs the WWE Undisputed Championship and a microphone.

Jey says he won’t do that to Jimmy. Jey tells Roman that Jey is the judge, jury and executioner. And now he has to get Roman. Jey says he doesn’t care about brothers, wise man. Just them. He tells Roman to accept his challenge so he can accept his challenge one more time.

The Uso’s music hits as SmackDown goes off the air.