UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA — Still steaming after Roman Reigns throttled Mr. McMahon with a Superman Punch last week, Shane McMahon opened SmackDown LIVE by denounced the former Universal Champion for attacking his father. Shane-O-Mac suggested that The Big Dog had no respect for The Chairman or the McMahon family and contemplated every possible punishment from a heavy fine to termination.
Instead, however, Shane said he would simply punish Roman by fighting him. Reigns quickly acquiesced when Shane called him to the ring, but before he could get his hands on The Prodigal Son, Elias suddenly emerged and tried to jump The Big Dog from behind. Reigns fought back for as long as he could, but “The Best in the World” and “the greatest acquisition in the history of SmackDown LIVE” pulverized him, and Elias connected with Drift Away to put Reigns down before exiting with Shane. Reigns got back to his feet and sneered at his attackers, but the message was clear: SmackDown LIVE may be Roman’s yard, but it’s still the McMahons’ Universe.