After an angle on tonight’s SmackDown shook up the semifinals, the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are now set.
Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles will face off in the finals of the Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown in two weeks (Friday, June 12). Bryan advanced to the finals by defeating Sheamus on SmackDown tonight, while Styles automatically advanced after Elias was taken out of the tournament.
Tonight’s SmackDown opened with an angle where there had been a hit-and-run accident outside of the WWE Performance Center. Elias was hit by a car and the driver of the vehicle fled. It was revealed to be Jeff Hardy’s rental car and there was a bottle of alcohol found in it. A disoriented Hardy was found and taken into police custody, and Elias was also removed from the tournament due to being unable to compete.
Bryan vs. Hardy and Styles vs. Elias were supposed to be the semifinal matches. Styles wanted to move on to the finals automatically, but Bryan said he wasn’t a coward and wanted to face a new opponent. Sheamus won a 10-man battle royal and faced Bryan in the semifinals in the main event.
Hardy returned at the end of the show, with Bryan hitting the running knee and pinning Sheamus after Sheamus was distracted. Hardy then attacked Sheamus until he ran off.
WWE Digital has learned Jeff Hardy was released from custody by the Orlando police after successfully passing the required sobriety tests, therefore absolving Hardy of the charges of public intoxication, driving under the influence, and the hit-and-run on Elias earlier tonight.
Elias was found injured in the parking lot with an abandoned car nearby before Friday Night SmackDown began. Hardy was taken into custody after being found dazed not from the scene but reemerged as Sheamus battled Daniel Bryan in the night’s final match.
Stay tuned to WWE social and digital channels for the latest updates on the developing situation.
Both semifinal matches in WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are taking place on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles vs. Elias are the first round matches for the tournament. Hardy and Styles advanced with wins on last week’s SmackDown, defeating Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura respectively. Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in the first round two weeks ago, while Elias defeated Baron Corbin.
Sami Zayn was Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant earlier this month.
A Tag Team Champion Summit edition of A Moment of Bliss will air on tonight’s show. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day will join Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross for the segment.
Sonya Deville vs. Lacey Evans has also been announced for tonight. Last week, Deville & Dolph Ziggler defeated Mandy Rose & Otis in a mixed tag match. Deville vs. Evans was set up when they went back and forth on Twitter this week.
With NXT/Performance Center wrestlers serving as fans, tonight’s show will be the first SmackDown since March to have any sort of a crowd.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started outside of the WWE Performance Center. There was an apparent hit and run accident involving Elias. The police and ambulance were on the scene. Elias was on the ground, and EMTs put him on a stretcher.
Renee Young noted a witness saw a car crash and injure Elias. The witness also saw a person in black pants and a black shirt runoff. The smashed car was on the side of the parking lot on the curb. The cops checked the vehicle and found that it belongs to Jeff Hardy.
Kayla Braxton was with Universal Champion Braun Strowman outside. Strowman was also a witness to the crash. He saw the car crash, and somebody ran out.
The police, Jamie Knoble and Jason Jordan found Jeff Hardy passed out near the scene. He was wearing black pants and a black shirt. The cops noted Hardy smells like alcohol and asked him if he was drinking. The police then handcuffed Hardy and put him in the back of the squad car.
Young pointed out that Hardy appears intoxicated and is getting arrested. Young also said Elias is going to a local medical facility.
The segment was done well. The scene came across chaotic but did play on Hardy’s real-life issues.
Back from the break, Adam Pearce addressed the SmackDown roster. Pearce noted Elias is injured, and Jeff Hardy’s going to jail. Sheamus said he wasn’t surprised that Hardy got arrested again. Daniel Bryan told him to relax.
AJ Styles was happy and said he guesses he takes on Bryan in the finals. Bryan disagreed and noted maybe they should pick somebody to take on. Styles called Bryan stupid and told him to take the free ride. Styles noted he’s taking the bye and going straight to the finals.
Every one argued, and they all wanted a chance back in the tournament. King Corbin said he and Sheamus should face Bryan, and the winner takes on Styles. Dolph Ziggler was furious and pointed out he’s not Jack Tunney.
Pearce announced a battle royal next, and the winner takes on Daniel Bryan. The winner of that match takes on Styles in two weeks in the finals of the I.C. tournament.
Both segments featured a lot of talking, but it was a nice change from the typical opening segments in the ring.
Battle Royal: Sheamus Eliminated Jey Uso To Advance To The I.C. Title Semi-Final
Participants: Gran Metalik, King Corbin, Drew Gulak, Jey Uso, Lince Dorado, Cesaro, Shorty G, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura
This was a good and fun battle royal. They gave Shorty G and Jey Uso a chance to shine in the match.
Cesaro pressed slammed Ziggler over the top rope, but he held on. Sheamus started yelling at Micahel Cole, and Shorty G almost eliminated him from behind. Corbin dumped Dorado on the apron, but he held on. Dorado attempted a springboard into the ring, but Corbin eliminated him.
Gulak tried to dump out Corbin from behind. Corbin fought back and eliminated Gulak.
Metalik hit a double springboard elbow on Corbin and Ziggler. He walked the middle ropes, but Ziggler rocked him with a superkick, and Corbin eliminated Metalik.
Ziggler tried to double-cross Corbin, but Corbin eliminated Ziggler instead. Corbin celebrated, but Uso rocked him with a superkick to eliminate Corbin.
Back from the break, Sheamus and Cesaro worked together against Shorty G. On the other side of the ring, Nakamura backed Uso in the corner.
Shorty G used an armbar in the ropes on Sheamus and followed up with a tornado DDT.
Uso made a comeback and hit a series of superkicks. Cesaro attempted to eliminate Shorty G, but he held on. Shorty G fought back and eliminated Cesaro.
The final four were Nakamura, Sheamus, Shorty G, and Uso.
Shorty G and Nakamura went back and forth. Shorty G recovered and eliminated Nakamura.
Nakamura tried to get back in the ring, and the referees tried to stop him. Cesaro then jumped back in and eliminated Shorty G.
The final two entrants were Uso and Sheamus. Uso missed a high cross body but hit a superkick and almost eliminated Sheamus. Sheamus held on and dragged Uso to the apron. Sheamus and Uso fought on the apron.
Uso attempted a superkick, but Sheamus caught the leg and pushed him into the ring post. Sheamus then hit the Brogue kick to eliminate Uso for the win.
Sheamus takes on Daniel Bryan in an I.C. title semi-final tournament match later tonight.
In the back, Sonya Deville promised to defeat Lacey Evans tonight. Evans appeared in the background and pushed Deville to the ground.
Shorty G argued with Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro in the back. Shorty G was furious that he had the opportunity taken away. Cesaro mocked Shorty G and challenged him to a match. Shorty G knocked Cesaro down and accepted the match.
Sonya Deville vs. Lacey Evans
They had a short and basic match. It was fine until the double count-out finish.
Deville and Evans went back and forth to start. Evans got down in the amateur wrestling position and let Deville apply a waist lock, but Evans broke free. Evans mentioned Mandy Rose and mocked Deville.
Deville was furious and rocked Evans with a straight right hand. Evans fought back and dropped Deville face-first. Evans tied up Deville in the ring apron and rocked her with forearms.
Deville broke free and took Evans down on the ground. They fought around ringside and were both counted out. Evans recovered and threw Deville ribs first into the announce table.
Evans demanded Deville get back in the ring. Deville grabbed the headset and noted she’d face Evans on her terms. Deville then walked off.
Another Forgotten Sons vignette aired. They’ll no longer turn the other cheek, and their blood is on your hands. Now it’s time for your blood to be on their hands.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were speaking in the back when The New Day surprised them. They linked arms and made their way to the ring.
A Moment Of Bliss With SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day
This was a fine segment. There wasn’t much to it, and it was more about setting up Alexa Bliss versus Sasha Banks. Bliss and Nikki Cross wasted no time and introduced their guests The New Day. Cross gave The New Day pancakes, and they gave Bliss and Cross coffee beans.
Bliss and Cross asked about the New Day’s possible challengers. They said they’ve noticed The Forgotten Sons making a name for themselves. The New Day asked Bliss and Cross about The IIconics and other challengers.
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring. Banks threw her jacket at Bliss, but Cross held Bliss back. Bliss pointed out there are five champions and asked about Banks not having a belt. The New Day thought that was hilarious.
Banks noted they put the women’s tag team belts on the map and promised to win them back. Bayley then said that Banks is going to prove that they’re the best tag team by taking on Bliss.
Banks wasn’t ready to compete, so Bayley ran to the back to get her shoes. Bliss then dropkicked Banks out of the ring.
Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss
This was a decent match that continued to tease problems between Banks and Bayley. However, the commentary distracted from the action in the ring a bit.
Bayley and Nikki Cross joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cross was going crazy on commentary, and Bayley was getting annoyed. Bayley threatened to hit Cole, but Cross promised to protect him. Cross cheered on Bliss, and Cole joined in on the cheering.
Banks paid tribute to Hana Kimura by wearing a black Hana armband.
Banks had the early advantage, but Bliss took over. Bliss hit the double knees for a near fall. Banks regained control and hit the Meteora for a close near fall.
Banks backed Bliss in the corner, but Bliss fought back. Bliss dropped Banks face-first on the mat. Bliss climbed to the top, but Bayley and Cross jumped on the apron. Bayley pushed Cross into Bliss and knocked her off the apron.
Banks then hit a springboard into the ring and rolled up Bliss into a sunset flip for the win.
Shorty G defeated Cesaro (w/Shinsuke Nakamura)
This was a good match while it lasted, and it was just starting to pick up momentum when it ended.
Shorty G hit a running dropkick and jumped Cesaro at the bell. Shorty G hit a moonsault for a near fall. He followed up by attacking Cesaro’s leg.
Cesaro recovered and rocked Shorty G with a vicious clothesline.
Cesaro was firmly in control and hit a gut-wrench suplex for a near fall. Shorty G recovered and went back to the leg. Cesaro caught Shorty G and hit a huge powerbomb for a close near fall.
Cesaro attempted a back suplex off the top, but Shorty G landed on his feet and applied the ankle lock. Cesaro fought back and rocked Shorty G with a hard uppercut.
Cesaro attempted several pinfall attempts but couldn’t put Shorty G away. Cesaro attempted a powerbomb, but Shorty G rolled through for the win.
Earlier today, Otis, Mandy Rose, and the Money In The Bank briefcase hung out by the pool. They had some champagne, and Rose took a nap. Otis decided to jump into the pool. Rose then had a dream.
In the dream, Otis got out of the pool and walked towards Rose. He ripped off his shirt, and they kissed. Rose was having a hot and steamy dream until Otis did a cannonball in the pool.
This was a parody of the famous pool scene from Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Rose and Otis then had an intense makeout session in the pool.
In the back, Kurt Angle talked about his past but said this is about the future. He’s here to introduce the next face of SmackDown. Angle noted he had the honor of officiating his last match in NXT.
They showed a Matt Riddle video package.
In the back, Kayla Braxton noted they’re excited about Matt Riddle’s upcoming debut. Sheamus interrupted and said first they made a big deal out of Jeff Hardy, and now it’s Riddle.
Sheamus promised to defeat Daniel Bryan later. Bryan and Sheamus went face-to-face. Bryan kicked Sheamus in the shin and walked off laughing.
They recapped Universal Champion Braun Strowman feuding with The Miz & John Morrison.
Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-final: Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus
This was a good match, although it did drag at times. Sheamus had the early advantage with a side headlock. Bryan fought back and nailed Sheamus with a series of kicks in the corner. Sheamus recovered and rocked Bryan with a hard clothesline.
Sheamus slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Bryan fought out and hit a running clothesline. Bryan then dumped Sheamus to the floor and followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Bryan was in control and worked over the arm. Sheamus broke free and backed Bryan in the corner. He then followed up with a series of elbows. Sheamus rocked Bryan with a knee, which sent him to the floor.
Sheamus then tossed Bryan into the barricade. Sheamus then demanded that Michael Cole start a Yes Chant, which he reluctantly did. Sheamus hit a clothesline off the top for a close near fall.
Bryan tried fighting back, but Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus followed up with the Texas Cloverleaf, but Bryan made it to the ropes to break the hold.
Bryan climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Sheamus cut him off. Sheamus attempted a superplex, but Bryan knocked Sheamus off. Bryan followed up with a missile dropkick. Bryan hit a series of Yes kicks, but Sheamus tried the Irish Curse backbreaker. Bryan held on and rolled up Sheamus for a near fall.
Sheamus hit White Noise for a close near fall. Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick, but Jeff Hardy walked down to ringside. Sheamus yelled at Hardy. Bryan then hit the running knee on Sheamus for the win.
After the match, Hardy jumped Sheamus, but Sheamus ran off. Michael Cole and Corey Graves noted they last time they saw Hardy; he was getting arrested.
Bryan advances to the I.C. title finals and takes on AJ Styles.
Next Week: The Miz & John Morrison have a warning for Universal Champion Braun Strowman. Also, Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defends against Bayley & Sasha Banks.
Daniel Bryan is set to appear on the next episode of WWE Backstage.
WWE on FOX has announced that Bryan will be a guest on Backstage next Tuesday (June 2). CM Punk will also be on the episode as part of the panel with Renee Young, Booker T, and Christian. It will be Punk’s seventh appearance as an analyst on Backstage. He most recently appeared on the May 13 episode of the show.
Bryan is facing Jeff Hardy in the semifinals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown this week. Both semifinal matches will air on this week’s SmackDown, with AJ Styles taking on Elias on the other side of the bracket. Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in the first round of the tournament.
After airing at midnight each of the past two weeks, WWE Backstage is returning to its normal 11 p.m. Eastern time slot on FS1 on Tuesday. A replay of WrestleMania 31 will air on FS1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time leading into Backstage.
Both semifinal matches in WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are airing on next week’s episode of SmackDown.
It will be Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles vs. Elias in the semifinals of the tournament on SmackDown next Friday. Hardy defeated Sheamus and Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in first round matches on tonight’s SmackDown.
The story for Hardy vs. Sheamus was that Sheamus dominated throughout but was pinned by Hardy at the end of the match. Styles pinned Nakamura in their match after hitting a Phenomenal Forearm.
It was also announced tonight that Styles is now on the SmackDown roster after being traded for “future considerations.”
Bryan advanced to the semifinals of the Intercontinental title tournament by defeating Drew Gulak on SmackDown last week, while Elias advanced to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Sami Zayn was Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant. He hasn’t appeared on WWE television since retaining the title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36. On Twitter, Zayn has been pushing that he’s still the rightful champion.
After the title was declared vacant, WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion kicked off on last night’s SmackDown.
Two first round matches took place on last night’s show. One featured two partners facing off, while the other continued a feud. Daniel Bryan submitted Drew Gulak to move on to the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Elias moved on to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the remaining first round matches. Both will air on next week’s SmackDown. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will face Elias.
In last night’s main event, men’s Money in the Bank winner Otis teamed with Universal Champion Braun Strowman to face The Miz & John Morrison. Otis needing to find a partner for the match was set up during his appearance on Miz TV earlier in the night.
After Otis & Strowman won, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman caught him.
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was on last night’s SmackDown as part of the brand-to-brand invitation. She accepted a challenge from Bayley for a non-title champion vs. champion match next week. Charlotte also tried to create dissension between Bayley and Sasha Banks by asking if Banks was her own woman or happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
On opposite sides of the bracket, Daniel Bryan and Elias have advanced to the semifinals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament.
The tournament kicked off with Bryan defeating Drew Gulak and Elias defeating Baron Corbin on SmackDown tonight. Bryan vs. Gulak was a matchup of partners, while Elias and Corbin are rivals.
After Corbin destroyed Elias’ guitar on the outside, Elias hit a jumping knee strike in the ring and rolled him up to advance to the semifinals. Bryan vs. Gulak aired later in the show, with Bryan winning by submission with a heel hook.
Bryan did an interview after his win and cut a promo about how he had to relinquish the Intercontinental title when he retired in 2015. Bryan said he’s never gotten another shot at the title, and he’s always wanted to make the Intercontinental title the championship of SmackDown and defend it every single week. Bryan said he wants the title to represent the absolute greatest wrestler in WWE.
Bryan and Gulak then shook hands and hugged after their match.
The first round of the Intercontinental title tournament will conclude with Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura taking place on SmackDown next Friday. Bryan will face either Hardy or Sheamus in the semifinals. Elias will face either Styles or Nakamura.
Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant this week. He hasn’t appeared on WWE television since his title defense against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
The bracket for WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion has now been revealed.
It’s an eight-man, single-elimination tournament. The left side of the bracket has Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus as its first round matches, while Elias vs. Baron Corbin and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the first round matches on the right side of the bracket.
Styles is taking part in the tournament despite being a Raw wrestler. When the bracket was announced on SmackDown tonight, it was said that Styles was going after one of the only titles that he hasn’t won in WWE.
The brand-to-brand invitation was announced on Raw this week, allowing for a limited amount of crossover between the Raw and SmackDown brands.
It was first announced on WWE Backstage this week that the Intercontinental title has been declared vacant. Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to that announcement. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since he retained the Intercontinental title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
WWE’s final build to Money in the Bank takes place on tonight’s SmackDown from the WWE Performance Center.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt are set to have a face-to-face confrontation ahead of their title match at Sunday’s pay-per-view. Wyatt as been taunting Strowman for the last few weeks by bringing up his past with the Wyatt Family. Strowman’s tired of all the mind games and challenged Wyatt to meet him in the ring tonight.
Mandy Rose goes one-on-one with Sonya Deville. Last week, Carmella defeated Rose in a Money in the Bank qualifying match after Deville interfered. Deville beat down Rose after the match.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks take on Tamina & Lacey Evans. The match comes in advance of Bayley defending her title against Tamina at Money in the Bank.
Jeff Hardy makes his return to SmackDown tonight. For several weeks, Michael Cole introduced a series of videos covering Hardy’s career. Sheamus was upset each time Cole started talking about Hardy. WWE.com is teasing a showdown between Hardy and Sheamus.
Plus, King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro take on Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak & a mystery partner in a six-man tag team match.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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In the back, Mandy Rose was warming up for her upcoming match. Otis approached and asked to help. Rose assured Otis she has this under control and told him to focus on Money In The Bank. Rose kissed Otis and walked off.
Somewhere else backstage, Sonya Deville was warming up for the match as well. Dolph Ziggler approached and asked if she’s ready. Deville noted she waited five years for this moment. Ziggler promised to be waiting backstage. He asked Deville not to hurt Rose’s face, but she couldn’t make any promises.
Sonya Deville defeated Mandy Rose
Rose had her leg wrapped up because of the attack from last week.
Rose jumped Deville to start the match. She backed Deville in the corner and beat her down. Deville attacked the injured leg to gain control briefly. Rose recovered and rocked Deville with forearms. Deville rolled out of the ring.
Deville attacked Rose’s leg to regain control. Deville slowed the pace down with the body scissors. Deville trashed talked Rose and pulled off her eyelashes. Rose fought back, but Deville took back over.
Rose fired back with a series of clothesline. She followed up with a knee, which sent Deville to the floor. Rose slammed Deville face-first into the announce table. She threw Deville into the steps and then launched her over the announce desk.
Rose screamed at Deville. Rose attempted a jumping knee, but Deville rolled up Rose for the win.
The Forgotten Sons, The Miz & John Morrison defeated The New Day & The Lucha House Party
They recapped Lucha House Party defeating John Morrison and The Miz two weeks ago. They also recapped The Forgotten Sons defeating SmackDown tag team champions The New Day in a non-title match last week.
The Miz and Kofi Kingston went back and forth early. All eight guys jumped in the ring and started brawling. Big E launched Kingston over the top rope to the floor onto the heels. Lince Dardo and Gran Metalik then both hit suicide dives.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. Kingston rocked Wesley Blake with a dropkick off the second rope. Kingston hit a big splash. Big E then hit a big splash.
Gran Metalik hit a moonsault off of Dardo’s shoulders. Dardo hit a big splash.
Metalik followed up with a big splash for a near fall.
The heels took over and isolated Kingston on their side of the ring. Kingston fought back, but Blake knocked him off the apron. Blake followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, the heels continued to beat down Kingston and cut him off from his corner. Kingston almost got the tag, but the heels pulled Kingston’s partner’s off the apron.
Kingston hit the SOS, and Metalik got the tag. Metalik hit a springboard crossbody for a near fall. Dardo hit a crossbody, but The Forgotten Sons caught him. Dardo fought out and hit and double handspring stunner on the Forgotten Sons.
The Forgotten Sons hit the inverted DDT/Foot Stomp on Big E on the floor. Blake then power bombed Kingston onto Big E.
Morrison hit Starship Pain, but Dardo moved. Dardo hit the reverse rana on Morrison, but Miz made the blind tag. Miz then hit the skull crushing finale on Dardo for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed King Corbin. Corbin’s certain his team is going to win tonight, so he’s looking past the six-man tag match. Corbin went through the participants in the MITB ladder match. He teased tossing Rey Mysterio off the top of the building. Corbin promised to win the MITB.
Jeff Hardy Returns
Renee Young introduced the returning Jeff Hardy. Young mentioned the videos covering Hardy’s career in the last few weeks. Hardy noted every low taught him how to get back up.
Sheamus was watching backstage and was trash-talking the screen.
In the ring, Hardy noted he can still hear the people chant his name. Sheamus got frustrated and marched out to the ring.
Hardy admitted he was surprised Sheamus hadn’t come to the ring yet. Hardy called out Sheamus.
Sheamus mocked Hardy and said nobody cares about him anymore. Sheamus pointed out that Hardy’s made several comebacks but failed each time. Hardy noted Sheamus should look at himself.
Sheamus promised to take out Hardy. He walked to the ring, but Hardy got the better of Sheamus. He hit the twist of fate and the Swanton bomb. Sheamus screamed as Hardy walked off.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt Face-to-face confrontation
Strowman noted he’s not playing any more mind games. He demanded Bray Wyatt come to the ring to meet face-to-face.
Wyatt came out and was happy to see Strowman. He noted all he wants is for Strowman to say he’s sorry. Wyatt claimed to be Strowman’s creator and knows how to defeat him.
Wyatt wants Strowman to come back home so he can be special like him. Wyatt just needs the Universal Championship back to take Strowman’s burden away.
Strowman noted Wyatt knows nothing about him. Wyatt laughed and tried to give Strowman the black sheep mask.
The puppets from the Firefly Funhouse begged Strowman to come home. Strowman noted he is home and promised to beat Wyatt Sunday. Strowman mimicked Wyatt and said goodbye.
Wyatt apologized and noted he tried.
In the back, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak approached Otis. They asked if he heard what King Corbin said about him earlier. Bryan noted they need to talk.
Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart announced that WrestleMania III airs on FS1 this coming Tuesday night.
They recapped Banks and Bayley brawling with Tamina and Evans last week.
On commentary, Michael Cole teased problems between Bayley and Banks
Bayley and Banks argued over starting the match, so Tamina jumped them both. The heels recovered and isolated Tamina in their corner. Tamina fought back, and the heels tried leaving.
On the floor, Evans attacked Banks, and Tamina pulled Bayley into the ring.
Back from the break, Bayley distracted Evans and Banks took over. The heels isolated Evans on their side of the ring.
Evans fought back and tagged Tamina. The heels jumped Tamina before she could get in the ring. Banks jumped off the apron, but Tamina caught her. Tamina then tossed Banks into the barricade.
Tamina and Bayley fought on the top rope. Tamina knocked Bayley off and attempted a splash, but Bayley got her knees up. Bayley hit the Bayley-to-Belly and followed up with a flying elbow for a near fall.
Evans rocked Banks with the Women’s Right. Bayley then knocked Evans out of the ring. Tamina rocked Bayley with a superkick and hit the Samoan Drop for the win.
Corey Graves gave a tour of WWE Headquarters.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Carmella and Dana Brooke. Brooke pointed out that nobody believed she could defeat Naomi to qualify, not even her best friend, Carmella. Carmella noted she apologized, and Brooke claimed she was just teasing. Brooke and Carmella both promised to win the MITB ladder match.
The mysterious individual appeared again and showed footage of various SmackDown superstars. He then played a voice recording.
King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro defeated Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak & Otis
Bryan rocked Corbin with a running dropkick to start the match. Corbin rocked Gulak with a shot to the throat, but Gulak fought back. Gulak and Cesaro had a great exchange. Gulak climbed to the top, but Nakamura pushed him off, and Cesaro hit an uppercut.
Otis got the tag and ran wild. He hit a splash in their corner on Nakamura and followed up with the caterpillar.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Bryan recovered and went after the leg.
Gulak backed Cesaro into the corner. Cesaro placed Gulak on the top turnbuckle and hit an uppercut. Gulak rolled through and locked on a submission.
Otis threw Cesaro to the floor. Corbin jumped Otis from behind and tossed him over the top rope. Gulak caught Corbin with a flying clothesline for a near fall.
Nakamura and Cesaro sent Otis into the ring post. Bryan caught Cesaro with a knee, but Nakamura nailed Bryan with a kick to the head.
In the ring, Corbin hit the End of Days on Gulak for the win.
After the match, Bryan, Otis, Nakamura, and Cesaro fought in the stands. Gulak leaped off the barricade onto all four guys. They fought to the back.
Corbin was left alone and brought a ladder into the ring. He climbed up the ladder, but Bryan cut him off. Corbin recovered and threw Bryan into the ladder.
Otis jumped back in the ring and took out Corbin. Otis tried to climb the ladder, but the rungs kept breaking, and he couldn’t climb up.
Corbin recovered and attacked Otis and Bryan. Bryan fought back and climbed up the ladder. Corbin tipped over the ladder, and Bryan landed on the ropes.
Corbin climbed up the ladder and pulled down the briefcase.
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.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are set for next week’s SmackDown.
On the men’s side, Otis will face Dolph Ziggler. The two have been feuding for months, mostly centering around Mandy Rose. Otis defeated Ziggler at WrestleMania 36, with Mandy Rose choosing Otis after a hacker revealed that Sonya Deville had concocted a plot to drive Mandy away from Otis.
Mandy, meanwhile, will face Carmella in the other qualifying match. Carmella’ tag team partner, Dana Brooke, qualified last week.
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin has also been announced. Both men have qualified for Money in the Bank, but Bryan is looking to face Corbin after he defeated his tag team partner Drew Gulak tonight to qualify.
The Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match currently has Bryan, Rey Mysterio, Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, and Corbin, while the Women’s match has Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Brooke, and Lacey Evans, who defeated Sasha Banks tonight to advance.
Two more wrestlers have qualified for this year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches.
On SmackDown tonight, Daniel Bryan became the first wrestler to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Bryan submitted Cesaro with the Yes Lock in their qualifying match while Drew Gulak stopped Shinsuke Nakamura from Interfering.
Dana Brooke also defeated Naomi tonight to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. She pinned Naomi with a sunset flip after Naomi missed a split-legged moonsault.
Each Money in the Bank ladder match will feature six wrestlers, with three coming from Raw and three coming from SmackDown. Bryan and Brooke are the first two wrestlers to qualify from SmackDown.
Raw’s Shayna Baszler, Asuka, and Nia Jax have qualified for the women’s ladder match.
Three qualifying matches have been announced for Monday’s Raw: Rey Mysterio vs. Murphy, Aleister Black vs. Austin Theory, and Apollo Crews vs. MVP.
Two qualifying matches are set for next week’s SmackDown: Gulak vs. Baron Corbin and Sasha Banks vs. Lacey Evans.
Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10. It was announced tonight that both Money in the Bank ladder matches are taking place at WWE headquarters.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are set for next week’s SmackDown.
Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro will take place on next Friday’s show and will determine one of the competitors for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Naomi vs. Dana Brooke on SmackDown next week will also determine one of the wrestlers for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10. The Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland was originally supposed to host the PPV, but it was officially confirmed yesterday that — due to the coronavirus pandemic — the show isn’t being held there anymore.
Here’s the updated lineup for next Friday’s SmackDown:
Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro (men’s Money in the Bank qualifying match)
Naomi vs. Dana Brooke (women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match)
The Miz defending the SmackDown Tag Team titles against Big E and Jey Uso in a triple threat match
Tamina vs. Sasha Banks (if Tamina wins, she’ll become the number one contender to Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship)
Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose will attempt to clear the air and settle the issues between them
Daniel Bryan challenging for the Intercontinental title is officially part of the WrestleMania 36 card.
As a stipulation of Drew Gulak defeating Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown tonight, Bryan is challenging Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania. The show was taped earlier this week and will air on the WWE Network on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.
Gulak pinned Nakamura in their match on SmackDown after Bryan pulled Gulak away from a Kinshasa.
Zayn won the Intercontinental title earlier this month when he teamed with Nakamura & Cesaro and defeated Braun Strowman in a three-on-one handicap match.
Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler was also officially set up for WrestleMania 36 on SmackDown tonight. Otis tried to confront Ziggler backstage but was held back. Ziggler challenged Otis to face him at WrestleMania — with Mandy Rose in Ziggler’s corner. Otis then accepted the challenge.
There was another segment later tonight where Ziggler and Rose spoke backstage. Rose said she supports the match, but she refuses to let Ziggler and Otis fight over her like she’s some sort of prize.
The card for Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is now up to seven confirmed matches.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak will take place at the PPV. It’s being held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sunday.
The storyline between Gulak and Bryan began when Gulak approached him backstage two weeks ago and said he had created a PowerPoint presentation about Bryan’s weaknesses and the things he’s been doing wrong. Tonight, Bryan challenged Gulak to face him at Elimination Chamber if he’s so confident that he can exploit Bryan’s weaknesses.
Gulak then tweeted about facing Bryan: “The last time I competed at home in Philly I successfully defended my Cruiserweight Championship. When I return this Sunday I will teach the man who used to be known as ‘American Dragon’ a thing or two as we step in the ring for the first time ever at #WWEChamber!”
Here’s the updated lineup for Sunday’s PPV:
Elimination Chamber match: Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Natalya vs. Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan (winner challenges for Becky Lynch’s Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36)
Elimination Chamber match: SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison defending against The New Day, The Usos, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, The Lucha House Party, and Heavy Machinery
Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defending against Seth Rollins & Murphy
Intercontinental Champion Braun Strowman defending against Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn & Cesaro in a handicap match
United States Champion Andrade defending against Humberto Carrillo
Daniel Bryan was Roman Reigns’ mystery partner for the main event of last night’s SmackDown.
Reigns & Bryan teamed up to defeat The Miz & John Morrison on the show. Miz & Morrison had challenged Reigns to find a partner for the match and mocked The Usos for not being able to come to Canada for SmackDown.
There was a storyline where — after “unprofessional conduct” toward production truck employees and a fan last week — Baron Corbin received a fine and was supposed to be suspended from SmackDown last night. But Corbin appeared prior to the main event and bought a ticket to sit in the front row.
After the match, Corbin came into the ring and cheap-shotted Reigns with his scepter.
Bayley defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella last night. It was set up that Naomi and Carmella will face off next week, with the winner challenging for Bayley’s title at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 27.
Plus, Hulk Hogan appeared via satellite and was interrupted and threatened by Bray Wyatt.
