We’re currently on the road to the Night of Champions premium live event, and two big title matches were confirmed for the show during this week’s episode of SmackDown.
Carmelo Hayes faced off against Ricky Saints in a singles match to determine who would challenge Trick Williams for the WWE United States Championship at the Night of Champions premium live event. Saints and Hayes put on a good back and forth match, but ultimately Ricky Saints picked up the victory.
Near the end of the match Carmelo Hayes was holding onto the turnbuckle pad as Saints grabbed him and he ended up pulling the turnbuckle pad off. Shortly after Hayes was on the top rope and Ricky knocked him down which caused him to fall on an exposed turnbuckle. Hayes was in pain, but he connected with First 48. Saints then pushed him and Hayes hit his head on the exposed turnbuckle. Saints pinned him to win the match.
The show kicked off with Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee. Gunther got physical with Sami during the match, and the bout ended in controversy when Gunther tried to hold onto the ropes as Cody attempted to roll him up, and Sami kicked Gunther’s hands off the ropes then did a fast count which resulted in Cody retaining.
Throughout the rest of the show Nick Aldis conversed with Gunther, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare told Nick Aldis that he wants to beat Sami Zayn and Gunther at Night of Champions, so he asked Nick Aldis to book a triple threat. Aldis then officially confirmed that Cody will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami and Gunther at Night of Champions.