Three-way fight for US title looms as WWE crown jewel after SmackDown match ends in chaos

LA Knight will defend its US Championship against Carmelo Hayes And Andrade at Crown Jewel after his plan to defend against neither backfired on WWE SmackDown. Knight served as special guest referee in “Game 7” between Hayes and Andrade – the winner had a shot at the US title – when he threw out the match, handing out BFTs to both competitors and declaring that neither of them deserved to win against to take him on. Unfortunately for “The Megastar,” “SmackDown” General Manager Nick Aldis chastised the champion in a follow-up segment, saying that he would defend his title against both challengers at the upcoming PLE as he wanted to be the center of attention.

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Before the no-contest finish, the fight between Hayes and Andrade got off to a quick start, but Knight continued to interfere as momentum seemed to be building. Andrade hit a flush Spanish fly and a meteora for a near fall, but was sent out by Hayes on the ejection against Knight, leaving the referee unable to count a roll-up against Andrade. This caused Hayes to look Knight in the eyes and turn his attention to Andrade to attempt a superkick, only to accidentally hit Knight with it. Hayes attempted a pin later in the match, but Knight pulled him out of the ring and slammed him into the announce table, following up with BFTs on both competitors and ringing the bell himself.