WWE has announced another match and two segments for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
Big E vs. John Morrison is set for this week’s SmackDown. The match comes after Big E defeated The Miz two weeks ago, getting the first win of his current singles run.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman confronting “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt has also been announced for this week’s SmackDown, along with a sit-down interview with Alexa Bliss. Bliss will discuss her experiences with The Fiend from the past two weeks.
The main event angle of SmackDown two weeks ago saw The Fiend attack Bliss by putting her in the Mandible Claw. Last week, The Fiend appeared with Bliss again but backed off when Bliss touched his face. Strowman then appeared on the video screen, returning for the first time since his Swamp Fight against Wyatt at last month’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Strowman said he doesn’t care about Bliss — all he cares about is destroying Wyatt. He agreed to defend his Universal Championship against The Fiend at SummerSlam.
Friday’s SmackDown will also feature a triple brand battle royal to decide SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley’s challenger for SummerSlam. The battle royal will feature wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. SummerSlam is taking place on Sunday, August 23.
Two more title matches have officially been added to the card for SummerSlam.
Sasha Banks will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka at SummerSlam. After it was set up on SmackDown last Friday, WWE has also officially confirmed that “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt will challenge for Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship at the pay-per-view.
Asuka defeated Bayley on Raw tonight to be confirmed as Banks’ challenger for the PPV. The story was that Banks said last week that she’d give Asuka a title shot at SummerSlam if she could defeat Bayley tonight.
Asuka vs. Banks at Extreme Rules last month ended in controversy, setting up a rematch on Raw two weeks ago. Banks won the title by countout after Asuka went to save Kairi Sane when she was being attacked by Bayley backstage.
There will be a triple brand battle royal on SmackDown this week to decide who will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
For the first time since their Swamp Fight at Extreme Rules, Strowman returned to WWE television on SmackDown last Friday. He appeared on the video screen and agreed to face The Fiend at SummerSlam.
SummerSlam is taking place on Sunday, August 23. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Randy Orton
Raw Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defending against Asuka
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defending against Andrade & Angel Garza
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against MVP
Two tag team matches have been announced for next week’s episode of SmackDown.
Both of the matches involve tag team champions, though only one is a title match. WWE announced tonight that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will defend their titles against Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro on SmackDown next Friday. In non-title action, Women’s Tag Team Champions Bayley & Sasha Banks will face Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss on the episode.
Nakamura defeated Kingston in a singles match on tonight’s SmackDown. Nakamura and Cesaro tried to put Kingston through a table after, but Big E made the save for his partner.
Bayley and Banks held a tribute for themselves on tonight’s show until it was interrupted by Cross and Bliss. Bliss slapped Bayley during the segment, leading to Banks challenging Bliss to face Bayley in a singles match.
That match ended in a disqualification when Cross attacked Bayley. When Cross was cheering for Bliss during the match, Bayley told her to shut up and tried to kick her. Cross attempted to get into the ring, and Banks interfered while the referee was distracted. Cross then took out Banks on the outside. Bayley yelled at Cross, then Cross attacked her and caused the DQ.
WWE has also announced that Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship defense against Bray Wyatt from Money in the Bank will be re-aired on next Friday’s SmackDown. Strowman is facing Wyatt in a non-title Wyatt Swamp Fight at Extreme Rules on Sunday, July 19. Bayley is defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Cross at that pay-per-view, while Banks is challenging Asuka for the Raw Women’s Championship.
Two former Wyatt Family members will face off in what appears to be a cinematic-style match at Extreme Rules.
WWE has announced Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt in a “Wyatt Swamp Fight” for Extreme Rules. Though Strowman is the Universal Champion, his title won’t be on the line in the match.
Strowman retained his Universal title against Wyatt at Money in the Bank last month. For the first time since that match, Wyatt returned on SmackDown last week for a Firefly Fun House segment. Wyatt transformed into the Wyatt Family version of his character during the segment and told Strowman that in order for them to move forward they must first take a step back to where it all began.
Strowman then appeared on SmackDown tonight and responded to Wyatt. He cut a promo challenging Wyatt to face him in the swamp.
Extreme Rules is taking place on Sunday, July 19. The full name for the pay-per-view is “WWE Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.”
Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Dolph Ziggler
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Sasha Banks
Universal Champion Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt in a non-title Wyatt Swamp Fight
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Nikki Cross
Bray Wyatt returned to SmackDown last night and continued his feud with Universal Champion Braun Strowman.
In his first appearance since losing to Strowman at Money in the Bank, Wyatt hosted a Firefly Fun House segment on last night’s SmackDown. Strowman interrupted Wyatt and told him he had his opportunity at Money in the Bank and failed. Strowman said there are no more games and the story between them is over.
Wyatt laughed and said their story is just getting started. After saying he wasn’t lying about resurrecting the dead, Wyatt transformed into the Wyatt Family version of his character. Wyatt said in order for them to move forward they must first take a step back to where it all began.
Wyatt said he created Strowman, therefore it’s his duty to destroy him. Wyatt told Strowman he knows where to find him — all he has to do is follow the buzzards. He then warned Strowman to run.
A six-man tag match will be part of WWE’s final build to Backlash.
WWE has announced that Universal Champion Braun Strowman & Heavy Machinery will face The Miz, John Morrison & Dolph Ziggler on this week’s episode of SmackDown. Miz & Morrison are challenging for Strowman’s Universal title in a two-on-one handicap match at Backlash on Sunday.
A storyline throughout last Friday’s SmackDown saw Miz and Morrison play pranks on Strowman in an attempt to make his life a living hell. After they destroyed his car’s windshield, Strowman flipped over a van with Miz and Morrison in it.
This will be the first time Tucker has appeared on SmackDown since April.
Strowman & Otis defeated Miz & Morrison in the main event of SmackDown on May 15. After the match, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman turned around.
Otis defeated Baron Corbin by disqualification on SmackDown last week. Corbin got disqualified for using a steel chair, but Otis hit The Caterpillar on him after.
WWE has also announced that tomorrow’s SmackDown will feature a contract signing for Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus at Backlash.
Plus, Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles will face off in the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown tomorrow.
A “warning”, as well as a Women’s Tag Team title match, has been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
Announcers tonight said that The Miz and John Morrison are set to issue a ‘warning’ to Braun Strowman on next week’s show. The two are scheduled to face Strowman in a handicap match for the Universal title at Backlash on June 14.
Additionally, a Women’s Tag Team title match was announced for next week as well. Champions Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss will defend their championships against Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women’s champion Bayley.
The champions invited SmackDown Tag Team champions The New Day and Women’s champion Bayley to a Moment of Bliss segment. The discussion led to Sasha Banks saying that she and Bayley put the Women’s Tag Team titles on the map and would prove that they were the best team.
This led to a match between Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss. Banks defeated Bliss after Bayley interfered, pushing Cross into Bliss, which allowed Banks to get the win with a sunset flip roll-up.
Braun Strowman’s next Universal Championship defense will be in a handicap match.
It was announced on SmackDown tonight that The Miz & John Morrison will challenge for Strowman’s Universal title in a two-on-one handicap match at Backlash. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, June 14.
The main event of last week’s SmackDown saw Strowman & men’s Money in the Bank winner Otis defeat Miz & Morrison. On tonight’s SmackDown, Miz & Morrison kicked off the show with a Dirt Sheet segment. It led to a singles match where Strowman defeated Miz despite Interference from Morrison.
Strowman then accepted a challenge from Morrison for the Universal title handicap match at Backlash.
At Elimination Chamber in March, Strowman lost the Intercontinental title in a handicap match against Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro.
Strowman became Universal Champion by defeating Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 in April. Strowman retained the title against Bray Wyatt at Money in the Bank earlier this month, but WWE has made it clear that his rivalry with Wyatt isn’t over.
This is the third match to be confirmed for Backlash. Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship and Edge vs. Randy Orton are also set for the pay-per-view.
Two matches, along with a pair of segments, have been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak will find a mystery partner to take on the team of Baron Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro next week in a six-man tag team match. This was set after Cesaro and Nakamura aided Corbin in attacking Daniel Bryan tonight.
Tamina and Lacey Evans will also team up next week to take on best friends Sasha Banks and Bayley. This follows an altercation tonight that involved Bayley and Banks attacking Tamina backstage. Evans got involved to even the odds, leading to officials breaking up the fight.
A face-to-face meeting between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt has also been set. Wyatt confronted Strowman tonight by reading a “story” that alluded to Strowman’s previous association with the Wyatt family.
Additionally, Jeff Hardy will make his return on SmackDown. Recent weeks on SmackDown has focused on Jeff Hardy’s road to redemption, something that Sheamus has taken offense to in recent weeks. After the conclusion of tonight’s video package, Sheamus made it clear to the announcers that he would be around next week as well.
Bray Wyatt will officially be the first challenger for Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship.
It was announced during tonight’s SmackDown that Strowman will defend his Universal title against Wyatt at Money in the Bank. The match was advertised as Strowman vs. Wyatt and not Strowman vs. The Fiend.
Wyatt being Strowman’s first challenger was made apparent when a Firefly Fun House video interrupted Strowman after he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura last week. In the video, Wyatt referenced his history with Strowman from the Wyatt Family and said Strowman has something he wants back — the Universal Championship.
Strowman appeared on a Moment of Bliss segment with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross at the start of SmackDown tonight. Strowman said the Wyatt Family is part of his past that he’s trying to forget. He said he wasn’t going to play Wyatt’s games. But Strowman then saw a gift in the ring that he thought was from Bliss. Instead, he opened it up and it was his Wyatt Family sheep mask.
The Moment of Bliss segment ended with Wyatt’s laugh playing and an old picture of Strowman wearing the mask appearing on the screen.
Strowman won the Universal title from Goldberg at WrestleMania 36.
Money in the Bank is taking place on Sunday, May 10. The men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches are also set for the pay-per-view.
A Universal Championship feud between former Wyatt Family stablemates kicked off on last night’s SmackDown.
After defeating Goldberg to win the Universal title at WrestleMania 36, Braun Strowman opened last night’s show by making his first appearance as champion. He was interrupted by Shinsuke Nakamura, which set up a non-title match between them in the main event.
Strowman defeated Nakamura and was then interrupted by a Firefly Fun House video from Bray Wyatt. Wyatt referenced his history with Strowman in the Wyatt Family and said Strowman has something he wants back — the Universal Championship.
SmackDown takes place from the WWE Performance Center tonight and features the brand’s fallout from WrestleMania 36.
New Universal Champion Braun Strowman is set to appear on the episode. After replacing Roman Reigns in the match, Strowman survived three spears and defeated Goldberg to win the Universal title at WrestleMania.
New Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross are also set for tonight’s show. They’ll defend their titles against The Kabuki Warriors in a WrestleMania rematch.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley retained in a five-way elimination match at WrestleMania, Sami Zayn defeated Daniel Bryan to retain the Intercontinental title, and one half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison defeated Jimmy Uso and Kofi Kingston in a triple threat ladder match to retain the titles for Miz & Morrison.
WrestleMania also saw “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defeat John Cena in the Firefly Fun House, and Otis defeated Dolph Ziggler with Mandy Rose’s help. Rose and Otis embraced after the match.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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New Universal Champion Braun Strowman entered the ring to start SmackDown. They recapped Strowman beating Goldberg to win the title at WrestleMania 36.
Strowman said there’s an old saying that when opportunity knocks, you better open the door. He noted he took everything Goldberg had to dish out. He refused to stay down and put down Goldberg for good. Strowman pointed out that it’s the greatest moment of his career.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He said he’s knocking on the door. Nakamura mocked Strowman. Strowman heard enough and promised Nakamura he’s going to get these hands later tonight.
Suddenly, Cesaro appeared behind Strowman. Strowman pushed Cesaro out of the ring, but Nakamura rocked him with a kick to the head. The kick hurt Strowman, but he only went down to one knee.
They recapped Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross’s victory over The Kabuki Warriors at WrestleMania to win the Women’s Tag Team titles for the second time.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeated The Kabuki Warriors To Retain The Titles
Michael Cole called Nikki Cross’ WrestleMania performance a career-defining moment.
Sane immediately jumped Bliss to gain the advantage. The heels isolated Bliss in their corner and cut her off from Cross. Sane and Bliss exchanged hard shots in the middle of the ring. Sane got the better of Bliss and tagged in Asuka.
Asuka knocked Cross off the apron and continued to beat down Bliss. Bliss fought back and nailed Sane with a dropkick. She attempted to tag Cross, but she wasn’t on the apron.
Bliss nailed Sane with a sliding dropkick to the floor. Asuka rocked Bliss with the hip attack and jumped on commentary. Cross and Asuka screamed at each other. Bliss pulled Asuka of the announce desk, and Cross hit a flying crossbody block onto Asuka.
Back from the break, Asuka was firmly in control as she beat down Cross. The heels isolated Cross on their side of the ring. Cross rolled up Sane for a near fall and attempted the tag, but Sane cut her off. Cross knocked Sane off the apron and rolled up Asuka for a near fall.
Asuka attempted a German suplex, but Cross reversed into a bulldog. Bliss got the hot tag and ran wild. She missed a moonsault, and Sane hit a spear for a very close near fall. Bliss and Cross went for a double team move, but Asuka rocked Bliss with a kick.
Asuka and Sane hit a powerbomb/forearm combo. Asuka locked on an armbar, but Bliss broke up the hold. Sane went for the back fist, but Bliss ducked and hit a DDT. Asuka pulled Sane out of the ring. She then rocked Cross with a knee.
Bliss then hit Twisted Bliss to the floor, wiping out the heels. Bliss attempted Twisted Bliss in the ring, but Sane rolled out of the way.
Cross made the blind tag, and Bliss rocked Sane with a right hand. Cross then hit the neck breaker for the win.
Michael Cole announced Braun Strowman versus Shinsuke Nakamura is official for later tonight.
Elias performed a song on the perch because that’s where King Corbin injured him by pushing him off. He talked about defeating Corbin at WrestleMania. Elias then sang a song about beating Corbin and making his return. He said winning Money In The Bank is his next challenge.
They recapped the Otis-Mandy Rose-Sonya Deville-Dolph Ziggler angle.
Michael Cole said Otis is an inspiration, and Corey Graves was disgusted. Dolph Ziggler and Sonya Deville made their way to the announce desk. They yelled at Cole and Graves. Deville called Mandy Rose her friend. Ziggler said they just want what’s best for Rose.
Tucker interrupted and showed pictures of Otis and Rose working out together.
They announced the Triple H 25th Anniversary Special starts in two weeks on SmackDown.
Dolph Ziggler (w/Sonya Deville) defeated Tucker
They recapped Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag on Tucker on the steel steps last week.
Deville distracted Tucker to give Ziggler the early advantage. Tucker fought back and whipped Ziggler into the steps at ringside. Deville distracted the referee, and Ziggler stuck his thumb in Tucker’s eye.
Ziggler charged at Tucker, but Tucker caught Ziggler. Tucker then slammed Ziggler on the announce desk. In the ring, Tucker hit a massive power slam for a close near fall. He followed up with a crossbody off the second turnbuckle for another near fall.
Tucker missed a charge in the corner and went shoulder-first into the ring post. Ziggler then hit the superkick for the win.
They showed the closing moments of the triple threat ladder match from WrestleMania. John Morrison fought with Kofi Kingston and Jimmy Uso on the top of the ladders. All three guys pulled down the belts, but Kingston and Uso knocked Morrison off the ladder. Morrison fell with the belts to win.
The Dirt Sheet
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison welcomed everyone to The Dirt Sheet. Miz noted they retained the tag titles at WrestleMania 36 in a ladder match. Morrison pointed out that he won the ladder match and was the first person to retain the tag titles on his own. Miz said he was the first person to retain the tag titles from his coach at home.
Miz and Morrison ran down the WrestleMania card. They talked about the Boneyard Match, and Morrison said the ending of the match is like a nightmare he has every time he competes. They showed the end of the match and Styles begging Undertaker not to bury him.
Miz and Morrison started performing their rap song when The Usos interrupted. They made a lot of Pee-Wee Herman references throughout the segment. The Usos pointed out that Miz and Morrison are the tag team champions and not Morrison by himself. Miz said the only reason he wasn’t in the ladder match is that they injured him. He noted he’s still injured and not medically cleared.
The New Day walked onto the ramp, and Kingston pointed out there was another team in the match. Big E said that the other three that weren’t in the match should compete. Miz reminded them that he’s still injured.
Kingston revealed they went to management and FOX. Next week SmackDown Tag Team Champion The Miz defends against Big E and Jey Uso in a triple threat match.
The Forgotten Sons (Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake w/Jaxon Ryker) defeated The Lucha Dragons
Michael Cole noted there are usually NXT debuts the week after WrestleMania.
Steve Cutler backed Lince Dorado into the corner. The Lucha Dragons briefly took over on Wesley Blake. Dorado hit a crossbody for a close near fall. The heels regained control and isolated Dorado in their corner.
Blake slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Dorado fought back and hit a handspring stunner on Cutler.
Gran Metalik got the tag and ran wild. He hit a crossbody block onto the heels and followed up with a springboard elbow.
Blake hit a huge clothesline to regain control. They then hit an inverted DDT/foot stomp for the win.
In the back, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross celebrated retaining the tag team titles. Dana Brooke and Carmella approached and congratulated the new champions.
Brooke and Carmella requested a shot at the titles, but Bliss wasn’t sure. Bliss and Cross talked about it, but Cross said yes before Bliss could agree.
Bayley And Sasha Banks Promo
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring.
Bayley noted that two weeks ago, Paige tried to ruin her WrestleMania and their friendship by putting them in a 5-way elimination match. Bayley said that didn’t happen because she’s the best. She corrected herself and said they’re the best.
Banks noted there is nobody that can defeat them from the past or present. Tamina’s music hit and she made her way to the ring. Bayley was scared but said she’s happy to see her.
Tamina noted it took all of them to take her out of the match at WrestleMania. Tamina demanded a title shot against Bayley right now. Banks was furious that Tamina would just request a title shot. Tamina didn’t like Banks’ tone. Banks was scared but pretended she needed Bayley to hold her back.
Bayley said she’ll give Tamina a title shot if Tamina can defeat Banks next week. Tamina agreed, but Banks was upset.
Sheamus defeated Cal Bloom
Sheamus dominated the match and beat down Bloom. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the win.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves turned their attention to Jeff Hardy making his return. Sheamus walked by the table and just looked at Cole and Graves.
Jeff Hardy Chapter One: The Rise
They looked back at the career of Jeff Hardy. Hardy discussed his childhood and wrestling on a trampoline in the backyard. Hardy then discussed his early career tagging with his brother in the late 90s. The video also looked back at all the risks he took in his career.
Strowman took over with a boot to the chest. He backed Nakamura in the corner and was firmly in control. Cesaro distracted Strowman, and Nakamura briefly had the advantage.
Strowman fought back and dropped Nakamura on the barricade at ringside.
Back from the break, Strowman was still firmly in control. He hit a splash in the corner and went for the power slam, but Nakamura slipped out the back. Cesaro hit an uppercut behind the referee’s back, and Nakamura hit a knee for a near fall.
Strowman fought back and hit a side slam. Cesaro jumped on the apron, but Strowman knocked him off. Strowman ran around ringside and knocked down Nakamura and Cesaro.
As Strowman entered the ring, Nakamura hit a knee to take back over. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Strowman countered into the power slam to retain the Universal title.
Strowman celebrated when The Firefly Funhouse interrupted. Bray Wyatt has to re-write history and showed footage of John Cena losing at WrestleMania.
Wyatt congratulated Strowman on winning the Universal title. The lantern started whispering, and Wyatt had a flashback to when Strowman was a member of The Wyatt Family.
Wyatt wondered if he should forgive Strowman for leaving his family. Strowman noted he doesn’t have time for these games.
Wyatt said he wants something back, and it’s on Strowman’s shoulder. Wyatt said since he brought Strowman into this world, he has to take him out. Wyatt said goodbye to Strowman.
Strowman stopped Wyatt and said whenever Wyatt wants Strowman will let him in. Strowman then said bye to Wyatt with a huge smile on his face.
Next Week: SmackDown Tag Team Champion The Miz defends against Jey Uso and Big E in a triple threat match. Tamina takes on Sasha Banks, and If Tamina wins, she gets a title shot against SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley.
In Money In The Bank Qualifying matches, Daniel Bryan takes on Cesaro, and Naomi goes one-on-one with Dana Brooke. Plus, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose address their recent issues.
WWE has made a couple of announcements for the first post-WrestleMania 36 episode of SmackDown.
After defeating Goldberg at WrestleMania, Braun Strowman will make his first appearance as Universal Champion on Friday’s SmackDown. Strowman was the replacement for Roman Reigns in the Universal title match at WrestleMania after Reigns pulled out of the show.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross became the new Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Asuka & Kairi Sane at WrestleMania. On Friday’s SmackDown, Bliss & Cross will defend their titles against Asuka & Sane in a WrestleMania rematch.
This is Strowman’s first World title reign. Bliss & Cross are now two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Asuka was also in action on Raw this Monday. She defeated Liv Morgan on the show.
WWE is resuming tapings at the Performance Center this Friday. The closed set tapings will run for a week and will include three episodes each of Raw and SmackDown. Dave Meltzer also noted that it’s believed several episodes of NXT will be filmed at Full Sail University.
Strowman pinned Goldberg tonight at WrestleMania 36. It was a match of finishers; Goldberg speared Strowman multiple times in the opening minutes of the match. However, Strowman avoided a jackhammer attempt by Goldberg and landed a powerslam. He followed with three more to win the match and the championship for the first time.
Goldberg had held the championship for 38 days, defeating The Fiend Bray Wyatt back at Super ShowDown on February 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Strowman wrote the following on Twitter after the match aired: “It’s real.The #UniversalTitle is in these hands. Thank you @Goldberg and the @WWE Universe who’ve always supported. #MonsterMania #WrestleMania”.
Roman Reigns was originally supposed to face Goldberg at WrestleMania this year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a number of changes to the card. Reigns, due to his battle with leukemia, has a compromised immune system and therefore is more susceptible to the virus. He ultimately pulled out of the match, which the WWE announced yesterday on SmackDown.
WWE has publicly revealed Goldberg’s new challenger for WrestleMania 36.
It was officially announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Braun Strowman is challenging Goldberg for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36. The show is airing on the WWE Network across two nights tomorrow and Sunday. WWE hasn’t announced which night Goldberg vs. Strowman will be airing on.
It had been known since March 26 that Roman Reigns — who was originally scheduled to challenge Goldberg — wasn’t wrestling at WrestleMania, but WWE didn’t make the official announcement until tonight. In an Instagram video earlier this week, Reigns addressed why he pulled out of the show.
Neither Goldberg nor Strowman appeared on SmackDown tonight. The announcement of Strowman being Goldberg’s new challenger was made by Michael Cole, with Reigns not being mentioned.
Goldberg has been Universal Champion since defeating “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the title at Super ShowDown on February 27.
Strowman lost the Intercontinental title to Sami Zayn when he faced Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro in a handicap match at Elimination Chamber last month.
